3, 2, 1...

Baby Chan is now considered full term at 37 weeks! He/she is getting quite cramped in the limited space that he/she has. Baby should weigh about 6 pounds, and is probably close to 20 inches. Last week, my obgyn told me that baby's head is down and all systems are ready for blast off (well, I made up the blast off part!). I finished packing my hospital bag and I am now on mat leave and enjoying every minute of it!

I went to a breastfeeding class last weekend and was able to learn a lot about the history of breastfeeding. Who knew that so many women was sworn off from breastfeeding back in the 70s because they were told that formula is better and a lot more convenient? Formula companies also did a superb job in marketing (made me think about how influential marketing and logos can be...anyone read "No Logo"?). I enjoyed learning the history and the practical ways of breastfeeding as I think that the breast is definitely the best (hahaha). Not only is it economical, it is also rich in fat and high in protein and antibodies. It is truly amazing how God made women!

Reflecting upon my pregnancy, here are some of the pros and cons...

PROS:

• Being on mat leave rocks! (especially for one full year)
• The indescribable feeling that there's something growing within me
• People are generally a lot nicer to you and are willing to help you out
• Extra attention from Vince
• Eating more food! (well, I did try my best not to overeat as I only needed an extra 300 calories per day but it was nice to indulge in DQ ice cream once in a while)
• Preparing the nursery and getting things organized for baby's arrival
• Hardly any nausea throughout my whole pregnancy
• No swelling of the feet or hands (I'm keeping my fingers crossed)
  
• Researching for baby stuff so that we don't end up getting unnecessary things
• Generous friends who have lent us so much of their baby stuff (like Eudora and Woon Ai)
• Taking life at a slower pace and enjoying the practice of yoga
  

CONS:

• Going to the bathroom almost every hour is not fun at all
• Bad acne skin during first trimester
  
• Third trimester especially the end of it as I feel so BIG that I can topple over anytime
• Mood swings (just ask Vince)
• Klutziness and not being able to pick things up as quickly as before
• Baby's kicking in the ribs that it feels bruised
• Braxton Hicks contractions
• Heartburn
• Shortness of breath and fatigue
• Some stabbing back pains
  
• Not being able to have a full eight hours of sleep
• Not sleeping on my tummy or on my back!
• The labour part? A mom reminded me that it is truly an amazing experience and that eventhough it's painful, I will remember it fondly.