A peek at the nursery

Well, the nursery is basically ready to go. We have all the essentials, we just need the child to go in it. :o)

Below are some photos, enjoy!

A brief update

This week marks the 34th in this pregnancy. How do I feel? Um, 34 weeks pregnant.

Sleeping is becoming a chore, or better said, getting comfortable with my 4 pillows each night is a chore. In between trips to the bathroom, my night consists of readjusting to find a comfortable position where my hips or back don't begin to ache. Fun, right? Let's see, putting socks and shoes on to go for a walk is comical. I'm getting real close to needing Evan's help with this.

Yesterday was another check-up at the doctor. Nothing new, still measuring big. How big? At 34 weeks I'm measuring 38. Any bets on whether this baby gets here before his due date?

And, to spare personal details over the internet, let's just say I'm pretty sure a pre-labor event has taken place...which tells me things are progressing. At this point, I'm hoping he holds off until after Sept. 8, which is the last social event I need to attend for the summer. I signed up for a breastfeeding preparation class on the 15th, we'll see if I can go. Might have to take him with me! ha.

Upcoming check-ups: Monday is the next ultrasound to take another look at his size. Sept. 4 is big doctor appt. where they are doing an actual exam to test for Strep B and also check dilation and effacement. Exciting!

That's the latest here.

My First Baby Shower

Saturday was my first baby shower, thrown by my aunts and my sister. It was a good time and great to see all my aunts, cousins, and other relatives and family friends who I don't see very much. I also had 7 friends from work and church make the hour-long drive to North Canton, which was so sweet of them! I feel very blessed and loved.

Well, we are off to a great start preparing for our baby. We received a few of the big ticket items: stroller/car seat system, pack n' play, bedding set. We also received some adorable outfits for the little guy as well as the essentials: blankets, bathing supplies, baby bag, monitor and safety gate.

Now it's organizing time for me. I must get all the outfits washed and put away, thank you notes written, etc.

Thought I'd include a photo of one of the outfits the baby received and a shot of the bedding for the nursery. When I have the nursery all set up, I'll post a photo.

32 weeks & Childbirth Preparation

Yesterday was my 32-week check up. No new news. I'm still measuring big, but we all know it's because I have a big baby. I asked the doctor how accurate the ultrasound estimate is: she said it can be 20% off in either direction. It gets more inaccurate the further along I am in my pregnancy. So, I'm just hoping that he's going to be a deliverable weight later next month. Next ultrasound is in 4 weeks.

Speaking of delivery, Evan & I had our first of 6 childbirth preparation classes on Monday. We saw a few videos which we handled with no problem. The guy next to me on the other hand, whose name was Rocky, couldn't bear to watch. ha. Anyway, the main points were the importance of relaxation and the importance of letting my body do what it knows to do. We did some breathing exercises and Evan even got a back rub when we had to show our coaches the rubs we enjoy. Of course, he liked that!

We have 5 more sessions, 1 of which is the tour of the birthing facility at the hospital. I'm fortunate that the hospital I'm delivering at has a brand new facility, so I know it will be very nice.

Well, my first baby shower is this weekend. Though I'm not a fan of being the center of attention, it will be fun to finally get started preparing for the baby's arrival. I still need to make room for all the things we'll be receiving, but I'm excited. We still need to buy the crib mattress, but otherwise the nursery will be on it's way to being complete.

It's been crazy hot and humid here, almost unbearable. Thank goodness for air conditioning! Though, I haven't been able to go on walks in the evening due to the heat. Hopefully it will cool off soon?

Our little guy...or should I say big guy?

Today was my ultrasound to make sure everything is ok with our little one. I was measuring a little big at my last appointment (as you may remember) so I was anxious to see what's going on.

Our guy is healthy in every way. Everything looked good: his heart, bones, brain, bloodflow to all the important areas, etc. All the measurements were normal...and then she measured his belly. Her question to me was if I passed my glucose test. I said "yes" and knew the reason she was asking was because he is a big boy.

Then she asked if I've been eating a lot of carbs. To which I replied "yes". I can't seem to avoid those darn carbs (anything containing sugar or flour). She suggested less carbs, more protein. yippee.

So I was brave enough to ask: "So, how much does he currently weigh?" Keep in mind, his daddy weighed 9lbs. 9oz. when he was born (yikes!) and I'm hoping my 7lbs. 4 oz. would even it out. Anyway, the technician replied: He weighs 4lbs. 14 oz. That's right, at 31 weeks my boy weighs nearly 5lbs already. Yikes (again)! He's about 2 weeks ahead of where he should be.

So, I'm going back for another ultrasound in 5 weeks to make sure he's not getting too big for me to deliver. I'm getting the feeling that he's going to be making his appearance earlier than his Sept. 29 due date.

Well, here's a couple shots of our munchkin: his foot and his face (his eyes are open!) Enjoy!

Another ultrasound coming soon!

Yesterday was my 30 week check-up. For once I didn't gain any weight! Granted, it had only been 2 weeks since my last visit, but since my gaining seemed so rapid before, it was a welcome change.

The Dr. measured my belly as usual and I asked if I get to have another ultrasound (just anxious to see the little guy again). She said that I could go ahead and schedule another ultrasound because I'm measuring a little big. Apparently I'm measuring 33 weeks when I'm only 30 weeks. She didn't seem at all concerned, so I guess I shouldn't be either.

After doing a little research on the internet, I'm finding that not only are those measurements somewhat inaccurate, there are so many factors that can play into it. The baby could have been positioned funny yesterday, I could have a little extra amniotic fluid, etc.

So anyway, I'm still doing great (blood pressure is still excellent) and have scheduled another ultrasound for July 30. Hopefully I will be able to post some really cool 3D images!!

Another check-up

Well, today was my 28-week check up. Again, my weight has taken another significant jump. The doctor and myself can't quite figure it out. My blood pressure is excellent, I'm not completely swollen, my belly measurements are normal, and my glucose test was normal. So, I'm just going to keep trying to cut out extras where I can and hope for the best. I'm sure the multiple helpings of homemade ice cream this past weekend at my parents' house didn't help the cause, but it just tasted so darn good!

My appointments will be every 2 weeks from now until 36 weeks. I also am to start doing "kick counts". This involves counting the baby's movements within an hour. Once I've counted six movements, I can stop. This shouldn't be a problem as it seems he is growing more active each day. It's interesting to watch my belly contort as he gets comfy. I'm getting more anxious to meet this little guy!

In other happenings, we are going camping for one night this weekend in Columbus with our church group. This should be interesting. I wasn't born a camper, but I try to be a good sport. This time, I'm pregnant and use the restroom quite a bit. So, finding my way in the dark to the facilities could be fun. We're taking our double-high inflatable mattress with plenty of pillows (which are important these days) to make my one night of "roughing-it" somewhat tolerable. The forecast is saying mid to upper 70s which makes me happy. This 94 degree weather does not work well for me.

OK, that's my news for now. Glad you liked the coconut poofs, Kris. We wouldn't steer you wrong!

Below is a photo taken at the beginning of my 27th week of pregnancy.