So close

Well, we're just 13 days away and ready as we'll ever be.  I've started my weekly doctor appointments and things are definitely moving forward.  My body is getting itself ready - false contractions, changing cervix....all that fun stuff.  The hard part will be knowing when things go from "getting ready" to "holy crap it's time to have a baby!" :)  Or maybe not, maybe it'll be crystal clear.  Sleeping isn't always easy, but luckily I feel pretty rested every morning. 
My energy level has been lower and my fingers/feet swell pretty easily.  Actually, my little fingers are generally always swollen these days.  My work has been great - they gave me a parking pass so that I can park right behind our building instead making the 10 minute trek from my regular parking spot. 
It's been a pretty tame couple of weeks- just lots of getting the house cleaned up.  Last weekend we had a foot of snow fall, so that gave us very good reason to stay inside and clean.  We're expecting more snow this weekend, so maybe that will mean that the house will be extra organized. 

36 weeks - almost there!

Well, here were are at 36 weeks - it's so hard to believe we are getting so close.  Next week we will be considered full term and the baby could come at any minute and be ready to live and breathe on his own.  I think we have everything ready - we have all the supplies we need, all furniture set up, work plans in place, and hospital bag all packed. It's all just a waiting game now.  Now, I don't think you are ever really prepared for what's going to happen in the hospital or how crazy life will be once he's here, but I can certainly say that all of the tangible things are ready to go.
My friends have planned a girls' night out for this weekend as a last hurrah  before my life changes forever.  They are so thoughtful and I can't wait for the fun time. 
I had my last shower yesterday - thrown by my boss and coworkers.  It was so so nice - they are so good to me and I'm so lucky to work with such generous people.  I got 3 homemade blankets, homemade burp cloths, and so much more. 
Friday I go to the doctor and then I have to go every week after that.  At this appointment, they will start checking my cervix to see if there is any dilation.  Say what!? That's nuts.

Starting to prepare

With two months left to go, we've been slowly starting to make sure that we and our house is all ready for baby.  Last weekend we had our birthing class - it was a 3 in 1 class condensing three different sessions into one 6 hour class.  There were about 7 other couples in the class and they were all really nice.  It was good to be around other couples going through what we were going through and had some of the same issues and questions that we did.    The teacher was super great and the class was fun and informative.  We learned a lot, but of course most of what will happen will really make us learn as we go.

I decided to organize all the baby clothes by size because before I just had all pants in one drawer, all onsies in another, and so on.  That took most of my Saturday night - pretty exciting life!  I've also started packing the hospital bag.  I'm hoping we won't need it for another month or more, that's for sure!

I'm feeling nice and big, although everyone keeps telling me that I look good and that I'm "all belly."  Supposedly this is a good thing.  I've got your typical third trimester stuff going on - the newest is the swollen fingers and numb limbs when I wake up.  Sleeping is getting worse - my back hurts most of the time.  One of my students asked me what I'm most looking forward to doing again once the baby arrives and I think it is SLEEPING.  I know I will be getting less of it, but being able to sleep on my back and stomach is something I'm really looking forward to again!

Catching Up

I guess we have a lot of catching up to do! I'll start a couple of weekends ago with my shower up in Minneapolis.  Mom and dad came up for a long weekend since it was also Sophia's first birthday.  Saturday afternoon was my shower and our friend Jessica's house was packed with my awesome friends and family.  Aunt Judy and cousin Andi were there from Wisconsin as well!  The shower was so nice - lots of yummy treats and loads of Peeps for me to take home.  As usual, everyone was very generous and my car was packed with gifts to take home.  Later that night we had a family dinner with cake at Jen's house afterwards to celebrate Sophia's birthday. 

Last week I actually experienced my first Braxton Hicks contraction - that was not fun.   I was walking to work from my car when it hit.  I was able to keep walking, but very slowly.  It lasted for a good minute or so and I hoped that I could make it to work.   I did, and went straight to the kitchen to get some water - that's what they recommend to try first.  I must have just been very dehydrated because as soon as I gulped down the water, I started to feel better. While it was not a fun experience, at least I got a little taste of what my early labor will be like!  Hopefully that won't be for a while though...

Iowa City baby shower

Last weekend I was able to head down to Iowa City for my very first baby shower.  At first, I wasn't going to go down because neither Jen nor Barry could drive down with me and I didn't feel that comfortable driving by myself at this point in the pregnancy. My totally awesome friend Amanda really wanted to help, so she flew in from Denver and drove down with me to Iowa.  It was so great of her to do and it gave us some nice quality time in the car together - we really hadn't been able to spend much time together since both of us had been married a couple of years back.
The shower was so great!  The theme was to help build a library for our little guy, so guests were encouraged to bring a book that we could include in our library.  They even used books to decorate around the room.  In the pictures, you'll see that the cupcakes were decorated with mini book covers and they made a mobile as well. 
I have such great friends!  This weekend I have another shower up here in the cities - time to see more awesome friends. :)

Classes for new job

So, I just finished my first week of my new job. It was not actually spent at my place of work, rather at a college out in Bloomington taking a week long class on all things insurance. It is necessary for me to take the class, pass an exam and get a license before working in the industry. The class itself was a 'cram' course. A lot of information crammed into a short period of time. It was occasionally overwhelming, but I did learn a lot. Now I have this weekend to study before taking my exam on Monday. Once I pass that, I head straight out to my new employer and take residence of my new cubicle! Monday to Friday 9-5 here I come!

Parents visit

For the first week in October we had the pleasure of having my parents visit. It was the first time we had all seen each other in person since last Christmas and New Year. Like their last visit they came to the US for two weeks and spent their first week seeing another part of the country. This time it was the East Coast for a bus tour seeing the colours change for Autumn (notice the correct spelling of 'coloUr' and the use of the word 'Autumn', not Fall :-) ). They had early rises every day during their tour, so we made sure to reduce the  pace while staying with us. Every morning was a long lie, for those who could sleep (not Dad) and copious amounts of tea consumption. We managed quite a full schedule of things to see and do. The Mall of America and the aquarium there, the Raptor Center (birds of prey, not dinosaurs), baby shopping and a boat ride on the Mississippi River. We also ate out at a variety of excellent restaurants, Travail being the biggest treat.
Luckily it isn't long before they are due to return. They will be back in February to meet their first Grandson!

28 weeks

I had my 28 week appointment on Thursday with the nurse.  I guess at 28 weeks it's standard to meet with the nurse instead of the doctor so they can review pre-term labor signs and how to avoid them or address them as they are happening.  At this point as well, there are no more ultrasounds, so any measurements are done the old fashioned way - with a measuring tape.    The baby is exactly the size he is supposed to be around this time - 29 cm, or just over 11 inches long.  His head is down by my pelvic bone and his feet are up kicking my ribs.  His heartbeat is strong, although it started off a bit fast and the nurse asked if I was having a girl. :)
From this point on, I will see the doctor every two weeks.  Start at 36 weeks, I'll go in every week. 
On Thursday, my good friend, Amanda, will be flying in from Denver and we'll drive down to Iowa for a baby shower. It was so thoughtful of her to do this - it's not such a good idea that I travel alone and in order for them to throw a shower, I needed someone to drive with me. 

We had a very nice visit with Barry's mom and dad this past week.  They just flew out yesterday.  Sheena knitted an adorable little outfit for the baby, see picture posted below.  She also brought along a kitted bear made by a good friend of hers. 

Week 26 Belly pics

I've got a couple more belly pics to post, but after looking at them, I realize that I'm not as big as I feel.  I guess that's a good thing since I still have 3 months left! 
Next week is the start of a very busy month - Barry's mum and dad will be visiting starting this next Sunday.  We can't wait to show them all the baby stuff we've gotten so far and the nursery!

Barry loves this shirt

26 weeks and counting

Well, here we are at 26 weeks and I still can't believe there are 3 months left.  I think I'm at the beginning of the end of being comfortable at this point.  I'm starting to get out of breath much easier - the 10 minute walk from my car to work totally wears me out!   My hands and feet start to swell towards the end of the day and my back hurts most of the time.  Sleeping isn't much fun any more. Booo. :(  I keep thinking of my coworker who had twins a couple of months ago and wonder how she made it though with two babies to lug around!
The coming month and a half is going to be super busy and I hope I can keep up my energy.  We've got a visit from Barry's parents, 3 baby showers, a wedding reception, and our birthing class all within the next 5 weeks.  I bet it's going to make time go by so quickly - before we know it, the baby will be here!

Glucose test

Since last week was week 24 I had to do my glucose test.  I was a bit nervous because Jen ended up having gestational diabetes and I knew how much it would change the things I eat in the next few months.  I had done my research and determined that the morning before the test I should eat something high in protein and avoid something very sugary.  I got to the doctor's office and drank my sugary drink...and an hour later the nurse told me I had failed the one hour glucose test. oh no!  It turns out that the banana I had with my breakfast was SUPER high in carbs and sugars. Oops.  While I hoped it was just the banana, I worried that maybe I had developed gestational diabetes.

So, for the next week, I did my best to try to eat low carb/low sugar food.  This meant getting rid of all the goodies I was used to eating during the week - bananas, grapes, nectarines, pasta, english muffins.  I switched to apples, cottage cheese, greek, yogurt. I was pretty nervous going in to the 3 hour glucose test this morning.  The worst part was that I had to fast and couldn't eat the next morning during the test.  Oh, I would be so hungry!
The great news is that I passed the test!  I tested normal for the first fasting blood test taken before I drank the sugary drink.  Then I passed the next two, which meant that I didn't have to stay the extra hour for the last test.  Hooray!! I think I'll have some ice cream to celebrate. :)

6 month belly shot

Here is me at 6 months!

week 23 ultrasound

Yesterday we had a follow up ultrasound since at the last ultrasound we couldn't get the baby in position to see it's spine or face.  We got some great spine shots this time, but he still wouldn't show his face very freely.  He kept his hand up by his face most of the time - quite the shy boy.  He also kept his legs crossed the whole time, so we're lucky we found out last time that it was a boy.  His growth rate is good - at around the 56% percentile. 
He's been moving around quite a lot and according to his placement as seen in the ultrasound, it's mostly his hands/elbows that have been poking me on the left side.  His feet are over on the right side, but I haven't felt any movement or kicking, so I think him for that.  I'm sure that will change soon.
I'll post one of the photos - not many of them came out very clear.  I'll also post a 5 second video where you can very very briefly see his face. 

Almost 23 weeks

On Wednesday we will be at 23 weeks and the little one is moving around a ton.  I don't know if he's kicking, pushing, or just wriggling around, but he's certainly having fun in my belly.  Most of the movement is on the left side, but I'm sure once he keeps getting bigger that will shift.  We go back to the doctor on Friday for another ultrasound, so hopefully we'll have some good new pictures to share.  I hope he cooperates this time so that we can get some good pictures of his face.  
I was also hoping to get a new picture up of my slightly bigger belly, but Barry has been working alot of nights so we haven't had a lot of time for stuff like that.  That will change in October when Barry starts his new job!  Hopefully he'll post about it soon, but he new job means that he will no longer have to work nights and weekends, so that will be such a relief once the baby arrives!
We are going to a wedding this weekend. so I'm sure we'll get a good belly shot taken then!

New job

So 2012 is progressing nicely and I have another thing to add to the 'new' column. My new job! I have finally escaped the clutches of retail after 12 years and will start with Northwestern Mutual on October 8th. There are so many benefits. Better money, better environment and most importantly, better hours! No more getting home at 11pm on weekends. I will have the Monday to Friday 9-5 that I have always craved. Much better hours for when we have a little baby! I am very excited about the opportunity. Today, Ellen and I went shopping for new work clothes for me. Its shirt and tie from now on. We managed to get me a new work wardrobe, so I am all set for my first day :)

not much new, just wanted to post!

Hello!  We are at week 21.5 and there isn't much new going on.  The baby has been moving a lot, so I get to feel little flutters here and there.  I feel bad for Barry because he really wants to feel it too, but for now, the movement is just taking place inside.
I've spoken to my doctor about the yucky heartburn I had been getting and he suggesting taking a break from my prenatal vitamins. Lo and behold, my heartburn has been much better! Yay!  I still take folic acid, plus he suggested taking a Flintstones children's vitamin daily.  I was super happy for that advice because I have always loved those Flintstone vitamins!
 We had a bit of a scare yesterday with Sophia.  Jen decided to try introducing her to eggs via the omelette she was having for breakfast and noticed about 20 min later that Sophia had hives all over her face!  We called the doctor who told us to take her to the emergency room.  By the time we got there, poor Sophia's eyes had swollen and she had more hives on her hands and back.  They treated her with epinephrine, benadryl, and steroids and made us stay there for 3 1/2 hours to make sure that she got better.  What a long day it ended up being!  Jen will take Sophia to the doctor for more testing, but for now, she has to avoid anything made with eggs.   The idea of baby/kid allergies is pretty scary and I hope we can be so lucky as to avoid anything major!

Week 20

Well, here we are - getting bigger!   I'm at week 20 today and they say the baby is the length of a banana now. He's definitely taking up more room because I can't eat as much as I used to and when I try to, I get some not so fun heartburn. Ugh.  Here is me and my little belly:

This week we got a package in the mail from a family friend who sent us a ton of clothes from her little boy.  We got all sorts of stuff - onesies, hats, blankets, toys, and more.  Jen also gave us some of Sophia's old stuff that could be gender neutral.  We are already starting to build quite the closet full of clothes. 
Today I went with Jen to Babies r Us to scope out some of the things we will need to register for.  It was really helpful to hear tips on what we really need and what we can do without.  I'm excited to return with Barry and get some stuff on our registry!
I'll post a few pics of some of the stuff we've gotten this week from people:

The very hungry caterpillar - one of my favorite books when I was little!

It's a boy!

So today was a big day! Ellen had her ultrasound and we found out the gender of our baby. It's officially a boy! The nurse who did our ultrasound was very nice and took lots and lots of photos. Most of them are for the doctors benefit, to show how certain organs and bones are developing. Everything she saw she said looked normal, which is good news. Our wee man did moon her quite a lot by sticking his butt at her! This actually prevented her from getting a couple of pictures that she wanted, so Ellen is going back in four weeks to see if we can get a good shot of his spine. Anyway, here are the photos that she gave us to take away. Most of them are labelled in case you don't know what you are looking at :)

Little belly

I know the exciting news is coming tomorrow, but I wanted to show everyone my tiny little growing belly. This me at 18.5 weeks - not too big yet, but big enough that I can't fit into most of my shorts and skirts anymore.  Thank goodness for my sister and friend, Jill, who have given me many, many bags full of maternity clothes. 

Week 18

Well, today marks week 18 and the baby is the size of a sweet potato. Supposedly the baby is very active and I should be able to start feeling it moving around.  Nothing yet! I'm still feeling okay, but I do get dizzy often when I stand up so I have to remember to take it easy.  I'm also having a lot of trouble sleeping, even when I take a sleep aid.  I hope that doesn't last long because I want to be able to get as much sleep as possible before the baby comes and I never sleep again! )
I am most excited for Tuesday because that is the day we find out if we are having a boy or a girl.  I wish I could fast forward until then!

House complete!

Well, we finally feel ready to post pictures of the house to show how all of our work turned out!  The house really feels like home and is ready and waiting for visitors. 

Living room/dining room seen from front door

Living room as seen from dining table area

Built in fireplace

Master bedroom

More master bedroom

Nursery :)

Nursery

Basement living area

basement

more basement

guest bedroom downstairs

Week 16!

Well, today marks week 16 and the little fetus now has 5 more months in my belly!  I read one email that said that the baby is now able to start hearing my voice since the bones inside their ears are growing.  I suppose that means I should stop cursing now? :)
I think I'm starting to get a bit of a baby bump, but really it just looks like I ate a TON of food.  I've started wearing some maternity tops, just because they are more comfortable in general.  I think in the next week or two it'll be much more noticeable that I'm pregnant.  Once you can tell, I will definitely post some pictures. 
Read more about week 16 here: http://www.babycenter.com/6_your-pregnancy-16-weeks_1105.bc?scid=mbtw_preg16&pe=MlVCZVRUQXwyMDEyMDcxMQ..

Guest room

Today, at 12:15, I officially finished painting the guest room! It has been a constant source of frustration given its unwillingness to part with its beloved golf themed wallpaper. It has definitely been the most difficult room to redecorate. A lot of time was spent getting the paper and paste off of the walls, even more time than the master bedroom, and that is saying something! I was so glad to start painting because I knew that the end was in sight. Even painting the room wasn't straight forward as the recessed window made for some awkward nooks to get a brush into. I certainly feel a sense of accomplishment as I look at it now. I just need to assemble the bed in there and move in a few cabinets and I can check that room off as done.
The house is almost at the stage where we can take some 'after' photos so you can all see the fruits of our labour. Watch this space!

Week 15

As of Wednesday, we were officially at 15 weeks.  I had a quick doctor's check in on Friday just to make sure there was a strong heartbeat and there was!   We go back on July 31st for our ultrasound, so hopefully then we'll be able to find out if we are having a boy or a girl.  I am SO excited for that!    I'm starting to not fit into my shorts anymore, so I've started to wear a bellyband with certain outfits.  Bellybands are great (look here if you don't know what it is: http://www.motherhood.com/maternity/belly-bands.asp)  but it's kind of a pain in the butt when you are still making frequent trips to the bathroom.  I have a lot of maternity clothes from my friend Jill, but most of the pants are for colder weather, so I might have to go buy some maternity shorts!
As for the house, it is almost camera ready.   we still have a little clutter that needs to be put away, but it definitely feels like a lived in home now. We finally started working on the guest bedroom downstairs again this weekend and it should be all painted by the end of next week. 
I'm going to leave you with a new picture of Sophia from this week.  She just keeps getting cuter and cuter!!

All moved in!

Well, two days in and the house is slowly coming together.  I would say we are about 75% unpacked, but you wouldn't know it with all the leftover boxes.  The very best part has been sleeping in the air conditioning - I think it's fair to say that the past couple of nights have been the best nights of sleep both of us have had in a LONG time.  I'm going to try to post some pictures of before we moved in and after the painting has taken place.

Living room/dining room as seen from front door

Kitchen - no work needed to be done!

Standing in kitchen looking out at dining room

fireplace in living room

main floor bathroom - wow, look at that wallpaper!

more main floor bathroom

bedroom that will be nursery

more bedroom that will be nursery

master bedroom - that is wallpaper that will end up being a nightmare to take down

basement

basement cabinets

downstairs bathroom

downstairs bedroom, will be guest bedroom. Again, more wallpaper to take down

close up of golf wallpaper :)

AFTER picture - upstairs bathroom

AFTER picture - upstairs bathroom

AFTER picture - nursery. Hard to tell but that is light gray

AFTER picture - master bedroom

AFTER picture - master bedroom

one of our IKEA cabinets

both of our new IKEA cabinets

  I'll post more pictures once everything is unpacked and the rooms have been fully formed.