Thursday, June 28, 2007

9 weeks to go...

We had our 30-week OB appointment yesterday and the only major news to share is that my doctor believes Baby Erb is currently transverse (sideways.) Which actually makes sense because at times, I've been feeling movement simultaneously on both sides , and was just saying last weekend that I felt more W-I-D-E. Although transverse babies are uncommon, it seemed as though this was no reason to worry, he still has another 5 weeks or so to turn, and we were also reassured when he explained that first pregnancies are most commonly a vertex (the correct head-down) position by delivery. At our 20-week ultrasound, he was still breech (feet-first), so at some point in the past 10 weeks, he's begun to make his way down, but seems to be taking his sweet little time.

We have a busy weekend coming up- my 10 year HS reunion on Saturday, where I plan to answer all "When are you due?" questions with "I'm not pregnant." just to see people's reaction. Followed a couple's shower/brunch on Sunday hosted by Erin Spencer, Britt Metzger and Michelle Byers. We are really looking forward to a fun couple of days surrounded by friends and family!

Monday, June 18, 2007

TP Tuesday- The Countdown Begins!

Today at 29 weeks and 1 day, I am 11.5 squares!

We're officially into week 30 now and have less than 10 weeks left before our sweet baby boy changes us forever! ...Feeling a whirlwind of emotions as Labor Day approaches. I got Kevin a watch for Father's Day this past weekend and although it was an incredibly special day for us, he knows it doesn't compare to all the Father's Days to come. I can't really put into words how thankful I feel to have someone like Kevin to share the journey of parenthood with.

The baby is now almost 3 lbs and just over 15 inches from crown to heal. His brain and lungs are in a period of super-growth and I'm concentrating on getting as much calcium as possible lately, since 250 milligrams of calcium are now being deposited into the baby's skeletal system every day!

It's getting a bit more difficult to sleep at night between bathroom trips, exceptionally hot weather, an active baby, and not easily finding a comfortable position. Sometimes, I even have Kevin literally give me a push or pull to get out of bed! I've continued walking and doing some yoga stretches every day to stay limber as well. I've said it before, but I'll say it again- I know I can't get ahead of myself with being uncomfortable yet because it's not like the next 10 weeks will get any easier. So for the time being, I'm putting on a brave face and saying I feel GREAT!!!

NURSERY UPDATE: Here's a sneak peak at the fabric for the window treatments (which I've decided to make myself) and even some swatches for the bedding (which I'm definitely NOT making myself.) I can't believe I'm taking on such a huge sewing project at this point...I better get to work!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

An addition to the registry

For those of you still wondering what to get Baby Erb (and I'm assuming it will be one of the most important decisions you'll ever make), rejoice! We've decided to add some new "luxury" baby items to our registry.

Check out the exciting new stuff that's got Baby Erb's name all over it. Click on "Hippest Baby Bling" under the binky to see some seriously ridiculous baby items.

I've lost my feet!


It's official. At 28 weeks and 1 day, a week into my third trimester, I've completely lost my feet. When I look down, all I can see is belly, unless I peek around to the side. Another interesting foot-fact that has occured is my cankles. Yep, when it's extremely hot and humid, I've been on my feet too long, or haven't had enough water, my ankles disappear and my calf goes straight to my foot, leaving only a "cankle." Thankfully, this has only happened on a few occasions and I'm doing my best to keep it that way. But truly- what's a girl to do when high heels are calling her name?! And finally, as you can see, I got brave for this belly shot and decided to bear some skin- no strechmarks and no outie belly button so far. (KNOCKING ON WOOD!) With 11 weeks to go, I know I'm not out of the woods yet, but for the most part, I'm still feeling good and have begun to bounce back from my illness the past two weeks. I'm so thankful to Kevin who is beyond attentive to whatever I need. I hope he knows that will, of course, be expected to continue once the baby is born! :)

I was lucky enough to spend a day last week shopping with my 13 year old sister, Tori. Let me tell you- when you are feeling like nothing fits and shopping for maternity clothes doesn't seem so exciting- take a 13 year old girl along. She was great for my self esteem and helped me pick out several new outfits for upcoming events. Thanks again, Tori!!

Kevin and I are still working on the nursery- now that the crib is assembled, the current project is window treatments, hopefully to be completed this week! I'm really looking forward to getting things put together and posting more pictures, but so far, we are thrilled with how it's taking shape. Baby Erb's closet is officially getting stuffed full- he has a good 30 or so outfits in his wardrobe now, including some never-worn name brand onesies and sleepers I snagged at our neighborhood garage sale for a mere $5- talk about a bargain!

Our next doctor's appointment is this Thursday- it's the one-hour gestational diabetes test where I'll drink a substance similar to orange soda, then have a blood draw to test for the presence of GD. At this point, I have some specific questions for the doctor about the baby's movement and also his presentation (whether he's head down or breech.) And we are also beginning to think about finding a pediatrician. Lots to do yet...Stay tuned for an update!

Monday, June 4, 2007

little hiccup...

Well, I've hit my first pot-hole on the road of pregnancy. Some of you know that I've been extremely sick for going on 7 days now. When I say sick, I don't mean a head cold, but rather "confined to bed, can't lift my head, vomiting, two rounds of antibiotics, breaking down in tears" sick. What began on Tuesday as strep throat, became a sinus infection which then migrated into my chest and now is full-blown bronchitis. The good news is that I was able to see my OB's nurse practitioner this afternoon and all is well with the baby.
I've been so sick and confined that I have been itching to get out, so we ventured to see the movie "Knocked Up" yesterday afternoon. Armed with my saline nasal spray, bottled water, Sudafed and about 20 kleenex, I was able to sit for 2 hours to see this cute flick. It's the story of two twenty-somethings that conceive after a one-night-stand, but decide to the keep the baby. The story follows their relationship through the trials of pregnancy, and getting used to the idea of becoming parents. It's been getting great reviews along with ours... two thumbs way up!

As far as updates go- today marks my entry into the THIRD TRIMESTER! Where has the time gone? That September 3rd due date that once seemed so far away is rapidly approaching. We've signed up for our birthing classes which should help us feel more prepared because at this point, Kevin and I have no idea what to expect for the big day!

The baby seems to be doing great in spite of my recent illness and is moving around more and more. Our newest hobby includes watching my belly jump and move as the baby gets a head start on his karate lessons. The most interesting thing so far with his movement began this week... he's getting the hiccups!!! Halfway through the week I started feeling rhythmic little jumps. At first, I had no idea what this was, but did some reading and quickly figured it out. It has happened about 4 or 5 times, and usually lasts around a minute. The poor little guy- I know how much I hate having the hiccups, so I can only imagine what it's like for him. Everything I've read says it's completely normal as the baby has begun breathing amniotic fluid and will actually become more frequent now. He weighs in at around 2 lbs and about 14 inches from crown to heal. Really? Only 2 lbs, huh? I was expecting to read that he was about 15 lbs by this week! :)