Thirty-Five Weeks

I can't believe that we're getting down to the wire.  I'm officially due one month from today.  It seems absolutely surreal and I don't really believe that this will EVER happen, but at least the end is finally in sight.  I had a bit of a rough weekend.  I started having false contractions on Thursday night.  Jeff started timing them, and they were four to seven minutes apart for a solid hour, and just as I thought we should go to the hospital or call the doctor, they stopped.  And that happened several times over the weekend, so maybe the end is closer than I think...or, I'll just have to put up with it for another month or more! 

Otherwise, we had another great weekend.  The chair my parents gave us is now installed in the nursery, so Jeff and I went to pick that up on Friday night.  I forgot to take a picture after I got everything set up and arranged, so I'll try and remember to do that this week.  I happen to think it looks amazing.  We still haven't gotten the bedding from Pottery Barn Kids, but once we get that in, we are all set to go!  I suppose we still need to pick up a car seat and stroller too...but details, details!  We've also started making a list for what we need to pack to take to the hospital with us when the time comes.  

On Saturday, I spent the morning running errands and picking up a few necessities, and then I met my girlfriend, Kelley, for coffee.  Actually, "coffee" isn't exactly correct, since I turned it into grilled cheese and a beverage.  On Saturday night, I went over to another girlfriend's house for dinner.  On Sunday, I had another shower with my girlfriends from high school and we had so much fun.  My friends, Shan and Sarah, hosted the "nautical-themed" shower and they did a great job.  We decorated onesies and bibs for Baby Jack with puff-paint and that really brought me back to my days as a Girl Scout.  We also played a game where Jeff responded to a number of questions about the baby before the shower, and I had to guess his answers.  Back in the day, if I got the answer wrong, I would have been required to take a shot/drink or something like that.  My, how times change!  In any case,  Jeff was asked what the baby's measurements would be, and he guessed that the baby would be 22 inches long and would weigh seven pounds, five ounces.  I wish.  That'd be like giving birth to a string bean.  He was also asked how far I would dilate before "go time," and he responded with six inches.  Again, I wish! 

Still, Baby Jack and I received so many amazing gifts and we really felt "showered" with love.  In addition to some adorable outfits, we also received a mirror for the car from Auntie Christy, a diaper wipe warmer from Auntie Angela, and a baby monitor from Auntie Shan and Auntie Anita.  And, of course, all articles of clothing and feeding utensils have been washed, dried, and are ready for use!  I figure this little man could make his appearance any time now, so I want everything to be as ready  so that all we need to do is "insert baby" and not have to fuss with setting up the swing or bouncy chair.  So far, so good.  

So, we've reached thirty-five weeks.  Like I said, I've been having some false labor and my energy level is questionable at times.  A little snooze has become pretty much a requirement every day.  I think that the belly is also becoming more prominent, and I think it's dropped a bit since last week, which means we're definitely gearing up for some big things:



I've developed a bit of a waddle now, but I still feel like I can move and shake with the best of them!  I've also started noticing that I can't sit for as long as I was once able to, mostly because my back starts to hurt.  This is especially true with driving, and it's difficult to sit in the car for any length of time, really, because I've been getting uncomfortable with driving to and from the office.  

The baby continues to grow and will probably gain about a half-pound every week until he's born.  I happen to think he'll be over eight pounds when he finally gets here, but who knows?  I'm hoping for less (naturally) but preparing for a bigger baby.  Both Jeff and I weighed over eight pounds when we were born, so it's not entirely out of the realm of possibilities.  Next week, we start our weekly check-ups with Duckie and we finally have our Labor & Delivery class.  We're also going on a little baby-moon the night before, and really "live it up" before our lives change forever.  Ha! 

Thirty Four Weeks

We had a VERY eventful weekend!  We had our first baby shower, hosted by my adopted Aunties.  It was so much fun and I was overwhelmed with all the gifts Baby Storms received.  Seriously, I could not believe how generous everyone was and I feel so lucky to have such amazing women in my life.  Presents came in from all over the country - my Aunt Judy sent a great carryall bag and a book called "Good Night Washington D.C." and we got more presents from my Aunt Deb and Cousin Allison in Chicago.  Not to mention all the presents that came in BEFORE the shower from Grandma Teri and all our New Jersey relatives!  And, don't even get me started on all the clothes we got as well.  This is going to be one well-dressed kid come November 24, 2011.  This tiny heavyweight is so loved and we are all anxious for him to get here, I think.

Here's a picture of all the gifts we received, laid our in our living room.  It took me a whole day to put everything away, wash and fold all the clothes, and assemble all the toys and accessories:

So, I got all the clothes washed, sorted and they are now hanging in Baby Jack's closet, waiting anxiously to be used.  He has more outfits than I do, I think.  This doesn't even do his wardrobe justice, because we also received hats, blankets, socks, and shoes as well.  He will probably take after his daddy and be a total clothes horse:

So, we also received the Diaper Genie from Great-Grandma Hartley, a high chair from the Forde Aunties, and an amazing tummy time piano mat from Auntie Jan and Auntie Debbie.  As I was taking all of this stuff out of their boxes, I realized that some minimal assembly was required.  This got me thinking.  I had a whole host of boxes upstairs in Jack's closet, including a swing, a bouncy chair, and a Pack 'n Play, and they all likely required some assembly as well.  So, I spent the day putting THAT stuff together, and here is a picture of the finished products - all of Jack's accessories!  I'm hoping they will go a long way in keeping him sleeping, warm, and dry over the long Minnesota winter months:

I am pretty proud of the finished results and these too, are anxiously awaiting use.  And, I don't need any comments about how well they're assembled!  I used all parts and tightened all screws!  

We also received a ton of books to start the Baby Storms' library, and you can see that his book shelf is filling up quickly. 

Finally, my sister painted these amazing pictures to decorate the nursery.  While I didn't initially understand what they were, exactly, I was informed that the pictures spell "J-A-C-K" using nautical flags.  My mom also gave us the mobile we registered for at Pottery Barn Kids.  So, now all we need is the rocking chair and the nursery will be complete.  I happen to think it looks really great right now:

I suppose I can finally announce that my sister is also expecting a little boy, due to arrive on March 10, 2012.  I am so excited, I can hardly stand it.  Not only will Baby Storms have a playmate close to his age, but I can't wait for the insanity that future family gatherings will involve! 

And, last but not least, here's a picture of us at thirty-four weeks:

I'm still feeling great, and I've been expanding like crazy.  Jeff was in Rhode Island over the weekend, having his "Baby Bachelor" party, and I picked him up at the airport last night.  After handing me a box of saltwater taffy, he looked at me and asked if my belly had doubled in size over the past four days.  It really feels like it has.  We also had a visit with Duckie today, just to follow-up after Friday's ultrasound.  Baby Storms is growing and I am measuring a bit ahead of my due-date.  He has short legs, which he probably inherited from me.  Or Jeff.  But, he's normal, happy, and active.  My next visit is on November 1st, and after that, I'll go in every week to monitor everything.  So, hopefully, Baby Storms will continue to keep growing, but only in terms of weight.  He's reached his maximum length by now.          

We have another shower this weekend but we are really getting close to his arrival.  I am getting so excited and can't wait until I can hold this tiny heavyweight in my arms.  And give him a stern talking-to for all the kicking.  He hasn't listened so far. 

A Quick Little Update...

We had an ultrasound this morning following Monday's appointment with Duckie.  Duckie had thought Baby Storms (and consequently, the bump) were measuring a little small for how far along I am in pregnancy.  However, the second time he measured the bump, all was well.  Still, Duckie decided to get an ultrasound, just to make sure everything was progressing.  Plus, he said it's never a bad idea to get a picture of the baby's measurements, weight, and positioning.  Well, I am very pleased to report that Baby Storms is measuring right on track!  My tiny heavyweight is now topping the scales at 5lbs 6oz...they can't tell how tall he is since he's all scrunched up.  I also made the technician confirm that we're definitely having a boy.  He's also got a full head of hair.  I can't believe they can see that sort of thing on an ultrasound, but the technician pointed it out to me, and sure enough, it looks like little blades of grass coming off of his head.  His heart beat continues to remain steady as well.  If you really want to get into the detail of things, I've also got a posterior placenta, which means that it's located at his back.  It's basically why I've been feeling him move, kick, and punch so much.  Had the placenta been anterior, it would have acted like a cushion, making the jabs and pokes much less apparent. 

I got a close up of his face as well, and I have to say that I think he looks a lot like me.  He still has Jeff's nose, but it looked like he had my mouth and forehead.  Jeff says we'll just have to wait and see because he doesn't really think you can tell that sort of thing on an ultrasound.  I secretly hope he looks exactly like Jeff because he's just so handsome...I don't know that I'd make a very handsome boy...

So, here is Baby Storms' final in utero picture...the next one I post of him will be after he's been born - and we only have five weeks and six days to go! 

Thirty-Three Weeks

I had been waiting to post an update, as we were scheduled to meet with Duckie today for just a little check-up and check-in to see how things are going. 

Well, the good news is that I've put on three pounds since my last appointment - which is a really good thing, especially since I haven't really gained that much weight.  My blood pressure is normal, and the baby's heartbeat is very strong.  However, during the first measurement today, Duckie thought he might be a little small for how far along I am.  During some additional examination, however, he found that the baby has actually stretched out his home, so it looks like a gourd.  His butt is up in my left rib cage, his feet are on my right side, and his head is down around my belly button.  So, he's kind of in a pike position.  After the second measurement, I was right on track.  Still, Duckie ordered another ultrasound, just to make sure he's growing like he should.  It's nothing to be worried about, and I guess its fairly common just to do a weight and height check in the later weeks of pregnancy, since babies can vary so much.  So, we've got that scheduled for Friday.  I'm just excited that I get another sneak peek at my tiny heavyweight!  We follow up with Duckie next week for the ultrasound results, but Duckie said not to worry and so I'm not going to!   

Other than that, we had a great weekend!  Seriously, I am so lucky.  I can't believe how amazing my friends and family are.  We celebrated my dad's and my birthday on Friday night with dinner at Interlachen, followed by cake and presents at my parents' house.  I got a great pair of boots from my parents and a nice gift certificate from my sister and brother-in-law.  For my post-baby shopping spree, of course!  On Saturday, I had my girlfriends and their kids up for brunch to see the new house and have a mini-birthday celebration.  We had a great time and I had so much fun playing with everyone.  The kids loved the basement (since there's no furniture down there!) which meant running laps and a rousing game of chase.  Then, it was outside to examine all the fishies in the pond and building leaf piles to jump in.  The day was concluded by a dance party, led by Ms. Etta Rae, to Beyonce's "Single Ladies."  I also put in a lot of quality cuddle time with Baby Ella, who allowed me to hold her while she napped. 

Yesterday, Jeff and I went to brunch at a place in Northeast Minneapolis and we were able to sit outside at a table by the river.  I don't know that I've ever been able to say that at this time of year.  The weather was absolutely amazing.  Then, we headed to Apple Jack's Orchard with a bunch of our friends and picked some apples...which I later turned in to cobbler and crisp.  I got so many birthday cards and phone calls yesterday that I still feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 

Presents for Baby Jack continue to arrive by the truckload, seriously.  We got a bouncy chair from Uncle Chris and Aunt Kate, a sling from Auntie Weiss, and a stroller cover from my Aunt Deb.  I also have my first baby shower this weekend and I am so excited.  We're really getting down to the final weeks of this pregnancy and I'm still having fun.  Sort of. 

Here we are at thirty-three weeks:

 

If my belly looks mis-shaped, it's because that it probably is.  He's moving around in there all the time, trying to find a comfortable position, it would seem.  As a result, it's not unusual to get an elbow, knee or a butt sticking out at various spots on my stomach.  It's the coolest thing in the world.  I can actually feel his arms and legs if I'm lying down.  In addition, I don't think my belly button will ever revert to its "innie" status.  Gross, I know...but it happens.

The Braxton-Hicks contractions are getting to be more frequent.  Its nothing to be concerned about, so long as they don't start occurring at regular, five minute intervals over the course of an hour (hint, that's how you know you're in labor if your water doesn't break!).  The contractions get pretty intense if I walk up a hill or take a flight of stairs too quickly.  It's kind of humbling - I was used to running for miles and now I get stabbing pains - not to mention winded - walking up to the bedroom.  Lame.  The baby is now over five pounds and can be up to twenty-two inches in length.  He's as big as a pineapple.  His fingernails are also apparently long and he'll need a manicure when he's born.  It kind of skeeves me out to think that, with how active he's been, that is probably scratching the heck out of my insides.  Super. 

I'm finally getting to the point where I'd like to no longer be pregnant.  Don't get me wrong - I still want this guy cooking for a few more weeks, but I miss being able to lie on my stomach, or flat on my back, for that matter.  I miss my abdominal muscles, I miss a nice beer.  I miss not waddling when I walk.  I miss all the clothes that I can't wear.  But, I am looking forward to getting the old "me" back - or at least returning to a semi-normal pre-pregnancy status.    

Still, I can't believe the sense of peace that has settled over me.  I don't know how it happens, but I seem to wake up happier than I was the day before.  They always say you don't know what you've got until it's gone, but you also don't know what you've been missing until it arrives.  I've been blessed so much this past year and I had to do a lot of growing up.  I know life won't be sunshine and rainbows all the time, but they're here now so I'm going to enjoy them.     

Thirty Two Weeks

I've started counting down the weeks until Baby Storms' arrival, as opposed to counting up.  I've pretty much finished with the nursery this past weekend and my mom and I made some excellent progress and did some great damage at Pottery Barn Kids.  We will still need to get some wall decorations and we're waiting on the bedding and the gliding/rocking chair, which was a very generous gift from Grandma and Grandpa Kopperud.  I'll need to move some of the furniture around when it finally comes in, but at a minimum, we have a place to put the baby, curtains to block out the sunlight for naps, and a table to change countless diapers...

I am pretty excited with how everything turned out and I'm even more anxious to get the bedding and rocking chair in as well.  My parents have been a great help in getting everything ready.  My mom has spent endless hours with me, looking for the right rugs, curtains, and chairs, and my dad has done his duty with hanging up everything and teaching Jeff about home maintenance.  My parents have also been largely responsible for the ever increasing wealth of clothes that keep appearing in Baby Jack's closet.  Seriously though, I don't know how anyone can avoid buying baby clothes.  I was a little upset when we found out we were having a boy, but that was mostly because I was dreaming of pink tutus and flowered headbands.  But anyone that says that boys' clothes aren't as cute has not seen what Jack will be wearing, come Thanksgiving Day 2011.   

We also keep getting presents from Jeff's family and this past week, we got a swing and car seat cover from Great-Aunt Fran and Great Aunt-Shirley, as well as cousins Debbie and Sharon.  Cousins Gianna, Daniella, and Maria also sent a JJ Cole body support for the swing and car seat.  Auntie Weiss also sent a great outfit, complete with a hat and bib all embroidered with "Brand New" on the front.  All I can say is that I hope that goes a long way in keeping Baby Storms warm and sleeping during the long winter months...

For the most part, I'm still feeling pretty well, considering the fact that I seem to grow bigger almost by the minute.  I do find that I need naps on a semi-regular basis and I've been taking care to indulge in higher calorie foods in an effort to put on some more weight.  As Duckie says, a Dairy Queen isn't such a bad thing and fortunately, there's one about a mile from our house! 

This week, the baby has made some incredible leaps and bounds.  Both literally and figuratively.  He continues to remain impossibly active and you can see his limbs (and what I'm assuming is his baby butt) moving across my stomach.  He's almost five pounds now and could still double his birth weight - although I sincerely hope that isn't the case.  He has actual periods of sleeping and waking now, keeping his eyes open when he's awake.  His immune system has also completely developed so he'll be able to fight mild infections once he's born - although he'll have to keep building up immunity, because if I've learned anything from my girlfriends, it's that babies get sick.  A lot. 

We've also decided (although I suppose we decided a while ago) to head to my parents for Thanksgiving this year.  Jeff wanted to have it at our new place, but considering that's my due date, it's probably best to go somewhere else.  I told my mom to give me something to make or bring that people won't miss if it's not there.  Like sweet potato casserole.  Otherwise, I have plans to simply lay about, have my husband rub my feet, and generally eat my fill, if I'm able!