Thirty-Seven Weeks

Another week down, and we are seven days closer to Baby Storms' arrival.  All my books say that he could come at any point in time, although I'm not seeing any signs of impending labor.  Since we're so close to our due date, we have another appointment with Duckie on Tuesday to check on the baby and look for any developing signs of labor.  I'm not optimistic.     

We had another busy, baby-related weekend and spent way too much money on things that I think we'll need for the hospital.  On Friday night, Jeff and I went on a mini "baby-moon" and had a nice dinner out.  Well, Jeff had a nice dinner.  He had prime rib.  I decided that I had to eat a cheeseburger and french fries.  Yum.  We also went shopping for nursing tank tops and clothes for me to wear in and home from the hospital.  My girlfriends call them "mom clothes" and I am really excited to wear them because they all look and feel so soft and comfortable. 

On Saturday, Jeff and I woke up early and went to our Labor & Delivery class.  For your information, I hated it.  I hated it so much that I actually made Jeff leave at the lunch break and we didn't go back.  The class was held in a small, windowless classroom and all the "students" had to sit on these rock hard, plastic chairs.  The instructor then proceeded to talk at us for four hours.  Straight.  There was little to no interaction with the teacher or other members of the class.  It was miserable.  In addition to the fact that the class was really boring, I also sat next to a prospective father that smelled like moldy, rotten cheese.  He looked like he hadn't showered in several days and hadn't washed his clothes in several weeks.  I know I'm being catty, but it was awful.  Frankly, it's tough to expect anyone to sit still during a four hour lecture, but asking a woman, who is nine months pregnant, to sit on a plastic chair next to Captain Stink continuously for four solid hours is just ridiculous.  My back started hurting after the first two hours and it only got worse as the class went on.  So, at the lunch break, Jeff and I went to the Mall of America and walked laps until I felt better.  And we didn't go back.  Afterwards, we went to Target and picked up everything else we needed to take to the hospital and grabbed a bite to eat.  However, I still felt like I smelled the moldy cheese man all day, so I took a long, hot bath when I got home.

On the morning before our class, Jeff woke up early and went to a step aerobics (yes, that's correct - not a typo) class at Lifetime Fitness.  True to form, he was over ten minutes late in picking me up for class.  He promised me that he'd still get us there in time, but as we crossed under Highway 169, our progress was slowed by a set of blue and red flashing lights in our rear view mirror.  We pulled over and I strongly considered playing the "I'm in labor" card, but we were honest with the officer and told him we were just on our way to class.  While I was convinced Jeff was going to get a ticket, the officer came back with a warning and made us promise that we'd spread good stories about the Eden Prairie police offer who let us go.  He also made a special request that we put the warning citation in the baby's scrapbook.  So, Officer, this is for you:

This image has been removed at the request of Daddy Storms

On Sunday, we had another productive day.  We went to and walked around HOM Furniture for a few hours, getting decorating ideas for the basement, office, and formal living room.  Believe it or not, we went there at Jeff's suggestion!  I also finished packing our hospital bags, and did a bunch of other chores around the house.  My girlfriend, Cristin, came up with her little boy and her mom, and dropped off their present for Baby Storms.  Together, they made the most beautiful quilt for Jack. 

   

You might not be able to tell from the picture, but the quilt squares are little sailboats and nautical flags.  The colors also go perfectly in the nursery.  I have been looking forward to this gift my entire pregnancy, and I am so excited because it's truly the "finishing touch" to Baby Storms' room.  I can't wait to wrap him up in it and will make a perfect blanket for some "tummy time."  I love the quilt so much that I am afraid that Jack will ruin it, even though I know its unreasonable to assume that the blanket will be able to make it through his infancy unscathed. 

Finally, I've put up a picture of Baby Jack and I at thirty-seven weeks.  We've got only eighteen days until our due date.  Jeff says that he can tell my belly is lower now, and I feel like I keep expanding.  I also developed an abdominal hernia, but it doesn't hurt.  It's also pretty common in later pregnancy.  My biggest complaint is that my back continues to hurt quite a bit.  I am sure there's still some residual pain left over from my fall last week, but Baby Storms seems to have found my sciatic nerve and it feels like he's using it as a yo-yo. 

With that exception, I'm still happy and excited, however...and I wait anxiously every day for any kind of sign of labor.  All in its own time, I know, but I can't wait to meet this little man.  My tiny heavyweight.

Finally, I wanted to take a minute and recognize my unsung hero. I know I spend a lot of time teasing him and it may not sound like I give him much credit, but I do not know where I would be without my husband. He has been absolutely incredible during this pregnancy and I feel so lucky to be his wife. He has been supportive, attentive, and has given me unconditional love and encouragement when I have needed it most. More importantly, he keeps me grounded and focused on what's most important in our lives. I wake up every morning, loving him more than I did the day before, and I am so proud of the incredible man that he is becoming for our child. Over these last nine months, our marriage has gotten better than I had ever hoped and I can't wait to tackle the next seventy years with him. He will be an incredible father and will be a wonderful role model for our son. He will teach him to work hard, support him in every way possible, and will love him unconditionally. I can't wait to see the bond that grows between Jack and Jeff. I could go on and on, but prolonged sentimentality makes him uncomfortable, so I'll just stop. I just hope he knows what an incredible man I think he is.       

Thirty Six Weeks

I know I've been making you all wait impatiently for an update, recapping the events of my thirty-sixth week of pregnancy.  But, we had an appointment with Duckie this morning and I wanted to wait to post any news from the visit.  Personally and physically, I feel like all the cliches are coming true.  I feel like I'm going to be pregnant FOREVER.  Truthfully, I think these last twenty-three days are going to just drag by, and he'll probably be late to boot!  I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas morning.  I'm ready to get this show on the road!  We've had quite a few "false starts" and a few times I've told Jeff that it's time to get to the hospital, but it's all just wishful thinking.  I keep thinking that I've been pregnant through all four seasons at this point, and at least I know I'm not going to head into a fifth season with a bump!  The end is in sight.  This baby is riding low now, and I'm finding it harder and harder to bend over. 

Which brings me to the one bit of news of the week.  On Thursday morning, I slipped coming out of the shower at the gym.  Fortunately, I sort of caught myself on the way down, but I landed on my butt.  Hard.  And, for those of you who know me well, a fall is nothing new in my book.  Still, my first thought was, "Is the baby okay?" and fortunately, I didn't have to wait more than a few seconds before he resumed his endless tap dance on the sides of my stomach.  Me, though, I could have been better.  So, I called Duckie, just to be on the safe side, and told him the baby was moving around, but that I felt pretty poorly.  I stopped by his office that afternoon for a little check-up, and Baby Storms was fine.  He told me to go home and make sure I took it easy for the next week or so. 

However, on Friday morning, I got a call from his nurse, telling me that Duckie didn't feel right about letting me go home the day before and wanted me to come back for another check-up.  Talk about scaring a pregnant woman right out of her maternity pants!  So, we went back to Duckie's office, he had another little peek at Baby Storms (who continued to practice playing the air guitar) and he also gave me the once over.  I was moving a little slower and hurt quite a bit more.  However, more concerning was that my blood pressure had gone up in the twenty-four hours since my visit on Thursday.  So, the words "modified bed rest" were tossed around, and Duckie basically told me that if I wasn't working, I should be resting.  I was also sent to physical therapy, which was wonderful, because it was basically an insurance-covered back massage.  I have to tell you that it's impossible to sit still when your "nesting instincts" are humming like crazy.  I was a bit of a neat freak before I was pregnant, but this is a whole new ball game.  I keep thinking, in a manner of speaking, that "every day is going to be my last" and I want my whole world to be in order so, when the time actually DOES come, I won't have to focus on anything but getting this kid out into the world.

Today's appointment with Duckie also incorporated my thirty-six week check up.  I'm continuing to measure on the small side, but Baby Storms is measuring right on the money.  I think the fact that I have such a long torso helps spread the baby around and he's not compacted so tightly.  My blood pressure was still a bit on the higher end, so I'm stilll under strict instructions to take it easy and I've got to stop going to the gym.  Not that I have been over the past five days.  No signs of labor yet, which really doesn't mean anything. 

So, here we are on Tuesday morning...at thirty-six weeks, and riding on minimal sleep...

I get up to go to the bathroom about twice a night.  Jeff calls me the "pregnant Chinese woman" because I have this weird elephant shuffle when I get up.  My joints are so stiff from only sleeping on my sides, in addition to having a sore back, that it takes a few minutes for the juices to get going once I'm up.  This weekend, Jeff and I are taking our "Labor & Delivery" class.  While I'm very excited to be a big part of bringing Baby Storms into the world, a part of me wishes I could be a fly on the wall, observing Jeff and I work together as we go through the experience.  We've been reading about what we need to bring with us to the hospital.  Most of the books recommend bringing a snack or sandwich for the labor partner, in case hunger pangs strike in the middle of the night and he doesn't need to leave the room to go and forage around a quiet hospital for food.  I'm relaying this to Jeff last night, who half-snorts, and says, "Why wouldn't I just go to the cafeteria?"  My response was, "Because you'll bring your cell phone" which prompted laughter.  Jeff has a terrible habit of "losing" himself when he gets distracted.  This is how that scenario would play out:

Jeff:  I'm going to the cafeteria to get a sandwich. 

Me:  Okay, huff, huff.  Be back quickly.  Huff, huff. 

Jeff would then leave the room, pull out his cell phone just to "see something" and subsequently get lost amid the corridors in the hospital.  But, he wouldn't notice that he was lost because after he "checked the scores" or "caught up on the news," he would call his brother or his mother or one of his buddies to give them a "progress report" on the labor.  This phone call would lead him to meander further around the hospital, getting more and more lost, until he disconnected the call and realized that he didn't know where he was.  He'd find a staffer, ask where the cafeteria was, and finally go and get a sandwich.  While in the cafeteria, there'd probably be a television and he'd get caught watching "Sports Center" or CNN and decide to sit down and eat his sandwich.  After he finished eating, he'd probably call someone else, start texting with someone from his office, or check to see if anything happened in the world in the last hour, at which point he'd realize that he had no idea how to get back to the room where I am.  He'd feel badly that he'd been gone for a long time, and decide to buy me a gift in the form of a stuffed animal.  He would finally ask a hospital employee how to get back to my birthing suite.  Then, he'd arrive and have been gone for forty-five minutes.  And you think I'm being dramatic.  Ask my husband if this is a completely plausible scenario.  Ask him how many times he's driven past the exit to our house on the freeway because he's been on the phone. 
          

The baby's room is all completed now - all his clothes are washed, his pacifiers and bottles have been sanitized, and now we're just waiting.  I had my final two showers last week, and I can't tell everyone enough how grateful we are for everything.  Seriously, its an incredible feeling to be so showered and spoiled.  My mom and sister put together an amazing shower for me last Saturday.  My girlfriends were also generous, and I received a number of gifts with a mother's stamp of approval.  We also received the video monitor, which I was really excited about, and I've got it all set up and ready to go.   

So, I hope I've made this sufficiently long in order to make up for posting late.  We've got twenty-three days to go, and I'm hoping that by December 1st, I'll be holding Baby Storms in my arms and not in my belly!

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!