34 weeks - Hiccup

This is going to be a quick update for everyone, that will be added to later. I just had to let you know that our little monkey hiccups often. Since the first episode on July 25th, the baby has had hiccups about every other day. We went to see Macbeth on Thursday, which is hard enough to concentrate at, and I had to concentrate while a little monkey kept hiccuping. It was very sweet and funny.

During the weekend we were able to finish the painting in the room and move some of the furniture around. This week Adam and I will work on the curtain rod and we will be set, just waiting for the paintings from Amber that will match our bedding. How lucky are we to have a best friend who is a wonderful artist to paint images that will match/coordinate with our baby bedding?!?!

Here is a profile photo of Anne O'Reilly, Adam's co-worker's wife who is due a week after us, and me. Neither of us know what we are having. Anyone want to put money in a pool? BTW - loved her dress!!!

This week I did have a minor freak out thinking my child wouldn't have clothes for the first three months of their life. We have onesies, sleepers, and some outfits. This is one of those irrational pregnancy thoughts I have heard about and experienced very little (Adam has been pretty darn lucky with my limited emotional freakouts). So, I have bought a few sale items that are gender neutral. My sanity is now back and the baby will not be laying there naked, in the same onesies, or sleepers all the time. Friday I also ran to one great garage sale. We now have our mobile for $2...the exact one we registered for in great condition. You can't beat saving $30+ on something you will only use for a limited time.

Guess this was longer then I thought. We go to the dr today. I have officially taken off the wedding band due to swelling. Maybe with a decrease in heat over the next couple days the swelling will go down?!? Do you know what helps swelling...drinking more water! Just what a prego lady wants to do is go to the bathroom even more!!!! Crocs are probably in my feet's future. Guess I will just be dealing with the excess water. Today is our 34 week appt and we will see how things are going. 42 days!! The baby moved a lot this weekend and I even was able to distinguish between the butt and other tiny appendage like a foot. Don't know exactly what it was, but you can feel the difference. We will write more later. Have a great week!

33 Weeks...Less than 50 Days!!!

Hello all. We had a very eventful couple of weeks. Starting out, Amber and Carol hosted a wonderful baby shower for Karla. With friends and grandmothers we were able to enjoy games, stories and decorating many onesies. This kid is going to be decked out for all of the KU games that they are going to win. The baby has some outfits for the possible winning football season for CSU. {That's Karla's shot at me...the baby is going to be a Rams Fan and decked out in Green & Gold as much as possible. Ram Pride!}

We have a photo of a couple of the beautiful onesies shown. Our friends and family are very talented...

This week was the first time we attended baby classes. In fact, we spent almost 15 hours in 'baby classes' over a four-day period this last week. The first of our classes, titled Baby Safe, was very educational and was well taught. However, it kinda scares the crap out of people because the facilitator of the class must have said 'and that can kill your baby' about a hundred times. Yikes!!!!

The other course we took, Baby Preparation, was, well, let's say...interesting. Most of the videos we saw were produced in Boulder (hello, hippies! And yes, it was disturbing). Once again, very educational and we had a great instructor. Learned a lot of useful info but now I have to make a cheat sheet on the breathing for the latter part of 2nd-stage labor...ahh, he; ahh, he; ahh, he; ahh, whooooo; {That will only seem funny to the parents or soon-to-be parents who actually read this. For the rest of you, I apologize).

It truly is a small world, because even though our Baby Prep class had only about 12 couples, one of the father's in the class was a former classmate of Karla's. In fact, they went to school together since elementary school. We were also the only couple who didn't know the sex of the baby. The most exciting news during the weekend is about the baby. Sweet P got the hiccups on Friday and Sunday nights. They feel so small compared to a kick and are more rhythmic. It was such a fun experience!

The nursery is getting close to being completed. Adam put spackling compound on all of the nail holes late on Saturday night. After drying, he sanded everything down so we have a flat surface for painting. Oh, that reminds me, we did decided on our orange paint for the MDF strips and our accent wall. It's a wee bit darker than a peach color but it matches the colors in the room really well. (Can you tell Adam is writing all of this detail on his pet project?)

Sunday was full of blessings and celebrations. After we lead music at Craig Hospital, Karla headed off to Anne's baby-shower. A great time was had by all. Later that afternoon, we attended our Nephew's 3rd Birthday Party. Alex is a great kid with a captivating smile, a big imagination and a lot of energy. I'm glad Sweet Pea isn't going to move that much quite yet; he or she would wear me out! It is always good to see family and celebrate these milestone birthdays together though!

With only six weeks to go we are ecstatic to welcome our beloved Sweat Pea into this world, but we know there is much more to do to prepare! This is a photo from KC with Karla's sorority sisters. Karla, Keena, Jessica, Angie, Shara, & Hillary. Between these ladies there were 9 1/2 kids for fun together.

The belly keeps getting bigger!

31 weeks & Brandy Frog

This past week was full of fun baby stuff and life. I was able to enjoy time with my sorority sisters this weekend while Adam and his father worked hard on the baby's room decoration. The photo shows some of their hard work, though the completed picture won't be ready for another week. The men were able to cut, sand, and hang the MDF strips on the baby's wall. Now we are looking at oranges to paint over the white primer we used. This project was much bigger then either of us thought and we love the outcome! The dog, is wearing a fun froggy coat for Sweet P.

After a two hour delay, I did make it to KC. Thank goodness the prego lady thought ahead and packed snacks. This trip was filled with so many memories that will last a lifetime...then again all of our trips have great memories (even our spring break had a few highlights). Saturday we spent time with the kids and then had a ladies night out shower. What more could a pregnant lady want...time with friends, great food, and wonderful stories. According to the ring over the belly trick that night, 2 out of three friends say this baby is a girl. Sweet P didn't want to talk to Jess at that moment. All of my friends were so helpful and generous with their gifts and advise. I don't know what I would do without them?

One of the memories that brought a smile to my face was getting through security and onto the plane. We bought the 4 runner from Hill and they gave me the 10lb ball hitch that we were missing. I was a security first bringing a ball hitch through. The look was priceless on the TSA reps face. Next was getting on the plane with the snap n' go stroller that was generously given to us. The ticket agent asked where the baby was and if it had boarded already. These strollers are used to snap the car seat onto, and I had no car seat. I know many people say my stomach is not as big as others, but you can tell that I am pregnant. So, I pointed to my belly and told him "the baby is right here".

Tomorrow is our free day. We are taking advantage of traveling within Colorado without baby gear. After traveling in the airport with baby gear and no baby, I have a whole new respect for traveling parents!! There will be a trip to the mountains and time with friends. Sunday is the shower given by Carol & Amber. I am looking forward to celebrating our baby with more girlfriends.

We will have a new post next week with the painted slats. The only big thing left in the baby's room is to hang the curtain rods and order the mattress. Once those are done the room is almost ready for the baby, even if we aren't ready for the baby. Next week we have our first baby class Thursday night and then our birthing class Friday and Saturday. I am sure to blog after experiencing that...then again Adam might provide a better word picture for you.

30 Weeks and counting

Like I thought, last week was a bit crazy and didn't allow for much blogging time. This week is a little bit more quiet, though the weekend starts tomorrow! Adam and Neil finished their 150 mile bike ride without any bike troubles. Your donations were much appreciate and he continues to work towards his fundraising goal. Even 7 months pregnant I was able to volunteer and cheer on the riders. Funny enough, I was checking IDs into the beer garden and checked the ID of some old Phi Delta's that I coached with Jessica during college for our sorority philanthropy. What a small world!

Last week was my final trip to Atlanta for work. Though there were many meetings the team did throw a small shower for a co-worker and I due within a week of each other. They did provide a few name suggestions for Sweet P too, Peter is one example. On the way back a guy even gave me his first class seat. He was being so nice, though part of the reason he was giving his seat up is because he was traveling with his wife and two kids. The wife might have made sure there were only two kids in his future if he had stayed in First class.

The Fourth of July weekend we sure were busy with play and work. The block party prep took some of the day and the party took most of the night. We have such a great street and enjoy all of our neighbors. Sweet P will be lucky as it grows up if everyone stays around. Then the rest of the weekend we planned the design in the baby's room and put up a ceiling fan with instructions a rocket scientist couldn't use. Adam and his dad worked for hours on Sunday to get boards cut and painted for the design. While I am away this weekend I am hoping that they will be able to place them on the wall. Can't wait to see the progress. My 30 week appt on Monday was quick and everything is on-track. The heart rate increased from two weeks ago to 138.

This weekend is going to be awesome. Tomorrow I fly to KC to spend time with my girlfriends. The 5 sorority sisters are converging on Hillary's house Saturday for kid time and then the ladies evening shower. The dinner location has a great wine list that I can view and hopefully smell while I am there :). Side note: We decided not to have our wine party this year because it would be like taking a chocolate lover to Hersheyland and telling them to only look, no eating. Next year. I do get to be the fun DD for my girlfriends which always leads to some good laughs (car seats anyone?).

Here is a photo of my pumpkinhead and me. She still doesn't get the baby thing yet, though loves to be around when we are working on baby projects. We will see how she handles the next few months. We are also closer on a few boy names, though we aren't telling anyone, and far apart for girls. Adam will have time this weekend to think of something that wasn't popular when we were kids.

I will post photos next week of the fun in KC. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

28 weeks - 3rd Trimester

Monday we had our long 28 week appt. My glucose exam wasn't as bad as everyone says, the prego lady drinks about 8oz of concentrated Tag and then waits and hour for a blood draw. Those results were good and I am okay on that front. We had another ultrasound to see if the placenta is out of the way for delivery. There needs to be 2 centimeters between the placenta and cervix. After multiple measurements, the placenta is still .2 centimeters in the way based on the closest measurement. The doctor still doesn't seem worried and this just means another ultrasound at 37 weeks, much closer to the actual delivery date, to make sure it moved the .2 centimeters...yes .2. If the placenta is still in the way there is a good chance I could have a c-section. To make sure the healthy baby is delivered I would go through the major surgery.

Prior to the ultrasound the baby's heart rate was 130, which could mean sleeping. Seeing the baby during the ultrasound was so special again and the heart rate increased to 147, which could be due to the sugar drink. The baby was in the pike position (the knees are almost to the baby's mouth) the whole time, as you can see in the photo. If we wanted to know the sex the baby could have provided the perfect "money shot." We are still waiting, much to the disappointment of many! During the exam we saw the baby practice breathing and even peed while we were watching the bladder shrink in size. Sweet P sleeps like it's mom because the arm was up near it's face again. The position of the baby did not lead to any good 3D shots. Too bad for the baby book. There is a great photo of the feet though!

Last week we were able to spend sometime with old friends and see what our lives will be like in a couple years. About 16 adults and 8 kids made for a fun afternoon, and they all got along! My how things changed in fifteen years. These are friends from our church days and luckily many of those stories stayed quiet this gathering. I think Adam dating most of our girl friend's there ;P Luckily I won him in the end! This week we are busy with meetings, including our will prep, and the theatre. Nothing like seeing a musical about a serial killer while pregnant. Sweeney Todd here I come! This weekend is Adam's ride. After pulling the pregnancy card I was able to get the good volunteer job of helping at the beer garden. Too bad I am not going to enjoy the libations while I work. Adam will be riding 80 miles in a day while I make sure people have beer at the end of their ride. Volunteer work can be very hard.

Next week Adam's office is closed, so he is working part-time for baby prep. This should give him plenty of alone time before the baby since I will be in Atlanta Monday through Thursday. This being my last trip to Atlanta I am going to be talking with them about my options for work after the baby is born. Your prayers for their flexibility would be wonderful! I hope to have the baby at home with me for the first three months back at work and decreasing my hours by 8. We will see what options there are. Due to the slower economy, they might like my request for decreased hours.

We will be posting soon. Have a wonderful 4th of July! We will see if the fireworks affect the baby. I promise a belly shot will be coming soon.

27 weeks Father's Day Right

This week was full of fun with family, friends, and furniture. This was our first full week back in the office from our vacation and we worked it. The evenings we enjoyed catching-up on a few things and I was able to go and see a show with my mom.

The weekend was full. Friday night we enjoyed Parker Days, a local festival/carnival in our town, for the last time without kids. Man things have changed since we were teenagers and I am glad I have over a decade to prepare for Sweet P's teen years. Saturday Adam tried to start and early bike ride with his dad to train for the MS Bike Tour of Colorado. Did you notice the word tried...he had tire issues and was a little delayed. They were able to get some 20+ miles in though. I was able to spend time with the family at the farm and their friends. The BBQ took alot of time to prepare and it was worth it. I foresee some more parties in the future. Sunday was the day of fun. We were able to go to church, it has been sometime with our travels and things. Then we enjoyed lunch with Adam's family. Did I tell you we are expecting another nephew in Oct? Michelle & Brian learned they were having another boy. Yeah!

Adam and I celebrated Father's day. His card was perfect for this year and he will enjoy his gifts in the coming months. At my prenatal yoga class the teacher told us about these cd's called Rockabye baby. They take songs from popular artists, remove the words, and play the song on baby friendly instruments. Adam does like his Metallica and I like the Coldplay.

http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/web/page.asp

The evening started the big fun. Adam got tired of hearing me complain about the crib taunting me in the living room, so we put it together. At first we thought there were no instructions, since they weren't in the bag labeled "assembly instructions." I found them and we started to put the crib together. A half hour later with no arguing and a few kisses from Brandy since we were on the floor we had a crib. The photos of the room coming together are included. The dresser is ready too and now we just have the wall design and curtain rod to put up.

The baby continues to be very active while I am resting and quiet on weekends. This week I will take another belly shot to show everyone. Here is a photo of our first baby enjoying some of the good things about the pregnancy. Most mornings you can find her up on our bed resting her whole body against my body pillows.

Miss you all and chat with you soon!

Week 25 & 26: rested & tanner

We are back from our wonderful vacation. Let me tell you...it is nice taking a couple days to just relax and not think about much. The trip to Cozumel, Mexico is what the Dr ordered, or at least was okay with. I didn't get sick and we waited until the last day to get our sunburns even after being careful, we thought. Adam enjoyed meeting new people at night, who I would then meet during the day, while I went to bed early instead of exposing Sweet P to heavy second hand smoke and horrible Karaoke singing. Adam did not sing any Axel that I know of. Their fruity drinks kept me happy as well as the reading time. Our day of light rain allowed us to just spend sometime chatting and playing games. I think Adam still owes me a back rub for my "Pass the Pig" winnings. This was the perfect way to travel with a baby...no extra items needed like diapers, wipes, clothes, food, etc.

Adam picked the crib and dresser up on Monday. The crib will be Adam's father's day activity. There is nothing like starting him out on an easy project for his first Father's day...lol. Next week will include a photo. I was able to add more to the registry this weekend. We also enjoy a friend's wedding while I wore my cute $28 dress. A strange thing has been happening to people lately. As I grow ever bigger people get this weird bug that attracts their hand to my belly. Luckily it doesn't bother me too much, it really is a unique syndrome people get. The baby continues to be very active for me and Adam can even see the baby's kicks while by belly is under a shirt. Shawna was over this weekend and dangled my wedding ring held by a piece of my hair over my palm to determine what I am having. Drum roll please....it says girl. We will know in Sept if that wives tale is true.

Until next week here are some photos. One photo is of me in Mexico and the other is at Sara's wedding, too bad for you the photographer didn't include my belly and cute dress.