Nesting, Nesting, Nesting

Lately I have really been up to some rather strange, even for me, cleaning rituals.  I have taken to not truly cleaning, but organizing just about anything that I can get my hands on.  Unfortunately, organizing does not clean the house, but actually makes it messier.  Oh well, at last I will know where things are in the mess if I do go early.

Today I worked to organize our new bookshelves, and here is the mess that is now in our office... YIKES!!!

It Must be Time to SHOP!

Today we received a very generous gift card from one of my co-workers and friends, Cynthia.  I am so excited... This means I have an excuss to go out and buy something new and fun for Baby!  Thanks so much Cynthis and Randy!

Another wonderfully Snuggly Gift

Today we received another wonderful snuggling gift for Baby.  This hooded blanket is going to be perfect for snuggling up our new Baby.  Ashley, my office mate gave it to us.  She explained that she wanted to get us the gender neutral version, but it was a bright yellow duck which she said no one would look good in, so she made her prediction of a boy in buying the blue bear, but provided the gift receipt for us to exchange it for a pink bunny if we have a girl.  I cannot wait to snuggle Baby in it!  Thanks Ashley.

Did That Really Just Happen... Rip!

This evening as I was trying to pick up around the house a little, I bent over and picked up a pair of shoes off a chair.  That is when I felt it... A burning, ripping sensation in my lower abdominals.  At the time, I would have sworn that Baby was just going to fall out the front of my abdomen it hurt so bad.  I am not totally convinced that I tore my abs (which is entirely possible), as it may have been ligament stretching, the normal stretching of a diastasis, or a few hundred other things, but I know there was an awful tearing sensation followed immediately by my inability to truly move.  Luckily I already have an abdominal binder at home, so I am now wearing it.  I did not end up calling my OB for fear that they would have me go to labor and delivery and I might end up in a c-section, so instead I just popped some Tylenol and strapped the binder a little tighter than I might have to give me some support.  After all, we only have 3 weeks left until the c-section anyways.  If I did tear my abs, they can't do anything until I deliver, so why risk an early c-section if I can avoid it.  Wow do I hurt thought.  If it hurts this much now, I am only imagine what getting up in the morning is going to feel like!

A Snuggly Gift for Baby

Today we received a super awesome gift from one of the girls I work with.  It is the most adorable newborn hat and cocoon.  Daddy is going to have so much fun taking pictures of Baby in this precious outfit!  I can't wait...It is already in the hospital bag!

36 Week Belly Photos

Now that's a BIG Belly!

36 Week OB Appointment

Today's OB appointment went pretty well. Baby and I are still hanging in there. Baby's heartbeat is still hanging in the lower 140s. Baby is head down and snuggling in with no signs of deciding to make any entrance any time soon... Yea! My blood pressure continues to run low, around 70/50. All in all, we got the go ahead to continue on our journey towards our c-section date!

Miles Picked Out an Outfit for Baby

Today, when Miles and I were out looking for an Easter outfit for him, he insisted that we buy something for Baby.  Here is what he picked out... A first Christmas outfit.  Miles told me he picked it because it had "Happy Feet" on it!

36 Weeks

Our due date is just four weeks away. Hasn’t time flown? Our once-poppy seed would probably be able to breathe on their own if they were born right now. (If not, Baby would probably need some TLC, but Baby would likely be okay.) Most of Baby's systems are in working order at 36 weeks.

Baby is getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on their own.  Baby's skin is getting smooth and soft and their gums are rigid. Baby's liver and kidneys are in working order, and the circulation and immune systems are basically good to go, too.

Our baby's the size of a coconut!

Baby's still in the 17.2- to 18.7-inch and 4.2- to 5.8-pound range and continues to beef up.

How far along: 36 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +19.5 lbs

Pregnancy Symptoms: PAIN, PAIN, PAIN!!!, complete lack of sleep, unable to see my feet, lightheadedness, pregnancy brain, sciatic pain, difficulty breathing when walking up a flight of steps, thirsty all the time, Braxton Hicks, increased urination, difficulty eating as I am full after a few bites, swollen ankles and feet, hip pain
Maternity clothes: Yep
Stretch marks: Nope

Sleep: I have not slept for almost 3 days straight worth talking about because my back hurts so severely at night
Best moment last week: It sinking in that Baby is going to be here soon!  I am starting to really accept our delivery route and the fact that we know the date and beginning to get really excited to meet little one.
Movement: Lots and lots of rolling around.
Food cravings: Sweet tea
Gender: I am pretty confident that I know what Baby is... We will see if my predictions are right, but I think Miles is going to be having a little brother (at least according to the dreams)
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks, and then there was that one day when I had multiple contractions while at work, but luckily that all calmed down after a few hours

Belly Button (in or out): I'm an outie!!!!!!!!!!!!

What I miss: Not being in constant pain... This is ridiculous
What I am looking forward to: Finding out if Baby is a Boy or a Girl, as I have waffled so much, being completely convinced early on that Baby was a girl, and now completely convinced that Baby is a boy
Milestones: Only 3 more weeks until our c-section date and only one week away from full term!!!

Preparing for Baby

It has been raining all day, so we decided to use today as a lazy pajama day. As we had nothing we absolutely HAD to get done today, we decided to pull out some Baby gear and start getting some things ready for Baby's arrival.

Miles was very excited to play in the stroller as we figured out how we were going to be able to make it work comfortably for both Miles and baby.

The final product

To ensure that Baby and Miles would both be comfortable, we tried it out by using Miles' stuffed frog.  Miles was a very big fan of this, and decided to carry "frog" around the rest of the morning acting like "frog" was his Baby.

Miles is going to be such a wonderful Big Brother!

Baby Predictions

We recently sent out an e-mail for everyone to make predictions about Baby and here are the results:

Baby Girl Names: Josephine Henrietta, Madeline (Maddy), Annabel Josephine, Abigail Marie, Amberly, Samantha, April

Baby Boy Names: Spencer, Jameson Allen, Hudson James, Mason Joe, Charles, Carter, Mustafa, Davis

Birth date: 4/3, 4/10, 4/10, 4/11, 4/11, 4/15, 4/16, 4/17, 4/18, 4/25, 4/27, 4/23, 5/1 - Median 4/16

Boy: 8 votes

Girl: 7 votes

Birth Weight: 5 lbs 14 oz, 6 lbs 5 oz, 6 lbs 8 oz, 6 lbs 9 oz, 6 lbs 10 oz, 6 lbs 11 oz, 6 lbs 14 oz, 7 lbs 3 oz, 7 lbs 3 oz, 7 lbs 4 oz, 7 lbs 8 oz, 7 lbs 9 oz, 7 lb 11 oz, 7 lbs 14 oz,  8 lbs 6 oz - Median 7 lbs 3 oz 

Birth Height: 15.5”, 17.5”, 18”, 18.5”, 19”, 19”, 19”, 19.5”, 20”, 20”, 20”, 20”, 20.5”, 21”, 22” - Average 19.3"

Features from Mom: hair color, compassionate, organization, hair, good looks, intelligence, nose, pretty smile, frame, blue eyes, smile and height (if a girl)

Features from Dad: blond hair, feet, sense of humor, good at asking questions, facial features, height, intelligence, eyes, chin, slim body frame, nose, smile, typing speed andcheekbones

First Word: Dada, Mama, No (as Miles tried to take a toy away), Please, Sean, Miles, no, clean

Favorite Food: Sweet potatoes, pizza, fruit, steak and potatoes, bananas, ice cream, pumpkin,  applesauce, filet mignon, popcorn, plums and apricots

Favorite Activity: Playing with Miles, soccer, ballet (ifa  girl), drawing, rugby, strength training, reading, running, pushing a stroller, walking in a stroller, cars, trains, being silly with Daddy, playing with balls, walks in the park, building blocks, baby dolls (if a girl), cooking, pooping and taking a bath

Favorite Sports Team: UNC, Charm City Roller Girls, OSU Football, Redskins, Cincinnati Bengals, Boston Red Socks, Orioles and Ohio anything

College/University they will Attend: Boston College, Bucknell, somewhere in Florida, OSU, UK, OU, UMBC, EKU, Drew, Penn State, Williams and Mary, USC, UCLA Berkeley and Michigan

College Major: Business, Math, Sociology, Social Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Journalism, Quantum Computing, Medical Field, Psychology, Engineering, Movie Production, Politics, Economics and Performing Arts

Old Wives Tales Revisited

It is starting to get to me that I don't know if Baby is a Boy or a Girl, so I decided to revisit the old wives tales to see what can be predicted:

Where are you carrying the extra weight: out front (Boy)
Is your leg hair growing faster now than before pregnancy: no (Girl)
Are you carrying high or low: low (Boy)
Do you sleep in bed with your pillow to the north or south: Neither
Are your feet colder now than before pregnancy: no (Girl)
Do you prefer the end of a loaf of bread: no (Girl)
Has Dad-to-Be gained any weight: no (Boy)
Does the maternal grandmother have gray hair: some... sorry mom (Boy)
Did you have morning sickness early in pregnancy: yes (Girl)
Are you looking particularly good in pregnancy: no (Girl)
Have you experienced rapid chest development: no (Boy)
Are you craving sweet or sour: sweet (Girl)
Has your nose changed shape: no (Girl)
Craving fruits or meats and cheese: fruits (Girl)
Baby's HB less than 140 beats per minute: no (Boy)
Do you prefer orange juice more than before pregnancy: no (Boy)
Are you experiencing headaches: no (Girl)
Does your abdomen look like a watermelon or a basketball?: basketball (Boy)
When asked to show your hands: show palms up (Girl)
Are your nails stronger now than before pregnancy: no (Boy)
Is your hair shinny and fuller: no (Girl)

So, there you have it. The votes are in:
Boy: 9
Girl: 11

35 Week Comparison

As I am feeling very huge and uncomfortable, I was thinking there is no way I was this big with Miles, so I had to do teh comparison:

35 Weeks with Miles:

35 Weeks with Lil Bit:

Not to self, I am wearing the same shirt, just a different color for comparison.

The Best Time of Day

Every day, we end our day with a few books before bedtime.  While this is currently a special time for Daddy and Miles, Baby loves it too.  Baby is so incredibly active during story time, especially when Miles "reads" the books.  I love just sitting back and watching my Boys as I feel Baby moving around like crazy, excited to join the party!





17 More Work Days!

Things are really starting to sink in that Baby is going to be here VERY soon!  This morning while I was getting ready for work I realized that even thought mid April seems like a while off, I only have 17 days of work left... AHHH!  Small little freak out moment.  Wow do I have a lot to do in the next 17 work days to be able to fully focus all my time and attention to Baby and Miles as they both so deserve.  Maybe my memory and attention span would like to return to help me over these next 17 days!

35 Week Belly Photos

Wow, I am looking tired these days!

35 Weeks

Growing, growing, growing. Yup, Baby and me. We’ve reached 35 weeks, and my uterus has grown about 1,000 times its original size, a number that might sound exaggerated to everyone else -- but to me it feels more like a million. I can expect to gain about a half-pound a week before birth, and Baby’s beefing up, too.

Now, Baby's hearing is fully developed, and Baby responds best to high-pitched noises.  If Baby is a boy, his testes have probably fully descended.

Baby's the size of a butternut squash!  Baby's about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. From here on out, Baby won't get much longer, but simply begin to plump up. Baby's now about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds, and will put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth.


How far along: 35 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +20.5 lbs

Pregnancy Symptoms: Complete lack of sleep, unable to see my feet, BACK PAIN!!!, lightheadedness, pregnancy brain, sciatic pain, difficulty sleeping, difficulty breathing when walking up a flight of steps, thirsty all the time, Braxton Hicks, increased urination, difficulty eating as I am full after a few bites, swollen ankles and feet - All in all, down right miserable
Maternity clothes: Yep
Stretch marks: Nope

Sleep: 2-3, and no I am not exaggerating
Best moment last week: My surprise 4D ultrasound and watching Miles see Baby for the first time.  A moment I will cherish the rest of my life.
Movement: Baby is certainly still pretty active in there.  No real kicks anymore, but lots of rolling around.
Food cravings: Sweets
Gender: I am going to go with Girl based on the number of sweets I cannot keep myself from eating

Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks, oh yea

Belly Button (in or out): I'm an outie!!!!!!!!!!!!

What I miss: SLEEP
What I am looking forward to: Just a little over 4 weeks until we finally meet Baby
Milestones: We now have a scheduled date for Baby's arrival.  It is starting to sink in and I am beginning to get really excited and anxious to find out if Baby is a girl or boy.

We Have a Date

Today the phone call came in, and I must say that everything is feeling a little surreal at the moment.  There is something completely unnatural and a bit unsettling knowing your Baby's birth date a month out.  Somethings you are just not suppose to have a say in, like when you Baby decides they are ready to meet you.  Luckily, we did not have a say on the date, we were just assigned a date and time.  I am not even sure if I had the ability to change the date, I didn't even try.  The magical date is April 18 at 9:00 AM.  We are not sure if that means that the surgery begins at 9:00 AM, or if that is when we arrive at the hospital.  I was told, but I must say that I stopped listening as my brain was a little elsewhere.

The wonderful news about the date of our scheduled c-section is that Baby will be 39 weeks and 2 days when the magical time comes.  That really brings us a lot of comfort, especially when we think back to January when all the complications were realized.  At that time, we were praying to make it to 30 weeks, and here we are at 34 weeks, talking about getting to 39+ weeks!  

So, unless Baby decides to make an earlier entrance or we start not doing well between the two of us, April 18th is the big day!

Washington DC Road Trip Followed by a SWEET Surprise!!!

Tuesday, the last day of our Familymoon was already upon us, so we decided to get out of Baltimore.  We got up and headed to Washington DC with the intention to take Miles to the DC Zoo.  Neither Daddy or I were thinking about how wonderful the entire day was going to be aw we were just focused on the Zoo portion.  As it was a week day, we decided to park on the outskirts and take the metro in, AKA Choo Choo!  Miles was in HEAVEN!!!

Miles was so excited to ride the metro.  It was absolutely adorable.  Before we knew it, it was our stop and we were on our way to the Zoo.

Miles was super excited to be at the zoo.  All he could talk about was seeing the giraffes, so I sent to the map when we got there, and... "are you kidding me"... The DC Zoo does not have any giraffes!  Luckily, Miles still gets some of his animal confused and he was very excited when we say the zebras, which he was calling giraffes today, so we were safe!  Way to save the day Daddy!

"Giraffes" AKA zebras

Other winners of the day included the Apes in the ape house

"Big Monkeys"

"Silly Bears" that we eating the trees

"Dirty, yucky elephants"

"Bear"

The bear was pacing for food, but a major hit with Miles

Going on a bear hunt

Even though Miles loved so many of the animals at the zoo, the big winners were the monkeys, the bears and...

the blind, bald moles???

Miles had such a good time at the zoo!

Next we were off to lunch before jumping the metro again, this time headed for the mall to check out if the cherry blossoms were up to anything yet.  Needless to say, by the time we arrived at the mall, we had a very tuckered out little boy!

Daddy and I had a great time anyways!

Looks like we are still a little bit away from the cherry blossoms, so Miles didn't miss much!

With Miles sleeping well in the stroller, we decided we had better begin heading back towards the car, so that we could get a majority of the travel under our belts while Miles was sleeping.  Our plan worked, as we were just about back to the car when Miles woke up.  As we got to the car, Daddy informed us that we had one more stop before dinner.  It didn't take me long to figure out what the surprise was... We were on our way to a 4D ultrasound of Baby!

The experience was absolutely wonderful, as it was the first time that Miles had been present for an ultrasound.  It was so precious, laying there on the table, watching Daddy and Miles point a the screen, just looking at Baby.  Baby was being pretty cooperative, however Baby's face was smushed up against the placenta since it is in the wrong location, so we needed Baby to move a little bit.  Miles jumped right in as the big brother and talked to Baby, helping Baby to be in a better position for the ultrasound.  he pictures of the ultrasound are wonderful, but nothing will ever top watching Miles face when he say Baby for the first time and watching him interact with Baby.  He is going to be such a wonderful big brother!  Baby is a very lucky little sibling!

After the ultrasound, we were off to get dinner to finish up our Familymoon before heading back to Baltimore and back to reality.  Daddy picked a wonderful restaurant, a brick over pizzeria where Miles had a lot of room to run around and be himself.  It truly was a wonderful ending to a wonderful time with my wonderful boys!