Kicks, Shower, CPR and Holidays

That about sums up our busy week. My doctor wants me to do "kick counts" twice a day. This requires me to lay on my side until I feel baby "kick" 10 times. I know I should enjoy this time to myself, just lying around, but it was really fustrating when there was a lot of holiday stuff to get done. All I could do was lay there and think of all the stuff I needed to get done. Thankfully, baby is pretty active and I usually count 10 kicks before falling asleep and having to start over.

My wonderful co-workers had a baby shower for us this past week. It was a lot of fun. We also squeezed in an infant/toddler CPR class this week. Luckily there's not much difference between adult and toddler CPR, so you can all feel safe around Matt & I if you need CPR!

It's hard to believe that this was our last Christmas with just the two of us. We can't even imagine how different things will be next year. All I know is that I'm still having my sister come over to help with the wrapping!

How Much Bigger?

This is the question I've been pondering since Matt took this picture. I really don't think it's possible for my belly to get any bigger, but we still have two months left!

We're now seeing the doctor every two weeks! I can't believe it's that time already. Thankfully, this week's appointment was also uneventful, everything seems to be going along fine.

We had our last childbirth class this week, much to Matt & my happiness! The class was interesting because we discussed more about what to do when you get baby home. Matt also had his Daddy Boot Camp this weekend. Among other things, he learned that he seems to have a knack for quieting down crying baby girls. So, maybe we should be hoping for a girl.

The nursery is almost done (thanks mom!) and it's really starting to look like a baby is coming into the house (as seen in the picture with the Pack N Play in living room). I am amazed at how someone so small can require so much stuff that takes up so much room!

And finally, just as we thought kitty was turning the corner, she caught a cold or some other bug. She's all stuffy and her nose is running. She looks so pathetic. Plus it means that we have to continue to feed her with the syringe and try to get pills into her (both tasks are very challenging to say the least).

Field Trip

For this week's childbirth class we went to the hospital to see the rooms. It's such a shame that they send you home after only two days because the rooms are beautiful. It was really comforting to see where (and how nice) everything was. We also attended a baby basics class this week. We learned how to swaddle, bath, calm (or at least try to), and massage the baby among other things. While it still seems like most of the stuff they're teaching us is common sense, I think we have picked up some interesting information along the way.

Amongst all these classes, we have been busy nursing kitty back to health. Thankfully, she seems to be getting better which is a huge relief for us.

Baby's movements seem to be getting stronger. I'm not sure if it's all in my head or not, but I do know that a good, strong kick in the ribs will keep you from feeling asleep during a work meeting!

Better Late Than Never

I know this week's post is later than usual, but the end of last week was a rough one for Matt & I. Our other kitty got very sick (her liver isn't working properly). So we've been spending a lot of time and energy taking care of her. I don't think of either of us expected our first experience with baby food to be feeding it to our cat! Too bad you don't feed babies with a syringe because we've got that down pat.

On the bright side, childbirth class was very interesting. We discussed medication and C sections. It also brought up some questions for us to ask the doctor at our monthly appointment. The visit was good as we found out I passed the 3 hour glucose test. Thank goodness! I can handle watching my sugar intake, but I'm not sure I could have eliminated it. We did find out that my iron level is little low, so I'm taking a supplement in addition to my prenatal vitamin. Hopefully this will also help with my energy level.

As you can see in the picture, Matt put the crib together! It's so exciting watching the nursery come together. And please ignore Piddle's (aka Sammy) green eyes in the picture. I couldn't figure out how to fix them.

One Busy Week

It was one hectic and fun week (not counting the cold I had). From childbirth class to a birthday to Thanksgiving to the baby shower!

In class we learned the third, final and most complex breathing technique. At that point in time my cold was pretty much in full force and I was just glad to be breathing period. A few points to ponder regarding the class...Why is it on the second floor? Why did we sit on the floor the whole class? And why do we do relaxation techniques after 8 pm right before we have to drive home?

Thanksgiving and the baby shower were both fabulous and lots of fun. I just wish I had more room in my stomach for all the yummy food! And Matt wishes we had more room for all the baby stuff.

In Through the Mouth...

And out through the mouth. This was our "more complex" breathing technique we learned this week. I'm not too sure what the difference is between breathing in through your nose as opposed to your mouth, but I figure someone much smarter than me came up with these techniques. We also learned a great party trick involving a balloon and ping-pong ball at class. Later in the week we attended a baby safety class. While most of it was pretty much common sense, it never hurts to review things like that.

It appears that I jinxed myself with my post earlier this week concerning my glucose test. It can back high and I had to go back for the 3 hour test. While I really didn't mind drinking twice the amount of the orange stuff, I really didn't like getting blood drawn 4 times, not eating for 17 hours and sitting in the little waiting room for hours. At least it's over and hopefully this one comes back ok.

Since we're beginning the 3rd trimester, I figured it was time to break down and have a naked belly shot. At first I thought it was just the angle that Matt took the picture at that made me look so big. And then he showed me this picture...

I Never Did Care for Orange

I've never been a fan of orange flavored anything, so I wasn't really looking forward to my glucose test and drinking the "thick orange soda." Surprisingly, it didn't taste that bad (I'm sure it helped that I finished it in three big gulps. Let's just hope that this test turns out fine so I don't have to do the extend 3 - 4 hour test. I'm sure by the end of that one I would really hate orange pop.

In Through the Nose...

And out through the mouth. This is the breathing technique Matt & I learned at our first birthing class this week. I have to admit I was pretty disappointed that I was learning something so basic, but our instructor promised the next two techniques will be more challenging. Other than the breathing technique, class went fine and we did learn a thing or two (such as the stabbing pain in my right side is probably from baby kicking my liver). I think both Matt & I were thankful that the first birthing video we watched was animated. I'm not sure either of us is ready to see a "live" birth just yet.

Next to class, the highlight of my week was when a co-worker brought in her baby girl who's about 2 months old. Hard to believe that in about 3 months I'll be holding my own baby! I just hope our baby is as good as this one was, she just slept while everyone held and admired her. And according to her mom, she's sleeping through the night already! I think I'm already jealous because if the baby is anything like I was, Matt & I will not have a moments peace for a very long time.

We Survived

It was a busy week...doctor's appointment, Halloween, and registering for baby stuff.

Thankfully, there was no orange body paint around the house on Halloween or Matt would have had my belly painted like a pumpkin!

Our doctor's appointment went good. Nothing too exciting, which is a good thing. Things are progressing along just fine.

When I first arrived at the store to register, I was completely overwhelmed. Thankfully, I had a well qualified friend to help me out (Thanks again Val!). Once we got going it was a lot of fun. That is until I got home, started reading reviews on the stuff I picked out and then had to go back and change things. At least Matt seemed happy with what I picked out.

Here is Matt getting creative with his weekly picture taking duty...

How Many Days?!

Ok, so I added the above ticker because I thought it was adorable. However, seeing how many days left until our due date is a bit unnerving! It's amazing how fast the time goes by.

A Lot Changes in a Year

Who would have thought that one year after Matt put my beautiful wedding ring on my finger that my fingers would be too swollen for me to wear the ring on most days? I'm also venturing to guess that while Matt thought I looked beautiful on our wedding day, he probably thought I looked just as beautiful standing there pregnant with his child, in the Big House. ;)

We are definitely out of the "comfy" phase. This past week my rib cage has been quite uncomfortable, especially at night. So, neither Matt nor I have gotten much sleep lately. I guess we are just getting prepared for when baby gets here. I'm also realizing that my stomach is not as big as it used to be (in terms of how much food I can eat at time). I'll eat a regular sized meal only to find that I'm really, really full minutes later. I guess it's time for the recommended smaller meals more frequently.

Would You Look at That

So, I was lying down between loads of laundry today (had to add that so it looks like I do something around the house) and I looked down at my belly and to my surprise it was moving! Apparently baby is now strong enough to make his/her movements not only felt but also seen! It was so exciting and yet so strange to see my belly move. I thought it would be a little while longer before I would actually see any movement.

Another fun fist this week was getting a flu shot. Ok, it wasn't fun but it went as well as getting a shot could go. As someone who works in public health I guess I'm supposed to promote getting a flu shot and get one myself, but I never did until this year because my doctor and the CDC recommend it. I just hope that isn't the first year in a long time that I get the flu!

Comfey Time

According to my books and websites, this is the most "comfortable" time of pregnancy. There's no morning sicknesses and the belly isn't too big yet. If it wasn't for my sinuses beginning all out of whack, I would agree (I guess, given I have nothing to compare it to).

I have been trying my hardest to stay up and watch the Indians during the play offs, but failing miserably. Thankfully, last night I was awakened by the need to use the bathroom (which happens every few hours throughout the night) during the bottom of the 9th inning. I was then able to watch the Tribe kick Boston's behind in extra innings. Finally! Waking up to go to the bathroom wasn't so bad.

Go Tribe!

On the Move

Over the past few days baby has really been on the move. Matt was even able to feel the baby move the other night! (After many nights of me putting his hand on my belly only to have the baby stop moving, which I hear is a very common occurance.)

We had our regular monthly doctor's appointment this past week, everything's on schedule and going well. Maternity tops are pretty much a must now and so is putting my feet up at the end of the night. Thankfully, I've only had the one leg cramp thus far (hopefully I didn't just jinx it).

And in this Corner

Actually we're both in the same corner. We figured we would let Matt get in on the picture taking fun in order to show off his handy work in the nursery. Let the furniture building and decorating begin!

I experienced another pregnancy first this past week, a leg cramp. As if it wasn't bad enough to be jolted awake by a pain in my calf at 4 AM, the soreness didn't go away for a few days. Other than that it was a rather peaceful week.

Baby's First Picture

We had our ultrasound this week! At first it was somewhat anticlimactic, the ultrasound tech did the standard ultrasound and we couldn't really tell what we were looking at. The heart, spine, and hand were pretty clear, but we can barely tell what the pictures she printed out for us are of. It got much more exciting when the doctor came in and did a lot of the 3D ultrasound pictures (I'll try to scan some and post them this week). They are simply amazing.

Apparently our baby is already stubborn and doesn't listen well. The baby kept moving around and would not keep his/her hand away from their face, despite the doctor "tapping" on my belly with the ultrasound wand. And no we did not find out if the baby is a boy or girl, but we did confirm there is only one baby.

And did anyone else know that you are not supposed to use lotion on your belly a week prior to the ultrasound? The doctor told me this as he was trying to get better pictures of the baby. Not that I use a lot of lotion, but I definately would not have used any if this information had been given to me a week sooner!

Kicked Out

So, Matt kicked me out of the house on Saturday so he could refinish the floor in the nursery. It looks amazing. He did an awesome job. Hard to believe that the nursery will be ready for furniture soon!

I realize this week's picture isn't the greatest for the "bump watch," but as it turns out, going to the Browns game was great for the exercise routine. You have to park far away and walk to the stadium and when the Browns are actually competitive, it's stand up, sit down, stand up all game long. Maybe we'll have to go to all the home games so I can get more exercise! My goal this upcoming week is to try swimming. As long as I avoid mirrors, things should be good (maternity bathing suits are NOT flattering).

We are starting to look into all of the childbirth/parenting classes, there's a very long list to choose from. Other than that, things are continuing to go well.

Still Weight Watching

We had our monthly check up with doctor this week. The baby's heartbeat is good and the baby is moving around.

As exciting as it is to hear the baby's heartbeat, I dread the monthly weigh in. Now I knew that whole eating for two thing wasn't true, but I had no idea that I would have to watch my weight more closely than when I was in Weight Watchers! It's amazing how all the pregnancy books can make you feel like crap just because you're craving (and eating) a little junk food. Of course I want to eat good for the baby, I just thought that this would be the one time in my life where I could enjoy food and not really worry about weight. I'm sure it would help if I would exercise. However, I'm still lacking energy and wonder why the skinniest part of our legs (the ankles) are at the bottom. I guess I just need to suck it up, lace up those tight-fitting shoes and get walking.

On a more positive note, Matt did a wonderful job painting the nursery over the weekend. He even picked the color scheme with only a little help from me.

And hopefully the kitty drama is coming to a close. She's now on stronger medicine and we have confirmed she's not diabetic. Let's hope the medicine works!

Bad Kitty

How can something so cute be so much trouble? (I'm sure I'll be asking myself that a lot in a few months.) We thought kitty here was all better with her medicine, however over the weekend she starting peeing all over the house again, including on our bed! This lead to an emotional break down with much crying. Poor Matt was such a good husband, sending me downstairs to watch TV while he took care of laundering the sheets and chasing kitty down to put her in a room where she could pee where ever she wanted. We're hoping that urinary tract infection has come back, because if this is a behavioral thing we're not sure what to do with her! (Any suggestions are welcomed).

This would be the good kitty. I just thought she looked so cute and deserved some credit for peeing in the litter boxes!

What Was That?

So, I think I've started to feel the baby move! I'm not positive if it is indeed the baby, my imagination or the foods I've been eating. It's more fun to think it's the baby. I'm still waiting for my second trimester "surge of energy," because I still don't have very much energy. From what I here that's when the nesting phase really kicks in. Right now I think Matt has more of a nesting instinct than I do as I think he is putting up a new front door as I sit and type this.

If stress is bad during pregnancy, the Michigan football team did not help this week. At least Matt & I have one less thing to worry about, it looks like we won't be missing out on the championship game.

For the Record

As the college football season quickly approaches (thank goodness!), Matt & I would like to go on record to predict that Michigan will indeed be going to the BCS National Championship game. This is based simply on the fact that this would be the one year we would NOT be able to attend the game since I will be in the last trimester. Go Blue!

Week 16 Begins and So Do the Dreams

I hope you enjoy the picture because I felt like a complete dork posing for it. Maybe it's because I still feel like I'm not showing, despite my new found love of maternity pants that go past my bellybutton. At least it gives you a glimpse of Matt's handy work in the basement.

I have recently begun to have the vivid dreams I have heard so much about. It amazes me that I can be asleep for only a few hours and have such odd dreams, especially since I was never a big dreamer before. The dreams have definitely been strange, ranging from Star Wars, the old neighbor's house, to CSI. The CSI one stood out since it woke me up at 2 am and Matt was out of town. Nothing like trying to fall back asleep after dreaming about murders without your husband there to protect you!

Most of our attention this week was on one of the kitties. Turns out it probably wasn't the change in furniture that caused her to pee on the new carpet, it was a urinary track infection. I just hope that when the baby gets sick she/he likes the taste of bubblegum flavored medicine, unlike the cat.

These pants are how high?

Until this week, I don't think I've worn pants past my bellybutton since my parents dressed me. While I was shocked that my first pair of maternity pants came up to my ribcage, I was relieved by the comfort factor. Although I'm pretty sure the weight gain is due to my huge appetite (at one point I was eating more than Matt). It also doesn't help that my cravings seem to be dictated by radio commercials. I craved a McGriddle for a good week or two due to hearing the commercial for it every morning on the way to work and I'm constantly thinking about BW3 wings in the afternoon.

Matt's pretty much finished with the basement (which looks great) and the nursery is almost empty of our random stuff, so soon enough we can start getting it ready for baby.

And so it begins....

Matt and I first found out we were expecting in the beginning of June. It took 3 pregnancy tests for us to actually believe it. (They should really work on making those little lines come in much darker.)

So far, things have been going good. Morning sickness has been limited to queasiness here and there. The tiredness has really kicked my butt and my complexion is worse than it was in high school. We've already had 3 doctor appointments and have heard the baby's heartbeat at the last two. Our original due date was January 31st, but it has since been changed to February 12th.

Matt's busy working on finishing the basement so we can move all the stuff out of our "office" and turn it into a nursery. The kitties have responded to the change by peeing on the new carpet. All we know is that the kitties are in for a much bigger shock than furniture being moved around the house and they better learn where their litter boxes are.