37 weeks…officially full term

We had a great appointment this week. I was surprised to hear that I am 2cm dilated and 75% effaced because I have been feeling great and still am not sure if I have had a contraction. I am sure I am having them and maybe just don’t realize it, although people tell me, I will certainly know it when it happens. All of my vitals were good and I tested negative for strep B. We have the baby’s room pretty much ready and the baby’s clothes washed and put away. We are going to pack our bag this weekend so we will be ready when the baby decides to come. Our next appointment is Wednesday, Oct. 27 – so we will see what progress has been made. I can’t believe we could meet our little man any time, for sure in 3 weeks. I can’t wait and I am so excited. Feeling great and still sleeping pretty well so can’t complain.

The baby is over 6 pounds and 19 inches…size of a watermelon (YIKES!). He had a strong heartbeat at 154 bpm. BW is getting ready for the outside world blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling, and gripping (it's getting strong!).

More information will come after our next appointment.

34 Weeks...6 more to go!!

The last few weeks have been great. Friday, September 17 we had a sonogram to see how the baby is growing and developing. The doctor was concerned because I was measuring a little bit big. The baby was doing great and progressing right on track, maybe a little above average. The fluid surrounding the baby was just as it should be. The only thing we are now concerned about is that his head is up (which means he is currently breech). Not too worried because we know there is plenty of time for him to turn. We had our 34 week appointment this week and it was pretty standard. Still measuring just a bit big, but nothing that the doctor is too concerned about anymore. Our next check up will be in 2 weeks, October 13, and the doctor will be “checking” me for any progress. Not really looking forward to this, as I have heard this is a painful experience. Overall, everyone is doing well. I am growing, as you can see, and so is the baby. Here is what’s going on with the baby this week:

BW now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well.

These next few weeks are going to be interesting as the baby continues to grow and so will I am sure. I already feel pretty big, so I am not sure about getting bigger, but ready or not, it is going to happen. I am hoping to start getting things organized these next few weeks…wish me luck and thank you for following and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Nursery in Progress

Well after we had found the furniture we were on the search for bedding. Finally I decided on a sports theme that I liked. So the furniture was delivered, the bedding was purchased, and…wait for it…the room is painted!! Yes, Jeremy’s parents came up and helped paint the room over Labor Day weekend. It looks so precious and I can’t wait as each week goes by it becomes more complete, little by little. We still have so much to do, but I feel so good having that one checked off the list.

We also had our first baby shower the weekend of August 28th. It was so wonderful and my sisters and good friend did a wonderful job with the decorations and food. We were given so many wonderful and thoughtful gifts and I feel so blessed to have so many people in our lives looking forward to welcoming home the baby.

We have another shower this coming weekend September 12 and then one more on September 19. I am super excited and so blessed to have such great friends and family.

Wholly Baby Bump…31 weeks

Well, with 9 weeks left BW and I are both growing. I have been feeling really great with no complaints. Still having some hip pains while sleeping through the night, but that is about it. We had our 28 week appointment on August 18th. At this appointment I drank the glucose drink and tested great. The doctor measured my belly, from the pelvic bone to the top of my uterus and I measured a little big. When I say a little big, I mean I measured 32 centimeters instead of 28. The doctor didn’t seem to be concerned at the time and said we would measure again at our next appointment and may end up scheduling a sonogram to see how big the baby is getting as we get closer to our due date. We have met with one daycare provider. We weren’t too impressed so we are still looking. We have an appointment this week with another lady; we’ll see how that goes. We also have our 32 week appointment on September 15. After that appointment we will be going back every 2 weeks…hard to believe. These weeks are just going by so quick!

This week the baby is around 16 inches in length and is weighing in at just over 3 pounds and is heading into a growth spurt. BW can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's moving a lot, too. BW is going through major brain and nerve development these days. His irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. (He won't pick up anything from his nose until after birth, though -- smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.)

I can’t believe the miracle that is growing in me everyday. Every week he is growing and developing more and more. You would think I would get used to it but I it is just so amazing. I will try to post a little more often to keep everyone up to date. Thanks for following along.

27 Weeks and Growing!

Over the last few weeks I have really started to feel BW moving and shaking. I still feel his little kick and jabs but now I am feeling his actual body moving. I can feel his hard body occasionally and then feel him move. That is such an amazing feeling and I must admit I don’t know if I will ever get used to the feeling. I love to feel him moving around. It is hard to believe that it is already the middle of August. This journey has seemed to fly by; I can’t believe that I am nearing the end of the second trimester! I have been feeling great. So far, the heat has not seemed to bother me much. The worst thing is that it is hard to get out and walk when it is still so hot in the evenings. Jeremy and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary this last week on August 5. We went to dinner and then I was tired, so we just came home. It was nice to share a special day with a special man. He made me pancakes for breakfast which was a very nice surprise!! On Saturday, August 7, Jeremy and I woke up and headed out to the Konza Prairie and went on a 4.5 mile hike through the prairie. It was a perfect morning and I was so glad we did it. It was breath-taking and peaceful out there and it was a great couples outing for us. I saw a chameleon for the first time and screamed so loud I am sure people could hear for a mile! I am so thankful for my health and for the support of my husband, family, and friends. This has been a great first pregnancy experience and I am trying to enjoy everyday of this miracle that God has given us.

We are still on the bedding search after the recall and at this point I am not sure if there will be bedding at all. I feel like I have looked at every website out there. I may look at a fabric store this coming weekend, let’s pray we have some luck!

Jeremy is heading to St. Louis for a boys’ weekend. They will ride the train from KC to St. Louis Friday, August 13, leaving at 7am. They will return Saturday afternoon. I am heading to Halstead for the annual Old Settlers Days. I am looking forward to seeing family and friends.

I am not the only one who is growing. BW is growing too! He is now 14.5 inches and weighing in at about 2 pounds, about the size of a head of cauliflower! He is sleeping and waking at regular intervals now. He is also blinking now and although I have not felt it he may be getting the hiccups occasionally. His lungs are still immature but are developing at a good pace. More and more brain tissues are developing and his brain is very active now. I get more and more excited to meet him every day. I am starting to wonder just exactly what he will look like. I can’t wait!!

We have a lot of exciting things coming up in the next few weeks. Our 28 week doctors appointment next week, Wednesday, August 18. This is the appointment where I have to have a glucose test. Our furniture get delivered on Wednesday August, 25. Also, on August 29, we have our first baby shower with family and friends from Halstead. I am so excited!! First KSU football game is September 4 and it will be a hot one for sure!! I have decided I am not going to complain about it – it’s KSU football and it’s gonna be a good year!!

Well thanks for following along this journey with us. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers and we will continue to think of you all too! We are so thankful for you and your support! Look back in a few weeks for more updates.

RECALL!!!

This just in...Just when I thought I was making progress...I got a call telling me that the bedding I had ordered was sold out. Two steps forward and one step back. I was disappointed because I had been looking for bedding for a while now. In the grand scheme of things, it is just bedding...my search continues. I will keep you posted!

25 Weeks, Where are the Days Going?

THE BED



The last few weeks have been good ones. Last week we had our 24 week appointment. All went well. BW (Baby Will) is doing great. His heart was beating away at 163 bmp and he is a happy little baby. (that is what the doctor kept saying) I am feeling him move around more and more each day and the movements still catch me off guard. I am always amazed at the wonderful gift God has blessed us with moving and growing inside me. Jeremy and I found the crib over the weekend at Nebraska Furniture and I am so excited for it to be delivered. I also found the crib bedding this last weekend. Progress is being made, slowly but surely. I suppose there is a reason that we have 9 months to prepare for this little bundle. My summer class ends this week, July 30, and I am thankful for a much needed break from school. My family has scheduled my first baby shower August 29 and I can’t wait. I am really looking forward to seeing friends and family and celebrate the coming of BW.

Here is what is going on with BW this week:
Head to heels, BW now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half, about the size and weight of an egg plant. He’s beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He’s also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

We will be painting the nursery soon. On our to-do lists includes daycare, child birth class, and narrowing down the name. We are taking suggestions! We are so thankful for our supportive families and friends and thank you so much for following along with us on this amazing journey that God has set for us. Stay tuned for more updates soon.