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Wednesday, September 26, 2007
35 Week Belly Preview
35 Weeks
Baby:
She now weighs roughly 5.5 pounds and is about 18.5-19 inches long. Her arms, legs, and organs are now basically developed. Over the next few weeks, she'll continue to get some meat on those bones and build her immune system. She is starting to get a little crowded in the womb. Even though Mom's uterus has increased in size 15 times, it is starting to feel constrictive. This of course does not effect her activity level. She must be resourceful and stubborn like her parents... ???
Mom:
I am getting very anxious. Every day brings us closer to the day we get to meet our little baby. I wonder what she is going to be like. Will she have her dad's dimple? Whose nose and eyes will she have? Will she have hair? What will her personality be like? Will she be calm and observant, squirmy and mischievous, fussy, or content?
With under 5 weeks until the due date, it is feeling very real. The pregnancy weight is continuing to accumulate and I get more and more clumsy each day. Just tonight I was browning hamburger and reached up for the measuring cups only to burn my tummy on the pan! No worries, it was very minor - but it taught me that she is sticking out there more each day... I put ice on it as I continued to cook and she didn't care for that. She actually started squirming where the ice was! ;-)
For me, work is starting to slow down a bit - unlike poor Adam. We finished up our prenatal classes this past week. They were very time consuming but I believe they were worth it. Not only did I learn a lot but I also feel more comfortable with taking care of our new addition.
Dad:
Busy, busy, busy. There are a lot of things going on in our life right now. The first draft of my thesis is due November 8th with a baby on the way around the end of October. At least we have finished up all of our childbirth/breastfeeding/parenting classes, so that should free up some time. If I can pull it off, I am going to try to have my thesis done on October 26th (Sarah’s last day of work). To do that, I will be living in the lab, which is going to make a very pregnant Sarah very not happy. But if I can pull it off, it will be a lot less stressful when the baby arrives. I don’t want to be worried about trying to get my thesis done when I should be taking care of Sarah and enjoying the first days of my child’s life. On that note, I am going to quit writing and head into lab.
She now weighs roughly 5.5 pounds and is about 18.5-19 inches long. Her arms, legs, and organs are now basically developed. Over the next few weeks, she'll continue to get some meat on those bones and build her immune system. She is starting to get a little crowded in the womb. Even though Mom's uterus has increased in size 15 times, it is starting to feel constrictive. This of course does not effect her activity level. She must be resourceful and stubborn like her parents... ???
Mom:
I am getting very anxious. Every day brings us closer to the day we get to meet our little baby. I wonder what she is going to be like. Will she have her dad's dimple? Whose nose and eyes will she have? Will she have hair? What will her personality be like? Will she be calm and observant, squirmy and mischievous, fussy, or content?
With under 5 weeks until the due date, it is feeling very real. The pregnancy weight is continuing to accumulate and I get more and more clumsy each day. Just tonight I was browning hamburger and reached up for the measuring cups only to burn my tummy on the pan! No worries, it was very minor - but it taught me that she is sticking out there more each day... I put ice on it as I continued to cook and she didn't care for that. She actually started squirming where the ice was! ;-)
For me, work is starting to slow down a bit - unlike poor Adam. We finished up our prenatal classes this past week. They were very time consuming but I believe they were worth it. Not only did I learn a lot but I also feel more comfortable with taking care of our new addition.
Dad:
Busy, busy, busy. There are a lot of things going on in our life right now. The first draft of my thesis is due November 8th with a baby on the way around the end of October. At least we have finished up all of our childbirth/breastfeeding/parenting classes, so that should free up some time. If I can pull it off, I am going to try to have my thesis done on October 26th (Sarah’s last day of work). To do that, I will be living in the lab, which is going to make a very pregnant Sarah very not happy. But if I can pull it off, it will be a lot less stressful when the baby arrives. I don’t want to be worried about trying to get my thesis done when I should be taking care of Sarah and enjoying the first days of my child’s life. On that note, I am going to quit writing and head into lab.
Monday, September 17, 2007
34 Week Belly
Here is the "weekly" picture of our little one from the outside:
We thought we'd add a couple pics from our weekend adventures. The first is our tailgating set-up. Since we do not have season tickets this year, we opted out of spending the extra cash to take in the Iowa State/University of Iowa football game at Jack Trice. Instead, we brought tailgateting to our front yard. It was a lot of fun. Adam even brought up the grill and rigged up a TV so we could watch the game outside with some friends. (For anyone who didn't know, ISU won 15-13! Go CYCLONES!!!)
And here is a picture of Adam blowing out his candles for his 1st - 29th birthday! Happy birthday, soon-to-be Dad!
34 Weeks
Baby:
If a happy baby is an active baby, she's peachy! She is just over 5 pounds now and somewhere around 18-18.5 inches long. Her current activities are gaining weight (Mom's helping with cupcakes and Tootsie rolls), growing strong (daily exercises include kicks, punches, twists, and what we think are grips), and building a strong immune system. If she were to exit her cocoon this early, chances are she would be just fine with the assistance of some extra heat and maybe some oxygen for her not quite developed lungs. We're trying to convince her she should stay put awhile longer...
Mom:
With 6 weeks to go, the biggest change for me is feeling truly pregnant! I'm even pregnant in my dreams for the first time and they are very strange vivid ones at that! I wish I could remember one - I'll have to start writing them down. Sometimes I actually wake up wanting to laugh...
My tummy does not look bigger from my angle (downward), but it must weigh more. Curbs jump out at me and sitting up straight is a must. When I lean over our baby girl actually gets mad and kicks me. I think it smushes her! ;-) I'm also getting more emotional. I got teary-eyed at Chilli's last week because they are donating all their profits from one day to this hospital who named a wing after them... Yep, while that sounds nice - it doesn't sound like something to tear up over. I'm also rather snappy. Just ask Adam and probably even my coworkers! They are all taking it in stride so "thank-you."
I am starting to feel "ready". It is a little scary, thinking you're bringing a helpless baby into the world who will depend on you for everything... But it is also pretty exciting and amazing! We have a long way to go before things are ready (if they ever will be), but we now have a car seat so they will let us take her home, and a mattress for the cradle so she has a place to rest her head. At least that is two steps in the right direction... I turned in my paperwork today for maternity leave. They ask for dates so I added "...ish" behind them! As of now I'm hoping to work until I can't anymore and then take roughly 10 weeks off to get us past the holidays.
Oh, and I should note one of my biggest lessons from our second prenatal class - I'm afraid the "natural" way is not for me. They passed around a model used to teach residents how to measure dilation - just white plastic with circles on it. One of those circles was the full 10 centimeters... Um... Yeah! I'm looking forward to this week's discussion on drug options! :)
Dad:
We have been going to a “How to Have a Baby” class at the hospital now for a couple weeks. This last session, Sarah and I had the pleasure of watching “The video”. For those who don’t know, “The video” is essentially 2 or 3 ladies reminiscing about their step-by-step progression of labor with video evidence. I think I was alright with everything until the camera panned down for a live action close-up. It wasn’t the fact that they zoom in on some ladies hoo-ha in what seems to be an extremely painful feat, but the utter lack of inconsistency by “The video’s” director. In the earlier stages of the film, I was lead to believe I would’t have to view that footage due to the strategic placement of garments. Boy was that perception shattered. If you are going to show everything, might as well do it from the beginning so we men can get a little prepared. I’ll bet that director didn’t win any Oscars.
One good thing about the class was that we got to watch bill Cosby explain natural child birth. I’ll put the clip at the bottom of this entry.
Besides the class, Sarah is having more and more contractions every day. One of these times it’s not going to be a false alarm. We really need to get a bag packed and all that other stuff, just in case the little one decides to come early. Not to long now before it’s go time….6 weeks.
P.S. Thanks to all of you who prayed for the Cyclones. Your prayers were answered in the form of an ISU victory over Iowa. More prayers and/or ritualistic sacrifices are needed for the rest of the season.
If a happy baby is an active baby, she's peachy! She is just over 5 pounds now and somewhere around 18-18.5 inches long. Her current activities are gaining weight (Mom's helping with cupcakes and Tootsie rolls), growing strong (daily exercises include kicks, punches, twists, and what we think are grips), and building a strong immune system. If she were to exit her cocoon this early, chances are she would be just fine with the assistance of some extra heat and maybe some oxygen for her not quite developed lungs. We're trying to convince her she should stay put awhile longer...
Mom:
With 6 weeks to go, the biggest change for me is feeling truly pregnant! I'm even pregnant in my dreams for the first time and they are very strange vivid ones at that! I wish I could remember one - I'll have to start writing them down. Sometimes I actually wake up wanting to laugh...
My tummy does not look bigger from my angle (downward), but it must weigh more. Curbs jump out at me and sitting up straight is a must. When I lean over our baby girl actually gets mad and kicks me. I think it smushes her! ;-) I'm also getting more emotional. I got teary-eyed at Chilli's last week because they are donating all their profits from one day to this hospital who named a wing after them... Yep, while that sounds nice - it doesn't sound like something to tear up over. I'm also rather snappy. Just ask Adam and probably even my coworkers! They are all taking it in stride so "thank-you."
I am starting to feel "ready". It is a little scary, thinking you're bringing a helpless baby into the world who will depend on you for everything... But it is also pretty exciting and amazing! We have a long way to go before things are ready (if they ever will be), but we now have a car seat so they will let us take her home, and a mattress for the cradle so she has a place to rest her head. At least that is two steps in the right direction... I turned in my paperwork today for maternity leave. They ask for dates so I added "...ish" behind them! As of now I'm hoping to work until I can't anymore and then take roughly 10 weeks off to get us past the holidays.
Oh, and I should note one of my biggest lessons from our second prenatal class - I'm afraid the "natural" way is not for me. They passed around a model used to teach residents how to measure dilation - just white plastic with circles on it. One of those circles was the full 10 centimeters... Um... Yeah! I'm looking forward to this week's discussion on drug options! :)
Dad:
We have been going to a “How to Have a Baby” class at the hospital now for a couple weeks. This last session, Sarah and I had the pleasure of watching “The video”. For those who don’t know, “The video” is essentially 2 or 3 ladies reminiscing about their step-by-step progression of labor with video evidence. I think I was alright with everything until the camera panned down for a live action close-up. It wasn’t the fact that they zoom in on some ladies hoo-ha in what seems to be an extremely painful feat, but the utter lack of inconsistency by “The video’s” director. In the earlier stages of the film, I was lead to believe I would’t have to view that footage due to the strategic placement of garments. Boy was that perception shattered. If you are going to show everything, might as well do it from the beginning so we men can get a little prepared. I’ll bet that director didn’t win any Oscars.
One good thing about the class was that we got to watch bill Cosby explain natural child birth. I’ll put the clip at the bottom of this entry.
Besides the class, Sarah is having more and more contractions every day. One of these times it’s not going to be a false alarm. We really need to get a bag packed and all that other stuff, just in case the little one decides to come early. Not to long now before it’s go time….6 weeks.
P.S. Thanks to all of you who prayed for the Cyclones. Your prayers were answered in the form of an ISU victory over Iowa. More prayers and/or ritualistic sacrifices are needed for the rest of the season.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
32.5 Weeks
Baby:
She is now about 4 pounds and 17.5 inches long. Her current hobbies are kicking, squirming, and the occasional stretch. Her main goals for the week include gaining baby fat and further physical/mental development.
Mom:
Wow – less than 55 days until the due date! It is starting to feel very REAL. The last week has been pretty productive and eventful. We attended the first ’07 Cyclone Football game in Ames against Kent State. Unfortunately our little girl can not claim to be their lucky charm. They lost but it was still a fun trip. I’m sure Adam has stronger opinions than me, but it will be strange not to have season tickets and tailgate with Brad & Kerry every other weekend or so… Something tells me we will be so tired and distracted we’ll hardly notice. (Or I won’t anyway…)
This past weekend we did the registry thing. We went to Target, got a gun, and in typical Adam/Sarah fashion, started arguing. :-) Adam HATES shopping, and when Sarah has to wander and scratch her head b/c she has no idea what she is shooting it makes for a frustrating situation! In the end, we hugged and made up in time to find the First Aid kits. One tip to the fellow-clueless, we took the “Baby Bargain” book with us and looked up ratings for the different brands of things. It did help and gave Adam something to do.
Tuesday night was our first of four Prenatal Classes. It started off with a bang – also in Adam/Sarah style. We’re going to be early! Rush, rush, finish stuffing our face, grab the pillows… “Adam, um… we’re late.” When we registered it was from 7-9. It was also posted from 7-9 online. The letter we received (and both skimmed) said 6:30-9. Sure enough, it started at 6:30 and we wandered in about 25 minutes late! I wasn’t very happy, but really all we missed were introductions and Adam did a nice job of calming me down. While practicing the breathing and relaxation exercises, I think our baby girl was trying to do jumping jacks! It made it a little hard to concentrate, but I suppose contractions might also be distracting, huh?!?!
Dad:
We have written before that the baby likes to start moving when Sarah relaxes. Well, she has stepped it up a notch. Over the last couple weeks, I have noticed Sarah jerking a lot more in her sleep. I figured she was just dreaming. Then a few nights ago I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. The jerking was coincided with an object sporadically jutting out of Sarah’s side. When watching a little closer, you could tell that our little girl was trying to break free. It was crazy. She was actually moving the whole bed. I guess she wanted to stay up and watch a little late night TV with daddy.
On a side note, please keep the Cyclones in your prayers. It may be a long season.
She is now about 4 pounds and 17.5 inches long. Her current hobbies are kicking, squirming, and the occasional stretch. Her main goals for the week include gaining baby fat and further physical/mental development.
Mom:
Wow – less than 55 days until the due date! It is starting to feel very REAL. The last week has been pretty productive and eventful. We attended the first ’07 Cyclone Football game in Ames against Kent State. Unfortunately our little girl can not claim to be their lucky charm. They lost but it was still a fun trip. I’m sure Adam has stronger opinions than me, but it will be strange not to have season tickets and tailgate with Brad & Kerry every other weekend or so… Something tells me we will be so tired and distracted we’ll hardly notice. (Or I won’t anyway…)
This past weekend we did the registry thing. We went to Target, got a gun, and in typical Adam/Sarah fashion, started arguing. :-) Adam HATES shopping, and when Sarah has to wander and scratch her head b/c she has no idea what she is shooting it makes for a frustrating situation! In the end, we hugged and made up in time to find the First Aid kits. One tip to the fellow-clueless, we took the “Baby Bargain” book with us and looked up ratings for the different brands of things. It did help and gave Adam something to do.
Tuesday night was our first of four Prenatal Classes. It started off with a bang – also in Adam/Sarah style. We’re going to be early! Rush, rush, finish stuffing our face, grab the pillows… “Adam, um… we’re late.” When we registered it was from 7-9. It was also posted from 7-9 online. The letter we received (and both skimmed) said 6:30-9. Sure enough, it started at 6:30 and we wandered in about 25 minutes late! I wasn’t very happy, but really all we missed were introductions and Adam did a nice job of calming me down. While practicing the breathing and relaxation exercises, I think our baby girl was trying to do jumping jacks! It made it a little hard to concentrate, but I suppose contractions might also be distracting, huh?!?!
Dad:
We have written before that the baby likes to start moving when Sarah relaxes. Well, she has stepped it up a notch. Over the last couple weeks, I have noticed Sarah jerking a lot more in her sleep. I figured she was just dreaming. Then a few nights ago I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. The jerking was coincided with an object sporadically jutting out of Sarah’s side. When watching a little closer, you could tell that our little girl was trying to break free. It was crazy. She was actually moving the whole bed. I guess she wanted to stay up and watch a little late night TV with daddy.
On a side note, please keep the Cyclones in your prayers. It may be a long season.
6th Doc Apt
On Tuesday September 4th we went to our 6th doctor appointment. I was surprised how quick the appointment was to be honest. I got there, was called into the room before I could even grab a magazine and sit down. Then before I knew it they had my vitals, my pee, and I was sitting in the room with Adam waiting for the doc!
I guess the big thing to report is the doctor is pretty sure (and I agree) that she is HEAD DOWN!!! Way to go little girl. (Now stay that way!) Her heartbeat has dropped to around 130 beats/min which is normal for babies about 32 weeks along. My tummy measured 32 cm which is right on for 32 weeks. And I won’t discuss my weight, but I will say I only have 3 pounds left to gain and stay within “normal”. What is normal anyway? :-) They also told me my blood work and glucose test from the last visit were great. Good vitamin levels and so forth and my glucose level was only 87! I do not understand the details but it has to be 140ish before it becomes a problem meaning gestational diabetes is not something I need to worry about… “Sure, I’ll have another cookie thank-you!”
We’ll have another appointment in two weeks and hopefully things are still going well.
I guess the big thing to report is the doctor is pretty sure (and I agree) that she is HEAD DOWN!!! Way to go little girl. (Now stay that way!) Her heartbeat has dropped to around 130 beats/min which is normal for babies about 32 weeks along. My tummy measured 32 cm which is right on for 32 weeks. And I won’t discuss my weight, but I will say I only have 3 pounds left to gain and stay within “normal”. What is normal anyway? :-) They also told me my blood work and glucose test from the last visit were great. Good vitamin levels and so forth and my glucose level was only 87! I do not understand the details but it has to be 140ish before it becomes a problem meaning gestational diabetes is not something I need to worry about… “Sure, I’ll have another cookie thank-you!”
We’ll have another appointment in two weeks and hopefully things are still going well.
Chipmunk Update
So Bruce and Adam worked together to patch the little guys' entry location. It is solid and so far no break-thrus...
We still have the trap set under the stairs but have yet to catch or see anything.
We still have the trap set under the stairs but have yet to catch or see anything.
Monday, September 3, 2007
Chipmunks...
So I'm venturing away from the baby for a bit to bring you an update on our chipmunk(s) saga.
As some of you are aware, we had a furry visitor invade our house last weekend. He randomly showed up at the top of the stairs, then ran and hid in our bedroom. Adam (my hero) was able to put on some leather gloves and catch him, releasing him into the "great-outdoors". (AKA - the backyard.) We figured that would be the last of him and he had learned his lesson. If he did, he isn't much of a talker. These critters are seriously motivated!
So his entry spot was underneath the front stoop where he dug a hole and crept in under the foundation. KC, our cat, has been spying on him for some time but we didn't realize what she was spying on until we saw him in the fur. To remedy the situation, our landlord cleverly filled the hole with steel wool and Adam covered it with a brick. We all figured that would hold them until we got the hole filled with concrete... WRONG...
So this little guy (seriously, not so big) dug around the brick, proceeded to move it out of the way by toppling it over, then chewed through the steel wool! Adam is out right now buying a live trap. Now to catch these things before we somehow catch KC and/or before they start chewing through our electrical wires, have babies, and/or give KC some random rodent disease!
Alvin, Simon, Theodore! Look out - we're coming to get you...
As some of you are aware, we had a furry visitor invade our house last weekend. He randomly showed up at the top of the stairs, then ran and hid in our bedroom. Adam (my hero) was able to put on some leather gloves and catch him, releasing him into the "great-outdoors". (AKA - the backyard.) We figured that would be the last of him and he had learned his lesson. If he did, he isn't much of a talker. These critters are seriously motivated!
So his entry spot was underneath the front stoop where he dug a hole and crept in under the foundation. KC, our cat, has been spying on him for some time but we didn't realize what she was spying on until we saw him in the fur. To remedy the situation, our landlord cleverly filled the hole with steel wool and Adam covered it with a brick. We all figured that would hold them until we got the hole filled with concrete... WRONG...
So this little guy (seriously, not so big) dug around the brick, proceeded to move it out of the way by toppling it over, then chewed through the steel wool! Adam is out right now buying a live trap. Now to catch these things before we somehow catch KC and/or before they start chewing through our electrical wires, have babies, and/or give KC some random rodent disease!
Alvin, Simon, Theodore! Look out - we're coming to get you...
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