28w2d

It's amazing how fast a week goes by when you have a holiday on Monday. I feel like I blinked and it was Friday already. Not that I'm complaining; I love weekends. It was so nice to get away for a few days last week. We left late Friday afternoon and headed up to the campsite. Our friends Frank & Lynn were generous enough to let us use their camper, which was fully stocked. When we arrived we unloaded the minivan, then stopped at the grocery store nearby to buy some snacks and a rope to attach to Tess's leash so she could wander as we ate outside. As it grew dark, Gregg built a camp fire and we made s'mores. We sat for a while in front of the flames, unwinding from the week.

The next morning, we took our time getting up and ready. I had to try and fit my pregnant booty in the shower which was the size of a Cracker Jack box. At least I had hot water! Around 12:30 we met up with Ryan and Anita where they were docked, and spent the afternoon with them on their boat. We sped out to the middle of the lake where a whole host of other boaters were anchored out, playing music and swimming. When we got back, we cooked hamburgers and veggies over the fire pit and made hobo pies. Gregg left his hobo pie maker in the fire too long, trying to get it nice and hot, and it ended up melting!

On Sunday we were really lazy and didn't leave the campsite until about 2pm. It was nice not having any kind of schedule to adhere to. We got ice cream at Dairy Queen and drove around exploring the area a bit. We also went to a few places trying to find a pie maker so we could replace the one that was destroyed, and ended up at Walmart. Since the camper had a t.v. and a DVD player, we picked out a movie while we were there. We got Juno, which I really enjoyed, but thought they could have developed the characters more. The film could have explored the theme of teen pregnancy and adoption more, too. IMO, the lead character was so casual about giving up her baby. That night, we went out for dinner and just came back to the camper to watch some t.v. before going to bed.

Monday after lunch we cleaned up, packed the car, and finally headed home around 3. Coming home from vacation is always bittersweet. We were both looking forward to sleeping in our own bed and using our own shower again (the bathroom in the camper makes ours look like a castle), but I wasn't quite ready for the work week to start up with its agenda and responsibilities. In fact Tuesday was pretty rough for me, but I got back into the swing of things as the week progressed.

Yesterday morning, I downed the lovely bottle of glucola syrup for my gestational diabetes test. It tasted like slightly fizzy orange soda. Then I drove to the lab to have the blood work done. I hate getting blood taken, but the procedure was over very quickly. I'll get the results at our next doctor's appointment this coming Friday.

We begin childbirth education classes on Monday night! Or as Gregg says, "we're going to learn how to poop out a baby". They last for three weeks and conclude with a tour of the hospital. I'm both excited and nervous. I think I've underestimated the pain and physical toll of labor, and I'm fearing I might learn otherwise. It's good to be prepared though, right? I know that no matter how bad it could be, I'll have Gregg right there by my side the entire time supporting me. I have no doubts about his ability to be a great labor coach. He can be calm and steady while I freak out, ha ha.

I am still amazed at how well this pregnancy is going. Already two-thirds of the way through, and I've only experienced minor discomforts so far. Those of you who have already had children are thinking, "Ha. She's so naive. Just wait for months seven through nine!" Yeah, I know it will probably be a different story in the August heat & humidity, when my stomach is stretched to the max and my feet are the size of beach balls. Women who have given birth in August made no bones about how hot and miserable I'll be. Thanks, ladies.

I really can't wait to finally meet our little boy, who we've affectionately been calling "Bubba", because we haven't yet decided on a name. Next weekend we're going to get cracking on the nursery, and I know I'll spend time in there over the coming weeks daydreaming even more about what it will be like holding our son, feeding him, dressing him, and just loving him to pieces.

28 Weeks:

27 Weeks

Hello, third trimester! I can't believe I'm here already. Just three short months away from welcoming my son into the world. I'm amazed at how large my belly has become. I promise to post a picture soon... the batteries in our digital camera are completely dead and I don't have any to replace them with! Baby Boy seems to be moving around all the time now. Yesterday I thought he was doing a headstand on my bladder. Yet another side effect of this latter stage of pregnancy- having to go potty at least ten times a day.

I feel such joy when I think about what life will be like with our little guy. All the things we'll experience with him, share with him, teach him. I know the first few months will be hectic, but I'll want to enjoy every minute of them. I try to think of such things when life gets stressful and busy, reminding myself that I am incredibly blessed by a loving God.

Now I must get back to the task of folding laundry so we can easily pack up our things tomorrow afternoon for our long weekend. I can't wait!!

26w5d

Down to double digits on the countdown already! Where does the time go? Looking at it the other day, I thought to myself "Oh, I still have ninety some days". But then I realized that ninety days equals three months and almost had a mini panic attack. I seriously don't know where all these weeks are going.

Two weekends have passed without blogging, and that's primarily because I've been so busy at work lately. We did go up to NJ for Mother's Day as planned. Gregg and I met up with my mom and stepfather for dinner that Saturday night. My mother chose The Cheesecake Factory, which was located at a mall about halfway between their house and my in-laws'. The place was mobbed. I really don't remember the mall ever being that crowded before. I'm so glad we don't live in Jersey anymore. The wait at the restaurant was almost an hour, and parking was nearly impossible to find. While we waited, I showed my mom and stepdad the latest pictures from the ultrasound and opened a gift for the baby from them- blue socks, hats, and onesies with teddy bears that were absolutely adorable!

The next day the ladies enjoyed a fabulous meal cooked by the men in Gregg's family at his parents'. There was steak, chicken parm, fruit salad, biscuits, veggies, mashed potatoes and two different kinds of dessert. Enough food was left over for an army. We received more goodies for baby boy from Gregg's mom and aunt; a rattle, a wearable blanket, creepers, onesies, hats, socks, bibs, and washcloths with little footballs and racing cars. My MIL even bought us the Winnie the Pooh border for the nursery and a stroller for when he can sit up by himself. I tried on the "dummy" dress she had finished making me for my sister's wedding. There are a few alterations needed and I'll obviously grow some more before July 19, but it came out great. I'm looking forward to waddling down the aisle in it.

The best part of the day was when I woke up that morning, and Gregg simply whispered to me "Happy Mother's Day". I can't really describe the feeling I had at that moment, but I still get all warm and fuzzy inside when I think about it.

This past weekend we spent in town, running errands and having dinner with friends. On Saturday we picked out paint samples for the baby's room. We'll probably leave the off-white color that's already there on top, add the border in the middle and a shade of blue on bottom. I can't wait to get started decorating!

Today first thing at 8am was my sixth month check-up. I asked Gregg why it always seems to rain the morning of our doctor's appointments. Anyway, the nurse checked the usual: urine, blood pressure, weight. All were good! I've gained a total of 20 pounds since the start of my pregnancy. I honestly don't feel like I've put on much weight at all, though. Before the doctor came in, I was given a bottle of that glucola syrup to take home for the gestational diabetes test. They told me I can drink it and have the blood work done sometime next week before coming in again. Fun, fun. The doctor shared the results of my last ultrasound and said that everything with the placenta is normal. It ended up rising on its own, so it won't cause any problems during labor and delivery. She used the doppler to listen for the heartbeat, which is in the 140s. Now that I'm approaching my third trimester, my appointments will be every two weeks. We left the office scheduled for a bunch of dates right up through the middle of July.

I'm starting to develop a case of baby brain. I'm so scatter brained at work, I feel like I can't keep things together. When I went to pick up my new prescription glasses at Walmart the other day, I couldn't find the right words to tell the clerk what I was there for. Gregg had to rescue me, and I felt like a complete moron. I'm also feeling way more emotional than usual. I woke up very early Saturday morning and laid in bed crying for close to ten minutes, for no particular reason. I feel sad and guilty whenever we go out and leave the dog behind. I almost burst into tears after eating the last grape in the fruit platter we bought at the grocery store, thinking that now Gregg would be left with no more grapes to eat. What is wrong with me?? I've become an absolute basket case.

Thinking about coming back to work after my maternity leave depresses me. If I can't bear to leave the dog behind, how can I possibly leave my newborn son with someone else for a few hours during the day? Granted, my job is pretty flexible and I can do a lot of work from home. I've actually been offered a lateral move within the agency that would allow me even greater flexibility and do the adoption work I have wanted to for sometime now. Still, I don't know how I'll manage to do any work and handle the demands of a new baby. I need a lot of strength and grace from God on this one. I'd prefer not to work at all, but that may not be feasible for us financially just yet. This has really been tearing at my heart lately. I talked with our company's benefits manager, and found out that I can take two weeks regular paid leave before my short term disability kicks in for another six, at a reduced salary rate. Two months just doesn't seem like enough time to take off to have this baby.

I'm feeling weepy again just thinking about it. It doesn't help that it's a miserable, gray rainy day outside with temps in the 50s. For now, I will look forward to getting away with Gregg for a much needed mini vacation over Memorial Day weekend. We plan on going up to Raystown, PA with some friends and hanging out. It should be a fun and relaxing time. Our last vacay for a while at least...

25w1d

Wow, 25 weeks and I'm feeling HUGE! Gregg jokes that he can barely put his arms around my belly anymore. :) Last Friday, we went to our friends Dave & Theresa's for dinner and enjoyed a wonderful lasagna, toasted garlic bread, fresh fruit salad, and homemade brownies with ice cream. I can't remember ever feeling that full before. I don't know how women in their latter months of pregnancy possibly eat that much. It felt like my tummy was going to bust!

I'm now at that point where total strangers are asking me when I'm due. A few days ago, someone asked how much longer I had and I seriously thought he was referring to how many more hours I had left at work that day (duh, baby brain kicking in). The guy got a little scared, as if he made a mistake. He paused before saying, "Um, no. I mean, when are you due?" "Oh, the end of August" was my brilliant reply. I should have said, "What are you talking about? I'm not pregnant!" There's really no hiding it now though.

The invitation for my sister's wedding came in the mail yesterday. I can't believe my little sis is getting married in just two months. I can't believe I'm going to be a mother in just three! I'm starting to get panicky about all the stuff we have yet to do before the baby's born. I always envisioned I'd be more on top of things, but I feel like the weeks are flying by faster than I can realize another one's gone by.

This weekend we're celebrating Mother's Day by traveling to New Jersey, to visit our moms (aka Grandma B and Grandma S). We're going to take my mother out for dinner on Saturday night and then spend part of Sunday with Gregg's family, when the guys will treat the women. That will probably be our last trip up there before the baby comes, because it's a four hour drive, and it's not the best idea for me at this stage to sit in a car for that long. Speaking of being uncomfortable, I hear our comfy reclining couch calling my name...

24w1d

We had another ultrasound this morning! The sonographer took measurements of the baby and he's doing growing right on schedule- actually a little ahead of schedule. He's measuring at 24w5d and weighs 1 lb 11 oz already. Our little guy was a bit camera shy, and wouldn't let the tech get too many close shots of his face. He kept putting his arms and hands up in front of his face, just like last time. Because he wasn't cooperating a whole lot, however, we got to see him in 4D much more than a month ago. Absolutely amazing.

Next, the sonographer checked the progress of my placenta since the doctor was slightly concerned it was too low. We'll find out what the status is at our next routine check-up on the 20th. She printed out a bunch more pictures for us to put in the baby album and downloaded a few images onto a CD.

I can't believe I'm nearly done with my second trimester. I'm already at 6 months! It still seems so far away until our son enters the world, but that countdown on the side of my blog is getting close to double digits. My belly appears to grow by the day now and it's becoming harder to bend down. It's a challenge to find tops that cover my entire tummy! My nails are growing faster than I can cut them, too, and my hair is the thickest it has ever been (which is good, because I've always had very fine locks).

Overall, pregnancy is treating me well. I am truly blessed with this little miracle God has given to us. I could already see my baby boy's personality developing on the ultrasound screen, and think about the kind of person he'll grow up to be often. I daydream about holding him in my arms for the first time and wonder what features of mine and Gregg's he'll have. For now, he still remains "nameless" as we continue to discuss what we should name him. We each have our favorites, and a "compromise name" picked out, but nothing is settled yet. 16 more weeks to decide!

24th week shot: