Pics as promised

Here's the belly pics as promised. Week 36.

It's kind of funny because these aren't even maternity clothes. But it's the most comfortable "can leave the house in" outfit.
I had to include a comparison picture. Below is me in this outfit when I first bought it back in September.

Only 1 month to go

36 weeks! I've said this before but I can't believe it is almost over. It is very bittersweet. Pregnancy is such a blessed time and also a trying time, especially with a toddler along for the ride too. I have definitely enjoyed the latter half of this pregnancy more than the first half. Not to say I am not ready to have this baby. I am ready. Although I think if I went into labor tomorrow, I might be a little freaked out. We still have some things to prepare. But I also know everything would fall into place. I would like baby to develop and grow a couple more weeks. I am just anxious to know more about this little one. I can already tell this baby has a personality all its own. It's strange to explain it but I just know in the way Baby moves and seems to "communicate". Baby does seem to be all knees and elbows, poking everywhere. As I think back I do remember this about Nicholas. It is just not a very vivid memory.
Doctors visit today. I did not end up going last week for the stress test because of snow. I had taken my BP here at home and it was good so I reported that to my doctor. After my visit today, All is well with me and baby. I've gained just under 32 lbs so far. The weight gain seems to be slowing down so that makes me feel better. I do seem to be all belly. Just as long as the baby is a healthy weight, I'm good.
I sure would like this snow to stop now. I don't want to go into labor during a snow storm. And driving in this stuff makes me anxious.
I have a picture that I'll get up tomorrow. Now it is time for sleep.

Digging out again

Another snow storm. Our piles are taller than we are. Joe shoveled over 4 inches last night and then woke up to another FOOT of snow! And apparently we are some of the lucky ones in the state. The NE got over 22 inches. And we still have power. Thank the good Lord.

Our driveway is not like a tunnel. I can't even see to pull out onto the road. There is just snow everywhere.

Imagination

The imagination of a 2 year old never ceases to amaze me.
We've talked with Nicholas about the baby coming. Nothing extensive just that the baby will come live with us soon and we've slowly been getting things around.
So this morning he's been carrying around his blanket and bringing it to me all wadded up, saying "baby." Not really getting what he was doing, I'd reply with okay.
Then I decided to show him how we will wrap the baby in a blanket. We got his Curious George stuffed animal out and we swaddled him. Nicholas held him.
Then Nicholas said he peed and we had to change diaper. So I got a diaper out and we needed a wipe and powder. Then we re-swaddled George and he had to sleep, in Nicholas' crib. Then we left the room. Well baby started crying so we got George out of the crib and brought him out to the sofa. Then he peed again! So we changed him and then he needed clothes. So I pulled out some baby clothes and we dressed him.
Now I want you to keep in mind that I am not prompting any of this. It is all Nicholas. Well George was swaddled and put back to sleep. We had to give him books in the crib and turn the fan on before leaving the room.
Then George was crying again. Nicholas wanted in the crib with him to read to him.
You have to understand my son. He is ALL BOY. He has never shown an interest in stuffed animals or dolls or babies. He loves trucks and trains and dirt and playing outside. So for him to come up with this and start playing like this just amazes me.
I hope this is good preparation for when the real baby comes.
Of course now he is in his crib with several stuffed animals and he's wrestling them. It looks like he is winning.
This kid cracks me up.

Pregnant women tend to get huge

It is hard to know how to feel and react when people comment on how huge your belly looks at the end of a pregnancy. I'm 35 weeks. This baby will come in just over a month. Should I be big? Yes. Do I want to hear how big I am? No.
I do wonder if the tactful people are just being kind when they say I look good, all belly. But I don't want to hear that I look big. Although that is exactly how I feel. So keep lying to me. Tell me I look good. I'll believe you.

Christmas

Of course I am a little behind. Here are some pictures from Christmas.

Nicholas got a shaving kit for the bath. He's quite the expert shaver already.

Joe and Nicholas opening presents

Playing with the crane

Singing in the microphone

And putting out cookies for Santa (below)

Week 34-35

This pregnancy is just flying by. I can't believe we are within 6 weeks now. I am a little behind on this post so it will be 35 weeks in just 2 days.
This baby is just all over the place. Either Baby is long or just stretched out. I can feel Baby on my pelvis as well as at the top of my abdomen. And Baby moves A LOT! I wouldn't be surprised if Baby decided to come a little early. And I would be okay with that. I am just ready to move on. Get it done and have this baby here.
Since the last post I feel a little more prepared. I have bought a couple of sleepers. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find gender neutral clothing. Everything is boy or girl. I can kind of see why it seems everyone finds out these days. I have clothing washed. Bassinet is ready to go. We still have to set up the room but that is just a matter of moving furniture. We'll put Baby in the spare room and will decorate later when we know the gender. That room needs painted anyway. We never did it since we've moved in. And it will only be easier after Baby comes...riiigghhtt.
Our doctor visit last week was good, except...my blood pressure was a tad high. So we will start our weekly visits now. Doctor wants me to come this week to check it again and possibly do a stress test on the baby. All that entails is hooking up the fetal monitor for 15 minutes to monitor the baby. We did this every week at the end with Nicholas. So no biggie. We are just starting our weekly appointments one week early. But Baby has a strong heartbeat and as I said, moves all the time.
I've started noticing hiccups. It's funny because this baby hiccups and moves its' whole body and my whole belly. I remember Nicholas' being smaller and more localized to one area.
According to the Chinese Birth Calendar, this baby is going to be a girl. Anyone want to wager a guess to the gender? Want to poll as to when this baby will arrive? How about weight?
I've included 2 pictures of my belly. This baby seems low when looking at the pictures.
Okay all for now. I'll try to post more frequently as time gets closer.

7 Weeks...

...to go! I can't believe it! It is right around the corner. I'm getting excited. I want to be done speculating and wondering how this new little person will fit into our family. And more importantly how we will handle an infant along with crazy man (that would be my son). But we will wait 7 more weeks to meet this little one. Not that I don't have 100 things to do before then. Nothing for this baby is ready. We want to move Nicholas into the bigger spare room but he doesn't seem to want to go and he is very attached to his crib. Yes, still, at two and a half. Which I think, "why change something that is working." Anyway, the room is not ready. The bedding is not washed. The clothes are not washed. The hospital bag is not packed. Nothing is ready...oh, boy. I could be freaking out a bit now that I type this. Let's move on, shall we.
The baby should be weighing over 4 lbs and measuring about 17 inches. Let me tell you, I feel all of those inches. This baby moves all over the place and all the time. It is really quite crazy.
I'm feeling good. I really should not complain about anything. The baby is healthy. I'm healthy. What more could we ask for?
I will try my best to get a picture up soon. Please be patient with me.

Nail-Biter




What a game! There was only about one quarter when us Buckeye fans could breathe easy. I thought they almost lost it but the gods were watching. They must be Ohio State fans too!