Predictions

38 weeks, 4 days and counting...we had another growth scan yesterday to make sure the baby was on track (since my belly is measuring 2 weeks behind "schedule"). All is well in this cozy womb and the ultra sound tech estimates Baby Beck's weight as 7 lbs and counting. I can handle 7 lbs...let's hope he makes his appearance before he gets too much bigger! It's amazing that as far as medicine and science have come, doctors can't truly predict the exact date when a baby will make an entrance into the world. The anticipation is exciting...and I'm enjoying bad television and trashy romance novels while I wait.

Catching up on belly shots

It's been awhile since the last post, so there are a few things to catch up on. We'll start with belly shots - at 34 and 37 weeks. At about 34 weeks, my doctor said I was measuring 2 weeks "behind" and ordered an ultra sound to measure the baby. He measured just fine - right on track (estimated 5.4 pounds at the time). I suppose he's finding nooks and crannies to stretch his long Beck legs, while keeping his mother's figure in mind. Already a considerate child.

Fabulous Family Baby Shower

Today, my sister and mom hosted a beautiful family shower for Baby Boy Beck. There were so many creative details - the blue and brown theme, "decorate-a-onesie" project, personalized M&M's, delicious carrot cake (my favorite...thanks Andrea!) and so much more.

Our little guy is already so spoiled, and will be one of the best dressed babies on the block! It was a wonderful day and we are so lucky to have supportive family and friends. The day was extra special...my cousin Kellie is expecting her daughter on May 9th, but her water broke during the shower! She waited until we opened her gift before heading to HOAG hospital...and we're all waiting by the phone for the big news. Our little guy is next in line, due at the end of June. We hope he didn't pick up on the idea of coming early...he needs a bit more marination time.

A fantastic day! And yes, the baby diapers and gear in the nursery-to-be are a little overwhelming, and exciting all at the same time!

29 weeks and back to school

All is well at 29 weeks. Had a doctor's appointment the day these pictures were taken. She said that the baby's measurements from the ultra sound put him at about the 49th percentile...which is a nice size for delivery (let's hope he stays that way!).

This week also marked our 1st of 4 childbirth prep class. We watched a video of a birth - I think it was filmed in the 80's. Beck said the woman looked like Bon Jovi...and he was right. He closed his eyes during the actual birth part, saying he wasn't planning to watch that closely when our son is born and certainly didn't need to see this lady go through it. We'll see how things go in about 10 weeks...

Week 28: our baby, the thinker

I always look forward to the ultra sound - a little peek inside to see what Baby Boy Beck is up to. Friday was our growth scan, to take measurements and make sure everything was on track. The doctor confirmed everything was as it should be (and confirmed he was still a boy), estimating his weight at 2.14 pounds. He is head down with his back against my belly - he turned his head a couple of times but kept mostly turned away. A shy one! He was resting his chin on his hand - something I saw Beck do later in the day and it freaked me out a little. How can this baby already have our mannerisms! I've included a shot of "the thinker" (it kind of looks like a snake biting his chin, but rest assured, it's his hand. I made sure.)and a side profile - his little duck lips melt my heart!

The thinker


Side profile

26 weeks...and a little drama

I am writing this post on day 1 of week 27. We took these pictures in week 26. There was a little drama in week 25...

Long story short, Beck and I headed to labor and delivery about 2 weeks ago to confirm what I thought were contractions. Oh boy! I was on the monitor from about 1 AM - 4:30 AM, baby's heartbeat was great, contractions subsided after 2 shots of terbutaline and we headed home to get some sleep. My doctor checked me out the next day and everything looked just fine. I was still in pain and discomfort (doctor called it irritable uterus...what?) for several days so she told me to rest - and now I'm feeling back to normal.

Belly expansion continues...

Monthly check-up, week 24

My monthly doctor's appointments are usually the same and thankfully, uneventful. My favorite part is hearing the baby's heartbeat. Today was the first time the doctor measured my belly, and the most weight gained between appointments since I first started this process. The nurse was kind and said it's probably the baby's growth spurt. I didn't remind her that Girl Scout Cookies arrived towards the end of February. Oops! Next week - glucose test. Wish me luck!