Friday's Ultrasound

We had an ultrasound on Friday. Baby is running out of room in there! I would share the picture but its not very flattering, rather flattening. Looks like Baby H is looking at us squished up against a glass window! Still cute. Almost looks like Baby H has some Angelina Jolie-like lips in the pictures. And a very defined chin. Where are those features coming from? Or is that just the illusion of the ultrasound picture? Hopefully, we'll know soon.
Baby H is measuring in at a healthy 7lbs 8oz. My doctor doesn't think he or she will gain much more than that before entering the world...soooo then what exactly is the hold up kiddo?
Baby H is also measuring in long. In the 99 percentile for height! (Perhaps a future basketball player?!) And lean. Baby's belly was only in the 22 percentile. No worries though, we'll help to chunk baby up on the outside! Also measuring in with his or her dad's melon head - at the 85 percentile!

Last One Standing

Way back in February when we found out about Baby H's existence, we also learned that others shared similar due dates. Two of my friends from high school and my cousin were also expecting. Its been great going through this whole experience with them. Trading war stories and calling, emailing, and texting to see if anyone else was experiencing what you were. All three of my war buddies have now had their babies. AND ITS SOOO UNFAIR! I'm the only one left pregnant!
Welcome to the world, Abagail Lynn, Brendan Thomas, and Derek Michael! Once Baby H finally arrives, I'm sure you will all be good buddies:)

Ready Set GO!

Well, its Oct. 20, and Baby H is still cooking. Which means Baby H has decided not to listen to me. I think this is just the beginning of Baby H letting me know that I am no longer in control.
We are so ready for the baby. The car seat is installed, safety checked and ready to go. The nursery is all put together, the linens and clothes are all prewashed, I've even finished reading another baby book. I'm really ready! Come on baby, its time!
All the baby books say that baby is fully developed and that these last two weeks are just for putting on weight. I promise, Baby H, you can do that on the outside! Hurry up, there are lots of people wanting to meet you!

Carmel

My doctors grounded me, as of Oct. 7th. Which means no more flying and staying within a reasonable driving distance from the hospital. Before Oct. 7 we decided to have one last flight/vaca before Baby H arrives, to Carmel. Its hard to imagine that my next flight will be with a baby in tow (and stroller, and car seat and on and on and on...)
It was a great weekend spent with lots of extended family:)And a HUGE thank you to all that made it happen. Especially to my dad and Kay, who opened their home to ALL of us - for several days and multiple meals! And thank you to my fabulous sisters-in-law for all the effort they put towards making the weekend special. And to my brothers for being such good sports and helping with the weekends activities. It isn't often that my parents get all five of their children, 3 daughter in laws, 1 son in law, and five grandchildren in one place. And all for Baby H! The little baby that they haven't even met yet. I can only hope that Baby H realizes how much he or she is already loved.
Thanks also to my aunts, uncles and cousins who also made the trip. And to my very AWESOME 97 year old Grandma for coming and spending the weekend with us.

Pass the Hot Sauce

I've heard the normal inducing labor techniques: eating spicy foods, going for long walks, getting pedicures, and so on. But recently I have heard some rather different ones. Now, I won't be trying any of these until after the 14th (full term) but you better believe that after the 14th its on! I'M SO READY!
A few unusually things I've heard for speeding Baby H's debut up: Taking the stairs two at a time, eating pineapple first thing in the morning, drinking raspberry tea before bed, and someone even told me to go to the park and do the monkey bars (I think I will be skipping this one).
I've even gotten some unusually advice on having an easier labor. A neighbor told me to eat a lot of chicken in the last trimester to insure an easier delivery. No explanation on how this works but if she says so, bring on the chicken.
I just hope Baby H likes spicy chicken with pineapple and raspberry tea:)

Fuzzy Math

Humans do not have a 9 month gestation period. This is some odd lie that has gone on and on misinforming the public. Here's the deal. Your due date is at 40 weeks which is 10 months. You are not considered full term until you are 37 weeks which is 9 months and one week. And the average first time mother gives birth at 41 weeks (10 months and one week). Even longer...they will let you go as long as 42 weeks before inducing you! This is not 9 months by any means!
So recently when people have asked me how far along I am, and I say 9 months I will often get looks that says, "Whoa! What are you doing out of your house!"
Technically, I'm due November 4th - according to my doctors. I disagree. But that's another blog entry. But with a November 4th due date, Baby H is full term on October 14th. With these dates I have selected the perfect birthday for Baby H - October 19th. Here's why: Anni's bachlorette party is on the 16th (don't want to miss that!)and October 16th is already Simba's birthday. I figure I will need at least the 17th to catch up on sleep. The 18th would be ok but the 19th is a Tuesday and the nurse I like at the hospital where Baby H is entering the world works on Tuesdays. So, I think Baby H should come on Tuesday, October 19th. I've told Baby H this. We'll see how well he or she listens to me!

Wedding Anniversary

3 years ago(and a few days), I married my best friend. I still feel just as lucky and blessed as I did that day.

To celebrate this union we went to the Monday night football game, Bears vs. Packers. Because nothing says, I love you, like a good team rivalry!!!

Two awesome things about going to Soldier Field pregnant: 1. They have pregnant lady bathrooms! No lines!!! 2. All pregnant ladies are permitted to use the VIP entrance and exit.Rather than get smashed in the regular doorways. Both totally great advantages:)

Kyle wanted to make a little wager before the game. If the Packers won, than baby H would be a Packers fan and the same went for a Bears victory. I wouldn't take the bet. Its still early in the season and I wasn't confident enough in my Bears. BUT THEY DID WIN!!! Oh, how I wish I would've taken the bet.

But fair is fair and we decided that like Simba, Baby H will just be a Beakers fan. Half Bears and Half Packers fan until he or she is old enough to decide for them self.

We had a great time and Kyle is already talking about how excited he is to take his son or daughter to future games!