Battle of the "Bulge"

Just a quick note to reflect on how I'm getting the crap kicked out of me on a daily basis. Sophie is a kicker and moves A LOT. I'm to the point where I can see bulges coming out from my belly, like an alien is about to pop out. I can see a ripple from one point to the next. Ricky and I sometimes like to sit and stare at my belly. It's better than watching TV some nights.

She has distinct wake and sleep patterns now. I can feel her about 4:00 in the morning, sometimes later, but mainly between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. She moves sporadically throughout the day. I'm too busy to really notice what time it is when she starts moving, but as long as I feel her, I'm good with that. Then about 8:00 p.m. she starts wiggling around again. Some of her kicks are very strong. One day she's kicks on the right side, the next day she's a little to the left. Other times I can feel a hardness in the middle of my belly that might be her bottom?? Maybe a heel??

I'm still exercising, getting to the gym about 3-4 days a week. I am starting to feel a little bit more tired lately but overall still going strong. Work is starting to pick up so I need the energy to make it through the day. My feet and ankles swell. I don't get to put my feet up very much but by the weekend they go back down. One thing that I've noticed is that it's hard to get comfortable at times but I'm sleeping fairly well (until I have to get up and go to the bathroom).

I go back to the doctor on Wednesday for my 32 week check up. Wow, 32 weeks!! Only 8 more to go (maybe less, depending on what she wants to do). Ricky keeps saying how he can't wait to meet her. I can't either, we are very excited, BUT I must admit that I can't wait to not be pregnant anymore :)

Childbirth class

Yesterday Ricky and I had an all day Childbirth class at Roper St. Francis Hospital (where we will be delivering). The class was great, we learned about the stages of labor, learned when you need to call the doctor, when you are going into labor, some breathing, and how to time contractions. Also watched a video of several births (Ricky actually watched it and didn't close his eyes...very proud) and took a tour of the Women's Center. Got to see the labor/delivery room and then the postpartum room. I'm allowed 3 people in the room during the birth so besides Ricky, Mom and Amy.... be on red alert when the time comes. Ricky commented on how hard the floor looked, he's anticipating passing out (I think he will surprise himself).

During the tour our instructor took us by the nursery and there were several babies, didn't look too busy on a Saturday, although my instructor who's also a Nurse there, said there are A LOT of women due in May and June....... A couple in our class has the same due date as us, they are having a boy. Our instructor went around the room and asked what everyone was having, due date, doctor. Girls seemed to rule this time around......

Overall we're glad we went to the class. I think this is starting to make it feel very real for us both. We are getting excited but know we still have a little ways to go. Here's a picture of the nusery's new addition, the curtains are hung. My mom did an awesome job picking out the fabric and sewing.

30 week check up

Had my 30 week doctor's visit today. Everything is still going very well, strong heartbeat at 141 beats per minute. At first the nurse couldn't find the heartbeat, she was kind of to the left of my belly. I told her to move it to the right because that's where I've been getting kicked the last day or so, and sure enough she found it over there.
Doctor says that I'm still growing nicely, Sophie should be about 3 pounds or so by now! I passed my glucose test (woo-hoo!) and they will be seeing me every 2 weeks until I'm 36 weeks. So I have my next 3 appointments scheduled.
Things are starting to pick up and I can't believe that we are almost 2 months away from meeting her!

Baby Shower

A BIG thank you to Amy, Pam, and Amber for putting on a fabulous baby shower this weekend. Everything was awesome and I greatly appreciate it!!!! Got a lot of great gifts from everyone so another BIG thank you to all who came. I have spent my day today putting stuff away in the nursery and washing a load of baby clothes. I can't wait to dress her up in all her cute outfits.

Lots of awesome gifts

and cute clothes too....

Pam, Me, and Amber (you girls rock!)

Me and Amy getting a taste of the cake

Soon to be Gran and Aunt Amy

Loved this cake and it's so cute!!!

3rd Trimester

I'm officially in my 3rd trimester as of this past Wednesday and so far it's gotten off to a rocky start. I left work early yesterday morning because I wasn't feeling very well and as it ended up I had some sort of stomach bug. It was not a fun experience, especially when you can't take any medicine.
So I am back at work today and feeling better, able to keep some food and liquids down. Let's just hope this isn't a sign of things to come. I've had a great pregnancy so far and I don't want to last three months to be hell :)
Ready to relax this weekend since the weather is once again going to be rainy and chilly.

Some Progress

We've made some progress with the nursery this weekend. Sophie's initials were spray painted, got the paintings framed up and hung, ceiling fan has been installed....we're on a roll. Still have some things to add to the nursery. My mom is making the curtains and another piece of artwork to go on the opposite wall (a butterfly out of buttons sewn on canvas, can't wait to see what it looks like).
Here's a few pictures, and as always, one of the dogs. It has been a sunny and warm weekend so the dogs got to be outside a bunch. As we were in the nursery hanging the paintings, I glanced in the bedroom and they were both laid out on the bed. They have such rough lives.

Lazy pups

Snuck one in of Ricky

Paintings are officially complete. Ricky built the frames

out of lattice strips, which he also stained. He did a

great job!

Just a few butterflies and a dragonfly I found. A nice touch.

Sophie's initials over the crib.

27 week update

I had my 27 week doctor's appointment today and things are still looking good. I am measuring right on schedule. I also had the glucose screen and I got to drink a very sugary version of fruit punch (Maegan said pick the red so I did) and it wasn't that bad, I'm sure I've had worse. I got it down in like 2 minutes, waited an hour, and then had my blood drawn. If I don't hear anything from the doctor then I'm golden. If I do hear from the doctor then I will have to go in for the 3 hour glucose test, which I don't really want to have to do, so let's all hope I have good results.

I go back to the doctor at 30 weeks (so in 3 weeks) and at that point I will be going every 2 weeks until I'm 36 weeks and then I'll be going every week until D day. I'm on my way to the 3rd trimester which means that it'll be June before we know it!!