Eighteen Weeks

Notice anything different in the background? The nursery is coming along!! Eeek!!!

Baby Lovin'

This morning I was laying in bed, and the kids crawled in with me. It's cuter than it sounds, as they don't lay there peacefully but instead pester each other, hide under my covers and or jump on my bed. So much for sleeping in. :)

But this morning, they also wanted to say hello to the baby. Jolie was singing a song about/to the baby, and as she did so- I could feel the baby move. I told her that the baby liked her song and was dancing to it. She loved that just a little. 

Then James started cooing at the baby (while "holding" my tummy in his cupped hands). And the baby shifted entirely over to his side! I told him and showed him, and he was so smitten with the idea. I told him the baby was trying to move closer to him cause she (?) loves him.  Both kids were done for at this point. :)

I explained that the baby is "this" big now (showing them about 5 inches with my hands) and that he/she can hear their words, kind of like how they hear when they're laying down in the tub. Then we watched the Baby Center video that shows the baby at about this age. And I showed them the cross-section type picture that demonstrates how big the baby is now in a mommy's tummy. 

They are so curious about all of this and gobble up any information I can provide. For example, they then proceeded to notice/discuss how big mommy's boobies were getting (nice, kids...nice). Jolie said it was cause the baby was pushing on them (like my belly). I explained that no, the baby's not up there. But mommy's boobies get big so they're ready to get milk in them to feed the baby. They were funny about this: James asking if they were gonna get bigger and bigger with so much milk that they'd explode (!!) and Jolie lifting up her shirt to show that she, too, has boobies...but hers are small. 

I then explained that boobies are special like penises and bums, and we shouldn't go around talking about them or being silly about them. We can talk about things as a family, but we shouldn't go around talking/joking about them with our friends. They seemed to understand this. Sheesh, my kids are getting quite the education with this pregnancy! :|

I love how interested they are about the baby and how he/she's growing and developing. I really didn't expect them to be this involved. But I love it. They're so flipping excited for the baby to come at Christmastime. Shoot, we all are! This baby is already smothered with kisses and coos. 

Your brother and sister sure love you, little one. Though I think you may be getting that vibe by now. :)

So sweet. Love my babes.

Seventeen Weeks

... aka: Channeling my inner Pippi. ;)

Sixteen Weeks

I went in for my sixteen week appointment on Monday. It was a good one. I really love my doc. I tried to get him to schedule me an ultrasound that day, with the excuse that I'm measuring large (true, but really- any excuse would've worked for me). He reminded me that I have one coming in my next appointment and told me to hold my horses. :) Darn.

My uterus is larger than average. It has been with both of my other kids, so I'm not surprised. I'm measuring 18 weeks instead of the 16 I should be. No worries, just a fact. I tend to have lots and lots of fluid. Lucky babes; they all get an Olympic-sized pool to wade around in! No wonder they're such big babies! Little fish in a big pond = big fish, right? 

The heartbeat was good and strong, in the 140-150 range. Good job, baby. You're so strong already.

I'm not feeling the wee one move much yet. I'm excited for when that will change. But for now, it's nice to just know that everything seems to be on schedule with no complications. Especially given the stress and difficulties Dena's dealing with (her little lady is trying to get out waaayy to early) and even Tori's hernia pain, I am so grateful for a quiet, by-the-book pregnancy. I've got it pretty good, really.

My next appointment (and ultrasound!!) is scheduled for Aug 14th. Sooo far away (Blast you, Derek, and your work trip to Cali!)... but also not far away at all. Will there be coral in the nursery plans? Only time (and an ultrasound tech) will tell! :) Can't wait.

Baby, I love you so much already. Thank you for growing and developing so well; I know it's hard, exhausting work. I'm excited to "see" you soon. And don't worry... I won't let your brother name you Wisconsin, even though he thinks it's beautiful.

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Fifteen Weeks

My belly is going to be so big... :| Fun, though, right? Hello, baby!

PS. Notice the new arrangement? Can you tell at all? And new curtains?! Eek! So exciting!

Fourteen Weeks

I forgot thirteen. :| Oops. We've been busy. This week (and next): swim lessons.