30 Weeks

We've officially crossed over from doctor's appointments every 4 weeks to doctor's appointments every 2 weeks! Woah! Where'd the time go?!

This time around we saw the PA as Dr. Goolsby was busy in Labor & Delivery. Everything is still looking good and I walked out of this visit with the added bonus of a TDAP shot. 

We have spent the last several Monday evenings in child birthing classes at St. Vincent's. Some classes and discussions have been more helpful than others but overall it's got us thinking about our fast approaching due date and all the things we want to try to make happen when the time comes. I'm trying my best to remain flexible and realize that I've never been in labor before and I honestly have no idea what I will want in the moment. But I've been reading up as much as I can, listening carefully as we talk in class, and trying to make some best guesses about how we would LIKE for things to go! We toured the birth suites last week and that made it seem very real. We love St. Vincent's (hello, we've spent way too much time there b/c of Matt's pancreas) and so the rooms were just as we expected! 

28 Weeks

We hit 28 weeks and so it was back to the doctor for a check up! This time we started our rotations through the practice and visited with Dr. Thomas. She was excellent! 

All is still looking well--my weight keeps creeping on up there and now my belly is growing out by the second it seems. Little miss was quite wiggly while we were trying to hear the heart beat and Dr. Thomas ended up having to "trap" her with her hands to get a good read. But, no worries, all is well as she came in right around her typical 150bpm. Crazy child! 

The only other issues we talked with the doctor about were my increasing carpal tunnel pains--for which she suggested sleeping in wrist braces--so we've added that to the routine to try to keep it from getting any worse. It really is the craziest thing. It started in my thumb on the left hand and then spread to the pinky--though it seems to have mostly subsided in my pinky finger my thumb is still mostly numb on the inside. We also talked about possible tricks for getting better sleep. It seems the 3rd trimester insomnia has come in right on time. 

All in all we are doing quite well! Continuing to finish up the nursery and anxiously awaiting showers and celebrations ahead! 

Babymoon to Big Sur

Because we like to travel so much, we knew pretty much as soon as we found out we were expecting that we wanted to take one last big adventure with just the two of us (yes, yes I know that we can travel as two again but it will be different when you have to leave a CHILD behind and not just your dog). After much research and deliberation we decided to visit Big Sur in California. 

And, I must say, it did not disappoint.

We spent most of our days enjoying the sunshine and beauty of the California coast. 

We did a good bit of hiking, checked out the redwoods,

caught some gorgeous sunsets,

enjoyed the stunning views, ate picnic lunches,

saw our fill of migrating whales and crazy elephant seals, and took lots of beautiful photos! 

It was such a relaxing, peaceful, and downright beautiful location for our babymoon! I highly recommend a trip to Big Sur in your lifetime!

On our final day/night we took the opportunity to hang around San Francisco. Matt had never been before so there were a few places we HAD to stop (ie the Golden Gate Bridge below). We wandered the Mission District for most of the day and ate a really wonderful meal at Greens restaurant before turning in for the evening.

We are so thankful that we had one more opportunity to sneak away just the two of us and we definitely made memories that we will cherish forever! 

24 Weeks

It's hard to believe that ANOTHER 4 weeks has passed us by so quickly. During the past several weeks we celebrated Christmas and rang in the New Year. It's been a wonderful time spent with family and just taking it easy as the two of us. (I completed a puzzle, read a book, caught up on some TV shows, planned our trip, & just enjoyed a slower pace) Baby Girl already received lots of love in the form of books and clothes--she doesn't even know what's coming!! 

At our most recent doctor's appointment I had to undergo the dreaded Glucose Test. But I really must say, it wasn't all that bad. The drink I downed pretty much tasted like Hawaiian Punch! :) It seems that everything came out normal as we have yet to receive any news (in this case, no news really is good news). Baby's heartbeat was still nice and strong--she was moving all around at our appointment and continues to do so regularly! All is well with Baby Girl and time is flying by these days! (and as you can see from above, there is no more hiding the fact that I'm pregnant)

20 Weeks

It's hard to see the bump in this picture but I promise it's there! We are half way there and 20 Weeks has been an eventful week as we finally found out the sex of our baby GIRL and shared the news with family and friends! 

Finding out the sex is only a small part of the anatomy ultrasound they perform at 20 weeks and y'all it was just marvelous to watch as the technician moved around and pointed out all of the little intricacies of our baby. We could see the heart, the head, the spine, the bladder, the kidneys, the blood flow, the umbilical chord, the feet, the arms, the bones, fingers!, and so much more! It was amazing to watch her wiggle and squirm in there (and bizarre not to really feel it). After our full anatomy scan we got a good report on baby's growth and stats. At 13 ounces and a heart rate of 151 bpm she's growing strong and looking good! 

Here's a glimpse:

I am also starting to feel tiny kicks and flutters every now and then. Looking forward to feeling her move more and more! 

It's a....

In case you missed our big announcement last week! 

Matt was right all along! It's a girl! 

16 Weeks

We had our 3rd visit to the doctor this week. All looks good! Baby's heart is beating at 152 bpm. And we scheduled our next big doctor's appointment--which is when we will find out if it's a boy or girl!

Thought I'd just go ahead and answer a few common questions:

1. How are you feeling?
Much better now that the 1st trimester wooziness is gone. Feeling much more like myself (except for the whole growing out of my clothes business).

2. Will you find out the gender?
Yes! See above. I've not had any inclination whatsoever as to boy or girl so I'm anxiously awaiting the 20 week ultrasound. Matt thinks girl. I'll keep you posted.

3. What hospital are you using?
St. Vincent's. They've been so good to us throughout the past year with all of Matt's pancreas trouble--how could we not go back?

4. Are you still exercising?
Yep. I'm still following my usual routine of Zumba, Body Pump, Body Flow, Body Step, Yoga, running/walking--all with modifications when needed! But still feeling good!

We have a few pieces for the nursery headed our way in the next week or two so we have begun the great clean out of the office. We can't wait to begin to piece together the baby's room!