2 Months: Stats, Shots & Smiles

This past Sunday, our little nugget officially reached the two-month mark of her short little life. My, how time flies. Jeff and I grow more smitten with her every single day, as she reaches new milestones and grows more and more into the person she will become.

We visited with our amazing pediatrician on Monday, and she assured me, again, that Caleigh is absolutely perfect. (DUH!) Here are her updated stats:

Length: 23 inches (73rd percentile)

Weight: 12 lbs, 5 oz (73rd percentile)

Head: 15.7 inches (92nd percentile)

In comparison, here's where she was at her very first appointment, four days old:

Length:19.25 inches (34th percentile)

Weight: 5 lbs, 15.5 oz (8th percentile)

Head: 13.8 inches (75th percentile)

Talk about growth!!! This kid has gotten huge!! I can't get over the improvement in her weight. I remember vividly, the second or third night we were home, I called the nurse line convinced Caleigh wasn't getting anything to eat and was starving to death. I bawled in Jeff's arms because I felt like a terrible mother, not being able to feed my baby. What a difference two months makes! This kid clearly isn't starving, and it's showing in her round little body and chubby face. She's developed those adorable little baby rolls in her arms and legs, and has acquired an additional chin.

Monday's visit wasn't just to check on Caleigh's growth stats, it was also an opportunity for immunizations. She received one at the hospital before we were released, but the nurse had taken her out of the room and brought her back sleeping, so I have no idea how much she freaked out then. This time was a totally different story. I had the "pleasure" of holding my tiny girl while she got stuck with big needles THREE TIMES. I'd been able to get her to sleep while we were waiting for the nurse to return with the shots, so she didn't react too bad to the first one. She noticed it, but with her paci securely in her mouth, she handled it pretty well.

I wish I could say the same for the next two, wowzer.

The second one saw the paci come flying out of her mouth and my daughter wailing like I had never seen before. Full-on mouth wide open, eyes scrunched tight, in the most pain she has ever experienced in her little life. My heart broke in two. And then she got stuck again, and I think that one hurt a little more, because she looked at me, tortured, and wailed and wailed and wailed. My poor little baby girl. My heart broke some more. I was crushed. I am already dreading having to take her back again and again and again, and especially when the time comes that she'll know what is about to happen and can tell me how much it hurts. My heart will break some more I think.

So after the shots, I managed to get her clothes back on, calmed down and back in her car seat. She fell asleep in the car on the way home, but I gave her some infant Tylenol when we got home just in case. She napped in the afternoon and seemed fine the rest of the night, so I'm thankful for no adverse side effects. Minus my still-broken heart, of course. Maybe next time Daddy will have to take her.

We also received a referral for a local eye doctor because our pediatrician (at my inquiry) suspects Caleigh might have one or both crossed eyes. We haven't made the follow-up appointment for that yet, so I'm not sure if she actually has crossed eyes or not. We'll find out more in the next few weeks.

Finally, the two-month mark has brought us something super exciting: SMILES!! Jeff and I are definitely learning what things we can do to help bring on smiles (tummy tickles, excited faces) and do them as much as we can. It is another level of parenting when your child smiles at you. Didn't think I could love her little face any more, and then she SMILES at me and it's like

OH. MY. GOODNESS.

She's too much cute for one baby. We're looking forward to continuing to watch her grow and change. It seems like every day she learns something new, or shows us some more of her sweet personality.

That's probably about all for my update, so here's some more recent pictures of our angel:

Napping with daddy.
My loves. <3

Smile!

So much change in just 31 days!

Outtake from our 2-month photo shoot.

Outtake from our 2-month photo shoot.

Outtake from our 2-month photo shoot.

Beaver believer!!

Two Months!

I have pretty severely neglected my blog - sorry friends! I keep telling myself I'll be better about updating, and then I procrastinate for a couple months and feel even MORE guilty for not updating more!

Anyway, here's what we've been up to lately:

Right after my last post, the three of us joined the other students and instructors here at Kingsley for the annual 173d Ops Group camping trip. With a three-week-old baby, we didn't camp, but we did visit for the day. It was a great time! It rained a little bit, but once it passed, we hung around the fire and enjoyed ourselves. Caleigh did great, she didn't fuss much at all and was happy to be passed around and held.

Caleigh with great-grandma June.

For the long Labor Day weekend, Jeff had arranged a hunting trip with his dad in Eastern Oregon, so Caleigh and I ventured back to Corvallis to visit with friends and family. Caleigh met her great-grandmas, and both were immediately smitten with her. It's a crazy thing to think about your own grandmother holding your daughter, and thinking about how different things will be for each generation. We hung out a bit with some of my friends, and had a nice relaxing weekend at home. We probably won't go back until Christmas, so it was nice to make the trip!

Shelby's 30th Birthday celebration!

In early September, we "celebrated" my thirtieth birthday. Okay, everyone else celebrated, I pouted in a corner, hehe. Jeff planned a great barbecue and invited all of our friends, and even took care of the baby so I could have a beer or two. We had a great time! Caleigh especially. She's pretty happy as long as someone is feeding and snuggling her. Lucky for us (I think?) she's not terribly partial to who it is that is feeding and snuggling her. For the week or so leading up to the party, we started introducing one bottle of breast milk each evening so she'd be able to have bottles during the party. I think Jeff enjoyed getting the chance to feed her, and be even more involved in taking care of our little nugget. Since then we've given her bottle intermittently, when we're out and about and breast feeding her isn't really feasible. She doesn't seem to mind a bit!

The next week after my birthday, I got to visit my doctor for my six-week "post-op" appointment. This is just the check-up to make sure everything looks good and I've recovered well from delivery. She said everything seems just fine and my body has healed well. Good news! Things feel pretty much back to normal, which is incredible considering what your body goes through to grow and then deliver a baby.

As Caleigh approaches her two-month birthday, it feels like we notice her changing every single day. She holds her head up better than ever, and she has great focus on objects and faces. She will turn her head towards familiar noises, like mom or dad's voice or her car seat toy. Just this past weekend, she started deliberately smiling at Jeff and I. It's the sweetest thing to watch this little girl just grin at her daddy. They are the cutest. We have our two-month checkup with the pediatrician on Monday, and I expect her to tell us that Peanut is a happy, healthy baby girl. She's gained great weight, and I won't be surprised if she's 12 or 13 pounds by the time we visit. This appointment is also her first big round of vaccinations, which means lots of pokes for my poor tiny girl. Hopefully she handles it like a champ, otherwise mommy's heart just might break.

I'll try and remember to update more after our doctor's appointment next week. Until then, here are more snap shots of our little bug:

Hanging out at a b-course graduation.
Can't wait for daddy's!

"Milk drunk."

Fashionista!

Sleepy baby girl.

I love bath time!

Snuggles with Grammie.

First bottle! Yum!

Just having some thinks.

Game day! Go Beavs!

All dressed up!

Van Orsow, Party of Three

Apologies for my long hiatus, as you can imagine, I've been a little busy.

First things first...WE HAD A BABY!!!

Peanut is finally here, and Jeff and I are elated. Every single day we look at this little wonder with amazement. We MADE that. This sweet, beautiful, precious thing is here in our arms and we MADE her. It's surreal and crazy and awesome at the same time.

Since I've been gone so long, I obviously have quite a bit to catch you up on. It's been more than three weeks since Caleigh was born (and more than that since I made my last post) and if I tried to write down everything that's happened since then, we'd be here for the next few weeks. So I'll give you the brief overview.

MONDAY, JULY 28TH
I was admitted to the hospital on Sunday the 27th in the evening, and given Cervidil, a medication that prepares your cervix for induction/labor. After a restless night of attempting to sleep on a terrible hospital bed, my 5:00 am wake up call came pretty early. I was allowed to shower and have breakfast before we got things stated, which I appreciated. Nice to feel clean and freshly showered since I knew it would be a while. Around 7:15 Monday morning the doctors started Pitocin, a medication that mimics oxytocin, the chemical naturally produced by your brain that starts labor. I started feeling contractions almost immediately, although they were reasonably bearable. Having heard horror stories about how much worse contractions are when you're given Pitocin, I requested an epidural almost immediately after my Pitocin was started. Lesson to the future mommies interested in epidurals: they are administered by an anesthesiologist who may (or may not) be available when requested. In my case, it wasn't until 10:30 that the anesthesiologist arrived, and by then I was beyond ready to not be in pain anymore. After the excruciating process of having my water broken (I don't think it's this bad for everyone, Caleigh was a special case) and the increasing pain of the contractions, I was nearing a breaking point by the time I was given the epidural.

The good news? Once the IV is hooked up, the medication starts and you feel better almost instantly. Huge sigh of relief. As my lower body started to go numb, I relaxed and was able to nod off for little periods of time. Thank goodness.

Fast-forward about eight hours, I'd dilated only three of four centimeters and Caleigh wasn't moving down into the birth canal like she was supposed to. At 7:00 pm, after increasing the amount of Pitocin I was getting, our doctor informed us she'd be back in a half hour to check our progress. If we hadn't made significant change, we'd likely be headed for a cesarean delivery. Our nurses started to scrub down and prepare themselves and me for the surgery. Although I knew this was a possibility, the reality of having major surgery was overwhelming and I cried a bit thinking about it, trying to prepare myself. When the doc came back at 7:30, she checked me again, and despite minimal progress decided they'd increase the Pitocin once more and give me about 30 more minutes, then it was REALLY time for a c-section. This little baby did not seem to want to come out.

When 8:00 finally rolled around and our AMAZING doctor checked us once again, she decided things had moved along enough that we could start pushing. Wait, what? I'd been mentally preparing myself to deliver this baby via c-section, and now I'm being told it's time to start pushing? Wowzer. That threw me for a loop, for sure, although I was glad to be able to at least attempt avoiding the surgery.

So I pushed. And pushed. And pushed. And in a room full of doctors and nurses, a random high school student (don't ask...or do - another time), with the love of my life helping me every step of the way, we managed to bring this beautiful little miracle into the world. It didn't take long to discover why she'd been so shy, poor Caleigh had her umbilical cord wrapped around her little neck THREE times. Active little wiggler had really gotten herself caught up in my tummy!!

The nurses took her to the warmer to check her, under Jeff's watchful eye, while the doc finished up with me. The look on his face was priceless. There is something about dads and their daughters that is innately precious, especially when that man is your husband and that girl is your daughter. My heart was already so full of love for Jeff and the little life that the two of us shared, and it's darn-near exploded with the love I feel for our daughter and this new reality we're growing in to.

Those first couple of days at the hospital were rough, more because someone is ALWAYS in your room checking on mama or baby, so nobody gets much sleep even if they wanted to. Being at home has been easier, and we've been blessed with so much help and support from our families, friends, and even perfect strangers in our squadron. We've got nights of not much sleep, and nights where we feel a little more rested, but every single minute looking at her sweet face is completely worth it.

Here's more good news: she's really cute! I've talked all along about how you were all just going to have to lie to us if she was ugly, because Jeff and I wouldn't know the difference. But, at least as far as we can tell (and unless you're all EXCEPTIONAL liars) she is actually, legitimately adorable. We are so proud.

I think I'll leave it at that for today's update, but I'll try and be back more often with other random updates and tidbits. Not to leave you wanting, here are some sweet pics of our cute girl:

Caleigh Marie

Monday, July 28th, 2014

9:33 pm

6 pounds 7.5 ounces

19.5 inches long

Absolutely perfect

38 Weeks: Last Bump Pic?

Greetings friends and family!!!!

Mostly I'm just here to update with the 38-week bump pic, likely my last one of this pregnancy (barring any crazy, unforeseen circumstances). I started taking weekly pics in my 8th week, and except for the two I missed due to travel, I've kept it up for 30 weeks straight. When's the last time I did anything voluntarily for 30 weeks straight? (Never?? Haha...)

So here it is. The final baby bump pic for Peanut and I, 38 weeks in:

 

Ironically, this shirt has been featured a few times in my bump photos, I'll have to line them all up and compare. 

Everyone keeps asking how I'm feeling, and I'm actually still pretty good. Of course I'm getting increasingly uncomfortable as this behethmoth of a baby continues to grow, but its really only an issue at night. I'm a little awkward getting in and out of the car, and rolling over in bed is pretty tough, but I really don't have much to complain about. I'm walking without a waddle and haven't really had to change my behavior much over the past couple months. 

I think that's about all I have for an update tonight-short and sweet!! We're still planning on checking into the hospital tomorrow and inducing Monday morning. Potentially only two more sleeps until we finally meet our Peanut girl. 

Can't wait!!!!

No News Is No News

Hi there, friends!

I'm writing today mostly to check in, since I'm sure more than a few of you are wondering if my lack of posting means something exciting has happened.

It hasn't.

I've been feeling extra lazy (and super duper un-cute) the past few days, so I've neglected my weekly bump photo. I managed to do the actual chalkboard last night, so I'm pretty much just waiting for Jeff to come home today and take my picture. Hopefully I can post that tonight (unlikely) or tomorrow (more likely).

I did visit with the doctor again this week, and discovered I have made some progress toward natural labor, but she still asked that I check into the hospital Sunday night. So right now, that's our plan. We'll check in to the birthing center on Sunday evening and they'll assess my progress and decide whether or not I need the medication to prepare my body for induction. If I do, they'll give it to me then, but if not, we'll just spend the night in the hospital and be there and ready for the induction Monday morning. The doctor said it's more likely since this is my first baby (and my body doesn't quite have the hang of labor yet) I will be given meds Sunday night. BUT we'll see for sure when we get there. Again, I'll try and do as much as I can to keep you updated, but I can't make any promises.

I do think I'd rather post periodic updates here instead of on Facebook, because I know a majority of my Facebook friends don't care about my labor and Peanut's delivery, but those of you who follow my blog really do! I'm considering a new Twitter account with a widget, so I can post little updates without actually having to create new posts, but I haven't decided on that for sure. You might notice that I've added a little space on the right side called "InstaPeanut" that just has a big blank space below it. That's right - Peanut has her own Instagram account! Once she's here, she'll start posting pics and they should show up in that space. If you have an Instagram account and want to follow her, her name is @thepeanutgirl. If I happen to make her a Twitter account (sounding more and more likely every minute...) I assume her handle there will be the same.

So here we are, Friday night, getting ready for our last weekend as two-person family. We don't have any major plans for this weekend, although we do have quite a few errands to do tomorrow. We may go see a movie (not that anything good is playing...) just because we won't be able to do that for some time. Other than that, our plans include lots of sleep and delicious meals.

I think that's about all the updating I have for today - have a great weekend folks!!

37 Week Bump Pic

You guys are in for a treat! I managed to get my chalkboard done this afternoon and take my bump photo for this week! Since I've already posted this week's update below, I'll just leave you with the photo. 

Enjoy!

37 Weeks: Swollen Hands, Swollen Feet

Alright, I have to warn you. I don't have a 37-week bump pic ready yet. So if that's all you came for, you might as well leave now. I'm working on my chalkboard today and hope to take my pic tonight, but I still have no idea when I'll get around to posting it. Pregnancy has made me pretty lazy these days. I did manage to vacuum today though, which I'll consider an accomplishment. =)

But I do have other updates!

At 37 weeks, we should be about three weeks away from meeting our Peanut. But we're not. We're actually quite a bit closer. I had another visit with the doctor this week, and she'd like to go ahead with the plan to induce labor on Monday, July 28th. So sometime in the next ten or eleven days, Jeff and I will be proud parents to a sweet baby girl.

I have to admit, I've warmed up a bit to the idea of the induction, but that could be because I know I really don't have a choice. The doc believes that this is what's best, so I'm trying to be as on-board as I can. I'm a little worried, because at this point my body is showing zero signs of being ready to let this baby go, and I think we could be in for a challenge getting it to give Peanut up. Not that I blame it, she's sweet and adorable, who would want to let her go?

If nothing should change in the next week or so, by my next appointment, I'll likely be admitted Sunday evening, the 27th and given chemicals to start to prepare my body for an induction. Sometimes labor is induced even though the body has already started the process on its own, and sometimes you have to start completely from scratch, so to speak. I'll try to save you the gritty details and keep this as G-rated as possible.

They'll need to get my body started Sunday night so it's at least a little bit ready when labor is actually, technically induced sometime on Monday. From there, it's just a matter of how quickly my body responds to the drugs, and how agreeable Peanut is to arriving a little early. I'm (obviously) hoping for a smooth labor with minimal complications. The book is very clear that labor inductions have a higher chance than natural labor for any type of assisted delivery, including use of forceps or a vacuum, and cesarean section. I'm hoping Peanut isn't quite as stubborn as her mom and just goes along with what's happening, but you never know for sure. So I'm hoping and praying for the best.

This has been a particularly rough week for me, and although I don't feel comfortable elaborating more here, I'm happy to discuss privately what's been happening, should your curiosity get the best of you. Don't worry - Peanut and I are fine - we're just feeling strongly for people we love that have faced very challenging days this past week. You know who you are, and you know that we love you very much.

So as the reality sets in that we're just over a week away from meeting our little one, I've been trying to line up the last few details of our lives so that we're ready for Peanut's arrival. After a couple hefty Amazon and Target orders, and with the exception of one last package arriving on Monday, I think we've got everything we need to care for our baby. Now we just need the baby herself. It's surreal to think "at this time in two weeks, we'll have our baby" or "next time we do this it will be with a baby." Even after almost ten months of carrying our Peanut girl, knowing about her, and dreaming about her, it still seems surreal that she'll be an actual baby girl, laying in our arms in just over a week. I think Jeff and I both have done a good job of side-stepping the panic and anxiety that first-time parents sometimes face (as much as we can), and are focusing on our excitement to meet our daughter.

My plan right now is to do another post with my week 37 pic tomorrow or Sunday, and then update again after my doctor's appointment next week, along with my 38-week bump pic. After that, you may not hear from me again for a bit, as we head to the hospital and then bring home the Peanut girl. I know you're all dying to hear what we've decided to name her, and you've only got another few days to wait, so hang in there! Just don't expect me to stop calling her Peanut, I think we've stuck her with a lifelong nickname there.

That's about it for today, I'll try and post the week 37 picture as soon as I can! Happy Friday everyone!

The Misnomer of the Nine-Month Pregnancy

Here's the thing: society, pop culture, and the media have been perpetuating this idea that pregnancy is a nine-month process. And yes, while it occurs over roughly nine months, ten months is a more accurate timeline. Look at it this way: you know there are usually four weeks in a month, and that there are 40 weeks in a pregnancy. Do the math here, folks. Forty weeks is ten months. I became pregnant in November, I will have my baby in August (or late July...). November --> August is ten months.

Thus, at 36 weeks pregnant, I am officially nine months, with another month to go still. Not feeling terrible, but good gracious I woke up this morning to painfully swollen hands! I think they'll loosen up as I go on about my day and get my circulation moving (maybe typing this post will help?), but yikes!

Right on time, here's my 36-week pic:

My book says my belly is just about as big as it will get, as Peanut is pretty much at her birth weight and length. As I mentioned last week, my belly already feels huge, and rolling side-to-side in the bed is getting increasingly difficult. I'm also experiencing pain in my hips if I lay on one for too long, which means lots of switching sides (and did I mention how difficult that is??). It doesn't make for a seamless process or uninterrupted sleep. Luckily, I have no problem laying down for a daytime nap here and there. ;D

Little girl is still very active, even though she's running out of room. Her hiccups are killing me these days, as I find the sensation irritating, especially in the middle of the night! Besides hiccups she does lots of rolls and stretches, still exploring her ever-shrinking space.

At this point, the book believes she is roughly 19 inches and weighs about six pounds. Obviously at this stage, there is no way to know for sure, since all babies grow differently in the later stage of pregnancy. Any day now, she should begin to move down into my pelvis, hopefully making breathing easier and relieve some of the heartburn I experience sometimes. It's still surreal that we're going to meet our baby girl SOON!

This is "the book" I'm always referring to.
I highly recommend it if you're also pregnant!!!

I had my 36-week visit with the doctor yesterday, and while she said all is relatively normal and baby is growing as she should, Doc still believes she might come a little early. However, if Peanut doesn't show up in the next two weeks,  the doc wants to induce labor between weeks 38 and 39 due to my increasingly high blood pressure. The risks to baby and to myself increase should we continue the pregnancy beyond 39 weeks, and at that point Peanut should be developed enough to survive just fine on her own. We'll find out more about the induction at my appointment next week.

Am I super stoked about this news? No, not really. Labor is supposed to be a natural process that starts on it's own when baby is ready, and I have mixed feelings about forcing my body to begin labor. Some women also say that induction of labor is more painful than when labor begins naturally, which nobody wants to hear anyway. Of course I don't want to put Peanut in any kind of danger and I completely trust my doctor and her advice. If she thinks delivering Peanut between 38 and 39 weeks is the very best thing for her, then that is what we'll do, whether I'm thrilled with it or not. Jeff and I have always had the attitude that we'd cross each bridge as we came to it, not worrying too much about what will or won't happen. We're trying to be as laid-back as we can about the process so that neither of us stresses out too much if things don't go "as planned."

We want our daughter healthy and happy, no matter how that happens.

I told Jeff last night I was hesitant to share this news with you, since (like baby names) everyone has an opinion on what should or shouldn't happen during labor and delivery, and (like all other pregnancy-related situations) everyone is more than willing to share their own unsolicited stories, opinions, and medical advice from their own doctor. How did so many of my friends and family go to medical school when I wasn't looking? My point is, Jeff and I will decide what is best for our daughter and the labor and delivery process, and would appreciate nothing more than your unwavering support and encouragement. It's scary to think that you might be putting your child at risk before she's even born, and we can definitely use, and will immensely appreciate, your cheers and prayers.

So given this news, it sounds like July 28th may be induction day if Peanut doesn't show up sooner on her own. Don't hold your breath! Things can always change, and the 28th still may not end up being Peanut's actual birthday. Little girl may also decide she doesn't like to be scheduled and just show up on her own. However, July 28th is a heck of a lot closer (relatively speaking) than August 6th. It's pretty much two and a half weeks away. Luckily, with the exception of a few more things to throw into our hospital bag, we are READY! Now we just wait and see how things go and hope for smooth sailing from here on out!

That's probably enough updates for this week! Since I'm visiting the doctor weekly now, I'll have more news to share after next week's appointment, and perhaps more information regarding the possibility of inducing labor.

Have a great weekend everybody!

35: Weeks Down & Days to Go

As promised, I'm back with the 35-week bump pic! Obviously not much new to update, but at least you'll have the pic to see how much change has happened in the last few days!!

Remember early on, when I put on cute clothes and did my hair and makeup for my bump pics? Yeah laziness has pretty much done away with that these days, hehe. I'm also not feeling particularly motivated to turn on my hair dryer when its 85 degrees in the house.

At 35 weeks pregnant yesterday, there were officially only 35 days remaining until Peanut's due date. Crazy how that works, huh? The book tells me she's 18" long, which is probably a good approximation. Everyone thinks that because Jeff is so tall, Peanut will be pretty long when she's born, but it's not like Jeff came into the world six-feet tall. He grew the same as the rest of us, just a little more. So we'll see how long she actually ends up being. I'd say somewhere in the 20-22" mark is probably pretty likely.

She also weighs in at approximately five-and-a-quarter pounds, even though to me she feels like she weighs ABOUT A HUNDRED POUNDS!!!! Carrying so much weight around is hard, and it's crazy that every time I think she must be done growing, I feel a little bigger the next day.

She definitely is running out of room in there, and I can tell because her movements are much more fluid-feeling. She doesn't have the room to punch and kick, and instead they are pressing and stretching motions into my stomach, usually my ribs. Often when I sit for a while, like out to dinner or something, she'll stretch into my ribs the entire time to let me know she's uncomfortable being squished. As if I have it any easier here on the outside! Both she and I will be glad when she's got plenty of space to move and stretch and isn't confined to mama's tummy anymore.

I wish I could tell you we have big Fourth of July plans this weekend, but we really don't. Tomorrow we'll meet up with Jeff's class and hang out downtown at the local festival eating tasty food and watching fireworks, and then we'll probably spend the rest of the weekend just hanging out. It is supposed to be warm, so hopefully we'll get plenty of outdoor time. We broke down and bought a kidding pool today, and I'm looking forward to spending some time in it this weekend. Jeff's got the day off Monday also, so we've got an extra long weekend. Yay!!

Another round of Childbirth Classes tonight, although I can't quite remember what we're covering. Last week was all the breathing shenanigans, but I find it hard to believe anyone actually remembers to use those when the time comes. I'm looking forward to touring the Family Birthing Center next week, and getting a better idea of what the environment will be like where Peanut is born.

I suppose that's about it for this week! Next week I'll have a new weekly pic, plus some updates from the doc. Hopefully a better idea about when Peanut will show up, and more info about the process from here on out.

Until next time!

34 Weeks: Feelin' the Love!

Yes, yes, I realize I've been gone a while. It's been almost two weeks since my last post, which sucks for those of you who check for new ones regularly (which, apparently, is a lot of you...haha).

I'm six days late with this post, but here's my 34-week bump pic, taken from my baby shower at home this past weekend:

I did my photo a little bit different this week because I found a bunch of cool chalkboard fonts online that I wanted to try out, so I made a virtual chalkboard instead of my usual one and put it with the photo. Looks okay I guess, but it ended up being a lot more trouble than it was worth, so I think I'll stick to my normal chalkboard. Only five more to go!

I'm feeling particularly pregnant these days, and certainly noticing some of the discomfort of pregnancy, although I try not to complain too much. I know there are a lot of women out there who contend with a lot more than the discomfort I feel, so I should be grateful I've got it as (relatively) easy as I do.

I had my Oregon baby shower this past weekend - what a great time! It was so nice to see some of my friends from childhood, girls I've worked with at Oregon State, and other friends and family who traveled to visit with me and celebrate our little Peanut girl. She certainly is WELL LOVED!! Thank you to those of you who came (or wanted to!) I very sincerely appreciate it. And a HUGE thank you to my Auntie and Mom for putting on such a wonderful little party. The food was delicious, the punch was tasty and the atmosphere festive. It really was a great time.

Baby showers are funny. You hear your friends and family talk about how excited they are for your child, and you know that they are, but then to see their generosity with their time and their gifts, and watch their faces when they tell you how much they're looking forward to meeting your little one, it's amazing. I really cannot believe how loved this little girl already is by so many people. She is beyond blessed to come into such a huge network of love and support, and Jeff and I are beyond grateful for each of you. You don't have to love our daughter as much as we do, but it seems as though you do anyway. Incredible.

I had a visit with my doc last Wednesday, and everything went pretty much as expected. It seems she's no longer very concerned with the preeclampsia, given that I'm not "spilling proteins" (Google that if you need more explanation...) but she did say she still believes that Peanut will arrive around 37 or 38 weeks. I didn't do a great job of asking for clarification on why she thinks Peanut will come early, but that is my main mission at my next appointment (a week from tomorrow for those of you who are curious). If she truly does arrive around week 37 or 38, that's only 2-3 weeks from tomorrow, which means Jeff and I need to kick our prep into high gear. We are mostly ready, but do still need to pack our hospital bag, install her car seat, and generally make sure we and our  home are ready for our daughter.

No doc appointments this week, but this is my last "week off" from visits. Starting next week, I'll see the doc every week until Peanut arrives to check my progress and just generally asses how things are moving along. This means I'll have even more to update you about! Hopefully...

After a fun few days at home in Corvallis visiting friends and family, I'm glad to be back in Klamath Falls for a while. It feels like I've done quite a bit of traveling in the last few months, and I'm looking forward to taking it easy until Peanut arrives. Undoubtedly once she's here, there'll be few relaxing moments.

I suppose that's about it for this week. I'm technically 35 weeks tomorrow, so I'll try and post another photo maybe Thursday (although at this rate, they probably won't look much different).

It's 89 degrees outside as I write this - at 8:30 at night - so I'll be spending the evening in front of the window hoping for a breeze. Air conditioning is a rare thing in Oregon, so we're stuck with fans and wind. Not that I'm complaining...

Toodles!

33 Weeks: Putting A Face To A Name

I have a feeling all my posts from now on are going to take on the same tone of nervous excitement. Peanut is going to be here soon, whether Jeff and I are ready or not. Granted, we feel ready, and I think if she showed up tomorrow we'd be alright. But that doesn't mean she should.

Do you hear me little one? You stay in there and keep growing for as long as you need to, okay?

At 33 weeks, little Peanut is growing like a weed. Or at least it sure feels like she is. She moves almost constantly, which means I regularly have the pleasure of feeling little feet in my ribs and little fists in my side. Sometimes it feels like shes somersaulting, and it takes my breath away for a second. No matter how long she's been growing in my belly, I don't think I'll ever get totally used to some of the strange sensations that happen when you're sharing your body with another person, even if that other person is very, very little. I'm glad she's moving around though, I'd prefer that to a lazy baby. At least I know she's active!

I had an additional ultrasound yesterday to check on Peanut's size and growth. Normally the last ultrasound of a low-risk pregnancy is the "anatomy" scan at around 20 weeks, but because my doctor was concerned about preeclampsia, she wanted to look again and make sure Peanut is a normal size and all is well. Here are a couple shots from the scan yesterday:

Peanut's face from the front. She's so cute, right?

Side profile shot.

I realize ultrasounds are, for the most part, ugly and unclear photos. Frankly sometimes I'm shocked at how much the ultrasound techs can decipher from what looks like static to me. It was a little eerie to see her this far into the pregnancy. Even at 21 weeks, she didn't appear too much like a baby. She had all the main features, but they're so much more developed now that she looks like a little person. Not so much in these pictures, they don't really do her justice. I'm convinced she'll be a doll though.

And if she's not, just lie to me and tell me she is, mm'kay?

Most importantly, after all the measurements were taken and averaged, the ultrasound tech told me Peanut is measuring at about 33 weeks and 5 days, so about 5 days "big." I'll have to see what the doctor says about this when I go again next week, but it definitely rules out the small baby doc was worried about. I'm thinking this might ease her fears about preeclampsia and she may reevaluate her idea that baby girl will need to come early.

I can't say I'm surprised she's a little big (and I'm pretty sure this isn't terribly uncommon), because I still feel like a whale. Sometimes I look down and I'm amazed at just how big my belly has gotten. Wasn't it just yesterday I was wondering if strangers could tell that I'm pregnant? No doubt these days, haha.

(Random side note: to this point, I have still managed to avoid any uninvited belly rubs. At this point, I'm considering myself the champ of whatever facial expression it is that says "Do NOT touch my belly.")

Here's the 33-week bump pic:

 Thankfully the ultrasound tech also confirmed that Peanut is still a girl! Thank goodness.

I would've been in so much trouble if she were now a boy, somehow. I've got enough pink to outfit ten little girls for a lifetime, haha.

My iPhone app says shes the side of a cauliflower, but I myself have never seen an 18" cauliflower, so I doubt that's a good size reference. I think for the most part she probably just looks like a small baby. A VERY CUTE small baby. =)

We also start our "childbirth classes" tonight, and I'm interested to see how that goes. With so much information out there so readily available, I'm not sure there's too much they can teach us that we don't already know, but it'll be good to tour the birthing center, hear about some recommended techniques for labor and delivery, and maybe meet some other people in the same boat as us. Perhaps I'll write another update about that tomorrow, but only if it's terribly exciting.

I visit the doctor again on Tuesday for my 34-week checkup, and I'm sure we'll discuss Peanut's size and doc's thoughts about the preeclampsia. This will be the first doctor appointment I go to without Jeff, which makes me a little sad. By some miracle, he's been able to attend every single appointment we've had, and I think he's really liked being able to participate in the whole process. But since he just started training, he wasn't able to go with me to the ultrasound yesterday, and will probably miss all of our doctor appointments from now on. I suppose as long as he's there for the last one that's all that really matters.

I think that's about it as far as updates from this past week. I'll check back in soon with more updates!

32 Weeks: 8 Months Down, 8 Weeks to Go

Oy! This is definitely going faster than I'd previously thought.

Could be because we've been relatively busy the last week (camping! yay!) but also because the reality is setting in that there just isn't that much time before Peanut arrives. I was telling Jeff just today that there are all these things I want to do this summer now that we're back in Oregon, but I'm starting to realize our baby-less weekends are limited in number, and the second half of our summer in Southern Oregon is basically shot with a newborn. So much to do, so little time!

Perhaps my eagerness to do some of these things is contributing to my fabulous attitude (yes, I said it, I had a fabulous attitude) about things like going camping 31 weeks pregnant. Not a lot of women would sleep on an air mattress in a tent in the woods when they're as pregnant as I am, but I am so excited to be back in Oregon and be able to do these things I've grown up loving to do, that I really can't complain. Here are a couple photos from our camping adventure this past weekend at Lake of the Woods, courtesy of Jeff:

We had SPLENDID weather the whole time, which is pretty unusual when camping in Oregon, especially this early.

(Yes, June is "early" in Oregon for summertime activities. The water is still waaaaaaayyyy too cold to swim in, and it still gets pretty cold at night. Late July/early August is the ideal time for outdoor activities.)

We're hoping to get in at least one more camping trip before Peanut comes, if we can find the time. And if we feel inclined, and think we can make it work, we may try to take her once after she's born. That's a big MAYBE though (I can hear my mom laughing at my naive intentions...)

In other news, as of yesterday, we're officially 32 weeks pregnant, or eight months, by my math. That means we've got eight weeks left.

Eight. Weeks.

That's 56 days. IF she makes it to her due date.

Wowzer. It's coming faster and faster. Here's the 32-week pic:

I feel freakin' HUGE and I know I don't have it quite as bad as those smaller girls with smaller torsos (yes, Tiff, that's you).

I don't expect my shape to change too much more, but I'm sure the bump will get a bit bigger. At roughly 17", Peanut is just about at her birth length, but still has another few pounds to pack on. Hopefully not the additional 4.5 my mom is predicting. I don't want a heifer for a baby, for obvious reasons.

This Sunday will be Jeff's last Father's Day before he's a "real" father (his words, not mine) and I think he's excited. He'll be the best Dad, and I'm excited for our Peanut girl to have such a great Daddy.

Not much else in terms of updating, I'm scheduled for my ultrasound next Wednesday at the 33-week mark, so I may have some more accurate measurements of our little nugget after that. Right now, it's pretty much just averaging what all my different books and phone apps tell me in terms of her stats. It'll be nice to know for sure. I'll try and post a pic of the ultrasound too if they give me one. Just seven weeks before her due date, I imagine she'll look pretty baby-ish. We shall see.

That's probably about it for today, if I think of anything else exciting to share with you, I'll come back with another post!

Happy Thursday!

31 Weeks!

It's Friday, and today is a big day for a couple of reasons.

First, time to post the 31-week bump photo! Jeff and I were looking back last night at my 28-week photo and noting that I'm quite a bit bigger just four weeks later. I expect this rate of growth to continue, as Peanut packs on her last few pounds (I'm told about half a pound of fat each week) and stretches out her last few inches.

Here's this week's photo:

Another reason today is a big day is that it's June 6th. Peanut is due August 6th. That means we're basically just two months away now from meeting our daughter. It feels like it's coming up so quick (how will we ever be ready?) but at the same time, I'm excited to meet her and see what this little girl is all about.

Her nearly-constant movements in my belly make me think she's a spunky little thing, but she could just be annoyed that she's running out of room. How big the world will be when she's finally here! I bet she'll want to be back in her warm quiet space. Hopefully lots of cuddles can remedy that.

We visited the doctor again for our "30 week" check up which was actually more like the "32 week" check up. We won't see her again until 34 weeks, and then again at 36, when we'll start going weekly for the last month.

So far, Jeff has been able to accompany me to every single appointment we've had, which has been great. He's been engaged and has been able to participate in the whole process. I'm not sure that will continue once he starts his new training, but I'm glad he's been along for the ride so far. These days appointments are just measuring the size of my belly ("like a textbook" according to my doctor), and checking the protein in my urine (over-share!). She didn't seem as concerned this time around about the preeclampsia, so I'm hoping I'll be able to avoid that. I have a habit of fixing my health issues rather quickly, so I wouldn't be surprised if I'm able to stave it off.

I can't remember if I've mentioned this already or not, but we also have an ultrasound scheduled for week 33 to make sure Peanut is the right size. With the doc's concerns about preeclampsia, she wants to make sure that baby is measuring to size (or larger is also possible...oy) and that she's not small due to potential preeclampsia. I'm sure she'll measure up just fine, like I said, she's been textbook so far. But I am excited to see her little face again and get an even better idea of what she looks like.

Finally, today is also a big day because it's ENJJPT Class 14-06's Drop/Assignment Night. I have a few good friends in 14-06, and they were our "changeover" class in ENJJPT, meaning they followed Jeff's class through the program and took over each flight room as Jeff's class moved on to the next phase. I am especially excited for my adorable friend Tiffany, who at almost 38 weeks pregnant is powering through this nerve-wracking and emotional time like a champ. We've been hoping her baby girl holds out until at least after Drop Night, and it looks like that's going to happen, barring any "events" this evening during the program (yes, I'm knocking on wood right now). She's going to have quite the exciting next few weeks, with Drop Night and Graduation, and likely a new baby in between the two. So excited for her.

Jeff and I are headed off on another adventure today, camping this weekend at Lake of the Woods. He's been eager to go camping ever since...okay, he's always eager to go camping, so we're making the trip while he's still got time before training starts (and before Peanut arrives). Lake of the Woods isn't terribly far, maybe an hour or so; it's nice that something so beautiful is basically right in our own back yard. Unfortunately, I won't have WiFi to Skype in for drop night, so I'll have to settle for text messages and phone calls. It'll be nice to spend some time away though, and hopefully catch a couple...fish for Jeff, rays for me. :)

Time to get the car packed up and get on our way! Have a great weekend everyone!

What A Difference 20 Weeks Makes...

Check it out! Here's a side-by-side view of my 10-week and 30-week bump photos. What a difference 20 weeks makes, huh? Little girl sure has grown big!

 

Should be able to post our 31-week photo later this week also!

After a great long weekend at home in Corvallis, we're back in Klamath Falls and ready for our "30 week" check up with our new doctor tomorrow. I'm interested to see what she has to say, and if her thoughts on my health and Peanut's arrival have changed any.

This is just a quick check-in post, but I must congratulate my friend Jill on the birth of her baby boy this morning. I am absolutely over the moon for her, and if anyone was ever put on this earth to be a mother, it's Jill. I can't wait to meet the little guy and hope he and Peanut can be great friends one day.

Or at least those awkward friends where your parents kind of force you into it because THEY are great friends and you only see that person like three times your whole life but your parents still think it's just swell without realizing you don't quite get on with this perfect stranger like they do with his/her parents.

I hope they can at least be those friends.

Time to watch the Beavs beat UC Irvine to win their Regional and advance to Supers!!

Nighty night!

30 Weeks...or...Holy Crap We're Having A Baby SOON

Happy Thursday my friends!!

I have to say, I am feeling pretty darn accomplished this morning. Not only did I manage to take my 30-week photo on the correct day, but here I am posting it on time too! Go me!!

The 30-week mark is unbelievable, and I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that we're 3/4 of the way through this pregnancy. It doesn't feel like all that long ago that I was keeping such a big secret. 

Speaking of secrets...(kind of)...here's this week's bump photo:

 

Ta-da!!! The big secret is out!! Peanut has a NAME!!!! Besides "Peanut," that is. 

Jeff and I have finally settled on a first and middle name for our daughter, and we're both pretty excited about it. We also have a couple "extras" in case she comes out and we don't think our choice really fits with her little face. BUT I think we're pretty firm here. 

Now here's the part none of you are going to like, despite the fact that I've told you this was our plan from the beginning:

We are not planning on sharing Peanut's name until she's born. 

I've known too many friends who've had rude, judgey people make rude, judgey comments about a child's name to the parent's face. Now, I know none of you are rude and judgey, but Jeff and I still want to keep this last surprise until she joins us. Look at it this way: you've really only got to wait ten weeks, which is totally doable. 

Plus, she's still got a super-cute nickname, and I love that our friends and family have whole-heartedly embraced calling our daughter-to-be Peanut. It's adorable, and you're awesome. 

That's about it for today's post I think. We're heading north today for a visit to Corvallis. I realize it's only been two weeks since I was there, but Jeff's not been back since he left in October of 2012, so it's been quite a while for him. He's looking forward to seeing some family and friends, and of course hitting up some of our favorite local eateries. 

If you'd like to visit with us while we're in town, just let me know!!

Have a great Thursday, it's almost the weekend!!