6 week check-in

Between starting to pick up some freelance work and the adorable little man, I'm not blogging much and apologize to anyone who has been looking for updates!

All is well here. Henry is a doll and such a good baby. He's growing and eating like crazy and I'm just trying to keep up! He's discovered smiling and a sorta laugh and he just melts my heart every day.

Pics of the last 3 weeks

It's hard to believe Henry will be 3 weeks tomorrow! It's been a crazy few weeks, but the little guy is amazing and honestly seems to get cuter and brighter every day.

Here's a few pics from his last day in the hospital to yesterday...he's getting so big so quickly!

Henry"s birth story

Friday evening was the quintessincial ""dark and stormy night" with torrents of rain and wind battering down the house and flooding the streets. As we went to bed, I joked that it would be our luck that the baby would be born on such a night....oops.

Thankfully, when I awoke at about 4 am with contractions the rain was slowing down. I timed them for about a half hour before waking the hubs up when they were about 45 seconds long and 5 minutes apart. We got the bag together, got some breakfast from the kitchen, and let the dog out. I figured we had some time.

By the time we got to the hospital at about 6 am the contractions were a minute long and about 3 minutes apart. The pain was getting more intense, as well. When I was finally checked by the resident OB at about 7 am I was 6-7 cm and they rushed us into a labor and delivery suite.

Things kept moving quickly until I hit 9 cm at 11 am and stalled. The contractions got worse but the baby wasn't moving. At this point, my OB also got called into an emergency C-section. Left in pain, I asked for thr epidural. I was impressed I had gotten to 9 cm on my own and the pain was starting to cloud my head and focus. After the epi I was able to rest until the doc returned and get my strength back.

The doc broke my water at 12:30 and we discovered meuconium in the fluid, so NICU was called in as a precaution. I pushed for just shy of 2 hours...he was "right there" for most of it but his giant head was stuck. A third-degree episiotomy later, Henry Joseph arrived at 2:11 pm.

He had no mec-related issues and scored 9s on both his Apgars. He was wide awake and alert and got to meet his family right away. He started breastfeeding about an hour after delivery and has been getting better every day since!

Recovery has been painful, but totally doable. Six days pp and I'm just a little sore and feeling mostly like myself.

HE"S HERE!

Henry Joseph was born Saturday, August 22, 2009, at 2:11 pm. 8 lbs, 5 oz, 21 inches.

Birth story to come...

Officially overdue

Still waiting on Lil G!

I'm nearly 5 cm now, but the contractions aren't strong enough for them to admit me. So I'm sitting at home, wasting maternity leave, hoping to suddenly be in pain. Messed up, huh???

Photo time

So I'm sitting here very, very pregnant and just a little miserable. By suggestion of the hubs I'm also struggling to consume the world's largest bowl of apparently labor-inducing pineapple. Have I ever mentioned that I seriously do not like pineapple? Like the smell makes my throat close up? So yea, this is fun.

Anyway, thought I'd break up the choking with a quick post and some photos of the nursery for you all. The room is no designer showplace, but we are happy with how it's modern and fun without being over the top. It seems more full in person than it does in the photos, but I'm sure once he starts accumulating toys and other items we won't have an inch of bare space to worry about.

View from the entry.

My old rocking horse and his dresser. His name will go above the monkey on the wall, but DH won't let me hang that until he's physically here.

Close-up of the bedding.

The glider nook. The photos on the wall are me and DH as infants, and Lil G will go in the middle.

The bureau/changing area and some of his goodies, including a place of honor for the Philly Phanatic.

There are more pics in an earlier post of the other artwork and the bookshelf for those who missed it: click here.

And here's a pic of me a few days back at 39 weeks. I made DH promise me it would be my last photo, but I fear I may be taking a 40-week shot on Monday. Sigh.

39 weeks and still nothin

Doctors are lying meanie heads.

I knew that progress early on could mean nothing, but then everyone got my hopes up, and now three internals later I'm still sitting on 3 cm and not a contraction in site. Unless the 8-minute whammy of pain this morning was a contraction, and if that's the case, I'm never going to make it through labor.

Come on, Lil G! You are driving your momma insane! Come out and play!

Tomorrow is my last day of work since my company has some random rule that you cannot work past your due date. So now he really has to show, because I do not intend to waste my precious maternity leave alone on the couch watching bad daytime TV.

We have an induction date set for 8/25 if he proves to be a really stubborn boy. Please cross your fingers for me that we don't need it!

38 weeks and not much to update

After a very interesting and eventful weekly appointment last week, I'm sorry to announce I got nothing for you this week. We had our 38-week appointment this morning and we're still at about 3 cm, 80/90 percent effaced. The doctor pretty much said I'm as far as I'll go without being in active labor, so now I'm just waiting for the contractions to start. And since I have no clue what a contraction feels like, I'm just sitting here questioning every twinge, cramp, and pain I experience.

With all the anxiousness of last week, I'm now pretty frustrated and down. I totally knew that last week's numbers didn't really mean anything, but it's easy to get wrapped up in the what-ifs and get your hopes up. And then your husband tells everyone and their mother (seriously, one of his co-workers called his mother, an OB, to share with her my stats), and you get the questions and emails 30 times a day, and it's a fast downward slope right into craziness.

Today's the full moon and DH is still convinced it could be the big day. I'd love for him to be right, but I may have to force myself into being a pessimist if only for my own sanity. 10 days until the due date, 17 until the latest my doctors will let me go. I can handle that...no matter what, he'll be here soon. Just not soon enough!

37 weeks and progress!

So I had my 37 week appointment today. They weren't planning on doing my first internal until next week, but when I described the pressure I have been feeling (like the baby is trying to swim south!) to the nurse she suggested checking in today to see what was going on. Sounded good to me, although I automatically reminded my giddy, anxious husband that whatever they said could not determine the exact day we would be having the baby. It could still be 3+ weeks.

So I was very surprised when the doc came in, checked, and it didn't hurt at all. That was my first sign that the pressure might have been more than I was allowing myself to believe it was. Yup: 3 cm, 80 percent effaced, baby at about 0 station. Totally wasn't expecting that. Neither was the hubs, who just finished reading about the stages of labor and blurted out, "Crap, you're in transitional labor!" and then asked the doc if we needed to be admitted. :)

I know this could be where I am for quite awhile now, but it's nice to know the little dude is making his way south and that things are already looking good. Even if I totally stalled here and we hit the due date or over, induction would be easier since I'm already primed to go.

DH will now be working like a mad man to get his projects in order, since he's convinced I can go into full-blown labor at any moment. I should probably update my status reports at work, too. Ya know, just in case.

36 weeks

Less than one month to go! Assuming we make our due date. I still have that "feeling" that he'll arrive before then, but I really shouldn't focus on it. I'd hate to start getting my hopes up only to end up with an induction at 41 weeks.

Had the first of my weekly doc appointments this morning, what a joy. Because it's totally convenient to skip out of work once a week to sit in a waiting room and then get rushed through the 30 second actual appointment. I am not complaining...each visit I love because I get reassured Lil G is doing fine and dandy. But it really does put a cramp in the day!

Today we were able to confirm that Lil G is head down and in position, which was a relief. I was pretty sure what I had been feeling was his rear end, but hearing the doc confirm was great. My practice doesn't do internals until 38 weeks, so I don't know if we have any real progress yet. I'm pretty sure he's starting to drop -- this weekend there was a marked change in my pelvic pain, lightening crotch, and bathroom breaks. I guess we just wait and see now. I assume he'll let us know when he's ready. :)

Here's the 36 weeks pic:

35 weeks and pictures!

I have soooo been slacking in the posting department. Sorry.

Not that much has been going on aside from me getting bigger. I'm officially huge and hitting the "uncomfortable" stage. I also have been assaulted by heartburn that can be described by no other word but evil.

But 5 weeks! 5 weeks!!!!! And DH is convinced I'll go early. Who knows why, but if this kid's nudging and bulging are any sign of his space constraints, I also wouldn't be surprised. I've told him he needs to hang on until July 27 for my own comforts on his well-being. After that, he's welcome to arrive when he wishes.

Now it's picture time. We finally got a new camera and it's amazing how horrid the old one was in comparison. Enjoy!

The 35-week belly shot.

The nursery! Here's the crib...

And his bookshelf...

And his ABC and 123 letterpress prints. Still working on the dresser and glider areas...I'll update soonly.

And for good measure, one of the adorable Ms. Fredo. :)

Pro pics of my planet-sized stomach

Sorry I've been slacking...I've been trying to get the nursery complete and the house clean and with the few hours in the day I'm not working, it's been a daunting task.

We did squeeze in a photo shoot with weekend which I am so glad we did. As you can tell, most of my weekly pics are blurry and horrid thanks to an on-the-fritz camera, so now I will have a few good ones of me. Well, better than good. Two teaser pics were posted to her blog last night and I'm soooo excited to see the rest. Enjoy these for now: http://gailannephotography.com/blog/

The nursery is coming along and I think I'll have updated pics this coming weekend!

Whoops!

So Saturday we are sitting outside at my cousin's graduation party, and my father is lamenting the fact that my mother won't let him adopt this adorable chocolate lab he found on PetFinder (she wants a little pup). So I mention to my dad that we plan to get a lab ourselves, but not for a few years until the baby can help out. But I didn't say "baby." And I didn't say "Lil G." After nearly four months of being so good and keeping his name on the DL, I totally blurted it out. Like an idiot. And then covered my mouth in mortification as my brother sing-songed "I know what his name is!"

I'm so upset with myself. I really don't know if they heard it clear as day, and they were kind enough not to repeat it or make any comments about it. But it's out and I'm so upset that I couldn't do it! Darn it!

31 weeks!

So I forgot to do my 30 week check-in. Oops.

Anyway, now here we are at 31 weeks. Little bigger, little sorer. Little more anxious for this baby to get here already!

Wiggle Worm is a non-stop mover these days, and he's somehow figured how to get a foot about 3 inches behind my ribs and an arm pretty much down my leg at the same time. By the end of the day I'm not only tired, but my poor stomach is just bruised.

I'm still impatiently waiting for the crib bedding to arrive so I can get the nursery finished up. It's more than two weeks late now and it's so frustrating. I don't want to rush the seamstress, though, because I want her to do the best job possible. But I want my stuff!

There aren't many more milestones to look forward to, and I now understand why this is the hardest part of pregnancy to make through. In first and second tri there are new things nearly every week. Tests and movement and U/Ss. Now I just sit and wait. I do have my Strep B test coming up, but seriously, I'm not going to get excited about a butt swab. No thanks.

So we wait. Two months to go.

Here's the 31-week photo!

Baby shower!

This past Sunday was Lil G and my baby shower and it was an amazing, lovely thing. I am so thankful to my parents who spent so much time and energy putting every detail together and to my friends and family who went above and beyond spoiling the little guy with all sorts of fabulous gifts. The food was great, the company wonderful, and I am so very blessed.

A few pics of the afternoon:

The hubs and I

The amazing cake my pastry chef SIL made

Just some of Lil G's haul

The kid will be a stud. It's in his genes. ;)

I'll post my 30 week check-in later today!

29 weeks & our L&D visit

So yesterday -- 29 weeks, 1 day -- was our anniversary. And instead of celebrating as planned, we went to the hospital's L&D triage. So romantic. ;)

Long story short, I had been experiencing large amounts of watery discharge paired with some pretty intense pelvic pressure. Alone I would chalk them up to nothing like I usually do, but even I had to admit the combo was a bit disconcerting. So I called the doc, who told me to high-tail it to the hospital. Thankfully DH had his car in the city and we were able to drive over right away...arriving only an hour later thanks to traffic.

They did a number of tests and monitored the baby's heart and any contractions I was having for about an hour. They aren't sure what the discharge was, but they couldn't find any signs of rupture so I was told to head home and not come back for 10 weeks. Good plan, I think.

We left work so suddenly that DH didn't have time to grab the anniversary flowers he had ordered for me, so I got them today. They are totally gorgeous -- he's too good to me.


Other than that, all is well. Starting to get Braxton Hicks, which are kinda entertaining in a odd sort of way. And I'm on the couch by 6 pm each day if I can help it.

Here's the 29 weeks pic. Don't mind the messy garden beds -- we are in the midst of pulling up and replanting. And say hello to Fredo who decided to sneak into this week's shoot.

Second anniversary!

It seems like only yesterday and ages ago at the same time. Two years ago today, under an unusually steamy June sun, the love of my life and I became husband and wife. It's been an amazing two years, and I can't wait for the 50-odd to come. Hands down, best hubby ever. Love ya baby.

A lil trip down memory lane...

28 weeks

Tip-toeing closer! It seems like I care more about how many weeks I have left (12, for those bad at math) than how far I have come. I like the smaller number better!

Still feeling pretty darn good. More cramps and pulling sensations, more early nights, but all in all not too bad.

This week we continued progress on the nursery with a new rug for the room and two accessories that the hubs just had to have -- a silver elephant piggy bank and a monkey-faced bean bag chair. While I fought hard and long not to have a theme in this room, the animals are taking over. I've let go and am hoping that it all comes together in the end. I have a feeling I need to get used to not being able to control everything. ;)

Here's a horrible pic of me at 28 weeks. Not that any of my bump pics are fabulous, but bare feet and half-asleep eyes? A glamor shot it is not.

Deliveries and GD test

So at our monthly appointment I found out I did, indeed, pass the glucose tolerance test. Whew. However, I'm now anemic apparently and need to take iron supplements. Not thrilled about this news, but it's by no means the end of the world. Now I just need to get my butt to the market and pick some up. And hope they don't aggrevate my stomach.

In other news, the fabulous UPS man stopped by my house twice this week, once with Lil G's mattress and once with some new art for his room. The mattress is a mattress and the art is still in the box and on the floor until I get frames and decide where I'm hanging them, but I love every new item that arrives. Now we just need to get that bedding in and it will start coming together I think!

27 weeks -- THIRD TRI!

Whooooo hooo!

It's the final countdown, ladies. I know it's still ages away, but it's like that second wind you get when running a race. The finish line is up there. Yippee!!!

I'm continuing to get a little rounder as Lil G adds on the pounds. He's probably a little over 2 pounds now, I think. He's only got two speeds these days ... he's either dead asleep or on a sugar high. The sugar high increasingly includes spasmatic kicks to my ribs, too. Such a sweet baby.

The increase in size has continued to push my stomach and other organs north, and I'm pretty sure they are ramming into my boobs now. Eating is an adventure. I get full quickly, and somehow the process of chewing exausts me. Last night I had two slices of pizza and fell back on the couch breathing a little heavy. It's embarassing. Of course DH loves it because there's more food for him. :)

We've been working on the nursery bit by bit. Updates include his new hip ceiling fan (we have it with the darker blades showing):And the cutie pie vinyl decal we placed above his crib (ours is in navy):

The bedding, mattress, and some of the art are due any day now!

And in stats:

How far along? 27 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: I think about 15 lbs.

Maternity clothes? All day. I still sneak into my pre-pg PJs at night. DH likes how my stomach sticks out. Silly boy.

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: Still doing well....knock on wood!

Best moment this week: Taking (and I think passing) the glucose test, getting to third tri!

Movement: Pretty steady and strong. He's currently hitting me dead between the ribs every 10 seconds.

Food cravings: Hot dogs with globs of yellow mustard.

Labor signs: Nope.

Belly button in or out? Still in. It's lost it's round shape, though. Looks like a winking eye.

What I miss: Icey margaritas on a hot day. ::Sigh::

What I am looking forward to: Hearing his heartbeat again at our appt. tomorrow.

Weekly wisdom: Stay far away from expensive maternity stores. They are black holes that suck you in and do dangerous things to your credit card.

26 weeks

First, a belated Happy Mother's Day to all the moms and moms-to-be out there! We had my family over for a nice outdoor dinner. I was also lucky enough to get cards from both my pup and Lil G (strangely in the hubby's handwriting) and my fabulous diaper bag stuffed with goodies from my parents. People are too good to me. But I gotta admit, I was thrilled. I've been drooling over this bag for months. Ain't it purdy?

My mother also commented on how big I have gotten -- and I know it's true. The last time she saw me was Easter and I thought I had a bump then! Oh no. Lil G is on a mission and he's growing by leaps and bounds. I love it, of course, but it's now nearly impossible for me to bend over. Picking up after the pup or tying my sneakers is a hilarious chore that involves squatting and balancing.

I'm starting to feel tired again, too. Not that I ever got the mythical energy burst of second tri, but I was feeling like I could get through the day. Now I can feel myelf slowly tapering off around 7 or 8 pm. A sure sign of things to come.

Here's this week's pic. Excuse the squinty eyes -- this was taken about 9:30 pm after entertaining my family all day. I was ready for bed!

25 weeks -- and I've lost my ribs

The general north-to-south anatomy of a woman -- or any human for that matter -- is head, neck, chest, ribs, abdomen, and so on. As of this week, a disturbing thing has happened. I've lost my ribs. I go right from chest to tummy, the two bumps meeting at a point like a lop-sided M. When did this happen? And more importantly, if my stomach and what-not are already wedged on top of my rib cage, where are they going to go over the next few weeks???

In contrast to last week's report of sun and fun, the weather here has been seven days straight of rain. Our yard looks like a jungle -- we can loose the dog out there if we aren't careful. It's the kind of weather that makes you want to call in sick, curl up in PJs, and watch cheesy 80s flicks. Sadly, I've had to go to work for most of it, but I've transformed into couch surfer within 10 minutes of getting home each day. Hence this week's bump pic, taken in "casual wear" in the middle of the rain (don't worry, our porch is covered).


In updates:

How far along? 25 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: About 12 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Rockin the maternity fashions.

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: Be proud: I only woke up ONCE last night. And that was early in the evening. There's a chance I might have even gotten some REM sleep!

Best moment this week: Setting up the nursery furniture over the weekend. It's all I can do to not walk in there each time I go upstairs.

Movement: Usually constant. He's been sleepy today -- probably the weather and the food coma I put him in after an afternoon Wendy's run.

Food cravings: Ice cream, berries, anything sweet.

Labor signs: None. I get stomach tightening here and there that may be the start of BH, but nothing I'm worried about at all.

Belly button in or out? Still in. I think this thing has a fighting chance.

What I miss: Sushi.

What I am looking forward to: Showing off the nursery to my fam this weekend and the arrival of the decal to go over his crib, which should be here any day now!

Weekly wisdom: Always have water and food with you. After nearly blacking out on the train the other morning, I won't leave home without it.

Nursery progress!

Who knew this room could start to look so great? Or make me so happy!?

I forgot to take before photos, but picture well-worn, tan carpets and a chalky, pale blue-colored paint. Not to mention a number of drywall imperfections that the hubs tried to sand down.

We painted a sandy tan color to keep things light and casual (plus it helps for the eventual resale of the house). Carpet was pulled up and the oak hardwoods hiding beneath were refinished. And, of course, the nursery furniture (Bonavita Metro collection) was delivered and assembled.

We have a lot more to do -- including installing the ceiling fan, adding the glider to the back, right corner by the window, finding an area rug, and adding in all the decorations -- but it's looking great and I cannot wait to see it come together!

The view from the door.

From the other side of the room, looking towards where the glider will go.

The convertible crib (will go to toddler bed and then full-size bed).

Close-up of the dresser with the only decor so far -- Lil G's latest u/s photo.

24 weeks - V DAY!

Happy V Day Lil G! Now forget this day ever happened and stay nice in snug in there. I'll see ya in about 16 weeks. Cool?

We are in the midst of an early heat wave here in Philly and I am LOVING it. I've always been a sun baby and do not mind the hazy days of summer one bit. So these few days of sunshine and 90 degrees have been glorious. I did some gardening, made dinner on the grill. DH says I'm going to eat my words come August and he may be right, but right now I'm getting my summer on.

This also means summer clothes and I am sporting some of my recent maternity wear purchases. Not that I love any of my maternity clothes -- it's hard to really feel affection for anything that makes you look like a tent -- but new clothes are new clothes! And sans jacket it's becoming obvious to the world that yes, I'm pregnant. A few neighbors were clued in this weekend, as were some of the regulars on the commuter train. I love watching their faces as they do their normal smile and nod and then get an eyeful of my stomach. Surprise!

In nursery news, we have serious progress, but no pics. Sorry! The painting is done and the furniture arrived and it is gorgeous. But DH accidently spilled about a half gallon of paint all over the carpet and has now decided we will be pulling up the carpet and refinishing the hardwoods underneath. It's gonna be stunning, although it certianly wasn't in the plan or budget. Oh wells. The refinishers are coming on Thursday so this weekend all the furniture will be moved back in and it will start looking like a real baby's room. :)

Other than that, things are still good. Lil G is kicking like mad and growing every day. Some days it feels like he's going to bust out of there by his own sheer will. I feel so full of baby already I wonder how I'm going to make it three more months! Still very emotional too. I went to two Wendy's on Saturday in search of my beloved Frosty. At the first place the machine was broken, at the second the restaurant was closed. So I did what any right-minded woman would do and went home, threw a temper tantrum, and cried on the couch for two hours, refusing to eat anything else.

And finally, here's another belly shot. 24 week bump....

23 weeks

I'm a day behind again. Oops.

And I forgot a pic again this week. Double oops. Can I blame pregnancy brain?

Not much to report -- the heart burn is coming on at full force these days, as are the emotional outbreaks. I had no issues in the beginning, but the last few weeks everything makes me want to stomp my feet and cry.

Had our monthly appointment yesterday and Lil G is doing fine and dandy. Heart beat was 150 bpm, and my stomach is measuring right on. He's a mover and a shaker these days, and he's apparently decided his new favorite place is my right rib. I can only imagine how that is going to feel in just a few weeks! Thanks hon, mommy appreciates the inside-out attach. Mwah. :)

How far along? 23 weeks, 1 day

Total weight gain/loss: Per the doc, 10 lbs on the dot.

Maternity clothes? About 80 percent. I have a few flowy non-maternity things I can get away with, but more than not, I have to go maternity. Unless I want to look a house.

Stretch marks? Nope.

Sleep: Not too shabby. Usually need to get up once or twice to pee still. But it's much better than the early days of side sleeping.

Best moment this week: Getting to hear his heartbeat again. Never gets old.

Movement: Pretty constantly now. He has his naps of course, but in general I just have to wait a few seconds and there he is, saying hello!

Food cravings: Ice cream and french fries. I'm such a healthy momma.

Gender: Boy! And I assume this will be the case for, well, eternity.

Labor signs: None. Not even Braxton Hicks yet, which the books claim I should be feeling. Not that I'm complaining, though.

Belly button in or out? Still in.

What I miss: Beer.

What I am looking forward to: The nursery coming together. We are painting this week and the furniture arrives on Saturday!

Weekly wisdom: Never tell a pregnant woman she is huge. Never. What would posess someone to open their mouth? Heck, don't tell her she's tiny, either. Just don't go there at all.

22 weeks!

Another week down, 18 more to go.

Lil G is getting more active every day. Aside from his scheduled naps, he is usually saying hello on a regular basis. He's getting higher, too -- I am scared at how close he is already getting to my ribs!

We celebrated Easter this weekend with my family -- all my dad's side came down which was nice since I cannot remember the last time we were all under one roof. Lil G got lots of pats and love. In fact, my dear brothers and cousins, ages 13 to 24, banded together to come up with a list of potential names for the little man. Some of the best: Happy, Barnabus, Jafar, Romulous, and T-law (my husband's name backwards -- perfect if the babe decides to become a rapper). The list was about 20 strong and I was seriously laughing so hard I was crying. Sadly, I don't think Lil G will be adopting any of those monikers soon.

This past weekend also marked the arrival of some adorable baby gear -- cute onsies from dear GPers sauma and ilovejav (thanks again girls -- mwah!) and the kiddo's first Phillies shirt, direct from Clearwater where my FIL and BIL were recently.

Me? I'm doing well. I really cannot complain. My shins and hips have begun to hurt towards the end of the day. And the acne is seeming to come back. But I still have energy and feel pretty good. Let's keep this up! :)

Registering, decorating, and growing!

It's been a busy week for Lil G and me!

On Saturday the hubs and I fortified ourselves with massive burritos from Chiptole and then headed into Babies R Us, ready to register. I had a check list and all my notes from Baby Bargains and various online reviews. I had snacks and a bottle of water. I was ready to go.

Hours later, I nearly dropped the scan gun on the registry desk. It was a marathon! Not only did we have to get through the 100+ aisles, but in most I had to explain to DH what the item was for and why we needed it or didn't need it. I know next to nothing about bottle nipples. Explaining the various sizes and shapes to my husband - somewhere between hilarious and embarrassing.

But we did it, and Lil G has his wish list of goods ready to go.

After we got home, DH started work on the new guestroom as the old one will now be the nursery. While he primed and worked on baseboards, I played on Etsy.com planning the room out. I got our crib bedding all picked out and ordered, and have started picking some art work and other details. I was so impressed with my progress I put together a little inspiration board, a la Candice Olsen. Whatcha think? (you can click the pic for a larger view)

After all that, I had DH take our weekly pic on the porch. It wasn't until I saw this pic that I realized Lil G and I have been doing some serious growing this week. Enjoy the tummy!

Halfway there!

20 weeks!

With each day I'm pregnant, I realize how surreal the whole experience is. For months you try and hope and pray and wish and then some piece of plastic tells you it's real, and it takes another nine months or so for you to finally get it. Because I am starting to think it won't totally all fall into place until this little guy is placed in my arms.

I know I'm pregnant. If the side effects and the increased waist haven't convinced me, seeing the baby during the ultrasounds sure did. And I know I'm going to have a baby. A real, crying, laughing, diaper-dirtying baby. Soon. But it all seems so impossible. It's like my brain cannot corolate the squirming image on the screen with the need to go to the bathroom every hour. It knows the facts, but it thinks this has to be some big hoax.

It's crazy that you can be so anxious and excited about something that you haven't completely wrapped your mind around yet. It's nuts that you can willingly hand over your body to another being and not be aware of it every second of every day. They say birth is a miracle...then pregnancy is a divine mystery.

OK, in more simplistic news, still feeling really good. Sleeping better. Worrying about finances and the like.

We are starting Lil G's registry this coming weekend, which I'm very excited for. I have done all the research and want to get my hands on the goods. I'm sure the experience is going to be overwhelming -- I get lost in Babies R Us when just picking up a shower gift -- but if we pace ourselves and make sure there's a snack break involved, all will turn out well. :)

And to sum it all up, the 20 weeks photo. The baby seems to be moving north these days to the bottom of my pelvis is flat again and then justs out at like 90 degrees. Who knows...