34 Weeks

On Wed, August 11th we officially made it to 34 weeks!

Eric and I went to see my amazing OB/GYN Dr. Flora for an ultrasound and check up.

The ultrasound was beautiful. 

'I feel like it is the clearest reminder of the presence of our GOD. I completely believe the process of creating and making a baby from scratch is proof there is a GOD. How could anyone go through it and not believe? It is just NOT random or coincidence.' 

We were able to see Dean suck his thumb, kick his leggs (right on my side where I have been feeling his STRONG kicks for weeks), watch his heart beat strong, confirm he is still head down and we measured his cute little body. 

Dean was 5lbs!

At my appointment we talked about the birth and went through the typical check list. I lost a half pound over the last two weeks. Probably because I have been getting sick in the mornings again. I swear that I eat a ton even though I have only gained 15lbs. It always makes me a little worried when I am weighed because I want to make sure that the baby is getting what he needs and growing strong. Clearly since Dean is big and I am measuring a half cm larger, then everything is fine! (As I sit hear sipping a chocolate milkshake, Mmmmmm!)

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There is some BAD news though. My cervix is shortening faster than is safe for baby at this point. That paired with my many Braxton Hix contractions and a LOT of pressure down there...means the unthinkable.

I AM ON BED REST!

For two weeks I have to be sitting or lying down for 90% of the day.  Argh! I was really freaking out on Thursday and Friday. I just didn't understand how it is possible to raise a 2yr old, have a husband that works 24hr shifts, keep a household together, cook, clean, and put together an entire baby room (that we haven't even started working on) while lying down.

I have to say that I have the very best friends and family. Everyday so far I have gotten phone calls, emails and hands on help. For the next few days I have care for Noah, and DUKE (don't forget our first baby) and food!

Thank you to everyone who has offered help to us. I know we have a little ways to go and I WILL go crazy at some point, but I believe prayers are heard and answered and I can truly feel the love from all of you.  

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It is only two weeks (Unless dr extends it)!

Playing Daddy

Noah, future fireman

On a daily bases Noah plays with his fire trucks. He has two, this one in the picture and another one that rocks. Of course he has a million other, smaller fire trucks, engines and fireman toys, but his absolute favorite is this one given to us by a fellow fire fighter family, the Echan's.

Randomly but daily, Noah will come up to me and ask for his HELMET. Then he will look for his KEYS, usually he will put on daddy's sunglasses and watch, then he does the sweetest thing. Noah will come up to me, kiss me, say "bye mama!" then kiss my belly and say "by Dee" and start to walk away. The very BEST part...he always stops before he gets too far, turns around and says "Bye Mama, I go to Work" and then climbs in the fire truck and makes a siren noise as he pretends to drive away.

I just love how much he LOVES HIS DADDY!

33 WEEKS

These two pictures crack me up. The first one I look like a deer stairing into headlights, and the second one I litterally look like I am holding my belly up from flopping on the floor. Oh well, nothing is perfect when you are growing multiple pounds of baby every month, heck, maybe every week at this point!

Our Baby: Month 8

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through my (extremely) stretched belly, his tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. Our baby can now recognize and react to simple songs, so we are practicing our lullabies! Growth (at least inside my womb) is starting to slow. This last part isn't something I am noticing. None the less, baby is healthy, measuring perfectly and the best news...WE HAVE OUR LAST ULTRASOUND NEXT THURSDAY! We love seeing our little boy and what he does in there, LORD knows I feel it all day loooooong.

I officially am walking around with a melon in my belly.