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!)

 ******

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.  

******

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.

Baby Boot Camp

Boot Camp...should be called booty camp. Can I just send my "behind" and come pick it up when it is smaller? That seems to be the place where all my baby weight is going. Ugh!

This was at 32 weeks pregnant. Brandi and I have been enjoying (if you can really call in enjoyable) working out together. Baby Boot Camp is amazing! Don't get too worried, I work out hard, just like I always have, but I don't run, jump or twist. So baby is just fine and probably enjoys the movement.

Brandi is on her post baby wieght loss routine.

She kinda kicks butt!

We work our entire body using weights, bands, our own body weight, and the parks/beaches near by.

I attempt to do all the excersices. Usually I can handle them all, even pregnant, sometimes I move a little slower now that I am far along...

But every once in a while I get slowed down by my side kick...

Noah loves to copy all our moves. He is the one kid who would rather play with the weights and the moms than the park and other kids.

With a smile like that, I don't really mind if he hangs by my side forever!

So for now my big, pregnant, almost to the finish line, body will continue to enjoy Baby Boot Camp with my wonderful sissy and niece for as long as I make it. Then I'll be back 6 weeks postpartum!

This picture is kinda a dream come true...more than kind of, really truly!

Disneyland Visit

What could Noah be so excited about?

...something so exciting that it made him scream and shout...

...wave his hands high saying "Hurray!"

...made him stop eating his beloved peas!

...It gave Kelsey a huge smile...

Any guesses?

Mickey Mouse of course!

At 11am everyday many of the Disney characters walk out of the castle led by the Disneyland Band. They do a few dances for the anxiously awaiting audience and Mickey Mouse is the center of the attention. These three kiddos got front row stroller parking and LOVED IT!

 With great big smiles we headed to the Jungle Cruise.

You can only immagine the fun animals, water features, sounds and sights this ride offers to a two year old. 

 

 Not to mention we ride a BOAT!

The entire trip was a great success, like always. Even with the two newest of Noah's friends in tow, we all enjoyed the time together!

 Baby Ruby

and

Baby Caleb

 

Beach, Bonfire, Breeze, Brrrrrrrrr and Bonding

 The lovely Aunt Stephanie

Noah and I met some family and friends at the beach for a bonfire. It is amazing how cold and windy it can be the last week of July, thankfully we came prepared. Over the last week it has been great to see Noah bond with Aunt Stephanie. Noah seems to take a little longer to build a bond with females. At the beach, however, he relaxed and enjoyed some play with Aunt Stephanie and even asked her to play with him (a very big step for Noah!). She is such a patient and loving Aunt. She is very good with watching his reactions and his understanding of things. It shows how she really tries to make sure he is enjoying whatever they are doing. In this particular case, there was a ball involved...so he was having a blast!

The timing couldn't have been better because only a couple days later Aunt Stephanie watched Noah for the evening while Eric and I went out. From what I'm told the night was full of fun, play and NO CRYING or asking for Mommy/Daddy! 

It's always a bonus to get some time with Pop-pop. Hopefully the next beach day will be warm!

Bebe

"Mama, Bebe. Mama, Bebe!"  Noah asks me over and over.

"Peeeees, Mama, Peeeees Bebe Mama" Noah pleads with me to give him his blanket

"I don't know where it is honey, why don't you go look for it" I respond

"Bebe, Where e e you?" He yells as he walks around the house with both arms up and head tilted sideways and an obvious expression of worry on his face. He is on an intense search for his Bebe.

"Noah, go look on Mommy and Daddy's bed" I say after some time

Silence

Silence

I guess he found his blanket

(AKA- Bebe)