Doc Says....

We had another dr. appt today and everything is going well. The baby's heart rate was a steady 135 beats per minute, so all is well. Could be a boy...could be a girl. I had a dream we had a boy, but the baby certainly looked like a girl. Who knows?? The dr. said that I'm dilated 1 to 2 cm, so maybe I'll go a bit early. But I'm not getting my hopes up too high because I've heard of people staying that way for weeks and ending up overdue. You just never know. The doctor didn't say that we have to stay close to home, so we are going to venture off to Napa on Saturday for a friend's wedding.

36 Weeks

Ok, here's a belly shot. I'm 36 weeks now, so 4 more to go...depending on when the baby decides to make its arrival. Still feeling great. I'm a slow walker, but Piper is very patient as long as she gets to the park one way or another. haha.

35 Weeks and Counting

Hi Everyone-

We just finished up with all our anethesia, birthing, breastfeeding, and newborn care classes, so we are officially prepped and ready to go...or so we think. haha. Both Rich and I thought the classes were awesome. We may forget it all, but at least we have better expecations for when this bundle arrives. We also met with the pediatrician yesterday so we are all set.

The rocker and crib have arrived so now I'm trying to get that delivery scheduled. And our awesome painter, Max, should be by sometime in the next week or two to give the room a new look. Other than those last few items, we are in good shape. My sister-in-law recommended getting as much done early as possible and it was great advice. It is easy to tire out quickly now.

We had a doctor appt. on Tuesday and the baby is doing great. Rich and the doc hit it off as they both have backpacking in common. Never thought we could have such a good time at an OB appt. We go back each week now until our due date. The countdown is on. One month to go!

Jen

Hiccups

I experienced my first set of Baby Valdez hiccups yesterday. I wasn't sure what this rhythmic bouncing was in my belly. At first I thought it was my heartbeat that I was feeling and then realized it was at a slower pace. And it couldn't be the baby's heartbeat because that is faster than mine at about 135 beats per minute. Rich got home from a backpacking trip today and I had the same sensation. It was then that I realized it was baby hiccups. So wild!

I had a pretty busy weekend. Just been trying to finish up all my errands and get ready for the baby. I had the carseat installed in my car yesterday. I was so impressed at how the technician managed to climb on the seat with all her weight to get the carseat base buckled in properly. I couldn't imagine a pregnant woman getting into the right position to do such a feat! I learned so much about how to properly install a carseat and buckle in a child. I feel much more informed to say the least.

I'm feeling good. Just starting to tire out a lot faster. We are 35 weeks now so only five more to our due date. We have class tomorrow, Dr. appt. on Tuesday, and an appt with the pediatrician and class on Wednesday. It will be a busy week.

Baby Classes

Last night we had our third labor and delivery preparation class - only one more to go. In our class, there are eight couples who are all over age 30. A really nice group of soon-to-be moms and dads. We had our hospital tour and were able to see the delivery rooms, nursery, etc. It was nice to get familiar with where we'll be. Tonight, we have a newborn baby care class. Rich has been the total sport going to all these classes and dr. appts with me. He's becoming quite the expert in all this.

Baby Pool

Ok, the arrival of this kid is as good a guess as anyones. My coworker, Vickie, has put together a pool if you want to make your guess as to when Baby Valdez will make his or her debut. The cost is only $1 per guess...and you can have multiple choices. Isn't that why we buy more than one lottery ticket at a time? As a participant, you would need to make your guess as to Boy or Girl, Delivery date, Delivery time, Weight, and Length. No 10 pound guesses please!! haha. You can send your info and $$ to Vickie Nutter at 2399 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95833. She's as detailed as they come, so rest assured that your $$ and info will be properly logged and accounted for. Good luck!

A Great Weekend

Yesterday, our neighbors rallied for another baby shower. This kid is spoiled already. We received such nice and thoughtful gifts. We are thrilled to add another little one to the growing group of kids in the neighborhood. Thanks everyone for the well wishes and spoiling baby Valdez!

Another Shower

Yesterday, my coworkers Vickie and Jill threw me a shower at the office. It was super fun and flattering to receive such nice gifts and well wishes from everyone. And the guys all get extra credit for attending the shower. Impressive! I am starting realize that maternity leave is not far off and I'll miss seeing everyone each day. Although it will be super fun to bring the baby into work (versus just Piper as I have done in the past). Thanks everyone for making me feel so special! You're the best.

A Good Dr. Appt

Rich and I had a follow up doctor appt. today and everything is going great. The baby's heart rate was 135 and I'm measuring right on schedule. The baby is moving a lot these days. Thankfully mostly during the day so I'm still getting good sleep. We go back again in two weeks and then we start going to the doctor weekly. Can't believe we are having our baby next month already. Time sure flies!

Baby Shower

The awesome shower hosts! Leslie and Kristine are on the left with Mady on the far right. Thank you girls! Here's a perfect family photo op - baby James (my nephew) with Barbara (Cathy's mom on the left), Marcella (my mom in the middle), and Cathy (my sister-in-law and James' mom on the right).

32 Weeks

Here's a picture from my shower at 8 months. The baby is growing so much now and moving around like crazy. There is a lot less kicking and more rolling these days. Early on I thought I was having a girl, but now I'm thinking a boy. Especially since I'm carrying all out front. We'll just have to wait and see.

29 Weeks, Only 11 More To Go

Here we are 7 months and counting. I've been feeling great. Such a great experience so far.

22 Weeks

Here's my next profile shot. This is at 5 1/2 months along. Finally starting to look pregnant. This is also the week that I started feeling the baby for the first time. I had a couple good kicks...no butterflies or popcorn popping everyone else talks about. It was fun because Rich felt the baby the day after I did. We also had our ultrasound at 18 weeks and everything seemed fine.

16 Weeks - Baby on the Way

Here's a picture from when I was 16 weeks (4 months along). I actually thought I was so big back then. I laugh when I look back at this picture now.

Pre-Baby

Rich and I celebrated our 1st anniversary in Peru traveling all over the country. We knew (or hoped) this would be our last big trip before trekking down the road to parenthood. This picture was taken at the magestic Machu Picchu.