Meet Ryder Hall Oukrop!!

Ryder Hall graced us with his presence Tues, Sept 14th at 7:42pm weighing a whopping 8lbs 12oz and 21.5" long. (Guess Dr. L was right about him being fully cooked...)

The hospital called us early Tues morning (5:15 or something like that) and asked us to be in by 7. Perfect! Hubs has been so antsy waiting for the call to go in. I set the alarm for 6 and attempt to get a little more shut eye before the big event. Didn't really work, was a little too excited... :)

We get up, shower, eat and head to check in. Our wonderful friend, and labor nurse, Shannon, was in our birthing suite getting everything ready. We got me all hooked up to the monitors and found out that i was having regular contractions every 3-5 minutes. They just weren't bothersome, felt like a little pressure right where Ryder's butt was so I just figured it was him, not a contraction.

Dr. Lorenzo came by a little after 8, checked me and had Shannon start a low-dose pitocin protocol. Even with pitocin, I still wasn't uncomfortable during the contractions. Dr. L came back by around 1 to check me again (3-4 cm), and he decided to break my water. After my water broke (very interesting feeling - peeing the bed uncontrollably) I was able to feel the contractions more. Down in my pelvis, near my hips. I would also, occasionally, have fluid gush out with contractions (more uncontrollable bed wetting sensations).

It got uncomfortable about 4-4:30 so we called for an epidural (thanks CRNA Bill!). After that, it was back to smooth sailing - Oma, Hubs, and I were all reading. About 6pm Shannon came in to check my progress - Oma just got back from dinner with Bitsy and Bear, and Hubs was eating the Mongolian beef she brought back for him. I enjoyed one of everything on the clear fluids diet menu - blue powerade, chicken broth, 7-up, and red jello. I just wanted to make sure I had a little something to give me energy to push with. 1cm of dilation per hour is normal so we were thinking push time would be 8-9pm.

When Shannon checked me at 6, to her surprise and all of ours, it was go time! She went to call the doc and get all the baby whatnots ready for Ryder's arrival and Lant had a quick moment of panic. Got a little pale and clammy, asked if we could bump up the AC for him. :) Couple a swigs of powerade later, he was back in the game and holding my leg (Oma got the other one). Shannon set up a mirror for me so I was able to see Ryder's great debut. It was great motivation to physically see him progressing closer to the outside with every contraction.

I was able to feel the urge to push but not any pain, thanks to my perfect epidural. Good thing I was in the company of friends because I farted at least once during each contraction. Then I would laugh (I'm only so mature). Dr. L said "It's just air." But he had on his full splatter suit and face mask. I asked him if it were to prevent pink eye and he knew that I was referencing Knocked Up! After less than an hour of pushing, amazing considering his head was still at a -2 station, Ryder was born! It was great all the way up until Ryder's head crowned at the very end of a contraction. That didn't feel good. I tried to wait for the next contraction, but hurt too bad so I gave it my all and popped him out. If I would have waited, I wouldn't have torn (second degree). Oh well. We have our perfect baby and some stitches downtown are completely worth it. Ryder's first poop splattered Dr. L (good thing he had on the full suit!) and I held him on my chest and fed him for the first time while Dr. L stitched me up.

Bitsy, Bear, and Wumps were also there for the pushing, but behind the curtain since I had the mirror set up and there wasn't anywhere they could be without a full visual. After I was all stitched up, they got to come in and meet the first grandbaby on both sides of the family.

We're lookin' pretty good considering what we both just went through.

Daddy changing his diaper one last time before we head home.

Ryder n Daddy hangin' out.

First family photo - Ryder in his snugglesaurus outfit, heading HOME!!

Week 40

Bubba has arrived - but for technicality's sake, I'm going to write this. :)

Dr. L said I've hit maximum capacity and that if we don't induce labor that he's worried the baby will be too big and we'll end up having to do a c-section after struggling with labor. My plug fell out on the 9th and I've noted other signs that labor is literally any day now so I'm not too upset with being induced. So now, we wait for the hospital to call and let us know that they're ready for us. We're on the schedule for Monday, but they don't want to call us in too early in case doctors have patients from the weekend that are emergent. Hubs ran into work to tie things up and Mama O (Bitsy, she's decided) is heading down later Monday morning.

That's all you get for now - I'll post the story of Bubba's birth next!

• A surge of hormones in your baby's body might play a part in initiating labor.
• Your baby weighs between 7 and 8 pounds and measures between 18 and 20 1/2 inches long. More or less is OK.

Week 39

Well, I'm another cm dilated. Dr. L said my water could break at any moment... We're just waiting. I'm off work - I'm to be resting and napping. Today's my second day home and already I'm bored. It's raining so the ladies and I aren't walking right now. I know, I know - treasure these last moments, I'll never be bored again.

I go back to the doc tomorrow for a nonstress test (measure Bubba's heartrate for 30mins or so) and an ultrasound to check amniotic fluid levels (make sure placenta is still working well). Dr. L is ready for me to pop and doesn't want me going past next week so this is to check and make sure my placenta is still functioning well and it's safe to keep Bubba in till he's ready. Dr. L knows how much I don't want pitocin. I'm game for the cervadil, but that requires me to stay in the hospital and be monitored after it's administered (pill that dissolves what's left of my cervix - I don't swallow it).

I took a nice, long shower this morning and shaved my legs. It may be my last long shower for a while... I keep thinking each night that this may be our last lazy night, but then we keep getting one more. So weird to be at the end, but not know when exactly the end is - kinda makes it fun, too! :) Last night, while we were watching TV, Bubba mooned me. Check out the butt bulge!

• The waxy vernix covering her skin and the fine hair called lanugo start to go away when you're 39 weeks pregnant. Some vernix and lanugo might remain at birth.
• Your baby gets antibodies from the placenta to protect her against illness.
• She also will get more antibodies when you breastfeed her at birth.
• Your baby probably weighs between 7 and 7 1/2 pounds. But it's normal for her to weigh anywhere from 6 to 9 pounds.

Week 38

There's light at the end of the tunnel! I had my weekly exam with Dr. L this morning. He was kind enough to strip my membranes while he was in there feeling around. It wasn't anywhere near as bad as people make it out to be. Bubba's still really active with crazy wiggling. His heart rate is in the mid-130s - perfect, exactly where it has been. Bubba's head is engaged (dropped down into my pelvis), and I'm 1cm dilated (cheerio, see below). Dr. L said Bubba feels like a healthy, seven-pound baby right now and that he's presenting well and he had a good feel of his head (crazy to think that he's touching his head!). We made an office appointment for next week but he thinks we'll be meeting at the hospital before then. Guess that means I should actually pack the hospital bag! :)

Kati's really hoping that he comes during the weekend so she's able to make his great debut. Mama and Daddy O are going to come down for Labor Day weekend since we'll be home and there's a solid chance of it truly being Labor Day weekend. I do need to get my toes done and Hubs and I are planning on hitting up the movie theatre one last time (we'll have to see what's playing!).

I've had some contractions this past week, but nothing crazy. I have been achy and crampy down low on my belly/in my pelvis. Like uncomfortable menstrual camps. We've been walking the ladies - have to make sure and do that more. Now that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I want it! But I also treasure every single night that I'm getting a good night's sleep. It's weird to be so close to the finish line but have no idea where it is. With the marathon I knew exactly how much farther I had to go. Even though Dr. L said he doubts to see me next week in the office, there's still a chance of him seeing me there - ya know?! Walk, walk, walk!!!

• Your baby's organ functions refine when you are 38 weeks pregnant.
• His nervous system functions increase.
• His brain helps him refine breathing, improve digestion, regulate his heart rate, and prepare for eating during the 38th week of pregnancy.
• Your baby might pass solid waste, called meconium, prior to delivery. If your water breaks or leaks and it is greenish-brown in color, this might indicate meconium spotting in your amniotic fluid. Call your doctor right away if this happens.
• He has reached what will likely be his birth length.

Week 37

Weekly doctor visits, that's what we've come to. I feel like a regular at a coffee shop - I'm the Tues 8:45am girl. All is well, and right on track. Bubba's cookin' away in there. I feel him heavier, achier down at the bottom of my gut, between my hips. Nurse says I get the luxury of feeling that weight the rest of the time. Yippee... I have been SO blessed throughout, so I'm not even going to think about starting to complain now. The nurse also said I'm very lucky to not have any stretch marks (Thanks Mom!) and still be able to sleep so well.

My cervix has just started to thin, not really any dilation. Have another appointment next week, of course. We’re probably ~2 weeks out, but you never know! Doc is confident it’s at least a week out – I think at least two but he kinda hem-hawed at my confidence. Said it could be days or weeks.

Either way, we're good to go. Hubs and I got TONS done Sunday afternoon. He cleaned the house (gotta love that man!) and I did Bubba's laundry and finished getting his room put together. He has clean clothes, diapers, and a place to sleep. Bring it on, Bubba! AND I think we've agreed on a name (Hubs has seen the light). We still have the top 5 list, but agree as to which name is #1 - today. Keep in mind it might change next week. :)

This past week Jaralyn and I had our joint baby shower at work. We had a great time - got to eat lots of yummy potluck food and were spoiled with baby treasures.

Lauren, Kaitlyn, Jaralyn, and myself (1 down, 2 to go!)

The AMAZING tent/sleeper/playtoy from Pat and Krista.

Bubba better love it. Not that we'll be able to find him when he's in there...

I tested it out for him; Roo was supervising (in case I couldn't get back out).

Over the weekend Hubs and I spent one last night away from home just the two of us. We went to Cameo Heights Mansion, halfway between here and Walla Walla. Dinner was AMAZING - some of the best food we've ever put in our mouths. Hubs' dinner started with this smoked prime rib soup that ooh...so yummy! Was like melted buttery, smoky bacony, creamy goodness. We're going to go back and have dinner there for our anniversary (good thing that's only 2 months away!). We had a wonderful, relaxing time just the two of us. The pool wasn't heated so we did our flinking in the hot tub, which was a bathwater temp so I was able to spend a good hour in there. Oh! And we played some dominoes before dinner, I was losing until I went out and got 71 points from him!!! (Daddy O - I think that may be the record!)

• Your baby's weight gain slows considerably, but she's got just a little more room to grow.
• Essential fat (aka baby fat) will continue to form. This will round her out and help her stay warm after birth.
• If you have an ultrasound during the 3rd trimester, the technician might measure the head, stomach, and femur to estimate your baby's weight.
• She weighs more than 6 pounds.

Week 36

This past weekend we went up to Spokane for one last visit with the fam before Bubba pops out. As we drove up the hill to Mama n Daddy O's, it dawned on me that our next trip up here Bubba will be in the back seat! While we were in town, Ginny took some fun, amazing photos of us. She's a keeper! :)

I also finished off my BabiesRUs registry - that was a process. The girl rang me up, forgot to scan the 15%-off-remaining-items-on-your-registry-discount coupon, apologized and called her manager to see if we could just void out the transaction and do it again (I had a whole cart of goodies so I was really hoping we could do it the easy way). Nope. Return each item, and re-checkout. 20 minutes later, we have items returned, and re-scanned. Meanwhile, Hubs and Mama and Daddy O are at the German Inn waiting for me to join them for dinner. I'm starving. She scans the coupon - doesn't work. Well, that's because the first transaction made the items no longer show up as 'available' (remember the coupon is only good for reamining items). So pretty much the last 30 mins of me standing here was pointless. The manager came and apologized to me and the checker and just gave me 15% off my total (what the checker wanted to do over 1/2 hour ago). Fun, fun! Anyhow, treasures have been purchased. Need to close out Target this weekend and then we'll be all stocked up!!

I had my doc appt this week - we're on to weekly appointments with cervix checks. I had terrible pap smear in my head as a cervix check, but it wasn't so terrible. Quick and no duckbills. But Dr. L did look off in the distance while he was digging around in there, like he was trying to remember where he left his keys...

Bubba is head down (Dr. L let me feel!) but I haven't even begun to dilate. I didn't think I had since I haven't been having any contractions. I've had a couple this week, but they are tiny and rare. Pretty sure next week's check will yield the same results as this week. I'm still comfy and sleeping well, so no complaints from me. I do feel like Bubba had another growth spurt last night; pretty sure my belly is bigger today than yesterday. I can't believe we're in the home stretch - the last month already!

• Your baby has grown almost completely into his skin that was once so oversized.
• He now has a fully rounded face, in part because his powerful sucking muscles are now developed and ready to get to work.
• Although your baby's bones are hardening, his skull remains soft and flexible for his birth.
• At 36 weeks of pregnancy, your baby probably weighs about 6 pounds or slightly more.

Week 35

Well, the nice blue ribbon that fit comfortably around my belly at the baby shower is now a solid 1.5" too short - I can't believe it!! I feel like I'm bigger every day, I guess this is proof... I grabbed the ribbon to put it away in a safe place and for some crazy reason decided to see how it fit - when I couldn't get the ends to meet I readjusted the ribbon, a couple times. No luck. I truly am turning into the Goodyear blimp. :)

We had our intake interview (filled out paperwork so we're all registered and ready to roll) with the hospital - Hubs got to see what a labor bed looked like and check out the super-comfy pullout chair he gets to sleep on. When talking with the nurse I realized that it'll be this time next month that we're there for the real deal. I keep thinking that we have plans every weekend in August, stuff to do at home, things to wrap up at work...Bubba's sneakin' up on me! He's still sittin comfy in his hammock; he hasn't dropped and I highly doubt he's turned so I feel like I have plenty of time yet. Ha! He has been a great baby; I know I'm lucky. Keep it up Bubba - just as good on the outside as the inside!!

• Your baby probably continues to gain at least a half a pound a week.
• During the 35th week of pregnancy, she already might be close to her birth length, near 18 inches from head to toe, and she continues to build up necessary fat, especially in her shoulders.
• Within your now-crowded uterus, your baby might shift her movements from kicks and punches to more rolls and wiggles.
• Her brain development continues to advance quickly.
• Your baby already might have settled into a head-down position in your pelvis, if this is your first pregnancy. This is the ideal position for delivery because your baby's head is the biggest part of her body.
• Position refers to your baby's placement in your uterus — whether he is facing right or left or is headfirst or feetfirst. Your baby floats in your uterus and changes positions often throughout early and mid-pregnancy. When you're between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant, your baby usually rotates to a head-down position for labor and delivery.
  • Headfirst position is called the vertex position.
  • Feetfirst position is called a breech position.
  • If your baby is breech but is not too far down into your pelvis, your doctor might try to turn your baby into the proper position a few weeks before your due date.
  • Lying-sideways position is called a transverse position.

Week 34 - Bubba's Shower!

We had Bubba's shower this past weekend - it was awesome! I have some fabulous girlfriends who threw a fabulous party. Surprisingly, we had thunderstorms all night and into the morning of the party so we moved the festivities indoors, but it still turned out perfect - better than I could have ever imagined! Fran found these great jungle balls to hang from the ceiling - Hubs even let them stay up an extra couple of days! Now they're in Bubba's room. Kayte's friend made a super-yummy cake that looked exactly like the crib bedding! It was beautiful, but we were all able to eat it without qualms. He was absolutely SPOILED by everyone. I can't wait for him to get here so we can start using all our treasures!!

We had our 34 week checkup this week. Nothing too exciting - peed in the cup, weight, blood pressure, quick chat with the doc (like all the other appts). Next time, 36 weeks, they start checking for dilation (yippee...). Doesn't feel like it's at the end, but we're getting there! I feel like I have all the time in the world, but at the same time the deadline is looming. Hard to explain. I'm confident I have all of August in the bag, come Labor Day is when I figure we'll need to be on baby watch. And hopefully that works out cause we've got plans for every weekend in Aug! :) Pretty sure I've got a solid chance at it, too. Bubba hasn't dropped or even turned. He's comfy where he's sitting - and I'm comfy too. He's not squishing my bladder (only get up to pee once, if that, at night!), I don't have any extreme heartburn...mild cankles develop if I've been on my feet all day but I'm still wearing my wedding ring.

• He probably weighs about 5 1/2 pounds and is about 12 1/2 inches, about as long as a loaf of bread, from head to rump (plus an additional 5 inches or more in legs!).
• The white, waxy coating protecting your baby's skin (vernix) thickens this week.
• The soft downy hair (lanugo) that insulated your baby's skin so effectively for months is now almost gone.
• Your baby's fingernails have reached the tip of his fingers.
• Your baby might gain about a half a pound this week as his weight continues to build quickly.

Week 33

Heidi Hippo got married!! We went to her beautiful wedding at a u-pick blueberry farm with Mt. Si as the backdrop. We had a fabulous time - Lant got to bartend for a little bit and Bubba and I hula hooped!! There is photographic evidence, hopefully I'll come up with some.

Hubs and I spent the night at The Old Hen B&B. It was fabulous! Even though we didn't get back to the house until almost 10pm, the homeowners were up and offered to get a fire going in the pit for us. We had a great time visiting with them and roasting goodies over the fire. It started out with smores, but then the guys wanted brats. A search of the fridge and freezer left them roasting bacon over the fire. It was pretty yummy! Some ears of corn also made their way out. Bout 12:30 we called it a night (breakfast was at 9:00 and we all wanted to get some rest). Breakfast was also stellar - breadbowl quiches, banana nut bread with maple glaze, bacon (surprised there was any left!), and yummy little cups of parfait with raspberries and mint. MMM!! We'll be back.

Daddy O had a sleepover with us Sunday night on his way home from the Oukrop Family Reunion down in Oregon. We spent the afternoon down at the river - Hubs and Daddy O in kayaks and me playing ball with the ladies. It was at least 100 outside so wading in the river was pretty comfortable - Bubba and I got some good floating time in.

I'm getting very excited to meet Bubba and be able to play with him. He's getting pretty big in there and he sure likes to stretch out. I can feel his feet and slide them back and forth with the palm of my hand. Our shower is next weekend - looking forward to everyone coming to town! I did a little cleaning/organizing in his room, but not much since Hubs is tuna fishing and he wants to help. I have all the newborn and 0/3m clothes in a pile with tags cut off, ready to do my first (of many, many) loads of baby laundry. Took the diapers out of the box and stacked them on the changing table. Couple more weeks and we'll be installing the carseat bases in the cars. It's getting so close!

• She weighs about 4 1/2 pounds and might grow a full inch in length this week alone! She's grown to about 12 1/2 inches from crown to rump, or about the length of an average pumpkin.
• Your baby continues to gain weight rapidly — about a half pound a week.
• The pupils of her eyes can now adjust to bright or dim light, just like yours.
• Her lungs continue to develop.
• Your amniotic fluid has reached its maximum level now — there's simply no more room! With less fluid to cushion them, your baby's kicks might feel a bit uncomfortable.

Week 32

This past weekend we went to the Oregon Coast with the O'Malleys. They were excellent tour guides, knowing all the yummy places to eat (with the exception of the Tiger breakfast place). We played some intense bingo - didn't win squat, spent lots of time on the beach - flying our sweet stunt kites, and wandering through the shops. We stayed in Lincoln City but wandered down to Newport and hit up Rogue Brewery for a self-guided tour and lunch (yummy) and then went to the Newport Aquarium!

At the aquarium.

The four (or five!) of us, gobbled up in one bite!

Bubba n me testing out the gear.

Then on to the kites!!

Initial detangling of the lines since we HAD to get to the beach and couldn't do this in the house/out of the wind... (insert an "I told you so" here)

Finally getting it launched.

Hubs, the professional stunt kite flyer.

What happens when you let go of one of the handles...tangles!!

Lastly, our family portrait in the sand.

• Your baby weighs about 4 pounds and is almost 11 1/2 inches long from crown to rump, or the length of a small watermelon.
• Lanugo, the soft, downy hair that insulates your baby, continues to fall off this week.
• You might notice a change in your baby's movements this week, as he becomes more crowded in your uterus.
• Kicks and movements might seem less powerful.
• Be sure you monitor your baby's movements from time to time, especially if you think you've noticed a decrease in activity. The 10-Kick Count can help.
• Your baby's skin is no longer see-through. It looks more like yours.

Week 31

Bubba has some CRAZY wiggles lately! Tons of moving around. Pretty entertaining to watch my basketball of a belly dance. :) I think he may also have some sleep twitches - all will be calm and then out of nowhere I get this spasm of wiggles, then back to calm seas.

My belly also doesn't fit under the table anymore. I just noticed it earlier this week while Hubs and I were at home for lunch and I didn't get to scoot all the way up to the table. I now set my napkin on top of my belly instead of in my lap. :)

It doesn't feel like it's sticking out any further (Hubs says it looks like a torpedo), but it's definitely gotten bigger. It's bulging out more down on the lower half - the bottom half of my belly button is non-existent. The great part is that I rarely shave my legs anymore, and have a solid reason! Hubs lets me use his electric razor and has even offered to shave them for me! I'll be taking him up on that offer real soon (why not?!).

• When you're 31 weeks pregnant, your baby weighs more than 3 pounds and is 11 inches long from crown to rump, about the length of a bunch of bok choy.
• Your baby's reproductive system continues to develop. In boys, testicles are moving from the kidneys through the groin to the scrotum. In girls, her clitoris is visible, but her labia are still growing to cover it.
• Your baby's lungs are now more developed but are not completely mature.
• As trillions of brain connections develop, your baby is already using all five senses.
• You might notice that your baby has more defined periods of being awake (and active) or asleep.

Week 30

I can't believe there are only 10 weeks to go!

I know the weeks will fly by too - we have something every weekend in July (Grumpa's coming to visit, going to Linclon City with the O'Malleys, Hippo's wedding and a night in a B&B!!, and then the baby shower!!). August may move a little slower but it sounds like we'll be heading up to the San Juans with Oma and Wumps (gotta start practicing their grandparent names). I also booked us a night at Cameo Heights Mansion - a B&B 30 mins from home - Aug 21. Was thinking that would really be our last night away from home just the two of us for a while. I'll be 38 weeks when we go. But I think it will be fabulous - fancy rooms, nice bathtub, sweet pool, driving range for Hubs...

We spent Monday of 4th of July weekend on the boat with Wumps - the weather was finally nice enough! Lant says my belly looks like a torpedo because it sticks straight out. Says you can't tell from the back, and straight on it isn't as obvious, but as soon as I turn sideways - BAM!

I'm very thankful to say that I am still feeling great - no trouble breathing, still feel like I have room for my bladder, sleeping all night pretty comfortably. Just hope Bubba's as good outside as he's been inside!

Lauren, from work, had her baby girl last Friday. You better believe I went to see her and get me some fresh baby time! They both looked great - definitely not like someone who just had a baby. Kaitlyn was 7lb11oz and was the biggest a fresh baby has ever felt. Changes your perspective when you're next in line to pop one out!

Here's a photo of the pregnant clan at work (Lauren, Lindsay, Jaralyn, and me - taken June 17, our last girl lunch before Lauren popped). I'm due next, then Lindsay a couple weeks after me, and Jaralyn a couple weeks after that. Lauren, Jaralyn and I are all in the same group at work. :)

• At 30 weeks of pregnancy, your baby weighs about 3 pounds and is about 10 1/2 inches long from crown to rump, or about the length of a bunch of celery. (His legs and feet increase this measurement by many more inches.)
• From this week until week 37 of pregnancy, your baby gains an impressive half a pound a week!
• Your baby might be practicing breathing movements as he rhythmically moves his diaphragm. You even might notice a slight twitching in your abdomen when this happens.
• Your baby's brain continues to expand and develop, creating additional grooves and folds in the brain's surface. These wrinkles give your baby's brain tissue the needed room to expand as he develops and learns throughout his lifetime.
• Your baby's brain can now regulate his temperature, so he begins to lose the lanugo— fine hair that has been covering his body for warmth.

Week 29

Well, I've fallen slightly behind again so y'all get a double-whammy.

Week 29 flew by with us thinking about what to do for the 4th and not wanting to 'waste' a long weekend. Hubs is doing really well with his dieting and has nearly lost the amount of weight he wanted to lose before Bubba's born. Weather still hasn't felt like summer, people tell me I'm lucky but I'm looking forward to the summer sunshine. More days on the boat, floating in the river and such.

Bubba's movements have definitely become more pronounced - there are times, usually at work, where it looks like he's dancing a jig in there. My goal is to catch it on video one of these times...we'll see if that happens. And then I'd have to learn how to get the video off my iPhone and onto this blog.

• Your baby probably weighs almost 3 pounds. From crown to rump she is about 10 inches long, about the length of a large cucumber.
• Your baby's activity probably keeps getting more frequent and stronger during the 29th week of pregnancy. Hold on — some of your baby's jabs even might take your breath away!
• Your baby already might be within almost 3 inches of her birth length, although she still has weight to gain to fill out.
• During the next 11 weeks, she might more than double or almost triple her current weight. Much of this weight gain will happen as she gains important weight under her skin.

Week 28 - Start 3rd Trimester

Seven months and two trimesters down. Time has flown by!!

I'm still feeling great, no complications. Bubba's heart rate has been consistently in the mid 130s our last couple visits, nice and strong. We got to clearly see all 4 chambers of his heart and valves working perfectly on the ultrasound yesterday. I'm up 13 pounds and doing very well. I passed my gestational diabetes test - not that I was worried about it. More excitingly, after 28 weeks you're supposed to start going to the doc every two weeks but I negotiated with Doc L to let me go one more month before going to two weeks. That's a big deal!! I'm doing really well and am aware enough of my body and what's to be expected that I'd know if something was off. Success!

We had our 28 week ultrasound yesterday - it's the big "baby movie" one - we get to see Bubba in 3D! It was amazing to see his face, know what he looks like. He did have both a hand AND a foot in his face, but we still got some good sneak peeks. His hand is the ball on the left, covering his right eye. Check out his super-cute mouth and tiny little chin in the second one!

From the not so shy shot of his twig and berries we may have to change his nickname to Turtle. He had one leg up by his face and the other one kicked straight out so we got a great gender confirmation shot. Turtle shell is the berries, turtle head is the twig, and the rock the turtle is sitting on his his leg.

This past weekend we hung out in the foothills of the Blues with friends. The deer are so tame they come up and stare at you until you feed them. I named this one Dorito since that's what I kept feeding her. She liked the orange ones and they would turn her tongue orange. :) I'm wearing a t-shirt that our friend, Glessner, brought me back from Alaska after he summited Denali. Check out my bubba gut!!

• Your baby is about 10 inches long — roughly the length of an average zucchini. He weighs about 2 pounds.
• His brain develops and expands.
• Your baby may open his eyes in utero.
• More fat accumulates under his skin.
• He continues to take 20- to 30-minute naps with some routine.

Shower Invites

I know it's cheating to peek, but I'm too excited! Fran is ordering Bubba's shower invites today and sent me a preview!! Check your mailboxes soon! :)

Week 27

I can definitely tell Bubba is growing. Feel like I'm getting larger almost daily. He wiggles around all the time, which I enjoy feeling and playing with him, pushing back, etc. Hubs is worried that "I'm going to give him a flat spot." Told him birth will do that!

I did notice this morning that my feet look swollen. Maybe I'm paranoid since the girl sitting next to me at work (who will pop any day now) has Stay-Puff marshmallow feet... Either way, I feel that my ankles are less (not gone) visible. Could also be from me scratching all my skeeter bites, but that may be wishful thinking.

Mom has been helping us with name suggestions, since we should probably get on the ball with that one. Poor guy is gonna get Bubba on his birth certificate if we don't get moving! Not that I would post our name list on here... :)

• At 27 weeks pregnant, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds, and is about the length of a head of broccoli.
• Her lungs, liver, and immune system keep maturing.
• She may know your voice and your partner's voice.
• During the 27th week of pregnancy, your baby is as much as four times longer than she was during the 12th week of pregnancy.

Week 26

I'm slightly behind, so this will be my week to post twice and catch up. This past weekend was my first BBQ competition apart of the "No plans" BBQ team - had a great time! Only one minor glitch which resulted from nobody reading the rules. We also, of course, had some great family times hangin' out at the ranch. The photo below is just after Bubba and I nailed a skunk passing through the pasture - don't worry. We were far enough away to avoid smelling anything. It was an awesome shot!

Mom and I also had a great day in Seattle on Sunday celebrating her '42nd' birthday (even though neither of us realized it was the 13th until she got happy birthday calls). Mom's friend from forever, Mark, made us Bali food for lunch - YUM! And, on the way over, a car whizzed past us and didn't make a corner - flipped. We got to be first on scene and call the ambulance!! It was AWESOME. Guy was fine, bloody gash on his forehead and a black eye with probable orbital fracture (from the night before). He crawled, shoeless, out of the car by the time we had pulled over and run to him. Bubba loved the adrenaline rush.

• By the 26th week of pregnancy, your baby weighs 1 1/2 to 2 pounds, and is about the length of a small pineapple.
• Your baby's eyebrows and eyelashes are well formed.
• His eyes are fully developed — he will start to open and close them at around 28 weeks.
• The hair on his head grows and thickens.
• Little footprints and fingerprints form.
• He starts using his lungs to mimic breathing.
• Essential fats accumulate under his skin.

Week 25

For the first time, Bubba inhibited me. I was going to go whitewater rafting, but was informed that I need to be thinking more lazy river and less whitewater. :(

We spent the past weekend hangin' with Mama and Daddy O. Fun family times - as always! Mama O's down in GA for her summer vacation, I know she's dying to monogram whatnots but we still haven't chosen a name. Plenty of time left!

Below is a photo of Bubba's first 2010 ride on the Pidge. :)

My goal for next week: take a belly pic. I've gotten plenty of nagging and have yet to make it happen, but it's on the agenda.

• This week, your baby weighs about a pound and a half, and is about the length of a small cantaloupe.
• Reach for the stars! When you're 25 weeks pregnant, your baby's hands are fully developed. She even can make a fist.
• The nerve connections in her hands continue to develop.
• She uses her hands to explore her environment.

Week 24

Six months - feels like the due date is so close and at the same time so far away. But I feel as ready as can be. Hubs on the other hand... :) He'll be fine! Bubba is considered 'viable' - with a 36% survival rate.

This month's check went well. My BP is still 100/60, where it always is. I'm up 7 pounds. Feelin' great! Bubba's heart rate was 136. He's been movin' and dancin' all over the place in there. You can even watch and see him kicking!

I ordered his bedding, carseat, and stroller (thanks Mama and Daddy O!!) this week, and it should be arriving via UPS (aka the Brown Santa) today or tomorrow! We've also gotten some amazing bargains off CraigsList and his room is filling with treasures. I think I'm going to pause until the baby shower.

• When you're 24 weeks pregnant, your baby is about 8 inches long, close to the length of a banana, and weighs about 1 1/2 pounds.
• Which way is up? Your baby probably knows — now that his inner ear, which controls balance, has finished developing. He might realize whether he is upside down or right side up inside your amniotic sac.
• Your baby probably is continuing to become more active.
  • Your baby's movements show your doctor that your baby is in good health.
  • His movements right now are important for stimulating muscle growth, keeping joints flexible, and strengthening bones.
• Right now, your baby probably is gaining about 6 ounces each week.

Week 23

Got my first (and hopefully only) KILLER leg cramp last night. It was in my left soleus. Woke me up, I tried to stretch it and work it out. Had to wake up the Hubs. My calf is still sore this morning. What an ordeal. Guess I'll stop sleeping on my back, and may start eating a banana with dinner.

Other than that, everything's been great - Bubba moves around tons. I've gotten more used to it, where I almost tune it out - until he throws a big kick to make sure I'm paying attention. I like to play with him as he punches and kicks and I push back - Hubs thinks he's going to come out with flat spots. Babies are pliable, he'll be fine.

Gave myself a weigh-in (have my 6 month checkup early next week) to make sure I won't get shocked at the office. 8 pounds! After not finding weight for so long, I feel like I'm catching up. But I'm in the midst of the pound-a-week stage and still at the low end of normal weight gain. Bubba gains almost 1/2 pound a week.

• Your baby weighs slightly more than a pound now, and she's about the length of an ear of corn.
• Your baby's lungs develop rapidly this week as they prepare for birth.
  • Her lungs are producing a substance called surfactant that allows the lungs to inflate and deflate without collapsing or sticking together.
  • Blood vessels in your baby's lungs also are growing and developing in preparation for breathing.
• Your baby is making breathing-like movements for practice, moving amniotic fluid in and out of her lungs.
• Although your baby is getting all of the oxygen she needs from your placenta, this practice is important for developing her diaphragm muscles.
• By your 23rd week of pregnancy, your baby actually looks like a baby. She still has little body fat and still is trying to fill out her wrinkly skin.