Houston, We Are Go For Baby!

We've made it! I'm full-term (this was actually a bit of a surprise to learn this morning since I thought next Monday was the day, but regardless - HOW COOL IS THAT?!?)!

The Sprout is now officially all ready to make his grand entrance (sometime between now and the 16th of May or after the 20th of May, of course!) as everything except for his little immune system is adequately developed for life "on the outside." It's all so exciting and mind-numbing to think that we're so close to having a little bundle of joy instead of just a big ol' belly (which I may actually ever-so-slightly miss when it goes away...maybe).

So, that's this morning's quick announcement. I do have some other updates to share, but I need to get busy on some work here at the office (they do pay me for that afterall!). Tomorrow is my next check-up with the OB so I'll be sure to get back here and let you know how it went. Have a great week!

9 Months!

Where has the time gone? Before I know it, little sprout is going to be a teenager (a well-behaved little angel of a teenager, of course - hee hee!) if time keeps going at this break neck speed.

As far as updates, nothing too new in the way of the pregnancy. I'm still having back issues, but the chiropractic care I'm receiving seems to be helping keep me in a state where I can at least tolerate things.

We didn't really do too much baby shopping this week either. For the most part, we have most of the really important stuff. There are a few "wants" that we may still invest in, but until we have some real life experience come our way, we figure we have a good start. Thus, most of the purchases this weekend were for yours truly. :) However, I did start a little blankie for the sprout which should be quite lovely when finished....

We picked up some slippers and a nightie and robe that I can wear in the hospital during/after delivery. The robe and slippers are for sure before. The nightie - well, we'll have to see if it still fits in a few more weeks (that belly of mine is g-r-o-w-i-n-g it seems - pictures will be forthcoming...) and we also have to take into account that I'm going to be hooked up to an IV. Either way, it should get some use. Finally, to save me a lot of time and trouble, we invested in a little MP3 player for me to put my favorite music on since music can really effect my mood. So, I now how a cute little pink MP3 player that holds plenty of music to keep me moving and grooving. I'm going to give it a bit of a trial run here at work today (if my right ear stops being stupid and feeling all stopped up).

Other than that, we packed my hospital bag and started brainstorming some ideas of food to bring to the hospital for me. Since I'm allergic to so many things, we figure we better have a pretty decent stash on hand to ensure that when I'm done helping sprout make his grand entrance I don't turn into an angry (and very hungry ogre - you may or may not know that I'm not the most pleasant individual to be around when I'm starving). So, I have to do a little preparatory baking/cooking over the next two weeks for that. I packed everything I should need and then some (including my favorite surgery buddy - a stuffed mouse whose been through all of my major surgeries with me!) and several movies to keep myself amused as well. I decided to go for cute and not too hard to follow so the doctors and nurses who get to come visit me will be amused by two Legally Blonde movies and Bring It On (I figure some cheerleading in the birthing room could be a good thing!).

Other than that, yesterday was my parents' 30th anniversary! Happy day mom and dad!

Week 35 OB Update

It's hard to believe that we're so close to getting to meet the sprout in person! Only 34 days to go by that little counter over there. Who knows it could be even earlier...we've given sprout clearance to come out before May 17 and after May 20. :) The dead days are, of course, the days Mark will be taking his test. So, yeah, unless I change my mind, we're going to go for letting sprout determine when he comes. We kind of want that "surprise!" experience just in case we decide one little sprout is enough for us.

Today, of course, we had our next little OB update. We picked up our cord blood banking kit at this visit...now I can start filling out the big ol' application. Aside from that, everything seems to be going well with the little guy and with me (aside from the back thing which seems to be a bit better today and which will hopefully improve with tonights appointment with the world's greatest chiropractor!). We'll have our OB next appointment in two weeks and then we'll have weekly visits with the doctor until it's time for the little guy to grace us with his presence. How exciting all of this is! It became a little more real today, too, since I made my first appointment in May...it was a bit surreal! I am honestly in shock at how quickly time has passed!

After our OB appointment, we visited with one of two candidates for the esteemed and much sought after position as the sprout's pediatrician. This visit was with a doctor who was recommended to us by one of Mark's classmates....she may be a bit partial since he's her husband (hee hee...kind of like how I think Mark is the best chiropractor on the planet!), but we agree with her that he's a class act! We also met one other pediatrician who our doctor had recommended to us and he was nice as well, but we think the first pediatrician will be a better fit and so he's hired. :)

Finally, we visited the hospital's lactation center (and store) today while we were in the area....and we're glad we did! They had a great selection of breast pumps and supplies at awesome prices! We ended up getting my "wish list" breast pump which comes with a really cute bag that can be used without the pump when all is said and done. What made it really cool is despite going for the "limited edition" bag, we actually paid less than we would have paid at a retailer for the "boring" normal version of the pump. I figure I'm allowed a few "silly fashionista girl" purchases here and there, right? :)

Other than baby news, we attended my firm's after-tax season party last night. It was so much fun. I just wish we could have visited with more people. The food was absolutely wonderful, though and we had a blast. Today, then, was our after-tax season holiday, though it was terribly busy! I sure wish I had tomorrow off, too, but it is back to the office tomorrow. At least things will be really calm!

It's Raining Again!

Welcome to the Bay Area. Just as I started to pen this post, it started pouring...no wonder I was able to sleep in this morning! I always have the roughest time staying in bed when the sun is out. I may take advantage of this weather and crawl back in since I might even be able to get back to sleep now that I've eaten breakfast!

Despite the rain, today should be a pretty decent day here. I don't have anything planned really. I might put our car seat base in so that (hopefully) I can make it sometime this week or next to have one of the checkpoints give me the thumbs up or needs improvement sign.

As far as a thumbs up, Mark got a big one yesterday! He has been waiting for the results of the clinic exit exam he took at his school about a week or so ago and they finally came in! I'm happy to report that our boy passed! Yea! Three cheers for Marky Mark! This means that once he gets his numbers in at the clinic, he can decrease his time there to make more time for spending with the little fish (or should I say kickboxer now - ouch!) that lives in my tummy! At any rate, it is very exciting. Now he only has one more "big" exam to go...that would be the one that our dear sprout is not going to interrupt. :) Mark's attending a review course all this week to ensure that he's ready for that big test, but passing his school's exam is actually a big booster in that area - it's been said that if you can pass the school's exam, the board exams are a little easier. We're not buying it, but it's a nice thought anyhow!

In other Mark news, he's been looking into offices and what not for when he is a bonafide doctor. He's been talking to a lot of docs in Denver and Colorado Springs since we think we'd like to move back to Colorado. Yesterday he was able to talk to a doctor who has a place on North Carefree and Powers and is looking for someone to share office space with (this is apparently the newest trend). I thought it was funny that this is in the same general area that we lived when we moved.

Other than that, I can tell you that coming up this week is sure to be full of fun and blogging fodder. We have my company's after tax season party on Monday, our OB checkup and two introductory pediatrician appointments on Tuesday (a day off for me!) and who knows what the rest of the week will hold besides my parents' anniversary on April 22 - Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Here's to (wow!) 30 years!

A Real Weekend...

This was a great weekend since it was the first in several where I got two days off! We made good use of our time especially since it is the last that Mark will really be able to "hang out" much since he'll be reviewing for those board exams that dear sprout is not going to interupt. We have faith.

Speaking of which, we've sort of come to the conclusion that we'll probably let him choose when he's ready to come out rather than inducing labor. The ultimate decision will be made as we get closer, but for now I'm (and I'm pretty much the one who'll be making the decision since I'm the one with the test anxiety...go figure) really wanting to have a surprise. I don't want to miss out on the whole "honey! I think it's time!" experience...and again, our little sprout is a good boy so I know he'll cooperate and not interupt daddy's test. Please?

So anyhow, we made good use of our weekend. We had lunch at Red Lobster yesterday...it's lobsterfest time! :) And, then we did some grocery and other errands at the shopping center next door. We sure were reminded how grumpy people in this part of the world can be during this experience, too. I'll spare you the details.

Once we made it home, I engaged in many nesting activities such as getting baby's crib ready to go (including making a cute bed skirt so we can store stuff underneath it) and washing all his cute little clothes which I simply can not wait to dress him up in. I was never much into the whole doll thing when I was a little girl, but I may make up for it with my little boy! :) I sure am anxious for him to come out and play, but I'm also just enjoying having him kick my innards...even when it hurts it still makes me smile. :)

I do have to admit I'm getting rather uncomfortable and I do think I'll be ready when he's ready to grace us with his presence. It's kind of funny since most people who see me seem to think that since I'm not utterly huge (of course, most of these people didn't see me when I was a skinny minnie either) I must be feeling grand. Not so...I definitely have all the challenges that come with those last few months of pregnancy. The only thing I have on a lot of those ladies is my live in massage therapist and chiropractor...yet again I am thrilled with the man I've chosen to spend my life with! :) Now if only he could help me stay asleep...

This morning we attended Easter services at church and enjoyed seeing all of the people we haven't since tax season started up. They all are anxious to hear when the little sprout has arrived. I think they were a bit disappointed to learn that we'll be having him baptized in Colorado, though.

After church we came home and finished up the laundry and then had a visit from our friends Penny and Brent who brought us lots and lots of neat baby stuff. From clothing (primarily for 12 months and older which we haven't really started to accumlate) to crib mobiles and a Peg Perego high chair, they treated us to some great "loot" for our coming addition. We're especially excited about the co-sleeper that they've passed along. This will be so helpful in baby's first months so that I can nurse him without too much fuss. We just need to reorganize our bedroom a little to make room for it to be by my side of the bed.

The last bit of excitement is we had pizza for dinner and I tried out a new rice flour crust recipe that performed beautifully. I think we've found a winner and my whining about not being able to have pizza has come to a full stop (except for the part where I can't just go out and grab a pizza which may persist!). ;)

So, all in all, it was a great weekend filled with stuff to make me feel all warm and fuzzy. I'm glad we're finally to this point...I'm not sure how much longer I was going to be able to keep up with those 6 day work weeks. Tomorrow is the last official week of tax seaon and our 34th week of pregnancy...very exciting stuff. Our next doctor appointment is on the 17th (a day off for me!) and so until then we may not have too much excitement but we'll keep you posted if we do!

Some Nice Friday Surprises!

Well, today has been a banner day despite it following a rather sleepless night. I don't think I quite understand why it is that in the time shortly before giving birth our bodies decide that sleep is something we don't need. It seems like I'll have plenty of sleepless nights after little sprout arrives...can I please have a good night's sleep before he does? :)

Anyhow, I received a couple of nice surprises today at work. First, I don't have to come in tomorrow. In a word, YEA! This is awesome not only because I can sleep in tomorrow but because maybe I can spend some quality time with Mark (which will become quite scarce after this weekend due to his busy class schedule and his reviewing for his last big board exam). Furthermore, it makes it much easier to make it to Easter Sunday services. We haven't been to church forever (well, not since tax season began) and I'm going to enjoy showing off my little 'buddah belly' to all the people. :)

The second neat surprise I received was a little giftie from one of my co-workers for little sprout! She made him the sweetest little cardigan sweater with the most adorable little elephant buttons. It is just precious. I always just love gifts that people make for you...they're just so much more precious than words can convey.

Little sprout is cleaning up this week as always. I went on a little shopping spree yesterday afternoon with my friend Yanna from work. She and I found some adorable surfer boy and girl tub toys/gear and we got him a cute little tummy time play mat that will convert to a little tunnel for him to crawl through when he makes it to the mobile stage. :) Both of these fun toys have a little "sailing, sailing" ditty that plays and lots of neat little fishies to keep him occupied. He's just going to love it!

The other acquisitions for the week were our diaper bags and another round of clothing from Babies R Us. We chose one large and one small diaper bag from Land's end and they are just awesome. I am anxious to get them packed and ready to go for baby's trips away from home. For the most part, I think we're about ready for the little bug to arrive! That's probably a very good thing since we only have a month and a half to go....I can't wait to hug, cuddle and fuss over him and I know Daddy is just as anxious!

Maybe to at least tide me over (and since I'll have some free time this weekend) I'll get some pictures of some of the nifty things we've purchased for the little guy. I'm sure you'll get a kick out of some of them...though it is going to be hard to top the "tax deduction" bib. ;)

Buddah Shots - Part II

Well, it looks like I'm pretty far behind on the belly shots thing (I blame it on tax season) so I'm sitting down right this minute to catch myself up. :) Following that, we'll do our typical update...

Without further a-do - March 10, 2007 (I would have been at the tail end of week 30):

It's amazing how what you wear can change how slim you look...something I learned way back when I was overweight as a kid. And, if you don't believe me, look at that belly again and then look at this picture which was taken at the beginning of week 32 on March 27, 2007:

And now we have a picture of the belly sans clothing...taken today.

As I've mentioned, my belly is pretty small compared to a lot of people who are 8 months pregnant! And, I suppose that's why people look at me with a look of surprise (and on occasion worry) when they find out just how far along I am. I figure I still have plenty of time to "blossom" as my dear friend Jenny described it. I will try, now that tax season is winding up (2 more weeks to go folks!) to be a bit better about posting pictures that show my progress....

Aside from belly shots, we actually do have some things to speak of here in Roccoland. For one, little sprout is just kicking up a storm right this very moment. Apparently he's very excited that I'm chatting to all his adoring fans. ;) He definitely is one active little boy. I've started telling people that he's destined to be either a soccer or a dance star. The Rockettes have nothing on him!

All that aside, though, we did have an appointment with the OB this week as I mentioned we would. We heard his little ticker beating away as usual and the doctor did our strep B test. I'm now back to less modesty in the doctor's office for the rest of our little visits. Joy. :)

So, we discussed with the doctor what the latest I could stay at work because after looking into the financial situation, I would just feel better if I could stay as long as possible. In the doctor's opinion, I am good to go until my due date or, if earlier, the day I deliver. That gave me a good boost of confidence because it obviously means he's pleased with how the pregnancy has gone so far and doesn't forsee any problems. That is always a plus! So, that's the plan - I'll stay in the office as long as I possibly can (and hopefully I won't go into labor there - wouldn't they love that?!?) and then I'll be able to stay out with baby longer...which is when I am really going to want to be home anyhow!

As for other activities around here, we were busy today with lots of errands and we also were able to sell Mark's mountain bike which is great - one less piece of equipment to take care of and a little extra $$ to add to the kitty for the tandem bike we're hoping to get at some point so that Mark can go riding again with me at the helm (which is, in some respects a scary proposition!).

Errands-wise, we went to Babies R Us for our weekly "get a few things at a time" drill. This week's acquisitions included a Diaper Genie II which we're hopeful will keep our house smelling decent when we have lots of diapers running around. We also actually bought our first box of diapers - the book we've relied on for insight suggested 100 newborn size and 400 size 1s were a good start to have in your arsenal. We ended up going with Pampers Swaddlers for our newborn diapers (which are the only ones we bought today) because they have aloe in them for soothing instead of some other "stuff" which we'd never heard of before.

We also picked up a monitor so we can keep tabs on baby when he's snoozing and we're in a different room. After contemplating many bells and whistles models, we decided to go for a simple sounds and lights monitor that was recommended by, you guessed it, the book. ;)

Aside from this type of stuff, we also bought some fun articles of clothing that little sprout is going to just be so adorable in....primarily hats. We got one that looks like a little dog with blue corduroy ears and another cute little hat and slipper set that looks like a little bear with ears....too cute, I assure you. The last couple of knit hats we got were rather plain and chosen more for their utility...they're still cute though. We also got a cute little swimwear cap with fishies on it that we found amusing. Perhaps the best article of clothing we found today (at least in my opinion) is this bib:

Isn't it just perfect for little sprout given what I've amused myself with during most of his time in my tummy? I simply couldn't resist it. And, I also can't stop giggling about it because seirously, I find it just too funny. But then, I am a tax accountant and I guess it's to be expected that I would find a bib declaring my offspring a tax deduction too funny. Lucky for our little sprout that I see him as more than just a way to decrease our tax liability. Speaking of which, our personal tax season is over - the returns are in, the refunds have been received and life is good! :)

The only other thing we did today is that I ordered our diaper bags (one large and one small) from Land's End. After much contemplation, I decided I liked the baby blue/black combo better than the mint green/black combo. So, that's what we have on the way. We used a gift card we were able to get from our Discover cash back bonus to buy these so we have two very nice and useful bags on the way for an outlay of $10. :) Not too shabby.

Well, with that we probably have covered all there is to cover as far as what we've been up to goes. Tomorrow Mark starts his next quarter at school which should result in his being extremely busy with 33 credits and I will continue plugging along on the tax returns assigned to me.

There's only one final observation to make then - as of today there are only 50 more days to go until little sprout comes out to play. As I've said many times before, wow! It's hard to believe!