Some Unexpected News

Jeff and I went to our 9 month appt on Thursday to find out that Baby Girl BH needs to come early. Although the amount of amnio fluid present is good and her heartbeat is strong, she is very small. We find out on Tuesday afternoon if I'll go to the hospital on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning to get induced. As you can imagine, this came as a pretty significant surprise. At first it was a little scary, but we are confident that our doctor has the best in mind for us and our little girl.

So...we thought we had 4 weeks to prepare. Turns out we have had 5 days to get all of the final prepartions completed. Needless to say, we have been wildly busy! We have...

• Finished hanging things in the baby's room
• Lined up the dog sitter
• Grocery shopped
• Cooked meals to freeze
• Packed for the hospital
• Finished the laundry
• Changed the sheets on all the beds
• Got caught up on bills
• Got Jeff's car cleaned and installed the car seat
• Set up the pack-n-play
• Introduced the dogs to a fake baby, in hopes of getting them a little acclimated

Most of our list is complete. We still have a few things to do, including a little bit of cleaning, but things are looking good. Especially considering the unexpected news and shortened timeline.

We'll do our best to keep everyone posted on Baby Girl BH's arrival.

Baby Face

On Friday Jeff and I went in for another targeted ultrasound followed by a check up with our nurse practitioner. Baby Girl BH is doing great! Her growth is in the healthy/normal range, which is always so comforting to hear. During the session, the tech was able to capture a picture of our little girl's face straight on. This is a first for us! We saw her yawning, which was absolutely adorable. We recognize that ultrasound pics are a little creepy, but we were still excited to get the one posted here. Can you make out her face?

The tech also told us she has some hair on her little head. She also pointed out which body parts were where, giving me more of an idea of what bits of her I can feel by touching my belly. Right now she is head down. Let's hope that is a position she likes for August!

Our check up went well, too. These appointments have all been good, thanks to a great nurse practitioner (who is hilarious) and a really wonderful and personable doctor. Here are some stats at what was the 32w2d mark...

Pounds gained: 25 pounds

Cravings: still with the potatoes of any kind. I think I have a problem! A tasty, tasty problem.

Movements: I've been getting more action in my side than before. Sometimes it feels like it is a pair of feet pushing out. I do love the movements, no matter what they are.

Symptoms: Heart burn is still present, but I'm just going to go ahead and expect that to be part of life until after the baby.

Sleep: Meh. Sometimes it's ok, sometimes it's interrupted with frequent bathroom trips and adjustments in position. I've also caught myself snoring a couple times (and I'm sure Jeff has, too). I hope *that* goes away after the baby.

Overall feeling: Still feeling very good! Trying to keep active and not let the lazy bone keep me lounging around. The heat is my current nemesis. Too much and I am one wiped out lady!

My Favorite Word

We had another ultra sound this week. I'd love to have one of those machines at home so I could see Baby BH every day. She is still measuring well and developing normally. The word "normal" has become my new favorite word. Normal baby development is sweet music to my ears. Here is a very normal profile pic. You can see her hand just coming into the picture.

You Wanna See Something Reeeaaally Scary?

So this isn't the Twilight Zone, but the truth of the matter is that sometimes ultrasound pictures are creepy. Check out our creepy love bug here. She's looking right at you! Baby Girl BH weighs in at 12 ounces and everything is developing normally. Her brain was gorgeous (smart already, right??) and her heart beating away at 146 bmp.

Picture Show!

Hey everyone! Jeff here with my first post of the blog series and it is a really cool one. Today, Valentine's Day, we had a great appointment and sonogram. We went in to get a test to screen for Downs Syndrome and some other things and it looks like baby is healthy. We are just waiting for the blood work to confirm. So...while they were trying to get little baby to cooperate and move to the right position, we got a great show. For over 10 minutes we watched the baby moving around, almost sucking its thumb, and being stubborn (just like dad). They took several pictures and we have some great shots - including one of its little hand held up to the sonogram, saying hello!

Kristen is doing well, still sleepy and going to be early. I am still enjoying every time she burps! Hope you enjoy the pictures!

a good full view of baby and you can see its hand up near its face.

Time for your close up!

No, please, no more pictures! (that's baby's hand looking straight at the baby)

Bye Bye Fertility Specialists

Ta da! 9 week old baby photo taken on January 19. So photogenic! The head is to the left with baby's little arms all tucked up under the chin. So cute already! :) In this ultrasound the baby measures 2 cm. Holy tininess, batman!

Last week we had our final visit at the fertility specialist office. The pregnancy is progressing along normally so we will begin seeing a regular ol' obstetrician. Although I will miss the nurses and Dr. J (we've been with them for 2.5 years), it's great to be a normal pregnant person now. Well, except for my age. As we talked with the nurse about our OB options, she mentioned my age as a factor in our selection a gazillion times (or maybe 3-4...but sheesh!). Anyways, February will bring a pre-natal class and our first visit with our OB's Nurse Practitioner. Hoorah, hoorah!

Paparazzi

The baby is already getting photos taken! Knowing us and how we like to take pictures, this should not be a surprise.

7w1d, taken during our first ultrasound on 1/5/11:

As you can imagine, seeing a photo of this little bumble bee looking baby was an incredible moment for us. After all of the doctors, appointments, shots, meds, drives to Indianapolis, etc., we are so appreciative and happy for this moment to come.

Thanks to each of you for the support, prayers, positive thoughts, and love that you have shared with us through the process of getting pregnant. We're happy to accept them throughout the pregnancy as well. :)