Four Months...Really???

Apparently, it's been four months since I've posted!  I wish I could say I'm surprised, but I'm not.  I've been avoiding the blog for...well, four months, I guess!  I'm going to really try to blog more regularly because a lot of important things are happening in the Bruce household right now!

Here is a summary, to bring you up to speed, in case you don't know:

1.  The most life-altering event is the fact that I am pregnant again!  I turned 22 weeks today, and it is flying by. I'm feeling the baby moving all the time now, which is awesome.  Up until a few weeks ago, it was still hard for me to believe I was pregnant, even though I was growing like crazy!

2.  Avery will be 19 months old on Friday!  My baby is over a year and a half old!  She is growing and changing so much every day, she is difficult to keep up with!  Her dynamic personality comes out all day long and keeps me laughing (most of the time).  She is talking like crazy and is still such a Mommy's girl.  Her favorite thing to do is play outside, so whenever we're inside, all I hear is, "Outside?  Outside?  Yes?  Outside?"  Well, either that, or "Elmo?  Yes?  Elmo?  Abby?  Elmo?"

3.  We were house hunting for a bigger home to move into a couple of months ago, but decided that our small, cute house is the place for us for a little longer.  So, we're doing a few, simple things to make this place a little more livable for our family for the time being.  If I'm really good, I'll blog about what we accomplish.  One thing we've done is get a portable air conditioner so that I don't keel over this summer.

4.  I am currently trying my hand at some gardening.  I'm not a gardener, so I'm still quite skeptical about what the results will be, but crossing fingers for plump, juicy tomatoes and some fresh herbs to cook with.  It actually has me inspired to build some raised beds and overhaul our garden area behind our shed next year.  We'll see what happens.

Those are the four big things that are happening around here.  I'm living one day at a time, learning to be content with the fact that our house is rarely completely picked up or cleaned, and instead, I get to play with the most awesome, sweetest little girl there is.

Okay, hopefully I'll be back soon to give some juicy details about our life.

Update...

I had my doctor's appointment this afternoon and it went really well. I first had a non-stress test scheduled, which is when they monitor the baby's heartbeat and whether or not I'm contracting for up to an hour.  This is the second NST I've had and Baby is still looking peachy.

Also, I have dilated to almost 4 cm, so that is great news!

Since I am 40 weeks, 4 days along, Dr. L gave me the option of inducing.

I took it.  haha!

She looked into sending me straight over to Labor & Delivery, but they were pretty busy, so I am scheduled to show up tomorrow morning at 6:00 to start this thing!

We should have our baby sometime tomorrow!

That is, if I don't go into labor tonight...

Since she checked me, I have been contracting semi-regularly.  Dr. L said there is a possibility that it could happen on its own tonight, so we'll just have to see.

It's about 10:30 and I am headed to bed so that I am nice and rested for tomorrow, provided that I can fall asleep!

Stephen and I are so excited.  We went to Palm Restaurant tonight for Surf 'n Turf to celebrate our last night as "just us".

It was delicious and I am stuffed!

We will try to update the blog and/or Facebook whenever we can.  We can't wait for you all to meet Baby Bruce!

40 Weeks...Plus 1 Day...

No, this baby has not been born yet.

I have no idea when this baby will decide to come out.

I am still very uncomfortable.

I am worried baby will wait until Thanksgiving or later to come and all the out of town family will have left!

I have to admit I'm a little sad.  I just thought Baby would be in my arms by now!

Twiddling My Thumbs...

Well, it's two days before my due date and I am still with child.

However,  I won't say there's no sign of Baby Bruce.  Early Saturday morning, we even made a trip into the hospital to find out if it was time.

It wasn't.

But it wasn't false labor.  It just turns out that this baby wants to taunt and tease me into thinking it's coming at any moment.  I get contractions occurring every five minutes or less for almost an hour or so.  I'm supposed to call Dr. P when they keep coming for an hour.

Friday night, well actually Saturday morning, around 12:45, I woke up to severe cramping and pain in my back.  I laid there and let it be and started writing down the times they occurred.  They were 5 minutes apart...then 4...then 3....  I even had a couple only 2 minutes apart.  I waited and waited.  I let them go for an hour and twenty minutes before I woke up Stephen and told him what was going on.  He urged me to call the doctor.

So I did and she said to go ahead and go in and she might see me later!

We were very excited because this could be it!  We could be bringing home our baby soon!

However, once we got to our labor and delivery room, I had a feeling I would be sent home. 

The nurse checked me and hooked me up to monitors and watched me for about an hour.  She confirmed that I was in fact, contracting, and Baby Bruce was looking good through all of it!  So, she sent me walking for an hour to see if I would progress.  Stephen and I walked the 5th floor hallways for an hour.  I had some really painful contractions that made me stop in my tracks.  It's a good thing they have those handrails along all the walls.

We came back and she checked me again.  No progress.  I really just wanted to cry.  But I was strong.  I didn't cry until we got home.

Yep, she sent me home and said she thought I'd be back later Saturday night or Sunday sometime.

Um, it's Tuesday night.  I have not been back yet.

I went to my scheduled doctor's appointment yesterday and Dr. P did an NST (non-stress test) to make sure all is still fine with Baby Bruce.  At first, Baby was having some dips and dives with the heartrate, so she wanted me to get an ultrasound, just to be sure my fluid was okay.  The rest of my NST was fine.  We got another ultrasound and got a new picture of Baby's profile, and everything looks fantastic.

So, we scheduled my weekly appointment for next Monday, which will be four days after my due date.  If I haven't gotten this turkey out of me before then, Dr. P will want to induce me.

I am praying I have this baby naturally before then.  I really don't want to be induced.  I'd like to avoid all those drugs, if at all possible.

Will you please pray for me and the baby?  I am so grateful that Baby is healthy and fine.  I also am doing fine, but I really don't feel good.  It hurts to sit, stand, lay down...really, I'm just uncomfortable all the time.  I am even having occasional nausea.  My swelling is out of control.

There is a lot of family coming to Colorado for Thanksgiving and to meet the baby.  It'd be great if Baby comes before the weekend so that my mom can be here in Denver with me and not be worrying about all the company at her house.  This is important to me, but it's really important to her that she gets to share this special time with me.  It's that mother-daughter thing, you know?

And pray for Stephen, too.  He has to put up with me.  Ha!

39 Weeks...are you kidding me???

Today, I am 39 weeks pregnant.  A week ago, I thought there was a good chance I wouldn't be doing this post, but that I'd be introducing you to Baby Bruce, instead!

Wishful thinking...

However, I can tell that things are moving along.  I probably just jinxed myself.  Ha!

I am hoping that since I seem to be having lots and lots of early labor going on, that maybe just maybe my "active labor" won't take a super long time.

A girl can dream, right?

"Not much to report this week, at least in the height and weight department.  Fortunately for you and your overstretched skin (and aching back), baby's growth has slowed down - or even taken a hiatus until after delivery.  On average, a baby this week still weighs in at around 7 or 8 pounds and measures up at 19 to 21 inches (though yours may be a little bigger or smaller ).  Still, progress is being made in some other areas, especially baby's brain, which is growing and developing up a storm (at a rapid pace that will continue during the first three years of life).  What's more, your baby's pink skin has turned white or whitish (no matter what skin your baby will ultimately be in, since pigmentation doesn't occur until soon after birth).  A development that you may have noticed by now if this is your first pregnancy: Baby's head might have dropped into your pelvis.  This change of baby's locale might make for easier breathing (and less heartburn), but could also make it harder for you to walk (make that to waddle)."
~ What to Expect When You're Expecting, 4th Edition

I have some things to say about this.  Baby's done growing, so Baby needs to COME OUT.

I have definitely noticed that Baby has "dropped."  Have you noticed in my pictures?  I can breathe easier, for sure, however my heartburn is still fiercer than ever.  It is hard to walk.  We went on a walk today and I asked Riley if she was ready to go on a waddle.

Baby's head is pushing down on my tailbone, which hurts quite a bit.  The support belt I bought does nothing to help this.

I have been having contractions for over a week now.  I have started timing contractions on three separate occasions because they were less than 5 minutes apart.  They occur regularly for about 45 minutes and then stop.  I'm supposed to call the Doc when they last for an hour.  That has been slightly frustrating.

Join me, will you?  On the count of 3, SHOUT,

"LET'S GO, BABY BRUCE!  WE ALL WANT TO MEET YOU!  STOP TORTURING YOUR MOMMY!"

That was very motivating.

But seriously, pray for me.

38 Weeks...

Two weeks from today is my due date!  I am hoping and praying that this little peanut that actually feels like a large watermelon comes way before then.

My discomfort is growing, along with my belly.  I'm tired of gaining weight.  When I went to my appointment on Monday, I had gained FOUR ~ that's FOUR pounds since the previous Monday.  I haven't gained four pounds in one week....EVER!  I think most of it is due to water retention because never have my ankles been so huge.

It still freaked me out.  Thankfully, I have very realistic and kind-hearted nurses and doctors looking after me.  They didn't seem worried.

Isn't that picture above kind of cute?  The little baby is sucking his hand!

I am pretty sure Baby Bruce is working his (I'm just going to say his to keep it easy) way further down because I can breathe a little easier, and I am feeling a lot of pressure on my tailbone.  However, my acid reflux is still going full-force.  Of course.  It is so bad that if I lean over at all, it is instantly coming up my throat!  It makes me grouchy.

Here's my weekly belly shot.  Yes, I'm large.  But more importantly, check out what I'm using to take my picture!

We purchased a new camera ~ the Canon Rebel XS.  I absolutely LOVE it so far.  I've just been working my way through the instruction manual, learning how to use the thing.  It is a digital SLR.  I can get more lenses later.  I am going to learn to take some quality photos and my main subject will be...Baby Bruce!  And you all can be my judges.

Unless you don't like my pictures.  Then, you can keep those opinions to yourself.  Haha!

Anyway, here's what the baby book says about week 38:

"Hitting the growth charts at close to 7 pounds and the 20-inch mark (give or take an inch or two), your little one isn't so little anymore.  In fact, baby's big enough for the big time - and the big day.  With only two (or four, max) weeks left in utero, all systems are (almost) go.  To finish getting ready for his or her close-up (and all those photo ops), baby has a few last-minute details to take care of, like shedding that skin-protecting vernix and lanugo.  And producing more surfactant, which will prevent the air sacs in the lungs from sticking to each other when your baby begins to breathe - something he or she will be doing very soon.  Baby will be here before you know it!"
~What to Expect When You're Expecting, 4th Edition

Like I said before, I really hope Baby is here very soon!  I am getting more excited than anxious to meet our child!  I am so curious as to what he looks like!

By the way, Dr. L estimated baby's size at over 7 pounds on Monday!  I'd say that's nice and ripe to come out.

37 Weeks...

Alright, I am officially, officially full term now! That means that this baby can come anytime and Dr. P won't do anything to stop it!

I had my 36 week appointment on Monday and everything is still looking great! We have decided that each week when I go in, I need to lay on my left side for a little bit before they take my blood pressure because when they take it right away, it's a little high. We don't want that.

When Dr. P measured me this week, she said, "I think you have a long baby in there!" That would explain why I can feel the baby's head pressing down on my tailbone, but also feel pressure right up in my rib cage! So, we'll see how many inches Baby Bruce is soon.

And when Dr. P listened to the heartbeat, Baby had the hiccups, which was really cute to hear! Dr. P said that when the baby gets the hiccups, it's good because it means Baby is using its diaphragm muscles and practicing inhaling and exhaling. Baby's head is still down and he/she still enjoys stretching his/her feet out my side. It hurts!

I can't find my What to Expect book at the moment and I'm too lazy to go searching for it. And I'm not a big fan of what the website says because it's a lot of stuff about my anatomy, which I'm sure you all just LOVE reading about...

Basically, Baby weighs about 6 1/2 pounds right now and will continue to gain about a half a pound a week until D-Day!

I have been busy this week with washing the baby clothes I've received and blankets and towels. The nursery is coming together and looks really cute.

Riley knows something is going on, too! She will go in the baby's room and sniff around. I also set the pack 'n play up in our bedroom for the beginning nights and she likes sniffing that and licking the corner of it. She's so cute.

36 Weeks...

Okay, I'm getting all caught up today!


Physically, I am very ready for Baby Bruce to make his or her appearance, ASAP! As I mentioned in my previous post, my back has started spasming down in the sciatic area, which hurts a whole lot. This forced me to go and get a back support belt thingy. I think it's helping, but certainly has not removed all my discomfort.


And the heartburn...it is killing me. Maalox is like, my appetizer before each meal. And even then, it only gives me relief for a short while. I read that once Baby drops down a little, my heartburn should subside a bit. I hope so.

Also, my feet look like Fred Flintstone feet pretty much all the time now.

Okay, now for the technical information from the Baby Bible.

"Weighing about 6 pounds and measuring somewhere around 20 inches tall, your baby is almost ready to be served up into your arms. Right now, most of baby's systems (from circulatory to musculoskeletal) are just about equipped for life on the outside. Though the digestive system is ready to roll, too, it hasn't really gotten a workout yet. Remember, up until this point, your baby's nutrition has been arriving via the umbilical cord - no digestion necessary. But that's soon to change. As soon as baby takes his or her first suckle at your breast (or bottle), that digestive system will be jump-started - and those diapers will start filling."
~ What to Expect When You're Expecting, 4th Edition

Basically, this baby can come ANYTIME! Wa-hoo! Hopefully, it will wait at least another couple of weeks, though, because the baby's room looks like a bomb has hit it. I can't close out our registry for another couple of weeks (don't get me started on that stupid policy), so I'm at a stand-still, since we need to get some more basics (like a mattress) before I can really set up the nursery.

If you think of it, say a little prayer for the 3 of us. For me, I am getting more anxious about the actual birthing process. For Baby, obviously, that when he/she decides to come outta there, that it will all go smoothly. And for my Huzz, that he will continue to be calm and soothing to me. I can tell that he is getting pretty excited about this new addition to our family! And I'm sure he's looking forward to not having to rub my feet anymore!

35 Weeks...

I know I never posted last week, but we were out of town for my cousin's wedding and I just didn't have time to sit down and blog.

But here's a picture of me in the hotel room.

We drove to Omaha and back, which was hard on me. When we got back, my back began spasming and getting very angry at me.

So, at 35 weeks, I got bigger of course, and more uncomfortable.

The end.

34 Weeks...

It's GAME DAY, baby!!!

I'm filling out my jersey a little more than last time! And last time, I was wearing shorts with my jersey. As I write this, it is 35 degrees outside and it's misting/snowing! Even for Colorado, the 8th of October is a little early for such weather.

"Your baby could be as tall as 20 inches right now and weighs about 5 pounds. Got male (a male baby, that is)? If you do, then this is the week that his testicles are making their way down from his abdomen to their final destination: his scrotum. And in other baby-related news, those tiny little fingernails have probably reached the tip of his or her fingers by this week, so make sure you have baby nail clippers on your shopping list!"

~What to Expect When You're Expecting, 4th Edition

Now, the fact that Baby Bruce weighs about 5 pounds is crazy to me! When I was born, I was 5 pounds, 1 ounce!

My sleeping problems are getting worse and I'm passing them onto Huzz because I am snoring, apparently really loudly! I got some breathing strips, but Huzz thinks they make it worse. I think it's probably due to my squished diaphragm and lungs. Sorry Stephen!

Also, my hips and lower back are aching more and more. Fun times!

Let's go, Huskers! Beat Missouri tonight!

33 Weeks...

I know I am posting 4 days late, but the last 4 days have been so busy!

First, I'll talk about Baby Bruce. I went to my doctor's appointment on Friday and found out that the little monkey is head-down, so that is great news! Dr. P says that at this point, babies rarely flip back up, so hopefully Baby will stay in position.

I also spoke with Dr. P about vaccinations. I have been reading a lot about the normal flu vaccine and the infamous swine flu vaccine lately and was on the fence. I don't overreact to sickness and illnesses, but just try to eat right and gets lots of sleep during cold and flu season. But Dr. P said that she's never seen an illness like swine flu in her 16 years of having her practice and she's strongly recommending all OB patients to get the vaccine.

Because I trust her, I decided to follow her advice. And Huzz and I need to go get our normal flu vaccines soon. Again, the only time I've ever actually had the flu is two months after I got the flu shot when I was living in Maryland. But again, I could react differently since I'm pregnant. Sigh... This is just the beginning of making decisions like this for our family!

As you can see, I continue to get larger.

Baby is now the size of a large melon and should be over 4 pounds now!

"Baby's gaining weight almost as fast as you are these days (averaging out to about half a pound a week), which puts the grand total so far at more than 4 1/2 pounds. Still, your baby has plenty of growing up (and out) to do. He or she may grow a full inch this week alone and may come close to doubling in weight by D-day. And with that much baby inside your uterus now, your amniotic fluid level has maxed out (there's no room for more fluid now). Which explains why those pokes and kicks are sometimes extremely uncomfortable: There's less fluid to cushion the blows. Antibodies are also being passed from you to your baby as your little one continues to develop his or her own immune system. These antibodies will definitely come in handy on the outside and will protect your baby-to-be from many of those playground germs."

~ What to Expect When You're Expecting, 4th Edition

I have been getting lots of sharp pain from Baby's legs stretching up under my ribs. That hurts!

Last Thursday, Bro-in-law "E", flew in from the northwest for the weekend and his wife, Julie came on Friday night. On Thursday evening before we headed to the airport to pick up "E" (that's what we call him, seriously), we headed to the baby superstore to pick up the crib that had come in. Then, we headed to Triple B to buy the raised air mattress that was on sale and we had a 20% off coupon for. We got a $300 bed for about $180. Not bad, eh? We picked up "E" and got home kind of late.

Friday was spent getting ready for Saturday: cleaning, straightening, brushing Riley, fixing the kegerator, all the things you do to get ready for about 30 people to come to your house. Huzz turns 30 this coming Wednesday, so we celebrated that on Saturday night with a BBQ get together with friends. By the time the party started at 5:00, my feet were already throbbing with pain, but I pushed on until 1:00 am!

I made and decorated this cake and a sheet cake ~ do you like?

That cake was on FIRE!!! Haha.

Then, we had to get up by 8:30 on Sunday morning (we didn't make it to church) and drive down to the Springs so Julie could help host my baby shower at my mother-in-law's house. I hung out with my mom until it was time for the shower and that started at 2:00. It was so fun! I love seeing people who I don't get to see on a regular basis, but I have known since I was little. I have felt so blessed, loved, and cared for these past couple of weekends with these showers!

After the shower, we headed back to D-Town to take E and Julie to the airport, stopping at Noodles for dinner along the way. By the time Huzz and I got home, my feet were the most swollen they have ever been! I soaked them in cold water and then propped them up the rest of the night. They look a lot better now, but are still swollen, so they're up on the ottoman.

Today is a lazy day. I have a lot to do, but I've decided that today is my recovery day and I'll get busy tomorrow!

Quick update: my friends, the Stroups, have brought home their little Livia Joy home from the NICU! It sounds like she is doing awesome. Thank you for any prayers you lifted up for this family during the last couple of difficult and joyful months.

32 Weeks...

Only 8 weeks left! Baby Bruce has nails now and the hair is coming in thicker. I have read that Baby will not be as active because of lack of space from now on, but so far, this is not the case. Because Baby is getting more cramped, his/her movements are actually more visual! My belly moves back and forth and sometimes looks lopsided when I'm sitting. I'll try to get some movements on video sometime. It's pretty entertaining, especially from my view up above!
I should have been posting these pictures each week because I think they're really cool!

And here I am, in all my glory! By the way, as you can tell, I don't believe in wearing make-up when I am home all day.

"This week your baby is tipping the scales at almost 4 pounds and topping out at just about 19 inches. And growing isn't the only thing on the agenda these days. While you're busy getting everything ready for baby's arrival, baby's busy prepping for that big debut, too. In these last few weeks, it's all about practice, practice, practice, as he or she hones the skills needed to survive outside the womb, from swallowing and breathing to kicking and sucking. And speaking of sucking, your little one has been able to suck his or her thumb for a while now (okay, maybe it's not a survival skill, but it sure is cute). Another change this week: Your baby's skin is no longer see-through. As more and more fat accumulates under the skin, it's finally opaque (just like yours!).

~ What to Expect When You're Expecting, 4th Edition

We have Baby's dresser and the glider and ottoman set up in Baby's room and we should be getting the crib in the next week or so! I'm going to wait to post pictures until I can show the finished product. The walls desperately need paint, even if it's just a coat of plain white right now. We've had renters in the house for almost 5 years, so the amount of screws and patches on the walls is crazy!

That's about it. My grandparents (Mom's dad and step-mom) are coming to the Rocky Mountain state tomorrow for the weekend, so I'm excited to see them! And Riley is looking forward to seeing their little Shih-Tzu, Molly, too. (Yeah, right....) Haha. Riley is very patient with her, but you can tell by the look on her face, she's thinking, "Why do you do this to me?"

PS - the cake I made yesterday was delicious and continues to be delicious. Love it.

Cake...

This afternoon, I decided I needed some cake. Thank goodness cake mixes were on sale last week so we had a couple of boxes on hand and I could make it fast.

The yellow cake that I am going to top with chocolate fudge frosting is baking away in the oven as we speak, and the smell is absolutely torturing me.

Riley concurs.

This might be my first real craving, where I have to have it, no matter what. And it's weird because I don't usually like cake all that much. I usually would rather have cookies or brownies. But I am going to enjoy every bite of that 9 x 13. Huzz will help me eat it. I promised him he could have a piece.

31 Weeks...

Here I am, 31 weeks along! Only 63 days to go...

I think this week's picture is much better. My face doesn't look so...puffy.

I went for my bi-weekly check-up today and all went well. I have met all four of the doctors in the office, so I shouldn't see any strange faces staring back at me while I scream and writhe in pain in a couple of months!

They are all so nice. They're all women, and no offense, men, but I'm much more comfortable with a woman inspecting my business. I am so thankful that I was able to find such a great doctor's office and hospital...and all just 3 blocks away from our house!

Huzz and I went to our "Labor, Birth, & Beyond" class at the hospital this past weekend and it was really good. I know Huzz learned a lot and I did, too, even though I have a lot of experience with babies. As part of our class, we got to go on a tour of the labor and delivery wing. It is an awesome facility that I felt really comfortable in.

One of the things that we looked at at the class was a picture of what happens to all my organs during pregnancy. Let's put it this way: it completely made sense why I have to run to the bathroom all the time, and why I can't breathe anymore.

Here is what the website says for this week:

"Chances are your diaphragm is feeling a little cramped these days. Okay, a lot cramped. That's because your uterus is pushing up against it, crowding your lungs and making it more difficult for them to expand fully. The result: Your body is spare on air, and will be until your baby drops near the end of pregnancy in preparation for birth. Your baby, however, is happy as a clam since he gets all the oxygen he needs through the placenta. Weighing in at three-plus pounds and measuring 18 inches long, he's quickly approaching his birth length though he's got to pack on another three to five pounds before D-day. Also developing at an impressive clip: your baby's brain connections (he's got to make trillions of them!). He's now processing information, tracking light, and perceiving signals from all five senses. He's also putting in longer stretches of sleep, which is why you're probably noticing more defined patterns of awake (and moving) periods and sleeping (pretty still) periods."

~www.whattoexpect.com

Heartburn continues to torture me. The nurse who taught our class explained why even water can give us preggos heartburn. And she's right. Water gives me heartburn.

We went to the all things baby super store the other night and purchased all of our baby furniture, since the sale they were having ends today. I am so excited to get it all in the nursery! The dresser is in the garage, waiting for our dear friend to come and help Huzz move it into the house, since I'm not much of a help these days! The crib will be ready to pick up in a couple of weeks, and we are going to pick up the glider and ottoman tomorrow. I need to go to the Depot and pick up some paint samples and decide exactly what I want to do in there. I have some ideas...

Huzz told me last night that he thinks that going to the class really gave him a reality check, of sorts. He was so great at the class, putting up with all the videos. It's kind of funny how much modesty is lacking in those things! However, I'm glad the ladies in the videos aren't hiding things because then I can see exactly what they're talking about!

Things are plugging along... The Huskers play this weekend and I get to watch it! Wa-hoo! Go Big Red, beat V-Tech!!!

Also, I see that as of right now, there are 9 votes for a boy, and 8 votes for a girl. Almost a tie! Keep the votes coming!

What Do You Think?

If you look to the right-hand side of my bloggity-blog, you can see a neat, little poll! We have a family pool going that my cuz, Jaimie, put together when we were all at the Lake this summer and I believe she is wrapping things up at my cuz's wedding in October.

Here's a chance to get in your two cents!

So, what do you think? Am I having a boy or a girl?

Maybe you're my dad and you "just KNOW it's a girl." Maybe you think I look like I'm carrying a boy.

Maybe because I've loved ice cream since the beginning of the pregnancy, you think I'm having a sweet girl.

I don't know what I'm having! So, I'm not trying to trick you in any way. I just think it'll be fun to have everyone vote on what they think.

Family: if you've already guessed for the pool, cast your vote on here, too!

You all have until Halloween night at 11:00 PM MST to voice your opinion.

Also, what do you think of my new blog background? Do you likey?

30 Weeks...

30 Weeks! 10 weeks to go! Wow.


Today, I am feeling all 30 weeks. I just feel huge. And when I look at this picture, I see that I am! Man, my face is really filling out. I've already gained 30 pounds, so I should have a fun time losing that in a few months!


I even feel like I've been really good about eating wholesome, healthy food. My latest craving lately is fruit. You can't go wrong with that! And every meal, I make sure I have some sort of protein. And I eat all whole grains and I'm drinking my milk! I do still like ice cream and I made some brownies over the weekend that I enjoyed too much.


Whatever. My doctors say my weight gain is fine and I'm healthy and everything is looking groovy, so I'll worry about my weight later.


When they took my bloodwork, they found that my iron is low, so I've started an iron supplement to go along with my prenatal vitamin. The good news is that I haven't noticed any side effects from taking that. I think they're drawing my blood again next week to check my iron level.


Sleeping is getting extremely difficult. I'm grateful I don't have any leg cramps or anything like that yet (knock on wood), but I feel like my belly isn't supported or something. And anytime I have to use my stomach muscles to sit up or shift myself, it really wears me out! I'm getting my best sleep between 6-10 am.


"What's 17 inches long, just over 3 pounds in weight, and cute all over? It's your baby - and he or she is getting bigger by the day (in case you couldn't tell from the size of your belly). Also getting bigger daily is baby's brain, which is preparing for life outside the womb - and for a lifetime of learning. Starting this week, your baby's brain is starting to look like one, taking on those characteristic grooves and indentations. These wrinkles allow for future expansion of brain tissue that is crucial as your baby goes from helpless newborn to responsive infant to verbal toddler to curious preschooler and beyond. Your baby's bigger and better brain is also starting to take on tasks previously delegated to other parts of the body, like temperature regulation. Now that the brain is capable of turning up the heat (with the help of that growing supply of baby fat), your baby will start shedding lanugo, the downy, soft body hair that has been keeping him or her warm up to this point. Which means that by the time your baby is born, he or she probably won't be fuzzy wuzzy anymore."
~ What to Expect When You're Expecting, Vol. 4

29 Weeks...

Today, I am 29 weeks pregnant!

Even more exciting (just for the day) is the fact that College Football Season 2009 starts today!

So, I'm wearing my Huskers jersey to show my enthusiasm. Good thing my Dad bought me such a huge one a few years ago because now it fits over my bulging belly! I hardly ever wore it before because I thought it made me look pregnant. Now, it doesn't matter!

I am really excited for Husker football this year, since I didn't get to watch any games last year when we were in the big K. I know, boo-hoo. Woe is me.

Nebraska plays their first game on Saturday, vs. Florida Atlantic, at home, so they better win.

The first televised game that isn't PPV isn't until September 19, vs. Virginia Tech, at VT. That should be a good game!

Anyway, yes, I am 29 weeks along. I had my doctor's appointment on Tuesday and met another one of the doctors in the office and I really liked her. It was her first day with the practice, but I was really happy with her. I meet another doctor at my next appointment and if she's as great as the other two have been, I don't think I'll care who delivers my baby! Everyone has been so nice and friendly and competent. I am truly grateful for that.

As the picture shows above, Baby Bruce is apparently the size of a squash now.

I dunno. Whatever.

My heartburn, more specifically my acid reflux has been absolutely horrendous lately. It's so bad, it makes me feel gross and I get it pretty much every time I eat, no matter what I eat. I mentioned it to my doctor at my appointment and she suggested trying Maalox. That seems to be helping a lot, thank goodness!

My lower back is also hurting more sharply and consistently, but she said I can put my heating pad on it for relief. It's still a little too warm here for that, but as soon as the cooler weather sets in, I will be using it nightly, I bet.

Here's what the Book says,

"Your baby can be as tall as 17 inches now and can weigh nearly 3 pounds. Though already coming pretty close (within 3 inches or so) of his or her ultimate birth length, baby still has lots to gain. In fact, over the next 11 weeks, your baby more than doubles - and may even come close to tripling - his or her weight. Much of that weight will come from the fat accumulating under his or her skin right now. And as your baby plumps up, the room in your womb will start to feel a little cramped, making it less likely that you'll feel hard kicks from your little one, and more likely that you'll be feeling jabs and pokes from elbows and knees."

- What to Expect When You're Expecting, 4th Edition

I'm still working on getting the baby's room cleared out of everything we dumped in there when we moved our stuff in. I'm trying to go with the flow, but I'm getting more frustrated because I'll plan the night before to work on unpacking the stuff and organizing it and then when I wake up in the morning, I am a total zombie. It takes me a good hour to wake up, so I eat breakfast and watch Regis & Kelly or people make fools of themselves on the Price Is Right. I'll get dressed and clean whatever room I've told myself I'm supposed to clean for the day. And then, I'm shot. For instance, right now, I have a splitting headache and I just want to lay down and take a nap. Then, it will be time to fix dinner and once we eat dinner and I clean up from that, I sit on the couch with Huzz and do nothing.

I have so much to do, but I'm just so exhausted! I know it's normal, but I'm frustrated.

Anyway, I'm going to recline on the couch and watch the rest of the Rockies game, in which it looks like they're losing to the Mets. Absolutely inexcusable.

28 Weeks...

As usual, I am late in posting this. What's new?

I look especially lovely in the picture because it's post-walk-in-the-park-with-Huzz-and-Riley-and-it's-hot-outside-time.

When we got back from the park, Huzz decided it was "beer o'clock" and I couldn't have agreed more. But, I had to stick with my water. When it's a beautiful afternoon, sometimes, a nice cold one just sounds so refreshing!

I'm doing great! I'm starting to not sleep very great, but that's part of pregnancy, right?

I'm officially in my third trimester! Wow...that just seems so crazy to me. SEVEN MONTHS pregnant, people!

Twelve weeks left (or there abouts) until we meet our little monkey!

What to Expect.... says,

"This week, your amazing baby has reached 2 1/2 pounds and may be almost 16 inches long. Baby's skill of the week: blinking. Yes, along with the other tricks in a growing repertoire that already includes coughing, sucking, hiccupping, and taking practice breaths, your baby can now blink those sweet little eyes. Dreaming about your baby? Baby may be dreaming about you, too, courtesy of the REM (rapid eye movement) sleep he or she has started getting. But this little dreamer isn't ready for birth day just yet. Though his or her lungs are nearly fully mature by now (making it easier for your baby - and you - to breathe a little easier if he or she were born now), your baby still has a lot of growing to do."

And, to tease those of you who are really wanting to know, we are finalizing our baby name choices! We have a definite girl name picked out and last night, I proposed a boy name to Huzz and he said, "I thought of that one earlier today!" Finally, we both really agreed on a boy name!

But no, we're not telling anyone what we've decided...at least not until the little peanut is here and has a use for the name we have chosen.

We have been going to Rockies night games lately. Both of us just love the Rockies, and we're really enjoying that they're doing so well this season!

Please continue to keep my Dad in your prayers. The last few days have been really rough for him and he was experiencing extreme pain on his left side, which my mom and I were thinking might be from him overusing it to compensate for his lack of movement on his right side, due to his broken scapula. Until last night. His pain was just so bad and he was saying he felt like he might have some broken ribs. Mom took him to the doctor this morning and they x-rayed the area and found that yes, he has two cracked ribs. Poor guy!

Personally, I'm in disbelief that after the fall that he had, the ER didn't x-ray his whole back, just to be safe. They only x-rayed the shoulder, which obviously hurt the most at the time.

So, Dad, just take it easy and let your body heal. I love you!

27 Weeks...

I know. I am now 27 weeks, 4 days pregnant and am just now posting for 27 weeks. It seems to be just what happens when you've had the four days that I have had!

My belly is getting bigger on a daily basis, it seems like! This picture is actually from last Thursday, when I officially turned 27 weeks, so at least I'm staying somewhat consistent with taking my picture on the right day.

Friday was a "growing day." I felt stretched, to the max, and all of a sudden felt much bigger than even the day before.

It has been incredibly hot here in the Mile High city. Yesterday, we set a record at 98 degrees. And trust me, I was feeling all 98 of them. I am so grateful the heat is almost over (hopefully) and I'm not full term pregnant at this time of year.

Things are getting more and more exciting for me! I am feeling Baby Bruce kicking pretty much all the time. I had said earlier in the pregnancy that when I feel the baby move all the time, it'd all be so much more real to me. And, it's true! I love feeling all of the kicks and rolls and punches. It's extra special at about 3:30 in the morning, when Baby has decided that my bladder is fun to play with, and that his foot fits just perfectly underneath my ribs. But seriously, I am so truly thankful.

Here's what What to Expect When You're Expecting says for 27 Weeks:

"Your baby graduates onto a new growth chart this week. No longer will he or she be measured crown to rump, but rather from head to toe. And this week that head-to-toe length is a full 15 inches (more than a foot long)! Your baby's weight is creeping up the charts as well, coming in at just over 2 pounds this week. And here's an interesting fetal factoid: Your baby has more taste buds now than he or she will have at birth (and beyond). Which means that not only is your baby able to taste the difference in the amniotic fluid when you eat different foods, he or she might even react to it. For instance, some babies respond to spicy foods by hiccupping. Or by kicking when they get that spicy kick."

I am still loving me some ice cream (any time, day or night), and Mexican food always sounds like a treat. A couple of days ago, I had some ice cream in the afternoon, which really helped to cool me down from the heat. A couple of hours later, our friends Chris & Karina came over and brought me a Snickers blizzard and I ate the whole thing. It was delicious. And did the double duty of cooling me down again!

Today was much cooler, only got into the low 80's, thank goodness. But after cooking stir-fry for dinner over a hot stove, I was overheated again, so I'm blogging from the patio in our backyard. Much better out here! Riley is always happy to keep me company, too.

Now, the reason why I haven't posted until now is because on Thursday, I had to take Huzz to the airport. He needed to go to Omaha for a quick 24-hour business trip. That's not why I didn't blog. But before we left for the airport, my mom had left me a voicemail while I was in the shower. In the message, she said in a frantic voice, "Beth, call me back!"

So I did. My dad had fallen off a ladder in the backyard while sanding these timbers over their patio. The ladder went one way and he went the other, landing on the jagged rock walkway. He landed on his shoulder and hit his head. I drove down to my parents' in the afternoon to help my mom until Friday night.

Long story short, he shattered his scapula (shoulder blade) into four distinct pieces and jolted his sciatic nerve in his lower back pretty badly. Thankfully, he doesn't seem to be showing any signs of head injury, though.

He is in a sling and probably will be for another 8 weeks, at least. There's nothing the doctors can do. Dad just has to wait for it to heal ~ much like when you break a rib or your collarbone.

Apparently, the scapula is the strongest bone in your body and in order to build up enough force to break it, you're lucky to be alive afterwards. I am so thankful my Daddy didn't get hurt worse. I appreciate your prayers, those of you who knew this was going on on Thursday, and I know my dad appreciates prayers for his healing bones.

Hopefully, I'll be back on Thursday, on time, ready to report on my 28 Weeks!

Weeks 25-26...

It has been a crazy couple of weeks! I went to two baby showers (not my own yet) and had my 10 year high school class reunion in one weekend. Then, we moved into our house. We have been very busy unpacking and buying furniture and organizing things.

I am exhausted. That could partly be due to me starting up my third trimester exhaustion phase, too.

I will be posting pictures of the past few weeks soon, but for this post, it's all things baby.

Baby Bruce is the size of a large eggplant now!

The picture above is last week. The picture below is me, today, at 26 weeks.

This week, I have been really surprised at all the movement Baby Bruce is making! I can now feel Baby moving, no matter what position I am in, even when I'm walking around. Also, the little peanut is clearly very acrobatic, as I can see and feel that he/she is rolling and flipping around in there. It's a weird feeling, and my belly looks even weirder! Sometimes, Baby makes my tummy kind of lopsided when i'm sitting or laying down.

Also, I think I may be starting mild Braxton Hicks contractions, as sometimes, my belly gets very hard and tight for a minute or two. And yesterday and today, my stomach muscles are spasming like crazy! It just means that I'm growing, I guess.

What to Expect When You're Expecting tells me that Baby's eyes are beginning to open. Also, he might respond when I put a flashlight up to my belly, so I'll have to try that!

I have noticed the Baby kicking a lot when I eat spicy food. I love spicy food. Do you think Baby likes it, or kicks me because he's mad? I think it's because he likes it. Haha!

We are enjoying living back in the Mile High City. When the Rockies score 7 or more runs, we can "Run to the border", if you will, and get 4 tacos for $1.00. That's right. One dollar. (With the purchase of a drink.) I love the Bell's hot sauce. We are watching the Rockies on t.v. right now, as they're playing the Pirates again, and fortunately, we are winning 7-1, in the bottom of the 7th.

Tonight is Taco Night!

On a very serious note, please, please, please say prayers for our dear friends, the Stroups. Amy is pregnant with twins and due about a week and a half before me. They found out yesterday that they lost one of their precious girls. I am just heartbroken and distraught for her. I saw her blog entry before I went to sleep last night and just could not stop thinking and praying for her all night. Most of you readers know them, so I hope you'll feel led to pray.

I will be back soon with more updates. I promise they will be more frequent, now that we finally got my laptop to work on the wireless network!