nursery updates

Brad and I both had Monday off so we took that time to clean up! The first thing we did was remove the queen size bed that took up most of the room. Then we had to figure out how we wanted to rearrange everything. It was nice to have that extra room, we needed it! After that we built the swing, it is so cute! We couldn't decide what to do with all of her bath supplies so while out in Wal-mart we found a shelving unit that Brad later bought and put together which works perfectly in her room. I had earlier finished washing all of her newborn up to 3 months clothes and put them away. (I had to put all the other clothes in plastic boxes because there was so much!)

Brad had Tuesday off so he took that time to put together the bouncer, which was too advanced for me! The only other things we would need to put together now are the pack n' play and the exosaucer. After I dusted and swept, the room is ready to go. That last picture is of my packed bags, I'm ready to go as well!!!

38 weeks

38 weeks today, wow. It only seems like yesterday when I told Brad that he was getting an early birthday present, (I tested positive 2 days before his birthday). Its crazy how fast time flies. I’m going into the doctor’s today for my weekly appointment and will have to update later on how that went. Hopefully they’ll be some more progress! I’m really hoping she comes the first week of January. Brad’s hoping for the 5th, I don’t care as long as I’m not late!!! I haven’t felt that burst of energy yet but I’m waiting. Patiently.

How your baby's growing:
Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long. She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

Baby Shower 2

On Sunday, the 28th, I had a baby shower with my side of the family. It was hosted by my Aunt Tammy, Mallori and Whitney. I want to thank them very much because it was a fun party. The games included a nursery rhyme game that was very tough but clever and the guess what melted chocolate bar is in this diaper game. My sense of smell must be off because I couldn’t figure any of them out! I got advice cards from everyone with the main piece being get much needed sleep!

As far as the gifts go, I have the best family, they are great and I couldn’t ask for better. I got my lovely swing which I’m so happy about from my mom and dad. I got the bouncer (thanks!), two gift baskets full of supplies and goodies, some helpful items from Brandi and Britney (who’s been there twice!), and lots more clothes. Katelyn is going to be a fashionista! (Hopefully I didn’t leave anything out). It was all wonderful and greatly appreciated and we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Of course last but not least, the food! Everything was delicious and yummy. I loved the strawberry cake and ate most of the leftovers at home! Again, we thank you and love you all.

Christmas

Christmas was an interesting day for Brad and I. It started out fine with us exchanging our gifts, and giving our animals their gifts. We got each other great gifts favorites being for me a silver diamond heart necklace and for Brad a shirt that I had embroidered DeWeese Farms on it. We completely surprised each other with those gifts.

After that we took our showers and thats when the day took a turn for me. Before I hopped in I was feeling very odd and had cramps in my lower stomach. The warm shower helped but after I got out and was getting ready they still continued. I told Brad and we came up with that they were labor pains, we didn't know though if they were real or not. So we continued the day as usual timing the contractions and keeping track of how long they lasted and how far apart they were. We had gone to my parents to finish Christmas with them and the contractions continued there as well but were very inconsistant and all over the place as far as time goes. So we came to the conclusion that they were false labor pains, or Braxton hicks. They also stopped by the time I left my parents house which was about 2, (they had started about 9am). We had handled things very well and now know what to expect. I just have to remember to breath! I will admit that I was a little scared because I wasn't ready yet for her to come, I felt it was still a little early for her and am hoping she comes after the first of the year. But she'll come when she wants!

Later we went to my Grandma's house for Christmas with the Brown family. Everyone there heard the story! Our families are very supportive and have lots of advice and I love to hear it. All in all we had a good Christmas, just with an added story to tell!

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve my parents and Brad's parents will get together for dinner and exchanges, this year it was at Doug & Linda's. We had a blast. We started out with dinner of sandwiches and a lot of side dishes to choose from. I was so full! After that we moved onto the present exchange. We got some good gifts including an outfit for Katelyn. Brad got a ton of bullets for his new gun which he can't wait to take back outside and shoot. When we finished with that we went back to the table and played some rounds of Dominoes. My dad brought some whiskey for the guys which made the game more interesting as it went along! We had a great time!

37 weeks!

Today I am 37 weeks! I can't believe it. Katelyn is now able to come safely at any time. I had a doctor appointment yesterday and was told that she'll more than likely be around 7 lbs. at birth. Brad and I were both around 7 lbs. so that was fine with me. Everything else looked good and I was measuring well. I'm feeling good also, except for the heartburn!

We also had our last Childbirth Prep class last night and learned somemore interesting things as well as got to take our tour. The rooms were nice and will be comfortable. We were unable to see the post partum rooms though as they were all full at the time. I can't believe how fast time seems to be going! She'll be here before we know it.

On a side note, Merry Christmas to everyone!!!

How your baby's growing:
Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

Quick update

Yesterday I had my 36 week doctor appointment and everything went well. I had to have the standard Group B Strep test done and if I don't get a phone call from them everything turned out fine! He also told me that my cervix is still pretty tight but that I am 60% effaced which is good. For labor it has to be 100%. I'm not dilated but I was fine for that because its still early. He told me that if she doesn't come on her own before 40 weeks that we may have to do an induction for 40 or 41 weeks. Hopefully she comes before then!!! Other than that everything is great.