34 Weeks and a Stroller Project

I will officially be 34 weeks on Saturday, but had my appointment today. My regular Doctor is out of town, so I saw a Nurse Practitioner. Everything checked out as expected. My stomach is measuring at 33 weeks and the heart rate was 134 today. She was able to tell right away where the baby's butt was, and I can, too. It feels like a softball is lodged to the right of my belly button, I can occasionally schooch it out of the way (sometimes it can be quite painful), but it always seems to find its way back. Must be cozy in there, right between my lung and liver ;).

Dave and I assembled the stroller. By Dave and I, I mean Dave and Kenzie. Getting on the floor can be a challenge, so I left it up to them to complete the project. Im not sure if Dave could have completed it without Kenz, she was right in the middle of his workspace, chewing on her raw hide. She is so funny, I can't wait to see how she adjusts to the baby. Here are a few pictures, the final one is a bit blurry and Kenz looks possessed, so Ill be changing it when I have something more to work with.

Dave, all geared up for the project. 

Midproject, with Kenzie nearby.

All we need is the baby, great job, Dave! 

Dave, Kenzie and I are heading to the Black Hills on Sunday for the week. It is our last week away before the baby comes. We are looking forward to a lot of down time, as well as quality time together. Im sure Ill have lots of pics to share upon our return. 

The Nursery

The nursery is (almost) complete! There are a few small items I can think of that we still need, but for the most part, I would call it done. Its amazing how one room literally took us four months to complete. I am really happy with the outcome, and am anxious to give the room an owner.

Below are a few before and afters...

And a couple of bonus photos of the finished product, just for fun...

More to come, we assembled the stroller last night and I snapped a few shots of the process. Hard to believe we are doing the finishing touches already.

32 Weeks

Wow, time is flying. 

The above picture was actually taken last Sunday (Easter). I had gone with my family to Mike and Jamie Willard's house near Colton for lunch and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids. There were tons of kids, delicious food, and lots of good company. Dave had a prior commitment so was unable to join me, but he will be there next year (helping with the baby :)).

I am officially 32 weeks tomorrow and really cant complain too much. I'd say the biggest challenges (besides my huge stomach) are sleeping at night and the need for a nap during the day. If I can sneak a 30 minute nap in, I am in good shape. I went to the doctor yesterday and everything is looking great. The baby's heart rate is 129 and its growing like crazy. Our doctor did a quick ultrasound to make sure the baby's head was still down, and to give us a little peak. Fortunately, the baby is still in the correct position, so we are just on cruise control for the next two months. 

Dave is on vacation this next week, so I took the week off as well. We are hoping to get lots of chores done around the house and put final touches on things in anticipation of the baby's arrival. I'm really excited to see how things go, and more excited to find out if there is a little girl or boy in there. Im still thinking boy (especially after hearing the slow heart beat yesterday), but Im ready for anything. 

Until next time...

28 Weeks and a Wedding

(This post is slightly overdue...oops!)

Kyle and Amy got married! Their wedding was on St Patrick's Day in Des Moines, and the weather was unreal. It was in the 80s with sun, what a blessing for a March wedding. The wedding was beautiful, Matthew played an incredible solo on the piano which moved many people to tears, he is so incredibly talented. Lauren and Matthew both gave great speeches and the rest looked smashing in their bridesmaid /groomsmen gear. Hard to believe they are married already...seems like they just got engaged! We are incredibly happy for them. Rumor has it, they may be moving back to Sioux Falls, which means more quality time spent together, something Dave and I are both huge fans of. 

Dave, Helen, and I returned on Sunday. We made a quick stop in Omaha for Zio's pizza and spent quite a bit of time admiring the 'old feel of Omaha' ;), and then drove to Sioux Falls. We were all exhausted from the busy weekend and happy to be home.