Less Than A Month

We've hit 36 weeks, which means Haley will be considered full-term as of next Tuesday. Where have the last 8 months gone?! Our trusty internet sources tell us that Haley is the size of a Crenshaw Melon (never heard of this) - she should be weighing almost 6 pounds and is approximately 18 1/2 inches long.

I had the first of my weekly doctor's appointments on Monday and Dr. Newby wasn't able to tell if Haley had flipped head down, so she ordered a sonogram. As it turns out the little stinker is in what they call a Frank Breech position...she's tucked in there like a yogi.

We also discovered that Haley is a bit of a chunk for her age - she's weighing in at approximately 6 lbs 12 oz. If she were to gain the approximate 1/2 lb per week, we could be looking at a BIG girl. The most surprisingly finding was that Haley has some hair...who would have thought? I have been convinced this entire time that she would be a baldy.

Last Saturday I was treated to the most amazing baby shower EVER! Aunt Cyndi (aka Mabel Stewart, Martha's much more friendly and non-convict cousin) and Meg hostessed a family baby shower for Haley and me. The ladies made the day so incredibly special and memorable - everything from the food to the decorations were fantastic. Haley certainly was showered with gifts and Meg is determined to make Haley a girly girl. There is the sweetest tutu hanging in the nursery - I can't wait to see Haley in it! I'll post pics from the party soon!

You've Got To Be Kidding?!

We are down to 5 weeks until Haley is on the scene...that is unbelievable to Karl and me. We think we're ready (is anyone really ready for their 1st kid?) and continue to watch the days fly by.

Our trusty internet sources tell us that Haley is weighing in at 5 1/4 lbs and is approximately 18 inches long. She is comparable to the heft of a honeydew melon. (Side note: where in the world do you find a 5 lb honeydew melon? Not in any grocery stores around Olathe.)

Weekly doctor appointments start next week. Dr. Newby thinks Haley has flipped around, but will be able to give me a more definitive answer at next week's appointment. Fingers are crossed that Babycakes is head down.

At 34 weeks we're still in the tropical fruit section of our pregnancy. Haley is weighing in at approximately 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long. She is comparable to a cantaloupe...I'm not sure I've ever seen a cantaloupe that big before.

Haley and I received a clean bill of health at our doctor's appointment earlier this week. I asked Dr. Newby if she guesstimates the weight of her patients babies. She thinks that I'm on track to deliver an 8 pounder...wow! Of course, the doctor was quick to say that her estimation is just that...and I shouldn't get too hung up on the size. Karl and I continue to be thankful for a healthy pregnancy.

Haley and I have had two baby showers in just 5 days time! The first was thrown by my best friend Stacey and her mom Kathy. To say Haley and I were spoiled would be an understatement. Everything from the decor to the food was amazing - Stacey and Kathy put so much work into everything. Haley and I had a great time! I continue to believe Karl's nesting instinct is stronger than mine. After I showed him all of our loot he immediately wanted to wash all the clothes and put together those items requiring assembly.

The second was hosted by several co-workers. I was treated to lunch at Grand Street Cafe and again, was spoiled rotten.

It's amazing to know how many people are excited to meet Haley. Karl and I are incredibly blessed to have such amazing friends, family and co-workers.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

At 33 weeks Haley weighs in at over 4 pounds and is more than 17 inches in length. She is the approximate heft of a pineapple. When I read that all I could think of was SpongeBob Square Pants and his house in Bikini Bottom.

We're continuing to count down the weeks until Haley's arrival - t-minus 7 and counting! I think Karl's nesting instinct is stronger than mine. Last night he bought and assembled shelves for her closet. He's such a good dad! For Father's Day, Haley gave Karl a cute I Love Daddy bib...that will come in handy for all those late night feedings he'll tackle:O) Barley and Chloe made him a special breakfast, with my assistance. We all love him so much!

Last weekend we attended our birthing class, which was a giant disappointment to say the least. Karl and I both think that the instructor could make for a great Saturday Night Live skit. We learned that Karl's biggest and most important job as a labor coach is to have the car gassed up and ready to go. That was her biggest piece of advice...and sadly we paid $65 for that bit of knowledge. Fortunately, I've been doing a lot of reading and Karl has been absorbing my random bits of knowledge I read aloud to him. Also, my best friend Stacey and sister-in-law Paige have been valuable resources of baby knowledge - they graciously answer all of my (ridiculous) questions.

I have to give a special shout out to Karl. He suprised me last night with a new wardrobe of maternity clothes. For a guy that claims to hate shopping, he picked out a bunch of really cute things. Thanks Babes, you're the greatest!

32 Weeks

Haley has grown into a jicama at week 32 (another very random veggie reference). She weighs 3 3/4 pounds and is approximately 16 3/4 inches long. Our trusty internet resources tell us that at this gestational age babies have toenails and may be sporting some hair on their noggin.

Our latest doctor's appointment went off without a hitch. Everything looks great on both the mom and baby fronts.

We want to wish Paige a belated Happy Birthday! Barley, Chloe, Karl, Haley and I are wishing her another fantastic year and all the chocolate she can handle.

Wow!

Karl and I were spoiled rotten for our anniversary. Mom and Dad generously gave us a dinner out - yum! Pete and Nancy surprised us with a digital video camera. I told Karl to be on his best behavior - I can get video evidence and post it on the web! (I really want to capture his bed-hogging, which he vehemently denies.)

I gave Karl a hardwood floor vacuum. I don't know if I've ever seen him so excited over a gift (who gets excited over a vacuum?). Karl's folks recently showed me some video of Karl as a little one and there was an extended portion of the video showing Karl "playing" with a broom and vacuum. Seeing that explained SO much to me.

Karl surprised me by removing the carpet from our stairs and refinishing them. For an uber pregnant wife with a serious nesting instinct, this is an amazing gift.

+ =

Not much to report on the baby front this week. We've hit 31 weeks and it seems like the finish line is in sight. Our reliable internet sources tell us that Haley is weighing in at 3.3 pounds and is 16 inches long; approximately the weight of 4 navel oranges. We understand that she's starting to fill out with baby fat and is headed for a major growth spurt in the coming weeks. So, you're telling me my belly will get bigger?! That's possible?

Karl had is first (and perhaps only) taste of Babies R Us last week. He was a champ! Next week Karl and I take our birthing class. Poor Karl doesn't seem excited about watching a video of a live birth.

Today is Karl and my third anniversary. It's hard to believe that we've been married for 3 years and have a little one on the way. I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else but Karl, he's an amazing husband.