Sooner than Later

Yesterday I had my weekly appointment with Dr. Richter, and although I have not dilated any further, she did say that Hunter appears to be dropping. With that and the fact that I am pretty thinned out, she asked me to come back next Friday, and she plans to strip my membrane and get things stirred up a bit. Dr. Richter has done this same thing with two of my friends, and each one had their baby the next day! So Hunter may be making his world debut sometime next weekend!!!

3 weeks to go!!!

This weekend Kevin and I attended the Prepared Childbirth class at the hospital. We had heard that it was a bit granola, so we weren't too sure if we would like it or not. It actually turned out to be a great class. All the couples there asked a lot of questions about receiving an epidural, so the nurse figured out real quick she wasn't going to get anywhere with the advocating natural birth. We really didn't hear much new stuff, but it was reassuring to hear the nurse answer some questions and take the tour of the maternity ward. Kevin was also selected to wear the empathy belly for about 30 minutes during class. I wish we had done this sooner! I believe this is something every husband should do while his wife is pregnant. First, the nurse placed a tight strap around his chest to simulate shortness of breath. She then had him put on the belly complete with boobs and a heating pad to make his temperature rise. She then added a weight that went under the belly and pressed against his bladder so he felt the urge to use the restroom. Lastly, she placed two weighted balls inside the belly that also rolled around to simulate the baby moving. In all, I think the belly weighed about 27 pounds. Although Kevin has been very understanding and supportive during this pregnancy, I believe this experience gave him a much better understanding of what the last nine months have been like for me. One of the other couples in the class took pictures of Kevin and his belly, so as soon as I get them I will be sure to post them :)

We also had an ultrasound this week to see approximately how big Hunter is and what position he is in. He is in the head down position and facing my back, so he is already for the big day. Dr. Richter took his measurements and estimates that at 37 weeks he is currently 7 lbs. 6 oz., and guesses that he will be at least 8 lbs. at birth. She did state that this measurement could be a little off, but that could mean either bigger or smaller. She did also report that he is pretty cramped in there, so I'm wondering how long he will be. Dr. Richter also checked me to see if anything had changed since my last appointment, but no such luck. With Monday being a holiday, I actually go back to see her this Friday to see if anything has changed. I should also get the results of my Strep B test that day too.

36 weeks

We are now 26 days away from Hunter's due date, and Kevin and I are full of various emotions. One minute we're excited, while another minute we're scared and nervous. Regardless of our current state of emotion, I know I am definitely ready to not be pregnant anymore! Although I love feeling Hunter move around, I am looking forward to being able to breathe, find a comfortable position to lay in at night, and see my feet again instead of these puffy swollen ones I've had lately. Yesterday I went to see Dr. Richter and had my strep test done. She also checked me for the first time and said that I was 80% effaced and 1/2 cm dilated. We go back Monday for our ultrasound where she will be able to tell us how big he is and if he is head down yet. I can't wait!!! I'm really hoping she will tell me that he is a big baby, so I can feel much better about the weight I've really started to pack on the last couple weeks. Kevin and I have been busy lately with several baby showers, and finishing up Hunter's nursery. We truly appreciate all of the gifts, advice, and prayers our friends and family have given us. It means more to us than you will ever know. I'm including a few pictures that we have taken lately. We took my monthly belly picture, and a couple of Kevin practicing how to change a diaper. I've also included a short clip from our small group baby shower last night, where Kevin had to change a dirty diaper on a baby doll. It only took him 8 wipes and 2 diapers!!!

Doctor Appointment

Today I had my regular two-week appointment with Dr. Richter. Kevin was not able to make it, since he was busy building a fence, trying to bring home some extra money before Hunter comes. I am so lucky to have a husband that works so hard to provide for Hunter and me :) Once again, Hunter was stubborn and it took a few tries before Dr. Richter was able to find his heartbeat. She also measured my fundal height, and again he was right on target with 32 cm. I have one more two-week appointment on August 17th, and then I start my weekly appointments. We’re getting close!!! On my way out of the office, I scheduled the rest of my appointments with my last one being the day before Hunter is due. It would be nice if Dr. Richter told me at that appointment to head on over to the hospital! We shall see!!!

32 Weeks...Getting Closer

Yesterday Kevin took my picture at 32 weeks, and as you can see Hunter is definitely growing!!! Even though I am not completely uncomfortable yet, I am definitely ready for him to be here!!!

Sneak Peek

Kevin and I had a very exciting day yesterday! We started off with our regular appointment with Dr. Richter. This one was pretty uneventful. She just measured my fundal height, which was 30 1/2 cm. Again, Hunter is still right on target for being 30 weeks 3 days. Dr. Richter also listened for his heartbeat, which for the first time she had a difficult time finding. Kevin had a very worried look on his face, but I had felt Hunter moving all morning, so I wasn't concerned. Dr. Richter even said he was moving a lot, and that was the reason she had a difficult time finding the hearbeat. At one point, he actually kicked her heart monitor! After awhile of searching, she finally found it and his heart was beating at a healthy 158 bpm. After our appointment, Kevin and I then headed over to the hospital to finish up registering for Hunter's big arrival! We are all set to go on that end, so now its just a waiting game! The last thing on our baby to do list yesterday was to have our 3D/4D ultrasound!!! Our parents were able to come also, and it was the first time the grandparents have been able to hear Hunter's heartbeat and see his ultrasound live. It was very exciting to see Hunter's face and watch him move around. It was a little difficult to get some really good pictures of his face, because he kept his left hand up by it the entire time. I started to worry if he even had a right arm, so the sonographer looked for it and found it down by his private. So, he is definitely already acting like a boy, and I'm afraid I'm going to have a plenty of crazy times ahead of me with this one :) He also kept opening and closing his mouth a lot and stuck his tongue out a few times. One time it actually looked like he was crying or yelling!!! So everyone is thinking we are also going to have a loud, outgoing baby!!! I just can't wait to meet him and see if any of our predictions are right!!!

Here are a couple pictures from the ultrasound...

28 weeks

Kevin and I went to another doctor appointment today. Hunter seems to be doing well. Dr. Richter measured my fundal height, which is at 28 cm so Hunter is growing right on schedule. He also has a healthy heartbeat. Dr. Richter went over the results of my glucose screening and said that I did awesome! My level was at 63, and she explained they are not concerned until it gets near 140. Also they reported my blood pressure was 100/67. She also gave me the good news that I'm now done with blood tests from here on out....YEAH!!! We go back for our next appointment on July 17th, which is also the same day we have an appointment at Peek-A-Baby for our 3D/4D ultrasound :)

Kevin and I also took my monthly belly picture this week, and as you can see, Hunter is definitely growing! I've included the first belly picture that we took at 9 weeks 1 day so you can see the dramatic difference.