Baby Update - 35 Weeks/Family Update

Since the last baby post, we have had two more great appointments. I am now going weekly, which means we are getting close!! Each appointment has had great reports, with more and more discussions of what is to come. (Or should I say "how"???) Baby Daniels continues to grow as it should (which means mom is, too!!) and is still head-down! We are really starting to prep the house for the new arrival, as well as our minds. It will be a change, for sure, but one that we are very excited for. The to-do list gets updated daily and we try to scratch off something just as soon as we add something else.

The rest of the family is doing great and is preparing for the arrival just as we are. But, we have had a very sad and unfortunate thing happen on my dad's side of the family. We lost an uncle very suddenly last week. My mom and dad flew to Texas immediately to be with our family. Despite the very sad outcome, they got to spend a lot of wonderful quality time with uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and of course, Grandpa and Grandma. Prayers of support are always welcome. Thank you to those who have already expressed their condolences. Here is a link to a wonderful website that was put together in his memory: www.lavelljordan.com

On a much happier note, Tim's brother, Jordan, has moved back to Atlanta!!! We couldn't be more excited. He is ready to take on some great bonding time with his little buddy, Tyler, as well as the new baby. He'll be living with Judy for the time-being and will work at a local restaurant as he looks for that awesome position as a chef. Welcome home, Jordan!!

Tyler's First Dentist Appointment

Today, Tyler had his first dental cleaning! With his 3rd birthday in just a few days, we figured this was a perfect opportunity to get a new habit in place. He has always been pretty good about brushing (and even flossing), but it was time to get a professional touch added to his hygiene. He was such a good boy and was on his BEST behavior!! They took an x-ray, cleaned and flossed his teeth, and did a flouride treatment. He was so still and did exactly as the hygienist asked. Then, he saw the dentist and he said everything looked perfect! Here are some pictures from his appointment...

Baby Update - 32 Weeks

Whew! Could these weeks fly by any faster?? Another great appointment down in the books. Everything is checking out great and to top it off - baby is STILL head down!!! A vbac delivery is definitely a good possibility. I go back for another check-up in two weeks, and then I start going every week!

At home, we are doing various things to prepare for our new little one's arrival. Tim painted the nursery a taupe color while I was in Phoenix and it looks fabulous. The room is so warm and comforting. We are using some of the same stuff that Tyler had as a baby, and will fill in the rest with gender-related decor once he/she is born. I have started to pull out some of Tyler's newborn clothes and accessories and will begin washing and organizing to make sure we are completely prepared this time.

Tyler is getting more and more excited, as well. At least, for as much as he understands!! We've been reading books and visiting friends with little ones hoping he'll begin to realize that he, too, will have a new baby at home. We think it will be a bit of an adjustment, but that he will relish in his new responsibilites as a big brother.

Mom and Dad are getting excited, constantly talking about what we think it is, what it will look like, what we will name it, etc. We just can't wait to bring this baby home, and increase our family by one more! Time to continue on with our long "to-do" list. Stay tuned for more updates!

A Trip Out West

Or should I say, my last hoorah before baby??? I went to visit Susan (childhood best friend), Chad and Ava Larkin in Phoenix and returned yesterday. It was 6 days of relaxing, bonding and fun. Susan and I were able to spend some great quality time together, as well as some fun playtime with Ava. We also had an opportunity to see another childhood friend of mine, Erica Bassett, for lunch one day. Of course, I missed my two favorite boys and little Maggie while I was gone!! Daddy and Tyler had a great "boys weekend". Tim was able to take the entire time off of work and got some projects done (painted the nursery!!!) and hung out with his little buddy. Now that I am back, it is time to prepare for baby!Erica, Blythe and SusanAva and BlytheBlythe and Susan - two expecting mamas!Chad, Susan and Ava with Susan's parents, Art and Beverly (and Fritz and Nora!)Ava and Blythe at the airport

Baby Update - 30 Weeks

The countdown begins!! I think we are heading for the home-stretch. At least it feels like it! I had another 2 week check-up yesterday. This time, at the new practice that I have switched to and I love it! What a HUGE relief. I don't recommend switching ob/gyn's in your third trimester, but you do what you have to do. And, let me say, this was a smooth transition. They welcomed me with open arms and were extremely nice. I will now be delivering at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. Not only is this a great hospital, but it is much closer to our house and it is where I have been working part-time for the last 2 years. How convenient!! The baby and I are progressing as we should - good weight gain, measuring accurately, perfect blood pressure, and a healthy, fast heartbeat! Supposedly, the baby is head-down, which is something new for us. Tyler was a little stubborn in this aspect. Go figure. Let's see if this one stays that way!

IT SNOWED!!!!

And, it actually stuck to the ground!!! (for now.....) We had so much fun playing with Tyler in the snow. It is a shame that it was dark by the time there was a good amount of snow on the ground. He loved it!!! This was his first "real" experience with it. Here are some pictures of the snow!

Baby Update - 28 Weeks

Another appointment down on the books!!! It was a bittersweet appointment. When I say that, I mean the appointment itself (baby and all) went completely well. The not-so-great part is that we may have to reconsider the hospital we deliver at, or even more so, our physician. Good news first: I measured exactly 28cm, which is a precise measurement for my week! My blood pressure was excellent and the baby's heartbeat was in the 140-150 bpm range. Oh, and I managed to have only gained 3 pounds since my last one 4 weeks ago!! I was excited since I did partake in many yummy holiday meals (and treats) lately. Bad news: We just found out that our obstetrician does have rights at Northside Hospital, which we've known (and where I delivered Tyler), but her on-call rotation MD's do not. (Background tidbit - this is a new ob/gyn since Tyler was born....) So, in other words, if I go into labor and she isn't available, we are sort of in a bit of a situation - don't ask what we'd do, because I haven't a clue. Yes, we are just learning of this now - 12 weeks from due date. So, the question is: Do we change hospitals?? Do we change physicians?? Do we change both?? Stay tuned - we need to sleep on this one!!! I am sure everything will work out beautifully, it has just been an emotional day. The most important thing is that baby and momma are doing just fine! :)