We felt a body part!

So I was just going to wait and post after tomorrows doctor appointment but I am too excited to wait! So up until today we have been able to feel Zander's movements but today was the first day I can confidently say we felt a body part! At this point (31 weeks) Zander is hopefully head down which would mean that it was his foot poking me in my right rib all day and what Brandon and I were both ecstatic to feel! We both agreed it felt like a heel. Tomorrow we have an ultrasound and will find out what body part it was for sure, but regardless it was a milestone and very exciting. More to come tomorrow!

This week Zander weighs as much as 4 navel oranges! These fruit comparisons are getting very interesting.

29 weeks!

Zander is now 29 weeks and continuing to gain weight and muscle. He probably weighs about 3lbs and measures over 15 inches long. We have another ultrasound in a few weeks and will know his exact stats to share then, along with more gorgeous pictures. Until then we have learned a few things about our little guy. He loves when I rock in our new recliner and shares his Daddy and Mommy's love for Michael Jackson. He is most active right after lunch and in the evening, which makes my new summer homework easier to do. Yes that’s right homework over the summer, can you believe it? Last time we were in to see the doctor, I was assigned homework. This homework requires me to count at least ten kicks/movements over an hour period during his two most active times of the day. So far, Zander and I are acing this assignment. He is so active, he makes it pretty easy. In addition to all this amazing excitement, we are now proud residents of a home with new carpet! It is in and it is beautiful. Each time we walk in the door we savor in that wonderful new carpet smell and the soft soft feeling under our feet. We also have Zander's room just about done. All that’s left is adding the road boarder around the top half of the wall and hanging his pictures. That's right, that is all! I have even washed and put away all his 0-3 months’ clothes and organized the rest by sizes. Next on our to do list…. because I know you are all dying to know what do these parents who are so ahead of the game still need to do? Labor and delivery classes. I am a little nervous and hesitant to say the least. Still being a good 11 weeks away from my due date has allowed me to push aside the thoughts of what is necessary for me to go through to actually get this little guy in our arms. These classes, although are meant to inform and prepare us will cause me a little anxiety. Maybe Brandon won’t mind going by himself and reporting back to me what I need to know in a way that doesn’t sound so painful?

The dresser and personalized blocks made by Zander's uncle and aunt.

The crib

Brandon putting the crib together

Hello Third Trimester!

      I am now in my third trimester and in my 28th week! Zander has been busy growing eyelashes and now open and closes his eyes. He's weighing in at close to 3lbs and measuring at about 15 inches. We had our 7-month appointment this morning and all is going very well! In fact, all my tests came back great and my blood pressure was very low. Hence, school ending yesterday! WooHoo! Although everything is going well I am still measuring 2cm larger so along with seeing our doctor every 2 weeks we will be having ultrasounds every two weeks for a while as well. This is just a precaution to ensure everything is good with Zander. We are just excited because we get more pictures of our handsome little guy!

      Therefore, as we get closer to his due date and now that the school year has ended we are continuing to get everything ready for our little man. His room is all painted thanks to Zander's wonderful Grandma's. Next on the list are carpets, which will be installed Friday and Saturday. I am very excited and amazed how well everything is going and coming together.
                                   
                        Zander's room baby blue with navy trim and closet doors.

Zander's Grandma's painting his shelf that will soon be full of books!

Zander's Dad's first Father's Day gift. Carrhart sweatshirt that says

 "Zander's Dad"



27 weeks!

Zander is 27 weeks and all is good. Although his lungs are still developing, he is starting to take little breaths. I am noticing small rhythmic movements after I drink too fast or too much at one time which is most likely him hiccupping! They don't last too long and I've read they don't bother him.

Next week will be a busy week for us... last day of school (woohoo!), doctor’s appointment, and new carpets! I will also be entering my 7th month and third trimester. I can't believe it, things are going so quickly yet at the same time I am so impatient waiting for his arrival. Don't get me wrong we have a very busy summer ahead of us in preparing for his debut, I just am very excited about meeting him.

 I seem to be entering a more uncomfortable part of my pregnancy. Lately I have been having trouble catching my breath or being able to breathe deeply. I also feel Zander must have gained another few ounces at least because depending on his location and position at times I have to go pee IMMEDIATLY. It will be nice when I don't have 19 seven year olds following me down the hallway for an emergency trip to the bathroom. Summer count down 3 1/2 school days..... Zander count down 88 days.


Zander is the length of an eggplant

Zander is 26 weeks, happy and healthy!

We had our ultrasound Friday to ensure that all was okay. It was great to see our little guy again and even better to hear that he is growing perfectly -no problems or concerns. And after TWO glucose tests (the first one wasn't tested properly which meant I had to spend another afternoon drinking the disgusting cocktail and have blood drawn) it looks as if all is okay with me too.

Zander is 26 weeks and weighing in at 2lbs. He is now able to decifer between voices and is continuing to move and wiggle around. This week I am able to see many of his movements. He's becoming stronger and his kicks can be seen from the outside! He also seems to like playing near my bladder which is making my bathroom visists even more frequent. Regardless he seems to be a happy and content fetus which makes me very happy and feel very lucky.

Our first bump in the road....

So today, we had our 6 month check up, and Brandon and I were all set and expecting the usual everything looks good, everything looks perfect, however instead we were told that I'm measuring 2 cm larger than I should. This could mean a few different things; it could be extra amniotic fluid, gestational diabetes, he could just be a big healthy boy, or it could be nothing at all. I'd like to also add that there is no known cause for this so no blaming mama. To figure out what's going on we have scheduled an ultrasound next week. I am confident; I know Zander is healthy and happy so instead of stressing (as we all know I am so good at) I am excited about getting another ultra sound and seeing our little guy again. We have been so lucky so far in my pregnancy that I guess we are due for little bump......... just as long as it’s a little one.

We are at the 6 month mark!

Zander is now 6 months, 1 1/2 pounds and the size of half a gallon of milk! He gained 3oz since last week and is continuing to pack on the pounds. I am beginning to feel more kicks and nudges, before it felt as if he was making small gentle movements but now during certain times of the day it feels as if he's practicing his wrestling moves.

This weekend I got the nesting bug! I have his room just about cleared out of everything except his belongings. I also cleaned out a drawer in the kitchen that will hold all his bottles and things. We scheduled our carpet to be replaced just after school gets out so any and every able body who want to help move furniture is welcome! I am obviously no help at all. So I am sure Brandon will appreciate the help. Brandon will also be assisting Tara and my mom by painting Zander's room. It is sure to be a busy summer in preparing for Zander but I am loving every minute of it so far! Okay okay the peeing constantly, headaches, watching what I eat and can't drink and missing my best friend’s wedding because I can't fly is pretty annoying.  But don't tell Brandon how much I am enjoying all of this though, I remind him all the time how I may make this look easy but being pregnant is very difficult.) I'm sure things will all balance out for me during delivery.

Here's a picture of how big Zander is this week.

I'm dancing and singing along to the music

This week Zander is able to feel my movement and recognize my voice, so I am dancing and singing a little more than usual. Zander is 23 weeks, 11 inches long and weighs over a pound. This week he continues to develop two tiny teeth buds and nipples. He continues to squirm and move around. He seems to already have such a little attitude that makes me laugh. This week I was leaning over working on a puzzle and with each lean he would kick. I could just imagine him getting irritated with his condensed home as I leaned forward. Each week I feel I learn a little more and more about him.

Brandon and I spent Sunday afternoon registering at Babies R Us. Brandon loves the scanner gun. We are so lucky, between what our wonderful families have already purchased for us and hand-me-downs from friends; we really don't need very much. It's also hard to determine now what we will want and what we won't need. I guess that’s what gift receipts are for.

Zander is the size of a large loaf of bread this week.

Zander is 22 weeks!

This week Zander is the size of a papaya weighing about 1 pound and is 11 inches long. I've been trying to pay close attention to his kicking and moving because this week he begins a sleeping pattern, sleeping about 12-14 hours a day. He seems to be active whenever I am still or sitting down, which can be during random times of the day. However, he is most active as I am heading to bed, not even born yet and is already messing with his mama's sleep. His tooth buds, lips and eyelids are forming he's looking more and more like a newborn baby. I can't wait to see him for the first time! Because I no longer like the idea of posting another babies picture (no baby can possibly be as cute as Zander anyways) I am instead posting a picture of a papaya. This is how big Zander is this week.

Zander is 21 weeks!

I am over half way through my pregnancy and am feeling very blessed of my experience thus far. This week Zander is 21 weeks and as big as a banana. He is a very busy boy, and is constantly moving. Whenever I am still I can feel him move and it is the best feeling ever. His movements are still very subtle, so usually I am the only one to feel him (Brandon is very jealous). Brandon was able to feel him again last night for the third time. It will only be a few weeks until his movements are full fledge kicks.