36 week doctor's visit

Today we went in to see the doctor for our 36 week visit. My mom has been in town for the past week (she came for my shower this past weekend... pictures to come) so she was able to come to the appointment. We had our 3rd ultrasound of the pregnancy, and got to see that all of James's parts are working properly. We also got confirmation that James is indeed a boy! The doctor checked all the usual stuff as well... my blood pressure, weight, and baby's heart beat... and all was good. She also checked my cervix for the first time, and there are no changes yet. I will now see the doctor weekly. Next week, we will get another ultrasound so that the doctor can ensure that James is growing. Today, his weight was estimated at 4 lbs. 13 oz. He should gain about 1/2 pound per week so that would put him at about 7 lbs. at his due date. Below are 2 profile pictures of our son. His nose it at the top of the picture, and his forehead and head are to the right.

35 week update

It's starting to get tight in my belly for James! He is now over 18 inches long and weighs about 5 1/4 pounds (as much as a honeydew melon). His kidneys are fully developed, and his liver can process waste products. Most of his physical development is complete, so he'll spend the rest of his time on the "inside" just gaining weight. Only 5 weeks until James's due date (and only 2 weeks until he is considered full term)!!

34 week update

This week, James should be as heavy as a cantaloupe, about 4 3/4 lbs, and as long as 18 inches. All his systems are continuing to mature and he is putting on more and more weight as it approaches his due date. Only 6 more weeks until we get to meet our son!

More contractions!

Earlier this week, I was having an increase of discomfort and contractions. So, I went in to my doctor's office to be monitored. James's heart rate was great, and I was indeed having contractions. The doctor did a fetal fibronectin test (it can determine if I'll deliver within 2 weeks), and it was negative. I also had an ultrasound of my cervix, and it is not yet changing. We got all good news. Although it is still unclear what the pain I am feeling is. Again, the doctor encouraged that I keep taking it easy. So, I've made some more schedule adjustments at work. I have only half days for the next several weeks, and my last day of work is May 15. Below is a photo from our visit to the doctor (I think Dave got bored while I was on the monitor).

Regency Baby Shower

On Friday, April 10, my coworkers at Regency Hospital (a small hospital I work for periodically) threw me a baby shower. We had pizza, cake and punch, and everyone was so generous with gifts. I am very blessed to be a part of this rehab team... everyone is so kind and has been especially understanding during this part of my pregnancy. I am so grateful for knowing this great group of women.

Table of deliciousness!

All my gifts!


My coworkers (plus 2 little ones)

33 week update

This week, James should weigh about 4 pounds (like a pineapple) and be about 17 inches long. His skin is rapidly losing all it's wrinkles as he fills out. The bones in his skull are not fused (and will not be until early adulthood) making it easier for his head to move through the birth canal.

James continues to be as active as ever. For the most part, I have not been having many contractions. I have a day here and there that I feel them more. I have been working mostly half days so that I can have more time to rest.

We started our baby classes at the end of last week. I went to a breastfeeding class, then Dave and I went to the first of 4 prepared childbirth classes and a baby basics class. We have a couple other classes in the weeks to come. Hopefully we'll be all ready for James by the time we're done with the classes!

Last night, Dave and I went to a Ranger's baseball game. They beat Cleveland 8-5. It was a good game and we had a lot of fun... considering how uncomfortable stadium seats are and that I discovered my ankles are starting to swell! I bought Dave a set of 10 Ranger's tickets for Christmas with the idea that we could catch a few games before James arrives... last night might be the only one I make. Dave will be able to make good use of the tickets. He loves baseball. We didn't take any pictures, so below is a picture of us about 5 years ago at the first Ranger's game we ever attended together. We were just barely dating at the time.

Date at the Ballet

For Christmas, Dave let me choose any performance at Bass Hall (it's a really fancy, smancy theater in downtown Fort Worth) that I wanted to attend. His motivation behind the gift was that we could have a fun date to look forward to before James arrives in May. I chose the ballet "Cleopatra". Our tickets were for last Sunday (the same weekend I was having contractions), so we went. Ballet's are relaxing, right? It was a beautiful performance, and it was fun to get dressed up and spend the afternoon with my husband.