Waiting (37)

We've hit the point in my pregnancy where everything looks good and it's just a matter of time. Initially, we were hoping this kid would stay in until September (I'm due 9/7 according to my doctor), but now that I've hit the full-term mark, I'm ready to evict this little one at any time. There's such a sense of anticipation mixed with anxiety. How will the birth go? More importantly (right now), WHEN will I go into labor? There's so many different scenarios - if I'm at home, if I'm at work, what do we do about Felix, how quickly will things happen, will our backup care people be available? I'm sure it will all work out one way or another, but it definitely amps up the uncertainty factor.

I had another check-up yesterday. Blood pressure's good, weight's okay but could be better. My doctor said that my body's getting more ready to have this baby, and she offered to "help it along". Considering Nick and I are both on pins and needles waiting and Nick has some big meetings out of town coming up in September, I submitted to her ministrations. We'll see how much "help" it does. My doctor was also a bit concerned about how I'm measuring (smaller than I should be), so I got in right away for an ultrasound to check fluid and baby's size. The ultrasound size estimate was 5 lb, 15 oz. I guess I just make 'em little, but they catch up quickly. :o)

We've had a pleasant last few weeks. We've had visits from both families, even more so than expected. We were notified last Saturday that my sister-in-law would be our guest the next two days as she came back to Madison for a funeral. Very unexpected, but it worked out, and we got to visit with the in-laws again on Monday.

On Sunday before she came, we went to the Badgers Family Fun Day at Camp Randall. We took Felix there when he was a year old and got his picture with Coach Bret Bielema. This year, it was our mission to get our picture with Bucky Badger. While we waited in line, I asked Felix what he was going to do when he saw Bucky. "I'm going to give him a hug!" he answered. Sure enough, when it was our turn, Felix launched himself at Bucky and gave him a big squeeze. Aw! I was happy to have a Badger shirt that would stretch over my big ol' belly.

Felix: 3 yrs

Mini Update (35)

We seem to have finally broken free of the 90°+ heat wave, and just in time. I had been handling it pretty well, but I was reaching my breaking point. I'm definitely more comfortable now in the low 80°s as I get bigger.

Unfortunately, Felix has regressed in his potty training prowess. Oh, he still gets a gold medal in going #1 (so we've been telling him while watching the Olympics), but any progress he's made going #2 has completely reversed. I hope it clicks again before the baby comes.

Speaking of the baby, we took a "sibling tour" last night at the hospital. There were five other families with young children. The kids got to stamp their hands like the baby's feet get stamped and practice dressing and holding babies (lots of baby doll heads getting bonked on the table... and Felix kept poking his baby doll in the eyes). We took a look at the nursery (no babies), went into one of the suite-like family rooms (so much nicer than the last time!) and got to see a day-old baby. I don't think Felix knew babies were so noisy. The little boy we say made a lot of little noises, and Felix kept asking me if the baby was crying (no, not really). It was good for him to see how little, fragile, and noisy a real baby is. Hopefully there will be less shock and more acceptance when our baby comes.

The baby name debate continues. I thought we had our names nailed down at 20 weeks or so, but Nick has recently told me that he doesn't feel the same way about the names anymore. So we've been going back and forth on names. Actually, Nick's a world-class name killer, shooting down just about every name I've thrown out there. Argh. Just when we say "hey, that's not bad!", we sleep on it and decide... maybe not. We have some healthy contenders right now that I hope will stick around until this kid is born.

As for the baby, I hear its ankle or knee crack at least once a day. It's decidedly odd to hear a sharp *click* where there should be no clicking. The baby has dropped anad I officially waddle. Hiccups still occur daily. I haven't had much swelling like I did with Felix (yay? I kinda liked my Silly Putty ankles). And yes, I guess I make 'em small and carry 'em tight (so everybody comments).

Felix: 3 yrs

DEFCON 3? (34)

I had another OB check-up Tuesday. My doctor kind of frightened me into thinking that this kid may come sooner than we hope (which is early September). She talked about where to go if I go into labor (given the maternity ward is under a bit of construction), and noticed that the baby has dropped a bit (though it might have a really long torso like Felix - this kid is still butting up against my rib cage). She also asked me to come in again next week for a check-up/test instead of in two weeks. It just makes me feel like things are going to happen much quicker than we want - especially because I'd like this baby to get a little bit bigger than the 6 lb 4 oz that Felix was at birth. But it is definitely lighting a fire under us to get everything ready to go (bags packed, care for Felix on notice).

And with all that uncertainty, Nick informed me on Friday that the boy's name we have picked out just doesn't do much for him anymore. And this from the guy that doesn't like talking about names. Groan.  We're trying to come up with a back-up name, but nothing feels quite right. Why are girls' names so easy and boys' names so difficult?

There's a lot up in the air right now, but with any luck, it will stay that way for a while, at least until the end of the month.

After that, the time goes so fast...












Felix has had fun lately, going to a classmate's bouncy birthday bash and earning his potty training present. We're so proud of what he's done lately. Now if only he'd do a better job listening when we ask him to do things... then he'd earn the new race car he wants for the play mat. :o)











Felix also had his first dentist visit yesterday. He did great! He was also one of the few kids who chose mint as their flavor of choice, apparently.

Felix: 3 yrs