Doctor Check-in: 24 weeks

Yesterday, Jonathan and I went for a check-up with the doc.  After a brief wait in the waiting room (which we each guessed my weight gain), it was time to face the scales.... and... I've gained 14 pounds!  Okay, okay, so that's probably not all that bad, but it sounds bad.

Next, blood pressure.  120/72.  Yikes!  That's super high for me!  The nurse asked if I was nervous... "no," was my response.  After looking back, I think I got myself all worked up over that stupid scale!  After my appointment, she checked it again.  106/68.  Much better!

Onto the actual appointment and my thoughts on that appointment....

I'm really over these "belly checks" that they call "appointments."  I mean, five minutes in the room, a little heartbeat action, some lighthearted conversation with the doc, and then we're out.  That's it.  No pictures... nothing.  We really got spoiled the first few months with ultrasounds every month!  I mean, ultrasound paper can't possibly cost that much?!

After that complaining, there's only good news to report!  The baby's heartbeat measured 143-145 beats per minute.  Still nice and healthy!

We have another appointment in about a month and I'm really hoping for some pictures.  We'll just be in the third trimester, so it seems [to me] like a good time for an updated ultrasound.  We'll see!

Until next time,
Jamie

Boy or Girl? Predictor Tests #3 & #4

While visiting our friends, Dan, Tracy and Abby (one of the cutest things you ever did see) a couple weeks ago, we administered two gender predictor tests.  A special "Thank you" to Tracy for her services.


Predictor Test #3:  The Baking Soda Test
*Warning:  This is a urine test.

For this test, you pour baking soda in one cup and urinate in another cup.  Then, mix them together and see what magic results.  

• Fizzing = Boy
• No reaction = Girl.  

It seems to me that the girl should be more dramatic, but the Internet is never wrong.

Results of the Baking Soda test suggest... BOY!

Predictor Test #4:  The Metal Test

I heard a few people swear by this test.  My mom indicated that it's been right for people on her side of the family and it was 100% accurate for Tracy.  For this test, you attach a piece of metal to a string and hold it above the pregnant belly.  

• If the string swings back and forth (chin to feet)...Boy
• If the string swings in a circle...Girl

We used Jonathan's wedding ring and a piece of ribbon for our test.  

Results of the Metal Test suggest...  BOY!

I must reveal that we have attempted this test two more times at home (although we replaced the ribbon with dental floss).  It continues to swing back and forth!

That brings our score to Girl 2, Boy 2.

MTV Cribs

Remember that show on MTV - Cribs?  The one where they show you beautiful homes of celebrities and rich people....  This is not it.  BUT, Jonathan certainly has some celebrity-like poses in the next set of pictures constructing our crib.

We have SO many generous people in our life that we have not had to buy any new furniture.  Simply amazing.  My parents did decide to purchase a new crib for the babe and we are passing them the one we were handed down.  We aren't "match-matchy" furniture people, so the mix has worked perfectly for us!  Anyone that's provided for the room... (you may or may not know who you are)... THANK YOU!

Naturally, once the new crib came in, we were very excited to get it put together and see it in the room.  Paparazzi, I am not, but I decided that this is the type of stuff we should document....?!  Anyway, enjoy.  :)

Jonathan working hard!

Don't you LOVE our rug and the stripes?
If you don't, that's okay...we do!

Dace, the assistant every man needs.
(Drake's playing with his kong by himself in
the corner of the picture...typical)

Almost done... the dogs seem to be
assessing the work.

Tightening things up!
We don't want the baby to fall out!

"That was hard work, Dad!" -Dace

A crib view a few days later.
I believe that belly is 21 weeks old.

We've already made loads of progress on the room.  In fact, it's almost done, so more pictures to come soon.

On another note, we attended our friend's daughter's first birthday party (Abby Olson, that cute little stinker) a couple weekends ago (CRAZY!).  In the midst of all of that fun, we stole a few minutes for a couple more gender predictor tests.  Let's say, the money's not on a girl anymore  ;)   Results coming soon!

Until next time...
Jamie

Kick it...and I'm not talking about The Beastie Boys

As I laid in bed the other night, propped on my pillow, deep in thought...not really, just watching TV...and "WHAM", Jamie sounds startled, arms flailing away from her body; I dang near pee myself because the commotion frightened me terribly. She looks at me all giddy and smiling and says "I think I just felt the baby kick!"..."there it goes again!"

With confusion, uncertainty, worry, intrigue, joy, disbelief, I began to smile and she grasps my hand as I wrestle it away from the blankets and place it directly on her belly. Nothing! I'm thinking I missed this milestone, or maybe it's as stubborn as me and my wife!!! So, she holds my hand down on her belly, with her hand, and jiggles at the babe and "KABLAMMY" this little mythical being, that we've only seen as much as Sasquatch, blasts a left hook into my hand! I ripped my hand away so fast and just as quickly put it back. The babe kicked one more time and my face lit up like the Grinch when "his heart grew from two sizes too small"..."to three sizes too big!"

We're half way until we get to meet our babe!!!

Kicks!

20 weeks brings the first kicks!  

I've done some reading that you can start to feel your baby moving around at about 15-16 weeks, although many first time mothers miss it.  And really, that's more like "Jonathan's done some reading..."  He keeps me informed!  Anyway, I'm pretty sure that I'm the first time mother they refer to in these readings.  Around weeks 18 & 19, I thought I felt something inside there, but it was quick.

Last night, however, we felt the first official kick that I'm aware of (I'll add that disclaimer).  It was around 9:30 pm and, luckily, Jonathan was home for the evening!  We felt 3-4 kicks, which was pretty exciting!  I know the thing will won't stop from this point forward, so I'm sure that excitement will wear off, but nonetheless, and exciting milestone to report!