38 weeks and 1 day

Here's my 38 week pic from yesterday -- the dark shirt makes my belly look smaller than the last picture I think...

Hopefully I remember to take one last belly photo before we go in next Tuesday!!

Our newest niece - Claire Elizabeth VandenBerg was born last Tuesday - here's an adorable picture of her!



I can't believe that by this time next week - Henry will be here!! Thank you everyone for following our journey, for your support and prayers! We are so blessed!

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

37 weeks and 3 days

Well - it's official, he's a giant :)

Our ultrasound tech estimates that his weight right now is about 9 1/2 lbs. Yes, that could be plus or minus a 1lb - but our OB said that the mistakes on estimations are usually because the head is in the pelvis. Our other exciting news is that he's breech!! So, she got a great measurement of his head, it's measuring over 10 cm in diameter.

So - we decided we're going to just take him out! :) The earliest they'll do a c-section is at 39 weeks, so we have a noon appointment on November 24th! It's tentative because they have to confirm with OB - but she had said that day would work beforehand, so I'm planning on it as of right now.

I feel bad that the last month and a half (since I felt him switch positions) I was confident that what is his head, was his butt. But I always feel his hiccups near my hips, so I thought for sure his head would be down there -- apparently it's just cause his back and booty are low, and that's how I feel the hiccup more. I dunno. Poor guy -- I've been spanking his head when he's naughty. He's in the frank breech position - so his head is up, his legs are straight up as well (flexible!), and just his booty is down. We couldn't get any good facial pics because he wouldn't move his feet out of the way!!

Ultra-tech also said she saw lots of hair - which means the old wives tale of "more hair, more heartburn" is complete true - as I need at least 10 tums a day these days.

Whew ... November 24th ... now I'm hoping labor holds off until then!

36 weeks and 2 days

Had our weekly appointment today -- no news is good news! She did my strep b test, and then checked me -- I'm closed up and firm.

The exciting news is that since my belly is measuring 2 weeks ahead again - we get to have another ultrasound next Friday!! I'm so excited to get an estimate on how big he is -- and to get more pics of course!!

Belly Movie!

36 weeks and Pics

Here's some fun pictures for you all to enjoy and then the usual survey at the end!

36 week belly:

Knock Knock ... want to come out and play soon??

Henry's room is getting lots of stuff in it!! My work is throwing me a shower next week, that will be the end of anything I need to add!



How far along? 36 weeks ... will Henry be a November or December birthday?!?
Total weight gain/loss: I think I'm done answering this question...
Maternity clothes? Yes.
Stretch marks? Very light underbelly ones now -- but nothing too devastating yet!
Sleep: Annoying
Best moment this week: Spending Sunday working in the nursery
Movement: Is kinda starting to get on my nerves ... but atleast he's happy and active in there!
Food cravings: Butter. Anything and everything to which I can apply butter.
Gender: He's a big baby boy!
Labor Signs: A few random contractions - but nothing noteworthy. Even though I just noted it, didn't I?
Belly Button in or out? Same.
What I miss: Everything I've missed this whole time ...
What I am looking forward to: Finding out if the OB is gonna give me another ultrasound - she should tell me this week!
Weekly Wisdom: "Do everything in love." 1 Corinthians 16:14
Milestones: Entering the less than 1 month count down to the EDD
Realization of the week: I sure wish we didn't have these student loans so I could have taken the voluntary layoff ... waiting to hear if they're just going to lay me off anyways!

34 weeks (well, tomorrow will be 34)

How far along? 34 weeks - 6 to go!
Total weight gain/loss: +34lbs
Maternity clothes? Getting sick of them.... I miss my jeans and cute Medium sized t-shirts
Stretch marks? Still just on the thighs
Sleep: It's been over a week since I've felt well rested -- having that light sleep where you can't tell if you're dreaming or just thinking...
Best moment this week: Looking at people's shocked faces when I tell them how annoying I think my son is with his hiccups all day everyday
Movement: He doesn't have too much room to get strong kicks in - but when he does, I say ouch.
Food cravings: Weirdest yet - but I am currently obsessed with smoked sausage - and not just straight up - the kind with the cheese in the middle!
Gender: He's a big baby boy!
Labor Signs: Nada
Belly Button in or out? Still visible through belly band and clothing!
What I miss: Not being woken up with heartburn and acid reflux every two hours
What I am looking forward to: My side of the family's baby shower this weekend!
Weekly Wisdom: "Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children are a reward from Him. " Ephesians 2:8-9
Milestones: Did Henry's first load of laundry this week!
Realization of the week: I don't have that much time left!

32 weeks - belly pic and baby shower!

Here's the 32 week belly pic ... every month I feel like the picture makes my belly look way bigger than it is, and then the next picture is just even bigger!! What on earth will I look like in 8 weeks??

This past Saturday was my first family baby shower (Nick's side) - joint with my sister-in-law, Michal, who's due 5 days after me. I'm jealous of her smaller belly compared to my giant - but I don't have any belly pics of her for you to compare!! Thank you to Aunt Vicki and Mandee for the great shower!! Those ladies always go above and beyond for these shindigs!

Me and Henry's Grammy (my mom)