Stats: Week 32

Hello Friends & Family--

8 weeks and counting! That makes me officially 8 months along (remember it's on a 10 month/40 week schedule).

I'm sitting at a lull with all of the baby stuff. I am just really unmotivated by it all at the present moment, but I think that's because I can only handle about an hour before I need to rest. It's frustrating to know what needs to be done and not being able to tackle it like you'd hoped. Hopefully I'll find some energy soon so I can get crackin' on all of that, it won't be long and he'll be here!  I'm still feeling amazing overall and I'm sure I'll be back at it this week!

Here's what going on this week!

Your Pregnancy: Week 32

Was that a contraction? Yup, but it's just for practice. Those strengthening Braxton Hicks contractions are just your body's way of prepping for the real deal. Can't say that I've felt any yet!

Baby's now the size of a squash!
Ready or not, baby's getting ready to emerge. She's probably in the head-down position by now, with her bottom facing up He was head down at our last appointment. This is the comfiest way for her body to fit in your increasingly cramped womb and will make her eventual exit (only a few months away now!) much easier. (If she's still head-up, don't panic -- there's still time for a flip before birth.)

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Week 31 Belly Pic

Hello Friends & Family--

Apparently my computer at work is too old to read a card of this size, but thankfully it works at home! Problem solved! We've had another busy week and I am so eager for a couple of days to relax this weekend. I have finished the first round of thank you cards. Phew! Baby Z is one loved little baby it was certainly apparent by all of the generous gifts he's received. Thank you all! And now my hand hurts :)

Week 31:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 31 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby Z is the size of an Squash!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Right around 12 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants and some shirts.

Gender: BOY!

Movement:  Lots of movement!

Sleep: Thinking about kicking the snoring husband and cat out of the room!

What I miss: Bending over.

Cravings: Cereal, I've never listed this but this is a major staple food for me. It has been since the start of my pregnancy, love my cereal!

 Symptoms: Fat face, apparently I hadn't noticed my new chubby face until I saw a few pictures. I think it's time to cut back on sodium.

Best Moment this week: Touring the hospital (more on that in another post).

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Parenting Class: Session 3

Hello Friends & Family--

**Just an update for the belly pic, it's on it's way! I'm having issues w/ our new SD card. It's fast and huge (holds 4,000 photos), but unfortunately my computer doesn't want to read it. I'll get it fixed soon though! Or do it the old fashioned way and use the camera cord :)

So, the 3rd class was much more beneficial, yet oddly enough our instructor only covered half of the class. Ironic. Thankfully the next 3 sessions will be with another instructor, so I'm hoping we'll see some improvement!

We spent half of the class listening to a presentation from a Meriter anesthesiologist. It was VERY informational. He even brought in a an epidural kit and showed us a demonstration. Let's just say after seeing the 2 needles (one of which is the size of a drill bit) I'm a even more leery. Haha. The needle size was never the reasoning for me not wanting an epidural. After his presentation we had to rank ourselves in terms of how we want to proceed with pain medications. I put my self at a -5, meaning I'd like to avoid them but if I have to I'll certainly take them. Chris would prefer me at a +10 meaning I basically walk in and they start the epidural. He knows my thoughts so even though he doesn't agree he'll oblige. I was surprised that the class was pretty split, I always thought everyone wanted the epidural.  I think I may save all my thoughts for another post so this one doesn't drag on...

The last part of the class was spent taking a tour of the birthing center and and postpartum rooms. The floor was SUPER quiet, I'm not sure if there was more than one woman on that entire floor. I'm sure that won't be the case when I'm in there, but they do have one-on-one nursing so no matter what we'll be taken care of. The birthing suites themselves are still being redone so we won't get to see the nice state-of-the-art suites. The postpartum room are newer so that will be nice. I'm confident that we'll enjoy our short stay, so no complaints on the hospital scenario.

Next week we are in charge of beverages for the entire class. Any suggestions besides water? I know the only things I can drink (because of reflux) are water and milk. I don't think they'll enjoy me bringing in a couple gallons of milk, haha.

And some 'just because' photos!

This is how we found Hurley sleeping one night.

Close up of his face, what a goof!

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Stats: Week 31

Hello Friends & Family--

I think it's time to start the weekly countdown: 9 more weeks to go! I can distinctly remember being 9 weeks in and hardly being able to keep it a secret! It's no secret now with this big belly, haha!

I know I'm slacking in the nursery updates, be patient with me. It's getting closer and we've been taking pictures along the way. Right now his room is filled with shower items and I'm still waiting on Chris to move out of that closet! We ordered a rug so that should be here in March. Now we just need some wall art and some more storage items and it should be getting closer to done!

Chris and I have decided to keep the name a surprise. Keeping the gender a surprise wasn't an option with us, so we are going to keep this one just between the two of us for now. I know this may be disappointing to some. I'm sorry! I will tell you though that we still haven't decided on the official name yet though!

Your Pregnancy: Week 31

Out of breath? YES! Tying my shoes leaves me gasping for air! Your still-growing uterus is squeezing your lungs, making it impossible for them to fully expand like they used to. Things will improve once baby drops, probably in the next few weeks. Until then, sit up straight with your shoulders back to get a little relief.

Baby's now the size of a squash!
Baby's going through major brain and nerve development these days. His irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. Whenever I flash a light on my belly he stops moving around, I think he likes the dark :) (He won't pick up anything from his nose until after birth, though -- smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.)

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Week 30 Belly Pic

Hello Friends & Family--

I've done a lot of posting this week! Sorry to bog everyone's email accounts with Baby Z news. The 3rd trimester has been good to me so far. I am definitely feeling more tiresome and seeing that same exhaustion from the 1st trimester. More naps for me! The little guy is moving up a storm in there, an awesome feeling. But I'd appreciate it if the attacks on my bladder could cease! At our last appointment she told me he's head down, which is great. He can still move however, pray that's not the case. I'm just hanging in there :)

Week 30:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 30 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby Z is the size of an Squash!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Right around 12 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants and some shirts.

Gender: BOY!

Movement:  Lots of movement!

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well with the help of a few pillows!

What I miss: Walking the dogs w/ ease.

Cravings: Cantaloupe!

 Symptoms: Exhaustion.

Best Moment this week: Just enjoying the prepping portion, we pre-registered at the hospital, so they are ready for us. It's all becoming very real!

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Parenting Class: Session 2

Hello Friends & Family--

Well we've survived (and I say survived loosely) another parenting class. Mind you these classes are 2.5 hours long and in small classrooms with VERY uncomfortable chairs! Needless to say it makes it very difficult for a pregnant woman to stay focused.

Normally the 2nd session is a tour of the hospital birthing center, but we are still off so they switched around our classes. Next week we should have a fun update with what our first impression of Meriter Hospital is. I'm very excited as we also get to speak to an anesthesiologist. Many may not know, but I'm leaning towards NOT getting an epidural so I'd like some more insight.

Back to the class. The 2nd class was about making decisions and labor practices. All good stuff to know! I'd say that a majority of the information was something I've already read about, but it's nice to have a reiteration. They had us watch another 1980's video on cesarean births. I guess I'm just a little frustrated that we are taking a 6 week course and I'm not learning anything new. Oh and to top it of our instructer is just a bit to much for my liking. She uses note cards, doesn't make me very assured that she knows what she's teaching.

We spent the last 1/2 an hour of class learning different coping mechanisms during labor. Chris was very eager to try the rolling pin & paint roller on my back--figures! They said laughter is very important, and I have no doubt that Chris will awesome at this!

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Parenting Class: Session 1

Hello Friends & Family--

Wednesday the 9th we had our first parenting class. We are off by a week because of the blizzard, so it will now go until March 16th (Chris' birthday!). I'm sure he's super thrilled he'll be spending his birthday with a bunch of hormonal women! Especially since that night's topic is breastfeeding!

Overall, I think the class series will be useful but the first class was kind of a joke. We watched 2 delivery videos both of which were circa 1989. You'd think they'd have updated their selection by now, it is 2011! I'd say I learned a very small amount, most of it was common knowledge or stuff that I've already read. We did spend the last 30 minutes of class relaxing on the floor with the lights off. Hmm a good way to 1. make me fall asleep and 2. make it so I'm unable to get off the ground. Chris spent his 'relaxing' period sitting in a chair and not to enthused. I know it was just the first class so I am eager to see what we learn in the weeks to come.

I think this may be a good time for Chris to step in and share his feelings in blog world?

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Iowa Shower

Hello Friends & Family--

Baby Z's first shower was amazing! Great food and good company! They even catered to my need for something other than traditional cake with red velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting! For those of you that didn't know, I truly despise cake and that thick sugary icing.

I loved being able to see a bunch of my family and friends all  in one place--some traveled a long way to get there too! I can't tell you how thankful I am for everyone coming and your generous gifts. Baby Z is already one spoiled little guy! His room is filling up quickly and there are 2 more showers to go! Thank you again to my family for hosting such a wonderful shower!

I have a TON of pictures, but I'll just post a few! I will probably post the rest on Facebook, so you can see the rest!

Playing games!

Presents galore!

The baby blanket that my Grandma & Great Grandma made--it's a tradition!

The T-Shirts!

This is what the Armada looked like on the ride back to Madison! Haha!

Love, Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Stats: Week 30

Hello Friends & Family--

Once I get all the shower pictures uploaded (there are a lot of them--thanks Terry!) I'll fill you all in on my fabulous shower! Here's how Baby Z is doing this week! Only 10 weeks to go!

Your Pregnancy: Week 30

Your massive belly and nighttime heartburn might be making sleep difficult to come by. Thank goodness for large bottles of Tums! If you are able to drift off, you're probably having some strange and vivid dreams -- your subconscious is no less anxious than your waking mind. No strange dreams or at least any that I can recall!

Baby's now the size of a squash!He'll be a squash for the entire 7th month. As baby's skin smoothes out, her brain just keeps getting more wrinkled. All those grooves and indentations increase surface area, meaning more room for that oh-so-essential brain tissue. She's also adding some brawn -- her grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger.

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Week 29 Belly Pic

Hello Friends & Family--

My Mom & Sisters: Abby & Alysia are hosting my first Baby Shower this weekend in Iowa. I'm so excited to see friends and family and have a little celebration in honor of Baby Z! My family from Nebraska is even coming! After registering at Babies R Us and Target, we realized all the things we really do need and it was a tad overwhelming. So this shower (and the showers to come) will be very helpful in that aspect :) What would one do if they had to buy all of these items on their own! I'll post some pics and a recap next week.

Funny story, if you are a big "Friends" fan that is. Perhaps you'll remember the episode where Ross sings "I like big butts" and Emma smiles for the first time?! Rachel is so disturbed by this and tries to get her to smile doing every other conceivable thing, but eventually turns to singing the song too. If you haven't seen it I can recommend it! Anyway, that song came on the radio on my way back to work today and right away Baby Z started kicking away. I think this song may be a hit with all babies! I'll have to try it when he's actually here too!

Thanks again for all of the prayers and positive thoughts for my test results. I definitely appreciate all of the love! And your positive thoughts worked, love you all!

Week 29:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 29 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby Z is the size of an Squash!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Find out on Friday for sure, 10-12 lbs?

Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants.

Gender: BOY!

Movement:  Feeling him more and more each day! Love it!

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well with the help of a few pillows!

What I miss: Putting on my shoes without running out of breath.

Cravings: Nothing new this week.

 Symptoms: I think my acid reflux is continually getting worse--awesome!

Best Moment this week: Lot's of good moments this week: test results, hearing the heartbeat on Friday and my first shower in Iowa!

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Test Results

Hello Friends & Family--

As you may have noticed I updated the background and added a few new features to Baby Z's blog. There is now a "Meet the Family" section on the right side. Also, a poll for guessing Baby Z's birth date at the very bottom. Please feel free to submit your best guess! Most of you were right on guessing the gender, so we'll see how this one pans out! You will have to view this from the actual blog website and not on the email to see the changes.

Before I get to the results, here's another picture from the Super Bowl party. Every post needs a picture, right?

I completed the 3 hour test on Tuesday at 11:30am, that's over 3 hours of sitting around in the clinic. I read quite a bit in my book, but also did some stellar people watching! My fasting glucose level came back normal, the only test results they gave me the day of the appt. The rest of the blood was sent to an offsite lab to test. So four pricks later and two sore arms, I have the results :) I'm DO NOT have gestational diabetes. All of my results were in the allowed reference range! That's a relief, so now I can go on consuming what I crave instead of watching my diet super close! Don't worry I'm not going to eat everything in site!

This is what was on my online file-- gotta love the extra exclamation points!

Component Results

Component	Your Value	Reference Range
Glucose, 3 Hr	92	70 - 140 mg/dL

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Stats: Week 29

Hello Friends & Family--

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!!!!

Sorry I had to do it, I don't think I would be a true resident of Wisconsin if I didn't touch on the big win of my beloved Green Bay Packers! And yes, I was a fan prior to living here! We had an awesome time at the Kiss von Soly house and I'm sure that Chris is glad that he works for himself after all the festivities! What a proud day for the great state of Wisconsin! This is my victory pose after the game--notice the purple water bottle, that's what I had to drink all night!

We are now 1 week into the 3rd trimester and there is not much new to report really. My waddle has surely progressed even more though! And I can tell that he's getting a bit more cramped in there, as he's kicking me a lot more frequently. I'm waiting for the visible foot/hand/elbow to show through my stomach one of these days. Actually, I'm completely freaked out by the thought so we'll see how that experience goes.

Our class last week was cancelled because of the blizzard so we will have our first class on Wednesday. The first session requires pillows and a blanket/mat. I just hope I can get off of the floor! Or even better maybe this will be a lesson for Chris in pregnancy massages...hint, hint! I'm sure I'll have something good to post after the class! Oh and don't forget to keep those prayers coming for my Glucose Test tomorrow! I'll be there from  around 8:00am till around 11:00/12:00ish. I'll be bringing a good book that's for sure!

Your Pregnancy: Week 29

Thanks to your ever-expanding uterus, it's time to welcome back the constant bathroom dashes. True! And try your best to forget about any emerging varicose veins -- they might be ugly, but they're harmless and should fade after delivery. None visible as of yet. Until then, avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time and make sure to get some exercise (it'll boost your circulation).

Baby's now the size of a squash!
Wahoo we've been upgraded! Baby's energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath his skin. And since he's growing so fast (weight will triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. What all this means for you: Get ready for some more kicks and jabs to the ribs. Definitely can agree with that statement :)

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Week 28 Belly Pic

Hello Friends & Family--

Well it looks like they weren't lying when they said we were going to get a "paralyzing historic blizzard." Totals for the total storm were around 18.5", the bulk was on Tuesday night with drifts from 5-10'. Needless to say I got a nice snow day on Wednesday. Chris has actually been sick since Sunday night, so he was not thrilled with the 4-5' drifts covering the garage and front door. He managed to get us all plowed out though. I did a little shoveling; the boys needed a few paths in the backyard so that was my duty! No worries I took it very easy and laid in the snow and played with them for awhile.

Here's a picture from our garage, you can see that we lost the Audi for a bit! Gotta love living in Wisconsin!

This is a picture of a drift near Chris' office, pretty wicked!

Back to Baby news, I received the results back on my 1-hour Glucose Tolerance test on Monday. Unfortunately, I didn't score where I needed to so I'll be taking the 3-hour test next week on Tuesday morning. The range was 50-140 and I scored a 146. This doesn't mean I have Gestational Diabetes, that's what the 3 hour test should determine. I'll be fasting for 12 hours prior and then not be able to eat for the 3-4 hours I have to sit in the clinic (yes, they don't let you leave). They'll draw my blood right when I get in then make me drink the sugar drink and draw my blood every hour to make sure it's eliminating the glucose properly. If I fail 2 out of the 4 blood draws then it will be determined I have GD. Hopefully I'll get the results back right away so I can discuss with my doctor at my appt. next Friday. Cheers to drinking another orange sugar drink :) Prayers for good results are requested!

Week 28 picture:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 28 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby Z is the size of an Eggplant!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Not sure, we'll find out next Friday.

Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants.

Gender: BOY!

Movement: He's been having a little party in there lately. 

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well still.

What I miss: Being able to get off the couch with ease :)

Cravings: Now that I've tried the Red Velvet Cake frozen yogurt at TCBY, I may be in love. Too bad it's only around for February!

 Symptoms: Acid reflux...grr!

Best Moment this week: Finally receiving the glider! One step closer to a complete nursery!

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z