Week 38 Belly Pic

Hello Friends & Family--

9 days and counting!

As the days get closer, I'll probably have daily updates (brief ones) to let you know his status. That way no one is guessing, but if I forget that doesn't mean I'm in labor either. I'll do my best. I taught Chris how to post on the blog, so he has plans to post after he's born so you all can see some pictures and his stats. We'll see how that goes, but I'm pretty confident he'll do just fine.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 38 Weeks!

Size of baby: A watermelon. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: A little over 20lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Realizing I only have warm maternity clothes :(

Gender: BOY!

Movement: He's still active w/ the little room he has left.

Sleep: I'm so thankful sleep really hasn't been an issue.

What I miss: Wearing heels.

Cravings: Something on the grill maybe? No cravings really.

 Symptoms: Acid reflux.

Best Moment this week: The Chapter I volunteer w/ through me a mini shower--too cute! Plus, we'll have another appointment tomorrow to hear his HB. Do I dare say maybe for the last time before he arrives? Ah I said it, I'm jinxed.

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Week 37 Belly Pic

Hello Friends & Family--

I apologize for posting this later than usual, it's been a busy week. Well I think he's certainly dropped. Maybe you can tell in the pictures? Both my Doctor and a random lady I've never met before think so, haha! We are almost through with this week, so thankfully he hasn't made an arrival (YET) and my doctor will be back on Monday. Chris will be gone for a majority of Saturday for a meeting in Iowa, so he really better not come!

The doctor's appointment today (Friday) went well. Dr. H was friendly and made us feel comfortable. He was kind of in a rush to start his weekend though :) That's the last of doctors we are going to meet. There is still a chance that one of the on staff Meriter physicians will do the delivery, but most likely it will be one of the 3 from my clinic. Even though this isn't ideal and I prefer my own Doctor, I am comfortable with everyone I've met with so far.

I'd also like to welcome all my new followers--there are quite a few. I am now getting about 700 views a month! Wow! I know all of those can't be my family checking for the latest bump picture (ahem, Alysia). So welcome and I hope that our journey is giving you some insight on whatever brought you to us! Feel free to leave comments too!

Notice the shirt...just getting ready for the Huskers and the Big 10! Wahoo!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 37 Weeks

Size of baby: A WATERMELON! AHH!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 20 lbs maybe?

Maternity Clothes: Dreaming of all my summer clothes!

Gender: BOY!

Movement: Lots of it!

Sleep: Have had some really good sleep the last few nights, I'm sure they are my last!

What I miss: I'll be honest right now I want a PBR and my fav. raw sushi roll w/ eel!

Cravings: Still not super hungry.

 Symptoms: Acid reflux.

Best Moment this week: Hearing the HB, I like these weekly appts!

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Week 36 Belly Pic

Hello Friends & Family--

I have to make a disclaimer, the pictures that are posted weekly evidently are not relative to what I look like in person. Apparently after a few people have seen me in person they've commented that I'm not as big as my pictures make me look. I'm going to work w/ my photographer (aka Chris) and try to move locations--it may be the issue.

Here's our first attempt at catching the "real" baby bump:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 36 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby Z is the size of a Cantaloupe!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 20 lbs maybe?

Maternity Clothes: Honestly most shirts still fit, it's just the pants that are maternity.

Gender: BOY!

Movement:  I think there is an alien in there :)

Sleep: Besides getting up to go to the bathroom, pretty well.

What I miss: Cute spring clothes.

Cravings: Still not super hungry.

 Symptoms: Acid reflux, go figure huh?

Best Moment this week: Hearing the HB at our appt. on Friday.

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Week 35 Belly Pic

Hello Friends & Family--

I've been asked a lot more lately about when I'm due. For the longest time no one asked, nor even mentioned I was pregnant. I wasn't trying to hide it by any means! I happen to work with all guys and one other female (Yeah for Jenni and I) and I think they now feel it's safe to inquire. I'm past the you "just look fat" stage. After a conversation, one co-worker said his 2nd daughter was 11 lbs 6oz! He immediately wanted to know if we knew Baby Z's approximate size, which we don't. However, I am pretty confident he's not that big though! It's interesting the difference between males and females when it comes to pregnancy :)

Next Friday will mark the start of our weekly appointments. I'm hoping that she'll be able to figure out how he's positioned and give us more information on how big she thinks he is. Chris and I were both around the same size, so let's hope he's in the 7 to 8 lb range! I don't think I could handle an 11 lb baby!

Also, we have friends that are expecting their 2nd child on April 2nd! We'll be praying for a happy and healthy baby for them in the next week or so! Can't wait to find out what the gender is, I think it's a girl!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 35 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby Z is the size of a Cantaloupe!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 18-20 lbs maybe?

Maternity Clothes: Lovin' my maternity jeans!

Gender: BOY!

Movement:  Getting cramped in there, so the movements are over exaggerated.

Sleep: Still sleeping well. Lot's of pillows of course :)

What I miss: Drinking something other than water, it's getting old.

Cravings: Still not super hungry.

 Symptoms: Acid reflux.

Best Moment this week: The shower on Sunday! 

Love,




Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Week 34 Belly Pic

Hello Friends & Family--

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

Today Chris and I are meeting with one of the two doctors (other than my own) that could potentially deliver Baby Z. My Dr. speaks very highly of these individuals so I'm sure they will be just fine. I'll meet the other Dr. in 3 weeks. They both happen to be males (my Dr. is female) so that will be a bit of a change for me. Then after April 1st, I'll start going to the clinic every week for an appointment!

BTW I really don't like having my pic taken for the belly bump pictures. I always look so awkward. I never know where to look or put my arms. Haha. So if these look a little strange that's why. Good thing I'll have more instruction on Saturday otherwise it could be a disaster...or I'll just request that there are no head shots!


Week 34:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 34 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby Z is the size of a Cantaloupe!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Around 16-18 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Discovered a lot of my spring t-shirts still fit! Wahoo!

Gender: BOY!

Movement:  He's shy he only moves around for Mom :)

Sleep: Still sleeping well.

What I miss: Having more variety to my wardrobe.

Cravings: Nothing. I'm just not really hungry lately.

 Symptoms: Acid reflux.

Best Moment this week: Hearing the HB again today and taking pictures on Saturday! Can't forget the warm weather--just hope this isn't jinxing us for a big snow storm though!

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Week 33 Belly Pic

Hello Friends & Family--

My lovely sister let me know that my last week's pic was a big change, she politely said I was "huge". I'd have to agree that I'm feeling on the large side lately. And by Chris' reactions I'd say he thinks the same thing. Apparently it's like a train wreck, you just can't look away. Haha.Yet I'm still comfortable, so until I'm at that stage I think I'm doing just fine. You all can look forward to 6 more weeks of "huge" pictures of me :)

I'm going to start thinking about packing our bag for the hospital in the next few weeks. If you know me well you'll know that I'm a planner and I get anxious if I don't have things ready. So if there are any Mothers out there want to give me your suggestions on what is a must? Email me or leave a comment! I have the list from the hospital (and a few baby sites), but it doesn't hurt to hear some more personal advice!

Reminder to keep voting on the bottom of the blog! To the person that said he's going to make his debut after his due date...I may be coming after you  :) Just kidding, but I'd prefer not to go over 40 weeks. Good thing babies have their own plan and I'm sure I can throw mine out the window. I'll learn to let the planning side of me go--eventually.


Here's week 33, lucky you there are TWO pictures!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 33 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby Z is the size of a Cantaloupe!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Around 16 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Definitely wearing more shirts now!

Gender: BOY!

Movement:  He likes to move to certain music/artists.

Sleep: Still sleeping well.

What I miss: My shoes. I've limited myself to just a few pairs :(

Cravings: Cereal and pineapple.

 Symptoms: Lack of energy.

Best Moment this week: Another baby shower in honor of Baby Z on Saturday with good friends! Thanks to the wonderful Katie & Dona!

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Week 32 Belly Pic

Hello Friends & Family--

Not much new this week, just the same old stuff. This last weekend our good friends Nick & Dona entered a Lady Gaga look-a-like contest and we were there to support them. Dona actually won the women's contest too! Nick, who was last year's reigning Larry Gaga had some stiff competition. Anyways here's a picture of the adorable shirt Dona made for Baby Z to wear during the show! Hope that isn't a premonition that he's actually going to be a little monster!

I'll be posting soon about Class #4!

Week 32:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 32 Weeks

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

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I'm guessing around15 pounds, find out for sure on Friday.

Maternity Clothes: It better warm up, I'm running out of coats!

Gender: BOY!

Movement:  Punching my ribs & bladder are a favorite past-time for him.

Sleep: Sleeping well this week!

What I miss: Bending over. 

Cravings: I've been digging pears lately. I'm starting to think Chris is having pregnancy cravings too...he's made a new Thai dish every other night!

 Symptoms: Lack of energy.

Best Moment this week: Chris finally having the patience to feel the attacks on my innards :) He thinks I should kick him back, haha. Andour 32 week appt on Friday! 

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

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

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

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

Week 27 Belly Pic

Hello Friends & Family--

Today I had my lovely Glucose Tolerance test. I had to drink a small bottle of an orange liquid in less than five minutes. Then have my blood drawn at exactly 1 hour from drinking it to test how my body can rid of it from my blood stream. I should have the results later today as to whether I need to have another test to determine if it is Gestational Diabetes, or if I am in the clear. Let's hope I'm good to go. I don't particularly want to drink a larger bottle of that and have the 3 hour test!

Here's my happy face prior to heading for my blood draw :)

Week 27:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 27 Weeks

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

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Roughly 7lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Really just maternity pants.

Gender: BOY!

Movement: Super active today after that Glucose drink!

Sleep: Sleeping pretty well.

What I miss: Eating a red sauce w/o getting acid reflux.

Cravings: Homemade malts and shakes...especially with pb snickers!

 Symptoms: Acid reflux...grr!

Best Moment this week: Getting the glucose test out of the way :)

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z

Week 26 Belly Pic

Hello Friends & Family--

I'm posting the belly pic a day early because Chris is leaving me for the great state of Colorado with some good friends. I'm certainly jealous, but I encouraged him to take a guys weekend skiing before Baby Z arrived. Who knows when the next time he'll be able to get away with just the boys will be! I'll be having a nice quiet weekend at home w/ the pets. I'm looking forward to having some time to myself and getting some of my "nesting" out of the way. I feel like there is a lot of organizing to get done!

Plus I can't wait to fumble around with our new camera! We purchased a Canon T2i from the recommendation of all of our photographer friends and I think it's a perfect fit! I'm definitely more familiar with Nikon, but I'm finding this to be fairly easy to operate. We will also be getting an upgraded lens because the kit lens is a bit too basic. I love photography and I can't wait to dive in head first learning the ends and outs of this new camera! My new models (Coop, Hurley & Bo) are not too happy with the constant paparazzi flash and lens in their face though!

Week 26:

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 26 Weeks

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

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Roughly 7lbs.

Maternity Clothes: My t-shirts for the gym are no longer fitting properly :)

Gender: BOY!

Movement: He's really active at night and right when I get to work.

Sleep: Waking up more throughout the night to go to the bathroom.

What I miss: Eating a red sauce w/o getting acid reflux.

Cravings: Fruit smoothies!

 Symptoms: Acid reflux...grr!

Best Moment this week: Getting the crib put together, bedding and all!

Love,

Chris, Amber & Baby Z