Sadie's graduation

Here's a picture of Sadie and her friend - the only other dog who showed up to pass the class. 5 dogs started the class and three dropped out.








Here's a picture of Sadie wearing her graduation cap last Sunday when she passed obedience class.

pictures from 33 weeks.

I'm 34 and 1/2 weeks right now, but here's a few photos of my ever-growing belly... Can you tell I've outgrown this "non-maternity" shirt?

odds and ends

34 weeks tomorrow...time is flying now. I have a photo to post of me at 33 weeks. I plan on posting it later this week. I also have photos to post of the baby shower in Pennsylvania. It was so much fun.

The baby is doing great. I had an appointment last week. Her heartrate was 155 beats per minute and everything else checked out ok too. Next Wednesday I start my weekly appointments and my chart will be kept at the hospital in case I go into labor. I have a feeling that it won't be for a while. I did hear today that U.S. pregnancies are acutally 39 weeks now instead of 40 weeks. A 39 week baby is considered full term.

I selected our pediatrician practice on Friday. They have a very nice office - it has a sick-side and well-side - depending on what you need. There are 5 doctors in the practice and they are only a mile from our house. They also see patients at our hospital so each day were are in the hospital they will check up on the baby. The appointment schedule after that is a little daunting... 2-3 days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months...all the way to 1 year. They only once per year. It was very cute to walk into the waiting area and be surrounded by "kid stuff". Primary colors, an underwater sea painting on all the walls, and mirrors hung half way down the wall.

Our very last birthing class is tonight. I am definitely glad we took the class and I bet it will help us "breathe" when the time comes. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Speaking of classes, Sadie graduated her obedience class yesterday! She even got a certificate. I am absolutely, 100% glad that we enrolled her in that class. It helped out a lot! She's on her way to being very well behaved. Again, I'll keep my fingers crossed.

31 week OB appointment

I saw the doctor today for my 31 week checkup. Baby is doing fine. Her heartbeat was in the 150s. The doctor felt my stomach and told me that her head is face down already and showed me where I could feel her butt sticking out. I feel it, but there is no way I can tell that it's her butt. :) Just by feeling my belly the doc told me that she weighs about 4.5 pounds and said that is right on track. To me, that seems like a lot for only 31 weeks.

Anyway, baby is doing great! So, we're all happy.

31 weeks right now!

9 more weeks until my due date.

Baby is probably weighing in just over 3 pounds now and heading for a growth spurt.

I just found out that she's opening and closing her eyes and knows the difference between light and dark. Crazy!

Her brain is also able to start forming memories now. I just read an article that I need to start reading the same story to her twice a day. Then when she's born, this story will be familiar to her. Studies have shown that if I read this story to her when she's fussy it should calm her down. Does anyone have any suggestions on the story? Something that won't get tiresome for mom? Maybe something from Dr. Suess?

A future swimmer, runner or soccer player

This baby sure can kick. At least twice so far I've been minding my own business only to be kicked or elbowed hard enough for me to say a loud "OUCH". Will is convinced she'll be an avid swimmer. I, on the other hand, hope she wants to take after mom and become a runner. But by the way she moves around, I think we're going to have to settle for a soccer player.

Regardless, it's some much fun to rest my hands on my belly while she moves around and try to guess what boby part I'm feeling. I also like to "watch" my stomach move after I've had something to eat or drink. Will is still amazed everytime he feels her move.