Weekly appointment with Dr. White...

Today was our weekly NST (non-stress test) and appointment with Dr. White. It was just to be a routine appointment, so we didn't think it was necessary for Tim to take off of work to go. Mom decided she would tag along so she could hear the baby's heart beat during the test. What turned out to be a routine appointment turned out to be very interesting...

First off... the baby was very active our entire way to the appointment. I knew this would mean that he would sleep the entire test. They prefer him to be active during the test to measure his heart rate and movements. Of course, a mother is always right (wow! I can't believe I just said that about myself) and I knew he would sleep during the test! They came in to check on me periodically and noticed he was sleeping. So..... they decided to use this vibration tool to wake him. It scared him and he jumped. They did this three times! It didn't make his grandma very happy to scare him like that and when I told Daddy and his other grandma, they were not very happy either. After they scared him, his heart rate jumped up and he got hiccups for the remainder of the test. Poor baby! He was not very happy. The results of the test were great, but I think he wishes that he never has to go through that again!

and he may not........

After the test, I went to visit Dr. White. I had to have my first exam today! YUCK! Anyway, she did the strep test and examined me. Much to all of our surprise, I am 2 cm dilated and 75% effaced. Wow... baby could be coming soon! Even though we are not 35 weeks until Thursday, he measured 37 1/2! Big baby!!! Dr. White decided to keep the February 21st induction date, but told me to get my bags packed immediately and not to go to far from her. She also told us to have the car seat ready! Wow... this baby really is coming soon! Needless to say, daddy was not happy that he missed the appointment - but who knew we would find out so much information!

After the appointment Mom and I ran to Janie and Jack and Babies R Us to get last minute things. After all, if our precious baby comes within the next few days, we need to be prepared!!! Just as we were about to head home we heard the tornado sirens going. We had no idea what was going on, since Dad and Tim never told us, and we freaked out. Apparently there were tornado warnings everywhere and we were going to be driving right in the middle of it. I decided I wanted to take an alternate route home because I can't see well driving at night in the pouring rain on the interstate. I plugged in TomTom, Tim's new GPS toy, to check an alternate way. Well, TomTom got us all messed up and it took forever for us to get home. Oh well, we made it home nice and safe and now while I am posting this I think the wind is about to blow over our house. It sounds like Kansas and The Wizard of Oz out there! WOW! Let's hope this baby doesn't come tonight!!!

34 weeks...

Oops... forgot to post the 34 week pic!!!

February 21st...

Today we had another non-stress test and an appointment with Dr. White. The NST went well and the baby's heart still seems fine. I had a few contractions during the NST, one of which I felt - BIG time. Dr. White asked if I felt them and I told her that I felt only one and I have been feeling one to two a day, once I figured out what they feel like. She said it was normal to even have one to two an hour, but more than that and I need to call her immediately!

(The peak in the picture is the contraction!!! WOW!)

His heart rate was 135, but obviously kept fluctuating during the NST. You can hear his heartbeat in the video. He is also moving a lot! I measured 36, which is interesting because we are only 34 weeks tomorrow. Dr. White said he should be somewhere around 5 lbs. by now. I had only gained one pound since last visit, which brings my total weight gain to 28 lbs. She laughed when she checked my belly. She said it is ALL baby and everywhere she felt, all she felt was baby! She was very happy with both of our health. She said the baby was "sassy" and she loves sassy. I think she said this because he moves around A LOT! She still says that means he is happy and healthy.

She felt it wise to go ahead and schedule the induction date. So, as long as we don't go before, our baby's birthday is scheduled for February 21st. We have to be at the hospital at 6:30 AM to start the induction process. She thinks this is best, due to the fact that he will definitely be ready and will be more than big enough. She scheduled another ultrasound in two weeks to double check his progress, but is expecting him to be at least 8 lbs. at birth!

We took a tour of the LDR (labor-delivery-recovery) and postpartum rooms tonight. We had been in the postpartum rooms before, when my friend April had Paige, but had not seen the LDR rooms and all of the other various parts of the hospital. It was nice to see what we are going to experience. I did fine, although I got a little freaked out when they showed us the recovery rooms from the c-section operating rooms. Let's just all pray that I don't have to have a c-section. I know it is very common, but it still freaks me out a little. I talked to Dr. White about an epidural and she told me the IV hurts much worse than the epidural. Of course, I have never had anything like any of this. Goodness, I never even had my blood drawn until I became pregnant!!! Seeing all of this and choosing his birthday, makes it all completely real now. Our precious baby is coming four weeks from tomorrow, unless before!!!

Baby's Bathroom...

This weekend we deep-cleaned and decorated baby's bathroom. We had fun decorating it. (although I like to decorate anything) Getting the nursery and his bathroom completed makes it all seem so real! Our baby is coming soon!!! :0)

Take a look at our little guy's fun bathroom. It is very bright and cheery!





Check out the video...

33 weeks....

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr... it is cold!!!

As you can see... Phoebe likes to join in on the weekly pictures! She is still Mommy and Daddy's little girl!

Due in.... February???

Well, just as I projected the baby is coming in February. I had to start my weekly Non-Stress Test today and my weekly appointments with Dr. White. The NST is a standard procedure for the two-vessel cord. Basically, all I did was sit in a recliner with my feet propped up and read a magazine. The technician put two things on my belly bump, which measured his heart rate and any contractions that might occur. If I felt him move, I had to hit a button that would alert the machine. It was so funny to hear his little heartbeat for 20 minutes or so. Of course, he didn't move a whole lot because he does all of his moving starting at 10:30 at night. He did move a few times and I was able to hit the button. He ended up getting hiccups during the test and that caused him to be restless for a few minutes! Next week his daddy is going to go to the appointment and he will get to hear him. It was funny.

After the test, I had an appointment with Dr. White. She told me that the NST was absolutely normal and based on all of that, he seems perfect. I had two contractions during the test, but Dr. White said it was normal since it was sporadic. When she measured me, she giggled! I asked her what was wrong and she commented that when we found out we had a two-vessel cord she wondered if the baby would be small - like around 6 lbs. I measured 34 weeks, which we are only 32 weeks 5 days. She said he is going to be big! I asked her if he would be 8 lbs. and she thinks he will be at least 8 lbs. How exciting! She doesn't think the two-vessel is hindering him in any way. I wonder what he would have been if we had a normal three-vessel cord! Especially since his daddy was nearly 10 lbs. and his mommy nearly 9 lbs.! WOW - I mean... OUCH! Anyway, she thinks he will be ready to come into the world around February 21st. She told me to talk it over with the family and decide on a date that we want to be induced. She feels more comfortable inducing. That way, it takes the stress off of getting to the hospital in time, since we are an hour away. Also, I don't have to worry when and where will I be when my water breaks or I go into labor. She also said that way she is guaranteed to deliver the baby. She delivers all her babies through the week, but if it happens to be on a weekend when she is not on call, another doctor would have to do it. (and I DON'T want that) SO - WOW - reality has set in and we are getting a baby soon!!!! WE CAN'T WAIT.........

WE STILL LOVE OUR COLTS!

COLTS LOSE: 28-24

Well, unfortunately we are SO disappointed that our Indianapolis Colts will not be making the trip to the Super Bowl this year! They lost today to the Chargers!!! Baby Boy kicked and kicked during the game. We still think his favorite player is #4 Vinatieri. The baby must have known it was game day today. Starting about 9:30 last night he started doing somersaults and cartwheels and didn't stop until about noon today. He woke me up about every hour - which in turn woke Daddy up. We have started to be able to put him to sleep by rubbing and patting my belly bump, but every time Tim would start to get the baby to sleep, Tim would fall asleep and the baby would wake up. It is amazing to me that the baby already senses the things that we do. I can't believe he responds to our touch. It is so awesome!

Well......... here is to a better nights sleep. Although, I know he is just preparing us for his arrival - so we might as well get used to it!

32 Weeks - ultrasound - and appointment with Dr. White...

Today, January 10th, baby is 32 weeks!!! Yea... we are getting closer and can't wait. He is definitely growing - as if you can't tell by my belly bump! :-)

On Tuesday, we had an appointment with Dr. White and a scheduled ultrasound. This was to check up on the two-vessel cord. Dr. White wanted to make sure that the two-vessel cord was not hindering his growth or development. The ultrasound was previously scheduled with the maternal/fetal specialist as a follow-up to an ultrasound we had at the specialist back in October. Dr. White felt that since everything looked okay on the previous ultrasound from the specialist, it would be okay for Dr. White to do the ultrasound now. A few days before, I started getting nervous about the ultrasound. I guess it is because I felt like they were looking for something wrong. The more and more I thought about it, I realized I was crazy for worrying about it. After all, this baby is God's child and He is just blessing us with the opportunity to raise him. So, it was in God's hands. We arrived at the ultrasound and we were so excited to be able to see him again.

OK... so here is what we found out... He now weighs 4 lbs. 6 oz.!!! The two-vessel cord is obviously not hindering his weight or development. All of his organs looked fine and Dr. White could not see any problems. She said he looked perfectly healthy and normal. His heart rate was 146 and we did find out he has a big head. His head is in the 85th percentile! Dr. White told us that means he is going to be smart. Seriously! He takes that after his Mommy!!! HA! His weight was in the 50-60th percentile. We were able to see 3D images of him and he is gorgeous. They told us he has hair on his head and chubby cheeks. He also has beautiful lips!!! I can't wait to kiss them. We are so in love with him. We have a video of the ultrasound and we have really enjoyed watching it. Our parents came to view it last night and Tim and I really enjoyed their reactions. They are all so excited. Laura got to see the video tonight, during our Grey's Anatomy date night! We love watching it and seeing him. I can't wait until we see him and can hold him!

I start my weekly appointments on Tuesday. Dr. White wants to start the non-stress tests to monitor his heart and movements. She said this is standard protocol for a two-vessel cord and she doesn't see any reason to worry. So far everything seems fine, but because this is protocol, she wants to follow it. We feel better about it too. At least they are closely monitoring him and will know if he is in any kind of distress!

I am doing well also. I only gained one and a half pounds since the last visit. My blood pressure, protein, iron, sugar, etc. were all perfect. So far no real problems with swelling, so that is good. Dr. White did tell us that I am about to enter the miserable stage of pregnancy and told Tim that now is the time for everyone to be my cheerleader. I thought that was funny. The only real problem I have noticed lately is acid reflux. She said this is perfectly normal and I have been taking Tums! FUN FUN! She measured my bump and he measured 32 weeks exactly. She was very happy about that!

We love him so much and it was great to see his little face and chubby arms. We didn't get the pictures scanned yet. We will try to do that tomorrow night and post them for all to see just how gorgeous he is!!! (of course we are proud parents already)

The black that you see is the fluid. He always likes to tuck his head into the uterine wall, therefore it is hard to see his entire face. There is fluid in front of his right eye - that is why it looks odd. Hopefully you can understand the pictures.... we think he is adorable!

Baby is 31 weeks...

Today our baby boy is 31 weeks. Time is flying! He will be here before we know it and we are really ready for him.

By the way..... Tim always makes me stand in the same spot every Thursday to get my picture. Let me tell you how freezing cold it is. It was like 1 degree this morning and this evening when he took the picture it was like 20 degrees, but with the windchill it was around 10. BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our New Year's Eve!

Welcome 2008! Our son's birth year...



It has been our tradition for the last many many years to stay at home and have our parents over for New Year's Eve. We don't really like to be out with all of the drunk drivers and since we live so close to most of our family, we have them over to our house. As usual, I played with Pampered Chef recipes and fixed some yummy things. Char, Mom, and Grandma all brought yummy things as well. Our evening started at 7:00 and a lot of the fun was hanging out in the nursery with the new Grandma's and Great-Grandma looking at all of baby's clothes, shoes, etc. The men mostly watched TV. Tony, April, and Lauren stopped by for awhile, but had to get to another party. That was about as exciting as our evening got. Everyone left between 12:30 and 1:30 and Tim and I went to bed around 2:30 or so. Check out the pictures from our night. Of course, even though we look incredibly stupid - no alcohol was involved, as usual!

This first picture is Grandpa and I comparing our belly bumps. He always teases me that his is still bigger than mine, even though he is not that big! Tim says the difference is that mine kicks!! :-)


I didn't think I was going to make it until midnight, but I did!!! Check out the time on the clock!


The Group.....


Mommy and Daddy celebrating our son's birth year..

The Nursery is complete and we are ready for our new baby!

A few days after Christmas we completed the nursery. His room is Tim's old office. We consolidated his office to my office. Wow- was that ever a job! Daddy worked and worked, installing crown molding and chair rail to make his room perfect. He also hung a new light to match all of the baby's decor. After all of that was complete, we cleaned and cleaned and cleaned. We washed all of the walls, the trim, and cleaned the carpet. We want everything to be spic and span for the baby. The furniture was delivered the day after Christmas and we love it. Tim had to work, so I decided I would start decorating. Since I have no idea how to put bedding on the crib, for example the bumper, I called good ole' Mom. She headed right over and we finished decorating the room. When Tim got home he was so surprised and he loved our new son's room! The only thing we are still waiting on delivery of is the glider/rocker and ottoman. It should be here in a few weeks. Next project..... his bathroom.

Here are pictures of the nursery progress and a quick video tour:

30 week appointment...

On December 28th I started my biweekly doctor appointments. Dr. White was on vacation visiting family in Florida, so I had to see the NP, Dawn. I knew this was going to be a routine appointment and since Tim had to work, Mom went with me. We decided to make a day out of it and fit lunch and shopping in with it. It has been so nice being on vacation over the holiday's! Anyway, back to the appointment.... The baby's heart rate was 143 and he measured just a little over 30 weeks, which she said was perfect. As for me, blood pressure was perfect and no protein or sugar problems. She didn't tell me how much weight I had gained, but I am guessing 4 more lbs. or so. I will check with Dr. White when we go back. Dawn said so far, so good! She suggested I get our birthing class scheduled, so after the appointment Mom and I walked over and talked to the nicest lady about the classes. Everyone at that hospital is SO nice and make you feel so comfortable. I got information on the classes and that night Tim and I scheduled it. We will also take a tour of the hospital and labor/delivery rooms. Our next appointment is January 8th. We have another ultrasound, just to make sure the 2 vessel cord is not hindering the baby's growth. So far, they don't think there are any issues. If you have seen my belly bump, you wouldn't think so either!!! Please pray that our ultrasound and appointment go okay. I know I shouldn't, but I freak out about all of these ultrasounds. I always feel like they are looking for something wrong and I guess I am afraid they will find it. I just want our son to be perfect! I know he will be, but I am already a worried mother! Amazing how that instinct kicks in the moment you find out you are pregnant.

As for the lunch and shopping.... we ate lunch at The Cheesecake Factory and just shopped at The Fashion Mall. We purchased lots of things for next year at Janie and Jack, which happens to be our favorite baby store so far. We also found some things for him at Talbot's Kids and Pottery Barn Kids. Honestly, he has so many clothes that he will never wear them all, but it is too hard not to buy things for him. He is going to be one sharp dressed baby!!! Mom and I also had lots of fun at Crate and Barrel. They had great sales!

Mommy and Daddy's Date Night...

December 22nd, Tim and I went out on a date. We laugh because we realize we do not have many date nights left! When baby gets here we know it is going to be really hard to leave him. (even though we know we have great babysitters) We have been trying to take advantage of it now, as we have for the past 8 years of marriage! I had been wanting to go to Chicago and though downtown Indy is a far cry from downtown Chicago, it is the closest thing we have. We decided it was not a good idea to make the trip to Chicago. My back bothers me some and I am starting to get to the exhaustion point of pregnancy, so we settled for Indy. We made reservations for the Palomino, which is one of our downtown favorites! Before dinner we shopped a little at Circle Center. Tim spent his Christmas money, even before he received it, and bought a North Face. I love it!!!

Around Christmas, usually we spend time walking around the circle and sometimes even take a carriage ride. My feet were killing me, so you will notice how we "walked" around the circle..... we drove!!!

Our Christmas!

We had a great Christmas spending time with all of our family. On Sunday, we went to Mom and Dad's to spend the evening with Grandma Heck (Mama Martha), Aunt Cheri and Uncle Sam. We had a good time and it is always good to see them, as we do not see them that often. There is always still a void, since Papa Bill passed. We all miss him greatly! He was such a special man!

(Mom and Dad with their proud grandma/grandpa baby boy shirts - Char and Darwin got them too, but for some reason we have no picture)

Monday, Christmas Eve, Tim and I spent most of the day hanging out at home. I didn't feel the greatest, so we just rested. Around 6:00 we headed to Tim's parents for our traditional Christmas Eve festivities. We always open gifts with them and order pizza. Grandma and Grandpa Stover had lots of surprises for baby. We also visited with Tony, April, Leighton, and Lauren and exchanged gifts. Lauren loved the gift we gave her - a pizza kit from The Land of Nod and a chef hat. She played with it for a hour or more - cutting us all a piece and taking our special orders. Baby Stover got lots of new things from all of them and Tony even picked out an outfit with sheriff's on it. It is so cute and an appropriate gift for him to get from Tony.

On Christmas morning we got up early, ok so 9:00 is not that early, and headed to Mom and Dad's for our traditional Christmas morning. As always, they got us WAY too much. Baby Stover got a ton and we were fortunate to get a lot of things from our registry that we had not yet received, such as our video baby monitors. Mom fixed our favorite breakfast - applesauce muffins and julep! We LOVE that kind of breakfast. Tim and I are definitely NOT breakfast eaters. We prefer muffins, cake, etc. for our breakfasts! Mom knows this, so she always accommodates. After all of the gift unwrapping and breakfast we hung out for a little bit before Tim and I headed back home to get ready. We always just get up and go to Mom and Dad's - in our PJ's/sweats. That is the luxury of living less than 5 minutes away from your parents. Anyway, we came home got ready and headed back to Mom and Dad's for lunch with Grandma and Grandpa. Mom fixed a delicious beef tenderloin roast with potatoes and carrots, green bean casserole, deviled eggs, rolls, etc. She also made a wonderful chocolate sheet cake, which I love! OK... I just LOVE to eat and ALWAYS have. (That was my Papa Bill's favorite thing about me - I never turn down food. If he were still here, he would crack up to see me prego! He would love to see how often I eat!) After we ate our scrumptious lunch, I went and took a nice long winter's nap on the couch, while everyone else visited. I was starting to get a crazy headache and it helped to take a little snooze!

Christmas evening we headed to Grandma and Grandpa Smith's for our traditional Christmas with them, Uncle Tim, Aunt Sharon, Laura, Hannah, Brandon, and Mom and Dad. As always, it was chaos with all of the gifts! So much so that I couldn't even begin to tell you what anybody received. I think next year we are going to have to organize it a little. It is always paper, boxes, and bows flying everywhere. Baby got lots of things there too. G and G Smith got baby several things from the registry too. They purchased his spa bathtub, lots of Colts things, and lots of other stuff. Uncle Tim, Aunt Sharon, and girls got the baby lots of things too. He got his first official Colts jersey, size 2T - not a onesie, but a real jersey. It is so cute. He also got toys, books, etc. This baby is super spoiled by all!!! Uncle Tim, Aunt Sharon, Tim, Laura, Hannah, Brandon, and Dad all had a Wii tennis tournament. The big winner was Hannah, but Tim was second place!!! Way to go Hannah!

After we left G and G's we went to spend a little time with Tim's parents. We left there and went home and crashed after a wonderful Christmas day! We enjoy spending time with all of our family and feel so lucky to have all of them in our lives! We are truly blessed!