30-week check-up yesterday

Considering I had to sit around for over an hour for what would have amounted to all of about 10 minutes of an appointment - it went well!! :) They were really busy yesterday. But I was able to meet Dr. Eden, and although the appointment itself was very short, I really liked her. I knew she was busy and falling behind with seeing patients, but she still took the time to discuss some things with me - which I always appreciate. John William is still growing strong - he was kicking and moving around a lot this afternoon so it took a while to hear the heartbeat, which was kind of funny, but it was a strong 132. :)

Computer problems continue...

So, I had figured out I could upload pictures through Ellis's laptop at home when I posted the 4D pictures of John William. I had my first baby shower that my mother-in-law, sister-in-law and Ellis's family hosted for me, and we finally painted the nursery and put the crib together. I want to share pictures but, as of this weekend, our internet connection at home has died. Don't know why we can't get a connection, but we can't. We'll try to fix it this week so I can post pictures soon!

I actually think the computer curse is following me. We lost access at work too - server went down. They finally routed us through one of the other offices, but the internet is very ... very ... slow ...

Big mile marker of 30 weeks starts Thursday!! - I have my next prenatal apptmt tomorrow afternoon. :)

Our little son

On Thursday, I officially started the third trimester. Pregnancy continues to be a wonderful, amazing experience. Just tonight, I pressed on my belly and felt little John William. I called Ellis over to feel too because the baby was very close the edge of my uterus and it was easy to feel him. We laughed at the fact that he suddenly moved and my stomach went all lopsided and then he started making wavy movements and my belly evened back out. It is just so amazing to remember there is actually a little baby in there.

We went for my 28 week prenatal appointment Thursday. Everything looks great and, most importantly, my placenta has moved up the uterine wall - so no placenta previa to worry about!! The ultrasound tech pointed out the baby on the usual ultrasound, and I just couldn't see him. Glad I couldn't - because she surprised us my switching to 4D so we could really see him. So, as you can see, we got our first real shots of little John William!

That thing to the right of his face (left side of the picture) that looks like a hand, sort of? Yea - its not a hand, its his knee! The little guy is totally breached with his feet up over his head. He was like that at 20 weeks too. Can you imagine sitting for 2 months with your feet up over your head? (Doctor said he has plenty of time to move before delivery, so we aren't worried that he is breached. Would be nice for him to move though!) During the ultrasound, we were able to see him suck in the amniotic fluid and practice breathing. He tried to eat his knee a couple of times and hid behind it once in a while. This time, we brought a videotape so we have the whole ultrasound live and not just still pictures.

I know its hard to say this - since we're looking at him through my uterus and through the amniotic fluid - but I really think he is going to look just like his daddy! :) Can't wait to see him again in about 3 weeks when we go for our "true" scheduled 4D ultrasound.

Child Birth 101

Ellis and I took the all-day Saturday child birth class last weekend. He was such a good sport to do it on a college football day! :) I had heard absolutely nothing good about the child birth classes offered by the hospital and my OBGYN gave me some information on this private group called Just for You that offers all kinds of classes. The lady that runs the business and teaches the classes is a nurse and also a certified lactation consultant, among other great credentials. I got one glowing review about her breastfeeding class and decided to sign up. She offered the child birth class only once a month and we couldn't make it in November and December, so we went a little early. Got great material to bring him and "refresh" our memory when the due date approaches.

I really enjoyed the instructor. I appreciated her perspective on pain medications, c-sections, inductions, etc. Basically, her message was "Don't freak out or stress about all the 'what-ifs' about labor because, regardless of how you ultimately end up giving birth, it is a means to a wonderful end that is much more important and long lasting than the labor itself." I really liked that message.

Ellis endured the "birth video" quite well. I think he will be a WONDERFUL partner when it comes to time for the labor and delivery. He and I had a little trouble with practicing the relaxing and breating because we would get cracked up every once in a while. It was like being in church - once you found something funny, it was REALLY funny, and you couldn't stop laughing because you knew you weren't supposed to. :)

Our next prenatal appointment is Thursday when I will be 28 weeks!! Can't believe I am in my third trimester. Where on earth did time go? I remember when I was just barely showing, just beginning to understand and get used to everything. Now, I'm in my 7th month! And still feeling great. Little John William can really pack a punch when he wants to n0w, or he likes to make my belly look like there is some alien making waves in there (Ellis is not to fond of seeing that when it happens). He should weigh about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds now!

At the appointment on Thursday, we'll have another ultrasound. (Hopefully, Ellis will FINALLY order the darn part for our computer at home so I can FINALLY post some pictures on this blog....ahem, Ellis? Any day you want to order that mother board or whatever its called would be great.) Anyway, so I'll have new pictures to post.