Saturday, July 16, 2011
Maternity Photos
We had such a great time at our recent maternity photo session, and we are so grateful to Christi Brew of Lifehouse Photography for some really great pictures! Here are a few of our favorites...
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Baby Update - Weeks 36, 37, and 38
Today, I am officially 38 weeks (plus one day) pregnant! Here's what's been going on over the past THREE weeks...
Week 36-38 Highlights
Wednesday 6/22 - Mom got certified in Neonatal Resuscitation
Friday 6/24 - Baby moved from little stinker to BIG stinker when we discovered that he is breech (head up, butt down). He's refusing to turn back the right way, so we may be headed for a Cesarean
Saturday 6/25 - Dad's golf tournament and a fun night in David City with the Godfather Challenge (Dad's brothers were each given eggs to take care of through a series of "skills challenges" - Uncle Pat's egg survived, so he's the Godfather!)
Thursday 6/30 - Mom had a mini panic moment about not being ready yet and did her first load of baby laundry
Friday 7/1 - Mom's first day of residency (this month's rotation is Creighton Clinic and Newborn Nursery)
Saturday 7/2 - Mom's first cross-cover shift at Children's Hospital
Sunday 7/3 - Fireworks at Summerhaven Lake
Monday 7/4 - Boat parade at Summerhaven Lake
Sunday 7/10 - Baptism class, now all we need is a baby!
This week in development
Baby grew from the size of a crenshaw melon to a stalk of Swiss chard to the length of a leek, and we know from his ultrasound that he now weighs more than 7 pounds!
At 37 weeks, Baby graduated to "full-term" status!
His lungs are getting more mature and producing more surfactant
How's Mom doing?
I've been a little busy with residency, so I had to push the blog to the back burner for a few weeks! I am getting more and more excited about Baby's approaching arrival with each day! I'm feeling a little bit anxious about some of the things that aren't quite ready (for some reason, I haven't packed a bag for myself yet), but I try to remember that Baby won't care if the Diaper Genie's been assembled or not (it is, I did it today...). Other than that, I'm mostly feeling SWOLLEN - my feet are terrible! I've been putting them up at the end of every day, and I did make it into a pool this weekend. I do miss water aerobics, though (I had to quit when residency started).
How's Dad doing?
Good! He's been busy working at Kellogg's over the past week and a half (including over the holiday weekend) which has meant some very long and very hot, hot days for him! Dad has been diligent about Mom putting her feet up - he takes very good care of me. :) He even puts up with the random freak-out moments and tries to respond appropriately (his bag IS packed for the hospital). Every day, it's becoming more and more obvious what a great dad he's going to be!
Week 36-38 Highlights
Wednesday 6/22 - Mom got certified in Neonatal Resuscitation
Friday 6/24 - Baby moved from little stinker to BIG stinker when we discovered that he is breech (head up, butt down). He's refusing to turn back the right way, so we may be headed for a Cesarean
Saturday 6/25 - Dad's golf tournament and a fun night in David City with the Godfather Challenge (Dad's brothers were each given eggs to take care of through a series of "skills challenges" - Uncle Pat's egg survived, so he's the Godfather!)
Thursday 6/30 - Mom had a mini panic moment about not being ready yet and did her first load of baby laundry
Friday 7/1 - Mom's first day of residency (this month's rotation is Creighton Clinic and Newborn Nursery)
Saturday 7/2 - Mom's first cross-cover shift at Children's Hospital
Sunday 7/3 - Fireworks at Summerhaven Lake
Monday 7/4 - Boat parade at Summerhaven Lake
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| Mom, Aunt Amber, and Aunt Mandy watching the parade |
This week in development
Baby grew from the size of a crenshaw melon to a stalk of Swiss chard to the length of a leek, and we know from his ultrasound that he now weighs more than 7 pounds!
At 37 weeks, Baby graduated to "full-term" status!
His lungs are getting more mature and producing more surfactant
How's Mom doing?
I've been a little busy with residency, so I had to push the blog to the back burner for a few weeks! I am getting more and more excited about Baby's approaching arrival with each day! I'm feeling a little bit anxious about some of the things that aren't quite ready (for some reason, I haven't packed a bag for myself yet), but I try to remember that Baby won't care if the Diaper Genie's been assembled or not (it is, I did it today...). Other than that, I'm mostly feeling SWOLLEN - my feet are terrible! I've been putting them up at the end of every day, and I did make it into a pool this weekend. I do miss water aerobics, though (I had to quit when residency started).
How's Dad doing?
Good! He's been busy working at Kellogg's over the past week and a half (including over the holiday weekend) which has meant some very long and very hot, hot days for him! Dad has been diligent about Mom putting her feet up - he takes very good care of me. :) He even puts up with the random freak-out moments and tries to respond appropriately (his bag IS packed for the hospital). Every day, it's becoming more and more obvious what a great dad he's going to be!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Baby Update - Week 35
Today, I am officially 35 weeks (plus two days) pregnant! Here's what's been going on over the past week...
Week 35 Highlights
On Tuesday, I went in for an OB check. Baby looks and sounds good, but this belly of mine is still measuring a little big - we are going to go ahead and get an ultrasound at my next appointment so we can measure Baby and get a good estimate of his size.
Thursday was my first day of orientation for residency! I am one of twelve new pediatric interns starting at Creighton, UNMC, and Children's Hospital on July 1st - wish me luck! :)
On Friday, I completed a two-day course called Pediatric Advanced Life Support. I am now PALS certified, which means that I've been trained in how to resuscitate a child or infant in cardiac arrest, respiratory distress/failure, or shock.
Saturday was our maternity photo session! We are so excited to show you our pictures, and they should be available to view before Baby arrives!
Sunday was Father's Day, and we got to see both dads, Joe's and mine! It was such a fun day, and would you believe that Baby got his daddy a Father's Day present? A toy hammer with a card that said, "Dad, you can play with this toy until it's my turn. Only because you are the best." :)
This week in development
Baby weighs as much as a honeydew melon (over five pounds now - we'll find out how much for sure on Friday!)
Fat accounts for about 15% of his weight now (compared to a few months ago when it was 2% of his weight)
His kidneys are fully developed now!
How's Mom doing?
I'm doing well! Going to residency orientation every day hasn't been too hard to adjust to, and I'm grateful for the transition into the real deal, even though I'm only expecting to work a few weeks before Baby arrives. I'm a little anxious to have this next ultrasound and find out if the doctor recommends an earlier delivery. One thing that I'm noticing lately (especially today) - this baby is getting long or he just likes to be all stretched out! He has been wedging himself under my rib cage which makes it difficult for me to sit or lean forward very much at all.
How's Dad doing?
"Good." Joe enjoyed spending some time at the lake this weekend, and he and his brothers were able to finish building a new dock for their parents. Tomorrow, he's looking forward to going to the College World Series!
Week 35 Highlights
On Tuesday, I went in for an OB check. Baby looks and sounds good, but this belly of mine is still measuring a little big - we are going to go ahead and get an ultrasound at my next appointment so we can measure Baby and get a good estimate of his size.
Thursday was my first day of orientation for residency! I am one of twelve new pediatric interns starting at Creighton, UNMC, and Children's Hospital on July 1st - wish me luck! :)
On Friday, I completed a two-day course called Pediatric Advanced Life Support. I am now PALS certified, which means that I've been trained in how to resuscitate a child or infant in cardiac arrest, respiratory distress/failure, or shock.
Saturday was our maternity photo session! We are so excited to show you our pictures, and they should be available to view before Baby arrives!
Sunday was Father's Day, and we got to see both dads, Joe's and mine! It was such a fun day, and would you believe that Baby got his daddy a Father's Day present? A toy hammer with a card that said, "Dad, you can play with this toy until it's my turn. Only because you are the best." :)
This week in development
Baby weighs as much as a honeydew melon (over five pounds now - we'll find out how much for sure on Friday!)
Fat accounts for about 15% of his weight now (compared to a few months ago when it was 2% of his weight)
His kidneys are fully developed now!
How's Mom doing?
I'm doing well! Going to residency orientation every day hasn't been too hard to adjust to, and I'm grateful for the transition into the real deal, even though I'm only expecting to work a few weeks before Baby arrives. I'm a little anxious to have this next ultrasound and find out if the doctor recommends an earlier delivery. One thing that I'm noticing lately (especially today) - this baby is getting long or he just likes to be all stretched out! He has been wedging himself under my rib cage which makes it difficult for me to sit or lean forward very much at all.
How's Dad doing?
"Good." Joe enjoyed spending some time at the lake this weekend, and he and his brothers were able to finish building a new dock for their parents. Tomorrow, he's looking forward to going to the College World Series!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Baby Update - Week 34
Today, I am officially 34 weeks (plus two days) pregnant! Here's what's been going on over the past week...
Week 34 Highlights
Dad and I toured the hospital where we're going to deliver - this is all starting to feel very real!
I spent Tuesday in Lincoln where I got to meet Baby's future buddy, Garret McGill, and spend time doing the summer thing with Grandma, Aunt Carly, and Aunt Kelsey (lunch at Olive Garden, shopping, and swimming).
On Friday, Dad, Baby and I went to an outdoor concert at Stir Concert Cove in Council Bluffs with Uncle Aaron, Aunt Amber, and our good friends Matt & Drea!
Saturday was a fun day - "Diapers & Beer" at our house (some friends came over to drink beer at our house, and the cover charge was diapers!).
This week in development
Baby weighs as much as a cantaloupe (holy smokes, these are some big fruits we're talking about now!)
His testicles are making their way down from his abdomen to his scrotum (sorry, I know...)
He has reached an important benchmark now - babies born at 34 to 37 weeks, although early, may or may not require a short stay in the NICU and generally do as well as full-term babies provided that they don't have any other health problems
How's Mom doing?
Aside from a few mood swings and some occasional abdominal tightness/crampiness (can anyone tell me if this might be Braxton Hicks contractions?), I'm doing just fine! I am getting a little nervous about starting residency - orientation begins this Thursday, and my first official day is Friday, July 1st.
How's Dad doing?
He has been keeping busy with work! The diaper kegger was a lot of fun, and he wants to say a big "Thank you!" to everyone who came!
Week 34 Highlights
Dad and I toured the hospital where we're going to deliver - this is all starting to feel very real!
I spent Tuesday in Lincoln where I got to meet Baby's future buddy, Garret McGill, and spend time doing the summer thing with Grandma, Aunt Carly, and Aunt Kelsey (lunch at Olive Garden, shopping, and swimming).
On Friday, Dad, Baby and I went to an outdoor concert at Stir Concert Cove in Council Bluffs with Uncle Aaron, Aunt Amber, and our good friends Matt & Drea!
Saturday was a fun day - "Diapers & Beer" at our house (some friends came over to drink beer at our house, and the cover charge was diapers!).
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| Check out all the diapers and wipes we got! Thanks, everybody! |
This week in development
Baby weighs as much as a cantaloupe (holy smokes, these are some big fruits we're talking about now!)
His testicles are making their way down from his abdomen to his scrotum (sorry, I know...)
He has reached an important benchmark now - babies born at 34 to 37 weeks, although early, may or may not require a short stay in the NICU and generally do as well as full-term babies provided that they don't have any other health problems
How's Mom doing?
Aside from a few mood swings and some occasional abdominal tightness/crampiness (can anyone tell me if this might be Braxton Hicks contractions?), I'm doing just fine! I am getting a little nervous about starting residency - orientation begins this Thursday, and my first official day is Friday, July 1st.
How's Dad doing?
He has been keeping busy with work! The diaper kegger was a lot of fun, and he wants to say a big "Thank you!" to everyone who came!
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| Uncle Pat, Joe, and Uncle Aaron |
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Onesies for Baby
I have to share the game/activity from my recent baby shower! My sister-in-law Amber gets all the credit for this!
Onesies for Baby - What you will need:
- Iron and ironing board (more than one of each, if they're available)
- Lots of scissors
- Onesies in a variety of colors and sizes (one per guest)
- Fabric swatches in a variety of colors and patterns
- Pens/pencils for drawing shapes on fabric
- Iron-on adhesive tape
- 1" Iron-on letters
Have your guests pick out a onesie and cut shapes from as many fabric swatches as they want.
They can personalize their onesie even more by adding words and phrases using the iron-on letters.
Once everything's ready, iron adhesive tape onto the back of the fabric shapes, then iron the shapes onto the onesies according to the adhesive tape's instructions. (Tip: It also works to iron the adhesive tape onto the fabric BEFORE cutting the shapes.)
Read the instructions before doing the iron-on letters. Most will have you press the letters for 10-15 seconds, press again from the inside (or the back) of the onesie, and then wait for the letters to cool before removing the paper backing.
It's a fun idea to hang all of the finished onesies on a clothesline for everyone to see!
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| Aunt Mandy ironing letters on a black tank top |
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| Pressing again from the back |
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| Aunt Amber and Aunt Mandy with the finished product! |
Here are the other great onesies that were made:
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| Kay's fish onesie |
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| Pat's polka dot onesie |
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| Kate and Donovan's bowtie onesie |
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| Shirley's "Cove Kid" onesie |
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| Wilma's airplane onesie |
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| Liz's funny face onesie |
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| Aunt Kelsey's muscle man onesie |
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| Erica and Dylan's "Mr. McG" onesie |
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| Aunt Carly's music note onesie |
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| Grandma Williams's "Son" onesie |
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| Mary Ann's "Smile Mon" onesie |
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| Grandma Judy's "Grandma's Boy" onesie |
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| Look at all of the cute onesies! |
Monday, June 6, 2011
Baby Update - Week 33
Today, I am officially 33 weeks (plus two days) pregnant! Here's what's been going on over the past week...
Dad had a busy couple of days (Omaha Stormchasers game, Habitat for Humanity, and some plumbing business to attend to in our basement), so I spent some time with his family this weekend.
On Saturday, my mother-in-law and two sisters-in-law threw me a baby shower! I owe them a big thank you - it was a lot of fun, the food was great, I got to spend time with good friends, and I got some really wonderful gifts! Thanks to everyone who came!
Later that afternoon, I got to watch my nephew Pete play in his first ever tee-ball game! We got some fun pictures:
Week 33 Highlights
Aunt Kelsey came to visit! We spent some time just hanging out and running errands around town. We also planted some flowers and went shopping. On Thursday, Kelsey got to go to my doctor's appointment with me and hear Baby's heartbeat!
Uncle Aaron (Joe's brother) and Aunt Amber found out that they're having a BOY! We couldn't be happier for them, and we are also very excited for our sons to play together - it's going to be lots of fun! :)
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| These bellies are cousins! |
On Saturday, my mother-in-law and two sisters-in-law threw me a baby shower! I owe them a big thank you - it was a lot of fun, the food was great, I got to spend time with good friends, and I got some really wonderful gifts! Thanks to everyone who came!
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| My mother-in-law (Judy) and I at the McGregor baby shower |
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| This is my nephew Pete (he is 6 years old) |
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| Uncle Aaron coaching Pete on running the bases |
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| Pete's first time at bat |
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| He is a very helpful first baseman (notice the finger point) |
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| Post-game Caprisun makes it all worth it! |
Dad and I reunited on Sunday night and went on a date - it was nice!
This week in development
Baby weighs as much as a pineapple (more than 4 pounds now)
He's getting better at differentiating between night and day as the uterine walls are becoming thinner
His immune system is pretty much in working order now - with the help of antibodies from Mom, he should be able to protect himself against mild infections
How's Mom doing?
This week has been a little tougher, as I've started to realize that the fun and easy part of this pregnancy may be coming to an end. I still love being pregnant, but I am feeling bigger, more awkward, and less comfortable every day - I can't even imagine how I'm going to feel six weeks from now. This week, I have stopped counting forward and started counting backward - seven weeks to go!
How's Dad doing?
"Good." Dad spent a lot of time working outside in the heat, so he has been trying to get some rest when he can. He was very excited to find out that his brother is also expecting a baby boy!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Baby Update - Week 32
Today, I am officially 32 weeks (plus two days) pregnant! Here's what's been going on over the past week...
Week 32 Highlights
Grandma Judy and her sister (Great Aunt Emely) came to town on Wednesday, and we headed to an Amish furniture store called Yoder's in Greenwood - Grandma Judy bought Mom a rocking chair!
On Thursday, Dad left for his annual Memorial Day weekend fishing trip, and Mom got some stuff done (residency paperwork and a haircut).
The McGill family got a little bigger! Garret Robert was born on May 27th!
The other big event on Friday was Mom's cousin Luke's wedding. His gorgeous bride's name is Sara, and she's starting vet school in the fall! It was a lot of fun. :)
Saturday was another big day, Kelsey's graduation from Lincoln High! Joe and I are so proud of her! She graduated from the IB program at the top of her class. On Sunday, Kelsey was featured in the Lincoln Journal Star.
And today is Memorial Day, which means Dad is on his way home! Thank you to all of the men and women who have selflessly chosen to serve our country!
This week in development
Baby weighs as much as a jicama
He now has toenails and fingernails :)
His skin is turning more opaque (and less transparent) as he accumulates more fat and begins to look more like a newborn
Baby's digestive system is all set and ready to go - the countdown to dirty diapers begins!
How's Mom doing?
I'm tired! It was a long weekend, and even after a long nap this afternoon, I'm not sure I've recovered yet. I've also really missed Joe, and I'm so glad he's almost home (he just called, and he's about thirty minutes away).
How's Dad doing?
He had a great weekend fishing with his dad, brothers and some good friends in Miltona, Minnesota! And he caught his first northern pike! Here are some pictures:
Week 32 Highlights
Grandma Judy and her sister (Great Aunt Emely) came to town on Wednesday, and we headed to an Amish furniture store called Yoder's in Greenwood - Grandma Judy bought Mom a rocking chair!
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| Macy approves, as long as her tail doesn't get smushed |
The McGill family got a little bigger! Garret Robert was born on May 27th!
The other big event on Friday was Mom's cousin Luke's wedding. His gorgeous bride's name is Sara, and she's starting vet school in the fall! It was a lot of fun. :)
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| Mom, Aunt Ashley, Aunt Carly, and Aunt Kelsey, before the wedding |
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| The Hofer family |
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| It was a beautiful outdoor wedding, and this was the altar |
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| Mr. and Mrs. Hofer |
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| Aunt Kelsey in her cap and gown |
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| Aunt Kelsey, Mom, and the B.O.B. |
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| Aunt Carly, Mom, Aunt Kelsey, and Aunt Ashley, after graduation |
This week in development
Baby weighs as much as a jicama
He now has toenails and fingernails :)
His skin is turning more opaque (and less transparent) as he accumulates more fat and begins to look more like a newborn
Baby's digestive system is all set and ready to go - the countdown to dirty diapers begins!
How's Mom doing?
I'm tired! It was a long weekend, and even after a long nap this afternoon, I'm not sure I've recovered yet. I've also really missed Joe, and I'm so glad he's almost home (he just called, and he's about thirty minutes away).
How's Dad doing?
He had a great weekend fishing with his dad, brothers and some good friends in Miltona, Minnesota! And he caught his first northern pike! Here are some pictures:
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| Dad's Big Fish |
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| Dad's Little Fish |
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Baby Update - Week 31
Today, I am officially 31 weeks (plus FIVE days, oops) pregnant! Here's what's been going on over the past week...
Week 31 Highlights
Over the past week, my younger sister Carly (AKA Aunt Carly!) and I traveled to Houston, Texas to visit Great Grandpa Darling (AKA Great, Great Grandpa Darling!).
We spent Wednesday and Thursday driving (yes, driving) down to Texas with an overnight stop in Oklahoma City. Carly and I switched roles (driver/navigator) periodically and stopped many, many times for potty breaks! We have now mastered some key traveling skills: early departures (we were on the interstate by 6:30 on Thursday morning) and packing a cooler as well as a bag of snacks for the road.
On Friday, Carly, Baby and I pretended (yes, pretended) to be nerds at the Houston Space Center. Here are some fun pictures:
On Saturday, my mom's cousin Brian and his family showed us a fun time at Kemah Boardwalk! Carly rode some crazy rides while I watched. :) More pictures:
Sunday was our last full day in Houston. After church and shopping (there was a huge Forever 21, and Carly was in Heaven), we had a nice dinner and spent some quality time with everybody! Here are some pictures of the extended family that we got to visit:
Week 31 Highlights
Over the past week, my younger sister Carly (AKA Aunt Carly!) and I traveled to Houston, Texas to visit Great Grandpa Darling (AKA Great, Great Grandpa Darling!).
We spent Wednesday and Thursday driving (yes, driving) down to Texas with an overnight stop in Oklahoma City. Carly and I switched roles (driver/navigator) periodically and stopped many, many times for potty breaks! We have now mastered some key traveling skills: early departures (we were on the interstate by 6:30 on Thursday morning) and packing a cooler as well as a bag of snacks for the road.
On Friday, Carly, Baby and I pretended (yes, pretended) to be nerds at the Houston Space Center. Here are some fun pictures:
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| Carly and I on the tram (escaping the field trip crowd) |
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| This is me trying to feel small again |
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| Saturn V |
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| Carly and I standing by Saturn V |
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| Another view of Saturn V |
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| This space suit has actually been on the moon! |
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| Silly Aunt Carly |
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| Mom... |
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| Moon rocks! |
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| Carly and I riding the train |
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| Carly sans flip flops |
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| Where are the flip flops? |
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| Carly, me, and the BOB (big ol' belly) |
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| In front of the aquarium |
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| Austin, Stacy, Carly and I |
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| Carly, Brian, Randall, John, and I |
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| Great Grandpa Darling, Carly, and I |
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| Great Grandpa Darling, Carly, and I |
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| Great Uncle Carl, Great Aunt Sherry, Carly and I |
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| Brian, Heather, Carly and I |
We spent Monday and Tuesday outrunning the tornadoes on our way home to Nebraska! We made it home safe and sound - the only bad weather we drove through was just north of Topeka.
This week in development
Baby weighs as much as four navel oranges
Baby is busy growing, growing, growing and practicing some important skills: hiccuping, swallowing, breathing, making faces, and sucking his thumb. Some babies suck their thumbs so vigorously in the womb that they're born with a callus on their thumb!
How's Mom doing?
I am feeling bigger and "pregnanter" with each day! I'm getting tired a little faster now, and I'm learning the joys (and the necessity) of putting my feet up. My feet actually swelled quite a bit in Texas, especially when we spent the day at Kemah Boardwalk. But I handled the trip pretty well, I think. It wasn't super hot, which helped quite a bit. I am so glad that I got the chance to visit my great grandpa and the rest of our extended family down in Houston. Now, I'll be staying at home - my traveling days are probably over until Baby comes. :)
How's Dad doing?
I think he missed having Baby and I around! Dad gets to go fishing with his brothers this week, so we'll tell you all about that in the next post!
This week in development
Baby weighs as much as four navel oranges
Baby is busy growing, growing, growing and practicing some important skills: hiccuping, swallowing, breathing, making faces, and sucking his thumb. Some babies suck their thumbs so vigorously in the womb that they're born with a callus on their thumb!
How's Mom doing?
I am feeling bigger and "pregnanter" with each day! I'm getting tired a little faster now, and I'm learning the joys (and the necessity) of putting my feet up. My feet actually swelled quite a bit in Texas, especially when we spent the day at Kemah Boardwalk. But I handled the trip pretty well, I think. It wasn't super hot, which helped quite a bit. I am so glad that I got the chance to visit my great grandpa and the rest of our extended family down in Houston. Now, I'll be staying at home - my traveling days are probably over until Baby comes. :)
How's Dad doing?
I think he missed having Baby and I around! Dad gets to go fishing with his brothers this week, so we'll tell you all about that in the next post!
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