30 Weeks!

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This was such a big week for us! It was so much better than last week, I knew things could only get better for my emotional state ;)

We had our 30 week ultrasound/scan. This scan was SO exciting because we basically got tons of "face time" with our little girl! Of course they do measurements, check for problems, etc, but it was an amazing experience for us. It was one step closer to getting to meet her. Andrew was absolutley floored by the images we were seeing because it's hard to imagine that there's a cute little baby under this big BUMP of mine :) We held hands and I held back tears as she wriggled around and totally misbehaved for the technician. She kept saying "be still, baby!". But baby girl was doing her normal circus act in my belly and making all the 4D photos nice and blurry! I have moved to appointments every 2 weeks now (wow, getting close!) and I'm not sure how many more ultrasounds I will get. She is still a girl, which is good, because the nursery wall is PINK! :)

I will share pictures of the nursery when we get the decorations up, last week we cleaned the carpets, painted one wall pink, and assembled all the furniture. Actually, hubs did. I will be in charge of decor! I still need to get: a rug, a small table for next to the glider, curtains, and wall decor. It really looks like a nursery now and that is so exciting!

Another subject that I haven't talked about is CHILDBIRTH CLASSES! We just finished up our 3rd week (of 6) and it has been really fun and informative. Our teacher is great, and she is also a certified lactation consultant, so she will be a great resource for us in the future, if needed. She is extremely caring and open and it's been nice having an expert to talk with about concerns. The other thing that is nice about the class is that there are 13 other couples who are new parents just like us, going through the exact same thing, and asking alot of questions that we too, were curious about. We've already had a visit from a nutritionist (BLAH!), a CHP officer for proper carseat installation, and an anesthetist (epidural guy)! Very informative. What I also really like about these classes is the weekly opportunity to sufficiently freak out and gross out my husband! When the teacher mentions we are going to talk about mucous plugs or vaginal discharge, I grin in delight because for once, I am not the one grossing him out :) I can't wait until I see his reaction next week when we watch real, live birth videos! I'm hoping he's not one to pass out :)

It's also time to start thinking about my Birth Plan, and how I am going to prepare for the labor process. I'm just gonna say now that I'm an epidural supporter! I plan on getting one and hope that it is what works best for me. On the other hand, I am not commonly in support of the use of "drugs" or medications. I do not take any normally and think that any person should do what they can to use other methods of relief than medications, especially for long term use. But I am sane and do realize that labor and delivery is intense and the use of an epidural can greatly reduce pain and stress levels. You choose your battles, I guess.

Ok, lets get to the GOOD STUFF.

Meet Little Miss Cutie Pants Smosna! 29 weeks, 6 days. 3lb, 7 oz - 77th percentile on the growth chart!

Another really EXCITING thing about this week is that THIS showed up on my doorstep!

Graco Flipit Travel System (Emery)

I was so excited! Not only because it was a gift, but because it's from my little (tiny, baby) brother who is in AFGHANISTAN right now! Of anyone, I would not expect him to be worrying about ME, nonetheless SEND GIFTS!! So special. I am so thankful to have a wonderful family. It's still hard for me to believe that he is an adult (21) and has his own job, money, and is responsible :) This means so much to us and Andy and I had a fun time figuring out how to work it. Good thing we have a 'Carseat Workshop' with a CHP officer on Sat, August 28th. He will use our own carseat and cars and show us everything we need to know!