WOW!! Time really DOES fly when you're having fun, huh?! Can't believe it's almost here....
We just LOVE hearing all the little sayings of "wow, you've dropped!" and "man, he could come at any time, huh?!"..... What a miracle & a blessing!! We're eagerly anticipating the little man's arrival so we'll give you an update on weeks 36 and 37.
We finished our last Childbirth Class at Baptist on December 8 and loved every minute of it. They gave us a diploma and everything, so I guess they're going to let us have a baby now!! hahaha. I mean, what happens if you flunk that kind of class?... hmm... just something to think about! =o)
We were supposed to meet with Dr. Johnson for our parenting class at church on the 9th, but he had an emergency with a patient, so we had to cancel class. But we plan on meeting next week, so we'll be able to catch up then. We really like Dr. Johnson and (in case I haven't mentioned it before) I think we've decided on him as our pediatrician. He's so easy to talk to (for both of us) and either one of us would feel comfortable taking the little guy to see him. Plus he's a big football fan (University of Arkansas) and golf fan (he marshals a hole at the Master's every year!) so he's pretty awesome!
It was kind of a slow week for us, because with the holidays coming up, we've made a point to try and rest and not run ourselves ragged. Most of this week was just dr's appointments and classes.
On December 11, we had an appointment for another ultrasound (BPP) and a visit with Dr. Rossell again. We found out that the little guy is measuring just a little bigger than last week, but didn't get an exact weight. Happy and healthy and that's good to hear!! Mom found out that she tested positive for Group B Strep (GBS) but it's nothing to really be concerned about. About 50% of the population has it and it's no big deal, but the dr's don't want it being passed to the baby. So, when and if Mom's water breaks, we have to head to the hospital immediately instead of being able to labor at home until contractions are closer together. By testing positive for GBS, they will have to give Mom 2 rounds of antibiotics before we give birth. No biggie, just another part of the adventure!!!
Saturday was a bit boring but it was nice because we didn't have anything to do.... Yes, it was nice but we're so used to having football that we were somewhat out of sorts most of the day.. But it was so nice to sleep in and get some rest and just relax all day! We did a little shopping for the baby too and that's always fun!!
Sunday the 13th we did more shopping for the little man after church - and after Cracker Barrel of course!!! hahaha. We were able to get the little guys swing AND pack-n-play and that was so fun!! You gotta LOVE gift cards!!! hehehe... Like Yogi Berra said in the old AFLAC commercials "and that's just as good as money!"... hahaha =o)
We had another appointment at the dr's office on Tuesday the 15th for a NST. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat again, and hear him kick the monitors. It's so funny!! He's so still sometimes, our little mellow fellow, and other times, he kicks the monitor like it's a soccer ball!! Today though he was really active. Mom found that a small glass of lemonade and a cookie about an hour before your appointment makes ALL the difference!! hahaha.. Yep, get him on a sugar high!!!
Wednesday the 16th was Sweet Cousin Emma's birthday and she turned 6 years old!!! WOW!! Hard to believe that she's 6 already!! I remember when we went to Tallahassee for Christmas right after she was born and she was just about the cutest thing I'd ever seen. I wanted to smooch her all the time!!! She's such a big girl now and she's in Kindergarten and is just so precocious and bright and funny!! Just love her to pieces!!! Happy Birthday Em!!
Thursday night we watched the Jags and Indy play and that was such a great game!!! The Jags almost pulled out an upset and beat the undefeated Colts. How awesome would THAT have been!?!?!?!?!
We had another dr appointment on Friday for an ultrasound (BPP) and follow up with Dr. Brown. We hadn't met Dr. Brown yet, and he was the last dr in the practice that Dr. Lipsitz wanted us to visit with. Dr. Brown is actually the person that brought the dr's in this practice together. He seems very laid back and "old school" plus he's the only male doctor in the office, so I'm sure that adds to his mellow-ness. The BPP looked good and the little man is still measuring 8 for 8 (meaning that he's doing everything he should be doing - practice breathing, measuring just right, amniotic fluid is good, heart and lungs look good). He's around 7lbs 5oz right now, give or take a few ounces... He's a big boy that's for sure!! Yea - chubby baby!!!
At 36 weeks, the little guy is still packing on weight, about an ounce a day, give or take. He should weigh approximately 6lbs, is more than 18 1/2 inches long and is shedding most of the down hair covering his body. At the end of the 36th week, the baby is considered full term and is most likely in a head-down position. Still no problems with sleeping, or eating or getting around, but the ankles are starting to swell just a little and we're drinking LOTS of water!! Here's a pic of what he might look like at 36 weeks.
At 37 weeks, the little guy could come at any time, but it's ok because his lungs are fully developed and he could easily adjust to life outside the womb. He should weigh approximately 6 1/3 lbs and is about 19 inches long head to heel. It's also possible that the little one could be born with a full head of hair, even up to 1 1/2 inches long. We'll have to keep an eye out for any signs of possible red or blond hair!! Here's a pic of what he could look like at 37 weeks.
We're going to do our best to update everyone as Christmas gets closer on how we're doing. So far, so good. Mom is feeling great, Dad is doing great also and we're both very excited and anxious for our little miracle to make his debut!
Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Love you all,
Dad, Mom & Cason (AKA Lil Duck)
