Week 37 at the doc

Time flies when you're making babies! It's week 37 today, and we're still on track for August 28th. Bean hasn't moved an inch. But he is a growing boy, and he has gained about an ounce a day since my last appointment. Dr. Seeker predicts he will be 7 pounds on delivery day. He also said my cervix is 100% closed and gave me a less than 5% chance of going into labor early. As far as I'm concerned, that's good news. I can't imagine being at work one day and having contractions - or worse - having your water break! Maybe that is yet another benefit of this scheduled c-section.

Sunday Anniversary Brunch

Today we ate at one of our all time favorite places - The 4 Seasons's Sunday Brunch. Ever since David proposed there (over 6 years ago) we have made it a tradition to go back for special occasions. Our anniversary this year (Aug. 30th) will be spent in the hospital, so we decided to go early. I couldn't skip it, right? To say that it is fabulous meal almost doesn't do it justice. Imagine: bacon, eggs, omelets, & pancakes...but don't stop there...roast beef, mashed potatoes, duck, ostrich, sushi, crab (just to name a few)...and for dessert...creme brulée, pecan pie, cheese cake AND a chocolate fountain!!! That impressive combination even makes up for the fact that I couldn't partake in the all-you-can-drink champagne and mimosas.

We celebrated with a few close friends who are also about to become parents - Amber, Bill, Lori and Gaines. Coincidentally, we are all due within a week of each other. Amber and Bill are having their second girl, Whitney Gale, and Lori and Gaines are having their first baby, a girl, who will be named Zoie. Both will be great friends for my little boy bean. :)

After brunch, we walked outside to take pics on the lawn, and we were actually asked by a hotel guest if there was a "Pregnancy Convention" at the 4 Seasons. Seriously? You get the strangest questions/comments when you are pregnant! It's like a license for people to say whatever comes to mind. I do realize it looks a little strange, and I've noticed that when I walk around in public I get some interesting looks. But like David said today, "Dude, where do you think YOU came from?" :)

36 Week Update

We had our 36 week appointment today, and we are officially sending Bean an eviction notice for Friday, August 28th. He has been breech now for months and there is very little chance of him turning. My OB/GYN did not recommend trying to flip him for several reasons - the process is very painful and is not a guarantee for a natural delivery. Plus, there is a chance that Bean could be ultra stubborn and turn back to the position that he is most comfortable in (head up) and I'd be back to square one. So I'm going to take their recommendation and schedule the c-section.

David and I waited a record two hours to see the doctor this morning. The waiting room was packed, and I knew we were in trouble when we walked in the door. It was great people watching though - I always find pregnant women interesting: How far along are they? What sex is the baby? Where did they get that cute maternity dress? Or worse, what were they thinking wearing that moo moo? But the best entertainment of the morning was the woman who whipped out her nail trimmers and started grooming herself in the waiting room. First her fingernails and then....oh yes, her toes! What is wrong with people? I couldn't have been happier to hear my name called.

Now for the appointment news! Bean is measuring about 5 lbs 10 oz and is in the 33%. The doc said he was happy with his growth, and said most babies gain an ounce a day the last few weeks. So I'm predicting he will come out weighing about 7 lbs. They still couldn't tell me if he had hair. I guess some things I will just have to wait to see...24 more days!!!

That doesn't give us a lot of time - just 3 more free weekends. That's kinda scary! When I posed that thought to David I finally got a decent reaction! Ordinarily, he isn't phased by my dramatic thinking. But really the only thing we NEED to do is get the car seat installed in my car. Bottles and pacifiers are washed, diapers are abundant, and the baby gear is stationed in every room. I bought a diaper bag this weekend, and David put the bassinet and stand together. The nursery is ready and our house looks like a baby could soon live here.

I know these last few weeks have a reputation for being difficult for a good reason. I feel like I'm stretched to max capacity and the heart burn is getting...well, HOT! Sleeping is uncomfortable but at the same time I'm pretty freakin' tired. So to sum it all up - I'm ready for "Bean's birthday" - it's kinda funny to know the date now. I marked it on the calendar (just like that) and laughed.

Bean is Coming!!!

I saw this sign on 38th and Lamar and couldn't resist taking a quick snap shot. My baby Bean and "The Coffee Bean" will both be coming later this month. We'll know an official date on Monday after the 36 week doc appointment. But as of right now, it sounds like Dr. Seeker will do a c-section at 39 weeks unless he turns out of his breech position.

Houston Baby Shower

We had a great time at our couples shower. Lots of great tex mex food - including a visit from a taco truck!!! We had a wonderful group of family and friends come to celebrate baby bean and help us get ready for his arrival.










For all the party pics: Click HERE

3 Little Babies, 2 Special Friends...

Television Debut

Bean's tv premier debuted today on News 8 Austin. One of my favorite maternity boutiques, Due Maternity, participated in fashion week, and the owner asked if I would be in her feature video. If you don't live in Austin, you can watch the story online.

Go to the middle of the article and click on "Watch the Video"

BTW, it's week 33!!!

Love,

Jolyn and Bean