37 weeks and counting...

A few more maternity photos by Johanna Price.

Sorry for the lack of an update this week! Things have been a little hectic in our lives.

Baby continues to grow and stretch in his comfy home. Now, if I rub my hand along my belly, can clearly identify what can only be described as a large welt on the side of my belly. If I leave my hand on the “welt,” it shifts and disappears for a few minutes before reappearing again.

I’m still convinced the little guy is going to be late, but he’s measuring one week larger than he should - last week he measured 37 weeks when he should’ve been 36; this week he measured 38 weeks, when I’m just 37. Maybe that’ll trick my body into THINKING he’s late, right?

 Only 3 weeks left... I hope. Baby is the length of a Swiss chard.

The hizzouse situation

So... remember my post from Dec. 13? The one about the *perfect* house we fell in love with in St. Paul? We got it.

After months and months of stress the house situation is coming to the end of a VERY LONG tunnel.

Here’s what happened:

December 11: Jamer and I tour a short sale in St. Paul and fall in love with it. When we go to put our offer in, we are told one had already been submitted to the bank, but they are accepting backup offers. We're not interested.
February 11: I get an e-mail saying the house is back on the market - financing fell through. We immediately, and without hesitation, write an offer for the full asking price.
February 16: The sellers accept our offer, but the bank decides it would rather foreclose on the house than sell it to us as a short sale.
May 15: The house comes back on the market. We immediately make an offer (this is now our 7th offer on five different houses).
May 18: Fannie Mae makes a counter offer.
May 19: We accept and get the house for less than we offered in February.
May 27: The purchase agreement is been signed by both parties.

Now, we just have to schedule the inspection and we could be closing on the house as early as mid-June! I say “early,” but really it’s been 5 1/2 months since we first stepped foot in that house.

Katie Burke, I hope you've got your paint brushes ready!

Cloth vs. Disposable

 That’s Bubba modeling one of our “newborn” cloth diapers.
He’s Annie’s favorite toy -- hence the look of concern on her face.

After weeks of research and discussion, Jamer and I decided we’re going the cloth diaper route.

Now before you roll your eyes mom and aunties, let me tell you that cloth diapers have changed a lot since I was your little baby.

Gone are the days of prefolds and pins. Now, cloth diapers incorporate snaps, Velcro, stuffable pockets and fleece that stays dry against baby’s skin.

I could give you a big speech about saving the environment and that an estimated 10,000 tons of disposable diapers are tossed into landfills each day and that it takes about 500 years for them to decompose.

I mean sure, those are great reasons to switch to cloth, but what really sold me and Jamer? The cost savings.

Cloth diapers are estimated to save parents $2,000-$2,500 over 3 years (assuming you do the laundry yourself).

When you’re a starving journalist like I am, that’s pretty tempting. Throw in the guarantee that they’ll last through two children and I’m sold.

The cost up front is hard to swallow (we bought a “birth to potty” pack for $400), but if that’s truly all we need to get little Zach through potty training, I’m OK with it.

Jamer and I finally settled on a New Zealand company that is just starting to branch out to the U.S. They’re VERY popular in countries like, well, New Zealand and gaining popularity in Europe. They got the best reviews and now we’re going to give them a try.

The only problem with these diapers? They’re sized by weight... and they’re from New Zealand. Anyone know how many pounds are in 6 kg??

36 weeks - At the end of this week the baby will be considered full-term.

Baby is the weight of a crenshaw melon (whatever that is) - about 6 pounds.

One month and counting.

I love these little rockstar shoes.
When I saw them in the store I had to buy them.

One month from today, Zach should make his appearance. That's right, it's Zach. Consider yourself informed.

Everyone made fun of me for wanting to have maternity photos taken. Even I was a little nervous as week 36 approached - I've gotten a lot bigger than the day I booked this session.

Yesterday, Jamer and I drove out to Maple Grove for our session with Johanna Price. The photos included in this blog entry are her amazing work.

I haven't seen them all, but so far so good. I can't wait until the gallery is finished!

Jamer wanted to take this shot. 
I'll admit I thought it was dumb, but it turned out really cute. 

Here's to wishing for a happy, healthy baby.

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Our baby mobile came in the mail yesterday. It plays Bach. Word.

Dear pregnant friends,
AVOID BIRTHING CLASS!!
Love, Jackie

Seriously though. Birthing class last weekend = Scariest part of pregnancy. Hello. We watched a live birth that made me turn to Jamer and say "I'm done being pregnant now. I don't want to have the baby after all."

The nurse teaching the class insisted those were women without epidurals (of which I will be getting) and that I shouldn't worry and that once the drugs hit my system, it'll be a breeze. Oh yeah? What about before that epidural?!?!

One woman in the video was having contractions for 30 hours before they finally scheduled a Caesarian. Are you kidding me?

The best thing to do during labor is to remain calm and try to stay relaxed. Do I sound calm or relaxed?!?! I don't envy Jamer at all. He's going to have a lot to deal with in 5 weeks... :)

Your baby, now as hefty as a honeydew melon at 5 1/4 pounds,
doesn't have much room to maneuver in your belly.
(Length: more than 18 inches, head to heel.)

Cinco de Mayo = 34 weeks!

 I was really hoping to have a different background by now...

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

According to the doctor, Baby Grumish is welcome to make his arrival any time now. That doesn't mean I'm showing signs or anything (other than gaining an amazing amount of weight), it just means he'll be able to survive in the world. Apparently babies born between week 34 and 37 (preemies) generally are fine and in the long run do just as well as full-term babies.

Last weekend, while staying at my parents house, a neighbor asked me if I'm ready to be done being pregnant yet. Without hesitation the answer was "Yes." Between backaches, headaches, super sharp pains in my tailbone now and then, losing my breath while simply grocery shopping and super pressure on my ribs -- I'm ready to be done. The little dude, however, seems to have a different idea. He seems to be totally content on staying put and shoving his little feet between my ribs all day.

Here's what www.babycenter.com says about week 34: Your baby is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which he'll need to regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well.

 Week 34 - baby weighs 4 3/4 pounds - about the same as an average cantaloupe!

Sip, sip, sip...

 Who can drink 1 oz. the fastest? "Grandma Burke" won - because she cheated.

Everyone make note of the two hands squeezing the juice out of her bottle.

My "family" baby shower, hosted by Maddie and Katie, was Saturday and they did a great job. From the food to the decorations to the games, everyone had a blast.

I'm amazed at how supportive and generous everyone is. Friends and family who couldn't make it to a shower - even those who weren't invited to one (not because I don't love you) - have sent presents for the little dude.

Jamer and I are so blessed to have such great people in our lives. Thank you to everyone and thank you to Maddie, Katie and Sara for throwing me the two best showers a pregnant girl could have! :)

 

Play-doh sculpting competition. Who can sculpt the cutest baby?