Princess Audrey Grace Turnell Has Arrived!!

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made
~ Psalm 139:14 from NKJV

The Princess is here!! That's right! I was born on November 28, 2011 at 9:12pm at Baylor Frisco. I was 7 pounds 11.6 ounces, 20 inches long, and scored really well on my APGAR scores (8/9). I am so glad to be here for Christmas so I can meet all of my friends and family!!

"A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world."~ John 16:21 from NIV

The Chain of Events:
Mommy's due date passed on Thanksgiving (November 24) and she had an appointment with her OB on Monday, November 28th to see how I was doing. The night before her appointment, Mommy noticed what people in the baby business call the bloody show. Mommy got really anxious and couldn't sleep at all (starting at 11:00pm Sunday night). Little did Mommy know, but Cici was having dreams about me being born Sunday night, too, so she came with Mommy to the Dr. appointment (at 11:00am).  The Dr. checked my heart rate, which was normal, but when she checked the amount of amniotic fluid in my house (Mommy's uterus), she didn't like that the amount had gone down. So... the Dr. told Mommy to head home, grab her hospital bag, and meet her at the hospital. Mommy was so excited and anxious because she realized I would be there that day!
Daddy had been carpooling with a buddy from his Fire Academy and today was not his day to drive, so Mommy had to call and text him, Cici had to call him, and since they couldn't get a hold of him, Mommy had to call the Academy and tell them that Daddy needed to leave and meet her at the hospital because they were having a baby that day! Daddy got a ride from Grandpa Jim, then the car broke down, so they had to switch cars, and finally made it up to the hospital.
Mommy and Daddy made it to the hospital around the same time, they checked in, and headed to the labor and delivery room. The nurse started Mommy on Pitocin to get things going around 1:30pm. Mommy's contractions got worse and worse, around 7:00pm, Mommy asked for the epidural... and by 8:00pm she told the nurse she was having pressure in her lower back, so the nurse checked Mommy's cervix and said... "Well, that's because you are ready to push!" So she called the Dr. in and Mommy started pushing. I arrived at 9:12pm. The umbilical cord was loosely wrapped twice around my neck, so the Dr quickly unwrapped it. No harm was done though.
Then Dr. Obey placed me on Mommy's chest. Mommy was so happy to see my face, hear me cry, and was feeling a tad bit of pain, so she had a ton of emotions going all over the place. She laughed and cried and was in awe all at the same time. Then, the nurses warmed me up, took my APGAR scores, took my vitals, and weighed and measured me. During all of this Mommy was getting stitched up and Daddy was taking lots of pictures, while falling in love with me. Shortly after I was born and had my vitals taken, the nurses put me (in my diaper) on Mommy's bare chest for some skin-to-skin time. I was a superstar, because I started rooting for my food almost immediately, shocking Mommy, Daddy, and the Nurses. After I ate my first meal, I shared some skin-to-skin time with Daddy. Mommy and Daddy just gazed at me and fell in love immediately.

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.
~ Psalm 127:3 from NLT

Around 11:00pm, Cici and Grandma Jennie came in to meet me, by this time, I was hungry again, so they didn't get to hold me right away. Shortly after, the Army of family and friends came in to meet me: Grandpa Jim, Grandpa Rodney, Grandma Karen, Aunt Ashley, Uncle Shane, and Cousin Erin. Unfortunately, Uncle D and Grandpa RB didn't get to meet me until later that week because Grandpa RB had to go out of town and Uncle D had Basketball tryouts. Uncle Dave was also unable to meet me because he had to go back to Pittsburgh the night before.

Grandpa Rodney

Grandpa Jim

Cousin / Shopping Buddy, Erin

Uncle Shane

Grandma Karen & Aunt Ashley

Cici

Uncle D

RB

Uncle Nate

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father
~ James 1:17 from NLT

 
 The first couple of weeks were pretty rough on me and Mommy. Getting the food in was an experience (one that left Mommy not really wanting or able to breastfeed me, so she's been pumping so I still get those nutrients and antibodies from her), then getting it out was kind of scary at first... pooping was scary because I've never really pooped before, but I have the hang of it now--just ask Daddy (I've already popped on him--haha)! We also had to figure out the sleeping thing. Mommy went kind of crazy when she spent two days where she only got 30 minutes to an hour of sleep at a time. Thank goodness for Cici, who spent the first week with Mommy and me and then came to the rescue a couple of times when Mommy needed serious help!

I had my 2-week screening, which Mommy was more scared about than I was. It went pretty well, I didn't cry or anything...  I think Mommy was more hurt by it than me!

From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another.
~ John 1:16 from NIV   

At about 3 weeks, I started sleeping longer and went from eating 3 ounces to 4 ounces per meal. I also lost my umbilical cord which meant I got to have my first REAL bath, which I love, especially right before bedtime... so relaxing. I also became more alert, noticing the mobile on my swing and the plaque above my changing table. I've been smiling more often, with my whole face, in response to Mommy and Daddy's smile.

 

Favorite Daddy Quote: "Audrey... Princesses aren't supposed to cry..." -- Matt "Daddy" Turnell

Favorite Song Mommy Sings (The Good Morning Song): "Good morning to you! Good morning to you! You're my little Princess, and I love you!" -- Amber "Mommy" Turnell

Monday, December 12: Umbilical Cord Fell Off
Tuesday, December 13: Two Week Heel Stick Screening
Wednesday, December 14: First Real Bath
Sunday, December 25: 1st Christmas

Mommy says I already have a 'tude!

Week 40

YAY! Due date week! This is the week Mommy, Daddy, and everyone else in the family / friend circle has been waiting for. Mommy and Daddy have made sure that they have all the essentials ready for me by this week. They are so excited to meet me! Keep in mind though that about half of pregnancies go past 40 weeks, however, the Dr won't let Mommy go past 41 weeks, so I will definitely be here in the next week!

This is also Daddy's birthday week (11/25). Happy 22nd birthday, Daddy, I can't wait to meet you! I am going to be the best birthday present, ever!

Thanksgiving is this Thursday (which is my due date 11/24). What are you thankful for?
My Mommy and Daddy are so thankful for the blessing of ME! They are also thankful for the grace God has given them over the past couple of years and they are so excited to start down the road of parenthood together this year--showing me the love of Christ through their love for one another and for me. They are so thankful for their amazing friends and family! They are thankful for Daddy's new job (though Daddy will be glad when he is working at an actual department and done with the academy) as a Firefighter. They are also thankful for God blessing them with a beautiful home to bring me home to. There are *so* many things they are thankful for, but all things lead back to the One who gave up His life for them...my friend, Jesus!

Mommy had a Dr appointment last week. The Dr said Mommy's blood pressure was lower than usual, which was a little strange to Mommy since it's been high more often than not, but all is well. My heart rate is normal and the amnio-fluid is good. Mommy's cervix hasn't dilated any more than last time (still at 1 cm). Her weight gain has been normal, too. The Dr said we are just waiting on me, now! Mommy is calling this time the "Hurry Up and Wait" period and I think it's driving her a little crazy.

What's Going on with Mommy?
Mommy's biggest "symptom" right now is serious excitement about my arrival! She is starting to feel impatient waiting with the Braxton Hicks Contractions getting more uncomfortable. She is also having trouble sleeping (having to get up for lots of potty breaks at night and tossing and turning to get comfy) which leads to fatigue. Mommy was so happy this past Sunday when Daddy let her sleep in and woke her up with breakfast in bed. Way to go, Daddy!

What's Going on with Me? 

I am weighing in between 6 and 8 pounds, but we are not 100% sure because the Doc hasn't taken my weight measurements in a while. I am about 19-22 inches long.

I am still moving around, though not as often since space is very cramped in here. Mommy has been keeping mental notes of my movements throughout the day to make sure she keeps her Dr updated on my activity. I usually like to move around after dinner and when Mommy lays down to take a nap or sleep (sorry Mom, but it won't be long before you can nap when I nap).

My skull bones are separated so they can compress to fit through the birth canal during labor. I will have soft spots on my head for about the first year after I arrive.

My hair and nails continue to grow every day. My eyelashes and eyebrows, fingernails and toe nails, nose, and mouth are completely formed!

My eyes are also formed, but the nerves inside will continue to develop after I arrive. I will have poor vision after birth and won't be able to focus and follow objects with my eyes until I am about six to eight weeks old. My vision won't be 20/20 until I am about two.

Ossification is complete in my body now. This means all of the soft cartilage has now calcified and turned to bone. However, the ends of the long bones and tips of my fingers and toes will stay cartilage so that I can grow taller as I get older.

I now have enough Princess Fluff (fat) under my skin to help me regulate temperature on my own... it will also help with making me cute and cuddly upon my arrival.

My friend Placenta, is providing me with nutrients and antibodies that will help me fight off infections in the first six months of my life outside of Mommy's belly. Mommy's milk will also provide even more antibodies that will help boost my immune system after I arrive.

I can't wait to meet all of you! It won't be long now! My arrival will come no later than 2 weeks from now. Mommy and Daddy and everyone else is on pins and needles waiting for the day I decide to enter the world. Have you made your guess for my arrival yet?

Mommy finally uploaded the sono picture from when they discovered I am a girl! I'm going to be *so* cute!



SEE YOU SOOOOONNNN!

Nesting for Me and for Christmas!

Mommy turned 23 last week. Daddy turns 22 in a couple of weeks (I hear Daddy calls Mommy his "Cougar" I don't know what that means). They celebrated by going out to a nice dinner and enjoying each other for the first time on Mommy's birthday. Daddy was in Afghanistan and then in Austin training for Mommy's 21st and 22nd birthdays, so Mommy's most precious gift for her birthday this year was having Daddy home! RB, Cici, and Uncle D took Mommy and Daddy out on Saturday to celebrate, Cici took the picture below for my baby book, Mommy's belly has gotten *so* big!
Mommy's Daddy took us out for lunch on Friday. He will be out of town working when I'm supposed to arrive, but I can't wait to meet Grandpa Rodney, Grandma Karen, Aunt Ashley, and Uncle Nathan when he gets back! Mommy and Daddy are scheduled to see Jodi and Allen and Uncle Nathan this Friday (so many family members to remember!). Then we are going to see Grandma Jennie and Grandpa Jim on Saturday!
Mommy is excited for me to arrive, of course to see me, but she really can't wait to enter the world of being able to be somewhat fashionable again (ie... having a waist and being able to comfortably wear heels and get back into non-maternity jeans!).
Mommy's friend, Britt and Britt's daughter (and my future friend), Madie got a sippy cup for Mommy's birthday... I think it looks like a wine glass, not a sippy cup, but what do I know? Mommy loves it and is excited to have her first sip of wine with one of her bestest friends (she's known since late elementary/ early middle school!) in 9 months.

Mommy and Daddy have also been preparing for me by getting ready for Christmas so they can spend more time with me and less time worrying about Christmas shopping and decorating. 

What's Going on with Mommy?
Mommy is getting pretty impatient waiting for the last days before I arrive to pass. She just wants me in her arms!
Mommy has also been really uncomfortable lately (I'm really starting to take over her body!) and that is making her really tired. Little things like doing laundry, dishes, making dinner, etc. take every ounce of energy she has (probably because she's doing all of this with the added 30 baby pounds!).
Mommy has been having really uncomfortable BH contractions, reflux, nausea, and pelvic pressure: my head is pushing on mommy's pelvis and bladder (which means Mommy has to take lots of potty breaks and can't sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time). I think I'm understanding why she wants me to arrive, now! I know I am quite cramped in here!
Mommy has a Dr appotinment this week. The doctor may take measurements to see how big I am, but she will definitely be checking my heart rate and Mommy's cervix dilation, blood pressure, weight, and of course checking her urine. I'll let you know how everything goes next week (which is WEEK 40 by the way!!!!).

What's Going on with Me?

I am fully formed this week! Mommy and Daddy are so ready for me to be here! Daddy has even done some educational research on natural induction methods. He is very pro-practicing a few of these methods (for my little brother or sister) to help me come along (I think Mommy has no real interest in practicing for another 9 months of pregnancy "fun" with a newborn in the picture, at least not until I hit that one year mark!). 

I am still gaining weight (maybe around 7-8 pounds) and flexing my limbs, though I have slowed down in activity, but when I do move, it's helping to build my coordination and muscle strength.
My brain is rapidly developing and will continue at this rapid pace for three years!

My fingernails and toe nails are getting longer and longer and will definitely have to be clipped upon my arrival.
My once princess pink skin is now whitish because I haven't developed pigment and the princess fluff (fat) is doing a better job at hiding the pink tint from my blood vessels form peeking through my skin.
My eyes are developed but their neural networks are still developing, so I will be seeing fuzzy for a couple of weeks after I arrive. I will be able to see my family members best when I'm held up close to their face on their chest (something nursing promotes, but others besides Mommy can mimic this by bottle feeding me or just holding me close).

Not much longer!! Get excited! I am so exited to meet all of my family and friends! See you next week (maybe for real)!!

The Waiting Game (Week 38)

Mommy and Daddy have been enjoying their weekends together (something they have never really had since they got married  almost 3 years ago because of Daddy's work schedule). This past weekend they got to see Auntie Edith who came in from Aggie Land. She brought me the cutest Aggie Cheerleader outfit and I can't wait until I'm big enough to wear it! Daddy says... "ohhh....no! It's started and she's not even here!"

Cici announced that there's a new chick in the family (no offense new addition... but everyone has been waiting months for *me* not youuuu!). We'll have to see about her, but I hear she's pretty cute and sweet. She is a himalayan kitty named Zoi.

What's Going on with Mommy?
Mommy's body is getting ready to feed me by producing colostrum, which is full of antibodies and protein (and less fat and milk sugar than the milk she will produce later on). This stuff will be really important in keeping me healthy in the first few weeks in the real world!
She is having to run to the potty a lot... I'm getting bigger and bigger and pushing down on her bladder.
Mommy's cervix may be continuing to dilate (last week she was already at 1cm), I can arrive any day now, but it may also be a couple of weeks.
Mommy still has swollen feet and hands... I bet she will be glad when I'm off of her nerves and her circulation gets better.
Mommy is still having sleeping issues due to her anxiety and excitement about my arrival, having to potty 3-4 times a night, and she just can't seem to get comfy with her big belly. Mean-less to say, in order to help her get back to sleep... Mommy is going through a lot of books!
Starting late last week and this week, the amniotic fluid is decreasing. Mommy is also experiencing those BH contractions more often and they are getting a lot more uncomfortable each time.
Mommy has been experiencing serious fatigue due to no sleep, so the Dr told her to make sure she gets in some nap time so she will have energy for labor and energy to be a Mommy once I arrive.

What's Going on with Me?
I have developed a firm grasp. I am probably weighing in at about 6.5-7 lbs.
I am now Shedding the velveeta cheesy stuff (vernix) and baby fur (lanugo) since I won't need them once I enter the world.
I am producing more surfactant to prevent the air sacs in my lungs from sticking to one another once I start to breathe.
Each week, I am gaining more and more weight, adding fat to help keep me warm.
My brain and nervous system are continuing to develop, and will continue to develop after I arrive.
The bones in my arms and legs are hardened, but my skull bones are still soft, which will allow for my skull plates to overlap so I can fit through the birth canal.
Mommy has been feeling me hiccuping almost daily now. She gets such a kick out of it!
This week, my lungs are fully mature (which is a relief to Mommy and Daddy).
Mommy thinks I dropped into her pelvis a couple of weeks ago, but she knows for sure now because she can feel my little hands moving in her lower abdomen and my feet pushing between her ribs.

Now is the time to make guesses about what I will look like!
Both Mommy and Daddy think I will have her hair (starting out strawberry blond and turning Auburn when I'm older) and Daddy's pretty brown eyes. Mommy thinks I will be pretty tall and stay above average on the growth charts.
What are your guesses?!

The doctor is out of town until next week, so I will update you on what she says about Mommy and me in a couple of weeks... if I make it that long! Who knows... maybe I will decide to give Mommy a birthday present and come a little early... or maybe I will wait and surprise Daddy by arriving on his birthday! Only God knows!!



See you next week!

Full Term!

Hope everyone had a great week last week! Welcome to week 37!! I am now considered full term this week, yay! Though Mommy would like for me to be healthy enough to arrive any day now, she also knows that full-term is different for every baby and I could come anytime between week 37 and week 42, though the Dr may want to induce before week 41 arrives.
This week, Daddy made me a special present! He's so talented.





What's going on with Mommy:
Mommy has been nesting, getting my room all ready and making sure that she and Daddy will have everything for the hospital visit.

A few symptoms that have hit pretty hard the past couple of weeks are: heartburn, a couple of light stretch marks, trouble sleeping, charlie horses, BH contractions, being really uncomfortable, and constant pressure on Mommy's abdomen resulting in having to potty (a lot) and experiencing round ligament pain.

Mommy has been feeling me stretch, wiggle, and roll from side-to-side... sometimes Daddy can see and feel all of this movement and has to ask Mommy "Are you ok?" because I don't think it feels too great because I am getting so big!

Mommy has been doing a pretty good job of controlling those crazy pregnancy hormones, but she has her moments, mostly when she doesn't get enough sleep.

Mommy had a Dr appt Monday. Mommy and I are doing well. The Dr has been watching Mommy's blood pressure with Mommy's left hand middle and ring finger constantly tingling and the swelling in her feet. Mommy's blood pressure is normal, so Mommy just has to deal with being uncomfortable for a few more weeks (sorry Mommy). My heart rate is looking good, too. The Dr didn't check my weight this week because she had to give Mommy a test and check her cervix. Mommy had the Group B Strep Test, we will find out the results of that in a couple of weeks. The Dr then checked Mommy's cervix (which was rather painful for her) and noted that it is already one centimeter dilated and that the Dr could feel my head (still facing the right direction). This doesn't mean I'm coming super soon, but it does mean that I can arrive any day now. Some Mommies have their cervix dilate gradually (over a few weeks, even a month) or overnight. Mommy will have another appointment in a couple of weeks because the Dr is going out of town. Mommy's Rx: do not go into labor while Dr is away. We will see how that pans out...



What's going on with Me:
Being Full Term means I have developed enough to function outside of Mommy's belly. Though if I stay in, I will only get healthier and stronger, putting on about half a pound a week. This weight I'm putting on means that I will have a chubbier tummy, arms, and legs when I arrive. Most of this weight is fat, which is also causing those cute little baby dimples on my elbows, knees, shoulders, and hips.

An interesting tidbit: My head (which is still growing) will shift at birth to be the same size/circumference as my hips, abdomen, and shoulders. This will help me fit through the birth canal.

This week, I should have started to shed the lanugo (baby fur) and vernix (velveeta cheese) and now vellus hairs (peach fuzz) is growing in its place.

I am getting ready for my first breath by practicing inhaling and exhaling and practicing for my first feeding by sucking (probably on my thumb or hands) and swallowing. Since I am practicing swallowing, my bowels are creating my first "present", a sticky blackish-brown poop called meconium.

I am also turning, gripping, and blinking. Though Mommy can really feel me moving now, when I am sleeping she doesn't feel much at all. This is because I have a sleep schedule and like other babies, when I'm in a deep sleep, I don't move much at all.

By now, I may have a full head of hair, peach fuzz, or maybe none at all! Mommy thinks I will be a Strawberry Blonde at birth (and if I am, you Red Heads don't get too excited, like Mommy, my hair will probably darken as I get older). Check out the bow-holder Mommy made for me!


See you all next week!!

Wow! Already at the End of Month Eight!

Welcome to 36 Weeks! I hope you had a great week last week! Happy birthday to Nanny (she turned ?? last Tuesday)! It will be my birthday in only FOUR weeks! I'm so excited to meet everyone! Also, only one more week until I am full term! Something Mommy has been anxiously awaiting since I will be healthy enough to arrive if I do decide to come a little early!

This week's debate: SPORTS. Mommy and Daddy have been debating on what should / shouldn't be considered a "sport." Mommy insists that Dancing, Cheering, and Gymnastics are sports while Daddy disagrees (he insists that I will not take dance lessons because it's "boring," while Mommy insists that I will take dance classes and Daddy will love it because he gets to watch my cute self dance!). Last week at the Labor class the instructor announced that a woman's body needs a lot of water because it goes through the same amount of stress as a marathon runner. Daddy said, "It's still not a sport." Isn't he just hilarious!? The instructor also told them that at the 6-week postpartum check up, Mommy's uterus will be back to it's pre-pregnancy size. Isn't that incredible! I'd like to see a football player do that!

What's going on with Mommy?
More frequent Braxton Hicks contractions... Mommy likes her exercise ball when these suckers hit because it takes the pressure of her hips and back, which helps the contractions go away (or at least not be painful).
Mommy has also been experiencing some pelvic pain, (aka- round ligament pain) coming back now that I am starting to descend. Mommy's body releases hormones that trigger her connective tissue to loosen and soften to make it easier for me to exit (the same reason why my bones and cartilage are soft right now). Mommy finds relief by taking a nice relaxing bath, this also helps with her swollen hands and feet.
With my increase in size comes an increase in size of Mommy's belly... which means stretching. Mommy has felt itchy and like she cannot possibly get any bigger! To help with the itching and help prevent those not-so-lovely stretch marks, she lathers on the lotion... something Daddy likes to help with, too.
She's back to having sleeping issues, mostly due to the tingling in Mommy's hands due to swelling and waking up multiple times a night to potty.
This week Mommy's cervix is starting to prepare for my exit, so it is more sensitive now and may even be starting to dilate a little.



What's going on with Me? 


It is my last week as a Honeydew Melon, any guesses on how big I will be next week?? I'll give you a hint: This fruit is packed with vitamin C and is also Mommy's favorite Summer fruit!

Since it is getting SUPER cramped in my house these days, I have not been moving around like I used to. Mommy doesn't feel the cute flutterings of me dancing, rather sharp elbow and knee jabs every once in a while and a lot of squirming around. I think she likes it when my booty makes a big bump in her belly, she always asks Daddy if he wants to give the first spankin'! Of course he says "Absolutely not!"

I am shedding most of my baby fur this week as well as that velveeta cheese stuff (vernix caseosa). This sounds gross, but when this stuff sheds it will go into the amniotic fluid and since I am practicing my breathing and digestive skills, I will swallow it and it will become my first poopy-- a tarry black poop called meconium.

My skin is getting smooth and soft, though I may be a little wrinkly and dry depending on when I arrive -- the stuff that is shedding was protecting me from the fluids in my house, but now that I'm shedding, my skin will be affected by the fluids possibly making it flakey.

My gums have also formed ridges.

As of last week, I am still head down, lowering into Mommy's pelvis. This is both good news and not so good news to Mommy. The good news is she can breathe easier! The not so good news is that she has to potty more because I'm squishing her bladder.

The Dr did not take my weight last week because she was more concerned about the amount of amniotic fluid in Mommy's uterus (which is normal, by the way) since Mommy has been swelling really bad and her blood pressure was a little high over the weekend. The Dr said that everything was fine and dandy at the appointment, but to keep a watch on Mommy's blood pressure and any other sudden symptoms.

This week I am between 17 and 19 inches long and weigh about 4.5 to 5.8 pounds (according to the books Mommy's reading). Mommy is going to guess I'm closer to a little over 5 pounds based on how I have been growing, but maybe we will find out for sure at next week's appointment. My heartbeat is still probably faster than Mommy's, beating between 110 to 160 beats per minute (Mommy's beats about 120 times per minute).

If I were born this week, I could probably breathe on my own since most of my systems have developed (my liver and kidneys are developed and circulation and immune systems are pretty much ready for world outside of Mommy's belly). But Mommy, Daddy, and I would rather me stay put for a few more weeks to make sure I am as developed and healthy as possible (though this is hard for Mommy, since all she wants to do is hold and kiss me after this long journey!). Mommy has been kind of emotional lately. I think it's a mixture of little sleep, getting more and more miserable since she is getting bigger and bigger each day, she feels like all of the pregnancy symptoms bombarded her at once, and she is getting anxious to see me. Don't worry, Mommy... you will get to hold me soon! Only 4 more weeks to go.

See you all next week!

So Much Going On! Not Much Time Left!!

Hello everyone! I hope you had a great Columbus Day week! Welcome to week 35. Only *TWO* more weeks until I am "full term" and only 5 weeks until Week 40. There's been a lot going on in my world! Mommy and Daddy experienced some big changes and firsts last week. Daddy started his new job with Dallas Fire and Rescue last week (Mommy said he sure does look handsome in his DFD gear! I can't wait to meet this handsome Daddy of mine). Mommy is *so* glad that God blessed them with Daddy's new job because he will be working "regular" hours for a few months while he is in training (Monday through Friday 6:30 am to about 4:00 pm), which means he will get to spend more time at home with Mommy and I. Then once he starts working at a department, he will have the typical Fire Fighter schedule of 24 hours on and 48 hours off.

Mommy and Daddy had their first Labor class last week at Baylor Frisco Hospital. They no longer "teach" you how to breathe, which was good news to Mommy (she always thought it was weird anyway). They did teach Mommy and Daddy how to help Mommy relax and push through (pun intended) contractions and delivery. Unfortunately, the deep breathing and relaxing music put Mommy's labor coach (aka-Daddy) to sleep! Mommy was not too pleased and told him she will bring a water gun with ice water to keep him in line if he tries to doze off during labor. Mommy and Daddy also learned a lot about how Mommy's body will change throughout the labor and delivery process and they learned how I will work with Mommy to make it easier for her (not that any of the "easy" talk sounded "easy" to Mom!). Mommy was also very happy to hear that the instructor was also a lactation consultant (someone who helps Mommies and babies figure out the whole feeding thing) and head nurse of Labor & Delivery. The  instructor was very pro women's ability to have a baby naturally (because that's what a woman's body is made to do) and shared a lot of similar views as Mommy regarding labor and delivery.

Mommy has been trying to get my stuff all organized and ready. She spent most of last week doing baby laundry and getting my room all situated. Then, after the Labor class, Mommy realized how soon I will be here, so she started packing the hospital bag. I don't think she realized that the Doctors and Hospitals consider her "full term" at 36-37 weeks, she always thought full term was 40 weeks. Luckily the hospital she will deliver at is new and sort of like the Nordstrom of hospitals, providing lots of essentials and nonessentials to women and their family during the labor and delivery process. They even feed Daddy for free and will give Mommy and Daddy a celebration meal of steak and lobster on their last night there! Daddy was really excited to hear about that! Check out all the cool stuff the hospital offers us!

Speaking of Daddy, he has been "nesting," too. He's been searching the stores for a Carbon Monoxide detector for the past week, and he finally found one and installed it, then checked all of the alarms in the house (*I* did not enjoy this loud noise and made my feelings known... unfortunately I forget when I move around I jab Mommy... sorry Mommy!). Afterwards he announced: "Now my family is safe!" What a great Daddy!

Mommy thinks it's funny how I seem to know when Daddy puts his hand on her belly. Mommy can rub her belly all day and I just move as normal, but when Daddy puts his hand on her belly to feel me move, I get so excited to communicate with him, I go a little overboard with the communicating... accidentally jabbing Mommy too hard. Mommy will be glad when Daddy and I can communicate via me sleeping on his chest instead of punching him through her belly.

What's going on with Mommy?
... still no sleep due to the occasional back pain, potty breaks, and now contractions (which seem to only show up at night when Mommy lays down to sleep!).

Mommy's weight gain (between 25-30 lbs) is normal, though Mommy is already thinking of ways to lose the weight after I arrive. She and Daddy bought an exercise ball so Mommy can get a head start doing simple things and she was also told in the Labor class that if you plan on doing a natural delivery, this ball would help take the pressure off your back and hips. Mommy has tested this theory out and indeed it works!

My house is about 6 inches above Mommy's belly button, now. There's no question that there's a baby in here! Mommy has been hearing the "She's about to pop" comment, which is exciting and annoying at the same time. Mommy feels huge, but at the Labor class last week, she realized how small she is compared to other Mommy-to-be's. Sorry Mom, but you feel big now, just wait.... you will get bigger!

My house is about 15 times its original volume, isn't that amazing. At the labor class, the instructor passed out a book that showed a diagram of how all of Mommy's organs have shifted from her growing uterus, Mommy thinks it's incredible how her body is able to do all of that! Only God could have planned it this way.

Mommy will start going to the Dr weekly soon (since Full Term is 36-37 weeks), just to check out everything and make sure she and I are doing great.

Hormones are taking over every now and then, but I think she's doing a pretty good job keeping them under control (especially with the lack of sleep she's been getting). The main thing that's getting to her are those hormones that trigger nesting... she wants everything to be perfect for me and it seems she just can't get it all done at once all by herself! She gets tired after doing what used to be simple things and then has to stop to rest. How frustrating that must be, but don't worry Mommy... all I really need is love and food, two things you are more than capable of providing!

Mommy is doing a pretty good job with the anxiety of labor. She keeps reminding herself that God made her to do this and that she will have Daddy there to help her through it (as long as the Army doesn't try to take him away again for training, I think Mommy might have some choice words for them if they do!). Thanks to the Labor class, Mommy knows now that even if the Army does take him away, she has the knowledge that labor will be a long process and Daddy will be able to leave and make it in time for my arrival!

Another thing they discussed in the labor class was how important it is for newborns to have that skin-to-skin with their Mommy immediately after delivery. As long as everything is okay, Mommy and Daddy want me nestled on Mommy's chest until the skin-to-skin development is complete (usually taking about an hour). This is a crucial time for Mommy and me to bond and gives us a greater chance of enhancing breast-feeding success. It will also give Mommy, Daddy, and I some quality bonding time as a new family. I will post a blog with the steps so you are in-the-know of this new research.

What's going on with Me? 
Mommy had our bi-weekly Dr appt. this week. She and I are doing well. The Dr just wants Daddy to check Mommy's blood pressure every few days and she wants Mommy to stay off her feet. The Dr didn't measure my weight this visit because she needed to measure the amniotic fluid, which was normal.  However, according to studies, I  have been putting on about an ounce a day, so I may be close to 5 pounds this week. I am also probably about 18-20 inches long (almost 2 feet). I won't get much longer but I will continue to gain weight until I am born.

I'm gaining more fat, which will keep me safe and warm after I arrive into the world.

I'm not doing so many acrobatics now that space is sparse (also due to the now decreasing amniotic fluid), though I think when I move around it's painful and uncomfortable for Mommy. I know because she tattles on me to Daddy telling him I need a spankin' cause I'm hurting her. Daddy's response (I think I like this dude!)... "I'm not spanking that perfect angel!"

My suckle reflexes are now well developed, if they had a sonogram, Mommy and Daddy could possibly see me sucking my thumb.

My lungs are maturing, producing surfactant (coats lungs and keeps them from sticking together). Fun fact! Girls' lungs usually mature faster than boys'... maybe that's why we can talk and talk and talk.....while boys just roll around in the dirt and grunt! Yay, Girl Power!

My brain development is in high gear, protected by the soft plates (which will allow me to more easily fit through the birth canal), all of this development means my brain is growing, which means my head is weighing more, which means there is more pressure on Mommy's bladder (she feels like she has to go, then she doesn't... that must be pretty frustrating sometimes! Sorry Mommy).

My hearing is fully developed now. I respond best to high-pitched noises... meaning I can more easily hear my brother Hank's puppy bark over my brother Jr's big dog bark.