Any Day Now...

15 Days from my due date, which means this baby could decide to enter the world at any time. I've definitely been noticing some subtle changes in the past week. My co-workers have commented on my belly 'dropping' and looking much lower than in previous weeks. I can verify this 'dropping' effect since I had VERY sore lower abdomen muscles last week... but feeling much better this week. And I'm not so short of breath anymore!

This morning I asked Dave to be sure he has his cell phone on him at all times since labor could begin any time now. He said I'm not allowed to go into labor because HIS hospital bag is not yet packed!

Baby Gratz is still as active as ever. Really gave me some good jabs in the ribs last night, so Dave had a talk with the baby about not hurting its mommy.

That's all for now... but I'm sure we will have more news in the coming days!!!

Manly Baby Shower

Dave's 7-11 poker club threw a surprise baby shower last friday. Some of the best gifts he got were a belt to whip the child, earplugs, and profolactics to ensure another baby Gratz isn't created too soon!

What's in a Name?

Thanks Amanda for the funny t-shirt! We do have some names at the top of our boy and girl 'short list,' but aren't revealing any of them until baby Gratz arrives!

Check-up

Yesterday was another doctor visit, which will now be weekly. Baby Gratz's heart rate was 142, my blood pressure is good, and I gained another 5lbs. over the last two weeks. When feeling my belly, the doctor said, "Wow, there's a lot of baby in there!" She assured me that was a good thing, indicating baby is growing at a good rate. It's definitely strong as the kicks and punches are bruising me from the inside! Oh... baby Gratz... are you going to be out-of-control like your daddy??? :-)

I asked my doc some specific questions about clamping the cord at birth and she mentioned a recent research article she saw but hasn't read yet. She promised to read it before my next visit so we could discuss. That's what happens when your patient is a psychologist... always wanting to know what the research indicates as best practice.

Yesterday at Schnucks I told the cashier I would need help out to my car. She wasn't paying attention and a few minutes later said, "Now what kind of cigarettes did you want?" Too funny...

Baby Shower

Last Thursday, the ladies at work threw a baby shower for Baby Gratz. I'm so appreciative of all the great gifts, which were all needed and very practical! So now I've pretty much got everything we will need, at least for the first few months of Baby Gratz's life. Here are some pics from the shower: