I'm still here!

It's been almost 3 weeks since my last update, but not much has really happened. Thankfully, life is quiet and settling down. School ended for me, and this is the first fall semester in 14 years that I haven't started teaching again (save for the year 2000, when I'd just started in the admissions office at UIC at the end of August, so it was practically like starting a new semester). It's weird to not be teaching, yet at the same time, I feel much less stressed and a whole lot "lighter." Like being on vacation!

Baby's doing fine. We both know the sex now, but I won't divulge as I know I have friends who read this and don't want to know. We're in the process of collecting a TON of stuff that people are handing down to us. It's quite amazing, really! This kid will be well-dressed for the entire first year of his/her life. We're still in need of a changing table--we have a crib (white) and a dresser (wood-colored), so I guess the mismatched theme is IT.

Last week, we had new kitchen appliances delivered. VERY EXCITING! We now have a stainless stove and we'll soon have a stainless-colored fridge. It's not actually stainless, which is nice because it'll be magnetic and will repel fingerprints, however we need to have a copper water line installed because Sears won't install the fridge if there's a plastic line (bastards!). Right now, the new fridge is sitting in the middle of the garage, taunting me with its beauty and majesty. Sickening, really.

That's about it! We have our 3 year anniversary coming up Sept 2nd. Nothing big planned, just a nice dinner out. September is shaping up to be a busy month for us, as is October, November, and well, we all know what's happening in December.

More later!

Baby pictures

Here are the latest pictures of the little nubbin! We had an ultrasound yesterday, which proved to be quite eventful. Apparently, the little bugger was curled up the whole time, preventing the tech from getting photos of certain angles of body parts that she needed. This led to me having to get off the table and jump up and down several times. It was the strangest damn doctor's appointment I've ever had! It did seem to help a little though. She was able to see the baby's sex and, because we don't want to know, I asked her to write it on a piece of paper and put it in an envelope, which she did--she even doubled the envelope to make sure I couldn't see through it. The 'lope is adhered to the fridge right now, where it'll stay until I can't stand it anymore (which was, like, last night...but I'm waiting to open it). It's not easy for someone who's not known for her patience.

So far, the baby looks good! They did mention that s/he's measuring large, but the OB said this is nothing to be concerned about...yet. I'll go in in 3 weeks for a glucose test to see if I have gestational diabetes, which can sometimes cause the baby to be bigger than normal. I have a feeling I'm just going to have a damn big baby. Wouldn't be the first time in the family! Baby weighs 1.5 lbs so far, and my baby bump measures quite normally (23 centimeters).

You'll notice in picture #1, baby is either yawning or giving us a big, hearty laugh! In #2, there's a leg extended above the baby. S/he had its hands on its head as well. It was cute! We did get a 3D shot, but it was a wee distorted looking. It's interesting how they get those--she would focus in on an area, I'd have to hold my breath, and after about 5 seconds the 3D image would appear. She did several views but only printed the first picture, which I thought was the worst. I'm not even bothering to put that on here, but if you want it (I know my dad will), shoot me an email to request it.

I did learn that I have an anterior placenta (I think this is correct), which is why I haven't been feeling the baby like most people. The placenta is located at the top of the uterus, in front, so that adds an extra layer to the whole thing. We did feel something Saturday night that I'm sure wasn't gas! It was really cool!

Next appointment won't be for another month, at 26 weeks or so. We're closing in fast! I can't believe I'm more than 1/2 way through!

In other news, I got stung by something yesterday while out on a short scooter ride. I was making a left hand turn onto a busy street when something flew into the strap of my helmet, between the strap and my face. It fluttered for a second and I reached up to get it out, and the damn thing stung me! I have no idea what it was, but it was big and my finger swelled up like crazy (Paul said it looked like a bowling pin). Can't say I've ever had this happen before! Of course, this won't prevent me from riding the scooter. ☺ Still have the OB's ok to ride, so I'm going with that.

We're headed to Waynee World this weekend with Paul's sister, her husband, and their kids. Should be a fun time!

Enjoy!