Week 41

I really pushed it to the max in Mom's belly!  I stayed in there a full 41 weeks before the doctors (and Mom and Dad) said enough is enough!

Week 41

Merry Christmas!

Well, I had a wonderful Christmas hanging out in Mom's belly!  Got to hang out with all four of my grandparents lots, get lots of foot rubs (when I would stick my foot out for them), eat some good food and of course open presents.  

We started Christmas on Sunday with a fancy dinner for everyone.  Then we opened up all of our presents on Christmas Eve morning.  When we finished opening presents, Mom and I went to the hospital for another non-stress test.  I passed with flying colors - totally not stressed!  Then today was a day of IHOP, movies and games.  Lots of fun for me!  But now I'm hearing lots of talk and plans about kicking me out of Mom's belly.  I guess no one can wait any longer to meet me!  December 27th is as good as any day for a birthday.  

Here's our whole family picture by the tree.  My brother loves Dad so much! 

Here I am with Grandma and Grandpa Hermansen

Here I am with Grandma and Grandpa Young and Uncle Skylar

Really? Bowling?

Mom and Dad are starting to get silly now.  Yesterday I got to go bowling for my first time with Mom, Uncle Skylar, and Grandma and Grandpa Young.  I think they are ready to try anything at this point (except castor oil - thank goodness!) to get me to join them before Christmas!  Mom said she hasn't bowled in a year so it took her a game to get warmed up and to figure out how to maneuver around me, but by the 2nd game she bowled an impressive 150!

Then Mom and Dad decided to see if laughing would help - we went to the movies and saw a funny movie (This is 40).  I was good for Mom in the movie - I didn't make her have to get up to go to the bathroom one time during it!

All these field trips are fun!  But I hear Grandma and Grandpa Hermansen are coming tonight.  I'm going to have to think about if I want to continue being shy or come on out to meet them and everyone else...

Mom and I showing our bowling skills!

Week 40

So today is the day they guessed that I would be making my arrival.  Ha!  I fooled them!  I'm perfectly content in Mom's belly.  We went to the doctor again today.  I got to get my picture taken - first time Mom has seen me in 20 weeks!  They were checking to make sure I have enough fluid around me - I'm definitely running out of room but there is still enough for me.  Then they hooked Mom up to a machine to listen to my heartbeat for 20 minutes.  I performed well - a strong 140 beats/min for the whole time!

Mom had the option of kicking me out tomorrow, but she decided to give me a little more time to make up my own mind.  But then I heard Mom making an appointment for next Wednesday (12/26) to be checked into the hospital.  If I don't come on my own, my birthday is going to be 12/27 I guess.  I'm still thinking about it.

Mom and Dad are talking about going bowling tomorrow - not sure what that is but it sounds like there is a lot of movement associated with it.  I'm catching onto their game here...

 

Hard to tell, but this is a pic of my sweet, little face!  My forehead is at the top right of the picture.  Kind of looks like I have a mustache - not surprising since I'm getting to be an old man in Mom's belly!

Week 40

Time to Get Moving?

Monday we had our doctor's appointment.  I'm still pretty comfy in Mom's belly for the time being!  We have to go back on Thursday for another checkup.  For that appointment they are going to listen to my heartbeat for half hour and also check the fluid levels around me to make sure it's safe for me to keep hanging out.  

But I'm starting to get the impression that it's time for me to make my grand entrance...

Tonight we all went to dinner at Scalini's with my grandparents and friends (including my best bud Oliver).  Apparently their eggplant parmigiana is supposed to make me ready to join the world!  http://www.scalinis.com/Bambino.htm  So Mom had that for dinner of course.  And the countdown is on - if I come in the next 48 hours, we'll get some presents from Scalini's!  

I'll think about it, but everyone will just have to keep waiting to see what i decide to do...

Dinner at Scalini's - 39 weeks and 5 days!

Date Night!

I got to tag along last night on Mom and Dad's date night.  They called it their last pre-baby date - I guess they are talking about me!  Dad took Mom to a restaurant called Aria.  Apparently way before I came along they had gone here together and Dad asked Mom to marry him.  All I know is that the food I got to eat last night was awesome!

 December 14, 2012 at Aria

February 4, 2006 at Aria

Week 39

Well, everyone wanted one more week so I gave it to them.  And I'm finding that I'm pretty comfy in here.  I hear it's getting pretty cold outside these days - it's still nice and warm for me so not sure I'm ready to brave the cold just yet.

Mom and I had our doctor's appointment on Wednesday.  The doctor asked Mom what she was growing when he measured her belly.  So for anyone thinking I would be on the smaller side, pretty sure you're wrong!  

We moved our next appointment up from next Wednesday to Monday.  That should be an interesting appointment.  Mom thinks they might decide then if they are going to wait for me to make up my mind or if they are going to give me the boot from her belly.  I'll keep you posted!

Week 39

I'm a Lucky Guy!

I'm feeling pretty lucky lately!  There have been so many people that have given me a welcome to the world gift.  I can't wait to try all the clothes on, play with the toys, and have Mom and Dad read me the books!

Mom and Dad's work had a suprise party for them last week.  Dad had gotten in on the secret but it was a huge surprise for Mom and me!  It's exicting that so many people are looking forward to my arrival - even though it means that Mom is going to be gone from work for 12 weeks!

I think we all know that I'm going to be super handsome (just check out my Dad!), but I wanted to share a couple of the outfits I've received that are going to have the ladies oohing and ahhing...  Who said that only girls get the cute clothes?

How cute am I going to look after bathtime wearing this robe?

Who knew you could wear a plaid shirt and a onsie at the same time?

This came from my Uncle Dan.  Dad said something to me about telling Uncle Dan "Ok dudes, let's walk this sucker" when I get to meet him.  Guess he's going to take me on a walk?

 

This blanket came handmade from my Aunt Laura.  I'm going to try really hard to keep it clean.  She also made me burp cloths and Mom said that's where I'm supposed to do my spitting up!

Me and my brother!

I realized that I haven't shared any pictures of me and my brother together yet.  Most pictures Mom or Dad take with their iPhone and my brother ends up with glowing, scary eyes.  But these pictures were taken by my Uncle Skylar, so me and Paul both look pretty good!

I think we're going to end up being pretty good friends and share quite a few toys.  Especially when I start eating real food, I'm sure we'll be best buds!

Mom is starting to work from home today so no more car rides.  That's okay though because it was getting kind of uncomfortable riding around in the car!  

Week 38

Well, I guess it's up to me now when I decide to make my debut!  I will say I'm getting kind of confused though.  I hear everyone saying how excited they are to meet me but then I hear everyone saying they need "just one more week"!  Make up your minds people!

Grandma Young is in California right now just hoping that I stay put for a couple more days.  Mom says she needs more time to finish up everything at work.  And even Grandma Hermansen says she needs a few days to get everything ready in Iowa before she comes to visit.  I might decide to work with them all on this one. 

Mom and I had our weekly doctor appointment on Wednesday.  Everything checked out good and they even checked to see if I might think about coming early.  But like I said, I think I'll work with them so there were no signs of me getting ready to make my appearance.  My next appointment is Wednesday - 12/12/12.  Hmmm...that might make a fun birthday...

Week 38

Mom-mobile!

I've staked my claim in the house, now I've done it in the car, too!  Last week Dad installed my car seat into the car.  Luckily it was much easier to do than others had led him to believe it would be.  Well, that or he did it wrong...   But don't worry, mom and dad plan to have the fire department check it out to make sure I'll be safe! 

Initially I'm going to be cruising in the middle.  Me and Paul are going to have some nice staring contests since he likes to look over the back seat from the middle!  I have a feeling I won't last long in the middle though.  I think Mom would have to be Superwoman to be able to lift me and the seat out of the car from the middle!  

Weeks 36 and 37

Still growing...  I might be as big as 6 lbs by this point!  I'm officially full term so I guess all of my important parts are developed now and I can come out whenever I'm ready.  I heard Mom say she's not quite ready for me to come just yet - something about 5 different lists of things to do.  I had my weekly checkup and I'm still looking good with my measurements and heartbeat.  

It seems like the hardest things for Mom to do right now are tie her shoes and get out of bed (which happens more frequently than for most - like clockwork at 1am and 4am lately - pretty sure that's my fault).  I've also been getting bumped when Mom opens doors.  Either she needs to get some longer arms or bend over more when opening those doors!

Week 36 

Week 37

Lots to be Thankful For!

Things got a little crowded for me last week with all the food Mom was eating over Thanksgiving.  But I guess I am thankful for getting to try new tastes!

I have lots to be thankful for since there are so many people that already love me and don't even know me yet!  I got to spend time with some of them over Thanksgiving and it was great!  Luckily it wasn't too cold - I say luckily because often I'm left out in the cold since Mom's warm coats don't cover me up anymore.  

Uncle Skylar took lots of pictures of me (and Mom and Dad) and they all turned out great!  Can't wait to show them off - I look really good!  But here's a sneak peak of one of them at least.  

Nursery update!

Mom and dad are really starting to make progress on my room now. Painting is done (thanks to grandma!) and they even started putting things on the wall! It's like they are starting to feel a time crunch or something!

Got to go to the doctor again today. My doctor reports are pretty boring but I guess that's a good thing!

Weeks 33, 34 and 35

I'm catching up on my weekly pics!  I had another doctor's appointment this week - I get to go every week now.  My heartbeat and measurements are just where they should be!  Mom says she's still feeling good although she said she's pretty glad I'm coming in December and not in July!

Good news is that mom and dad are certified in Infant CPR now.  So if I'm not breathing or am choking they know what to do to help me!

And even better news is that my best friend Oliver might get to go home tomorrow!  I'm sure he's excited to meet his big brother.

Week 33

Week 34

 Week 35

Crazy Mom and Dad!

I know I'm not supposed to think this until I'm a teenager, but Mom and Dad are crazy!  They closed on an investment property yesterday.  In their defense, they were supposed to close 2 1/2 months ago which would have given them time to rent it out before I got here.  But I know I'll still be the center of their attention regardless so I'm not too concerned!

By the way, I hope I don't have to go back to a lawyer's office anytime soon - those straight back chairs were not made for someone hanging out in a belly!

This picture was not taken in the fall when leaves cover the roof!  Dad should have a fun time on Sunday with that!

My Best Friend!

On Thursday, one of my best friends made his entrance into the world!  His name is Oliver Latone.  He has a little tear on his lung so will have to stay in the hospital a while longer.  I'm hopeful he'll get to be home with his family for Thanksgiving and get to meet his big brother.  That will give everyone lots to be thankful for!

We should all keep Oliver and his mom and dad in our thoughts and wish him a speedy recovery.  I'm excited about coming into the world, but those tubes just don't look that fun.  I really hope that I can avoid those!

Here's me and Oliver together in mid October

My friend Oliver with his mom and dad

Watch me move!

Just ignore the weird angle of me in this video - it's not very flattering.  But focus on the top of Mom's belly and you'll get to see some of my moves!

I voted!

I got to go vote with mom today! They only let her vote once though so I guess I have to wait a while before my vote counts!

Nursery Update!

Mom and Dad really have been trying hard to get my room ready for me!  They still aren't moving too quick but progress is good.  Here's a couple quick looks into my room.  I'm still working on my cleaning up skills, so excuse the mess!

My room is half painted.  Luckily Grandma Young has offered to help with the top half so that should move more quickly.  The other half won't be much different from what it is now - just "fresher" as they say!

I've got a bed!   

 And I've got clothes!  I guess Mom and Dad are really hoping that I like the color orange - there is a lot of that color in my closet already...

Paul's Toy?

No Paul - that's mine!

Heard Mom say something about me having a stellar immune system and being glad for washable toys...

Week 32

I had another doctor's appointment earlier this week.  Dad came with us this time - was nice to have him there even though it was a standard appointment with no pictures of me or anything.  The doctor said Mom is having an easy pregnancy with no issues - I'm glad I could do something nice for her since she's doing so much for me!  Mom asked the doctor where I was in her belly and he said I'm hanging out upside down with my back on her right side.  That was on Tuesday - they can keep guessing where I am now since I'm still moving around a lot!

Week 32

Dad leaves Sunday to go to some weird place called Russia.  He keeps saying something about finding a furry hat with ear flaps for me.  Not sure that would fall in the "cool" category but we'll see...

New Wheels!

Mom and Dad are finding out that there is a lot of stuff that has to be carted around with me, so they decided to expand their vehicles to be sure to fit everything.  Well that, and Mom's car was 10 years old.  I'll be riding in style now to daycare!  

After the new purchase it was time for Mom to say bye to her trusty Accord that she's had for 10 years.   Seems like a long time, but Dad was there with Mom when she made that purchase!  In just 48 hours, they found a couple in the market for just that car and came up with a pretty fair deal.  

Now Dad gets to attempt the car seat...  Don't worry, I heard them say they were going to visit a fire station to have the experts check out Dad's installation technique.  

Honda Pilot for Me!

 Bye bye Honda Accord!

Week 31

Here I am at 31 weeks!  Coming into the home stretch - as you can see from Mom's belly, I mean stretch literally!

Week 31

I forgot to tell everyone that I saw the place that I'll be coming out to meet everyone when Mom and Dad took a tour of the hospital last week!  The rooms we saw looked really nice and the staff seemed friendly.  I just hope they are that friendly if I decide to come on Christmas and they are there working!  Dad took good notes about exactly where he will go to drop Mom off and get her checked in.  Let's hope he remembers everything when it's time to do it for real!

Shower for Me!

Last Saturday I really got to see how many people already love me when Mom's college friends hosted a baby shower for her!  It was lots of fun!  Can't wait to meet all of the people that were there in person!

I think it's pretty clear who I am supposed to be cheering for when I get here!

Emily showcased her ability to make a tractor for Tigger out of diapers - I was pretty impressed!  Mom and Dad will be impressed when they see how quick I can dirty up those diapers!

Here's Mom with the hostesses -Meg, Amy and Emily.  As you can see I already have two best friends - Baby Boy Hinson and Baby Boy Latone!

Grandma Young came to hang out with me too!

After Mom and I had fun with friends, this is what Dad got to do.  He thought he could do it without reading the directions, but he quickly learned that even a Pack N' Play can be complicated!

Happy Birthday to Mom!

I got to celebrate Mom's birthday with her twice last week.  The first time was with Grandma and Grandpa Young.  We got to have carrot cake - one of Mom's favorites!  On Mom's actual birthday, Dad took Mom out to lunch for some good burgers and then dinner was with two of Mom's closest friends.  Let's just say I ate good that day!  

Pretty sure Mom's wish had something to do with me... 

 Paul was there to celebrate too - here we all are!

  Mom and Grandma

Week 29 and 30

Mom had her doctor's appointment this week and everything checked out good.  My heartbeat is strong and I'm measuring right where I should be!  We've met a couple of the midwives at the practice now and at the next appointment we'll meet another one of the doctors.  It's anyone's guess who will actually be there to catch me when I come.  I'm sure they will be nice though!

Week 29

Week 30 - yikes 10 weeks to go!

By the way, my Clemson winning streak continued when they won against GA Tech last weekend!  Here's a picture of us with some of Mom's friends at the tailgate.  Mom said tailgating is still fun without the beer because she can try all of the different food without worrying so much about how much she's eating!