31 Weeks

The belly is getting on out there! I had a regular check-up last Friday and everything looks good. Mackenzie went with me and got to hear Miley's heartbeat. After the appointment we went for a tour of the maternity ward to check out where all the action will take place. I'm telling ya, I broke out in a cold sweat just thinking about the fact that I would be in one of those rooms in two months!!

Happy Birthday To Me!

I turned 38 years old today. I'm not sure what 38 is supposed to feel like, but I don't "feel" 38. Just think...when I turn 40 two years from now, I will have a 21-month-old daughter, a 10-yr-old daughter, and will have been married for almost 11 years. It's incredible to think about.

28 Weeks

Well, it's official...It's a girl! I had my follow-up ultrasound yesterday and Miley Kay showed us all her glory. They measured my placenta again and it's no longer considered low...yay! The doc said everything looks good and she's growing right on schedule. At this point, she weighs a little over 2 lbs. Me? I've gained 35 lbs. I feel like a barn with legs.

I also had my gestational diabetes test. I drank the syrupy orange drink, then had my blood drawn an hour later. The nurse missed my vein the first stab and had to poke me again, and I just about passed out before she finished drawing the blood sample. Now, I am not a squeamish person, but for some reason yesterday I got dizzy and saw stars. The nurse said it was because I hadn't eaten. I certainly hope so, since this will not be the last time someone pokes me and I do not want to end up on the floor every time someone comes at me with a needle.

27 weeks

Mackenzie and I took these pictures to surprise Ken for Father's Day...I hope he likes them.

25 weeks

24 Weeks

I had a regular check-up this week and all is well according to the doc. I'm measuring right at 24 weeks. I've gained 30 lbs (YIKES!) but the doc has yet to chew my butt about excessive weight gain. I have another ultrasound scheduled for 28 weeks, on June 20th, so send some open-leg vibes my way and let's hope we get a clear shot of the bits! I will also have the gestational diabetes screening, which is where I get to drink this syrupy drink that tastes like flat orange pop, then have my sugar level tested. I'm hoping my sugar levels are okay, especially since my new best friend here lately has been heaping bowls of Frosted Cheerios!

So far I'm feeling pretty good. I'm starting to get uncomfortable, especially trying to roll over in bed, or bending over to pick up stuff or tie shoes. I occasionally find myself trying to catch my breath as my lung capacity has seriously diminished. I feel the baby move alot, and Mackenzie has felt her kick several times now. I love how excited Mackenzie gets when she feels it. She gives the baby (my fat belly) a kiss every night at bedtime and says, "I love you, Miley!"

Progress has been made on the baby's room! All of my craft stuff has been moved out to the garage. Poor Ken, I have invaded his space. His "man cave" is no longer sacred, but has been violated by females. Now hopefully we will get a more definite idea if it's a girl at the ultrasound next month so we can get started decorating. I've picked up a stroller and a couple car seats at yard sales, and what a huge money-saver that's been! For the cost of one new carseat, I purchased a stroller and two car seats used, but in excellent condition. They even match! USED is the way to go, definitely.

My Happy Place

We spent a wonderful weekend in the Red River Gorge! It's our first weekend out with the new pop-up camper and the kayaks, and it was a success.

Saturday we kayaked down the Red River, and what an awesome experience! The river is curvy and winds back and forth through the gorge, and around every bend was another breath-taking view. We stopped for lunch and had our little picnic perched on top of a boulder just high enough to overlook the river. Next time I'm told to think of my happy place, THAT is what I'll be thinking about.

Sunday we hiked up to the Natural Bridge. Whew, did I feel it! I don't have my usual lung capacity and stamina at the moment, for obvious reasons. But as always, I loved every minute of it. I was doing my favorite thing with my favorite people in my favorite place. Perfection. Here's a pic of Ken, Mackenzie, me and Miley (that's her there in the belly!), standing on top of the Natural Bridge.