38 weeks!!!

I can't believe I am 38 weeks pregnant! Whoa! We have been ready and waiting for a while now. I wish Baby Chase would just come already!

I have some belly pics and pumpkin pics for you. We carved pumpkins last night which was a lot of fun.

Well, I don't have any updates other than that we are growing quite impatient lately. We are too excited!

Our pumpkins:

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H1N1 vaccine

Well, after debating for months about whether or not I should get this H1N1 vaccine, I went ahead and did it.

My mom and I went to my weekly appointment yesterday. We were chatting with other women in the waiting room about the H1N1 vaccine. They both had gotten it already and were recommending that I get it as well. I thought, "oh, well. I have time to think about it. They don't even have it yet." Much to my surprise, when I went up to pay my $25 copay, I was asked if I would be getting the H1N1 vaccine today. I was shocked. I looked at my mom in doubt and we both sort of agreed that I needed to think about it. So I declined their offer and went back with the nurse for my appointment as usual. As the nurse checked my blood pressure, she strongly recommended that I get the vaccine immediately because it would provide Chase with immunity. He wont be able to be vaccinated until he is at least 6 months old. So this would be the only way for him to receive any form of immunity.

My doctor was stuck with a patient in the room next to me. I ended up sitting on the exam table for about 35 minutes waiting patiently to be seen. Meanwhile, my mom was in the waiting room chatting with some more women. There happened to be a pregnant woman my age sitting with her mom. The pregnant one was saying that she didn't feel comfortable getting the vaccine either. But her mom asked her what she would do if she got the swine flu and couldn't take care of her soon to be infant son? Or even worse, what if her son gets the swine flu? After that, the pregnant woman decided to go ahead and get the vaccination. That made my mom think harder about the whole situation. Once we got in the car, my mom told me about this other woman and her mom. We started talking about what I would do in that situation, if I were to get deathly sick and couldn't take care of Chase for weeks. Or if Chase got sick because I didn't get the vaccine. It definitely opened the door to perhaps leaning towards getting it after all.

I went home that night, researched online, talked to family, friends, and Matt. Everything we found online was supporting the fact that I should get it since I am pregnant.

Matt and I weighed my fears about this vaccine and the virus:

a) me having a weird reaction to the vaccine

b) Chase being negatively impacted by the vaccine

Vs.

c) me getting deathly ill from the swine flu before or after I have Chase (if I got sick after, I wouldn't be able to be around Chase)

d) Chase getting the swine flu

This made me realize that the second set of fears are more realistic and scary than the first set.

So, on this day, October 28th 2009, I got my H1N1 vaccine! And I have to be honest with you, I feel much better about my decision now that it is a done deal. I can't imagine not getting it at this point. I would have been terrified this next 6 months. I am proud of our decision. I wish it worked immediately, but it takes almost 2 weeks to work. I figure even if Chase were to come this weekend, it is still worth getting. I am still going to be a maniac with Lysol, hand sanitizer and washing our hands all of the time. But at least I know I am doing everything in my power to protect our son.

Well, that is my big day today! Til next time!

Full Term!!!!!!!! 37 weeks and 1 day

You could probably hear a collective sigh of relief around the state of Maryland this past weekend. We made it to full term! Finally!

I had my doc appointment last Tuesday which did not turn out as expected. I found out that my platelet level is too low. They told me that it was well below the norm and that there would be a chance that I might not be able to have an epidural or a c-section. So that would leave me with only one option- NATURAL childbirth. That is an idea that I have never even entertained. Especially considering that Chase is sunny side up, which is next to impossible for someone my size to deliver vaginally anyways. They tested my blood again to see if it got any lower. If it did, then they would probably treat me with steroids. Luckily, the nurse called me on Thursday and let me know that my platelet level went up a tad bit and they would just keep watching it. It is still not near normal, but I guess it is acceptable for now. So it sounds like I will be tested each week. I know it is routine to test your platelets before you receive an epidural in the hospital anyways.

I also found out that I have an overactive thyroid which is probably caused by the pregnancy. They are going to watch it instead of treating it since I am so close to delivering. My iron level is okay, so we are good to go there. I just have to keep taking iron supplements.

So let me tell you, this week's belly picture sent me into a crying fit. I can't believe I am this huge! I am so blessed to be carrying a child, don't get me wrong. However, I can't help the fact that I am so grossed out by my appearance. No amount of make up, hair product, or clothes can make me look attractive these days. I know it comes with the territory of being in the last few weeks of pregnancy, but it is starting to get to me. My hands are so swollen that they are painful. I can't feel my fingertips anymore. It hurts to hold a pen or silverware. I can barely make a fist. I am starting to have painful pelvic pressure, which leads me to believe we are close to the end. It feels like I am bruised down there. I hope this means Chase is making his way down!

Yesterday I had an insane amount of energy! I baked a dozen blueberry muffins, made homemade beef stew, baked buttermilk biscuits, did three loads of laundry, folded and put away all of the extra bed linens for both bedrooms, put groceries away, cleaned, and went for a long walk with Matt and Bailey. The scary thing was that I was still energized at the end of the day! I am in nesting mode. But today it is Sunday, and I can't find anything to do around the house. Everything is done and ready for our little bundle of joy to arrive!

I am so bored that I can hardly take it anymore! I would like to go shopping or go get a manicure and pedicure. But I am too nervous because of the germs out there. Every single day on the news, they are talking about the swine flu and it's deadly effect of pregnant women. Grrrrrreat! They show "swine flu victims" every hour on TV on ventilators fighting for their lives. Just what I want to hear. So basically, I am better off being bored in my house safe from the germs. Not to mention that I can't drive anymore because my belly sticks out too far which creates a problem with my short legs being able to reach the pedals. So I just stay home and call it a day. Maybe I can vacuum again! Or dust! YES! That is what I will do! I am starting to scare Matt with my cleaning obsession.

Ok, people...be honest....I know you just want to gasp in disbelief at how HUGE I am, so here is your chance! Enjoy!

36 weeks 2 days

I haven't written in a while. Mainly because I have been so stressed out that I didn't want to talk about it. But now that I am nearly full term ::high five:: I am ready to chat again! I can't believe we made it this far! I am so blessed! I have the most supportive family ever! For the past month, my Mom has come over every single day to take care of me. I wasn't allowed to get up except to use the restroom and take a quick shower. So she would come over, make me breakfast, lunch, snacks, etc. While it was frustrating and exhausting to be in the bed all day everyday, in a strange way, it was a time that I will cherish forever. Being with my mom was so comforting. We watched A Baby Story, Bringing Baby Home, Deliver Me in the mornings, and then starting at 2pm, we would watch Ellen, Dr. Oz, and Oprah. We made lists of things that needed to get done before Chase comes, we ordered our PeaPod groceries, we ate lots of food, and we just talked. She also drives me to every single doctor's appointment now- which has been twice a week lately. I am so very grateful for our relationship. She is my best friend! I couldn't have gotten through this time without her. Matt has also been above and beyond any husband that I could imagine! He has been so positive and supportive. He rubs my feet when they hurt. He brings me something to eat in bed before he leaves for work early in the morning. He has kept the house clean since I have been on bedrest. He put together all of Chase's swings, pack and play, toys, etc. Not to mention the support of the rest of the family! Wow! I am one lucky lady!

Well, I have a doctor appointment tomorrow and will find out if I am still anemic (I have been taking extra iron supplements, so hopefully it will be okay) and whether I have a thyroid issue. I am most curious to see if I have made any progress since last week. I was 80% effaced and 2 cm dilated last week. For the first time in 9 months, I hope I have made some more progress! I am so swollen and puffy, you wouldn't recognize me. Being on strict bedrest for over 4 weeks, and moderate bedrest before that was very tough on my body. I feel so lethargic and out of breath. After I shower, I have to sit down and rest for 10 minutes before I can put lotion on and get dressed. I can't even reach my calves anymore. I can't remember the last time I could reach my feet! Matt had to put my socks and Uggs on for me the other day. It was sad.

Well, I am going to show you the latest pictures of Chase. I think these are the last ones we have until we get to greet him in person! I also have pictures of the nursery. I PROMISE to post pics of my belly this week.

Have you ever seen such a cute little face in an ultrasound?

32 weeks

Chase kissing the placenta! LOL

32 weeks

This was from 34 weeks

34 weeks- at this doc appointment, Chase was already measuring 5lb 11oz on the growth scan ultrasound!!!!

34 weeks

Here is our little man's room:

I designed his bedding

This is the pillow that Cousin Meghan made and brought over from Ireland just for Baby Chase

Cousin Kristen had this cute basket made

Showered with gifts

My parents just brought over some of the gifts from the shower today for us to open! Well, Matt and my mom opened then as I watched from the couch and OMG! I am so excited! I can't believe all of these generous gifts! It brightened our spirits and reminded us of all of the love we have around us!

Excuse the lack of makeup! My medicine makes my skin flushed so it feels like and looks like I have bad case of sunburn. Plus, I have had a rough weekend! But here I am sitting with the gifts and couldn't be more excited to open them up!

So excited!

Clemson gear from Papa T (Grandpa)

Pre-term labor, and other complications at 32 weeks

Thursday night was a normal night. Chase was moving and shaking in my belly up until midnight when I went to bed. I woke up on Friday for my regular weekly OB appt and noticed that Chase wasn't moving and my stomach was as hard as a rock. I also had terrible cramps. I drank an ice cold gatorade and laid on my left side, like the docs tell you to do for decreased fetal movement. I couldn't feel him once and my stomach was still as hard as a rock.

So I asked the doctor at my 10:30am appointment and he send me right over to Labor and Delivery at the hospital. He wanted me to be put on the fetal heart rate monitor and contraction monitor. I called Matt and he walked over from his work (he works in the hospital). We both were thinking that we would be out of there in an hour and everything would be fine. Well much to my surprise, the reason that I wasn't feeling Chase move was because he was being smooshed by my contractions. This is my first baby, so I didn't know what contractions felt like. Mine were getting up to every 1-2 minutes. The nurse came in and said, "Honey! You are in preterm labor!" They quickly gave me 2 injections of Terbutaline (which is supposed to help stop preterm labor) which made my heart race over 140 and didn't even keep the contractions down. So they switched to Procardia which is another medication to slow down contractions. I had one dose (10 mg) , then double dose (20 mg) at 6pm. They discharged me later that night, around 8:30pm or so, with an RX of the 20 mg to take every 6 hours.

We went home and I took the 20 mg Procardia and felt like crap- still contracting, migraine headache, racing heart, hot flushed skin, itchy hands and feet. I hadn't slept because of the contractions so I finally woke Matt up around 2:30 and said we need to go to the hospital! We rushed out the door and arrived at Shady Grove Hospital at 3am Saturday and was there for about 12 hours. I am dilated 1 cm already. The doc said that because I am so petite, my little body might do better with 10 mg every 4 hours. They gave my first shot of steroid for Chase's lungs, discharged me for the night around 3pm or so (it was another long day in the hospital), and said I had to go back at 7am this am (Sunday) for the second shot just in case he comes early.

So, just as we think this is under control....we wake up (after not sleeping too well) and leave the house at 6:30am for the second steroid shot. I told the nurse when we got there that I couldn't shake this flushed feeling and I didn't feel great from the Procardia. I was due to take my dose at 7am, so I swallowed it right before I had my second steroid injection. Well, as soon as the nurse injected me in my hip, WHAM! My heart goes up to close to 170 and wont come down. I started trembling and shaking. They had to do an EKG and had me on full blown oxygen. They said I have Tachycardia and that I am in the grey area of having a hyperthyroid (low TSH level prob caused by pregnancy). This is probably why my heart is racing in reaction to these meds. They want to see how it goes and test my TSH levels again in about 3 weeks. We were finally discharged (for the 3rd time in one weekend) just now and I am on strict bed rest and have to drink at least 3 liters of water a day. That is going to keep my uterus more relaxed and reduce contractions.

So now I am on 10 mg of Procardia every 5 hours and hopefully, he said they may reduce to every 6 hours next week if all goes well. Maybe I will even be weaned off of it in the next few weeks. We need to do everything we can to keep him safe inside my belly for 4 more weeks! The he can come out and play! The side effects suck but it is part of the journey I have to go on to bring Chase into this world safe and sound. So if itchy, tingly hands and feet, fast pulse, hot flashes, flushed skin, and headaches will do that, I am in! I don't like it one bit, but I can do it.

I am so blessed to have such a loving and supportive husband and family. I couldn't do this without them. Matt was by my side the whole weekend reassuring me that everything would be fine. He was scared to death, just as I was, but he really stayed strong and determined to get through this. I couldn't ask for a better husband. He is my rock.

Our families are so great! My mom still threw my baby shower today even though I couldn't make it there. All of my aunts, female cousins, their kids, inlaws, grandparents, etc are there celebrating our little man. It makes me happy to know that this many people are excited about his arrival! My mother in law brought some of the catered food over that I was so excited to have at the shower. We had Panera, so I had to have a doggy bag of my own.

My mom is going to come over tomorrow while Matt is at work and bring some of the gifts from the shower for us to open. She is going to stay with me all day and keep me company. I am so happy that she lives so close (10 mins) and that she can be here with me during this scary time.

Ok, I just took another pill and I am going to try and take a nap. I will update you all after my appointment with the high risk doctor on Tuesday.

31 weeks

I just got out of the shower- sorry, no face shots today! But, here are my belly shots from this week. I am going to try and do them every week as opposed to every other week since we are getting close to Chase's arrival!

Chase has had the hiccups several times a day, every day. In fact, he has them as I am typing this right now! I read that it is a sign of a healthy, mature baby, so that makes me happy! See below:

"First of all, only more mature fetuses hiccup in the womb because their central nervous system is adequately developed in order to allow this to happen. It is believed that the fetus breathes in amniotic fluid or drinks it. When this happens and the amniotic fluid enters and exists the fetus lungs then the diaphram contracts and hiccups results. Fetal hiccups appear to be extremely normal and almost all moms will feel the babies hiccups at least once if not on a regular basis. Keep in mind that when your fetus is hiccupping there is nothing wrong. You dont need to call your doctor or midwife, unless you feel something else is going on, and you dont need to freak out. Simply relax and enjoy feeling your baby move inside you."

31 weeks

31 weeks bare belly

Back to school, back to school......

This morning felt like freshman year of college all over again! That, or our weekend at Engaged Encounter (the weekend long class we had to take before being married in the Catholic church). We had our very first childbirth/care class today. It began at 9am and went until 1pm. Thank goodness we were allowed to bring snacks and drinks. I ate 3 snacks during that 4 hour window of time! I wont starve, that's for sure! We also had bathroom breaks every hour. That was kind of funny because at the end of each hour, all 12 pregnant moms were running to use the restroom.

We have two more of these classes and one breastfeeding class. We have to bring two pillows and a blanket to each class. We are supposed to wear sweat pants or comfortable clothes, which is perfect for me!

Today's class was interesting and we are so glad we signed up. We learned a lot in just one day. Today we learned about the stages of labor and breathing/relaxation techniques. My favorite part of the whole day was laying on my blanket with both pillows, and having Matt massage my back. It was so relaxing! The instructor taught all of the Dads how to read Mom's body. I had to tense up a part of my body and Matt had to find it. We are supposed to practice this so that during labor, they are able to read our minds/bodies! Ha! Imagine that! The instructor told the Dads that they are supposed to learn what we want before we want it. I like her way of thinking!

We also learned how to use a stability ball (aka "birthing ball"). That is definitely going on the list of must haves for the hospital bag! It releases so much tension in your back. My other favorite part of the class was breathing techniques. We sat on the floor with our husbands behind us, and we practiced breathing in and out. We did counts of 3 and counts of 4. The counts of 3 worked well for me. It was so relaxing!

We learned how to use music to calm the senses. I think we are going to start playing spa music at night before bed, and condition my brain to relax when I hear it. You can use any kind of music that you want, I just happen to be a spa kind of girl!

Now the only part we didn't enjoy was the real life video of a natural birth. YUCK! We were cringing. They showed everything. And I mean, EVERYTHING! We saw the crowning, the baby being delivered, the placenta being delivered, and the worst, the placenta being inspected in a little tub. It was not what we wanted to see first thing in the morning. I don't think anyone should see that. There are some things you just don't want to know. That was one of them!

Next week is our breastfeeding class. Wish us luck! I will be sure to update you! Next weekend, not only do we have class, but it is my family baby shower! I am so excited that I can hardly stand it!

30 weeks

I am a little over 30 weeks along now. I had to take pics tonight to show you how big this belly is. We just at at Rio Grande (Uncle Julio's) so perhaps that is why I am so large? Yeah, I didn't think you would take that excuse.

Chase has had the hiccups lately. It cracks me up! He is also kicking. rolling, and growing everyday. It's no wonder my back and sciatic nerve are killing me! I am carrying some large cargo. I have trouble getting off the couch and out of bed. If I have to pick something up off the floor, I wince. I am learning to just leave whatever it is on the floor because it isn't worth the pain and effort to bend over anymore. If I have to squat or if I am sitting on the floor, Matt has to hoist me up. It makes me feel so unattractive!

It's labor day weekend and we have made so much progress in the house. We have gone through 3 closets and gotten rid of junk that we don't need or use anymore. We also went through the storage shelves in the basement and organized everything. We now have everything in it's place and it feels so good. Now we know where everything is. My next challenge is to go through the thousands of photos that I have in boxes down there. I swear, I must have taken photos every weekend of college. I chalk it up to being in a sorority where all we knew was to pose for photos. We had a photographer at every social and event for Pete's sake! It was like our own form of paparazzi!

Ok, on to the belly pics!

30 weeks

30 weeks

Becky and KK threw me a baby shower with all of my girlfriends last weekend. It was beautiful! Every detail was adorable! Becky is so creative. She made candy labels and water bottle labels expecially for the shower to match the invitation. There was a little bit of chaos at the beginning because while everyone was on their way to the 3:30 shower, Becly and KK's power was out! So we had to change plans at the last minute and have everyone over to Sean and Aelin's house. Thank goodness Aelin keeps the house so perfect and ready for company 24/7. It was gorgeous and actually turned out perfect there. Their house is so nice for entertaining. I felt like a princess all day. I got so many adorable outfits and things for Chase. I came home and washed everything and put it all away in his dresser and closet already. I couldn't be more excited!

It was nice to have Julia there too! She is about 2 weeks or so behind me and we were showing off our bellies together! I love having her to talk to as we go through all the stages of pregnancy together!

I am 29 weeks here

Liz and Emma made the best cupcakes! I ATE THREE OF THEM!

Becky made little martini glasses of pickles and ice cream! She made sure it was Breyer's Chocolate Ice Cream (my favorite pregnancy craving). I don't like pickles really, but it was a cute pregnancy staple!

Here are some pics of the cute bottled water and candy bars:

I will post a few more pics once I get them from the rest of the girls :)

Chase's latest baby pics

Helloooooooo, pregnancy brain! I also have pics from Chase's photo shoot a week and a half ago! We got some amazing closeups of his cute lil face and of his hiney :) haha! We have another appointment in a few weeks which will be his last set of baby photos until he is in our arms! I can't wait!

getting grumpy at us for taking so many pics

showing off his woo woos

cute profile

29 weeks

I forgot to post my belly pic from 29 weeks! I am so terrible at keeping up with my blog! I have been so busy scrapbooking lately. Below is a pic from 29 weeks (please don't ask me if I having twins! Yes, I am carrying ONE single child). Oh, and the reason I am looking away from the camera is b/c it was late at night, I had zippy makeup on, and I felt huge. But I promise I am happy as can be! I love being pregnant! I promise! =)

29 weeks

I made it to my 3rd Trimester

I just started my 3rd trimester! I am 27 weeks pregnant and happy as a clam!

I must say that I secretly enjoyed every minute of my glucose screening test. I had been dreading it for weeks because I thought about how much it would stink to be told I have gestational diabetes. I can't imagine life without chocolate ice cream every night. Anyways, I woke up and ate egg whites and two pieces of wheat toast. About an hour later, I went to the Lab Corp in Bethesda. I walked in and the nice man at the front desk smiled and handed my the dreadful 50 grams of glucose in a fruit drink. He told me I had 5 minutes exactly to finish it off. Now, after everything I have ever heard about this drink, I was not looking forward to my first swig. I heard it is the sweetest, nastiest drink and it tastes like syrup. I took a deep breath and took my first sip. OMG! It was DELICIOUS! It was so tasty that I chugged it. I couldn't get enough of it! I was licking my lips for minutes after it was empty. It tasted like fruit punch gatorade. I swear, I could have drank a liter of it.

I handed my empty bottle to the nice man at the front desk and he escorted me to a private room with a leather recliner. He told me to relax for an hour and then they would do my bloodwork. (you have to wait the full hour for the glucose to enter your bloodstream). I brought a book with me and researched high chairs and baby mattresses.. It was so relaxing with the AC blowing on me. I remember Chase bouncing around in my belly the whole time from the insane amount of sugar I had just drank. I have never felt him kick like that!

I passed with a 96 and the cut of is 130, so I passed with flying colors! No gestational diabetes for this mama! But I found out that my iron was a tad bit low, so the doctor wants me to take iron supplements on top of my prenatal vitamin.

Other than that, I have no updates. I have to wait until my birthday (one more week) to see Chase. I am so excited to see how much he has grown. Especially since last month, we didn't get to see much because I got sick. I have my regular monthly OB check up next Thursday. Those appoinments are pretty uneventful. We basically just check my weight, blood pressure, and Chase's heart beat. I am not excited about seeing the numbers on the scale. WAIT until you see the size of my belly below! Brace yourselves, people! It's a big one!

27 weeks

27 weeks (I am starting to rethink the bare belly shots)

About 26 weeks

I have been terrible with keeping up with my posts! I have some pics from my 25 week belly and a comparison between 22 and 25 weeks. It is a big difference! I also have so pics of some of the stuff we got from Pottery Barn. We went over to my friend Jennifer's house after she had hew new son, Owen, and fell in love with a frame that she had. So of course, we had to get one for Chase. It is so cute! We also got a custom Bundle Me which will keep him warm this fall and winter. It is adorable. It is basically a sleeping bag that straps onto his stroller and car seat. It is so cozy that I wish they made these for adults!

I have to fill you in on my most embarrassing moment thus far. My mother in law drove all the way from Gettysburg, PA to come with me to see her newest grandson on the big screen last week. We couldn't wait! For months we have been telling her about how amazing the ultrasounds are and how it is in 3D/4D.

I had to have my cervix length measured first which is kind of a private situation because you have to get naked from the waist down. So I decided it would be most comfortable for me to have that done first and then have Betty Lou come afterwards for the belly sonogram.

All went well with my cervix but the sonographer wanted me to keep the paper sheet around my waste (and not get dressed) because the doctor might have to take a look at my cervix again before we left. So I am thinking, Ok...no biggie. I will just make sure I don't move around too much. I would hate to moon my mother in law.

It was a HOT summer day and the doctor's office didn't seem to have the AC working up to par. The ultrasound room, brutally hot. The sonographer was complaining about how hot is was which made me feel better because I couldn't stand it! I was drenched in sweat at this point. So she calls Betty Lou into the room and it got even hotter. 3 people in a small ultrasound room plus the fact that it was already roasting is a cause for concern with a pregnant lady.

The sonographer squirted the hot gel all over my belly and started the measurements. This is usually my favorite part because I know I am going to get the opportunity to stare at my little man on the big screen for about 40 minutes. However, this time, I couldn't wait for her to be done. I was so uncomfortable. I was hot, dizzy, and she was pressing down on my tummy so hard. I was so nauseous. After about 5 minutes of seeing spots, I stopped her and asked her for water. I told her I felt like I was going to faint. Betty Lou held my hand and they had me sit up for a minute. I thought the moment had passed, so we carried on.

I am trying to hold out for as long as possible. All I wanted was to see Chase on the screen moving and measuring okay. But I couldn't stand the heat and nausea. Just as we are about to capture a profile picture of his face, I frantically jump out of the bed, and throw up in the tiny little sink while clutching my paper sheet around my waist. I know my mother in law got a great shot of me naked. What a show! A naked pregnant woman throwing up! YUCK! It was so embarrassing. After I threw up, we had to keep going because they had to measure Chase's kidney...which is still dilated :( It smelled and was awkward for everyone involved...especially ME!

After I got sick, Chase wouldn't turn around. He was facing my chest. So we couldn't get a good shot. We didn't even get to see his face. We didn't see him in 3D/4D either. It was so disappointing. So basically Betty Lou drove all the way to Rockville, she didn't get to see her grandson very well, and she got to watch me throw up half naked! Gosh, I wish I could re-do that whole day and tell them to move us to a different room with better AC.

I am glad it is behind me. The good news out of this whole saga is that I don't have to go back to the high rosk doctor until August 24th (my birthday). I hear that we will get great shots of him then because he will be chubbier and more newborn looking. We are looking forward to this appointment! I am going to call ahead and make sure that they have adequate AC in the room they intend me to use.

Ok, well here are some pics:

25 weeks

22 weeks vs 25 weeks

His Bundle Me

His picture frame with each month

23 weeks

These photos are all from last week when I was 22 weeks. I couldn't believe how much Chase has changed in just a short amount of time. He is so cute! He is looking more and more like a grown baby. He is so active now. I feel him kicking and thumping around in my belly most of the time now. He is most active at night when I am trying to sleep. I enjoy every single kick I get because it lets me know that he is healthy and happy in there. This week, 3 of my sorority sisters all gave birth! Two of them were due or almost due and one of them was only 33 weeks along. Her water actually broke at her baby shower! Luckily, she and baby are doing great and are both healthy as can be.

I am getting stir crazy from being in the house so much. I wish I could go to OBX with my in laws and with the Coakleys. I feel like I am missing out on all of the summer festivities. I am hoping to go to our Bethany Beach house for a long weekend or two in the next month so that I can at least say I went to the beach! Our Bear Trap house is perfect because there are not a lot of stairs. It would be relaxing and a well needed vacation.

Matt and I looked at strollers and we narrowed it down to about 3-4! haha! There are so many to choose from. I am reading my handy dandy book Baby Bargains, reviews online, and chatting with friends who are moms already. Other than that, I am busy researching what to register for and enjoying time with Matt. I can't believe we are only about 4 months away from meeting our little man. Time is going by so fast! Well, I will update you next week!