33 Weeks

I'm thirty three weeks along now and the baby is growing!  This week the baby is about 17 inches long and weighs a little over 4 pounds now.  Babycenter.com says this is about the size of a pineapple.  Both Mat and I got a little squemish at the thought of a prickly pineapple in my belly.  Thebump.com also has a new fruit this week.  They say it is about the size of a honeydew melon (much better!):

Photo Courtesy of thebump.com

Most of the baby's development has occurred by now.  The lungs continue to mature and the baby continues to put on fat.  He or she is gaining about a half a pound a week now!  I have definitely felt it on my daily walks.  It's getting harder to get up those hills now. 

Matt and I had our childbirth class on Saturday.  It was about what we expected.  I am glad we decided to go if for no other reason than it gives us a good idea of what to expect.  Matt did a lot better than I thought he would with all the videos etc.  I think the class was especially beneficial to him as he learned some things he can do to help me.  I know a lot of men feel very helpless in situations like labor and delivery. 

On Sunday Matt and Rick worked some more on the nursery.  We are almost at a point where Matt can clear out all the painting stuff and we can start moving in the furniture.  He's been working on it everyday after work this week.  Here is a picture of Matt from last night.  You can see the paint color and some of the trim that he has been working on.  It's really looking nice . . . mom is pleased!

We both got a bit of a reality check this past weekend.  Mine was in the form of the childbirth class.  It was very emotional for me to see all the videos of the babies being born and seeing the moms with the newborns.  Also seeing the real life ones in the hospital nursery . . . I got a little choked up a few times realizing that in just a matter of weeks we will have this little baby in our arms.  Matt's reality check came in the form of a shower gift.  We received our first shower gift in the mail over the weekend (Thank you Beyrouty family!)  It was an adorable little sleeper with ducks on it.  I opened it up in front of Matt and laid it out to show him all the cute little pieces (the sleeper, a hat and little booties).  Upon looking at the outfit, Matt said, "Woe!  I mean, this (pointing to my belly) this is just a round belly - But THIS (pointing to the outfit) this is ducks!"  At that moment it became very real to him that the round belly I am sporting contains a little body that will be clothed with ducks soon!  It was really sweet!

We are looking forward to our first shower this Saturday.  It's a family style shower where husbands, wives and kids are all invited.  I'll be sure to post some pictures of that on next weeks post or possibly in a post of its own.  We'll see.

On to this week's belly shots.  When I stood next to the wall waiting for him to snap the first shot he said, "Hmmm, looks like Alfred Hitchcock."  I can only assume he meant the fact that I am standing at a profile . . .

For real now, here are my 33 week belly shots:

That's all for 33 weeks.  I'm looking forward to my first shower on Saturday!  Pictures coming soon . . .

32 Weeks

At 32 weeks, baby is about 16.7 inches long and weighs about 3.75 pounds.  Babycenter.com says this is about the same as a large jicama.  (For the record, I have no idea what a jicama is).  Baby continues to fatten up gaining about a half a pound a week!  He/she also has fingernails, toenails and hair now. 

This past weekend Matt and I spent getting ready for the coming weeks.  Matt and his dad went to Bass Pro Shop to prepare for their fishing trip that is coming up.  They also stopped by The Home Depot to get the wood for crown molding and chair rail that will be going up in the baby's room.  As for me, I think the whole "nesting" thing is starting to set in.  I'm not compulsive (yet) but I have this great desire to get things in place.  I went on an ordering binge yesterday - ordering everything that I have been looking at the past couple months and just couldn't quite commit to yet.  So the rug for the baby's room, some fitted sheets, an accent table for our bedroom and the baby's mattress are all on the way (the mattress was thanks to Grandma Colleen and Grandpa Ray).  So things are getting there. 

Here are this week's belly shots.  I look exhausted in these pictures because, well, I am!  We were all set to take the pictures and then realized that the camera battery was not charged.  So we had to wait a couple hours for it to charge up.  In the mean time I rested and watched TV.  By the time I came out, well, here's what I looked like.  Matt said he needs to make me laugh more when we take these pictures so I don't have such a fake smile.  We'll work on it.  Anyway - here I am at 32 weeks pregnant:

Anyway that's all for this week.  We have our childbirth class tomorrow.  Neither one of us is really looking forward to that, but I suppose we'll get through it!

If you haven't put in your predictions for Baby Vogt yet - put them in here:    http://bebepool.com/go/?a=caitlinandmatt&view=list

31 Weeks

The countdown is officially in the single digits.  Crazy how fast this is going by so far!  According to babycenter.com the baby is about 16 inches long and weighs about 3.3 pounds which is about the same weight as 4 navel oranges.  The baby is going on a big growth spurt lately!  He/she can turn his/her head from side to side, and his/her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin.  Baby has indeed been a mover and a shaker lately!  I feel it all the time.  Apparently this will start to keep me up at night soon, but so far I have been sleeping like a champ still!  I did buy a snoogle since I have had a hard time finding a comfortable position sometimes but as I said, I have not had ANY trouble sleeping just yet.  I am well aware that this will more likely than not change soon, so I'm just enjoying it while it lasts.

Matt and I had yet another busy week!  Last Thursday we celebrated Cinco de Mayo with Anna and Matt.  We had a nice dinner and they even made a non-alcoholic margarita for me!

Sunday was of course Mother's Day.  The baby got me a very nice card and Matt was somehow able to get baby to sign the card without me even knowing it!  We started the day by visiting Matt's grandma and attended the Catholic service they held at the nursing home.  I was glad that we were able to see his grandma for at least a little time on Mother's Day.  Matt's mom had to work so we plan to celebrate with her this coming Sunday.  After the nursing home, we headed to my parents house.  My mom and dad gave me a couple maternity shirts and some bump butter for my growing belly.  As soon as my sister got there, we headed out to Villa Antonio Winery.  It was a gorgeous day for the winery!  I REALLY wish I hadn't forgotten to take pictures there - oh well!  It was a great day spent with my mom!  I can't wait till next year when I have a baby on the outside to celebrate with.

 
Last night Matt and I went to see Jersey Boys.  We actually bought the tickets to see the show right around the time we found out about the baby.  I purposely got us seats on the aisle so that my large belly wouldn't have to maneuver past a bunch of people.  The show was fantastic!  I loved the story line and the music was spectacular!  Before the show and during intermission, Matt and I walked around the Fox Theatre.  Matt loved the big chairs:

He also loved the mirrors.  He was having a little fun taking pictures of me in them.  This was his favorite:

So that was our week last week.  I hoping that this week we (aka Matt and the grandpas) can get enough of the nursery done that I can post pictures soon.  But it is still very much a work in progress.  I guess it will get there!

Here are this week's belly shots.  Matt's first comment when I came out in the black tank top and gray pants was, "Oh my goodness!"  I gave him a look and he was like, "What, I said Yo My Goodness . . . we should go get some frozen yogurt."  Then when I lifted up my shirt so he could get the bare belly shots he said, "Wow, you are about to pop!"  I said, "About to pop?  We still have 9 more weeks to go!"  He said, "Your poor belly!"  HAHA!  Okay, for real now, here are the photos:

So that's where we are with 9 weeks to go!  I still can't believe we are going to have a baby in our arms in about 2 more months!  Don't forget to go out and put in your predictions about Baby Vogt:  http://bebepool.com/go/?a=caitlinandmatt&view=list

Old Wives Tales Revisited AND Guessing Game is OPEN!

As you may remember, when I was about 15 weeks pregnant I posted some old wives tales and where I fall on each one.  Since I wasn't really showing at that time a lot of the old wives tales were not able to be decided yet.  Plus as time has gone on, some of the answers have changed.  So I have decided to revisit the old wives tales.

Since I am definitely showing now I also thought this would be a great time to start the baby guessing game.  I started a baby pool (a special thanks to Sabrina for providing me with the link to set this up).  Please go ahead and enter your guesses here.

Here are the old wives tales to "help" you with your guesses:

(I found all these Old Wives' Tales on http://www.parents.com/)
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Old Wives' Tale #1:  Pay attention to which way you lay down in bed tonight. If you prefer sleeping on your left side, you'll have a boy. Right side? Your pregnant with a girl.

My Answer to #1:  Although I tend to roll to both sides I seem to prefer my left side lately.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #1:  Boy

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Old Wives' Tale #2:  Little girls aren't always sweet. Extreme nausea means you are having a daughter.

My Answer to #2:  I have had little to no nausea during this pregnancy

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #2:  Boy

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Old Wives' Tale #3: If your hands are dry during pregnancy, you are having a boy; soft -- expect a girl.

My Answer to #3: My hands have unquestionably been VERY soft this pregnancy!

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #3: Girl

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Old Wives' Tale #4: Your favorite pregnancy foods may tell you what sex the baby is. If you're craving citrus while pregnant, you're having a girl.

My Answer to #4: I have not had any citrus cravings.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #4: Boy

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Old Wives' Tale #5:  If altering hormones makes your skin break out, expect a girl.

My Answer to #5:  I have been breaking out on my chin.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #5:  Girl

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Old Wives' Tale #6:  If you feel as though you're gliding through they day, you'll have a girl. Stumbling? It's a boy.

My Answer to #6: I am FAR from graceful!

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #6:  Boy

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Old Wives' Tale #7:  If your face gets fuller, it means you're having a girl.

My Answer to #7:  So far I have not gained much weight in my face.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #7:  Boy

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Old Wives' Tale #8:  Craving salt during pregnancy? Potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn means a boy is on the way. Need a little something sweet? Ice cream, chocolate, and candy means you're having a girl.

My Answer to #8: Although I do still crave salty treats from time to time, that is really no change from when I was not pregnant.  I, however, NEVER craved sweets before I was pregnant.  Now, not only am  I NOT turning down dessert, but I am also REQUESTING it!

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #8: Girl

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Old Wives' Tale #9:  If you're experiencing pregnant mood-swings, expect a baby girl to arrive soon.

My Answer to #9: Just ask Matt about this one . . . poor guy!

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #9: Girl

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Old Wives' Tale #10: If you're carrying the baby low on your stomach, expect a boy. If it's high, you're having a girl.

My Answer to #10: I feel like the baby is neither low nor high, but I've been told by others that I'm carrying high.  So we will go with that on this one.  If you would like to judge for yourself, check out the belly shots at the end of my latest post.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #10:  Girl

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Old Wives Tale #11:  If you're carrying baby in front, it's a boy. Is the baby weight spaced all around your middle? It's a girl.

My Answer to #11:  It's definitely up front.  I've been told several times that if you look at me from behind you can't even tell I'm pregnant.  Again, if you would like to decide this one for yourself, you can check out the latest belly shots at the bottom of this post.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #11:  Boy

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Old Wives' Tale #12: Dangle a chain with a charm over your palm. If it swings back and forth: boy. In a circle: girl.

My Answer to #12: The charm moved back and forth.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #12:  Boy

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Old Wives' Tale #13:  "Show me your hands." If you would hold your hands palms up it's a girl. Down? You're having a boy.

My Answer to #13:  I had my palms up.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale # 13:  Girl

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Old Wives' Tale #14:  Get baby advice from a nephew or friend's little boy. If a toddler boy shows interest in your belly, you'll have a girl. If he ignores you, it's a boy.

My Answer to #14: No little boys have shown any interest whatsoever in my belly.  This has been tested with my nephew Will, my godson Drew and my friends' son Braden.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #14: Boy

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Old Wives' Tale #15: Guess the baby's sex by eating garlic. If the smell seeps out of your pores it's a boy. If there's no scent it's a little girl.

My Answer to #15:  I eat a ton of garlic and haven't noticed anything.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #15: Girl

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Old Wives' Tale #16: If you pick up a key by the round end, you're having a boy. If it's by the long end? A girl.

My Answer to #16: I picked it up by the rounded end.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #16: Boy

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Old Wives' Tale #17: If your age and year of conception are both even or odd, it's girl. One even, one odd means a boy.

My Answer to #17:  My age at the time of conception - 29.  The year - 2010.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #17: Boy

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Old Wives' Tale #18: If the baby's heart beats more than 150 times per minute, you're pregnant with a girl. Less than 150, it's a boy.

My Answer to #18:  The heart rate has consistently been above 150 beats per minute.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #18: Girl

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Old Wives' Tale #19:  A child tends to be of the same sex as the parent who is less stressed at the time of conception.

My Answer to #19:  Considering there was liquor involved in the conception of this baby, I don't think either of us was very stressed at the time of conception.  However in general, I tend to be a bit more stressed in general - especially since I had been just been through all my breast cancer treatments a few months before.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #19:  Boy

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Old Wives' Tale #20:  If you dream about having a girl while pregnant, you will wind up having a boy and vice versa.

My Answer to #20:  Although I have dreamt of having both, the majority of my dreams have been of me having a girl.

Verdict to Old Wives' Tale #20: Boy
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Final Score:

Boy - 12
Girl - 8

So take from that what you will.  Go out and make your guess.  Winner will get a special announcement on this blog and the oh so important bragging rights!  Have fun!

http://bebepool.com/go/?a=caitlinandmatt&view=list

Caitlin  

30 Weeks

I am now 30 weeks along.  The baby is now about 15.7 inches long and weighs about 3 pounds.  According to babycenter.com this is about the size of a head of cabbage.  Thebump.com also has a new vegetable for this month.  According to them, it is about the size of a squash:

Photo Courtesy of thebump.com

The big thing going on this week is that the baby's eyesight is continuing to develop.  Although it is developing, the baby's eyesight is still not very good even at birth.  Apparently babies only have about 20/400 vision.  Matt said no wonder babies seem so confused when they first come out.  Not only has the world as they know it changed completely, but everything just looks like big blobs to them.  That WOULD be pretty scary!

Matt and I are doing well.  As I mentioned in my previous post, we celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary on Monday.  It has certainly been a whirlwind of three years, but we are happy.  What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger!

We recently found some steaks in our freezer that needed to be eaten so we brought them over to my parents' house for "family day".  My parents surprised us with a fancy dinner set-up with all of their fine china and their crystal wine and water glasses!  It was REALLY nice and a great way to celebrate our anniversary with my parents. 

 

The next night (on the actual anniversary) we went to The Melting Pot.  They gave Matt a glass of champagne and me a glass of sparkling apple juice as an anniversary gift.  We hadn't been there since my 24th birthday, so it was a nice change and we had a really nice time together.

My mom wanted to take a couple pictures of us on Sunday night so that we would always remember just how pregnant I was on our 3rd anniversary.  So here are a couple pictures of the two of us.  Had we known mom was planning such a fancy dinner, we would have dressed up more.  I'm just glad I didn't change into my sweatpants before heading over there that night!  I almost did . . .

And of course mom also wanted to get a picture of me and my first baby, Sunny.  He always looks so thrilled to be in pictures with his mom:

So we had a really nice time on our 3rd anniversary.  It was our last one without having to get a babysitter in order to go out (although something tells me we won't have any problems finding someone to take our kid(s) in later years!)

On to more pictures.  Here are this week's belly shots.  We forgot to take the pictures after work last night, so we had to take them before work this morning.  That's why my eyes are kinda droopy in these pictures, I had just woken up:

I was going to write about my weekend and my out of control emotions now that I'm in the third trimester, but I think that will just have to wait until next week since now I have to get ready for Cinco de Mayo dinner with Anna and Matt.  But just be prepared for a story about a crazy pregnant lady next week!

Three Years

I'm finding myself being a great big ball of emotions these days.  The third trimester hormones are making me feel weepy all the time.  I can't help but think back on my marriage and all the difficult things Matt and I have had to deal with the past three years.  The unemployment the first year was hard enough, but then to have to deal with breast cancer the second year was even worse.  I'm not going to get into it now, but sometimes thinking back on the details of our day to day life back then really upsets me.  It was a very rough time for both of us and the toll it took on our marriage was awful!  Thinking back on this terrible time has me extremely weepy. 

As I reflect on it though, I also can't help but realize how blessed we are.  We went through some VERY hard times but right now, things are good.  We recognized that things were not good between us and we worked to make things better (which is what led to the making of the baby ;))  I've mentioned before on this blog that this baby wasn't exactly planned, but I believe that God knows exactly what we need and when we need it.  This baby has been the best gift we could have ever received.

Today is Matt and my 3rd Anniversary.  I look back at pictures of my wedding and think, "If we had known that day what all we'd go through in the next couple years, would we still go through with it?"  My answer is, "In a heartbeat!"  Through all the rough patches, my love for Matt has only grown deeper.  And now we have physical proof of that deep love that we share.  I can't wait to see his/her face. 

In the mean time, here are some pictures from our wedding day.  That day was absolutely perfect - And no one can take that away from us . . .

 Happy 3rd Anniversary Matt!  I love you so much!  I can't wait to meet the little one that our love (and God's love) created.