36 Weeks...Only A Few More To Go....

Brad went with me to the doctor's appointment this morning (today was my first exam and Brad knew I was a little nervous!!). Together we got to meet Dr. Booth. He was very energetic and incredibly nice - it did not take Brad and I long to decide to ask Dr. Booth to be our doctor for the remainder of the pregnancy (however there is no guarantee that he will deliver Carter - that depends on who is on call that day/night). My tummy is now measuring 36, almost 37, centimeters and Carter's heart beat is around 132 - it will continue to slow until birth (it has typically been 138). According to Dr. Booth, I am 80% effaced and starting to dilate - SO it could be sooner than August 4th folks!! According to smartmomma.com, at 36 weeks Carter and I are considered "full-term". The only organ that still needs some time to mature is the lungs, but his immune system is up-and-running and could protect him should he be born prior to his due date! My next appointment is Monday, July 14th.

35 Weeks

I am now going to the doctor's office once a week. Today I met Doctor Lupton (thank you Amy Sloan for the recommendation) - he was very nice. According to Lupton's nurse, I gain 1lb since last week's appointment (I am now up to 22 lbs total weight gain) - this is great news! Carter is plumping-up for his upcoming birthday! Lupton did the typical - measured my stomach (which now measures 33 centimeters) and listened to Carter's heart beat. He confirmed that Carter is still head-down and showed me how he thinks Carter is laying - he described where he believes his back, butt and legs are (with the assistance of my recollection of where I am seeing/feeling large bulges and constant kicks/punches)! Next week I am to meet Dr. Booth - I have been informed he is very ethusiatic and caring!

Baby Month (June) Is Complete

In the month of June, we had several baby showers (thank you everyone for your generosity and support) and completed our Childbirth Education class, Newborn Care class and Breastfeeding class - it was a busy month! Now it is time to relax before Mr. Carter arrives.

Look At Carter's Room!!

Thanks to our family and friends,
Carter's room is brimming with toys, clothes,
blankets, diapers and stuffed animals. Look at
how great it looks!! You could almost say it is
baby-ready!!

34 Weeks and Counting...

Had another doctor's appointment this morning. Bantz said Carter's heart beat is strong and consistent with prior appointments (approximately 138). My tummy now measures 32 centimeters and according to Dr. Bantz's estimate, Carter might weigh 5 1/2+ lbs (according to what to expect when expecting.com, Carter should weigh almost four pounds and could be up to 19 inches long - so he may be a little bigger than average at this time!). Bantz also informed me that Carter is head-down and is pretty far down in my pelvis - this prompted Bantz and Brad to place bets on when Carter may arrive. Brad has his money on July 14th-17th, while Bantz said she thinks he will arrive the last week of July (24th-27th). But, only Carter knows when the true d-day is!! Anyway, today is our last appointment with Bantz. She and her husband are moving to Wisconsin this week so I will begin meeting the other doctors in the Southside OBGYN next appointment. Stay tuned!!

Only 9 weeks Left!!

I had another doctor's appointment this morning - According to the doctor, Carter measures (approximately) 16 inches long and weighs about 3.3 pounds AND is gearing up for a growth spurt (I know my appetite has definitely returned!!). He should gain approximately 1/2 lb per week until his due date.

The little guy moves a lot during the morning (while I am getting ready for work and after I eat breakfast) and makes consistent movements throughtout the day - but by 9pm he calms down. I might feel a movement every once in awhile, but nothing that keeps me up at night or wakes me up - YEAH!! According to the doctor, all this moving is a sign that Carter is active and healthy!

My appointments are now only 2 weeks apart (as opposed to the previous "normal" of once a month). My next appointment is scheduled for Monday, June 9th.

26 weeks complete, 14 more to go!!

Today's appointment went well - I arrived for my 9am appointment to drink the glucola concoction (which tasted like orange soda) and then waited to see doctor Bantz for my monthly routine appointment. According to the doctor, Carter is "right on target" and I am in "great health." His heart rate continues to be around 140 and my tummy now measures 26 inches (an inch for every week I was told!). In regards to the Gestational Diabetes results, the doctor's office will contact me Monday, May 5th IF there are any concerns (no news is good news!). My next appointment is scheduled for May 29th.