I finally went back to work today and was feeling well enough to sing to Connor tonight.  I can’t seem to get him to move like I could before — I think he is running out of room in there!

A few days ago Victoria mentioned that Connor had shifted.  When the doctor checked his position the last two weeks, Connor’s head was down and he was curled up the left side of Victoria’s belly (back facing out).  Victoria said she thought he had shifted to the right side with his back facing out on that side (head still down).  After some prodding and feeling around, the doctor agreed with Victoria (leave it to a Mother’s intuition).

Victoria is still 1 cm dilated and about 40% effaced (no change since last week).  I asked the doctor if she thought he might come early and she didn’t give us any feeling that he would.  So, 16 days to go as of tomorrow.

Victoria’s leg’s are not nearly as swollen as they have been and probably are the best they have looked in nearly a month or so.  They did indicate that her blood pressure was high for the first time during the pregnancy and want her to come back in Friday for a follow up reading and urine sample.  They didn’t seem overly concerned especially since her urine test came back fine (like it has been all along).  Probably just being cautious.

Victoria has developed a few coughs and a sinus congestion.  Hopefully it is not what I had, which kept me down for about 5 days.  We both received the flu shot this year (even though I don’t trust it), so she and Connor are as protected as they can be.

Hopefully she will be fine and Connor will join us soon (when we are healthy and rested).

Daddy has a cold and is not feeling too good, so I am going to try and stay inside Mommy until he feels better.  He does not seem to be singing in Mommy’s tummy to me anymore…I think he is staying away from Mommy so she doesn’t get sick.

I hope Daddy gets better soon because I want to see everyone real soon.

See you soon!

Love,

Connor

Victoria and I went to the doctor for our 37th week (really 36.5, but who’s rushing it) check up. We discussed Victoria’s swelling as it seems to have gotten a little worse over the past week or so. Her blood pressure is great. The doctor told us that if her blood pressure was high, then that would be something to be concerned about. Victoria does not have any tingling or significant pain in her legs or calves, so the doctor was not overly concerned. She said just to relax and keep her feet up as much as she can.

They checked Victoria and she is 1 cm dilated. Which means it could be any second now!!! Nah just kidding with you, I just wanted to play the “clueless husband/father role” for a quick second. 😉

For those of you who don’t know (and most of you are mother’s already, so disregard), her body is getting ready. She could stay at 1 cm for weeks, so there is nothing to be to alarmed/concerned about right now.

The doctor did ask if we had our bags packed. I politely said yes. Didn’t she realize it was packed 3 weeks ago and that Connor’s car seat has been in the truck for nearly 6 weeks now. Come on…I am getting to be a pro at preparation. (Notice I said preparation…I didn’t mention anything about taking care of an infant.) Let’s get to the good questions like labor/delivery and breastfeeding.

Victoria’s Dad wanted to give Connor some Norman Rockwell artwork that has been passed down to the first grandson on his side of the family for the last three generations. It goes well with the sports theme in Connor’s room.

Thanks Grandpa!

Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve. Victoria, Connor, and I stayed home and I actually stayed awake for the ball drop. Probably the first time in about 3 or 4 years I have done that. Usually Victoria wakes me just before the ball drops and then I go back to bed.

Here is a picture of Victoria today.

And one of her on Christmas morning with one of Connor’s Christmas gifts from my Mom.

Victoria has about 3.5 weeks left.  The official delivery date is January 26th.  When I feel her tummy, it is rock solid now.  It is truly amazing to see how her body has changed and I can’t believe how her stomach can continue to grow.  It looks as though she can’t get any bigger but some how Connor finds a way to get Mommy to stretch a little further.

I’ve noticed that she gets tired a little easier and usually takes a quick nap to regain her strength.  Her legs (feet, ankles, shins, and knees) are quite swollen.  The doctor has recommended just elevating them and I have to keep reminding her to go lay/sit down.  She is always running out to the store to pick something up.  Her hands are swollen as well and her thumb is bothering her.  It kind of gets locked like it is double jointed.

We go to the doctor on Wednesday for our 37 week check up.

Other than the swelling, she has not had too many difficulties and has been feeling fine.  I think yesterday was the best I have seen her in a while.  She was well rested and looked great!

Victoria and I have been resting and relaxing at home this weekend. All the Christmas decorations have been put away and most of the chores have been done around the house. We went out for one “final date” at The Melting Pot and ate way too much.

So now we sit at home, relax, and wait. It kind of feels like the calm before the storm…

Donnie and I went to my parent’s house for Christmas Eve.  Chad, Catherine, and Brenna came over too.  We saw Brenna was wearing a cute outfit on her First Christmas.  Donnie and I held Brenna and she was smiling and was very cute.  I had trouble with my hands being swollen & hurting, so I had Donnie hold Brenna for me.

My mama made a Lasgana and salad for dinner.  And then we all opened the Christmas presents.  We bought presents for Brenna.  Chad, Catherine, and Brenna bought presents for Connor.  We all had a great time!!

We love you guys!!

Merry Christmas…..

As of tomorrow, we are officially within one month of Connor’s arrival. I can remember several months ago, I was trying to rush this along (http://babyblog.vlwphotography.com/?p=33).

Well, the time is almost here and I think we are about as prepared as we are going to be.

baby’s room – check.

baby supplies – check.

finish household chores – check.

get in shape and lose weight (me) – nope, put on hold.

read books on childbirth, the 1st year, breastfeeding, etc… – check.

attend childbirthing classes – check.

register at the hospital – check.

put the bowling ball, softball glove, and golf clubs in long term storage – check, maybe, nope.

prepare for sleepless nights – now wait a minute, I don’t remember that being in the “contract”.

get advice/suggestions from friends and family – check.

line up free babysitting – CHECK! (grandparents, are you reading this?)

be prepared for labor/delivery – not sure we are “ready”, but I am certain we are NERVOUS.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Victoria, Connor, and I opened presents here this morning and then went my Mom’s house to have breakfast with her, Danny, and Kristen (which has become a “tradition” for us the past few years).

Victoria’s parents and my family came over for turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and plenty of dessert.  I think we all ate too much, but that is part of the holiday tradition, right???

Christmas was wonderful and I think Connor and Mommy got what they were looking for.  Victoria plans to try to make Connor’s baby food, so I bought her a food processor and some ice cube trays.  She is ordering a book online that will help give her some direction.  She said her friend Trish does it, so it sounds like it is worth a try.  (Yes, I realize he won’t be eating baby food for a while.)