6 weeks old

It's been a while, I know. Not a whole lot has happened. Amy is growing like crazy. We went to the doctor today. She weighs 12 pounds 12 ounces and is 24 inches long. The doctor said she is almost the size of a 4 month old... haha. I thought that might be pushing it a little bit, but I know she is definitely a big 'ole baby.

She has been really good though, very happy in general. Of course, she has an adorable smile that she likes to show off. And now she even smiles in response to things, rather than just when she is sleeping.

Me and Brandon are doing really well too. Fairly well rested, I'd say, for new parents. For a while, Amy wasn't sleeping at night. She would sleep all day and then be up all night. So we would have to take shifts. But earlier this week, I started a nightly routine for her, and we adjusted a few things and she has gradually been getting better. Last night, she slept all night, waking up only to eat. I was quite proud of her. And it was the first time both me and Brandon have been able to sleep in our bed, at the same time in over a month.

We're looking forward to Thanksgiving, when Melissa and Joseph will be come to visit, and then on the 2nd, we make our way down to Texas! We have a busy couple of weeks coming up. It's going to be tiring, but still fun. I can't wait to see everyone I haven't seen in so long.

Btw, this is why swings have straps.

Hello Mr. Sleepy

On our way to sleepytime town, waltzing down lullaby lane...

Amy's not really in a sleeping mood, so I thought I'd take this time to post a few more pictures.

2 Weeks (and one day)

Amy had her first doctors appointment on Friday. He said everything was normal. She was back to her birth weight, well one ounce more. That didn't surprise me though, she does not have a small appetite. I like the doctor a lot. He is older, but very nice. And his office is in his house, so it's very small and comfy.

Our little one is also training to be a jedi. Or so it seems. She's currently working on the jedi mind trick. While Brandon was drinking a Dr. Pepper, she kept staring at it. When he put it down, she turned and looked towards the table. So he told her she couldn't have any. That's when she waved her hand in front of his face. He laughed and told her she still couldn't have any. So she did it again. Her powers failed. She never got Dr. Pepper. But we think she's still working on them.

As for in general, she is still doing good. Fussing a little more and sleeping a little less, but she is a baby so it's to be expected. She doesn't seem to like sleeping in her crib yet though. Maybe that will just take her a bit more time.

We also finally got around to uploading more pictures, so here are a few

Some pictures

Up late update

Everything has been going pretty well so far. Amy is definitely our child. She loves to eat and she loves to sleep. Probably eating more so ;)

She was having a little trouble going to sleep at night (the first time) for a couple days, but she did amazing tonight. So hopefully that will continue to get better.

I started pumping today and gave her a couple bottles (I am soo sore, I needed a little break), and she seems to actually do better with them. When I breastfeed, she always just falls asleep and then if I try to put her down, she just wakes up fussy a few minutes later. But with the bottles today, she seemed to eat just as much as she wanted, but was then stayed awake, calm and satisfied. Except at night, when she fell asleep right away. It was great! She's been waking up every 3 hours at night pretty consistently for the past few nights, so that's been good as well.

We gave her a bath the night we got home because the hospital never did, and she did awesome for that as well. Didn't cry at all. Well, not until we took her out and she was cold, but I can't blame her for that.

So I don't think I could be happier with the way things are going so far. We're still getting enough sleep. Naps during the day. She seems to be eating well. And we even found a doctor today! Which is a big accomplishment here. It's very hard to find a doctor who is taking new patients. The one we finally found though, his nurse said he never turns down patients, which I really like.

Brandon is also doing very well. He has never been around babies, so this is all new for him, but I think he is a natural. He helps out so much, and can now feed her too. And I love watching him with her. I always knew he would be a great dad, and now he is proving me right :)

We took some more pictures (of course) and will be uploading and posting them soon!

She's here! Amy Lorile Morris. Full Story.

So Monday afternoon around 3, I stood up and my water broke. Not what I was expecting to happen. Especially since it was actually my due date :)

We got to the hospital around 5 and got all checked in. Everything went really well. They gave me some medicine to lengthen the contractions (I was apparently not in enough pain as is.) I tried to be brave and hold out on the epidural so I didn't look like a wimp. I didn't ask for it until I didn't think I could handle it anymore. But then by the time I got it... wow. I will never understand how women can do that without any drugs. I couldn't even sit on the toilet to pee. So I finally got the epidural. And once the nurse on the next shift showed me that I could have more anytime I wanted just with the press of a button, I couldn't have been happier. I laughed at those monitors telling me when it was supposed to hurt ;)

So from there on out, it was just a waiting game. At about 5:30 the next morning, the nurse decided it was time for me to push. So I started. Slowly. Her and her big head came out at 6:22. After she pooped all over me, the nurse weighed her at 9 pounds, 10 ounces. But said she would have been about 2-3 ounces more with all that meconium. She'd been storing up! Once she got to the nursery, they measured her at 20 1/2 inches.

While at the hospital, we were all doing well. Me and Brandon mostly just wanted sleep, and she was very gracious about that :)

She passed all her tests with flying colors. And she even slept through the entire first night, even though I found out the next morning that I was supposed to wake her up a few times to eat. Oops. I think she knew how tired Mommy and Daddy were. She probably was as well, it was a pretty busy day for her.We left the hospital yesterday afternoon and are now at home. We're still learning the ins and outs of eating and sleeping and all that, but we'll get the hang of it soon. She's been very good so far though. Keep it up Amy!

Here are the pictures we've taken so far. I'm sure there will be many more to come!

I personally don't think she looks like either one of us. Where did that dark skin and hair come from?? Haha. I'm sure her appearance will change, it's just funny seeing her now. I, of course, think she's beautiful, just not what I was expecting her to look like :)

http://brandonmorris.info/baby.html

Coming soon

If you would like to receive an e-birth announcement when the time comes, please send me your e-mail address to KristenNicole85@gmail.com

I am putting together a list in the next couple of days so we will have it ready.

Also, if there is someone you think would want one who does not read this, please feel free to send me their e-mail address as well. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

38 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

38 weeks and nothing new to report. Still playing the waiting game for a few more weeks. Here's some pictures of what she looks like at this point.

37 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, her lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.

Late post tonight because my computer does not work so well anymore. So I have to make this a short one before it shuts down again.

37 weeks. Full term. I wish that meant she would be coming soon. But I'm pretty sure I'm in this for a few more weeks. I feel more pregnant every day, from the stomach pressure to the aches and pains. I walk slower. I get out of bed slower (all 5 times a night). And I just generally feel uncomfortable.

The light at the end of the tunnel? It's gotta end sometime. And at least I'll have something to show for it :)

We're almost completely prepared (stuff-wise). I have to go back to the store to get a couple of small things tomorrow, and then we'll have everything we think we'll need. I have all her clothes put away, furniture set up, and even have the toys in a basket. Our apartment looks more cramped than ever, (we currently have the stroller in the bathroom because that's the only place we have room for it), but it works. Everything has it's own spot. And even though it probably won't stay like this for long, it makes me feel organized for now.

36 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

Feeling better than this morning. Tired + cranky = not good for blog posting. I'm hoping tonight will be a better night :)

As for everything else, I probably feel as any pregnant woman would at this stage, like it's never gonna end. I know I only have (approximately) 4 weeks left, but it feels like it's gonna be the longest 4 weeks of my life. It's true what people say, as the due date draws nearer, time slows down quite a bit. I'm almost convinced someone added a few extra days to the week at this point. And maybe even a few hours to each day. Those sneaky time alterers...

I have a doctors appointment Wednesday with a not-my-normal doctor, and then I'll start seeing the regular one every week from here on out. Maybe one of these appointments will be interesting. Or maybe not. We'll see.

Brandon and I are going shopping this weekend, so I'm looking forward to that. My lack of metro pass for the month of August leads to me not getting out as much, so even a trip to Walmart is exciting. We just have little things left to get and then we'll be all ready! Well, as ready as we're gonna be.

And then, it's just the waiting game...

Rockabye Kristen...

I feel like I had the worst night's sleep last night. I couldn't shut my brain down. Everytime I closed my eyes, it started going. I think it was a mixture of daydreams and regular dreams. But it was hard to tell the difference. All I know is I woke up constantly feeling as if I hadn't slept at all. Not to mention having to pee every hour. Ugh. If this is my body's way of preparing, eff you body. Shouldn't you be letting me take it all in now, while I still can? That's what a nice body would do...

I've also been having stomach pains and problems lately. Just another side effect of pregnancy apparently. I know I only have a month to go, but I think this is gonna be the longest month of my life.

Regular weekly update to come later. Hopefully I'll be feeling better by then, and be in a better mood.

Baby shower gifts

So here are a few of the bigger gifts from the shower, the ones we have set up so far (or that didn't need setting up). There are more that I will add later, once I get them in order. But I thought some of you might like to see these, rather than waiting for the rest. More to come later.

Crib all set up with the mattress, bedding and mobile (I didn't take a picture of the mattress itself, but you can see it in there)

Crib bedding

Mobile

Jim. He is our pelican laundry hamper. Super adorable.

Glider rocking chair. So great and comfortable!

Homemade, personalized and super-soft blanket

Closeup of the picture on the blanket

Stroller and carseat. It even tells the time and temperature!

Really soft swing

Bouncer (even comes with a teething ring)

Bathtub

Bumbo seat

Nursing pillow

Where did they go?

I've lost my ankles. I went to look for them a few days ago, and they were gone. Nowhere to be found. I miss them. Hopefully they will come back to me one day.

35 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Baby shower was a success! At least, it seems so from this end, haha. We had fun, and I believe everyone else did as well. We got so many awesome gifts and I can't wait to use them all! :)

Yesterday I set up the glider rocking chair and stroller/car seat. Tonight, Brandon is gonna help me with the crib. There's no way I can do it by myself. Then we have to get a changing table/dresser, and then just organize everything (I have no idea where it's all gonna go, haha).

Once we do get it all set up and stuff, I'll take pictures of everything to post on here. Right now, most of the stuff is just in a huge box.

I forgot to take a picture last night, so here is one from the shower. It's a little different than the normal ones, but you get the idea, there's a basketball under my shirt. More to come later.

34 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

I have been so scatterbrained lately. My mind just refuses to focus on one thing at a time. I can hardly even read books anymore. I can't concentrate on what I am doing, so I have to read sentences or paragraphs several times. In the end, it's just easier not to read. I have to find more simple entertainment, haha. Been watching lots of movies and tv shows lately.

Brandon got home Saturday night. It's definitely nice to have him back. And he even brought me all kinds of goodies. Very fattening goodies. My doctor won't like these, but I sure do :)

One of these being a butterfinger, which I ate last night. I forgot how good they were! I can't seem to find any place that sells them here, sadly. But it's probably for the best, haha.

Melissa is coming up in two days. And then Joseph and Jessica will be here Friday. And then the baby shower is Saturday. Should be a fun week! I'm pretty excited :)

Confidence, Overconfidence or Arrogance?

A lot of people have been asking me if I'm nervous about having a baby. And honestly, I'm really not. If I had to say something, I would say I'm more anxious. I am ready to get the pregnancy and birth over with. With so many people asking me, I feel like I should be nervous, but I'm just not. I know it won't be easy; it's gonna be hard and stressful and exhausting, but it's just something I know is gonna happen. I've worked in several daycares, babysat plenty of times, and helped take care of my niece from the time she was born. So I've been around children and babies of all ages. I know it's not the same as having one yourself and taking care of it 24/7, but I know that I have enough experience that I'll generally know what to do, even if it's not easy. And I also have an amazing husband who will be here with me every step of the way. He may not realize it yet, but I know he is gonna be a wonderful father.

Maybe there is something I'm missing. Maybe my brain is blocking something out. But I feel like I have no reason to be scared. I know we can do it. And I think we're gonna do great :)

Brandon is still in New York. I must say, I'm a little jealous, but it's probably best I didn't go this time. I wouldn't have the energy to do everything they have been doing and I don't wanna be the party pooper. It was bad enough having morning (and day and night) sickness last time I was there. I'll be seeing Melissa and Joseph soon anyway :)

Two more days until Brandon comes home though. I've definitely missed him and it will be nice to have him here again. No longer will I have to hug a pillow at night ;)

Today, I woke up really wanting some bean, cheese and bacon tacos. We didn't have any tortillas, and even if we did, the store bought kind just weren't the ones I wanted. So I decided to try my luck at homemade tortillas. First try, not so good. No flavor at all. Tried again, not changing anything except adding a little more salt to boost the flavor. Still not so good. Then I found a whole new recipe. It was easier and tasted just like the kind restaurants make back home in Texas. Success! They were definitely what I was wanting.

Though due to my uncontrollable snacking while I was cooking, I'm not hungry anymore. Tacos will have to wait. But I'm super proud of myself for finally knowing how to make good tortillas!

33 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

This week your baby weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark. She's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as her brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

I feel like a parrot sometimes, always repeating the same things. But when nothing changes, I guess there's not much else to say. Everything is still going well. I feel good, other than getting tired so quickly.

Our little gremlin is moving more and more in there. Sometimes I think she has dance parties. And what better time to have one than at night? This makes getting comfortable and falling asleep a little more difficult. But pretty soon she'll be able to wiggle and dance all she wants. In her crib :)

Since both my husband and my camera are in New York this week, there will not be a picture. Don't worry, you're not missing anything ;)

Regular picture posting is expected to resume this time next week. Have a nice day!

Busy morning

Brandon left this morning to go to New York to visit his sister, Melissa, and their dad (he's visiting at the same time). I packed most of Brandon's suitcase for him last night, so I thought it would be an easy going morning. Wake up, finish packing, head to the station. All that went pretty well and we were on our way. Two metro stops away from Amtrak, we realized that we forgot his passport at home. Yea, I don't know what we were thinking. So I got off the metro to head back home while he went and waited for me at Amtrak.

As much as I love Montreal's public transportation, it's times like this that I hate depending on it. If I had cash, I would have taken a cab, but I knew of no atm nearby, so metro and bus it is! I ran every time I could, caught buses and metros as soon as possible and barely made it back to Amtrak in time for him to board the train. It was close! I was actually afraid he was gonna miss it.

So I said goodbye and made my way home. And now I am completely exhausted. My legs feel like jello, and it's really hot in the living room, but I don't even want to get up to move the fan in here. Not to mention we have a ton of boxes (yay presents!) surrounding this desk, so it doesn't reach well anyway.

I am amazed at all the stuff we've gotten so far for the shower. Toys R Us prints some of the item names/pictures on the outside of their boxes, so I know what a couple of things are. But even the ones I don't know came in big boxes! I didn't expect this and I'm so thankful that we have families that are willing to help us out so much. I was worried before about not being able to afford everything we were gonna need, but I don't think we are gonna have any problems at all thanks to everyone. It really is amazing. (But very hard not to open them for two more weeks!)

So now Brandon is gone until next Saturday. The apartment will definitely be lonely, but I'm sure I can find things to keep me busy. I have a few projects I want to get done anyway. Maybe this will be the motivation I need to do them.

32 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

Why does time seem to pass slower as the due date gets closer? I was really hoping it would go by faster. On one hand, I'm like "Yea! Only 8 more weeks" (give or take a couple of course), and then on the other, I think "Ugh, 8 entire more weeks..."

I'm starting to run out of things to say in here, haha. Everything is still good. Just starting to get more impatient. I'm also starting to get really excited for the baby shower and to see everyone (even if half of them are on webcam). I think it will be fun.

31 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. She weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. She can turn her head from side to side, and her arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath her skin. She's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

All better after last week's sickness. For the most part at least. I've been getting nauseaous in the morning, but it goes away pretty quickly.

I can see my stomach move now. It's like something out of a sci-fi movie. So weird. I keep expecting a little gremlin to break through the skin and run away laughing.

Other than that, nothing new really. I start going to the doctor every two weeks instead of once a month. I'm hoping that somehow makes time go by quicker. I am counting down the days!

And finally, this week's picture. And can I just say that each week, taking these pictures gets more and more depressing. I almost want to make Brandon start doing these posts so I don't have to look at them, haha. He is the one who made the blog after all.

30 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

This is gonna be a short post. I haven't been feeling well the past couple days. I think it's just a stomach bug, but it's still no fun. Haven't been able to eat a whole lot, but drinking lots of water and diluted orange juice (yum! okay, not so yum). I guess it's a good way to shed a few pounds before my doctors appointment Thursday though :P

Anyway, I haven't been up to taking a picture, so just pretend this is me.

29 Weeks pt 2

Thank you to everyone who replied to my last post, it's good to know that the pictures are working for at least most people. Maybe they just weren't loading properly on those two people's computers. Hopefully this one works.

Also, thank you for the the nice compliments :)

It's good to know that people read this, even when it's in secret :P

By the way, wanna hear a funny story? When we first got this apartment last month and had to buy new furniture, we got a futon from Ikea. It was pretty much the cheapest one they had (the only one they had in stock). Well they delivered it and I put it together while Brandon was at work. I was kind of proud of myself. Then every time we sat on it, the boards on the bottom that hold the mattress kept falling out of the frame. It felt like the cheapest, flimsiest couch we'd ever sat on. I didn't like Ikea at that point. So I did stuff like got ribbon and rope to reinforce the boards, and when some of those started breaking, I used duct tape. As you can imagine, the frame of our futon looks a little strange. So the other day we went back to Ikea to look at computer desks and we took a look at our futon on display in the show room. Turns out I put it together wrong and the boards are supposed to go on top of the frame, not on the bottom. We came home and fixed it and now our futon is so much better. It's sturdy, higher up and just all around more comfortable. I really couldn't stop laughing when we saw the one at the store. Moral of the story, don't let me put together furniture alone :)

PS. I did read the instructions. But there were only pictures, no words. And in the picture, you couldn't tell which way it was supposed to go. Or at least, I couldn't. I thought I was doing it right.

29 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. Her muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and her head is growing bigger to make room for her developing brain. To meet her increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because her bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Baby big head seems to be growing pretty quick. I'm definitely getting fatter by the day. And since she squirms more than she kicks now, I'm pretty sure she is starting to run out of room in there.

Every time I feel her move when Brandon is home, I try to get him to feel it, but when he puts his hand on my stomach, she stops. It's kinda funny. If Daddy is gonna have this kind of calming effect on her, I know who's gonna be waking up at night! :)

I can't believe how swollen my hands and feet get. I didn't think that was supposed to come until later. I had to buy new shoes last week because my tennis shoes are just too tight now. I always thought the croc-style shoes were really ugly, but they were the only thing I could find that was wide enough (that wasn't flip-flops), so I had to get them. And even those are sometimes tight on me.

I don't have a picture today because I forgot to get Brandon to take one last night, but I will try to get it up soon.

Speaking of pictures though, two people so far have told me I haven't been posting pictures (though I have), so I am wondering if they are just not showing up. Do they not show up for anyone else?

28 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

I'm now officially in the third trimester. Two thirds over and 3 months left to go! Though I guess now I am getting to the hard part again. First part sucked. Second part was easy. Now it's gonna be a whole new adventure.

My hands and feet are starting to get swollen every night. I can hardly wear my rings sometimes. And if I do put them on, I have to take them off with dish soap.

And now I gotta start counting movements. Doctor says I have to feel her move at least 10 times a day. I don't thing that will be a problem with as much as she wiggles around. I was reading last night with the book resting on my stomach and she kicked and the entire book moved. She's

getting strong in there.

Lately I've also started to wonder what she's gonna look like. So far I'm thinking blonde, wavy hair and green eyes. What do you all think? Any guesses?

27.5

Better late than never?

27 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

Ever since last Wednesday, she has been moving like crazy. Pretty late at night too. I think she is gonna be a night owl like her daddy. She's definitely not active in the morning. But does she even know when morning and night are? I don't know, either way, she likes to be up late.

The other day it was the strangest thing. I felt her moving, so I had my hand on my stomach, cause I like feeling it from the outside too. Then it was like she pushed her foot outward and just moved it along the inside of my stomach. It's a little hard to describe, but it was probably the most distinct movement I've felt from her. It was like giant worms were crawling under my skin or something.

In one way, it was awesome. But in another way, it was sort of creepy.

Brandon and I bought a dehumidifier today and it makes our apartment feel so much better. Don't get wrong, we love this place, but every time we get dressed, our clothes feel wet. Or when we get in bed, the sheets feel wet. There's been mold on the trash can lid and occasionally it's been hard to breathe. There is just so much humidity in here. So we sprung for a dehumidifer. I've had it on for less than 9 hours and already had to empty the 25 pint bucket. It was completely full of water. When I turned it on, it said our apartment had 80% humidity. I'm pretty sure that's a lot, especially for being inside.

But now it's down to 50% and feels so much better.

I don't have a picture of me tonight. I forgot to take one last night, and Brandon is still at work as of now, so I will try to get him to take one either when he gets home or in the morning and edit this later. So as a substitute, you get to see approximately what Amy looks like now (even in 3D!)

She's back

And moving a lot today. It's nice to feel that again.

A-

Doctor's appointment went pretty well. I passed my glucose test. Woo, gimme sugar! ;)

Heartbeat was good, so doctor said everything is fine. And my weight is improving, but I still gotta work on it a little.

So all is well.

And, our vacation plans are looking bright! We looked more into how much time Brandon gets to take off. We previously thought it was 5 weeks, because that's what Quebec gives for paternity benefits, but since I won't be taking any time off work, he gets to use the 'parental' benefits as well. So basically, Quebec is gonna pay him most of his current salary to take off 28 weeks.

I guess if we're gonna have a baby, Quebec is the place to do it. :)

26 Weeks + Apartment Pictures

How your baby's growing:

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.

I wanted to say thank you to those of you who reassured me after my last post, and apologize to those of you I made worry. I think everything is fine. She has started moving a little more again. Still as much as she used to, but a little more. And I've been feeling good as well, so I am sure everything is fine :)

I'll still talk to the doctor when I see her tomorrow. I'm also gonna talk to her about how soon the baby can travel after she is born. Airlines say 7 days, but I want to make sure with the dr anyway. We are in the early stages of planning a trip to San Antonio in October, 1-3 weeks after she is born. We want to go back to visit family, but I want to make sure Brandon can go, so we are hoping to make it while he will be off for paternity leave.

And, I get my results back from the glucose test tomorrow, so I hope I pass!

Here is another picture I got in my e-mail.

And my 26 week picture

And now, the virtual tour of our new apartment. We still have a few things to fix up, a couple more changes will be made, but it's already better than when we moved in :)

We didn't paint the walls, but it's growing on me

The living room

Bedroom

Hallway

Kitchen

Bathroom

The end. It's not very big, but it's good for us.