Another good photo shoot, er, ultrasound

Dive, dive, dive - that's all I can picture... 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea - the submarine diving deeper and deeper - then ah ha! - the wonders of the deep. It's like the ultrasound lube and instrument provides this little peak in to the mysteries of my belly so we can get a glimpse of baby, so cool ;)

We went back yesterday for the second ultrasound for more pictures of her spine because she wasn't in a good position to see everything last time. This time, however, it was more of the same. She was laying in the exact same spot with the bottom of her pelvis tucked in mine so Gigi, our technician (more on her later), couldn't quite get everything she needed. BUT she did say everything she does see looks perfectly healthy and nothing gives her any cause for alarm.

Now back to Ms Gigi because years from now I want to remember the laugh Mike and I got out of all this... Two weeks ago, for the first ultrasound we met Ms Gigi in her conservative scrubs, hair up, no make up - typical nurse "I've been working all day" look - well, well, yesterday she stepped it up - makeup (included lipstick, fresh application?), hair styled, etc the whole nine yards which wouldn't I have given a second thought until the first thing out of her mouth was "Oh, daddy didn't come today?" Wow that's some memory that he did in fact come last time... So, no daddy couldn't make the second ultrasound but he was missed (by many, apparently).

Feeling very "connected" lately

With baby Gretchen kicking every day now we're all a little more aware that our baby girl is on her way ;) I enjoy it because it's her way of "talking" to me - 'I'm here mommy... growing... getting strong' and according to Dyson it's baby's way of playing and working out ;) smart kid. Daddy's just thankful for the monthly (uneventful) doctor check ups.

We're very excited to meet you little miss! And you just received your first box of pink baby clothes from Mema and Aunt Suzi (first of many - as "project pink" just begins").

Isn't it funny....

At age of 4: Mom knows everything! At 8: Mom knows a lot! At 12: Mom doesn’t really know everything. At 14: Mom doesn’t know anything. At 16: Mom doesn’t exist. At 18: She’s old fashioned. At 25: Maybe Mom does know about this! At 35: Before we decide, let’s ask Mom. At 45: I wonder what Mom thinks about this? At 75: I wish I could ask my Mom about this. I have the best Mom in the world.

Whew!!! I need a nap!

Being an incubator takes it's toll... I'm exhausted! I had a wonderful ladies lunch out with a friend so I'm stuffed *and* I'm in a long sleeve cozy top... the house is quite, kind of toasty... I could fall asleep right now in my chair!

Tap, tap, tap... that's me continuing to type away on my laptop *even though* a nap sounds glorious right now.... tap, tap, tap...

Baby at 24 weeks!!

This week your baby's crown-to-rump length is around 8.4 inches and your baby will weigh approximately 1.2 pounds. Although it weighs a little over a pound at this point, your growing baby is still tiny. Your uterus can easily be felt 1.5 to 2 inches above your bellybutton. The fetus does not appear to have much room in the uterus anymore, but as your pregnancy progresses, space gets much tighter!



Because your uterus is expanding and putting a great amount of pressure on your abdomen, you might get stretch marks. Your weight gain may also be taking a toll on your body at this point. Many pregnant women experience backaches, bladder problems, sore feet and fatigue that affect their daily routines. You might also have some nasal stuffiness or nosebleeds.

Your baby's face is basically complete now. The fetus's eyes are close together on the front of his face and they are still shut. Your baby's ears have moved into their final position on the sides of his head. Where they are now is where they will be when your baby is born! Hair will continue to grow on his scalp and his eyelashes are well developed. Most of your baby's features look the same as they will at birth. Because your growing baby is getting plumper, he no longer has room in your tummy to do cartwheels and somersaults.

Now is a good time to ask about prenatal classes being offered in your area. Many local hospitals offer classes for expectant women and their families. You should aim to complete the classes approximately one month before your due date.

You may sometimes get a stitch-like pain in your side from time to time. It's simply the muscles of the uterus stretching.
the unborn child is covered with a fine, downy hair called lanugo. Its tender skin is protected by a waxy substance called vernix. Some of this substance may still be on the child's skin at birth at which time it will be quickly absorbed.

The child practices breathing by inhaling (up to a liter/day) amniotic fluid into developing lungs.

Baby said, "HI" to Daddy!

Last night baby Gretchen kicked (or punched?) hard enough for Mike to feel - and see! I was laying on my back and baby was very, very active. Mike put his hand on my tummy and didn't show any sign of 'feeling her' until the forth kick. We smiled ;) it's that time again... another baby on the way!

Weighing in...

It's amazing how good it feels to step on the scale and see 163 lbs! So we're 23 weeks (6 months next week) and up 12 lbs - I feel HOT, HOT, HOT ;)

Summer Cali trip pictures online!!

Check out this pictures!! Very cute - WONDERFUL time at home with the family! http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/sharing/shareRedirectSwitchBoard.jsp?token=196266495506%3A961973709&sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=eMail-_-Share-_-Photos-_-Sharee

This is one of my favorites!

It's a GIRL!!!!

We had a wonderful check up today and found out we're on pace for a healthy girl! Due date is still 12/12/10. I cried when we found out and Mike was speechless - baby Gretchen smiled for the camera (ultrasound) the whole time ;)

On to my "nesting" - LOVE IT!!

So I found two patterns/colors I like for the nursery walls. I would like to do wallpaper on the bottom half then molding and a more neutral/subtle color on the top half of the walls - looks like we're going shabby chic with pinks/greens/creams ;)

http://www.americanblinds.com/wallpaper/largeimage/productid,53820

http://api.ning.com/files/-lzQUg6-muo6TMlh5Va4mlxrnl-QAvn72G1c15qbKpzrl0*IDeNZh7IeTdxqvF9hRhC36knwFEyi1cA4*ibpURCemH7Ysru3/greenpais3.jpg

http://www.chemo-hats.net/gabcottons/g402main.gif

VERY EXCITED!!

Update on baby names...

Updated belly picture from our Cali trip! Dyson loves baby ;) 5 months along!! Finding out the gender this Monday! Who are we going to meet in December? Hudson Hetfield Grant or Gretchen Ann Elizabeth Grant??? Hmmmm...