30-Week Updates

It's been two weeks since my last post, but I feel like it's been much longer than that. There's been a lot going on, and I should've been more diligent to post.

I guess I will start with childbirth classes. The first class was just like a lecture. We received a LOT of information, too much to absorb in one 2 1/2 hour session. But, it was all good and beneficial. The second class was more interactive as we practiced breathing techniques and ways to ease back pain. Thankfully, I've not had back pain, but it is good to know about the double-hip squeeze. :) We watched a vaginal delivery video also. Tonight will be our 3rd class. We are supposed to watch a C-section video.

I also started breastfeeding classes. I guess you guys can skip this paragraph... The first class was much like the first childbirth class - lots of info and not much interaction. During the second class, we practiced positions and learned how to swaddle. It's encouraging to know that breastfeeding is NOT supposed to make my nipples sore. I have prayed that Samuel and I get the hang of it quickly so that I am not unsure about it when we get home.

I had my second baby shower yesterday. It was really nice and I was pleased with all the gifts and seeing my friends and family. My dear friend, Robin, from Pearl, MS came up for this shower and it was so nice to see her!
Also, my aunt and cousin from Winona drove over. I was so happy to see them since it's been TOO long since I had. The hostesses of this shower bought us the Graco travel system. I am very happy to have that - mostly because it means that now I can get the baby home from the hospital! :)

I am planning on creating a page that lists everything I've received and purchased and possibly links to pictures of them. Hopefully it will be up soon. I'm also looking into using an online picture album. If it goes like I think it will, I will post a link soon, so you can see the shower pictures and whatever else I decide to upload.

We also took another picture of my belly last night, and I hope to get it up today. This will be my 30-week picture. I feel like I look as big as some women who are ready to deliver, but I am not complaining. I know everyone is different. I was glad to hear someone say yesterday that she could not tell I had gained weight anywhere except my belly. That always makes a pregnant girl feel good!

My next doctor's appointment is tomorrow morning. I have to drink another Coke to have the diabetes test done again. Fun! Fun!

Name Picked Out!

We have settled on a name for our little bambino. He will be Samuel Bryant. We will call him Samuel, not Sam or Sammy or any other abbreviated version of the name.

The Lord spoke Samuel into my heart months ago - before we even knew our baby was a boy from the sonogram in January. Samuel means "asked of God" or "heard of God". I believe this is a significant name - the exact one Father God wants him to have. He will be a child who knows God and hears His voice. Not because I say so, but because the Lord God has declared it by giving him that name. Bryant is a name I ran across in a baby name book that we both liked. It means "strong".

Of course, there is always a possibility (however slight it may be) that the baby is really a girl. If so, her name will be Emma Claire.

I had my first baby shower yesterday. We received many gifts - all of which we needed. It was such a joy to see so many friends. We are really appreciative to everyone for all the gifts and kind words given. We recognize the Lord is blessing us!

This weekend I passed the 28 week mark. I think there are somewhere around 80 days left in this pregnancy. I still feel really well. God has been so good to me! Other than being tuckered out more easily, I have been having an easy time. We start childbirth classes tonight. That should be interesting. Hopefully, there will be something interesting to report on that tomorrow.

18 Weeks

We are now at the 18 week mark. I am still feeling very well. I had a checkup today. Kris was able to go with me and hear the heartbeat. We took the video camera and Kris filmed the doctor finding the heartbeat. It was a very distinct heartbeat, and although she didn't tell me how many beats per minute, it was a very strong rhythm. I wished I could've filmed Kris' face because that was the first time he heard the heartbeat. He had such a big grin on his face.

Other measurements were good. I have not gained any weight since last month which confuses me a little bit. But, I think the time of day and whether or not I've eaten has a lot to do with it.

I've been feeling the fluttering of the baby for about a week. It's really interesting. I always wondered what it would feel like. I can't wait for it to get stronger. Already though, it's strong enough that I can feel some kicks and movements from outside. Kris even felt a kick the other morning. We're really looking forward to the stronger movements - the ones you can see.

On another front, Christmas has come and gone. It is so hard to believe! Seems like just yesterday it was Christmas last year. We had a good Christmas though. We were with our family and had plenty of good food and fun. We also received a few gifts for the baby for which I am thankful. We have a pack-and-play, a monitor system, an ear thermometer, and a set that we can use to hear the baby's heartbeat. It says it usually won't work well until later in the pregnancy, but I will be pulling it out often to try. It also has the capability to record the heartbeat - I am really looking forward to that.

Next month we will go back to the doctor to see the baby and hopefully find out the gender of the baby. I can't wait for Kris to see it. It's such a miracle. I am totally in awe of the pregnancy process. It's such a joy. I thank the Lord every day for this gift.