30 days and counting...fast

I added a new poll so make sure you vote when you think Baby Varcoe will arrive. It looks like we are split 50/50 on the gender...those are the odds so I didn't gain any insight through this scientific poll.

We had a doctor appointment yesterday and we have officially graduated to seeing the doctor every week until baby comes. The doctor was great and told us baby's head is in the right position so that is one less thing we need to worry about. Heartbeat was a strong 140.

Nick sent directions to the hospital out yesterday to our immediate family and all of our parents emailed back wanting to know if this was something for immediate use or future. We had a good chuckle and think they might be a little excited. It was just a drill, but in a couple of weeks start carrying your cell phones with you.

Me at 36 weeks

I can't believe how fast everything goes, except at 4 a.m. when the clock doesn't move and insomnia sets in, oh and some pain. All getting us ready right?!

I am feeling good, not great, but good. Tired, exhausted and uncomfortable, but I can do this for another 4 weeks...well I really don't have any choice.

I have a baby shower at work on Friday with my co-workers and then one with my friends on Saturday - then I will be ready.

Love,
Amy, Nick and Baby

Photo Montage

Here is the bump growing in quick time.

Day we found out.

14 weeks 22 weeks26 weeks
27 weeks
30 weeks
34 weeks

Only 36 days to go!! Maybe we will meet Baby Varcoe before, but if it is anything like its mom, we might be looking at an April baby:)

Amy, Nick and Baby Varcoe

34 weeks and counting

Only 6 weeks to go and I am getting ready. I am not necessarily ready for the baby quite yet, just ready to be comfortable again and in the mode of "Nick it is time to go!" Not quite there yet. I had my 34 week check up yesterday and baby's heart rate was 145 and I am measuring right on. The doctor said I had to keep the baby in 3 more weeks for sure and then he doesn't care when I have it.

I am getting fairly uncomfortable. I said something I never thought I would last night going to bed to Nick. I told him I don't like getting ready for bed or going to sleep anymore because it is such a process. I seriously love to sleep and nap so this is a hard thing for me to get used to.

34 weeks

My new shirt Nick got me "Expecting a wee leprechaun!" Due in March

We also had our baptism class on Sunday so we are set with the big guy upstairs. They talked about full immersion with the baby, I think Nick likes that idea! I said I can't do it I am not Catholic and he said he couldn't because he can't swim. So I think we will stick to the traditional water on the head way.

Love,

Amy, Nick and Baby

We passed the class...I think.

Nick and I had our childbirth class on Saturday at the hospital and we both walked out saying it was worth our time. I feel a lot more prepared after the class, at least that Nick knows where to take me.


Funny part of the day was I had to go to the bathroom and Nick said just go now. I told him to fill me in on anything when I got back. I just happened to leave during the live birth video. oops! I wish I could say I planned it, but not the case.


We went to Target the next day and picked up some essential items that Nick would have fumbled finding for me after the baby. I am trying to get as much stock piled so we don't have to stop on the way home from the hospital.


Here is a picture of me at 32 weeks. Only 7 to go after this week and we learned that they won't let me go past 41 weeks. At least I have a end point:)

I will keep you updated on our progress in the nursery and with Baby. Baby has been very active and likes my ribs a lot. Sometimes it feels like they are playing on the monkey bars with my ribs. And sleeping has just become a chore...not fun. I seriously used to be able to sleep anywhere, any time...now not so much.



I'll post more soon!

Love,

Amy, Nick and Baby

Lou ensuring fine craftmanship of the crib.

I have 8 weeks to go and the crib is ready. I go back and forth about being ready or not. Some days I feel like we have all the time in the world and others I feel like the baby will come tomorrow and we won't be ready. At least now the baby will have a place to sleep...even if a feline friend isn't ready to share.
Lou supervising Dad again to make sure it is sturdy.Night shift manager Lou on watch.

We are taking one day at a time and know in a few weeks all the planning in the world won't matter.

Love,

Amy, Nick and Baby Varcoe with guest appearance by Lou

30 weeks and my first shower!

I have a lot of pictures to share. We painted the nursery as much as we are going to until we get all of our "stuff" situated. It is green and white and I put the chair in there to make it look somewhat like a room. Here is me at 30 weeks. Growing right along and learning that I just may not be comfortable in bed, in the car, on the couch, etc.

I had my first shower in Cedar Rapids this past weekend at my in-laws house. It was so fun and everyone was so generous. I can't believe all the stuff we got...now I just want to put it all away and organize it. Here are some pictures from the shower.

Baby Varcoe and Nick now have matching Notre Dame blankets they can lay on the floor with. Nick's Aunt Shelia made this for us and made one for Nick about 20+ years ago that is a full size blanket with ND on it.

Lots of bath stuff so this baby will be nice and clean!

We also got our stroller and car seat too...see the sequence of pictures of Nick putting it together. Notice what is on TV...golf.

Reading the instructions very diligently. Nick we aren't done yet...Zach Johnson was leading the tournament and it was just so distracting:) Lou supervised the whole time to make sure Dad stayed on track.
Complete! Proud Dad!

Good for mom too!

We are less than 10 weeks away for the arrival and as you can tell we are busy making sure we have everything ready for baby to come home to.

Thanks again to everyone who came to the shower on Saturday!

love

Amy, Nick and Baby V.

Christmas photos and updates

I have a quick funny story...Baby has been moving like crazy lately. Every time I say hey Nick, come feel the baby move - it stops. It has happened so much it is a running joke that Nick is going to be the disciplinarian. Mom is going to be the softy.:)

We had our last ultrasound last week and all looks perfect. Baby's foot is 5.6 cm. I feel that foot a lot and it seems a lot bigger than that in my ribs. Heart rate was 136...very consistent the last few appointments. I drank the glucose test solution and all is good with my blood sugar, so no diabetes to worry about.


We painted the nursery last weekend, when we are all done with touch ups I will add pictures. 11 weeks to go...


Here are a few pictures from the holidays...

Hilson clan

If anyone knows my dad he takes a lot of pictures...

Varcoe family