It is the final countdown

Happy St. Patty's Day to everyone. This is Nick and I in Ireland a few years ago. Thought it was appropriate today. We officially have 10 days - yep that is right - 10 days to go. I have my green on, hoping baby likes the weather and wants to come visit soon. It is supposed to be 74 here today!

Yesterday we had a doctor's appointment - I am dilated to 1cm and 50% effaced which to most isn't a big deal, but to me it means the end is close. My doctor said she wouldn't let me go past 41 weeks which would be the first weekend in April. Let's hope for a little sooner than that.

We are packed, bag in the car (just this morning), car seat snug and our house is ready. The only problem is our cats...well just Lou really. He tried to claim the bassinet last night and he quickly learned that it was not a bed for him - not a happy cat.

I am getting anxious to meet our little one. I guess it is just a waiting game at this point. Everyone has told me this is the hardest part. I think waiting is the hardest part, but physically I am feeling ok - no complaints quite yet.

We are going to the St. Patrick's Day parade today so maybe the walking and excitement will hurry things along.

Stay tuned!

Amy, Nick and Baby

17 days!

We are soooo close, yet it feels so far away. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and all checked out well...just no progress from baby. Which is totally normal according to the doctor - I was just hoping baby was excited to me us sooner than later.

Here is me at 37 weeks...

We did some major spring cleaning over the weekend...when I say "we" I mean Nick, his mom and dad and sister Erin. They got our house in tip top shape for baby to come stay with us. We also got our pack and play and of course Lou had to try it out for us.

Nick and Grandpa Steve also installed the car seat...very impressive. I work with someone who is car seat safety certified so I will check their handy work before the big day arrives.

Stayed tuned for the good news...hopefully sooner than later, but we'll take a healthy baby at any time.

Amy, Nick and Baby V. with guest appearance by Lou

Nursery and shower fun!

24 days...yes I am counting days now. If you still want weeks then it is 3 weeks and 3 days. Sounds good too. Doctor said all is good at our appointment - I was hoping for a little progress report, but he didn't seem to concerned that we needed to make an action plan yet. Maybe next week...

Quick story...I wasn't feeling the greatest last weekend and thought we might have to make a trip to the ER. While I was on the phone with the doctor Nick changed his jeans. I didn't notice right away until Nick pointed it out after we didn't have to go in. He had been wearing a pair of jeans that are ripped and holey that I am not a big fan of all day. He said if we had to go to the hospital and stay he probably shouldn't wear those jeans. Good call Nick:)

I had two showers last week, one at work and one with my friends and family in Des Moines. Nick and I are very lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives to help and support us. We couldn't do this by ourselves. So thank you to all!

It is hard to see these, but Grandma-to-be's
Shower hostesses, Lindy, Megan, Amy and Jenny

Here are a couple of pictures of then nursery almost complete. I haven't hung anything on the walls yet, kind of waiting to see what the little peanut likes - sports or girly stuff:) I do have one picture on the wall. It is a poem my Grandma Wieland made before my dad was born. My Aunt Nancy gave it to me and it fits perfectly in the room.

Lou doesn't understand the concept of baby's crib yet. We caught him in there and of course had to take a picture before shooing him away.

Should be interesting when baby comes home to see how Lou and Fiona react.

Love,

Amy, Nick and Baby V.

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