12 weeks to go!

I went in for a check up on Monday and I am measuring right on track. The baby's heart rate was 142. I have definitely grown a lot since my last appointment. The doctor said I was growing normal, but more and more people notice and comment now.

We had a great Christmas between Cedar Rapids and Wisconsin. We got to see all the relatives and show off the baby bump. Baby V is going to be one spoiled child if next Christmas is anything like this year. We are very lucky to have family that cares so much and gives us great gifts! Notre Dame and Packers gear will be a staple item no matter the gender I am afraid.

Here is a picture of me at 27 weeks before Christmas Eve service. During church my shirt moved from Baby kicking me. First time I noticed it through my shirt so I had Nick staring at my stomach seeing if we could see it again. Baby is very active and likes to punch/kick me when I am not paying attention.

I am almost officially in my 3rd trimester at 28 weeks! We will have our crib soon thanks to Grandpa Dave and Grandma Lois. I also got my Snoogle which has been great the last few nights for sleeping.



Amy, Nick and Baby

99 bottles...or days to go!

I am 26 weeks and have broken the 100 day mark. I can't believe how fast everything has gone. I just hope it continues, but I know I am looking at the hardest and most uncomfortable part coming up.

Here is a picture Nick took last night...26 weeks and growing hourly. Last dr. apppointment the heart rate was 136, lowest it has been, but still normal.

I can tell you baby has been punching and kicking up a storm. Sometimes it startles me how hard it kicks, jabs, jumps or whatever it is doing in there.

We bought paint for the nursery - green! We have to be gender neutral. We'll accent with pink or blue later. I have sold several items in my nesting phase on Craigs List so we actually have room to bring this baby home.

We are heading for our annual trip around the midwest next week for Christmas. First stop is Cedar Rapids and then to God's country - Wisconsin. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

Merry Christmas to you all from the Varcoes. We are so blessed to have our families close to us this year in our exciting adventure. Thank you also for all the cards this year, we'll be sending out a birth annoucement so consider this your holiday card:)

Love,

Amy, Nick and Baby V

More babies!

Last weekend I attended a baby shower for my college roommate Lindy. She is expecting her second child in January and it is a boy. We went through the whole shower and we decided to take this photo with our other two roommates from Wartburg Rachel and Amy.

As we were taking the photo they turned to me and said there is a reason we are all taking this picture together...we are all pregnant!!

I am due in March, Lindy - January, Rachel - June and Amy in July.

We just laughed at 6 almost 7 years ago graduating from college and now all pregnant at the same time. You thought we were inseparable then...people would make fun of us knowing we were all pregnant and think we planned it this way. I couldn't be more excited to have our kids potentially all in the same grade. Maybe they will all go to Wartburg too!

Amy

Thanksgiving and Shopping

Baby Varcoe had a great Thanksgiving this year in mom's belly. At one point I think baby was full, but mom wasn't, so we had to take a break in eating. Grandpa Dave and Grandma Lois came to Des Moines and we celebrated with Eric and Susan and Susan's family.

Black Friday came early - first time for Nick and I. 5:20 we rolled out of bed and headed out on the hunt for a TV and ended up with a rocking chair and ottoman for the nursery. Oh how things have changed. We did attempt to get the TV at Target, but that was just plain crazy and they were out soon after the doors opened. Off to Babies 'R Us we went and purchased our chair.

Lou in Baby's new chair...I had to cover with a blanket since he is a little sneaky like that.

All our Christmas stuff is up and Baby V. even has their own stocking. My dad has been here all week framing our basement...with only a few set backs - including a leak in our pipe that we didn't know was there. Thanks Dad!!

I need to add some photos when I get a chance of the basement coming along very nicely. Here is one photo of my dad and his siblings with Grandpa Wieland at his 90th b-day party.

Amy, Baby and Nick

Baby meets extended family

I am 22 weeks this weekend and people are actually noticing my "bump". I don't mind, except people who don't know I am pregnant thinking maybe I ate too much prior to Thanksgiving.
Oh and I have really felt the baby moving around. For about a week baby thought it would be fun to wedge a limb under my rib and just sit there. It was very uncomfortable to say the least. Baby has been punching and kicking away which is kind of a weird feeling, but glad to know it is growing and moving.

Last weekend was Baby Varcoe's Great-Grandpa Wieland's 90th Birthday party in Wisconsin. It was a lot of fun to see the whole family and share our baby news with those we rarely get to see.

This is me, my Godfather Merrill and Nick at Grandpa Wieland's party.

I'll add more pictures when I get them. My dad is helping our finish the basement right now too. We have it insulated and will begin putting the studs up next weekend. We'll take all the free labor we can get!

I also think it might be too early to really say I am nesting, but last night I found myself on the kitchen floor arranging the pots and pans in the cubboard. Must be the burst in energy I have had lately.

Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

Amy, Nick and Baby Varcoe

One little foot with all the little toes

I am 21 weeks and doing very well. I even stayed up the other night until 10:30 on a week night. If you ask Nick this doesn't happen very often. I had the stomach flu earlier this week, no fun!

We had a check up today and we saw the cutest foot and all the little toes to go with it.

Here is another picture with the profile of the baby. Their face is nuzzled in next to the placenta so it is hard to get a front view.

Baby punched itself in the head right away and had its hand next to its face the whole time. I am wondering if this is something it will continue to do after it is born. Maybe a comfort thing...all in all very amusing.

I think I have felt it moving, but just a little. I know for sure a couple of times, but others I think I am not even paying attention. Heartbeat was 141, the lowest it has been, so it must be pretty relaxing in my belly. :)

Don't forget to vote if you think it is a boy or girl on the poll.

Until next time...

Amy, Nick and Baby V.

Baby V.'s Anatomy it is the new Grey's Anatomy

Today I am 19 weeks and growing bigger each day. I had to actually start wearing my Bella Band this week with a few of my pants. A Bella Band is something that is like a tube top but you wear it around your waist so your regular pants can be unbuttoned without anyone knowing. Best invention out there - so far.

We had our "anatomy" ultrasound today where they measure all the limbs, check the heart valves and measure the head, look at all the organs to make sure baby is growing right on schedule. They showed the heart pumping in and out and even had red and blue color on the screen. All looked "perfect" said our doctor.

Baby Profile

Baby Spine - twisting and turning around

Nick and I had to shut our eyes and turn away while they were doing some measurements that might have let us see what gender our little one is. I told Nick it is like Christmas presents...you want to know, but the surprise is so fun!

Baby was very active today so it got a little harder for the ultrasound tech as our appointment went on...I guess baby was done being on the big screen.

love,

Amy, Nick and Baby V.