I was not one to gush over babies when I was single or even in the first years of our marriage. Although I think about the future, the thought of childbirth didn't really even cross my mind in a hypothetical way until now. I am not sure which I fear more, pushing a possibly large baby out (my husband is 6'3") or having a c-section with its painful aftermath and scar.

My co-worker's wife was induced on Friday a.m. and did not deliver until after more than 9 hours of labor on Sunday a.m. only to have a c-section anyway. How frustrating for them!

I would love to have my baby naturally without induction but more and more, I hear about surgical interventions becoming the norm. Don't get me wrong I have no moral problem with an epidural or other pain medications but I am hoping baby comes when it's supposed to because otherwise, it seems to get very complicated.

My mother's labor with me was 36 hours of back labor and the worst pain she's ever experienced. I was just reminded of that this past weekend while I went home to visit. I guess it's only natural that the fear of the inevitable is starting to sink in!

I haven't seen my dad since February when I didn't even have a belly yet so when I see him this evening, I know he'll be more than surprised by my new appearance. I continue to wonder just how much bigger my belly will get in the next two months- I think it's plenty big for a healthy baby!

Another friend of mine who hadn't seen me in weeks definitely noticed the change last night. I even showed her what a pregnant lady's belly button looks like. She wasn't too grossed out, at least I hope! At first my navel got deeper but not now, sadly, it's flat to sometimes jutting out the other way. I had never seen one this way up close or felt it but trust me, the inside of your belly button is very soft and it feels strange to touch.

I find myself patting my own belly or resting my hands on it now. It's just about impossible to eat anything in my lap anymore and it bumps the bathroom sink when I'm brushing my teeth. Friends who have had their children tell me they miss their bellies. I am used to mine but don't think I'll miss it a bit, especially because it means I'll have a baby then.

We are all anxiously awaiting news from our colleague, crime reporter Jeff Starck. He has been patiently waiting for his wife to deliver their first baby and they know it's a boy. I can't wait to find out what they choose for a name. They went in for a planned delivery today because baby Starck is already more than a week overdue. Maybe I'll get him to guest blog about their delivery? I am eager to hear more stories from those who have been there.

Carrie

I am super excited for my first baby shower on July 19 hosted by my sister in law. We registered for our bigger items at the Lullabye Shop in Appleton (where I'm from) and the rest at Target but I've been thinking about the other "essential" items that I want to have before baby comes.

A camcorder is a biggie! Is is easier to get one that records on memory cards/sticks instead of tapes? I will want to do editing so it has to come with software for that. I also would like to stay in the $300 range or so. Any suggestions? I assume you can't go wrong with Sony anything for video. We use Sony professional HD cams for our online videos here.

What are the other must-haves? I know I haven't thought about gadgets to save me time or inconvenience. What can't you live without in your nursery or your home?

Carrie

p.s. Baby is very active now and I love feeling it!

I've slipped into month seven of pregnancy really no different than month six except for a (few?) more pounds. Baby Hutton is about the size of a squash or four navel oranges measuring about 16 inches long and nearly 4 pounds already!

Also this month, all five senses are finally functional and baby's energy is surging from what I've read because of the fat s(he) is now storing.

I really enjoy feeling the movements and sometimes they are strong enough to notice through my shirts now. I have a little rib cage pain but it's dull. I recently rode my bike and I imagine I really looked funny because I had to sort of push my legs up and to the sides of my belly to pedal.

I am still hoping to narrow my name list to 5 or less. I look at every store clerk's name tag and constantly read movie credits for ideas. I'm also getting really excited about baby showers coming this summer.

I haven't found my camera in two weeks since I last used it but my good friend from high school Maryellen took this shot of us together recently in Appleton. She looks so tiny compared to me!

I've read that some expectant mothers have noticed their baby drop as early as 30 weeks. I'm 30 weeks pregnant and the movements have all been very low lately. I also think the shape of my belly has changed so that it juts out more but rests much lower than before.

I hope it's not a bad thing because I know dropping can coincide with delivery and I have 10 weeks to go at least.

From babycenter.com:
"If this is your first baby, this process, which is also called lightening, is likely to occur several weeks before labor begins, though it may happen later."

I wonder what others experienced? I'm not overly worried but curious. Carrie

p.s. Over the weekend, my ankles looked like cankles!

I worked late last night shooting video of some of the Packers playing basketball against a handful of Wausau Police officers. When I came home, my husband had our crib nearly put together! I had started on Sunday but didn't get beyond step one. Assembly is really not my thing! Anyway, it only took him two hours to finish the crib and then I got the bedding and mobile in it to see what it will look like.

It might be premature but it sure is fun to imagine how often we'll use the crib when baby is here. We spent some time just sitting in the nursery and talking about our plans. I still have to move a rocking chair upstairs, get a rug and some softer lighting.

It's a start at least! I'm (ALMOST) ready...

Our nursery furniture and bedding is in! We got a fantastic deal from The Lullabye Shop in Appleton (plug!). I told them they really should consider reopening a Wausau store. There aren't really many other options!

Anyway, the crib is a warm-toned wood with a rounded arch against the wall and angled vertical slats in front. Here's a close-up photo but as I said, I didn't have to pay as much as it's listed here:
http://www.babycribsplus.com/asp/show_detail.asp?sku=YAS8916&refid=DT110-YAS8916

My bedding is gender neutral but babyish I think. http://www.bananafishinc.com/prodpg.php?product_id=689

I am very excited to transform the room we really haven't used when we don't have guests into baby's first room. I just hope the assembly is easy. Once the nursery is all ready, I imagine the weeks will really drag on as I wait for the one who will fill it!

I will post a new belly shot soon- I'm a glutton for punishment!

Carrie

I was reading that the fatigue experienced during the first trimester of pregnancy would come back and it has. I get sleepy in the afternoons and my patience wears thin, (especially when I'm waiting for web pages to load!). I still drink a little coffee in the morning sometimes but other than a caffeine boost, I'm wondering how else I can perk up my energy?

I'd like to try a short walk during the day but it's hard to fit in with meetings and daily duties. I know people who squeeze in exercise over their lunch breaks but eating at your desk doesn't exactly let you savor your food. Any other pick-me-ups that you recommend?

-In need of an energy boost!

I've started to notice the different, gentler way that people look at me and ask or tell me things. In particular, it's no longer, "What do you want to drink Ma'am", it's, "Can I get you a lemonade or water?".

It makes me realize that to the rest of the world now I am obviously pregnant-looking. I don't think I'm waddling just yet though!

I think more people are holding doors open and that type of thing. I absolutely don't mind answering questions about my due date, and whether I know the gender. I enjoy their interest.

Baby weighs two and a quarter pounds from what I read (like a Chinese cabbage?!) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes.

We went to my in-laws in Minnesota this weekend and they hadn't seen me in more than two months so they could really notice the transformation. I also had a really good rhubarb and bavarian cream pie because I don't have gestational diabetes- yum!
Carrie