Less than two weeks left until my due date (12/30).  Many women are pregnant past their due dates, so I guess there really is no telling when she will arrive.

This past Tuesday, 11/17, was my 33rd Birthday.  I did wonder if Madeline would make her arrival on my Birthday, that would have been an exciting birthday gift.   David was sick most of last week so we went out to dinner tonight (11/20) to celebrate.

Here's a few pictures from our night out:

I just want to post a quick update. Please note that there are some gross pregnancy details in this post.

I found out today that I am already 2 cm dialated. I will be 34 weeks on Thursday so having the baby now is a few weeks early, I'm not full term until 37 weeks. My doctor is not too concerned, but went ahead and gave me a steroid shot to help the babys lungs develop just in case she does come early. The doctor can feel the babys head when examining me and I am already losing my mucus plug (sorry for the gross details).

The good news is that there is a great chance I will go into labor naturally and won't need to be induced. This means the chances of a VBAC are really great! The doctor was actually really excited by the fact that I am dialating, but it really surprised me.

In other news: Thank you for all your input on cribs, diaper pails, etc, in response to my last post! My mom surprised me and came out last week to help me shop and we ordered a regular sized crib, matching changing table, and rocking glider ( it rocks back similar to a rocking chair). We also purchased a stroller/car seat, crib sheets, and other misc. items. I feel so much better and closer to being prepared. What a relief! Now I am just needing a backup plan incase the baby arrives before her crib. :)

I'll keep you updated on my progress. I think I am going to pack a hospital bag asap and get the car seat set up. Wow, I guess you can never plan these things.

We are very excited, thank you for your prayers!

I made it.  Only 3 months to go.  I am 28 weeks pregnant today.  I am really hoping that Madeline will make her arrival before I get to 40 weeks, but at least there is a maximum time for being pregnant.  I have definitely been more uncomfortable this pregnancy, I'm not sure if it is the position of the baby, or just that my mind was on other things last time, but I am looking forward to not being pregnant for a while :)

I had an ultrasound on Tuesday and the baby is doing GREAT!!  It is really nice to leave an ultrasound in good spirits.  I still have a little fear when I walk in that there could be some bad news, but so far NO bad news.  Madeline is weighing in at 2 lbs 9 oz, based off of her measurements, which is right in line with my December 3rd due date.  She started hiccuping during the ultrasound, which was really cute to watch.  I just can't wait to see her face and hold her in my arms.

I know I promised pictures from our vacation, but I haven't had time to go through them all.  There must be like 150 pictures.  Here's just a few of them, I will put the rest in my online photo gallery at some point.





I have been suddenly feeling overwhelmed with all that needs to get done before the baby arrives.  I know that in the end the baby doesn't really NEED much, but I just want to make sure everything is just right when she gets here.   Plus, there are a few things I would like to make for her before she arrives, maybe some burp cloths and her first Christmas stocking.  Hopefully I can get it all done.

I am looking for suggestions for books to read to prepare me for the baby.  I have heard of "the Happiest Baby on the Block" and "the Baby Whisperer."  Does anyone have any thoughts on these books and/or recommendations for what I should read?  Honestly, I really feel clueless so please send advice.  I get overwhelmed just walking down the baby isle at the store, what is all that stuff?  LOL

My laptop died last week right before we moved so I feel like I have been away from xanga for a while.  Thank you so much for sharing in our excitment last week, we can't wait for more good news and to meet our baby girl in a little more than 4 months.

We finally moved to our our new place in Miami last Thursday (7/31).  We have unpacked mostly everything, but there are still a few lingering boxes around. 

My 14-year old niece, Samantha, came to town on Sunday (8/2).  She will be staying with us until we head to California on 8/13.  It has been fun having her in town.  Here's a picture of David and Samantha having fun this morning.



I feel like I really got BIG these last 3 weeks.  Suddenly I feel like I am 9 months pregnant, but I am 23-weeks today.  I had Samantha take a couple pictures of me today.



We are excited to leave on our trip next week.  With unpacking the condo and starting to pack for our 3-week vacation, we are pretty busy around here.  Hopefully we will get lots of fun pictures on our trip.

P.S.  I have been posting pictures to our online web photo gallery.  To view ultrasound pictures click here

My doctor called in sick yesterday so my appointment is now on Thursday.

Thank you for your prayers.  I am WAY less nervous about the appointment now then I was last week.  The Lord is definitely teaching me to trust him, it seems I should have that down by now.