Beautiful baby update: 32 weeks

Here's the latest peek at our beautiful baby boy. Isn't the picture amazing? Look at those alert, open eyes! We had a checkup today and all is well. He was busy wiggling, waving, yawning, sucking his thumb, and generally showing off. He's about 4 pounds, 10 ounces. The ultrasound tech said he would probably arrive at 8 pounds, depending on unpredictable growth spurts. The doctor said 7 pounds. Either way, both said he looked great. He also has just a tiny bit of hair at this point. (So, we're expecting peach fuzz like Erik had instead of Anna's crazy, spiky do.)

We will get a few more glimpses at our little guy before we get to hold him. Due to my advanced age (even the doctors' roll their eyes at this label) there will be weekly ultrasounds during the last month of the pregnancy -- the biophysical profile.

The whole family came along for the appointment today. Erik and Anna behaved very well and enjoyed getting a look at their brother. Anna was wondering if he was coming out yet, though, and Erik turned toward the assortment of kids' books in the room once he'd had a good look at Baby's face. They also enjoy every opportunity to see the fish in the waiting room since Nemo appears to be one of them.

Since this was a middle of the day appointment, Jamieson took the day off and used the morning to paint Baby's room. It was a painfully boring white. Now, it's a cheerful shade of light green. So is the side of Erik's face. He helped Dad a bit. Perhaps the green distracts from the bug bites on the other side!

As if the baby activities weren't enough to fill our day, we had several other things going on. The kids had their last session of swimming lessons this morning. Anna was proud of her participation certificate. Erik was also pleased with his report card. Unfortunately, the instructors thought his name was "Lucas." (He mentioned that they were calling him that earlier in the week, but never worked up the nerve to correct them. So much my boy.) This afternoon, Erik had a birthday party for a friend and Anna and Daddy went out for dinner on their own. I've been up since roughly 4:30 a.m. when the birds decided to serenade us right outside the window. After attempting to sleep for awhile, I gave up, got up and took a walk. So, now everyone is completely exhausted, but it was a very good day. Praise God for little miracles of all sizes!

Baby Boy playing peek-a-boo -- arm in front of his face

Zoo triumphs and tribulations

Erik and Anna near Chris Kratt, and that was good enough!

In the past month, Erik and Anna have developed an obsession with the PBS kids' show Wild Kratts. It's sort of educational, as TV goes. They do get introduced to new animals and their characteristics with each episode, but it's probably more appealing because it's the most superhero-like show the kids see. For all they know, TVs only broadcast PBS Kids. 

So, last week, they were very excited to notice a commercial at the end of the show announcing the Kratt brothers appearance at Brookfield Zoo. Since we have a membership and Sunday was such a beautiful day, we decided there was no harm in trying to get a peek at their favorite TV stars. After church, we packed up a lunch and headed down the highway. Since my kids are hardly alone in their obsession with all things Kratt, we were well aware the zoo would be crowded. Jamieson predicted it would probably be like seeing the Beatles for preschoolers. Yup. 

Even aware of the likelihood of teeming masses of families, the Brookfield Zoo is beginning to loose our love a bit because of its parking lot issues. Last time we were there was another beautiful day. Unfortunately, almost everyone in the park noticed an impending storm approaching and attempted to leave the lot simultaneously. There was ONE lane open to exit. No traffic guidance, no emergency gate opened, just one stinkin' open lane and hundreds of hurried minivans. Grr. 

Sunday, not any better. Not in the least. First Avenue moved at a crawl to get IN to the lot, which wasn't very surprising. The traffic volume wasn't our problem. (Problem: people who zoom up on everyone's left and try to merge in front of more patient drivers right in front of the zoo entrance. Did you fail the lining up portion of the kindergarten curriculum??!!)  All the gates were open and extra employees were helping cars move through the line. Once money was paid, though, it was chaos. There were, maybe, three college kids in the whole lot vaguely directing vehicles. All standard spaces had been taken and people were resorting to creative parking styles. We kept wondering if the zoo is even aware of how many parking spots they have, or if they care. Ironically, by creeping ALL the way around the lot, we somehow ended up with rock star parking near the main entrance thanks to a family leaving who had the decency to give us a head's up that they would take awhile to load (not a problem) and waving away other drivers who approached the spot. Bless them. So, Brookfield Zoo, unless you're in cahoots with Metra, would you please get a handle on your parking situation, because it is appalling. 

Once we were in, we had enough time to get over to the West Mall where the Kratts would be doing a performance at 1. We were probably in the middle of the pack. Good enough seats if you're an adult; frustrating seats if you're a kid. Once it sunk in that we weren't going to get any closer to seeing their heroes, the kids waffled between wanting to stay in case the guys ran by again, and wanting to get out of the crowd to see real animals. (If I had a super power, it would be the magical ability to become one of those extroverts who feed off the energy of a group. Sadly, I have super introvert power, in which more than three people in my space at any one time makes me want to run away and hide. Sigh.) 

Basically, we saw enough of the Kratt brothers from a distance for the kids to feel like they saw them. We avoided the crazy, crazy line of people waiting for autographs. (Does an autograph matter when you can't yet read?) Then wandered the zoo thinking yet again that the kids would be happier at the neighborhood park and/or the pet store. I love the Brookfield Zoo, but I can't help but feel that the sensory overload for the kids isn't quite the fulfilling family experience we would like it to be. The kids want to literally run from one area to another. We grown-ups get stressed trying to keep an eye on them. They get irritated that we aren't seeing EVERY animal. The good thing about having a membership is that there's less pressure to see every part of the park since there's always another day to see another creature. Yet, based on the amount of love the kids have for the ducks -- the ducks! -- we parent folks are wondering if it's worth the drive. 

Here's what we have discovered at the zoo: the kids really like swimming things. At each visit, they never miss a chance to see the seals, sea lions and dolphins. Instead of darting from place to place, at those pools, the kids do stick around awhile to really enjoy the animals. Why? Maybe that's a less crowded area where they can get a clear view. Maybe they respect animals that love water as much as they do. Maybe watching the water is soothing for their over-stimulated selves. Not sure. Since Anna kept telling the ducks to go into their pond, maybe the water fascination is key. Anyway, the zoo certainly isn't a waste of time, especially on a beautiful day. It does, however, help us clarify what the kids really like and what they really need to have a good time. Answer: space to run and something interesting to watch. Fortunately, that's easy to find closer to home. 

Checking out the bison

Have pity on a pregnant mom and help a great cause!

As most of you know, in late 2008 my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She responded well to treatment, surgery and chemotherapy, and has been cancer free for two-and-a-half years. Praise God! Because Anna was an infant while Mom was going through treatment three hours away, there was little I could do to help her and Dad at the time. That’s why I didn’t hesitate to say yes when a friend asked me to join her Relay for Life team in support of the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society works to help people avoid cancer, heal from cancer, and find cures for cancer. The society’s Relay for Life of Kane County will be held June 24-25 in Geneva, Illinois.  At Relay, teams of people will camp out at Elfstrom Stadium and take turns walking or running around a track. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the overnight event. That’s where I’ll be and that’s why I need your help.

I know everyone keeps a close eye on their budgets. We all have bills to pay and our preferred charities to support. So, while this is a request for a donation in support of my participation in the Relay for Life, I understand if other commitments keep you from doing so. However, if you do have a few dollars to you could contribute toward the efforts of the American Cancer Society’s work, I would consider it a tribute to the most amazing woman I know, my mom. She faced cancer without complaint and continues to serve her family and community in so many ways. She is an inspiration!

(For what it’s worth, your support would also do wonders toward motivating me as I waddle around the tract at eight months pregnant. Think of the amusement value for the other participants!)

If you’d like to contribute, you can access donation information at  http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY11IL?px=19065558&pg=personal&fr_id=30727  Thank you for taking the time to consider supporting this effort. Thank you even more for your support of our family in so many ways.

Baby update: 30 weeks

All is well in baby land. I had a check up this morning and there were no concerns. Well, I continue to be concerned with my impressive weight gain, but the doctor says I'm skinny. Love her! My blood pressure was a bit high, but we agreed that having my morning espresso just before the appointment probably bumped it up a bit. Baby's heart rate was easily found and thumping along at 138. My belly size is measuring just right for this point in the pregnancy. My next appointment will be in two weeks and will include an ultrasound. There will be a few extra tests toward the final month due to my "advanced maternal age." Grr. I'll be properly annoyed by those later, but I chose not to think about it today. So, for the time being, all is well. 

Baby is in near-constant motion. I'd love to know what he really thinks about the sounds that make him wiggle so much. For example, the organ at church last night set him into a fit of dancing. Was that a happy dance or would he prefer a little less noise? Around here, that's not likely to happen what with the older kids perfecting their wild animal noises lately. Enjoy, little guy!

While I'm on the topic of babies, I might as well mention how completely confused I am by maternity clothes. Really, it shouldn't be too complicated and, of course, I should have something as basic as clothing figured out by this point in my mom career. Still, I don't know what's going on with maternity pants. Half the ones I own have a mysterious, impractical loop on the side. Is supposed to be a drawstring? A suspender? Not a clue. It's just there to itch, near as I can tell. Other pants have adjustable snaps and buttons that refuse to stay in place. Could you put buttons on a pumpkin and have them stay put? It doesn't make a crabby day go any better when I spend much of it fighting with my garments. So, my one pair of extra large, elastic waist shorts from the non-momma side of Target will be my wardrobe staple of choice this summer. Sigh. As long as I'm not still wearing them next summer!