34 Weeks and Counting!!!

The blog is finally being updated! So much has been happening, it has been hard to keep up!

Carrie and the baby are doing fabulously. We are 34 1/2 weeks now - the end is in sight!!! Doctor appointments have been going great - both mom and baby are healthy and strong. The baby continues to measure a week ahead of schedule but the due date has not been changed. She's about 5 pounds right now and isn't moving quite as much since there is less room in the uterus. We are happy to report that she is head down, facing Carrie's back so she is in the perfect position for birth. Now hopefully she stays that way!

Carrie's weight gain has slowed to her relief and she's really not doing too badly in the weight department. She does feel incredibly big and it's getting more difficult to move. She's trying to take it easy and not schedule so much (which is hard for her to do).

Carrie is grounded. Dr. Less doesn't want her going more than an hour or so from home. He just doesn't want her to have any problems and be too far from the hospital. So much for going to the cabin yet this summer! It's better to be safe than sorry, though.

We figured out our maternity/paternity leave. Carrie will be taking 12 weeks off. Kirk will be taking 3 weeks. We look forward to having time to get to know our baby and settle in to a new schedule.

We've started interviewing day care providers. Carrie called her entire list and only 3 providers knew they would have an opening when we need. Some didn't know yet...we were told by a few to call back in September but we don't plan on waiting that long to get it figured out! We are getting a more thorough list from the county and hopefully we'll find the perfect person to help care for our little peanut!

The nursery is coming along - the crib and changing table are up and full of stuff. Just yesterday we purchased a glider and ottoman. We're almost ready for her!

We'll most likely have a few more entries before the big day but if not, check the blog late July/early August for the big announcement!!! Kirk will try and get a picture up as soon as possible!

Feel free to leave a comment with your guess as to the birth date, weight, and name of Baby K!!!

Carrie at 33 weeks. 

Birth Class

We graduated from birthing class on June 14th! We took a 5 week class at the hospital on the whole birth experience. The class was taught by two doulas - one of which was pro-natural birth and the other was pro-whatever you need to get through it. We saw some pretty intense films - both beautiful and completely gross. Carrie cried a few times - mostly out of happiness! :) We learned about the various stages and phases and all the possible medical interventions. Most of the interventions scared the heck out of us. We also practiced breathing and relaxation techniques. Kirk did very well at helping Carrie relax, and came up with his own techniques, although the teacher didn't think he'd be able to get Carrie to laugh during real labor!!!

We will be working on our Birth Plan based on what we've learned through class and all the books Carrie has read. Carrie hopes to be strong enough to go natural but realizes she has no idea what it is going to be like and won't be too down on herself if she has to get help. The pain has a purpose, though, and the body is a pretty remarkable thing. Carrie knows that it will benefit her and the baby if she can say no to the unnatural interventions. We'll see how it turns out!

We also took a one-night class on taking care of a newborn. We learned about feeding, bathing, and picking up on a baby's cues. It was fun and sweet watching each other hold, dress, and bathe our baby girl doll. We can't wait to take care of the real thing!!!

Here are pictures of our birth class - we had the latest due date but not by much. Some of the guys were funny to watch during the films - they were a bit squeemish!

The mommies showing off their bellies. 

The soon-to-be mommies and daddies. 

BABY'S NEW CRIB.

We got the baby's crib at Baby Depot, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa K. The baby will be sleeping next to us in a small crib at first - we'll see how long it is before she moves into her own room.

Kirk putting the crib together.

Hannah thinks all this work on the nursery is for the birds. 

Here it is all put together!!! 

Baby Shower in Racine

Kirk's parents, grandma, and aunt threw us a co-ed baby shower in Racine, WI on June 3rd. Kirk will be the second cousin to have a baby - his cousin, Rob, has three daughters.

We enjoyed seeing Kirk's side of the family - we hadn't seen some people in a long time! It was great to have everyone together and we really appreciate the well wishes and gifts.

Grandpa, Grandma, Daddy, and Mommy! 

The ooey, gooey cake from O&H Bakery. 

The soon-to-be grandma practicing her skills on Baby Ava. 

Family members - enjoying the cake! 

Uncle Jeff, Grandpa to be, and Uncle Dale (or is it the Three Stooges?) 

More family who came to wish the new parents well! 

The soon-to-be new grandparents! They are so excited! 

Belly Contest - Grandpa wins! 

Here we are - ready to be parents! 

NEW GRASS
Our backyard's grass didn't look so hot, we think because of the previous owner's dog. So Kirk put down new seed to try and get rid of all the dirt patches. This was taken right after he put the seed down.

The grass came in - for the most part. There are still some patches unfortunately but it looks better than it did! 

We have been surprised since spring with all the blooming going on in our yard! Here's our pretty wild roses. 

Single rose. 

Sly's morning routine...cries and sits on our heads to wake us up, waits for us to get out of bed, then makes himself comfortable and naps.  

One of Baby K.'s cool new onesies from friends Carey and Ben (who share Carrie's appreciation for the 80's). And Carey knitted the little booties for her! 

Baby Shower with Friends

On May 20th, Carrie's friends, Melissa, Alanna, and Abigail threw a baby shower at our house. There was tons of great food and the house was just bustling with conversation and baby talk. We had 5 babies/toddlers in attendance which, of course, provided much entertainment. We ate a lot, played some fun games (Price is Right!), and opened great gifts! Carrie enjoyed having good friends from all parts of her life together under one roof and wasn't surprised that everyone got along so wonderfully!

Thank you all for coming and thanks especially to Melissa, Alanna, and Abigail for hosting such a wonderful shower!!!

Alanna and Melissa getting things ready! 

Abigail the Decorator! 

Carrie with the wonderful hostesses - one from each chapter of her life - Melissa (elementary/high school), Abigail (law school), and Alanna (college). 

Lots of yummy food! We had BBQ chicken sandwiches, pasta salad, cucumber salad, ham wrapped pickles, chips & chili con queso, fruit & dip, cake, brownie cheesecake bars, chocolate chip cookie bars, and chocolate dipped strawberries!