Praying for a Rainbow

Wow, 30 weeks (as of yesterday) has flown by in a lot of ways. I can't believe we are so close to meeting our baby boy. I had two good appointments this week. At my growth scan on Wednesday, he measured 2 lbs 15 oz, and the tech could even see that he has hair. His heart rate is in the 150s, and he is still very active. I absolutely love feeling and seeing him move. I did find out that my doctors want to induce labor at 38-39 weeks to reduce the risk of another stillbirth. I'd rather not have to be induced, but if it is best/safest for baby boy, that's okay. I also like knowing that he is coming sooner rather than later. Oh, and we decided to announce his name. Introducing...Ryan Joseph :) This shot is looking straight at his face: We had the nursery painted this week, and DH got the crib assembled with the help of our friend, so the nursery is coming along! Here is the crib: We don't have a mattress yet (waiting to see if we get it from our registry), but he w...

I can't believe I have made it to 3rd trimester (28 weeks). I definitely feel like I look like it now. I can't hide the baby bump! Since last time I wrote, we made two trips to OB triage for frequent BH contractions. The first time was the Friday before Christmas, and we had to go back the following Sunday. They monitored me and baby, did urine and fFN tests and an ultrasound and did not see any signs of PTL, thank goodness. I still have a lot BH, but I'm trying not worry about it. My doctor said I don't need to go in unless they are regularly several minutes apart and uncomfortable. I'm just trying to rest when I can and stay hydrated. My last u/s was on Dec. 28. At 26w5d, baby boy was measuring a little bit ahead at 2 lbs 5 oz (61st percentile). In the picture, that is his foot up against his forehead. You'll have to turn your screen sideways...I can't get it to post the right way: And a bump pic from Friday (27w5d):

Last night we read Twas the Night Before Christmas (with Jan Brett's illustrations) to baby boy. It was bittersweet because I knew we should have been reading it to Faith for her first Christmas Eve. We remember her today but are also thankful for the blessing of her little brother who will join us next year.

How did I make it to 25 weeks already? I feel like time is flying lately. Just 20 days left in the 2nd trimester! I had an u/s last week, and baby boy is still growing strong and healthy. I have another growth scan on Dec. 28. Baby is very active! He is flipping around and kicking all over the place quite often. I don't mind because it reassures me that he is okay. My only real complaint is terrible hip/leg pain at night and insomnia. I've tried every suggestion given and nothing seems to help. I can handle it, though, because this will all be worth it when I am holding my healthy son in my arms. Here is a bump picture from a party on Saturday (24w6d):

8w5d 11w2d  15w4d  18w5d  20w0d 22w5d

17w3d ultrasound: Gender reveal! It's a BOY!!! 20w3d: More pictures and a video clip of BB sucking his thumb :) I am in love with this little man and still smile every time he kicks <3

I suppose it would be easier to recap more than one week at a time :) I should also explain that I have had so many u/s because I am seeing an MFM (maternal-fetal medicine specialist). She likes to do them every 2-3 weeks to check on baby's growth and development due to my previous loss. 7w2d: a little gummy bear 9w2d: starting to look like a real baby with arms and legs 11w2d: much more baby-like 14w2d: