Praying for a Rainbow

I am so excited to have reached 35 weeks. Right now the plan is to induce labor at 37 weeks, so just 2 weeks to go! When I see my OB on Thursday we will hopefully be able to schedule induction for the week of March 10. Last Wednesday we started twice weekly BPP's ( biophysical profiles ). Ryan scored perfectly, so the MFM decided we don't have to keep doing them so often. Starting this week, I think we are just doing them once weekly. I have had 2 wonderful showers in the last 2 weeks, plus another one thrown by some of Joey's coworkers at his office. We have almost all of the supplies we need, Ryan's clothes are washed, our hospital bags are packed, and the nursery is almost ready! Once all of the pictures are hung and we get his nursery letters, I will post some pictures. For now, I will leave you with a 35 week bump pic:

Today marks 32 weeks, and I'm feeling pretty huge! I am just thankful to still be pregnant and feel our baby kicking inside me. Yesterday my parents treated us to a 3D/4D ultrasound. It was amazing! Ryan was pretty stubborn and drove the technician crazy. He insisted on moving around a lot and putting either a hand or foot in front of his face. We got some great shots, though. I had no idea babies opened their eyes before they were born! Here are some of my favorites:

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):

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