Week 23

What an incredible whirlwind of a weekend! Steve & I went to Ft. Lauderdale initially so that I could attend Rachel's baby shower...but then Steve's Mom decided since we were there it would be great to host a shower for Steve & I so that the Florida friends & family could attend.
I had a wonderful time at Rachel's shower and super happy I was able to celebrate such a wonderful day with her. She has the sweetest family and Ava will be loved by many - but that's not a big surprise! :)

It was so great to be able to see everyone and visit. We miss you all very much. The shower was incredible and truly left me speechless. I was blown away by the number of people that came out to share the day with me and even more so by the showering of gifts for this little one! This child will want for nothing that's for sure!

While the ladies enjoyed the shower, Steve was able to spend some quality time with his Dad & brothers which was also great! They spent their day golfing together. No pics unfortunately but according to Dad - everyone played surprisingly well. Few birdies, double bogie's & evidently a fair amount of eagles. :)

Here are a few pics from the shower:

The invite - so cute! ~ All the Mom's & Mom-to-be ~ Adorable favors

Beautiful balloons! ~ INCREDIBLE cake!! ~ Kimmie, me & Grammie :)

We played a few games and shared lots of laughs. I am,WE are extremely lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives and we're very much looking forward to Little Miller meeting you all!

Speaking of LM :) ... this week the sense of movement is developed and the babe can feel me dance & move. LOTS of movement with this little one!

He/she is now more than 11 inches long & weighs just over 1 lb which is about the size of a large mango!

The blood vessels in the lungs are developing in preparation for breathing and the babe's hearing is getting better by the day. Making lots of noise outside so LM will be prepared for all sorts of noises. :) As for me - we were able to make it down to the beach while we were in Ft. Lauderdale. This week's pic was taken underwater courtesy of Bella and her fabulous camera -

Thanks Bella!

Guess you could say it was technically LM's first dip in the ocean! First of many more to come!

Other than growing (seemingly by the day!) I still feel really good. I've started to see some swelling in my feet & hands since the increased temps have finally arrived but it's not too bad. Just trying to keep them elevated & stay hydrated. So far so good. :)

Anyway - we hope you all have a great week! We are home this weekend and have no set plans which is nice...will try to get some things done around the house & relax a bit.

We both need it after this last weekend! :) Love to all!

Week 22

Well this has been a super fun week for the two, or three of us I should say :)

Busy too - but well worth it! Little Miller (LM) is moving all around - active little guy/gal. Most activity is usually around 11am and then really gets going around 6pm. The 6pm one is great since Steve usually gets home right at that time - coincidence? :)

This week LM is measuring right around 11 inches which is about the length of a spaghetti squash.

We are probably right at 1 lb. or maybe even a little over at this point. The lips, eyelids and eyebrows are more defined and the tooth buds are developing under his/her gums. The eyes are formed though the irises still lack pigment...wonder what color they'll be? Inside the belly his/her pancreas is in the process of developing. Lots going on this week. :)

Here's my latest development - ha. No hiding it now!

We were happily busy all weekend long. The end result - furniture! We are both very pleased with the way the nursery is coming along. Furniture looks great and just gets us both even more excited for the very near arrival of our little guy/gal. Who knew it was possible to be this excited about meeting someone! Anyway - here's some pics...

This weekend we are headed to sunny South Florida to celebrate the soon to arrive Ms. Ava Valabek and her Mommy, Rachel. Can't wait to see them and the rest of our Florida family! Hoping to squeeze in some beach time too - we'll see. :)

Enjoy the week! Love to all!

Week 21

This week went by so quickly! Was nice to get to the weekend since we were able to be home with no outside obligations and get some much needed work done around the house. :)

Steve was able to finish up the pocket door project by painting the hallway and it looks fantastic! So nice to have that area of the house back to "normal". :)

Bigger news is the nursery paint! I don't know how he does it so quickly but he got it all painted and we are both very pleased with the way it turned out. The room is super cheery and we both find ourselves smiling as soon as we go inside. With the paint finished up we are going to get the carpet cleaned and then will be able to start moving in the furniture! I cannot wait to see the room with the furniture in it. Slowly but surely everything seems to be coming together.

All very exciting!

As far as development this week, the baby should be weighing in around 3/4 of a lb though our little one is most likely a little heavier than that since he/she was weighing in at 12 oz last week. I am feeling a little bigger this week - guess I should get used to that!

Little Miller is about 10 & 1/2 inches long which is equivalent to the length of a carrot!

I'm starting to notice that the movements are typically around the same time everyday and that's fun - I look forward to it everyday. :) I can't wait for Steve to be able to feel the movements from the outside - neither can he!

After the painting and working over the weekend we managed to get out for dinner & a movie which was great. Trying to take advantage of being able to pick up & do those things on a whim while we can! :) That's about it for this week - we both hope you all have a wonderful week!

Love to all!

Week 20

Halfway there!! We cannot believe we are already at the halfway point of this wonderful experience! It will be November before we know it! Crazy.

This week we had an ultrasound and met with our super cute doctor. :)

Everything looks great - Little Miller is doing all the right things and growing like a weed. Babe measured in at 12 ounces and had a heart rate of 139 bpm. Right on target. Slight curveball came our way in the form of placenta previa. Not totally uncommon and typically found during the 2nd trimester, this means that the placenta is lying across my cervix which could ultimately mean a scheduled c-section in the event that the placenta does not move out of the way of my cervix as my uterus continues to stretch. We are hopeful that as the weeks progress the placenta will move up and we can plan on laboring versus a c-section. Important thing is that the little one continues growing appropriately and so far that is happening. I have to chill out a bit on my exercise routine for the next 8 weeks at which point they will do another sonogram to see what my placenta has done if anything. Least we will get to see the babe again which is always fun :) As I mentioned we are just going to think positive thoughts and hope that things move as they need to.

Now - as far as what's going on with the little one this week - according to what I've read the babe should weigh around 10 & 1/2 ounces but as you know Little Miller weighed in at 12 ounces at the appointment. Not much more so I think we are still running the average. From head to heel LM should be around 10 inches long - which is about the length of a banana.

Getting bigger!

The little one is swallowing more which is practice for his/her digestive system. The top of my uterus is sitting right around my belly button which you can start to see in my pictures. I'm gaining the appropriate amount of weight and still feeling really good overall. I'm a little bummed about having to cut back on my activity level since I am feeling so good but I will do whatever I'm told to ensure everything is ok. :) I have a feeling Steve is going to become my own personal drill sergeant making sure I don't overdo anything. Fun. : P

Hope you all have a wonderful week! Love to all!

Week 19

Hello all! We are back from our Nova Scotia trip well rested and very relaxed. We had an incredible time as usual and really enjoyed our visit with the family. This time around was a little different as I was unable to participate in some of the usual activities such as the rock walks we usually enjoy along Rock & Roll Beach but I will say everyone went out of their way to ensure we found things for me to do as well. What you say? Well - how about Duckpin Bowling for one! Who knew the little town of Liverpool would have a bowling alley!

I did lots of walking while there - which enabled me to really enjoy the beautiful surroundings...

Steve tried out some surfing which was pretty commendable considering the water temperature there that time of year is pretty chilly. Not to mention the weather throughout most of the week wasn't exactly warm. :)
I was really impressed with the wetsuit though I must say. Really did keep him warm - almost hot he said! I'm looking forward to trying this out with Steve next year.

And as for Little Miller (LM)...this week sensory development is working hard! The brain is assigning areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision & touch. Some say the babe can hear our voices at this point so we have had some chats. :) Babe should be weighing around 8 & 1/2 ounces and measuring about 6 inches, head to bottom which is about the size of a large heirloom tomato.

As for me ... I am getting a little bigger everyday

I am officially out of my own pants and into maternity wear which I have to say is way more comfy! My wardrobe is expanding and I am really starting to enjoy my new body. It's a little easier to say that when you actually start looking pregnant! :)

LM's arms & legs are now in the right proportion to each other & the rest of his/her body. The kidneys are making urine and the hair on his/her little scalp is starting to sprout! There is a waxy coat covering the babe's skin to protect it while it's floating for the next several months.

As for me - still feeling really good! Little bit of round ligament pain here & there but overall - feeling great...

Week 18

Welcome to week 18! We spent the past weekend celebrating Father's Day with Dad and the new soon to be Dad as well. :) We all had a fabulous time at the Great Wolfe Lodge in Williamsburg. They have locations in several different places and if you haven't ever been it's definitely worth checking out. Here are the guys coming off of one of the many waterslide rides - this one was known as the Tornado:
Steve as you can see - had a really good time. Especially on this ride which was called the FloRider:

Believe we've seen some growth this week - at least where I am concerned...

This week Little Miller (LM) is about 5 & 1/2 inches long, which is equivalent to about the length of a bell pepper.

LM weighs almost 7 ounces now and is busy flexing his/her little arms & legs. I should be feeling these movements soon - or so I'm told. I'm still not identifying anything as definitive baby yet...but should be soon! The blood vessels are visible through LM's skin and the ears are now in their final position. If it's a girl - the uterus and fallopian tubes are formed & in place, if it's a boy the boy parts are noticeable now but...as you know we won't know about this until November so stay tuned! As for me, I've read that my appetite is probably increasing now which I guess I have noticed? Trying to eat as healthy as possible but have to admit I must have a little something sweet in the evenings after dinner. :) Still, I'm walking everyday I'm feeling really good overall.

Next appointment was supposed to be next week but we will be in Nova Scotia! It's time for our annual trip there to visit with Grandpa, Jane and family. We will also be celebrating our 6 year wedding anniversary! Can't believe 6 years have passed already - but time flies when you're having fun. :)

I'll be doing a double post when I get back since we are shutting down all things electronic for the week and just enjoying some quiet time with family.

Love to all!

Week 17

Hello all! Welcome to week 17. Lots happening actually! Baby Miller went to his/her first concert. Steve and I were given some tickets to Fleetwood Mac last Wednesday night (THANKS DAD!) - what a show! We had a really great time and I hope the little guy/gal enjoyed the tunes as much as we did - well, probably more so me than Steve but - good times had by all...This weekend we are headed to the Great Wolfe Lodge near Williamsburg I believe. Hoping to relax and just enjoy getting away for a couple of days. We are both very much looking forward to it!

What else - the nursery furniture has arrived! That gave us the little push we needed to get the office cleared out to make room for the new additions. We got all the furniture downstairs - and we are both actually pleased with the move. Weren't sure how we'd feel about having the computer desk & file cabinet in the living room but it's actually nice having it there - feels more accessible. Steve got right to work on the walls in the office.

He has them all primed and ready for the new paint which I believe we are hoping to run out this evening to get. Sure he will be anxious to paint as soon as we get it!

The bedding for the nursery also arrived yesterday which is enabling us to go get the paint now. We wanted to have it on hand to match colors a little better. Soon as we get things painted & put together we will post pics of the nursery so all can see. Pocket door is also essentially done! Just have to paint the wall and put the latch on the door! We can start having company over again now :) Ha.

Now for those who want to know - what's going on with little Miller this week. Well, the skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone and the umbilical cord is growing stronger & thicker. He/She can move her joints and the sweat glands are starting to develop! Miller weighs around 5 ounces now which is about the size of a turnip:

All very exciting! Still no movement that I can definitely say is baby - probably more gas bubbles than baby! Soon though I'm sure. I thankfully have Rachel, a dear friend from college, who is also undergoing this wonderful experience at the same time - albeit 6 weeks ahead of me. I have her to ask every question under the sun and she is very patient with me. :) We are grateful for all of you and super excited that we are able to share this chapter in our lives with you...Have a wonderful week!

Week 16

Hello Week 16!
This past weekend Steve and I stuck around the house in an effort to get some things done. Saturday we did spend out & about which was nice. Went to the movies which we hadn't done in awhile. We saw Angels & Demons which we both enjoyed and then had a nice lunch out. Very nice & relaxing day. Sunday Steve worked on the pocket door a bit more and made some good progress there. I'll post more pics on that later. Other than that we just relaxed and enjoyed being home. It was great. :) 16 weeks in and feeling honestly pretty good. Weather lately has me a little more tired than usual but all in all I seriously cannot complain! Here's this week's photo:


As for the little grasshopper, this week he/she is about 4 & 1/2 inches long and weighing in at around 3 & 1/2 ounces. That is equivalent to about the size of an avacado. The patterning of the scalp is beginning and he/she is growing toenails! The little one's heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood everyday which will only increase as we get closer to the big day. The legs are continuing to elongate and in the next few weeks the little one is supposed to double in weight & size! I'm not feeling any definitive movements yet...maybe over the next few weeks as the little one doubles in size I may be able to report some then. My doctor says I should definitely be feeling the little guy/gal before my next visit which will be the halfway (holy wow!) point at 20 weeks. I'm definitely looking forward to that!
Have a great week!

Today we had our 16 week appointment - though technically we aren't 16 weeks till Friday :)

I did get to hear the heartbeat today which was steady at around 156 beats/min - (155-160 is what they look for right now). The only interruption to the the amazing sound of the heartbeat was that of the baby's movements - which were frequent! So I guess the little grasshopper is still jumping around in there. Enjoy it little one - your mansion will become a loft soon enough!

For those of you interested - this week the baby is measuring about 4 inches long and weighs about 2 & 1/2 ounces. About the size of an apple:

The legs are growing longer than the arms now - let's hope more like Steve's length than mine! - and all of the joints & limbs are in motion! Haven't felt anything yet but the doctor said today that I should definitely be feeling the baby move by my next appointment. Baby can sense light now - which is crazy & while the sex is able to be determined at this point, as long as the little one cooperates, we of course will not be finding out. Can't wait for that surprise!

That's all for this week! :) Hope you have a wonderful rest of the week & a fabulous weekend!

Love to all!

Hellooooo June! Just a quick update on the weekend and whatnot.

Saturday we went sailing!

It was a gorgeous day out and turned out to be super relaxing and very enjoyable.

Very easy to see why people who sail are obsessed - so fun!

Definitely an activity we see ourselves doing more of in the future...

We spent the rest of the weekend doing things around the house.

I finally convinced Steve to put a pocket door upstairs in the bathroom: The original door opened into the bathroom and as frustrating as it is now I could only imagine how it would be with a baby! So Steve has begun the process and so far so good:

That's about all for now - will probably do a mid-week update after the doctor's appointment on Wednesday. Enjoy the day!