Grand Haven

Last weekend we headed west to the Lake for the day. I had pregnancy random desire to walk on the beach and feel the sand between my toes. Thankfully, Brian was perfectly willing to humor me in this outing. Grand Haven is a 30minute-ish drive from Grand Rapids; its pretty-much a touristy town on the water with a long canal into the boat harbor.

It was an overcast day, so the temperature was cool and good walking weather. Also, there weren't too many people out that day because of the threat of rain. We parked on the Main st. and walked along the canal toward the open water. My guess is it was about 1 mile out to the lighthouse and

a mile back to the car.

I got to play in the lake water, which was surprisingly still warmish. We then walked on out the boardwalk to the lighthouse. Brian

was really good at seeing huge carp along the pier; there were even a few people fishing out there. At the very end the wind was definitely more noticeable and I was not surprised to see some of the small boats heading back into the harbor.

The walk was slow going for me, since I'm closer to waddling than striding these days. Poor Brian had to shorten his stride so he wouldn't get too far ahead of me. It was a great time to just chill and talk and enjoy one of the last days of the summer. I didn't feel tired until near the end on the way

back to the car...but my stubbornness prevailed and

I made it. The reward was an excellent meal in a local Italian restaurant.

Just for giggles

Great answers to common Pregnancy Questions:

Should I have a baby after 35?
No, 35 children is enough.

I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
With any luck, right after he finishes college.

What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
Childbirth.

My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
Yes, pregnancy.

Do I have to have a baby shower?
Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
When the kids are in college.

Don't vote, unless you care about the issues...

A friend sent me this you-tube video created to help get people motivated to vote in the upcoming election. I expect ALL of you reading this blog to get out to the polls and vote this year!
Remember, you can't complain about the government if you didn't voice an opinion on who is sitting in Washington.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DtNcNq-TAU&NR=1

First non-stress test

We again headed to the very pink women's clinic for our (now) weekly apointment. This week our usual ob/gyn was not available, so we scheduled with one of her colleagues instead. This was also our first NST.

The doctor was...ok. A little formal, a little stuffy, and seemed a little uncomfortable with a new patient. I totally didn't mind that it was guy, but I am glad I wasn't in for an internal exam with him! Usually, Brian and I have no problem with scheduling with alternative doctors because we only have certain times in our schedules that work. We both totally like both the wife and her husband maternal doctors, who we see for the ultrasound. I'm just not sure I would like being visited by this doc again, unless I don't have a choice. Oh well...live and learn.

The NST was a bit of a hoot. I get to recline in this comfy chair and they hook me up to a monitor with two probes. One is measuring any uterine contractions, and the other is monitoring the fetal heartbeat. They are hoping that the baby is active and that when he moves, his heart rate will increase. While lying there hooked up, I definitely felt like I was "jacked-in" to the martix or at least a video game (although the graphics sucked). Today as usual, I had breakfast and big glass of orange juice, and had hoped that our dude to be jumping around after this food in-take. However, he was pretty quiet except for the occasional kick to my bladder. Brian even tried some belly jiggles to wake him up. I wasn't too surprised, because this early in the day is his usual nap time. In the end, we had enough movement out of him that they were able to see that his heart rate was fine. It was a little weird sitting there with Brian just listening to the heart beat and watching his numbers change...little action, but we were still mesmerized :-) Reminded me of college days when one person was playing the video game and the rest of the gang was sitting around watching and offering advice!

In the end, it was a good visit. My blood pressure is still about normal for me. I've gained a few pounds these two weeks...so I have a reason that my belly kept feeling like it was stretching out. I've stopped drinking the soda, and my ankles have stopped swelling as much. And, of course, as soon as I wasn't strapped up to the monitor, our little guy decides to have a party and his moving all over the place. Sheesh! Already trying to be contrary while in the womb! We'll be back to see our regular doctor next week, and get another NST, and if I'm really "lucky" I'll be on the receiving end of an internal exam as well.

Baby Sign Racer Game

This little game is totally for my sister. It is a matching game between a baby doing the sign language and what word they are trying to sign. I'm totally for having the little guy learn the basics to help with communication before talking...I just know if I'll be able to remember the signs beyond food, drink, mom, dad, potty!

Baby Sign Racer Game

Currently my best is 12 signs right in 12 seconds :-)

And if you need a sign language refresher, here's the link to their dictionary.

Baby blanket ?!

I totally think Magellon would put up with this!