No Adam Lawrence Jr.

Yesterday was Adam's 26th Birthday. I woke up at around one to go to the bathroom and Adam popped up and asked with excitement, "Are you having the baby?" I said "no" and slumped away. This time I was pouting because I knew I had 11 more hours to hold the baby in. Don't be confused I want to have this baby asap now, but if it were born yesterday and would have been a boy, my Adam would have become a Sr. and baby a Jr. Confusing, since you can't even alter the name Adam. I was sweating it out. I was in and out of bed all day since I couldn't sleep that night. Adam teased me that I was laying in bed to keep the baby from coming out, partially true. Later in the day I managed to make more form cookies. We also had an amazing Birthday dinner for Adam at the in-laws. I ate so much I was really worried that baby would be pushed out. Adam got a dart board for his birthday and late in the evening we went down to play. Lets just say I got more darts stuck in the wall then anywhere else. It's fun though. Adam is hoping even more for a boy now so maybe he will have someone to be competitive with him in darts in a few years. I guess this mommy to be was not much competition. Adam also got a book called Fatherhood is not for Sissies from his Aunt Jennifer and Uncle Pete. He will soon learn the truths included in the text. In truth, Adam may be more prepared then me. He is constantly picking up baby reading material and he is like an elephant in that he remembers everything he reads and hears. Yesterday he told me he was going to be an expert labor coach after reviewing the magazine. I sure hope so! This morning is the first day of sun since we learned I was dialated. I was hoping the sun was what this baby was waiting for- we shall see. Until then, the bags are packed and the "game day" shirt is ready.

Still 5

We went to the doctors today optimistic. Our bags were packed and ready and the car seat installed. Then we heard, "5 cm." No change and therefore no labor. I'll be honest, we were both sad. Next visit is scheduled for Monday, but Adam is hoping for a Birthday present on Saturday. For now we wait more. As my one friend George put it, "Keep incubating." Maybe the baby will end up big after all.

Also, on the 16th Adam practiced changing a diaper on one of my old dolls. I think he will be quite the pro (although he still claims that when I am gone he will just take baby over the Grandma and Grandpa Burla's to be changed). We both took turns trying to figure out the swaddling folds. I need to watch the video again. Adam is having a difficult time leaving me to work- he keeps coming home between stops and actually answers his phone! He is equally excited to welcome baby.

5 cm

One centimeter closer. Baby Burla is headed our way soon!!!!! We have another appointment on Wednesday and if we've moved to 6 cm I may be admitted. We are so excited to meet our Christmas present. We are all doing very well here. Adam is really taking charge and staying calm. He is so excited to hold his first newborn and has decided he will be the one to put Baby Burla to bed at night. Grandma and Grandpa Burla to be have also been wonderful supports and cannot wait to be first time grandparents. They have made sure I have been well fed, well read, and had company. Grandma and Grandpa Ramsey are waiting by the phone for news updates. Grandma Ramsey is telling Baby that December 16th is a good day to be born (her Birthday). Soon!!!!

Or Maybe Not

This is what Daddy does to pass some time as we wait. Video games (and tease Mommy!)

He and Grandma to be Burla also dug out the ornaments (Thank you!!!). Adam and I decorated the tree tonight. Baby don't you want to come out and see it? Am I turning to bribes already?

Below: Alright, so I am not in a red suit, but I do look about the right size to come down the chimney.

Haha, silly baby. We were tricked into thinking baby would arrive sometime Wednesday or Thursday, but still no Baby Burla. At least we got some stuff packed and laundry done. Maybe it was the full moon. I keep wondering what the progress (if any) will be at my appointment tomorrow. I had a dream last night that Adam and I went to the hospital today and they sent us home because I wasn't in labor. They did let us keep our bags and carseat there though (haha the dream was very realistic). Daddy continues to wake us up early to get an update on how the baby is doing. Unfortunately (although I secretly love it) Baby likes to keep Mommy up until early hours in the morning already, so Mommy has been trying to take naps to pass the time in the day. Yesterday Daddy woke Mommy up pretending to cry and calling, "Feed me, change me." Call it future preparation I guess. Today he woke me with one of his favorite baby toys- the laughing turtle. Five minutes later we were out the door grocery shopping. I think I was half asleep the entire trip. I will write another update tomorrow. Hopefully there will be something to report. Adam has to go to Kansas City on Tuesday if there is no labor- makes me nervous. 4 hours away is a little too far. He told me he was hoping they just induce me tomorrow. There is also supposed to be a Missouri ice storm coming. This could be a very interesting week!

Could be early!

Well, today was an interesting day. Adam and I saw Baby Burla with the tech through the ultrasound. Baby is now about 5 pounds. It was hiding its face with its hands and being silly. Then Adam left to go back to work while I waited to see the doctor. We were chatting back and forth and then it was time for her to perform my first cervical check-just to see where I was at. Surprise, 4 centimeters! That had both the doctor and I speechless. She told me that she'd be sending most women at this point upstairs to labor and delivery. Since I haven't had any labor symptoms she sent me home to rest and perhaps prepare. Needless to say, Adam and I are in shock and it suddenly hit us that baby could arrive any day. I went to buy some stuff I needed for post baby and ended up forgetting half of it, yup- distracted. Tonight after dinner (Adam's dad wants to take me out for my potential "last meal" pre baby), we had better get packed, catch up on laundry and other household tasks, and install that carseat. I see the doctor Monday if not before. Keep us in your prayers, we want baby to stay in there growing another week if possible to be considered full term.

Another story:
Yesterday, after a long day I came home to presents under the tree. One said to Mom, From Baby. My husband should win a husband of the year award. He had also used tags he cut from the "Little Debbie treat" box to label the gifts. I love him so much. Our baby is going to be so lucky, no matter when he or she arrives.

Catch up

The growing belly!!!!

The belly is often lopsided. Baby has mommy's butt, making the right side bigger than the other.

So, I might be done for the semester. My last night class is tonight; all other assignments are turned in. Adam told me to stay on campus until class since the weather is questionable. As I thought of things to do I decided to get a cup of hot chocolate and play catch up with the blog. Here goes:

Week before Thanksgiving:

Baby Burla and I took the long drive up to Wisconsin to cheer on the girl I coached this fall at the National Meet. Convenient that it was in WI. Good opportunity to spend some time with the Ramsey family pre baby. Prior to the trip we saw Baby Burla during an ultra sound. The tech said he/she was about 4 pounds.

Friday I got a surprise from the team and we ended up at Babies R Us with a gift card. Katie and Meagan helped me pick out some room decorations, special sleep sacks, and "the costume." Adam wants to bring Baby home in a costume, so we found the Snowperson costume. Check out the picture of Raggedy Ann wearing it in the crib. We love it!!!!

Saturday my dad and I went to the meet. I think he was partially there because he was afraid I might go into labor as I moved around the course like a madwoman. I will admit I overestimated my abilities; at least Meagan could hear me. I was happy with her performance and the fact that I did not go into labor during the race. We all breathed a sigh of relief for that fact.

Sunday began with a run with Emily. It was officially my last decent run. After we finished I couldn't move for several days. It was nice while it lasted. Then it was shower time!!!! My mom, Sisters, and best friend thew me an awesome shower. Good company, food, and fun. We are officially the most spoiled parents ever. Baby will have so many wonderful clothes, toys, blankets, books, babycare items, etc. It was so much fun to bring home and show Adam. We finally have things put away and arranged in the room for now. We also completed several loads of baby laundry. As I folded it and left it on the couch Adam commented, our lives are going to change really soon. It was funny to fold such tiny clothes since I am used to Adams huge tent clothes.

Since then baby continues to grow and move. Daddy can now see baby moving in my belly from across the room. It freaks him out-haha. Daddy and I have been spending lots of time cuddling and eating. Adam told me he is eating because he is nervous- I can tell. Adam put baby toys and furniture together over his Thanksgiving break. He announced, baby's toys are already taking over the house. I love it! We spent Thanksgiving with Adam's parents and spent time relaxing.

Adam told me the other day that the baby would be our Christmas present, even if it were late. Adam is going to make a wonderful daddy. We keep telling baby that he/she can arrive any time now. Especially since I am done with school stuff. I guess we have one thing left, packing for the hospital. Adam asked if I were going to go into labor the other night. When I said no, he said, "Are you sure because I don't want to be running around packing a backpack." This led to our discussion about how he is scared about the drive to the hospital. It turns out that this is why he wanted a planned C-section. So he knew exactly when baby would be born.

Adam is getting really ready. He entertained our friends baby with our babies toys the other day and frequently visits baby's room to play. He also watched the DVD Happiest Babies on the Block. He now knows how to sooth a crying baby. He practiced swaddling me in a blanket. I think he will be better at these techniques than me. He also is the genius who figured out how to post the vote about baby being a boy or girl. He was the first to post boy.

At last weeks Dr.'s appointment the doctor scheduled me for another ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid levels, the placenta, and the baby's size. That appointment is tomorrow and I cannot wait. I am hoping this will give us a better idea about when baby will decide to grace us with his/her presence.

My belly has been really sore and sleeping is getting interesting despite increased levels of fatigue. The parents at work now come in and say, "Wow" the belly has really grown in the last week. Adam and I think the same thing. PJ's and Adam's sweatshirts are now my preferred wardrobe. This past weekend we attended the annual Christmas tree party and found our tree. It will be baby's first tree whether he/she is born before or after Christmas. Enjoy the new pictures and we'll write again soon.

Baby's crib

Lots of news to report over the last few weeks. We've been in Wisconsin, had Thanksgiving here in Missouri, finished the baby's room, appointments and more! Unfortunately mommy has been working on papers for school instead of the blog. I will catch up soon. Here are pictures to enjoy in the meantime.