The Powell Experiment

In the Year 2031

2009-05-20T13:07:00.004-05:00

So, in honor of the fact that Annaleigh is just now starting to venture into a select few of her 3-6 month clothes (and I mean a few only), I am submitting the following pictures and facts. Luckily some of them are some onesies I bought in College Station. The year Annaleigh graduates college, it will be 2031. YUCK! Doesn't the year 2031 sound like something out of a Science Fiction novel. "In the YEAR 2031" Well, if all goes according to plan, she will be wearing the following on a much larger scale!

Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2031

Gig 'Em Ags (notice the thumb :o))

AAAAAAAA!!!!!!

Aren't I cute?

My first Mother's Day (and weekend)!

2009-05-20T12:52:00.005-05:00

It started on Friday. Justin and I both took the day off, took Annaleigh to daycare and had an "us" day. We went to the movies on Friday AM, saw Star Trek, went to lunch, went back to see Wolverine and came home. It was so fun. We had not seen a movie together in a very long time.

On Saturday it was me and the little one. We hung out and just took it easy. It was alot of fun!

On Sunday, it was a great first Mother's Day. I had a long night before, so I ended up sleeping in. Justin got up and hung out with Annaleigh so I could sleep more than normal. When I got up Justin brought me a dozen roses and Annaleigh gave me a single rose. It was so cute! Justin then proceeded to make me an awesome breakfast of eggs, bacon, biscuits and OJ. mmmmm.....

After that we put Annaleigh on her floormat and played, where she proceeded to roll from her stomach to her back for the very first time! What a big girl! Soon after we got my parents and brother on the webcam and talked to them for about 20 min. Annaleigh was talking up a storm and looking right at them the whole time. It was awesome.

After that we just goofed around the house and then went to my in-laws for the evening, where little missy decided it was time to throw a huge hissy fit. She was, shall we say, a little backed up and gassy. Nothing we could do made her stop crying. Mylicon drops did not really help all that much at first. Bicycle pumps, nothing... I almost cried as it was the worst she has ever cried for us. Sweet little girl was in pain. Luckily, the next morning Justin called me at work to inform me that "she pooped!" I was so excited about that, it was sad. Funny how things like your baby pooping makes you happier!

Overall, it was a great relaxing day and weekend with the family. I am amazed every day by how much she changes and grows. I am trying to soak up as much of her changes and milestones as possible. I do feel guilty that I am not getting to enjoy these with her all the time. However, to be a good parent, I also have to be a provider, along with Justin, for this family. So to work I go!

Below are some pics from Mother's Day night:

My favorite pic!!

A bunch of things to talk about

2009-05-20T12:47:00.002-05:00

So this being a working mommy thing is really eating into my blogging time. I hope to write a few entries today and tomorrow so make sure not to miss any!

4 month appointment

We had our four month appointment a couple weeks a ago and she is doing great. 50th%tile in everything. We were told we could start on rice cereal whenever we felt comfortable with it. I decided to hold off a few more weeks at that point. The only thing she is somewhat struggling with is reaching for things. We were told to work with her intently on it and that should come in time. She was also on the verge of rolling over a couple days before the appointment, so we knew this was a matter of time. Besides that it seems like everything is really clicking with her.

Annaleigh 4 month stats:

12lbs 12 oz
16 1/4 inch head
24 1/4 inch length

My little princess is growing up!

2009-04-26T16:37:00.007-05:00

So, the little one has discovered her voice in the last two days. That is she has discovered how to make a new noise. It is hilarious and she has not stopped.....

On top of that, just today she has almost rolled over twice. The arm on the bottom seems to be getting in the way. She is getting to be quite the big girl.

The 4 month appointment is Thursday. I will let you know how that goes!

Look Mommy! I can make new sound!

Also, here are some recent pictures:

Sitting up like a big girl!

Easter Sunday with Mama and Papa.

Jillian and her princess on Easter.

Family Photo

This is what she looks like swaddled. I call her my little burrito.

Remember Sweet Maddie

2009-04-15T12:55:00.002-05:00

So I found this story a few weeks ago, but just saw their updated blog today. The Spohr family had a child who was born 11 weeks early (in November of 2007) and almost did not surive her first few days of life. Well, sadly, Maddie died on April 7th. Her mother and father have both left tributes to their beautiful daughter at the below blogs. (be prepared for strong tears-I cried almost my whole lunch) I can not even imagine what this family is going through, but they are obviously blessed to have such a wonderful person in their lives, even though it was brief.

Her parents are strong supporters and marchers for the March of Dimes. Please donate to the March of Dimes for Maddie and every other child who has left their parents far too soon. May God Bless you Maddie Spohr and family.

http://www.remembermaddie.com/

http://thenewbornidentity.com/

www.marchforbabies.org

www.marchforbabies.org/jilsnakes - for donations to my page

http://www.marchforbabies.org/s_team_page.asp?SeId=535238&si = donations for Maddie's Team Page

Boys, avert your eyes.....

2009-04-09T20:26:00.002-05:00

So if you are a boy and do not want to read about my thoughts on breastfeeding, I suggest you do not read this post....

So I really have had time to think about my venture in breastfeeding the last few days, especially when I am sitting in the pump room at my office. When I found out I was pregnant, I knew I was going to breastfeed for her health benefits and cost efficiency. I had not really thought about the bond I would have with my child.

I love breastfeeding Annaleigh. Maybe because the minute they brought me to her she latched immediately and has not had a problem since. I love the smile she will have when she is falling asleep while eating. It is precious. I love how she folds her hands like she saying a little prayer to God thanking him for her food and asking God to bless it. I love how she whimpers right before she is about to eat and the sounds she makes when she first starts eating. I adore the sigh she makes when she is done eating. I miss those moments during the day, especially when I am hooked up to a machine.

Now that I am pumping 3 times a day I feel like a cow being hooked up to the equipment. Am I grateful for the pump and the relaxing private room my office has in place so I can give my milk to her? Absolutely. But I look forward to Friday, not because the work week is over, but beause I get the chance to reconnect with my daughter, through play, laughing, cooing, talking and even the feedings.

I actually am a little "upset" with my babysitter when I go to pick her up and find out she has just fed her and I have to wait until 8 or 9 to feed her again. Elaine has done nothing wrong, but Annaleigh is just going longer between feedings now, so I get a little sad when I find out I only get to have two total feedings in a day.

I realize I am going to start introducing solids in a couple of months and the feedings will come less frequently, so I am tying to take in all the quiet moments I share with my daughter every day in the morning and evening.

Well that is all I have to say about that. Sorry if that was a little too much on the personal side.....

March of Dimes

2009-04-07T08:11:00.003-05:00

So, I have decided last minute to walk at the March of Dimes on the 25th in Dallas. I know times are tight, but it would be great if anyone could donate a few dollars to this cause. My personal website is http://www.marchforbabies.org/Jilsnakes. You can donate from this. Also, I would love it if someone would join in the cause and walk with me. I had a great time when I did it a few years ago.

Any takers?

Thanks for the support!

3 Months old...seriously ....

2009-03-31T12:28:00.003-05:00

Well, Sunday came and went with little fanfare and then Sunday night it hit Justin and I. Annaleigh is officially 3 months old. My how the time has passed. I will try to post some picture tomorrow in honor of her passing this milestone!!! Here are few for the time being....

NAPTIME!

Chilling out at the mall....

Apparently she was in a very good mood after her diaper explosion...

Hanging out with great-grandpa.

A week of firsts for Mommy, Daddy and Annaleigh

2009-03-25T21:42:00.004-05:00

Well, the Powell family has had an adventurous week!! Here is our little recap.

::SUNDAY::
Sunday was a very sad day for me. I knew I was having to go to work the next day so I cried off and on all day. I swear I held her for hours. Whenever she wanted to nap I let her sleep on my chest. I probably spoiled her a little too much. I had to get all my stuff together for work including my pump set, radio, lunch, clothes, etc. It was a busy evening. Well, I was doing okay at night until I swaddled her for bed. I cried so much. It literally broke my heart, but Justin held me in bed while I cried on his shoulder until I fell asleep.

::MONDAY::

I had to get up at 5:45 AM to get ready for my first day back at work. Well I was doing awesome, not crying or anything. Then I fed her at 6:30AM and lost it while I was feeding her. Justin woke up and helped me out the door and say goodbye to her. I laid her down to go back to bed and Justin had to console me for about 5 minutes. It was also Justin's first entire day alone with her. The drive in was not terrible. I got back to work to a lot of happy people. I spent about 4 hrs going through emails and did some minor assignments. I also found out this week was going to be very busy. Of course, why would anything be any different. By the time I got home, I just wanted to hug Annaleigh for the entire night.

::TUESDAY::

On Justin's second day at home with Daddy, I got up at 5:45 again and went through the same routine. I cried again,of course, but not as long. At work, it was like no one even knew I was gone. I was so busy on Tuesday it was ridiculous. The weirdest thing is that I am leaving at 4:30 now. It is strange. I got home and she was pretty fussy and she fell asleep on my shoulder at 7 pm and only woke up to eat. It was a lazy night for the baby. We went to bed late again because I had to get her stuff ready for her first day of daycare. I cried in bed again....seeing a trend!

::WEDNESDAY::

I got up same time and then we got her ready to go. I got her dropped off, explained all the bottles, etc. and then left. And when Justin gave me a hug before I left, I cried all over again. I got to work and went though the motions. Then came the fun commute to her house. When I got there, Annaleigh was smiling and cooing and talking to Elaine. She did so well in daycare. Overall, it went very well.

::THURSDAY:

Justin took the little one to daycare on his own starting Thursday and I fed her and went off to work. I still cried when I left, but not for long. It noticed it was becoming easier to leave. I realized I was only one day away from surviving my first week, and I was pretty proud of myself.

::FRIDAY::

Same as before with even less tears!!!

Overall, as I reflect back on all the changes the three of us had, I was sad to have these changes, but also grateful that Justin and I have found someone we trust with our child and how truly blessed we are to have jobs that appreciate us and want to have us around during this economy. I am also increasingly impressed with my new found ability to multitask. Somehow during the work week I managed to cook dinner 3 times, take care of a baby, keep the laundry up, keep the house clean, and get her stuff ready for the next day of daycare every night. I would not have been able to do half that stuff less than 6 months ago. Granted, I am only getting 6 hrs of sleep now! My inner housewife is appearing, and I do not know if Justin knows what to think about it (except that he is enjoying the nicely folded clothes!)

Well off for week two in the new and exciting world that is a working mommy!

Daycare chosen!

2009-03-13T11:28:00.002-05:00

Well, we officially hired a daycare provider a couple nights ago. We got the number through a family member whose coworker was going to use her but decided to stay at home. She is really sweet and loves little babies. She was ooing and awwing all over her and Annaleigh was smiling at her and cooing at her when we interviewed her. The lady Annaleigh is staying with only has one other child and he is one year old.

Elaine has been caring for chidren for over 30 years. Her youngest child is Justin's age. She definitely has a grandmotherly feel. The ony downside is her drop-off/pick-up time, but we are working that out with her. I just changed my work hours so I will be leaving at 4:30 everyday to get to Wylie in time. Annaleigh will only be in daycare 3-4 days a week as Justin is off during the week usually, so she is letting us pay a part time fee. It is really going to save us some money in the long run. She is a little more expensive then other lady we liked, but we really liked the fact that she would get more one on one attention.

And on that note, I go back to work on the 23rd of March, 10 days from today. I am very sad about it, but know it is what I have to do. Having chosen a home for Annaleigh does make it a lot easier.

Well, Justin just came in the door with my lunch so I am outta here!

A few new pics!

2009-03-11T22:01:00.004-05:00

Took the little one to my office today. She was pretty cute. The little rain boots precious!

Smiling at Daddy!

Hanging out in her Bumbo...She is not quite sure what to think about it.

Quick Pic - What a smile!

2009-03-08T01:01:00.003-06:00

So Justin and I are currently in College Station taking a couples weekend for one night before I go back to work in a couple of weeks. This is the first time I have been away from the baby for more than 4 hours. Well, Justin's parents are spoiling their little grandbaby in our absence until .Sunday afternoon. Let me preface this pic with the statement. Annaleigh hates the camera. She will smile and talk until she sees the camera pulled out and she either looks away from it or cries. This is why we only have 2 pics of her smiling....that is until she sees grandma and grandpa. We had been gone a grand total of 4 hours and this is what she snapped! Those grandparents have the magic touch :o)

2 months old!!!

2009-03-02T13:56:00.005-06:00

Well, it is hard to believe, but Annaleigh is officially two months old. We went into the doctors for her check-up today. She is doing great. She is still having the major congestion, but they said that is just allergies. She weighed 10lbs 5oz and was 22 inches long. She is now in the 40th percentile in weight and 45th percentile in length. Quite a jump from her 10th percentile weight 6 weeks ago.

The fun part was getting the shots. She was so happy at the doctors office. She was smiling, talking, cooing, and smiling at everyone, including all the nurses and doctors. Justin and I felt so bad because we knew what was coming...the immunizations. They did them all as seperate shots so she has 5 shots in her legs. They brought in two nurses so they could do two at a time. When they did the first shots she looked at us, pouted her lip out and then screamed hard. It was like she was saying "mommy, daddy, make it stop!" I seriously teared up during the second set of shots. It was terrible. Afterwards I consoled her and hugged her for a few minutes before getting ready to go. We did take a before the shot and after the shots picture. They are below.

When we got home she was still really mad until I fed her. Since then she was suprisingly happy, smiling, etc. She is also very sleepy. I decided while she was happy that I would do some tummy time. Within two minutes she fell asleep on her mat. I am also attaching the failed attempt of tummy time below.

Besides that, all is well. Her little personality is starting to shine through. Mommy on the other hand is getting very depressed at the thought of going back to work 3 weeks from today. I am interviewing a daycare/babysitter tonight at their house. Cross your fingers it works out. Also, I have strangely had a huge increase in my appetite over the last week. I guess I am adjusting to breastfeeding some still. It is just weird, because I had to force myself to eat after I had her. I had almost had no appetite the first few weeks I was home. Oh well. So much for losing that baby weight before ordering a bridesmaids dress.

Well, below are her new pics!

SHOTS BEFORE

SHOTS AFTER

SMILING AT MOMMY

FAILED TUMMY TIME

Long Overdue Update

2009-02-19T14:13:00.002-06:00

So, this being a mom thing has really cut into the blogging. I will at least try to post pics as much as possible when the writing suffers. The below updates are probably out of order and mixed up but I am trying to remember everything!

So, the best news of all. She has been sleeping through the night for a full 8 days now. She sleeps about 8 hours at night between feedings. It is awesome, but I am going to enjoy it now, as I doubt it will last...

Right now I am in the process of trying to get her to start napping in the afternoon for more than 30 minutes at a time. That has proven to be harder than I thought. I was trying it without swaddling in the afternoon (as it is art of her nighttime routine), but today am trying the swaddle. We will see if that is the key. Justin and I may try having her sleep one night without the swaddleme and see how that works.

We have started taking regular outings and walks when the weather is good. She is such a good baby in the car and in her stroller. We went to my office last week on my birthday and she was the hit of the firm!

We went to the doc again Tuesday for a weight check and she had another large gain. 22 ounces in 2 weeks. My little one is not so little anymore. She is a whopping 9lbs 10 oz. We have her 2 month well baby check and shots on the 2nd. I imagine that is going to be a rough day.

Justin and I have been seeing her personality more and more. She is smiling all the time now and has begun "talking". Funny thing is when she gets really excited to where she is talking, she spits up every time!

Well off to take care of a waking baby. That nap lasted 3o minutes.....

Some videos

2009-02-07T23:39:00.006-06:00

Her playing with her rattle today.

She really was trying to cry....

A few new pictures.

2009-02-07T23:19:00.004-06:00

Here are some new pics. I attempted to upload videos, but that is taking some work.

Snuggling with Daddy :o)

This is how she passed out on me....

Sleeping and resting comfortably with her toy.

The first person that Annaleigh ever met - our OBGYN doctor.

Annaleigh and I with our cousins!!

More pictures

2009-01-20T16:32:00.004-06:00

Leaving the hospital.

Sweet girl!

Riley watching over the newest member of the family.

Her favorite way to sleep!

Her first walk.

Sunbathing

Looking at the camera.

Her favorite toy!

Long time no write...

2009-01-20T16:05:00.003-06:00

So a lot has happened over the last two weeks. We have just been going through the motions of 3 hr feedings over the last two weeks, and we are both very tired. However, we are enjoying every minute.

First bit of good news - her jaundice seems to be completely gone. The feedings every three hours and boosts of formula seemed to do the trick. Last Tuesday we got the go ahead to pull her off the formula, which we were glad to do because her tummy was not agreeable to the formula. However at that two week appointment she had not gotten back to her birth weight yet. I was informed I have to keep up the 3 hr feedings at that appointment for weight purposes, but we did get the clear to let her go four hours at night. Who knew that would be so exciting, but I was thrilled. Of course, she is used to eating every three hours so we are trying to break her of that. We were able to get her to do 2 straight 4 hr feedings last night for the first time! I was so excited.

A couple of days ago, she started acting like her stomach was really bothering her and she was also acting a little colicky. Well, today at her weight check, we talked to the doc and we think it is what I have been eating. I have been trying to eat better, so I have been eating a lot of veggies and beans for protein levels. Well, duh, Jillian - gassy for me=gassy for baby. We are going to see if that resolves itself on its own in the next few days by what I eat. Cross your fingers that is all it is.

At her weight check last week she was only 6lbs 7oz, but today she was up to 6lb 150z. She gained 1/2 pound all on my nursing only! The doctor said that was very impressive. She said to keep up the three hour day feedings, but I am going to use my judgment. I am tired of waking a sleeping baby to force a feeding. I will not let her go past 4 hrs though. We are just going to use our best judgment.

Other than that, she has been much more aware as of late. She is awake longer and follows us around more. I think she is used to our voices, because when we are in the room she seems to be calmer. I am loving this little princess!

Below is a picture we took a few days ago. We decided to give her a bath and then blow dry her hair. The picture below was the result of her hair drying. We laughed for 10 minutes straight. Especially with the look on her face! I hope to write more as I get more energy.

Annaleigh Update

2009-01-07T20:37:00.003-06:00

My little one is so precious. We love having her around this house. She is a very happy baby in general and even when she is fussy, it is not overwhelming. She has a very quiet cry. She has been getting a lot of love from her grandparents and uncles and aunt.

However, she has been a little on the sick side as of late. We have a jaundice baby!! We have had to take the baby to the doctor 4 of 5 days to get her blood tested and determine her billirubin levels. The have gone back and forth on the numbers. It got high enough on Monday that we had to begin boosting her feedings with an ounce of formula every other feeding to help flush her system out. It tends to be working, because the numbers went down yesterday and we get multiple runny poopy diapers a day. We go back tomorrow and get it tested again. Hopefully it has gone down some more.

Because of the high levels, I have been feeding her every 3 hrs no matter what. 3 hrs from the beginning of each feeding. This means Justin and I get about 2-2/12 hr breaks between feedings. Justin and I operate on 3 hr increments in a 24 hr period. Needless to say, we are tired. I am hoping to move her up to 4 hrs soon.

One funny story and picture: On Monday Annaleigh turned one week old! In honor of it, (and because none of her clothes have been fitting yet) we found one outfit that fits to take her to the doctor in. Well, I got her dressed and she looked adorable. We took a couple of pics and then as I was walking with her down the hallway she had a poopy diaper. Well, I took her back to the room to change it. She then proceeded to do her favorite thing that she does in the morning. She peed all over herself and my hand after I wiped her. Which means she also peed on her clothes. She was in her adorable little outfit for all of three minutes. It was hysterical. I laughed at the changing table for like 5 minutes.

Attached is her dressed up prior to the accident!

Annaliegh Hayden Powell has arrived!!!

2009-01-01T18:18:00.002-06:00

Well, we are at home! And I am moving very slowly around this house. I have to be ever so careful right now. Things seem to be healing very well right now. Here is her story!

This is a very easy story to tell, as it was a planned, perfectly executed section. However, it is still her story.

Annaleigh Hayden Powell - 8:05 AM, 6lbs 10 0z, 19 3/4 inches long.

I got to the hospital at 5 AM. Somehow Justin and I managed 4 hrs of sleep. They hooked me up to some fluids and an IV. While we waited for some blood results I signed my life away. At 7:15 or so in the morning, my anesthesiologist came by and talked about my options. He said due to the low risk nature of the section, an epi was all I needed. No spinal block. He said they would be taking me back in about 10 minutes. It was at this moment, I started crying, because my Justin could not come in until all that was hooked up and I was prepped for surgery. Once I got in there, the nursing staff was amazing. The doctor and his wife (who works in the office with him) was his assistant. It was so nice having her in there. She is a very calming influence. Once Justin came in, the surgery started. It was bizarre and he kept the meds coming until I was comfy. When they started pulling her out (which I could feel the change in pressure in my stomach) my doctor said she was legs first and was definitely a girl, because she proceeded to pee on everything and everyone. And then I heard her glorious cry. She has a very quiet cry at this point still. Then the doctor held just her little head above the sheet and said "say hello to mommy and daddy". I saw her beautiful, perfect face and full head of hair. I have never cried so many tears of pure joy.

They took her to the nurses, where I could see her and they worked on her for a few minutes. They got her wrapped up and Justin got to bring her over to me. It was amazing. He then got to leave and walk her to the nursery while they stitched me up. I could feel more of that, so they just put me in a twilight sleep, until they finished. It was great to kind of wind down. Justin got to hang out with her in the nursery and after a couple days of recovery, we are home. Well, that is her story. Nothing exciting, but very adventurous as I am now looking at my precious little girl.

I will add some more pictures later.

Good Night All!!!

2008-12-28T21:53:00.002-06:00

Well, here we are. My last night at home with Justin and I as the only two around, and it went so fast. Probably a indication of what is to come from here on out.

I am so completely overwhelmed with emotions that I have been on the verge of tears for hours. I have a feeling when I finally lie down to sleep, I will be a mess. I am of course nervous, but more anxious as to what is to come.

I may not post for a while, but thanks to all for all the kind words, love, support, and prayers. This blog has been very cathartic and rewarding as I was dealing with all the ups and downs of pregnancy and my changing life.

I can not wait for everyone to

Publish Post

meet Annaleigh Hayden Powell. She is going to be our world, and already has been for 9 months.

Thanks and see you all soon!

My final weekend.....

2008-12-27T15:00:00.002-06:00

Well, here we are at our final weekend on our own. Justin is working this weekend, but we are going to spend one more afternoon and night together by ourselves on Sunday. It is very surreal to know that in two days our child will forever be a part of this home. My parents came over yesterday and are staying until tomorrow morning. Justin is at work right now, but will be off tonight.

I went to get the fetal non-stress test yesterday and the little one looked great. It would stop registering her heartbeat for a few seconds every now and then, because she did not like the monitor on her at all. She kept trying to move away from it. I am glad we went into L&D yesterday for that, because the nurse gave us a ton of information about what the process was going to be. She also told us to get there at 5 AM instead of 6, because they will need the extra time. They are all super nice up there and really made me feel better about the C-section stuff. Now I just need to talk to the anesthesiologist about what we are doing, either the spinal or the combination spinal/epidural.

Justin and I are getting more and more excited about holding her. Justin said he just can't wait to rock her. He is so excited. I do hate that I may not get to hold her right away because of the spinal, but with the baby being breech, I really do not have much of a choice. I am also starting to get really nervous about the surgery aspect of having my baby, but I know that people do it all the time and I have nothing to worry about. It just happens to be my first major surgery ever.....no pressure. I also know it is going to totally be worth it to see my little angel and hold her.

Well off to continue watch my brother and dad rock out on Guitar Hero World Tour. I will be back for a final post for a while tomorrow. I imagine I will not be sleeping much tomorrow night.

5 days to go!!!

2008-12-24T12:46:00.002-06:00

Well I can not believe we are here. My last weekly update post. I go in on Monday morning at 6AM for pre-op my 7:30 AM C-section. Just in case though, I have to get a fetal monitor test on Friday AM while he is doing another C-section since I did not get two sonos this week. He said it should be fine, but in case the baby is in some distress, we will have the C-section Friday. I don't think that will happen, but just in case I am not allowed to eat or drink after 12 on Thursday or Sunday. No fun for me!!!

Today was also my last day at the office for 12 weeks. As awesome as it was, I was surprisingly sad to say bye to everyone for that many weeks. I really do like my job and the people I work with ALOT. They have been so awesome and supportive over these 9 months. My office was so barren. It almost felt like I was quitting, but I know I am not. It was kind of weird to turn off my computer and light and empty my office of stuff I wanted to take home. Strange I know. Probably just being stupid!!

Also, my mom and dad and brother are here in Dallas!!! Mom got the go-ahead from the doc on Monday to fly, and she was here by 10 PM that night. Jarrett and dad left yesterday AM for an 18 hr drive and got in at midnight last night. I was so worried they would not make it in time for the birth, but knowing they are here is a huge relief. I can't wait for Annaleigh to meet ALL her grandparents, uncles, and aunt.

Well here is what the little one is doing this week. I was 38 weeks preggers as of yesterday.

38 WEEKS!!!!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.

Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)

37 week gigantic belly!

2008-12-19T11:14:00.002-06:00

Look at how huge I am!

37 weeks!!

2008-12-19T11:08:00.002-06:00

I am few days behind but on Tuesday I passed the 37 week mark. Crazy!! I can not believe it. I was supposed to see the doc on Wednesday but he had some major emergency with one of his patients so they decided to go ahead and cancel my appointment until Tuesday the 23rd. According to the sonos I had last week, I am not showing sides of any dilating, so I guess he felt he could wait to see me. I have a sono on Monday and see the doc on Tuesday and those should be my last appointments until we deliver on the 29th!

Here is what is going on this week!

How your baby's growing:

Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, her lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.

Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.