Visit from Grandma & Opa + Shower

We had a long weekend with soon-to-be Grandma and Opa Ziegler. They were especially good about relaxing by the pool or in the A/C with me and it was nice to have the added company. They both got to play Dad's favorite game with HBW, which constitutes pushing on his/her foot and feeling it move around the right side of my belly. The next time they come to Tulsa, the Weiland's will be "3" (+4 if you count Leo)!

With family in town we opened the shower-by-mail gifts that have arrived so far. It was very fun to read cards and messages from many you. We are really looking forward to letting you all know when Baby Weiland makes his/her debut. An extra special thanks to Aunt Sarah for organizing the shower!....and one of the special gifts from the Gibb's, a T-shirt that read "My Dad Is Cooler Than Your Dad".

Preferred Mode of Transport

Contrary to the attached photo, I am still walking these days. Although the grocery store greeter has offered me the electric cart twice in the past month. (The first time I was unintentionally snotty in my negative response and felt bad afterward.) The Okie heat aside and normal final month discomforts, I am really feeling good. I've told a number of you this already (skiers you'll relate), every morning feels like the morning after your first powder ski of the year. Yoga and walks on the treadmill continue to energize me and help me sleep better at night.

Last week we found out that our HBW is truly Healthy. Yep, the doctor actually cringed when she told us our baby was weighing in quite large by ultrasound estimates. Just what every first time Mom facing labor wants to hear:) At this point, we are still on with our mid-August due date. Off to Doctor this afternoon for our weekly check-up........

33.5 Weeks, June 28

I'm folding up clean onesies and baby socks this morning. It is very strange to see these little clothes in our laundry basket. We finished up birthing class last week and have our birth plan and hospital list ready to go (Ipod/station for Mom, sandwiches for Dad:). HBW slowed down in the past week which gave us some concern. We went through an hour of being hooked up to the fetal moniter on Tuesday. HBW was not cooperative for the first half hour but kicked in for a final 30 minutes with great results. After passing this test we were thankful to be heading home.
We are looking forward to a visit from Grandpa & Grandma Z in a couple of weeks. Mom is a little stir crazy not traveling for work and feeling pretty slow these days. Workouts are down to (slightly) brisk walks on the treadmill and yoga. I work up a sweat everytime:)

30 Weeks, June 5

We are ten weeks from HBW's due date - although they have warned us in birthing class that 1st timers usually go 8 days late. Mom is still feeling good and exercising regularly (modified), although her cravings for ice cream have increased with the 90 plus degree weather we have been "enjoying" since Memorial Day. HBW continues to measure and weigh right in range. Lately he/she has gained the strength to suprise Mom with some solid jabs to the ribs. Dad thinks this is funny.......

Virgin Pina Colada Please

At 27 weeks HBW enjoyed Mom and Dad's last hurrah in Miami and the Keys. A full day in the Everglades National Park, HBW loved the fan boat ride and numerous alligators but definitely tired of the various hot walks through the many ecosystems (or at least Mom did). We relaxed in the Florida Keys, including a fantastic offshore reef snorkel - proving that the pregnant belly provides the perfect handle for your arms/hands while floating with the sealife. Thankfully our hotel had great virgin pina coladas and super view of the ocean. Ending the trip with a night in Miami, we spent an afternoon on the infamous South Beach. The crowd lived up to its reputation - its a good thing HBW was still in utero!

Nearly 26 Weeks

HBW is nearly 26 weeks. The mass baby preparation and purchasing is beginning in our household. Not to mention my growing belly. We finally ordered a crib and chair for the nursery. We begin our birthing classes in two weeks. So I guess this is all really happening!

HBW Goes International

Bonjour! Fun facts for HBW to look back on now include international travel. While not exotic, the most recent trip to Montreal, Quebec included the longest stretch of baby activity to date. While waiting on the tarmac for our gate in Montreal, HBW was full of movement. I took that to mean that he/she loves Canada as much as Mom & Dad and is game for living in beautiful BC if the opportunity ever arose. A painful trip in food discipline for Mom who could live off of unpasterized soft cheeses and cured meats with a glass of red wine.....thankfully french pastries are on the prenatal "safe" menu! HBW now rounds out stops in 13 States as well.