Monday, December 27, 2010

Who Knew? Week 22?

The weeks keep accumulating just like the snow did this weekend. We hope you all had a very safe and Merry Christmas! We sure did and feel blessed to enjoy such a splendid holiday with our loved ones. We're at Week 22 - Baby Ames is the size of a spaghetti squash. I'd never heard of a spaghetti squash until today so the baby is already teaching me new things. 

This week the baby settles into a sleeping pattern where he/she snoozes about 12 to 14 hours a day. I can definitely tell when the baby is up and moving! And right now the little squash is a movin'. 

The baby's face is fully formed too - I wish we could see what he/she looks like! I know it sounds crazy but even by the ultrasound we had last week, I'm convinced the baby looks like Daddy. I guess we'll find out more in just a few months!

We're coming upon 2011 and there's so much to be done in the new year. This next month we are going to get the nursery ready for Baby Ames' arrival. I've been VERY excited for this part of the pregnancy. We have the bulk of the furniture picked out, just a matter of going and getting it! I purchased the bedding and a few accessories last week so we can pick out our paint color for the room. I'm anxious to start packing the baby's dresser with the many cute onesies we've received as gifts. 

I am convinced Shakespeare either is in denial about the baby on the way or maybe just doesn't know that there will soon be a baby brother or sister to look after. He hasn't changed at all - still wants to be by Kurt at all times.

Kurt and I have a big week of football to look forward to - Iowa Hawkeyes vs Missouri Tigers tomorrow night and the Chicago Bears vs Greenbay Packers on Sunday. We have a few Packers fans in the family so we definitely need to win to ensure no taunting. 

We're looking forward to an amazing 2011 but before we look ahead we'd like to thank each and everyone of you for your contributions to making 2010 so great! We are lucky to have you in our lives and relish in all the fantastic memories of this past year. 

Cheers to all of you - And may the best be with us in 2011.

Love,
Tonya + Kurt



Monday, December 20, 2010

Allow Myself To Introduce Myself...

Ok, so I know the curiosity has been killing you as to whom would be the guest writer.....it's me, Dad.  I know everybody is excited now!!  But not as excited as Tonya and me - we had our 21 week visit today and everything is going according to plan.  Well, for the most part.  It seems that our doctor's office had us scheduled for a doctor's visit at 11:30 today but failed to tell us ultrasound was at 10:30am!!!  So we missed the ultrasound. Of course, Tonya's and Baby Ames' health are very important but I was very anxious to watch my son or daughter for an hour!

Long story short, they finally squeezed us in to do the ultrasound as well as the check on Tonya and the baby.  There were several "things" that I had no clue as to what they were, but there were several things that grabbed my attention.  One being the heart beat, it's such a good feeling to see that little thing working like crazy!  Then there is the brain, which we were able to view today.  I already know he/she is going to be smarter than me (in time).  Of course after he/she spends some quality time with Dad and Mom.  

A face that has features already - a mouth opening and closing....I wondered, How does he/she handle swallowing fluid, mom's food, etc so naturally?  There were bones, the spine, legs, a foot, arms and hands that Baby Ames likes to have around the mouth area....again I wondered, is the baby sucking a thumb, shy, active or just getting ready to celebrate by throwing his/her arms in the air after the Bears score tonight?  

Never the less, I'm full of thoughts and anticipation while waiting to meet my son or daughter.  I know if some of my friends read this - they would be shocked!  If you can't tell, we feel very fortunate to have things go as smoothly as they have.  I'm sure a lot of expecting parents get to hear what we continue to hear, "things look good and on schedule" but we truly feel blessed at this point in the pregnancy.  

We are excited to share some new photos of the little one this week with the Lazar's.  I'm excited to spend time with my in-laws but also happy knowing that I'm working on extending the Ames name and evening the playing field (Kurt & son/daughter vs Tonya & the best mother-in-law).

Safe travels to all and happy holidays! 

Love, 
Kurt

Monday, December 13, 2010

We've Gone Bananas For Our Banana!

It's officially "half-time" of our pregnancy. We are at Week 20 and a full-term is 40 weeks. Kurt's giving the baby a pep-talk, getting him/her geared up for the second half. Wow, the time has really flown! I cannot believe we've already reached this milestone.


Currently our baby (from head to toe) is the length of a banana, however, I'm convinced he/she is the length of a plantain. We've reached a banana split in regards to what sex the baby will be. Any takers? Should we start the wagers? I am getting 50% girl and 50% boy from friends and colleagues. 


This baby is going bananas, literally - It's quite active. Definitely doesn't like to sit still and the power that he/she has is ridiculous. It's pretty embarrassing being on the train and getting a huge jolt from a leg, I instantly jerk. I'm sure I look ridiculous to those who don't know I'm pregnant. 


Generally at Week 20 you do the big ultrasound however, our doctor is on vacation this week so it's pushed back until next week. Most people find out the sex of the baby at this point in the pregnancy but since we're waiting until delivery, we're in no hurry to see the doctor this week. But we are excited to see how our little nugget has developed since the last time we saw him/her.


Expect a guest writer next week - I'll be taking the week off! Until then, please join us in going bananas for our little banana! 


Lots of love,
Kurt + Tonya

Monday, December 6, 2010

Mango Madness

19 weeks and counting as of today! Just two weeks until we do the big ultrasound, where we get to spend an hour or so peeking in at our baby. We cannot believe how quickly things are moving and feel so blessed that the pregnancy has been fairly smooth. (KNOCK ON WOOD)


Daddy made BLTs for dinner and Baby Ames must really love his cooking bc he was kicking up a storm during dinner! The baby's kicks crack me up - Partially bc they kind of tickle and partially bc this child has some major power for being just 19 weeks old. 


Our little kicker is the size of either an heirloom tomato or mango - Take your pick! Either one is super yummy and enjoyable so you really cannot go wrong.


We've noticed now that we're pregnant, we get up A LOT earlier on the weekends. Which is nice bc we can get our errands and other things done earlier than we used to! Our tree is up, presents are wrapped and we've even enjoyed one viewing of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (so far). We are 95% ready for the holiday! Bring it, Santa!!


We're still Shakespeareless as he's with Grandma and Grandpa Lazar. I'm curious how he'll be when he sees that his mommy has more to her tummy next time we reunite. I've heard that dogs can sense when their mommy is carrying a baby and can actually even hear things that we cannot hear. Who knows if that's true and knowing our dog, he'll go straight for his toys and not even acknowledge that we are in petting distance from him.


Well, no news besides me blabbering! Sorry I wish I had more to talk about but this little bundle of joy doesn't demand too much attention. I am confident that will change a bit in four months!


Have a great week! We love you all!


Kurt + Tonya