Colin's First Christmas

Gramma and Grandpa at Christmas Eve


Family's First Christmas


Awwww...Baby's First Christmas Outfit


Such a poser!

Pictures, pictures, pictures!

First night home, so tired!


This is my favorite face of his, though you can't really get the full affect here. It's his stretchy face.

Awwww, does this really need any caption?


2 Weeks old!


Superman pose! He loves to sleep like this.

2 Weeks Old...Already!

My oh my, how fast the first 2 weeks has gone by. Perhaps because my nights and days are all one big blur? We are starting to get the hang of this whole "parents" thing, the evidence is in the pediatrician's visit today. For his 2 week checkup, Colin has gained back all the weight he lost in the hospital, plus one ounce, so he is up to 7 pounds 1 ounce, and he has grown in length from 19.1 inches at birth to 20.5 inches today. His jaundice is all but gone and the doctor was very pleased with how healthy he looked. All in all, good news!

I developed a little infection over the weekend and have been on antibiotics, but am feeling better now. Brad went back to work on Monday so I've been taking the 3rd shift with Colin and letting Brad get some good sleep, a solid 7 or 8 hours a night. Everything is all working out great, we are trying to get a bedtime routine established to help Colin sleep better at night (and Mommy!), we start that tomorrow. This new routine means he will no longer be sleeping with us, as he has been the first 2 weeks, he'll be in his own crib now. This makes me a little sad, but was recommended by the doc, so I know it's best.

We know there are tons of friends, family and co-workers who are dying to see little Colin, but our doctor doesn't like newborns to go out in public until they receive their immunizations, which is 2 months old. Being the over-protective, hyper-sensitive new parents that we are, we are going to respect that and keep him locked up (accept for the family Christmas outing) until his immunizations are complete in January. Until then, I hope all the pictures I post on here will help.

I also have a special little treat for you all: a never-before-seen film of Colin's first taste of fresh air. This is a film that Daddy accidentally captured on our digital camera in the operating room, you can hear little Colin saying hi and the nurse announcing his birth weight.




The photos will be posted Thursday or Friday.

Thank you to all for the well wishes, cards, flowers and love you have bestowed upon us in the past 2 weeks. We know Colin is loved by so many, he is such a blessing to us all!

We'd also like to say a special thank you to Great Gramma Birdelle and Gramma and Grandpa Baker, who have been nice enough to bring us dinner several times since we can't get out, and have babysit a couple of times already while we ran to the store.

Welcome Colin

I apologize for not posting sooner, but I'm sure you'll all understand why in just a moment. We had an ultrasound and a doctor's appointment on Wednesday November 28. We had the ultrasound done first, and we were told how great little Colin looked and well developed he seemed to be, but there was one small problem. My amniotic fluid level had dropped from 15 cm the previous week to only 4 cm that week. This was a sign that my placenta was reaching it's expiration date and Colin was in "distress mode" meaning though he was perfectly healthy at that point he had shut down his kidneys to help keep the supply of blood to his heart and brain going strong. We told the doctor we had a c-section scheduled for the following Wednesday and he said, "Well, I was thinking more like this Wednesday." Brad and I looked at each other in shock and both said "Like, TODAY?" The doctor left to call my OB and get his opinion and Brad and I immediately started freaking out thinking of all the things we had not gotten done around the house and for little Colin. I had so much work to do!

We went directly from the ultrasound appointment to Labor and Delivery. I had to wait until 9 p.m. because we had to wait 8 hours after I had eaten anything. So, 6 hours after leaving the doctor's office, at 9:38 p.m. on Wednesday November 28, 2007 little Colin Travis Baker was born into our lives and our hearts. Luckily the doctors were right and he was perfectly healthy, despite being born 3 weeks and 2 days early. He had great AGAP scores and a perfectly healthy set of lungs, he cried for the first hour solid after he was born. We think he got it all out of his system then though, because in his first week (holy cow he's already a week old!) he's been a very content and well behaved little guy. Don't get me wrong, he'll let you know when he needs or wants something. He was 7 pounds even and 19.1 inches long. He has dark blue eyes and the whitest hair. Everyone jokes he has Grampa Frank's hair style because he is pretty much bald on top then has longer hair on the sides and back of his head. I can say without a doubt that he is in fact the cutest baby ever, hands down (sorry Nolan).

We came home on Sunday, both of us doing well. Colin had the slightest case of jaundice, but he's an eater now that he has some of mom's milk and got the majority of it out of his system pretty quickly. Speaking of eating, we've been working on breast feeding and after a few speed bumps he's been doing really well with it. He isn't quite eating all he needs directly from me yet, so we are still having to pump and supplement with milk from a bottle. He is gaining weight back already though. He had dropped to 6.5 pounds in the hospital and he is already back up to 6.10 pounds, so he's doing great.

Mommy is doing well too. I'm moving around pretty nicely, still have just a little pain around the incision and in my back. My energy has come back nicely though and the three of us are getting into a little more of a routine. I've even already lost all of my pregnancy weight. Yay!

Brad has taken off work for the week and has been such a blessing the past few days. He is taking great care of Colin and I. Everyone kept telling us that our lives were going to change and never be the same once Colin got here. All I can say to that is, "Thank God." I don't ever want to go back to life without Colin here. As I told Brad yesterday, as of 9:38 p.m. on November 28, 2007 he had literally made every dream I ever had come true. I love them both more than words can express.

Ultrasound

We just had another ultrasound, little Colin is weighing in just under 7 pounds, at 6 pounds 14 ounces. This means, by the time he is born he'll be right around 8 pounds. They measured everything from his head, to his belly, to his kidneys and all is looking great. Everything on me looked good as well, including the placenta and the amniotic fluid. Little Colin is still breech though. We got some really good photos, I'll post them as soon as I can. We're still trying to unpack.

1 Week Later...

We had our 35 week doctor's appointment last Friday and learned that Colin still has not turned, my blood pressure was also back up and therefor our doctor has decided to schedule a c-section a couple of weeks early. We aren't worried about him coming a little early, he's already pretty big. He actually was on course to be a 9 pound baby if we let him go full term, as it stands he'll probably be around 8 pounds on his birthday, December 5, 2007. It's a Wednesday and the surgery is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. And for the record, no one guessed the 5th, but Gramma Kathy was closest with the 7th.

My doctor also wants me to go in for weekly ultrasounds and to see me in his office weekly until the big day (which is only 2 weeks away!). I go in tomorrow for this week's ultrasound. Then my doctors appointments will be on Wednesdays.

We also moved in to our new home last Friday. The kitchen isn't done, and probably won't be until late December/early January, and there is still a couple of other rooms that need work, but we needed to get in. As it stands, I have 2 weeks to unpack and get as settled as possible before Colin gets here.

We took the weekend to unpack as much as possible and we managed to get the crib put together and the nursery almost done! I've been working on getting all of Colin's clothes and blankets washed and ready for him. Speaking of washing we also got a new washer and dryer, which I'm in love with, I've been wanting front loading machines for awhile and Brad finally caved in! We got the LG Front Loading SteamFresh washer and dryer.

As for me, I've finally started to swell a little in my hands and feet, I think it's from all the activity. I had to remove my wedding rings this morning, and almost couldn't get them off! I'm still off the nausea medication and doing well. The doc recommended a new medicine for the horrible heartburn, Prilosec, and I've been taking that for 3 days now and seem to be doing much better. Yay! My weight gain is just around 17 pounds now.

Time Off

Not much to report on right now. I think Colin may be dropping, but I don't think he's turned yet. We have an appointment on Friday, but until then we are going to be so busy moving to the new house, I'm going to be taking the next couple of days off from the Web site. Unless something big happens, I'll post Friday after our appointment.

Baby Shower #2

On Friday, Brad's co-workers threw a baby shower lunch for us. We had some yummy bar-b-que and even yummier cakes. They gave us the baby stroller and a couple of gift cards for Target and Babies R Us, so we can complete our gift registries now. Brad is very lucky, he works with a great group of people, they were very generous and are all genuinely excited to meet the newest Baker. They welcomed me with open arms last year when Brad and I became engaged and I know they'll be just (or even more!) welcoming for little Colin. It just reminds me how blessed our family is. So, thank you to the Smith Group family!

**this was Monday's post, but apparently it didn't publish, oops!**

Baby Products

In the past few days we've ordered a few new products we'd been meaning to order and just hadn't gotten to it. We got the baby book, it's by a company called Big Day Books, it's really neat, check out the Web site by clicking on the link above.

We also ordered the baby monitor. I did A LOT of research (which doesn't surprise any of you who know me really well) and this one seemed to be the best reviewed and what would really work for us, especially in the new (BIG) house. You can view more details about the Philips SCD 590 Baby Monitor here.

We still have to go and buy everything we didn't get, but need, from our registries, we've just been waiting until we get in the new house, so we don't have to move all of the products.

View from the recliner, part 3

As Rene keeps trying to remind me, we are possibly only a few weeks away from welcoming little Colin into the world. We had our Labor & Delivery and Breastfeeding classes last weekend and that really makes you realize how close the big event is. So far both classes we have taken have been great. They were both really informative but entertaining at the same time. We have one class left this Saturday, which is Baby Care & CPR. As someone who knows next to nothing about caring for babies, I'll really be paying close attention to this one. I'm hoping this class will help with some of the nervousness I've been feeling.

When we haven't been focused on Colin, we've been moving. I'm not sure why the universe allows two people to renovate a house and move just weeks before their first child is born, but somehow we are doing it (mostly with a lot of help from Mom & Dad - THANKS!). As stressful as it has been, we are just a week away from moving and will hopefully be able to start enjoying all the hard work. We're only about a month behind from Rene's original target move-in date, but at least we will (hopefully) make it through the process without killing each other (or anyone else) in the process.

So, bottom line, nothing new - we keep moving boxes and Rene keeps growing people - but at least we are getting closer to the finish lines!

Baker Update

Sorry for not posting yesterday, I was at the new house all day and really didn't have time. Things are moving faster now, we are moving in "officially" in 1 week. Yesterday the blinds were installed, the painting was finished, 2 new doors were installed, and the electrical got a lot of work done. Oh, and I got all the animal trains re-hung in Colin's nursery.

Last night Gramma and Grandpa Baker came over and helped us move 3 car loads of boxes into the new house. The plan is to move boxes and smaller furniture items every night this week and finish hanging all the light fixtures and smoke detectors. Then we're having the house cleaned next Wednesday and the movers will move all the bigger furniture items on Thursday, so we will spend our first night in the new house next Thursday. Don't worry, I'm not lifting anything over 5 pounds, my job is to feed the crew and guide the boxes to the right rooms. I'm also pretty busy during the days just keeping up with the last minute construction details going on at the house.

As for Colin, we've been doing our Breech exercises in hopes he'll turn. He's been really active and just generally getting bigger. I've been dealing with more and more heartburn, an aching back and my tiredness has come back in full force. I slept 12 hours last night! If I don't get a full nights sleep I've been taking a 2 hour nap in the afternoons. I've also stopped taking the medicine for the morning sickness (finally!) and have been okay so far.

Frank Breech

I wanted to talk a little more about the Frank Breech position. Brad and I attended our labor and delivery class this weekend, as well as a breastfeeding class. They gave us a manual to read and both instructors told me about some good exercises to do that could help Colin turn into the correct head down position. So I started them this morning, and at one point little Colin was COMPLETELY horizontal in my tummy! It felt really strange, but I'm hoping that it is a good sign that he will be able to turn. So I'm going to keep doing these exercises and hope for the best.

I found this diagram of a Frank Breech baby and thought I'd post it so you can get a visual image of how he is positioned. We found out this weekend that Frank Breech is actually the most common form of Breech baby.

33 Week Sonogram

Well, we had a great appointment today with the ultrasound doctor. Colin looks nice and strong and healthy. They checked each chamber of his heart, took measurements of nearly everything, checked my amniotic fluid level, the placenta, etc. Everything checked out "great." As the doctor said, "This kid looks great." He is measuring 5 pounds 6 ounces, so a little above average, but not too big. He is in the 63rd percentile for weight. He is also practicing breathing, which according to both doctors we saw today, is a very good sign. We even got to see that Colin has hair! We could actually see it floating around in the amniotic fluid.

The only downside to today's appointment is that Colin is still breech, meaning his head is still up. Not only is he breech, but he is what is called Frank Breech. This means his bottom is in my pelvis and he is basically in a "U-Shape," where his feet are directly in front of his face. Being 33 weeks and the size he is, the doctor said realistically he most likely will not be able to turn on his own and because of the position of my placenta, it would be dangerous for the doctors to try and turn him. Therefore, I will most likely end up having a C-section. Though this is disappointing, the only real thing that matters is that he and I are both healthy.

The picture below is a close up of Colin's face. You can see the brighter white spot in the middle is his nose, the shadows on each side of that white spot are his eyes, the shadow below it is his mouth and the two lighter patches of white are his chubby little cheeks, really chubby according to the doctor. The two little smudges below all that are his hands, which are tucked up under his chin. If you ask me, he looks just like his Daddy! He definitely has his nose I think!

We're so anxious, maybe only 1 more month if they end up getting him out early!

Poll 2

Alright, it is time for everyone out there to REALLY get involved! Now that we know that Colin MIGHT be coming a few weeks early, I'd like to hear from all of you when you think he might make his appearance. What day, and time, do you think he'll be born? Post it in the comments, or email me and I'll do it for you!

Bi-Weekly Checkup

We got good news at the appointment today, my blood pressure was down (though still high enough to cause them concern) and Colin's heartbeat was solid. Because of the blood pressure, he wants me to go back in for another ultrasound, so we have on scheduled for Friday. I really look forward to those days! He also said that due to the concern over my blood pressure, he might go ahead and induce me around 37 to 38 weeks, which would put Colin in my arms the first week of December. We'll keep you posted on that, our next doctor's appointment is the 16th.

We'll also be moving at that time, we scheduled our move for the 15th today, we'd really like to be in by Thanksgiving, and obviously that will give us about 2 weeks before Colin gets here if they do end up inducing me.

A little excitement

I apologize for not getting a post up yesterday, we had a little bit of excitement yesterday afternoon. About 3 o'clock yesterday I was sitting on the couch and got an intense pain all the way around my upper back and upper belly. At first I thought it might have been bad indigestion, so I tried Tums and tried to lay down. Unfortunately, the pain intensified to the point I couldn't breath very well, I couldn't lay down and I couldn't sit up, I could only stand. I called the doctor and the nurse told me to go to the hospital immediately, to labor and delivery. She said it probably wasn't pregnancy related because it was my upper body, but if I was having problems breathing I should go. So I called Brad at work and told him. I drove up to Brad's work and we went to the hospital. Fortunately, by the time I got to Brad, I was feeling almost 100% better. We went to the hospital anyway, just to make sure everything was okay. They checked my vitals and Colin's and everything appeared to be good. The doctor came in and said that it could have been the muscles around my ribs spasming from stretching to make room for baby, which in turn can cause pressure on my lungs. They were still pretty concerned about my blood pressure so still want me to take it and track it everyday.

I have a regularly scheduled doctor's appointment this afternoon, I'll post about it later today.

32 Weeks, 3 Days

How close we are getting! And how big Colin is getting! He's at least 5 pounds by now, and I can definitely tell. He FEELS bigger in my belly, I can only imagine how it's going to be in a few more weeks. I'm getting bigger everyday I think! I've been feeling better, which is nice, though heartburn and back pain are my two foes right now.

Sadly, there has been no word on Crazy. We handed out 200 fliers last Friday and Saturday in hopes a neighbor might have seen him. We also handed out fliers to the local vet's offices. Everyone has been very encouraging not to give up hope, but it is hard to know what to do. Obviously we don't want to give up hope that he may come home, but at the same time we can't live with all the sadness and anxiety that a lot of hope brings. So, we've decided to focus on all the wonderful things we have in our lives and just be grateful, not only for those things, but for the time we did have with Crazy. What makes it harder is how sad Henry has been. He lost his best friend, and you can tell. He sits outside on the wall behind the flower bed and just stares out at the forest behind the house, and he stays in bed (literally) all day. He's even lost a little weight because he isn't eating like he used to.

On a brighter note, the house is coming along very nicely. Hopefully by the end of this week much of the work that we'd hoped would be done before we moved in should be done. We hope to be completely moved in and actually living there by the middle of November. I'll also post some pictures soon.

This weekend we have 2 of our 3 birthing classes. I'll give more on that later.

Fun Birthday Facts

I thought this was neat...what is scary is to think how old Brad and I will be during all these milestones!

• Your baby's birthstone will be Turquoise (Prosperity)
• Your baby's Astrological Sign will be Sagittarius
• Your baby's Flower is Narcissus or Holly (Indigo, Green, Greenish-Blue)
• Your baby will be born in the Chinese Year of The Pig
• This time next year your baby will be 44 Weeks Old!
• Your baby will start kindergarten in 2013, be old enough to drive a car in 2023, finish high school in 2026, and will graduate from college with the class of 2030, give or take a year. Can you imagine?

Where did the week go?

This week has flown by. On a sad note, there has been no sign of Crazy as of yet. We aren't quite giving up hope yet, but life just isn't the same without him.

On a good news note, the house is coming along nicely. Carpet should be completely installed today, drywall up in the kitchen, lots of landscaping changes in the backyard, and by the end of the weekend we hope to have all the painting completely done, light fixtures up and a few other odds and ends up.

As for Colin, my how big he is getting! He's taking up more and more room in my tummy, and seems to be doing well. Our next doctor's appointment is on Halloween, next Wednesday.

Please keep Crazy in your prayers, our family isn't complete without him.

Update

I apologize for not updating yesterday, I was at the new house from 9am to 8pm dealing with workers, only to come home and find that our Crazy cat had not been seen since Brad left for work. We searched for nearly an hour, to no avail. We had hoped he'd come home during the night, but as of now, about 12:00, we have not seen him. We are hoping for the best, but obviously we are both devastated right now. I'll let you all know if any news comes our way.

Baby Shower

The shower on Saturday was a lot of fun and we got a lot of things we really needed, and a lot of cute clothes and toys too! Thank you to everyone again and a special thank you to the three ladies who put it all together, Kathy, Tracy and especially Sara.

It was really nice to have everyone together again, from both sides of the family. I'm going to post a few pictures through out the week, if you have any, email them to me!

31 Week Bump

And you might notice the new haircut too...

Fun Little Game

I found this game online today and thought I'd share it with you all.

Have fun!

http://www.babystrology.com/baby-games/peepeeteepee/

Good News All Around

I had another doctor's visit today. My BP was down, though still slightly high. All the tests he did last week came back normal, which pleased him. He said everything appears to be okay right now and we are going back to bi-weekly appointments. My fundal height is right on track and Colin's heartbeat was consistent at 152. I asked the doctor if he could tell by feeling how Colin was positioned, he said he'd try, but couldn't guarantee he'd be right without a sonogram. So he felt around my tummy and said he thinks he felt Colin's head just below my left breast, so he hasn't turned yet, but he should start that within the next month or so. The only instructions he left me with were to take it easy, which for a woman planning a move isn't easily done! Oh, and I actually lost 3 pounds since last week, so I've only gained 11 pounds so far! 4 of them is little Colin! So, I'm doing really well on that front.

We also got good news on our new house today. We were afraid there was a leak in the pool, which could potentially cost thousands to fix. We had it inspected today and it's only going to cost a few hundred to fix. Our contractors are also doing an awesome job and have almost completely finished painting, they will be done with all the painting by Friday and our carpet is scheduled to be installed Monday! After this, we can start to move things in. The only work left will be the kitchen. Speaking of which, they were able to salvage the granite counter tops in the kitchen, so we decided to go ahead and have new blinds hung throughout the house and get rid of the plantation shutters (if anyone is interested in purchasing some plantation shutters, let me know! hehe)

Our contractor, David, is an angel and painted Colin's new room for me, just as I had painted it here at Panavision. It looks great, and I'll have new pictures up as soon as possible.

Another Fun Evening with Colin

Colin has been so active these past 4 or 5 days! I can certainly tell he is getting bigger. I discovered yesterday afternoon that Colin seems to like music and it makes him wiggle around!

So, after dinner last night I laid down on the couch next to Brad and we were watching TV. Colin started bouncing around and so I lifted up my shirt and you could see him kicking or elbowing or whatever it was, my tummy. I told Brad to watch, but of course, Colin stopped. So I told Brad to put on some music and I bet he'd start back again. Sure enough, a few seconds after the music started Colin was jabbing away again and Brad got to see it. It was a lot of fun for both of us. We probably laid here for 20 minutes just watching our son dance to the music.

A little bit of Monday Fun

How far along are you:	30 weeks (As of 10-12-07)
Cravings so far:	In the beginning it was fruit, lately it's been chocolate, in any form.
Things that make you sick:	No one thing in particular, still have morning sickness to deal with.
Boy or girl:	I wanted a boy and I GOT him!
Babys name:	Colin Travis Baker
Advice for other pregnant women:	Take one day at a time!
Baby Daddy:	Bradley James
His reaction:	Scared sh*tless (at first), but excited now (and still scared sh*tless)!
Greatest memory so far:	The first time I felt him move, a little summer-sault at 15 weeks.
Biggest fear:	Complications for either Colin or mommy.
Strange symptoms:	I have one, but I don't think my brother cares to read about it!
Advantages of being pregnant:	Strangers smile at you a lot more.
Weird dreams:	None so far.
Emotional outbursts:	I cry a lot easier!
Breast changes:	Again, my brother is reading!
Waist changes:	I'm built funny, my belly is growing up and out and then down, not all in one round shape.
Things you quit for baby:	Alcohol, sugar substitutes, caffeine (cut back), tuna.
Most uncomfortable time:	3 a.m. when both hips hurt because I have to sleep on my sides now and indigestion is at it's worst.
Worst part of being pregnant:	Morning sickness :( for 7 months!
Best place for maternity clothes:	GapMaternity love their jeans and t-shirts!
Taking parenting classes:	Yup, taking a labor class, breastfeeding, and baby care/CPR class (Brad too!)
Pregnancy necessities:	Milk, hot baths, and my loving husband!
Grandparents reaction:	Probably more excited than Brad and I!
Aunts? Uncles?:	2 uncles, one each on mommy's and daddy's side.
Godparents:	Not in our religious beliefs.
Where will you deliver:	Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas, Margot Perot Center
Who will deliver: When:	Dr. Bertrand December 21st (or sooner), hopefully
Will you breastfeed:	Definitely!
Will you use cloth diapers:	Probably not

Doctor's Visit

We had another doctor's checkup today, Colin's heartbeat was at 150, totally normal and my fundal height is at 30 cm, also perfectly normal. My blood pressure this time was back up, causing more concern with the doctor. To be safe, he wants to start seeing me weekly and wants me to "take it easy." As a precaution he is also going to take some blood to check my liver platelets. He said the next 4 weeks are "critical" in keeping my blood pressure down.

No need to worry, this is all just a precaution. As of now, everything is okay with both of us.

New House Update

We stopped at the new house tonight to check and see what they had done today, the first day of work. They had all the ceilings painted, 3 of the rooms upstairs, and were in the process of removing the wallpaper in the master bath while we were there. They also had everything taped. We're excited to see work start and even more excited to know that at this point in about 2 weeks, we'll see a dramatic change! We'll keep you posted and get some pictures up as soon as we can.

Poll 1

I'll be 30 weeks on Friday, this is the time that all the books, newsletters, doctors, etc. say to start packing your bag for the hospital, just in case something happens. In our case, I think it is an especially good idea to go ahead and do this now, since we will (hopefully) be moving within the next month or so and a lot of stuff is in boxes right now anyway.

So for the first colintravisbaker.com poll, I'd like to hear from everyone out there reading this:

What do you think I should pack in my hospital bag? Leave a comment under this post, or if you don't know how to do that, e-mail me and I'll post it for you :)

29 Weeks

I know it's kitty week, but I did actually have something to talk about today, so I'm interrupting kitty week to give an update on the Bakers.

Today was a first for mommy and Colin. I was sitting on the couch about 15 minutes after eating my first breakfast (yes, I said FIRST) and Colin started bouncing around, as he usually does after I eat, and this time, I could SEE him moving around, like little waves in my tummy. So you can definitely tell the kid is getting bigger, I'm guessing he's around 3 and a half to 4 pounds by now.

We also got good news today, our contractor, David, contacted us and told us he hired an additional crew so he could get started on our place right away, instead of another 2 or 3 weeks! So this means, our new house's upstairs floor should be painted by this time next week, then we can get the carpet installed and they'll get the downstairs painted within 2 weeks from now! Exciting stuff! I was really getting nervous about being in the house before Colin decides to make his grand entrance. Now that seems more realistic.

As for me, I've had a not-so-great week health wise. I'm getting bigger, which brings more aches and pains, like my back, and my nausea came back with a vengeance this week. I'm feeling much better today though.

Last night Brad's company had their first football game and even though their "coach/quarterback" was out sick, and everyone was nervous, they went out, had a great game and won! Brad had a lot of fun and looked good on the field! A lot of his co-workers kept saying how good I looked, which was nice to hear after such a hard week.

More Cute Pictures

Pay Attention to Me!

"What? I need attention too."


"What is she reading now?"

Anything they can do to get me off that dumb computer! The computer was actually sitting in my lap when Henry decided it was his turn.

Henry's Basket

The basket on the entertainment center has become Henry's new sleeping place since I packed up the videos that were in it. Isn't he cute?

Kitties Week

Well, we are in a slow part of the pregnancy right now, no doctor's appointments this week, just Colin and I getting bigger everyday. So I thought I'd make this week about our other 2 "kids," Henry and Crazy.

For those who haven't seen Henry lately, he's gotten big, er, fat. And really soft. Remember that puppy we bought a couple months ago, and how soft I said he was? Henry is softer! Since he's been in our home, gotten healthy and lazy, he's doing much better. He's very loveable and follows us all around the house, just wanting to be where we are. He's also gotten in a habit of laying in the cutest places, evidence as follows:



(that's Brad's briefcase laying in front of the fireplace, one of Henry's favorite new places to sleep).

1 Year Ago Today

We were standing on a beach at sunset, with our closest friends and family surrounding us, pledging a vow of love, devotion, understanding, and honesty. It has been an amazing first year for us as husband and wife. We've shared so much, not only between the two of us, but also combining our two loving families.

Brad, thank you for a wonderful first year as your wife.

I love you.

I told you he's good to me

Brad had football practice last night after work, and apparently saw my post when he checked his email after practice, I didn't think he would! So he stopped on his way home last night and surprised me with that chocolate pie I'd been craving. I had 2 slices last night :) SO GOOD.



I'd also like to wish Kathy and Frank a Happy Anniversary. They have spent 26 loving years together, and their love and devotion to each other is beautiful to witness.

Cravings...

I haven't had very many "cravings" with this pregnancy...but the past couple of days, I can't seem to stop thinking about this great chocolate cream pie we had on Frank's birthday. I almost even bought one yesterday when I was at the grocery store...but I'd have to buy a whole pie and I'm trying to be supportive of Brad who is trying to loose weight. So...to buy the pie or not to buy the pie...that is the question.

28 Week Sonogram

We had our fourth sonogram this morning and got to see little Colin again. He's still in a breach position (his head is up toward my ribs and his feet are down lower), which he's been in every time we've had a sonogram. The doctor joked that someone needed to teach him how to turn around. Hehe.

He's gotten quite big! He's at 3 pounds 1 ounce. Which means he is measuring in at 30 weeks, which gives a delivery date of December 8. This doesn't change our due date, just means he's a little big, but not "alarmingly" big. The doctor says everything looks nice and healthy and that unless I have any problems with my blood pressure he doesn't need to see me back. Which is a little disappointing, I like to see my little boy!

I've posted the picture below, unfortunately it doesn't come out very well on the computer. If you look to the left of the photo you are looking at Colin's little face staring right back at you. You can see his nose, the roundness of his head and the shadows of his eyes and his chubby little check. Towards the right is his round little body and a foot. I wish I could explain it better, but I don't know how!

Spoke Too Soon

I think I jinxed myself with my post last night. Tonight as we were eating dinner, I got sick halfway through. So much for that...

Tomorrow is a happy day though, sonogram day! yay!

Baker Update

Just wanted to give a general update on the 3 of us. First, we got our estimates in on the work for the new house, luckily it came in with a number our budget can handle. The time frame is a little more than we'd hoped for, but it is doable at least. I just don't want to wait too long in case Colin decides to make his grand entrance early (which I'm hoping he doesn't).

As for me, I'm finally starting to feel better, the nausea is almost gone, and the heartburn/indigestion isn't quite as bad. I'm starting to get a little more uncomfortable as I get a little bigger. Brad has been really accommodating though, he's taking good care of me, even shaving my legs (the bigger belly makes it hard to bend over). When he's not bending over to pick up things I drop or can't reach, or making me hot chocolate, he's working. He's been pretty busy lately. I think he's really starting to get nervous the closer we get to the due date too.

Colin is behaving pretty nicely, he's given mommy a few nervous moments, he gets quite sometimes and I start to worry. He also still seems to be down pretty low, I expected by now that he would have moved up a little. Luckily we have our sonogram on Wednesday, so I plan to ask about that, and I'm sure if there is anything out of ordinary they will let us know.

View from the recliner - Part 2

Today, on a special weekend edition of View from the recliner...

Not only is Rene 27 weeks pregnant, but today she is also turning 27 years old. Although, she claims she is taking a page from her grandmother and is staying 26 (but we all know the truth!). Rene continues to amaze me each day and every step we take in life together just proves to me how lucky we are to have found each other. I know she is going to make an excellent mom (she already does a pretty good job of taking care of 2 cats and a husband).

Happy Birthday Rene!

P.S. - After taking some flack for my last post, I thought as a birthday gift to Rene, I'd double my allocation to 200 diapers.

27 Week Bump

I swear I look 10 times bigger in pictures than I actually am...

Year of the Pig

Under the Chinese zodiac, Colin will be born in the year of the pig. Here is what I've been able to find about those born in the year of the pig:

The Pig is a fun and enlightening personality blessed with patience and understanding. People born under the sign of the Pig enjoy life and all it has to offer, including family and friends. They are honest and thoughtful and expect the same of other people. Pigs can be perceived as oblivious or gullible because they do care about others so much that they will do just about anything for a friend in need.

"Its better to give than to receive" would probably be the Pig's motto. Pigs are more comfortable giving of their own time or attention than they are to ask others for it. They do not find asking for help an easy task and would rather carry the burden themselves. Pigs will do anything they can to maintain a sense of peace amongst family or friends. This can lead to a tendency to be taken advantage of, but Pigs basically forgive and forget everything. They are compassionate souls who simply want to keep the peace.

CHARACTERISTICS

Hardworking, Giving, Willing, Helpful, Materialistic, Gullible, Oblivious, Obstinate

General Update on Mommy

Last week I told you all about my sudden rise in body temperature. Well, a few nights ago I woke up in an all out sweat, even with the fan on, and no covers. I lay there awake for over 30 minutes, so hot I couldn't sleep. So, I turned the air down from 76 to 74, and Brad woke up the next morning shivering cold...but I was oooh so comfortable!

I've also begun to have more intense back pain, I'm assuming this is simply from Colin getting heavier and my tummy getting bigger. I'll officially be in my third trimester (27 weeks) on Friday. I plan to post an updated bump picture that day too.

Luckily, I've been feeling much better, stomach wise. I still get heartburn pretty much daily, but the nausea is doing better. I'm still taking my medicine just-in-case though.

I've been trying to eat more fruits and veggies since I'm feeling better, and I always make sure to get lots of calcium, protein and water everyday. I allow myself a non-water drink a couple of times a week. I'm doing pretty well, I've only gained about 12 pounds so far (I'm not supposed to gain as much weight, already being overweight).

Counting down the days until our next sonogram, one week from today. Other than that I'm staying pretty busy with plans for the new house. Can't wait to show it to everyone.

On a side note, I'd like to thank my best friend Sara for the adorable baby shower invitations she created for us, we hope you all can make it!

Back

I apologize for the disappearing act the past couple of days. We closed on the new house on Friday and met with a few contractors yesterday for some work we'd like done before we move in. We spent the weekend doing some work ourselves, and doing some research. Needless to say, we've been busy!

As for Colin, he's doing good, he's been getting more and more active and seems to be getting bigger, as far as I can tell. I can't wait until our sonogram on the 26th to see exactly how big he has gotten!

You'll notice in the countdown we are almost the 3 months exactly, and Daddy is getting nervous. I personally am getting nervous about the whole labor experience..luckily I've got the new house to occupy my time. I just hope to get as much done in the new house as possible before Colin makes his grand entrance to our lives.

Colin's First Hiccups

I was laying in bed this morning after Brad left for work trying to go back to sleep when I felt Colin moving around. At least, that is what I thought at first. He was moving, but in the same spot, and on a pretty regular little beat. Then it dawned on me, he's probably got the hiccups. I've been told that I'd be able to feel it, but didn't know if I'd be able to distinguish it from just his movements. This only went on for a few minutes and he went back to sleep, as did I.

Hey! It's 26 weeks, not 25!

I had my doctor's checkup today, my fundal height is 26.5 centimeters, right on schedule, and little Colin's heartbeat was 126 at first, then jumped to 155 while we were listening! (This is perfectly normal, no need to worry!)

My doctor said he wanted me to have another sonogram at 28 weeks, so we have an appointment on the 26th. We'll get to see him again...so I'm counting down the days now. Especially after our last sonogram photo left me a little disappointed.

As for the title of this post, my doctor came into the room and said, "Wow, 25 weeks already!" I said, "Hey! 26 weeks almost!" He laughed and said, "Yeah, we don't want to take away a single day, do we?" Hehe...100 days left! woohoo! We can't wait to meet Colin!

I also asked him about being so hot lately. Our house is set on 77, which is actually 2 degrees cooler than Brad had the house pre-Rene and pre-pregnancy, and I keep the fans on at all times. I try to wear loose, cool clothing at home, and still I sit here and SWEAT! I just wanted to make sure this was completely normal, and he laughed at me. He said Brad should feel lucky, because when his wife is pregnant (they have 13 kids!) she keeps the AC at 70 or lower! He said it's just the progesterone that my body is producing that is keeping me so hot. (This little hormone is also the little bugger that is making me sick!) So, I think I'm going to have to petition for a couple more degrees cooler on the AC....and pray the cooler weather comes soon!

My (Common) Pregnancy Complaints...

1. Heartburn.

2. My belly itches!

3. I wake up 5 times (or more) to pee every night.

4. I'm the proud new owner of the biggest underwear ever created.

5. I'm STILL NAUSEAS.

But I love him and every time I feel him move it's a reminder of that love and why I'm feeling all those not-so-fun things...and that makes it all better.

View from the recliner...

This is soon-to-be-Daddy's first attempt at a post on the blog. As Rene posted last week, I have finally been able to feel Colin move after weeks of trying. I will admit that the whole pregnancy has seemed very surreal to me up until this point. For some reason knowing that Rene is pregnant and actually having it register in my head that we are soon going to have a little monster running around are two different things. Seeing Colin (and therefore Rene) growing more these days and feeling little Colin move around have definitely made the whole thing seem more "real" now. This has been (and I'm sure will continue to be) a very busy time for this Baker duo, and I admit to having many sleepless nights worrying about all that is to come, but I'm also very excited to soon be a Daddy and can't wait to see what our little bundle of joy looks like.

Last week Rene also posted that you go through about 7500 diapers the first year. I've agreed to change 100 of them. That sounds pretty fair, right? ;)

Troublemaker No More!

Daddy felt Colin move...twice! Right after dinner I laid down on the couch and Colin was bouncing around, Brad just rested his hand on my belly and felt Colin move...twice! Yay!

25 Weeks

According to my pregnancy newsletters, Colin could very well have hair now, but we'll have to wait 3 more months to find out what color!

We have our next doctor's appointment Wednesday, no sonogram, just a regular checkup. He'll check my fundal height to make sure Colin is growing at a normal rate. I also have my gestational diabetes test.

As for Colin, he is so active these days! He feels like a little bouncy ball every 30 minutes to an hour. Though he is still being a little uncooperative with his parents. Daddy has yet to feel him, even though I know it's possible, because I have felt him numerous times when my hand is just resting on my tummy. Every time Brad puts his hand to feel, Colin gets quite. I like to think he's soothed by his daddy's touch...not just being a troublemaker already!

Pregnancy Trivia

Babies are born without kneecaps, they don't appear until the child reaches 2 to 6 years of age.

The average baby goes through 7,500 diapers each year (get ready Daddy!).

Did you know every three seconds a baby is born?

Three to four percent of babies are actually arrive on their due date.

The average time for a man to change a diaper is 1 minute, 36 seconds...(the average woman only takes 1 minute..hehe)

A baby starts to smile socially at 4-8 weeks old (can't wait for this one!).

The first sense a baby develops is hearing.

Did you know the heaviest baby ever born weighed 23 pounds, 12 ounces, (please don't let me set a new record...hehe)?

Did you know a baby is born with 300 bones? A baby is born with 300 bones, but an adult has 206 bones. These bones fuse together later.

Did you know that the eye color of an infant is set at 6-9 months?

A baby's head accounts for 20 percent of his/her weight.

Did you know the uterus during pregnancy gets to 500 times it's normal size (now you see why pregnant woman are so uncomfortable!)?

September 5, 2007

27 years ago today the wonderful man who would some day be my husband and the father of my son was born. He's touched many lives and left a permanent mark on this world already. He is everything I could ever ask for in a friend and a soul mate. In 3 short months, he'll be able to add amazing father to that list too.

Happy Birthday Brad! I love you.

The Baker's New Pad

Well, I mentioned it last week, that something big was in the works. We weren't actively pursuing anything, but we actually found a house that we fell in love with, and 2 days later put in an offer on it. It was too good to pass up, and the next day they accepted.

We had some issues with the air conditioning and had to make sure that was going to be fixed before we left our option period, and as of tonight everything is done and officially ours. We are set to close on the house September 14th, in just a week and a half!

The new house is in Cedar Hill, just 10 minutes down the road from where we live now. It's a 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath. It has a pool and hot tub, a large backyard with lots of grass for Colin and Brad to toss the ball around, and even has its own playground complete with slide, swing, and see-saw. It needs some cosmetic work, but the bones are great! We plan to take our time and make it our dream house over the next 5 (or more) years.

We are sad to leave Panavision, it is the first house Brad bought, the place we met and fell in love, and the place that we have made our home over the past 18 months. But we are even more excited to enter a new phase of our lives together, this is the house we will raise our children in and the house we will grow old together in. It will truly be "ours."

And for all those who are concerned, yes, I'll have to REPAINT that nursery again, but it will be even better in the next house. We've already lovingly taken down all the animal trains and they will be hung at the new house.

Below are some photos from the new Baker residence.

He's Gonna be a Great Big Brother

Three Looks of Crazy, Big Brother


This is his "This kid wears me out..." look...


This is the "The kid is crying again...and he's stinky" look...


This is the "I'm as cute as Colin, don't you want to love me?" look.

He's Good to Me...

As you already know, yesterday was not a good day for me. Today hasn't been much better, and I even took my medicine last night. But, luckily I have a great husband who stopped on his way home from work yesterday and bought me my medicine as well as a sunny treat...

Not a good day...

Sorry for missing yesterday, we had a big day...more on that later this week, or perhaps next week.

I ran out of my medicine last night, ran to the grocery store at 10:45 only to find they didn't have any. The next closest store that would carry it was a good 30 minute drive round trip, and I just didn't have the energy. Brad offered to go for me, but he had to be up early for work and he was just as tired. So I decided to risk it. And just as I thought, I'm not feeling so good today. I've been taking it easy, and just waiting for bed time!

Tomorrow is another day...

Where can I get...

Tums in bulk? I seem to go through them awfully fast lately.

23 Week Bump

You might be pregnant if...

For all those who know me, I'm not the type to cry easily and I certainly don't cry in front of people. I've always been that way, I've always had to be strong and independent and didn't want to show any signs of weakness.

Well, one day a few weeks ago I was driving up to meet Brad for lunch and pick up a few baby items at a nearby store. We were meeting somewhere I wasn't familiar with, so I was driving the car with the GPS in it, using it to guide me. Once I got to Uptown Dallas though, all the directions were so confusing, I got lost. No telling how many illegal turns I made! I called Brad, in a bit of a panic, and asked for help. He calms me down, tells me to go to his office (which I knew how to get to) and we'll drive together.

Brad gets off the phone with me, turns to his coworker, and says, "Now I know she's pregnant. A girl who never cries is crying because she's lost...2 blocks from my office."

Yeah, hormones are fun stuff.

Did you know...

The only part of a woman's body that is not changed (affected) by pregnancy is her EARS?

I believe it...

Sonogram 2

Today we had our second sonogram. It was very nice to be able to see Colin. The doctor said Colin and I look healthy and we are progressing normally. Colin weighed in today at 1 pound, 7 ounces. No wonder I can feel him move more and more each day, he's getting big!

We've been blessed with some really great doctors, always very pleasant and helpful and they both try to put us at ease as best they can. When the doctor asked what we planned to name him and we told him Colin, he informed us that Colins are predisposed to have a mean mischievous streak. Apparently he has a son named Colin who just turned 14 and "discovered his Mohawk." lol!

We're not scared, right Brad?

I was also given the good news that he would like me to stop taking my blood pressure medication I've been taking for 3 weeks, he doesn't feel it is necessary, so I am very happy about that. I didn't want to take it in the first place, but am willing to do whatever it takes to make sure Colin and I are safe and healthy.

Thanks for all the prayers everyone!

22 Weeks

Each week I receive an e-mail update from a pregnancy Web site that tells me how Colin is developing that week in the womb. I also have a book that I read on a weekly basis that keeps me up to date on what to expect and how he's doing.

I am now in my 23rd week of this pregnancy and according to my weekly updates, Colin can now hear voices outside the womb. Up until now he could hear my voice and other sounds from inside only. One of the things that the updates recommended was choosing a book and reading it to Colin at night and that once he is born if you read the same book to him in his bedtime routine it will be soothing to him and help him go to sleep.

So, this past weekend Brad and I went to Barnes and Noble and picked up a few books. Brad chose some Dr. Seuss and Bernstein Bears books, while I picked up a few new ones and the classic, The Giving Tree. We came home and read through everyone of the books we bought and chose one called "Thats When I'm Happy." It's a cute story about a family of bears, from the perspective of the baby bear. Our plan is to read the book to Colin a few times a week at bedtime. We started last night, Brad read to Colin. It will be interesting to see if it really does work after Colin is born.

As for Colin, he is moving all the time now. Brad keeps trying to feel him move, but the little guy just doesn't want to cooperate. I start to feel him move, get Brad to immediately put his hand on my belly, and Colin stays still. I know Brad would be able to feel him because we were laying in bed this weekend and I had my hand just resting on my belly, Colin gave a good kick all of a sudden and I felt it on my hand. It's just a matter of catching him at the right time I guess, and him cooperating.

Tomorrow is our second sonogram, I'll post all about that tomorrow, and hopefully have some new pictures to share as well :)

Nursery: Day Five

The "Train" Train...it has a caboose and coal train on it, hence the name.

The "Rainbow" Train

One of the walls in the nursery. Here the 2 new things you see are 1) The step trash can, should come in handy when daddy is changing Colin. 2) the diaper bag sitting on the dresser. It's by OiOi, chocolate brown with blue piping and interior. It had a lot of handy features that I just loved.

Another view of the same wall.

Today is the last day of the nursery pictures. As I said, we have ordered the crib, it is scheduled to be here in November (I'm hoping it comes sooner!). Once it comes in, there maybe some rearranging of the room, we think it may be a little too big to go on the wall we originally planned for it to go on. I also have one last item to hang on the wall, it actually just came in the mail today and is a surprise for everyone.


Gramma's Train

We also wanted to thank you all once again for the love you shared with us in the painting of all the train pieces, we love them each, and know Colin will enjoy them even more!

Nursery: Day Four

The "Rainbow" Train

The "Original" Train (done by Mommy and Daddy)

This picture shows the bookcase, the lamp from Gramma, the oversized safety pin wall hanger, and the piggy bank from San Francisco.

Yesterday we had an appointment with the doctor to follow up on my blood pressure. I've been taking the medicine for 2 weeks now and taking my BP at home, it has always registered normal. It is only when I go into the doctors that it reads high, and he is finally recognizing this. So for now, all seems to be okay. We got to listen to Colin's heartbeat, it was 166 this time, so he stays pretty consistent, staying in the 150s to 160s range. This also blows the old wives tale out of the water. Apparently the boy's heart rates read below 140 and girls are supposed to be above 140. So, don't listen to this theory expecting mommies! The doctor also checked the fundal height ( to read more about the fundal height you can go to: http://www.birth.com.au/class.asp?class=6625&page=2#fundal) and it was 23 centimeters, which is right on.

And last, we have finished our registries at both Target and Babies R Us. So we now have all 3 registries completed, for those who have been requesting them.