and Riley Carter was set in stone. You didn't really start moving noticeably until around 18 weeks, but you haven't stopped since. I've actually been able to SEE you moving since about 36 weeks. It's incredible to know you're in there and already so strong. You definitely have a personality: if I lay on the wrong side you let me know, and you respond to your dad's voice. We read you books, and your dad plays you songs on the guitar (he's really good at it and hopes to teach you how to play). We plan on having you at St. Mary's hospital which is about 15 minutes from our apartment. It's where your dad was born too! It's a brand new hospital that has extremely nice private rooms as well as super helpful nurses. Here's your dad playing the guitar for you:
We decided early on that we were going to try and breast feed you. We took a breastfeeding class at the hospital and will have access to nurses that can help us for as long as we need them! We also took a Mom and Infant Care class that gave us tips on how to feed, bathe, and take care of you. It also taught us how to take care of your mom after your born. Our last class was a Prepared Childbirth class, and it focused on labor and delivery. You should have seen your dad sitting on the floor with grabbing my arm to simulate contractions (absurd) and helping me learn how to breathe through them. We also took a tour of the hospital; everyone was really nice. It was super clean and has all kinds of amenities to make our stay there easier!
I read What to Expect When You're Expecting to learn about pregnancy, but what helped me the most were actually internet blogs and forums. I read many, many Yahoo! answers also frequented Babybumps , Mommit, and Parenting which are all on the website Reddit (I spend WAY too much time there). Hearing from other moms that have been there was a big source of comfort and let me know that most of what I was feeling was normal!
While I was pregnant, I had a kidney stone and multiple gallbladder attacks. Not your fault, but things were pretty crazy for awhile! I didn't have much morning sickness, and with the exception of a few weeks I wasn't overly tired. Your dad really helped out the entire time - he gave me foot rubs, back rubs, rubbed stretch mark cream on my belly (not that it helped much haha), cleaned the house, and generally did anything I needed. He was incredible and is going to be a great dad. When you were 31 weeks in my belly, your grandpa Tom was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia out of the blue. He checked into the hospital in Vincennes, Indiana, and received blood transfusions. They then recommended that he travel to St. Louis and undergo chemotherapy - he had to stay in the hospital for over 3 weeks straight! We were afraid he would miss your arrival, but when you were 38 weeks in utero, they announced that he was in remission and could come home! He's currently in Mt. Carmel anxiously waiting for you to come out! Here's your dad's side of the family:
I'm now 39 weeks pregnant, and your due date is in exactly one week to the day! I've been dilated to 1 cm since 38 weeks. Our bags are packed, and we've already decided that you're going to wear you're first UK outfit home. So anytime you're ready - go ahead and come out! We love you, little guy.
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