31 week update

I just wanted to give you an update on the progress with the baby. I had another doctor's appointment today. The baby is doing well, her growth rate is right on schedule and her heart beat is strong and perfect. The doctor says my weight gain is on schedule, just have to continue to eat the right foods. I am at 31 weeks, which is marking the end of my 7th month. Only 2 mths left! I can hardly believe it! I feel like it is going to fly by.
We recently went on a trip to West Virginia and Washington DC. We had a great time and a nice visit with family. We did a lot of walking and hiking, and thankfully I was able to do all of it...as long as I was careful not to overdo it.
I have been missing running, surfing, and playing volleyball. But I'll be excited to return to it in a few months. That's all for now!
Love, Kara

Baby Belly Pictures!

Due to popular demand...I am posting some pictures of my big pregnant belly. These were taken this afternoon (March 17, 2009) at 26 weeks.

Love, Kara

Kara's Pregnancy Do's and Don'ts

Ok, I decided to share this with the internet world, now that I am 6 months pregnant, I am well into the swing of this pregnancy and baby-making; and I have come to a few realizations that I thought I'd share my list of: KARA'S PREGNANCY DO'S AND DON'TS:

TUMMY TOUCHING:
I know that the round tummy is an automatic draw for hands to touch...but there is a boundary issue here...ask first! It's very unnerving to have people's hands reaching out to the tummy without permission. Also, realize that even though some days it might be ok, there are going to be other days that the tummy is off-limits.

TUMMY COMMENTS:
Don't worry, we know exactly (down to the pounds) how big we are getting. You definitely don't need to make comments about the weight gain. And if you must, do it with tact. Saying, "I'm not going to lie, you've gotten huge." (believe it or not, someone actually said this to me!) is very rude and insensative.
ADVICE:
I understand that as soon as someone sees the belly, it reminds them of a story or their own experience. But between the doctor, nurse, pregnancy books, mothers, mother-in-laws, and other family members; we are getting more than enough advice. Don't worry, I will ask your advice if I need it.

WAR STORIES:Having a baby the for the first time is an exciting and unnerving experience; filled with joys and fears. Please don't tell me all the scary stories, I've already thought about the possibilities and don't need to be reminded.

BABY NAMES:
This is an individual thing..but I'll share my position. Yes - we are having a girl. Yes - we have discussed names. But due to several different reasons, we are not going to announce her name until she's born.

Thanks for listening/reading! :)

25 week mark!

Hit another milestone today for 25 weeks. So far, our little girl is growing big and strong. She is about 1 1/2 lbs and almost 15 inches (head to heel). We are excited about her growth and movements. I have gotten use to the timing of her movements, usually she'll first move about an hour after I eat breakfast, as well as any other times I eat. She also will move at about 10-11pm as well as at about 4am. Both of these times have been interferring with sleep, but it's a good sign that she is so active. Shane has also been getting to use to sleeping with about 1 ft of room on the bed, thanks to all the extra pillows.
We have started our baby classes last week. One of the reasons we are taking them so early is because we have a trip planned in April to the east coast. We really like our instructor and most of the other couples in the class are having their first baby as well.
Love, Kara

It's a girl!

We had another ultrasound yesterday and found out that the baby is a girl!! We are really excited and happy to find out about our daughter. The most amazing thing was we were able to see her moving around. She is healthy and perfect. Her little legs and arms were moving around and she looks like a human now. Her heart rate is about 150bpm, so it is slowing down; which is normal as she gets bigger. If you can tell in this picture, she is on her side and she has her hands tucked under her head. SO CUTE! She is moving up a storm! :) Keep you posted!

Love, Kara

First Movement!

Last night I felt the baby move for the very first time! It was an amazing feeling, kind of like a flutter in my belly. Next week we find out the sex, so stay tuned!
Love, Kara

Almost 18 weeks!

We are now almost at 18 weeks into the pregnancy. I had another doctor's appointment today. She said the baby's heart beat is strong, at 159-160 bpm. My blood pressure is healthy. She also said my weight gain is right on schedule, although I am a little small. Surprising, considering how much I eat! :)
I feel great! We are way into the 2nd Trimester. I have more energy, still having some mood swings, etc. But I am feeling happy, healthy, and excited.
Our next appointment is on Jan. 26th when we will find the sex of the baby!! That will be a big one with lots of news!
Love, Kara