36 Week Growth Scan (with baby bump)

Yesterday was my final growth scan at Maternal Fetal Medicine as well as my routine appointments at my regular OBGYN. My mom came with me, and we headed off to Lehigh Valley Hospital. I did not have Kristin today as my sonographer because it was her day off, but the woman I did have was extremely nice and talked through exactly what she was measuring, just like Kristin does. They get an approximate weight for the boys by taking a series of measurements – their leg bones, their heads, their chests, etc.  Believe it or not, they told me that the weight measurements are actually less accurate closer to the due date than they were before. It’s because at this point, the positions the babies are in make their bones more difficult to measure, and being slightly off has a bigger impact on their weight. Anyways, this was their disclaimer before telling me their estimated weights, which were Logan – 5lbs 11oz, and Riley – 5 lbs 8 oz.  I can’t believe how big they got! When the doctor asked me if I had any questions, of course I had to ask – if they are born next Wednesday as scheduled,  in his opinion, what are their chances of needing to spend time in the NICU? The MFM doctor said that it was pretty low – he said that there was maybe a 20% chance that one of them would spend time in the NICU, meaning there was an 80% chance neither of them would.

Oh, the sonographer got us a halfway decent “4D” photo of Riley's face! Logan was in no way going to let us take his picture (as usual).

Carrie said there will be no pinching of cheeks.
But look at my son! What a cutie! - Steve

Next I went over to my other appointment and had my non stress test, which looked good. When I met with the doctor, I asked him the same question I asked the MFM doctor, and believe it or not, he gave the same answer – 80% chance that neither would visit the NICU. I realize there are many unforeseen reasons a baby – any baby – would have to go to the NICU, but it was reassuring that they both gave the same answer.  Knowing that was based off of next week, I asked what if they were born last night. The doctor still said he would not think the chance of either of them going to the NICU was above 30%. Both doctors agreed that it would be unlikely for me to have to go home without them.

In case you were wondering, I am huge. I have probably gained about 44 lbs. Here is me at 36 weeks, 2 days:

Baby Bump Pic - Week 35

The day is drawing near! Carrie's definitely just about ready to pop. 

Anyway, we've both been in full-out cleaning and organizing mode trying to get everything ready. Most of the evening, I was moving furniture around to get the last of the nursery ready to go.

- Steve

Baby Bump Pic - Week 31

We realized we missed week 30 for a baby bump update, so we'll just have to pick up here. Penguin decided she wanted to be on the internet, too, so we decided to cooperate.

4/5ths of the family, all in one picture :-P

Baby Bump Pic - Weeks 28 and 29

Sorry for the delay in pictures - things have been really hectic with the new semester starting and Penguin seeming to have come down with kennel cough.

No more excuses, though, so here are the pictures! We thought we'd change up the scenery a bit, so here's the corner of our fireplace:

Week 28

Carrie likes to point out that there doesn't seem to be any week-to-week difference in size. In alien baby appearances? Definitely more, especially when they get a book read to them.

Week 29

Baby Bump Pic - Week 27

Latest baby bump pic:

Week 27: Here come the alien babies!

If you've never seen the alien baby effect in action, it's pretty cool. I never knew that you'd be able to actually see the movement a baby through the belly!

More pics and videos of the nursery and Penguin to come!

- Steve

Baby Bump Pic - Week 26

Here's the latest pic!

"So that's who stole the basketball..."

Carrie has decided she should be called "Shamu-mu," since she says she feels like a whale and her clothes look like mu-mus.

I personally think she still looks great, though, and am still fascinated by the moving lumps on her belly.

Baby Bump Pic - Week 25

While the change in size isn't really obvious day-to-day, the change in shape is. It's still kind of crazy to watch them try to escape through Carrie's bellybutton.

Baby Bump Pic - Week 24

Due to popular demand, here's a pic of Carrie's baby bump at week 24. Oh, and our first full-size Christmas tree, too!