Dad's Birthday and I'm 33/34 Weeks!

Hey everyone, it's me, BS. I know I'm not born yet but I already have a brain!

It's my dad's birthday today. He has the day off today because it's his birthday! Where else would he spend his birthday but out on the boat. He's with our friend Wayne muskie fishing on Sugar Lake. I hope he catches big fish.

Mom had another check-up appointment this morning. I was kickin (and screamin') the entire time that when Dr. Cheryl kept putting the heart beat monitor on mom's belly, I kept kicking it away. I dont like that thing. I don't know what this stuff means, but mom said it was another uneventful check-up which is good!

Moms blood sugar levels look just fine. Mom told the doc this morning that she's had 2 really high numbers in the past two weeks. Both times it was when we were with mom's girlfriends - I guess we just can't resist the the Pumpkin Apple Bars, Erin's cake and Anna's fresh apple pie. I love it when mom eats that stuff but for some reason she says that she shouldn't be? That is absolutely ridiculous. She has been stuffing her face lately. Today at the appt she gained 4 lbs! She made up for the 2 lbs she lost and since she's been eating so many delicious foods, I've been growing as big as a horse. I'm still planning on making my debut right at the beginning of December (2nd) but I still have some growing to do before I meet all of you. We're all praying that mom and I continue to stay healthy throughout the rest of the pregnancy and through the delivery.

Tonight we're going out to Axels for dinner to celebrate dad's birthday with gma and gpa sherck. Yum.

You want updated pictures of me in da belly? They're coming - I promise. Hopefully tonight or tomorrow!

Bill gave up the Duck Opener for what?

Yes. You're right. Bill and I went to a Labor & Delivery/Breathing class all day yesterday at North Memorial from 9-5pm!

We weren't planning on attending one of these classes - but my doctor this past Wed recommended it. I think it was worth it - of course, made me a little anxious knowing that I'm in the final stretch of pregnancy and also realizing that I need to keep in mind all deliveries are different. After the class was over, we took a 1/2 hour tour through the Hospital - and many of our simple questions were answered about where to go, timing, parking, etc. The hospital is about 30 min away from our home so we hope I don't have one of those 5 min labor sessions:) Doctors say normally a first baby is delivered after 12-24 hours of labor. Wow.

You all know Bill and I - and, it wasn't surprising that we had some fun goofing around during the class too. I think the highlight of the class was during relaxation time when I caught myself drooling all over the pillow. We could NOT stop laughing. I brought my camera; not quite sure why. But we're happy we did. We were the idiots taking pictures in the class...the first picture above - that was Bill's idea. Geez, it's funny. We ended the day at Granite City last night with a huge meal and Bill got a chance to pound three tall beers.

A surprise from mom, a baby shower and a day off...

One thing you don't do to an emotional pregnant woman: surprise her. Know why? Because pregnant women like me cry...a lot.

Surprise #1: Cami came into town Saturday: Karis, Cam and I had a great day of shopping planned. At about 430pm, Cami handed me a card at the outlet mall and says "whoops-sorry, I forgot to give you this." I opened up the envelope and it was a print-out of mom's itinerary. She was flying in at 6pm and we needed to leave to pick her up! After tears rolled down my face for about 5 minutes - we headed for the airport. What a surprise - mom had told me that she wasn't able to make it for the baby shower weekend and I didn't realize how important it was for me to have her there!

Suprise #2: Cami had contacted my work - they told me that I had the day off Monday so we could hang out. Everyone at work knew this ahead of time. Geez, I love having days off from work, especially with my sister and my mom!

Thanks Jen for hosting a great baby shower! It came and went faster than I could have imagined. I know one thing - I have the best friends and family...EVER. Thanks to all of you who gave great books, diapers from the diaper raffle and all of the gifts.

I've had a blast diggin' through all of the gifts in the past few days. Every single gift was needed and we cant wait to use with the baby! Almost 15 people attended the shower - some stopped in for a few and some even stayed to clean up (thanks Jen & Wonger) - I'm so happy! We missed many of you who couldn't attend but we talked about every single one of you (Cullen, Kir, Tini, Laura, Miss, Meg, Tara, Gma Lucy, SGma Kay and Gma Becker just to name a few) Dumb me, I forgot to take a picture of everyone when they were there - but got one late in the afternoon. They were all helping me practice:) I hope this makes you laugh Grandma.

31-32 Week Check-up Appt

Bill and I went to our check-up appointment this morning and once again, everything with Baby Sherck looks great!

Here's what went on:
1. I got a flu shot to save BS from all of the nasty flu stuff this winter
2. Blood pressure check - looks just fine
3. Tummy measurement is at 31cm which is right in line
4. I've lost two lbs. Initially, I was a little concerned about this but the Doc said she has no worries. Her comment "you're probably one of the healthiest eating pregnant mothers who come into my office right now - you've changed your diet and I have no concern" I've still gained a total of 16 lbs which is good.
5. She checked my GD-blood sugar journal and said that it looks like I'm managing the diabetes well with diet. She said she noticed the couple high numbers I had - I had eaten a bite sized snickers which set me over the edge. Well, of course! I guess I'll continue to drink WATER for a snack. Geez. I didn't tell her that I've planned a delicious meal of Veggie Tempura and edamame at Koyi with the girls Thurs night.
6. Doc says no wine for me. It'd set my blood sugar levels soaring. Dang.

Gosh, I'm craving Cocoa Pebbles - thanks to Cami who mowed down a huge bowl of them in front of me this past weekend. Tee hee

I'll be posting another blog entry tonight with pictures from the Baby Shower on Sunday. We all had a blast - I'm waiting for pics from mom before posting!

Dinner with Friends - Binsfelds & John

Bill and I got a chance Wed night to meet up with our friends John, Todd, Alison and little Nick for dinner. Nick wore his special spiderman tshirt. Even though he was a little camera shy (pic #1)-we talked him into smiling for the camera with Todd (pic#2). Nick will be three in December - and has the vocabulary of a 12 year old...it's quite interesting! Besides Bill and Nick shooting spiderman webs across the table at dinner, Nick's questions of the evening as he pointed at my belly: "Katie, what's in there? Can I see the baby?" I couldn't resist posting a couple pictures as he's the cutest curly-haired kid around...

BS has been busy doing four things...

1. Growing: Bill and I went in for our 30 week appointment today and it was uneventful...which is good! A few known facts to point out:

• Baby has a fast heart beat at 156bpm - doctor said if we're interested in believing an old wives tale, we may be having a girl.
• I've gained 2 lbs in the past month - a total of 18 lbs so far which is right on track
• My belly is measuring up just right (average size baby)
• Things look great for now; I'll start seeing the doctor every two weeks now
• I'm starting to waddle like a penguin
• Baby is no longer kicking but just swooshing around trying to make room in the tiny space
• My belly button is about to pop - and, as Cullen says...I have a torpedo in my belly:) Hey, mom - thanks for the shirt!

2. Hanging out with the girls: Went out with the girls on Saturday night - Tini, Linds, Jenna, Jenny & Jade. Soon enough, BS will get to meet Jade in person! Jade - are you ever naughty? I would find it hard to believe. Her hair has grown out enough that Jen can now get a tiny barrette in her hair:) 3. Spending time on ebay: searching for the perfect crib bedding. Check it out! Now on the hunt for a solid red tailored crib skirt. (Anna - maybe you can help?)4. Shopping with Grandma Sherck - Check out the new swing! I think Bill likes the one I picked out because it looks "outdoorsy"

Baby's new furniture!

Most importantly - check out Bill's website at http://www.duenorthoutdoors.tv/ and click on "Bills blog" on the left hand column. You can see pictures from last weekend that he was hard at work catching huge muskies at his "Muskie Mania" tournament. He's a pro.
BS must be a pretty lucky baby! Check out the new nursery furniture that has been added to the room. It looks great - even without bedding, artwork, paint, and decor yet! Thanks to our family for helping us decorate baby's room with new furniture - and to the Sims for the great hand-me-downs. We couldn't thank all of you enough!

While I'm at it, I had Bill snap a couple photos of me before bed in my new tank from A. Cami - I feel like I'm gonna blow!

Becker girls lookin' hot on first day of school...

First day of school in St. James is over! Ellie - Kindergarten Zoie-2nd Grade

A McDonald's Bacon, Egg & Cheese Mcmuffin at 28 weeks

28 weeks: Another milestone!--According to babycenter.com BS weighs about 2 1/4 lbs now and is almost 15 inches long. We continue to pray that baby will be healthy in the months to come!

Good News! The appointment went well this morning with the Gestational Diabetes Consultant and Dietician. They said that I'm doing well - and that my fasting blood sugars in the morning look good enough so I don't have to administer insulin. They're concerned I haven't been getting enough calories as I haven't gained any weight in the past few weeks so told me "you NEED to eat your snacks!" They say that my urine test have been a little off because I've cut TOO many carbs out of my diet and need to put some more back in (just spread out throughout the day)

I'm still craving a huge blizzard, fruit loops and endless watermelon but for another three months I guess I'll continue to watch my portions! It's no fun to have 1/4-1/2 cup of ice cream in one sitting--I want 3 cups in one sitting! Instead, this morning after my appointment I treated myself to a McDonalds Bacon, Egg & Cheese McMuffin. Wow--that tasted delicious.

Bill left this morning for Leech Lake doing a cool story and then off to Walker, MN for a Muskie tournament "Muskie Mania" this weekend for fun. I've decided to stay home this weekend and get some good relaxing in (ie: laundry)

Boat rides give the baby hiccups!

Bill and I spent another beautiful weekend up at the cabin for Labor Day weekend. The weather was 90 and sunny--but windy! We had a great time relaxing, going on walks, sleeping late, shopping and even catching up with live news coverage on CNN of Hurricane Gustav (thanks to dish satellite)
Baby Sherck has been moving like crazy the past couple days after having a few relaxing days of time off. For the first time, I felt what baby hiccups feel like! They lasted lastnight for about 10 minutes--even Bill could even feel them. A very weird feeling but also reassuring that baby is moving and growing too.
I've attached a couple pics from the weekend 1. Lounging time out on the boat--posting updated belly pictures for the family out of town so you can see how much progress baby has made in the past few weeks. Sheesh! 2. Mike spent some time fixing Grandpa Sherck's old metal detector. He looks cool, huh?

Still feeling great and am continuing to learn more about my new GD diet and how-what I eat can change my blood sugar levels. I return for a follow up appt with the Dietician and Diabetese Consultant on Wed. We'll hope things look great and baby is healthy. Almost forgot--thanks to RGSmommy, we won the ebay auction for babys crib bedding from Pottery Barn (Laguna)