It's Almost Time!!!!!!

I can't believe that we are only 4 days away from the birth of our daughter. It seems like only yesterday that I was sitting in the recliner in our apartment watching The Office and Laura came out of the bathroom and all she said was "It's positive". I looked at her, not comprehending what she was saying. Then like a light bulb, it clicked! We're having a baby!!! I had such excitement and joy in my heart, knowing that God was going to bless us with one of the greatest gifts, a child. Boy or girl, I didn't care, this was our child. I will love them no matter what. Then, probably 3 or 4 days later it started to sink in. Then I became overwhelmed with the thoughts of "Am I ready to be a dad?", "Are we ready to be parents?", and all the other thoughts that first time parents have.

As I have watched Laura progress through the pregnancy, I am in awe of how wonderful God is in allowing us to help give life to another human being. It has also been made more real to me exactly how wonderfully blessed Laura and I are with two really awesome families!! I would be hard pressed to find a couple who felt more support and love than, we do. And on top of that we have an awesome church family as well!!

This blog has helped me learn so much each week in this pregnancy. It has helped me understand what Laura is going through and how I can help her. It has also let me know what Anna has been doing. From the time she was conceived up to the time she started learning how to kick her mommy's ribs!! :)

I'm sure a lot of first time dad's say this but I think I am one of the most excited soon-to-be dad's in the world. All my mind can think about is the first time I lay my eyes on our sweet little Anna Marie. Daddy can't wait to meet you baby!!! We love you!!

Week 37 - Only 6 days left!!!!

Well, we are down to less than one week before our beautiful daughter’s arrival. Laura and I will check into the hospital on Sunday afternoon to go ahead and get her prepped to be induced on Monday morning. Anna will be born at St. John’s hospital across the street from Utica Square. Laura and I are so excited to bring our little girl into this world. We know that God has a perfect plan for her life, even though we don’t know what that is, He does!! She is blessed with three wonderful families; The Smith side, the Dyer side, and the Eastland Assembly of God family. I hope you all have enjoyed reading this blog as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Each week I have learned about each little step my daughter has taken. From conception all the way to now. It has been an amazing ride but I know the fun is only beginning. We love you all very much!! Here’s Anna’s progress this week:

Laura is now considered full-term now and Anna’s final touches are being made. Her crown-to-rump length is now 14 inches and the total length is around 21 inches. She weighs approximately 6.5 pounds.

This week Anna should engage into Laura’s pelvis. When Anna engages, her head drops down into Laura’s pelvis and she might feel a slight sensation called `lightening` as the pressure on her ribs eases. As Anna drops into the final position for delivery, Laura may experience a buzzing feeling and shooting pains in your groin and leg. Normally, most women are able to breathe and eat easier. However, her uterus will now push down harder on her bladder and she will have an increased urge to urinate more frequently.

Anna is now fully mature and ready to be born. However, she is still growing and developing every day. Fat is still being laid down at a rate of a half ounce a day.

Research shows babies can be affected by stress hormones. Laura needs to continue to make time to relax, to have fun, and to rest.

Anna has learned to coordinate sucking, swallowing and breathing so she can do all three when breastfeeding after birth. Babies practice shallow breathing before birth, using amniotic fluid.

Week 36 - We have a date!!!!

Well, we had a great appointment with the doctor yesterday. With Laura having gestational diabetes, they were concerned with Anna’s size getting too big too quick. This week in the pregnancy, Anna should be around 6 pounds. Yesterday, she measured in at 5 pounds 15 ounces. The doctor said she looked completely healthy. We have set a date of when Laura will be induced. It will be Monday September 27th. Anna will be delivered at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa. It’s less than two weeks until we see our precious Anna Marie.

By this week of pregnancy Anna’s crown-to-rump length reaches about 13.5 inches and the total length is approximately 20.7 inches.

Anna’s face has filled out significantly and looks smooth and plump. Because she has powerful sucking muscles and has had layers of fat forming for quite some time now, her cheeks have filled out like a newborn's. Her skull is firm, but not hard. Every baby's head has the ability to give slightly so that there is room for her to fit down the birth canal during delivery. Some babies are born with cone shaped heads from the pressure of delivery, but this will go away after delivery.

Week 35

Well, I hope everyone had a great and safe Labor Day weekend! Laura is still on bed rest and she is feeling good. We go tomorrow for another doctor’s appointment where they will check her fluid levels to see how they are doing. Keep her and Anna in your prayers.

Speaking of her, Anna now weighs over 5.5 pounds and her crown-to-rump length is approximately 13.2 inches. Her total length is around 20.25 inches at this point.

This week the pregnancy, Anna’s fingernails will have definitely reached the tips of her fingers. When she is born, her nails may look long and pointy. Anna is less likely to scratch herself at this point because of the lack of room. Fat deposition will still continue and she is getting chubbier and rounder. Anna’s shoulders are plump at this point.

This should be the week that the doctor is going to set a date to induce Laura. With Laura having the gestational diabets, the doctor is planning on inducing on week 38. We'll keep you updated on how things go tomorrow. Stay tuned!