37 week appt

Hitting 37 weeks means we're officially "full term". Baby Girl Whitesell can make her way into the world at any time now. We had our appointments today and everything went really well. No new progress since last week but we're right on track. We checked more "to dos" off our list this week like getting the car seats inspected and stocking up on diapers/wipes.

Some 37 week maternity photos:

Baby Names

The Social Security Administration recently published the most popular baby names for 2008.

http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/

You can look at past years too. For each of the years we were born we found that Jason was #2 and Jenifer was #1.

Here are the top 50 baby girl names for 2008:

We are still keeping the name a secret, but we can tell you that you won't find Baby Whitesell's name in the top 50!

36 weeks

It is hard to believe that 36 weeks have gone by already. I only have 11 more days of work until maternity leave starts! Jason says I'm counting down the days like a little kid counting down for Christmas. It has been a busy week getting things done around the house to get ready for Baby Whitesell. Shelves and wall letter are hung, the mobile is put together and attached to the crib, clothes and blankets are washed- and the room is now finished! We decided on our pediatrician (who went to UVA but we will let it slide since she is so highly recommended...) and tonight we went to an Infant CPR and First Aid class.

We had two doctor appointments today and they both went great. I've started getting Braxton Hicks contractions (non-painful "practice" contractions), which is normal. Skip to the next paragraph if you're not into reading details about my "progress"... I had my first internal exam today. I am not dilated yet but I am 70% effaced. This really doesn't mean anything with regards to when she will arrive but it is good to know things are progressing.

Since we've been doing belly pics every 4 weeks, this *could* be the last one! Week 9 seems like an eternity ago.

We hope you all have a great Memorial Day weekend!

35 week appointment

We had our growth ultrasound today and we didn't get any new pictures but we did get good news. Baby Whitesell is measuring a week ahead at an estimated 6 lbs 5 oz and 18 inches long. At this point they grow on average a half a pound a week, so it looks like she'll surpass the original estimate of 7 lbs at birth! They also said her head is down (which it needs to be for labor) and already low which explains some of my recent discomforts. My next OB appointment is next week and they'll start to check on whether I am making any progress or not.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms!

Jason and Mom

Jen and Mom

We had our regular doctor appointment and a quick sonogram this week. The only news to report is that they both went great and everything is on schedule. Next week we have a growth scan where we may get some new pictures. I am feeling good for the most part, just moving around a little slower and finding it harder to get off the couch! I'm still doing prenatal yoga and pilates a few times a week. They really seem to be helping me and I look forward to the classes each week. We've been having fun getting Baby Whitesell's room ready, putting together the stroller, pack-n-play and all that. I have a hamper full of baby clothes and blankets to wash. It's starting to feel like a baby is really about to move in :)

Baby Shower

We had our baby shower last weekend and had a wonderful time! It was a fun night with great food, friends and family. Thank you to my wonderful shower hosts, Tiff and Laura. Baby Whitesell is lucky to have such sweet "aunts" that are already spoiling her!


Here are some pics:






Some of the grandparents to be:







Baby Whitesell's Great Grandma to be :)


And my ever growing belly: