I think he will be a kicker for the football team.

It's been a couple of weeks since my last update. I am 34 weeks along. I went to the doctor this morning and everything looks great. The heartbeat is 150 per minute, his head is down, and he weighs approximately 4.5 lbs. The doctor is very happy with everything and says I am still on track for 1/28/09. In 3 weeks they will do an ultrasound to see how big he is. Baby Kirkman gets very excited after I drink crystal light or unsweet tea with splenda. He also gets very excited at the doctor when we try to hear the heartbeat. He is kicking like crazy from sunup to sundown. I am sure he is going to come out kicking. We definitely have an active one. Danny and I have been putting things together for him: the travel system, swing, bouncer, and pack n' play. I love everything and can't wait for him to get here to enjoy it.

Getting ready for the holidays

This month has been absolutely wonderful. I have had 2 baby showers and Baby Kirkman is going to be so spoiled with all the neat presents he has received. I can't wait until he gets here to enjoy everything. I want to first thank Jamie and Danny Kirkman for throwing such a nice baby shower on November 2nd and thank Mary Lou, Susan, and my mom, for throwing such a nice baby shower on November 16th. Both were beautiful and Danny and I are so appreciative.

But now it's time to get ready for the holidays and I am not sure if nesting is supposed to start this early but it has. I have become an extreme busy body and when I run out of things at the house to clean and/or organize, I shop. I may go broke by the time he gets here and I am certainly driving Danny nuts buzzing around the house constantly finding something to do. Last weekend, 10 pm at night on Friday, I wanted to put the stroller together. Saturday we spent the day shopping for our Holiday party, and Sunday I spent hours in Wal-mart going up and down every aisle and buying way too much. This is seriously out of control. The one thing I am thankful for is that decorating for the holidays will give me something to do on Friday or I would go shopping again.

Moving right along...

I am 28 weeks and have now graduated to the "Every 2 weeks appointment" status at the doctor's office. I went in today for my check-up. I had another ultrasound because we had not been able to see the aorta, but he wasn't so stubborn today, and we were able to check that out. Everything looks good. He weighs about 2 lbs 15 oz. The heartbeat is good and he is doing well. We are moving right along and he will be here before we know it. As many of you may know, I found out at the last appointment that I have gestational diabetes. I was absolutely devastated at first but once I went to the diabetes class and understood better why and what I was dealing with, I have felt much better. I am walking every night, at least a mile, and watching my carbs. I have actually lost weight in the last 2 weeks, and he has gained! The doctor thinks the baby and I are doing great so we are setting ourselves on cruise control and getting ready for the holidays.

4D Ultrasound

We went in for our 4D ultrasound today. Grandma Starbuck and Danny were there for the ultrasound. The pictures are really cool. Baby Kirkman was a little stubborn (like his Dad) and wouldn't face the camera but we have some really neat profile shots. He was all over the place, sucking his thumb, yawning, kicking his feet, and moving his fists. He is definitely active.

My Little MVP

The nursery is coming together. Thanks to my mom and godmother, we now have our crib and our dresser/changing area. Dad and Danny spent quality time together Saturday putting the crib together. We are now ready for our little man. I hope he likes sports b/c he will be surrounded by them.

It's a boy!!!

It's official, Baby Kirkman is a boy and there was no mistaking it! We are so excited and I am sure you guys know how happy this made his daddy. We had our ultrasound yesterday and everything looks great; the doctor was very pleased. He currently weighs 1.4 lbs. Now it's time for the fun to start, names, clothes, toys, and decorating the nursery. Our little MVP is going to be spoiled rotten. I made a deal with the devil (lol-Danny) that he had the final say on a name if it was a boy; I would have final say if it was a girl. He, ofcourse, is holding me to it. However, I think he may give in a little by letting me suggest some names. I used the "I'm the one carrying him and I am his mother" line. I think it worked. :) Note to future mothers, do not make this deal. Will keep you updated on the name status and any suggestions will be taken into consideration by the board (aka Danny).

Tomorrow is the big day!

Last Saturday, my dear friend, Misty Cox, came to visit and took some pregnancy pictures. This is me at the Vinyard in Lexington at 21 weeks. I know, a Vinyard, pregnant. I only smelled the grapes, no wine for me.

Tomorrow is the big day; our ultrasound appointment. Hopefully Baby Kirkman will work with us and we will know whether we are expecting a Little Danny or Little Amber. Stay tuned.

18 weeks Pregnant

This is me 18 weeks pregnant.

Bella Bands-Thank Goodness!!!!

So...I discovered Bella Bands with the help of my friend Mary Margaret. MM, thank you so much for suggesting these. I bought my first one and it is FABULOUS!!!! No more maternity pants falling down and no more rubberbands to hold my other pants together. :) If you are expecting and you haven't discovered this gift from God, you need to check them out. http://www.ingridandisabel.com/

We have an active baby!

We had our 3rd doctor's visit today. I am 17 weeks along. We were able to hear the heartbeat again. The doctor says that it is strong and we are doing well. It was hard to keep up with Baby Kirkman. Every time the doctor pressed on my belly to hear the heartbeat, we would hear it for a few seconds and then the baby would flutter away. He/She was all over the place. The doctor says that's a good thing; Baby Kirkman is an active one! Are you really surprised considering Danny and I are the parents? Baby Kirkman is probably trying to talk and pace the floor already. :)

This has been a great last month. I feel great. I feel healthier than I have ever felt in my life. If I could just master this whole sleeping on your side mess, I would be perfect. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Next month we go back for the anatomy ultrasound so we will hopefully know whether Baby Kirkman is a Little Amber or Little Danny. I should take a poll of my readers. What do you think this world can handle? Another Amber or another Danny?

Belly pics and more updates to come later.

The Heartbeat

Back to the doctor today. This was the longest visit but very exciting. We went through the family history and discussed all of our questions. We even talked about the delivery. Danny was reassured that my exhaustion is normal. :) We were able to hear Baby Kirkman's heartbeat for the first time. It was amazing. Hearing the heartbeat really made this whole process a reality. Everything sounded great to the doctor (sounded like a galloping horse to me) and he reassured us that I am fine, the baby is fine, and we are good to just set ourselves on cruise control. My next visit is August 20th. Stay tuned.

Belly Laughs and Maternity Clothes

Just finished my first book about pregnancy, "Belly Laughs". I would recommend this to anyone, especially those of us that are worrying about everything. I found myself laughing out loud and quoting Jenny McCarthy to anyone who would listen. I know now that what I am experiencing is really normal, no matter what Danny says. :) Just kidding. He is being super supportive but still doesn't get the "I need pizza" request at midnight or the "I am freaking exhausted and need a nap" comments. But I love him and he is trying. He is even reading his own book, "What to expect when she's expecting".

Just got back from Houston. I don't recommend pregnancy nausea + weather of 110 degrees. It did not work for me. I am slowly recuperating from that journey. I am just glad that I wasn't there 7 months pregnant. I really would have been miserable.

I made my first maternity clothing purchase. It was interesting. I am in love with cute jeans that I can wear with a belly and I can pull up to my armpits. Anyone who really knows me, knows that I am serious. Super excited about the new comfortable clothes.

Next week we have our second doctor's appointment where we get to hear the baby's heartbeat. We are pumped. Every week I get these e-mails that tell me what my baby looks like this week. It is interesting that last week they described baby Kirkman as being the size of a kumquat. Supposedly baby Kirkman is growing hair, nails and moving his/her limbs now. I really can't wait to feel a kick.

All for now, check back next week to hear about the big Doctor's appointment.

It's official, we are expecting a little Kirkman

It's official, we are expecting a little one. We had our first doctor's appointment on Tuesday, June 24th. I am 9 weeks along and due on January 28th, which is the day before Danny's birthday. When the doctor told us the due date, Danny told him that was the best birthday present ever. :) Needless to say, we are super excited and I just won wife of the year. This picture is our very first baby picture. We were even able to see a heartbeat. This is going to be an exciting journey and I will use this blog to keep everyone updated on the progress.