33 weeks

Had a great appointment today.  I had an ultrasound done of Parker, and everything looked really good.  First off, with the polyhydramnios, I've had to monitor my weight closely to make sure I don't gain too much too quickly.  Today, I actually was 2 lbs less than a week ago- a great sign.  Then, my amniotic fluid index, which was 33 at 29 weeks, dropped to 26- much closer to normal (<20).  A total relief!  All I can say is that God is so good!  I could not make it through all of this without having faith that God is sovereign and in control.

He is measuring about 5lbs 1oz- a big boy in the 70th percentile.  Some cute pics of the boy:

Sweet face 

He had his feet by his face, curled up in a ball

I love his little feet and toes

So my friend Christina is incredibly talented, and knitted him a little fox stuffed animal.  It is so adorable- I had to show it off!  She also sent me a print that she created that I'll post soon.  It's so much fun to receive all of these sweet gifts and know that he will be around soon to see them himself!

32 weeks

So we've made it 32 weeks- every week, I thank God for extra time for Parker to develop, grow, and mature.  My doctor's appointment went well last week- still measuring high, but nothing to worry about.  Just to keep a close eye on everything, I'm going back this coming Wednesday for another Ultrasound.  He is still kicking nonstop, reminding me frequently that he is in there.  Week 32, most babies are about 4 lbs, 17 inches long, and are about the size of a squash.  I'm also experiencing a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions these days.

This is a good bump shot with Suzy from last weekend- he's getting so big!

I had my first experience of a stranger crossing the personal space boundary.  A visitor in the ICU has now 3 times put both hands on my stomach and given it a good rub- each time giving me a shock.  I'm surprised that A) this is the first time it has happened, considering I hear stories frequently of this.  And B) I just can't believe people find it acceptable to go and lay hands on a very personal area of a complete stranger.  I'm a touchy feely person, but oh my- that's a bit much!

precious diaper cake

Today, I was so blessed to have another baby shower, this time with my sweet coworkers from the MICU.  My friend Kala (who came to Hawaii) hosted at her house with help from some others, and we had such a nice turnout!  I was overwhelmed with more sweet gifts- lots of books (my favorite), outfits, accessories, diapers, and a pack n' play.  I have wonderful friends, and we had such a nice time!

Crazily- I think we have pretty much everything we need for when Parker makes his appearance.  I love just sitting in his room and going through his clothes and looking around wondering what it will be like when we have this child in our home- very exciting!

diaper wreath- so creative!

Kala's house looked so cute all decked out for Baby Parker!

Amber, Amy & Jess

Jess, Jean, myself and Jessica- love my friends from work!

My sweet friend Amy- she is 38 weeks pregnant now and will be having her baby boy, Jack, any day now!

Go Hogs! One last visit home....

Spence and I had a great weekend in Northwest Arkansas.  As we flew back on Friday- Spencer kept reminding me that this is our last trip home with just the 2 of us.  It's so crazy to think that we are going to become a family of 3 (+ Jack).  As my bump grows ever larger, we are realizing how close we are to becoming parents.  I'll be 32 weeks on Thursday!

Here we are with Michelle Duggar- NWA celeb!

One of the highlights when we got to town- we went to lunch with my family and ran into the Duggars!  Spence and I have to admit that their show is a guilty pleasure of ours!!!  Jim Bob and Michelle were taking their daughter Jessa out to lunch for her birthday, and they were so excited to see my grandmother, Libby, who they knew from the post office for years.  They were even nicer in person than they seem in the show.

Rachel and me- one of my oldest and closest friends!

My stepmom (Kim), Mama, Vicki (Kim's mom) and my friend Rachel threw a very sweet shower for Parker on Saturday morning.  It was so fun to see SO many people that I never get to see on our quick trips through town.  We were so blessed to receive so many nice gifts that we desperately need as we anticipate P's arrival.

Rick's Bakery Petit Fours- amazing!  The Hogs were so cute.

Pi Phi friends Mindy and Sarah- so fun to see them!

My sister-in-law, Suzy, mother-in-law, Debbie, Suzy's mom, Suzy, and cutest nephew ever- Jim!

Erin, Lori, Miriam, Kim & Susan- loved seeing everyone!!!

LOVE it!- Spencer trying on our new Baby Bjorn, carrying around Mickey Mouse for practice.  Looking good Spence!

I do have to boast- the Razorbacks were once again victorious on Saturday night against the Gamecocks.  We've received many congratulations from our Clemson and UGA friends.  The game was fun, as was tailgating.  It's always so nostalgic to go to campus and the games.

2 years in a row of Arkansas vs. Carolina with Brian & Jenny

On Sunday, Spence's Aunt Margaret hosted a wonderful brunch for family and friends before we headed home.  It was a perfect weekend full of activities, friends, football, and fun.

Hanging out with the Eldridges and Coverts

Dutton family pic- my brother James surprised everyone and flew in from NYC to be a part of the weekend!  It's so rare for all of us to be together- such a treat!

Wooooo Pig Sooie!

Last year when friends came into town

2010 Game Score from USC- Go HOGS!!

Spencer and I are leaving for Fayetteville, Arkansas tomorrow morning.  I am so excited for a couple of days at home.  It will be a jam-packed weekend of activities, baby showers/brunches, and of course the Razorback and Gamecock game.  Very excited to see lots of family and friends!  Although we love living here in Columbia, SC, there is not even a question of where our loyalty lies.  The razorback red is packed for Saturday night, and we are bringing heavy coats for the cool NWA weather that night.  

A little over a week ago some of our closest friends here threw us a wonderful shower to help celebrate little Parker's upcoming arrival.  We had a really nice time, and received some great gifts!  We are very blessed to have such wonderful friends & family!  It's so exciting to receive all of these things, knowing that our little boy will one day wear the outfits, play with the toys, and be wrapped up in the blankets and such that we've received.

Wendy, Ellen, Lauren, Colleen & Debbie after the shower

Spencer and Ben- Ben had a very impressive board for bets placed on day and time frame for Parker's arrival

And of course- this week was Halloween- Spence dressed Jack up in last year's costume since I was at work.  Isn't he the cutest??

29 Weeks!

We had a great weekend with Spencer's mom, Debbie, visiting us!  She came last Wednesday, and sadly left us yesterday.  It is always so much fun to have her around, and as a bonus- she left us with leftover homemade soup, chili, and other snacks as usual.  We shopped, cooked, worked on the nursery, and just enjoyed her tremendously!  Best mother in law ever :)

We went to my 29 week appointment on Friday and were able to see Parker in another ultrasound.  I haven't seen him since our 20 week appointment, and it was so exciting to see his sweet face.  It's amazing to me how big he is getting and he is looking more and more like a newborn.  I've been feeling really extra-full lately, and for the last week have been very uncomfortable.

We did learn that I have what is called polyhydramnios, meaning more amniotic fluid than is "normal."  It's nothing to be alarmed about right now, but just to watch.  It made sense why I have been feeling larger than is normal, though!  My uterus should be measuring 9cm right now above my belly button, but it is actually 12cm above it.  No wonder I feel his feet in my ribs during his kick sessions!

cute little feet- they don't always feel little!

There he is in 3D with his R arm by his face

 This is a pic of some of our best friends, Meredith & Colin and their brand new baby girl Madeline!  She was born October 15, and is absolutely perfect.  We visited them last week, and got to hold her.  It was extremely sweet, and is such a reminder of what is coming to us very soon!

Colin, Meredith (with Madeline) and Spencer & me- she looks amazing for <1 week out!

Back to Reality

So, Hawaii is over.  I can't believe we have been home for nearly 2 weeks!  A month went by so quickly.

Back to my baby Jack!

However- we are so happy to be home to Jack- our golden retriever!  He stayed with my parents in Fayetteville, Arkansas the whole time.  I think it was a luxury vacation for him.  They have a giant pool that he swam in daily (hope his hair didn't kill the drain!), had 3 dogs to play with daily, got to roam the woods on his own, and my 13 year old brother, Mitchell, threw the ball for him for ~1 hour each day!  However- I think he was excited to see us- as you can see in the pic to the right- we couldn't get to sit still at all when I came to get him.

Jack LOVES swimming.  Sorry Jack- no pool in Columbia.

My friend Meredith and me.  So, she is actually 12 weeks
 ahead of me, but somehow I look a lot bigger.
How is this possible?

I will be 28 weeks tomorrow.  It is crazy to say out loud- I feel like I still have so much time until he comes into the world.  But we are now in the last trimester- only 12 weeks to go!  That seems so impossible.  Here is an updated belly pic.  My doctor's appointment went really well last week.  Then we made appointments for the rest of the pregnancy- and there are only 6 left- and that is going every 2 weeks, followed by weekly the last month.  Oh my gosh!

By the way- we have a name:

Parker Fox Robinson

Parker is a name we both just really liked.  There is no significance- just a name we kept coming back to.

Fox is Spence's middle name.  It was his grandmother's maiden name, so we thought it would nice to use a family name- plus I think it's a nice way to name him after Spence since he says no to Spencer III.

I am just so excited to meet the little guy!

More of the Big Island

We enjoyed our 4 days on the Big Island.  Now the reality awaits that we are returning to the real world in just a few days!  It's bittersweet!  This has been such an incredible experience- definitely opportunity of a lifetime to spend a month in Hawaii!  It's amazing how quickly the time has passed...

Black Sand Beach 

Black sand

Gold sand from our beach

Basik Acai- an acai bowl (smoothie in a bowl with fruit/toppings- A-mazing!!

Spence body surfing