active donut = happy mommy

Well it's clear to see from the inside and the out that I'm growing really big these days. Mom went for her pictures with Connie last Friday, I was 21 weeks old when these were taken. Since Mom and Dad were on vacation when Mom normally would have visited Connie there was a three week gap between the photos which makes it even easier to see how much Mom's body is changing to make more room for me.

I'm really enjoying all the space but rumor has it it's going to get more cramped in Wombland before I escape.

In just a few hours I'll be 22 weeks old! That means I'll officially be the size of a spaghetti squash, about 11 inches, and weigh almost a whole pound. I'm even starting to grow tooth buds this week. The thought of having teeth seems strange but I guess I'll get used to them eventually.

Since the last time I wrote I have been very active. Truth be told I have always been active but especially the past few days Mom has really honed in on my movements and seems to feel them much more frequently. She was able to call Dad over on Monday and he felt me move for the first time. I threw a quick jab his way to say "Hiya Pops." I can tell Mom gets the biggest kick (pun intended) out of me moving around because she always tells someone that she just felt me move. I think Dad has probably heard, "the baby's moving..." one too many times already! Don't worry Mom there's more of those coming up these next few months. I know it's also really reassuring for Mom to feel me moving around and she's so grateful to be able to know I'm there even if it's just for a second. 

Last weekend Mom and Dad went to Buy Buy Baby to try and figure out what car seat (actually called an infant carrier) and stroller to get me. Mom wants a stroller she can take me running in but also one that's light enough to function as a regular stroller for our shopping trips to the Mall, our adventures to Disney and other places I'm sure we'll be going. I think they've decided they like the Baby Jogger stroller because it's so easy to fold up and moves around really nicely. It's also got some nice safety features Mom can use while she runs. One of the cool things about this stroller is Mom and Dad can lay me down in it as an infant because the back goes down enough to be almost flat. That means they don't have to attach the infant carrier to the stroller, just throw me in (gently of course) and go.

They also looked at getting me the Chicco brand infant carrier. Since this won't get used for very long, only until I'm 30 lbs., they wanted something middle of the road in price but still rated well in safety. Chicco is one of the top brands and definitely has the easiest installation into the base. The guy at the store said they threw the Chicco from about five feet away and it clicked into the base on its own. That's some impressive stuff. I can see Dad and his friends having a competition after a few drinks to see who can do that too... of course I'll be inside with the ladies being swaddled and rocked while they do their experiment. They still haven't decided on colors but here's what it looks like. Exciting huh?

This week I also had the pleasure of going to another baby shower with Mom. This one was for Mom's friend Britt. She due in just over a month so I'll have another play date friend in not too long!

Not too much else happened this week so I'll guess I'll sign off for now.

Sweet Dreams.

 

donut sees the world... kinda

Well this was a big week for little Donut. I was out and about all week long with Mom, Dad and their friends exploring many new places. I feel like a world traveler and I'm only 21 weeks old! Too bad I couldn't actually see anything but the inside of Mom's uterus. At least I got to hear all about the places we visited and meet some of my Aunties.

The first place we visited was Baltimore. We were only there for less than 24 hours but we got to see our home team, the Tampa Bay Rays, play against the Baltimore Orioles at historic Camden Yard. Mom's jersey is getting too small cause I'm getting so big! I'm not sure what she'll do if the Rays make it into the post season.

The Orioles had a sign that showed the different birds they've had as mascots. I personally like the one at the end, "Baby Bird." Isn't he the cutest?

Although the Rays lost we still had fun at the game and it was super cool to see another ballpark besides the Trop. We also had time to visit the Inner Harbor to eat an authentic crab cake sandwich and see the big boats.

From Baltimore we headed South a little bit to Washington, D.C. While we were visiting D.C. we got to stay with Auntie Kristen and Uncle Jon and Auntie Dena. I could tell Mom was excited since these are some of her very best friends that she doesn't get to see very often.  This was my first time meeting them so I was looking forward to spending some quality time getting to know them better.

Auntie Kristen got me two onesies with gators on them and some really cute bath towels with gators as well. I can't wait to finally be able to wear all my cool clothes. As it stands now I have four outfits that root for the Gators and only one Bulls one.... Dad it looks like your friends need to step it up.

Our first night in D.C. we walked to "The Mall" (in case you don't know The Mall is what they call the big grassy area that encompasses all the major monuments etc.) to get acquainted with everything. A cold front followed us to D.C. so for the first time Mom and Dad had to wear jackets. This is me at the Washington Monument.

We were able to see a beautiful sunset after the storm rolled through. Isn't God amazing? Look at that gorgeous orange and blue sky.

The next day we visited the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. This is where most of our paper currency is made. Since Mom and Dad couldn't take pictures I don't have much to show you, however, they did let you measure how much you're worth in stacks of bills. Look how much my Dad is worth, he's a baller! According to the formula I'm already worth 245,000! Whoop whoop!

We also visited the Sculpture Garden on our way to the Air & Space Museum. In the garden they had a wish tree. As part of the art guests can add your own wish to the tree. All the wishes then get sent to the artist and compiled on a tower in Iceland. Mom wrote out a wish for me.

Her wish read, "I wish for a safe delivery of our child. I wish our baby to be happy and healthy. I wish us to be Godly role models and that we can raise our child to make a difference in other's lives."

Although not surprising, this brought tears to Mom's eyes after they were done... go figure. After wasting some time at some boring museum (sorry not into museums...) we visited the Capitol building and I got to see the Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence too.

That night we got to spend some quality time with Auntie Dena and see another ballpark. This time we got to see the Nationals play the Marlins at Nationals Park.

If I come out looking like this, please put me back in...

Saturday was a great day because Auntie Cheryl flew into D.C. to be with the girls and officially make Mom's roomie reunion complete. I could tell Mom was so happy to be around her friends while we were there. First we went to visit the Lincoln Monument and I was able to see where MLK made his famous, "I have a dream" speech.

Mom noticed Dad struggled a little more to pick her up than before. Perhaps it's me that's making it a bit more difficult?

We said hello to Abe and they couldn't resist getting a little chomp in before we left to go watch the Gator game.

And of course Mom couldn't resist the opportunity to be silly. I guess it's not everyday you get to pick Abe's nose...

...and eat it! Gross Mom! Clearly I have very mature parents who are totally ready to raise a child...

The next day I got to see the White House and visit a few more boring museums.

I think my most favorite thing to see was Dorothy's ruby red slippers from the Wizard of Oz and the big dinosaurs in the Museum of Natural History.

That night we visited the Iwo Jima Monument and Arlington National Cemetery. While waiting for the Metro I modeled a little bit for Dad. Everyone keeps saying how much I've grown these last few weeks. Now that I'm 21 weeks I'm the length of a carrot and weigh three quarters of a pound.

This is what happens when you get really bored at the train station. Mom has been practicing her baby dance for a while now but I guess she was ready to release it to the public.

Me on the Metro.

The next day we departed headed towards Philadelphia. Our first night in town we got to go to our third ballpark, Citizens Field where the Phillies squared off against the Cardinals. It was definitely the most fun game we went to because it was so close throughout. All the ballparks were equally awesome although Philly's definitely had the best view from the park.

While in Philly Mom and Dad really enjoyed eating some good food. During our short trip they managed to consume two Philly cheese steak sandwiches each. They were so delicious, Wiz Wit... as they say in Philly.

Philadelphia is full of historic sights and locations. One of the coolest things I got to see was the Liberty Bell.

This is me on the oldest street in the US! There was a house built in 1703...

Of course we had to visit the oldest Pub in the US too. I indulged in an ice cold O' Douls just to partake in the atmosphere... I do have 21 in my age after all.

We saw a lot in the short time we were in Philadelphia. I think this is my favorite family portrait from this city. Pretty much sums it up. LOVE.

All in all I visited three different states; Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania and of course the District of Columbia. I'd say I'm a pretty lucky baby so far.

When I got back from the trip I went to see my doctor for a check-up. She said everything from the sonogram I had before we left looked great and that I'm a healthy baby. She listened to my heart which was still beating around 156 bpm. She also measured Mom's belly for the first time since I was 20 weeks old now. I measured 21 cm this week and each time I go back they'll measure Mom's belly to be sure I'm growing correctly.

Tomorrow Mom and Dad are going to start my registry so I can have fun, new things in my nursery. Mom still hasn't found bedding she likes but I think she's going to go with an owl themed room for me.

Time to run, I've stayed up way past my bedtime. Goodnight!

<3

Donut

busy busy busy

Sorry it has taken me so long to update my blog, Mom has been keeping me really busy these last few days. We had a lot of big things happen since last time I wrote.

First off, I have to show you my latest "outside" shots by Connie. Looks like I’m definitely growing and as you can see by the three pictures side by side, Mom’s growing too. These were taken when I was 18 weeks old.

Connie told Mom to quit smiling so big... so she did.

On Friday I got to meet one of Mom’s very best friends, Leigh, and her family. Mom loves spending time with them and only gets to see them a few times of the year. I could tell she was so happy to be around them and I can’t wait to meet them on the outside of the Wombland in February.

 

On Saturday Mom spent all day rearranging and cleaning stuff out to continue to make room for me and my new stuff. For the most part Mom and Dad have cleared everything out of my future bedroom except the furniture.  Also on Saturday, my cousin Brookylnne came back from her vacation in Pennsylvania with Auntie Adrienne. She wanted to be back in time to celebrate Mom’s 30^th birthday. Mom, Dad and Nannygoat actually watched her on Sunday so Uncle AJ could go the Bucs home opener and her Mommy could get some much needed rest. It was so fun having her around. I can’t wait to play with her. She’s much more responsive now and follows people around with her beautiful , big eyes.

On Sunday we celebrated Mom’s big birthday. It’s cool because Mom is 30 now and when she was born Poppy was 30 and when he was born his Mom, my Great Nonie, was 30. The tradition continues that every 30 years a baby is born so I guess I’ll have to continue the tradition when the time comes.

I could tell Mom had a great birthday full of fun shopping trips, a birthday dinner with friends and family and lots of fun, thoughtful presents. It was cool for me because some of her presents revolved around me so I get to benefit too. I could tell the best gift Mom got was from Dad. He bought her an eternity band of amethyst stones. Amethyst will be my birthstone if I’m born in February. Of course Dad was taking a risk by already getting the birthstone for Feb, after all there’s certainly a chance I could be born in January, but it’s still special to Mom regardless. She loved the fact that it was an eternity band and the significance of that too.

Uncle AJ and Aunt Adrienne gave Mom a 3D/4D sonogram for her birthday. Mom and Dad weren’t planning on getting this but now they can thanks to them. They thought their appointment on Monday would be the last time they’d get to see me… Yay looks like we’ll meet again before I’m born. Dad doesn’t really like the way the 3D stuff looks so hopefully I won’t be too scary looking for him when it’s my turn. We’re going to have those done around 28 weeks… That’s only nine weeks away!

Auntie Tara & Uncle Greg gave Mom a Keurig coffee maker so when she’s up in the wee hours of the morning she can treat herself to some easy, yummy coffee. Mom was super surprised and excited.

The coolest card Mom got was from her friends Jen & Brad. Jen blew up balloons and put two smaller orange and blue balloons inside of a bigger one. She said it was to symbolize the “baby gator” Mom had inside her. Guess the verdict’s out… I’m a Gator!  (Don’t tell Dad I wrote that).

Mom also got so many other great gifts from other people too. She was so grateful and appreciative of everyone’s thoughtfulness and for coming out to celebrate.

On Monday Mom and Dad went to get their five month anatomy scan of me. This would have been the time when they could have found out what my sex is but they stood strong and didn’t look at the screen! Mom had to be firm with the grandmothers to be sure they didn’t look when they weren’t supposed to.

The anatomy scan went well. The Sonographer said I looked good in all areas and everything seemed to be normal. She checked me from head to toe. They were able to see the four chambers of my heart, my kidneys, ribs, brain, stomach, hands and feet. They even got to see the blood flowing through my heart to be sure it was working correctly. I kept my hands up by my face but didn’t suck my thumb. I didn’t really move around that much but they did get to see me move a little. I guess I was still tired from all the partying on Sunday night.

They even got a few 3D images of me while they were there. I weigh 10 oz right now and my heart was beating at 156 bpm. That sound is still music to Mom's ears every time she hears it. The Sonographer said I’m right on schedule of where I need to be for my due date.   

Right now Mom, Dad and I are on our first vacation together. I'm spending the night in Baltimore and tomorrow I get to see our nation's capitol and meet more of Mom's best friends. I'll post pictures of all the cool places we visit next time. I need to be getting to bed now!


Toodles
D to the O - nut

kick, boom, pow

This week's blog is brought to you by the letter "K" for kick. Although Mom thought she might be feeling me kick for the last few weeks she never was really certain... this week though she is pretty confident what she felt was ME! I kicked three times in a row in the same spot and tried to make it a little stronger than what I've been doing in the past so she might be able to feel it. I think Mom thought she would know automatically when I was trying to get her attention, after all that's how the movies make it seem, but I guess it's a lot harder to tell especially at first. Don't worry Mom, I've heard Wombland gets smaller as I get bigger and you won't be able to help but feel me all the time.

I'm also pretty sure Mom felt some part of me from the outside too. She was poking and prodding around her lower belly and came across something really hard she hadn't felt before. I could tell she was so excited at the possibility that it could be me because she couldn't quit smiling. I hope she feels me again sometime soon but doesn't put a dent in my head looking for me!

This week being 18 weeks along in my journey I'm already the length of a bell pepper. Mom has gained about eight pounds so far but I only weigh around seven ounces. I've also been causing Mom to make frequent trips to the bathroom which I'm guessing is only going to get worse as I get more cramped and lean on her bladder even more. Mom was advised now that I'm this big she needs to start only sleeping on her sides. Seems strange but being this pregnant her uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to her heart if she sleeps on her back. Another wierd thing is it's better for me if she sleeps on her left side vs. her right. I'm sure you're wondering why, just like she did, here's the reason according to babycenter.com, "...it may benefit your baby by improving blood flow – and therefore nutrients – to the placenta. It also helps your kidneys efficiently eliminate waste products and fluids from your body, which in turn reduces swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands."

Speaking of sleeping... The great furniture search continued this week for Mom and Dad. For the most part they've visited all the places they wanted to go and have found two sets of furniture for me. The problem is Mom likes one... and Dad likes the other... and they are vastly different.

Here's the set Mom likes. Her set is more expensive and much bigger. It's got a drawer under the crib for added storage and more drawer space for all my cool, new clothes and accessories. Both the sets they picked have drawers that won't come out on top of me and have convertible cribs that grow with me. One day my crib will be a toddler bed, daybed and then a double bed for when I'm really, really big.

Here's the set Dad likes, he's more fond of a wood that's not quite as dark which is better at not showing scratches. I think this color is called Walnut in case you were wondering.

One of the cool things about the set Dad likes is that it has a hutch which can also be used as a bookshelf too. Although the hutch isn't as fancy as Mom's set, it's kinda cool that I'll be able to put all my books on the shelves and use it for something else if I want to.

I can't wait to see which one they pick for me and how they end up deciding.

Dad started reading his first baby advice book, it's called How to Have Your Second Baby First. He's said multiple times this book was made for Mom. Guess he thinks Mom is going to be one of the psycho, crazy new moms that has to do everything by the book. In the end he's probably right but with such good mommy examples around her I'm sure she'll get good advice she can trust from friends and family which will help her keep things in check without having to follow all the rules.

This week one of Mom's best friends got engaged, Mom is super excited for them and I'm super excited at the thought of Mom and Dad having one more set of friends one step closer to having their babies for me to play with. Congrats to my Auntie Kristen and future Uncle Jon!

I guess I need to be getting to sleep. I went on my first boat ride today so I'm pooped. Until we blog again next week... peace.

Donut out.