So our little girl has hair. :) I hope it's full, brown, curly hair and not the jet-black, stick-straight hair I was born with!
I had my last neonatal ultrasound today. The fluid around the baby's heart has decreased and the doctor called her tricuspid valve regurgitation "trivial". He does not anticipate a problem. However, to be 100% safe, he asked that we get an echo of the heart 1-2 days after baby girl is born. He wants a pediatric cardiologist to review it and he would like to see the images also. It's a little complicated having an OB/Neonatal with Aspirus and a Pediatrician with Marshfield Clinic because "orders" need to be placed for these tests and no one is quite clear who does that. We'll get that part figured out in time.
After Dr. J does his medically necessary tests, he gives me time to check out her face. I had to practically take my pants off for him to get low enough with the ultrasound wand to see her face, her head is already planted down into my pelvis. Good positioning...she's ready. :) She still has a nice wide nose and nice full lips. He showed me in the 2-D screen a bunch of "white stuff" that he described as "lots of hair". I am not sure if "lots of hair" means thick hair or just hair all over...I guess we'll find out in 6 weeks...
She currently weights 4 lbs, 14 oz. This is only 10 oz. more than 3 weeks ago, which means she is on a weight gain track of 3.3 oz a week, putting her weight total at right around 6 lbs, 1 oz. for birth. HA! You think I could get that lucky?! I'm betting this chunker puts on a lb. a week and she comes out 10 lbs, 14 oz. :)
Unfortunately I don't have a photo of baby girl for this post, as her face is too big now to get a clear shot.
Another fun pregnancy update - I've been blessed with pregnancy-related hives. I've had a hive-like rash on my arms since last Thursday and I finally went in to check it out at the walk-in today. Two days ago it spread to my cheeks and it seems to be spreading down my arms so I was fearful it was going to get out of control. It doesn't itch too bad, unless I rub at it or if I just shower, etc. Well the doctor told me to try benadryl and come back if it gets really uncomfortable or unsightly (unsightly?! grrrreat.) It sounds like these hives could be around for the next 6 weeks, as they are most common in the last trimester. I've read they clear up after the baby comes. I just I hope I don't become too unsightly in the meantime. :)
In house-related news...things are moving quickly. I usually get home and start my night with a list of decisions I need to make: What color countertop? What lighting for the rooms? Paint colors, fixtures, oak or white cabinets, 18 inch tile or 12 inch tile? I've converted my decision-making to mostly internet purchases, and purchased 3 of our appliances online this week. I've got a "cart-full" at Lowes.com waiting for the hubby's approval to purchase the next set of fans, outdoor lights, recessed lighting trim, etc. The multiple trips per week to Menards, Lowes and Home Depot was exhausting, and it was frustrating seeing something on display and them not having the stock to back it up. As long as nothing arrives damaged, I'm convinced online is the way to go!
The insulation is almost complete and really makes the rooms look like "rooms". Drywall starts Thursday. Siding starts tomorrow. The soffit, facia and roof is complete. Drywall is the longest process - 10 days for hanging, mudding, sanding, texturing, priming and painting. 10 days is best-case scenario if it all drys well. We hope to be painting Labor Day weekend. If you don't have plans, we could certainly use the help with painting!! Speaking of which...I have 4 more rooms that need color decisions...
After painting comes flooring, finishing up electrical, and hanging fixtures. Then the cabinets get installed. Then the trim. Then...
We move in!
Chris said the date he is shooting for is September 20th. It would be heavenly if we could move in before baby came. Baby is due September 26th. We really like to push it, don't we? :)
All I know for certain is that we are blessed. House building is certainly not a task to joke about. It's a lot of work and a lot of stress. The weird thing is, I've enjoyed it. I've enjoyed visiting the house every day planning out the rooms. I look forward to spending a little time on maternity leave settling in with our personal belongings and making this a home for all four of us. I look forward to having a house that Mason can fully utilize. His room is going to be more than a bedroom, it's going to be a therapy room. I can't wait to see how he reacts to a new house and a new sister! His face might be a permanent smile! This has been such an exciting year!!
I look forward to the next 6 weeks and all its craziness, stress and drama but I dream about my first glass of wine in my new home...
