Baby Umland - 31 Weeks

Less than two months away! I'm assuming it's totally natural to feel all sorts of emotions (scared, excited, scared, excited, anxious, excited, "when will you bless us with your presence," "what have we done," "stay in there baby" etc. ) I told myself once football started the countdown will begin. The Broncos had their first preseason game on Thursday!!! I'm still feeling good with the normal heartburn and now starting occasional leg cramps. I have a feeling the uncomfortable stage will start to kick in very soon! Baby Umland is very active and moves all around. It loves to kick/punch/headbutt me when I'm talking with Robert and in the same spot every time (under the right ribcage). I also feel it does several somersaults a day. I do certainly treasure this time and continue to think how amazing it is that woman's body can make a small person.

Here are a few things that have happened since the 25 week post!

• • The nursery is mostly complete. Just need to add a changing table. The bassinet (thanks Hettler Family) will go in our room when Baby Umland arrives.

• • Our in-home daycare has been selected. Baby Umland starts on December 1, 2014!

  • My 28-week ultrasound, checking where the placenta was located, came back just fine. The placenta is sitting well above the cervix.

  • Heather and I have enrolled into Natal Aquatics at the Senior Center in town. It's definitely nice to try a different aerobic activity, not to mention stepping in the water and let our bellies float. We also enjoy being social with the each other and the other moms who are sharing the same experiences.

• My final final softball season came to an end last week at the World Series in California. It was bittersweet. I've been coaching for 12 years and have learned so much from each girl, coach and parent I've interacted with. I've been coaching a few of these girls since they were 10. It's been rewarding watching them grow into young women. I don't think this is the end of softball, just taking well-needed time off to focus on Baby Umland. Just maybe I will be coaching my own daughter someday? :)

• • We have selected a pair of names and plan on having a few backups just in case. We will share the names at delivery.

  • Our baby class started on Tuesday. For six weeks we will learn about birth, breathing, tour the hospital and how to take care of our newborn. More later!

  • First flight for Baby Umland was at 30 weeks. We traveled to California for the softball World Series with my dad. Our doctor recommended flying because of the travel time and 16 hours in the car would be very uncomfortable; and I would have to worry about staying stationary for so long causing possible blood clots. We watched very good softball, went to the beach and met up with our family. Our cousin Amanda is also pregnant and due in December. I think Grandma and Grandpa had some help planning that from up above.

Baby Umland's Growth: This week, baby measures over 16 inches long. It weighs about 3 1/3 pounds (about the size of a coconut) and is heading into a growth spurt. It can turn its head from side to side, and its arms, legs and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath the skin.

Next Up: Baby Shower! I cannot wait!