First Baby Shower

Last Sunday (Feb 15th) Baby Girl Rapp had her first shower hosted by her Aunt Erin and Grandma Jacoby in Decatur. Our family is so lucky to have such wonderful, caring, loving, and supportive friends. I am so excited for everyone to meet Baby Girl Rapp in a few months!

My sister and mom did an adorable job with decorations. The cake matched my bedding and the "bird theme" was continued to the centerpieces! My adorable niece Maggie was also present for this shower and as always was a perfect baby - hopefully she will teach her cousin how to behave in public! :)

Back to a normal sized baby!

I am happy to report that today's doctors appointment showed that Baby Rapp is back to a normal growing schedule. No more measuring 4.5 weeks ahead! She is only measuring about a week ahead at this point! My glucose test came back normal and she continues to keep her heart rate about 150!

Nursery Painted...check

The nursery is painted! We still need to paint the trim and work on the closet, but things are moving along. As I said in the last post, the bedding is here, but the crib and dresser won't be in for about another month - so until then - here is a picture of the teddy bear that matches the bedding. Isn't he cute?

Doctor's Appointment at 25 weeks and 27 weeks

Two weeks ago (at almost 25 weeks) I had a doctors appointment. It was just a quick checkup but it was the first time they had measured my belly. Much to my surprise I was measuring around 29 weeks. She assured me that the measurements can be off for a number of reasons but wanted me to come back in two weeks for another ultrasound to check the size of the baby and the amount of fluid.

So today we had our ultrasound. It really is amazing the difference 6 weeks makes. We were able to see all the details of the face, fingers, toes and organs. We also got even more confirmation that we are definitely having a girl! There is no question in my mind anymore!

Based on the ultrasound - the baby is just about a week ahead of schedule - which is perfectly normal. The fluid levels were also fine. Below is one picture from the ultrasound. It is a view from below. You can see the lips (which looks like a frown) and two little holes which are the nostrils.

We got our bedding today (which I absolutely love) and tomorrow we are getting the paint for the nursery. The crib and dresser still won't be in for about a month, but we are making progress!

Baby's Face at 21 wks

Here is the latest ultrasound picture from my appointment at 21 weeks. We love that little face already!

"Pretty Sure"

Although the doctor said he was "pretty sure" it was a girl, he also said there is "always a chance he is wrong." He said he's been wrong before, but "not too many times." Hum...that's reassuring right?

I also talked to a couple people who said they were told it was a girl at 20 weeks and at their last ultrasound (34-36 weeks) they found out it was a boy. That being said, I'm debating if I can contain myself and not buy all the adorable girl things that are out there until closer to the due date!

If you know me, you probably know I'm a planner. Waiting until the month before to get the nursery ready and buy clothes, just isn't my style. However, the thought of having a cute girlie room and then having to re-do/re-buy/return things doesn't sound very fun either.

I've found someone who makes awesome custom crib bedding, but obviously it can't be returned. So, I'm contemplating painting the walls yellow and making the bedding fairly neutral (greens/yellows) and then adding pink and cute girly touches to the quilt. Then if this baby surprises us, we just need a new quilt!

Marcus can't believe how much time I've put into thinking about all this, but come on, that is what nesting is all about isn't it? :)

One quick funny story before I go. Last night Marcus brought up the fact that he's been "thinking of all the fun things you can do with a girl." I was expecting something along the lines of "dressing her in an Illinois cheerleader outfit" - but much to my amusement he started with "take your daughter to work day." I laughed so hard my side hurt (bad) and I'm pretty sure he didn't even get to the second example. He's so funny. I just love him. :)

Surprise! It's a girl!

I have had a few friends who have been told by their doctors at an early ultrasound that that they thought they saw boy parts. And then come their 20 week ultrasound only see girl parts, however, I have to say I didn't think it would happen to us. As I said before, there are so many boys on Marcus's side of the family, I figured the doctor was probably right.

But...

He was wrong!!!! It looks like come April, we will have a little girl! No boy parts in sight, and a pretty clear shot of three lines.

Everything about the ultrasound went well and Marcus and I could not be happier! I think my wonderful dad has let Marcus in on how much "fun" girls are - and now he's a bit nervous for those teenage years - but we've got a while before we have to worry about that! :)