37 Weeks

Last Wednesday I had my 37 week check-up.  This was also the last time I took belly photos with Oliver, so I decided that I should do a side by side photo comparison.

The Dr visit went well.  Baby is still measuring big at 39 weeks.  I have another ultra sound later this week and I'm anxious to see what kind of progress he has had.  He is still quite active and likes to push his way around in my belly.  Sleeping has become more and more difficult and occasionally (like this morning) I notice that I'm not walking as fast as I used too.  Then, it rained today and I noticed how I was able to really pick up the pace when needed to get through the weather.  My belly seems to be sticking out more than with Oliver and looking back at these photos I notice one big difference, I look much more tired this time.  Some of it could have been the day or the fact that I didn't have the glistening sun shining down on me.  By the time we took these photos the sun was nearly down for the day.  The look of exhaustion is not made up, getting caught up on rest is more difficult this time.  My job is much more demanding and Oliver keeps us quite busy. As always, Keith is a real trooper and encourages me to rest as much as possible, which I find very helpful.

Each and every day we are closer and closer to meeting our new little guy.  We are all excited to meet him, hold him and spoil him with affection.  Oliver is especially excited to hold him and celebrate his birthday, complete with a present and cupcake from his big brother.  Yes, we will be introducing the baby to his family right, with a birthday party, right out of the gate.

Carrie and baby belly at 37 weeks - 08-11-2010

Carrie and baby Oliver belly at 37 weeks - September 2007

Something Old and Something New

Last Friday, Oliver didn't have school because his teachers had a training day.  Keith and I decided to both take the day off to have a day date with Oliver.  Since it's been so hot, we opted for the air conditioning at the Denver Museum of Science and Nature.  Oliver LOVES dinosaur's and they have a whole display on just that subject.

Oliver was a little tuckered out for the drive downtown (a whole 20 minute drive) so he just needed a quick rest. 

As we were in search of dinosaurs, we were greeted by this t-rex in the entry way.  Hmm... we could have called it a day right then and there, but we decided that we should still go in to see what else we could explore.

The one and only picture of me that has been taken in the past few weeks.  Not that I'm camera shy, I'm just usually the driver of the camera.  We were impressed that one of the first exhibits was about space and sponsored by Coors.  YAY!

Keith and Oliver making rivers in the Mars Mud.

Oliver checking out some images of Mars.

Keith and Oliver driving a space ship.  Keith had the nose and Oliver brought in the rear.

Off to see the dinosaurs!!!

Oliver checking to see if he is as long as this dinosaur.

Keith and Oliver examining some skulls.

Oliver checking out a dinosaur claw.  The guy in the back had several items to check out including this claw and some teeth.

Then, it was off to the North American Wild Life Exhibit.

Keith and Oliver counting the rings on this tree to determine how old it is. 

 Conclusion... Really, Really Old!

At times I think Keith is losing his hearing (surely it isn't always selective hearing).

Here he is trying out some mule dear ears to see if they help.

Like Father like Son.

Oliver wasn't too impressed with the wild life exhibit.  He kept asking why they weren't walking around.  I think we'll stick to the zoo and the mountains for the wild life.

A view of downtown and City Park from the museum.

We had a great day and only saw a fraction of the museum.  We decided to join as members so that we can return often.

On Sunday, we were headed to the grocery store and when I went outside to round up the troops, this is what I saw.  Two broomstick legs under the door of Keith's car.

Low and behold, Oliver was hard at work vacuuming!

Getting in deep.  This must have been a tough spot.

Shutting off the vacuum to move to the back seat.

Getting all of the dirt off the floor that Oliver probably put there while kicking his shoes around.

Another tough to reach spot.

Oliver did a great job and Keith said he didn't even have to re-do any of it.  Keith would also like it to be known on the record that just because Oliver cleaned his Daddy's car, doesn't mean he is getting his own BMW when he is 16.  He's on his own for that one!

Summertime Weekend Fun

With the end of summer and the arrival of our baby in sight, we have been trying to spend less time doing work on the weekends and more time as a family with Oliver.  Most of the work is done, including the babies room.  We have just a few finishing touches and then I'll post photos.  This leaves time for us to have fun with Oliver before he has to share the spotlight.  Last weekend we packed it full of fun activities including the pool, White Fence Farm and an impromptu lunch downtown.

When we found out we were having an August baby, I had visions of weekends at the pool.  As July was quickly ending, I made a strong mention to Keith that we had not been to the pool once.  (with a big sad face).  On July 31, we made it to the pool.  YAY!  We decided to try a pool near our house that appeared kid friendly and wasn't too far from home.  It was perfect for Oliver!! 

Having fun in the pool.  Eventually he took his hat off but by that time I was soaking in the pool and the camera was on dry land.  I'm always thankful for the time he does keep it on to protect his fair head.

What are pools for when you're two... splishing and splashing!

A view of the pool from afar.  This was right after they opened.  About an hour later it was crawling with kids and parents.

Oliver is getting braver every time he gets in the pool.  We'll have to keep a close eye on him.  Here, he was telling us he was swimming.  I guess swim lessons worked!  Not that he can swim, but he's working on it.

Saturday afternoon, I captured a few shots of a favorite back yard past time, eating the raspberries.  We planted three bushes four years ago and this year is their time to shine.  We have a raspberry feast every weekend!  We knew it would take a few years for the bushes to be plentiful and I'm glad that it is the year that Oliver can enjoy the raspberries too. 

This weekend was a weekend for wild hairs.  On a whim, we went to White Fence Farm for dinner.  We usually take out of town guests, but at nine months pregnant, I voted for the fried chicken.  At two years old (nearly three), Oliver voted for the farm experience.  Keith concurred with both options.  For the first time, we let Oliver feed some of the animals.  He did great and loved it.  They had a baby cow and...

... a goat to feed.  The goat is a regular and was quite pushy compared to the cow.

After dinner we took a walk down to the duck pond.  They too got some dinner from Oliver.

Oliver and Keith discussing the facts of a ducks life.

On Sunday, we headed off to run some errands.  I didn't say there was no work, just more play.  Since Oliver is back to getting up at 6 AM on weekends (UGH!) by 10:00 I was ready for lunch.  On a whim we went downtown for BD's.  While people were lining up for breakfast at neighboring restaurants, we were killing time until BD's opened for lunch.

Oliver taking advantage of our tax dollars by acquiring two flowers for himself.

What a great weekend!  Only a few left until we are a family of four and our schedules are turned upside down with a newborn.  We can't wait!