37 WEEK APPOINTMENT & CHRISTMAS

One of the maternity photos taken by Jasmin Roth

Another one by Jasmin Roth

A few of the girls! (35 weeks prego)

Sam's Parents

"Fink Girls" (Karen, Michelle, Emily, Sam)

Sam & Gabe

Well, I had my 37 week appointment today. My strep B test from last week came back positive so I will have to be treated with antibiotics during labor. No big deal. 30%-40% of pregnant women are carriers of Strep B. I measured right at 37 weeks and the heart rate was 137. baby B is looking very healthy. We couldn't get a good face picture because he is still sticking his hands in front of his face. We discussed induction. Dr. Hier-Duffin will check me at 38 weeks and will induce at 39. We haven't set a day yet, but either way we have about 3 weeks left until we get to meet baby B! I am getting anxious to meet him! We got the car seat installed. I really need to pack my bags just in case, but can't seem to surrender my favorite sweatpants to a suitcase just yet :) We are all ready as soon as he is ready to join us. For Christmas we got a pack and play from G-ma and G-pa Fink so we have that set up as well as the bassinet set up ready to use! I have my next appointment next Monday afternoon.

We had a great Christmas! We were able to see everyone even though we couldn't travel. Gabe's mom had Christmas in town at her house since we couldn't make it to Norfolk this year. I uploaded a few pictures. I added a picture of my parents just because it is impossible to ever get a good picture of them and I finally accomplished it ;)

MATERNITY PHOTOS!

We had a family friend take some maternity photos. She is starting her own photography business and we were lucky enough to have her in town to take pictures when I was 35 weeks pregnant. Feel free to check them out at www.whiteacorn.zenfolio.com the password is samanthab

36 WEEK APPT

Yesterday we had our 36 week appointment. We met with a midwife because one of the doctors from my office is on bed rest and the other one just left and moved to California so they have a heavy load. It was a great visit! We spent some good time asking questions. I had my Strep B test. We will have the results next week. My belly measured 38cm and Baby B's head is fully engaged. She said even though I am measuring big she thinks he will be a small baby, about 7 pounds at delivery. This is of course just an estimate. My sister said I am now jinxed and will have a HUGE baby! As long as we get him here safe and sound I don't care either way. His heartbeat was around 120bpm which is much lower than it has been, but they assured me it was fine. We are now having weekly visits. I will see my regular doctor again next Monday and hopefully she will check me to see if I have made any progress. I am feeling great with the exception of being a little sluggish. I have completed all my coursework for graduation, so now I can just relax and wait for Baby B to make his arrival!

This past week Gabe's grandpa also had a small stroke. We are still waiting to learn more about how it will affect him, but he seems to be ok. Thank the Lord! Still, we can definitely use your prayers. I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

NEW PICTURES!

Dana & Me (34 weeks) @ The Yelkin's Party

My sister Emma & Me @ Yelkins

Opening Gifts with Mom, Pat & Gabe watching intently :)

The GINOURMOUS cake! It was amazing!

My mother-in-law Pat & Me (33 weeks)

Gabe & Me

Carving pumpkins for Halloween (26 weeks)

I finally have a few pictures to upload from the shower last weekend! Very exciting stuff! I also added a few pictures from a Christmas Party this weekend and one from carving pumpkins around Halloween time. (We carve pumpkins every year. it is a big tradition with Gabe and I.) Gabe's work party was this weekend. We are so grateful for the wonderful party they put on every year. We are also incredible thankful for Gabe to have such a secure job the way the economy is right now! Thanks Glass Edge and Dave (Gabe's boss) The party was a hoot as always! After the work party was over we stopped by our friends, the Yelkin's annual Christmas party! We got there pretty late, but it was still great to see everyone! I also completed me first 1/2 day back at work on Friday. I was like a kid on the first day of school! I was so excited just to be there and to be interacting with people again! I am really looking forward to the next few weeks of working again before Baby B makes his arrival!

BACK TO WORK!

I saw Dr. Hier-Duffin today. She checked me and since I am not dilated she is letting me return to work part time! She was reluctant to allow me to work at all, but my goal is to make it back for 30 calender days before delivery! We finally agreed on 1/2 days and I must remain on bed rest when I am not at work. I am excited to be able to get out of the house for even a few hours a day! She said Baby B is looking great and weighing about 4 1/2 pounds! My blood pressure and weight are within normal ranges, so all and all the visit went very well. I did get a flu shot so my arm is a little sore, but it was not as bad as I expected! I have always heard horror stories of how painful they can be. My next visit is December 22nd. If I make it another two weeks they will let me deliver if I go into active labor! How exciting!

DRUM ROLL PLEASE...

34 Weeks

For those of you that have waited SO patiently for the past 34 weeks. We can FINALLY announce the sex of the baby to the public! ITS A BOY! We found out at 14 weeks and keeping it a secret was not always an easy task, but it was very fun to announce at the baby showers! I will upload pictures as soon as possible from the shower. Thanks so much to my mother-in-law Pat and my (HOPEFULLY-boys take a hint!) soon to be sister-in-laws Jessica Blair and Mary Vu for helping to put a wonderful shower together! The shower was amazing! We are so grateful for everyone who could make it. We are so blessed to be surrounded with such wonderful family and friends!

One more makes SEVEN!

I have learned I have another friend who is expecting! Congrats to Heather!!! Seriously...Beware of the water around here!

TRIMMING THE TREE

Gabe topping the tree!

Sam making very important ornament decisions :)

Starting the tree assembly with a BIG belly!

Every year Gabe and I have a tradition of putting the tree up together (Sam 33 weeks prego!). Each Christmas we buy an ornament that reminds of the events that have taken place then when we put up the tree we reminisce about the years past. This year is extra special as it will be the last year we put up the tree by ourselves. Next year we will have a very special helper! Here are a few picture of us putting up the tree. We got the stocking hung, the nativity scene put up and even a few lights outside. We said we went going to do much this year as Baby B could arrive anytime, but I am a sucker for the Holiday Season! We want to wish everyone a safe and Happy Holiday!

BEWARE OF THE WATER!!!

There must be something in the water these days! I started bed rest without any of my friends pregnant. I now have 6 friends expecting!!! I am so excited for everyone! I am excited that baby b will have lots of little playmates running around too! Congrats to everyone!

Kren S. due beginning of June
Tara L. due beginning June (I think boy!)
Jen H. due end of April (Girl)
Lacy S. due middle of May (I think girl..but we'll see!)
Dani H. due beginning of June
Jill B. due the end of June (I think boy, but we'll see!)

It is going to be a FUN coupe of months! I just wanted to warn those of you not looking for a baby to steer clear of the water :)

As for me, I am approaching the 33 weeks mark! I am still feeling great for the most part aside from a little morning sickness every now and then. I also, of course, get lots of kicks in odd places as Baby B is taking up more room. I am hoping I get to go back to work on Dec 11th! Keep your fingers crossed for me! I will hopefully finish up my degree in Human Relations in the next few weeks, then I can really focus on getting everything ready for the baby! We will announce the sex publicly after the last shower on Sunday! I can't wait to be able to say he or she! We are keeping the name a secret until Gabe comes out of the delivery room and announces it despite my sisters best efforts to lure it out of me! I am getting really excited to see what the next few weeks will bring. I never thought I would be so anxious for January!