A little progress

At my 36-week appointment on Thursday, I was told I'm "a good 1 cm dilated." I guess that's better than a "bad" 1 cm? Baby's head is down and he's putting pressure where he needs to for continued progress. I have this image of Finding Nemo when all the fish were in the net and Dory got everyone to chant "SWIM DOWN!" So, everyone together now: SWIM DOWN BABY BEAN! My next detailed exam isn't for 2.5 more weeks, so I probably won't have much to report till then.

Dominic did a day of Ragbrai on Friday with the same group we've gone with other years. My hometown, Dyersville, was the overnight town, and Mom was gracious enough to host the entire team in her basement and yard. Dominic had fun riding and I enjoyed observing the town being taken over by tens of thousands of bikers and visitors. I also enjoyed spending time with Mom, Elaine, Gary and Bev's family. Saturday it was back to Ankeny for a block party in our cul-de-sac. It was fun and we're grateful to be blessed with great neighbors!

Baby pictures (pregnancy)

Deb's one and only pregnancy belly shot. 36 weeks.


Baby "Bean" at approximately 17 weeks.



Bean's profile shot, 17 weeks.

Kraeton's summer visit - July 2007

Kraeton was with us visiting from July 1 to July 24. (For those who don't know Kraeton, he's Dominic's 9-year old son who lives with his mom and stepdad in Algonquin, IL, a NW suburb of Chicago). It was a great visit! Highlights include visiting grandma and grandpa on their farm in Missouri, tons of trips to the Ankeny Sports Complex to play baseball and football, going to an I-Cubs game, playing with the neighbor kids (especially his best buddy, Mitch, who lives next door), and seeing Transformers - not once, but twice! Kraeton always brings a lot of joy to our house during his visits. His silliness and spirit help keep our perspective on track, and he constantly amazes us by how smart and responsible he's becoming. He's definitely growing up!

He starts football season soon after his return. He plays for the LA Falcons featherweight division. (LA stands for Lake In The Hills and Algonquin).

Kraeton, if you're reading this, we love you!

Family photos

Dominic and Deb hiking outside of Sedona, AZ in April 2007.
Kraeton and Dominic, spring of 2007.
Dominic, Kraeton and Deb at our rehearsal dinner. 4/28/2006.

36 weeks and counting

Tomorrow will be the 4-week mark till Baby's due date. I must say, I'm ready! My comfort level is decreasing and my irritability is increasing (as Dominic could attest... sorry honey). Based on the size of my tummy, I think he'll be a big boy! It's hard to imagine four more weeks of growth fitting in there. People have told me I'm a "classic basketball" - carrying all the weight in my tummy while the rest of my body is the same as before. Personally, I feel like a fat cow everywhere! But it's not about vanity at this point. The main thing is keeping Baby well nourished.

Anyway, welcome to my blog. When Baby arrives we'll post lots of pictures and information.