Weeks 3, 4, & 5

Sorry it's taken me so long to get this blog post up - every time I sit down to do it I'm either interrupted by a screaming baby or just too tired to do anything but lay here! The last 3 weeks have been pretty good - I finally feel like we're starting to find our rhythm and get used to this new life. We've had several outings to the mall and out to eat, a dr's visit that went really well (at his 4-week appt he was up to 8 lbs 11 oz), and we even had a baby free date night this weekend!

Sullivan is growing and changing every day. We're working on figuring out a schedule, but we're not quite there yet. He's started focusing on objects and we like to think he already recognizes his mom and dad. He's also started to try and hold his head up - it's still pretty wobbly but he's really close to being able to hold it up on his own. And even though we're pretty biased, we think he is just too cute! Here's proof!

Our Family

Week 1 & 2

Sorry I'm late in getting these posted, but as you can imagine things have been totally crazy these past few weeks! I'm still planning on updating our blog weekly with new pics and updates about Sullivan. Things have been going pretty good so far - we're just all trying to adjust to the new schedule (or lack thereof really...). Sullivan really has been a good baby - he's pretty calm and generally only gets fussy when he's hungry or needs to be changed. He's sleeping ok... the longest stretch he's gone so far is about 3 1/2 hours, but that was only once... it's mostly about 1 1/2 - 2 hours at a time. We've been to the pediatrician twice so far and everything has gone great. He's still not back up to his birth weight yet, but he has finally started to gain weight so hopefully he'll be plumpling up quickly now! Here are some pics from the past 2 weeks!

Sullivan's first bath

We gave Sullivan his first bath today, and he did pretty well. He had a few unhappy moments, but all in all he did great!

Getting ready...

Starting out great...

And then a bit unhappy...

And still not happy...

A little better...

All done and much better!

Sullivan is here!

Sullivan Kent Stroope was born Wednesday, July 29 at 7:50 pm after 12 hours of labor. We got home from the hospital Friday afternoon and it's been a crazy few days, to say the least! Here are some pics from Sully's first few days!

Sullivan's first picture - just a few minutes after he was born.

In the nursery getting checked out


Proud Mom!

Proud Dad!


Sullivan and his dad - about to head home from the hospital

Headed home!

First day at home

Look at that face! So sweet!

Week 37

How far along? 37 weeks - full term!
Total weight gain: 27 pounds
Best moment recently: Being full term today! I am so thankful to have a full-term baby and am confident that from this point on, whenever he decides to make his debut he will be fully grown and healthy.
Movement: He's even lower this week and I'm still getting that uncomfortable pressure down low.
Food cravings: Eh... nothing really. I can't eat very large portions, so I'm pretty content to just drink a big glass of milk and call it a day.
What I miss: Walking normally - I am getting comments from strangers now about my waddling. Note to anyone reading: Never comment on a pregnant lady's waddle - I guarantee you she is aware and doesn't need you to remind her about it!
Worst part of pregnancy currently: The tiredness - it's just getting worse and it's so annoying that at the time when I'm most tired I couldn't get a good night's sleep no matter how hard I tried - or how tired I was!
What I am looking forward to: Seeing our baby's face for the first time. I can't wait to see who he looks like and get to know every little detail of his tiny face!
Milestones: Disclaimer - if you are easily grossed out or offended, stop reading now! This week marks the loss of my bladder control! Griffin told me a really funny story this weekend and I laughed so hard I peed my pants a little. And then it's happened several times since then - fun, fun!
Progress: A loose 1cm and 25-30% effaced
Dr. Appt Update: Another great dr appt and once again baby passed all of his tests. The biggest surprise this week was his weight - it's estimated at 8lbs 2 oz - HUGE! We have an induction scheduled on July 30, however with how big he is already it may end up being a little sooner than that. We go in next Tuesday for my 38 week appt and there is a good chance my dr will just admit me to L&D at that point and we'll have the baby that day. I think that's what's going to happen, but Griffin is still pretty sure it'll be the 30th... so we will see! Either way, we have anywhere from 7-9 days to go!!

Finished Nursery!

FINALLY! We finished the nursery and instead of posting pics we took a video of it so you could really see what it looks like! Plus my sweet husband got me a new video camera for my birthday and I wanted to try it out!

We are so happy with the way it turned out and can't wait for our son to get to use all of his new, fun stuff!

Baby Stroope's Nursery! from Griffin & Kami Stroope on Vimeo.

Week 36

How far along? 36 weeks
Total weight gain: 26 pounds
Best moment recently: Finishing the nursery and being able to sit in there in the super comfy rocker and know that in 2 1/2 weeks I'll be sitting in the same spot with our son.
Movement: He has dropped so I'm feeling a lot more pressure down low, which is very uncomfortable at times!
Food cravings: My appetite is still not normal, but this week I've been drinking a lot of smoothies - either chocolate, peanut butter and banana or strawberry, orange and banana. I think it's the combo of fruit and coldness that is so appealing right now., seeing as how it's so unbearabley hot right now!
What I miss: Being able to touch my feet or bend over (and not look completely silly) to pick up things.
Worst part of pregnancy currently: Low back pain and having NO energy. I feel like I could wake up at 10am everyday and be ready for bed by 2pm! Also, the realization that even my maternity clothes are now tight and is just reaffirming how big I really am! I know, I know, I have a human inside of me, I should be big - but really, a lady in my emotional state doesn't need any more affirmation of just how large she really is.
What I am looking forward to: Getting this baby out of me! Of course I want him to stay in and cook as long as possible, but I am so beyond ready for him to be here at this point! I'm also looking forward to installing the car seat this weekend - it's such a small thing, but to drive around with a car seat in my car is going to be weird, in a really good way!
Milestones: We have a finished nursery and a VERY clean house (thanks Mom!)
Progress: 1cm dilated and barely effaced
Dr. Appt Update: We had a great Dr. appt this week. Baby cooperated on the ultrasound and we were able to get great measurements and he passed all of his tests with flying colors. He is currently weighing in at 7lbs 4oz and is still head down and ready to go. He is growing in the 91st percentile which is big, but the Dr. said not worrysome at all. All things considered, he is doing great, so we are SO thankful for a healthy baby.