Gabby Day 2

Hello Everyone,

Gabby is just about to be two whole days old this morning. OMG, do we need to be taking her to the DMV yet or what? We had a busy day in the hospital with her. She got to meet the pediatrician and we were told she is doing perfect. It was a little harder to feed yesterday as she was sleepy. We still were able to get her fed every three hours.

Gabby had some blood drawn yesterday from her heel for normal baby tests. We also signed her up for a diabetes study. In which they use blood that is already drawn to check if she may have diabetes later in life. When we registered I listed that I was Catholic. So naturally a priest stopped by yesterday and asked me which parish we attended. I replied, The Buckhead Christian Church since I didn't even know the name of a Catholic Church here. Despite my ignorance he did bless Gabby and me. How special.

By last night she looked a little yellow. So the nurse checked her out and said she has Jaundice intermediate which is the normal level for her to have. The nursery nurse told us that last night Gabby was weighing in at 5lbs 7 ounces. So she was down at little over 7 ounces. The pediatrician told us as long as she doesn't loose more then ten percent of her weight she is okay. If she looses more then we will talk about supplementing.

We put a "just born" onsie on her last night since the hospital issued shirt was swallowing her. She has the longest fingernails but they don't want us to cut them or file them just yet. So we are trying to keep them covered but she like her cousin, Shannon, likes those hands out and by her face. Uncle John and Aunt Moe sent not only Gabby but my mom, Jason and I our Christmas stockings. With lots of great stuff from Gabby's grandpa Winckler. Really neat stuff for her to have. Thanks for being so thoughtful John and Moe.

Gabby had some visitors yesterday. Pat Battey came in again. He works here at the hospital and came to see Jason and I before Gabby was born then was able to come back to meet her after she was born. Stopped in yesterday morning to check on us and to inform us that he and his wife Cindy would be bringing us pizza later last night. Which we would never turn down. Abby Irby came to visit around noon and just couldn't get over how small Gabby was. Karen came over to introduce Gabby to her boyfriend, Mason who was two week old already. They both were sound asleep so not to much interaction just yet. Slow but steady, no touching just googly eyes at one another! Angela stopped by and got to change Gabby's second poopy diaper. As if she doesn't have any diapers to be changing at home. Elizabeth and Sara stopped by and got to hold the sleeping beauty. Last night Cindy and Pat did bring us some pizza and it was so good. Sonia stopped by after her shift to bond with Gabby. It's too bad she is not loved already.

After feeding Gabby at nine we put her in the nursery and had them bring her to the room when it was time to feed. This worked so good for us all as we finally slept. Well, in two hour increments at least but a good solid sleep. I tried to roll Gabby back to the nursery last night but can tell it is too much for me to do with pushing and having had surgery. I am staying on top of taking my meds every four hours! Gabby fed well all night but would also enjoy just laying across me after she was done feeding. It was such amazing bonding time.

She gets her picture taken today. Jason keeps saying he had to sign her first permission slip for her yearbook photo. Too cute. I was told by the nurse this morning to start walking in the hallways and to be out of bed at least every two hours and no pushing of Gabby's little crib. The nursery is right across the hall but still to much work for me right now. We just met with Dr. Roe who is a pediatrician in our practice. He told me that Gabby does have the low to intermediate jaundice still but nothing to worry about. He also said that her hips felt a little clicky today. He said due to her being breech the worry about her hips dislocating or having developmental issues. So they keep an eye on it and if they continue to feel/sound clicky then we will visit an occupational therapist once she is out of the hospital.

That is all for now. I have included some new pictures of our new start. Hope everyone is great.
All our love,

Julie, Jason, Gabby and Grandma Ann

Gabby's first day...

Hello to all,

Just wanted to do a quick little check in on Gabby's first day. It was a great first day truly. She is such a good baby. We are so lucky. Only fussy when Jason changes her diaper. Other then that she really hasn't even cried. She took to breastfeeding right away. She surely likes to eat! Which is great. I feel like we can see her changing right before our eyes. She is already like her dad in that she sneezes at least three times in a row. She has been sneezing a lot trying to get the fluids out of her. She is like her mom in that she is expressive with her eyebrows and either sucks her thumb or has her hand on her face almost at all times. She has been very awake and alert.
Jason and my mom both spent the night at the hospital with Gabby and I. We all took turns burping her and Jason has changed all diapers. He is doing so great. I am so proud of him. He is holding her and changing her with not much fear. I got the catheter out already this morning and the epidural is to come out in about an hour. Whoo hoo. The suture looks great so far and I am not really in much pain. Despite itching from the medicine in the epidural I am just really tired. I have a really hard time staying awake while trying to breastfeed. It is almost like having narcolepsy.
We are now waiting this morning for Gabby to see the pediatrician. She is to make her rounds any time now. Gabby is almost a whole day old. It is so great being parents already! How fun.

Have a wonderful day.

Julie, Jason, Gabby and Grandma Ann

Gabrielle Marie Belknap

We are excited and blessed to announce the arrival of Gabrielle Marie Belknap!

Gabby arrived December 27, 2007, at 8:42 a.m
She weighed in at 5 pounds 15.2 ounces
She is 18.5 inches long

Mom and baby are doing great!! Gabby is already living up to her name.

Attached are a few pictures. We will send more later. Thanks for all your support. We can't wait for everyone to meet her.

All our love,

Julie, Jason and Gabby

Baby Belknap Weeks 35, 36 and 37 Check in

Hello Everyone,

I apologize for not getting this email out sooner but as I was writing this email last week our computer crashed and we lost everything. Now we are back and fully operating. There has been a lot of action happening so here we go...("Ready, OK")

We are on the home stretch!!!! Whoo hoo. I am officially nine months pregnant and counting! I have been to the doctor every week for the past month and will continue weekly throughout the rest of the pregnancy. When I went to the doctor on Wednesday, 11.28.07 I had gained two pounds. So up to a total of 19 pounds. I was still measuring two and a half weeks behind. When I say this, they measure you every week with the tape measure and if you fall within two weeks either behind or ahead you are considered average but there I am just a little behind. I am not sure if I have talked about this before. I believe I have but you know pregnancy brain. I can't remember.

I have been pretty tired but still working a lot. I have been better about not picking up weights for clients and most of my client's make me sit down while I train them as they believe I should still be on bed rest. It is pretty funny actually. I am being mothered all over the place. Then when I am home between client's I have made the effort to just sit or sleep instead of nesting. Which isn't always easy. Still holding strong with my hot tea and cheese cravings as well. Can't get enough that is for sure. Saturday's are my weigh in days and from Wednesday to Saturday I lost a pound. I am not sure how this is possible since I have been eating lots of cheese and even cookies. Yum. My girlfriend, Natascha made me peanut butter and oatmeal cookies in which I ate them all in less then two days. I couldn't help myself.

On Sunday, December 2 my girlfriends, Angela, Carie, and Carmie threw me a baby shower. It was such a beautiful day and so much fun. It was great since it was smaller we all got to sit around and get a lot of not to scary baby talk in. Gabby received lots of great things of course! More pink to freak out Jason.

I went back to the doctor on Friday, December 7 and still holding at 18 pounds gained. The doctor did an ultrasound while I was there since my stomach was so tight she could not feel if the baby was still breech. I would like to say that it was tight from doing crunches but seeing as I have not worked out in six weeks this was not the case. At this appointment I measured three weeks to small. I have been having a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions. I notice them whether I am moving around or sitting still. I feel like my stomach can not stretch anymore and believe me I know I am small compared to most other pregnant women at this stage of the game. The ultrasound confirmed that Gabby is still breech and that my amniotic fluid is still low. I was told that normal is around 10 and I was at 8.5 on Friday.
So, with that she gave me some options. Options being, that two doctors can manually flip the baby from the outside. The doctor told me that due to my fluids being low the chances of this working were not very good. Besides most times the baby goes back to where they were. There would also be a chance of tearing the placenta either from the doctors hands moving the baby or the baby tearing it with her hand as she was flipped. Which if this happens I would be put into an emergency C section. The other option was to have a scheduled C section. So, after talking with Jason we opted for the scheduled C section. Our current date for Gabby's arrival is December 27 at noon so long as she doesn't decide to flip on her own. YIKES!

Naturally after receiving this news we called our parents and have moved my mom's flight earlier and momma Sue is scheduled to come down the week after she is born. All of this makes her arrival very real.
Saturday, December 8th Jason and went to a breastfeeding class with our friends Jenny and Josh along with about fifty other pregnant women. Jason was very overwhelmed with the information that we learned. The woman teaching the class told the men they were there to make sure we could remember what to do since we can't remember anything these days. We actually both learned a lot. Good thing we went. This is the only pregnancy related class we have taken and are taking. Later that day my client's hosted my fourth and final baby shower. Again it was a beautiful day. The fun thing about this shower was that everyone had on matching t shirts along with a pillow underneath their shirts so everyone appeared to be pregnant. The fun part was that everyone looked more pregnant that I did. They all chipped in and purchased us the glider/rocking chair for Gabby's room. It is so comfortable and came with great surprise.

After the shower we hit Target and Babies R Us to use our gift cards to get the odds and ends that we had yet to receive. So, I feel pretty good about having everything that we need at this point. I managed to pick up another cold on Sunday afternoon. I tell you I typically do not get sick but have had three colds in the past two months. Not fun. I did not work on Monday, December 10 and lied on the couch all day. It was nice because I typically do not feel the baby move around that much since I am moving all the time. So, with lying around I got to enjoy her moving even though I was sick. In the past two weeks I feel like I can not sit up or stand up tall enough as it feels like she is standing inside my stomach. I have also noticed this week getting full very fast and as I mentioned before my stomach being really tight.

This past week I can tell I can't eat as much. I take a couple of bites of food and I am so full I feel like I can't breathe. Too bad it isn't like this all the time. Sure would help with calorie control. I feel too that I am having a harder time breathing as well as moving. Like I mentioned before I know I am not big but it surely is harder to get up and down. Especially after I have been lying down for awhile. It feels like a lot of pressure when I stand up. I went back to the doctor on December 13th and had put on one pound. Up to 19 pounds. When I weighed in today, Saturday 15th I am down one pound. So wavering betweein 18-19 pounds.

The doctor has me scheduled for my next visit on Wednesday December 19th. I was told that we will have another ultrasound and if Gabby is still breech and if my fluids are still low they may go on an just take her then. I am considered full term, which is 37 weeks on Saturday, December 15th. So, they would be comfortable with her arrival any time after that.
I tell you I am okay with her arriving anytime but sure makes it real when they keep possibly moving up her arrival date. So, since the doctor can't predict what my fluid level will be as of next week I will just plan to keep you all on stand by. My mom plans to fly in on Wednesday just in case there is any action. She is worried about missing out on her arrival so we are happy to have her here early and for Christmas! Next week will be my last week of work. I plan to work through Saturday the 22nd. Jason, Enrique and I spent all day running errands getting last minute things for Gabby. They spent all night putting the rest of the bassinet together along with putting up some blinds. I finally finished putting away the massive amount of clothes she has. We plan to try and get all our loose ends tied up by tomorrow. Along with getting the car seat in as well. This way we can be somewhat ready to go if she does come early.

I have included that www.babycenter.com reports for weeks 35,36 and 37 along with some weekly pictures. Looking forward to Gabby's arrival maybe sooner then later. I sure hope you are all happy with my week 37 photo. I clearly look pregnant!!!!

All our love,

Julie and Jason


Week 35
How your baby's growing:Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

Week 36
How your baby's growing:Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.

Week 37
How your baby's growing: Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely she's in a head-down position. But if she isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating her from the outside of your belly.

Weeks 31, 32 and 33 Baby Belknap Check in

Hello Everyone,

Warning...it's a very long one....go figure....

Week 31, We had a 3D/4D ultrasound on Sunday, October 28th. 3D meaning the photos and 4D meaning a video. Well, I can say Gabby is still related to me as she was stubborn the entire 30 minute session and kept her head buried in the placenta and one hand over her face the whole time. Guess she just wasn't ready for us to see her.
I went to the doctor on Monday, October 29th for my two week check up. I am now rotating through the other doctors in the practice. I met Dr. Williams and she was great. I did get in trouble from her for not gaining any weight. I tell you their scales are messed up there. According to my scale I had gained three pounds that week. I did assure her that I am eating plenty!!! I am a Winckler, there are never issues with food!
We rescheduled for Tuesday, October 30 for our 3D/4D ultrasound and had better success. It was so amazing to see her moving around in there. She still managed to keep her hand either touching her face or in her mouth the entire time. She is a thumb sucker! It was really neat to see when I feel a big movement what is really going on. It appeared that when I feel the biggest movement in my belly it was her foot moving back and forth. So surreal. I can't say we can tell she looks like either of us but it was so amazing just to see her moving and lounging. How special.
I noticed on Tuesday that I am feeling sciatica again just on my right butt check. It seems to get me most in the morning or when I am bending over to show client's different exercises or when picking things up off the ground. So not fun. It has managed to stick around since then. Some days are better than others but there is always that friendly reminder it is there. I am still suffering badly from pregnancy brain. I have also notice some leg/calf cramps mostly in the morning when I am waking up and stretching in bed.I have not been as good as I would like to be about wearing my compression hose. I have noticed some more spider veins too. I have been drinking so much water I feel as if I might float away. I am still craving hot chocolate and hot tea. I also sported a craving this week for caramels. Yum. I had reflux for the first time this past week as well. It woke me up right out of my sleep and I missed a day of work due to feeling nauseated all day. The doctor put me on a prescription prenatal vitamin in hopes that it will help with the nausea. Week 32, On Saturday, November 3, I flew to Chicago and Jason and Enrique went on the cruise we were suppose to go on. Jason's whole family had planned a trip to go on this cruise. We purchased our tickets in January and told his family we couldn't go. As most of you know Jason loves surprises. When booking Jason told the cruise line we were not pregnant yet but were planning on being what did we need to know. They told us we can get insurance or cancel 67 days before the cruise. So 67 days ago I felt fine, my doctor was okay with me going and we did not cancel. About two weeks before the cruise a client said to me she thought there was some rule about cruising while pregnant. So, we contacted her mom who is a travel agent and sure enough if you are in your 27th week or more of pregnancy you can not cruise. That is Carnival's policy. Even though my doctor would have written me a note to go they still would not have let me on cause I would have been 31 weeks along. So, we had to find a replacement. We tried to get Jason's cousin Angela to go but she was sadly not able to get off work. So the next best option was Jason's best buddy, Enrique.
They had a great time on the cruise that went to the Western Caribbean and Jason's family was very surprised and excited to have them there. I did send Jason with a pink bikini given to us by my friend Gail so that he would think of us while he was there. They went swimming with the dolphins, zip lining through the jungle, snorkeling, and fishing and had lots of fun in the sun. Jason had a great time with his family.
I went to Naperville to visit my family and despite freezing I am having a great time. Mainly just hanging out with my mom and starting our days with nothing to do and getting home at nine pm realizing we have not been home all day. So fun for us both to get this much need quality time with our families.

I was able to go to my girlfriend, Carrie's baby shower on Sunday in Bloomington. It was so fun to be able to spend the day with her. She is two weeks behind me in her pregnancy. We got to compare bumps, aches and pains and just being pregnant together. So fun! Her nursery is completed and making me very anxious to get home and get cracking on ours.
I got a lot of quality family time in while in Naperville. II got to feed my friend Missy's daughter, Vanessa who proceeded to have a blow out while I was holding her. I also go to meet my friend Laura's new daughter, Claire. It was refreshing to see how tiny she really was. She was very excited to meet me as she was happy to share a little gas with us. It was so funny. Guess these babies are trying to break me in that is for sure. I also got to meet my friend Chrissy's sisters new daughter, Lauren, who was 12 days old . She was very content and slept the whole time I was there. We celebrated my mom's birthday as well as my sister in law, Mary's 40th birthday while I was home.

We are back home and are so tired. We need a vacation from our vacation. I managed to lose another half a pound while in Naperville, not sure how that is even possible. I was down a pound last week as well as I headed to Chicago. Not sure what is going on with my body but I am heading to the doctor this week and will make sure to ask. My family noticed that my belly had grown while I was home. Gabby even kicked her grandma. So cute. I noticed Gabby having the hiccups this week a lot as well as just moving around a lot in general. I noticed as well it being a lot harder to get up and down. The fun has just begun. I have managed to get a cold as well so I have been trying to get rested for my busy week ahead.

My friends and old client's Gail and Jon Good welcomed a new daughter into the world on Monday, November 12th. Ava Isabell Good, weighing in at 7 lbs and 4 ounces and is 18 inches long. Congrats to you both. We can't wait to meet Ava.

Week 33, I got in trouble on Wednesday when I went to the doctor and I had lost a pound and I am measuring two and a half weeks too small. So, I had to get an ultrasound and it showed that Gabby is a week behind in her growth. She is currently four pounds which is right on. But I have low amniotic fluid. There are several reasons for it. Either my placenta is not producing enough, I am not drinking enough, or I am leaking. I am not leaking that I know of and I am pretty sure I am drinking plenty so not sure what the deal is. She is also breach. So, we will see if she decides to flip around or not in the next six weeks. I went to lunch with my pregnant friend, Karen right after I was told to eat and not workout. We ate so much I couldn't even eat the rest of the day. So, I am trying to get that weight on. She may tell you I didn't eat enough but I was so over full I felt like I couldn't breathe.

I am not to workout this whole week and have to go back to the doctor on Tuesday for them to make sure I have gained at least a half a pound by then. So, guess this being sick is good timing to get me to relax. But, I don't have much of an appetite or a voice. Ugh. I go back the following week for my regular two week check in and will get another ultrasound then. I have noticed Gabby still moving a lot this week. Lots of hiccups and little kicks on my right side and right below my belly button. Maybe she is trying to flip over in there. I noticed on Thursday and Friday when I am moving around some Braxton hick contractions.

Included are pictures of Gabby at the 3D ultrasound. The first one is a side profile of Gabby resting on her hand. The second one is her with her arm bent under her chin and her foot on her forehead. The other pictures are my friend Carrie and I at her baby shower with our bumps, she is two weeks behind me. Jason and his mom on his cruise, Enrique and Jason out in the jungle from the cruise, me at 32 weeks, Ava Good and me at 33 weeks.

Thanks for sitting through this one, I know it was a long one. Just think we only have seven more weeks to go! I am officially in my 8th month. Whoo hoo, how exciting. Also included are the www.babycenter.com reports for week 31, 32 and 33.

All our love,

Julie and Jason

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

www.babycenter.com

Week 31
How your baby's growing: This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
Week 32
How your baby's growing: By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.
Week 33
How your baby's growing: This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

Baby Belknap Weeks 29 and 30 Check in

Hello Everyone,

I went to the doctor on Monday, October 15th and had my monthly check up. I had to get a shot for being RH negative. It was painless and over quickly, thankfully! I gained one pound last week. According to my scale I am up 14 pounds! Whoo hoo! According to their scale at the Dr.'s office I am up 17 pounds. Now I start to go to the doctor every two weeks.

On Tuesday, October 16th, 2007 my girlfriend Laura (Neumann) Schleider had her first baby. It was a big surprise as they did not find out the sex of the baby. They had a girl, Claire Anne Schlieder. She weighs 7lbs, 4oz and was 19 1/2 inches. Congrats Laura and Brad.

We visited an in home daycare on Friday night. This woman was wonderful. The type of woman you would want to watch your kids hands down. The only problem is she has no openings, is about $100 more expensive per week then everyone else and has pretty limited hours. On Sunday morning we visited another in home day care. She was totally different than the woman we visited on Friday but we really liked her as well. She is open to watching Gabby part time but her hours are very limited and it probably won't work for us. We have set up to visit a church day care next week. We are just trying to visit as many places a possible to get a good idea of what is going to work best for us and Gabby.

On Saturday, October 20th, my labor and delivery nurse, Sonia tied the knot. She was a buff and beautiful bride. She is a married woman now and and ready to focus on our baby! Ha. Clearly it is all about us...Wait, did I mention she is going to see me naked. I think there is a code that you are not suppose to see your friends like this. Oh well...too late now. Right.

On Sunday, October 21, I felt Gabby having the hiccups for the first time. It latest about ten minutes and was so amazing to feel. She has been moving a lot lately as well. My clients noticed a difference in my belly from Monday to Wednesday. I feel too that I have changed a lot this week as far as the belly looks. Strange since I managed to loose a pound this week.
I have noticed this week that my level of being tired has picked up again. Which, really it has never fully gone away but I feel that I am requiring more sleep again. Which has proven to not be an easy task as I am extremely busy with work lately. Even having new clients calling wanting to get on my schedule regardless of me leaving soon on maternity leave.

Also, for the first time in the whole pregnancy I have noticed since Monday, October 22, I am getting up two to five times per night to go to the bathroom. I can't complain really but getting up at five am and going to the bathroom this many times a night do not go together. I have noticed as well that I am not able to fall asleep until about 11:30 or midnight. Ugh... I have noticed too that I feel some more pressure in my belly. Seems like my bladder is always full and even after going I still feel some pressure. Some random twinges here and there as well. I am now not being able to make it through most hours with clients without having to take a quick bathroom break. All these factors are not in my favor at the moment but I suppose my body is getting me ready for no sleep in the weeks to come after the baby arrives. The belly has been itchy this week as well. I have been trying to keep as much lotion on as possible to help minimize the itch.

We celebrated Halloween this weekend with some friends and went all out of course. The only way Jason would have it. Jason decided he would be the baby this year! We decided to dress baby Gabby up as a pumpkin for her first Halloween. My girlfriend, Natascha, came over and painted my stomach as a pumpkin. She is my go to girl for body painting as she painted my body with a tanner for my body building competition in 2002. This is true friendship here. Ha. So funny, since this was her first time actually painting on a live canvas. She did a great job and we had so much fun with it. Sadly most people at the party didn't even know I was pregnant. They just thought I had a pumpkin on my stomach. But as you all know this belly really has grown. I promise!

Yesterday, October 27th started week 30 for me. This means ten weeks left! Even though I managed to lose a pound last week I made up for it this week by gaining three pounds. So strange how the weight gain goes. I am up to 16 pounds total according to my scale. I did work out everyday this past week and ate very well. Okay, I have to admit I did enjoy a couple too many brownies at Angela's house the other night. It's not my fault, the Arieh's make the best brownies ever!

I have enclosed pictures of week 29 and 30. Along with our Halloween picture and one of baby, Claire Schleider. Along with the babycenter.com reports for week 29 and 30.

Thanks again to everyone for your continued support and words of wisdom. We are on the home stretch now.


All our love,

Julie and Jason


www.babycenter.com
Week 29: How your baby's growing:Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

Week 30: How your baby's growing:Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Baby Belknap Week 28 Check in

Hello Everyone,

Seven months here were are! Three months to go. Why does it still seem so far away? I think I am going to be pregnant for the rest of my life. Well, if this is the case at least I won't have to go through labor right? Ha.

I actually noticed a couple of weeks ago the dark line coming in from my belly button down. Looks like someone drew on my stomach with a light brown marker. Even though I don't feel like my belly is that much bigger I can sure tell the difference in pressure she is putting on my bladder. I so enjoy feeling her moving around throughout the day. It has definitely become more prominent and frequent. Particularly at night and early mornings.

I am still on my hot tea and sugar free hot chocolate kick this week. The cheese craving has kicked up a little more this week as well. Yum. Cheese! I have felt really tired this week. I only managed to workout twice this week. Well, three times if you include walking on the beach in Daytona Friday. I just couldn't get motivated this week. Which is really the first time since the first trimester that I have been this tired.

I have gained one pound this week. My stomach is really starting to grow. Despite what Momma Sue says. We are in Florida for a baby shower Momma Sue is hosting for us. She thinks I still look the same. But, I know I am bigger, believe me. This week is the first week I really truly feel like I am looking pregnant all the time. Strange thing to say I know but it is how I feel. On Monday and Tuesday I noticed I was having a lot of shortness of breath. The rest of the week it was just random when I felt like I couldn't breath. I know it is to only get more intense as I grow. Also, my legs have been aching a little more and I have noticed more spider veins popping out. Ugh. Guess I just can't fight those genes any longer. That is why I am trying to wear those ugly and hot compression hose as much as I can.

I think that flying makes my belly get bigger. I don't know if this could really be but it seems that every time we fly my stomach grows. Random I know but even Jason thinks so. Jason got to feel a really good kick out of Gabby this week. I think this is the first time he has honestly felt her move in my belly. I think before he just was feeling my heartbeat. This week there was no mistaking her moving around. She is very busy in there right now being a mover and a shaker.

We had a great time at the baby shower and Gabby received several wonderful gifts. I tell you this girl is going to have no shortage of pink outfits to wear. How fun. They are so small and cute. I did realize that at least her clothes will be cute because once I have to start doing her hair I am going to be in some serious trouble. Just ask my friends Chrissy and Missy...they saw me in my early years when I needed the most help with fashion all the way around. Ha. As I mentioned last time I am back on track with being able to enjoy sugar. Got to have some ice cream cake while we were in Florida. Yum!

I have noticed sometimes when I stand or am trying to walk that I feel some pressure in my stomach area. My stomach will feel tight as well. I am not sure if this is her moving or if it is just my body getting ready for the fun yet to come. I really felt it tonight when we went for a walk.

I head to the doctor tomorrow for my monthly check in. Enclosed are the newest pictures of the bump and one with me and Jason's grandpa comparing who is more pregnant. Also is the babycenter.com report.

All our love,

Julie and Jason


Week 28 from www.babycenter.com
How your baby's growing: By this week, your baby weighs a little over 2 pounds and measures almost 15 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

Baby Belknap Week 24,25,26 and 27 Check in

Hello Everyone,

Sorry it has been so long, the baby reports have gotten away from me cause I have been so tired. So, here is your month long report. I am going to do my best to keep it brief. Ha. Yea, right.
Week 23, I went to the doctor for my monthly check up on September 13 and passed the diabetes test. Whoo hoo. I was a little worried about having to drink that sugary drink but I did well. It did not make me sick, thankfully. Who knows, maybe this sugar aversion is really gone. Keep your fingers crossed. I got to hear Gabby's heartbeat again. It was beating at 36bpm. According to their scale I have gained 12 pounds, according to my scale I have gained 8. I am a girl after all so I am going to go with my scale! Ha. Either way the weight is finally starting to come on which is good. I am starting to officially have a bump. I have had people at the gym now starting to come up to me and ask when I am due. The doctor suggested that we start looking into day cares, pediatricians and getting signed up for breastfeeding classes. Guess we better get going. It seems like we have a lot of time on our side but I know the next couple of months will go by fast.

Jason started contacting some day cares this week and we have set up an appointment to go meet with a woman who does private day care. We are looking forward to meeting her and seeing what this whole daycare thing is all about. After seeing the private we plan to check out a bigger facility as well.

We had Gabby's furniture delivered on September 13th. A crib, mattress, and two dressers. The furniture looks great in her room. I am so glad Jason was able to be home when it was delivered because the man showed up by himself. Which doesn't work well when his other helper would have been me, and we have three stories of stairs to climb. Jason helped him bring in all the furniture and then while the delivery man put the crib together Jason brought in the dresser drawers and mattress. naturally he still charged us full price. So, I contacted the store we purchased the furniture to file a complaint. Since you all know I am the "Difficult Bride" I couldn't help myself. We felt that is was unfair for us to pay full price since Jason did most of the work. The manager was very nice and ended up giving us a $50 store credit. How great. I have been feeling Gabby moving a lot more these days. There are lots of little kicks going on still mainly on the left side of my abdomen. Guess she is already keeping herself in shape! Go Gabby Go!

Week 24, I am still holding at the same weight. Up 8lbs on my scale! I have been craving hot chocolate this week. Yum. I bought myself some sugar free hot chocolate to be able to indulge. I am still worrying that I am not going to be that much bigger by the baby shower this weekend. I am very hopeful to grow so no one is disappointed. We visited a daycare over the weekend and we weren't to impressed. The woman was very organized but I didn't feel very good about the whole situation. There just seemed to be something missing. So, Jason has already lined up two more interviews with other in home providers.
We went to IL this weekend for the Winckler Baby Shower/30th bday party for us. Even Momma Sue and Larry were able to join us. Friday night before the baby shower I swear my stomach started to grow. It was the strangest thing for sure. The shower was so amazing. It was so great to see and catch up with everyone. The weather was just beautiful on Saturday. We received so many wonderful gifts and great books for Gabby to enjoy. Thank you all for making the day so special for us both. Momma Sue and Larry both got to feel Gabby kicking in my stomach. How fun.Sugar clearly is not a problem any longer as I enjoyed several home made brownies and some Cinnamon rolls while I was home. Yum!

Week 25
Well, I managed to gain four pounds this week. Not sure how after all the eating we did in IL Ha. I have felt so bloated all week. I am sure it was because we ate so much "Winckler" style all weekend and I was off my water schedule. I couldn't even wear my rings Monday or Tuesday of this week. I was so short of breath and bloated on Wednesday night that I forced Jason to go for a twenty minute walk with me at 9pm. I slept a lot this week. I was so tired from the weekend in IL that I think my body was playing catch up. Despite being so tired, I did work out each day this past week. It feels so good to be back on my normal routine at least in that regard.

Week 26
I am holding constant at 12 pounds gained. I can tell this week that it is starting to be harder to get up and down off the ground. I am also experiencing more shortness of breath. Seems like later in the afternoons is when I feel most short of breath. I have also been feeling Gabby a lot. She has been so active this week. I have also experienced some round ligament pain in my stomach. My stomach has felt achy a couple of times this week. Guess this means more growth. I have been tired again this week. I fear I am going to be tired like this the rest of my life.
My newest craving this week is hot tea. This has been my biggest week of belly growth so far. Clients have said I grew so much from Tuesday till Friday. Crazy. I am starting to realize that I am bigger than I think. When I am trying to squeeze past something my stomach will hit and it just makes me laugh. Still holding constant is my pregnancy brain. Someone asked me this week what I miss the most? I would have to say that it is knowing that when I go into my closet that everything fits. I still find it hard to find something to wear to work each day. I am noticing my legs still being achy at night. I have been trying to wear my compression stocking but they are so hot. Our weather has not been below the 80's yet so I am trying to wait for it to cool down just a little so I can wear them more regularly. We purchased some of Gabby's bedding this week. This way we can start to get her room together. We were suppose to visit another daycare this week but the woman had to reschedule. So we will be doing that in a couple of weeks. We did contact one girl who may be able to be a nanny for us. She is not sure if she will be able to wait until March to help us. So the search continues for daycare.
Today starts week 27. I am holding still at 12 pounds gained. We are going today to get Gabby's stroller and car seat. How fun. We both also have massages. I can't wait. Thanks for sitting through this long one. I promise to be back on track with the weekly updates.

Julie and Jason.



I have included some pictures and the www.babycenter.com report for week 24,25,26, and 27.

Week 24
Your baby's growing steadily, gaining about a quarter of a pound since last week. Since she's almost a foot long, that makes for a pretty lean figure, but her body's filling out proportionally. Your baby's brain is growing rapidly, and her taste buds may be working now. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance that helps the air sacs inflate easily. Your baby can hear more now, and you may even notice her startle at loud, sudden noises. But she's probably getting used to the regular noises she hears around the house, such as your dog barking or the roar of a vacuum cleaner.

Week 25
Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — doesn't sound like much, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for a more rounded one. As your baby gains weight, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more like a mini newborn. His hair is probably recognizable now in color and texture, although both may change after he's born.

Week 26
Your baby now weighs a little less than 2 pounds and measures about 14 inches. Her weight will more than triple between now and birth as she rapidly puts on baby fat. She'll need that fat to help adjust to colder temperatures outside the womb and as a source of energy and calories in the first days of life. It's not uncommon for newborns, especially those who are breastfed, to lose weight (sometimes as much as 10 percent of their birth weight) in the first week after birth. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.

Week 27
This week your baby weighs almost 2 pounds and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what he's thinking?

Baby Belknap Week 23 Check in

Hello Everyone,

Hope this email finds you all well. Last weekend Jason and I dog sat to make some extra money to be able to hire a baby nurse once the baby arrives to help us figure out what we are doing. One of Jason's coworkers also delivered a large bag of maternity clothes for me. Now, if I just continue to grow I will finally fit into some of them.

Saturday was the first day I sported my compression knee high stockings. I could tell they made my legs feel better but they made me so hot. Guess that is what happens when I am moving around the gym and it is 95 degrees outside. My legs are still feeling achy at night.

Saturday Jason and I went for breakfast and I was wearing a shirt that said, "Yes, I'm Pregnant" and the man at the counter sat there and argued with me that I wasn't really pregnant. He didn't believe me, then when I told him I was five and a half months along he really didn't believe me. It was pretty funny. Then Saturday night we went to our friends Chip and Carmie's house for dinner. They along with Carie and Eric have decided that we are "Belknapping" them. (pulling a prank) Since they feel I don't even look pregnant. Guess I am really lucky so far to be holding onto my figure somewhat.

Carmie gave us two cute little girlie onesies. She has a son so she was very excited to shop for a little girl. Carie also gave us some cute pink baby roses. Thanks ladies! Carmie was a trooper and took me to Babies R Us on Sunday for three hours to register. As we walked up and down each isle I was in amazement that she actually knew what all that stuff was for and what I actually needed. It was so helpful. So, we are officially registered at Babies R Us and at Pottery barn Kids.

Sunday and Monday I have really noticed Gabby moving and kicking a lot more consistently. I have been feeling kicks mostly on my lower left abdominal area. Also a lot of the rolling motion right below my belly button. Jason got a little weirded out when he felt the kicking this time. Guess it makes it all the more real.

As we were at a cookout at Angela and Josh's on Monday they too have decided that I am not eating enough and have vowed to make me a batch of brownies each week. Now that is something I can handle for sure. I can say the aversion to sugar is officially gone! Yippee!!!! I did enjoy some brownies too. Yum. This is a great thing as well as a curse at the same time. I don't need the sugar but I am a girl after all and it is so delicious I can't help myself.

I have noticed I am not having to nap quite as long this past week. Plus while working I feel more energized. My newest and most consistent craving has been Outback! Yum. Salad and macaroni and cheese. Yes, mac and cheese from Outback. Also,I have been craving tuna salad.

I had a dream on Monday night that my sister in law Colleen was going to show me how to use the breast pump. While showing me she just decided that she would go ahead and pump her own milk to feed my baby. What, I know! The next morning in my dream I was going to feed the baby but Colleen had not left me with any milk and of course I was already not producing milk even though my baby was only two days old. So, I decided I would just find something to feed the baby. I found some chicken soup that I was going to thicken to the right texture. After thickening it I realized there were big noodles, chunks of carrots and peas and realized the baby had no teeth. Plus I was running late to my morning clients. I was so stressed out cause I didn't know how I was going to feed the baby and get to work. Why I was still working when my baby was two days old I will never know. Interesting to say the least. I know I am starting to feel anxious about the baby coming and us not having any idea what we are doing. Guess this dream is just showing me my fears.

I went to lunch on Tuesday with my girlfriend Karen, who is due a couple of days before me. As I stepped out of the car she told me I forgot to bring my belly with me. She has a cute baby bump already and I am still waiting for mine to arrive. Guess once a late bloomer always a late bloomer. Ha. I think there is starting to be a theme with this email and my lack of a baby bump.

I really feel in the past two couple of days despite what others are saying I AM looking pregnant. Even my maternity clothes that I have been wearing seem to be fitting a little more snug. Still feeling like I have large love handles along with a small bump in the front.

Jason and I went to Arizona on Thursday and got to visit lots of friends. The first being my cousin Andrea in Phoenix. It was so great to see her and she got to meet Gabby in my belly. We headed out to Lake Havasu City on Friday to visit Colleen. Where we did lots of eating and swimming. My belly no longer feels weird in the water. However, I did notice that the deeper I was in the water the harder it was breathe. Strange. Jason made some new friends in Lake Havasu. They were four year old twin girls. They loved him and it was so fun to see him interacting with kids. It was about 107 degrees or so the whole time we were there. Jason is not so sure how anyone lives there with it being so hot. Jason sported a shirt given to him by Colleen and her boyfriend Rick. It has a picture of a stork carrying a baby on the front and on the back it says, "it's a girl" So cute. Thanks guys! On Sunday we headed back to Phoenix to stay with Jason's childhood friend Sean. Jason had not seen him in about ten years. Sean and his wife Kim have three girls. I think Jason has had a interesting look into our future this past weekend. Are we ready for this?

Below I have attached the www.babycenter.com report for week 23 along with some pictures.

All our love,

Julie and Jason

Week 23
How your baby's growing: Your baby is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound. He may be able to feel your movements now, so put on some tunes and dance around the house. No matter what race your baby is, he looks red now due to blood vessels showing through his transparent skin. His true skin tone will develop over the course of his first year. Blood vessels in your baby's lungs are developing to prepare him for breathing, but complete lung development will take many more months. The lungs are the last organ to fully develop.
Your baby is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound. His skin is red and wrinkled. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare him for breathing. He can swallow, but he normally won't pass his first stool (called meconium) until after birth. Loud noises heard often in utero such as your dog barking or the roar of a vacuum cleaner probably won't faze your baby when he hears them outside the womb.

Baby Belknap Week 21 and 22 check in

Hello Everyone,

The past couple of weeks have been very exciting and busy ones for us. Two weeks ago(week 20) as you all know we found out that we are having a baby girl. We are so excited. We went to the doctor Wednesday, August 22 where we had the ultrasound and a regular check up. During the ultrasound we got to see her whole little body. She was very active and even playing with her umbilical cord as if she was playing catch. As I mentioned before she was opening and closing her mouth each time we scanned over her face. There is no question that she is my daughter! Due to this we have decided on a name. Her official name is going to be Gabrielle Marie Belknap. We will call her "Gabby!" (Thanks Grandpa Larry for the name) All her measurements are right on for the due date of January 5, 2008. I really love getting the ultrasounds done. It is amazing getting to peek in on her little world.

When we saw the doctor she let us hear the heartbeat. Which was really fun for my mom and Dennis to hear. Her heartbeat is still in the 140s. I had gained two pounds since my last visit a month ago. Next time I go to the doctor I get to do the gestational diabetes test. Which should be fun. I have to drink a sugary drink wait an hour then they test me. I sure hope my sugar aversion is fully gone by then.

After the doctor's visit we went with my mom and Dennis to pick out the baby furniture. We did end up getting the crib/bed I mentioned in the last report. We also got two dresses and the mattress. The women at the store were so helpful and so full of information. Giving us all sorts of tips on the car seat and strollers as well.

I attempted to go to Babies R Us to register on Thursday the 23rd and was there for an hour and a half. While there I managed to scan I think seven things. One of them being diapers. I tell you, I didn't know it would be so hard to register. I do have a couple of friends with kids who said they will take me. Thankfully. I apparently have no idea what a baby needs besides diapers, wipes, and bottles.

(Week 22, August 25-August 31) Jason and I celebrated our two year wedding anniversary this past weekend in Myrtle Beach. The weather was beautiful and we spent most of the day Saturday at the beach. So Gabby has officially had her first dip in the ocean. I think she really liked it! Who knows she may end up being a "water person" just like her aunt Colleen Wedekind! I also had some ice cream on Sunday and it actually didn't make me sick. Which is great! I think the sugar aversion may be fading. I am still getting full really fast. Which of course allows me to eat every two hours. Can't complain about that.

Jason believes he has finally felt the baby move. He had his hand on my stomach Sunday morning and said he felt her. How fun for him to be able to experience this too! I can feel her move now most nights. Still not all the time. I guess she does only weight 13 ounces so we still have some time for her to grow.

I know I say this each week but my stomach has really changed. I think it really has started to finally pop out on Wednesday, 29th. I also had my first stranger at Whole Foods ask me if I was pregnant. It was very exciting. I am still dealing with pregnancy brain too. I tell you Jason is really enjoying this aspect of pregnancy. I overheard him boasting to a friend the other day how he can just tell me he already told me and I will just believe him as I can't remember. To funny. I am on to him now.

I did have a client tell me on Thursday that she could tell my energy has come back. Which, I do feel more energized at times but am still tired all the time. Does that even make sense? I am also starting to notice my legs feeling achy. I noticed it mostly when we were driving to Myrtle Beach over the weekend. I also noticed it a couple of nights. Looks like those compression knee highs are coming out! So sexy I know!

I have included my latest photos as well a picture of my mom and I after we had the ultrasound and a picture of Jason and I on our two year anniversary. Also the babycenter.com reports. Hope you all enjoy.

All our love,

Julie, Jason and Gabby


http://www.babycenter.com/ Weeks 21 and 22

Week 21
How your baby's growing:Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long. His eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed. And you can certainly feel him move. He's oblivious to your schedule, though, so don't be surprised if he starts working out just when you're settling down for the night. If you're having a girl, her vagina is formed now, though it will continue to develop until birth.
Week 22
How your baby's growing:Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.

We are having a girl!

And here she is making her debut! The ultrasound tech said she was measuring right on for her due date of January 5th. She is weighing in between 12-13 ounces. We could see that the brain is fully formed as well as all four chambers of the heart. Her little mouth and lips looked good which means no cleft palate. She was running her mouth the whole time we were peeking in on her. I know you all find it hard to believe that she would be talking already. She is clearly related to me. Ha. To bad we couldn't hear what she was saying. I have attached the pictures that were taken today. We are so excited!
Jason is not quite sure what to do with the fact that we are having a girl but he is really excited. My mom and Dennis were able to be in the room with us which was really neat. We all also got to hear the heartbeat today as well. Her heartbeat was 140. I think we have all been smiling from ear to ear all day! Of course when we called Momma Sue she was all tears. Do you think she is excited?

Lots of love,

Julie, Jason and baby girl Belknap
And here she is making her debut! The ultrasound tech said she was measuring right on for her due date of January 5th. She is weighing in between 12-13 ounces. We could see that the brain is fully formed as well as all four chambers of the heart. Her little mouth and lips looked good which means no cleft palate. She was running her mouth the whole time we were peeking in on her. I know you all find it hard to believe that she would be talking already. She is clearly related to me. Ha. To bad we couldn't hear what she was saying. I have attached the pictures that were taken today. We are so excited!
Jason is not quite sure what to do with the fact that we are having a girl but he is really excited. My mom and Dennis were able to be in the room with us which was really neat. We all also got to hear the heartbeat today as well. Her heartbeat was 140. I think we have all been smiling from ear to ear all day! Of course when we called Momma Sue she was all tears. Do you think she is excited?

Lots of love,

Julie, Jason and baby girl Belknap

Baby Belknap Week 20 Check In

Hello to All,

Five months! Half way there. Only 20 short weeks to go. Wishful thinking that it will go by fast. I feel like I have had a little more going on this week then last week.

I know you will all be happy to hear that I gained two pounds this past week. I have still been very tired all week. I did get four workouts in last week which was great considering how tired I was. Wednesday afternoon is the best I have felt in weeks. After waking up from my nap I felt so energized, it was great. Then the rest of the week back to being tired. I have felt only a couple of movements from the baby this last couple of weeks. I believe the baby is letting me know he/she is there in other ways...

I officially threw up on the job for the first time on Tuesday. I was training a client in his home and had to make a mad dash for the restroom. Talk about embarrassing. Of course I felt great afterward. I also had the pleasure of getting sick again on Sunday morning. I tell you, I thought this was suppose to be gone by now. I really can't complain to much, I haven't been sick too many times.

I have noticed when I am trying to show client's different exercises especially abdominal exercises that I am having a harder time getting up and down off the ground. Also, just trying to get into the lying on my back position to show a bench press or something along those lines. There just isn't the same amount of movement going on in my abdominal anymore. I know this is nothing but it has already begun. I am so used to being able to just pop right up from my back. Now, I am having to do the whole roll to my side thing. It just makes me laugh.

We went swimming last weekend and I have always heard that the water takes the pressure off of pregnant women and how great it feels. To be honest, I thought it felt weird on my stomach to be in the water. I can't really describe the sensation besides it felt weird. I guess it just made me really aware that I had a stomach for the first time.

I have noticed a huge change in my clothes this week as well. There is officially a bump and now I am finding every morning I am late to work as I stand in my closet trying to find something that will work. The problem being my normal clothes are getting to tight and most of my pregnancy clothes are still to big. I tell you it makes getting dressed a challenge at 5am. My hair is still falling out like crazy. Strange since everyone keeps telling me you typically don't loose much hair during pregnancy it is usually afterward. It is to the point now where it has become annoying as I am always feeling hair tickling my arm or face. Not to mention the large clumps I pull out every time I shower or brush my hair. Good thing I have so much.
I am still suffering heavily from pregnancy brain. I just feel like an airhead half the time. After talking to my girlfriend Missy, who just had her baby last week she informed me that after the baby it is even worse. Just something else to look forward to. Ha.

We are starting to think about what to do about day care or having a nanny. There has been a lot of talk but we just haven't made the time to call around just yet. We need to get going as the waiting lists are long. The plan currently is for me to work three days a week after the baby is born. That is the challenge with day care as far as my strange hours and wanting to go part time. This is the point at which one of the grandma's should just step up and move to Atlanta to watch the baby...what do you think? We are willing to negotiate a competitive salary as well as a benefits package. Really this is priceless opportunity. Do we have any takers? We are willing to take "non blood" applicants as well. (Winckler Joke)

We think we found a crib this week as well. My mom and Dennis will be in town tomorrow so we will take them to give their professional advice. It is a crib that turns into a toddler bed and then into a full size bed. Once we find out the sex of the baby on Wednesday we will then be able to finally start picking colors and get the registry going. I have a couple of girlfriends who have offered to assist me with the registry as I have no idea what to get besides diapers and bottles.

We are really looking forward to finding out this week. Only two more days till we know! I can't wait! If I can remember, you will all receive an email or phone call on Wednesday with the exciting news. Ha.

As always, included are pictures of me from this weekend. I included me in my normal clothes that as you can see are starting not to fit as well as in a maternity outfit which fits so much better! Also attached is the babycenter.com week 19 report.

All our love,

Julie and Jason


www.babycenter.com Your pregnancy: 20 weeks
How your baby's growing:Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. She's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)Your baby is swallowing more, which is good practice for her digestive system. She's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in her first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).

Baby Belknap Report Weeks 17 and 18

Hello to All,

The past few weeks have been busy ones for us. We spent week 17 at the DuPage County Fair! Woo hoo. Had to get baby Belknap broken in right away. As most of you know the fair is mandatory for all Winckler's every year and now the Belknaps!
I felt pretty good all week at the fair. Pushing myself a little more than usual as far as not taking any naps and staying up till at least midnight or later each day. With this I did feel the baby move almost each night as I finally laid down for bed. I was so excited to eat "fair food" and sad to report it wasn't as appetizing as I had imagined it would be. I have been craving hot dogs so I did finally indulge on those. I have not eaten a hot dog in about 15 years. Yikes. It was so delicious too. Sugar is still bothering me but I had to take one for the team and did eat the usual chocolate chip cookies each night of the fair. It did leave me feel nauseated but come on..it was the fair. What's a girl to do. Ha.
I babysat my nine month old niece, Shannon for half a day. I was so nervous, but to my surprise she was so easy. Eat, sleep, poop, and don't forget spit up! She is crawling all around so she kept me very busy. Don't think she didn't show her appreciation by puking down the front of my pants at the fair. I have learned now not to only bring extra clothes for baby but for me too. Jason and I took our 3 year old nephew, AJ, to ride the carnival rides and within five minutes he had already bumped into Jason and fell face first in the dirt. We left him with a nice strawberry on his forehead. We have lots to learn!
While we were there we got to enjoy the company of our pregnant friends. Don't drink the water! When I first arrived in IL on Wednesday Katy, Dennis's daughter was having contractions about 3 minutes apart. It was a great reality check for me. However to her disappointment her baby was still not ready to join us. Went to dinner with Laura who is due in October and our friends Chrissy and Abdel. Laura has a very cute little bump! Carrie drove from Bourbonnais to spend a few hours at the fair. Carrie is my friend who is due two weeks after me. We both are finally starting to really have a bump. My girlfriend Missy and her husband Jeff also drove out to have breakfast with us. She is due any minute. She is looking and feeling great.
There is an official bump this week. My clothes have started not to fit and seems like my stomach is really sticking out. Pretty exciting at this point. This transition phase is difficult for my body image. I can officially say I have gained one whole pound and maternity clothes are feeling wonderful. I sure wish it was acceptable to wear them all the time! This past two weeks I have noticed that my stomach has been itching. Guess that means it is stretching. My hair is still falling out like crazy too. I am still taking my naps and feeling tired more so. I think I was playing catch up from the fair. I can feel myself being more hormonal these days. I feel that I am getting more irritated with all the little things. Poor Jason! No real food cravings currently going on. Still wanting pasta a lot. I didn't workout at all the week of the fair but made up for it this past week. I was able to get in five workouts! Felt so great to be back on track.
We went to the doctor this week as well. We got to hear the heartbeat which was between 140-150bpm. It was the first time Jason got to hear it. He was very cute with how excited he was. We also found out that I am RH negative. Which means I have to have a shot around 28 weeks and one after I deliver. There is not suppose to be a threat to my baby now but I am to get the shots so in case we have more kids my body will not build up antibodies and try to attach any future fetuses. We go back to the doctor on August 22 to have our twenty week ultrasound. So excited. If the baby cooperates we will find out the sex. It also just happens that my mom and Dennis will be in town so they will get to go with us. How fun. Wish Momma Sue could be there too!
We went to a engagement party last night for my friend Sonia, who will be our labor and delivery nurse. While we were there we got to socialize with my OB doctor. Isn't there some kind of rule you are not suppose to see them outside of the office? The best part was that one of my clients introduced me to my doctor, not knowing she clearly already knows all about me. It was funny. She had delivered at least two of the women at the party. Jason kept telling her he was going over to ask for references and demand he see all the belly buttons of babies she had delivered to see her work. She got a good laugh.
Also wanted to announce that Katy had a baby boy, Jack, this morning. Both mom and Jack are doing well. Congrats Katy and John.

Thanks for allowing me to ramble on. Hope you are all well. I have attached the babycenter.com week 17 and 18 reports. I have also included some fun pictures. First one is week 17 and it is of Willie and I. Can you tell me who is further along? The next is Carrie, Missy and I with our "bellies" The next one is Laura and I. The last are week 18. See the bump really is out. =)

All our love,

Julie and Jason


Week 17:
How your baby's growing:Your baby weighs about 5 ounces now, and he's around 5 inches long — about the size of a large onion. He can move his joints, and his skeleton — until now rubbery cartilage — is starting to harden to bone. His sense of hearing is also developing. The umbilical cord, his lifeline to the placenta, is growing stronger and thicker.

Week 18:
How your baby's growing:Your baby weighs about 5 ounces now, and he's around 5 inches long — about the size of a large onion. He can move his joints, and his skeleton — until now rubbery cartilage — is starting to harden to bone. His sense of hearing is also developing. The umbilical cord, his lifeline to the placenta, is growing stronger and thicker.