Baby #2 - Week 30 and the House Update

(ABOVE: The new Stairway to the proposed upper level)
(ABOVE: Another view of the new stairs)

(ABOVE: Current Stairway to 'Nowhere')

(ABOVE: Baby at 30 Weeks Gestation)

(ABOVE: Fetal Development at 30 Weeks)

Hi All! Happy Day After Election ... thank goodness - here's hoping all those political ads are safely hidden away in the trash - no we can get back to watching Cialis, Viagra and Levitra Ads! Whoppie! Well I am disspointed that John McCain wasn't victorious last night but I am proud at what we have achieved as Americans ... I deeply respect the office of the Presidency and therefore deeply respect anybody who holds that office ... that is all I have to say! We had a great Halloween with 70 degree temperatures and enjoyed Trick or Treating at the Mall with Hannah and Savannah. We then headed to Outback for some yummy goodness with Dan, Heather and Savannah. It was a really fun night ... I will add pictures when I get home tonight - no how about some Baby#2 updates at Week 30! I actually have my 30week appointment today at 4:45 and I am sure all will be fine and dandy. I am hoping he will still tell me that 8 weeks from today is a good 'TO GO' date ... so wish me luck and pray that Charlotte will be good to go then as well! Here is what is happening with Baby#2 at 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.)

How your life's changing: You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off. Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can actually cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size.Remember those mood swings you had earlier in pregnancy? The combination of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes can result in a return of those emotional ups and downs. It's normal to worry about what your labor will be like or whether you'll be a good parent. But if you can't shake the blues or feel increasingly irritable or agitated, talk to your doctor or midwife. You may be among the 1 in 10 expectant women who battle depression during pregnancy. Also let your caregiver know if you're frequently nervous or anxious.

Well I am happy to report that so far so good on the sleeping subject - I am actually getting better sleep now than I have in the past few months - I finally learned my lesson and stopped drinking my water after 7:00pm so that has slowed down the potty breaks which is WONDERFUL! I can't believe the baby is 3 pounds at this point - well actually when I am being beat to shreds from the inside I guess I can believe she is that big - it is such an amazing feeling! And Charlotte is a good girl already and does NOT wake me up with the kicking in the middle of the night! I am not sure if mood swings and emotions are from being pregnant or from the house being a total mess - maybe both but I truly hope I am not torturing Jason or Jaden with my moods ... I know I was crabby last night but Tuesday's are so hectic with work - gymnastics - finding time to eat - homework and then throw in the election and it was doubly hectic! I am hoping that the moods stay at bay - at least for right now! Other than that I am feeling perfectly fine ... not normal due to the belly but I feel pretty darn good! I am pretty sure by this stage with Jaden I was unbearable to be around!!

Speaking of the house - we are on track for completion in three weeks - the week of Thanksgiving to be exact - oh I will be VERY Thankful! Yesterday when I got home the stairs to the new level were framed in ... they currently go to 'nowhere' but they are there and the visual of what it will eventually look like turned into reality ... they look really good so far. I believe the inspector comes out this week to sign off on the electrical, plumbing, HVAC and rough in of the proposed walls. Once he signs off on it the drywall will start and that is when the stair to nowhere will open up to the new room. Monday the siding will be put on which will drastically change the look of the house. I think the last week will be carpet, paint and touch-ups ... we are getting excited! Hope you are all having a wonderful week! See you on Friday for FFF!

Love ~ The Clark Family ~ Rebekah, Jason, Jaden & Baby#2 too!