36 Weeks-The good, the bad, the very scary...

In spite of much protesting, my husband insist that we post the results of 36 weeks of growth...this is not for the faint of heart. As I'm trying to stay positive I forced myself to think of something good about my current state (besides the fact that Gabe is safe and sound inside of me, which we can all agree is a very great thing). Sooo...the good, the bad, and the very scary.

The Good: No stretch marks!!!!! Beside the grace of God I have no idea how this large orb has not left lasting marks on my skin.
The Bad: I'm the opposite of comfortable-again trying to stay positive.
The VERY Scary: (I refuse to use the word ugly in case you haven't caught on) This boy is supposed to put on a .5 lbs every week. That means at least 2 more pounds, I honestly don't know that my stomach can grow any more, I may be the first pregnant woman who's large stomach toppled her.

Rockin' out with Gabe

Apparently we DO have friends that like to follow our blog, but the truth is that we would never know that because nobody ever comments (except for Sarah, of course). This must change. I am inviting, actually pleading, for you all to share your ideas with me. I am planning on burning a CD for Katie and Gabe for the remainder of her pregnancy on into the first few months of his life. I am hoping that when he grows up he will not only know "Old McDonald" but also some good music from his daddy's generation. While I've brainstormed a few songs, I am hoping that y'all can help me out with some other good music. So, what songs would you put on a CD for your child? What songs inspire you? What songs make you want to roll down the windows on a summer day and sing as if no one is listening? Please share. (if you suggest "With Arms Wide Open" by Creed I will delete your comment)

Introducing...

After 33 weeks and 2 days, we actually feel like we've decided on a name.

Gabriel Lawrence Holz

Neither of us are insistent on only using full names, you are welcome to call him Gabe, or Little G, as Andy has begun to do. Andy was the major factor behind his first name, one he suggested as soon as we knew he was a boy, and as Gabe's due date is the same as my dad's birthday (and my dad's kinda cool) we wanted to honor Grandpa Roosmann.

At this point in his existence, I know Gabe to be a VERY active little guy. He likes to lay on his right side, hang upside down, wiggle his fingers to tickle his mommy, spin like a top on his head, stretch his legs out, and kick with all his force. It's also clear that he likes his daddy's voice, every night when daddy reads the bible aloud Gabe tries to reach out and touch his dad.

I envision that he's a determined little man, if there is a position he prefers, his little 4 lb. body is capable of moving me to accommodate. With all his activity one can assume he is self entertained, there isn't much to keep him busy in there but just hanging out by himself seems to be fun for him. More to come when he's out and in the real world.

Baby Boy Holz?

A student of mine sent me to http://makemebabies.com so that Andy and I could get an idea of what our little guy might look like. I submitted what I thought were good pictures of Andy and I but was scared by the results, I thought I'd give it another try but didn't have much more success. I guess our son is just going to look goofy...what can ya do?

Answered Prayers

Today, Andy and I went to our much awaited orthopedic pediatrician appointment. Since the identification of club feet at 18 weeks Andy and I have felt anxious about our little man's first few years of life, and how this condition will affect him. Andy copes by waiting for the doctors to inform us, I however search the web and play worst case scenario in my head. Whatever the best method is, we were equally excited to meet and talk to Dr. Esposito, who put us at ease. Some of our Q and A.

Q1. What is the cause of club feet.
A1. There are some indications that it may be genetic but it can also be linked to baby's position while in the uterus. An Iowa doctor has spent nearly 25 years trying to determine a cause but is retiring soon without finding a conclusive answer.

Q2. Is club feet a bone or ligament condition?
A2. Both. One of the bones in the foot, which is naturally curved, develops with a more severe turn. Additionally the ligaments of those who have club feet tend to be thicker and tighter.

Q3. What will be the process of correction?
A3. 4-6 weeks of hard casts, thigh high.*
3 months of 24/7 prosthetic shoes.**
3 years of night time prosthetic shoes.
*There is the possibility that during or after the casting he will need a minor surgery in which his Achilles tendon is cut to allow for easier stretching.
**This time period poses an additional possibility of a tendon (or maybe it was ligament?) replacement surgery, followed by 6 more weeks of casts.

Q4. How long have you been preforming this procedure?
A4. Though he has been correcting club feet for some time longer, he was trained in the Ponseti Method five years ago. Since his training he has found this to be the most effective means of correction.

For more information on the Ponseti Method please visit:
http://www.uihealthcare.com/topics/medicaldepartments/orthopaedics/clubfeet/