More updates on the life in utero of the Clarke Baby

Some other belated updates in the life of the Clarke Baby include the adventures of starting our baby registry and a super fun trip to Hoboken to celebrate Aunt Ashley's Bridal Shower. Starting with the wildest and most overwhelming-BABIES R US! Now you would think that since I have been dreaming of having a baby and planning for this time in my life for as long as I can ever remember, baby shopping would be a pretty easy task. NOPE! Have you ever walked into this Baby and Child SuperCenter?? They have more things than you could imagine needing between the time of birth and when your child goes off to college. The other really big challenge to this trip-was that I took Bridger along!! Now don't get me wrong, he loves this child more than anything and has been an amazingly supportive and involved husband throughout the entire pregnancy, but taking a man to BRU is just not a good combo. I have to relate it to what it is like dragging me around Best Buy?? Of course, those of you who know me well, also know that I tend to look at every option over and over and over again. So, maybe I am not the best person to go shopping with in the first place. Anyway, we decided that a good compromise for both of our interests would be to look at the BIG items (and I would come back alone on another day to update the registry and add some "smaller" items that Bridger would be less likely to have any opinion about-bottles, breastfeeding supplies, bath towels, ect). Well, all in all the trip was a mild success. I had done lots and lots, tons and tons, of research so I had most big classes of items narrowed down to one or two choices and Bridger helped choose between my favorites. The results of this adventure can now be found online if you are interested-but know that it is really just a start and open to lots of changes. Also, if any of you parents out there have suggestions about the products I registered for please leave me a comment. I would love to know your advice on things to definitely get and others to avoid.....

In some other celebratory news-we had a very fun weekend in Hoboken with Aunt Ashley, Uncle Keith, and Grandma Clarke. The entire weekend we had beautiful weather, great food, fun shopping, and even time for a little pampering :) Grandma Clarke spoiled the momma with a Wonderful pedicure and spoiled baby with a very cute new outfit that will likely debut in the first few days of life. It was great to have Ashley, Keith, and Emily get to see the growth of this new little Clarke in person. They even had the treat of being kicked a time or two and watching the little wiggle worm in action. The highlight of the weekend was Ashley's shower-which was really amazing. The shower was held at a marina overlooking New York City and it was so sunny, bright, and festive for her special day. Here are a couple pics from the big event...

A Heavenly Pedicure

Evidence of Grandma Clarke's Spoiling

Long update as promised...

Well here it is....the first of a few updates....to fill you in on the last 2.5 weeks that I have been delinquent in updating the blog. Needless to say, it has been busy as can be here in the Clarke household.

The day after I got home from the wonderful trip to the beach the baby and I had our 28 week appointment. We saw a new doctor for this visit (all the others had been with the same woman) and she was great. The visit itself was a little less than pleasant as I had to be poked and prodded more than I have at any of my previous visits. First things first, I had to drink the "glucola" and have my oral glucose tolerance test. The glucola is a pretty nasty orange beverage about the size of a water bottle that has more sugar in it than you could ever imagine. It caused some nausea and also made me feel a little a little "out of it" from the sugar high. Then you wait an hour after drinking it and have blood drawn to test your blood glucose levels. The point of the test is to detect gestational diabetes-and luckily I passed. I was happiest about this news because it meant that I didn't have to do the 3 hour test with more glucola to drink. Additionally, at this visit I had the pleasant opportunity to get my Rhogam shot. As some of you may remember-I have been disappointed about my blood type for quite some time now-B negative. Well, the disappointment was deserved. There is nothing like bending over an exam table with your pants around your knees to get a big shot in your butt!! Not to mention the shot is cold (because it is considered a blood product), thick, and has to be administered slowly with a really big needle!! Ok, I am being a bit of a wimp, but let's just say the 28 week appointment was one of the more exciting ones. Luckily, the good news was that the baby measured great with a nice strong heart beat. Another happily uneventful visit other than all the needles-which I will sacrifice any day for a healthy baby. The appointment also happened to fall on Good Friday, so I felt guilty for complaining on the day that Jesus sacrificed his life for the world. I could certainly sacrifice a few shots and needles for my baby :) We were also excited to have my parents in town for Easter so I was quickly distracted from my sore arm and butt. We were very spoiled by having my mom cook several good meals for us while they were here and my dad helped with some projects around the house. It has been so nice to have several opportunities to see them and have them around to watch the baby grow. Speaking of growing, I will leave you with these 28 week/Easter photos....

Happy Birthday Daddy!!

Dear Daddy,
Happy Birthday!! I know it is crazy for us to love each other so much before we have even had a chance to meet-but I REALLY love you. Mommy tells me all the time that I am the luckiest baby in the world to have a Daddy that will be as Wonderful as you! I hope that you and Mommy have a Great time celebrating your Birthday. We will all have a big family celebration in 10 short weeks or so when we can all be together on MY Birthday :) Can't wait to meet you Daddy. Love, Your Baby

PS-to everyone else....my mommy PROMISES to update the blog tomorrow!! She knows she has been very delinquent and there are several things that she should tell you about-My 28 week Dr. Appt, Easter, Starting my baby registry, and Aunt Ashley's Bridal Shower!! Please check back tomorrow night for a big long update :)

Baby Clarke's 1st trip to the beach

The baby and I had a Wonderful week at the beach, we were in Hilton Head with Grammie, Pappie, and Uncle Tom. Here are some photos to document our trip:


Preggo by the pool-reading up on baby bargains


Me and my Virgin Frozen Margarita at the Beach Bar-Heavenly


Nothing like a pregnant lady on a bike-what a site


Yet, we had so much fun riding all over the island


Beach Belly Pic-can't wait to compare this one to one I will take in June at Seasick 09


What a Great Trip!!


Here is some evidence of all the spoiling grammie did at the outlets. I think she may have bought the baby his/her wardrobe for the first 3 months!!

PS-I have my 28 week appointment today-stay posted for an update on the appt. and a traditional 28 week belly pic coming this weekend.

Busy Day!!!

Today has been a busy day for Baby Clarke. He or she has been registered for A Hospital Tour, Breastfeeding Classes, and His/Her First Pediatrician's Appointment!! Now granted, the little one will be listening and learning in utero-but Momma is making a busy schedule none-the-less. Maybe this is the start of what they call "nesting"?? Or I am just being super organized. Either is an equally likely possibility. Just wait till Daddy gets home from work...he is going to be SO excited about all of these plans. I think the Breastfeeding class may be the highlight of his spring-too bad I can't take him along with me to the prenatal yoga class I signed up for too-now that would be a funny sight! I am giggling just thinking of the visual image :) Hope everyone is having a good week!