I think we are ready...

Week 35

We’ve been busy lately- sorry for the gap in updates! Today we had our last ultrasound and although we weren’t able to get any pictures, we did get great news. The baby weighs about 4 lbs., 11 oz. and has a head diameter of about 8 cm. The amount of amniotic fluid around the baby and all the other measurements (whatever they are!) are normal. Between the ultrasound report and the doctor exam, we are healthy and don’t need to start the weekly appointments just yet.

Work is going well. We finished the interview process and found a great substitute while I’m on maternity leave! While this makes me feel a little better about leaving my students in a few weeks, it doesn’t get rid of all my angst. I know, life goes on without me and Mark (my sub) is more than competent.

Eric is doing well too, especially considering his office/bike room is slowly being taken over by baby “stuff.” Yes, our shower has filled up the apartment and the bikes are feeling the squeeze!

We hope all is well with you! Until next week, take care! Love Katy

Week 30

This week the baby’s size is comparable to a butternut squash- my favorite! Big on the growth charts is our baby’s brain. Grooves and wrinkles begin to take form, allowing the baby to do things like regulate body temperature- something my body doesn’t seem to do so well anymore! Muscles and lungs are also getting bigger and stronger. It’s hard to believe that there is still 2.5 months left.

On Wednesday, I have the joy of trying the glucose test again- 3 hours of blood work and 15 hours of not eating. Needless to say, I am NOT looking forward to this. Lucky for me, Eric promises to take me out to eat after that!

Christmas came early for us. On Friday, we got our video camera! Look out Steven Spielberg, here comes Eric Schepis. I’m sure Christmas will be interesting as Eric tries to capture all the fun moments. He is already reading the manual cover to cover.

Alright everyone- we’ll let you know how Wednesday goes! Until then, 12 days until Christmas!

Love, Katy

Week 29

Week 29 is here! Baby Schepis is about 17 inches long, possibly 3 inches from the final length. The weight is also increasing to 3 pounds. It’s hard to believe such a package is curled up inside. Because of the additional fat that is filling out the baby (plumping up for the big day) it is common for the baby to increase elbow jabs with a the tighter space. Hmmmm…

Eric and I have had an exciting week. Last night, we attended the annual Upstate Gala, a black tie affair that raised money this year for the new cancer facility that will be added on to the hospital. As guests of the Neurosurgery department, we dressed to impress, threw up our heels and had a good time. Unfortunately, the fun ended for Cinderella and Prince Charming at midnight- but the dress and shoes are here to stay! Maybe we can find another venue to wear such pretty attire!

Monday is our next big appointment- the glucose test! We’ll let you know how it goes along with any exciting news we hear!

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season- good luck braving the Christmas shopping craziness!

Love, Katy

Week 28

Third trimester, here we come! Baby Schepis reaches almost 16 inches in length this week and weighs about 2.5 pounds! Not surprising, the kicks are getting MUCH stronger and more frequent. Blinking is more regular and dreaming may also be happening as the baby gets into a more set sleep pattern…of course, I don’t think there is much sleeping going on as I have been getting kicked nonstop this Thanksgiving break. Along with feeling hiccups (too cool!), it has been a fun week!

During this holiday break, Eric and I have been busy- me making a turkey with all the fixings, Eric working on his paper. We did have our neighbor Mary over to help us put a small dent in our 12.5-pound bird, but there is still so much left over! Today I’ll be busy cooking some turkey noodle soup and a turkey pot pie. Then, I think it's time we freeze the rest because we have definitely had our fill...

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We miss you all and can’t wait to see you in a few weeks!

Love, Katy

Week 27

Eric wants to know why I can’t liken the baby’s development to bike parts. So, at his request, I’ll do my best. Let’s see if this baby is bike worthy…As we “roll” into week 27, Baby Schepis is the length of the handlebars on Eric’s bike and the weight of his race wheels (15 inches, 2 pounds!). As the baby pedals circles around my tummy, tastes buds are at their life peak, tasting more now than they ever will. Also on the rise is the baby’s drinking and breathing movements, which help it get ready for that first big gulp of air (and later, many big breaths as it motors up the hill on a bike).

Happy biking everyone! Love Katy

It's a beaut, Clark!

Yes, it's a little early, but with Mom and Dad Kramers up for an early Thanksgiving celebration, we decided to just buy our Christmas tree! Let me tell you, the extra hands came in handy. Between Eric and Dad, the tree was cut and on the car before I could say "Timber!"

We wasted little time in putting the tree up and decorating it, all while listening to Christmas music. After our official Thanksgiving dinner, we topped off our evening with a little Griswald "Christmas Vacation." It doesn't get much better than that. So...Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!