Busy, Busy, Busy!

First things first: I went to the doctor today for another checkup -- I'm 35 weeks, 2 days along. I had another stress test, and everything looks great. She was busy moving around the entire time, so her heartrate jumped up and down. The doctor said that's good, as they can see that her heartrate is moving when she is. No contractions either, which I guess is a good thing. I am measuring two weeks ahead, and doctor said hopefully my body will be nice and she'll come out two weeks early! Let's hope so... He doesn't think she'll be as big as Carter (who was 9 lbs, 12 oz) but that she will be good size. I don't know if I believe him -- he thought Carter would be in the 8-lb range! We'll see... I go every week now and will be starting the cervical checks, so those will give a better understanding of where my body is in preparing for her to come. Of course, she'll just come when she's good and ready!

For all of you who keep asking -- NO, WE HAVE NOT DECIDED ON A MIDDLE NAME! Remember how long it took to have a first name for Carter? Yeah, it takes time sometimes! Matt has his favorite and I have mine, and since they're not the same we're still working on it. Don't worry... she'll have one by the time she's born.

My parents were here for a few days this past weekend and we really got things done! We had to empty out the guest room and Carter's room to rearrange the furniture and get a nursery started. Carter now has a big boy room, complete with a full-size bed! He's been sleeping great in it and loves his new room. He's even climbing under the covers now! The nursery is pretty much done -- it's amazing what you can accomplish in two days. My mom painted the room Sunday, and we got all the furniture, curtains, light, etc set up on Monday. I still have a wallpaper border to put up and the accessories to finish, a well as putting the rest of her stuff away but at least we'll be ready if she decides to make a really early arrival. I have some pictures posted, but will get some up once it's completely done. You can see them here: http://picasaweb.google.com/hoosier.nik/LaurenSNursery. Let me know what you think! Thanks, Mom and Dad, for all the hard work!! I promise next time you visit you can just relax.
Now that the nursery and Carter's rooms are set, I have all this stuff around my house that I need to organize. Oh, why couldn't our house just sell so I got all my new storage space?!? Such is life... It's driving me crazy, though, because I got used to the house being extra-specially clean while it was for sale! It will eventually get done, I suppose...

Speaking of Carter being a big boy, we've started potty training more intensely. He's known what he's supposed to do, mimicking me going to the bathroom, he just hasn't had any desire to actually do it. So now that we're more settled (not trying to sell a house or travelling) I got some pull-ups and have been taking him in on a regular basis throughout the day to try and go potty. He is still a little hesitant, but he is doing it! I think he's just too busy to stop and try, but I have to make him. He gets really excited when he does it, and we're hoping he catches on real quickly. I don't think he knows the sensation of when he has to go yet either... We're not pushing him -- he has to go at his own pace or else we'll all just get frustrated!

Matt is gone again for a couple days. I think I'm going to have to have a word with his boss -- what is he thinking sending him away when I can barely walk?!? He was in Boston all last week, and now he's on his way to St. Louis. It's not a long trip this time -- he'll be home Friday afternoon. But still... there's lots of stuff to get done around the house (and I can't move things) and with the weather nice Carter wants to go to the park! I can't take him to the park alone since I can't chase him around very well! We went last night and he found a friend named Maya. She was about 4 1/2 months younger than he, and they played the entire hour or so we were there. They were so cute together! Maybe we'll see her around when we go back.
I've been busy with my friend Mandy's baby shower and it will finally be here on Sunday! I can't wait, and hope things go as well as I've been planning! She is five weeks behind me (due June 25th) and also measuring 2 weeks ahead and I think she's more uncomfortable than I am! Hopefully we'll both have early babies.

Hmm... I think that's all the major stuff for now. There will be another update next week after the next baby appointment! Oh, and we won't be travelling until after Lauren is born (and we feel up to it after that), so everyone come visit me sometime!