Baby Signs??!

I saw Dr. Falzon Saturday....
All is well but Dr. called the hospital to get a date for an induction!!
She has been closely monitoring for signs of preeclampsia (also known as toxemia or pregnancy-induced hypertension), the only cure for it is delivery- and she doesn't want little Andy to gestate longer than his due date (7/15).
So, perhaps we should adjust that countdown: 9 days to go!!!
The induction date would be 7/11.
My parent's anniversary is 7/12, that would be a nice present for them :D
Next appointments are on 7/5 (Falzon) and 7/6 (ultrasound to check amnio level).

OK, I know: every near-term pregnant lady needs a photo of that belly for memoriam!
So here we are today, sporting a new Esprit bikini
(which I hope to wear in the not-too-distant future at *the beach*).

According to the ultrasound this past Friday, he is 7lb 3oz.
Thank goodness, looks like I will be winning the bet with Alex!
It's true, the nesting instincts have started kicking in. Alex tried discouraging me last night, but there was no stopping me: I scrubbed the kitchen chairs!

In fact, I was exploring what excellent multipurpose uses baby wipes have.
The important thing to know is that they're perfect for taking off makeup.
And the latest discovery: cleaning crud off of furniture!!
I actually purchased Pledge wipes for the task and also tried Murphy's spray cleaner...
Hands down, baby wipes are best!!
I suggest Target brand, unscented.

A before (left) and after (behind, right) shot:

Sophia turns 30!!!

Chris (taking the photo) did an awesome job putting together a sweeeet bash for Sophia Saturday night at the Red Lion Inn in Cohasset.
We had our own private room complete with open bar and D.J.,
enormous plates of food (colossal shrimp!) and desserts, not to mention birthday cake!
We had a blast- and I even made it to last call! (arriving home at 2am)....
Such party animals, lol~
Little Andy was treated to lots of loud music so hopefully once he's outside the womb he won't protest much (???).....

Birthday Girl!

OK, off I go....time to clean and wash the air cleaner for Andy's room.
Heaven forbid his little lungs encounter dust!

Another Baby Shower!

Momma Bucell and Aunt Dot hosted a fun family shower
at Aunt Dot, Uncle Ron & M.J.'s home in Burlington on Sunday!

There was a lot of yummy food
(the heart-shaped pb & j sandwiches were my fav)
and wonderful gifts for Andy!
We had a great time.

Aunt Judy with cousins (and cousin-to-be in belly)
(from upper left) Jillian, Carolyn, Ronelle, June & Renee

Oooooh! Presents galore!!
Mama Bucell kept good notes.
Alex was broken in well with his new duty as designated "pack horse".

Maureen had the video camera out!!! Luckily the tape was running low.
Mike took photos with my camera (thank you!)

Uncle Ron posing with soon-to-be doting cousins.

June is excited to have a baby cousin,
she patted the belly and said in her soft little voice, "He is cute!"



For 4 years old, June is an excellent artist!

(oops, cut off her masterpiece)

Serious-looking brothers (good job sneaking this one Maureen!)






Gorgeous flowers from Nana Bucell!!!!

Ahhh, I love this time of year~








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"A work in progress": the baby room!

Good thing we're having a boy- didn't need to paint the already blue walls!
(ok, anyone who knows me, I wouldn't have pink if it was a girl, anyhow! lol~)

To complete the look, just need to add a denim curtain panel and new denim
cushions for the glider & ottoman our friends Todd & Erica loaned us.
For above the crib, we have a lovely print from artist-cousin April, just need it
framed. It's a very serene, colored lithograph of a pond.
I am sure that in future photos you'll see a close-up of the crib bedding (lily pads, sort of Asian-inspired & *not* babyish).

Andy will have plenty of entertainment, note the 2 mobiles (only supposed to be used for 1st 5 months or when he can take them down).

His accumulating stuffed-animal collection will be joining the forces with the already established collection of stuffed-animal frogs. Just need to set up a section for them, I may clear a lower shelf off the (not seen) bookshelf (which he will be "rearranging" soon enough).

This device is pretty neat for keeping them coralled into a handy chair (demo'd on You Tube):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZxB4qmU1zg
Though I could get crafty and devise one, "someday"....