Let the Games Begin!

Here! here! to the second wind! And praise God for wonderful men like my husband that allow mommy to take a four hour evening nap while tending to the children and finishing up dishes and laundry, getting an estimate on a new countertop and proceeding to scrub the walls prepping for paint.  I plan to assist shortly but am attempting to knock out this "must do" before baby #3's arrival. 

Make it worth it people!

Send in those guesses!

Provide us with some mild entertainment to offset the anticipation and angst of when this little booger is going to arrive!

I'm providing some pictorial evidence and written testimony for those that prefer to make informed guesses or draw reasonable conclusions.  However, all responses, regardless of color, race, gender, religion, age, randomness, or silliness will be considered.   On the other hand - the UPPER hand- remember that this is a family based forum and that we are talking about a human here.  A little PERSON.  A vulnerable child imbued with and deserving of dignity and respect from the moment of conception.  Now that we've established the rules and regulations, here's what we need from you.  Please submit your guesses in the comments or reply to the email in which I sent the link to the blog.  Depending on your mode of submission you may have to include your name (especially if you want to receive a prize).

Your guess should include:
A.) Baby's name (first and middle)
B.) Boy? or Girl? (Let's face it folks, given the names and trends of the times it's not as easy to distinguish male/female based on name choice)
C.) Proposed birthdate
D.) Weight and Length
E.) Any other tidbits, advice, or anecdotes you choose to add.

 Following are the "bump" pictures and some points for comparison. Despite popular thought, this pregnancy deal has not become "old hat" or "eh" (insert shoulder shrug here).  And I wouldn't say that we've neglected photo opportunities or attention to number three, but admittedly, have not been as consistent with sharing periodic updates so, alas, you will have to deal with the gushing out-pour of information.
 
The lovely photo at the onset of the post was to reveal my now, "not-so-new" do.  I got my ponytail lopped off the Monday of Holy Week after a comment from Pete over the weekend along the lines of "Wow, your hair is getting long." as my hair tickled his hands during a midwaist hug not too long before I had to make the transition to sideways hugs given the growing prominence of our child.  It turned out a little shorter than I originally intended but I wanted to make sure there were no questions asked regarding length for donation.  I only wish I would have had a video recording of Luke's reaction as I pulled the ten inch braid out of the bag once arriving home ;-) !!!  Alright, enough about me...well, sort of...baby and me are still QUITE attached!

#3 in Cinci

#3 at 24 weeks 5 days

We had our first ultrasound at 21 weeks and a follow-up at 25 weeks since they didn't get a good look at the spine because of baby's position at the first ultrasound.  The whole family came for the first ultrasound.  Luke was somewhat amused by the "movie" and Augustine exclaimed "Bay-bee!" once but mostly needed coaxed to sit still by concentrating on extracting fruit snacks from the package.  Luke insists that we are having a girl, "Be-tuzz I already have a brother."  Personally,  at the second ultrasound, just me, baby, and the tech,  I was getting some pretty strong vibes that we had boy #3 but at week 30 was probably leaning more toward girl.

Number three sits differently.  Lower it seems.  I've experienced much less heartburn and discomfort after meals but squatting down or putting on socks and shoes seems so much more difficult.  Maybe this means girl.  Maybe this means, this here thirty year old body is a little more stretched out third time around.

Three at thirty three

#3 at 33weeks

36 week mark for numero tres

Measurements seem to be "right on".  Official due date is June 30th. Net weight gain since first prenatal appointment equals 13.6 pounds.  Baby's heart rate has been around 147-150 consistently throughout when monitored at appointments but rested at 137 at my most recent appointment. (You know, for the whole 3 seconds they let you listen).  Baby moves A LOT and seems to have much more pokey elbows, knees, and butt than Luke and Augustine.  Particularly with Augustine I would feel him turn somersaults or shift completely from side to side.  This one seems to make pointed protrusions as a concentrated lump moves up, down, or across my belly.  This baby also likes to "tickle" me under my ribs or give me periodic jabs under the protective cage.

Pete says, "I'm stickin' with girl. I've got to be right one of these times."  Not necessarily buddy.

3rd shift with 3rd gift (36 weeks). After hours photo shoot with fading smile and drooping eyes not looking forward to yet more sanding.

Monday, June 9th marks the 37 week mark for baby #3.  I'm ready but the house is not.  Currently all of our living room furniture is smooshed into the center of the room.  We've spent the last two days sanding (UGH!) the walls and woodwork and hope to carefully and majestically slap some paint on for a new look soon. Soon. SOON!  We've already made a formidable transformation of the kitchen and have plans to revamp the two bedrooms on the main floor as well (Can we say, NESTING?!?!).  This brings with it alternating currents of cognition, "Baby, are you coming yet?"  and "Well, maybe you should wait a little longer." Followed by a burst of motivation to pick up the sanding block yet again.  (Did I mention that I HATE sanding?)

Some points for comparison and reminiscing of days gone by.

Augustine 34 weeks ; Luke 1.5 years

Augustine @ 39 weeks

Luke at 31 weeks

Luke on Valentine's day 2011 approx. 34 weeks

Ideally,  by my book, baby Schafer #3 will arrive sometime between June 14th and June 20th, but we all know that I'M NOT IN CHARGE.  I did, however, cut one of the two pineapples on the top of our fridge for dinner tonight and Pete has gotten into the habit of asking "Does this induce labor?" suspicious of my thoughts, actions, and deeds.

Family photo at the hotel pool

Summer reading session with the boys- Pete (aka Daddy-O or Uncle Pete) Luke, Augustine, and George. June 3rd 2014.

What's it gonna be?  Does the photo above foreshadow the future events and lap occupants of Mr. Schafer? Or will we be honored with a double "X" partner in crime to "balance out" our previous blessings?