31 Weeks!

Hey Family and Friends,

Since our last post we have been pretty busy. Last weekend we traveled up to NYC for a whirlwind trip to attend the engagement party of our friends Erica Lief and Christian Platusich. Steph is going to be in their wedding next year and we didn't want to miss this celebration for anything. We do wish the party was a little bit closer because driving a total 22 hours in a three day period when you're 31 weeks pregnant is NOT fun. It was all worth it the because not only did Steph get to see friends from high school that she hadn't seen in years, we also got to spend time with Steph's parents, brother, grandmother, and great-grandfather. Check out the picture of Steph and the bride-to-be.

The monday after our marathon traveling, Steph had a follow up ultrasound to check on the baby's right kidney. During the ultrasound we found out that the baby has three to four cysts on his/her right kidney. The doctors were unable to see the kidney behind the cysts which can mean one of two things. Either the cysts are preventing normal kidney growth or the doctors are simply unable to visualize the kidney using the ultrasound. Obviously we are praying for the second scenario but we are

being realistic and not totally ruling out the first scenario. The doctors are not overly concerned about the cysts because the left kidney appears to be functioning normally. As long as their is one functioning kidney the baby has the potential to grow up normally and healthily. The doctor's believe that the left kidney is functioning normally because the amniotic fluid is at normal levels. If you didn't know, amniotic fluid is made up mostly of the baby's urine. This means that left kidney is doing the work of both kidneys and is filtering all of the fluid the baby consumes. For now, the only course of action will be a follow-up ultrasound when the baby is born.

During the ultrasound we also learned that all of the other organs are growing normally and the baby's weight is in the 90th percentile. He/she is already 4 lbs 12 ozs (and I've still got 2 months to go!). The idea of having a big baby is definitely not helping Steph let go of all the anxieties associated with giving birth.

In the pictures to the left you can see a profile picture of the baby (top image) and an image looking down at the baby's face. In the bottom picture you can clearly see the baby's chin, top lip, and nostrils.

In order to ease both of our anxiety levels, this weekend we attended birth preparation classes and learned a lot about the birth process and different techniques that can help everything go smoothly. Seeing videos of women giving birth was definitely interesting. But it was comforting seeing all of the options available to expecting moms.

As we come closer to the baby's due date please continue to keep his/her development (especially the right kidney) in your thoughts and prayers. We are so excited to meet our baby and we know you are too!

Love Always,

Jorge and Steph

Getting Ready for Baby

Family & Friends,

Hopefully you were all able to enjoy time with family and friends this fourth of July weekend. Steph's parents came down last Thursday to help get some projects finished around the house. Jorge and Steph's dad got stuck with most of the dirty work including changing light fixtures, painting, and installing a drying rack in the laundry room. They (and Steph's mom) also spent a few hours in the hot sun cutting down an unsightly bush and fixing some of the trim work around the house. All of their hard work paid off because the house looks great! Steph's parents also bought down an elliptical for us to use. When the baby comes we definitely won't have time to go to the gym so, we have to bring the gym to us.

Along with general house hold maintenance, most of everyone's efforts were focused on getting the nursery completed. Steph's mom sewed a curtain for the nursery and Steph made a canopy that hangs above the crib. We incorporated characters from 'Oh, the Places You'll Go' by making elephant cut outs that hold up the canopy. We also put together an 'Oh, the Places You'll Go' puzzle and hung it over the changing table. The room is 90% complete and we've only got a few more finishing touches. In the pictures you can see the canopy, elephants, new ceiling fan, and dresser. On the dresser are the baby's first stuffed animals, Thing 1 and Thing 2.

After all of the hard work, everybody wanted to take time to have some fun. On Monday we all went to the course to play a round of golf. Steph's belly is too big to play so

she acted as the official golf cart driver for Jorge. Everyone had a really great time but to say that Jorge struggled his first time out on the course would be a bit of an understatement. We estimate that he lost about 15 balls throughout the course in the woods or water hazards. Despite not keeping too many balls on the course, Jorge had a great time and is looking forward to getting better.

All in all it was a great weekend. We love spending time with family and sharing in the excitement of the new baby. Next weekend, Jorge and Steph are heading to NY to attend an engagement party. We are super excited to see all of our friends and spend a day in the city.

Until then.... Be Blessed!

Love Always,

Steph and Jorge