Pregnancy Update - Week 32

   On Wednesday, I had my Week 32 appointment with Dr. H, and it was a pretty routine appointment.  I was 31w5d on Wednesday and measured 31.5 cm or just under 32 weeks.  I also gained 2 lbs in the last 4 weeks.  James was quite active during the entire appointment and while we heard his heartbeat, he moved so much that it took a few minutes to get an accurate rate.  He finally sat still for ~20 seconds and his heart rate was 160.  Dr. H also said James was head down, but he hasn't dropped yet, so it's likely he'll keep baking for several more weeks.  Sadly, I finally requested a doctor's note to suspend my gym membership - I really just can't do anything meaningful anymore at the gym, and it's nice enough outside to walk, so I'm planning a 3 month gym hiatus.  

   And I have a Patric pregnancy update.  He attended his first (and likely only) birthing class a few weeks ago, and is fully prepared to be a super-star support system during labor.  Of course we do have to footnote that with "as long as he makes it to the hospital".  Obviously with his random schedule, we'll have to have some backup plans if he's on a trip.  If only we could convince James to pick a date :)!

My Poor Puppies!

If having dogs is any sort of training for having a baby, Patric and I have gotten our fair share of training this month.

   First, both Jackson and Sam have decided that they would like to go to the bathroom twice every night, once between 1a and 3a and again at about 5:30a.  If we don't let them out, they scratch at the door until we can't stand it anymore.  If we do let them out, Jackson barks like mad at whatever small creature is running around outside.  Needless to say, we've got the getting up at night thing down.

   Second, Jackson had his first ear infection this past month.  We spent six days shooting this icky gel liquid into his ear to clean it out followed by an antibiotic.  He was not a happy camper, but he really wasn't that happy with the ear infection either, so six days of pain was well worth the happy puppy afterwards.

Jackson (left) lying with Sam

   Third, Sam decided to attack a yellow jacket (or bee or wasp, we aren't really sure).  I'm pretty sure the yellow jacket lost the battle but Sam walked away with some pretty unfortunate battle scars.  His muzzle puffed up to the size of a softball and his immediate visit to the vet resulted in a shot of steroids plus a week of Benadryl and Prednisone.  We tried to get some pictures, but they just don't do the puffiness justice.

Sam w/o puffiness

Sam w puffiness

Sam w/ Chipmunk Cheeks