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The visit to the doctor went well this week. I am measuring right on for 24 weeks and passed the 1 hour glucose test. We had a little difficulty with the doppler, as baby j was all balled up sleeping on my right side. A few moments later, we finally got a reading in the 140’s. I also discovered this week, that my iron is low, so the doctor asked me to take an iron supplement with 325 mg…No biggie…could be worse!

At this point, Jeff and I are anxiously awaiting our 28 week visit to uncover whether or not my placenta has moved and when our little boy will arrive! Just in case he arrives early, we are happy to say that the following are OFF of our to-do list:

- Order crib, dresser and changing table and BOB Revolution Stroller
- Schedule the Great Expectations class - all day Saturday intensive!

If you have any recommendations for gliders, let us know…We hope to get that ordered in the next couple of weeks!

(posted by jeff)

Erin and I went shopping yesterday. In summary - holy crapt, there is a lot of stuff to buy. This little turkey has no idea how need he is, and he’s not even born.

We hit RightStart, Pottery Barn Kids, Bellinis and the Land of Nod. Overall, RightStart seemed the most helpful (to me) and solved 2-3 of our needs right away (stroller, car seat and potentially the crib). The Land of Nod had a bunch of cool stuff for kids and seemed liked it covered the bases for every age of child. Pottery Barn Kids sucked except for the super cute stuffed animal dog we bought.

Here are what we believe our basic needs are:

• Crib: This one is tough. I want a crib that covers the basics…one that is sturdy and simple. I think Erin is more into the fancy woodwork. I liked the Oeuf from RightStart. It was white with a wooden base and metal footing - somewhat modern and very sturdy. I think Erin liked a few of the sleigh type cribs from the Land of Nod. We still need to do some more research and hit a place called Lazaars before making a decision. Approximate price: ?
• Changing table: I guess there is no rule about matching this up with the crib, but it seems likely we will. I also liked the Oeung since it’s drawers glided nicely and there were no knobs to deal with. Approximate price: ?
• Glider: This requirement is formerly known as the wooden rocking chair. We actually have one of those, and there is no way it’s going to be used since it’s not comfortable. We liked a glider at Belinni’s. Only bummer is that this thing was close to $1000 bucks. For that much cake, we might as well buy a nice leather recliner. Approximate price: $1000
• Stroller: We looked at a bunch at RightStart. Given that we have two dogs and are active, the 16″ Bob is the way to go. Lots of storage, can climb anything, folds up easily and a full crossbar that is reversible. I’ve already made our decision on this and don’t want to discuss this anymore since I feel like it is one decision point in the coming thousands that is complete :) Approximate price: $350
• Car seat: I think we’re going with the Graco Snug Ride. Guess we’ll only be using this for a few months anyway as we’ll get a bigger one when the kid gets…bigger. Approximate price: $130

After three hours of shopping, I was happy that we made some good progress, but also a little wiped out. I’m totally open to some of Erin’s friends and our family jumping in and periodically taking my place with this some of this stuff :)

Jeff and I had our 20 week ultrasound today and confirmed that we are having a baby boy! Although I dreamed we had a boy, I was convinced by conversations with friends and strangers that we were having a girl based on the baby’s heart beat and the way my belly was growing…What a surprise!

It’s truly an amazing experience to see the baby and I grow week-to-week and all the development that’s been underway. Today Baby J weighed in at 14 oz and was 10 inches long with a heart beat of 144 bpm. We also were able to confirm that he has 10 fingers and 10 toes and a head circumference within the 54th percentile…so no “judge dome” yet :)

Jeff and I are pretty convinced that he looks forward to meeting Gido, as my dad was there to see him on camera and they were both smiling at each other the entire time!

As you can imagine, Jeff and I can’t wait to meet our little banana and look forward to another new addition to our family…Lizzy Leahy, soon to be Lizzy Howayeck and Aunt Lizzy!

Congratulations Eli and Lizzy! We love you and can’t wait to celebrate!!

Photo taken this morning on the pier in Santa Cruz, CA.