37 weeks

Wowza! Look at that belly! Somebody's gonna pop. Jason thinks that pic of him kissing my belly is weird but I think it is really cute.

We are officially full term and can't wait for baby Keeton to get here!

37 week Belly shot!

and here is a video of Jason's dramatic painting of the nursery...

Keeton's Nursery

Keeton's nursery is almost complete!!!

Just waiting on a canvas that says "No Monsters Allowed" that my mom made and a few items to finish off the shelves on the dresser. YAY!! I think it looks so stinkin' cute and perfect for our little guy!

About to explode!

Christmas time is here and while I love the songs on the radio and the lights on the houses and Jesus as the reason for the season, I really haven't been overtaken with the Christmas Spirit. There is no tree this year and no decor. I waited till the last minute to buy Christmas gifts and couldn't think of anything that I wanted to put on my Christmas lists. I did not send out Christmas cards. Bah Humbug huh?

My only excuse is that I'm EXHAUSTED! I know all preggos go through this but I just can't shake it. I am waddling and my back hurts and I'm not sleeping and...I know, I know. For some reason I feel like he is going to come early. Like in the next couple of weeks. Maybe it's a little bit of wishful thinking or maybe there is some real intuition. Who knows.

Last weekend my mom and dad came to KC to visit and have a mini Christmas with J and I. It was such a fun time. I miss them so much. It's been hard not having them around being preggo. (Lots of lonely nights and not a lot of help while Jason's been in the throws of school- which is now over, YAY!!!, I have my hubby back)

My mom really stepped up and put the final touches on the baby's nursery. It looks really great and I am so proud of how it turned out. We are just waiting on some prints to be framed before I post pics.

In other news, my sis found out she is having another little boy. I am so excited to have another nephew and for him and Keeton to be best friends! YAY! They will only be about 4 mos apart which is perfect.

Jason officially passed his Optometry Admissions Test and we couldn't be more excited and relieved! It has been a bumpy road but God's timing is sooo perfect. Now we just have to continue our faith and hope that his interviews coming up result in an acceptance to either Memphis or St. Louis.

Things have changed so dramatically in the past two years. From NYC life to KC life and a baby on the way. I wouldn't change a thing. I sometimes miss the old life we had but nothing feels as good as knowing you are walking in the will of God.

BIG BOY

I just got back from the doc and it looks like we've got a big boy! He measured in at 6lbs9oz. I still have 6 wks to go! Dr. Grounds thinks he may be approx 9 lbs full term. He had completely turned and was facing my back.

The bad news is that I have to take a glucose test again just to make sure I haven't got late onset GD. Grrrr. Oh well, I want little (big) Keet to be healthy.

Doc says she has delivered plenty of 9 lb babes but if he hasn't dropped by wk 37 it may be a csection. I am going to just go with the flow and do what is best.

32 weeks

32 Weeks! I can't believe it. I have a doc appointment on the 9th and will have an ultrasound to see how big Keeton is. Can't wait to see my man again:)

Keeton in 3-D

We had a 3D/4D on Friday and look at those chubby cheeks! This is pretty much the only face shot we got of him. His legs and arms were all wound around up there and it was hard to get a good picture. But seriously...look how peaceful and comfy he looks. As of last Friday he weighed in at 3lbs 12oz. (About the 60th percentile.) I can't believe I only have 9 weeks left. It doesn't seem real.

Happy Birthday to ME!!

Well, I am officially old as dirt! Turning 30 was hard and the year went by so fast that I don't think I even got used to saying I was 30. So now I am the big 31. The other side of 30. Wow. I still feel like I am 17 sometimes. It feels like yesterday that I was being arrested outside a Best Western Motel. JUST KIDDING-that was for you mom! I specifically remember thinking how old my sister was when she turned 23. haha. What I wouldn't give to live at a constant age of 23.

Well the good thing is that 31 is going to be an eventful year and I am looking forward to it!

28 weeks

28 weeks marks the first week that I actually feel physically preggo! I even feel like I am starting to waddle. Sleeping has become...interesting. I'm like a pancake.

Left Side, Right Side, Left Side, Right Side.

After much debate and going back and forth on the issue, I decided to get the H1N1 vaccine. Not only was I worried about the lack of testing on pregnant women but I was also concerned about whether to get the shot with the preservative or not. The only place that was offering the shot in the area was WITH the preservative. I had already had my seasonal flu shot at my OB's office and it was not preservative free. They said it contained as little mercury as a can of tuna.

With all the stories about how pregnant women are dying or their babies are dying from H1N1 complications AND with the urging of my OB, my instincts told me to go for it. I don't what the right decision is. Whatever will be will be. I will just trust in God and pray he puts a shield of protection around little Keeton.

In other news, Jason and I attended a Breast Feeding Class last week and it was really great! Very informative and made this experience seem even more real. It definitely reinforced how much we want to be successful at breastfeeding. I do have to say though, it was a little disturbing at first to see an early 90's video montage of a million breasts being forced into baby's mouths. I usually love movie montages but this was a tad to much.

Things are going great right now and I feel more and more blessed each day. I can't wait to hold this little guy in my arms and kiss his sweet little pudgy cheeks.

Here are a few things that Jason and I think he likes and dislikes already

(I know we are just projecting, but it's fun!):

Likes: Peter Cetera

Jason singing to him at night

3am

Dislikes: Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA"

(which is sad because that is one of my Karaoke staples)

The Crib

So today I decided I would put together my son's crib. Cause that's what dad's do right? They put things together. We were notified the other day that it had come in and we could pick it up when we wanted to. I had the day off today so I decided I would get this project done.

When I got there and looked at the box I thought for sure they had sent us the wrong thing. This box was huge!!!! 64 inches high and 50 inches wide to be exact. I asked if it could be the wrong box and they assured me that this mammoth object contained our crib. This confused me a bit because last time I checked, babies were pretty small. I thought for a minute that I after I put it together I may decided to have Cort and I sleep in it and let him have our little queen sized bed.

Once we got it out to the car it was no surprise to see that it would not fit in the back of the Escape. I spent the next couple of hours trying to find someone with a truck. Turns out, no one drives trucks anymore. Hmmm...when did they stop making those? Maybe no one wants a truck because they know that every person in their lives will be calling them when they need something moved. Can't say I blame them.

So I go back to the store and decide my only option is to take it out of the box and put the pieces strategically in the back of the car. This is when I realized why this box was so big. A third of it was just packing material! You would have thought we were buying a bed made of crystal the way this thing was packed. Good grief.

Anywho, I get it all in the back of the Escape and bring it home. Now, if any of you know me, a handy man I am not. When Cortney and I got our first kitchen table I put all the legs on, turned it right side up and watched as it wobbled like a new born calf trying to stand for the first time. Turns out I put every leg on backwards so they were angled in instead of out.

Today's project (according to the directions) was a three step process. I won't bore you with the details, but lets just say I did NOT finish in three steps. I had to take it apart and start over about three times, maybe that's what they meant. However, I did eventually finish and it looks great.

Keeton, looking at this crib is a big wake up call that I really am about to become a father. We are becoming a family. It is going by so fast. Soon I will be putting you to bed in this empty crib next to me. I can't wait, it is going to be so much fun. I am well aware that it won't always be sunshine and rainbows. And it may even get way out of control at times. But I can promise you this, if things ever start to seem like they are falling apart, I will put it back together. Cause that's what dad's do right? They put things together.

Daddy Diaper Shower

Jason had a Daddy Diaper Shower yesterday! Just a group of guys hanging out, watching the Chiefs play and cooking out. The admission to the shower: a pkg of diapers!

How awkwardly funny must it have been to see those guys handing over their diapers to Jason and trying to explain why they picked certain sizes and certain brands. haha!

Overall we got quite a few packs of diapers for the little one. At the end of the "shower" Jason got to open up his present from his mom and dad and me! A diaper dude bag and goodies inside.

Here's Jason's Cookie Cake!

And this is the part where he pretended to cry because he was so touched by the gift!

(Drama Queen)

Overall I think he had a really good time. And hey, the Chiefs actually won!

25 weeks

A-Ok!

I am so happy right now. Little Keeton is doing so well and I am just thrilled. Yesterday I had my 24 week prenatal appointment and overall he is doing excellent. I was a little nervous because we were waiting on some reports from his sonogram and follow up sonogram about his heart.

The 20 wk sono showed all of his organs were working great but the sonographer just couldn't get a great pic of his heart because of the position he was in and there was a shadow from his spine. The doc assured us that it was nothing to worry about and that we would have a follow up sono to get the pic of the 4 chambers of the heart. Well when we went back he was punching and kicking and really doing great but the sonographer just couldn't get a good view of his heart again. I wasn't in full blown worry mode but I was a tad uncomfortable with the situation.

Well...Everything turned out fine. The doc said she could see the heart perfectly and everything looked great! She said he was coming along nicely and he was a good looking baby.

I was overjoyed! Jason and I are so blessed. I am beyond grateful and honored to be able to carry this little one and welcome him into our family.

God is Good!

23 wks

So I guess at this point I am going to start taking pics of my growing baby belly. I avoided doing this at first because I felt like I was just taking pics of my fat rolls. Not pretty. It's like when people bend down to talk to the baby- it always felt silly because my rolls have never gotten that much attention.

But...I get it now. There is a sweet baby boy who is growing everyday in my belly. A 1 lb 7 oz baby to be exact. If I sit still my belly will shake with his little kicks and jabs.

For the first time this whole pregnancy I am allowing myself to worry less and instead enjoy this time in the moment as well as reflect on the past and look toward our family's future.

22 weeks

Someone's getting a baby gut!

pregnancy=no filter OR Cravings part deux

So there I was-sitting at my desk, surfing the net, in my own little world. Out walks one our members and his daughter. They are talking about what's for dinner and such but I don't really notice until I hear the word "cheeseburger".

I kid you not, I perked up in my chair and yelled across the office to that dad and daughter.

"I WANT A CHEESEBURGER"

He kinda chuckled and kept walking out the doors.

What the deuce?

Who have I become that I would yell at an innocent family to give the beast a cheeseburger.

Mortified!

Needless to say I will be picking up a fat juicy burger on my way home.

This one looks especially good.

IT'S A...

BOY!!!

Keeton Levi Harper.

(pics and post to come!)

Home again Home again Jiggity Jig

This past weekend Jason and I loaded up the car and headed to Jonesboro. We hadn't been to Jtown in what seemed like forever so we were both pretty excited to get away and see our family and friends.

On Saturday, my mom treated my sis and I to pedicures and then we went shopping for maternity clothes for yours truly. I was able to find some cute stuff and it was fun hanging out with them since I don't see them enough. That evening we celebrated my nephew Graham's birthday party at the YMCA. It was a StarWars swim party and lots of kids showed up. I can't believe my very first nephew turned 8 years old. He is becoming such a big boy with such a great sense of humor and lots of compassion. He treats me so delicately now that I am preggo. It's really sweet and funny. He gave my family a round of hillarious massages at a restaurant where all he would do is pinch our neck fat. That's a "guess ya had to be there moment" but one that I won't forget.

After the party we changed clothes and stalled till our dinner reservation where we suprised my dad with a party of his own. He turned 60! Oldie but goodie:) While it was fun celebrating, I almost fell asleep in my Chicken Parmesan. This pregnant gal can hardly stay awake past 9:30 anymore. Sad right?

On Sunday after church (ok you caught me-we didn't go to church), Mom, Darb and I went to one of my best childhood friend Mikcca's baby shower. It was crazy. She had so many people show up and so many gifts to unwrap that I don't think she even had a bite to eat or got to visit at all. I swear she opened over 60 presents. It was nuts! It was so nice to see her and my other good friend Cindie, who is also preggo. There must be something in the water huh?

Although we had tons to do this weekend, we did find some time to relax and just chill with the fam. My 3 yr old nephew Griffin is getting bigger every time I see him. He is such a teaser and so full of personality. He called Jason "Jason Penney" all weekend after a trip to "JC Penney". He's frickin funny. Not only that but he asks "why" about everything. It's exhausting but it makes me so excited for what's to come with little shorty. I can't wait to see what kind of personality he/she will have.

Speaking of HE?SHE?...

We find out the sex of the baby on Sept. 3rd. We are PUMPED! At this point, I think it will be a boy and Jason thinks girl. It's fun to speculate because we have no idea and it really doesn't matter to either of us. We just want a healthy little pudge of love.

Keep us in your prayers that the Sono shows a healthy thriving baby.

Oh Sweet Release!

So this morning I slipped on my very first pair of Maternity Pants! Awwww ( I think I heard the angels choir) I may never take them off!

Stooping To An All New Low

Officially ate an entire bag of Powdered sugar donuts. Oh the shame...

Daddy Tips Part 2: Deadbeat Dads

Okay, so I know I've touched on this subject before but I just get the biggest kick out of it. As I have mentioned, one of the books Cortney has gives the father a "Daddy tip" every week. For the past three or so weeks I have been completely dumbfounded by these tips. A few weeks back it said that if you were going to be out of town be sure and call your wife at least once a day to make sure she is doing alright. WHAT?!?!?! So if she were not pregnant I would go out of town and just talk to her when I got back? This isn't the 1800's. It is pretty easy to communicate from long distances. I don't need to send a telegram. So this raises the question: Are there husbands out there that would go out of town and not call their wives everyday? Come on...seriously? I started dating Cortney about 9 years ago and I don't think there has been a single day that we have not talked to each other at least once. And that includes two years of long distance dating and about 5 months of long distance while we were married.

So the very next week the daddy tip says if you are out of town (why are you always out of town?) and you can't talk to her make sure a family member or friend stops by to check on her. So I guess in this scenario you have absolutely no possible way to get in touch with your wife. Hmmmm. So how is that you were able to contact your buddy to tell him/her to check on her? And now you totally got off the hook from last weeks tip.

Who in the world are these tips geared toward? Who is the target audience here? Are these couples even married??? Sometimes I think not. The Daddy tips should be prefaced...if you know who the daddy is, let him know this....

15 Weeks!

We made it to 15 weeks! YAY!

I think it may be time to get some maternity pants. As I write this, I have my pants unbuttoned and my zipper halfway down. If I could wear my comfy pants to work, believe me, I WOULD! (no shame)

In other news...Jason and I are really learning to trust in God. We are being challenged everyday and it has been a struggle. Please keep us in your prayers that we may sustain our faith even in difficult situations.

Cravings: part uno

So far, I have been fortunate (I guess) to have a small appetite and lots of food aversions. I lost 6 lbs in the first trimester. My doc said it was fine because the first trimester weight gain is all you-no baby. So that's good!

Well, I guess the cravings have begun. Yesterday at work, all I could think about was StoveTop Stuffing. I looked up recipes online constantly of ways to cook it. With Chicken or without, as a casserole or in the crock pot. I was OBSESSED! My mouth watered with every thought. I totally gave into it and in the pouring rain went to the grocery store to get StoveTop Stuffing.

You should have seen me in the store. I was like a crazy person. Not only did I give in to the temptation of the stuffing, but all these cravings came to me and I started loading my cart with random things. I was a pregnant beast.

I called Jason from the car to see if he could help me bring in all my treasures. He said "You need help bringing in StoveTop?" I stuttered as I said yes.

I paid for eating that stuffing though. Worst Heartburn yet. Thanks Shorty!

If all that wasn't bad enough:
(wake up out of a dead sleep at 4am-i turn to Jason in bed)

C: I want wedding cake
J: What kind?
C: White

After that admission, we both rolled over and went back to sleep.

12 Week Ultrasound pics!

Party Baby

So the other day I accompanied Cortney to her 12 week appointment. This was an interesting event full of surprises. My first surprise was the hour wait for the doctor to come into the room. Then once the doctor came in she surprised me with all the MANY possible diseases my baby could get. That was exciting to listen to. Then came the ultimate surprise, without any warning as I sat in a chair opposite my wife, she gave Cortney her yearly exam!!!!! I hopped out of my seat and and tried to desperately find a corner where I could hide without causing a huge commotion. I was trying to think fast. I couldn't leave the room. That would seem weird and I knew I shouldn't open the door in the middle of her exam. I was trying desperately to play it cool. Yeah, this is totally normal to watch some lady feel my wife's boobs and put some crazy arrowhead looking thing in a area that I'm almost positive arrowheads should not go.

So finally the exam was over and not a moment too soon. She then tried to find the baby's heartbeat to no avail. Surprise number four, my baby has no heartbeat. She then told us that she could find it eventually but was running behind (obviously...we just sat and waited for an hour for you). So she sent us off to get an ultra sound so we could hear the heartbeat. Now for the good surprise!!! The baby looked amazing. At only 12 weeks it looked like a real baby. And shorty was moving like crazy. It was like there was a party going on in there. At one point I truly believe I saw this baby doing the Nsync "Bye Bye Bye" dance. Cortney disagreed though and thought it was the Arsenio Hall arm motion. Either way, it was definitely having a good time in there. I can't wait for the little one to get out of there and start partying with us!

Brusha Brusha Brusha

To everyone with a weak stomach-STOP READING NOW!

Ever since I found out about shorty, I have only had to deal with indigestion and mild nausea. I have thrown up 4 times and only because I was brushing my teeth. My gag reflex seems to be in full force these days.

Last night when I was brushing my teeth I had this overwhelming sense of "blah" and without warning I began to let loose in the bathroom sink. I yelled for Jason and by the time he got to me I had filled the sink up with the frozen pizza and Kool-aid that was my dinner. We waited...and waited for it to disappear down the drain and...Nothing.

This is where Awesome husbands come in handy. Jason suddenly walked out of the room and when he returned he was holding a souvenir Cardinals cup. HIS souvenir Cardinals cup. Well the rest was history. He baled that "blah" from sink to stool without flinching. And in no time it was a distant memory.

I couldn't believe how he just stepped up like that. It was amazing!

Thanks JJ for being a wonderful husband who sacrifices a Cardinals cup for the one you love:)

I LOVE YOU!

Home Sweet Home!

Yay! We are in our new apartment and it is great. I would love to say that I slaved over boxes and through blood, sweat and tears put this place together myself but I would be lying profusely. I did the opposite of that. AKA: nothing. My wonderful mother drove up to Kansas City last Thursday and while Jason and I went to a Stevie Wonder concert, she single handily "signed sealed and delivered". (pictures on the wall and everything). We were floored when we walked in that evening.

I love my mom so much. She is one of the kindest and giving people I know. She will go to any length to make me and my sister happy. Jason and I are very blessed to have someone like her in our life. Of anyone, I hope shorty inherits my mother's love of family and generous spirit. Thanks Mom, I love you:)

Daddy Tips

So Cortney is starting her 10th week. According to one of "the books", shorty is starting to look more like a human and less like a sea manatee. So that's exciting! Also, this book always gives "Daddy tips". Well we didn't really notice these until a few weeks ago and so far I have been getting some great tips. The first week we looked said to buy her something. Well, we are poor and so she told me not to. And not in a joking kind of way, she meant it, like don't buy anything or you will get hit. In case you didn't already know this...Cortney hits. This meant I had the week off from my "Daddy tips". The next week it had something to do with pets. Like cleaning them or feeding them so she didn't have to. Well we don't have any pets. Sweet..another week off for Daddy. So that brings us to this weeks "Daddy tip". It lets dads know that "pregnancy is an opportunity for increased closeness and intimacy as a couple and that sex can be a positive part of this experience". SWEET! I love "Daddy tips". Well when I read this to Cortney she basically let me know that Daddy would again have another week off. Hmmmm...maybe I should just do something special for her that isn't in the book? Then again, who am I to question the experts.

Jason

Movin' on UP

We did it! We moved. The fourth apartment in four years. WOW! This one was tough too. I am very proud of Jason for all his hard work. He was a trooper indeed. I didn't do much of anything except sit on my behind. Awww the joys of pregnancy. The sad thing is I still managed to get sore. I don't really know how that happened. Also, Shout out to Jason's older bro Aaron for helping in a big way too. THANKS AARON! Here is me waving goodbye to the old place.

On to bigger (literally) and better things. Can't wait to set up the baby's room in the new place! SO PUMPED!!! I already get excited even though I am looking at a room full of boxes and junk. I'll post some pics of the new place once we get it looking semi-put together.

A Casualty of War

Today I had to delete some people off of my facebook. Work people. I am constantly worried that people from my job are going to find out about shorty before I actually tell my boss. It's my own fault. I am not good at keeping secrets and especially bad at telling white lies. It was weird deleting a coworker that sits two desks down from me. I hope she doesn't ask me what happened because I will have to tell one of those white lies I am so bad at telling.

I have made the decision that after my appointment on July 9th I will talk to my boss. I will be about 12 wks preggo so hopefully that will be a good time. After that I will tell who I want and let it trickle down with all the office gossip.

So to all my fallen Facebook friends "Farewell for now and may we meet again in 6 months"

cortney

The day we found out!

I think at this point, we still didn't really believe it. That is why we took 4 more pregnancy tests. We are freaks!

A man couldn't handle it

Ah pregnancy. A wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles. All I can say is...I am so glad I don't have to carry it. First of all...I HATE to throw up. This may be a TMI, but seriously, I can't deal. Luckily for Cort, she has only had two experiences. The first one happened while I was out getting a beer with a friend. Typical guy huh? She is at home, tired, sick and not allowed to even drink a beer. He is out tipping them back and having a jolly old time. However, the second time I had the privilege of rubbing my wife's back as she projectiles the worst smelling material known to man (and if you know me, I can't really smell all that well). I could get more graphic about the experience but I am sure you can imagine. And I know this is only the beginning. A couple of nights ago I watched in amazement as Cortney began to burst out into tears during the middle of the bachelorette. I think it may have even been during a commercial. Nothing provoked it. It was accompanied by laughter. I had no idea how to respond. During the laughing parts, if I joined in on the laughter it would make her cry, but if I tried to comfort her, she would get mad and then the laughter would start again. I eventually had to just sit back and watch the show (Cortney, not the bachelorette) and wait for it to end. Which took longer than you might imagine. I know there is so much more still to come. Insomnia, back pain, heartburn, not to mention the actual birthing process itself. A guy could never do it. I sneeze in the evening...no work for me the next day. Hats off to all the ladies out there who have gone through it. Ugh...I need a beer.

Jason

FIRST ONE...Wow

Well...Here it is. The first of, hopefully, many blog posts about the Harper Family.

Quick Update:

Actors in NYC
Too expensive and hate the subway
Move to Kansas City
Jason goes back to school for Optometry
I work reception job to pay the bills
Find out I have PCOS

By some Miracle...we get pregnant.

It's insane, right? So now I have lots to worry about and my fingernails will be bitten off completely. We are almost 9wks preggo and it is soooo exciting! I am only nauseous occasionally. My main pregnancy symptom is fatigue. I am tired all of the time.

We are moving apartments this weekend and poor Jason is going to have to do it all on his own. It will be nice to have a 2 bedroom so Jason can have a place to study and then it can be turned into a place for shorty by January. This is going to be quite a ride.

-Cortney