Just for the record...

Rudy is now almost 6 pounds and still growing like a champ. We had a regular doctor's appointment on Monday (December 17). Overall the doctor was happy with how she was looking, but not with her movement. Especially over the weekend, I had noticed a decrease in the amount she was moving. So, he sent us on a little trip to labor and delivery for a non-stress test. They monitored her heartbeat and my contractions for about 45 minutes. She was sluggish at first but after they gave me a lime popsicle, she performed beautifully!

The doctor came in and declared her heartbeat and movement to be "gorgeous!" We didn't expect anything less, but it's still a nice relief to hear that she is doing so well.

We are trying to be prepared for her to come any time now but it's difficult since I decided that this would be the perfect time to re-do the kitchen floor and paint the kitchen. As a result, our house looks like this:

That is not the ideal situation for a nesting pregnant woman (can you say understatement of the year?). Thankfully, Buddy is being the trooper he always is and helping me do as much cleaning and organization as possible under the circumstances. I would also like to heartily recommend our contractor if anyone in the Cleveland area is looking for one. He has promised to come on Christmas Eve to hook up my appliances so I can cook Christmas dinner. Now that's service!

Next up, we have another regular appointment on December 26 and an ultrasound on December 28, as long as she is still cooking.