Getting Bigger.

Just a little difference from the first photo I posted! And although
I was in the midst of baking cookies for Christmas in this
photo, that's not what's causing the buldge!

I think it just kicked uncle Tim.

Many of you have asked to see updated bump photos, so here are a few from Christmas. Today's measurement is 39"!!!!!!!!!!! That's exactly 99 cm for those of you over in Europe.

Grampy Makes a Prediction

"She's going to be a big football player"
~ Thomas J. Carroll, Chelmsford, MA December 24, 2008


So far my dad has told me he has predicted the sex of 8 out of 8 babies that he's
guessed prior to any knowledge based in ultrasound imaging or actual medicine.

Thomas and I don't plan to find out if this is a little girl or boy in there, but according to
my dad, girl it is. Our next Ultrasound is on December 31st. So we will at least get a sneak
peek at how the baby is growing and changing. And of course we'll have more photos for all
to see!

Tom, on the otherhand, remains convinced it is a boy. I'm undecided I really thought there
was a little girl in there in my first trimester, then I was thinking boy, now I'm not sure.
We will have a little surprise in store either way, and will be absolutely thrilled with whoever
we get blessed with.

So although grampy does have that 100% accuracy going for him, we're not breaking out the pink
bows and ruffles quite yet!

How big is the bump?

	Weeks 3 & 4*: Poppyseed Your little zygote is settling into your uterus... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 5: Appleseed Average size: .13 in** Major organs and systems are forming... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 6: Sweet Pea Average size: .25 in Blood is starting to circulate... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 7: Blueberry Average size: .51 in Baby's brain is growing fast... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 8: Raspberry Average size: .63 in, .04 oz Little arms and legs are moving like crazy... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 9: Green Olive Average size: .9 in, .07 oz A Doppler device might pick up a heartbeat... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 10: Prune Average size: 1.2 in, .14 oz Arm joints are working, and soon legs will too... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 11: Lime Average size: 1.6 in, .25 oz Fingers and toes are no longer webbed... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 12: Plum Average size: 2.1 in, .49 oz Almost all vital systems are fully formed... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 13: Peach Average size: 2.9 in, .81 oz Teeth and vocal cords are appearing... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 14: Lemon Average size: 3.4 in, 1.5 oz Liver, kidney and spleen are continuing to develop... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 15: Naval Orange Average size: 4.0 in, 2.5 oz Legs are finally longer than arms... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 16: Avocado Average size: 4.6 in, 3.5 oz Eyebrows, lashes and hair are filling in... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 17: Onion Average size: 5.1 in, 5.9 oz Skeleton is hardening, and fat is accumulating... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 18: Sweet Potato Average size: 5.6 in, 6.7 oz Baby's moving like crazy -- feel anything yet? > More on what baby's up to
	Week 19: Mango Average size: 6.0 in, 8.5 oz Vernix caseosa is coating baby's skin... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 20: Cantaloupe Average size: 6.5 in, 10.6 oz Boy or girl, genitals are fully formed... > More on what baby's up to
	Week 21: Banana Average size: 10.5 in***, 12.7 oz Taste buds are starting to work... > More on what baby's up to
	Weeks 21-24 (Month 5): Papaya Average size: 10.5-11.8 in, 12.7-20.8 oz Nipples are sprouting, and face is fully formed! > More on what baby's up to
	Weeks 25-28 (Month 6): Eggplant Average size: 13.6-14.8 in, 1.5-2.2 lb Immune system is preparing for the outside world... > More on what baby's up to
	Weeks 29-32 (Month 7): Squash Average size: 15.2-16.7 in, 2.5-3.8 lb Sleeping and waking cycles are establishing... > More on what baby's up to
	Weeks 33-36 (Month 8): Honeydew Average size: 17.2-18.7 in, 4.2-5.8 lb Growth is slowing, and baby may soon descend... > More on what baby's up to
	Weeks 37-Delivery (Month 9): Watermelon Average size: 18.9-20.9 in, 6.2-9.2 lb Full term! Baby's finally ready for the outside world... > More on what baby's up to

Baby's Room

Today we picked up a crib, changing table and an old fashioned style bassinet. Here are a few photos of everything set up. Although it is VERY early to be this set up, our little four legged baby Shadow needs some time to adjust to the new surroundings. So, hopefully, if he doesn't associate the new arrangement of "His Room" with the new baby, then he'll be less likely to act out and damage the furniture in any way when his "little brother or sister" arrives. There s still a queen sized bed in the room too so Grammy, or cousin Aoife have a place to stay when they come visit us in May! And also so that I get a place to put my feet up on those midnight awakenings, feedings and cuddles. We already had Nautica things and the little Sea Shell Mirror in the room so the sailboat bedding is a perfect fit. There is also Pink, Blue and Yellow in the quilt so it's quite appropriate for a little girl or boy too! If you look at the last picture there's a special little treat for the baby. It's a stuffed Lamb I bought in Ireland. It is designed to comfort little ones and calming them at night. He smells of lavender and warms in the microwave. Almost wish I got one for myself!

One Down: Two to go

This is Mom, me (the bump on the right!) & David, the oldest of my 11 cousins.

So we've officially made it through the first trimester. I went through a great many emotions, thanks to the wonderful hormones, a lot of mornings...afternoons...evenings....well most of the past three months with small meals and lots of "unswallowing", again thanks to the hormones, and also a great many congratulations from friends and family, which I must say was one of the more pleasant side effects of the pregnancy, so thanks to all who have shared their love and support.



In the first three months "Bump" Lucas celebrated Michelle O'Mara's baby shower, Barry Hynes' belated 40th birthday, and auntie Michelle's 40th birthday a few days early, took two trips to Wells Beach, Maine to be with family, met ALL 11!!! of Bumps' cousins, 6 here and 5 in Ireland, celebrated daddy's birthday abroad in Ireland, and Grand-da Lucas' Birthday the same week, ate lots of turkey for Thanksgiving in Chelmsford with Nanny Jan, Grampy, Great Grand-da Carroll, the Smith Family & Uncle Tim. And the Bump even came along to mommy's 10th High School Reunion. So it's been an action packed trimester to say the least.


Bump is now approximately the size of my fist. That would measure about 9 cm from the top of the head to the bottom of the bum. Our next visit to Dr. Sullivan is on the 10th of December and our next Ultrasound should be some time around the end of the month. As more news and exciting info pops up, keep checking back for updates. Cheers,

Tom, Courtney & The Bump. Happy Holidays!

Only 11 Weeks and I can already suck my thumb!

Here's our wee Baby Lucas at 11 weeks old. Heart Rate = 180 bpm and since the last ultrasound two weeks ago this little baby has more than doubled in length!

An Ultra Cool Sight

Today we met our OB, Dr. Meg Sullivan at Tufts New England Medical Center. She's an amazingly sweet lady and we really enjoyed our appointment with her. She took us in for the Ultrasound and pointed out what we were looking at. First she showed us a little line about a millimeter in length and told us that it was the baby's leg. Next she showed us that there was another little limb moving! There, right in front of our eyes was the baby waving to us on the monitor! It was an absolutely incredible sight. The little spot that looked like a passing cloud on a weather report is our newest little family member. Baby Lucas is now measuring 2.55cm from the top of the head to the bottom of the, well... bottom. There is a lot of growing ahead. But Dr. Sullivan seems to think that mommy and baby are doing very well and are both healthy.

(Photo above: If you can make out the little white cloud inside of the dark black circle, that's our little bundle of joy!)

The Name Game.

So we've read the book 60,001 Names for Baby, and we've narrowed it down to these:


Girls:
Aine, Ashley, Emily, Erin, Honor, Shannon, Kayleigh & Valerie

Boys:
Alan, Declan, Owen, Dillon, Ethan, Kevin, Kien, Killian & Kieran

Slimming Wardrobe, Growing Belly

So I've stumbled across the cutest darn decor for the baby's room. A bit "Shadow" inspired, I think it's perfect for a boy or a girl, and I love the chocolate brown. Such a nice color either way. Once the baby arrives, we can accent with pink or blue and either will look good. I won't be able to paint the baby's room, but I think the bubble decals are fun and will add a bit of whimsy for the little one. We'll have to consult with "Uncle Tim" as he progresses through his interior design courses. So, as cute as the photo is, that room currently holds my entire wardrobe, a queen size bed, a computer desk and a few other non baby friendly dressers. I'm in the process of packing away all of the light weight, summer clothes I own along with the "skinny" clothes this year. I figure I won't be looking at either one until June, at least. So once I get that packed away, slim down my wardrobe and find a place for the extra furniture, then we'll be able to ready the room for the little one. Auntie Michelle has been a great help offering her crib, changing table and other baby items. So there is very little I think we'll need to buy brand new for the nursery.

The lab said yes!

Today I got the official call from the doctor. After feeling like a pin cushion and getting blood drawn yesterday, I have had the Dr. confirm what the first response test had already told us... I'm pregnant!!!! Mommy, Daddy & Puppy-to-be are all very excited about our expected bundle of Love. Wee baby Lucas is due on May 29th, 2009. So stay tuned and we'll keep you updated with the latest news!