Welcome to the Third Trimester!

Holy Hanna!  I cannot believe we are in the third trimester already!  Props to Ashley for taking such perfect care of my little bambina as she prepares for life in the outside world.  I'm thrilled to report that Baby Hope (that's what we call her this week) is very long, just like her daddy, and her weight is perfect.  My first two children were very big (Maddy weighed 7lbs. 5oz. at 36 weeks and Nick weighed 8lbs. 11oz. the day he was due), and, Ashley's doctors think Hope will stay under the eight pound mark.  That's actually a relief to me - I was terrified she'd have to deliver a Nicholas-sized baby, and, all I can say about that is, "OUCH!!!"

We are now 28 weeks along, and, if you follow my Facebook page you can see our newest milestones update automatically each week.  For those of you who don't regularly visit my Facebook page, here is a glimpse of what Hope looks like this week.

At 28 weeks, Hope weighs approximately 2.2lbs. and measures approximately 14.8" long.  The doctor did say that Hope is a little longer than most babies, and, that would make sense since her father is very tall, and though I am so short, both of my kids were the longest babies in the nursery.  Go figure!

As for Ashley, she looks amazing, but I think the glorious feeling of the second trimester may be wearing off now that we're nearing the end.  The poor thing has swollen ankles, is tired, you name it.  But, she looks ravishing!  Here is a picture of her this week - you can barely tell she's pregnant!

As you can imagine, I continually catch myself going into panic mode as there is just so much to do!  I have to prepare two homes for a newborn, and, construction won't start on our house for two more weeks!    Typically, I would have ripped my hair out by now as I really dislike the possibility that the house may not be finished in time for Baby Hope's grand arrival, but, one thing surrogacy has taught me is to expect the unexpected and never prepare for anything to go as planned.  Our contractors have sworn up and down that this will be a 6 week project, so, I'm hoping 10 weeks will be enough time for them.  What are we doing to our house?  Well, it's pretty simple.  We live in a little Cape, and, we have two bedrooms downstairs and two bedrooms upstairs.  We're ripping off the entire second floor, adding four bedrooms where there were once two, and, we're tearing down the wall between the two bedrooms on the first floor to make one large master bedroom.  We're almost done moving our furnishings into storage while construction takes place, and, our living room and family room will become our family quarters for the next few weeks.  Deep breaths...deep breaths.

In order to get ready for Baby Hope's arrival, we've started packing everything up that will be going to the shore with us.  Thankfully, my sister had a ton of baby gear, so, that will be heading to the beach with us, and, our new gear will be staying here at our house.  We've also ordered Hope's furnishings and bedding.  Take a peek...

Bratt Decor Venetian 3-in-1 Crib

Bratt Decor Chelsea Dresser & Changer

Bratt Decor Chelsea Night Stand

Lulla Smith Helsinki Crib Linens (Bumper & Skirt in Rosy, Crib Sheet & Bows in Buttercream)

To see the rest of Hope's style, visit her Pinterst board here:  Baby Hope's Style

On a sadder note, Ashley's father is extremely ill with Stage IV cancer.  Quite frankly, I don't know how she does it; she manages to stay upbeat and positive as she's managing a hotel, raising two young children, caring for a disabled family member, and coping with her father's illness...all while she's carrying another woman's baby.  I'm begging her to take a trip somewhere - anywhere - after she delivers to recoup and just take some, "me" time.  Ashley, I know you're reading this - please heed my advice and pamper yourself, even if it's just for a short getaway!

As always, I cannot thank my online friends and family for your continued support of our journey.  There have been twists and turns along the way, and, as I talk with other Intended Parents, I'm discovering that's just the way surrogacy is - no matter how much planning you do, something unexpected will occur.  In our journey, I would have to say that "something" would be the health of Ashley's father.  I don't think any of us realized just how advanced his cancer is until recently, and, I'm asking all of you to please say a prayer for Ashley and her family as they come to terms with his illness.

Until next time...