31 days.....

We have entered into the last month. I'm 36 weeks as of Wednesday. This means that I go to the doctor every week until she arrives. Once I hit 37 weeks she is considered full term and then it's anybody's game. I feel like I'm getting more excited to meet her than anxious about labor. We completed the childbirthing class series last week. I'm glad we went. I hope this finds everyone well and we will definitely keep everyone posted.

Baby Shower Videos

Ok, it only took us a week, but we've FINALLY uploaded video from the baby shower! Nice camera work Sarah (a.k.a., Shaky Pete, a.k.a., Out-of-Focus McGee)! Thanks for everyone who attended or sent gifts! We really appreciate it!

1st child birthing class

Last night we embarked on our first child birthing class. Our instructor's name is Dotty and is very nice. We went over early stages of labor, relaxation breathing, and toured the unit. Going to class made being pregnant very more real. At one point Dotty was showing us a skeleton of a female pelvis and demonstrated how a baby's head will drop down and how it fits through the pelvis. Tom turned to me and said, "I'm so sorry." I cracked up laughing and thought well, it's a little late!

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My turn to add some observations (this is Tom)...

Haley did well with her breathing...during class intros, she was the only wife that let me say my own name! In my opinion, we also had the coolest baby name of the lot (though we didn't get the dreaded "is that a family name?" question)...

Two more weeks of birthing classes...I liken them to taking a 2-credit mid-semester course in college - lots of time spent in a classroom, but you sit through it because its only for a short few classes and you know its worth it (at least it was in my case - I needed those 2 credits to graduate!)...hopefully next week we'll get more into the stereotypical birthing class stuff - lots of breathing and such while sitting on the ground.

On another note, we promise we'll get the video from the baby shower online before the weekend ends. Thanks!

Before and After

Ok, not the true "before" photos, but they're close enough...Sarah came to town this weekend to paint the baby's room and provide Haley with some sister support at her baby shower this weekend.

The "true" before photos would be photos before the beautiful paint job Sarah did (even if the girls think its too yellow). However, I'll label these as "before" since the room is now ridiculously filled with baby gear.

Look for the "after" photos to come - as well as video from the shower (thanks to Rachael and my mom for throwing it!), as soon as we figure out the neat new camcorder bought to us by the Hartmans (thanks much!)...for now, here are the photos of the empty room!

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One quick programming note - I'm going to ask Haley to hold off on sending photos via g-mail, and instead upload them to the blog (we can only find so much stuff to write about until the kid is actually born). It'll be easier said then done, so don't get too upset (Haley has an itchy e-mail trigger finger). Still, if you don't like the idea, feel free to leave a nasty comment :)

- Tom


Half of Merritt's changing table/dresser, plus the rocking chair where Haley (and I) will be spending countless hours over the next few months


Our meticulously organized yellow closet


Merritt's crib (soon to be the epicenter of many sleepless nights)


The crib and the window (nice cutting job Sarah!)

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One last thing...



Go Owls!!!

Real baby photo to come in 2 months...

4.30.08

Ok, we have caved and started a blog for our future daughter, Merritt Elizabeth Chaump. This is where we will post updates, pics and videos to keep friends and family well informed. Today is 3/1/08 and she is due in 60 days. We can hardly believe that she will be here so soon. So far we have her room in order; painted and furniture arranged. She moves often, but gets really excited when she gets to eat :) More to come later...Haley