Our Balcony

This is 1/4 of our balcony. Switzerland isn't that bad :)

Hi!

Well things are coming along now for the arrival of baby de groot in say 7-10 weeks. Ramon's parents brought us a beautiful baby cot (wieg in dutch, not sure what its called in english) that was built by Ray's great uncle and little de groot will be the 3rd generation of De Groot's to sleep in it. See the picture of it all decked out with his super cool puppy bumper! This bed is supposedly good for the first few months and then we will move him into his new posh crib...which we just ordered and won't be ready until 2 weeks before the lil' man is expecting to make his big appearance! I hope it gets here in time so we can properly decorate the nursery. Anyhow its now starting to feel real - I just thought I was getting fat for a while there! We are getting rather excited/ nervous!

I am also attaching a photo of our balcony - well 1/4 of our balcony (its mammoth!). The pic was taken today since the sun was shining and it was around 50 degrees! It was beautiful!...

27.5 Week Check up - The Swiss Way

So I just went to the hospital for my 27 week checkup with the OB. They are implementing a new pregnancy wellness program at the hospital - along with my monthly checkups by the OB, they also encourage a consultation with a nutritionist who has set up a whole eating program and free exercise program with weekly classes for us big-bellied ladies! It was nice to feel like they care about me a bit!

So the doctor checked me out again and confirmed - I have a big belly! Baby is still breech - likes to kick a lot though, but has a strong heart beat which is great. Then she told me I was gaining a lot of weight (they dont sugar coat things here!) - I thought I was doing ok. At least by American standards I am right on target! I have gained 7.5kg (or around 16.5 lbs) gaining about a pound a week. If I stay at this rate I should gain in the 25-35 range...But apparently they want me to gain 20-25 lbs here so I have to stop eating this delicious Swiss chocolate that I have come to love:( Its ok though, this is a lotta weight for a little woman and its all in my belly :) I might fall over soon!

Now I just have to figure out how to get my insurance company to pay my medical bills - every time I call I can't get through to an english speaking customer service person. Its been entertaining!

Till the next posting!

Just for entertainment...

Today I was informed that some of Ray's ex-colleagues think that I am a MILF. I had to look it up - not sure if I should be complemented or disturbed:)

27 weeks!

Hi!~
I am slowly getting more active on this blog thankfully! The baby is now 27 weeks - just about 7 months so things are going by quickly! We still don't have a nursery or anything else, but I have been collecting clothes and random stuff that apparently we will need. Ramon's parents are coming to Zurich this Sunday to visit and go baby shopping with me - Despite the small language barrier, Ramon's mom will be incredibly helpful as she had 2 kids of her own and 2 grandchildren so she knows her stuff! I am excited for their visit!

We have been busy meeting people and making friends - Its not so hard here as there are lots of expats and young families like us, thankfully.

I have attached a prego picture of me at 26.5 weeks - (not to be posted on Facebook!), but thought y'all might be entertained. The baby is quite active and kicks a lot-particularly when Ramon speaks to him which is kinda funny! My belly is huge, but gaining weight as to be expected. It is all in my belly which makes me look like I might fall over soon! haha

Trying to read some books on what to expect after I realized this week that I have NO idea what to expect...not sure these books are helpful though as they just kinda freak you out! Oh well I will figure it out and the support they have for new mothers over here is incredible so I am not worried.

Off to the grocery store by foot with my canvas bag - only in europe - I love it!

Till the next post!

18 Week reunion - Becky & Sheela Zurich

I am a little behind on updating photos, but wanted to include this one from early Dec 2009. Becky Day Merrill and I were both in Zurich for a chance meeting - she had an interview and we were apartment hunting. Our little men met in person for the first time when they were just 17/18 weeks conceived!