Infant Massage Class

This past summer I took a three day course to become certified to teach infant massage. The class was offered through the International Loving Touch Foundation. After finshing the class I took an exam, then to get my final certification I had to fulfill the practicum part of the course which was teaching infant massage to a group of mothers and babies. I did this in my home over the past month. Hopefully, in a few weeks after I get reevaulated I can be an known as certified infant massage instructor. It was alot of fun for both me and the students. There are alot of reasons for parents and baby to enjoy infant massage. A few of the benefits for baby are emotionally nourishing, strengthens and regulates baby's systems, helps with gas and colic, helps baby relax. Benefits for parents include better communication between infant, increases confidence and handling skills, helps parents relax. You can also check out the website http://www.lovingtouch.com/ for more information.

First Pictures of Baby Koopmans

Profile shot with arm touching forehead.

Front view of face





We had our ultrasound yesterday. I am 19 1/2 weeks. Besides the fact that I had to drink alot of water and had to pee really bad; it was alot of fun and awesome to see. The ultrasound tech did let me go to the bathroom half way through so that was nice. She took all sorts of measurements and looked at all the different parts of the baby like the heart, brain, kidneys and bladder. She said that every part looked "good" but I have another doctors appointment next week. When the tech was measuring the legs she said that if we did not want to know what the baby's sex is to look away....well Ryan stared it the screen the whole time and could not see what she was even looking at. The baby was also moving around alot. It was funny though because once the tech was done measuring the legs she said.."now I am going to look more closely at "his" arms and Ryan called her on it saying that she said "his"...I did not hear her say that. But really, we do not know what we are having. The baby's heart beat was 142 and with the techs measurements weighs 8oz and is 8-10 inches long. She stated that my due date could actually be June 2, 2008 but again we will have to see what the doctor says next week. It was really amazing to see the baby moving and kicking...it is a miracle.


Top of head and hand

Baby Koopmans Is On The Way

At Christmas, we got some baby gifts. Ryan had to try on the Christmas bib from Grandma and Grandpa Roedema.

17 weeks
19 weeks


On Saturday Ryan and I went to Babies R Us and got our crib with matress, changing table and dresser. Thank you to both sets of Grandmas and Grandpas for that. We have our ultrasound on Tuesday. Here is are some bump shots...at 17 and 19 weeks.