August 17, 2013 - Belly Week 25
I feel compelled to talk about my pregnancy: Only with other pregnant women or new mothers.
You like to move late at night lately. I have a feeling you're going to be a night owl. I love feeling you move so much. It's great that you're so active.
August 24, 2013 - Belly Week 26
So, on request from mommy - no more aerobics at 2am. :)
You love to move - it is so awesome to feel you kicking! Your big brother calls you by name and gives you kisses a lot...a LOT! He is really excited that he's going to have a baby brother to play with.
It's getting miserably hot out - I am glad we have a great, functioning air conditioner!!
I hope you'll be as beautiful inside and out as your brother. He's so happy - hopefully he will be a great example for you!
August 31, 2013 - Belly Week 27
Right now, my husband/partner is feeling a little: ecstatic
We're all excited! Only 13 weeks left, and we get to meet you!! I know, holy cow... where has this time gone?!
I guess I'd better get busy redoing the nursery. I've planned a colorful tribute to Disney - your big broter, Tony helped me decide on the design. He has great taste!
September 7, 2013 - Belly Week 28
Everything continues to go very well. You continue to be quite the mover, and you're growing nicely. Keep up the good work, little man!
I can't wait to hold you - hopefully you're every bit as beautiful and intelligent as your big brother - he is truly beautiful inside and out. You can learn a lot from him... he is so very loving and considerate.
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We are over halfway to the finish line! I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is going - it seems like just yesterday we were anxiously awaiting results from the blood test. This pregnancy has definitely been completely different from the last. It seems I've hardly had time to truly enjoy it.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Exiting the Second Trimester - Closing Remarks
At 24 weeks, I definitely didn't feel as large as I did with LM. I'm not sure why...but it's nice. I've continued to work hard to keep weight gain under control, and try to get plenty of exercise and drink plenty of fluids. I'm also eating a varied, healthy diet to give the Stowaway the best possible start.
Other than being a bit run down early this trimester, it has been a breeze. I'm glad to feel the Stowaway moving more and more...and getting stronger. I know he's doing well and growing because he's extremely active and strong.
It's pretty funny, I like to read at night. I will often rest my Nook on my belly - this is more out of habit than anything else. As I go through the pages, the Stowaway will kick at the Nook. It makes me laugh. I wonder if he wants me to start reading to him. Maybe I should try that and see what he does.
So, here we go. Officially entering the third trimester. The home stretch, so to speak. Wish me luck in getting all of my projects done! Here is the list so far:
Make a crib quilt - Mickey Mouse theme.
Make a crib dust ruffle.
Make the nursery and playroom valances.
Make a Mickey Mouse lamp.
Paint the walls of the nursery (stripes, to match the Disney ship colors, really... so not having to paint the entire room...)
Paint the finials for the ends of the curtain rod in the nursery.
Make nursery wall art and find frames for it.
Paint the letters for the boys' names that will be hung on the wall in the nursery.
Paint the Mickey Mouse canvas art.
Make a nursery dirty clothes bag for the Stowaway.
Make a liner for the current laundry basket for LM.
Make decorator towels for the boys' bathroom.
Make fun throw pillows for the nursery... or playroom... not really sure where I'm going to put them yet.
Get and hang a stuffed animal net in the playroom to put away some of the crazy amounts of stuffed animals.
Clean the nursery closet and hang a new shelf and hanging clothing bar.
Arrange a "Meet the Stowaway" reception.
Put drawer pulls on LM's "big boy bed" drawers.
Fill the gap between the wall and the mattress on said "big boy bed" and put the railing up on the bed.
Clean/arrange the kiddo shelves in the cabinet in the kitchen.
Get the 3-6 month clothing out and go through it for the Stowaway - otherwise he will have to go nekkid in winter.
Yep, just to name a few things. Busy mommy!
I recently made a really adorable Jake costume (the Jake and the Neverland Pirate's main character) for LM. It is so stinkin' cute... and looks adorable on him!! I surprised myself, because I have never really done edging before... and it turned out looking pretty nice. LM told me the other day he wants to be Jake for Halloween.
Monday, August 12, 2013
The Belly - Weeks 21-24 - Late Second Trimester
We're winding up the second trimester. Things seem to be going well... and you're healthy and happy. I can feel the happiness every time you move. It's cute that you're moving in response to your brother's playful taps now. I think you two are going to be great buddies!
July 20, 2013 - Week 21
I'm most comfortable sleeping.... on my side.
I don't really ever sleep on my back or stomach normally... so I don't miss either of these positions. I do miss being able to move freely. It's tough to get situated when your belly sticks out. :)
I get up to pee about 1 time each night.
This is really nothing out of the ordinary. I get up at all sorts of crazy times, though.
Today is LM's 2nd birthday. There are only 4 months left until we get to hold the Stowaway.... and we can't believe it!
July 27, 2013 - Week 22
The Stowaway is still quite a mover! It seems he's getting more and more active as time goes on. That's alright, though. It makes kick counts pretty easy!
The Stowaway is large enough to feel on a consistent basis, and that makes it a lot easier on mommy. I love feeling the movements. I love feeling the progression of strength as well.
I find myself looking at blankets and outfits for the Stowaway to wear during our hospital stay. I was kind of unprepared for the hospital the last time. Now that I know what to expect, and my mom will be here to help me, I will be more capable of being able to move around and enjoy dressing the baby more.
August 03, 2013 - Week 23
The Stowaway is moving more and more. He kicked at his big brother's touch today - though LM didn't keep his hand on my belly enough to feel it. It was a strong kick, too!
It's cute that the Stowaway is already trying to interact. I think these two are going to be great buddies when the Stowaway is old enough to play. I know LM is really getting excited.
August 3, 2013 - Snapshot of My Life
Music we have been listening to lately: 80's, LMFAO, and Bridgit Mendler (LM's current favorites).
Recent movie I've seen: Monster's Inc. - a request by LM, who thoroughly enjoyed it! (I was actually quite surprised he sat still and watched the entire movie!)
Book I'm reading right now: Kingdom Keepers 2 by Ridley Pearson
Top news stories right now: More issues in the Middle East - Americans were asked to evacuate Yemen due to terrorist threats. There never seems to be a peaceful moment in that area of the world.
August 6, 2013 - Week 24 and 3 days Appointment
We still see Dr. J about every 4 weeks. The report is almost always the same... everything looks great. The Stowaway is active and healthy, with a nice, strong heart rate.
We asked Dr. J to confirm the gender scan. Definitely a boy! You had no problems showing us this time! Of course, Dr. J is more gentle handed than the ultrasound tech was.
We talked about blood glucose levels - they still look pretty good. Dr. J waived the glucose challenge/tolerance test. He said that we're already watching levels, and the end result would be the same if I took the test and failed it anyway. So we'll just work together and keep an eye on blood sugars. Yay! I really can't express how much I appreciate him!
Now, it's time to find some nursery items for the nursery. We've chosen a Disney theme - LM's idea. So I need crib accessories, a valance, a lamp, and all sorts of fun new stuff. We are also going to paint in the room... so much to do, so little time!
15.5 weeks away from holding you, little Stowaway! Dr. J said he's going to look into the possibility of a November 23 delivery. My little Thanksgiving baby! We have so much more to be thankful for these days!
August 10, 2013 - Week 25
Today marks the end of this trimester. It's been a busy one, I can't believe we're 2/3 of the way to the end... and holding the Stowaway for the first time! 15 weeks.
I now think I have settled on a name for this precious little Stowaway, but I will be waiting to reveal the name. Yes, I know... party pooper! I just don't want to share it yet. I've waffled on it a few times... I don't think I will this time, though. Just not really in a sharing mood.
July 20, 2013 - Week 21
I'm most comfortable sleeping.... on my side.
I don't really ever sleep on my back or stomach normally... so I don't miss either of these positions. I do miss being able to move freely. It's tough to get situated when your belly sticks out. :)
I get up to pee about 1 time each night.
This is really nothing out of the ordinary. I get up at all sorts of crazy times, though.
Today is LM's 2nd birthday. There are only 4 months left until we get to hold the Stowaway.... and we can't believe it!
July 27, 2013 - Week 22
The Stowaway is still quite a mover! It seems he's getting more and more active as time goes on. That's alright, though. It makes kick counts pretty easy!
The Stowaway is large enough to feel on a consistent basis, and that makes it a lot easier on mommy. I love feeling the movements. I love feeling the progression of strength as well.
I find myself looking at blankets and outfits for the Stowaway to wear during our hospital stay. I was kind of unprepared for the hospital the last time. Now that I know what to expect, and my mom will be here to help me, I will be more capable of being able to move around and enjoy dressing the baby more.
August 03, 2013 - Week 23
The Stowaway is moving more and more. He kicked at his big brother's touch today - though LM didn't keep his hand on my belly enough to feel it. It was a strong kick, too!
It's cute that the Stowaway is already trying to interact. I think these two are going to be great buddies when the Stowaway is old enough to play. I know LM is really getting excited.
August 3, 2013 - Snapshot of My Life
Music we have been listening to lately: 80's, LMFAO, and Bridgit Mendler (LM's current favorites).
Recent movie I've seen: Monster's Inc. - a request by LM, who thoroughly enjoyed it! (I was actually quite surprised he sat still and watched the entire movie!)
Book I'm reading right now: Kingdom Keepers 2 by Ridley Pearson
Top news stories right now: More issues in the Middle East - Americans were asked to evacuate Yemen due to terrorist threats. There never seems to be a peaceful moment in that area of the world.
August 6, 2013 - Week 24 and 3 days Appointment
We still see Dr. J about every 4 weeks. The report is almost always the same... everything looks great. The Stowaway is active and healthy, with a nice, strong heart rate.
We asked Dr. J to confirm the gender scan. Definitely a boy! You had no problems showing us this time! Of course, Dr. J is more gentle handed than the ultrasound tech was.
We talked about blood glucose levels - they still look pretty good. Dr. J waived the glucose challenge/tolerance test. He said that we're already watching levels, and the end result would be the same if I took the test and failed it anyway. So we'll just work together and keep an eye on blood sugars. Yay! I really can't express how much I appreciate him!
Now, it's time to find some nursery items for the nursery. We've chosen a Disney theme - LM's idea. So I need crib accessories, a valance, a lamp, and all sorts of fun new stuff. We are also going to paint in the room... so much to do, so little time!
15.5 weeks away from holding you, little Stowaway! Dr. J said he's going to look into the possibility of a November 23 delivery. My little Thanksgiving baby! We have so much more to be thankful for these days!
August 10, 2013 - Week 25
Today marks the end of this trimester. It's been a busy one, I can't believe we're 2/3 of the way to the end... and holding the Stowaway for the first time! 15 weeks.
I now think I have settled on a name for this precious little Stowaway, but I will be waiting to reveal the name. Yes, I know... party pooper! I just don't want to share it yet. I've waffled on it a few times... I don't think I will this time, though. Just not really in a sharing mood.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Midway
Singing..."Oh, we're halfway there..."
Actually, we're a little beyond halfway there, as in about 21.5 weeks along. But time gets away... :) So, we're about 2/3 of the way through the second trimester... wow! This seems to be going a LOT faster than #1.
For now, we have no name for the new addition, so I will affectionately call them The Little Stowaway. We have had the anatomy ultrasound... but I have my doubts and plan on asking our OB for a confirmation - not that I will be disappointed either way, it's just that the ultrasound image that proclaimed the sex of The Stowaway really looked like a super blurry image of the behind with the umbilical cord running between the legs. Couple that with a pregnancy that has been COMPLETELY different from that of our first, Little Monkey, and you can see why I have some doubts in my mind.
Anyway, I've started to be able to feel The Stowaway move pretty consistently. This is one of my favorite parts of pregnancy, it's like a huge secret only I get to take part in - unless The Stowaway happens to be a showoff on some days. :) It's such a special bonding time - just when I start thinking about The Stowaway, they start moving (I call it dancing, because it feels most like a dance going on in my belly.)
I am getting anxious to meet The Stowaway... and get the nursery re-decorated. We are going with a Disney theme... since Little Monkey LOVES Mickey Mouse and anything having to do with Disney. I chose a pretty easy design for the paint so I can focus on the decor a little more. I can't wait to get the nursery reorganized with the "big boy" bed on one side, and the crib on the other! I have been planning on making a quilt for Little Monkey, and hopefully will have some fabric left over so that I can make a crib quilt for the Stowaway. We shall see. I also plan on making home-made finials for the curtain rod (I have some that are white that I will paint with the color scheme of the room), and the valance will be hand made by mommy as well.
I have a lot of work to do... I'd better get busy!
Actually, we're a little beyond halfway there, as in about 21.5 weeks along. But time gets away... :) So, we're about 2/3 of the way through the second trimester... wow! This seems to be going a LOT faster than #1.
For now, we have no name for the new addition, so I will affectionately call them The Little Stowaway. We have had the anatomy ultrasound... but I have my doubts and plan on asking our OB for a confirmation - not that I will be disappointed either way, it's just that the ultrasound image that proclaimed the sex of The Stowaway really looked like a super blurry image of the behind with the umbilical cord running between the legs. Couple that with a pregnancy that has been COMPLETELY different from that of our first, Little Monkey, and you can see why I have some doubts in my mind.
Anyway, I've started to be able to feel The Stowaway move pretty consistently. This is one of my favorite parts of pregnancy, it's like a huge secret only I get to take part in - unless The Stowaway happens to be a showoff on some days. :) It's such a special bonding time - just when I start thinking about The Stowaway, they start moving (I call it dancing, because it feels most like a dance going on in my belly.)
I am getting anxious to meet The Stowaway... and get the nursery re-decorated. We are going with a Disney theme... since Little Monkey LOVES Mickey Mouse and anything having to do with Disney. I chose a pretty easy design for the paint so I can focus on the decor a little more. I can't wait to get the nursery reorganized with the "big boy" bed on one side, and the crib on the other! I have been planning on making a quilt for Little Monkey, and hopefully will have some fabric left over so that I can make a crib quilt for the Stowaway. We shall see. I also plan on making home-made finials for the curtain rod (I have some that are white that I will paint with the color scheme of the room), and the valance will be hand made by mommy as well.
I have a lot of work to do... I'd better get busy!
Monday, July 15, 2013
The Belly - Weeks 17-20 - Mid Second Trimester
The middle of the second trimester is upon us. Man, this time I feel like a pro at pregnancy... I'm cruising right through this gig without any more worries! I'm even getting more frequent exercise and eating better meals, all while taking care of a very precocious toddler!
June 22, 2013 - Week 17
My appetite is currently the size of....Rhode Island.
Actually, my appetite has remained fairly normal. I work hard to maintain realistic portion sizes and try to remember to work in my snacks. (I'm not normally a snacky person, so this has been a bit of a challenge.) I'm trying to eat wholesome foods, exercise, and watch the amount of food that hits my plate so that my weight gain doesn't go all crazy again.
Actually, I only gained 30 pounds the last time (20 of that was baby weight). But I am working hard at trying to gain 25 or less this time. (So far, so good!)
June 29, 2013 - Week 18
We're leaving for Minocqua, Wisconsin. I can't wait to spend time with the Opichka side (my side) of the family! I really miss them a lot.
Minocqua is a beautiful and peaceful town. We try to get back there every few years to just kick back and relax. It's kind of a bummer that we can't stay all the way through July 4th this year. :( At any rate, my side of the family likes to go there to spend more quality family time - it's important for the younger members of the family. We'll get back there with our new little one, that's a sure thing... and one of the promises I've made!
July 06, 2013 - Week 19
We just got home from Minocqua two days ago. I wasn't too please to have to leave early, but it is what it is. I'll have to take a day off someday soon to make up for the missed vacation day.
I really wish we hadn't had to miss the July 4 festivities. I think LM would have enjoyed the fireworks. We did try to watch some fireworks at home - but the sounds of them in the distance kind of frightened LM... so we came inside and watched the fireworks in NYC instead. He enjoyed them.
July 8, 2013 - Week 20 and 2 days - The Anatomy Workup
Well, this is it, the day we've been anticipating for the last 19 weeks. That's right... the anatomy ultrasound! We get so much information from this appointment - we get to see all of your precious little limbs... your profile... and we find out whether you're a boy or a girl. Will you even show us?
The anatomy scan took nearly 1.5 hours. I was surprised, but not really surprised; as you were moving a lot. The tech pushed so hard, it wasn't shocking to see you trying to move - presumably to get away - away from her pokes. I would have been trying to get away, too!
At the end of the appointment, we had a full set of scans, and the knowledge you are healthy and developing right on schedule. We also had the tech's proclamation you're a boy. But the image she saved on the disk was so unclear, we were unsure. So, we will work on the perfect name... but we will also ask Dr. J to confirm this proclamation so we can have the nursery and everything ready for you, little Stowaway.
July 13, 2013 - Week 20
Well baby, we're halfway there!! (I've been humming "We're Halfway There" from Bon Jovi all day!)
I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is going :(! It's kind of sad, actually. I really enjoy being pregnant... and knowing I'm bringing another sweet miracle into the world.
Everything is going so well. I've felt awesome, and the Stowaway is growing well.
June 22, 2013 - Week 17
My appetite is currently the size of....Rhode Island.
Actually, my appetite has remained fairly normal. I work hard to maintain realistic portion sizes and try to remember to work in my snacks. (I'm not normally a snacky person, so this has been a bit of a challenge.) I'm trying to eat wholesome foods, exercise, and watch the amount of food that hits my plate so that my weight gain doesn't go all crazy again.
Actually, I only gained 30 pounds the last time (20 of that was baby weight). But I am working hard at trying to gain 25 or less this time. (So far, so good!)
June 29, 2013 - Week 18
We're leaving for Minocqua, Wisconsin. I can't wait to spend time with the Opichka side (my side) of the family! I really miss them a lot.
Minocqua is a beautiful and peaceful town. We try to get back there every few years to just kick back and relax. It's kind of a bummer that we can't stay all the way through July 4th this year. :( At any rate, my side of the family likes to go there to spend more quality family time - it's important for the younger members of the family. We'll get back there with our new little one, that's a sure thing... and one of the promises I've made!
July 06, 2013 - Week 19
We just got home from Minocqua two days ago. I wasn't too please to have to leave early, but it is what it is. I'll have to take a day off someday soon to make up for the missed vacation day.
I really wish we hadn't had to miss the July 4 festivities. I think LM would have enjoyed the fireworks. We did try to watch some fireworks at home - but the sounds of them in the distance kind of frightened LM... so we came inside and watched the fireworks in NYC instead. He enjoyed them.
July 8, 2013 - Week 20 and 2 days - The Anatomy Workup
Well, this is it, the day we've been anticipating for the last 19 weeks. That's right... the anatomy ultrasound! We get so much information from this appointment - we get to see all of your precious little limbs... your profile... and we find out whether you're a boy or a girl. Will you even show us?
The anatomy scan took nearly 1.5 hours. I was surprised, but not really surprised; as you were moving a lot. The tech pushed so hard, it wasn't shocking to see you trying to move - presumably to get away - away from her pokes. I would have been trying to get away, too!
At the end of the appointment, we had a full set of scans, and the knowledge you are healthy and developing right on schedule. We also had the tech's proclamation you're a boy. But the image she saved on the disk was so unclear, we were unsure. So, we will work on the perfect name... but we will also ask Dr. J to confirm this proclamation so we can have the nursery and everything ready for you, little Stowaway.
July 13, 2013 - Week 20
Well baby, we're halfway there!! (I've been humming "We're Halfway There" from Bon Jovi all day!)
I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is going :(! It's kind of sad, actually. I really enjoy being pregnant... and knowing I'm bringing another sweet miracle into the world.
Everything is going so well. I've felt awesome, and the Stowaway is growing well.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Boy or Girl... to Know, or Not to Know
People say I'm carrying: low
Everyone thinks you are: a girl
Personally, I think you are: a girl
I hope for a girl. This pregnancy has just been so different from the last.
My thoughts about finding out if you're a girl or a boy before you're born:
I'm all for it. In fact, I can't wait! I am a planner, so I have to know if we're going to need to fix my old Winnie the Pooh crib and make it compatible with today's regulations. If we're expecting a girl, I also have to work to incorporate some Disney girl things into the nursery theme.
My husband... agrees with me. He doesn't like to wait.
Everyone thinks you are: a girl
Personally, I think you are: a girl
I hope for a girl. This pregnancy has just been so different from the last.
My thoughts about finding out if you're a girl or a boy before you're born:
I'm all for it. In fact, I can't wait! I am a planner, so I have to know if we're going to need to fix my old Winnie the Pooh crib and make it compatible with today's regulations. If we're expecting a girl, I also have to work to incorporate some Disney girl things into the nursery theme.
My husband... agrees with me. He doesn't like to wait.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
The Belly - Weeks 13-16 - Early Second Trimester
The second trimester has started off a little better. Still having some aches and pains as my body gets used to the Stowaway... but the nausea is gone now. (Yay!)
May 25, 2013 - Week 13
My mood swings are: nonexistent - pregnancy has made me a Budda (in size and spirit!)
This may seem like a funny statement to many, but I really do stay pretty calm and cool when I'm pregnant. The only time I get a little antsy is when our toddler is being a bit of a rebel.
The stowaway is almost big enough to feel! I have felt movement a few times already, but can't wait until the movements are more consistent and predictable. It's always tough during the early stages of pregnancy, you want so desperately to know things are going well and the stowaway is okay, but you only get little glimpses here and there during appointments.
June 01, 2013 - Week 14
My weight gain has been slow and steady. I hope I'm able to keep it this way and refrain from gaining too much weight this time around. This time, it's been all about portion control, limiting carb intake, and moving. You've got to move it, move it... after all!
A healthy me means a healthy baby! I'm definitely giving it my undivided attention.
June 08, 2013 - Week 15
Now that the hormones have really kicked in, my hair is .... lustrous and full.
I'm showing more, so I'm having to wear some maternity shirts with my pants now. I am able to wear most of my pre-pregnancy shirts, though. So not many maternity shirts have come out.
I'm really starting to contemplate taking my stuff out and making sure it's ready for the time when my pre-pregnancy clothes will no longer fit.
June 15, 2013 - Week 16
This little Stowaway is a mover and a shaker! I sense another high-energy little one in our future! (Lord help us!) I can't believe we're already almost halfway to the due date! Where the heck has time gone this time???
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During our last appointment (May 20), I opted to wait until the anatomy ultrasound for our next appointment, unless something drastic happened. Of course, at the time, this sounded like a great idea. Now... I am a bundle of nerves. We have about 3 weeks left until that appointment. I can't wait!
Thankfully, I can feel the Stowaway move around a LOT more now, so my nerves are starting to subside.
May 25, 2013 - Week 13
My mood swings are: nonexistent - pregnancy has made me a Budda (in size and spirit!)
This may seem like a funny statement to many, but I really do stay pretty calm and cool when I'm pregnant. The only time I get a little antsy is when our toddler is being a bit of a rebel.
The stowaway is almost big enough to feel! I have felt movement a few times already, but can't wait until the movements are more consistent and predictable. It's always tough during the early stages of pregnancy, you want so desperately to know things are going well and the stowaway is okay, but you only get little glimpses here and there during appointments.
June 01, 2013 - Week 14
My weight gain has been slow and steady. I hope I'm able to keep it this way and refrain from gaining too much weight this time around. This time, it's been all about portion control, limiting carb intake, and moving. You've got to move it, move it... after all!
A healthy me means a healthy baby! I'm definitely giving it my undivided attention.
June 08, 2013 - Week 15
Now that the hormones have really kicked in, my hair is .... lustrous and full.
I'm showing more, so I'm having to wear some maternity shirts with my pants now. I am able to wear most of my pre-pregnancy shirts, though. So not many maternity shirts have come out.
I'm really starting to contemplate taking my stuff out and making sure it's ready for the time when my pre-pregnancy clothes will no longer fit.
June 15, 2013 - Week 16
This little Stowaway is a mover and a shaker! I sense another high-energy little one in our future! (Lord help us!) I can't believe we're already almost halfway to the due date! Where the heck has time gone this time???
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During our last appointment (May 20), I opted to wait until the anatomy ultrasound for our next appointment, unless something drastic happened. Of course, at the time, this sounded like a great idea. Now... I am a bundle of nerves. We have about 3 weeks left until that appointment. I can't wait!
Thankfully, I can feel the Stowaway move around a LOT more now, so my nerves are starting to subside.
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