Christmas Update

It is so much fun watching B look and laugh at his toys. He finally figured out that he can see and sometimes touch the toys that hang down from his bouncy chair. He gets so excited and swings his arms and legs around. This is good news for me because it means that he can entertain himself and I can get a break. He is looking at his toys now while I type this.

Christmas went so well. B was such a good boy. Probably because he slept most of the time. He got so many toys and books. We are so blessed to have such loving families and everyone was able to attend the festivities. I'm glad that neither Mike nor I have holidays that we dread due to family squabbles. We always have a good time.

Looking forward to the annual bowling tournament. Another birthday for my dad and my niece. It is always fun to watch such stiff competition. My brother-in-law won the trophy last year, hopefully B wins it this year ;-)

2 MONTHS OLD!

I can't believe my baby is already 2 months old. He is growing out of all his newborn clothes. This makes me so sad. I am going back to work soon and am not looking forward to it. I fear my child won't know me or need me and after all I went through I at least deserve him wanting me. Call me needy I don't care. I'm interested to see how Mike does with him. I tend to have a little more patience with him. I'm sure his mom will be around to help.
Yesterday B got to meet his Great Grandparents in Colorado Springs. They adored him. My child is so loved by everyone! He had a little trouble in the car on the way back. Rush hour and a hungry baby do not mix. We ended up pulling over and feeding him.

B is holding his head a little better, but when he gets tired it falls to one side. Although he smiles and coos, he is still not actually laughing yet. I swear, sometimes I look at him and I am in awe of how cute he is.

I am excited to be working on his baby book. It is pretty detailed. I hope when he is older and he looks through it, he appreciates the work that I put into it. I know as a teenager and an adult I enjoyed looking through mine, especially old pictures.

8 week appointment

B went to his 2 month old check up and it was one of the hardest things I had to witness. Well, first on a good note, B weighs 9 lbs 12.5 ounces and is 23 inches long (that is so subjective). He did really well with his ultrasound. He just laid there with his arms up and didn't cry or move throughout the whole procedure. Made me so proud. Then came the shots! They held him down and just stabbed him over and over again (ok maybe I am being over dramatic). It took everything I had not to just scoop him up and run out of there. We got him some tylenol and rubbed Vicks Vapor rub on his thighs to soothe the sore muscles (per the nurse advice). He seemed to do really well after that. Not too fussy at all. I was expecting a lot worse.






WAR WOUNDS

Yesterday I bought some new jeans. It's not that I weigh more it's that my hips have spread. I can't pull my other jeans over them. So I splurged on new jeans. I started my workout program, not to lose weight but to tighten up. It's weird because I used to be able to do crunches til I was blue in the face, now I can barely sit up from the floor without having to arch my back or roll to the side. So, that is top priority for my workout. I hope by summer to have a six pack (oh and I hope my boobs are still big).

All Smiles

Lately B is all smiles! Mostly in the morning after his 7 am feeding. That also happens to be the time Mike feeds him and I get to sleep in from being up at 4 am. He always gets the smiles out of him. Sometimes I wonder if B likes his dad more than his mom. I am just the milk machine. Sometimes I get him to smile at me and it just melts my heart. He is getting so big! When he stretches out on the changing table he is almost the same length as the changing contour pad. He is also spitting up more too. This time I'm not afraid of it. When its your own child it doesn't matter any more. I don't freak out like I did with my niece and nephews.

Started my work out routine. Lets just hope it is routine. It was so hard just to get out of the house. My goal was to be at the gym by 1pm and I didn't get there til 3:30 pm. I finally had to just pawn him off on Mike. I was going to go when he went to sleep, but lately during the day he just takes these 30 min naps and heaven forbid my boob leaves his mouth, then he is wide awake again. Can't run on a treadmill with my child hanging on to me.

He is starting to really enjoy reading books, as long as the pictures are large. His eyes will get big and he will kick around and coo. It is really cute. I like teaching him things.


Mike pulling double duty with Jewel and B.


He always has one arm up, I don't know why.

Heaven

While I was snuggling with B this morning after his breakfast, a song came on the radio. It is a song that I heard many times before, but until this moment in time it t didn't touch me like it did this time. Here are part of the lyrics...with a few minor changes...(he wrote it for is daughter)

Heaven is the face of a little boy
With bright blue eyes
That disappear when he smiles
Heaven is the place
Where he calls my name
Says, “Mommy please come play with me for awhile”

Heaven is the sound of him breathing deep, Lying on my chest, falling fast asleep while I sing
And Heaven is the weight of him in my arms, Being there to keep him safe from harm while he dreams

Heaven is the face of my little boy!



I made Mike capture this moment in time. I know it goes by fast and I will miss snuggling him. That moment truly was heaven for me!

Semi-Schedule

***WARNING*** I do realize that just when you think that you have something down...it changes.

So far it looks like he eats at 10pm, 2 am and then 6-7. Mike will usually do the 6 am feeding so that afterward he can just start his work day. Occasionally I will sleep til 8:30 or 9 if B lets me. So for a 5 week old I think this is pretty good.

My first day out with B alone did not go so well. B did great, me...well I know why they call it mommy brain. I went to Famous Footwear and to lunch with friends. Here is how it goes...

1. Left my cell phone in Famous Footwear.
2. B puked in the car while I was breastfeeding...couldn't exactly jump up and take care of it with my boob out, so we got covered in curdled breast milk.
3. Forgot the insert for the bottle so I couldn't top him off after the boob.
4. Left my key in the car with the doors unlocked the entire meal.
5. Looked like an idiot in front of all my friends.

I think I scared my friend who is due in February. After a good cry in the car, I headed home and vowed next time will be better.

One other life lesson learned this week...have back up batteries for the swing!

1 Month old

Wow, that first month went by fast! We went back to the doctors the other day for another weigh in. He is now 8lbs 1.5 ounces and 22 1/2 inches long. We grow them long and skinny here, haha. 93% for height and 17% for weight. We are having trouble establishing a routine, but I guess we are on his schedule, not ours. We are upping his milk to 3 ounces, which means this milk machine isn't able to bank a whole lot extra. I dread evenings and nights. He is so fussy then and by in the end of the day that is the last thing I want to deal with. I'm so glad that we (Mike and I) team up. My motto today is "One Day at a Time". That is all I can do.
He watched his first Baby Einstein DVD. Some things caught his eye, but I think he is still too little to fully enjoy it. I am just trying what I can to keep him up more during the day so our nights go a little more smoothly. He met his first friend yesterday. He is 10 weeks old. Well "met" is not the right word because both babies slept through the entire meeting. Oh well, next time.

Whoa, this is tougher than I thought

It is starting to weigh on me now. B is three weeks old and has figured out what hunger pains are and gas pains are. The good thing is that I don't have to wake him as often and force feed him. He now cries and wakes himself up for feedings. Bad thing is he cries. HAHA! Well I guess that is what babies do. We have had our nights and evenings where nothing soothes him and those are killer. Poor guy had gas the other night and Mike and I were actually fighting over who got to leave to pick up the anti-gas medication. I won naturally. He has also figured out that he doesn't have to work as hard for milk when it comes out of the bottle vs. mommy. So, this leaves me pumping. ARGHH I hate pumping! Cleaning out those bottles is so annoying. It is starting to take a toll on my milk supply. I think i could be drying up. I've always said that I wasn't going to stress about it, but with the night we had last night with the formula affecting B's tummy, I want to provide him with enough breast milk.

In a couple of days we will take B for another weigh in. It is funny because instead losing weight, like on our favorite show The Biggest Loser, we want B to gain weight. I like to say "B this is last chance feeding, suck it down". I will keep you posted on his weight.

First appointment

Blake is not at birth weight, which is what they wanted at his two day home nurse check up (7 lbs 6 ounces). He is in the 15% for weight and 43% for head and length. We are trying everything we can to fattened him up, but when he doesn't want to eat, he wont. I can not force feed. So when he looks like he is in the mood to eat a good meal, I will give him formula (lots of calories there). I try to limit it to once a day. The pumping is getting ridiculous. I hate cleaning out the pump bottles after every time. So now I am just breast feeding, even at night. Mike gets to sleep, I don't, but oh well. I try to nap in the day. Sometimes I do have to pump, especially in the afternoon when B is sound asleep for hours. Sometimes he will sleep 5 hours! And there is no waking him up.

Now we do cluster feedings in the morning and evening since he sleeps all afternoon. I guess that is better than being awake all night. This is tough and I am beginning to see that I don't think I could be a FULL TIME stay at home mom. I could eat my words in about 10 weeks though.

Out and About

Today will be our fourth day out. We have been down to Parker, up to Erie, Aurora, and today is another Dr. appointment in Lafayette. We are getting used to it and more efficient. When I made these appointments (Aurora and Lafayette) I didn't really know our feeding schedule and it appears that I will be breast feeding in the waiting room yet again. The hepatologist said that she believes that the spot on the liver is a hemangioma and will eventually involute or go away. We are getting a second opinion on the ultrasound and we have a follow-up ultrasound to see if it it changes. Today we go for a pediatrician for just a check up. I am little worried because he is suppose to be birth weight today and yesterday at TCH

Boobs and Rash

We have an idea and a plan, executing this plan is difficult. We have figured out a way that we each get 5 straight hours of sleep a night. Will someone tell that to my boobs! They wake me up every three hours and there is nothing I can do to ignore it. It hurts pretty bad. So, our "plan" isn't working too well. Basically I get screwed out of the deal. I guess that is what happens when you are the mom. I wonder if life would be a little easier if we just formula feed. Then I get scared of the pain that involves drying up. Its for the better. Breast milk is best and cheaper, but my God it is a lot of work (and pain)

B has a major rash that started on his arms and now has moved to his chest and legs. Poor guy. He doesn't seem to mind it though. I think it hurts me more than him. We are trying different things to try and clear it up. On top of the rash he has a spot on his butt that is cracked and red. That does hurt him. I hate changing his diaper because I know it hurts him.

We go to the liver doctor on Monday the 2nd and the pediatrician on Tuesday the 3rd. We haven't been out of the house yet, except for a walk around the block. We are trying to get down to my sisters for pictures, but with this major snow storm that came in yesterday, it looks like it will be tomorrow or even Saturday for that matter. ARGHHH I just want to get them done. The pictures might look weird with his rash but at least it's not on his face...yet.

Birth Story

For the last month of my pregnancy I was having contractions (Braxton Hicks) without progress. By my 40 week appointment I was still a tight 3 cm dilated and 80-90% effaced, so I was convinced that I was going to be induced. Sunday Oct. 18th was a beautiful day outside. Nice weather plus football plus a little yard games made for a good day. That night at around 10:30 pm we were watching TV and relaxing in bed. I noticed some cramping that felt like diarrhea cramps (but without the diarrhea). The contractions came and went, but I didn't notice that because the pain of the cramps were constant. By 1:45am I told Mike to call my mom because this just didn't feel right. I went back and forth for 10 min on whether or not to go to the hospital. Finally by 2am I said "lets go!" Contractions were bad and I was panicking. 2:15 am my water broke in the car. I was so worried about ruining the car, but good thing we had plastic and a towel down. By the time we got to the hospital I was in so much pain that I wanted to die. I turned into The Hulk for the epidural and required the nurse and Mike to hold me down so that the doctor could do his thing, the back labor was horrid.

Post epidural was a million times better. I highly recommend them. I progressed quickly and we thought he'd be out by noon. Wrong! I halted at 9 1/2 cm! I was starting to feel pain in my upper abdomen with each contraction which we determined that the epidural did not go that high. I pushed for 4 hours with this pain. Why four hours you ask? Because B wanted to come out sideways. By the time he was getting close to crowning, my epidural was wearing off and my back hurt so bad. With a baby coming out facing the wrong way, you will labor in your back. It felt like my back was going to explode and my kidneys were going to pop out. The anaesthesiologist gave me another dose that was as strong as what they give women who have a c-section. Once I got that I was able to do more productive pushing. Mike was pretty emotion at that point. I think I caught him crying. Once B crowned my contractions stopped, which probably was a good thing because I was able to stretch for a while. A couple more pushes and he was born at 5:53 pm weighing 7 lbs 14 ounces. 17 hours of labor and 4 hours of pushing.

When I looked down and saw him for the first time I couldn't believe what I just did. This human being just came out of me. Then I noticed his head. He had a major cone head coming out the side of his head (since he was sideways). I kept thinking, are you going to put him on my chest, give me my baby already. When he was on my chest I started crying because he was so beautiful. He has my eyes and and full head of hair. I got to finally meet the man kicking me all this time. The boy who made me so sick at first and so uncomfortable at the end. All I could think of was how much it was worth it.

Looking back there is no way in hell I could've done this without the support of Mike. He did so good and stayed so calm throughout the whole thing. Even when I was mean to him, he still was so encouraging and helpful. My nurse, Nancy, was also amazing. She really new what my wishes were (covered and informed) and made sure they happened. My mom was also helpful. She encouraged me and helped me get comfortable as best as she could. All three made sure I didn't give up when I was ready to throw in the towel.

My overall experience wasn't what I expected, but then again I didn't know what to expect. I heard from the staff and my mother that this should've been a c-section and that they can't believe a first time mom was able to push out an almost 8lb sideways baby. I am pretty proud of myself, but there was no way I did this alone!

I have a lot of anxiety about being a mom, thats my nature. B will go to The Childerns Hospital for another check at his liver spot and hopefully all that will be put to rest. Now on to the next chapter of my life and I am so glad I have my own little family now.

Today is my due date.

Well hello there due day, didn't think I would see you come around. BLAH. Went to the doctor yesterday and she decided she could strip my membranes, if I wanted. Of course, anything to help this process along. Needless to say that only hurt a little ;-). So now I am 3 cm and 90 % effaced, -1 station. She still thinks he is 7lbs (although the ultrasound my friend did measured 8lbs, I know it can be off + or - 1 lb, but still yikes!). There is a lot of fluid so if my water breaks spontaneoulsy, bust out the Ark. We have done everything imaginable to try and get him out. Chinese food, eggplant parmiganm, walking, stripping membranes, and of course sex. Apparently he is coming when he wants to and there is nothing we can do about it. Maybe I will just try and stay busy so I don't think about it. I am feeling every emotion possible fraustration, joy, scared, anxious, excited, happy, denial, and so on. I just want to rip the band-aide off already. Mike is just as antsy as the rest of the concerned friends and family that keep calling. I have another appointment on the 20th for an NST and fluid check. She said then we will set up an induction day. They kept telling me that they doubt I will make it to my due date and now they doubt I will make it to my next appointment. Obviously no one knows when he is coming.

My Day Came and Left

A long time ago, when I was about 24 weeks along, I had a premonition. I called October 9th as the official birthday of B. I regret to announce that I was wrong. At this point, I wouldn't be surprised he is late. It is funny because I over analyze every feeling and contraction. I think "is this it", then it goes away. I am trying to decide whether to go back to work tomorrow. I want to so that I can have that time for when he is here, but I don't want to go back because of all the flu patients I see and now with this awsome carpal tunnel syndrome thing going on, I just don't want to! I was hoping I didn't have to make that decision and he would make it for me, but apparently I have stubborn little boy who hates the cold as much as his mom does. I guess I wouldn't come out either. Everyone keeps calling or texting to see if he is here and I hate saying "NO!"

Que Sera, Sera- Whatever will be, will be.

The waiting game sucks!

Went to my doctors appointment today and was hoping for some progress because I had another night of no sleeping due to contractions and back pain. Of course, no progression. I guess that doesn't necessarily mean much, but if I had dilated more that just means that much less to do in the hospital. We are trying everything to speed up the process. I will admit, I have mixed feelings about giving birth. One part of me wants to just enjoy my freedom now, and cherish this moment in time (feeling him move, looking at my belly, and not having to share him). On the other hand, I want to meet him so bad, see him, snuggle him, and have my body back to myself. I'm both excited for this change in my life and nervous at the same time.

I did get a doctors note to stop working if I so choose to do so. I voiced my concern about working with a large population of infected patients with H1N1 flu this close to the end. It scares me to know how high of a risk I am. Plus, now I am worried about visitors to the hospital when I do have my son. I hope people will be very conscience of what they touch and if they fill like they might be getting sick, STAY HOME! Hopefully I get my vaccine soon! So many things you worry about when you become a mom.

We just sit and wait now...

Belly Cast!

False Alarm

Well I just got a little taste of what's to come! The Other night after work I was experiencing some pretty harsh back pain. I didn't think much of it except for the fact that nothing I could do would relieve the pain. I just thought my 12 hour shift at work really did me in. By 3 o'clock in the the morning and not a wink of sleep, I called in to work for the next day. 11 am I called my mom crying about how bad my back hurt. She suggested I call the doctor because it might be a kidney infection. So we went to the doctor and they hooked me up to their fetal monitor. Surpriseingly enough I was contracting every 2 to 4 min, and that back pain was actually back labor. When they told me that if my cervix was changing they would keep me and we would have our baby, I will admit I got a little nervous. Meanwhile Mike is shadow boxing every item in the room and pretending to shoot things with is fake rifle and sound effects. Unfortunately my cervix was holding study and I was sent home with some Ambien. The Ambien helped me sleep and I have been feeling much better since. If that was a taste of it, I don't want to know how bad the real thing is going to be.

I am now 75% effaced, and 1 cm dialated. Time for a massage and maybe that will kick start something. Knowing my luck I will be overdue and this whole situation had nothing to do with impending real labor. This will drive me nuts! Every twinge or weird feeling makes me think "could this be it"???

Full Term!

How far along? 37 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 19 lbs.
Maternity clothes? My maternity clothes (mostly the tops)aren't fitting well. The shirts are becoming too short, but I don't want to buy more stuff this close to D-day.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Up every three hours to re-adjust or go pee. Not comfortable at all!
Best moment this week: Reaching full term
Movement: He likes music. When Mike puts the headphones on my belly, he wiggles all around.
Food cravings: Just glad to be eating more now that he has dropped.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: 1/2 cm dialated, 70 % efaced, and he is low in my pelvis. When the storm rolled in a few days ago, I was cramping like crazy and having tons of braxtons hicks contractions. For a moment I thought it was time :-)
Belly Button in or out? Out.
What I miss: Sleep.
What I am looking forward to: Sleeping on my belly.
Weekly Wisdom: Just lie down if you want to. It's ok.

36 Weeks

Went to the doctor for the another check-up. At this appointment they checked for GBS (google it if you care to know what it is about). I should get the results soon. If it is positive then I will get antibiotics during labor. She also checked my cervix. Apparently I am 1/2 cm dialated and 70% efaced and his head is right there. This doesn't really mean much as far as impending labor, mostly just good to know. I already am seeing Mike get really anxious and antsy now in the doctors office. This means absolutely no energy drinks at the hospital for the birth. No matter how much he claims to be an "adult" and can handle it, if we all pitch in and remove the energy drink from his hand, it could make for a calmer delivery. :-) At this time, I really wouldn't mind having him the first week of October. I am getting really uncomfortable (especially my back) and can't sleep very well. I am just excited to get the show on the road and over with so that I can see my baby! I am so curious to see who he looks like!!!

Got a glimpse of my maternity pictures. Good thing Mandie is good at lighting and touch up. A little self-conscience of them, but when I am older I am sure I will be so happy that I did them. Haven't decided whether to post them here or not. Yikes!

Baby Shower/ 35 weeks

My baby shower turned out soooooo good! The food was awsome and decor was so elegant and cute. The colors were mostly brown and blue. Jungle animals (stuffed of course) sat on the mantel over the fire place. My mother in-law and her sister really went all out for me and I am so thankful! Lets just say B is not going naked. He got so many cute outfits and soft blankets! My mom made him a Yankee's blanket that turned out so good, especially since she has never crocheted letters in a blanket before. I had a great turn out and had so much fun!

When I got home and unpacked everything the panic set in. I realized I am going to need some serious organizing help! I have decided that Mike will put up some shelves in his office closet because B's closet is going to need more room. We will probably go back to the store and pick up the essentials we didn't receive (which isn't much) and then just wait for baby to arrive.

How far along? 35 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 17 lbs.
Maternity clothes? My maternity clothes (mostly the tops)aren't fitting well. The shirts are becoming too short, but I don't want to buy more stuff this close to D-day.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Please!!! It seems like I get more BH's contractions while I am trying to sleep now.
Best moment this week: My baby shower. It was so cool!
Movement: He loves my ribs. Pretty much moves all the time.
Food cravings: Chocolate... it won't last long, but honestly, who doesn't have a chocolate craving?
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks contractions are frequent,, but still waiting for the real ones.
Belly Button in or out? Out.
What I miss: Sleep.
What I am looking forward to: Meeting my baby. Seeing who he looks like and acts likes. Just really wanting to hold him!
Weekly Wisdom: Just when you think you cleared out enough space for baby stuff, clear out another closet.

Labor Day

No, I'm not in labor. I kinda wish I was, but then again it's too early. It is definitely starting to feel more like September and Fall. The sun isn't up anymore when I drive to work at 6am, Starbucks started serving their seasonal pumpkin spice latte, and the nights are getting cooler. It all reminds me that I don't have that much longer to go.

We want to do a bet on the due date and from very early on I had an inclination of the 9th of October. I did a little research and there appears to be a full moon on the 4th of October, so I called up Mike and told him it would be prudent of him to choose that day. I wouldn't want to go into labor that day for the fact that everyone and their mom could be delivering and, what kinda service would I get. If you haven't noticed yet, it's all about ME! Hey, I'm gonna milk it as long as I can because we all know once B arrives, it's all about him. Besides, with the a wedding the night before, Mike could be a little hung-over for the delivery (what that could be a good thing).

I'm getting excited for my baby shower on Saturday. Sounds like it will be a good turn out and I can finally put the finishing touches on stuff. I'm so grateful that Mike's mom and aunt are doing this for me.
A few days ago, Mike and I did our maternity photos with my sister. There are some "ris-kay" shots without my shirt on, sort of like Demi Moore's infamous Vanity Fair cover.


Boy, I was sweating like a "banshee". I was so nervous. Believe me, those pictures will be just for Mike and I. We got some others as well that we can share with the family. It will be nice to have the memories of how I looked when I was pregnant (in case it never happens again). If I had trouble with just a topless photo shoot, I don't for see me getting pictures of B coming out or anything close to it.

Fat Guy in a Little Coat

I feel like I am in one of those sumo outfits at festivals that is pumped full of air. I've never felt claustrophobic in my own body before. My feet are swollen (not to the extent that Mandie's were) and they barely bend or move. In fact, my whole body has lost its normal range of motion. I tried my yoga video this morning and I just couldn't move the same anymore. I had to follow the third trimester lady. I never thought I would have to do that. I was so tired at the end that I took an hour nap too! It is hard to do the dishes because my belly gets in the way to reach the sink and with eating meals, I have to bring the food to my face instead of my face to the food. Everything seems to require a lot more effort now.

On the flip side, today was my doctors appointment. I pretty much conquered the scale today. So, in your face! My burrito and water theory worked. According to the scale I gained five pounds in two weeks. Thanks to the hearty breakfast burrito and water bottle full of water right before my appointment, I avoided be scolded for not gaining enough weight. That puts me up 17 lbs. so far and B is about five of it. He is still measuring a week ahead.

I am a little nervous for work this coming weekend. I do not have back-up help for one of the days and Labor day weekend tends to be busy. It is amazing what people will come to the ER for. Especially problems that have been bothering them for weeks and all of a sudden they need to be seen right away through the ER. Never mind everyone else who uses the ER as their primary care, they complain about how long they have to wait. Plus, do they not know that I could be delivering soon and management/ co-workers aren't seeing the problem with not having a back-up person for me. I am making one phone call if I go into labor at work and if it is not to the on-call person, it will be to my boss. I will not hang around and try to track someone down to come into work. Sorry vent over. I am just getting stressed and that is one thing that worries me.

Well I hope everyone else has a good long weekend.

Updated Nursery Pics.

33 weeks

How far along? 33 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 15 lbs. (Although there is some controversy over this number, I think I got weighed in at a bad time and their scale is off)
Maternity clothes? My maternity clothes (mostly the tops)aren't fitting well. The shirts are becoming too short, but I don't want to buy more stuff this close to D-day.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Cruel and unusual punishment. I need to sleep now because I won't when the baby comes and I can't because I am so uncomfortable.
Best moment this week: Finishing my last day of contract work at the clinic! Now just doing the one job.
Movement: He is a mover and a shaker.
Food cravings: Appetite not so good now. I feel stuffed all the time. So mission "Force Snacking" is underway.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks contractions have surely increased over night it seems.
Belly Button in or out? Out.
What I miss: Sleep.
What I am looking forward to: Fridays weigh in so I can prove to everyone that the last one was a fluke.
Weekly Wisdom: DO NOT WATCH SOMEONE ELSE GIVE BIRTH RIGHT BEFORE YOU DO!

Three classes down and one more to go. Mike did the daddy bootcamp class, which he enjoyed. I did the breastfeeding class, which caused me to hold my nipples for a good two days. The hosiptal tour and registration is what we did yesterday. I never realized how much paper work went into having a baby. The birth certificate is filled out and ready to go. The last class is Babies, Booties, and Baths.

Work is really getting tough now. Three twelve hour shifts in a row is going to be hard. The only good thing about it is that I will have four days off in a row, if I make it. Turned in maternity leave info to my employer. So I guess stuff is getting done. It's weird to say, but I will full term in a little more than three weeks!

???????

I don't know what to call this post so the question marks is what it gets til I think of one.

Welcome James Matthew Fincham to the family. 7lbs 15 ounces and 20 inches long! Born 8/20/09. Dark blond hair and cute as can be! You may be thinking what a great experience for me to see my nephew born right before my own! I say "FALSE", no really it was an interesting experience, I am just a little emotional right now. I cried a few times, mostly when my sister did and when she was crowning or the shoulders were coming out and she screamed a little (I don't know which part since I was looking out the window the whole time). If you don't know by now I am so scared to give birth. I realize I have a low tolerance for pain and to know that you are about to experience the most painful event a human can go through and still survive, freaks me out! I also know it will be worth it when I see my baby for the first time.

The debate around the house is who will be in the room during delivery (why Mike even has a say is beyond me, considering it is not even his body). While in the delivery of my nephew I realized how exposed you are, and no matter how hard I tried not to look, I still saw stuff. Also, I am a pretty shy person and have a little phobia about being naked (that has improved since I do what I do for a living, at least seeing others naked). So the thought of having other people in the room is also weighing heavy on my mind. If my mother wasn't a labor and delivery nurse, I'm not sure I would have her in the room. Now my sister is tempting me with great candid shots she got of my other sister, my monther in-law expressed how badly she wants to be in the room, and all I can think of is AHHHHH what do I do. As of right now it will just be my mom and Mike. But I don't want to hurt any ones feelings or regret not capturing the moment either. All I can do is try not to think about it right now.
************************Vent Over***************************
On a lighter note. I just wanted to jot down some good things about being pregnant since I do talk a lot about the crappy parts. So here goes...

1. When you first find out, but you can't believe it and you take multiple tests. Keeping it a secret between the two of us before we told people was fun.
2. Telling family
3. Feeling and seeing it kick for the first time.
4. Hearing the heart beat for the first time/everytime
5. New clothes
6. Seeing your baby start to look human
7. When people first start noticing your pregnant and not just chunky.

31 WEEKS UPDATE

How far along? 31 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +12 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Found some great cargo capris pants at Old Navy that fit now and will fit later! Score.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Far and few between.
Best moment this week: Hanging out with Mike for his birthday. Just the two of us, probably for the last time!
Movement: All the time! He has found my ribs...ouch!
Food cravings: Anything good.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Just the occasional Braxton Hicks contractions
Belly Button in or out? Out! Boo Hoo!
What I miss: Getting my massages while lying on my stomach.
What I am looking forward to: Holding him!
Weekly Wisdom: Keep drinking water or else the leg cramp devil pays a visit to you in the middle of the night.

Pop goes the wiesel (or the belly button in this case)

Let the truth be told, my belly button is out! I hope it returns when this pregnancy is over. My linea negra is very dark, according to Mike, I can't see it without a mirror. We are struggling with this dresser we (Mike) are trying to refurbish. He re-stained it and then but a coat of varnish on it and it is not turning out the way we want it to. So now he is in the garage re-doing the whole thing. I am just anxious to get it in the room and start putting away all the stuff we have for B so far. Now we must wait longer. I just want to be done with the room already and just add baby to it. We are also busy with getting invitations made for the baby shower. Add that to fact that I am trying to organize and clean the whole house and this creates little time for rest.

Mike and his brother Scott came to visit me at the hospital the other day. Of course we took a look at B, and it was funny to see Mike try and explain all the parts to Scott. He almost is a Pro I guess. I am not sleeping very well now and the sad part about it is that I won't for many many months. Once B gets here, I still won't be sleeping. I have always needed and loved a lot of sleep, so I am basically screwed.

We are also waiting on Sarah to call us and tell us she is in labor. I haven't decided if I wanted to be in the room for the birth or not. I am afraid it will create more anxiety. Mike and I will be practicing on this little guy though, such as, changing his diaper, clothes and caring for the umbilical cord area. Mandie needs to prove herself with birth pictures because if they turn out good, then she will do our also. I'm sure they will, I am just concerned with having a lot of people in the room.

Next appointment is Aug 21st and I will be 32 weeks by then. I am large and in charge and I don't know how there will be any more room for B. I will keep you updated.

30 weeks (for the real this time)!

Let the count down begin, 10...9...8... next thing we know we will be holding our little bundle of joy. We have started adding things to the nursery and we have been so blessed to receive things from family and friends. The baby shower is set for the 12th of September (moms birthday). Now time to design the invites (that is Mikes job). I am feeling very large lately and I officially have hydronephrosis (a kidney draining problem that 90% of pregnant women get), my back and tail bone hurt most of the time, and work is really irritating for no particular reason. I am stressed about our dirty house and have been experiencing braxton hicks contractions more lately. All and all a normal pregnant woman here. This pregnancy thing has taught me something...in life there are two types of women, some are tough and made to have kids, others are me. It will all be worth it in the end and can't wait to feel that love only a mother knows!

29 weeks (I thought I was 30 til I looked at my ticker)

How far along? 29 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +11 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Wondering if I need a size bigger or get more wintery clothes due to the crazy cool weather we have been having.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Far and few between.
Best moment this week: Receiving more decor in the mail for B's nursery.
Movement: All the time! He has found my ribs...ouch!
Food cravings: Depends on what I feel like. Still really like fruit and lemonade.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Just the occasional Braxton Hicks contractions
Belly Button in or out? If I have had a large meal, it pops out.
What I miss: Having my body to myself.
What I am looking forward to: Holding him!
Weekly Wisdom: Don't over eat because now there is no room for it but to come back up. Gross!

Dr. Appointment Update

Went to the doctor for my 28 week appointment and glucose test. The glucose drink tasted like a flat sprite which wasn't bad the first half, but towards the end of the drink I was choking it down. We listened to the heart beat and it sounded nice and regular at 150 beats per minute. My fundal height (which is a measurement from pubic bone to top of uterus in cm that correlates to weeks) what 29 cm. I knew he was measuring a week ahead in utero and was curious to see if that also played out in the fundal height. Naturally I asked if I am bigger than normal and if this baby was going to fit through my pelvis or not. The doctor wasn't worried, but I still am.

Earlier that morning I got together with some friends, one has an 8 month old and the other is almost done with her first trimester. It was fun to chat about pregnancy and listen to ideas the new mom had for us. I had such a great time. It got me thinking about starting a mommy group since I know a handful of other soon to be moms.

I am also debating on whether or not to work contract for the month of September (actually I don't know if I have a choice, they might just not schedule me anyway for that month, knowing I am a month away from my due date). If I work with them, that puts me over 40 hours a week and frankly I am tired. I don't even like to work three days at the hospital. I would rather rest at home and clean. Weird did I just say clean. It must be that nesting thing kicking in. I feel like there is so much to do and not enough time.

Baby B weighs about 2 1/2 pounds is almost 16 inches long! The brain is starting to form those characteristic grooves and indentations on the surface. He has eyebrows and eyelashes and is still packing on the fat. In one month he has doubled his weight! I finally felt hiccups for the first time and it was kind of weird, but cute. I feel so huge right now and can't imagine getting bigger, although I am well aware I have at least two more months to go. I looked at gliders with Mike and and his mom and I believe I found the one I like. I also changed up the travel system to a lighter weight one. The debate in my head was causing me to lose sleep, as if i was sleeping anyways. All and all everything is going as usual. Our classes are set up and I am glad Mike is going to all of them with me. He has been so involved in everything and I am so thankful for that.

WOW! Third Trimester is Here!

How far along? 27 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +11 lbs. according to my moms scale.
Maternity clothes? No denying it. It's a must
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: B is up every morning between 4-5 am and won't go to bed til 11pm, Add in the number of times I pee and re-position myself and it equals very interrupted sleep.
Best moment this week: He is still in there and not in the NICU so that is always a good thing.
Movement: All the time! He has found my ribs...ouch!
Food cravings: Nothing that I have to have or else. No late night trips to the fast food joints or grocery stores.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out? It is sooo close to popping out.
What I miss: laying/sleeping on my stomach, missing going to Mexico this year.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing what he looks like.
Weekly Wisdom: Go to the pool often, get a massage often and bring someone who knows what they are doing to register for baby items.

I can't believe we have made it to the last trimester in this adventure. It is getting so close and I have a feeling he will be here faster than we know it. Registering for baby items was so overwelming and Mike mentioned that he is actually starting to get nervous. So am I. More so for the delivery than actually taking care of him (I am sure the later will come once he is out). I have set up some classes for us which include a breastfeeding class, Babies Booties and Baths, hospital tour and registration, and Mike is going to Daddy Boot Camp.

Most of the babies I see in the NICU now are born weighing the same as B and born at the gestational age B is at now. I look at these little babies and think "wow, this is what B looks like right now." I feel lucky not to be in the same situation as some of those families.

B weighs a little over two pounds and is about 15 1/4 inches long. His eyes will become unfused this week or next. He is so active and he is going to love his new room.

Nursery Update

Well, the paint is up, the stripes are on, the bedding is in, and the chair rail is next. It's finally starting to look like a nursery instead of a storage/Jewels room. The boys have been working really hard on it (Mike and Brian) and it looks great. They found a stain that matches the crib that my sister gave me perfectly, so now the dresser and night stand will all match, YAY! We, or should I say Mike, changed the theme (slightly) of the nursery last minute. I wanted sage and dark brown jungle theme and he chose blue, brown and red jungle animals. He always changes things last minute, I think because he is a commitment-phobe.

More good news...Another one of my friends is pregnant! I am so happy for them, and the more and more my friends get knocked up, the more "families" we will have to hang out with. We decided to go to BabiesRus to look around. Since she is in her first trimester, she wasn't feeling well so we bought our stuff (lotion) and left. When we got to our cars she says "I'm not gonna make it" and pukes. I try and find a bag, napkin, gum, anything that might help (since I am a pro now). When I turn around and to give these things, I start gagging uncontrollably and almost puke. I thought I could handle it given what I do for a living and my own personal experience, but no. There we are in the parking lot puking and gagging. Quite comical if you ask me.

I am 26 weeks now and B is moving and shaking all around. I feel like I am Stretch Armstrong (a gooey kids toy). My upper abdominal feels like a severe sunburn from stretching. It is at the point where I don't want anything touching it, including clothes. I have noticed this brown line starting to emerge (the linea negra) from my pubic bone to my belly button. I am hoping it doesn't get any darker. I have gained another pound, so that puts me at +8lbs. I am basically at the pool cooling off and exercising every day I have off and it is nice (three days a week). This 90 degree weather is a doozy....Whoa! I'm back from barfing my brains out. Here I am at 26 weeks and still puking. I think my stomach muscles have officially burst open. I am just glad there was a chair in the bathroom because it is getting harder to bend over.

This is so long to second trimester. Next post I will be a big girl in third trimester (this has been weighing heavy on my mind because I am that much closer to being a mom and experiencing the most pain that a human can go through and still be alive! (I know dramatic).

25 weeks

How far along? 25 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +7 lbs.
Maternity clothes? Why didn't I purchase maternity shorts sooner?
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Sometimes
Best moment this week: Knowing that B's liver is stable.
Movement: All the time! Got it on video.
Food cravings: Green Tea ice cream, and anything good.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Zip
Belly Button in or out? Hang in there buddy.
What I miss: Margaritas and cute clothes.
What I am looking forward to: Rain at night so it will cool off the house! I can't stand 90 degree weather.
Weekly Wisdom: Carry a tennis ball or other massage tool with you at all times.

Back From Perinatology

Yesterday we went back to the perinatologist to re-check the spot on B's liver. Everything appears stable. No new changes which is all we can ask for at this point. We will probably be getting an ultrasound at birth to take another look at it and hopefully put this mystery to rest.

Also, I only gained 2 pounds in a month, so that puts me up to 7 pounds total and B is weighing in at 1 pound 9 ounces. Although that is not ideal, given my body type and activity level, it's to be expected. I am still not on any restrictions on what I eat (green tea ice cream I still heart you). That may change once I go to be OB appointment at 28 weeks when I do the glucose tolerance test. This is a way to test for Gestational Diabetes.

B is so very active now. He is always kicking and moving. He can't decide whether he likes to be head down or butt down. The nursery is still non-existent, but hopefully in a couple weeks Mike's friend will come over and help, while I'm at the spa. Mike is having second thoughts on the nursery bedding, so we will be re-evaluating that situation, and we still haven't registered yet! Starting to get stressed out!

23 weeks and feeling the burn

How far along? 23 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +5 lbs.
Maternity clothes? I think the bella band is too tight now, might need to purchase some maternity shorts
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Sometimes
Best moment this week: Locating and purchasing Green Tea ice cream.
Movement: All the time!
Food cravings: Green Tea ice cream, and anything good.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: None and lets keep it that way!
Belly Button in or out? It's getting sooooo close to popping.
What I miss: Wake boarding and sleeping on my belly
What I am looking forward to: The rib pain to just go numb already.!!!! Follow up doctors appointment.
Weekly Wisdom: You can't do things you used to (ie zip line at the play ground).

Baby growth update- According the book he should be almost a pound and 20 cm long. Looks like he is shorter and fatter than the book says ;-) His pancreas is developing and functioning.

I'm supposed to be still emotional, but really I feel like my normal self. I cry at watching births on TV, not because it is so beautiful (although it is), it is because I'm so scared of the pain. I can see why women are so anxious to be done the closer they get to their due date. With this burning pain in my right upper quadrant, I am so ready to be done. It hurts so bad that I think my muscle is literally ripping off my ribs. And its only 23 weeks. Pray for me.

22 week update

How far along? 22 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: I'm sure its up to about 4 pounds
Maternity clothes? Bella Band and some maternity shirts
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Depends on if he keeps me up.
Best moment this week: People actually recognizing I am pregnant and not a big eater.
Movement: Daily, and sometimes all day. Scott J got to feel him kick.
Food cravings: Dairy (Fried cheese sticks, milk shakes, and chocolate milk).
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: None and lets keep it that way!
Belly Button in or out? Its not over til its over. Still in.
What I miss: Sitting on the patio at The Rio eating chips and salsa and drinking a large strawberry margarita.
What I am looking forward to: The rib pain to just go numb already.
Weekly Wisdom: Although he looks crammed in there, he is fine! There is enough fluid still and his balls aren't squished (Mike ;-)).

We have a thumb-sucker

Cutest thing EVER! My friend and I (who is also pregnant) decided to "see what the kids were up to". Since we were at work we decided to scan ourselves. My friend who is 6 weeks pregnant wanted to see a heartbeat and I wanted to see if B finally decided to rest (he was doing some kickies and flippies all morning and afternoon). She went first and sure enough her little grain of rice had a ticker, it brought back memories of when I first saw B's heart fluttering. My turn was next, and sure enough B was resting... with is hand in his mouth. It was so cool to watch him sucking away at his hand or thumb (hard to tell which). We were just watching his tongue do the sucking movement and every once in awhile he would swallow some fluid and we would watch it go down. It was so cute, I wanted to just take him out for a moment and snuggle him. It totally made my night!

Baby update: He is about 11 inches long and weighs roughly 1 pound. His eyes are formed although the iris (color part of eye) still lacks pigment. Fine hair covers his body and he is packing on the fat for warmth.

Summer Time

I officially went swimming yesterday! Not for fun either, but for actual exercise. I did the breast stroke and let me tell you, one strok per one breath was all I could do not to drown. I just couldn't breath! I mean, I haven't been doing a lot of cardio with this pregnancy, just walking and taking stairs at work. I have a pretty active job as well, but apparently the effects of being pregnant are taking its toll on my lungs. Its probably due to the increased amount of blood that I'm trying to attach oxygen to.

Got some deals at garage sales this past weekend. I purchased a bouncy chair, bassinet, 10 Baby Einstein videos, and 10 pajamas for a total of $36. Mike was a little weary about buying stuff, he feels like it is too soon. I believe the only part of garage "saleing" he liked was buying four wooden baseball bats. He thinks he is going to make a hobby out of finding sports memorbilia at gargage sales (don't tell him ebay is faster). The name of the game now is cleaning out B's room for all this stuff we are starting to get. I just stare at the closet and say "maybe tomorrow". I know I need to get in there before it gets really hot outside, I just don't want to do it.

I feel B kick everyday now. I thought I got his schedule down, but lately he's been throwing me for a loop. I was up at 2am for about a half hour waiting for him to go back to sleep. When my friend scanned me the other day he was in full pike position (feet straight over head). That spot appears to remain the same size and no other issues so far, thank God. The epigastric pain and rib pain is really starting to irriatate me. I just can't get comfortable, and the worst part about it is I know its only going to get worse.

Til next time!

20 1/2 week update

How far along? 20 w 4 d
Total weight gain/loss: I believe +2.5
Maternity clothes? Bella Band and maternity shirts, did buy more maternity clothes the other day.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Okay, sometimes multiple naps are needed.
Best moment this week: Celebrating my three year anniversary with my best friend and love of my life!
Movement: Pretty much daily now, Mike can even feel him too. I saw him kick me from the out side. Super neat and a littel alien like.
Food cravings: Whatever sounds good at the exact moment in time and don't try to change my mind
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Nada
Belly Button in or out? Well... still in, but gets very flat throughout the day. Maternity navel ring is in.
What I miss: Sleeping on my stomach.
What I am looking forward to: Estes Park, and my second perinatal appointment (just to put my mind at ease).
Weekly Wisdom: Tums is a good thing.

P.S. So excited my friend at work is also pregnant! So happy for her. This will be a fun experience together.

Ignorance is truly bliss sometimes...

I have got some good news and bad news...

Good news- Mike felt B kick for the first time the other day. He was beginning to think that B didn't like him. I got to see it from the outside as well. I was sitting down doing one of my bible study lessons and felt him getting all crazy inside so I thought, "I wonder if I can see it from the outside. I looked down at my bladder and waited...then boom saw a little bump pop up and then quickly go away. It was really cool. Of course Mike rushed down stairs to see if he could see it too and B was tired and went to sleep. Really neat though.

Now for the "not so fun news"... After the Coflax Marathon race, Mike came by the hospital with lunch and to see what B was up too. While I was scanning myself I noticed a bright round area in B's liver. Never seen anything like it before and measured 1/2 a centimeter. Of course I immediately started researching and the findings weren't good. Anyways, went straight to the Perinatologist (a doctor that specializes in high risk/ abnormal pregnancies). The conclusion in a nut shell is, we think it could be a benign hemangioma/hemartoma (collections of blood vessels and other cells that are tiny a make a tumor like dense area that shows up as a bright area on ultrasound. If this is the case, I can deal with that. Hemangiomas are common in adults and I see those all the time and usually don't cause problems. There is no way of knowing if it is malignant until B is born, but is unlikely considering everything else thus far looks great. The other thought, which is unlikely for the same reasons, is CMV infection or Cystic Fibrosis which is why I got my blood drawn today.

I am glad I finally got this off my chest because Mike and I have been really anxious about this appointment and the results for the longest week and a half of our whole lives. How ironic that it happens to me. We have been praying and trying to keep good thoughts in our head. We made the decision not to tell everyone right away til we got some answers ourselves. Feel free to google anything that doesn't make sense or ask us. We are happy to share now. We will love this baby regardless of the outcome and are just trying to enjoy this pregnancy in the moment. I have a follow-up appointment in a month to check for any changes. Please keep us in your prayers.

19 weeks

How far along? 19weeks
Total weight gain/loss: broke even!
Maternity clothes? Bella Band and some maternity shirts
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: I just can't do it captain, I don't have the power.
Best moment this week: Seeing a clean and organized garage
Movement: Pretty much daily now, mostly in the evening
Food cravings: Whatever sounds good at the exact moment in time and don't try to change my mind
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: Nada
Belly Button in or out? Well... still in, but gets very flat throughout the day. Maternity navel ring is in.
What I miss: Not having this pain under my right ribs, I think it may be my gallbladder
What I am looking forward to: 20 week ultrasound, pool time, and Mike being able to feel him kick.
Weekly Wisdom: Sleep when you can and don't feel guilty if its in the middle of the day. Don't try and act like you weren't sleeping on the couch when your husband walks in from 4 hours of cleaning the garage, when you were suppose to clean the upstairs. Can't fake the indented hand mark and couch creases on your skin.

I guess I am still not done yet

Today marks a first for me. I barfed in public, at work to be exact. I thought I was done with the full on puking, but I guess not. I still would drive heave and occasionally puke up bile in the morning, but I haven't really barfed for awhile. Nothing like sticking you head in a public toilet. I hope that is it for the day or else this is going to be a long memorial weekend.
Our 20 week ultrasound is in a week and our doctors appointment. I will keep up you updated on how everything goes. Everyone keep praying for a healthy baby. I sometimes forget that I am pregnant so I'm sure B was just keeping me in check this morning. It ain't over til its over.

First stranger reaction

The other day at work (the ob clinic) one of the midwives ask me if I was pregnant! Granted I was wearing an empire waist long dress and just got done eating a snack, but still, that is the first person to ask if I was pregnant. Everyone that knows I am always says "you are so small," "you don't even look pregnant, just looks like you ate a big burrito". So it was nice to finally hear the other comment. Mike says it is so obvious (but I wonder if he is just being nice). He is always touching my belly and really wants to feel B move. Every once in awhile it is strong enough to feel from the outside, so I will call him over and he will put his hand there, and then nothing. He tries to talk B into it, but he is just not having it. One time he thought he felt it and got all excited, but then I had to explain that it was the pulse from my aorta (and probably in his own thumb). One day he will, and I can't wait, he will be so excited.

FYI

FYI... there is a post sitting in the draft pile waiting for mike to attatch the picture with it. So hang in there. It is before the 18 week update. Second, as I am checking the blog to see if Mike updated it, I noticed how much more tan I look in the newer belly pic. Momma like! I don't know if it is because it was taken with Mike's phone or if it is a different location. Believe me though, it is not because I tanned. Just wanted to say I noticed.

18 weeks

How far along? 18 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: -3 lbs
Maternity clothes? Bella Band and some maternity shirts
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Adding pillows, move over Mike.
Best moment this week: Feeling him kick inside and outside.
Movement: Definite movement. Not very often, but I can finally tell between gas and movement :-)
Food cravings: Butterfingers, yum! Grapefruit and strawberries.
Gender: Boy
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out? Well... still in, but gets very flat throughout the day. Maternity navel ring is in.
What I miss: Sleeping on my belly. When I do (physically I can) he kicks me to remind me to get off of him.
What I am looking forward to: 20 week ultrasound, warmer weather, and Mike being able to feel him kick.
Weekly Wisdom: Done with sushi...for awhile. Starting to get hard to scan myself. He is so big now that he doesn't all fit on the screen, driving upside down and backwards is hard!

Hands for Feet

The one thing we didn't want baby B to get from his momma was her feet. Although they have been helpful for me (ie picking up stuff without bending over) they aren't the cutest feet in the world. I believe Mike refers to them as orangutan feet. They other day while taking a peek at B, I noticed that I was having a hard time distinguishing between his hands and feet... Uh OH... B got mommas toes! Good thing we are doing a jungle theme nursery, because my little monkey is going to feel right at home. None the less I will still be kissing up on those long toes!

On another note, I think I may be feeling B moving. I know some of it is gas, but some of it feels a slight bit different and much lower. I don't know, it may just be wishful thinking.

Anyway here is monkey evidence.

17 weeks

How far along? 17 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: -5 lbs
Maternity clothes? Bella Band and some maternity shirts
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Adding pillows, move over Mike.
Best moment this week: Being able to scan myself again and watching him kick all around.
Movement: I swear I felt a kick, but it also felt like gas so who knows yet.
Food cravings: Sandwiches, lemon water. Adversions- orange juice/oranges (they taste rotten to me)
Gender: Still a boy (I double checked)
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out? Well... still in, but gets very flat throughout the day. Maternity navel ring is in.
What I miss: Shopping for cute swimsuits and other summer clothes and purses (all about baby stuff now).
What I am looking forward to: 20 week ultrasound and doing more yoga and walking.
Weekly Wisdom: It is probably better to do yoga at home when you still are passing gas like no other.
Milestones: Starting to look more pregnant and able to eat more things.

Its a....

BOY!!!!
I knew it all along. I had a feeling the whole time, well maybe not the whole time. As we got closer to finding out I started to lean towards a girl due to peer pressure. When we opened the box, I by-passed the outfit and went straight for the ultrasound pictures. The lady that scanned me made it sound like it wasn't obvious (another reason I thought girl), but as you can see, it is pretty obvious to me. It's weird to say I'm going to have a son. I'm not just pregnant, but I'm pregnant with a son. This keeps getting more real as the pregnancy progresses. My poor neice started crying when we said boy, she wanted a girl cousin soooo bad. I am shocked to have a boy because all I can think about are the horror stories Mike and his mom have told me over the years about how much of a trouble maker he was growing up. On a brighter note, Mike adores his mother and I hope I have that same relationship with my own son (oh God I almost started crying...suck it up).

16 week dr. appointment

Baby appears to be doing well with a heart rate in the 160's. But according to the Nurse Practioner I'm not doing as well. They weren't too happy with my .7lb weight gain. I was suppose to gain 4 lbs. Supposedly in 4 more weeks I should be 123 lbs, that is 15 lbs in 4 weeks! I do not foresee this happening. I'm not restricting, I'm just eating what I want when I want. And by the way I am still puking occasionally. Mike says he is going to force feed me, but when he told me to pick out candy at the candy store at the mall, I turned around to see him filling his own bag, I begin to wonder, was this for me or him? I am not too worried about the lack of weight gain and I'm sure I am just a late bloomer.

On a lighter note... today is the sex party! I had a boy dream last night....so we'll see if I'm right.

Got the envelope...

but we are not looking for two more days. Apparently it wasn't easy to find the goods and with that she is only 90% sure. The party must go on. I will, of course, be double checking on Sunday. This baby was dancing all around and would not hold still. I think it was the Kool-aide I drank earlier in the day. Heart rate was 152 bpm. Tomorrow is our doctors appointment and then off to the mall to have the clerk at the baby boutique pick something out for our little one that is gender specific. We will then open that gift at our party the next day. So if you haven't voted, now is time!

15 1/2 week update

How far along? 15.4 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: -6 lbs so far, will find out in 3 days.
Maternity clothes? Bella Band if comfortable and bought some full blown maternity shirts/yoga pants/skirt. Funny thing is, maternity wear makes me look more pregnant than regular clothes.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Falling asleep at random times
Best moment this week: thought I felt baby move, probably gas, but I'm still gonna pretend.
Movement: maybe.
Food cravings: Changes day by day, minute by minute.
Gender: had a boy dream this time.
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: buying cute summer clothes and bathing suits. Going to Mexico for vacay.
What I am looking forward to: Sex party in about 2 weeks!
Weekly Wisdom: I can't remember (seems to happen a lot lately)
Milestones: Almost crying in the NICU at work, thinking soon I will be a mom (happy tears)

Baby Dream

Last night I had a dream that I was at the mall giving the clerk our envelope with the sex of the baby written on it so that she could pick something out for our sex party. While at the mall a girl that I know from ultrasound school ask why the lady was putting hot pink roses in our gift. I was so mad that she gave it away, but this just adds another girl dream to my list ;-).

We purchased our "family wagon" this week, which was an interesting experience, given the fact the neither Mike nor myself have ever bought a car by ourselves before. We were really nervous. When I pulled into the garage last night and told Mike to unload the car, he wasn't expecting it to be a baby swing (thanks to my sisters family) and he ask me "so we are really having a baby right?" I just kinda laughed and said "I guess so, you ready for this?" Jewel was quit interested and scared of it. I suspect she will be sleeping in it in the near future though.

Baby Update: Pukie is about the size of an apple and its legs are longer than its arms. Although Pukies eyelids are fused shut, s/he can sense light. Pukie is busy moving around, swollowing amniotic fluid and urinating it out. Fine hair is starting to cover its body (AWWW I knew Pukie and Jewel were siblings :-) ).

Me Update: Still puking, although I don't feel nauseated all day. It mostly comes on, then I puke, then I move on. My belly is very dynamic, small in the morning or on an empty stomach (or after I poop), and large after eating. Good thing the bella band is flexible. I feel like I look more pregnant in maternity clothes than my regular clothes. It is almost like it accentuates it.

14 weeks

How far along? 14 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: -6 lbs (from 12 week appointment)but feels like I'm gaining
Maternity clothes? Bella Band is very comfy, so are my PJ's. Not ready to sport the full on maternity clothes.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: Feeling tired more easily
Best moment this week: Eating sushi (the cooked kind) and looking at other peoples strollers at the mall (our version of window shopping).
Movement: Can't feel it yet.
Food cravings: Changes day by day
Gender: Soon we will find out (two weeks)
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Hot tubs and the Jezebelle roll at Happy Sumo.
What I am looking forward to: Sex party in about 2 weeks!
Weekly Wisdom: try not to over heat when puking in the shower, I know it is hard work to get all the crap out, but turn down the temp or you might pass out. Oh and another thing, the books say the baby is the same of a lemon. Maybe that is why I love my Arnold Palmers and lemon water :-)
Milestones: Officially into my 2nd trimester!

Here we go again! (TMI)

I have been doing really well the last week, appetite was coming back, and I have been eating quite well for once. The problem is that I noticed my intake was good, but the "outtake" was not. I got really uncomfortable to the point I bought a bella band for my pants. Last night I didn't sleep so well because my stomach was so distended and uncomfortable. I was so full that anything I put in my mouth had no where to go, but back up. I needed to take serious action! Here's where my old friend "fleets enema" came over to play. Did I mention how painful they are? I tried the whole breathing thing you do with labor and thought this would be good practice, only to realize that s@#$ doesn't work. I wonder if the neighbors heard me, or my gut for that matter, screaming.

Needless to say I think I got my pipes cleaned out and it is time to be a little more vigilant on my fiber intake. I am still recovering. I wish I could've joined my sister tonight at our favorite sushi place, but it is probably wise I stay near a private toilet.

The joys of pregnancy- it just gets better.

13 week update

How far along? 13 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: -6 lbs
Maternity clothes? Normal clothes, although I see a bella band in the near future.
Stretch marks? No
Sleep: insomnia from 2 am til 6 am which is pretty consistent unless I take something to help me sleep.
Best moment this week: Felt pretty good this week and was able to eat some of my old favorites and actually felt full! Yay!
Movement: Can't feel it but they books say if you prod your belly it will move.
Food cravings: Lemon water, Chips and salsa, Cheetos (healthy I know).
Gender: Its got to be a boy based on how sick I've been. (Because of the fact that we can't agree on a girl name it will probably end up being a girl though). Mike won't say what he thinks because he doesn't want people to think that is the sex he prefers, healthy is all he is saying.
Labor Signs: None
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: Exercising, but now that I am feeling better, I might try again.
What I am looking forward to: Sex party in about 3 weeks!
Weekly Wisdom: Since it is Easter- All things are possible through Christ (including getting through 3 months of morning sickness).
Milestones: It's a human! And looks like one too!

Side note: To people who think I have a belly- have you ever seen me after I consume a large meal? I didn't call myself "been blessed 4 months" for nothing okay. I will let you know when there is an official baby bump because right now I am a little self conscience.

Blah

I thought I was rounding the bend on this whole morning sickness thing. Had two really good days in a row, then the next wasn't too bad til about 3pm when all hell broke loose. Now for the last 24 hours I could've sworn I was back in week 7 and 8. What the FRENCH toast! Tomorrow I have to go to work, so hopefully I will make it. I have only missed two days of work so far and would like to keep it that way.

No more scanning Pukie :-( At least til we find out what Pukie is. That will be May 2nd. S/he is getting too big that I am afraid I might see something (or nothing) without Mike there. I wouldn't want to find out without him. Still haven't decided whether or not to find out together and then tell the family or have everyone (including us) all find out together. We got time.

We either have a gymnast or a break-dancer!

Pukie is huge!! At least I think so. S/he may even be a break-dancer (probably got that from uncle Scott). S/he just spins around on his head. I think this is the last picture before the big reveal. I was so scared I was gonna see something (or nothing)and ruin the surprise, so that is why the picture kinda sucks (I was trying to go fast). Next picture will be before our sex party. What's a sex party you ask? Mike and I decided that on May 2nd we will host a BBQ and reveal the sex of Pukster. It should be fun! I can't believe that we are just about out of the first trimester (okay, maybe I can believe). It is kinda like ultrasound school, at the time it seems to drag on, but looking back you think, that went by sort of fast.

OMG, I have a freakin' human being inside me, moving around, and looking all human like. This is becoming weird. That's my baby! And it is alive and gonna come out one day! (sorry, but today was really weird for me, I saw its spine, and did I mention it is moving!!) This is no joke anymore, this is real! ok, ok, ok...I got to call Mike and tell him he better get down here and take a look (I'm at work).