Enjoying Baby (formerly Awaiting Baby)

4 Months and ending this blog

2009-04-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

****Just found this post in drafts and meant to post it on April 1st... I am so sorry to all my readers I may have just left... please catch up with us on our new blog*****

Lily is 4 months now!! She is amazing and perfect! I have posted what she is up to on my other blog.

I have been horrible at keeping up with this blog so i am going to stop now- I will update our other blog more often and I hope you all join me over there at Life with Lily.

Thanks!!

So Blessed

2009-03-26T19:11:00.000-07:00

A year ago tomorrow I was so upset, I was not pregnant. My goal was to be pregnant or have a baby by my 27th birthday- and I was not. DH threw me a wonderful party and everything trying to make me happy- I tried hard to have a good time, but in the back of my mind I was thinking about how I would rather not be drinking because I was pregnant. Well last year I got pregnant 3 days after my birthday.

This year I feel so blessed, I will be celebrating my birthday tomorrow night with my baby girl, my wonderful husband, my family, and my closest friends! I am so so happy now, Lily has truly changed my life, she is amazing!! I don't want anything for my birthday- I have everything I could ever ask for right here!

Rough Week

2009-03-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Wow... I need our luck to improve. Lily's cold got much worse and we ended up in the hospital with RSV... for full details on that check out our Life with Lily blog. Anyways- we came home Wednesday and she has been improving wonderfully! While we were in the hospital I got a horrible cold that got worse and worse and started to improve on Friday, the same day DH came down with it!

Well, on Saturday Lily started throwing up again and I ran downstairs towards her and DH with receiving blankets- I tripped and fell down the stairs rolling my ankle in the process. After a few minutes I got up and could walk around a bit. I iced it and kept it up. But the next morning my ankle hurt so bad I couldn't walk. We called some close friends to come stay with Lily because we didn't want her around all the germs in emerg. DH and I headed to emerg and thank goodness for living in a small town, because 2.5hrs later we were home- I had xrays and everything! Its a sprain and my ankle is in a brace. Its getting better everyday and hopefully I will be able to drive soon!!!

I just really hope our luck improves!

Best Baby Invention

2009-03-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

Last week we got the best invention ever! The Baby Vac. It is amazing... clears her up right away. It sounds really bizarre, but you hook one end up to the vacuum and the other end has a little nozzle on it that you stick up a nostril, it then sucks all the mucus out and clears my baby right up! She isn't crazy about it, but she doesn't hate it either. The pressure isn't like that of a vacuum cleaner- its way less... I tested it on myself before I used it on Lily- the tubing and canisters adjust the pressure. It is definitely worth the $30.

Friday the 13th... brutal

2009-03-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

Today has been a really brutal day and its only 1:30pm. It started just before midnight when Lily threw up an entire feeding- All over me! She was up every hour or so all night wanting her beaka (soother) and she was coughing a ton. This morning when she wouldn't settle I tried to feed her and then threw up the little bit she ate. I found out yesterday that she had been exposed to strep last week, so I called the doctor just to be sure. The doctor said to bring her in right away and she would fit us in between patients. So I got us all ready to go, pumped really quick because I was in pain from a few clogged ducts (which still hurt). We were driving to the doctors office.... just about there, and then we got slammed from behind by a pickup truck. Lily is fine, her car seat is intact, and she didn't even cry. I am ok too aside from a pounding headache and sore neck. Once we finally got to the doctors she was checked over and Dr. M said she seemed fine from the accident and she was diagnosed with a really bad cold. She did a strep swab, but doesn't think that is it.

We are finally home now- Lily is ok, she ate a little bit and didn't throw it up. She is really stuffy and congested though- and her poor little cough breaks my heart! I am going to curl up on the couch with her and the cuddles make her feel better.

She slept in her own room!

2009-03-05T06:55:00.000-08:00

Last night as I was rocking Lily in her glider after changing her diaper she started to get drowsy and doze off- I decided to try to put her in her crib... she fell asleep almost right away... so I turned on the monitor and came back into my room. I started to cry to DH when I said I was going to try to let her sleep there all night. He was really sweet and said I could go get her if I wasn't ready.... But I knew eventually I had to let her. She still fits in her bassinet, but she is sleeping through the night and I always used to say I would move her when she regularly slept through.

She did amazing... she woke up twice for her beaka (pacifier) and went right back to sleep. She was out almost an entire 8 hours! I am soo glad we got the Angel care Monitor- it made me feel much safer and sleep better knowing an alarm would go off if anything happened!

We will see how night 2 in there goes. If she sleeps through all week then i will take down the bassinet from our room.

Update on Lily

2009-03-03T14:57:00.000-08:00

We had Lily's baptism on Sunday and it went so well... she was such a perfect little baby- no tears at all. We were so happy and proud to have 2 of our closest friends become Lily's Godparents! Our other very close friends were also at the baptism- we know that we want them to be the Godparents of our next child!

Speaking of our next child, I have been having dreams at night that I find out I am pregnant... with twins- can you imagine! We want to have more kids, just not yet! Maybe in a few years.

Lily is 3 months as of yesterday- she now weighs 12.5 lbs and is just over 21inches long- becoming a big girl. She smiles and laughs, especially for Nelson and I. She loves to cuddle and be held- but is also happy down on her play mat kicking around. Lily is sleeping so well lately, generally from 10 or 11pm until 6 or 7am. I wake up feeling so refreshed and like a real person again!!

Been awhile...

2009-02-20T12:24:00.001-08:00

I update the Life with Lily blog fairly often with pics and small updates, but I really need to get better at updating here with my thoughts and feelings, etc.

I am loving everyday with Lily- she is an amazing baby! Everytime I walk in a room she smiles or laughs- and her laughs are the best sound I have ever heard.

As for me... I am tired, very tired! But it is a good tired, I don't mind getting up with her. She has been sleeping pretty good though. For a few days she was pulling 6-8hr stretches- now we are back to 3-5hr ones- which is ok.

Lily's reflux is improving, she just throws up a little bit most of the time. She only throws up a ton when she is trying to poop.

Tommorrow I am going to order my bridesmaid dress for a friends wedding... not looking forward to that, I still have a ton of baby weight to loose!!!

I will be sure to update again soon!!

2 month appointment

2009-02-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

Lily had her 2 month appointment today, she now weighs 11lbs 4oz and is 22 inches long!! What a big girl!!

Her shots went well, she cried a fair amount after them, but seems ok now- she is very cuddley and sleepy.

I am going to curl up in bed with my baby girl and let her cuddle all she wants today!

2 Months already

2009-02-02T21:11:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Lily is already 2 months!! The last 2 months have been the best of my life! I love every minute with her, she is amazing!

Tomorrow, Tuesday, we go for Lily's 2 month check up and her first round of shots :( I hope she does OK with them and doesn't get sick. I have the tylenol ready to give her right before we leave for her appointment.

I will update some more tomorrow hopefully, I am beat tonight- its been a long night!

Not much is new

2009-01-26T11:45:00.000-08:00

Lily is growing so fast, we are putting more and more outfits away as they no longer fit her. I can't believe how fast she is growing, but she is really turing into an adorably pudgy little princess!

She has started to smile for us- it is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen! I love playing with her and having her look up and smile at me!

She is taking longer naps throughout the day, but doesn't sleep quite as long at night anymore- she generally sleeps a few 4hr chunks, but has decided she wants it to be play time at 3am... I try to put her back to bed, but she fusses for quite awhile and as soon as I peak in the bassinet she smiles- Its so hard to not scoop her up!

Here is a pic of her adorable smile:

Tagged (x2)

2009-01-12T22:36:00.000-08:00

I have never done one of these before but Jill tagged me, so I am going to attempt it!

The first tag is to open my photo folder to you all. Here are the official rules:
1. Go to your Picture Folder on your computer or wherever you store your pictures.
2. Go to the 6th Folder and then pick the 6th Picture.
3. Post it on your bloggy and tell the story that goes with the picture.
4. Tag 5 other people to do the same thing and leave a comment on their blog telling them about it.

This picture was taken on our honeymoon in CayoCoco Cuba. We signed up for a romantic sunset horseback riding excursion on the beach... it turned out to be the worst night of our honeymoon. They don't mention that all the flies and mosquito's come out at dusk, that the horses are boney and smelly and that when you ride a horse along the beach sand flies into your eyes. DH thought some parts of this excursion were funny, particularly when my horse was going super fast and my tank top strap broke and my boob popped out, but I couldn't let go to fix it- so embarrassing!

In the second tag, I have to share 7 random things about myself. Here they are:

1. I can't watch scary movies because I am afraid I will have a nightmare- I used to when I was little, and to this day hate watching scary movies and shows.

2. When I was 16 I accidently drove through my garage door! I was just learning to drive and I mixed up the pedals! No one ever will let me live that down!!

3. If I am getting in my car at night I always look under the car and in the backseat to make sure there is no one there... those email forwards about men with knives in your car freaked me out!

4. I will only eat cheese if its melted... I hate cold cheese! I will eat a grilled cheese sandwhich, but would never put cheese on a sub! I looove cheese on pizza and pasta.

5. I hate white creamy sauces/dressings.... I wont eat alfredo sauce, ranch dressings, etc... I don't know why- the thought of it makes me gag.

6. I secretly (and now not so secretly) enjoy watching Hannah Montana and Zoey 101 on the family channel.

7. I have a horrible 2nd middle name... Thora! My parents gave this to me because I was born during a thunderstorm and Thora is the goddess of thunder... the idea is neat- the middle name is brutal!!

Lily's Blog

2009-01-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

I started a blog for family and friends to follow to see pics and read updates on Lily. I didn't want to just add it to this blog because I want to still have my space to vent and talk about more personal things, but I want them to have something to follow. So if you are interested in seeing pics and reading more day-day things about our new life please check out Life with Lily. Let me know what you think!

wow... its been awhile.

2009-01-12T18:39:00.000-08:00

This post is a bit of a mish mash of things!!

Things have been going really great around here... busy, but great. I am loving every minute of being a mom- Lily is so amazing and when I start to think about how happy she has made me it brings tears to my eyes. Every new thing she does amazes me and brings a huge smile to my face. She is perfect in every way!

Over the past few weeks she had a few firsts- she smiles now... not just gassy, she really smiles- and she smiles at me! I tear up almost every time! She follows things now, people, toys, lights! She knows how to get back to me if she is being held by other people- my little stinker pretends she needs to eat by rooting around, and then when she is back in my arms and I try to feed her she has no interest- if I pass her back to someone she does it again. DH fed her a bottle of BM I pumped and she polished it off, she then cried and rooted with him until I took her to let her nurse- but she had no interest in that... I know its not good to let her be a mommy suck- but it feels so good to have her want to be in my arms.

She has also started to sleep through the night!!! We feed her between 11 and 1, and she doesn't get up until between 5-7... to me that is the whole night!!! 5-6hrs of uninterupted sleep!! I feel so great during the day, we get so much more done!!

She has outgrown newborn diapers- she is in pampers size 1's now! We tried to switch to Huggies newborns after she outgrew the pampers ones because we heard they are a bit bigger, but we really hated them- they leaked and they were rough! The size 1's are a bit big, but they don't leak!!

She has started to outgrow clothes already... I have put away her preemie stuff and some of the newborn stuff too. I can't believe she is getting so big!! As of this morning she weighed in a 9lbs 8oz!!

This morning we went to the doctors because Lily has been spitting up a fair amount, projectile sometimes... it's reflux. The doctor said its nothing to worry too much about, just to keep an eye on it for now and we are to call her if the projectile increases or if she starts to loose or stop gaining weight. We are going back in 2 weeks for her 2 month appointment and shots, so we will weigh her again then! She doesn't think its anything big, she should outgrow it.

That's all for my mish mash post, Thanks for reading. Oh, and I added the followers gadget on the side of my blog- I would love to know who's reading and if you are reading and I don't already- I would love to follow your blog!!

Finally... the birth story

2008-12-31T10:22:00.000-08:00

Ok... almost a month late... but better than never, here is Lily’s birth story.

Our induction date was set for Monday December 1st, so the day before I went to the hospital to have the cervidil inserted to soften my cervix. I started getting irregular contraction just over an hour after it was inserted... they weren’t strong, and weren’t regular so they sent us away- but told us we couldn’t go home as we live an hour from the hospital and a big snow storm was due to come that night. We ended up staying at my sisters house. All day Sunday i was getting contractions, but we had things to do... I went to church and to a Christmas party. After the Christmas party my contractions started to get more regular and more intense. I was ready to go to the hospital when all of the sudden they seemed to go away! They ended up coming back but irregular and not very intense. I went to bed and tried to sleep, I didn’t get too much, but a bit.

The next morning I called the hospital to see if they were ready for me to come in and start the Oxytocin, but they weren’t. They said for me to take the cervidil out and to come in at noon so they could check on the baby. We went in at noon and all was good with the baby, so they sent me home and told me hopefully they would call me back soon. We headed back to my sisters and waited for a call. Finally around 10 pm they said we could come in!

When we checked into the hospital just after 10 they set us right up in a beautiful birthing suit, it was huge- had a bed, a large bench for DH to sleep, a big bathroom with Jacuzzi tub and an area for the baby. They checked me right away and I was just 1cm. The doctor came in and decided to break my water to get things going. At this time DH and my best friend were there- they left the room while he broke my water. Surprisingly it didn’t hurt horribly when he broke my water, was just very uncomfortable. Right after he broke it they set me up on the oxytocin drip- this was at midnight. I started to get contractions right away- way more intense than before. My best friend stayed until just after 2 and we all did crosswords and chatted. The nurse I had was amazing- she never left the room and just chatted with us the whole time. I started to get really uncomfortable around 2 and there was no chance of me getting any sleep- so the nurse gave me some morphine. This helped for less than an hour. At 3am I was checked again and was only at 3cm. They really wanted me to get some sleep because we still had a ways to go, so I got an epidural... again, didn’t hurt as bad as I was expecting and providing some GREAT relief!! I finally slept for a few hours. When I woke up at 5:30 I could feel my contractions big time and they hurt- it felt like the epi was hardly working... the nurse checked me and I was still 3cm... she said they would adjust the epi a bit and I should try to get some more sleep because I still had another 8-10hrs to go. I felt the contractions pretty bad from then on out. At 7am they were really bad and the day nurse who had just started decided to check me and then order a top up for my epidural...we were all shocked when she said I was 10cm... I had gone from 3-10 in 1.5hrs. She said I would start pushing in just over an hour, she started to get everything ready.

We called my parents and messaged our close friends on our BlackBerry’s and got ready to push. At 8:20 I started pushing and it HURT! It hurt so bad I threw up all over (TMI, lol)... I pushed for just over 40 minutes and at 9:02am Lily Grace was born!! It was the happiest moment of my life!!!

Worry!

2008-12-28T18:52:00.000-08:00

How much can one person worry?? I have never considered myself a worrier or an overly anxious person... but having a baby has brought all of that out in me. I never thought it was possible to worry so much about one person... is she sleeping too much, is she eating enough, is she peeing enough, is she too hot, too cold? anything and everything possible I can worry about! I don't know how to relax, I try really hard... but it just gets worse.

At first I was really good about letting people pass her around and not worrying... but now I just want to keep her to myself and not have everyone else passing her around and breathing all over her. I don't want her to catch something and get sick.

Speaking of sick, she has been worrying me this week because of that. Christmas night, after a full day of people passing her around she went to be around 2 after her feeding, then all of the sudden I heard her coughing and I picked her up- the next thing I knew she was projectile vomiting all over me, herself and all blankets and clothing in between. She did it again 2 more times on Boxing day. Since then she has been sleeping a fair amount and not wanting to eat a lot. I make her eat because I don't want her to get dehydrated- but I worry. Since she isn't wanting to eat a lot because she falls asleep I have let her nurse, and then pumped out the rest and given it to her by the bottle so I know she is getting it. I don't know if that's a good thing or not, but in my eyes she is getting the milk and staying hydrated, so that's a good thing!! She has been a bit stuffy too- I notice it when she is eating- so we bought some hydraSense, it seems to loosen things up!

I hope my baby girl feels better soon and starts eating good again!!

Hopefully my next update will be soon!!

Things are going great

2008-12-19T09:16:00.000-08:00

Its been awhile since I have updated... things have been busy! Lily has been doing great since we have been home! As of Tuesday she is back up at her birth weight and her doctor said she is doing great and the jaundice is still improving!

I couldn't be happier, although slightly sleep deprived, I am loving every minute of being a mom! Lily is wonderful and couldn't be more perfect!!

We have started a blog with pictures of her for our family and friends- if you want to check it out it is snlfreitas.blogspot.com.

There is a big snowstorm here today so we are stuck inside... I wish I could say we were warm inside, but our furnace isn't working! The repair man should be here soon! In the meantime Lily and I are curled up in my bed staying warm together!

Tomorrow we are going to a wedding, Lily's first! I am also getting my hair done in the morning, I can't wait! It took awhile to find a dress to wear to the wedding, but thanks to my best friend I found one that doesn't make me look overly like a cow!

I will try to get better at updating!

Going Home!!

2008-12-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

We are going home!!!

She has gained 2oz since we have been here and her billiruben level has dropped from 404 to 224, so that is great!! We should be home by noon today!!

hospital update

2008-12-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

Lily is doing much better today, her Billirubin levels are down and she has gained 1.5oz since 4pm yesterday! I have noticed a huge difference in her feedings and her energy level. She is now eating enough that there is nothing left for me to pump, so that is great!!

Her pediatrician came in this morning and said she looks great! Her levels went from 404 yesterday to only 313 today!

They are going to keep her for one more night just to be sure that she doesn't relapse and that she keeps putting on the weight with no formula supplement. I am good with that, I want my baby nice and healthy!!!

My poor Lily is in the hospital :(

2008-12-08T18:32:00.000-08:00

Well no birth story today unfortunately... We are in the hospital :(

I knew Lily looked a little jaundiced, and her energy has been really low- we had a pediatrician appointment today and almost as soon as we were seen they had us heading to the hospital for a biliruben test. Well her levels came back at 404, when they should be well under 200. They immediately checked us in and had her put under the bililights. They were also concerned because her weight has dropped to 6.2lbs, when she was born at 7lbs and was 6.9lbs at discharge. They are having me feed her for 15 minutes on each side and then pump out the rest. We then use the pumped milk plus some formula to supplement her an additional 20cc's.

Her doctor came by tonight and said they will test her levels in the morning and weigh her again, hopefully she will have lower levels and will have gained some weight. If she responds well we could be out tomorrow night if we are really lucky... If not, hopefully the next day.

I am staying with her so I can feed through the night- but they don't provide any food for me- so DH brought me some food and snacks. I am soo tired, headachy and just drained. I keep tearing up seeing her in the incubator with the little sunglasses on.

I will update again soon!!

Our Little Family

2008-12-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

I don't have time to write the whole birth story right now, hopefully early next week.

But we are doing great! It is amazing being a mom, more than I could ever ask for! They sleepless nights, achey body, and everything else is so worth it... I love this little girl more than I ever thought possible!!

Lily is an amazing baby- she is soo good. The poor thing has had a few upset stomach's, but I am sure it is because of what I ate- I felt so bad for her!!

We have had a pretty constant stream of visitors, but we don't mind- we love showing off our perfect little girl :)

I am going to be starting a picture blog that I will put a link to on the side of this one... it will be a link I can send out to all our family and friends without having to open this one up to everyone.

I will post another update soon I hope!

She is here... we are home! Life is perfect!

2008-12-03T18:44:00.000-08:00

She has finally arrived and we are finally home!

I will post the whole birth story later, for now I just wanted to let everyone know Lily is here and she is perfect! She was born at 9:02am on December 2nd, weighing in at 7lbs and measuring 19 inches- which is bigger than everyone expected!!

Things are going great- I am really tired, haven't really slept yet- but that is ok- just running on adrenaline.

Here are a few pics of our baby girl:

Finally checked in

2008-12-01T20:53:00.000-08:00

I am now checked in and have IV in and we are in our own room!!

They are going to start the oxytocin in 10 minutes. I was told it will be 10-12hrs from now! My nurse is soo nice- she is just with me all night!

We will update when we can!

mistakes...

2008-12-01T16:32:00.000-08:00

Please excuse any misspellings over the next few days, most updates are coming from my BlackBerry and I can't really see what I am typing very well.

Still Waiting

2008-12-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

We are still waiting to get a call from the hospital to go in and start the oxytocin. I did go in earlier for some monitoring and an assessment- we were only there about an hour.

Unfortunately the Cervidil didn't do much other than start contractions- I was checked earlier and am still the same amount dilated as I was when they inserted it yesterday. :( The charge nurse earlier had to send me away again because they were too busy to start the induction, but she said I still couldn't go home home. So we have been hanging out at my sisters all day.

I called the hospital again about an hour ago and the charge nurse said there was a really good chance that I would get called in tonight to start the induction- so that is great!! Unless they get a bunch of walk in's in labor during shift change I should hopefully get a call soon!

As for me, I am still getting contractions- they are stronger than they were earlier, and mostly in my back, although my belly is also tightening and turning rock hard.

Hopefully I will soon be at the hospital hooked up to the IV.

I can't wait to meet my baby girl!!

It's 6am...

2008-12-01T03:13:00.000-08:00

I have been having contractions regularly, but they aren't too bad... I managed to get 3-4 hours of sleep, waking up often, but still it was sleep!

We had quite the snowstorm/snowfall here last night- so I am kinda glad we didn't have to go to the hospital in the middle of the night!

DH and I have to call the hospital at 7 and they will tell is when to come in- could be right away, could be later. I hope its soon- because all the contractions I am getting are really getting bad in my back- sooo not comfy!

I am still not nervous- just want my baby girl here safe and healthy!!

Will update when I can.

update

2008-11-30T15:42:00.000-08:00

This morning went ok... DH got sick when we pulled into the hospital lot, so he was pretty out of it. One of my girlfriend came and waited with me so he could sleep in the car for a bit. He is better now, slept all day.

- had to sit with the monitors on for an hour before they put in the cervidil, and then another hour after. It was very uncomfortable going in, but fine after. I started getting very small irregular contractions soon after. The doctor said we had to stay in town, so we are staying at my sisters.

They are about 8-9 minutes apart, but they are ok. We just arrived at a Christmas party- so I have to log off. Will update when I can.

On our way!!

2008-11-30T03:14:00.000-08:00

It's 6am and we are enroute to the hospital, I am writing from my BlackBerry. I am not really nervous, just want to get to the hospital... We have just under an hour drive. I feel pretty crappy this morning, really bad heartburn :( I am trying to down water in the car and I had some milk at home... I hope it helps soon.

I kind of hope that the ceridil does something today and I go into labor from it... I really want to get this started and meet my baby girl!!

I will update when I can again, we will see what the day brings!!

Part 1 is tomorrow!

2008-11-29T14:06:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow morning at 6am DH and I will head to the hospital to start part 1 of the induction!! I am having the Cervidil inserted to help with cervical ripening- this can cause me to go into labor, but chances are I will be back there Monday morning for the oxytocin. After they insert it I have to stay at the hospital for a few hours to be monitored and then I am free to go as long as nothing has changed yet. If all stays the same we will head to church and go to my parents store's Christmas party... if not, we will stay at the hospital- the bags are in the car!

I am oddly not nervous or anxious- I just want to get things going and meet my baby. I am so uncomfortable all the time I am looking forward to holding her in my arms and not being pregnant anymore!

I will update tomorrow night if I can!! We are planning to bring the laptop with us in case I go into labor- but not sure about Internet access there!

Wish me luck!!!

We have a date!!!

2008-11-26T12:30:00.000-08:00

I am going to be induced on December 1st!!! I go in for cervical ripening on November 30th! I can't believe it's so soon! I am so excited! I just want it to come now!!

I had my regular BPP and growth scan today, all went well! The fluid levels are stable, HB was great, and she weighed approx 6.3lbs. I then had my appointment with my OB- she did a check of my cervix- said it was softening and she got a finger right through (ewww and ouch).

I will update again soon!!

Today's update

2008-11-19T13:13:00.000-08:00

All went well at the ultrasound and my appointment, the baby is still head down and the placenta is still clear of my cervix. The fluid levels are low, but still ok. But now my blood pressure is high, which is something they need to watch closely because it has been sooo low. It explains why I have been so nauseous, hot and headachey this week, my ankles are also swelling a bit now. She didn't seemed worried, so I am not going to either (or at least I will try not to). We are still on track for December 1, 2, or 3rd- we will firm up a date at my next appointment depending on how my cervix is.

In sadder news one of my very close friends found out this week, at 10 weeks pregnant, that her baby's heart has stopped beating. I went to the emergency room with her on Monday night when she had a little bleeding, and then they had an ultrasound Tuesday morning and got the sad news. My heart is breaking for her and her husband- they were so happy and excited to be pregnant and now they are having to go through this. She is having a D&C tomorrow- I am going to go with her and her husband. I am so glad she is seeing Dr. O, I know that she will take great care of them and help them through this. I wish there was something I could do to help them, but I know it is hard and a horrible time and what they need most of all is time and space and just to know we are here for them.

36 Weeks!!

2008-11-18T06:33:00.000-08:00

I made it to 36 weeks, have 2 weeks to go!! I kind of wish it would happen now, but that's unlikely!

Lily has now started stretching alot more- way less kicks, more stretching and poking, lol- its funny when she stretches- i can feel her pushing out on both sides of my belly!

I will update again tomorrow after my ultrasound and OB appt!

Not so patiently waiting...

2008-11-16T07:08:00.000-08:00

I am ready... the nursery is done, the baby clothes and bedding are washed, the carseat is installed, my house is decorated for Christmas... and I am ready! My bags are packed, my support people are set... all I need now is for my induction day to come, or to go into labor.

I am not a patient person... at all. I am tired and sore, nauseous and swollen... I just want our baby Lily to be here now!

I will be 36 weeks tomorrow, I know I have 2 more to go... they are going to be the longest 2 weeks ever!!!

I was at church this morning with DH and I thought for sure I was going to either pass out or throw up... it was brutal. DH was cold, I was dying of heat- I couldn't wait for mass to be over today.

Now I am trying to relax in my big comfy chair but I can't get comfy- my whole body hurts and I am beyond nauseous. We have friends dropping by in a few minutes, I am hoping the tea DH is making helps my tummy.

Thats my complaining for today... hopefully my next post will be a little more upbeat! I will try to get some pics up this week of my belly (which is growing sooo fast) and of the finished nursery!

Today's Appointments

2008-11-12T14:29:00.000-08:00

I had an ultrasound and OB appointment today... both went ok. My OB appointment went well, she didn't have the ultrasound results yet, but she said she would call if she had any concerns. I asked about a date for the induction and she said it would be December 1, 2 or 3rd... she wont know until the week before! She also did an internal to check my cervix and a swab for strep b... the internal was sooo uncomfortable, but the swab was fine.

I am getting so uncomfortable and sore- so I am looking forward to the next 3 weeks flying by!! I am almost done Christmas shopping- thank goodness!!

Trip to L&D

2008-11-09T08:10:00.000-08:00

So after my shower ended last night I was feeling kind of uncomfortable and sore, I figured it was just due to the long day... but then on the way home I started to get really sore and my belly was like a rock. By the time I got home I just wanted to lay down, but nothing relieved the pain and I couldn't get comfortable at all. I was constantly peeing, having brutal pains across my whole belly every few minutes and crazy pressure. I called my best friend and she headed over, I also called L&D and they said if it kept up for another half hour to head in. Well the pain just got worse and worse, so DH started to run around and pack a bag (which was on my list of to do's for this week). Once my best friend got here we decided to head to the hospital. We live about 40 minutes away and the pain was brutal, horrible! Every bump was worse than the last and I was in tears.

Finally when we were about 5 minutes away everything started to relax and didn't hurt as much, we got to the hospital, were admitted to the triage area and hooked up to the monitors. By this time my belly was much softer and then pain almost gone. The monitor showed some small blips, but other than that not much. When I saw the doctor he said it was most likely just false labor and he sent us home!

Hopefully that will be our first and last false alarm!!! But DH and my friends were amazing!!

Today I am tired and achy, so I am going to try to take it easier, we have to head to my aunts house to celebrate some family birthdays- but I will make sure I sit the whole time I am there with my feet up and relax. Before we get there we just have to stop at Sears and pick up a few things we didn't get at our showers that we need before Lily gets here- a change pad and a nursing pillow.

Another thing I have been experiencing the last week or so is absolutely brutal heartburn- it is horrible!!!!

I will update again tomorrow with how I am feeling.

Baby Shower

2008-11-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I had my big baby shower with all of my friends and my mom's side of the family... it was so nice, it was perfect!! So many people came and they gave us so many nice things- it was wonderful. My sisters and friends who planned it went above and beyond and made the day so perfect- I couldn't have asked for anything more.

Here are some pics from the day:

Update

2008-11-06T14:17:00.000-08:00

Today I had an appointment with Dr. O... unfortunately she hadn't received the ultrasound results by the time of my appointment, but she said she would call if she had any concerns. I asked again about the 38 week induction and she said for sure the week of Dec 1st. So that is less than 4 weeks away... eeek!! She also sent me for a blood and urine test to see if there are any other reasons I have been feeling so crappy- she thinks its just the pregnancy taking a toll on my body, but wants to make sure!

I finished the favors for my baby shower on Saturday, I can't wait!! A few friends are coming that I haven't seen in a long time, so it will be great to see them again!

I am going to take a nap now- can't seem to sleep much at night so I end up napping during the day!

Today's Ultrasound

2008-11-05T10:03:00.000-08:00

I had a BBP and Growth scan today... everything with the baby seemed fine from what I got from the tech, but I will get more details about it tomorrow at my appointment with Dr. O. BUT... while I was getting the ultrasound done I felt brutal. I was fine on the way up there, but once I was lying on the table I started to feel worse and worse, first I got sweaty and hot, so i sat up a bit, then i had to sit all the way up and she got me some water,I could feel myself black out momentarily... once i felt a bit better she continued... when she was finally done I sat up again, feeling worse this time i actually got sick and she got me more water, again I blacked out. I don't know how much more of this I can take... I have passed out, or come close to it one too many times... and I have thrown up more in the last 9 months than the rest of my life added up!!

I know right now it is best for her to still be inside, but I am really looking forward to her coming out, and me feeling better again- or at least having some more control over my body!

34 WEEKS!!!!

2008-11-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

We did it! We made it to 34 weeks!! We can now have the baby with our regular doctor at our regular hospital!! Woo Hoo!!

This weekend was nice, we went to a Halloween Party on Friday night and took it easy the rest of the weekend! I did have a short baby shower to go to yesterday, it was nice, the baby was cute!

I am at home today waiting for UPS to deliver the dresser for the baby!!

Here are some Halloween pics (we changed DH's costume to a Banana... its was too funny):

My little Webkins:

Meringue Bone Cookies in dirt with worms:
DH and I:
Our pumpkins:

Ultrasound Update

2008-10-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

I had another BPP yesterday, it went well... nothing new! Lily scored 8/8 again, did all of the movements within 20 minutes so that was good! My cervix was also long and closed. I don't go back to Dr. O until next Thursday and I have another BPP and growth scan next Wednesday.

Here is a pic from yesterday, its getting hard to get good pics because she is squished and bigger now...

I didn't update yesterday because I was absolutely exhausted... I haven't been getting much sleep, I toss and turn (as much as I can, lol) all night and just can't seem to get comfy! So as soon as I got home from my ultrasound I passed right out and slept all afternoon!

Halloween is almost here- I helped my little cousins carve 2 pumpkins on Monday- Annie and June from Little Einstein. I also carved a pumpkin for my grandparents- Diego. Tomorrow I need to carve our pumpkins- not sure what I will do yet, but I need to wait for DH to scoop them out tonight.

I am also going to attempt to make DH's Halloween costume today- he is going as a scarecrow and I am going as a pumpkin. I have to sew some patches to an old plaid shirt and glue on some straw. I also have to get some twiney string to tie around his legs and elbows. We have a party to go to tomorrow night- its at a friends house, so I am going to go and just sit on the couch and enjoy everyones company! I am going to attempt to make meringue bone cookies- we will see how they turn out. I will be sure to post some Halloween pics tomorrow or Saturday!

No Sleep!

2008-10-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

I am always tired, and since I am on modified rest, you'd think I would be getting a lot of sleep... but sadly, that is not the case! I cannot get comfortable for the life of me... and if and when I do finally get comfortable I have to pee! I am sore and tired, whiny and hungry, lol... but still trying to keep a smile on my face. Whenever I start to get cranky and miserable I try to remind myself of how lucky I am... in 5 more weeks Lily will be here!!

I am also very itchy, especially my belly- I am constantly applying cream to stop the itch. Another new change for me is my belly button... I was, and still am hoping that it doesn't pop out... but it is slowly disappearing and I fear it may just pop out.

Well I am 33 weeks now, into my 34th! By next week I will have reached my 34 week goal and be working on our 38 week induction goal!

Our dresser should be in later this week as well as some books I ordered for Lily... I will post some pics once they are all here!

For appointments this week all I have is an ultrasound on Wednesday morning... other than that, I will be carving a few pumpkins and pulling together DH's costume.

:)

More of Lily's Room

2008-10-25T15:22:00.001-07:00

Here are some more pics of Lily's room, with the letters up, crib ready to go, and our glider in.

Me, with 5 weeks to go.

Our Glider

The light that is getting mounted on the ceiling tomorrow:
Wall Letters up on the wall

Wall Letters

2008-10-24T21:36:00.001-07:00

I have been trying to decide for awhile what I wanted for wall letters for above Lily's crib... well I finally found some letters I liked at Michael's and then mimicked the pattern from her bedding.

Here is how they turned out:

Ultrasound and Appointment!!

2008-10-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Today's ultrasound and appointment went pretty good! The baby scored 8/8 on her bpp, weighs around 4lbs, and her AFI is now at 90. The AFI has dropped a bit, which is expected, but its on the lower side. My cervix is still long and closed!

When I got to my doctors appointment I mentioned the pain in my butt and the cramping I have been having. She said they are just braxton hicks, and they will get stronger... which I am not looking forward to. I was up this morning at 3am with them, and with heartburn- I haven't been back to sleep since :(

Anyways Dr. O gave me some good/exciting news today... she has decided that since the baby is on the small side, and the AFI has been low and borderline that she is going to induce me at 38 weeks... which is 6 weeks from now, the first week of December! She said by then the baby will be better outside, get more nutrients, etc. I am so excited about that... she will be here in plenty of time for Christmas- which I was worried about!

I go for my next ultrasound next Wednesday, but not to Dr. O for 2 weeks! She will call if she has any concerns from the ultrasound!

I am so excited now!!! Here are some pics from today's ultrasound...

National Infertility Awareness Week

2008-10-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week. If you have time, please take a few minutes to check out the site below and learn a bit more about infertility. Infertility affects approximately 10% of the population- and whether you realize it or not, you most likely know a couple dealing with infertility. The best thing you can do for them is to listen and offer support!

http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=evt_niaw08_home

Shower Pics

2008-10-20T07:48:00.001-07:00

Here are some pics from my first shower:

Pain in my butt... literally

2008-10-19T18:51:00.001-07:00

I have the WORST pain/pressure in my butt... right around my tailbone. It's horrible! It happens when I sit for too long. I almost feel like I need to sit on a pillow, lol. I wonder if this is going to continue for the rest of my pregnancy... if it does I am really going to have to figure out a way to relieve it!

First Shower was today!

2008-10-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

I had my first baby shower today hosted by my Mother-In-Law and sister-in-laws, it was really nice! It was just DH's family and I loved that it was small (my wedding shower had over 100 women). We played a few games, ate, and I opened my gifts. We were definitely spoiled, we got our playard, high chair, bassinet, baby gates, monitor, portable high chair, clothes and so much more!! Sometimes this all seems so surreal, like I am not really 8 months pregnant, and this stuff isn't really all for us! We are so lucky and so happy!! I will post some pics from the shower in the next few days!

My uncle also dropped off a full disk of our pregnancy pics, I am posting a few more that I really love!

The flu :(

2008-10-15T13:05:00.001-07:00

I have the flu :(

I woke up this morning feeling really achy and uncomfortable, thought I had just slept wrong. But I got up and decided to throw some ingredients in the bread maker for some fresh bread- this takes maybe 10 minutes. Well I got so tired, sweaty and light headed doing this I had to stop and lay down on the couch. I started to feel worse and worse and very nauseous. I called my doctor just to make sure everything was ok and they had me come in. My mom drove me up and it turns out its a touch of the flu... I really hope it passes fast.

I am soo tired and so BLAH... plus the baby is rolling and flipping and kicking like never before... doesn't make it easy to sleep, but I love the feeling.

I am going to take a nap, can hardly keep my eyes open.

Specialist update

2008-10-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

I went to McMaster today for my growth scan, bpp and my specialist appointment... they all went great!!! She got 8/8 on her bpp, weighs about 3.6lbs, and her heart rate was 141bpm.

When I saw the specialist she said everything looks great, just a small baby! and the fluid is still a little below normal, but still good!! She is releasing me back to my doctor in Kitchener- which means she doesn't think I will have to go early... I could even make it to term!!!

I am now going next week for a bpp in Kitchener and an appointment with my regular OB, Dr. O... I will still have weekly appointments- but just in Kitchener.

What a crazy turn of events- I am so relieved!!!

Pregnancy Pics

2008-10-13T18:15:00.001-07:00

I am so excited, we went out this morning and got our pregnancy pics taken- my uncle took them for us... here are some of the sample shots he sent us- he took over 200!! I absolutely love them!!

Finally some Belly Pics

2008-10-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

I know it has been awhile, but here are a few belly pics:

Week 30

Week 31
Week 31

I feel like I have really ballooned the last few weeks, so I am hoping this means good news for the growth scan I have on Tuesday!! I have now lost track of how many ultrasounds I have had... over a dozen for sure!

Last night was Oktoberfest here... pretty much all of my friends went, and I had to sit out... I think this is the first time in almost 10 years I have missed Oktoberfest, but keeping my little girl in there awhile longer is worth missing out! Most of our friends are feeling pretty rough today, including DH!

Its Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada- which means many Turkey dinners- I am looking forward to all of the food, since I can't seem to get enough these days!!

I will update again soon- wish me luck on the big growth scan on Tuesday!!!

Monday... week 31

2008-10-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

Well I made it to 30 weeks, starting week 31. Just need to make it 4 more weeks to get to the goal of 34 weeks!!

I had an appointment with Dr. O today- she was really happy with my progress and said to keep up the rest and stress free lifestyle and I should be able to keep going!! She also measured my belly and said its starting to grow faster, which is great... I really feel it too- my belly is def getting much bigger! I really notice it when I am trying to sleep and my back is killing all the time now! I have also gone to more of a waddle than a walk, lol.

I have no more doctors appointments this week, next week I have the big growth scan and BPP!!

This weekend is going to be busy- DH is going Oktoberfesting Friday night, I sold my ticket when I was put on bedrest, so sad I have to miss it :(, Saturday we have an engagement party and Sunday and Monday we have Thanksgiving dinners. The doctor said its Ok if I go, I just need to sit and relax while there. Monday DH and I are also getting our pics taken out at my Grandparents lake... I am really looking forward to having some pre-baby pics taken of us.

I am sure I will update again this week... I will be home all week! I am planning to get a lot of scrapbooking done!!

Specialist Appointment

2008-10-03T13:43:00.000-07:00

Today I went to the specialist in Hamilton again, it went really well.

The baby scored 8/8 on her BPP... I even got to see her practice breathing- it was adorable and so reassuring to see! Her heart rate was 159bpm and her AFI was up to 118. Also... my placenta shifted and is now measuring 7.5cm away from my cervix, which is awesome!!

The specialist told me if all continues well like it is and the growth scan on the 14th goes well, then she is pretty sure I will make it to at least 34 weeks... which would be amazing!

While I was in Hamilton I went to visit my friend who had her baby this week- they are both doing well. I got to see the baby in the NICU, she is adorable and doing well. It was kinda scary to see some of the other babies who were in there... they were sooo tiny... one baby is 780 grams (1.7lbs), the baby was born at 26 weeks- this baby was seriously the size of a medium soft drink from McDonalds.

On my way home from the hospital I quickly stopped at a higher end maternity store in the town next to mine and finally found a diaper bag! I bought the OiOi Pink Herringbone Hobo bag, I love it... pics are below!

WOW

2008-10-01T11:18:00.000-07:00

One of my very good friends, the one that was due a week before me had her baby early this morning at 30 weeks! Her husband called me this morning to tell me her water broke last night and they had to do a c-section. Both Mommy and baby girl are doing well. The baby is over 4lbs too- that is amazing for 30 weeks! I guess our little girls both want to come out early! Her little girl is getting some help breathing and I hope to talk to her again later today to see how the pumping and tube feeding are going!

This is the same friend I have been doing everything with throughout my pregnancy- our prenatal yoga, walking, aquafit, and sharing all the little details about pregnancy. Just last week she was telling me she is there for me and everything will be ok... it's crazy how fast the tables turn!

Knowing her little girl is doing well makes me feel a little better about the idea of having to deliver sooner than later!

I will get to see them both on Friday when I head to that same hospital for my next specialist appointment! I will for sure be bringing some frilly little girl preemie clothes with me!!

Tuesday's appointment

2008-09-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

Today's appointment was uneventful, she just checked my weight, blood pressure and the heartbeat. All seemed good, my belly is measuring a bit behind now- which is to be expected with how tiny my little baby is right now! She said to just keep doing what I am, resting, relaxing, and going to all of my doctors appointments. She did say I am off work for sure until the baby comes- which I kinda figured.

My next appointment isn't until Friday- so I will have to find some things to do to occupy myself until then, lol. My chapters order arrived today- so now I have some new books to keep me busy!!

Monday!

2008-09-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

Well I am officially 29 weeks now, in week 30! 5 more weeks to go until I reach my goal of making it to at least 34 weeks!! At 34 weeks I can deliver at my regular hospital, as opposed to the one an hour away!

My regular OB changed my appointment with her from Friday to tomorrow, as my specialist scheduled me on Friday.

My weekend was pretty uneventful, our good friends came over Friday night with dinner and we all played Scene It... it was really nice. Saturday my in-laws came over and my FIL helped DH finish the crown moulding in the nursery and they set the crib up, and yesterday we had my mom's surprise 50th birthday party. Thanks to all the help from my friends who came and helped us with everything- it really let me stay sitting most of the time and not moving around too much!

Today I am just at home watching TV and videos... and thanks to my aunts and mom I know have a lot more movies, magazines, and books to keep me occupied!! Hopefully they will keep me from getting too bored and lonely... I am not enjoying all this alone time- I need to be around people- talking and interacting... Thank goodness for thenestbaby, facebook, MSN, BlackBerry messenger, email and texting... these things are keeping me sane!! I really am so thankful for my Blackberry, lol.

Update from today's appointment

2008-09-26T11:43:00.001-07:00

Today's appointment was fairly uneventful, I went for the ultrasound first thing this morning- and the tech was really nice, she told me everything as she went. The baby scored 6/8 on the BPP, they just didn't see her practice breathing, which is common. Her heart rate was 140bpm, which is great, her amniotic fluid level is at 72, which is on the low side of normal, and her weight was 2lbs 4oz, which is good for a small baby.

When I went into the actual appointment with the specialist I saw her resident first, she was nice enough- asked a bunch of questions and then got the doctor. Basically they didn't tell me anything I didn't already know- they said the babies abdomen was measuring small, which could be an early sign of a growth problem, or could equally be a sign of nothing... basically they just want to watch everything very closely.

I am going back there next Friday for another ultrasound and appointment, and then again on the 14th for a full scan and appointment. She said each week they will decide if the baby is better in or out, and make the call based on that.

Now I am really tired, from just lying around for 2 days to being out and running around the hospital I am beat. I am going to take a nap before our friends come over for pizza and a movie!

Thanks to everyone for your positive thoughts!!

Appointment is Scheduled

2008-09-25T10:43:00.001-07:00

My appointment with the specialist is tomorrow at 11, but first I am having an ultrasound at 8:45 am at the same hospital.

Hopefully it will all go well and we will have a better idea of what is going on and what we can do about it!

Update!

2008-09-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

After leaving my doctors office Tuesday kind of in shock I realized I didn't ask a lot of questions or clarify things- so I called today and talked to Dr. O's assistant/nurse clinician- Pat... she was so sweet.

Basically bed rest isn't as strict as I thought- I am allowed to sit up, make a quick meal, scrapbook, etc... just have to relax and rest a lot- take naps when I am tired, stay off my feet for the most part. If I want to go out to a friends, just sit and relax while I am there... that kind of thing! Don't overdo anything! I feel much better that its not really strict!

I also got some more details on the baby and the fluids. According to the ultrasound from Sept 19 she weighs approx 1lb 8oz, which is in the 13th percentile, on the low end, but still in the normal range. They just want to make sure she doesn't drop in to the below normal range. The fluids are low, placenta and amniotic- and they want to know if its just because she is a small baby, or if there is another cause... the specialists in Hamilton will help determine that. As for the low lying placenta- its not completely covering my cervix, it is 2.6cm from the external opening- which isn't horrible, but it is still in the "c-section required" range. They said there is still a chance it could shift... they will keep a close eye on this as well.

I will update again when I get my appointments with the specialists!

Thanks to everyone who has called, emailed, or given me suggestions on what to do with my time!!

More pics

2008-09-24T08:29:00.001-07:00

Here are the pics from last weeks ultrasound, just realized I didn't post them:

Update

2008-09-24T08:22:00.000-07:00

Not much to update right now, I just got back from my ultrasound, the tech can't say much, but baby girl was moving all over kicking and punching, practicing her breathing, and her kidneys were working!

I am just waiting for a call from my doctor to tell me when I go see the specialists.

Here are some pics from today, they aren't very clear b/c the baby was moving all around!

Update.... Bedrest

2008-09-23T13:44:00.001-07:00

So after last weeks ultrasound I had a bit of an uneasy feeling because the u/s took so long and the tech went to ask the doctor something. They told me my doctor would be in touch this week. I called my doctor yesterday and told the receptionist I thought something was up and was hoping they could look at my results. Well the nurse called me back a few hours later and said they needed to see me today- she gave me some details, but I got everything explained today.

Basically the baby is small, the fluid is low, and they aren't sure why! Sooo... the first thing she did was write me off work and put me on modified bed rest. She is sending me for another ultrasound tomorrow, and one every week after that. I am also going to see her weekly, and she is sending me to a hospital with a well know perinatal unit- here a team of specialists will try to find out why the fluid levels are so low... they will also monitor them closely. If the levels drop or stay the same they will make the decision week by week of whether to deliver or not. Hopefully the baby's levels will increase and we will make it atleast another 6 weeks... If she doesn't- our doctor said there is a 98% chance all will be fine, she will just on a respirator for awhile- but ateast they think she will be ok- i will find out more about that next week at the specialist. In the meantime- I am here, on my couch, on modified bed rest.

I am sure my updates will be much more regular now that I am home with not much to do but go online, watch tv, and go to doctors and ultrasound appointments!

If anyone has any tips for bedrest let me know!! Also pass along any book and movie recommendations!!

Ultrasound Tomorrow...

2008-09-18T19:14:00.000-07:00

I go for another ultrasound tomorrow afternoon to take a look at the Placenta and see if it is still low and covering my cervix... I really hope that it has shifted upward and everything is fine! I am not sure if this is something the tech can tell me, but I will ask a lot of questions and hope she will tell me. I can't wait to see her again... and re-confirm she is really a she!! My mom is coming with me tomorrow since Nelson has to work- she is really excited!

After the ultrasound I am going to buy our crib... things are really coming together!!

3rd Trimester!!!

2008-09-17T05:02:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I am in the third trimester... so close to meeting my baby girl!! While I was in Texas last week I bought the cutest matching sweaters, the pic is below!

We also painted the baby's room last week with the help of some close friends, it looks adorable. I will post pics next week as we are putting up the baseboards, chair rail and crown moulding this weekend!

We are going to order our furniture next week... very exciting!! and I finally feel like things are coming together!!

Things are crazy busy at work this week, which is why my updates have been so sporadic.

Your baby this week:

Are you dreaming about your baby? Your baby may be dreaming about you, too. Brain wave activity measured in a developing fetus shows different sleep cycles, including the rapid eye movement phase, the stage when dreaming occurs.

By now, your baby, who weighs in at about two and a half pounds and stands — or rather lies — at almost 16 inches (measured head to toe) has added blinking to his or her growing bag of tricks. (Outside in the real world, blinking is necessary to help keep foreign objects out of the eyes.) Other impressive new talents being added to your baby's roster in the womb include coughing, more intense sucking, and, perhaps most important, better breathing.

The good news is that babies born this week, though premature, have an excellent prognosis because their lungs have reached the point (for the most part) of maturity — so you too can breathe a little easier now. Of course, it's still best if a baby doesn't check out of that uterine hotel just yet — there's still a lot of growing and maturing to do over the next 12 weeks.

Back from Dr's

2008-09-09T07:53:00.001-07:00

I am back from my regular appointment, everything for the most part seems to be ok and progressing as it should be! My blood pressure has dropped again, which explains why I have been getting light headed again... but its not horrible, and it is expected at this stage in pregnancy.

I go for my follow up ultrasound on September 19th to check on the low placenta, hopefully that will have corrected itself. My dr said she would call if there was a problem- since the ultrasound tech can't say anything.

I also have to schedule my glucose test within the next few weeks- I am not too worried about that!

Well back to work for me, too much to do here and too little time to do it!

Week 27

2008-09-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

Week 27, officially my last week in my 2nd trimester, I can't believe that next week I will be in my 3rd trimester... its crazy how fast time is flying now!

I am going away this week for a few days to Dallas to audit a different location for the company I work for, but while I am gone DH will be busy clearing out the nursery to prepare for us to paint next Sunday! I am super excited! As soon as it is painted I am going out to order the furniture!!

I feel the baby move all the time now- I love it! I can see my belly wobble around and I really think she must have more than 2 legs and 2 arms, because I feel her all over! It is such an amazing feeling, I can't even describe it!! Some days I can't believe this is all real, I really am pregnant and in just a few months I am going to be a mom!! I am really excited and can't wait to meet her!!

Whats happening with baby this week:
Most babies this age, still like to snuggle in a slightly curled position inside the uterus (thus the term "fetal position"). Even so, beginning at this stage, your baby's length will be measured from top of head to toe — which makes your baby nearly a full 15 inches now. And at just over two pounds, he or she has doubled in weight from four weeks ago.

Your baby's auditory development (hearing) is progressing as the network of nerves to the ears matures. And even though the sounds your baby hears are muffled (thanks to the creamy coating of vernix covering those ears), he or she may recognize both yours and your partner's voices. So this might be a good time to read and even sing to your baby (or rather, your belly) — and a good chance to start boning up on those nursery rhymes and lullabies you'll need to be repeating (and repeating) pretty soon. And while you're at it, here's another way to have some family fun: If your partner presses his ear to your belly, he might be able to hear the baby's heartbeat.

Your baby's taste buds are very developed now too (with more taste buds than he or she will ever have outside the womb, actually). Need a taste test? If you eat some spicy food (you hot mama, you), your baby will be able to taste the difference in the amniotic fluid (but keep in mind that you'll have different mealtimes, with your baby's coming about two hours after yours). Some babies will even respond to that spicy kick by hiccupping. And although hiccups (which feel like belly spasms to you) may seem like they're disturbing to your baby, he or she isn't stressed at all. It's just one more sensation that babies need to get used to.

Finally!

2008-09-03T09:42:00.001-07:00

We have finally found a dresser and glider to match our crib... lets hope we can order them without any problems!! The glider isn't the ideal chair I wanted, but it matches and fits our price range and the room size better!!

Here are what they look like:

Week 26 Belly Pic

2008-09-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

2 in one day, haha!

I popped a little bit more over the last week...oh, and you will notice no more heels, I have officially given up on them, my back and legs hurt too much when I wear them, and I am far too unsteady! Here is this weeks belly pic:

Week 26

2008-09-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

Only 3 months left of work and 13 months off, I can't wait. I am back to work today after a week and a half of holidays and it was sooo hard to come back... I am already thinking of being off again. It doesn't help that I am sore, tired, and just want to be at home cuddled up on my couch with DH and my puppy!

and as promised, just a bit late... here is a belly pic from last week:

Your baby this week:

Look who's looking. Your baby's eyes — which have been closed for the past few months (so that the retina, the part of the eye that allows images to come into focus, could develop) — are now beginning to open. What this means is that your baby is able to see what's going on now (unfortunately the view in your uterus isn't all that exciting). The iris, the colored part of the eye, still doesn't have much pigmentation (that'll fill in over the next month or two), so it's too early to start guessing your baby's eye color. Even the color your baby will be born with might not be the permanent shade; so you may be kept guessing until your baby is close to six months old.

Your baby's brain-wave activity is kicking in at this stage in fetal development, which means your little one can not only hear noises but can now also respond to them. Not in so many words, of course, but with an increase in pulse rate or activity.
And talking about activity, at at the rate he or she is growing, your baby will soon be feeling a little cramped in your uterus. Not to worry, there's still plenty of room for your baby to grow. It just means your gymnast will have less room for those somersaults, cartwheels, and other Olympic feats.

Week 25

2008-08-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't updated in over a week, but it's been a really long week! I was pretty sick with this summer cold last week, thank goodness it is almost gone, just the stuffy/runny nose this week! DH and I also went on our little summer holiday- we went to Boston for 2 days, and then a few places in Rhode Island for a few days! It was really nice to get away together.

We also got our baby bedding on Sunday- it was quite the adventure finding it... lets just say we have now seen almost every Target, Babies R Us and Burlington Coat Factory from here to Rhode Island, lol. But we have it now! I am taking part of it with me today to Home Depot to get the paint for the nursery- very exciting! DH is going to paint the room when I go away to Dallas in a few weeks for work.

This week I am still on holidays, unfortunately DH had to go back to work yesterday- but I am still keeping busy!!

I will definitely post a belly pic soon!! It has grown so much and now we can feel her all the time bouncing and kicking. My belly moves all around- it is so amazing!!

Your baby this week:
The structures of your baby’s spine are beginning to form while the blood vessels of the lungs develop as well. Also, his nostrils are beginning to open. Your baby now has fully formed fingerprints and his bones are continuing to harden. If your baby were delivered now it would have a chance of surviving due to some great advances in medicine. The premature baby could survive in an incubator for few months. His taste buds are forming, and he may be developing a weakness for sweets

Week 24

2008-08-18T05:41:00.001-07:00

I know I say this a lot, but I really can't believe I am in week 24!!

I have had a few more lovely things happening to me- I have been waking up with BRUTAL leg cramps in the middle of the night- the first time it happened I started screaming and begging DH to make it stop... finally it went away, but I am still limping a bit- the muscle feels really tight and bruised. I have also been experiencing many more headaches and upset stomachs. Lately I have been waking up with a sore throat and stuffy nose, but they have generally been gone by the time i get out of the shower, today however, they are still around- along with a foggy head and blah feeling- I think I have caught myself a summer cold!

Your baby this week:
By the end of this week, your child will be weighing around 2 lbs and 14 inches long. Your cutie-patootie may even be a little more plump, but isn't anywhere near their full baby-fatted cute-self. She will continue to gain weight in muscles, developing organs and the deposit of brown fat. The purpose of the brown fat is to retain body heat. Newborns are notoriously bad at regulating body temperature at first. This is particularly a problem for a baby born early. At the end of this week she could survive if born prematurely.

Update from Doctors appointment today

2008-08-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctors today for my regular appointment, for the most part things are good- the only thing of concern is that my placenta was lying low- she said its not common, but not entirely uncommon. She said not to lose any sleep over it, but just don't do anything too strenuous. I am going back for another ultrasound at 28 weeks to see if it has improved.

I made the mistake of googling this- and it said no strenuous activity, no vigorous exercise, pretty much just take it easy. If there is any bleeding to call OB right away- as it could mean the placenta is tearing away from the wall. Also, if it doesn't correct itself it could mean bed rest, C-section, early delivery. BUT, 9 out of 10 cases correct themselves and everything is fine.

In other news I am now up 14lbs and in good news my blood pressure has gone up- which would explain why I am no longer getting dizzy all the time. She also gave me the all clear to fly until the end of September.

Non baby related- I found a small lump (the size of a pea) under my arm a few days ago, and my doctor checked it out today- she said it is most likely just an inflammation- because it hurts, generally if its something to worry about it wouldn't hurt. She said to keep an eye on it and if i notice any changes to call her or my family doctor. I feel a bit better about that!

:)

Looking for a chair

2008-08-11T06:18:00.000-07:00

I have a certain chair in mind for the nursery... I want a glider armchair... not the regular gliders, but more of a full armchair. I have found a few, but I am not willing to pay the price that Pottery Barn is asking (I wish I could, but just not feasible)... so if anyone knows of anywhere in Canada, or close to the border in the states (Niagara area) where I can find a chair like this for a decent price please let me know!!

Week 23

2008-08-11T06:12:00.001-07:00

Our Baby this week:

At just over a pound and growing fast she is the size and shape of a small doll now. This week marks the beginning of some serious weight gain. Over the next four weeks she will double her weight!

You can feel your baby squirming around by now, and may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes! Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

She's not even here yet...

2008-08-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

...and she is already taking after her mom! Many of you who know me in real life know I like to buy shoes... and now I not only enjoy buying them for myself, but also for our baby girl! I have bought some shoes, others have bought us shoes, and some friends/coworkers/relatives have passed along some... here is a pic of all the size 3 shoes we have received, which are the vast majority!I am so happy we found out the sex of our baby... I feel so much more connected, I can picture her and things we will do!

Here are a few pics of some of the things we have already decided to buy:

The Bedding:

The Crib:

The bassinet:

The Travel System:

The Playard:
The High Chair:

As for bottles, we have decided to go with the playtex drop in's... we hopefully wont be using bottles much as I am hoping to breast feed, but we both really like the playtex drop ins and have heard good things about them! I am still trying to settle on a breast pump... I am thinking of not registering for one, and just purchasing one after the baby is here if all goes well.

There are a lot more things we need to look at and research... but I think we have decided on most of the large things. We are heading to Babies"R"Us in a few weeks to register! There are some things that aren't available in Canada, such as the playtex storage kit- so we are going to pick up a few things when we head to the states in a few weeks!

If anyone knows of any good stores in Boston, MA or Providence, RI please let us know... also anywhere else good along the 90 from Buffalo to Boston.

Belly Pic- Week 22

2008-08-08T07:11:00.003-07:00

Here a few few covered belly shots from yesterday... everyone was commenting on my belly yesterday, it looks like it is growing faster now: (excuse the blurriness, they were taken on my Blackberry)

Week 22 :)

2008-08-05T05:59:00.000-07:00

Week 22, time is flying!! I can feel our baby girl moving around and kicking, it is the most amazing feeling I have ever experienced… feels almost like popcorn popping around in my belly. I love love love it!! I think we have also settled on her name... Lily Grace... but we are not 100%, and therefore we wont call her by it until after she is born... what if she is born and doesn't look like a Lily? We are going to buy wall letters, but they can always be returned if we decide on something different... we both really love the name though!

We went camping for the August long weekend, just got back last night- it was so nice to get away for 3 days, with no stress, just time to relax. We went with my 2 sisters, my hubby and my brother in law… we all had a great time. We pretty much just read and played cards all weekend… plus a little bit of simple cooking. It was a little cool, so we didn’t go to the beach- I was grateful, I didn’t have to wear my maternity bathing suit, lol.

The month of August is going to be crazy busy for us, we have 2 weddings, lots of bbq’s, and our road trip to Boston and Providence… it will be busy, but fun!!

I will try to upload a belly pic this week J

Our Baby this week:
Your baby has finally broken the one-pound mark. The eyelashes and eyebrows are well formed now — and even more hair is sprouting atop that cute little head. But hair at this stage of fetal development has no pigment, so it's bright white.

This week, your sweetie is making more sense of the world as he or she develops the sense of touch. In fact, your little one's grip is quite developed by now — and since there's nothing else to grab in utero, he or she may sometimes hold on tight to that umbilical cord (don't worry — it's tough enough to handle it). The sense of sight is also getting more developed. Your fetus can now perceive light and dark much better than before (even with those fused eyelids). But remember — unless you're shining a flashlight over your belly (which you can do, by the way), it'll be mostly dark for your baby inside that cozy womb of yours

Half Way

2008-07-29T19:05:00.001-07:00

I can't believe my pregnancy is half over!! I am now in my 21st week. I can feel our baby girl bouncing around...I am loving it!!!

Our baby this week:

Your baby now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long — the length of a carrot.

Your developing baby still has a great deal of room in your womb — though like anyone who lives in one space for a long time, this tenant will soon begin to feel cramped. Until those uterine walls start closing in, however, there's plenty of space for twisting, turning, and even an occasional somersault (so that's what you were feeling last night!).

With all that belly dancing going on, it's hard to believe your baby gets any sleep at all. But believe it or not, your fetus sleeps as much as a newborn, perhaps 12 to 14 hours per day!

It's a....

2008-07-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

GIRL!!!!

We are having a baby girl!! No doubt about it, our little girl rolled on her back and opened her legs for the camera... we are having a girl!! I am so excited, all of my dreams have been about girls, I gravitate to pink things... I can't believe its real!!

Everything looked good on the ultrasound... we will get more details at my next OB appointment on August 12th.

Here are some pics of our baby girl:

It's Monday!!

2008-07-28T07:04:00.001-07:00

Today is the day we find out the sex!! (hopefully). My ultrasound is at 1pm, I don't know how I am going to last 3 more hours!! I just want to know now!!

I felt the baby move a lot this weekend, it is an amazing feeling. DH felt it and so did my sister, very lightly, but definitely felt movement! I love feeling it move!

Last night I had a crazy headache and was so sick- I went to bed at 5pm and tossed and turned- the headache finally went away when it started pouring outside - around 11... I am assuming it was because of the air pressure.

DH and I also went shopping yesterday during the day- we were getting everything we need for our big camping trip this weekend... we are going up north, past Algonquin. I am excited!!

I will update tonight or tomorrow morning with the sex... we are heading to a Blue Jays game tonight- so I wont be able to update right after the ultrasound!

Want Monday to come now!!!

2008-07-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

I am getting really impatient for Monday to come... I can't wait to find out the sex of our baby! I keep having dreams (nightmares) where they ultrasound tech says they can't see... I really hope they can! I have decided that if they can't I will schedule a 3D u/s to find out soon- but they kinda freak me out, so I really hope we can see in the normal u/s.

I am super tired today- had yoga last night and then met up with friends to see the new Batman movie- it was awesome!!! I still plan on going for my walk tonight- hopefully the rain (and bugs) stay away so we can make it over 6K.

I have also finally set up my appointment to register at the hospital, my doctor gave me the forms at my 13week appt and I procrastinated... but its booked- August 25th. I have also set up an Infant first aid course for my friend and I, and our families... that will be the end of September. It really feels good to be crossing things off our list.

A question for any readers who are moms- at what point did you register for shower gifts/etc?

Thanks :)

In the 20th week :)

2008-07-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

I am so tired today, falling asleep at my desk. It hasn't been a great day... the morning started off brutal, I woke up sore from canoeing yesterday, couldn't get my hair to do a thing, none of my clothes looked nice, and the cupcakes I had spent hours and hours working on over the weekend melted and looked horrible. I can't even count how many times I cried this morning. I have a million things to do at work, and no time to do them. I have no energy to do any work at home- heck, I don't even have energy to cook dinner or clean let alone to do work work.

Our baby this week:
Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system.

Belly Pics - Week 19

2008-07-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

Here are some updated Belly Pics.

No other big updates... the heat is killing me. I got really dizzy while running errands at lunch, but I crouched down for a bit and pretended to look through a bin- when I felt better I stood up and then left the store and got something to drink and eat.

Tomorrow I am going for a massage after work and then I am going to go for a walk with my friend... hopefully the combination will make my back and neck feel better. Yoga last night helped a bit, but I am just very uncomfortable tonight.

Heartbeat

2008-07-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

I finally figured out how to post an audio clip... Check out the heartbeat on the left side of my blog.

Back from appt

2008-07-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

I had my regular appointment this morning and they did my urine, BP, weight, fetal HB, all the normal stuff... my blood pressure is still dropping- at 110/50 now- which explains why I keep getting dizzy and passing out! At my last appointment it was 100/60. I have gained a total of 6 lbs in the last month, which she said is perfect!

She said there isn't anything they do for low BP, so just to be careful- its not the fainting that's bad for the baby- its the injury if i fall. She also said to keep working out, walking, yoga, etc... and she said canoeing is fine! She did warn me not to do those things alone though!

When she tried to find the baby's heartbeat with the doppler it took her forever, I was starting to panic, I was getting all tense and sweaty and worried... finally she found it, she said the baby was hanging out down low most likely sleeping- and it explained why i was peeing so much today- it was right on my bladder, lol.

I asked her about the tightening and hardening I have been feeling in my belly, she said its my body telling me to relax and put my feet up for a bit... which makes total sense because the only time I feel it is when I am crazy busy and running around.

I am so so so tired today- can't wait to leave work today, make a quick dinner, and crawl into my bed with The Office DVD's... DH and I are on Season 4 and loving it (we only started Season One 3 weeks ago, lol)

I also got to book my next U/S... its July 28th- and we are really hoping to find out the sex then- I want to know what everyone thinks we are having- so the poll is up!

Week 19

2008-07-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

I know i say this every week, but I really can't believe 18 weeks are completed and I am in my 19th week- holy cow!

I had a crazy busy weekend with our very close friends wedding- we had the rehearsal, wedding and then a Sunday brunch- it was all so much fun, and we are so very happy for them. They really are the perfect couple and 2 of the best people we know!

I have a few pics from the wedding below, when I held my dress below my belly you can really see how big I am getting- its nuts!!

I am heading to the doctors at 11 this morning and I will find out when my next ultrasound is, I am super excited for it- I am really hoping we will be able to find out the sex then- can't wait for that!!! I am going to attempt to put up a poll on the side of the blog to see what people think we are having- so please put your votes in!!

Me at the hotel before the reception:The beautiful couple:
DH and I:
The Bride and I:
My best friend and I:

Our baby this week:

This is an impressive week for growth! Your baby weighs approximately 250 grams (8-9 ounces) and is about 22 cm or 6 inches long. Between pregnancy at 19 weeks and delivery your baby will increase in size by more than 15 times! That's an amazing growth rate. The placenta continues to grow and offer nourishment for your baby while the permanent teeth buds are forming behind the already formed milk teeth buds. Growth becomes rapid now and your baby begins to store iron for the production of red blood cells. Your baby can even dream (REM sleep)!

Prenatal Yoga

2008-07-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

I started prenatal yoga tonight with a friend... it was really great!

At first I wasn't sure about it... kinda fruity and spiritual and I wanted to laugh- but then once we started to stretch and move it got better... I am not so in to the breathing and meditating part. The class is small and the instructor really helps each of the 5 people in the class... ensures we are doing everything right and breathing properly. I did almost pass out in the class- I started feeling dizzy in a few positions- but then I started to see spots in front of my eyes and started swaying- I felt the colour drain from my face and broke out into a serious sweat... thought for sure it was over, lol... but I sat back and drank some water- felt better after a few minutes.

It is really HOT here right now... I know most readers are in the states- but it was 32 Celsius here, which is not normal for our area. Normally I love the heat and the sun, but this year I just can't seem to cool down... my body is having issues regulating temperature. I have been off work for 2 days, working a bit from home- but mostly just laying on the couch in the basement with shorts and a tank on trying to stay cool... my AC is cranked, but not helping much. My head has been pounding, I have thrown up a few times and its hard to breathe.

I also had a little meltdown this afternoon... the AC in my car has been broken for months, and DH keeps saying he is going to fix it (he is a mechanic), but he hasn't. He started to fix it last week but it didn't work, and the garage he works at doesn't have the equipment he needs- so I brought it to his uncles garage today- where I was under the impression they were going to fix it... turns out DH called ahead and said he just wanted them to test it- so they did and figured out what it needed- so I called DH and told him and he said he would do it, but i would have to bring it back there to get it charged- this meant I would have to continue driving my oven on wheels- with the windows up because its pouring out- I freaked out when I drove out of the parking lots- I was crying and screaming- pretty pathetic, lol... I am just so sick of this heat, and so sick of my hot car, and I was so bothered I would have to leave work early on Friday to go in to get the ac charged (whatever that means)... Oh well... I went to my mom's for dinner and calmed and cooled down a bit.

I also went for part 2 of the IPS today, just some blood tests, but they left me feeling a little woozy- the hot car didn't help- and I am sure this all contributed to the minor meltdown.

Hopefully the heat breaks soon and I feel better tomorrow- I really need to get to work tomorrow, I have some meetings I need to attend.

Thanks for listening to me complain.

In week 18

2008-07-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

Time is starting to fly by... I can't believe it... in 3 more weeks we will be halfway there... so crazy! I find most of the time I have my energy back- but it goes away quickly... I get tired easily. We had a really busy weekend and I am just exhausted today, I feel absolutely brutal :(

We had a wedding on Saturday- it was a lot of fun, and yesterday we spent the day with family, also a great time... but what i want right now is my bed. I plan to leave work at lunch today and head home!

Here are some pics of the weekend, you can really see my belly in the dress I wore to the wedding:

@ the wedding- you can really see the belly@ the wedding again
Nelson and I

My sexy maternity bathing suit, haha.

Baby this week:

Your baby is approximately 6 inches/ 14.2 centimetres long from crown to rump and she weighs about 7 ounces. Her chest moves up and down to mimic breathing but she's not taking in air, only amniotic fluid. If you're having a girl, the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes are in place. If it's a boy, the genitals are distinct and recognizable

Belly Pics- 17th week

2008-07-04T05:24:00.000-07:00

As promised... and very late... here are this weeks belly pics:

I am a horrible blogger

2008-07-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

I have been so bad at posting lately- I will get better... things have just been so busy and I have been soo tired.

Well I am officially 4 months pregnant and now am in week 17, here is what is happening with baby this week:
Your baby is now nearly 5.5 inches/ 13 centimeters long from crown to rump and weighs approximately 5 ounces/ 140 grams. Her skeleton is mostly rubbery cartilage, which will harden later. A protective substance called myelin slowly begins to wrap around the spinal cord. Your baby will begin to form fat this week. The fat begins to deposit under his skin and is important in heat production and metabolism. At delivery, fat will account for 2-6 percent of your baby's total body weight. This will help him maintain his body temperature when he is born.

I have been out getting some exercise lately and it feels great- so far its just been walking, but prenatal yoga starts next Tuesday and I am going to start riding my bike! It feels so good to be out and doing things!!

I will also be sure to post a belly pic this week when I get a chance!

WOW... in week 16 :)

2008-06-23T07:07:00.000-07:00

15 Weeks over!! In week 16! I can’t believe when this week is over I will be 4 months pregnant… woo hooo!!! I will post a pic as soon as I can!!

Sorry I didn’t post much last week… things were crazy busy with my sisters wedding… it was perfect though- we had an amazing time and her and her hubby looked fantastic!!

I have still been getting really bad headaches, and I almost fainted on Saturday while we were getting our pictures done… I am really lacking energy too! This morning I was pretty sick and still feel brutal- I really hope it passes!

Here are a few pics from the wedding:

The dress had to be loosened around the band b/c if not it was too tight around my belly :(

DH and I on the limo bus

My sister and new brother-in-law

The first dance

The cake

Here is whats happening in my 16th week:

Listen up: Tiny bones in your fetus's ears are in place this week, making it likely that the baby can hear your voice when you're speaking. And baby's busily boning up in other ways. For one, the backbone (along with the back muscles) is stronger now — strong enough, in fact, to enable your baby to work on straightening his or her head and neck even more. Baby's crown-to-rump measurement is about five inches in length, and weight is hovering around three ounces.
This little one's a looker — with a face that has both eyebrows and eyelashes — but a skinny looker since there's no baby fat yet. And here's the skinny on baby skin: It's practically translucent now, so if you took a peek inside your uterus, you'd be able to see your baby's blood vessels under that thin skin.

14 Weeks DONE!!

2008-06-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

I am now in Week 15, holy WOW! I didn't get a chance to take a week 13 pic, but took a week 14 pic, posted below!

So the blood pressure has been acting up a bit, a few more dizzy, faint spells, but I am dealing with them... I also had a pretty bad headache Saturday and Sunday- but I had a little bit of coke and it helped BIG TIME!!

Saturday night and Sunday we spent with our families, it was really nice!!

This week is crazy so I might not post much- its my sister's wedding on Saturday- I can't believe its so close!!!

Our baby this week:

You may not know it when it happens, but your tiny tenant frequently gets the hiccups, which babies master before breathing. Babies don't make any sound because their trachea is filled with fluid rather than air. Babies practice breathing, sucking, and swallowing so that when they leave your comfy womb and move into your comfy house, they'll have the skills necessary to survive. Fetal body movements continue to get practice this week, too.

Although you've probably gained between 5 and 10 pounds**, the fetus weighs in at around only 2.5 ounces. It measures nearly 4.5 inches long, crown to rump. Legs are growing longer than the arms now, fingernails are fully formed and all the joints and limbs can move. You may be able to find out the sex of your baby by ultrasound now, since the external genitals may be developed enough that the ultrasound technician can tell you if you're going to have a boy or a girl.

**I haven’t gained near that- I am up 2lbs from the 10lbs I lost in the first 10 weeks.

OB Appointment

2008-06-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

I had an appointment with my OB today, it couldn't have come at a better time!

Yesterday I woke up with a headache and kinda felt like crap all day, I went for a dress fitting and got really hot and sweaty, apparently the colour drained from my face and I almost passed out... this happened 3 times. My MIL had to drive home. I felt a little bit better after eating supper, but it came back at later at night and the headache got so much worse. This morning I woke up with a pounding headache again- and i didn't sleep well :(

Anyways, I went to my regular OB appointment this morning and she said my blood pressure was really low, which is normal, and explains why I am feeling so crappy- she said to take it easy, eat more and regularly and to take it easy. In good news, she said everything came back great from the NT scan and the IPS. The baby's heart rate at the ultrasound was 160, and it was 162 on the doppler in her office today... I have heard that could indicate a girl :) We will find out the sex hopefully at my 20 week scan! My doctor also gave me a ton of reading material, hospital registration info and prenatal class information- its going to take awhile to get through it all. And the best news is she said now there is less than 2% chance of losing the baby- I feel such a relief!!

Tonight is my baby sisters university graduation party- I can't believe she is graduating... makes me feel super old, lol. I hope my headache lightens up by then, but I will be sure to take it easy tonight regardless.

Tomorrow night I am going to start walking with a friend in town who is also pregnant... I am looking forward to getting a bit of exercise- and their are very nice walking trails along the river in our town!

13 Weeks!!

2008-06-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

I have now completed 13 weeks and am in my 14th... the 2nd trimester starts this week, I can't believe it... my pregnancy is 1/3rd over- WOW. I thought it would take forever, but time is flying!!

Here is what is happening in this 14th week:

This week, the baby’s neck begins to lengthen a bit and it can grasp, squint, frown, and grimace. It may even be able to suck its thumb.. The digestive system practices moving food along the intestines and through the renal system and he can create and eliminate urine. He also continues to practice breathing the amniotic fluid in and out of his lungs. Your baby has tiny, soft nails on his fingers and toes, is growing . Also, your baby's blood is beginning to form in the bone marrow and blood vessels are beginning to connect various parts of the fetus to another. The joints and muscles allow your baby full body movement so your baby is able to move around. The baby's neck is getting longer and his chin is no longer resting on his chest. The eyes and ears continue to move into place. The hands are becoming functional and reflex movements often occur. Nourishment now comes from the placenta. Remember, some of what you eat and drink is getting through to your baby.

Here is a pic of DH and myself at a wedding we were at on Saturday... You can see my little belly in the dress. I was soo tired by the end of the night- I don't know how I am going to last at my sisters wedding in 2 weeks!!

12 Week Pic

2008-06-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

Here are the pics taken at 12w4d:

NT Scan today!!

2008-06-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

I went for my NT Scan today... all went well as far as I know, my doctor will discuss the results of the scan and my b/w at my appointment next Wednesday.

When the ultrasound tech was trying to get all the measurements the baby was flipping and moving and not staying still for her, it was very cute to see!! I had such a wonderful tech who pointed out so many things for me, she showed me the sac, the fingers, the toes, the elbows, facial features, everything!! It was amazing!! I feel so bad DH had to miss it!

Although it was neat to see the baby dancing everywhere it was difficult to get a good picture- so below is the best we could get!!

I am so happy everything looked good and I saw the heart beating again!! I get to stop the progesterone now- WOO HOO!! They couldn't tell the sex today, its too early, but she said they should be able to by my next scan!!

DH and I found the heartbeat last night on the doppler, it was 147 bpm!!

12 Weeks!!

2008-06-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

WOOO HOOO!!! I am officially 12 weeks... in my 13th week... what a sense of relief!! I am also excited that I get to see our baby again on Wednesday, I have my NT scan then!! woo hoo!

I am still trying to figure out how to upload the heartbeat on to here... so if anyone knows, let me know!!

Here is what's happening in this 13th week:

Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby's intestines are migrating from the umbilical cord into his or her abdomen. The liver begins to secrete bile and the pancreas is even secreting insulin! All twenty teeth have formed and are waiting under the gums, while your baby has begun to practice swallowing by taking in the surrounding amniotic fluid and pass it back in his urine. Your baby can smile and his vocal cords are quickly developing, too. He looks more and more human as his eyes move closer together and the ears are beginning to move to what will be their normal positions. The placenta and baby are about the same weight now. This week marks the end of the embryonic period. Most of the vital systems are developed now, and baby starts really growing, at times, growing as much as an inch this week.

Our Anniversary Weekend

2008-06-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

Last week DH and I had our 2 year anniversary... we decided to go away for a night on the weekend to celebrate. We both wanted to get a few things across the border so we headed to Buffalo. It was really nice, I got a bunch of maternity clothes and a few dresses for some upcoming weddings. DH and I both got some shoes as well. We had a nice dinner at the Olive Garden and watched a movie in our room.

I was really surprised with how tired I got so fast... I love to shop and can generally shop for a long time without getting tired, but I was beat yesterday, and I was even worse shopping today. I am in bed now and exhausted and with a headache... but it was worth it, a very nice weekend.

We also bought the cutest onsie at target, it says "Born in 2008".

I am so excited that we will be 12w tomorrow... in our 13th week!! I feel such a sense of relief!!

A fellow nestie had her baby really early, please keep Trish and her baby in your thoughts and prayers!

11 week pic

2008-06-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

I know they are late- but below are 2 pics taken at 11w4d.