Where Does The Time Go?

Well Baby J is almost 5 months old.  It’s been a whirlwind since the day he was born.  I was supposed to be off work for 12 weeks but ended up taking 16 weeks.  I just couldn’t leave my little man.  Now he stays home with his daddy during the day but I rush home to see him every afternoon.

We had a period of time where night time sleep was going great.  He was only waking up once at night and we were well rested.  Unfortunately the 4 month sleep regression has hit us hard and he’s up several times a night.

Baby J started rolling from tummy to back which has been exciting,  He’s trying to roll the other way as well but hasn’t yet.  He has started eating oatmeal and seems to really like it.  We will start other purees at 5 months.

Parenting is amazing.  It’s hard but so worth it.  Baby J smiles whenever I walk into a room which is awesome.  He is learning and doing new things every day.  It’s crazy watching him grow.

I Have a Baby!

Wow!  Where has the time gone?  The last 8 weeks have been the fastest and slowest of my life.  It’s been a total whirlwind haze of sleep deprivation and total, complete love.

My little man arrived on August 25, 2017 at 8:13pm.  I was admitted to the hospital on August 24th due to high blood pressure.  They were going to induce me but when I woke up on August 25th I was already 4 cm dilated and was in labor.   Things progressed quickly and at 11:00am I was 7cm dilated and wanted my epidural stat!  Unfortunately they couldn’t get it for me for another hour.

The epidural was interesting as my legs started jerking on their own.  Once it was placed I felt so much better.  Unfortunately around 3pm it wore off and even after 2 booster shots I was in so much pain from my back labor I couldn’t stand it.  They quickly sent someone up to replace the epidural and I felt better again.  At this point my mom and dad came in because I was really having a hard time.

Around 4 my dad and husband went for a walk.  The midwife came in to check me and announced I was 10cm and it was time to push.  I called my husband who rushed back into the room and suddenly the room was packed with people.

The next 4 hours were hard.  The epidural wore off again, I pushed for FOUR FREAKING HOURS.  The midwife kept telling me I was almost there.  After hour 3 I told them I was done and couldn’t do it.  She encouraged me to keep trying.  Everytime I said I couldn’t I still pushed.  It hurt, I was exhausted, I really thought I couldn’t do it anymore.  I begged my husband for help.  He and a nurse held my legs while I pushed.  There were 2 residents in the room.  It was crazy.

At 7pm it was shift change and suddenly 15 people were in my room talking and laughing.  I’m not afraid to tell you I lost it and screamed at all of them.  I told them to get it.  I told my midwife she was a liar and I wasn’t close.  It wasn’t my finest moment.   Around 8 my husband said he could see the baby’s head and I really was almost there.

At 8:13pm Baby J was born.  He was 7 pounds 5 oz and 20 inches long.   They put him on my chest and it was love at first sight.  He was absolutely perfect.  I cried and kissed him and loved him.  When I handed him to my husband I saw tears in his eyes.  He looked at me and said, “I want to hold him forever and never let him go….ever.”  I fell in love with my husband all over again at that point.

There’s so much more to tell but I can hear the little man stirring so I’ll have to post again later.  I’m just so excited that he’s finally here!

37 weeks + an Ultrasound

Holy cow guys!  I’m 37 weeks pregnant today!  I can’t even believe it.   Little man has been moving around like crazy the last few days and I think he’s ready to come out.

Can I just say how thankful I am that I’m a teacher?  I haven’t had to work since the beginning of June and I’m so grateful.  I’m not sure how I would have been able to work up until my due date.  I’ve had a pretty easy pregnancy but the last 2 or 3 weeks have been rough.  I feel huge, the baby is up and moving throughout the night so I’m having trouble sleeping, and I’m just exhausted.

We did manage to finish the nursery last week so that’s been nice.  We painted it, built the crib, the changing table, and have gotten the Pack N Play, Rock N Play, Bassinet, and Kick N Play Piano built.   I had the nurse at the hospital put in my car seat for me.   All that’s left is to hang pictures on the wall in the nursery and build the stroller.

I did have an ultrasound 2 weeks ago as a follow up.  They were able to guess the weight of the baby as around 6 pounds at that time.  I can’t believe he’s that big!  They also said he is head down and super low in my pelvis so he can come any time.   The tech said he’s actually squished down there and running out of room so I’m hoping he comes sooner then later.  I’m ready to meet the little dude!

As for a name, we still don’t have one.  We do have a list of about 5 names that we are working from so at least we have an idea of what we might call him.  I think it’s probably going to come down to a game time decision once he is born.

As for me, I’m tired.   I feel huge but I’ve gained a solid 30 pounds which is right where my doctor wanted me to be so I do feel good about that.   It’s just now the baby is pushing on me all the time since he’s running out of room.  I’ve been taking some naps which is unusual for me but I need it.  Heartburn is in full force but otherwise I’m still doing pretty well.  I’m getting around, working on things, cooking, etc.

I am starting my weekly appointments this week and they will check to see if I’m dilated at all.  I’m excited, nervous, and just ready for him to be here.  The next time I post I might be a mom!   How crazy is that?   It’s only taken us 4 years but it’s finally here!

31 weeks + a baby shower

Somedays I can’t believe I’m 31 weeks already and other days I can’t wait to meet baby boy and it seems like time is going so slow!  I think once we have the nursery done I’ll be full on ready to meet this baby.   I’m so far along that I’m currently doing bi-weekly appointments.

My latest appointment was on Thursday.  It was just a quick check and everything is looking good.  My uterus is measuring right on for 31 weeks, baby boy’s heartrate was in between 135-140 which was perfect, and he is currently head down.  This surprised me because when I feel him it’s usually on either side near my hips so I figured he was laying sideways.  Apparently that is not the case.

A few weeks ago I had a ton of bloodwork done and had to do my 1 hour glucose test.  My numbers apparently came back just fine on the glucose test which is great!  I was a little worried about that.  All of my other bloodwork came back good as well.  The midwife said it looked good and it should make things easier for me when I’m in labor.

We also took our birthing classes this past week.  It was supposed to be a 3 day class but ended up being 2 days because there were only 4 couples in our class.   The first day wasn’t very informative as it was a lot of information about being pregnant which we already knew.  The second day was a lot about labor, the actual hospital where we are delivering, breathing techniques, and relaxation techniques so it was pretty good.

As for progress on the nursery, we have everything moved out of the room and I’ve taped it off so it is ready to be painted.   We also have the paint so I’m hoping that gets done this week.  Then we just need to build the crib so I can put everything away and assess what we still need to buy.

Speaking of what we still need to buy, last week was my shower at home.   I had 15 people come and thought it would be super fast but it actually ended up being about 2 and a half hours long and it was so nice to see my childhood friends and my family.   My mom, cousin, and sister-in-law did a great job on the decor.

Our nursery theme is space and they went all out on the decor.   There was a diaper cake with a baby bottle rocket, clothing hanging from the ceiling was all space themed, there were pictures that were space themed, etc.   The cake was from a little bakery and it was delicious.  I’m not big on store bought cakes but it was really good.  Then there were adorable cookies as well.

We played a few games and basically just chatted.   I opened up a ton of presents for only having 15 people there!   We got our 3 in 1 carseat, the carseat base for our infant carrier, a Boppi, a Moby wrap, an Exer-Saucer, a Pack-N-Play, lots of diapers, lots of clothes, and lots of books.  Pretty much we’ve gotten all of our big items which is a big relief!

I think now I just need to get our bedding, some smaller sized clothes, some pacifiers, bottles, and other small things.  We also need the crib conversion kit so we can transition into a toddler bed.   We received a bunch of gift cards as well so that should really help us out!   Oh, the only big thing we need is our stroller which I found on Amazon for $50 cheaper then anywhere else and it qualifies for the 15% off completion discount so that should really help with the price.  Otherwise, we are almost ready to go!

Third Trimester

I can’t believe how quickly the time is flying by!   So many things have happened in the last 6 weeks.   At 24 weeks we had our repeat anatomy scan.  Everything looked good and they were able to see everything they needed to see.  They said baby boy looked good and he weighed about 2 pounds!

The ultrasound tech asked if she could play around a bit and we found out they had a 4D machine!   She tried to get the baby’s face for about 45 minutes but he kept his hands over his face.  It was adorable.  She finally got a photo of his little face and it was love at first sight.  He’s adorable and looks a lot like my husband.  I can’t wait to meet him!

I also had my first shower 2 weeks ago at work.  It was really nice.   We had cake, I made cookies, and all my work friends came.  We got a ton of gift cards which I can’t wait to use, a Pack-N-Play, a Rock-N-Play, and Kick-N-Play Piano, some diapers, wipes, a swaddle, books, and a few toys.  Oh and the baby bathtub! Plus one of my work friends made us an adorable quilt I can’t wait to put on the crib. It was really fun.

We finally got rid of the bed in the baby’s room and I cleaned out all the furniture and the closet.  We’ve started packing things into the closet.   My goal is to have the room totally cleaned out, painted, and the crib set up by the end of June.  I’ll be 33 weeks then and we’ll be ready to roll.  We have 4 weeks to do this and I’m hoping we get it done!

I’ve also made it to the third trimester!  I still can’t believe I’m here.  I’m actually 28 weeks now and the baby moves all the time.  I love feeling him move and my husband loves putting his hand on my stomach and feeling him kick.  It’s really fun to watch him feel the kicks.  I can’t imagine in less then 12 weeks I won’t have that feeling anymore!

So here we are at 28 weeks.  I’ve got an appointment next week and we start our birthing classes at the end of June.  We’re getting our newborn carseat from a friend tomorrow and I think we’re on our way!   My second shower, with my family, is in mid-June and then we’ll have to figure out everything else we need to buy.   Right now we definitely need the bedding, a changing table, diapers and wipes, some clothing, a base for the carseat (for my husband’s car), and the bassinet.   However, I’m wondering if the Pack-N-Play or Rock-N-Play can be used instead of the bassinet.   Thoughts?

It’s getting so real now and my husband and I can’t believe how quickly our lives will be changing forever!

Anatomy Scan + Registry

Where has the time gone?  In some ways it’s totally crawling slowly by and we can’t wait to meet this baby!  On the other hand it’s going super fast and we so aren’t prepared for this!   We’ve been dreaming of this for years and suddenly it’s like we can’t get anything done.

I’m currently 22+ weeks.   I can’t believe I’m here!  We had an anatomy scan 2 weeks ago and baby looked good.  In the 50th percentile for most measurements and weighed about 12 oz.  We got to watch on the ultrasound screen for about 45 minutes.  Unfortunately they weren’t able to get a good spine measurement so we have to get another anatomy scan in 2 more weeks.  Not that I mind, seeing the baby is amazing.

We did find out the sex and we’re having a boy!  Cue all the feels.   We are very excited but have no clue on a name.  We had a girl name already picked out but so far nothing has grabbed our attention boy wise.  We’ve got 5 names we think are ok but nothing great.   I’m hoping one of them grows on us or we hear a name that we love.

We started our registry last week and that was an eye opener.  I had a notebook with what we needed, what brands we wanted and such but once in the store we were shell shocked.  We ended up picking out a crib and some diapers and that was about it.  I came back home and did some hard core researching.

We then went to another store several days later and I felt better with our choices.   We still need to pick a stroller and carseat.   I’ve changed my mind several times on those.   I also need to compare checklists and make sure we’re registered for everything.   I’ve hardly bought anything myself because I still can’t believe this is happening.  So far I have a sling for me, a carrier for my husband, a few things of wipes and diapers, and 1 outfit.  That’s it.  We need a lot more stuff!

Anything you love or hate in the way of baby stuff?  Especially stroller and carseat wise?  We also need to get moving on the baby’s room.   I’ve got two tubs in there and I’m slowly moving stuff out but it’s taking forever.  My goal is to have it painted by the end of May and then to have it finished by the end of June.  That’ll give us a 2 month buffer and will be after both of my showers.

I’m very excited about my showers.   My work one will be in May and my family/friends one will be in June.   It’s getting so close!  I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready!

16 Week Appointment

I can’t believe I’m over 16 weeks!   Last week we went for our 16 week appointment.  The doctor looked over our NT scan bloodwork as well as our cell free DNA results.   We came out as low risk for everything so that was really good to hear.

I told work about the pregnancy about 2 weeks ago and everyone is just thrilled for us.  I didn’t realize how many comments people would start making but it seems that once you are pregnant people feel they can ask you just about anything.  It’s a little bit uncomfortable at times and at work it’s hard because the students don’t know yet but people keep asking questions.

My husband and I have also told most of our friends.   I shared with two of my friends at work before sharing with everyone else because we were going out to dinner with them and their husbands.   Going out was so fun and it was super nice because to celebrate they paid for our meals.   I thought that was really sweet of them and totally unexpected.

It feels like everyone is happy and excited for us.  The more people we tell the more real it’s becoming.   I’m still not feeling the baby move but the doctor said it’s early.   I don’t have much in the way of a bump either although over the last 5 days something is happening and I look like I’ve eaten too much.   My guess is I’ll have a full blown bump here in the next week or so.  But for now, you can’t tell that’s what it is, it just looks like a food belly.

We still haven’t done anything to prepare for the baby.  I know it’s still early but it just doesn’t seem real.   We do know which room will be the baby’s but that’s about it.  It’s still the guest room for right now.  I just started reading a pregnancy book last night.  We haven’t looked at any furniture, car seats, strollers, etc.   I’ve been asking friends for some recommendations but that’s about it.   I’m guessing we’ll have to at least look at furniture within the next few weeks.  I’d like to be ready in case the baby comes early, even if it’s only the room is finished and we have a car seat.

So what do you do to prepare for a baby?   I have no clue.  On my list is to go look at furniture, look at car seats, and register.   I asked the doctor about taking classes and he said they’d talk to me about that later on.  That made me nervous as our next appointment is at 20 weeks and we’ll be halfway through!   Classes are something I wouldn’t mind taking early because it’s not going to hurt anything to have some knowledge.

But back to my appointment, there was a 3rd year med student that came in first to look at me.  She used the doppler and had a hard time finding the heartbeat.  Normally I’d be worried but she was only a student so I didn’t let it bother me.  The doctor came in, answered my questions, and found the heartbeat right away.  It was 148 beats per minute.  Everything sounded good.

He also drew my uterus on my belly to show me how big it’s gotten.  He then labeled it “ute” in case I wanted to do show and tell with anyone later.  He’s a hoot.

So now we wait for 20 weeks for the anatomy scan which will tell us gender as well as how the baby is growing.  We also need to get started thinking about the nursery, our registry, my maternity leave, what we are doing after the maternity leave, etc.   There’s just so much to think about and there is no “to do” list I can find out there of what has to be done.

So question for everyone, what are the 5 most important things I need to buy for this baby?  What are 3 things that are a waste of money?   What is the most important thing to get done now?

NT Scan

It feels like it’s been a while since I’ve written.   Things have been busy and it’s becoming hard keeping this secret of being pregnant.   I’m currently over 13 weeks and we had our NT scan on Wednesday.  The woman that did it was awesome.

She spent about 25 minutes with us and we got to see the baby for a long time.   The baby didn’t want to cooperate so we got to see it for a long time.  It was kicking a little and when the tech tried to get it to roll over it lifted its fist up and was almost shaking it at her!  Too cute!

We got to count the fingers and toes and they are all there.   She said that the NT scan looked perfect and that they would send my bloodwork out to get the full results.  We got a bunch of photos including an adorable one of the foot!   The woman also gave us a gender guess but said there was no way she could be sure, it was just a guess.

We also told my parents last weekend.  My mother’s reaction was priceless.  We gave them a grandparents Valentine’s Day card.  They read the outside and didn’t say anything but once they got to the insane my mom went nuts.  She had her hands over her mouth, her feet started going, she screamed, and immediately started crying.  It was great!  Too bad we didn’t get it on film.   My dad got a little teary eyed too.  It was great.

We also told my brother.  He seemed very excited for us and was excited to be an uncle.   I can’t wait to start telling other people as well.  I know I’m far enough along but I’m still just nervous.   I had planned on telling people at work this week but I think I’ll be waiting until next week when I’m almost 15 weeks.  It’s crazy how fast the time is going!

First OB Appointment

Well, nothing is easy.  Our first OB appointment was scheduled for Monday.  I woke up Monday morning to 3 inches of snow and a 2 hour delay at work.  Upon looking, every district between here and the 60 miles away where my appointment was had a 2 hour delay as well.   We made the decision to cancel which really upset me but turned out to be for the best as all schools closed for the weather.

When I called to reschedule they told me the next available appointment was…FEBRUARY 27!  WHAT?   I was really upset.   The woman asked if it had to be that office and I said it could be the other office if the appointment was sooner.  Turns out he was available on Thursday at the further office (about 70 miles away instead of 60) but I went with it.

We got to the office right on time.  It’s brand new and was super nice.  There was no wait to check in and they came for me right away.  I filled out paperwork, got my weight and my blood pressure.  They asked for a urine sample but I told them I already went since I didn’t know.

I was led back into a room and the doctor came in. He’s around 70 and totally hilarious.  He put my husband and I at ease immediately.  He jokes, told stories, and answered questions.  Then we had the exam.

He did a breast exam and a pelvic exam.  He also did a swab for some test.  He said that he could feel my uterus which it was a little early for but it was ok.   They weren’t doing an ultrasound since I’ve already had 3 which made me sad.  I think he knew it because he hooked me up to the doppler instead and we were able to hear the baby’s heartbeat which was reassuring.   He said I looked good, my uterus was fine, and he’d see me in 2 weeks for my NT scan and 4 weeks for another check up.

He spent about an hour with us.  He was funny, pleasant, and we were happy we chose him.  Unfortunately on the way out the door they told us he’s leaving in May.  We were so sad!   I thought this would have been the perfect person to delivery my baby because I’m a spaz and he’s so calm.  So we’ll have to switch to someone else in the practice later on in my pregnancy.

After that we went down to get bloodwork.  I also had to give my urine sample.  I got my results from the bloodwork already and everything looked good so that makes me feel better.   So now I just need to wait for 2 weeks to have the NT scan and I’ll be feeling somewhat better.   I can’t believe that this might really be happening!

We’ve done nothing to prepare because I’m to scared too.  I’ve gained 4 pounds in 11 weeks and 1 inch on my waist.  So pants are beginning to get tight.  I guess I’m going to have to buy some maternity clothes sooner then later.  We will be telling my family next week and I can’t wait!   It’ll be like a huge weight has been lifted that I can tell them. Then we’ll tell friends shortly after that.

10 Week Ultrasound and Infusion

I am 10 weeks exactly today.   The lack of symptoms has been a little worrisome but I’ve been trucking along.  I’m exhausted and go to bed around 9 every night and I sleep through the night except to get up and go to the bathroom once or twice.  I’ve had several awful headaches at night as well but I have had little to no morning sickness.  Occasionally I get nauseous when I’m super hungry but that’s about it.

So today I went in for my ultrasound.  I had flown on a plane last week and was nervous about this week.  Sitting in the room made me start getting nervous.  When the doctor came in he came in with my nurse and a student.   My husband and I looked at each other.  The last time a student came in for an ultrasound it was when I found out about my loss and I think the girl was as devastated as we were.

This time we didn’t need to worry.  As soon as he got the probe in we saw the baby…and it was dancing!    I mean, the babies feet were really going in there!   I started laughing and my husband was smiling.  It was so cute.   Then he focused in on the head and baby was sucking its thumb!   This kid is going to be like me because I’m always on the go and was a huge thumb sucker (just check out my overbite).

We listened to the heartbeat again and it was at 163 beats per minute and was measuring right at 10 weeks.  SO things looked good!   This was my last official appointment with my RE’s office which made me sad.  However, I still have to go back for at least one more, if not two, infusions.

My infusion today was fine.  My arm is a little sore and red but otherwise it went fine.   The nurses were so nice and they all came in to tell us how cute our baby was 🙂  SO all and all it was a great appointment.

Next appointment is on Monday at the OB office!   We’ll be meeting our new OB/gyn since we need someone attached to the hospital in that area.   I like my current OB/gyn but do not like our hospital in town so we won’t be delivering here.