Friday, July 18, 2008
Comparison
What do you think? I think he kind of looks like Ben if you compare these two pictures...
I'm in love.
*28 weeks, 2 days * (well 3 days - it's after midnight)
I didn't think it was possible, but I have fallen more in love with this little boy!!!
Tonight was our 3D ultrasound, and it was incredible. He is so gorgeous and so sweet. The very first image of him took my breath away...
The ultrasound tech commented on his chubby cheeks, and I just about died! I LOVE chubby cheeks on babies, and I am thrilled that this little monster has a pudgy face! He has such full lips and a little round nose. I think it's my nose, because Ben's is pretty straight, and mine's more curved, if that makes sense. It's hard to tell in the pictures, but he has a lot of hair. She said he did and then as he moved a little, we could see it sort of floating above his head and in front of his forehead.
He's definitely a thumb sucker. He slept though most of the session and kept his hands close to his face the whole time. For awhile, his one arm was completely blocking his face. He only moved it after we poked and prodded at him, and then he got a "grumpy" face - he sort of furrowed his brow as if to say "Leave me alone mom, I'm trying to sleep." He was so active all day, and of course he pooped out just in time for us to see him! We did get a couple good kicks and punches, which we're able to relive on the DVD we got with the session.
During the entire session, I was just in awe. I didn't even really care that he was asleep, though it would have been cool to see him open his eyes and move around a bit more, but just seeing him was enough. He looks so human, so real, so perfect. It was more than I imagined it would be. I can't even put it into words. It just draws me back to a place of complete astonishment. There are still moments when everything is so surreal, and I almost can't believe that this is really happening to me! I feel so incredibly lucky every day to have this miracle baby growing inside of me, and, as cheesy as it sounds, my heart is so full of joy and love for him. I never knew I could feel like this.
A big yawn from my little man. I told you he was pooped!
Little boy, mommy & daddy can't wait to meet you and share you with the world! We are so lucky to have you, and you are so lucky to already have so many amazing friends who already love you so much. PS: Why did you have to wait until right NOW to be your typical bouncy monkey self?? I don't think I'm going to be able to fall asleep at this rate...
I didn't think it was possible, but I have fallen more in love with this little boy!!!
Tonight was our 3D ultrasound, and it was incredible. He is so gorgeous and so sweet. The very first image of him took my breath away...
The ultrasound tech commented on his chubby cheeks, and I just about died! I LOVE chubby cheeks on babies, and I am thrilled that this little monster has a pudgy face! He has such full lips and a little round nose. I think it's my nose, because Ben's is pretty straight, and mine's more curved, if that makes sense. It's hard to tell in the pictures, but he has a lot of hair. She said he did and then as he moved a little, we could see it sort of floating above his head and in front of his forehead.
He's definitely a thumb sucker. He slept though most of the session and kept his hands close to his face the whole time. For awhile, his one arm was completely blocking his face. He only moved it after we poked and prodded at him, and then he got a "grumpy" face - he sort of furrowed his brow as if to say "Leave me alone mom, I'm trying to sleep." He was so active all day, and of course he pooped out just in time for us to see him! We did get a couple good kicks and punches, which we're able to relive on the DVD we got with the session.
During the entire session, I was just in awe. I didn't even really care that he was asleep, though it would have been cool to see him open his eyes and move around a bit more, but just seeing him was enough. He looks so human, so real, so perfect. It was more than I imagined it would be. I can't even put it into words. It just draws me back to a place of complete astonishment. There are still moments when everything is so surreal, and I almost can't believe that this is really happening to me! I feel so incredibly lucky every day to have this miracle baby growing inside of me, and, as cheesy as it sounds, my heart is so full of joy and love for him. I never knew I could feel like this.
A big yawn from my little man. I told you he was pooped!
Little boy, mommy & daddy can't wait to meet you and share you with the world! We are so lucky to have you, and you are so lucky to already have so many amazing friends who already love you so much. PS: Why did you have to wait until right NOW to be your typical bouncy monkey self?? I don't think I'm going to be able to fall asleep at this rate...
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Where we've been
*27 weeks, 4 days*
I'm doing some mega-cleaning today in preparation for our out-of-town guests! I'm super excited that my former college roommate (and mommy-to-be), Amanda, her boyfriend Robert, & their son Isaac are coming in this weekend from Arizona to visit! In the process of cleaning, I decided it was time to throw away all the remnants of my IVF drugs that have been sitting around collecting dust since we stopped them at 10 weeks. Before I tossed them though, I took a few pictures to give you an idea of where we've been on this journey....
I'm doing some mega-cleaning today in preparation for our out-of-town guests! I'm super excited that my former college roommate (and mommy-to-be), Amanda, her boyfriend Robert, & their son Isaac are coming in this weekend from Arizona to visit! In the process of cleaning, I decided it was time to throw away all the remnants of my IVF drugs that have been sitting around collecting dust since we stopped them at 10 weeks. Before I tossed them though, I took a few pictures to give you an idea of where we've been on this journey....
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
I passed
*27 weeks*
We saw the OB yesterday for our monthly appointment. Baby boy's heartrate was in the low 140s, and he's measuring right on target. I had my gestational diabetes test and I passed! I wasn't at all concerned. They called today to say that my glucose levels are normal, but my hemoglobin is a bit low. I'm anemic - shocking. I'm chronically anemic anyways, but I have to call them back tomorrow to see what they want me to do to improve my iron levels.
We finally found a glider that we like and that Ben fits in, and we even have a coupon for it. It's the Carter's Glider & Ottoman Combo from Babies R Us.
We were all set to order it on Sunday, but of course, there was a glitch. None of the stores in the state or the distribution center in Missouri have it in stock. I find this especially annoying, because this exact chair was advertised in a BRU flyer we just got last week, and I don't understand how they can advertise something that's not even available! I did talk to the furniture manager at the BRU in Schaumburg and she put me on a waiting list, so when it comes into the distribution center at the end of the month, she'll call me so we can order it. She's even willing to honor the coupon that expires on the 24th. Yeah she will...
I have a 3D ultrasound scheduled for the evening of July 17th. We're going to Stork Snapshots in Naperville. I am SO excited to get a glimpse at what this little man looks like! I'm getting impatient, so hopefully this ultrasound will satisfy us for a little while...
We saw the OB yesterday for our monthly appointment. Baby boy's heartrate was in the low 140s, and he's measuring right on target. I had my gestational diabetes test and I passed! I wasn't at all concerned. They called today to say that my glucose levels are normal, but my hemoglobin is a bit low. I'm anemic - shocking. I'm chronically anemic anyways, but I have to call them back tomorrow to see what they want me to do to improve my iron levels.
We finally found a glider that we like and that Ben fits in, and we even have a coupon for it. It's the Carter's Glider & Ottoman Combo from Babies R Us.
We were all set to order it on Sunday, but of course, there was a glitch. None of the stores in the state or the distribution center in Missouri have it in stock. I find this especially annoying, because this exact chair was advertised in a BRU flyer we just got last week, and I don't understand how they can advertise something that's not even available! I did talk to the furniture manager at the BRU in Schaumburg and she put me on a waiting list, so when it comes into the distribution center at the end of the month, she'll call me so we can order it. She's even willing to honor the coupon that expires on the 24th. Yeah she will...
I have a 3D ultrasound scheduled for the evening of July 17th. We're going to Stork Snapshots in Naperville. I am SO excited to get a glimpse at what this little man looks like! I'm getting impatient, so hopefully this ultrasound will satisfy us for a little while...
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Happy Anniversary to Us!
*26 weeks, 5 days*
Yesterday was our five year wedding anniversary! I can't believe how quickly five years has passed and how much our lives have changed in such a relatively short amount of time. So many things have happened, including me changing jobs in 2003, buying our house in 2004, traveling to Europe in 2006, and undergoing IVF and ultimately becoming pregnant in 2008! To celebrate, we went out to dinner last night and brunch this morning at the restaurant at Cantigny, where our wedding reception was held. Here are a few pictures from the wedding so we can all reminisce...
Yesterday was our five year wedding anniversary! I can't believe how quickly five years has passed and how much our lives have changed in such a relatively short amount of time. So many things have happened, including me changing jobs in 2003, buying our house in 2004, traveling to Europe in 2006, and undergoing IVF and ultimately becoming pregnant in 2008! To celebrate, we went out to dinner last night and brunch this morning at the restaurant at Cantigny, where our wedding reception was held. Here are a few pictures from the wedding so we can all reminisce...
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy Birthday America
*26 weeks, 3 days*
Happy 4th of July to all! I had quite a busy day today, and for the first time in ages, I felt productive! I've been sick since the middle of last week with a sinus infection-slash-head cold, and I just can't seem to kick it. I was on antibiotics for five days, and now I'm hoping Sudafed and Vitamin C can do the trick. I do feel the best today that I've felt in days, thank goodness.
Anyways, this morning I went to the Wheaton parade, followed by a visit to Ben's grandma's house for lunch. After a short time there I came home, and totally got on a roll cleaning the house! I cleaned out the garage, reorganized the cabinets in the garage and laundry room, cleaned up the kitchen, dining room, & living room, and scrubbed both toilets! I was good and sweaty when I was done - the sign of a productive day!
Tonight we had the fam over for BBQ, the Cubs, & the fireworks. Everyone (including a small dog) watched the fireworks from the roof, except for me and Julie - thanks for keeping me and baby company! Ben's BBQing was great as always, the Cubs won, AND I got all of that cleaning done, so it was pretty much a perfect day.
After everyone left, I was reclining on the couch, with my shirt pulled up past my belly, and I could literally SEE the baby kicking. My belly was bouncing with every kick!! I told Ben to look, and he saw it too! He put his hand on my belly, and he FINALLY felt our little monkey move for the first time!!! Yay!
Happy 4th of July to all! I had quite a busy day today, and for the first time in ages, I felt productive! I've been sick since the middle of last week with a sinus infection-slash-head cold, and I just can't seem to kick it. I was on antibiotics for five days, and now I'm hoping Sudafed and Vitamin C can do the trick. I do feel the best today that I've felt in days, thank goodness.
Anyways, this morning I went to the Wheaton parade, followed by a visit to Ben's grandma's house for lunch. After a short time there I came home, and totally got on a roll cleaning the house! I cleaned out the garage, reorganized the cabinets in the garage and laundry room, cleaned up the kitchen, dining room, & living room, and scrubbed both toilets! I was good and sweaty when I was done - the sign of a productive day!
Tonight we had the fam over for BBQ, the Cubs, & the fireworks. Everyone (including a small dog) watched the fireworks from the roof, except for me and Julie - thanks for keeping me and baby company! Ben's BBQing was great as always, the Cubs won, AND I got all of that cleaning done, so it was pretty much a perfect day.
After everyone left, I was reclining on the couch, with my shirt pulled up past my belly, and I could literally SEE the baby kicking. My belly was bouncing with every kick!! I told Ben to look, and he saw it too! He put his hand on my belly, and he FINALLY felt our little monkey move for the first time!!! Yay!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Belly pics
The first photo was taken on February 19th. I was just 7 weeks pregnant and still on estrogen and progesterone, so I was pretty bloated from the drugs. I think I gained between 5 and 10 pounds from the drugs before I even started gaining baby weight.
This one was taken on June 10th, and I was 23 weeks. As you can see, I'm all baby now!
This one was taken on June 10th, and I was 23 weeks. As you can see, I'm all baby now!
100 days!!!
*25 weeks, 5 days*
As of today, I have 100 days to go! How insane is that? The time has just been flying by, and I know that the next three months are going to seem like an eternity, but it's so awesome to already be this far.
Well, what's new? I'm sick. I have a sinus infection, and I seriously think it's stress inducted. Work has been making me crazy in more ways that one. I think I'm okay in terms of my caseload and actual meetings and whatnot, but upper management and the thoughtlessness of the agency are really starting to wear on me. It's quite hard to explain, unless you work with me (which I know many of my readers do), but the long and short of it is, morale sucks right now. Part of it is turn-over - we're trying to hire three people immediately, and another one for the end of the summer. The rest of it, I probably shouldn't go into, but it's stressful enough for me, being pregnant and trying to plan to be gone for three and a half months, and then to have to worry about training a ton of new people, as well as trying to keep the troops happy...
Part of my own "stress" is the thought of having to go back to work after maternity leave. It's so hard to explain how I feel, but I've always wanted to be able to be a stay-at-home-mom, at least for the first few years. I think it's weighing on me more and more as my due date approaches, because the idea of having a baby in my arms is almost a reality, and after trying so hard, for so long, all I can think about is spending every waking moment with him. I'm sure lots of women who have to go back to work after baby feel this way, and I don't want to discount their feelings, but I guess I just feel like my desire is exacerbated by the fact that I wished for this little miracle SO hard, it tears me apart to think about not being with him.
How do I resolve this? I have no idea. I'm looking for options, so any suggestions are welcome. The beauty of my current job is that I have more flexibility than anyone I know. I could work from home one day a week, I can change my hours on a daily basis, I can call in last minute and not be questioned about it. But I still have to manage to pull 40 hours a week, carry a 3/4 caseload of 45 kids, and be available to train and support staff on a regular basis. I can't do my job at part-time, for one - there's no way they would let me, and for two - I wouldn't make enough to pay our bills, so that's not an option. I guess I'll just keep wishing for another miracle!!
What else is new? Little man (I call him Monkey) moves ALL THE TIME! Daddy hasn't felt him move yet, but I'm hoping he will soon. He kick low and hard, and he's super active around 9pm when I'm relaxing on the couch with my feet up.
I think he's a pretty laid back kid. I can't really explain it. I guess it's just a gut feeling, but he just seems so chill and content to me. Maybe it's because my pregnancy has been so easy, I don't know. I just hope I'm right!
Last thing, I want to thank Sissy for the AWESOME shower invites! I love them! As this blog is for Baby K and I've been documenting everything else so far, here's what the invite looks like:
I especially loved the baby photo inserts of Ben and I. The photos have info about our registries and blog on the back. I heard that the photos were Sarah's idea, so thanks for the awesome idea, Sarah - I love it! And finally, thanks to Scott for laboriously creating the inserts last Saturday while Julie & I played all day!
Look at those fat little fingers! I love it!
I swear I didn't have a unibrow, but yes, my hair was bad...
As of today, I have 100 days to go! How insane is that? The time has just been flying by, and I know that the next three months are going to seem like an eternity, but it's so awesome to already be this far.
Well, what's new? I'm sick. I have a sinus infection, and I seriously think it's stress inducted. Work has been making me crazy in more ways that one. I think I'm okay in terms of my caseload and actual meetings and whatnot, but upper management and the thoughtlessness of the agency are really starting to wear on me. It's quite hard to explain, unless you work with me (which I know many of my readers do), but the long and short of it is, morale sucks right now. Part of it is turn-over - we're trying to hire three people immediately, and another one for the end of the summer. The rest of it, I probably shouldn't go into, but it's stressful enough for me, being pregnant and trying to plan to be gone for three and a half months, and then to have to worry about training a ton of new people, as well as trying to keep the troops happy...
Part of my own "stress" is the thought of having to go back to work after maternity leave. It's so hard to explain how I feel, but I've always wanted to be able to be a stay-at-home-mom, at least for the first few years. I think it's weighing on me more and more as my due date approaches, because the idea of having a baby in my arms is almost a reality, and after trying so hard, for so long, all I can think about is spending every waking moment with him. I'm sure lots of women who have to go back to work after baby feel this way, and I don't want to discount their feelings, but I guess I just feel like my desire is exacerbated by the fact that I wished for this little miracle SO hard, it tears me apart to think about not being with him.
How do I resolve this? I have no idea. I'm looking for options, so any suggestions are welcome. The beauty of my current job is that I have more flexibility than anyone I know. I could work from home one day a week, I can change my hours on a daily basis, I can call in last minute and not be questioned about it. But I still have to manage to pull 40 hours a week, carry a 3/4 caseload of 45 kids, and be available to train and support staff on a regular basis. I can't do my job at part-time, for one - there's no way they would let me, and for two - I wouldn't make enough to pay our bills, so that's not an option. I guess I'll just keep wishing for another miracle!!
What else is new? Little man (I call him Monkey) moves ALL THE TIME! Daddy hasn't felt him move yet, but I'm hoping he will soon. He kick low and hard, and he's super active around 9pm when I'm relaxing on the couch with my feet up.
I think he's a pretty laid back kid. I can't really explain it. I guess it's just a gut feeling, but he just seems so chill and content to me. Maybe it's because my pregnancy has been so easy, I don't know. I just hope I'm right!
Last thing, I want to thank Sissy for the AWESOME shower invites! I love them! As this blog is for Baby K and I've been documenting everything else so far, here's what the invite looks like:
I especially loved the baby photo inserts of Ben and I. The photos have info about our registries and blog on the back. I heard that the photos were Sarah's idea, so thanks for the awesome idea, Sarah - I love it! And finally, thanks to Scott for laboriously creating the inserts last Saturday while Julie & I played all day!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Another fun aspect of pregnancy...
*23 weeks, 1 day*
Heartburn! It's been confirmed. I had my second experience with the big H-B today, and it was rough. Apparently, I had it last week too (again on Wednesday morning, nonetheless), but wasn't sure what it was. This morning I was at a training and felt wretched. I had very little nausea early in my pregnancy and nothing that I would have considered "morning sickness", but how I felt this morning made me want to puke. I asked one of the other girls who was at the training (who has a three year old) if what I was feeling was heartburn, and she said it was. Ack. If I have to deal with this for the next four months, I seriously might die. (I know, a little mellow dramatic, but it's PAINFUL!) I took a Tums and it helped a bit, but ultimately I'm not sure it did the trick. Anyways, just a vent. I hope this doesn't become a habit...
Heartburn! It's been confirmed. I had my second experience with the big H-B today, and it was rough. Apparently, I had it last week too (again on Wednesday morning, nonetheless), but wasn't sure what it was. This morning I was at a training and felt wretched. I had very little nausea early in my pregnancy and nothing that I would have considered "morning sickness", but how I felt this morning made me want to puke. I asked one of the other girls who was at the training (who has a three year old) if what I was feeling was heartburn, and she said it was. Ack. If I have to deal with this for the next four months, I seriously might die. (I know, a little mellow dramatic, but it's PAINFUL!) I took a Tums and it helped a bit, but ultimately I'm not sure it did the trick. Anyways, just a vent. I hope this doesn't become a habit...
Sunday, June 8, 2008
We registered!!
*22 weeks, 5 days*
After having started baby registries online, we finally took a day to go to Babies R Us (BRU) and Target and get a few more things from the store. I don't think we're *quite* done - there's still a few little things to get and a few things to decide on. (For example, do we want to go with the Diaper Genie or the Diaper Dekor?)
Besides BRU and Target, we are also registered at Land of Nod for our bedding (and a few miscellaneous other items). I think the bedding will work PERFECTLY in the green nursery. Here's a pic:
We are registered at Pottery Barn Kids for the nursery furniture. It's a little pricey, but I definitely believe you get what you pay for, and it will hopefully last us a long time.
On another note, Baby K went to his first concert on Friday night. We were 7th row, center at the Dave Matthews Band concert at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, and it was a a great show! The baby didn't move much during the show - I think he was a little freaked out by all the noise! At the end of the show, I looked down and realized my feet were MONSTEROUS!! It was my first experience with swollen feet, and it made me gag a little bit. Who knew my feet could get so big?!
On Saturday (yesterday), I spent three or so hours cleaning out my bedroom closet and trying to organize the bedroom a bit. Again, after a few hours I realized my feet were enormous... I guess this is just the beginning!
After having started baby registries online, we finally took a day to go to Babies R Us (BRU) and Target and get a few more things from the store. I don't think we're *quite* done - there's still a few little things to get and a few things to decide on. (For example, do we want to go with the Diaper Genie or the Diaper Dekor?)
Besides BRU and Target, we are also registered at Land of Nod for our bedding (and a few miscellaneous other items). I think the bedding will work PERFECTLY in the green nursery. Here's a pic:
We are registered at Pottery Barn Kids for the nursery furniture. It's a little pricey, but I definitely believe you get what you pay for, and it will hopefully last us a long time.
On another note, Baby K went to his first concert on Friday night. We were 7th row, center at the Dave Matthews Band concert at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, and it was a a great show! The baby didn't move much during the show - I think he was a little freaked out by all the noise! At the end of the show, I looked down and realized my feet were MONSTEROUS!! It was my first experience with swollen feet, and it made me gag a little bit. Who knew my feet could get so big?!
On Saturday (yesterday), I spent three or so hours cleaning out my bedroom closet and trying to organize the bedroom a bit. Again, after a few hours I realized my feet were enormous... I guess this is just the beginning!
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