*36 weeks, 6 days*
As I type this, my son, the monkey, is bouncing off the walls. The uterine walls, that is. I think he's about as ready to get out as I am ready to get him out!
We saw the doctor again today. My BP is still normal, baby's heart rate is still good, and I'm growing and gaining weight appropriately. And that's all. The doctor said he won't check my cervix until 39 weeks, which I'm kind of happy about, because I've heard how painful that can be, BUT part of me would kind of like to know if there's anything going on in there....
I think I'm growing especially anxious because babies seems to be popping up (or out) everywhere. First, Ben's cousin's wife, then my friend Jodi, then one of the therapists I work with, plus two ladies from my IVF message board, and one of Mar & Chris's friends, all in the last few weeks!! Julie's friend Lisa is expecting twins and could go any day, but I keep telling her she has to wait because I'm due first!!
And so we continue to wait. We're trying to be patient, but we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it's making it really hard!!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
McCain/Palin Oh-Never
Okay - so I said I was going to post this later, and I guess later is now. I wound up posting this to a Pregnant after IVF message board that I'm on, so I'm just going to cut and paste. Hopefully my thought process is clear. I encourage comments and communication on this one. I *strongly* believe in being a well-informed and educated voter. I apologize in advance that this is sort of lengthy and rambling...
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i am a die hard democrat from illinois and have been a proud obama supporter from the first time i saw him speak at the DNC four years ago. i've been really interested in politics since college and the debacle of 2000, when i actually lived with two GWB supporters, who both realized the errors of their ways and i believe voted dem in 2004. :)
my first reactions to the announcement that palin was mccain's running mate were 1) wow, he picked a woman (intrigue), and 2) wow, he picked a woman (disgust). disgust quickly won out on intrigue. in my opinions, mccain is playing a game- he's trying to reach out to the undecided female voters who may be uninformed, naive, or (for lack of a better term) ignorant. i don't mean that as a slam again women - i mean that, in general, i think americans are ignorant and uninformed as it pertains to politics. i think a lot of people align themselves with their politics and beliefs for the wrong reasons. they think "she's a woman/a mom/a parent of a child with special needs - she's going to fight for me", and that's the end of it. they don't look at her record - having cut funding for special education and sex education in alaska, for starters. in my opinions, this "game" that mccain is playing is a slap in the fact to women. maybe i'm looking into it too much, but as the days wear on, it makes me more and more angry that mccain thinks women are going to bite at his bait.
the only night of the RNC i watched was the night palin spoke, because yes, i was still a little bit intrigued. i don't necessarily want to say she shouldn't have accepted the nomination because she's a mother, or because her son has down syndrome, or because her daughter's pregnant, but putting myself in her shoes, i can't imagine having five kids, a very young child who will have a lifetime of special needs, and a grandchild on the way, and thinking this is a good time to advance my career. i know everyone has their own goals and priorities, and i don't necessary slam her for doing so, i just know that if i were in her position, i don't think the timing would be right.
so anyways, i watched her speech just to see what she was all about. i wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt, even though there was no way they were getting my vote.
when she played the special needs card, my jaw fell on the floor and i'm sure my blood pressure went through the roof. this is what she said: "To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters. I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House." so says the woman who over that last few years has cut special ed funding by 62% in alaska!
i am a service coordinator for the early intervention (birth to three) program in illinois. i have a number of families on my caseload who have children with down syndrome among other devastating developmental and medical disabilities. i also have a coworker who has a son with down syndrome. it pains me to think that palin is trying to reach out to parents of children with special needs to serve her own purpose. her record shows, as does the republican record, that they don't serve these populations. they repeatedly cut funding for social services and disability services. now don't get me wrong - the democrats aren't always great on this one either. the state of illinois has raked us over the coals the past few years, and cut funding for EI and DD services, which is sickening, but the dems have historically been far more likely to support our cause than the GOP ever has.
again, i feel like it's a game they're playing. they're playing to women who want to see a female in one of the nation's highest positions. they're playing to parents of children with special needs who want to desperately believe that the government will step up and start taking better care of their children.
i just hope upon hope that mccain loses this game he's playing. for the sake of my unborn son, this country needs to change. we cannot keep going in the direction we are going. for better or worse, experienced or not, obama gives me hope. it makes me ache. it makes me feel proud to be an american for the first time in a very VERY long time. i want so much more, so much better for my son. i know i've had a good life and i've been able to overcome a lot of struggles and pain, but my goal is to still give my son better than i had. i want him to live in a world that's safer and more peaceful than the one i've lived in. i want him to be proud of who he is and where he's from. i want him to be able to believe so strongly in something that he someday feels the same ache that i feel. i have to stay hopeful that we will win and change will come, because i fear nothing more at this time in my life than mccain winning the white house. i fear it for myself, my son, my family and friends. something needs to happen to turn this country around, and i know for certain that that something is not john mccain.
so that's my two cents. hopefully my passion and my point were clear.
Home stretch
*35 weeks, 4 days - only 31 days to go!*
It's been awhile since I've posted, so I'll apologize in advance for the long post!
I cannot believe this is actually almost over! These past few weeks have dragged, and I know the next few will as well, but I know the end is in sight, and that both excites the hell out of me and terrifies the hell out of me.
I've started getting "nervous" recently. I'm a little nervous about labor and the pain and everything that goes along with that (though I'm getting an epidural as soon as humanly possible), but I'm more nervous about taking care of the babe and of how my body's going to react, post-pregnancy. My arthritis has generally been in remission thoughout my pregnancy, which has been amazing. The pain I have from time to time is annoying, but tolerable. My fear is that I'll become so debilitated that I'll struggle to move and to take care of the baby. I'm also afraid of whether I'll be able to breastfeed, knowing that I'll have to go back on some form of medication within a few weeks after he arrives. I have an appointment to see my rheumatologist at the end of October, and at that time, he said he'll probably put me on a low dose of steroids (I'm assuming Prednisone, which I've taken once before). He said a low dose will help me feel better and will also be safe for the baby to continue breastfeeding. However, I recently read that steroids can reduce the amount of milk that's produced, which I know can be a frustrating experience as well, from my friend Kari who experienced a reduction in her milk after having to take Vicodin (or something like that) for kidney stones. I know I shouldn't worry about it and just play things by ear, but I can't push it out of my mind...
In general, I'm still feeling pretty good. My hips have been hurts a lot again lately. When I wake up in the morning and again at the end of the day, I just feel like they're going to pop right out of socket. I know that's normal, but I wonder if it's worse for me because of the arthritis. All I know is that it's making it really hard to get comfortable and fall asleep at night. My nights are hit or miss these days. Some nights I sleep really well and some, not at all. Of course, I have to get up 2, 3, 4 times a night to pee...
I'm also starting to hit a phase of heartburn and gas, which SUCKS! I'm taking rolaids, which helps a little, and trying to watch what kinds of foods I eat, but it isn't really helping. I know it all just comes with the territory...
Baby K's latest thing is HICCUPS!!! For the past two weeks or so, he gets hiccups everyday. Sometimes just once a day. Last Saturday, it was FOUR times! It's the weirdest feeling that can really only be described as a very rhythmic "flick" from the inside. Last Sunday morning, I lost count at 110 - they go on for minutes and are very consistent. I always feel them low and on the right side.
Baby's still moving up as much as he can in his cramped quarters. He's getting LONG. I can tell by the foot that lives in my right ribcage. I can sometimes push on it, and he'll move it, but other times, he's stubborn and refuses. The doctor says he is head down, and I can sometimes feel what I'm guessing are arms or elbows poking me on both sides.
My belly's still measuring on target. I've officially gained 20 pounds, and I can definitely appreciate that it's all boobs and belly! Hopefully that'll make it easier to lose the weight after baby comes. The last few appointments we've had have been non-eventful. My blood pressure is consistently perfect and the baby's heartrate is consistently in the 140s! I'm still having pretty regular swelling in my left foot and ankle, but the doctor's not worried about it, since that's really the only swelling I have. I think my left knee was a little swollen last night, but I wonder if that's from being pregnant or from the weather.
We are moving right along on our "to-do" list. We've officially signed up with Viacord to store the baby's cord blood, and I received the collection kit a few days ago. We've also applied for life insurance. We have to have bloodwork, urine, and a medical history done now before the underwriter will approve our app. We still need to pick a pediatrician. I have a short list of people to contact, but work has been insanely busy for me the past two weeks, so I'm *hoping* to call some docs this week. We also still need to meet with the lawyer to write a will. I need to pack a bag for the hospital, and yes, we STILL need to pick a name for this kiddo! I promise, he will have a name by the time he's born!
I definitely wanted to post my reaction to the whole Sarah Palin thing... blech... but I'm not going to go into that now. I definitely have a few things to say about her and the games that John McCain is playing. Let's just say that, as a woman, a mother, and someone who works with the special needs population, I am sickened by what the republican candidates are trying to do and by how ignorant and naive they think female voters are. More on that later...
It's been awhile since I've posted, so I'll apologize in advance for the long post!
I cannot believe this is actually almost over! These past few weeks have dragged, and I know the next few will as well, but I know the end is in sight, and that both excites the hell out of me and terrifies the hell out of me.
I've started getting "nervous" recently. I'm a little nervous about labor and the pain and everything that goes along with that (though I'm getting an epidural as soon as humanly possible), but I'm more nervous about taking care of the babe and of how my body's going to react, post-pregnancy. My arthritis has generally been in remission thoughout my pregnancy, which has been amazing. The pain I have from time to time is annoying, but tolerable. My fear is that I'll become so debilitated that I'll struggle to move and to take care of the baby. I'm also afraid of whether I'll be able to breastfeed, knowing that I'll have to go back on some form of medication within a few weeks after he arrives. I have an appointment to see my rheumatologist at the end of October, and at that time, he said he'll probably put me on a low dose of steroids (I'm assuming Prednisone, which I've taken once before). He said a low dose will help me feel better and will also be safe for the baby to continue breastfeeding. However, I recently read that steroids can reduce the amount of milk that's produced, which I know can be a frustrating experience as well, from my friend Kari who experienced a reduction in her milk after having to take Vicodin (or something like that) for kidney stones. I know I shouldn't worry about it and just play things by ear, but I can't push it out of my mind...
In general, I'm still feeling pretty good. My hips have been hurts a lot again lately. When I wake up in the morning and again at the end of the day, I just feel like they're going to pop right out of socket. I know that's normal, but I wonder if it's worse for me because of the arthritis. All I know is that it's making it really hard to get comfortable and fall asleep at night. My nights are hit or miss these days. Some nights I sleep really well and some, not at all. Of course, I have to get up 2, 3, 4 times a night to pee...
I'm also starting to hit a phase of heartburn and gas, which SUCKS! I'm taking rolaids, which helps a little, and trying to watch what kinds of foods I eat, but it isn't really helping. I know it all just comes with the territory...
Baby K's latest thing is HICCUPS!!! For the past two weeks or so, he gets hiccups everyday. Sometimes just once a day. Last Saturday, it was FOUR times! It's the weirdest feeling that can really only be described as a very rhythmic "flick" from the inside. Last Sunday morning, I lost count at 110 - they go on for minutes and are very consistent. I always feel them low and on the right side.
Baby's still moving up as much as he can in his cramped quarters. He's getting LONG. I can tell by the foot that lives in my right ribcage. I can sometimes push on it, and he'll move it, but other times, he's stubborn and refuses. The doctor says he is head down, and I can sometimes feel what I'm guessing are arms or elbows poking me on both sides.
My belly's still measuring on target. I've officially gained 20 pounds, and I can definitely appreciate that it's all boobs and belly! Hopefully that'll make it easier to lose the weight after baby comes. The last few appointments we've had have been non-eventful. My blood pressure is consistently perfect and the baby's heartrate is consistently in the 140s! I'm still having pretty regular swelling in my left foot and ankle, but the doctor's not worried about it, since that's really the only swelling I have. I think my left knee was a little swollen last night, but I wonder if that's from being pregnant or from the weather.
We are moving right along on our "to-do" list. We've officially signed up with Viacord to store the baby's cord blood, and I received the collection kit a few days ago. We've also applied for life insurance. We have to have bloodwork, urine, and a medical history done now before the underwriter will approve our app. We still need to pick a pediatrician. I have a short list of people to contact, but work has been insanely busy for me the past two weeks, so I'm *hoping* to call some docs this week. We also still need to meet with the lawyer to write a will. I need to pack a bag for the hospital, and yes, we STILL need to pick a name for this kiddo! I promise, he will have a name by the time he's born!
I definitely wanted to post my reaction to the whole Sarah Palin thing... blech... but I'm not going to go into that now. I definitely have a few things to say about her and the games that John McCain is playing. Let's just say that, as a woman, a mother, and someone who works with the special needs population, I am sickened by what the republican candidates are trying to do and by how ignorant and naive they think female voters are. More on that later...
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Not so lazy after all
*33 weeks, 5 days*
It was a very productive weekend. I got tons of baby laundry done and put away. I worked on cleaning and organizing the nursery (still a work in progress, but getting closer). AND, most impressively, today I put together the swing and high chair by myself! Yes, I'm awesome. Here are some pictures of my handiwork...
The Eddie Bauer high chair from a group of girls at work. Bear's checking out the newest piece of furniture in the dining room...
I was amazed at how easy this thing was to put together! Now we just need batteries and it'll be up and running.
I realized I never posted a picture of the dresser after it was delivered. Here it is with the new changing pad and super soft blue cover on top:
We've got about six weeks to go, and I'm beginning to think we *might* actually be ready when he gets here!!
It was a very productive weekend. I got tons of baby laundry done and put away. I worked on cleaning and organizing the nursery (still a work in progress, but getting closer). AND, most impressively, today I put together the swing and high chair by myself! Yes, I'm awesome. Here are some pictures of my handiwork...
The Eddie Bauer high chair from a group of girls at work. Bear's checking out the newest piece of furniture in the dining room...
I was amazed at how easy this thing was to put together! Now we just need batteries and it'll be up and running.I realized I never posted a picture of the dresser after it was delivered. Here it is with the new changing pad and super soft blue cover on top:
We've got about six weeks to go, and I'm beginning to think we *might* actually be ready when he gets here!!
Lazy Sunday
*33 weeks, 5 days*
I'm feeling good these day - I feel so lucky that this pregnancy has been so easy. I'm not having any Braxton-Hicks contractions that I'm aware of. I mean, maybe it's like feeling the baby move in the beginning - it's happening but you just don't know what you're feeling...? I don't know. He moves a lot and sometimes I wonder what I'm feeling, but I'm pretty certain I haven't felt any contractions yet...
My back and hips are doing okay. I had a phase where they hurt like crazy, but maybe my hips have stopped "spreading" or whatever they're supposed to do. I bought a pregnancy belt or maternity belt or whatever they're called the other day at Motherhood Maternity, along with a few tops that were on clearance since the non-maternity tops that have been a staple in my wardrobe have pretty much reached their limit. I've yet to wear the maternity belt yet, but I think I'm going to try wearing it to work because I tend to have back and rib pain towards the end of the work day and in the evening. It's supposed to support the belly to reduce back pain, so we'll see! My fingers are crossed.
The third trimester has been pretty kind to me. I get tired but NOT the way I did in the first trimester, which is what I was expecting. Actually, I think nesting is starting to kick in. I'm in clean-organize-finish getting ready mode, for sure. I met with my boss on Friday to talk "maternity leave" (not technically ML since I don't have any disability coverage, bastards) and I'm officially taking 14 weeks off, almost nearly all paid due to having saved up vacation and sick time for the last two years... I made a "to-do" list and assigned responsibilities to each of us: calling the insurance agent re: life insurance (Ben), calling the lawyer re: writing a will (Ben), enrolling with a cord blood bank (both of us), choosing a pediatrician (me), packing a bag for the hospital (me), and PICKING A NAME FOR THIS KID (both of us, but mainly Ben - I have a list of *possibilities* now he needs to make one so we can pow-wow and come up with something). Lots of pretty urgent matters that still need attending to, so it's going to be a busy next six weeks...
At home, nesting *definitely* took control yesterday. I should have been exhausted because my mom and I went to the Cubs game (they won 9-2 - WOOHOO!!) and then went to Babies R Us afterwards to pick up a few things (changing table pad and covers, bassinet sheets, and a baby book to name a few). I got home and immediately took everything into the nursery and decided I needed to do laundry.... I did baby laundry all. night. long. I felt so productive and I can't wait to finish the laundry today. I think I'll finally have the nursery organized by the end of the day today, and that is an awesome feeling! Now I just need to finish my shower thank you cards and clean and organize the rest of the house.....
I'm feeling good these day - I feel so lucky that this pregnancy has been so easy. I'm not having any Braxton-Hicks contractions that I'm aware of. I mean, maybe it's like feeling the baby move in the beginning - it's happening but you just don't know what you're feeling...? I don't know. He moves a lot and sometimes I wonder what I'm feeling, but I'm pretty certain I haven't felt any contractions yet...
My back and hips are doing okay. I had a phase where they hurt like crazy, but maybe my hips have stopped "spreading" or whatever they're supposed to do. I bought a pregnancy belt or maternity belt or whatever they're called the other day at Motherhood Maternity, along with a few tops that were on clearance since the non-maternity tops that have been a staple in my wardrobe have pretty much reached their limit. I've yet to wear the maternity belt yet, but I think I'm going to try wearing it to work because I tend to have back and rib pain towards the end of the work day and in the evening. It's supposed to support the belly to reduce back pain, so we'll see! My fingers are crossed.
The third trimester has been pretty kind to me. I get tired but NOT the way I did in the first trimester, which is what I was expecting. Actually, I think nesting is starting to kick in. I'm in clean-organize-finish getting ready mode, for sure. I met with my boss on Friday to talk "maternity leave" (not technically ML since I don't have any disability coverage, bastards) and I'm officially taking 14 weeks off, almost nearly all paid due to having saved up vacation and sick time for the last two years... I made a "to-do" list and assigned responsibilities to each of us: calling the insurance agent re: life insurance (Ben), calling the lawyer re: writing a will (Ben), enrolling with a cord blood bank (both of us), choosing a pediatrician (me), packing a bag for the hospital (me), and PICKING A NAME FOR THIS KID (both of us, but mainly Ben - I have a list of *possibilities* now he needs to make one so we can pow-wow and come up with something). Lots of pretty urgent matters that still need attending to, so it's going to be a busy next six weeks...
At home, nesting *definitely* took control yesterday. I should have been exhausted because my mom and I went to the Cubs game (they won 9-2 - WOOHOO!!) and then went to Babies R Us afterwards to pick up a few things (changing table pad and covers, bassinet sheets, and a baby book to name a few). I got home and immediately took everything into the nursery and decided I needed to do laundry.... I did baby laundry all. night. long. I felt so productive and I can't wait to finish the laundry today. I think I'll finally have the nursery organized by the end of the day today, and that is an awesome feeling! Now I just need to finish my shower thank you cards and clean and organize the rest of the house.....
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
August so far
*33 weeks, 1 day*
It's been a little while since I've posted last, because I've been SO busy. Between August 1st and August 8th, I worked almost 70 hours in preparation for my much needed and deserved vacation to Piatt Lake. I had an OB appointment on 8/7 to basically get the okay to go away on vacation to the middle of nowhere, where the nearest hospital was an hour away, and not a very good hospital at that. Thankfully, there were no crises so I didn't have to worry about it!! At the appt, the doctor said things were still looking good - my BP is perfect, baby's heart rate's still in the 140s, and I'm measuring on target.
Vacation was delightful. The weather was the nicest I've ever experienced up there - sunny and warm every single day! I think it maybe rained once and it was while I was still in bed... We did a lot of nothing. I floated in the lake almost every day, played card games, ate a lot of food, and watched the Cubs and the Olympics in the evening. It was just nice to get a break from the grind of work and the stressors that come along with preparing for baby.
Ben & I enjoyed our last night at the cabin
My first day back to work was my baby shower there! It was great. The girls really did a great job - the food was delicious!! I got tons of goodies - finally some diapers, wipes, and bottles so my kid can poop freely and won't starve!! We are really so grateful for all the amazing and supportive people in our lives. I know I couldn't have gotten through everything without each and every one of them...
Kari, me, & Megan at my shower
The afternoon of 8/18 was another OB appt. Same as usual - great BP, heart rate still in the 140s, measuring well. I'm up about 18lbs, and by what I've read should gain about a pound a week from here on out, putting my total post-IVF weight gain at 25lbs. I feel good for the most part. Now it's just little discomforts that are starting to get to me, such as chronic constipation (I know, TMI - sorry) and the swelling in my left foot.
The baby moves like crazy all the time, and he seems to be the most active when we're laying in bed at night. It makes me laugh, because I try to imagine what body part is doing what, and how hard Baby K must be trying to get comfy. He pokes a lot on my left side when I'm laying on my right, so Ben rests his hand and just waits. It's usually not very long before the antics begin!
We still feel like we have SO much to do... Our priorities now are (really in no particular order) 1) finding a pediatrician - I have a few in mind, I just need to "interview" them, 2) getting life insurance and writing a will - I lump those together because they're so of the "legal" matters that need tending to, and 3) deciding on a cord blood bank and registering - I think we've pretty much decided to spend the money and bank the baby's cord blood... technology is an amazing thing as we've already beared witness to, so we think it's totally worth the cost.
There are a few other things on the "to do" list of course, such as finish cleaning and organizing the nursery, packing a bag for the hospital, and you know, maybe NAMING the kid... yeah, we're still working on that one!
It's been a little while since I've posted last, because I've been SO busy. Between August 1st and August 8th, I worked almost 70 hours in preparation for my much needed and deserved vacation to Piatt Lake. I had an OB appointment on 8/7 to basically get the okay to go away on vacation to the middle of nowhere, where the nearest hospital was an hour away, and not a very good hospital at that. Thankfully, there were no crises so I didn't have to worry about it!! At the appt, the doctor said things were still looking good - my BP is perfect, baby's heart rate's still in the 140s, and I'm measuring on target.
Vacation was delightful. The weather was the nicest I've ever experienced up there - sunny and warm every single day! I think it maybe rained once and it was while I was still in bed... We did a lot of nothing. I floated in the lake almost every day, played card games, ate a lot of food, and watched the Cubs and the Olympics in the evening. It was just nice to get a break from the grind of work and the stressors that come along with preparing for baby.
Ben & I enjoyed our last night at the cabinMy first day back to work was my baby shower there! It was great. The girls really did a great job - the food was delicious!! I got tons of goodies - finally some diapers, wipes, and bottles so my kid can poop freely and won't starve!! We are really so grateful for all the amazing and supportive people in our lives. I know I couldn't have gotten through everything without each and every one of them...
Kari, me, & Megan at my showerThe afternoon of 8/18 was another OB appt. Same as usual - great BP, heart rate still in the 140s, measuring well. I'm up about 18lbs, and by what I've read should gain about a pound a week from here on out, putting my total post-IVF weight gain at 25lbs. I feel good for the most part. Now it's just little discomforts that are starting to get to me, such as chronic constipation (I know, TMI - sorry) and the swelling in my left foot.
The baby moves like crazy all the time, and he seems to be the most active when we're laying in bed at night. It makes me laugh, because I try to imagine what body part is doing what, and how hard Baby K must be trying to get comfy. He pokes a lot on my left side when I'm laying on my right, so Ben rests his hand and just waits. It's usually not very long before the antics begin!
We still feel like we have SO much to do... Our priorities now are (really in no particular order) 1) finding a pediatrician - I have a few in mind, I just need to "interview" them, 2) getting life insurance and writing a will - I lump those together because they're so of the "legal" matters that need tending to, and 3) deciding on a cord blood bank and registering - I think we've pretty much decided to spend the money and bank the baby's cord blood... technology is an amazing thing as we've already beared witness to, so we think it's totally worth the cost.
There are a few other things on the "to do" list of course, such as finish cleaning and organizing the nursery, packing a bag for the hospital, and you know, maybe NAMING the kid... yeah, we're still working on that one!
Monday, July 28, 2008
Miscellaneous ramblings
*29 weeks, 6 days*
We had an OB appointment today, and everything's still looking good. Baby K's heartbeat was right around 140bpm, and my blood pressure and weight are looking good. It doesn't seem like there's going to be anything to worry about, but I'm going back next week for one last visit before we go on vacation. I'm not super worried about it, but there is a little anxiety about being an hour from the nearest hospital, one which I'm pretty sure does not have a higher level NICU. I know the chances are slim of anything happening, but I know a girl from my Pregnant after IVF message board whose water just broke last Friday at 29 weeks, 2 days. She's due the day after me, and now she's sitting in the hospital on strict bedrest trying to keep her little man inside as long as possible... She was having a great pregnancy until her water broke, and it just goes to show that anything can happen at any time...
Anyways, the nursery is coming along very nicely. I love to just sit in there and take it all in, and now we can sit in comfort, because our Glider and Ottoman are here!! The dresser that matches the crib is coming on Friday, and we also bought a dresser from IKEA to put in the closet for extra storage.
The cats have been so good, and I know they're starting to notice that something's going on. Of course they love anything new and, for better or worse, have to check it all out. It's hard to get too mad at these sweet boys...
Toby loves the crib, but Bear is too old to get in.
They love the new glider, and the easy access it gives them to the window!
Ben and I finished our Labor & Delivery classes at CDH. We learned *all* about the stages of labor, breathing and relaxation methods, etc. We got a tour of the L&D and Mother/Baby units, which I was familiar with, but it was all new to Ben and he was quite impressed. We have a Breastfeeding class coming up next week, and I'm thinking about taking the Infant Care class as well. It would be a good refresher for me I think and good for Ben too, as I want him to feel as confident and knowledgeable as possible. Ben has also said that he's going to have a carseat installation "party" for his parents, my mom, & I so we can all learn how to properly install the carseat in our cars.
Not much else going on... I can't WAIT for vacation!! I need it in a bad way. :)
We had an OB appointment today, and everything's still looking good. Baby K's heartbeat was right around 140bpm, and my blood pressure and weight are looking good. It doesn't seem like there's going to be anything to worry about, but I'm going back next week for one last visit before we go on vacation. I'm not super worried about it, but there is a little anxiety about being an hour from the nearest hospital, one which I'm pretty sure does not have a higher level NICU. I know the chances are slim of anything happening, but I know a girl from my Pregnant after IVF message board whose water just broke last Friday at 29 weeks, 2 days. She's due the day after me, and now she's sitting in the hospital on strict bedrest trying to keep her little man inside as long as possible... She was having a great pregnancy until her water broke, and it just goes to show that anything can happen at any time...
Anyways, the nursery is coming along very nicely. I love to just sit in there and take it all in, and now we can sit in comfort, because our Glider and Ottoman are here!! The dresser that matches the crib is coming on Friday, and we also bought a dresser from IKEA to put in the closet for extra storage.
The cats have been so good, and I know they're starting to notice that something's going on. Of course they love anything new and, for better or worse, have to check it all out. It's hard to get too mad at these sweet boys...
Toby loves the crib, but Bear is too old to get in.
They love the new glider, and the easy access it gives them to the window!Ben and I finished our Labor & Delivery classes at CDH. We learned *all* about the stages of labor, breathing and relaxation methods, etc. We got a tour of the L&D and Mother/Baby units, which I was familiar with, but it was all new to Ben and he was quite impressed. We have a Breastfeeding class coming up next week, and I'm thinking about taking the Infant Care class as well. It would be a good refresher for me I think and good for Ben too, as I want him to feel as confident and knowledgeable as possible. Ben has also said that he's going to have a carseat installation "party" for his parents, my mom, & I so we can all learn how to properly install the carseat in our cars.
Not much else going on... I can't WAIT for vacation!! I need it in a bad way. :)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
The Miracle
*29 weeks, 4 days*
To my little boy:
"Before you were conceived, I wanted you.
Before you were born, I loved you.
Before you were here an hour, I would give my life for you.
This is the miracle of love." -Maureen Hawkins
To my little boy:
"Before you were conceived, I wanted you.
Before you were born, I loved you.
Before you were here an hour, I would give my life for you.
This is the miracle of love." -Maureen Hawkins
Friday, July 25, 2008
The nursery finally takes shape!!
*29 weeks, 3 days*
It's late and I really should be in bed, but I'm SO excited to report that our nursery is *finally* starting to become a nursery. Our crib, car seat, and stroller all came today, and of course, we set up the crib as soon as we got home from work. It went really quickly, which made Ben happy because he didn't have to spend all night on it, and it made me happy because it meant I would be able to make the bed and dress up the room a bit.
Our dresser still has to be delivered and will come in the next few days, and our glider is in at the Babies R Us in Schaumburg so we're going to pick that up this weekend. Once all the furniture's in the room, I think we will *finally* be able to get organized and make the room perfect!!
Here's what we have so far...
The view from the hallway
The completed crib!
Close up of the Cubs mobile that plays part of "Take me out to the Ballgame"
It's late and I really should be in bed, but I'm SO excited to report that our nursery is *finally* starting to become a nursery. Our crib, car seat, and stroller all came today, and of course, we set up the crib as soon as we got home from work. It went really quickly, which made Ben happy because he didn't have to spend all night on it, and it made me happy because it meant I would be able to make the bed and dress up the room a bit.
Our dresser still has to be delivered and will come in the next few days, and our glider is in at the Babies R Us in Schaumburg so we're going to pick that up this weekend. Once all the furniture's in the room, I think we will *finally* be able to get organized and make the room perfect!!
Here's what we have so far...
The view from the hallway
The completed crib!
Close up of the Cubs mobile that plays part of "Take me out to the Ballgame"Monday, July 21, 2008
Baby Shower
*28 weeks, 6 days*
Yesterday was our baby shower, and it was awesome! I was so overwhelmed the moment I walked in, and I don't even think I was able to take it all in... The food, the friends, the games, the books, the gifts... Everyone went above and beyond, and we feel so amazingly lucky to have so many people who love us and our son so much!
I need to thank everyone who played a part in the planning and coordination of the event. I'm so used to being the party PLANNER, so I know how much work everyone must have put into the shower. I wish I could thank everyone individually, but I don't know who all did what. I don't even know what to say to my sister, other than THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! It was incredible, and I can imagine how much you must have put into making the shower amazing. I hope you know how much we appreciate everything you've done for us and your & Scott's neverending support.
Sarah went above and beyond on the sweets table. It was all fantastic, and we definitely appreciate all your hours of hard work! My mother-in-law and sister set up photo displays of Ben & I as kids and our friends & family as kids, as well as Baby K's ultrasound pictures. Our friends orchestrated the Dirty Diaper game, the Who will do it? game, and the Clean & Dress the Baby game, which were all so much fun! And if you still want in on the pool (guess the baby's birth date, weight & length), it costs a buck and I'll put you down on the calendar!
Baby K made out with a LOT of goodies, and Ben and I spent most of last night going through everything and taking it all in! We went through all the books, and believe it or not, there were only one or two duplicates!! I was shocked! Now we just need to get this kiddo a bookshelf for his new library!
We ordered Baby K's crib and dresser today from Pottery Barn Kids and will hopefully have it by the end of the week! I'm super excited! I think we're going to go ahead and buy the crib mattress this week so we can set everything up when the furniture arrives. We also heard from Babies R Us last week that our glider came into the distribution center and will be in the Schaumburg store in 7-14 days! Woohoo! It looks like our nursery may *finally* start coming together.
Today, Ben & I are just hanging out. Like I said, we ordered our funiture, and I think we may make a run to Target & maybe BRU today. I think we're going to use our plethora of Target giftcards to buy our carseat & stroller. Plus, we have a 10% off coupon to Target!! We're also hoping to see The Dark Knight today, thought it's almost 1:00 and neither of us has showered yet....
Thanks again to everyone for everything! We are the luckiest mommy and daddy-to-be!
Yesterday was our baby shower, and it was awesome! I was so overwhelmed the moment I walked in, and I don't even think I was able to take it all in... The food, the friends, the games, the books, the gifts... Everyone went above and beyond, and we feel so amazingly lucky to have so many people who love us and our son so much!
I need to thank everyone who played a part in the planning and coordination of the event. I'm so used to being the party PLANNER, so I know how much work everyone must have put into the shower. I wish I could thank everyone individually, but I don't know who all did what. I don't even know what to say to my sister, other than THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! It was incredible, and I can imagine how much you must have put into making the shower amazing. I hope you know how much we appreciate everything you've done for us and your & Scott's neverending support.
Sarah went above and beyond on the sweets table. It was all fantastic, and we definitely appreciate all your hours of hard work! My mother-in-law and sister set up photo displays of Ben & I as kids and our friends & family as kids, as well as Baby K's ultrasound pictures. Our friends orchestrated the Dirty Diaper game, the Who will do it? game, and the Clean & Dress the Baby game, which were all so much fun! And if you still want in on the pool (guess the baby's birth date, weight & length), it costs a buck and I'll put you down on the calendar!
Baby K made out with a LOT of goodies, and Ben and I spent most of last night going through everything and taking it all in! We went through all the books, and believe it or not, there were only one or two duplicates!! I was shocked! Now we just need to get this kiddo a bookshelf for his new library!
We ordered Baby K's crib and dresser today from Pottery Barn Kids and will hopefully have it by the end of the week! I'm super excited! I think we're going to go ahead and buy the crib mattress this week so we can set everything up when the furniture arrives. We also heard from Babies R Us last week that our glider came into the distribution center and will be in the Schaumburg store in 7-14 days! Woohoo! It looks like our nursery may *finally* start coming together.
Today, Ben & I are just hanging out. Like I said, we ordered our funiture, and I think we may make a run to Target & maybe BRU today. I think we're going to use our plethora of Target giftcards to buy our carseat & stroller. Plus, we have a 10% off coupon to Target!! We're also hoping to see The Dark Knight today, thought it's almost 1:00 and neither of us has showered yet....
Thanks again to everyone for everything! We are the luckiest mommy and daddy-to-be!
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