Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Coming Home Outfits


Newborn Layette Gown in Business Baby Blue Zoo Tie 0-3 M
For Baby Boy





NEW DESIGN - The Original Cuddle Sac -  COTTON Sandi Henderson Dahlia NEWBORN
For Baby Girl

ENOUGH SAID!!!!  I can hardly contain my excitment to meet this little baby!  The "due date" is getting closer and closer and we are growing more and more anxious!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

To Do B4 Babe - Update!

Here is an update of our "To Do B4 Baby"!  I think we are coming along quite nicely.  We still have a few things to do and we have added a few things, but I'm quite proud of us for all our accomplishments!

·         Clear out Babe’s Room
·         Paint Babe’s Room
·         Get Crib from Mom’s House
·         Register for Babe
·         Hang New Ceiling Fan
·         Get Rug for Babe’s Room
·         Paint Something for Babe’s Room (Not needed!)
·         Find Bedding
·         Buy Bedding
·         Find Daycare
·         Organize Basement
·         Paint Basement (Walls & Floor) (Likely not going to happen!)
·         Paint Bedroom (I’m still holding out hope that this will get done!)
·         Paint Bathroom (We have decided to wait on this until we can have an electrician come and put in a fan!)
·         Clean Out Closets
·         Build Shelves in Basement Laundry Room
·         Hook up Hard Water Faucet
·         Hang New Light in Hallway
·         Get & Hang up Chandelier from Mom’s House
·         Put Up Surround Around Shower
·         Get Vehicle
·         Hang Blinds & Curtains in Babe’s Room
·         Cook & Freeze Meals
o   Tacos
o   Spaghetti
o   BBQ
o   Pulled Pork
o   Pizza Hotdish
o   Meatballs
o   Chicken Quesadillas
·         Organize Garage
·         Clean out Derek’s Closet In Basement
·         Figure out Life Insurance
·         Create Birth Plan
·         Talk to Paige about Nurses and Family being in Delivery Room
·         Name this Babe!

A Change of Plans

Let's start at the beginning...

I had a regularly scheduled appointment on May 5th.  It was the start of my “2 week” appointments, meaning that I would start seeing my doctor every 2 weeks instead of every 4 weeks. 

The first thing that threw me off is that I gained 6 pounds in 3 weeks.  This is not uncommon, but for me it was.  I’d gained about 1-2 pound every time I’d been to the doctor.  To step on the scale and see it inching higher and higher had me slightly worried (and a little disgusted if I’m being honest!).  I tried to not let my mind race, but sitting in a tiny exam room by myself for 15 minutes didn’t exactly help me!

My doctor came in and everything seemed fine to her!  She commented on my weight, but all she said is “it’s about time you started gaining weight”!  Sound weird, but I was happy with that!  If she wasn’t concerned, then why should I be?  I hopped hoisted myself onto the exam table to hear the babe’s heartbeat.  This is by far my favorite part of each appointment.  The babe’s ticker was tickin’ away at 140 beats per minute and she said “sounds great”!  She then busted out the cloth tape measurer to measure my progress!  I was 29 weeks pregnant at the time of my appointment but I was measuring 34 weeks (5 weeks larger than I should be).  She never seems nervous or concerned but did say that she wanted us to have a follow-up ultrasound to check the size of the babe!  The ultrasound was scheduled for May 9th. 

Even though there was little to be concerned about, my pregnancy brain immediately kicked in.  What if something was wrong with our babe?  What if there was something wrong with me?  So many questions and such a long time to wait for answers.  I attempted to forget about the situation for the weekend.  Derek was out of town and I had a few things planned so that helped a great deal!  Before I knew it, it was Monday and we were more than ready to “see” the babe again!

The Ultrasound Tech was great and took so much time explaining everything to Derek and I.  We were able to watch the babe for about 45 minutes and got some great pictures to add to the collection.  She told us at that time that the babe was measuring about 4 pounds which was roughly 10 days early.  She told us that she saw no signs for concern and that our doctor would be in contact with us.

Several days passed and we assumed “no news was good news”!  We went about our lives and even crossed a few things off the “To Do B4 Babe” list!  On May 18th our doctor called and said that the reason that I was measuring so far ahead was due to two things.  A large babe and high amniotic fluid (called Polyhydramnios).  She explained that there was no great concern but that she wanted to monitor me and the babe more closely through the remainder of this pregnancy.  She recommended weekly Non-Stress Tests (NST’s), continued 2 week appointments with her and ultrasounds every 3 weeks.  She also mentioned that she had consulted with a doctor in Fergus Falls and he was on board with her recommendations.

I went in for my first NST on May 19th.  It was scheduled for 30-45 minutes.  They attached two monitors to me, one measures that babe’s movement and heartbeat and the other one measures contractions.  After getting all “hooked up” the test was set to begin.  It was great to be able to hear the babe’s heartbeat again!  After about 30 minutes the nurse came back in and was a little shocked at the number (and consistency) of contractions I was having.  She called my doctor who came and check the test results.  She gave me a pill to stop the contractions and suggested that we go and see the doctor in Fergus Falls just for a higher quality ultrasound and also for a second opinion. 

The appointment in Fergus Falls was scheduled for the 20th.  I attempted to remain calm during all of this, but I admit that I had a few “weak” moments.  I’m so grateful Derek is so understanding of my emotions and is so helpful!  After meeting with Dr. Norgaard (who is just as cute as he is sweet), he suggested that we have an ultrasound there.  He wanted to have another tech do the ultrasound and also so that he could look at it for himself.  With the ultrasound scheduled for 12:30 it gave D & I about 45 minutes to go and grab something to eat.  With not a ton of time we settled on Burger King.  While munching on french fries I had a meltdown.  Right there in Burger King.  I guess I had just enough time to let it all sink in and the real possibility that something might be wrong flooded my mind.  I was able to gather myself, but only because of D’s sweet words!  I truly could not have done any of this without him at my side!

We were back at the hospital with just enough time to spare!  We registered and made out way to the ultrasound wing!  We wait a short time and then we were called back.  Our tech was amazing and took nearly an hour and a half to explain everything.  We were able to get to “see” our babe again and also got some AMAZING 3D pictures!  I left the room feeling confident and with not a lot of worry.  Since Fergus is a much larger hospital than Morris, they were able to read the ultrasound right there.  We waited for the results to come back and then we were able to meet with Dr. Norgaard right away to go over them.

Dr. Norgaard agreed that the size of the babe and my large amount of amniotic fluid were the reason that I was measuring so far ahead.  The babe weighted in at 5 pounds 2 ounces (the 98th percentile!)!  He also stated that due to these factors, my “adjusted due date” would be closer to July 3rd.  The adjusted due date means that it is more likely that I will deliver closer to the new date even though it is 3 weeks early than my original due date.  He also suggested that we talk with our doctor about being induced should I go over this date.  He didn’t seem to think that I should go beyond July 3rd as it will only allow the babe to gain more and more weight!

All and all everything looks great with the babe.  There are no signs of any defects that can be the cause of Polyhydramnios and his/her heart and other organs look great!  Sounds like the babe will be here sooner rather than later!

Now I think you are all caught up.  I’ll continue to keep you all posted with the results of our weekly NST and ultrasounds! 

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

31 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights
How Far Along: 31 Weeks
Size of Baby: About 4 pounds is what the last ultrasound said (which was May 9th).
Total Weight Gain/Loss: The last time I was weighted was when I was at the doctor (on May 5th) and I had gained 17 pounds.
Gender: Leave a comment with your guess and we will add you to the baby board!  My guess is Girl!!
Movement: All the time!  Not only am I feeling movement, I’m also seeing movement.  The entire belly moves sometimes when I’m sitting down. 
Sleep: Just dandy!
What I Miss: Nothing to much this week!
Symptoms: I'm having a few contractions but I would say they are just Braxton Hicks!
Best Moment This Week: We had a blast at Brent & Crissy's wedding.  I danced my feet off and it felt great.  Id did however feel like everyone was staring at the pregnany lady on the dance floor.  I'm sure it was quite the sight to see!
What I'm Looking Forward To: We received news regarding out last ultrasound.  I'll write and entire post regarding this as it's quite long!
 
***No picture this week.  Guess we were just to busy and forgot!***

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

30 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights
How Far Along: 30 Weeks
Size of Baby: About 4 pounds is what the last ultrasound said (which was May 9th).
Total Weight Gain/Loss: The last time I was weighted was when I was at the doctor (on May 5th) and I had gained 17 pounds.
Gender: Leave a comment with your guess and we will add you to the baby board!  My guess is Girl!!
Movement: All the time!  Not only am I feeling movement, I’m also seeing movement.  The entire belly moves sometimes when I’m sitting down. 
Sleep: Just dandy!
What I Miss: Nothing to much this week!
Symptoms: None.

Best Moment This Week: At the last doctor's appoinment (May 5th) I was measuring about 5 weeks early so I was scheduled another ultrasound to check the size of the baby and my fluid levels.  It was so great to be able to "see" our babe again!  I'll know more about the results when the doctor/nurse call!
What I'm Looking Forward To: Derek's Uncle is getting married this coming weekend!  I'm excited to see family and dance a little (or a lot depending on how I feel!!)
 
30 Weeks
 

Saturday, May 7, 2011

29 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights
How Far Along: 29 Weeks
Size of Baby: About 3 pounds and 17 inches long.  The babe doesn't have much more growing length wise to do.  Just pack on the pounds now!!
Total Weight Gain/Loss
: The last time I was weighted was when I was at the doctor (on the 14th) and I had gained 12 pounds.
Gender: Leave a comment with your guess and we will add you to the baby board!  My guess is Girl!!
Movement: All the time!  Not only am I feeling movement, I’m also seeing movement.  The entire belly moves sometimes when I’m sitting down. 
Sleep: Just dandy!
What I Miss: Not missing much this week, which is a good thing!
Symptoms: None.

Best Moment This Week: We started Lamas Class this week.  Derek made it through watching a birth and I think the classes are going to be great for us both!
What I'm Looking Forward To: It's my sister's birthday this week so we are going out for supper with her!  I haven't seen her in such a long time...it will be nice to catch up even if it's for a short time! 

Happy Birthday Kenz!  We love you more than you will ever know!

29 Weeks

28 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights
How Far Along: 28 Weeks
Size of Baby: About 3 pounds and 14 ½ - 15 inches long like a Chinese Cabbage.
Total Weight Gain/Loss
: The last time I was weighted was when I was at the doctor (on the 14th) and I had gained 12 pounds.
Gender: Your guess is as good as ours!
Movement: All the time!  Not only am I feeling movement, I’m also seeing movement.  The entire belly moves sometimes when I’m sitting down. 

Sleep: Just dandy!
What I Miss: Not missing much this week, which is a good thing!
Symptoms: None.

Best Moment This Week: Derek and I went down to my Aunt’s for Easter.  On Friday night we were all sitting around the table and the babe starting moving and kicking like crazy.  My Grandma was sitting next to me so I grabbed her hand and put it on my belly and right when her hand touched my belly a little foot stuck out.  It was so nice to be able to share that moment with her!
What I'm Looking Forward To: We have a fairly non eventful weekend coming up.  I have a shower for my sister-in-law and Derek said that he is going to be doing yard work.  I can’t wait to smell the smell of fresh cut grass!!!


28 Weeks