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Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pregnancy. Show all posts
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Natalie is here!!!
Natalie Grace arrived at 4:24 pm on 7/26, 9#9oz after 2 pushes! Full story to come very soon. Until then, enjoy some squishy pics!!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
32 weeks!
32 weeks?? Uh, I'm not going to explode any time soon right?
I'm not sure I've mentioned it here, but we have picked a name out, Natalie Grace. So far, Natalie is on track to be expected around 7/14/11!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Sweet Sensations
Those who know me know that I like chocolate. No, scratch that- I don't like it. I love it. In fact, if there wasn't such a stigma tied to sugar, carbs and calories (ahh, the good stuff), I would devour one small solid milk-chocolate bunny every single day if they were made year-round.
I'm sure we all know about the various research studies pointing to the many health benefits of chocolate, mainly with the heart. Not only that, but who doesn't feel soooo good after having some? Many like the dark variety, without the sugar and milk sweetening it up. In fact, that one is supposedly healthier. However, I just like mine with th emilk and sugar. The dark kind is a little too bitter for my taste.
In fact, I wonder if that is why the babyjess is such a happy girl... The only time I see her unhappy is when she is sick, tired or hungry... or tired of sitting wherever she is at.
I'm sure we all know about the various research studies pointing to the many health benefits of chocolate, mainly with the heart. Not only that, but who doesn't feel soooo good after having some? Many like the dark variety, without the sugar and milk sweetening it up. In fact, that one is supposedly healthier. However, I just like mine with th emilk and sugar. The dark kind is a little too bitter for my taste.
In fact, I wonder if that is why the babyjess is such a happy girl... The only time I see her unhappy is when she is sick, tired or hungry... or tired of sitting wherever she is at.
Her second smile, at approx. 1 month and 5 days old.
And yes, this mama ate quite a bit of chocolate while preggo with her.
Now off to eat some chocolate for Jessy's little sister (still yet nameless...). ;)
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Pregnancy Random Thought #498,352
I've heard the old wives' tale about how heartburn in pregnancy= lots of hair for baby. The more heartburn that mommy has while pg, the more hair the baby will have. Supposedly, estrogen is to blame, as it encourages hair growth??
All is fine with that, except for one minor, little issue... I've, well, had much more heartburn in this pregnancy than I did with that of Jessy.
For reference, this is Jessy on her first day out of the oven. Y'all see all that hair?? Um, yeah... how could a newborn baby have any more?? According to the ol' WT, I may birth a little Sasquatch in July... hmmm...
All is fine with that, except for one minor, little issue... I've, well, had much more heartburn in this pregnancy than I did with that of Jessy.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Firecracker, Firecracker...
Boom, boom, grow! I can't believe I am 23.5w along already in this pregnancy. Where does the time go?!
We found out the gender (about a month ago- somebody slap me for not talking sooner!) and JessyNicole will have a little sister this summer.
We found out the gender (about a month ago- somebody slap me for not talking sooner!) and JessyNicole will have a little sister this summer.
My belly button has popped somewhat. If I'm sitting down it's all the way out, but if I am standing, it mysteriously takes on the shape of Dallas City Hall. I think this child is sitting higher than her big sister, as I didn't have this effect when I was pg with Jessy.
Trying to pick a name has definitely been harder this time around. If I remember correctly, the name Jessica hit me across the face about two weeks after finding out Jessy was a she. However, this one, is entirely different. I sit, stumped still, a month later and counting. The name Julia has been at the forefront of our minds, but there's part of me that worries that people will think I named her Julia b/c she was due/born in July. :/ I am rather sensitive to what I name my kids, as I know it can and does influence a person's life.
Other names we have considered/are considering are Joanna, Natalie, Jana, Keira, Kara, Jillian, Jill, Kaitlyn, Brianna, Gianna, and Victoria.My only concern of another K name is that Jessy may feel left out if we don't have anymore kids after this one (for those who don't know, DH's name is Keith). Hmmmm...
If anyone has any input on names, please feel free to spill it! ;)
That all being said, whatever I name this kid, I do plan on painting letters of her name, just as I did with Jessy.
Stay tuned!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Mama in Hiding??
Nope, just very busy. After Jessy celebrated her first Christmas it was time to start working on her... yup... first birthday party! That, however didn't come without good ol' trial and tribulation.
That's the trouble with a hiatus- so much can happen and then you end up with so much to talk about that you don't know where to start.
Since there was nothing special about New Year's, as usual in our house, I'll skip to mid-January, when things got- just a little crazy. As you may recall, my pregnancy with Jessy was quit uneventful. Once I hit 13 or so weeks, the m/s disappeared and it was smooth sailing for the rest of the pregnancy. However, this one has been different. My m/s was a little more intense with this one, necessitating a new friendship between myself and Zofran. It was several weeks before I was finally able to go off of it, but it helped me to function.
The m/s was naturally still with me a bit at 13-14 weeks, hitting me upside the face here and there. On top of it, however, was another issue which made itself very well-known on my break at my job. I had a massive bleed at 13w 2d, no pain, that sent me to the ER, since as my luck would have it my doc was out of the office until 1- and head just left. Go figure. By pure luck my husband happened to be at home- he had come down with a stomach bug and ended up coming home from work a few hours after getting there. I called my husband from the bathroom stall and warned him of what had happened. He was on his way to get me promptly.
About 15 minutes later DH was there to take me to the ER. Thankfully, my place of employment is only a couple of miles from the hospital and wihle it felt like an eternity, we got there minutes later. I was brought back the minute I walked in and told them what was going on. At that point it was hard to not experience deja vu, as the waiting room was laid out the exact time I was there the first time- for the loss of my first pregnancy. Needless to say, in addition to the fear instilled in me from what I had seen about 25 or so minutes earlier, I had some sad memories going through me. Pregnancy Hormones +Bad Memories +Bad PAL Brain =Total Basket Case.
Another eternity later I was wheeled back to the u/s room to find out the fate of our little firecracker. When I first saw that bleed about a hundred-thousand things crossed my mind at once, including SCH and m/c. The tech placed the wand on my tummy and it revealed a beautiful, healthy and happy kiddo who was throwing her own party (more on that later ;)). The bleed was indeed caused by a SCH, or subchorionic hemorrhage/hematoma. The prescription? Bed rest and no Jessy-lifting. The bleeding tapered off rather quickly (but spotting hung around) and my regular doctor put me at ease.
I stopped bleeding for about a week then the spotting started up again; coincidentally after a growth spurt (I could literally feel the stretching). We went in to the doc again to be safe, and while we confirmed the SCH was still there, we got some beautiful pics of the firecracker. I was convinced the kid was a boy and asked to know the gender, but the firecracker was a little stinker and kept crossing his legs.
Behold, Firecracker at 15w 4d!!
That's the trouble with a hiatus- so much can happen and then you end up with so much to talk about that you don't know where to start.
Since there was nothing special about New Year's, as usual in our house, I'll skip to mid-January, when things got- just a little crazy. As you may recall, my pregnancy with Jessy was quit uneventful. Once I hit 13 or so weeks, the m/s disappeared and it was smooth sailing for the rest of the pregnancy. However, this one has been different. My m/s was a little more intense with this one, necessitating a new friendship between myself and Zofran. It was several weeks before I was finally able to go off of it, but it helped me to function.
The m/s was naturally still with me a bit at 13-14 weeks, hitting me upside the face here and there. On top of it, however, was another issue which made itself very well-known on my break at my job. I had a massive bleed at 13w 2d, no pain, that sent me to the ER, since as my luck would have it my doc was out of the office until 1- and head just left. Go figure. By pure luck my husband happened to be at home- he had come down with a stomach bug and ended up coming home from work a few hours after getting there. I called my husband from the bathroom stall and warned him of what had happened. He was on his way to get me promptly.
About 15 minutes later DH was there to take me to the ER. Thankfully, my place of employment is only a couple of miles from the hospital and wihle it felt like an eternity, we got there minutes later. I was brought back the minute I walked in and told them what was going on. At that point it was hard to not experience deja vu, as the waiting room was laid out the exact time I was there the first time- for the loss of my first pregnancy. Needless to say, in addition to the fear instilled in me from what I had seen about 25 or so minutes earlier, I had some sad memories going through me. Pregnancy Hormones +Bad Memories +Bad PAL Brain =Total Basket Case.
Another eternity later I was wheeled back to the u/s room to find out the fate of our little firecracker. When I first saw that bleed about a hundred-thousand things crossed my mind at once, including SCH and m/c. The tech placed the wand on my tummy and it revealed a beautiful, healthy and happy kiddo who was throwing her own party (more on that later ;)). The bleed was indeed caused by a SCH, or subchorionic hemorrhage/hematoma. The prescription? Bed rest and no Jessy-lifting. The bleeding tapered off rather quickly (but spotting hung around) and my regular doctor put me at ease.
I stopped bleeding for about a week then the spotting started up again; coincidentally after a growth spurt (I could literally feel the stretching). We went in to the doc again to be safe, and while we confirmed the SCH was still there, we got some beautiful pics of the firecracker. I was convinced the kid was a boy and asked to know the gender, but the firecracker was a little stinker and kept crossing his legs.
Behold, Firecracker at 15w 4d!!
Friday, May 21, 2010
One year ago today...
I was staring at the stick I had just peed on at 2am in pure disbelief that a TEST LINE had popped up on it right away, almost immediately after the pee hit it. The one month we were totally not trying... (heck, we had impending layoffs and so much uncertainty...) was the one month we hit the jackpot! LOL
Scared and shocked, I put the test down on the sink and finished about my business. I brought it back into the bedroom with me and set it on the nightstand, and crawled back into bed. Sleep?? Yeah, right. DH stirred and asked, "How are you?"
"I'm pregnant," I replied, still in disbelief. What a ride we were about to embark on...
Scared and shocked, I put the test down on the sink and finished about my business. I brought it back into the bedroom with me and set it on the nightstand, and crawled back into bed. Sleep?? Yeah, right. DH stirred and asked, "How are you?"
"I'm pregnant," I replied, still in disbelief. What a ride we were about to embark on...
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Two Years Later
It was two years ago to this date that we lost our first baby, pumpkin. S/he was due probably around 10/9 or so, but we never made it to the doc to get the official word on that. I was due in with my doc that following Monday, but the Friday before things began to fall apart. I began to have some strange symptoms that can be characterized as normal, however they gave me an awful feeling in the pit of my stomach. However, I had always felt ill-at-ease with this pregnancy for some reason. It was like I couldn't shake this awful feeling that *something* was off. *Something* wasn't right. Unfortunately, the feeling was correct.
After I ended up spending the weekend waiting for the other shoe to drop, it finally did, but it landed on the *other* side of the fence. Our dear pumpkin departed us late that night in the ER. Ultrasound confirmed my suspicions that it was all over for us. Bloodwork performed that night advised us that mom was OK.
The shell-shocked couple headed home that night and tried to not much avail to get some sleep.
Two years later mom is still saddened by the tragic events of that night, but thankful to now have a daughter to call her own (well, at least along with daddy, anyway) while looking to the future for the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
After I ended up spending the weekend waiting for the other shoe to drop, it finally did, but it landed on the *other* side of the fence. Our dear pumpkin departed us late that night in the ER. Ultrasound confirmed my suspicions that it was all over for us. Bloodwork performed that night advised us that mom was OK.
The shell-shocked couple headed home that night and tried to not much avail to get some sleep.
Two years later mom is still saddened by the tragic events of that night, but thankful to now have a daughter to call her own (well, at least along with daddy, anyway) while looking to the future for the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The Day has arrived!
And I am a total basket case. We're going in tonight to start evicting Miss Jessica and I have been crying on and off like crazy. I feel her little feet squirming around and get teary-eyed, knowing that I won't be feeling that for much longer at all. I looked down at my gigantic belly in the shower today and lost it. I had to soap up with tears streaming down my face. I won't have my little "shelf" for much longer either!
I had spent the last week hoping that Her Snowiness would wave her white flag and come before today, but that's ok.. with how cruddy the weather has been over the past few days I can't blame her for wanting to stay baking. It's been all dreary, cold and rainy and that makes this mama want to do nothing more than curl up under a blanket! To make matter worse, PUNKsatoni Phil predicted 6 more weeks of this crud back on 2/2. ARGH! Kill Phil! (OK, just kidding about the last part y'all, I promise! They do say "Don't shoot the messenger, right?)
Once I arrive at the hospital we will drag our suitcases (and my own pillow, thank you!) up to L&D and get situated from there. Yikes! Hopefully they'll let me wear my own shirt at least for tonight. I know I'm going to have enough trouble sleeping due to anxiety and excitement brought on by upcoming events- I don't need wearing some foreign, oversized and uncomfy rag to add to the commotion. ;)
Keith just finished packing his suitcase and is now starting to load up the car. Wow, how time flies.
I had spent the last week hoping that Her Snowiness would wave her white flag and come before today, but that's ok.. with how cruddy the weather has been over the past few days I can't blame her for wanting to stay baking. It's been all dreary, cold and rainy and that makes this mama want to do nothing more than curl up under a blanket! To make matter worse, PUNKsatoni Phil predicted 6 more weeks of this crud back on 2/2. ARGH! Kill Phil! (OK, just kidding about the last part y'all, I promise! They do say "Don't shoot the messenger, right?)
Once I arrive at the hospital we will drag our suitcases (and my own pillow, thank you!) up to L&D and get situated from there. Yikes! Hopefully they'll let me wear my own shirt at least for tonight. I know I'm going to have enough trouble sleeping due to anxiety and excitement brought on by upcoming events- I don't need wearing some foreign, oversized and uncomfy rag to add to the commotion. ;)
Keith just finished packing his suitcase and is now starting to load up the car. Wow, how time flies.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Still Pregnant!
at 40w, 5d! Keith said yesterday that he got a text message from Jessica saying she was comfy and cozy, with her cell phone, high-speed internet, satellite TV and cozy chair. Hmmmm... sounds like mommy needs to start taking stuff away!
I went for a walk on Saturday (less steps than last Saturday, for sure!) through BuyBuyBaby and Target and felt like a 90-year-old woman afterward. Mentally I was ok but physically, no way! She's definitely moved down more. Keith commented that she's dropped even more since the beginning of last week so I know it's not my imagination. But come on! How much lower can this kid get without just falling out?!?! LOL
With as much cleaning I've done around here (with Keith's help, of course) I'm surprised we're not at the hospital with Jessica trying to make her escape right now.
Car seat bases installed in both cars- Check.
De-cluttering done- Check.
All baby clothes, blankets and receiving blankets washed and put away- Check.
Hospital bags packed- Check.
Pantry re-stocked- Ummmm, well it was... we've pretty much depleted that while waiting for Her Snowiness to make her (now fashionably late) arrival!
We do have an induction/eviction scheduled- if she's not here by the end of the week, we're booting the little diva out. Hopefully, thought, we won't need it.
JessyNicole, come out! Mommy, Daddy, Grammy, Aunt Susan, Uncle Jeff and a TON of other people want to meet you and see your cute, snowy little face.
I went for a walk on Saturday (less steps than last Saturday, for sure!) through BuyBuyBaby and Target and felt like a 90-year-old woman afterward. Mentally I was ok but physically, no way! She's definitely moved down more. Keith commented that she's dropped even more since the beginning of last week so I know it's not my imagination. But come on! How much lower can this kid get without just falling out?!?! LOL
With as much cleaning I've done around here (with Keith's help, of course) I'm surprised we're not at the hospital with Jessica trying to make her escape right now.
Car seat bases installed in both cars- Check.
De-cluttering done- Check.
All baby clothes, blankets and receiving blankets washed and put away- Check.
Hospital bags packed- Check.
Pantry re-stocked- Ummmm, well it was... we've pretty much depleted that while waiting for Her Snowiness to make her (now fashionably late) arrival!
We do have an induction/eviction scheduled- if she's not here by the end of the week, we're booting the little diva out. Hopefully, thought, we won't need it.
JessyNicole, come out! Mommy, Daddy, Grammy, Aunt Susan, Uncle Jeff and a TON of other people want to meet you and see your cute, snowy little face.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Overtime!
Wow, I have been lazy, but I do owe an update, big time.
Wednesday was my 40-week, and final, OB appointment. As usual, Snowflake measured right on (doc didn't say anything, so I assume this was the case) and HR was 140. Mom is doing well too. *knock wood*
Her Snowiness has officially been served eviction papers. If she's not out by next Thursday night, in we go to the hospital to start the eviction process. So, we're looking at no later than next Friday for her being here. EEK!
As for the home front, I got a burst of energy tonight and actually ENJOYED some of the cleaning I did today. I did the dishes (which were piled up in the sink this morning) little by little since leaning over the sink KILLS my back right now, as well as organized our kitchen table a bit. (We're horrible clutter bugs; the kitchen table is a mail drop. Gotta get that habit under control...) If it wasn't for the weather being so cold and crappy, I would have even taken some stuff (her Boppy pillow, soft carrier and some of mommy's stuff) out to the car. And with the full moon being tonight (as opposed to tomorrow as I originally thought) who knows what will happen? One of my Facebook buddies mentioned that her water broke the next day after her nesting episode. Yipes!
Yesterday was my official last day at work. I am glad I have a few days to relax (and nest!) and enjoy the quiet while I still have it. It was a little more emotional than I thought (even though the plan is for me to go back in a few weeks once Her Snowiness is here); perhaps it is/was hitting home a bit that we're THISCLOSE to having this baby in our arms?
I am feeling pretty good, overall. A little achy here and there, I get totally exhausted if I stand too long in one spot and even all the up-and-down activity in church gets me! (I can no longer even partially kneel like I usually do (bad knee doesn't allow the full-on kneel for me)- I'm too heavy!) For the most part I can still walk ok, but I chalk that up to all the walking Keith and I did before I got pregnant. And aside from the occasional sleeplessness and the peeing every 5 minutes, I have no complaints.
It is exciting and scary at the same time that Jessica could be here any day now. It's weird, part of the day I am thrilled and excited, and other parts of the day see me totally freaking out. Can we handle this? (uhm, of course we can!) I just keep repeating my mantra- God won't give us more than we can handle. After all, He has trusted us with this little life (and hopefully will with more of them in the future) and while we are partially terrified about our impending responsibilities, we are extremely blessed to have Miss Jessica in our lives. We can't wait to meet her!
The little lady is hiccupping and squirming about right now. My days of feeling these awesome sensations are numbered and I'm going to enjoy them thoroughly. Yes, even if her moving and squirming about keeps me up at night.
Wednesday was my 40-week, and final, OB appointment. As usual, Snowflake measured right on (doc didn't say anything, so I assume this was the case) and HR was 140. Mom is doing well too. *knock wood*
A unique, aerial view of the belly. Don't know how I'm standing up anymore- the feet seem to have gone MIA!
Her Snowiness has officially been served eviction papers. If she's not out by next Thursday night, in we go to the hospital to start the eviction process. So, we're looking at no later than next Friday for her being here. EEK!
As for the home front, I got a burst of energy tonight and actually ENJOYED some of the cleaning I did today. I did the dishes (which were piled up in the sink this morning) little by little since leaning over the sink KILLS my back right now, as well as organized our kitchen table a bit. (We're horrible clutter bugs; the kitchen table is a mail drop. Gotta get that habit under control...) If it wasn't for the weather being so cold and crappy, I would have even taken some stuff (her Boppy pillow, soft carrier and some of mommy's stuff) out to the car. And with the full moon being tonight (as opposed to tomorrow as I originally thought) who knows what will happen? One of my Facebook buddies mentioned that her water broke the next day after her nesting episode. Yipes!
Yesterday was my official last day at work. I am glad I have a few days to relax (and nest!) and enjoy the quiet while I still have it. It was a little more emotional than I thought (even though the plan is for me to go back in a few weeks once Her Snowiness is here); perhaps it is/was hitting home a bit that we're THISCLOSE to having this baby in our arms?
I am feeling pretty good, overall. A little achy here and there, I get totally exhausted if I stand too long in one spot and even all the up-and-down activity in church gets me! (I can no longer even partially kneel like I usually do (bad knee doesn't allow the full-on kneel for me)- I'm too heavy!) For the most part I can still walk ok, but I chalk that up to all the walking Keith and I did before I got pregnant. And aside from the occasional sleeplessness and the peeing every 5 minutes, I have no complaints.
It is exciting and scary at the same time that Jessica could be here any day now. It's weird, part of the day I am thrilled and excited, and other parts of the day see me totally freaking out. Can we handle this? (uhm, of course we can!) I just keep repeating my mantra- God won't give us more than we can handle. After all, He has trusted us with this little life (and hopefully will with more of them in the future) and while we are partially terrified about our impending responsibilities, we are extremely blessed to have Miss Jessica in our lives. We can't wait to meet her!
The little lady is hiccupping and squirming about right now. My days of feeling these awesome sensations are numbered and I'm going to enjoy them thoroughly. Yes, even if her moving and squirming about keeps me up at night.
I won't look like this for much longer!
Monday, January 25, 2010
My Dearest Jessica,
Your Snowiness, Miss Snowflake, Little Snowball. It's almost your due date. I know you're all cozy and comfy and warm in there, but Mommy, Daddy, Grammy and lots of aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins and even great aunts and uncles and a great-grandpa are excited to meet you! Can't wait to get to know you in person!
Your daddy and I can already see some aspects of your personality- you're so active, you're stubborn and tempramental, like your mommy. Mommy even sees some of daddy's prankster side in you- you sure do like to moon us alot.
We're also -admittedly- nervous about becoming parents. Your arrival, will be what it will be. Raising you, on the other hand- will be a challenge, having what we bet to be absolutely ZERO dull moments.
I feel you wiggling around right now and know I will miss that once you're here. But in that experience's place lies a whole new set of experiences with you, yet to be discovered. Your first smile, your first rolling-over, your first sitting up, your first solid foods, your first teeth... ahh, the list goes on and on... many of these firsts I just don't want to think about right now!
Right now Daddy and I will focus on the biggest first yet for us- seeing your gorgeous face for the first time.
Can't wait to meet you, little diva!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
Your daddy and I can already see some aspects of your personality- you're so active, you're stubborn and tempramental, like your mommy. Mommy even sees some of daddy's prankster side in you- you sure do like to moon us alot.
We're also -admittedly- nervous about becoming parents. Your arrival, will be what it will be. Raising you, on the other hand- will be a challenge, having what we bet to be absolutely ZERO dull moments.
I feel you wiggling around right now and know I will miss that once you're here. But in that experience's place lies a whole new set of experiences with you, yet to be discovered. Your first smile, your first rolling-over, your first sitting up, your first solid foods, your first teeth... ahh, the list goes on and on... many of these firsts I just don't want to think about right now!
Right now Daddy and I will focus on the biggest first yet for us- seeing your gorgeous face for the first time.
Can't wait to meet you, little diva!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Super Saturday
Wow. Only 10 more days (not counting today, of course) until my due date. I'm 38 1/2 weeks pregnant now, ready to pop any day now! We're working on cleaning our house up inside and out (minus the backyard, which is and always will be, completely trashed thanks to the dog) and my cousin is giving me some of her old baby gear (a swing, a seat and some misc items she came across) so we're pretty much set!
I just need a breast pump, which I need to call about b/c I can get a Medela that retails for about $300 for only $160 through my work. That will save us a chunk of $$ right there as formula is so expensive! As for childcare when I return to work, Jessica will be staying with her Grammy. We just have to work out logistics for getting her to and from there... it's an hour-long, 60-mile trip! EEK! We are entertaining a couple of ideas, though. They will be disclosed at a later date.
My maternity leave will likely start when Jessica arrives. Since I haven't been at my job for even 90 days let alone a year, I get pretty much nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. My understanding, though is that I can get 6, 8, or 12 weeks out. But it will be without pay. I'd love to have 12 weeks but I don't know that we can afford it. On the other hand, if we can handle working out our finances and my girls do well enough feeding Miss Jessica, it would give us a little more breathing time, time to work out our crazy logistics and ideas.
Now for the fun stuff. I had my 38-week appointment on Wednesday and everything looked good! BP was good, weight- ick, Jessy's HR- 156, cervix- still high but dilated to 1 (WOOT!). The doc floored us by mentioning eviction of our little girl. I didn't schedule anything but probably will at our next appointment, this coming Wed. I guess it's one pitfall of giving birth at a big hospital. The schedule fills up fast. lol It is definitely better to schedule us in then cross us off if we go into labor. If not (worst case scenario) we have, um, three weeks left of baking at most. EEK! (And 3 weeks from today would put us at 41w3d, but with the way she measured ahead early on, in the accurate-u/s-dating days, I would be very surprised if we made it this far.
JessyNicole will be here before we know it!! With that, I leave you with my 38w1d belly pic. Folks, you're welcome to post B-Day/Weight predictions!
I just need a breast pump, which I need to call about b/c I can get a Medela that retails for about $300 for only $160 through my work. That will save us a chunk of $$ right there as formula is so expensive! As for childcare when I return to work, Jessica will be staying with her Grammy. We just have to work out logistics for getting her to and from there... it's an hour-long, 60-mile trip! EEK! We are entertaining a couple of ideas, though. They will be disclosed at a later date.
My maternity leave will likely start when Jessica arrives. Since I haven't been at my job for even 90 days let alone a year, I get pretty much nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. My understanding, though is that I can get 6, 8, or 12 weeks out. But it will be without pay. I'd love to have 12 weeks but I don't know that we can afford it. On the other hand, if we can handle working out our finances and my girls do well enough feeding Miss Jessica, it would give us a little more breathing time, time to work out our crazy logistics and ideas.
Now for the fun stuff. I had my 38-week appointment on Wednesday and everything looked good! BP was good, weight- ick, Jessy's HR- 156, cervix- still high but dilated to 1 (WOOT!). The doc floored us by mentioning eviction of our little girl. I didn't schedule anything but probably will at our next appointment, this coming Wed. I guess it's one pitfall of giving birth at a big hospital. The schedule fills up fast. lol It is definitely better to schedule us in then cross us off if we go into labor. If not (worst case scenario) we have, um, three weeks left of baking at most. EEK! (And 3 weeks from today would put us at 41w3d, but with the way she measured ahead early on, in the accurate-u/s-dating days, I would be very surprised if we made it this far.
JessyNicole will be here before we know it!! With that, I leave you with my 38w1d belly pic. Folks, you're welcome to post B-Day/Weight predictions!
Friday, January 1, 2010
Twitch
Twitch. Thump. Thump. Thump. Wiggle wiggle. Squirm. Thump.
For the last couple of days, Jessica has (of course!) been slowly but surely running out of room in her little space. Her moves have trasformed over the past couple of weeks from firm kicks to more weiggly-like squirms and well, wiggles. Add the numb fingertips on the right hand to the mix and we're good to go! LOL At my appointment last Monday the PA said it's the lovely Carpal-Tunnel Syndrome which can often be experienced in pregnancy. Fortunately, right now, it's pretty mild, but if it gets too bad there's always these.
I have been periodically experiencing the tricky Braxton-Hicks contractions off and on. While my next comment owes a picture post, I'll go ahead and say it- I've dropped! I don't have a pic of me since I've dropped but I promise I'll get one up here so you guys can see :)
Since JessyNicole is apparently packing her bags and getting ready to join us here soon, her mommy and daddy must do the same. We started working on cleaning the house today; got most of the clutter out of the living room and cleared out the kitchen sink and cleaned off the countertops. It sounds like alot, but trust me, it's not!
We still have:
The Office (a Disaster Zone- the capitalized letters are so for a reason)
The Carpet (after we vacuum I shall try the new carpet gadget Keith got me for christmas)
The Bathrooms
Our Bedroom
To take down our Christmas stuff (so much for getting it done today.. lol at the rate we're going we'll be bringing Jessica home to a house with a Christmas tree still up in it!)
Pack bags for myself, Keith and Jessica, for the big day. Who knows how many more tick marks she's going to make on the walls in there? It could be one for all I know.
Get some last-minute goodies for the snowflake. She could probably use a few more receiving blankets, a few (WIDE-NIPPLE, please!) bottles (just in case they're needed. Mommy would like to breastfeed but what good is a stressed-out, sleep-deprived mommy if she ends up that way?), a Boppy pillow with a few slipcovers, and of course, diapers! She already has a stack at her grammy's house of the newborn size, but I have a funny feeling she'll outgrow them reeeeeally quickly. Grammy says she's getting close to a 10%-off sale day with Target, and combine that with my 10%-off coupon (okay, maybe not necessarily combine) I have to complete my Target registry, we should be ok! WOOT! Oh, yeah- we need some slipcovers for her changing pad.
We have quite a to-do list here and what am I doing but writing about it... lol my full-time job is making me lazy! lol But we're attacking this LIST, little by little... wish me luck!
For the last couple of days, Jessica has (of course!) been slowly but surely running out of room in her little space. Her moves have trasformed over the past couple of weeks from firm kicks to more weiggly-like squirms and well, wiggles. Add the numb fingertips on the right hand to the mix and we're good to go! LOL At my appointment last Monday the PA said it's the lovely Carpal-Tunnel Syndrome which can often be experienced in pregnancy. Fortunately, right now, it's pretty mild, but if it gets too bad there's always these.
I have been periodically experiencing the tricky Braxton-Hicks contractions off and on. While my next comment owes a picture post, I'll go ahead and say it- I've dropped! I don't have a pic of me since I've dropped but I promise I'll get one up here so you guys can see :)
Since JessyNicole is apparently packing her bags and getting ready to join us here soon, her mommy and daddy must do the same. We started working on cleaning the house today; got most of the clutter out of the living room and cleared out the kitchen sink and cleaned off the countertops. It sounds like alot, but trust me, it's not!
We still have:
The Office (a Disaster Zone- the capitalized letters are so for a reason)
The Carpet (after we vacuum I shall try the new carpet gadget Keith got me for christmas)
The Bathrooms
Our Bedroom
To take down our Christmas stuff (so much for getting it done today.. lol at the rate we're going we'll be bringing Jessica home to a house with a Christmas tree still up in it!)
Pack bags for myself, Keith and Jessica, for the big day. Who knows how many more tick marks she's going to make on the walls in there? It could be one for all I know.
Get some last-minute goodies for the snowflake. She could probably use a few more receiving blankets, a few (WIDE-NIPPLE, please!) bottles (just in case they're needed. Mommy would like to breastfeed but what good is a stressed-out, sleep-deprived mommy if she ends up that way?), a Boppy pillow with a few slipcovers, and of course, diapers! She already has a stack at her grammy's house of the newborn size, but I have a funny feeling she'll outgrow them reeeeeally quickly. Grammy says she's getting close to a 10%-off sale day with Target, and combine that with my 10%-off coupon (okay, maybe not necessarily combine) I have to complete my Target registry, we should be ok! WOOT! Oh, yeah- we need some slipcovers for her changing pad.
We have quite a to-do list here and what am I doing but writing about it... lol my full-time job is making me lazy! lol But we're attacking this LIST, little by little... wish me luck!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
My Big, Fat Preggo Brain
So... I was thumbing through some old posts on T's blog and noticed her crib posts. That's when I realized that I probably hadn't posted any myself. Checked here and sure enough, my big, fat preggo brain farted on me and I have never even showed off JessyNicole's digs lately!
The first pic is of her complete, convertible crib and dresser, thanks to her Grandma. I put on the mobile right away out of my own excitement (said mobile came from one of mommy's cousins). The toys are still in their packaging (even today) because while mommy's excited to take them out and let them DANGLE, she's cautious about the cats mistaking it for *THEIR* new toy. So up in the bags the dangly things stay, for now. Heck, mommy's already seen evidence that both kitties have done a thorough investigation of Jessy's chariot- they always leave their hairs behind. ;) FTR, the canopies are now closed to investigation.
And without much further ado, Jessy's digs!
These are the letters that I fussed over and worked on for so long... FINISHED!
Thanks, Gwammy! (This second pic more accurately reflects the color than the first. And they say the camera doesn't lie! pffftht!)
...and this will be JessyNicole's first crib.
The first pic is of her complete, convertible crib and dresser, thanks to her Grandma. I put on the mobile right away out of my own excitement (said mobile came from one of mommy's cousins). The toys are still in their packaging (even today) because while mommy's excited to take them out and let them DANGLE, she's cautious about the cats mistaking it for *THEIR* new toy. So up in the bags the dangly things stay, for now. Heck, mommy's already seen evidence that both kitties have done a thorough investigation of Jessy's chariot- they always leave their hairs behind. ;) FTR, the canopies are now closed to investigation.
And without much further ado, Jessy's digs!
These are the letters that I fussed over and worked on for so long... FINISHED!Thanks, Gwammy! (This second pic more accurately reflects the color than the first. And they say the camera doesn't lie! pffftht!)...and this will be JessyNicole's first crib. JessyNicole's first "crib" came from mommy's godmother/Jessy's great-aunt. It currently resides at grammy's house but will come home when JessyNicole does.
Let's see here... we have Jessica's crib and dresser, stroller and carseat, some clothes, the highchair, a bassinet for her first few months (she can bunk with us! YAY!), about 4 1/2 weeks til full-term... YIKES on that last one, but yay!!
Let's see here... we have Jessica's crib and dresser, stroller and carseat, some clothes, the highchair, a bassinet for her first few months (she can bunk with us! YAY!), about 4 1/2 weeks til full-term... YIKES on that last one, but yay!!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Speechless Sunday
Today I am speechless. I will be officially 32 weeks this Wednesday, that's 8 months prego!! Yikes!
Needless to say I am entering that nesting phase. I spent the afternoon yesterday Jessica-shopping. Got her some baby hangers (need more! oops!), a sleeper, crib sheets, babyproofing stuff, socks and her travel system (bought with a 20% off coupon for BRU- yay for saving $$!).
Needless to say I am entering that nesting phase. I spent the afternoon yesterday Jessica-shopping. Got her some baby hangers (need more! oops!), a sleeper, crib sheets, babyproofing stuff, socks and her travel system (bought with a 20% off coupon for BRU- yay for saving $$!).
This little chica's going to ride in style!
It was actually between Chicco and Graco. I liked the convenience of being able to buy a Graco double stroller when the next one comes along, however I liked the fold, padding and steering better on this one. That padding is nice and thick supportive for her little body- she's not going anywhere! She can thank her great-aunt Tish for this lovely gift. Another thing I like about this system? Not everybody has it!
Now I just need more hangers- this kiddo's going to be the best-dressed little girl on our block but we need to hang up her clothes! LOL Her nursery is coming along, but more on that later!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wow- what a week!
I am now 30 weeks along. WOOT!
BUT... that means that Her Snowiness is due in (now less than) 10 weeks. 7 weeks til Full-Term. 7 WEEKS?!?! She could be here as early as 7 WEEKS?!?! Holy cr@p!! It seems like almost yesterday I was only 7 weeks along. She'll be here before the next oil change in either of our cars. Yikes.
phew. Now that that's out of my system, on to business. I had my shower this past Sunday and it was totally awesome! Miss Jessy got lots of cute outfits, a new crib and dresser (still in the box as of tonight...), a highchair, blankets, a carrier and lots of other goodies. EEK. We've got shelves to clean and move, a bed to slide over to the other side of the bedroom for now, and new baby furniture to assemble. Between that and the baby care and BF'ing prep classes this weekend, it's going to be a busy one!
Alas, I have no current pics of the nursery, so a couple of shower-decoration and food pics will have to do for now. ;) Enjoy!
Her Snowiness is already fillin' up mama's car!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Pregnancy FAQ's and Musings
1. How far along are you/when are you due?
7 months/Jan 27
2. Do you know what you're having?
It's a little girl!
3. Do you have a name?
Jessica Nicole (Nicknames: Snowflake, Her Snowiness, Jessie)
This kid has no schedule, I swear. She's just like her mama in that regard- hates schedules. She may be quiet for a day or two and then kick and jab up a storm like she has today. She can party and rock and roll all night long for all I care, even if I lose some zzz's out of it- as long as I know she's ok she can do whatever she wants. For now. Once she arrives she won't be able to pull that off anymore- I mean, who wants a baby sticking her fingers into an electric socket to let mommy know she's OK? She'll be restricted to crying and wiggling for at least the first few weeks. Then down the road add rolling over, crawling... *sigh* It'll all be here before I know it.
But for now, I savor the moments of having the snowflake kicking, punching, jabbing, rolling and thumping around in my belly, because once she's here I'm going to miss that feeling. I just know it. Her upcoming arrival is becoming more and more with real every day that goes by. Tomorrow we'll hopefully move some storage stuff out of her room to make way for baby- the big par-tay is on Sunday. I'm actually very excited about it *BUT* worried about one thing. What if I'm too weepy? UGH! Let's just hope I'm not and keep it at that. ;)
Friday, November 6, 2009
Ouch.
I have limped practically all day today to keep weight off my right leg. The pain has gotten gradually worse throughout the day. It started out on Monday and lasted through Tuesday and took a bit of a break on Wednesday. It came back yesterday and again today (but with a vengeance).
It sits in my lower back and shoots down my leg to random places, sometimes the side of my thigh and other times down to my ankle. I stand up and it cramps up on me, causing me to limp. At work. How embarrassing! I had a similar crisis earlier on in pregnancy when Snowflake was about 11 weeks along. Upon my description (minus the shooting pain at that time), my doc diagnosed the lovely sciatica. It went away for a few months and is now back, with a vengeance. Yippy skippy. This time it really kills me when I have been sitting for a while and stand up. Sitting "improperly" in a chair helps it out. That said, I may do some research on chiropractors this weekend. This is crazy- my exercise is now limited b/c of it (I am an avid walker)!
For now, it's pelvic tilts and as many stretches as I can think of to hopefully get this little snowflake off of that nerve. I have to get out of this chair now to check on the chicken. uuuuuuuugghhhhh...
It sits in my lower back and shoots down my leg to random places, sometimes the side of my thigh and other times down to my ankle. I stand up and it cramps up on me, causing me to limp. At work. How embarrassing! I had a similar crisis earlier on in pregnancy when Snowflake was about 11 weeks along. Upon my description (minus the shooting pain at that time), my doc diagnosed the lovely sciatica. It went away for a few months and is now back, with a vengeance. Yippy skippy. This time it really kills me when I have been sitting for a while and stand up. Sitting "improperly" in a chair helps it out. That said, I may do some research on chiropractors this weekend. This is crazy- my exercise is now limited b/c of it (I am an avid walker)!
For now, it's pelvic tilts and as many stretches as I can think of to hopefully get this little snowflake off of that nerve. I have to get out of this chair now to check on the chicken. uuuuuuuugghhhhh...
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween! That, of course, means it's... October 31. Yup, the last day of October. As of today, there are only two months left in this year. Where has all the time gone? That in itself is spooky!
Tomorrow will be my last day of freedom from the rat race, for a while at least. The past six weeks have been very enjoyable. One might think that being unemployed and at home is boring, but I beg to differ. My time off gave me time to reflect on not only Keith and myself, but our upcoming, new life with daughter Jessica. I have had an awesome break getting to know her and her every little kick, squirm and wiggle, all while taking better care of myself, a trend that I hope to continue for a very long time.
I still have alot to learn about my daughter, especially her personality. She's alot like her mom, tempramental and energetic, when she wants to be. Earlier today I felt what I thought was a foot between my stomach and ribs, however a quick review with my fingertips dispelled that thought very quickly. It was actually an elbow, knee or even a heel. Something pointy. Soon enough, I am sure I will know without the help of my fingertips what kind of jabs come from what body parts. I can't wait!
This new job will bring new opportunities (hopefully) to the table for us; to learn new things and even re-kindle old relationships with co-workers from Ford. I worked in collections with them for a while before moving to a new team and eventually a new role before briefly losing touch with them. Fortunately we have been able to keep in contact and learn that we will likely be seeing each other at my new job!
Until then, however, I will enjoy my last day of freedom. My last day of total relaxation and sometimes not even knowing what to do with myself. What will I do with that extra time? That is TBD. Guess only time will tell. One thing for sure, though, is I will thoroughly enjoy all my time with Keith. Anything else? Who knows.
Tomorrow will be my last day of freedom from the rat race, for a while at least. The past six weeks have been very enjoyable. One might think that being unemployed and at home is boring, but I beg to differ. My time off gave me time to reflect on not only Keith and myself, but our upcoming, new life with daughter Jessica. I have had an awesome break getting to know her and her every little kick, squirm and wiggle, all while taking better care of myself, a trend that I hope to continue for a very long time.
I still have alot to learn about my daughter, especially her personality. She's alot like her mom, tempramental and energetic, when she wants to be. Earlier today I felt what I thought was a foot between my stomach and ribs, however a quick review with my fingertips dispelled that thought very quickly. It was actually an elbow, knee or even a heel. Something pointy. Soon enough, I am sure I will know without the help of my fingertips what kind of jabs come from what body parts. I can't wait!
This new job will bring new opportunities (hopefully) to the table for us; to learn new things and even re-kindle old relationships with co-workers from Ford. I worked in collections with them for a while before moving to a new team and eventually a new role before briefly losing touch with them. Fortunately we have been able to keep in contact and learn that we will likely be seeing each other at my new job!
Until then, however, I will enjoy my last day of freedom. My last day of total relaxation and sometimes not even knowing what to do with myself. What will I do with that extra time? That is TBD. Guess only time will tell. One thing for sure, though, is I will thoroughly enjoy all my time with Keith. Anything else? Who knows.
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