Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The beginning of the end
I really can't believe it.
So, as we start to settle into our new reality, this blog is now coming to a close. I have a post in draft mode that I need to edit/add, but after this post (with the exceptions of a few pictures I will add as soon as I can), this blog is officially 'closed'.
I have to admit to a twinge of sadness, since writing this blog has really become such a part of my life for the past 9 months. I will be transforming this blog into a book to have printed.
Here's a summary of our current status:
Me: Feeling awesome! I have lost 23 pounds in a week, ha ha ha! Birth is the best diet ever!(only 11 pounds to go!), and am feeling really good. Breastfeeding is going well.
Baby: She had her 1 week visit today. Everything looks perfect and she weighed in at 7 pounds, 3 ounces. Just 1 ounce shy of her birth weight, and a gain of 5 ounces since Saturday! Oink, Oink.
She is still sleeping a lot, but is starting to have more periods of wakefulness. She sleeps well at night, just waking to eat. Generally, she's eating every 2.5 hours during the day, and every 3 hours at night, although she has gone up to 5 hours at night.
Mini Me is also settling in nicely. She is super sweet to her little sister and is back to being her normal self. I am sure we will still have our moments, but for now, we're a happy little family.
So, with that update....
Welcome to the world, Baby Girl! We are so glad that you are here and that you are perfectly healthy! I will miss feeling you kick and squirm inside me, but we can't wait to watch you grow and develop into an amazing little person. You and your sister mean everything to us, and we can't wait to see the two of you grow up together. We love you, Baby Girl!
The End.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Random Updates
Things have gone amazingly well. I feel good and luckily, the baby hasn't really "woken up" yet, so we are able to get quite a bit of sleep. In fact, I've had to wake her up for nearly every feeding, even at night. (Yeah, I really hate waking a sleeping baby, especially at night...but, it needed to be done.)
Mini Me is starting to adjust. She's talking to me again, which is a nice thing. She is testing and lashing out for attention at times, but that was expected.
We took the baby for a check today. When she was discharged from the hospital on Thursday, she was down to 6 pounds, 12 ounces. Today, she weighed in at 6 pounds, 14 ounces!
Yay!!!!!
The pediatrician said she looked great, and that she has no concerns. We go back again on Tuesday.
Breastfeeding is going fairly well. There have been some ups and downs, but I think we are starting to get the hang of it. And, the fact that she is gaining weight already is a good sign.
Here is a video of my hungry little girl:
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Identity Crisis
This time, I didn't have that immediate "moment". I wanted to get to know the baby for a little bit. But, hubby was impatient. Something about not naming her was driving him nuts. At one point, before he went to pick up Mini Me to bring her to visit, he said he wasn't leaving until she had a name.
So, after much debate, we decided on a name. It was a fine name, a beautiful name, in fact. A name that we had considered for Mini Me. Although, some would argue that it was a little too "matchy" with Mini Me's name. We knew we'd get tons of comments about it, but we decided we didn't care. We loved the name.
I went ahead and announced the name on Facebook, on messageboards, called family to tell them.... But, we didn't fill out the birth certificate paperwork. Good thing...
When Papa Bear came to the hospital this morning, he informed me that he had "had a 'moment'" and believed we picked the wrong name. He said that he KNEW that her name was a name that he hadn't liked. He said he was sure.
So...with that, I trust his "moment" just like he trusted mine 2.5 years ago. So, we re-announced her name to the world, and filled out the birth certificate paperwork. She is officially named. For real this time.
All by myself....
We had decided long ago that hubby would not stay at the hopsital with me this time. We thought it would be important for him to be at home with Mini Me and for at least one of us to get some rest.
So, last night, I spend the night alone in the hospital with the baby.
Here's the first day recap:
I was moved from the L&D room to the PP room around 3:30am (Actually, that's just a guess) They took the baby to the nursery to wash her up and get her warmed and dressed. I got settled in tried to get some rest while I waited. I really couldn't sleep...I was just waiting for my baby. Finally, when hubby got back, I sent him to the nursery to get her. I just couldn't wait any more. They had kept her for a bit because she was spitting up a bit and wanted to monitor her a little.
After that, she came to the room and was very content. She has had a couple of good feedings, some wet and poppy diapers and is looking more and more like her big sister every minute.
Her bloodwork has all been fine and her vitals are good.
Here were the stats, just for recap:
Born on 9/29/09 at 2:29am
7 pounds, 4 ounces.
20 inches long
Hubby was in and out during the day. The poor man made 4 trips between home and the hosptial. I feel bad that he didn't get to spend every minute with us, but he was being a good dad, ensuring that our older daughter felt safe and happy. So, last night, he went home and I was alone with the baby.
She stayed with me until around 10:30pm. She was a little fussy (I think she was hungry, but we was rather mucusy and couldn't really eat well). So, they took her to the nursery to monitor her so that I could get some sleep. (At that point, I had been awake for 41.5 hours. Really, I wasn't going to be a martyr. If they were going to watch her so I could rest...woo hoo!)
Not that sleeping in the hospital is so restful. There are all the vital signs checks and stuff that go on during the night. Then, they brought her to me around 2am to eat. I got to celebrate her 1 day birthday with her. :-)
At 3:30am, I took her back to the nursery and went back to sleep. They brought her back at 6am and we are now just waiting for breakfast and for hubby to come back.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The post we've all been waiting for...
Here's the story:
Monday night, I was watching the new episode of House after doing some cleaning and baking. I had a couple of contractions that were strong, but nothing that seemed too intense. I went to bed around 9:30. The contractions were fairly strong, but I was able to get a some sleep between them. Around 11pm, I woke up to a strong contractions. I decided to get up and start timing them. Around 11:30pm, the contractions were painful and were about 6 minutes apart. By midnight, they were 5 minutes apart. I called my midwife and she told me to head to the hospital in about an hour.
We started to get ready, but by 12:30am, I was feeling lots of pressure and knew we had to hurry. We left around 1am, and got to the hospital around 1:30am. I was not sure we were going to make it. I wasn't even feeling pain with the contractions, just an intense desire to push and tons of pressure.
We ended up having to just take Mini Me with us. She did great! She was in the room most of the time, up until just before delivery.
When I got to the hospital, my midwife checked me and I was already 8-9 centimeters dilated. All I wanted to do was push with each contraction. I had been laying on my left side, and my midwife suggested changing positions to bring the baby down. That was completely not necessary, because when I moved, just as another contraction hit, her head was right there.
In only about 2 pushes, she was out. My water did not break at all until she was born. The midwife said that's what slowed the delivery! Holy Hell! Can you imagine how fast she would have been born if my water broke???
So, I ended up not using any of the coping methods I had planned, because there just wasn't time! I did succeed in having an unmedicated birth, and I feel great!
I am exhausted, but physically feeling much better than I did after giving birth to Mini Me. I have a small tear, but nothing like last time.
Pictures coming soon.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Appointment Updates
Here's the scoop:
Of course, my weight was the same. Really, how much weight did you think I'd gain in 72 hours??
My next appointment is scheduled for 10/5, and I have an Non-Stress Test, Ultrasound and appointment scheduled for 10/9 should baby decide to stay put. I am INSISTING that I not have to go to ANY of those appointments.
I also have to say that I am very proud of myself. Generally, my midwives do not to internals. The idea is that it increases the risk of infection, and in reality, gives you very little valuable information. It's possible to walk around a few centimeters dialated for weeks. It really isnt' a good predictor of labor. So, generally, they avoid them. However, at 40 weeks, they do offer them if you want.
Part of me was dying to rip off my pants and hop up on the table. Really, the contractions the other night had to have done something, right? (did I tell you about those? The ones that were 10 minutes apart for 3 hours, and painful enough for me to have to focus through that just vanished as I was about to start making phone calls alerting people to the impending birth?)
However, here's what I saw as the potential outcomes:
1. She would tell me that I was 'x' centimeters dilated and I would spend the next however many hours/days convinved that I was going to go into active labor at any second and would completely drive myself and everyone I talked to crazy, becoming more and more anxious with each little twinge.
2. She would tell me that I was not dilated, and I would be disappointed and convinced that I was not going into labor on my own and that I was going to be pregnant until 10/16 when I'd be induced.
Either way, I didn't think the outcome would be good for my mental health....so I declined.
Now, if I end up at my regular appointment next Monday...can't say I'll make the same decision.
PLEASE send labor dust my way ASAP!
Friday, September 25, 2009
39 week update
BP: 112/60 (I am one relaxed mama!)
Weight: 182
Baby's heartbeat was OK. Baby girl has been very quiet yesterday and today. So much so that I'm actually doing kick counts to ensure that she is moving enough. Could she be resting up for her big entry?? Stay tuned.
Also, just an update from yesterday. I met with my doula again as well as another doula who will be assisting/providing back up. She had her son using hypnobirthing and just seems like a really fun person. She is also a lactation consultant, which will be awesome, since I have 2 postpartum meetings with them.
I am feeling really good. All of the pain and discomfort I was feeling a few weeks ago has vanished-aside from a very itchy belly (skin is only meant to stretch so much, ya know?--of course I would get stretch marks the LAST WEEK of my pregnancy. Seriously....)
We have some fun plans with Mini Me this weekend, but come Sunday afternoon, all bets are off. I am
My midwife did warn me today that should I not be in labor before then, they will be doing an ultrasound and NST on Oct. 9th to decide how/when to proceed with the baby's eviction. So, everyone, please say a little prayer that it does not get that far. Please. Thank You.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
39 weeks
Besides the middle of the night contractions that just cause lost sleep, but aren't actually kicking the child out of my uterus, not much is going on.
I've actually been feeling more comfortable these days (with the exception of the crazy heartburn all hours of the day and night).
I'm meeting with my doula and a back-up/additional doula later this morning, so will update with more on that and pictures!
Monday, September 21, 2009
I'm on strike
Hubby and I are still predicting 9/27-28th. So, we'll see. Fun new poll---->
Another Day, Another Hat
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The most boring appointment in history
BP fine.
No weight gain. (really????)
HB fine.
Head down.
Wait some more....
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Ups and Downs
Shortly after my last post, I got some other not so awesome news. I got an e-mail from our doula saying that she has some family situation that is going to require a lot of her time over the next month or two. She mentioned finding a back up, which is OK. But, we really like her and felt comfortable with her being present for the birth. I'm still waiting to hear back from her about setting up a meeting with this other potential person. So, it's not a huge deal since having her (or anyone) there isn't necessary, but just another little bummer when I'm already feeling a bit stressed about our little journey towards medical interventions that I really don't want.
But, on that note, my resolve to have a natural birth seriously came crashing down this weekend. Friday night, I was woken up with a fairly painful contraction followed by several hours spent in the bathroom sick as a dog while experiencing lower back pain and cramps/contractions. At that moment I only hoped that it was the beginning of labor, because I wasn't really thrilled with feeling that horrible for no apparent reason. I'm sorry to report that while the back pain and crampiness have continued...I am still very much pregnant and not in active labor.
Remember that whole lull in movement? Yeah, that's over. Baby Girl was rockin' in the free world yesterday, amist all the discomfort. And, apparently during the night she discovered that one of my arteries makes a good pillow. I woke up with a headache and took some tylenol which did nothing. I got up again...and instantly felt better. Weird. I got back in bed, and before I could even go from sitting to laying down, my head felt like it was going to explode. I stood back up. Headache gone. ::Repeat for an hour:: Finally, I decided to just pace the room for a few hours. Eventually, baby girl woke up and moved around, and instantly, I was able to sit/laydown again. Um...OK.
I did, however, get started on my freezer stash of food yesterday and hope to finish more today. And, now that it has stopped raining, the carseats that arrived on Thursday will be installed.
While I am grateful for still having time to finish up a few random things on my list, I have to admit a twinge of disappointment that this was not *the* weekend. For someone like me who likes to know what to expect and to have all the details planned, waiting to go into labor is the worst torture in the world. While I generally disagree with inductions based on convenience, I am secretly jealous of those who have these nice planned births. I wish Baby Girl would just whisper to me the date she planned on making her arrival. Come on, tell me. I promise I'll keep it a secret...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
37 Week appointment
The good news: Baby Girl is head down, in a great position. Her heartbeat sounded great. My BP is good and my weight is 180. In a little glimmer of hope, when I mentioned that baby girl has had very limited movement yesterday and today (she is responsive to poking and proding and does move occassionally-so no worries that anything is wrong), my midwife commented that sometimes they see babies become inactive in the couple of days before labor begins. Almost like they are resting up for the big day. I like the sound of that, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up.
The not-so-good news: I'm GBS positive this time around. Boo! Really, it's no big deal, and all it means is that I have to have antibiotics during labor to protect the baby. It does throw a wrench into the whole staying at home as long as possible plan, as I now have parameters about when I need to get there in order to receive the antibiotics.
I'm a little disappointed, but oh well. Really, if that's the worst thing that's happened, then I think we're doing just fine.
Picture coming soon.
Full Term
This blog has been one of the best ideas I've had in a long time. It is allowing me to recall details in a way that I cannot do with my first pregnancy. Although, I have some special keepsakes from my first pregnancy (4D ultrasound pictures & DVD) that I do not have this time. Each child has their own unique experience documenting their arrival in the world, and I am OK with that.
This morning, as I type this, I am now considered "full term". My pregnancy is effectively over. The baby is just about as developed as she is going to be (not including size). Now, we are just waiting for nature to decide that the inside environment is no longer suitable, and for her to make an entry into the outside world.
As each moment goes by, I get more and more excited and anxious. What will she look like? How will Mini Me react to her? How will Hubby and I deal with the demands of a newborn and a pre-schooler? Will she have the same outgoing, adventurous personality as Mini Me or be more reserved?
I cannot wait for her to be here, but I am trying to remember every minute of this amazing journey before it is over.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Nesting, it's not just for birds
For days, I have been cleaning, organizing and re-organizing the entire house. Hubby yelled at me when I attempted to climb on a chair to scrub the light fixtures in the kitchen. (He then got them down for me so that I could scrub them.)
We had planned to clean both cars this weekend and get the car seats installed. Well, we ended up deciding to order new seats for Mini Me, which will be here hopefully by the end of the week. So, as of now, we haven't done anything to my car. Hubby's car has been cleaned, Mini Me's old seat has been removed and the infant seat is installed. So, almost half way there but it's driving me crazy that it's not done and there's nothing I can do about it.
The closets have been emptied and re-packed. We also met with our doula again this weekend. I was organizing pictures and putting together the bouncy seat at 3am Sunday morning. I just can't seem to sleep past 3.... It's like the magic number.
I am feeling very ready...
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Krazy Glue
Not that my thumb got stuck to the changing pad cover or anything like that....
Um, gotta go...
Monday, August 31, 2009
Appointment updates and such
Overall, it was great. After a brief stint being completely transverse yesterday which hurt like a &%$#^, baby is head down again. Thankfully, the midwife thinks that she is probably done experimenting with positions and will most likely stay put. If however, in the next couple of days I feel her flip again, I need to call and they will schedule an external version. Not something I want....
Her heart rate was a little faster than normal, but she was active and actually kicked the probe, so, no cause for concern. She was just getting in a little aerobic workout this morning. At least one of us is.... my weight? Um...yeah. 178.5ish
Other than that, I have all of my appointments for the rest of this pregnancy scheduled (assuming I'm not overdue, of course). It's kind of an odd feeling, but really exciting as well!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
The hat
The problem is that the pattern came in 3 sizes: medium premie, large premie, and newborn. I made the newborn size figuring this baby would be 3 months old by the time Christmas rolls around. Well, this hat fits Mini Me. So....I guess I have to knit another much smaller one for the little one. At least they will have matching hats! Oh-I just had the best idea: they can wear their matching hats for a picture for this years Christmas cards! Nothing like planning ahead.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Knitting and Not Sleeping
I also have this intense urge to knit. (Yet again, knitting is no where on this list ---->)
But, I found an adorable pattern for a little hat that's like a Christmas tree with matching elf booties...so, I have to get started on it. Ya know, since Christmas is only 4 months away. Although, I have to say that I've already started making our Christmas shopping list and already have one present purchased. Never too early to start, right?
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Flips and Flops
Anyway, we shall see. She's certainly running out of room.
Also, if you look waaaay over there ----------------------->
you will see the "to do" list I keep complaining about. (Notice that 'redesign the blog' is not anywhere on there...nor has it ever been. Yet, what is happening? Um, yeah.)
Anyway, just thought it would be fun (and maybe get me in gear) if I had some fun way to track my accomplishments. So, check back to see my progress as I cross things off the list!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Blog construction
I am preparing The Mini Me Times for the new arrival. The plan is that this blog will remain active through the birth of Mini Me 2.0. After the birth, it will be inactive, but will remain available.
All blogging related to the kids (& anything else) will be posted on the Times site. There are many more changes still to come on the Times site.
And, yet, my to-do list still remains at 33 items. Why? Because I've spent all this time working on the blogs instead of knocking things off the list.
Loving this website
www.haveyouhadthatbabyyet.com
Monday, August 17, 2009
Did I show you the blanket?
It's a very simple, boring one color blanket, and I still
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Cross your fingers
Still waiting....
OK, good. Now I can continue.
The other night, baby girl was doing some serious
So, don't you dare uncross your fingers. Let's hope that this kid has inherited her daddy's sense of direction and is able to find her way out just fine, because we know mommy would get lost even with a GPS. :-)
Doula update
I'm all about that. Generally, I find the answers to standard questions like, "what made you want to become a doula?" completely useless. So, I didn't even bother to ask them. Really, if you are trying to get someone to hire you, for any job, aren't you going to answer questions in a way that is going to portray you in the best light to make the person want to hire you, regardless of whether the answer is 100% accurate? (If you answer 'no' to that question, I'll be hooking you up to a polygraph at the end of the post.)
But, very rarely am I wrong about the vibes I get from people. I learned to trust that instinct when I was a manager (like, for real employed...not household management). I shook my head many a time and the staff that were hired, knowing that it would end badly. And, countless times, it did. I'm just good like that.
Luckily for me, I didn't get that at all with this woman. She seems like a genuinely nice person and I am looking forward to having this baby with her help and that of the midwives that have made this pregnancy so much more "normal", than medical. Yay!
Monday, August 10, 2009
32 week appt.
Weight: 172
BP: 110/70
Baby Girl's heartrate is in the high 140's, and she is still hanging out in her head down position. Nothing else new to report. Just waiting......
Friday, August 7, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Warning: Not suitable for small children or the faint of heart
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
And....we have a doula
With that decision, I have also carried a hope that I would be able to have a birth that did not involve pain medication, IV's, catheters, stitches, etc. To that end, I have been toying with the idea of having a doula present for the birth.
Generally, this goes against my philosophy of having as few people as possible in the delivery room. Not that I don't love all of you, but there is NO WAY, even if ya'll lived right next door, that I would choose to have any of you in the delivery room. No offense. Just not my thing. In fact, if I could give birth at home with only hubby and a midwife, I would be happy. But, hubby is really not cool with that, so we compromised.
However, as anyone who knows my hubby probably can guess, he's not really the "crunchy" type. He's analytical, scientific and cautious. To him, the medical model of birth is just fine. I respect his opinion, but we do have very different views. I don't believe that birth is a medical issue. I believe that women were designed to have babies, and while complications do occur that can and should be handled by doctors, in hospitals, that the majority of births should be able to happen as nature intended.
With that thought, I am preparing to have this baby, with as few interventions as possible. While hubby does not really understand my desire to do so, he respects my decision. However, he has also chosen to not actively participate in preparations to assist me with labor (learning massage techniques, positions for pain management, relaxation exercises, etc). So, I have decided that to give me the best chance of the birth that I hope for, I would compromise one of my preferences, and have a doula assist with the birth.
The glitch in all of that, is that a certified birth doula in this area costs a substantial amount of money and is not covered by insurance. Being a Stay at Home Mom doesn't really put a whole lot in the bank, ya know? But, thanks to my internet friends, I have been hooked up with a woman in a doula training program. She has completed the training and must now attend several births to complete her certification. She's not completely new at this. In fact, the first birth she participated in was a completely unmedicated home birth. Sweet.
And, so the stage is set. I will give birth to this baby, in the same hospital that Mini Me was born. I will have a L&D nurse present at all times. My midwife will be there for medical support (there is an OB supervisor who will not be present, but is available should there be any complications), and I will have hubby and a doula for emotional and physical support.
Now, we just wait....
Monday, July 27, 2009
30 week appt.
And, they confirmed that my blood work from my last appointment. was fine. No GD and I'm not anemic! Woo Hoo!
The highlight, once again, really was having Mini Me participate. She got to help with listening to the baby's heartbeat, and then the midwife put the probe on Mini Me so she could here her heartbeat. She thought that was pretty funny. I go back in 2 weeks...
The lamp saga is over
Friday, July 24, 2009
30 week pic
Don't get any bright ideas....
It all started yesterday morning, when little one was rolling around in there, and must have been laying on something important because I nearly passed out. I got short of breath, dizzy, hot and it just was not cool at all. And, for the rest of the day, any time I stood up, I started to get short of breath again. What the heck were you doing in there, little girl???
Last evening, I started having contractions every 2-3 minutes. NOT COOL AT ALL! Granted, they were not strong, but were just mildly uncomfortable. Still, they should not be happening that frequently. So, after drinking large amounts of water and laying down, they gradually subsided sometime during the nights when little one repositioned herself yet again.
So, little one. Don't get any bright ideas. As anxious as we are to meet you, you need to stay put for at least 7 more weeks.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wall Letter Mania
Today I have continued to make progress on the girls' room. I just spent
Mini Me's bed is all set, the
Here's the dilemma with the wall letters:
I need to move Mini Me's wall letters over to her side of the room. OK. That presents 2 issues:
- The nails in the wall where her letters used to be, need to be moved because they are not centered over the crib in it's current position. And besides, the number of letters may or may not match up for the new baby's name. Of course, in my obsessive state right now, that will also involve at least touching up the holes so they are not as obvious. Otherwise, it will drive me nuts.
- The letters I painted are OK, but I don't *love* them in the newly decorated room. The colors are a little off from the rest of the scheme. So, I'm thinking about repainting them. But, of course in true pregnant hormonal fashion, I tear up at the very thought of "destroying" her original wall letters that I painted days after coming home from the hospital with her. I seriously need to get a grip. Everything is making me cry these days, and it's getting out of hand.
I think I will end up painting new wall letters. I will keep her "original" ones, and just paint new ones for her. That's the best solution I can come up with to satisfy both the perfectionist/nesting side of me, and the hormonal, sentimental side. Because, every kid needs 2 sets of useless wall letters, right? Right?
Also, while we have not officially named this baby and won't until she is born, I do believe we have come to agreement on a likely name for her. It is taking everything in my being to resist running out to get the letters to start painting. And, yes, I know there are several of you reading this that are now practically drooling at the possibility of learning her name. Sorry, we still aren't sharing. Not even with Mini Me. Imagine the confusion for her, should we tell her that her sisters name is going to be "xyz" and we come home with a baby named "abc". We wouldn't want her to think we came home with the wrong kid and insist we take it back, now, would we? No, I think not.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Not much new to report
Here we are, approaching 30 weeks. Holy Cow!
I feel like I've been saying that a lot, lately. Perhaps it's the fact that I am officially doing the pregnant chic waddle, the fact that I can't comfortably sit anywhere, and I have to literally roll out of bed to get up that has me realizing that this is all coming to an end, very shortly.
Today, I have been making lists of the things that still need to be bought for this baby, things that need to be done to finish the girls' room, things that need to happen before the baby is born, plans that need to be made, hospital bags that need to be packed...etc. It's a bit overwhelming. But, at the same time, I am completely anxious to do it all...TODAY.
Realistically, I know that I have around 10 weeks to get it all done. But, 2 thoughts keep haunting me: 1. Do I REALLY have 10 weeks? What if this little girl wants to make an early appearance? 2. The past 10 weeks have flown by so fast, that the next 10 weeks don't seem nearly long enough to get everything done.
So, as I said. Not much new to report. Just the panic inducing realization that this wonderful experience is winding down, and soon our little girl will have a little sister.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
No news is good news
But, here's the scoop:
I have heard NOTHING about my test, which was a week and a half ago. So, I'm taking that to mean 'no news is good news', and assuming that I passed the glucose test. Excuse me while I brush the cookie crumbs off the keyboard...
Let's see, what else...
Oh, little one has maneuvered herself very low, and is trying to break my pelvic bones apart. Good times. Not sure if she's planning to stay down there, but she's been asked (by daddy, who is very busy at work) to stay put until Oct. 1st. Mommy isn't as particular. Anytime after mid-September would be just as good for me.
And, in other happy news....her crib is here! I'm still working on decorating the girls' room, but the crib and Mini Me's big girl bed are set up. It's a little strange seeing a crib in the room again. I will post pics of the room once it's finished.
That's all, folks.
Monday, July 6, 2009
27 Week appointment update
For those of you who aren't familiar with what that means, let me explain:
My appointment with my midwife was scheduled for 8:40. Before I could see her, I had to check in and go across the lobby to the lab and get this orange flavored drink, which basically tastes like flat orange soda, drink it within 5 minutes and have the time noted on a chart. Then, I got to go see my midwife....at 9am. OK, so Mini Me has already put up with being at the office for 30 minutes at this point, so the fact that she was still in a great mood was...exciting.
Highlights from the appointment:
Weight 165
BP 106/68
Baby is measuring right on track, heartbeat is strong, and she is head down. Yay!
Mini Me got to "help" hold the probe while they were listening to the heartbeat. That was sweet.
After the appointment, we got to sit in the waiting room for almost 40 minutes, waiting for my hour to be up so that I could have my blood drawn. Mini me was a trooper. She did SO well, and I was able to get the blood work done and get her back in the car, at 10am without incident.
Yay for Mini Me deciding to have a good cooperative day! On the way inside, she decided she wasn't going to go up the stairs at home and needed to be carried against her will. Once she got inside and had a snack, all was right with the world again.
All in all, today went MUCH better than I had anticipated. I don't have the results of the test yet, so I am going to continue to pig out on sweets until further notice...just in case I receive a phone call in the near future informing me that I am banned from sugary goodness. Let's hope that call never comes, shall we? Because that will make for one very cranky mommy for the next 13 weeks....
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
26ish weeks
Thursday, June 25, 2009
The future of this blog...
Right now, the sole focus of this separate blog is to keep a record of the pregnancy. (See, I haven't been filling in my pregnancy journal..but, no fear. I can just print this out, stick it in the book, and there we have it!)
However, once this little girl is born, other than possibly the first few days in the hospital that will be a blur, most of this little ones life, for better or worse, will involve Mini Me. It seems to make sense to me, that the blogs be integrated.
So, here is what I have decided:
This blog will remain and will get updated with Baby Girl #2's milestones and stats. Again, it's like an electronic baby book, that I will eventually get made into a real book.
But, most of the anecdotal stories and pictures will go onto the other blog, which may be renamed.
That is all. Carry on.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Double Digits
Monday, June 22, 2009
A little comparison
Monday, June 15, 2009
Vooolllllcaannoo!
But, in recent developments...I am on fire. Quite literally. I eat meat, I have heartburn. I eat veggies, I have heartburn. I drink water...yup, you guessed it!
And, I think my little girl had a growth spurt in the past couple of days, because my skin is stretching like crazy and I feel like she's pushing to get out through my belly button which is protruding quite a bit now.
Ah well, such is life as we trudge through the last few weeks of the second trimester.
I do have to add that Mini Me is very excited to have a little sister. She talks to her every day, and gives her kisses. Now, it may be a whole different ballgame once she's actually born. But, for now, I'll just enjoy the sweet moments when my little girl kisses my belly and says, "I love you, sister".
Friday, June 12, 2009
Happy V-Day!
No, not Valentine's Day (My mind's been a little lost lately, but I'm not THAT far behind!)
It's Viability Day!!!
Week 24. The next little milestone.
If the baby were to be born now, there is a very good chance she would survive. That is not to say there would not be massive risks, complications and such. And, we certainly WANT her to stay inside and develop for at least 13 more weeks (preferably not longer than 16 more weeks, though!). But, there is some sense of relief, in my mind and heart, at least, that should something go wrong, there is a chance that she would make it.
So, Happy V-day, little one!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
22 week appointment
Belly is measuring on track and all is well.
Heartrate: 150's
My official weigh in results: 160!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Any day now?
He then goes on to tell me that he has 2 kids. Really? Did your wife not teach you to make stupid comments to pregnant women?
He proceeds to tell me about how his kids were born in September and October, and how the summer before his one son was born, there was a heat wave with several days over 100 degrees and his wife was miserable, blah, blah, blah.
Um, yeah. Thanks for sharing. Have a nice day.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
20 Weeks, baby!
Twenty Weeks!
We are half way there, and are really excited. (Sorry, we missed the 19 week pic, and I did this horrible one myself b/c hubby was away on a business trip. It will have to do).
Since the girls are sharing a room, I picked bedding for Mini Me and will coordinate this little girls crib bedding to match. We picked up the bedding yesterday and I just can't wait to decorate the room. Which, is where the problem lies.
We originally planned to just buy Mini Me a twin bed, and convert her bed back into the crib. We decided today that we would just get the conversion rails and let Mini Me keep her "bed" and we would get a new crib (the same one) for this baby. Long term, this is the smart thing to do as both children will have really nice full size beds that should last many more years. However...
The conversion rails and crib will not arrive for 10-12 weeks. Which means....10-12 weeks before I can redecorate the room. It's killing me to have the pretty bedding sitting here, in the box...and I can't do anything with it.
Oh, yeah. Actually, I am doing something with the quilt. I'm returning it.... Since when I ordered the bedding, we had planned on a twin bed for Mini Me, I got the twin size quilt. Now that she is going to have a full size bed, I have to return it to get a full size quilt. Oh, well. It's not like I need the quilt right now....
Thursday, May 7, 2009
The comments are starting already...
Yes, I'm sure!
No, I'm not due until October 1st.
Yes, I know I still have the whole summer to go.
Yes, I know I'm "big" already. Thank you for noticing.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
Big Ultrasound
The baby was not very cooperative, and they had a hard time getting the measurements they needed. It took forever...not that I minded laying there getting to watch the baby, but eventually the baby turned around and they were able to get what they needed. Mini Me and Daddy were there, and Mini Me kept asking that we put "Max and Ruby" on the tv, instead of the ultrasound. Guess she wasn't so interested in seeing the baby.
I am very happy to report that the baby looks fine and we were told that upon the initial report, everything looked well. We got to see the face, arms, legs, belly and all the organs. I even felt the baby kick and squirm and could see it on the monitor as well. It was fun.
I have some pictures I will scan and post on Tuesday.
Oh, yeah...and, you are probably wanting to know if it's a boy or girl, right?
Well, we do know and we will be sharing the information...next weekend.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Photo comparison
Thursday, April 23, 2009
17 Weeks
Strangers have now officially started to comment on my belly. And, I realize that I was seriously deluded when I thought I had almost enough clothes to get through the summer. I tried everything on in my closet, and half of it (including nearly all my summer maternity clothes from last time) I have already outgrown. Sweet.
I'm still not feeling movement *every* day, but most days I feel little kicks. They are starting to get a little stronger, but I still can't wait to really feel them and for daddy to be able to feel them too.
Here is my 17 Week belly picture:
P.S. Ummm, yeah. Just realizing that I look about 7 months pregnant... It's funny, because I definitely see the growth from last week to this week (really, how could you not?!?). At the beginning of the week, I was really uncomfortable. My hips and ligaments hurt when I moved at anything quicker than a snails pace. Now I know why. Baby was growing rapidly and my body was trying to catch up. However, on another note, I still have not gained any weight. I am still the same weight I was at my 8 week appointment. Go figure! 3 more days!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
May 1 can't come soon enough!
I didn't really care with Mini Me. Once we decided we weren't going to find out (hubby didn't want to, so I went along with it), I was fine with not knowing. It really didn't bother me at all.
Since we decided, even before getting pregnant, that we would find out the sex of this baby...it is driving me insane. I NEED to know NOW!!!!
I really don't have much of a preference either way: I would love another little girl so that Mini Me has a little sister, and I envision them having little tea parties and dressing daddy up like a princess. It would also be great if we could re-use some of Mini Me's adorable clothes. Most of which I will never part with, just because they are too special. (I actually picked out my favorites-which amount to several bags-to eventually have made into a quilt or something). I think hubby also wants another little girl.
However, several family members are pulling for a boy. It would be nice to have a little boy and get to experience that. I also envision hubby outside teaching his little boy to play baseball (or hockey, gotta raise the kid as part Canadian after all!) I also LOVE little boy clothes. Even though everyone one says girls' clothes are cuter, I think some of the boy stuff is ADORABLE!!
So, really, I know I will be happy either way. I'm just dying to know if I should start going through Mini Me's baby clothes! I had a dream early on that the baby was a girl, but some days I'm feeling boy.
::whines & pouts: I wanna know now!::
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Current food obsession
Thursday, April 16, 2009
16 weeks
Monday, April 13, 2009
I found it!
Apparently, we now keep the cord behind the bookcase. Seems reasonable, no?
I have rescued the cable and am posting the pictures in the appropriate weeks' post. Although, as I look at the pictures, it looks like my belly is shrinking. Ha, ha, ha. I can assure you that the opposite is true. It is merely an illusion of my clothing options. My maternity pants are now sucking in a bit of the extra pudge that is insulating the actually baby bump.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
We have MOVEMENT!
As I type, I can feel the little baby. And, I am SURE that what I feel is baby moving. In fact, I can feel its whole body when I press on my tummy from the outside. How freakin' awesome!
Oh, and the B6? Still working perfectly! I haven't had so much as a MOMENT of nausea in over a week now.
And, I think Mini Me is *starting* to catch on. She kisses my belly and sorts things into piles: her's and "new baby's". I guess this kid is going to be referred to as "new baby" for a while.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Is B6 really a miracle drug?
Really? Is it that simple?
At our last appointment, my midwife had suggested trying Sea Bands and B6 to see if either one helped with the morning sickness that has ruled my life recently. The Sea Bands were an epic FAILURE.
So, last night, after yet another day of that oh, so yucky feeling, I took a little white tablet, completely unconvinced that a little vitamin was going to be so magical.
I suppose it could be a coincidence, but I woke up feeling fantastic and it is now after lunch, and my tummy is still quiet and calm.
I am now kicking myself for not trying this...say, 8 weeks ago. Hey, even if it buys me a couple of days of feeling good, it will be SO worth it!
Thank you, B6!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Lesson Learned
It all started on Friday. I woke up with a headache, but my dear friend Tylenol was kind enough to help with that. After lunch, my arch enemy Morning (ha ha) Sickness arrived and I spent the afternoon teetering on the edge of not wanting to puke and begging God to just let me puke and get it over with. Guess God won that debate.
Sadly, due to not feeling well, I had not forced myself to drink nearly enough water (or anything else for that matter) and once the vomiting started, dehydration quickly followed. Like an idiot (or just someone with too much of a work ethic to call out an hour before I need to be at work), I headed out the door. Needing to stop on the way to puke yet again. Awesome! By the time I got to work, Gatorade and Ginger Ale in hand, I realized I probably should have been at the hospital.
I was weak, dizzy, had chills and was struggling to keep even a sip of liquid down. By some blessing, I discovered that laying flat on my back made me not want to die, so that is what I did, as much as possible. Even that couldn't save me and I still found myself retching a few more times before I made it home.
Luckily, I have an awesome husband who took care of Mini Me so that I could take a nap. Sadly, I still wasn't able to keep much down, although hubby did keep forcing me to drink and even try to eat. By the time I left for work Saturday night, I was feeling slightly better, but still a bit lightheaded.
After a bit of sleep and a bottle of Gatorade, I felt almost human again. This morning when I got home, I had some soup and that made a dramatic difference. I am now feeling about 85%. I will try to eat again and see how it goes.
While I'm starting to feel better, inside I feel worse. I am so worried that I have hurt little Mini Me Jr. between the dehydration and the lack of food for almost 48 hours. I will probably call my midwives tomorrow for reassurance that I am doing everything I can to get healthy again and get back on the road to gaining weight and growing a healthy baby.
I weighed myself this morning and I have lost yet another 2.5 pounds. Were I not pregnant, I'd be very happy about this. But, weight loss is a scary thing when you have another human being growing inside you.
So, lesson learned. No matter how crappy I feel, I must drink. I am absolutely convinced that had I been drinking, I would not have ended up sick for 2 days. This little incident seems to not be a stomach bug (hubby and Mini Me are not sick), nor something I ate (as Mini Me and I have been eating the same things). The only explanation is morning sickness leading to dehydration. AKA: my own damn fault.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Skipping ahead
Talk about time flying....
Well, I've adjusted my ticker to reflect my new due date, which makes me 13 weeks today! yay!
So, here's a glance at what the baby is up to this week.
And, we actually have a 13 week belly pic to add....after a nap. :-)
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Forgot to add...
*runs to the freezer to find the ice cream*
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
It's a...
Ha ha, bet you were hoping to know if it's a boy or girl. Well, you will have to wait another 6-8 weeks to find that out. Assuming baby cooperates and flashes the camera.
But, Mini Me Jr. has a very strong heartbeat in the 150's and our midwife said that everything seems great. So, yay!
Oh, and they have sort of unofficially moved my due date to Oct. 1st from Oct. 3/4 based on the ultrasound at the last appointment. I'm more convinced than ever that this baby is going to make an appearance in September, though. We might get a revised estimate at our big ultrasound.
On to the second trimester! Woo Hoo!
Monday, March 23, 2009
12 weeks
Sadly, morning sickness has returned (again!) and I've been feeling pretty miserable. Add to that a sore throat and it makes for one unhappy momma.
I keep trying to tell my unborn child that (s)he has made mommy sick long enough and that now that we are moving into the second trimester, its time to let mommy feel better. It doesn't seem to be working.
The little ray of sunshine is that tomorrow I go to the midwives for my 12 week appointment and we should be able to hear the heartbeat! I can't wait!
Of course, I will post all of the details tomorrow when I get back, along with my 12 week belly picture. Stay tuned!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Ahhh, Cherry Coke. How I love thee!
I went out and bought cherries to add to my regular coke. Just the right number of cherries, cherry syrup and a can of coke = one happy momma!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
No 11 week picture...sorry
I promise a 12 week picture coming up in a few days.
Our 12 week appointment is on Tuesday! We can't wait to hear the little heartbeat!!!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
10 Week Picture
Monday, March 9, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Weight and Body Image
But, as I was looking back over my pregnancy journal that I kept when I was pregnant with Mini Me, I realized that I am starting this pregnancy 13 pounds lighter! Woo Hoo! I guess chasing around a 2 year old really does count as exercise after all!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Random 9 week thoughts
I say that carefully because the last time this happened, "morning" sickness came back with a vengeance and I had a pretty rough week. (See last weeks milkshake post)
Anyway, we are now beginning week 10! Can you believe it?!? When this week is over, we will be 1/4 of the way there! I guess I have to suck it up and start the belly pictures next week. I'll be honest, I've avoided it because, well, since Christmas I've looked 4 months pregnant, so...it's just not a pretty picture. No one really wants to see my fat bloated belly.
Public Service Announcement: Please don't rub my belly yet! It's just fat, I promise. The baby is only an inch long. It's really not filling up this whole space in my tummy. When it is, you can touch it. Until then, please refrain from rubbing my fat. (Yes, a friend actually did this the other day...same friend who called me out on being pregnant a week after I tested because my face looked different...awesome!)
So, here's what's happening in the world of our developing fetus this week: Week 10
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
You are so grounded!
What is with demanding a milkshake this morning and then rejecting it so violently half an hour later?
Really, who doesn't like milkshakes??
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Made the announcement
It was a lot of fun and I was very proud of myself that I was able to keep the secret with careful planning! Yay me!
Friday, February 20, 2009
It's a....heartbeat!!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE my midwives. It was such a great appointment.
Strangely enough, the other day I started feeling better and despite the fact that I never really felt too sick with Mini Me, I found this scary.
My midwife was excellent and was willing to send me for an ultrasound (even though they usually don't do early ultrasounds). So, they got me in for that morning, and as soon as they started, I saw the little flicker of a heartbeat even before the tech pointed it out.
Mini Me Jr.'s heart was beating away at 167 bpm and was measuring 8 weeks, 1 day. So, the ittle bean is measuring a couple of days ahead! Yay! Grow, baby, grow!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
2nd pregnancy dream
Yikes!
And, yes, I'm still feeling naseus off and on.
I am getting nervous/excited though, because we are telling everyone the "news" on Saturday. Should be lots of fun!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
First Pregnancy Dream
I will spare you the bizzare details of it all, but the highlights of the dream were this: the baby was a girl.
We'll see. Only about 12 weeks to wait! Only??
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
I think "morning" sickness has arrived
Today is a different story. Today, I dry heaved for the first time this morning, and have felt incredibly nauseous all day.
I'll take that as a good sign that things are progressing as they should. But, um, yeah. Let's not make this a long term thing, mmkay?
Hugs and Kisses
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
First Appointment
If there was one exciting thing about the appointment, it was that everyone was really nice and even the vampire lady who was taking my blood seemed cheerful and said "congratulations!" That was nice. At least they realized that while I may be the eleventy billionth pregnant lady they've seen already this week, that it was still special to me.
I'm starting to get excited. Your little heart should be beating away and we are planning on telling our family next weekend. So, little bean...grow big and strong, OK? See you in October. Hugs and Kisses.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
You're keeping me up at night ALREADY?!
Last night I went to a "Meet the Midwives" info session to get a feel for the practice and make sure its where I want to go for the next 8 months. I really liked it, and it sounds like this will be a much different experience that my pregnancy with Mini Me.
That being said, I already had my appointments set up anyway. Although, I was a little disappointed to find out that I will most likely NOT get an early ultrasound, so, here's hoping that little jelly belly is doing well and developing normally.
I can't wait to hear the heartbeat, which most likely won't be for another 5-7 weeks! How am I supposed to wait that long!?!?!
But, anyway. Back to the post topic...
So, I just could not sleep last night. And, of course, I'm a bit sluggish today. Really, do you need to keep me up already? Let me sleep a few more months, okay?
Thanks! Hugs and Kisses, Mommy
Monday, February 2, 2009
Pregnancy Brain Strikes Already
On the way home, I was very hungry and started to get nauseous. Duh, I'm pregnant! When I got home, I changed back into my comfy yoga pants and sweatshirt only to realize that my boobs did not hurt. Now, they have been hurting for a couple of weeks now, and I find it very reassuring that the little bean is healthy. So, of course, I have some internal angst about what is going on and why suddenly, my boobs no longer hurt. For some reason, the fact that I am SUPER nauseous means nothing to me, but my boobs not hurting...well, that's terrifying.
So, after about an hour of so of poking and prodding myself hoping to find a sore spot, I remember that I had taken Tylenol. Hmmm, the Tylenol probably doesn't know the difference between head pain and boob pain. It probably didn't realize that I LIKE the boob pain.
Sure enough, a few hours later, my boob pain is back and I am happy.




