tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78113598891082302024-03-13T21:56:50.186-07:00Our Pride And Joys Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-61147749520068940222014-03-05T20:33:00.001-08:002014-03-06T06:25:59.409-08:00Keira's Birth Story<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's weird how intimidating writing my birth stories are. My first one took me 18 months and here I am, <strike>3 months postpartum</strike> <strike>4 months,</strike> shit almost 5 months post partum, and still haven't written about that day. Or should we say days, because lets face it, I'm a marathon laborer. I'm convinced I will have precipitous labor one of these times. Just to throw me off since I expect to labor for so long.<br />
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The difference with this birth story is that it really begins with <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7811359889108230#editor/target=post;postID=6830559249946782817;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=10;src=postname" target="_blank">THIS</a> birth story, as often time VBAC/TOLAC stories do. To sum it up, if you are lazy like myself and don't want to read it, my last birth ended in a cesarean after 40 hours of what was supposed to be a natural hospital birth. It was one of the most trying and glorious days of my life. I became a mother to a beautiful, independent, sassy pants little girl we named Kennedy. She was 8lbs 9oz, not huge but according to my OB too big for me. Pre-Kennedy I was about 130lbs and 5'4", too small to push a baby out. It didn't make sense to me. It didn't add up and I spent 18 months asking myself how I wasn't made to birth babies. While everyone reminded me that 'at least you have a healthy baby" the guilt just sunk in deeper that I wasn't okay with how everything went down that day. Until I found ICAN. You can read about that in the other birth story, but again to summarize, I was given the confidence I needed to pursue my vbac (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). So I started the research and got together the best team I could. Hired an amazing doula, and found a care provider that would give me the best chance at the birth I wanted. And then we waited...<br />
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<strong>Saturday October 5, 2013 40 weeks 4 days</strong></div>
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Nothing too extravagant happened on this day. We did decide to meet friends of ours for dinner and I started to notice a trickle. Yep. You guessed it. I couldn't be 100% sure, but I am pretty sure this is when things started (very slowly) to begin. I went about my evening just like every other over due pregnant lady does...nummy food with ice cream for dessert I'm sure was included. <br />
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<strong>Monday October 7, 2013 40 weeks 6 days</strong></div>
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Happy 2nd Birthday Kennedy Mae! She woke up early (it's been too long for me to remember, but I think it was about 5:30am) I got up to go get my little birthday girl and as I stood up to hold her my pants soaked to my knees. I walked in and asked Nate to take her and went to the bathroom where I was able to see my bloody show was beginning as well. I had been losing obscene amounts of plug daily since Friday and this finally had some "show"! I knew labor was imminent and chatted with Nate. We were both too excited to go back to sleep. After a few hours of nothing happening and thinking there was a possibility of leaking since Saturday we put a call into my doctor to see what he wanted us to do. They were swamped at the office and after 2 hours he still hadn't called me back so I called again, where the nurse told me I should just head in. I was devastated to say the least that things seemed to be going exactly as they had with my first birth. I decided to take my time and arrange child care and also schedule an appointment with my chiropractor to see if babies alignment had anything to do with why labor wasn't picking up. Just as we were about to head out the door my doctor called and said that as long as my temperature was fine and the water was clear, I was free to stay home and wait for labor to begin on its own. THANK YOU JESUS! Nate and I both were relieved that things were finally not going to head down the same path that they had the last time. We still left the house and went to the chiropractor and dropped Kennedy off at my mom's. That was probably the hardest part of the day. I had an enormous amount of guilt about leaving her on her birthday. I know she was only turning 2, but I felt like a terrible mother not spending the rest of the day with her.<br />
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After dropping her off, we went to Subway for lunch and went home. Well I went home and Nate went to work for a few hours. I attempted to take a nap and did some curb walking outside. My neighbor noticed me out and came by to invite me for a walk, so we went on about a 3 mile walk. My waves were coming every once in awhile, but nothing regular or even close to me thinking labor was beginning. That night for dinner, Nate and I went for pizza at the place we had gone the night before my labor with Kennedy began. At this time I wasn't noticing any other water leaking. I still, to this day, have no idea what happened that morning, but I know that it was amniotic fluid. Its one of those things i need to remember to talk to my OB about the next time.<br />
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Anyways, after dinner we went home and I went to listen to my Deepening track (part of my Hypnobabies) at about 10pm. I knew I was going to wake up to waves, but was starting to doubt my body a bit.<br />
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<strong>Tuesday October 8th, 2013</strong></div>
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<strong>12:05am</strong><br />
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I woke up and had a bit of a cramp. Was that a wave? No. Couldn't be. And I drifted back to bed<br />
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<strong>12:30 am</strong><br />
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I felt another wave and started to wonder if things were going to begin.<br />
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<strong>1:30 am</strong><br />
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I decided to get out of bed and start timing my waves. I'm assuming my adrenaline must have kicked in here because within 15 minutes my waves started coming every 2-3 minutes and were lasting 45- 60 seconds. After 15 minutes I decided to wake up Nate and tell him we should probably make the 50 mile drive to the hospital because I was definitely in labor and wanted to actually use the tub! Nate was a wreck. He probably won't admit it, but I kept having to reassure him we were not going to have the baby in the car and he could take his time. I was so sure my waves were going to stop at any minute so I wanted him to take his time just in case. <br />
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I know I texted my doula and just gave her a heads up and we called the hospital on our way to let them know we were on our way! I put on Birthing Day Affirmations and tried to relax through the waves. The bumpy drive and lovely MN road construction made sure that they stayed coming every 2-3 minutes the whole drive to Hudson. I remember getting a text from my doula as we got in the parking lot and she said she was going to head up since she also had a bit of a drive. I still wasn't quite sure that labor had set in and was nervous of things stalling out since I know that can happen a lot when you arrive at the hospital.<br />
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Upon check-in, I consented to a pelvic exam where the nurse told me I was a good 5 almost 6 cm! I was so happy! She also said I had a bulging bag of waters and that Dr. Hartung would probably come in and break it. They did a test to see if my waters were actually broken and also gave me an antibiotic. She wanted to get a good strip from me on the monitors and was not very happy about me being on the ball so I got into bed for a bit and relaxed. The test actually came back negative for fluid, so to this day it's still a mystery about the gush of fluid the day before. My doula came and started using essential oils, which we used for the whole birthing time. My body really responded well to them, especially clary sage. My OB came in at 7am to check in with me. It was his day off, but he reassured me that he would come in when I needed him. I declined having my water broken and said I wanted to just have things naturally progress. I was afraid of things becoming too intense and was trying to avoid all interventions. Shortly after he left I got into the tub in that room. I wasn't ready to move to the big tub yet. I'm not sure why not, but it just seemed natural to go into this one. <br />
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The waves were fairly manageable and we often laughed in between them. I remember feeling antsy and wanting a change of scenery so I got out and decided to walk the halls a bit.<br />
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I actually only wore the hospital gown as a robe. I came equipped with a sun dress and swim suit to birth in.</div>
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See this is where I need my notes from my doula because things start to really blend together! I should probably ask her for those too, huh? <br />
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She knows me well enough to know that I live inside my head, so all clocks were covered so I couldn't watch the clock. I knew time was passing, but just not quite sure of when things happened.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybg6sdOPppg/Uxfq4-PhmRI/AAAAAAAAD6M/dV-CiYWt0tY/s1600/IMG_3625_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ybg6sdOPppg/Uxfq4-PhmRI/AAAAAAAAD6M/dV-CiYWt0tY/s1600/IMG_3625_2.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fB5CDmB1t1U/Uxfvy1ubEYI/AAAAAAAAD7s/9T1H-r7Rbko/s1600/1508073_10203114650855493_2004949655_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fB5CDmB1t1U/Uxfvy1ubEYI/AAAAAAAAD7s/9T1H-r7Rbko/s1600/1508073_10203114650855493_2004949655_n.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a>At some point we moved into the water birth room with the big tub. Upon getting into the water I remember saying aloud that it was "orgasmic". The warm water and jets were amazing to submerge in. We also did a lot of <a href="http://www.spinningbabies.com/" target="_blank">spinning babies</a> in this room: belly lifts, inversions, major rebozo action, and side lying release. I knew enough to know that this baby was not in a great position because time was passing and baby was not coming out. At one point in time we went outside and walked around the labyrinth they have in a courtyard and I remember thinking that I was pretty sure I was 10 cm. My body had been shaking a bit before, which I know to be a sign of transformation. I couldn't understand what was going on though. We went inside and decided to try nipple stimulation. My waves had spaced out to 5 plus minutes apart and I guess the nurse had told my doula she didn't think I was in labor. I started to second guess what was happening and decided I wanted to be checked.This must have been around 3 pm. I must not of communicated what I thought I had, but soon enough Dr. Hartung was on the phone. He told me I had a few options. 1. Have another cesarean and call it quits, which we both knew was not going to happen 2. Go home. The nurse had told him too that she didn't believe that I was in active labor. 3. He could come in and check me and break my water and we could go from there. I of course chose option 3. This was the first I had heard of the nurses thoughts and it DEVASTATED me to say the least. I started to freak out (in my head) that something was wrong and knew there was no way I could go on any longer if this wasn't even the real deal! Lucky for this nurse it was shift change and I never saw her again. Nate and my doula reassured me that she was just not familiar with Hypnobabies and was not used to seeing people as calm as I was.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ixIIKertow/UxfrzCHsyqI/AAAAAAAAD60/qC7sqy-RWtY/s1600/IMG_3640+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ixIIKertow/UxfrzCHsyqI/AAAAAAAAD60/qC7sqy-RWtY/s1600/IMG_3640+2.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0NPbU7O311o/UxfriK2zcKI/AAAAAAAAD6g/Jd8PFbis770/s1600/IMG_3641+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0NPbU7O311o/UxfriK2zcKI/AAAAAAAAD6g/Jd8PFbis770/s1600/IMG_3641+2.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>When my doctor arrived he did a very vigorous check to see if possibly baby was OP, which was not a comfortable thing at all. I would actually go on record to say that that was the worst part of my birthing story. Since I was not wanting to know dilation he wrote it down on a piece of paper for my doula. Nate says at this point he was just praying for anything but an 8! (what I stalled at with Kennedy) I kept saying I thought something was wrong and after a little coercion I allowed my doula to tell me that I was complete! He actually said I was a 9.99999. I'm glad he had a sense of humor at least! So who knows how many hours I was walking around complete? I guess we will never know! No idea why I wasn't having an urge to push, but I was given the green light to! Of course there was meconium present so this meant that my water birth wasn't going to happen, but I was free to get in the tub and start pushing. Their rule is that you can push in the tub, but have to birth the head out of water if it is present. We started filling the tub and I got in only to pretty much get back out. I wasn't comfortable anymore in the water. Too much in and out I think. I got into bed and started pushing on my knees, facing the back of the bed. This felt natural to me, but eventually ended up pushing on my side. All I really remember from this phase was my doula saying over and over 'she believed she could, so she did' and Nate cheering me on like I've never heard him before. I was oblivious to what was <span style="background-color: white;">going </span>on in the room, but Nate says that he knew it was close when my doctor took off his shoes and put on some gloves and came and sat at the end of the bed. I really believed I still had a few hours to go.</div>
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I pushed for 3 hours without a baby with Kennedy, so I expected at least 5 hours this time. I rested a few times and I remember right before I pushed her out the nurse said 'you're going to have your baby during this next wave' and I looked at her and said "Seriously??" I had NO clue we were that close. Like zero idea. So the next one, at what I now know to be 5:59pm, I gave it all I could and out she came! I reached down and pulled her up onto my belly. It was such a surreal moment and happened so quickly that I was in shock. I'm not even sure how long it took Nate to look and see what we had. I still remember the tears in his eyes after I exclaimed that "I did it! A baby came out of my vagina!" He lifted up the babies leg and said "We have another little GIRL!" I also may have said that a certain doctor could go eff herself and the whole room erupted in laughter! Seriously. She told me I couldn't have a baby and I believed it! Well little did she know, but Keira Elizabeth was 21" and 9 lbs 15 oz of pure perfection.</div>
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I'll skip all of the gory details of stitches, which were minimal and how actually amazing delivering the placenta was for me. I won't say orgasmic, but I will be an odd one and say it felt good. Keira stayed on my chest for a few hours and latched right away. We were able to delay cord clamping and all of my wishes were granted as far as delaying weighing and such so we could just snuggle for awhile. I couldn't believe to actually witness a baby to the breast crawl. She lifted her head straight up and found her way.</div>
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I know there is probably more that I may add at some day, but I needed to get this down before I forget even more. Now I will just spam you with my little pumpkin pie, Keira-belle, as I call her.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-4929139658142128632013-08-25T15:42:00.001-07:002013-09-07T06:40:22.129-07:00Say What?Holy hell, what have I been doing this summer? Well, I can tell you what I haven't been doing, and that's updating this blog! I'm not even sure where to begin... First of all I DID pass my GD test which came as a huge shock. I really never saw that coming. I figured since I failed the one hour the first time I would fail again the second. Turns out every pregnancy can be different! (Heavy sarcasm)<div><br></div><div>The month of July was pretty much a big vacation. We spent a week up at Beeezy Point with the fam and K and I took off for Texas to hang out with my sister while she's one maternity leave. Oh and I got to snuggle the sweetest niece ever as a perk. While in TX Nate and I still were going back and forth about the provider debate. We really just couldn't find a compromise. I ended up making an appointment with Dr. Hartung and found out from insurance that he WAS in network so Nate seems better with it all now. </div><div><br></div><div>As of today I'm 34.5! I've been visiting the chiropractor weekly for the last few months which has been amazing for my rib that pops out as well as RLP. As an extra bonus it should help make for a quicker and easier labor. Well, so "they" say. </div><div><br></div><div>Last week we had our first meeting with our amazing doula. It went wonderfully and was super beneficial I think for Nate. He even rebozod me! Rebozos are Mexican scarfs used to help left the baby a bit to get more in a prime position. </div><div><br></div><div>Here I am at 32.6 I think:</div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0pat98cG_-0/Uissw5zROsI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/k8fdVuBehYA/s640/blogger-image--553915061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0pat98cG_-0/Uissw5zROsI/AAAAAAAAD4Q/k8fdVuBehYA/s640/blogger-image--553915061.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-54133369284845296542013-06-27T07:06:00.000-07:002013-07-01T13:15:44.366-07:00Third Trimester<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Yesterday a friend wrote me to congratulate me on making it to the 3rd trimester. My response, "Holy shit. I didn't even realize that!" I think I come here every time with some sort of comment about how time is just flying by, but it really truely is. Just last night we finally spoke about names for the first time, we still aren't for sure where we will be having this baby even. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Tomorrow I have what needs to be my last ob appointment with my current provider. I decided to stay with them through my glucose test since they gave me the juice. Very technical planning as you can see. I'm terrified of failing the 1 hour again. I know they say you can't trick the test but I'm going to at least eat healthier than I did last time before it and drink my water. I actually downloaded an app to help me with my water drinking. Even though its 10:30am right now and I still have yet to drink a glass...</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xZ4qjSYbBrk/UdHjVASwR7I/AAAAAAAAD2U/ut9xWcsv40A/s640/blogger-image--2146724086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xZ4qjSYbBrk/UdHjVASwR7I/AAAAAAAAD2U/ut9xWcsv40A/s640/blogger-image--2146724086.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Here's my belly last week at my sisters wedding. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3Z-LFLAwXAs/UdHjX4evJyI/AAAAAAAAD2c/ZGjnFUfdLjc/s640/blogger-image-1398447922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3Z-LFLAwXAs/UdHjX4evJyI/AAAAAAAAD2c/ZGjnFUfdLjc/s640/blogger-image-1398447922.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Jzo7oT0etbc/UdHjbUvn0MI/AAAAAAAAD2k/g1AqahN5fac/s640/blogger-image-1699235470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Jzo7oT0etbc/UdHjbUvn0MI/AAAAAAAAD2k/g1AqahN5fac/s640/blogger-image-1699235470.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">And strange. A picture of my two loves, K and ice cream. </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Tomorrow marks 27 weeks I think?! And I am still feeling good. Fat, but good. My rib is popped out so a chiropractor visit is in the near future. Baby is super active and I love watching it poke and roll across my belly. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-64079315877308391852013-06-10T09:00:00.000-07:002013-06-10T09:00:26.097-07:0020 Something Weeks <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's amazing really how time seems to be flying by. In a way it's a good thing, but then again I have this feeling that we may be sitting in the exact same place in September with no name, not sure on where we are delivering and nothing figured out with the babies room.<br />
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Last week (or maybe the week before) the hubby decided he didn't want to drive to Wisconsin for care. His exact words, "If this whole VBAC thing is so normal, why do we have to go so far to have a baby?" He's a little nervous, and I get it. Kennedy's birth was a traumatic experience for the both of us. <a href="http://www.debrapascalibonaro.com/the-noble-lie-of-childbirth/" target="_blank">Here is an article</a> written by the amazing man I do still hope to deliver with. Maybe I should just have Nate read it and he would understand?<br />
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I do feel more equipped this time with a doula at my side so I'm open to looking for a different provider. Things I DO know is that home birth isn't an option for us. I'm not ready for it, and I know Nate isn't either. A birth center is an option that I'm open too, but I guess I don't see the point. I might as well have the baby at home then, and that brings me back to the first point.<br />
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I had a great appointment last time with the providers who won't allow me a TOL and the doctor said she thought I was making the right decision and she hoped to allow VBAC's again soon, but since they deliver at two hospitals they are not allowed to. So silly how much of a business our right to birth is.<br />
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On a lighter note, I am 24 weeks tomorrow. Things are coming along smoothly. I do have a rib out at the moment and had that with K. Hoping it will pop back in soon or a chiropractor is in my near future. I've never been, so I'm a little freaked. My favorite thing right now is when K is on my lap and the baby starts trying to kick her away. It's a little battle only I am privy to, since K feels the kicking but isn't that impressed.<br />
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U/S at 22 weeks. I think baby looks deep in thought :) Baby was measuring 5 days ahead which is just like their big sister.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-85974722691453768592013-05-20T11:17:00.002-07:002013-05-20T11:17:47.339-07:0020 Weeks and 6 Days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>It's really unreal how time flies when you have children. People tell you, but you can't really grasp what they are saying until you are in their shoes. Since the last time I have written, I was blessed with the opportunity to attend my sister M's birth of her baby girl. It was a whirlwind of a trip. Literally drove to the airport after her water broke and got on a flight to Dallas. I made it in time, and let me tell you it was the most beautiful thing I have ever been a part of. It's her story to tell, but I will tell you that it really affirmed a calling of working in the field that I've been ignoring for quite some time.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>This was my first time away for Kennedy for a whole 72 hours! It doesn't sound like much, but I was excited to get home to this little pumpkin. </strong></span><br />
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Okay this is super old, from November I think but I need to upload pics in a bad way!</div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>While I was away, I also felt the little one from the outside for the first time. I have been nervous with the little movement I've been feeling, but keep reminding myself that I'm not lying around on the couch as much as I did last time.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>How far along?</strong> 20 weeks 6
days</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9FYghJJ6yU/Tc6yi4EEoRI/AAAAAAAAAAw/HwgJmvobXy0/s1600/Small+Cantaloupe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9FYghJJ6yU/Tc6yi4EEoRI/AAAAAAAAAAw/HwgJmvobXy0/s1600/Small+Cantaloupe.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75;"></span><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Weight
gain/loss:</strong> Oh dear God, I am afraid of the scale. I was up 27 at my last appointment, but then was down 5 so we will see next week!</span><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Maternity
clothes? </strong>Yep. They are just so comfortable!</span><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Stretch marks? </strong>Not anymore than I
already had</span><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Sleep?</strong> Insomnia and a crazy toddler have been visiting me at night. I also have a ton of bad dreams! One from two nights ago was about the baby, and it was a little girl we had named Jude?? Weird.</span><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Food cravings:</strong> Nothing really. Honestly, I've been craving a beer in a bad way!</span><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Movement?</strong> Movement has really picked up in the last few days, and I felt my first outside kick in Texas at 19w6d I believe</span><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Gender:</strong> We're those people that don't find out, but we do have our anatomy scan next Tuesday (late because I had to reschedule while I was in TX) if baby wants us to know i suppose they will show us!</span><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Belly button in or
out?</strong> Still in and it never popped last time</span><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>What I miss?</strong> Having my body to myself. I'm going through some issues with having been pregnant and then breastfeeding until I was yet again pregnant again. I love every second of it, but at the same time I can't help but want it to be all mine again.</span><br /><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>What I'm looking
forward to:</strong> The constant movement that is coming up. I also love when you can lie down and watch your belly move. </span><br /><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-66048626097726924412013-05-09T12:12:00.003-07:002013-05-09T12:12:58.734-07:00The Doula Decision<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Ohmygoodness I am SO excited that Nate agreed to us hiring on the doula that I was hoping for. We had the interview last week and on the way, tears were shed. He is very black and white, my husband, and doesn't quite understand the whole VBAC thing and why it it important to me. Hmmm. Maybe that should be my next post? He's starting to catch on, and OUR doula was able to help him see things even a little more clearer.<br />
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So now we wait until around 32 weeks and will have our first prenatal appointment where she will come out to our home and we will go over some hypnobabies things and I've also asked her to help assist me in some nutrition/exercise as well. Now that it is nice out, I am definitely getting out more and doing a lot of walking so hopefully that will help as well!<br />
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I really feel so much more confident now that she is hired. We are still not 100% on the OB situation and have an appointment this coming Tuesday at the old one still, which happens to be our anatomy scan. I'm so excited to see this little one! I am starting to feel a few pokes here and there, but nothing like how I did with Kennedy. Maybe it's because I don't get to lay around all day with a laptop on my belly and play on The Bump.<br />
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So here we sit at 19 weeks and a few days....<br />
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Somehow, the 8.5 oz doesn't add up to the 20 lbs I've put on...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-49793796313006956132013-05-02T10:56:00.002-07:002013-05-02T10:56:39.439-07:00Questions For the Doula<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tonight is the night we meet with our potential doula. I am SO excited, and in a way shocked that Nate is even open to the idea. Let me preface by saying I met this women during my last pregnancy with Kennedy and she was really the first person to bring hypnobabies to MN, so of course I was drawn to her. For some reason though I couldn't justify the cost. I also had complete confidence in my body and myself that I didn't see the need for one. Now looking back it is one of the biggest mistakes I made was not getting one.<br />
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I've decided to study hypnobabies again for this pregnancy because of how amazing it worked during my last one. I think I am more clam 9 months pregnant, then I am on an average day. So it's important to me to have a doula that is knowledgeable in hypno-anesthesia and one that will use the same terms: transition= transformation, the "P" word = pain is a no-no, labor= birthing time, etc. My goodness I sound like such a hippie some times! So i know that I am already sold on the idea of having her present, but the husband...not so much. I've been looking at some different questions to ask and this is a list that I've collaborated. <br />
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-What made you become a doula?<br />
-Where/When did you get your training? Are you certified?<br />
-How many births have you attended?<br />
-How many VBACs have you assisted in?<br />
-Have you ever missed a birth? <br />
-Tell me about a birthing experience that was challenging and how you were able to overcome it?<br />
-What are the prenatal/postpartum visits like? What do they entail?<br />
-Do you have a back-up and do I meet her ahead of time?<br />
-What do you do if I am induced or need to have a c/s?<br />
-How does having a doula still allow for a couple to still feel like this is a private event?<br />
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So we will see how this goes. During my last birth I had a nurse that was amazing. I think I spoke of her in <a href="http://jessicasmuffins.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-birth-of-kennedy.html" target="_blank">my birth story</a>. I keep reminding my husband of her and how awesome it would have been to have had her there the whole time. Maybe if I would have had someone trained in <a href="http://www.spinningbabies.com/techniques/activities-for-fetal-positioning/rebozo-sifting" target="_blank">rebozo</a>, Kennedy would have been able to get in a better position.<br />
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Today we are 18 weeks and 2 days, so I guess that makes this little bean a sweet potato. This little sweet potato has been doing lots of somersaults and finally is starting to give some kicks and pokes. I swear I remember feeling kicks sooner last time, but I also think I'm a lot more active this pregnancy so there isn't as much time to lay around.<br />
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Here are Miss K and I this week at the March of Dimes walk. Don't mind my tongue, but it's the only way she would look at the camera and we were solo! We walk for our friends on the team, Devoted to Dylan. Check out their awesome story <a href="http://devoted2jenandpatrick.weebly.com/" target="_blank">here!</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-53222924459867529912013-04-26T14:00:00.001-07:002013-04-26T14:00:02.722-07:00The Consult<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On Wednesday afternoon Nate and I made our journey to Hudson to see the doctor known in my area as the 'VBAC King.' Let me tell you he was like no other OB I have ever met in my life, but I'm getting a little ahead of myself now aren't I. So on the way there I started to get nervous. I'm not quite sure about what. I've heard great things about this man for years, but I think being told I could never have a vaginal birth is something that holds a lot of fear over me. I knew though that I had to get another opinion and if it was in his opinion that it couldn't be done, then I would learn to accept that I was one of the 1%. <br />
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Upon arrival they tried to get us to pay an absurd amount of money because of our high copay. I reminded them that he wasn't even my doctor yet and this was a consult, but this was not the way I wanted it to start with Nate. He is already concerned about the ordeal and the extra money is on the top of his list. We made a list of questions in the waiting room and when my name was called I'm pretty sure my blood pressure when through the roof!<br />
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We all sat down and Dr. H explained to us that although he couldn't guarantee a VBAC, he has over an 80% success rate (unheard of!!) and has seen multiple women with my same story become a success. He told us that as long as baby and I were okay he had no issues of us going past 42 weeks and that he wants it to be as natural as possible. MUSIC TO MY EARS! I have never been so relieved to find a provider that is on the same page as me. I feel as if last time, I had to educate my practice as to what hypnobabies was and I had to fight to put off my c/s even though I knew baby and I were okay. I think that is the biggest misconception in ob care is that we take the first number on the list. We don't interview providers like we do pediatricians and such to find the one that best suits us.<br />
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After the meeting was over it was so great to hear the positivity in my husbands voice. He needed to hear that from a doctor. Now I just need to convince him it isn't that far! Dr. H did say he would still take me as a patient if I wanted to split my prenatal care with a provider closer to me, but as of yesterday it doesn't sound like my current OB practice is up for it. Oh well! One step closer in the right direction! Now to meet with our doula this week! EEEK! I'm so excited to meet her!<br />
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Oh and here I am on Wednesday 17.1</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-68305592499467828172013-04-17T13:58:00.000-07:002013-04-17T13:58:27.478-07:00The Birth of Kennedy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've known for a long time that I needed to put this in writing. After 18 months, you would think that it would be an easy thing to talk about, but still I found myself last night in tears when trying to tell the story of my birth. A story that should be filled with joy and excitement, so then why am I still upset about it? Anyways, last night, after many months of begging from a friend, I decided to go to an<a href="http://www.ican-online.org/" target="_blank"> iCan</a> meeting. Now I have heard HORROR stories of what these women are like. I did not want to "drink the kool-aid" so to speak. Last night they were celebrating cesarean awareness month so it was like a typical therapy group. We went around and told our stories. I was in shock of how many of these women reminded me of myself! I related to so many of them, and they weren't all tree hugging, home birthing hippies like I had imagined. When it got to be my turn I could barely do it, so here we go. I'm going to finally make this official and hope I remember as much as I can....<br />
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<strong>Monday October 3 (40 +4 weeks)</strong><br />
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I went in for my 40 week appointment. I knew what was going to happen, so I made Nate come with me. The doctor said we needed to set a time for induction. I asked for the following Monday, but she said I would be risking the life of my baby, so we decided on Thursday evening. I cried. The good news that reassured me was that my favorite OB was the one who would be at the hospital on Friday. It seemed meant to be. After all of the "research" I had done, I believed that my baby was to come on their own time. To pick their own birthday, but unfortunately that wasn't going to be the case.<br />
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<strong>Wednesday October 5 (40 +6 weeks)</strong><br />
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Tonight was the last night Nate and I were going to be home alone. We decided to go celebrate and got in the old '77 Ford and went on a date. We laughed as we went off roading a bit and he tried to go over bumps trying to get my water to break. I was more worried about peeing my pants, but we had a great time. I remember having this thought while we were driving about how it would never be just me and him again. It choked me up. I started to mourn the loss of our little family of two that could do whatever we wanted when we wanted. It's such a strange feeling now looking back!<br />
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We went for pizza and ice cream and then went to a friends I believe. I refused to sit down, hoping gravity would help a bit. I remember thinking things were a little damp below, but not thinking much of it. After we got home I went to lay on the couch and Nate went to bed. Around midnight I stood up and felt a gush. I went to the bathroom but I couldn't be sure. This happened a few times and I woke Nate up around 2 and told him I was pretty sure my water was broke. He asked me what I wanted to do and I said nothing, so I went to bed and hoped for labor to start up.<br />
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<strong>Thursday October 6th (41 weeks)</strong><br />
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Well rise and shine and still no signs of labor. Around 10am I decided I better call the OB. They wanted me to come in right away to be checked if it was a rupture or not. I called Nate and relayed the message, but took my time. I got in the shower, finished packing a bag and we stopped for lunch (Arbys) on our way. I knew they probably weren't going to let me eat. When we arrived I was lectured nicely about waiting 12+ hours before coming in. They did the swab and I started to second guess if it was fluid. Were they going to send me home only to come back in a few hours to start my induction? It just didn't seem right.<br />
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The test came back for amniotic fluid and I was happy that my body had done something right! It really gave me a sigh of relief that I wasn't just being induced because of a date. Now I probably would have waited a bit longer, but at the time 12 hours was my cut off for fear of infection since my body wasn't contracting at all. Shortly after, they placed the Cervidil to help jump start labor. After an hour or so I began to feel contractions begin. I think it was to be placed for three hours and after they were up I had dilated to a 2! I was so excited that my body was responding. After the pitocin started things started to get intense quite a bit faster. I started listening to my hypnobabies tracks and found I was most comfortable in a rocking chair. So I did most of my laboring there, besides a quick stint on the toilet.<br />
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<strong>Friday October</strong><strong> 7th, 2011</strong><br />
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And this is the part that things start to get a little foggy. Not because of drugs, because I wasn't taking them, but because it's just been that long! I remember having to get into bed for them to check me and to monitor me because I wasn't being a very good patient and laying in bed. I remember my waters released I want to say it was around 11 pm. When I was checked again and found to be at 7cm. I moved back to the rocking chair and some time later my hind waters released. Meconium of course all over the floor. I started to get nervous and started to get anxious. At around 7 am Dr. T, my fave, came in. I was stalled at an 8, even though an hour before the nurse had said I was a 9.5? I did feel pushy for awhile, but I'm thinking she just must have measured wrong. I refuse to dwell on the 'what ifs' with that, but we did call our parents after being told we were so close and had them head down. That must have been around 5 am. I was so in the zone and my hypnobabies was working so well, that I don't remember times at all. After Dr. T checked me she said she wanted to go right ahead with a c/s. I bargained for another hour and tried some different positions with the new amazing nurse E that had come in. Still nothing so at 8 am I put it all out there and asked if she would allow me to get an epidural to see if it would relax my cervix enough to dilate. She agreed and said she would give me 2 hours. Luckily, it worked! I made it to 10 cm and was ready to push. To make this as short as can be, I pushed and pushed and pushed and pushed. I was lucky enough and I guess pretty rare, that my legs worked fine with the epi. I had to practically kick a new nurse in the face to have her bring in a squat bar because she didn't believe me. I squatted for about 3 hours and the little babe just didn't want to budge. We did pull the hair out of me for her head though! Hahaha<br />
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At about 4:00pm on Friday the 7th we consented to a c/s. I felt good with my decision and felt like I had exercised everything that I could have to get to this last resort. Nate was a trooper and looked so cute in his scrubs. I hate that I don't have any pictures of that. The surgical team agreed to allowing Nate to cut the cord and announce the sex. Let me tell you THE MOST AMAZING MOMENT EVER is hearing your husband introduce you to your baby. Gives me goosebumps every time. Unfortunately, because of the meconium and 40+ hours of rupture they whisked K away to a NICU team without even showing me her. I don't remember her making any noise for a few minutes, even though my surgical report says differently. I was balling and my arms were still strapped down to the table. I had an amazing anesthesiologist that kept wiping my tears. He was such a nice man. They sent Nate and K up to the room while they sowed me up and my body started to shake uncontrollably. I guess this is normal when baby and mom are separated and the reassured me that as soon as she was on my chest it would stop...which it did. I think that is such a cool unexplained connection.<br />
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She didn't want to latch and we used a shield and worked really hard and were able to figure it out. I think as far as c/s go. Mine was pretty good. I do long for this next birth to be able to hold my baby right away and to be able have that skin to skin contact that is so important with newborns. Stay with me as I try and go through this <a href="http://vbacfacts.com/quick-facts/" target="_blank">VBAC</a> journey!<br />
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Before I even met my sweet girl.</div>
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Baby love at its finest</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-65240935115314422072013-04-08T08:31:00.001-07:002013-04-08T08:31:23.418-07:00A Little Bit of a BreakWell you could say a lot has changed and time has flown! I am now the lucky mother of a beautiful 18 month old little girl. Kennedy has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. She has changed me in a way that nothing in this world ever has. I'm not sure you can know what true love is until you look in the eyes of your child. Nate and I would giggle over how crazy it was to love something so small. <br />
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So here we are 18 months later and expecting baby number 2! I know I need to write down Ks birth story in a bad way. It will explain a lot of why I've come to the decision I have today with how I plan to birth this next baby. October 1st is the tentative guess date, so that puts me at 15 weeks tomorrow. Still no consistent movement, but some flutters every now and then. I love having my Doppler to be able to catch a quick listen when I need that reassurance that all is well. <br />
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Here's a picture of my sweet angel. <br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fDtNMa3_Hxw/UWLiyHMIVqI/AAAAAAAADn0/Ig6gjVbowOU/s640/blogger-image--1129911183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fDtNMa3_Hxw/UWLiyHMIVqI/AAAAAAAADn0/Ig6gjVbowOU/s640/blogger-image--1129911183.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-61033944483296373192011-08-23T09:57:00.000-07:002011-08-23T09:57:59.845-07:0034 Weeks 5 Days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a43w_w3KENo/TlPZyuF1dKI/AAAAAAAAAl0/CmAiIDIVNZ8/s1600/Pride+%2526+Joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a43w_w3KENo/TlPZyuF1dKI/AAAAAAAAAl0/CmAiIDIVNZ8/s320/Pride+%2526+Joy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's a little collage of my ever growing belly. From 18 weeks until 32! I think it goes: 18.6, 19.6, 22.6, 23.6, 27.6, 29.6, and then 31.6.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I haven't done a more recent one because I usually only update on Wednesdays and I seem to be actually busy these days...doing what I have no idea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At the doctor yesterday, they said everything is still looking perfect! Measuring right on and strong heartbeat as usual. It seems that the concensus from everyone these days it that this little one is a boy...I'm not quite sure what to believe right now. I'm also not wanting to say because I think if I'm wrong people will judge that. Stupid I know to feel that way, but even more stupid that people actually think moms have hurt feelings when their babies are born and not what they thought it was. I definitely have my days where I would love to have a boy because I think Nate would love to have a little him to teach hockey and baseball, but in the same thought I think about how wonderful it would be to have a girl to buy cute clothes for and would fit into all of the girls in our family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We will see very shortly! I'll be 35/35 on Thursday, which means 35 Weeks and 35 days to go until our due date! I don't feel quite as strongly as I did about going way over due, but I'm still going strong working my regular hours (even picking some up) and I refuse to back down just because I'm pregnant!</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-50065744095023729912011-08-08T11:47:00.000-07:002011-08-08T11:47:07.805-07:0032 Weeks 4 Days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We are getting SO close to getting to meet this little muffin! Everything has been coming together wonderfully and I really have no complaints. Nate and I have the nursery all together now and I couldn't be more proud with how it all turned out! Of course I had a little help from Auntie M and Jax, and Grandma B came and helped with some touch ups too.<br />
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Here is the story of how it all came together: <br />
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I believe it all started on Tuesday July 26th at the amazing paint party. There were a whole 3 people in attendance, but I made sure to get a party platter from Subway and have it be a catered event!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZ8eqPGiZV4/TkAmW995z2I/AAAAAAAAAjk/j6qqPwdVk2Y/s1600/376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZ8eqPGiZV4/TkAmW995z2I/AAAAAAAAAjk/j6qqPwdVk2Y/s320/376.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jackie doing her meticulous job of trimming the ceiling. Thank God I got out of that task!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Auntie M helping out...the walls are gray I swear, but these pictures all make it look really blue!</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">On Wednesday we shampooed the carpet and after it was dry enough decided to put together the crib. We were going to do the rest of the furniture, but realized they were already put together so we would have to wait for some muscles to help Nate move it all upstairs. A few tears later, and I understood.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNUKL2lEWWY/TkAmXps2wcI/AAAAAAAAAjo/QGf50367Xoo/s1600/380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YNUKL2lEWWY/TkAmXps2wcI/AAAAAAAAAjo/QGf50367Xoo/s320/380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Beaner really wants to be just like Nate so he was trying to help put the crib together.</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">All done!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rDrnyhdBloo/TkAmZFjEdfI/AAAAAAAAAjw/TzfiPhUroQA/s1600/185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rDrnyhdBloo/TkAmZFjEdfI/AAAAAAAAAjw/TzfiPhUroQA/s320/185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On Thursday Nate & his Dad moved all of the furniture up into the room. This was a pretty exciting day for me! The baby has a room!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Friday night Jackie & I put the mirrors above the changer...so cute!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another project for Jax & I on the following Tuesday. We were supposed to get it done on Friday, but turns out you have to let the paint sit for 2 weeks! Well we let it set for just 1 and are going to cross our fingers that the decal sticks!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">The finished product. It turned out SO much better than I ever could have imagined. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">It looks even better now because we were surprised with an early shower gift from Grandma D and got the mattress and all the pads too!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I made Nate put up the shelves late Tuesday night so we could finally say room complete!</div><div align="left" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I can't believe how much the babies room has changed in just one week. I would have to give credit to the pre-planning and hours of googling Jackie and I did though. I love walking by the room and feeling like it came right out of a catalog. Nothing but the best for my muffin!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-33288691709247963512011-07-23T17:10:00.000-07:002011-07-23T17:10:37.829-07:0030 Weeks 2 Days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>It has been awhile since we have done one of these, so I thought what the heck?! I'm also pretty board at the moment waiting for another Saturday night at the office. Coming up this week: nursery accomplishments!!</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>How far along?</strong> 30 Weeks and 2 Days</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Weight gain/loss:</strong> According to the doctors I am up 23 lbs. They just don't know about what I gained before my first appointment...oops!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Maternity clothes?</strong> Yes please! I guess I pretty much live in yoga pants and cami's these days which are not maternity, but they might as well be.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Stretch marks? </strong>Not anymore than I already had, I just got some oil I ordered that is supposed to be the miracle worker so here's to not getting any?!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Sleep?</strong> Sweet, sweet insomnia has reared its ugly head again. Just the other night I woke up at 3:15am and was still up doing the dishes at 6am when Nate woke up wondering what in the world was going on!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Food cravings: </strong>Ice Cream...my favorite of the moment is Strawberry Shakes from McD's</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Movement?</strong> Oh the little alien moves around every day. I do think that it moves a lot less than some people say theirs do...I'm hoping this means that I am correct in thinking that this baby is going to be calm...check back in a few weeks when I'm pulling my hair out from all of the screaming. I actually asked my doc about this at my last appointment and she thinks it probably has a lot to do with how active I am. Seeing as I'm not really the sit around all day type, I probably just don't notice as much movement as most.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Belly button in or out?</strong> Still in, but growing out. It is kind of weird...</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>What I miss?</strong> Being able to enjoy the outside heat more. I would love to lay out in the sun or I had to miss a Twins game the other day because the heat index was 115!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>What I'm looking forward to:</strong> Getting my room all put together in the next week. I'm really happy we are still on track with everything over here!</span></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #351c75;"></span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfM6B9PxKJU/TiticlFUIQI/AAAAAAAAAYY/KKnTJf-iumY/s1600/cabbage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yfM6B9PxKJU/TiticlFUIQI/AAAAAAAAAYY/KKnTJf-iumY/s320/cabbage2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It seems as though people stop caring about the fruit size of their babies by now because I can't seem to find one! On my ticker from my Bump group I believe I am a squash...even though it resembles a pumpkin. Here is a picture of a cabbage and a quarter, I suppose it is a descent comparison. The little one is now about 17 inches and 3 1/2 lbs give or take!</div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #351c75;"></span> </div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-69863296346601623542011-07-20T10:04:00.000-07:002011-07-20T10:04:38.038-07:0029 Weeks 6 Days<strong><span style="font-size: large;">My Top Ten Reasons Being Pregnant in the Summer is Not That Bad</span></strong><br />
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10. Sweating is normal for people to do in the heat; therefore, when I am doing something that requires a little extra work most people just can't get over how much I am glowing!<br />
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9. No one likes to get fat and be pale, at least in the summer you can get fat and be bronzed.<br />
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8. Cami's & Yoga pants no longer look like I just rolled out of bed. I look like I could have came from a relaxing stroll around the lake or a pre-natal yoga class.<br />
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7. The clothes are so much cuter in the summer...and cheaper. Until chaffing became an issue throwing on any old dress can work...also you don't need to buy a new winter jacket! $$$<br />
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6. The State Fair. Do I need to even explain? I have always been self conscious of the amount of food I could consume there. This year there is no one that will stop me from eating a corn dog, a hot dog, deep fried Snickers, and a batch of Martha's cookies during one trip.<br />
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5. I no longer have to worry about sucking in that extra 2lbs in my swim suit. Now I proudly let the extra 25lbs hang free...my abs have never been so hard in my life!<br />
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4. Having a baby in the fall is going to be wonderful. The gorgeous weather for beautiful walks, a little baby to dress up for Halloween, and maternity leave that covers all of the major holidays!<br />
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3. Summer Activities are way more pregnant lady friendly than winter. Trips to the beach, the cabin, local fairs, and outdoor concerts are way more appealing than tubing, skiing, or ice skating.<br />
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2. Flip- Flops, no matter how swollen my feet get these shoes will always fit me!<br />
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1. Ice Cream. I think I would feel a lot more guilty about my daily (sometimes twice daily) indulgence if it were cold outside. Instead people look at the pregnant lady and the 100 degree thermometer and just nod their heads in acceptance.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-89161503464625443222011-07-01T07:13:00.000-07:002011-07-01T07:13:52.782-07:0027 Weeks 1 Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is my bump progress up until this point. It is SO funny to me how huge I thought I was in the beginning!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zB3P6hwczM8/Tg3VdQh24RI/AAAAAAAAAUg/zN2_2V7tPjs/s1600/P1210148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zB3P6hwczM8/Tg3VdQh24RI/AAAAAAAAAUg/zN2_2V7tPjs/s320/P1210148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 Days before my BFP (Big Effing Positive in blog terms) The night of my last cocktail at Spike and Rachel's wedding in Fargo, ND. I love how naive we are in this picture to the fact that our lives are forever changed and we have NO idea!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4.1 Weeks Pregnant </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZXNG3vYHUk/Tg3Tok4p6dI/AAAAAAAAAUE/uYsOIv9vOPA/s1600/IMG_20110427_155220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZXNG3vYHUk/Tg3Tok4p6dI/AAAAAAAAAUE/uYsOIv9vOPA/s320/IMG_20110427_155220.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">17.6</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div align="center">18.6 Weeks</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">19.6 Weeks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div align="center">21.6 Weeks</div><br />
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</div><div align="center">22.6 Weeks</div><div align="center"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">23.6 Weeks for both</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">24.3 Weeks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">26.6 Weeks ( So two days ago...I went to the beach after this and tanned my bump the best I could!)</div><br />
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</div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-5155421638556075572011-06-21T21:23:00.000-07:002011-06-21T21:23:13.438-07:0025 Weeks 5 Days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">100 days until my due date! I can't believe that we are in double digits tomorrow...I feel like celebrating and yet at the same time I feel like screaming into a pillow! I also have graduated to an eggplant! It is quite the upgrade if you ask me...lol.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PaMOR9loedM/TgFRAnBm4FI/AAAAAAAAASc/D1j4mvZKlOg/s1600/25+week+eggplant.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PaMOR9loedM/TgFRAnBm4FI/AAAAAAAAASc/D1j4mvZKlOg/s1600/25+week+eggplant.png" /></a></div><br />
Also, I had to take a 3 hour Glucose Tolerence Test (GTT) today, after I failed the 1 hour one last Tuesday at my regular appointment.. They called with the results and said that I passed with flying colors. I was very happy to hear that, since I am so not ready to give up ice cream or start dieting yet. Let me enjoy three more months of all the horrible foods I won't be eating for a long time after the baby comes.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-73407367015175542092011-06-11T17:38:00.000-07:002011-06-11T17:38:49.237-07:0024 Weeks 2 Days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">These weeks just seem to be cruising by. School is out for everyone in MN, and we have our last graduation party to attend tomorrow for Auntie S. I'm excited to wear one of my new maternity dresses and to have the little one be loved by its family. I tried to get Auntie M to feel some punches last night, but it seems that the baby gets a little shy when others are around...that or it is just as lazy as me these days.<br />
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It does seem like some of the 1st Trimester symptoms have come back. I find myself getting more tired and have less motivation again. I also found myself in a major cleaning spree this morning that I can only attribute to nesting because if was way out of character for me...unfortunately the motivation has now passed.<br />
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On another note, I have decided to move forward with my med-free birth plan and am now in talks with a doula/hypnobabies teacher. She is the only hypnobabies instructor in the state of MN. I have decided to still read the hypnobirthing material, but from the research I have done I really feel like my calling is more towards the hypnobabies curriculum. I'm going to plan a phone date with her this week to move on with the process, and will update on that later.<br />
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Also this week the baby is still a papaya...boo for stunted growth! Except I did read somewhere that it was now the size of a standard letter, but really who wants to look at a piece of paper?! Have a great weekend!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-59661196969068894732011-06-03T13:33:00.000-07:002011-06-03T13:33:38.226-07:0023 Weeks 1 Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Happy Friday! So far it has been an amazing one, filled with my favorite food: Subway and then an amazing massage in my OWN living room. I am really feeling like a princess today, and it is such a nice change of pace after last Friday. I figured I would re-tell my story one more time, since this has been a pretty "big" one for me in my pregnancy.<br />
<br />
Here it goes:<br />
<br />
Last Friday I met my mom at Costco to pick up a few things for the annual Memorial Party. We got all sorts of things: buns, water, fruit, etc..and after seeing all the goodness we decided to head over to a new restaurant, Burger Jones. It was really good food. I had a cheeseburger and a chocolate malt and ate way more than I should have probably, but it was really that good I just couldn't stop!<br />
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After lunch, we went to a few consignment stores to look for some maternity clothes and came up empty handed...weird I know! (I really am trying, I guess I'm just a snot about used things) I stopped and got kitty litter and went home. I still felt super full and just felt like I needed to vomit from all of the food. After an hour or so of being SO uncomfortable and Nate being SO sick of hearing me complain I decided I would let nature take its course and I puked. I thought, 'oh good now I can get on with the cleaning and stuff now that I feel better.'...boy was I wrong! It seems that all that did was open the flood gates. Within 10 minutes I was back in the bathroom purging whatever else was left in there. This went on for a couple hours before Nate finally convinced me to call my doctor. I really hate bothering people, and I hate it even more being a FTM (first time mom) thinking that I am over reacting to things...because Lord knows there are those ladies out there and I refuse to be one of them!<br />
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My doctor said I needed to head right into Labor & Delivery, which is where Nate sped to get me to as fast as he could. It was quite the bonding time for him and I. It was almost a trial run of being in labor with me vomiting in the truck while he tries to drive (in the rain of course) and rub my back to comfort me at the same time! The one nice thing about being pregnant I guess is even on a holiday weekend you don't have to wait in the waiting room, you just go straight to the delivery ward and they give you a room and wait on you hand and foot. The nurses were amazing, and I'm so happy that I will be delivering there too!<br />
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They hooked me up to an IV right away to start fluids, and started to monitor my uterus which was irritable and having some minor contractions (scary!!). Unfortunately, I didn't stop with the vomiting and pretty much felt miserable the whole time. Thankfully I had a nurse that really advocated for me and when the doctors wanted to keep me over night she fought for me to go home, which is what I knew I really needed. They gave me a prescription for more Zofran (anti-nausea med) and sent Nate and I on our way.<br />
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By Saturday I was feeling 100% better, not feeling good, but way better then I had. Nate was a wonderful doctor and had me on strict bed rest for the next day to make sure I would be okay for Sunday. Thank God for having wonderful family and friends! My mom, Nate's mom, and even Ernie pitched in to clean the house and finish the shopping while I was resting. It was really torture for me, but Nate made sure everyone knew to make sure I rested...which I did!<br />
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Sunday came and the party went well, I even stayed the whole time! At my check up on Tuesday they said that all of my levels were back to normal and I was up a pound so they were very happy seeing that they need to make sure the baby is gaining right now.<br />
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On another note...the baby is now a papaya...whatever in the world that is?!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9JPS-Lfu8_s/TelDi3PqHJI/AAAAAAAAAA8/9OicQQ0aeCU/s1600/Papaya.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9JPS-Lfu8_s/TelDi3PqHJI/AAAAAAAAAA8/9OicQQ0aeCU/s1600/Papaya.png" /></a></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-5851259509111699772011-05-31T20:04:00.000-07:002011-05-31T20:04:20.734-07:0022 Weeks 5 Days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>How far along?</strong> 22 Weeks and 5 Days</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Weight gain/loss:</strong> We will find out tomorrow seeing that I have to go in for a follow-up because of my Labor & Delivery visit on Friday.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Maternity clothes?</strong> Most of them</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Stretch marks? </strong>Not anymore than I already had</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Sleep?</strong> I've been really lazy the last few days, but I'm not sure if it's because of being sick or the 3rd Tri approaching. My sleep has been okay...usually get 5/6 hours a night</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Food cravings:</strong> Dad made me a ham sandwich with butter a few weeks ago, and I'm still pretty sure it is the most amazing thing ever made!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Movement?</strong> Kicking the computer as we speak! I saw baby from the outside the other day...the little kicks or punches are so sweet. I should go turn on a light if I wasn't so lazy and take a video of it for Nate, who still has yet to feel the baby. G'ma B felt some punches 3 days ago!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Belly button in or out?</strong> Right where it belongs!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>What I miss?</strong> Nothing right now. I'm really loving being pregnant, but ask me tomorrow because that can change quickly!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>What I'm looking forward to:</strong> Nate finally taking more than 10 seconds to finally feel his baby!!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-42791169669114549272011-05-19T18:37:00.000-07:002011-05-19T18:37:11.993-07:0021 WeeksI now have a banana muffin inside of me! The ultrasound went wonderful and we saw little one moving all over the place. I had given up caffeine around 5/6 weeks of the pregnancy, but at my NT scan I was disappointed that the baby was sleeping, so on my way to the doctors on Monday I stopped and got a can of Mt. Dew and a Snickers bar. I felt like such a bad Mom, but Mt. Dew had never been so wonderful. I think I maybe only had 1/3 of the can and 2 bites of the candy bar but the baby was going crazy for the whole ultrasound...and don't worry I finished the can of pop and Snickers bar. I wasn't about to let my one cheat day go to waste! Needless to say I think the baby was a little hungover Tuesday because there was minimal movement!<br />
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My little muffin passed all of the tests, no markers for downs were found and we are still measuring ahead but only by a day. Baby weighed 13 oz. which is pretty large for its gestation and is breech at the moment, but that is totally normal at this time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySdwdhFVFKM/TdXCWwU3e_I/AAAAAAAAAA4/gHh7qIYrAC8/s1600/2+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySdwdhFVFKM/TdXCWwU3e_I/AAAAAAAAAA4/gHh7qIYrAC8/s320/2+blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is my favorite picture from the u/s...I can't get over how much of Nate I see in the baby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After the u/s we sat in the waiting room before the appointment with the doctor. I got tears in my eyes while looking at these new pictures and we were even surprised with a CD of 13 more pictures the tech gave us! I'm pretty sure people were staring at the crazy pregnant women, but since when have I ever cared.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thepleasantfarm.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/week2b212bbanana.jpg?w=340&h=255" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://thepleasantfarm.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/week2b212bbanana.jpg?w=340&h=255" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-76408864986225110642011-05-14T09:50:00.000-07:002011-05-14T09:55:09.632-07:0020 Weeks 2 Days<span style="color: #351c75;">Two more sleeps until we can see our little one again! Thursday was such a special day for me. It marks the half way point of my pregnancy. It was bittersweet when I would think about it, there were mixed emotions I was happy to be that much closer to meeting my child, I was sad about this pregnancy going by so fast, and I was stress because we really haven't started doing anything!</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;">To be the very original lady I am...(laughing at myself)...here are what a lot of the ladies from my bump group have on there blogs, and I thought I would share my answers.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>How far along?</strong> 20 weeks 2 days</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Weight gain/loss:</strong> As of Wednesday there was zero gain from my 16 week appointment.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Maternity clothes?</strong> Some yes, mostly for work though</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Stretch marks? </strong>Not anymore than I already had</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Sleep?</strong> I'm pretty irregular. I seem to not need very much of it, and still suffer from insomnia, but not nearly as bad as it was in the 1st Trimester</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Food cravings:</strong> I would love to blame my DQ addiction on baby, but I think it is more me giving into a craving that has been around WAY longer than my muffin.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Movement?</strong> Tons of movement and felt my first OUTSIDE kick on Monday at 19 weeks 4 days. I never had really tried to feel for it before, but I was having a lazy night and was listening to a Billy Currington song, "Country Boys Roll"...totally had tears in my eyes it was a really great moment. Nate is still yet to feel, but he also is yet to try!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Gender:</strong> We may see Monday if the can of soda I'm allowing myself has the muffin showing off their goods!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>Belly button in or out?</strong> Still in and Thank you Jesus, because I don't want to see what mine looks like out....it's really deep!</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>What I miss?</strong> Adult activity, like going out for drinks or going to concerts...these things just don't sound like as much fun anymore.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75;"><strong>What I'm looking forward to:</strong> My anatomy scan on Monday!!!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9FYghJJ6yU/Tc6yi4EEoRI/AAAAAAAAAAw/HwgJmvobXy0/s1600/Small+Cantaloupe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R9FYghJJ6yU/Tc6yi4EEoRI/AAAAAAAAAAw/HwgJmvobXy0/s1600/Small+Cantaloupe.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The little muffin is now a Cantaloupe...that just sounds large to me!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-5673977576939746642011-05-09T10:36:00.000-07:002011-05-09T10:39:37.563-07:0019 Weeks 4 DaysHappy Mother-To-Be Day to me yesterday! It was a wonderful day in a few different ways. I was so honoured by the few cards, and texts I received from people who actually thought of me being a part of this special day now. Nate got me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. It was actually pretty cute, we went to Target to pick up something for G-ma Gogo, and he snuck away from me and met me at the car. The whole time he was trying to hide them by circling the car away from me. There were some people in the parking lot that thought I was quite the lucky girl to have such a sweet heart for a husband. I'd have to say I agree!<br />
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Later on before lunch I was letting sister S and Gogo feel the little muffin, who was sticking its bootie out at us, Nate finally got to feel the babe. He was so cute how quickly he pulled away after being able to tell it was actually a limb of some sorts! The whole fam had a good laugh at his reaction and I think it actually may have "hit" him as too how extraordinary being pregnant is.<br />
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I hope all of you mothers and mothers to be enjoyed your special day! I know I did!<br />
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Also, 1 more week until we see our muffin again! C'mon Monday, you can't come fast enough!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-40132143391249569982011-05-06T10:43:00.000-07:002011-05-06T10:43:46.648-07:0019 Weeks 1 DayHere we are, almost half way on the typical 40 week pregnancy. With my family I should probably be looking more at a 50 week scale. I wish there were more exciting things to report this week, but unfortunately its been one of the downer ones. I have been second guessing the little one's movement and have started to feel like I'm in some sort of a rut. Blah! I was asked if it was normal to be as big as I am for as far along as I am yesterday, so that was just the icing on the cake. My loving husband is always a great ear for me, but the never ending happy face I have to wear out in the world is getting old.<br />
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Don't get me wrong, being pregnant is the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me. I'm just anxious to see baby again, and for Nate to feel our little one. I think this week was hard because I was supposed to have an ultra sound on Tuesday but it got moved to a week from Monday...BOO!!<br />
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So I'm going to ask for some magic kicking dust to be sprinkled on me so my little muffin can show me they are REALLY in there. Thank God for my doppler! I don't know how I ever would get through a pregnancy without one.<br />
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Here's my fruit of the week: A Mango, I think this looks like an apple but then again I don't know if I've ever had a mango?!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i51.tinypic.com/2vwinid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://i51.tinypic.com/2vwinid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-79798615936211848162011-04-29T07:47:00.000-07:002011-04-29T07:47:41.418-07:0018 Weeks 1 DayOne more week down, only 22 or so more to go. I can't seem to get over 20 weeks approaching so quickly. I'm almost at the top of the hill, over the hump as some may say. I've been feeling this little muffin quite a bit lately and am really excited for the people in my life to be able to share in this with me. It's funny by I notice it in the car a lot when I'm on the phone. I think that baby likes hearing my voice...maybe not, but it makes me feel good to think so!<br />
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On my message board that I am affiliated on of my "friends" said her doctor told her that outside movement isn't usually felt until around 24 weeks! This totally bummed me out because I really thought that the time was getting close. I'm sure the next 6 weeks will pass quick, and hopefully I'm further along and it will happen sooner. I did however get Nate to finally touch my "belly" two days ago. You could feel which side of my ute the baby was on and it was super hard. I don't think he was expecting to feel that!<br />
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As with all of the other weeks of pregnancy, my little muffin has now grown up to the status of a yam. Yep a sweet potato for week 18. I really can't stand them so when thinking of yams, I am choosing to think of the marshmellow topping.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyH9tBXtIe0/TbrPdqcxtxI/AAAAAAAAAAM/-8MQnCTlI5o/s1600/wk18_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EyH9tBXtIe0/TbrPdqcxtxI/AAAAAAAAAAM/-8MQnCTlI5o/s1600/wk18_lg.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7811359889108230.post-30322005849837766742011-04-21T21:44:00.000-07:002011-04-22T10:52:53.886-07:0017 WeeksSo here goes my lame attempt at starting a blog. No idea how these even work so bare with me.<br />
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Not sure if the little muffin growing inside me will ever see these words, but I will try to leave my bartending lingo at work and use my soon to be mama talk. Right now we are super excited to be expecting our first little one, with an expected due date of September 29th (also my golden birthday). I remember a day when I was 5 or 6 and talking about golden birthdays with my sister, M, and a few of our cousins. They all had WONDERFUL golden birthdays: 18, 20, and 22! How horrible of one did I have? I would be 29, probably married to with 4 kids to the quarterback of my high school football team, it would be no fun at all! Now here I am: married to a wonderful man and expecting our first babe on my GOLDEN birthday. I feel pretty spoiled to have such a wonderful gift in my future.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZMIOqC5j1C4ytKApFhOKNbUWiZPZPLedU7ZdfqvxRisfJrPdSF6seX6Loof7cKIyFw16XbvU5RLdl3vX3dbdNTtiMvsUle6OsFandYRPqC9xoeqRENyU-NRaEmcA5wmX7B42QqcWEA/s1600/wk17_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ZMIOqC5j1C4ytKApFhOKNbUWiZPZPLedU7ZdfqvxRisfJrPdSF6seX6Loof7cKIyFw16XbvU5RLdl3vX3dbdNTtiMvsUle6OsFandYRPqC9xoeqRENyU-NRaEmcA5wmX7B42QqcWEA/s320/wk17_lg.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18139394406122775912noreply@blogger.com0