3 months old!

I don't have any official stats. That's because there isn't a three month check up with the pediatrician. But our best guess is that Carter weighs about 15 pounds. That is a four pound gain from last month. Holy little piggy!



I can really tell that he's grown in the past month. And not just weight wise. His little personality is coming out. He is full of smiles and giggles all the time. He also pretty much sleeps through the night now. Or at least by my definition. He usually eats around 10 or 10:30pm and then sleeps until 3 or 4 am when he eats again. Then back to sleep until 6-ish, when it's time for me to get up and ready for work anyways. So for the most part, I get good sleep every night. And that's a good thing!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope every one has a wonderful day. I know we will, even though our holiday has been cut short. I can thank DH's boss for that! We thought that DH would have Thursday and Friday off. But nope, he's got to go to work on Friday. Our original plan was to drive 1.5 hours north to pick up his mom at the nursing home and then drive another 1.5 hours east, over the mountains, to go to his sister's house. Then we were going to spend the night and on Friday, take my MIL back to the nursing home and then come on home ourselves. But now.....we have to do all that driving in one day....with a 3 month old baby. Yay!

But, we will be eating good food. And we will have a good visit, however short it may be. Bring on the turkey!!

Sadness

I don't always ask for thoughts and prayers, but there is a family that needs them tonight.

Way back when I was a newly made fiancee, I spent a lot of time on the Atlanta wedding message board on the Knot. There were about 10 or 15 of us that were all getting married in a six month window - January to June 2007. One of the ladies was Shelly. She and Tom got married in January 2007. They went with me and Matt to a Bowling For Soup concert the day Daddy went in to the hospital for his heart.

Shelly gave birth to their daughter Ella on March 21, 2009. She is a gorgeous little girl that is a perfect mix of her mom and dad. Shelly had some complications with the pregnancy due to Crohn's disease. But things seemed to be okay, until September. Shelly started having some medical issues. She was in and out of the hospital a few times. She was out for Halloween, her favorite holiday and was able to take Ella to the pumpkin patch for pictures. Shortly after that, she went back into the hospital because she wasn't feeling good. Over the past three weeks there were almost daily updates posted on the ATL baby board. She had good days and bad days. This morning, at 5:30, her heart stopped. They were unable to resuscitate her. She leaves behind her husband of almost three years, Tom and Ella, who will be 8 months old on Saturday.

Her death has rocked our little online community. We are left wondering how this could happen. Our annual ornament exchanged has been canceled. Instead we will be doing some type of fundraiser for Tom and Ella. It's the least we can do.

If you would like to see a little bit of Shelly, Tom, and Ella's life, here's a link to her blog.

Shelly was a wonderful, sweet woman who will be missed.

Confessions of a lazy blogger

Well, I guess it isn't so much laziness as it is not enough time in the day. I am posting this at 6:30 on a Sunday morning. Why? Because Button woke up to be feed at 5am and was awake for a bit. Now, he's asleep in his bouncy seat and I'm wide awake. But usually I don't have enough time to sit and blog. I'm too busy feeding him, cooking meals for the big boys, washing bottles for daycare, catching up on DVR'd TV, doing dishes, and a million other little things that need to get in the week.

It's sad though, because I want to blog. I want to record all of Button's little moments so there will be a record of them. I'll just have to try better, that's all.

Happy Halloween!

Just jumping on the Halloween post bandwagon....

Two month update!

I supposed I should update this thing from time to time. But time gets away from you when you have a baby!

Carter had his two month appointment on Tuesday. Everything is looking good. He's happy and healthy. He did get his two month shots. He hated it! But he was pretty calm, and not very fussy that evening. So I guess the Tylenol really helps with the pain. Carter is a growing boy! He weighed in at 11lbs 3oz and measured 22 inches long. That's my chunky monkey!

Carter has begun to smile, a lot. And the giggling is coming in behind it. Can I just say he is absolutely adorable when he smiles. I could look at him do it all day. Well, couldn't you?

Has it really been one month?!?

I can't believe it's been a month since Carter was born. I am not looking forward to going back to work in a couple of weeks. Yikes!

He had his one month check up today. And I'm pleased to say that he has gained weight and grown longer. The weight thing was a big concern of mine. His birth weight was 7lbs 11oz, but he came home weighing 6lbs 13oz. At the weight check two days later, he was up to 7lbs. But still, with breastfeeding, you are never sure if baby is getting enough. Well, he is! He weighed 9lbs 4oz and measured in at 21 inches long (in the 40%). He's a growing!! Everything else looks great and the pedi pronounced him as being perfect. And of course he is!

Button is here!!

It's a boy!! And yes, he's been here for almost four weeks now. I'm just now getting around to writing up his birth story.

Here are his basic stats. He was born on 8/24/09 at 11:40am. He weighed 7lbs 11oz and was 19 inches long. Button's name is Matthew Carter and we will be calling him Carter. Now on to the birthing part of the story.

DH and I woke up on Monday morning to get ready for work, just like usual. I was waiting for him to get done in the bathroom so we could take a shower when I realized that I needed to get the pot roast ready for the crock pot. So, off I waddled to the kitchen. As I got to the kitchen, it felt like I was leaking. But I was thinking maybe I didn't empty out my bladder all the way? So I waddled back in to the bedroom to my little half bath and pee'd some more. Then back to the kitchen I went. And again with the leaking. I repeated the above once more. By this time DH was out of his bathroom and had come to see if I was ready to shower. He found me in my bathroom and wanted to know if everything was alright. By this time, I was pretty sure that my water had broken. I was leaking way too much and it didn't smell like pee. So I told him that we probably needed to head to the hospital, that my water had broken. He took the news pretty calmly. So we hopped in the shower. Then, since I did not have a hospital bag ready and I was leaking pretty steadily, I had to wake up Killian, my 13 year old son to help me get things together. Also, he needed to know what was going on. What a way for a teenage boy to wake up, "Son, it's time to get up. My water has broken and I'm having a baby".

Anyway, we get things packed up, DH calls his work and my work while I call my parents. Killian is ready for school and knows to get on the bus without fail and that Grandpa will pick him up once either from school or home once the baby gets here. Then off DH and I go to the hospital.

Thank goodness for pre-registration! It only took us about 5-10 minutes at check in. Then we went up to the L&D triage. By this time, I had pretty much soaked a pad! The nurses hooked me up the monitors and tested the fluid that was coming out. Yes, my water had broken. But I was not dilated or effaced at all! That was okay though because I knew I was having a c-section. So we got to hang out in triage for a little bit while they got in touch with my doctor. Once they got a hold of her, we were told that we would be going to the ER at 11am! We were then moved to the L&D pre-op holding area. In there DH got to put on all his OR gear - the net had, the scrubs and the booties. He looked cute! Then a little after 11, I waddled over to the OR. DH had to wait outside until my spinal was done and I was prepped. The spinal wasn't near as bad as I thought it was going to be. Yes, it stung and pinched. But it didn't hurt like I thought it would. And it worked fast!

When I was ready, DH came in. I made sure he had the camera ready. I had to give him a lesson on how to work the camera in when we were in triage! I have to say, the sensations I felt during my c-section were most bizarre. You always hear that you don't feel anything, but you will feel pressure and tugging. That's exactly what it felt like. I couldn't tell you when they made the incision at all. It's very much like when you go to the dentist and they numb your mouth for a procedure. You know that the dentist in there doing something, but you can't feel the exact particulars.

My doctor was wonderful. She gave DH a heads up on when it was time to stand up from behind the curtain to take Button's first picture. He got a couple great ones. And he even got one from when they were cleaning him up. I did get to see Button for a second before they took him out to recovery. DH went with him while they sewed me up.

When I got to recovery, DH and Button were waiting for me. Because I had told the nurses in triage that I was planning on breasfeeding, as soon as they had me hooked up to my morphine pump, the recovery nurse helped me with Button's first feeding. I love that my hospital is so very BF friendly. I think all of the nurses have some lactation training. Once he had a go at it and all my recovery stuff was done, we headed up to our room on the maternity floor.

I really don't remember much about the rest of the day. I think by then the morphine was starting to kick in. I do know that Daddy brought Killian and my sister came with them. I know that DH changed all of Button's diapers that day and night. As a matter of fact, he changed almost all of them the whole time were in the hospital. Such a good Daddy! And I think they made me get out of bed that evening too. Which was a big difference from when I had Killian. I think it was the next day before I got out of bed with him. But maybe the fact that I had general anesthesia with Killian is why it took longer.

We stayed in the hospital until Thursday. There were some latching issues with breastfeeding and a LC had to come by and help me on Wednesday and Thursday before we left. Also, Button lost more than 10% of his birth weight. So, they wanted to make sure the breastfeeding was down pat before we went home. Button weighed 6lbs 13oz when we went home.

All and all, it was a wonderful delivery. And this c-section was nowhere near as painful as my c-section with Killian. I really think a lot of that has to do with me having more support this time around, from both my family (especially DH) and the staff at the hospital.

Would I do it again? Yep! But the question is will we do it again......that has yet to be determined!

In triage
In pre-op holding
Put me back!!
Carter at one day old

A long overdue update!

Let's see, where to start. Well, first of all, Button is measuring ahead, by a good four weeks. And he has been for the past month. I've been getting ultrasounds every week since July 21st. And growth measurements are done at every other one. On 7/21, Button's estimated weight was 5 pounds 1 ounce. Then, on 8/3, his estimated weight was 6 pounds 7 ounces. Who knows what it will be on 8/17! I've also been going to my regular OB every week as well. The past two weeks I've had NST's done. So far Button has been a good baby and passed with flying colors.

It's beginning to feel more real or urgent, this baby getting here. I know I won't make it to my due date. The perinatologist has already said they won't let me go past 39 weeks. And due to the rapid growth of Button, we may have a baby in August instead of September. Who knows! The plan now is to do the growth scan on the 17th, then do an amnio for lung maturity on the 24th. Then I suppose we'll see where we stand then.

So, of course, will all of this speeding up (possibly) of Button's arrival, things have been hectic at home. Between my two (wonderful) showers and a massive shopping trip to BRU & Target, I think we have everything we need. Now I just need to get my heinie in gear and put things where they belong! I hope to have this completed by the end of this weekend.

Things have also been hectic at work. Let's just say, the person I've been training to do some of my duties while I'm out is a doofus. She has irked the crap out of me almost on a daily basis. For someone who is college educated with an accounting degree, she sure is stupid. I guess she didn't take any classes in common sense while in school. Some of my stories of her certainly warrant their own post. I may have to do that, but another day.

So, that's where things are now. As you can tell, a lot has been happening. I could promise to be a better poster, but I know I'll probably break that promise. Oh well!

Whew, major update

Okay, where to start? I had a check up on Thursday with my ob. She said things were looking good. My blood pressure was great, 110/60. My belly was measuring 34 weeks, even though it was my 31 week appointment. She said that even though Button is measuring big, since I'll be having a repeat c-section, it's not a big deal. She can get him out that way, no matter what size he is. And she wants to see me in two weeks. That would be on 7/30.

Fast forward to today...I had an appointment with the perinatologist. Of course, I had another ultrasound. Button is looking great, heart rate is 139. My fluid levels are great. And Button is already in a head down position. But much like last months ultrasound, he is measuring about 4 weeks ahead. His estimated weight is 5 pounds 1 ounce. Yikes! That's already more than I weighed and more than Killian weighed at birth!

After the ultrasound, I met with the doc to go over things. As it stand right now, I will be going back for growth scans every week. Four weeks from now, if Button is still measuring ahead, and his estimated weight falls in the 7-8 lbs range, they will do an amniocentesis to check for lung maturity. If that looks great, then Button will get to come out then! So, yes, that means, it's quite possible that we will have a baby in four weeks instead of seven.

I will be sure to keep every one updated after each ultrasound. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time!

Button update, part 2

I talked to my nurse at the peri's office yesterday. I had emailed her a couple of questions that I forgot to ask at Tuesday's appointment. I had forgotten to ask about Button's juicy kidney. She said that everything is looking good on the kidney front. So whatever the issue was, it's worked itself out. I also wanted to know if, since Button's measuring so big, would they change my due date. She said no. They go by the due date determined by the earliest ultrasound. And since he was only measuring a few days ahead at the first ultrasound I had at 13 weeks, they are keeping my September 17th due date. But she did say that they will probably deliver at 39 weeks. The only way it would be any earlier is if there were some other factors, like if I were to get pre-eclampsia again. And if it looks like Button is getting too big, they will do an amniocentesis to make sure he is developed enough (lung wise) before delivering him. So, the plan is I'll just keep working until sometime in early September and gear up for having maybe a Labor Day baby?

Regularly scheduled Button update.

I had a monthly ultrasound appointment Tuesday. Button is looking good. Big, but good. Last month, his estimated weight was 1lb 10oz. Yesterday, it was 3lbs 10oz. That's right, you read correctly. Button gained two pounds in a month. I am now measuring 31 weeks pregnant instead of 28 weeks. Looks like we will have an August baby instead of a September baby. I go back for another ultrasound on 7/21.

There has been lots of movement from Button. He enjoyed the Braves/Yankees game Tuesday night. Or maybe he just wanted everybody to shut up so he could sleep. I can never tell. It's weird to look down at my belly and see it moving.

I had my regular OB appointment today. My belly is measuring 30 weeks. And the heartbeat sounds great!


How far along: 28/31 weeks (depending on how you look at it)
Total weight gain/loss: 27lbs
Maternity clothes: Since week 10/11
Stretch marks: Yes, from my first pregnancy and from already being a big girl.
Sleep: I'm exhausted at night and sleep like a baby.
Best moment this week: Getting to see Button again.
Movement: Everyday! (right now, as I'm typing this, as a matter of fact)
Food cravings: Mexican food!
Gender: Leaning towards boy.
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out: In, but bigger and flatter.
What I miss: I'm not missing too much right now.
What I am looking forward to: Getting started on the nursery!

All back together!

Things are alright again. See, I knew it was a bunch of small stuff!

Also, Button will be here in less than 100 days!! We better get crackin' on the nursery!

Falling apart

Have you ever had a day or two where it seems like everything is falling apart? What sucks is that it's little things that, in the grand scheme of things, mean very little. I wish I could get back in the bed and when I wake up everything will be back the way it was before, a do-over.

A post of randomness

Since things are going pretty well with Button and the baby world, maybe I should blog about something not baby related. The only randomness I can come up with is to show off my tattoos. (Yes, Bio, you inspired me to post about them)

I have two tattoos. One on the outside left ankle and one on the inside right ankle. The left ankle one was done as a 23rd birthday present to myself. I loved it when I had it done. But it hasn't seemed to hold up as well as I would have liked. The right ankle one was done when I was 29, for no particular reason. I just wanted another one.

I joke around that my heritage is made up of all the white pasty people of Europe - English, Irish, Scottish, and German. But I guess I've always felt more connected with the Irish parts. Therefore, both of my tattoos are Irish themed.

The first tattoo was picked out of the book that tattoo parlor had. Yeah, I'm not that creative. It's a shamrock with a banner that says "Luck O' The Irish". Of course, you can't read what the stupid thing says. But that's okay. I'll get it fixed one day. I would like to see if I can get all my kids names in the banner instead, if that's possible. And of course, once we are through having kids. Button may or may not be our last. We don't know yet. Anyways, here's a shot of tattoo #1-

The second tattoo was sort of serendipitous. My mom knows I love Irish stuff and bought me an Irish themed beanie baby, probably for St. Patrick's day in 2004. The emblem on the bear's tummy was exactly what I had in mind for my next tattoo. In fact, that's what I said to her when I first saw the bear. "Thanks, Mom. I love it. I think this will be my next tattoo!" Sure enough, I took the bear to the parlor and had it done. The parts that are orange on my tattoo were actually sewn on the bear in gold thread, but I still loved the way it looked. And I think it's held up better than my first one. Granted it's only 5 years old, where my first one is almost 12. Here's #2 -

I had always kind of thought I would get more tattoos. But I know I won't. Part of the reason is DH. He's not big on tattoos and doesn't have any himself. He knew I had these two when we met and is okay with them. But he doesn't like the idea of me getting more. Yes, I know, my body, I can do what I like. But, honestly, I'm okay with not getting anymore. He is well aware of the fact that I will get the shamrock one re-done to put DS's and Button's name in the banner. But I've been telling him that I wanted to do that since before we were married. I think he's going to have a harder time when DS turns 18 though. DS is already planning out future tattoos! But what can I do or say. I have two tattoos and DS's dad has probably 10 or 15. Oh well!

I know I said no baby related stuff in this post, but I have to do the survey! It's been awhile.

How far along: 24 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 23 lbs (yes, that's gained)
Maternity clothes: Since week 10/11
Stretch marks: Yes, from my first pregnancy and from already being a big girl.
Sleep: I'm sleeping hard, but it's not necessarily good sleep.
Best moment this week: Getting to see Button again. And hearing/seeing/feeling him kick the doppler during the heartbeat check. I don't think he appreciated being woken up by his own heartbeat.
Movement: Everday! (right now, as I'm typing this, as a matter of fact)
Food cravings: I like Mexican food.
Gender: Leaning towards boy.
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out: In, but bigger and flatter.
What I miss: I'm not missing too much right now.
What I am looking forward to: Getting started on the nursery!
Weekly Wisdom: For all the diabetic PG women and GD women, don't beat yourself up over the pills or insulin shots. It's what's best for your baby. This is coming from someone who now has to take 3 insulin shots a day and test glucose four times a day. I'm sure my insulin will change for the fourth time before Button gets here.
Milestones: I've reached V Day!! (the viability date)

Update on Button

I had another ultrasound appointment today with Dr. Potter. Button is growing and moving! He's weighing in at 1 lb 10 oz. That's a 10 oz gain in four weeks! His heartbeat is 154, well within the normal range. There is one thing they will be keeping an eye on. Button's right kidney is measuring a bit big. But as long as it doesn't measure above a certain number, we're okay. If it does get above this number (10), then I'll have to go see a pediatric specialist to have his kidney checked out. But Dr. Potter didn't seem too concerned about it, so I won't be either.

I think I may have gotten an accidental look at the goods on Button though. The tech went to take his leg measurements and got a little close, as she was asking me if I knew the sex and if we were finding out. So, I guess we'll see in a few months if what I saw was correct.

Dr. Potter added a new insulin for me to take along with the Lantus I take before bed. I now have to take 10 units of Humulin before breakfast and before dinner, as well as the Lantus before bed. Yay! (and I mean that oh, so sarcastically)

Random stuff

I don't know that I have a whole lot to blog about. But I know it's been awhile. So I figured I post something.

Today marks 23 weeks. I can't believe how fast time is flying. This baby will be here before I know it. And we are not ready yet! We just started picking out colors for the nursery. But there's still a crap load of DS's old stuff that I need to find a place to store. I really need to order that storage shed soon. I want to get to painting!

Button (that's what we are calling Baby for now) has been kicking up a storm. Some days he's more active than others. But I do feel him everyday. He seems to like kicking and moving when I'm ready to go to bed. I guess he's getting me ready for the late nights. Oh, and we've found out that he loves music, especially Santana. Go figure!

My next ultrasound is on Tuesday. I'm curious to see how much he's grown in the last four weeks. He weighed approximately 11 oz at the last appointment. I know he's got to be over a pound now.

This weekend will be my last chance to be a geek for a while. DH got me hooked on Doctor Who a few years back. And every Memorial Day weekend, there is a local convention for Doctor Who and Stargate. So that's what we are doing this weekend. We also go to Dragon*Con on Labor Day weekend. It's one of the largest sci-fi conventions in the country. But, we will not be going this year. I will be very pregnant and I will not feel like traipsing around downtown Atlanta in the August heat! Oh well. There's always next year. Plus, I wouldn't trade this baby for a silly convention!

Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!

A couple of AW's....

Wednesday, I got my first "when are due" comment from a stranger. It was kind of nice though. Finally, I must look pregnant, not fat!! Bless the cashier at the RaceTrac.

Yesterday, I felt the first outside kick!! It was quite a thump. Now the trick is getting Baby going when Matt is home. He's itching to feel the baby kick. I keep telling him soon. It should be soon though.

Oh, and to throw in a three more AW's while I'm at it. Mom brought Baby's toy box down last weekend. It looks great. I can't wait to stain it to match the crib. Which we picked up from Walmart on Sunday. Yay! And Daddy brought over Baby's bassinet. Daddy built it for Killian 14 years ago. And for the past several years, it's been in his garage. Obviously, Killian hasn't used it in years. Daddy got it out and cleaned it up for Baby to use!

Okay, that should be it for my AW-ing.

A lazy blogger, that's what I am!

So, today is a big milestone. I'm 20 weeks....halfway through!! But if I have a c-section (most likely will), then I was probably half way through a week or so ago. It's still nice to hit the 20 week mark though.

Oh, and the crib came in today. It's waiting at Walmart for us to go pick it up. Plus Mom is coming up for the weekend and with her she has Baby's new toy box! Yay!!

Now I just need to get my butt to the paint store and start looking at colors for the nursery. I'm thinking a pale yellow or pale green?

Now for the survey!

How far along: 20 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Do I have to tell? Too much!
Maternity clothes: Since week 10/11
Stretch marks: Yes, from my first pregnancy and from already being a big girl.
Sleep: The dreams are weird, so I'm not well rested. And I still have to get up before the alarm goes off to pee!
Best moment this week: Getting to see Baby and feeling him kick me as I watched it on the monitor.
Movement: I'm feeling him on a daily basis now.
Food cravings: Nothing much right now.
Gender: boy?
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out: In, but getting flatter.
What I miss: I'm missing margaritas right now.
What I am looking forward to: Seeing Mom tomorrow and showing her the u/s video.
Weekly Wisdom: Don't feel silly to ask your doctor about anything that's bothering. Even if it's embarrassing.
Milestones: I'm half way through, baby!!

I suck....

At blogging. I have to try to do better. At any rate, here's my pregnancy survey.

How far along: 18 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 13 pounds gained
Maternity clothes: Since week 10/11
Stretch marks: Yes, from my first pregnancy and from already being a big girl.
Sleep: It's getting better, if only the vivid dreams would stop!
Best moment this week: Well, it's not just one moment, but my blood sugars have been very good this week.
Movement: I've felt some movement.
Food cravings: I'm still want Mexican, Mexican, Mexican! Oh, and pimento cheese!
Gender: Lately, I've been saying she, but who knows.
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out: In, but getting flatter.
What I miss: I miss being able to get up off the sofa by myself.
What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to the next ultrasound on 4/27.
Weekly Wisdom: Unless your doctor has said something about your weight loss/gain, don't worry about it.
Milestones: I'm done with the registry....I think.

16 weeks!

I am 16 weeks today. Yay! And according to the Bump, Baby is the size of an avocado. I like avocados.

I also had my 16 week check up. Everything looks great. I think I may have gained 4 pounds since my last visit. That doesn't sound too bad. BP is good and low, and that's good because of my history with pre-e. And.....I finally got to hear Baby's heartbeat!! I've seen Baby twice and his heartbeat was measured at the NT scan but there was no sound. Let me tell you, that is one of the best sounds ever. It makes me want to go out and buy one of those home doppler things. But everything looks good and I go back in a month. Ooh, and on that day I'll be at the 20 week mark, half way there. Man, time is flying!!

How far along: 16 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: 10 pounds?
Maternity clothes: Since week 10/11
Stretch marks: Yes, from my first pregnancy and from already being a big girl.
Sleep: It's restless sleep alot, but at least I'm still getting sleep.
Best moment this week: I got to hear the heartbeat for the first time!
Movement: I've felt some movement, but it's been more of a rolling sensation.
Food cravings: I'm still want Mexican, Mexican, Mexican!
Gender: I call Baby "he", but I have no clue.
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out: In, but getting flatter.
What I miss: I miss not have the daily, sometimes hourly, heartburn.
What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to finally completing the registry and the next ultrasound on 4/27.
Weekly Wisdom: Take the GD (gestational diabetes) test!!!
Milestones: I finally feel like I have a baby in my belly.

Yes, I'm a slacker!

I suck at keeping my blog up to date. It's been a crazy couple of weeks. Well, mainly this past week has been the crazy one.

Monday was the NT scan. Everything looks great. Baby was swimming around and kicking his legs like a little frog. His heartbeat is at 150. We are still not planning on finding out if Baby is a boy or a girl, but I have to pick he or she. I can't call Baby "it".

Here are the three pictures we got from the scan. The first one is Baby with his legs crossed. The second one is Baby with his legs stretched. And the third one is Baby's face, looking right at the camera. Sorry for the crappy quality. The scanner at work is weird.


I did get put on insulin. But I knew that was coming. I couldn't stay on Metformin anymore. But let me tell you, keeping your sugars under control when you are pregnant is not the easiest thing. It's been a bit of a struggle the past few days. My dose has already been increased from 25 units before bed to 30 units before bed. And I'm sure it will change again before the baby comes. I just need to relearn what foods my body likes to play nice with. Pizza is not one of them!

Oh, and I think I've been feeling a flutter here and there! I can't wait until I can really feel a kick. I think then it will feel a little bit more real. You would think that seeing Baby twice in a two week period would make it real, but it still does seem a little surreal. Go figure!

Now time for the survey thing!

How far along: 14 weeks 1 day
Total weight gain/loss: still about 5 or 6 pounds
Maternity clothes: You know it. I love my maternity pants!
Stretch marks: Yes, from my first pregnancy and from already being a big girl.
Sleep: Yes, I do sleep
Best moment this week: Matt got to see Baby for the first time at the NT scan.
Movement: I think I've felt a few flutters here and there.
Food cravings: I'm still want Mexican. Ooh, and salads sound good too!
Gender: It's a surprise!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out: In, but getting flatter.
What I miss: I've been missing margaritas lately.
What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to my next appointment on 4/2. I'd like to actually HEAR the heartbeat for once.
Weekly Wisdom: If you feel like you need to move into maternity clothes, then do it!
Milestones: I am in the second trimester!!!

I though I might start doing this.

I've seen this little questionnaire on Blair's blog and I liked it. I think I might start doing it on my blog every once in a while.

How far along: 12 weeks 3 days

Total weight gain/loss: about 5 pounds?

Maternity clothes: Yes! Started wearing the bella band at week six and moved to maternity pants during week 10.

Stretch marks: Yes, from my first pregnancy and from already being a big girl.

Sleep: I get some.

Best moment this week: I got to see the baby for the first time on Thursday. The best sight ever!

Movement: Not yet, but I did feel the bubble feeling thing on Saturday.

Food cravings: I wanted Sonic last night and Mexican today. I'm just glad I feel like eating again.

Gender: Unknown

Labor Signs: Not yet, still have a ways to go yet.

Belly Button in or out: In

What I miss: I miss my Disaronno.

What I am looking forward to: I am looking forward to the ultrasound on the 16th. Matt will be there too. I can't wait for him to see the baby!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't sweat the small stuff. Yeah, I know, that's cliche, but it works.

Milestones: I think my libido has finally come back. Yay!!

I should update more often.

I really should. But I guess I'm lazy. Or just tired. Eh.

Anyway, I had my monthly check up yesterday. It looks like I've only gained a pound and a half since last month's visit. Whoo hoo! Of course, by my scale at home, I've gained a total of 4 pounds since the BFP. Which is pretty awesome to me.

So, Nurse Julie comes in the exam and asks if I'm ready to hear the heartbeat. Duh, yeah! Especially since I have not had my ultrasound yet. I was starting to wonder if there really was a baby in there. Of course, I have mucho tummy flab and she couldn't find the heartbeat with the doppler. Found mine. So, off we go to a different exam room for the infamous dildo cam. That thing is long. That's all I have to say. But it didn't hurt and was nowhere as horrible as I had made it up in my mind to be. Needless to say, there was one beautiful baby in my tummy, with a wonderful little flicker for his heart. Now I can't wait until the 16th for the real ultrasound!

Matt and I did our taxes last weekend. Money should be arriving soon, I hope! I need it for baby furniture.

Oh, and I now have to check my blood sugar four times a day. It's lovely to have diabetes when pregnant. I know I'll have to start insulin soon. While my numbers aren't bad (in fact, pretty darn good for a non-pregnant person), the fact that I am pregnant changes things dramatically. The docs like to keep a tight rein on my numbers. I'm supposed to take a diabetes class now too. That hasn't been scheduled yet. Oh joy!

Anyway, that's all I have right now. I'll try to get better about updating, but no promises!

Exhausted & Sick

It sucks to have a cold when you are pregnant. I am the girl who, when sick, lived on Alka Seltzer Cold Plus and NyQuil. Well, not anymore! I can have saline nose spray, Vicks Vapo Rub and I think Benadryl. I haven't taken any Benadryl yet though, because it will knock my ass out. And it seems I sleep enough as it is.

Also, I think my body has finally gotten the message that I need to go pee once or twice in the middle of the night. So not used to that! Plus, it seems that I'm having to fight to get one or both of the cats off of me just to get up at 3 am to pee. Hence the exhaustion.

I'm beginning to wonder about the size of this baby too. Maybe there's more than one! I know that since I've already had a baby, I'll show sooner. But this almost seems ridiculous. Here, what do you think? The first picture was taken at 4 weeks pregnant. The second one was taken at 10 weeks pregnant. Oh, and I've only gained 5 pounds so far. So, it's all baby(ies).

8 weeks and telling!

Yesterday was my first big doctor's appointment. It went well. I didn't get to hear/see the heartbeat. They don't do ultrasounds in the office and I think their doppler isn't strong enough to hear the heartbeat at 8 weeks. But that's okay. Of course, I had to have lots of blood drawn for all the different labs and I had to have a pap smear. Yippee! They are going to refer me to a perinatologist because of my diabetes and past history of pre-e. I hope I'll get to see him soon. He's the doc that does all of their ultrasounds anyways. And I know the fact that I'm high risk will mean multiple scans. I go back in a couple of weeks for some more labs and to turn in a 24 hour urine collection. Yeah, sounds fun, right? Then I go back two weeks after that for my 12 week check up.

So, I went a head and told my boss yesterday after my doctor's appointment. She was excited and is happy for us. Then I told the rest of the office today by wearing my new shirt that says "Coming This Fall". All the ladies are so excited and my former boss has taken to calling my best friend co-worker "Auntie". It's kind of funny. Of course, several of them are upset with the fact that we will NOT be finding out if it's a boy or a girl. My response is green and yellow are nice, besides those are my favorite colors anyway!

As for family, we told Daddy and my sister last night. Daddy was so cute when he figured it out. He had the sweetest twinkle in his eyes. He built a bassinet for Killian and it's been out in the garage for a few years. I asked him if he thought the bassinet would still be good to use. He said, "Yeah, sure, I think, wait, are you...?" I said yep! He's excited. And my sister is excited too. I had to tell her over the phone though. She's up in DC.

We'll tell Matt's mom and his brother on Sunday. And then next weekend we're headed to Florida to tell Mom. I can't wait!

Gearing up to tell the family

This coming up weekend will be when we finally start telling family. I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday. And we decided we would tell family after that. I'll be 8 weeks. I'm hoping that by Sunday, my mom will be the only one that doesn't know. We have plans to go down to FL on Valentine's weekend and tell her in person. But Daddy, Matt's mom, BIL & family, SIL & family, and sister will be told on the 8th and 9th. I know they'll all be so excited. I hope that my sister can keep it to herself for a week until we can tell Mom. I'll probably let the ladies at work know after we get back from FL, only because I'm convinced I'm getting bigger every day.

As far as the pregnancy is concerned, things are going pretty well. Boobs are still off limits from any touching. It's amazing how much they can hurt! And m/s is here in the form of just general pukeyness, but I don't get it in the morning. It usually starts around 2pm and last until I go to sleep. I have found that popsicles (sugar-free) help me out a lot. And it makes planning dinner lots of fun.

Oh, and I've started the baby registry. But right now, it's more as a place for me to keep things marked that I'm interested in before we make a final decision. We have decided on a theme for the nursery. We are going to go with Jungle Babies. And Allie, I have you to thank. I want your Jungle Babies quilt and receiving blanket from your Etsy shop!

6 weeks!

Yesterday was the 6 week mark. That seems like a big deal to me. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I'm reveling in all the 1st tri symptoms. (Okay, maybe not so much) But keep in mind, I made it through the first trimester of my pregnancy with Killian withOUT knowing that I was pregnant. It is completely baffling me now how I did that. I must have been that young and stupid (I was 20).

The symptoms are par for the course, from what I've been reading. There's the bloating, gas, and sore boobs. I've had those since before the BFP. The nausea has been an off and on thing. No actual morning sickness, yet (knock wood). The two newest to join the fray are the acne and the stuffy/runny nose. And of course, I'm tired. But I wouldn't trade any of this for the world.

My biggest problem right now is patience. My doctor's appointment isn't until 2/5, almost two weeks away. Matt and I decided that we would tell family after that appointment. I'm getting where I want to tell now. And my poor mom, she will find out a week after my dad and Matt's mom. But I think the fact that we are going down to Florida to tell her in person will make it all good.

I hope the next two weeks fly by!

Soo tired and soo cold

Yeah, yeah....I know it's like a million degrees colder everywhere else. But for this Florida native, the weather here in Georgia is COLD!!! It was 12 degrees when I got up this morning. And our high for today was 31 degrees. Yay!

And the fatigue is hitting me big time today. That and the heartburn and nausea. But guess who still wants Taco Bell? That's right, me! I guess I'm a glutton for punishment. I supposed to cook dinner tonight, turkey alfredo lasagna. Don't want it and too tired to fix it.

I wonder if I can convince Matt to have some Taco Bell.

Yep, still pregnant

I had my first doctor's appointment today. I was kind of disappointed, but I don't know what I was expecting. I peed in a cup and they put a stick in it. The stick shows that I'm pregnant. Well, I already knew that. I've done that with four sticks and a cassette already! But I got the okay to stay on my metformin. And I go back in four weeks. Oh, and I got a little baby packet of coupons and information booklets. It even came with a CD-rom. I'll have to check that out later.

Of course, when I got back to work from the Dr's, one of my co-workers asked if everything was good. I said yes. She said, so any news. I said nope. BabyWatch 2009 is in full effect!

Whoo Hoo!!! BFP!!!

Well, it looks like we did it. I'm pregnant!

Yesterday morning there was the faintest line on a $$ Tree test. Then yesterday afternoon, I PIAC and used a CVS/FRER knockoff and a CVS digital. The CVS/FRER came up with two clear lines. The digital errored out on me, but when I ejected the test strip there were two lines on it.

So, you know, I had to PIAC again this morning. Just to make sure, right? Two clear lines on the CVS/FRER and the lovely word PREGNANT on the digital. I've got one more CVS/FRER. Maybe I'll use it in tomorrow morning. Or wait until the end of the week.

I guess first on the to-do list is to call my doctor. I'll have to get in to see her quick because if my diabetes. She told me at my pre-conception visit that she would send me to an RE as soon as I got pregnant, so they could monitor my diabetes. I guess being PG would explain my blood sugar of 115 yesterday. That's on the high side for me.

We'll be telling Killian over dinner at the Cheesecake Factory on Friday. I hope he's excited. You never know how a 13 year old boy will take things. But I'm pretty sure he will be good to go.

Wow, I'm pregnant.

Nervous, excited, and kind of sad

Well, let see. So far this new year has been on the uneventful side. That's good. But I'm kind of thinking and hoping that things could get exciting soon.

My temps went up again this morning. This cycle is the best looking cycle we've had so far. And the stupid FF Early Pregnancy Signs thing has me down for 90 points!! I know, I know....they mean jack shit. But I still want to POAS like nothing else. But I don't want to see a BFN. So that has me nervous and excited.

The kind of sad part is that Killian isn't home from his Dad's yet. He'll be here sometime on Sunday. I'm missing him. And I know Matt is too. Plus, we haven't done Christmas with him yet. It stinks because he'll get home tomorrow. Matt and I have to go to work on Monday. And then Killian has to be back at school on Tuesday. So, no real time for the three of us to chill and hang out.

Oh well. Things will be better tomorrow. Killian will be home and I may or may not be KU.

Stolen from Allie who stole from HEE

1. What did you do in 2008 that you had never done before?
Started trying to get pregnant, on purpose


2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I didn't really make any resolutions last year and probably won't make any for this year. I have goals though.

My new resolutions(GOALS):
To keep up with my exercise and to get back into my correct eating habits


3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Missy, my "other little sister".

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Not this year.

5. What countries did you visit?
We just stayed in the US.

6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
A baby

7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
My baby boy officially became a teenager on October 1st. The great fun we had at TimeGate on Memorial Day weekend and Dragon*Con on Labor Day weekend. And April 29th, our first wedding anniversary.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting a promotion at work and keeping my blood sugar at a decent level

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not maintaining my blood sugar to the goal I had set for myself.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Other than the sniffles or paper cuts, oh and a hamster bite, we were all pretty healthy this year.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Our 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. It really help to cut down our fuel bill over the summer.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
My son, Killian. He finished the last school year and started this school year without getting in trouble at all. I know he can keep it up. I would love for him to be able to say he had a school year in which he did not get suspended at all.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I was going to say my aunt, but she has been the way she is my whole life. I'm used to it now.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Bills and more bills.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Oh, crap. I get really, really, really excited about everything. Going to TimeGate, going to Dragon*Con (where I got autographs from Mickey Dolenz and Robert Llwelyn), going to two Braves games (where I got to see cutie-patootie, Brian McCann), going to Gatlinburg for Spring Break. Oh, but the biggest was probably going to see NKOTB in concert. It doesn't take much to amuse me.

16. What song will always remind you of 2008?
Probably either Summertime or Single by NKOTB. And only because I have listened to the cd so much, I've probably worn it out.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier
b) thinner or fatter? about 30 pounds LIGHTER!!!!
c) richer or poorer? richer

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Maybe exercising, but I'm pretty pleased with things.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Worrying

20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home, with family.

22. Did you fall in love in 2008?
I've been in love with my husband all year.

23. What concerts did you attend this year?
New Kids On The Block, Styx, Jeff Dunham, Jim Gaffigan

24. What was your favorite TV program?
American Idol, Lost, Hell's Kitchen, 24, Heroes, Doctor Who

25. Do you dislike anyone now that you didn't dislike this time last year?
No, don't think so.

26. What was the best book you read?
Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews and the first two books in the Time Rover series by Jana Oliver.

27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
My iPod. Does that count?

28. What did you want and get?
I met my first weight loss goal. I ovulated during each cycle (thanks to metformin, I'm sure). I got an iPod for my birthday (now not the only one in my house without one).

29. What did you want and not get?
A BFP.

30. What was your favorite film of this year?
Run Fat Boy Run?

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 34. Matt and Killian took me to the mall for a haircut and a mani/pedi, then they gave me my iPod.

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Maybe getting a BFP, but the year was pretty damn good anyways.

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Uninspired. And baggy.

34. What kept you sane?
Matt

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Brian McCann and David Cook

36. What political issue stirred you the most?
Children's Healthcare

37. Who did you miss?
My step mom. She died 10 years ago, and I still wish she was here.

38. Who was the best new person you met?
IRL? Lizandro, my sister's boyfriend.

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008.
Patience is a virtue.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
And in a white sea of eyes, I see one pair that I recognize, And I know, That I am the Luckiest

Hi!

I set up this pitiful little blog one night several months ago, but then never did anything with it. Well, it's a new year and it's time for me to get with this blogging thing.

Originally, I was thinking that this would be a TTC/pregnancy blog. And it may end up still being that. But since I'm not pregnant (not yet anyways) and there isn't much news on the TTC front, I'm not sure what this blog will contain. At any rate, it is what it is.

I hope that every one had a very Merry Christmas and will have a great Happy New Years!