Baby kicks

   It is such an awesome feeling to feel that little girl inside of me moving and kicking. I know some people have babies that are always moving around and , at times, can get annoyed. My little girl is pretty mellow. There are times I can go most of the day and only feel her move a little. I have noticed that when I am working nights I feel her way more than I do when I am up and home during the day. I think I am going to be in trouble!!! :) Although I have felt her move and kick inside and with my hand no one else has seemed to catch her. I was so happy that today daddy got to feel her move and kick! He has seen my belly move and "maybe felt" something, but this time he knew what he was feeling! I can't tell where she is laying in me, but I know she tends to hang out with limbs that kick me on the upper right side and lower abdomen. Again, I just can't get over what a neat and wonderful feeling it is!

   I must have finally reached the stage where it is very clear that I am pregnant. My co-workers have commented lately that I have "popped" as you can now see my bump through the scrubs. In fact, some scrubs are getting quite snug. Today at the grocery store the clerk took one look at me and told me this must be the pregnant aisle today. She then proceeded to ask me what I was having, the name, etc. Brian's grandma has been very sick and in the hospital for about 3 weeks now, but every time I walk in she perks up and loves to rub my belly. It is so sweet, she was so excited to find out it is a little girl!

  My girlfriends send out my baby shower invitations this week. They are so adorable I can barely stand it. I took a pic with my cell phone and with the lighting it does not do it justice, but here it is:

  The invite says I am registered at babies r us, but we haven't gotten that far yet. Brian and I hope to register there this weekend and if we have time Target also, but that may have to wait for another day. My mom and I did pick up a few cute items at the just between friends sale in Andover. Tomorrow is the Maple Grove one and I still have my eye out for a pack and play. I guess this sale is about 5x larger than the Andover one so I hope to find some good stuff!

 

Holy weight gain batman!



If the sign isn't obvious enough, 24 weeks!

  I had my 24 week (well I am actually 24 weeks, 4 days) appointment today. The first few appointments I didn't gain any weight, as I didn't have an appetite until around 16-18 weeks. Since 20 weeks, I have had quite an appetite. I am not eating for two....(lets face it, I don't want to look like Jessica Simpson!) but I am eating a little more than what I did before I was pregnant. I gained 7 pounds in 5 weeks! Yikes! I asked the nurse practitioner if I need to be more careful about what I eat, but she said I was probably just catching up since I didn't gain any for the first trimester. They are more focused on the total weight gain - wanting to keep people between 25-35lbs. I haven't had any food cravings where I am like "I need to have it," but I have been eating a ton of strawberries. If you are person who loves strawberries, they are really good right now! I also have had a sweet tooth. I like sweets, but have always preferred salty snacks. When I told my best friend about my love for sweets she was shocked saying "that is so unlike you!" She is happy though because she is sweet tooth herself (love ya Erika).

  Brian and I were on the hunt this weekend for a dresser/changing table combo. It amazes me how expensive they are and how cheaply they are made! We checked on a really cute dresser at HOM furniture that was on sale for $559. The problem was you could just feel by the way the drawers slide that it is not that great of quality. For a dresser that price, there should be no issues! We did end up finding a cute, white dresser at babies-r-us that was recently put on sale. They had just dropped the price $100.00 to $478.00 (I also feel that is really expensive), but we were lucky enough to score a 20% coupon, which made it a pretty good deal. The dresser is made of walnut and the drawers have ball bearings. We had to drive from Roseville to Maple Grove to get it. Once there, it almost didn't fit into the truck. I was so excited to get it in the room, but when Brian pulled out a drawer, the wood was all cracked and broken. Long story short, we had to order one and will have to pay a $80.00 delivery fee. At least they will take the broken one and I can inspect the new one before they leave and make sure it is okay.

 We have almost all the "big" purchases done for the room. The last "big" bedroom purchase will be the mattress. My friends have picked out a shower date and were working on invitations so I will have to get my butt in gear and think about registering within the next few weeks. Brian and I will go register together and he can scan all the items (our neighbor says that is the best part). After the initial register,  I am going to go back with my friend Maija, aka super mom, and she is going to help me make sure I have the things I "really" need on there :) It is so nice to have someone who knows and can help!

  A lot of moms have told me about Just between friends or JBF. JBF is a consignment store that has a bunch of gently used/new baby and kid stuff. They are having a Blaine/Andover sale this week and I am going to take my mom. I will probably wait and see what I still need after my showers and then go to some sales this summer (also, garage sales are coming up!), but my mom is looking for a pack and play for their house so that is our mission.

  Lastly, both Brian's cousins had their babies recently. Lauren had her little boy, Max in the beginning of March and Ashley just had baby Aubrey on April 9th. Little Max is so adorable! I have been able to see him twice since he has been born and just can't get enough of him. He is a really good baby. I am really looking forward to seeing Ashley and baby Aubrey this Wednesday. I have seen pictures (and she is really cute), but haven't seen her in person yet. I am also excited to hear how Ashley's labor went. Here is a picture of the two of them I stole off Lauren's facebook:

The Room



  We have been busy working on our little girl's room. We bought the crib before we knew what we were having because we knew we were going to go with white furniture. Once we found out it was a girl, it didin't take long for us to have the bedding all picked out. I had narrowed some bedding down for each a boy or girl before we found out so it was easy to pick once we knew. For those of you who don't know me very well, I LOVE elephants. I knew I was going to do an elephant theme!!! We got a great deal on ebay which included a few extras (the mobile, rug, lightswitch plate, and some wall decals).





   Brian was really excited to paint the room. Unfortunately, the pictures don't show the color well, but we matched the yellow of the bedding as the paint color. He did a fantastic job! We are going to accent the walls with the pinks, whites, and oranges that are also in the bedding. My friends have been busy thinking of artwork ideas! We still need to purchace a dresser/changing table combo. My friend is loaning us her very comfortable rocker, and my mom is going to try and repurpose a small nightstand that my grandfather made. I found a really cute lamp at Home Goods that has a white base and the shade the pink of the bedding. There is a white ribbon around the top andI am going to glue a smaller orange, bright ribbon around the center of the white ribbon for added color.

  Remember that great deal I told you we got on the travel system in the last blog? Here are the pictures:                  

        

     I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE feeling our little girl move. Some days she moves more than others, but the days she is really active is so fun. I feel her most of the time when I am laying down. I can feel her moving around and occasionally a kick or two. Brian has not yet been able to feel her, but I hope he will get to soon!



It's a GIRL!

 I have been meaning to write in this blog a few weeks ago, but got busy with work. Brian and I had a very exciting week! On Tuesday, Brian and I had our ultrasound and doctors appointment. I am not going to lie, I was a little nervous for the ultrasound. I just wanted so bad for this baby to be healthy. The baby was laying head down with the feet to my left side. The ultrasound tech was able to see right away that I have an anterior placenta laying on my right. Most people's placentas form toward the back of the uterus. There is nothing wrong with having an anterior placenta, it is just slightly less common. The only thing that hey said was I may not feeling the baby moving "as much" because there is extra "cushion" there. We got to see views of the babies legs, arms, kidneys, heart, spine, brain, etc. It was a little hard to see the profile because the face was down, but we did get to see a slightly blurry look at her nose, mouth, eyes, etc. We have a super cute picture of just one little foot that she was able to capture. The ultrasound tech was able to say that for how far long we are, everything looks as to be expected. The growth of the baby looks good and so does the structure. She asked us if we had any questions for her. We did ask a few and then said, as long as the baby is healthy, we were wondering if you could see what it is. Luckily our little lady was cooperating. She was able to tell us right away that it was a little girl. I had a few tears run down my eyes. We did not care what the baby was, as long as they were healthy. There are fun sides to both boy and girl, so we are just ecstatic! I know Brian is hoping she will be a daddy's girl! I am really excited to be able to pass on my middle name. My great-grandmother's name was Mae and she was a the most amazing lady. My grandmother, mother, and my middle name are all Mae so it is really special to be handing it down to this sweet little girl!

 The doctor that we saw was the same lady who sent me to Dr. Corfman. At the time, I did not like her because I though she was giving up hope on me and just handing me off. I left her office that day and cried to my mom that " I am never going to be a mommy." Now, I am so thankful that doctor sent me straight to him! I have gained about 6-7 pounds so far and my uterus is just slightly above my bellybutton and I measured 21cm, which is right on.


  We had to keep the gender secret for a few days, because we were going to do a gender revel party for our parents. A few people were sworn to secrecy, I told my two best friends who have been very involved in this whole process (love you girls) and Brian told his nephew. It was sooooo hard to keep the secret! My parents and Brian's parents came over for dinner on Friday night. My parents had a good idea what was going on, but we were able to surprise Brian's parents. We had a nice dinner and then brought out a cake. Brian and I heard about people doing the surprise cake and putting whatever color the gender is in the middle so when you cut the cake you will see what it is. We were able to take some pictures:



The pink icing!




The family was very happy and excited!



   We had a great time on Friday. I was able to tell my grandma, brother, Brian's sister, and sister-in-law. Everyone was very excited and happy! We feel so blessed it is unbelievable!

   After we found out it was a girl, we took back a few clothes that were more boyish and had a blast picking out some cute girly things at Carters. Luckily we were having a sale because we were a little excited. We also stopped at babies-r-us to return jacket and decided to just browse around. We just so happened to take a peek at the strollers and noticed a chicco travel system that was on clearance. Brian had done some research and decided that he wanted to purchase the chicco brand system. The stroller looked to be in good shape and we enquired about why it was on clearance. Apparently it was floor model, but since they are not a full babies-r-us they are no longer carrying the model so they were getting rid of the floor sample. The stroller/car seat is mostly gray with some pink and we got it for $130.00. The originally price is $330.00!!!! We had no intention of buying a stroller that day, but how can you beat a $200.00 savings???? We were pretty excited!



  Today it came to the point where I had to buy maternity clothes. I have been using the b-band with jeans and a hair binder. Although it had been working it was super uncomfortable! My friend/fashion consultant went with me to motherhood maternity and I was able to get a pair of capris and jeans and about 5 t-shirts/tank tops. I put on my capris on when I got home and oh the comfort! I should be set for awhile now!



  I have started to feel the little girl move around 18 weeks. I have not been very confident about it though as it feels like gas. The night of the ultrasound I was sitting on the couch with Brian and felt three very strong kicks! That was the first time I was SURE it was her moving/kicking. I don't feel her a lot yet, but mostly at night I feel a little movement and it is so amazing! I can't wait until Brian can start to feel some of the kicks!



 Again, I can't say enough how happy and excited we are! We are so lucky and blessed!

It is good to make friends!

   I can't believe I turned 18 weeks on Thursday! I have noticed minimal change in my belly so far, but I am getting really excited for my ultrasound, which is just around the corner! I am slightly nervous, just hoping they find a healthy baby in there, but know I we will love this baby no matter what! Brian still goes back and forth between thinking it is a boy or girl almost daily, but it will be so nice to know so when I talk to the baby I can start calling it "little girl" or "little boy" instead of "little one."

  Speaking of children, we unfortunately have a 5 month old in our ICU that was involved in a car accident. Right now he is a pretty sick little guy, but I think he will pull through and do well. He is, however, the cutest little thing you ever saw. I don't often think about work when I go home, but it is hard not to think about this little guy. Although it is awful to have to have kids involved in accidents, it has been so enjoyable working with him. Plus I get to give him lots of love!!!

  A cool thing happened today, I have been going back and forth between thinking I feel movement. A few times I am pretty sure I have felt a kick or two, but just general movement it has been hard to tell. A lot of people describe it as butterflies in your stomach, but I have not felt anything similar to that. I do feel more of a gas sensation and it is hard to know if it is really gas or if it is the baby. Well, today, Brian and I were listening to the heartbeat with my doppler and we heard a "thunk." At the same time I heard the "thunk," I felt that gas feeling. It was so neat to hear and feel it at the same time. I do notice that when I think I feel the baby move it is more at night or early in the morning. I can't wait to start feeling more distinct movements, it is so cool!

  So this is why it is good to make friends! I stayed and worked for the big bucks last night. I was able to pick my assignment and I thought I was setting myself up for cush night.....WRONG! By midnight my patient had to be re-intubated (a breathing tube put down the throat). Usually just the CRNA ( nurse anesthetist) comes up, but in addition, the anesthesiologist came up too. Now, keep that thought and let me explain. When I had my first appointment I had a few question because I have scoliosis (curving of the spine) I was wondering if that was going to cause any problems with delivery. The nurse practitioner did not think it would with the actual delivery, but would possibly be a problem receiving an epidural. My jaw about hit the floor. I applaud all the women who take on a natural child birth, but my birth plan is to come in and immediately ask for an epidural!!! Enough with all the pain bull crap!!!

The reason why an epidural may be difficult for me is due to the fact that the catheter has to go in between the vertebrae of  your back. If you look at the picture of  a normal spine vs. a scoliosis spine, it make finding the land mark a little bit more difficult. My scoliosis is not terrible, but enough where I had to wear a back brace as a child. This anesthesiologist was talking about putting a epidural in a pregnant lady that took 5 minutes, so I decided since we were on the topic that I would ask about myself. He was so nice! He had me bend over, felt my back and asked about my curve, etc. I told him I wasn't due until August 2nd and would most likely be delivering at Maple Grove, but he said that and epidural was "do-able." He took my name and told me to call him a few weeks before I deliver and he would make sure himself or the other docs who would be on would know about me and he would make sure that someone would be on "who could do it for me." Now, I know you can't plan when you go into labor, but as long as he knows the general time, he said that he would make sure I was taken care of. How nice is that?! Thank you doctor Montgomery!!!!

 The only thing that makes me worried is that I am a nervous nelly. I tend to, at times, think that I can jinx a situation. I wouldn't read ahead if weeks in my baby books because I am afraid that something will happen if I do. After I talked to the doctor about this, I got worried that I would somehow jinx the situation and something would go wrong, i.e. deliver premature, etc. I know most of you are rolling your eye and the biggest eye roller is my husband, but I just can't help myself. I am just getting so excited for this baby I don't want anything bad to happen. I already love this baby so much!

16 Weeks

   I wish I could come up with more cleaver titles, but for now this is what I can come up with :) On Thursday we had our 16 week appointment with another nurse practitioner. I have seen 3 different nurse practitioners now (one being my primary) and they have all been so wonderful. The first thing she said was I bet you are excited for your next appointment! We got our referral for the ultrasound and will get one in 4 weeks! She was happy with how things were going and wasn't concerned about my headaches. She did reassure me if I needed more of the prescription medication that they would give me some, but so far I have only used one pill. My headaches seem to be getting better. They are less frequent. Often they are every other day or every two days now and MUCH less intense which has been a relief! We got to hear the heartbeat again which was nice and quick. She said based on wives tails (which we were talking about) she would guess girl. Brian and I actually purchased a doppler to have at home, but have used it minimally because we wanted to make sure we weren't going to harm the baby. The NP said it is such low risk that we can feel free to use it when we want.

  WARNING TMI SECTION: I know most people's breast enlarge during pregnancy, but it is usually in the first trimester. My breast decided to explode between week 15 and 16. At first I didn't think they were getting larger, but finally one day they barely fit in my bra. Even girls at work have notice through my scrubs without me saying anything, and in scrubs! I have been searching for some new bras and have had a hard time. You would think it wouldn't be that hard, but finding a 34DD is rather difficult. Most places you have to have them shipped because they don't carry them in the store and then there is the whole underwire or no-underwire debate. Apparently underwire can plug milk ducts, but since I am so far from having my milk come in I think I am okay to go with the support for the time being. Luckily I have some cousins who were able to give me some advise! Thanks Ladies!

  Since I have started to notice a bump and upon recommendations that you do not sleep on your back anymore at 16 weeks I decided to make a pregnancy purchase. I am a stomach and back sleeper and I have a hard time staying on my side. I would toss and turn and then wake up Brian. I did some research and found an awesome pregnancy pillow! 

 I LOVE this pillow! I can hug onto the front side, support my tummy, and knees and still have something supporting my back. When I turn, I don't have to rearrange pillows so I am not tossing and waking Brian up. He thought it would be too big and he would have to sleep downstairs, but the "cocoon" as he calls it keeps me contained to my side of the bed. Totally worth the money!

  I have taken a 16 week picture, but need to get an SD card for my new camera, so I can't post it today, but will get it up soon!

16 WEEKS
Category baby business


Total weight gain/loss: Up 3 pounds from the last visit. Total weight gained so far this pregnancy is 2 pounds (I lost a pound in the first trimester)

Maternity clothes? Almost there. I do have a slight baby bump, but at this point still fitting into the jeans. Still using the hairbinder trick and one of my friends bought me a BE Band (a band that covers the top of your jeans so you can unbutton them - it is like a modified long tank top) that I am going to start using. I am guess I can get by a few more weeks then off to get some new pants

Stretch marks? nope.


Sleep: Have I told you about my pillow? :)
Best moment this week: I just love hearing the heartbeat! I also love days without headaches!


Movement: I thought I may have, but pretty sure it was just gas. I am thinking it will be closer to 20 weeks before I feel and distinctive movement.



Food cravings: I don't crave it, but loving my country time pink lemonade!
Belly Button in or out? Innie


What I miss:  Still, taking advil for a headache.



What I am looking forward to: Starting to see my belly grow more and our u/s in 4 weeks!

15 Weeks

  I am 15 weeks pregnant today and from what I could find, the baby is about the size of a Florida naval orange. I decided it was finally time to make the "big" facebook announcement and what a better time than on my birthday. It was so heartwarming to see all the kind responses!

  I think I am starting to see a possible baby bump. The problem is, it is hard to tell if it actually changing into a baby bump or I just ate a lot. Obviously if it is hard for me to tell, then the average person would just think I packed on a few pounds :) I will have an official weight next week at my appointment, but from my scale I think I have only gained a pound or so. I have decided that although it may not be an obvious baby bump, I will start taking pictures next week. They are fun to look back on and compare!

  Like I said in my last post, my appetite has returned. I still don't eat quite as much as I used to, but much, much better than in the first trimester. I feel lucky to have dodge the morning sickness bullet, but I have been hit with the headache plague. I had very few headaches in the first trimester which was very fortunate. I have always been a person who gets weekly (if not more than once a week) headaches and Advil has always been my best friend. Starting around 12.5 weeks, I started to get headaches, and bad ones at that. Unfortunately, when you are pregnant Advil is a "no-no" and I have to stick with my friend Tylenol. Let me tell you, Tylenol is no friend of mine, it doesn't work! Apparently headache are quite common in pregnancy and are often related to hormones. I chatted with a few girls at work who experienced headaches during their pregnancies and they gave me some good tips. I did get a prescription from the OB that I can uses when my headaches are intolerable. Fortunately, I have only had to take one pill and it did appear to work. Otherwise, I take my Tylenol and put a ice pack on my head. I do have to admit, I am a little of a worrier. Recently at work we had a 25 year old who had headaches and ended up having blood in her brain. Now, I know that headaches are very common in pregnancy especially right around this time, but I can't help but go...what if? I know, I know....you are all thinking what a freak, but I can't help it :) Brian just shakes his head and laughs.

  I have not felt any movement yet and I am guessing I probably won't until closer to 20 weeks, but I am really looking forward to it! Brian is so excited to find out the gender he can barely control himself! He is hoping for a 16 weeks ultrasounds, but I have to remind him that they don't hand them out like candy and a 20 weeks is better to see the anatomy and be more sure on the gender. His latest guess is that it is a girl - since he is not working he researches all this stuff. I love him dearly, but he needs to go back to work :) I am still leaning toward a girl, but I am less confident than I was a few weeks ago. I am also excited to find out and I know we will both be VERY happy with either a boy or a girl. A girls from my work did do a very scientific test.....she held a pair of pink booties and blue booties in each hand behind her back and I picked a hand.....I got the pink booties. The respiratory therapists did it with a few other girls, I asked if they were right, she said "no." Either way, I got to keep both booties :)