Baby journal

Reagan has a blog?

2010-06-26T08:31:00.001-04:00

This is Reagan. Mommy said I could have my very own blog now! YAY! See what I'm up to: http://itsherlittleworld.blogspot.com/

She's growing so fast!

2010-06-16T07:36:00.002-04:00

I can't believe BabyGirl is already 8 months old! She has grown so much in the past 8 months that it is amazing :) She has grown not only physically but mentally as well. There is so much that she has discovered and learned. In the last month alone she has discovered how to

sit up when she's laying down
crawl
pull herself up
feed herself little bits of food (cheerios and such)

I love that she is learning and growing, but I already miss little things that she used to do!

I miss when all she wanted to do was be held and cuddle up with someone.
I miss her falling asleep in my arms.
I miss breastfeeding (I had to quit - which brought many tears...to me!)
I miss not having her in our bedroom all night. I miss not being able to wake up and just peek over at her to see her snoozing soundly.
Believe it or not, I miss getting up with her in the middle of the night. Don't get me wrong, I love being able to get a good night's sleep but in the middle of the night, it was just me and her and she was so tiny in my arms just wanting me to comfort her...

But there are SO many things that I am enjoying with her right now!

She is crawling and has discovered that if she sees something she wants, she can move to it (which is a good and bad thing! Keeps me on my toes!)
I love sitting down on the floor with her and having her climb and crawl all over me.
I completely melt each time I see her tiny face light up and give me a big toothless grin when I walk in the room.
I love love love love love her giggle! I don't care if my arms fall off, if she wants to go up again then that's what Mommy will do to get another giggle!
I love seeing her face when she has discovered she can do something new. It lights up and she just looks so proud of herself!

Even with all of this, I am looking forward to a few things too...

I can't wait to hear "Ma Ma" and know that it is directed at me, not just random babbling.
I already have summer art projects, games, and trips planned for when she is a little older.
Family vacations where she can really explore and that she will remember are going to be a blast

I can't wait to see the beautiful young girl and woman that she will grow into!

He's lucky he makes cute babies!!

2010-06-11T21:09:00.001-04:00

I love my husband.

I do.

I swear.

But sometimes (like now) I want to just wring his neck!

He is training with the military tonight and forgot his meds at home. Rather than a) running home real quick to grab them while he had the chance or b) calling me to ask me to come bring them earlier in the day... he didn't call me to come bring him his pills until right before I was getting ready to give Baby Girl her bath and get her ready for bed.

So now, instead of playing, giggling, and splashing in the tub followed by cuddling up with a bottle in the rocking chair and a book before drifting off to sleep with Dolly... we're piling into the car to drive 20 minutes to give him his pills, wait 5 minutes for him to get there, hanging out a few minutes so he can give me some other things to bring home and love on his Baby Girl then driving another 20 minutes home WITH A SCREAMING BABY!

Seriously, she screamed the entire way home! And I don't mean she just cried, she was red-faced screaming at the top of her 8 month old lungs for 20 minutes! :(

Daddy likes to think that she got upset at leaving Daddy behind...

But Momma knows -- HER BEDTIME SCHEDULE WAS ALL MESSED UP AND NOW SHE WAS HUNGRY AND SLEEPY!

Momma always knows!

Updated photos...as promised :)

2010-06-10T11:39:00.001-04:00

Long overdue update.

2010-06-09T16:21:00.003-04:00

WOW...Has it really been that long sing I've updated everyone?? Why didn't someone come kick my butt? HaHa

I really have been busy with the little one. She is now not only rolling over but sitting up, crawling, and pulling upon anything she can find to pull up on! She is a cute little ball of energy that wants to be going, going, gone...

Long gone is the teeny tiny little baby that just wants to be held all day long. :(

But, welcome to the days of an amazing personality shining through, lots of laughs and smiles, and a ton of new discoveries!

I have a ton of pictures of big girl to post, but for now...nap time is over so it's time for mommy to play play play again!

And the little one said, "Roll Over!"

2010-03-13T09:14:00.000-05:00

This post is way overdue as the "Little One said, 'Roll Over'" a couple of weeks ago!

But, yes, Baby Girl finally decided to roll over from her tummy to her back. She did it first on a Monday morning while I was getting her dressed to go to the babysitter's. Then she didn't do it again until Wednesday. She's been doing it off and on ever since. Sometimes it scares or startles her and other times she just giggles as she rolls over. I've seen her roll both to the left and to the right but she does seem to favor rolling to the left.

Before I know it she's going to be crawling, then walking...and then RUNNING! lol

Just a few pictures

2010-01-31T12:53:00.011-05:00

I know it has been a while since I have posted an update on Reagan. Between heading back to work full time and being full time Mommy...my time is very limited! But since the princess is napping right now, let me just post some pics for you:

Just hangin' with my girls!

Mommy loves you!!!

Already reading Dr. Seuss...next...Harry Potter!

Snug as a bug in a rug

Proud to be a Gator Girl

Yes, she is holding her bottle all by herself!!

I'm just chillin' here on the couch...

Reagan's First Christmas

2009-12-26T13:45:00.009-05:00

Although Reagan may not remember much of her first Christmas, it is a day that will always be special to us.

It started off with me making breakfast for my hubby and I (unfortunately, Reagan only gets her milk...perhaps next year she can have a special breakfast too!)

I made fruit salad (cut up fruit, cover with store brand Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette), Jimmy Dean Sausages, and Make-ahead-scrambled-eggs-in-puff-pastry. I changed the recipe slightly by adding green peppers and onions to the eggs as I scrambled them, and sprinkled chopped chives on top before baking. It all turned out really well!

Because Hubby was on night shift, we had to wait on him to get home before eating or riping into any presents. Even the cat waited patiently on Daddy to get home.

When he finally got home and finished breakfast, we opened our stockings. Reagan's was filled with great board books, while mine had a movie (Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince) and Daddy's had a book (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies).

We then moved on to the presents under the tree. These included gifts from each other as well as Santa and Chris's family.

Of course, most of the gifts under the tree were for Reagan ("I'll be glad when she's old enough to open her own gifts!" - Chris). She got CD's with lullabies and kids songs, lots of clothing, dolls, a nativity set, teething toys, blankets, and other great gifts. Chris got a special coffee mug from Reagan that is camouflaged with a picture of Reagan wearing camo and the caption "Proud to be my daddy's girl!"

After the gifts at home were finished and the dishes in the dishwasher, Chris went to bed and Reagan and I headed to Grandma's house.

Reagan was too little to play with her cousins just yet, but she loved being held by all her aunts, uncles, and older cousins! She even managed to get her Great-Granny on the floor to play with her! (We were afraid neither one of them would be able to get themselves up, but Reagan was the only one who needed to be picked up!)

Other people took more pictures than I did as I was usually busy holding a wiggly baby or stuffing my face with all the delicious food while someone else was holding her. I'll have to get copies!

It was a long day, but a great day. After a bath and a bottle, my sweet little one passed out for most of the night!

Hope everyone had as wonderful a Christmas as we did!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T07:40:00.002-05:00

Here's hoping everyone has a fantastic Christmas!

I don't like shots!

2009-12-19T13:08:00.006-05:00

(No, this picture wasn't taken yesterday, it was actually taken

Dec 10th, but it seems to fit the mood and is just too cute to not share!)

Well, Reagan has survived her first round of shots!
We took her to the pediatrician yesterday to get the first round of shots and immunizations. She weighed in at 11 lbs 6 oz and 24 inches long. The Doctor said this was slightly above the average but still within the normal range and that she is progressing well.

When it came time to give her the shots, Chris had to help hold her down as I knew that I would cry right along with her! He said the look in her eyes at the first stick was simply heartbreaking. Although she screamed quite loudly (she definitely has a set of lungs on her!) while the nurse gave her the shots, she quickly settled down as Chris held her afterwards.

We stopped on the way home to buy some infant Tylenol drops just in case we needed them. As advised by her doctor, we even gave her one dose preemptively to help ward off any possible side effects of the shots. I don't think she really needed it though, either that or the Tylenol really did it's job! She has had no problems so far... no fevers, no unusual fussiness, and no knots where they stuck her.

That's my brave girl! :)

Sleeping

2009-12-09T09:04:00.005-05:00

I never knew how valued a good, full night of sleep could be!

Up until about a week or so ago, Little Bit was getting up every few hours to eat and get changed. Lately though, she's been sleeping more and more through the night. It's been a pretty crazy journey though.

First we had to convince her that the daytime was for playing while the nighttime was for sleeping. She had this confused for a while.

It took a few sleepless days/nights as I tried to keep her awake during the day by playing with her - which meant I wasn't taking naps either. I tried not to let her sleep longer than a couple of hours at a time during the day, then when she woke up, I would play with her to keep her awake as long as I could until she fell asleep again. Then we'd start over again. Eventually, she got the idea and is getting better with it although occasionally we do have a relapse where we have to re-train again :)

Along with the constant playing, we kept the lights on and curtains open all day long, then at night when we want her to go to sleep, the light go out and the TV gets turned off (or at least down low so even we can barely hear it). It makes since, huh? The problem before was that Hubby works nights so his nights off he was up and awake all night with the lights on, making noise and all, and she was thinking, "YAY! Play with Daddy time!" Now if he has her in the living room with him while he is up, the lights are down low and the TV volume is turned way down, then he puts her in the crib in her room when she falls asleep (when he's not home, she is in the bassinet in our room with me).

I've tried to get a routine set for her bedtime too. We give her a bath (she LOVES the water), put her in her jammies, turn off all the lights, cuddle on the couch and feed her a bottle. She seems to eat more, and thus sleeps better, when she has a bottle than when she is nursed so this is one time that we opt to bottle feed rather than nurse. This way Hubby can feed her sometimes too and it stays consistent...it is always a bottle before bed. We haven't started the self soothing stuff to much quite yet, so she still falls asleep in our arms after the bottle and we gently put her either in her crib or the bassinet.

Most nights I have been able to get her to fall asleep between 9:30 and 10. A few nights she has woken up again around 4 (sometimes she eats and goes right back to sleep and others she is awake and wants to play but still, from 10pm until 4am isn't bad for a 2 month old!). Last night, she didn't drift off until 10:30 but didn't wake me up for a feeding until 6:30...8 full hours!!! WOW!

Hopefully this trend will continue... I'm a much happier mom when I've had sleep!

"ME" time = Wii time?

2009-11-23T14:05:00.008-05:00

One thing that I have learned is that no matter how much I love my little girl and want to hold her and be with her all the time, I've got to get out and have some "me" time! However, this isn't always as easy as I once may have thought.
I have to make sure I have pumped enough milk for the time I will be gone. I have to make sure that I am either back home in time to nurse/pump so that I don't get engorged or take the pump with me. Finding a place to pump is a whole other issue too! I also have to make sure that her dad can stay with her (at this point we haven't gotten a sitter yet. Other than the nursery at church, she is always with one of us. Even at church, I know that she is only a few feet away and Mrs. Cathy can get to me immediately if needed!).

I have managed to get away twice in six weeks though! :) About a week ago my friend Alexis and I went to get pedicures, lunch, and a quick stop at Target to pick up a few things. I rarely get pedicures, but it was WAY past time to do something about my feet (that I can now see again!)! We didn't go to any fancy, expensive spa, just a local (Vietnamese) Salon but it was still wonderful and relaxing and worth every penny!
Yesterday, my friend Cindy and I went to Panara Bread (YUMMY) and to a movie while our husbands stayed home - probably playing PlayStation - to watch the baby. We went to see New Moon and although it wasn't nearly as good as the book, it was also a very good movie and a welcome day/evening out!
I am still awaiting the "go ahead" to start running again which will be my ultimate "me time" activity, but until then, Cindy and I have decided to try out the jogging stroller by walking the day after Thanksgiving. She lives about 1.5miles from me so I may just walk Reagan over to her house so as to get in a few extra miles - I have some baby fat to work off still!
As for the title of this blog...no, I don't have a Wii to use a my "me time" but I'm hoping perhaps I will have a Wii Fit soon! Rookie Moms, a blog that I follow, is giving away a Fitness Ultimatum 2010 and Wii Fit Plus with a Balance Board. All you have to do is leave a comment telling them what you do for your "me time" as a mom. Wish me luck...

My little pumpkin goes to the pumpkin patch

2009-10-31T09:56:00.004-04:00

We took Reagan to the pumpkin patch at my church the other day. Most of the pumpkins were rotten due to the extreme heat we are having lately, but this little pumpkin was the sweetest one of all! :)

My husband is WONDERFUL, yet makes me sick...literally!

2009-10-20T19:39:00.006-04:00

My poor husband has been amazing through the entire birth/recoup phase of this baby-thing (as he call this time in our lives). During labor, he was right in my face helping me breath and stroking my back and face to help me feel better. Now that the baby is here, he jumps to help me get something, brings me whatever I need, and lets me sleep as much as I can. He even offers to change dirty diapers!

Unfortunately...he let me sleep too long.

Yes, it is possible.

He didn't realize that as a breast-feeding mother, I have to empty on a regular basis or I will become engorged and HURT! Since we were having to supplement with formula due to the Jaundice, he decided one night to let me get a good night's sleep and he would stay up all night and just bottle feed her when she got hungry rather than waking me up.

I woke up in PAIN!!

I tried to nurse but my breasts were too full and hard that Reagan had a hard time latching on. I tried to hand express it and finally made Hubby go get me a breast pump that we had seen on Craig's list (The hospital gave me all the tubing I would need already so all I needed was the actual pump.)

I pumped and it felt better but since then one breast has been really really tender and I think the other is a little clogged.

Today, Hubby was sleeping and I was watching Reagan. I got a cramp in the area near my ovaries. It didn't go away and seemed to be getting worse so I got up and took some Motrin. As I got to the kitchen, I doubled over in pain and had to yell to Hubby to wake him up. He helped me to bed and when I said I was freezing, he looked at me funny.

"It's 77 degrees in here! You can't be cold!"

But I was shivering. He fetched a thermometer and sure enough, I had a temp of 101.3 so he called my OB for me.

She had me go get lab work done and then come into her office immediately. She put the lab work in as stat so she had the results pretty quick and diagnosed me as having mastitis...a breast infection caused by being engorged.

Apparently the skin stretches to accommodate the extra milk and allows bacteria and an infection in. So my well-meaning husband caused me to have an infection.

I nearly didn't tell him what it was, I know he would feel awful, but I also knew if I didn't tell him he would get aggravated as he was so worried about me.

I still have a slight fever but I have my antibiotics so hopefully I should be feeling better soon! I can still breast feed as the infection is in my breast tissue, not in the milk. In fact, she said it would be worse if I didn't nurse or pump.

Now my wonderful husband is setting an alarm to remember to wake me up ever 2 hours (the suggested time set by my doctor - no matter if she wants to eat or not) to feed or pump so this doesn't happen again!

I love him...I really do!!

Reagan's first visit with the pediatrician

2009-10-20T07:12:00.005-04:00

Yesterday Reagan had her very firs doctor's appointment and other than peeing all over daddy in the family bathroom as he tried to change her (I was filling out all the paperwork), she did fantastically!
She whimpered when we had to undress her to get on the scale (she's gained another 2 oz!), but other than that, she was as perfect as always :)

The doctor was great and answered all of our questions, no matter how small or silly, and the staff seemed really nice as well. Overall, we are very happy with our doctor and the visit. We have another one in a week.

Welcome to the world Baby Reagan!!

2009-10-17T08:33:00.005-04:00

Reagan was born on Monday, October 12th. She is a healthy, happy BEAUTIFUL baby girl!

She is also independent and is going to do things HER way and on HER timetable!

I had no need to worry about being induced. Reagan and God both decided that it wasn't necessary for me to be induced at all. Sunday night,the night before I was to be induced, my water broke so we ended up at the hospital earlier than planned. However, I wasn't have notable contractions (the only reason I knew I was having them at all was because I was hooked up to a machine that told me I was. I couldn't feel a thing!). This lasted all night.

My doctor came in the next morning and discovered I had a fore bag of water than hadn't broken yet so she went ahead and broke it for me...

OUCH!!!!!!!

I definitely started feeling the contractions after that! I went from 3cm dilated to 9 cm in about an hour, and was beyond ready to meet Mr Epidural Man (who by the way was a very nice, funny man. If he can make me laugh while I'm being stuck by a needle in my back AND having a contraction at the same time...he's OK in my book!)

Reagan was born only 3 hours and 20 minutes after my 2nd bag of water was broken, but I had been in the hospital for over 19 hours at that time. Luckily I was actually asleep during most of the first part ha ha :)

She was a very relaxed and easy going baby. She didn't cry too much and slept well. However, on the day that we were supposed to go home, the doctor decided to keep her because she was borderline Jaundiced. The second time they checked her she had increased so they had to take her from me (yes, I cried), to give her treatments under the lights. I only got to see her 20 minutes at a time so that I could nurse her every 2-3 hours or so.

Finally around 1am they brought her back to me and said she had decreased and I could keep her in the room with me, but that I had to continue to nurse her more often and supplement with some formula as well. By 10am the next morning she was down even more and they decided to let us go home!

Before we left, we opted to have her get a Hepititis B vaccine. Afraid she was really going to cry and wail, I held her while the nurse gave it to her. She did cry and scream as she was being stuck and injected,however once it was all over, she was perfectly fine. She even fell right back asleep.

Whaaaa.....Whaaaaaa....Whaaaaaaaaaa...... Zzzzzzzzzzz :)

She is still pretty easy going and calm most of the time. We are having some issues with nursing though. I think it is partly to do with the Jaundice and having to supplement with the formula as well as having to feed her more often than usual. We are working on it though!

She is sleeping peacefully in her swing so I think I am going to join her in a nap while I can!

Sunday's To-Do list

2009-10-11T07:03:00.004-04:00

OK, so it isn't so much MY to-do list as my husband's. I love him dearly but he is the definition of the word PROCRASTINATION! Many of these things I have been asking him to do for a while (because I simply can't for one reason or another) so now he has to do them all today before we go to the hospital tomorrow...

Clear out the guest room for his mom. When we cleaned out the old guest room to make the baby's room, most of the stuff in there went into the office (now the office/guest room). However, it didn't really get put away, just laid about. It is heavy boxes and mainly his military gear so it isn't something I can do by myself... or much at all other than supervise.
Pack the overnight bag for the hospital. Yes, I could do this, but I would do it wrong haha. Hubby is the master packer so even if I did pack the bag,he wouldn't like it and would re-do it so I may as well save myself the energy and not pack. I have however already laid out everything that I need in it.
Put the car seat in my Jeep. I might be able to do this, but Hubby doesn't want me pulling and tugging on things so he keeps saying he is going to do it.
Make the bed in the guest room. I washed the sheets yesterday, I just need help putting them back on - the bed is more so a mattress on the floor so putting the sheets back on involves a lot of crawling around haha. I need help since I can't pull the mattress out away from the wall and/or crawl around too much.
He wants to mow/weed-eat before his mom gets here. This one isn't a "gotta-get-done-before-the-baby-gets-here" type of chore, just one that he wants to do so his mom doesn't think he's a slacker hahaha :)
We also need to do some general shopping so we don't have to do it with a newborn. This I can do, although Hubby wants to go on base to get everything (that's a 45 minute drive or so when Publix is right around the corner!). Technically, I can goon base without him, but if I'm going solo, I'm not going to drive that far. We need things like milk, easy-to-make food for those nights we have no energy, and some stuff we have just run out of like paper towels. Publix here I come...

Looks like Hubby is going to have a busy day!

Monday is D Day!

2009-10-10T09:57:00.004-04:00

D for delivery of course! ... well at least we hope....

At my Dr's appointment Thursday, my doctor decided that I should be induced a little early and let Reagan come into this world ahead of schedule.
The biggest factor was my blood pressure. It's been a little high for most of the pregnancy so it was controlled by a low dose HBP medication. It had been perfect, but this time it was slightly high again (I do have to admit though, that it was a VERY hectic day at work).

In addition to the blood pressure, I was already about 2cm dilated, 50% effaced, and my cervix is really really low. Combine that with the fact that my biological grandmother, mother, and sister all had pretty quick births.... and my doctor wanted to go ahead and "get this show on the road" even though it will be a little more than a week before my due date.

So I am to go into the hospital at 7am on Monday.

Part of me is really happy about this. There is no surprise "OH MY GOD... My water just broke!" at 3am while my husband is at work. He is able to plan his days off to be sure to be able to be with me. I am able to tell family and friends so that if they want to come they can rearrange their schedule to be there. Most of both mine and Chris's family lives about 2.5 - 3 hours away so they can allow themselves drive time and not feel rushed.

But part of me really isn't sure. I've always believed that God knows better than we do. Wouldn't God's timetable be better for both Reagan and myself than mans timetable? Isn't there a reason that a pregnancy is 40 weeks long? Doesn't the baby need the extra week to fully develop? I know some people go into labor (naturally) early, but again, that is God's timetable. He said "Time's up!" not the doctor.

I just have to trust that He is working through my doctor to know what is best.

I'm excited. I'm nervous too, but overall I'm excited. I'm not so much nervous about the labor and delivery part (I figure if I can survive though 3 marathons in the CA and FL sun, I can manage labor in an AC'ed hospital - not that it will be a walk in the park!), but I'm a little nervous about leaving the hospital. I was only 3 when my mom and dad adopted my brother. I don't remember much about his care. When I met my biological siblings, they were already 6 and 7 years old. Defiantly not babies! I've never had to really care for a baby. Not that little anyway without someone else there who knew what they were doing!

I mean, I've babysat infants before...but this will be a teeny tiny precious gift that depends completely on ME (OK..and my husband too...but mostly ME). That's more than a little intimidating!

Breathe Nicole...just breathe...

Is THAT what's in there?

2009-10-01T18:39:00.004-04:00

Being that it is the first day o October...and my due-date-month... I wore a special shirt today. "Yes, I swallowed a pumpkin!"
While walking my kindergarten group to my room for group, one of them asked me what it said, so I told him.

A confused look came across his tiny face as he looked up at me (he happened to be holding my hand at the time) and said, "Is THAT what's in there? It's not a baby??"

I giggled and told him that it was just a silly shirt,and that yes, a baby was in there.

"Is it moving around?"

"Sometimes"

"Now?"

"No,right now she is being still."

"Oh ok. How did she get up there? Who put her there?"

...

Hmmm...how to answer that one?

...

All I could think of to say was, "I think God helped her get there," which satisfied him just fine :)

Sweet (?) Dreams

2009-09-15T17:09:00.005-04:00

I've had some weird pregnancy dreams before, but last night takes the cake. I had two weird pregnancy dreams that I actually remember.

The first one, I dreamt that
Chris and I were in bed about to go to sleep when...ahem..well... Chris wanted to... well... start something. However, the baby was starting to crown yet I hadn't had any contractions or signs of labor! We decided that we needed to get to the hospital, but as we haven't yet packed a "hospital bag," we started trying to gather the things we would need and throw them into a bag. We couldn't find what we wanted and started arguing over what was needed and what wasn't. All of a sudden, without any further warning, the baby was born! We never made it to the hospital!

Needless to say..I made a list of things to get/pack and will be packing a bag in the next couple of days! (anyone have any "couldn't live without" tips for what I will need?)

The second one pertained to a real event that happened today. I had a doctor's appointment this morning. In real life, I went to work, had a meeting, and left right after to get to my appointment. In my dream however, my car broke down which made me miss work all together and made me late to my appointment. Once I got to the appointment, they told me that had filled my slot, I could no longer see the doctor, and I had to go to "Building O" to see some other guy. I don't know what the deal was with the new doctor or the building, but it terrified me and I didn't want to go. When I argued it, however, I was threatened with, "Do we need to send you to Building X?" which scared me even more! What are these crazy buildings and why were they so mean to me? haha

Again... needless to say...I showed up 20 minutes EARLY to my appointment today!

On a side note, the doctor said everything looked great, "beautiful" even. My blood pressure has been great, the baby's heartbeat was nice and strong, and I am measuring at 35 weeks which is exactly where I am :)

Can I astral project during labor?

2009-09-12T19:11:00.005-04:00

Chris and I went to a childbirth class today. It was interesting but loooooooong. 9am-5:30pm and the instructor rambled quite a bit and really over shared about her personal life! I'm really not interested in how much hair you had...well... wherever! LOL

There was an interesting handout comparing natural childbirth to running a marathon; very appropriate for me as I have finished 3 full marathons. I could totally relate to the ups and downs of the roller coaster of emotions that happen, not that I want to try natural childbirth. Mr. Epidural man will be my friend! :)

My biological mother had very quick births (I think I was about 3 hours, my sister was about 2.5 and my little brother didn't even wait on the epidural to take affect before he literally shot out!). My sister just gave birth in 5 hours and my Granny Jo was joking that she could have had all 3 of her children in that time. I'm hoping some of those quick-birth genes found their way to me!

While we were at the hospital, we tried to preregister (Really, while in labor, who wants to take the time to register at the hospital and pull out insurance cards and all?). This was the 2nd time we had tried to do this. The first time we were there for another class, Child Care, and we got there early so we could preregister. The woman looked at me , standing in front of her, and told me "We have to have you here to do that." Uhm...was I only dreaming that I was standing in the hospital lobby? Had I astral projected? What was going on? But I had to pee so I didn't feel like standing there and pushing the issue and instead went off in search of a bathroom. I then just went straight to my Child Safety class. By the time it was over, the registration desk was closed and we didn't want to bother the ER since we knew we would be back in a few days for another class and figured we would register then.

So today Chris and I walk up and tell the man at the desk that we would like to preregister. He looked at me and said, "There's no one here on Sundays that can do that." >scratching head< 1) Wasn't HE there? or was he the one astral projecting this time? and 2) it is SATURDAY!! No matter what we said he just kept repeating that there is no one there on Sundays to preregister us, so Chris and I finally gave up and decided 3rd times a charm, we'll try it another time. We have other, more important things to deal with this week.

The sad thing is that this is the hospital with the best reputation in the area. The other two hospitals have... well... interesting nicknames where this one just goes by either it's actual name or initials. I've heard wonderful things about this hospital so I'm just going to try to keep upbeat and convinced that there is something mystical about the lobby that allows people to astral project!

Winnie the Pooh!

2009-09-06T08:07:00.006-04:00

Chris finally finished painting our Winnie The Pooh nursery. I always knew he was a good artist, that he can draw amazingly well, but...WOW...just WOW! He did a FAN-TAB-U-LOUS job! I am so proud of him and can't wait to show Reagan her room!

Stage 1 & 2: Paint the grass and the sky then draw out the pictures....

Stage 3: Paint the mural (WOW!)....

Stage 4: Add the furniture and decorate... See the pictures at the top of this blog. Of course being a teacher, I had to fully stock her book shelf! It is complete with traditional nursery rhymes, Classic Winnie the Pooh books, Dr Seaus, Golden Books, and books 1- 20-something of the Magic Tree House (Yes, it will be a while before those are of interest to her, but I love them so they are there!). There are also plenty of pop-up books, finger puppet books, "feely" books (where there is something soft, crinkly, scratchy, etc on each page), a couple of coloring books, and even a Children's First Encyclopedia.

Now we are just waiting for Stage 5...Add baby Reagan!

Wednesday was a day of Air, Master's, and a Vampire

2009-08-27T17:33:00.003-04:00

Life in Florida without an air conditioner is bad.

Life in Florida in the middle of August without an air conditioner is really bad.

Life in Florida in the middle of August without an air conditioner WHILE PREGNANT is PURE TORTURE!!!

I have been without A/C for a week and a half. It broke on a Saturday, apparently it was a cylinder that had cracked and leaked all the oil and freon. Fun fun fun. The warranty was past so to fix it would be half the cost of buying a whole new unit, so we decided to go with the new, more economical unit. It got put in on Wednesday....finally!

Until it was fixed, I did convince my husband to go buy a small window unit at Wall-mart to put in the bedroom. It wasn't quite big enough to cool the entire bedroom and the bathroom but it worked well enough to keep it from being scorching in one room of the house as well.

The only problem was the room service sucked... hahaha :)

Wednesday however, was a great day. Not only did I get my A/C fixed, but I also finished up all my final paperwork (Case Study, portfolio, reflection paper) for my Master's Degree and submitted it all. It will be so wonderful to have these last few months before Reagan is born to not have to constantly write papers or read textbooks. I can't even begin to imagine having to continue with all of this AND take care of a newborn... It wouldn't have worked at all!! Just call me "Master Mommy!"

The bizarre thing about Wednesday was that I woke up with a busted blood vessel in my left eye causing a red blood spot/ring around the white part of my eye. If you have read,or seen the movie (although the book is, as usual, way better) Twilight, you will know that both new vampires have red eyes (Older vampires who have recently fed on human blood also have red eyes too haha, but I can assure you that I have NOT had any of that!!). Let me tell you...it was a ton of fun to go to school and work with Kindergartners, first and second graders with a blood red eye! Too bad it wasn't Halloween!!

My doctor said that it is fairly common for pregnant women to pop blood vessels in their eyes. I could have sneezed, rubbed it, coughed, rolled over wrong in bed, who knows what.

To say the least...I had a very interesting day yesterday!

Pregnancy torture

2009-08-13T06:06:00.003-04:00

Pregnant women like to eat. That is a fact. Not an opinion, a fact (well unless that pregnant woman is having morning sickness...then she may want to eat but can't).

With this fact in mind, why oh why is it not considered torture to ask a pregnant woman to fast for 10 hours to then come to the hospital, get blood drawn and fast for 3-4 MORE hours!?!?

I failed my first glucose test...the easy one, the one you don't have to fast for, the one that they only take one vial of blood, the one that only takes an hour.

I don't know by how much I failed the 1 hour test but I did and I had to do what they call the 3 hour test. 3 hours my fat booty!!

10 hours prior to going to take the test, you have to fast for 10 hours. Then you go to the hospital or the lab and wait. Yes, wait. Those places never get you right in! Then they take one vial of blood and sent you to a room to again...wait. After about 30-40 minutes they come in and either you are OK to take the test or your blood sugar is too high already to even start. If they continue, they give you the NASTIEST foul tasting drink. Pure sugar water with what they want to call flavoring...bleh!!

After drinking the drink (with an audience to make sure you actually drink it all and don't throw it up), you again wait. For an hour. Then they draw blood...and you wait another hour. After that hour they draw MORE blood and have you wait yet ANOTHER hour. After that hour, they draw the final vial of blood and release you to do a mad run/waddle to the nearest McDonalds - at this point not even caring if you are diabetic or not!

Luckily, I passed the 3 hour test and I in fact do not have gestational diabetes. I've since learned that many many people fail the 1 hour yet pass the 3 hour. I think it is a ply by the lab techs...they like to see us preggos squirm!

I didn't eat anything after 8:00 one night, and didn't get to eat until nearly noon he next day! That would make me cranky even when I'm not pregnant!!

Now where did I leave that chocolate cake... ?

Thank You Granny!!

2009-07-30T16:28:00.006-04:00

My granny, my dad, and my granny's friend ::wink wink:: Joe came to visit Chris and I this week. This morning, Granny took me to Target, pulled up my registry, bought several things off of it... and MORE! I am so thankful!!

She bought a Diaper Genie with 2 refills, 2 boxes of newborn diapers, wipes, a bassinet, a changing pad, a chair that converts from a high chair to a toddler booster seat, bottle brushes, nursing pads, blankets, washcloths, onsies, footed PJ's, bottles, those pacifiers with the mesh that you can put frozen fruit and stuff in when they are teething, a Boppy pillow, and a baby tub. I joked that she wasn't leaving anything for anyone else to buy!

I'm also very thankful for my mother who has also already bought the crib bedding, as well as all my wonderful friends who have given me awesome hand-me-down items. With all of this stuff starting to pile up, it's starting to really sink in....WE'RE HAVING A BABY!!!! :)

Baby Expo

2009-07-26T12:16:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, I met up with my sister Amy, a friend of hers, and the friend's mother and aunt to go to a Baby Expo put on by a local radio station. It was a really great day...long... but great. I met them at 9, and we didn't leave until 3:30ish!!

The Expo included multiple vendors and service providers for expectant and new mommies. It seemed each booth had samples, goodies, fliers, information, and raffles! We of course signed up for every raffle, took all the samples anyone would offer as well as the literature about the best breast pumps, child safety, nutrition, and anything else. They gave us a bag at the entrance, but several of the vendors also gave us bags. I ended up with 3 canvas bags and a small diaper bag full of goodies! I came home with several lip balms, a large thing of Simalac, a big cuddly purple stuffed bear, a tee shirt, a diaper bag, a ribbon for measuring how big my belly is getting, a DVD of Christian children's songs, more pens than even I know what to do with, and samples of everything from diaper rash cream to lotion and Preparation H. I don't think I won any of the raffles, at least, I haven't been contacted yet! We ended up taking Ariella out of her stroller and carrying her in order to pile all of our bags and things on the stroller!

They also had discussion and question/answer sessions with professionals about different baby topics. We went to the feeding one as well as one that was a panel of moms answering questions about anything related to kids. It was really informative and interesting.

But, like I said, it was a LONG day and I was exhausted when I got home.

This is me sitting on the floor of the expo with Ariella. I just couldn't

stand up any longer, and she was out like a light!

It's a GIRL!!

2009-07-07T20:19:00.005-04:00

I had another appointment with the specialist today, but since Chris couldn't be there with me, my friend Alexis went with me instead. We got the see the baby moving and wiggling around and find out that I am definitely having a baby girl! The nurse was doing the ultrasound and the doctor quickly walked through and said, "Well that's a little girl!" the nurse laughed and looked at it again and agreed...definitely a girl.

Everything looks great, including my BP so the doctor (not to mention me) is very pleased!

A few parent/family pictures

2009-07-02T10:32:00.004-04:00

These pictures were actually taken June 29th when Chris's parents were here.

An Unborn Baby's Prayer

2009-07-02T07:57:00.000-04:00

I love being so close to you Mommy, I was lulled to sleep when you were walking today, the gentle warm waters rocked me so. Did you feel me kick today Mommy? I have been practicing so long for you to feel me, I want you to know I am well and growing. I have hiccups tonight, I just can't stop them coming and it feels so strange-I hope they don't keep you awake too. I did a somersault for you Mommy, I turned over and back again cos I found I can still do it, I won't be able to soon but I suppose that will make you glad! Today I heard for the first time, Mommy-I heard your heart beating slow and steady next to mine; will your heart always be close to me? You have a lovely voice that I will recognize at once, for I woke and heard you singing-will you sing to me when I'm cradled in your arms? You must have been in sunshine today, for I saw red colors shining through my fused eyelids. I want so much to see you and the colors you wear. O how I wish I could always be this close, Mommy, protected and stretching and growing under your heart, but I know you tire easily so I must be in your arms! I want you to love me forever, Mommy- I've prayed God will make my skin really velvety soft, so you will want to touch me and cover me in kisses. God's told me He's preparing me as a gift for you, He's shaping me in a secret place known to just us three… I've asked God to help you love me, Mommy, to make me the best baby just for you-He whispered," Just relax and be yourself, that's all you have to do"

Ariella Marie

2009-06-23T18:05:00.005-04:00

My sister had her baby yesterday, a beautiful baby girl that they named Ariella Marie. Chris and I got to go see our niece this morning. She is just perfect!!!!

The big brother

2009-06-18T06:00:00.005-04:00

For nearly 6 years, my cat has been an only child. He has been very spoiled and loved with full reign over HIS house. My husband often tries to get out of doing things around the house because the cat is sitting on his lap or something. It's all about the comfort of the cat!

However, the cat doesn't always realize he is a cat. Sometimes we think that he thinks he is a dog. When we come home, he is waiting at the door to "talk" to us and follows us all though the house. Although cats are usually pretty independent, ours won't be in a room unless one of us us in there too. If he finds that he is in a room alone, he will start to cry and meow until one of us calls him so that he knows exactly were to find us - and then he makes a bee line straight to us!

Lately, however, the cat has been curled up with me, following me around waiting on me to sit down so that he can curl up on my lap, or more precisely, on my baby-belly. My growing belly has become his favorite personal pillow. He purrs the entire time he is perched there as well. I've often asked him if he is cuddling up to his baby sister. I wonder what he is going to do when she starts kicking him!

The only issue is that he still has his claws, and he knows how to use them. Often he uses them even when I don't think he really means to. When he has decided it is time to play, he loves to attack feet that are hanging out of the covers or that are randomly tapping - and yes, the claws come out. He has even been known to reach out and "touch" my face while I'm sleeping. Hubby thinks it is because I jerk so suddenly when he does this that makes his claws come out (he's never done it to him). Hes gotten my nose pretty good a couple of times this way. I think maybe he's trying to cuddle up and I'm breathing on him or something. My biggest concern is that I really don't want him clawing the baby.

Someone suggested setting up the crib early and covering it with tin foil so if/when he jumps up on it, it will freak him and he will eventually leave the crib alone, even without the tin foil. I suggested this to hubby who just laughed. "Have you seen him with tin foil?" and it's true, our cat who doesn't know it's a cat, also doesn't know he is supposed to be afraid of tin foil. Guess that idea won't work!

Dear non-pregnant person,

2009-06-16T06:20:00.005-04:00

Although there may be a grain of truth in there, this is just a funny - please no one take offence!

Dear Non-Pregnant Person,

I hope you find these guidelines helpful in your interactions with pregnant women as failing to follow them may result in serious physical harm. If you are thinking, surely she doesn't mean me- then you should probably read this twice.

1) The appropriate response to a couple telling you they are having a baby is "Congratulations!" with enthusiasm. Any other response makes you an ass (including, “Did you plan this?”)

2) Through the wonders of science, we now know that babies are made ONLY by the mother and father- not grandparents. Unless the baby is in your uterus or you are the man that helped put it there, you may not ever use the phrase "my baby".

3) On the same note, unless you made the baby as defined in 2, the pregnancy, birth and raising of the child are not about you. You do not have input. No one wants to hear your opinion unless they ask for it. The same goes for the name of the baby.

4) The body of a pregnant woman should be treated the same as any other body. You would not randomly touch someone's stomach if they were not pregnant, nor would you inquire into the condition of their uterus, cervix or how they plan to use their breasts. Pregnancy does not remove all traces of privacy from a woman.

5) Likewise, no woman wants to hear comments on her weight- ever. A pregnant woman does not find it flattering that you think she is about is pop, must be having twins, looks swollen or has gained weight in her face. Telling her she looks too small only makes her worry that she is somehow starving her baby. Making such comments invite her to critique your physical appearance, and you may not act offended. The only acceptable comment on appearance is "You look fabulous!".

6) By the time we are 20-30 years old, most of us have picked up on the fact that the summer is hot. We are hot every summer when we are not pregnant. We don't need you to point out that we will be miserably hot before the baby comes.

7) There is a reason that tickets to L&D are not yet sold on Ticketmaster. Childbirth is actually not a public event. It may sound crazy, but some women really do not relish the idea of their mother, MIL or a host of other family members seeing their bare butt and genitals. Also, some people simply feel like the birth of their child is a private and emotional moment to be shared only by the parents. Like everything else in life, unless you receive an invitation, you are NOT invited. This includes doctor appointments, ultrasounds, labor, delivery, the hospital and the parents home. You do not decide if you will be there for the birth or if you will move in with the new parents to "help out". If your assistance is desired, rest assured that you will be asked for it.

8) If you are asked to help after the birth, this means you should clean up the house, help with cooking meals, and generally stay out of the way. Holding the baby more than the parents, interfering with breastfeeding and sleeping schedules and making a woman who is still leaking fluid from multiple locations lift a finger in housework is not helping.

9) The only people entitled to time with the baby are the parents. Whether they choose to have you at the hospital for the birth or ask for you to wait three weeks to visit, appreciate that you are being given the privilege of seeing their child. Complaining or showing disappointment only encourages the parents to include you less.

I hope this helps- it sure makes us feel better.

Signed,
All Pregnant Women

kicking

2009-06-12T19:17:00.005-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

For the last few weeks I've felt little tickly kicks and flutters but yesterday and today I actually think I felt a real kick! Nothing too hard yet and it's very infrequent but it was there nonetheless :) It's kind of funny each time it has happened I was so surprised that I started laughing! This baby is going to be a swimmer yet! :)

Pregnancy Survey

2009-06-10T20:31:00.006-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

About the parents.
Mom's name: Nicole
Age: 31
Is this your first child?: Yes : )
Dad's name: Chris
Age: 29
Is this his first child?: Yes : )

Finding out.
What day did you find out you were pregnant?: February 18th
How did you feel when you found out?: I was ecstatic but a little scared and a lot surprised
Who was with you?: No one, but I was on the phone with Chris and called my sister right after to tell her. I was on the phone with her when I did a second test.
How did the daddy react?: He was very excited. He was on the phone and out of state so I couldn't get his full reaction but I could tell he was happy

Telling the grandparents.
How did your parents react?: My parents were happy. Mom started smiling and dad starting planning in his head.
How did his parents react?: They are thrilled. This will be their first grandchild.
How often do they call to check on you?: Once in a while. Not often enough to be annoying yet :)

About the pregnancy.
When is your due date?: 10/20/09
How far along are you right now?: 21 weeks
Have you had an ultra sound?: Yes, I've had 3. Once with a test, once because of a fall, and once for the level 2 US. I will have another one in about a month.
Have you heard the heartbeat?: Yes, every time I go in they check it :) I love hearing it.

Sex of the baby.
What do you want. Boy or Girl?: I didn't really care. I always said I wanted a baby girl I could dress up, but then don't want to deal with the girl drama when they become a teenager!
Do you know what you are having now?: We think it's a girl
Are you happy with what you are having?: Ecstatic!

About the birth.
Who is going to be with you?: Chris
Are you going to video tape it?: Absolutely not!
Natural or medicated?: More than likely medicated.
Do you think you will have a c-section?: I hope not.
Do you think you will cry when you first hold your baby?:Absolutely.
Do you know what you will say to the baby when you first hold it?: No idea :)
Are you scared about the labor?: Just a little.

Names.
Do you have a name picked out?: For a girl, yes - Reagan Maria
Is your baby going to be named after anyone?: Me, my mom, and Ronald Reagan lol
Did the daddy help pick the name?: Yes

Other random questions.
Where was your baby conceived?: Hmmm... I would have to go with at home in our bed... lol.
Have you felt the baby move?: Yes
What was your first symptom?: Sore boobs
Will you have godparents?: I'm not sure
Who will be the god mommy?: No idea
Who will be the god daddy?: Again, no clue
What is the baby's room theme?: Classic Winnie the Pooh (not the more modern Disney version but the old one)
Are you ready to be a mommy?: Ready or not...here I come! :)
What do you think the baby will be a "daddy's girl/boy" or a "Mommy's girl/boy"?: Definitely going to be a daddy's girl... more than that though, she will be a Grandpa's girl! LOL

Ok, where are the cameras? This has got to be part of a comedy show...

2009-06-10T11:51:00.004-04:00

Since you have all seen my baby belly now (if not, click here), you can understand how difficult it would be for me to try to retrieve something (such as a cell phone) under the bed. But that's just what I had to do this morning:

I'm sitting in the living room when I hear my phone beep that I have a new text message. The phone is on the bedside table in the bedroom so I get up to walk in there to see what the message is.

As I pick up my phone, I accidentally drop it and it slips between the bed and the table to the floor.

Bracing myself with one hand, I managed to get down on hands and knees to see if I could spot my slippery cell phone. I couldn't.

So, because my stomach is in the way, I can't lay on my stomach to search under the bed so I have to lay on my side. First one side and then the other in order to see under both the bed and the table. Not the easiest of things to do. I can't just simply roll over...can't be on the tummy remember. I have to first get back on hands and knees then switch positions. Unfortunately, this still didn't work. I still couldn't see my phone.

I heave myself back up and go in search of a working flashlight - which I cannot seem to find/ Instead I grab a little glass tea light holder and stick a tea light into it, light it, and bring it back to the bedroom where I sit it on the floor before getting back into "position."

Unfortunately, as I'm lowering myself down, huffing and puffing apparently, I accidental blow out the flame requiring that I again get back up to go get the lighter and re-light the candle. Without breathing this time, I get back down (again) and slide the candle under the bed to hopefully shed some light on the situation and find my phone. Still found nothing.

I'm starting to wonder if my phone pulled a Harry Houdini and just vanished when I remembered that there was a flashlight in the truck. I dig out the keys and after a couple minutes of searching, find the Mag light.

Back in the bedroom, before trying to get down on the floor again, I shine the light down between the bed and the table as well as behind both. Nothing.

So for the fourth time I find myself lowering myself onto my side to look under the bed and that darn table. NOTHING! Where the heck is this thing??

As I'm down there, I notice how disgusting it is under there. Wondering what else is under the bed, I sweep the light towards the middle of (under) the bed... and I see the corner of my phone sticking out from under something (? what IS that?).

Sigh... If I could get on my tummy, I could probably reach it, but as I can't... I can't. Up again to go find the broom to use the handle the knock the phone into reach.

After getting on the floor for now what is the fifth time, I manage to knock the phone out from under the bed, which my cat finds interesting so he begins to "fight" with the phone and before I can get to him, he knocks it BACK under the bed!

Back down again for the SIXTH time! Luckily this time I can reach it!

Without even getting up off the floor, I sit and read my message: "I love you." from my husband. Sigh... I love you too baby...

Prego Sisters!

2009-06-09T06:08:00.005-04:00

Yep, my baby sister is pregnant too. 10 1/2 years younger than me and 5 months more pregnant than me haha :) In fact, my neice, Ariella, should be joining us any day now! It's a neat time having both of us pregnant and we finally got a picture of both of us and our bellies:

If you look closely, you can even see my brother-in-law in shadow taking the picture :)

Cheat Sheet

2009-06-04T18:21:00.002-04:00

I just went to Target to buy a gift for my sister's baby shower (I won't say what I got in case she reads this before Sunday) and realized that I have NO CLUE what I am going to need for my little girl (or boy)! YIKES! I guess I have some homework to do...but I'm keeping my sister's registry as a "cheat sheet!" Any suggestions on things that are "must have" and things that are "can do without?"

just for a giggle...or a head shake...

2009-05-31T13:57:00.001-04:00

"Why, Whyyy" is right... LOL

http://bettertospeak.tumblr.com/post/106444250/why-whyyy

Think Pink

2009-05-29T13:45:00.002-04:00

Well, we THINK it's a girl! The ultrasound wasn't really clear due to the baby sitting funny, and being quite modest, but the best shot the doctor could get showed..well.. no little boy parts anyway ;)

We have 2 girl names picked out but we can't decide between the two. Either Reagan Maria, or Cadence Maria.

Cadence was our top (and only) choice for a long time. Since hubby is in the military, he has to walk/march/sing to cadence all the time, so it kinda stuck. The only problem is we now know a few people who have named their daughters Cadence.

Reagan is a fairly new pick. I didn't like it much at first but now it is growing on me more and more...maybe even my top pick now. Ronald Reagan, a great President, passed away on our wedding day (but we didn't know about it until the next day). Hubby heard the name Reagan somewhere else and mentioned itto me. Like I said, I wasn't too keen on it at first, but now I really like it.

What do you guys think? Reagan Maria or Cadence Maria? You can click here to vote, or just leave me your thoughts in a comment! :)

Blood Pressure confusion

2009-05-29T13:34:00.004-04:00

I went to the specialist last week who told me that he didn't think my blood pressure was high enough to worry about and wanted me to get off the meds my other doc put me on and just keep checking my blood pressure every day. So that's what I've done for a week.

I think, for the most part, my BP has been fairly normal, granted it is in the higher range of normal, at home without the meds. One day I took it and it was high but I chalked it up to the fact that I had been cleaning the house all day.

So I go back to my regular doctor today and she tells me that her philosophy and his are different. She thinks of high as being anything over 140/90 while he lets it go to 150/100 before he is concerned. She also tells me that he isn't worried about delivering a baby at 32 or 34 weeks but she doesn't like to.

So she tells me that since most of my BP's are pretty good, that she is OK with just keeping a close eye on it without the meds,but I have to call her if I have two consecutive days of it being above "her" high.

She also told me I can't do housework. I'm on a modified bed rest. Unless I'm taking a shower, going to the bathroom, or something else completely necessary, I'm to be sitting with my feet up or laying down. Great, I don't have to clean the house...but who will? Surely not hubby! I love him to death but his idea of "clean enough" is nowhere near my idea of "clean enough."

More blood drawn and a mystery appointment

2009-05-14T04:51:00.003-04:00

I had to go give more blood today for yet another scan. It's a good thing too because while I was at the office, I asked a nurse about the specialist I'm supposed to go see. "They still haven't called me to set an appointment."

She calls to see what is going on with that as she had faxed over all my info a month ago. Apparently,they made an appointment for me, without consulting me, and forgot to tell me about it. It's AT LEAST an hour drive away and in the middle of a school day - Yippee. WOuld have been nice to know about it LOL. My luck, I would have never found out about it and then they would have wanted to charge me for not canceling it within a certain time and being a no-show. At least now I have to time see if I can take off that day.

And I know, I know, I still haven't scanned my latest ultrasound pictures... I will soon, I swear (I hope!)

More funnies from my kids...

2009-05-07T16:03:00.004-04:00

From a 2nd grader: "Mrs. A., When you goin' bring yo baby ta schoo?"
Me, laughing and patting my tummy: "Hunny I bring my baby to school every day!"

From a different 2nd grader after seeing me eat some of the 'reward' Skittles I keep in my desk: "Mrs. A is eattin' the Skittles!"
Me giggling because I was caught: "Don't tell all my secrets! The baby wanted some Skittles."
Her: "Nuh-uh.. babies don't eat Skittles, they drink milk!"
Me: "Well until it's born, my baby eats whatever I do."
So the rest of the day, anytime I was eating or drinking anything she would ask, "Your baby eating/drinking __________ (whatever it happened to be)?"

From a 6th grader: "Ohhhh... Mrs. A... Your stomach is getting so fat! You gonna have a chubby baby!"

And a not-so-funny, but a really really sweet:
One of my first graders was painting a picture presumably for his mother for Mother's Day. It had a picture of himself under a tree and the words, "Hapey Mothrs Da!" He gave it to me at the end of the day and said, "It's from your baby." :)

everything looks good

2009-04-30T20:20:00.005-04:00

I still haven't gotten around to scanning the newest pictures, but I will this weekend. However, I had (yet another) doctor's appointment today. It was just a check up so nothing major but everything looks good. All my blood work is back in and everything is looking perfect! :) I have some other scan in 2 weeks and another appointment in 4 weeks...until then... I think I want another doughnut. and maybe some ice cream. or a bagel...

Freak me out, why don't ya!

2009-04-29T05:36:00.004-04:00

I was supposed to have another Dr's appointment on Monday afternoon, ended up being an ultrasound appointment Monday Morning.

Monday morning I'm going about my busy life at school. Crazy kids and crazy amounts of paperwork when all of a sudden my cell phone rings. Crap, I forgot to turn it off again.

I noticed it was my doctor's office calling so I answer.

"Hello. We need to reschedule your appointment for today. The doctor won't be in today."
"Oh man, really? I really needed to see her."
"Well, she won't be in at all today."
"OK, can we make it for first thing in the morning?"
"Is there something wrong that you need to see her for? I'm seeing that this is just a scheduled check-up."
"Yes, hold on, I'm in my classroom, let me walk out." Nod to the other teacher in the room who understands and takes over.
"OK, I'm back. A few days ago I tripped and fell to my knees. I didn't think too much of it because I'm a clutz and everything seemed OK, no cramping or bleeding or anything. But then last night I noticed I was spotting just a little and I wanted the doctor to check it out just to be safe."
"You shouldn't be working if you are bleeding after a fall! You need to go home and lay down!!"
"Well it was just a little spot. And I wasn't that concerned because I fell last Wednesday so it was several days apart."
"Hold on a second please."
"Yes, the Doctor wants you to go home, we will schedule you an unltrasound at (another doctor's) office. Do you know where that is?"
"Yes, it's right by the hospital right?"
"Yes, I'll call you back and let you know when the appointment is. Go home ad lay down."
"Uh, OK, thanks."
"Bye"
"Bye"

So even though I wasn't freaking out too much about it before, now I am. I call hubby in a panic, wake him up tell him what's up, go to my principal (tell her that one of my kids is going off and just hit the other teacher, as well as) that I needed to leave and why. About this time the doctor's office calls back with an ultrasound appointment for me in less than an hour and a half. Wow, that's soon, I must have reason to panic now!

I fly home, crying, call Hubby again, wake him up again, and tell him that he has to go with me. He of course agrees and gets up and is showered and dressed by the time I get home.

They call me right in when I get there and the baby looks fine. Good heartbeat, moving around (Hubby said it looked like he/she was trying to do sit-ups already) and everything was fine. The nurse said the placenta was a little low but nothing to worry about as it would pick back up in the next few weeks. All in all, my nerves were calmed again... and I got to see my baby again! :)

They said that it MIGHT have been possible to tell the sex at this stage but we weren't able to yet so we will just have to wait until 20 weeks.

I have some ultrasound pictures, but I haven't scanned them yet. When I'll do I'll put a few of the really cute ones up!

The cat is out of the bag!

2009-04-23T17:55:00.004-04:00

My students crack me up!

One of my lower functioning younger students overheard one of the other teachers say something to me about my pregnancy. It was then repeated later in the cafeteria.... and in line... and in other classes... and all over the school! Eventually my older (6th grade) students started giggling behind my back - they just had the whole sex ed/health talk not long ago.

A few brave souls have come up to me and either asked in whispers, "Are you pregnant?" or started off with the more self preserving, "Someone told me that..."

Their reactions were just as funny as their asking was. Most of the girls were happy and hugged me while most of the boys (who came usually in groups), started laughing and punching each other playfully saying, "I told ya so!" When I confirmed it for one boy in particular, his response was "Bow chicka wah wah!" as he walked off.

During 6th grade math remediation today, one of my more...ahem..."active" boys was doing his normal (unmedicated ADHD) thing. When I said name is a less than perfectly calm manner (as it had not been the first time I called his name in the 30 minutes I had him), he looked up at me and yelled, "Mrs. A, don't stress the baby!" to which he was rewarded by the giggles and laughs of his classmates (and yes, he eventually got me to giggle at that one too).

No running

2009-04-17T21:22:00.003-04:00

This is a post that I meant to write several days ago. Monday or Tuesday to be exact, but life got in the way. Ok, maybe not so much life as my bed...

We went back to the doctor on Monday. Wasn't great news, but it could have been worse so I'll do what I have to do. Apparently I have chronic hypertension. High Blood Pressure in other words.

Hmmm, so what does this mean doc? Well first of all, I have to take (more) meds, ya know, on top of the gigantic prenatals I'm already taking. OK, not so bad, I can handle that, it's just a matter of remembering to take them.

It also means more frequent doctors visits. For the next month that means more time off of work, but during the summer it'll be no biggie. But then I'll have to go back to work...

I'll have to go see a specalist who works/lives 2 hours away but comes as close as one hour away once a month or so. yippee... more drive time.

There is a risk of bedrest. My first reaction was "oh no...pleeeeeease don't tell me I have to stay in bed all day" >loaded with sarcasm< but then I realized that this would again mean time off of work, not that I wouldn't love to be away from work some. I just want to be paid my regular paycheck while I'm not working :(

And then there is the reason for all of these precautions. My baby could be in danger. The placenta is only supposed to be in place for the 40 weeks it takes to create life. HBP beats up the placenta and wears it down so that it is "all used up" earlier than the 40 weeks which could cause me to go into early labor risking the baby. There were some other possibilities too but that is the first one she talked about so it was the one that stuck in my head.

The worst though, was when she told me I couldn't run. No running, no walking, no exercising of any sort that will raise my heart rate. I almost cried! Maternity yoga is all she said I can do. Guess I'll have to do yoga in that cute little maternity running skirt I just bought!

Was that a kick or am I just still woozy?

2009-04-10T10:49:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, although not a scheduled Dr. appointment, I had to hit the Health Plex and get some blood work done. Before I went, the nurse practitioner at my Doctor's office said I didn't need to fast and that they would take quite a bit of blood so I might want to go ahead and eat pretty good before I went. She was laughing as she said it so I took it as a joke.

I shouldn't have.

10 vials! That's how much blood they took! 10! TEN! Diez! Dix! (OK that's the extent of my I-can-count-to-ten-in-[whatever language]) What could they possibly be testing that they would need 10 vials of my blood AND my pee in a cup?! After this, my doctor ought to have a full medical history and be able to tell me what I had to eat that day.

Luckily the woman who was taking my pound of blood was very nice ad personable, not to mention professional and very good at what she was doing. I hardly felt the needle go in my arm and she talked to me the entire time she was draining me to keep me from thinking about the wooziness I was experiencing due to the loss of blood.

Afterwards, Chris treated me to a chocolate milkshake :)

Later that night, I was laying on the couch when I felt something... strange. Butterflies? No, not quite. More like fish swimming and hitting me with their tails. What the heck was that? It was just blow my belly button to the left. The doctor told me that I could possibly start feeling the baby kick, especially with how active the baby was the day we had the scan, however, most women mistake the feeling for gas.

But then again, this is my husband's child so it could be that the child is gassy! ;)

2009-04-09T06:42:00.002-04:00

I have to laugh at today's Bible verse:

Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake.- 1 Timothy v. 23.

I know that "back in the day" the water wasn't all that good to drink and wine was actually safer, but really, is that the best Bible verse they can find for a PREGNANT woman today? hahaha :)

Then again, perhaps today's verse isn't for me after all. Perhaps it is for my husband. It is quite possible that he needs a glass of wine (or two) to deal with my hormonal moods and random food cravings!

First baby pictures

2009-04-08T09:00:00.007-04:00

Yesterday we went to have the genetic testing done and it was one of the most exciting days I've ever had! We got to see our baby moving around, and hear the heartbeat - 175bpm! It was so amazing to know he (or she!) is moving around and doing well inside there! The baby was moving so much that the nurse was laughing and having a hard time getting pictures and getting the measurements before he (or she) would move again! I told Chris that our child is definitely going to be an athlete - runner and/or swimmer for sure. He just laughed and said that it is definitely MY child because it couldn't get comfortable and was restless! I'm so thankful that they gave us some pictures to take home... our first baby pictures!

Even though I had guessed that I was about 13 weeks, the sonogram found that I am probably only about 12 weeks, which makes since to me since I've never been very regular. This puts me at an expected due date for my lil punkin of about Oct 20th.

first doctor's appointment

2009-04-01T21:05:00.003-04:00

Well we made it to the doctor's appointment today and although we didn't actually see the doctor, the nurse practitioner we saw was excellent and answered all of our questions very well. We found out that our doctor is not one who jumps too quickly to C-sections, which is a very good thing! We also received a large bag of goodies and info to look through on everything from the hospital where I will deliver to breastfeeding. She was also able to get us an appointment with another Doctor to do genetic testing for disorders such as Downs Syndrome. We would never terminate just because of a disability, but we decided we wanted to do it for two reasons. 1) To ease any nerves or be prepared if the tests come back positive and 2) to get a chance to see the baby a week earlier! The genetic testing includes a sonogram as well as finger prick so we are very excited about getting to see our baby next week rather than waiting until the 13th.

Doctor Frustrations!

2009-03-24T20:53:00.004-04:00

I know doctors have families, I know they have lives and are people too, and I know things happen... but why do they have to happen to MY doctor right before MY FIRST appointment?!?! I got a call today saying that my appointment for tomorrow is canceled, which means the second appointment which is to be next week is also canceled! :( Now, the first time I can get in is on April 1st for the "meet and greet" and April 13th for the first real appointment. I had hoped for a Spring Break appointment so I wouldn't have to take any extra time off of work and could save my sick time, but my doctor will be out of town that week as well! UGH!! Guess all I can do is wait...

On a good note, I'm feeling a little better now. Still exhausted and fatigued, but at least not as sick feeling anymore. At least, not all the time.

Sick and Tired of being Sick and Tired!

2009-03-08T17:49:00.004-04:00

I have been SO tired lately that I just haven't been able to post anything. Tired, and sick. I haven't yet actually thrown up, but I feel very nauseous all the time, mostly at night. I've tried taking my prenatals (from GNC), in the morning, at night, with food, without food, and any other way I can think of seeing if it helps. So far, the best is right before I go to bed after having eaten a little something.

I'm also trying to nibble all day long and not let my stomach get too hungry, because that is when it seems the worst. I have a box of Goldfish crackers and a thing of peanuts in my desk at school to help with that. Hopefully this part goes away soon.

Chris knows!

2009-02-25T05:46:00.006-05:00

I just couldn't keep it any longer! I was too excited and Chris is too good of a guesser (and I'm not a good liar!), so he knows! He is still in VA but he is even more excited to come home now that he knows we are expecting!

He knew that I had a surprise for him, but didn't know what it was. When he mentioned that he would be leaving again for 2 weeks soon after coming home from VA, I let it slip that he needed to be home on the 25th. He first guessed it was a concert or a play or something. Promising to tell him if he got it right, he made a few more guesses before he finally got quiet and asked, "Are you pregnant?" When I said, "YES!" he almost didn't believe me! :)

He's very excited but also very practical. He's already got a mental list going of everything that needs to be done before the baby comes.

It's still sinking in

2009-02-19T17:50:00.003-05:00

I made an appointment with the doctor today. Unfortunately, I can't get in for another month! March 25th is the first appointment,which is more of a "meet and greet." The second appointment is March 30. I can't believe I have to wait that long to see the doctor and make sure everything is OK! I'm too excited to wait!!

Just to be sure, I stopped and got another test today, different brand and lot. Yep... still pregnant HAHA :)

PREGNANT!

2009-02-18T19:45:00.004-05:00

I found out that I am pregnant today.

I think I'm still in shock, but it's a WONDERFUL type of shock! I'm so thrilled and excited, yet nervous and a tad bit scared to death!

I was on the phone with Chris (who is in Virginia at a school for the Navy right now) when I actually took the home pregnancy test. I was so excited to see "pregnant" that I almost screamed! However, the more practical side of me decided to wait, to take another test to be sure, and wait until Chris comes home and tell him face to face. However, as soon as I got off the phone with him, I called my sister, Amy, who is also pregnant. We squealed and cried together and immediately began planning on how to tell Chris.

I'm still on cloud nine and need to let this exciting news sink in.