Still not dilated

Week 38 doctors appointment. Ugh. I am tired of these. I got hooked up to the old monitor and watched as Kailey's heartbeat stayed in the high 130's. She did good moving around while I was on there so 20 minutes we were done. Dr. Casey came in and checked me and baby is still measuring normal and I haven't started to dilate at all.

He started talking about inducing me around my due date if things are moving slowly but I am a big believer in letting her come out when she is ready. (unless we are way past the due date and for both our safety we need to induce) I have an appointment Jan 7th and we will see if there is any progress at that time.

We are off to dinner and then to a friends house for New Years Eve. I'll be lucky if I make it to midnight this year!!!

Happy New Years!

UPDATE: I made it to 4am!!!

Nursery Pictures

Rob did a great job of turning over the office to Kailey's room. Here are a few pictures!

Stupid Doctor

My weekly appointment sucked this past Friday. I got hooked up to the monitor and about 20 minutes later the doctor walked in. She looked at the reading and there were only a few kicks from Kailey so her heartbeat was staying pretty steady. Doctor Scott said she was going to keep me on for 10 more mins cause she would like to see the baby a little more active. I explained to her that this time a day she is pretty quiet and not moving a whole lot. She still said that if she didn't start moving more I would be sent to Labor and Delivery - hooked up on a monitor there and possibly an ultrasound. Ugh. As soon as she left the room I told Kailey she better start moving cause I didn't want to go over the hospital. She got the message loud and clear and was kicking up a storm. Her heartbeat was in the upper 130's-lower 140's this week but when she moves its right up in the 150's.

I am pretty happy that we aren't going to have to go to the hospital and now 15 minutes went past and still no doctor. I am starting to get really uncomfortable and even a little nauseous. The medical assistant comes in to see how I am and I just tell her I need to adjust and get off this thing. The doctor came in 25 minutes later. I was on that stupid monitor for almost an hour. She takes me off and says "see ya next week." I asked her if she was going to do my physical exam and see if anything has changed and she said, "No, there probably isn't much of a change from last week." Well don't you think you should check just in case?!?! I told her the other doctor told me from here on out I would be checked for progress. She said not this week. My next appointment isn't until Dec 31st.

Overall I am feeling good. I am starting to get uncomfortable and just so large. I don't sleep well and am always tossing and turning. I have had this runny nose for what seems like forever and apparently I am snoring at night. Poor Rob hasn't had a good night sleep in forever either. I guess this is just a way to start preparing us!

Nursey is almost done!

The nursery is almost done! Rob put together the crib and changing table and we are just waiting on the dresser. Everything that can be loaded in is there! As soon as its all completed I will post pictures. In the meantime, here is a current picture of me. Week 36...

First case of the hiccups

Last night I was laying down watching tv and all of a sudden I felt a funny movement. Then again and again. I looked down and I could see my belly moving every second or two. Kailey had the hiccups! I know I read about feeling this and friends had told me but what a funny feeling!

Just an update

Seriously... 4 more weeks of this? I am so sore. My outer hips and hip flexors are killing me. My belly is sore and I just can not bend over anymore. I thought I was done being pregnant a few weeks ago- now I am really done! Kailey is moving all around in there and its so uncomfortable. Sometimes I feel like she is just stretching and pushes so hard against my belly. Uncomfortable. That's all I have to say.

I had my weekly appointment today. The nurse weighed me and I was .5 lbs lighter. I know it doesn't seem like a big deal but I was just so happy to not gain 5 lbs in a week or something crazy!

She tells me that I am going to have my Group B Strep Test today and to get undressed from the waist down. Um... what test? I looked up online some info on it:
Group B Strep, also known as Beta Strep or GBS is a bacteria that can live within humans. About 25% of women are carriers of this bacteria and don't even know it. They don't have any feelings of illness and are not sick. 98-99% of all babies born to infected mothers will not become infected, if treated.
Dr. said that they give you an antibiotic during labor if the test comes back positive to prevent passing anything on to the baby. Simple enough.

I got hooked up to my monitors and this lady had a much easier time than the last girl. I didn't have to worry about holding the one monitor close to my body. I was able to sit and relax. Kailey gave a few good kicks while I was on it and her heart rate was staying in the 140's again. Dr Fitzgibbon came in and checked to see if I was dilating. Nope. THANK GOD! And she could tell that the babies head is down. She said the baby is doing very well. Way to go Kailey!

Rob is in the process of flipping our computer room to the baby's room. He is doing a great job on that. When more of its completed, I will post a few pictures. We have had some issues with Babies R Us on the furniture. It all came in last weekend and before it was loaded I noticed that they sent the wrong dresser. The manager apologized and said that it would be about 5 days till we got it in. No biggie. The girl places the new order and I go to sign on it and she ordered the wrong color. So then they go search and its not in stock. They check all the surrounding stores. Nothing. They look at the floor models at a few stores and they are not in the best condition. They can put in an order but the warehouse wont have the dresser until Dec 22. Then it could take up to 14 days to get it at the store. Great. So we will just put all her clothes on the floor. This type of stuff happens to only us and all the time. Kailey already is having our bad luck!

Update: Babies R Us called tonight and the dresser came to the warehouse early. We should have it in 7-14 days!

Non Stress Test #1

So my first non-stress test was a bit stressful! Rob was home today so I asked him to come with. Thank god cause it was so boring. I sat down, got comfy and the assistant hooked me up to the two monitors. She couldn't find Kailey's heartbeat and once she did, I had to press the monitor into my stomach just to get a good reading. So here I am with one hand pressing the monitor into my stomach, the other hand is holding on to this game show buzzer looking thing to hit when I feel her move and then they bring me ice water to help get her moving. I'm a hand too short. Her heartbeat was staying steady around 140ish, then it went up to almost 160 and then back down. This was a bad time of day to do this... I don't feel her very often in the late afternoon. Sure enough I had one little movement. The doctor came in and said that was enough and the reading looked good. I am still measuring fine and due back in next week again for the same deal.

But while I am on here let me just say that every day I get more and more concerned that she is coming sooner than later. This week alone 4 people have told me about babies coming a month early. That's next week people! We are buying paint this weekend and starting the nursery. I don't believe we will be out of our house by the time the baby arrives.

I feel her more now during the morning than I ever did before and kicks are starting to get harder. She loves to keep a foot up in my ribs so I am starting to get really uncomfortable. It's the oddest feeling to feel her moving so much and I wish I could describe it to Rob. Every time she gives a kick, I grab Robs hand and then she stops. I cant wait till she is more consistent so he can see what I am feeling all the time.

Holy crap!

6 more weeks to go!!!

Every Week Appointments

Yesterday I had another doctors appointment. Dr measured me and said I am right where I should be and Kailey's heartbeat was at 136 - a good heartbeat at this stage of the game. I have been having some bad back pain in one specific spot and also some pain right at the top of my belly. I thought that might be a foot digging into my ribs or something but I guess from what I described, the doctor thought it just might be some muscle pain. She asked if I was taking any Tylenol and I told her no. I would rather not take anything if possible. She told me to just take it. I also asked about pregnancy massages. I didnt want to speed up this process too much and was worried that a massage could do that. She said I was all cleared for massages. Woo hoo!

Some of you know that my mom had a problem with blood clots a few years ago. I got tested for a certain gene and found out I have the same thing. When I found out I was pregnant, the doctors put me on extra Folic Acid to help this problem and now at this point in my pregnancy I will start going to the office every week. That usually wouldnt happen for another 3 weeks. At each weekly appointment I will have a non stress test for 20 minutes, then meet with the doctor to look at my results and have my normal appointment of measuring me and listening to her heartbeat.

I looked up some info on the Non Stress Test and this is what it had to say:

The test involves attaching one belt to the mother’s abdomen to measure fetal heart rate and another belt to measure contractions. Movement, heart rate and “reactivity” of heart rate to movement is measured for 20-30 minutes. The primary goal of the test is to measure the heart rate of the fetus in response to its own movements. Healthy babies will respond with an increased heart rate during times of movement, and the heart rate will decrease at rest. The concept behind a non-stress test is that adequate oxygen is required for fetal activity and heart rate to be within normal ranges. When oxygen levels are low, the fetus may not respond normally. Low oxygen levels can often be caused by problems with the placenta or umbilical cord.

I will be sure to be posting about the appointments and how they go. Now I need to go get ready for Dylan Ziegler's baby shower!

Her name is...

We have a name! Well, at least I think we do. We have decided on Kailey Anne. The night before Thanksgiving Rob and I talked about announcing the name and I asked if we were settled on Kailey. He said he really didn't care. So we told everyone. The next night he decides to tell me how much he liked the name Caitlin. WHAT?!?! I have been asking him for months about names. Caitlin was one of my original top 3 names. Now I am thinking that we just told everyone and now you actually speak up and say you liked the original name. I figured we would just tell everyone its between Caitlin and Kailey and we will wait till we see her. Before I could even do that he tells me that he really likes the name Kailey now. He thought it was something I just made up since he didn't know anyone by that name. He was over at a friends house and when he told his friend the name, he realized that he actually did know someone names Kailey. So now all of a sudden it's ok. He is so weird. Now I wouldn't go get her name engraved, embroidered, painted, etc on anything. It could change. But as of now, our name for Shrimpy is Kailey!

The Unwed Mom to Be

I no longer wear my wedding ring. Some days I have no problems and other days that thing couldn't be tighter on me. I have given up. I take off my socks at night and I have marks around my ankles. I am starting to develop cankles. I have trouble tying my shoes and some of my maternity shirts can no longer be worn. I am growing out of them... and my newer bras. Sometimes I feel like the girl from Willy Wonka who blew up like a blueberry. 7 more weeks.

I'm Done

I know that I have been very lucky to have such an easy pregnancy so far. Some people love being pregnant, others hate it. Me... I couldn't care less. I just know that I am coming up on 32 weeks and I am ready to be done with it. I am not ready for the baby yet, just done with the pregnancy. My belly gets in the way, I am short of breath, I get charley horses a few times a week, my back is now starting to get sore, I am tired of peeing myself, and I can't sleep. Fun times. Last night I was up from 3-4:30am. Shrimpy seems to wake me up about 3am and majority of the time I can go back to sleep. But sometimes I just lay there, wide awake. Then the gerbils kick in. You know, all those thoughts that you have racing through your mind and you cant get them out. Last night it was thoughts about our house and selling, moving, redecorating what would be her room in our house now. I finally had to put the tv on to clear my head.

I did have my check up at the doctors today. She has a healthy heartbeat and all my issues (shortness of breath, charley horses) are normal. So that's all good news. Its crazy to think that she could be here in 4-8 weeks. Time is flying!!!

Welcome Baby Audra!

I just wanted to say a little congrats to Kelly! She finally had her baby on Nov 9th. She was due Oct 23rd and then again on Oct 29th. She had a beautiful baby girl, 8lbs 3oz. I know you were just waiting so our daughters would be closer in age. Congrtas!

Last class!

Even I didn't want to go to Baby Care Basics last night. I came home from work and fell asleep. I have been so tired lately and just cant seem to catch up. Shrimpy is doing somersaults all night long which wake me up in the middle of the night, I am short of breath (which I read is normal, she is just getting too big!) and we seem to constantly have something going on.

Class last night was pretty informative. There was a police/EMT there to talk about the safety of car seats and how to install one. I think it actually held Rob's interest for a bit. Then the boring instructor started. I almost fell asleep, I think Rob actually did. She was going on about feeding and then the baby blues and how life changes. The helmet head guy from last week asked about giving the baby soy milk and tofu this week. That is going to be one messed up kid.

On break we went down to get Rob some candy to wake him up a bit. I was looking at my reflection in the window and commented on how big my butt is getting. Leave it to Rob... It sure is. Thanks babe. I know it is, but you aren't supposed to say it.

Well we made it through the classes and should have an idea of what we're doing... I guess time will only tell. 9 more weeks to go!

The Baby Shower

Talk about overwhelming! All the people, all the gifts, all the questions... It was a lot to take it.

Our shower couldn't have been nicer. My mom put in to much time to making everything perfect and it was. The food was delicious, so many people showed up and everyone was more then generous with their gifts. We have so many cute clothes that I just cant wait to dress her in! We got about all our big items and gift cards to purchase the rest of the things on the registries.

After the shower we loaded everything up and took it too moms house. Her condo looks more like Babies R Us now. Here are a few pictures from the shower!

Baby Care Basics Class

Last night we had our Baby Care Basics class. The lady teaching it couldn't have been more boring. I was about ready to fall asleep. She was telling us how all the items that you register for are not necessary and common sense type of things. All i could think about was Rob is going to be ticked that I made him go to this.

Did you know that a kid typically goes through 9000 diapers before they are trained?

We got to get the dolls to practice on. First we learned to swaddle the baby. I did it first and then had Rob do it. He forgot one step and had the kid wrapped all goofy. He had me cracking up. Then he started to whisper to me how the class we were in was racist. All the babies were taken except the little black one and how lonely that little baby looked.

The lady went over how to pick up a baby but no one used the dolls for this and then she showed us how to give a sponge bath. Once again, no one did anything but watched. I guess I could have made the first move and did it with her but no one else was so I felt silly. We did learn how to change the diaper and clean up that mess. Funny how Rob passed the doll right over to me.

There was a guy in the class who asked dumb questions. I had to try not to laugh at him. He asked how you don't scratch the baby's eyes when you clean them with a washcloth. The teacher looked at him like um.... the baby does have reflexes and will close his eyes when you come near them. The best question was... What do you think about baby helmets for safety? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Might as well slap a note on your kids back that says LOSER! That's the type of person who puts their kid on a leash.

Next week we have a police officer coming in to talk about putting in a car seat and safety. Maybe it will be a little more hands on but so far I was kind of disappointed.

2 Week Appointments

I can't believe we are already at the stage where my doctors appointments are every two weeks. I had an appointment on Thursday and things are good- good heartrate, I measured good, everything is good. I am however starting to get a cold from the wonderful new daddy to be. Thanks. I have been trying to drink a lot of fluids and rest but I am still feeling a bit worn out. Last night dad came home late and then I couldnt get to sleep. Did you know that Blind Date is on at 3:30am and Fresh Prince is on at 4am? I tried explaining to Rob that I need to get some rest. He tells me that I already get 2-3 more hours a night then him and I tell him I am pregnant and need to get some sleep. He tells me that I am throwing out the trump card.

Let me explain how I never use my pregnany as an excuse. I am picking up too many heavy things, bending down way too much and I dont complain about it. I would like to strap 30lbs on to him and see what he has to say then. I could be a lot worse, he should be happy he is so lucky that I have had an easy pregnancy!

Well we are off to look at a new house. I will be able to have a great blog next week - My baby shower! I cant wait!

Last Prenatal Class

Last night was our last Prenatal class. Our instructor went over what we need to bring with us to the hospital and what we will get when we are there. She pulled out a little hand made pink hat and I almost lost it. It was so cute! I guess they have volunteers who make the hats for you to use when you take the baby home. I thought that was so sweeet.

We learned about cesareans last night. That was fun. The reasons why you may need it, how it's done, recovery.... All that good stuff.

We completed the class by going on a tour of the Birthing Suites. Anyone I know who has had a baby there has had one of the nice huge rooms with the windows. I didn't realize how many rooms werent like that. I better get one of those rooms or I am going to be ticked. We got to see all the details of the room and for some reason when they talked about the baby being under the warmer, I got all teary eyed again. I looka round and not one other person is like this. What is my deal!

I'm really happy that we went to the class. I do feel a little more comfortable going into this whole thing.

In 2 weeks we start Baby Care Basics with our friends. That should be a hoot!

The Next Gold Metal Gymnast

The Next Gold Metal Gymnast is living in my belly. Yesterday I could feel her moving all over the place all day long. It probably wasn't strong enough for someone to place there hand on my belly and feel but tryst me, she was moving.

Usually at night I lay down and just lay my hands flat and feel her move. Of course she was busy last night but thats when I first saw it. My stomach moving like a huge wave! I had taken my hands off and all of a sudden I felt a lot of movement and looked down, and my stomach looked like an alien was trying to find its way out!

I have always found it a little creepy that I can feel her moving inside but to see it, oh my god! How freaking weird! So instead of just feeling her, I need to start watching too! I can't believe we are at 28 weeks!!!

Thanks Peas!

Last night I went shopping with my mom at Peas house. She has been saving things for us since she found out I was pregnant. Boy did we load up! My back seat is filled with all kinds of fun toys. I think its kind of funny that all the toys she saved to us are the ones that are constantly making noises, playing music, meowing, you get the point. How convienant...

Thanks again peas for dinner and shopping. I am so grateful for you ahd Haylie's crap!

Second Night of Class

Last night was our second Prenatal class. One more to go...

The class was pretty informative last night. We went over back labor (sounds like a blast)and then got to try out the birthing balls and smell different aromatherapy scents that we can have in the rooms. We did a little hands on with the dads and they were taught how to help open our pelvis bone by pushing on our knees, pushing on the lower back, and a few other techniques.

The instructor talked about an epidural and other drugs that could be offered. They passed around a vacuum in case the baby is being stubborn and also the monitor that they could insert and screw into the babies head. Ew!

We learned about delivering and how to push, cutting the cord and delivering the placenta. Apparently if you want to see it afterwards they show you. That is so disgusting!

Oh. And we learned about an episiotomy. I don't even know if I spelled that right. The whole time I was just clenching down in that area. Hearing the words tear, stitch, etc... could make me pass out!

On the way home I asked Rob if the class was informative at all for him. He says that he thinks its just a way to get free back rubs out of him. Anytime they show a video, the dads are rubbing the moms backs. That's what he got out of the 2.5 hour class. Typical.

Furniture Shopping was a bust!

Mom and I took the day off to go shopping yesterday for baby furniture. I think by the end of the day I would rather had been at work. We came home with nothing. 8 hours of running around and I came home with a candle from Ikea. We did get a few things knocked off the list for the shower but when it came to furniture... forget it! I liked a set at Babies R Us that was very affordable but not the color of the wood and thats the only color it comes in. I saw a set in the JCPenney catalog but no stores carry the furniture to see what it looks like in person. I would like to see the color besides in a magazine before I order it. Ikea furniture was too plain, this specialty baby store had cribs starting at $700, 2 stores that were supposed to be there were no longer there, Burlington Coat Factory had a crap load but they were all pricey. We were so sure that we would come home with at least one idea.

There is one place that we are going to call with model numbers of some furniture we liked and see if they can order it. Maybe check out a larger Babies R Us.... who knows. With the way things are going with our house and moving, we might as well put shrimpy in a pack and play and just call it a day!

Guilty!

I admit it... I have been looking at our registry. I can't help it! It's so exciting when you see that something is fulfilled! We are so lucky to have so many friends and family that are so generous!

Back to School

Last night we started our Prenatal Class at St Joes. Overall it wasn't too bad. If you ask Rob it may be a whole other story. We learned about when our water breaks, mucus plugs, early signs of labor, contractions, being dilated and fun stuff like that.

We have only 2 more classes and they are going to talk about C-sectios, epidurals, we get a Birthing Suite tour, and a few other items that will be covered. I dont know if Rob thinks its helpful but I do. We only have 3 more months till Shrimpy arrives!

Moving Right Along

My 4 week appointment went good yesterday. The baby's heartbeat is in the 140's which the doctor said is right on track for where I am. The next few weeks I need to do blood work to test for diabetes. I hate blood work. I have to have Rob go with me cause I get so queasy and feel like I could pass out.

I am starting to feel so tired all the time. I thought it was because of how crazy work had been and I was just running myself too much but I think I am just starting to slow down again like the first trimester. I can't get out of bed in the morning, I don't want to do anything but sleep. I just wish I could find time for naps!

Now that work slowed down a bit I am going to try and pick up a few of those baby name books and get this little girl a name. As soon as we narrow it down, I will be sure to share with everyone!

Missing my flat tummy

Not long ago I was complaining how I wasn't showing much and then how happy I was that I finally had a little baby bump. I never realized how flat my tummy was till now. This is depressing! I am only at 24.5 weeks!

We have a name...

Janis Annis. LOL!!! Just kidding! We have no freaking clue yet. I have been looking online for names and only a few stick out but not many. And I dont know how thrilled Rob is about the names I like. The website names are so ridiculous too. They either sound like a strippers name or some huge german woman's name.

I looked online for the books at the library and almost every single baby name book is checked out. That's so rude. You know its the same person who has all of them. You should only be allowed to check out 2... maybe 3 max.

Not much else to report. We have a doctors appointment in about 2 weeks. Besides that, baby is moving like crazy and mom is starting to get that worn out, tired feeling again. We are almost at 24 weeks. This is going by way too quick!

"When are you due?"

Seriously I almost kissed this man in Menards tonight. Rob sent me on an errand to get some kind of mask thingy. So I am in line behind this guy who is holding his item and put the mask on the belt. Well because he didn't send anything down, my item kept moving. I figured the guy would say "oh that's not mine" or something. Well the cashier grabbed it and rung it up before either of us could say anything. I apologize to the guy and she says to me "That's ok, you shouldn't be on your feet too much anyway. When are you due?" Hallelujah! Someone thought I was pregnant and not just fat!

I am constantly told at work how I look great and don't even look pregnant. I think I am up 20lbs. How can I not look pregnant? And I have a round stomach? Come on people! It's ok that I look bigger - I should!!!

Anyway, just wanted to share how happy I was : )

She is moving like crazy!

Shrimpy has been on the move now for the past 2 weeks. Every morning and night when I am laying in bed she is having a party in my belly. The other day was the first big (like can see your tummy move big) movement. I couldnt believe how that felt!

This morning I was laying in bed, flipping through the channels and she started her morning routine to let me know she was there. I called out to Rob and grabbed his hand and put it on my belly. Sure enough she gave a huge headbutt to my gut. Rob's eyes lit up and were huge. The biggest grin came across his face. He asked me if I could feel that? Of course silly! You think only you can feel that outside my belly?!?! She have a few softer movements that he could kinda feel but I was so happy he was around for that big thud she gave me.

23 weeks down.....

We're having...

A little girl!!!

I guess we were all wrong. I really thought shrimpy was going to be a boy. Mom met me and Rob over at the doctors office. Everything was going good - there is an arm, there is a leg, seeing the spine and kidneys and heart. The tech (who was so not friendly) said the baby had it's feet together so she couldnt get a good luck. She was pushing on my belly trying to pry the legs apart. Then she had me move on my side. Still nothing. She then then had me pee and come back and try again.

She said she had a good look and said it was a girl. She could point out all the girl parts. Rob asked what her off the record, professional opinion... How certain was she? 95% sure.

I left feeling slighty sad. Rob wanted a little boy so bad and I kinda hoped for one for him. I always wanted a little girl so she can dress in her pink ruffled dress and play with her dolls and take ballet. But I saw his face after and I felt horrible.

After our calls to family and friends, he said that he was excited and it was just sinking in. He really is going to be such a great dad and so good with her.

Its finally all sinking in to me too and I am just sitting her crying my eyes out. I can;t believe we are going to have a daughter!!!

Monthly Appointment

Not much new to report. Things are looking good and the baby's heartbeat was at 155 tonight. I was having a few stomach issues that I was worried about and turns out that there was just a nasty virus going around that even the doctor had last week too.

Tomorrow is my ultrasound and I am sure a lot of you will be getting emails, phone calls, visits - whatever! Check back soon!!!

Nesting?!?!

Ok so I have heard that women start this whole nesting thing late in their 3rd trimester. I think I have begun a little earlier than that. I am off work tomorrow and thought it would be a good idea to get a jump on my house cleaning. I started in the bedroom. I am still in the bedroom an hour and half later. I dusted, cleaned the mirror and then took a look at the closet. I figured that I should hang my new maternity clothes and take out what doesn't fit at all. (like ALL my pants!) Then I start to think that I might as well take out the shirts that no longer fit. While I am at it, I might as well grab my fall/winter clothes from my closet thingy in the basement. I go down there and realize that about 5 shirts will maybe work this winter. I brought those up and hung those. Might as well grab the winter coats and put them in the coat closet while I am here too. Then I start to think instead of hanging all this summer stuff, I might as well box it up. We wont be here in the summer - we should be moving this fall. So I find a box and thrown my shirts in there. Then I start going through the closet thingy in the basement and take stuff out of there and put it in the box. Shorts.... I don't need any shorts but my maternity ones and cotton shorts - in the box they go.

I am so on a roll now. Its a good thing we don't have any more boxes around. I think I would start in the computer room next.

So I am still trying to figure out... nesting? Or my OCD? Hard to tell. Anyways, I think its time to move on to the next room!

5 Months

Can you believe it? I am 5 months along today. It seems like just yesterday we found out that we were going to have a baby and now we are more than half way there. There is just so much to do in 4 months. It felt like we had so much time and now... It will be January before you know it.

I finally felt Shrimpy move again this morning. It's been over 2 weeks since I first felt that weird movement. I was starting to get nervous but laying in bed this morning that baby was moving all over!

Just wanted to also say congrats to one of my oldest friends who found out that she is going to be expecting her second baby this April. I am so happy for you!

Check back with us in about 2 weeks for the sex of the baby!

Antime Now

This weekend I will be 19 weeks. I wish I looked pregnant and not just fat. I remember seeing a friend of mine at 5 months and when you looked at her... you knew she was pregnant. I still just look fat. I am getting of tired of only looking pregnant once in awhile. I look at my belly and wonder what is going on in there and why have I not started to pop yet?!?! And yes I know... all of a sudden one day I am going to have this belly. I keep hearing it over and over.

Maybe Rob is on ton something... Maybe I am just really (REALLY) late.

Feeling Things

The past few weeks I have been asked, "Can you feel the baby yet?" Um... I should be feeling something? My doctor and nurse both asked, other pregnant girlfriends, and random people. The doctor told me that between 17-18 weeks you will start to feel the baby. Its going to feel like butterflies, almost a flutter feeling. My baby books all said the same things. They have suggested sitting in a quiet area and just concentrating on your belly. Sometimes I would just sit and think, "did I just feel something?" I wanted to feel the baby so bad.

Last night I was laying down after work and Rob was standing in the doorway and we were just talking. All of a sudden I felt something weird... a flutter. It was closer to my left side and lasted for only a second. I looked at Rob and in mid-sentence interrupted him that I just felt the baby. He looked at me like I was nuts. But what a cool feeling! I can't wait to feel shrimpy moving more and more. We're about half way there!

Another Appointment

I had my check up yesterday with the doctor. Seems like things are going well. Shrimpy's heartbeat was at 164. We have our next ultrasound set up for Sept 5th. Hopefully the baby will cooperate and we will see what we are having.

I am so convinced it's a boy. I have no clue why... I just feel it. I guess we only have 4 more weeks to find out!

Really not that big!

I had to take this picture this morning. In my post below, I have the biggest belly ever for Week 17. I took that picture in the evening and usually I try to take my weekly pictures in the morning. People think I am crazy when I say that I get bigger as the day goes on. Well, I wasn't lying! I took this picture this morning. (the morning after the Week 17 picture)

Growing and growing and growing

Every Sunday Rob and I take a weekly picture so we can see how I have slowly become bigger and bigger. I don't know really when it happened but I sure do have a belly. I start off the morning not too big but by the end of the day I am huge!



Looking thin....looking tan.....



Still not too much of a difference...



We probably took this in the morning before I got too large cause I am looking pretty good still... and then it happened...



BA-BOOM! Hello belly!!!!!

Like I said... if I had taken Week 17 picture in the morning, I would have a belly but not like this! I did talk to a girl tonight who is exactly 4 weeks ahead of me. She said at 18 weeks is when she felt the baby move and that is when she popped. Looks like we are about on track...

I will post more pictures in the upcoming weeks.

The baby bump

I keep forgetting to post the picture I have of when I popped a bit. It's a little dark but you can see the bump!

Poppin Out!

I finally look pregnant! Every morning I get up and I take a side view of myself in the mirror. Some mornings I am looking pretty good, other mornings... just fat! Well today I popped! Shrimpy decided to give my belly a little definition and not just look fat! I tried taking a picture by myself but it wasn't working too well. After work tonight I will have Rob take one and post it. It's little - but it is a bump!

On Track

I know I haven't blogged in a while but I don't really have anything new to report. Overall I am have been feeling fine. I went maternity shopping last weekend while some things are on sale and so I will have them for later. I feel huge although I dont think I really look it.

I am loving my pregnancy books. It's so nice knowing that everything that I feel - emotionally and physically - is right where I should be. I especially enjoy reading that I should have gained 4lbs by now and knowing that I am at 5lbs and not way too off from where I should be is a relief!

My next doctors appointment is Aug 7th so I will be sure to update what the doctor has to say then.

We have a Heartbeat

I had my monthly appointment last night. The doctor got out her little magic wand and starting sliding it over my belly and for about 2 seconds she got the heartbeat. I had no clue we would be doing this today or I would have had Rob come with me. I was so bummed he wasn't there! She said next appointment it will be easier to get so Rob will have to try and come to that one.

Doc moved my due date to Jan 14th. She said they go by the ultrasound date so I am now magically 13 weeks!

Our next appointment we have to decide if we want to do a series of tests for things down syndrome. I always thought I would want to get that done but the doctor said it has a really high false-positive rate. She said sometimes it's not worth it to cause the stress on your body. We have 4 weeks to decide but I am thinking of not doing it.

I had a test come up abnormal and need some further testing so if you can all keep me in your thoughts and think shiny happy thoughts for me, I would appreciate it!

Now Showing?

I started to tell people at work that I am pregnant. Today one of the guys tells me he thought I might be and that I am starting to show. WHAT?!?! Anyone else I have told tells me how good I look. I have gained about 4lbs. In 3 months. I think that's pretty good. Leave it to a guy to now make me feel like a balooga whale the rest of the day!

Our 1st Ultrasound

Hello World!


Last night we had our first look at shrimpy. That had to be the most amazing thing ever.

I got up on the bed and Rob pulled up a chair next to me. I couldn't see what our tech, Grace, was doing on the screen so I kept watching Rob's reactions. He kept looking at me like "I have no clue what I am looking at on that screen!" Eventually him and Grace were looking at my ovaries and uterus. Sexy. Then Rob says something about seeing the baby. She moved the screen my way and showed me a picture she took. The baby was looking right at us. She had to move the screen back and finish up some more pictures.

When she was all done, Grace moved the bed and machine around a bit so that I could then watch what she was doing. Of course I had tears just streaming down my face watching this. The baby was kicking it's legs, strecthing it's arms, sliding all around. At one point it looked like the baby was sucking on it's hand. I'm still in shock. If this is how fiesty this little one is going to be - we are in for a big surprise! The baby measured 5.6cm (2.25in) She tried to get the heartbeat but shrimpy was too busy moving around and wouldn't sit still. Finally - first heart beat was at 171 and the second was at 167. From the length of the baby, I am showing that I am a week further along but she also said give or take 7 days. She estimated my due date is Jan 14th. I think I am going to keep with the doctors date with being only 11.5 weeks.

It was so amazing to see something like that moving around in me and how odd it is that you can't feel that! This made it so real! I finally feel like we are having a baby!

I'm not a Balooga Whale!

For the past 2 weeks my pants have been tight. I couldnt figure out why since I have only gained 2-3lbs. They were loose before. How could 3 lbs make them so uncomfortable that I was secretly unbuttoning them under my shirts?

I got a new book yesterday from a pregnant, due any day now, girlfriend and when I looked at week 10 there was a section about how your pants seem tighter although you havent gained any weight. It said that the organs in your abdomen are shifting to make room for the baby's growth. Do you know what a relief this is?!?

Then I read in my other book (yes I have a few) that normal weight gain for 1st trimester is 3-4lbs. At least I am on the right track! 2 more weeks to go to reach the 2nd trimester and from there on I should gain about a pound a week.

I cant imagine how hard that is going to be. I worked for 5 and a half years to get rid of 20lbs. Now I am going to be putting that on in 6 months. I used to have a goal in WW to lose a pound a week. Now to gain it - ugh! I think I am really going to struggle with the weight gain. I guess it's time to go get some pants that are a little bigger. Maybe I wont feel so large!

Be on the look out for my next blog... it should be about the ultrasound!

I get so emotional baby

I know I have been MIA in the blog world for about a week but not too much has been happening. I am still morning sickness free. I dont know what I did to get this lucky but THANK YOU GOD!

I think the mood swings are starting to happen. Poor Rob. It was really hot in our house the past few nights even though it was about 60 outside. You would have thought I was dying. I was sweating and panting, drinking water bottle after water bottle. I just started to get mean. I was so hot and it came out on Rob. I look back and think how upset I got cause I was hot. How ridiculous!

Then the doctors office called and said they had to cancel our first ultrasound. I had tears in my eyes and only held back cause I was at work (and they dont know yet). I called to reschedule and the idiot lady tells me she can get me in on Aug 1st. My reply "Are you kidding me? I will be 16 weeks pregnant then!" I told her to write an order for us to go to the hospital. She acted like it was so horrible to go there. well lady when your latest appointment is 3:30pm - it simply doesnt work. So needless to say I was so sad all day. Once again Rob thought I was nuts that I was so upset. But I am over it now and just waiting for the hospital to call. I cant wait to here shrimp's heartbeat!

Nap Time

I wish I looked pregnant. At least if I looked it I wouldnt care so much if I felt like crap.

- My boobs are growing at a rapid pace
- I am still feeling that nausea but still not puking
- I am super tired. It especially hits me between 2-3pm
- I have insomnia in the very early morning hours
- I am so bloated

Besides that - feeling great!

I think Rob sometimes thinks I am being lazy after work. I have been to the gym 3 times in 3 weeks. I just do not have the energy to go. And I want too. I enjoy going and am paying a crap load for my membership! I havent been cooking. I look to see what left overs we still have that dont have any fuzzy substances on them, what can be thrown in the microwave... I am not standing around and cooking. Even lunches... I used to make our lunches at night. Not anymore. I have been going home at lunch with this new job but usually end up at Subway or eating something that can be thrown in the microwave or a real hodge podge lunch. I cant seem to make a sandwich to save my life.

I really hope this passes soon.

Babies, babies, everywhere!

I found out today that my best friend is pregnant! We are only 4 weeks apart. How awesome is that?!?!? Congrats Laurie and Dave! I am so happy for you. Now I have Laurie 4 weeks earlier than me and Kelly 12 weeks later. So many pregnant girls!!!

Telling Everyone

This was the weekend to finally get out the news. I talked to a few friends throughout the weekend. I think my favorite reaction was Laurie's when she let out a yell that could be heard in 3 counties!

Friday night we went to my dad's house. He opened his gift bag with the bib and asked what it was all about. We told him we were pregnant and he did his congrats to us and then moved on to his tomato plants.

Saturday morning we stopped by grandma's house. We told her she was finally going to have a great grandchild. She was so excited and told us about all her friends having 7, 8, 9 great grandkids. Rob had to let her know that we would be able to take care of maybe two of them but she needed to look to the other grandkids for her to catch up to her girlfriends!

Sunday morning I took our wedding album over to my aunt's house. As she was looking through it she commented on how we are going to have cute kids. We started talking about one of my friends who is pregnant and I just blurted out that we were. She thought I was lying and I think after repeating it 2 more times, it clicked.

Sunday evening we went out to dinner with all of Rob's family. Grandpa was there, aunts, uncles, cousins.... we were celebrating fathers day and at one point someone was handing over our nephew to Rob and he said he needed to practice and I said that he had 7 more months to practice. The everyone was like HUH? The look on my father in law's face was priceless. I think we took everyone by surprise.

So now that its out - spread the word! We have a shrimp coming in 7 more months! .... God help us!

June 6th

I am almost all caught up to all my blogs that I wanted to write! I had my first doctors appointment today. It was just a physical but everything seems like it's going fine.

Knock on wood, no real morning sickness yet. There have been a few mornings that crackers were necessary but so far so good!

June 1st

I went back to Florida but this time to visit Bud. He picked me up from the airport and then we went to lunch. As soon as we got to his apartment, I grabbed his gift bag with his Uncle bib. I told him I picked up a little something for him. He opened it and it took about 2 seconds for him to get all wide eyed. He just started giggling. I really think he is going to be such a great uncle.

Only another week till we start telling people!

May 24th

I went over to mom's tonight to go over how we were getting to the airport. I was back and forth wether to tell her tonight or in the morning before we left. I thought it might be a bit of overwhelming news in the morning so after we discussed business I told her I had a gift for her. I had gotten her a bib that said Grandma Loves Me. She opens it and confusion is all over her face. Then she starts shrieking "What?" "What?" "What?" Surprise! We are having a baby! She said when she first saw it she thought why was I giving her something that was meant for grandma. Then it clicked. I told her my due date and how far along I was. Then came the hugs.

It was easy to hide the news of the shrimp at the wedding. Everyone was so drunk and no one noticed I wasn't drinking. Phew!

May 23rd, 2006

We have known for 3 days now. Still no one knows. I made a doctors appointment just to see what the scoop is. I did my pregnany test and sat in the room. It felt like forever until the doctor came in with a "Congratulations Dominique!" She asked if I was excited. I said yes and all other kinds of emotions. I don't think I had much of a reaction when she said it. She determined that I am 5 weeks and 3 days along. I am due Jan 21st. When she put the due date on it - it became real to me. I almost lost it in the office.

We went over 1st trimester stuff I should know and I was sent out the door with a crap load of prenatal vitamins.

Rob and I were laying in bed and he put his hand over my tummy and smiled. He told me that he is starting to feel excited. I guess it just doesnt feel real to us.

My next appointment is June 6th for an exam and then we schedule the 1st ultasound. From there I will then have appointments every 4 weeks.

I cant believe we are already almost 6 weeks into this! I wanted to wait till at least 8 weeks to tell anyone which would have been easy if we didnt have a wedding this weekend. How do I got to Florida and not drink at the wedding? Looks fishy to me. I have a plan of blaming it on Weight Watchers. I dont know how well that would work. Plus I want to read some parenting magazines I got on the plane and mom will be with us. Oh wait... I mean grandma! lol And I am starting to feel quesy. How do I explain not drinking and getting sick?!?! I think I might tell mom today. Hopefully she can keep it a secret and we can tell everyone else in 2 weeks. I need her to help me out with this! I can't stand not telling anyone!

May 21st, 2007

I am not one to keep secrets and am dying to spill this one. How do I sit here at work and not tell anyone that I have a shrimpy growing in me? I want to shout out - I AM GOING TO BE A MOMMY! Excitement is finally starting to creep through.

I was supposed to start my period on Mother's Day. How appropriate. I was convinced that I was a few days late. Then my boobs felt like someone tied a 50 lbs weight to each one and another mommy friend had told me how she had this problem. Every time I went to the bathroom, I checked... no period. Each time I would look in the mirror and think, I can't be pregnant. Finally 9 days later, I took a test. Invalid. How the hell is the test invalid?!?! I had no more to give to the next strip. I was saving it up for that test. After dinner I decided it was time for round 2. I keep busy in the bathroom and didn't want to look at that test until 3 minutes had passed. There is was.... A plus sign. I started to cry.

How can this happen? Not now. We want this, but not now. We are on our way to fixing our finances. Then we were going to move. I just accepted a new job!

I came out of the bathroom crying and he looked at me and asked what the problem was. Now I should have known better then to do this right before the season finale of Hero's was on. But I couldn't wait any longer. I showed him. He looks at me like I handed him some old ancient scroll. Yes, that is a pregnancy test and yes that says positive. He asked why I was crying. I didn't know. Scared, confused, excited just a whole mix of emotions. Then he looked at the TV and said he would deal with it at commercial. Now you might think how insensitive. But this is one thing I get.... My TV shows are important. That must sound ridiculous when I am telling him we are having a baby. But I get it.

I just stare at the screen. I cant even take in what I am watching. Maybe the test is wrong. Maybe I AM just late. I start crying again. He hugs me and I ask if he is mad. I know this wasn't the plan. At least not yet. He said he is not mad. He said when a few of his friends got pregnant, they had the same reactions. It's not like we were trying.

I wasn't satisfied with that test so I ran out to Walgreen's at 10pm and did another one. This one was even clearer. Plus sign loud and clear. We hugged and kissed and laughed about what horrible parents we are going to be. We have no clue what we are in for.