I wanted to post some pictures from my Chicago GWO photoshoot (30 weeks), but I can't figure out how to copy them from D's website and don't really want to link there as I don't want to put "all" the pictures on the website.
Anyway, a lot has been going on in the last three weeks and I want to be sure to update.
Work
First and least exciting is work. Since my last post I've had three meetings with presentations to prepare for. In the last three work weeks, I only had 5 days without an appointment, conference call or meeting scheduled. It's an extremely busy time of year for me, plus with trying to start some projects early and get as much finished up before maternity leave, I literally have no free time during the day. I don't check personal e-mail, I only talk to my "work friends" on my lunch hour (a girl still has to eat), and I've been bringing work home more than I would like. I don't see it getting any better before I leave. I wanted to have my desk in order by April 1st so that if I were to go at any time, I would feel like someone could come in and figure out what I was doing. No such luck yet. I'm hoping in two more weeks I could possible be to that point, but I'm planning on working until at least 7 or 8 at least one night a week, bringing home work at least one night a week, and working at least one evening on the weekend for the next month to make that happen.
School
I took my final on March 17th. I only needed a 73% to get an A in the class. Not sure what my grade was, but I did get an A for the quarter, so that was good. Now I'm done until the Autumn quarter starting in September.
House
Our house is still for sale. Activity on the showings is starting to pick up. In the last three weeks, we've had 5 showings and an open house and I have another showing scheduled for tomorrow. No offers yet, but we have been several couple's 2nd choice. Since re-listing in January we've had 13 showings (14 after tomorrow). I'm not stressing about it. If it happens before Luke comes, we'll move, and if not, we'll re-evalute in June when our contract is up.
Baby Stuff
Here's where things get interesting. As of today I'm 32 weeks, 2 days pregnant. With less than 8 weeks until my due date, I'm feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. I'd been nervous about work stuff, but just last week realized, I've still got stuff to do at home too. I hadn't even started thinking about packing a bag. I needed to confirm with all grandparents what the plans were for the labor. I still need to make up a call list, fill out and turn in my disability/FMLA paperwork, get bottles from Samara, get Grace's 3 year pictures taken, fill out Luke's baby book, and I realized I hadn't bought him a single pair of socks or shoes. Funny, this weekend I bought 1 pair of shoes and a package of socks when I was getting groceries and I felt lots better. I also worked on the grandparent info and feel better about that too.
My trip to Texas and then to GWO in Chicago was relatively uneventful on the baby front. No major contractions, even considering how much walking around we did in Chicago. Last week was exciting because I got to have my 31-32 week appointment and we did an ultrasound. I didn't get to keep any pictures this time, but honestly we didn't really look at much anyway. She just measured his head, belly, and leg bones and that's all we looked at. No face views or any other good shots of his boy parts. Anyway, according to the ultrasound measurements he's currently 5 pounds, 2 ounces. At 32 weeks the average weight is 3.75 pounds. So we're already a pound heavier than average. That puts us in the 90th percentile. If we stay at this rate and I go to 39 weeks, she estimates that he will weigh between 8 1/2 to 9 pounds, so on the same track as Grace. We're going to do another ultrasound at around 36 weeks to see if we're still measuring big. I'm guessing at that time we'll schedule for an induction at somewhere around 39 weeks. I also gave Dr. B another contraction update and she told me that when they start acting up to try to rest and drink water, but didn't do another check or anything. Next appointment is in 2 weeks on April 11th (1 day shy of 34 weeks).
Last night, things got interesting again. I wasn't active, I was just sitting on the couch doing some work and around 10:00 p.m. I had a couple contractions. I didn't write down the time, but they were strong enough to make me have to stop and breathe until it went away. After two that seemed fairly close together, I gave Eric some paper and asked him to keep track for me. At 11:00, when he had recorded 3more, he asked what I wanted to do, because they seemed to be between somewhere
between 7 & 12 minutes apart.
I didn't really know what to do because I kind of wanted to go to bed, but didn't want to miss something if it was important, and the doctor told me to call if I had 4or more an hour for a couple of hours and it had only been just over an hour. So, I decided to call the doctor's office and get a message to the "on-call" doctor. I left a message with the service and she called me back within about 5 minutes. I told her what was going on and that I'd been sitting and did drink a bottle of water over the last hour, so she told me to go to the hospital and get monitored and checked. I felt a little silly assuming it was nothing, but she reassured me better
safe than sorry, so we went.
We had to wake Grace up and we took her to Kim's (a coworker). It was kind of nice to do a "trial-run" because Kim has agreed to watch Grace when I go into labor for real. We dropped her off with a change of clothes for morning and went to the hospital. I did have a couple more contractions on the way. When I got up to Labor and Delivery, they hooked me up the monitors in the Triage area and monitored me for an hour or so. I didn't feel completely stupid, because on the contraction monitor, I was having contractions. They also seemed closer together at the hospital. More like every 4 or 5 minutes, although they didn't seem to be as painful as when I was at home. After an hour or so, the resident doctor came in and checked me. I'm still not dilated at all, and my cervix still feels firm and high up. He also took a swab so they could do a Fetal Fibronectin (FNN) test if the ultrasound or exam was not reassuring. He did an ultrasound to check the length of my cervix. It was still in the "normal" range, so he declared that while I was having ontractions, I was not "in labor."
Then he called to talk to the "on-call" doctor who recommended to go ahead and run the FNN test for reassurance and to give me a shot of terbutaline that was supposed
to stop the contractions and make me a bit jittery and my heart race. The FNN test basically tells if you are at high risk of going into labor within the next two weeks. So, we did both and we had to wait another hour. The FNN came back negative and while I felt like I'd been injected with Red Bull, the contractions stopped. So finally at 3 a.m. we got to go home.
Hopefully, things will continue to be quiet until my 34 week appointment. Oh, yeah, at 32 weeks, my weight gain is 21 pounds. Starting to pack them on, but still in the normal range and probably less than I gained with Grace.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Grace Tells A Story
Tonight Grace told us her first story that she made up.
"Once upon a time, there was a little boy that was walking in the woods. He saw a scary monster. Then he ran away. The monster chased him. The boy ran through the woods to his house and saw his Mommy and Daddy. The End."
She told it to me twice and then we called Eric in and told him the same story. Such a good imagination.
"Once upon a time, there was a little boy that was walking in the woods. He saw a scary monster. Then he ran away. The monster chased him. The boy ran through the woods to his house and saw his Mommy and Daddy. The End."
She told it to me twice and then we called Eric in and told him the same story. Such a good imagination.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Good Morning
It's a lazy Saturday morning. I think this morning I'll just lounge around and then this afternoon I need to do some work (actually for work). I had hoped to do the grocery shopping today, but apparently we are having a blizzard, so we're not going anywhere. Hope I can get out tomorrow because I don't have any free days this week for shopping. Monday I have work and class, Tuesday morning I leave for a work trip to Texas. I get back at 5:30 on Wednesday and then have class. Thursday I have a work meeting and then am leaving for Chicago for the weekend.
Other things to update about:
1. Birthday Weekend
2. Pregnancy
3. Grace's big Potty milestone
My birthday weekend turned out very nice. Shopping wasn't as relaxing as I hoped as Grace was not very cooperative. She cried and threw fits most of the time. I did get some good stuff though. I bought an extra car seat base (more on that in a moment), bouncy seat, diaper bag, going home outfit, baby swimtrunks, and Big Sister t-shirts and Little Brother onesie among other things. After shopping, I brought Grace home for her nap and then we dropped her off at Kim's so we could go out. We went to see Semi-Pro at the theater with Will and Samara and Dane and Amy. It was funny and fun to be on a "date" with my hubby, but probably not my all-time favorite Will Ferrell movie. After the movie we went to Ginji's (a Japanese steakhouse) for dinner. Sunday was beautiful (close to 60 degrees) so after naptime we went to the zoo for a couple of hours. Then I did the grocery shopping and made the family dinner. It was very nice.
So our infant carrier car seat is a part of an Evenflo travel system. With Grace we were fine with one base because Eric did most of the drop-off and pick-ups from daycare and when I had her, I just used the seatbelt to strap the carrier in. Now, however, with two kids and me doing most of the daycare duty, I want a base in my car. Eric's hands are too big to easily strap the seat in with a seat-belt, so we need a 2nd base. Unfortunately, Evenflo only makes one base you can buy separately and it doesn't fit our car seat. I found that out when I brought it home. Now I had a delima because the only way to get two bases is to buy a different infant car seat that will work with the extra base. I found one on e-bay though and for $45 dollars (including shipping) I now have 2 infant car seats and 3 bases. I think our original one we'll just keep as an extra. I think I might take it for travel when we go to Iowa in June, so my parents can keep a base in their car and we don't have to dismantle ours.
Ok, so that sort of ran into pregnancy, but I do have an update on that. I'm now 29 weeks. Officially 11 left to go, but likely closer to 10. Last week I had some contractions. I call them contractions because they feel like I'm starting my period and just hurt for a minute or so before I feel normal again. Sunday they really started up in the evening, but I think it had a lot to do with all the walking at the zoo and grocery store, etc. Monday I tried to stay in my seat as much as possible at work, but still felt like I was having a lot, so I started keeping track of them around 11 a.m. From then until bedtime I had 16 contractions. Some were kind of close together (in the 20 minute range and 2 were only 3 minutes apart), but most of them were in the 30 to 45 minute range sometimes an hour apart. Tuesday was much better and I only had 5 or 6 all day.
Wednesday I had a doctors appointment, so I made sure to mention it to her. She didn't think that sounded like enough activity to cause cervical changes, but went ahead and checked me anyway. I am still completely closed and have not started softening yet, so it's good to know that those contractions did not get labor started at all. I also confirmed that I passed my glucose screening and I have now gained 17 pounds. I would be moving to 2 week appointments now, but Dr. B is out in two weeks, so we're going to wait 3 weeks. In 3 weeks we'll do an ultrasound and find out if Luke is on the above average side. I'm excited to see him again. I feel him constantly and he feels big!
Finally, Grace's milestone. She's been doing very very well over the last couple of months on the potty-training. I think she's only had 2 accidents in the last 6 weeks or so and both were during a nap. We've still been using pull-ups at night time though. Last night, I decided to give Grace a choice if she wanted to wear a pull-up or big girl underwear to bed. She choose underwear. I took an extra set of sheets upstairs just in case, but Grace did not have an accident in her bed. She woke up at about 4:45 a.m. and told me she needed to potty, so we went and then she went back to bed until about 7 a.m. I'm so proud of her. I don't think I'm going ot push it, but I'll keep giving her choices and hopefully we'll be completely pull-up free for a little while before I start buying tons of diapers.
Other things to update about:
1. Birthday Weekend
2. Pregnancy
3. Grace's big Potty milestone
My birthday weekend turned out very nice. Shopping wasn't as relaxing as I hoped as Grace was not very cooperative. She cried and threw fits most of the time. I did get some good stuff though. I bought an extra car seat base (more on that in a moment), bouncy seat, diaper bag, going home outfit, baby swimtrunks, and Big Sister t-shirts and Little Brother onesie among other things. After shopping, I brought Grace home for her nap and then we dropped her off at Kim's so we could go out. We went to see Semi-Pro at the theater with Will and Samara and Dane and Amy. It was funny and fun to be on a "date" with my hubby, but probably not my all-time favorite Will Ferrell movie. After the movie we went to Ginji's (a Japanese steakhouse) for dinner. Sunday was beautiful (close to 60 degrees) so after naptime we went to the zoo for a couple of hours. Then I did the grocery shopping and made the family dinner. It was very nice.
So our infant carrier car seat is a part of an Evenflo travel system. With Grace we were fine with one base because Eric did most of the drop-off and pick-ups from daycare and when I had her, I just used the seatbelt to strap the carrier in. Now, however, with two kids and me doing most of the daycare duty, I want a base in my car. Eric's hands are too big to easily strap the seat in with a seat-belt, so we need a 2nd base. Unfortunately, Evenflo only makes one base you can buy separately and it doesn't fit our car seat. I found that out when I brought it home. Now I had a delima because the only way to get two bases is to buy a different infant car seat that will work with the extra base. I found one on e-bay though and for $45 dollars (including shipping) I now have 2 infant car seats and 3 bases. I think our original one we'll just keep as an extra. I think I might take it for travel when we go to Iowa in June, so my parents can keep a base in their car and we don't have to dismantle ours.
Ok, so that sort of ran into pregnancy, but I do have an update on that. I'm now 29 weeks. Officially 11 left to go, but likely closer to 10. Last week I had some contractions. I call them contractions because they feel like I'm starting my period and just hurt for a minute or so before I feel normal again. Sunday they really started up in the evening, but I think it had a lot to do with all the walking at the zoo and grocery store, etc. Monday I tried to stay in my seat as much as possible at work, but still felt like I was having a lot, so I started keeping track of them around 11 a.m. From then until bedtime I had 16 contractions. Some were kind of close together (in the 20 minute range and 2 were only 3 minutes apart), but most of them were in the 30 to 45 minute range sometimes an hour apart. Tuesday was much better and I only had 5 or 6 all day.
Wednesday I had a doctors appointment, so I made sure to mention it to her. She didn't think that sounded like enough activity to cause cervical changes, but went ahead and checked me anyway. I am still completely closed and have not started softening yet, so it's good to know that those contractions did not get labor started at all. I also confirmed that I passed my glucose screening and I have now gained 17 pounds. I would be moving to 2 week appointments now, but Dr. B is out in two weeks, so we're going to wait 3 weeks. In 3 weeks we'll do an ultrasound and find out if Luke is on the above average side. I'm excited to see him again. I feel him constantly and he feels big!
Finally, Grace's milestone. She's been doing very very well over the last couple of months on the potty-training. I think she's only had 2 accidents in the last 6 weeks or so and both were during a nap. We've still been using pull-ups at night time though. Last night, I decided to give Grace a choice if she wanted to wear a pull-up or big girl underwear to bed. She choose underwear. I took an extra set of sheets upstairs just in case, but Grace did not have an accident in her bed. She woke up at about 4:45 a.m. and told me she needed to potty, so we went and then she went back to bed until about 7 a.m. I'm so proud of her. I don't think I'm going ot push it, but I'll keep giving her choices and hopefully we'll be completely pull-up free for a little while before I start buying tons of diapers.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Snow Princess
So maybe I'm biased, but isn't she gorgeous? Eric took this picture last week when we had a good snow coming down. Good thing I'm having another baby, because I don't think she qualifies as my baby anymore. She's so grown up. More recent pictures in Flickr.
I also wanted to do a quick pregnancy update. I'm now 28 weeks. I'm coming down the home stretch. Only 12 weeks left if I go to my due date. I'm hoping it's more like 10 to go. I'm definately feeling much more 3rd trimesterish. I'm getting more tired (although my schedule might have something to do with that), I can't do things as easily anymore. It's torture when Grace makes me hold her. I don't have anyplace to set her on my belly. I struggle when putting on socks and shoes, and getting off the floor or couch requires holding on to something. I don't think I'm waddling yet, but probably soon. I did finally take a belly picture! It was a week ago and is my Baby #2 Flicker set. I think my belly looks big, but my weight gain is still on the lower end. I've been gaining more lately, but I'm still in the 16 to 18 pound weight gain, which is completely normal, but not high by any means.
Luke is very active and now I can definately feel body parts when he moves. I can get a reaction out of him if I push on certain areas of my belly, which is reassuring when he's having a quieter day. Seems like there were some bigger movements over the last week or two, but I'm still guessing he's head down.
I think March is going to go extremely fast. I have a lot going on. Today is my birthday and in a few minutes, I'm leaving to go shopping at Babies R Us for Samara to get more of the baby necessities. I think Grace is coming too, so hopefully she's in a good mood. This afternoon, we have a babysitter and Eric and I are going to see SemiPro at the theater (can't remember the last movie we saw together!). Then we're going to Gingi's for dinner. Still not exactly sure who's coming with us, but doubtful that we'll be alone.
March is my busiest time at work, so I've got tons of meetings scheduled already. I think I'm down to only 7 or 8 work days during the month with no meetings or appointments scheduled. I've also got a couple of trips planned. I have to fly to Texas for work on 3/11-3/12, driving to a meeting about 1 1/2 hours away on 3/13, driving to Chicago 3/14 for GWO. I also have a trip to IN for work scheduled April 2 that is supposed to be about a 3 hour drive. With the exception of a meeting on 4/14 that is about 45 minutes away, I think that's my last trip until Luke comes. I also have 2 full weeks of school, plus the final left (ends 3/17). That is going well, just wears me out because I have to go.
I called and spoke to a lactation consultant last week and don't think I'm going to take a class this time. I just need to track someone down for help in the hospital and may need to do an individual appointment after we go home and try it. I did sign Grace up for a "Sibling Class" at the hospital the last week of April. I think they just talk about some of the stuff in the hospital, so it's not so scary when they visit and they get to take a tour and see the nursery and a newborn baby. Grace and I have been talking alot though, and I hope it's not too tramatic for her.
Ok, well I need to go make sure Grace didn't get naked while I've been on the computer, so we can leave to buy more baby stuff! If it's a big haul, maybe I'll take a picture when I get home.
I also wanted to do a quick pregnancy update. I'm now 28 weeks. I'm coming down the home stretch. Only 12 weeks left if I go to my due date. I'm hoping it's more like 10 to go. I'm definately feeling much more 3rd trimesterish. I'm getting more tired (although my schedule might have something to do with that), I can't do things as easily anymore. It's torture when Grace makes me hold her. I don't have anyplace to set her on my belly. I struggle when putting on socks and shoes, and getting off the floor or couch requires holding on to something. I don't think I'm waddling yet, but probably soon. I did finally take a belly picture! It was a week ago and is my Baby #2 Flicker set. I think my belly looks big, but my weight gain is still on the lower end. I've been gaining more lately, but I'm still in the 16 to 18 pound weight gain, which is completely normal, but not high by any means.
Luke is very active and now I can definately feel body parts when he moves. I can get a reaction out of him if I push on certain areas of my belly, which is reassuring when he's having a quieter day. Seems like there were some bigger movements over the last week or two, but I'm still guessing he's head down.
I think March is going to go extremely fast. I have a lot going on. Today is my birthday and in a few minutes, I'm leaving to go shopping at Babies R Us for Samara to get more of the baby necessities. I think Grace is coming too, so hopefully she's in a good mood. This afternoon, we have a babysitter and Eric and I are going to see SemiPro at the theater (can't remember the last movie we saw together!). Then we're going to Gingi's for dinner. Still not exactly sure who's coming with us, but doubtful that we'll be alone.
March is my busiest time at work, so I've got tons of meetings scheduled already. I think I'm down to only 7 or 8 work days during the month with no meetings or appointments scheduled. I've also got a couple of trips planned. I have to fly to Texas for work on 3/11-3/12, driving to a meeting about 1 1/2 hours away on 3/13, driving to Chicago 3/14 for GWO. I also have a trip to IN for work scheduled April 2 that is supposed to be about a 3 hour drive. With the exception of a meeting on 4/14 that is about 45 minutes away, I think that's my last trip until Luke comes. I also have 2 full weeks of school, plus the final left (ends 3/17). That is going well, just wears me out because I have to go.
I called and spoke to a lactation consultant last week and don't think I'm going to take a class this time. I just need to track someone down for help in the hospital and may need to do an individual appointment after we go home and try it. I did sign Grace up for a "Sibling Class" at the hospital the last week of April. I think they just talk about some of the stuff in the hospital, so it's not so scary when they visit and they get to take a tour and see the nursery and a newborn baby. Grace and I have been talking alot though, and I hope it's not too tramatic for her.
Ok, well I need to go make sure Grace didn't get naked while I've been on the computer, so we can leave to buy more baby stuff! If it's a big haul, maybe I'll take a picture when I get home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
