5.9 and dropping

So today was my weekly Dr visit. Based on last weeks visit, when I got there today, they hooked me up to the fetal monitor. At first, baby girl was sleeping so we weren't getting many readings on the monitor. Then the midwife woke her up (using a strange device that buzzes and vibrates on my tummy!) and boy was she active after that. So they decided that everything looked fine on the monitor, and she was moving and shaking just fine.

Next, we needed an ultrasound to see how my amniotic fluid was doing. Well, not so good is the answer. It's down to 5.9 and dropping. So we thought about it for a while, and decided rather than wait, we'll induce. So I'm headed to the hospital now to induce labor and get her out of there. More updates later...

Random Photos

Some random photos I found as I looked for one in particular...

Trevor enjoying a rare treat in Mommy's bubble tub...

The boys 'sharing' Trevor's Blackhawk's jersey. They were convinced they could both fit....and they could. But getting out proved to be VERY difficult!
My boys.... Blake showing off his new sunglasses (while wearing jammies) and Trevor playing the Wii.
Trevor showing off his math skills. He did all the counting and writing himself and got it all right!
Christmas presents from my brother arrived a little late (like January, not April!(Amazon's fault, not his!). Trevor got a Star Wars Lego ship
Blake got Hi-Ho Cherry-O.
Here's what happens when the boys share their toys... Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper watching a game of Hi-Ho Cherry-O!!!


Just to add to the post from a few weeks ago.... The boys aren't the only ones who get t-shirts with "personality" from Aunt Kate. Mom & Baby get them too...


No, it's not a real ultrasound pic (at least not of my kid). But there are days when that certainly sums up how she's feeling. If I have time, I will put this shirt on before leaving for the hospital....and wear it as I walk into L&D!! Just cause I can!!

Oh, the Drama!

(well, as much drama as you get from me when I'm pregnant, which isn't a whole lot, but still....)

I had my 37 week midwife appointment this morning. My weight is good, I've gained 27 pounds for the whole pregnancy, and after losing last week, I am back up 2 pounds. The midwife came in and we went over my birth plan, which she had no issues with (yay!). However, it did lead us to a small disagreement. According to her chart, my due date is Tuesday, April 28. According to my calculations (and the number that's been in my head for the whole pregnancy) I'm due on Sunday, April 26. I'm sticking to my date, as it's based on charting my temps, and I know EXACTLY when things happened (if ya know what I mean!).

Next, we found our heartbeat (it took a minute, cause this kid is so low, she's hiding behind my pelvic bone), but we found her eventually... nice heartbeat of 140-150. Then she measured my belly, and what do you know, I'm measuring small... about 35 weeks. Of course, no visit at this point in a pregnancy is complete without an internal exam. I'm about 1.5 cm dialated (not much progress!) and "very soft". And the baby's head is WAY down there. That's good and bad, as it makes me quite uncomfortable, but at least she's heads down!

Since I was measuring small last week, she decided to do an ultrasound, just to make sure everything's okay, and baby's growing right. None of this is a surprise to me. I remember measuring small when I was pregnant with Trevor, and getting a late ultrasound to confirm the size of the baby then too. I have no recollection of any such happenings with Blake, so either it didn't happen (and I wasn't measuring small?) or my memories of that pregnancy have gotten lost in the shuffle and he's already suffering from being the "middle child".

So the tech did the ultrasound. She got some great pictures and looks at the baby, and took lots of measurements. I learned quite a bit from her too, and even got to see the umbilical cord, and found out it's not (currently) around her neck/head/body (which Trevor's was). So that was good to hear.

Turns out baby is measuring about 7 lbs 3 oz which puts her in the 75%. So there ya go, all you people who think I'm measuring small. I just carry my babies well, and ALL inside me apparently! She might be my biggest baby yet!!! On the downside, my amniotic fluid is measuring just inside the average range. My AFI is 8, and they worry if it's below 6, or above 20. So to be safe, she wants me to increase my fluids and do kick counts. So twice a day I have to count how many times she kicks in an hour, if it's less than 5, then we worry and call her. So far, no problem.... we got 5 kicks in the 15 minutes I've been sitting here typing!

Also, the ultrasound showed that my placenta is 'aging' faster than usual. Gee, this kid is making me age fast already, and she's not even born yet!!! At the moment, there's nothing to worry about, but it's just something to watch. From my googling just now, they age the placenta based on calcifications (calcium deposits). I wonder if the quantity of calcium I take in affects this... in particular I'm thinking of the 10-15 Tums that I've been taking daily to help with heartburn. For a while I was using some OTC stuff like Xantac, but the Tums work better. Hmmm...

If anything does change, they might induce me, but since I'm full-term there's no major issue with that. Other than the fact, that I'd prefer not to be induced since I've been down that road before, with Trevor. But if her health is in jeopardy, I'll do it!

So that's the update from here. Oh, and since they were doing an ultrasound and looking around anyway, I requested a reconfirmation..... and yes, it's still a girl! Whew!

72% Complete

About a month ago, some of my closest 'mom' friends gathered to throw me a baby shower. I've met this group of women online since both the boys were born, and I've met some REALLY awesome ladies. The shower was fun, and of course came with lots of 'traditional' baby gifts... and things that a first-time-mom-of -a-girl must have: barrettes, headbands, pink crocs, dresses, BabyLegs, pink blankets, etc. Lots of wonderful things that will be well used when this little girl arrives (any day now is just fine kiddo.... the sooner the better!).




I also received an awesome gift that is something I would not typically indulge in. Something I wouldn't be able to justify to myself to spend the money on, after all think of all the things I could spend that amount of money on instead. But something that I've been lusting after for a while, after a few of the aforementioned mom friends showed me theirs. I got an awesome, beautiful, wonderful, Fleurville diaper bag.

But today, I got some truly NECESSARY baby gifts, courtesy of my sister-in-law, Kate. Three items that complete my little girls wardrobe. Three items that you should definitely put on any baby registry, or birthday list for a little girl. (Do you sense the sarcasm yet???)



I think the shirt is by far my favorite.... definitely the most original. Even Trevor recognized the symbolism, commenting "Isn't that like when my game is loading on the computer and it's not done yet??!" Oh how smart my big guy is!!

While I am being sarcastic that these are necessary for everyone, they are totally awesome gifts that are greatly appreciated. Over the years, Kate has added tons of personality to my boys wardrobes. From handmade tie-dyed onesies and sleepers, to custom-made quilts and blankets, to smart @$$ shirts like "It's my brother's fault" and "What happens in preschool stays in preschool" and "I still live with my parents". I LOVE the looks my kids get when they wear those shirts! Kate has made sure that my kids outfits have personality and that they definitely belong in our "personality filled" family! Thanks Kate!

Baby Girl Update

Dr visits galore today. I started at the midwife's office at 9:15 this morning. The office seemed quiet but that didn't mean I was in and out fast.... just that it was quiet!! But eventually they saw me, and everything is going quite well.

I'm measuring about 1 week behind at this point (35 weeks not 36). I lost a pound in the last week, but I could gain that back in a day depending on my schedule and appetite! Both of these are totally normal for me, I've done this with both previous pregnancies. I'm as 'big' as I'm gonna get, even tho the baby is still growing. My iron is borderline low (hemoglobin 10.6) so now I'm taking iron supplements, but since I'm usually borderline anemic when I'm not pregnant I'm not too worried. And, I'm dilated 1 cm. Okay, it's not much, but it's something!!! They took lots of blood and I'm sure all those results will be totally boring and normal, so they won't even call me!

Based on the exam, and my history, she's not expecting me to go early necessarily. But based on my mental attitude (which is totally ready to have this baby), she wouldn't be surprised if I went into labor about 2 weeks early, just cause I WANT to. So we'll see...

The best part of the visit...we talked about my plans/hopes for delivery. First piece of good news, the labor tub is back to being available at my hospital. For a while it was "not available" as they had had a recent malpractice case or issue with a patient who used it and they weren't letting anyone use it for a while. At least that was the info I was given when I was pregnant with Trevor. (With Blake there was no time to use it if I'd wanted to, but I'm not sure if it was available or not). I'm not sure I want to use it, but I like having the option, especially if I end up in back labor like I was with Trevor. Second piece of good news, the midwife is more than happy to let me labor without having an IV as long as everything is going fine (and based on my history, that's highly possible). I'm so glad not to have to have an IV just because.... it really bothers me that they do it automatically! I mean with Blake I was in the hospital in labor for under 45 minutes, but STILL they managed to put that damn IV in my arm and I really never needed it!! So WOO HOO for the new midwife!! (Of course, if any of this was an April Fool's joke, I will NEVER forgive her!).

Following all that great news, I got to see the massage therapist. She is easily my VERY favorite person in the world right now. My back feels SO good. And then I saw the chiropractor, just to loosen me up even more and put everything back where it belongs. So I'm feeling REALLY good.... now if only I could sleep comfortably, that feeling might last beyond today!!

Springtime in Chicago

ALL winter, and I mean ALL winter, Trevor (and Blake somewhat) has been DYING to make a snowman. Every time it snowed, it wasn't the right kind of snow (to light, or too icy) or we waited too long and then the snow wouldn't stick together!! So he was disappointed over and over again. He had a pile of snowman accessories waiting: a scarf that grandma provided, some buttons for eyes, and a carrot that is by now old and shriveled (but it's the one he wants for his snowman's nose, so don't throw it out!).

About the beginning of March, the last lingering snow melted and so did the hopes of a snowman for this winter. Trevor was upset, but got over it eventually. He acknowledged the fact that he would not build a snowman this winter. At the time, I put the emphasis on the word "this". I told him that next winter we would build one. What do I know....

Today, 9 days into spring, he got to build his snowman. Boy is he thrilled!!!




As for me, I'm not a big fan of "Springtime" in Chicago. This baby is supposed to be born in SPRING ... no more snow!!!

Photo Update

Today I downloaded about 200 photos from the camera to the computer. And of course, this means that none of these have been posted to the blog. So, without further delay, a photo update on what we've been doing lately!

Our trip to Michigan, about a month ago. Just a few shots of the boys and their friends being... just boys!





About 2 weeks ago, we headed downtown to the Children's Museum at Navy Pier. The kids love the place and I love how much they love it.

Climing through the nets

Blake the plumber
Teamwork!

Yesterday was a big day around here.... We bought our new minivan. This was required before Baby Girl's arrival, so I'm glad to have it off the to do list!!!
The boys are excited to have their own seats, WAY in the back, where (they realized) Mommy can't reach them to stop them being bad! Oh no!


The boys helped me this morning in getting the nursery almost ready for Baby Girl. They helped put together the bassinet, and it was very interesting. Trevor is tied to the directions, and finds the pieces that you need based on looking at the directions. Blake looks at the final picture, and treats it just like a puzzle, he finds the pieces he needs to make it work... no directions needed! It was fun to see their different approaches, and to see how excited they were to make the bed for the baby!


Oh, and finally, for those who care, a pregnant Mommy photo. This was taken about 2 weeks ago, on March 5th, at almost 33 weeks pregnant.

I'll always eat lunch with you Mommy!

My baby (1 of them) just keeps growing up!

Ages ago, say November, Trevor's teacher's suggested that it might be good for him to stay 1 (or more) days a week for lunch and into the early afternoon. Not because there are any problems, but just to let him expand his horizon's a little more. To help him get more comfortable being away for longer, to let him experience the different activities they do in the afternoon, to let him interact with the kindergarten kids that come in the afternoon rather than always sticking with his 1 or 2 best buddies (who are a year younger than him), etc.

When I mentioned this idea, in passing, to Trev....to say that he was not in favor of it, would be an understatement. The kid hates change (at least initially!). He was STRONGLY opposed to it for a LONG time. In fact, up until a few weeks ago, he would randomly remind me that he is NOT staying at school for lunch ANY time soon (as in, not even next year in Kindergarten! - good thing we have 1/2 day K here!).

So, Tuesday I picked him up from school. I don't even remember how the conversation started, but all of a sudden, he was talking about lunch at school and saying that he wanted to stay for lunch sometime. So, casually (oh, so casually!), I said, "Well you can stay tomorrow for lunch if you want." Bang, done, sold! He was SO excited!!! All afternoon and evening, that's all he talked about. He woke up early on Wednesday, because "We hafta make my lunch Mommy!". He was raring to go! We even got to school early!

And so, he stayed. He ate lunch there (peanut butter sandwich, brownie, and chocolate milk). Then they went outside, and he did lots of work that he doesn't usually get to do. He was slightly concerned, to make sure that I picked him up on time (at 2 pm). After all, Tom and Jerry starts at 2 pm, and he knows it, and he told his teachers!! And so, just like that, another milestone is reached. So, he'll be staying at school every Wednesday for lunch and into the afternoon. It works well as Blake is not there that day anyway, it doesn't conflict with my work schedule (no transportation issues), and Blake and I get some good time together to do things (which is rare!).

The icing on the cake was the work that he brought home. Sometimes, he brings home pictures and drawings and random art projects that he has made. Other times he brings home pages with writing or counting practice that he has done. No matter what it is, becuase it's a Montessori school, I know it is the work that he chose to do that day, nothing that he was 'forced' to do, or that everyone did. I like knowing that. On Wednesday, after being at school for 5 hours, he came home with Math papers. On 4 seperate sheets of paper, he completed all his math facts for numbers 1 through 4. So he added 1 + each number (0-9); 2 + each number; 3 + each number; and 4 + each number. And he got ALL the facts right (with the small issue of writing 12 and 13 backwards as 21 and 31). And, if you ask him any of these facts (what's 3+6?), he'll find something to count (legos, dinosaurs, fingers) and tell you. This kid, knows and LIKES his math!!!

Baby Pool

I found the COOLEST site on the web today.... an online baby pool! So, click the big link on the right and enter your guess for when you think our baby girl will be born, and her stats. She is due on April 26.

Oh and just for reference (if you care)....

Trevor was born on his due date, weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces, was 20 inches long, and was born at 1:42 am.

Blake was 4 days early, weighed 7 pounds 11 ounces, was 19 3/4 inches long, and was born at 4:18 am.

Get your votes in early. I'll have a fun prize for the winner!!!

Baby Update

Well, I saw the midwife today. Gawd, I love her. The last few visits I've seen the OB (male) and he's not bad.... but he's not her!!!

She came in, and hugged me, like a long lost friend and told me she'd missed me, and that I should make all my appointments with her, not him! Then she proceeded to tell me how great I looked (not too small! yay) and told me that all my numbers look great. I've gained 25 pounds, my blood pressure is great (124/68) and I'm measuring right on 34 weeks! Yay!! She gave me all the registration paperwork for the hospital, commiserated on my tailbone pain and heartburn, and generally made me feel all warm and fuzzy!

So everything is going well. My tailbone still hurts like a son of a b!tch... but there's not much to be done about that. Baby girl is just sitting SO low. So between that and my sore hips, I'm seeing the chiropractor twice a week and that helps me feel better in general, but doesn't get rid of the pain altogether. Oh well, he's a great guy and I do feel better after seeing him, so I'll keep going. I'm queen of heartburn this time around... more so that I remember with either of the boys. I've been taking the 24-hour pill, Prilosec, which definetly helps and I have few issues with the hb now. So, we'll keep taking that until she arrives.

On the note of arrival, I'm counting down the days until I'm full term (3 weeks from Sunday!), and frankly after that, she's welcome to arrive anytime. Officially, there's 6 weeks and 2 days left to the pregnancy, but I'm hoping for a little less.

Meanwhile, I've got the nursery just about ready. No major work was required, but lots of little things. I sorted through all the boys old clothes (newborn-2T) and saved what was neutral enough, gave some to friends with baby boys, took some to the resale store, and put the rest in the basement "garage sale" pile. So, a billion boxes of clothes are out of the room, and it looks much better! Of course, I've been buying lots of pink (and other colors) for the little girl as I find them on sale/clearance, so there's a good stack of 3 boxes of clothes in various sizes for her now!! I also got rid of Trevor's old toddler bed (listed it on freecycle and it was gone in 24 hours!), so the room feels much bigger. Now I just have to set up the bassinet, get hubby to finish the closet rods (that I've been waiting for for 3 years!), and I think we'll be done!

Of course, there's still painting to be done... Yes that's right, painting. 5 years ago, while I was pregnant with T, hubby started painting a mural in the nursery. The mural is all the Alice in Wonderland characters. Well, it was probably about 50% done when T was born. By the time B inhabited the room it was probably 75% done. It's now about 95% done... there's just a small part to be finished on one character. Since the day I found out I was pregnant this time around I've told hubby that he HAS to have that mural finished by the end of March. I wonder if he will?!?!?!? I'm trying not to be a nag, but I really would like it finished (if for no other reason, that to get all the painting supplies out of her closet!!!!!).

So that's the udpate with baby girl. Her first name is all picked out, but we're still struggling with a middle name. Her first name has been picked out since I was pregnant with Trevor (or before). The original middle name I had picked now seems to common. Why? Because her brother's have middle names like Phineas and Huntington. So... I'm looking for some unusual middle name suggestions..... any ideas??