Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Brother Max
He going to do great! I just know it! He's getting super excited now and loves to talk about Aspen and tell people that he's going to be a big brother. *Swoon*
Last Appointment
I had my last prenatal appointment yesterday. Like I said in my last post, I seriously can't believe how fast this has all gone by. I've been so calm lately and everyone keeps asking if I'm nervous about Monday and I really haven't been at all. But now I keep thinking that maybe I should be a little more nervous than I am. I mean, I'M HAVING A BABY IN 5 DAYS!!!!!! I should be feeling a little more nervous or stressed or excited, but I'm really not. I think it will all probably hit me on Sunday and I will probably be an emotional basket case. In fact the ONE THING that gets me emotional right now is when I look at Max and think about how much his life is about to change. He's been the center of everything for the past 3 1/2 years, so I keep going between waves of guilty feelings and feelings of excitement for him. I just hope we can make the transition a smooth one for him.
My appointment yesterday was once again a loooong one. Curt came with me because I told him he had too since it was my last appointment. Max was at MDO, so it was just the two of us. They did my weight and blood pressure check first as usual...BP was completely normal and I had a 1/2 pound weight gain from the previous week. I asked what they had as a total...24 lbs overall. So not too bad. I wanted to gain 10 less than I did with Max and I gained 38 lbs with him. I'm not sure if they will weigh me on Monday or not? So I guess the total overall could change...
Then we waited in the little room for Dr. M to come talk to us about everything. She asked if we had any questions and we didn't really. I just made sure she put in my chart about my percocet intolerance (or whatever you want to call it) and that I did not want that type of pain medicine after my c-section. She was glad I let her know because that was what they typically give for pain afterwards. But since it makes me violently ill I needed to make sure I'm not given a percocet after the spinal wears off. She said that shouldn't be a problem.
Then she asked the usual question...how is the baby moving? I told her that she just doesn't move a lot...and there are days when it literally takes all day to get the total 5 kicks needed in a kick count. So she ordered another u/s to check fluid levels again. We had one at 36 weeks because the little stinker wasn't moving then either. I figured it would be fine and I just have a really lazy girl, but it's hard to turn down an opportunity to take a peak at your baby. So I came back at 3:30 (without Curt because he had to stay with Max and they won't let you bring any child under the age of 12 into the u/s room...no exceptions. I hate that rule btw...)
Anyways, Aspen wasn't moving at all...as usual, so the tech lady went and got a noise maker to make her move around. She put it near her head and it made a really loud buzzing noise. It was SO neat to see Aspen respond to the noise...you could actually see her open her eyes and look around. So cool! Then she started sucking her thumb, which was super sweet! So the tech said she looked great and that she's probably a mellow baby...I hope she continues to be once she gets here, lol! She's probably so mellow and relaxed because I've been so calm this pregnancy...except for the first part when I was sicker than I've ever felt! I wonder if there is an actual correlation between a mother being calm and stressfree during pregnancy and the demeanor of her baby? That would be interesting...
Anyways, no pictures this time...she printed off a few, but didn't make the usual cd of files and I've heard your not supposed to scan u/s pictures in...could be a myth, who knows. They are hard to see anyways.
I'll probably take my final belly picture on Monday morning before we leave for the hospital. Only 4 more days (not counting today)!
My appointment yesterday was once again a loooong one. Curt came with me because I told him he had too since it was my last appointment. Max was at MDO, so it was just the two of us. They did my weight and blood pressure check first as usual...BP was completely normal and I had a 1/2 pound weight gain from the previous week. I asked what they had as a total...24 lbs overall. So not too bad. I wanted to gain 10 less than I did with Max and I gained 38 lbs with him. I'm not sure if they will weigh me on Monday or not? So I guess the total overall could change...
Then we waited in the little room for Dr. M to come talk to us about everything. She asked if we had any questions and we didn't really. I just made sure she put in my chart about my percocet intolerance (or whatever you want to call it) and that I did not want that type of pain medicine after my c-section. She was glad I let her know because that was what they typically give for pain afterwards. But since it makes me violently ill I needed to make sure I'm not given a percocet after the spinal wears off. She said that shouldn't be a problem.
Then she asked the usual question...how is the baby moving? I told her that she just doesn't move a lot...and there are days when it literally takes all day to get the total 5 kicks needed in a kick count. So she ordered another u/s to check fluid levels again. We had one at 36 weeks because the little stinker wasn't moving then either. I figured it would be fine and I just have a really lazy girl, but it's hard to turn down an opportunity to take a peak at your baby. So I came back at 3:30 (without Curt because he had to stay with Max and they won't let you bring any child under the age of 12 into the u/s room...no exceptions. I hate that rule btw...)
Anyways, Aspen wasn't moving at all...as usual, so the tech lady went and got a noise maker to make her move around. She put it near her head and it made a really loud buzzing noise. It was SO neat to see Aspen respond to the noise...you could actually see her open her eyes and look around. So cool! Then she started sucking her thumb, which was super sweet! So the tech said she looked great and that she's probably a mellow baby...I hope she continues to be once she gets here, lol! She's probably so mellow and relaxed because I've been so calm this pregnancy...except for the first part when I was sicker than I've ever felt! I wonder if there is an actual correlation between a mother being calm and stressfree during pregnancy and the demeanor of her baby? That would be interesting...
Anyways, no pictures this time...she printed off a few, but didn't make the usual cd of files and I've heard your not supposed to scan u/s pictures in...could be a myth, who knows. They are hard to see anyways.
I'll probably take my final belly picture on Monday morning before we leave for the hospital. Only 4 more days (not counting today)!
Monday, April 28, 2008
Predictions
Curt and I made predictions on what we think Aspen's weight and length will be. So I wanted to make sure we document it to see who gets closest. The doctor says that she is measuring small, so I'm thinking she probably won't be as big as Max. He was 7lbs 7 oz at 39 weeks and she will be born at 39 weeks as well.
I say: 7 lbs 2oz 19"
Curt says: 6 lbs 14oz (that seems so small to me! By the weight on my bladder, I think she's at LEAST 7 lbs, lol.)
Anyone else want to make a guess?
I say: 7 lbs 2oz 19"
Curt says: 6 lbs 14oz (that seems so small to me! By the weight on my bladder, I think she's at LEAST 7 lbs, lol.)
Anyone else want to make a guess?
One Week From Today...
I can't believe that Aspen's arrival is almost upon us! It's crazy how fast this pregnancy has gone by compared to Max's. I think its because with your second pregnancy, you really don't have time to constantly think about being pregnant. With Max, that's all I could think about, being pregnant with him. I would continually find myself wondering about the unfamiliar territory of motherhood and how it was going to present itself to me. This time, I've been so much more relaxed about it and I have pretty much just gone with the flow of things. I have to say that it's a lot less stressful the second time around.
I think we have most everything ready for her to come home. I am going today to pick up a few more cloth diaper covers from a local store. I don't think I've mentioned that we are going to be using cloth diapers this time around, have I? I'm super excited about this!! I wanted to do it with Max, but never really got around to researching it the way I wanted to, and by the time I decided to switch him over to cloth he was potty-trained. I did use them on him at night for a while, and that made me realize that cloth diapers were going to be so much easier than I ever imagined! So right from the beginning of this pregnancy I dedicated myself to learning all about cloth diapering methods and what I thought would work for us.
Here are the diapers that I found that we are going to be using this time.
I decided that the most promising diaper method for us would be what they call All-In-Ones (AIO's). That just means you have one diaper to put on with each diaper change. There is a cover and an insert that you put into the cover ahead of time. So when you reach for the diaper, it's seriously as easy as putting on a disposable. They have velcro closures which are pretty much like the sticky tabs on disposables. Easy, easy. Even Curt likes them :) .
My favorite brand so far is Bumgenius 3.0. Not only are they AIO's, but they are also a one size diaper, which means that I only have to buy ONE SIZE for the duration of her diaper life, lol. Sweet, eh? They are a little bulky for a newborn, so I bought some small cloth diapers for the first few months until she can fill out the Bumgenius's. And then I'll just resell the small ones once she outgrows them. Who would have thought that you could resell diapers?! But there is a huge online market for used cloth diapers. So not only are we saving money (and the environment) by not using disposables, we are going to make some of our money back on them once we are done. How can you argue with that?
I think we have most everything ready for her to come home. I am going today to pick up a few more cloth diaper covers from a local store. I don't think I've mentioned that we are going to be using cloth diapers this time around, have I? I'm super excited about this!! I wanted to do it with Max, but never really got around to researching it the way I wanted to, and by the time I decided to switch him over to cloth he was potty-trained. I did use them on him at night for a while, and that made me realize that cloth diapers were going to be so much easier than I ever imagined! So right from the beginning of this pregnancy I dedicated myself to learning all about cloth diapering methods and what I thought would work for us.
Here are the diapers that I found that we are going to be using this time.
I decided that the most promising diaper method for us would be what they call All-In-Ones (AIO's). That just means you have one diaper to put on with each diaper change. There is a cover and an insert that you put into the cover ahead of time. So when you reach for the diaper, it's seriously as easy as putting on a disposable. They have velcro closures which are pretty much like the sticky tabs on disposables. Easy, easy. Even Curt likes them :) .
My favorite brand so far is Bumgenius 3.0. Not only are they AIO's, but they are also a one size diaper, which means that I only have to buy ONE SIZE for the duration of her diaper life, lol. Sweet, eh? They are a little bulky for a newborn, so I bought some small cloth diapers for the first few months until she can fill out the Bumgenius's. And then I'll just resell the small ones once she outgrows them. Who would have thought that you could resell diapers?! But there is a huge online market for used cloth diapers. So not only are we saving money (and the environment) by not using disposables, we are going to make some of our money back on them once we are done. How can you argue with that?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Sunday, April 20, 2008
A Couple Maternity Pictures...
..Of Me :)
almost 37 weeks! WOOT!! I can't believe I'll be having my little girl two weeks from tomorrow!!!!
My best friend, Mandy, came yesterday and we went out to do some maternity pictures. It started raining though as soon as we started, so we didn't get too many. But I did get a few that I really like. These are my two favorites, in black and white and color.
almost 37 weeks! WOOT!! I can't believe I'll be having my little girl two weeks from tomorrow!!!!
My best friend, Mandy, came yesterday and we went out to do some maternity pictures. It started raining though as soon as we started, so we didn't get too many. But I did get a few that I really like. These are my two favorites, in black and white and color.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Don't even like going to the doctor anymore...
Now, don't get me wrong, I love my OB, but I just hate going to these last few appointments at the end. They just confirm that YES, you are still pregnant and uncomfortable and I'll see you in a week. Le sigh.
Yesterday's appointment was a loooong one. My appt was for 10am, so Curt met me there a little before then to sit with Max so I wouldn't have to do it alone. Thank goodness he came because we were there for over TWO hours! They called me back fairly quickly to do my weight check and blood pressure. (both were good by the way, no weight gain this week! So that keeps me at a total of about 20 lbs according to their scale.) Anyways, the nurse said they were waiting for a room to open up for my doctor so she sent me back out to the waiting room...Where she forgot about me. We finally got called back to the doctor an hour and a half later where my OB apologized for the mishap. Apparently that nurse was new and she said everyday at least one patient of hers was getting misplaced. Great. I'm SO glad that Curt was able to come with me because I can't imagine having had to keep up with Max the entire two hours. He does really well, but still, it would have been hard I think.
So she asked how I was feeling (fine) and if anything new was going on (nope, still have constant Braxton Hicks), so nothing new to worry about. She said baby was growing great and then checked my cervix. I AM SOOOOOOO not having this done again next week. It hurts so so so bad!! I guess where my cervix is so small and posterior it's hard for the OB to tell if anything is going on. She confirmed that nothing was happening in the nether regions, which I figured, because I'm not expecting any dilation at all like last time with Max. I am still hurting now...almost 24 hours later! So I'm not having that done anymore. We know that my body doesn't want to have a baby the normal way, so I think I will just refuse anymore internals and just show up on May 5th for my c-section. And unless by some miracle I happen to go into labor on my own, I will deal with that later.
Also, she said I was GBS positive. I was with Max as well. She said I would get an antibiotic if my water broke on it's own, but otherwise she isn't too worried about it because I'm having a c-section anyways. So nothing to worry about really.
So only two more appts left until Baby Day!!! She did say that I didn't have to come to my appt next week if I didn't want to. I might take her up on it, I'll see how this weekend goes.
Yesterday's appointment was a loooong one. My appt was for 10am, so Curt met me there a little before then to sit with Max so I wouldn't have to do it alone. Thank goodness he came because we were there for over TWO hours! They called me back fairly quickly to do my weight check and blood pressure. (both were good by the way, no weight gain this week! So that keeps me at a total of about 20 lbs according to their scale.) Anyways, the nurse said they were waiting for a room to open up for my doctor so she sent me back out to the waiting room...Where she forgot about me. We finally got called back to the doctor an hour and a half later where my OB apologized for the mishap. Apparently that nurse was new and she said everyday at least one patient of hers was getting misplaced. Great. I'm SO glad that Curt was able to come with me because I can't imagine having had to keep up with Max the entire two hours. He does really well, but still, it would have been hard I think.
So she asked how I was feeling (fine) and if anything new was going on (nope, still have constant Braxton Hicks), so nothing new to worry about. She said baby was growing great and then checked my cervix. I AM SOOOOOOO not having this done again next week. It hurts so so so bad!! I guess where my cervix is so small and posterior it's hard for the OB to tell if anything is going on. She confirmed that nothing was happening in the nether regions, which I figured, because I'm not expecting any dilation at all like last time with Max. I am still hurting now...almost 24 hours later! So I'm not having that done anymore. We know that my body doesn't want to have a baby the normal way, so I think I will just refuse anymore internals and just show up on May 5th for my c-section. And unless by some miracle I happen to go into labor on my own, I will deal with that later.
Also, she said I was GBS positive. I was with Max as well. She said I would get an antibiotic if my water broke on it's own, but otherwise she isn't too worried about it because I'm having a c-section anyways. So nothing to worry about really.
So only two more appts left until Baby Day!!! She did say that I didn't have to come to my appt next week if I didn't want to. I might take her up on it, I'll see how this weekend goes.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Arthur and Pingo
I took Max to Build-A-Bear today to have him make something for Aspen. Her gift to him was the big boy bike, so he needed something to bring to her in the hospital. I thought a stuffed animal would be cute because I can take her weekly pictures next to it and we can compare how she grows with the bear.
Max of course had to have an animal too, so he picked out a green triceratops dinosaur and named him Arthur. I like that name, don't you?
Then we (mostly me) picked out a bear for Aspen. I thought this one was really cute, with the little patches on it. Max named her Pingo. Wonder where he got that from? Anyways, she's cute. Plus, she's full of love. Max put about 4 of the little hearts in her. Aww!
I've never been to a build-a-bear before. I doubt I will make it a frequent occurance. They have everything you could imagine as far as accesories go for these animals. And for a pretty penny too. I managed to get out of there without having to buy a complete outfit for each. The only thing extra I bought was a little baseball set for Max's dino, Arthur, for an extra $5. Not too bad.
Giving them a bath, checking their heartbeats and blood pressure. I think Pingo even got some blush and lipstick at some point, lol.
Arthur and Pingo
Max of course had to have an animal too, so he picked out a green triceratops dinosaur and named him Arthur. I like that name, don't you?
Then we (mostly me) picked out a bear for Aspen. I thought this one was really cute, with the little patches on it. Max named her Pingo. Wonder where he got that from? Anyways, she's cute. Plus, she's full of love. Max put about 4 of the little hearts in her. Aww!
I've never been to a build-a-bear before. I doubt I will make it a frequent occurance. They have everything you could imagine as far as accesories go for these animals. And for a pretty penny too. I managed to get out of there without having to buy a complete outfit for each. The only thing extra I bought was a little baseball set for Max's dino, Arthur, for an extra $5. Not too bad.
Giving them a bath, checking their heartbeats and blood pressure. I think Pingo even got some blush and lipstick at some point, lol.
Arthur and Pingo
Monday, April 14, 2008
Great Friends
My two best friends, Mandy and Jessica, and their brother's wife, Ashli, came down from Cincinnati on Saturday and threw me a mini shower. They are the best friends ever! It was so great to be able to spend the evening with them! Nobody else that was invited came to the shower, which kinda made me depressed, but I soon to realize that I just being able to have the evening alone with with my friends was SO much better!
Ashli did a great job with all the food!!! She's a domestic goddess and has the cutest little 5 month old, Lil John. He's such a good baby! I hope he's feeling better now Ashli...
Before the shower, we had planned on giving Max his gift from Aspen. We gave him a real big boy bike because he was going to be a big brother. He LOVED it!
Waiting for Curt to bring in his "Big Brother" gift.
His face was priceless! A BIKE!!
Trying it out
During one of the games, I was having one some fun with the stickers
Super cute onesie, trying it on for size.
My best friend for 21 years, Mandy, holding Max and the little girl is my friend Jessica's little girl, Brittany.
Holding Lil' John, Mandy's nephew
Brittany and Max racing
Max getting into the cake. Like the center peice, lol.
Ashli did a great job with all the food!!! She's a domestic goddess and has the cutest little 5 month old, Lil John. He's such a good baby! I hope he's feeling better now Ashli...
Before the shower, we had planned on giving Max his gift from Aspen. We gave him a real big boy bike because he was going to be a big brother. He LOVED it!
Waiting for Curt to bring in his "Big Brother" gift.
His face was priceless! A BIKE!!
Trying it out
During one of the games, I was having one some fun with the stickers
Super cute onesie, trying it on for size.
My best friend for 21 years, Mandy, holding Max and the little girl is my friend Jessica's little girl, Brittany.
Holding Lil' John, Mandy's nephew
Brittany and Max racing
Max getting into the cake. Like the center peice, lol.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Isn't she a doll?!
I love her little button nose :)
A few cellphone pictures sent a little while ago!
I told my sister that it's no fair that she gets to have babies with hair, lol. I get baldies,
Some new pictures taken from my sis's husband's sister's myspace,
A few cellphone pictures sent a little while ago!
I told my sister that it's no fair that she gets to have babies with hair, lol. I get baldies,
Some new pictures taken from my sis's husband's sister's myspace,
Aunt Brandi
My sister just had her baby girl about an hour ago!!!
Lauren Isabelle was born today at 3:16 weighing in at 6 lbs 3 oz! And she is a long girl...21 inches!!! WOW! I can't wait to see her!! My mom said she has dark curly hair!
Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts!
Lauren Isabelle was born today at 3:16 weighing in at 6 lbs 3 oz! And she is a long girl...21 inches!!! WOW! I can't wait to see her!! My mom said she has dark curly hair!
Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts!
Saturday, April 5, 2008
WAH!
It's so unfair that when you need sleep the most it just isn't happening! The last month of pregnancy is so exhausting for me because I can't sleep! I'm waking up every 20 minutes or so because my hip hurts or my back hurts or someone is kicking my cervix. So everyday I wake up so exhausted. I don't even feel like going to bed anymore because it's just going to be a chore to try and stay asleep all night.
I've taken Tylenol PM on some nights, but then I just wake up so stiff and sore from sleeping in the same position all night, it's just not worth it either.
It's just unfair, that when we should be granted a little extra sleep these last few weeks is when you just can't seem to get any.
Ugh.
Sorry.
that's.
my.
vent.
for.
the.
day.
I've taken Tylenol PM on some nights, but then I just wake up so stiff and sore from sleeping in the same position all night, it's just not worth it either.
It's just unfair, that when we should be granted a little extra sleep these last few weeks is when you just can't seem to get any.
Ugh.
Sorry.
that's.
my.
vent.
for.
the.
day.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Long Day
Yesterday I had what was supposed to be a quick 34 week checkup. Curt had taken the day off, because I had originally thought that this week was Max's Spring Break, but I was mistaken and it's actually next week. So we took Max to MDO and Curt was able to come to my appointment with me.
At my last visit we had talked about Aspen's lack of movement and how I still wasn't feeling her a lot. I was trying not to worry because I knew that this late in the pregnancy movements can decrease a ton, so I just thought that was what was going on. But I've had many days where I couldn't get her to move hardly at all, and I was no where near getting the 5 kicks in an hour that you are supposed to get with kick counts.
I talked to my doctor about how I'm still having the contractions a lot so she checked me again. OMG!!!!! It hurt so so so bad! I really think I'm going to decline anymore internal checks for a while since I'm having a c-section because they just HURT! Plus, where everything is just so small down there (sorry tmi) I doubt I will actually have any dilation at all.
She said that by looking at my belly and her measurements of it, that Aspen looked like she was going to be a tiny baby. She asked how big Max was...he was a normal sized baby, 7lbs 7oz. So she ordered an ultrasound to make sure that everything was ok. She wanted to make sure that my fluid levels were good, because that can sometimes be an issue with lack of movements from baby, and that she is growing ok.
So Curt and I left to go eat lunch because we couldn't get into an u/s appointment until 3:30. He agreed to take me to my favorite restaurant for lunch, a little Persian restaurant downtown. It was SO good!! I could seriously eat there every.single.day.of.my.life!!!!
We then picked up Max from MDO and took him back to our house where Villie met us. She came over to sit with him while we were gone. I wish we could have taken him with us, because he would have LOVED it, but they have a strict policy about no children under 12 allowed in the ultrasound rooms. So she stayed with him while we went back to the doctor's office.
The ultrasound turned out to be SO awesome!! The lady turned the 4D ultrasound on and we got to see some really really cute images of our little girl!! It really was amazing to see her like that! Everything checked out perfectly too! Amniotic fluid levels were good and she was moving around like crazy!
Oh and the best news is, she's flipped head down finally!!! I have no idea when she did that, but it had to have been when sometime within the past few days. But I'm very excited about that!
So after everything was finished, we checked out and we went ahead and made the rest of my appointment for the next month. Can you believe I only have 4 appointments left until she gets here?! I'm on weekly appointments now until D-Day (Delivery Day). It's so hard to imagine that in 4 1/2 weeks I'll be holding my little girl in my arms!! It's SO surreal! I'm just ready for her to be here and for Max to meet her and for him to finally get to see his baby sister!
At my last visit we had talked about Aspen's lack of movement and how I still wasn't feeling her a lot. I was trying not to worry because I knew that this late in the pregnancy movements can decrease a ton, so I just thought that was what was going on. But I've had many days where I couldn't get her to move hardly at all, and I was no where near getting the 5 kicks in an hour that you are supposed to get with kick counts.
I talked to my doctor about how I'm still having the contractions a lot so she checked me again. OMG!!!!! It hurt so so so bad! I really think I'm going to decline anymore internal checks for a while since I'm having a c-section because they just HURT! Plus, where everything is just so small down there (sorry tmi) I doubt I will actually have any dilation at all.
She said that by looking at my belly and her measurements of it, that Aspen looked like she was going to be a tiny baby. She asked how big Max was...he was a normal sized baby, 7lbs 7oz. So she ordered an ultrasound to make sure that everything was ok. She wanted to make sure that my fluid levels were good, because that can sometimes be an issue with lack of movements from baby, and that she is growing ok.
So Curt and I left to go eat lunch because we couldn't get into an u/s appointment until 3:30. He agreed to take me to my favorite restaurant for lunch, a little Persian restaurant downtown. It was SO good!! I could seriously eat there every.single.day.of.my.life!!!!
We then picked up Max from MDO and took him back to our house where Villie met us. She came over to sit with him while we were gone. I wish we could have taken him with us, because he would have LOVED it, but they have a strict policy about no children under 12 allowed in the ultrasound rooms. So she stayed with him while we went back to the doctor's office.
The ultrasound turned out to be SO awesome!! The lady turned the 4D ultrasound on and we got to see some really really cute images of our little girl!! It really was amazing to see her like that! Everything checked out perfectly too! Amniotic fluid levels were good and she was moving around like crazy!
Oh and the best news is, she's flipped head down finally!!! I have no idea when she did that, but it had to have been when sometime within the past few days. But I'm very excited about that!
So after everything was finished, we checked out and we went ahead and made the rest of my appointment for the next month. Can you believe I only have 4 appointments left until she gets here?! I'm on weekly appointments now until D-Day (Delivery Day). It's so hard to imagine that in 4 1/2 weeks I'll be holding my little girl in my arms!! It's SO surreal! I'm just ready for her to be here and for Max to meet her and for him to finally get to see his baby sister!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
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