Getting closer!

I had another trip to the ob today for a checkup! My blood pressure was good (100/64) and his heartbeat is "nice and steady." He's now measuring at 35 weeks...still a bit behind, but there was growth from last week. The ob is happy that we're going to have an "average sized" baby. He asked if I was having any Braxton Hicks contractions. I admitted that I don't know what they feel like, but explained what I've experienced. Basically, my stomach will get tighter, but I'm unsure if it's a contraction or a stretch. He thinks it's probably BH contractions. GBS screening came back negative. My cervix is getting softer, but no other signs of progression. I go back next week for another check up and ultrasound. It will be with the office's midwife, due to scheduling conflicts.

We met with a potential in-home babysitter this evening. She was highly recommended by one of the principals that works in my school district. We enjoyed chatting with her, her husband, 15 year old daughter, and 11 year old son. I think we've found our babysitter! She has ~21 years of experience, is located very close to our house, and was very kind and knowledgeble. It's a relief to know that we'll have someone to watch him once I go back to work.

Latest pregnancy symptom: Body heat! I'm used to being constantly cold--wearing layers and blankets throughout the winter. Not anymore!

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas was wonderful! We traveled to my sister and brother-in-law's house in Brecksville, only about an hour away--a safe travel distance for this time in our pregnancy. We had a great time! Luckily, the entire family, including my parents and both of my sisters and their families were able to be there. The "kids" (Tobin, 5; Zac, 5; Ava, 4) spent most of their time playing in the basement, while the "babies" (Eliana, 2; Corinne 11 months; Elise, 11 months) were entertained by the adults upstairs. We loved visiting with everyone and watching our nieces and nephews. I often imagined next year, when we'll have another little one adding to the fun and laughter!

On the 26th, the entire gang traveled to our house for dinner. Initially, I was afraid that we wouldn't have anything to entertain the "kids", since we don't have many toys for them to play with and it was too muddy for them to play on the swing set in the backyard. Boy, was I wrong! They loved the Wii, including participating in several Wii Fit activities. The laughter and giggles were nearly shaking the house!


After dinner, everyone headed out. During our goodbyes, I came to the realization that next time we see them, we'll be introducing our little guy!

We hope that all of you also had a wonderful, blessed, and enjoyable Christmas!

Still baking!

Today marked the first of my weekly appointments with the OB! Everything with baby and mommy continues to look good. His heartbeat sounded "great" and my blood pressure is 104/74. No dilation or effacement, so baby still needs some time to bake. He continues to lay head down. According to the OB's measurement, he's measuring around 34 weeks, which wasn't significantly larger than my last appointment two weeks ago. The doctor wasn't concerned about this and said we should expect an "average" sized baby, which he clarified to be around 7 lbs. Later in the appointment, during the question and answer portion, I asked if I would have another ultrasound. I was told by the ultrasound technician several weeks ago that it may be a possibility due to the MTHFR. "Just for kicks", the OB scheduled me for an ultrasound in two weeks to check on the baby's growth, amount of amniotic fluid, weight estimate, etc. Baby continues to move around frequently and especially likes to stretch. He also gets the hiccups several times a day. The OB explained that this is a good sign that he's strengthening his diaphram and moving fluid throughout his lungs.

The nursery is almost complete! We have a few more things to organize/put away, and then all we need is a baby! Pictures to come soon.

Baby Shower!

Our baby shower was this weekend! It was wonderful to be surrounded by friends and family, celebrating the upcoming arrival of our little guy! The shower was held at our house, so guests were able to see our new home. Each guest could decorate a onesie, which turned out great! We also played a Price Is Right game, a baby item memory game, and (of course!) estimated the size of my belly with toilet paper. There was delicious food, fun games, generous gifts, and a wonderful time had by all! Thanks, everyone!

Adorable diaper cake

Blanket/Onesie/Wash cloth lollipops and candy

Cake..yummy!

Sara (23 weeks) and I showing off our "baby bumps"

Jenn and Madison!

Party guests

Beautiful (and upside down...oops) Ohio State quilt!

Wonderful women!

Mommy and Daddy to be!

Our little family!

35 Weeks!

I had another doctor's appointment this afternoon. Everything looks good! My next appointment is in two weeks. Starting at that appointment, I'll have more in depth exams to check my progress, so I'll have different types of stats to report. I'll also start going weekly. Baby remains head down and is very unlikely to flip this late in the pregnancy, which is good news.

I asked the doctor if he would be present for the delivery, or if it would be the doctor in the practice that is on-call. I've had a not-so-positive experience with one of the doctors-basically not feeling like he listened to what I wanted in regards to determining if I have MTHFR. My doctor's response was that I'll have whomever is on-call unless I'm willing to be induced. Depending on my natural progress, he thought it may be a good idea to be induced late in the game because of the MTHFR. After learning about the possible negative effects of inductions, basically forcing your body to do something it's not ready for yet, I'm hesitant to go this route. Right now, I'm thinking I'll wait and go into labor naturally. If I have the non-preferred doctor, Adam and I will make sure that we're not talked into things we don't want to do unless absolutely necessary.

I'm meeting with my substitute at work tomorrow. I'm lucky to have a sub and am very thankful! I know her from graduate school and know she's reliable and will do a good job. I've been working hard to get ahead on cases and prepping my school teams for my leave...but it's impossible to get everything done and predict what will happen while I'm out!

The comments I'm getting from others continue to amuse me. In the matter of a day, I could hear, "You don't even look pregnant" to "You're really popping today!"

Pomp and Circumstance

Adam and I have graduated from Childbirth Education classes! Our class was Friday evening and all day Saturday. It was a small group, only two other couples and our instructor, which was nice. We covered a wide range of topics: the stages of labor, terminology we might hear, anatomy, breathing, positions, medications for pain relief, natural techniques for pain relief, circumstances that may lead to inductions, procedures/medication/natural methods for inductions, ways to avoid inductions, circumstances that may lead to c-sections, what will happen immediately after baby is born, what baby will look like after he is born, items to bring to the hospital, items to bring in our "labor tool kit", postpartum recovery, opportunities to practice positions and breathing, car seat safety, a tour of the labor and delivery floor, and much, much, more. We already knew most of the information, but it was nice to have a review and learn a bit more. It was exciting, eye-opening, and helped to make things even more "real." We'll be back at the hospital again next weekend to fill out our paperwork, etc. so we won't have to worry about it when "the time" comes!

6 Weeks To Go!

I think I've determined that Baby is a fan of Christmas music, thanks to local radio stations playing holiday music 24/7. I've been listening to it on my way home from work, and he seems to move around quite a bit when it's playing. Maybe it's because he can hear it better, because who can resist turning the radio up just a little louder during your favorite Christmas jingle? Or maybe it's because he's trying to tell me to stop attempting to sing along (Admit it, you join in, too!)?

Only 6 more weeks until our due date!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends and family! This is always a very exciting and happy time of year--but even more so this year! We have so much to be thankful for! Thank you all for being such a wonderful part of our lives!

I had another doctor's appointment this afternoon. Adam was able to come along and meet the doctor. Everything continues to look great!

Blood pressure: 120/70
Baby's heartbeat: 148-152
Weight: "Pretty darn awesome"
Measurement: "Right on target"

We decided last weekend that we would get our H1N1 vaccines. Adam was my final persuasion, reminding me that I work in several schools with sick kids and that we want to do everything we can to protect ourselves and our son. Our experience was pretty uneventful. We were at the location (nearby fairgrounds) a little after 7:00am, with vaccines starting at 7:30am, and we were on our way by 7:45am. It took a bit of pleading to convince them to give Adam the vaccine, too. The nurses gave us the shots through the car windows and we were on our way.

Our house is wonderful! We have a few pictures to hang and organization to finish, but we're all moved in!

31 weeks down, 9 to go!

I had another positive doctor's appointment this afternoon.
Blood pressure: "Nice and low."
Heartbeat: "Good and strong."
Measurement: "Perfect."
Water retention: "None, looking good."

My next appointment is in two weeks. Let's hope the good news keeps coming!

We're loving our new house! We're continuing to work on cleaning and have a few boxes left to unpack. We've also worked on insulating our windows in preparation for the winter. Our large picture bay window is wonderful, but probably not the most efficient in the winter! Most of the work is done on the weekends...I'm typically worn out by the end of a work day and complete a small amount before I'm ready to call it a day.

Home Sweet Home!

We're officially moved into our house! It's been an exhausting process, but we're very excited and thankful!

We received our keys on Sunday afternoon. Throughout the week, we brought over boxes and began cleaning. Adam also worked hard on painting the nursery, which turned out great! Most of the moving and cleaning occurred over the weekend. We're very thankful for everyone that traveled to help us out. The to-do lists continued to grow as the weekend progressed as cleaning projects and simple fix-it jobs became more labor intensive than originally anticipated. We were able to meet many of our new neighbors through treat-or-treating. It was a very exciting and tiring process. Thanks again to all of our helpers! We couldn't have completed the packing, loading, unloading, unpacking, deep cleaning, repair jobs, and organizing without you! A special thanks to my parents, who completed all of the above jobs three days in a row!

It's a great feeling to be in OUR house! Visitors are always welcome!

Third Trimester!

Today marks 28 weeks-- We're officially in the third trimester!

I had my glucose test over the weekend. The drink wasn't as bad as I anticipated. I had heard horror stories about it being carbonated and the drink's texture. My beverage wasn't carbonated, nor did it have an atypical texture. It reminded me of orange snow cone flavoring, without the typical dilution from the ice. I haven't heard back from the hospital, so I'm assuming I passed. No news is good news! Since my blood type is rh negative, I also received my rhogam shot. Two needle pokes before noon on a Saturday isn't my idea of fun, but I'll do whatever it takes!

We're signed up for Childbirth Education classes. Our class is a Friday night and all-day Saturday in early December.

I had another monthly appointment with my OB this afternoon. Everything continues to look good! Blood pressure is good. No water retention/swelling. Heartbeat at 155 bpm. I'm measuring at 28 weeks. I asked him again about the H1N1 vaccine. I've received my regular flu shot, but haven't decided on this vaccine. He explained that the CDC is recommending that everyone receive both vaccines, yet he does not feel comfortable getting the H1N1 vaccine. He continues to worry about the lack of research on pregnant women. Instead of getting the vaccine, another option would be getting TamiFlu immediately (within 48 hours) if I start experiencing symptoms. He explained that, with the swine flu, symptoms hit hard and strong and would be obvious. TamiFlu has been researched on pregnant women. Obviously, the decision is up to us, but I'm leaning towards this option. My next appointment with the OB is in three weeks. Afterwards, I'll start going every other week.

In other news, we close on our house this Friday! We'll get the keys on Sunday and have until the following Saturday to vacate our apartment. Next week, we'll take car loads of boxes over, clean, paint, etc. each night. Adam will be doing most of the work and I'll help out as much as I can. We have help lined up for the weekend to move big items, etc.--Thanks in advance!

Countdowns

Today marks exactly three months until baby's due date! Time flies! Everything is going very well and he's growing more and more everyday. His favorite place is in between my hip bones, which isn't the most comfortable place for me. Fortunately, with a bit of encouragement, he will normally move up.

Only 10 more days until we close on our first house! We're scheduled to gain possession on the 25th and have until the 31st to be out of our apartment. We've been keeping busy organizing and packing.

I'm planning to do my glucose test this weekend. The OB nurse described the liquid I have to drink as "flat orange pop". It should be interesting! I'll also get my rhogam shot while I'm at the hospital.

Growing big and strong

I had another follow up appointment with my ob this morning, including an ultrasound. Everything looks great! My blood pressure is good and the doctor was impressed that I'm not retaining any water.

Baby and I are measuring at 24 weeks (due date Jan 13). My original due date was Jan 21, based on time lines. Since it's less than 10 days difference, they aren't officially changing my date. Since all signs point to Jan 13, that's what I'm sticking to. Based on the ultrasound, his estimated weight is 1 lb 7 oz.

Before my next appointment (10/21), I need to complete a blood glucose test and receive a rhogam shot, since my blood type is A negative.

Baby has been very active recently. I love it! He even surprised the ultrasound technician a few times this morning with his kicks and punches. She explained that he's building his muscle tone by moving around...if he keeps this up, he's going to look like a body builder by the time he's born! Adam has been able to feel and see him move, too...it's great to share this experience with him!

Baby's face! What a handsome little man!

Baby feet!

"Bleacher shot" (Dear son, please forgive me for posting such exposing pictures!)

Hand (thumb is hidden). Hello, world!

Side shot of a lounging boy. Arm is on top, bent. Leg on bottom, bent.

Right to left - Head, arm/hand, leg.

Future Occupation: Heart Model

Adam and I met with the pediatric cardiologist this morning for baby's fetal echo. The doctor explained that, while they wouldn't be able to determine an aortic coarctation because of the current development stage of his heart, they would be able to locate abnormalities. I'm happy to report that baby's heart is developing perfectly and is currently the size of a small strawberry. The doctor and his assistants gave many compliments: "That's a beautiful (insert medical terminology)!", "What a perfect (insert medical terminology)!" and even joked that he should be a heart model. He didn't recommend returning for another exam, but said that we could come back again in the third trimester if we would like. We'll also need to mention the family history to his pediatrician.

Movin' on up

After nearly a week of counter offers, we're one step closer to being home owners! Our offer was accepted on Monday! Now we're on to finalizing our loan, getting the home inspection, and starting to pack up our apartment. It's a very exciting, and busy, time!

Expansion

Baby and Mommy are growing bigger by the day! I continue to get comments about how small I look, but I think I'm out of the "is she pregnant or just gaining weight?" stage. Recently, I've been able to feel him moving around in addition to kicks. I can also feel him while standing and sitting instead of only when I'm laying down. The most active times are after I eat and in the evenings. I love feeling him move around..inside and out!

I received a call today to schedule my fetal echo. We're heading back to Toledo next Tuesday to meet with the pediatric cardiologist. Then, it's back to the ob on Wednesday for a check up and an ultrasound with their technician. It will be a busy two days of appointments, but I'm excited to see him again and make sure that he's growing big and strong!

In other news, we put an offer on a house tonight! We've been looking at several houses in the immediate area and found one that is perfect for our growing family. We'll keep you updated on the progress!

It's a BOY!!

Adam and I traveled to Toledo for my peri appointment. We came home with several pictures of our son! He was definitely not shy in proving his gender (see pictures below).

The doctor would like me to return in four weeks for another check-up and a fetal echo with a pediatric cardiologist due to a history of a heart condition in my family. They also want me to undergo additional bloodword to verify that I'm not a carrier for any chromosomal heart defects.

Everything looks great and he is measuring "perfectly!"

Clear proof that baby is a boy!

Leg (on top), arm/hand (on left)-pointing to the proof. No, he's not shy.

"Hi!" Face, looking towards you

Top of head. Check out that brain!

Profile

Close up...check out my good looks!

Foot

Outfits, Crib, and Kicks, Oh My!

My sister, Adrianna, had a garage sale this past weekend. We went to help out and came home with quite the loot! We have two boxes of clothes (girl, boy, and neutral), car seat cover, bath tub, activity mat, and diaper bag!

We may have found a deal on a crib! One of Adam's coworkers was planning to put their crib on Ebay. Prior to posting it, the offered it to us. Adam took a look at it today and everything seems good and safe. He'll likely bring it home with him tomorrow. Now we just have to find a place to put it...

Adam felt the baby kick! He wasn't able to feel each of them, but he felt one kick last night and smiled from ear to ear! I'm typically able to feel movement after lunch and in the evenings. Baby also likes to kick when I wear non-maternity/elastic waist pants. It's as if s/he is saying "Hey Mom! There's no room in here!"

Ultrasound on Thursday afternoon!!

Almost halfway there!

I had another check up with the OB today. Everything looks great! My blood pressure is "very good" and baby's heartbeat ranged from 148-152.

I asked about the ever popular H1N1 vaccine. The doctor was undecided about it, expressing concerns about unknown side effects and the rush to increase production. He said the American Board of Obstetricians has not decided if they support it yet. He seems to have the same viewpoint I have: if I need it, I'll get it, but I don't want to be a guinea pig, not knowing possible side effects, etc. His official answer right now: "I don't know."

I go back for another appointment in 5 weeks (September 23rd) for another check up and an ultrasound!

Next week: Follow up appointment with the Peri, complete with an ultrasound! Let's hope baby cooperates and doesn't cross it's legs!

I've felt the baby move more often! It's wonderful! I'm anxious for the day that Adam can feel it moving, too!

First Flutters?!

For the past few days I think I've felt the baby moving! Since I've never been pregnant before, I can't say for certain, but I seem to have the tell-tale symptoms: Random light flutters, similar to muscle twitches. I typically feel it in the evening, shortly after dinner, while sitting/laying. It's wonderful! Baby must have been saying "hi" to Daddy a few nights ago, it was moving quite a bit when Adam had his hand on my stomach while we were laying in bed.

What does that say?!

Lesson learned: Don't purchase a book listing 100,001 baby names. It's a waste of money unless you want to name your child something that most people will not be able to pronounce. Adam and I were able to go through pages at a time without seeing a name that caught our interest. Our copy has since been returned and we're using shorter, yet more helpful, lists. No decisions yet.

I received the results of my First Trimester Screening tests. Everything was normal!

Tribute to a Hero

We traveled to Cincinnati over the weekend for the memorial service of Timothy Becker. Tim is the father of my best friend, Jenn, and for the last decade, he has been affectionately referred to as my "Dad #2." Nearly seven years ago, Tim was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. He fought the horrible disease courageously, despite frequent difficulties and set backs. Following the service, Tim and Sue's house was packed with loved ones, celebrating his wonderful life. He will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Timothy Becker
June 25, 1941 - July 21, 2009

Back to the OB

I had another monthly appointment with the OB today. I hoped they would have received the results from the peri, but due to a very recent office location move, they didn't have them yet. I relayed as much as I could about the peri appointment and was able to get some answers. The extra fluid the peri mentioned is between the membranes and uterus. As baby, mom, etc. grows, the fluid will be less significant. The OB predicted that, by the time of my next ultrasound, we likely won't even notice it.

I'm continuing to measure on target and the baby's heartbeat was in the 140's, nice and strong!

Next appointments:
OB: August 19
Peri: August 27 (The *big* ultrasound!)

Appointment with the Peri

I had an appointment with a peri in Toledo on July 16th. Along with the peri in Cleveland, he also does not recommend additional anti-coagulant medication. He thought that additional folic acid, which I'm currently taking, will be sufficient. He also did not feel it is necessary that I take baby aspirin anymore. My progress will continue to be monitored closely, either through my regular OB or through the peri. I was relieved to hear that injections weren't necessary!

After looking at ultrasound pictures, the peri was concerned about an area of additional fluid. Unfortunately, we're unable to determine what the fluid is. He recommended immediately discontinuing daily baby aspirin, in case the fluid is blood, and prescribed rest and relaxation. For the next 4-6 weeks, no exercise other than walking, lots of rest, etc. I'm horrible with coming up with questions on the spot for doctors, but of course, had many immediately following the appointment. Luckily, I have an appointment with my OB this week and hope to get more information.

The absolute best part of the appointment was the ultrasound! I was bummed that Adam wasn't there to share in the first experience, but the technician promised that I could take pictures with me. It was amazing to see the baby, watch it kick and hiccup, see the heart beating, and know that it is growing inside of me! It's heartbeat was 154, which I was told was nice and strong. Based on it's size and development, Baby's due date was moved up! He or she is now due January 13, 2010! That's right, it's a week ahead of the original schedule...we have an advanced baby on our hands!

Enough talk...let's see pictures!!

Michigan vacation

My parents, niece, and I traveled to the UP of Michigan for a week to visit my sister and her family. It was a wonderful vacation and I always enjoy being surrounded by family! The weather didn’t fully cooperate, as it was chilly and rainy almost every day. But our days were full of fun activities nonetheless. Watching and playing with my nephews and nieces (Tobin, 5; Zac 5; Ava 4; Eliana 19 months) was great! Sure, there were tears and tattling…but the love and laughter outweighed it all and made me all the more excited for our little one on the way!

Meeting the doctor

I met the OB for the first time on June 26, 2009. While reviewing my information, he noted that I was going to be “a challenge right from the start”, referring to being diagnosed with MTHFR, my sister’s pregnancy and health history, and two sets of twins already in my immediate family. Upon being diagnosed the MTHFR in September 2008, the perinatalogist I saw did not recommend using additional anti-coagulants such as the daily injections my sister received. Just to be sure, the OB referred me to another peri for a second opinion. He did recommend continuing my daily concoction of medicine: prenatal vitamin, 2 folic acid pills, baby aspirin, and Expecta.

The most exciting part of the appointment was hearing the baby’s heartbeat! The doctor chuckled when I asked if there was only one heartbeat. He replied that there is one and that I’m measuring on target for having a singleton.

First appointment

I had my first doctor’s appointment on June 3, 2009. I met with a nurse to review medical history, took a blood test, and received a bag full of reading material. I thought they might check for a heartbeat or do an ultrasound, but I would have to wait for a later appointment. They confirmed our due date as January 21, 2010.

So far, I can’t complain about pregnancy symptoms. My main symptom is fatigue and naps are a regular occurrence. Luckily, the school year at work is winding down and summer break is just around the corner.

Is this some kind of announcement?

Flashback to Christmas morning: Adam and I were spending the holiday with his family. For some unknown reason, we resorted to our childhoods and were both wide awake at 5am. We were planning to try to conceive that spring, so my mind wondered to ways we could tell our families.

Adam and I were planning to go to Cincinnati for the weekend shortly after discovering we were pregnant. We thought it would be perfect time to begin telling people because we were going to see several family members. I told Adam about my thoughts on Christmas morning. My primary thought was using a posed picture to share our exciting news. Taking the picture by ourselves was comical…figuring out the camera timer, propping the camera, finding the best angle, making sure not to block the flash, etc.

Just after sitting at the table to eat, we handed the picture to my parents. The room fell silent. My dad opened the envelope, commenting that it was a nice picture. Then, he smirked and asked “Is this some kind of announcement?” My heart was beating out of my chest and I was bursting with excitement as I nodded with a smile from ear to ear.

We didn’t have immediate plans to see Adam’s parents, but didn’t want to keep them out of the loop. While still in Cincinnati , he called them to relay the good news. We were planning to tell Matt, his brother that is living with us, in person when we returned to Sandusky . While we were still out of town, their mom called Matt to ask if he was excited about being an uncle. Matt, very confused, immediately called Adam for clarification!

Is that a line?!

Coincidentally, the earliest date we were able to test with decent accuracy was Mother’s Day weekend. Adam and I had discussed waiting until Sunday. Early Saturday morning, I woke up excited and anxious. After tossing and turning with anticipation, I woke up Adam and asked if I could take the test a day early. Groggily, he agreed although he reminded me that we were going to wait until Sunday. I hopped out of bed, took the test, and forced myself to not look at it for the mandatory three minutes. A very, very faint line appeared and I ran the test to Adam, still in bed.

Our conversation went something like this: “Is that a line?!” “I think it’s a line!” “I think it’s a line, too, but I can barely see it!” “Is that really a line?!” After researching online, everything I read told me that a line is a line!

Thankfully, the tests were buy one box, get one free. So I was able to test again on Monday, a few days later, and a few days after that to reassure myself. There was no doubt a line was present anymore!

Welcome! We’re glad you’ve stopped by!

Welcome to our blog! Expecting our first child is very exciting time in our lives, and we hope this website helps our friends and families join us on our journey. Plus, a blog is a Mealy daughter tradition!