I had a follow up appointment with my OB this afternoon. Everything looks great! I'm measuring "perfectly" for 15 weeks. Charm's heartbeat was in the 160s and jumped into the 170s when s/he was moving. I'm not feeling movement yet, but the OB explained that the scratching noise we heard on the doppler was movement. Despite feeling rounder every day, the doctor joked, "I thought you were pregnant?!" when looking at my stomach.
Due to a family history of aortic coarctation, we were referred to a pediatric cardiologist when I was ~25 weeks pregnant with Brennan. I asked about being referred again and the doctor agreed that he will send me again later. We'll use the ultrasound through the ob's office as a "screener." This ultrasound will be in 8 weeks. My next ob appointment is in 4 weeks.
I'm feeling great! Still fatigued, but getting much better. Occasional bizarre dreams seem to be the only other symptom...and an expanding waistline!
We've been talking to Brennan more about being a big brother. His response varies daily. Sometimes, he'll reply "I no big brother" or if we ask if he wants a baby at home, he'll answer "No thanks!" Other days, he's more receptive to the idea. Just the other day, we were talking about how he could sing to the baby. He smiled and sweetly began singing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." Mid-way through, he stopped and asked "How about Bob the Builder?" and then asked "Baby like Toy Story?!" We think he may be confused between being a big brother and wearing his big brother shirt. Sometimes when asked about being a big brother, he'll look at his shirt. He enjoys being read his "I'm a Big Brother" book.
Brennan continues to amaze and amuse us every day. He loves identifying numbers and letters. While playing with his foam letters in the bathtub yesterday, he inquired "What sound does ____ say?", imitating the preschool age girls at the babysitter's house. He also enjoys counting objects. With the exception of skipping a few teen numbers, he can count to 20.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
We're Having Another Baby!
We are thrilled to announce that we are having another baby! Our new addition is due August 23, 2012, and we couldn't be more excited!
We've encountered quite the journey to get to this point. A journey we never imagined we would experience. In July and September 2011, we sent babies to heaven far too early. Not a day goes by that we don't think about our angel babies.
Due to our losses, I had several appointments with my OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Specialist. We wanted answers. We wanted solutions. We wanted a baby. Multiple vials of blood later, it was confirmed that MTHFR is my only diagnosis. We knew about this diagnosis prior to conceiving Brennan and treated it with extra folic acid. Because of my diagnosis and two losses, I'm now on Citra Natal (prenatal vitamin and DHA supplement), Folgard, and baby aspirin. I was also prescribed progesterone for the first trimester.
At our initial pregnancy appointment at the OB's office, we were able to see our little miracle with an ultrasound (heartbeat 188 bpm). A beautiful, healthy baby! (Yes, just one!) I heard the heartbeat again (160-165 bpm) at my first appointment with the OB at almost 11 weeks. Hearing a baby's heartbeat is always an amazing sound..and also a sound of relief for a worrying Mommy!
We initially told family and close friends of baby's arrival at Brennan's birthday party. One of his presents from Mommy and Daddy was a "I'm a Big Brother" book. He didn't pay much attention to it, but Grandma Mealy caught on, asking "Is this an announcement?!"
Since my appointment with the OB, I've started telling co-workers about our exciting news. It's been fun telling others and I've been through the full range of emotions: breaking down into tears to being down right giddy.
I can't complain about pregnancy symptoms so far. I had fatigue that seemed to peek around 8 weeks. Adam sent me to bed at 8:30 and I didn't put up a fight most nights.
As with Brennan, we've come up with a nickname for our baby. We've decided on Charm. As in "third time's a charm" and "good luck charm." This baby is a miracle and we can't wait to meet him/her!
We've encountered quite the journey to get to this point. A journey we never imagined we would experience. In July and September 2011, we sent babies to heaven far too early. Not a day goes by that we don't think about our angel babies.
Due to our losses, I had several appointments with my OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Specialist. We wanted answers. We wanted solutions. We wanted a baby. Multiple vials of blood later, it was confirmed that MTHFR is my only diagnosis. We knew about this diagnosis prior to conceiving Brennan and treated it with extra folic acid. Because of my diagnosis and two losses, I'm now on Citra Natal (prenatal vitamin and DHA supplement), Folgard, and baby aspirin. I was also prescribed progesterone for the first trimester.
At our initial pregnancy appointment at the OB's office, we were able to see our little miracle with an ultrasound (heartbeat 188 bpm). A beautiful, healthy baby! (Yes, just one!) I heard the heartbeat again (160-165 bpm) at my first appointment with the OB at almost 11 weeks. Hearing a baby's heartbeat is always an amazing sound..and also a sound of relief for a worrying Mommy!
We initially told family and close friends of baby's arrival at Brennan's birthday party. One of his presents from Mommy and Daddy was a "I'm a Big Brother" book. He didn't pay much attention to it, but Grandma Mealy caught on, asking "Is this an announcement?!"
Since my appointment with the OB, I've started telling co-workers about our exciting news. It's been fun telling others and I've been through the full range of emotions: breaking down into tears to being down right giddy.
I can't complain about pregnancy symptoms so far. I had fatigue that seemed to peek around 8 weeks. Adam sent me to bed at 8:30 and I didn't put up a fight most nights.
As with Brennan, we've come up with a nickname for our baby. We've decided on Charm. As in "third time's a charm" and "good luck charm." This baby is a miracle and we can't wait to meet him/her!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Family Hug
Over the past few nights, we've started a new step in Brennan's bed time routine. Per his request, we have a "family hug"...or three or four! Then, with a giggle and a "muah!", he gently pushes Mommy and Daddy's heads together for a smooch!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
2 Year Portraits!
We had Brennan's 2 year portraits taken today. Despite our best efforts, we fell victim to the cuteness and deals of Portrait Innovations and have a lot of pictures! It was hard to narrow them down. Who can resist such incredible cuteness?!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
2 Year Check Up
Brennan had his two year well-baby check up today. He spent most of the appointment investigating the room, climbing onto chairs, chatting, and looking at books/magazines. The pediatrician was pleased with his development, commenting that he is excelling in his milestones. He was particularly pleased with his language, commenting that he has the "best language I've heard from a two year old boy in a long time!"
Unfortunately, Brennan has another ear infection. After a recent cold, we wondered if it was a possibility. Luckily, his mood wasn't impacted and he likes to take medicine!
We got the green light to slowly introduce peanut butter. We tried a bit on a cracker the night of his appointment and he loved it! Appropriately, and coincidentally, it was National Peanut Butter Day! We've tried it again a few more times with no noticeable reactions!
Current stats:
Height: 38 inches (97th percentile)
Weight: 30.4 lbs (75th percentile)
Unfortunately, Brennan has another ear infection. After a recent cold, we wondered if it was a possibility. Luckily, his mood wasn't impacted and he likes to take medicine!
We got the green light to slowly introduce peanut butter. We tried a bit on a cracker the night of his appointment and he loved it! Appropriately, and coincidentally, it was National Peanut Butter Day! We've tried it again a few more times with no noticeable reactions!
Current stats:
Height: 38 inches (97th percentile)
Weight: 30.4 lbs (75th percentile)
Saturday, January 21, 2012
2 Years Old!
Brennan is 2 years old! It's seems like just yesterday, we were bringing home our new baby. He's quickly transformed into a wonderful, amazing young man!
-His love of books and reading continues. Occasionally, one can hear him "reading" some of his favorite books to himself, having memorized all of the words.
-He's showing more interest in movies and television, but doesn't last long when watching shows, usually attending for about 5 minutes. Current favorite show requests are Sesame Street, Super Why, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Toy Story ("Woody, Buzz, Jesse, Dinosaur, and Mr. Potato Head movie")
-He can identify many numbers (0-9) and letters. It's neat to see him identify letters and numbers in his environment!
-His pronunciation of words is improving every day! What was once "ba-ghetti" is now "spaghetti" and "hippo-anna-potamus" is now "hippopotamus." He still has some cute mispronunciations. One of our current favorites is "Snuffy-atticus" for the Sesame Street character, "Snuffaluffagus", aka "Snuffy"
-We also hear more sentences every day. Some recent examples include "My turn in Daddy's chair", "I want more ______, please", "(toy) fell down!", "I neeeeeed ______", correcting Mommy and Daddy when they don't say "please" or "you're welcome" fast enough, and "I said please!" when not receiving his request fast enough.
-He's showing more interest in dress himself. He can put his shirts over his head and put his legs in his pants. He can also completely remove his pajamas.
-We celebrated Brennan's birthday with a Dr. Seuss themed party. He had a great time spending the day with friends and family. This was the first time he seemed to "understand" presents. After opening a gift and briefly investigating it, he moved onto the next gift. This is far different from just a few weeks ago at Christmas where he only wanted to play with the first gift and needed much encouragement to open another present.
-Our wonderful friends Jenn, Madison, Susan, and Scott came from Cincinnati to celebrate on his actual birthday weekend. When being told that he is two years old, Brennan responded "No, no, I one first!" or "No, no, I one!"
-His love of books and reading continues. Occasionally, one can hear him "reading" some of his favorite books to himself, having memorized all of the words.
-He's showing more interest in movies and television, but doesn't last long when watching shows, usually attending for about 5 minutes. Current favorite show requests are Sesame Street, Super Why, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Toy Story ("Woody, Buzz, Jesse, Dinosaur, and Mr. Potato Head movie")
-He can identify many numbers (0-9) and letters. It's neat to see him identify letters and numbers in his environment!
-His pronunciation of words is improving every day! What was once "ba-ghetti" is now "spaghetti" and "hippo-anna-potamus" is now "hippopotamus." He still has some cute mispronunciations. One of our current favorites is "Snuffy-atticus" for the Sesame Street character, "Snuffaluffagus", aka "Snuffy"
-We also hear more sentences every day. Some recent examples include "My turn in Daddy's chair", "I want more ______, please", "(toy) fell down!", "I neeeeeed ______", correcting Mommy and Daddy when they don't say "please" or "you're welcome" fast enough, and "I said please!" when not receiving his request fast enough.
-He's showing more interest in dress himself. He can put his shirts over his head and put his legs in his pants. He can also completely remove his pajamas.
-We celebrated Brennan's birthday with a Dr. Seuss themed party. He had a great time spending the day with friends and family. This was the first time he seemed to "understand" presents. After opening a gift and briefly investigating it, he moved onto the next gift. This is far different from just a few weeks ago at Christmas where he only wanted to play with the first gift and needed much encouragement to open another present.
-Our wonderful friends Jenn, Madison, Susan, and Scott came from Cincinnati to celebrate on his actual birthday weekend. When being told that he is two years old, Brennan responded "No, no, I one first!" or "No, no, I one!"
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Christmas 2011
Our Christmas was wonderful--full of family, food, and celebration!
Grandma and Grandpa Mealy spent Christmas weekend with us in Sandusky. We hosted lunch on Christmas Eve with Grandma and Grandpa Mealy, Grandma and Grandpa Swartz, Uncle Matt, Aunt Adrianna, Uncle Will, Ava, Corinne, and Elise.
We spent Christmas day at home with Grandma and Grandpa Mealy, and later with Grammy and Uncle Matt. Brennan enjoyed having so many visitors and loves his new toys!
The following weekend, we traveled to Cincinnati to celebrate Christmas (and Mommy and Daddy's 6th wedding anniversary!) with the entire Mealy clan. The house was full of laughter with all 8 grandchildren, 7 years and younger! We were also able to meet up with our great friends, Jenn, Susan, Scott, and Miss Madison.
Mommy, Brennan, and Daddy on Christmas Day
Grandma and Grandpa Mealy spent Christmas weekend with us in Sandusky. We hosted lunch on Christmas Eve with Grandma and Grandpa Mealy, Grandma and Grandpa Swartz, Uncle Matt, Aunt Adrianna, Uncle Will, Ava, Corinne, and Elise.
We spent Christmas day at home with Grandma and Grandpa Mealy, and later with Grammy and Uncle Matt. Brennan enjoyed having so many visitors and loves his new toys!
The following weekend, we traveled to Cincinnati to celebrate Christmas (and Mommy and Daddy's 6th wedding anniversary!) with the entire Mealy clan. The house was full of laughter with all 8 grandchildren, 7 years and younger! We were also able to meet up with our great friends, Jenn, Susan, Scott, and Miss Madison.
Mommy, Brennan, and Daddy on Christmas Day
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