All Because Two People Fell In Love=)

Catching Up On Jude

2011-12-26T06:39:00.000-08:00

Wow... been a loonnnggg time! Jude will be 2 years old this week! He is amazing. He's a walking, talking, skipping, jumping (***hitting, kicking, crying, screaming***) joy! We love him soo much. He got tubes in his ears in October and he has been talking soo much since then. He repeats everything you say (when he's in the mood for it). He loves to read (especially his Thomas books or Polka Dot Puppy book) and watch tv and play on anyone's iphone thats around and run and run and run. Noah and Andrew and Jude were fast friends from the beginning. He seemed to like playing with the older boys for a long time. He's now starting to play with Caleb more and it's so cute hearing them chatter and laugh together. Right now he's obsessed with dinosaurs but he's gone thru the Thomas phase (and still loves playing with his trains) and Curious George phase (and still put his monkey to bed every night) and Kipper phase.

Here are some of my favorite pictures...

2010-06-28T18:36:00.001-07:00

Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing and butter the bread,
Sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue
(lullaby, rock-a-bye, Lullaby loo).
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(pat-a-cake, darling, and peek-peek-a-boo).
The shopping is not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there is a hullabaloo.
But I'm playing "Kanga" and this is my "Roo."
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?
(lullaby, rock-a-bye, lullaby loo).

The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

Ruth Hulburt Hamilton, 1958

Jude's 3rd Month In Pictures

2010-06-07T07:01:00.000-07:00

Not sure of measurements
0-3 clothes
Size 2 diapers

Jude's 2nd Month in Pictures

2010-05-13T06:28:00.000-07:00

12 lbs 12 oz
23 inches
NB and 0-3 clothes
Size 1 diapers

Jude's First Month in Pictures

2010-04-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

10 lbs 11 oz
21.5 inches
NB clothes
NB diapers

Jude Meets His Family

2010-01-29T06:22:00.000-08:00

Uncle Brian

Leila and Ethan

Andrew

Mammy

Aunt Katie, Noah and Caleb

Caleb

Nana

Mommy

Daddy

Pappy

Mimi

Papa B

Jude's Birth Story - Part 2 - Delivery

2009-12-30T17:58:00.000-08:00

Pushing was hard. Extremely hard. The hardest thing I've ever done in my life. I wouldn't describe it as painful, just extremely tiring. I had to basically do a sit-up and hold up my legs while pushing out something that I couldn't feel. And it felt never-ending. I pushed from 12:15 a.m. - 1:52 a.m. Almost 2 hours. And they upped my pitocin while I was pushing to make my contractions closer together. So, I pushed for 4 sets of 10 seconds, every 1 minute. I didn't scream, or cry, or curse. It took soo much out of me that all I could do was be in that moment. And during my breaks all I could do was breathe. I think I was soo overwhelmed because I figured pushing would be the easy part. Everyone that I talked to said that they pushed 4 or 5 times and the baby shot out. So I was definitely not prepared. I thought they'd tell me that I needed a c-section at any moment. After a long time they ended up having to use the vacuum. I learned later that Jude's cord was wrapped around his neck 2 times, so every time I'd push him out a little, the cord pulled him back in.

But at 1:52 a.m., my beautiful little boy was placed on my chest...

My first thought was that I just gave birth to a 2 foot Jimmy =) He was seriously his "mini-me". It may be unconventional to admit, and I'm sorry to say it, but it wasn't love at first sight. I was so overwhelmed and spent that I couldn't concentrate. I was filled with guilt for Jude being vacuumed out because I'm sure it was very painful for him. All I could say is "I'm so sorry baby" over and over again.

He was taken away to be cleaned up and weighed and measured. The doctor started stitching up my tears and dealing with the afterbirth. I have to say that this was by far the most painful part. She kept pushing on my uterus and I could feel each stitch. It hurt...a lot! This process also took a lot longer than I thought it would. Probably a good hour.

Jimmy brought Jude to me but I was still shaking so much that I asked him to just hold him for me. I didn't want to drop him. I held him for about 30 mins before the nurse came to give him a bath. We made it to our room at about 4:30 a.m. and went straight to sleep! It had been a loonnngg day.

Jude's Birth Story - Part 1 - Labor

2009-12-29T11:02:00.000-08:00

Holy cow... labor was a piece of cake. I didn't sleep well Sunday night. I've always been the type that is too anxious to sleep if I have something planned big for the day ahead. We got to the hospital at 6 a.m. The nurses welcomed me and got me all set up. I got my IV and was started on my penicillin since I was GBS+. The nurse checked me at about 7 am. I was 1 cm and 80% effaced but my cervix was still very high. I was apparently already contracting every 4 mins but I had no idea.

Dr. Nwadike gave me one dose if cytotec at 8 a.m. This would help my cervix come down, start contractions and help dialate. At noon, the doc inserted another pill. Contractions started getting ever so slightly painful 2 hrs later. At 3:18 I was checked again. 3 cm and 80%. She decided to break my water. As she was checking me I felt like I peed and she said my water ruptured already. She did it again anyway. After that, it slowly came out. Definitely fely pretty gross.

They put an internal monitor in because contractions weren't showing up. Apparently I was contracting a lot! She started pitocin and said the anesthesiologist would be leaving soon for the day so if I wanted one i might get it now before the pain got unbearable and she said it would start fast.

Contractions were just a bit more painful when I got my epi. Epi didn't hurt at all!!! That's what I was most scared of. When I sat up to get it a lot more water came out.

Checked again at 4 pm (an hour after the last time) after the epi and I was a 4! Jimmy and I just relaxed and played on the internet and watched t.v. Just enjoyed our last hours as a childless couple while dreaming of our babe. Holly, Mom, Dad, Katie and Michelle came to visit at various times in the day and everyone else called or texted to check up on me.

I was checked again at 6 and I was 6 cm. Checked again at 8 and I was still a 6. I was a little upset about that because the normal rate of progression is a cm an hour. But after a pep talk from Katie, I was happy again. I was just nervous that they'd rush me into a c-section for failure to progress.

At 10 p.m, I was 8 cm and Jimmy and I decided to take a little nap. We knew that we'd need our rest very soon.

The nurse came in at midnight and I was fully dialated and effaced. She said she was going to let me labor down for 30 mins and then we'd start pushing!

Not even 15 mins later, she walked in and said let's get started! Nerves definitely set in....

::Next up...Delivery::

Hey Jude...

2009-12-29T10:53:00.000-08:00

December 29, 2009 ---- 1:52 a.m ---- 8 lbs 10.6 oz --- 21 inches

**Birth story to follow**

41 Week Update

2009-12-25T12:33:00.000-08:00

*How far along?: 41 weeks
*How big is baby?: 19-22 inches, 6-9 pounds
*Sleep?: Wish I could take advantage of it but it's hard to sleep
*Stretchmarks?: Ugh
*Movement?: He's a rockstar!
*Food cravings?: Not really
*Labor signs?: Some BH contractions but nothing special
*Belly button in or out?: In for good it seems.
*What I miss: My brain!
*What I'm looking forward to: I WILL have my baby early next week one way or another!
*Milestone: This is my last update without baby!!!

How Big Is Jude This Week?

See the big picture

How your baby's growing:

A bit over 20 inches long, your baby has continued to grow and may now weigh almost 8 pounds. As cozy as he is, your baby can't stay inside you forever. For your baby's safety, your practitioner will talk with you about inducing labor if your baby isn't born in the next week — earlier if there are any problems. Most practitioners won't let you wait more than two weeks past your due date to give birth because it puts you and your baby at increased risk for complications. About 5 to 6 percent of women have prolonged pregnancies that extend three or more weeks beyond their estimated due dates. Babies born at 42 weeks and beyond can have dry parchment-like skin and are often overweight. Waiting that long to deliver also increases your chance of developing an infection in your uterus that could be dangerous for your baby or of having a stillbirth. What's more, your labor is more likely to be prolonged or stalled, both you and your baby have an increased risk of injury during a vaginal delivery, and you double your chances of needing a c-section.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

I didn't take a picture but the next picture you'll see is me in the hospital!!!

40 Week Doctor Appt

2009-12-22T17:35:00.000-08:00

Well, Jimmy's parents arrived from TN on Sunday....and still no baby. We thought for sure he'd decide to make his appearance over the weekend in the snow storm. We even got a hotel close to the hospital so we wouldn't have to call an ambulance to come get us in the snow.

But there is an end in sight, although it still feels so far away. Jude Patrick is scheduled for induction Monday morning, December 28th at 6 a.m., if he doesn't come before.

I'm still going to try everything I can to get him here before then. I feel awful that Jim's parents came all this way and they may possibly have to wait another week.

40 Week Update

2009-12-18T03:19:00.000-08:00

*How far along?: 40 weeks
*How big is baby?: 19-22 inches, 6-9 pounds
*Sleep?: Absolutely horrible
*Stretchmarks?: Absolutely horrible
*Movement?: Only good thing about my week =)
*Food cravings?: None
*Labor signs?: 12/12; 1-2 cm dilated, 80% effaced, -1 to 0 pelvic station. 12/16; no change
*Belly button in or out?: In- doubt it'll ever pop out.
*What I miss: Thinking about something other than when will this baby come out!
*What I'm looking forward to: What do you think??
*Milestone: Stick a fork in me - I'm done!

How Big Is Jude This Week?

It's hard to say for sure how big your baby will be, but the average newborn weighs about 7 1/2 pounds (a small pumpkin) and is about 20 inches long. His skull bones are not yet fused, which allows them to overlap a bit if it's a snug fit through the birth canal during labor. This so-called "molding" is the reason your baby's noggin may look a little conehead-ish after birth. Rest assured — it's normal and temporary.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

This has been a very emotional week for me. First, my little sister gave birth to my new GORGEOUS nephew Caleb on 12/11. He has now spent the whole first week of his life in a hospital. He had TTN which apparently led to pneumonia. I'm not even sure if I got that right. But he was intubated for his first 4 days and is still using a nasal canula. He is doing much much better now though and everyone is hoping to see him home by Monday. I'll just end this with a picture because too much detail about his situation really shakes me up...

And, I know it seems so trivial after all of that but I am soo done being pregnant. I seriously never thought I'd go this far. Everyone thought I'd have Jude early. But, here I sit, on my due date, with no baby in my arms. I'm so fortunate that he's still doing great in my belly, but he's wayy too comfy in there =) This has seriously felt like the longest week of my life. I'm soo drained from trying every Old Wives Tale in the book that I'm going to be too tired to birth him once he is ready to come out. And I'm so tired of everyone asking how I am and when he's coming. I feel like my body isn't doing what it's supposed to and I'm disappointing myself, and Jude and Jimmy and the rest of the family. And, now that I'm officially moving into overdue territory, I have to constantly worry if he's ok in there still. How am I supposed to know that he has enough fluid or that his placenta is still working ok? I just want him out and safe in my arms.

Hopefully....this is my last pregnant post.

39 Week Update- A Full Week Late

2009-12-18T03:09:00.000-08:00

*How far along?: 39 weeks
*How big is baby?: 19-22 inches, 6-9 pounds
*Sleep?: Not too bad
*Stretchmarks?: Ewwwww
*Movement?: Still kicking =)
*Food cravings?: None
*Labor signs?: 12/8 Fingertip dilated, head down and engaged, cervix long and thick
*Belly button in or out?: In- doubt it'll ever pop out.
*What I miss: Pre-pregnancy clothes
*What I'm looking forward to: My baby being here
*Milestone: Nursery finally completed =)

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Baby's brain is still developing rapidly, and his skin has taken on a paler shade thanks to a thicker layer of fat around the blood vessels. (Don't worry; he'll change color again soon after birth.) He's now able to flex his limbs, and his nails might extend past his fingertips. Your baby's waiting to greet the world! He continues to build a layer of fat to help control his body temperature after birth, but it's likely he already measures about 20 inches and weighs a bit over 7 pounds, a mini watermelon. (Boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls.) The outer layers of his skin are sloughing off as new skin forms underneath.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

Video tour of nursery

2009-12-09T14:39:00.001-08:00

Showing off...JUDE'S COMPLETED NURSERY- WHOO-HOO

2009-12-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

Jude's Nursery (lots of pics)

Entrance...

View From The Door...

Light switch...

Extra storage for his many many clothes...

Dresser and changing table...

Shelf with decals...

Glider...

Toy chest (from Mom that I painted) and bookcase...

The crib and bedding that I waited 22 long weeks for...

the toybag and froggie hamper...

His wall letters that I decorated...

More decals and a shelf that I painted...

Old nightstand from W.V. house that I painted...

his closet... lots of diapers and shoe storage...

more clothes in closet...

froggie hamper again...

decals over the closet door...

and over the exit door...

38 week update

2009-12-09T12:51:00.001-08:00

*How far along?: 38 weeks
*How big is baby?: 19-22 inches, 7 pounds
*Sleep?: Great this week
*Stretchmarks?: Shut up
*Movement?: A wild man! I thought it was supposed to be less now!
*Food cravings?: None
*Labor signs?: Getting checked 12/8 but nothing yet...
*Belly button in or out?: In- doubt it'll ever pop out.
*What I miss: Moving around easily and not having heartburn
*What I'm looking forward to: My bedding coming in to complete the nursery.
*Milestone: JUDE IS DEFINITELY READY FOR THE OUTSIDE WORLD NOW!

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Your baby, now as long as a leek, weighs nearly 7 pounds. (Length: more than 19 1/2 inches, head to heel.) The last bits of vernix caseosa (the white goo keeping baby's skin moist) and lanugo (downy hair) are slowly shedding into your amniotic fluid. Baby's head is about the same circumference as her abdomen, and her head could be covered in an inch or so of hair.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

Eviction Notice

2009-12-08T04:23:00.000-08:00

EVICTION NOTICE

Date: December 8, 2009

To: Jude Patrick Stiles

To the above tenant in possession of below described premises:

I am issuing 10 day notice for EVICTION. You will have 10 days in which you can either gather your belongings and promptly vacate the premises, or wait until the final day. After which, you will be physically removed from the property.

You are being evicted due to breech of contract and destruction of property. Expansions only to the FRONT of the house, within reasonable limits, were discussed. Not only have these limits been exceeded, but additions to the back of the house were also made!

Remodeling and gutting of the home was never approved, nor was changing the initial layout and base structure. And due to property damage, there are now leaks in both the upper AND lower levels of the home. On top of which, the landlord has received numerous complaints about nightly disturbances.

After 10 days from this day that you don't comply with the notice will result in immediate and forceful removal at my discretion.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Love,
Mommy

10 days left....

2009-12-08T03:30:00.000-08:00

WOW!

I agree wholeheartedly...

2009-12-04T05:29:00.001-08:00

Week Thirty-Eight

Your Baby:

Is officially a little chunkin, at well over six pounds and 19 1/2 inches long.

Is also officially considered "full term." In other words, he or she is STRAIGHT UP FREELOADING from here on out.

Is practicing making fists and fetal breathing in anticipation of life outside the womb.

You:

Have probably had enough of this magical special time, thank you very much.
Backaches, joint aches, heartburn, indigestion, constipation, Braxton-Hicks contractions, painful kicks, bladder pressure, stretch marks, itchy skin, swollen ankles, fatigue, dry mouth, mood swings, did I miss anything else in this cavalcade of late-pregnancy hilarity?
Are alternating between crazy excitement about finally meeting your baby and crazy panic about oh my God, you're finally going to meet your baby and they're going to expect that you take it home and like, keep it alive and stuff.

Jude's coming home outfit - too adorable

2009-12-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

What do you think?

2009-12-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

36 weeks

37 weeks

Do you think I've dropped a tiny bit this week? Or is it just my clothes/stance/distance from camera/etc? I haven't felt him in my ribs hardly at all.

37 week update

2009-12-01T19:18:00.000-08:00

*How far along?: 37 weeks
*How big is baby?: 19-22 inches, 6.5 pounds
*Sleep?: Not great. Hips are killing me now.
*Stretchmarks?: Ughhhhh
*Movement?: Soo reassuring
*Food cravings?: None
*Labor signs?: I get checked next week for progress but nothing that I know of.
*Belly button in or out?: In- doubt it'll ever pop out.
*What I miss: Nothing at all
*What I'm looking forward to: Having Jude!!!!
*Milestone: FULL TERM

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Baby's now the size of a watermelon!
Your full-term (yay!) baby is gaining about 1/2 ounce a day and getting his first sticky poop (called meconium) ready. He's also brushing up on skills for the outside world: blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling, and gripping (it's getting strong!).

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

20 days left...

2009-11-28T20:13:00.000-08:00

and full term now. We're ready for you Judester. Come on out when you're ready!

Hospital/ Labor and Delivery Tour

2009-11-25T09:21:00.000-08:00

We went on our tour on Sunday Nov 22. It went really really well. The lady that toured us around spent 1.5 hrs talking to us. She was a lactation consultant that we had previously met at our breastfeeding class. We really liked her. She is very into doing things naturally and we really appreciated all of her tips.

I LOVE the hospital rooms and birthing rooms. They are huge. And they also look quite roomy for being at a hospital. They provide birthing balls and rocking chairs and a jacuzzi whirlpool tub to (*try to*) relax in.

The whole experience made us just more excited to have Jude here....

....and he could be, anywhere from 2-30 days from now!!!!!

Full term is 2 days from now, due date is 23 days from now and if he's stubborn, a week late is 30 days from now. Holy moly!

Soooo sad......

2009-11-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

In the interest of remembering this pregnancy and sharing the majority of details.... I bring you my most feared side effect come true...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!

36 Week Update

2009-11-25T09:03:00.001-08:00

*How far along?: 36 weeks
*How big is baby?: 19-22 inches, 6.5 pounds
*Sleep?: Still pretty good - hips are feeling sore again in the a.m. though
*Stretchmarks?: I hate you.
*Movement?: A definite decrease but still feel him a lot
*Food cravings?: None
*Labor signs?: Nope- let's keep it that way for at least 1 more week!
*Belly button in or out?: In- doubt it'll ever pop out.
*What I miss: Not much - I've had a pretty good week.
*What I'm looking forward to: Katie's baby shower tomorrow 11/21 and Hospital tour on Sunday 11/22.
*Milestone: 9 MONTHS PREGNANT

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. Baby's skin is getting smooth and soft, her gums are rigid, her liver and kidneys are in working order, and her circulation and immune system are basically good to go. Her lungs are the only organs that still need to fully mature, but every day she gets a little closer to breathing on her own.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

Today is November 18th...

2009-11-18T09:48:00.001-08:00

Due date is December 18th... 30 days to go...That is all!!!! =)

Almost 9 months of change...

2009-11-17T18:15:00.001-08:00

5 Weeks

15 Weeks

25 Weeks

35 Weeks

35 Week Update

2009-11-17T18:04:00.000-08:00

*How far along?: 35 weeks
*How big is baby?: 19-22 inches, 6 pounds
*Sleep?: Amazing! 10 hours a night!
*Stretchmarks?: Seems like I have a new one each day
*Movement?: Still gets me every time!
*Food cravings?: None
*Labor signs?: Nope- let's keep it that way for at least 2 more weeks!
*Belly button in or out?: In- doubt it'll ever pop out.
*What I miss: Sneezing without peeing my pants.
*What I'm looking forward to: Joel and Diana's visit from Cali.
*Milestone: Most of Jude's basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon).

From now on, baby's growth is mostly in the plumping up department -- though he won't get much longer, he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth. (He's about 15 percent right now and will be about 30 percent by full-term.) His hearing is totally developed (tip: baby responds best to higher pitches), and if he really is a "he," his testes have probably completed their descent.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

Happy 35/35 to Me and Jude!

2009-11-13T04:30:00.000-08:00

It's a special day in pregnancy land... 35 weeks pregnant and 35 days to go!! Whoo-hoo!

34 week update

2009-11-11T15:46:00.000-08:00

*How far along?: 34 weeks
*How big is baby?: 19-22 inches, 5.5 pounds (Wow - if this is accurate, He is already bigger than Noah when he was born)
*Sleep?: I've been sick this week so not so good. But that's not because of pregnancy. I can't stop coughing so I have to sit straight up to sleep.
*Stretchmarks?: They are taking over my body.
*Movement?: Is simply amazing. Jimmy makes me so happy these days. He always has his hand or head pressed against my belly to feel the movements.
*Food cravings?: Frosties from Wendy's. Helps my sore throat!
*Labor signs?: Nope- let's keep it that way for at least 3 more weeks!
*Belly button in or out?: In- doubt it'll ever pop out.
*What I miss: Standing up without a struggle.
*What I'm looking forward to: My crib bedding coming in.
*Milestone: If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Baby can recognize and react to simple songs...time to start practicing your lullabies! In fact, baby will recognize frequently sung tunes after birth and probably find them soothing. Less cute news: He now urinates about one pint per day. Get the diapers ready!

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

33 week update

2009-11-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

*How far along?: 33 weeks
*How big is baby?: 19-22 inches, 4.9 pounds
*Sleep?: Wonderful this week! No more pain.
*Stretchmarks?: Awful...just awful
*Movement?: After a scare of decreased movement, Jude has been kicking my butt!!
*Food cravings?: Ice cold water!
*Labor signs?: Nope- let's keep it that way for at least 4 more weeks!
*Belly button in or out?: In- doubt it'll ever pop out.
*What I miss: Not much this week - I've been pretty happy.
*What I'm looking forward to: Jude's arrival!!
*Milestone: TMI - Jude's testicles made their way down from his abdomen to his scrotum! We saw evidence of this at our sonogram on Saturday =)

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Your baby is proportioned like a pineapple when it comes to weight -- a little over 4 pounds. Things are heating up inside as well: Baby may grow up to a full inch this week alone, and his brain is developing like crazy. Pretty soon, he'll be able to coordinate breathing with sucking and swallowing. Also, his bones are hardening, and he's started to keep his eyes open when he's awake.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

So... we had a 3D/4D ultrasound on Sat the 31st. It was AWFUL! Jude had his hand covering his face the whole time. This wasn't what was awful though. When the technician saw that his face was covered, she spent the entire time pushing on my stomach, making me roll onto my side, stand up, sit up etc to get him to move his arm. She physically hurt me pushing on my stomach. And I spent so much time moving from position to position that I wasn't able to just sit back and enjoy watching him. I was soo upset that she may have hurt my sweet boy that when I left, I fell on the stairs. I fell on my butt and Jude is fine but I hurt my foot. Once I got home, I looked at the CD of pictures they gave us and they were HORRIBLE. Usually the technician will clean up the pictures by darkening them or lightening them or cropping them but she was so rushed that she didn't do any of that. They all literally looked like blobs. I ended up complaining and they are going to refund my full price paid. It definitely makes me feel better because it was very expensive and we don't have money to throw around. It was nice, however, to see him yawn. That was definitely cool. And we also confirmed that he is head down and his butt and feet are in my ribs =) I definitely knew that before the sonogram though.

Practicing For Baby - Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T05:25:00.000-07:00

My little wild man's movement caught on video...

2009-10-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

I finally caught a little movement on camera. I think Jude has been laughing at me the past 2 days. From Friday - Monday I hardly felt him move and actually called the dr and went in to be checked early because I was so worried. The past 2 days, he's been a wild man! Enjoy

32 week update

2009-10-23T03:56:00.000-07:00

*How far along?: 32 weeks
*How big is baby?: 19 inches, 4.5 pounds
*Sleep?: Oh, my aching hips!
*Stretchmarks?: Boo...hiss!
*Movement?: Getting a little slower... less kicks- lots of rolls.
*Food cravings?: Not very hungry lately
*Labor signs?: Nope- let's keep it that way for at least 5 more weeks!
*Belly button in or out?: In
*What I miss: Exercising
*What I'm looking forward to: Putting the finishing touches on the nursery this week
*Milestone: Wow...Sleeping boy. the baby sleeps 90-95% of the day, and sometimes experiences REM sleep, an indication of dreaming. &&&&&& I'm 8 months pregnant!!! Holy cow.

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Your baby is taking up more and more space in your uterus and weighs as much as a large jicama. Ready or not, baby's getting ready to emerge. She's probably in the head-down position by now, with her bottom facing up. This is the comfiest way for her body to fit in your increasingly cramped womb and will make her eventual exit (only a few months away now!) much easier. (If she's still head-up, don't panic -- there's still time for a flip before birth.)

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

31 week update - 1 week late

2009-10-23T03:47:00.000-07:00

*How far along?: 31 weeks
*How big is baby?: 19 inches, 3.9 pounds
*Sleep?: Same old Same old
*Stretchmarks?: See pic below... my old school stretchies have stretchies of their own now...
*Movement?: Oh yeah!
*Food cravings?: Nothing special
*Labor signs?: Nope- let's keep it that way for at least 6 more weeks!
*Belly button in or out?: In
*What I miss: My hips not hurting
*What I'm looking forward to: Meeting the Judester
*Milestone: Single digit countdown...9 weeks and counting

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Your baby now weighs as much as four navel oranges. Baby's going through major brain and nerve development these days. His irises now react to light, and all five senses are in working order. (He won't pick up anything from his nose until after birth, though -- smell is transferred through air, not amniotic fluid.)

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

Turn your speaker volume up...

2009-10-13T06:02:00.000-07:00

I added a playlist for you to enjoy while reading my blogs =) Some songs are for Jimmy, some for Jude and one that I just love myself! Enjoy!

30 week update

2009-10-11T17:31:00.000-07:00

*How far along?: 30 weeks
*How big is baby?: 18 inches, 3.2 pounds
*Sleep?: Just ok... soo hard getting comfortable
*Movement?: I have an acrobat in there
*Food cravings?: popcorn
*Labor signs?: Nope- let's keep it that way for at least 7 more weeks!
*Belly button in or out?: In
*What I miss: My energy
*What I'm looking forward to: Our 5 year anniversary trip next weekend to Williamsburg
*Milestone: "I spy an umbilical cord and the inside of my mom's uterus!" When your baby is awake, his eyes are now wide open and he's whittling away the hours looking around, checking out his rather dark, limited environs.

How Big Is Jude This Week?

As baby's skin smoothes out, his brain just keeps getting more wrinkled. All those grooves and indentations increase surface area, meaning more room for that oh-so-essential brain tissue. He's also adding some brawn -- his grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

Soo sweet...

2009-10-11T17:11:00.000-07:00

My lil' Jude has the hiccups tonight. I apparently should've been feeling these for a long time now but this is the first time for me. I'm sorry Judester - I know hiccups stink. If you're anything like your daddy, you're cussing up a storm in there right now. But it's just another amazing experience for Mommy. I love you and can't wait to hug you through those hiccups in less than 10 weeks!

29 week update

2009-10-07T05:17:00.000-07:00

*How far along?: 29 weeks
*How big is baby?: 17 inches, 3.1 pounds
*Sleep?: Wonderful this week. I've been taking lots of naps on the couch=)
*Movement?: Beautiful!
*Food cravings?: Nothing really.
*Labor signs?: Nope- let's keep it that way for at least 8 more weeks!
*Belly button in or out?: In
*What I miss: Jeans without elastic pregnancy band
*What I'm looking forward to: Meeting the Judester
*Milestone: Due to the impressive advancements of medical technology, if your baby is born this week, he'd have a 9 out of 10 chance of survival, which is seriously great news.

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Baby's energy is surging, thanks to white fat depositing beneath his skin. And since he's growing so fast (weight will triple by birth), things are getting kind of cramped in the womb. What all this means for you: Get ready for some more kicks and jabs to the ribs.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

Oh nooooooo.

2009-10-02T04:24:00.000-07:00

I just found a lot of stretchmarks on my under belly. Below my belly button. I don't know how long they've been there because I had to lift my belly to see them.

I am no stranger to stretchmarks. I've had them since I was in 5th grade. But I really really hoped the front of my belly would be spared. Oh well...

28 week doctor visit

2009-09-30T04:04:00.000-07:00

I had my 28 week check up yesterday. It went very well. The best news was hearing that my results for my 1 hour glucose test came back normal. So I don't have gestational diabetes!!

Which means... while I still may have a chunker of a baby *I was the biggest of my siblings at 7 lbs something and Jimmy was 9 lbs something*... I definitely won't be having a baby like this one that was born last week (17 lbs 1 oz)...

And I certainly won't be carrying around this 11 month old...
(62 lbs in case you were wondering)

28 week update

2009-09-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

*How far along?: 28 weeks
*How big is baby?: 16 inches, 2.5 pounds
*Sleep?: Rough a few days this week. Jude's kicks have started to hurt and he likes to kick me all night long. I actually have dreams of him kicking me and I wake up and he is. Makes it very difficult to sleep.
*Movement?: See above.
*Food cravings?: Food aversion to meat lately.
*Labor signs?: Nope- let's keep it that way for at least 9 more weeks!
*Belly button in or out?: In
*What I miss: Standing up easily.
*What I'm looking forward to: Last baby shower next weekend thrown by Sarah
*Milestone: 7 Months Pregnant!!

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Baby's lungs are mature enough that, if born right now, he has a pretty good chance of surviving (with help from medical technology). His skin is still pretty wrinkly (one byproduct of living in amniotic fluid) but will smoothen as fat continues to deposit.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

I've been trying to get some video of Jude kicking my belly but my phone's camera is AWFUL. I have to remember to bring my real camera to bed with me because he's most active first thing in the morning before I get up. It's become soooo wierd and alien like now. But I love it!!

27 Week Update

2009-09-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

*How far along?: 27 weeks
*How big is baby?: 16 inches, 2.5 pounds
*Sleep?: Still great. I wake up at least 4 times a night to pee but I fall right back to sleep.
*Movement?: Is absolutely freaking amazing!
*Food cravings?: Nothing again.
*Labor signs?: Nope- let's keep it that way for at least 10 more weeks!
*Belly button in or out?: In
*What I miss: Getting out of bed easily.
*What I'm looking forward to: Going to Williamsburg on 10/16. (One-month early, 5-year anniversary trip. Figured we wouldn't have too much fun when I'm 37 weeks pregnant on our actual anniversary!)
*Milestone: We are in our 3rd and final trimester!

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Baby's lungs are going through some major developments these days, which (combined with the opening of previously plugged nostrils) means he's now able to practice inhaling and exhaling. The lack of air in your womb means every "breath" is filled with amniotic fluid, but hey -- it's progress.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

New OB Doctor

2009-09-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

I went to my 26 week appt today with a new OB. The office was soo incredibly friendly and warm! I loved every minute of being there. I thought about switching long and hard and now I know I made the right choice.

My old doctor made a few joking comments about my weight gain. To anyone else, it would be nothing. But to a person who is incredibly sensitive about weight and who has a horrible self body image, it was devastating. After crying through my first 25 weeks of pregnancy, I made the switch and I've felt so happy since. My moods have improved dramatically and I feel like I can finally enjoy my pregnancy and love my body, no matter it's shape, for the incredible, baby-making machine it is!

Jude is doing great. I was really nervous because for the past 2 days his movements have been weaker and less frequent but his heartbeat sounded loud and strong at my appointment today and the doctor said all is fine. She said I don't even need to start kick counts until 28 weeks and then I just need to make sure I'm feeling him 10 times, every 2 hours.

I hit a milestone today... I will now being seeing the doctor every 2 weeks, instead of 4. That is, until 36 weeks, when I'll go in every week until he arrives. I can't believe we have so little time left until he is here. I have an appointment next week to get tested for Gestational Diabetes. Please, Please, Please let me pass. If I end up having GD, I'll have to go on a 1200 calorie diet that is super strict. And the diet doesn't work, I'll have to have injections =(

In other news, I signed up for my parents-to-be classes yesterday. Here they are...

Fri. Oct 23 7 - 8:30 pm Infant safety/ CPR class
Mon. Nov 2 6:30-9:30 pm Breastfeeding Basics
Thurs. Nov 12 6:40 pm Carseat Inspection at Police Dept
Sat. Nov 14 9am-4pm Birthing Class
Mon. Nov 166:30-9pm Taking Care of Children Class

I'll probably cancel that last class because I think it will definitely be over-kill, especially after the 7 hour class 2 days before.

That's all for now....10.5 weeks till full-term!!!

Lacy

***P.S. My *surprise* family baby shower was this past Saturday. I'll post pics and remarks as soon as someone sends me some. But I'll just say for now that I had to go out and buy another storage bookcase today because Jude's closet and dresser couldn't hold anymore clothes!! Thank you all so much. Everyone was far too generous.

R.I.P. Johnny Castle

2009-09-15T14:15:00.001-07:00

26 week update

2009-09-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

*How far along?: 26 weeks
*How big is baby?: 15 inches, 2.2 pounds (measurements changed to from head to heel this week instead of from head to rump)
*Sleep?: Sleep has been wonderful this week
*Movement?: Getting stronger and stronger every day- I watch my belly move all day long
*Food cravings?: Nothing in particular
*Labor signs?: Nope
*Belly button in or out?: In
*What I miss: Not being in pain - my hips hurt when sitting or standing too long - I can't win
*What I'm looking forward to: Starting our 3rd and final trimester on Friday 9/17
*Milestone: All of Jude's 5 senses are fully developed. Whoa!

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Baby's soaking up your antibodies, getting his immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and he'll soon be practicing the blink...perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

Tennessee Baby Shower

2009-09-08T04:00:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from our shower. We had a great time. Thank you to all who came and a special thanks to Holly for all the work you put into it.

**Please excuse the cow in polka dots that showed up...

25 week update

2009-09-07T05:12:00.000-07:00

*How far along?: 25 weeks
*How big is baby?: 9.2 inches, 2 pounds
*Sleep?: Sleeping good still - just hard to change sides
*Movement?: I could watch it all day
*Food cravings?: Cereal
*Labor signs?: Nope
*Belly button in or out?: In
*What I miss: Walking without worrying if my feet will swell or my hips will hurt
*What I'm looking forward to: Meeting Jude.
*Milestone: This week he’ll be scootching slowly out of the old breech position and start rotating (already!) into a better position for exit during his birth. His head and feet are slowly rotating so that his head is pointed down towards the birth canal.

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Get ready for pat-a-cake! Baby's hands are now fully developed and he spends most of his awake time groping around in the darkness of your uterus. Brain and nerve endings are developed enough now so that your baby can feel the sensation of touch. That doesn't mean he can feel it when his father pokes your stomach, however, so tell him to knock it off.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

Please - oh please - Jude - don't let this be you...

2009-08-28T07:47:00.001-07:00

Fifteen-pound boy, two feet tall, born in Poland

A baby boy weighing 15.7lb has been born in Poland.

Kacper Skulska, who is more than two feet tall, was born to Bozena Skulska, 44, in Szczecin.

The heaviest baby on record born to a healthy mother weighed 22.4lb.

24 week update

2009-08-28T07:23:00.000-07:00

*How far along?: 24 weeks
*How big is baby?: 9 inches, 1.7 pounds (Jude was weighing 1 pound 6 ounces at 23 weeks 4 days).
*Maternity clothes?: Of course.
*Sleep?: Much much much better. Been sleeping in till 7:30 every morning.
*Movement?: All the time. He's most active from 7-8 pm.
*Food cravings?: Mexican - but this isn't abnormal as everyone knows =)
*Labor signs?: Nope
*Belly button in or out?: In - can't wait till it pops!
*What I miss: Being to get up without effort.
*What I'm looking forward to: December 18th =)
*Milestone: Making it to Viability Day. If Jude was born now, the doctor's would do everything in their powers to save him. But he better stay put for at least 13 more weeks!

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

Here's some pictures from our ultrasound at 23 Weeks 4 Days..

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

I forgot to take my picture this week... but this could be my twin =)

Had some fun with photobucket...

2009-08-25T13:20:00.001-07:00

23 Week Update

2009-08-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

*How far along?: 23 weeks
*How big is baby?: 8.5 inches, 1.5 pounds
*Maternity clothes?: My sugar daddy bought me some new ones so that I feel pretty again =) Love you!
*Sleep?: Ehh, somedays good, somedays bad.
*Movement?: Loving it! A couple times I've felt a very slow kick like Jude is moving his elbow across my belly! And I saw his kicks move my stomach 3 times now!
*Food cravings?: Frappuccinos!
*Labor signs?: Thank goodness no.
*Belly button in or out?: Still In there
*Gender?: Team Pean=)
*What I miss: Shopping in a normal clothes store. Maternity clothes are EXPENSIVE!
*What I'm looking forward to: Seeing Jude on Tuesday!
*Milestone: Fat production is in overdrive! Jude will double his weight in the next 4 weeks.

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

I think I look a lot rounder this week=) Helps me feel better since I've outgrown most of my clothes at this point.

This Guy...

2009-08-18T05:29:00.001-07:00

I love this man.

Jimmy brought me home these...

Made a yummy dinner (hamburgers, french fries and corn on the cob) and then, the best part, cleaned up....

It was so nice to be pampered. He wouldn't let me get off the couch. And he did it "just because". No special occasion.

I love him so much and I know that he's going to be the best Daddy in the world to this guy...

22 Week Update

2009-08-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

*How far along?: 22 weeks
*How big is baby?: 8 inches, 1.2 lbs
*Maternity clothes?: Most def
*Sleep?: Horrible. Having very vivid nightmares that wake me up at 3 and keep me up=(
*Movement?: Everyday
*Food cravings?: Still candy!
*Labor signs?: Nope
*Belly button in or out?: In, but getting shallower.
*What I miss: Happy dreams!
*What I'm looking forward to: Seeing the Judester again on the 27th.
*Milestone: Jude's face is fully formed!

How Big Is Jude This Week?

The grow must go on! No wonder you’re getting so big, you’re now housing a wonder-baby who weighs nearly a pound and measures nearly a foot in length. Their perfect little pancreas is now further developed and they’ve also started producing their own hormones! Your baby's future in the circus as a world-famous tight-rope-walker is secure: their inner ear is now developed to the point that they have their own sense of balance. Lucky for your little explorer, balance also promotes physical dexterity, which has them actively feeling out their surroundings where skin, body parts, and the resident umbilical cord are the big sensory experiences. Your foot-long baby, is looking a bit like an oversized raisin right now as more and more wrinkles are showing up each week. Not to worry, all that excessive wrinkling is just their skin’s way of planning ahead for the time when they’ll start piling on that irresistible baby chub.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

Jude's Rock -N- Roll Nursery Progress

2009-08-11T14:16:00.000-07:00

Just missing the bedding and my beautiful baby =)

21 week update

2009-08-10T03:45:00.000-07:00

*How far along?: 21 weeks
*How big is baby?: 8 inches, 1 pound
*Maternity clothes?: Yeppers
*Sleep?: Love it when I can actually stay asleep
*Best moment this week?: Jude kicking his daddy in the head =)
*Movement?: Constant since 20 weeks exactly
*Food cravings?: Sour gummy worms
*Labor signs?: None
*Belly button in or out?: In, but getting shallower.
*What I miss: Running
*What I'm looking forward to: First baby shower in Memphis on 9/5
*Milestone: Jude practices sucking his thumb this week!

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.

How Big Is Mommy This Week?

20 week update

2009-08-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

*How far along?: 20 weeks

*How big is baby?: 7 inches, 11 ounces

*Maternity clothes?: Loving them

*Sleep?: Just ok this week

*Best moment this week?: Seeing Jude again. He weighed 12 ounces and was moving all around. He is so handsome already.

*Movement?: I felt Jude kick me for the first time. I decided to poke him back and he did it again. We were playing together. Soo cool!

*Food cravings?: Carbs

*Labor signs?: Nope

*Belly button in or out?: In, but getting shallower.

*What I miss: Not being soo emotional.

*What I'm looking forward to: Just meeting Jude!

*Milestone: Jude has teeth buds this week.

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

How Big Am I This Week?

Jude's Big Ultrasound

2009-07-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

Here's just a couple pictures from the ultrasound today. He is weighing in at 12 ounces and has a big round basketball head =) The xray tech also said that he moves around A LOT and that she hopes I have crib rails so he doesn't squirm out=) I'll give a full report on his health once I find out at my doctor's appt on Monday.

19 week update

2009-07-27T06:27:00.000-07:00

Milestone- 19 weeks

*How far along?: 19 weeks

*How big is baby?: 6.5 inches, 10 ounces

*Maternity clothes?: Yeppers - even some shirts

*Sleep?: Still sleeping great. Thanks Jimmy baby for fixing our shades so it's dark in our room!

*Best moment this week?: I felt a light tapping on my tummy so I put my hand there and felt it - very lightly though.

*Movement?: See above

*Food cravings?: Fooooodddd

*Labor signs?: Nope

*Belly button in or out?: In

*What I miss: Not being soo clumsy.

*What I'm looking forward to: Seeing Jude again this Friday!

*Milestone: Jude is growing eyebrows this week=)

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.

How Big Am I This Week?

Yeah, I'm pretty much definitely pregnant =) I got my first stranger comments at the convention on Friday. I was waiting in line for the shuttle and 2 ladies asked when I was due and then a man told asked if I was expecting and then told me to sit up front so I didn't have to climb around the shuttle! People are soo nice to pregnant gals!

WoW!

2009-07-27T06:26:00.001-07:00

Can I just draw your attention to the pictures on the right? Look at the difference between 17 weeks and 18 weeks. I must've hit a growth spurt big time.

18 week update

2009-07-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

18 week survey

*How far along?: 18 weeks

*How big is baby?: 6 inches, .5 lbs

*Maternity clothes?: I am getting soooo fat.

*Sleep?: Marvelous! Slept to 9:30 several times this week!

*Best moment this week?: Finding out we're having a boy!

*Movement?: Just occasional flutters.

*Food cravings?: Nothing special.

*Labor signs?: Nope

*Belly button in or out?: Still very much in

*What I miss: Non maternity clothes.

*What I'm looking forward to: Meeting Jude in December.

*Milestone: Baby will try to cover his ears when he hears a loud sound because his hearing is so acute now!

How Big Is Jude This Week?

Your fetus has become amazingly mobile (at least compared to you), passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. And, baby’s finally big enough that you’ll be able to feel those movements soon.

How Big Am I This Week?

Can I just say I feel like a cow. I am soo uncomfortable and fat and I'm not even halfway there yet! It's all worth it to meet my little boy though.

Oh Boy!!!

2009-07-19T08:11:00.000-07:00

Yep... I have a penis growing inside of me=) Too strange. I'm beyond excited to finally put a name to our baby instead of saying "it" all of the time.

I saw his goods as soon as he popped up on the ultrasound on the 11th. Can I just say how incredible that was? I wish I could buy an ultrasound machine and watch him move around and kick 24/7. Words cannot even express. I am in love!

Lock up your daughters world! Jude Patrick will be here this December!

17 weeks

2009-07-16T07:31:00.000-07:00

17 week survey

*How far along?: 17 weeks

*How big is baby?: 5.5 inches, 5 ounces

*Maternity clothes?: No new ones - just definitely needing the pants

*Sleep?: Can't sleep past 7 am

*Best moment this week?: Hearing your heartbeat again at the dr's office. You heartbeat and Aunt Katie's babies heartbeat were exactly the same.

*Movement?: Nope. Please come soon.

*Food cravings?: Nothing special. Hunger is dying down, thank goodness.

*Labor signs?: Nope

*Belly button in or out?: Still very much in

*What I miss: Not a thing.

*What I'm looking forward to: Gender ultrasound (ok I already know what you are but I'm pretending that this was written July 10th like it should have been).

*Milestone: Baby is getting fat now =)

How Big Is Baby This Week?

Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints.

How Big Am I This Week?

Officially a Bat.Poop.Crazy Hormonal Pregnant Woman

2009-07-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

Why did I cry during this video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdLVLPoRXR4

2009-07-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

A letter to our baby Jude

I know you must be wondering who has been making all that noise outside. See that picture above? That’s us… your brand new parents!

We are so excited to meet you but we're also a little scared . We really have no clue how to go about raising a smart, well rounded, polite, happy child. But here is what we do know:

1. I’m going to let you eat dirt sometimes along with glue and crayons and all that jazz. You have to develop a taste of your own. And I don't want you t be afraid to get your hands dirty.

2. You are going to have soo many songs written about you. Your daddy loves music and you are the perfect inspiration.

3. We love going on vacations. We hope you like them too. When you get here, be prepared to be swaddled and carried along for the ride. I hope you like singing at the top of your lungs on car rides with the windows down. That's one of the ways your daddy and I fell in love!

4. You're going to take piano lessons and Daddy is going to teach you how to play guitar. Maybe we can start a family band but I'll just stick to singing.

I’m sure I’ll come up with a more detailed plan later, but this is all I’ve got so far. So let’s recap - you may occasionally have a dirt mustache, while jamming to a song your dad wrote about you, in the backseat of a car headed for the beach, with a harmonica in your hand. Sound like fun? I hope so.

Love,

your mom

2009-07-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

Holy Cow! Do you see that----------->

How am I supposed to function, let alone get the house cleaned for Sydney's arrival tomorrow, when there is only 1 day, 23 hours and 33 minutes until I find out what we're having?

I.Cannot.Think.Straight.

77

2009-07-08T02:20:00.000-07:00

16 week doctor appointment went excellent yesterday. Dr. Aron saw Katie and I together which is great because I didn't have to sit around waiting for my appt. Our baby's heartbeats were exactly the same =) I got my blood drawn for the AFP test. (The alphafetoprotein (AFP) test is a screening test drawn from maternal blood usually between 15-17 weeks gestation to help find babies who suffer from neural tube defects (NTD) or Down Syndrome.) Then, he gave us our prescription to get our Big Ultrasound! This is the 20 week ultrasound that usually is used to determine sex (which we will already know but this will confirm). But, more importantly, it looks and measures all the important parts of Baby. Counts the 10 little fingers, 10 little toes, looks at the four chambers of his heart, measures his head, etc. This test will pretty much show us if we will have a healthy baby on our hands. That appointment is July 31st and will also be our last ultrasound of our pregnancy (although we'll probably opt for an additonal 3D ultrasound at around 30-32 weeks).

Oh yeah... 77 hours until we find out. (I dreamt last night that we were both having girls!!!!)

P.S. About the above picture... that is a fetus at 16 weeks! Can you believe that our baby will look even more developed then that at our ultrasound on Saturday. We'll be 17 weeks 1 day.

P.P.S. About the above picture... THAT is what is floating inside of my stomach right now... amazing... I still cannot grasp it. I doubt I will until around December 18th.

Pictures from our sailiing trip - 7/4/09

2009-07-06T05:37:00.000-07:00

Nursery Progress

2009-07-06T05:30:00.000-07:00

Just adding some pictures from the nursery. The paint and wainscoting are done (baby's gift from my parents- thank you!), the crib is assembled and most of the furniture is in place. Now I have to paint all the furniture and decorate (once we know what we're having). I'm also adding a changing table and a glider to the room.

Catching Up... 15 and 16 week updates

2009-07-05T06:31:00.000-07:00

I've been super lazy...

15 week survey

*How far along?: 15 weeks

*How big is baby?: 4 - 5 inches, 3 - 5 ounces

*Maternity clothes?: Pants please...

*Sleep?: Loving it

*Best moment this week?: Buying my own doppler for home

*Movement?: I think I felt my first little flutters this week at exactly 15 weeks - "I think" are the key words - could've been gas

*Food cravings?: Candy

*Labor signs?: Nope

*Belly button in or out?: Still very much in

*What I miss: Nothing. I'm loving pregnancy

*What I'm looking forward to: Gender ultrasound - July 11th

*Milestone: Baby can suck his thumb this week =)

How Big Is Baby This Week?

Continuing the march towards normal proportions, baby's legs now outmeasure the arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably still can't feel the movements.

How Big Am I This Week?

Not much to say this week. Many exciting weeks coming up but this week has been pretty boring. On to week 16...

16 week survey

*How far along?: 16 weeks

*How big is baby?: 5 inches, 5 ounces

*Maternity clothes?: Bought more this week and I LOVE them. Secret Belly brand from Motherhood are amazing.

*Sleep?: Just peeing about 2 times a night now

*Best moment this week?: Not baby related but sailing was really fun yesterday - throwing up and migrane afterwards was not so fun though.

*Movement?: Nope - can't wait till my first kick

*Food cravings?: Peaches!

*Labor signs?: Let's keep it that way for at least 21 more weeks

*Belly button in or out?: Deeeeep Innie

*What I miss: Being thinner

*What I'm looking forward to: I am in constant countdown mode to finding out what we're having on the 11th. Only 6 more days. It's all I think about.

*Milestone: I think it is amazing that it took 14 weeks for baby to reach 1 ounce. And just from week 15 to 16 it gained a full ounce. Baby is growing fast!

How Big Is Baby This Week?

Watch what you say... tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean the little one can now pick up your voice. Eyebrows, lashes and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming. And, if you're interested, an ultrasound might be able to determine gender.

How Big Am I This Week?

(The above is actually 16 weeks 3 days) I feel a lot bigger this week but still look like I ate too many cupcakes =) Haven't "popped" yet. Jimmy and I went to Borders and bought a nursery rhyme collection to read to baby every night since he can hear us now. I think that is sooo amazing. It's getting more and more real every week. Friday was the first day that it became really real. I know I write about how big baby is each week and I have heard it's heartbeat countless times but Friday I really realized, there's a BABY in me. When we got our first ultrasound, it didn't look much like a baby. So that's what I pictured in me, or whatever fruit it was compared to that week, or silly as it is, I just pictured a heart in there since I listen to it's heartbeat each day. But as I was at the gym Friday (yeah for me - went back to the gym this week and I went 3 times!!!) I was thinking that people were thinking I was a slacker or lazy fat girl for not running with them in some of the drills. This was more so because of my bum ankle though. But I imagined telling that I'm pregnant. And then imagined them thinking there was a baby growing in me. And then I thought "there's a baby in me"! I know that all sounds really crazy but I never think of it like that. When anyone is pregnant, it is so hard to grasp that there is a child in their stomach. It's like I put pregnancy and having a child in two separate boxes. When you're pregnant, you're just pregnant. And when you have your child, you just go to the hospital and get it. Haha - so wierd I know. But Friday, I was just thinking of my little 4.6 inch baby jumping around and exercising with me in my lower belly. Such a strange moment.

Ok... I'll stop making a complete fool out of myself.

Ta-ta for now...

14 week update

2009-06-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

How far along? 14 weeks

Maternity clothes? Tops are still too big but I can't wear any of my non-maternity pants.

Stretch marks? No new ones

Sleep: Waking up less to pee at night now!! But it's getting harder to get comfortable.

Best moment this week: Pretty dull week=)

Movement: None yet

Food cravings: Sweets and fruit juices

Gender: I'm thinking boy this week

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? Still in and deep

What I miss: Not being able to move heavy objects...my house is a mess and I can't clean it.

What I am looking forward to: Feeling some movement.

Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment...it goes by soo fast.

Milestones: Another week down =)

How Big Is Baby This Week?

Your adorable little fetus is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, and (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over the body for warmth.

How Big Am I This Week?

Definitely getting bigger this week. After I eat, I look huge. Can't wait till the belly rounds out though and looks cute instead of fat.

That's all for now!

Lacy

P.S. Holy cow!! Only 19 days until we find out what our jellybean is!!!

Repost from a week by week pregnancy calendar I read...

2009-06-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

from http://www.alphamom.com/pregnancy-calendar/2008/04/weekly-pregnancy-calendar-week-13.php#more

Week Thirteen

Your Baby:

Is about three inches long, the size of a jumbo shrimp, or a very small ramekin of tartar sauce.

Has his or her own unique fingerprints already.

Has intestines on the INSIDE of his or her body. (They start developing outside the body, in the umbilical cord, and then sort of...migrate up to their proper home around 13 weeks. I know. Biology is WEIRD, dude.)

Will look less and less like a Big Giant Head and more and more proportionate as the next weeks tick by.

You:

Are probably not puking anymore? But don't freak out if you still are? I generally feel iffy until around week 16, although right now I'm only suffering from the occasional dry heave (on Tuesdays. Every damn Tuesday.) and have actual full days where I want to eat everything in sight because it's all so gooooood.

Are probably not as tired anymore? Unless you are me? I still can't seem to get enough sleep or make it through the day without a catnap. Although maybe I am just very lazy.

May start glowing soon, like everybody always talks about. The "glow" is actually just hormonal changes in your skin's oil production, but it seems most people find it dewy and lovely instead of...ew, gross, oil.

Your hair and nails might be changing as well -- a lot of women stop shedding hair during their pregnancies, leading to very thick heads of hair that may also grow faster. Fingernails tend to get stronger and longer as well, which I can personally attest to BEING AWESOME.

Welcome to the second trimester! Well, the second trimester as defined by MOST pregnancy books and calendars, although I believe there may be one or two that count week 13 as part of the first trimester (cough cough BabyCenter Essential Guide to Pregnancy and Birth cough), but they can suck eggs, frankly. I would never do that to you. We are in the second trimester, baby. I promise it gets better.

Milestones - 13 weeks

2009-06-16T04:59:00.000-07:00

How far along? 13 weeks
Stretch marks? no new ones but I have plenty of old school stretchies

Sleep: still waking up between 2 and 5 times a night to pee

Best moment this week: not PG related but going to ocean city with my hunny

Gender: I've been thinking girl for the past 2 weeks

Labor Signs: None - way too early for that

Belly Button in or out? in

What I miss: running or exercising in general - between pregnancy and my ankle, it isn't happening

What I am looking forward to: actually getting a real, recognizable baby bump

Milestones: in the 2nd trimester according to every measurement (some say 12 weeks, some say the end of 12th week and some say 13 weeks 4 days)

Not much to say this week. I feel like I'm really starting to grow this week. The bottom of my tummy is feeling a bit harder and it's almost impossible to suck in (and after I eat? Forgetaboutit!).

How Big Is Baby This Week?

Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords... savor this, their non-functional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with a head now only one third the size of the body. Intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy. (Much more convenient.)

How Big Am I This Week?

Week 12 and 12 week appt update

2009-06-11T03:35:00.000-07:00

How Big Is Baby This Week?

As you move into the second trimester, baby shifts into the growth and maturation stage. After weeks in the critical development stage, almost all of baby's systems are fully formed.

How Am I Looking This Week?

Oh... that's not me... but you get the picture =)

This week went pretty smoothly. I went to my 12 week checkup on Tuesday. We got to hear baby bean's heartbeat...

We're so in love! I don't know how I kept from crying. I was soooooo worried that the heart stopped beating somewhere between our 2 appts. I've been feeling pretty unpregnant lately (not that I had many symptoms in the first place) and it scared me. But Baby Bean had a great heartrate. It was hard to find at first. When he put the doppler on my stomach he said he heard it right away but I was talking so he lost it. Then, I tried to be quiet but it was soo hard to keep from giggling since I knew I needed to be quiet. So, my belly shook everytime I laughed and he could't find it. We ended up listening for a long time though. I never thought a simple "whoosh, whoosh, whoosh whoosh" could sound soo wonderful and mean soo much. It was amazing. Every once in a while, we'd hear a bit of a gurgling sound and Dr. Aron said "Do you hear that? That's the baby moving and flipping around". AMAZING!! I couldn't stop giggling, which really made it hard for the doctor to find the heartbeat long enough to get a measurement for me. But he finally did. I believe he said it was 164 or 168. Either way it was perfect.

So now I'm content and not so nervous. I'm in the 2nd trimester and fun fun things will be happening very soon. Our next appt is in less than 4 weeks, on Tuesday, July 7th. I'm guessing it'll be another short one; pee in a cup, check blood pressure and hear heartbeat. Then, that Saturday, July 11th at 11 am we will be going to a 3D/4D sonogram place to find out what baby bean is!!!! Whoo-hoo! The countdown begins! 30 days!

Be sure to take my new poll on the left...

That's all for now!!

Lacy

Cabo San Lucas - Our Babymoon?

2009-06-01T15:25:00.001-07:00

Well, last week was supposed to be our babymoon. It was a nice week but definitely not what we had in mind. The trip started out with me having a horrible cold that put a damper on things. We arrived Sunday, May 24th. The resort was gorgrous. Here's the link but the pictures don't do it justice...

http://www.pueblobonitosunsetbeach.com/

& some pics of our room...

That night we took a taxi into Cabo and went to Walmart to stack up on groceries for the week. He had a late lunch/ early dinner and relaxed for the remainder of the evening. Monday, we went to the skypool. It was awesome. Basically built on top of the mountain and the water overflows the sides so it looks and feels like your swimming on the edge. Here's our picture, but again it doesn't do it justice.

Since everything is built on a hill, and it's a 50 acres rssort, you had to use golf carts to go anywhere. When we were leaving the sky pool, I didn't see any golf carts so we decided to just walk down the small distance to our suite's building. This proved to be Lacy's greatest mistake! I fell. My leg went behind me and I felt and heard a "pop". I thought I broke it. I got xrays today at the hospital (one week later) and was assured that it isn't broken - just sprained badly. Here's a pic of my ankle as of last week. It looks about the same now plus a little brusing...

So, Monday we went to the on-site doctor. She put an ace wrap on it and told me to stay off of it for a week. Lovely, right =) Monday night we ordered in room service and just tried to get through the night without too much crying. I was in a lot of pain but I didn't want to take any tylenol or anything. Poor Jimmy had to basically work his entire vacation. The crutches proved to be too much (they only had them to accomadate a 5'10'' to 6'4'' person, so I was basically swinging) so we traded them in for a wheelchair.

Tuesday, I woke up feeling a lot better. It still hurt but as long as I stayed still, there wasn't constant pain. I really needed a shower, which proved to be just awesome. I'm definitely being sarcastic. We had to bring a chair in off of our balcony, put a towel on it and have me sit on it in the shower. It was a mess and I think poor Jimmy had at least 10 heart attacks worrying about me in the 20 minutes that it lasted. We stayed in the room until about 4 and then Jimmy agreed to wheel me to some of the little stores on the resort, and then to dinner. The food on the resort was DELICIOUS! My favorite was a french onion soup that was to die for and Jimmy had the reuben sandwich every day except one I believe. He said it was the best ever.

Wednesday, I was feeling a little better so we made our way to a pool and sat around for a little while and then had dinner that night. Nothing too exciting but we were excited to be out of the room.

Thursday, I was out of the wheel chair!!!! Yeah for me. I was limping pretty badly but determined to make it work. I could only make it from room to golf cart to beach chair or restaurant but I was soo happy. We stayed at the pool for most of the day and then went into Cabo for dinner that night. We ate at a place called Felix's. It was rated #2 in Cabo on tripadvisor.com. It was pretty yummy and it had a salsa bar that was really neat. You got 6 little cups and you could choose from the 20 salsas they had prepared. If you know me, you know that I am a chip and salsa freak!

Friday, we spent the day at the main pool, which was the largest one. It was definitely a frustrating day because we sat directly behind about 7 college age girls that were RIDICULOUS. They would not shut up and each one wanted to be the center of attention. They were so annoying. Here's Jimmy sitting by the pool....

You will not see any pictures of me on this post, because there aren't any. I erased them all because I looked like a gross disgusting bloated mess. That is all. Friday night, we ate at the resort again.

Saturday was awesome. It stunk that it was our last day but we definitely enjoyed it to the fullest. We leg was feeling wonderful and we spent the majority of the day back at the sky pool. It was warm and sunny and perfect. We'd lay out for about 20 minutes and swim for 20. The water was finally warm - like bath water. It was soo nice. We were a little upset that we had made plans that night and we were about the just stay and forget about the money we spent but I started burning up so we made our way back to the room to get ready. Oh, by the way, the weather all week was BEAUTIFUL but very windy. Still hot but the wind was strong enough to blow you over if you weren't careful. Our last 2 days that stopped and was back to normal Mexican gorgeousness. That night we went on a sunset sailing trip in Cabo. It was a 2 hour sail and we were very happy that we went. Here are some pics...

They had music and an open bar! Jimmy took advantage of 3 diet cokes and I had one virgin fruit punch =) Afterwards, we had dinner at a Mexican restaurant at the marina. Jimmy and I both agreed that this area looked alot like Georgetown in DC. Very pretty. The only downside of Saturday was that I didn't keep my ankle elevated most of the day and it was SWOLLEN and throbbing by the time we climbed into bed. But that didn't put a damper on the day, whatsoever. We really enjoyed ourselves.

Sunday brought another beautiful day but it was time for us to leave. We caught our flight home at 1 pm (3 pm home time) and got to the airport at 11 pm. The flight was uneventful except that one of our bags got left behind. We actually were not surprised at all based on the rest of the trip =) Jimmy got a call from his boss and was told he needed to come into work the next day (he wasn't supposed to start the new job until Tuesday) so we had to stop at CVS on the way home and get toiletry items since that was what was in the lost bag. We got home at 2:30ish, he was asleep by 3 and back up at 5.

Above all else, I feel AWFUL for Jimmy. I was so excited for him to have a relaxing week off before starting his new, more stressful job. I researched a long time trying to find an amazing place to go and in the end, it would've been much better if we had just stayed home and relaxed for the week. He had to really work the entire time. He had to get me my clothes, make my food, wheel me around (including about 4 times average a night to pee - thank you baby bean) and just about everything else you can think of. He is the most awesome man ever. I definitely owe him big time. But for now, he is still taking care of me. Between the long day on Saturday and the 11 hours at the airport Sunday, my ankle got a lot worse and I am layed up and can't walk at all without pain.

Hopefully, we'll get to spend a long weekend somewhere together before baby arrives. We definitely couldn't call this our babymoon. I am such a complainer. Man. But you had to be there =)

More happy posts to come I am sure!

Playing Catchup 9, 10 and 11 week updates

2009-06-01T14:59:00.001-07:00

How Big Is (and was) Baby?

9 weeks -

Your little embryo has now officially graduated to fetus-hood. Adding to the excitement, a Doppler ultrasound device might be able to pick up the beating heart. With basic physical structures in place and increasingly distinct facial features, baby is kind of starting to look like... well... a baby!

10 weeks...

With bones and cartilage starting to form and vital organs beginning to function, baby is making major progress. Body length will almost double in the next three weeks, and arm joints are now working. (Soon, legs will too.)

Now... 11 weeks....

Your fetus currently enjoys a 1:1 ratio between body and head, and has skin so transparent that blood vessels show right through. But, fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and hair follicles, tooth buds and nail beds are forming -- setting up a significantly more attractive future.

How Big Am I?

Everything is going pretty great pregnancy-wise. Only new symptom I have is... TMI coming up... constipation. Not fun at all. I have a dr's appt next Tuesday and I'll be 12.5 weeks. Hopefully, Jimmy will be able to make it and we'll be able to hear the heartbeat for the first time. Next post coming soon... vacation update... we're back!

Found this on a message board - pretty funny!

2009-05-22T03:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Non-Pregnant Person,

I hope you find these guidelines helpful in your interactions with pregnant women as failing to follow them may result in serious physical harm.If you are thinking, surely she doesn't mean me- then you should probably read this twice.

1) The appropriate response to a couple telling you they are having a baby is 'Congratulations!' with enthusiasm. Any other response makes you a jerk.

2) Through the wonders of science, we now know that babies are made ONLY by the mother and father- not grandparents. Unless the baby is in your uterus or you are the man that helped put it there, you may not ever use the phrase 'my baby'.

3) On the same note, unless you made the baby as defined in 2, the pregnancy, birth and raising of the child are not about you. You do not have input. No one wants to hear your opinion unless they ask for it...

4) The body of a pregnant woman should be treated the same as any other body. You would not randomly touch someone's stomach if they were not pregnant, nor would you inquire into the condition of their uterus, cervix or how they plan to use their breasts. Pregnancy does not remove all traces of privacy from a woman.

5) Likewise, no woman wants to hear comments on her weight...ever. A pregnant woman does not find it flattering that you think she is about is pop, must be having twins, looks swollen or has gained weight in her face. Telling her she looks too small only makes her worry that she is somehow starving her baby. Making such comments invite her to critique your physical appearance and you may not act offended. The only acceptable comment on appearance is 'You look fabulous!'.

6) By the time we are 20-30 years old, most of us have picked up on the fact that the summer is hot. We are hot every summer when we are not pregnant. We don't need you to point out that we will be miserably hot before the baby comes. Nor do we need to know how badly you will feel for us because we will be pregnant during the summer and how glad you are that YOU will not be pregnant this coming summer.

7) There is a reason that tickets to Labor & Delivery are not yet sold on Ticketmaster. Childbirth is actually not a public event. It may sound crazy, but some women really do not relish the idea of their mother, MIL or a host of other family members seeing their bare butt and genitals. Also, some people simply feel like the birth of their child is a private and emotional moment to be shared only by the parents. You weren't invited to be there when the baby was created, you probably won't be invited to be there when it comes out either.

8) Like everything else in life, unless you receive an invitation, you are NOT invited. This includes doctor appointments, ultrasounds, labor, delivery, the hospital and the parents' home. You do not decide if you will be there for the birth or if you will move in with the new parents to 'help out'. If your assistance is desired, rest assured that you will be asked for it.

9) If you are asked to help after the birth, this means you should clean up the house, help with cooking meals, and generally stay out of the way. Holding the baby more than the parents, interfering with breastfeeding and sleeping schedules and making a woman who is still leaking fluid from multiple locations lift a finger in housework is not helping.

10) The only people entitled to time with the baby are the parents. Whether they choose to have you at the hospital for the birth or ask for you to wait three weeks to visit, appreciate that you are being given the privilege of seeing their child. Complaining or showing disappointment only encourages the parents to include you less.

Sincerely,

All the Pregnant Women in the World

Announcing....

2009-05-12T04:36:00.000-07:00

I downloaded pictures on Jimmy and I and this is what our baby will look like according to VW =)

http://www.vw.com/vwhype/babymaker/en/us/

And here's our little girl...

8 week update and our first appt!

2009-05-11T15:24:00.000-07:00

We had our first appt today! Sighhhhhhh! I'm pregnant! I saw the baby and it's little heartbeat with my own eyes! I feel so relieved. Our baby looks perfect and is measuring at 20.5 mm. 2.5 mm longer than Katie's =) Our baby is bigger than yours! But I was a much bigger baby than Katie and I'm much taller than her too. Here is our baby! The head is on the bottom.

We scheduled our next 4 appointments and also our NT scan in 4 weeks. We have to cancel the NT scan though because our insurance doesn't cover it and it is $405! If we pay for it upfront that day, it'd be $265 but that's still too steep for us.

How Big Is Baby?

Your baby is growing like mad, putting on about a millimeter every day and continuing to straighten out in the trunk. Though you can't feel it yet, baby is moving those little arms, legs and (now only slightly) webbed fingers and toes like crazy.

How Big Am I?

I really really like my OB. He is very sweet and attentive. I never once felt rushed or like he thought my questions were stupid. My sister used to work with him so she referred me and I'm very happy about that. He seems to really enjoy his job. I'm thrilled that he didn't mention my weight - I've gained way more than I should in the 1st trimester between eating badly and Jimmy banning me from working out until we saw the doctor (which he cleared me to do anything I was doing pre-pregnancy). So, I am back to the gym tomorrow morning for my beloved classes. And I went grocery shopping today and didn't buy any junk. My goal is to not gain anymore than 25 lbs so I have to get serious and eat healthfully for my baby.

I love you soo much Baby Bean. Mommy and Daddy can't stop smiling and we can't wait to meet you. See you in 32 weeks!

7 Weeks 6 Days and Silly Me Thought I was In The Clear...

2009-05-07T04:30:00.000-07:00

Morning sickness reared it's ugly head and I just christened my toilet. I thought I was going to be one of the "lucky ones".

Calm

2009-05-05T06:27:00.000-07:00

So weird to say it but that's how I'm feeling. I imagined that I'd be out of my mind crazy at this point. Only 6 days until I see my baby. 6 days until our first appointment. 6 days until I can feel like I'm justified to feel pregnant. 6 days until some kind of confirmation. I don't even dare to talk about the other side. I try my hardest not to think about it. I'm going to embrace being calm. Everyone knows that I'm a researcher, and that I love to read pregnancy blogs and message boards. But I'm skipping right over the bad things. Reading only the positive. I've learned enough about the bad things that can happen. I know so much more now, in the few weeks I've been pregnant, than I care to know. And that's where it stops. I'm done worrying until I have reason to worry. It's not fair to my baby, to me, or to anyone around me (especially to Jimmy - who HATES when I worry or obsess). So, on Monday the 11th, we will get our first glance at our baby. They will do an internal ultrasound and we will be able to see the heartbeat. It's too early to hear it.

Jimmy and I are anxiously awaiting word from his interview he went on Thursday. When he gets the go-ahead (he already has the job, it's just a matter of hearing the official word), he's going to put his 2-weeks in at work. He is NOT looking forward to that. He really enjoys where he works now. He is his own boss and never is given any trouble. He pretty much comes and goes when he wants and the one person that he reports to is super laid back. He's leaving for the new place solely because he will be getting a 4 day work week. We are beyond excited about that. I think that an extra day off during the week will be just what he needs. He'll have more time to himself, or with me or with baby when it's here. There are a few other perks (a little more money, he'll be the assistant chief engineer at a 5 star, brand new hotel *that'll look great on a resume*, and he'll be back working with some old co-workers that he got along with very well *also a plus because while he loved having no boss working with him, it'll be nice to have some human contact at work - he is literally alone all day now*). But as soon as his last 2 weeks are over - he's taking 2 weeks off!!! I'm beyond excited. We've never had that much time off together ever! We're going to take at least a week to go on a baby-moon, maybe to Florida or Myrtle Beach and then relax and unwind at home for the rest of the time. If all goes as planned - we'll be laying in the sand by the end of the month!

That's all for now - I'll update on Friday with my 8 week pic and then on Monday with pictures of our baby!

-Lacy

7 Weeks Down - 33 To Go

2009-05-01T04:52:00.000-07:00

How Big Is Baby?

Baby's brain -- both hemispheres! -- is growing fast, generating about 100 new cells every minute. Arms and legs are emerging as joints start to form, and a permanent set of kidneys (baby's third!) is now in place.

How Big Am I?

I've felt pretty great this week. I don't really know if I've had technical morning sickness yet. If I start getting hungry, and I don't eat right away, WATCH OUT! I get crazy and soo nauseous. Jimmy took off of work on Tuesday and we went to Salsa's. I was starved on the way there and feeling really sick. So, I was happy that we were going somewhere that they give you chips right away. Well, they decided that that day, of all days, we wouldn't get our chips until after our meal came. Needless to say, I was dying. Jimmy kept asking if he should go tell them to bring chips right away or get them himself! I didn't want our food tampered with so I waited. I hope this hunger frenzy goes away very soon because it is definitely affecting my weight way too much, way too soon. I really just need to choose healthy options when I'm starved and it wouldn't be so bad. But I'm definitely craving all bad foods.

I've also definitely noticed the fatigue this week. Last Saturday I took 2 naps during the day. Monday I fell asleep at 8 pm. Tuesday, I layed in bed most of the day, then fell asleep early and still slept in Wednesday morning. Growing a baby takes a lot of energy out of you!

Ralphie- thank you soo much for being a great big brother to Katie and I yesterday. We couldn't stop talking about how sweet you were being and we love how involved you are learning about our little blueberries already! I love ya!

Slacker of the year - 6 weeks - only 5 days late =)

2009-04-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

I didn't take a picture this week and I'm not going to take one now since I'm taking my 7 week pic on Friday so I'll just post how big baby is as of last Friday....

"Growing like crazy, baby is starting to sprout eyes, ears, nose, cheeks and chin. Those little hands and feet- still webbed like paddles- might wiggle by week's end, the heart is beating (almost twice as fast as yours!), and blood is starting to circulate."

5 Weeks

2009-04-21T04:31:00.000-07:00

How Big Is Baby?

Your baby's microscopic heart begins to beat this week—although it won't be detectable with one of those cool Dopplers for a few weeks, so you'll have to wait a little longer to hear that satisfying "whoosh-whoosh" you're so anxious for. Here's what else is under construction: With the beating of the heart, blood will begin to circulate throughout the body. Your baby's first organ system will be up and running! The beginnings of the brain; the cardiovascular, nervous and reproductive systems; as well as all other major systems are under way. Your baby's new digs—the amniotic sac and the placenta (aka the hotel and the restaurant)—are still forming at this point. (Maybe you should send a housewarming gift.) All that high-speed development and your baby is only 2 millimeters long—about the size of a sesame seed (check one out next time you're chowing down on a bagel—you won't believe how tiny it is!).

How Big Am I?

Here is my belly/bloat (or lets just be honest, fat as a result of getting the "I'm eating for two" mindset far too early on and eating through house and home) belly picture.

This week has brought more achy breasts and noticeably fuller ones too. Besides that, not much else. I've been a little more tired and a lot more hungry but nothing to complain about. Jimmy would probably add that I've got the pregnancy bi-otch-i-ness going on quite well.

Michelle (the sis-in-law) let me borrow Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy last night. I finished it in about 1.5 hours. It was very funny and also informative. I'd recommend it.

That's all for now. I'm a slacker. See ya next week.

2 weeks, 4 weeks & more BFPS (long post)

2009-04-13T04:21:00.000-07:00

Here's a little collection of my BFP's! I really need to trash them soon, but I can't bring myself to do it.

Here's a picture of me at 2 weeks on the dot....

I obviously wasn't pregnant yet and didn't know I would be.

My three week picture will not upload for some reason. It's showing in my iPhoto application, but for some reason, it's blurred and won't let me click it. There's no belly anyway, but frustrating!

Here's my 4 week belly covered and bare. That's not bloat or baby. Its just fat =) Can't wait until I have a reason for it.

I don't have any bad symptoms yet. My breasts have been sore for about a week but it was deep down in my muscle so I thought it was from working out. But it definitely wouldn't have lasted this long. I'm already starting to break out with blemishes on my face. And, of course, the most obvious symptom of early pregnancy, I missed my period on Friday! Yeah for no more periods for a 12 months, give or take a few. I have to be honest and say that I am wishing for some m/s at this point. Just so I know my baby is growing in there. I'm sure I'll kick myself for that later on.

We told my parents last Thursday that we were expecting. We had planned not to tell for a while, but I already agreed to help them move out of their vacation home in WV, and I had to tell them so they had a reason why I suddenly couldn't help lifting the big boxes or furniture. So, my sister told them about her on Wednesday night. She had her son walk upstairs wearing a "I'm going to be a big brother" t-shirt. They were so excited. Then, the next night, we came over with a bouquet of flowers and a card. We told them it was to congratulate Katie. She was in on it, so she came up to their bedroom and I told her the flowers and card were for her and that I'd written her a poem. After she was done reading, she gave the card to my parents and they read it together. This is what it said...

Roses are Red.
Violets are Blue.
Yeah, it's exciting that Katie's pregnant.
But, guess what? We are too!

They were soo shocked and excited. My mom immediately threw the card down and started crying and then came over to hug us. My Dad had to pick it up and read it again before it really sank in. It was a great night!

We told Jimmy's parents and grandmother on Saturday night. Unfortunately, we live 900 miles away from them, so we had to tell them over the phone. They were very excited too. I left a message on my sister-in-laws myspace page to tell her. I think that was the perfect way because she's on there every night. She is THRILLED to say the least. This is the first grandchild for Jimmy's parents, the first great-grandchild for his Mammaw, and the first baby in the family for 10 years. I'm sure s/he will be thoroughly spoiled=)

That's all for now. I'll post again on Friday with my 5 week pictures. I'm leaving for WV today and won't be back until late Wednesday night.

BFP

2009-04-09T04:56:00.000-07:00

Yep - that's right... we're pregnant!!! I hope I have a sticky baby in there. First month trying seems wayy to good to be true. We are soo excited.

Here's the story...

I took a test Tuesday and it was another BFN. Well, I was soo depressed that I told myself that I wouldn't test again until Saturday. But... Wednesday morning I went over Katie's house and she said that she thought she saw a faint line that morning. So, at about 4:00 p.m., I thought "what the heck, we've been soo alike this far, I'll test too". Well, I tested with one of my internet cheapie tests and I saw a faint line!!!! Who-hoo! Just as soon as I saw the line, Jimmy was walking in the door so I ran in and gave a hug and then hid the test. He went into the bathroom, so I got a hotdog bun out and put the test in it. Then I put them in the oven and set the timer for 2 minutes. Then, I ran into the other bathroom. When I heard him come out, I yelled for him to please take our dinner out of the oven when the time goes off. He opened the oven and said "Just this hotdog bun"? I said "What's in the Oven"? He said "a bun". Then, I ran out and said "There's a bun in the oven"!!!! We started crying and hugging and laughing.

Then, we decided to take a first response test to be sure. Well, that one popped up in 4 minutes witht he best word I've ever seen in my life! You can see it above. Here are a couple more pictures for your viewing pleasure. Just us being goofy!

2009-04-06T03:06:00.000-07:00

Monday morning...6 a.m...9DPO...got my first BFN. I know - wayy too early to test. But I'm new at this, what did you really expect. I told myself I wouldn't get upset though. So, I was really just excited to do something. Anything besides just waiting. I'll wait until Wednesday to test again. I'll be 11DPO.

I had dreams all night that I was pregnant. In one of them, I went to the hospital and they told me that, yes, I was pregnant, and I was in my 3rd trimester. Lol.

Come on Wednesday.....

2WW is killing me...

2009-04-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

I took my last birth control on March 8th. AF arrived on March 13th and I ovulated on or around March 28th. I'm now 5 DPO. I know - I'm not even at the half way point of my wait. I don't know how people do this whole process for months and months and years and years on end. This is just month one for me and I'm going crazy.

I didn't have time to mention in my last post that my little sister and her husband are TTC too. This will be their 2nd baby. You can see her blog at mommy2bagain.blogspot.com. We are best friends and I'm so excited to be going through the process with her. We stopped BC, started AF, and ovulated all at the same time. It would be soo amazing to find out we're pregnant together and compare notes. I pray things go smoothly. We both want a girl. She already has a little boy. We researched the Shettles method and all of the old wives tales and tried them all. Of course I will be absolutely thrilled with whatever I have. I just want a healthy baby.

I'll update again on Monday. I know I'll only be 9DPO but I'm going to test Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Hopefully by Saturday I'll get a BFP!

My very first entry =)

2009-04-01T11:29:00.000-07:00

Hello! Anyone reading this probably already knows me but I'll fill any others in. My name is Lacy. I am 23 years old. I got married 4.5 years ago, November 19th, 2004, to the love of my life, Jimmy. I am currently a domestic goddess ( *smile) after being laid off at a local bank. I've worked since I was 16 so I am loving every minute of it.

I've been dreaming of having a baby since I was a baby myself. Jimmy and I decided to wait 5-7 years before trying though. I have 2 nephews that are both 2 years old so I've really enjoyed the practice they've given me. Just 3 weeks ago, we decided it was time! I left the final decidion up to Jimmy because I've been thinking I was ready for the past year. He called me on the phone on my way home and said he'd like to TTC and I haven't been able to wipe the smile off of my face since then.