Happy 1/2 Year Birthday, Noah!!!

Hello sweet love,

Again, mommy is a little late at typing this, but what can ya do?! It is completely insane to me that you have been in this world for 6 months already. Time is just going by so fast, and you are learning so much each day. I love watching you do new things and makes me laugh to see you explore. Here is a little bit of info about you before I go into your likes and dislikes. You had your 6 month check-up last week. Current stats:
weight 13.8lbs (2.4%), length 26.25" (52%), and head circumference is in the 9% (not sure on actual measurement). Your pedi wasn't concerned with your weight and even stated he thinks you will never be a big boy. Mommy and Daddy are a little more concerned and have discussed taking you to a specialist just to make sure we aren't missing something.


You are eating much better, taking 6oz about 6-7 bottles a day, plus your cereal and solids. This week, I started adding your fruit to your oatmeal, and you LOVE it!!! Just two more fruits to go :-) Mommy still needs to look into a food processor to make homemade baby food. But for now, you are loving the purees.


Hair crazy!!! I can't believe how fast your hair is growing. If you were a little girl, you would have the cutest ponytail on the top of your head right now. It's getting pretty thick on top, and oh SO blond :-) Which, I must say, is a dangerous combination with those baby blues you bat around!!!


Clothes... you are starting to outgrow your 0-3 onesies finally, and some of the 3-6's are getting a little snug too. I tried a 6-9 on you this week and was shocked that it fit!! However, you are STILL in 0-3 pants/shorts. This makes it quite difficult to buy any sets for you!


Things you love: bath time, cereals and purees, playing with your doggie, grabbing and playing with your toes, blowing raspberries, finding your voice and learning how to get louder and louder, your piano play mat, and cuddle time with mommy at night.

Things you hate: sleep (sometimes you fight it so hard), being on your belly - still, mommy leaving the room.

I am so grateful that you are healthy and growing. You are such a blessing and I can't believe you are my son. All of the worry, tears, and pain the last three years was all worth it, and each time you smile, I remember that. I still miss my two angel babies that were lost before you. But it will never take away the love and joy you have brought to our life. I can't wait to see what the next 6 months brings. Mommy has already started planning your 1st birthday party... I know, I know.... you will learn that your Mommy is a planner!!! Get used to it :-)

I love you, Peanut!
Love always,
~Mommy~

Swinging at Daycare

Preview of your 6 Month photo shoot.. can't wait for the rest!

Mommy Love!

Fell asleep on a walk with Grandma

Bath time cutie!!!

5 Months (And then some)

Hi sweet boy -
Life has been hectic the past couple of weeks, so I apologize for being late on your 5 month update. You are a growing boy, and we had a lot going on this month. You took your first long-distance trip April 4th. Ironically, that was the same day a year ago I found out you were in my tummy. Its been such an amazing year, little man! Mommy had a work seminar in Minneapolis, so Daddy and Grandma Jackie came along to help out while I was in my meetings. You did very well on the ride up; slept a lot. Unfortnuately, that meant when we arrived at the hotel at 10:30 pm, you were wide awake and ready to play. We had taken you to the pedi a couple days before our trip because you were throwing up a lot and not digesting your food well. He switched you back to soy formula and was told to try that. If you weren't eating better by Thursday, to call. Which you weren't. He finally prescribed you some reflux medicine, and it has been great!!! You are now back on regular formula and doing well!


That same week, you had your first Easter! We traveled up to Grandma and Grandpa Philippi's house. They were so excited to see you since it had been a couple months. It was a very busy and LONG week for all of us!


You started oatmeal on 4-12 and really like it. You weren't too sure of it at first, but then Mommy couldn't feed you fast enough. Since then, you have tried green beans and peas. You seem to like the peas better than the green beans. Next week, we start squash!!! :-)


What you like: Baths, playing peek-a-boo, sitting up (not on your own yet), playing in your jumparoo, looking and playing outside, babble talking, chewing on your hands and bib, trying new foods, and playing with your puppy.


What you hate: Mommy or Daddy walking out of the room, burping still, and tummy time. We are getting better with tummy time, but still can't withstand it too long. Mommy is worried you aren't rolling over yet.


And on a happy note, I think we have your GI issue under control!!! No more suppositories :-) The oatmeal you eat has a pribiotic which seems to be working. Let's hope it continues!


Well little boy, next month you will be 6 months old already. Where is the time going?!?! Pretty soon we will be planning your first birthday party. I am loving watching you learn and grow. It seems like you pick up on something new every day! I am truly honored to be your mommy!!! Love you, my little turkey bird.


Love always & forver,
Mommy

My smiley boy

Napping with Daddy

Playing at daycare

Growing so fast!

Cool dude

Nom Nom Nom

Hi everyone :-)

Letters to Noah - 4 Months

Hello my sweet baby boy,

Another month has gone by and it amazes me how much you have changed and grown. Last month was rough with having your first cold that didn't want to end. Over this past week, you have finally started feeling better. It has been unseasonably warm the past couple of weeks, and Mommy had to go buy some summer clothes since I wasn't expecting you to be needing them for a few more months. We have been taking a lot of walks when I get home from work, and you love it...sometimes falling asleep by the time we get home.

Milestones:
You are now engaging in your toys. You are opening your hands and holding some of them. Of course, everything is going to the mouth. Which, sometimes gets you frustrated when you can't get it in there. You no longer use a nuk, but are starting to suck your fingers. Mommy is not sure how to feel about this yet. Along with this, you are gagging yourself sometimes with those long fingers. Mommy and Daddy try to keep them out of the mouth after your bottle, but doesn't always work. I have a feeling you are in the process of teething as well. The drooling has picked up and you now wear a bib constantly otherwise we need to do laundry every few days of all the clothes you would go through.

We switched your formula to Similac Sensitive and you are doing great!!! No more constipation issues, but we still have to give you a little bottle of prune juice/water mixture here and there, which you don't mind. And you are now eating 5.5 oz at a time, usually 5-6 bottles a day. You seem to be a MUCH happier baby as well, which makes Mommy happy!

Your 4 month check-up was last Friday (3-16-12) and you weigh 11lbs 14oz and measured 25" long. You are in the 4% for weight, 6% for head circumference, and 50% for length. Your pedi didn't voice any concern and said you look "GREAT!" You received three vaccines (2 shots, one oral) and it made you cry so hard. I felt so bad for you.. especially since Mommy hates needles too! I can't believe your next doctor appt will be for your 6 month check-up... where is the time going???

Things You Love:
Well, you love being swaddled yet, which we may be weaning you from soon. Bath time is much better, and you are now splashing your feet in the water, thanks to Daddy :-) You smile a lot, and have started laughing out loud. It's the best sound in the world!!! You love being the center of attention and having ppl talk to you. Addie gives you puppy kisses and it makes you smile. When being held, you like facing outward when you are alert, but still like to cuddle up to Mommy's shoulder! And of course, putting your fingers in your mouth :-) You are just now exploring the fact that you have TOES!!!

Things You Hate:
You hate being left in a room alone. Now that you can follow people in/out of a room, this is something you do not like at all. You still hate being burped, and when the bottle goes empty and is taken out of your mouth. You are getting better at burping though. You are starting to fuss more when being put in your car seat. You used to like it, but not so much now. Could be because it's warmer outside and makes you feel warm?! Not sure. And course, you hate when we pull your fingers out of your mouth. :-)

Well little man, I guess that's it for this month. Here are some of my favorite pictures from this month...
Mommy & Daddy love you very much!!!

Love always & Forever,
Mommy













Well, I Knew it Had to Happen Sometime....

My first PP AF has begun. And let me just say... BOOOOOO, I did NOT miss this at all. I knew this day was coming, especially since I am on BCP and was on the last color of pills. But still. I think it's a realization that my pregnancy/post partum is officially over. A sad day today. But on the bright side, it's the last day of February, I have a three day weekend coming up, and my birthday is Sunday! The big 28 :-) And approx 5 months until Brian and I start trying for a sibling for Noah. I love motherhood and would not change it for the world! The sleepless nights, puke, poop, and all the worry is all worth it. Ok, onto work.... have a great Leap Day everyone!!!

Letter to Noah - 3 Months

To my sweet little boy,

How can you be 3 months old already? Seems like just yesterday we brought you home, scared and exhausted! Even though there are still fears today, we are much more at ease about parenting now, I think...

Milestones:
You rolled over for the first time on 1-27-12 while playing on your activity mat. You are NOT a fan of tummy time and while getting frustrated, you somehow worked yourself up away you went. I think it surprised you as much as it did me! Daddy was so proud of you. Of course, you haven't done it since. You only spend a few minutes on your tummy before throwing a fit!

You have been STTN for about a month now, and we couldn't be happier! The first night you did it, I was shocked and figured it was just a fluke. But ever since then, you haven't looked back. It's been GREAT! Although, you are not the greatest napper during the day, and tend to fight sleep bad.

You have recently found your hands. You love to try and get your whole fist in your mouth to chew on....sometimes both at once. And when you can't do it, you get frustrated! It's actually kind of cute :-)

Things we love:
Still love being on your changing table. We talk, play with feet, and mommy gets you to smile A LOT! I am not sure what it is about your changing table you like so much, but every time I lay you down, I smile knowing your adorable grin and dimples are just seconds away! And you still like to be walked around the house so you can check out everything on the walls. Good thing Grandma has lots to look at! Still sleep in the RnP, love your seahorse toy, and being swaddled.

Things we hate:
You are still not a fan of taking a bath, although its getting a little better. When we burp you, you hate sitting down. Whoever is burping you better be walking around! Otherwise you cry too much and then don't burp. You don't like tummy time (still working on this one).

Noah, I have done a lot of good and bad things in my life. But none of that matters when I think back to the day I brought you into this world. You are my life. I am so proud to be your mommy, and will do everything I can to make you proud of me. I love you peanut!

Love always and forever,
Mommy

A First in Over 3 Years...

Yep, it's been over three years since Brian and I started TTC... and I took my first BCP last night since then! It's hard to believe it's been so long ago. And was even harder to swallow that tiny little pill. Brian and I have already been talking about TTC#2 and when we would like to start. I am thinking this fall I will stop the pills and just see what happens. I think at first, I will be pretty laid back about it. But if it takes longer than a few months, I will start to be more apt to use what worked for getting pregnant with Noah. Within less than two months of starting Metformin and acupuncture, I was pregnant last year. I am hoping my body won't need that the second time around.

The weird part is, I MISS being pregnant! I remember telling my mom after Noah was born this very same thing and she just said that's because I have to share him now. It really didn't have anything to do with that. I missed feeling him move inside of me, making me smile each time I saw my belly move too. Or using the doppler to hear his little heart beating. It was the most magical experience of my life. And I can't wait to feel that way again!

I am little nervous about starting up the pill again. I never really had a negative reaction to it before, but I know after a baby, the body can do some freaky things when it comes to hormones. So we shall see. Let the countdown begin.... T-6 months to kicking the pill and starting to TTC#2!!!!

Been MIA... life update....

Well these last 2 months have certainly been an experience. Noah turned 2 months old on Sunday and I can't believe how much he has grown and changed since the day he was born. Here's a little update on us....

Noah had a difficult time with latching, and never really got it fully. So I have been pumping since my milk came in. He was doing fine until I noticed he was spitting up a lot more and was very gassy. Well after a few visits to his ped, and switching his formula 4 times, I think we finally got it right. He's now on Enfamil AR. I wasn't producing enough for him to have just breast milk, so we supplement with formula. Last week I noticed he would do fine on the formula but would spit up a LOT on breast milk. So now we combine 3 oz formula and 1 oz breast milk. He's doing a lot better!
He is finally outgrowing his newborn clothes and starting to wear 0-3 :-) And his NB diapers are getting a little snug, so once those run out, we will be onto #1s. It's so much fun seeing him change and grow. I swear he changes daily.
I went back to work on January 2nd, which was the hardest thing! I cried all night Sunday night knowing what the next morning would be like. Monday was rough, but it made me feel better knowing my mom was looking after him. She has him Mon-Wed-Fri and he goes to an in-home daycare Tues-Thurs. She's great with him!
Addie has been GREAT with him. Of course the first day we were home, she was going nuts because I had been gone for so long and she missed me (total momma's girl). But she sniffed Noah and that was about it. She now comes running anytime Noah starts crying. It's really cute.
Things we love so far: vibrating seats, seahorse that glows and plays music, Dr. Brown's bottles, being walked around the house and talked to, patting on the butt, diaper change time, and music on the radio.
Things we hate: bath time, waiting for bottle to warm up, sleeping on back, sleeping in the crib, putting on the snowsuit.
We had his 2 month check-up yesterday. Noah is now 9 lbs 6 oz and 22.25 " long. He is still only in the 6th percentile for weight, and 25% for height. He had his shots and I felt so bad for him. Made him very sleepy last night though.
Here are a few recent pics of my little man......

He's Here!!! Noah's Birth Story

I am a little behind at writing this, but wanted to let everyone who may not already know that Noah James has arrived!

On Monday, Nov 15th, I had gotten home from work. Brian and I had a 6pm meeting with a potential daycare provider to watch Noah part time on the off days my mom wasn't watching him. At 5:45 I was putting on my shoes, getting ready to take out the dog so we could leave, when my water broke!!! HOLY CRAP! I called to Brian to let him know that I didn't think we were making it to our appt, and explained why. He asked if I was sure I didn't just"pee myself." Ummm... no! It was a huge gush and continued to leak. Since this was 4 weeks before my EDD, we didn't have a hospital packed yet. So as I am in the bathroom calling labor & delivery, plus cancelling our appt, I am trying to tell Brian what all to pack... not an easy task I might add. We finally get heading to the hospital and I call my mom to meet us there. I got checked in at 7:10 pm, and they ran a test on the fluid to make sure, in fact, my water had broken. Yep! So that meant I was being admitted. I was checked and was at 3 cm and 65% effaced. I didn't have any contractions as of yet.

Since my water had broken, they wanted to make sure my labor didn't stall in fear of an infection, so I was started on a low dosage of pitocin. Then the contractions started kicking in. Not long after, I got my epidural! Let me just say, HEAVEN!!! It wasn't nearly as bad as I had been imagining this whole time. And finally was able to get some rest. Around 10:30 pm or so, I really started to get uncomfortable. My contractions were coming fast and strong. I was checked and was only at a solid 7 cm or so.

I really don't remember the other measurements and the times I was checked. By 3 am though, I had to push! The nurse checked me again and I was ready to go! Unfortunately, the on-call OB wasn't there yet, so I was told not to push. Yeah right!!! With 20 minutes of pushing, at 3:36 am, Noah James was born. Since he was considered "premature," a pediatrician had to be there at delivery. They checked him over and he was great. He had a little bit of wheezing, so they took him to the nursery. I was really worried about him! But within 10 minutes or so, they brought him back and he was great! He was 6lbs 10oz and 21 inches long, with a lot of blonde hair and blue eyes. We were so in love!!!

By 6 am, I was walking to my post-partum room. Our stay in the hospital seemed long. He got circumcised on Wednesday, so we didn't get discharged until Thursday. I was so ready to go home, but at the same time, was now realizing that I am responsible for this little man for the rest of my life. Had a lot of emotions going on that day!

Things have been stressful at home since then. For a while, Noah had his days and nights mixed up...getting up every hour on the hour at night. Was so thankful my mom stayed to help out! Plus, he had jaundice to the point of needing the bili bed. It was so hard to see him in that thing, in just his diaper and with the cloth glasses on. By the following Monday though, his levels were within the normal range, and we could stop the light treatment. He is finally eating better (pumping now since he had latching issues), and is gaining weight.

My recovery wasn't too bad. I had a 2nd degree tear during labor and required stitches. That was the worst pain I had after delivery, which only required me a pain med every once and a while. So now that I am done rambling about everything, here are a few pics of my little peanut! Thanks for reading :-)

In the hospital

Heading home 11-17-11

Happy Thanksgiving!!

1st bath at home... not so crazy about them yet!

My peanut in the bili bed

Noah and Mommy

35/35!

Today is an exciting day!!! Made it to 35 weeks, with 35 days until my due date. I am sure he will be here before then, but won't know for sure until Friday with my next u/s and OB appt. Last Saturday, Brian and I headed to Madison to get the final few things we still needed for baby's arrival. We have pretty much everything now. We ended up deciding against buying a crib bedding set. Since we hadn't planned on using the bumper anyway, plus wouldn't be using the quilt until later on, we chose to just get a breathable bumper instead. Of course, the one we bought was defective and will have to make another trip to Madison to exchange it. One of the ties was not even attached to the bumper. Tonight I am planning on getting the mobile assembled and on the crib. Last Friday, my mom came over to help finish a few things in the nursery, and we also got all of the newborn and 0-3 clothes washed! Felt so good to get that job done. Below I have included pictures of his nursery... still not 100% complete, but getting there!

Weekly Update

How far along:

35 Weeks

Due date:

12-13-11, but will more than likely make his arrival before then!

Total weight gain:

Ugg, went to the doctor yesterday because of my cold, and weight was up 8 lbs from my OB appt last wk Monday... so going to sadly say...35 lbs?!?!

Maternity clothes:

Yes, and some are too small

Sleep:

Bad this week since I am sick right now

Best moment this week:

Getting closer to finishing his room and having all of his clothes washed!

Movement:

Yep :-)

Food cravings:

Milk and sweet kid cereals

Food aversions:

None, really should remove this question from the updates lol

Symptoms:

Growing belly and weight gain

Gender:

BOY!

Labor signs:

None

Belly button:

Still in, and may stay that way

What I miss:

Feeling pretty

What I am looking forward to:

u/s on Friday to see how big my "little" man is!

Milestones:

35/35!!





34 Weeks

Yet another week has passed! Today is the first day of November, and crazy to think my baby boy will be here soon! I had another OB appt yesterday. BP is still in normal range, and little swelling. Fundal height continues to measure weeks ahead at 40.5 (was 36 two weeks ago). My OB looked over the results from my last u/s on Oct 21st, and along with the acceleration of his fundal height, she decided to schedule another u/s for Nov 11th. If Noah is still in the high range for most of his measurements, my OB said we could schedule an induction date for December 6th (39 weeks). They won't induce any earlier than that unless there is a medical emergency. He could always come earlier on his own as well. So I am thinking he will be here in about 5 weeks max!!! Eeeeeeekkk!!!! Brian and I better get going on that to-do list!

Weekly Update

How far along:

34 Weeks

Due Date:

Technically 12-13-11, but will be here before then!

Total weight gain:

As of yesterday at the OB office, 28 lbs

Maternity Clothes:

Yep!

Sleep:

Getting up more in the night, and been uncomfortable!

Best moment this week:

Finding out Noah may be here even sooner than planned!

Movement:

Yep, and I LOVE it!

Food cravings:

Milk and sugary cereal... Cocoa Krispies and Lucky Charms mostly

Food aversions:

None

Symptoms:

Growing belly, some back pain, fatigue

Gender:

100% boy!

Labor signs:

None yet....

Belly button:

Still in, but might pop out before he's here....

What I miss:

Feeling pretty!

What I am looking forward to:

u/s on Nov 11th, seeing Noah again!

Milestones:

Each day is one!!!



Maternity Photos

My good friend, and neighbor, took my maternity pictures last weekend. These are just some of them. She is still editing the ones with Brian and I together. Just wanted to share some of my favorites!!! Enjoy :-)



33 Weeks

Made it another week. I am getting more and more tired lately as Noah keeps growing! I finished up my thank-you cards from the 3 baby showers I had. So glad to get that done. Brian and I started looking at what we need to buy yet before he gets here. The list isn't too long, just need to get going on it. Still working on finishing his nursery. Hopefully we will get the bookshelf anchored into the wall this week yet, so I can work on things a little more. Will take pics when all done.

My neighbor took maternity pictures last Saturday for me. I got to see a few of them when she downloaded them to her computer. Super excited to see how they all turn out! She is hoping to finish them by the weekend :-) So I may have another post before 34 weeks!!

I had an ultrasound last Friday to check out his growth, fluid levels, and my cervical length. Happy to report that everything looks great. Baby boy is not so little, with estimated weight of 5lb 6oz!!! He is in the 90th percentile of most measurements, including his head ... eeeek! He head down and very low, considering the tech had a difficult time getting his head measurements because he was so low. No wonder I have been having pain in my lady bits area!! She even could tell me that he has hair :-)

Weekly Update

How far along:

33 Weeks

Due date:

12-13-11, but think he will arrive sooner than that!

Total weight gain:

27 lbs as of this morning

Maternity clothes:

Yep, and some are getting too small lately

Sleep:

Can't seem to get enough, and getting uncomfortable!

Best moment this week:

Seeing Noah again on u/s

Movement:

Yes, and more often! Love it every time :-)

Food cravings:

Milk, fruit

Food aversions:

None

Symptoms:

Growing belly, fatigue, frequent urination, lower back pain

Gender:

100% boy!

Labor signs:

None

Belly button:

Still in, but shallow

What I miss:

Not being out of breath!

What I am looking forward to:

Seeing maternity pics and my next OB appt on Monday.

Milestones:

Each day is! Bake a little longer, baby boy!



32 Weeks

This week has been eventful! I had my OB appt last Friday, and my BP was 140/90. They re-checked it 3 times, and it dropped a little but not much. Also my legs and feet were swollen. So my OB ran a bunch of labs to see if I was at risk for pre-e. Luckily, she called me that afternoon and all of the results came back normal. She told me to take it easy and not do much all weekend. Well, I had my last shower Saturday, and was supposed to go to the Packers game Sunday. She told me the shower was fine, but a no-go to Green Bay. I went back yesterday, and my BP was back down to 128/82, and the swelling was a lot less. I do have a trace amount of protein in my urine now though. So she will continue to keep an eye on that. Also, my belly was measuring 36 last Friday. So this Friday morning I have another u/s to check Noah's growth and to re-check my cervical length. I am just excited to see my little man again! I will update when I know more.

Weekly Update

How far along:

32 weeks

Due date:

12-13-11, but I am beginning to think he will be here before that

Total weight gain:

26 lbs as of yesterday

Maternity clothes:

Yep

Sleep:

Getting more uncomfortable

Movement:

Yes, and I love it!!! My mom finally got to feel him Sunday!

Food cravings:

Milk and cheetos.. not together though lol

Food aversions:

None

Symptoms:

Growing belly, headaches, starting to get an achy back

Gender:

Boy

Labor signs:

None

Belly button:

Still in....

What I miss:

Not much!

What I am looking forward to:

U/S on Friday and maternity pics taken Saturday!

Milestones:

Still pregnant!

31 Weeks

It's been a long week, but exciting as well. I had my first and second baby shower last week. Thursday night, my co-workers threw me a shower. It was really nice and got a lot of cute things! Saturday, Brian's family had their side's shower at our house. Had a good time and again, lots of stuff for Noah! I think seeing all of this baby stuff in our house is really making things real for Brian, and even myself too. It's surreal to think that in approximately 9 weeks, we will have a newborn in the house! I have one last shower this Saturday and cannot wait to see everyone! Then we can start planning on what all we need to buy for baby yet. He will be here before we know it now!!!!!

Weekly Update

How far along:

31 Weeks

Due Date:

12-13-11

Total weight gain:

I didn't brave the scale this morning, but will try to remember tomorrow....

Maternity clothes:

YEP!

Sleep:

Needing more, but getting up more often again....

Best moment this week:

OB appt Friday, and shower Saturday

Movement:

More stretching lately than actual kicks

Food cravings:

Milk and fast food :-(

Food aversions:

None

Symptoms:

Expanding belly, heartburn, and headaches

Gender:

Boy!

Labor signs:

None

Belly Button:

Still in

What I miss:

Sleeping all night long

What I am looking forward to:

Maternity pictures being taken next weekend!

Milestones:

Each day is one for me!! Keep growing Noah - mommy loves you!~



30 Weeks!!!

I can't believe how fast this pregnancy is going. I remember when I first found out, how long away December felt like. Now we are already into October! So surreal to me. Brian and I still have TONS to do before our little man arrives, but it's a great feeling knowing that we don't have too long now before he will be in our arms!

Mini health update - had my f/u OB appt last Friday and happy to report that there has been no further progress. I am still 0.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I am to continue to take things easy until at least 36 weeks she said. So things seem to be going well. I am so happy little Noah is still baking away!

Weekly Update

How far along:

30 Weeks!!!

Due date:

12-13-11

Total weight gain:

actually down a little this week.... per my scale at home 19.5 lbs!

Maternity clothes:

Yep, and was enjoying my new fall wardrobe, but WI weather had a different idea... had to beak out the tanks again for this week.... calling for 80s!

Sleep:

Never get enough. I seem to be more tired all the time

Best moment this week:

I have a couple of showers this week, and my mom is coming over Friday to help me clean and decorate Noah's room... hopefully will have pics for next week :-)

Food cravings:

Milk!

Food aversions:

Nothing really

Symptoms:

Growing belly, sore boobs again, and fatigue

Gender:

100% boy!

Labor signs:

None, aside from the dilating/effacing

Belly button in/out:

Still in and will more than likely stay that way

What I miss:

Fall weather... come back!!!

What I am looking forward to:

Seeing friends and family this weekend

Milestones:

each day is one for me! Keep baking, little man!

29 Weeks

Today is a great day. Not only am I 8 weeks from being considered "full term," but today three years ago I married the greatest man I know! We have been through so much, with losing two pregnancies. But I am so glad he didn't give up on me when I felt like I had nothing left to give. Marriage definitely is not easy, but it's worth the work, love, and tears!!! Hope to have a lifetime more anniversaries with you, babe!!!

Weekly Update

How far along:

29 Weeks

Due Date:

12-13-11

Total Weight Gain:

20 lbs according to this morning's weight

Maternity clothes:

Yep!

Sleep:

Never get enough lately. Definitely tired more again

Best Moment This Week:

Knowing Noah is ok, and hoping for a good report on Friday

Food Cravings:

Milk!!!

Food Aversions:

Nothing really

Symptoms:

Hungry more often, growing belly

Gender:

BOY

Labor Signs:

None, but still fingertip dialated and 50% effaced according to last Friday's OB appt

Belly Button In/Out:

Still in - might stay that way!

What I miss:

Not worrying about preterm labor... it's constantly on my mind now.

What I am Looking Forward To:

Anniversary dinner with Brian tonight, hopefully a good OB apt Friday, and work is throwing me a baby shower Friday evening :-)

Milestones:

Each day I am carrying him is a milestone.... stay in there little man!



Good Update

So last Friday I had my fetal fibro test to see if I was at high risk for going into labor within the next couple of weeks. I was on pins and needles all day! My OB's office called later that day, letting me know that it was NEGATIVE!! YAY! :-) What great news. I was so worried about having to be on bed rest. She told me to continue to take things easy. No all day shopping, lifting things, exercise, etc. And of course, the weather is beautiful right now and I would love nothing more to take my yellow lab for a walk. Oh well. It's what's best for Noah, and I need to keep reminding myself of that. So I guess I should really buckle down and start watching what I am eating more carefully since I can't work any of it off. I am already up about 20 lbs, with 11 weeks to go yet. Not where I wanted to be at this point.

Also, at my OB visit, she did an exam to make sure I am not dialating or effacing anymore than I was on Tuesday. Luckily, that hasn't changed. She also said Noah seems to be head down now, which he was breech at my u/s. So I guess he still has room to flip around in there yet. I still don't feel him move as much as I used to. And the movement that I do feel, it feels like he's trying to crawl his way out of my lady bits!

And to add to the good news, Brian's job is safe as of right now! There were a lot of layoffs last week, and luckily he was not one of them!!! Let the good news continue. I see my OB again this Friday!

Scary and Nerve-Wracking

So I had posted in my update yesterday about lack of movement lately. Well, I just couldn't shake the icky feeling I was having that something was really wrong!! So I called my OB, and they decided to have me come in and check things out. I was monitored for fetal movement and his heart rate. Then my OB saw me. She said things look good, and decided to just do an appt-typical exam since I was there. When she checked me, I was shocked at what she said. She told me I was a fingertip dilated and 50% effaced. WTF?!?!?!! Not what I was expecting at ALL. She didn't seem to concerned, and scheduled me for an u/s this morning (since they couldn't fit me in yesterday for some reason). So last night I took it easy and basically did nothing.

This morning my mom met me at the hospital. The radiology tech was really nice! She told me they would be measuring the baby's body since I was measuring so far ahead, the fluid, and cervical length. Noah was nice and comfortable in the breach position. We got to see him putting his fingers in his mouth, and was moving a lot. After all of the measurements, she told me what she could. The cervical length was 2.8 cm, which she said was good news. There was no evidence of funneling. She didn't mention anything about the fluid, which made me a little nervous. Then she got to the baby's measurements. Noah has long legs and is measuring at 29w4d, so about a week and a half ahead. Estimated weight was 2lbs 14 oz, which made me smile! I am so glad he seems healthy!!!

My OB finally called me around 3:30 pm. She said that everything from the u/s looks good, but is still a little concerned about my dilation. She ordered another test for Friday to see if I am at high risk for preterm labor in the next couple of weeks. Since I had an internal exam yesterday and a trans vag u/s today, they have to wait at least 24 hours to do this other test. There is a chance that because of the other internals, that I could get a false positive test. She said if the test is negative, then I can go about my day-to-day activities. If it's positive, then I will have frequent OB visits and probably modified bedrest. I am really worried about that since Brian's job is talking 10-15% layoffs for his company in the near future. I guess we just have to take one day at a time right now. I was told that I can return to work tomorrow, but just work and home to rest. Nothing else.

Thank you for everyone who has been there through all of this with me! And thanks for reading my blog. Sometimes it's just a bunch of rambling, but it helps me get through times like these. Now for a couple of Noah pics....

Profile

Little foot :-) Can't wait to kiss his toes!

28 Weeks

Well, I made it another week. Not without a few grey hairs from little man making me worried, I am sure though. His movement has decreased a lot since last Friday. I called my OB yesterday, and she doesn't seem concerned. She said it could be due to him growing or the placement of the placenta. I used to be able to feel him move throughout the day, but now it seems to be just a night when I am laying down. I even tried to trick him to move by drinking a "mega mocha" cappachino on the way home from the in-laws Sunday. Nothing :-(  So needless to say, my doppler is getting used a lot more now. His heart rate is in the 140s, which is good. Just wish I could relax and not worry about him so much!!!

Weekly Update

How far along:

28 weeks

Due date:

12-13-11

Total weight gain:

Still 19 lbs as of this am

Maternity clothes:

Yep, and just bought some fall/winter items yesterday!

Sleep:

Not that great because of my worry for Noah lately

Best moment this week:

Starting prenatal classes

Movement:

Decreased to only at night mostly :-(

Food cravings:

Regular milk, which I NEVER used to drink

Food aversions:

None really

Symptoms:

Up a lot a night to use the restroom

Gender:

100% boy!

Labor signs:

None, thankfully

Belly button in/out:

Still in, but getting more shallow!

What I miss:

Noah's movement!

What I am looking forward to:

My next OB appt!!!

Milestones:

Made it another week!



Well Hello, 3rd Trimester :-)

Time has really gone by fast lately. It's hard to believe that Noah will be here in about 13 weeks. Seeing his furniture set up in his room, clothes in the dresser and hanging up in the closet, makes it even more real. Brian and I start prenatal classes this Sunday!

Weekly Update

How far along:

27 weeks

Due date:

12-13-11

Total weight gain:

Braved the scale this morning... up 19 lbs so far...

Maternity clothes:

Yep!

Sleep:

Getting more interrupted. I think he's sitting on my bladder, because I am getting up more in the night to go to the bathroom.

Best moment this week:

Hitting 3rd Tri and passing my glucose test :-)

Movement:

Some days are better than others. The past few he hasn't been too active, so I got the doppler out last night. HB in the 150s :-)

Food cravings:

None really... but I am actually wanting white milk to drink a lot, which I NEVER drank before! Always had to be chocolate.

Food aversions:

None really

Symptoms:

Growing belly and stretch marks

Gender:

BOY

Labor signs:

None, thankfully

Belly button in/out:

Still in

What I miss:

Nothing

What I am looking forward to:

Two baby showers next month!

Milestones:

3rd trimester, baby!!!!