Home Again!

We got home last night about 7:15 – after HOURS of driving in the pouring rain. We were in some sort of rain from the time we left Shreveport, and it rained here all night. Made for a VERY long day. Once it got dark, the driving was just hard – and there was lots of wind, too, so it was a bit stressful. Did I mention the 2 four-year-olds in the back seat? But, we are home, safe and dry now. And the Pokes pulled out a victory at the Independence Bowl game!
GO POKES!

It was a fun trip, and relatively uneventful pregnancy wise. Other than I wore out easily, and I took up a lot of space, I did the best I could to rest as much as possible, and to have fun when my body would allow it. I think the trip was about one day too long for me, and for the Twisters. I did have my blood pressure taken several times while we were down there by the team doctor, and it was pretty good each time. The bottom number was great, but Doc wasn’t too pleased with the top number any time. But, it was close to what it has been at my OB/GYN, so Britt and I weren’t too worried. We go back to my regular doctor on Tuesday, so we’ll see after that!

We got in to Shreveport late last Friday and went to dinner then off to bed. Saturday was fun just getting acclimated to our new surroundings. Sunday was Christmas Eve and they had a lot of fun tings planned for us as a group – including and inspirational church service that night. Here are the girls in our room Christmas Eve:
Christmas Day we had a brunch at the hotel, and then just hung around the hotel all day playing with our friends. That night we had a dinner at a Casino and a Christmas Party back at the hotel. Tuesday and Wednesday were the long days. Tuesday was “Kids Day Out” and we left the hotel at 9:30 am and didn’t get back until 4:00 that afternoon. We went to an exotic animal petting zoo/alligator farm, an arcade and outdoor game place (With mini-golf and a HUGE slide), a science museum where we watch an IMAX movie about hurricane Katrina, then finally back to the hotel for Happy Meals. Sometime that day, the baby “dropped.” He was MUCH lower in my abdomen that night, and has stayed there ever since. I think I look a little smaller due to this, but other people think I look larger. Then on Wednesday morning, I was just sore all over from the day before. Plus, we think I lost a small amount of my mucous plug that morning as well. Luckily, that day I was able to take it pretty easy. Thursday was game day and it was LONG, but I hung in there and found a way to enjoy myself!
I was never so happy just to SIT on a charter bus after the game as we waited for the rest of the party to get on their buses for the police escort back to the hotel. I was WIPED OUT! Friday morning we got up, loaded up and headed back home.

We are very glad we got the opportunity to experience this trip. We were just thinking on the way home how it could be next year with a toddler in tow! WOW! This past year has been an amazing one, and we know the next one holds lots of first for us as well. We can’t wait to hold our Baby Jake in a little more than 3 weeks!

Merry Christmas!

We are off for our adventure soon! Santa came to our house last night, so we are opening presents this morning, then it is off to Shreveport for our Cajun Christmas! Here's hoping Santa doesn't bring us a Bayou Baby as a surprise.

We are excited to see what the girls thing about the things Santa brought, but we are also excited to stop in Dallas and meet the newest member of our family, Kayliegh Elizabeth. My brother and his wife just had thier first - a baby girl - on the 13th. YAY!

Sickies and Blood Pressure and Parties, OH MY!

Well, now Britt is sick, too. He went to work yesterday morning, but was feeling awful. One of the doctors gave him some medication, but he couldn’t take it as he had just had some day-quil. He toughed it out through lunch, and then decided he needed to go home and rest. We ran a short errand at lunch, then he was off to bed and I went back to work. That’s when the fun began

I had been feeling kind of shaky and light headed since late morning. I had eaten breakfast, and had plenty of water, so I was sure lunch would fix my problem. But, I was still feeling that way after I had eaten a good lunch and got back to work. There was a chocolate chip cookie on my desk, so I ate that – thinking the sugar might help, too. No such luck. So, about 2:15, I went down to the training room and had the head trainer take my blood pressure (Again – lucky that I have that so close to me!). He has 2 small kids at home, and his wife is 31 weeks pregnant with twins, so he is well versed in pregnant women. My BP was something like 153/80. He said it was on the high side, and if I were his wife he would make me go see my doctor. I went back up to my office, and put a call in to my Dr’s office. I then asked my boss if I could lay down on the couch in the head coach’s office. That way I could still hear what was going on (we are trying to leave town after all), and help if need be. I grabbed ANOTHER bottle of water, and laid on my left side. I called Britt – who was home sleeping – and woke him up to tell him what was going on. He decided to come up to my office and at least sit with me. After an hour had passed, (and still no call back from my Doctor’s office) I decided to go down and have my BP checked again. BUT – everyone had left! So, I told my boss I was done for the day. Britt took me to my Dr’s office, and I had a nurse check it for me. It was down some, but not as low as it was last week. I did FEEL a lot better, though. This nurse said she would tell my Doctor I had come in, and of course she told me to go home and take it easy, but she didn’t really seem concerned.

I came home and took a nap, then felt good enough to go to a Christmas party last night that we had promised the girls. It was really a lot of fun! But we stayed well on the other side of the room as to not get anyone sick!

Britt is home again sick today, and I have today “off” from work to get ready for the trip. I still need to go to my office this afternoon to finish some things up, but I also need to clean and do laundry and such around here. Oh yeah – and REST to keep my BP down! UGH! LOL! But, I am really feeling good today – as far as my cold goes and as far as my pregnancy goes. Here’s hoping that holds out so I can get stuff done! Time to go PACK!

Rx relief is on the way!

I have the worst cold I have had in a long long long time. I guess it started late last week, but it wasn’t so bad. I even had a good day on Saturday – very productive! Britt and I did a lot of “nesting” type activities getting things ready for Jake – painted furniture, put things together, organized, etc. But then yesterday was not so good, and today I am MISERABLE! Very little voice left, deep chest cough, throbbing headache, clogged sinuses, sniffles, you name it, I’ve got it. Called the nurse this morning to get the ball rolling and she spoke with the Dr. who called in 2 prescriptions for me. I think she said Zyrtek D and an antibiotic. Since Britt works in the University student health clinic, he has an in house pharmacy right there, so he has my drugs for me really quickly! I sure hope it helps! I leave town in 4 days!

And for a little nursery update and what we did Saturday:

Jake's furniture is really close to being done! The dresser, rocker and changing table are black, but need a coat of clear coat. The crib is about 1/3 done. We bought the quarter round for the floor, and the crown molding for the ceiling. The quarter round just needs to be installed, and we got all the crown painted, so it needs to be installed. AND, super DH of mine, cleaned out the garage! It looks AMAZING! All the summer toys are in one corner, and (although one side is still full of Jake's furniture) lots of things got thrown away and it is all pretty and USEFUL space now! YAY!

I was inside all day wokring around the house. I got all our Christmas presents wrapped. That took a LOT longer than I anticipated! We are doing Santa Claus Thursday over night and opening presents Friday morning before we head out. I am still waiting for 2 shipments! They need to get here SOON! Then, I got out E&L's old pack and play, cleaned it throughly, and set it up in our room! Jake's room is all blues and greens and blacks, and we had several Oklahoma State (orange and black) things, so all the OSU stuff in with the pack n play - looks kinda fun in our room! I also opened several accessories (Mirror, mobile, etc) and put them together and put batteries in them. We also put the travel system stroller together!

Then, we also went to Wal-Mart to buy the clear coat for the furniture, and we found the PERFECT rug for Jake's room! And it was LARGE, and ONLY $20! We were so excited! Got home and unrolled it on the beautiful flooring in there, and it could not be any more perfect!
So, Britt still needs to to clear coat the dresser, rocker and changing table, while I need to organize the closet. I need to make little markers to indicate the different sizes of clothes! I am also going to figure out what I want in each dresser drawer, so we can at least bring the drawers for the dresser inside and load them up. Can't bring the WHOLE dresser in until the trim is done in the room. OH! And we finally got curtains that fit, so we hung those, too! I took a pic of the curtains and I will post it soon!

I made it 32 years without…

Ever having to use a men’s restroom. I have been tempted many times, but yesterday was a FIRST!

After dance classes were over, we took Emma and Lara to Hobby Lobby to pick out Christmas tree ornaments for their teachers. We had started looking (and touching) the ornaments and I told Britt I HAD to go to the bathroom. He said, “Just go, then!” I was hesitant, as I didn’t want to take one (or both) of the girls with me. But, I snuck off – to walk ALL THE WAY TO THE FAR BACK CORNER of the store. I knew where it was, but the further I walked, the further it felt like I had to go. And I had to GO! I was so happy Britt had talked me into going. I would have never made it to our next stop (out for a quick dinner). SO, the restrooms are in sight. I am already starting to feel the relief. And what to I see?

OUT OF ORDER!

On the women’s restroom. The whole room was blocke off with a cardboard barricade. I started to tear up, I was literally about to wet my pants. I paced a few times in front of the restrooms, trying to decide what to do. CELL PHONE! I called Britt and told him I needed him to come there RIGHT AWAY. I think I kind of scared him, but once I knew he was headed to my side of the store, I told him what was up. Once he was there, I had him check the men’s room, then stand guard while I took care of my business.

I no longer felt the need to cry. But, I was kind of sad to have to break that streak. 32 years without a men’s room. *sigh* The legacy has ended! LOL!

Oh – and Jake has the hiccups again! It’s a weird sensation. And this time it’s almost annoying! If I drink water, will they stop? LOL!

Jake has the hiccups!

I was just sitting here this morning after I checked my email, and my computer was downloading some sort of update. I was sitting pretty still - staring off into space and trying to wake up - when I felt the rhythmic little flutter low on my right side. At first, I was wondering what it was, but after about 10 regularly patterned sensations, I realized what it was. He tried to move - probably to make it stop, but he is still going! I made Britt come over and check it out, too! I remember Emma having the hiccups when I was pregnant with them, but I think this is the first time I have felt it with Jacob!

Appointment - 32 weeks 2 days

BP: 124/70
Weight: 236 (+5)

Another short and sweet visit to the OB! I like these first thing in the morning appointments! We got there on time, had to wait a little bit, but then went right back for the vitals. My BP was down for the last couple of times! That was GREAT news! Urine is fine, weight gain, although pretty significant, is good!

When the Doctor came in, we got to hear the glorious sound of Jake's beautiful heartbeat! It sounded strong and fast - just like we like it! Fundus is right on track, no major swelling, the Doctor is confident to let me travel to Shreveport, Louisiana with my work for Bowl Week in 2 weeks! We are going to roll over the Tide of Alabama with a good, old fashioned Cowboy kickin'!

My doctor did say I need to have my BP checked on Thursday before we leave on Friday, then to have it checked periodically when I am down there. I am scheduled to have a holiday lunch at Britt's clinic on Thursday, so I will have a nurse check it at that lunch, then I will be sure to go into the Training Room every other day or so while we are down in Shreveport. Sure is nice to have all those people in my corner! There is a team doctor on my trip (as well as 2 other late term pregnancies), and heck - babies are born in Shreveport every day! We would just come home with a little Cajun Baby! LOL!

I should go back to see my doctor in 2 weeks, but that's when we will be down there, so my next appointment is in THREE weeks - January 2, 2007! WOW! Then, it's just 3 weeks from then till we get to hold our new bundle of joy! WHEW!

Finally had a chance to sort through SHOWER PICTURES!

Britt's sister and family hosted a shower for us the weekend before Thanksgiving. A friend of ours took TONS of pictures, and it has taken me this long to sort through them and pic ones to post online. But, I did it!

Click on this LINK to the rest of the pictures!

We have also gone thorugh all the gifts we have gotten at our showers, and have a list of all the things we still need for baby Jake. So, we hope to take our gift cards and get some of those things taken care of soon. This is just such a busy time of year! I can't believe we get to meet our little man in just 8 weeks!

ETA: Look at the picture in this post, taken on November 18. Then, the one at my appointment this week - November 28 - 10 days later. I was MISERABLE the day of the shower because the baby was so low! And now, thnakfully, he has moved back up! YAY! It's just funny to see how different my body looks!

Appointment – 30 weeks 2 days

BP: 130/78 Weight: 231 (+3)

Well, another 4 weeks has gone by! Today’s visit was uneventful, but it took FOEVER to go back and see the doctor. My appointment was at 9:30 (we got there about 5 minutes early), and I didn’t get back to work until 11:05! I am not sure what time we left, but it was a long time! UGH!

Anyway – all was well. To quote my doctor, he said “Everything is great! You are so easy!” We loved hearing that. We got to listen to the heartbeat, and he measured my fundus as well – but he didn’t tell us what it was. Must be about right, though! I was DREADING getting on the scale, but I only gained 3 pounds! WOW!

I go on the 2 week rotation now. I go back on Dec. 12. 2 weeks after that is the day after Christmas, and I will be at a bowl game, so we have to decide how and when he will see me around the travel schedule. As long as my pressure is good and I am still feeling good, I am clear to travel to our bowl game! We find out this Sunday where we will be going!

And a little update on the room… We have FABRIC in there now! We have a really neat rug on the floor in front of the crib, and we bought curtains for the window. We are going to have to re-hem the curtains to make them fit lie we want them too, but that shouldn’t be too hard. The dresser is all painted and as soon as the floor is finished we can move it in there. We also did some of the baby laundry this week, and made a list of all the things we still need. The nesting has begun! We can’t wait to meet our Baby Boy in just over 8 weeks!

The last few days…

(Hey Britt! I used a trailing ellipsis for you!)

It has been a whirlwind! I’ll hit the highlights as we dive into this long holiday weekend! Last Saturday, Britt’s sister threw a baby shower for us. It was WONDERFUL! You have never seen so much food! I hope to have pictures up soon. It was in the afternoon, we spent the morning cleaning our house really well. We knew there were going to be guests at the shower from out of town that had not seen our home or the baby’s room, so we decided to clean a bit just in case someone came over.

Well, I either over did it, or Jake moved to a new position, or BOTH! I couldn’t even get out of the chair I was in at the shower due to the pressure and pain I was in. He was so low, and there were a lot of pressure in my pelvic area, and it hurt to stand up and walk. I was perfectly happy to just sit and open presents! LOL! So, after the shower, I went home to SIT! Emma and Lara had dinner with their father, so I had some time to relax. When they got home from dinner, Britt took them to the basketball game, and I went to my parents house to rest in their huge tub. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Aqua therapy! LOL! It really did help. But Sunday morning, I was hurting again. So, our friend that is a nurse told me to wear the maternity belt I have more. I wore it all afternoon Sunday, and most of the day yesterday. I don’t know which is worse, the pain and pressure from the baby, or the plain discomfort from the belt! UGH!

So far today I am doing well. He is back up higher again and not causing all that pain. THANK GOODNESS! But, it seems to get worse as the day goes along, so I have my hand dandy maternity belt in my purse. We’ll see how today goes!

Rx for shoes!

HOORAY! I now have a written Rx for wearing tennis shoes the rest of my pregnancy. Let's just say after a bad week last week, and wearing tennis shoes ONE DAY b/c my feet were sore and swolen, I got chewed out by my boss (lovely), so I asked my Doctor for a note.

AHHHHHHHHH! Relief! LOL!

I am still laughing that I even had to ask for this! I mean, COME ON! I am 7 months pregnant, and carrying around 20 extra pounds. GIVE ME A BREAK!

January 25, 2007 7:30am

Baby Jake will be joining us!

I just got a call from my OB's office, and they have scheduled the surgery with the hospital. I knew the date, but I had no idea on the time. This is all very exciting! 76 more days!

I have had a long week - just been very emotional and stressed. Had some things said to me that didn't sit too well, and been thinking about "all the things" I (we) need to "do" to be ready for this baby, and it has just been a little overwhelming. This is also the busiest 2 months for my job, so I am starting to freak out a little about that as well - no free weekends until the baby is born. SCARY! But, I know I have lots of love and support around me, and I know we will get it all done. It just seems so SOON!

We can't wait to meet Jacob Alan Weaver!

Got the results for my Gestational Diabetes Test Friday

and it was negative! YAY! The lab said everything was well within normal ranges. So, another hurdle crossed! I like it that things are going so smoothly!

Appointment – 26 weeks 2 days

BP: 120/71 Weight: 228 (+7)

Went back to the doctor today! We put the surgery “on the books,” so Baby Jake’s official due date is now January 25, 2007! We are SO excited!

The visit was pretty uneventful. I had to drink the gross orange stuff before I went in, and it was as gross as I expected! LOL! I shuttered every time I took a sip! But, when I got there, they took me to the lab (after my potty stop), and luckily she found a vein (in my hand) pretty easily. I hate it when they use my hand, but it’s better than poking my arm 100 times! And HOURS later, my hand still hurts! I don’t know the results of the gestational diabetes test – they will call me tomorrow.

We asked about the flu shot (I need to get one) and about traveling should our team make a bowl (I have the green light through the end of December), and the rest of the visit was routine. Everything is good! He measured my fundus, but we were so busy chatting, I forgot to even ask what he came up with! I wish I hadn’t missed that!

Keeping my fingers crossed for no Gestational Diabetes! I go back in 4 weeks.

Baby Jake in 3D/4D

We had our high tech ultrasound yesterday! It was really cool! Not QUITE as detailed as I had hoped, but it was FREE! LOL! And Baby Jake was not as cooperative as we had wanted. He was facing ALL the wrong ways! He moved around a lot, but never to the RIGHT spot! LOL! So, we got a few decent profile shots:

Then, we got two fun videos as well. One of them, he is kneeing himself in the FACE! It is just priceless! He sure is limber!

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

And this one he is just hanging out in the womb - doing what babies do best:

Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

It was a really fun day. Britt and I were talking last night that we might pay to go have it done again a little later in the pregnancy. They like for you to be about 30-32 weeks, so I was a little early. We'll see!

As always, you can see bigger pictures on my Baby Bullet Photo Album. New pics are at the bottom of the page!

On a non-Jake related note...

We won! AGAIN!

"HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE"
Emma - The cow jumped over the moon; Lara - the cat and the fiddle

We had a great time - and the weather was FABULOUS! In the 70's when we got there, and just a nice evening. Until about 15 minutes before we left when the wind shifted, the temp started dropping, and gusts were like 20 mph! But, we hung in there until all the awards were announced. They always do groups last, so we had to stay! LOL! We won for funniest costume in groups. So, the tradition lives on - that's 4 years in a row that Emma and Lara have won in the groups category. More pressure for next year!!!!

Click here to see the rest of the pictures from our evening.

Just think, we have to wrangle them into those costumes and make-up again next week...

New Nursery Pics!

I finally found some time (with LIGHT) to snap some pics of the nursery a few days ago, and I FINALLY found some time to get them off the camera tonight! LOL! We still have some work to do, but here is a peek:

Ta Da!

And that's just a peek. There are a few more at our on-line photo album that show a few more pictures of the work in progress, and what is used to look like.

Click Here to read the update about what all went into last weekend's "while you were out" makeover!

Oh - and we got some other FUN good news this past week! We are gtting a FREE 3D/4D ultrasound this Thursday in Tulsa! A friend of mine's mom works at an imaging place that i getting a new sonogram machine, and I get to be the "guinea pig" for the compnay rep that is training the techs at the imaging place. Pretty cool! We are very excited! We are taking Emma and Lara with us, too! YAY!

99 DAYS?!?!?!?!

Did you see that? On my ticker? It says 99 days! Until my C-section! I have made it to the single digits! YAYAYAYAY!

While I was out…

Britt, his family and friends played a little “While You Were Out” this weekend. The girls and I were banned to my mother’s house, while Britt, his sister, brother-in-law, niece, her boyfriend and a friend of his really did some GREAT work on Jake’s room! I wish I had pictures to share, but I had the digital camera with me. I was going to snap a couple this morning, but the light fixture isn’t up yet, and it is cloudy and foggy here today, so there’s not enough light to take a decent picture.

But, let me assure you, it is GORGEOUS! He matched the blue in the bedding perfectly! They scraped the popcorn off the ceiling and painted it white. Applied primer to the red, blue, green and gold walls, then pained them back two different shade of blue – one on top and one on bottom. Between the two colors of blue, there are LARGE black stick-on circles (Wall Pops)! It is so adorable! Very modern and bright and FUN! I just love the walls! They also ripped out the carpet and put down some kind of snap together wood laminate in a light color. Then, they painted all the trim, woodwork, and DOORS black! It is just AMAZING – such a transformation!

His sister is an artist – she uses aerosol and other mediums – usually on canvas. Well, she went one step further this weekend! She took a table that my mom found YEARS ago and turned it in to a work of art! It was in my bedroom in the duplex, and at one time I used it for a craft table. Anyway – she painted it black (it was white) then made one of her unique creations on the table top. It is GORGEOUS and I just love it!

There are still a few little things that need to be done in the room to finish it up before we can put the furniture in. Plus, Britt is painting all the furniture black, and it is not all quite done yet. There needs to be one more coat of paint on the ceiling, some trim put around the floor, and Britt wants to put up crown molding. All of the furniture needs another coat of paint and then to be reassembled. And the light fixture needs to be painted and re-hung. So, another weekend and it will be DONE! I am so excited – and so THANKFUL that he and his family put so much love and work into it. It is GORGEOUS! (Pictures soon, I promise!)

Did I mention it was my birthday yesterday?

Yes, it was. 32. Britt and I are back to being 10 years apart again - after 2 months of being 11 years apart! LOL!

It was a very fun weekend! On Saturday, we traveled to an away football game with many fans from OSU. It was a long trip. On a bus. In Kansas. And we lost the game. But, it was fun to get away. On Sunday - I got to open presents with many different people, then several of my friends took me out for dinner for my birthday. Click on this picture of Britt and I to find pictures of the road trip and of the super fun birthday dinner.

As for Jake, he is keeping me busy! I was awake for a long time Saturday night waiting for him to stop kicking, then Sunday I guess he thought I overdid it a bit this weekend as I had a slight fevel when we left for dinner. A good nights rest lat night, and today was much better. Off to get more sleep now!

We got showered!

Had my second baby shower yesterday! It was a come and go lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in town - Mexico Joe's! YUM! It was hosted by the head coach's wife, and attended by many of the other wives and female staff members from around our building. It was really a fun time just to gather and chat and of course open presents! And the CAKE! Isn't that the cutest? Click on the cake to see more pictures from the event.

We got lots more OSU gifts for Jake! We got lots of clothes, too. Still lots of "bigger" items left on our registries, but there is still a family shower later next month to look forward to!

HE FELT IT!!!

Britt felt Jake move! It was the coolest thing ever! We were watching Dancing with the Stars. I had been able to see Jake moving since last Friday. I could see my shirt move or my belly do a little dance. So, tonight, and I was laying there watching TV, I saw my shirt move, so I had Britt put his hand on my belly, and right then, Baby Jake kicked - HARD!

It was so NEAT! Britt and I looked at each other and we both started crying! I don't know who was more excited - him or me! He told me to come blog about it since he knew I was so excited!

Jake is really moving a lot tonight! GOOD - since I am loving sharing this with Britt!

Appointment – 22 weeks 2 days

BP:112/72 Weight: 221 (+4)

Short and Sweet!
I like 9:30 am appointments – you get right in and the Dr. is right in to see you. The nurse took my vitals (all good) and “dipped” my urine (all good) and had me wait for the Doctor. He was right in! First thing he did was listen for the heartbeat. He had a hard time finding it – and asked me if I could turn my own heart off for a minute so he could hear better. LOL! Found it! It sounds strong and steady! Then, he looked to see if it was time to measure my fundus, but decided he would do that next time. He did feel for the top of my uterus, and it is right where it should be. Then he looked at my chart, looked at a calendar and said, “So, we’re doing this thing January 25th?” Britt and I were both caught s little off guard with that one! But after further discussion, we remembered that our doctor’s surgery day is Thursday, and that is a week and a half before my due date, so that will probably be Jake’s Birthday!

As I checked out, they gave me the gross orange drink for the Gestational Diabetes test next time. That stuff is so bad! But, at least I get to take it home and drink it an hour before I go in. I remember with the twins I had to drink it in the Doctor’s office, then SIT for an hour! UGH! That was so frustrating!

So, I go back on HALLOWEEN! My lab appointment is at 9:20, then I see the Doc right after that. I can’t believe how quickly this is going now! Found out today that my brother and his wife will probably be delivering their baby girl on December 18! What a GREAT Christmas present!

Had my first baby shower!

Orange Pride, the group of collegiate girls I advise, threw me a baby shower on Sunday! They did a GREAT job! There were fun decorations, GREAT food - including a football shaped cupcake cake - and wonderful presents. Click on the cake picture to see more photos of the event!

I have to say, they really outdid themselves! One gift was a homemade quilt for the baby in an OSU theme - and the back even has his NAME on it! There is a picture of the side with his name in the album. Several of the girls went in together and also got me a gift certificate for a 3D ultrasound! I can't wait to see the results of that! I got lots of fun OSU things for Jake, and really just had a good time haning out with these girls.

I have another one at lunch this Thursday. What a great birthday week!

I can BREATHE!

It has been a couple weeks in the making, but I finally broke down and called my Doctor’s nurse Tuesday. I have been SO stuffed up! And sleep was hard to come by. I had tried a lot of things, including breathe right strips! So, I called my nurse and she told me Sudafed during the day and Benedryl at night. I asked Britt if he could get any of the meds at his work, and he hooked me up! But, the doctor over there (one of the Athletic doctors that sees me in the building all the time) told me I couldn’t take as much as my nurse told me I could! LOL! So, I have been taking a Sudafed at breakfast, another one in the middle of the afternoon, and a Benedryl at night. MUCH better! I can breathe so much better – and I am happy to say I haven’t had a nose bleed in over 24 hours. YAY! That’s a small miracle because I was have at least one a day – sometimes 2. It was getting really frustrating.

Anyway – the nurse said I should sleep better, and I must say last night, I did! I woke up once and thought to myself “I took a Benedryl. Why the heck am I awake?” LOL! But, I got back to sleep and woke up feeling a little better than I have. Another good night of sleep and I should be much better!

Getting fired up about my fist baby shower on Sunday! YIPPEE!
(Trying to fix this from being on here twice yesterday...)

Showers!

Well, it must be getting a little closer now! I have 2 showers being planned in Baby Jake’s honor! I know it may seem a bit early, but when you work in College Football, you have to work around game and travel schedules!

The first is being hosted by some of my college girls that I am the advisor for. They are having a COWBOYS themed shower on Oct. 1st. It will be a pretty traditional affair (from what I gather, they are being pretty secretive!) with cake and gifts. We invited the girls on Orange Pride (40) and the student workers in our office. Should be fun!

Then, the head football coach’s wife is hosting a come and go luncheon Thursday, October 5th during the lunch hour. She is inviting all of the coaches’ wives as well as the rest of the female staff from around here. Should be pretty fun!

I am getting pretty excited! We have our next doctor’s appointment that week, as well. My birthday is that week, too! Then, the next week I am going to Dallas to a shower for my sister-in- law. It MUST be getting close to baby time! YAY!

Registered!

We think we have registered for everything we could possibly need! LOL! I am sure we missed a few things, but still, we have a great start. Luckily, Jake has a crib, dresser and changing table from his sisters, so that's nice that we don't need furniture. We are going to paint it all, but that will come in due time.

We are registered at Target for general baby stuff and our BEDDING, and at Babies R Us for supplies and toys and other general baby stuff, then we just registered today at a little boutique here in Stillwater called Murphy's. That was fun because we had Emma and Lara with us and they liked to pick things out for Baby Jake.

I am glad we have that taken care of. One less thing to worry about! And fun that I can add things on-line to Target or BRU is we want to!

Still a boy!

We got to have our sonogram this afternoon! Here is a peek at Baby Jake:

Everything went really well. We were right on time, and got right in. After a few seconds trying to figure out if we had the right kind of DVD (we didn't - had to borrow one from the Dr's office), we got things underway.

She started off my measuring his head and his heart, looking at his kidneys and legs. She examined the cord, and we got to hear his heart beat - at a rate of 146 beats per minute. According to my calculations and the original due date we were given, I am 18 weeks and 3 days along. According to Baby Jake's measurements, he is 18 weeks 5 days. We really enjoyed watching all of the measuring and examining, and of course hearing the heart, but then she zoomed out and just let us watch him PLAY! We saw him grab at his feet several times, wiggle around, raise his head, and even smack himself in the forehead once or twice! And the best part? We have it all on DVD! When we got home from church tonight, we had my parents over, and we let Emma and Lara stay up and watch the whole thing. The miracle of life - SO AMAZING!

Appointment - 18 weeks 2 days

BP: 126/78 Weight: 217 (+2)
Today's appointment was really pretty uneventful. Got to the appointment right on time. They have a new computer system, so I had to fill out some paperwork - AGAIN! I peed in the cup and waited my turn. The nurse tested my urine and took my vitals - everything was great. I did tell her about the headaches I have had, and she said she would let the Doctor know.

Once the doctor came in, we got to hear Baby Jake's heartbeat on the doppler. Music to our ears! It is just so beautiful to hear that sound! The doctor told me the headchaes could be chalked up to several different things, diet, stress, sinuses, etc. So, we decided mine were probably due to stress, and he (jokingly) told me to quit my job! LOL!

Since my ultrasound had gotten cancelled for today, we re-scheudled it for 3:30 tomorrow. I am glad I didn't have to wait too long! We are so ready to see our baby again! I really can't wait to show the DVD to Lara and Emma - I bet they love that!

Oh - and one more fun thing! As I was laying on my back on the couch last night, I had my hand resting on my tummy. And I felt the kick (movement) from the outside! I immediately called Britt over, but he didn't feel it this time. I am hoping he gets to feel it soon! I don't ever remember feeling the girls move from the outside, only from the inside. This is really getting exciting now!

Good news and Bad news

GOOD NEWS:
POKES WIN! The OSU Cowboys strolled right by Missouri State Bears last night in their season opener. The final score was 52-10, and Britt and I had a really fun time. Emma and Lara stayed home with Nana and Grandpa, but we hope to get them to a game soon. Britt and I went out to check out the tailgaters at half time, and I found a booth where they were selling orange maternity shirts! We are supposed to wear orange on Fridays and Orange to games, but I have had a heck of a time finding Mommy shirts in orange! So tried it on and never took it off! LOL!

BAD NEWS:
I got a voice mail late Friday evening from the sonogram tech at my Dr.’s office, and she is not going to be in on Tuesday. BUMMER! (Some days I hate cell phones – it never rang, and no missed call was registered – just a new voice mail out of the blue!) She told me on the message to call to reschedule, so I called right back, but it was after hours, so who knows when I will get called back. I also have a Dr’s appt on Tuesday (right before the sono appointment), so of course I will go to that. I was just ready to get a DVD of the baby to show Emma and Lara! I hope we get rescheduled for sometime in the next week. I hate to wait!

I guess I have really started to show!

In the past week, I have had several people stop me and say, “I didn’t know you were pregnant” or people that did know say things like “What a cute belly!” It’s kinda fun! But, I am also noticing that the baby is getting bigger because my belly is in the way. Britt and I were cuddling in bed this morning, and he asked if I was hugging a pillow! LOL! He thought there was a pillow between him and I. I told him it was his son!

We also got our first baby present last night! We were at our small group bible study, and the hostess (I work with her husband, and she didn’t even know we were expecting until last night!) gave us a CUTE Carter’s set. It is adorable – a winter theme in blues with snowflakes and a little bear. I am pretty sure that is the first thing we have gotten for Baby Jake that we haven’t picked out or bought ourselves. So fun!

The BIG sonogram is on Tuesday! We are getting very excited!

Baby Bullet has a real name!

Jacob “Jake” Alan Weaver

We can't wait to meet him later this winter. It feels good to be able to talk to him and use his name. Emma and Lara LOVE calling him "Baby Jake!" They come up to my belly and tell him they love him, and they tell him goodnight and good morning. They are going to make GREAT big sisters!

We got to hear the baby's heartbeat!

Weight: 215 (-3)

Can't find anything wrong with me... That's the good news!

I was fever free when I woke up this morning, and again at the dr's office. Doc told me to push fluids, and rest. Didn't do GREAT with either this afternoon, but rested a lot this evening once I finally got home. I have been doing pretty well with fluids, and I am going to try harder.

The doctor said if the fever comes back to call and let him know and they will start running more tests, but for now we will just dismiss it. I am just glad he got to look me over and we got to hear Bullet's beautiful heartbeat! Here's to staying fever free!

Baby Fever?

Here's how today went:

I had a 100 temp when i woke up - but felt fine otherwise, so I went to work. About 11:30, I decided to have the training room check me again. The head football trainer took my temp and it was 101.5 The trainer told me since I am PG and it is that high, I need to see a doctor. So, I put a call in to my Dr. All they would give me was the phone nurse, so I left a message. I was giving her 30 minutes to call back before I called again.

The nurse called me back about 20 minutes after I called. She asked if I had any other symptoms (no) and how long I had been feeling this way (What way? I have a fever - feel fine. LOL!) I told her my story again. She said, take 2 Tylenol and drink more water. Which did remind me I had been abnormally thirsty this weekend... She also said she would talk to my Doctor, and if he had any other questions or suggestions he or she would call me back.

That was about 11:30. Took the Tylenol, and went to lunch with Britt at 12:30. I was feeling better. Until 3:30 when the pills wore off and I was hot again! UGH! I was about to take more pills when another nurse called me a few minutes after 4. My doctor wants to see me tomorrow morning at 10:30. She said if I was feeling bad tonight to go to the ER. I have had a pretty relaxing evening - sat on my butt from the time we got home at 5:45 until I got up to come here about 5 minutes ago! LOL! Not too shabby.

So, I am feeling a bit warm now. I will take my temp when I go back to our room. But, I still feel normal other than that! Britt reminded me at lunch that Lara had a little mystery fever this weekend, too, so it may just be something going around here...

I will write again after I go to the Doc tomorrow. I am glad he wants to see me - that will reassure ALL of us!

Oh - and have I mentioned I have had about 5 nosebleeds in the last 2 weeks? 2 this past Saturday! One at 5:30 in the morning (so much for sleeping in - and Emma woke us up at 6:40 on Sunday! UGH) then another one about 11:30 while playing Candy Land with Emma and Lara! ARGH! If it's not one thing, it's another!

Twizzlers

So, I guess I had my first craving! LOL! For some reason, earlier this morning I decided I wanted - scratch that - NEEDED some strawberry Twizzlers. So, at lunch, I went and got some. Ate the whole bag! Dang Pregnancy Cravings...

Baby Kicks

So cool! I have been feeling a few twinges and pokes here and there, but nothing consistent or completely recognizable. The other day after the Doc was rough with me finding the heartbeat with the Doppler, then the u/s tech pushed that thing on me FOREVER, I felt him move some that afternoon, but nothing since then. But last night, Britt and I were walking through Lowe’s – looking at ceiling fans (20 days of over 100 degree temperatures will do that to you!). I FELT IT! It was big, and exactly what I felt the first few times the girls moved. I called out to Britt, and he put his hand on my belly, and SWORE he felt something, too! It was SO COOL! I love that feeling!

And, I felt it again tonight a few minutes ago when I sat down to type this. Baby Jake must have known I was talking about him! :)

Appointment – 14 weeks 2 days

BP: 122/76 Weight – 218 (+7)


Britt and I took the whole morning off from work. We had to go to the elementary school and complete Emma and Lara’s Pre-Kindergarten enrollment early this morning, then off to our Doctor’s appointment. We were a few minutes early, and every thing happened rather quickly! By the time I was done peeing in the cup, the nurse was already calling me back! She weighed me, took my BP, and asked about concerns. Then we waited a few minutes for the Doctor.

Once the doctor came in, he looked me over, then got the Doppler out to listen for the baby’s heartbeat. It was HARD to find! Baby Bullet is all the way over on my left side – almost under my pelvic bone! He was pressing HARD with that little wand thing. OUCH! But, we got to hear the miraculous sound of a baby’s heartbeat – OUR baby’s heartbeat!

After that, we talked about my swelling, then the doctor started talking about an appointment in 4 weeks. Thanks to my attentive and aggressive husband, we got some more answers. Britt reminded him about the hernia we were concerned about, and asked if we needed to check on that. The doctor’s face lit up like a light bulb, and he said that he wanted to take a look at that – TODAY if possible as he was leaving town tomorrow! So, he filled out the sono form, and walked us to the front. He saw the tech just standing in the hall and asked her what she was doing. She said nothing right that moment, so we were all whisked into the room!

Once we got all settled, the tech took a look at the baby. Things are PERFECT! That hernia problem has resolved itself! We were THRILLED! Once the Doc was satisfied with what he saw around the baby’s belly button and abdomen, he left. Well, the tech decided since we were in there, she would go ahead and take some measurements. So, she looked the baby over, listened to the heartbeat – 162 bpm, BTW – and just generally checked the baby out. Then, she asked us if we were going to find out the sex. Britt had asked earlier in the session how far along we had to be to be able to tell - and she had said 18 or 19 weeks. But when she asked if we were going to find out, he said yes, and I said “I think so.” She said she had asked because she thought she could tell us today. We were both so excited and said YES! Please tell us! LOL! I think she had already seen what she was about to show us on the screen. The pic in the post below shows what we saw. His “package.” IT’S A BOY!!!!! And she was kinda funny about how BIG it was! Britt, of course, was SO PROUD of his boy! LOL!

So, we got a few pictures (link), and we were off to spread our good news! We go back in 4 weeks for another appointment, and the BIG sonogram – DVD and everything! YAY!

WOW!

It's a BOY!!!!!

More to come...

(click on the picture to see it bigger...)

SWELL

Things are going pretty well pregnancy wise. Fully into the 2nd trimester now and feeling a lot more energy and a lot less nausea. I am VERY happy about both of those things! I have had a few small bouts of nausea, and I am still tried, but it’s NOTHING like before.

Now, I do have this swelling issue that is not so much fun! Every evening, my feet and ankles swell. A lot. It is so bad some nights that the bottoms of my feet tingle and my calves just hurt. I don’t remember ever being like this with the girls! Definitely something I want to ask my doctor about next week!

I did have an interesting early morning today, though. I woke up about 4:45 to pee, and never really went back to sleep. I finally woke Britt up about 5:45. I had pain in my stomach. Not like cramps or anything, and we finally decided it was indigestion. GREAT! I didn’t have to deal with that until the 3rd tri last time! WAH! But, sitting up, some Tums, some water, and some TIME and I was feeling much better! That reminds me, I need to go out and buy more Tums…

Found out yesterday that my brother and sister-in-law are expecting a GIRL, so now the push is on for ours to be a boy!  Time will tell…

Yesterday, I got to

hold a 10 day old baby boy! A guy that works in our equipment room and his S.O. were up here with their newborn son, Bryson Michael, and OF COURSE I had to snag a snuggle! He is so sweet! I forgot how small newborns are. Makes me ready to meet bullet – and it is a LONG time until February!

Made it to 12 weeks!

I am feeling SO much better! I am not as tired as I was there for so long, and I don't feel like I am going to throw up all day long. YAY! I do have some "Preggie Drops" that I keep in my purse, and they have been a life saver a couple of times this week. I still feel nauseous if I get too hungry, so I suck on one of those and I feel MUCH better.

I am just glad to be here at the 12 week mark! I go back to the Doctor in 2 weeks. Britt asked me last night when our next appointment was, and I told him not till mid-August (I couln't remember the date, but it is the 8th), and he was sad. he said he wanted to go NOW! LOL! We are hoping we keep another peek at our little bullet!

Good News

I spoke with my doctor this morning, and he basically said they what the tech saw on the u/s was no big deal. He said it looks like the bowel is protruding up into the umbilical cord, but that it is not too serious and will likely not be a big concern. He said that it is very rare that something like this is a major complication. He said the odds are good that it will reverse itself and all will be normal. He has decided not to refer us to a specialist at this time. I have my regular appointment in 4 weeks, and he said when I am there for that, he will schedule another u/s at that point.

So, We get another peek at the baby in about 6 weeks, and we can rest a little easier in the meantime. WHEW!

WOW. That was incredible.

We had our first ultrasound this morning! It was short and sweet and went really well. My appointment was at 11:30, and we were out of there by 11:45!

We got to see the baby from all angles, and according to the tech’s measurements, the baby is 10 weeks 5 days. According to my other calculations, I am 10 weeks 4 days, so I am not going to adjust my due date. I am still going with February 4, 2007. The baby was awake for a few seconds, and we got to see the baby’s little arm waving around like mad! “Bullet” wanted us to know he was in there! Bullet also had one foot stuck way up high, and we could see it really well – all 5 toes and everything. You can see it in the picture on this entry. The tech measured Bullet’s heart rate at 171. Pretty fast! She said it slows down here in a few weeks to around 140-150.

But, it looks as if we will be referred to a specialist and have to have this pregnancy monitored pretty closely. Seems Baby Bullet has a defect. The baby has a hernia where the umbilical cord meets the baby’s abdominal wall. All the tech said was that we would have to see a “specialist” (perinatologist?) and that she would have to give her report to my OB. Of course, this is surgery day for my OB, so he won’t even be in the office. I am temped to call his nurse and tell her we are worried and I want him to look at my sono results and call me FIRST THING in the morning. But, I have been able to speak to another OB/GYN doctor about it. There is another doctor in the building that is a family friend. He no longer delivers babies, just does the GYN part of things, and so we stopped by his office to see if he was in. Just as we walked in, he happened to be in the reception area! God is so GOOD! So, we showed him the 2 pictures we had, and told him what the U/S tech had said. He said of course my Doc would go over it and let us know, but from what he could tell from these two pictures, it didn’t look too bad. He said there are varying degrees of these things, and we won’t know anything until we can do more scans and the baby grows. He also said it probably means I have to have a C-section, but we already knew that since the girls were a C-section birth. So, all in all he was pretty reassuring, but Britt and I are both still pretty scared. The good news is that if we are going to a specialist we will get LOTS of sonograms and LOTS of pictures! YAY!

So, we are on pins and needles until we hear from my doctor – hopefully sometime tomorrow. I am thinking about leaving him a message with his nurse, but I haven’t decided yet. I truly hope and pray it is no big deal and the baby just has to have a little surgery when it is born. Pray…

First Appointment – 10 weeks 3 days

BP: 126/68 Weight: 211

Pretty uneventful. A little disappointing, even, maybe. After a trip to Panera for a bagel for breakfast, Britt and I got to the Doctor’s office right before my appointment time. The receptionist checked me in, and gave me my little cup to go pee in. After a short wait in the lobby, we were ushered back to the exam room. The nurse briefly went over a few things, and gave me the disrobing speech. The Doctor was in quickly. After some chatting with him about medical and personal things, we were about to start the pelvic exam when my phone rang. It was Emma (and Lara). Emma called to tell me that she threw up on the plane to Montana. She is fine – but that was a funny call to have while sitting in a paper drape at the OB/GYN.

The Doctor proceeded with my pelvic exam and asked if I had any questions about anything. We asked about pre-natal vitamins, and he just said to use OTC ones that had folic acid – which I am, so I will just keep using what I have. He also said that he feels a sonogram this early in the pregnancy is a NECESSITY in order to assure the baby is in the right place, has a beating heart, etc etc etc. And he told us he believes in it SO strongly, that he pays for the first sonogram! So, even though we didn’t even attempt to hear the baby with a Doppler today (Which is why I was disappointed) we have an appointment for a sonogram at 11:30 tomorrow. I can’t WAIT! Everyone keeps asking us if there is just one baby or if there are two. Still waiting to find that out ourselves!

After the appointment, we drove to Oklahoma City and spent the whole day shopping. We even registered for a few baby things at Target and Babies R Us. We had a fun lunch together, and just enjoyed the day as a couple. I even bought my first baby purchase! A super soft and sweet green, yellow and white chenille blanket from BRU. More tomorrow after the sonogram!

Another Monday!

I never really planned on blogging on Monday’s, but it keep happening that way!

Not much new here… I ballooned up a couple of weeks ago and felt all bloated, but I am happy to say I haven’t gotten any bigger the past week. My pants are all still fitting the same – tight and uncomfortable! I have that one pair of maternity Gauchos that I am wearing some, but I am also still squeezing into my other pants with a rubber band at the button!

My sickness has left me in the mornings, but has decided to join me in the afternoons. From about 3 – 7, I am MISERABLE! And that is such a bad time to not feel good! I am trying to finish my work day, go get the kids, come home, enjoy my family… Luckily, I have the best husband on the planet, and he plays with the Twisters and cooks dinner while I catch a short nap most days. And hey – my mornings are a lot more productive now!

Have you ever read anything about pregnancy dreams? I have been having the weirdest dreams! Nothing specific – as I can’t remember details, but they are so VIVID and life like! I wake up feeling the emotions I was having in the dream. I hate that I can’t remember them, I am sure they are very interesting…

Emma and Lara have started marking things off of the “Until Baby Comes” calendar we made for them. Here is a picture of what it looks like:
They marked off the first 2 things this week after the 4th of July. I have my first doctor’s appointment this Wednesday, so I am sure I will have a much better report after that!

Maternity Pants

Wow. Baby Bullet is BIG! Or at least my belly is. Britt and I had started noticing this week that I am looking pretty bloated and my lower belly is getting pretty firm. My mother asked me how much weight I had gained (!) and my grandmother asked my mom (within my ear shot) if I was showing “already?” So – 2nd pregnancy, in my 9th week, I guess I am!

I went to get dressed yesterday, and it was a challenge. It has been getting harder, but this was no fun. We just moved into our new house this week, and I need to do laundry in the worst way (luckily I can start tonight!), so I tried on 2 pairs of pants to no avail. On the brink of tears (aren’t I always?), I resorted to the maternity gaucho pants I had bought a week ago. They were big – BIG – but so comfy! I had a bridal shower to go to that wan an hour away last night, so the car ride and the event were easy to bear in those clothes!

Then, today is jean day. The stretchy denim capris I have been wearing every Friday are in the HUGE pile of laundry. So, I found the biggest pair of jeans I have in my closet, dug out a rubber band, and made do. They are kinda tight, and I sure am glad I am leaving work soon to go home and put on something more comfy! I guess I need to get on the ball and get some maternity clothes. YUCK! Anyone wanna donate to the cause???

I HATE GIVING BLOOD!

Ok – I am over it now! I just got back from my first pre-natal visit, I’d guess you’d call it. It was just the medical history and insurance part of things, then they took blood for my lab work. I was there almost 2 hours though! SHEESH! There was a LOT going on in that building! They were running late and over booked and just random things going on. It didn’t help that I was trying to get them to change my name on all my stuff there as well…

So, here’s how it went. Britt went with me, and we had to park at the ER across the street and walk to the Women’s Clinic – that was my first clue they were busy. First I went into the “Business Office” of the clinic. That’s where the name change fiasco started and where I gave my first urine sample. (Part of the lab is in this area as well.) After a short wait, we met with the nurse that did a medical history with us, and then went over my insurance benefits and payment plan. Luckily, I do have good insurance, so this won’t be too bad!

After we answered 2000 medical history questions, she took us upstairs to the backed up lab. The lab tech told us it would be a 15 minute or so wait, and she gave me my little cup and wipes for my sterile urine sample and told me to try to get that done while we waited. Unfortunately, I had held it for so long before I came to the visit, then peed so much downstairs, I was OUT! I went to find a water fountain, but that didn’t help much. When it was finally our turn in the lab, she gave me a BIG glass of water while she worked on the blood draw. I was a little more than nervous as she got out the needle and the FIVE vials that had to be filled. This is my FAVORITE part. NOT! She poked around on both my hands and arms, and finally decided she liked what she saw in my right hand. Poked me, drilled around a bit, and got it to flow. For one of the larger vials. She started the 2nd one, and got nowhere. Pulled that needle out, and started prodding again to find another site. She finally decided it wasn’t her day, and went to get “help.” The second lady was rougher, but got results! She found a spot in my left arm, and got the rest of the blood they needed. I had sat there all nervous and anxious for so long, I really did have to pee after that – so it was off to give my sample. After that was all done and we FINALLY got to leave. WHEW! I was so glad to be done with all of that!

My next appointment is Wednesday, July 12, and I actually get to see the doctor that day! Maybe we will get to hear the heartbeat!!!

Embarrassing

So, I just had to make my 100th run to the potty this morning. As I was walking into the stall - literally INCHES away from the toilet, I SNEEZED. And I leaked! WHAT?!?!?!?! That has never happened before. WOW. So embarrassing. I guess it is time for pantiliners every day...

It's Monday - AGAIN!

I can't believe it has been a whole week since I wrote anything. Nothing much is new. Basically, go to any website that has a list of early pregnancy symptoms and put the words "Betsey has" in front of every item on the list! LOL! We closed on our house last Thursday, adna re in teh process of doing a few projects before we move in. We are going to start moving tonight, and hope to sleep there Wednesday night. So, that has been taking up a lot of our time.

And speaking of Wednesday, I have my first contact with any medical professionals that day! I have an appointment at 9:30 am to have some lab work and meet with the insurance coordinator. I am pretty excited just to get the process started! Then, I go back 2 weeks after that for my first meeting with the doctor. So, we are getting closer!

It's Monday

No more spotting. I didn't have any at all yesterday. Actually had a pretty good day - until about 5 o'clock. Whoever calls it "morning sickness" is so far off base it's not funny! I feel pretty good this morning, too, but I guarantee when I get home from work I will go straight to bed! Actually, I think I would rather get up and get going for the day than have to deal with it in the morning, so that's not so bad. I got my "This is your pregnancy this week" email this morning and it told me to cheer up as I only have about 6 more weeks of morning sickness to endure! YIPPEEEEEE! (Can you feel my sarcasm?)

The past two days...

The past two days have been LONG and scary.

Let's start with Friday. I woke up feeling the worst I have this whole pregnancy. But, I ate something, pushed through, and went to work. Actually didn't feel all that bad at work most of the morning. However, I was on a 12:30 deadline. (That's when Britt and I go to lunch, and my project had to be done before I left.) So, I was working my butt off, and I forgot (neglected to) have my morning snack - or my morning water. BAD, bad Mommy! So about 12:15, one of my co-workers asked me a simple question, and my answer was pure babble! I couldn't get the words to come out of my mouth! I left for lunch, and I know my blood sugar was crashing and my blood pressure was on the rise. I was seeing spots in front of my eyes and having a horrible time concentration. Food helped, but only minimally. I went back to work at 1:30, but thought I was going to DIE. I got a few loose ends wrapped up, but my boss wasn't there to ask if I could leave. I debated whether to just leave or not, and at 5 till 2, I bolted. And probably shouldn't have driven myself home! I was in my bed asleep by 2:05. We had car pooled, so Britt called at 4:45 to see if I could come get him, and that was the first I had woken up! I still felt a little googly all evening, but the nap helped. I learned my lesson! I have to eat more often and DRINK MORE WATER!

So, that leads me to Saturday... We did not sleep well Friday night. There were bad thunderstorms around here, and Emma and Lara were up several times. Add to that I wasn't feeling well (Still), and it was a long night. Only to be interrupted by my mother calling at 8:15 in the morning! UGH! So, that' how our day started. Well, when I went to the bathroom mid-morning, I noticed small stain in my underwear. When I wiped, there was some brown blood on the tissue. I didn't think much of it, and didn't mention it to Britt. We had to drop the girls off with their dad, then go to a wedding yesterday afternoon. I was still having some spotting when Britt and I were getting ready for the 4:00 wedding, so I decided to tell him then. I still felt OK, and I wasn't concerned about the spotting. But I put a pantiliner in my underwear just to monitor what was going on. I tried to sit a lot at the reception and just let other people take care of me. It was a beautiful wedding and a GREAT reception! (The dinner and reception were at Paula's house just like Britt and I did!) Later in the evening, I went to the restroom at the house. And this time I noticed a bigger, redder spot on my liner. I was getting tired anyway, so after I told Britt, we decided it was time to go home - it was about 9:00. When we got here, we both went straight to bed. We were so tired, we fell asleep with the overhead light on, the TV on, I didn't take out my contacts, or take my vitamins, we didn't pray (our nightly ritual) or even KISS goodnight! WOW! I woke up and tuned off the light at TV at one point, but I don't know what time it was!

Anyway - I woke up this morning feeling tired, but better. I went to the restroom when I first got up, but I didn't look. So I don't know if I am still spotting or not. I did have an "unexplained bleeding incident" when I was 10 weeks pregnant with the girls. I am 7 weeks today. I am still not worried about it, but I am going to take better care of myself - that's for sure!

So, where does all the PEE come from? AND a bloody nose?

WOW. What a weekend! I was in Dallas, and I am now 6 weeks pregnant. I guess that it some sort of sign for the harder pregnancy symptoms to hit or something! Still not miserable, but some days are so LONG…

Here’s the thing about the pee. I really do want to know where it all comes from. Saturday night. I went out to dinner with about 25 people. The service was adequate – about what you would expect for 25 people on a Saturday night. I drank water, and I know I only got one refill. So, that was about 20 oz of water at dinner from about 8pm to 9pm. Then, when I got back to the hotel, I drank about 4 oz of water with my vitamins. And went to bed. When I got up at 3:40 to pee, I peed for DAYS! I never thought my bladder was going to actually be empty! Then, when I got up at 7 am to start my day – I peed for DAYS AND DAYS! WOW! That was a lot of pee. So, where did it all come from?

And my newest pregnancy woe is the strange and scary thing that happened to me this morning. The nausea I wake up with is getting worse. So, I laid in bed for a long time before I even tried to sit up. When I did finally sit up, blood started POURING out of my nose! Like a faucet! I tried to catch it in my hands, but it was dark and I didn’t have my glasses, so I was at a loss. Britt came to my rescue with tissues, but I still got some on the bed and my pajamas. And all over my face and hands. It bled really fast for about 5 minutes, then it stopped as abruptly as it started. SO WEIRD!

I do remember having a couple of bloody noses last time I was pregnant, and I know that is a “side effect” of my condition. But it was so strange – and SCARY! Well, my bladder says it is time to go, so I will GO GO GO!

OMGosh! The SNEEZING! (and another new thing for me…)

OK! Have I mentioned that I sneeze ALL THE TIME? Well, I do. The joke in the office is, “Don’t worry, you can’t ‘catch’ what she has!” That’s all fine and good, but it is a bit annoying. And they aren’t productive sneezes – not like a cold or hay fever. Just like when you sniff pepper or another irritant. IRRITATING is the right word for it! I did some internet research, and it says some women suffer from this. It also said that while pregnant you produce more mucus, so that could cause it. Sites also said I may have a cold or hay fever. I have no other symptoms, so I am going with pregnant sneezes. And, since I had that with the girls, it kinda makes sense. But apparently, I am in a minority here.

Now, on to my other “new” pregnancy thing. Never, EVER, in my life have I been constipated. Didn’t really even know what that was about. Well, now I do. Add that to the LONG list of gastro-intestinal issues this pregnancy has caused (can you say, GAS?), and I have been miserable more than a few times. So, 2 days ago, I took a laxative. The box said take two, but I was nervous and scared, so I took one. Nothing happened. So, last night I took another one. Happy to say I FEEL better, but nothing has really moved. So, maybe it was just bloating? I have no idea – but again, my body is going CRAZY! Not to mention the medicine DRIED ME OUT! I woke up yesterday morning noticing that everything was dry – eyes, nose, mouth, skin. But this morning I was so dry I HURT. My eyes felt like they were sunk into my head! And my skin? WOW! Tight all over. So, pretty much not doing the laxative thing again. Caused more harm than good, IMO.

But, other than that, I am doing good. I have not felt as tired the past couple of days. I don’t know if that is getting better or if I am just handling it better. My goal is to enjoy EVERY MINUTE of this pregnancy, and so far I am doing a pretty good job of that! We are just all so EXCITED about the new baby in our lives!

Just a couple of observations...

I don't know if it is being 31 vs. 26 the last time, or what, but this pregnancy is SO different! I was never sick - or even queasy - with the girls. I remember a few times a strong smell would make me gag a little, but that was it. This time (so far) I have never gotten sick, but I am constantly uncomfortable and nauseous. Especially if I get hungry or over tired. My body's reaction? QUEASY STOMACH! Not so much fun - but well worth it!

I have also been a lot more TIRED this time around. I don't remember that from last time. Again, it may be the age thing, but I don't know. I feel like I need a nap after work everyday! And some days, I just take one!

And, I don't remember having to pee this much this early. I do remember thinking last time I was pregnant that the books and websites all said frequent urination was a symptom, and I never had that early on. Third Trimester was a totally different story! But, it has already started here. I haven't slept through the night without getting up at least once in a week. I HATE that! I am so tired as it is, then I wake up and have to pee! LOL!

But - I will take it. Every minute of it! I plan on savoring every minute of this pregnancy. I am so excited! Britt is so excited! The GIRLS are so excited! They tell everyone - friend or stranger! They tell us all about how they are going to feed/change/rock/play with/put to bed/ read to etc. the new baby. It is hilarious! I can't wait to see how they are when Baby Bullet is actually here!

Here is a picture of the shirts they made with Britt on Friday night while I was at work: They loved telling all the relatives about their new sister status! I just hope they can hold out for 8 months! They know it will be "after Christmas" when the baby gets here, but do they know how LONG that is? I plan on making them a calendar to keep track soon!

Work Knows...

I told the Director of Football OPs yesterday - and he told his wife, so I knew it would get out sooner rather than later. So, I decided to tell my office manager and my direct boss this morning. Everyone has been really excited and supportive about it! So that's nice. And they weren't too worried about the timing. Luckily, football season will be over and the biggest part of recruiting will be too. I might be a little iffy to FLY to a bowl game, but I will drive myself if I have to!

So, I feel much better about that! Glad I don't have it looming over my head. We (the football office) are having a big event tonight (Football 101 for Women), and there are several people that are going to be at this event that already know, so I wanted to make sure the big bosses knew before they found out on accident tonight. So, I had to do it today! I am just glad it is out and I don't have to worry about who knows and who doesn't.

We are SO excited! YAY!

Had my first bout of "morning" sickness

Last night. At 11:15. ?????

I never really threw up, but I felt like I would any second. I was miserable! I had thought I was hungry about 30 minutes earlier, but decided not to eat anything. Maybe I should have!

Anyway - I survived. Finally fell asleep and slept pretty well. Now it's time to face the day!

Standing in line for a roller coaster

When I got to work this morning, I called my Dr.’s office. I told them who I was and that I got a “+” HPT yesterday and wanted to know when I could come in for a blood test. The lady told me they don’t routinely do a follow up blood test, but they will if I want them to. She asked me if I was trying to conceive, how old I was, how long I had been trying, how late I was, the first date of my LMP, and what brand of test I used. I told her First Response. She said “A positive test result means you are pregnant. If you want to reconfirm, you can come in for a blood test, but based on what you have told me, there is no need.” OK! Good enough for me!

So, I went on to ask her what the protocol was for the first pre-natal visit. She said the Doctor will want to see me between 10 and 12 weeks. So, we made my first appointment for July 12 at 9:30am! WOW! That’s a LONG time from now. But, I go in 2 weeks before that, June 28 at 9:30am, to meet with the insurance counselor and to set up payment arrangements as well as have a blood draw for some blood workup to be done before I see the Doctor.

This is all so WEIRD and different from the last time I was PG! I was seeing the doctor every other day at this point, and by 12 weeks, I think I had seen my reproductive doctor about 10 times and my obstetrician at least once! LOL! So this is really a learning experience for me as well! Can’t wait for the ride to really get started!

Day 2

Well, it hasn't really sunk in yet! We weren't going to tell anyone until father's day. But Britt was SO excited, he wanted to tell SOMEONE! So, we told his sister and her family. And if we told them, we had to tell my parents. But while we were at his sister's we ran into some family friends, so we told them. Then we went to my parent's house and told them. (My mom was in SHOCK. We are due about 6 weeks after my brother and his wife. She is going to be grandma again x2!) So, as we were driving home from my parents, we both sent text messages to a few close friends. Got home, logged on to YIM and AIM and told a few more friends. So - we went to the opposite extreme, and told LOTS of people!

We are going to go to my grandma's house here in town at lunch today, then drive over to see his parents this evening and tell them. I have not posted on my Tackling Twins board yet, but I probably will after I go to the Doctor and have the results confirmed.

We are just so EXCITED! This is truly a blessing and a miracle. Britt and I can't wait to be parents to a newborn. We are now starting the discussion of whther ot not to fnd out the sex of the baby! At least we know what the 3rd bedroom in the new house will definitely be used for...

God is so GOOD!

We took a test...




It was POSITIVE!!!
EDD is February 4, 2007.

Pretty sure

this is not it either.

I have not started, but all my normal pre-preiod signs are there. My boobs are still sore - have been for 2 weeks, but since that is a PMS symptom as well, I can't put too much weight in that. I haven't given up hope, just being realistic. Ah well. It will happen when the time is right. Time to enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend!

Here we go again

According to my calculations, I ovulated on the Saturday of mother’s day weekend (May 13). Today is the 21st, so that was a little over a week ago. I can usually feel when I ovulate, and I felt what I always feel, so I assume that was it. So, we made sure we did the baby dance several times that weekend. And, we are HOPING something happened. If my body isn’t fooling me, then it has. It has been a CrAzY week as far as my body is concerned. For 2 days early last week, my breasts were hard as rocks, then one they “deflated,” they have been sore ever since. I have been more tired than usual – I think I have taken a nap more days this week than I haven’t! So, I am due to start next weekend - the 28th. I hate this part of my cycle. It is referred to around here as the “waiting period.” UGH! But, we are thinking positively and I am taking better care of myself! Fingers Crossed!

*sigh*

Not this time. We'll keep trying.

Still...

Still haven't started. Still don't feel like I am going to. Still trying to be still...

And so it begins

I can't sleep. I have a million thoughts running through my mind, so I decided to start by writing it all down somewhere. I think this might be it. Something's different. I could be wrong, but I think this is it.

We got married January 7, 2006 and started dreaming that day of a baby. In the past few months, we have let nature take it's course. The first day of my LMP was 4/2/06. I can feel when I ovulate on the right side, and that was the Friday before Easter, 4/14/06. I had some a-typical spotting and light cramping late last Wednesday (4/26) night. Not sure what that was about, but it might be attributed to implantation bleeding. Technically, I am not late. My cycles are averaging 26 days (and the longest is 31), so I should be starting anytime. But I don't feel like I am about to. Today is CD 28...

This might be it. We have agreed to test on Monday night...