Same Ole...

Not that it's a bad thing, but there is nothing really to report. Uneventful is good :) We can't wait to get another peek at our guy in about 3 and 1/2 weeks. Hopefully the placenta has moved, but if not, there is still time. I am feeling really well, although I seem a bit irritable, lately. Not sure if I can blame that on the hormones, or just being a crab.

I can't imagine that I will get as big as I am inevitably going to get. Will anything fit? I already bought two really cute 'Pea in the Pod' tops in size large that are just barely fitting. Nothing worse than being too big for maternity clothes that should be your size.

Evie is definitely two. Acting naughty, then "sorry, mummy" to try to make up for it. She really isn't interested in what is in my belly. Little Man was seriously kicking, so you could feel it from the outside, and I put Evie's hand on my belly, and she drew it back and said, "No tummy." Maybe she'll like him when he's out :)

That's about all for now. Next prenatal appointment is my 24 week, in two weeks. Perhaps may have nothing to say until then...Until then - Love to all.

The big reveal!

So...FINALLY, yesterday, we had our 20 week ultrasound. We went to St. Anthony's Central this time, since we didn't really care for the tech at Avista. This tech, Beth, was GREAT. First helpful thing...her first language is English. Second, she mainly does only OB ultrasounds, and actually seems to like her job :) Alan came in a little late, after being misdirected by the front desk. By the time he had gotten there, Beth had already told me that my placenta was very low...not a total placenta previa, but marginal, meaning that it is bordering the cervix, right now. She said that this can change over the pregnancy, so I will talk to Dr. E about how often he will monitor that.

Alan got there, we filled him in on that part, and went on. Baby was being a little wriggly, so the tech was having trouble trying to get images of the four chambers of the heart, etc, but then baby settled down. Beth got her measurements done, and then went searching for gender, and it wasn't hard to find! It's a Boy!!! Alan said, "I knew it!" and I had to high five him, because he never swayed from that. Lately, I was in the same opinion, but didn't really voice it. I wrote it previously in my written journal, that at the first Ultrasound, I thought I saw "something" but didn't put too much stake in my ability to determine gender. Especially since the last tech said it was too early to tell. Anyway, back to the ultrasound...

Beth also got us a few REALLY good profile pictures, and Alan immediately pointed out that our Baby's nose looks like Dustin's, and I would have to agree. Maybe Alan will get a mini-me this time!!! I was so happy for him. Even if the baby looks like me, there is bound to be more resemblance to Alan, as well, just because they're both boys. We got four print outs, 2 profiles, one of the gender determining appendage (with an arrow...hehehe) and both feet. So precious. We thanked Beth profusely, as this was SO much better than any of the three prenatal ultrasounds we've had in the past. We will go back there anytime!!! I am sure I will need to, also, to check on the previa status.

I got on the phone to Jennifer, my sisters, Halley (so she could pass on to the rest of the office) and then Sandra called. That is SO FUN!!! I went out to go shopping right after, as I had some girl things to return and had to get him something out of excitement! So cute! No pink, purple, crowns, etc.! Just rough and tumble boy stuff. I had wondered what I would do with a boy, but I am pretty sure we will figure it out, quick! I returned some maternity clothes as well, and got a few other things (plain white tee, black leggings, both AWESOME) and nursing bras and tanks. I think I am pretty much set, although I STILL cannot find a flattering pair of denim shorts, so I am still in search of those. But...I will buy a sweater for the fall, and I think, then, I am set. 5 nursing tanks, 5 nursing bras, just need a nursing gown for the hospital. Maternity clothes, though, are set. :)

I read more about Placenta Previa, and apparently, only 10% of marginal previa detected at your 2nd trimester ultrasound stay where they are, precluding vaginal delivery. Hopefully, my uterus will grow and bring it out of the way. I don't really have a problem with the C-section, if that is what it takes to keep little guy and me safe, but obviously, I would rather go through with the natural birth. The Doula forgot our appointment, so she is supposed to call me next week, and we will meet!

I came home and went through the little boy stuff, and it occurred to me that we will need to get Evie's things out of the "baby room" to make room for the new stuff! We are going to be swimming in baby stuff! I REALLY hope Sandra is going to have a girl, so we can do a little swap-a-roo. Wait...had I mentioned that Sandra is pregnant?! I am so EXCITED!!! She is 14 weeks pregnant, according to her doctor, but she thinks she is more like 12 weeks. She told me Thursday morning, and I could not be happier! They will be 6 weeks behind us, so even closer than Evie and Wyatt were in age. I really can't wait to find out what they are having. For one thing...I am just really curious, and want them to know, and secondly, because I want to know if I need to get boy stuff! I went through Evie's things, and there might me 5 things (like onesies) total, that are unisex, so I guess we won't be using much!

What else? Alan is racing this weekend, but it is raining. Evie is doing this funny thing every morning where she is trying to help Mommy out of bed by pulling. She pulls my foot/toes and says, "Mommy, out! Push!" She still needs to learn the difference between push and pull. Once she gets my foot on the floor (with a little assistance from me,) she goes looking for my hand, and starts to pull that. SO CUTE. We are off to the Children's Museum and then going to watch Daddy run in the rain. Hopefully no incidents! That's it...I am not sure if Alan wants me to reveal the name, but we are 95% sure we have our baby boy's name picked out. Some of you will laugh, and Maria already figured out from where we got the name...which is the funny part:) We are preparing for our son to be a handsome, wise-cracking, nickname giving literary hick...enough of a clue? Love to all of you, our life is great, and I am happy to share it with you all!

Love, Mumma

T-I-R-E-D

So...with rollling out a new trial, an audit at work and chasing a toddler...I am pooped. Not most of the time...I usually feel really good, but it has all caught up with me all at once. I fell asleep in my chair at work today...sitting up.

I am more that impatient to find out who it is in there kicking me. The full revolutions every other day, or so is crazy. I don't remember Evie doing that. It catches you off guard. I was waiting for an elevator yesterday, and a man was also waiting. Baby did a flip and I actually yelped. The man looked frightened...it was embarassing, but amusing.

Other than that...not much else to report. Evie really likes the 'I'm a big sister' book, and we read it almost every night. I want to get the Olivia big sister book, since she already loves "Pig."

Mumma out (until Friday...then news, I hope!)

Produce

Just a random, though amusing realization I had today. The weekly updates from babycenter that I get telling me about this week in baby's development always use produce when using a comparion on the size of your baby. For instance, weeks 4 through 7 were a poppy seed, sesame seed, lentil bean, and blueberry, respectively. Week 14 and 15 gave us the lemon and apple analogies. Week 16, it starting to strike me as comical, with an Avocado. Week 17 and 18, funnier still; turnip and a "large bell pepper" (we're using qualifiers now)... which brings us to today - Week 19. A "Large Heirloom Tomato." Now..."Heirloom"doesn't really refer to a certain variety of tomato, like, say, beefsteak, but rather is any variety that has been passed down through the generations. I am picturing a beefsteak in my mind, because that would logically follow a large red bell pepper, but really folks, who writes this crap?

Also interesting about these weekly updates is how eerily accurate they have been, when describing what may or may not be going on for me during any given week; be it rhinitis of pregnancy, getting my appetite back or getting round ligament pain. I would like them to stop listening in on my inner monologue and putting it on their website!

That's all, nothing new of note. Happy Weekend!

Same old, same old...

Well, I am almost half way through, and I honestly cannot believe how quickly your pregnancy goes when you are preoccupied with other things. Work has been Super Busy, enrolling three trials at one time (soon to be four,) chasing after Evie, trying to get baby things lined up, and Making sure my husband doesn't kill himself on two wheels...

About a week ago, I had my latest appointment with Dr. Ehrenberger. Nothing very interesting to report. Baby Guess Who is VERY active, as could be heard with the Doppler, and apparently I am the correct size, etc. I still have no idea how much I weigh, but so far they haven't said anything good or bad, so we'll take that as a good sign. Really, though, this baby is SOOOOOO busy, in there. I can sometimes feel full revolutions in my belly, every 5 days, or so. Getting comfy before there isn't as much room to stretch out, I am guessing. Dr. E talked to me about getting another Ultrasound. I told him I would go to Avista, if that was where I needed to go, and he said, "no, you didn't like it, don't go there, pick somewhere else." I like this guy for a reason! I scheduled it for EXACTLY my 20 week mark, next Friday. We are going to St. Anthony's, so hopefully that will yield some more information, maybe even the gender ;)

I wasn't dying to know before, but somehow, I really am now. I need to get thinking of names. We are pretty much set on a boy name (to be disclosed at a later date) but I am having a hard time with girl names. Most of the ones we like are on the top 100 reported baby names on the social security website, so we steer clear of those. I can't believe Violet is up there...must be some resurgence due to Willy Wonka remake, or something. Not that I want to picture a scenario where I would get the opportunity to say, "Violet, you're turning violet." Seems like that would be a hypoxic event requiring the Heimlich, or an overzealous magic marker incident.

I have contacted a Doula, and we are meeting with her next week. I thought about it, a lot, and have read over my "birth story" in my journal for Evie, many times. I started to write my revised birthing plan, and I came to the conclusion that the thing I liked the least about the first time around was the out of control feeling. I can't even remember why, if for any reason, they hooked me up to the continuous monitor right away. It pretty much tethered me to that bed, not allowing me to try all the coping mechanisms I had planned; walking, tub time, birthing ball, hands and knees position. I especially didn't like the pushing...not because it was hard. That, I expected. It was the not having any idea where I was in the process, where Evie was. I started out pushing like a champ, and Dr. E told me that if I pushed like that, she'd be out in no time. The problem is, how do you recreate something you didn't feel yourself do in the first place? Those good pushes, I don't know what those felt like or exactly what I did, and more importantly, how to do it again. I know, I know...being able to feel all that comes with a price...PAIN, and lots of it. I am not saying I am a tough or stoic woman - actually far from it. But I believe that with some help, I can do this. I want to think I can, and not have any regrets. I still don't want to take a class, so it might be that the Doula, Lisa, who teaches classes, can give me some "homework" to do on our own. We'll see...I just want the whole experience, good and bad, since this is the last time I will ever do this.

What else...maternity clothes, right now, are the bane of my existence. All the ones I like, and might feel like something other than a 70 year old hippo in are expensive. I am cheap as it is, then you ad in the factor that these are clothes I am planning to wear for the next 4.5 months, tops? I just don't know what to do. Have found a few great finds on ebay, but those are few and far between. They need to set up a rental service, or something. I think, this weekend, I am going to hit up some maternity consignments stores and local community yard sales. I am just about giving up and planning on wearing the same thing over and over each day. *baby kicks*

Alan crashed him bike two weekends ago, and damaged it badly. He was very lucky to come out relatively unhurt, but I feel worse about his disappointment. He won the very first race of the season in his class, and now, his hopes of a class championship are shot...even if he can get this bike back together in time for some of the upcoming rounds. This is pretty much his last shot, and it is shot. Long nights for him out in the garage for weeks to come...and he is already burnt out. We did get to go camping for Memorial Day, and that seemed to refresh us all. It was so good to spend time together just being us three. I cannot wait to go again, hopefully in the next month. We are already planning on up-sizing the tent, etc, since next year we will have an additional member. Right now, she/he doesn't take up too much tent floor space :)

I took a picture, but am torn about posting it. I don't feel cute and pregnant, just really large. I cannot believe the enormity of this belly, already. I am afraid of how much bigger I can possibly get in the next 4.5 months! That's about it...as you can imagine, I will have news and portraits to share next week, so tune in. Love to all of you out there...I gotta go see about a Root Beer Float,

Mumma, Out

Much Better

So...I had a stressful, yucky-feeling week, last week, but I am better. I was really disappointed by the ultrasound, and feeling bad physically, and for not being able to visit with our guests like I wanted. I have turned the corner, though.

I went to the Doctor with Evie on Wednesday, and she is perfect. I talked to him about what was going on with me...I was fine all day Wednesday, so there was really nothing to do at that point. He thought MAYBE it was gall bladder, more likely pregnancy reflux. Either way, I talked to him about being disappointed with the ultrasonographer, and being told virtually nothing while she performed it. I felt a little bad, because my doctor, who is the Medical Director at Avista, is ultimately her boss, but c'mon lady. This is one of the most cherished memories of pregnancy we will have...try to be a little informative and upbeat! Anyway, he said that he'd be glad to order me another one, though it is not necessary. The radiologist who read the U/S was very pleased and wrote in his report that everything was completely normal.

Anyhow...I just got back from a quick business trip to Minneapolis, and thankfully, I felt great the whole time. I missed Alan and Evie, but it was only 1.5 days. The baby was REALLY active and yesterday on the shuttle to the airport, he/she was actually kicking...no subtle flutters, no twisting or turning...this was full on kung fu fighting in my belly. It was SO good to feel...I have been excited, but that really made me smile. I have felt badly because we admittedly have not been as enthusiastic this time, because some of the novelty wears off. That 60 seconds yesterday, though, helped to renew my awe and wonder at the whole thing, and really begin to love my tenant. :)

Back home with my man and girl, and feeling really great. I hope this is an indication of how the second trimester will progress. Couldn't tell you what I weigh, but my prego clothes still fit the same in legs, etc, so I guess it is just adding to my belly and chest. I will take a picture soon to share...I am OBVIOUSLY pregnant, as far as I am concerned. It is a sad commentary on American physiques that many people at my meeting were surprised that I am pregnant, and swore they wouldn't have been able to tell. I guess abdominal girth is a normal phenomenon is America these days.

That is all for now...no appointments or anything for another 2.5 weeks, so it may be a little radio silent...but I am sure I can come up with something, interesting, or not.

Mumma, Out

Mixed Bag of a week

Yes, it has been a while. Lots of parties, visitors, sickness and such. I wish I had news for you, but I don't. I had my ultrasound last Friday, but the tech said that is was too early to tell much of anything, other than the fact that we are have a singleton, which is welcome confirmation, at least. A recap of recent events...

On May second, we had a surprise 50th Birthday party at the Brown Palace for one of my dearest friends...she was surprised and overwhelmed. Perfect! That Wednesday, I attended our division's Cinco De Mayo Pot Luck, and completely overate. I immediately felt like I had eaten too much, and something rotten. I was REALLY nauseous, but then went to pick up my Mum from the airport after work. No dinner that night, to bed with a cup of tea.

Thursday, there was a LOT to do to prepare for the impending guests and party. I was feeling pretty well, that morning. I went ahead and drank a yogurt and fruit smoothie. Innocuous, right? Wrong. My Mum and I were at the store on a marathon grocery trip, and I just about passed out, puked, went down, all at the same time. We stopped to get some juice and I had some chicken. Was feeling OK, but not great. Don't think I ate that night, either. Then the GI "issues" started. Yay.

Friday, I went to pick up my sister from the airport shuttle, and then then Filars arrived. I was feeling OK, but still queasy, not appetite (I know, right!?) and tired. I had to drink a lot of water for the ultrasound, which is hard, when you are already feeling queasy. My Mum and Maria (mother-in-law) came with Alan and I to the hospital. As soon as the tech got me in the room, she said that I was there WAY early, that I should be at LEAST 16 weeks, and I was 15 weeks to the day. I have had this lady twice before, and she is NOT my favorite. Cursory explanation, at best, and crappy bedside manner. She went through the motions, but she couldn't tell us much...the anatomy that she was trying to check was not supposed to be developed yet, and there was no way she was venturing a guess as to gender. All in all, a (nearly) complete waste of time. I felt bad, I couldn't even see the monitor, and she was pretty brief. I will need to go back. I truly love my doctor, but his guidance this time, telling me "no problem, 15 weeks should be fine" was a bit off. Anyway...as far as we can tell, baby is fine (tech pretty much told us NOTHING.)
Friday night we had meatball sandwiches, of which I ate 1/2 (early/easy satiety is NOT normal for me) and played band hero (or was that Saturday night? I am beat!). I almost peed myself listening to some of the vocal stylings of the boys.

Saturday - Go time. Evie's Second birthday party, with approximately 35 people in attendance. I was stressed, burgers fell apart, Evie was over-tired, but everyone really helped out, and all seemed to have a great time. Evie got an overwhelming abundance of gifts and hugs and kisses. I cannot believe she is two. That just isn't a baby anymore. I know everyone says it, but It will never make it less true...time does fly when you are having fun :)

Sunday - Mother's Day. My sister made a beautiful brunch of eggs Benedict and hash browns from scratch...and I couldn't eat a bite :( The Filars all went to the Museum, and I should not have gone. I was exhausted, tummy-sick and ornery. We got home and I pretty much lay on the couch and then went to sleep. I passed up Big City Burrito, White Fence Farm, and skipped any dinner. Talk about out of character. I hardly got to visit with my family, which makes me sad.

Monday morning, my sister left really early. I had been up much of the night sick, and was tired, still. I took Evie to Maria and Al's hotel to go swim with GrammaRia, which she loved. I came home, and there were potato chips and french onion dip. I ate A LOT...and all was good until noon...again. That seemed to be the magic time of day when my gi system grinds to a complete stop. The Filars left that afternoon, and me, Alan and Mum pretty much vegged. No dinner again, but diet root beer float actually sent well and seemed to settle my tummy.

Today is Evie's two year appointment, so I am tagging along, and am seeing our doctor before her. I am much better today, but not great. This is going to be a long 5.5 months, left, if my GI tract doesn't work right. That is really tough for a person who is used to not having any problems. Tomorrow, off to Minneapolis for work, Evie and Daddy are looking out for each other Thursday and Friday. Then, hopefully, I can regroup with my peeps, feel better, and start to do up "baby's" room. It will really help me get through the hard times of pregnancy, if I an find out who is in my belly...I want to start bonding with a son or daughter, please. And Evie needs to know :)

More later, much later...but that's where we are now. A little disappointed, the shine has worn off this pregnancy bit already, and overall, exhausted.

Mumma, Out.