Mom-ents

Today I was just relaxing with Wyatt fast asleep on my chest and I started thinking about how fast time seems to go by and that I am so lucky to have him so I should treasure these moments. Things have been going a lot better my confidence in my baby raising abilities has returned and I am really enjoying watching his suttle changes.
Stan and I got horrible colds this week so the late nights have been really hard. Last night I was able to take some cough medicine and get some sleep because Stan was nice enough to take over some extra feeding times for me.

Nights with Wyatt are usually very good he will cry every 3 hours or so for his feedings. He is difficult at night when we are putting him down to sleep but that is totally fine as long as he goes right to sleep after the late night feedings. We have had a few challenging nights where Wyatt would cry a lot and last night happened to be one of those times. It was pretty bad I would put him down and then 20-30 mins later he was up and crying again. This is so rare though honestly so I know that usually there is a problem if he cries like that. Last night I am pretty sure he just had gas.

I have been incorporating some quality tummy time and bicycle times to get Wyatt's muscles going. He can pull himself up pretty far and can do several lifts so I am really proud. He isn't too happy with the tummy time but I have never seen a baby that liked the feeling. I have been trying to give him some tummy time on my chest too where he can pull himself up to look at me when he wants and rest when he feels like it. This will also give him a chance to get used to being on his belly. Its cool because he already moves his back legs perfectly. I have been trying to have him sitting with me a lot to work his back and neck muscles that way too.

He started drinking more formula recently. He just moved up to 3 ounces and today we started trying to space his feeding time to every 3 1/2 hours instead of every 3. Then we will do every 4 hours if he is up to it. I knew it was time to move him up when he started spitting up at certain feedings or drinking a lot less. In fact he would just skip some all together. so all in all things are going great.

Feeling Good

The last few nights with Wyatt have been so much better. I think I just had to be patient with him. He has been having many more waking hours during the day and he has been getting more and more interested in the toys I have been trying to get his attention with. He has been doing a great job and I have been getting closer and closer to him. It is so amazing to look at him and to imagine that only 2 weeks ago he was in my belly. I am so excited to see him develop and grow. This whole motherhood thing is feeling pretty great.
As much as I love Christmas I have to say I am glad that the holiday has come and gone so I can start to get into more of a rhythm with Wyatt. It was def. hard to have a brand new baby while trying to get Christmas gifts. Next year, we will be planning Wyatt's 1st birthday party and doing Christmas--its crazy because at that point he should be up and walking and just so big.

When Night Becomes Day

Wyatt has been sleeping for hours during the day and I keep hearing that he has his nights and days mixed up so I did some research online on how to introduce the difference between day and night to my newborn. Unfortunatly this means that I have the horrible job of being the mean person who has to wake up my perfectly peaceful newborn. I hate it so much because all he does is cry and there is no way or me to console him without putting him back to sleep. So is that really me spending quality time ith him and isn't this the time where we should be bonding not introducing mom torture (that shouldn't come along this early right?) . I try playing games with him but all he does is scream until I let him go back to sleep. Ahh...motherhood!
Oh well other than the sleep thing I think things are going pretty well. The whole post pardum freak outs are pretty much over. I am still amazed that he was inside my belly all those months. That little heartbeat the little flutter all him. It is neat I have to say and I love his eyes, they are so deep and just gorgeous. I am looking forward to when he is able to interact more though. Like I can't wait for him to be able to laugh at what I am doing and stuff. Right now it is that stage where you give a lot and don't get too much back but I know just around the corner is the fun part so I am happy to be here just watching him learn and take everything in.
Wyatt's first Christmas was perfect and it was really weird to think about how different next Christmas will be since he will be a full year old. Like I kept thinking about how he will be walking or running around next year and able to open his own gifts. He will be interacting on his own with people. It's crazy how fast these stages go and how much babies change in a year. I think that was something that helped me move past those baby blues was realizing that these stages go by so fast and while I am wishing for the past the present is slipping to the future and I am missing it.
So basically everything is good here. We have been working on getting into a routine with Wyatt so he will be better about sleeping. I have decided to let him have his sleep/waking times the way they have been and I am going to chart them out to see exactly how long he has been sleeping and how long his interactive hours are. If I see that he has more waking time in the day then I will trust that things are in-line with where they should be and if not then I will know that I have to tell myself that waking him up is the best thing for him and he will just have to get used to interacting with me. If it gets too bad I know the pediatrican will have some great advice and the office is always available but if you have any advice I would love to hear what you did or would do.

I've Got The Blues

This is sorta hard to write about and I am a little hesitant to post this since I know it may be taken wrong but I have been having some baby blues. Not the whole Post Pardum Depression thing since I have no dangerous thoughts just some self doubts and the sudden realization that this is now the rest of my life. Wyatt is this absolutly beautiful perfect baby and I couldn't ask for more with him so I already am feeling like I am going to be such a let down as a mother since we all know how irresposible I tend to be. I also start thinking about how nice it was when it was Stan and I and how I really wanted a baby to make that picture more perfect but that maybe the picture was perfect. All of these emotions come and go and they started while I was getting ready to leave the safety of the hosptial and enter the world as a parent. Fortunatly Dr. Richards had stopped in that morning and I talked to her about how I was feeling and she assured me that every patient she has goes through this exact same thing and that the hormones from the pregnancy are now adjusting so I have a non-pregnant body again so I will be feeling this way for a little while until that process is complete. By far the worst day was the first day when we came home from the hospital I had this huge panic attack and ran screaming to the bathroom about how I couldn't do it but by Saturday I realized that I had already survived my first night outside of the hospital as a mommy and that meant that I had one night under my belt. Wyatt will be a week old tomorrow (which is totally crazy) and he is thriving looking around tracking with his eyes, lifting his head, smiling (maybe gas), and the way he looks at me with so much love in his eyes. I couldn't ever give that love back. Sometimes these self doubts make me want to go back to before but then it hits me so clear how absolutly amazing he is and how truley blessed I am to have him and I am ready to move on.
Also through this experience I have found so many people who really do love me. I mean I have found so much support and I am so thankful for that. I wanted to write this entry because I hope that it helps someone else since what really helps me move past the feelings when they stir up is remembering that others have gone through these same feelings and they were able to get through it and become truly great parents.

Where's Wyatt?

Well, it's official Wyatt is late! I am totally going crazy. Its nuts I thought that I would be relieved to not have to wake up every morning and go to work but this is so not the case. I have been trying everything to coax him to come but it seems he is standing firm so I just have to be ok with it all.
Yesterday, I decided to go walking around as much as I could. I took Sugar for a walk around the block and then went to the mall and walked all around there. Then after dinner Stan and I went to Target and Linens n' things for a little extra bit of exercise. At Target I started feeling some pains and pressure but it was nothing. So today I am planning on doing a lot of chores around the house to get us ready for Christmas and then I may go over to the mall and see a movie. I think I have been allowing myself to get frustrated by just sitting around and waiting wondering when everything is going to happen. I think a lot of it is that I have been waiting so long already and now we are here standing on the edge of having him here in our arms and there is this delay. I just can't wait to see him and feel him.
I have been torturing myself during the days by watching A Baby Story and Bringing Home Baby. I am watching so I can feel really confident that I will know what is happening throughout the process but damn it is driving me mad. I keep imagining what it will be like when I am going through all that pain and about to see Wyatt. Or that first night when we will be taking the little man home and then never sleeping again.
I had an appointment on Wednesday where I was a little over 3 cm. and now at 60% efface (I have to be grateful to him for trying to give me a fast and painless labor.) At that time we discussed what would happen if he doesn't get all of this stuff started on his own. Basically I will be exactly 42 weeks on Christmas Day and given his growth and my growth they would like to induce labor at the end of next week if they are all clear at the hospital. They said since I have a "favorable cervix" that there should be no problem getting the labor going and that they don't even really foresee us needing an induction.

A Bittersweet Last Day of Work

Today is my very last day here at NIDA. I have to say this is the first time that I am really genuinly sad to know that I will not be waking up early on Monday to go to work. I am looking forward to seeing Baby Wyatt and being with him but I know I will miss being with everyone here at work. Its a nice easy going day today because all week has been one thing after another and just super busy. Everyone has been so nice here and I have been reminded each day of why I am so determined to come back after my maternity leave.

39 Week Exam & Work Baby Shower

Almost 3 cm. dilated and 40-50% efface!!!


So yesterday, they threw a baby shower for me at work. It was so great all the SROs came and they even got me gifts. Everyone had a great time playing games and eating pizza and cake. It was so fun having everyone get together and it really reminded me of how loved I am at my job!

Baby Preparations

Stan and I have been working really hard to get everything assembled, organized, and together. I think we are finally getting to the stage where most things are complete and it is time to see the baby. Here are some pics with the completed nursery and stuff,

OB Appointment- 38 Weeks

1 Centimeter dialated and 50% efface!! We're almost there!

On the Down Low

These pics are not so good. He is so far down in the birth canal now that it is really hard to see him, but he is all set. His bags are packed and he is ready to go! Now the waiting game....

37 Weeks: Full Term

YEAH! We have made it to full term offically. Man time flies in the beginning I kept thinking it seemed like things were never going to happen and then out of nowhere it feels like no time at all! In other news over the past couple of days I have noticed a drop in position so we are not too long now. I can't wait either I want to see the little man so bad.


Check back really soon for some photos- we are scheduled to get a sonogram tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.!

36 Weeks- 9 MONTHS!/Educated & Inverted

I have reached the 9 month mark. Only a few more weeks and I will be full term! We have been working on getting all the baby stuff cleaned and put away in the nursery. Everything is so exciting right now because it really is coming together. I can't wait until we are done with it all though and everything is quiet before the baby is here.
Physically I have been feeling pretty good although I get tired out really really fast. Sometimes it gets so bad that I feel as though I can't even stand any longer. I have been trying to get everything together for my meetings at work and trying to juggle mentoring on top of the baby stuff so my life is in full busy mode right now.

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Educated & Inverted:
So in continuation of my 36 week celebration I took a breast feeding class yesterday and actually I was really glad I went. Even though I sat next to this really immature man who kept laughing every time they showed a breast on the movie. I was able to ask all my questions too and I feel a lot more confident about trying this. I really want to breastfeed because I have read so much about the advantages and I have learned a lot of great ways to continue breastfeeding under almost any circumstance (ie if your supply is too low at the beginning there is this tube where they take some previously pumped milk and they put it next to your nipple so the whole thing goes in the babies mouth and you will have enough for that feeding. Also in going back to work ways to pump and what is recommended.) I am really hoping it works out for us considering it will save Stan and I a lot of money in the long run (which is good since I am sure that is money we don't have). It was nice to learn the different positions I can do and which are good for really large breasts. So all in all it was a super successful class and I would totally recommend it to anyone who is considering breast feeding. At first I thought all of it would just come naturally but that really isn't the case there is this art to it. Another good thing was I was able to be checked for inverted nipples which apparently I have but only slightly. This is good to know because there are things I can do to aid in breast feeding and I can have the understanding that it will effect his learning curve a little. So I won't get frustrated I will just know. I will have to talk to his pediatricians office (they have lactation consultants on staff) about getting these nipple things that make your nipples stick out when there is pressure. Also I wanted to get familiar with them since I will prob. call them all the time all frantic. Plus it might be good to let his ped. know that they are in fact the pediatrician.

Hospital Tour

On Wednesday night we had our tour of the hospital scheduled. It was funny because we both were complaining a little about having to go on this tour of the hospital where we had gone so many times in the past several months. I really pushed us to go though and I have to admit I am really really glad we went. We knew a good amount of the things covered on the tour and we were pretty familiar with the front section of Labor and Delivery (since I had to spend six hours there at one point and let me tell you it was not comfortable) but I learned that there are suites at the end of the hospital with tub that have jets and as long as your water hasn't broken yet then you can request one of those rooms and relax in the tub. I was like score because I so would love a little jet massage!! Then we walked to the other side of L& D and saw the two operating rooms where they do the C-sections. I kept thinking please please please don't take me here. (ok its because I know full well that you aren't supposed to eat for like a day or so after the C-section and we all know that would be worse than the labor for me).
Next we walked over to the Maternal-Fetal Unit and they raised the blinds in the nursery so we could see all the little babies. Just then it hit me so hard that in just a couple of weeks we could be standing there looking at Wyatt squirming around under all the hospital worker blankets. I got a little chocked up while we were there. Fortunatly Stan was glued to the windows so he didn't notice. He was just in love the second they pulled up the blinds but I think it also pulled out some of that nervous nelly personality that he has. Stan kept getting worried that they were going to drop one of the babies or that they weren't holding them right. I think he was pretty relieved when the tour guide let us know that the new daddys can follow the babies to the nursery. While we were standing at the nursery window the desk got a call and one of the nurses left with the cart and before we knew it there was a brand new baby passing by and being taken to the nursery. It was worth it just to see all those little cuties through the window.
Next we visited the room where mom gets to stay after the big event. The second we walked in I totally flashed back to when my nephew William was born and us walking in there seeing Maggie holding him and John standing above. It was pretty cool to think about that night again and when he was just so little.
With that the tour was finished and I think Stan and I ended up being really happy that we went. It was nice to see the hospital now that we are so close to the end of the pregnancy and it gave me a nice feeling like I know what to do and how to handle the situation (I am pretty much counting on poor Stan being crazy nervous so this way I can have everything under control for both of us). Actually it may have helped to settle him down about what the actual events will be like.
Its all becoming a reality and it gets me so excited and emotional. I can't wait to see him and to hold him. I have a picture of him saved on my work computer and I look at that little face with that little hand and I just can't wait to hold him and hold his hand. I can't wait to see what he looks like and what his personality will be like. I just can't wait!!

Baby Shower- Nov. 2, 2008

An addition to the belly shots. Way to go Ann and Cheyanne for guessing it right on the mark. Audre and Marie were super close though!!! Welcome Baby Wyatt- we can't wait to see you!!!!!

Daddy-to-be cuts the cake!

Can you guess how many diapers are in the cakes? I couldn't! They are sure going to come in handy though!

It's A boy feetie ballon. The balloons were super cute

Marie, Nicole, Mel, and Pappy (Pappy looks like he is lounging in the background telling a story- he is all ready to be a grandpa)

One of our games: The Price is Right, can you guess how much all this baby stuff costs (it'll amaze you how expensive those little guys are)

Aunt Sheree, Cindy, Cousin Katie, Grandma Peggy, Ann, and Chris

Marta, Bee, Linda, Karen, Saundra, Chris, and Ann

We got all sorts of great stuff to help ease Baby Wyatt's transition into the world!

Stan and I have our work cut out for us!

Stan and I had a great time at the baby shower! There were all sorts of games, good food, and good friends. It was so nice to see all the people who are anxiously awaiting little Wyatt's arrival. He is truly loved! Stan and I are so thankful to our mommies for all the work they put into the shower and all the great things that they got us. They are so great and always so supportive of us. I have to say that I am extremely lucky to not only have the greatest mother in the world but the greatest mother-in-law as well. It is so great to know Wyatt has such a wonderful support team from his Grandparents to his Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin, to all our amazing friends. Thank You all so much, Stan and I love you!!!!

Belly Shots- October/ Beginning of November

First some cute Momma and Sugar pictures. She is all poofy because she hasn't had her hair cut in a while. No fear Thursday she is all set to get groomed. I look a little funny here but she is sooo cute!

Now on with the belly shots. Here I am at the end of October beginning of November. I am 8 months- 34 weeks.

As you can see I am pretty tired! It has been crazy sometimes I get so sleepy I will fall asleep on the couch and never notice!

Yeah I finally look pregnant not just really big!! I love to watch my tummy move around and go to town.

New pics! Wyatt at 34 weeks

Yesterday Stan and I went for what I think is our last sonogram. So far the growth is right on track (in fact he is growing so well that he is one day ahead of where he should be). They took all his measurements and he is looking really healthy. He is already postioned with his head down and so within the next several weeks he should be moving right into position. He weighs 5 pounds so far. I am hoping he doesn't double in weight or anything since they have a habit of putting on a lot of weight in those last few weeks. Now I feel ready to just see him. I can't wait until he is here and I get to hold him in my arms instead of my belly!
We also had an OB/Gyn appointment where the doctor felt the baby and did her measurements. She started feeling at the top of my belly and said she felt a head then she felt the lower part of my belly and said she felt a head there too so I am pretty sure I will have some two headed baby dreams very shortly! LOL!

Nursery Pics-Part One

This is the future father prepping the room for the first coat of paint. First Coat: Daddy and Grandma Betty painted the room Wondrous Blue. They picked out the perfect color!
Baby Wyatt's room after the second coat: Uncle John, Stan, and Grandma Betty painted. Looking good guys!
Grandma Vickie, Pappy John, Daddy, and Mommy hung the wallpaper border.
Millie and Aida had a friend who made curtains. Here is a picture of those...they turned out so perfect!
Grandma Betty got us the crib. Here it is after Uncle John and Daddy assembled it. This is our changing table/dresser that Uncle John and Daddy carried in and put together. Man, that was heavy but it looks so beautiful with those blue walls.


Here is the room so far...still some stuff left to do but everything is coming along really well, and we can't wait until there is a baby Wyatt is here!!

September-Belly Shots

Back to School

Stan and I started our birthing classes on Monday. We had a great time laughing at the instructor. I have to admit it was pretty awkward but I kept reminding myself that I am taking the class to try to educate Stan and I on all of the steps we will need to know (which we will prob. forget on the day). I had been getting myself worked up about childbirth so I think it will be good for me to learn some techniques to deal with the earlier stages that way if there are any delays in my epidural I will have something to distract me. It is also good to have a base knowledge on what to expect and what process my body is going through. The good thing about the class is there are no judgements for people who plan to take the medication. I am just saying I pay a lot for health insurance and so I need to be rewarded with maximum health care.

Anyways back to the class, we learned a lot about the features Howard County General offers to a birthing mother like rocking chairs, bath tubs (if your amniotic sac has not already broken), mirrors, etc. I was pretty glad to hear all about the stuff we can use so I can have a better picture. Other than that we learned some poses and how to time our contractions. I think it will help Stan to keep things under control so I am glad we registered even though it is pretty boring and awkward.

What's In A Name?

We decided in honor of Pastor Wyatt who married Stan and I, John and Maggie, and who christened our nephew, William, that we would name him Wyatt. Last year Pastor Wyatt passed away from Pancreatic Cancer (which was also what my Grandmother died from). He was a younger man when he passed and his death came very suddenly. While we were debating over names this one kept sticking out as having the most personal significance. Pastor Wyatt was a really sweet, warm man and I am proud to name the baby after him. I also liked the historical significance of the name. (I couldn't get the whole Joe Stalin thing out of my mind for Joseph.)Also I think it sounds cute with William (William and Wyatt--I like that!)

It's offical the name is going to be Wyatt Diehl Murgolo.

Out of the Water

Yesterday I had two baby appointments. The first one was in the morning at the Maternal and Fetal Medicine Office at Howard County General Hospital. We had our last perionataologist appointment, and (most likely) our last sonogram. Everything checked out ok. Our fluid was at 11, the baby is growing perfectly (everything measured right in line with where I am in the pregnancy) and he now weighs 3.1 pounds. His heartbeat was at 141 beats. Its kinda crazy that he went from being this little shadow hiding in my uterus to this big old baby who is moving and shaking! We got some more profile pics which I will try to post sometime this week so everyone can see where he is so far.

My next appointment was later on that night at the OB/Gyn's office and everything looks good they talked to me about the low iron and a little about my weight and since everything looked good I was on my way. Now that everything is over with the perionatalogist and I am pretty much in the clear I can say that a silver lining has been all the ultrasounds we got to have. And I think it was nice to find out how efficent the providers really are.

Next week I will be super crazy busy but I will try to find a day where I can post a blog about the Meet n' greet we have scheduled with the pediatrican (or at least who I think we are going to have as the pediatrician). Also I need to put on my schedule to post a September belly shots because man it has grown!!!

Meeting or Baby Playtime?

We had a branch meeting today and as I laid back in the super comfy conference room chair the little guy started moving all around and everyone noticed him (since you could see through my clothes all of the movement). It was so funny we were all laughing and everyone was staring at my stomach waiting for his next move. It must have been Mark Swieter's great laugh that got him so excited!

Making Contact with the Outside

Yesterday, I took my lunch in my office with the lights out and my feet up. As I was laying there I noticed everytime he kicked you could see it through my clothes. So last night I decided to have Stan take a look to see if he could watch the baby move. Sure enough you could see him moving around in there through my belly. I was so happy since up until now the baby has been a "mama-only" experience. It's so fun to see!!

We still have a ways to go but I am in my 7th month and feeling the pressure to get everything done. I still can't believe that the baby will be here and I will be able to finally see what he looks like. I am really starting to get excited, yes there are still the pre-birth jitters but I figure I have classes in October and November which should take care of that.

This week my personal baby goal is to start rounding up the stuff for my hospital bag. It might be nice to just get everything together before I lose the energy to shop (is there such a thing?). I have found lists online that I can use to help me figure out what to take but they have stuff on there that I can't imagine needing.

Calling All Seasoned Mommies: (you know the drill) Is there anything you recommend taking to the hospital with you? Anything that is better left behind? Just in case I have to have a C section is there something that would be better to take than if I end up doing it naturally? And of course any additional "words of wisdom" are totally welcome!

Sleepy Days Are Here Again

I have definatly been feeling a difference recently in my energy level. No matter how much sleep I am getting I still feel exausted for every activity. I am trying to take it easy today at work so I can try to recover a little and be able to make it through the rest of the week.

I receieved the paperwork to fill out for my maternity leave so I am going to focus on that today so I can have everything ready and to my supervisor. I already know one person who is planning to donate some leave so hopefully I have enough to carry me through the full three months. Since I am doing breast feeding I know I am going to have to take as much time off as I can. I am definatly looking forward to a good nap at lunch time maybe put my feet up a little and just relax.

The Results Are In!

Today I called my OB office to get the results of my gestational diabetes test and it was negative!! I am so relieved because man I could so not handle all that drama. They also added in an iron test which showed that I was slightly anemic--no biggie just a little more iron and I will be back on track. (I have always been anemic so this is a no brainer for me I think I already have the ferrum fosse to take!)
I contacted my supervisor and I am having a meeting with her this week about my maternity leave and she sent me all the appropriate information to get started with that. I have to have my leave donated to me and then figure everything out from there.
This weekend Stan had daddy chores! Stan met his mom and dad in Bethesda and they bought paint for the nursery and ordered our crib!! His mom came over yesterday and they painted the nursery "Wondrous Blue" which looks beautiful. One more coat and then it will be ready for wallpaper. Meanwhile I had my mommy chores, I washed the bassinett cover and put everything back together so it will be ready when he is. I am using Beth's bassinett which is really cool and special. It's all coming together

Look back for some pictures of the Nursery Transition!

Welcome to The Third Trimester

As promised here is a picture of the lamp I am going to order for the nursery tomorrow. It is a Third Trimester gift from mommy to baby. I found this lamp online when I was just searching for ideas and I thought it was very "Dreamland" with all the rides and little teddy bears. And it goes with the theme since there are bears on the rides and stars on the shade. I thought it was too cute to pass up. In other news I am excited to say that we are now offically 28 weeks so we are in the last trimester!! It seemed like forever before anything would happen when I was early in the pregnancy but now that I am approaching the end I can hardly believe how fast it has gone by. I still don't have a popped belly button which is a huge boo hoo since I have been looking forward to that but I think everything is going pretty good. My blood pressure is still in the normal low range (because I am just that chill) and the baby has been growing really well. He has some long legs though (no wonder he is such a kicker, trying to get some stretches in every now and then.)

I keep going back n forth about birth one minute I find some inner peace and the next I am thinking how am I going to get through all of this. I think that is where our classes will really start to help. I think it will be nice to more accurately know what to expect.

Glucose Test Me

This morning was my 28 week glucose test for Gestational Diabetes. They made me drink this nasty drink that was just pure sugar I swear. Ewwwwwww! I will find out the results later in the week and keep everyone posted.

Update: A Comedy of Errors

Yesterday I called the doctor's office and they didn't get back to me in time for me to make it to the office before it closed so I had to go to Howard County General Hospital for the tests. Once I got there I had to register and then head up to labor and delivery where they had a room & nurse all ready for me. I had to put on a hospital gown and get into bed where the nurse hooked me up to the fetal heart monitor and got me ready for the fetal non-stress test. It was so nice to hear that little heartbeat and after that I was instantly put at ease. He wasn't really moving according to the fetal non-stress test so I had to drink some apple juice which got him going a little, then drink some caffinated soda (for medicinal purposes only) and he moved a little, then I had to eat peanut butter Ritz cracker's and he must have a little bit of his Pappy in him because he went crrrazzzzy over those crackers! By this point Stan had arrived at the hospital and I had been there roughly 2 hours. I was told to rest while the doctor was paged (Dr. Davis) and he will let us know. We sat there for about an hour when we couldn't hear the heartbeat anymore--little guy was being all tricky and moved away from the monitor. Then he was all over my belly trying to avoid having the monitor put back on. It took the nurse 6 minutes to find him again and when she did she hooked me back up and I was told not to move. I had to sit there and hold my bladder for so long. The doctor called back finally and said that I could not leave the hospital without a biophysical profile (sonogram). So the nurse had to page the sonographer who had already gone home for the day so we had to wait while she came back to the hopital.
Finally the nurses shift changed (thank God because I didn't like that other nurse at all in fact she said "She's your problem now" to the next nurse) and I got a nice new nurse. She was so cool and went through everything with me. I kept telling her how bad I felt that I was even there because he was probablly just getting a lot of rest and that was why he was so inactive. She told me that we were lucky to have the results that we got because she sees mothers who ignore the lack of movement who come in too late so I felt way better about being there and choosing the get monitored.
The sonographer came in around 8 o'clock and the biophysical profile took roughly around an hour. The sonographer said we missed 2 of the 8 criteria to leave the hospital. When they gave Dr. Davis the results he said he needed to know the 2 criteria we did not meet before we could be released so the sonographer was paged again (since she had already left the hospital). She had to come back in and fax the results to the nurse. Well you gotta love technology because not only did it take another hour for her to get there but there was no ink in the fax machine so we were waiting waiting waiting while the answer was just sitting there inside the machine. Finally at like 11:00 the RN realizes that there is nothing printing so she fixes the fax machine and came in to let Stan and I know what happened and that the 2 criteria that we didn't fit was revolving around practice breathing which he is too young to do at this stage so it was basically a non-issue. So the nurse called Dr. Davis who then said I wasn't able to leave until the doctor came in and discharged me which took another half an hour.
Finally I was discharged at 11:45 and Stan and I could get some dinner (we were both tired and hungry). I had been there since 4:45 so I was just there a little too long for my sanity. But everyone was great and I had to keep reminding myself that all this hold up was in the best interest of the baby which has given me so much faith in my pracitioners.

Baby's Break

Just about an hour ago I started freaking out because it occured to me that I hadn't felt the baby move at all since late last night. Usually he is rolling and kicking like crazy but he has been so inactive today. I know I am prob. being really paranoid but I decided to call and leave a message for the OB requesting a quick listen to the heart. I think I need to hear that heart beat to convince myself fully he is ok. I did feel him roll around about an hour ago but again nothing since then so I will just have a little listen and rest assured.

On a lighter side, because work was a lot lighter today I had the opportunity to get some of my "baby chores" done. (It is amazing the long list of things you have to consider when you are having a baby.)

- Pediatrician:
I can't tell you how crazy it is to be considering what doctor will be his doctor. I love it because it is so concrete!! I am trying to go by what baby center and other pregnancy websites recommend in terms of when you should be doing what and next week it is find your baby's doctor. I have to say those websites are really valuable!
Today I scheduled a meet and greet with the pediatrician recommended by Maggie. I have to say I already love their office. They are open 364 days a year and even have appointments as late as 7 p.m. This is so perfect for a working couple!! Not to mention the secretary was super nice on the phone and had no problem guiding me through a lot of the things I wouldn't know on my own. Their office is close to our house too which I think will be really helpful for when the little guy is sick.

-To Daycare or Not to Daycare?:
My ever continnuing quest for good daycare has lead me to look into a place called Sugar Plums which is right down the street. I scheduled a visit with them on my lunch shift but I asked about their pricing and they are pretty high as well. So far we can't find any daycare facilities under $1400/mo. and that is a big ouch. Actually I don't even make that much a month so with that option it is almost best if I don't continue (too bad I love my job). I am going to check the place out anyway though it is within walking distance although everything around here is just too whopping to imagine. I have done some research on in-home daycares (ie providers who are using their homes as their daycares) and I have found some people who are recommended in Howard County. Trouble with that one is I don't think I can get Stan comfortable with leaving the baby with them. I heard that these places are usually a lot cheaper but one piece of advice I learned is when you put your child with an in-home daycare facility you have to find other sources to watch your kid when the provider is sick or when they want to take their vacations. Plus I have a little tramatic memories of my own courtsey of Bev Stork's place.

-Maternity Leave:
I am trying to schedule a time where my supervisor and I can get together to discuss this. Although barring any unplanned issues I do know my last day will be December 5th.

- Nursery:
Have the paint chips and the wallpaper now all we have to do is purchase the paint and then we are ready to go. We are thinking next weekend (since Stan is really busy with work this weekend).

-Name Search:
I think we know what the name is now. I am not really going to make any formal announcements though because you never know until the no going back time.

-Birthing Classes:
We are all set for classes in Labor from October 13th to November 10th. I figured hearing that in small doses maybe for the best.

-Hospital Tour:
Scheduled for November 5th

-Breastfeeding Class:
Scheduled for November 13th although I am still not really sure how much you can learn without the baby there

There's more but that is all I can think of to tackle at this point.

Paint Chips & Sleepless nights

Last night Stan and I went to Lowes to pick up some samples for the nursery. I was adament about getting lead free paint so we had one brand option. That was ok since there were a lot of really nice colors in that brand.
Of course it was a Wednesday so Stan and I made sure we got back in enough time for Project Runway 5. I went to bed around 10 or so and about 2:30 woke up with the worst stomach ache. Ahhh the pregnancy digestion issues--you gotta love it. It was nice whenever I came out of the bathroom for a little bit Stan would rub my back. The only problem is I couldn't get back to sleep until around 5:30 so I am trying to survive today on like no sleep. I know it is straight to bed for a nice nap time when I get home!! This is good sleep training though.

Our Wallpaper has Arrived!!

Ok I know this is totally lame to blog about but I am really excited because our wallpaper arrived in the mail yesterday and it is so totally cute. I think it is cuter in person than it was on the screen. Stan and I are going to take the wallpaper over to Lowes sometime this week and match the blues so we can get some paint to do the walls this weekend! Yeah things are coming together.

In other news, my hormones have taken over my brain recently and I have just been going crazy. So yesterday I took the day off and just rested which was exactly what I needed. Its funny how you don't even realize how much you are pushing yourself and how it effects your mood until you blow up every chance you get.

Over the weekend I got some really great advice from Maggie on what I really need to bring to the hospital. It is nice to have people who have gone through all of this before who can give me advice and steer me in the right direction in terms of what I need to do and don't need to do.

Belly Shots- August

As promised here is my baby belly at 24 weeks. I can't really tell too much of a difference in my belly from where I was before to here but I think it will be good to compare over the next few months. Future Mamma & Daddy getting our relaxation in now before all night feedings and diaper changings.

Our Wallpaper Selection

Sorry for it being kinda small and pixel-y but I had to borrow the image from the wallpaper website but it gives you an idea. I think it is so cute all these little snoozing bears with their blankets and their own teddy bears.

Nothing Like Good News

Yesterday it was back to the perio. to check up on my fluid and we finally got some good news. The baby's growth is consistant with his age (26 weeks) and I had a lot more fluid than last time. The doctor said it is uncommon in the second trimester to run into fluid problems however in the third trimester as the baby grows larger it is a lot more common to see less fluid surrounding the baby. Since I am only 2 weeks away from the third trimester everything is looking great! One thing the doctor advised me to do is make sure that I am getting lots of rest in addition to hydrating. She even suggested working from home one day a week if it is at all possible. I am not rushing into anything at this point (work wise) since most of my job is sitting and I have come up with a clever way of putting my feet up each day and just taking it easy. I think the doctor was the most concerned with my commute since it can be very stressful but I kinda like my commute it has become my Gracie time. I am going to continue coming in for now but if I notice things getting a little daunting then I will request the medical documentation neccessary to work from home one day a week. Actually work is where I do the most hydrating, I am always near a bottle of water and I drink because I am bored or I want a little break. Perfect Combo! I did have to make one more appointment but barring any catastrophe I am in the clear. My last (keeping positive) perio appointment is scheduled for September 30th at 9:15 a.m..
I have to say now that I know things are going really well with the baby that going every two weeks to get a sonogram was kinda neat. It's just nice to appreciate him moving and changing so vastly over such a short amount time. I love watching him moving around on the monitor and feeling it at the same time. It's crazy to think he was just this tiny little thing hiding in the uterus and now he is soooo there.
In other news, I ordered the wallpaper for the nursery on Tuesday so it should be coming shortly (perhaps next week) and from that we are going to decide on a paint color and pick out the fabric for the drapes. Over the weekend we picked out a crib with Grandma Betty. Actually it was so great having her come with us since Stan and I always have a hard time picking out what we really want. She asked the best questions from the sales person and from her responses we were able to find a gorgeous crib for a good cost that satisfied all of our safety concerns. I am planning on taking pictures of the nursery during the whole process and posting them up here so everyone can see how things are going. I have to say it is hard shifting from a junk room to a nursery. All of a sudden you realize you have to allocate your storage a lot better. So we are going to put an organizer in the hall closet this weekend and start getting the junk stored in a nice way so it will be there when we need but not be there when it is not needed.
I have an August preggo pic to upload on here so that should be coming shortly (I will try to get to it today after work).

Puffiness & Swollen Ankles

So I have offically reached what Meredith called "the uncomfortable stage". Sleep has become a huge struggle because my legs are constantly cramping/ developing Charlie horses, and my ankles have become super puffy. I have been trying to put my feet up while I am at work to minimize the swelling but alas there is really nothing to be done. I am excited that my belly has started to grow. Yesterday my Director said to me that I "look more pregnant today than yesterday". I was so excited to hear that since I have been seeming to just get wider but not really get "the belly". Who knew I would be this excited over hearing that my belly was starting to bulge? Luckfully my back has been feeling a lot better since I got bras that actually fit.

Things really seem to be coming along though and I am getting more excited each day. I think I have finally kicked my worry about the childbirth pain realizing that I have dealt with some pretty bad pain and usually it is a lot worse for those around me than it is for myself--just kidding. I have just realized that pain is ephemeral and if not then its too late now. I know I will be fine. Stan and I are offically signed up for our childbirth classes which are scheduled to start the week after my B-day, we have a hospital tour scheduled for November (not that going there twice a week for the Perio isn't tour enough), and we are planning this weekend to get started on the nursery (I know I have written about doing this every single weekend for weeks now but this time we have extra time b/c it's Labor Day Weekend!!)

Speaking of my broken promises I am going to be posting pictures really soon of my belly, I promise...I only have one at this point but I am going to try to get a shot every week or two and then make a post every month until the end. I am aware I should have done this from the start but trust me there really wasn't much change in my stomach somehow the baby has only been effecting my hips and butt (go figure!)

My little Fruit Fly

Well sure enough I smelled an orange at work today and just about tore down the walls to eat it. Luckfully it was Margot's so she was very nice and gave it to me. I have been all about the aromatic fruits recently like peaches OMG they smell soooo good and are soooo sweet. God bless this baby and his good nutritional judgement!

Playing the Name Game

There are so many names out there and I just want to be sure we pick the best one so Stan and I have been going through the books and trying to figure out what our tops are. We are thinking of posting our possible names onto the blog and letting everyone comment on which they like and don't like. I am thinking this way if there is something that Stan and I don't see then people can come up with it. So keep looking for that in the very near future. I was thinking of not even really naming the baby until he is here and we can see what he looks like a little more. I feel like that moment when you see the baby might bring some sort of clarity either that or all the pain medication will inspire something really wacky and man won't that make for a story. The only debate I have with myself in waiting is once you come up with a name and you call him that it gives you a chance to get to know the baby as that name. Recently I have been calling him Wyatt since it is my #1 contender currently and I've been liking it. So another input request I want to get what everyone thinks on naming should Stan and I really wait until the baby is born to completely decide or do you think we should start getting acclimated to the name before the baby is born?

He's Getting Stronger

The last few days I have really noticed a difference in the kicks at first it felt so light but now that the baby is getting stronger all of his little taps have gotten well not so little!! I am loving it though, it always makes me so happy to have my little guy give me a quick reminder that he is there and everything is still going well. He just keeps moving all around in there. I can tell we are getting a lot closer to when Stan will be able to feel his movements.
We are still trying to come up with names. I have a feeling that our name search is going to take a longer time than I thought. Last night we tried to come up with lists and we couldn't agree on anything on either list. I want a name that embodies his energy and has a sort of explorer feel (although not Indiana Jones).

We're Okay!!

Yesterday was a long process but I have to say well worth it. I was registered with the hospital around 11 and 15 minutes later was taken back for an extensive sonogram. They had all the best equipment at the perionatologist office so I was able to see everything so clearly on the screen.

Because I had never been seen at that office before we had to repeat the 20 week fetal anatomy screen. This sonographer got great pictures!! She was able to show us both bones in both legs and arms. We saw the two hemispheres of the brain and the four chambers of the heart very clearly. The only thing he was a little shy about was his face. Although we did get to see the notrils this time which was really cool. One of the causes of Oligohydrinos could be malfunctioning kidneys so the sonographer got lots of pictures of the kidneys for the doctor to view. She had me move all around to make sure that she was able to get everything she needed and she was able to zoom in and adjust the light as needed. She left us in the room for a while so the doctor could look over all over the pictures and get back with us.

So about 20 minutes later the doctor comes in and says that the kidneys look great and then the sonographer shows her where the fluid is on the screen. They looked all around the baby (which is something my OB sonographer did not do) and saw pockets of water all around the baby. In some places the water level looked a little low but there was water in other areas that looked fine. The perionatlogist then explained to Stan and I that the way they assess water levels is different then what the OB does. When the baby reaches the belly button they divide the stomach into four quadrants. They measure the fluid in each quadrant and take the total divided by four to get an average amount of water in the sack. At this point the baby is still under the belly button so it is still too early to get a fluid measurement but as long as there is enough fluid for the baby to move around in etc. then the baby is not in any harm. She explained that when the baby's movements or growth become restricted that is when they have to intervene medically.
Since we are too early to tell the fluid volume we don't have a measurement for anyone however we do know that there was plenty of fluid for the baby to move around in and the doctor did not seem in the least bit worried. She wants to be able to measure the fluid though in a couple of weeks so Stan and I made another appointment for August 20th.

Then I was off to my final test. The doctor wanted to make sure I was not leaking any fluid so I was checked into the Labor and Delivery department to be checked out by one of my phyicians from Capital Women's Care. It was nuts, we had a nurse who was being trained for the Labor and Delivery department so regardless of the fact that I was only there for a quick check she went through her usual labor stuff. She even showed me where the shower was! I had to answer a million questions about my medical history and what level of pain I was in (after answering all those questions I was prob. about a 10 but I said 0 ) There was this other nurse who was in there training my nurse and she kept bringing up all this private information that she read in my file. I was like ok any minute now you can stop talking about my business. After a good 20-30 minutes the doctor came in and took a swab, put it on a slide, and then left to evaluate. She saw no traces of fluid so there was no rupture in the sac--yeah great news!! Then everyone left and I was able to get dressed and (finally) leave.
Stan and I were shocked we didn't leave the hospital until about 2:30-3 o'clock. I did not think that appointment was going to be that long. It was the longest time where I wasn't getting surgery I had ever spent in the hospital. I kept telling the nurses I was being really nice to them now because when I come back in December I can't make any guarentees.

In the end it was such a happy day and getting all these tests has lifted a load off. I think Stan and I are feeling so relieved to see the little guy in there moving around just fine and growing big stong and healthy. These past few days have been so hard (all the waiting and the ups and downs associated with that) but one thing that situations like this brings out is all those people who really care about you. It tests your will and I think gave Stan and I the realization of what being a parent is all about. We have had our strong moments and our weak ones over the last few days but what never changed was the strong community that came together for us and will one day come together for the baby too.

We Be Jammin

I had such a great time yesterday. At lunch I shut off all the lights and laid down across two chairs and played with my belly (I have an office so I shut the door). The baby loves to kick while I am at lunch so I thought it would be cool to have a little bonding moment so I would tap on my belly and rub in different areas while he kicked back.

This event was so fun that when I got in the car to go home I cranked up my ABBA cd for a little jam session. I tapped out the tune on my belly while I sang along (Let's give this kid some rhythm). It was hilarious he was going to town in there. He was kicking all over the place and I felt one of those really huge movements too. I had so much fun and I think it gave the little man quite a workout. It was really reassuring to feel him kicking so strong and so much!
Now how to tell Stan that his son is a "Dancing Queen"!

Growing Pains

Recently I have been a little concerned because I was having this sharp pain on my side that would stay around for a little minute or so and then go once I doubled over and took a break for a second. I was really worried given everything else so this morning first thing I called the doctor and it was round ligament pain. Because the uterus is sloshing around from side to side at this point it apparently is perfectly normal to have it pull on these round ligaments cause pain when you have sudden movemnents that involve you moving from one side to the other like when I got out of the car the other day. To be honest I suspected it was round ligaments (or gas) so that is why I wasn't going to the hospital. The solution to this pain is I have to move more like a pregnant women (which means I wasn't before--score!) and just be more careful with my movements, she also said that when the uterus gets a little bigger in the next few weeks I won't even have the round ligament problems.

On A Clear Day You Can See Forever

I have not slept all night long and I am thinking about going home. All I did yesterday was cry and it seems today might not be too different--only Sonya isn't here to make it ok. I just found out that I don't need to work on the project I was going to today so my whole day is clear for some well needed emotional therapy. Inside I am a big ball of grrr... about the water situation. I just want to feel that everything is ok and will remain ok. I don't like it when my stasis gets rocked so can we get to the ending stasis already so I don't have to deal with the process?? And I am craving an Auntie Anne's pretzel although I think it is pretty unlikely that craving will get fulfilled. I am just drained of energy right now and really need to rest although I am feeling some pretty fun baby kicks. Actually the baby kicks like all the time now. I love it just a little bump telling me it's ok in there. He's already turning into a sensative little guy like his daddy.

** Sorry if my spelling is bad my eyes are all poofy so I can't really see and I am not reading before publishing

Oligohydramnios

On Tuesday when we got our sonogram done my fluid was also measured and despite all of my efforts my fluid was still low. In fact I am no longer in the normal range because I have less fluid than I did before. We have been referred to a Perionatologist who will run some of their own tests and then come up with the next solution.
Until we can get more information I thought it would be good to post some information on low amniotic fluid to try to put off some worries.

Low amniotic fluid levels : Oligohydramnios

The amniotic fluid is part of the baby’s life support system. It protects your baby and aids in the development of muscles, limbs, lungs and digestive system. Amniotic fluid is produced soon after the amniotic sac forms at about 12 days after conception. It is first made up of water that is provided by the mother, and then around 20 weeks fetal urine becomes the primary substance. As the baby grows he or she will move and tumble in the womb with the help of the amniotic fluid. In the second trimester the baby will begin to breathe and swallow the amniotic fluid. In some cases the amniotic fluid may measure too low or too high. If the measurement of amniotic fluid is too low it is called oligohydramnios. If the measurement of amniotic fluid is too high it is called polyhydramnios.

What is oligohydramnios?

Oligohydramnios is the condition of having too little amniotic fluid. Doctors can measure the amount of fluid through a few different methods, most commonly through amniotic fluid index (AFI) evaluation or deep pocket measurements. If an AFI shows a fluid level of less than 5 centimeters (or less than the 5th percentile), the absence of a fluid pocket 2-3 cm in depth, or a fluid volume of less than 500mL at 32-36 weeks gestation, then a diagnosis of oligohydramnios would be suspected. About 8% of pregnant women can have low levels of amniotic fluid, with about 4% being diagnosed with oligohydramnios. It can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it is most common during the last trimester. If a woman is past her due date by two weeks or more, she may be at risk for low amniotic fluid levels since fluids can decrease by half once she reaches 42 weeks gestation. Oligohydramnios can cause complications in about 12% of pregnancies that go past 41 weeks.

What causes low amniotic fluid?

• Birth defects – Problems with the development of the kidneys or urinary tract which could cause little urine production, leading to low levels of amniotic fluid.
  Placental problems – If the placenta is not providing enough blood and nutrients to the baby, then the baby may stop recycling fluid.
• Leaking or rupture of membranes –This may be a gush of fluid or a slow constant trickle of fluid. This is due to a tear in the membrane. Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) can also result in low amniotic fluid levels.
• Post Date Pregnancy- A post date pregnancy (one that goes over 42 weeks) can have low levels of amniotic fluid, which could be a result of declining placental function.
  Maternal Complications- Factors such as maternal dehydration, hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes, and chronic hypoxia can have an effect on amniotic fluid levels.
  

What are the risks of having low amniotic fluid?
The risks associated with oligohydramnios often depend on the gestation of the pregnancy. The amniotic fluid is essential for the development of muscles, limbs, lungs, and the digestive system. In the second trimester, the baby begins to breathe and swallow the fluid to help their lungs grow and mature. The amniotic fluid also helps the baby develop muscles and limbs by providing plenty of room to move around. If oligohydramnios is detected in the first half of pregnancy, the complications can be more serious and include:

• Compression of fetal organs resulting in birth defects
• Increased chance of miscarriage or stillbirth
• If oligohydramnios is detected in the second half of pregnancy, complications can include:
  Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
• Preterm birth
• Labor complications such as cord compression, meconium stained fluid and cesarean delivery
  

What treatments are available if I am experiencing low amniotic fluid?
The treatment for low levels of amniotic fluid is based on gestational age. If you are not full tem yet, your doctor will monitor you and your levels very closely. Tests such as non-stress and contraction stress test may be done to monitor your baby’s activity. If you are close to full term, then delivery is usually what most doctors recommend in situations of low amniotic fluid levels. Other treatments that may be used include:

• Amnio-infusion during labor through an intrauterine catheter. This added fluid helps with padding around the umbilical cord during delivery and is reported to help lower the chances of a cesarean delivery.
• Injection of fluid prior to delivery through amniocentesis. The condition of oligohydramnios is reported to often return within one week of this procedure, but it can aid in helping doctors visualize fetal anatomy and make a diagnosis.
• Maternal re-hydration with oral fluids or IV fluids has shown to help increase amniotic fluid levels.

Yesterday's Scans

And the baby is...

First Kick Line

I have felt a little pushing from the inside which is really cool. The first kick was during the Avant Guarde meeting on July 10th. I was just quieting listening to the presentation and then I felt this pain on my side and like that 3 rapid kicks. It was so neat!! Then last week I was laying on the bed and baby Sug was on my belly and the baby was just kicking away. It was funny Sugar was just laying there and I kept feeling it one after another and that baby was getting a workout! Sugar couldn't feel anything though because it was a little too early for that. The baby is just kicking really softly at this point and only I can feel it for now. I can't wait until she can feel it though I just want to see what she thinks of all that.
Then the next time was today. I felt the baby kick just a few times while I was at lunch. I like it when the baby kicks its a nice reminder that the baby is there and is doing ok. Hopefully within the next week or so it will get more frequent and I will be able to feel it a little more often. (A downfall about being a Plus Sized Pregger is you don't get to feel all that stuff as early as the little ladies do because there is more "cushioning" there).
I am having a harder time bending over now since my uterus has now reached belly button height. It will get really stiff there everynow and then and then it makes it really impossible to bend over easily. The plus side of that is my stomach feels rock hard so I can feel it and pretend I am all ripped. I am like that's right I got bricks. (Self delusion has never been a problem for me).
Other than those few things it is all mellow right now. I am still trying to pump myself full of water and I must say I have been doing a great job. The bathroom trips seems to be slowing down over the past few days so I am glad about that. I have been going through some weird controlling issues. Like I feel like I am spirling out of control at random times and so I frantically start cleaning and organizing. I guess the whole neating instinct has set in a little early since I have such a long way to go to get ready.

Next Sonogram Appointment: July 29th at 2:30 Stan and I have invited our moms to come along and see how their little Grandchild is doing! I am so excited it is going to be a blast! And we will all keep our fingers crossed that the baby isn't keeping it's legs crossed!

Auntie's Bragging Rights

Today I am really feeling sore. It is nuts my stomach feels like I have done a million crunches (or at least I assume that is what my body would feel like after a workout.) and my calves hurt for some odd reason. I am just a big bundle of mess today. Luckfully, the day is drawing to a close and before I know it I will be fighting traffic to get home. I have been feeling recently like I am coming down with something and I know since there are like a million colds and flus going around I need to take it easy and rest whenever I can. Currently I am focusing on just relaxing at work since I have been very efficent and finished all my work in record time. These next few days the office will basically be empty and it will be blissfully quiet. I have to say there is a part of me that is grateful for the break in the action and it feels like perfect timing.
I just made all my OB appointments up through October so I am set for now and I only have to call one more time to get the appointments through December.
And we have really kicked some butt on putting our registrys together. It was suggested to me to have more than one registry since it usually is helpful for people to have a choice on where they go. Our main registry is with Babiesrus and then we have another registry through Target. I have really been looking forward to registering but there is so much to get that I have to admit Baby registries are in a whole different league than Wedding Registries. With the wedding registry it is more stuff that you would like to have but you could live without whatever it is. With the baby stuff it is things you assume you will use and hope that you know how to use when the time comes.
We are so fortunate to know many mommys and daddys who can guide us through the world of butt paste, nasal aspirators, exersaucers, and temporal thermometers. There are so many things you can easily overlook and I want to try to avoid (if at all possible) finding my baby with a fever at 3 am and there is nothing I can do about it until 8. I am just thinking the more we try to stock up on now the more ready we will be which I know sounds funny to all you mommy's out there who are thinking that we will never be ready no matter how much stuff we have to back us up. I am just happy to have so many wonderful resources because in the end their experiences, advice, stories will save us from a lot of chaos and Stan is fragile--he can't handle all that.
I have to say I am also really grateful for the time that I have gotten to spend with Annabelle, Sarah & Julia, and William. Anna taught me soooo much in the land of babies. Actually one of my biggest lessons from her was to trust in myself and my instincts the more confidence I had with her the more comfortable she was with me. Not to mention all the wonderful memories I have of my time with her. I was lucky enough to see her grow and evolve right before my eyes. It seemed like she was doing something new everytime I went over there. And I was just amazed at the person who she is now and I just always think about what a cool chic she was back then. Sarah has soooo much energy and I totally love it. I have to brag on her every chance I get because she is such a little teenager and I love listening to her talk. She sounds like Beth and I when she talks and I can't get enough of that. She has excellent fashion sense and totally keeps me on my toes. I think I learned quite a bit about how much energy is required for kids after spending a few days with Sarah I needed to nap for days but then after that I was totally ready to go hang out with her again. She makes you feel beautiful too I love that. She has such a huge imagination and she is so open and friendly that everyone is invited to come and play. Julia was very quiet for a long time and seemed to hang back a little which was such a strong contrast to Sarah. I have to say Julia is like that too cool girl. She is always really even tempered and although she approaches things with caution she is still a joiner. She seems to be really smart like she is always inspecting whatever the event is in its fullest before deciding to take part. She always has the cutest voice everytime she talks I can't help but laugh her voice is that cute. And she has this super cute smile that is sooo infectious. (Ahhh I miss my girls!!!)
William has this amazing smile and he is such a little love bug. He just really likes to include people in his fun. One thing that is super cool about William is he really likes to watch what you do and how you do it then he copies you. On top of that he has a really great memory and seems to be able to recall something you have done days or weeks in the past. What a little genious! He seems to be a lot more mellow than I am used to like he seems to enjoy working with you on an activity and has more of a laid back spirit. He just has an excellent heart and a really impressive mind. I think all the influence these wonderful kids have had on Stan and I will (hopefully) show in the way that we choose to interact with our own child.

Back to the Bathroom

One of the things that came up during our ultrasound on Wednesday was that I was on the lower side of normal in terms of my amniotic fluid. Of course the amniotic fluid is really important so now I have to up the input of water and I can't even tell you how hard that is! I have been focusing on drinking 10 bottles of water a day and of course I have really been trying to drink as much as I can during the day portion since the evening it is often colder and I am not losing as much water. I actually have assumed that all of this low water business has to do with the fact that it is the summer time so under doctor's advice we are doing nothing for this weekend. No outdoorsy things (as if I ever did that) and no overexertion (yeah never really did that either). Actually this would be a really good time to start focusing on our house and getting it ready for nursery stuff and everything.
Luckfully work is really light today so I can visit the commode in peace! Maybe I should just move my office in there!