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JLTATER3997's Blog
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Ok, so on Sunday night (12/2/12) I woke up with contractions three separate times that were very painful. So when the nurse came in at 6am on 12/3/12 I mentioned them to her and she put me on monitoring for about an hour and a half. I registered only about 3-4 but there were smaller ones in between and they seemed to be consistently 10 minutes apart. Near 7:30am they started tapering off. I felt achy but didn't notice any more contractions. I was still leaking fluid (as I had all week) and it was a little pink tinged which it had done off and on during the week I was in the hospital on bedrest. Around 9am, the nurse brought in my inhaler (I have asthma) and by then I wasn't experiencing any contractions. I even posted on here a few times and was on babyfit when Dr. Wyse came in around 9:10am. She asked about my contractions and talked about how 34 weeks was our first goal to make it to and how normally they like to induce... I was in shock and actually said "Seriously?!?, you are now my favorite doctor." Her reasoning is that I had had a few contractions that were hard enough to be felt, I was still leaking fluid, Leena had had the steroids in her system to help her breathing and looked great on ultrasound. I asked if I could take a shower first and the nurse mentioned that I had just ordered breakfast so they told me to go ahead and eat and get cleaned up. I called my husband and my dad who called my mom, ate my breakfast, my mom showed up, I took a shower and packed up my stuff. Around 10:45am, we headed over to labor and delivery.
At 11:05am, they started pitocin, 11:35am they upped it from a 2 to a 4, 12:05pm, they upped it from a 4 to a 6 (bp 122/71) and then my contractions started back up, when they moved me to my right side the contractions began to hurt a little more. At 12:35pm, I had my first checking of the cervix and I was at 2cm dilated, -1 position and she broke my forebag (a little bag of water caught between baby's head and my cervix) and they upped by Pitocin to an 8. That’s when the contractions started coming about 4-5 minutes apart and definitely strengthening. At 1:05pm I had a really bad contraction that I almost couldn’t breathe through and then they started coming about 2 minutes apart. I was getting a nice break in between so they weren’t right on top of each other. At 1:30pm I order my epidural and the anesthesiologist got there about 5 minutes later (longest wait of my life:). By 1:45pm the epidural was in and within 5 minutes the contractions were bearable again and within 10-15 minutes I could barely feel them. I napped a little and chatted with my husband and mom for a while and then around 3pm the nurses ran a catheter, there was blood so they called the midwife (Anne) who then checked me again and said we were ready to have a baby. I pushed for 3 contractions, she came out looking up (therefore the back labor and a little bit of tearing), full head of black hair, and cried immediately at 3:19pm. NICU immediately took her to evaluate her which was sad cause I hadn’t even really seen her yet. After they determined she was good enough, I got to hold her for about 2 minutes. Then they took her to the NICU with my husband and he came back around 4pm with her measurements (5lbs 15oz, 18 ¼ inches). Between having her and him coming out the midwife had to get my placenta out, for some reason her umbilical cord had been very short and when she was trying to deliver the placenta, the cord started to detach from the placenta. She was able to get it out and I got a couple of stitches.
All in all, active labor really began around 12:15pm and she was born almost exactly 3 hours later at exactly 34 weeks gestation.
12.5.2012
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Most of the morning was spent just chatting with Shanon, getting and shower (and finally shaving). Tom and the girls got here around 11:45am. You can tell that the kids are starting to wear on Tom's nerves but he is doing such a good job and keeping such a great attitude about it all. Kalyn was non-stop movement and talking and with prompting she told Baby Leena to wake up. Selah told Leena to hurry up and come out and when Tom told her to stay in for one more week, Selah told him not to tell her that:) I get about 1 contraction every 1-2 hours and I'm leaking clear fluid again although over night last night it was pink tinged again. I have no idea why it only seems to happen at night, you would think it would be the other way around. Everybody left around 1:20pm and I did my first set of exercises. Dr. Martiny came it at 1:40pm and just told me to hang in there but he did order another biophysical ultrasound. I am really glad that I get to see that Leena is ok each day and get an update on her progress. My vitals this morning were 143/72 which seemed a little high. At 1:50pm I got my antibiotic and at 2:10pm u/s came in. The tech had a hard time measuring my cervix because the fluid was a little lower. My fluid was a 6.9cm so it had gone down a little bit but apparently as long as she is still happy in there it could go down to 2 or less. Leena looked really squished but is still performing perfectly and all her organs looked great. She was breathing like a champ! At 2:40pm I did my 2nd set of exercise and did some online catchup with a little bit more Christmas shopping. Unfortunately Amazon will not let me place my order which is super annoying! At 3:30pm my vitals were taken again (126/68) - so much better and I was set up on monitoring with nothing to note. Tom and I also set up Skype so that I can be a part of our small group tomorrow night which should be SO fun. At 4:25pm I did my 3rd set of exercises, watched some TV, filed and painted my nails, and even tweezed my eyebrows. I feel so clean and pretty again. At 5:30pm, I did my 4th set of exercises and ate dinner. The Kuhnes came to visit at 6pm and stayed til 7:45pm - their kids were great and we had a relaxed chat time. When they left Nurse Dana was at the desk and asked if I had been out of my room at all. She ordered "wheelchair privileges" and set up a tour for the NICU. I did my last set of exercises at 7:50pm and then talked to nurse Dana. Basically if Leena is happy and healthy and doesn't start labor on her own I could easily be here til 36 weeks or longer before they would consider inducing. That scares me a little bit and I can't think about it too much. I worked on thank you notes for Selah's birthday and at 9:30pm I got to go on the NICU tour. I was so helpful to see it and get a good feel for what kind of set up we would have to go through if she ends up there. Then I rested for a little bit and read through the NICU material. Nurse Dana brought me a Tums, my antibiotic, and my prenatal. I felt a little nauseous and between 10pm and 11pm got 3-4 contractions which is the most I have had. I am still leaking fluid but it is clear again. I talked to Tom around 10:30pm and finally got our Christmas presents ordered. He seemed to be doing well and even happy that the Steelers won. They will monitor me at 11ish so we will see if the contractions keep up or go away again. Going to get ready for bed now so I can just go to sleep after they are done.
33w 6d
12.2.2012
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I was woken up at 6:30am to take blood for a blood count. I decided to get up at 7:20am, peed (still some pink tinge), ordered breakfast and did my first set of exercise. Then I watched TV and did some online catchup. At 9:45am, they put me on monitors, flushed my IV, took vitals, and asked some basic feeling questions. While I'm bleeding a little I have to leave all my pads out for the nurse to check. At 10:45am, I was finally taken off the monitors and I took a shower. At 11:00am I got my 20-minute massage and at 11:30am - Tom and the girls showed up. It was SO good to see Tom and have just my little family here. They brought Chick-fil-a for lunch which was also great since I had only had hospital food since Monday. They were able to hang out until 1:20pm. I can tell that Tom is tired and overwhelmed and that the girls are tired and whiny but mostly handling this all with good attitudes. Kalyn was little miss chatty the whole time and Selah actually cuddled with me for about 15 minutes while she watched The Lorax - I need that so badly. Tom also brought with him a gift from Sharon which was a huge giftbag filled with little items to make my stay nicer! A nurse also came in while there were here and took my vitals. At 1:30pm, I did my 2nd set of exercises and felt pretty tired but decided to work on some of the tings Tom brought for me to do. Nurse Susan came in with an antibiotic at 2:05pm and then I did some shopping online. I almost have everyone done but for some reason Amazon kept freezing up when I tried to make the purchase. Dr. Martiny came in at 3pm and said that my first goal is to make it til Monday and then take it one day at a time. He ordered a biophysical u/s which it looks like I will get everyday. They came right away and Leena still looks healthy and happy, my cervix is still at 4cm but my fluid has dropped again between 7 & 8. My fluid is back to being clear and not pink at all so that is a good thing. All I have left for Christmas shopping is candy for the girls stockings so I feel like I accomplished a lot there as well. Shanon came around 5:45pm and brought cookies and O'Charleys for dinner. We talked and laughed basically the rest of the night. Vitals were taken a couple of times and they monitored me at 11pm which we were watching "Crazy, Stupid, Love." There was one moment during the evening when Leena changed position and I felt alot of fluid release and soaked a pad very quickly. However when I went to go check Leena "corked" the hole again and I went back to just leaking every now and then. Throughout the night I had a couple of hard contractions but its only like 1 every 1-2 hours. They are pretty painful though. Shanon ended up sleeping over and so we went to be around 12:45am when my Ambien kicked in.
33w 5d
12.2.2012
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Monitoring last night went well although I am pretty sure I registered a few more contractions. Vitals were 117/70 and good temp. I took the Ambien and fell right asleep but woke up a couple of times with a single bad contraction. At 8:30am I woke up for real to a huge cramp in my left leg. Once I got up I ordered breakfast, did my first round of physical therapy and read Psalms 80-90. Nurse Linda came in and I took an antibiotic and my inhaler and my vitals (122/75, good temp). I ate breakfast and watched some TV and Tom called around 9:50am - his parents are watching the girls today at our house and I am so glad that they got to stay home. I then read Ephesians and James and at 10:35am got a truly wonderful and relaxing 20-minute massage. Then I did my 2nd set of exercises and Linda set me up on monitoring where I experienced maybe 1 or 2 contractions. Leena's heart sounded great and she was moving. Dr. Wyse stopped in and ordered another biophysical u/s and also shared with me that 50% of moms that come in with their water broken early have their babies within a week and then 50% of those left have their babies the second week. That gave me at least something to go on. At 12:25pm, u/s came in. Leena did all her movements including her breathing practice, cervix is still at +4cm, fluid is hanging around 10cm, and all her organs were looking great. Around 1pm, I ordered lunch and took a shower, then ate while I watched TV, still losing fluid. At 1:50pm, I did my 3rd set of exercises, 2:10pm - antibiotic and also pointed out a red swollen itchy spot on my IV arm, so they removed it for awhile which felt great. I worked on our home budget and bills and then at 3:20pm - did a 4th set of exercises. Nurser Cathy came in at 4pm - vitals (128/73, good temp) and brought in poinsettias from Jen Hoffman. Erika showed up around 4:15pm with a couple of cupcakes from Sublime to share (snickerdoodle and chocolate chip banana with pb frosting). We just got to laugh and talk and refresh. Around 4:45pm, NICU came in and I was overwhelmed with information. The biggest thing that came out of it is that no matter when I have Leena, she will be here til December 10th. That helps me strengthen my desire to be here til 35 weeks so that hopefully she would just be able to go home with me when I go home. Travelling back and forth would be really hard. While she is in the NICU, Tom and I will have 24 hour visitation and I will be able to nurse her along with pumping for when I can't be there. NICU will be at the birth and depending on how she is doing we may even get to hold her for a little while before she has to go to the NICU. Selah and Kalyn will both be allowed to visit her but if I'm going to nurse while I'm there then another adult has to be with me to watch the kids. Only 3 people are allowed at the bedside at a time and 1 of them has to be either Tom or I. There is no weight limit that she has to reach before they will let her go home but she will have to be able maintain her body temperature, eat, and gain weight for 2 days in an open crib. Erika hung out until 5:45pm when Cathy came in to reset my IV on the inside of my right forearm. It was a wierd placement and very sore. I was put on monitoring and Leena performed pefectly. Cathy mentioned that maybe I was having a little bit of uterine irritability, I hadn't noticed anything though. Then I ate dinner and watched TV and at 710pm did my last set of exercises for the night. Then I watched TV and worked on Leena's cross-stitch. At 8pm Cathy took vitals (134/74) and I got a Tums for heartburn. Then I watched NBC's Christmas Tree Lighting. At 9:15pm, Cathy came in to put an ice pack on the sore part of my left arm, she had it wrapped up in a huge pad, it looked hilarious but it did help some. I talked to Tom at 9:30pm and we filled each other in on our days and I was able to say goodnight to Selah although she sounded pretty distracted. Tom called back around 10:30pm to go over some stuff to bring tomorrow and shared that Selah had needed some love time cause her leg was hurting and she missed Mommy rubbing it. That's the first time it has sounded like she really missed me. My poor little girl! Cathy came in with my antibiotic and prenatal vitamin and nurse Nicole came back in at 11:15pm to run vitals, monitoring, give me an Ambien, and move my IV into the top of my right hand. It will make it harder to shower and wash my hands but otherwise it doens't hurt at all so that's good. I fell asleep around 12:15am but woke at 2:30am to pee and I had some bad cramps. There was a pink tinge to my pad and on the toilet paper so I called Nicole in but she said that is perfectly fine. I feel back asleep and slept fitfully until 5:45am cause I was still having some back contractions and couldn't get comfortable, Nicole brought in antibiotics and took vitals (110/59) and then I went pee and there was a small bit of blood in the toilet on top of the pink tinge in my pad and on the toilet paper. Nicole said I still should not be worried but I definitely think it is a sign that we are not too far off from having little Leena.
33w 4d
12.1.2012
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My monitoring last night went well. I did mention that I am leaking more fluid again so the nurse (Sharon) noted it. She gave me an Ambien and a little after 12am I fell asleep until 3:30am. I peed, definitely lost more fluid and went back to sleep. I woke up at 7:30am but forced my self to just roll over and and was able to sleep until the dr. came in at 8:30am. She asked a few questions, definitely noted that I am losing more fluid again (soaked a pad), and ordered a biophysical ultrasound, also a massage and physical therapy. While I waited on those things I ate breakfast and checked my email, facebook, and babyfit as my new morning ritual. Tom call at 9am on his way to work and didn't sleep well last night but the girls are sleeping great due to how busy their days have been. We talked about our nights but got interrupted when they came into take blood for a blood count, then the u/s machine was brought in and set up. My vitals were taken (128/79, good temp), got to us my inhaler too. The u/s was used to watch her movements, which were perfect, she is practicing her breathing regularly which is a great sign cause babies in distress or discomfort won't practice it. She is measuring a week ahead, weighing in at about 5 1/2 lbs around, my cervix was a little shorter at 3.2cm, and fluid remained steady at 10.6cm, all her organs were working normally. She did look squished in there though:) I called Tom and gave him the update and took a shower. At 11am, I got a 20 minute massage which apparently I will be getting once a day for the rest of the time that I am here, definitely something to look forward to. Then they set me up on monitoring again. Leena still loos great and my contractions had slowed again. I still have an annoying cough though. While on monitoring the physical therapist came in and gave me some simple exercises to do 5x a day to keep my blood circulating well and no blood clots. All in all my morning was very busy. Mandy dropped by for a few minutes around 12:45pm just to bring me a cupcake and Danna and the kids got here around 1pm. Kalyn was super cuddly and even had her very first ponytail in! It was so cute. Selah was sweet too although not as huggy. All the kids watched parts of Puss n Boots again. Danna brought roses from the church and some cookies for me and the nurses to share. Nurse Linda stopped in with my antibiotic and then around 2:20pm, Danna and the kids left. Kalyn was so cute yelling "bye Mommy", "love you", and blowing me kisses. Then I worked on my first set of exercises and did some church work. Nurse Kara came in at 3:50pm and took vitals (136/73, good temp) and Danna called around 5pm to warn me that Selah and Samuel had taken "playing doctor" to the next level and Selah had shown her parts. She had already spoken and disciplined both of them and let them know that they were not allowed to play doctor anymore and that they had been disobedient. I knew it would end up happening eventually but I'm just sad that it's when I can't deal with it at all and also that we are entering a new phase of parenting where the 2 of them cannot be left alone. Around 5:10pm I did a second set of exercises and ordered dinner. I watched TV while I ate and then they ran monitors again, all looked fine. After dinner, I had more contractions and seem to be losing more fluid. I finished up all my church work for now and then nurse Emily came in around 7:35pm and took my vitals (131/77, good temp). At 8:10pm I did a third set of exercises which was enough for half a day. I started feeling nauseous and tired so I watched some TV and watching my stats for fantasy football. I talked with Tom at 9:40pm and we both talked about our days. He's ready for the week to be over and we are both just missing each other. I haven't seen him since Monday night:( I miss being home and I'm just plain homesick tonight. On top of that I just feel off. I kind of hope it just means Leena is ready to get here. Nurse Emily came in at 10:25pm and gave me my inhaler, antibiotic, and prenatal and will be back at 11pm to do my last monitoring and give me an Ambien. Another day in the books, another day closer to meeting Leena and to going home.
33w 3d
11.29.2012
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Last night, thanks to the Ambien, I slept from 11:30pm to 5am without waking at all until I had to pee. I was able to settle back down and sleep from 5:20am to 7:35am and I felt ready for the day. Tomorrow I might try to sleep a little longer just cause I can. Should take advantage of the benefits while I'm here. After I got off the phone with Tom last night, I got ready for bed and called the nurse for the Ambien and to see if I could take off the compression stockings while I slept. They said yes to both and set me up on monitors again for about 45 minutes. Leena's heartrate was great except for one dip during the one contraction that I had. They explained more fully that one dip is not worrisome. It had gone down to 104bpm but popped right back up to normal... they look for dips consistently below 100. Once I was up and going I set up my "workstation" and kind of cleaned up my room a bit to feel ready for the day. I talked to Tom around 9am and things are going well with the girls still. He had just dropped them off with the Kuhnes. Tom is continuing to get bombarded with offers to help which is an amazing blessing but also just one more thing for him to get back to people about. I checked email, babyfit, and facebook and then around 10:30am, Dr. Habecker came into to go over what to expect for the day. He ordered a couple of antibiotic pills instead of having them go through the IV and also ordered an ultrasound to measure my fluid. The nurse (Amanda) came in and took my vitals and set me up on monitors. Leena's heartrate was perfect. Then I got to take a shower and get the ultrasound. I was a little annoyed cause they won't do her measurements for some reason but she is head down. Her bladder, kidneys, heart, stomach, and the placenta all look good. The fluid actually went up to 10cam and her heartrate was 141bpm. There is a chance that my amniotic sac could reseal but I don't really know what that means in the long run. I am so conflicted. I am ready to have her here but don't want to rush it, I also don't want to be stuck here for 6 weeks or sent home on bedrest! Danna called and we talked for about and hour about church work and I was able to help her with some of the projects. Then I ordered lunch and Nicole came in with just the girls. It was neat to just be with them. Again they are being so resilient and not concerned that I am here. Nicole brought nail polish so I could have some Mommy/Daughter time with them and paint their nails. It was so sweet of her to think of that. The girls were getting on each other's nerves at first but by the time they left they were playing really nice together and Kalyn was exhausted! Chad, the boys, and Chloe stopped in for a few minutes too but they all got a little loud so that headed out. Nicole and them came at 1pm and left around 2:45pm. My room sounded so quiet for a while after that. A nurse had come in while Nicole was still here and gave me another antibiotic pill. Most of the morning and afternoon I didn't feel any contractions and didn't seem to be losing anymore fluid. Another nurse came in after 3pm and took my vitals (136/79, good temp). I got up and stretched and walked around the room for about 10 minutes just cause I needed to. Then I got caught up on some emails and worked on the frames and mats for mom's room (names and meanings of names) for the grandchildren. Pastor Bitner and Sue stopped in around 4:15pm and prayed with me and encouraged me a little bit. A new nurse (Jen) came in around 4:45pm to do monitors so the Bitners left. Jen really doesn't think they would send me home at this point and the Drs. directive actually says that I am here til delivery (whenever that may be). She set me up on monitors and took my vitals (128/71, good temp) and asked a few questions but all was normal. Leena's heartrate was strong and steady and I registered one contraction again. I ordered dinner and watched some Tv. After dinner I spent a couple of hours doing the rest of the church work that I could help Danna with at this point. I've had a bad cough all day that I can't seem to clear and sometimes when I cough amniotic fluid still comes out or I gag (super fun). Jen came in at 7:40pm and did vitals again (136/74, good temp) and at 8:50pm she came in with my inhaler. I told her that I have been having more contractions since dinner but not timeable. She said that unless I wanted to be checked on monitors it could wait. I chose to wait. I finished my churchwork and my back and body was sore to I walked around a little bit more. Definitely was leaking some more fluid. No cause for concern, just good to know it is still coming out. Tom called around 9:50pm and we talked for about a half hour. He's pretty beat but doing well. The girls have been sleeping good all week cause they are plain exhausted. I'm just so proud of all of them and I miss being with them. The nurse warned me that they probably would run monitors again around 11:30pm and I could get the ambien then. It's almost 11pm now and I'm going to do some crossstitch and get ready for bed so that I'll be ready when they come in and just watch TV til that is done. Day 3 almost over.
33w 2d
11.28.2012
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I ended up falling asleep around 4am last night and slept til 6:30am when I again had to pee, they had to set me up on another round of antibiotics. I had a headache, had struggled with itchiness all night and just felt generally down. However I fell back asleep from 7am til 8:40am and woke up in much better spirits. My headache was gone, they promised me an ambien to help me sleep better tonight and they set me up on the monitors again. All looked well except there was one contraction where Leena's heartrate dipped but it didn't happen again. I wrote some text messages, ate breakfast (french toast, eggs, and homefries) and watched the beginning of the Hunger Games again. I asked about a shower and also talked with Dr. Stedman (awkward doc) about the next plans. He repeated some of what Dr. Bradford had said last night. Hoping to wait out the week but there would be the possibility of induction next week. Helps the time not seem quite as long. He also prescribed a medication for my yeast infection. Around 11am I got moved from Labor and Delivery (room 68) to Special Care (Room 94) which is lot roomier and set up for an extended stay with some extra comforts. I had a couple of teary moments really missing my kids and being super thankful for the people in our lives during this time. I got a couple of funny pictures from Danna about my kids that brightened up my day as well. I got to take a shower which was SO nice and I put on makeup so I didn't feel like a complete slob. Just in general was in a better and brighter mood. My new nurse (Jane) came in and put on compression stockings on my legs, which besides being ugly, aren't that annoying and I really don't even notice them. Got set up on another bag of antibiotics, ordered lunch (cheese sandwich and fries) and then my kids showed up with Danna and her kids around 12:30pm. Both gave me big hugs and Selah asked me a few questions about this and that and when Leena would be here. Both began playing around the room and being completely normal. It was so heartwarming. I had a little bit of snuggle time with each. They watched Puss n Boots on the TV and Kalyn pooped twice (poor Danna). They loaded up around 2pm and I just felt sad to watch them but so grateful for how well they are doing. They didn't even cry on the way out! I then set to work with my to do list and tried to come up with some helpful information for Danna since she is being thrown into my secretary job at the church without any recent training. I sent Tom some to dos as well about cleaning, laundry, and other things going on at home that I had forgotten about. Around 2:30, Jane unhooked my IV which just makes me feel freer! Danna text around 3pm and said that Kalyn laid right down for a nap - I am SOOO thankful. I've had a few more contractions today but Leena is moving well and we'll see what the monitors show later. At 3:30pm they gave me medicine for the itchiness and also finally took me off the IV for awhile. Then I watched some TV cause I was just feeling the need to lay down. Had a few more contractions and some fluid come out. I was about to really start working on the church newsletter at 4:40 when the nurse came in to setup monitoring again. It was only supposed to last for 20-30 minutes but do to the busyness around here I ended up being on monitoring until 6:05pm. I was little concerned with what I saw on the monitors but the nurse was not. When I would contract (had 2 good ones) Leena's heartrate would drop into the 110s... then it seemed when I wasn't it would go as high as 170s. I know she was moving some but that still seemed drastic. After that I went pee and waited for my dinner (chicken and broccoli alfredo) and watched some TV knowing that Mom and Dad were coming to visit. They should up a little before 7 and we just had a nice chat about the girls and how they did yesterday and what their weeks look like and what to expect here. While they were here I got hooked back up to the IV for another round of antibiotics. They left around 8:30pm cause Mom is working like crazy this week in Harrisburg for one of Think Silk's shows. Since they left I have been working hard on church work and only have 1 or 2 more things I would like to accomplish there tonight or tomorrow. Around 9:15pm they took me back off the IV so I have a little more freedom. I still need to ask them if I have to wear the compression stockings through the night. I'm going to catch up with Tom and then get the Ambien and sleep well tonight. I can be expected to be woken up at midnight and 6am for another round of antibiotics. I'm not sure if they are planning to monitor some more. I have had more contractions in the last few hours so we may be progressing but I will not get my hopes up. Day 2 down... ready to coast through the week.
33w 1d
11.27.2012
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On the morning that I hit the 33 week mark I woke up because I needed to pee at 4am. I thought it was wierd that when I sat down to pee I started before I even sat but was too tired to think past that or care. At 5:15am I woke up with this feeling that I had leaked water so I stood up, there was no big whoosh so I went to the bathroom again. I didn't have to pee though and my underwear were soaked. Also they smelled sweet, not like urine. I began to entertain the idea of my water leaking but I was in disbelief so I laid back down and got up again and after a couple of time with my underwear getting soaked, I was coming back to bed and Tom woke up at 6am and asked if I was ok and I answered that I wasn't sure and told him what had been happening. We both agreed that I should call the on-call doctor but they never got back to me. I tried to sleep some more but my mind was racing. Around 6:45am we both got up and I continued to soak through a couple more pairs of underwear and a few pads. Tom took a shower and I began to pack the hospital bag. At 7:15am I hopped in the shower, knowing that my water was definitely leaking. When I got out at 7:30am it wooshed so we called Dad to come over. We called the Drs. office that was now open and were told to go to triage. Dad and Adama showed up, we kissed Kalyn and Selah and thought we were having Leena either that day or the next (11/26 or 11/27). We arrived at Womens and Babies around 8:45am and went through triage. It was confirmed that my water had broken, I was mildly contracting, so they order an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that Leena's fluid was down to 8cm, my cervix was still long and closed at 4cm, and she was head down. Her heart, bladder, kidneys, and the placenta all looked good. We were then moved to a labor and delivery room and Tom and I were still under the impression that if Leena didn't come on her own by morning then we would be induced. Once in the room I was hooked up to an IV with antibiotics, a saline solution to keep me hydrated, the contractions monitor and the FHR monitor. Leena's heartbeat never faltered and was strong and steady. At one point I could even hear her hiccups - so cool. After lunch, Tom and I decided he should go home and be with the kids and help Kalyn get a good nap and let Dad go home for a shower, etc. While he was gone I watched some TV, cross-stitched, listened to music, and waited for Danna and Nicole to come visit. They got here at 3pm and we laughed and hung out for almost 3 hours. They went to get dinner and I ordered mine, while they were out the nurse came in and for the first time I heard the possibility that I could be stuck in the hospital for 2 weeks or even more. I was shocked and overwhelmed. I called Tom and then told Danna and Nicole when they got back. They took me off the monitors but kept the IV going. Tom came back around 7pm and between the 4 of us we began making a childcare plan for the next 2 weeks. I got teary a couple of times because I worry about Selah and Kalyn during this uncertain time. The doctor and nurse both answered some questions and gave us great information about what this time could do for Leena's lungs and I can see the need for our tiny baby to have these 2 weeks but I am still overwhelmed by the thought of it. Tom, Danna, and Nicole left at 9:30pm and I talked to the nurse (Dana) a little bit but then watched TV and got myself ready for bed by 11pm. Dana came in to monitor me again and Leena's heartrate looks great and I am having no contractions which I keep reminding myself is a good thing. She came back to remove the monitors & put me on my third bag of antibiotics and I fell asleep around 12:30am and slept til 2am when I really had to pee. I then laid in bed til 3am and wrote this until 3:20am. Praying that I sleep more tonight. Imiss my family and the familiarities of home.
33w
11.27.2012
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I guess you could say the official countdown has begun in many respects, both with Christmas and to Leena's birth. Christmas is 1 month or 30 days away and Leena's due date is 50 days away. Although I would be surprised if Leena waited that long I'm trying to keep even longer in my mind just in case. That probably is not going to work but it is worth a try. This morning was tough when the girls decided to wake up at 5:20am but hopefully they will make up for it tomorrow and it won't be a regular occurence. I don't think I could take it! Church was nice and many people made astonished faces when they saw my belly - I feel like I have a legitimate late 3rd trimester belly and people better watch out cause my late 3rd trimester attitude is not far behind. Leena has moved well today with a few tough jabs here and there. We made Christmas cookies tonight at Tom's parents and I forgot that I was going to be expected to make a meal sometime in December so I chose next Sunday to get it out of the way but I am not looking forward to many long Sunday nights there as it really messes with my asthma and the constant noise from all the kids gives me a headache. I will survive it though. Tom and I had a nice talk last night about our communication and what can be improved and what each of us needs from the other. I feel better prepared to be a great wife! Let's see how tomorrow goes:)
32w 6d
11.25.2012
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So thankful that today is a "day off" from being around people and even just being out of the house. We are going to decorate the tree today and keep the Christmas decorations to somewhat minimal so that we don't have a lot to clean up right before Leena gets here. I'm getting laundry done and some general cleaning too. Just some catch up stuff before we start another week. Next week is not quite as crazy as this week and we even have a couple of nights with nothing planned. All 4 of us need that. Leena is moving even as I type and seems to be very happy. I am trying to not overdo it today cause I think my body needs a rest from this past week. Tom and the girls are watchin the new TMNT right now which is their favorite Saturday activity! I love family time!
32w 5d
11.24.2012
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Yesterday Selah officially turned 5. It was a sweet day of remembering her little life. Unfortunately we had quite a few emotional breakdowns as this week finally got to both kids with how busy we have been and with the late nights due to Kalyn moving into Selah's room. In between those breakdowns though we went to Club Kid in the morning and we were the only people there for almost 2 hours! Then we got McDonalds and came home for a bit. Due to the nice weather we decided to do our Christmas tree hunt yesterday instead of today. We knew it would tire us all out some more but didn't want to have to bundle up in low 40 degree weather when we had the option of doing it in high 50 degree weather. We found the perfect tree and the kids were fairly good. Definitely got some great pictures that I plan on using on our Christmas card. We came home, Kalyn got a nap, Selah had some downtime with the TV and her new Tag books from Jojo, and then we got pizza for dinner. Selah and I finished off the day with a movie, Wreck it Ralph, which was really cute and just a nice time for the two of us. On the way home at 9:30pm she was drained and began crying about numerous things but one was really sweet, she was crying cause she didn't want to move out of our house when she got older:( So sweet. Everybody slept well again last night. Leena moved most during the movie which could have been because of the sour patch watermelons:) My body didn't feel as run down either. Still waiting to hear some results from the doctor though...
32w 4d
11.24.2012
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So I am writing this 2 days late but here goes anyway. Thanksgiving was a fun day and ended up not being as stressful as I thought. Don't get me wrong, I was exhausted by around 7pm but still it was a good day. My brother, Matt, and Elijah came and Matt made some super amazing creme brulee french toast - it was seriously perfect! We ate at like 11am so we knew dinner was going to get pushed back. All the men and kids went for a walk on the trail while Mom and I got the bird in the oven and then had to make an impromptu trip to their house for chicken boullion. We got back and everybody else had just gotten back too. Within a half hour, Kalyn had eaten lunch and I had laid her down for a nap, Selah was eating lunch and watching cartoons, Dad, Christopher, and Matt were all asleep on the couches, and Tom and Elijah were playing Nintendo:) Mom and I had a lot of alone time which was nice. Around 4:30pm everything picked up again as we got dinner put together and on the table. We had WAY too much food and everyone went home with a ton of leftovers. We watched the "Year in Review" movie before everybody left and of course ate pie and cheesecake. Everybody left by 8pm and then we just had to get the girls in bed. I only had a few contractions throughout the day and was a little worried when I hadn't felt Leena much but once I actually sat down she got moving and Elijah got to feel her kick. Thankfully our whole family slept well!
32w 3d
11.24.2012
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My appt was long and had good newsish but at the same time it was terrible. As of last night I started getting pretty regular cramps about every 5 minutes that would radiate around to my back. They went away but this afternoon they came back about every 3 minutes. They were painful but bearable. I told the doctor about the cramps and also about my spotting last week and the fact that I think I have ANOTHER yeast infection. She took it all seriously and did a yeast infection test, a preterm labor test, and then checked my cervix. I have never had such a painful "lady exam" in my whole life. It hurt so bad I almost cried. Then she sent me to do a urine analysis for a possible uti. Told me that I probably do have a yeast infection. Also had me get an ultrasound where everything measured perfect. Through it all I continued to experience these cramps every 3-4 minutes. It was terrible. By the time I got home I was absolutely exhausted. My mom was watching the girls for me so I went and laid down for an hour and finally the cramps subsided. I've had a few more throughout the evening but nothing regular. I still have no idea why I'm getting them but I am grateful that they are not bothering Leena as she is continuing to move like usual. Also my blood pressure was the best it has been (118/75), my urine was negative for protein or sugar, and I had only gained 1 lb.
32w 2d
11.21.2012
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 Last night went a lot better but that is probably because Kalyn refused to take a nap yesterday so she was too completely exhausted to fight bedtime. Both girls slept well until 8am and I was able to sleep from 10:30pm-8:30am (thanks to Tom handling the girls before work) and I only woke up once to pee and take a tums for some killer heartburn. Last night we had our small group thanksgiving and it was just what I need to break out of my self-pity bubble and have fun with friends. Tonight we have our Thanksgiving service at church and I'm hoping that it goes smoothly and that I can handle both kids since I know Tom will be busy with sound stuff. Afterwards Tom has volleyball so I will be handling bedtime on my own. Not super excited about that but I am hopeful. We shall see. Leena didn't move much yesterday but she's been dancing around all morning. I still have some diarrhea today but not as bad as yesterday. I'm feeling a little tired but I think we are just heading into that time in pregnancy when maybe I just never feel super well rested. Well off to battle another naptime.
32w 1d
11.20.2012
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 I don't feel well at all today - diarrhea, heartburn, a little nausea, fatigue... On top of it I'm short tempered and too tired to deal with whininess. Fortunately the kids have been fairly good. Selah's parent/teacher conference was today and it went very well. Her teacher said she was a model student and any teacher would be glad to have her in class. Selah is a good listener, sharer, and raises her hand to talk. She has made a best friend in her class (Lidia) who is very similar in personality to her - shy in groups, perfectionist, loves TMNT. It's funny to see her make new friends. Selah is not good at being willing to try the snacks that are brought in and she gets nervous around new games and doesn't like rowdiness. Sounds just like her. She's getting so big and I am so proud of her! This afternoon even though I don't feel well I need to make some food for our Small group thanksgiving tonight. I hope I can come up with the energy for that. I also haven't really felt Leena today so I'm hoping she picks it up in the next few minutes before I need to get started on that other stuff. I'm glad there are only 2 more days until my drs appt cause I really feel like my body is falling apart. In spite of all of that I'm not ready for the pregnancy to be over - just want to try to fix what I can.
32w
11.19.2012
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 So Kalyn is now officially moved into Selah's room. The first night went really well. She was exhausted because of Selah's party and because I didn't give her a nap. She went to sleep within 20 minutes and slept from 7:20pm all the way until 6:20am. That is earlier than I would have hoped but I'll take it. Tonight we put both girls to bed at the same time at 8:45pm which is more like their regular bedtime. Kalyn had taken a 2 hour nap in her big bad and done really well so I was hopeful. Tonight did not go well, Kalyn was rambunctious and wouldn't lay still, a couple of times she got close to falling asleep and then fought it. Selah finally gave up and fell asleep even before Kalyn. At 11:25pm, Kalyn went to sleep. Now I am praying that they will both sleep well tonight and sleep past 8am... I doubt that will happen and I know I should expect the worst... Today I did have the pleasant surprise of going to get a pedicure which was amazing and now my toes look beautiful. We had Thanksgiving dinner at Tom's parents house and I survived it. It's not that I didn't want to be there, more like I was just tired and then on top of it my asthma acted up so then I just felt miserable. Such is life. Leena has been moving alot all day which is just reassuring and nice. I'm still looking forward to my next appt since I feel like I have a few questions for them based on these past 2 weeks - contractions, spotting, etc.
31w 6d
11.18.2012
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 What an eventful 24 hours. It's 4 pm on Saturday and I feel ridiculously exhausted. Starting at about 2pm yesterday we started really getting ready for Selah's Birthday Party - hung balloons, set up an obstacle course, baked 2 cakes so that I could make a pumpkin out of it, set up tables and chairs. After all of that I went to the bathroom and their was a pink tinge on the toilet paper... so I had to rest the rest of the night just in case I was overdoing it. All I could think about was everything that still needed done but I knew that I needed to take a load off. This morning was a different story - food needed made, projects prepared, and then the party. Many kids and adults to please. The party went as planned and Selah had a great time. Now I am relaxing but I am exhausted. Kalyn moves into Selah's room tonight which I am worried about plus I need to do a couple of things to prepare the room - take some toys out, put the swimmy noodles under the sheet so she won't roll out. Move her lamp and fan in... All without a nap for me or Kalyn cause I want her extra tired tonight. I haven't had any more pink spotting so that is encouraging and I'm hoping to be able to just mention it at my next appt.
31w 5d
11.17.2012
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Last night I feel like I got no sleep. Half of it was completely my fault with no exception. I went to see Breaking Dawn, Part 2 at 10pm and drank a cherry coke and ate chocolate - hence late night and sugar rush. The other half I have to blame on Selah and Leena. Leena decided to have a dance party as soon as I laid down. Selah decided to wake up within 20 minutes of me being in bed because she had leg pains, then once I had taken care of that and gotten back in bed she came back in my room about 10 minutes later because she had to tinkle. I am super grateful that she doesn't ever wet her bed but I was Sooooo tired. By the end of all that it was 1:40pm and then the rest of the night was basically a bust, I turned over about a thousand times, never really got comfortable and just felt like a zombie when I woke up. I've managed to make it through half the day and tonight all we have is prep for Selah's birthday party tomorrow so not a lot of thinking. Hoping for a much better night tonight. Right now, Kalyn is in for a nap for the very last time in her crib. Makes me a little sad to have to move her out so soon when she does so well in there but I'm also excited to take this next step.
31w 4d
11.16.2012
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Yesterday Leena was a little jumping bean. Pretty much moving a ton ALL day. It was pretty cool and fun to be able to feel her so much. I also had some uncomfortable braxton hicks contractions that gave me pause. It's hard to believe I have less than 9 weeks to go. Things are starting to get as little more uncomfortable. More than anything I'm just tired of things down below not being "right", it's starting to be itchy again and I feel like things are just swollen or something as well. The last thing I want it to be to be on that bacteria outgrowth medicine again - it made me feel awful! Today we are going to start working on getting the pumpkins ready for Selah's birthday party and we are going to be really brave/crazy and let the girls be involved as well. Then after the kids go to sleep I get to go with Danna, Nicole K, and Jalisa to see Breaking Dawn, Part 2. Fun! Of course before then I may need to take a nap:)
31w 3d
11.15.2012
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 It is officially 2 months until my due date. I would be surprised if I actually made it to my due date. I expect to go a few days ahead but I'm trying not to get my hopes up for that kind of outcome. Leena was like a little mexican jumping bean this morning during staff meeting, playing the drums on my belly. It was fun to watch and feel. Tonight we have nursery which ends up being a kind of family time with a couple extra kids so hopefully Tom and I will relax and not get frustrated during it. Then I have choir practice which will hopefully be a fun time. Last night's Christmas pictures came out perfectly. The girls were great and Selah was seriously perfect. She did everything that I asked of her, quickly and beautifully, and she looked absolutely beautiful! Kalyn was shy at first but then she warmed up when they brought out the stairs prop:) I've gotten most of my to do list done for the day except that I need to put away the girls laundry, have my quiet time, and stuff the bulletins for Sunday. Otherwise this week, I've really been on top of things and I am so grateful for that!!!
31w 2d
11.14.2012
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 Tonight I am braving the ever dreaded, kids Christmas pictures. I am so glad that my parents are going with me since Tom can't (an honestly hates it anyway so wouldn't be fun to have along). I always love the end product but I feel like I've gotten a workout in by the end of it! We have a chill day planned with lots of resting, bathtime, and a little bit of cleaning and then dinner and pictures. I still need to pick out an outfit for Selah to wear for her 5-year pictures but I do have cute Christmas outfits for them to wear. Unfortunately they are both struggling with a bit of a cold so we'll have to wait and see how it all works out. It's still morning so I haven't noticed Leena moving much yet, she definitely gets more active after lunch. Last night was a blast at dinner with friends, bowling, and then watching the Steelers game - which they won, barely. Overall even though it's a busy week it's been fun so far. I cannot believe that Kalyn is moving into a big bed in FOUR days... eek. Expecting the worst so that hopefully I can be pleasantly surprised:)
31w 1d
11.13.2012
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 Single digit weeks! If that doesn't make things feel closer I don't know what will! Leena has been moving well today and even had some big punches and kicks last night. Today we had the bathroom people come and regrout our bathroom. It looks like even with this temporary fix we are going to have to remodel that bathroom in the spring. Looks like our tax refund has been spoken for:/ Glad that we should have the money then at least. Today is Veteran's Day so Tom is home from work which is always a nice change. I even got to go into work while Selah was at preschool so I am a little ahead for the week already. Tonight is a girls night for small group and we are going to Texas Roadhouse and bowling - just glad to get out with adults and enjoy good food and fun. I forgot to weigh myself this morning so I'm not sure how I did on the week. We'll just have to wait and see tomorrow. I am still thrilled that I past the glucose test and that that weight is off my shoulders. What an amazing miracle! Busy week ahead so I better go find something to get done!
31w
11.12.2012
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 I am so thankful for Sunday afternoons. Here I sit, watching tv, Kalyn is napping, eating pringles and just resting. Tom and Selah are at the park. Leena has been doing little movements today. Nothing big yet but soon I am going to lay down and then I'm sure she'll kick it up. This afternoon and evening I am going to start working on my week so that hopefully I won't get behind on it. Unfortunately Pastor is behind so I can only get so much work done. Mainly I am going to try to enjoy my day of rest before the craziness!
30w 6d
11.11.2012
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As I sit here with both my kids and my husband watching TMNT with them I am just overwhelmed with how blessed I am and how sweet it is to enjoy a lazy Saturday together. We are going to have fun today just doing silly things, Selah's haircut, pizza at the mall, grocery shopping, fixing grout, and even go get our annual Christmas ornament from Murdough's. It is earlier than we normally do it but we have the time so why not get started. Leena moved alot yesterday and even woke me up last night with her moves. Also my braxton hicks are starting to get a little painful at times. Makes me a little worried about what is to come. Selah's birthday party is in 1 week from today and even scarier, Kalyn is moving into a big bed in 1 week. Ahhh! We have a busy week ahead of us and a lot to plan for, plus the next week is gonna be even crazier. Moving right along.
30w 5d
11.10.2012
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It's hard to believe that each day brings us closer to meeting Leena and getting to know her little personality. This morning has been a good day, both kids got up kind of early but that had the benefit of me getting to eat breakfast by myself without them whining or needing anything. Selah had a bad dream about a squid last night so she woke up crying and is cuddling me now - I can tell that she is tired so hopefully for her sake she will actually rest during naptime. This next week I don't have anything i need to get ready for Leena, just want to buy her lamp so that Kalyn's can move into Selah's room with her in EIGHT days (ahhhhh), and my only other project is to make sure I have everything ready for Selah's birthday party - I've been gradually getting stuff done for it so I don't think that that should be too much work. Tonight we have no plans for our Friday night so we can get started on possibly cutting open and gutting the pumpkins to put the candy inside. During naptime today I need to finish up some work things so that I don't have little hands helping me. I haven't noticed Leena too much so far today except in the shower I felt like she was changing positions cause I felt like she was knocking me off balance a little bit. Now that is a weird feeling.
30w 4d
11.9.2012
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I just had a fabulous appointment. Good news everywhere I turned. First off, I got to take Selah for a Mommy/Daughter date and we went to the appt together and we just got some uninterrupted time together. Then my weight was done 2.5 lbs (they measured at 216.5), my blood pressure was 125/81 which was also better than last time, urine was negative, I PASSED my 1 HOUR glucose test which I have never passed (with a 128), Leena's heartrate was in the 130s, my fundal height was at 31 weeks which is basically right on. The only thing different this time than my other pregnancies was at this point Leena was hanging out breech but of course there is plenty of time for her to get head down and no worries with that. Makes sense since sometimes I can feel her stretch out side to side. Then Selah and I went over to the mall and had pizza together and she got to play in the play area for awhile, ran a couple of errands and then home to pick up Kalyn from my friend, Nicole's, house only to find out that she was pretty much perfect as well. Great day!!! Now to get some work done. It feels good to be home after all that running around and to have the girls in for naptime. I am so thankful for the miracle God is working through this pregnancy!
30w 3d
11.8.2012
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I had forgotten how hard it was to work an 8 hour day. I worked 7 hours today and my brain feels like mush. I'm tired and my body hurts. I used to work longer than that on my feet while pregnant with Selah and I had forgotten all about how hard that was. The up side was that I didn't have to come home to kids and no break but still, tired. I am thankful for all I was able to get done today thanks to my parents watching the kids. I'm also thankful for only have 68 days give/take until Leena is here. I got her laundry hung up today and all the other laundry put away. Tomorrow I need to do sheets and towels and start looking towards what we still need for Selah's birthday party and for Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to the Black Friday ads too. Yesterday was election day and President Obama was reelected for a second term. I was disappointed but also convicted this morning that I should be praying for our president more often than I do. God can change anyone and even the course of a nation if we will follow Him. Tomorrow I have my doctors appt and should find out if I have gd or not. I'm taking Selah with me too so I'm hoping that it is fun for both of us:)
30w 2d
11.7.2012
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I feel overwhelmed by piles of little girls clothes, size 6, 2 and newborn!!! They are everywhere:) I started washing Leena's clothes yesterday and I hope to get them sorted and put away today - what a job. Plus Selah's and Kalyn's laundry needs washed and put away. I have a feeling I am going to be hanging and folding a lot of little clothes today. This morning I got a break by being able to go out to lunch with Danna & her kids, Melissa, and my kids to Chick-Fil-A - they have the best kid play area and it's so nice how well our kids get along. It ended up being refreshing although I am utterly exhausted thanks to getting no sleep last night. I was waken up numerous times just to roll over and then 2 separate times I got a cramp in my legs, first my left and then about an hour later, my right. Terrible! Leena has kicked a few times today but thanks to being busy I haven't felt her too much. Tom has volleyball tonight but I think he is going to be taking Selah with him so that means it's just me and Kalyn so hopefully we can cuddle some and spend some one on one time. That is probably what I worry about most with having a third child, having time with each of them individually so that I can tell them and show them that I love them uniquely!
30w 1d
11.6.2012
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Whoo hoo! 10 weeks to go. What an accomplishment and I feel really good. Somehow I am losing weight which is astonishing to me but I will take it. I'm feeling great this week and ready to tackle the week's to do list. Gonna wash and hang Leena's newborn and 0-3 month clothes and make sure I'm not missing anything. Finally getting into more of the fun stuff of getting ready for a new baby. We are entering into such a fun time of year too of being with family and friends for fun times. Selah's birthday party is in less than 2 weeks and then Thanksgiving right after that. November will be over before I know it. Leena has been kicking well between yesterday and today and thankfully I only got up ONE time to pee last night and I slept really good otherwise. I've had a mild headache pretty much all day which is basically more annoying than anything else. Still dealing with some pelvic pain so it seems that may be sticking around. Tonight we have small group for session 2 of our marriage study - focusing on communication tonight so I better pay good attention:) Today is my brother's birthday which has just reminded me that we are not as close as we used to be and it's simply sad. Praying for him.
30w
11.5.2012
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It seems absolutely crazy to me that I am still getting comments at church about people just noticing I am pregnant.... I have about 10 weeks to go! It's nuts! I'm not sure if I should feel insulted or not. Anyway, Leena is kicking better today and after church I am enjoying a nice relaxing afternoon before we head over to my in-laws for dinner and to watch the Steelers game. I hope it will be refreshing and not too hectic and crazy. I did not sleep well last night because I woke up THREE times to pee. That is crazy, I don't even remember drinking much last night. I am enjoying this pregnancy right now though so that is helpful. I feel pretty and am looking forward to meeting little Leena and as nervous as I am, being a mom of 3 little girls. Every day is one day closer to a family of five. :)
29w 6d
11.4.2012
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Today has been a relaxing and yet productive day. I got the pumpkins and gourds and hay bales for Selah's birthday party which is 2 weeks from today, went to Walmart and did my grocery shopping and got some frames for Selah's party and the caricatures that are going to go in the girls room. Got the oil changed and tires rotated on the van. Got milk at Patches. Gave the girls baths and I'm about to start dinner. I love lazy Saturdays when I can get some needed stuff done without hauling the kids around. Tom got the grass mowed as well and tonight I hope to get things hung up in the girls room and at least get Leena's clothes out to maybe start working on tomorrow.
Still concerned that Leena is not moving as much as she used to. I think I am going to make a conscious effort tonight to lay on my side after dinner and count kicks. In the middle of the night, I woke up to pee and was definitely having to waddle to the bathroom, lots of pain on my pelvic bone.
29w 5d
11.3.2012
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Today I got one of those all wonderful compliments that I looked really cute and pregnant today. Not going to read into it how I look usually and just accept that this is a good outfit for me:) Leena hasn't been kicking as much in the morning but she does well in the evening so it may just be that I am getting too busy to notice in the morning. Yesterday was extra productive - I was able to move all of Kalyn's clothes into Selah's room which may be a bit annoying for the next couple of weeks but I'm glad to have it done and be able to get Leena's clothes out next week. I had a good conversation with Nicole today about possibly having more kids, we haven't decided yet and we do have a year or so to decide but I look forward to knowing if we want more or if we are done with three. I have mixed emotions about it. Today I started working on a video of pictures and videos from 2012 and it was fun to look back and see how much our kids have changed over the year. The difference in Kalyn is amazing. Today I have experienced more pressure on my pelvic bone which makes me waddle some more. Hoping that's not going to be the norm.
29w 4d
11.2.2012
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It's November already and this month is packed! So much fun stuff, so little time. I also feel like it's a milestone since it means we just have 1 full month inbetween this month and the month that I'm due. 74 days. I'm sure at times it will still feel far away but I really feel like we are really entering some exciting times. I have almost all the spring cleaning done that I wanted to finish. Almost all the little house projects done as well. Now we get to actually start focusing on getting things ready for little Leena. Getting her clothes out and washed and hung, bringing down the baby equipment and setting it up. Moving Kalyn into Selah's room and switching their carseats... I cannot believe we will have THREE girls! Now a look at November:
1st: ------------------
2nd: Selah has preschool
3rd: Tom has breakfast with Brandon, I'm going to Baby/Toddler Expo with Danna and the kids
4th: Church, Mom and Dad coming over around lunch, Going to Macchiones for Steelers game and dinner
5th: Christopher's Birthday (need to call and send a card), Selah has preschool, Small group at the Keeners
6th: Blair's Birthday (need to call), Election day (need to vote), Tom has volleyball
7th: Selah has preschool, I have staff meeting in the morning and choir that night
8th: 30 week drs appt (taking Selah, leaving Kalyn at Kuhne's house), Tom has leadership team meeting
9th: Selah has preschool
10th: Selah has a haircut at 11am
11th: Church, Kalyn is 21 months old
12th: Tom is OFF from work:), Selah has preschool, Girls night that night for small group
13th: Christmas pictures for both girls and Selah's 5 year pictures that night at Picture People with mom (and maybe Tom and Dad), Tom may have volleyball
14th: Selah has preschool, I have staff meeting in the morning and choir that night, Tom and I both have nursery that night
15th: ------------------
16th: Selah has preschool, Joy hopefully going to see Breaking Dawn, Part 2
17th: Selah's Birthday Party, Kalyn moves into Selah's room
18th: Church, Macchione Thanksgiving
19th: Small Group Thanksgiving at the Kuhnes
20th: Thanksgiving Service at Church and Tom may play volleyball at night
21st: I have a staff meeting in the morning, 32 week drs appt in the afternoon
22nd: Pope Thanksgiving
23rd: Tom is OFF from work, Selah's 5th Birthday
24th: Tree Hunt
25th: Church
26th: Selah has preschool, Small group at the Keeners
27th: Selah has 5 year Drs. appt in the morning and Tom has business dinner at ABC at night
28th: Selah has preschool, I have staff meeting (Nicole watching the girls), I have choir at night
29th: -----------------------
30th: Selah has preschool
I'm ready and glad that we have nothing else today. Haven't felt Leena move today so waiting for that!
29w 3d
11.1.2012
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 I love checking things off my list. Thankfully I got alot done at work today. We do have trick or treat tonight and I'm not sure if I am looking forward to it. I'm excited to get the girls dressed up but it just means that it will be a hectic night between getting dressed up and eating dinner, travelling to Newmanstown, walking in the cold, and then possibly doing choir afterwards. Sounds like a fun night! Having some braxton hicks today and Leena is moving well. Again it's mostly small movements so she must be getting a little more cramped in there. Having some pain if I sit for awhile in my groin area... not sure if it just gets sore or something. Looking at the rest of the week I think I'm doing pretty well with what I still need to get done. November promises to be busier so I need to be prepared!
29w 2d
10.31.2012
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 I am so thankful for the hurricane. It brought Tom home early yesterday and home all day today. We've gotten the carpets cleaned and have set up Selah's closet for Kalyn be able to move into that room. It's been a good day. I am starting to feel better which I think is due to time away from the flu shot, the storm passing, the full moon, and getting some needed rest. I am so thankful to be feeling better. We didn't lose power which is also no small miracle. Everybody is well rested and now we get to look forward to a short week of work. Leena is moving well today, not huge kicks but little nudges to my right ribs. No nausea today, feeling more motivated and not so run down. Hopefully this is how the rest of my week will look as well.
29w 1d
10.30.2012
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 This is the 4th or 5th day now that I haven't felt good. I really hope I am not going to be nauseous and feel week for the rest of this pregnancy. Leena is kicking really good today which I am very thankful for cause I felt like I hadn't noticed her much in the last few days. Today we are waiting for Hurricane Sandy to hit and have been preparing all morning for the possibility of our power going out. Apparently it is the worst case scenario and I'm praying for our safety and for no destruction in the area. It is also a full moon so I'm a little worried about how I'm going to feel the rest of the day. My kids are irritating me but maybe that is just cause I feel so tired and worn down. There are plenty of things on my list to do this week but I can't even imagine starting at this moment. Tom is getting off early from work and I am so thankful for that. Mom is staying with us through the storm which also makes me incredibly thankful. I feel like I really need the help. I feel like I am on the edge of tears because everything I do seems to make me feel worse. I slept really good last night and yet as soon as I got out of bed I thought I might throw up. I've got 11 more weeks to go and I don't know how I'm going to do it if I keep feeling like this.
29w
10.29.2012
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 Today is no better. I still feel gross. I feel like I can't take a deep breath without my chest hurting. Leena seems to be moving regularly although I was too busy yesterday to count. I need to make sure to take the time today. I don't want to miss out on something if there is actually something wrong. I slept pretty well last night but with the sleepover it wasn't great. The kids did pretty well but I am just excited for naptime at this point. I still haven't heard about my glucose test which I am choosing to believe is good news. Kalyn had a whiny evening last night but is back to herself this morning. Selah is chatty today because she didn 't sleep well. Tom won't be home til 7:30pm and I am counting down hours cause I just need a break. Tomorrow we are headed to the Steelers game which I hope will not be affected by the storm that is coming in. Hopefully we will have fun and not be miserable! Only 79 more days til my due date which means at the most 93 days - I can do this!
28w 5d
10.27.2012
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 So last night I had to go to the hospital just to get my rhogam shot and afterwards I did a tiny bit of shopping. I was at old navy and twice I had actual contractions. I had to stop and breathe through them. No more since then and they were probably 10 minutes apart and they were not braxton hicks. Had me worried - anyway, since then I have felt nauseous off and on and a little achy. I got a flu shot on Wednesday - could it be that? Leena has moved the same as usual so I'm not worried about her. Now I'm just hoping that I feel better soon. Tonight Tom i gone for a men's retreat and I am having some moms and kids over for a sleepover so I need to start feeling some better. I don't like feeling so close to throwing up all the time. This pregnancy has definitely had it's share of nauseousness. Even still, I am excited about tonight because we are going to do a "drive-in theater" for the kids and try a true sleepover in the living room, make some good treats, pizza and glow in the dark drinks for dinner, and donuts or cinnamon rolls in the morning. I'm probably more excited than the kids. I love doing this kind of stuff. I might be truly crazy and even let Kalyn try to sleep in a big girl bed tonight although I haven't made that decision yet. First, I just have to feel better so I can get the house ready. -Sigh-
28w 4d
10.26.2012
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Thanks to having to go back to Lancaster for my rhogam shot I get a bit of a night out tonight. Quick shot and then a trip to Old Navy and Kohls and dinner at the mall. Should be a sweet relaxing night. I got all my church work done this morning thanks to a friend of mine helping with the kids. I've had a relaxing naptime and Leena has been moving great. I'm pretty excited and scared about tomorrow too because we are having a sleepover with my best friends and their kids... it's gonna be such crazy fun:) Well better go check on the kiddos and get them up from naptime and maybe put on some makeup for my night out.
28w 3d
10.25.2012
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 My appt went well today. I didn't gain anything since last appt and my blood pressure was 127/82. Urine was negative and Leena's heartrate was in the 150s. The only thing of interest was that my fundal height measured at 30cm and Jana Meyer (the midwife) mentioned that she thought Leena was head up instead of head down but when she got the heartrate it was pretty low on my belly so I'm not sure about that. Had to sign a waiver for the hospital and was given the fetal movement count worksheet which just reminded me how close I am getting to the end. Appts are at every 2 weeks now too. Then went to the lab, got a flu shot, got blood taken for my rhogam shot that I have to go back for tomorrow, and took the 1 hour glucose. Fingers crossed that I passed although that is Highly Unlikely:)
This morning I went grocery shopping and tonight I still have a leadership team budget meeting and I'm exhausted and ready for no bra and pajamas! Too bad for me that is not going to happen for at least another 4 hours. I'm thankful for my mom watching the girls this afternoon and tonight when we go to the meeting. So glad that they live here this time around.
28w 2d
10.24.2012
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I love when you wake up refreshed and ready to face the day. I've already given the girls baths, started some laundry, taken a shower myself, had my quiet time and browsed online. I have lots of cleaning I would like to get done today (vacuum basement and steam mop, clean bathrooms, laundry) and I have some church work to do that will probably take 1-2 hours, and I would like to get started on some projects for Selah's birthday party. Surprisingly though, that list is not overwhelming me. Soon I will make lunch and then get started on my list. Leena has kicked a few times this morning but has not been overly active. I do have a nasty cough that I have been building up for the last couple of days that is really annoying. Selah and Kalyn have been really good this morning. Since Tom has volleyball tonight I am really hoping that they stay easy and great. I'm beginning to feel a little pressure in my pelvis, especially when I roll out of bed. Leena must sit low while I sleep.
28w 1d
10.23.2012
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 So I'm not really sure what has changed but my weight has finally slowed and I'm not packing on 2 lbs a week. Maybe I should have hope to not completely overdo this pregnancy. Looking back to my pregnancy with kalyn I had gained 22.8 lbs by this week and right now I have gained 21 lbs. so about the same. I don't know what I had gained with Selah but I do know that I only gained 28 lbs total. I guess we'll see if I can start making better choices in the coming weeks or if I get gestational diabetes and won't have a choice but to eat healthier.
Leena didn't kick as much yesterday but there were a couple of times she caught me completely off guard. I slept really well last night but am not feeling super motivated today. I have a lot of steam mopping to do but I know I'll have to do it when the girls take a nap because otherwise they will be all up in my business. Tonight we have our first Marriage Oneness study in Small Group. I'm hoping it will be a good study that we take seriously and let it challenge and grow our marriage.
I'm so glad to be 28 weeks now. For some reason that is a big milestone in my mind. No specific reason but less than 3 months to go now. Lots of fun planned in the coming weeks so it will not be dull.
28w
10.22.2012
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It's only Sunday but this week promises to be a very busy week. Lots of running around and busy nights. In some ways, I welcome it because this last week was so slow, on the other hand I think we are all going to be pretty worn out by the end of it. I slept better last night and I'm enjoying the kids more than I have the past couple of days. Lots of ladies at church asked me how I was feeling today so I know my belly is becoming more noticeable. It was a good morning. I'm a little tired of being sociable and my parents are probably stopping by with their African friend, Adama, and then we are going over to Tom's parents house. I think I'm just gonna chill and let other people handle the conversation. Before that all starts, maybe I'll even be able to get in a little nap with football on in the background. Tomorrow I will be 28 weeks which is exciting to me. Another pictures, another 4 weeks down, only 12 to go. So much has to happen in the next 12 weeks it seems crazy. We are trying to start getting Kalyn ready to move into Selah's room but I don't feel like she is understanding at all. I'm still a little worried about it but I'm also kind of excited goes it's a new step in our little family, as we prepare for Leena to come.
27w 6d
10.21.2012
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Yesterday I got really exhausted around 7pm and ended up going to bed around 10pm. I slept pretty well last night but still this morning I jhust woke up tired. I felt pretty uncomfortable before bed last night too. I really want to enjoy the rest of this pregnancy and not be miserable. I really hope things get better. Today is Saturday but Tom is out helping a lady in our church put a new roof on with some other guys. So it feels like another weekday. This has just felt like a long week. I have some stuff I should or could get done today like steam mopping the floors, getting my Halloween costume ready, finishing going through my desk drawers. None of it is hard to do but all of it is easier to do without kids. Speaking of which they also need a bath and I just don't feel like it:/ Tonight we may be going to the Newmanstown fall fest if it doesn't rain. I know it will be find to go but I just don't feel like it. Sometimes being around Tom's family can seem like such work. I'm just being selfish though.
27w 5d
10.20.2012
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Yesterday and today I just feel like my temper is a little short. I'm not angry, more just easily annoyed. I really want to not feel like that. Leena has been kicking harder and harder so I should have no problem doing the kick counts starting next week. I got to go to breakfast with Nicole, Danna, and Chad this morning while the older kids were in preschool. It was a nice change of pace and just reminded me that pregnant or not parents go through these same cycles. We have a chill night at home tonight. I hope we can think of something fun and cheap to do tonight with the kids since we have had so many nights in this week. Unfortunately everything costs something and I really want to try to limit spending the next couple of weeks to get our budget back on track. I'm starting not to sleep as well because turning over is getting harder to do. it hasn't been too bad yet though so I am hopeful.
27w 4d
10.19.2012
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Leena woke me up last night with her kicking. I think it's funny that she is kicking hard enough now to do that. Today we have absolutely nowhere we need to go, I have a little bit of church work, I'm going to go through the drawers of my desk and clear them out (junk), and I have some pictures to edit. All of that is pretty relaxing though. We got the blinds cleaned yesterday which was a big relief. I thought it was going to be a real pain but the steam mop worked wonders! Thankfully Tom helped as well. Kalyn has been clingy this morning which makes it hard to get anything done. Right now she is hugging my right arm which is really sweet. Selah has been whiny as well so it could be a long day. Tom had to drive out at back to Pittsburgh today so he won't be home til after 6pm. I am thankful that he decided not to go last night. I don't sleep well without him here. I've been feeling a little nauseous today off and on and I'm pretty tired so maybe the girls will give me some rest time today as well.
27w 3d
10.18.2012
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In the last 3 days, I feel like I go through spurts of crazy yawning spells. I don't know if it's because Leena is leaning on something that makes it so that I'm not getting enough oxygen or if I'm just that tired... It's a wierd thing that I don't remember with my other pregnancies. Today I'm officially in the 80s for the day countdown (89) - I feel like time is really gonna fly now. October is already half over - crazy! Leena has been kicking a lot in the last half hour or so, Selah missed feeling it but I love knowing that everything is ok. A week from today I have my 1-hr glucose test. I don't know if there is any chance of me passing it but I really hope so. I still have 2 sets of blinds to clean but I'm going to wait for Tom to get home to take them down for me. The girls have been funny and cuddly today. I'm more and more excited about having another little girl in our family. Selah talks about her and to her alot - it's so neat. A month from today is Selah's birthday party and possibly the night that Kalyn moves into a big girl bed - eek. We'll see about that I guess:)
27w 2d
10.17.2012
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Last night I slept so much better and only woke up once to pee and once to roll over - not even because anything hurt. Today I've almost finished everything on my list for today plus some extra and it's only 9:30am. I'm going to see if I can meet up with a friend and let the kids play and possibly use her sewing machine to work on the kids Christmas presents... a pillow sleeping bag thingy. Hopefully she's not busy cause I think the kids could use some time out of the house. I know I could! We are about a week out from my 28 week appt where I have to do the glucose test. I worked on a good menu for the few days before hand to give me a good chance of passing. It would be a miracle if I passed the 1-hour! Leena didn't kick as hard yesterday so we'll see about today. I finished all the girls fabric tutus yesterday and Leena's is so tiny. The kids are getting on my nerves today and I'm not sure if it is their fault or mine. Guess we will see how the day progresses.
27w 1d (90 Days!!!)
10.16.2012
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 The last 2 nights have not been good sleep. If I lay on one side too long my hip starts aching, if I lay on the other side too long my arm falls asleep. I'm hoping that it will not be like this the next 2 months. I did too much on Saturday and then was sore yesterday so I'm hoping that having a normal day today will fix it. Tonight we have stay-at-home family night which is always a blessing. Not sure if we are going to do anything special or just spend time playing. Either way it should be a good night. I have some laundry and church work to do today as well.
Leena moved more yesterday so I know she is doing well. It is such a relief to be able to feel her so well. My belly and lower back were hurting really bad yesterday but I feel a lot better today so hopefully that won't stick around either. I've been thinking alot about how to prepare Kalyn for Leena's arrival. Besides talking about her I'm not sure what else I can do. She did rub my belly yesterday and said very clearly "Leena" so it is getting through.
27w
10.15.2012
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Yesterday I got so much done which is great but I am paying for it today. I overdid it and now I'm sore and really tired. I'm so glad that the rest of our day is relaxing. Both girls now have colds which I hope they get over soon. I am officially 3rd trimester today which is a nice accomplishment:) My week this week looks pretty calm and all I need to check off my list still is to clean the blinds and go through my desk drawers. Now it may be time for a nap. I'm beat!
Oh except for when I was pregnant with Kalyn this far along I wrote down what the rest of my month looks like:
Oct 15: Preschool/Family Night
16: Mom coming over
17: Preschool/ Staff Meeting/Look at apartments with mom(?), Tom in Pittsburgh/choir
19: Tom in Pittsburgh/Preschool (show and tell and snack)/31 Party
20: Tom roofing Lucille's house
21: Church/Samuel's Birthday Party
22: Preschool/Small Group
23: Volleyball
24: Preschool/28 week appt and labs/ Leadership budget meeting
26: Preschool/ Mens Retreat/Sleepover
27: Mens Retreat/Sleepover
28: Church
29: Preschool/Halloween Party
30: Volleyball
31: Preschool/Staff Meeting/Trick or Treat
26w 6d
10.14.2012
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This week in general has been productive and a really good week. Besides that allergic reaction yesterday I have been feeling a lot better lately. I'm tired now but simply because I did so much today. Girls got baths, we have Riley over for a sleepover, I've picked up the house, washed and rehung all my curtains, made a fabric tutu for Selah and sewed the elastic for Kalyn's, and gone shopping at Home Depot for some little projects around the house. It's been a good day. Kalyn is still recovering from her cold so she's been a little whiny. We are only an hour from the kids bedtime and I may not be far behind. I woke up with a headache this morning which was annoying, Leena hasn't kicked as much today but I think that's more because I have been moving so much, my belly felt like it got bigger as the day went on. Tomorrow marks the start of the 3rd trimester - Yea!
26w 5d
10.13.2012
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Yesterday Kalyn turned 20 months old. She is talking so well now and has such a sense of humor. Today I told her to hold on a second and she did this great pouty posture. So funny. Selah and Kalyn have both been watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and they are beginning to memorize them. It's cute to see them dance to the theme song. Today I had a wierd allergic reaction when I was eating KFC for some crazy reason, I got really hot and my throat got flemmy and my chest was all splotchy. It really worried me for a couple of minutes. Fortunately it did go away pretty quickly but I'm really hoping that doesn't happen again.
I finished cleaning and rearranging my cabinets yesterday. In the process I saw how badly our storage room needs to be gone through. I just don't wanna do it:) Tonight is just a night with family so it should be relaxing and nice to not have anything drawing on our time.
26w 4d
10.12.2012
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 I'm so bummed cause we were supposed to have my "prego night" tonight but it has to be rescheduled because of all kinds of things going wrong. I know rationally it's not a big deal. It'll happen at some point but I was so excited about it. We have gone out of our way to make this happen for 2 other people but it always seems to be when it is my turn that things don't work out or I end up having to be part of the planning. We surprised everyone else, paid for everything, and made it special. Already they had me be part of picking the date so no surprise and because we couldn't do a morning date but instead they wanted to go to a nice place for dinner I'm paying for my own. As Tom said last night it would be nice if for once when it was "my turn" people did as much for me as I do for them. I was really hoping to have this date be before I got tested for gestational diabetes cause I'm not going to want to go out afterwards... I cried last night. I know that's dumb but Tom was really supportive and helped me get over it. I'm still bummed that I don't get to have that night tonight but I am glad that I will be home cause Kalyn is still sick and I just want to cuddle her all day and the Steelers are on so Tom has some guys coming over to watch so we will have fun anyway. Plus Tom is going to bring home TJ Rockwells for dinner since I'm not getting to go out. I will enjoy this night with my family and let the chips fall where they may with my prego night if it even ends up happening at all.
26w 3d
10.11.2012
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Yesterday I got the bright idea to do the mowing. It felt good to be out in the cool air and getting some exercise and helping out with the yard work but I paid for it. I was sore and didn't sleep well at all. This morning my pelvic bone really ached and so did my lower abdomen. I took 2 tylenol and that helped but I just realized how hard it was on my body. May not be doing any more mowing until next spring. Leena has kicked me a few times really hard today. Kalyn is sick and did NOT sleep well last night and didn't take a good nap yesterday or today. I'm really hoping she starts feeling better soon. I hate listening to her little snuffly voice and knowing that she feels sick. I went through all my kitchen cabinets and got them cleaned out today. Now I just need to clean my bathroom cabinets and I need to clean out the pantry. That's tomorrow's work though. Poor Kalyn is crying now and I'm just praying she will go back to sleep cause I know how tired she is.
26w 2d
10.10.2012
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Yesterday was a great day! I was so productive, was in a social mood and hung out with friends, made a great dinner and dessert. Today has actually started off pretty well too. I have some cleaning and some church work to do which I can probably get done during the girl's naptimes. I'm going to try to make chicken nuggets like chick-fil-a makes so we'll see how that goes. Hopefully the girls will like them. I started working on fabric scrap tutus for all 3 girls last night so I hope to finish at least one today. I had bad heartburn last night. I didn't notice any braxton hicks yesterday but Leena moved a lot. Love that feeling! Kalyn and Selah both got in bed late last night and got up earlier than I thought they would this morning. Hopefully that is not setting me up for a whiny day. We don't have anywhere we have to be today but Tom is going to come home and mow tonight so if it's not too chilly maybe we will play outside while he mows. I feel like now that we are in the double-digits for days (even though it is still 97) that everything is moving quicker! So exciting!
26w 1d
10.9.2012
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14 weeks, 98 days - How exciting to be crossing some major milestones recently. Only 6 days til 3rd trimester. Today has been a good day so far. I didn't sleep great, my whole body felt a little sore and I woke up alot but still I've gotten some laundry done, made a quick trip to Walmart to return a booster seat and I got fabric to be able to make all 3 girls cute little fabric tutus. I picked up James for preschool and both kids did so great. I've got baked potato soup cooking in the crockpot too. During the kids naptimes I am going to wipe down the outside of all my cabinets which is really needed in the kitchen. I gotta do a little more laundry as well but I feel good so it doesn't feel overwhelming this time. This is the first Monday in a while that I have felt good for! Leena is becoming quite the kicker and in 2 weeks I'll have to start keeping count which I don't think will be a problem. I've had heartburn and braxton hicks, gas is also pretty consistent. Getting more excited each week to meet this little bundle.
26w
10.8.2012
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Well football season has been on us for about a month now and I have a love/hate relationship with it. I love watching football and playing fantasy football but I don't like losing my husband to my in-laws every Sunday afternoon. This season actually hasn't been too terrible but today is a typical Sunday where I take the kids home alone and have to feed them lunch and put them down for naps while he gets to go relax on a couch and chill with adults and watch the Steelers. In the offseason I should find something on Sunday afternoons:)
Leena's been kicking already today and I still love it! This week promises to be pretty busy so I'm taking a pretty chill afternoon today and just watching the bumps and rolls of baby Leena.
25w 6d
10.7.2012
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 Today was a nice family day. We went to the Apple Festival in Biglerville and the girls did great, except when Selah got a hay sliver. Other than that I got some great pictures, we ate some great food, hung out with my husband's parents and sister and her boyfriend. It ended up just being a nice day. I think I got a little wind burnt though. Leena moved a lot today and I am so greateful because I don't feel like I felt her much the past 2 days. I listened to her heartbeat last night and it was loud and strong. Planned my "prego night" for Thursday. There is a group of us that always take out the prego one for a nice meal and pedicure. Because mornings weren't working out for us we are doing an evening one and I'm excited cause we are going to the Melting Pot and then I get a pedicure and then maybe (if we have time) go to paint pottery as well. So fun. I think I'm going to let that take the place of going to a movie in this coming week. I do have to clean the kitchen and bathroom cabinets though. When I think about it that doesn't seem like too big of a project. Gonna put the girls to bed tonight and then make a quick trip to the grocery store. Starting to feel ready for bed though:)
25w 5d
10.6.2012
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One of the posts on the Jan 2013 board brought up Braxton Hicks contractions and I realized that I hadn't really mentioned them. I've been getting them for a couple of months now but I would definitely say that this week they have been stronger. I also haven't noticed as much movement by Leena between today and yesterday. During the girls' nap today I am going to use my monitor to check on her heart rate. I'm so glad that I have that precaution there to calm my fears. I am only 1 day away from that 100 day milestone and 9 days away from the 3rd trimester. Those are some great milestones. I've stayed on top of my list for getting things done around the house. We finished the windows yesterday and I'm so glad to be able to check off one more thing. Selah had preschool this morning and she threw a minor fit about not wanting to go. She's such a homebody. I think kindergarten next year is going to be a stretch for her. Kalyn has been clingy to her bear this morning so I'm wondering if both girls just didn't sleep as well last night for whatever reason. Tonight I am making applesauce with Kathy, Danna, Nicole R, and Nicole K, and maybe Erika and then we are going to have soup for dinner (yum) and watch "what to expect" which I can obviously relate to and enjoy! Looking forward to a productive and fun evening!
25w 4d
10.5.2012
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 I don't know if I should blame my heartburn on Leena or if it's mainly my diet but last night it was extra bad and I actually had to take 2 tums instead of just one. Tonight promises to be a really relaxing night after I pretty chill day. We have nothing planned all day and that is really rare these days. Makes me sad that next year Selah will be in school everyday so these kinds of days will be even fewer and farther between. Tom is going to work on cleaning windows tonight and I'm excited to see the difference. I'm thankful for a husband that will help me in my craziness:) I'm also going to do some research today for Selah's 5th Birthday party, Tom had a great idea last night to let the kids smash pumpkins in our driveway and there goodie bag would be inside of it. Plus we are going to tye-dye t-shirts. I want to come up with a neat lunch idea and also research a costume idea for myself for our Halloween party. Looking forward to the rest of today!
25w 3d
10.4.2012
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 I have been getting headaches every day for the past week. Mostly behind my left eye. I'm really tired of them. I'm also tired of the after effects of this medicine and can't wait to be over it. I've been productive this week and all the windows are clean on the inside - how I'm going to get the outsides done is beyond me but hopefully Tom will just come home ready to work tonight:) Selah had picture day at school today and I can't wait to see the pictures. My little school girl:) Well I better go get some tylenol:(
25w 2d
10.3.2012
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I love feeling Leena move. Love it Love it Love it! Tom mentioned last night that I need to get him the next time. I love when he shows extra interest in something that I think about pretty much all the time (baby Leena). She's starting to become more consisten with her kicks and stronger so I think there is a good chance that Tom and Selah will get a chance to feel her very soon. Tonight starts church volleyball for Tom which I know he is looking forward to but it's one more busy night for us so I'm on the fence about it. Between yesterday and today I have gotten all the windows cleaned on the inside except for the basement (bugs:( eww) and the sunroom cause Tom needs to take down somethings first. Kalyn and Selah finally seem to be getting back to themselves and even though the leftovers of my medicine are still affecting me some I am feeling way better! I also got the bathrooms and mirrors cleaned yesterday. All that's left for today is a little bit of church work, a catch up email, and Bible study. I'm finally feeling caught up. Looking forward to a great week.
25w 1d
10.2.2012
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Right now there are so many almost theres - 3rd trimester, being in double digits days, Kalyn moving into Selah's room, Selah turning 5....
Most of life is looking up again these days too which I am so thankful for. I'm off that terrible medicine. Although I still am facing some of the after effects of it I can tell it's getting better. Everybody (friends and family) seem to be settling into the fall routine which includes fun stuff like the apple festival and fall frolics and apple cider. I've started thinking about Selah's birthday party and I'm hoping for a more simple affair this year but with some princess stuff to it and some fall games. I'm procrastinating on gettiny my cleaning done (mirrors, bathrooms, windows) and I need to spend some time in my Bible but at least I have my work done for the day. Tonight is band practice and small group. It will be our first study on marriage oneness and I'm looking forward to it and hoping that we see some new faces. Well, better go get Selah up from naptime and get started.
25w
10.1.2012
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 I am so happy that today is that last day I am on this terrible medicine. It's not just messing with my stomach and gi tract but also I feel like it's giving me headaches and making me overly emotional although that could just be a side effect of the rest of it. This week coming up I feel like is going to be back to our usual. We are settling in with preschool, small group, volleyball, church, and I would like to get Selah in a dance or gymnastics class or swim lessons again. In 2 weeks I will be in the 3rd trimester which seems unreal. In some ways this pregnancy seems to drag by but then when I think how close the end is it gets overwhelming. I'm worried about Kalyn having to move into Selah's room and we have less than 2 months til that happens. Thanks to James birthday party last night I've been thinking alot about Selah's 5th birthday party. This week's "chore" is to clean the windows (inside and out). I know I will be glad when it is done cause it always makes a difference, especially in the sunroom, but I'm not looking forward to all the bugs I'm going to encounter along the way. Leena is still moving well and I don't feel the need to check her heartbeat as often.
24w 6d
9.30.2012
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 So I have figured out that my main problem right now is this medicine I am taking and how sick it makes me feel. Fortunately Sunday will be my last day of having to take it, so 2 1/2 more days. Having Tom home has been a blessing too. Unfortunately I haven't seen him too much and neither have the girls. Tonight we are going to dinner and playing games with the Bernheisels. I'm kinda looking forward to it but with my stomach not feeling well I'm just not sure how it will go.
I got the girls closets switched over to winter clothes this morning and I have the laundry mostly done. Over naptime I really need to work on the budget and clean the bathrooms so hopefully I can come up with enough energy for that. Leena is kicking well yesterday and today which is so cool. My absolute favorite part of pregnancy.
24w 4d
9.28.2012
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Ok, maybe not a daily struggle but definitely this week. I am beyond exhausted. We just got back from vacation on Saturday night (12:30am) and I immediately got a cold, my husband had to go on a business trip (didn't get back til 11pm last night and had to go into work today), my kids are whiny and needy and not sleeping well, and I'm on a medicine that messes with my stomach. I feel worn down and out. The past 2 days I have cried because either someone asked me how my day was going or just did something nice for me. My 4 1/2 year old I can tell is trying to be extra sweet to me knowing that I am on the verge of a breakdown but my 1 1/2 year old obviously doesn't have a clue and has rewarded my work on a bathtime for her by rubbing yogurt into her hair at lunchtime. How am I going to handle a 3rd child?
24w 3d
9.27.2012
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 My appointment was yesterday and it went well. I was too tired to even fake excitement but it still went well. I weighed 219 which is terrible but I'm gonna blame it on vacation and try to do better in the next 4 weeks. My blood pressure was 139/79 which is running about the usual for me. Leena's heart rate was 140bpm. I got to schedule some important lab work for 28 weeks and then was reminded that I start the 2 week appts. Seems crazy, exciting, scary!
Today, especially this morning" was a struggle for me. I was weepy and tired and just had a hard time but thankfully friends and my mom were there to be my stability. By lunchtime I felt like myself again. I really love my kids and my husband. I took a nap and life looked better. I hate being so worn down. I'm ready to be done with these meds cause I feel like they are messing with me. Tom should be home any minute from his work trip and I am so thankful.
24w 2d
9.26.2012
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 Getting back to a schedule is simply not easy. I've wasted most of my day and now I am just procrastinating by doing something I actually enjoy doing - looking at pictures and writing about Leena. She's kicking well again today which is so awesome. Will I ever get tired of this feeling? I started my meds today for the bacteria and so far it hasn't been too bad on my gi tract, which I am super grateful for. The girls have been great today. Selah learned about the letter "C" today in preschool so it looks like while we were on vacation she missed out on the letter "B", hopefully that doesn't cause her any problems. Got a chance to catch up with my best friends today a little bit and just rest some more. Tonight I am supposed to have band practice and small group but with Tom out of town and just getting back from vacation I don't know if I will end up doing either. Staying home is sounding pretty good at the moment. We'll see how after naptime goes. This week's chore is to go through and organize the girl's closets. I also feel like I need to switch to their winter clothes since it's been a high in the 60's today... That seems pretty overwhelming with Tom out of town until Wednesday night. Maybe my mom will help...
24w
9.24.2012
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 23 weeks and 6 days but it has been a very cool week. We went to Disney World and SeaWorld this past week. Probably the coolest part of this pregnancy is that I was able to see and feel Leena this week. Bring on the next 16 weeks. I love this part. I don't love how my body is starting to hurt but I do love watching and feeling her move. We walked alot and I had some pain in my right leg where I always do and I didn't sleep too well but I was surprised at how well my body did handle it. I have a doctors appt in 2 days and I'm not looking forward to what they have to say about my weight. Also I have to start the medicine for the bacteria outgrowth tomorrow which is supposed to mess up my stomach and possibly cause diarrhea - ugh! Selah goes back to preschool and its back to real life as well. Vacation was so nice though!
23w 6d
9.23.2012
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Tomorrow we go on vacation! I am so excited. I can't believe we planned this 9 months ago. All of my work except for one phone call is done. I have a couple loads of laundry to finish and then onto the packing which is more exciting than annoying cause I just can't wait. We leave tomorrow at 4 for Philadelphia and then Disney World on Sunday.
I slept well last night but definitely am having to pee more often. I still can't wait to be feeling Leena more often. I did feel some pressure in my pelvic area this morning which I don't look forward to. I got a call from the doctors office that on top of the yeast infection I also have a outgrowth of bacteria - ew! gross! Unfortunately since the medicine they make you take really messes with your gi system they suggested I don't start that til I get back from vacation. I'm going to pick up the medicine today though so that I can start it right away when I get back.
22w 4d
9.14.2012
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Today has been a day of appointments. I finally went to the doctor about my yeast infection and I'm so glad I did cause now I have prescription medicine and hopefully that would clear it up. We go on vacation in TWO days and cannot wait. I just want us all to stay healthy and for nothing to go wrong. That might be too much to ask but I can pray for it for sure! Selah had her second dentist appt today and it went great. She has to go back by herself which always seems wierd to me but she got x-rays and her teeth cleaned and flouride and she did wonderful! I just wish her dentist took our insurance. I hope to be able to keep going there but we'll have to wait and see. Tonight I need to touch up paint the trim around the house, do our budget, take care of some last minute work things, and put the sheets back on our bed. I also have to go to the pharmacy and Tom has to mow the lawn. Today we also found out that we are probably going to have to retile our bathroom so I'm a little/alot stressed about the cost of that and possibly getting it done before Baby Leena gets here.
In other news, I am feeling Leena more and more but it's still tiny movements 1-3 times a day. Sometimes barely at all, while I was at the doctor today I got to hear her heartbeat which is always precious and reassuring.
22w 3d
9.13.2012
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 What a day, what a pregnancy. I just feel like sometimes I just need to take a moment to breathe. I can't believe that I am 22 weeks. It feels a little overwhelming but also satisfying. I don't believe I/we are anywhere close to ready to have a third child yet but she is coming so we better use these next 18 weeks wisely. I'm feeling her more often but still they are just small movements. I do look forward to Selah and Tom being able to feel her move. I had some heartburn today and I've been hitting a real wall around dinner time where I just feel exhausted and nauseous but fortunately if I lay down for a few minutes it does pass. All the trim in my house is officially wiped down. Tomorrow Selah has her 2nd dentist appt ever and today was her 2nd day of preschool (which she still loves). Tomorrow I am also going to the doctor to make sure that the yeast infection is all cleared up and taken care of. We are 3 days away from going on vacation and I am so excited.
22w 2d
9.12.2012
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 Kalyn is 19 months old today. She is talking so well and has such a bubbly and outgoing personality. She makes everyone smile with her teethy grin and she definitely has a mind of her own. It just reminds me how different Selah and Kalyn are and it makes me wonder what Leena will be like and how she will change our family. I haven't felt her as much as I did over the weekend but I listened to her heartbeat last night and all is well. I'm just hoping to feel her more often in the coming weeks. I have lots of big projects on my agenda today but just not feeling very motivated. Selah still needs a bath and it's 12:40... of course the main problem is that she slept in til 10:40am today. I think the first day of preschool and then having small group last night really wore her out. Even now she is cuddled up next to me and hasn't done much all morning. Hopefully she doesn't get sick because we leave for vacation in FOUR days!!!
22w 1d
9.11.2012
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 Big Day in our house today - Selah had her first day of preschool. When I woke her up this morning and said "Selah, You get to go to preschool today." She immediately started crying about how she would miss me and didn't want to go alone. As the morning she wore on she got pretty excited and ended up just walking right in to her class. She learned about the letter Aa. I asked her after class if she missed me just a little and she said that she had missed me a lot of times but that she had to go to school cause she needed to learn. I can't believe it but I am so ecited for her and I can still that she really liked it.
I'm also 22 weeks along today which is a milestone in itself cause it means we have reached viability. Of course I want Leena to hold on til she's full-term but it's still neat to reach another milestone. Over the weekend I began feeling her a lot more. I've been dealing with alot of diarrhea lately but I have still been able to get alot done around the house (cleaned all the trim upstairs today) and I feel like I'm pretty close to getting all my work done before we go to Disney World. Only 5 more days til vacation - yea!
22w
9.10.2012
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 Tonight starts our 2-day ladies retreat at church. Hopefully it will be more relaxing and refreshing than I am assuming it will be. I'm still pretty tired and just feel like sitting around and chatting comfortably with friends. I guess we'll see how close to that it is. Yesterday was so busy and I got so much done which I'm glad. I have a couple of things to accomplish today but nothing too bad. I cleaned the fridge yesterday and I hope to get the freezer cleaned today. I also am washing our guest sheets so I'll have to remake those beds. Last night before I went to sleep I felt Leena kick two different times VERY clearly. If my hand had been in the right spot I think I would have actually felt it from the outside. I'm really glad to be entering this time. The first half of pregnancy always seems to take forever but the second half (until the last couple weeks) are wonderful and neat.
21w 4d
9.7.2012
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I feel like I write about this alot but I am one tired mama. I'm figuring out that right now part of it is that I'm battling some sickness, then on top of it an infection, and a killer cough. My poor body could use a break. Fortunately both girls slept in til 8:15 this morning and I slep pretty well so although I'm tried I don't feel like I am completely dragging. Today may beat me up though. I am going to be practicing our mom rhapsody for the ladies retreat this weekend. Also I need to go grocery shopping and on my to-do list i would like to sand the letters for leena's name and clean out the fridge. Amazingly, with as tired as I have been, I have been able to stay on top of my to-do list. I have no idea how with my motivation so low! Part of it is just that the girls have just been that good lately!
Only 9 more days til vacation! Whoo hoo!
21w 3d
9.6.2012
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 I am soooo tired. I feel like my body is mad at me and everything is fatigued! I don't think it has been an excessively busy week so it must just be a mix of getting more pregnant but also dealing with a cold too. The exciting part about today is that we have preschool open house for Selah tonight. This will be our very first time doing something like this and it feels crazy that we are entering this phase of life. Heartburn is bugging me today and just feeling generally nauseous. Not a great day in this pregnancy. I feel like I am noticing Leena move a little more so at least that is something to look forward to. I got the letters for her name painted last night but they still need sanded. I got a lot of work done today but I still feel behind...
21w 2d
9.5.2012
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Today I had the pleasure of getting my first cavity ever filled. My face is still numb (2 hours later) and I'm just ready to feel back to normal. To be pregnant and have anything else wrong is a litle overwhelming for me. I have a yeast infection, a fat lip, and a headache right now and I am stressed by how much work I need to get done this week on top of everything else. Everything that has to be done will get done, I know this but I am still stressed about it.
My oven is cleaning itself right now so I need to do something once it's done I think but I'm not sure what. I'm going to paint Leena's letters and sand them tonight while Tom mows the lawn if the weather cooperates. The house needs dusted, the laundry needs folded, and I have church work to complete too. -Take a calming breath - Ok, I'm fine, now to work I go!
21w 1d
9.4.2012
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 Today was a good day. Tom and Selah went to a Pirates Game so they drove 4 hours west with my dad and Tom's mom and dad. Mom, Kalyn, and I went east towards Philadelphia about 2 hours and had a "picnic" with Christopher. Besides the drive, which Kalyn did great for, it was a very relaxing day. I'm still tired simply because of the driving and I did feel a couple small kicks from Leena a couple of times. Getting a chance to talk to Mom to and from Philly was a good way to get my head on straight about what needs to happen when Leena arrives. We talked about the hospital stay and the first couple of weeks at home. I'm not nearly as worried about bringing a third child home as I was bringing Kalyn home. As far as being 21 weeks, I've been gassy but that's my diet to blame. A little bit of heartburn last night but even that went away on its own. I feel like I look huge for only being 21 weeks but that has its good sides like everyone is starting to get excited for us!
21w
9.3.2012
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I am trying to write this at 2:30 in the afternoon and I can barely stay awake. So glad the kids are napping and dad is watching golf - it is the perfect napping environment. I didn't sleep well last night at all. Had a great time at girls night but went to bed late. Got my ears pierced yesterday and fortunately they are not bothering me at all. I'm so glad I did it, they look so nice. The medicine is clearing up my yeast infection so I'm just feeling better all around. Now time for that nap before I face a very busy week!
20w 6d
9.2.2012
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I know, yuck! I'm pretty sure that that is what I have and I bought monistat yesterday and that stuff is so gross but if it makes everything back to normal it is worth it! Today Tom and I have completely cleaned all of our vents, light fixtures, and fans in our house and I am thrilled to have one major thig checked off my list and I am so grateful to have a husband that is willing to help in my crazy nesting phase!
Tonight we are having a girls night - yea! I am getting my ears pierced a third time for baby Leena and then we are going to one of my favorite places to eat (TJ Rockwells) and then either mini-golfing or getting a dvd to watch. Either way it should be a fun night.
I felt Leena kick once today but still nothing even close to regular. I can't wait for that to get more often - hopefully like Kalyn's movement.
20w 5d
9.1.2012
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So I am definitely having braxton hicks already, crazy! I don't remember getting them this early with Selah or Kalyn. I guess just one of the interesting things that happens the third time around. It's kinda cool cause it means that we are getting there in the pregnancy (I know I'm only halfway but still). It's also a little disconcerting when it happens.
I haven't noticed my heartburn being as bad lately which is a nice let up. In other news, I think that I may have a yeast infection and bought test strips today so we will see about that. I have never had one before but hopefully that is all it is and nothing to worry about. Tonight we are going to get some spring cleaning done, hopefully, I didn't get started on it last night like I was hoping. Just ran out of steam! Glad Tom will be home tonight as well!
20w 4d
8.31.2012
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Last night started the new "joy" of pregnancy when the baby just feels really heavy in the lower part of my stomach. Its a good feeling because I know that the pregnancy is moving along but at the same time it doesn't feel great and wonderful. I'm still not feeling regular movement which is also a bummer. I felt Kalyn so much so I was really hoping that Leena would be the same but it looks like Leena will be more like Selah and that means not getting to feel the baby as much. Bummer! Tom is in Pittsburgh tonight on work but mom is coming over for the evening so I'm not all alone:) Maybe I'll even get a start on my "spring" cleaning list - here's hoping:)
20w 3d
8.30.2012
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I want to sleep. I've been having really wierd nightmares lately and I wake up so tired cause I feel like I'm fighting/running all night. I've also noticed that in the past week or so I have started having some braxton hicks contractions (like right now) which seem to be perfectly normal. Makes me a little worried I guess you could say for the rest of the pregnancy if I am already having them. I am really glad that life does seem to be evening out some the past couple of days. I've been getting my work done and the laundry but still struggling to find the motivation to clean. I'm bummed that Tom will be out of town tomorrow and Friday but hopefully the girls will be good and we will end up having a fun time.
20w 2d
8.29.2012
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 I guess I should just give up... I will have to wake up at least once a night to pee from here on out. No use fighting it anymore. My heartburn has been better lately (yea) and my energy has definitely been higher although my motivation to do work has still been minimal. Cleaning and work just sound "unfun." Tonight we are having a fun night as a family. We are going to go to the Hershey outlets and eat dinner at Red Robin and then shop for matching outfits for all three girls and the letters for Leena's room and a cross-stitch for me to start working on in all my spare time:) It should be a fun evening if the girls are in to it. I'm just excited to be spending a night out as a family!
20w 1d
8.28.2012
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 Make that #3, we are now the parents of 3 little girls. Leena Cai! We are really excited and this also pretty much guarantees that we will do this one more time... maybe for girl #4 but still to give it one more try. The appointment today went really well. The doctor and ultrasound tech both said that everything was perfect. She is measuring to the day, all her organs, brain, fluid, my cervix, etc all look perfect. I am so relieved and grateful. My appt went great as well. I only gained 2 lbs since last appt which, according to the doctor, puts me up to 5.5 lbs gained. My urine was negative, my blood pressure was 138/76, Leena's heartbeat was about 148bpm. Just a great day in general. My parents have heard the good news and we get to tell the rest of our close friends tonight and then call some family. After the appt, Tom actually had some time and we went over to Babies R Us and got the "take home" outfit but tomorrow we are going to Carters, Red Robin, and Michaels to do some more exciting baby shopping.
20w
8.27.2012
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 One more day to wait and then we get to find out what we are having. I am so excited! Now comes the serious waiting. I am feeling pretty good. Heartburn hasn't been as bad lately but I have been really tired... I think thats more because I just haven't been sleeping as well. I'm feeling movement a little more often but I still can't wait for it to be more. Today there was one lady at church who didn't even know I was pregnant and another who couldn't believe I wasn't further along. I'm definitely feeling and looking more pregnant and I feel bigger than I have with the other two pregnancies. Ahhh I just can't wait til tomorrow!
19w 6d
8.26.2012
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Each day is one step closer to craziness ensuing. Of course that would assume that life is not crazy now which it completely is! On the amazing side, we leave for Disney in 22 days and as of this morning, i think, the trip is completely planned with nothing else to research, although I am considering scheduling a morning facial for my mom, grandmother, and I... still trying to think what would be special for Tom to do. Also in great news, we get to find out what we are having in 3 days!
I started thinking of ideas for the gender reveal, which would be the first time we have made it special and different. I am going to make a little video with my girls and we are going to play with pink/blue balloons and eat pink/blue cupcakes and get it all on video. Hope it turns out like I think it will.
Before we leave on vacation though a lot has to happen. Selah starts preschool, we have a ladies retreat at church, Selah and I have separate dentist appts, have to plan for the missions conference at church, etc, etc, etc. Glad to have fun things to look forward to!
19w 4d
8.24.2012
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Aww the moments of crying for no good reason... don't you just love them?!? Tom and I had a really good conversation last night that got us back on the same page. We have both been struggling with the stress of another pregnancy and eventually another child but we've been going through it mostly alone. It's good to feel close together again and like we are understanding each other as well.
I'm still dealing with heartburn most days (1 Tums normally fixes it), some nausea occasionally, fatigue most of the time (which gives me a lack of motivation), and a lack of patience with the kids. Been doing a lot of planning for the Disney trip and getting extra work done as well... Better get back to it.
19w 3d
8.23.2012
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Officially felt real movement yesterday, wasn't even a question! I'm excited for bigger movements as I have always enjoyed that part. I made a 20 week list yesterday and I'm excited to look forward to each week for one reason or another just to feel more prepared each day and closer to holding our baby. I may even be getting to the point where I'm not as scared as I was. It's probably why I've started feeling like there is a good chance that this is not our last baby... we will see. Tom is not convinced at this point. so only 6 days til the big ultrasound which is amazing. I cannot wait to find out if this is little Leena or Ezra!
Kalyn had her 18 month appt today and it went well (no shots - thank goodness). She is 30.75 inches, 24 lbs and perfectly normal and smart if you ask me! I'm so glad she doesn't have to go back for 6 months!
19w 1d
8.21.2012
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Ok so this past week I did not do so well with watching what I ate so it's back to being a responsible mom. I think I was just so excited to not have gestational diabetes that i went crazy, plus we went to the beach. So over the weekend Tom informed me that he now has a business trip over the time when we did have our ulatrasound scheduled so I had to reschedule which was annoying enough. On top of the it, the only day they had open is when Tom has his fantasy football draft for work and he had said that he would make it work but now we will miss out on the special time we have afterwards and I'm just kinda sad and mad about the whole thing. The good part is that now the ultrasound is only 1 weeks from today. Hopefully the baby cooperates and we will know boy or girl.
19w
8.20.2012
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 Well I was gonna write about this yesterday but my kids got antsy right when I was starting. We had a great time at the beach. It was absolutely amazing to see my kids love it as much as I do and I really hope that this becomes more of an annual thing. The drive to and from went really well. Kalyn was in heaven in the huge "sandbox" and Selah got braver the longer we were there, loving having the waves take away her castle. It was a good time had by all.
Yesterday my stomach felt off all day and I was cramping at times but there were a few moments here and there when I am almost completely sure I felt the baby. I almost wonder if the baby moving was making me not feel good because I'm not used to it yet. I'm looking forward to feeling it more often, I don't remember ever getting tired of it with my other two. I started getting a pain in my right leg today that I got with Selah's pregnancy but never got with Kalyn, I am wondering why the difference. Due to Tom's work I have to change my u/s appt and I'm really hoping that I can get it earlier and not have to push it back.
We got Selah's preschool info yesterday and it made me a little more excited for her to start on September 10th. I can't believe how big she is getting and as excited as I am for her I'm equally sad to see the time go.
18w 5d
8.18.2012
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I passed the 3 hour so I have 10 more weeks of freedom and regular life and thankfully I don't have to worry about my blood sugar while in Disney World in September. I was so worried about it but I made it. I now have hope that I might pass the one at 28 weeks as well which would be amazing.
Tomorrow we head to the beach for 2 days with my mom and dad and the girls. It's probably not going to be the most relaxing trip but I haven't been to the beach in 6 years so I'm just excited to go and smell the air and feel the ocean lap at my feet. Yea! We are leaving at 5am tomorrow so that hopefully the girls will sleep in the car for part of it. I'm going as prepared as I can be with snacks, books, and movies...
I've been feeling pretty good the past couple of days besides being tired at night. Still no movement... I wonder where the placenta is this time around. Hopefully not across my stomach - I want to be able to feel this baby like I could with Kalyn!
18w 1d
8.14.2012
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 Well I am sick to my stomach waiting to hear if I passed the 3-hour glucose test. It's 10:30am and they told me if I hadn't heard by noon I should call in. In some ways I'm hoping I don't hear because I think that would end up being better news but waiting another hour and half is driving me crazy too.
The actual test went well, I found out I only failed the 1-hour by 3 points which gave me more hope of passing this one. Going with Danna and Nicole was fun too cause we went shopping in between each blood draw and the time went by quickly. Yesterday and Saturday we went through the whole sunroom and got rid of half of the toys and added them to the yard sale pile. Tonight we are having dinner with the Lausons and going mini-golfing:) And on Wednesday we leave for the beach. Selah and I are stoked and Kalyn has no clue what is going on but she's excited too. I wrote out 2 grocery lists today so that when I find out one way or the other I will be ready to go to the grocery store. Oh, the waiting...........
18w
8.13.2012
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Yesterday I truly felt really good all day. I have felt pretty good today as well except that somehow I tweaked my knee in the middle of the night and it really hurt this morning and gradually worked itself out so it's not hurting now in the afternoon. I'm hungry! Today I have been eating high protein and virtually no carbs in order to hopefully give myself the best chance possible to pass the 3 hour glucose test tomorrow. I really really want to pass. I can't imagine starting all the gd stuff this early in the pregnancy even though I'm sure the diet would be good for me. Going on vacation in September with gd would really put a damper on our vacation! Still haven't felt any consistent movement from the baby but each night I hear a strong heartbeat and that is so reassuring! Tonight we are setting up for the talent show so I get to hang with friends and laugh alot so that will help the time pass.
17w 4d
8.10.2012
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I had an eye appt this morning which was very needed and I have contact again which I'm excited about. My eyes are a little tired of them right now and I'm about to go take them out but I'm glad to have an option besides glasses again, especially in the summer when I want to be able to wear sunglasses.
I'm feeling pretty good today too. The last couple of nights I have slept well which always makes a difference. Tonight we have dinner with the Readingers which should be a nice time out although I hope not to be out too late since these next few days are gonna be busy. I'm worried about my glucose test on Saturday and really am praying that I pass it and can feel relaxed for the next 10 or so weeks.
17w 3d
8.9.2012
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So we are officially ready for our ultrasound 3 weeks from tomorrow. It will be Ezra Thomas for a boy or Leena Cai for a girl. It's always so precious to have names and I'm really excited either way. Today was a good day feeling wise, yesterday I ended up really crashing and needing a nap badly. Today I feel good and will probably go to sleep at a normal time, rather than really early. A week from today we will be going to the beach and I am excited to see our girl's faces when they see the ocean for the first time.
Things I am not excited about: 3 hour glucose test on Saturday! mild cramping and some constipation! heartburn!!
I have felt a couple of twinges again today that I think are the baby - glad to be entering this phase of the pregnancy!
17w 2d
8.8.2012
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I don't know what it is but between last night and today I have just been feeling off. I listened to the baby's heartbeat last night and all seems to be well with the baby. I actually feel like I got some cramps last night. Maybe I just need to drink more water. I did have a couple of moments last night when I was sure that I felt the baby move. That's pretty exciting although I do know it will probably take a couple more weeks for it to become regular, it's still nice to be getting to this stage.
The kids have been really good today and yesterday and I actually feel somewhat motivated today to get stuff done... of course I am about to put them down for naps and take a shower and usually after that I'm ready for rest as well. Hopefully I can figure out some productive things to do in spite of being tired.
17w 1d
8.7.2012
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Last week was a crazy busy week but fun as well. This week promises more of the same but I do need to find a way to get some rest in the midst of it. Being tired makes me sick all over. It's excited to be at 17 weeks. I feel like we are so close to being halfway. We are 25 days from findout out gender and the health of our baby. I have felt a few twinges that could be baby moving - I'm not sure yet but just knowing that that is coming is exciting in itself. Selah is really showing her age lately, in a good way, just being generally helpful, understanding, sensitive, and caring. I really look forward to watching her relationship with this next child. We still don't have a girls name and we just need to find time to sit down together and see if we can come up with something. The girls, my parents, and I are headed to the beach in 9 days and I can't wait to see the looks on my kids faces as they see the ocean and beach for the first time. I think it will be a tiring but sweet trip.
17w
8.6.2012
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Well I got the results of my glucose screening and unfortunately failed the 1 hour so now I have to do a 3 hour in about a week which stinks but at least I didn't fail it by so much that I was immediately labeled with gestational diabetes. I would really like to make it to at least 28 weeks before having to go through that - it would be even better if it was not at all but I don't have my hopes up. My heartburn has been really bad today and I've just been feeling off. Looking forward to getting out of the house tonight for Collin's birthday party and just being around friends.
16w 4d
8.3.2012
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 The past couple of days have been crazy and I am exhausted and ready for bed but wanted to post first before I forgot anything. 2 days ago was our 8th anniversary and for it Tom and I went on an overnight trip to NYC, just the two of us. We went to the World Trade Center, had a slice of NY pizza (yum), went to 30 Rock and did the NBC studio tour (got to see the Nightly News, Dr. Oz, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon stages), Went to an amazing dinner at Capital Grille and stayed at Marriott Times Square. Yesterday we got to go to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, ate at the Shake Shack for lunch (in the rain) and visited the Museum of Sex... by then we were so tired of walking that we just people watched for a little while. Our bus ride home took 4 hours instead of 2 and was tough on my pregnant body and we didn't get in til 12:30am last night. Today I got to love on my kids and enjoy being home.
At my 16 week appt, urine was negative, blood pressure was a lot better (128/78), weight was 211 (gained 3 1/2 lbs since last appt), had to do the 1 hour glucose test (the fruit punch flavor is not so bad) and get blood taken. Should hear results tomorrow. Baby's heartbeat was not easy to find (probably due to the sugar drink) and was running about a 138bpm. Best part was I got to schedule the anatomy u/s for August 30th... only 4 weeks to go:)
16w 3d
8.2.2012
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 Gas, heartburn, emotions - mostly enjoying the 2nd trimester except for these few things. At least they are somewhat preventable. Tomorrow Tom and I get to go on our anniversary trip to NYC and I am so excited to be just us again for the first time in years. Besides a few date nights that are few and far between. I'm a little worried about how the girls are going to handle us being gone for 48 hours but I know mom is a good person to leave them with since they are so used to her. The only bad part is that Kalyn seems to be coming down with something which could make her not a fun child to be around... hopefully it will go well. Who knows the next time we will get away like this! As for the baby, I haven't felt any definite movement yet but I'm able to get the heartbeat in no time flat and sometimes the baby brushes up against the doppler. This week is also when I have to do my first 1-hr glucose test which is scary and disappointing. Hopefully I won't have gd this early on.
16w
7.30.2012
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I'm feeling so much better about life lately. I've been focusing on giving time to my relationship with Christ and that has really helped me become positive about where I am in life and about this coming baby. When I have my priorities right it is amazing how much better I handle day to day life. I do feel a little overwhelmed right now as I get back to life before 1st trimester nausea and just realize how much cleaning, work, and general upkeep needs to happen... on top of that we are about to go on our anniversary trip to NYC which I am so excited about and did alot of the planning for today. I'm hoping that it will really be a time of rejuvenation for Tom and I as we prepare for this new phase of our lives. It will also be the first time that we have both been gone from the children overnight. We have each been gone separately but never together... whoo hoo!
15w 4d
7.27.2012
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I definitely have a shorter fuse now that I'm pregnant... oh the emotional rollar coaster of pregnancy, what a joy!
The kids have been great the last couple of days, really playing together nicely and entertaining each other. It gives me such hope for what we will be seeing in the coming years. Of course this morning was more of what I'm used to with them bugging each other:)
I'm getting more and more excited about the baby and really looking forward to this time before the baby comes. One of my friends just had their baby and I am so excited for her. It reminded me of the joys of a new baby and even pregnancy:) I think feeling the baby move will make it more exciting and real.
15w 3d
7.26.2012
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So in 25 weeks we will be adding one more to our clan. I think, hopefully, that i am starting to get out of this funk I have been in and just feeling excited about the whole process. It is a waiting game most of the time but there are some amazing moments to it as well. I think one of my favorites this time around is being able to share it with Selah. She's 4 1/2 now and aware of what is going on. It is neat to be able to talk about the baby and how right now it's just a tiny version of her with little fingers and toes, etc. It's fun to listen to the heartbeat with her and to talk about names with her. Today she actually said that it might be a girl. I look forward to being able to tell her either way and hopefully having enough patience to do some special projects with her for the baby.
15w 1d
7.24.2012
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Yea, another week has passed. I am feeling better today about being pregnant than I have been. I'm once again excited about being a mom of three no matter how scary it is at times. I'm excited to see how Selah handles another little sibling and how Kalyn handles being a big sister for the first time. I'm looking forward to the end of August when we should find out what we are having. I'm glad that I am feeling better although I think the prenatal vitamins that a friend of mine gave me were making me not feel as good so I'm back to taking my usual ones.
So my mom kindly pointed out that I am 30 1/2 today which seems unreal. It just reminds me how quickly 6 months goes by and that means that it will not be long until this new little baby is here and a part of our precious family. I'm excited cause a week from today we will head to my brother's house for the night and then NYC for our 8 year anniversary! Amazing!
15w
7.23.2012
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 Summer is about halfway over but we only have fun stuff to look forward to. NYC in about a week and a half, Beach trip in August, and Disney World in September. So cool! I am hoping I can keep my energy up for all the fun. Hopefully it will make this pregnancy go by quicker as well. It's hard because I'm scared about having a 3rd child so i don't really want to rush it but going through this pregnancy in a way scares me as well cause I am so tired all the time. I just wonder how the 3rd trimester is going to be. Sometimes I still can't believe that we are doing this again!
14w 6d
7.22.2012
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 Tom and Selah are in Pittsburgh today and tomorrow for a Pirates game with his parents which leaves just Kalyn and me at home. We are having a pretty relaxing time however I got us Rockwell's for lunch and I am officially stuffed which is not all that fun. Still feeling good pregnancy wise and sometimes I don't feel pregnant at all because I'm not seeing many symptoms if any sometimes and I'm not feeling baby kick yet. This is the calm before the storm I guess. I am so glad that VBS is over and that I don't have to rush my kids out after naptime tonight. It went really well and for that I am grateful. I am trying to take each day one at a time with this baby especially since I'm not sure if we are going to do this again and because I'm certainly not ready yet to be a mom of 3 but at the same time I don't feel like I am enjoying this pregnancy as much as I have with my other ones so hopefully finding out what we are having and being able to call him/her by name will make it feel more real and enjoy it more.
Last night Tom and I were talking names and were discussing again the idea of Cai for a boy but then we were trying to decide how to spell it (Cai? Ki? Khi? etc) and then I told him that I had heard a name on the show Pretty Little Liars that had stuck out to me - Ezra. He loved it! I love it and now we have a boy's name - Ezra Thomas. We are kind of nowhere with a girl's name for now which has always been easier for us so maybe we are having a boy?
14w 4d
7.20.2012
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 Heartburn is back. I have a love/hate relationship with Tums - they taste terrible but at least they take away the heartburn! It was so bad with Selah but not too bad with Kalyn... ugh! Selah's eye is almost completely unswollen but man is it all kinds of colors. At least its not hurting or bothering her anymore. Kalyn was in rare form today - driving me crazy! Climbing all over me, clingy, pestering Selah - whew! I am so glad that this is the last night of VBS. I am ready for a restful night at home tomorrow with Kalyn on 2 naps again (fingers crossed).
14w 3d
7.19.2012
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 This is my third time around and I know that it is too early for me to be feeling the baby but I gotta admit that I questioned it today when I felt some twinges... could be the mountain dew that I drank causing the baby to ping around or my muscles to freak out:) Probably nothing yet but it reminded me how special and amazing those parts of pregnancy are and to remember that they are coming!
I've still been doing the fetal heart monitoring about everyday but haven't posted on it lately so I just wanted to document that the heartbeat is getting easier to find and that today it was running around 145-155 bpm. Also the baby does "kick" the doppler which it picks up on and make a funny noise which is pretty cool.
VBS is still running and we only have 2 more nights. With Selah's eye still being so swollen that's been pretty tough because she has to be so careful she misses out on some of the fun:(
14w 2d
7.18.2012
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 So yesterday ended up being a bit crazier than we had expected. Selah got a black eye cause she and her friend Collin ran into each other at full speed. Collin is a good 3-4 inches shorter so his forehead met her eye. It was pretty scary. I saw and heard them smack and immediately her eye started swelling. We took her straight to the ER but fortunately her orbital bone was fine and she didn't have a concussion. She looks pretty rough today and is afraid that kids are going to laugh at her at VBS tonight. I keep telling her that they are just going to want to know what happened cause she got hurt. Today has gone pretty well though, we have cuddled a lot (although kalyn got bored with that pretty quickly) and I'm trying to get her to rest her eye but that's pretty impossible.
I am feeling good. I got to sleep in til 9 today which is AMAZING! 3rd night of VBS tonight which is surprisingly going pretty well and I don't feel too tired yet from it. The 2nd trimester is really looking up!
14w 1d
7.17.2012
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 VBS started last night which involved a lot of jumping and moving all around and man did my ligaments around my uterus hurt last night. I'm afraid of how I'm going to feel by the end of this week. I love my fetal doppler and I'm so glad that I bought it this time around. I only regret not buying it with my other 2 pregnancies because I use it about once a day and it keeps me sane and without worry. The girls let me sleep in this morning so I feel pretty good too. I love the 2nd trimester:)
14w
7.16.2012
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 Well tonight starts VBS. Oh my goodness, I can't believe it and I feel tired already:) I am so glad that in the past couple of days my morning sickness seems to have faded with only little twinges every now and then. Praise the Lord! Hopefully my energy really perks up this week as I am going to need it. I am in charge of music and dancing and I already have a baby belly so it's going to take a little more to move this thing around. I am officially in the 2nd trimester as of yesterday so that is a blessing. In some ways I can't believe that the 1st trimester is over already and in other ways it seems like it took forever. Trying to keep the house clean and getting my work done this week is going to be hard and I'm not looking forward to doing the skits for VBS either but we do what we gotta do. Selah is really looking forward to it and I think she will really get something our of it this year.
13w 6d
7.15.2012
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I am starting to feel like normal (maybe). I actually cooked dinner last night and baked this morning and I haven't felt sick all day today. Not ready to say it's gone yet but maybe soon. Still have pain in my neck all the way down to my wrist which is annoying for sure but I'm sure it will go away eventually too. I'm just looking forward to feeling better, just in time for VBS. We practice our songs for VBS tonight which is good since it starts in 2 days. This afternoon we went swimming with Lisa, Becky, Hailey, and Abby which was a lot of fun and relaxing. The water was just right!
13w 4d
7.13.2012
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 My neck and shoulder and wrist on my left side have been aching the past couple of days. I don't know what I did or if I slept funny or what but it's way annoying. I'm still struggling with some morning sickness, especially at night, and fatigue. Baby's heartbeat is still strong and I think sometimes the baby brushes against the doppler even though I can't feel it yet. It's a neat thing to hear. Selah is still pretty convinced it is a boy and Kalyn is completely oblivious to it all.
Mentally I have been struggling with the thought of having 3 kids. This something that I have wanted but I guess with not feeling well I just feel behind in everything already and that's without a newborn waking me up at night and extra diapers to change, another body to bathe, and preschool for Selah. I know we will establish a new routine but thinking about it feels like I am in over my head. I am probably most worried about moving Kalyn into Selah's room before she is 2... eek! At least I have great family and friends who support us!
13w 3d
7.12.2012
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I've been feeling better but some times I still get shaky for seeming no reason. Sometimes cause I haven't eaten in awhile but sometimes right after I have eaten. It's annoying! I'm in my 13th week and still I have my off times of the day. I'm tired of being tired and feeling sick. I'm ready to be normal again and I'm tired of being emotional too. I've been feeling old this time around because my body doesn't seem to be handling the pregnancy as well. We have VBS in a week which I am not ready for, I'm behind in treasurer work for the church, and the basement is a mess... not to mention the laundry that is waiting for me in the dryer. I'm not feeling overwhelmed so much as just tired. Hopefully soon I start getting some energy back!
13w 1d
7.10.2012
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Another week down. I feel like this pregnancy is going really quickly. I'm sure that it will move pretty fast considering we have 2 kids and stay really busy. I'm feeling mostly good now with only occasionally feeling sick and I'm not quite as tired as I have been. My boobs feel heavier already and I've been kind of moody, especially with the kids. I hate taking my mood swings out on them by just not being very patient. Tom is gone on a business trip tonight and Selah is spending the night at Samuel's house so I have an easy night ahead of me.
13w
7.9.2012
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 Yesterday was July 4th and it was a really fun day. We had the Keeners, Lausons, and Popes over. We played corn hole and the kids got to play on the slip and slide, pools, and sprinkler. It was hot but we got a new umbrella for the picnic table and borrowed a tent from the church so we were able to have some shade. Fireworks were great and Selah didn't cry although at the end we did have to put her blanket over her ears, mostly she just laughed with Hailey and Samuel. Kalyn was so exhausted she just watched them from tom's lap in a comatose state - it was really cute. Today has been productive as I moved my maternity clothes into the closet and weeded through the rest of my clothes by size and what to get rid of. I've been needing to do that for awhile. Kalyn slept til 9:10 and Selah sleth til 10! Both have been great today! I got some church work done and all in all have felt pretty good. I definitely think I am besically over the morning sickness although I still have the fatigue of the first trimester. I hate wearing a bra right now because my boobs get so sore. I've been cramping some today and my uterus area is sore but I think it's because we had such a busy day yesterday!
12w 3d
7.5.2012
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My appt went well today. No protein or sugar in my urine sample. Blood pressure was a little high at 139/84. Weight is still going up (207.5) but now that I'm feeling a little better I think i will be able to exercise again and make better food choices. Baby's heartrate was 162bpm. Had bloodwork done and cultures. Next appt in 4 weeks will also include an early testing of gestational diabetes (yuck!) with the 1 hour test. I am REALLY hoping that I pass that one so after tomorrow (july 4th) I am going to try to stick pretty closely to a diabetic diet so that hopefully between that and exercising I will be able to pass that 1 hour with flying colors and not have to do another one until 28 weeks. I really do want to do what is best for this baby, no matter the sacrifice.
12w 1d
7.3.2012
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I actually got on the treadmill today!! I am so glad to be feeling good enough to do that. I am trying to drink more water. I had McDonalds for lunch so eating is obviously still an issue but I am back to trying at least. This week is my first normal work week in a while as well as Pastor is back from vacation so life is about the get busy again, plus we have VBS in like 2 weeks. I need to look over that material as well. I'm just glad that I'm beginning to feel like myself more except for the occasional gagging (while brushing my teeth or coughing). Kalyn is starting to feel better which is such a relief. Tonight I have band practice which is always such a refreshing and encouraging time and then we are going to go swimming at Tom's parents which I know Selah will be absolutely thrilled about. Better get my work done now:)
12w
7.2.2012
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I definitely feel like I am getting closer to the 2nd trimester. My energy is picking up some. Soon, maybe I'll even have some motivation to get some stuff done around the house. Tom is feeling better (yea!), Kalyn is sick with something (boo!) and Selah has somehow stayed healthy so far. We went to Knoebels yesterday with Tom's whole family which was nice. Selah really enjoyed the rides and it's fun to see her get old enough to try new things. Tom and she went swimming today at his parents house while Kalyn is napping and trying to get better. Selah is really becoming a good swimmer.
Today I feel great. I think sleeping in til 9:40 is the main reason! But also I'm only 13 days out from the 2nd tri and I think that's making a huge difference. I can find the baby's heartbeat on the doppler really easily now although it swims fast sometimes:)
11w 6d
7.1.2012
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Well yesterday I was super accomplished and to make up for it I have completed wasted my day today:) I know that I still have work to do and that the cleaning still needs to be done but instead I have done basically nothing. The kids have been great. Both have been good listeners and really cute and loving. I am so grateful for these wonderful little girls that God has given to us. Yesterday and today my morning sickness has been lighter and not too bad which I am so thankful for! I am a couple of weeks from the second trimester and I hope I begin feeling good everyday! Selah has been very sweet to the baby (and me). Today she said she can't wait for my belly to get big and for us then to go to the doctor so we can get our boy baby:) If we find out at the ultrasound we are having a girl we are going to have a long way to go to convince Selah:) I told Kalyn about the baby in my belly and she pointed and said baby and then stuck her finger in my belly button. It was cute. Tom has not been feeling good the past couple of days so we are all hoping that he feels better soon.
11w 4d
6.29.2012
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 This pregnancy I have really struggled with motivation to get anything done that is not particularly easy or pleasant (like cleaning the house, laundry, dishes, church work...). Because of that, here I sit, procrastinating but knowing that today I am really going to have to buckle down (especially during the kids naptime) and get some major work done. I need to pay attention to my lists and actually follow them. I've done some better today but I just know that when I peak at the list I am going to feel overwhelmed. I don't feel that bad today and I'm hoping that maybe I am on the upswing. I think alot of my morning sickness has stemmed from our eating out while my Uncle was here but at least I'm not craving that junk right now. I definitely crave sleep and "downtime."
11w 3d
6.28.2012
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Today marks 11 weeks. In some ways I can't believe that I am this far along already. I still love that we didn't "try" for this pregnancy, it was simply God's gift to us. Although I haven't been feeling too good the past couple of days I know that I am getting close to the end of this part and that's reassuring. The kids have been great today and although I am still procrastinating, I do know that I have a lot of work to do and get back on track with church work. The trip to Orlando and then having Uncle Blair visiting has really got me off schedule. I look forward to feeling like life in in control again! Today I feel kind of shaky and tired. I did get a good night's sleep which has helped but I'm still just in a lazy mode. I feel like I'm going to have to start wearing maternity clothes exclusively pretty soon which is exciting and sad at the same time. Tonight we have our first small group in a while and I'm looking forward to being with friends and hoping that it takes my mind off of not feeling well.
11w
6.25.2012
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Yesterday was a fun day although I felt sick most of it which I really think was a reflection of the amount of sleep I got the night before. Church was great and Pastor Khyle preached. My family came to our church and then afterwards Dad, Uncle Blair, Selah, and I went to see "Brave." Which was a very cute movie and Selah really liked it. Then we went to TJ Rockwells for dinner (YUM)! Unfortunately then I felt really tired and sick last night and got in bed at 9:30pm. Mom got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time so that was pretty neat. It's a lot louder now and easier to find. I am SO glad that I bought that fetal doppler. Gives me such peace of mind to be able to hear the baby's heartbeat.
10w 6d
6.25.2012
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I'm a little late writing this but trying to think back to Saturday. We celebrated Jacob's 3rd birthday over at the Kuhnes and it was actually fun. Kid parties are normally so stressful and loud but it ended up being just a few kids and a nice day so with the kid pools set up in the fenced in backyard and the adults sitting in the shade it was actually a really relaxing morning. It was a breakfast party which was a great idea. While Selah and I were at the party, Tom and Kalyn were watching the truck parade and Tom's family came over to watch too. Later that evening my family came over and we watched some of the Olympic trials and learned how to play Sticks. I was exhausted but didn't get to go to bed until 11:30pm. I really felt the morning sickness bad after dinner too so that was pretty rough.
10w 5d
6.25.2012
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 Today was a really good day. I actually made dinner for the first time in probably a month and didn't feel sick making it. I don't feel super great now but I think it's just fatigue. My Uncle Blair came in for a visit today and we shared with him our good news. It's funny that we have only seen hime 3 times in the past 5 years and every time I have been between 10-13 weeks pregnant:) I am definitely gassy and still having wierd dreams and waking up to pee. The kids were great today and I genuinely felt really good. I picked out some possible names for our baby today and that was fun, my parents and Tom liked my 2 favorites as well. For a boy: Cai Thomas**, Mace Thomas, Levi Thomas, or Shane Thomas are possibilities and for a girl: Baylee Cai**, Baylee Raine, Mykah Lee, or Makai Lee are all good options. We may not end up picking any of them but they are some good options...
10w 4d
6.22.2012
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 Finally we have a due date. Our little peanut is due January 14th which means I'm in the middle of my 10th week. Yea for skipping some weeks. I feel pretty great today although I have had some gag reflex moments. My appt went great. No complaints about my peeing in a cup, my blood pressure was 132/89, my weight was 203 (ouch), the doctor was great and was just as curious as I was about how far along I was. She tried to listen for the heartbeat but could barely pick it up because our little one was moving too much. Otherwise things look great. I got an ultrasound and got to see our baby which was beyond special. The heart rate was a healthy 167bpm.
I am beyond grateful for today's appt. When we got home I announced on facebook about the pending arrival and posted the ultrasound pics. Can't wait to spread the news of this little blessing.
10w 3d
6.21.2012
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 We survived it and enjoyed it. The trip down could not have been more smooth. The girls did great travelling and honestly I can't complain about their behavior most of the trip. They were genuinely easy to be around and were flexible with all we did. Selah really surprised me with how much she enjoyed doing the rides at both legoland and Universal. It was so fun to watch her face light up as she experienced her first roller coaster and even when she didn't like something she handled it like a champ. The only rocky points were when Kalyn had trouble sleeping the first night and kept us all awake from 1am-5am - ugh! But we survived it and ended up really having a great surprise family vacation!
I am exhausted of course and did notice some cramps, gag reflex, and sore breasts at times but mostly I felt great and really enjoyed the time with my family. Now I better go drink some water and enjoy this tan for the brief time I have it!
7w 6d???
6.20.2012
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 I am so excited because as of today I am going to Orlando tomorrow! That should help the wait until my drs appt:) We found out today that while Tom is on business in Orlando, my grandmother, brother, and nephew will be just minutes down the road so me and the girls are going too! I hope it is a fun trip. It has been no stress getting ready for it as I literally bought the tickets today. Now I only have a few worries about the flight with Kalyn since she's such a mover and I'm sure sleeping will be less than easy but I'm excited about the memories we are about to make!!
Heard our little peanut's heartbeat again tonight which was louder than before. It is getting bigger and is swimming all around as I would just catch it on the way by it seemed. I'm looking forward to Thursday and the drs appt. I'm also hoping to not have bad morning sickness while we are there and that I can keep a handle on my fatigue although I know I will be exhausted. My boobs seem fuller today and definitely sore, especially when I let them out of my bra! I don't think I am too far away from maternity clothes which is exciting and sad at the same time:)
7w 2d???
6.16.2012
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 Man, I have been struggling with headaches a lot this week. It could be just that I need to drink more water but I think it's probably just baby stuff. My morning sickness seems to be lighter again today so maybe I really am starting to move away from it... maybe... that would be amazing. After some research I am pretty sure I am more like 9-10 weeks which would still be early to see it disappearing but I would be super grateful. I got to hear the baby's heartbeat again yesterday and Selah even got to hear it but then it hid away. I love my fetal doppler and I'm so glad that I bought it! One of the wierd symptoms I am having now is that I can't cough without the ligaments around the uterus pulling (it hurts!), I can't stand to have my fan blow in my face which I usually love, I hate having a dry mouth and I gag after I brush my teeth cause I don't like the mint taste (although I also don't like having dirty teeth. Cooking is still a stretch for me and I feel like I am putting on weight like a champ... blah! Still thinking about asking for an ultrasound at my first appt and just seeing what they say...
7w 1d???
6.15.2012
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So I kept trying yesterday with my new doppler and around 6pm I found the heart beat! It was ranging between 130-145 which is just like Selah's and Kalyn's. I wasn't able to find it for long and haven't been able to find it again (have tried twice) but still it was an amazing moment. It pretty much guarantees that I am farther along than 7 weeks and I am tempted to request an ultrasound at my first appt and just see what they say. I probably won't though because I am not super outspoken when it comes to situations like these. Today my morning sickness hasn't been too bad although I have felt a little tired. I have a cough and my sinuses and throat hurts so I'm probably coming down with something on top of being pregnant which stinks.
Tonight we are going to buy our minivan! I am so thrilled and can't wait. The process of buying it will not be very fun but owning it will:) Tom is going to be gone this coming Sunday-Wednesday which is going to make for a hard week plus all my friends are out of town this weekend at the Warrior Dash... I'm bummed that we are missing it!
7w???
6.14.2012
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I got my fetal doppler today but was not able to pick up the heartbeat. I've tried a bunch of times now and I must just be too early which tells me a little bit about my due date. Chances are that I am anywhere from about 7 weeks to 10 weeks along if I can't find the heartbeat yet. I do wonder if weight plays a factor as well. I've had periods of feeling well today and times where I haven't but all in all I have accomplished alot of work today and enjoyed hanging out with my parents some too. I'm hoping that I don't feel bad tonight although my throat is sore so I may be coming down with a cold as well. Tonight Tom is going to mow the lawn and edge and I think I may go visit my friend Danna and just have a fun evening where my kids can just play with hers and we can talk. Still praying and hoping that this will be a healthy pregnancy. I don't know why I am so worried these past couple of days. A little over a week til my first appt. Can't wait to start getting some answers!
6w 6d???
6.13.2012
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How in the world am I going to get anything done for the rest of this first trimester. I just feel gross and tired. Neither of which are helping me get anything done. At the same time Kalyn has been constant movement this afternoon, punctuated by not listening. I think she is going to be a stubborn one so that should be fun:/ I don't feel terrible today, just off enough that being productive is a chore. I've been struggling with headaches the past 2 days which may be because I am not drinking enough water. Better get to it! Tonight Tom is going to a Barnstormers game with my dad... I will be home alone with the girls so I need to figure out something to keep them busy and not driving me crazy!
6w 5d???
6.12.2012
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 Lack of motivation really. I just feel like I am struggling/surviving each day and the kids are the ones that are losing out. When I am this tired and not feeling well it's really hard to do anymore than what is absolutely necessary. I'm not even giving my work the time it deserves. I have laundry to do today and I just dread it. At least tonight we have friends coming over which lightens my mood and helps me not to focus on the bad parts of being pregnant. I actually even cooked for tonight too which is the first time in about 2 weeks I think. Maybe at least in the mornings I will be feeling better and can throw something in the crockpot...
Kalyn is 16 months old today and a fireball of funny and busy. She's copying a lot more words all of a sudden and in general is very pleasant to be around. she does have an opinion though that she shares loudly and can be quite the whiner. She just had 4 teeth all come through at the same time in the past 2 weeks and so that hasn't made her super happy but even through all that she's a sweet cuddly baby!
6w 4d???
6.11.2012
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Sundays are busy. Period. It's hard right now to get up and go and not want to curl up ina corner and catch a quick nap. I am grateful for my friends who are there and make me laugh and keep me awake. Today Tom is helping the Lausons move into their new apartment and I'm glad to have them closer because they have become good friends. I'm grateful also for my dad getting a job today which is such an answer to prayer. I am feeling kind of sick, my boobs are alot more sore today, I'm getting more sleep yet I'm always tired... my first drs appt is a week and a half away but it still feels like forever. I can't wait to have a due date... hopefully soon!
6w 3d???
6.10.2012
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 Whew, I have had killer gas today! I am not even joking - it has been constant all day and I'm bloated and gross. At least my nausea let up again today. I got to go yard saling with my mom this morning and then we went to a friend's graduation party. Selah came home with my mom and dad from her sleepover and we had a pretty relaxing evening. Not too shabby. Tomorrow is going to be pretty busy with church and stuff so it's looking like an early night for me. I got some good finds at the yard sale today - a bouncy seat that has a sun shade and zips for a bug netting - yes! Also some fun pool stuff for Kalyn. The lightening bugs came out for the first time tonight and Selah was catching them really easily. Just another way in which I can tell she is growing up. I ordered a belly band today and I'm hoping that will help me make it til I can start wearing maternity clothes. I don't know what I am going to do about how fast I am gaining weight. I feel like a house but since I feel gross unless I'm eating I'm having a hard time stopping!
6w 2d???
6.9.2012
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I bought a fetal doppler today. I wanted one my whole pregnancy with Kalyn and just never did it. I am so excited for it to come in the mail and to give it a try. Hopefully sometime next week. Today I am feeling so much better than I have been. I got a good night's rest and didn't drink orange juice this morning which helped. Then Selah, Kalyn, and I got to go swimming at the coolest pool ever with the Kuhnes. Every child seemed to have one drowning scare each which I'm sure I will freak out about later but everyone was fine and had a great time. Both my girls are little water bugs. With floaties on Selah is a fish. Kalyn's not scared of the water at all which could be a bad thing but hopefully it just means she will be a young swimmer.
Tonight Selah is having a sleepover at my parents and since I am feeling better maybe Tom and I will get to have some overdue time together early, so I can still go to sleep early:)
6w 1d???
6.8.2012
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I have now learned by this, my third pregnancy, that the best way to feel better is to be busy. You may still feel sick but at least you have something else to focus on that will take your mind off of it a little. Today is my friend Danna's birthday so I have been able to get out of the house and into the fresh air and the kids really enjoyed being out as well. Hopefully now they take good naps and then tonight I get to go to a girls only birthday party - Yea! I'll still be tired and nauseous but I will have friends with me and virtually no responsibility. My boobs are definitely bigger and more tender, I am peeing more and the more I have to pee the more I get nauseous. I have major food aversions - my stomach rolls when I see or hear of something unappealing. This is the worst morning sickness I have had out of all three pregnancies... is it a boy? is it twins? Only 2 weeks til I have my first appt and then I will have a better idea of when I will know a due date and can begin the real countdown. So thankful for this little one growing inside me but I also can't wait to start feeling better!
6w???
6.7.2012
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 My morning sickness is back and in full force. I am so thankful for my mom who really helped me out all morning by getting extra things done around the house and even making dinner for my family so all I have to do is put it in the oven. Tonight is busy with my last Bible study and Tom having a meeting after that which means just alot of juggling of the kids and stuff. I am already looking forward to bedtime but I have a lot to do before then. I am thankful for the flexibility of my job but sometimes I wish I wasn't working so that I could nap all day... oh wait, I have 2 kids so I couldn't do that anyway:)
Besides feeling nauseous, I am very very tired. Both of which make it hard to get through the day. I'm also already debating maternity clothes just so that I can be comfortable!
5w 6d???
6.6.2012
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I feel nervous because I feel like my symptoms are disappearing. I've been able to make it through the past couple of nights without getting up to pee and I'm not feeling near as sick during the day as I have been. No cramping or anything or real reason to worry except that I always worry at this point in the pregnancy. Praying for a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery of this little baby in December or January!
So tonight, I get to get a new cell phone (whoo hoo) and we should hear more about the minivan which would be awesome if we could buy it tonight as well. I emailed Jojo ad told her about the pregnancy and I'm looking forward to hearing back from her. I think the last person I need to tell is Shanon and I'll probably just email her as well. It's still a little over 2 weeks until my first appt and I am definitely antsy about it. I can't wait to see//hear the heartbeat and maybe get a due date!
5w 5d???
6.5.2012
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Teething is terrible! I cannot wait for Kalyn to be done teething. She has four trying to come through at once and it is making her miserable - which I can't really blame her but that doesn't help how hard she is to live with right now. She's not eating like usual, super whiny, not sure what she wants... ugh. I am over it! Besides that, I am actually feeling pretty well. Last night I actually slept pretty good. Selah has been pretty low-key although I'm pretty sure she is not napping right now. We found a minivan that we might be buying and it would be without a car payment which would be amazing. Tom just got his cell phone from work so I get to go cell phone shopping tomorrow which is FUN! This afternoon I went to the Five Guys opening with the Kuhnes and we had fun (even though Kalyn spilled my cherry coke everywhere and the kids were all over us) and then went to the playground. Tonight we have small group and I have praise band practice. Overall, a good day. I SHOULD have walked on the treadmill, lifted weights, done my work etc. but oh well, every now and then I think I can allow myself a down day. My boob are definitely bigger and more sore but my morning sickness has not been that bad today. Getting closer to my first appt which will be a relief for sure!
5w 4d???
6.4.2012
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Today has just been an overall amazing (and long) day. I am so grateful for the amount of supportive and loving people that we have been blessed to have in our lives. Church this morning was just encouraging and a sweet time. I got to meet some new people, catch up with some others I haven't seen in a while (Sharon- who had Quinn 11 weeks ago), and just be refreshed by those we are closest to. Tom told the Lausons that we were pregnant on our way out of church. Then this afternoon, my parents came over and brought me rhino fries out of the blue from my favorit restaurant! So sweet! Then we got to share with Tom's whole family tonight the good news and they were so happy for us. We talked to Tom's dad some more about the minivan and I am getting really excited about that!
I felt a lot better today than yesterday as well which can be nervewracking in a way cause it makes me question what has changed? I should just be grateful for the reprieve though! My boobs are definitely bigger! and more sore. I'm dead tired but that may be because I didn't sleep well again last night. I am looking forward to the coming week and whatever it holds. I talked with Selah more directly tonight about the coming baby and she was only half-interested. When I asked her if it would be a boy or girl she did say that we are going to have 5 girls first and then boys! Keep dreamin!
5w 3d???
6.3.2012
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This "morning" sickness is knocking me out. I was thinking about it today and the only thing I could compare it to is that feeling about 3 minute before you actually throw up. The problem is that it rarely goes away so I always feel so close to throwing up for I guess fortunately I don't actually throw up. My breasts are tender and heavy now, still peeing more, very tired but also not sleeping well... I just feel blech! I'm trying to simply be grateful for this unexpected pregnancy. I'm absolutely in love with this baby already for sure but I'm not excited about the aches and pains of pregnancy again. I still remember a lot of how I felt with Kalyn.
Tom went with Selah this afternoon to get a Steeler autograph at the mall and Kalyn is napping so I am enjoying some peace and quiet right now. We talked a lot about our future purchase of a minivan and when we want to get serious about looking, probably not until the fall. Neither one of us are excited about having a car payment again. Tonight we are going to dinner with my parents at the Brickerville House to celebrate the possibility of my Dad getting a job at a church in Hershey. Really praying that that goes through!
5w 2d???
6.2.2012
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I am so thankful that Tom will be home tonight This has been atough 3 days with Kalyn having a fever because of teething (went to Dr. today and figured that out, she actually lost 2 oz. since her last appt while fully clothed and diapered) and me feeling nauseous and tired. I am so glad that I don't have to raise my children on my own. I don't think I could do it! I might even get to go watch "The Vow" with my friends tonight which would be fun and relaxing. It's either that or go to sleep early which also sounds pretty tempting. I have felt alot more nauseous this morning which is probably a good thing technically but it doesn't feel so good.
Today I got to share with Chad and Nicole Kuhne that we are pregnant. That was fun and they seemed genuinely excited. I'm so blessed to have such good friends. Now we are down to sharing with Tom's family until we get the ultrasound I think. I can't wait to see our baby's little heartbeat and see if there is one or two in there!
5w 1d???
6.1.2012
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The very first countdown for this pregnancy begins with 3 weeks until my first appointment. I am very excited to find out when I am due and it's bugging me that I don't know. Last night was not a fun night. Tom is on a business trip and Kalyn ha a fever which I think is from teething. So I went to bed at 11pm but couldn't fall asleep. Kalyn woke up at midnight and needed more medicine so I was up with her until 1am. I then fell asleep only to get woken up again by Selah at 2am because her legs hurt. Then I finally got to sleep the rest of the night. I am definitely praying for better sleep tonight, but more than that I'm praying for Kalyn's fever to go away. It's beginning to worry me.
I am still feeling nauseous off and on and I'm battling the peeing battle. Otherwise I'm feeling pretty good. I can't even blame the fatigue on being pregnant. I hate the fear that gnaws at me in the first trimester and am looking forward to a "safer" time.
5w???
5.31.2012
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I guess I am feeling pregnant. I go through periods of nauseousness... definitely peeing more... breasts are starting to get a little tender. The worst part I think is that I have been interested in sex more but when we get started I then feel like I need to throw up. Not great. I'm getting a little impatient for my first appointment which is not great since it's still over 3 weeks away. I don't look forward to driving to and from appointments for the next 8 months but I do love what I learn about my baby each time I go.
Tonight I have Bible Study at church and I'm going to try not to tell Nicole yet if I can hold it in because once we start talking about it other people will hear and then it will be out. I'm supposed to see her again on Friday so I'm hoping to tell her then, plus Chad will be there and I can't wait to see his reaction. I mowed the lawn today which was good exercise and some sunbathing in one:)
4w 6d???
5.30.2012
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I'm hoping to be amazed at how far along I am when I go to the dating u/s. I'm preparing myself for the last possible date so that if/when the doctor tells me I am due sooner, it will be an amazing feeling. So I'm trying to tell my brain that I am only 4w 5d along. I don't know if I can truly make myself believe this though:) Ok, let's see, symptoms for today, continued nausea, tender breasts, wierd dreams, woke up to pee twice last night, fatigue. I took another pregnancy test this morning as well to confirm and it did come up positive so we are definitely in it! Today I had a dentist appt and I have my very first cavity... however they will not fill it until I am in my second trimester so I don't have to go in until September. Hopefully it doesn't start hurting or anything before then. Then Tom, the girls, and I went to Pizza Hut for lunch (paying for that now :/ blech) and then just me and the girls when to Costco. I tried to get diapers for the new baby because I have a coupon but I couldn't find size 1... i don't know if that is the usual. I asked Selah what she would want to name our baby and she said "Flower" for a girl and "Guy Love" for a boy.... I guess we will be leaving the naming to the adults again:)
4w 5d???
5.29.2012
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 It's funny how soon you forget the wierd and graphic dreams that you get while pregnant. It's kind of fun in a way because every night you get to dream all new stories. I think it must be because you are not sleeping as well. I'm so tired by bedtime but I toss and turn and have to pee. It's annoying really. Today has been nice with my family. I told Christopher that we were pregnant just straight out. He laughed cause it took him by surprise. It was fun! So now we just have a few more people we like to share our news with until that first ultrasound when we feel comfortable telling anyone.
Tom got heat exhaustion a couple of days ago so he has had to be careful about getting too much sun or working too hard. It's kind of made for a relaxing weekend knowing that neither of us need to overdo it. Kalyn has had kind of a whiny weekend but she is napping now and will hopefully wake up in a good mood. I think there has just been so many people around the last few days that she needs more down time.
4w 4d???
5.28.2012
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Today was a beautiful Sunday. We enjoyed church this morning and then got to hang out with friends in the afternoon and Family in the evening. One of those days that is just easy. The Keeners and Robby came over for lunch and Danna and I talked baby names (middle name Leigh for a girl? Is Malachi "Kai" a good option for a boy?) while laying on the water pillow and soaking in the rays. It was perfect. The kids had fun in the pool and we had a water fight with our husbands and kids and Robby and then the kids went in and watched Chipwrecked with the guys. About 10 minutes after they left my parents and nephew showed up with pizza (yum!) and then Tom's parents showed up with his weight bench. I kept waiting for him to share the good news but, believe it or not, he forgot we were pregnant:)! I couldn't even if I wanted to. This little one is making me really nauseous in the evening and really tired. Probably going to bed before 10 again tonight! Aww, sweet dreams where "morning" sickness can't touch me:) Of course, peeing can wake me up:) Oh well, making a baby is a disruptive process!
4w 3d???
5.27.2012
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 Well, this increase in nausea just over the past couple of days has me thinking that maybe I've picked the due date pretty closely and this is going to be a late January baby. I had a good time last night in spite of not feeling good off and on though. I went shopping with Danna and got a nice cardigan that will work even while I'm pregnant, I also got a pink scarf, a new bra, and a free panty from Victoria Secret. Then we went to the movies and saw "What to Expect When You Are Expecting" which made me laugh and cry. It was a cute movie and now I want to own it to be able to show to any new pregnant woman or anyone who has had a baby.
I didn't sleep very well last night which I think is in part because my mind is just running with everything there is to think about. Is it a boy? girl? twins? names? minivan? due date? and on and on and on. Tonight we have Hailey and Abby's birthday party so we will get to tell Tom's family which should be fun.
4w 2d???
5.26.2012
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Oh, how I am getting introduced to the emotional roller coaster of pregnancy once again:) I felt like crying this morning for a stupid reason but at least I got over it. I felt a little nauseous last night and this afternoon and a little crampy. I think that that is normal for this time of the pregnancy though. Not having a due date is hard to know what is normal and what is unusual. I did get my first appt scheduled for the end of June which is good but will probably be a long wait.
Today the kids and I hung out at the Keeners this afternoon and when I told Danna we were pregnant she didn't believe me at first. It was fun convincing her and I'm glad that just the two of us are going out tonight and can talk about it some more. I feel like I'm not excited enough about the pregnancy or maybe I'm just afraid to get too excited. Praying for a smooth and healthy pregnancy. I'm excited to share our news with the Macchiones tomorrow and with the Kuhnes, Lausons, and Bernheisels soon. I am so thankful for the close friends that we have to rejoice with us.
4w 1d???
5.24.2012
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 This morning we found out that we are pregnant again which is pretty amazing. Selah just turned 4 1/2 years old and Kalyn is now 15 months old. I just finished weaning Kalyn and so I hadn't even gotten a period. Although I took a test on April 11th simply because I was taking one every 3 months after Kalyn was born, since we weren't using any birth control. I wasn't pregnant then, or at least not far enough along for it to register yet. This morning is Tom's 31st birthday and for the past 4 night I have woken up to pee and so i was beginning to question the possibility. When I woke up this morning I decided just to check since I had a test in the house. It came up positive immediately. I actually laughed. I woke Tom up and told him right away and we just enjoyed talking about him or her for a little bit before Kalyn woke up and played with us in the bed for awhile. We both think its a boy this time and our guess for due date is some time late December to early February... I'm going to call for a drs. appt probably next week. My Mom and Dad are coming over tonight for Tom's birthday so we are going to tell them then. Can't wait to see their reaction.
4w???
5.24.2012
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Tonight is the night! At 3:45pm I get an ultrasound to check on Kalyn's growth and then tonight at 8pm the induction begins so chances are the Kalyn will be born on February 11th! I can't believe that it is FINALLY here - I am so excited and so tired of feeling so awful. Not alot of mucus discharge the past couple of days. My braxton hicks contractions are still inconsistent but they are more painful (crampy, back pain, tightening) and they last longer now. I've still been feeling nauseous off and on. Haven't had a loose bowel movement in a few days either - actually feeling a bit constipated. I'm definitely more tired and I've been peeing a lot more. No matter what it all begins tonight so my next post should be my birth story for Kalyn. I'm worried about how Selah is going to handle me being in the hospital but I'm really excited for her to meet Kalyn!
2.10.2011
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My appt was somewhat eventful today. I had my nst and Kalyn passed although she was sleepy:) My blood pressure was good, I gained a lb, my urine was negative, Kalyn's heartrate was around 130bpm. I'm measuring right on. Then the dr talked again about induction due to the gestational diabetes. I've been feeling really sick the last 3 mornings so I was ready to talk:) He checked me and I'm 1cm dilated and soft, Kalyn is head down. He felt her and was guessing a high 7 lber to low 8 so he's ordered an ultrasound for tomorrow along with some bloodwork due to me not feeling well. Then we scheduled an induction for 8pm tomorrow night. I'm so nervous and excited. I don't have a clue what to expect!
2.9.2011
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OK, I was really hoping that either I would have Kalyn yesterday or I would feel better this morning being able to deal with either option. But feeling this bad for a second day in a row is not what I was banking on. I feel awful, shaky, dizzyish, nauseous, etc. I'm thinking about calling into the dr again today and just making sure that I don't need to go in. I would hate for it to be for no reason - especially with the drive but I also don't want to take the chance that it is something serious and I am sitting back and doing nothing about it. I feel sick - bleh!
2.8.2011
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This morning has just been a morning of not feeling quite right. Between having a dizzy spell while sitting on the couch, having aslight headache, and just feeling really tired I just want to be done. Selah had a rough night last night so I didn't get a good night's rest. She was pitiful because she had a nightmare about bugs. Also I just didn't sleep well on top of that. Only 9 days til my due date but I can't help but hope that she will come sooner. Going to take a nice shower and relax this morning and see if I can start feeling some better. If I have another dizzy spell or bad headache I am going to call the drs office to make sure its not something serious. Ick!
2.7.2011
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I'd really like to think that I am going to have Kalyn in 10 days or less. Alot of that will be determined this week. I'm ready as everyone knows cause at this point it is all I can think about:) Tonight is the Super Bowl - Steelers vs Packers and obviously our house wants the Steelers to win. No matter what I'm just ready to have Kalyn... I had been hoping that she would arrive by now just so I could dress her up in her Steelers gear:) In some ways I can't believe that she is going to be here so soon and in others I feel like I still have so long to wait. I'm just getting to the point where I just can't wait to meet her, hold her, kiss her, and squish her:) Still losing mucus daily, braxton hicks contractions, Kalyn's movements are getting more painful as she gets bigger, I'm tired a lot of the time, emotional highs and lows that are both unexpected. Made it through church today... hoping to have a newborn to bring to church next week:) A LOT of comments about me still being pregnant today:)
2.6.2011
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I'm pretty sure I have lost it. I seem to have lost complete control of my emotions and am really struggling to stay balanced right now. I think I remember being like this around this time with Selah's pregnancy as well but I forgot how bad it feels to feel like you are losing it. This morning my breakfast with friends got cancelled after I had gotten up and ready for it and I lost it... I got angry and even now (an hour later) if I think about it I have to fight tears. Last night I just got so frustrated and I've been really snippy to those around me. I feel like right now I just need to be alone but with my parents living with us that is a really rare opportunity! AHHH I just feel like screaming. I need to have this baby already.
2.5.2011
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Today has started off better than any day this week. I'm actually in somewhat of a good mood and prepared to face the day. Last night I felt awful. I had a horrible case of diarrhea and even had some bloody mucus come out and I have no clue if it was from being checked for progress yesterday at the drs office or if it was from the diarrhea or if it was part of my mucus plug. All I know is that I felt terrible. I calmed my stomach with a Coke for dinner and slept pretty well last night for the first time this week not having any dreams about labor. I think I'm finally getting a bit more patient about this process. Having the dr tell me yesterday that I have made no progress helped me get things in perspective. I have 12 days til my due date and I can survive even if I go past that. No matter what I will have Kalyn before the end of this month! I have everything done... even my work is caught up so now I can just relax, walk on the treadmill, enjoy time with Selah and my family, and work on Kalyn's cross-stitch while watching my belly move side to side as she spends her last few days inside me. Life is good!
2.4.2011
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My appt today was disappointing but otherwise good:) The NST was uneventful, Kalyn decided to sleep through it and didn't move much but she did enough to pass it. My bp was 128/88, weight stayed the same, urine was negative, sugars were good but they did raise my glyburide again. I got checked for progress and we are nowhere closer than we were last week which was disappointing, especially with all the pains and discomfort I have been having. So I'm set til Wednesday and I have no expectations of getting to go before then although I do kinda hope I have her on Sunday so that my husband has to miss watching his beloved Steelers in the Super Bowl (hehe).
2.3.2011
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I know I'm wierd and my sense of humor is a little off but I was/am hoping to have Kalyn today just so I could ask the Dr if she saw her shadow when she came out:) Also today is the birthday of my late Uncle and I thought/think it would be neat to have my daughter on his birthday. Either way, the ice is melting, the roads are fine and I am ready to go. I had another dream last night about my water breaking and it was so real that I woke up really wondering if I should be jumping out of bed:) We are now officially down to 2 weeks til my due date. Praying, praying, praying she comes really soon! My drs appt got cancelled for today due to the weather so I am hoping to get it rescheduled for Friday... we'll see.
2.2.2011
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Last night I had multiple dreams that my water had broken and after each one I would wake up and have to check. Today I have had a few braxton hicks and Kalyn's movements are kinda painful. Still have mucus discharge but no bloody show. I get twinges of pain where I assume my cervix is supposed to be. I keep thinking that Kalyn could come anytime now but I'm trying to realize that it could just as easily be another 15 days and I need to be ok with that for her health. Just getting tired of sharing my body plus its so close now that I'm just excited to hold her in my arms. Today as long as the weather isn't too bad I get to go get my hair highlighted and cut and get my eyebrows waxed which is all something definitely to look forward to. We are supposed to get sleet and freezing rain today and it's supposed to be bad so we'll see if we get stuck at home...
2.1.2011
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I am working on a plan of action for this week to give me something to look forward to each day so that if I don't go into labor I have something exciting to do. Today is a pedicure, tomorrow maybe getting my hair highlighted and trimmed, Wednesday I have a doctors appt, Thursday maybe a facial, and Friday maybe going to the movies. We'll see how much of this actually happens but just thinking about it helps to look forward to a labor free week. Had more mucus discharge yesterday, more braxton hicks, Kalyn started moving alot again so I don't know if that means that she is NOT engaged yet. No diarrhea yesterday... feel like my "signs" are going backwards now:) I've been in a cranky mood this morning so I'm trying to stay quiet so that I don't hurt anybody's feelings, I'm feeling really tired... we are supposed to get a couple of inches of snow tonight followed by sleet and a wintry mix for the next 2 days... really hoping that it doesn't screw up the roads and that if I DO go into labor that I will still get to go to the Women and Babies hospital...
1.31.2011
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 I think I am beginning (and it is way too early for this) to grasp at straws that might be signs that labor is coming VERY soon and not just in the next couple of weeks. I'm having loose bowel movements that are close to diarreah about once a day. An increase in mucousy discharge although today it seems to be more of just a clear discharge instead. An increase in braxton hicks contractions and in general less active movement by Kalyn (although she is still moving by all means). This morning I woke up feeling nauseous and then got shaky even though my sugars were fine. Feeling pretty tired but then again it has been a couple of late nights in a row with girls night and then last night with Brandon and Jalisa playing games.
I survived church this morning and I really hope that I have Kalyn by next Sunday just cause it is really hard to do my "duties" and even do the singing which I love while being SO pregnant. Still kinda hoping for a February 2nd baby (if not sooner:). Tomorrow could be a pretty fun day... I'm definitely getting a pedicure with mom but maybe I will also get a manicure... also considering highlighting my hair either at home with a box or really getting pampered with getting it foiled at a salon and reshaped/trimmed... don't know - just want to find a way to enjoy these last few days but I don't really want to break the bank doing it:)
1.30.2011
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 18 days to go... 18 days to go... 18 days to go - that is what I am now telling myself. I do believe I will have Kalyn before my due date but it could be closer to 18 more days than to 1 day. Today the name of the game is finding ways to "waste" the day while also being somewhat productive... I'm going to get a little bit of cleaning done (dusting and mirrors) and make sure to spend 30 min on the treadmill. I also might try to organize the pictures from this month and get them loaded on facebook. Other than that I'm going to spend time with Selah and try to eat right and stay withing my allotted sugars and try not to spend money:) Well better get started:) Oh I should note that Kalyn has been less active yesterday and today so far, I've noticed more mucous when I pee, but I didn't notice alot of braxton hicks yesterday or today so far... don't know if it means anything but I wanted to at least note it.
1.29.2011
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 I am so thankful that we are having a girls night out tonight - Applebees and then rock band at Jalisas... I'm hoping that it will take my mind off of when Kalyn is going to come. I'm growing impatient not because I can't wait so much as that I know she really could come any day now and I just can't wait to meet her and to being our changed lives together. I'm excited for Selah to meet her and for Tom to hold her and to show her off to everyone:) The past few nights I really thought that there was a good chance that she was coming and yet here I am - it could still be up to 26 days more if she goes to 41 weeks... thats scary to think about. She's still moving pretty good. I'm having a lot fo pelvic pressure. I've lost a little bit of mucous here and there but no bloody show yet. I'm having ALOT more braxton hicks contractions and they are becoming more painful... all of this leads me to believe that its not too far off but at the same time I could just have to deal with this discomfort for weeks... eek!
1.28.2011
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 I am ready for Kalyn to arrive but now we are heading into snowstorm season in Central PA which is making it hard to know whether to wish for her to come or not on certain days. Last night I felt more pressure than I have been feeling, a lot more cramps-like and ecen some pain in my lower back, I also had a lot of twinges in my pelvis area. It was altogether uncomfortable and I was just hoping that we would make it through the night because we got 6 inches of snow last night. I'm still feeling uncomfortable today so we'll see what the day brings. Today we are going over to our friends house to paint with the kids and then I will get some work done and stop by the grocery store... the nursery is 99.9% complete and I feel ready. My braxton hicks contractions are coming more often and more painfully. Can't wait to meet Kalyn soon!
1.27.2011
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 I had an nst this morning that went really smoothly... Kalyn moved 48 times in 20 minutes:) Then I had a dr appt - urine was negative, blood pressure was 138/80 which is a little high for me but they didn't seem concerned. I was up a lb weightwise. Got the results back that I am negative for Group B strep. Said my sugars were good but still upped my glyburide dose by 1/2 pill in the morning. I was checked and I am only a fingertip dilated and baby's head is still "floating"... I've been having some cramps and general discomfort down below ever since the doctor checked me - I would be ok if that started something:)
1.26.2011
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I know I do not have a leg to stand on for being impatient already but I'm just ready to have Kalyn. I'm not to the point where I feel like crying or am incredibly frustrated or anything like that I just am ready to meet Kalyn face to face and see what life is going to be like. I feel prepared in pretty much every area - I've done the basic training for work, my house is clean, Kalyn's room is 99% ready - just waiting for the mobile to come and need to hang up the african mobile that mom and dad brought home with them - everything else is done! I think being ready makes it worse cause I have nothing that I am waiting to get done before Kalyn arrives. Selah has been asking a lot of questions about when Kalyn gets here and I'm hoping that we are getting her prepared for at least some of the changes coming her way. It's going to be such a huge transition for her!
Kalyn is still moving really well and I'm still sleeping pretty well at night. I wake up once a night around 3am to use the bathroom but otherwise I'm sleeping deeply. Everytime I wake up I wonder if my water has broken since thats how it happened with Selah. Tomorrow makes me officially full term - hopefully Kalyn is not too far behind.
1.25.2011
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I very much enjoyed my birthday weekend. It was great to have one last "hoorah" before Kalyn comes and I'm more attached to the house again due to breastfeeding and napping schedules. I am definitely looking forward to her coming but I can see the positives of her waiting a couple more weeks. Yesterday we went to early service and then went to lunch at Cracker Barrel, the wait was awful and they had to recook our food once because they thought it was not good enough to come out - it ended up being delicious AND they didn't charge us for any of it. Afterwards I went and got a massage and Danna painted my nails - it was so relaxing and hope to be able to do it again after labor and delivery at some point. I also had Gina push the pressure points that could possibly induce labor. No luck last night but it still felt good. Last night we went over to the Macchiones and watched the Steelers win the AFC Championship against the Jets. It was a great day! I've been teasing Tom that since the Steelers are in the Super Bowl that THAT is when I'm going to have Kalyn:)
Today I've been catching up on stuff mostly but I did get on the treadmill for 30 min (hoping that a long walk will induce Kalyn to come out) - she feels lower today and is not quite as active so maybe that means she is settling in for labor and delivery. Can't wait:)
1.24.2011
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 I have to remind myself that life is still good. That Kalyn is not due for another 25 days and so I need to be content and patient with where I am at right now and enjoy these last few weeks being a mother of 1. Today we have a fun day planned since my birthday falls on a Sunday, we are going to Red Robin and going shopping with Mom and Dad and then going to see Tangled with Selah. I'm going to be picking up the last couple of things I need to completely finish the nursery (baby monitor, couple of bottles, and some diaper baggy throwaways). I just ordered the mobile off of walmart.com and we have a crib skirt coming from amazon.com. I even ordered some preprinted thank you notes to save me time with sending my thank you notes out from the shower.... considering waiting until Kalyn is born to actually mail them out so that I can include a small picture of her in them. I haven't decided if that is too long to wait yet...
1.22.2011
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 I have been able to avoid being sick much of this pregnancy but this week I have come down with an annoying cold - nose and lungs yuck! Thankful to have not had to deal with anything worse than this though. I am really looking forward to this weekend - I can't believe I turn 29 on Sunday! Man, I'm getting old:) After the ultrasound this week I am beginning to think that Kalyn is going to come late instead of early if they let me go completely on my own so I'm trying to get my mind wrapped around that so that I won't be completely bummed out if she arrives after her due date... that means at the MOST we have 33 days left... I certainly hope that it is earlier than that though. I am definitely getting excited about meeting her in person and I'm looking forward to getting my body back... Only God knows! I've had a few braxton hicks contractions this morning that I hope are doing SOMETHING:)
1.21.2011
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 My appt yesterday went well. The ultrasound was really quick, she checked the fluid (14cm which apparently is good:), heartrate (136bpm), and growth. Kalyn is measuring consistently at 35 weeks which makes me wonder if she is going to come late. She's measuring exactly to the due date that I would have given myself in the beginning. She is 5 lbs 10 oz so it doesn't look like she is going to be big either. Then had an NST - she moved like she was supposed to this time so that was a blessing. Then we had the drs appt. Weight remained the same, blood pressure was good at 122/82, urine was negative, Fundal height is 36cm (perfect). Asked him about what the dr said last time about wanting to induce me at 39 weeks and he said that that would not be his recommendation at this point due to the fact that she is measuring good right now. He said we might want to keep it in mind at maybe at the 39 week appt get my membranes stripped. I guess at this point I'm hoping she comes on her own even before then becasue I'm just tired of being pregant:)
1.20.2011
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 the baby shower and I got alot of diapers, a good assortment of outfits and towels, a few things for the nursery and now I'm down to only "needing" a couple of things. Between a few returns and some giftcards I hope not to have to spend to much money to be able to fill in the holes. We also had Christopher and Elijah here this weekend which was nice and not even close to as awkward as we all expected. Today I have finally been able to get my house back in order and get caught up on some things. The house is fairly clean and Kalyns stuff is all washed and put away. Tomorrow I have another ultrasound, nst, and appt and Tom actually gets to come with me so I am looking forward to sharing that time with him. kalyn is still quite the mover so we'll see if she does what she is supposed to tomorrow:)
1.18.2011
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 Today is all about getting prepared for my baby shower tomorrow. I'm so excited. This is one of the last things to look forward to before Kalyns birth and it's going to be so much fun. I have a feeling that I am going to enjoy this one so much more than Selah's as I have much better friends this time around and a great church family. Mom and I are going shopping this morning for the food that we need and then this afternoon we are meeting up with Danna at the church to set up, decorate and get the food finished prepped. So much fun!
1.14.2011
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 Had a GREAT ultrasound today. Drank a mtn dew on the way to the appt:) She moved like she was supposed to and we even got some great pictures. So thankful that we didn't have to make decisions about having her already - she needs at LEAST 2 more weeks (and so do I). Her fluid is perfect, heart rate still hanging around 138bpm, making all kinda of "breathing motions" getting those lungs ready, and she turned over a couple of times. I have to go back next Wed for a growth check, I don't expect anything worrisome though!
1.13.2011
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 Let's see - what didn't happen at this appt:) Got in - urine was negative, blood pressure was good (124/78), weight was up 1 lb, started the nst. Now while we were in the waiting room, Kalyn was kicking all around but as soon as I laid down on the table she took a nap- the nurse started poking and prodding my belly about 10 minutes into it to get her to start moving good but no luck. Her heart rate was great - hovering around 138bpm, went to the appt, dr didn't like what saw from the nst so he had me come back later for a biophysical u/s where to check fluid, breathing movements, small movements, and big movements, he did the group b strep and did check for progress but no dilation or effacement, told me that he would like to see the baby come by 39 weeks (all the other drs have said by 41...) Went tot eh ultrasound and she scored great on 3 of the 4 things - she was being so stubborn AGAIN and wouldn't do any big movements... now I have to go back again tomorrow to do another biophysical u/s where they check the same 4 things... if she doesn't do well on all 4 tomorrow the dr is already talking about inducing! Is that normal? I'm really praying that she will just behave tomorrow - 35 weeks is too early if she seems to be doing so well! I just don't want to be pushed into anything when she may not be ready to come out yet!
1.12.2011
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Well training has officially begun. I am finally working with someone to fill in for me while I am on maternity leave. I am so excited to get that all done with. Hopefully she doesn't come too early that I don't get the basic training done. Since we both have children it makes it tough for us to sit down together without our kids and just get this work done. Looking forward to being done already:) Tonight we are supposed to go to volleyball - thats if the show holds off. I've been poking around this afternoon and for some reason I'm now working through a headache - yuck! Looking forward to resting/taking a nap on the couch in a couple of minutes.
1.11.2011
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My parents are now home and getting settled in. It'll be interesting to see how long it takes to get used to this new normal. Selah is enjoying having them here and has been playing with grandddaddy's ipad all morning... I've been keeping the house clean and getting caught up from the weekend but overall it's been a pretty normal morning. I don't have much to get done and I feel relaxed. I actually may even be a little bored. Mom asked me yesterday if I had dropped... I told her that I feel like I have always carried Kalyn this low and that maybe that is why I've been feeling all the pressure and pinching on my cervix. Either way I am glad that she's not up in my ribs:)
1.10.2011
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My parents are on a flight right now coming home from Africa for good. I am so excited to see them and although I am a bit nervous about having them live in my house for an unknown amount of time I am also looking forward to having them here... both now and during and after Kalyn's birth. Life is about to be very different until we settle into a new normal.
Let's see I seem to have a pretty good handle on my gestational diabetes now even though I haven't been following the diet specifically. I've actually been doing better just eating normal than doing what they said - again it makes me wonder if maybe I don't even have gd. Kalyn is still moving well. I got my first baby shower gifts this weekend... yea for more diapers and cash... exactly what I needed:)
1.9.2011
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 Well tomorrow Mom and Dad arrive and that means that there will be 5 of us living in this house until Kalyn is born and then 6 of us for awhile. I'm very excited for them to be here but also glad to be enjoying this last day together as a family. We are organizing and cleaning and getting ready for life to be different for awhile. I really do hope that it all goes well. I got my hospital bag packed and I feel ready now for Kalyn to come at anytime. I know I still have 3 more weeks til she is full-term and I'm really trying not to rush this time. I'm a little bit more uncomfortable but otherwise still enjoying this pregnancy. Kalyn's movements are a bit bigger but I still just enjoy feeling her move. It's an amazing thing!
1.8.2011
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So I don't know if I am jumping the gun or not but since I have less than 6 weeks left I am going to pack my hospital bag today and put a towel under the sheets on my side of the bed and in the car. I'm also working on getting a few other things done like washing and folding the rest of Kalyn's clothes and maybe even walking around the house looking for small swallowable toys that should be thrown away or relagated to Selah's room as much as possible. It's been kind of a lazy morning and I'm definitely having a hard time getting started on any of it. Between today and tomorrow I want to get it done though since Mom and Dad come in on Sunday and then life will not be "normal" for a while. Plus these are things I like to be able to do by myself without having to think outloud about what I'm doing. Tonight Tom is having some guys over for a Tecmo super bowl nintendo night. I'm hoping to be able to get out of the house - even if that involves a trip to the grocery store:)
1.7.2011
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I had the NST test first and Kalyn kicked and did everything right through the whole thing. It was fun to just sit there and watch her move, her heartbeat on the monitor was lulling me to sleep:). My regular appt went well also. Sugars are good for my gd so they didn't change anything. I'm down another lb, my blood pressure was 119/81, Kalyn's heart rate was in the 130s while resting, She is still head down and the midwife doesn't think she has enough room in there now to change position easily, She's still measuring right on for fundal height. Next appt they will do my groub B, hoping since they're down there they will check progress as well. Scheduled appts through to my due date but hoping that I'll end up cancelling a couple of those:)
1.6.2011
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Well the first of the year got me ready to be ready for this baby to come. I've started cleaning our baby products (swing, carseat, bouncey seat, etc) but I'm also getting ready to pack my hospital bag, put some towels under the sheets of our bed, and wash all of Kalyn's clothes. It's a lot to do but it feels so good to be close enough to the end to be taking these steps to be prepared. Today was my last staff meeting where Selah will be going with me because by next Tuesday my parents will be here and I will be training Danna to fill in for me while I'm on leave. Tonight starts the volleyball league back up and I'm hoping that our team can at least win one... it would be a great start back!
1.4.2011
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I think it is the fact that we are now in January that makes it feel like I am so much closer than before. On top of that I still have so much to look forward to between now and then and between the business of life and the extra doctor appts this time if really going to fly. Mom and Dad will be here in 6 days, My baby shower is in 12 days with my grandma and brother coming in, then my birthday the following weekend. Then all that is left is the 3 week wait til her due date but she'll already be full-term and can come at any time:) Just hopefully not the 13th of Feb as that is the only day that my parents have plans before her due date:) I think I would be super excited if she came on February 2nd as that was my uncle's birthdate before he passed away and I think it would just hold that much more meaning for my family:)
1.3.2011
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Last night was a blast with friends. We went bowling, which I did terrible at because yesterday when I was getting up off the floor I managed to either strain her pull a muscle in my groin, which on top of the pressure and pinching I was already feeling down there made it practically impossible to walk normal let alone bowl:) Then we came back to the house and I learned how to play Bohnanza which was alot of fun (Tom won) - I love learning new games. We also played catchphrase with the whole group - guys won all 3 rounds. We rang in the new year watching ball drop and drinking some sparkling grape juice and then played a game of Settlers which I won. Went to be around 3 am. It was so much fun.
When I finally laid down Kalyn was doing flips and cartwheels... Feeling a little better in the groin area today but it still hurts pretty bad. Wondering if it may be leading to some dilation...
1.1.2011
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Gotta love this time of year. Tonight we have our 2nd annual New Years Eve Party and I am really looking forward to it. I am going to diverge a little bit from the gd diet but generally stay on it. We are going bowling from 6:30-8:30 while Tom's parents watch Selah and then everyone is coming over here to hang out, play games, and watch the ball drop. Some of our friends are even going to stay the night. Selah is avoiding naptime right now which could go badly for us later but what are ya gonna do!
33w 2d
12.31.2010
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Today was a pretty uneventful day and thats saying alot considering that it included a trip to the drs office for Selah's 3 year check up. Selah did GREAT! That is a surprise since the last few times she has gone to the dr there was alot of screaming pretty much the entire time we were there. I guess all the trips to the doctors office with me recently have paid off. We got there and when they called her name, she walked into the back like she owned the place. Even the nurse commented that this was a lot different than the last time she saw her (in June). Selah stood on the grown-up scale all by herself and weighed 33 1/2 lbs which puts her in te 75th percentile (dr wasn't worried about it), then the nurse had her stay standing there for her heights of 3ft 1in (50th percentile). Then the nurse asked us to follow her and Selah responded by saying "come on Mom, now we go to the other room". Once in there the nurse took her blood pressure (for the first time) and it was 92/50. Once the dr came in Selah was already playing with some toy cars they have in the room. Selah is doing great in all areas! He recommended preschool in the fall (not sure if we are going to) and offered a flu shot to both her and me but I said no to both. That might be a mistake in the long run - only time will tell.
At the end of the appt I asked about what the protocol was for when Kalyn is born and he just said to call after she is born and make sure to get an appt within the first 48 hours that we are home. No problem!
33w 1d
12.30.2010
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My appt went really well today. Considering that the last few times I've gone I've been "yelled" at:) Today I finally drank enough water:), my weight was down a lb, my blood pressure was 124/78, the doctor was happy with the way my sugars look (which is hilarious cause I tripped up quite a bit this week - eek!), considering that my fasting sugar is high more often than not she prescribed another 1/2 a pill at night. She was surprised to find out that 1/2 a pill in the morning had made such a difference:) Kalyn is still head down and her heart rate hovered around 140bpm, which is typical. They scheduled me for a growth check u/s at 36 weeks:) Great day!
33w
12.29.2010
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I'm beginning to wonder if I was possibly misdiagnosed with gd. It's probably not the case but couple of time this week I have eaten normally and have not had any problem keeping my numbers well with the range they are supposed to be. I will continue following the diet 95% of the time because I just think its all around good for me but it does make me wonder a little bit. Tom is out on business again tonight but the hope is that this is the last time until after Kalyn is born. We onlyl have 12 days til mom and dad get here and we have our New Years Eve party this friday. I have a dr appt tomorrow and that is always interesting. It is the last one that I plan on taking Selah with me to because after that starts the NSTs... and only 7 more weeks of pregnancy. I feel like in so many ways this pregnancy has flown by. Starting January 11th I will train Danna to replace me as secretary while I'm on maternity leave. So much to get ready and do and yet I don't feel stressed and I'm even still enjoying this pregnancy 90% of the time.:)
32w 6d
12.28.2010
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 Yesterday was much needed after such a busy week last week. I finally got some rest and a long sleep on top of it. I went to bed at 9:30 last night and got up at 8:15 this morning. It was wonderful. Last night I didn't feel well at all. I've been getting this pinching feeling in my cervix that is downright painful. Looking forward to my drs appt on Wednesday so I can ask about it. Also my body is starting to hurt alot more. Standing too long, Sitting too long, Laying too long, etc. It all is starting to hurt. I am still enjoying this pregnancy but I'm beginning to remember why the last month is THAT bad!
32w 5d
12.27.2010
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 We had a very realxing morning with Selah and really enjoyed being a family of 3. Selah got a photobook, a ladybug pillow pet, socks, tights, a snowglobe, a kid tough digital camera, a fleece outfit, Christmas Eve pjs, and some candy from us. Tom got a Steelers T from me and Christmas Eve lounge pants and T. I also found a little girls 0-3 month outfit that says "Daddy's Little Monkey" on it... so cute! I got some stuff to be able to make Caramel Apple Cider like Starbucks. I got treated with it yesterday even though now I'll have to wait til after Kalyn is born to really enjoy it.
Now we are looking forward to the New Years Eve party at the end of the week:)
32w 4d
12.26.2010
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 Merry Christmas Eve! So excited for all the festivities to begin. Tonight Selah will get to open her Christmas pajamas... we will be having our traditional seafood and pasta meal at Tom's parents and going to the Christmas Eve service at Mt Aetna. Unfortunately this afternoon I do have to go into work. Last night I definitely enjoyed my splurge meal and even still passed my sugar. Hoping to stay on track today inspite of whatever there is offered at my mother-in-laws. Kalyn is moving frequently still and its actually getting a tiny bit uncomfortable at times but I still love it. I don't think I could ever get tired of knowing that she is alive and well in there.
32w 2d
12.24.2010
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I have now been following the gd diet super strictly and tonight I am having a splurge meal of pizza, french fries, and maybe even a soda. I know it may not be the smartest thing but I feel like I need this. Tom is at the Steelers game tonight with Brandon, so Selah and I are home alone and we are going to enjoy ourselves by renting movies and spending time cuddling on the couch. I started the new meds today (glyberide) and so far I don't think I am a fan... it didn't seem to change my blood sugar but it did make me feel alot worse. I felt hungry sooner and just felt (and feel) kinda crappy now. We will see if they get better. I did a half a pill today which I'm going to try again tomorrow... if that doesn't work I'll try a whole pill. I keep counting down the days and although there is so much to look forward to, I am tired of being so regulated in my eating... it's just annoying!
32w 1d
12.23.2010
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 My appt went so much better today in that the doctor I saw today didn't yell at me and seemed to understand that you can follow all of their instructions and sometimes it still doesn't work out how they had hoped. I'm down 2 more lbs, my blood pressure was better today 120/78, urine was negative. They looked over my sugar numbers from the gd testing. Unfortunately I still have a lot of ketones so she suggested drinking even more water. She also has put me on a low dose of a med I can't remember the name in order to lower my blood sugar levels throughout the day. Kalyn is still head down although her bum was more in the middle of my belly today, She kicked the doppler when we were listening to the heartbeat which was nice and strong and relaxed. Dr mentioned that she might be another calm baby:) Measuring right on for 32 weeks. They set me up to start coming every week now because of the gd and starting Jan 5th I will have to do non-stress tests everytime I go. I might even get an ultrasound at 36 or 37 weeks to estimate size. Can't believe we are getting so close.
32w
12.22.2010
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If you have not had one of these recently, get one on the books. A good girls night is restful for the mind and soul. Tonight we are getting together and going shopping (not my favorite thing but with friends you can still have a blast). I'm looking forward to getting away from my normal parental responsibilities for a couple of hours especially since my husband will be away on Thursday night. I'm just looking forward to the chance to have grown-up talk without each of us being interrupted by our own children:) I feel like Kalyn hasn't been moving quite as much today but it may just be because I have been busy and haven't just laid back to watch her move. She still moves way more than Selah ever did and I wonder if it is a sign of whats to come:) Christmas is only 4 days away, Mom and Dad will be here in 19... Now I better get some work done:)
31w 6d
12.21.2010
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 Well one more hurdle in this pregnancy is about to be crossed and that is the celebration of Christmas. We have been preparing all month and now the festivities really begin with a Candlelight Service on Wednesday and a Christmas Eve Service on Friday. It's going to be a fun, refreshing, heartwarming week and I am completely looking forward to it. Essentially it is Kalyn's first Christmas:) Selah is old enough to be excited about it this year and I can't wait for her to be a part of all of it. Sharing times like these with your children is priceless! Kalyn has been moving well all weekend. I am beginning to look forward to my dr appt on Wednesday to be reminded about how little time we have left before we become a family of 4. God has blessed us so much and I'm really just trying to sit back and take it all in.
31w 5d
12.20.2010
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 I think I've said this a million times now but I absolutely love this season. This morning I had choir rehearsal for our cantata tomorrow at church. Last night we finally went to Murdoughs and got our annual Christmas ornament... we actually got a church because this year we have spent so much time there and been so involved in so much. Tonight we are going to a Hershey Bears hockey game with friends and we even have a babysitter... so much fun! Kalyn has been rolling and kicking and hiccuping all night and all morning. I love feeling her move:)
31w 3d
12.18.2010
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 Now we are really in the home stretch. So much to look forward to in the coming months... Hockey game, Christmas Cantata, Christmas Eve and candlelight services, Christmas Day, New Years Eve party, My parents coming home from Africa, Training Danna to take over the secretary job while I'm on maternity leave, my baby sprinkle, my birthday, and possibly Valentines Day before Kalyn arrives. This time is going to continue to fly. I'm getting more uncomfortable with being on my feet for long periods of time or walking alot... I'm waddling more and Kalyn is definitely making my belly tighter. She moves quite a bit still though less punches and more pressure and rolling instead. I'm keeping up with the gestational diabetes diet (though I hope to avoid this in future pregnancies) but am still having trouble getting my fasting sugar to pass and getting my ketones to pass... it's frustrating but I'm hoping to get some help from the dietician this week or from the dr next week. Doing my best and hoping to stay off any medications. Only 10 days til Christmas:)
31w
12.15.2010
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I have found that I really enjoy the fact that I am not working full-time on my feet for this pregnancy. It has made everything so much easier and more enjoyable mostly because I can rest and get off my feet when I need to and I'm not constantly dealing with people! Lately I have been able to feel specific parts of Kalyn - like a knee or leg that she presses into my right side. It's pretty amazing. I can actually say that I am enjoying being pregnant this time. I've just started working on getting the invitations out for my baby shower. Hope that It is a success:)
30w 6d
12.14.2010
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I really feel like Christmas is sneaking up on me this year. I don't know if its everything else that is going on or pregnancy brain or just getting older but either way I can't believe we only have 12 days til Christmas. I am getting more excited about it and how Selah is really going to enjoy it this year. I got Christmas pajamas for all of us to open on Christmas Eve - can't wait:) Having Selah's birthday so close to Christmas is tough as she still has so many new toys. Every year we get her a photobook that goes through pictures of her last year and this year we got her some socks and tights for her stocking and a snowglobe. We also got her a kid tough digital camera and the Shrek movies... Tom and I aren't getting anything for each other this year cause of finances. Just like everybody else in this down economy we are struggling this season to meet all the bills and do the extras we want to be able to do too.
30w 5d
12.13.2010
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I really love this time of year and part of the reason is the parties... I love the holiday food and the time with friends. Today was rough with having gd though and having to say no to so many foods that I love and enjoy - chocolate fondue, cherry cheesecake, potatoes, rolls, punch, oh my! However with God's grace I survived and still passed all my sugars! So excited to have survived today and not been totally miserable:)
Had a few more braxton hicks contractions today... Kalyns still kicking well and I think she may have even had the hiccups for a little bit. I am back to being pretty tired in the evenings and needing to go to bed earlier. Can't believe we are down to 66 days left!
30w 4d
12.12.2010
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After such a depressing appt yesterday at the drs office,my dietician called today to heck in and didn't seem worried at all about my high fasting sugar - in fact, instead of ordering less carbs for the bedtime snack like my dr said she said try adding in more protein and if that doesn't work then add in about 5 more grams of carbs... it was so encouraging to hear that I am doing what they have asked me to do and considering that its not even been a week there are some things that they just want me to switch around to get better results. So encouraged!
This morning I was so productive with cleaning and catching up on laundry and now Selah and I are headed to blockbuster to rent a couple of movies since Tom is on a business trip. Selah has a cold that she is trying to get over so she has been super cuddly! We both slept great last night so all in all it's just a good day!
30w 1d
12.9.2010
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Well I am glad to have finally made it to 30 weeks and only 70 days left but this morning's dr appt was frustrating, depressing, and discouraging. I had lost a lb since last appt and my blood pressure was good, Kalyns heartrate was 138 bpm and she is head down for now,, she is also measuring right on.... on the other hand, I got reamed for not drinking enough water even though I am finally drinking way more than I ever have... and I got reamed about my blood sugar even though I just started tracking it and I'm following all the rules I was given. It was just a disappointing appt and now I am dreading my next appt cause I feel like now I'm going to get yelled at everytime I go to the dr. I am trying so hard to do what I am supposed to and yet still failing... its discouraging.
I have enjoyed her kicks the last few days:)
30w
12.8.2010
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They are frustrating beyond belief and deliberately make things hard to take care of. Gotta call one more place to get all my diabetic supplies taken care of. So confusing and how are you supposed to know! Anyway, I am so thankful that I have good insurance that will cover all of this stuff cause it is expensive! Still having some trouble keeping my blood sugar down but I am following all of the rules completely so I'm not sure what else to do. I really should be getting work done right now but instead I think I'm going to go switch the laundry, make lunch for Selah and I, and then sit and watch something on tv... I'll worry about being productive when Selah lays down for a nap:)
29w 5d
12.6.2010
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I am moving into self-pity mode about this whole gestational diabetes thing. I think I would be a lot more positive about it if I was getting good results from the diet but my sugar is still coming up too high a lot of the time. This worries me and annoys me all at the same time. Besides all of that, I feel like I have no energy! I feel super unmotivated and guilty and like I can't do anything right. I'm still enjoying the pregnancy otherwise and I love to feel Kalyn move. I love that I am doing something for her even in this but it just is making me feel pretty negative. I am looking forward to my 30 week appt this week and finding out what I can expect for the last 10 weeks of this pregnancy and how gd effects that.
29w 4d
12.5.2010
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I know that this is only my first full day with gd but I'm also realizing to the full extent how it is going to change my life. Down to the fact that I've been waiting about a half hour to go grocery shopping simply because I want to test my sugar and eat a snack before I go. It's just more to schedule - on top of that is that I can't just grab anything I want to eat when I get hungry. I spent about a half hour yesterday planning out my meals for the next 2 weeks. I'm hoping that will help it be a little mindless so I am not constantly searching for what to have for the next meal. Well I just tested and got a 111 which does put me below 120 - but just barely. Right now I am kinda worried that diet and exercise are not going to be enough for the whole pregnancy. I'm going to try my best though to make ti be enough cause I definitely do not want to have to go on insulin... all of this is enough!
29w 3d
12.4.2010
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Tomorrow I finally have an appt/class to understand what I'm supposed to be doing about this gestational diabetes stuff. I hope that it is not only informative but that I walk away prepared to handle this for the next 11 weeks. Praying that it is doable and that I won't have to be miserable in the process.
We have absolutely nothing planned tonight which is awesome... I might even see if Tom wants to go out for dinner for a normal meal before the "big news" tomorrow... that would be fun... I think I'll put those plans into motion.
Talked with my mom for about 2 hours today and they are no closer if not further away from having a job when they get home. Looking forward to having them live with us but I hate that they are in such a stage of instability. I know it's a burden to both of them.
Heartburn is killing me today and Kalyn is kicking pretty regularly. Selah slept in til 9:20am which was a blessing and I have a blister on my knee from scrubbing the kitchen floor yesterday. I have been super productive all week but today I feel like being super lazy... that won't last:)
29w 1d
12.2.2010
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Ok I have officially become a lot more uncomfortable. It's like it happened overnight this past week. Kalyn has moved up and my belly has gotten a lot bigger and harder. She's still kicking with a vengeance which I haven't gotten tired of. I am wondering how big she is getting and how much my gestational diabetes will play a part in that. I finally have a class to learn more about that on Friday.
Today I had an eye appt and Selah went with me. We were there for about an hour and a half and she did great. Picked out some new glasses and can't wait to get them:) It's like new jewelry:) Lots left to do today as that appt took up most of my morning... still have some secretarial work to get done and I would really like to scrub my kitchen floor... it's been too long and pretty soon my belly is simply going to make it impossible!
29w
12.1.2010
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 Life is so busy! I don't have a clue when Christmas shopping is going to happen but everything else is getting done. I'm so proud of myself:) Today we had a super long staff meeting and tonight we have a church volleyball game... in the middle I am getting some cleaning and decorating done. Our Christmas tree is up but I still have a bin of decorations to go through. I love this time of year and now I'm just trying not to lose focus as to why - I love the lights and festivities, the food and parties, but more than that it is about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and I am super grateful for his coming!
28w 6d
11.30.2010
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 Well I am officially experiencing braxton hicks contractions. My whole belly will slowly tighten up and then slowly release. I forgot how those felt. My stomach feels liks a drum:) Kalyn's been kicking well and moving around. My weight seems to be holding steady right now. I had to go to the doctor this morning because I have pink eye in both eyes... ugh! Really hoping to keep Selah from getting it if at all possible! Wednesday I have an eye doctor appt and Friday I finally will have an appt about my gestational diabetes and will be able to find out what I need to do for the next 12 weeks. Really looking forward to knowing what to do next. My blood pressure was 118/68 - it always seems lower when they do it manually rather than use the machine... interesting!
28w 5d
11.29.2010
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 Man, I love this time of year. Thanksgiving, Christmas, decorations, lights, and family... what is there not to like. We had a very relaxing Thanksgiving yesterday with just my brother and the 3 of us. I made the dinner and we all ate and them Tom did the clean up and he was so cute whistling while he worked:) We watched alot of football and just laid around after dinner. I really like thanksgiving leftovers too - so glad that I have not met with the diabetes dr yet. I'm not going overboard but I am eating as usual right now cause I don't want to restrict my eating til they tell me what exactly I'm supposed to do.
Today was also a fun day because we went on a date day with some of our favorite people. We all got babysitters and then went to brunch and went to see the Harry Potter: Deathly Hallows part 1 movie... it was so fun to hang out with them altogether without our kids. Tonight we are having some more friends over for pizza and games - this has been a fun Black Friday:)
28w 1d
11.26.2010
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 So much has changed and happened since I last posted. It's been SOOOO busy! Saturday, we had Selah's 3rd birthday party which went off really well. It was all just family as friends plans didn't work out right and left. We had a great time though. However Saturday morning we had to take Conner to the vet because she hadn't been eating at all or drinking much for 4-5 days. We went to the vet appt and it turned out that she was in critical kidney failure. After hearing all the options we had to make a decision and we had to put her to sleep. I'm missing her but getting better.
Sunday we spent with the Macchiones for Thanksgiving and just enjoyed each other. Good food and good times.
Monday was a pretty lazy day considering what the rest of the week looks like. I got alot of work done and just tried to prepare for the rest of the week.
Yesterday was Selah's actual birthday and so we went shopping at the mall a little. Then I had my drs appt... went well, I was up 3 lbs from last time at 212 lbs, my blood pressure was 133/87, kalyn's heart rate was around 140. All went well however I did get a call later in the day that I do have gestational diabetes. They aren't even making me do the 3-hour. Now I just have to wait for a call from the diabetes dr to find out what comes next.
Today I am 28 weeks, Kalyn is still kicking. Had a dentist appt and no cavities - yea! Still have some heartburn and Kalyn is moving up into my ribs. Otherwise this seems to have been a dream pregnancy:)
28w
11.24.2010
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Well we've made it another week. This morning I took the 1 hour glucose test and now just have to wait for the results. It was the orange drink and it was room temp - yuck! I almost threw up on the last sip but, whew, I didn't. Kalyn was not active during that hour which surprised me some but then in the past hour or so she's been kicking a LOT harder. I don't remember Selah being as active as Kalyn seems to be. I guess we'll see about how different they end up being:)
Let's see, other "side effects" these days: Kalyn has moved up under my ribs more, especially as the day wears on... also she actually woke me up kicking 2 nights ago... Selah never did that! Heartburn is about the same... yesterday was a little better for no reason at all that I can tell. Otherwise, I am still sleeping well (thank you snoogle) and feeling well. This has been such an amazing pregnancy!
27w
11.17.2010
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Yea, last trimester has arrived. I am feeling so good about this pregnancy and I feel prepared for Kalyn as much as possible. Looking forward to these next 3 months with great anticipation. So much to be excited about! Just the schedule for November alone looks like this:
November 16th: 6:30pm Volleyball / Staff Meeting
17th: 6:30am Glucose Test, Labs, rhogam screen / 7pm: Praise Team and choir practice
18th: 8pm Girls Night at our house / rhogam shot
20th: 5:30pm Selah's 3rd Birthday Party
21st: Thanksgiving at the In-Laws
22nd: 7pm Small Group
23rd: Selah's Birthday / 10:50am: 27 week appt / Touch and See Museum / 6:30pm Volleyball?
24th: 7pm Thanksgiving Service
25th: Happy Thanksgiving! / 9am Walk for Orphans
26th: Christmas tree hunting and decorations
27th-28th: Brother visiting
29th: 7pm Small Group
30th: 6:30pm Volleyball / Staff Meeting
And thats just November - Time is simply going to fly by. Also I have learned that Kalyn likes hot chocolate as she always gets moving after I have some.
26w 6d
11.16.2010
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Nothing too excited about today but still wanted to note that Kalyn moved ALOT yesterday and alot of times I could even see it. Tomorrow marks the start of the 3rd trimester which in some ways feels like I've been waiting forever for but at the same time I can't believe that we will be down to 3 months to go.
Going to be talking to Mom and Dad today about the details of them coming home in January. So excited that they will be here for the birth and everything as long as Kalyn waits as long as she is supposed to. They are supposed to be here the 9th and then we have planned the baby shower for the 15th.
This Saturday starts the busy holiday season for us as we host Selah's 3rd Birthday Party, Sunday we have thanksgiving with the Macchiones, and then next week is crazy! I love this time of year!!!
26w 5d
11.15.2010
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 At our church we have been discussing vision. Today was a big day as we voted on starting a new building project... The nursery is going to be WAY better and we might even end up with a nursing mothers room - which of course I want:)
Now I'm sitting watching football, hoping to win my fantasy football league this week and Kalyn is jumping around and Tom actually finally got to see her move a couple of times. Nothing huge, just a couple of bumps around. Apparently she likes hot chocolate... definitely a girl in there!
26w 4d
11.14.2010
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 This week has been a great week for family time. Tom has off this past Thursday for Veteran's Day and we got to just relax together in the morning and spend time outside on a beautiful fall day. We've gotten to spend time with friends and just be together. Today we went to Kitchen Kettle and just moseyed around and it was wonderful.
I love the holidays and I am really excited to spend this last year with just Selah - this is the first year that she really gets it so its fun to just focus on her at this time.
Kalyn is making herself more known daily. At the day wears on she moves up higher on my belly and I can feel that she is getting heavier. Next week we will hit the third trimester... oh and we also have a definite day for the baby shower now - January 15th:) Mom and Dad will be home the 9th and I'm hoping that Jojo will be able to make it as well. Life is so good and God just seems to be blessing us over and over:)
26w 3d
11.13.2010
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 The last week of the 2nd trimester is in full swing. I can't believe how time seems to be flying by and standing still all at the same time.
Momentous happenings: Selah got to see Kalyn move last night! It was so exciting to share that with her and Tom actually has mentioned a couple of times wanting to which is a step up for him. Now he just needs to sit still for 2 min while Kalyn is moving to actually make that happen. Today I have felt pressure on the side of my stomach from Kalyn and I can tell that she is getting bigger each day. It's fun to feel her roll over or get an elbow out there. I love it!
Commercials for Christmas have already started which is unbelieveable since we are only at the beginning of November but either way I love this time of year. Can't wait to share it with Selah again this year as she is so much more grown up!
26w
11.10.2010
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Lately I have felt like just holing up at home and not leaving ever. It's been so nice the last few days not having to be going constantly. Today Selah and I have to head to the grocery store and I really should be leaving pretty much now so that we can get back before her naptime.
Selah has been taking great naps the last week or so which is encouraging. Kalyn had some slow days but she has started moving more again... she's definitely getting bigger as now sometimes I just feel pressure from her turning over and not just when she punches or kicks.
Had a good weekend with family this weekend although it was extremely awkward and times and dramatic. Found out from my parents 2 days ago that they are moving home at the very end of December and will be staying with us for awhile. SO happy about this as now I have my birth partner back with my mom and someone to watch Selah when we go to the hospital. Also my mom and hopefully my grandma as well will be able to come to my baby shower in January. So fun! Oh and I ordered Selah's birthday presents and they are supposed to arrive tomorrow... she's going to be so excited!
25w 6d
11.9.2010
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 This weekend my grandmother, brother, sister-in-law, and nephew will be here. We are celebrating my brother's 31st birthday. Recently my brother decided to leave his wife but strangely enough they are still friends. This will be the first time we have seen them since them so it promises to be an awkward trip to say the least.
Kalyn hasn't been kicking much this morning so I'm going to try to pay extra attention in the next couple of hours for movement to make sure everything is ok. Selah has been great this morning and all of a sudden is calling me "mom" instead of mommy... she's still too little to do that:( Hoping its just a phase. Not ready for her to grow up that much yet.
25w 1d
11.4.2010
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Well I am officially 5 days away from being at the 100-day mark. I remember being excited to break the 200-day mark and that was not that long ago. Kalyn is kiicking harder now. I still am suffering from heartburn most everyday. Selah is being really sweet about her baby sister and I can only hope that that will continue after she is born. I have a feeling that Selah is going to be a bossy big sister:) But I also think that she will be a big help. Kalyn is sitting heavier in my belly now which can sometimes make it painful to stand up or walk around. My belly being heavier is also starting to give me some back pain if I have to stand for long.
All in all though I am really enjoying this pregnancy. It's going well no real surprises this time like there was with Selah - first pregnancies are harder if you ask me cause you have no clue what to expect!
Had a long talk with Dad today on Skype and they might be moving back to the US. The situation for why they feel the need to move is not great but I can't help but be excited that they might end up in driving distance again:)
25w
11.3.2010
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 Ok so I've been eating like a pig lately and it has all tasted so good. My weight is going to pay for this extremely! Kalyn is kicking all over right now. Selah has been great today and I was productive this morning during and after staff meeting. Jojo comes this weekend for Christopher's birthday and it should be a good time.
I had a night out by myself last night which was much needed. I shopped a little, got taco bell for dinner, and saw a chic flic - too fun!
24w 6d
11.2.2010
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 Saturday night I finally saw Kalyn move from the outside. She always moves so low in my belly that I don't ever get to see it and whenever I put my hand where she is moving she immediately stops. It was so cool to watch her kick and punch... Love this part! I also felt her that same night (Today is Monday) for one kick right before I fell asleep and it brought a huge smile to my face. Now I just can't wait for Tom and Selah to be able to see her and feel her. Selah will love it and it will make her seem more real to Tom I think - at least thats how it was with Selah.
We had a successful Halloween party last night. Lots of good food and we played a couple of games. The Steelers were on and unfortunately they lost but otherwise is was a good time. Tom was the ultimate Steelers fan with fro and all and I was a baker with a bun in the oven... Selah was Minnie Mouse with some Steelers stickers like her daddy:)
Tonight I am getting a night to myself once Tom gets home from work... not sure what I'm going to do yet but Its going to be a few hours with NO responsibility and you can't beat that.
24w 5d
11.1.2010
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 Man our good friends such a treasure. I was having one of those days yesterday and my friend, Danna, really stepped up... let me vent and I ended up feeling alot better about it all. I have to do some work today which is not fun on a Saturday but it will get done. Tom is off at a men's retreat and won't be home til around 6ish so I have th afternoon to myself and Selah. We are going to go to Walmart and get the last stuff we need for the Halloween party tomorrow and I'm going to get some of the stuff for Selah's bda party... if nothing else, just the invitations!
Last night was chilly and Selah said to me as we were getting into the car, Mommy, hurry, I'm freezing my hair off out here, while holding her pigtails:) So cute. I also want to remember that she calls tornados - tomados:) Man, she makes me laugh! Kalyn is kicking away still and I'm enjoying every movement. She sits really heavy on my pelvic floor which hurts alot. I slept great last night cause Tom wasn't home and I was able to use the WHOLE bed:) Feeling good today... now off to take a shower while Selah finished watching Ice Age 3:)
24w 3d
10.30.2010
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 Last night we took Selah trick or treating and it was a lot of fun. Now that she is almost 3 things like this are getting to be a lot more fun cause she gets it. Although she still needed one of us to walk up to the door with her most times it was still fun to see fer get into it. She was Minnie Mouse and she was adorable... we took lots of good picture.
Kalyn has been kicking up a storm and that is always neat. Can't wait for Tom and Selah to be able to feel her. Tom actually mentioned 2 nights ago that he DOES want to feel her when she kicks hard enough which is exciting. He's getting into this pregnancy more now. So glad!
Selah is whiny today and kind of obstinate. I don't have much patience today so we will see how that goes since Tom leaves for his men's retreat tonight so it's just me and her. He's always gone lately. Argh!
24w 2d
10.29.2010
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 Yea, a milestone reached! We have entered viability. Yea! Kalyn has been kicking all morning to remind me that she's there... love that! Selah woke me up before 7am this morning which is not my favorite but because of that it will be a very productive day:) I ate terrible yesterday so I'm not even weighing myself today - we'll see what the scale says tomorrow after a good day of eating. I need to research the lab in my area for hours so that I can get in for my glucose test before my next appt. Really hoping to not have to do the 3 hour this time around. I also have to get my rhogam shot. I can't believe that we are this far along. Today I will have to get Tom to take my 24 weeks picture... so exciting. Heartburn galore this morning simply because I had poundcake for breakfast, ugh. I haven't slept well the past 2 nights and not totally sure why - last night I woke up a couple of times because my shoulder joints hurt. Interesting.
24w
10.27.2010
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I don't know why all of a sudden I got the song, happy trails to you, in my head. Hehe. Anyway, things are moving along here although this past week has felt long. Kalyn has been moving around alot today which is always a blessing. I am struggling to find some motivation today. Anyway, going to church volleyball game tonight. They are 0 and 6 so far, so we are definitely hoping for a win tonight. I am completely craving either KFC or Chick-Fil-A and may have to find a way to get one or the other tonight. I guess there is not much else for now.
23w 6d
10.26.2010
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 Well, we are just trucking along. Some days I feel like this pregnancy is flying by and other days (like today) I feel like it is completely dragging. I'm not in a super rush to have baby Kalyn here like I was with Selah as I understand more now the work and how life is going to change. In fact I am very much enjoying s little bit more freedom as Selah gets older. At the same time its exciting to have a little baby on the way...
Kalyn has not been as active over the weekend. Always makes me nervous but as long as I feel her every now and then I can keep the anxiety at bay. Heartburn is still an issue... now my lungs have been bothering me because of allergies and congestion. My hip has been killing me all weekend. Not to focus on the negative - its just one of those mornings when I have a really busy week ahead of me and lots of work to catch up on. Oh well, makes the time go by faster:)
23w 5d
10.25.2010
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 I have always been a list maker. I am one of those people that will write something on the list that they've already done simply so they can then cross it off. I'm sure its a disease:) Well yesterday I began a very basic list of what needs to happen between now and Kalyn's birth. There wasn't too much on it and it just felt good to get it down on paper so that I don't have to worry about my pregnancy brain forgetting it. This coming week is supposed to be busy so I am trying to figure out when I am going to get the decorations and presents I need for Selah's birthday in ONE month. My little girl is going to be 3 one month from today. Unbelieveable! This year is going to be so much fun because she actually gets what is going on and she has requested a Dora party. This will also be the first year that we have her friends over and not just family. We'll see how it goes...
23w 3d
10.23.2010
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I had my appt this morning and all went well. Let's see I weighed in at 5 lbs more than last time (which doesn't make sense to me as on my scale I only gained 1/2 lb. Think they measured wrong last time). My blood pressure was 124/75 which is great. Baby Kalyn's heartbeat was in the 140s and she was hanging out really low. Scheduled by glucose test for November and set up my 28 wk appt then we start in on the every 2 weeks appts. Also scheduled my rhogam shot and a few other blood tests that they do around this time. Fortunately, even though my doctor's office is about 45 minutes away, the lab is only 5 min away:) Next appt is on Selah's birthday - hope she enjoys hearing Kalyn's heartbeat!
23w 2d
10.22.2010
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So I took Selah to a music class for preschool age today and she really enjoyed it. She loves music. She was shy though as usual and had a couple of moments where she was stuck to my side. Once again she was the only girl that seems to happen alot with the people we hang out with. We just need Riley to get old enough to play with her and then of course Kalyn as well.
Kalyn is moving now that I write this which is good because I don't feel like she moved much yesterday. I love feeling her move and can't wait til I can feel it from the outside. What an amzing thing. Tomorrow is my doctor's appt and if I can just be good about my eating tonight it looks like I will have a good appt. I'm still not drinking water like I should but it gives me heartburn so I just hate to do it....
23w 1d
10.21.2010
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Yea for another week passed and healthily. I gained .6 lbs this week which is OK but I'm really trying to keep it under a 1/2 lb gained each week for my weight. Friday I have my next appt so at least for that I should be ok. Selah has recently been really sweet by hugging and kissing my belly randomly. I can't wait for Kalyn to start kicking hard enough that Selah can see and feel it. She is going to love that! Kalyn is still moving consistently and it is getting a little harder now. I haven't felt it from the outside yet but I get the feeling that that has to do with the fact that I just haven't had my hand in the right place at the right time.
This week has been a productive one and I feel good about everything I have been accomplishing. I have even started getting back on the treadmill. Still having trouble with getting anywhere close to the amount of water that I am supposed to have... better start working on that before Friday:)
23w
10.20.2010
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These past 2 weeks have been a struggle in the weight gain area. I have been trying really hard recently to slow the gain down and I was doing pretty well. I have an appt this Friday and would like for it to be a good appt. Of course, right now I'm so hungry and just want to snack away so I am trying to stay busy and away from the kitchen. I just want a good weekly weigh in tomorrow.
Kalyn is still moving around and the kicks are getting a little stronger. Still haven't felt her from the outside but I don't think that that is too far away. Selah is being great today and I have no complaints with my life:)
22w 6d
10.19.2010
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Selah is doing great most of the time. She's been doing great on the potty and sleeping in her big bed. She doesn't nap so well but I think thats because it's too light in her room... thinking about taping black contruction paper over her windows til we can afford window treatments... She recently got almost like diaper rash down there and not sure why - can't think of anything that has changed... since that happened she's wet herself a couple of times which is annoying but we are working on it. Mom mentioned that it might be a urinary tract infection but I'm not sure how I would be able to figure that out. Trying to decide what to do for her 3rd birthday party this year... still working on that.
Kalyn is doing great as far as I can tell. I have been able to curb the weight gain the last 2 months and I have an appt on Friday (23 weeks) then in November I will have an appt to start off my third trimester which means appts go to every 2 weeks... going to schedule it on Selah's birthday and Tom is going to go with us so that Selah can hear Kalyn's heartbeat. Then we are going to take her to the touch-and-see museum in Lancaster. Anyway, back to Kalyn. She is moving around now and I get to feel her multiple times a day, Still not strong enough to see or feel from the outside. Selah told me that she had a dream last night that I had the baby and let her hold her and that she was a good big sister:) Warmth to my heart!
22w 5d
10.18.2010
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Well I learned two things this evening. Selah LOVES to rollar skate and I miss it:) It's been years since I have skated and tonight I didn't skate due to being pregnant and being the only one there with Selah but it looked like so much fun. I also am no considering having Selah's 3rd birthday party be a skating party but I have to research the cost of all that - I think it would be a lot of fun with the family and friends though.
Also I have a cold and it is all stuffed up in my head. Tom went to the Steelers game today so I've had to do church and party all by myself with Selah. Super grateful that I am not normally a single mom. I am exhausted and my head hurts. Selah cried the whole way home from skating because she didn't want to leave... Now we are watching backyardigans and she is relaxing too because she's not feeling well either.
I felt Kalyn alot today - especially through church - so neat!
22w 4d
10.17.2010
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Well this weekend should be a busy one. All 3 of us are going to Samuel's birthday party tonight as he turns 3. Tomorrow Tom is going to the Steelers Game with his brother and Selah and I are going to another birthday party except this one if for a lady in our church who is turning 50. We are going to a roller rink and I am not excited about being hunched over helping Selah TRY to skate for hours. Hoping a couple of my non-pregnant friends will take a turn:)
I am struggling with my weight between this week and last. I was doing so good but now all of a sudden I am hungry again. I know that that means Kalyn is probably growing which is always a good thing but I wish she would just grow from what I already have so I don't have to gain an excessive amount of weight. Doctor's appt next Friday and hoping for more good news. Heartburn is still annoyingly there and I am definitely a bit tired which could just be from the busy schedule we have been (and probably will continue to be) keeping.
22w 3d
10.16.2010
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 So I have asthma - have had it all my life but it really set in around puberty. I have been on a twice daily inhaler since I was around 12 and I am completely used to it. Today I had my regular drs appt to make sure the inhaler is doing its job and it is. My blood pressure was 114/68 and I weighed in at 209 (ouch - their scale must be off:).
Symptoms right now with Kalyn revolve mostly around heartburn and having trouble sleeping at night cause my hips are starting to hurt. I did look up how I felt this time last pregnancy and I was tired then as well so thats not unusual for me. This weekend is going to be busy so I'm sure I'll be wrecked by Monday!
22w 2d
10.15.2010
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Today has been better but I have definitely been struggling to find my energy this past week or so. I don't know if I was this tired with Selah and I was working full time. Life is getting busier but Tom and I did sit down and discuss what the next few months are going to look like for us.
Plus Danna said that she would host a shower for me in January which takes some pressure off and allows me a "Celebrate Kalyn" party which I wanted. Today Selah and I are getting caught up around the house and I am going to try to get Kalyn's clothes hung up and get both Selah's and Kalyn's letters sanded so that Tom can hang them for me - possibly over the weekend.
22w 1d
10.14.2010
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Now that I am feeling Kalyn move more consistently I am just figuring out how far along I truly am. Next month I'll be moving into the LAST trimester. Pregnancies sure do go faster after you've done it once and have a little one to chase around.
I really need to buckle down and decide what I want to do for Selah's birthday next month. Plus we are hoping to throw a Halloween party at the end of this month and a Christmas party in December. What am I thinking?!? Time to make some calls and get some help I think.
Going to walmart today to pick up some of the baby essentials (orajel, infant tylenol, etc). Feel like I am getting more prepared. Even though I've already done this once I really need to look at a checklist to make sure I'm not behind on anything major!
22w
10.13.2010
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I'm very excited to report that I can feel Kalyn pretty much daily now... her kicks are getting strong enough that I don't even have to be paying specific attention to feel them. So excited to have that daily reminder.
On the other hand, Kalyn is big enough also to be giving me a bad case of heartburn. If my first pregnancy is followed then I will be dealing with this for the rest of the time and Tums will have to be permanently with me. Man, those are a miracle drug!
Tonight is the first game for our church volleyball league. Although I am not playing this year due to the pregnancy, i still look forward to going to watch and hope we come out with a win. Also hoping that Selah takes a good nap beforehand... is that too much to ask? Probably!
21w 6d
10.12.2010
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Heartburn has reared its ugly head and I don't think that it is going anywhere. Boo! Otherwise I am still feeling Kalyn move at least once or twice a day and it is amazing. I'm still sleeping pretty good at night although with some wierd dreams. I am craving TJ Rockwells so I might try to convince Tom that we need to go there tonight or at least pick some up:)
Well, time for some Tums!
21w 3d
10.9.2010
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Not me, at least not this time... Selah is SO whiny this morning. I'm tired and its making things worse for both of us. We will survive the morning... we will! Kalyn has been giving me some definite movement the last 3 days and it has been so neat to begin feeling her so definitely. It's really helped my worries to be relieved.
I bought some new maternity clothes recently online and I can't wait for them to come in the mail plus I got Kalyn's baby book. I bought the Anne Geddes one (First Five Years - got one for Selah when she was born as well) - it is my favorite and I cannot wait to look through the new one.
Today I need to buckle down and get some work done along with some catchup housework. Plus I really need to make my Broccolli Chicken alfredo cause I keep putting it off but I need to get it done before the chicken goes bad. Now if Selah and I can stop being so whiny at the same time maybe I will actually be productive today.... maybe:)
21w 2d
10.8.2010
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 Over the hump - only 19 weeks to go. Whoo hoo! Today I even felt Kalyn move quite a bit and it was for sure her moving around - so excited! Its been a crazy busy week and its not going to calm down anytime soon so I better just get on bored and get used to it as The rest of October, all the way through January look like that. Should make the time fly by!
I'm in process of deciding whether or not to have a kid birthday party for Selah this year. In the past we have just done a big family one but I'm wondering if she is old enough to enjoy having her own friends over now.... hmmm... her birthday is so close to thanksgiving that it makes timing one a little tough. Better get my act together and think it through!
Heartburn has kicked it up a notch and I am definitely noticing it more often. Water makes it worse just like it did with Selah which makes it tough to get in the water that I am supposed to be drinking....
21w
10.6.2010
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 Or Apple Bestibal as Selah calls it. We went this past weekend and we are going again next weekend, It's so fun and the food is so good. I am amazed at how many things you can put apple into and it seems to only improve them:)
In other news... Selah has officially and successfully slept in her big bed in her Big Girl Room for the past 3 nights and is doing great. Naptime is another story but I'm hoping that as she gets used to the room that she'll get back to taking good naps. Otherwise we might be looking at a more permanent early bedtime... thats not a terrible thing either.
I'm feeling Kalyn a tiny bit more often but still not consistently. I'm really looking forward to the bigger movements as it gives me a bit of peace of mind that everything is ok. Heartburn is starting to become more consistent but still not as bad as I remember it with Selah.
20w 4d
10.4.2010
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 Well today is the day that Selah moves into her new room. I spent all morning getting her clothes switched over (including sending out the summer stuff and bringing in the fall/winter stuff) and it's amazing the stuff that I found in her dresser. Good stuff! Anyway, now its naptime and she is upstairs playing in her room. It's ok with me because she is staying in there and keeping out of trouble but I am just wondering if the afternoon naptime will now be over after this move. Hoping that is not the case.
Still hoping to feel some more movement from Kalyn soon and working hard on her personlized cross-stitch. Still need to paint both of their name letters and get them sanded and hung up. Well off to let Selah out of her room and possibly even take a shower:)
20w 1d
10.1.2010
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 Officially halfway there... whew! Long way to go but it definitely feels good to make it to this point. Lots to do in the next 20 or less weeks and I am feeling the pressure. Nesting has set in along with a deep desire to get in all the cuddle time I can with Selah since soon she will have to share me with Kalyn and I will have to share her with Kalyn. I'm very excited about Kalyn coming but I am a bit sad about losing some of this precious time I get with just Selah right now. I'm also worried a bit about my work from home and still being able to get it all done. I really need to get my replacement set up for the 6-8 weeks after her birth so that I won't be stressing about that stuff as well.
Right now the plan is that my parents will come home from Africa for the week before the due date and will stay almost 4 weeks with us. That could be an amazing time or I could be extremely annoyed simply cause I will be sleep-deprived and post-partum emotional. We shall see.
20w
9.29.2010
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The heartburn is back. I forgot how much it also affects my asthma for some reason in making it worse and coughing is hard because my gag reflex is on hyperdrive. Definitely an UNfun part of pregnancy.
However, I am loving being pregnant and cannot wait to meet little Kalyn. We move Selah into her big room in 3 days and I am super worried about how that transition is going to go but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
19w 6d
9.28.2010
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 Well this week is starting off really well. I've already been really productive this morning and I'm hoping to have no trouble getting my work done plus the extra "baby" stuff done that I would like to do. Yesterday I was able to get the letters for Kalyn's nursery and her cross-stitch like I did for Selah I am going to try really hard to do as much for Kalyn as I did for Selah whenever possible. We'll see if I can keep that up.
I feel great this morning because I got a great night's sleep and Selah has been realxing this morning so I've been able to get a lot done. She has not had a tinkle accident in 8 days and I am thrilled. She even goes on the potty all by herself now. #2 is still a bit of an issue but I'm sure she'll get it!
19w 5d
9.27.2010
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So I can honestly say that there really is a difference between 2nd trimester and the 1st trimester once you get into it really well. I'm now into my 19th week and I am back to being able to stay up normally most nights (although last night was an early one) and I'm feeling good... no nauseousness although occasionally a bad taste in my mouth that a piece of watermelon gum fixes:)
My emotions have been more even keel ever since last weekend when I felt like I was going to explode. I'm still struggling with motivation for work and cleaning but now its because I have things I would rather be doing instead of just not being able to get myself to do them.
I also love knowing I'm having another little girl cause it makes it easy to prepare for her in a lot of ways. We are busy moving Selah out of her old room and she is going to be in her big girl bed next weekend. Praying that that transition goes smoothly even if it takes a few days to get into it. Once Selah is moved I can start washing the newborn and 0-3 month clothes again and setting up her room... very exciting!
19w 4d
9.26.2010
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Well this weekend looks like it is going to be relatively relaxed so I am hoping that we will be able to work a little more on Selah's new room. Unfortunately Tom's mom had to have emergency eye surgery yesterday due to a detached retina so now we can't celebrate their 40th Wedding Anniversary tomorrow - the good side is that maybe we will get more done at home.
Our home has definitely been suffering since we got pregnant... life got busier and I got more tired. I'm started to get my energy back more and I'm sleeping much better at night as Kalyn has now moved up a little and off of my bladder. The joys of the second trimester have definitely arrived!
19w 3d
9.25.2010
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 I woke up this morning and had to take a moment to remember that we are having another little girl. So excited to go through this again. Looking forward to more significant kicking and to holding my little girl in my arms. Also really looking forward to seeing Selah interact with Kalyn as she seems to be very mothering. I'm having moments of fear about how all of this is going to work out but I know that it will be just a couple of weeks til it feels like the norm.
19w 2d
9.24.2010
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 Selah will have a baby sister in February. What an exciting and relief-filled day! The ultrasound went great. Baby Kalyn is healthy in all areas. She is measuring about 6 days behind which is no surprise. The due date remains the same. The doctor appt following the ultrasound also went well as I have only gained 1 lb in the last 4 weeks (Praise the Lord) and Kalyn's heart rate is a healthy 146 bpm. My blood pressure was 120/80 and I weighed in at 204. I had Dr. Stenman and he was AWFUL! Not mean or anything but extremely uncomfortable. I will definitely be avoiding appointments with him in the future.
After the appts Tom and I went to Babies R Us and found a cute "Little sister" onesie for Kalyn and then we went to Park City and got a take-home outfit and got Starbucks and called everyone in the family to let them know about Kalyn. Everybody except for jojo and Hailey have guessed that it is a boy but a girl it is!
Well need to go cause Selah is crying from her bed that she needs to go tinkle:)
19w 1d
9.23.2010
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 Selah went #2 on the potty today completely by herself and she has been taking herself to the potty to tinkle on and off all morning. I've barely even had to mention it. I do realize that that does not mean that my potty training struggles are over with but it has been so encouraging to me today!
Tomorrow is the big day... Can't wait to see the baby and make sure everything is ok and find out what we are having. Feeling good today and may or may not have been feeling a few flutters the last few days. Gonna keep paying attention.
19w
9.22.2010
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Today has been so much better than yesterday. My emotions seems to be giving me a break... which is probably tied into all my friends praying for me:) Selah has done well today. I seem to have a bit more motivation and to be getting a handle on things. Maybe if I stop feeling so far behind on everything it will be better.
Only 2 days until the big ultrasound. I'm feeling great and am really ready to see my healthy baby. Still no movement and I just don't feel pregnant right now so I'm ready for some reassurance. Plus we get to find out what we are having - Whoo hoo! Tom even might be able to take the whole day off for it so that we can just enjoy the good news.
18w 6d
9.21.2010
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Well the countdown is getting closer - we are only 3 days away from finding out if this baby is a boy or a girl. Right now I'm not sure if I am ready for either... I feel like I have been on the verge of flipping out recently... I'm tired of feeling out of control. I pray that the ultrasound goes well and that very soon I get control of my emotions cause this rollar coaster is making me sick!
Tom's gone tonight in Philly for business and the rest of the week is going to be so busy but somehow I've got to still get Selah to go on the potty and not have accidents - for such a small thing it is overwhelming at times.
18w 5d
9.20.2010
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I hate feeling like this. Like I am so annoyed at Tom for no really good reason. Stuff that normally doesn't bother me is on my nerves. Anyway, its been a pretty good Saturday and I am really excited that Tom and I are going to go over names for this new little one so that when we go in for our ultrasound next week we will be able to walk out of the room with only a couple of names to settle between. I'm a little worried about the process, expecially if Tom and I are on different pages today already. I get annoyed sometimes that church work seems to butt in on any of our family time that we get and that it is VERY rare for Selah or I to have any kind of extended uninterrupted family time with him. Trying to be ok with that and normally it doesn't get too on my nerves but today I'm bothered. I just need to get over it and stop being so selfish.
We introduced Selah to her new room today and are going to start talking about it more as we get it ready. Not too much to do but still somethings definitely need to happen for it to be ready. I want her in there in a month or so so we have to get on it. Just need Tom to feel a little bit of that urgency as well:)
18w 3d
9.18.2010
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One thing I have completely struggled with this pregnancy is having motivation. I look at what has to get done each day and it overwhelms me so easily even when I really don't have much to do. Today for instance is a pretty simple day, I have a load of laundry to do, about 1/2 hour of treasurer work for the church, some pictures to scan for Tom's parents anniversary, need to clean our master bathroom, and make dinner... then tonight we are going to see my niece and nephew play soccer... and yet I don't want to do any of it. I would rather sit on the couch watching WonderPets with Selah:)
Still waiting to feel some movement. The movement I thought I felt around 16 weeks must have been gas bubbles. Oh well, only 6 days until our ultrasound. Still have no boy names....
18w 2d
9.17.2010
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I completely agree with a post recently that besides the due date/birth that the gender ultrasound has got to be the most exciting part during pregnancy. Obviously the day we found out we were pregnant was huge (although accompanied by worries) and when i get to feel the first obvious movements of the baby will be exciting but alot hinges on how our minds view this pregnancy after we find out what we are having. Names, decorations, future hopes and dreams... its all very exciting.
I am sleeping better and Selah has had no accidents this morning (praise the Lord!) and I even got almost all my work done for the church yesterday so I don't have much to do today as far as that goes. I still need to do some cleaning and I thought about all 3 of us going grocery shopping tonight... we'll see:) It's dad's 53rd birthday today so Selah and I talked to him earlier on Skype and all is well although pretty low-key. Can't believe that it is only 1 week until our ultrasound - whoo hoo!
18w 1d
9.16.2010
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Ok, Selah totally had potty training except for the occasional pooping accident completely down about 2 days ago and then the past 2 days have been a complete bust with her consistently wetting herself. I am completely frustrated. It was fine when we were understanding it but now she was getting it and she's already reverting... argh!
The only other thing is that I have 8 days til my ultrasound and I am really looking forward to it cause I am still not feeling baby with any kind of regularity and it would calm some fears for me.
18w
9.15.2010
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 I feel like I should be getting good at this pregnancy thing and all but what I have learned is that I worry alot about this baby. I'm so afraid that each time I go to the doctor they are going to give me bad news. I'm really thinking about renting a doppler for peace of mind. I may convince Tom to do that after our next appointment as long as everything goes well since we will be down around a Babies R Us. My ultrasound is in 9 days and I am thrilled. Really praying that all goes well. Very excited about finding out what we are having.
As for what my body is going through now? I am sleeping a lot better the past couple of days as the baby most have lifted off my bladder for a short time. Also my hip pain has lessened and I am hopeful that I won't have to deal again wtih that for a little while. My energy is better as well. All in all the joys of the second trimester have arrived. My only complaint would have to be my lower back which has ached off and on since around 12 weeks. Really looking forward to feeling the baby move a lot more in the coming weeks. Trying to be patient.
In other news: Selah's potty training is going very well besides have a few lapses this morning she has been basically dry even through naptimes for about a week now. We are still struggling with the pooping side of things and she seems to fear that a bit or just not want to take the time to sit on the potty for more than 2 seconds. Still I am thrilled with how well it has gone and I am hopeful that she will be in a big bed in just a couple of months!
17w 6d
9.14.2010
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Potty training has been going fabulously... I am so excited by how far we've come with Selah in the last week and a half. She has not had a tinkle accident in a week and she even stayed dry during her naptime yesterday. Not sure how to help her with going poop on the potty though... she just doesn't seem to want to wait til it is taken care of so we are still working on that. Soon we will be moving her into a big bed.
I'm not sleeping so well because of major hip pain. Hoping to find something that will help. I have a great pregnancy pillow but it's going to be a long 23 weeks if I can't sleep even this early on.
17w 1d
9.9.2010
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Yea so much closer to being halfway there... hard to believe. In some ways I can't believe how for along I am already although in others I can't believe that I still have 23 weeks to go. The past few nights I have had a lot of hip pain and had to turn over alot which has made sleeping even harder than it was with all the pee breaks... Other than that I feel like I'm getting to feel the baby move more often which is always exciting. Looking forward to the coming weeks. A lot of exciting stuff happens around this time with being able to feel the baby more and then in 15 days getting to see the baby at the ultrasound plus the benefit of showing more which is always fun.
17w
9.8.2010
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Some days I think, WOW, I can't believe that I am this far along and others I think, WOAH, I can't believe I have that far to go. I am so grateful to even be pregnant but even more than that to get to experience pregnancy - it is often painful, annoying, and even embarassing at times but man is it cool to get to be a part of God's amazing process for babies coming into the world! Every now and then I get to feel a little nudge from our baby and I get so excited cause you only get to go through this so few times in your life and you will talk about it for the rest of your life. Pregnancy and Delivery, I realized, have become a badge of honor among mothers and everyone has to compare their experience:)
I am feeling good today... I have a bit more energy, a little bit of mild cramping but nothing serious - just feels like the baby is sitting low. My boobs are a bit tender but not too bad. Counting days until the ultrasound now:)
16w 6d
9.7.2010
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My house got clean this morning. The laundry is almost done. I feel like my brain is less cluttered as I cleared off my desk and Selah has had an almost completely accident free weekend - amazing! I am a blessed woman! Haven't felt the baby move again in almost a week but I guess that is completely normal. Our ultrasound is coming up in 17 days and I'm excited that Tom will get to be there for the first time this pregnancy. The new name that I like for a girl is Mykah Lynn... I guess we will see. Tom's not completely sold yet. I don't think we will buckle down on any names until after we find out what we are having. Can't wait:)
16w 5d
9.6.2010
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 Man, coming back from vacation really put me in a funk. 3 weeks is too long to be out of a routine. Anyway, I'm getting there. These past few weeks have had their ups and downs with this pregnancy. One down is that heartburn is starting to become a nightly occurence... up is that one tums will fix it. Another down is that I am still tired all of the time. I don't know what to do to fix it. At first I thought I was just trying to catch up from a very busy August but it looks like I might just end up fatigued this whole pregnancy. At least I am a stay at home mom this time around. An up is that I am starting to show a bit more so I am looking a little less fat and a little more pregnant which is a bonus. An up and down is that my appetite is being very wierd... I can't stand chips (which I loved with my first pregnancy) but I love cheese (which doesn't love me so much). I haven't gained any weight in the past couple of weeks (yea!) but over all I've already gained 12 lbs (boo!)
In other news, Selah is essentially potty trained. I still have to keep on her but she's starting to recognize when she needs to go and she has had very few accidents in the last 3 days (and we only started 6 days ago). She's still in diapers for naps and bedtime but at least we are making progress. She's getting it!
16w 3d
9.4.2010
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I didn't know when it would happen or how long I would have to wait but there was for sure no doubt about it movement last night. For about 20 min I got to actually watch the baby move as it kicked my side and created butterfly movements in my lower abdomen. Selah put her hand on my belly and the baby kicked her hand... She didn't know what was going on but it was absolutely amazing anyway:) Unfortunately for as amazing as my husband is most of the time sometimes he can be incredibly thick skulled. He came home from work and I very excitedly told him that I felt and SAW the baby move today and he just made a grossed out face. He is one of those guys that easily faints at the sight of blood and for some reason the idea of the baby moving inside of me really grosses him out - no matter what an amazing thing it is. Man, did I want to punch him in that moment:) Oh well, I am thrilled and so is Selah. She had me putting my hand over hers as she ate mac n cheese and telling me that we could feel the mac n cheese in her belly:) Other funny things that Selah said yesterday.... She went to work with me and I was in a staff meeting and it was past lunch time and I told her when the meeting was over we would go to McD's.... she asked me who turned the meeting on:)
In other news... we started the potty training process on Monday and it is going just ok. She has gone on the potty 2 times and she has gone everywhere else 4 times... can't wait to get this going better. She does love wearing her Dora underwear though:)
16w
9.1.2010
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 I am such a fan of going out to eat... How could you not be??? No food prep or clean up, a wide range of choices, and a night out of the house. Of course my husband likes home-cooked meals but I have convinced him that we NEED to go out tonight:) We've eaten out a lot lately with company being here and I absolutely love it! Today has been a slow somewhat boring day. Nothing to do! Cleaning is done, ready for my parents to come back to our house:) Selah was a lot better today and hopefully thats how it will be when all is said and done in 2 weeks when we don't have constant company anymore. She struggled all morning yesterday with pitching fits and throwing tantrums. She definitely works better on a schedule... as do I:) I am feeling even better today. The bad taste in my mouth seems to get less everyday. I'm still struggling for energy but I have it when I need it. My boobs are stil sore and I am definitely peeing a lot more. I used to be able to sleep through the night but not anymore. I even had hip pain the other night which I am hoping will stay away for awhile longer!
12w 3d
8.7.2010
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 Well I am a couple of days past 12 weeks already and I have been having a wonderful time with my parents. We have done a crazy amount of shopping and eating out (as my weight gain shows), we have played games, but most of all I have gotten the joy of watching Selah fall in love with her grandparents yet again. Amazing! They are visiting their old church friends this weekend which is kind of good cause it means that I am getting some much needed rest as they are wearing Selah and I out:) But its sad cause I am missing out on 4 days of them being in the States. I guess even when you are an adult sharing does not come easily:) I am feeling better and better each day. I still struggle with a gross taste in my mouth so I have been chewing a LOT of gum. I'm still tired, my boobs are still sore... but the next 2 weeks are going to fly by and then I'll only be a week away from my 15 week appt. I wonder if my whole pregnancy is going to go by this fast? I also found out that my parents are going to come back for 4 weeks in February. They are going to come in a week before my due date so I have that to look forward to as well. I hope that this little one will come in that first week so that my mom can be with me for the delivery again (along with my husband who passes out easily:) and they will still get 3 weeks with the new baby. What's sad is that then it will be a year before they see him/her again besides on the computer.
12w 2d
8.6.2010
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My parents will be here tonight around 8pm. All is well with baby and I am feeling better and better each day I get closer to the 2nd trimester. I have crazy dreams every night, I'm still fatigued, my boobs are not nearly as sore, and my nausea is almost all gone unless I get really hungry (like right now:) I have to make a trip to Walmart this morning and somehow basically find a way to waste the day. I have about a half hour of work to do and I have Design Star recorded on my DVR for while Selah naps. I guess I'm just going to have to curl up with a good book. We've been counting down with Selah for when Grandaddy and Nonny are to arrive but I haven't mentioned it today cause she'll get too excited to take a nap. When she wakes up though we'll tell her that they will be here tonight!
11w 5d
8.2.2010
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So my parents are finally going to be here tomorrow for 19 days! I can't believe. I am so excited and tired just thinking about it. I'm so glad that my nausea is all but gone cause its going to be a busy few weeks. I can't wait to see Selah interact with them since its been a year since they last hung out. We talk on Skype but it will never be the same. I don't know how I am going to fill my time from now until then - nap? We have to visit the in-laws tonight which will take up most of the evening but then tomorrow I have gotten everything ready so I will have to wait ALL day to see them. Going to make a trip to Walmart in the morning to do some last minute grocery prep but then what! Ahhh I can't believe its so close:)
11w 4d
8.1.2010
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 Today I can say that I have been happily married to my husband for 6 years. I can't believe all that has changed in our lives in that amount of time. I feel truly blessed at all that we have been able to accomplish, for the daughter we so enjoy, to be pregnant with another, to have a beautiful home that we have worked very hard on, and to have wonderful friends whom we both enjoy. What a blessed life I lead. Tonight we will be going to dinner and just enjoying some childless time while Selah goes to play at the Keiths. We'll see how that goes. She knows that life is changing and seems to be a lot more clingy to me (kindof like my cat:) Between the 2 of them I am rarely alone! I am feeling great today. A little fatigued but I got a good nights rest last night so not too bad. My parents will be here in 2 days and I can't wait. What a great weekend!
11w 3d
7.31.2010
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 Man, I am still so tired and yet the house still needs cleaned, grocery shopping still has to be done, and Selah still has to be taken care of. To find the energy and willingness to do all of that is not easy to do and yet the next 3 days I have really got to get my act together. I am absolutely thrilled that my parents will be here on Monday (for 3 weeks) but I need to vacuum, do laundry, clean bathrooms, hang some pictures, caulk the new bathtub (that will be on the honey-do list), go through Selah's toys and organize them, clean the kitchen, have our anniversary tomorrow, hang out with in-laws on Sunday night, give Selah baths-food-and time, and somehow still find time to sleep. Better get going.
But first, I feel pretty good today besides wanting to go back to sleep. No nauseousness at the moment and baby is healthy and happy. Now I better get moving!
11w 2d
7.30.2010
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 Well the first real appt and all that goes with it is over and I am extremely happy with how it all went. I feel relaxed for the first time in the past couple of weeks as this ultrasound as loomed over my head. Everything went well. Baby is healthy, happy, and active. Heartbeat was a healthy 162 bpm. The tech told me that the egg came from my right ovary which I thought was interesting. I'm measuring a llittle ahead of where I thought which is even better. They described the nuchal translucency test to me and I have a little bit of time to figure out if we are going to do it. Tom and I both know that it won't change at all how we feel about our baby so he's kinda against it but I want the chance at another ultrasound in just a couple of weeks. One that my mom would even be able to go to with me! He's going to call insurance because if its not covered we won't even consider it. My blood pressure was 124/78 and my weight was 195.0 (ewww). Anyway, SOOOOO excited!
11w 1d
7.29.2010
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I cannot wait (even though I have to). I feel like a child the night before Christmas. Tomorrow is my first ultrasound. I am as nervous as can be but at the same time I wish it was already tomorrow morning. I cannot wait! One thing I can wait for is whatever the doctor has to say about my 5 lb weight gain in the last 4 weeks. Pretty sure I am going to have to find a way to make that slow down. Still hoping for twins although I know that my chances aren't great. I should know tomorrow morning! Whoo hoo! Also praying like crazy that all is well.
This morning was rough as Selah decided to wake up far to early and then I had errands to run. I still have work to do and a house to dust but I am procrastinating just a bit longer. We bought a new tv for our basement yesterday and it will be installed tomorrow. I'm worrying a little about the expenses we've been cashing in in the last month and trying my best to be frugle but McDonalds keeps calling to me (money troubles and weight troubles solved!)
11w
7.28.2010
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