AMESSER1179's SparkPeople Blog

3 1/2 months

Sun, 7 Apr 2013 13:28:27 EST

We started giving Ricky rice cereal, then switched to oatmeal since everyone kept saying the rice constipates them. Ricky only goes every other day anyway. Originally, we were giving it to him in his bottle, but it was too thick and he didn't barely eat any, so we bought a bowl and spoon. He tries to suck if off the spoon, but he's taking it okay. I think it will take some practice before he gets it down. So far, he's at about 1tbs mixed with formula in a bowl and followed by a 4- 5oz of form...

3-months

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 08:28:31 EST

Really, Ricky is 11 1/2 weeks, but close enough.
He's been holding his head up and smiling since 2-weeks
rolled over for the first time at 1 month and has been doing it at least 1x/time during tummy time since 10 weeks
started cooing at 5 weeks
laughing at 7 weeks
teething at 11 weeks
3 months clothes are getting really snug on him, but I guess 3-6 months are a little longer, so they fit OK.

Jason is really good at getting him to crack up. I can do the...

2-months

Mon, 4 Mar 2013 19:43:50 EST

Ricky had his 2-month check-up today, which also meant three shots, poor guy! He had two shots at his one-month appointment.
At one-month he was 11lbs 10oz and 22 1/2 in.
At two-months he was 12lbs 14oz and 23 3/4 in.
He's "talking"- cooing all the time now and he makes a howling sound and another sound that I would describe as the sound you hear on a TV channel you can't get good reception on, like static.
He started laughing at 7 weeks and I also cut his nails for the...

1 month

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:54:56 EST

I can't believe my son is already a month old (and on my MIL b-day)! I'm happy to see him grow/change everyday, but I want to keep him small.
Ricky rolled over for the first time on Friday, January 25, which is the same day he started taking 4oz. He was just taking 3oz a week ago, so I guess he's going through another growth spurt. He slept six hours (from midnight until 6m) on Saturday, January 26 and five hours (12am-5am) on Sunday, January 27. I hope that pattern continues because I ...

3 weeks and counting...

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:31:30 EST

I can't believe my baby is already three weeks old/ going on four weeks on MIL's bday (Sunday).
Ricky started eating 3oz on Thursday, January 17 (2 weeks 4 days old) and also officially outgrew his newborn clothes the same day (length wise). I can see changes in him daily- he's filling out and looking more like a baby vs. newborn.
He's holding his head up somewhat already and works on turning it side to side during tummy time. He only tolerates tummy time for about 5 minutes thou...

Changes already at 13 days

Sat, 12 Jan 2013 16:26:39 EST

Ricky is 13 days old today and his umbilical cord fell off! He's growing like a weed. He eats every 2-3 hours during the day and every 3-4 hours at night. He went from breastmilk to Similac and now to Walmart Brand formula, which his system doesn't seem to agree with. He spits up more easily now, is more gassy, doesn't poo as frequently and just generally seems uncomfortable. Now, we're going to try gas drops and switch to the sensitive/lactose free formula and see if that helps- poor baby! ...

Pregnancy Weight Loss

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 18:11:39 EST

When I came home from the hospital- I weighed myself and I lost 10lbs
At 11 days post pregnancy- I lost 25lbs. I still have 10lbs to get down to my pre-pregnancy weight, which isn't too bad. I have a long way to go to get down to my goal weight (my high school weight at least 140). I'm going to give myself until June to lose the weight and It'll help too when I'm able to start working out. I really have to work on my stomach too because the skin is so loose now.

Ricky's first doctors appointment

Tue, 8 Jan 2013 21:28:35 EST

We had our first doctors appointment with the pediatrician today and Ricky was so well behaved- surprisingly. He cries when he doesn't have clothes on, but not at the doctors today, he cooed and was being so cute. Doctor said he's average weight (back up to his birth weight), average head circumference and a little above average for his length at 21" (he grew 1/4" in 9 days)! He goes back in one month to have shots- poor baby, I'm sure he won't be so happy then. Jason and I are so happy/proud...

DH says this is it...

Tue, 8 Jan 2013 21:23:50 EST

Now that our baby is nine days old, the newborn phase is really wearing on both of us, especially since we're both home to deal with it. While, it's nice to tag team, DH says he's not doing this again.
After two losses and having such a by the book pregnancy, uncomplicated labor/delivery, and healthy baby, I feel truly blessed. However, I always saw myself with four kids, but DH always wanted two, so we settled on three. After experiencing pregnancy and to labor/delivery with a healt...

Decided to stop pumping cold turkey

Mon, 7 Jan 2013 12:36:41 EST

I fed the baby and then pumped, but he got really fussy, so I had to stop pumping to soothe him. All he wanted is to be held, which it was impossible to pump with me holding him. He comes first! While, I wanted to be able to provide the best nourishment for him, his contentment is more important to me. I had 12oz of breastmilk pumped from yesterday, so we continued to feed him that the rest of the night and began formula this morning. I started crying while holding him yesterday out of guilt ...

One week postpartum

Sun, 6 Jan 2013 15:54:21 EST

I'm down 16lbs from the 35lb weight gain. I hope I can lose most of the baby weight by my postpartum check up, which may be a pipe dream, but with pumping hopefully it'll help. My stomach went down significantly- that was the only area I gained weight in, but my stomach is really squishy. The stretch marks aren't as bad now that my stomach is not so stretched. I'm wearing a girdle, so hopefully that helps pull things in better until I can start working out. My boobs grew 3 cup sizes during pr...

breastfeeding woes...

Sat, 5 Jan 2013 20:41:22 EST

For the first three days, I fed Ricky directly from my breast. But called the doctor when I felt he wasn't making enough dirty diapers (pee/poo), so they suggested pumping and supplementing with formula. I am pumping every 2 hours and feeding the baby 2 1/2-3 hours, but he eats 2-3oz at a time and I am only pumping 2oz at a time. I am so worried that I won't have enough production to feed him. Not to mention the whole ordeal of trying to feed him in public... do I bring a bottle of breastmilk...

Adjusting to parenthood

Fri, 4 Jan 2013 16:29:27 EST

It's only day five and everything is going well. I couldn't do what I'm doing without the help/support from Jason. I'm so happy/blessed that he's able to be home with me while I am on maternity leave. I don't plan to go back to work- there's no way I could and still do each job to my full capacity. We are feeding every 3 hours. We feed him 1oz, then change him and swaddle him, then feed him another 1oz. He's then pretty much out.Then, I pump for the next 20-30 minutes and sterilize. He gets ...

My birth story.... Richard

Thu, 3 Jan 2013 16:56:01 EST

Saturday, December 30 started off like any other day. We slept in. I let Jason sleep until he woke up, which ended up being until 11:30. He really needed the sleep though with the running around he had been doing between the bedroom remodel and getting the baby's stuff together. We both relaxed around the house all day. He chilled out in bed until 4pm and then cleaned the car out and put the seat covers and mats in for three hours. He got back around 7:30pm. I stayed home and watched "Super N...

39 weeks

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 04:10:44 EST

7 days until my due date and I am writing this at 4am because I've been up for an hour and a half with heart burn, acid reflux, and rib pain on both sides. Almost over...

I've had a by the book pregnancy, so even with all the symptoms and discomforts, I feel pretty good about how it's went.

I've been tired the whole pregnancy, the worst was the first few weeks of first trimester and the last few weeks of third trimester.
I've had to pee in the middle of the night...

38 weeks 4 days

Mon, 24 Dec 2012 15:00:35 EST

I had a doctors appt today and told my doctor since my last appt, which was just last Thursday, I've been having a lot of pressure (felt like period like cramps). Well apparently, the baby is really low in my pelvis and I am now 70% effaced (thin), but still only 1cm dilated. Jason's working in the bedroom again today and washing up the baby clothes, too. We have the bedding now, so that'll get washed as well. We also bought the cubby storage unit that we're going to keep the baby's clothes i...

37 weeks... 21 days left, but who's counting?

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 18:16:59 EST

I feel like I've been pregnant forever, but I'm sure it's because I got pregnant back to back to back (with this one being successful after two miscarriages). I feel blessed that I've had a by the book pregnancy. I mean, literally every symptom you can think of I've had it! Ricky is healthy, active, and still measuring right on.

I have everything officially ready for school, so he's more than welcome to come anytime now. Our room is getting there, but even that will be finished t...

31 Days!

Mon, 3 Dec 2012 20:39:55 EST

31 Days until my due date! We took maternity photos over the weekend and they turned out beautiful. I am really happy with the results. It was a 3 hour process between waiting to be called back, taking the photos, and waiting for them to be printed. We went in with a budget in mind and went over that because we wanted the CD with all the photos. I went to the doctors today and this week I'll be 36 weeks, but not until Thursday. I figured they'd start checking me for dilation and effacement, b...

Thanksgiving

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 12:05:05 EST

I am officially 34 weeks today, so 6 weeks left (42 days)! I am up 28lbs, but I am sure after all this good food cooking it'll change. We had a doctors appointment this week, but it was rushed.... we waited 1 1/2 hour (s), he did the heart rate- didn't tell me what it was and didn't measure my stomach. My next appointment is on December 3- the week I'll be 36 weeks and I start going weekly after that. It's really go time now because then they'll start checking for dilation and effacement.

32 weeks

Fri, 9 Nov 2012 20:16:13 EST

Our baby shower was a week ago (tomorrow). We had a nice crowd and got a lot of good stuff. We have to take the duplicates back, but that'll go toward other baby stuff we need. We still need:
* Travel system (stroller w/carseat)
* crib (w/mattress) and bedding
* carrier
*diaper genie
* car seat cover
* playmat
*high chair (we'll get when he needs it)
* mobile
* diaper bag

*** More clothes, diapers, bath stuff (lotion, oil, shampoo) as we...

Sleep

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 09:26:06 EST

I cannot get enough sleep lately. Friday, I went to lunch with a friend. As soon as I got in DH and I took a 3-hour nap and still went to bed at normal time. I ended up sleeping 11 hours.. not counting the nap.
Then, yesterday we went to our cousins 2nd birthday party and DH and our cousins were planning to do a hay ride/corn maze (instead of a haunted house, so I could be included). I was so tired I had to have DH drop me off and then they ended up going to a haunted house instead. I en...

Amazing dream

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 18:27:50 EST

I had a dream that I was visiting my best friend from childhood about two months after I had the baby. Her dad was sitting in the recliner with his feet propped up and he wanted to hold him. He lay the baby on his legs and was baby talking to him/playing with him. Ricky liked it at first, but then got a little fussy. So I picked him up and lay him on my shoulder and pat his back/butt to soothe him. It was the most amazing feeling! I woke up to me patting the air, but that was my first real mo...

Aah, the end is near...

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 23:01:40 EST

As soon as I hit 28 weeks/3rd trimester it became real that baby will be here in a very short amount of time. I feel like there's still so much to do.
We're in the middle of remodeling our bedroom and trying to have that finished by our shower, but I'd say it'll probably be a month from now (because of money).
We still need to buy the travel system and breast pump and not to mention anything else we still need after our shower. I have to call about STD to find out when it begins si...

First set of books for baby

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 22:55:01 EST

While at the book store I picked up Hynobirthing (mentioned in previous blog), Wicked (casual read), and the baby his first set of Disney board books. I couldn't resist. DH has been adamant about not buying anything until after our shower, so we know what we still need to get.

Birthing Plan

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 22:50:32 EST

Now that I am 3rd trimester, I have really been thinking about my ideal birth situation. I picked up the book Hypnobirthing to look into natural (med free) birthing techniques. DH doesn't think I will be able to cope with the pain, but the book teaches you relaxation/visualization techniques to help take your mind off the pain. It's just like when you puke- if you tense up, it's so much worse then if you just relax your muscles.
I'm going to talk to OBGYN (once again a different doctor,...

Update

Wed, 3 Oct 2012 18:43:39 EST

At the reunion, there was definitely plenty of belly rubs. But, apparently I REALLY got a stomach over the past week b/c everyone has been commenting how huge I was. I had two cousins shake my belly to try to wake the baby up. Then an aunt who insisted on taking a bare belly photo and then commenting how huge I was. My MIL and husband even said once I hit six months it was like it came out over night.
I do feel huge, but at least it's all belly. And.. I am officially in the waddle stage...

Busy week coming up starting with family reunion this weekend

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 06:28:10 EST

We are attending MIL family reunion this weekend. I am so excited! This is the first time extended family has seen me pregnant and I am 26 weeks. This will also be our last trip down before we have the baby. Once he's here, we won't be able to make it back down until Feb-April. I know after traveling though, I'll be extra tired on Monday.
Tuesday, we're going to our cousins house to spend time with them (I'm making hamburgers). Wednesday is our monthly OB apt and our GD test. Thursday i...

Shower...

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 20:36:31 EST

Katie and her mom offered to throw our shower. So, they're in charge of games and decorations and we're still covering food. We are so thankful for them stepping up though because it was stressful enough planning our own shower and they have a lot of cute ideas. We're not very picky and they sound way more detailed with the planning then we were ever going to be. We did try to offer to pay for the prizes, materials for games, and decorations, but they declined. So nice of them to do, especial...

We registered for our shower today!

Sat, 22 Sep 2012 20:18:20 EST

We registered at Target for our shower today. I went in with a list in hand, but we just walked up and down each aisle and went from there. I also added a couple of more things online when I got home because I didn't think of it in the store. We'll be making our own invitations and have those ready to be sent out in the next week to give people a month's notice- our shower is November 3.

We went with the Eddie Bauer theme for the stroller travel system, pack and play, and high chai...

Parenting Classes

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:51:10 EST

DH and I are taking parenting classes for eight weeks.

1st class: Introductions/Nutrition

2nd class: baby basics (looking forward to this one)

3rd Class: Labor and Delivery

4th Class: Labor and Delivery pt. 2

5th Class: Feeding Options

6th Class: First Aid

7th Class: Budgeting/Infant Brain Development

8th (final) Class: Discipline/Pizza Party

The classes are offered for free and we get a $150 g...

Felt the baby move from the outside at 25 weeks

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 06:59:31 EST

I felt the baby hiccuping the last week. Now, I actually saw my stomach move from the outside last night, so I out my hand there and felt him move. It was the coolest thing! Then, I had DH do the same thing and he felt it too. Although, he said he's not going to count it because he wasn't sure. That was definitely what that was though because I could feel him move from the inside in the same spot in he could from the outside. Of course, it would be while I was in bed reading right before I we...

Cold and sour stomach

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 18:37:40 EST

Blah- so on top of having a cold for a week now, I also got a sour stomach after breakfast and threw it up. Throwing up is no fun at any time, but especially not at 6 months preggo. I was luckily able to hold down my dinner (salad), but it's still really grumbly.
It was nice to not have to run around too much this weekend and be able to relax- I needed it. But I could really use an extra day off... too bad I have to use my PTO for maternity leave. Hopefully I can take it easy at work to...

This cold is kicking my butt...

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 10:47:34 EST

I already have trouble sleeping through the night from the bigger belly and how low it sits, getting up 2x to pee, and now this cold.
I've had a cold for a week now! I wasn't taking anything the first couple of days, but then it wasn't getting better either, so DH called the doc and they recommended Sudafed. All that did was dry up my runny nose, but I still had a phlegmy cough, so he called back a couple of days later and they recommended Robotussin. Now, I am not taking the Sudafed, bu...

6 months!

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 05:43:09 EST

The summer seemed to drag and really shouldn't have since I was off all summer, but then again maybe that's why. I can't believe school has already been in session for a month!
How did I get to be 6 months pregnant already?! It seems like it's really go time now. We start our parenting classes next week- November. We'll be registering for our shower in the next two weeks, so we can send out the invites by the first week in October, which is exactly one month before the shower. We schedu...

Whoa Stomach!

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 18:07:59 EST

Today was the first day that people gawked at my stomach. I don't mind looking more pregnant and I know I officially popped at 20 weeks (5 months), but I'll be 24 weeks (6 months tomorrow) and it seems to have grown overnight. I can still see my feet, but I only give that another month or so. Plus, I think I'll actually get over the 200lb mark within the next two months. I weigh heavier at home then I do at the doctors office... not sure how that happens. I weigh 190 at home last week, but at...

A little bit of everything

Thu, 6 Sep 2012 20:49:27 EST

We officially signed up for Parenting classes for the next eight weeks, which starts in two weeks. The class is offered for free and we get $150 at the last class to go towards the cost of a crib.

School is going good, but definitely keeping me busy. I'm going to have to start staying until 4pm Monday-Thursday, so I can keep up with my lesson plans, grading, copying, and start working ahead on sub plans while I am gone. I'm already having a little separation anxiety about leaving ...

Doctor's Appointment- 22 weeks 5 days

Tue, 4 Sep 2012 20:22:35 EST

I'm up 9lbs from pre-pregnancy weight. Blood pressure was 120/80. Baby's heartbeat was 155 and I was measuring at 22cm, so 22 weeks and I'm 22 weeks 5 days... hope that doesn't mean he'll be late! All tests have come back normal and next appointment is October 4 for glucose test. Then, I'll start going every 2 weeks after that. When the doctor tried to find the heartbeat as soon as he would get on it Ricky would move. He started out at my belly button, then moved to one of my hip, then the ot...

Ah the joys of pregnancy...

Sat, 1 Sep 2012 09:24:36 EST

I had BW3's last night and had Graeter's ice-cream for dessert. One or the other didn't agree with me because I kept waking up coughing and on the verge of puking! My stomach finally settled after taking tums, drinking loads of water, keeping a trash can next to my bed, and sleeping on my left side. Plus, I was craving Papa Johns pizza, but DH and his cousins wanted wings... I found something to eat, it just didn't agree with me. And... DH doesn't understand that when you have a craving you w...

So Hormonal

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 12:44:07 EST

So the past two weeks, I just feel like I am on b**ch fest. Every little thing sets me off.

First: This year is stressful enough with being pregnant/expecting mid-year, but we also incorporated a new math series and online grading/attendance system. So all these "new" things we have to learn as we go. During our training, I found out that I have to teach kindergarten for social studies/science and the kindergarten teacher will teach first grade religion (at the same time, so we'll...

21 Weeks- Baby and Another School Year

Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:01:07 EST

I can't believe I am officially over the half way mark and have 19 weeks left! Ricky has been moving a lot, especially after I eat. Yesterday he was kicking me so hard! I'm officially up 9 lbs and I'm sure by next week it'll be 10. I hate seeing the rising numbers and I haven't really changed my eating habits, so it's crazy that I'm even gaining even though I know you're supposed to when pregnant. I've been eating Raisin Brand cereal for breakfast, salad and fruit for lunch, and something w...

It's a...

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:22:44 EST

BOY! Richard "Ricky" Golden. He was 12oz, had long legs, and a big head! He was laying vertically with his hands behind his head (one on each side) and legs crossed- like his daddy already! HB was 146. The ultrasound tech had to shake my belly just to wake him up to get him to uncross his legs.

So glad that he is healthy and all of our test has come back normal. We are truly blessed and even though we really wanted a girl, we are both thrilled to be having a boy. Boys have their m...

Maternity clothes

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 20:52:01 EST

I got the maternity clothes I ordered online from Old Navy, JC Penny, and Burlington Coat Factory. I must say, for the money, I am very happy with the pants I ordered from Burlington. I'll probably order at least one more pair of jeans from them since they only cost $15.

I had to return one pair of pants from JC Penny because for some reason I ordered two gray pair. I have a khaki and grey pair from Burlington and black pair from JC Penny. I need one more pair of dress pants, but ...

DH Brag!

Wed, 8 Aug 2012 08:56:55 EST

I must say I am truly blessed to have the husband I do and met him at such a young age. Even though we've only been married going on three years in November, we've been together for 11 1/2 and have our first baby on the way.

DH worked at a free teacher store for me yesterday because he didn't want me lifting or bending. If you work three hours you get to fill up a shopping cart for free. Then, today he's going to help set-up my classroom and it's a lot of work. He doesn't want me b...

Horrible Ultrasound Dream

Tue, 7 Aug 2012 11:05:51 EST

Last night I dreamed that we went in for our ultrasound appointment and Jason was distracted with adding up numbers and he wanted me to help him, so he wasn't even paying attention to our baby. Plus, the ultrasound tech wasn't the normal one and a nurse did it. She didn't even tell us the gender, rushed through the appointment, and printed out the pictures on white garbage bags. I know that wouldn't happen. I was so mad a Jason in the dream I told him he was never allowed to come back with me...

18 weeks 4 days

Mon, 6 Aug 2012 15:43:22 EST

I had my monthly OB appt today. I'm up 6lbs from pre-pregnancy weight, which according to the doctor is normal and she said to expect a total weight gain of 30-35lbs... hopefully it's more like 25-30. My blood pressure was normal. I also had blood test for Down Syndrome and Spina Bifida. If I don't hear anything in the next week everything is normal. THe baby's heartbeat was 160 and the doctor said she could hear it moving, lol. I bet it was, it's been moving a lot over the past week.
...

17 weeks

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:42:25 EST

This pregnancy is going slow and fast at the same time. I'm sure once school starts back, and I am more busy, it'll fly. I just hope we can get our remodeling done by the time the baby comes. I woke up two days ago and looked down at my belly- that was exposed from sleeping- and I could see my bump even laying down. It's becomming more real the further I get. I know once I feel the baby move more consistently, I'm wearing maternity clothes, and find out the gender- it'll definitely be real! <...

15 weeks

Sat, 14 Jul 2012 13:41:26 EST

Woo hoo for being in the 2nd trimester! I had a doctor's appointment yesterday, but it was just to hear the heart beat on the doppler, which was 155. I have a home doppler that I bought for myself for my bday, so it wasn't that big of a deal. My next appointment is August 6 at 18 weeks 4 days for blood test- testing for spina bifida and down syndrome.

Physically, I have a noticeable bump. I need to get another scale at home, so I can monitor my weight to make sure I don't gain too...

13 weeks

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:51:19 EST

How am I feeling? I am less nauseous, as long as I don't go too long without eating. I have more energy, as long as I don't do too much. I am still getting up in the middle of the night to pee, which I know I better get used too because it apparently gets worse in later pregnancy. I am having very vivid dreams about obscure things. "Baby-brain" has officially kicked in, too.

I'm not showing yet or can't feel the baby move, and I know I still have plenty of time to experience it, ...

10 and 11 week sonograms

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 14:57:41 EST

I called to schedule a sonogram at 10 weeks, but they said they couldn't do it without the doctors requests. Luckily, my doctor approved it because there was specific things they were looking for.
At the 10 week sonogram the baby was very active and HB was 171.

We had an appointment the following week at 11 weeks to hear the baby's heartbeat on the doppler. After 10 minutes, they couldn't find it, so they sent me in for another sonogram. Baby was flaying about- kicking and pu...

We have a heartbeat

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:57:32 EST

We went in for a sonogram last Tuesday, May 15 at 6 weeks 6 days and we saw a beautiful heart beating at a lovely 125 bpm. They said anything over 120 is normal and the reason ours was in the lower range is because it just started beating. I don't go back until June 15, which seems like torture especially after two losses to have to wait so long. I'll be 11 weeks by then, so I am assuming we'll get to hear the heartbeat.

I think I'm going to call this week to see if I can schedule...