Diary of a New Mom

Does it get any sweeter than this?

2008-09-17T10:27:00.001-07:00

Update to Previous Post

2008-09-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

You can also check out this site. It has a video story of a woman who survived an abortion over 30 years ago. She is speaking out to stop Infanticide.

http://hotair.com/archives/2008/09/16/video-born-alive-survivor-scolds-obama-on-vote-protecting-infanticide/

Heartbroken.

2008-09-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

Google "Jill Stanek." Jill was an abortionist's nurse. She had made her peace with that and that the woman's right to choose gave her the right to abort her baby. Then, a baby was born during an abortion. It was a late term baby with Down's Syndrome. The law -- authored, fought for, and voted for by Barrack Obama -- prohibited anyone from giving any medical care, food, or water to the baby. It was placed in a broom closet until it died. That was all Stanek could take and she now talks about that.

Obama lies about this. When bills came up demanding that any baby born alive should be given medical and pallative care, he voted against them. He claimed it was because the bills would weaken Roe Vs. Wade. When a bill was written specifically NOT to weaken Roe vs. Wade, he voted against it anyway. He laughed during one speech a few months ago and said, if one of his daughters made a mistake, he didn't want "her punished with a baby."

Also, check out this link.

WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING. If by nothing else, we have to spread the word about this horrible tragedy and the person who is so callous and who supports it. SPREAD THE WORD!

Sara

The next "steps"

2008-08-21T07:55:00.001-07:00

Jonah is crawling as of yesterday. AND I think his looooooong awaited tooth is FINALLY coming in. Yaaahooo!

Updates

2008-08-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

My dads surgery went very well. He had a rough few days but he's doing much better now. Thanks for all the prayers!

Jonah is a little better. No sign of illness, the spot is gone and he looks better. He is still waking up at night, to which the doctor attributes teething and i-want-my-mommy. So, we'll just ride it out.

Vacation was...interesting. The night before we were leaving (and the night before we picked my dad up at the hospital) my mom was injured. She dropped a 4 x 4 on her toe in the garage as we were loading up the car. I thought she broke it. The sounds that woman made were not human. I'm holding her leg up trying to run it under water while she's sprawled on the counter screaming about how much it hurts and then crying that she won't get to swim with Jonah on vacation. I was ready to take her to the hospital but called my aunt instead, who was a nurse forever. She came over to assess the situation and said it wasn't broken, but it was bad. She split her whole nail in half right at the cuticle. We got her calmed down and on pain meds for the night. We picked up my dad at the hospital with mom on crutches. Dad thought we were joking. If only. So, I loaded up the car by myself and we went.

We should have read the signs and stayed home. On the way up (with dad propped with pillows in the front, jonah in his carseat and mom propped with her foot up in the back) we found out that the cabin mom rented was not on the water and had a huge house in front of it when it was supposed to be on the water with a great view of the lake. The website for the cabin was VERY decieving and even had the wrong address. We had a nice little fight with the owners about it when we got there. To top it off, the place was a hole. We had to shoo out a squirrel who decided to take up residency in the ceiling and dealt with a satanic looking hornets nest by the door. The saving grace was the beach. It was private (across the street) and the weather was nice mostly.

In other news, Jonah can army crawl. I'm. Not. Ready.

Here are some pics from vaca:

Jonah in grampa's hat

Jonah in the "pod"

Jonah LOVED his pool and the sand...and being nakedSWEET BOY!
Momma & baby
Daddy & Jonah
Grampa and Jonah

%#P(@#%)&)_(

2008-07-30T11:57:00.000-07:00

I am exhausted. Deliriously exhausted. Jonah has been waking up at night for the past month and it has gotten 10 times worse over the past two weeks. For example: Monday night he went to bed at 830. he woke up at 1030, 1130, 1, 215, 4 and 5 and was then up for the day. When I say "wake up" I mean he wakes up crying. All the obvious things have been checked: diaper, fever, hunger, etc. I give him tylenol, nothing changes. I give him motrin, nothing changes. He is teething, I already knew that but he has been teething FOREVER and it's never been this bad. I can't believe I've still been able to work 40 hours a week but I finally gave up Tuesday morning and took him in to the doctor.

You'll remember the fact that his white count was elevated last week at his check up. Well its the same, but now he has a white spot on his tonsil. The poor guy's throat hurts! She says it's either strep or mono. Mono?!?! Apparently it's very uncommon for little babies to get mono, but we're to test for it anyway, since he's showing NO signs or symptoms of being sick, except the crying and waking up at night. And they are testing for a UTI as well. I won't know anything until tomorrow. So, not only are ALL of his teeth moving and at least two are cutting in, he's sick. Lovely. At least he's happy as a clam during the day (when I'm not around to enjoy it).

Tomorrow, my dad has spinal fusion surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck. He hasn't had any kind of surgery in 25 years so we're all a bit nervous. Say a prayer for him!

Friday, my dad comes home.

Saturday we (me, Jonah, mom & dad) leave for up north for a week.

This trip was planned way before the surgery even came up and my dad still wants to go, so we go. I guess it's better to recover on the beach then couped up at home.

So, there is my life the past few weeks. I say again, I'm exhausted...and I mean it. And slightly jealous of all those people who's babies just (surprise!) popped a tooth one day.

Sara

6 Months! (added picture)

2008-07-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

Jonah turned 6 months old on July 19! I took him for his 6 month baby visit yesterday morning. He weighs 17 lbs. (50th%ile) is 27 1/4 inches long (75th%ile) and his little pea head is 16 3/4 inches (25th%ile).

He got two shots and was PISSED about it. This was the worst he's cried yet for shots. He also got his little finger pricked, which is routine around 6 months so they can check his iron levels, etc. When the doc came in, she asked if he had a cold and I said no. She said "Oh, well it looks like he has a virus." Great.....She said his white cell count was elevated and that the test was good for two weeks either way. Meaning, he's been sick within the last two weeks or he will be sick in the next two weeks. Since he didnt' have any symptoms, she couldn't tell me one way or the other what it is or was, but the nurse said its' nothing to worry about, just a cold or something similar. He started coughing last night.

She did also say that ALL of his teeth are moving in and that he's cutting at least two right now. No wonder he's so uncomfortable! He also has eczema on his feet.

He can now have Motrin and I'm to up his food intake to 3 TBsp of rice ceral twice a day. Do any of you seasoned vets know how much the milk intake is supposed to be? She said 16 ounces a day but that really seems like too little, especially when he's on about 25 right now. I know the milk will go down as the food goes up, but maybe I just heard her wrong. Suggestions? I'm still exclusively breastfeeding if that makes any difference.

Jonah is now reaching and grabbing everything, can do the tripod sit (but not able to sit on his own yet, and shows no interest), is scooting across the floor and is starting to rock on his hands and knees...yikes!!

He is such a doll and is so much fun right now. He is a little cranky because of his teeth and now getting sick, but he's sleeping much better (after 3 weeks of waking up three times a night!) and back to about 10 hours/night.

On another random side note....I'm really excited. I found store brands of baby Tylenol, Motrin, Mylicon and Polyvisol at Target for MUCH cheaper! Example: Tylenol brand acetominiphen $6 for 1/2 ounce. Target brand: $2.19! It's pretty sad when this is what I'm excited about these days. :)

Hope you all are enjoying your summer!

Sara

Jonah and Ella Sittin' in a Tree...

2008-07-02T11:11:00.000-07:00

Jonah was lucky enough to visit Ella Harrison for the day on Monday. Both my regular babysitters were out of town and Kelly came to my rescue!

Jonah managed to pee down his leg, but only getting the bottom of his pants and socks wet (!?!). Ella showed a bit of jealously so I hear, but geez the boy was steppin' all over her territory! :)

Here are some pics that are too cute not to share. Thanks Kelly--you rock!!

In other news....Jonah has NOOOO problems in the poo department anymore. Prunes are awesome!!

Have a Happy 4th everyone!

Sara

Food!

2008-06-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Despite my efforts to wait until 6 months, Jonah has started solids. I had to take him to the doctor yesterday because he hadn't pooped since Friday morning and he was in pain and screaming. So....prunes, apple juice, Karo syrup and suppositories were ordered. Luckily he pooped before I had to give him a suppository, but man those prunes work fast!

Normally they start cereal first, then veggies, then fruits so they dont' get used to the sweetness of fruits and dont want veggies at all, but fruit has the most fiber so thats what we did. Once he's done with this jar, we'll start with cereal.

These are some of my favorite pics......

New Pics

2008-06-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Ok I suck at posting. I'm tired and busy and I can't keep up. So there. Enjoy some new pics :)

Jonah has taken a liking to this sleep position

How you doin?

Sweetest face in the world

Vulcan Mind Meld

Getting sleep in his swing at Gramma's

Daddy & Jonah on Father's Day

Jonah still continues to teethe. He had a two week break and now he's back and worse than ever! He's not so much cranky and just uncomfortable. He sleeps with his hand in his mouth now and chews on it.

Anyway, short but sweet.

Sara

3.5 Month Pics!

2008-05-20T06:24:00.001-07:00

Four Months, Mother's Day, Updates

2008-05-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

It's been waaaaay too long, I know. Does anyone even read this thing anymore??

Jonah is now four months old and I can't believe it! He sleeps through the night, about 7-9 hours normally. He is teething and will have the two front bottom teeth within a month (so says doc). He gnaws on his hands and drools all day, but surprisingly isn't fussy or uncomfortable...yet. He had his 4 month check up yesterday and all is well. He is 14 lbs. 15 oz. (50%), 26 inches long (75%) and 16 3/4 inches around his head (25%). He got two shots and cried for about 10 seconds, then smiled! He is allowed to start cereal now, but I'm going to hold off until 6 months when he HAS to start. I'm doing so well with nursing, I don't want to jinx it by starting cereal too early. It's a trial pumping 2-3 times a day, but it's all worth it. My goal would be to bypass formula all together and get to a year old, when he can just go from breastmilk to just milk, but we'll see how that goes.

Mother's Day was awesome! Jonah got me a very sweet card and a covered swing for our back deck! Daniel got me a sweet card as well and tied to it with a ribbon was a beautiful garnet ring, which is both Jonah's and my birthstone. SO SWEET! My mom and dad got a kit to make hand and foot prints in some kind of cement like thing. Presents are great, but it was the love and appreciation from my husband that made it the best day ever.

Here are some recent pics.....enjoy!

Modeling some clothes for Mother's Day

Cheeks!

Me at about 4-5 months, Jonah at 4 months
Drooling and chewing on daddy's arm
big smile!

Jonah is 3 months old!

2008-04-24T13:10:00.000-07:00

Where has the time gone? Just yesterday he was so tiny in the hospital (a hair over 7 pounds) and now he's going on 14 lbs! He's such a cutie and is now talking away a lot of the time. He's just recently found his hands and they are always in his mouth. He's learning to self soothe as well, which is a little relief for me, though I like to think he can't bear to be without me :)

Baby Dedication is coming up at church and I can't believe I'm finally a part of it! It's so weird to think I'm actually a mom now. I know I have a baby but it's never sunk in that I'm someone's mother. Weeeeird.

Isn't it weird that you really do think your baby is the most beautiful and most advanced of them all? I always used to think I'd know if I had an "ugly" baby but now I have no idea. He's perfect to me and thats all that matters. Not that he's ugly, but you get the point. I wish he looked a bit more like me, but all the nice comments about his beautiful olive skin tone makes me feel good, since that's all me (His daddy is pasty).

Mother's Day ought to be fun this year!

I'm back

2008-04-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

So, I started back to work today, but Jonah made it easy on me. He woke up all smiles and happy and we got everything done and got to work on time.

I had to take him back to the doc on Tuesday to get two shots (he did really great) and they weighed him again--he gained 7.5 ounces in 8 days!!

Anyway, here are some pics. I know you've just been dying to see them! :)

Jonah's lovely diaper last night.

Believe it or not, his pants stayed clean.

Say whaaaat?!?

Making his little "o" mouth.

Smiling at Gramma's

More smiles

Updates

2008-03-25T08:16:00.001-07:00

Well, Jonah had his 2 month check up yesterday....he's 12 lbs. 1/2 ounce and 23 inches long. He's in the 50% percentile for weight, height and head. In other words...perfect :)

He is back to sleeping through the night, usually about 6-7 hours. He's smiles and laughs now and it's adorable.

I go back to work next week....

Sara

Need to update

2008-03-07T17:48:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know. I need to update but I'm so stinkin busy! I will I promise.

I go back to work in 3 weeks and I have to say I'm not looking forward to it. Thats not to say I don't like my job, I just love my baby :)

Jonah is doing great, though after three weeks of sleeping through the night he's decided to wake up in the middle of the night to eat. (Yay for me).

Can't wait to see how much he weighs!

Lots of love to you all. Keep praying for us and we'll pray for you. Keep praying for our economy as it's hurting so many and pray for RCC!

Jonah is one month old!

2008-02-17T16:04:00.000-08:00

In his chair at Gramma's

So adorable

Jonah with Aunt Emily

With Grampa Boris

Watching TV

Tummy Time with Harley

Chillin with Horsey

I can't believe my baby is a month old already. It feels like it's been a day and a year at the same time. I think he's finally over all the hurdles and is settling into a routine.

He just started to sleep in his crib a few nights ago, just after I had a major breakdown, of course. Every other night before that he would only sleep on my chest in the chair in the living room. And would barely sleep at that. Now he sleeps from about 12-4 or 5, then back to sleep at 5 or 6 for at least another 2 hours. MUCH more doable!

He's a very very gassy baby but seems to be able to work it all out himself. He cries when the gas gets really bad, but other than that, he only really cries when he wants something.

The doc advised not to take him to church before 8 weeks, so it may be a while until you all see him in person. I'm not sure I can wait that long but we'll see.

The last time we were at the doc, he had gained 10 ounces in a week! And that was over a week ago so I'm sure he's gained a lot more by now. When we were at the doc, he was 8 lbs. 2 ounces. He has a tiny little head and is small for his age, but thats because he was early. He's getting a double chin as you can see in the pictures.

Hopefully we'll get to see you all soon!

Sara

Yay!

2008-02-11T16:04:00.000-08:00

Jonah has been given the all clear!!

Thanks so much for the prayers...will update more soon.

Sara

My poor baby

2008-02-01T18:16:00.001-08:00

Well...Jonah's start to life continues to be an adventure. He now has RSV and will likely have to go back to the hospital for a few days to get better. As of now, he's on a nebulizer every 6 hours, but that will only help for so long.

Please keep the prayers going...

Sara

Update

2008-01-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

His aim is pretty good...

My sweet boy

Getting ready to leave the hospital!

Jonah under the lights at the hospital--getting a tan on his bum.

Jonah is home! We were finally able to bring him home on Thursday, only to find out that we had to take him back to the hospital the next day for another bili test. The level stayed the same as the day before, so we were happy. We took him to the pediatrician for a follow up, and were told once again we'd have to take him back to the hospital for another test the next day (Sat). That time, the level went up, so we were back at the hospital on Sunday. That test came back lower and the pediatrician said that was it--no more tests! So, for over a week, we were at the hospital every day and our poor baby's heels have more poke marks than a pincushion. Funny thing is, he cried more when we change his diaper than we he gets poked.

Anyway, today is our first day to be at home with him all day. Because of the sustained high levels of bili rubin, he is VERY sleepy. While that sounds great, it's not. We have to wake him up to eat, which is a huge ordeal. Then he falls asleep the minute he starts eating. In order for the bili level to come down, he has to eat enough and pee enough--vicious circle. We're doing the best we can and he is slowly getting better.

He LOVES to pee all over the walls, floor, himself, us. We have yet to figure out how to change a diaper quickly enough to avoid this. It's comical to see for sure!

We are currently watching Transformers and he is sound asleep in the same room with us. Believe me, it's not quiet. I wonder what it's going to be like when he's awake more...

He's an absolute perfect baby and we can't get enough of him. Hope to see you all soon!

Sara

4 days old and already ultra-cool

2008-01-23T19:09:00.000-08:00

He's here!

2008-01-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

Our son was born yesterday, January 19, a little less than three weeks early. He made me work for it though....after 29 hours of labor, he finally arrived.

We still don't have a name, but will tomorrow since we have to have one to leave!

He weighed in at 7 lbs 1 ounce and was 19 inches long. When they broke my water, it was evident he decided to poop before coming out. Once he was out, he was immediately surrounded by 4 doctors and nurses as he also had some problems breathing and they were concerned about the meconium and it possibly being in his lungs. His sugar level dipped pretty low once, but has been fine since. He's off oxygen and we are basically just waiting for tests to see if he has an infection or not. He has to stay in special care nursery and he was just today allowed to eat and we were allowed to finally hold him.

It's been a very long couple of days, so I'll update more when I feel more up to it.

God is good!
Sara

More Progress!

2008-01-17T10:20:00.000-08:00

I just got back from the doctor's....

Monday, 1/7: completely closed, just starting to thin out
Thursday, 1/10: 1/2 cm dilated, a little more thinned out
TODAY: 1 cm, 50% effaced and at a -2 station. Whoo hoo!! He immediately said the baby has come down a lot in the last week.

Maybe it's just my excitement, but this is happening faster than I expected! 17 days until the induction...

Sara

Belly Laughs

2008-01-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

Beth Bowers came by the office today...it's always fun when she's around!!

Here we are at 37 and 30 weeks respectively. Have I mentioned I HATE pictures?

Down-right Cranky

2008-01-14T08:33:00.001-08:00

I'm am cranky. Completely irritated at nothing. I don't want to be at work, I don't want to be at home, I don't want to be pregnant anymore.

Thing is, it's not actually being pregnant that I'm hating right now. It's the stupid sugar levels and constantly watching what I'm eating because of it, wondering if I'm hurting my enormous baby. I'm tired of being hooked up to a machine twice a week and him deciding he doesn't want to play. I'm done with fake contractions and cramping that really isn't doing a whole lot. Don't get me wrong--I don't mind the pain, but more the fact that it's not doing anything.

I had another doc appt this morning. Baby passed the NST-barely. They want him to move twice within twenty minutes and his heartrate should go up during those movements and stay up for a few seconds. He complied but was making it known he wasn't doing anymore than the bare minimum. Reminds me of office space and the pieces of flare.

On a good note, I haven't gained anything in the last week or so. Probably because I can't freakin' eat anything.

I hope you are having a much better day than me. Lord, save my husband...

Progress!

2008-01-10T11:29:00.001-08:00

On Monday I was completely closed and just starting to thin out. Today I am 1/2 cm and somewhat effaced! Not a ton of progress, but at least all the cramping is for a reason.

I now have to go twice a week until I deliver. I am (or will be today) scheduled for an induction for Feb. 4 unless I go earlier on my own. He feels like that is a very real possibility as does everyone else it seems. Right now, I'm guessing Jan. 23 and my co-workers guess the 24th or 25th. I guess we'll see soon enough!

Yay!
Sara

One month!

2008-01-07T12:12:00.000-08:00

30 days from today is my due date. Holy crap! I had an appt today to check on my sugar levels. They are ok, but still hovering just about where they should be consistently, so they put me on a very low dose of a medication to help it. The higher sugars would be worse for the baby than the meds, so I'm ok with it. Plus, the meds won't hurt the baby at all.

They did an exam, which I wasn't expecting, because I've had all kinds of pressure and more cramping, etc. No dilation, just starting to efface. She said his head was right there as well.

Whoo hoo!!
Sara

New Pictures

2008-01-02T09:26:00.001-08:00

I had an ultrasound today at the hospital to check on his weight since I'm dealing with the sugar problems. They do this at the hospital because their equipment is much more accurate with determining weight. His head is normal size (whoo hoo!) and they estimate him at 5 lbs. 11 ounces right now. That really seems big to me, but she said thats pretty normal for 35 weeks.

He was head down, facing my back so we had a hard time seeing his face. When we finally did, we could see his chubby cheeks and little nose, it was unreal. He loves to push his butt out at me, so I feel this little nub in my belly. His feet are right at my right ribs and he lets me know daily.

It was really cool to see him in there again, though a lot harder to make anything out because he's so squished. I'm curious to see what the doctor says tomorrow. If the baby is going to be gaining a pound a week now, that seems like too much. He told me before that if they think the baby will be 9 lbs or bigger, they will give me the option of a C-section. We'll see tomorrow....

Sara

Update

2007-12-19T06:26:00.000-08:00

I had my second NST yesterday--baby passed. It took him a while to get going which was making me nervous, but like I said before, he is his father's son in that he will do what he wants when he feels like it (I guess I have to take the blame for some of that, but just a little). He had been bouncing around my ribs in the waiting room, then totally stopped then started up again. I had 4 contractions while I was hooked up, doesn't mean anything just weird to think about. I only felt one of them.

He likes to kick the monitors on my belly, which makes a very loud sound and I jump out of my skin every time. That boy is already messing with his mommy! I have another NST next week, then an ultrasound at the hospital and another NST the week after. After that (3 weeks from now) my doctor said he will start the exams and check my cervix. Holy crap!!

I seriously believe this baby is going to come early. I don't know why I just have this feeling. My guess is January 23. I've heard guesses of Jan. 21 and 29 as well. Who knows, but it's making me want everything ready by the middle of January!

My poor belly has visibly grown in the last week or so. And the baby has dropped some as well.

Let the games begin...

Sara

Non-Stress Test

2007-12-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

I had my first NST today. I passed. They hooked me up to a machine with two straps on my belly--one for contractions and one for the babies heartrate and movements. They also give you a little button that you press each time the baby moves. He wasn't moving alot in the beginning so they had me drink a juice box, then he cooperated. He's just a pokey-puppy like his daddy. So I layed there for about half an hour with the doctor or a nurse coming in every 10 min or so to check on me. Nothing major, nothing really to report. I just have to do this every week now until he's born.

My next ultrasound is scheduled for Jan. 2 at the hospital, when I'll get to find out how big he is!

That's all for now...

Sara

stuff

2007-12-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

I get to have NSTs now every week. The fun continues...

I also get to have another ultrasound on Jan. 2 to see how big he's getting. That should be fun.

Updates

2007-11-29T05:34:00.000-08:00

#1: Well....it's been a quite a week. Actually it's been quite a couple of months. Our bathroom has decided to crap out (no pun intended) and have a waterfall behind the tile in the shower. Luckily, our homeowners will cover it, after our expensive deductible. We'll have to stay in a hotel, since this is our only bathroom. We're still in the middle of finding a contractor vs. doing it ourselves, etc. It should be kind of fun getting to re-do the bathroom, but it's not for me. Oh well.

#2: I do not have Gestational Diabetes--yet. The doc said the next couple of weeks will be crucial. I have to test my blood twice a day and be on the diabetics diet. He said I have glucose intolerance because I failed two of the four tests, which is why he doesn't want to call it Diabetes (thats failing 4 out of 4 tests). They will monitor the baby a little more, another ultrasound at 35 weeks, NSTs every week towards the end, etc. Another interesting fact I found out is that with any kind of blood sugar disorder, you automatically retain more water, which explains my weight. I really haven't felt like I've gained much weight, but the number doesn't agree. I know I've gained some obviously, but sheesh! It's not out of control but not my goal weight. I had to go through a GD education class yesterday at the hospital, very imformative and I now know how to work cake into the diet :)

#3: Speaking of being at the hospital...I walked out after the class yesterday (Troy Beaumont) to find that someone had hit my car and taken off. No note, no nothing. I was parked right outside the West Entrance, only 3 rows away from the front doors and it was daylight. I walked right back in to talk to Security--very nice people by the way. He came out with me to take pictures of the car, take my info to write up a report, etc. While we were sitting there, he got a call on the radio that a patient saw the whole thing from his room (right above the parking lot and West Entrance) and reported it. He knew what car it was and it was still there--parked just 6 spaces from me! So, the security guard drives over to the car and sure enough, there is blue paint all along the side of it. He proceeds to take down the license plate number, take pictures of that car, etc. We wrap up and he starts to drive away (just to patrol the other parking lots) and the guy from the other car walks out and gets in his car to leave! I waved the officer back over and he and another officer went up to the guy to talk to him. He had to have been at least 60 and an employee of the hospital. He claims he didn't know he did it, and I can't help but believe him. So we wrap up at the hospital and I'm off to the police station to file a report there for insurance. All in all it wasn't the best day.

#4: My shower is this weekend!! Like all who have come before me, I'm having nightmares and thoughts about no one showing up. How sad!

Sorry for the novel, just a lot going on.

Sara

Wow

2007-11-20T18:47:00.000-08:00

So, it's confirmed that I have gestational diabetes. Suck! Luckily the numbers weren't extreme, but they were still higher than they should have been. I have to sign up through the hospital for a GD education class and meet with a nutritional counseler (gotta love the timing with the holidays) and I'll have to get a glucometer to check my sugar levels daily. The baby hasn't been measuring big (no more than 3 days ahead) so it looks like everything is ok there. As long as I can keep the levels in range, I shouldn't have a giantor baby, but we'll see. There is a good chance they'll take the baby two weeks early and by C-section, but it all depends.

I see my doc on Tuesday and the GD class I think starts next week. Lovely.

If you see my eating cake at my shower, don't say anything.

WHAT?!?

2007-11-14T09:44:00.001-08:00

I failed my first glucose test. I can't even believe it. I'm not a sweets person, I haven't gained a ton of weight (my doctor used the phrase "your weight is not excessive") and I've never had sugar problems before.

I now have to take the 3 hour tolerance test on Monday morning at 6:30 a.m. This totally sucks!! And all right before the holidays.

Anyone else have this happen?

Sara

Ultrasound

2007-11-05T07:14:00.001-08:00

We were able to have another "fun" ultrasound on Saturday. He's changed so much in the past 6 weeks! We were able to see for ourselves, that, yes, he is indeed a boy and a very proud one. :) He was sucking his thumb and yawning and is currently on his back with his feet kicking straight up. He's head down which I didn't know was important already. He has HUGE feet and is measuring 3 days ahead.

That was probably the last time we'll see him before he's here--and that's weird to think about.

Holy crap!
Sara

I'm DOOMED

2007-10-26T06:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it's happened. The day I have been dreading has arrived and I'm not happy.

This morning I woke up at 4:30 a.m. (Yes, I have been up since then, it's now 9:30). I've been having terrifying nightmares so once I woke up I was thinking about what I had just dreamed about, then was wide awake. About 5, I just decided to get up and take a shower, etc. So, I started the shower, proceeded to get undressed and looked in the mirror at my belly as I always do--it's just too amazing to know there is a little person in there. And there it was.....the worst nightmare of all (not really, if you had any idea of the horror I've been dreaming lately)......

....a stretch mark.

A tiny, pink little tear in my skin below my belly button and to the left. What the heck!?!?! I knew the day was coming because they are hereditary and my mom had them, plus I already have some from when I was a teenager on my thighs and hips, but I wasn't ready. I wasn't emotionally prepared. Mind you it was 5 in the morning and I've gotten and average of 5-6 hours of sleep per night for the last month, but I cried. I'm not a vain person, but nothing makes me feel more like a total fat cow than a stretch mark. The only thing that is saving my sanity a little is that I still weigh less at 6 months pregnant than I did at the beginning of 2007.

However, this is only the beginning as I prepare to enter the third, and biggest, trimester.

Another day I'll be proud of them...my "war" scars, but today I'm going to let myself feel bad.

Wow

2007-10-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or is this getting real? I think the fact that Kelly & Ashley are now proud parents of a beautiful, tiny girl has started to make reality set in for me. Even though I still have 15 weeks to go, it's all becoming a bit scary and overwhelming. Not necessarily bad, just...wow.

Anyone else feeling like this?

Yay!!

2007-10-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

I found my ring!! I dumped out my purse as soon as I knew it was gone and it wasn't in there. Today, I found it in an envelope in my purse. WHOO HOO!

In other news, my boy has moved up, which is good news for my crotch. He's very active and my belly now moves when he does...awesome.

More to come!

Update

2007-10-12T07:15:00.001-07:00

So, I'm measuring right on for 23 weeks so they won't be moving up my due date yet. Big babies run in Daniel's family (9, 10 and 11 pounders) so they will keep an eye on that and do another ultrasound if needed to check on the size.

I don't know why they take your blood pressure BEFORE doing the heart tones. I'm always a little nervous until I hear the heartbeat so of course my blood pressure will be higher! It was 132/90 the first time and she re-took it after I settled down and it was 118/80.

Speaking of heart tones...it took them 10 minutes and two nurses to get a reading. We could hear the heartbeat for about a second before he took off to the other side. Once she got a reading but it was faint so she wanted to get another one. She said his back was towards us and thats why it was harder to hear. Finally we got a good enough reading--in the 140's. They were all surprised at how much he moved around!! Looks like I'll have my hands full.

I go for the dreaded glucose test in a month, then on to every other week appts.

Sara

P.S. My weight gain is right in the normal range, doc said, so I feel better!!

Awesome Book!

2007-10-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

This book is awesome! I'm only half way through but if any of you preggo's out there are even thinking about breastfeeding, you need to read this book. It's along the lines of Belly Laughs and the Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy, funny, informative and realistic.

On another note, I got to register yesterday! It was fun until I got home and realized my wedding ring was missing. Still can't find it. I'm heartbroken about it. Anyway, my registry looks HUGE! I think my mom must have gotten the scanner thing for awhile because there is a lot of stuff on there I don't remember registering for!

I'll update tomorrow about my appt today!

Sara

iunaer)*%(^$)89ji

2007-10-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

The title doesn't make sense because I've had barely any sleep and thats how I feel. I wake up every night in the middle of the night and am wide awake for at least 2 hours. Last night I watched a very interested program on the origins of fried chicken--not good for a hungry pregnant woman. But, I stayed in bed. Ahh!! It's so frustrating.

I go for another appt on Thursdays at which they'll tell me if they are moving up my due date a week! If so, I'll feel better about my weight gain....sucks!! All my clothes still fit the same except the belly so why so much weight? I dont get it. I'm not even swollen!!

Advice anyone?

My boy is moving a lot now. He moved my hand on my belly a few times Sunday night, which was cool. He's still a crotch kicker, which feels great, let me tell you, but at least a lot of the movements are in my abdomen now. Daniel might be able to feel him but he has no patience and the kid is starting early on his bratty behavior--he'll be kicking like crazy and Daniel will try to feel and he'll completely stop. Once Daniel walks away, he'll start right back up again. A momma's boy already!

5 Months/20 Weeks

2007-09-19T06:34:00.000-07:00

Half Way there!!! I can't believe it's already half way over. At least I'm in the fun part now. Not so much worrying, the baby is starting to give me little kicks at least a few times a day and I'm LOVING swim class. I still think I've gained too much but I'm really not doing that badly so I guess there is only so much I can do.

I'm going to try to remember to post a pic hopefully this week.

Sara

Video

2007-09-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

So, we get to have 2 more ultrasounds!! My moms neighbor is an ultrasound tech and said we could come in and video tape the ultrasounds. They aren't needed, they are just for fun and to have a tape of our little guy. We go this Saturday (20 weeks) and Nov. 3 (26 weeks).

Yay!

Sara

That's my BOY!

2007-09-12T06:58:00.000-07:00

So....we have a boy! The ultrasound went great. Everything is normal and functioning just fine. The baby was swallowing and saluting us. They may even move up my due date...to Super Bowl Sunday as I predicted ;)

Thanks to you all for your votes...only Katie W and Karen Owen were right!

Now it's on to the fun stuff...registering!! (well soon anyway)

Enjoy the pics of my boy...I sure am!

Sara

Don't kill me...

2007-09-11T18:43:00.000-07:00

...I'm going to wait until tomorrow to blog about what happened today. I just want to be able to finish telling family and stuff before the word gets out.

I PROMISE I'll do it ASAP in the morning. Don't kill me!!

Yee Haw!

2007-09-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

TODAY is the day!! Keep the prayers going...

I'll do my best to blog tonight, but don't shoot me if I can't! :)

Sara

Funniest Video EVER!

2007-09-03T17:40:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVn27YXEWho

P.S.

2007-08-31T06:25:00.000-07:00

I gained 7 lbs (in a month!) and I'm not allowed to drink any more Diet Pepsi! Double crap!

The good the about the weight is that I'm only 2 lbs over what I should be at, according to the books. I'm guessing the doctors would say something if it was out of hand ;) And, big babies run in Daniel's family. Who knows...

HOLY CRAP!!!

2007-08-30T14:36:00.001-07:00

So I had an appt today. My blood pressure was high (I had climbed the stairs to the second floor instead of taking the elevator, plus I get nervous right before they use the doppler) 140/80. That's way high for me, I'm usually 110/70. Anyway, they weren't worried about it because of those reasons. The heartrate is 150 again. Yay!!

The reason for the title is this...they moved up my ultrasound to September 11!!! This doc is in the same office but one I haven't seen before so we were going over some questions I had and she said, "well, you'll have an ultrasound in the next week or so..." at which point I said "WHAT?!" I told her that they lady up front had me scheduled for one on September 25--21 weeks pregnant. The doc said that was too late and we needed to do it between 18-19 weeks. That was the best time to see everything before the baby gets to cramped. So...Sept 11 it is!

I was totally unprepared for that but happily surprised! Keep up the prayers that everything is normal!

It's time for the inevitable question....are we having a boy or girl--what do you think?

Sara

Oh, What a Feeling...

2007-08-28T12:44:00.000-07:00

No, not dancing on the ceiling....

The baby's movements! It's gotten stronger in the last few days. Still very small but more definite kicks and movements. It's so reassuring.

I'm definetly starting to enjoy this pregnancy thing. :) I go Thursday for another regular check up, then the BIG appt in September. YAY!!!

Sara

It Moved!

2007-08-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

I felt the baby move last night. It was awesome! Since I know thats what it was, I know I've felt it two other times before, just in the last week. It was teeny tiny the first two times, but this last time it was more definate.

It only happens once in a while (like every other day or so) for now. Can't wait until it starts doing aerobics in there!

Welcome to the "Honeymoon Phase"

2007-08-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

It's official...I'm in the second trimester! Some say it starts at 13 weeks, some at 14. I don't care, because either way, I'm there! I've been feeling better, though I'm having a hard time sleeping, and my belly has popped. While some women have a tipped uterus, mine is apparently right out front, which has made me pop earlier. I don't care, I've only gained 5 lbs. (not 7, as previously stated), so I'm right on track! I went to my other doc this morning and the swelling in my optic nerves is very minimal, which means the excess pressure around my brain is minimal. That's great news! I should be able to have a normal delivery, though I won't be allowed to push for too long because of the pressure build up and the risks that comes with that.

Yay!!

48 days to go until we find out what we're having!

Sara

13 weeks!

2007-08-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

I had an appt yesterday....it was a little scary at first because I wasn't hearing any heartbeat for a good two minutes. Then the nurse found it, though we still didn't really hear it, and said we must have an olympic swimmer because it was moving so much she was having a hard time getting a reading! The bpm is 150. If I went by the old wives tale, I'd guess we're having a girl, plus Kelly's baby girl has always been around the 150's, so thats something I guess. I really don't care whatsoever. I just want a healthy child!

I've only gained 7 lbs in the first trimester, which, according to what I've read, is 2 lbs over what I should have gained, but screw that! It's hard eating more but better and I'd say I've done pretty darn good!

I go again on August 30, then our ultrasound to find out the sex is September 25!!

Love to all you preggos out there,
Sara

The Saga Continues...

2007-07-24T08:47:00.001-07:00

Well, I spent most of Sunday in the ER. I got horribly sick about 3:30 a.m. on Sunday and couldn't keep any fluids down for nearly 8 hours. That combined with a high fever prompted the doc on call to want me to come in. After an IV and numerous tests, I was able to go home. Baby is fine. I had two ultrasound (internal and abdominal) but they wouldn't let me see the screen, though I did get to hear the heartbeat for a few, so that was reassuring.

I'm almost to 12 weeks now and I'm so ready to be done sleeping for a while. I'm ready to exercise this sitting-around-for-12-weeks-weight off!

To all the moms and moms-to-be, I respect you!

Sara

P.S. If you stop by the blog, leave a comment, I'd love to know who visits!

11 weeks!

2007-07-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

I'm 11 weeks today and getting nervous again ( I know, I know ). I'm nervous because I have on week to go until the all important "safe" point in the pregnancy and two weeks until I see my doctor again and can hear the heartbeat again and confirm I'm "safe."

Please pray for us!
Sara

Wiggle Worm!

2007-07-05T07:04:00.001-07:00

Our little baby loves to move. Either that or the orange juice I drank to make it move worked :) We got to hear the heartbeat this time and saw it moving its arms and legs and head the entire time. It was AMAZING!

Our official due date is February 7, which is a little iffy since the 4th is Super Bowl Sunday. But my doc says we can go early-haha! It would be just about right if I actually went into labor on that day since Daniel and his brothers are HUGE sports fans.

Anyway, it definetly seems real now since it was moving and we heard the heartbeat and we could see the difference in the size, just in two weeks! Thank you so much for praying for us and the baby. It's working!

Sara

Today's the day!

2007-07-03T07:54:00.000-07:00

We go for our second ultrasound today. Hopefully we'll get to hear the heartbeat! Please keep us in prayer, as I am, of course, nervous. I had a terrible, terrible dream about the baby last night so that's making me on edge as well.

Anyway, look for an update and new pic on Thursday!

Happy Fourth!
Sara

Introducing...

2007-06-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

...Baby Whitten! Thank you everyone for your prayers. It was an unbelievable experience to see this tiny baby's heartbeat. 136 beats per minute and it measured at 6 weeks 6 days, so right on! We actually get to keep the ultrasound appt for July 3, so we'll have an even better look and maybe get to hear the heartbeat.

Thanks again. Without your prayers, I couldn't have gotten through it!

Sara

PLEASE PRAY

2007-06-18T10:35:00.000-07:00

I go in tomorrow for a non-scheduled (sort of) ultrasound. I've had some spotting today and because of the past, they want me in. I wasn't scheduled for the first ultrasound until July 3, so I'm nervous it will be too early to see the heartbeat and that will really stress me out.

Please pray for this tiny little baby. I already love he/she so much and I'm terrified I'm going to lose him/her.

Thank you,
Sara

6 Weeks!

2007-06-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

I made it to 6 weeks! Still not sick, though I hear that usually hits around week 7 or 8. Until then, my nights are spent sleeping and going to the bathroom. I basically get home from work, manage to water the flowers, walk the dog then off to bed! I'd like to say I love to sleep that much, but I don't--I am certainly not complaining though. It could be and very likely will be a lot worse before it gets better again.

We go for our first ultrasound on July 3 and I'm so excited! Thanks to all who comment, I can't figure out how to write back--so thanks!

P.S. The picture above is quite weird, but I thought I'd share what a 6-week old fetus looks like. It's about the size of a bean.

Prayers really do work...if you didn't already know that!

2007-06-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

My blood test proves it....God answers prayers. I was so scared this morning waiting for the second blood test results. My doctor said he wanted to see the hCG levels double by Thursday (first test was Monday). Well, he got his wish and then some! The levels nearly trippled in 4 days!!

My first ultrasound and the first chance I'll get to hear the heartbeat is July 3. Keep praying for a completely healthy and full-term pregnancy.

I can't believe I'm going to be a mother....

Welcome to the Club

2007-06-05T17:30:00.000-07:00

As you probably guessed by now, we're expecting our first baby in February 2008. This is my second pregnancy--I miscarried 3 months ago at 5 weeks.

Enough of the sadness...we're excited about this. Everything is much more positive about this, though I have to go in for another blood test on Thursday because of my history.

Keep praying!

I feel like I'm now part of a secret club. Every pregnant woman at the doctors office was congratulating me and giving me advice, when before, they wouldn't have said a word. Weird...

Diary of a New Mom

Does it get any sweeter than this?

Update to Previous Post

Heartbroken.

The next "steps"

Updates

%#P(*@#%)*&)*_(*

6 Months! (added picture)

Jonah and Ella Sittin' in a Tree...

Food!

New Pics

3.5 Month Pics!

Four Months, Mother's Day, Updates

Jonah is 3 months old!

I'm back

Updates

Need to update

Jonah is one month old!

Yay!

My poor baby

Update

4 days old and already ultra-cool

He's here!

More Progress!

Belly Laughs

Down-right Cranky

Progress!

One month!

New Pictures

Update

Non-Stress Test

stuff

Updates

Wow

WHAT?!?

Ultrasound

I'm DOOMED

Wow

Yay!!

Update

Awesome Book!

iunaer)*%(^$)89ji

5 Months/20 Weeks

Video

That's my BOY!

Don't kill me...

Yee Haw!

Funniest Video EVER!

P.S.

HOLY CRAP!!!

Oh, What a Feeling...

It Moved!

Welcome to the "Honeymoon Phase"

13 weeks!

The Saga Continues...

11 weeks!

Wiggle Worm!

Today's the day!

Introducing...

PLEASE PRAY

6 Weeks!

Prayers really do work...if you didn't already know that!

Welcome to the Club

%#P(@#%)&)_(