Merrimum's Bun in the Oven

The Birth of Daisy Rayne!

2008-04-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

Mike took this picture 13 hours before Daisy was born!

My labour began early Friday morning, March 28th at 4am. The night before I was feeling "off", lots of cramping, nausea and just not right. I thought partly that it would be nerves as I was to be induced Friday morning at 8am. This little one was 6 days late and we were ready to meet him/her!

I wasn't sleeping well, lots of butterflies, but at 4am I started to get contractions about 15-20 mins apart. At around 5:15 or so, I woke Mike up telling him I was having pains. By this time they were 10 mins apart and lasting for about 20 to 30 seconds. I decided I better get ready as we might be going to the hospital sooner than expected!

Mike's parents were going to be staying home to watch Ben, and Mom was up and ready to go at 6am... only to find me having contractions in the kitchen, trying to get ready. Mike was frantically eating a bowl of cereal and wishing his coffee was done sooner! Mom was joking that we might be back in time for lunch if things keep going this fast! As soon as he was done, we were ready to head out the door, Ben waving at us like a good boy and making me super emotional. I wasn't even in the truck and I was a blubbering idiot in the driveway missing him already!

The drive to the hospital (10 mins away) was the longest drive of my life. I think I had 3 contractions on the way. Once we got there, we walked to the elevator, only to have it not work as soon as the doors open. Great. I get to take the stairs, stopping to have contractions. There was too big of a line-up of people at the registration desk so I said screw it and we just went up the the maternity ward (taking the stairs again!) and they admitted me right away. They couldn't find my file — they were VERY busy from a rush of deliveries the night before — and put me in an exam room while Mike did the paperwork. Poor guy was running around frantically, but remaining so calm and cool the whole time. They checked me (once they found out who I was and that I was supposed to be induced at 8am!) and I was 5cm. It was just after 7am at this point. Good thing I was in labour on my own because they wouldn't have been able to induce me that day because they were so busy!

A short while later they put me in a delivery room. I was asked about the option of an epidural, and I thought about it. I decided on getting what they referred to as a mini-epidural, so I wasn't completely numb. Turns out the anesthesiologist was in an emergency c-section so I was out of luck. I got my gas though.. thank goodness! Mike put on my CD that Kerry made for me.. better! The contractions were coming so fast and strong, like every 30 seconds, I couldn't believe it. Dr L. came in at about 8:45 and checked me again, my water breaking in the process, and he said I was still about 5cm.

I was in the middle of a contraction (that just seemed to get worse instead of better!) when all of a sudden I was pushing and the rest of my waters gushed! I remember saying that I couldn't help it! My nurse, Helene, checked me and sure enough, her head was there! I couldn't believe it! In my mind I thought I had like an hour of pushing because that is what I had to do with Ben! I heard Mike say that he could see the head, and I was so focused on pushing and getting it out. The cord was around her neck, which Mike got to cut, then one or two more pushes and she was out! After 7 or 8 mins total of pushing, at 9:02am, my little Daisy Rayne was born! It was such an emotional experience. I didn't know if we had a boy or a girl at this point. I asked what it was and Mike told me it was a girl. We both cried and cried and then Daisy was put on my chest. It was wonderful! She was placed in the bed beside me, so I got to see her get checked out & measured while they took care of me. I missed this whole experience with Ben because I hemorrhaged so bad and he was at the other end of the room.

About 20 mins or so after she was born, I got to nurse her. Such a better experience this time around. Fast, but awesome. Mike and I were in shock all day at how fast it all went and that we were both healthy. He has nicknamed me turbo LOL! And Daisy was born to Walnut Tree by Keen! Fab! We decided to stay one night in the hospital, to make sure my bleeding was under control. Mike's mom came to meet her new granddaughter when Ben was napping, then they all came back later in the afternoon. Ben was adorable with her, but I think he was more curious at all the buttons, cords and machines in the room! Cat came by with her two boys and a most delicious Subway sandwich for me! After visiting hours, friends Kerry and Trevor snuck in to meet Daisy.. it was great seeing our friends :D

She is a wonderful little girl. We love you Daisy! xo

Daisy Rayne, born March 28th 2008 at 9:02am

Daisy's Update!

2008-04-02T09:59:00.002-07:00

I will be doing all our family posts now at our other blog. Come see more pictures of Daisy!

She's here!

2008-03-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

Daisy Rayne

Born March 28th, 2008 at 9:02 am
8 pounds 10.3 ounces / 21.5 inches

My final doctor visit!

2008-03-25T19:04:00.000-07:00

I had my FINAL doctor appointment this afternoon (late, hence the late post!). Things are good.. baby is great, obviously very comfy + content. I gained 2 pounds and am blaming that on Easter goodies and dinner — and so worth it! In total this whole pregnancy I have gained 25 pounds! Not to bad! That is about 20 pounds less than I did with Ben.

I saw a new doctor today and it was refreshing to talk to someone different. I thought it would be the opposite, but he was great. We discussed the problems I have had with the headaches/seeing spots and why it would be happening. Normally they wouldn't induce (or even think about an induction) until at least a week, unless there were reasons to be concerned. And this is why I brought it up. I was glad he took me seriously and didn't brush it off as "just a minor migraine".

The funniest part is that he compared me to 'a piece of toast that is starting to smoke' — everything is good to a certain point, there is no fire, but don't want to make any possible problems cause stress on the baby, especially during delivery. Not to mention it is obviously cooked! He sent me for some more blood work (which I got done in record time at the hospital!) so that they would have the results faster rather than going to the BC Bio Lab. Oh, and he guesstimated the baby to be "big average", meaning 8+ pounds. We'll see!

So! My good news is that Friday morning at 7:30 I go in for my induction! At the end of the appointment, which lasted WAY longer than any other appointment with my reg. doctor, he asked me if I was okay with that, how I felt, etc, and if I was comfortable with him doing it as I had never seen him before. I glanced at Mike and I think we both thought at the same time "I don't care who does it just get it out!"!

Can't wait to meet this *stubborn* little trixster of a baby!

40 weeks and one day...

2008-03-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

40 weeks..

2008-03-22T13:01:00.001-07:00

... and still preggers!

Once again, this little one does not want to come out. It's all too familiar! I feel a bit better knowing that they won't be going to 10 days overdue as I did with Ben, it will most likely be 7 or 8. Every little bit helps!

I really really hope this gets started on it's own though. I am tired. I am big. I am sore and uncomfortable. I want to meet this person!

Come on out baby! We know you are done! My belly button has popped a long time ago!

39 weeks and 3 days...

2008-03-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

And I am still preggers!

I went to the doctor yesterday and things are starting.. little bit by little bit. He did the lovely membrane "sweep" with the chance of it starting something in a day or two. I got cramps later on, and a bit of bloody show, but nothing now. Have never hoped for pain in all my life!

Things are good though. I lost a pound, BP is good, baby's sounds great and is dropping more. Looks so big on the monitor with the wee ultrasound in the office. This baby is COOKED!

Soon I hope. Soon.

Nursery!

2008-03-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

Yep. I am still pregnant.

Here are pics of the nursery though! I was waiting for my glider cushions to get recovered (thanks Doug!!) until I did the BIG reveal! So happy with it all.. would be happier if I had a wee one to sit in there with though!

View from the doorway.. the bookshelf in the corner used to be Mikes, made by his father when he was around Ben's age. I gave it a mini-facelift and painted it white.

Artwork I made... a nice chubby wren!

My favourite part — the dresser. This one matches the one I have for Ben (that was mine from when I was born!) that I painted white. If I have a girl, she will get both matching dressers eventually.

And the dresser/changetable combo I rigged up.

There you have it! Now we sit and wait for the baby!

38 weeks... tick tock tick tock tick tock

2008-03-10T22:30:00.000-07:00

Week 38: Can you tell if you're carrying a boy or a girl? One hint may come from the size of your baby -- boys tend to be slightly heavier than girls. Babies at week 39 weigh about 6.8 to 7 pounds / 3 to 3.2 kilograms and continue to build the fat stores that will help regulate body temperature after birth. Your little one's organ systems are fully developed and in place, but the lungs will be last to reach maturity. (Even after your baby is born, it may take a few hours before she establishes a normal breathing pattern.)

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*sigh* LOL.. I am tired. This pregnancy is a lot harder in some ways, mostly because I have a crazy two year old to take care of! Luckily I have the WONDERFUL help of my amazing mother-in-law now and she is truly amazing. They arrived Saturday and did I mention she is amazing? Such a big help.

I went to the doctors today, with high hopes of begging to be induced. I tried. I figured "What have I got to lose?!". Well, no induction. Yet. The baby has not dropped fully yet, which doesn't mean anything, and everything else was fine. I was concerned about my BP, because of the seeing spots again and whatnot, but he checked it three different times and it's fine. His words: A perfect pregnancy. It's getting all too familiar though. The waiting game with Ben was torture, and I am afraid it is going to happen all over again.

Next appointment (Monday) he is going to check me and do a membrane sweep, with high high hopes of starting something. He said perhaps I won't even see you on Monday, but not sure if it will happen any time soon. We are just planning away though.. going on with life as normal. It's my birthday on Sunday and we hadn't arranged to do anything. Well now I am!

So anxious to meet this little person. As are a lot of other people!

2008-03-03T14:58:00.001-08:00

Week 37: Watermelon! Your baby weighs close to 6.5 pounds and may be about 20 inches long from head to toe. Its head is now cradled in your pelvic cavity -- surrounded and protected by your pelvic bones. This position clears some much-needed space for her growing legs and buttocks.
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I went for my check-up this morning, and things are getting there. I gained a pound and a half (thought I lost.. my scale lies!) and everything else was fine. Baby is lower, but not fully dropped. At least it is not breach!

My heartburn issues have finally eased up, thanks to the wonderful little pink pill named Zantac. Ahh... relief. Worth every penny.

I have been getting more Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing regular. Most of the pain/discomfort I experience is from when the baby moves and pushes so unbelievably hard it's shocking. Mike and I went to the movies on Saturday night and with every push & kick, all I could think of is I better not go into labour the one night Mike and I get to go on a date (it was our 6th wedding anniversary yesterday!)!

36 weeks (and 2 days!)

2008-02-25T09:03:00.000-08:00

Your baby is still gaining weight -- about an ounce/ 28 grams a day. She weighs nearly 6 pounds/ 2.7 kilograms and is 19 inches/ 45 centimetres long from head to toe.

You may begin to feel an increased pressure in your lower abdomen and notice that your baby is gradually dropping. Your lungs and stomach will finally get a chance to stretch out a little — breathing and eating should become easier. However, walking may become increasingly uncomfortable — some women say it feels as if the baby is going to fall out. Also, you may still feel as if you need to go to the loo all the time.

The good news is that by the end of this week, your pregnancy will be full-term and you could give birth any day now. (Babies between 37 and 42 weeks are considered full-term -- a baby born before 37 weeks is premature and after 42 is post-term.) At your weekly visit, your doctor or midwife may check to see if you've started dilating (when the cervix opens) and effacing (when the cervix thins). The doctor or midwife will also check what position the baby is in, in order to estimate how far the baby has dropped into the pelvis. This information will be entered into your maternity notes so that your midwife in hospital will know the position of the baby when you go into labour.

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Well my Honeydew is in the homestretch! It still moves a TON! Aren't they supposed to be slowing down!? Not this chickpea. No siree.

Walking is getting more and more difficult. Picking up Ben is getting more and more difficult. Bending over is getting more and more difficult. Mike snickered at me last night as I had to bend down to pick something up.. spread the legs, brace myself on counter/hand on knee, deep breath and PLUNGE! Back up. Breathe. Ugh.

Before bed last night I packed my bag (as much as I can right now). I should be getting the new diaper bag today that I ordered and then I can get baby's things ready. The clothes are in the dresser, others are hung up and the closet cleaned out. Just need to hang the blind/curtains in there and a few minor things. Vacuum and mop one more time. And I get my hair done on Thursday evening.. must make it to that before the little one arrives!! Very important!

I am thinking of getting the cradle out soon and putting it in our bedroom, getting Ben prepared mostly!

Friday night I ended up having to go to the hospital quickly to get checked out. While having a snack with Ben, I started to not be able to focus on the newspaper I was reading, and seeing spots. Then a headache started. I called Mike and he was on his way home (as fast as he could in rush hour!). Called the clinic and the doctor there said to go get checked out.. I knew it could be a sign of high blood pressure (which I have never had) and possibly pre-eclampsia. But all is well, they said to go back in if it happens again. I had the same lovely nurse (Comfort!) so that was nice. I hope I have her for the BIG EVENT! She thinks it's a girl, too :D

Here is a peek at the cabinet we put up above the change table, and my belly shot from last night — complete with dramatic lighting!

I guess it is bound to happen..

2008-02-21T05:45:00.000-08:00

I went to the store last night (Shoppers Drug Mart to be exact!) and while looking at the baby aisle, stocking up on last minute items for the baby's room and diaper bag, a store employee asked me if I needed help finding anything. "Nope! Just looking right now!" She then gave me the oh-my-look-at-that-belly look as she glanced downwards and said "Well you must be due any day now!"

Nope. 4 more weeks.

LOL.. I think she felt better when I told her it was my second. She then asked me if we knew what we were having. Nope. It won't show the goods. "Oh it's a girl then!"

We'll see!

35 weeks! And 33 days to go!

2008-02-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

Your baby now weighs about 5.25 pounds/ 2.4 kilograms and measures approximately 18 inches/ 45 cm from head to toe. His elbow, foot or head may protrude from your stomach when he stretches and squirms about. Soon, as the wall of your uterus and your abdomen stretch thinner and let in more light, your baby will begin to develop daily activity cycles.

This week, your little one is now sporting fingernails and has a fully developed pair of kidneys. His liver can also process some waste products.

There's much less amniotic fluid and much more baby in your uterus, which has expanded to a thousand times its original size. You've probably put on between 25 and 30 pounds/ 11 and 13.6 kilograms and your weight gain has hit its peak. Even your belly button has got bigger and has popped outward. You may be feeling breathless now that the top of your uterus is up under your ribs. Try getting down on all fours to take deeper breaths. Although the pressure on your bladder will make the bathroom your second home, don't drink any less water — your baby needs the fluids. But you may like to cut down on diuretic drinks like tea and coffee, which will make you have to urinate even more often.
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Less than 5 weeks to go... 33 days until the official due date, but it feels right around the corner! I am feeling very anxious and excited to meet this little person! I want to know who you are!

My doctors appointment this morning went well, am having to walk slower, getting some pains/cramps occasionally. I lost a pound in the past two weeks.. hurrah! Totally thought I would have gained. The baby is looking great though. Not fully dropped, but head is down and not breach! On the ultrasound we could see the baby sucking it's thumb and swallowing. So cute! I go back in two weeks and he will check me then, unless something happens sooner!

And soon I will be able to post pictures of the nursery! Trying to get it more complete before the big reveal :)

34 weeks!

2008-02-10T12:46:00.000-08:00

Week 34: Your baby now weighs more than 4.7 pounds / 2.2 kilograms and is 18 inches / over 45 centimetres from top to toe. She's filling out and getting rounder -- she'll need her fat layers later to regulate her body temperature.
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Less than six weeks until my due date! 41 days! I am finally starting to feel more relaxed about everything, mostly because we have finished painting the nursery! WOOT! It looks WONDERFUL. I am so in love with that room, the nice painted furniture.. everything! It was a very busy week though. Ben was at Mom and Dad's, so we had to get a lot done (and it was way more work than anticipated). I kept having to tell myself though that the end result would be soooooo worth it. And it is!

Last night we put the crib in there (with Ben's help!) and I puttered around, hanging up clothes and what not. Not ready to post any pictures yet though.. waiting until I get the blind/curtains hung, some artwork and whatnot, and finish it a bit more. Soon! And soon we will have a wee one in there!

Baby is still moving around so much, making my whole belly move and dance! It responds to my touch, and to Mike & Ben. It's also been getting hiccups more and more.. that feels so funny. Just in the last couple days I have felt a bit of Braxton Hicks, but very very minor. It's starting to drop, but not fully "engaged" yet! Just the stong movements and kicks/pushes I get take my breath away!

Friday afternoon/evening I met up with Kerry and we drove down to Bellingham to do some shopping. It was awesome. Bought some really cute gender neutral clothes (and some girly of course — I can hope!) at GREAT prices. It was baby week everywhere we went! I love sales on kids clothes.. Still have a few more things to get, but the list is getting shorter!

Don't forget to submit your guesses on the baby's arrival!

Doctor's Update...

2008-02-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

Back from the doctor's visit.. all is well! Have gained a couple more pounds, which brings the total to 20 pounds exactly so far. I am happy with that! Much less than I gained with Ben.

Heart rate was about 140, BP perfect and baby looking all snug! Mom was pretty tickled to hear it/see it :D Doctor's prediction is a baby bigger than Ben (didn't say how much bigger!), just because I am producing more insulin, but not diabetic. I just have to watch what I eat, because the more I gain, the bigger the baby gets. Which is hard because I feel hungry most of the time.. like now. Breakfast part deux?!

Now we start the every 2 week appointments! Time is ticking by...

33 weeks, 2 days

2008-02-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

Week 33: Honeydew! Average size: 43.7cm/17.2in long from top to toe. Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.
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Well here I am! 33 weeks, 47 days until my due date!! Things are going pretty smoothly though.. sleeping is getting trickier. I am able to still sleep through the night without having to go pee (unless Ben wakes up — then I must go!) but it's the rolling over that is difficult. Hips are sure feeling it. Using my body pillow helps, but I find it then gets tossed aside once I am asleep, and then Mike has even less room in the bed! He so lovingly named it Glen. I have NO idea why. Why couldn't it be.. Jude? Hugh? Clive?!?

And here are the recent belly shots from Friday/Saturday. I some strange expression on my face in the bottom one, so you literally get a belly shot. Nice and round, non!? Love it.

The nursery is coming along! I finished the dresser this weekend (Looks LOVELY in a fresh clean coat of 'Pot of Cream'.. mmm!) and got the change pad attached to the other little chest for a change station. Ben is going to his grandparents this week, and it's our time to finish the room!! Mike has a bunch of work to do on the ceiling (pushing in a few nails that are showing their ugly faces, patching, sanding and painting) and the mouldings need patching, sanding, caulking and painting, too. By far the biggest pet peeve of the house since we bought it is how unfinished it was left for so long. Why people?!? At least the end result looks that much better!

Baby is still moving a ton.. big, hard, very noticeable movements! Sometimes I swear it feels like it's trying to poke through the skin. Lots of pressure. She/He is a mover! I go to my 33 week appointment this morning (and my mom-in-law is coming!) so we'll see how much it's grown, if it's in position, etc. Sure feels like it. Get twinges down low every so often.. no braxton hicks yet, but I am sure they will be coming. I also get to discuss the results from my 3hour test with Dr. H.

Got my newborn girl outfit, and will get a boy one on Friday at Target for the coming home outfit! Mom and I went shopping yesterday and there were SO many cute girls clothes, it was very hard to control myself. So instead I looked like the weirdo lecturing my belly "If you just told us what you are, D, then see how many pretty clothes and toys you could have?!"! Just means for more shopping when the day arrives!!

Oh! And I added an Online Baby Pool feature to the sidebar (the ugly graphic!).. Take a guess!!

32 weeks

2008-01-26T13:10:00.000-08:00

By now, your baby is just shy of 4 pounds and is nearly 17 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb.
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8 months today! I seem to be getting bigger and bigger every day (Mike reminds me!), and the baby is still very active, which usually seems to take my breath away.. literally!

I am sleeping pretty good, minus Ben waking in the night. Not sure what is up with that.. used to be such a great sleeper. If he doesn't wake, I tend to be able to sleep through the night and not have to get up to pee.

The little things are getting harder to do, like putting on my socks/shoes (and Ben's!), bending over to pick stuff up, etc. Not too much longer to go though, so I will grin and bear it. It actually makes me giggle when I have problems doing these basic tasks..

I splurged and ordered a sling today for when baby arrives. It was 30% off, and I have wanted one for quite a while. They are great quality (Cathy has one!), made locally and are so gorgeous — and the company is appropriately named Gorgeous Baby! I think this pattern is perfect for Spring/Summer, and neither too girly or boy-ish. Reversible to a lovely cocoa brown, too. And the colours match the nursery to boot!

Speaking of.. the nursery is starting to come together. I have prepped, sanded and primed the dresser. Once that is out of the way I will feel much better. I am so anxious to see it all finished — or at least the colour on the walls!

2 months!

2008-01-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

Today marks 2 months until my due date.. 60 days. 60! Could be 45, could be 70. Who knows.. either way, it is sure approaching really fast! On Saturday I will be 32 weeks, 8 months!

Wow.

31 weeks!

2008-01-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

Week 31: Your baby's arms, legs and body continue to fill out -- and they are finally proportional in size to her head. She weighs about 3.3 pounds/1.5 kilograms and looks more like a newborn. She measures about 16 inches/ 41 centimetres from crown to toe.

You may notice your baby isn't moving around as much. Don't worry; she's just running out of space in your uterus. As long as you can feel her squirming, you'll know she's just fine. Believe it or not, she still has plenty of growing to do. You can expect her to gain at least two more pounds/900 grams before delivery.

Your baby's organs are continuing to mature and she is passing water from her bladder: good practice for the urinating she'll do after she's born. Soon you can wonder what your baby is wishing for -- brain scans have shown that fetuses have periods of dream sleep around month eight.

You've probably gained three to four pounds / 1.3 to 1.8 kilograms this month. Gaining a pound/450 grams a week is quite normal during the last trimester as your baby has a final growth spurt before birth.
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63 days to go!!

This past week has been quite difficult as I have yet another cold. It seems as soon as Ben gets the start of a cold, I get it. Full force. The coughing at night is wearing on me.. and Ben hasn't been sleeping through the night for a while so that is extra tiring. I REALLY hope that changes when the baby comes. Oy vey.

I am enjoying being pregnant though. Brings back a lot of wonderful memories with Ben. I smile when it moves and kicks, I don't think that ever gets old. When my whole belly moves, it still makes me laugh!

But with these good warm happy fuzzy feelings also bring a lot of nerves. I am scared of how Ben is going to react initially. Obviously he will have to get used to the baby, but I am trying to prepare myself that it might not be "love at first sight" for him! I worry that there will be so much jealousy from him that it will break my heart. Being a stay at home mom of two also scares the socks off of me. With no vehicle. It will be interesting!

One feeling sure takes front and centre over everything else though.. I am so excited to meet this baby!! Who is it? Boy? Girl? C or D?!?

30 week check-up

2008-01-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

This morning was my 30 week check-up.. got to sleep in, too. Ahhh. Ben is sick with a cold, so Mike was staying home to take care of him so I could go to my appointment and still work. With my maternity leave quickly approaching, and only working 2 days a week on my payroll job, I gots lots to do!

Everything is a-ok though. I gained 3 pounds, BP fine, good pee, measuring right on track. The heart rate has dropped (due to its growing size) from 150 to 132. Nice and consistent though. It even gave a nice big kick when he was counting LOL! When I got to see the baby on the TV via ultrasound, it looked huge! Sure has grown in four weeks! It's turned into position more, not breach, but it's early to say if it will stay that way until d-day. It was curved slightly so it will probably do more flips and flops until then!

I have given up on finding the sex. It clearly doesn't want to share it! And now that it's even bigger, it's harder to see as it's curled up more. I told Mike I just need to respect it's wishes LOL! It's not that far away, and now I am looking forward to having that wonderful surprise of announcing boy or girl! Only until recently have I started to hear the names we have picked out, and it makes me smile wondering who this little one is :D

I go back in 4 weeks, and then after that it's every 2!

The Nursery!

2008-01-13T12:25:00.000-08:00

Things are FINALLY starting to come together with the nursery. Before Christmas, we were hard at work to get it cleared out, and Mike did a great job sorting and putting a bunch of un-needed stuff (larger stuff for when the baby gets older) into the crawlspace.

Last weekend I went through Ben's old clothes and separated all the gender-neutral stuff. Just need to wash it and put it away!

I got the paint this morning.. a wonderful light fresh minty-seafoam green call Spirea. Relaxing and cozy.. I love it :D

The armchair and ottoman (Thank K & T!) is currently getting a new slipcover made out of creamy white chenille. So soft! I have the dresser, have the paint, just gotta paint it! I think I will start on that next weekend. Mike has cleared out space in the shop so I might get him to move it out there, start a fire in the stove so it's not freezing and paint away! Want it to be able to cure for a while so it's good and durable. That will be painted a creamy white like Ben's dresser, called Pot of Cream.

The fabrics.. my favourite part! I am making a pillow for the chair (and perhaps something else) out of this awesome striped fabric:

Then perhaps a valance or detail of some sort for the drapes/curtains out of this cool cottonwood branch fabric. This area always stumps me. We have a blackout roller blind already for in there, and some white drapes that tie at the top. Want a bit more colour there though. I am trying to think of a way of using a painted piece of wood/branch as the actual curtain rod, similar to what I saw in a magazine once. I already have the perfect branches from the summer when our hazelnut trees got trimmed! Can't find a pic online, so you'll have to wait and see.

And this is the funky fabric I am going to make some artwork with.. I'll leave it at that :)

Will post pics of the room as it progresses more...

30 weeks

2008-01-12T19:51:00.000-08:00

Your baby's lungs and digestive tract are almost fully developed. While your baby may soon slow up growing in length, (he measures about 15.7 inches/ 40 centimetres from crown to toe by now), he will continue to gain weight until he's born.

This week your baby continues to open and shut his eyes. He can probably see what's going on in utero, distinguish light from dark and even track a light source. If you shine a light on your stomach, your baby may move his head to follow the light or even reach out to touch the moving glow. Some researchers think baring your stomach to light stimulates visual development. But don't expect 20/20 vision when your baby is born -- newborns can see a distance of only about 8 to 12 inches/ 20 to 30 centimetres. (Children with normal vision don't reach 20/20 vision until about age 7 to 9.) To complete the picture, your baby now has eyebrows and eyelashes.

A pint and a half/around a litre of amniotic fluid now surrounds your baby but that volume decreases as he gets bigger and has less room in your uterus. As you and the baby continue to grow, don't be alarmed if you feel breathless, as if you can't get enough air; it's just your uterus pressing against your diaphragm. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though. At about 34 weeks (or just before delivery, if this is your second or third pregnancy), your baby's head will move down into your pelvis as the baby gets into the right position for birth. That will make breathing and eating a lot easier.
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This morning I went to do my blasted 3 hour GD test at the lab in town. What TORTURE! It's not bad enough they make you fast for 10 hours but then they keep you in a boring dull lab for 3 hours, and give 4 vials of blood all the while. Zzzzzz. I got a lot read in my book (fab!) but I was ready to come home. Then I remembered that I haven't gotten my Rhogam shot yet. I have to get that done at the hospital, so I got the great idea that I would go do that after words, while I had the truck and the time to do it. Plus my next doctor appointment is Monday and I wanted to say that I did everything! I finished at the lab — hurrah! — and left totally looking forward to my granola bar in the truck. Which I sadly forgot at home :( Thank goodness for the applejuice they gave me though..

I did get it all done though. And I am sick of labs and needles and blood and needles and labs. Fingers crossed for good results. We had a good evening though... I made a yummy turkey stew with biscuits for my friends and their twins. My feet are tired though. My body is tired. Time to go relax and head to bed early. I say that every night..

A strange encounter..

2008-01-11T12:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning, after dropping Ben off at daycare, I walked to the grocery store on the way home and stopped for a coffee (and to use the bathroom facilities!). I ordered, went over to the bar to wait for my yummy latté and there was a lady standing there that smiled. I smiled back!

She then said to me "No baby yet!?". Um, no! I know I look really pregnant when I wear my rain coat, because I can hardly zip it up and it's all snug. I said that I actually have about 10 weeks left. "10 weeks!? Wow!". Yes, that is what I like to hear. She is now staring at my belly. STARING. "I guess you are going to have one big baby!". LOL..

Let it be known that I have NO IDEA who this lady was. NO idea. I really really think she thought I was someone else. I have never seen her around, I don't go to that Starbucks that often to be a "regular" or anything.

The conversation then moved onto how much weight she gained with her pregnancies, yadda yadda yadda. People say the strangest things when you are pregnant. It's like no holds barred. Why don't you come right out and tell me how many stitches you got? Did ya poop on the table?!

Oh well. It made me laugh. And scratch my head.

29 week update...

2008-01-06T11:26:00.000-08:00

Weeks 29 to 32, month 7: Squash. Average size — 38.6 to 42.4 cm / 1153 to 1702 grams. Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though — as you’ve also probably noticed — they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments.
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Third trimester! Month 7! And we have upgraded to a squash! I know I say this all the time, but I can't believe how fast time is flying.

The baby moves all the time. ALL the time. I seriously doubt that it sleeps sometimes! I can get Mike to feel it move nearly all the time, to the point that it is "old" news! It's still exciting to me though. But it kicks so hard and rolls around so much still that it takes my breath away.. literally!

I haven't gone for my 3 hour GD test, as I got sick with another cold. Saturday morning. Gotta just get it done. I am also going to ask for another ultrasound, find out how the baby is growing. More for peace of mind that anything, with the last couple scares I had. At this point I could care less about the gender — neutral nursery is already underway!

What else is new.. not much. I feel good, trying to keep the weight off as much as possible. Glad that the holidays are over and can get back to my walks and such. I think I did too much yesterday though and I was extra tired and sore. My feet were starting to swell, the first time this pregnancy, so I knew it was a sign to slow down. Have a shower, read and go to bed. That helped.. feel much better today!

This is the year!

2008-01-01T15:19:00.000-08:00

As Cathy so lovingly put it – this is the year I will have my second baby! In 81 days (give or take!) I am going to be a momma of TWO!

Time is flying by.. oy vey!

28 weeks!

2007-12-29T11:20:00.000-08:00

Week 28: By this week, your baby weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of her head to her heels. She can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. She's also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.
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My little eggplant has grown into a Chinese cabbage, soon a nice plump squash! This little one sure is active, rolling about quite often now and responding to touch/pressure. This morning I was talking to my mother-in-law on the phone, who just left on Thursday from Christmas, and the baby starting kicking. Might have been a fluke, but I think she knew who was on the phone :D She even felt major movements on Christmas day.. very special!

And yes. I still think this is a girl!

I got positive results for Group B Strep, as I did with Ben, so no shock there. I haven't gone for my three hour Glucose test yet, but will go soon. Ben has been sick with a cold, and therefore none of us have been sleeping the greatest. Plus with the holidays just wrapping up, there were perhaps a few too many treats ;) Time to get back on track! Or at least after New Year's!! I also have to get my Rhogam shot in the butt.

It feels crazy that I am now in my third and final trimester. Soon my dr appointments will be bi-weekly, and then weekly. I am feeling pretty good, getting that "big" feeling, but at the same time loving the belly. It doesn't last forever.. gotta enjoy it while it lasts! Other than getting up with Ben periodically, I have been sleeping pretty good, not getting up to go pee much. That will change soon though! My wonderful hubby gave me a heavenly foot rub last night, too, which was divine. Wish I could have that every evening!!

Nursery wise, things are coming along. I have most of the plans complete at least! I have an idea for paint, the light fixture, fabric to re-do the armchair/ottoman (thanks K & T!).. just gotta get it done! I would LOVE to get most of it done this month, and have February to get last minute things, stock-up on things and get the bags ready. Who knows if this one is going to be late like Ben! Easter weekend (the due date) would be lovely though!

Belly shot!

2007-12-24T11:45:00.000-08:00

Here I am on Saturday (post scare.. hence the tired, tired eyes from crying.. oy) at 27 weeks :D

Happy that my wee one is okay! Gotta love stretch marks...

Merry Christmas!

27 weeks and 1 day :)

2007-12-23T21:16:00.000-08:00

Week 27: This week your baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14.4 inches long with his legs extended. He can now open and close his eyes, and he sleeps and wakes at regular intervals. He may suck his fingers, and although his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with assistance — if he were to be born prematurely. Chalk up any rhythmic movement you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and isn't bothersome to him, so enjoy the tickle. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. Wonder what he's thinking?
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Well it's been an interesting week! With being busy with last minute Christmas preparations and whatnot, we have sure been busy. Company is here now for the week, and we are looking forward to Christmas morning with Ben!

Last night I had a horrible scare. We were doing our bedtime routine with Ben (bath, stories, etc) and I had gone pee. Then like 30 mins later I had to go again — not that out of the ordinary! Well, I then noticed that I had been bled all over in less than an hour without even knowing.. I had been wearing a pantiliner and it was soaked. Dark red blood. I tired to breathe, not panic and went upstairs. I told Mike as calmly as I could, went and cleaned up and think about what to do first. I was having no pains, cramps, etc so I was shocked. Mike was then on Ben duty as I called my doctors office for the on-call physician.. no answer (paged) but was too nervous to sit and wait. I called the BC Nurseline and they advised to go to the hospital right away (not 911).

So, seeing as Ben wasn't going to sleep, Mike bundled him up and drove me to the hospital. I was too nervous to drive anyways and didn't know what was going on, nor how long I would be there. He dropped me off (wishing I could have him there for support) and I got checked in right away, sent up to the Maternity ward and given a bed pronto. Having never been to this hospital, I was so pleased with how well I was treated.

I had a wonderful nurse, I think she was Trinidadian (had a slight similar accent at least) named Comfort. She was so nice and, well, comforting! The doctor there was the on-call physician at my Maternity Clinic, and he came in right away. I gave a pee sample, and got changed, hooked up to a monitor to check the baby. I had bled a bit more, and the nurse saw that on the pad I was wearing. Comfort put the monitor on my belly to get the heartbeat and as soon as I laid on the bed, the baby started to move. I think that is what I was most nervous about was that I hadn't felt the baby move in a while, but was trying to tell myself that it was sleeping, as it usually doesn't start getting active until the evening. Sure enough, that was the case. It even kicked the little round monitor so hard, I had to help hold it while she strapped the velcro on LOL! Go baby go!

The doctor checked me, asked me more questions, BP fine, no fever, but blood in my urine. The the horrible physical exam.. ugh. My cervix was closed, and no blood from the exam. Phew. But why was I bleeding so bad earlier? The took a sample, and had determined it to be a bladder infection. Waiting for the results.. probably won't get them until Thursday. In the mean time I am on medicine, which I also have to keep an eye on as it is in the Penicillin family, which I am allergic to. I am just baffled though as I have no symptoms of a BI. *shrug*.

All in all I was out of there in like an hour, called a taxi and went home. Got a big hug from Mike, called his mom to let her know all was well (he had called her earlier to find out his blood type.. I couldn't remember at the time the doctor asked me as they were going to do my Rhogam shot then, but decided to delay it until next week) then I drove to the drugstore to get my prescription filled. Late night.

I feel fine now, no more bleeding, but I tell you I was sure terrified.

Picture to post tomorrow once I get it off of the camera :)

26 week doctor appointment

2007-12-18T13:17:00.000-08:00

So my appointment was yesterday, and all is well. I gained 2 pounds in 4 weeks (can you tell my appetite is back?! Hello Christmas goodies!), BP good, pee good this time. The baby's heartrate was regular — the standard 150 it's been — and I am measuring right on track.

But. And there is always a but. The baby was in a breach position so once again it was impossible to determine the gender. It's butt was waaaayyyy down in my pelvis, couldn't even get a peek! Dr. H of course thinks it is funny, because every time we go to peek the baby is not not NOT allowing it! And I want to know!! So much for my Christmas wish! LOL! It's okay that the baby is breach right now, as it has lots of time to move (or be moved!). Fingers crossed.

And another but. But this time a butt. I swear this is a girl because I am getting a butt.

I got to go in 2 weeks to get my Rhogam shot. In my big butt. Then go back on January 14th for the routine check-up. I will be 30 weeks. 30 weeks!! Holy doodles.

26 weeks

2007-12-15T09:31:00.000-08:00

Week 26: Your baby's becoming more sensitive to sound as the network of nerves in her ears develops. If dad talks to her now, she might learn to recognize his voice. The more she hears it, the more likely she is to find it soothing after she's born. If he feels strange just talking to the baby, he can read the newspaper or a book out loud.
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Time is flying by! I can't believe that I am 26 weeks already. I am feeling good, cold is finally going away. Slept great last night (was not coughing up a storm!) due to lack of stress now — I passed my road test! This is huge in my life! I have struggled for a long time with getting the courage to drive and now I am one step closer to having my license! Unfortunately I am stuck in that Graduated Licensing Program, so now I have to display a green "N" (for Novice) sign for a couple years, then do another road test, but that is fine by me! I was so nervous yesterday morning before the test, I thought I was going to throw up. I was snapping at Mike, trying to take big breaths and r-e-l-a-x. Easier said than done. Even threw a bit of a wobbly in the parkade before heading up. But it's done!!

No more dizzy spells or seeing spots, etc. Thank goodness. I feel that everything is okay though and it was due to stress, being sick with a cold and just got over a brutal flu (that made every part of me hurt & ache!). I go back to the doctors on Monday, and hope to talk to him about the three hours GTT test. Maybe if the levels weren't too high for my one hour test I could just repeat that? One can hope! Either way I am waiting to do it until after Christmas. Easier that way. And hopefully I can get a sneak peek of the gender on the ultrasound! He said that there was a very good chance of being able to see the sex this time..

I have gained back a couple of the 5 pounds I lost with the flu. I feel it is all going to my bum this pregnancy! Cathy says that is a sure sign of a girl! LOL! After 5 girls in a row I think she knows a thing or two ;) Mike is nice and says no, not that I care anyways. I am making a baby afterall! This is a big job!

Next week I enter my third trimester. My GOODNESS!!

sigh

2007-12-11T19:15:00.000-08:00

So I got a call from my Maternity Clinic this afternoon. I knew it was going to be about my test results.. turns out the results from me GD were a bit high so they would like me to do the three hour test. NOOOO! That really sucks.

I never had to do this with Ben, so I am hoping that all is well. It's just not fun to have to do. I have to take time out of my work day ($) to get it done, not to mention the fasting. Oh the fasting! So I will take my iPod, a book, magazine and my book to review as Friday morning is my Road Test. Another thing to worry about.

Just please don't snow!

25 weeks

2007-12-08T19:06:00.001-08:00

Week 25: Eggplant! Average size — 34.6 to 37.6 cm, 660 to 1005 grams. Let your spouse put an ear to your belly — he might be able to pick up baby's heartbeat (no stethoscope required). Inside the womb, the formation of tiny capillaries is giving baby a healthy pink glow. Baby's also soaking up your antibodies, getting the immune system ready for life outside the womb. Eyes are forming, and baby will soon perfect the blink -- perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.
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15 weeks to go!!

Besides having the flu this past week, and now having a cold, not much is new! 7:20am this morning I went to the BC BioLab to do my blood work and the Gestational Diabetes 1 hour test. Dr. C said that if there is anything wrong (BI or otherwise) they would call me. And for my next appt on the 17th I have to go get my Rhogam shot in the butt. Woot!

My body is sure getting tired already, my hips mainly. They aren't as sore as when I was really sick (oh the body aches!!!) but I can sure tell I am pregnant!

I have noticed that in the last couple weeks, that when I have Ben sitting on my lap, the baby really starts to kick. It makes me smile :D

A bit of a scare...

2007-12-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, while I was working, I started to experience a bit of blurred vision and then started to see spots. I tried to see if it would pass but after a while it got a bit worse. I called my friend Cathy to ask her if this ever happened to her, because the day before I had a dizzy spell on my walk home from daycare. We both agreed that it would be best for me to call my doctor and see what they said. I left a message, and did some research as I new that this could be a sign of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia. I knew it wasn't the latter as I would have other symptoms.

My doctors office called me back right away and they said I should get in right away to be sure everything was alright. I then had to call Mike, but where he was working on site was a bad service range and had no reception. Darn it! So I had to call his foreman and leave the message for him to call home right away. I hate leaving messages like that! So he did and I said I needed him to come home so I could go to the doctors.

BP was fine, but my urine had some blood and whiteblood cells in it. So they suspect that I might be getting a bladder infection, which left untreated can cause kidney problems. This doesn't explain the spots or vision problems, but if it happens again I have call them right away. I have to go get some bloodwork done tomorrow morning though, and do my diabetes screen at the same time. Joy! Fasting from 8pm tonight! No snack before bed! Luckily the lab opens at 7am so I will be there as soon as I can! Now that we are over the flu, I like food again! Don't leave a pregnant woman hungry!!

So I go back as scheduled on the 17th to see my own doctor, and if anything is abnormal with my results they will contact me. Keep you posted!

24 weeks

2007-12-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

Week 24: Your baby's growing steadily, gaining about a quarter of a pound since last week, when she was just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), that makes a pretty lean figure, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon put on more baby fat. Your baby's skin is thin, translucent, and wrinkled, her brain is growing rapidly, and her taste buds are developing. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" and cells that produce surfactant, a substance **that helps the air sacs inflate easily.
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6 months! I am feeling great for the most part.. only complaint is the pains I get in my hip, and the tiredness. It is all manageable! At this point with Ben, I had major heartburn all the time, and swollen feet (thanks to the warm weather!). Now I think I am going to have a hard time trying to keep my belly covered as I outgrow my winter coat! Ben has his first stomach flu right now, and I hoping the vomiting stops, as it sure triggers my gag reflex! Ick! He was at his grandparents for the past 4 days, and I think the baby sure noticed when he was home!! He was sitting on my lap, we were chatting, and the movements were incredible! A great feeling!

If all goes well I will get another belly pic soon.. it grows more and more each day!

A photo at last!

2007-11-26T09:23:00.000-08:00

Saturday night was Mike's Christmas party, so we got all dressed up :D The baby moved a LOT when the band was playing (yes, there was a band. Don't ask.), especially during YMCA. Funny! We'll hope it was simply because it was so loud in there.

Here I am at 23 weeks and the three of us!

23 weeks

2007-11-24T09:20:00.000-08:00

Week 23: Still a papaya! Feeling energetic and excited about the upcoming birth? If you find yourself dancing around the house with joy, your baby will hear the music and feel you sway, since his hearing and sense of movement are well developed now. He's also started blinking his eyelids. Once you reach this 24th week of pregnancy, your baby becomes "viable". This means that he has a chance of survival if born now. With each week that passes, he becomes more and more mature and better able to cope with the outside world.
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I have been feeling regular movements now, at the same times of the day (or night!) and it is wonderful! I was awake last night for what felt like forever, just feeling the baby move! Same with this morning.. Mike can feel it all the time now, big hard kicks.

Tonight is Mike's Christmas party for work, and I am really looking forward to it. We get to stay overnight at the hotel (Granny and Grampa came to watch Ben! And the dogs!) and relax. And sleep in a king size bed! Then go for breakfast the next morning! And I won't have a hangover this year! LOL! The time is muchly needed for us though, and appreciated 100%! Thanks Mom and Dad! I will be sure to get a picture taken of me all glammed up :D

22

2007-11-22T06:39:00.000-08:00

I am 22 weeks and 5 days today. Today is November 22. I am due March 22. That is four months away! FOUR! Or less if the baby decides to come early.

I have a lot of stuff to do!!

Week 22 check-up...

2007-11-20T11:25:00.000-08:00

And we still don't know the gender! He looked (and I even drank half a can of 7-up to get the baby moving, which worked!) but it wasn't in the proper position. He said maybe by next visit he can tell more, as it will be even more developed. How great would that be? Find out a week before Christmas what we are having?!?

But everything else is A-OK. I gained just a pound and a half, BP was great, good pee! Dr. H said to keep up the good work! And the ultrasound results were perfect! Woot!

Nothing much to share, but I did record the heartbeat on my phone! A nice consistent 150 :)

22 weeks

2007-11-17T11:28:00.000-08:00

Week 22: Papaya. Your baby now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in up to 10 inches and almost 1 pound. Her skin will continue to appear wrinkled until she gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers her head and body is now visible. Her lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath her gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and her pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.

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I like all the *her references above! As my mother-in-law says, we should just start calling her by name!

Things are moving along! I am not 5.5 months, and feeling pregnant more than ever. My hips are already starting to get quite sore, and the waddle is settling in because of it. Oh well, the nausea has gone away for the most part, and I only get bits of heartburn when I go to bed (from laying down).

Good news is that Mike felt the baby move on this week! That was very exciting.. I am sure he could have felt it before, but we never had the time to sit down and try. It was a nice big kick, that he said made his hand move! It seems to be a quiet baby, I don't think it is quite as active as Ben was at this stage. That might be a good thing! Looking back at how busy Ben was in my tummy, sure does show how it relates to their personality now! Oy vey!

Monday is my doctor appointment. We will discuss the ultrasound results, etc, and see if he can see the baby's gender on his machine. I think this time I am going to drink a Coke before going in. Gotta get this baby moving! Would love to be able to go back for another scan...

Will get a photo taken this weekend :D

21 weeks (and one day!)

2007-11-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

Weeks 21-24 (Month 5): Papaya. Average size — 26.7 to 30 cm, 360 to 600 grams. Watch what you say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.
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Now that things are moving along in the pregnancy, the updates get jumbled more into the months instead of the weeks. But we have made it to Papaya stage! I laughed this morning when I read that the nips are sprouting.. I shouted to Mike (and the baby probably heard!) that our daughter's boobies are starting to sprout! He countered me by saying "Oh ya, our boy is getting boobs?". Maybe he said pecks. But either way he is still on the blue team!

Feeling movements more and more now, and funny little jabs. Yesterday I felt a small one from the outside of my belly, so it's just a matter of time before Mike can share in this cool experience once again! Being closer to Christmas, my stress levels have been increasing, but thanks to a great hubbie I am trying to not let it get to me. Financial issues + Christmas just aren't fun. Not at all. Can I hope for a miracle?!?

The ultrasound.. dum dum DUM!

2007-11-09T14:35:00.001-08:00

Well, the ultrasound is done. And..... we don't know what we are having! A baby obviously, but they decided to be stubborn the whole visit and not show us the bits. And when I say stubborn, I mean it! I had to lay on my back, then my side, my back again, my side. Walk around in the hallway, jump up and down, back, then side.. and that was all to just get the basic measurements of the heart and whatnot! The baby was laying on it's stomach basically and not wanting to flip over!

When Mike was allowed in, the technician went over everything and showed us the baby together, saw it stretching, opening it's mouth, moving hands/fingers.. very cool. Then when she moved down to the nether region, surprise surprise! The legs were crossed. They would open slightly, then snap shut! Then repeat. I think she tried for what felt like 10 minutes! She said that it looked like a girl sometimes, then a boy so she couldn't be sure. I personally saw girly bits, but who knows.

I go for my doctor appointment on the 19th, so we'll see what he sees on his machine, and whether or not he needs me to go again (please please please!).

Overall it was a humorous day, and something to remember and share in the future! I am happy that it's healthy and growing (heartrate was 148!) and looks cute as a button :)

Tomorrow is the day..

2007-11-08T19:37:00.000-08:00

It's more exciting than Christmas!

Of course it's all I could think about all day, this and my mum. I know she is rooting for me! My Grandma called me this morning, wishing me luck. She is so anxious to find out what we are having ("We didn't have this kind of technology when I was having babies!"). And the girls at work were all super excited yesterday when I went in — "Is tomorrow the day we find out if we are having a girl!?" Yes WE! LOL! It's nice to know so many people care so much about this baby and us!

I am not sure if I am going to get much sleep tonight, thinking about seeing the little one in further detail on the screen. And for Mike to see, too! Getting a picture or two or three to share! I know everything is fine, that it's all healthy and growing and whatnot, but the butterflies are from excitement — that and now I am getting DEFINITE jabs!

20 weeks!!! Five months!!!

2007-11-03T11:51:00.001-07:00

Week 20: Cantaloupe. Average fetus — 16.4 cm, 300 grams. Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

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Now that is what I like to hear — baby's genitals are now fully formed! LOL!! Which means when we go for our ultrasound on Friday we will almost be guaranteed to find out who is growing inside me! So excited!

I felt the baby move the most yesterday, very exciting. When I don't feel it for a period of time, I just have to tell myself that it is still early yet and in a couple weeks (or sooner!) I will be REALLY able to feel movements. Then Mike will be able to feel it.. that will be so great. Hopefully it isn't shy :D Ben sure wasn't!

19 weeks and 5 days..

2007-11-01T10:41:00.001-07:00

Took this picture of myself in the bathroom mirror yesterday. Belly is a growing! Ben is so cute about it now.. he is lifting my shirt up more and more, saying "baby!" and giving kisses & pats.

8 days until the ultrasound!!! I don't think I am going to be able to sleep the night before!

19 weeks!

2007-10-27T12:11:00.001-07:00

Week 19: Mango. Average fetus — 15.3 cm, 240 grams. Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.
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Almost halfway there! I read earlier today that the baby's teeth are starting to form in their gums. How crazy is that?!?

I am back at my tired stage.. ugh. Baby must be growing more because I am really starting to feel sluggish. There are definite movements now, starting to feel them more often, usually when I am going to bed! It's getting harder to fall asleep now, trying to get comfortable. Body pillow is now needed!

We are getting really excited for our upcoming ultrasound, so are our friends and family. I spoke with my Grandma this morning on the phone (her 72nd birthday!) and she can't wait to find out what we are having. She too is thinking pink!

Ben is starting to "learn" that there is a baby in my tummy. At least that is what we like to think! Now when I ask him where the baby is, he lifts up his own shirt and says "baby!" It's adorable. When I tell him that there is one growing in my tummy, he HAS to lift up my shirt and look. Yesterday he even gave kisses — which tickled! Such a funny little monster..

Pregger brain

2007-10-26T06:26:00.001-07:00

It is a terrible thing! I can't even count how many stupid things I did when I was pregnant with Ben, not to mention how forgetful I was at times. It is boggling! I like to think that I am normally not a forgetful person, so when this happens, I feel even more like an idiot!

I thought I would start to keep track of my "instances" of pregger brain.

- A couple weeks ago I went to work (I usually go into the office one day a week) and I forgot my power cable. Yes, for my Mac Book. Which means the battery wouldn't last all day and the boss' husband had to bring his in so I could continue working. Doh!

- I was making Mike's coffee for him the night before a work day, and getting his lunch together. Trying to be a good wifey. Well, the next afternoon Mike thanks me for doing all that, and says that the coffee usually tastes better when you put WATER into it! Ohmigod. I thought he was going to tell me that I killed the coffee maker. Thank goodness I didn't.

Those are just a couple that stand out the most right now, (I am sure I will think of more!) this early in the morning, but forgetfulness is a regular occurrence. I forget things to take to daycare for Ben (like the cheque to pay her, or miss a day to pay her for).

Thankfully, I know I am not the only one! And when I have a REALLY awesome day, like at work, I can joke that I have the help of an extra brain :)

Another check-up

2007-10-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

And everything was a-ok! BP good, pee was good, gained 4 pounds but I think that brings my total to about 11 or 12 pounds so far.

The heart rate was about 150 again. Sounds so fast! We were curious to see what would be visible on the office's ultrasound machine, if the doctor could guess on the gender! But as soon as the baby was on the screen, we both laughed and saw that it would be impossible! The wee one was in a much different position from last week. Instead of a nice side profile, it was like looking with a birds eye view! The head was tucked in, knees to it's chin and legs crossed. I could even see all of the toes! Amazing :) I am now even more excited to see what it will look like at the BIG ultrasound!

I asked the doctor if they got my records from my previous doctor, regarding my pregnancy/birthing of Ben. I was curious to see what it said about the bleeding problems I had as it was never explained to me. Dr. H says that it was most likely due to the labour happening so fast that my cervix didn't have enough time to "prepare". Hopefully it doesn't happen again (the bleeding!) but at least they know about it.

18 weeks!

2007-10-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

Week 18: Sweet Potato. Average fetus — 14.2 cm, 190 grams. Your fetus has become amazingly mobile (at least compared to you), passing the hours yawning, hiccuping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking and swallowing. And, baby's finally big enough that you'll be able to feel those movements soon.
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I have DEFINITELY been feeling flutters, especially the last few days. Such a neat thing, and knowing that they are just going to get stronger is very exciting. Well, except for when the baby is kicking into my ribs or bouncing on my bladder! I just love that it is compared to a sweet potato.. so cute. Reminds me of Toy Story when Mrs. Potato head calls Mr. Potato her little sweet potato!

As I grow bigger, I can feel the waddle coming on, more so after a long day, or when I am walking home from taking Ben to daycare. My rain coat is snug, and it sure shows I have a pregger belly! Gonna have to come up with a solution for that, one that doesn't involve a poncho!

And I will try once again to get a decent picture taken of me! Maybe Cathy can take one this weekend if we go for a visit :D

17 weeks and 2 days!

2007-10-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

Week 17: Average fetus — 13 cm, 140 grams. Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints.
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A few days late on my blog updating — we went to the Island this weekend and didn't have time to post before we left!

Things are moving along so fast, and I can't believe that in a few short weeks, I will be halfway there! And the ultrasound is approaching so quickly..

Last night I had my first baby dream. It was craziness.. I was giving birth, and it happened so fast, and out came this gorgeous chubby girl with dark hair. And I instantly named her what we have picked out for a girl. I was sobbing and happy and it was wonderful! Then Ben came into the room, threw Teddy at me and climbed into my bed. Lovely. Oh well, it was a nice dream while it lasted! Let's hope it means something! PINK PINK PINK!

Which brings me to another subject.. names. I have had two names picked out for quite some time, probably over a year, and Mike and I have discussed them. He likes them, I LOVE them. I wish I could use them both! But when people ask me if I have names, I struggle with the fact of "Should I tell them or not?" and then I do, and I get sometimes horrible reactions! And these aren't strangers I am telling, either. It honestly hurts when they can't just zip up their big fat gobs and keep their opinions to themselves. And some of these faces/reactions have been from family members. They aren't horrible names! They aren't opening doors for years of teasing (well at least I don't think so!) and they aren't something I just thought of last week. So I have come to the conclusion that I either won't tell people at all, or at least until we know what we are having and then we can "name" him/her and if I DO tell people there will be a disclaimer: I have had these names set aside for quite sometime. I really like them. They have sentimental reason's to them also. Sorry if this sounds rude, but I don't care what people think about them because I love them. And yes, Mike likes them too."

And then I will stick out my tongue at them. Well, kidding about that, but sometimes I seriously want to.

So, until I know if it is a miss or a mister, all you out there that know our names, keep it hush until I say. Thanks ;D

16 weeks!

2007-10-06T08:41:00.000-07:00

Week 16: Avocado. Average fetus — 11.6 cm, 100 grams. Watch what you say... tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean the little one can now pick up your voice. Eyebrows, lashes and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming. And, if you're interested, an ultrasound might be able to determine gender.
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Well here I am — 4 months! Seems like not that long ago I found out (before 5 weeks!). Time has really flown by. Now the wait is on for the big ultrasound on November 9th. Cannot wait! Starting to get the furniture for the nursery (a dresser, and a dresser that is going to be used as a change table). Just got to get it cleared out of the junk to make it less of a storage room!

I can't wait to be able to feel the baby move, and have Mike feel him/her. EEks!

Belly shot..

2007-10-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

So my lovely hubbie was instructed to take a photo of me, but a) didn't tell me when he was actually taking it and b) refused to take another when I saw how BAD it looked.

As Kerry put it, "The face just makes me laugh, you could be wearing one of those english guard outfits with the big black hats...LOL." So, you all get the doctored photo — but at least you get to see the belly!

Saturday I am 4 months and will update again then.. perhaps Mike will take a better pic :D

15 weeks

2007-09-29T11:09:00.001-07:00

Week 15: Naval orange. Average fetus — 10.1 cm, 70 grams. Continuing the march towards normal proportions, baby's legs now outmeasure the arms.
And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your baby is squirming
and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably still can't
feel the movements.

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One more week and I am 4 months along! Been feeling okay, but been sick a couple times this week and hope I am not now getting morning sickness in my second trimester! Let's hope for the best :D

Getting started on the spare room, slowly, which of course will be the new baby room! Got to get a lot of stuff moved into the crawlspace (Ben's old toddler bed, etc) and re-organize the closet. Of course a lot of it has to wait until we find out what we are having, in terms of going through the clothes. Got the crib, getting a dresser from my Aunt which we will convert into a changing station and also getting a lovely dresser from the family that goes with Ben's dresser (which used to be mine when I was born!). This one matches it, and has a gorgeous mirror on the top. Would sure look fab in a girls room!!

Madame Zaritska's reading

2007-09-28T20:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Cathy for sharing this :D

Madame Zaritska, our resident clairvoyant, wants to help you prepare for the arrival of your child. Here she does her best to predict certain aspects of your labor and birth experience.

What she senses for you
The day you deliver, outside will be cloudy. Your baby will arrive in the early evening.

After a labor lasting approximately 3 hours, your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 8 pounds, 5 ounces, and will be 21-1/2 inches long. This child will have green eyes and some blond hair.

Second Trimester Blues..

2007-09-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

My lemon is giving ME a sour-face! I threw up again this morning, complete with dry heaving. ICK ICK ICK!

Could it be possible to be getting morning sickness in the 2nd trimester?!? I haven't experienced this before.. but twice in the same week makes me wonder :(

Maybe a sign that I really am on the pink team! LOL...

14 weeks, 2 days

2007-09-24T11:33:00.001-07:00

Week 14: Lemon. Average fetus — 8.7 cm, 43 grams. Your adorable little baby is busy with thumb sucking, toe wiggling, and (not so cute but equally amazing) making urine and breathing amniotic fluid as the liver, kidneys and spleen continue to develop. Lanugo (thin, downy hair) is growing all over the body for warmth.

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We are back from our whirlwind trip to New York! It was amazing, but exhausting. I am very glad to be home.. missed my boys terribly. Will post pics soon on my other blog.

This morning was my 14 week appointment, I got to see a new doctor, and he is great. Am MUCH happier with him. Down to earth, a sense of humour, covered all the bases.. 100% different from the other one. So I will be seeing Dr. H from now on. I gained 3lbs (blaming that on all the yummy food I got to eat in NY!) but that only makes I think 5lbs the whole pregnancy so far. I was really looking forward to hearing the heartbeat — which was nice and steady at 150. What was even better was I got to SEE the baby! They have a wee ultrasound machine right in the exam room, they turn the lights out and I get to look at a TV mounted on the wall and see my wee babe! Dr. H said that all is well, thought it was funny that the baby seemed to be just relaxing, looking very comfortable. One hand was at the face, as if to be sucking. I am even more excited to go for our big ultrasound in November!

Had an icky experience this morning though.. I got sick! The first time so far. Was so strange because I felt fine. Was eating breakfast with Ben, finished my toast and tea, then ugh. Didn't feel so great. Ran to the bathroom (and of COURSE the door was closed and I didn't notice.. yes I ran into it. Yes you can laugh!), the dogs started barking, made it in time, then Ben started calling me telling me he is done. "Done! Pease! Done!" Joy of joys. Then missed our bus. Twice. Don't ask.. transit was not on my side today at all.

13 weeks

2007-09-15T19:20:00.001-07:00

Week 13: Peach. Average fetus — 7.4 cm, 23 grams. Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords... savor this, their non-functional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with a head now only one third the size of the body. Intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy. (Much more convenient.)

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This week is a big week for wee bébé and I — we are flying to New York! My peach and I are going to the big apple! I get to go with work for a trade show and am very excited. It will be a nice break but super strange to travel with no family. No husband and no son. I will miss them terribly, but that just makes coming home that much nicer ;)

Nothing else new though... belly continuing to grow and I feel hungry almost all the time. I go to the doctor in a couple weeks and am very anxious to hear the heartbeat. And then we have the ultrasound to look forward to! We have the names already picked out (have had them picked for quite a while!), and once we find out what we will having, I think we will share them. I can't wait to know who is growing inside of me!

The other day I was standing in front of Ben (he was in his booster chair) and he poked my tummy. I told him that there was a baby in my tummy and he gave me the most puzzling look. He lifted my shirt, pulled the band of my pants down and poked my belly button.. of course making me laugh. We'll see what he does as it grows bigger and bigger!

12 weeks!! Three months!!

2007-09-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Week 12: Plum. Average fetus — 5.4 cm, 14 grams. As you move into the second trimester, baby shifts into the growth and maturation stage. After weeks in the critical development stage, almost all of baby's systems are fully formed.

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Well here I am! 12 weeks pregnant and feeling much better! I am hungry almost ALL the time, and need to snack often to avoid nausea. Will be interesting as I fly to New York this month for a whirlwind trade show with work.. my suitcase is going to be loaded with granola bars and crackers LOL! As you can see from my picture I already have a belly growing! My friend Kerry came over a couple weeks ago and she said "Ya, you look pregnant!".

I am anxious to hear the heartbeat, just for peace of mind and know all is well, but won't hear that until the 24th. Oh well. I will try to wait patiently!

11 weeks!

2007-08-31T23:19:00.001-07:00

Week 11: Lime. Average fetus — 4.1 cm, 7 grams. Your fetus currently enjoys a 1:1 ratio between body and head, and has skin so transparent that blood vessels show right through. But, fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and hair follicles, tooth buds and nail beds are forming - setting up a significantly more attractive future.
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It's now a lime!! And this baby is making it's presence known — my waistline is growing and I am already having to wear my maternity clothing. Sure is comfy :D

I had my other doctor visit today.. the dreaded physical *shudder*. It wasn't that bad, but they are never GOOD! But it's not like they can do that much poking around, gentle gentle!! Was kind of disappointed that I didn't get a chance to hear the heartbeat, as the doctor said my cervix is tilted. Strange.. I don't remember being told this at all with my pregnancy with Ben, but then again not every pregnancy is alike! But good news is that I only gained half a pound, and I booked my ultrasound for November!! I will be almost 21 weeks, which means there is a good chance of finding the sex of the baby, perhaps without the added cost of the 4D scan (cha-CHING!).

I am thinking that I may want to change doctors though.. not saying that my current one isn't good, but I just don't know if I will get that relationship I would like to have with my doctor. My last one was GREAT, and I wish I could go see him again but it is too far to travel. I just feel that I have to ask too many questions, that certain things should be brought up by them and not me. I dunno. My next appointment is on a different day, which means I see someone different, and perhaps I will get a better feeling from him/her.

10 weeks!

2007-08-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

Week 10: Prune. Average fetus — 3.1 cm, 4 grams. With bones and cartilage starting to form and vital organs beginning to function, baby is making major progress. Body length will almost double in the next three weeks, and arm joints are now working. (Soon, legs will too.)

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I can't believe it has been 5 weeks already since we found out we were pregnant! Time has flown by... luckily I have been feeling better, not as much nausea (thank goodness!) and I think my energy is starting to come back. Just can't over do it, and have snacks available to avoid the icky feeling.

This coming Friday I go for my physical and I get to hear the heartbeat! I am so looking forward to that.. then I get to book my ultrasound! Hopefully by 18 or 19 weeks we will find out what we are having!!

9 weeks!

2007-08-18T07:30:00.001-07:00

Week 9: Green olive. Average fetus — 2.3 cm, 2 grams. Your little embryo has now officially graduated to fetus-hood. Adding to the excitement, a Doppler ultrasound device might be able to pick up the beating heart. With basic physical structures in place and increasingly distinct facial features, baby is kind of starting to look like... well... a baby!

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I can't believe that I have known I am pregnant for already 4 weeks! Time has just flown by, faster than I expected for the second time around. I am looking forward to the first trimester being over, and hopefully feeling less nauseous and have some more energy. Maybe?!?

At the doctor's yesterday, they gave me a big folder full of information, samples and papers. Kind of a care package! There was a brochure all about the stages of your pregnancy with pictures of the embryo/fetus. I have seen these before of course, but when I came to the nine week one, I was shocked! It is really amazing how in like a week or so, it suddenly looks like a BABY and not, say, tadpole like! And how fast they change in a weeks time. 217 days to go!

First doctor visit...

2007-08-17T20:25:00.001-07:00

This morning was my first pre-natal doctor visit and it was great!! It was really neat being back at that type of office, as I got the same butterflies as I did with Ben. I get to be here! I am ALLOWED to be here because I am preggers!!! Very cool feeling :D

Since we have just moved here, I don't have a family doctor close to me so I was referred to the Maternity Clinic and they were so nice there. The receptionist was such a doll, and I think I will really enjoy my doctor. He is a nice man, seems pretty soft spoken and gentle. Don't think he will be cracking any jokes quite yet, but as long as he takes care of me and my baby, then all is good!! It is just different to not have the same doctor I had the whole pregnancy with Ben.

My blood pressure was good, weight good (no tsk tsk's there!!) and even went to get my blood work done right afterwards to just get it over with! I go back in two weeks for my physical, book my ultrasound, and hear my babe's heartbeat!!! I am so excited about that.

Time is sure flying by with this pregnancy already. It seems like I just made the appointment for the clinic.. maybe having a crazy busy toddler and working might have something to do with that!!

Oh! And I also got the official A-OK that I can fly next month! I knew that it probably wouldn't have been a problem, but now I know that I can with ease! New York here I come!!

A gift!

2007-08-13T13:34:00.001-07:00

A friend of mine mailed me a lovely little baby gift :) It is adorable and can't wait for my "spring chicken" to wear it in March!

Thanks Gillian!!

Two months already!

2007-08-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

Week 8: Raspberry. Average embryo — 1.6cm. Your baby is growing like mad, putting on about a millimeter every day and continuing to straighten out in the trunk. Though you can't feel it yet, baby is moving those little arms, legs and (now only slightly) webbed fingers and toes like crazy.
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Things are moving along quickly! I feel pretty good, tired at times but have had a nice week (Ben has been at his Grandparents) to myself, doing things around the house. Mornings are a bit icky, but I know that I just have to get up and have a bite to eat before I feel sick. I don't look forward to brushing my teeth though.. not fun.

My clothes have already started to get snug around my mid-section, and have a bit of a bump growing. I guess things grow much faster seeing as I have already had a baby. Crazy... don't remember my body changing this much so quickly!

I go for my first pre-natal appointment on Friday morning and I am looking forward to it. I have some questions and hope that I like my new doctor. Once you go for your first appointment, things just start to feel that much more REAL! Then I can get the exact due date, book our ultrasound for around 20weeks and whatnot. Exciting!

I am so looking forward to feeling this little one move, and am really leaning for the pink team! I want a girl! Of course I will be happy with another little boy, but I really do feel this is a girl. Can't wait to find out what we are having :)

A couple weeks ago, we were looking at a new stroller (a sit and stand kind for Ben and the new baby) as they were on sale, got one, and was trying the infant carrier in it. Ben climbed into it, looked about 6 feet long in comparison to the car seat, and proudly said "Bay-bee"! It brought tears to my eyes.. he hasn't said "baby" in a while, but it was amazing that he just seemed to GET it. He is coming home today, and I can't wait to give him a big hug. And show him is new bedroom!!

The cat is out of the bag... mostly!!

2007-08-04T21:51:00.000-07:00

Week 7: Blueberry. Average embryo — 1.3cm
Baby's brain -- both hemispheres! -- is growing fast, generating about 100 new cells every minute. Arms and legs are emerging as joints start to form, and a permanent set of kidneys (baby's third!) is now in place.
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Well we told the in-laws this weekend, and I feel much better now that they know :) Have lots of other people to inform yet, but they know!

I made Ben a t-shirt that says "big brother in training", and put it into a collage for one of those coffee tumblers for Mom (something that she has been wanting). We gave it to her after dinner, Ben helped her open it and then she was able to look at all the smiley faces of her grandson on it. Then she noticed THE picture! She read it aloud, then asked if he really IS a big brother in training! We nodded yes and then it was big hugs :) Now all feels right in the world that I can talk about it with Mom as she is such an important person on my life.

They leave tomorrow morning and are taking Ben with them for the week.. the timing couldn't be better! A week of relaxing and doing things around the house (and working of course!) will be very nice. Will miss the gaffer so very much, but will love him that much more when we see him on Saturday!!

The excitement of finding out!

2007-07-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Week 6: Sweet Pea. Average embryo — .63cm
Growing like crazy, baby is starting to sprout eyes, ears, nose, cheeks and chin. Those little hands & feet- still webbed like paddles- might wiggle by week's end, the heart is beating (almost twice as fast as yours!), and blood is starting to circulate.
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Having been sort of trying for about 6 months, and then every month finding out I wasn't pregnant, I had been focusing really hard to not think of "symptoms". A friend told me that sometimes when you don't feel pregnant, you probably are! Sure enough, I was. But I had been feeling REALLY tired, a huge sign, and just not like myself. Two days before my cycle was due, I took a test. Negative. The day of, I got up early to test. Another negative. Big *sigh*

I went back to look at the test, and ohmygoodness! 5 minutes later it was a big fat positive!

I took a picture of it on my cell phone and sent it to Mike (who was on his way to school). He said he received the picture and couldn't make out what it was. Keep in mind this is all before 6am! He handed his phone to his friend and said "What the heck is this?". Gavin looked at it and said "Dude. It's a pregnancy test. Congratulations!". Mike then called me back, and I was crying pretty hard at that point that he couldn't tell if I was happy or not!! I assured him that I was very, very excited.

After getting home late that night from work (and thinking about it all day, unable to concentrate!), I took another test and within a couple minutes it was positive. In fact, I went and looked at the first test I took and it was positive, too! Had I have waited a few more minutes I would have found out two days before!

Since having moved to a new city, I need a new doctor. I really wish that I could see the doctor I had with Ben, but it is too far to travel. I made an appointment at the Maternity Clinic for August 17th — my first prenatal check up!

Welcome to my pregnancy blog!

2007-07-28T10:21:00.001-07:00

The Merriman's have another bun in the oven! We are so excited to be pregnant with our second child, a sister or a brother for Ben! Check back for updates :)