Yes, I'm STILL pregnant.
39 weeks today (according to the latest of the 3 due dates I've been given)

I feel huge. I get contractions, especially when I'm walking my miles and miles. I feel nausea a lot lately. My feet hurt a lot. I officially have cankles.  My fingers are so swollen.  I go pee at least 20 times a day, when most the time I get the sudden urge and maybe a teaspoon comes out.  I'm craving oranges & tangerines.  I haven't gained any weight in the last 4 weeks.  I've cried.  I've tried to relax and not think about the big change about to happen.  I've cleaned.  All my maternity clothes are officially tight! 

Please, Please, Please baby girl give mommy a break and come out SOON! 

I'm 38 weeks!

So I've officially have tried getting this baby out!
Eggplant---check!
Walked briskly 8 miles so far this week---check!
Frisky Business---check!
Spicy Food---check!
Pineapple---check!


Therefore......          I.GIVE.UP

She'll come on her own.  Obviously she's too comfy or she just needs 5 more minutes---ha ha.

37 1/2 weeks!

So according to whatever due date you go by...considering I've been given 3!.....we're reaching 38 weeks the next couple days.  Wowsers.  The 30's flew by!

Yesterday was another dr appointment.  It didn't go very well, but I'm sick of complaining so whatever.  The good news is we had another ultrasound and the baby belly, fluids and placenta are all looking fine and "right where they should be!"  I didn't get to see Dr. B so I was bummed and the other dr didn't even "check" me so I have no idea how progressed I am.  She did tell me that since I am to term, I can have her whenever.  She suggested going for brisk walks.  Done!  Yesterday when I got home from the apt I went on my 2 mile walk and it hurt!  I had contractions going on the whole time but I didn't want to stop.  I just breathed through them and hurried home.  We went out to dinner to Olive Garden (my last time before the baby comes) and my contractions were about 7 minutes apart, but they weren't getting more intense so I knew it wasn't labor.  I even had them while falling asleep last night.  But I woke up to another morning, still large in baby, and all the movement had stopped.  I waited for Jaycee to wake up and we went for another walk.  It wasn't as bad today and probably only had 3 through the walk.  I'm planning on doing these walks everyday until she decides to make her appearance.  It really hurts because I want to waddle because of the pressure, but if I waddle I don't go as fast.  So it's pretty painful on my feet and lower back and pelvis...but I can take it.  I'm tough! 

I got another present from another special person and it was an adorable dress and some cute little onsies.  I plan on putting pictures up to show how cute these gifts are.  Girls are so much fun!  So thank you for the gift! 

Don't forget to do the baby poll on my other blog ParkersGoEast.Blogspot.com 

36 1/2 weeks!

Weekly appointments with the doctor started today....Ick...so do not like that feeling!

We started off with the ultrasound.  I really like the techs that do it.  They are super friendly.  The results came back that my fluids are still low but not too concerned about; the baby is measuring great and supposedly weighing at 6lb 7oz; the babe has lots of hair; and pretty much right on track!  Yay for great news.

After the U/S I headed in for the appointment with the doc.  I was a little nervous because I've never had a male doctor and especially one that's not half bad looking.  So he came in and measured my tummy and got the heartbeat.  We had good conversations about life and about moving.  Then he had the nurse come in to get a culture to test for Strep B.  I had it with Jaycee so we'll see if it shows up again.  Then he lubed up and went in...ha ha.  Sheesh I hate that feeling.  And I swear his whole fist and arm was up there.  He said my cervix is still long and the head is still up so pretty much I haven't even dilated yet.  I was a little shocked cuz at this point with Jaycee I was a 1+ and already started thinning.  So that was pretty much the apt and I go in again next Tuesday.  Once I reach 37 weeks I may have to speed things up a bit cuz I don't really want to deal with all this for a whole 3 more weeks...especially knowing today that she's weighing fine and looks good.

Th e NST went perfect and lasted a whole 25 minutes.  It probably helped that I ate a banana before I went in so she was really active.  I was excited though because they put me in the labor & delivery room.  They're super nice and a nice size.  Not like that matters since it'll just be Craig and I. 

And to end a quick thank you to a special person for the cute, cute, cute dress and PJs!  I'm so excited for her to wear that dress and to make a bow for it too :)  So thank you---you know who you are :) 

35 1/2 weeks!

Wow where did that last week go?!!!

Well things are getting close and physically I can tell.  Probably since Sunday I've been getting really bad Braxton Hicks that are super uncomfortable.  Most the time I don't mind them but this week they are hurting more.  It feels as though he head is just nudging to come out.  I even have a hard time sitting because of the position of her head clear down.  I find it's best to lay on my side or try to readjust her.  Also it's to that point that it takes me a minute to get up and down and my walking is getting uncomfortable and the waddle starts happening.  ha ha.  And let's not even talk about sleep....I love my sleep but super frustrating that I can NOT get comfortable at all.  I have 4 pillows and a body pillow and still not comfy.  I find that I'm not enjoying sleeping and just want to be awake doing things and getting everything ready.  I'm sure I'm nesting and Craig thinks it's funny.

Last Friday I went for my first NST and it went very smooth.  I absolutely love the hospital I'm delivering at.  It's so nice and the nurses are awesome, very informative, and so friendly.  The rooms are so big and I will be giving birth in the same room as recovery.  I'm excited about that.  When I arrived for the NST I thought it could take a while which ppl have told me, but luckily I ate before I came so the baby was so active.  They hook me up to a machine that has her heart beats and every time I feel her move I just push a button.  Well she wasn't a fan of having the things on my stomach that she kept kicking them.  That's good though because that's the point of the test to make sure she's okay and moving.  It only took 30 minutes from being set up and done.  I kinda liked the "me" time and it was relaxing to focus on this baby.
I went again today and we had the U/S first.  They measured my fluids, checked out my placenta, looked for blood flow from the umbillican cord, and also watched her belly to look for breathing.  She did great!  Everything looked fine.  My fluids have dropped a little since I had my last u/s 2 weeks ago, but they didn't seemed worried.  I go back next Tuesday for another one where they'll look at the same things and also do a few measurements.  After the U/S I headed up for my NST.  I was joking to Craig the other day that it'd be funny if she had hiccups because that would mean I'd be pushing that button so much.  Well....she did.  The nurse came in after 5 minutes and looks at the paper and I had to explain that there were so many marks because of hiccups.  I was only there for maybe 20 minutes.  Hiccups is a good thing though cuz it's showing she's getting fed and breathing.  My nurse today was really great too.  She gave me a lot of information about having my 2nd baby and info about labor.  Also told me that the 2nd baby usually is faster than the first baby.  So looks like I'll be heading down to the hospital right as my contractions are regular because I'd hate to have a baby on the side of the road.  And the hospital is 25 miles away.

So overall it was good visits and things are progressing.  I've also noticed more "mucus" so that's a good sign that we're getting close.  I'm going to set up a baby poll for fun to see what everyone's guesses are.  Just for some info: I've been told my due date is Dec 16, 17, 23 and today 15.  So that's should help with your guesses.  I can't wait until the big day arrives.  Yahoo!

34 1/2 weeks!

Another week almost done and another doctor visit done.

I had Craig come to my visit so we could talk to Dr. B about the ultrasound we just had since we knew they wanted us to come back.  I really like how when we come to our visits we hardly have to wait and I've come to really like the front desk girl and the nurse.  I was glad they were working today.  My blood pressure was awesome at 110/62 and I only gained 2 pounds.  Craig joked that it was great because of all my water.  He thinks it's funny how much water I drink.

So Dr. B comes in and we start talking.  He had an intern with him so the intern read the results from the ultrasound report.  The report had said my fluids looked better but were still low and recommends that "more fluid intake"  When the intern read that, Craig started laughing and we had to explain to Dr. B why we were laughing.  I'm drinking about 12-16 cups of water a day and that's not counting any extra fluids that I drink!  So don't worry...my fluid intake is fine.  It also talked about the "belly" that the doctor in Bangor seemed so concerned about.  Dr. B explained why...I guess the baby's measurements of her bones and head are not matching up with her belly.  Which comes back to my placenta.  Meaning it might not be giving her all the nutrients or blood to grow proportionately.  With knowing that, it means my placenta could most likely "give out" which if that happens the baby will need to come out since it won't be doing anything for the baby.   We did explain to him that we didn't like going up to Bangor, we felt they don't respect our time, and I was NOT a  fan of the doctor.  Dr. B completely understood.  So instead of going up there I will now have my u/s done in the office and it won't have to be these long big u/s every time.  So pretty much for the next 5 weeks I will be spending LOTS of time at the hospital/office.  I will now go every Tues for an U/S in the office to measure my low amniotic fluid, appointment with the dr, and then over to the hospital for Non-Stress Tests.  Then every Friday I go again to the hospital for Non-Stress Tests.  So Yes I will be driving to Waterville Every Single Tues & Fri.  The stress tests will show if there's any problems with my placenta and changes with the baby. We feel really good about doing what's necessary to make sure the baby is okay and that the fluids & placenta keep working. 

I feel very grateful for Craig's job today!  If I were working I don't know how I'd be able to go in 2x a week and my tues apt are most likely going to take a couple hours.  Also I feel very grateful that he can work from home those days so that Jaycee won't have to come with me.  I'd be fine with her coming but they said the NST could take anywhere from 30 min to 2 hours.  Just depending on the baby.  I have no idea how I would occupy her that whole time and make sure her needs are being met with me being hooked up to a machine.  At Craig's previous job there's no way he could take off that much work or let alone work from home.  So thank you again Kleinschmidt for being so family friendly, having good insurance, and for letting my hubby work from home.

I also decided that once 37 weeks comes around, with all that we've been through with this pregnancy, we want her out!  Craig even joked today that he's buying me eggplant!  I told him we have to wait until after Thanksgiving so we can have a good holiday with family.  So bring on that eggplant, walks, jumping jacks, spicy foods and whatever things in 3 weeks so I can get this baby out and in my arms where I can take care of her better.

U/S Update

Well I headed up to Bangor, Yet Again!, for the 3rd time for another ultrasound.  I don't mean to sound negative, but it's so frustrating! 

I went up the past 2 times by myself so Craig could just work from home and watch Jaycee.  I got there right on time and they didn't have my chart and asked if I had pre-registered.  AND, in fact I did the day before.  I learned my lesson the last time I didn't because I had to wait about 20 min for them to get my paperwork ready.  So I sat in the waiting room, by myself for.....45 MINUTES!!!!  I was really frustrated because there was no one waiting and 2 ppl had left.  Finally, they call me back.  The tech spent about 20 minutes doing a few measurements.  She was done so I got ready and waited for "their dr" to come in.  WHICH BY THE WAY, I'm NOT a fan!  She comes in and says...your fluid looks better (which is why I was supposed to go up again) but NOW I'M CONCERNED WITH THE BELLY.  WTF!  The dr says "She's not growing like I'd like"  Remember this is my 4th ultrasound and every time the belly has been fine.  So I had to get back up on the bed while she looked again.  As she's looking she says...I'm gonna need to see you again next week because of the belly.  (She weighed at this point 4lb 4 oz)  Then she says...and I'll need to see you the week after to measure your fluid again.  ....Wait a second...you said it looked better!  Then she questioned me if I've been drinking my water!.....K LADY.....I DRINK AT LEAST 12 CUPS A DAY!!!!!!!  So pretty much I was irritated and now convinced they just want my money.  When I got home I checked online and at 34 weeks (which I was only 33 1/2) the baby should weigh 4lb 12 oz.  So because she's a whole 8 oz. lower she's all concerned.  You've gotta be kidding me!  And since when were the u/s accurate with the weight of the baby.  So pretty much I have my 2 week apt on Tues with MY DR and Craig's coming with me to talk to him about not going back.  It just seems like every time I go up there they tell us the same thing and it's not like we can do anything about low fluids.  So we'll see what he says on Tuesday.  Also when we go in I'm going to talk to him about him delivering the baby, and getting my 36, 37, 38, 39 40 week apt scheduled since we'll be going weekly.  I'm really looking forward to holding my little baby girl and also for being done with dealing with these incompetant doctors!  The end!

32 1/2 weeks!

This week my baby girls weighs about 4 pounds and around 17 inches.  I'm gaining about a pound a week and about half of that goes right to the baby!  She now has toenails, fingernails, and hair on her head.  Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth. 

I have been having heartburn/indigestion like CRAZY!  I remember it being this bad too with Jaycee.  I don't know if it's part baby & part because of her hair.  It's not very fun.  I now keeps tums by my bed at night because that when it tends to be the worst.  I also have to pee every single night.  It drives me nuts to walk all the way downstairs.  I can't wait to have my own bathroom one day.  I haven't noticed a lot of swelling or back pain yet.  My fingers are a little puffy and so are my feet, but that's expected.  I'm still drinking 10+ water a day, but I love it. 

I had another dr apt yesterday (32 week) and baby's heartbeat was at 150 bpm and everything looking good.  I feel so much better with Dr. Bradfield knowing I don't have to see the other doctors they have.  He even remembered Jaycee's name when he walked in.  He's so personable.  Come to find out that he's actually from Detroit, MI so Craig got to talk to him about the Lions.  I guess he used to have season tickets to their games.  Craig and I really like and trust him.  He read over the report from my u/s 3 weeks ago and everything on the baby looks great.  They are still concerned with my amniotic fluid being low as well as having "placenta lakes"  What those are is "lake looking" patches in my placenta that fill up with blood.  It's no harm to the baby but could cause my placenta to give out early.  I have to go up to have yet another u/s next Thurs 11/3 to make sure everything is okay.  It kinda bugs me to have to keep driving up to Bangor (which is about the same distance from Roy to SLC) but if it's worth the well being of the baby than I know it's good to go.  Dr. B doesn't seem way concerned but wants to keep it monitored.  If the placenta does "give out" and the fluid decreases, he says it means just an early labor.  I'm okay with that though :)  I also now start going in every 2 weeks.  So excited the time is coming to an end.  I can't wait to have our little girl here. 

Also I wanted to show some outfits that gma & gpa Parker got "her" 

Lately Craig and I have really been liking the name Hadley May.  Even Jaycee calls my belly and 2 of her babies Hadi.  With Jaycee I was pretty sure of her name, but still took a list "just in case"  So hopefully this will be the case and she'll look like Hadi.  I can't believe how close it's getting.

I've been really nervous about the "labor" because of what to do with Jaycee.  I have 2 good friends I feel fine with her going to their house, but one of the family puts their kids to bed around 7 and the parents go to bed at 8.  That stresses me out because Jaycee doesn't go to bed until 10.  My other friend I feel pretty good about taking her there, but Jaycee doesn't play as good with their kids as the other family.  However, this family the kids go to bed about 7 and the parents stay up to 10.  So at least Jaycee wouldn't be alone.  These are my fears I've been facing.  I'm feeling better though because one of my friends has come over and volunteered to help me and made me feel good about taking Jaycee over there.  So I now feel good about labor.  I told Craig that once the baby comes and is bathed to go and get Jaycee.  I'm sure with the holidays near and no family around that I'm gonna feel lonely.  So at least I'd like to have my Jaycee and hubby with me.  Aren't pregnant women so fun?  ha ha.   

New U/S pics

31 Weeks!

It was a busy week so I didn't get to post about progress and my u/s.

I went up to Bangor for yet another U/S.  The report they gave my doctor before told about a "bulky placenta" and low amniotic fluid which is why my doc wanted to get another one.  Also in the report everything else looked fine and normal.  They did say they didn't get very good profiles and spine.  The tech spent time measuring bones like the femur and upper arm.  Both were a little over 5 inches.  She also spent a good amount of time looking at the cervex, measuring fluid, checking out the placenta, making sure the kidneys were okay, the spine and great profile pics.  After about an hour and half we were finally finished.  I was getting a little uncomfortable laying on my back and also it was so quite that I was tired and wanted to sleep.  We finished up and the tech sent in the doctor over the findings.  She did say everything looks good including the placenta which has a couple bulky spots.  The only thing not very good is that my fluid is still a little low.  She said to make sure I keep hydrated and that I'll need to seen ever 2-3 weeks to make sure everything is okay.  Then I was on my way.  I've been really good about drinking my water and was doing at least 8 cups of day of water and whatever else liquids.  Since my apt I've upped it up to at least 10 cups a day.  I pee all the time!  But I notice and like the feeling of drinking it.  I have another apt on the 24th with my regular dr and I'm sure he'll go over the report and see where we go from here.  I'm a little nervous because I'm hoping everything is okay with low fluids, but as long as I feel the baby kick I feel assured.  They did however find in the u/s that our baby has hair already, she was weighing in at 3lb 1 oz which is average, she has cute, chubby cheeks, and when they zoomed in her nose and lips they looked just like Jaycee's.  I do have pics that I'll post tomorrow.

Everything is still the same as far as my schedule goes with walking and going about my normal day.  Lately I've been getting braxton hicks at least once a day.  I can't believe how hard and tight my stomach gets!  While Craig's parents were in town we spent one of the days walking around and shopping.  When we got home my feet were fat and swollen.  I notice them getting really sore fast if I don't sit down and take breaks.  I'm very grateful I don't have to go to work and stand all day long.  I remember dreading each day when I was pregs with Jaycee.  I also notice lately that I can't eat much at meal time because I get full so quick.  But then about 3 hours later I'm hungry again.  It's working out nicely with my weight gain though.  Another thing is her kicks are getting a lot harder.  It prob isn't her feet because she was head down at my u/s but she's constantly kicking or punching into my sides that it actually is painful.  I usually just readjust my position and she stops.  No cravings lately.  Just eating same things and been cutting back a lot on sugar.

The nursery is ready, clothes are up, binkie & bottles are bought, diapers are stocked....we're ready!

28 1/2 weeks!

I really should just delete my "baby bump" pictures because I'm a huge slacker at getting them done and posting.  I promise one updated soon!

Right now our baby is weighing about 2 1/4 pounds and measures about 14.8 inches from top of her head to her heels.  She can blink her eyes which now sports eye lashes.  With her eyesight developing, she may be able to see the light that filters in through my womb.  She is also developing billions of neurons in her brain and adding more body fat in preparation for her life outside the womb.  Pretty exciting right?

We had a dr appointment yesterday and I had Craig go with me since last time Dr. Stein visited with us and told us we had to get u/s every 4 weeks.  Dr. Bradfield was our dr who signed off on the report we got done in Bangor so we wanted to talk to him before we got anything done.  I had to go in 30 min early to do my glucose testing.  I was a little nervous because I've heard it's really disgusting and makes you wanna puke.  At Circle of Life they just have you drink a soda and eat a candy bar.  That sounds way more fun.  It wasn't bad though.  I had to drink a little bottle (about the size of a "bug juice" drink) and they gave me lemon-lime.  The first sip I thought it wasn't bad and tasted like flat Sprite.  The second sip I wanted to puke it up, so I continued by plugging my nose and gulping the whole thing in about 2 minutes.  Yuck!  We then got called back to get my weight, bp, and my flu shot done.  I've never had a flu shot but they recommend one especially with the baby coming in Dec.  Dr. Bradfield came in about 5 min later.  He's such a good doctor.  He had his crocks on and sat on the garbage can with his feet kicked up on the counter.  That's my kind of doctor!  I don't like when they are so formal.  He read over the report from our u/s in Bangor, in which they found that everything looked normal.  At the end for suggestions it did say my amniotic fluid was a little low, and I had a bulky placenta.  He says the placenta could be just fine, but it could "crap out" as he put it, near the end.  So because of those 2 reasons he said to get one more u/s again in Bangor and then we'll see what happens from there.  He said it should be just fine and thinks it's silly to have to get one every 4 weeks.  I agree.  It was nice to have him actually read the report findings and discuss it all with us.  He then measured my stomach, looked at the position of my uterus, and found the heartbeat.  Our little girl had a steady 150 bpm just like most baby girls in the womb.  We talked for a bit more about just simple things like Oregon (Craig had just got back from his trip) and family life.  Learned that he had 3 girls of his own.  Why do I see this in my future?  :)   So overall, it was a great visit!  We got scheduled for another 4 week visit then every 2 weeks after that.  I made sure when they scheduled that it was with Dr. Bradfield only!  I'm going to talk to him about him delivering the baby even if he's not on-call.  I just feel so much better with him as our dr and we both feel we can trust him.  My apt ended with more blood taken for glucose testing.  I was so glad to walk out of that office with a pleasant experience. 

So I do have another U/S visit on Oct 4 in Bangor at the specialized section of the hospital up there.  I'm looking forward to more pics and seeing the baby again.  I just barely got the bill for the last one we did up there...$1600!  Tell me that's not insane!  After the ins paid we only had to pay $462 so that makes only $150 left to pay.  Yahoo.  It's gonna be fun to see all the bills come in with a $0 balance we have to pay because of hitting my deductible.  I'm so grateful for a good insurance plan....thank you Kleinschmidt! 

Everything with me is fine and dandy.  I think I'm getting into a sluggish time right now.  I usually wake up at 8 with Jaycee and around 2 I'm ready for a good nap.  That 2nd trimester was nice feeling energized and ready to do things.  I'm still keeping up with my walks although I may have to shorted them to 1.5 miles and just add another day because near the end my feet start aching.  Lately with cravings I've been liking cup of noodles, carrots with ranch, and plain Lays crinkle potato chips.  Mmmm...that sounds good.  We also added the name "Andie" to the list of names to pick from although I'd like to not to a boy/unisex name with this baby.  Can't wait for the rest of the year!

27 Weeks!

Technically babies born over 37 weeks is considered full term...you know what that means....A potential of only 10 weeks until I hold our sweet baby girl. "Holy Moly" as Jaycee would say! 

26 Weeks!

Well things are still progressing and feeling good! 

Our little baby girl is such an active one.  My dr said if there's a day I don't feel her and I get nervous to just drink something really sugary and sit down for an hour after.  Well that's not the case.  She's always reminding me she's in there.  I love it!  One of the best things about being pregnant.  There's only been one time I wished she wasn't kicking when it was early in the morning and I couldn't fall back asleep because she kept kicking my side towards the bed.  Finally I had to readjust to a new position, which helped for a bit.  I'll never complain about it though because I love it. 

I officially start my 3rd trimester on Saturday when I turn 27 weeks.  It's so crazy that some days it seems like forever, but overall it's gone so fast.  I'm not looking forward to some things about the 3rd trimester that I remember with Jaycee.  It's already getting to the point where I drop things it takes me a minute to get down to pick it up.  Also I almost dread having to climb up and down the stairs.  I always love the exercise, but I get so winded now.  I just have to go a little slower I guess.  Also it's started that I have to get up and go pee every single night!  It annoys me!  I can't wait for the day that we can have a bathroom close to our bedroom if not in our bedroom.  I make it a goal everyday to drink at least 8 cups of water, and in result I'm always peeing.  I even took a tally the other day....10 times in one day!  Crazy right?!  I still get heartburn/indigestion but doesn't seem as bad anymore.  Cravings?  I think most the time they are always sweet things.  I've been craving choc chip cookies, but I feel bad making them because Craig is trying to be good.  So I'll just have to wait til he goes out of town. 

I feel very prepared for "her" to come to us :)  There's just a couple things I feel she needs, but overall having another girl has been great because of having Jaycee first.  I'm still working on a few things for her room which I'll post when I finish them.  Although most won't be done until after she comes...including her name.  Speaking of names: you should be very proud.  We had a list of 8 names and I wanted to add more, but it came opposite.  We've actually narrowed it down to 4 names.  Avery, Hadley, Makall or Raegen.  I just hope when she's born I'll feel good about one of them.  I've heard many stories of people having an idea of the name and totally changing it after the babe is born.  I guess in Dec it'll just be a surprise to us all.  I still need to make a baby poll if anyone wants to take guesses. 

26-27 week pic is soon to come! 

23 1/2 weeks!

I'm getting very anxious to get this baby here.  I realize I still have 16 weeks or less, but I'm just so excited to hold her.

I had another 4 week apt on Monday with Dr. Stein in which she went over my u/s results from Bangor hospital.  They said everything looked good except they wanted me to get ANOTHER u/s because we didn't get a "very good" profile and didn't see enough of the spine.  I really think sometimes they are just out to make money.  What's even better is that the report they got Dr. Bradfield had already signed off on it and probably wouldn't have said anything, but Dr. Stein decided to read it all.  What else baffles me is that I have 3 really good pictures 3D of profile pics.  I don't understand.  Dr. Stein than continued on with trying to find the baby's heartbeat.  If the baby wasn't kicking and moving around I would've been nervous.  It was funny too because wherever she would put the little machine, the baby would kick it right after.  Finally she found it, and I told her...ya she's been kicking right there.  Dr. Stein says 'I should've just asked mom"  She's a really friendly and personable dr.  I would be fine with her delivering our baby if she's the one on-call.  Although I still prefer Dr. Bradfield.  So the appointment went great except for her talking about another u/s.  They did also find that I have a "bulky" placenta and it's anterior.  Which explains why I haven't been able to feel her move as hard as Jaycee did.  Right after the apt I called Craig and told him and once again, he gets frustrated.  To us it's not really about money because I'm now only $600 from hitting my deductible, but it's the fact of the matter that they are so nit-picky about EVERYTHING!  At the first u/s they saw everything they needed to except the bowels and wanted to get a better judgement at the due date.  So you'd think between the 2 u/s they'd see everything they need to.  I still think it's crazy too that with a 2500$ deductible I can just about hit it with doing blood work and ultrasounds!  Isn't that insane!  So I called a few minutes ago to schedule my next 4 week apt with DR. BRADFIELD this time so we can talk to him about the extra u/s and since he signed off on the report as okay.  They didn't even say anything about it when I scheduled either.  It's just retarded.  And frustrating.  And makes me realize that Circle of Life is AWESOME!

Jaycee is still really excited about having a baby sister.  Oh and she still has a baby in her tummy, and the baby kicks her too.  It's really cute.  I always ask her what the baby's name is but she hasn't learned the girl names yet.  There's 2 new baby girls in the Branch and every week Jaycee has to go see them and wants to hold them.  She's gonna be such a good big sister.  I think she might get a little jealous, but overall she's gonna do great.  She's already such a big helper with things, likes to rub my shoulders and feet (she watches daddy so she has to do it too), she's potty trained and will even wipe and flush and wash her hands, and most is she is just so loveable!  I'm so excited for our family to grow. 

Craig has been such a good husband...as always.  He's always rubbing my back or feet or making dinner.  Whatever he can do to help.  And mostly, just being patient with my mood swings.  I cried on him 2 nights in a row last weekend.  Poor guy.  He does get a little frustrated I buy so many snacks that I crave because it's a temptation.  I'm proud of him though because he's only gained 2 pounds with me being pregnant and buying treats.  My favorite moment was the other night.  We were laying in bed reading scriptures.  Craig reads them to me because I don't like to do much reading while I'm pregnant. Kinda makes me sick.  As I'm laying there propped up listening, our baby is going crazy.  Most of the time they feel small but this night they were big kicks.  I hurried and grabbed Craig's hand and pushed on my stomach where she was kicking.  She kicked him so hard.  Maybe she was saying...quit poking me!  It was cute though to see him excited and get to feel what I feel everyday.  I feel so lucky to be married to him!

As for me....lately my back has been hurting a lot.  I think because I'm always cleaning and picking things up and probably not bending the right way.  At least I have a rice pad to help with that.  I also do get heartburn & indigestion which the tums comes in handy.  Other than that, I feel great.  I've been walking almost everyday and that helps so much in the mornings to feel good and get fresh air.  Last week I walked 7 miles and still have 4 miles to walk this week.  I love it though.  Lately I've been craving donuts.  They're probably so bad for me, but they always sound so good.  I remember my sis Dawn craving them with her little girl too.  My favorite are the lemon filled.  MMmmm.....  That's about all the progress so far.  They said at the dr that my blood pressure and weight look great, so that made me happy.  I just know the next few months are gonna fly by.  I can't wait!

22 Week pics

22 Weeks!

U/S UPDATE!

Wednesday was our appointment for another u/s at the hospital in Bangor (about 35 miles north/east) from our house.  We left with an hour to get there and I was pretty sure it was by the airport.  Welp, I was wrong.  Good thing I brought the GPS.  We ended up being about 10 minutes late because we were completely lost and it was pouring rain.  I was very glad they didn't cancel our appointment. 
We headed straight back to our room.  The rooms were so nice and looked like a typical hospital room with bathroom and everything in it.  The lady doing our u/s was awesome!  Her name was Stacy.  She was so nice to Jaycee and talking to her.  It ended up being about an hour long.  Our little baby was being shy again so I had to go empty my bladder in hopes to shift the baby.  It worked and again 3 lines....IT'S A GIRL!  I still don't see how they can find it, but I trust her.  Stacy was very confident in everything.  All the measurements looked great and no worries.  She asked why our dr. office made us come up to Bangor for another u/s and we voiced our frustrations about the whole thing.  Even she thought it was rediculous.  If I were to have another "Maine" baby, I def know where I wouldn't be going again.  I even told Craig we could switch and start going up to Bangor, but we decided to just stay where we are.  We really like Dr. Bradfield & Dr. Stein but just wish their NP and other ppl in the office weren't so incompetant.  Makes us feel unsure and not trusting of what they say.  I was told by Susan to go to get an u/s for a "2nd opinion".  Then told my a front desk lady Cathy to get another u/s because "the baby is measuring small and need to see all the bowels".  Then Stacy up in Bangor said the reason they were told is "to find the exact due date"  So we were told 3 different things!  FRUSTRATING!  The only reason I didn't mind is because I wanted to verify it's a girl, u/s are so fun anyway, and it'll all go towards my deductible anyway.  Dr. Stein even told us that this late in the pregnancy it's really hard to pin point the exact due date right now because it can be off up to a couple weeks.  Best time is at your 8 week appointment.  We've been told Dec 16 (by a nurse), Dec. 17 (by Susan), Dec 25 (by the Cathy lady who said it got pushed back), and now the new u/s says Dec. 22.  So pretty much goes to show you can't pinpoint.  Let's just say I'll probably be desperate and with my mom & dad coming in town, I'm thinking around the single digits of December.  We'll see though.  It was still a fun ultrasound and the best part I think was when we took 4D pictures, Jaycee looked up at the TV and said "scary"  We were laughing so hard.  Jaycee is so fun to talk to about this pregnancy even though she probably doesn't fully understand. 

This week I did so good at my weight goals.  I feel like I'm gaining too much weight so I'm trying to slow down the weight gain.  I've made goals of going on 2 mile walks 3-4 days a week, doing my exercises everyday and to limit my sugar intake.  I got on the scale this morning and only gained .6 pounds from last week.  That's great news!  So I'm gonna keep up my walking.  I love it though because I get out of the house and get some fresh air. 

It looks like we're still set on a list of 8 names and I love all of them.  Depending on the day they vary on which is my favorite, but I'm sure this is the list I'm bringing:
Avery May, Hadley May, Kassidy May, Kolbee May, Makall May, Madelynn May, Raegan May, Sawyer May

I've officially got the whole bedroom ready too.  I may have too much time on my hands!  The only thing left is to make a wood letter with her initial to put on her dresser and make a few decorations for the wall.  I even got all the clothes in the drawers from newborn-6 months (that's all I have room for and don't want to get too much out because we probably won't be here when she's 9 months and it'll get packed up anyway).

  For having such a small room to work with I still love the way it looks.  I can't wait to put my brand-new baby in the crib!  And even better is I get another girl!  I am so excited!  Since I did move the curtains into the baby room, Jaycee's room is getting a makeover at the moment with some new curtains and couple other things.  I'll post pics when it's done. 

I guess the only thing I have to complain about with my pregnancy right now is just the dreaded heartburn & indigestion.  I get it everyday!  I wish I knew what was causing it, but I'm just glad I have tums to help out.

Cravings?  I was craving snicker doodle cookies the other day so we made some.  And I'm always loving cereal; mostly honey shredded wheat.  Yummy! 

18 more weeks!

21 Weeks!

Sometimes it seems that these weeks fly by and others seem to drag.  This week has flown but seeing that I'm only 21 weeks seems like forever until I get to hold my baby girl.

I adjusted my due date.  I got my initial due date of Dec. 15 from the Circle of Life website.  Then my first appointment I was told by one person it was Dec. 16; then Susan said Dec 17.  So since our baby is measuring small maybe the due date is a little off.  They didn't do an ultrasound at the very beginning to figure out the due date.  They found it by my last cycle.  So I'm just going to say Dec 17 but next week at my u/s they said if the baby is measuring really small still that my due date might get pushed to Dec 25.  I guess it's nice to know when the baby will come, but I'll probably go early anyway.

This week I got out all 4 totes....YES 4 TOTES...of clothes from Jaycee up until 18 months.  Holy cow I have so many clothes.  Between showers, hand-me-downs from sister, in-laws, and neighbors I feel very blessed.  Luckily the baby will only be 3 months behind Jaycee so the clothes should fit just fine with the months except I might have to add long sleeves to some things.  I very grateful for that.  So I spent 2 nights organizing all the totes and now just working on putting all the clothes away in the tiny closet Jaycee and her will share.  We  had to buy a dresser for the baby room, but we got a killer deal.  It was on clearance for $39 at walmart for a 3 drawer.  I know it's not the best quality, but hey I don't really care.  It's really fun getting things ready.  I REALLY want to make her a rag quilt, but the sewing machine I have intimidates me.  I just need to get it out and play around with it.  I guess I have 19 weeks to get it made.  I bought another box of Newborn diapers.  I now have 216 newborn, 200+ size one, and 200+ size two.  I think Craig thinks I'm nuts to have so many diapers, but I think it'll help. 

Things are going great otherwise.  Feeling good.  I've been walking again in the mornings since it's cooled down a little bit.  I'm hoping doing my everyday exercises with walking might slow down my weight gain.  But then again, eating cookies and junk might slow down that weight gain too.  he he he.  The joys of being pregnant.

NOT AGAIN!

Can I tell you how frustrating it is to pay so much money to a doctor's office when I feel like they don't know what the heck they're doing! 

Our best friend Susan (sacarastically) called us and said that looking at the u/s we got last week that our baby is measuring small.  Everything looked good but comparing the numbers the baby looks like it's only in the 3%.  So she recommends to go to a different hospital in Bangor to get a 2nd opinion with a new u/s that's a better machine!  Craig was livid. 

So needless to say, he called them today to clarify and they tell us, "Don't think of it as a 2nd opinion."  Hmmm...weird that's what Susan had told us at least 3 times.  I guess the u/s tech gave her findings to a radiologist who said they couldn't see all the bowels complete and we need to get a follow up u/s.  That's fine and dandy because we wants best for the baby.  Also with the baby measuring small it might push the due date back a week.  So now we have another u/s next Wednesday with a "better machine"  I don't mind u/s and they are fun to see the baby.  Also it will clarify the "girl" findings.  But if it's such a better machine, why didn't we go there first.  Now we're going to have to pay for another u/s but I guess now my deductible will def be met before December.  Sheesh, I miss our old doctor in Utah.  I guess you don't realize the good you have until it's gone. 

20 Weeks!

Let me just tell you what a week it's been!  Craig and I had a rough week with being pounded with trials and trying to keep our head up.  We knew it'd get better once Thursday came and we counted down the hours until we got to see our baby.  Craig decided to jinx it though!...He said one of the days...With the week we're having just because we're excited for Thursday, watch we won't be able to find out the sex.  ....And that almost happened!...

We had our appointment at 10:15 and were on time and ready for the big ultrasound.  I drank a Mt. Dew on the way because whenever I drink one the baby is really active.  That backfired because it went right through me.  We went back in the room and got all situated and the tech tells us the baby is in a horrible position to see in between the legs.  We looked around at all the different things for about 10 minutes then she had me go empty my bladder.  I was very grateful.  I came back in and it moved the baby a little bit but "it" was sitting breach position (feet down, head up) right on it's butt with legs under.  We got to see the brain, heart, feet, hands, legs and all the important parts.  Still no luck on in between legs.  She had me shift on my left side; no luck.  Then back onto my back; no luck again.  What a shy baby.  By this time it'd been about 30 minutes and once again my bladder was getting full.  It was funny to see the baby kicking right on my bladder and I could sure feel it.  I was afraid if it got too full we'd be done and not get to find out; good one Craig on jinxing it.  She had me shift one last time to my right side.  Then Jaycee said she had to go potty.  Craig says as he walks out, "Maybe the baby is shy and doesn't want a crowd."  Right as they left the baby shifted and we got to see!  The tech asked if I wanted to know or wait til he came back.  TELL ME!  You see those 3 lines...IT'S A GIRL!  We briefly got to take a look and then back she flipped.  Craig came back and asked if "he" was being shy.  And I said, "It's not a he."  We didn't get to see between the legs again.  At the end she said pretty sure a girl but since we couldn't see again we'll try in a couple weeks.  But 3 lines is 3 lines.  We finished by meeting Dr. Stein.  I was very impressed and she was so good with Jaycee and let her put the "goo" on my belly and then use the machine to find the heartbeat.  It was cute how much she cared about letting Jaycee help.  Jaycee loved it too.

I had ordered flowers for my mom for her birthday, which was the same day, and called Gibby's first thing to put the message on the card.  I sent Craig's mom & dad a e-card telling them.  Dawn was the first to text and figured I might as well call and tell her the good news.  It was fun to keep everyone in suspense, at least for a couple hours.

I'll admit that I was thinking boy just because my cravings have been a little different than Jaycee, but knowing the ultrasound was coming, I've had a feeling all week it was a girl.  If you go by old wives' tales I was pretty sick and took pills everyday and the heart rate has always been 150-160.  But who knows if those are accurate. I am SO excited.  I'm sure I'd be happy with a boy too, but I LOVE having my little girl, and now I get two of them!  I asked Craig what if the 3rd is a girl too?...Maybe 4 kids is in the plan?...we'll see I guess.  He could care less. He loves his girls.  And it's a good thing he's manly and patient. 

I bought a blanket for the baby thinking it was a boy, so I went to Walmart yesterday and switched to a girl one.  I'm saving it for a Christmas present.  It was cute too because Jaycee picked it out.

A tradition in Craig's family is on Christmas Eve all the kids get new PJ's and they wear them that night.  That's a tradition I want to keep.  We bought Jaycee's PJ for this year already, so better get the new baby some too.  I found this one and a pink one with monkeys and Jaycee picked this one too.  She's got good taste. 

 

A lot of people have been asking also what names we like.  We do have a good girl name list going.  I'm sure I'll add to the list and when she's born the name that feels right will be the name.  He middle name will be May after Craig's grandma and my great-grandma.  For first names we like: Hadley, Kassidy, Makall, Raegan, and Sawyer. 

*We couldn't get great pictures because of positioning*

Side profile with arm sticking out.  Our baby is a hand sucker again

Here she is waving 

 Another profile pic

Not the "lack thereof" but "presence thereof"  It's really hard to see but the 3 lines indicate girl parts

YAY FOR 2011 BABY GIRLS!

19 Weeks!

I'm a slacker and forgot to take a pic last week. I promise to take one this week and post.

I've noticed 3 new things this week being pregs:

1. I'm an emotional wreck!  I had a horrible week last week!  On Saturday I was snappy and onory and wanted to be myself so I  decided to scrub the kitchen floor.  As I'm scrubbing I'm bawling my eyes out.  Poor Craig-what he has to deal with.  After I took a cat nap and woke up happy again.  I don't remember being so bad with Jaycee, but I guess I do remember a couple times crying or being mad for no reason.  I ask Craig if he's sure he wants one more because what he has to deal with....what a patient man he is.  I guess I just got used to controlling my hormones the past year and Craig getting his wife back.  he he.  The sacrifices we ALL make for children.

2. Since when at 19 weeks do you start leaking?  I know that sounds gross, but it's already time for me to start getting ready?!  I'll admit though...I'm really excited.  It kinda made me realize that we really are only 4 months away.

3. Even though I've already been through labor, I'm scared!  I don't mind IV's but I dread getting the EPIDURAL!  OUCH!  With Jaycee I didn't have to go through many contraction pains before they gave me my epi.  I'm scared I'll have to go through more pain before I can get the epi and the thought of the needle in my back makes me shiver!  But after that it's smooth sailing.  I wonder if I'll ever get over my fear of labor.

Only 7 more days until the big news!  I've got a good mix of boy vs. girl votes.  I seriously can't wait!

18 Weeks

Can you believe that in 2 weeks I'll be half-way done!....Well if I carry full 40 weeks. Wowee.  Time is flying.

We had another apt yesterday.  We were supposed to meet with Dr. Stein but she had an emergency C-Section upstairs so wouldn't be back for about an hour so we just saw the n.p.  I'm not a huge fan of her because of her incompetence but she was very nice.  They did the weight and b.p. then she came in.  Craig had to take Jaycee potty, and she said to wait until they came back to look for the heart beat.  I thought that was really nice of them.  They definetely don't rush you here.  The heart beat was at 150 and strong.  It was funny because she had asked if I started feeling the baby yet, and at that moment it was moving around.  We had fingers crossed that we could get an ultrasound to check the sex of the baby, but again we were told that they wouldn't do it until 20 weeks when they do the "target" ultrasound.  Since we were a little off-schedule with the 4 week apts I thought they'd make us wait another 4 weeks to do the U/S, which I'd be 22.  But they didn't!  We have our apt on July 28 @10:15 am!  I'm counting down the days.  I wanted to keep it a surprise  from everyone but with Christmas coming up, that prob wouldn't be a good idea.  So keep posted for the big announcement.
With Jaycee before Julia even told me 99% girl I just "knew" that's what it was.  Although I did have my doubts.  But I really wanted a girl first so I doubted myself of my feelings or if that's just what I wanted.  I really feel like this one is our boy.  I do doubt myself again so we'll see.  Although Craig thinks a boy too.  A lot of people ask what I want and say... you probably want a boy?  Honestly, I don't care.  I'd love to have a boy and for Craig's sake, he could have someone that's not emotional.  But then again, a girl would be good for Jaycee and plus I have everything I'd need for a girl.  So either way.  I'm nervous for a boy because of the whole name issue I always have.  I have a good list of girls names that I feel confident about.  Boys on the other hand....the name I really like right now is really popular and most my family doesn't like it.  But hey, if he looks like that...that'll be the name.  Just because it's the only one that "feels" right to me.  So I'm always up for looking at names and ideas.

Everything else is going great.  No more sickness.  Food sounds and tastes good again.  I do notice it's getting harder to bend straight over without it hurting.  We went to pick weeds in our garden and that was a chore because I couldn't lean over.  Jaycee is getting used to the fact that mommy won't "hold you" anymore.  It's not that I can't, I just want her to get used to it.  But she does still love to climb all over me and sit right on my stomach.  That hurts.  I haven't been walking as much because it's been so stinkin hot lately.  I do some exercises of leg lifts, squats and twists everyday, but probably isn't as good as walks.  My food craving lately has been egg salad sandwiches and seafood!  I've made those sandwiches everyday and crave salmon, fish, tuna and shrimp!  I don't get my seafood fix as easily, but hopefully in 2 weeks I'll get some more.  Good thing we live in Maine.

Keep updated on my "baby bump" page.  I'll be adding 18 week pic within the next few days.  There's def no hiding the pooch anymore.  Now I just accept and show it off.  2nd trimester is the best!

17 Weeks

Seems like just yesterday I was posting from last week.  I take that as a good thing. 

I got another bill in the mail from the hospital.  Remember back in the post "Even Level" when I said I had to go in for lab work TWICE when they told me I probably was still pregnant?  Can you believe they can charge $550 to take some blood and test it?!  That's ridiculous!  I'm only 17 weeks pregnant, been to the doctor 2 times for checkups and have already spend $1200 towards my deductible.  ALL ON LAB WORK!  I thought getting to a $2500 deductible would take forever.  I'll most likely hit it before I even deliver.  Good thing for good insurance and a maximum out of pocket!

It has been really hot this week!  It's been in the 80's everyday.  To some on the west you'd think that's good.  Well you add humidity and 80 feels like over 100!  Needless to say, Jaycee and I have played in her pool everyday.  Our tans are looking pretty nice.  Craig calls us his mexi-girls.  I don't know if being a human incubator has made me more susceptible or what.  I'm just glad I'm not 8 or 9 months pregs right now. 

I still have felt what I think is the baby a couple times.  Once a day if I'm lucky.  It just feels like a flop or flutters.  I can't wait to feel the real kicks.  That's one of the best things about being preg.  I'll be honest, I hate being pregnant.  The thought of having 4 kids and doing this 2 more times makes me dread the idea.  But some of the best parts are: giving in to cravings, getting pampered, feeling little kicks, developing a new womanly figure that's fun to dress up, delivering your bundle and "it" wrapping you around "it's" finger, the bond of breastfeeding, buying baby clothes, doing the nursery, and mostly when they learn to talk and say "I love you"!  That right there takes away the not-fun times throughout the measly 9 months.  I'm just getting so anxious and ready to know what I'm having and to hold and give more love to another person. 

16 Weeks!

The last two weeks have flown by and so excited to be 4 months!  Crazy to think that 4 more weeks and I'll be half way done.  I've been feeling so good for the most part.  There are a couple days here and there that I get nausea but nothing compared to the beginning.
I feel like I've gained so much weight and maybe I stress too much about it.  I have gained 15 pounds!  There are times that Yes, I do splurge on sweets, but for the most part I don't eat tons of food.  There's just something about my metabolism and pregnancy that don't mix.  I even get out and go for walks.  But I guess the most important thing is that I'm eating to feel good and feed the baby.  That's the important thing.  I do still have some pants that aren't maternity that I can still fit, but they aren't as comfortable so I mostly wear my maternity bottoms.  The tops are too big still.  I seem to be carrying about the same as with Jaycee but still is hard to tell at this point.  It says in my "baby bible" that generally you don't feel the baby until weeks 18-22.  I felt Jaycee around 21 weeks with her kicks.  I swear that I've felt this baby already!  It's not kick feeling but more of flutters every once in a while.  I'm pretty sure it's the baby.  I don't seems to be craving much now days and most things sound good to eat. 
So I'm excited to be to this point and feeling good.  I have already bought large quantities of size 1 and size 2 diapers and found Newborn at Sam's.  I'll prob buy at least one more pack of those.  Now the next step is to find out the sex so I can get the room all ready!  I did find the bedding I want to get if it's a boy

and if it's a girl I'll do the same as Jaycee but add some lavender and lime green or something.  I can't wait until we find out the sex.  Although I still think it's a boy even though I doubt myself.  We'll find out about the beginning of Aug!  Yahoo!

14 Weeks

Today we had our appointment and it went really smooth.  We finally got to meet Dr. Bradfield

 and we were really impressed.  We did just the routine check-up of weight and blood pressure.  Then he came in and got out the little machine to find the heartbeat.  He told us we might not hear it, but within seconds we heard the little 150 bpm of our little 3 1/2 inch long "lemon".  We talked a little about old wives tales and joked around with him about having girls.  He has 3 of his own.  I'm really hoping he gets to deliver our new baby.  The way this woman's clinic is that you meet the 2 doctors and the mid-wife (who we already met and was the one who told us we miscarried at the beginning) and when you go into labor whichever of the 2 doctors is on-call is who delivers the baby.  You can have the mid-wife is you request her...no thanks!  So at my next appointment, July 14, I'll be 18 weeks and get to meet Dr. Stein.

Dr. Bradfield is an MD and she's a DO.  I don't know a lot about what that means but as long as I like Dr. Stein I'm sure I won't care.  They're both doctors and so far I really like the guy.  He's from Michigan and was joking how it's nice to meet people who aren't from Maine.  LOL

I've been feeling a little better as far as nausea.  I've been getting more headaches, but think they are caused by lack of food.  Good thing I can take Tylenol because surprisingly it takes it away.  My energy level has been a ton better and I've been able to have motivation to do things again...FINALLY!  Yesterday I went on a 3 mile walk!  I was pretty achy by the time bed-time came around.  I read that women should exercise at least 30 min a day while pregs so I'm trying really hard to keep at that.  I've gained a total of 12 pounds so far.  I don't know if that's good or bad.  I'm just trying to stay under 50-that's what I gained with Jaycee and that was too much cuz it was hard and took over a year to get it all back off.  Lately I've been craving blow pops (he he), toast, Red Baron pizza (how weird is that of all kinds), and lots of water!  At first I couldn't drink water because it made me feel sick, but now I can't get enough.  And I love Crystal Light!  So overall, things are looking better and the 1st trimester is done and over with!  SHOUT HORAY!  We find out the beginning of Aug what we'll be having.  Any guesses?

12 Weeks

I'm so excited because we're only one week away from being done with the dreaded first trimester.  I can't complain too bad because it has been better than with Jaycee.  I've been feeling pretty good.  Some days I'm pretty nauseated but at least I'm not throwing up.  Food and scents don't do well with me and the idea of things make me want to puke.  For example; the idea of cooking and cutting up raw chicken, lighting any of my scentsy candles, cleaning up Jaycee's potty after she goes to the bathroom, and the smell of Jaycee's shampoo makes me really sick.  I'm hoping this will pass.  With Jaycee I ate so many PB&J that to this day I still can't eat them.  I'm hoping nothing gets ruined like that.  Especially salad because right now it makes me sick thinking of eating one.  I don't really have too many cravings.  Lately I've been eating funyuns, fruit of any kind, granola bars, tuna fish sandwiches, and triscuits.  They taste so good to me and always sound yummy-which is hard to find things at this point.  Also the other day I was craving ABC Mandarin pan fried noodles and lemon chicken and a krispy kreme donut.  I'm sure if those were available here, Craig would be out in a second to buy them for me.  He's such a sweetheart and will do anything to make me feel better and comfortable.  He's been really cute with this baby so far.  He loves to come up and put his arms around my belly and every time we cuddle his hands are always holding the baby.  Whenever I sit down at night, he'll always reach down to pick up my feet to rub them.  I seriously feel so lucky to have him as my eternal companion!
My next appointment is on June 16, but it'll be too early to see the gender.  So looks like we won't find out until probably around 20 weeks or so.  That's okay to me though.  We both are feeling it's going to be a boy and like to pick out baby names.  If it's a girl we already feel pretty confident with May (craig's g-ma middle name and my great-gma middle name) as the middle name and first names we like right now are Addelyn, Hadleigh, Kolbie, Kodi, Makall, Makell, Raegan and Sawyer.  I feel pretty good about the girl name list.  For boys...that's a different story.  The middle name will probably be Deaton, Larry, or Allen with the first name of Camden, Drew, Hayden, Jackson, Kypton, Malan, Westin or Wesley.  But that could always change because I never can make up my mind.  I'm up for any suggestions. 
Things are progressing and I'm looking forward to around 16 weeks or so until I get to feel the little one move and the nausea starts to ease off.  Until then, I'll deal with my ultra sensitive nose and picky stomach.
We can't wait until December!

10 Weeks

Technically I don't officially become 10 weeks until tomorrow, but thought I'd update a day early.  We had our doctor's appointment!  AND!......ONE SINGLE HEARTBEAT WAS FOUND!  I can take a big sigh of relief.  We got things all figured out, paper work done, due date of Dec 16, and finished with the ultrasound.  It was fun to have my first appointment close to ten weeks because we could actually see the arms and feet wiggling around in there.  Craig was amazed at how much the baby has grown.  He was expecting to see a "grain of rice" but instead got to see a grape. he he.  Everything is going really well and at our next appointment we get to meet the doctor who will actually be delivering our baby.  Dr. Bradfield.  It'll be different to have a male doctor, but I've heard very good things about him.  I was impressed with the office with how apologetic they were and they took time to go over everything and not feel rushed one bit.  I was bummed we didn't get to meet the doctor yet, but glad we got the ultrasound to verify all is well.  Jaycee didn't like sitting in the office, but luckily they gave her some stickers to play with so that made her happy.  We are just so excited to have the best Christmas present ever this year!  Also I finally to get to spill the beans to the family.  So if you're reading this for the first time...Yes, Craig and I are pregnant and you heard it from us :) 

9 Weeks

Yesterday I entered the 9 week mark.  That means only 5 more days until my appointment!  I hope for ONE healthy, strong heartbeat!  This past week has gone a little smoother with the nausea.  I've been taken my leftover Zofran pills I had from Jaycee.  We finally called the office to have them call me in a new perscription for some more.  They gave me 60 so I'm really excited to have these on hand.  Mostly I get pretty sick in the morning so I have to eat breakfast pretty quick to get the food in and down so it goes away.  When I take Zofran it changes my whole day!  I'm hardly naseated at all and just have to keep on the food every 3 or so hours.  Craig took me to Olive Garden for Mother's Day (we went Sat) and I got pretty sick that night.  I've noticed anything that is greasy or lots of seasoning doesn't sit well.  So therefore, I've been eating LOTS of fruit and things around the house that doesn't have a lot of grease.  Nachos are a favorite right now.  I feel like I'm starting to show when I wear tight shirts, but I hear that after your first you start showing quicker.  I don't mind that I'm starting to show, but kinda hard to hide it.  I'm sure people think I've just gained a couple pounds in my tummy area :)  he he 
Jaycee continues to jump all over mommy and insist on sitting on my lap all the time.  I don't mind most the time, but I always have to say "Be soft to the baby"  Well the other day Izzy had ran into her and she yells at Izzy and says "Be soft to my baby" and rubs her tummy.  She's convinced she's got a baby in there too.  We like to ask her if it's a baby boy or baby girl and most the time it's a baby boy.  My motherly instincts are feeling that a little boy will be welcoming us.  I was right with Jaycee, so we'll see within the next 10 weeks I'm sure.
I'm really excited for my appointment and just pray everything is okay.  I guess to have the signs and symptoms is a good thing.  Once I know, I'm sure I'll be telling the rest of our families that don't know yet.  Then after my first trimester (in 4 weeks) I might put something on my blog.  We'll see though. 
Pictures to be coming soon too!  Love you all!

8 Weeks

Looks like our little grain of rice has now progressed to a 1/2 inch large raspberry!  One word can completely describe this week-NAUSEA!  Thank you to my sweet husband who helps as much as he can to make me feel better.  13 more days until my appointment and I plan on asking for more Zofran.  I only have 6 pills left so they are gold right now.  Oh and currently I'm craving Papa Johns pizza!  Hopefully we'll get some soon.

7 Weeks

Today I am officially 7 weeks preggers.  I'm feeling pretty good.  There has been a couple days I got really nauseated and about puked.  Mostly it was because I was very hungry.  So looks like it's come to that time that if I get hungry I better eat something.  I haven't really had any cravings besides fruit juice.
I've been extremely tired!  I usually sleep as long as Jaycee will let me, then when she goes down for a nap so do I. Also I've noticed I have hardly any energy and doing the simple things I used to always do just ware me out.
I've had a couple of other symptoms of sore ta-tas, some of my gums got swollen (that happened with Jaycee too), going pee all the time, and feeling bloated.  I swear I look like I'm already showing and makes it hard because I feel round in my tummy area.  I make sure to go for walks everyday and been doing weights at night with my arms.  I'm gonna try really hard not to gain as much as I did with Jaycee, but if it happens at least it's healthy weight gain.  I'm excited for about 5 weeks to start telling people!

Lovely Health Care

So I have been waiting anxiously next to my phone since Friday for a phone call from the doc office.  1:30 came Monday and I was getting nervous so Craig called for me.  The lovely doc office didn't ever receive my blood work I got done Friday from the hospital.  So Craig then called the hospital and they said they did send it, but said they'd send it again through fax.  So then, AGAIN Craig called the doc office and they got the new report.  They said my levels went up substantially and I was pregnant by the looks of my blood work.  They continued to say since I wasn't far along it'd be too early to see anything...DUH!  We just wanted them to give us the okay that we were in fact still pregnant and no miscarriage happened.  So looks like May 18 will be a very important day.  I pray that we hear a heartbeat and all goes well!  I'll be one day  under 10 weeks.  I can't wait so we can actually smile and be excited!

Telling Craig

This is the gift he was going to open not knowing anything.

Craig opening his special birthday present.

SURPRISE!  Now that is a happy smile from a daddy-to-be

Even Level

On Wednesday, April 6 it was in the afternoon and I was very anxious to take a preg test.  My period was supposed to start the next day but I just had a feeling I was pregnant. *

*I had been doing a lot of reading online all out pregnancy and how it all happens.  A couple days earlier I was having cramps for 2 days that went away.  I read online it could be what they call implantation cramps.  I got really excited in my mind thinking that’s what the cramps were.  The only problem was I didn’t have a “feeling” that I was pregnant.  It was the previous Sunday and we had just barely put Jaycee to bed.  We turned the tv off and sat in the dark for a few minutes.  It was my turn to say prayers and right as I was about to say them I had an overwhelming feeling I was pregnant.  I started crying.  I’m sure Craig was thinking I was crazy.  I told him the feeling I had and didn’t know if it was me being crazy or really was my feeling I was waiting for.

So Wednesday we had just finished lunch and I got the test out.  I took the test and sure enough there was a + sign.  It was very faint and was the last of the off brand we had bought.  I decided to the next day Thurs to see if my period would start, even though I KNEW I was pregnant.  Thursday came and no period, no cramps.  This was nice!  On the way home from my meeting at the church I stopped at Wal-Mart and bought another pack of tests.  I did some research online (obviously I do this a lot) and found the best brand was First Response.  So that’s what I bought.  I got home and at 10:30 at night I took another test (2^nd one) and again a faint pink line.  But it was there!  Again Friday I took a test and the line was a little darker, but it was still there.  Also another thing is that no one knew, not even Craig!  He was out of town and I wanted a cute surprise for him.  I did tell Dalynne because I knew I could trust her and needed someone to talk to it about.  This was exciting news!  It had been 6 months we’d been trying!

Saturday it was Craig’s 32^nd birthday and he was taking a test in California.  I only got to talk to him between tests and before he boarded his plane.  I wanted to spill the beans so bad!  Instead I made it sound like my period started and was crampy and bummed it didn’t happen again…when really it did J  I was going to save the last test the next day with him, but I liked seeing the double lines so I took the last test and the best one of them all.  This was the 4^th POSITIVE test I had gotten.

Sunday Craig got home from CA and I was sooooo excited.  I’m sure I was beaming and had a glow in my face.  Right when he got home I couldn’t hide the excitement.  I had got him the movie “Little Rascals” and said, “Hope you’re ready for another Little Rascal”  I wrapped it up and he was thinking it was probably just a present for his birthday.  He was so happy and we hugged and cried!  He had no idea.  We had a great afternoon with sweet pork for dinner and Better Than Sex Cake for Craig’s birthday  and also he got to open his other present.  I was so exhausted from the weekend and had only got about 7 hours of sleep the night before so I layed down for a little nap.  I had some cramps but I knew that can be normal with being pregnant.  At about 6 pm I had to use the bath room so bad.  When I sat down I saw blood and it freaked me out!  It wasn’t a ton, but it definitely wasn’t spotting.  Of course, I started crying and bummed that we might have lost the baby.  I did more research online about miscarriages and with the bleeding I could’ve been having one, but it had stopped.  It was only the one time, and then it was more looks likes of spotting.  My cramps were still there but hardly much.  I cried and took a hot shower and just wanted to go to bed.  I text Dalynne since she had experienced this before and her friend who works in a hospital said to just take it easy and put my feet up.  So that’s what I did for the rest of the night.  I didn’t know if I for sure lost the baby but decided it’d be best to call the doctor the next morning.  Craig gave me a blessing that night saying everything would be okay and not to jump to conclusions. 

Monday bright and early I called the doctor’s office.  We’ve already had really BAD experiences with health care out here in Maine, and heard really good things about this new doctor I was planning on going to.  So I called the office and gave her all my information.  I had told her I found out I was preg on the weekend and took 4 postitive tests.  She went to schedule my 8 week apt but then I told her how on Sunday night I had a little bit of bleeding, but I knew that can happen “certain times” when “certain things” happen.  She continued to ask when my last period was.  I told her March 10 which was 4 weeks last thurs.  She says back, “Well, sweetie it was probably your period!”  Um, I DON’T THINK SO.  I was really irritated because who is she to know what my period is like.  I’m on a 28 days and Monday was day 32!  I got a little defenseless and said, “how could it be my period if I got 4 positive tests and just a little bleeding that had by that time stopped”  She acted like she had her mind made up that I either miscarried or my period came.  I said “Well, I guess we just wait it out then?”  She said I guess we’ll schedule an apt for the next day”  I was sooooo irritated.  Why can’t they take my side and how can they jump to such conclusions!  Monday dragged on so bad!  I did research and found usually if you miscarry it’s enough blood for a pad an hour also it is like period symptoms.  This wasn’t the case with me.  So I went with my special feeling I had and just knew in my heart I was pregnant.  I didn’t care what they said or how stupid they made me feel.  I knew we’d go in the next day and I’d prove them wrong!  Also Craig went and bought ANOTHER preg test at lunch which for the FIFTH time came back POSITIVE! 

Tuesday came and it was time for our appointment.  They had me fill out all my paperwork and then continue to say that the 8 week apt I did have was no longer there and to disregard that.  How did they know I wouldn’t be there for 8 week appointment!  It felt to me that they already had their mind made up that I wasn’t pregnant.  I had to pee in a cup then weight taken, blood pressure, and then my blood was drawn.  After about maybe 5-10 minutes a NP came in, sit down and say, “Bad news is, you’re not pregnant!”  NO FREAKIN WAY!  I had to try really hard to keep the tears from flowing.  She went on to say my urine was low and asking questions as far as when my last period was, what symptoms I was having, and asking about the bleeding.  I told her and also said I had taken 5 tests that ALL CAME BACK POSTIVE including the one I took the previous day.  She seemed surprised that I would get 5 and hers didn’t.  I tried really hard to just play it “cool” and not seem too upset my the news when in my heart I was aching.  It just didn’t make sense!  How could they know just with a urine sample and not even know my blood results.  She had me take a lab slip with me “just in case” the blood results came back and needed more done.  But she made it sound like they’d come back low because she said I had a spontaneous miscarriage.  We got in the car, Craig was so upset.  He kept saying, they better be right!  We had already had bad experiences here and he just wanted them to prove the health care out here was actually good.  I cried the whole way home!  I was sad because we had been trying for 6 months.  Also the perfect timing of having a due date of dec 15.  Also Jaycee would be such a good sister.  Just everything I had felt could be so wrong.  It just didn’t make sense.  Craig took off the afternoon of work and just let me cry on him and then I took a nap.  I woke up and said, I just need to drown my sorrows and just not care.  We went to the store and bought some juice (it sounded really good to me) and ice cream.  Then walked next door for some subway for dinner.  I knew the doc would call the next day and told myself to believe that she’d tell me things were good and go about your normal schedule and hopefully it’d happen again soon. 

Wednesday!  I woke up hoping yesterday was a big dream.  And then I cried.  I was only 4 ½ weeks along, but it was still a beautiful thing to conceive and not be able to carry the baby.  I wanted really bad to go get some caffeine and just clean.  I know, I love to clean.  I was downstairs to get Jaycee breakfast and about 930 went up to get my computer.  There was a message on my phone from the NP Susan to call her.  I’m sure she just wanted to go over the results.  I immediately called her back hoping to be done with this all and move on.  “Hi Amanda, your test results came back and looks like your levels are at 112.6”  What does that mean?  I thought.  “Looks like that’s perfect levels for being 4 ½ weeks pregnant.”  Okay, so what does that mean?  I had to go up to the hospital by my house to get my blood drawn.  At this point I wanted to say, Um, ya duh!  Because I’m freakin pregnant!  But for their sake and for no emotional roller coasters just thought, after the blood test it’ll probably be back down.  I headed up to the hospital and glad it was quick and only took 25 minutes.  It was a rainy day and I felt so tired!  No to mention the emotions I’ve been dealing with for almost a week!  About 4:00 pm that same day I get another phone call.  It was Susan the NP again.  She starts by saying “you weren’t supposed to test the blood until 48 hours.”  I said, “No, you told me within 48 hours”  She continues by saying, “Well the results show it went up to 177!”  Okay, wait a minute.  I “supposedly” had a miscarriage and am not pregnant.  How could my levels go up 65 in less than 24 hours!  I asked, “So I didn’t miscarry.”  She says, “Looks like that’s not the case”  I was PISSED!  Do you realize what you have put me and my family through!  I knew it all didn’t make sense!  I’m usually not the type to speak my mind and cause conflict but I was so angry.  I said, “Why did we jump to such conclusions that other day that I miscarried when you hadn’t even seen my blood levels.  You have to understand what I’m going through.”  She apologized and said the urine test were low so that usually meant your not pregnant.  What should’ve happened is the urine test came back low, but you don’t come in and say, You miscarried and your not pregnant.  They didn’t even have my blood work yet!  So now I have to go back once again on Friday to get my blood taken AGAIN.  The levels should be around 400 since it will be 48 hours since the last time.  Then when she gets my test she’ll call me again and go from there.  I hung up and immediately called Craig.  HE WAS LIVID!  HOW COULD HE TRUST A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL WITH HIS BABY AND PREG WIFE!  If we knew of a better clinic I’m sure we’d go elsewhere, but there’s not many options here.  He did give me good advise to keep an even level field.  He couldn’t go through all the ups and downs.  AND WE DEF WERE!  In my mind I want to shout for joy, but until the blood work comes back and I see a heart beat on that ultrasound, then I can take a deep sigh!  Until then, an even level field! 

I’ve noticed more preg symptoms the past days.  My boobs are more tender and I’m extremely tired.  I seriously slept almost the whole day away yesterday.  I’ve been a little nausea but I think it’s from the pre-natal pills.  I’m excited for tomorrow to get some more answers, but I will trust my faith in Heavenly Father and the blessings I’ve been given.  I know things will be okay, for good or bad, and I know he gave me that strong feeling that Sunday night for a reason.  Hopefully in 9 months from now I’ll be holding my pride and joy and knowing it was all worth it.