Her Nursery

I just wanted to share a few photos of Charlotte's room.  We love how it turned out!  The glider and ottomen were shipped to us incorrectly.  I am still waiting on the correct one to make it to our house.  The one I ordered is a darker fabric and it reclines.  This chair will become a store model hence the towels covering it.  I still need to hang a couple things on the walls.  I have two frames that I need to get pictures in and a couple wall hangings. 

Month One

This first month has flown by and I am loving every second of it. We are doing great and Miss Charlotte is now weighing in over 11lbs. Needless to say, she really likes her breast milk! Last night she blessed me with a four hour stretch of sleep. She usuall sleeps for two to three hours. I have her napping in her crib these days so I actually get a moment or two to myself. I hope to catch up on blogging and commenting! Here are a few photos. I promise to start writing more...

 

 

 

 

She looks so small in her crib!  I have not been able to put her in it at night yet...not
 ready for her to be that far away form me!



The little stinker wouldn't behave for her one month photo shoot!

She loves bath time!!!

The puppies are always with her and love licking her feet!

I have trouble putting her down!

Charlotte's Birth Story

I was scheduled to go in for my second induction on Thursday, August 23rd at 5pm.  The hospital called and postponed my induction because they were booked.  I guess all those Thanksgiving babies decided to make their appearance that same weekend.  I sat by the phone all weekend waiting to get rescheduled - literally jumping every time my phone rang.  We finally received the call Sunday at 5pm to head in for a 7pm induction.  I was so excited!  I hopped in the shower and got ready to head to the hospital.  I probably should have used that time napping but oh well.  We arrived at the hospital and they said all they had available was a triage bed.  I was not too happy to spend the next zillion hours being induced in triage but what can you do - They got me set up and checked out.  At this point I was 80% effaced and almost 3 cm dilated.  The OB started me on miso.  A pill taken orally to help move things along.  I was only in triage for an hour or two.  They were thankfully able to get me into a labor room.  I took the first pill around 9pm - they told me it could take up to four pills every 6 hours apart to get things going.  I was ready to be in there for the long haul.  I didn't feel like the pill was doing much.  We actually chilled and watched Breaking Bad and then I fell asleep for an hour or so.  Just after midnight I felt this pop and a gush...my water broke.  That really got things moving.  The contractions started in full force and I was progressing quickly.  At 3:30am I was begging for an epidural.  At that point I was 5 cm dilated and in a the epidural was wonderful!  I didn't even notice it being placed - I was concentrating on my contractions too much to notice.  The epidural seemed to slow things down a bit but I didn't mind. 

I ended up throwing up a few times and each time I did it would push Charlotte further down but she did not react well at all to it. The first time I threw up we lost her heart beat on the monitor.  All the nurses came running into the room and scared the hell out of me.  They flipped me from side to side and put oxygen on me to get Charlotte's heart rate back up. Apparently the action of throwing up was causing Charlotte to shift and pinch her cord. Each time this happened she would bounced back once they repositioned me.  As I would lay on one side my epidural wouldn't be effective on the other side so I would feel my contractions in half my body.  I would ask to be repositioned but Charlotte was only liking me laying on one side.  I kept hitting my button to get more of the epidural but it was only making the one side extra numb. 

Around 2:00pm the nurse had me start pushing.  I never felt that urge to push but once I started she was happy with my progress.  I pushed for half and hour and Charlotte was born!  The nurses kept telling me that I was an expert pusher...I'm sure they say that to all the ladies!  My epidural had worn off enough that I could move my legs and feel a bit of what was going on.  It was an amazing experience.  They laid her on my chest when she came out an I was able to spend 10 minutes or so with her.  Hubby got to cut the cord!  Charlotte received an 8 and then a 9 on her apgar score and took to breast feeding immediately. 

We were on cloud nine.  All her grandparents were in the waiting room.  They came in and got to meet our angel!  Sorry this post is so choppy  -  I need sleep!  More pictures soon!

She's Here

I would like to introduce Miss Charlotte Ann.  She made her grand appearance on Monday, August 27th at 2:34pm.  We are over the moon.  I will blog more when I figure out where all my time goes.  I am betting its with this little one...

I'm having trouble evicting my Squatter

I went into the hospital at 430am yesterday morning for my induction.  They got me checked in and started me on gel.  I had three gel treatments that consisted of gel inserted into my cervix to get it softened and effaced.  They would insert the gel and I would lay there for an hour then they would have me walk the hospital for 40 minutes.  They would do an internal check to see my progress and repeat the progress.  I started at 2cm dilated and 75% effaced...I ended the three treatments at 2.5 cm dilated and 80% effaced.  Since my body was not responding I got to do the walk of shame and head home.  I am going back in to try again tomorrow night.  I hope they have a better plan for me.  They are still concerned with my high blood pressure and the protein levels in my urine so they are ready to induce.  I am now 39 weeks so I hope my body realizes its job soon and we are able to successfully able to evict my Squatter!  More to come!!!

37 Weeks

I just wanted to check  in with everyone.  I am still here and still pregnant!  Squatter is doing great and seems to be getting big.  She is measuring in the 75%.  My blood pressure went up pretty high this week so I had a fun hospital stay.  I am now at home and on BP meds and I have a follow up OB appointment on Monday.  I am on bed rest until then.  I am getting excited to meet this little girl.  I hope that the next time I have to go to the hospital it's to have her!

My husband has resorted to lying to me…

When I ask how I look, he says beautiful even though I know I am all puffy and have dark bags under my eyes

When I ask how moody I have been lately, he tells me that I have been an angel

When I show him my swollen fingers, he tells me they look perfectly normal

When I snore like a chainsaw and keep him up all night, he tells me that he didn’t even notice

When I freak out about maybe getting a take home baby girl, he tells me that I will be a great mom

When I eat cereal every night for dinner, he tells me that he doesn’t mind that I have not cooked dinner in months



I love this man…he is the best husband and will be an amazing father soon!

Everything is good!

Sorry for the lack of updates. I went back to my OB yesterday and my fluid levels are holding steady at 18 and her cyst has not grown in size. Very good news!


I start my twice weekly appointments next week. I will be 35 weeks along. I will have one appointment for a NST and a second one for an US. I am happy they will be watching me so closely.  I guess it pays to be high risk and old! 

I hope everyone has a great weekend! We have lots to do to get ready for Squatter. After lasts weeks scare we want to be ready in case she decides to make an early appearance. Her car seat base in now installed in my car! We are still working on her room. Pictures will be coming soon!

A little scare

On Thursday I work up for work and felt a little trickle. I told hubby that I either piddled myself like a puppy or leaked a little fluid. I didn’t think much of it until an hour later at work and it happened again. I figured it was time to call my ob and ask what to do. They told me to head to their office. I showed up and they did two tests on me to see if the fluid was my amniotic fluid or not. Both of their tests came up positive for amniotic fluid. Queue tears…My OB was great, calmed me down and sent me over to the hospital for additional testing. She told me that delivering at 34 weeks was a lot different that 19 weeks and that if delivering early need to happen everything would be fine. I called hubby and told him what was going on and headed over to the hospital where my mom met me. They got me all checked into triage and hooked me up to the monitors. Squatter looked great and I enjoyed hearing her heartbeat. They proceeded to do three different tests for amniotic fluid. One of the three came up positive. They also did an US to check my fluid levels – looked great at 21. Two hours later they re-tested the two negative tests and they were still negative. The OB at the hospital chalked it up to a fluke test and sent me on my way. They said they don’t really trust the litmus test (the one that was positive) because you can get false positives. The monitors did show me contracting every 3 to 4 minutes but they didn’t hurt…just uncomfortable. They were not concerned with the contractions either.

Today I went to the MFM for a growth scan and to recheck my fluid levels. Everything looked good. My amniotic fluid was at 18 today. So she has plenty of it so they are not worried either. However, they did find a cyst on her ovary today. They said it was most likely due to all my hormones and will dissolve once she is born. We will just need to monitor it with her pediatrician. Her little belly is also measuring big. After some research on Google seems like my borderline diabetes could be causing that. Poor little Squatter – Her mommy’s hormones and diet is causing her all sorts of havoc in there.

I’m going to take it easy this weekend and hope she stays put for a couple more weeks! I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend!

Baby Shower

Squatter is one lucky girl and has so many people around her that already love her so much.  My friends and family threw us the most amazing baby shower last Sunday.  It was surreal…I never thought I would be the guest of honor at a baby shower.  They had the perfect location, decorations, food, gifts, and people there.  It was wonderful sharing the day with all my friends and family.  One of my girlfriends surprised me and flew in from Texas for the shower!  Here are a few pictures from the special day.



Mom and I

Getting ready for the party!  (Not sure how to rotate my photos)

My sisters

This is some of the amazing food!  It was outstanding!

Squatter Cookies!  Super cute party favor!

Maternity Photos

My sister is an amateur photographer and took some maternity photos for me.  I love how they turned out.  She will take more when my belly gets even bigger (these were taken at 31.5 weeks)!  I am going to print a few to frame in Squatters room! 

This was just for fun!  My sister took it as a joke but I think it's cute! 

The Hospital Tour

Yesterday after work Hubby and I were signed up to tour the hospital. I didn’t think it was 100% necessary since we are familiar with the hospital but what the heck – I signed us up anyways. I have to say that it ended up being a very difficult hour long tour. I was not mentally prepared for it at all. As the nurse stared the tour I was thinking “gosh she looks familiar”. Hubby leans over and says that he thought it was one of my night nurses from when Gavin was born. She takes us into the Maternity ward and then into one of the labor rooms. I hesitated in the hallway with tears in my eyes because it brought back so many emotions and memories. It was not the same exact room I was in (it was right across the hall). I actually didn’t know what room I was in but hubby did. It was surreal being back in that familiar room. The nurse then showed us the NICU and area for patients on in hospital bed rest. Then the tour went to the fourth floor rooms where the C-sections patients head to for recovery. The room we visited was the exact room that hubby’s mom spent a month in before she passed. It was hard for me to be in there so I can only imagine how hard it was on him. The tour group then piles in the elevator and the nurse looks at us and says that she knows us. So I had to tell her with everyone around that we were here last summer with a preterm loss at 19 weeks and that she was one of our nurses…I am shocked I made it out of there without actually shedding a tear. My eyes welled up a few times but no tears fell.


This hospital has always taken good care of us and our family members so I would like to deliver Squatter there so we can have one happy memory at the hospital. I know hospitals are not known for their happy memories so maybe just a visit without bad news would do.

7 posts in one

1) The nurse called and I kind of passed my glucose test. WTF does that mean? I went in for my 28 week ob appointment last week and asked the doctor. She said I passed three of the four blood draws and gave me a lecture on healthy eating. No more carbs or sugar for this girl. I have been trying to eat very healthy and for the most part I have been successful!

2) My 28 week US went well. Squatter is measuring right on track. They did find that I have excess amniotic fluid. Because of this they sent me back to the MFM to get checked out. There are many different reasons for this and they wanted them to take a look.

3) I saw the MFM yesterday and had another US. (I am starting to think Squatter is a drama queen and really likes her picture taken). Their fluid measurement put me at the high end of normal so it’s gotten a little bit better the past 5 days. Squatter is measuring on track – she is now over 3lbs and has hair! The MFM said the likely cause for the high fluid levels is because I am borderline diabetic and that by watching my diet I can fix this on my own.

4) Our life has been a bit hectic lately. We found out that we qualify to refi our home through the HARP 2.0 program. We have been working on getting that started. By refinancing our house we will reduce our monthly payment by $500! Total bonus!

5) Hubby is switching jobs. He kind of stumbled upon this new opportunity and starts on Monday. I am thankful because the new job has wonderful benefits and he will work less hours. His old job had him working 60-70 hour per week. Now he will only be working 40!

6) With Hubby’s old job he had a company truck. Now we need to buy a second car for us. We have been looking. Made an offer this weekend but the chick backed out on Monday. Back to the drawing board.

7) My parents decided to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary by taking the entire family on an Alaskan cruise. It has been planned since October. My mom always knew there was a chance that I wouldn’t be able to go. She knew that we were going to start trying again in December and that when it worked I would be high risk and wouldn’t be able to travel. They all left this past weekend and are having a wonderful time. I have to admit that I do feel a bit sad to not be with them. I know that I am doing what’s right for me and Squatter but part of me wants to be on the family vacation. They email and text every day but I feel like I am missing out.

Update

I took my three hour glucose test last Wednesday. I am still waiting for the results. The tests were not as bad as some say. Maybe, I can thank my college days, because I can chug down the sugary drink no problem. I kept thinking that mixed with a little Champaign it would almost be like a Mimosa! I go in this Wednesday for my 28 week growth scan! I can’t wait to see Squatter again. She is now getting the hiccups – so cute!

My friends are throwing me a baby shower on July 1st. I can’t believe that I am going to have a baby shower - that means that I am going to have a baby! It is very exciting but so scary at the same time (part of me doesn’t want to jinx anything but I need to get over that thought and just embrace all of this). I do worry about a friend that is dealing with IF and I should email her and tell her that it’s ok if she ditches the shower. I have ditched plenty in my day so I totally get it.

I sent out remembrance cards for Gavin and I am really happy that I did that. I bought the cards that are seeds so you can plant the card and hopefully get some wild flowers. I planted mine two weeks ago and nothing is growing. I am going to chalk it up to cheap seeds and not to my lack of a green thumb. It was the perfect way to remember Gavin on his birthday.

Glucose Test

I failed...the glucose 1 hour test.  Totall bummer.  Now I have to fast and take the 3 hour test next week.  I am so not looking forward to that. 

Book Exchange

Is anyone interested in a book exchange? I signed up because I figured there is nothing more important that books for Squatter. I thought this would be a fun way to build up her collection.


It is like a chain mail thing where you only have to buy one person a book and get six people to participate!

And if everyone who accepts follows the rules you will end up with 36 books!!!!

Let me know, it is super easy and you put your baby's age and gender in there so people can buy the right book for your baby!

A year ago

A year ago today my sweet Gavin was born into this world.  He was perfect and with us for about an hour before he passed in his fathers arms. 

 Please hug someone you love today because life is a precious gift.  

What Does Squatter Need???

What are you favorite / must have baby items?  I would like any and all recommendations from strollers to toys and everything in between!  What are your favorite brands and what could you have lived without.  Please help this clueless soon to be mom.  I have started to work on my registry because my shower will be on July 1^st.  I have been asking around for hand me downs but all my girlfriends’ kids are older or they had boys.  I am going to start look on Craigslist for some stuff! 

24 Week Update

Here is my first official update for this pregnancy. Feel free to skip this post. I have skipped many pregnancy updates over the years so you won’t hurt my feelings.


How Far Along: 24 Weeks

Size of Baby: This week the baby is measuring just about a foot long crown to heel and is weighing in close to a pound and a third!

Picture of Baby: Squatter was not cooperating and kept her hands in front of her face for her last photo shoot. I will get some pictures next week.

Maternity Clothes: Lately all I have been wearing besides a few shirts and one non maternity dress. I need to invest in a few more pieces.

Weight Gain: Well – I thought I was doing pretty well until my ob appointment yesterday. I was up 10lbs from 20 weeks. I have gained a total of 22lbs so far. I guess I will go over the 35lb mark with Squatter. I blame it all on Squatters recent growth spurt. I know I need to think about my food choices but I am still in the phase of eating whatever makes me feel ok and not nauseous. My diet is mostly carbs and fruit.

Belly: This was taken at 23 weeks.

Sorry - I can't figure out how to rotate this picture...

Stretch Marks: Not yet – I have started to lotion up morning and night!

Sleep: Pretty good most nights. I tend to get up to pee at least twice per night. My hips recently started to ache a bit at night which keeps me up a bit.

Best Moment of the Week: Feeling her movements get stronger. I can feel her all day and it is the best feeling ever.

Movement: See above

Symptoms: I still throw up every morning but then I am good. I take a small dose of my anti nausea meds everyday but I am going to try to wean myself this weekend.

Food Cravings:  Nothing crazy. It’s really more about what I can eat that will sit ok.

Gender: Squatter’s a GIRL! We are about 90% sure on a name for her but that will be kept to ourselves until she is here! It was hard enough for hubby and I to decide on a name – we sure don’t need help from the peanut gallery!

What I Miss: Nothing! I might whine a bit to hubby about throwing up every morning and not being able to eat Mexican food but I really don’t mind. I love being pregnant and this belly.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Making it to 28 weeks. Everyday Squatter is with me is amazing and I can’t wait to meet her!

Nursery: We bought a crib! This is a huge step for me and hubby had to talk me into it. I was worried about the 90 day return policy in case something horrible happened in the next 16 weeks (112 days). The chest and hutch are on order and will be delivered and assembled in the next 8-10 weeks. We decided to take the crib home with us now because hubby wanted to get it all set up! I love that he is this excited and wanted to put it together himself. We also have paint color picked out!

Weekly Wisdom: Dress for comfort! I try to look professional at my job but I fear that will go out the window a bit for this pregnancy and the summer heat. I am going to wear what I want and be comfortable!

Milestones: Making it officially to viability.

Thank you

Thank you for all your comments and support.  These are all wonderful ways to remember our sweet Gavin.  I’m going to order these to mail out to our friends and family.  I think it’s a great way for everyone to remember him.  On his birthday we are going to have dinner with our close friends T&A (Yes – I love writing their initials) to remember his birthday.  These friends are the ones who spent time with us the week I was in the hospital and actually A was the only ones besides us who saw Gavin.  The night after he passed T hung out with us at the hospital since it was our Friday night tradition since A worked nights.  They brought some normalcy to a bad week and I am forever grateful for their friendship. 

I cry for Gavin

I cry....

because I don’t know what to do to properly remember you on your upcoming birthday (May 19th)

because I fear that once Squatter is here others might forget you

because I miss my first born

because I never got to feel you kick

because I remember the awful week in the hospital and the look in hubby’s eyes

because I miss you




 
I think about Gavin every day and I would like to do something to remember him on his birthday.  Everytime I try to talk about him or what to do I start crying.  Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome to help me with what to do.

A Quick Update

Things with me and Squatter are going great! I have another cervix check tomorrow. I am hoping it’s a good number. At my last check it had gone from 4.6 to 3.4 which worried me a bit. I have to say that feeling her move and kick is just amazing. I love every second of it! She likes to give is a bit of a show at night when we’re going to bed. I do worry when I have not felt her move in a while. Right now I am at my desk, wondering what I can eat to make her move to reassure me.


I have been catching hubby staring at me lately. When I ask him what’s up he smiles and says that he loves seeing my belly. So sweet!

Facebook

Here is what I posted on FB to announce Squatter.  I wanted to remember Gavin at the same time and think I accomplished doing that...

"In some circles, babies born to families after the loss of a child are referred to as "Rainbow Babies." The idea is that the baby is like a rainbow after a storm. "Rainbow Baby" is the understanding that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of the storm. When a rainbow appears, it doesn't mean the storm never happened or that the family is not still dealing with its aftermath. What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope. We are happy to announce that I am expecting our rainbow baby girl in August."

I got a gold star

My anatomy scan went well! Everything looks normal and I am even measuring two days ahead. I still have partial placenta previa but the doctor is confident it will correct itself over the next couple months. But that does mean continued pelvic rest – sorry honey.


Squatter was giving us a show and I could have watched HER forever. Yes, Squatter is a GIRL! This picture confirms it…

And I am pretty sure she is a thumb sucker like her mother was. Every US so far her hands are at her mouth and I think this picture confirms that she is just like me!

I am on cloud 9 and was dreaming in pink and purple last night! I even brought these in for my office for the big revel!

18w5d

This is the furthest that I have made it in any of my pregnancies. It’s a nice feeling but I still let my crazy mind wonder and get the best of me. I have Squatter’s anatomy scan tomorrow and I am excited but also nervous at the same time. I have no reason to think there will be bad news but due to past experience I kind of expect it.


Here is a picture of me from this weekend – sorry it’s so dark and crappy...my camera phone sucks. My puppy Chase had to sneak in the picture with me. I am starting to embrace the belly!

 

Looking Good

I went in for another cervix check and everything is still looking good.  Cervix hasn't changed and is measuring at 4.4.  Got to see Squatter again and the nurse made a gender prediction.  I would love to hear your guess on what you think Squatter is!  I will confirm after my anatomy scan on April 3rd!  This might actually happen!  I have not received bad news at a doctor’s appointment yet and I feel my fears easing up a bit! 

Today’s post is going to be a happy one!

Today’s post is going to be a happy one! I really appreciate everyone’s comments and the love you sent my way yesterday. I am back to focusing on the positives.

Squatter is doing well and has actually eased up on me a bit this past week. I am only throwing up in the mornings. I still feel a little nauseous in the evenings but that is getting better! My belly popped this past week and I am enjoying it! I am actually starting to think about having a baby to take home in August and what we will need to buy. I have no idea on what we actually need or how to take care of a baby – thank goodness I have 24 more weeks to figure that out. I have 12 nieces and nephews so I might have a little idea of how to take care of a baby but I am used to giving them back. It might be time to break out the baby book! I hope everyone has plans for a great weekend!

Dirthday

Dirthday = birth and death in the same day, as defined by fellow blogger at Knocked up Knocked Down


As Gavin’s Dirthday approaches I can’t help but run through the events of the week prior of delivering Gavin in my head. I think about how I felt physically and mentally and it keeps bringing me to tears. I vividly remember the panic I felt the morning after he died. I woke up after a short drug induced nap and freaked out. I couldn’t breathe. It felt like a ton of bricks made of sadness were sitting on my chest and I thought I was dying. I have never had a panic attack in my life but I am pretty sure that was what happened and mixed with my low oxygen level I started to hyperventilate. I made hubby call for the nurse but before she came my sweet husband calmed me down and I was ok. I keep remembering the feeling of not being able to breathe and pray that I never have to feel that type of sadness ever again.

I think about Gavin all the time and talk to him about this pregnancy. I guess I have a lot of fear built up now that I am hitting 16 weeks. At week 16 is when things started to go downhill with Gavin and I guess I am scared the same thing might happen again.

Cervical Check

I went in this week for my cervical check.  I had no idea what to expect at this appointment.  They took me back and had me undress from the waist down.  The Nurse came in and did a transvaginal US to measure my cervix.  Right away I was able to see Squatters spine and heart beating.  That was reassuring.  My cervix measured at 4.2 which they said was good.  The nurse then did an over the stomach US and measured the heart rate (152) and showed me the stomach and the two spheres of the head.  She didn’t measure squatter but that’s ok.  It was a totally bonus just to see the baby.  I was told that my placenta is low lying so they will keep their eye on it.  I hope it resolves and moves to its proper location in the next few weeks.  I go back in two weeks for another cervix check and then my anatomy scan is set for April 3 and I am so excited!

MFM Appointment

We met with the MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine) doctor yesterday. (The same guy we met with in September to get the go ahead with our FET.) He kind of remembered us and reviewed our chart. Basically they don’t know the reasons for what happened with Gavin. Did the placental abruption cause the incompetent cervix or were they two separate issues? To be on the safe side they are going to start doing bi-weekly cervical checks starting in two weeks. There is nothing to do or check to see if I will have another placental abruption so I am on restrictions from exercise, running, skiing, ATVing, sex, and any other fun stuff! They might actually put me in a bubble for the next couple months 


There is no reason for these things to happen again but we will proceed with caution. It’s better to be safe than sorry. I’m off to Google the dangers of cervical checks. They don’t want to do weekly checks because there is some risk with performing these checks.

Oh – I won’t get another US until the 18 week anatomy scan. That seems so far away. Thank goodness for the Doppler!

Phew

Got my NT results back and its good news! 1-589 for Downs and 1-7000 for Trisomy. I was shaking so bad on the phone that I almost hung up on the nurse! I am so happy for being normal once again!


I also just manned up and told my boss! He was really excited and gave me a hug. His daughter is also due in August.

I’m off to my consultation with the Perinatolgist. I will let you know what they decide to with me!

NT Scan and My Birthday!

I had a fun and eventful weekend! It started Friday afternoon with my NT scan. Everything looked normal and the Squatter was sure giving us a show. Squatter was doing flips and leg kicks the entire time. The tech was having a hard time taking the measurement. Finally she was able to measure the fold at 1.7. Glad to hear the measurement is within normal range. I will get the official results this week sometime. The tech said most likely it will be an automated message with my results – to call the number in a week for my message. They will only call me in person if it’s bad news. Now every time my cell rings with an unknown number I will have a mini freak out!

Squatter measured a couple days ahead of schedule! They sent us home with a 3D video of the Squatter. Usually the 3D images creep me out a bit but I have to admit that I watched it about 10 times this weekend. It’s so nice to see everything moving and working like it should!

Yesterday was my Birthday…the big 36. We had plans to go to dinner with friends on Saturday to celebrate but I feel so crappy in the evenings I changed it to a birthday breakfast! It was fun and I was able to eat. I made everyone go to Cracker Barrel – so yummy! Yesterday was low key – hubby took great care of me and did all our laundry. It was a nice birthday. I managed not to puke until dinner time! A record for me! I will be 13 weeks on Wednesday so I really hope I can start to enjoy food again soon!

My Valentines/Birthday gift

My hubby put a ton of thought into my Valentines / Birthday gift this year.  He gave me a charm bracelet.  It totally made me cry.  There is an I Love You charm, a charm with my birthstone and a charm for each of my babies.  The LB is for my first pregnancy, the bear is for my second, the baby shoe with the blue stone is for Gavin, and the baby carriage is for my Squatter.  I totally love this bracelet and my sweet hubby!  He made my day!!!

Totally Normal

My ultra sound yesterday was totally normal! Something every infertile loves to hear! Baby measured 10w4d with a heart rate of 164. My cervix measured in at 4.1. I talked to the doctor about my morning (all day) sickness - She is not worried since I am able to keep liquids down and take my prenatal daily. I am really hoping it starts to ease up a bit. I am getting a little annoyed living on peanut butter and saltines – I really want a bacon cheese burger!


I meet with the peri in two weeks for my NT scan and to have a consultation to come up with a game plan. The OB thinks they will want me in for weekly cervix checks. This is starting to seem real to me! I know the next couple months will be stressful because of my past history but I will try to focus on this pregnancy and not to let my mind wander too far. Easier said than done…


I hope everyone enjoyed watching the Super Bowl. We stayed home – which is a good thing considering I puked about 5 times during it. Sunday was rough.

Taxes

Every year hubby and I get screwed on our taxes.  We both have good jobs and don’t have any dependents for tax breaks.  I try to donate which helps and last year I was able to deduct all of our medical expenses.  I was complaining to my friend at work – she is our number cruncher.  As I was talking I noticed a funny expression on her face.  She said “not to be insensitive but you know that you can claim Gavin on your taxes this year.”   I totally didn’t believe her but it’s true.  Any baby born alive (even if only for a moment) that has a birth/death certificate and/or a SSN can be claimed.  Kind of weird to think about but I will take the refund!

Just checking in…

I am still here trying to keep my lunch down! Work has been very busy, which is a nice distraction. I get home and zone out on the couch until bed time (sorry for the lack of comments – I am reading everyone’s blogs though).

I am trying to stay sane until my next US on Monday. I hit 10 week tomorrow so I get to stop taking the estrace and reduce my progesterone to once a day. I really hope the reduction in extra hormones helps with my morning sickness. I do have a script for anti nausea that I take sparingly during the week to make it though work. It has a nasty side effect of constipation which is no bueno.

I have a Doppler but I think we are going to try to not use it. I might have to break it out this weekend for peace of mind!

US

We just got back from our ultrasound and everything looks great!  I am 8w5d and measured 8w4d.  I was a day behind at my last US so the growth is right on track.  The heart rate is 176 - so nice and strong.  The RE was very pleased with everything and sent me on my way.  He said he didn't want to see me again until I had a baby in my arms!  I am very happy and throwing up daily is worth it if my squatter is healthy!!!

Nicknames

For each of my pregnancies we have given the baby a nickname. For the first pregnancy we called it our “Little Bean” (not very original but hey). So, we lovingly referred the baby as LB for the 10 weeks it was with us. Even now we refer to that pregnancy as LB.


My second loss ended so early that we didn’t have a chance to come up with a nickname so we refer to it as LB2.

For Gavin we referred to the baby as “Costa” until we named him. This was our baby that was going to stop us from moving to Costa Rica so the nickname was fitting. Yes – you heard me…if we have to be DINKs we will probably end up moving to the beach somewhere and finding jobs in a foreign land! We have to have a backup plan! I even bought Rosetta Stone to learn Spanish but that is on the back burner right now. A story for another day or hopefully one that will never happen!

My current baby has been lovingly nicknamed “The Squatter”. I told my hubby that I was hungry one night lying in bed and he made a joke about the squatter stealing all my food and well - it just stuck! Instead of calling the baby “it” we talk about our Squatter! I will evict The Squatter in about 33 weeks!

The Squatter is currently kicking my butt.  My all day sickness is here with a vengeance.  It makes me happy to know that I am sick – I am hoping sick = healthy baby!

Scheduled

I met with my OB and now I have a plan:


Jan 23rd US with my RE 8w5d

Feb 6th US at my OB 10w5d

Feb 17th NT US at the Perinatologist 12w2d

I still need to schedule an appointment with the Peri to discuss a possible cerclage.

I will be here, in my tww, eating saltines if anyone needs me! I hope I didn’t jinx myself by scheduling all these appointments. Trying to think positive but it might kill me.

We have a Heartbeat!

Today's US was good.  Heartbeat was 112 and the baby was measuring at 6w1d.  My calculations I should be 6w2d but I am not going to worry about that and just be thankful that I am pregnant.  I go back in two weeks.  I will call my OB to get on their schedule also!  I hope everyone has a lazy weekend planned like I do!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to everyone.  I am really hoping that 2012 is way better than 2011 was to us.  We had a nice NYE celebration with some friends.  I overdid it a bit and stayed up too late!  Which I think caused some dark brown spotting on Monday.  It kind of freaked me out.  I think it’s stopped for now.  I have my first US on Friday.  I am praying to see a little flickering heart!  I have been very hungry and tired and I love every second of it!  It makes me smile every time I feel hungry!  I hope this week flies by for my sanity’s sake!