A precious moment

My sister J and her family came in from Chicago yesterday. When Joey saw Makayla, his face lit up, he said Kayla, and then wanted to just to hold her. That is all he wanted to do.

Looking forward to more moments with Joey, Shae, and Makayla. In the meantime, hubs and I are homesick with a stomach bug. Hopefully it will pass quickly.

2 weeks

My sweet babes is almost 2 weeks old. Can you believe it?! I can't. She will be 2 weeks old tomorrow. We went to the doctor's today for a 2 week appointment. I found out today from the nurse practitioner that baby's don't usually have a 2 week check-up. Anyway, last week she was 8 pounds 4 oz, and today...she is 8 pounds 10 oz! She is back to her birth weight. That means that she is healthy! The nurse practitioner was happy with how she looked. We chatted a little about my inability to breast feed, even though I was tearful when talking with her, she said that my baby is healthy and that is all that matters. We also discussed what we can do in the future (I know I want one more child) and how she can help get me the help I need to breast feed next time. Babes is now scheduled for her 1 month check-up! One month. I also found out that she gets shots at every visit until she is 2 years old...oh my heart will just break. Anyway, just wanted to update you on the sweet babes. She is resting now, happy to be visiting with Pop-pop, waiting for her cousin Joey to make it in from Chicago and looking forward to meeting her Aunt Jaime for the first time. Hope you all have a happy week between Christmas!

Silent Sunday: Four generations

Here is a picture to enjoy from my Christmas festivities. Here's hoping you had a great day!

Merry Christmas

This is the eve of the first Christmas with my daughter. So, what do you do with a 10 day old?...

(Photo credits, my sister R)
Go to Church of course. That's my niece Shae holding "her" Makayla. I have to say, what a sweet babes she is. She didn't cry once. Knock on wood. And Shae was very protective of her cousin. There was a 2 year old named Ava sitting in the pew in front of us, whenever Ava wanted to see Makayla, Shae came from where she was sitting to stand between Ava and Makayla. It was sweet. I can see a friendship blossoming.

Hope your Christmas is as magical as ours will be. Remember the reason for the season, and if you were good, may Santa bring you everything you wanted. If you were naughty, there is always hope for next year. As for me, Santa brought me my gift 10 days ago. Don't mind if I go ahead and enjoy her!

Wordless Wednesday:Family Resemblance

Monday Moments

My sister R took this picture, and with my cousin the Princess' help we made it ours. Hope you enjoy this Monday Moment.

(Ok, so we only made it black and white, but still)

Silent Sunday: Sleeping Beauty

Here is our sweet babes, or buttonhead as Penguin calls her doing some of her usual pastimes...
Our rosita penguina....sleeping soundly...

Trying out her swing for the first time...

Introducing...

For the first time on this blog, I would love to introduce my daughter.....

Makayla Noele

Born Dec 14, 2010 @ 2050

8 pounds 10 oz 21 1/4 inches long.

Mom and baby are adjusting to life outside of the hospital and hope to get back to blogging soon. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we make this transition. Thanks!

Reflections...

Yesterday was my 32nd birthday. 32 years ago my mom was preparing to give birth to her third child, her second in a little over a year. Here I am 2 days before I give birth to my first child. While yesterday was a sweet day, lunch with my folks at the local casino, then shopping the local TJ Maxx Homegoods Store. We finished off the day with some time with my grandparents. Nothing out of the ordinary happened, it was just another day, and for that I am thankful. Last night the hubs and I made our "delivery favors." It was something I always imagined doing, it just always depended on the time of year our sweet babes would be born. I will take pictures and post them after she is here. I have realized this morning that there are several reasons why I am keeping myself so busy. It is not only because I want to save all of my time off for when the babes gets here. I am petrified. Scared. Anxious. Nervous. You pick the adjective, and I am sure I can tell you how I am feeling that way. Petrified- yes, of the whole birthing process. Scared, I wasn't scared until the hubs asked us what happens if she doesn't like us. I know it is crazy, but that is in the back of my mind now. Anxious to meet her, anxious to see what kind of mom I am going to be. Nervous...the whole process makes me nervous. Don't get me wrong, I am excited beyond belief, but at the same time, nervous. While I am ok with working at a hospital, I don't like being in one. First I have to get an IV, then they are going to give me some medication that might stress out the baby. What if that happens?! What if something goes wrong? What if I labor all day?! Then, they are going to put a foley catheter in me, but not for peeing this time. (Well, maybe there will be one for that too) I asked a cousin who is a labor and delivery nurse and said that they will fill the balloon in the foley to massage the cervix to make it dilate. The whole idea perplexes me. Perplexes me to the point that I need to go to confession. It's not a matter of want anymore. It is a NEED. I need to go and confess my sins so that God will watch over us both on Tuesday and keep us both safe and healthy. Yes, I know that women have been doing this for thousands of years, and I am sure that after she comes I can look back on this post and see how crazy I am being. In the meantime, I will keep myself busy. I will go to work on Mon, then the doctors, then have and early dinner and take a nap. Then, wake up and head to the hospital to welcome the birth of the babes. Please, keep us in your prayers this week. Thanks!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas..

Yes, we know that our precious babes will be the best Christmas present ever, but our tree is finally up! Hubs and I purchased it on Monday, and let it sit until yesterday to fall into place.

Here it is not in the dark...

(Our sweet little Douglas Fir)

The stockings are hung on the wall with care...

(Really, her stocking is the best, so you didn't need a picture of ours)

All while anxiously awaiting for the arrival of our bundle of...

Hope you are feeling the Christmas season!

Breaking news...

Ok..are you sitting down? I am, and I just can't believe it. Here it is in writing...
If the babes doesn't come on her own...her birthday will be....


DECEMBER 14, 2010.


Yes, you read that right...if she doesn't come in the next 6 days on her own, we will get to meet her in a week. 7 days. 168 hours. All I can say is HOLY CRAP!!

Baby Update

38 weeks...
Nothing new to report. I am only 2 cm dilated, still 50 % effaced. Talked with the doctor about when we schedule the whole induction thing. That will be next week. Other than that, nothing new to report. We do however have some pictures of the nursery to share....

The view when you walk into the room...
From the futon...

Just a step closer...I love the pelican...that's from her cousin Joey.

Tis the Season...

Sorry I haven't blogged in a while. No, I don't really have an excuse, just didn't do it. Why? IDK. Anyway, this past week the neighbors that live above us wanted to decorate...so, we helped them. Well, they started we just added some touches. It actually makes me feel like it is Christmas here. We were going to get our tree today, but decided against it so we can clean first. Yes, the cleaning DID not happen, but I did start making homemade gingerbread cookies from scratch! I can't wait to taste them! Anyway. We also completed the nursery (thanks mom!) and I will share those pictures tomorrow. For now, here is the apartment complex Griswald Christmas...

The front door...
Our candy cane reindeer. Apparently last year there was a bush here...we HAVE no idea what happened to the bush...

The front of the building. In the upper window there is a random star, that actually looks like it is a shooting star. The bushes (which can't be seen) that surround the front of the building and the reindeer (see above) are also decorated.

We are the only building in the complex to be decorated!

Baby Update....37 weeks

How far along? 37 weeks
Total weight gain: 12 pounds, still 10 pounds down from when I first got pregnant
Maternity clothes?: For sure.
Sleep: Broken throughout the night. Between getting up to pee almost every 4 hours, and now the heartburn, not sleeping through the night anymore.
Cravings: salad and orange juice
Best moment this week: Learning that the babes is head down. She is starting to get herself ready for her big entrance ;)
Movement: LOTS! Even with her but just below my diaphragm this girl is such a wiggle worm. Gender: Pink!!!
Labor Signs: Contractions on and off since 35 weeks. More so today than last week. I am currently 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Guess these contractions are doing their job.
Belly Button in or out? Still in, although every day it looks like it will pop out.
What I miss: The thing I miss the most this week...sleep
Weekly Wisdom: My body knows what it is doing, be strong and have faith that it knows what it is doing
Next Monday the sweet babes, gets measured again. Keep posted.

Today is the day...

No, not THAT day. Today is my baby shower. While I only know where it is, when it is and who was invited, I have NO idea who is coming, and that makes me excited! I know my mom planned it and will just be relieved to have it over but I am thankful that my sisters and niece and nephew will be there as well. It wouldn't be the same without them. 3 more weeks until THAT day. Just know that there will be pictures taken and then I will be able to share with you. Hope you have a happy Saturday! Whatever you are doing, have fun, be safe and stay warm. It's only 31 degrees here today!

Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I hope you all have a great day. Remember to give thanks for the things most important to you. I will be giving thanks for my friends and family and for our soon to be sweet babes. I will also give thanks for all the blessings God has given me. Looking forward to spending time with the family and taking LOTS of pictures. Can't wait to see everyone and document the day to share with the babes. Have a wonderful holiday!

On another note, I don't usually ask for much, but if you could spare a moment today, please say a little prayer for my Aunt who is in the Intensive Care Unit for Diabetic Ketoacidosis. She has a long road to recovery, but with prayer all things are possible.

Babes update

As you may or may not know, I go to the OB twice a week. Mondays, I get an Ultrasound, then a stress test, then finally I meet with the doctor. On Thursdays, I get an ultrasound and a stress test. So, today, being Monday...I was at the OB. The babes weighed in at 7 pounds 2 oz, and I was down 2 pounds. The did the second Hep B swab and that was it. Since Thursday is a holiday, I go back at 10:30 on Friday. Then it's repeat the final week. As of right now, they are not concerned about the babes. Her ETA is still 3 weeks away (I am 36 weeks tomorrow, but since I am on insulin, 39 weeks is the longest they will let her incubate). So, yeah, that day will come sooner than later. OMG! No contractions since last Wednesday...now...off to drink more water, elevate my feet, and attend our last Lamaze class. Happy Monday!

Why...

Hubs and I were having a chat on the way home today. Nothing unusual, unless you look at the topic.

Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway?

Why are packages traveling by car called a shipment, and by a boat cargo?

Why does a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance?

That is all we talked about so far...what thoughts do you have?

Hope your Sunday went well. Here's to a good week!

Lamaze

So, I just realized I didn't post about Lamaze class this past week. Well...I actually learned something. I learned how it doesn't matter what you say when you exhale (he, he, ha) it just matters that you make it a pattern so that you can focus on it. I also learned that my husband rubs backs really well, and I might have it do it more often. We were also taught positions that we can be in while in labor, and my favorite is sitting in front of the hubs leaning on him and breathing. I am not a fan of laboring on all 4s, nor did I really enjoy sitting on an exercise ball and "breathing" I mean I know that the exercise ball will help with gravity, but to me, just doesn't seem like the right thing to do. But, I don't really know what the right thing is...I have never been in this place before. All I know is that I want to try to labor sans medication, but no worries, I am the first one to say enough is enough and ask for it. Keeping the baby safe and healthy is the most important thing to me.

On another note, no more contractions since Wednesday. Maybe this little girl will wait until December to make her appearance after all. Her daddy already asked her to wait until Christmas...he wants to have off the week of Christmas. We know she won't wait that long, the doctor's won't let her...but...who knows...Only time will tell.

I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week! Where did November go? Wait...where did this year go?! I still feel like the hubs and I just found out we were pregnant, and now..I only have 3.5 weeks left! Yikes! Have a great Saturday!

Practice

Today was the first of many "new" things. This is how the day progressed. I felt contractions all day. Well, not all day. Sporadically throughout the day, so I thought nothing of it. Continue to drink my water (2 liters a day) and continued working. That's when it started. I got in my car and began the drive home. I looked at the clock 4:19...and felt a contraction. Felt another one, looked at the clock 4:23. Continue to watch them on the entire drive home. For the next 20 minutes, I had 10 contractions. Texted my go to people, called my friend who recommended that I call the OB. But, I DON'T want to be one of those women. What if it was the real deal. However, I did call. The advice they gave me was...take 2 extra strength Tylenol, drink water and lay on my left side for a half hour. So, I did that. And the contractions stopped. I guess my sweet babe is not ready to come out yet, but man....my uterus is warming up for big day. I cannot wait!

35 Weeks

How far along? 35 weeks

Total weight gain: 12 pounds, still 10 pounds down from when I first got pregnant


Maternity clothes?: For sure.

Sleep: Broken throughout the night. Between getting up to pee almost every 4 hours, and now the heartburn, not sleeping through the night anymore.

Cravings: Fruit.....


Best moment this week: Learning that the babes is head down. She is starting to get herself ready for her big entrance ;)

Movement: LOTS! Even with her but just below my diaphragm this girl is such a wiggle worm.


Gender: Pink!!!


Labor Signs: Nope. No leaking, no bleeding, no contractions. Nothing

Belly Button in or out? Still in, although every day it looks like it will pop out.

What I miss: The thing I miss the most this week...sleep

Weekly Wisdom: My body knows what it is doing, and it is ok to labor without medications, or augmentation.

Next Monday the sweet babes, gets measured again. Keep posted.

Home made Christmas

This year, I am trying to make my own Christmas presents. Let me restate that. I am making pacifier holders for the hub's niece and of course for our sweet babes. Since the hubs and I have been together we have never had matching Christmas stockings. This year, with the babes coming, we are hoping to get matching Christmas stockings. But not just any Christmas stockings.. we are trying to support stay at home mom's or well, at least people who make their own stuff. Walmart and Target and Kohl's will be getting enough of our money with Christmas gifts, they don't need it for our stockings too. So, here is my plea...does anyone know anyone who makes Christmas stockings? Etsy? Anywhere? Suggestions greatly appreciated. And no, I cannot make it myself. I have limited arts and crafts ability, and making stockings is not one of those talents.

PLEASE HELP!!

Do you remember..

Do you remember when I posted this? I asked you to try to figure out what I was making?! Well, without further ado, and pictures to follow later today (I mean it isn't even 6am yet), I will let you in on the little secret. I learned how to make...

Pacifier holders!

Yep, that is right pacifier holders. My brother in law's girl friend had a baby in August, and that is what prompted me to learn to make them. I wanted their child to have something I made for Christmas. And while I gave them the holders as I made them (I gave them Halloween and Thanksgiving ones) I thought it would be cool to make some for every day. Yes, I do plan on giving our sweet babes a pacifier, some day, and when that day comes I plan on using these holders.

Ok, I better get ready for work. Have great Friday! 42 days until Christmas!

Thoughtful Thursdays

So, for the next month, Wordless Wednesdays will be maternity pictures of me, in the meantime, I wanted to share another one this week. This is the picture that we will be framing and hanging in the sweet babe's nursery.

Maternity Photos

As you may know, I had a friend take maternity photos of me. As you may also know, that said photo session was horrible, frightening to say the least. So, I spoke with one of my other friends who is trying to start her own business and she offered to do photos for me as well. This friend did research. She scouted out the location, looked up ideas and even bought props. Needless to say, I believe these photos turned out great. Actually, looking at these photos, actually make me feel like I am pretty. Well...let's let them speak for themselves. I won't show my absolute favorites because well 1 is going to be made to hang up in the babe's room and the other is going to be used for my 'thank you cards." The rest, will be printed and placed into my baby photo album which will be on display at the shower. Please, enjoy the photos. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with my friend, let me know. Without further ado...

Can't wait to show you more photos! Once the shower is here, I will share with you my 2 favorite photos. I am so excited. Now...only 5 more weeks to go!

Lamaze class

Monday was week 2 of Lamaze class. What a joke I think this class has been so far. I signed up this class with every intention of learning life lessons and lessons on how to cope with delivery. However, what I learned is that our instructor has an opinon on many things and does her best to tell us. We did review the how do I know I am labor, and what to tell the doctor when and if your water breaks. Then, we toured both Labor and Delivery and the Mother Baby Unit. When I was in nursing school, I used to work on Labor and Delivery as a nurse's aide. Therefore, I was familiar with the unit. It was a good review, but still disappointing that I didn't learn anything. Well, wait, I did learn something, I learned that the televisions they have in the rooms are from like the 80s, every room is a private room, and that we are encouraged to snoop out the room. I also learned that the televisions do not have a dvd hookup and while I don't plan on watching movies, it would be nice to have for distraction. So, the hubs and I have decided to take our MP3 players and just listen to music. I also learned that there is one community whirlpool for the entire unit, and that the rooms have their own showers.
Still haven't learned how to breathe or all that fun jazz. I did learn what 5:1:1 means and what COAT stands for. Stay tuned, next week we are supposed to actually learn stuff!

Flu Season

Flu season in well in swing. This is your friendly reminder to go get the shot and to let you know you are in luck this year. This flu season there is only one shot needed, H1N1 and the Flu are included in one shot this year. The shot is also mercury free. (why did I just tell you that, well thanks for asking, I will tell you in a moment). So what are you waiting for...go get the shot! The health network that I work at does a mobile flu clinic. No, the clinic doesn't move, but the people just drive up to certain stations, put their cars in park, roll down the windows, roll up their sleeves and we administer the vaccination. We then give you a reciept that you can give to your doctor to let him/her know that you go the flu shot. We even answer questions, for example "I want a mercury free single dose vaccine because I am pregnant." Me- "I only have 5 weeks left of my pregnancy and I had the standard dose." Patron- "well, that is you. My doctor told me to get a mercury free single dose." Me- "Ok, pull up here, park your car and I will find out the answer." Me to pharmacist "there is a lady that wants a single dose mercury free vaccine. She is pregnant." Pharmacist-"they are all mercury free, where do people come up with this stuff?" Me to patron "I talked to a pharmacist and a doctor, they are all mercury free." Patron -"fine, if you say so." REALLY!! Why would I lie to you? What would I have to gain. I only have 5 weeks left until I have my baby and I just ran across a parking lot to find out an answer to your question and you act like you don't believe me!!!! Whatever!



Anyway, the mobile flu clinic was at Coca-Cola park, as the Sunday always is. Yesterday was at Dorney Park and while they tried to get into the Guiness Book of World Records, we fell short by 1500 vaccinations. Not a lot of patrons today...maybe 5000, last year was WAY more. So, next year, if you want a free flu shot, and you want it in the comfort of your home, make sure you check out our mobile flu clinic.

Christmas..

So, Christmas this year is all about the kids. We are spending most of the monies allocated per family to the kids. Some wonderful ideas keep running through this head of mine. Worse part, I HAVE to be finished by the end of Nov. Why? Because I only have about 5 weeks left until this sweet babes comes, and Christmas shopping with a newborn is not something I want to do this year. Anyway, one thing for sure...this kid is already spoiled. I can't justify spending money on me, but on her...no problemo! However, I think I am getting her one more thing and then she is finished. For her, the hubs and I picked out the perfect outfit for Christmas Eve mass with the family... we even have her outfit for when we go to my parent's house for Christmas dinner. I just have to decide now if I want her to wear her Christmas dinner outfit for Christmas mass when I go to the Church I go too. Or, is just one Christmas mass ok, and the Church will understand. Hmm...the decisions. I can't believe that there is only 19 days until Thanksgiving! Soon, we will be rearranging the living room to get ready to decorate for Christmas, and this year...we will be celebrating a lot of miracles this Christmas season.
Quick update...we found our pediatrician. We met with only one, but hubs and I LOVED him! He seemed so smart, and really his practice seems to be what we were looking for. Also, I go to the doctor's again twice this week (no big surprise) but now I have a better understanding of why it is so frequent. Also, Monday is week 2 of lamaze class and this week is our tour of the labor unit and then mother-baby unit. Then Thursday is our Baptism class. I thought it was better to get it done and over with now, rather than have to bring a newborn.
Oh, and did I mention how much I loved how dark it was at 0700 this am! I am soo looking forward to turning my clock back tonight!

I've got a feeling...

Well, actually it wasn't me that had a feeling...I felt a feeling. Yeah, something like that. Today while at the doctor's the sweet babe got the hiccups. It was the first time I think she ever had the hiccups, and it was absolutely adorable. Well, in a weird feeling kind of way. My stomach kept jumping up and down...and then every time she had the hiccups you could "hear" it on the heart beat monitor. It was awesome. Too bad hubs wasn't there, although it did last for about a half hour and every time she did hiccup, my stomach moved up and down. It's amazing what she does in there. Oh, yeah...I also wanted to share that today, during my ultrasound the babe was laying completely outstretch across my belly. OK, that is all I have to share today. Oh, and we started Christmas shopping today. And, we are almost finished. WOW!

33 weeks...

How far along? 33 weeks

Total weight gain: Not sure, I lost so much weight at the beginning, that I am not quite sure how much I have gained. I will ask Monday at my next appointment. Speaking of appointments does everyone go to the doctor's as often as me? I mean crap, I go twice a week every week from now until the little miss comes. Is that normal?


Maternity clothes?: For sure.
Sleep: Sleeping great, I still get up 2-3 times to pee, but I slept great!
Cravings: No true cravings....


Best moment this week: All of the moving she's doing. I have no clue what she's doing in there but holy cow! I wish I could see hher and see what she was doing. At the appointment on Monday, the bottom of her feet were pressed to the top of my belly...
Movement: LOTS!


Gender: Pink!!!


Labor Signs: Nope. Does everyone feel Braxton Hicks Contractions?


Belly Button in or out? Still in, and hoping it stays that way!
What I miss: eh same ol same ol..... mostly my other clothes.
Weekly Wisdom: None this week... sorry

As of last Monday, the sweet babe was 5 pounds 3 oz...

'Twas the night on Halloween

'Twas the night of Halloween , when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The curtains were hung by the window with care,

In hopes that the baby soon would be there;

The clothes were all laundered,

While visions of sweet babes is all that was wondered;

And Shel in her 'jams and Penguin in his shorts,

Had just settled down to watch some sports.

When in her belly there arose such a clatter,

O' how the baby's feet went pitter patter.

Shel laughed with excitement and giggled with glee,

And wondered if the babes was in there saying "whee."

With 32 weeks in there and only 7 more to go,

Ma waits for the moment when it is time to go

To the hospital with her hubs in tow.

We'll know in a moment it must be the time

To push and push until I just rhyme ,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called her by name;

Makayla Noele it's your birthday

Your mommy and daddy are excited this day!

Epic Fail

Not much to blog about today. Just doing some housework and trying to finish the nursery. My epic fail today was breakfast. I sooo wanted french toast, I so googled a french toast recipe. I made said french toast...and.then.it.was.soggy :( I have no idea how to make french toast and therefore I feel like a failure today. If anyone has any suggestions...please send them to me!

Have a good weekend.

Christmas card time..

Soon, it will be time for Penguin and I to mail out Christmas cards. This year, our Christmas cards will probably be more like New Year's cards, but none the less they will be special. See, as you know it will be the first Christmas cards with our sweet babes on it. This year I am looking at going to shutterfly to help with the Christmas cards. For example, I think this design is so precious for her first Christmas card. And with her due date being so close to Christmas, I couldn't pass up this design for her birth announcement. Or, maybe I will use a maternity photo to send out the cards in time for Christmas. If I go this route, then this is the card I would choose. Penguin and I usually send out generic cards, but this year I want it to be special. While these are just 3 of the cards that Shutterfly has to offer, I know that if I keep looking I will find the perfect card just for us. Happy choosing your greeting card!

Reflecting...

Last week, a good friend of mine from high school has volunteered her services to take maternity photos for me. Those of you that know me, know that 1- I hate photos of myself and 2- recently had photos done and hated the experience. However, I feel that this time it will be different. My friend researched ideas, and sent them all to me for approval, so now I know what to expect. I also gave her permission to use these pictures for her business portfolio and just for saying that she offered to do them for free! (Even better). So, hopefully soon I will be able to share some of those pictures with you as soon as I get them. In the meantime, I found these pictures from when I first go pregnant and thought I would share them. Trust me, I will show them again with the maternity pictures just so you can see how HUGE I am.

A work in progress...

So, our nursery for our sweet babes is a work in progress. We did however get the crib put together, the crib skirt is in place, the mattress on the bed, the sheets placed on the mattress. See, look...


All we need is the bumper pads, some final paint on the walls, some decorations, and of course the sweet babes. Stay tuned for more pictures as we continue to prepare for the babes arrival.

Breastfeeding...

Last week I attended the breastfeeding class that the hospital I will be delivering at offered. I had no idea what I was expecting, but being a nurse I thought I at least had an idea. Yes, there was definitely information shared that I already knew, but there was also information given that I didn't know. Like, I knew that colostrum is different from the "normal" milk, but I didn't know that the breast milk at 3 weeks was different than 6 months which is different than 1 year or even 2 years. Yes, 2 years. Of course they said that they recommend breastfeeding into 2 years of age. I say of course because if you ask any lactation consultant they will tell you to breastfeed for as long as possible. I also learned that even if I pump let's say now, I would still be able to breastfeed the baby in 10 minutes. Did you know that it is normal for a breastfed baby to want to feed every 20 minutes! Yes, 20 minutes. I also learned that they no longer take the baby out of the room after delivery, they let you get skin to skin with the baby as soon as he/she is delivered. They also don't take the baby out of the room unless you ask, I as of right now plan on having the baby in the room as much as possible. It was also expressed that pacifiers, and bottles shouldn't be introduced until at least 2 months of age, this way to avoid nipple confusion. I was a little floored by that because I really don't mind the idea of giving her a pacifier, but I guess I will wait and see how it all goes. I am hoping to breastfeed for as long as possible, even pumping when I go back to work. I am hoping for at least a year, maybe longer. I think they mentioned that once the child reaches 6 months old, the bottles of breast milk can be given with meals and supplemented with water and juice. Hmm...maybe that is something else I can consider. All I know is that I have a lot of learning to do, and a lot of growing up to d. Hopefully...it will all click once she is here. In the meantime, I will continue to look at the book they gave us, and try to find respectable Internet information. If anyone out there has information, it is greatly appreciated!

Saturday!

The weekend is here and what kinds of fun things are we doing? Well, the hubs is painting the nursery! Can't wait to get some pictures of it to put on here. We are trying a unique painting job, so hubs is worried it won't turn out well. I just can't wait until it is finished so that we can start putting the nursery together. While he is doing that, I am out of the apartment doing other things...like laundry. Not our laundry, but laundry for our unborn babes. I didn't even bring over everything that needs to be washed (I don't think so anyway) but, I already have 4 loads to do! 1 load is currently in the washer, 1 in the dryer, and the other 2 are separated by color waiting for their respective turns. Who would have thought that an unborn child has so much stuff to wash! Don't get me wrong, I love it...it is all hand me downs and stuff that we don't have to buy her, just a little overwhelmed with getting it all done. Actually, a little overwhelmed with everything these days...less than 60 days until our sweet baby girl will be here. WOW! That's amazing. Anyway, just wanted to stop by and let everyone know what we are doing today. Later tonight we are going to my uncle's surprise birthday party, and then I am DD for my cousin who is also celebrating her birthday. I didn't think it was cool for a pregnant person to be out at the bar celebrating with her. Tomorrow I am going to breakfast with my cousin, then one of my cousins who isn't really a cousin is having an open house for her new home. Which I think the hubs and I are going to go too if even only for an hour. Before that there is cake for my grandfather's sister, and Church. Why do the weekends only have to be 2 days? Why can't they be longer so that I can get more stuff done without feeling like I am cramming a lot into them. Until tomorrow when I post about the breastfeeding class...have a great windy Saturday!

Week 30

According to the Bump.com, I have 69 days to go! Well, less than that because being a gestational diabetic, I won't go to term. I think I just shat in my pants...
How far along? 30 weeks
Total weight gain or loss? Still under where I started by 6 pounds...down 2 pounds from my visit 3 weeks ago
Maternity clothes? Yes. My belly is too big to be covered by the shorter "normal" shirts, and well quite frankly maternity clothes and sweats are more comfortable
Stretch marks? ~ Yes, they are faint, but I am faithfully applying that cream that my sister J gave me.
Sleep?~I love my sleep!
Best moment this week? Hearing her heartbeat at the doctors
Movement? ~ Yes. Little miss loves it when I scrub in the OR. She seems to like that she can kick me and I can't rub her back.
Food cravings? ~None, haven't really had any at all so far this pregnancy. Hubs still has them, does that count?
Gender? ~ A precious little Daddy's little Girl
Labor signs? ~NO, and kinda starting to be really worried about how that all will feel
Belly button in or out? ~In....
Wedding rings on or off? ~On, although they seem to be a little big.
What I miss? ~Being able to eat whatever I want without worrying how it is going to affect the babes.
What I am looking forward too? ~Getting to meet her, although no rush, Christmas comes right after she does
Weekly wisdom? ~Stop trying to look to the end...enjoy the moment right now
Weekly milestone? ~Losing 2 pounds...
Tonight we have our breastfeeding class. Here's to an interesting night!

Getting it off my chest...

There are lots of things are my chest this early Tuesday morning, but I don't have time to air it all out now. There is one thing that I must say....please please please dress appropriately.
Dear Resident,
I know that you have lots of education, and big plans for the future however that does not mean that you can dress like a hot dog. Wearing small clothes might be acceptable outside of the OR, but wearing clothes that are too small for you is definitely not appropriate. I don't really know how you breathed in those clothes, maybe that is why you wanted your sterile gown to be tied up loosely. I am not judging what kind of physician you are or you will be, but if you were my resident and came in dressed like that I would kindly ask you to leave. Which brings me to my next point, please do not come into my delivery room. I know that I have to have residents there when I deliver since it is a teaching hospital, I just chose not to have you. Your personality was less than desirable, which actually matched they way you were dressed. I really don't know how you didn't pass out, between the tightness of your pants and the heat of the room. But, today is a new day, and I am writing this to put it behind me. Here's hoping for a better day, and looser pants.

Sincerely,
Concerned OR staff

It's Fall

Yesterday my sister R, her daughter and husband were going to Strawberry Acres to pick apples. I had never been there before, so I asked my friend Liz and her son Anthony if they wanted to join us. I don't know about you, but I don't ever remember going to a pumpkin patch, let alone one where they had animals to feed and pet and then apples to pick. I was a little disappointed by the pumpkin "patch"...

Is it just me or does it look more like a plot of land that they just put pumpkins on? I don't know, maybe this is how it has always been, I really don't remember if I ever went to a pumpkin patch before this. That aside, some of the random placements of pumpkins allowed for great pictures...

even a grasshopper paused for a photo...

Remember when I said there were animals to feed...both Shae and Anthony got to feed the goats...

These goats were tricky. If you didn't hold onto the little plastic cups tight enough, they stole the plastic cups. However there was a goat that Shae called polite because it didn't take her plastic cup. I think it liked the taste of pumpkin better...

It is this cute little farm (which is for sale) and is absolutely lovely. I didn't get to take any pictures of apple picking...I had to pick apples and carry them, so I didn't have a free hand to take pictures. I did, however manage to get to take some pictures of the decorations...
Oh, I forgot to tell you, I even managed to find a baby gourd...maybe it will be ready for next fall...

So, what did you do this weekend?

High Hopes..

We have a thing going. This thing called the NLDS games. The Phillies are in it...duh, and we won our first game. If you didn't know that...WHAT ROCK HAVE YOU BEEN UNDER?! Roy Halladay pitched a great game...a no-hitter! It was amazing, but that is not what this post is about. See, my hubs and his brother are Yankees fans. Yes, you read that right. Yes, the World Series was interesting last year in my house. However, I am starting to change things. See, when our sweet babes is born, she has a Phillie Phanatic onesie to wear home. (That is all I have picked out right now). Anyway, hub's niece is 2 months old and while neither her mother nor her really care about baseball ( I blame my obsession on my daddy), I think I have recruited the youngest fan. She technically is the youngest fan that I know because my babes can't count yet since she is still inside me. Anyway, without further ado, I present the Phillies youngest fan that I know of....

I love how she is holding onto the hat! Isn't she precious! I think so!

Aww moment

Yesterday, my good friend Liz asked me to watch her son Anthony because she had to work and because her parents went out of town. Without hesitation I said sure. Why, because I absolutely love this little kid, and because I knew my niece would be up and I love love how good she is with other little kids. Anyway, Anthony came up, and while he was a little fussy, when Shae was able to distract him, hand and hand they strolled around the yard. I wish I had a picture of it, but I have to get better with carrying my camera. To my credit, I had my camera, it was just inside while we were outside. Anyway, Anthony got a little bit more fussy and I decided that it was time to leave so that we could try to get him to sleep. Never the less, within moments, he was asleep.

When we got to our apartment, I waited for the Hubs to get there. I try not to lift heavy stuff, and I knew he would be mad if I picked up Anthony. Anyway, the hubs carried him into our apartment, and while I was changing him for bed, the hubs put together our pack-n-play. What great teamwork we have already. But wait, it gets better. Hubs was eager to hold him, and whenever he fussed he rubbed his back to calm him back down. That was my aww moment. I never doubted what kind of mother I would be, but I sometimes wondered what kind of dad he will be. See, his dad isn't close to him like I am with mine, so while I know he will be a loving father, how would he show it was sometimes wondered. Not anymore. Hubs will be the kind and gentle dad that he needs to be, yet he won't be afraid to be the stern and disciplinarian that he needs to be as well. I have to say this though...I know our precious little girl will have him wrapped around her finger, and I can't be any more excited!

Feeling a wee bit Irish

This past weekend in the town where we live was
Yep, Celtic Classic. This was it's 23th year, and my first time attending. Man, I had no idea what I was missing out on! It is an opportunity for celebrating Celtic heritage, and it wasn't even St Patrick's day! There were street vendors, contests and great food! It was an ideal opportunity for grown men to dress up
and embrace their culture fully...
The hubs even embraced his heritage.

Wait, I mean became completely enveloped into his culture...
Yes, that is a skirt, umm wait a kilt. I think everyone had a great time. My hubsband's step mother in law even wanted to pose with a wino...

And the hub's niece D, even had a good time.

All in all I say it was a success. We ended up going more than once (the hubs wanted another reason to wear his kilt) and we are planning on going next year. Hopefully our babes will enjoy it as much as we do!