I had my monthly OB appointment today. I was very eager to go, because I really wanted to hear the heartbeat! I worry a lot while I'm struggling with the hyperemesis. It's hard to imagine that the baby is doing well while I'm so sick. There's no real proof of a growing belly or strong kicks to reassure me.
Several of my friends and family members have commented that my belly seems to be shrinking every week. I've reassured them that the same thing happened with Lexie. Thanks to the bloating and severe constipation, I was actually bigger from 7-9 weeks than I was at 16 weeks! This pregnancy is identical to the one I had with Lexie, so I'm not expecting the real "pop" to happen until the end of the month.
My appointment went well, despite the half hour wait to see the doctor, which resulted in Dylan being late to school for the first time!
I saw a new doctor today, and she was really nice! She wasn't too happy with the fact that I lost 5 more pounds in the past 4 weeks. I've lost 12 pounds so far. My total loss with Dylan was 18 pounds, and I lost 15 lbs with Lexie. She wasn't aware of my past pregnancies and issues with hyperemesis, so once I explained it to her she was more understanding. She just said that she hopes I gain a pound or two back by next appointment (18 weeks), and she gave me another prescription for Zofran.
I've been getting a braxton hicks contraction about once every hour during the day. I was a little worried that they would restrict my activity, like they did with Lexie, but the doctor said she's not concerned right now. She said I could continue exercising 3 days a week, but gave me some guidelines to follow. With my history of preterm labor, things could obviously change quickly, but for now, there's no worry!
Despite the additional weight loss, Nugget is doing great! My uterus is measuring exactly where it should. Dylan and Lexie were in the room with me, and were so excited to hear the baby's heartbeat! I've got a feisty little baby in there. He/She kept kicking the Doppler away! Finally, Nugget calmed down, and we got to hear a nice, strong heartbeat. It was such a beautiful sound!
I left the appointment feeling completely reassured that the baby is doing well! I can now schedule my big ultrasound. It will be sometime between 18-20 weeks. Even though we aren't planning on finding out the sex, we're looking forward to seeing our precious baby again!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Expect the Unexpected
As a mom, I've discovered that it's just best to expect the unexpected. It's a golden rule to live by when you have kids!
You may walk into your bedroom and find your dog wearing your bra:
You may walk into another room moments later and find your kids have clothing labels stuck to their faces:
You may search your house for your missing scarf, only to find it wrapped around your daughter's neck:
You WILL get the "I'm up to no good and trying to hide it" look...many times. You will then wonder, "What have they done?":
And, finally, your daughter may misunderstand you when you tell her that her Papa's surgeon is named Dr. Bailey. She may think that her dog, Bailey, is her Papa's doctor and then ask if the dog is going to operate on her Papa. And you will think, "I sure hope not."
After a few "unexpecteds" you get the hang of it, and nothing will surprise you anymore!
You may walk into your bedroom and find your dog wearing your bra:
You may walk into another room moments later and find your kids have clothing labels stuck to their faces:
You may search your house for your missing scarf, only to find it wrapped around your daughter's neck:
You WILL get the "I'm up to no good and trying to hide it" look...many times. You will then wonder, "What have they done?":
And, finally, your daughter may misunderstand you when you tell her that her Papa's surgeon is named Dr. Bailey. She may think that her dog, Bailey, is her Papa's doctor and then ask if the dog is going to operate on her Papa. And you will think, "I sure hope not."
After a few "unexpecteds" you get the hang of it, and nothing will surprise you anymore!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
We Love Our Team!
Sunday night was a sad night in Pittsburgh! The Steelers came so close to winning. Despite the loss, we still love our team, and are so proud that they made it to the Superbowl!
Monday, February 7, 2011
14 Weeks
I am officially in the second trimester! I am more than happy to say goodbye to the terrible, miserable, morning sickness filled first trimester! I have a feeling that I will be dealing with some morning sickness until the day I deliver, just like my other two, but I'm really looking forward to the improvement that should be coming in the next 4-6 weeks!
DATE: February 7, 2011
How far along: 14 weeks
Total Weight Gained: None.
How big is baby? Nugget is 3 1/2 inches long, and weighs about 1 1/2 ounces. He/She is the size of a lemon.
How baby is growing: Nugget can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his/her thumb! The facial muscles are getting a workout as his/her tiny features form one expression after another. Nugget can also grasp now. He/She is starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body.
Best Pregnancy Moment of the Week: I honestly can't think of one. I had a really awful week with the nausea/vomiting.
Movement: Feeling flutters, but only when I'm completely still.
Food Cravings: I had a craving for Sesame Chicken on Saturday. It was delicious when I finally got some, but I could only eat a few bites before feeling full.
Food Aversions: Everything. I'm eating just to survive.
Morning Sickness: Still sick. Last week was horrible!
Gender: Unknown, and not finding out! We've had the names picked out for weeks.
Symptoms: Nausea morning to night, gagging, vomiting, stomach issues, fatigue, frequent use of the bathroom, and braxton hicks contractions. They really kicked in yesterday. They became frequent with Lexie at 14 weeks, as well.
Exercise: Still running 2 miles/3 days a week. I have a feeling the doctor may tell me to slow down to a walk after my appointment.
What I miss: Enjoying the taste of food and feeling normal.
What I'm looking forward to: My appointment on Thursday. I can't wait to hear the heartbeat again!
14 Week Picture:
DATE: February 7, 2011
How far along: 14 weeks
Total Weight Gained: None.
How big is baby? Nugget is 3 1/2 inches long, and weighs about 1 1/2 ounces. He/She is the size of a lemon.
How baby is growing: Nugget can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his/her thumb! The facial muscles are getting a workout as his/her tiny features form one expression after another. Nugget can also grasp now. He/She is starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body.
Maternity Clothes: Not yet. My regular pants are still loose.
Best Pregnancy Moment of the Week: I honestly can't think of one. I had a really awful week with the nausea/vomiting.
Movement: Feeling flutters, but only when I'm completely still.
Food Cravings: I had a craving for Sesame Chicken on Saturday. It was delicious when I finally got some, but I could only eat a few bites before feeling full.
Food Aversions: Everything. I'm eating just to survive.
Morning Sickness: Still sick. Last week was horrible!
Gender: Unknown, and not finding out! We've had the names picked out for weeks.
Symptoms: Nausea morning to night, gagging, vomiting, stomach issues, fatigue, frequent use of the bathroom, and braxton hicks contractions. They really kicked in yesterday. They became frequent with Lexie at 14 weeks, as well.
Exercise: Still running 2 miles/3 days a week. I have a feeling the doctor may tell me to slow down to a walk after my appointment.
What I miss: Enjoying the taste of food and feeling normal.
What I'm looking forward to: My appointment on Thursday. I can't wait to hear the heartbeat again!
14 Week Picture:
Thursday, February 3, 2011
When The Walls Come Crumbling Down
I'm going to keep it real. On Tuesday night, I had a mini breakdown. The stress of the past few months caught up to me, and I couldn't keep my emotions in check any longer.
I am typically a calm, collected person. I am very much like my dad in that aspect. I let my feelings be known, but I'm just not one to have angry outbursts or burst into tears in front of others.
I even keep my cool while enduring months of extreme morning sickness. It sucks, but there's nothing I can do about it. With each pregnancy, I've learned to live with it, and it almost becomes "normal." Grant is the only person that sees how frustrated it makes me. The truth is, I even shield him from it. I know he doesn't deal well with puke, so I just don't talk much about it. There are times (this morning, for instance), where I just can't hide it, but I don't dwell on it. Let's face it: If I did, everything I say would be, "I'm sick...still sick...still sick...still sick...still sick..." So I suck it up, and just deal with it.
My breakdown was inevitable. The combination of being sick every single waking moment for the past 9 weeks and constantly worrying about my dad, all the while trying to lead a normal life, took it's toll on me. It's funny that I was able to hold myself together until after his first surgery. I was doing so well. All it took was one snotty text message, and I lost it. I just couldn't take it anymore.
I didn't want Grant and the kids to witness my breakdown, so I ran to the bathroom, climbed into the tub, and just cried. Once the tears started, I couldn't get them to stop. After some time, I climbed into bed, and cried some more. I couldn't hide any longer, so I did my best to calm down and face my family.
I woke up the next morning with a massive migraine, and I still felt completely on edge. I cried all day, and couldn't even answer my phone, fearing that I might lose it again. Finally, I talked to Grant, and let it all out. And it felt good. Really good! That's not to say that I didn't cry again, but it felt great to let somebody else know how I was feeling.
Today, I felt much better. The pounding headache still lingered, and I spent the morning throwing up, but the sun was shining, and I was back in control.
As I mentioned yesterday, life isn't always full of happiness. What I've realized is that it's okay to lose it. I'm not superwoman, nor should I be. It's important to lean on family and friends for support. I shouldn't be ashamed to admit that I lost control. Honestly? I'm not. I'm only human.
I am typically a calm, collected person. I am very much like my dad in that aspect. I let my feelings be known, but I'm just not one to have angry outbursts or burst into tears in front of others.
I even keep my cool while enduring months of extreme morning sickness. It sucks, but there's nothing I can do about it. With each pregnancy, I've learned to live with it, and it almost becomes "normal." Grant is the only person that sees how frustrated it makes me. The truth is, I even shield him from it. I know he doesn't deal well with puke, so I just don't talk much about it. There are times (this morning, for instance), where I just can't hide it, but I don't dwell on it. Let's face it: If I did, everything I say would be, "I'm sick...still sick...still sick...still sick...still sick..." So I suck it up, and just deal with it.
My breakdown was inevitable. The combination of being sick every single waking moment for the past 9 weeks and constantly worrying about my dad, all the while trying to lead a normal life, took it's toll on me. It's funny that I was able to hold myself together until after his first surgery. I was doing so well. All it took was one snotty text message, and I lost it. I just couldn't take it anymore.
I didn't want Grant and the kids to witness my breakdown, so I ran to the bathroom, climbed into the tub, and just cried. Once the tears started, I couldn't get them to stop. After some time, I climbed into bed, and cried some more. I couldn't hide any longer, so I did my best to calm down and face my family.
I woke up the next morning with a massive migraine, and I still felt completely on edge. I cried all day, and couldn't even answer my phone, fearing that I might lose it again. Finally, I talked to Grant, and let it all out. And it felt good. Really good! That's not to say that I didn't cry again, but it felt great to let somebody else know how I was feeling.
Today, I felt much better. The pounding headache still lingered, and I spent the morning throwing up, but the sun was shining, and I was back in control.
As I mentioned yesterday, life isn't always full of happiness. What I've realized is that it's okay to lose it. I'm not superwoman, nor should I be. It's important to lean on family and friends for support. I shouldn't be ashamed to admit that I lost control. Honestly? I'm not. I'm only human.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
(Almost) Wordless Wednesday
Life isn't always full of happiness...but it is to them.
That youthful innocence is wonderful in every way.
That youthful innocence is wonderful in every way.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
13 Weeks
We are enjoying a rainy "snow day." That's right, school was canceled due to the ice storm we were supposed to get, and it just rained all day. The kids really could have gone to school! It's going to get bad tonight, when the temperature drops. Instead, we were trapped at home, and the kiddos were restless! In other news, my dad is home from the hospital! He can now recover until the bypass next week.
I am 13 weeks pregnant!
DATE: January 31, 2011
How far along: 13 weeks
Total Weight Gained: None.
How big is baby? Nugget is 3 inches long, and weighs 1 ounce.
How baby is growing: Fingerprints have formed on Nugget's tiny fingertips, and the veins and organs are clearly visible through the still-thin skin. If it's a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries.
Best Pregnancy Moment of the Week: Seeing my belly "pop" on Friday. Nugget must have loved mexican rice, refried beans, and the musical Cats. ;) I can definitely see a difference!
Movement: Feeling flutters, but only when I'm completely still.
Food Cravings: Nothing.
Food Aversions: Everything, especially drinks. I'm just eating to survive right now.
Morning Sickness: It gets worse every week. The past 3 days have been horrible!
Gender: Unknown, and not finding out! We've had the names picked out for weeks!
Symptoms: Nausea morning to night, gagging, vomiting, stomach issues, fatigue, and frequent use of the bathroom.
Exercise: Still running 2 miles/3-4 days a week.
What I miss: Enjoying the taste of food!
What I'm looking forward to: My upcoming monthly appointment. I can't wait to hear the heartbeat again!
13 Week Picture:
My wild kids. I bet Nugget will be just like them!
I am 13 weeks pregnant!
DATE: January 31, 2011
How far along: 13 weeks
Total Weight Gained: None.
How big is baby? Nugget is 3 inches long, and weighs 1 ounce.
How baby is growing: Fingerprints have formed on Nugget's tiny fingertips, and the veins and organs are clearly visible through the still-thin skin. If it's a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries.
Maternity Clothes: Not yet. My regular pants are still loose.
Best Pregnancy Moment of the Week: Seeing my belly "pop" on Friday. Nugget must have loved mexican rice, refried beans, and the musical Cats. ;) I can definitely see a difference!
Movement: Feeling flutters, but only when I'm completely still.
Food Cravings: Nothing.
Food Aversions: Everything, especially drinks. I'm just eating to survive right now.
Morning Sickness: It gets worse every week. The past 3 days have been horrible!
Gender: Unknown, and not finding out! We've had the names picked out for weeks!
Symptoms: Nausea morning to night, gagging, vomiting, stomach issues, fatigue, and frequent use of the bathroom.
Exercise: Still running 2 miles/3-4 days a week.
What I miss: Enjoying the taste of food!
What I'm looking forward to: My upcoming monthly appointment. I can't wait to hear the heartbeat again!
13 Week Picture:
My wild kids. I bet Nugget will be just like them!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Surgery Update
We spent a very long day at the hospital. I went to bed at midnight, and was up at 5:00. My sisters and I got to the hospital before 7, and didn't get home until after 5. We are all exhausted after a long day of waiting.
My dad had surgery on his carotid arteries this morning. It initially went well, but he suffered a mini stroke and had really low blood pressure while in recovery, so he had to go to the ICU. It was so difficult to see him after the surgery. He was completely miserable, and the incision in his neck is from his ear to the middle of his throat. His mobility is coming back, but they are going to continue to monitor him because of his heart condition.
Right now, he's not feeling up to having the bypass done this week. He will spend a day or two in the hospital, then come home to recover. The bypass will most likely be scheduled for next week. I honestly can't wait until this is all over. Today was very difficult, and I know that next week will be even worse. I just want him to feel better!
Grant did a great job as Mr. Mom today. I offered to switch roles with him for a while! ;) I am officially 13 weeks today, but my pregnancy post is going to have to wait until tomorrow. I need to get some sleep first!
I really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers sent his way!
My dad had surgery on his carotid arteries this morning. It initially went well, but he suffered a mini stroke and had really low blood pressure while in recovery, so he had to go to the ICU. It was so difficult to see him after the surgery. He was completely miserable, and the incision in his neck is from his ear to the middle of his throat. His mobility is coming back, but they are going to continue to monitor him because of his heart condition.
Right now, he's not feeling up to having the bypass done this week. He will spend a day or two in the hospital, then come home to recover. The bypass will most likely be scheduled for next week. I honestly can't wait until this is all over. Today was very difficult, and I know that next week will be even worse. I just want him to feel better!
Grant did a great job as Mr. Mom today. I offered to switch roles with him for a while! ;) I am officially 13 weeks today, but my pregnancy post is going to have to wait until tomorrow. I need to get some sleep first!
I really appreciate all the thoughts and prayers sent his way!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Weekend In Pictures (and words)
Friday: As soon as Dylan got off the bus, we dropped the kids off at my sister's house. They were so excited to play with their cousins. We met our good friend, Father Rob, at a Mexican restaurant. I wish I hadn't been so nauseous. The mexican rice and beans were really good, but I couldn't handle the tacos too well...can't wait to go back when I'm feeling better! After that, we headed into Pittsburgh to see the musical, Cats. The show was wonderful, and we had a great time with Rob. (Even while trekking through the city while it was freezing out!)
Saturday: I had a really bad morning sickness day, so I canceled my plans for the afternoon, and relaxed at home. That evening, we went to our friend's son's birthday party. Dylan had a great time with his buddies, while Lexie hid in the corner (sometimes while trying to escape the adorable Logan's hugs). Happy Birthday, Dom! Back at home, they were more than happy to play with our pet snake.
Sunday: I took Dylan to a birthday party for his classmate. I think Dylan was already a bit worn out from our busy weekend, but he had fun! After that, we visited my parents. It was their 31st anniversary today! Today was the last time the kids were going to be able to play with my dad for a while. His first surgery is in the morning.
We had a fun weekend! I have to get to bed soon, because we're leaving for the hospital at 6 AM. I'm going to try to post my 13 week pregnancy update and an update on my dad tomorrow evening! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers!
Saturday: I had a really bad morning sickness day, so I canceled my plans for the afternoon, and relaxed at home. That evening, we went to our friend's son's birthday party. Dylan had a great time with his buddies, while Lexie hid in the corner (sometimes while trying to escape the adorable Logan's hugs). Happy Birthday, Dom! Back at home, they were more than happy to play with our pet snake.
Sunday: I took Dylan to a birthday party for his classmate. I think Dylan was already a bit worn out from our busy weekend, but he had fun! After that, we visited my parents. It was their 31st anniversary today! Today was the last time the kids were going to be able to play with my dad for a while. His first surgery is in the morning.
We had a fun weekend! I have to get to bed soon, because we're leaving for the hospital at 6 AM. I'm going to try to post my 13 week pregnancy update and an update on my dad tomorrow evening! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers!
Friday, January 28, 2011
CSN Stores Review
I am a huge fan of CSN Stores, and was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to do a product review! CSN Stores has more than 200 online stores. You can find anything from swingsets to baby strollers to shoes!
With so much to choose from, I'm not quite sure what to pick. I can't wait to share my review with you!
With so much to choose from, I'm not quite sure what to pick. I can't wait to share my review with you!
