Emma's Birth Story

It was Saturday Jan 14th and I had a pretty ambitious day laid out for us.  There was so much that I wanted to get done before the 18th (scheduled induction day).  First was a trip to Ikea in College Park to pick up some dressers for the boys' room.  Then to pay my grandparents a visit (since they live right down the street from Ikea) and who knows when I would be able to get my act together after Emma was here to go visit them.  And, I hadn't seen them since Christmas Eve and I just wish I could see them more...

Anyway, Daniel thought I was crazy for wanting to go to Ikea on a Saturday, and he was right, it was a little overwhelming especially since I walked through every showroom and wanted to look at everything. Did i mention that Daniel stayed in the car since all three kids fell asleep???  So, it was me and 1000+ of my closest friends roaming Ikea.  I knew what I was in search of but of course would get side tracked in the picture frame and organizing sections.

After about 90 minutes, I was loaded upend in the check-out line when Daniel calls and says that Hank needs to use the potty.  So i leave my cart praying that no one takes it, I walk outside and as you can imagine Daniel is parked in the furthest spot away from the door where no other cars will come close to scratching our car (this is one thing I love and dislike at the same time about my honey).  So, I grab Hank and take him inside to use the facilities (of course, I have to go as well - and did I mention that I lost my mucous plug that morning???  Is that not the grossest word ever???)  Hank then helps me check-out and by this time, it has been 2 hours that Daniel has been in the car, so he is eager to leave Ikea and get to my grandparents house to eat and then go home, watch some football and fall asleep.

So, we get to my grandparents house and sit down and eat, then I start to not feel so good.  I feel a little nauseous.  Then I feel like I have to go to the bathroom.  I come back to the table and I just feel like something is off.  I then feel the need to run to the bathroom and I get sick...I feel like the baby is coming out.  So, we quickly gather the kids (luckily my parents are also at my grandparents house as well and they help get everyone in our car.)  Mom takes dad home, switches cars, and meets us at the hospital.  Michael and Katie get a phone call and they also meet us at the hospital to take our car and kids home, Katie then brings our little car back to us, so Daniel has a way to get home later on that night (after we have Emma).

I call the doctor on the way to the hospital and I'm not having regular contractions, but my water might have broken or I might have peed myself (which is not an uncommon thing in pregnancy).  I have the on-call schedule for my doctor's office and I know that Dr. Penn is on call on the 14th, and he is one of my favorite doctor's at my practice.  He delivered Jake.  So, we get to the labor and delivery floor and I get checked into the Triage.  Dr. Penn checks me and I am only 3.5cm, water not broken and I am not contracting regularly.  They are going to let me walk around for about an hour to see if there is any cervical change to indicate that I am in labor.  I have never been into labor without pitocin before, so this is all new to me.  So, instead of walk...I am doing squats, I am skipping, I am doing jumping jacks, anything to make my cervix CHANGE!!!  The deep squats seem to be the most effective.  I was literally sweating...I hadn't worked out this hard in 9 months.  So, around 9pm, Dr. Penn checks me again, and I am only at 4cm, but still not contracting AT ALL!  So, I ask him to strip my membranes.  This is the worst pain ever.  It feels like he is jamming his hand up there so far and then trying to stretch everything out.  It was horrible...but it WORKED!  I started having all kinds of contractions...and they were strong and regular.  Oh, also, during my walking around, Daniel went down to the lobby to find a TV and watch the end of the 49ers/Saints game and the Patriots/Broncos game.  So, my mom got to the hospital and she kept me company until the football games were over.  There was no TV in the triage room...so Daniel wanted to be admitted so he could watch the games...nice, right???  Anyway, when the contractions started, they were painful so I would make some noises and my mom would tell me to breathe...I know she was trying to help, but I just wanted them to go away...all I kept thinking was, can I be admitted so I can get my epidural, please???  So, around 10pm, Dr. Penn came in and said I was at 5cm, we were getting admitted and we were gonna have a baby!  Woo hoo!

At 10:30, I was wheeled into a L&D room, I had the nicest nurse, she was awesome.  She called for the anesthesiologist who was amazing.  I have both of their names written down somewhere, I just need to find it.  The anesthesiologist sort of messed up my epidural.  He said that my back didn't have very much fat on it (which he kept saying was a good thing) but that it did make it a little tougher for him to get the catheter in to my back.  He had to do the epidural twice and said I may get a spinal headache a day or two after giving birth.  My good friend Dana had one of these before so I knew it would be awful if I did get a headache.  Anyway, he hooked me up.  The nurse told me that by getting the epidural, it might slow my contractions down (which it did.)

At around 2:30am, the nurse checked my cervix and said I was still at 4cm.  The next time I saw Dr. Penn he came in and broke my water (at 3am).  My nurse came back in around 3:45 and I told her that I didn't think the epidural was working, because I kept pressing the button and nothing was happening.  I was feeling ALL the contractions.  She checked me, said I was at 9cm and she quickly started getting things together.  She called Dr. Penn.  I had to wake Daniel up...I had to yell at him 3 times to get him out of bed.  Then he wanted to brush his teeth and I almost kicked him out of the room.  I said (probably screamed at him) "There is no time to brush your teeth!!!"  Dr. Penn and the nurse got everything together VERY quickly and at 4am, I was crying due to the pain, and I said to Dr. Penn - this baby is coming out NOW!  They got my legs in the stirrups or whatever they are called.  Daniel and the nurse pulled my legs back toward me and I pushed once to get her head out, and then one more time for her body.  At 4:10am, Emma was here!!!  They gave her right to me and Dr. Penn had to run to deliver another baby, but he came back shortly thereafter!  It was quite the experience.

Emma was so pink and had the darkest hair and A LOT of it!  She was 7 pounds, 6.8oz.  She was 19.25" long.  She was gorgeous!  They gave her to me right away and she started eating!  Then she went to sleep for a while.  

Teresa took her kids down to NC on Friday for the long weekend.  We called them Saturday and told them we were on our way to the hospital.  We weren't sure if we were going to be admitted, so we called them when she was born and my in-laws came to the hospital the next day.

It was Sunday, and I had the spinal headache already...I was so exhausted because I didn't get any sleep the night before.  Michael was GREAT!  When Daniel got home in the morning, Michael took the three kids to his house, so Daniel could get some sleep.  Then, Michael and Daniel came to the hospital with the kids so they could meet their new baby sister.  This was the best part...the kids (Elli and Hank) were OVER THE MOON!  They wanted to hold her and pass her back and forth to each other, it was so sweet.  Elli ended up spending the day in the hospital room with me.  She took a shower with me and everything...I can never get a shower by myself.  I felt a little better in the afternoon and my friend Siobhan came to visit - she brought the yummiest brownies - so good!  My in-laws came, my grandparents, my dad.  It was great to see everyone.

On Monday, I was ready to go home.  I just wanted to get home and sleep in my own bed without being poked or prodded.  So, after they did all Emma's checks, I lied about not having a headache (so I could get out of there) and we were discharged!  Thank goodness my mom stayed over to help me the next few days.  I really did not feel great.  And, Teresa helped out with Elli, Hank and Jake taking them overnight on Tuesday night.  It was weird just having the baby to watch on Tuesday night.

ANyway, this is really long and I think I am going to stop writing.  The delivery was great, the nurses were awesome and I absolutely love Chesapeake Women's care and Dr. Penn!

My 91 and 94 year old grandparents

 4 generations

Proud siblings

Taking Emma Home

All the Oxendine Cousins

4 days out - my worst fear

Induction Day is scheduled for 18 January.
Last appointment I was +23 pounds...I don't know how I keep going up and down in weight - it must be what I am wearing that day.
Last weekend, I had my maternity photo shoot and I it was COLD, but so fun!  I got a few jumps on the trampoline - finally!  And the kids definitely told the photographer that I was going to pee my pants.  They were, unfortunately, right.  I had to do an outfit change after the jumping.  Well worth it for the pics!

My doctor, Dr. Luecke, told me at my appointment about a woman who came into labor & delivery with her 4th pregnancy and she wanted her epidural, but she was already 7cm and the doctor told her too bad, it was too late.  THIS IS MY BIGGEST FEAR!

I was 3cm dilated at my last appointment and I have never really felt a contraction.  SERIOUSLY!  I haven't really even had braxton-hicks.  I am not sure if that is lucky or what...but right now I'm fearful!  It keeps me up at night.  Every weird pain or feeling, I'm not sure if it's a contraction.  What if I'm the woman who comes into the hospital 7cm and no epidural.  That would be TERRIBLE!!!  HORRIBLE!!!
I know that women do it all the time and I respect those women...but I just want my normal medicated, easy labor and delivery...why try and do it the natural way NOW!?!?  I have very fond memories of my 3 other deliveries - with Elli I was nervous, but it was great, Hank's I specifically remember it being the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy and I remember asking the anesthesiologist if we could turn the TV up so I wouldn't miss anything.  With Jake, the Redskins were on and they were actually beating up on Dallas.  So, you see, I just want my normal labor and delivery that I have had with the past 3 pregnancies.

So, yesterday, I was annoyed with the boys' bedroom set up, so I felt that I HAD to move the furniture (2 beds and a small dresser) while Jake was napping.  Hank sort of helped, but I am definitely in the mode where I am not waiting for Daniel because a) he usually falls asleep when he gets home, after he eats and b) I have ZERO patience right now, ZERO!

We are going to attempt to go to Ikea today and get some dressers for the boys' room and for Emma's room.  Her crib isn't even set up yet...but the pack and play in our room is - is this a bad sign already???  I also noticed yesterday that I have no baby clothes for her.  But, thank goodness, my cousin Lauren saved her stuff...this is my saving grace right now.  I went through all the stuff I saved for Elli, but since she was born in June, everything is short sleeved.  Like, I said, thank goodness for Lauren!  She is a life saver - Lauren, if you are reading this - THANK YOU!!!  (consider that your thank you note as I haven't written one since before June - sorry).

We are also going to try and stop and see Nana and Pop-Pop.  We haven't seen them since Christmas Eve.  So, this will probably be the last visit for a couple of weeks...because everyone knows that I hibernate in my house during this time of year and it will probably be freezing and unless I have to take a kid to school or activity, I am content at home.

Oh, I lost my mucous plug this morning - I know this doesn't mean much, bc you regrow one every 24 hours or something like that, but it was still exciting!!!

Alright, very random post today...sorry, my brain is in a million different places - nesting, organizing, TRYING to get a grip on all the toys in my house....ugh!

Also, I found a new blog obsession and this woman has been all over Facebook, but her blogs are hysterical and I find that I can totally relate to her.  And, she has an interesting name - Glennon.  If you haven't read her or heard about her, please do.  I especially like the Target blog with the sports bra and gym and also the one where she takes her kids to the doctor for various things and one time they tell her that her son's eyes look crossed because he is part-Asian.  It is really funny!!!

30-Day Clear the Clutter Challenge

Stacie from Motherhood on a Dime just posted this Challenge...and I so feel like I need to DECLUTTER my life...Declutter the Toys, the books, the JUNK.  My in-laws got me a paper shredder for Christmas and I need to get it out of the box and start decluttering my mail and all the crap that I save.  UGH!  Emma will be here sooner rather than later...so why not!!!

I will start off small with baby steps - my mail cabinet.  I also have my stack of Christmas cards staring at me and I need to get a few binders from Walmart because I saw the cutest idea on Jamielyn's blog, I heart nap time to organize and keep Christmas cards every year.  I love getting Christmas cards and I love seeing how much all my friends' kids have grown and it would be neat to keep them all filed by year in a binder.  I definitely have last year's cards and this year's cards, so somewhere to start!

With the baby coming, I also need to start getting serious about the other kids' rooms.  Elli's could use some updating and the boys' room just need a whole lot of help.  I bought them name decals almost a year ago and they are sitting in my hall closet collecting dust.  So, I have a list of things that I would like to accomplish before Emma makes her big arrival.

Speaking of Emma - it was a little crazy at work today.  I was feeling all kinds of pressure down there.  And, my back has been starting to ache - like bad menstrual cramp feeling.  Since I have never been into labor naturally, I am nervous that something will happen that I am not prepared for.  God forbid I don't get my epidural!!!  I know that women do it all the time...I just don't want to be one of those women - I like my relaxed labor - watching Grey's or Sunday football and then a little drama when I have to push for 10 minutes or so (I'm sure it will be quicker this time around).  I remember with Hank, I had to check-in at 7:30pm on a Thursday night and it was the season premiere of Grey's anatomy and right as it was starting, I was getting my epidural and I was hoping the doc would just let me watch it while he was doing the whole needle thing...not so much, I had to hunch over and look at Daniel.  Grey's is new tomorrow night, maybe I will go into labor then - ha!!!

Alright, I gotta get back to menu planning and couponing...

Goals for 2012, so far - still working on a BIG list:
1. Organize my life - financial, clutter, etc.
2. Go on at least one date night with Daniel at least once a month
3. Take the kids back to Great Wolf Lodge (we had so much fun in December)
4. Buy at least 2 more chairs for our dining room set - 6 is not cutting it anymore
5. COUPON and menu plan
6. I know I have more...I wrote them down in my notebook, but can't remember anything at the moment.
7. More to follow!

Random pic from Army-Navy this year - I love our matching hats!  Love you, honey!!!

4.

Okay, as I type this, I am 37 weeks pregnant with baby #4...I am so over this pregnancy.  I go to the doctor once a week now and I was already measuring 1cm dilated last week.  I hope there is some progress this week when I go.  I need to start getting out and walking...

Here are my stats from last week - 36 weeks:

Weight: +22 lbs

BP: 101/72 (which is a little high for me)

Baby's HR: 138

Everything is on track for me to have another induction the week of January 17th...at least that is what I am planning.

The holidays were CRAZY!!! We didn't leave the state of Maryland, but managed to travel all over or so it felt.  I felt terrible the whole time and eventually went to the doctor on Monday, the 26th.  Upper respiratory infection - awesome!  Elli then came down with something the week after Christmas - just a virus...

I am now in organizing and simplifying mode - getting rid of all my tupperware (especially the ones with mismatched lids - there is nothing more annoying to me).  I got new pots and pans for Christmas so I am recycling my old ones...I hope you can recycle them - they are in the yellow bins...we'll see if they take it later this week...

Christmas decorations, tree, etc came down after our last Christmas celebration on the 27th, then I got a bug up my butt to sort and organize the kids toys.  We have too much crap.  I need to donate 50% of what we have...it is so hard though...maybe this will be a spring cleaning effort.  

My goals for this new year start with financial stuff - get my financial house in order and get rid of my one credit card...it is annoying that I carry a balance and I really need to get serious about getting rid of it.  I have been following a lot of money saving mom blogs, and hopefully they will give me a jump start and motivation to follow through.  It will be tough for the 6 weeks where I am not working...and our maternity leave plan SUCKS...it isn't a maternity leave plan, it is short term disability and it is just crap.  I love my company (well, I love the people that I work with) but the benefits are not that awesome when it comes to maternity leave...I will keep harping on the President until he fires me or until he retires...

Packing my bag for the hospital - this has been quite a challenge for me.  I think because I am just lazy right now and I keep putting it off because I know that I will probably have to be induced and it will be a night before I am scheduled to have the baby.  The problem is that with my last pregnancies it was always hot out, so I didn't need to really bring anything EXTRA.  This time it will be freezing out and I just feel a little unprepared.  Oh well, my strategy is LESS is MORE.  As long as I can take the laptop and get a connection at the hospital, all will be fine.  I will only be there for a day or two...

I installed the car seat this morning, after washing everything so it smells wonderful!  It will be weird to have 4 car seats in our suburban.  We will no longer be able to take the camry anywhere - for emergency cases, we were able to fit 3 car seats in the camry by slamming the doors shut, but not anymore...no room for 4!

Jake started his new "structured" playgroup this morning.  It is a one-on-one intense learning environment.  He cried the almost the whole time he was there.  The poor guy, in the past month, he has been to a neurologist, he has seen a sensory specialist, Thursday he is having his hearing checked, and we are still waiting on confirmation back from Kennedy Krieger to see if they will schedule us an appointment at their Center for Autism Related Disorders.  The structured playgroup is a free program offered by our county infants and toddlers program.  I love the county program and have been very satisfied with them so far.  Jake is 27 months old and not talking.  He babbles, but he doesn't say "Mama" or "Dada" or "Baby" - none of the words he is "supposed" to be able to say around the 12-15 month range.  So, he will go 3 days a week for 90 minutes each day to be seen by an Occupational Therapist, a Speech Pathologist and a Sensory Specialist.  We have been doing a lot with the sensory "diet" and he seems to be comprehending things more now, but not vocalizing anything...so, I hope this playgroup helps him.  They thought he might be on the Autism Spectrum, and they might still think this.  But, I had him evaluated by Dr. Marc Disabella from Children's Hospital and he said he thinks he just has a developmental speech delay.  More to follow on his progress later.  He is such a sweet boy.

Hank is just as lovey as ever.  He does this "thing" where he kisses my whole face.  He kisses my eyes, both of my cheeks, my chin, my forehead, my nose, and my lips and he is just so freaking adorable.  It just melts my heart.  I hope he always does this to me.  He also tells everyone all the time that he loves them...could there be anything more sweet???

Elli is also doing extremely well.  She was very interested in where Santa lives and why we celebrate Christmas and how old is Jesus?  She is so cute and in this questioning sort of phase right now.  She is also goofy as ever.  

Anyway, this is a long overdue update...

Did I say that I am DONE with this pregnancy???  Who knows maybe I will go into labor naturally???  Ha!!!

32 weeks

It has been a very busy December already!
I had my 32 week appointment last week, here are my stats!
+21 pounds
86/55
baby HR: 155 - she had the hiccups when the doctor did the heartbeat.

We had our first annual Gillespie Girls cookie making party on Sunday.  It was such a great idea and so much fun to get together with the relatives before Christmas (even if it was only the girls). 

Then my week got off to a pretty rough start.  Jake started throwing up everywhere Monday afternoon.  I was helping sort the Mickman's fundraiser products and as we were about to leave, he started throwing up all over himself.  Poor baby...
Well it is Wednesday and I still had to take him back to the doctor this morning.  Ugh, I guess it is that time of year.  Luckily, his fever finally went down today and he is acting a little more like himself and not just a walking zombie.  I was worried last night when he wouldn't do anything but lie on the floor with his eyes open - very scary.

Army-Navy is this weekend and I really don't know if I feel like going.  I have organized a limo bus and have a TON of food to prepare, but I might just send Daniel with the food...I don't know...

Anyway, that is it for right now...I know, short posts as of late.

I have a lot of stuff going on with Jake right now and the first is his neurologist appointment on Friday.  Luckily, someone canceled so we don't have to wait until February to see the doctor from Children's hospital.

Finally, the last trimester of my last pregnancy:)

I have said it before - I am not very good at being pregnant.  I complain, whine, I'm exhausted, I sometimes pee my pants, I have a few beers every now and then, eat tuna tartar (rarely, but it is oh so good when I treat myself), drink 2-3 cups of coffee daily, pick up my kids (older two are 40 pounds and youngest is 25 pounds), climb on counters, try and do too much, etc...

I am starting to feel the pain.  I feel like I am in an 80-year-old person's body.  My body doesn't like being pregnant.  I am also impatient.  I can't wait to meet Miss Emma.

After losing 40 pounds last year, I don't think that my body likes to be overweight.  I can feel my back starting to ache and my hips starting to widen.  I don't do yoga or exercise (unless you count laundry and cleaning).  I am just miserable and I know it is the home stretch, but...ugh.

See, I'm just whining and complaining...

But, there is something about this that is sad to me.  (This is just the horomones talking, I'm sure).  But, I don't think it has hit me that this will be my last pregnancy.  Which means, I am getting older.  I still consider myself to be a young mom...not compared to some of the women that we were walking around with on Halloween last night.  They were these little petite, trendy young mom's (probably not yet 30).  Can you hear the jealousy in my typing???  Ha!  They each only had one son...if I had had Hank first, he might have been an only child...ha!  I say that jokingly - until I co-op at my daughter's school and some of the boys are so sweet, but there are a couple who just march to the beat of their own drum.  Luckily, co-oping only lasts for 2+ hours.

Anyway, Thursday is my 28 week appointment, and I have to drink the Glucose...ugh.  I have probably packed on the weight now and am probably close to the 20 pound mark (if not over).  I just feel so heavy.  I need to cut back on the McDonald's and the chips, cookies and crap.  I need to focus on not putting a bunch of weight on now, so I don't have SO much to lose later.  Oh, and the holidays are coming up.

Did I mention that we are going to NC for Thanksgiving???  This trip is probably one that I dread.  It is 8 hours (at least) in the car.  I will probably have to pee a million times, the kids will be on different potty schedules than me and I am sure it will drive the old hubby crazy.  And, the kids totally get off schedule.  They stay up too late, get up too early and it makes me absolutely miserable.  I am hoping that DH will get us a hotel room.  My in-laws (god knows I love them) have a 3 bedroom house, and we have a total of 13 people to squeeze into the house.  My MIL needs some serious help cleaning and I doubt that she gets any help from my FILor BIL.  She should just hire a company (I have actually offered a few times, but she doesn't trust anyone...)The food is not healthy, and they don't let women and children eat first (which is kind of crazy since they are southern and supposed to be known for manners), and one time I came out of the back bedroom from nursing, and there was no food left.  That is unheard of in my family.  And the attitude was "well next time you will learn...which I find appauling and sad."  Watching some of my husband's relatives eat makes me a little sick to my stomach.  One person in particular just shovels food into his mouth like he is in a contest to see how fast he can eat and he stacks his plate.  He doesn't talk, he just shovels...and I get sick to my stomach watching it...but it's like a car wreck...Ew! 

Anyway, like I said, all I do is complain...

Oh, I have also started to see spots...and get frequent dizzy spells when I stand up.  I will ask my OB if this is something I should be worried about or not...so, 12 more weeks...but really I am hoping to be induced around the 10th-12th of January...it would be great if I actually WENT into labor this time around, maybe even in 2011 so we can capitalize on the tax year!  Here's to wishful thinking!!!

On a good note, my friend Nic just got back from Afghanistan - yeah!!!


 Well, i am tired and going to go to bed. I got a chance to talk to one of my fav people tonight. I need to work on being a better friend. Love you, KK!
Good night all!

--
Kristen

Slacker...I know...

So, I have been meaning to just write small posts on the past two weeks...but, sadly, those weeks have come and gone.

24 week appointment was great - I only had Elli and Jake with me and we were in and out within 20 minutes.  I love those appointments.

Stats are:  Weight - 13 pounds gained so far (not bad considering the 2nd and 3rd pregnancies), BP: 95/62, BHR: 150, measuring fine.  I finally started wearing maternity clothes to work...I had to break down and buy some:( 

We had the boys' birthday party since I last posted and I am sure that I will eventually get around to downloading the pictures and posting a few.  The problem is that we are running out of room on our macbook, and although I have an external hard drive, and have transferred and backed everything up, I am deathly (DEATHLY!) afraid to delete any pictures.  Documents, downloads, stuff like that = no problem deleting.  In fact, I think I may have deleted some important things in the past, but pictures, no way.  Music - my husband would kill me.  So, how do I deal with this.  I keep getting an error saying that my start up disc is full!!!  I think we need a bigger MAC and I just need to convince my hubby to do it!

So, until I get around to either getting some help at the apple store or convincing my hubby that we need a new computer, the pictures will probably stay on my camera, because I am deathly afraid to delete anything.  I laugh at myself because anyone who is more computer savvy than I would not let this slow them down. 

I also had a mole removed on my face a few weeks back and I am so glad that I went to a plastic surgeon rather than a dermatologist.  I have a tiny little scar that will probably go away.  At my appointment, I discussed laser hair removal and botox.  Both of which I just want to get more information on.  When I told people at work, they looked at me as if I had 3 heads. 

Laser hair removal is something that I will consider after Baby Emma is here, because I am just getting really lazy the older I get.  I barely shave my legs and underarms let alone other unmentionable places...but it is for me, because God knows Daniel could care less.  Ha!  That just makes me laugh...thank goodness I married a man who just lets me be me.  He doesn't make snide comments about my appearance.  In fact, when he sees me in my bra and undies, he cat calls at me and he means it.  That makes me feel good because when I look in the mirror, I don't really LOVE my ever growing belly...but he can't seem to keep his hands off...:)  Love him for that. 

It was Daniel's birthday this past weekend.  Before I tell you what we (me and the kids gave him) as presents...he had a boys' weekend away the weekend prior - so in my opinion that is present enough, but I had the kids make him cards and they loved doing this.  Then, we gave him a gift card and a pair of Under armour pants that I got on sale at the outlet last week.  He also mentioned that he wanted a jacket - but he is going to have to try that on himself and tell me what size and which jacket to get.  But, we did have an adult night out with some friends on Saturday.  I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.  Seriously, every time I get together with the "W" girls (&J) I have so much fun!!!  Poor "J" was the only guy at our table, so he had to hear some TMI information that I am sure he would have rather skipped.  A good time was had by all and we brought the party back to our house where I hear the guys were up until past 2am sucking down the JD & Cokes...

Anyway, I wanted to get something on the blog this week, so I didn't feel like a total slacker.  Kids' school is going great.  I am really loving the Co-op that Elli is attending.  I just wish it was longer than 2.5 hours.  I feel as if I drop her off and 5 minutes later I am picking her up again.  Ugh, such is life. 

That is it for now, I will try and add some more fun stories from this weekend later on...

Happy Monday!

Week 22

So, I have been feeling great lately.  I have gotten a lot more energy.  I started cooking again...(like I said earlier that my husband knows he gets cereal for dinner when I am in my first trimester...this pregnancy, it lasted a little longer since I was so sick.)  I have been trying to keep up with blog posts, work, keeping the house clean, the kids school schedules/projects, Elli's dance class, Jake's speech therapy play group (more on this in a minute), planning birthday parties, helping with the community association, laundry, etc....wow, that's exhausting just thinking about my growing to-do list! 

So, a few weeks ago, I had my 20 week sonogram.  I had it at 18 weeks, we found out we are having a girl...but we didn't get any good face pictures and more importantly for the doctors - they didn't get to see the heart.  So, I have a cardiac sonogram tomorrow.  The good news is that I have been feeling much better about the baby.  I have started to feel some consistent movement...but here is what I wrote a few weeks ago.  I was going to submit this to BabyCenter, but I thought it was too dreary and down...

Why am I nervous?

I am 20 weeks pregnant and have felt very little movement.  I think or I know, rather, that I drive myself crazy.  I don't know what goes on up in my head that the older I get, the more I worry.  I let all the little things worry me that didn't before.  I have 3 healthy children, I started off this pregnancy being very healthy, I had just lost 40 pounds, we eat lots of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and my yearly physical exam was great.  My mother had a miscarriage at 26 weeks; needless to say, she had to have a DNC.  I always seem to hold my breath up until that point.  And, I don't really get EXCITED about the current pregnancy for fear of losing the baby.  Fear of growing attached and then being completely devastated or worse – heartbroken.  I had a girlfriend who recently lost a baby at 16 weeks.  At my ultrasound at 18 weeks, I saw the baby, we heard the heartbeat, and the tech said the baby was moving a lot.  So, why don't I feel it?  I haven't gained that much weight, they couldn't see the 4 chambers of the heart, and these are the things I worry about.  It feels like an eternity since my last appointment.  4 weeks is now an eternity.  I lie on my side and try to feel something…but I don't.  Am I just crazy???

But, while I will still hold my breath until after 26 weeks, I am feeling much much better.  At my last appointment I scheduled 3 or 4 appointments down the road and at the end, we were already into December and at the 2 week interval appointments...crazy.

The good news is that fall is here and now I can start wearing leggings and jeans, I love fall...I do not love the freezing cold, but jeans and a sweatshirt is my combo!  Also, I have YET to have to switch to maternity clothes.  I wore my size 8 old navy jeans this past weekend...that has got to be a record for me.  I know with the boys I think I had to buy size 12 or even 14 just so my muffin top wouldn't hang over :(  So, I am hoping I don't gain too much more weight (although I've only gained about 8 pounds so far...)  Fingers crossed...less I gain, less I will have to lose.

Let me talk about the kids...

Jake - ugh, his first speech therapy playgroup with Miss Kandy was horrible.  He cried the ENTIRE time.  So much that she told me to just take him home.  Poor guy...I think it is because we are at the church and everytime we drop him off at the church daycare, he cries until he falls asleep.  He is having some serious separation issues at that church.  Later on in the day, when I dropped him off at Miss Kirby's house while I went and helped at Elli's school, he was totally fine, happy as a clam, didn't even look back at me. 

Hank - he is a trooper right now.  He says the funniest things to me and mimicks me, it is too hysterical.  When I get upset with him about something he did, he has this devilish look and he tell me it was an accident.  I know those big brown eyes and dimples are going to help me to enable him down the road...I just know it.

Elli - she had her second dance class this week at SBe Dance Company.  Sabrina Koepke Benko is the owner.  I went to HS with her and she is actually Elli's teacher.  Daniel took her last night, but me, my mom and Daniel made her show us her moves when she got home and I have to say that it was quite hilarious to watch Daniel try and do ballet moves.  So adorable:)  I should have video-taped it.  Next time...

We had a big weekend last weekend - our anniversary, Cousin Aiden's 4th birthday party down in BFE, Virginia, Becky's surprise birthday party on Sunday with a big Redskins win (woo hoo!)!! 

Anyway, hope everyone has a great week.  DADT is now non-existent and I say thank goodness!  It is about time!  I hope that those still serving can get some peace and their partners get some benefits now.  It is ridiculous that Clinton's policy was in place for so long...

TTFN!

xo,

Kristen

20 weeks down, 20 to go...

So, I had my appointment yesterday. I took Elli and Jake with me, because I have no other choice, but the doc was so awesome. She let Elli help with everything from measuring my belly (19 cm) to using the Doppler to find the baby's heartbeat. Elli was a pro and itntook her no time to find the heartbeat. It was such a small gesture, but I know I appreciated it and Elli loved helping. I got another referral to go back to Anne Arundel diagnostics because at the last sonogram, Emma was turned and the tech couldn't see the 4 chambers of her heart. So, another appointment. Then, when I was making my other appointments, we scheduled two more 4 week appointments and then jumped right to 2 week appointments. Ahhh...when I see it like that I really feel like this pregnancy is flying by. I told the doc my concerns with not feeling the baby moving yet and she assured me that was normal. I have gained 7 pounds, heart rate was 95/55 and baby Emma's was 145. So we are doing great and so far so good. Well, hope everyone is staying dry. We have had rain all week. Pop-pop's 91st birthday party is this weekend along with the 9/11 heroes run. Should be fun.

I'm on a roll...

I am trying to think of a list of things to do once this baby gets here...or better yet, a list of things not to do.  This idea for the list came to me this morning as I was complaining to my husband that our 2-year-old (almost - October 4th he will be 2) needs to sleep in his own bed because he was waking me up in the middle of the night and climbing all over me trying to get to a mole on my arm that he is obsessed with.  It used to be nipples - his, mine, Daniel's...thank goodness he stopped with the nipples, but clearly he likes bumps...

So, rule #1 for Emma - no sleeping in our bed - PERIOD!  As I said this, Daniel kind of chuckled and laughed because he knows that I love LOVE love breastfeeding in bed.  I think there is no better way for the baby (and Mommy) to get much needed rest.  So, this is going to be a tough one for me.  Are there things that you would want to re-do or do over with your kids?  One part of me says that they won't be little forever, and I really do like to cuddle and snuggle with them.   I love it when Elli asks me for some snuggles.  There is nothing that warms my heart more and I am more than willing to give in.  Ugh, I think my list is going to be more of a challenge than anything else.

On another note...I finished the book, One Day.  Anne Hathaway is in the movie that is based on the book.  I started reading it when Hurricane Irene hit and I wasn't that into it.  I finished it and was so MAD.  It has the WORST ending EVER.  I thought I wanted to see the movie, but based on reading the book, I will NOT go see the movie.  My brother, Michael, and his wife saw it this weekend and Michael said it was so SAD!  Obviously someone dies...but it was a really terrible ending and I will NOT go see the movie.  The ONLY good thing about the book, is that I really liked the main character's name - Dexter Mayhew.  I love the nickname Dex!  But, that is IT!!! 

I LOVE LOVE LOVED the book, The Help!  I finished this book in a little bit over a day, I couldn't put it down.  I am dying to see the movie too!!!  Anyone want to go and drag me with you??? 

This weekend, I also rented, Something Borrowed...which incidentally, I also bought the book, but have yet to read it.  It was a cute movie and I love Ginnifer Goodwin and Kate Hudson...not to mention the hot guy who is caught in the middle!  So, I will be starting this book as soon as I can.  I also downloaded the Kindle App for our (Daniel's) iPad, and bought Water for Elephants...anyone read the book??? 

Anyway, we had a fabulous weekend and there will be another post on that later this week!!!

TTFN! 

Have a great week - stay dry - it is supposed to rain all weekend here!  But, it is cool...which is nice!!!  My jeans have been calling me, I can still fit into my 8s!!!

Good morning!

It's Sunday...I finally went to the doctor on Friday, saw Dr. K at Harbor and she put me on an antibiotic.  I love her, wish I didn't have to drive 45 minutes to get to her.  Oh well...I talked to her about getting the IUD taken out.  Then I talked to Katie, my SIL, who is a nurse, about what BC to be on...because I am DEFINITELY not ready to get pregnant again right now.  I love the paraguard because of it's end result, but I dread getting my period every month because I am doubled over in pain, and the bleeding is out of control.  NEVER have I bled so much.  I talked to my OB and they said that is one of the side effects.  Ugh....it's been a year and I think I am DONE with it.  Also, my period lasts for 6-7 days....such a pain.
So, Katie suggested that I do the Nuva-Ring.  I have already tried pills and I can't remember to take them...I know it sounds silly, but I forget and then I'm screwed.  So, I need something that is sort of mindless.  Next time, after we have our 4th, I am getting the Mirena.  I heard that you barely get a period.  But, it has hormones and I don't know how my body will react.  Will I be more crazy than I already am?  Decisions, decisions, but, I am definitely calling this week to get my IUD out!!!  If anyone has any other suggestions, I would LOVE to hear it.  We/I are planning on trying to get pregnant in May/June....I want to have the 4th by the time I'm 35.  And then I think we are done.  We can adopt a child or sponsor a million mids, but I just don't want to be pregnant anymore...

Anyway, we had a great time yesterday at our nephew, Matthew's, 5th birthday bowling party.  The kids, Elli and Hank, love love loved to bowl.  I just wish they had the duck pins...we will have to take them again to go duck pin bowling.  We were home around 6pm and Hank and Jake went to sleep right away.  Daniel and I watched, It's Complicated with Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, and Alec Baldwin - it was pretty funny.  Daniel didn't complain too much but he demanded the remote after it was over:)

We are hoping to get to visit with Santa today.  We were supposed to have the Fox's over for the Redskins game, but with me being sort of sick, I didn't want to even take the chance of passing anything onto Samuel (their 5 week old baby).  So, we postponed that for another time.  We need to have more Redskins parties!!!  And, we need to have more sleepovers with friends and family....before I get pregnant again:( 

Alright, the kids have really gone all out to make a HUGE mess of the playroom and their bedrooms, so I will be putting the house back together today!!!

Lots of Happenings

So, I have been a little delinquent in the blogging world. I have had good reason. Since the middle of May we have been running around like chickens with our heads cut off. We went to the beach for Memorial Day weekend, planning bridal showers, my cousin got married, Elli turned 1 and we had a party, our house got delivered, and I have been sick and exhausted.

Memorial Day weekend: we found out we are having a little boy! It took me 11 days after having the sonogram and the "envelope" to rip it open and find out that we are expecting a BOY. That figures why I have been sick and even last week I had some sort of stomach virus...great!!!

Anyway, we had a blast at Bethany Beach. Elli loved the sand and water. She actually liked the sand so much that she ate the sand and then had a nasty diaper rash right afterwards and I learned that I will only dress her in two-piece bathing suits when we go to the beach until she is out of diapers (it just makes changing her a whole lot easier).

One of my best friends, Emily, is getting married in July and so I threw her a bridal shower in the beginning of June and it was so fun. I love planning showers and parties.

The next weekend, my cousin Kyle on my dad's side got married. The wedding and festivities surrounding the wedding were in Baltimore, so that was so nice not to have to travel a very far distance. We did hire a babysitter for the Saturday night wedding. It was great!!! Carolina was amazing with Elli and we are totally going to use her again...

Then last week our house was delivered. What a process that is...and we had some issues. First, a girl ran her car into one of our boxes. She was on her cell phone and didn't see everyone pulled over on the side of the road and she almost decapitated herself. Luckily she didn't, so we didn't have to send the house back. The company just brought in an engineer and fixed the outer part of the box where she hit. The poor girl had to be cut out of her car...she is okay and the house seems to be fine.

Then Elli turned ONE last Friday. It is hard to imagine that a year has gone by since she was born. Time just goes by so fast...

She had a party on Saturday in the townhouse, so it was a little crowded, but I think everyone enjoyed themselves. It was a busy weekend. Then on Sunday, another one of my oldest friends, Siobhan, had a bridal shower. It was a lovely party. I was glad to just relax a little Sunday night with Daniel and Elli.

I have been feeling ill lately. The doctor is a little concerned about my blood pressure. I think it is just because I am gaining weight. I am almost to the third trimester, I am trying to enjoy eating. Last Wednesday, I was sick, and then on Friday I was throwing up. I even had to pull over on the side of the road twice. It was awful...

Anyway, I will post some more pictures of the birthday party. We now have two digital cameras and now have twice the pictures, so it might take me a while to sort through them.

One of the pictures above is of Elli's eagerness and aggressiveness to give out kisses and hugs. The little boy is a co-worker of mine, Allison's son Andrew. Andrew is 3 months old and here Elli is loving him. She is a little aggressive with the hugging, she has even knocked down my 4 year old niece a few times trying to get a hug. It is pretty funny, and I am glad that she is a lover.

Anyway, we are off to North Carolina in a few weeks for the annual 4th of July Pow-Wow! My parents are coming down to see it too. My brother Michael is taking his girlfriend Katie to Key West or I am sure they would be coming as well. It is a sight to see. I am excited, just not excited about the humidity.

Alright, I am off for now!