So, this week a new side of Sean decided to show his true colors...as a comedian! Who would have ever thought. He has been keeping me fully entertained with his word and cracking me up to the point when I have tears streaming down my face and a huge belly ache each and every time. All have been related to baby Jack and pregnancy.
I thought I would share with you a few stories in which Sean has made me laugh this week.
Story #1:
Childbirth Class - So during our last and final class they were preparing us with some final videos of what childbirth is all about. At some point I looked over at Sean (during the lovely "everything" shot") and he says "I think I'm going to need and epidural!" Silly boy isn't even doing any of the hard work. :)
Story #2
Belly Shape - About 2 days ago Sean and I were preparing to settle into bed and I was on my side, my normal position. Sean wanted to see what Jack was up to and see if he could feel anything. He pulls up my shirt and starts to examine the belly. He says to me with a straight face, "Why is it that your belly is like a Torpedo?" I about died. Thank god I thought it was funny b/c I think any other prego woman would be mad but I thought it was funny. Sean then follows it up with "ya know, why are you are front and not so much round?" I do have to admit..I am alllll front right now.
Story #3
Belly Button - So just a few moments after the whole torpedo thing happened, Sean starts to look around and says "Hey you don't have any stretch marks yet." I agreed but I let him know that I had the center line that went from the top of the belly to the bottom. I started to turn over to my back to show him the line when Sean notices that my belly button has taken on a new shape. Sean about jumps out of bed say "WHOA!!! You've gotta warn me about that thing! My head was close to that!" He was in total shock of it's new transformation. Yes it's true it has flattened out but the way Mr Sean reacted was PRICELESS.
Story #4
Party at my crib, Midnight - That same night that all of this was going on, torpedo, and belly button, my lovely husband has informed me (the next morning) that he placed his hand on my belly while I was sleeping to see if Jack was up to anything.
To my surprise, Sean informed me that not only was he moving but he was having his own party without us once again. Sean couldn't understand how I was sleeping through this. He said during the 5 minutes that he was feeling him it was the most he had ever felt him during the whole 7 months.
I was in total shock. I just assumed that his most active times were just before bed and then he would calm down when I would fall asleep, and then his next active time was up to 1 hour after I woke up. I never thought he was moving while I was sleeping. I could only count on 1 hand the times that I would feel him wake me up during the night, so I was totally taken back.
I guess it's true what our class informed us of. They let us know that it would take about 2 months to re-adjust a baby from it's nights schedule to a day schedule. I thought that we might have been one of the lucky ones that has a child from birth that was sleeping at night b/c I never felt him during the middle of the night. I guess I stand corrected now. :) Our little Jack is textbook.
***The reason for the day/night switch up is because during the day we rock the baby to sleep with our normal activity, and during the night time it's nice and calm, so that is when they wake up and play.
I am sure there are many many stories to take place over the next few months but these are the few that I can remember right now.
Sean is so anxious to meet his Jack. He is going to be a wonderful father. Seeing him already so attached to his little man just amazes me each and every day. It's a side that I have never seen before. I knew he loved kids and has always wanted them, but to really watch it in action is truly amazing.
Sean came to a revelation this week after we finished our childbirth class this week that the reason why he might find these class' boring is because everything in between now and the time that Jack gets here is just fluff. It's just time that he has to wait for him to get here. He just wants him here now.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
7 Month Check Up
Tomorrow marks 7 months. Woohoo!
Today I invited my mom to join me for a day of doctors appointments and girl time. Sean was not able to attend so I thought this would be a nice time for my mom to join me.
Our day started off at a quilt show that was in town and we buzzed around the show and found lots of cute stuff. One fun thing we found was a pattern to make childrens booties out of scrap fabric. Mom and I both can't wait to get that pattern started and made some cute gifts for others and a few for Jack.
12pm arrived and it was time for our ultrasound. This ultrasound was a recommendation of Seans cousin who actually attends the ultrasound school we were at, and said that we should come down and be a test person for the students who were learning. She informed us that there was no charge and we would get lots of photos.
So after looking at the calendar I picked a day that would be a good distance from our last ultrasound (which was 8 weeks ago) but before our delivery day. I was ever so curious what our Jack was looking like these days and how much he has grown since our last appointment.
Mom and I arrive, we get checked in and they bring me back. At first they just bring me back and tell mom and Heather to wait until they are done doing the measurements (aka - learning).
The students put me on the table and were slowly evaluating and finding out what parts of the baby were what. They completed measurements on the circumference of his head, belly, and femur to determine the size he would be approximated at. With a little click here and click there, they evaluated Jack to be at 3lbs 2oz with an estimated due date of March 27 (almost 2 weeks prior to his original due date) and a heart beat of 145. He's just what we thought...a large little boy :) Or so the computer says.
After that 30 minute appointment, we headed to lunch with cousin Heather and then got back on the road for my OB appointment in Orange, CA.
2:15pm arrived and it was our turn to visit Dr. Linsey. We originally were moved up in time b/c the doc had an emergency c-section so when we got to the office we didn't know if we would be seeing the doc or a nurse practitioner.
Just as we were finishing up my vitals we hear the man of the hour pop into the office. He arrived just in time.
Backround: My doctor is the same doctor that delivered my brother 25 years ago and whom my mom still sees for her visits. So he's a man that is very near and dear to our family.
Vitals were normal today. BP = 110/80, weight=on track, urine=normal, baby heartbeat = 160, and uterus measurements=28.5 (should be at plus or minus 28 by 2 in either direction).
When I was on the table the doc was looking at my chart and reviewing last months ultrasound and found that I had excess amniotic fluid. He said that I shouldn't be concerned as it is only a concern in about 15-20% of pregnancies. He said that most likely he will order another scan (ultrasound) next appt to recheck for my fluid levels.
With such a concern that he brought up, I made sure to ask my questions. I made sure to find out what the risks were if in fact the baby had excess fluid still at our next appt. Doc said that if the baby still has excess fluid they would order another intensive scan to check for the babies systems to make sure that they were all working properly.
They would be looking to see if his esophagus, kidneys and other such processing organs were being overactive, thus causing the excess fluid. He said we should not be concerned at this time but it would be something that he would look into next visit.
My next question was when would they start to look and see if Jack was going to be "large." Doc advised that they would look at all the factors at about 34 weeks by taking the normal uterine measurements and taking a feel and if need be looking at it through an ultrasound. I just don't want Jack to get too big and then be forced into a c-section. So I want to keep a watchful eye on this topic.
We also spoke to the nurses about alternate people for being a pediatrician. The original rec we got from their office was not something that "went well." I feel much about the new people that we were given names of. My mission this week is to give them a call and start to ask questions.
I also inquired about when I could take my disability time off prior to the baby. The doc gave the ok for 4 weeks prior to my due date. (I can't wait!)
What else what else...oh yes blood work and shots. This appointment was time for some blood work. I didn't know it was coming so I was a bit taken back. I guess this would also be the same time they would order a glucose test but I let them know that I was under the advisement of a diabetic counseling center so I got to avoid that test. Woohoo! No glucose. I did however have to have my blood counts tested (white and red) as well as my antibodies. The blood count was to make sure I wasn't anemic. The antibody test was to check and see if my antibodies were attacking the babies blood. Since Sean and I are not compatible in our blood types, my blood and the babies blood potentially could interact at birth and attach each other.
So after my blood work just two floors down, I came back to the office and got my 28 week shot. This shot was for "Rhogam." This shot it to help prevent the mixing of my blood with the babies. This is a 3 series shot. One at the start, one 1/2 way through, and 1 at birth. So yup, you guessed it. I got the shot in my rear. I had been dreading it b/c the last one hurt pretty bad but this one went very well. Not even a sting.
So with that said I think that is it for my 7 month check up. More to come next month. After next month I start twice monthly appts then weekly. It's getting closer!
Today I invited my mom to join me for a day of doctors appointments and girl time. Sean was not able to attend so I thought this would be a nice time for my mom to join me.
Our day started off at a quilt show that was in town and we buzzed around the show and found lots of cute stuff. One fun thing we found was a pattern to make childrens booties out of scrap fabric. Mom and I both can't wait to get that pattern started and made some cute gifts for others and a few for Jack.
12pm arrived and it was time for our ultrasound. This ultrasound was a recommendation of Seans cousin who actually attends the ultrasound school we were at, and said that we should come down and be a test person for the students who were learning. She informed us that there was no charge and we would get lots of photos.
So after looking at the calendar I picked a day that would be a good distance from our last ultrasound (which was 8 weeks ago) but before our delivery day. I was ever so curious what our Jack was looking like these days and how much he has grown since our last appointment.
Mom and I arrive, we get checked in and they bring me back. At first they just bring me back and tell mom and Heather to wait until they are done doing the measurements (aka - learning).
The students put me on the table and were slowly evaluating and finding out what parts of the baby were what. They completed measurements on the circumference of his head, belly, and femur to determine the size he would be approximated at. With a little click here and click there, they evaluated Jack to be at 3lbs 2oz with an estimated due date of March 27 (almost 2 weeks prior to his original due date) and a heart beat of 145. He's just what we thought...a large little boy :) Or so the computer says.
After that 30 minute appointment, we headed to lunch with cousin Heather and then got back on the road for my OB appointment in Orange, CA.
2:15pm arrived and it was our turn to visit Dr. Linsey. We originally were moved up in time b/c the doc had an emergency c-section so when we got to the office we didn't know if we would be seeing the doc or a nurse practitioner.
Just as we were finishing up my vitals we hear the man of the hour pop into the office. He arrived just in time.
Backround: My doctor is the same doctor that delivered my brother 25 years ago and whom my mom still sees for her visits. So he's a man that is very near and dear to our family.
Vitals were normal today. BP = 110/80, weight=on track, urine=normal, baby heartbeat = 160, and uterus measurements=28.5 (should be at plus or minus 28 by 2 in either direction).
When I was on the table the doc was looking at my chart and reviewing last months ultrasound and found that I had excess amniotic fluid. He said that I shouldn't be concerned as it is only a concern in about 15-20% of pregnancies. He said that most likely he will order another scan (ultrasound) next appt to recheck for my fluid levels.
With such a concern that he brought up, I made sure to ask my questions. I made sure to find out what the risks were if in fact the baby had excess fluid still at our next appt. Doc said that if the baby still has excess fluid they would order another intensive scan to check for the babies systems to make sure that they were all working properly.
They would be looking to see if his esophagus, kidneys and other such processing organs were being overactive, thus causing the excess fluid. He said we should not be concerned at this time but it would be something that he would look into next visit.
My next question was when would they start to look and see if Jack was going to be "large." Doc advised that they would look at all the factors at about 34 weeks by taking the normal uterine measurements and taking a feel and if need be looking at it through an ultrasound. I just don't want Jack to get too big and then be forced into a c-section. So I want to keep a watchful eye on this topic.
We also spoke to the nurses about alternate people for being a pediatrician. The original rec we got from their office was not something that "went well." I feel much about the new people that we were given names of. My mission this week is to give them a call and start to ask questions.
I also inquired about when I could take my disability time off prior to the baby. The doc gave the ok for 4 weeks prior to my due date. (I can't wait!)
What else what else...oh yes blood work and shots. This appointment was time for some blood work. I didn't know it was coming so I was a bit taken back. I guess this would also be the same time they would order a glucose test but I let them know that I was under the advisement of a diabetic counseling center so I got to avoid that test. Woohoo! No glucose. I did however have to have my blood counts tested (white and red) as well as my antibodies. The blood count was to make sure I wasn't anemic. The antibody test was to check and see if my antibodies were attacking the babies blood. Since Sean and I are not compatible in our blood types, my blood and the babies blood potentially could interact at birth and attach each other.
So after my blood work just two floors down, I came back to the office and got my 28 week shot. This shot was for "Rhogam." This shot it to help prevent the mixing of my blood with the babies. This is a 3 series shot. One at the start, one 1/2 way through, and 1 at birth. So yup, you guessed it. I got the shot in my rear. I had been dreading it b/c the last one hurt pretty bad but this one went very well. Not even a sting.
So with that said I think that is it for my 7 month check up. More to come next month. After next month I start twice monthly appts then weekly. It's getting closer!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Aches and Pain, Butt or a Head
This weeks marks 6.75 months going on 7 months. Today marks the first day of misery.
In the past week, you would think that I would have learned by now to eat my meals at 1/2 the size and 1/2 the speed. Nope! I still am doing it just the way I have before I got prego. It's proving to be VERY uncomfortable. A normal size meal, just sits at the top of my stomach for a good 2 hours before I start to feel somewhat comfortable again. When they say things slow down digestion wise, you better listen b/c they are CORRECT. If I don't obey that rule, it feels like I've eaten 3 thanksgiving day meals in one sitting. I tell you IT HURTS! Today was day one where I really truly listened and ate about 6-7 small meals all throughout the day. No pain today. Good job Alexis.
As for the aches and pains, throughout the night rolling over continuously was proving to be much more painful than normal. Last night marked the first night where it wasn't just uncomfortable but has now included shooting pains. Then came time for the 7am alarm clock to chime it's pretty little self to remind me to get out of bed and wake up for work, and I almost yelled to Sean to turn it off b/c it was going to be a few seconds before I could get to it.
Getting out of bed was again much more difficult than what I'm normally used to. Getting all that extra weight to shuffle around, and a growing Jack who has stretched out during the night now much all be shoved back into place, I just wanted to crawl to the alarm clock. Finally I mustered up enough strength to get to the alarm clock and turn it off. What a challenge I tell ya.
Also in the past two days I have discovered this new "mass" that I can't figure out what body part of Jack it belongs to. It's generally roaming round my belly button or just above, on my right side. Certain times of the day I swear I can just lay my finger on the belly and draw you a picture of what I'm feeling, other times, it's a little harder but it hasn't moved in several days now. I'm ever so curious if it's his little behind or his head....only time will tell in our fun ultrasound this coming Thursday. I'm thinking butt, but Sean has his bet on head. :)
In the past week, you would think that I would have learned by now to eat my meals at 1/2 the size and 1/2 the speed. Nope! I still am doing it just the way I have before I got prego. It's proving to be VERY uncomfortable. A normal size meal, just sits at the top of my stomach for a good 2 hours before I start to feel somewhat comfortable again. When they say things slow down digestion wise, you better listen b/c they are CORRECT. If I don't obey that rule, it feels like I've eaten 3 thanksgiving day meals in one sitting. I tell you IT HURTS! Today was day one where I really truly listened and ate about 6-7 small meals all throughout the day. No pain today. Good job Alexis.
As for the aches and pains, throughout the night rolling over continuously was proving to be much more painful than normal. Last night marked the first night where it wasn't just uncomfortable but has now included shooting pains. Then came time for the 7am alarm clock to chime it's pretty little self to remind me to get out of bed and wake up for work, and I almost yelled to Sean to turn it off b/c it was going to be a few seconds before I could get to it.
Getting out of bed was again much more difficult than what I'm normally used to. Getting all that extra weight to shuffle around, and a growing Jack who has stretched out during the night now much all be shoved back into place, I just wanted to crawl to the alarm clock. Finally I mustered up enough strength to get to the alarm clock and turn it off. What a challenge I tell ya.
Also in the past two days I have discovered this new "mass" that I can't figure out what body part of Jack it belongs to. It's generally roaming round my belly button or just above, on my right side. Certain times of the day I swear I can just lay my finger on the belly and draw you a picture of what I'm feeling, other times, it's a little harder but it hasn't moved in several days now. I'm ever so curious if it's his little behind or his head....only time will tell in our fun ultrasound this coming Thursday. I'm thinking butt, but Sean has his bet on head. :)
The Old Man Has Settled In
So Friday while at work, I'm not too sure how it came up in conversation but while on a break talking with Sean, he informed me that I have developed some new habits during my pregnancy.
He quickly questioned if I realized what I did last night. I said no. He stated that during the night I was snoring very loudly and on several occasions he tried to nudge me to get me to roll over and at one point I woke up and said "No it's not me it's the dog" then rolled back over and promptly fell back asleep.
At this point Sean has decided to inform me that this is not the first time I have been doing this. Over the course of the past few months, I have picked up a snoring habit in which has gotten very bad this week due to a cold that was effecting my ability to take in air as well as talking in my sleep.
By now, I'm cracking up and tears are flowing so bad I can barely get in a word to ask any follow up questions. I had absolutely no clue that this was going on. When I was child I had my tonsils and adenoids removed and ever since I have never picked up snoring again. I thought that I might just be breathing pretty hard because on occasion I have woken myself up with a loud roar. I guess my loud roar was just the end of my old man snore.
So after being informed and pretty much crying through the conversation b/c I was so horrified that I now snore and talk in my sleep, but found it hilarious, I have learned to accept it.
I do have to say that I'm very embarrassed but there isn't much I can do at this point to fix it except deliver the baby and lose the baby weight. Only 2.5 more months.
FOLLOW UP: So the brilliant idea came to mind this weekend that maybe a breath right strip might help open up my nasal passages and help to lessen my snoring. So last night (Sunday night) was the first night that I was able to use them. I washed my face, and placed the strip on correctly and then crawled into bed. Not once did I wake up with a loud roar. So I was curious to find out if they worked.
When arriving home I asked Sean what happened last night. He says "I didn't want to tell you b/c you were trying so hard, but you didn't snore last night but you have now developed a new thing. Lets just call it the "santa ana winds." You keep your mouth open and have this very high whistle which makes it sound like the winds have come to town." By now I'm totally crying again with laughter.
I don't know what this new laughter thing is all about but I just kinda go off and I can't stop, and lordy lordy, I think the hormones have quite definatly kicked in b/c I could cry for quite some time when I'm laughing this hard.
Hehe, I better not develop anything else in the coming weeks b/c I'm not sure not sure how much more lack of sleep Sean can handle while trying to keep it together. I know it's all supposed to prepare us for when Jack arrives, but I plan on being the sleep deprived person while nursing, so I need atleast one sane person in the house to keep me together.
We shall see what happens.
He quickly questioned if I realized what I did last night. I said no. He stated that during the night I was snoring very loudly and on several occasions he tried to nudge me to get me to roll over and at one point I woke up and said "No it's not me it's the dog" then rolled back over and promptly fell back asleep.
At this point Sean has decided to inform me that this is not the first time I have been doing this. Over the course of the past few months, I have picked up a snoring habit in which has gotten very bad this week due to a cold that was effecting my ability to take in air as well as talking in my sleep.
By now, I'm cracking up and tears are flowing so bad I can barely get in a word to ask any follow up questions. I had absolutely no clue that this was going on. When I was child I had my tonsils and adenoids removed and ever since I have never picked up snoring again. I thought that I might just be breathing pretty hard because on occasion I have woken myself up with a loud roar. I guess my loud roar was just the end of my old man snore.
So after being informed and pretty much crying through the conversation b/c I was so horrified that I now snore and talk in my sleep, but found it hilarious, I have learned to accept it.
I do have to say that I'm very embarrassed but there isn't much I can do at this point to fix it except deliver the baby and lose the baby weight. Only 2.5 more months.
FOLLOW UP: So the brilliant idea came to mind this weekend that maybe a breath right strip might help open up my nasal passages and help to lessen my snoring. So last night (Sunday night) was the first night that I was able to use them. I washed my face, and placed the strip on correctly and then crawled into bed. Not once did I wake up with a loud roar. So I was curious to find out if they worked.
When arriving home I asked Sean what happened last night. He says "I didn't want to tell you b/c you were trying so hard, but you didn't snore last night but you have now developed a new thing. Lets just call it the "santa ana winds." You keep your mouth open and have this very high whistle which makes it sound like the winds have come to town." By now I'm totally crying again with laughter.
I don't know what this new laughter thing is all about but I just kinda go off and I can't stop, and lordy lordy, I think the hormones have quite definatly kicked in b/c I could cry for quite some time when I'm laughing this hard.
Hehe, I better not develop anything else in the coming weeks b/c I'm not sure not sure how much more lack of sleep Sean can handle while trying to keep it together. I know it's all supposed to prepare us for when Jack arrives, but I plan on being the sleep deprived person while nursing, so I need atleast one sane person in the house to keep me together.
We shall see what happens.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Mommy Has Been Busy
So with recent studies, SIDS is a huge risk in the crib. Upon further investigation, that also means that nothing should be in the crib with a child including a crib bumper. So with that said, I had other plans to decorate the crib and make things personal to my touch.
With a little time and planning, I decided that I would make things using my sewing machine for the nursery. Such items include the dust ruffle, a wall hanging, and a window treatment. I have also included a play quilt or cuddle quilt that can also be used for floor time. So far in the past week I've finished 2/4. So I'm 50% done.
I do have to say myself they turned out SUPER cute. I have never made a dust ruffle in my life but with my sewing experience and a KILLER set of instruction that I found on a blog, I actually finished it in 48 hours. Record time if you ask me.
Then just a few days last I came up with the idea to make a cuddle quilt and was on the hunt for a pattern and some fabric. I was quickly becoming disappointed when nothing was striking my fancy, then came a sale at a store.
In looking for fabric to complete the wall hanging I stumbled across my favorite quilt store which was having an anniversary sale so the whole store was 30% off. I came across this kit that was just what I was looking for. The next day, I opened the kit and started putting it all together. Once again, to my surprise, I had it done within 24 hours. Go mom go! I must be on a mission.
Here are a few photos.
Thank you Grandpa Ken and Barb
So while out visiting from a brief vacation of inches of snow, Grandpa Ken and Barb decided to gift Jack with his stroller (which also comes with an infant carrier). One day after work we picked it up from Babies R Us (using a coupon of course) and promptly went home and put the stroller together. I couldn't wait, so now it's put together and we stare at it every day in anticipation of our lil-guy to come home and give it a try.
Here is a photo:
And if anyone wonders what kind it is, it's a Chico Keyfit. It came highly recommended by a few friends as well as consumer reports.
I know it's a rather large stroller combo, but I do have the vehicle to transport the stroller it so it shouldn't be a problem. I can't wait to put Jack in it :)
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