I'm tired.  I didn't sleep but maybe an hour last night what with the IV and fetal monitor cords and  the cathadar tubes  twisting every time I moved, the blood pressure cuff tightening every time I started to doze, and the mattress not allowing my hips any relief.  Exhaustion, hunger for something more substantial than a cup of broth, the magnesium causing extreme dizziness, plus lots of anxiety caused a wee bit of a sobbing meltdown and contractions this morning.  I've tried to rest today, but have not gotten much sleep.  I finally saw my doctor this afternoon. He won't consider releasing me until tomorrow at the earliest. He wants me maintaining status quo.  And once I'm released, I'm on bed rest because of (TMI ALERT) my cervix being short and soft--two things that indicate labor isn't far off--and the strong contractions I was having all day yesterday.  I'm disappointed. I had such HIGH hopes of getting our home ready. For us to live in. For...

Jumble of thoughts. So many emotions.  I'm currently being monitored at the hospital for preterm labor. I'm 33 weeks 5 days. She currently only weighs a little over 4 lbs. I went in for my twice weekly non-stress test, and I had significant contractions the entire time.  The baby is still breech. I'm 70% effaced. If she comes, I have to have surgery. I'm freaking out. Freaking out. I'm so sad. And scared. And worried about bills. The Husband hasn't been at his job long enough to have any paid vacation leave, so any work he misses we lose pay. I'm beyond stressed about the house not being anywhere ready to live in. I'm frustrated that I haven't been able to unpack most of the stuff we have.  Please pray.  Please pray that she will stay put. That she will turn. That she will gain weight. That my house will miraculously get unpacked and repaired in the meantime. That I will be able to live in my new house before my baby is born.  That Ja...

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with Hadley and with Jack, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.  Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  33 weeks - Third Trimester Size of baby:   Baby Girl weighs as much as a honeydew melon (around 4 1/4 pounds) Total weight gain/loss :  So far I've gained a whopping 23 pounds.  I hate being weighed now. Maternity clothes:   I do try to put on clothes other than my pajamas, but some days that doesn't happen until well into the afternoon just so I can go for a walk and be somewhat presentable. Gender:  A stubborn, breech baby girl ;) Movement :  She stays curled up on my right side, butt out, and periodically bounces ...

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with Hadley and with Jack, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.  Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  32 weeks - Third Trimester Size of baby:   Baby Girl weighs as much as a head of lettuce Total weight gain/loss :  So far, I'm up 22 pounds total this pregnancy. Maternity clothes:   Anything that still fits Gender:   a very breech baby girl Movement :  Kicking/moving when I'm holding Jack or lying down Sleep :  Sleep has become a fleeting thing. What I miss :  Sleeping through the night and giving full-on hugs Cravings :  chocolate chip ice cream Symptoms : acid reflux and a full bladder ...

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with Hadley and with Jack, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.  Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  31 weeks - Third Trimester Size of baby:   Baby Girl weighs as much as a head of lettuce (about 3.1 pounds)-- I'm not sure about length Total weight gain/loss :  I'm up 21 1/2 pounds. Maternity clothes:   The last pair of non-maternity shorts I could fit into, now threaten to cut off circulation in my hips, so I have put them away :(   Gender:   A sweet girl Movement :  She's mostly active during the times I'm holding Jack (I guess she's irritated with him encroaching on her space.) and at night when I'm in bed. S...

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with Hadley and with Jack, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.  Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  30 weeks - Third Trimester Size of baby:   Baby Girl is around 17 inches crown to feet and weighs as much as a butternut squash (about 3 pounds) Total weight gain/loss :  So far, I'm up a lot.  A lot.  20 pounds at least. Maternity clothes:   Anything that still fits over my belly and my behind. Gender:   A sweet baby girl Movement :  Not as much movement during the day, but during my NSTs I feel her a lot.  She has been "stuck" on my right side, head up for a longggggg time.  I'm REALLY hoping she tur...

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with Hadley and with Jack, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.  Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  29 weeks - Third Trimester Size of baby:   Baby Girl is 17 inches crown to feet and weighs as much as a small cabbage (about 2 1/2 pounds--the ultrasound technician said she weighed 2 lbs 5 oz at my appointment last Tuesday.) Total weight gain/loss :  I have gained 19 pounds so far. Maternity clothes:   I *heart* maternity clothes :) Gender:   A very upside down baby girl :)  Hoping she'll make that big turn in the next few weeks! Movement :  I think she's active.  I feel her mostly when I'm holding Jack before ...

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with Hadley and with Jack, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.  Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  28 weeks - Third Trimester!! Size of baby:   Baby Girl is 16 inches crown to feet and weighs (according to the ultrasound) 2 pounds 5 ounces Total weight gain/loss :  I was still at 18 1/2 pounds gained at my last appointment on Friday. Maternity clothes:   Anything that's cozy and doesn't squeeze my burgeoning belly too tightly Gender:   Still a girl ;) Movement :  She's pretty good at letting me know she's there! Sleep :  Um, not awesome, but I guess it could be worse. What I miss :  Sleeping on my back; ...

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with Hadley and with Jack, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.  Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  27 weeks Size of baby:   Baby Girl is 15 inches crown to feet - the size of a cucumber Total weight gain/loss :  I've gained 18 1/2 pounds so far.  I hate being weighed now. Maternity clothes:   Maternity pants, shirts, skirts, and cotton shorts and t-shirts Gender:   A baby girl who is very active Movement :  I think she's very active.  During my NST's every week, her movements are recorded, and she seems to really be moving in there. Sleep :  I wake up two to three times a night to go to the bathroom. ...

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with Hadley and with Jack, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.  Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  26 weeks Size of baby:   Baby Girl is a little over 9 inches long (crown to rump)--the size of an  average rutabaga --  13 1/2 or so inches crown to feet Total weight gain/loss :  At least 16 pounds so far. Maternity clothes:   Whatever is comfortable and allows me to be on the floor with Jack.  Shorts, shirts, dresses, skirts, pajamas. Gender:   A sweet baby girl Movement :  I feel her move quite a bit, but I really feel her when I'm holding Jack. Sleep :  Sleep has been fine. What I miss : ...

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with Hadley and with Jack, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.  Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  25 weeks Size of baby:   Baby Girl is 9 or so inches long (crown to rump)--the size of an eggplant--  12 or so inches crown to feet Total weight gain/loss : At my appointment last Friday, the scale showed that I've gained 15 pounds so far. Holy.  Moly. Maternity clothes:   Pajamas, shorts, maxi skirts, and shirts.  Maternity dresses and tops. Gender:   A sweet baby girl :) Movement :  She was very, very active during both non-stress tests I had last week, but other than those days, either I'm too busy to notice o...

I promised a week ago that I'd post a name poll (especially for Aunt Jan!) before they all leave on their trip next week, and I completely forgot about it until 11pm last night.  Oops! Forgotten.  That's my memory lately, Folks. So, this is probably too late for you, Aunt Jan, but here it is anyway.  Have fun voting! Oh, and Mom, you better put your poker face on when Aunt Jan grills you ;) Just practice smiling and saying, "You'll find out in August!" :D I loved ALL of these! The Husband...not so much!  Which name is your favorite, or which do you think we've chosen for our baby girl?   Sawyer Hope   Ella Hope   Hensley Hope   Lillian Hope   Everly Hope   Laurel Hope    pollcode.com free polls  

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with Hadley and with Jack, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.  Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  24 weeks Size of baby:   Baby Girl is 8 1/2 or so inches long (crown to rump)--the size of an ear of corn--  11 1/2 or so inches crown to feet Total weight gain/loss : At my last appointment a couple of weeks ago, I was a whopping 12 1/2 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight.  I'll go back to the doctor for my NST appointments starting this week, but I'm not sure if they'll weigh me or wait until my actual prenatal appointment. Maternity clothes:   Maternity jeans and shirts; regular dresses, shirts, maxi skirts, and comfy cotton shorts...

Ok, there is a  pregnancy highlights post below, but I COULD NOT RESIST posting these pics of Jack.  He is pure sunshine 97% of the day.  The other 3% of grumpiness happens usually during dinner (or those moments he's really feeling the separation anxiety), and I blame it on being tired. Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with Hadley and with Jack, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.  Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  23 weeks Size of baby:   Baby Girl is 8 or so inches long (crown to rump), 11 or so inches crown to feet--the size of a papaya (and she was weighing 1 lb 2 oz at my appointment) Total weight gain/loss :  Holy moly, y'all.  As o...

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with Hadley and with Jack, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.  Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  22 weeks Size of baby:   Baby Girl is 8 inches long (crown to rump), 11 inches crown to feet--the size of a spaghetti squash. Total weight gain/loss : I head to my doctor's office this week, so I should find out how much I've gained in the last month. Maternity clothes:   same 'ol thing (pajamas, jeans, comfy shirts) Gender:  A sweet baby girl Movement :  She's had very active moments this week! Sleep :  Sleeping has been ok; there have actually been a few nights where I haven't had to get up to go to the bathroom, but t...

First, today is The Husband's birthday!!! Happy birthday, My Love!  I hope you had a wonderful day! Second, I made a cake for him.  It was the first time I've made a cake from scratch.  Heck, it was the first time I've made a cake period.  It wasn't too difficult (although the "glaze" was more like icing), and it turned out yummy. :)   I found the recipe here .   Now, on to today's previously scheduled post... Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with Hadley and with Jack, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.  Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  21 weeks Size of baby:   Baby Girl is 7 inches long (crown to rump), 10 1/2 inches crown to feet--the size...

1.  Yesterday, we got to have our growth scan ultrasound.  I was super nervous.  A lot played into those feelings, but I'm so glad to report that everything looks good.  The amniotic sac is fused with the uterine lining, so that's a big load off.  Her heart looks good, and she has a strong heartbeat (145-ish).  She's measuring right on track (20 weeks and 1 day yesterday), and even a little bit ahead on one or two things (she's weighing 12 ounces, which is a tiny bit bigger than what they estimate little ones this age will weigh). Our appointment lasted about an hour, and the technician took tons of pictures.  She'll pass them along to the radiologist, who will check everything out.  Then, he will pass his report on to my doctor/midwife. Oh, and we made sure she's still a girl :). 2. Here are a few shots from yesterday.  I tried to convince the tech to get a cute side profile shot, but she said the side profiles aren't really informative....

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my pregnancies with both Hadley and with Jack, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.   Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  20 weeks -- HALF WAY! Size of baby:   Baby Girl is 6 1/2 inches long (crown to rump), 10 inches crown to feet--the size of a banana Total weight gain/loss : As of my last appointment a couple of weeks ago, I'm 6.5 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight. I have been eating like a maniac, and I feel huge.  Maternity clothes:   Pajamas and comfy shirts/sweats.  Occasionally, I'll put on the maternity jeans and maternity shirts, but I mostly stay cozy. It did warm up the other day, and I actually put on a spri...

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my two previous pregnancies, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.   Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  18 weeks  Size of baby:   Baby Love is 5.5 inches long and the size of a sweet potato. Total weight gain/loss :  I haven't weighed myself this week, but I see the midwife/doctor Thursday, so I'll know then.  Maternity clothes:   Comfy tops, maternity shirts, pajamas or gym shorts/pants (see embarrassing picture below to confirm) Gender:   A sweet baby girl Movement :  I have felt a few kicks/jabs the last few days! Sleep :  I still have to get up at least once a night to make my nightly trip to the bathroom. W...

Each Sunday, I'd like to do a  highlights post , including a picture, summarizing the differences in my pregnancy from week to week.  I totally "grabbed" this idea from  Kelly .  I did this with my two previous pregnancies, as well, and I still think it is a great way to jot down the things that I don't want to forget later on.   Pregnancy Highlights: How far along :  17 weeks  Size of baby:   Sweet Baby is 5 inches long and the size of a turnip. Total weight gain/loss :  Since finding out I was pregnant, I've gained 5.5 pounds. Maternity clothes:   Pajamas, pajamas, pajamas, long skirts, loose or fitted tops, and a few maternity tops.  I can't find the maternity jeans The Bestie loaned me.  They must be hanging in my closet at the condo.  Bummer. Gender:   We know the gender!  We've only been to the doctor once this pregnancy, but they had to do the ultrasound to determine h...