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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Final days...end in sight

Michael and I had a doctors appointment on Monday with Dr. Wrennick. Her heart beat is good, all my vitals are chuggin' right along. I finished my 39th week, moving into my final week, and I haven't dialated or made any progress. She is, however, still head down - which is a plus. I had my first set of contractions on Sunday night. They were about 10 minutes apart for about an hour, but then just fizzled off. I've had a few sporatic ones here and there since then, but nothing to get excited over.

I have another doctors appointment with Nadine Thomas on Monday to see if I've made any progress - and another that following Friday morning. If I haven't made any progress or gone into labor, I have to go into the hospital on Monday, the 26th at 3pm. They will put a pill in my cervix to start the softening. I will spend the night, and then they will start me on pitocin the following morning. Its nice to see that there is an ending in sight until we meet our little girl. It would be much more ideal if she came earlier, but I'm ok with having to wait less than just 2 more weeks!!!!

Not to mention, we close on our house on Friday morning. We are still waiting on closing costs and our HUD. This weekend is also Michael's birthday, but he doesn't seem too interested to do anything for it. I'm going to try and sneak him away to at least dinner to celebrate. He is all about working on the house this weekend and getting things moved in. I can't wait until we are all moved in!!

My last day of work is this Friday, so I'll be able to work on the house next week - possibly painting the baby's room and getting things unpacked here and there. We have a lot of people that'll need to come out and do things too - so it'll be good that I'll be off work to take care of everything, while Michael is at work prior to her arrival.

So...lots going on. We are very excited anticipating her big debut. She moves here and there still, but is definitely running out of room. I will miss all her little movements, but look forward to holding her...

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Guesses on date, time, weight?

Any one want to guess when her birth date will be? What she will weigh and at what time???? :)

Answered prayers...

Lots to catch up on...
Ok, so last week, I had an appointment with Dr Desmarais and found that baby M was breech - so we had to schedule a C-Section for July 13th. It was a really hard pill for me to swallow, because as crazy as it sounds, I really wanted to experience the whole 'laboring' process and didn't want surgery either! But oh well...I got over it and had convinced myself it was going to be ok. I was still very scared, as this is SURGERY, but it was what it was...and I didn't have a choice at that point.

I had a quick follow up visit yesterday with Dr Rodriguez, who was scheduled to do my surgery next Tuesday. Michael came with me, so he could meet the doctor. My blood pressure was much higher than normal, but still in the 'safe' zone and the dr didn't seem concerned. I was a nervous wreck! Just kept thinking...this is it...last time I'll be here, and I"ll be in the Operating room in a few days. Dr R immediately brought in the sonogram cart to see if she was still breech - thinking a pelvic exam wasn't necessary if she wasn't head down. She measured my belly, listened to the heart beat, and everything looked fine. She turned on the machine, and felt my belly in my lower pelvic area and hummed... I didn't know what she was going on. She immediately put the sonogram right on my lower pelvis and there she was...her pretty little FACE!!! Doctor said she has a "really nice round head" and is in the right position. WOHOO!!!!! I couldn't believe it and felt like a ton of bricks were taken off my chest - such a relief!!! Soo...needless to say, we cancelled the C-Section and I am just taking it day by day at this point. My cervix is still high and tight, so my best guess is that I'll have to be induced. They usually wait about a week - so they should induce me around the 27th or so...if I make it that far. We are soo excited!! I have another dr appointment on Monday, so hopefully she will stop being an acrobat, and will stay head down!! Fingers crossed!!!!!!

I think at this point, Michael and I have decided on a name...we've changed it ump-teen times, but finally are stuck on a name. We haven't told a single person...not even my USAA insurance agent who begged me to tell her yesterday! haha. I think it'll be a special moment when she arrives, and we can formally introduce her to everyone.

The bank on the house came back and agreed to drop the price to what we requested - SOO...we close on July 16th!! We have gotten all the paperwork to them, so now its just a sit and wait until the day comes. They should be letting us know the closing costs sooner than later, so we can take care of that, but other than that...we are good to go! I signed a POA yesterday too, so if I am unable to be there, Michael can sign all the paperwork with no problems. We absolutely love the house!! We are going to take our time moving in - since we are in no rush to move out of my parents place, and we have the storage unit until the end of August anyways. We'll clean real good, and paint some prior to moving furniture and getting movers. We purchased our appliances and got a great deal on them last weekend, which is nice to have done too! I can't wait to get it all decorated and set up!

We are taking things day by day at this point anticipating her arrival - she could come at a moments notice, and we are ecstatic!! Thank you so much for all your prayers and support...we couldn't have done any of this without you!

Monday, June 21, 2010

29 days left!!

We are definitely at the point of counting down. I have grown more and more uncomfortable each day, but we can't wait to meet our little girl! We are no longer trimesters or even months...we are DAYS away!! 4 weeks left until the due date. Unbelievable!

Last night, Michael and I went through 3 large bins of clothes that were handed down to us from (the ever so wonderful) Kim, and Stacy's cousin. Once we pulled out the 0-3 months clothes, we got them started. LOTS AND LOTS OF PINK!! It was soo fun! And oh the shoes...I'm going to have so much fun! We also went to Babies 'R Us yesterday and picked up some other necessities that we needed. AND we started packing a hospital bag, and put together the pack n play in our room. Tonight, I'll get the laundry folded, organized, and put the sheets on the pack n play, and boppy. Now things are really starting to feel real...

After long discussion, Michael and I think we changed her name...AGAIN!! We have kept the name a secret for the most part, because we just weren't absolutely SURe on it yet. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if we change it within the next couple weeks again...haha...its just such a hard decision!!

As far as the house is going...the inspection went well. Dennis (the inspector) found 2 'larger' problems, but nothing to be too worried about. The A/C unit needs to probably be repaired, and there are a few cracks in the stucco that are holding moisture and need to sealed and repainted. The bank has sent out some Fannie Mae vendors to put in some bids, and then they may come back with some concessions...we'll see. We still love the house, and are really excited about it. Tentative closing date...July 16th...4 days prior to baby's due date. They will be sending a 'mobile' closer, and I'll make Michael my power of attorney, so in the case that I'm in the hospital or incapable...he can sign in my name. Hopefully we'll know more tomorrow on the bid/vendors.

We are still living at my parents house, obviously - but it hasn't been too bad. They were in Sweden picking up a car for my dad this past week, so we had the house to ourselves.

Hope everything for you is going well! I'll try and update this with more news as it comes...

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

**6 weeks until due date**

Today marks only 6 weeks left...the weeks are flying by so fast!
This past week we got everything moved out and ready for the renters. The renters moved in on Saturday 6/5/10. We were overly exhausted - we couldn't believe how much stuff we had. We literally filled our storage unit to the brim...air couldn't fit in there! AND we have a bunch of stuff at my parents house too! Needless to say, we are VERY happy it is over and really couldn't have done it without my parents - they really were a saving grace with it all!

On Saturday, my mom had a baby shower for me at the River House. It was a really great time - Stephanie was even able to make a "Skype" appearance. She played a game with us reading a really great letter to me, which of course made me cry. It was nice that she was able to take a few minutes to join us. I got some really great things, and it was nice to see a bunch of friends I hadn't seen in a long time!

On Sunday, Michael and I went to look at a few more houses, and ended back to one that we had walked around before we started looking. We loved the house and ended up putting an offer on it yesterday morning. Before the end of the day, my realtor called and said there were 2 other offers on the house (of course), so we needed to put our 'highest and best' offer in. Once we decided what we wanted to offer, she sent an email for confirmation of the amount with a pre-qual letter, and then will email the rest of the signed paperwork this morning that we signed last night. Crazy!! Of course, the houses we like others have to jump on at the same time! So...we are at that waiting pool now, and should hear within the next day or two if we have the better bid. I would be REALLY shocked if we weren't the highest...but others could be overly excited about it too...who knows?? **FINGERS CROSSED**

Last night was Michael & I's 2 year anniversary...where has the time gone?? Michael made reservations and surprised me taking me to the Melting Pot!! I LOVE that place!! The food, of course, was OUTSTANDING...and it was nice to have a little alone time and just reminsce about our past and very exciting FUTURE!!

I have a doctors appointment with Desmarais on Thursday. I'm pretty sure its just a routine quick in and out visit, but the next visit they will do more final tests.

We finished our child birth class last week too - and the showers are over until after she is here...soo....its go time!! I have a bunch of Braxton Hicks, so I'm not sure if that is any kind of indicator if she'll be early or not?? I'm hoping she is still head down and we can try for a natural birth...

42 days!!!!

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Moved out...moving on up...33 wks

I have taken pictures, but we've just been extremely busy, so I haven't had a chance to upload them to my computer - I'll try and do that sooner than later.

We did have maternity pictures taken at the beach - thanks to Corinna Hoffman. She did such a great job!! I'll definitely get a few framed immediately to put in her nursery (when we finally get it all set up).
http://corinnahoffman.blogspot.com/2010/06/robin-michaels-maternity-photo-session.html

We ended up finding renters, and they wanted to be in as soon as possible...on a weekend. So Michael and I moved out this past weekend, got a storage place close by, hired movers, and are now living at my parents house. I now know why I hadn't moved in over 7 years...I HATE MOVING!! And its especially hard now being 8 months pregnant, not being able to help much. I feel so incompetant!!

All my doctors appointments have still gone very well - all lab work and everything is looking great. She is still measuring about a week ahead...and OH YEAH...SHE TURNED!!! She is now head down...wohoo! She offered to do a quick sonogram to see where she was. With just feeling, she thought her head was still up, but the sonogram told another story. She's soo cute - her hand was up above her head...which explains the tickling around my pelvic bone!! haha The doctor said she should stay down there, but there is a slight chance she could flip again. She didn't seem too concerned though.

We put an offer on a house last week, but the bid didn't go through. We were up against 2 other bids, and we bid really low because there was a TON of work that needed to be done. It was a little bit of a let down, but we are staying optimistic that our house is out there, and we just haven't found it yet! I feel bad for our realtor, Lisa, having to take us out everywhere!! I'm going to try and go out again on Sunday with her to see if there are any others out there right now that we haven't seen.

My mom is having a baby shower for me this weekend. I'm really excited about it! My friend at work, Brandie, threw me our baby shower at work a couple weeks ago...it was soo nice! She did such a nice job!!

We are down to 7 weeks...less than 50 days. Where has the time gone?????
We can't wait to see, hold, and love unconditionally our little girl!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

31 weeks pregnant - Craziness!

Ok, so today hits 31 weeks complete...I can't believe how fast this is all going!! I'm into my 3rd trimester, and have started my 8th month! Phew...ready or not, here she comes, right??

I had my glucose test a few weeks ago, and everything came back fine. (phew!) My homoglobin dropped a little bit, but she didn't seem to be too concerned yet, since its normal with most pregnancies. All other tests have come back great, and I'm just soo greatful to have had such an easy and fairly flawless pregnancy so far. I still have a feeling she is breech, but I think I've already convinced myself that I'm going to have a C-Section...to at least get my mind prepared for what could be the 'worst'...surgery! I think I've come to terms with it...its just a little disappointing. It can change at any time though. I'm pretty sure she is still head up though... Please keep me in your prayers for her to turn!!

As far as the house hunting...its just been a huge emotional roller coaster. We went and looked at a few more houses this weekend with Lisa and I found the house that would honestly be amazingly perfect for us to grow into; however, its at the top of our 'price range' and would need at least an additional $10,000 of flooring and paint to make it move-in ready. Its a short sale, and they have really let it go to crap, unfortunately. So...that one probably won't be 'the one' (tear) - but we both teeter on other houses...its just such a hard decision. Maybe we haven't found 'the house' yet either, which could be the problem!

On a positive note though, we have had 4 showings on our condo in the past 5 days!! And apparently, there are 2 applications already in process with the rental agency...YEA!! Michael and I have started packing and getting things together to move out. We have talked about getting movers for the furniture and a storage place, but if we have time, we may just ask friends and family to help - we really don't have THAT much stuff. And with a few people, we could knock it out in no time! We'll just have to see how quickly we have to get out - that may make a difference as well. We will move into my parents Golf house for the time being and hopefully figure out a house situation as well...sooner than later. Its going to be MADNESS!! I'm trying to stay relaxed and calm, but its soo hard with everything going on. Not to mention work is going through a merger, and oh...thats a totally different story.

So anyways, thats the latest. Nothing really too exciting, just a lot of craziness trying to get everything worked out.

9 weeks or just 63 days...til DUE DATE!!!!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Update/3D images

Its been quite a while since I've last updated this - so I'll do my best to get everything caught up.

First - Michael and I have decided to take the condo off the market and put it up for rent. In the mean time, we have started house hunting and have fallen in love with a couple houses. We really NEED to find a renter first, to give us peace of mind before putting an offer on a house. So keep us in your prayers for that, please!!

Second - The baby is moving a BUNCH!! I am 28 weeks pregnant, and things are still going very well. I had my glucose screening, hemoglobin test, and Rho Gham shot yesterday. I am measuring right on, and everything looks great so far. I should hear the results of the glucose screen by the end of the week. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't great either. They gave me an orange drink - about 10 oz that I had to drink within 3 minutes, and then had to wait 60 minutes for them to draw blood. Fingers crossed that everything is fine! I've been doing well on my weight too, which is always nice to hear!

On Saturday, Michael and I went to get a 3D/4D sonogoram. And ohhh...she's soo cute!! It happened to be my birthday present. I was 27 weeks, and turned 27 years old. It was the best present EVER!! It was soo nice to see her all cozy inside of me. She is still breach, however, so I am a little nervous about that. The doctor said, yesterday, that if she hasn't turned before 36 weeks, they'll go ahead and schedule a C-Section. So needless to say, I looked up how to turn a breach baby. If you ever have time, take a look...its definitely a good laugh!

Anyways, I'm going to the doctor every 2 weeks now. No more tests until I'm 36 weeks, so the appointments will all be quick.

We should meet our little girl within 12 weeks...YEA!!!







Friday, April 2, 2010

Movin' right along...

This week I hit my 24th week of my pregnancy...only 16 weeks left! Crazy!!! I'm in my 6 month already. Time is going by so fast!!

Michael and I went to meet with a pediatrician last week, and we really liked her. She got her residency at the Children's Hospital in Cincinnati - so it was nice to relate to someone from that area. She was really nice and informative. Its a small practice, and literally right across the street from our condo complex! So we can check that off 'our list'.

Last weekend we met with a child care center - talk about a little overwhelming!! My emotions were at one of its highest points, and I don't even have her yet. It is very convenient though, to where I work - and its a Christian based school with high ratings from DCF. The only thing we didn't like was that you have to pay for 52 weeks of the year - no vacation time, which is definitely a bummer. We are going to check out a couple others in the area and see what they have to offer as well. Such a tough decision!!

This weekend is Easter and the weather has started to warm up again. It was such a cold winter, we were definitely ready for the weather to start changing! We leave the door and windows open all day, which makes it really nice! Sunday, we are having a few people over for brunch at the condo, and my mom wants to have a cookout at the River House. Should be a great weekend :)

Michael and I decided to put the condo up for rent. We listed it through a rental agency, so we'll see how that does. Once we find tenants, we'll buy a house (going to look next weekend) - with high hopes to get this done before Baby M gets here. Trying to stay optimistic :) So please keep us in your thoughts and prayers that we can get this moving!! I already spoke to a mortgage broker, and we would qualify for a loan (the range we are looking in), so I'm hopeful this will all work out just fine. We've taken all the right steps...now just need to find the right people to move in...sooner than later :)

Well thats all for now - Happy Easter!!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

The crib is COMPLETE!!

My parents bought us a crib, and Michael and I put it together last week. And then I ordered the bedding, and it finally came in yesterday - so I put it together...and VOILA...its SOO cute!!!



I absolutely LOVE IT!
Hopefully we'll be able to find a dresser and a rocker/recliner soon to complete the furniture in the room - and then we'll start hanging things on the wall to complete the room.
We've gotten more clothes than we will know what to do with probably for the first 2 years of her life!!!
We are going to try and go register at Babies'R Us this weekend too - eventhough there really isn't much more that we need at this point! AND we don't have the room - so we are trying to be conservative.

This is a picture from 21 weeks...my belly is definitely getting out there, and I'm looking more pregnant that 'fat' at this point, which is good!!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

18 weeks before we meet our baby girl!

I just passed the 22 week mark - I can't believe how fast my pregnancy has gone! We've just been soo busy, so its made time really fly!

I met with Dr. Baird on Monday. He was the first male OB doctor I have seen, and the only one in the practice. He (surprisingly) was fantastic! I felt very comfortable with him - he was very outgoing, talkative, and personable. He was (or at least acted) excited for me that we were having a little girl, which definitely relieved alot of my anxiety over a male doctor. He sat down for at least 20 minutes and told me all about his daughters, and how they gave him the athleticism and anything he would've ever wanted out of a son. I made sure to pass that on to Michael!! He also explained the Rho Gham (spelling) shot, that I will have to get my next visit (I believe)since I am O-. He said all my tests have come back good, and everything is measuring fine. My next appointment is April 12th with the nurse practictioner.

The baby has been very active the last week or so. I feel her move often, and sometimes it is almost tickles. She's going to be quite the wiggle worm!!

I was able to talk to Stephanie in Italy this past weekend. I had my breakfast and she had her Mirenda (snack). I hadn't really spoken to her in a few weeks, so it was nice to catch up. I was able to show her the crib in the baby's room, and ALL the stuff from Kim. Stephanie is doing very well! I would rather her here though...

I've taken a few pictures of my belly progress and the crib, so I'll try and get those off the camera sooner than later and post them. I ordered the bedding for her crib, and it should be in by Monday.

Until next time...

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Almost confirmed!!

Well Michael and I are pretty sure on her name, but we are down to figuring out her middle name to make it "complete" before we make it publicly known. We haven't changed our mind since we made somewhat of a decision about a week ago - so just figuring out the middle will make it perfect! :) I'll keep you posted!!

So tonight, I got a wonderful phone call from my great friend Chea. She moved to Boise about 3 years ago, and everything is going well with her and Chris. She was really worried about me because I didn't update my blog soon enough once we found out the sex of the baby. Poor thing! I felt soo bad; but needless to say, it was soo nice to catch up for about an hour! I wish them nothing but the best...and hope to see her sooner than later. Maybe Mothers Day weekend??? ...Wishful thinking :)

Anyways, everything is still going great with my pregnancy. I am 21 weeks today!!
The crib is suppose to be at the store for pickup by tomorrow, so I'm really looking forward to getting it and getting things situated in her room.

Last Saturday, we went to the Dempseys and they ended up giving us all kinds of things for our "Princess Maushart". Everything from a swing, to 2 rocker/vibrating chair thingys, to TONS of clothes, pacifiers, bottles, a pump, bumbo, boppies, exersaucer...and the list goes on! We filled the entire back of my SUV (both rows of seats were down)! The whole way home, with each bump something new jingled, vibrated or sang. It was too funny! Half of the things I don't know how to use or put together, but I'm sure we'll figure it out as things go on. So that'll be my project while Michael puts the crib together this weekend. Some of it needs to be cleaned/washed and I need to better organize all of it, so it isn't such a mess in that room! I can't thank them enough though for their generosity. Not only did they let us borrow this stuff, she has given me more knowledge on what to expect, look forward to, try, test, avoid...etc etc. We are soo lucky to have such wonderful friends! AND I can't wait for our little girl to get old enough to interact with Sophia (who is now 1) so we can have play dates!!

I have an OB visit with Dr Baird on Monday, and then I think the following test is the Glucose test, which I heard is oh so fun! I'm just hoping my body has been able to regulate itself and I don't have a problem with insulin or anything. But I guess, what is meant to be will be. I'm taking everything day by day and enjoying this phase in my life. :)

She has been quite active lately, which is a really neat feeling. I'm trying to get Michael to feel her, but I don't think he knows what he is feeling for at this point. Its still very subtle, and I get excited each time I feel it, so he loses any feeling when my stomach muscles clinch with excitement. I'm sure it'll happen sooner than later though - and she'll be kicking me uncomfortably hard!

I can't wait to meet her!!!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

ITS A GIRL!!!!

So its definitely been a whirl wind of excitement the past couple weeks. We went on February 19th to get the sonogram to find out the sex of the baby. Both Michael and I were pretty convinced it is boy because I haven't been sick, and really have had an amazing pregnancy. Once we were in there, the tech measured her head, bones, and her big belly. Everything was measuring either right on the date or a few days ahead of schedule (no real surprise). She said the baby looked really healthy, but don't be surprised if she's a bigger baby when she arrives (again, no real surprise...see my husband!). She kept saying she already saw "it", but wanted us to see it before she says anything. At this point, Michael and I didn't have any idea what we were looking at. The baby had its legs tucked up and crossed, so you couldn't see between the legs. I kept looking for the slightest sign of a penis, because again, thats what I was anticipating. I told the tech I wasn't leaving the room until we figured out the sex - it was serious! haha. She kept shaking my belly to have its legs open up some, but it was all curled up and tucked. After a few minutes, I finally said...ok, can you just tell us if you saw a penis?? She immediately said "no". I screamed "WHAT!?!? Are you serious???" She said yes. I was just in total shock and couldn't believe it. I think I was the only excited one in the room at the time. Michael was like a sad puppy, and pretty speechless. Just what he needs...another female in the house!!! LOL

Once she said she was a girl, she opened up her legs and we were able to get a few pictures confirming that she is DEFINITELY female.






I am just so excited, and can't believe we're having a baby. Its becoming so real now!

Last weekend, Michael and I went to Babies R US and bought the crib mattress (OMG), and then we also went to BJ's and bought our first box of diapers (OMG!!). Soo insane! I'm going to be a MOM!!! This weekend, we are going to order the crib - yea!!

The last couple of days I've really "popped" too. I look and feel a lot more pregnant than before. She even kicked me on the couch the other night...she's my little alien! haha.

AND...I think Michael and I decided on a name, but we haven't revealed it yet to everyone yet. I want to make sure we don't change our mind or come up with a different name before we let everyone know. I think we are pretty set though, but we'll see.

We are soo excited!! And I think Michael is coming around a little more each day. We aren't going to go too crazy on the pink, but she will wear dresses, put bows in her hair, and have cute shoes. He was forewarned!!

A big thanks to all our friends and family for the love and support during the past 20 weeks! We are just soo excited!!

Monday, February 15, 2010

We find out the sex of the baby on FRIDAY!!!!

Oh gosh, I am just soo beside myself with excitement, I'm about to burst!!

Ok - so today, I had a doctors appointment - just a regular OB appointment with Dr Wrennick. She said all my lab work has come back normal and everything looks good so far. She was able to find the heart beat really quick, and it sounds great too! (No panic attacks this time!) She said that she will be scheduling two appointments for me today, one in 2 weeks for the "big ultrasound" and another in 4 weeks (another OB visit). I begged and pleaded with her (I even threw in the 'pretty please' with my hands in the praying position) to have the ultrasound this Friday instead of next Friday. She said they normally do them closer to 20 weeks, which I was fully aware of, but made mention that everyone is DYING to know the sex of the baby (including myself) and I can't hardly wait any longer. So she said that if there were any openings, she'll see if she could fit me in this Friday. I was like a little kid in a candy shop...just soo exciting and grinning from ear to ear!!!! As she was listening to the heart beat, she asked if I had any idea what the sex of the baby was, and I said I think its a boy...and then I asked if she could tell from the sound of the heartbeat or anything. She said the heartbeats are an old wives tale, and isn't always true. She guessed a girl since she only has a 50/50 shot. hahaha. Too funny!

Anyways, I got my blood drawn again...I think she said it was more nuchal tests. And I set my appointment for the ultrasound on FRIDAY, FEB 19th at 9:30AM!!! WOHOO! I want to do something special for it to tell everyone, but I haven't quite figured out if I'm going to let it leak out slowly or tell everyone at one time. Michael and I will have to talk about it. I can't wait to see everyones reaction...including mine!! I know it'll be a pleasant surprise all the way around! I'm SOO EXCITED!!!!!

Stay tuned...

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Recap - 15 weeks today!

Ok, so I have slacked quite a bit on blogging and updating what all is going on. So here it all goes...
First, Anna and I went out to celebrate her 26th birthday (we're getting soo old)! I hadn't seen her since I had found out I was pregnant (in Nov), so it was nice to catch up and hang out for a few hours at Cheesecake Factory!


Two weekends ago, Kevin & Jennifer Compton came to visit and brought their 7 month old pup Winston. Palmer thought she was queen of the roost of course, and didn't care how big Winston was, compared to her mere 15lbs!

While they were here, we went to St Augustine for the day - walked down St George St, and went to the Lighthouse. It was a lot of fun. Neither Michael or I had ever done it before, so it was nice to check it out. Apparently, it is haunted (per Ghost Hunters, and the women who work in the gift shop), so Jennifer and I listened to a couple of the ghost stories for a while too...very fascinating!! AND 219 steps UP...we made it to the top! Very cool...I highly suggest it if you haven't done it!



Afterwards, we went over to the Perez's for dinner at their NEW HOUSE! We all had such a great time just hanging out, we ended up taking it to Dave & Busters afterwards and played around for a few more hours. It was a great (long) day!! Sunday, Michael & Kevin played golf at the beach, and it happened to be one of the most windy days in Florida history, so needless to say, they didn't play very well, but they still had a good time. Jennifer and I went shopping, had lunch, and then got a pedicure (LOVE IT!). We ended up making dinner and staying up at the River House and they left Monday after lunch. Its nice that Kevin & I are able to maintain our friendship...we've known each other for 23 years!!

Anyways, this past weekend, we met up with the Dempseys!! Mike had been gone away with the Navy, so we hadn't seen him in a while. We ended up meeting at Sonny's for lunch and then went to the zoo. We all had a really great time, despite it started to sprinkle towards the end. I think Sophia had had enough anyways!! Here are a few pictures from the zoo...


I fed a giraffe too!


Anyways...thats the update!
I don't have any appointments until Feb 15th - so stay tuned!!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

14 weeks!

Yesterday, I had a routine OB visit and met with Dr Rodriguez. This was the first time I had met her. She was nice - very straight forward. I was weighed, gave a urine sample, and then met with her. She said all my blood work and urine looked great. I have already gained 7 lbs (yikes), so I'm going to start going to our community gym (since Michael won't let me workout at Baileys with all the germs...boo!). Next, she had me lay down - she measured my belly (still little), and used a doppler to listen to the heartbeat. It took a long time, and she still couldn't find out. I was really nervous, as I was by myself and just didn't know what to think. She had to go get a sonogram machine to find the baby. After a few minutes, she brought one in, turned the monitor away, and after a few seconds (felt like minutes), I asked if she saw the heartbeat. THANKFULLY, she said "yes", and turned the monitor so I could see it too. PHEWWWW...I can't even begin to tell you how nervous I was. My first thought was...how was I going to tell Michael that something has happened?? Then I kept telling myself...everything happens for a reason, what is meant to be will be...

I think I was just mentally exhausted the rest of the day. I really freaked out. The doctor even said she could tell I was nervous, but she wasn't nervous - as the baby is still very small, and is swimming all over the place, so it is hard to find. Not to mention, my bladder was already full, so that hindered the doppler as well. Hopefully next time, there won't be so much of a scare!!

So far, I'm feeling great and still taking it day by day. I set another appointment for February 15th with Dr. Wrennick, which is just another routine OB visit. And THEN...within 2-4 weeks after that, I'll be able to come in to find out the sex of the baby!!! YEAAAAA...still thinking its a boy, but we'll see. My sister is still convinced that I am carrying "Stephanie Jr" inside me...haha. Can't wait to find out! Then I can go SHOPPING!!!!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Out of my first Trimester...phew!! AWESOME Sonogram Video!!!

First Trimester...CHECK!!

We had a really great appointment yesterday. They tested for Downs Syndrome, and the nurse said that the back of the neck looked great so far. They took some of my blood too to do the rest of the testing to make sure I don't carry the gene. I have an OB visit on the 19th with Dr Rodriguez (another doc in the practice) and I'm sure they'll let me know if there were any problems then.

When we went in for the sonogram, I had a VERY full bladder thinking that I was going to have to give a urine sample, like all other times. When they brought us back, she said I didn't have to give a sample, so I asked if I could use the restroom really fast, she was all excited that I had a full bladder because apparently it pushes the baby up higher and its easier to see on the video. But she didn't understand...I had an EXTREMELY full bladder. She wanted to see what she could get and give it a try. After about a minute or two, I let her know that if she pushed on my stomach anymore, she was going to have a mess all over her table. I REALLY had to go!!! haha. So after I used the restroom, I was back in business. Once we got it back on, the baby started waking up and was moving a little more...it ended up getting hiccups and was bouncing all over the place. It was SOO neat!! I couldn't believe it! We were in utter awe...such a priceless moment.

So make sure you have a good 4 minutes, and watch the video...its well worth the time!!
We should find out the sex of the baby in about a month...I should get that appointment date on the 19th...can't wait!!!!

Monday, January 4, 2010

Catch up!

Tomorrow I will be 12 weeks...crazy! Almost out of my first trimester! We have another doctors appointment on Friday for a nuchal sonogram, which measures the back of the baby's neck testing for downs syndrome. I believe they will do a blood test from me as well...we'll see.

Christmas came and went very quickly! It was nice to have a long 4 days off from work to just take it easy. We spent Christmas day with my parents and Stephanie; opening presents first thing in the morning, Michael made his infamous french toast, we went to St Johns to feed the elderly, and then came back home for a nice Christmas dinner. Michael's family came in town the next day. We did "Christmas" on Sunday with them. They were a really big help cleaning out the back room and moving the furniture. We installed new carpeting in our master bedroom and in the nursery - it looks SOO nice!!

Stephanie officially made her way to Italy for 12 months. She will be able to come back for 2 weeks in July, which works out perfectly for the baby! It was really hard for me to say goodbye - since she really won't be here to see any of my pregnancy. She will be able to Skype and email, of course. Its just hard to believe how much different our lives will be when she returns...because I'll be a mom and she'll be an aunt. I'm just hardly showing, and I'll have a BABY in 6 months...insane! Can you tell this is still very hard to believe?? Steph went over with my mom, grandma, Patty, and Christine. My aunt Patty has free text messenging over there, so I got a text from her today saying they were sitting down for lunch and will be heading to the Trevi fountain afterwards to get a tie for Michael (per his request). I'm soo happy for her...I just wish I was able to go with her or at least visit while she is experiencing this!!

Anyways...no real updates as far as the baby goes. Still taking it day by day. My belly gets MUCH bigger as the day progresses and is much smaller when I wake up in the morning. I think my muscles relax and loosen as the day goes?? I don't know...just a thought. See below what I looked like at 11wks, 2 days (which was last week) - just a little bit of a baby bump. Its not enough to tell that I'm pregnant..just enough to think I got carried away with the big meals over the holidays!! haha
More updates to come soon...