34 weeks

Had a check-up yesterday! My BP reading was good (132/82), so Dr. Tomjack will let me keep being pregnant :)

The baby's heartrate was 162 yesterday, and the estimated weight from the ultrasound is 5lb. 11 oz. The baby's measurements put him/her at 35 weeks 3 days. So, good news is baby is still estimated to be on the big side, so if we have to deliver early that will be good! Baby was opening and closing his/her mouth kind of like a fish :)

The tech got another 3D picture for us. Look at those chubby cheeks!!!!!

A Perfect 3-year-old

Amelia had her 3-year check-up this afternoon with Dr. Bargen. She's such a fabulous lady--we just love her!!

Amelia is doing really well growth-wise. She's 29lbs (32nd percentile) and 36 5/8 inches (38th percentile). And she's in the 25-50 percentile for BMI. Dr. Bargen was really impressed with her being potty trained so quickly and overnights already, too. She said she's very articulate with her speech and she's very smart. She knows tons of her colors, and shapes! In Dr. Bargen's words, "A perfect 3-year-old." (I had to remind myself of that this afternoon when I fought her for an hour to go down for a nap).

Amelia did really well with her shot--she cried pretty good, and milked it for a bit. But overall, she did really well at the doctor's office. It's nice to know that her experience there goes okay so that she's not totally freaked out everytime we go!

Pregnancy update and 33 week check-up!

Over the last several weeks I've started to have some issues with my blood pressure. I went to another doctor a few weeks ago to have a lump in my abdomen checked out (a pea-sized lump that is not the baby. It turns out its fine right now, and we'll probably have it removed after baby comes), and they got BP readings of 150s/100s. So they told me to keep an eye on it over the weekend and into Monday and if the readings didn't get better, that I was to call my OB. So they didn't improve much, and I called my OB and they had me set up an appt to see him. Since then, he's put me on a BP medication and I've had appointments weekly for 4 weeks in a row now. My appt yesterday we got BP readings that he felt were acceptable, but he still wasn't excited over. So he doubled my morning dose of BP meds. On top of the appointments, I now have weekly non-stress tests and ultrasounds to check the baby's amniotic fluid. The NSTs are a little boring (at least I get to hear the baby's heartbeat), but it stinks because I have to stay awake for it--I would love to nap during this time..... The ultrasounds are always great, because, come on, how exciting to SEE the baby!!!!

This last time the ultrasound tech informed us that the baby has a lot of hair--you can see it on the screen!!! She also showed us a bunch of little fat rolls on the back of the baby's neck! And I quote, "See all those little fat rolls on the back of the baby's neck?!? Like a little shar pei puppy!!!!" So with all the hair and fat rolls "like a shar pei puppy" maybe we are indeed having a puppy--Amelia did say that several months back when we asked her if the baby was a boy or a girl.... I should have some U/S pictures to post next week. We'll be having a size check on the baby at next week's ultrasound and she usually prints some pictures then.

So Dr. Tomjack said that my BP readings can only get worse or stay the same, they won't get better until delivery. So if they continue to be okay, he'll let me keep being pregnant. If they continue to get worse, then we'll be delivering early. He did say that after next week, we may not do anything to stop early labor. But overall, it sounds like he's thinking this will probably be another induction around 37/38 weeks.

That's all for now--except some pictures of my expanding body!!!!

^Some of my maternity shirts are working really hard these days....

Super Sibling!!

This past Sunday we took Amelia to a Super Sibling class that was held at Bryan. We told her it was a "Big Sister" class where we'll talk about how to be a good big sister. She was pretty excited about it. When we got there, the lady running the class (Lisa) met us in the hallway so we knew where to go. She asked what Amelia's name was and Amelia told her, "Amelia. It starts with an 'A' like this...." And she proceeded to draw an 'A' in the air for her to see. Lisa said "Amelia with an 'A' come over here where the class is!!" Then Amelia said, "I'm also three." She was very outgoing.

Lisa got everyone seated and she asked "Who here is going to be a big brother or big sister?!?!" Amelia was very overzealous and stood on her chair and yelled, "I AM!!!" She acted almost as if it was amazing that Lisa knew that!!! We started the class of by watching a short video with a crazy scientist guy who covered very quickly the basics on what big brothers and sisters could do to help. It was a good video, and Amelia thought the fella was funny.

After the video the kids practiced changing a baby's diaper (Amelia is a pro at this--her dolls have dirty diapers all the time), feeding the baby, and swaddling the baby. The kids also used fabric markers on little hats to make gifts for the new baby. Then Lisa took everyone upstairs to show the kids the hospital rooms where the babies will be born (they're quite swanky--I want to live there.... they have room service you know...).

Here are some pictures from Amelia's special Big Sister day!!!



^Getting ready to clean up baby and put a new diaper on. I especially like how she cranked the doll's legs as far as they would go!


^Putting on a new diaper--we may have her practice this quite a lot, so she can be the official diaper-changer. We'll have to tell her she can't crank baby's legs up like in the previous picture.


^Swaddling

^Feeding baby

^Making her new baby a hat.

^Enjoying our snack!

^The hospital tour. She did a really good job listening!!

Amelia's 3rd Birthday

We celebrated Amelia's 3rd birthday last weekend. She actually turns 3 this Saturday (11-27). She had her list of things that she wanted (a puppy, a guitar, and a red DS). I have to say we did pretty good, because we got 2 of the 3 items she asked for. I just don't think she's quite ready for a DS, so she'll be getting one of those learning handheld games for Christmas.

Anyway, she seemed to have a super time, and the first thing she did when everyone got here was open her presents. She tore through them like a professional!! She got a guitar, a stuffed puppy, a tricycle, a Toy Story Barbie, a Ken doll, Toy Story 3, and a talking Woody doll. She seemed pretty pleased with the stuff as she was going through them like crazy. Then, at the end of the gift opening, she said "I thought I was getting a DS?" Maybe that's why she was ripping through all that wrapping paper so fast!!!! She's still happy with everything she got and she plays with Woody all the time and takes him everywhere.

(^opening presents)

(^riding her new trike, its one of the only ones she's been able to pedal)

(^not sure what she's waiting for/upset about, but it's a cute pic!)

31 weeks-check up

So we've had a few appointments in the last few weeks to check my blood pressure. They started getting elevated readings (150s/90-100s), so the doctor has put me on blood pressure medication, and we had it rechecked this week (130s/70s). He's happier with these last numbers--so no bed rest yet!!!! Yay!!! The baby is doing really well--moving a lot and the heart rate has been 130s and 150s. I'm noticing that the heart rate seems to be lower numbers when the baby is sleeping (which makes sense!).

We had an ultrasound today to make sure the baby's fluids are okay and that the higher BP readings aren't affecting the little one. We didn't cave, so we still don't know what we are having. But we did get a 3D image of the baby's face (see below)!! The baby is measuring at 33 weeks 4 days (2 weeks ahead), the estimated weight is 4lb 7oz, and the heart rate was 154. We got to see him practice breathing and sucking his hand--so precious!!!

We can't see the mouth in this picture because the umbilical cord is covering it up, but he has the same button nose as Amelia, and he might be frowning by the looks of the furrowed brow.

29 Week Check-up

So we had a regular check-up today to see how the baby is doing. Everything is great! I measured right on, my BP was only 110/80 (super for anyone, and super-super for me!!! It's never that low!!). The baby's heartrate was 138, so it's dropped pretty regularly since the beginning. It was a pretty uneventful check-up, but always good to hear Little One's heart :)

Amelia has been saying the baby is a boy. On almost a daily basis, someone asks her if the baby is a boy or a girl. She must have been pretty fed-up with it last week because she said "The baby is a boy! Why you keep saying that!?!?!?"

I don't think she'll be disappointed if the baby ends up being a girl.... she'll probably be so caught up in being a big sister, she won't even remember what she said!!!

Halloween 2010

So this year was a pretty special Halloween for Amelia, as it was the first we've actually been Trick-or-treating door-to-door. We borrowed a costume from our daycare provider (Thanks Julie!!), and it was quite a hit! We had tons of compliments, and people just thought it was hilarious.

Friday evening, Amelia and I went to Boo at the Zoo with our friend, Kirk and Rachel and their boys, Alec and Colton. Luke was out of town again, so he couldn't come. On Halloween night, we visited our next-door neighbors, and went across the street to say hi to Aunt Naynay. Then we jogged across town to visit Amelia's surrogate grandparents here in Lincoln, Jane and Dave Polson. We went inside and chatted with them for a bit and then we headed out to the Highlands to Trick-or-treat with a coworker of mine and her family. They have three boys, and one is just a few months older than Amelia, so he showed her the ropes.

It was a pretty nice evening, a little cool, but still comfortable. Amelia got the hang of it real quick and was hitting the houses like a pro. Since we've always gone to people we know, she was a little confused at first. She asked "Why don't we go inside their house?!?" But after a bit, she understood how it worked. At one house, she saw a giant TV on their wall downstairs, and she leaned over and said "What are you watching?" Little Miss Nosy!!! The lady laughed and told her they were watching football. At another house, where they also had a little girl about 2-ish, Amelia wanted to go inside and play with her toys. Then when we were leaving, she tried to take a toy lawnmower from their yard! Silly girl! Overall, we had a good evening with good friends. We didn't get as big of a stash as I thought we might, but that's good... last thing we need is candy lasting 'til next Halloween!!

^Amelia riding a chicken!

^We even got her in her carseat with the suit on!! I couldn't stop laughing!!

^Colton, Amelia, and Alec at Boo at the Zoo

^Baby and I dressed up too!

Baby Update

We had our regular check up today on Baby #2! We are at 25 weeks right now. I measured 25 cm, so baby growth and weight gain for me are right on. The baby's heart rate was 148, so it's still about the same. My blood pressure was a little elevated, but nothing to worry about now. We'll just watch it and make sure I'm not getting headaches or blurred vision. And yay!! I passed my glucose test with flying colors! I guess all that studying helped :) Our next appointment is in 4 weeeks, then we start going every 2!! Time sure flies--I can't wait to meet this baby!!!! :)

Here are some bump pictures:

(20 weeks--9/5)




















(25 weeks--10/11)

Amelia the Hilarious

Since I'm behind on posting on some of the funny stuff Amelia says I'm going to post several from the last few weeks here!!

*A couple of weeks ago, Jaymi was rubbing my belly and she said, "Amelia, is my baby sister in here?"

Amelia: "No!"
Jaymi: "Well, then is my baby brother in there?"
Amelia: "There's only one, Naynay, you have to share!!"

*Last weekend, we were at a restaurant and it was Luke's turn to take Amelia to the bathroom. When he came back he told us what she said in there...... "Hannah says this is a 'magina' (pointing to her privates), but it's really a 'peepee'!!!!" She kept saying 'magina' at the table very loudly, and we had the attention of the entire section.... we had to tell her it's not a bad word, but she shouldn't say it so much! Silly child!

*We were eating after church yesterday, and Amelia was offering up some of her fruit to everyone at the table. She asked me if I wanted a green one (honeydew). I said no, but asked "Can I have a yellow one?" She said sassily, "I think you forgot something....." I guess even I need to be reminded to say please!!

*Last night we were coming home from some friends' house and Amelia saw a big semi truck with people on the side. She said, "Did you see that truck with people on it?" We told her we did... she said "They buy people??" I guess she's more used to seeing trucks with cupcakes and chips on the side!

Amelia-isms

Last Friday we went out to supper with Luke's grandparents. We were trying to get Amelia to tell them what she thought the baby was going to be. We could only get one response out of her. We asked if it was a boy or a girl, and if it was a brother or sister. She would only reply, "A puppy." She thought it was hilarious! I think it's because that's one of the things on her birthday list (A puppy, a red DS, and a guitar).

At church on Sunday, Amelia was telling anyone that would listen that the baby is a little sister and we are naming her Eliza. We bought some "Big Sister" books to read with her, so we can talk about what's going to happen and what she can help with. One of the books is called Hello Baby!! and the little boy in the book had a little sister they named Eliza. Luke had to go around church and correct people on the little rumor that our daughter spread...

21 weeks (Ultrasound and check up)

So we had our ultrasound! We are growing a beautiful & healthy (and big might I add) Baby!! Sorry folks, we didn't peak at the gender...

I am 21 weeks and 1 day today. The baby measured at 21 weeks and 6 days in the ultrasound, and I measured at 23 weeks growth. Baby weighs approximately 1 lb. 1 oz. So, with all the measurements put in, that puts baby at 91st perentile. My blood pressure was good, and Baby's heart rate was 143. Baby's head was down, resting on my (very full) bladder.

We got some pictures from the ultrasound that I will load and post later. There is a funny one of baby flexing his (I say "his", but again, we don't know the gender) bicep. I told Luke it must be a boy because he is showing off. He thought it might be a girl shaking her fist at us!

So, that's pretty much it, folks!! Enjoy the pics--I know I do everytime I look at them :)





^Baby's spine



^A foot!



^Baby in his "strong pose" (flexing his bicep)



^Baby's beautiful profile!!

Are you coming back?

So I was packing last night for a week long trip to our corporate office in San Diego (all work I swear!) and Amelia came in and was watching me. First she asked me if I was doing laundry. I said yeah, I had to get some things washed so I can finish packing. She then looked over and asked me if I was leaving. I told her that I was leaving tomorrow and flying on an airplane to California. She then looked at me with a very concerned look and asked "Are you coming back?"

I of course told her I was coming back but the look on her face and the way she asked me was pretty funny.

-L

Appointment & Fun Stuff

I had a regular check up with my OB on Monday (8/16--17 weeks). It went really well. My blood pressure is still under control, so that is good. The baby's heart rate was in the 150s. Baby decided after a few seconds of listening though, that we were done. He/she shoved away very suddenly to let us know!

B.J. so kindly picked up Amelia and watched her until we were done with our appointment. When we got home, she said "Why did you go to the doctor?" I told her it was for the baby. She looked me up and down (kind of disgusted with me) and said, "Where is the baby?!?" I guess she thought I should have brought it home with me in my arms.... Funny child!

Also, last night we decided to try out some of the Old Wives Tale stuff. We did the wedding ring on the string one. Jaymi and Luke each did it twice. Jaymi got "boy" both times, and Luke "girl" both times. That is what each of them would like the baby to be. I said I thought they were emitting "girl waves" and "boys waves" since that's what they wanted it to be! All the other ones we did said girl--we shall see!!! We'll do the "tests" again later on and report our findings :)

3 a.m.

Amelia usually comes in to sleep with Luke sometime after I leave for work in the morning. But this morning she came in at 3am. I was going to let her sleep with us, but her hot little body was making me hot. So I told her she should sleep in her bed, and I'd rock her if she wanted. She said "No, I do it." She wanted to go to her bedroom by herself. I wasn't sure she would, so I followed her out to the living room, where she said "I want to watch Blue's Clues..." (Go figure...). I told her it was too early for Blue's Clues and the sun wasn't even awake yet. I said, "It's three o'clock in the morning, and you need to go to bed." She walked to her room, and I told her I would rock her, she didn't want to. I said she needed to get into bed then. She says "Is it early o'clock?"

Yeah, that's the only way to describe any time before the sun comes up, if you ask me....

#2-- It's a....

"Girl-brother!!!"

So I figured it was probably time to start posting pictures of Baby #2. The ultrasound picture is from 6.5 weeks (we won't get another until 20 weeks). The bump picture is at 15 weeks. I promise, there is a baby in there somewhere, it's not all pizza and ice cream!

I haven't felt the baby move yet--that I can tell for sure. I didn't feel Amelia until about 17 weeks, so we'll see.... We've been telling Amelia about the baby, and we ask her if it will be a boy or a girl. She says "girl." Then we ask if the baby is a brother or a sister. She says "brother." So, there it is everyone, our "girl-brother." We're not finding out what we're having, so we're going with Amelia's guess right now. I think she says both so she can be right no matter which the baby is!

Amelia's Potty Training Success!

So Amelia has been potty training for a little over a week now and she has done fantastic!!! She's already filled up 1 sticker chart! (a blue's clues one, of course!)

We are now working on Sticker chart #2 (the new one has Magenta on it!) and Amelia is very excited to fill it up too! We have told her that when she fills up the second chart she gets a new bike. She is very excited!

Who says bribery doesn't work?

Randomness

On the way home from Vacation Bible School this evening, Amelia was singing a song to herself in the backseat. We couldn't quite understand, but we stopped talking an listened and this is what we heard (of course, it had it's own tune, too): "Oops, I dropped the chicken. And I'm just too funny!" Yes, she is just too funny!

Also this... we were picking up her sidewalk chalk on our way inside and the ice cream truck was driving down one of the other streets. She says "Ice cream truck!" And ran up onto the porch to watch it--she can't be our kid.... she should have chased it.

Amelia's Imagination

Amelia has really been into Blue's Clues for awhile now. She gets on kicks where she'll only want to watch the same two or three episodes over and over again (and on a side note, I'll have songs from the episodes stuck in my head for days!!). Right now she particularly likes the soccer episode.

It's really quite adorable: Joe is the coach who is organizing soccer practice for Blue and her friends. And they do stretches and exercises at the beginning, and then have a round of practice. So, while we were watching Project Runway last night, Amelia starts rummaging through the desk drawer where we keep the chapstick. She's allowed to, as long as she uses some and puts it back. But she suddenly pulls out this chapstick on a rope and puts it around her neck. Then she runs over and grabs one of the dogs' squeaky soccer balls and sweeps her arms in a circle in front of her and says "Come here everybody!!" (But so cute, sounds more like "Eddrybody"). Then she blew her "whistle!!" It took all of us a couple of seconds to register what she was doing, but it was soooo funny!! It's so amazing to see her imagination at work and growing all the time!! I'll try to get a picture of Amelia the Coach up later today.

Amelia is a big girl!!

Little Miss Amelia got her first haircut last Friday. Julie said her sister would cut it for us if we wanted her to--it was always in her eyes! I just asked that she do two things for me: 1. Take pictures of her getting her hair cut, and 2. Keep her hair for me! So, the deed is done. I almost didn't recognize her when I walked in! I watched her finish up, and it was really hard not to cry. Our Amelia doesn't look like a baby anymore--she looks like a little girl!!



Another big-girl step for Amelia--lately she has been using the potty! She went all weekend (minus nights) in panties, and didn't have a single accident!!! She's been putting a sticker on a chart everytime she goes on the potty. This method has worked well--I think she likes to SEE her progress. My favorite, though, is when she accompanies me to the bathroom. She waits for me to go, and when I do, she says "Yay Mommy!! What a big girl!! You want a sticker?!" I do. But I don't tell her that....