tuesday update

shes doing great!! she is completely off her respirator (CPAP) and so that means shes breathing 100% on her own! HURRAY!!! She still has her feeding tube down her throat but hopefully tomorrow that will be gone. We're going to attempt to bottle feed her this afternoon and she how she takes to that. Shes a champ at sucking her binkie so hopefully she does just as great with her bottle.

shes such a fiesty thing! last night we were with her and so were my parents and they had her on belly... no shit, she got up on all fours and was squirming ALL OVER!! My parents thought I was nuts when I first told them how she does that but they've seen it so they know how active she is now! They have her with this shade over her eyes since shes under the wallaby light for her jaundice and she HATES it so I think she squirms trying to get it off!! Shes a trip! Today, her knees were all red for being so darn active last night!

So we're doing great and every day she's making progress. She gained 3/4 of an ounce yesterday.. which seems minimal but when youre THAT little, every little bit helps!! Keep it up Callie Girl and you'll be home in no time!

Thanks to EVERYONE for their support. Honestly, we would we be lost without it!

pictures of my princess!

her eyes were wide open! she was under her light due to jaundice... looks like shes tanning!
hanging out with daddy!

the three of us... cant wait to get a pic of our family of 4. Cole is DYING to meet her!

Saturday

Morning all. Can't believe our little girl is here... Im still having a really hard time grasping the reality that she's ACTUALLY here. Bless her little heart.

Last night we spent hours down with her. Around 9pm they wanted to give her a sponge bath and asked if we wanted to do it. I couldn't because I can't stand for that long, so Craig did it! When he took off her diaper, she pooped on him!! Go Callie! Thats my girl get Daddy!! They took off her hat and she has this thin dark hair... so stinking cute. I'll try to get those pics uploaded today sometime.

Once she was bathed we got her all tucked in and she laid on her belly and just stared at Coles picture in her bed. We taped a picture of him in there and she'll just lay there and look at him. Then Craig was rubbing her hand and she opened it up and grasped it and wouldn't let him go. It made me cry.

We've both shed a lot of tears over our little girl but know she's in the best hands she can be. It's not easy seeing your baby lay there with all those tubes and wires hooked up to her. Definately the hardest thing I've ever been through.

Everyone keeps asking me how surgery went... honestly, it was rough. I got the epidural and as soon as they laid me down, I puked. They said its normal but it wasn't a fun feeling. Once they got me all ready, Craig came in and sat next to me. I could feel all the pressure as they TUGGED to get her out. She was wedged in there good. Shoot, even Dr G used the F word when trying to get her out. The dr behind my head (the one who did my epidural) was great, he kept telling me what was going on and was the one who told us she was a girl. He was a chinese dr so in his little accent he was like "Oh here comes the head, its out, now shoulder, and its a... its a.. its a GIRL!" it was priceless. Thats when our tears of joys started and they haven't stopped flowing yet!

Well, I need to get ready to shower so I can get down and see my baby. I know she needs her momma!

Thanks for all your support everyone.... you have no idea how much it means to us!

update

callie made some headway last night. I know this picture doesn't look like headway since she has more tubes, but she's doing so good. They gave her some meds last night and since then she's been chugging right along. All the nurses here said that Callie is the "Favorite" in the NICU!! Well, yeah, shes my child, how could she not be the fave!!! :-)

At one point she was on 50% oxygen and today she's only at 28% so thats awesome progress!

My nurse today is a girl I went to school with so that is VERY reassuring. I will get my catheter out around 1030am, get a shower and then by early afternoon get down and see my baby!! I cant wait to hold her!!!!!!

Shes doing great and thanks to EVERYONE for all your support!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

ITS A GIRL...

ITS A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CALLIE GRACE HAS ARRIVED!!!! Thursday, December 24, 2009. 1:28PM. 4lbs 5oz. 17.5 inches long!! Shes soooo precious.

She's spending some time in the NICU to watch her breathing and her white blood cells. Originally told she'd stay in there for up to 2 weeks but now they're saying just a few days. They rolled her to her belly and shes doing much better.

I haven't gotten to hold her yet and Im not allowed back to the NICU until after I get rid of my IVs... which should be early afternoon Christmas Day (tomorrow). I cant wait to hold my little monkey!! Craig held her in the operating room (she came via c-section) and to see him hold her made me break out in tears! We are now a family of four!!!!

Thanks everyone for all your love and support. I still can't believe she's here... and a Christmas baby!!!

IM A MOM!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

New Years Baby... maybe?

Okay, so Im back from my doctors visit. My blood pressure is still elevated. I have to keep a close eye on it and if it gets real high, I have to call and head to the hospital.

The ultrasound was good... nice and detailed. The baby weighs a healthy 5lbs as of today... which is awesome! Its moving around alot and likes to yawn (gets that from its momma!!)

Dr said we definately WONT be having a Christmas baby but he's not ruling out a New Years Baby! OMG!! If things get better and we do go into January he already promised me we'd go early... and not even close to our due date!!! OMG!

So, starting tomorrow I am on vacation from the bank and dont return to work until January 4 (if no baby!!). So over the holiday I am to keep my feet up and get lots of rest. Which I can do. We CAN do this!!!! One day at a time!

Thanks for all your prayers and support!!

IM GONNA BE A MOM!!!!!!!!!!

Pre-eclampsia

Well, today I dont have a happy update, but still wanted to post an update.

Yesterday I had my 34 week check up. Over the weekend I had some swelling in my feet so I made sure to tell the Dr about it. Well, as it turns out, not only did I have swelling problems, I also have protein in my system and high blood pressure. This is what they call pre-eclampsia and depending on the severe-ness of it, you can be induced early.

I freaked out a little bit. Here we are, 6 weeks from our due date, and all of a sudden I am realizing this baby COULD come at any day now. OMG!

I went for some blood work yesterday afternoon (to check to see if my organs were affected by this pre-eclampsia) and will have those results back today when I go see Dr. G again at noon.

I also have an ultrasound scheduled for noon to check on the baby. Need to make sure our little monkey isn't under any stress. Yesterday it was moving around pretty good and the heartbeat was at 151 so that was all good signs. So we'll get an u/s to get in and really check things out.

We're trying to stay positive but it's all a bit scary for me. Just the reality of it! I did a lot of reading online last night and it sounds like the "best" solution is to take the baby as soon as its healthy enough to come out... well we're 34 weeks and if the babys lungs are developed enough, it COULD come early. Am I ready for that????? I have no idea.

We're keeping our fingers crossed that everything goes good today. Hopefully we can just take it easy for a few more weeks and keep the monkey inside.... it needs to "cook" some more!

I'll keep you all posted.

Merry Chrsitmas

Still need a girls name...

7 weeks until our official due date and we still need to agree on a baby girl name! We had agreed on Raegan Grace but after about a month of being stuck on that, I have decided it's not what I want! I know, Im so darn picky!! But I want to "love" the name I give my child, and I dont love Raegan. We have picked out Benjamin Wrigley for a boy and I LOVE it!! Our little Baby Ben! But since we dont know the gender, we need to have a girls name picked out too! And as of now, Im having a really hard time!

My boys are soooo picky when it comes to names!! They dont like what I like, but dont really give me any suggestions either! UGH!! I like Clare A LOT but they both made a face when I brought it up and told me "no". Punks!! So yeah, if you have any baby girl name suggestions, pass them our way!!!

I think I want to go with a C or a K name if it's a girl!! So we'll see.

Im feeling pretty good for the most part. However, Im not sleeping very well at night. And I have carpal tunnel that is a BITCH! Dr said that 28% of all pregnant women get this... I had no idea. No one I've ever known has had it before! So Im wearing the braces at night and it helps, but it still hurts. Plus its really bad in the mornings... makes it super hard to shower and get ready when your hands are asleep and tingling. But they said it'll go away within 30 minutes of giving birth!! I can deal with that!

I go back to the Dr on Monday, the 21st. I should be able to schedule my last ultrasound at that appointment!! Then we should have appointments every week there after! OMG it's getting so close!!

Am I ready?? YES!! Am I scared?? YES!!! Total mix of emotions.... so overwhelming!! But so exciting since we've waited 5 years for this!! 5 YEARS!! :-)

Hope everyone is ready for the holiday season!! I'll post another update after my appt. on Monday!!!

Happy Holidays!

T minus 8 weeks...

Only 8 more weeks until our due date!! It's getting so close!!!

I went to see Dr. G yesterday and everything is looking good. My belly is getting big and my weight is still under control. To date, I've only gained 22 pounds!! Go Me!!

The baby's heartbeat was at 158 and going strong!! I'm still in shock at how far we are!! It almost seems unreal!!!!

I am going back to see him on December 21 and at that appointment, I will schedule my next (and last) ultrasound and then my appointments should be weekly. I am pumped up for another ultrasound. I want to see what this baby weighs!! I can tell it's getting bigger... because Im getting bigger!! And I wonder if the little monkey is still ass first or if he/she flipped to be head down. We'll find out! When we go to our u/s next time, we are taking Cole!! I really want him to be part of it! And when I talked to him about going, he seemed really excited!! How fun!

My co-workers threw me a shower last Friday and it was really really nice! They spoiled our little monkey even more! Jocelyn and Bonnie planned it and just did a great job!! Love ya girls!

Ive been working in the babys room trying to find spots for everything!! I got all the clothes washed and put away. Next to wash the bedding and make the bed! So far we've been able to find spots for most things. Once the holidays are over, we'll have more space once the tree gets put away and what have you. And since Craig and I will both be off around the holidays, we'll be able to get everything clean and tidy before the New Year so when the baby comes, we're ready!

Still unsure if we'll be able to deliver naturally or have to have a c-section. Only time will tell! Will depend on how the baby cooperates!! I get mixed feelings about either way so we'll just have to wait and see. Im scared shitless regardless! I know it'll all be okay, but the reality of delivering a baby scares me. Im guessing a lot of first time moms go through this?

The baby kicks me A LOT these days!! Sunday I was lying on the couch and I had a fairly fitted top on and when I looked down, my shirt was moving. It was soooo freaky, but yet super cool at the same time!!! The baby sure has some force when it moves!!!!

I think thats about all the update I have for today!! Each day we're getting closer and closer!

Thanks for all your love and support!

Baby Shower

The baby shower was a HUGE success. I cant even begin to describe how awesome it was.

We had rougly 50 people and I was truly overwhelmed. I kept my composure for the shower itself but once it was over, the tears were flowing (happy tears of course!).

The ladies in my family did awesome getting everything ready!! Craigs mom, sister, and moms best friend did an amazing job with the desserts. Everything was PERFECT!

My cousins from Merrillville came to share the day with us and it's so fun to see them since we dont get that chance often. In the picture, from left to right, its

Micki, me, and Casey. The girls are due 7 days apart in March. How exciting! Don't they just look great?? My cousin Sara came down with them too but she took the picture so we didn't get one with her! :-(

I can't get over the number of packages that were at the shower. Im still overwhelmed by everyones generousity. OMG its just an unreal feeling! Look at all these packages...

This was going through a wagon full of goodies from my mom!! She had all sorts of good stuff in there. However, she snuck in a Chicago Bears hat for the baby... Bad Grandma Barb!! We like the Steelers!! It was cute though!

We also got our stroller/car seat combo from Craigs mom!! I just love the
print on the fabric. And yes, my diaper bag and sunglasses match the stroller... hey, a new mom has to be stylin'!

It was just an awesome day!! I'll post a few more pics and you can all enjoy!!! Thanks to everyone who came and shared in our special day!! It was truly an amazing day!! I dont think I can say THANK YOU enough to show my gratitude to everyone!!!

30 week update

Hello all!! Just a quick update today. I saw Dr. G today and everything is right on track!! I only gained half a pound from my last appointment... woohoo!!!! The babys heartbeat was at 150 and beating strong!!

I signed up for a birthing class to be held on December 19 at Memorial Hospital. It's an all day Saturday class and Craig will go with me. My friend Heather took the class and said it was very informative, so I'm looking forward to it!

Everything is going well!! Hard to believe the holidays are here!! WOW!! I finished my Christmas shopping yesterday so now I just have to wrap and get ready for our little monkey to arrive!! Our shower is Sunday and I cant wait... Im a bit overwhelmed but also very excited!

See you all SOON!

Getting closer...

Can you believe we have about 1o 1/2 weeks until our due date?? Wow, its getting closer. When we say we're due February 1, it sounds so far away, but when we realize its 10 1/2 weeks, its sounds sooo much closer!! Wow, Im getting excited!!!

I have been dealing with a nasty cold the past couple of days. I even stayed home Wednesday from work because I felt so badly. I hope my little monkey doesn't feel as icky as momma does!!!! Poor thing!

Our shower is scheduled for next weekend... wow, thats coming up FAST! When we sent out the invites, we had like 5 weeks, and now its NEXT WEEKEND!! Crazy. Im looking forward to seeing everyone.. and eating my mom's good cookin'!!!!

Our bathroom is almost done with the re-decorating!! We got the paper in we ordered and when my mom went to hang it, it scratched up big time. So I contacted the company I ordered it from and luckily, they credited my money back. So I found a different pattern that I like and it came yesterday. So my mom will hang that up for us and then the bathroom will be complete! YAY! Thank goodness for moms!!!

Not too much else is going on. Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is already next week!!! AHHH!! Where has the time gone??

I will admit, I put all up my Christmas decorations this past Sunday. Craig said it was too early but I wanted it done before Thanksgiving and before the shower! So it's all up and my house feels so festive!! I just love it!! Im off around Christmas from work so since I'll be home, and so will Cole, we'll get it all down before New Years so we can get ready to bring a baby home!!

Im still in shock that Im actually going to be a MOM! I guess I got it in my head that it would never happen and so I'm still having a hard time believing that it IS happening!! How exciting!

Hope everyone is doing well.... see you soon!

Countdown: 12 weeks to go!!!

Can you believe we're down to 12 weeks left?? Holyshitballs batman, where did the time go?? Feels just like yesterday we were excited to tell you all that we were pregnant and now here we are telling you we have 12 weeks to go!! Wow, time flies.

I saw Dr. Gruszynski today and happy to report that everything is going PERFECTLY! I had an ultrasound and you wouldn't believe how much this baby moves! The technician was even giggling because she said she hasn't seen a baby move that much during a scan!!! I do have an active baby inside!!

The heartbeat was at 138 and currently it weighs 2pounds 8ounces! Holy smokes! Thats awesome because at our last ultrsound (9/15/09) the baby only weighed in at 11ounces!! Its growing like a weed!

At one point, the baby had its feet up by its mouth! Too cute!!

Here is one picture... look at how big the feet look!!!

And then in this picture, you get to see the face of the little booger!! As you look at the photo, the dark circle on the bottom left is the brain, then you have a closed eye towards the top , the nose and the mouth, looks like the baby is puckered up. Then you have a hand just to the side of the face!! Incrediable!!!

So all in all, everything is going good. I do have to go to the lab on Monday for the 3-hour sugar test. I took the 1 hour test today and my numbers were "elevated" so now I have to go for the long test. Oh boy.

Oh, and Ive been having a lot of pain & numbness in my right arm, and they said its related to carple tunnel and is common in pregnancies. So he suggested I go and buy a wrist brace and wear it when I sleep since that is when I get most of my pain. Hopefully that will help. I think Craig is sick of hearing me whine about how sore my arm is!!

My next dr. appointment is on Monday, November 23. I'll see him every two weeks and then in January, we'll start going every week... OMG ITS GETTING SO CLOSE!!!!

Thanks for all the support!

26 weeks down... 14 to go!

Wow, can you believe it?? We're actually 26 weeks along!! HOLYCRAPOLA!!! Its flying by so fast!!

I went to see Dr. Gruszynski today for just a regular check up!! Everything is going well. Ive only gained 2lbs since my last appointment!! So Im only up 12lbs to date!! Go Katie! haha The baby's heartbeat was at 160 today and Dr. said that everything is going great!

I go back on November 10th for an ultrasound, sugar screening and then another exam!! I can't wait for the ultrasound!! It's going to be so awesome seeing the little monkey again!! Mind you, our last u/s was on 9/15 so its been a while!

Everything is right on track and the Dr was very impressed with my minimal weight gain!! ME TOO!!

Two weeks ago I was put on Tamiflu and that stuff made me vomit every day!! Worst stuff ever! Thank goodness that I dont have to take that anymore!

All in all, everything is good!! We still dont have a girls name picked out.... Craig likes Dakota, which is cute but I don't "Love It" and I want to LOVE a name that Im going to give to my child!! As stated in an earlier blog, we agreed on Benjamin Wrigley for a boy.... and yes, I love that name!!! :-)

Thanks again for all your support!!! Baby V will be here before we know it!!!! AHHHH!!!!!!

Baby Names

Everyone keeps asking us how we're doing on the baby names... well, we're making progress!!! We have agreed on Benjamin Wrigley for a boy!! Craig REALLY wanted Wrigley but I didn't like it overly well for a first name, so we agreed it was okay for a middle name and I looooove the name Benjamin!!! So we're set for a boy name.

As for a girl name, yeah, we're still at ground zero on that!!!! We're working on it!!!

30 and Pregnant!

Well, my 30th birthday has arrived and Im spending it pregnant!! So no drinking my blues away!! Its okay though, so far so good!! Maybe my 30s won't be as bad as I expected them to be!! After all, the best present I could ask for is "cooking" in my belly, so things are good!!

Im posting a picture taken last week. Looks kinda funny since I think my belly looks like its "out there" but in person, I think I look a lot more rounder than what the picture shows. But you get the idea at least with this picture!! The doctor says that I'll "balloon" out in the next few weeks, so I'll be sure to add more pictures in a few weeks!

My boss at the bank has been sick so my dr. prescribed me Tamiflu to help fight off anything that might be lingering, and I have to say, Tamiflu SUCKS!! I take it and then 3 hours later, it makes me throwing up sick. I hate to throw up anyway, but to know that its going to happen makes me dread taking the pills. Its so nasty.

I go back to the dr. next Tuesday for a check up and hopefully schedule my next ultrasound!! Im ready to see my little monkey again!!! I need new u/s pics! So hopefully we get that all scheduled next week!!!

All in all, things are still going really good!!! OH!! I was laying in bed Saturday night and the baby was kicking and Craig FINALLY got to feel it kick!!! Usually when the baby kicks, and someone puts their hand on my belly, including myself, the baby stops. Its like he/she is playing games.

But Saturday was Craigs lucky day and he got to feel it!! Made me SUPER happy!!! Woohooo!!!!

Thats about all I have for today.... til next week, have a good one!

23 weeks & going strong!

Just a quick update. Had a check up today and everything is going perfectly!!

We had a heartbeat of 152 today!! My cervix is thick and holding everything in place!!!

I have another appointment set for October 27 and from there we'll schedule an ultrasound and my sugar screening!

I am feeling GREAT these days!! I am LOVING every minute of this stage!! Well, maybe not the over emotional part, but everything else is peachy!!!!

Thanks for everyones support!!!!

Belly Picture.. 21 weeks

For some odd reason, people keep asking for pictures of my belly!! So here you go..... still looks chubby in pictures but in "real life" it looks bigger! Crazy how that works!!!!

21 weeks Pregnant... 19 more to go!

OMG, we're over the half way point already!!! WOW! That went fast!! Hard to believe!!!!

I went to the Dr. yesterday and everything is going PERFECTLY! Ive only gained 6 1/2 lbs. to date so that made me happy. I feel like Ive gained more but the scales said no! The baby's heartbeat was at 147, which is nice and strong!

Dr G said he was happy with the way everything is going so far. I am going back to see him again on October 8.

Oh, and I got my flu shot yesterday. Didn't hurt when she gave it to me but man oh man is my shoulder sore today!! OUCH! Hopefully that goes away soon!

So yeah, everything is going great. The baby moves a lot more during the day now!! Its so fun to feel it!! Still can't feel it from the outside but that'll happen in time!! Im really anxious for Craig and Cole to be able to feel it! Oh, and Emily's little boy Abraham too! He's sooo attached to this baby already. Its sooo cute. And he predicts its a girl! Hes 4 so right now hes the youngest and never really been around a baby, so he's really taken a liking to our baby... ALREADY!! He'll be wonderful once the baby gets here I have a feeling!! Gotta love Abe!

Cole is still set on the idea that its a boy!! If I say "her" or "she" in reference to the baby, he'll speak up and be like "him" or "he". Its so cute. I know he says he wants another brother (he's got a brother at his moms house who is 1) but Im sure he'll be just as happy with a sister!! So we'll see!

Think thats all the updates I have for now!

Til next time....

Its a ... BABY!

So today we had our 20 week ultrasound!! Can you believe we're actually half way to our due date!! OMG!!!! Im so excited.

Normally at 20 week ultrasounds, you're able to find out the sex of the baby... however, we dont want to find out!! Craigs mom went with us today and even though she wanted to find out, we weren't allowing it!! (Sorry Linda!) And the funny part is that the baby cooperated with me and was curled up in a ball so you couldn't have seen the "goods" anyway! Good job baby Van Tornhout!!!

We got lots and lots of great pictures of our little baby!! This one here is a good shot of the baby curled up face down. The hand is up by the mouth and the legs are bent. Toward the knee is part of the cord!!!! The baby loves to be in this position. The ultrasound techinician kept pushing on my belly trying to get him / her to move and it wasn't happening!!! He/she loves to be curled up in a ball. So stinking cute!!! The head is on the right side of my belly and so the legs are to the left and thats what I get to feel kicking me every afternoon!!














This picture is here is of the baby on it's back. Nice profile picture!!!! We didn't get to hear the heartbeat today since Dr. G's machine is "old school" and doesn't have that feature but we did get to see it beat and it was beating at 158 beats per minute today!! Thats awesome!! Normally they say a high heartbeat tends to mean a girl and a lower heartbeat means a boy... theres tons of old wives tales about determining the gender of the baby, but we'll find out what he/she really is once their born in February!!!

















This one is of my favorite pictures to date! The bay is curled up in a ball, but you can totally see the entire spine!! It amazes me that this baby is so small yet its so well defined when you look at the pictures!! AMAZING!! The baby currently weighs 11ounces!!! We're getting close to a pound. Isn't that just amazing!?!?!?
















This picture here is of the baby's hand. It almost looks like its showing the "I Love You" symbol!! How awesome is this!!!

The appointment went GREAT!! I go back to the doctor on Monday for a regular check up. From there they should start getting me ready for my diabetes test which I think happens around 26 weeks. Then at my last appointment, Dr G. said that in a few more weeks, I'll get to go to the hospital for a fancy 3D/4D ultrasound!! How fun will that be!! I had one done in Chicago awhile back but it'll be neat to see it now that the baby has developed so much!!!


All in all everything is going great. I feel great and I love when the baby kicks every afternoon! Im still craving my sour candies!! And Ive been drinking a lot more chocolate milk so the baby gets the calcium it needs!!!

We have picked a date for my shower and so now I get to find the cute invites that I want! Im such a dork but I gotta get some monkey ones just because we've called the baby our little monkey for so long!! How exciting!!

Thanks to everyone for their never ending support!! 20 more weeks and we'll be bringing home a baby!!! OMG!!!!

Til next week....

We're Registered!

Hope everyone enjoyed the Labor Day weekend!!!!

We went and did our baby registry yesterday!! My sister Mandy went with us since she knew we'd be overwhelmed by doing it.... and so glad she went because she knew things we needed that we would have otherwise forgot!! It was so much fun!!! Craig got to use the scanner thingie and he was loving that!! We're all signed up at Target & Babies R Us! EXCITING!

Our weekend was good. We got a lot of little things done around the house which was good. Craig is laid off this week so he'll keep up on his Honey-Do list while Im at work!!!

ND played a great game Saturday!!! We went out to Emily's tailgate for a bit Saturday and that was fun!!

Our next doctor's appointment is next Tuesday... which is another ultrasound!! CANT WAIT!

Hope you're all doing well!

Til next week...

Labor Day Weekend is here!

I haven't posted in a bit, so I thought I'd better give y'all an update!

My belly is getting bigger, and Im loving it!! I thought it felt "big" last week but when I woke up last Sunday morning, thats when I knew it really had "popped!!" Its so neat!!!!!

The baby looooooves to kick me!! Usually early afternoon the baby wakes up and I feel this "sensation" in my left side... thats the baby kicking!! We can't feel it from the outside yet, but hopefully in the next week or so, we'll be able to!! Craig can't wait for that. He's so antsy!!!

The baby's room is coming together nicely. Still a few more things to work on in there and then it'll be ready!! I bought some cute sleepers the other day.... one has frogs on it and the other has a giraffe!! Tooo cute!! I really really really don't like all the green & yellow stuff so I really haven't bought much! I'll save my money and go out shopping in February once the little booger is here and either get blue or pink stuff!!!

Im still craving sour candy! This poor baby is going to come out with a sourpuss look on its face! Poor kid!!! I keep Lemonheads in my drawer at work and I swear I pop them several times a day. At home, I keep a stash of Sour Patch Kids!! YUM... but oh so sour!!!!

Everything is going really well!! Next ultrasound is September 15 and I can't wait!!!!! I haven't had an u/s in like 7 weeks so I know this one is going to be awesome!!! The baby will look totally different from the last time we got to see it!!!! =)

We're going to register Monday!!! I can't wait!

Have a good long weekend!

17 weeks.

So yeah, we're at 17 weeks now!!! Wow, time is flying by!!!!!

Here is a belly pic... not a very good picture, I look more fat than anything, but everyone keeps saying "Post belly pics"... so here you go, a picture of my fat belly!

We're almost done with the baby's room!! My mom bought us this AWESOME 4 foot giraffe to put in the baby's room!! She dropped it off last night and OMG I just love it. However, this morning when I was walking down the hall, the thing scared me! Going to take a while to get use to!!!

All the update I have for today. Once we get the baby's room done, I'll post pictures!

We bought furniture!

Hello All!!! We had quite a busy day of shopping yesterday!!! We did find a dresser that I "had to have"... and after going up and down Grape Road yesterday shopping, we found it at Target!

Its not necessarily a "changing table" and thats exactly what we wanted... something that would grow with the baby!! We made sure the top would fit a changing pad so atleast for awhile we can use it like a changer! Craig is busy at home today putting it together for me!! Isn't he wonderful!

Target also had a matching nighstand that I thought would look cute in the baby's room as well next to a rocker or something. So I talked Craig into buying that as well!! He actually got that up last night!

So the baby's room is coming together rather nicely! Once we have it the way we want it, and finished, I'll take pictures and post them on here for you!

We bought blinds on Friday for the win

dow and a curtain rod for the valance I bought a while back. Hopefully we'll get those up this weekend and be that much closer to having things done!!! I guess I feel like I'm trying to get so much done now but like I told Craig, I'd rather have it done now so I can enjoy my pregnancy than to have to rush around later when Im huge!! He agreed.

While out shopping yesterday we picked out the stroller we want!! Made sure it was easy to use and even easier to fold & unfold!! It was cute, once I picked it out, Cole said he had to make sure he liked it! So he took it up and down the isle to check it out!! It was too cute.

Im still looking for a rocker/glider. My mom seems to think that we'll never use it but I really want one for the baby's room!! Sears had a cute one with a green print but the ones at Babies R Us are soooo much more comfy. It's just hard to find one that is white with a cushion that matches our decor. So we'll keep looking and hopefully be able to find one for our registry.

Speaking of registry, we are going out this weekend to do our scanning! Yeah, we're a little early but like I said before, I want it all to be done so I can enjoy being pregnant!!!! Besides, we'll have so much fun registering!! YAY! Mandy is going with us and Emily mentioned she wanted to ride along too! My poor husband, hanging out with all three Court sisters, I better pack him a cooler! haha

I went to the doctor today and everything is going really good. The heartbeat today was at

172!! Still going so strong. Dr. G said that everything looks like a "normal" pregnancy!!! Sweet!!! I am going back on September 15 for an ultrasound!! I can't wait! Seems like forever since I've seen my little monkey!!

Oh, while out shopping yesterday we bought one of those home fetal heartbeat monitors!!! I cant wait to use it!! It'll be so neat to be able to hear the heartbeat anytime I want! And Cole is hoping that he'll get to listen to it too!!

I think thats all the updates I have for today. Everything is going really good and I feel GREAT!

Have a great week!

Chicgao

Well, not too much to report on this week... been kinda a slow week!!!

Sunday we went to Chicago for the Cubs game. It was Craig, my brother Stephen, Craigs brother Jeff, and myself. Started off as a nice warm sunny day in Chicago but as soon as they finished the National Anthem, the rain started. We sat through a 3 hour rain delay... 3 hours! Luckily, there was a major airshow going on over the lake Sunday so we got to watch the planes fly over. Our seats got a bit warm so we got up and stood along the back of the stadium and "people watched"... which just happens to be my speciality!!

Anyway, at one point these 4 thunderbird planes went over Wrigley in their formation and were VERY low. They were loud and even the stadium shook. Once the planes were past the stadium, our little monkey went CRAZY in my belly!! It was the coolest thing EVER! I had felt the baby move a little on Friday and Saturday but Sunday was the biggest movement I felt and it was amazing!! Craig is a bit mad that you can't feel it from the outside yet but that'll come in time!! For now, Im enjoying the flutter feeling!

The game finally got postponed after the 3 hour rain delay so that was a bummer, but it was fun spending time with the boys!!

After the game Craig went into one of the shops there and bought this really

cute Cubs toy for the baby!! How cute is this!!! Its a soft baseball

and the clip at the top secures it to the carseat so the baby can play with it!! On the backside is a mirror. However, when you push the Cubs logo, it plays "Take Me Out To The Ball Game" in a little kids voice. OMG it is sooooo cute!!! When we saw it before the game we thought it was adorable but were afraid it would get ruined because it was white. But the more I thought about it the more I wanted it. So after the game Craig ran in and bought it for our little monkey!!!!

Monday I had to go back to Chicago for some lab work. I had spoken to Pat at UCH the week before about the status of the research studies we were being tested to be a part of. Well it turns out that the P.R.O.M.I.S.S.E.S study we were being tested for came back negative. So to be sure we didn't qualify, they wanted more blood from me, no problem. I had Monday off anyway (to recover from Sunday) so I made a plan to head up. It rained bad Monday morning so Craig got rained out from work. So the three of us (since Cole still hadn't started school yet) headed to the Windy City. It ended up being a fairly decent day so that was a plus.

We got to the hospital around 2pm our time and met with Pat at UCH. They took about 8 viles of blood from me and then I had to pee in a cup, and that was it. Pretty easy. So then the three of us headed down to the campus bookstore. There had been a sweatshirt I had eyed up since our first visit back in 2008 but never bought it. So I decided on Monday I was going to buy it for myself!! So I did!! Cole found a hoodie that he liked as well and then we bought a warming cap for the baby! I know Memorial Hospital puts warming caps on all the new babies but they are these striped things, and I wanted something cuter!! Besides, this way people can tell our baby apart from the others in the nursery!! Probably a bit dorky on my part, but I had to have it!!!!

We are in the process of shopping around for a dresser for the baby's room! We found a few online that we really like but the price isn't the best so we'll head out this weekend to shop around town!

I go back to see Dr. G here in South Bend on Monday and at that appointment we'll set up our next ultrasound!! Im antsy to have another u/s because its been almost 4 weeks since my last one and for awhile there, we were having them every other week so I want to see my little monkey! It's been too long!!! Craigs mom I believe is going to go with me to our next ultrasound. It'll be neat for her to see her little grandbaby!!!

I think thats all the update I have for today. I'll check in again Monday after my appointment.

15 weeks!

Hey everyone!!! Today we are officially 15 weeks pregnant!!!! wooohooo!


We had a busy weekend for the most part, but have no fear, I still got plenty of rest time in as well! Friday night once Craig was home from work, he decided he'd put the crib together! I thought I should help him so I was in charge of the screws and holding things when he needed me to... easy enough. We put it together in the sitting room since there was more room out there.


Got it together and moved it down the hall. When we got it to the bedroom, it was too wide to push through the door. So Craig was getting huffy and puffy and finally we decided to take the back of it off and try again. Again, no go. So we took the front of it off and it fit with just the frame and sides. We put the back & front sides back on and it's complete! I put all the bedding on and it looks so cute!!!


We went to Patrick O'Keefes wedding Saturday night (my BFF's brother) and had a good time. Craig and I were in charge of the bar and I think we did a fairly decent job!! It was like a little date night for us!! Good times!


Im feeling pretty good these days. My belly is definately growing and Im wearing maternity clothes for the most part. Some of my normal pants still fit but Ive also bought a couple pairs of maternity pants and they're soo much more comfy!


I don't go back to the Dr. until the 24th and that date can't get her fast enough! I'm use to going to the Dr. every other week so this 4 week stuff is killing me!


Still can't feel the little monkey moving, but should be able to within the next couple of weeks. I can't wait for that!! That'll make it seem more real! As of today, the baby is the size of a pear and weighs about as much as a grapefruit!!!


Thats all the update I have for today!!!

Belly Photo at 14 weeks!

Okay, so its not the best picture, but it'll work for now!!! This was taken Wednesday night at 14 weeks, 2 days pregnant. The baby bump is there and Ive finally moved into maternity tops because my normal tops are getting too snug!!!

Craig took me out shopping Wednesday and I got a few new clothes!! I have lots of clothes that other people have passed down to me, but sometimes its nice to get my own stuff too!!!!

Still can't feel the little monkey moving. Hopefully within the next couple of weeks that'll change. My next appointment isn't until 8/24. I am use to going every other week so this every 3 weeks is making me wait a little bit too long!!!

Thats all for now!! Have a great weekend.

Quick Update

I went to see Dr. Gruszynski today and it was a quick yet good visit. I spent time with Lynn, the nurse, going over my OB history and all that jazz. Then we went into the patient room and she got her little tool out to listen to the baby's heartbeat!!

I laid there on the exam table for what seemed like eternity as she tried to find the heartbeat. Finally, she found it and it sounded as strong as ever!! Whoohooo!!!

Met with the doctor and he did the oh so wonderful pelvic exam and annual pap and everything looks good. Then I headed over to the lab and had some blood done. 6 viles today and even got to pee in a cup. Good times! HA

He told me that he would schedule my next ultrsound for about 5 weeks out but I told him that Dr. Stephenson in Chicago had suggested I have them done every 4 weeks, so he said when I go back for a check up on Monday, the 24th, we'd schedule my next ultrasound. I can handle that!

All in all everything is going peachy, and our little monkey is still a cookin'!!

Until next time...

One more picture!!!

Here is another picture from today's ultrasound!! This one has the baby "waving" to you!!!


Towards the right is the head... then just to the left of the head, is it's right arm up in the air "waving". The left arm is down on it's side and then you can see the feet on the left hand side!!!!

Our little monkey is friendly already!!!

Oh, and the heartbeat today was at 169. I forgot to add that in the other post!! 169 is GREAT!

A scare... but we're A-OK now!

I wasn't sure if I should post this or not, but decided since everyone seems to want to be kept up to speed, heres the latest.

Sunday afternoon I was woken up with a "gush down there" and totally panicked. We had some bright red blood but no cramping. Craig and I decided to just relax and NOT rush to the ER unless the spotting got worse or if it had cramping. As the evening wore on, the spotting turned to a brownish color and never had any cramping. So we opted to just wait until morning and call Dr. Gruszynski's office here in town.

I got ahold of them just after 8am and they got me in right away to see the dr. He didn't seem too alarmed since it wasn't bright red and said it was "old blood" and set me up an appointment for an ultrasound on Tuesday (today). Once I got out of the office, I called Dr. Stephenson in Chicago and explained to them what had happened and they too, didn't seem too alarmed.

So today I had an ultrasound and everything looks good. The spotting is caused from the left size of the uterus thinking its time for my monthly cycle and it released some older blood it still had. I might experience this every 4 to 5 weeks when my cycle would normally be due. And since the baby is attached to the right size, the left size "gets confused". But its not doing any harm to me or the baby.

During the ultrasound, the baby did a complete summersault. It was the coolest thing ever! It's amazing at how human-like the baby looks but yet I can't feel it move. Today it's about 6.3 centimeters, which is about 2.5 inches. And according to the book I have at home, it's about the size of a peach!

This picture here is really rather neat.

It might be hard for you to see what is entails

but if you look at the box that is zoomed in on the

right, you can see the eyes & nose!! Look closely,

you'll see a dark spot on the left, thats the baby's brain... and then below that on either size you'll see a circle for the eyes. Then down just a ways in the center you can see the nose!! I know its hard to see, so Im doing my best to point it out to you!!! In the non-zoomed portion of the picture, the white part next to the head is an arm!! The arm was like in a waving position!!!

In this picture, the baby is all stretched out!! Looks like I do when Im getting ready to take a nap!!! The head is on the right, and then the legs are spread apart on the bottom left size!!! You can see one arm is up near the head and the other arm is down on its side!!! The baby moved all over today in the ultrasound scan. I still can't feel the little monkey moving around but in a few weeks I should be able to!!! How exciting will that be!!!

Im not overly happy with the ultrasound technician at the dr's office. She was very unprofessional and even had her own child in the room with us!! NOT HAPPY! So when I go back to see the doctor on Monday I will bring this up to him and if this is the only ultrasound lady they have, I'll see if they can send me to the hospital for my scans going forward. According to my dr. in Chicago, they want me to have scans every 4 weeks!!

So everything is still going really really good. Im feeling great and the nauseousness has subsided for the most part! THANK GOODNESS!!!!!!

Thanks again for all your support!!! We really appreciate it!!!!!

First Trimester Screening Results

I received a call from Elyse at the University of Chicago yesterday (Wednesday) and my screening results are in.

After they did the blood work and ultrasound, our chances for having a baby with down syndrome is 1/5500. WOW! Thats great!!! She said that they will not recommend any further screenings but will request that Dr. Gruszynski does an in depth ultrasound around 18 weeks to check things out!!

Everything is going so good... which makes me very happy!!! Woohoo!!!!

Take care!

Making BIG progress!

Yesterday I had another visit up at Chicago. I gotta say, I just love the staff up there. They've been soo good to me!! I just love going up there!

I first met with the Genetics Counselor and she told me about the different Genetics Screenings they offer to test for abnormalties. We choose to go with the First Trimester Screening which consisted of some blood work and an ultrasound. The U/S they were checking the fluid behind the baby's neck. From my understanding, anything under 3mm is about the norm, and ours was about 0.09mm so we were way low... which is good. I should have the results back from the blood work later this week!

Katie did our ultrasound again yesterday and she does a great job!! She very detailed and does a great job at explaining things to us. We got to hear the heartbeat and this week the heartbeat was at 176bpm. Its so neat to hear the heartbeat and then on the screen you see this little flutter and thats how you see it. Its so neat. We got to see the arms and legs which were more defined from last time... last time they looked like paddles, this time they actually look like arms and legs!!!! The baby was moving all over the place!! But of course when Katie wanted it to move, it just laid there with it's hand on its forehead like "Ive had enough", it was cute.

According to Katie, the baby is about 2.5inches, which is about the size of a large lime. Wow, he/shes a growing so fast!

I know this picture is a bit harder to see, but its an upclose profile of the baby. The baby is lying from left to right. And as you look at the picture, you can see the forehead, nose and chin line. Its easier to see if I point it out but since Im not sitting with you, I guess you'll just have to trust me!!!

We then met with Dr. Stephenson and I am happy to say that she released us to Dr. Gruszynski here in South Bend. This is a wonderful thing, but also sad because I have become so attached to them at UCH. I feel like going to Chicago has been my security blanket, and now they're telling me I dont need that blanket anymore... so it's kind of bittersweet! I know Dr. G will take great care of me, and keep Dr. S and staff informed, but, well I dunno!! Just bittersweet. Dr. Stephenson told me that if at any time I get uncomfortable I can call up there!! So that makes me feel good!!!! I also told Dawn (the coordinator) and Deborah (the nurse) that I'll call just to "check in" from time to time just because I know I'll miss them!!! They also all told me to be sure I come back in February so I can show off our bundle of joy!!! =) You know I will!

I also learned that as part of a study that I am in with the University of Chicago, that when the baby is born, part of the study is banking the cord blood. Wow, thats awesome. You can learn so much with the cord blood! So that made me really really happy!!!

We're still working on agreeing on baby names!!! And I have to say, this is a bigger task than I thought!! Craig doesn't seem to like any of the names that I pick out and he's hooked on one name that Im not overly fond of for a girl. So good thing we have sometime to duke it out!!! And of course, Cole sides with his dad and is against all the names I pick!! BOYS!!!!

All in all, everything is going really well!! I will see Dr. Gruszynski on Monday, August 3 and according to Dr. Stephenson, we'll continue to have ultrasounds every 4 weeks and then later down the road, we'll do fetal monitoring and weekly ultrasounds as we get closer to our due date!

Mom and I started to put a listing together for the baby shower!! We're planning on November and I know it seems like far way off, but honestly, it'll be here before we know it!! That means I'll get to register for our stuff... how fun will that be!!!!

Thanks again for all our support!!! Craig and I both appreciate it sooooo much!!!!!!

Milestone

Well today is Monday, and today is a huge milestone for us. This past Saturday we hit the 10 week mark on our journey!!! This is HUGE milestone for us since in the past pregnancies, our ten week mark was always welcomed by complications. So we were happy to get through the weekend with no problems what so ever!!!

Today is another big milestone for me. 11 weeks ago was day 1 of my LMP... (for those of you who don't know, LMP = last menstraul period) and so that means that technically today is day one of week 11.... meaning this is the furthest we've ever made it in any pregnancy and we're on our way to having a little one!

I know the dr isn't using my LMP for my due date calculations, but for my own knowledge, its nice to know that we've made it officially 11 weeks!! Big sigh of relief.

I haven't been sleeping with a damn lately. I was up until 630am Sunday because I just couldn't get comfy. Then last night I was up again until 3am. This totally sucks. Everyone tells me it gets better during the second trimester and I really hope they're right because Momma Kate needs her sleep!!!

I will be done taking my Prometrium in the morning. I have two pills left so one tonight and then one in the morning and we'll be done with that!!!

Next week is another ultrasound along with my genetics testing for the baby. They said that during the ultrasound they really get in and look at details on the baby so I have a great feeling we're gonna get to really see a lot of features on the little monkey next week!! I can't wait!!!!!

And for those of you who keep asking... NO!!! We're not going to find out what we're having!!! I really really really want it to be a surprise!!!! People say they think its a boy because of the previous ultrasound pics, but sorry, thats not a winkie! Thats just the cord!!! Besides, its too early to tell anyway!!!! You're all gonna have to wait until he/she is born to find out what it is!!!! If I can wait that long, so can you!! =)

Have a great week!

Just a brief update...

Okay, so today we're 9 weeks, 5 days pregnant according to my due date. However, if you go off my LMP date, we're really 10 weeks, 3 days... which is the furthest we've ever made it in any of our pregnancies. So its kinda neat & exciting!!

My belly is growing and my clothes are getting snug, but Im still too small for maternity clothes. My mom bought me some cute tops yesterday so I'll be anxious to try those on and see if they give me a bit more breathing room!

We took Cole to the fair last night and I learned once we were home that our little monkey does NOT like fair food!!! My belly is so upset all night. Ugh!!! I'll have to remember not to feed him/her junk like that!!!

My family is predicting that we're having a girl while Craigs family thinks we're having a boy. I have a gut feeling that we're having a girl, as does Craig, but Cole says its a boy! Guess we'll see who was right when he/she is born!!!

We have a couple names that we really like.... well, that I like!! Craig is stuck on one name and Im trying to negotiate so we're both happy. So I'll work on him!!! Good thing we have another 6 months to work this out huh?

I found out today that one of my friends who is also pregnant is having twins!!! OMG how exciting for them!! They're sure going to have their hands full but Im really excited for them!!!

I think that is all the update I have for today.... until next time....

July 6 Dr. Update

Well yesterday was another dr visit up in Chicago. My mom went with me this time and it was such a great day to spend with her. Gotta love bonding time with the momma!!

We had our ultrasound first before meeting with the doctor. I requested to have Katie do my u/s again and I was pleased that she got to be our techinican again!! She's the best!!!!

When our "little monkey" appeared on the screen, I was shocked to see ARMS & LEGS!! And they were moving!!! It was so neat!!

Look at what we saw, it was so neat!

Then we got to see the heartbeat again. It was stronger than last time and this time it was at 182 beats per minute!!!! Thats up from 136 just two weeks ago.

So then Katie was like, "If you think this view is cool, check out this... and then the picutres came up in 4D!! Just look at the detail in this!!!

So then after the ultrasound we met with Dr. Stephenson and she seemed really pleased with the progress we're making!! I think she was proud that I have actually followed everything she has told me to do and that Im taking it easy.

We're still not out of the woods yet. 10 weeks is a MAJOR milestone for us, and that happens to fall this coming Saturday. Then we'll be over one hump. We'll be "fragile" most of the pregnancy, and considered high risk, but teh first 10 to 12 weeks are the most crutial.

I will get to stop taking my Prometrium once my supply runs out; which will be next Monday. Dr. Stephenson says you only need to take it until 10 weeks but Im taking mine until its gone.... better safe than sorry!!!

I am going back to Chicago on Monday, July 20 for a follow up appointment, ultrasound and for first trimester genetic screening. This screening will do some testing on the baby (with no risk to the baby mind you) and test for any abnormalities. After this appointment, my Dr. said she will probably release me to my dr. here in town!! OMG huuuuuuuge step!!! She was going to call my dr. here in town to make sure she was comfortable with him taking care of me. He's a great doctor and specializes in high risk so I think once she actually talks to him, she'll be at ease more to turn me over!

I am part of a study at the University of Chicago that requires me to give blood once a month, extra ultrasounds and more hands on dr. care. This study is to see how people with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome react to pregnancy and what happens to their systems during pregnancy. I was tested for the AAS twice prior to becoming pregnant, once I tested positive for the syndrome and once I tested negative. I did the blood draws yesterday and they will send those off to New York for testing. If I test positive this time, I will get to be part of the study and continue with monthly blood tests and such. If I test negative, I wont get to be part of the study. Either way, I'm antsy to see what the test comes back at.

As we were getting ready to leave the hospital yesterday, we stopped in the gift shop go get a snack, and my mom found this stuffed monkey and she said she had to get it because it was a good luck charm for us!! So we now have our "Lucky Monkey"... isn't he so cute!

All in all it was a great visit to the doctor. I am anxious to go back on the 20th and then to be released to my dr. here in town!! That will be a nice change so I dont have to take days off from work for appointments and will be nice that the dr's office is just down the street!!! Hurray!!!

Thank you all for keeing us in your prayers and your NEVER ENDING SUPPORT!!!! We soooo appreciate it... more than you'll ever know!!!!

Until next time......

Katie & Craig

Thursday Update

Not too much to update on today. Im looking forward to my appointment on Monday. My mom and I are heading up to Chicago around 1pm and my appointment is set for 330pm. I am excited about another ultrasound.

My face has started to break out... sonofabitch!!! Hopefully its just a phase and will go away before too long!! I feel like Im in jr high again with this breakout shit!!! UGH!!!!

My pants are becoming a little bit tighter. My work pants are okay, but my jeans won't be lasting too much longer!!! I bought those Belly Band things that are to go over your waistbands for when your pants get snug but youre still too small for maternity stuff! So we'll probably be busting those out soon!!

I pulled out the totes of maternity clothes that my sisters & Kristan gave to me!!! Need to see whats in there!! Im afraid my sisters things won't do too much good for me since they were all REALLY pregnant in the summer and Im only just getting started!! It's okay though, it'll give me a reason to go shopping!! =)

Hope you all have a fabulous 4th of July and I'll check back in on Tuesday and give you an update from Monday's appointment!!!

This should have been the first post...

Okay, so here goes my second post... however, this should have been my very first post, but hey, nothing wrong with being ass backwards!!

Everyone said I should keep a journal as I go through this pregnancy so today I decided I would start one... and make it available for all of you to read. Besides it'll give me something to do in my down time and for when I need a break from work!!!

Today I am 8 weeks 3 days pregnant and we're anxiously awaiting to get through these first cruitial 12 weeks. So let me bring you up to speed on the pregnancy thus far.

May 11, 2009 - had an appointment with my dr in Chicago. Got the "clear" to start trying again!! YAY!!! Also got a prescription for a drug called Prometrium, which is to help strengthen the uterine lining. I'll start this new med along with the Fragmin (blood thinner shots) 3 days after my LH surge this month. Only got the Rx for 2 months so if we're not pregnant within 2 months, we'll have to come back up to see the dr. and try something different.

May 13 - The egg is in the basket!!!!!!! I have a dinner after work and then I'll have to go home and see if luck is on our side!!!!!!

Saturday, May 16 - 3 days after LH surge. Prometrium needs to be taken twice a day 12 hours a part. I have decided to take them at 7a and 7p. I will take my Fragmin at 7p since that is only once a day.

Tuesday, May 26 - I haven't been feeling very good all day. I am working the bar tonight and just hope I can get through the night. On the way home I stopped to buy a home pregnancy test and will have to sneak it in the house to take it.... Craig HATES it when I buy the home tests just because he thinks it gets my hopes up. No fear this time... Im 99% sure Im not pregnant but want to rule it out before I call Dr. Larson to find out whats making me so sick. I took the first test at 1020pm... within a minute the little window says PREGNANT. NO FREAKING WAY! I called Craig into the bathroom and was like "Dont get mad at me for this, but you need to see this". I handed him the test and his eyes got as big as baseballs. He was in shock too. I stood there with tears in my eyes and we were both in disbelief that it happened so fast. Could it really be??? I called my mom and told her.... we both cried. We're excited but also very scared. I will call Chicago in the morning.

Wednesday, May 27 - Woke up after not sleeping so great and took the second test. This time in a matter of 20 seconds the PREGNANT came up again. OMG this IS for real. Got ready for work and headed in. I couldn't concentrate AT ALL once I got to work. I had to wait until 9am to call my dr. since they're an hour behind us. That was the longest hour ever. I talked to my nurse Deborah and she was giddy for us... which made me feel giddy. She called in some lab work for me and I headed for my first round of HCG Quants. This will be done today and then repeated on June 3. OMG Im still in shock that Im actually pregnant!!!!

HCG Quants for 5/27 - 63 (have to be above 6 to be pregnant.... Ive never had anything higher than 10 in any of my pregnancies...)
HCG Quants for 6/3 - 2275 (we were hoping for atleast 125 since they needed to be double from 5/27... so I was in SHOCK they were so high!!!)

June 11 - my first prenatal appointment. Craig went with me and we had our first ultrasound. Yep, there is definately a baby in there!! Met with the doctor and said to make sure I keep taking all my meds (prometrium 2x daily, fragmin 1x daily, prenatal vitamins 1x daily, baby apsirin 1x daily and 2 tums per day for calcium). Also, she suggested I stop working at Maxi's during the week and on friday's. Said I need to take it easy and that the double shifts are not good for me or the baby. DAMNIT!! Im a little upset with this but I have to follow the doctors orders. Im still keeping my Saturdays since thats not a double shift day. Otherwise, all is good and our little monkey is cooking!!!!

June 20 - I was at work and had some light spotting. I totally freaked out. Mandy told me to leave and Craig and I headed to Bremen Hospital. I called my mom and she and my dad met us there. I wasn't happy with the ER doctor. He didn't seem to understand anything about high risk pregnanices or the fact that I needed to have an U/S to see if there was a heartbeat. They said no u/s were given after hours or on weekends, but ran some blood work and gave me a pelvic exam. He said that my cervix was still closed, which was a HUGE sign of good but we still weren't out of the woods. I had to wait about 45 minutes for the HCG blood work to come back. So I went out in the waiting room to wait with my parents and was happy to see Kristan (my BFF since pre-kindergarden days) was sitting there too. After waiting, we got the HCG and my levels were at 49912! OMG thats great. The dr gave me orders to stay off my feet the rest of the weekend. I had a dr visit scheduled for monday back in Chicago so he was content with me waiting until then for an u/s. I spent the rest of the weekend on the couch.

June 22 - Since having the scare on saturday, Craig took half day off from work and took me to my appointment. We were both scared shitless for this appointment. We knew we were having an ultrasound but were scared at what we might see. What if there wasn't a heartbeat??? How could we possibly go on.... lots weighing on our minds. When we got called back for our appt. both us of got really nervous. The u/s tech was AMAZING. She was very detailed and ultra gentle!!! I liked her alot (her name was Katie, maybe thats why she was so great!!). She got the u/s do-hickey thing lined up and there on the screen was the little fluttering heartbeat of our little monkey. We both let out a sign of relieft and got a little teary eyed. Katie took about 20 to 30 minutes with us and I felt at ease for the first time in a while. We then met with the Dr and she explained to us that the cause for my spotting on saturday was from what they call a Sympathetic Response. The baby is attached to the right side of my uterus and so the left side has blood and nutrients built up and nothing to obsorb them, so they released. I might deal with this more throughout the pregnancy but now I know what to expect and will know its more than that and if we need to seek the ER again.

The babys heartbeat on June 11 was at 95 beats per minute.
The babys heartbeat on June 22 was at 136 beats per minute.

My "official" due date is February 6, 2010

So that catches up to now pretty much. My next dr's visit is slated for Monday, July 6.

Everyone asks, how are you feeling, and honestly, it goes in spurts. I feel nauseous a lot, but as long as I snack about every two hours, it keeps it controlable. When I take my Tums in the afternoon, I gag everytime. I hate those pills. UGH! No real cravings, its too early for that.

My stomach is growing a little bit. We noticed it for the first time last night. The bruises on my stomach from the Fragmin injections are higher than where they were initially. WEIRD but really kinda cool!!! Slowly but surely!

Cole is being WONDERFUL with all this going on. He understands how "Fragile" I am and has been a super help to me at home. Hope this continues!!!!!

So I guess thats the update for today... wow, its a long one but hey, atleast it catches everyone up!!

Katie

First Post

Okay, so today I thought I would start an online blog. Im not sure who will really read it but I thought why not try it?? I enjoy keeping up on my friend Jen's blog about her daughter so I thought I would give this thing a whirl!!!!

So as of today, Im 8 weeks 2 days pregnant. My due date is February 6, 2010. OMG we're actually pregnant!!!!!

I had my first ultrasound on June 11 and the baby's heartbeat was at 95 beats per minute. Went for another ultrasound on June 22nd and the baby's heartbeat was at 136 beats per minute!! Yay, it's getting stronger. I have another ultrasound scheduled for Monday, July 6. I believe my mom is going with me to that appointment. I will be anxious to share that appointment with her! She'll get to meet her "cooking" grandchild!!!

I've been feeling overly tired and very nauseous lately. But I'll take it. It's all part of the process. I snack on and off every couple of hours and that helps to a point. Ive been eating a lot of grapes. Yummy. Not really craving anything special these days.. it's still too early for that. All in due time.

I will try to figure out how this blog thing works and do my best to keep it updated for you to read!!!

Until next time.... or until I can figure out what Im doing!

--Katie