Christmas came and went

We survived the holidays!! I am so proud of BOTH of my kids for how well they behaved at my parents holiday gathering and my inlaws!!!

We learned that Chesney does NOT like commotion!! When the family room at my moms was full of people, and it was LOUD, she would just close her eyes and pretend to sleep! As soon as it quieted down or we took her in another room, she was bright eyed and wide awake!! She fakes sleep!! It was priceless.

We did release balloons for Callies birthday and two for my grandparents who also passed away this year. It was SUPER sad but Im so glad we did it. Thanks to my aunts for organizing that!!

Chesney is adjusting well at home. We absolutely love her to pieces. The hardest part is prying her away from Cole when he's here!! Hes a baby hog!!!

Im feeling pretty good. I wish I could fit into my regular jeans! But its only been 3 weeks. I mean they fit, and I can button them but they're not comfy! Hopefully soon I'll be able to wear them and be comfy!!

If anyone knows anyone who is part of the Christmas Commandos here in town, please let them know that we GREATLY appreciate all that they did for us on Christmas Eve. What a blessing and totally unexpected!!!!

Enjoy the pictures!!!!

XOXOXOXOXOXO

12 days old

wow...chesney is already 12 days old! seems like just yesterday i was finding out we were pregnant and shes here now!! CRAZY!!

things are goung really well! shes adjusting well and i think daddy and momma are too!!!

she went to the dr last tuesday ans shes back to ger birth weight!! she eats a lot and burps like a champ! 'atta girl!!!

im attaching a handful of pictures for you all to enjoy!!

hope you all have a fabulous christmas!! going to be bittersweet for us as Callie's first birthday is Christmas Eve.

So we have a GIRL!

I am shocked as all get out that our baby is a baby girl!! I was convinced that I was carrying a boy so when Craig announced in the delivery room that she was a she, I was like OMG!!! :-)

We were set for delivery on Monday. We came in for the amniocentesis at 8am and the results took about 2+ hours. However, we were in a pickle becasue Sunday night I took my Fragmin injection (blood thinner) and you can't have blood thinner in your system 24hrs prior to surgery. SO, therefore, outr 10am c-section was OFF. I was devastated. I was so set to have this baby on Monday. We hung out at the hospital until mid-afternoon when the dr called and said surgery was gonna be Tuesday morning. So everyone headed for home and I cried.

Monday night we had dinner with Craigs parents, brother and Cole and then stayed at the Ramada near the hospital. Got up Tuesday and headed to the hospital.

I was taken back to Triage at 8am and things progressed from there. They brought Craig back and he was all decked out in scrubs. Oh lala Dr. Craig can take care of me anytime!! They wheeled me off to the operating room and the tears flowed.

They got me all prepped and after what seemed like eternity, they brought Craig back. Surgery started at 1010am and at 1024am they told Craig to look over the curtain and see what the baby was. I watched him look over and he did a double take before saying ITS A GIRL! We were both in shock and both burst into tears!

Little Miss Chesney Rose was 7lb 14oz and 19inches. She was born at 1024am local time, 1124am at home. December 7, 2010. She shares her birthday with her Aunt Annette (Craigs sister) so Im sure they'll share a special bond!

She spent about 2 hours in the NICU because of some fluid on her lungs from delivery, but they just observed her and after 2 hours, they decided she was A-OK! Shes absolutely fabulous!

Our stay here at UCH has been great. There is one nurse we've had every day and we just love her. If I could take her home, we would!!

We should be heading home tomorrow afternoon and I can't wait to get back to the comfort of our own home! And be able to bond with Cole. Cole was here for the delivery but hasn't seen his sister since Tuesday afternoon. So I know hes antsy to get his hands on her!!!

All is great. Im doing good... stiff and kinda tender but thats all part of a c-section. Craig is good... hes already wrapped around Chesney's finger!!

We'll be home soon!!!

Much love!

CHESNEY ROSE VAN TORNHOUT!

ITS A GIRL

Chesney Rose Van Tornhout came a day late, but she's here and we're so happy to have her!!
7lb 14oz 19inches
1124am on 12/7
pics and details to come later today!!!!
SHES PERFECT!

T Minus 4 Days...

We are 4 days away from finding out if Moose is a boy or a girl!! Holy Moly!! Are you all getting your predictions ready? Craig and I said we're going to write our predictions down on Sunday night and see who ends up being right!!! (might help to calm our nerves a bit!)

This will probably be the last post until the baby arrives...

We had our final weekly visit on Tuesday. My mom was sick with that nasty bug that has been going around our family. So she couldn't go but arranged for both my sisters to head up with me. We had a great time. Lots of laughs!!

The baby was stubborn during the ultrasound. It was curled up in a ball, face down and didn't want anyone looking at him/her! It was soo cute! But then when it was time for my non-stress test, he/she started moving around like a crazy person!! It was funny!!!

Dr said everything looks good and we're all set for delivery on Monday morning. The baby will more than likely be pushing 9lbs when it comes out! HOLYMOOSE!!! =)

My bag is packed and I think I have everything ready to go. I am NOT packing outfits for the baby because I dont want to buy neutral outfits. So I have asked my mom to be in charge of shopping Monday night and pick up the baby something cute to wear home!! Of course she took that task with pleasure!! Gotta have a stylin baby to head home!

We have booked a room downtown Chicago for Sunday night and Im looking forward to our last getaway before Moose arrives. Im not sure what we'll do in Chicago but we'll find something to do! And the Steelers play the night game so we'll probably go somewhere to watch the first half before retiring to our hotel room for the night!

I will do my best to get on here to and update you all on what the baby is... we are taking our laptop but that doesn't mean I'll have time to use it. But I will do my best!

Thanks for your support!!!!

Much Love
MommaKate

35 and a half weeks!

Holy smokes, we're getting so close!! I had my 35 week check up Tuesday and things went great. Because of the holiday this week, Dr. G's ultrasound tech wasn't in the office, so we had our appointment at the new St. Joe hospital. What a nice facility!! Had it not been for the volunteer escorting us, we probably would have gotten lost in that place!

Anyway, my ultrasound went really good. The baby cooperated!!! The lungs looked FABULOUS!! As did the heart! I dont think we're going to have any problems when the baby comes out on the 6th. We did get a really REALLY good face picture of our Moose!!! Check this out...



The baby is weighing in at a whopping 8lb 2oz! Now, ultrasounds can be +/- 1lb 3oz, but still, thats a BIG baby compared to our petite Callie Grace (she was 4lb 5oz at birth!)!! The baby was all squished up inside, but thats because the poor little booger has no place to go!! Im all baby and the baby is outgrowing it's hideout! Good thing we only have 12 days left!!

The non-stress test went well also! So another week survived!! I go back to Chicago on Tuesday, November 30. This will be my last appointment before the Moose arrives!!! HOLY MOLY!

Everyone keeps asking me how Im feeling, and honestly, I feel good, just getting uncomfy. The baby is running out of room so I get lots of pressure.. not such a fun feeling. I love feeling the baby move and kick but sometimes it hurts!! Its fun to be sitting on the couch and all of a sudden you see your belly move like crazy! We definately have an active baby on our hands!!!

A local news channel aired a special segment on Pertussis Monday night. They called it an Ounce of Prevention, and they did a GREAT job with it!! It was very emotional to watch, but Im so thankful they took the time and energy to make it such a wonderful piece. Diane Daniels from WSBT sat down with Craig and I at the end of October and then edited it for a month, and it aired Monday. She put many personal touches on it, and made it absolutely awesome. Heres the link:
http://www.wsbt.com/news/wsbt-special-report-an-ounce-of-pr-112310,0,517487.story

I hope everyone has a very Happy Thanksgiving!! We'll check back in next week after our LAST weekly appointment!! Baby Moose will be here in TWELVE DAYS!!!

Happy Turkey Day!

Side Note!

Our blog is not geared toward anyone in particular... just toward EVERYONE!! Just so you all know where we're coming from!!! Love to all of you!!!!!!

Emotionally Overloaded and wanting to VENT!

Well, this post is more geared towards family and friends.. instead of a real baby update. As I think about delivering this baby in 18 days, I get overwhelmed and have so many thoughts running through my mind. So instead of repeating the same thing OVER AND OVER to different people so everyone knows our plan, I am just posting it here, and hoping all friends and family read it before the baby comes!!!

We are 18 days away from finding out if this baby is a Benjamin Wrigley or a Chesney Rose! (have I told you how much I love our baby names!!!!!) Hard to believe we're this close! Seems like just yesterday we were announcing we were pregnant. Wow!! How fast the time has gone.

As you all know, Craig and I have had one hell of an emotional year. Words can't describe the rollercoaster we have been on. And when this baby enters the world, I know we're going to be even more emotionally overloaded. We ask that each and every one of you understand where we're coming from as we update this blog today.

First and foremost, thank you to EVERYONE who has stood by our side through the thick and thin. We have learned who are true friends are over the last year. We've made some new friends and even lost some friends, but we're grateful for YOUR support. We would be lost with out it.

We know that everyone is going to want to hug and sqeeze this baby. And please please please understand you might not get that chance right away. Not because we're going to live in a bubble, well wait, we are going to live in a bubble, but also because we are going to need our space and our privacy as we adjust as a new family. It's going to be emotionally tough. We should be celebrating this new life with Callie at our sides and she's not here!! Its so unfair. We know this baby is a true gift from her, but its still so hard. Craig and I act tough on the outside but none of you can fathom the pain we still (and always will have) on the inside. There are a few of you that actually can say you understand our pain, because you suffer the same pain... Everyone else can only imagine what we suffer, and I can assure you, the pain is way worse than what you think. It does NOT get easier.

Anyway, we are delivering this baby in Chicago. Our baby will be born in a different state in a different timezone! CRAZY! We're looking forward to being able to shout from the rooftops that ITS A BOY or ITS A GIRL!! Im antsy to find out as well!!! Craig will be in surgery with me and once everything is said and done, he'll come out to waiting family in the waiting room and announce whether its a Benjamin or a Chesney!!!!! We ask that NO ONE post our good news on Facebook until we make that initial announcement. I know people on Facebook will be waiting, and they can wait a few hours until we make that first post. We want it to come from us FIRST! (sorry sisters, you'll have to hold your excitement!!) You can call your friends and tell them, but we ask that the inital Facebook announcement comes from us.

As for visitors... Im not sure how to word this. I dont want to sound bitchy, so just bear with me and undertand our views okay? We know there is going to be quite a few of you making your way to Chicago to be there when Moose is born. And that is FINE. We have no problem with that. However, please please PLEASE understand that there is a CHANCE you might not get to see the baby. Everything is going to depend on how the baby is doing, and how Craig and I are doing. Its going to be EMOTIONAL and Im not even sure how we're going to hold up. Its awesome that you all want to be there for support, and many of you have said you dont even care if you get to see the baby, and we appreciate that. We want to share this baby with EVERYONE, but know that isn't possible. So please dont be offended if you dont get to see Moose right away. Be patient!! The best things come to those who wait!!

We're asking that people don't make plans to spend lots of time with us in the hospital. We dont want constant company. We love our families, and want to share this baby with them, but please know that Craig and I are going to need OUR time to bond and adjust as well. This is OUR baby. Some of you are staying in Chicago for a night or two, and thats great. Just please dont plan on spending hours at a time at the hospital. Chicago has lots to do, make the most of your trip! Its awesome to know you'll be around so if we need something, youre a phone call away (never know when Craig will need a snack!). We're not saying you can't come see us, we're just asking that you dont make this huge plan and then be upset when we veto it. Please call us before you head up to the room as well. I can promise you I dont want you to be walking in while Im mid-pumping or anything like that!

We are asking that friends don't make the trip to Chicago. Its a long drive, weather could be bad and quite frankly, we just dont need everyone there. Our true friends will understand that.

When we come home for the first day, we ask that NO ONE makes a plan to come that day. Our first day home should be a quiet day and allow for us to adjust to being home. After 4 days in the hospital, we're gonna want to just be home with no phones ringing and no one knocking on the door!

That weekend Im sure we'd love to see some family... minimally. And this could all change by then too. So if you call to say can we come over and we say no, don't be offended. Also, Craig and I have agreed that if someone just "pops" over, we're not opening the door. People need to understand they need to call first!

Also, if you dont have your TDaP you wont be seeing this baby ANYTIME soon. Please understand that as well. We've been preaching to EVERYONE about the importance of this shot and you've had 9 months to get it. So if you haven't, then sorry about your lucky, Baby VT will meet you in the summer. Plain and simple.

I think that covers all my thoughts and emotions for today. I hope I didn't offend anyone, and if I did, Im sorry but just understand where we're coming from. This is going to be one of the hardest things Craig and I will have to endure and we depend on our friends and family to support us, whether they agree with how we handle things or not!!

And yes, for the last time.. our names are set in stone!! Benjamin Wrigley or Chesney Rose! I can't wait to see what name we get to pick. And DONT STEAL THE NAME WE DONT USE!! Because you never know, we could get lucky and get to have another one and be able to use the other name!! SO NO NAME STEALING! =)

Love and hugs to ALL!

Love
Momma Kate & Daddy

We have a DELIVERY DATE!

Well well well, here I sit at 34weeks 4days pregnant and can't believe we are THIS close to having a new baby join our family!!!

The doctors appointment went really well yesterday. We had our favorite ultrasound technician yesterday (Katie) and I was thrilled. We haven't had her much this pregnancy and I have missed her! She took awesome care of me yesterday! She had a new machine so she was playing around with it getting all sorts of great pictures of our Moose!! We did not get a weight check this time around, but everything looks great!! Look at the chubby cheeks!!



My non-stress test was great as well! The baby would NOT sit still!! Even the girl who was running the machine couldn't believe how active our little booger is!! It was so fun to watch my belly move like crazy!! Im telling you, this kid is going to be a Rock Star!!

I met with the doctor briefly and then spoke to her assistant Brooke. They are happy with how well everything is going. No signs of pre-eclampsia which is AWESOME!! They think the baby is going to come out pushing 8lbs! My oh my!!

Brooke called me last night and they have scheduled my amniocentesis and c-section.... the amnio will be done at 9am (South Bend time) on December 6 and the c-section is scheduled for 11am (South Bend time) the same day. So DECEMBER 6 is BABY DAY!! OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!! We will have the baby in Chicago. We haven't decided if we're going to go up the night before or just head up early in the morning. Decisions, decisions! We only have 19 DAYS!!

Its going to fly by waiting for this baby to get here. I worry about my husband. He told me last night he feels like he hasn't been part of this pregnancy since he hasn't gotten to go to many of the appointments with me. Which I totally understand. With his new job he can't get away to attend my appointments so its been hard on him. He did go to one ultrasound in September but that has been IT. Poor Craig. He does get to be there for the amnio and then of course during surgery. He's an awesome support for me and Im so happy we're in this together!!! He's gonna be a great daddy.... again! =)

Thats about it for now! We'll keep you posted as we get closer!!

19 DAYS!!!

And we have a MOOSE!

I just wrote a big update for you all, and when I clicked Submit, it erased it all! UGH!!!!! I hate computers!! Lets try this again!

We had our weekly appointment here in town on Tuesday with Dr. G. After being so use to the technology in Chicago, going to his office is like stepping back into time, but you know what?? Its okay, because I love the staff there!!

We had an ultrasound and the baby looks great! The baby was VERY active Tuesday for the u/s so that was neat to see. "Moose" (as we have nicknamed this baby) is weighing about 6lb 5oz... holy moly!! Up over a pound from last week!! The u/s technician pointed out these white lines on the baby's head and told us that it was HAIR! Our baby has hair!! It was all matted down but there is definately some hair on it's head!! Awwww!! Everything is still measureing big and so we're happy with that!! Still can't believe we're so close!

The non-stress test went well also. The baby didn't overly cooperate becasue it decided it was naptime instead!! But we still scored 10 out of 10 so that was awesome!!!!

Next week we'll head back to Chicago for my appointment and talk delivery plans with my doctor! We're about 3 weeks out we figure... if they take it at 37 weeks! OH WOW. CLOSE!

Enjoy the pics and I'll check in next week!

Baby's profile...


"Moose" saying ROCK ON! Still think he/she is dancing from the Bon Jovi and Darius Rucker concerts!!!!!

First Weekly Appointment

We survived our first weekly appointment! We headed to Chicago on Tuesday for an ultrasound, non-stress test and a visit with my doctor. It was LONG day. We got to UCH around 9am our time, and didn't leave until 130p. So yeah, long day. Thanks to my momma for driving this trip!

We first had an ultrasound. I had requested to have Katie do the scan but the lady said we're no longer allowed to requests techs... what a crock! But the girl we ended up with was great. She did a great job and kept us very informed of what she was looking for and checking for. They checked the breathing pattern of the baby, the kidneys, diaphram and just developmental things. The baby didn't overly cooperate, it wanted to nap, but Momma Kate kept poking at it making it move!

From the ultrasound we had the non-stress test. What they did was hook me up to two different monitors. One was to monitor the baby's heartbeat and the other was to monitor any contractions we had. They gave me this button thing and if I felt the baby kick, or move, I was to push the button. Then on the report the machine kicks out, it places a little hash mark saying I felt the baby at that time. The baby LOVED this!! Im not sure why but it slept through the u/s but woke up for the non-stress test! I was pushing that button like a fien because he/she was moving all over!! Abbie (the girl who works the non-stress tests) was really nice and said that my test came out great! No contractions, baby was moving, good heartbeat ranging from 125-169 and all looked GREAT! So for the day, we got a 10 out of 10 on their point system! YAY!

We met with Dr. DiGiovanni to discuss where things were at. Last time we met with her, she stated she didn't want us to have a big baby, but now shes talking about letting us go to possibly 38 or 39 weeks... which could end up with a big baby. She seemed frazzled on Tuesday and I left there kind of confused, but I emailed Brooke yesterday to ask her some questions so hopefully I hear back from her soon! (Brooke is Dr. DiGi's right hand woman, but she was out Tuesday so hopefully she can help clear things up!)

Dr. did say that at 37 weeks (first week of December) she'd like to do an amniocentesis to check the fluid around the baby. With this fluid, they can see how well developed the babys lungs are. And if all comes out okay, she would feel comfy delivering the baby at 37/38 weeks. Because she knows we really dont want to be in the NICU again and we want this baby to be born healthy. HOWEVER, the amnio scares me to DEATH! Its a needle they put through your belly to get to the fluid in the womb. Yes, the needle goes CLEAR THROUGH THE BELLY. Ive heard horror stories about people having this done. Its done early in pregnancy as well to test for birth defects and then later in pregnancy to check the lungs. I know they do it often, but Im not sure Im comfy with having it done. There are always risks (pre-term labor, infection in the uterus) but it's also checking the babys lungs. So Im just not sure if I want to have it done. There are pros and cons but Im just scared. So I want to talk to the Dr about it more in depth and see what is going on. Good thing we have time to worry about this and its not like its set for next week or anything.

Next Tuesday my weekly appointment is here in South Bend. I get to go to Dr G's office again! YAY! I love the staff there (and Chicago too) but it will be nice to go and see them here in South Bend! And it saves me a trip for a week!! Then back to Chicago on 11/16. So every other week I flip flop.

OH!!!!!!!!!!!! They did a weight check on the baby Tuesday when they did the ultrasound. Before I tell you the size, keep in mind that we're only 32 1/2 weeks along... so we have 7.5 weeks until the actual due date, and about 4.5 weeks out until HOPEFULLY the baby comes. The baby measured about 2 weeks ahead of schedule, however the baby's head measured bigger! Got your guess in your head???? My guess was 4lb 9oz... Craig's was 3lb 7oz.... and the winner is... ME! I was closer! The baby weighed in at 5lb 2oz.... HOLY MOLY!! Big ol baby!!!!

So all in all, things are going really good. I feel good, the baby loves to kick me, and I just love being pregnant.

I'll have an update for you next week after my next appointment!! We're getting closer!!!!!!!!

XOXOXOXO

Scared Shitless

Well, I start my weekly appointments tomorrow (11/2/10) and I can offically say Im starting to get SCARED. Ive done so well up to this point but now that the reality is actually sitting in, MommmaKate's scared.

I know I can get through the delivery part okay... Im actually THRILLED that I will be a scheduled c-section instead of having to go through labor! I don't know if I'd be able to handle labor or not, but the good news is, I don't have to find out!! We have to have a c-section! And thats good, because thats all I know and know what to expect through the surgery and the recovery.

As for welcoming a new baby into the Van Tornhout Family, Im scared. I know its going to be a whirlwind of emotions when they pull that baby out and we get to see him/her for the first time. Im scared because Im not sure how I will handle it emotionally. I act a lot tougher on the outside than I am on the inside and think its going to really take a toll on me. I wish Callie was here to be able to welcome her new brother/sister into this world.

Craig and I are in this together... and know we'll be okay, we'll have to be. It will just take time to adjust and what not. It's not like Callie is coming back, and we understand that, we just don't accept it yet. If that makes sense?

This baby will be loved and there is no doubt about that. This baby will also grow up knowing about their older sister... no way around that! Callie is still part of our family 120%!!

We have a picture of Callie in a frame that is going to the hospital with us. That way, when Cole comes to see us in the hospital, I can get a picture of my family of 5. I never got a picture of the 4 of us when Callie was here, so you can bet your ass Im getting one of the 5 of us ASAP!!!!

Im off to Chicago tomorrow for my first weekly appointment. I'll go to Chicago every other Tuesday now and then the Tuesdays I dont have to trek to Chicago, Ill have my weekly here in South Bend with Dr. G. SO that will be nice. We'll have weekly ultrasounds and non-stress tests to make sure the baby is doing okay. TOmorrow they will do the final weight check and see how big the baby is. Im guessing between 4 1/2 and 5 lbs! We'll see!!!

So Im gonna end this and I will check in either tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday and give you all an update!!

Til then...

Belly Picture

Everyone keeps asking for a belly picture... well, here you go!
This was taken on 10/13 so at that point I was 29.5 weeks!! We're at 31 weeks now! HOLY SMOKES time is FLYING!!!

Enjoy!!

WSBT

Just another quick update. I got a phone call from a Diane Daniels from WSBT here in town. They are wanting to do a follow up story on Callie/Pertussis and then mention about our new baby. At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to do it. Some people have really bashed us saying we're just doing it for our 15 minutes of fame, but you know what?? SCREW THOSE PEOPLE!! We speak out to SAVE LIVES and spread the word about the importance of the TDaP. So we agreed to do it.

They're coming next week for the interview and then it will run as a special report in November!

We'll keep you posted!

Katie

30 weeks ....

Hello All!

I had an appointment up in Chicago yesterday and so here is my update!

I met with my high risk OB and we went over my c-section report from when I had Callie. It was my understanding that I had a T incision on the inside meaning that I would have to have a c-section again. Because when you have a T incision, you could rupture your uterus if you tried to have a natural delivery. So it was my understanding that I couldn't have a baby the natural way (which is fine with me because I dont want to deliver that way). BUT it turns out, in the report, it doesn't state that I have a T. So my doctors in Chicago are having a call with my Dr here in South Bend to figure out what excatly my incision looks like. We have to be cautious because if it is a T or even higher up than normal incisions, we'll definately have to have a c-section.... which would be ideal. I got really teary eyed when they told me that yeah, you can try to deliver. I told her point blank I dont want to even attempt it. She was shocked and said that most women always want to try to deliver instead of having the scars. Well you know what, Im not most women. I know what to expect from a c-section and its my preferred method. So Im hoping they allow me to have the surgery!! Im gonna keep begging for it!

My OB thought my blood pressure seemed high but when I saw the BP specialist, he wasn't alarmed. However, he did give me an Rx for some low dose meds. I started those and those should help regulate my pressure. He gave me a window of where my pressures should be so I konw what to watch for =)

If all goes well with the blood work they did yesterday, my next appointment won't be until Novermber 2. And that appointment will be a Biophysical Profile and Non Stress Test. They will hook me up to monitors for half hour to monitor the baby and then do an ultrasound. At that appointment, they will do a weight check on the baby and that will be the last time I get a weight check! As of my last u/s on 9/7 the baby was almost 2lbs and so my dr was like "the baby is already HUGE". Then going forward from 11/2 I will have weekly appointments for the non-stress tests. My dr here in town said he would order the tests to be done at St. Joe hospital so I won't have to drive clear to Chicago every week for a 45minute appointment. So that will be NICE! Memorial does these appointments as well, but Id prefer St. Joe. And they also told me that they wont allow me to have a "big" baby. They dont want me to have anything over 7 or 8 pounds. My insides won't hold up if we cook a huge baby!

Our due date is still Christmas Day. On 9/7 they said we were measuring 2 weeks early, so that would bump it up to 12/16 but they still use 12/25 as the official due date. HOWEVER, with the weekly appointments we'll have.... they'll check the baby each week with an ultrasound. As soon as they think the baby is ready to come out..... we'll be heading in to have this baby! So in reality, it could come as soon as 36 weeks, which is Thanksgiving. OMG! If there is every any stress on the baby or on myself, the baby will come ASAP. Because my insides are small and what they called "a mess", I can't go to term regardless. That would be way to much stress on me, my insides and the baby, and ultimately put my life on the line. So it'll be here early regardless, we're just not sure how early yet. We REALLY want to hit that 36+ plus mark. At 36 weeks, youre considered "Full Term" so that is my goal, to atleast get to that point.

So for now, we're just pushing to get to ATLEAST 36weeks!! Even though we'll do the weekly appointments here in town we'll still have the baby in Chicago. If we have to have an emergency C secction, then we probably wont have time to get to Chicago, but we're thinking positive and hoping that won't happen!!

Everything else is looking good. The baby's heartbeat was 148 yesterday and this kid is SUPER active!! The doctor could NOT believe how much he/she moves!! I just love it!! I just love being pregnant!!! :-)

As for you who keep asking.... NO, we dont know the gender! And yes, we do have names. If its a boy, we like Benjamin Wrigley and for a girl we have picked Chesney Rose.

So yeah, anywhere after 6 weeks, its GAME ON for Baby Van Tornhout to enter this world!! Im very excited, but also very scared... as Im sure you can all imagine!!!


UPDATE!!!!! UCH called and they spoke to Dr. G's office here in South Bend. I CAN have my weekly appointments here in South Bend!! SO, I will go for my first test on 11/2 in Chicago and then hopefully go here in town each Tuesday after that!!! PLUS! Dr. G said I do NOT have a T incision, BUT I also can NOT deliver vaginally! HURRAY!!! I get to have a c-section!!! WOOHOOO!!! =) All is good in Katieland!! =)

28 weeks!

Wow, can you believe we're 28 weeks 3 days already?? WOWZERS!!!

Last week I was having a down day and really wanted to hear the baby's heartbeat. It had been 4 weeks since my last appointment and my next appointment was still 2 weeks away. 6 weeks is a LONG time to go without seeing or hearing the baby!! SO, I called Dr. G's office here in South Bend and Lynne told me just to stop in and she'd let me hear the heartbeat!!!!

So, I went to the office at 230p and got to hear the heartbeat! It was strong at 147!! It was like music to my ears. I know I feel the baby move ALL THE TIME so I know things are going well, but to hear the heart beating is just so freaking neat. It brings tears to my eyes each time. Such a neat thing!!!!

Last night Craig and I were lying in bed and the baby had the hiccups!! OMG my belly would shake with each hiccup. Craig put his hand on my belly and just sat and felt each little hiccup. It was soo freaking neat!!

I think Craig is getting more and more excited now that he can feel and SEE the baby move!! Yep, the baby moves A LOT and you can see it through my shirt most times!! Its so neat!! I love this stage of my pregnancy!!!!

Im posting a picture that we found on Craigs cell phone last night. Look at how precious she is.... but then look at her hand... Shes flipping us off!! THATS MY GIRL! So stinking adorable! Too cute not to post!!!

My next appointment in Chicago is on 10/19 and Im hoping that I get to schedule my c-section!! Id love to have a "firm" date!! We're so close!!!

Til next time...... GO GET YOUR TDaP!

September 22

Well, I haven't had any doctor appointments lately, and I guess thats a good thing!! They must think Im doing that well if they dont need to see me!! I was suppose to go up and see Dr. DiGi on October 6, but we have moved the appointment out and now I dont see her until October 19. That same day I will see Dr. Bakris (my blood pressure doctor). What a way to spend my 31st birthday... at the hospital! Guess its better than being at work!! So until then, we'll just sit back, and let the baby cook! When we go up on the 19th, I will be 30 weeks! OMG! Hopefully we'll get to schedule my c-section that day. I'd love to get a date firmed up!

Cole had surgery on Monday. He had been walking with a limp and told us it was "nothing". But after talking to his mom, she took him to see a dr and what do you know, it wasn't just nothing.... it was a big problem! His hip bone wasn't growing into the growth plate right. Had we of caught it sooner, it could have been fixed but since it had shifted, the only thing they could do was put a screw in it to hold it in place! So he had a screw put into his right hip. He'll be on crutches for 6 weeks. Oh dear lord! The kid can barely walk without crutches let alone with them!! We'll help teach him how to do things without the use of his leg and basics like pulling himself up... because lord knows I cant help pull him up! He'll be okay.. just gotta learn to do basics all over again!

Today is a gloomy day, I swear on gloomy days, I end up weepy. I was sitting here and all of sudden the tears started to flow. I miss Callie so much. I sit and think about all the things we missed out with her and the things we should be planning... like her first Halloween costume, her first birthday party, etc. She got cheated out of her life, and it eats me up on the inside. I know there is nothing I can do to bring her back, and I dont have a time machine, but as a mom, it still eats me up. I couldn't save my baby girl, and I HATE THAT FEELING.

People have been walking by my desk and just give me a look but thankfully, no one has said "whats wrong" or "are you okay" because if they did, I think I would snap. People don't understand what I go through, nor do I ever want them to have to find out what this feeling is like. I wouldn't wish it upon my worse enemy. I feel so alone even though I know I have one hell of a support system. Its just sooo damn hard. Im thankful for the people in my life, but yet at the same time, I feel so alone.

Thats about enough of my update for today. I guess we're boring since I dont have much to update you on! Craigs birthday is this Saturday... my hubby is gonna be 36. We are going to Chicago on Sunday. Lunch and then off to the Cubs vs Cards game. Im looking forward to it!! Even though our Cubs suck, we'll still have a good time!! Its like a date day!! Love when I get that one on one time with him!! It doesn't happen that often.

Til next time...

24 week update

Wow, can you believe we're at 24 weeks and 4 days already??? Sheesh, this pregnancy is flying by!!

Well, we had a check up yesterday... and everything looks good!! The main purpose for this check up was to have an ultrasound to check on the baby's right foot. Because at our last appointment, they were concerned about the baby having a mild clubbed foot. The U/S appeared normal yesterday. They will still keep an eye on it but for now, we're not too concerned about it.

We were 24wks and 3days yesterday and the baby is measuring 26wks 2 days. So almost two weeks ahead of schedule!! WOW!! The baby weighs about 1lb 13oz. ALMOST 2LBS! The heartbeat was strong at 145bpm. And the baby was ACTIVE!! It was moving all around and kept kicking!! There were two times that the ultrasound tech told us to close our eyes so we didn't see anything we didn't want to see. So we did and didn't see anything "down there". And yeah, we're still NOT finding out the gender. We're going old school.

Here is a picture for you all to see though.... the baby is SMILING!



Craig took yesterday off work to head to Chicago with me. Such an awesome day we had together. This was his first trip to the Dr. with me for this baby. See, Craig can't get off work as easily as I can so its hard for him to go with me.. especially since going to an appt. means taking the WHOLE day off. So I was happy that his boss let him off!! Thanks Mr. Bossman!

After the appointment, we had a tour of the hospital. They showed us Labor & Delivery, where the operating room is at since I'll be a C-Section and then the mother/baby rooms. The rooms seem older than at Memorial where I had Callie but hey, we dont need anything fancy! The nice thing is that they're all SINGLE rooms so I don't have to share a room with anyone I don't know. Craig will be able to stay with me and they will even give him his own bed! No pullout couch, a real bed. He was happy!

We're allowed 2 visitors at a time, and no one under the age of 16. However, since Cole is the biological sibling, he WILL be able to come to the hospital and see the baby. Which makes me happy. As long as he behaves! Otherwise, he can stay home!! But since we'll deliver in Chicago, we shouldn't have that many visitors anyway. No one wants to make the 2hour trip in the winter!! I know I wouldn't!!! Thank goodness for digital cameras and the internet! That way we can keep everyone up to date via this blog and Facebook!

I think thats the jist of our update this week!

OH!!! My cousin Michael and his wife Michelle, had a baby girl today!!! CONGRATS!!!!! We thought for sure they were having a boy but we were all wrong!!!! So happy for them!! And happy for the rest of the Marshall clan too!!! Now Mady has a new playmate!!!

Til next time...

Awards dinner & dr visit update

Well, I have a bunch to update you on today so I'll do my best to keep it short and sweet.

The March of Dimes Mother of the Year Award was held Saturday night in downtown Indy. I was one of the 10 nominees. Me, Craig, my parents, my Aunt Bonny, Uncle Lynn, Craigs mom and Craigs Aunt Marge all went down for the occasion. It was a nice evening. I didn't win, and thats okay, it was an honor to even be there. I met many other wonderful moms in the process. You can read the snippets on each mom at the link below:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/indiana/45925_60003.asp

We made the most of the evening with dinner and dancing. Then Sunday Craig and I headed for home after stopping by the state fair. It was a nice time. Nice to have that one on one time with my hubby!! We got home around 5pm and we were both beat!!

Monday, went to see the doctor in Chicago for my 22week visit and ultrasound. First of all, NO!! we did NOT find out the gender!!! We still do not want to know. Our normal u/s girl wasn't there yesterday so we had to go to another tech. Which was okay, but we were in that room for 90minutes. We got to see so much detail, it was amazing. We could see all 4 chambers of the heart, eye, ears, nose, mouth, arms, lets, bladder, kidneys, just EVERYTHING!! Sooo amazing!!! See the pic below.. its the babys face!!!

HELLO BABY VT!!


We did have a slight scare. When they were scanning the feet, they noticed the right foot looked a little abnormal. So the u/s girl called in another tech to check it out and then finally a doctor to look at it. The left foot looked great. They check both feet for different views for some reason and the right foot didn't lay flat. So they wrote down that there is a chance the baby has a MILD Clubbed Foot. What does that mean? It means that the babys right foot is pointed inward a little bit. Nothing severe, but there was enough of a bend to make them want to check it out again in 4 weeks.....well, I told them I couldn't wait 4 weeks so we're going back in 2. There is a chance that the babys foot is fine and it was just the way he/she was laying in the womb to look that way. So the u/s on Sept 7 will tell us more. There is NOTHING I can do to change it if there is a clubbed foot. However, if this is the case, its an easy fix. 1 out of every 1,000 babies are born with a clubbed foot and half of those are both with double clubbed feet. In most cases, this can be fixed with a brace on the ankle. In severe cases, it will require surgery when the baby is 9 to 12 months old. So for now, we just have to wait and see what the next u/s says on 9/7. I was told "not to worry" but um HELLO! Of course Im going to worry because its my baby, but atleast its not something SEVERELY wrong and this CAN BE FIXED!!

So we'lll go back on 9/7 for an ultrasound, dr visit and my sugar test (Gross!!)

The baby as of yesterday was 22weeks 2days but measuring 24weeks!! So we're ahead of schedule! YAY!! The heartbeat was at 127 and its weighing 1lb 5oz. So we're doing awesome!! Im only up 6lbs pre-pregnancy weight so for being 22 weeks, thats AWESOME!!
OH!! AND NO STRETCH MARKS!!!!! YIPPIE!!!!

Babys left foot print!


My HOT date!


Look at that belly!!


From the photo shoot....

Sounds of Pertussis Campaign

hey all!!

the sounds of pertussis campaign is holding a contest that you could win!!

Sound Off About Pertussis is a song contest that challenges people to write and perform a creative and educational song about pertussis that incorporates the words "pertussis" and/or "whooping cough" into the lyrics. The goal is to help raise awareness about pertussis in a fun and creative way.

Individuals are invited to enter for an opportunity to win national exposure and a trip to the Texas Motor Speedway NASCAR race weekend in November to perform the winning song on the Performance Racing Network "Up to Speed" stage. The winner will also receive VIP access for the race and an opportunity to meet Jeff Gordon.

To learn how to enter the contest, view official rules and find useful resources about pertussis and the adult Tdap vaccination, visit www.SoundsofPertussis.com/songcontest.

Pictures

So I had forgotten that not all the pictures of Callie have been posted... so Im posting the ones of me and my Miracle Baby. This post is all about Momma Kate & Callie. So enjoy the pictures. Sorry its taken me so long to post these. As you can imagine, its a little hard for me to do this.

Callie Grace ~ Momma misses you sooooooooo much. I can't believe youve been gone for over 6 months. Its not fair. You completed Mommas world and now that you're gone, part of my world is gone too. I'll never get that piece of my life back. I know youre watching over Momma from above and I hope you know that I love you more than life itself and that everything I do day in and day out is for you!! Because of you, Momma is having another baby, and I thank you for this gift. You can bet that this baby will know all about you! YOURE GONNA BE A BIG SISTER!!! Be good for Busi & Bear up there in heaven and save Momma a seat on the swing. I LOVE YOU MONKEY!

XOXOXO

Momma

Just an update

Well, the past week nothing has really been happening too exciting. Yep, for once, our life is slowing down abit. Which is good, because for awhile there we were running NON STOP and MommaKate was getting tired!! :-)

Last weekend Craig and I went shopping for outfits for the March of Dimes Mother of the Year dinner banquet. First off, let me remind you that Craig doesn't like to dress up!! He's my jeans & tshirt kind of guy!! So I was really dreading going shopping for a suit!!

Much to my surprise, it went WELL!! We started at JC Penney because they were having a big sale and we found a suit for $135. SCORE! I was thrilled with the price and then when he tried it on, I was thrilled with the look! Its all black and has like black pinstripes. Made by Izod so it should hold up pretty good. We got him a grey/silver colored dress shirt and a tie that has pink & purple in it. Of course we had to go with something with pink for Callie Grace! He's going to look awesome.

I wasn't thrilled about looking for a dress for me though either. I had ordered the one for the photo shoot from Target that was maternity but it became snug in the past week or so. The top is a bit tight (damnit for my boobs growing!) So I had to shop for a new dress. And this wasnt going to be an easy task. Mind you the dress code for the dinner is "cocktail attire" and they dont exactly make "cocktail" dresses for 6month pregnant women!!

JC Penney had a huge sale on dresses so I started there. I tried on a few dresses and felt like a blimp. Then I found this one that had an empire waist and looked cute. So I tried it.... even though it wasn't maternity. I just opted to try a size bigger than I normally wear when Im not pregnant. IT FIT!! It looked sooo cute. The empire waist sits just above my belly and you can't really tell it's NOT maternity. And for $35 I was THRILLED!! And of course, its black.

I even bought a cute pair of heels to wear with it. Everyone knows Im not a heel girl but I splurged and bought a cute pair!!

We might not win the award, but atleast we'll look awesome!!!

We were given 8 tickets to the event from the March of Dimes... so at our table it will be Me, Craig, Mom, Dad, Craigs mom, Craigs Aunt Marge and my Aunt Bonny & Uncle Lynn. Im so honored that they all wanted to join us on this night. We're all staying the night in Indy as well. We're gonna make a full night of it! I can't wait.

Im excited to see how the evening unfolds and see which mom is crowned MOY. I know it wont be me, but its still an AMAAZING honor to even be nominiated. I still wish I knew who nominated me. One of lifes great mysteries I guess.

Not too much is really happening with us these days. The dinner is next weekend *August 21* so we're just lying low until then. Kinda feels good not to have to run here and there for a change.

I am going to a Compassionate Friends meeting tonight. I haven't been since May and I feel like I NEED to go. Ive had a lot of sleepless nights lately so maybe going to the support group will bring some comfort over me. We shall see.

I hope everyone is enjoying the HOT summer!! Im ready for Cole to go back to school... just over a week!

I'll update you after the dinner.....oh and after my next doctor appt. and ultrasound on the 23!!! (and NO, we're not finding out the sex!!!)

Have a good day!

XOXOX
MommaKate

Missing

Its 4pm on Monday afternoon and I can't help but think about by baby girl. She should be here. I should be at home being a mom instead of working 8 hour days. No one will EVER understand the pain I have and how much I miss my Monkey.

I feel like people expect me to just move on with my life. Um, thats not so easy. Sure its easy for them to say and expect, but walk a day in my life, just see how hard it can be.

I feel like Ive been so strong lately with speaking out and raising awareness but the truth is, I am still in a million pieces on the inside. I wish they would have taken me instead of Callie. Why did she not get the chance to live her life?? 5 weeks? C'mon, thats nothing! She never got to experience ANYTHING!

Some days I feel like I failed at being her mom, like I didn't save her from this illness. I know there is nothing that I could have done different but I still have that awful feeling. I wish I didn't have these feelings... but I feel like I have demons haunting me. Maybe its because I can't accept the fact that shes really gone. I know I wont see her again until the afterlife, but I still dont accept the fact that shes gone. If that makes any sense.

I just wish things would have happened differently. Why did they have to take our Miracle Baby?? Why not a baby who was severely sick? I never want anyone to lose a child but reality is, there ARE babies out there who dont stand a chance, and yet medicine keeps them alive. Yet my child was HEALTHY and they took her from us. I just dont understand.

For those of you with kids, please cherish every moment. You never know when your last day with them will be.

To Callie Grace.... I miss you so much. Momma loves you so much!! I think about you every single day. Not a day goes by when we dont think or talk about you. I love you more than anything else in this world!!

I love you Monkey!

Notre Dame

OH yeah!! On Monday, July 26 I had a work dinner. I was in charge of helping plan our 2010 IT Employee Appreciation Dinner. It was held at Notre Dame and part of our event was to have a tour of the locker room, stadium and press box!! Here are some pictures to help you see behind the scenes at Notre Dame!

GO IRISH!!