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...