10 Days old!

Today Brynnlee is 10 days old and doing great so far! The first few days were tough, but after we got into a routine it is getting better. While at the hospital and for the first few days at home feeding was rough. Brynnlee wasn't eating much, and about half of what she was eating would come right back up. After trying different bottles and lots of patience things got better. She is not spitting up nearly as much as before. She is also eating about 3 ounces at each sitting! Sometimes its a little less and sometimes its a little more. Usually she eats about every 3-4 hours. The night time routine is a little tricky still. She stays up for awhile each night, but Jeff has been great and staying up with her. We have been taking turns feeding and diapering her.

Introducing Brynnlee Renee!

Well I was about to post the 38 week update, but life sure changed quickly!

On Thursday we had an ultrasound scheduled and a doctors appointment. I felt like it was going to be a wonderful day. I was going to see the little one, have another wonderful appointment and then have only one day left at work! The ultrasound went pretty good. We weren't able to see Brynnlee's face, or double check her gender! The ultrasound tech mentioned that Brynnlee had a beautiful heart and that my fluid levels were low. She didn't seem one bit concerned, but was convinced that I would be giving birth sooner then my due date. Jeff and I headed home for a lunch break before the doctor's appointment. At the check up the doctor told me that I was 2 cm dilated and that things looked great, until she read the paper from the ultrasound tech. Apprently my fluid levels were dangerously low, they were at 6.7 cm, optimal is 9-10 cm and anything less then 5cm means the baby could be still born at birth. So her suggestions was to be induced as soon as possible to make sure my levels didn't get too low. The next available time was the next morning at 7am. We agreed of course, and were very shocked to hear the news. As the doctor went to schedule the induction I began to cry, and it didn't stop until well into the next morning. We were so worried about her safety and what the next day would bring. We knew it was all in God's hands and the only thing we could do is pray for our safety.

After the doctor's appointment we ran to my work to tie up a few loose ends, I was expecting to have Friday to finish the work. We told Leslie and all my coworkers about what was happening. I then left work for the day and we headed home. For the first few hours we were in shock, crying and hoping for her safety. We then got our buutts into gear and started to get things around for the rest of our lives to begin. Jeff worked hard to pack and prepare for her arrival. Unfortunately the power went out and caused an issue for the evening. It made it hard to clean and work on the house in the dark. After a few hours we finally headed to bed. Jeff set his alarm for 5am, and I planned to get up at 5:30, but neither of us truly slept because we were so concerned.

Friday September 17, 2010:
We arrived a few minutes late to the hospital and registered at the emergency room. I cried the entire morning, the drive to the hospital and the entire time registering. At 7:45am Dr Gardner began the induction by apply gel, if this procedure didn't work we would be trying the pitocine through an iv. For hours I waited, some contractions came and went but nothing major. A few hours later they hooked me up to an iv drip of pitocine to speed up the process. Shortly after it began my contractions started to increase in strength and consistancy. About an hour after the iv began they started my epidural. I was terrified of the procedure, but the doctor was amazing! He ran the line and explained everything as he did the work. Once the epidural kicked in I felt amazing. The contractions picked up, but I couldn't feel a thing! I took a nap, watched some tv, updated everyone on my phone. It was wonderful!! The doctor broke my water, which wasn't much due to the low fluids. Hours passed, but still no baby! We waited and waited, but no baby. My contractions were not what they needed to be. They were either too strong, too weak, not consistant enough or too consistant. They had to be careful to not harm the baby, but not stop labor either. After hours of moving, waiting and pushing I was unsuccessful. The doctor opted to use the vacuum due to her head being tilted. Without the assistance i'm not sure I would have been able to deliver her.

At 4:52 am Brynnlee made her way into the world. 22 hours after being induced she made it. Everything about her is perfect, she is healthy, happy and we are enjoying every second we have with her.

Brynnlee Renee
7.6 pounds at birth; 7.2 pounds when we left the hospital
20 inches long
Head was 14 inches
Chest was 13 inches

She is currently eating decently, we are hoping she starts to do better. For awhile she was spitting up almost everything she ate, but we found out she swallowed some fluid and that was upsetting her stomach. She was able to get most of it out, but still some of it is bothering her. She is starting to eat much better and of course she is sleeping the majority of the day. Jeff took this entire week off to spend with us, so far its been a blessing. We are taking turns taking care of her and resting.

37 Weeks!

How far along: 37 weeks 6 days
How much weight gained: Lost a few pounds this week
Symptoms: About the same as last week. I still have some back aches and acid reflux. Swelling in my ankles occurs a lot during the week and when it is really warm out.
Sleep: I have been getting up about once each night to use the restroom and let Remington outside. I am enjoying the windows being open because its nice and cool in the morning, but I did have a cold for a few days that made it slightly uncomfortable to fall asleep .
Best Moment of the Week: The majority of the work on the house has been completed! We have the kitchen and bathroom painted and wood flooring installed. The new sink base and faucet are also in the bathroom. All that we have left to do is install trim throughout each room, stain cabinets and replace hardware. Those minor things can wait! We are so excited to have things almost done, and it looks amazing!
Cravings: Still none, my appetite has gone way down.
Movement: Her movement is still less then a few weeks ago. She has her moments where she kicks and about takes my breath away, but for the most part she is pretty quiet.
Milestone of the week: Another excellent doctor's appointment. I will be heading in for an ultrasound on the 16th, followed by a doctor's appointment. They will be checking her size at the ultrasound. The doctor asked me today if I am a patient person and didn't mind waiting until my due date. So I am assuming that they don't plan on me going into labor sooner.

36 Weeks!!

How far along: 36 weeks and 6 days!
How much weight gained: I lost track! I stopped paying attention this week, but I do know I gained a few more pounds since last weeks visit.
Symptoms: I am getting acid reflux often at night, some slight cramping, but the back pain is no longer consistant and my sleeping pattern has been pretty decent.
Sleep: I notice that I toss and turn a lot in my sleep, but I am falling asleep quickly and waking up easily in the morning.
Best Moment of the Week: Jeff came home in one piece from his camping trip! It has been a pretty quiet week for us. My weekend was filled with rest and some cleaning.
Cravings: None, not even ice cream! My appetite is still decreasing so I don't get hungry for many things.
Movement: Her movement has slowed way down the past few days. Last week I had some pelvic pain, so I think she slid down a little and she doesn't have nearly as much room. When I lay down at night I am able to get my kick counts in, but it takes longer then ever before.
Milestone of the Week: My weekly checkup was today and everything went well. My blood pressure was slightly higher then normal, but still in the good range. I gained some weight again. The baby's heart rate was 146, so that was also good. The doctor said I am a finger tip dilated and 70% effaced. So things are starting to progress, but she believes we are still on target for the due date.

This weekend will be filled with renovations on the house. Jeff is going to start painting the bathroom and kitchen tomorrow. Hopefully by the end of the weekend the new floor will be done and we will be in the final stretch of the renovations! I plan to finished clearing of my office, and the left over items in Brynnlee's room this weekend. I am hoping to paint her room next weekend and hang up the final details! Things are slowly, but surely, coming together.


Only 22 days left!

35 Weeks

How far along: 35 weeks 6 days!
How much weight gained: 11 pounds (gained 4 this past two weeks)
Symptoms: I have had constant back pain for the past few weeks, nothing major...just a dull pain that never completely goes away. My appetite has still decreased, no contractions, but I am still experiencing some swelling.
Sleep: I am still sleeping well through the night, but I certainly wake up often. Each time I roll over it is hard! It has become a lengthy process! Between the extra weight and my back pain it takes a lot to roll over!
Best Moment of the Week: Our house is inching closer and closer to being finished! We have bathroom walls, doors and everything is primed. Jeff is working on a few minor details, then we have to order the paint...hopefully Labor Day weekend things will be done! Jeff has also put the closet organizer system in Brynnlee's closet. This weekend I will be spending time working on organizing her things. Jeff will be up north on a man camp weekend with the boys. They are bringing diapers for the baby and beer for the boys. The weekend will be filled with fun times, drinking and tubing. I am glad Jeff has great friends who are doing this weekend for him.
Cravings: My cravings for sweets hasn't been crazy, but it hasn't calmed down either! I don't eat as much ice cream, but I definitely could consume cookies, dessert, brownies anytime! For my birthday I opted for some dessert before Jeff took me to dinner!
Movement: Her movement is slowing down again. There are times during the day where it feels like she is doing flips, but for the most part she has calmed down again. She often gets the hiccups at night though.
Milestone of the week:
My 27th birthday! This birthday was much different then the others! I now know what my parents meant when they said their birthday wasn't important anymore. I feel the same way, I love having a birthday...but I wasn't wrapped up in the thought that I had to have everyone call, email etc. My mom and Jeff were the only ones who called me on my birthday, and that is perfectly fine with me. I know everyone cares, but it will be a big deal for Brynnlee's birthday! Jeff was an amazing husband this birthday! He brought me flowers to work, took me to dinner and bought me the camera I have been wanting!! I can't wait to test it out!
I had my 36 week check up today. From now on its every week appointments! Dr Gardner was the one who saw me today. We discussed pain meds, epidural and what contractions feel like. She explained a lot which helped me to understand what to do and when to do it. The heart rate, my blood pressure and weight are still right on track. They have canceled my ultrasound for now. The doctor isn't concerned about Brynnlee being big.I am excited that she feels that way, but bummed because it doesn't sound like I will be able to see her until the big day. The doctor said that I am not dilated, and if I went to the hospital with labor pains I would receive medication to keep the labor away. So we are getting closer, but I don't think the doctor feels the time is just right!

29 more days to go!

33/34 Weeks

Ahhh I am running late with posting AGAIN!...so here is two weeks wrapped into one post!

How far along: 34 weeks 6 days
How much weight gained: 7 pounds (went to the doctor on the 11th, I have lost two pounds since my last visit, but they are not concerned)
Symptoms: Some of my thirst has come back, and my exhaustion too! I am beginning to loose some of my appetite too. I have not had any contractions, but will find out on the 25th if I am dilated.
Sleep: For the move part I am still sleeping soundly. I rarely get up to use the restroom at night, I consider myself lucky! I have had some anxiety during the pregnancy, and some nights that causes to constantly flip around. But these days it takes a lot of effort to roll from one side to the other!
Best Moment of the Week: During week 33 I purchased the stroller/carseat combo and a swing/seat combo. I received great deals on each item, and put them together myself :) We put all of the money and Babies R Us gift cards from the shower together and purchased the stroller/carseat that we really wanted. We ended on paying only $30 for a $219 system! And I also had yet another wonderful doctor's visit. Heartbeat, my weight and blood pressure are all in the perfect range.
During week 34 Jeff and I took our final vacation as a couple. It was a great trip, but bittersweet. We are prepared to leave the carefree and light attitude behind to travel with an infant and all of their supplies. We took the dogs and headed to Munising on Thursday, came home on Monday. Somehow we forgot to take a few things; like pillows, blanket and phone charger, but we managed to have a wonderful trip. Nana & Papa were nice enough to watch the dogs so we could have a few nights to ourselves. We visited one of Jeff's friends who lives in Marquette, but was camping outside of Munising. On the way home my car had some troubles, luckily Jeff was able to get it going and get us back safely. I was terrified to be trapped out in the wilderness without a running car and cellphone service! The next morning we relaxed around the house while my car sat in the shop, thankfully it was just a part that needed to be cleaned $56 and a few hours later we headed to Marquette. We hiked Presque Isle (just don't tell the doctor), had lunch at Subway, stopped to check out the beach and visited the same friends home in Marquette. We definitely plan to go back there! The sights were amazing!
Cravings: Nothing new to report, but I do have days where I could eat everything in sight, and I have days where I eat very little. The heat has definitely messed me up!
Movement: Well movement has been flipping back and forth. When I am active she is very quiet, she just lets me know she is there by causing a ton of pressure. Then when I relax she bounces all over the place. I can feel her movements well, they aren't too strong though, but its hard to see them on the outside now. She has definitely settled back into a position where it makes it hard to see what she is doing. Some days she is all over the place, and some days she is just as calm as can be.
Milestone of the week: Well I would have to say our final vacation would be my favorite milestone. I also think my doctor's visit was another excellent milestone. The 34 week checkup went great. Heart rate dropped slightly, but that is normal as we get closer to the big day. My fundal measurements are right on target and they couldn't be happier with things. They had me reduce my sodium slightly because of swelling in my feet, but they think its mainly because of the humidity. They are also planning to send me to have an ultrasound in a few weeks. I have a long torso, which means I have the ability to hide a larger baby. So they want to check her size to make sure she is on the right track and not coming ahead of schedule. That doesn't mean she is going to big, I am hoping she isn't!!! We will see then (and hopefully be able to post some more ultrasound photos!

And the doctor said she is definately butt up (or atleast was during the visit). I feel a lot of pressure at the top of my stomach, so I believe that she is and has been head down for a few weeks now. The ultrasound will show if she is completely in the position or not!

32 Weeks

Once again I am late with posting! Today I am 33 weeks and 1 day!

How far along: 32 weeks
How much weight gained: 5 pounds total
Symptoms: Its hard to say, this past week has been tough on me. The primary election was the 3rd, and that stressed me out a lot. Needless to say I have been very tired and worn out, but I place most of the blame on the election!
Sleep: Sleeping was rough for the first part of the week. I spent most of my time thinking about what needed to be done, but the last few days have been wonderful! Still not sleeping as well as I would like to, but it is getting better!
Best moment of the week: Putting the election behind me! There is another election this year, but since this election went smoothly I have a feeling I will be not be as stressed next time around.
Cravings: The heat is still getting to me! I haven't been eating as much, but I do try to eat consisitantly. I haven't had any new cravings, and my desire for ice cream has slowed down...well atleast a little bit.
Movement: I can still feel her hiccups and her heartbeat, but her movements have truly slowed down this week. It may be because I have been so active, but she has been pretty quiet. I went to visit a friend who had her baby, while I was holding the baby Brynnlee kept kicking the poor thing. I don't think she liked my attention being on another little one!
Milestone of the Week: My baby shower was Sunday. I had a wonderful group of people show up, but I was disappointed in a few people for not coming. I definately learned who matters the most and who cares. I had a friend travel from Virginia for the big day, and Jeff's grandparents also made it down. About 30 people shared the day with me. It was wonderful and we receieved a lot of great gifts. She now has her pack and play; which will be her main bed for the first few months. We have to get a few more bottles, and small things. The money and gift cards we received are going towards the stroller/carseat combo system, which we are planning on purchasing this weekend.

As of today only 48 more days to go! Time is flying by quickly!

Doctor Appointment

I was going to wait until next week to add in the information form the doctor's visit, but I thought I would share it now!

The doctor is highly impressed with the pregnancy and how things are progressing. My weight is down two pounds from last visit, but it has been warm and I haven't been eating quite as much. And we were on vacation right before the last visit, so I blame some weight gain on Jeff's grandparents and all of their good food!

My stomach is growing right on target, blood pressure is in a good range, and the baby's heartbeat was 146, so also right on target. They are also impressed that I haven't had any issues. So besides the aches and pains I think the pregnancy is going quite well.

31 Weeks

How far along: 32 weeks (I know I am running late with posting again)
How much weight gained: Not sure at this moment, have doctor's appointment today, so I will post the pounds next week.
Symptoms: Fatigue is starting to set in again. I get tired and stressed very quickly, but then again it is a stressful time for me right now.
Sleep: I am still getting hot when I sleep, but not as bad as I was. I am also starting to sleep better, falling into a deeper sleep too.
Best moment of the week: Actually was last night. We were able to actually feel her heartbeat because she was laying so close to my skin. You could feel the beat pushing your fingers up and down. Of course Jeff told me to stop poking at her, he thinks I am going to hurt her, but I just like to feel where she is and try to figure out what the heck she is doing in there!
Cravings: No cravings have surfaced. I do have days where I just want to eat and eat and eat, but it doesn't happen often.
Movement: Last week I mentioned that I don't feel her movements quite as much, well that's a lie this week! She has been hopping all over the place, from left to right and top to bottom. I believe she is moving back and forth from the birthing position, to laying horizontally. Some days my rib cage feels as though there is a knife in it, and some days she sits so nicely in there. Last night when I laid down Brynnlee just balled up and rolled around. You could see each side of my stomach lift up as she moved.
Milestone of the week: Well not so much a milestone for Brynnlee, but work started again on our home. Jeff tore down the wall in the kitchen by the bathroom and laundry room. We have moved the toilet and plan on replacing the sink and possibly vanity. When it is all done it will be nice, bigger and more storage. I can't wait to see the finished product. I also had an interview this week for a teaching position at head start. Who knows if I will get the job or not, but it is worth a shot in my opinion!

56 Days until the due date! And 3 more days until the baby shower!

30 weeks!

How far along: Today is the start of 31 weeks
How much weight gained: At the last doctor's appointment on the 15th I gained 4 more pounds, so 7 up from starting point.
Symptoms: Starting to get some nausea. Pressure in my lower abdomen from her moving down.
Sleep: Sleep has been rough. Even though we leave the central air on at 70 all day and night I still sweat and am uncomfortable at night. Everything bothers me at night, from Remington having puppy dreams to Jeff snoring keeps me up.
Best moment of the week: Jeff and I went to the Jackson Hot Air Jubilee. We went to watch the balloons launch and watch the air show, but the wind was too strong for the balloons to lift. So we ate an elephant ear, watched people. Then we watched the air show, and waited for the night balloon show. We had a lot of fun, but hope one day to be able to watch the balloons take flight. Afterwards we went to Olive Garden for dinner. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed some time to ourselves.
Cravings: No new cravings have developed
Movement: The strength of her movements has weakened. She still moves a lot around 9am and then again around 5pm. She gets the hiccups at night when I go to bed every couple of nights.
Milestone of the week: Hitting the 30 week mark! The doctor's visit went excellent...she is highly impressed with how smooth the pregnancy is going. My next visit is the 29th.

29 Weeks

How far along: 29 weeks and 6 days (hit the 30 week mark tomorrow!)
How much weight gained: I believe about 4 pounds total, but I have a doc appt tomorrow so I will know for sure then.
Symptoms: Nothing new really. Just thirsty, tired, ache...the usual.
Sleep: Jeff ends up sleeping on the couch a lot of the time. When I sleep I get really hot and he feels my body heat, so he goes to the couch where it is cooler.
Best moment of the week: First baby shower! The wives from the fire department threw a joint baby shower for Melissa (one of the firefighters) and I. They were wonderful! Good food, everything looked cute and the gifts were great! We received a few things off of the registry, and some adorable clothes!
Cravings: None, I haven't had ice cream in a few days. So maybe the cravings have stopped?
Movement: Brynnlee has had the hiccups twice. I felt my belly bounce in perfect rythm for about 2 minutes. This happened two nights in a row. Brynnlee is back to being pretty quiet during the day and then being loud as soon as I get home from work.
Milestone of the week: Felt hiccups, brain growth is rapid and the baby shower.

The family and friends baby shower is set up for the 1st of August from 1pm to 3pm at the Schultz Holmes Memorial Library in Blissfield.

28 weeks

How far along: technically 29 weeks (I forgot to post last week, but here it is!)
How much weight gained?: 3 pounds
Symptoms: thirsty, some heartburn and some acid reflux
Sleep: Seem to be sleeping like a rock, but not getting enough hours of sleep.
Best moment of the week: VACATION! We went up to the U.P. for the 4th, it was a quick and busy trip. However we did walk the marsh docks in both Munising and Wetmore, went to Au Train beach, went to Sand Point beach and visited with family. Jeff, his dad and Tyler helped to clean the garage for the party on the 4th. They did a great job, but we spent the rest of the time enjoying vacation. We plan to head up again in late July or mid August.
Cravings: The ice cream craving is still going, but not quite as strong. No new cravings have popped up though!
Movement: While on vacation Brynnlee changed her movement schedule around. We were really active, so she stayed pretty quiet. However when we got home she was on a mission to be heard! Ever since we got back home she has been bouncing all over the place! She mainly moves when I lay down, but I am feeling her a lot when I am sitting and starting to feel strong movements when I am standing up.
Milestone of the week: Hitting the 28 week mark! It is a big thing because I start going to the doctor every two weeks now until the birth. We also have to plan the birth, visit the hospital, find a pediatrician among a million other things. Also I didn't receive a call back from the doctor regarding my glucose testing; which means I did not develop gestational diabetes! Yeah! So now to continue a very healthy pregnancy until 40 weeks!

Other then the typical news not much has been going on. We were busy prepping for the trip, but now that we are home its back to the routine. The heat wave has hit us, we are in the middle of 90 degree + weather! So far I have been doing good with the heat. Trying to stay hydrated and out of the sun. On our trip I spent too much time in the sun, which was awesome but the sunburn was painful. I developed the worst tan lines from my sunglasses. Jeff made sure to keep me drinking water and to relax each and every day. Now we need to start some serious planning! We have to finish her room, which means order the pain asap! I have organized her clothes by size, so as we get more I can just add to the boxes. Once we get the closet organization system in I can start putting things away. Until then her clothes are tucked away neatly in boxes and stacked in her crib to stop the cats from sleeping it!

27 Weeks

How far along: 27 weeks and 6 days
How much weight gained: 3 pounds, officially am over my starting weight.
Symptoms: Still thirsty!
Sleep: The past few weeks have been pretty good for sleeping. I seem to be sleeping soundly since Jeff went back to the 2-10 shift at work. I stay up later to see him when he gets home, so it helps me to fall asleep faster.
Best Moment of the Week: We went to Norwalk raceway on Saturday for the NHRA drag races. We were able to meet a few of the drivers, they also signed a bib for Brynnlee.
Cravings: Still ice cream!
Movement: She has been moving the most after I get home from work and when I go to bed. Her movements are getting stronger and sometimes almost knocks the wind out of me.
Milestone of the Week: I had my 28 week checkup today, it was a day early due to the doctor being out of town. Starting this week I will be going every two weeks. I met with the nurse and the doctor today. We briefly discussed the birth plan, pediatrician and a few other things. I also had my glucose test today, hopefully the results will be in tomorrow. They also gave me the Rhogam shot, right in the hinney!

The next appointment will be July 15th, it will be another quick one. Jeff will be able to come to that appointment, he had to miss today's appointment due to work. I am off to pack for our trip up north for the 4th. Munising here we come for a weekend of rest and relaxation.

26 Weeks

How far along: 26 weeks and 5 days
How much weight gained: not sure, didn't step on the scale this week
Symptoms: Hunger is going up and down. Some days I can eat hearty meals, and other days I eat light. My thirst has really kicked in. Water doesn't always quench my thirst so I am constantly drinking juices and sweet tea.
Sleep: Still sleeping pretty well through the night, toss and turn here and there. Jeff also reminds me often to lay of my left side rather then my back because it is better for blood circulation.
Best moment of the week: While up north in Harrison we were able to watch my stomach jump up and down as Brynnlee moved all around. Jeff and I laughed as we watched my stomach bounce and roll around.
Cravings: I am still on the ice cream kick, not sure if its a craving or my thirst. I have become so thirsty that nothing will quench my thirst.
Movement: She moves pretty steadily at four times of the day: midmorning, right after lunch, when I lay on the couch after work and when I lay down in bed. I feel her move around at other times, but I think she is like her mom and not a morning person because I don't feel her much in the mornings.
Milestone of the week: Brynnlee had her first unofficial trip to Harrison, which is where both my parents and grandparents have cabins. She also had Buccilli's pizza for the first time, which is wonderful pizza!

Crib & Bedding

The crib is all set up and the bedding is on it! Here is what it looks like!

25 Weeks

Har far along: 25 Weeks
How much weight gained: Still at 2 pounds
Symptoms: tired
Sleep: Waking up during the night, usually once to go to the bathroom.
Best moment of the week: We received the crib last night, we set it up and need to go buy a mattress so we can finish setting it up and add the bedding. I will post a picture when we are all done.
Cravings: Still ice cream, and sweet things.
Movement: Her movement is changing this week. I feel her move a lot during the work day, she will slow down about 3, then when I get home she moves around a lot again.
Milestone: She is the size of a rutabaga. Last night she kicked the hardest I have felt her kick.

23 Weeks

How far along: 23 weeks
How much weight gained: still 2 pounds, which is 5 less then starting weight
Symptoms: tired and thirsty
Sleep: Starting to fall asleep faster, but she moves a lot when I lay down
Best moment of the week: We made it up to the U.P. for Memorial Day. Brynnlee's room in Munising is almost complete. Jeff painted it with the help of Tyler. He also set up the crib, put on the sheets and placed a few decorations around for her. There is some more work to be done, but is looking great so far.
Cravings: Ice cream, but I blame it on the heat up north
Movement: She moves a lot during the night when I first lay down, but I am starting to feel her alot during the day.
Milestone: Brynnlee had her first unofficial visit to the beach, when I stepped into Lake Superior she moved. I think she shuddered from it being so cold.

24 Weeks

How far along: 24 weeks and 6 days

How much weight gained: 5 pounds, back to starting weight

Symptoms: tired!

Sleep: Lately I have been going to bed a little later then normal, but I slept well. Less tossing and turning then last week.

Best moment of the week: Purchased the bedding for Brynnlee's crib for home. We selected a pink, tan and brown dotted and striped set.

Cravings: Shredded wheat cereal

Movement: She has started to move a lot after I get home from work. Around 5:30 to 7 she is really active and a little calmer when I go to bed.

Milestone: We had our checkup on June 3rd. Everything is good so far! Heartrate was healthy and we were able to hear the heartbeat again.

Filling you in...

On January 17th we found out we were expecting our first child. After being picked on the night before about being the next couple on the fire department to get pregnant I quickly did the math and realized it was a possibility. While Jeff was on a fire call I ran to the store to pick up a pregnancy test, grabbed a three pack just in case I messed up. When Jeff came home and noticed the box of tests he gave me a funny look. So I explained to him that there was a possibility I could be pregnant, but I was only a few days late. I went and took the first test and anxiously awaited the answer. We both peeked at the test and noticed two lines...which meant I was pregnant. Jeff urged me to take a second test because that one may have been broken. Back to the bathroom I went, five minutes later we recieved the same response! Since one lonely test remained in the box we decided it was best to take it just in case the other two were broken (Jeff was very convinced that the tests were all broken, tampered with or that I made a mistake...guess I should have bought the EPT [error proof test])!

After the third positive test we took a few minutes to let the information sink in. After about a half an hour we decided it was time to call the new grandparents and great grandparents. Some cried, some screamed, but all were excited to hear the news. That night we went to Applebee's to celebrate with both our parents and siblings. It was all so new to us, but slowly starting to sink in. My parents couldn't help themselves, they had already bought the baby a bib and shoes (neutral colors of course)!

On Feburary 11th we ventured in for the first OB appointment. The doctor counted that we were 8 weeks along on the dot. The first predidction of the due date was September 23, which hasn't changed at all. We started the appointment with general questions and precautions. After about an hour we finally were able to go to the room to prepare for the ultrasound. We were able to see the little blob on the screen, it was the neatest thing we had ever seen (well until the 3-d ultrasound)! We were assured there was only one child present. We left to get some lunch, but I had to return in order to complete bloodwork. Jeff sat at Applebees with Brent to celebrate. We received the news that the bloodwork was normal and the baby was growing just as expected.

22 Weeks

Well we are almost to week 23, but wanted to recap the pregnancy so far. I have had a lot of people ask about how things have been going. Here you go :)

So far the pregnancy has been smooth, no morning sickness! I am starting to grow a belly and showing signs of being pregnant!


How far along: 22 weeks and 5 days
How much weight has been gained: 2 pounds
Symptoms: some back pain, tired quickly and starting to have to go to the restroom often
Sleep: hard to fall asleep, even harder to sleep on my side! Jeff wakes me up all the time to remind me to lay on my side.
Best moment of the week: Jeff felt Brynnlee move for the first time!
Cravings: None
Movement: Started to feel her more and more, mainly at night and when I am laying on my back.
Milestones: Jeff feeling the baby move, deciding on a name and starting this blog! Oh and gaining some weight.