Less than a week!

Thanksgiving went well. My brother, his girlfriend, and my dad were all here for a few days. My brother is a good cook and did most of the work which was nice. I still had my share of dish duty! My dad was also a big help. The Friday after, I took them all to one of Beaner's appointments and let them listen to the heartbeat for twenty minutes, followed by an ultrasound. My nurse and I did not think they were as amused or animated as they should have been for such an experience! Granted, the mom will always be the most excited when viewing her own little baby on the screen, but we don't think they really knew what a treat they were in for! Beaner was awake, first off, and had many expressions to give us. He even sucked on his hand and moves his tongue and made sucking gestures...all things which we normally do not get to see. In other words, he was putting on a show for his audience and being of utmost cuteness. After the ultrasound my brother took the pictures my nurse printed for me and refused to give them back. I did not even get to see them. I thought he was teasing at first then I found out he was serious. It was only after I knew he had a plan to eventually return them to me and wanted to use them for some sort of gift he has for me, did I finally calm down.
My birthday was Saturday. Dave took me for my Starbucks gingerbread latte and we  picked up caramel pecan sticky rolls. That afternoon we went to see the movie Megamind in 3D. Sunday Dave had duty and had to go into work overnight.
It is now Thursday. Dave had duty again last night. I miss him. I don't see him very much at all anymore. I can't wait to be done with the boat. Everything is beginning to overlap each other. Dave will be home tonight and I will finally get to see him, but my mom will be here as well. And in less than a week our baby will also join us. Life only seems to speed up and never slow down. These are all bittersweet moments I suppose. I'm excited to see my mom today. I'm also excited to see Dave and of courese I'm excited for little Bean to join me on the outside of my stomach, but it's all happening at once and everything will be new.
Two amazing friends came over a few days ago and helped me start the process of cleaning my house and getting it ready for the movers. Also of course, getting it ready for baby. There is an endless list of things that must be done and I move at a snail's pace. I know it will all work out though!

Time to get ready for yet another Beaner appointment. Driving to the hospital so often does give me something to do, but I'm looking forward to no longer having to go.

Snow White, Snow Green?

Since my last post, the snow continued to fall and yesterday I sat in my chair watching the snow fall from early morning and late through the night. By six PM, the wind was whipping, the electricity was flickering, and my phone was uncooperative for sending or receiving phone calls. I tried to get a hold of my husband to tell  him to stay on the boat and not try to come home. This is an almost impossible task when 1. my phone doesn't dial out and 2. unknowingly to me the boat lost power. I received a few text messages from my boat wives about some of the information of the boat. Apparently, they closed base and were not letting anyone off. This was relieving to me because I knew he would not be able to drive home and would be safe. At about 8 PM my phone rang through finally and it was Dave. He told me he was down town by H&R Block, which is just a few blocks from the corner of base. I couldn't believe he tried to come home! He was clearly frustrated, telling me he left work an hour earlier and had been sitting in the exact same spot down town for half an hour. My friend who lives further down the road from me in a different town, she called to tell me that her husband had been trying to get home from down town Bremerton since 3 PM. She wanted to know if he could stay with us if he had enough luck to pull off the road and walk. Of course that was fine with me. I immediately called Dave back to tell him the road he was on had been blocked since 3 PM because further up there were cars that tried to cross the bridge and ended up getting stuck in the middle of the road. Dave said if they were inching along he would be fine but the traffic was not even moving. I started praying to get Dave home and ten minutes later, he called to tell me he was able to get out of the line of blocked in cars, pulled into an alley way and parked the truck. He was already walking on foot toward main gate. Just trying to be helpful,  I offered to pick him up at the gate.  Of course he said no way; he didn't want me driving even a short distance. He told me the car would not make  it and he didn't want me to walk on the ice.

Dave finally made it home and we went to bed. This morning we were up at 4:30 AM to get him out the door. He walked to the truck and called me when he made it to work at 6 AM. I had an appointment at 11 AM this morning that I knew I was not going too. I  called my nurse to cancel the non-stress test. My concern with this is the fact that I haven't  had an ultra sound for two weeks (by the time I see her next) because we forgot the last one! My nurse called me around 11 to let me know she received my message and informed me she went into a ditch last night and also was not going to work. In fact, half the hospital was shut down for the day. Depending on weather and if she will be working Friday, I may or may not have an appointment. Beaner is still moving all over so I feel fairly confident that the Bean is doing well.


After Dave left, I read in bed for a while then went back to sleep. When I woke up again, I took a step outside to see the windy damage. The once covered white lawns are now completely covered in pine green tree branches scattered across in every direction. My beautiful Christmasy atmosphere is there, but the nastiness of the storm looms still. Dave told me last night as we were lying in bed that if I were to go into labor now, he would have to deliver me on the floor because there would be NO WAY to get to any hospital. Although I like the pretty snow, I am hoping when it is time to get to the hospital that we are able to get out, and even more so, I am hoping the weather will cooperate when it is time to travel with little Bean. Only time will tell...

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!

Last night was freezing. That says a lot because I haven't been cold for months now! And I'm always cold! However, last night  seemed very cold to me, and we are not even seeing snow yet! So this morning when I woke up, I walked to the living room and smelled heat. Yes, heat has a smell. My wonderful husband turned the heaters on last night because he said this morning that he wanted me to be toasty warm while watching my football games today! So sweet! Unfortunately he had to go to work today, yes, on a Sunday. So here I am sitting in my chair and getting ready for my games to start! The warmth inside, cozy robe, and fuzzy pants make me feel like Christmas is here! I want to  set up a tree in the corner, even though I would have to take  it down before Christmas is even here, due to our move! But still! I might  just  do that! The only problem is that the tree is up three flights of stairs in the attic and I'm pretty sure everyone would frown upon bed rest me walking up there to get the tree. And, I don't know if I could talk my husband into getting the tree down only to have to put it back in a few weeks anyway!

Thursday was my last appointment I had for non-stress-tests. We were so distracted talking that we forgot to do the ultra sound! Oh well, I go back Tuesday, which is soon enough. The Bean has been doing his/her fair share of moving around so I'm not too worried. In fact, I haven't really been worried about anything. It seems things are going so well for us lately, God is really blessing us. My biggest complaint is that I can't go shopping! :( However, I am determined to see if the mall has wheel chairs because  I would LOVE to go to the mall on black Friday, and maybe my husband would give me even a little bit of money to pick out a birthday gift. That would make my day! I know the NEX has a huge sale that morning so I might go down there, since it's right down the street and a small store. I'm getting so close to my induction day that I am getting less worried about walking too much. They have told me I can start walking and pretty much be off restriction a week prior to induction, so I might start taking advantage of that. There seems to be so much to do lately! The move is coming up faster than expected, family is coming for Thanksgiving, Dave is working a TON lately, and then the baby will be here! I can't 'nest' if I'm on bed rest!


Friday night I was able to go to dinner with two of my girlfriends at Red Robin. It was nice to get out but I can see why I'm on bed rest! It was a long evening even just sitting there eating! I'm used to pretty much eating in my recliner lazy style, and sitting straight up in a bar chair was tough on the squished rib cage!

The nurses reassured me that baby will be pretty safe to travel upcoming. I was worried about baby being squished in car seat and having breathing troubles. They said not to worry and as long as baby is born healthy without breathing issues, then he/she will travel just fine. They even suggested I can breast feed in the back seat! I'm not sure I like that idea so much! Scares me! What is the point of having a car seat if you take the baby out? We are going to play it all by ear!

I'm so excited to see snow except I don't want us to have a dangerous travel experience, so mixed feelings there. I guess that's all for now! I have to go check on my fantasy football teams to make sure I have the best players ready to go!

The BIG One!

Madigan was yesterday. We haven't been there for three and a half weeks. Last growth chart ultrasound baby was 2 pounds nine ounces estimated weight. If the baby continued the same forward progress then up through birth, estimated birth weight would be 3 pounds five ounces. However, there is a massive army of prayer warriors on our side. Yesterday Dave and I took bets. I guessed 3 pounds six ounces and he guessed 4 pounds. We were both surprised. Dun dunn dunn dunnnnnnn......drum roll please!....
Beaner's big movements are because Beaner is big... estimated weight CURRENTLY is 4 pounds seven ounces!!!

 Granted, we know this is give or take and could be less. But, we are fairly confident that birth weight will be at least 4 pounds and we are pulling for 5 to 5 and a half! This  is the story of God being good and working together for those of His with faith! Even my doctors were shocked. The percentile Bean has been in from the beginning was 2 to 3. This lasted for a good 16 weeks. Suddenly, Bean decided to show off and move up to the sixth percentile. While still high risk and below 10, things are looking positive!

Blood flow and fluid levels were great, movement as usual is nearly obsessive, and now we have a bigger baby. Our move is working out great with dates and timing and at this point we are hoping for  Bean to only spend maybe a few days in the hospital and  be able to come home before we travel across country.

On the downside for the pregnant woman... I have found out that I cannot labor in the tub, cannot use a hot shower for pain relief, cannot even go walking the hallways, definitely cannot get an epidural (because of my back surgery), and may not have the option of delivering the way I had chosen. This pretty much means the only natural pain remedies I have used previously for my back I cannot use during labor. On top of that, being induced only adds to the length and intensity. So yes, I am whining, and rightfully so. However, with this new knowledge three weeks prior to the day, I will figure out a way to happily suffer through completely reinventing my birth plan. As long as Bean keeps kicking and comes out screaming, I will be a happy woman. The process  though is to be decided...

It's official: My mom has bought her ticket!! Now we are waiting and hoping and continuing to pray that things don't kick start early. My dad will be here for Thanksgiving and I can only see the humor in having baby come while Dad is here unprepared and mom is not here. This would be the typical type of event that unfolds with me. However, I really doubt either of them would be even a bit amused! The doctors are not worried about pre-term labor and I have not had any warning signs or major concerns. It is looking quite optimistic that things will progress as expected.

Now onto my husband... the bum has duty the night I am to be checked into the hospital! What!? This means he will either have to drive over in the morning and hope he didn't miss much (although if he missed it all I don't think he'd be too disappointed) (I WOULD BE FURIOUS!) or I will have  to basically tell the doctors that I cannot come in until the morning of the 8th. He is a good man and very committed to helping out the boat knowing he will no longer be on it, but some things I do feel fair to say I want to be selfish with. If he even has the option of switching duties with someone else, this might prevent him from being there the 9th, 10th, and the weekend when the baby is actually here. I really don't want that  to happen!

I have my bag packed, Bean and Dave's bags are also packed. We hope they don't leave the house for another three weeks, but we're prepared anyway.

I asked the doctors about six weeks ago if I could make a difference by eating a lot more. They said it wouldn't help. I beg to differ. I have eaten a lot more and although not always healthy (lots of fast food) I think it was just what Bean was looking for! Speaking of which, it's time for lunch, Bean is kicking me because he knows when it's time to  eat!

More appointments, movies, and boredom

This morning I woke up at 7:30 thinking I would have time to eat in the hospital cafeteria before my appointment. (Don't laugh, it's actually really good! And I get all food groups for three bucks and I don't have to cook it myself!) So I woke up and called only to find out they stop serving at 8. I was hoping for 9! Oh well, so already awake and ready to go, I decided to stop at the Pancake House for breakfast. Rarely do I take myself out for a meal unless it is McDonald's drive thru. I am sick of sitting at home so it was kind of nice. I had banana pancakes, side of strawberries, one piece of bacon and one egg. Oh, and a big glass of orange juice! I thought it would be entertaining to get Beaner all wired before doing the ultrasound with the doctor. Hmmm.... I don't know if I wrote that story! So if I did, you get a refresher... Last time we went to the doctor, Beaner would kick the cord right before the doctor would get the measurement. Every time! So the doctor would just about push the button on the cord to check blood flow and Beaner's right foot would come and kick it away. Then he tried again and Beaner's left foot would kick it away. This went on about four times, feet alternating each time. Finally, the doctor stopped, looked at my belly and spoke right to Bean and said, "Now, you just calm down so I can do my job!" And immediately after he said that, it was as if Bean was looking right into the camera, he lifted his right hand and gave us a wave! Then the doctor tried for one more measurement and Bean kicked the cord away! So the doctor then said, "Please just one more time, let me get this measurement." Immediately after Bean lifted his little hand and put his thumb in his mouth and stayed still. True story!

So today the appointment went well. Everything looks good still. I had my non-stress test and afterwards spoke to a midwife. She told me different options for the induction day. She also told me to expect an uphill steep long battle and that most people who get petocin opt for the epidural. It seems they all think I'm crazy wanting to do this naturally. I probably am but I have not committed fully either way.

Today's agenda consists of more Christmas movies, apple juice, and some leftover banana pancakes! Oh, and just maybe, in two weeks I will be off bed rest and encouraged to walk this baby out of me! The big appointment is on Monday so that is the determining day for many things.

More or Less To Do

Wow! I'm off on this writing ordeal! Sorry about that, it has been approximately ten days since my last post. Speaking of writing ordeals, my friend scored me a job, not only a job, but a job in my alley! No, I don't get paid. But that's not the point! The point is, I can put my pretty little Professional Communications degree to use! This comes at the most appropriate time, because today I was put on official home bed rest. Meaning, I'm bored and need a project! So here's the project: I get to email the six or so local news stations in the area to write an informative yet concise email to attempt to persuade them to visit our Naval Avenue Elementary School the day after Veteran's Day for a program where the Captain of the Sea Wolf and crew, the mayor and other elected political officials, and several veteran's will all be in attendance. On top of that, I may or may not have the chance to write an article for one of the papers about the event. (I have freelanced for them in prior months.) I might be such a nerd, but things like this are the things for me!

So yes, bed rest it is. Today Dave surprised me by coming home early to take me to my appointment. I had my non stress test and heartbeat was good, fluid levels were good, and baby's position is good. My next Madigan appointment has been moved up a week, which is really good, because we get to see sooner rather than later how the Bean is growing.

The unofficial news is my induction tentatively planned on December 8th. We are hoping that will not change because it works great with our move plans. Of course, every plan we make will be created around the health of the Bean. After labor and delivery, we will stay at a house on the Madigan base until Bean gets to come home. So far it sounds like Bean won't be able to be home for very long at all prior to taking off across the country. Again, everything is tentative and up in the air.

About my last post, all I can say is I think things will work out and I think I can officially say we are moving to Groton, CT.

Dave made Lieutenant this week. I was able to go to his ceremony and pin on his stripes. This is a big accomplishment and we are excited about it.

Not much new to report, other than I do have contractions now and I have some pretty annoying rib pain at times because, regardless of what the ultrasound says, I swear this baby is bigger than they know!

Prizes, Hearbeats, Heartaches, and Clowns.

Friday night we went to a boat party for my husband's work. My friend Sarah helped me make a Bun in the Oven costume. We painted a box black, made it into an oven, drew a loaf of bread on a brown shirt, cut out a door and put saran wrap on the box so you could see my belly and topped my head with a teapot made of foil. The party was fun and I won most original, which won a target gift card (baby stuff!).

Saturday we went to birth class all day long. The best thing about the whole day is when Dave said at the end of the day " I didn't really realize before today how hard labor can be." This was so good because I finally feel like he will be really supportive. Gone are the days of the comments "Oh, just call me when you're pushing and I'll show up!" :)

I met with my high risk OB doctor today from Madigan. He drove here. He said baby sounds good and he answered some of my questions about labor, which I will go into more detail next post. Then I had a non-stress test and baby hearbeat for half hour was good. Then I had an ultrasound but couldn't see anything because the nurse kept the light on. And just as I think I'm finally leaving the hospital, I think to speak to the EFM coordinator again, who once again, gives me the doom and gloom scenerio and tells me the navy has no problem splitting my husband and I up and that will probably be their course of action. Again, I will explain this later more too. I'm just trying to summarize for now. So....because of that, I waited another two hours to see my primary care doctor to speak to him about his connections to Groton's hospital to discuss their level of care meeting my back needs. Long story short, we are still on hold for if and when we move and where. Gotta love the navy... The EFM people are the clowns, and the heartache is the wait.

More to come, hope you're so curious you'll come back!

Recap

Last week had cord blood to baby blood flow checks and all went well. I also had two ultrasounds which both looked good and I got to see the cutest profile picture yet of Beaner. Until those, I really wasn't for sure if Beaner was super cute. But now I'm convinced. I'm not sure what I wrote last. Two weekends ago we went camping for the first time with our truck and I did really well. 12 hours of great warm sleep, even in a tent!
I had an awesome baby shower yesterday. The only thing that could have made it better is if people actually showed up! Okay, a bit of sarcasm there. Those who did show up were all amazing wonderful women and I am very greatful to have them in my life. My hosts did an amazing wonderful beautiful job. We had great decor, great food, great company, great people on Skype joining us, great games, and great gifts. I just felt somewhat bad that people I really thought were coming did not show. But what can you do?
Thank you to my hosts and all the help! You guys are AMAZING!

This morning I had a home nurse visit me. We talked, did paperwork, and chit chatted for two hours! We talked about everything under the sun and even a little about baby! My nurse is a wonderful sweet black woman. I bring up her color because half our conversation consisted of culture, race, and different areas in the country we have lived where we both had our sets of culture shock. I told her I am from South Dakota and until I moved to SC with my husband, I have probably seen one or two black people in my life! She laughed at me but shared the same stories with me when moving to Washington back in 1991 and being looked at funny because there were so many white people! Then we discussed Seattle itself, bringing ins:  all new shocks for both of us: sexual prefereces, politics, religions and lack of. She is a great woman and I feel very comfortable knowing she will be helping me out when baby Bean is born.

This afternoon I went to a non-stress test and we listened to Bean's heart beat for twenty minutes. I had a new nurse this time and we chatted a bit. She didn't say much about the charting and I forgot to ask but I'm sure if all is not well I will be hearing from them. In my non-professional opinion, all looked as it did last week when things were fine so I'm not really worried.

And that's your recap!

Change, Change, and More Change

Where do I even begin? Do I tell you that we will be moving across the country a week and a half after my due date? Or do I tell you first that I have been bumped up to high risk complicated OB in a matter of days? Or that we bought a new pick up? Okay well, apparently I've just told it all! Details you ask? Okay then, what first?

The baby of course! So yes, little Bean, although still said to be healthy, is having issues. Beaner is tiny, small, ever so little, munchkin, mini me, itty bitty. The last post discussed my doubt in the ultra sound machines. But last week I was sent to Madigan Medical Center in Tacoma (half hour away) to be seen by a high risk OB doctor who did bone growth measurements on Beaner and confirmed that yes, our baby is growing in the 3rd percentile, meaning that only 3% of babies at this stage are this small. Bean has been growing consistently, just very small. So they decided I would be seen at Madigan once a week until delivery to check growth and blood flow between the placenta and the baby.

Then, today, I get a phone call from my hospital OB clinic telling me they are trying to help the driving situation and have re scheduled my next blood flow check appointment from Madigan to Bremerton so that I do not have to drive as far. They said the equipment at Bremerton will be sufficient and I will continue to go to Madigan for the growth chart checks. Then she continued to talk and suddenly, she had me scheduled for five more appointments in the span of two weeks! I was pretty shocked I guess you could say, going from one appointment a week to now three a week. Once a week I will be checked for blood flow from me to the baby, once a week I will have a non-stress test performed on the baby, and the third appointment will be every other week to measure growth and tracking bone length/size of the baby. Plus, I will have additional appointments to do regular OB check ups, labs, and whatever else they decide necessary. I have decided I should probably get a little calendar just to keep track of it all! Beaner moves daily, A LOT! Kicks, rolls, flips, turns, punches--you name it, I feel it. This is a great thing. Also, every time Bean has been checked, heart beat is strong and healthy. So far, I have decided Bean is an anomaly, because he/she is a one of a kind power house in a tiny little body. There is no sign of brain damage, chromosome abnormalities, lack of nutrition or caloric intake, or anything else majorly wrong. Bean is just slow to grow. I hope it stays this way and maybe in a few weeks Bean will become mighty and catch up.

It is official: Bean's first permanent home of record will be Groton, CT. This will be intersesting to see how the next weeks and months play out. We plan to pull away from WA the 1st or 2nd of January (of course, all pending on the condition of the Bean.) This goes hand in hand with the other big change: a pick up. Dave has been wanting a truck for over a year now, searching, running numbers, finding exactly what he likes. With Bean on the way we figured a second vehicle is inevitable. With such a huge move, a truck now made sense to haul our car and two months worth of stuff across country. (We won't settle in Groton until the end of February.) Because we will be traveling in January and February from coast to coast, weather will be an issue and a four wheel drive half ton pick up sounded like the safest bet. Oh! Which brings me to the surprise I discussed last post and haven't told yet. We were very excited to learn that Dave's parents and sister went in on the Britax stroller and car seat together, so thank you to them for such a nice gift! While truck browsing, we brought the car seat along only to find it did not fit in the cab we originally wanted, so we upgraded our needs to a four door truck, seating six. The car seat fits perfectly with room to spare! With my prior sales experience, I decided I "do not negotiate with terrorists" as I told Dave, and I told the dealer what we would pay, not the other way around! So we purchased the exact truck we wanted with the exact features for the exact price Dave was willing to pay (Eleven thousand dollars cheaper!).

So yes, there is a lot of change going on in the Rickenbach family. Feeling little Bean move so much reassures me and makes me think it's just his/her way of telling me "Mom, I'm going to be okay." And I believe it. The doctors say I will most likely not make it to my due date, but all of this is of course up in the air. As my upcoming appointments progress, I will keep you all posted on the status of the Bean. For now, keep saying your prayers and keep on reading!

Frustrating

I have new Beaner pics. Yet, I haven't looked at them once since the Dr.s office yesterday. I don't mean to jump boat or anything, but I think it's time I do what I do best and pursue the answers. I am going to make myself another appointment, tomorrow in fact, in order to discuss with my normal doctor a second consult visit for ultrasound. The ultrasound doctor yesterday was the bearer of bad news, and I'm beginning to get suspicious. He placed our baby below the 10th percentile for fetal growth at this point. This was based on leg/head/stomach measurements. Yet, when those measurements are computed in the GE ultrasound machine, the machine approximates baby weight at 2 pounds. This makes no sense when you begin to research/know/are told that a 2 pound baby at 27 weeks pregnant is perfectly normal. Yet, if the measurements of the baby is small, then how can the baby be 2 pounds and vice versa? Unless.... either 1. something is wrong or 2. the measurements are off. Fundal height is up to date and correct and my weight gain has certainly been obvious and regular, so I really don't know what is going on.

The major questions arise when we look back at the pattern with our ultrasound doctor from the beginning. In the beginning, he said I had a heart shaped uterus. The next appointment that was quickly dismissed and apparently no longer an issue. Then it came up again as something just to keep an eye on. Last appointment he told us the baby was measuring small which is why we went again yesterday to see if growth continued, which it did, just not at the rate he thinks it should be going. Then yesterday he said "Did I mention last time your baby was breached? Well it still is." No, he did NOT mention that. And then I got all concerned about it, except for again if you do the research and gain knowledge from knowledgeable sources (other moms, other nurses, and other doctors) you will find that a breached baby this early is still okay because babies could turn up to 38 weeks and some even days before delivery. So why does this doctor seem so concerned with it?

He seems to be fairly intelligent and he is a nice guy, he is older so he has experience. Which is exactly why I want a second opinion, either from an obgyn ultrasound doctor or a maternal fetal medicine doctor. Yes, they might be annoyed at me about being so direct with my requests when I am not the knowledgeable one, yet, I am the one that will or will not have a baby and that could depend on how involved I choose to be.

Fast week slow days

Somehow it is already Friday, even though each day seemed to drag on and on and on! I am getting really bored and I don't really feel like cleaning every minute of every day. Therefore, cleaning is still a viable option but not a fun one! I have finally sewed all the squares together for my quilt and have yet to put a backing and maybe a middle in. Once again, I have the time to do it, but now I lack proper motivation. I still feel so good about finally getting the pieces together I am not ready to break into the finish! Same with scrapbooking...I finally finished the year 2008 and now have 2009 to complete, not to mention 2010. However, if I get all my stuff out again, the living room floor will be cluttered for another week or two, and then the vicious cycle of thinking my house is so messy begins again! So I am at a stand still. During the past few days I have worked on my class work, arranged my NFL fantasy teams to be just right, and have caught up on an amazing amount of television, mostly comprised of baby shows and different TV series shows. The weather is nice today but my left lower back/hip seems to think it is okay to stab me like needles, so I haven't done much walking this week. Beaner kicks continually and usually curls into my lower left hip, so I am thinking I might blame the Bean on this back pain! Don't worry, Bean's tough, he/she doesn't mind being blamed. In fact, if I were reading this out loud as I am writing Bean would probably laugh with mischief!

I looked up a moby wrap today. I decided I want to try one out which also made me decide I can make it myself. The video makes it look so fancy and complicated, but it is simply a five yard piece of cloth by 20 inches wide. So basically, to make it, all I have to do is buy a five yard piece of cloth and cut it to the proper width. And viola! I have a baby carrier. But this brings us back to the sewing machine, which means I will have to pull it out again and start this new project when I still haven't finished my quilt! I think to motivate myself maybe I shouldn't start my wrap until I finish my quilt. And really, there is no sewing required even, except I want to make the edges look nice.

When Dave gets home today he said he was going to wash and wax the car. I will be very impressed if this gets done! I will be even more impressed if he can talk me into helping! I have some exciting news but cannot share it this early as of yet. I have to work out some details first then I will share. And no, I still don't know what I am having, no I still don't know where I am moving, and no, I am not having twins. So maybe it is not that exciting, but you'll have to wait till next post to judge the excitement yourself!

Baby Gear

NOTE: Until I figure out how to make my blog compatible with Internet Explorer 9 (or download Firefox to successfully blog) I cannot fix the messed up lay out of this post! I'm sorry, but I'm beyond frustrated trying for the day, so read away just beware of the chaos! Thanks!!

Shopping for baby gear can be really fun, especially if you
are a mom-to-be without a job, social agenda, or school! In other words, lately
I have really enjoyed looking at baby items. The number one thing a new parent
must purchase is a car seat. Baby cannot even come home from the hospital
without one!

The journey of car seat searching began several months ago when I made my baby
registries. Without any prior knowledge on the topic, Dave and I chose two car
seats from Babies R Us: one was a stroller car seat combo and the other was a
car seat you leave in your vehicle and cannot carry baby around in. The
stroller combo caught our eye mostly because of the stroller. We liked the
three wheels (or so we thought) and Dave was very excited that the thing had cup
holders! (Yes, let a guy go shopping with you and you find the REAL things that
matter :) !! ) Upon first glance at the car seat, everything appeared to be
'safe' and just fine. To see our pick, go to: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3904359

The second car seat we picked out was similar to a Chico, Graco, Evenflo or
Cosco. We liked the size, seeming to be 'safer' than a smaller car seat and
there 'appeared' to be  comfy padding and necessary safety features. We
picked one out only with the comparison of the other car seats in the store.
I'm sure our choice looked similar to this: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3882167

Just this week I deleted both car seats from our Babies R Us registry. After a
little more research and suggestions from friends, I decided to add the Combi
Cocorro car seat combo. Without seeing it in person, I have decided that I
love, love, love the color, and the seemingly ease of use and carrying the baby
around were also pluses. The car seat can be taken in and out of the car and
also attached to the cocorro stroller. The Combi is made in Japan. Although
this car seat looks fun and appears to be great in the beginning, I have also
decided against this car seat as well. Why? First of all, I couldn’t find many
tests or reviews on the safety and ratings of this seat. Second, it does not
come with a base which means every time you want to carry baby in it, you must
take it out of the car only to re-strap it in upon your next trip. This didn't
seem as 'safe' to me, because without a base, you have to get it in perfectly
every time to have maximum safety. Also, because it is so compact, I started to
think maybe smaller isn't always better, especially when it comes to keeping
baby safe. I would feel safer with more bulk, more protection. Then, when I
really got picky I decided I didn't like that it doesn't have a sun/wind visor
on it and the stroller itself, other than light weight and easy to haul, really
had no features. I still think this is a neat car seat to look at and probably
easy in terms of carrying weight, but I just wasn't sold. To see the one I thought
I wanted, click here: http://www.combi-intl.com/Products/Item.aspx?Item=12&Color=7

Four months ago
when we began our car seat shopping, we

really didn’t know what we were getting into, what we needed, or what mattered.

Our first pick came mostly based on the stroller, with the car seat as ‘just a

part’ of the package. The second pick seemed a bit safer as we did read the

features listed and compared it to the car seats next to it. The third pick we

put a little more thought into, mostly seeing convenience, quality, and compact

size.

Four months ago
of course I was pregnant and I knew I would

love this baby no matter what. But the difference today is that I physically

feel the life inside of me moving, kicking, and rolling. I have heard the
heartbeat

and seen the silhouette of our child. I’m not sure if many parents go through

this or not, but when reality sets in and you can feel the life, you start

thinking differently about everything. Now that I ‘look’ pregnant and I feel

the baby every day, there is a new connection. This reality is getting stronger

that one day soon I will have this baby in my arms, on the outside of my body.

And when I think of it like this, I start to really think about safety,

especially when it comes to car seats.

Dave and I never
forget about our terrible car-totaling

crash about three years ago. When I think about the damage that happened to the

car and the simple miracle we are okay, I start to think about what if baby was

in the back seat? And when you have lived through such an experience, you can

really picture vividly the reality of the situation. And when I think about

putting our baby in the first car seat, I now cannot see the advantages to that

particular seat. So then I start to research safety ratings, crash tests, and

all the little extras that keep our little bundle of joy safe.

Without knowing
where to go next, I again recruit my

husband, hoping this time he will see more than just the perks of cup holders

on a stroller! This time we do our research. We watch videos, we read reviews,

and we find, simply put, the best. Unfortunately, ‘the best’ also happens to be

the most expensive. I cannot say from my own experience because I have not even

purchased the seat yet, but hours have been poured into reading other parent’s

reviews from various sites.  We have

finally decided on a car seat combo that we like, that we trust, that has, over

and over, proven to be the best overall when you read what everyone else says

about it. We really like the Britax Chaperone seat and stroller combo. The

chaperone is a carrying car seat that has a base you install in the car. The

seat itself can be taken on and off the base and easily attached to the

stroller. The stroller itself can be used alone or with the car seat for

various configurations. The car seat has been tested in real collisions,

unlike  other car seats that are tested

in lab settings. The car seat itself only weighs 10 pounds, which is comparable

to the ‘lightweight’ Combi. Also, the car seat has the additional features I

liked, with a visor for sun and rain. The stroller has been reviewed as very

well-made, sturdy. The bad reviews say it is bulky and heavy, but that is

almost a welcome thing to us, because we feel that means it is of better

quality and more sturdy. An added benefit to the chaperone is that it can

actually be taken off the base and installed in a second car without the base.

The idea here is if the base is in mommy’s car and daddy has to pick the child

up from daycare but does not have the base, all he has to do is strap the car

seat right into the car!

Safety 1^st
car seats also received high safety

ratings and reviews, but time and again people said they are not as quality

made as the Britax. And I can understand why! What is the third complaint of

Britax? Cost!!! The American-made car seat rated #1 is also the most expensive.

But if you know me, you know I have magical ways of finding deals J. The total
cost for

the car seat and the stroller on the website itself is $538.00!!! This same set

can be found at Amazon for $479.00. But trust me, I don’t stop there! I

searched the Internet far and wide for two hours this morning. I would find

sites that have both, but not sold in a package. I would find discounts, but

then one would be out of stock. I found a really good site, strollers.com that

sells the combo set for $379.00. Now I knew I was getting closer! Oh, I should

mention that Britax.com has a combo special for $299.00 IF you like the only

overstocked color offered, which is navy blue diamonds. The fabric isn’t bad,

but it isn’t my first choice. Which is what sent me searching elsewhere for the

same deal with a different color. Now, the stroller.com site also offered a

promo discount that, viola!—made the combo $303.00 with free shipping! I saw

this and was very excited! Then I saw there were only three left! So I called

the company. After all of that, I find out they haven’t updated their site and

the deal is no longer available for that color! Bummer. But, don’t give up

right? So, then I went to diapers.com and looked around. They offered the

package deal for $379.00. As I was just about to settle and pay the money for

the color I wanted, I had a last minute idea! I called the company, and lo and

behold, they match other dealers! Which means, I have, at last, found my combo

car seat and stroller for $303!! Dave of course made me be open to other combo

brands and to check costs. I found most other combos that would have decent

safety ratings were still going for 250-300 total. So, to have the one I want

and trust, which is originally $538 for $303, I definitely feel safe with this

decision! To see our final decision, visit:

http://www.strollers.com/Britax-U241788-BRX1257.html

Car seat: Check!
The rest of the baby gear will probably be

used and bough off of Craig’s list, which I am a-okay with! We have a beautiful

brand new bassinet and we will soon have the ‘American Dream’ car seat combo. I

might be eating ramen noodles for the rest of the month, but as long as I take

my prenatals, all will be successful.

Outtings

Tuesday morning my friend invited me to Bible study at the church. I went, thinking it would be good to get out of the house and maybe have some daily structure and social connection, other than sitting my house alone all day. I figured there would be about 8-10 people. Nope! We get there and walk into a room with almost fifty women! I guess that 'connection' is available!
Wednesday morning I worked on my quilt quite a bit. As my first quilt ever, things proved difficult when trying to sew strips together both horizontally and vertically! Oh well, the baby probably won't notice the absolute mismatch of corners! The project kept me busy all afternoon at least!

Today, Friday, my eight month pregnant friend Sarah picked me up and we stopped at Starbucks for some pumpkin spice chai teas. Then, we headed over to the base to attend a Budgeting for Baby class. The class was actually very informative and organized: two things I did not expect! At the end of class, they give each expectant mother a gender neutral layette set worth $75.00 and we get to pick out a baby boy or baby girl blanket. Because I do not know what I am having, I chose a baby girl blanket. My mom made me a beautiful baby boy blanket last year and so if it is a boy I will be set! And now if it is a girl I am set! Sarah and I then went to Rumple New Skins, which is a baby store with some new and mostly gently used items. We had a good time just looking around. When we arrived back at my place, I was pleasantly surprised to see the co sleeper/bassinet which my mom had ordered for me was at my door! Sarah and I spent half the time trying to unzip the gear from the bag it came in! The zipper would not budge and for no obvious reason! Finally, (like 20 minutes later) we were able to get started! Two pregnant women bending, twisting, lifting--it would have been a site to behold! But together we managed to assemble into the co sleeping position, which is a rectangle with one side lowered that sits next to the bed. For our moving situation and timing, this is the perfect option for baby right now. We plan to look at cribs when we get to our new place in January and go from there. The co sleeper is very nice and very flexible as far as what you can do with it. We can use it as a bassinet, a small play pen, a traveling bed, or the actual co sleeper. I am excited for Dave to get home and see our hard work and beautiful new gift!

The Nebraska Corn huskers play the Washington Huskies tomorrow in college football, in Seattle. We thought about going but decided our big TV would be just fine, after seeing the tickets began at $125.00!! That is more than we would have to pay to go to an NFL game in Seattle! Go Big Red!
The Colts play on Sunday and Beaner has told me his/her eager anticipation for the game, in hopes that they turn there previous game play around and possibly step it up! So, this weekend will be the Beaner/Mommy/Daddy (?) football weekend. When the games are on, the Bean is kicking!

Super Hero

Hobbling down the street and
Trying to take a little breather-
Breaking for the day underneath
The leafy cedar
Looking forward as the hill
Seems always longer
Steeper distant-
Feeling sharp pains every step
Every instant.
Three days now no more relaxing walks
To take-
Inside the house catch your breath-
Catch a break.
Labor and Delivery it's time to plan
A visit-
But not for the big moment "This is it!"
No instead to find out that
The ligament is pulled-
Strained stretched done for now-
The uterus its job to hold.
No more outside walks,
No more cool breeze on the face.
Finding the bed to be
The new molding place.
A day before the party
The graduation the big day-
Where friends and food will gather
Playing games the night away,
And don't think this pregnant lady will
Roll the dice to chance,
A big soft recliner keeps me rollin
The party still will dance.
So no I'm not the super hero
I'm the princess in distress-
And my super hero husband
Did the house chores did the rest.
He cleaned all day and rearranged
My house to hold the fun,
He pampered me and cared for me
And when I thought he's done-
He ran the errands, set the stage
He was the greatest host.
A daddy in the making-
The one I love the most!
The night was such a huge success
The show does go on-
My super hero made it possible to play
Almost till dawn-
And when the guests left for the night
And we went fast asleep-
I knew my super hero was ready,
For any giant future leap.
This Beaner will have the greatest
Daddy of them all,
For all the love he shows mommy
Daddy knows his Daddy call.

It's Official

My new title: I am officially the coolest house wife ever! In the past two weeks I have baked homemade bread, made homemade blackberry jam (from berries I picked myself!), cleaned the entire house, completed an entire scrap book, set up a mutual fund, opened a savings account, enrolled for a certification class, prepared meals from scratch, created two baby registries, and the icing on the cake: I am now 100% football season ready, after creating my NFL.com fantasy football team!!!!!!!! WHOOO HOOOOO!!!!

So top that June Cleaver! The best thing about finishing college in August is having all the time in the world to watch every preseason and regular season game! This is pretty easy to do with a DVR! :) So I may not make money and I may not be getting any more college education, but I am a highly efficient NFL football game watcher :) Beaner loves it too and I know this for a fact because when big things happen on the big screen, Beaner kicks and flips and cheerleads along! Plus, I think we have telepathy when it comes to football :) So my offical new NFL draft team name is Beaner's Blitzers. If you don't know what a blitz is, that is when the line breaks out of ordinary play in order to surprise or come up behind the quarterback for a sack. :) See, told you I'm the coolest house wife ever!

In other Beaner news: next doctor's appointments are not yet set but soon will be scheduled for three to four weeks out. Until then, I must stock up on the nachos, chicken wings, sparkling alcoholic free punch, and watch the games :)

Movement

Movement is occurring everywhere lately. The degree is completed. The future new home is being decided. The numbers on the scale move up. And the Bean moves constantly! All the time. In every direction. Never ending. Seriously! Jumping Bean. So recent entertainment has been performed by taking random objects and placing them on my stomach then watching them jump up and down or get knocked off  completely. With no job and no school, what else should I be doing!?
This week I plan to begin the continuation of my quilt. I figure there is no better time than now. I had a check up on Thursday. The next doctor's appointment will be in four weeks, where I will have an ultra sound to check baby's weight, lab work, and the  RH shot. Which, I am a bit concerned about. Because they still cannot give a 100% answer on my blood type, I am wondering if the shot is really necessary. As far as I understand, if Dave is positive, and there is the possibility I am negative, then I need the shot. But, if I am positive and Dave  is negative, the shot is not necessary. This is also true if I am negative and Dave is negative. Therefore, since I am pretty sure Dave is negative, then I am wondering why I am getting the shot? The question is, how come my doctor has not once asked about Dave's blood type? He does not seem to think it matters but all of my research has been based on the two parents, not just the mother. Getting the shot when unnecessary is not harmful so I guess we are just playing it safe.
The doctor measured my fundal height (the length between the pubic bone and the top of the uterus) and told me I am exactly where I need to be. Other than  that, no new baby news.

I went to a few garage sales yesterday. Because I am unsure of the gender, I have decided to buy for both when I see a deal I cannot resist. Yesterday was eight pairs of little boy shoes in perfect condition! I looked up the costs online and the total was around 160 dollars, when I spent 8! So that was pretty exciting. Of course, if we have a girl I will just have a box of boy stuff ready for the next round :)


Today is house cleaning, ,movie watching, pizza eating day!

Sound of Silence at a Stand-Off

The 12 day blog withdrawal is officially over. So today I applied for a blog job, and only after doing so did I fail to remember that I don't bother editing, spellchecking, and correcting my errors in my current blog! Wow, when they look at this I'm sure going to look uhnedukayted.
Anyway! My friend is doing well, all things considered. She lost her baby to heaven last week and I think my hormone fits are in direct connection to her situation. That, or this lack of school and job is getting the better of me. Anyone have any suggestions? So far I have the idea to scrapbook, quilt, clean the house to perfection, attempt to find small writing jobs which will pay me enough to buy lunch every day, and I might even take another class in order to keep my brain running!
Here's a good story! (Pregnancy related even!) So upon my doctor's desperate attempt to get me to gain weight, I agreed to see a dietitian. We sat there for an hour going over all the obvious food ideas that I already knew. Then, upon completion of seeing my 'food journal'  she suggested the following: "You should increase your calories by your beverages. Since you already drink milk and juice, you should add soda pop to your diet." Umm,  really!?!?!? Did you read that!? Yes, my dietitian suggested soda to a pregnant lady! You know, the sugary, caffeinated carbon bubblies that take away from calcium absorption in the bones! Pregnant women are to limit their caffeine intake, sugar is a door opener for gestational diabetes, and the carbonated bubblies eat calcium from my bones! I tell you what! Unless I GET diabetes, I may never step foot into a dietitian's office again!
So, yes, I have not gained the weight they are looking for me to gain. I am trying though still!! I have gained weight though! 13 pounds since the beginning. Baby Beaner is 2 oz. below his necessary weight so I am feeding him more milk and peanut butter. The joys of being a navy housewife with nothing better to do (or required) than to take hand to mouth and stuff face over and over.
Aside from the every day eating frenzy, I work on small tasks. For example, right now I am currently fighting tooth and nail with my school so that, just maybe, I will get my degree this weekend! Yes, that's right, graduation is upon me. However, a $150.30 late fee that they absolutely insist is my fault for tuition, it looms over me like the messenger of death. I am stubborn and upset and absolutely refuse to pay this ridiculous trivial penny ripping scheme. Long story short, the military account that paid for my tuition paid later than should be and I am stuck with the bill. Because I did not certify mail a letter sent back in April, they have no proof the letter was ever sent and therefore, I am a liar and must pay. Lesson: Never trust a company, business, corporation, administration, or the like. You MUST learn that people screw people and there is no longer this thing called forgiveness and mercy. Amen.
See what happens when I don't write for a long time? All the entrapment spews forth and you are left to read the gloriousness of it all.
I do have a positive note though! My sister and brother in law and two nephews came to visit last week. They spent two days at our house and we spent two days camping with them in La Push, Washington, aka Twilight Jacob's werewolf abode. The ocean at La Push is gorgeous. We drove to Cape Flattery, WA, the most northwest point of the United States. Absolutely breathtaking! If I decide not to be lazy later on, I may just post a picture or two of the spectacular views!
Next doctor's appointment: Thursday. Next ultrasound: approximately three weeks. Next snack time: Now. So see you later!

Today's Plans

As you can see, the ultrasound went very well. Apparently I had a few people fooled with the ultrasound pics, as it says 'twin a' and 'twin b' on the bottom. No, there are not twins. One singleton Beaner only. But a healthy Beaner at that!
So today I am going to try on every dress in my closest to see if I have one fitting and that fits! for an outdoor wedding we are going to today. A fellow officer on the boat is getting married. I am not really sure what I have that fits. I plan on getting all dolled up, as of lately, my husband thinks it is quite hillarious to point out all my flaws which come with pregnancy. So, in order to 'knock him off his feet' I plan on playing dress up today and spending the maximum amount of time getting ready. If all goes well and I feel like I did the trick, I will post for you a picture of my efforts! If all does not go well, well then I am not going to let you see!
Apparently I have missed some very important people in the inclusion of this website. In other words, this site is open to the public and if you know of someone who cares to know the ins and outs of my pregnancy, please pass this site along. In the beginning I was more hush hush, but now the market is open! Other than a few immediate relatives, I'm not really sure if you're reading unless you leave me a comment every once in a while! Maybe, if I get really creative and motivated, I will attempt to post a short video of the ultrasound.
We are due December 22nd. My nephew gets married shortly after and there is most likely no way I will be able to travel across the country to make it. December is a big month! Dave will leave and upon his return, we will move out. Still, we do not know where we are going to be sent. Maybe in another month or two. This actually makes things more exciting because everything will be happening at once!
 No doctor has mentioned bed rest to me for several weeks, so maybe I'm in the clear!? Still not sure, but it seems like up to this point, things are going way better than anyone projected them to be. So I will hold up my end of the deal and continue to eat all the time, regardless of my hunger level. Apparently that's the only thing I am pointed out on, so yes, the grocery bill will continue to rise and I will continue to eat. I think I am eating double what I am used to eating and the weight is still coming very slowly. It is almost as if I have quadrupled my metabolism over night! Tomorrow I make pot roast. :) If my Grandma and Mom were here, I would have them help me make cabbage burgers, which is the most amazing thing ever and something I seem to want all the time and don't know how to make. I have been trying to talk my brother into coming over to make me eggrolls. He is either really busy or has since begun to ignore my texts! :) I will keep working on him though.
Please continue to keep my dear friend in your prayers, as her, her baby, and her family is always on my heart.

Back from trip!

Our visit to Orlando was fantastic. I had a few pregnancy issues while there. First off, in the airplane as soon as we touched down in Orlando after an overnight flight, I dashed to the plane's bathroom and motion/hungry/pregnancy/thirsty? sickness set in. As soon as I was finished puking, my nose started to bleed! Helloooooooooo ORLANDOOOO!!!

So anyway, then we got to our resort and instead of taking naps, decided to venture out in the blazing sun and play 18 hole Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf! Although I had four holes in one, Dave still beat me! The rest of the week continued with Walt Disney World, one day at each park. We then spent an entire day at Clearwater Beach and went on a dolphin touring boat which was amazing! Then we drove to Cape Canaveral Florida and spent the day at Kennedy Space Center. Our final day we spent at Downtown Disney. We ate lunch at the T-Rex restaurant (similar to Rainforest Cafe). Prior to eating though, I drank my entire glass of iced tea. Having nothing else in my stomach and already an hour over my hunger point, this did not last long! Back to the bathroom and super sick again! Once I sat down though and my food came (lasagna and bread) I was able to not only eat, but polish off the entire meal! This, I must say, is extremely impressive for my small and repulsive appetite! I think, ladies and gentemen, that I may just be getting my appetite back!

When we got home I stepped on the scale to see if the number would please my ever  concerned doc! I believe he will be happy the next time he sees me, as that week alone I gained two pounds! And THAT is on top of ALL THAT WALKING!!!

Tomorrow morning is the ultra sound. This will be daddy Dave's first Beaner debut. We are very excited. And yes, I will, in fact, assuming I figure out how.... post the ultrasound picture for all my inquiring Beaner fans (yes, all, seven of you?!)

This week's posts will be brief, as Friday is my final day of school for my Bachelor's Degree! August grad!! YAY!

Short blurb

Super duper tired. Went to submarine picnic this morning. Trying to stay awake, not sure why. Have class right now but too distracted, as we are packing and getting ready for our trip. Sleeping on an airplane is not my best night's rest. Yuck! Back hurts. Not sure why I'm posting today with nothing to say, I guess I wanted to let you know I'm attempting to continue to post :)

Beaner is moving more every day. I think he has perfected the sommersault!

Ugh

Ugh is the best word to describe how I feel right now.  I spent the morning watching TV. Then, I cleaned the bathroom and organized my bedroom. Then, I went to the store and bought snacks for our trip. Now I am once again hungry and thirsty, my back is sore from store and cleaning, and I have no motivation to do anything else, yet, feel too lazy to do nothing. Therefore, I've considered writing one more blog before our trip as doing something. I had the worst nightmare ever the other night. It was so terrible I don't think you want to know, but it was about someone breaking in to kill Beaner while still in my belly. Not fun. Yesterday after the dream, Beaner didn't move barely at all. It freaked me out. But this morning he's been kicking like crazy and continuing to do so! In fact, I'm so surprised by his movement that I want to type faster to get this over with so I can just sit here and feel her move! (Like how I transitioned with him and her? :) )
Tonight we hail the new captain of the boat. This means we welcome him to the crew and go to dinner at his house. I'm kind of looking forward to this. This new captain has done a lot for Dave and I to help us out with baby and my back and I am very thankful for him.
Some people have assumed which sex of baby I want. I actually haven't told anyone if I have a preference. Nor do I intend to now. But what I will say is that not even Dave knows if I have a preference or not. And people cannot tell me that I cannot say "a  healthy one" because YES I CAN. and YES I WILL. And, especially, with my history, I am entirely in the right to be able to say that. In fact, anyone is really. But if I must, I will give one cliche, I want a cute baby. :)
I better end this now so I can go start my "online diet journal" which is mandatory homework assigned to me by my doctor! YAY.... (sacrasm drips...) It's a pain in the butt enough finding things I will eat, let alone having to log in every day to record it all! Oh well, it's all for the Bean!

Doctor Appointment

Yesterday I saw my doctor. My blood pressure was low, lower than last time. According to my doctor, I have not gained weight in six weeks. I think that's inaccurate, because I have weighed myself same time once a week at home and I have gained a few pounds. I have to see a dietician now and figure out a new eating plan, plus I'm now required to count all of my calories because my doctor is very concerned I am not getting enough. Oh, the good part, we heard Beaner's heartbeat and it was a healthy 156 beats per minute. He was kicking the whole time during listening, so we could 'hear' the kicks too, and actually see them. Doctor seemed surprised at how active the Bean was being. :)
Our trip is fine to go on, he didn't seem very concerned about any of our upcoming adventures. He said to take it easy on the rollercoasters and jerky rides and upside down rides, but otherwise use my judgment.
Yesterday was an amazing festivity of food stuffing. I really tried so after the appointment we ate at the hospital cafeteria. I had mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, a baked chicken leg (GROSS!) cottage cheese (GROSS) lemon cake (GROSS) milk and cranberry juice. This is like, amazing for me. Then, for dinner, it gets even more amazing because I ate the most repulsive piece of fried chicken breast ever! Dave laughed at me the whole time because he said I looked in pain as I was eating it. I hate chicken. But I'm trying, so Beaner, you better be happy! :) The only protein foods that do not gross me out are South Beach Diet protein bars. I think I am going to have to stock up because if I have to eat chicken again... well, I just hope I can find an alternative.
Other than chicken, things are going well. Beaner kicks a lot now. Even though he can't see anything, I think he's excited for his first trip to Disney World. :)

Fast food frenzy

I love you too Alex! And yes, mom, I will ask lots of questions!

This morning I woke up and drove straight to McDonalds. Yes, the place I hate, the place I dread, the place my in-laws think is the greatest thing ever, the place I cannot even stand to think about or else I will feel sick. However, I give them props for three things: 1. Orange Hi-C. There is no limit to how much I can drink! 2. smoothies, although, I have not been able to try them yet because everytime I go there for a smoothie their machine is broken, and 3. sausage burritos. For someone who really doesn't like any 'real' food, eggs and sausage and cheese really sound terrible. But, for some reason, I not only tolerate them but at times crave them. So this morning I bought four, thinking I could eat them throughout the day eventually. After church today, we went to Arby's and got junior roast beefs. Another completely nasty not on the list food. However, in the five seconds I saw Arby's and decided I could tolerate it, Dave spun in there so fast, there was no going back! So I ate it in the car on the way home before I changed my mind. This is all in an attempt to gain weight and eat protein and fat. This whole drinking 2 plus quarts of water a day is starting to get to me. I spend more time in the bathroom than anywhere else throughout the day! It's bad enough to have constant pressure on your bladder from baby, but then having a bladder always full! UGH!
I am very worn out and it is only 6:30PM and I have not done much except go to church, eat, and watch movies today. I have yet to pack for our trip and I still have a few chapters to read before I take off, but reading and packing both seem like too much work. I would like to get some fresh air and loosen up my back and go on a walk but I fear having to pee the minute I step out the door. Wow, I'm going to be great fun to my husband in Orlando! :)
My nephew took off for marine basic training today. He plans to visit in November after he graduates, at which time I will be very much bigger. I'm excited for him and to see him after his butt kicking.
As much as I wish Dave would read more baby books (aka pamper pregnant mom books) he does a pretty decent job when he wants too. Today he cleaned the kitchen and living room practically by himself, as I puttered around. I'm happy I have him! Tomorrow is the doctor's appointment! I'm thinking of chugging a gallon of water so we don't have to talk about my inability to gain weight! Oh well, we'll see. If only they made a tasteless pill for that!

Kicking Bean

Beaner moves around, quite a bit actually. Most of the movements I can only feel with my fingertips, but lately, I can feel kicking or movement just from within! My husband is too impatient to hold his hand there long enough to feel, but soon enough and he won't have to wait too long!
Today was a good day. I got a lot of reading and notetaking done, cleaned house a bit, and scored some free concert tickets for a concert I'm not sure I'll even go too. (Toby Keith and Trace Atkins). There is a tiny chance that we might have family visit this week, assuming they can come see the submarine. But with such a last minute notice this might not all come together. We are busily getting our house in order and working on the very beginnings of packing, as in, we are thinking about it! We pull out of Washington in January and I obviously won't be of much use to pack beginning in November and especially December, so we are trying to get everything ready to go before I become too 'incapable'. :)
Doctor appointment is on Monday. Still attempting to regain my appetite!
And, now, for all this demand to post a blog everyday, how come I no longer receive comments?? Readers! Start typing back :)

Back to class now. Had a great day!

Celebrating with a Coke

Very seldom do I drink caffeine. As in, maybe seven caffeinated beverages in the last 18 weeks. But today called for a Coca Cola. So, I called the doctor today. My lab results are in for the quad screen. The result: NEGATIVE. Which, is positive! Confused? Basically the screen tested for downs, trisnomy two types, and something called afp, (I think). Well, the result is that based on this test, Beaner does not have any of it, so he/she is healthy as far as we know.
Once again, celebrating is worthwhile yes, but still difficult to fully enjoy with my friend knowing her baby is not so fortunate. That is still rough and maybe why I haven't written as much. However, she has told me time and again to continue to share my news and be joyful about it and let her know what is going on.
So here's some new news. We are officially moving from Washington. We have no idea to where yet, as nothing is finalized, but we will be moving the first of February, just one short month after Beaner's debut into the world. This will be quite interesting!!! There will be A LOT to do!
If you didn't know, we also go to Disney World soon. Which means, I better start catching up on my reading for class so I do not slack too much! I still have half of a class to finish in order to graduate and don't want to get behind! Starting at the end of August I should be able to focus more on preparing the house for the move and the baby.
More to come, but I just wanted to give a quick update for my small handful of readers! Oh, and, if you want to share this blog with anyone, I am open and up for that at this point. (Yes mom, you can officially spill the Beaner to the world!)

Tests

In a way, it almost feels wrong to continue writing about my journey and joys of this pregnancy when I know my friend is going through so much. However, after finally being able to speak to her on the phone, she has assured me that she wants to hear about me, is happy for me, etc. etc. etc. I know this very position because last year after I lost my baby, everyone and their dog got pregnant. She is positive and handling things very well. By the way, she is pregnant with a little girl. Other details than that I still don't feel are mine to tell at this time.

Today is kind of gloomy, both literal and figuratively. I went to the hospital today to get my quad screen run. For those of you who do not know, this is the test where they find out if the baby has any chromosomal abnormalities, such as downs syndrome, AFP is measured, and a few other things. I have been putting this test off because I never wanted to have it done in the first place. Yet, my doctor and husband talked me into it because they say if something is wrong, then during labor they can have the appropriate staff available to immediately care for the baby. With all of my research and experience on this, usually if you are under 35, healthy, no family history of such abnormalities...then the tests are generally negative. I suppose I'm not in high spirits because my best friend fits this category and yet, on the rare occurance things happen, she did not get a clear quad screen, which led to her high risk ultra sound, which led to the knowledge that her baby 99% will not survive, if baby even makes it to birth. I know that everyone tells me things will go fine, but that's what I said to my friend. And now I feel really bad for being so optimistic. But some things are completely out of our control, and in fact, what happened to her is something that happens literally at the time of conception and so nothing could have ever been done to prevent it in the first place.

So here I am, finally getting the screening done. It takes a week to get results. I know my chances are very low to have anything wrong, but having experienced the worst of things in my pregnancy last year, it only makes me wonder if my 'bad things happening to me streak' is over. Then again, they also say that most women who experience a miscarriage go on to have a healthy normal baby. So maybe by experiencing this loss already, my slate is clean and ready for something good. But still, it makes me wonder.

Weight gain.... here's an issue that my doctor continually taps on me for. I looked up the average weight gain at 17 weeks, and it said between five and ten pounds. Then, I did a pregnancy weight gain calculator which determined pre pregnancy I was underweight, and currently I am like, 1.6 pounds off on the low end. In other words, the 'calculator' found on thebabycenter.com has determined that I will have to gain 2 pounds a week the rest of pregnancy to weight the proper amount. If you don't know what that means, it means that every other pregnant woman out there has only been told to gain one pound a week from here on out. Now, let me be perfectly clear for my critics out there. I am not afraid to gain weight, it does not bother me to gain weight. It is simply that I either am not eating enough or cannot eat enough to make this happen. I have tried but I guess I have to try harder. I have not gained a pound for the last three weeks when I should have been, but I have lost a pound. This scares me, as I am actually trying. I think just in the last couple of days I may be getting my appetite back. Most foods not only smell bad or sound bad, but they absolutely repulse me. However, as I said, I think this is getting better, as for the last two days I have had a steak and cheese subway sandwich for lunch. This is my effort to get protein, wheat and carbs, and tons of veggies. For the past well, entire pregnancy, chicken was completely out of the question, salad was a no go, hamburgers, french fries or anything greasy I wouldn't even look at, and most meats had to be seriously considered before gagging down. Last night we had spaghetti and it was very good. Tonight I am making tacos. I switched my milk products and am really trying to gain weight. If I could eat tuna everyday I would, except leave it to me to find something I want to eat and cannot eat in such quantities ( mercury in tuna, limited to pregnant women).

In my last several posts I have quit bothering to spell check. So I'm sorry if that bothers you. :) It is time to go make lunch and study for the first test of my last class ever!

Rollercoaster of Emotions

Before I begin what I really want to say, let me tell you how my weekend went. Dave and I went to my brother's house across the water. We stayed up late grocery shopping and talking. (Okay brother, yes, 10 is late for me!) Saturday morning we headed to Pacific Raceways, where the NHRA race car association? had top fuel, funny car, and alcohol car drag races. If you're like me, you probably have no idea what that all means. Basically, top fuel and funny car race the loudest things on the planet! I think Dave said they run 7,000 horsepower. When you are in the stands and pregnant, this is an interesting experience! My seat was rattling and I'm sure Beaner thought we were launching to outer space with all the crazy noises and vibrations. I had ear plugs in and still have to cover my ears tightly! My whole body shook as the cars whizzed by. I think the best comparison would be to stand in front of a 747 jet engine prior to take off. Even that, I'm not sure, would compare! I was scared I was hurting Beaner, but the doctor said it would be safe and okay. Although race cars are not my thing, it was definitely an experience! Aside it being hot and me being thirsty all day and having to pee every ten minutes, it was a good weekend!

Today I got the worst news ever. And since it is not my news to tell, I will do my best to guard the privacy of the situation. But I cannot help but write about it because it is so near and dear to my heart. My miscarriage last year was probably the hardest thing I have ever been through. But, the sadness I am feeling now for a loved one is even heavier than my own loss. For those concerned, my Beaner is healthy as far as I know and things are going well. However, another little Beaner out there will not be so fortunate. My heart breaks for my dear loved one and there is nothing any of us can do to prevent this upcoming loss. The purpose of sadness like this does not make sense and I don't think it ever will. However, I do know with faith and certainty, through experience, that even when the darkness rises and hope seems lost, the sun always seems to make its way back out again, and hope rides its radiant beams in the midst of the storm, to clear up the rain. It took nearly one year after my loss for the rain to clear and the sun to start beaming again, but the sun did come out. Even the most hopeless situation can turn itself around through time, faith, and hope.

I will leave that as it is for now. But your thoughts and prayers for my friend are all much appreciated. I'm not sure when I will write again, as it is hard to be joyful in your own situation when someone so loved suffers so much.

Catch-Up

Okay okay, I'm slacking on the writing! I'll try to do better! Really!
So Fourth of July was a truly great day. We went to a parade, the same one we went to last year. In fact, last year at this same parade, it was shortly after my miscarriage. A little girl stood next to us the whole time, she must have been about four. I caught a frisbee that just happened to be flying toward me, and the little girl went to her daddy and cried that she did not get one. I immediately crouched to her level and handed her the frisbee. She was so excited she came up to me and wrapped her little arms around my knees, with her little tears, and told me thank you. It was that moment that made me keep fighting on my desire to have children. And so, this year going to the parade, it was really a happy time because this time around, I am pregnant!

After the parade, we went to Central Market. For those who do not know, this is a large grocery store that carries specialty items. We picked a lot of different things out, including maple syrup, figs, prunes, dried cherries, habernero almonds, and honey sticks. Then we ate outside where they were serving bbq pork sandwiches. After this, we headed toward an RV dealership and looked around on the lot in our hopes of future purchases.

The evening of the fourth I spent napping and watching movies with Dave. Then, at 10 PM we went to the top of a very tall parking garage to watch the fireworks over the bay. After half an hour of waiting, we were tired and decided to walk back home. As we neared our house, the fireworks began. We quickly went down the street, and, peering through a hole in the trees, we found the most perfect view of the fireworks going off over the ships. Apparently they started so late because it was downpouring around the area they were going to light from.

Now, up to date. Yesterday Dave had his change of command ceremony on the sub base. The old captain was out and the new captain came in. The ceremony was nice but the sun was blazing! It was a hot day! Yesterday evening we walked down to Sam Adams, where my fellow coworkers met us for a good bye party for me from work. I was so thrilled to see that actually, every single coworker but one showed up! It really made me feel great! They gave me a baby gift card and we all had food and drinks. It was a good night, good week, good times.

As I am sitting here supposedly paying attention to my class which is currently going on, I am also thinking about how wonderful it is that my house is mostly clean! We spent hours today getting things nice around here. Tonight we take off for my brothers house across the water, for the weekend. Tomorrow we go to something I am dreading and Dave is thrilled about.... NHRA drag racing. Ugh! It is going to be hot, loud, and stinky. I hope Beaner packed his ear plugs. :)

Worn Out!

I have officially quit my job. However, I am still in the last week of the two week notice. Every day at work gets longer and harder. My back is not enjoying anything lately. I think my spine is moving away from my bar. Ligaments loosen and hormones rage during pregnancy...not helping. Then again, I knew what I was in for and so it's not necessarily complaining, I just need a place to vent the inevitable.
So for those who are curious, we will not be finding out the sex of the baby. We want to be surprised (and torture you all in the process!). I'm not sure if I have mentioned this, but a week or two ago I received three large boxes full of baby goodies! So EXCITING! My sister in law went to rummage sales with my niece and they spoiled me with little boy and little girl clothes, a bath, and other goodies.
Nearly 15 weeks (Sunday) and still sick! Still cannot stand the thought of eating most foods. I think it might be time to buy carnation, ensure, and supplements! Cuz this baby is not getting its protein! Chicken is out of the question, and all other meat is pretty much disgusting. Working on it though! Yogurt, milk, fruit-no problem :)
I'm tired. I'm sick. I hurt. But here I am writing, because I know you want to know! More to come later.
OH WAIT! Dave got to hear heart beat for the first time on Monday! Maybe I already said that? Well, he was excited and it was cool to have him be there with me.

Milestone

June 26th I woke up, looked in the mirror, and officially have the baby bump! Dave noticed first actually, which makes it even more real to me, knowing someone else can see it. I can definitely feel the baby inside of me when I place my hand on my abdomen. Today we go see the doctor. Everything is going really well. Nausea has still been very much a part of things. I'm not sure if that is good or bad. Mornings suck because I wake up starving, thirsty, and sick. I think the worst thing lately has been my back, as expected. For those who know what I'm talking about, my 'bump' in my back is the area that gives me the worst time. I have a lot of trouble bending down, picking things off the ground, etc. Sometimes even the smallest amount of weight to carry gives me a hard time. I have decided carrying baby in a front chest carrier is the way for me to go!
Last night we cooked ribs on our charcoal grill for the first time. I actually felt like eating them too, which made it all the more enjoyable! Dave laughs at me because I told him I have a big appetite but then he came home to me right after my hospital visit, so I definitely took a while to get my appetite back. This morning we made blueberry pancakes. :) I will update again after the doctor! Oh, and Happy Anniversary my dear pregnant friend!

Oranges

Oranges are the best thing. Unfortunately, orange preparation can be the worst. So yesterday morning I decided to watch the world cup USA play. But of course, mornings are the hungry nauseus time, so food prep was hurried. In this case, I decided to slice an orange...with a saw like bread knife! Three quarters of the way through, the tip of my thumb also came three quarters of the way off! So I ran to my bedroom to throw real clothes on, (tough to do one handed!), ran upstairs to raid the neighbors of their car keys (yup, found them!), and drove myself to the ER for stitches. Where everybody knows my name :) Yes indeed.
So after two hours of sitting in the ER, I was able to walk away with skin glue and bandages, no stitches. Then, to be on the safe side, I also got a tetanus shot. Which, KILLED MY ARM! So yay me. One thing right after another. Then, I went home, finished the soccer game where the USA FINALLY scored at the very final moments of the game, and then, I had to go to work :(  The first five hours of work was terrible, I couldn't move my left arm at all. The last two hours after I came home for dinner, well, they went better. Faster anyway. I came home for dinner and my wonderful husband made me peanut butter toast, cut a peach for me (wouldn't let me touch the knife!) and made me some tea. It's really nice to haev him back and not be going through this alone anymore!

Where Everybody Knows Your Name....

Some places it is not a good thing that people recognize you. Church, yes. The bar, for some people. Your neighborhood, okay. But the EMERGENCY ROOM!?!? . . .  Only me.

So yes, last night was spent in the emergency room. No, last evening, I didn't actually spend the whole night. Nearly five hours though. I decided this time, with Beaner in tow, I was NOT taking chances. So here's the story...

At 3:45AM on Wednesday morning I woke up with a bloody nose. I showed up to work at 4:30 AM. I suffered through the morning with nausea and morning sickness. It never got better. By 10 AM I took a break and went home and made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Then, I went back to work. By noon, my coworker (after trying to get me to go home all morning) told me to go take another break and lay down for a  while. He said I looked terrible. No, horrible. He said, "No offense, but you look really horrible." So I went and laid down. Then, at 12:30 I came back to cash out of my drawer. By 12:55 I had had enough and took off for home. By two PM the nausea was intense and I began throwing up. Too much detail but that wasn't the only place I was losing fluids from. The cable guy came around 4:30 and took one look at me and asked if I was okay. I told him I'm working on it, trying to decide if I should go in. He worked on my cable and I spent the majority of the time throwing up in the back. My neighbor Alissa gave me a phone line Dr. number to call. I called. By 5:30 I still did not get a call back, which, I thought the point was to hear back quickly. I got sick of throwing up, sick of waiting, and by now, truly concerned I was hurting Beaner. So, Alissa drove me to the ER. I visited the restroom in the ER twice before I even made it into my own room.

A nurse came in to do the Doppler to hear a heartbeat. Before I started, I told him the last time a Dr. did a doppler on me, there was no heartbeat and a few days later I had a miscarriage. He said, "Don't worry, I'm a nurse not a doctor!" So he went ahead and began searching, but found nothing. So now of course, I'm freaking out. The doctor walks in then and tells th nurse to ge the ultrasound machine. The doctor does the ultrasound and we immediately saw a jumping bean! Literally, it almost looked like Beaner did a flip! He was VERY active. We saw the heart beating and so, RELIEF hit.

The rest of the evening was spent getting liquid zofran, pecid, and IV fluids pumped into me...inbetween my bathroom trips. The doctor came in and told me I either had food poisoning or stomach flu (same as six weeks ago!) Plus, a UTI, dehydration, and blood in my urine. Yay me, but I was discharged on medications, fluids,and rest. Last night, I slept in my own bed and got a pretty good night's sleep. The crud has not left yet but I have not thrown up today so far. I think rest and fluids will get me well today.

The homework is not done and the house is a mess! The hubby is in soon. BUT.... Beaner is safe and I'm getting better and that's all that matters.

Aversions

Most food lately seems to absolutely repulse me. Especially chicken. And seafood. And vegetables. And salad. So tonight, I went to a Japanese Steakhouse with my navy wife group for our "final fling" prior to the guys' return, and had to sit in front of the food preparation right at our table. Given the time frame and circumstance, I think it was the worst dinner ever! My company was great, but the environment and the actual food, although usually great, was pretty terrible tonight. I ate a third of my white rice, about four bites of vegetables and three tiny bites of steak. The best thing there was the sprite :) So, I boxed it all up to go and brought it to my neighbor :)

I worked today. Only four hours but  I was TOTALLY worn out! I have to work eight hours tomorrow!! I'm not sure how I'm going to make it through. Maybe I'll get to go home in the middle of the day and take a nap! I took a nap today after I got off work and did not want to get out of bed when the alarm clock went off, but I had to take an exam! So, it has been a busy day. The exam went well, especially considering my lack of actual studying lately. I got an A :)

Bed time, and well past!

The Working Life

To quit or not to quit, that is the question. I worked my first full day since being back, yesterday. It was hard! I was very worn out but made it through. Come July, there are so many things Dave wants to do with me that I don't want a work schedule to be in the way. What I don't think Dave realizes is that  I am already three months pregnant :) Which means I could only work another three months anyway, based on the two different reasoned possibilities for a later bed rest. So, next week  plan on discussing with my boss my pregnancy and probable resignation. My manager knows of my pregnancy and is really happy for me. He said there is a posssbility of short term as needed. I will be discussing with my boss if I can work through September as a fill in for others, instead of working several times a week. And that is all the time I have for today, as I once again, have to go back to work!

12 week ULTRASOUND!!!

Today is my anniversary. Today is also when I got the best present ever! Beaner is alive and thriving! (Okay okay, alive might be a bit much, but I did have to prepare myself to see a black hole! So when I saw a wiggly bean, alive is the proper word!)
Beaner is a wiggly, moving, kicking, wailing of arms bundle of joy! I watched the monitor quietly, with tears streaming down my face. I was able to hear the heartbeat, 176 beats per minute, and watch little Beaner move move move! He was VERY active! I think it was the best thing I have ever seen! Becca, my neighbor and friend, (I believe I might start actually using names in my posts now!) she recorded for me so I can show Dave when he returns. I am so happy, I cannot explain how happy I am. I am also very excited and my worry has dropped significantly. My lmp due date is only off by three days, as today according to that, I am 12 weeks and one day, but according to the ultra sound, I am 11 weeks and 5 days, so that is very good!
I cannot stop staring at my photos and viewing the video. I know I know, I need to post a picture here! Maybe I will!
The rain may be pouring, the husband is gone, I'm tired and sick but, this is at the top of the list for the best day ever! Here came love, here came marriage, here comes the baby in the baby carriage! How can today not be great?!? :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Flying Home!

Go free wifi in the Rapid City, SD airport! By the way, for the uneducated, wifi stands for wireless fidelity, meaning clear signal available. :) Yes, pregnant by day, sleeping by night, and attempting to finish the second to last class of my bachelor's degree in communication! This poor blog has been neglected!
Anyway, so I just got through security and of course, I set the metal detector off! Oh no, it's not because I have two bars and like 20 some screws in my back, it's actually because my baby is going to be the next ironman! You just wait and see, I'm bakin one tough cookie :)
So the last few days have been spent seeing the family for the last time, and a lot of 'wishing, hoping and wanting to go home!' I am closer, as I am already in the airport! I cannot wait! My neighbor and friend will be getting me and I cannot wait to see her! Plus, tomorrow is Beaner's big debut! We get to see his cute little face for the first time via 12 week ultrasound. so of course I'm tired of being on vacation and ready go home! Beaner is probably jumping around waiting to smile for mom.
Although I have definitely changed shape, it's not the cute pregnant belly shape! It is the added padding and extra cushioning necessary for the end in mind! Because of this, I have had to buy new tops and make do with bottoms other than my favorite jeans, all of which do not fit! My friend is buying me a belly band today before she comes and picks me up! I also have to work tomorrow and I doubt I can hide my news for much longer, as I know my small work shirts will be tight! I've had a few headaches lately and less sickness, but the tiredness seems here to stay! I'm good during the day...as long as I sleep at least ten hours a night! :)
Well, we are close to bording so I need to visit the bathroom again, for the third time!
The next post will be from home :)

Family Reunion Weekend

The week went well. I spent time with my niece and nephew, and all of my nephew's friends. This weekend I am in Nebraska attending a family reunionn for my Grandma's 'side' so to speak. Today my mom and niece went to the zoo. I felt like a little kid because my mom bought my ticket and bought me a snow cone. :) Beaner likes anything slushie like, so it was a good day. My skin however, did not have a good day as sun has conquered once again to turn me red, dry, and a tad bit blistery!
I have been less and less sick. Last night my back hurt a lot so I took my first vicoden in weeks. My doctor claims it to be safe, but I know if I take too many my baby can become a vicoden addicted baby. So, I limit myself as much as possible!
I feel pretty good about my pregnancy so far. Although I miss my bed, my home, my own place--traveling has been okay and I've taken care of myself pretty well, all things considered. I lack the proper amount of vegetables, but some things are not as important as others :)
I am sitting in the pool area at the family reunion typing this, and wishing greatly that I can get into the hot tub! I had prime rib tonight which was pretty good. We watched a slide show of a bunch of people I don't know and a bunch I do! My Uncles took a picture with me and said it is so I will see where my babies get their looks from! Yeah... umm....right.... :)
My good friend, who is a month from giving birth, gave me two wonderful books. One is about a bunny that I will read to my baby someday and the other is a really neat book about birth through the first five years of my child's life in which I can record all the mile stones, including pictures and even a place for a lock of hair!
I am excited to be pregnant and to know that time is going by, so my safety zone is feeling better and better.
Beaner is growing daily and depending on who you listen too, Beaner is between the size of a lime and a peach at this point. I'm really excited for my ultrasound in five days!! To be continued!