Vivian now weighs the same as Bennett did when he was delivered at 31 weeks 2 days...3 lbs. 7 oz. I wasn't expecting her to be that big yet, so the news was comforting. Everything measures right on. Our milestone day is Friday. That has been the big goal for me this pregnancy. On Saturday I will officially be more pregnant than I have ever been. My anxiety levels have been falling as we are approaching that day. I'm excited to experience the next 6 weeks (at least).
However, I am feeling the pain. About a week ago I started having low back and hip pain. It shoots down my left side and sometimes leaves my unable to put weight on my left leg or walk. I'm sure I look funny scooting around on my rear end. I'm 99% sure that it is sciatic pain from Vivian's head being firmly entrenched in the bottom left of my uterus, digging into my hip. It was so low that the tech had trouble getting a head measurement. I am hoping she will move sometime very very soon. I am doing PT and might try a support belt. It has also been helping today to gently prod where I know her head is. She seems to float up for a bit before settling back down in my hip. I'm only 31 weeks...they still flip around at this point don't they? It's crazy difficult to keep up with Bennett, normal chores, and all the nesting I want to do with the pain.
My gestational diabetes screen came back borderline. My OB gave me the choice of doing the 3 hour test or not and I of course I did it. I wouldn't have been able to stand thinking it was a possibility. The 3 hour test came back just fine so I don't have to worry about it anymore. The original one was probably a bit high because I eat too much cereal in the morning.
We have been officially guestless for a week now. It's strange. Bennett took a day or two to adjust to not having Ava around. He misses all of her kisses.
My mom might be coming down later in the month. We have a voucher for a free flight after being bumped last spring. I don't think we will get to use it, so I offered it to her. The process is a bit more complex than I had hoped. We actually have to go down to the airport and have the voucher transferred to her name and then send it to her in the mail. And the reservation has to be made 14 days in advance. So I'm not sure how it will all work out because she doesn't want to come too close to when Vivian is due because she is going to be coming right back down. So we will see. It would be nice to have the help with Bennett so hopefully we can figure something out.
Our booth for the Preeclampsia Foundation was successful in some ways and a bit of a failure in others. I made some really great connections to a group of ladies who have dealt with the same trauma I have. We are fired up to get together and plan future events for the PF. On the other hand, it seems that we were duped. I was told that then event would draw 15,000-20,000 attendees. I think 2,000 was pushing it. It was disappointing to say the least that didn't get the word out more. But there will be other events and now we are connected.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
We are reaching the end of our stream of guests. I had lots of fun with my cousins and aunts. The baseball game was an especially good time even though I had to refrain from drinking the beer that looked so good. I hope the Fagg ladies can make it back down sometime...three days is not nearly enough to see all there is to see.
Bernie's parents were here for about four days. They drove from North Dakota but didn't feel like they could stay long because big Bernie has a huge vegetable garden he can't leave for long this time of year. We took a little tour of Golden. The boys went to the Coors brewery, Jackie went to a quilt museum she had been wanting to see, and Bennett and I played at the park. We also did our fair share of shopping which is normal for Jackie and I.
The Ritchie's are in the midst of their stay right now. We went to the splash park for a bit yesterday, but the hundred degree heat made our stay short. Today Kristen had a job interview. Phil and I took the kids to huge park in Denver and we ate some Boston Market. The kiddos are having the most fun just playing around in the backyard I think. Bennett is showing a bit more aggression than I am used to seeing in him. He will walk up to Ava and try to pinch or shove her. He also pulls my hair and pinches me when he's mad Hopefully we can solve this before it becomes more of an issue.
Tomorrow Kristen and I are spoiling ourselves with pedicures and massages. We've also got plans for Boulder and Ft. Collins at some point. Busy time!
And lastly, I am trying to get ready for the baby expo next week. I think it is all going to come together soon. I'm very excited about it.
We hit 29 weeks yesterday! I am optimistic about making it to September 3rd which is the same gestation Bennett was born at. Beyond that will just be awesome bonus time in my eyes.
Bernie's parents were here for about four days. They drove from North Dakota but didn't feel like they could stay long because big Bernie has a huge vegetable garden he can't leave for long this time of year. We took a little tour of Golden. The boys went to the Coors brewery, Jackie went to a quilt museum she had been wanting to see, and Bennett and I played at the park. We also did our fair share of shopping which is normal for Jackie and I.
The Ritchie's are in the midst of their stay right now. We went to the splash park for a bit yesterday, but the hundred degree heat made our stay short. Today Kristen had a job interview. Phil and I took the kids to huge park in Denver and we ate some Boston Market. The kiddos are having the most fun just playing around in the backyard I think. Bennett is showing a bit more aggression than I am used to seeing in him. He will walk up to Ava and try to pinch or shove her. He also pulls my hair and pinches me when he's mad Hopefully we can solve this before it becomes more of an issue.
Tomorrow Kristen and I are spoiling ourselves with pedicures and massages. We've also got plans for Boulder and Ft. Collins at some point. Busy time!
And lastly, I am trying to get ready for the baby expo next week. I think it is all going to come together soon. I'm very excited about it.
We hit 29 weeks yesterday! I am optimistic about making it to September 3rd which is the same gestation Bennett was born at. Beyond that will just be awesome bonus time in my eyes.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
They're coming!
The people, they are coming. And I am getting very excited. The Fagg ladies will be here on Tuesday to start the madness. We don't have any big plans except a baseball game. I'm sure we will eat and gab like we normally do.
August is going to be a busy month all around. It makes me happy because the time will pass by quickly. I really really want to get through August without any pregnancy-related drama. September 3rd will be the same point this time around that I delivered Bennett last time. That's the medium-term goal at the moment. My short-term goal is 28 weeks and at least 2 lbs. Stats for survival and disability start to improve drastically at that point. We have another growth scan on Tuesday. Think fat baby and normal-sized head thoughts for us!
I am having the same back pain as I did with Bennett. Not the HELLP pain, but the pain around my left bra strap. It makes me so crazy some days. My doctor thinks it is a pinched nerve and I tend to agree because in actually radiates numbness all around to my ribcage sometimes. I have invested in a body pillow which helps at night. A little bit of pre-natal yoga helps me relax a bit as well. And my mood is so variable from moment to moment. I feel terrible for Bernie some days because I can be a real drag. Ok, that's enough pregnancy complaining for one day. Unless Bernie wants to chime with some complaints of his own of course.
Bennett started his swimming lessons this week. We go twice for a half an hour each time. They are really affordable lessons offered by the city. He's obviously not old enough for extremely structured teaching, but they are fun. Bernie has been able to come the past two times so it's a family effort. We mostly sing and play which is perfect for a 20 month old.
I can't think of anything else very exciting. I will update Tuesday after our growth scan.
August is going to be a busy month all around. It makes me happy because the time will pass by quickly. I really really want to get through August without any pregnancy-related drama. September 3rd will be the same point this time around that I delivered Bennett last time. That's the medium-term goal at the moment. My short-term goal is 28 weeks and at least 2 lbs. Stats for survival and disability start to improve drastically at that point. We have another growth scan on Tuesday. Think fat baby and normal-sized head thoughts for us!
I am having the same back pain as I did with Bennett. Not the HELLP pain, but the pain around my left bra strap. It makes me so crazy some days. My doctor thinks it is a pinched nerve and I tend to agree because in actually radiates numbness all around to my ribcage sometimes. I have invested in a body pillow which helps at night. A little bit of pre-natal yoga helps me relax a bit as well. And my mood is so variable from moment to moment. I feel terrible for Bernie some days because I can be a real drag. Ok, that's enough pregnancy complaining for one day. Unless Bernie wants to chime with some complaints of his own of course.
Bennett started his swimming lessons this week. We go twice for a half an hour each time. They are really affordable lessons offered by the city. He's obviously not old enough for extremely structured teaching, but they are fun. Bernie has been able to come the past two times so it's a family effort. We mostly sing and play which is perfect for a 20 month old.
I can't think of anything else very exciting. I will update Tuesday after our growth scan.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
A Name, Sleep, and Summer
Today is our anniversary. We have been married for four years which seems a bit crazy. Our lives have changed enormously over that time, all for the better. I love you Bernie!
We got a babysitter last night to go out for dinner and after-dinner drinks and dessert. We decided to come back between the two events to put Bennett to bed since we figured our sitter would be unable to calm him down. Poor Bennett was very sad when we left and was difficult to comfort for the 1.5 hours we were gone. When he heard the garage door open when we came home he had a total meltdown. Big crocodile tears break Mom's heart. We cuddled with him, read a couple of books, and put him down for bed before going back out. We had a nice time out together and Bennett did not wake up to find us gone again.
To continue on the tangent of sleep, Bennett has been a champion lately. He goes to sleep at around 8:30 and I usually have to wake him up at 9am. Then he naps for 1.5-3 hours in the afternoon. I know it won't last long so I am enjoying it for the moment. He must be having a growth spurt or something. I'm sure we are in for early wake-ups again soon.
While we were out last night, we finally decided on a name. Baby girl will be Vivian Patricia. Her name means "full of life" and "vibrant" which is exactly how I feel about her. And of course Patricia is after my grandma, which was going to be her middle name no matter what.
I am finally getting to put in some volunteer time with the Preeclampsia Foundation. There is a baby expo coming up in Denver at the end of August and I am coordinating a PF booth for it. I have a few volunteers already and am hoping to start the grant process soon. It will be a great end to a very exciting month around here. The Fagg's are here the first week, Bernie's parents have decided to come the second week, and Kristen and co. will be here the third week. I should probably take advantage of some serious relaxation time before all the madness begins.
We are in the midst of some very hot days around here. Most of them are 90+ and show no signs of letting up any time soon. It's often too hot for me to go out after 10am or so. I'm glad Bernie has been taking Bennett running again lately so he has some time outside and in the park. When he goes out with me, it's to somewhere with good air conditioning!
We got a babysitter last night to go out for dinner and after-dinner drinks and dessert. We decided to come back between the two events to put Bennett to bed since we figured our sitter would be unable to calm him down. Poor Bennett was very sad when we left and was difficult to comfort for the 1.5 hours we were gone. When he heard the garage door open when we came home he had a total meltdown. Big crocodile tears break Mom's heart. We cuddled with him, read a couple of books, and put him down for bed before going back out. We had a nice time out together and Bennett did not wake up to find us gone again.
To continue on the tangent of sleep, Bennett has been a champion lately. He goes to sleep at around 8:30 and I usually have to wake him up at 9am. Then he naps for 1.5-3 hours in the afternoon. I know it won't last long so I am enjoying it for the moment. He must be having a growth spurt or something. I'm sure we are in for early wake-ups again soon.
While we were out last night, we finally decided on a name. Baby girl will be Vivian Patricia. Her name means "full of life" and "vibrant" which is exactly how I feel about her. And of course Patricia is after my grandma, which was going to be her middle name no matter what.
I am finally getting to put in some volunteer time with the Preeclampsia Foundation. There is a baby expo coming up in Denver at the end of August and I am coordinating a PF booth for it. I have a few volunteers already and am hoping to start the grant process soon. It will be a great end to a very exciting month around here. The Fagg's are here the first week, Bernie's parents have decided to come the second week, and Kristen and co. will be here the third week. I should probably take advantage of some serious relaxation time before all the madness begins.
We are in the midst of some very hot days around here. Most of them are 90+ and show no signs of letting up any time soon. It's often too hot for me to go out after 10am or so. I'm glad Bernie has been taking Bennett running again lately so he has some time outside and in the park. When he goes out with me, it's to somewhere with good air conditioning!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Home Sweet Home
We got back from our vacation a couple of days ago. It was fun and also long. I was ready to get back home by the end. We spent 8 days in each state along with the drives. On the way to Great Falls, things went pretty well. But then Bennett got a cold and as a result the drive to North Dakota was rough on everyone. Poor boy ran a fever of 104+ the day before we left. The trip home was not bad, but I am ready to be done traveling for awhile. I will be happy if we stay in the area for some time to come. The DVD player was the key to some peace on the drives. Bennett loves his Gabba Gabba.
Bennett loved being with he grandparents and reveled in the attention. Grandma Ladawna gives him the run of the house and says no to very very little. We spent time with my family and of course all of my friends while in Great Falls. Seeing Sara and Mel's kids was a definite highlight. I can't believe how much all of us have grown up. I got to spend extra time with Amy and her family up in Seeley Lake where they have a cabin. My aunt Kathy watched Bennett while I spend 6 heavenly hours in Missoula. Oh how I miss that place. I keep telling Bernie that if a job opens up there, we must apply. North Dakota was also a good time. It was 100 degrees a couple of days, which is a bit much for me. Bennett went to the zoo and Bernie and I got to go on a really fun pontoon ride on the Missouri with some of Bernie's longtime friends. The only way it could have been better is if I was able to have more than a couple of sips of beer. The 4th of July was a noisy affair in Mandan. They allow basically all fireworks to be fired off within the city limits and Bismarck does not. So everyone comes over and shoots them off for most of the night. Luckily we had a good noise maker for Bennett. I don't know why, but fireworks do not interest me at all. If fact, I don't really like them. Party pooper.
My dad is how one would expect. We have been talking about a possible move to the former Downtowner for about a year now. It's a subsidized apartment building in Great Falls that serves meals. It's not an assisted living, but at least there would be people around and have food available. He was interested until I asked to take him on a tour. Then he told me he had changed his mind. His new plan is to travel around to all of the different relatives homes (his dad, me, his siblings) and stay for a couple of months before moving on. This from the man who couldn't deal with changing grocery shopping time from morning to afternoon. If that was too much a change in routine, I'm not sure how he will deal with that much constant change. And what about everyone else? My dad in the house with two young children? Blah. It wouldn't work anyway because you have to climb stairs to do anything here (maybe I did that subconsciously). I didn't have the guts to tell him at the time, but I wouldn't be able to stand having him in my house long-term. Piles of bibles everywhere.
He's probably a year or less away from a wheelchair, so reality is just around the corner
Our 23 week growth scan was the day after we got home. Baby girl weighed in at 1 lb. 3 oz. Her abdomen, arm, and leg were measuring right on, but her head was measuring 2 weeks behind (in the 2nd percentile). My MFM wasn't worried and thought it might be the position she was in. Or it might be that she just has a small head. Or it might be an ultrasound error and next time everything will be normal. I can't help but worry though. So now it's over three weeks until the next ultrasound. We are discussing names but haven't come up with anything yet.
Bernie's mom was planning to come down if and when Bernie goes on a fire this summer. Sometimes he goes out for 2 weeks at a time and I would want/need the help. But it doesn't look good for fires any time soon. I think she's going to come down this month anyway. She is bringing some fun outdoor toys for Bennett including the Flintstones car he liked. Visitors galore!
Bennett loved being with he grandparents and reveled in the attention. Grandma Ladawna gives him the run of the house and says no to very very little. We spent time with my family and of course all of my friends while in Great Falls. Seeing Sara and Mel's kids was a definite highlight. I can't believe how much all of us have grown up. I got to spend extra time with Amy and her family up in Seeley Lake where they have a cabin. My aunt Kathy watched Bennett while I spend 6 heavenly hours in Missoula. Oh how I miss that place. I keep telling Bernie that if a job opens up there, we must apply. North Dakota was also a good time. It was 100 degrees a couple of days, which is a bit much for me. Bennett went to the zoo and Bernie and I got to go on a really fun pontoon ride on the Missouri with some of Bernie's longtime friends. The only way it could have been better is if I was able to have more than a couple of sips of beer. The 4th of July was a noisy affair in Mandan. They allow basically all fireworks to be fired off within the city limits and Bismarck does not. So everyone comes over and shoots them off for most of the night. Luckily we had a good noise maker for Bennett. I don't know why, but fireworks do not interest me at all. If fact, I don't really like them. Party pooper.
My dad is how one would expect. We have been talking about a possible move to the former Downtowner for about a year now. It's a subsidized apartment building in Great Falls that serves meals. It's not an assisted living, but at least there would be people around and have food available. He was interested until I asked to take him on a tour. Then he told me he had changed his mind. His new plan is to travel around to all of the different relatives homes (his dad, me, his siblings) and stay for a couple of months before moving on. This from the man who couldn't deal with changing grocery shopping time from morning to afternoon. If that was too much a change in routine, I'm not sure how he will deal with that much constant change. And what about everyone else? My dad in the house with two young children? Blah. It wouldn't work anyway because you have to climb stairs to do anything here (maybe I did that subconsciously). I didn't have the guts to tell him at the time, but I wouldn't be able to stand having him in my house long-term. Piles of bibles everywhere.
He's probably a year or less away from a wheelchair, so reality is just around the corner
Our 23 week growth scan was the day after we got home. Baby girl weighed in at 1 lb. 3 oz. Her abdomen, arm, and leg were measuring right on, but her head was measuring 2 weeks behind (in the 2nd percentile). My MFM wasn't worried and thought it might be the position she was in. Or it might be that she just has a small head. Or it might be an ultrasound error and next time everything will be normal. I can't help but worry though. So now it's over three weeks until the next ultrasound. We are discussing names but haven't come up with anything yet.
Bernie's mom was planning to come down if and when Bernie goes on a fire this summer. Sometimes he goes out for 2 weeks at a time and I would want/need the help. But it doesn't look good for fires any time soon. I think she's going to come down this month anyway. She is bringing some fun outdoor toys for Bennett including the Flintstones car he liked. Visitors galore!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
We only have two more days left until our big triangle vacation. We are spending an extra few days in Great Falls to take a little side trip to Seeley Lake and Missoula. My aunt and her family (including my cousin Amy) have a cabin in Seeley where they basically live now. It's been years since I have been up there. And how I miss Missoula! I can't wait to just check out the town again for a day. It will be a busy trip as it usually is...many people to see in both places. I am nervous about how Bennett is going to do on the trip. We got a DVD player so there would be something else to entertain him in the car seat. I don't love sticking him in front of the TV, but 11-12 hours is a long time to be in the car.
Yo Gabba Gabba is coming to town in November. I will either be with a newborn or extremely pregnant, so I don't think I will be able to go. But I really want Bennett to go. I will have to continue to try and convince Bernie to take him. Kristen made it seem like a good show. And Bennett should be at about the right age to enjoy it.
Speaking of Kristen, she, Phil, and Ava are visiting in August. I can't wait! Visitors are my favorite. I will have to start putting together a list of things to do. Summer in Colorado is very nice and there are endless activities, so many that we haven't even started to do them all. I think breweries/wineries will have to be on the list.
Bernie and I are in the midst of discussing names. It was easy with Bennett because we already knew what we would name a boy before we even got married. Girl names are much more difficult. I have a long list of names I like and I'm not sure if Bernie likes any of them. I am still waiting on him for his list...
We hit 20 weeks tomorrow. It's hard to believe we are already halfway to a 40 week due date. I would be ecstatic to get within four weeks of that. There are big milestones to get through first. Four more weeks to "viability," 28 weeks for a 2 lb baby, 31 weeks when Bennett was born, 34 weeks for decent lung maturity, etc. I just need to breathe and take every day by itself. My anxiety level is high and affects my mood. Sometimes I wake up in a panic in the middle of the night. But there are no symptoms yet and I am trying to stay positive. We will have another ultrasound the first week in July, which will hopefully it will be reassuring.
I got a bit of stress relief last night. I had a mom's night out with some of my mom friends here. We went to dinner and a movie and had a lot of fun. It was nice to get out with a group of women without our children for an evening.
Yo Gabba Gabba is coming to town in November. I will either be with a newborn or extremely pregnant, so I don't think I will be able to go. But I really want Bennett to go. I will have to continue to try and convince Bernie to take him. Kristen made it seem like a good show. And Bennett should be at about the right age to enjoy it.
Speaking of Kristen, she, Phil, and Ava are visiting in August. I can't wait! Visitors are my favorite. I will have to start putting together a list of things to do. Summer in Colorado is very nice and there are endless activities, so many that we haven't even started to do them all. I think breweries/wineries will have to be on the list.
Bernie and I are in the midst of discussing names. It was easy with Bennett because we already knew what we would name a boy before we even got married. Girl names are much more difficult. I have a long list of names I like and I'm not sure if Bernie likes any of them. I am still waiting on him for his list...
We hit 20 weeks tomorrow. It's hard to believe we are already halfway to a 40 week due date. I would be ecstatic to get within four weeks of that. There are big milestones to get through first. Four more weeks to "viability," 28 weeks for a 2 lb baby, 31 weeks when Bennett was born, 34 weeks for decent lung maturity, etc. I just need to breathe and take every day by itself. My anxiety level is high and affects my mood. Sometimes I wake up in a panic in the middle of the night. But there are no symptoms yet and I am trying to stay positive. We will have another ultrasound the first week in July, which will hopefully it will be reassuring.
I got a bit of stress relief last night. I had a mom's night out with some of my mom friends here. We went to dinner and a movie and had a lot of fun. It was nice to get out with a group of women without our children for an evening.
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