Monday, June 30, 2008

Week 33 Update

Week 33: Is it just me or is getting a little cramped in here?

Fetal development in pregnancy week 33: For all the weight and bulk you’re lugging around these days, you’d think your little champ should weigh much more than a mere 5lbs and measly 17 inches in height, but nope, that’s about the average size for a baby in its thirty-third week. In terms of appearances, they’re getting cuter and pudgier every minute as they pile on the baby fat for those adorable little wrist rolls and chubby toes. And as we’re sure you’ve already noticed they’re getting stronger with every passing day. Nowadays, it’s possible to observe a well-placed kick just by watching your belly—but you already knew that didn’t you? Although they’re getting stronger, your bigger-by-the-day baby is losing space to move around, so the actual rate of movement will drop off in the last few weeks, despite that powerful drop-kick they’ve been working on. Hey, did you know you’ll continue feeling their movements even during labor?

Good to know that she is up to about 5 lbs. Hopefully she will cook a little longer, but if not, that is not too tiny....

Weekend update

So, I am feeling ok- not great, but I don't really expect to feel great again until probably after I deliver! Saturday was rough- I was really tired and dizzy and took a nice long nap when Riley did...although I do that every weekend, so that isn't too unusual! I read on the pill bottles afterwards that each medication will make me drowsy and dizzy, so I supsect that is what happened. On Sunday I gathered up some energy and Riley and I met Grams at the baby store and I bought a changing pad for the changing table and a going home outfit. We bought a little one...I think she will probably be pretty tiny. Then I crashed the rest of the day :)

Not sleeping very well- I am literally up EVERY HOUR at night to use the restroom...between all of the fluid in my on Friday, and the pills that are diuretics, and everything I am drinking now to prevent dehydration...yup- every single hour!!

I have an OB appt this afternoon, so I am going to ask them some questions. One of my concerns is the fact that I seem to be losing, and not gaining, weight. I am not sure why...and this concerns me. I have lost 2 lbs over the last month, so that brings my weight total to only 20 lbs. Not sure where it is going- my belly is definately growing bigger, LOL! Maybe that will make it easier to lose all of this weight once Annie makes her appearance.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Our day at L & D

So, I had Friday off again from work- yay for summer schedule! Wasn't really sure what I wanted to do this time, but Riley wanted to go to school for Share Time, so I figured I would send her and have another day to myself, since her school is closed next Thursday and Friday, we would have plenty of quality time together!

Anyway, I had a rough night on Thursday- up many times with some intestinal stuff….but Riley slept late- like 8:30, and so we headed off to school. After I dropped her off, I realized I wasn't feeling well again, so I headed home, got in bed and just laid there. I had a back ache, and just felt crampy. Then the contractions started. At first they were just annoying- and I wasn't really paying attention to them. Then they continued....so I started counting...and sure enough, I was having more than 6 an hour, which is the cut-off. Then I started timing them...and some where coming every 6-7 minutes. So I started to freak- and called Todd. He immediately told me to call the OB, which I did, and they made me an appt for 1:30- it was about 11:30 at this point.

Todd came home, and we really started timing them....they were anywhere from 2-8 minutes apart...the 2 minute ones really scared us! So, I took a shower...they still were coming...we ate a little lunch...still coming, and headed to the OB.

They took me right back- weighed me- lost another pound- more on this later....and told me I was moderately dehydrated. Then the OB checked me- no dilation, thank goodness...and put me on the monitor. Sure enough, they recorded every 4 minutes, so off we went to the hospital!

Once there, they did the same stuff- hooked me to the monitor- Annie was kicking away the whole time, so I knew she was fine. Contractions still coming- they tested my urine again and said, again, that I was dehydrated, and hooked me to an IV and ran a bag of fluids very quickly. Then I got a shot of something- bretherine- I think...and that made me super-jittery...but it worked! Contractions slowed, and then pretty much stopped.

Grams and Gramps picked up Riley and took her to visit us...we though a trial run at the hospital might help prepare her for the real thing...she seems ok with the whole thing- not nervous at all, so that is good.

So, they sent me home after 1/2 another bag of fluids, with a prescription for some kind of drug that I have to take twice a day to calm the contractions, and also an antibiotic, since they also found a UTI. And more orders to take it easy, and to certainly come back if needed.

So, kind of a scary, not fun day...gave Todd and me a little bit of a wake-up call. The nurse said they only try to stop the contractions up to 36 weeks...which is 3 weeks away...which might mean little Annie could come as soon as 3 weeks!!!! I am not ready at all...all I kept thinking is that my bag isn't packed yet :) I am sure I am missing some stuff here....trying to get all of this in while Riley takes a bath with Todd!

More later, including what we all did when we came home last night...and as much as I wanted to, it wasn't SLEEP!!!

Monday, June 23, 2008

So, a few weeks ago...ok, really, the middle of May, Riley, Grams, Mimi, Papa and I headed to Atlanta to visit with the Laube's, go to the Aquarium while we still had the chance (read: while I was still able to walk around without going into labor!!), and then attend Kaitlyn's Christening. It was a busy, but fun weekend, and Riley thoroughly enjoyed visiting with her cousins Hayley and Keegan, who have now moved here!!

We took the Marta into the city, which Riley loved, but in hindsight, might not have been the best idea for me at the time! The station was a few blocks from the aquarium, and we walked mostly downhill, which was fine, but then would have been too much for me to do on the way back. So, we had to find another station...which ended up being a *really* long walk back...I was beat by the time we got there...but the kids loved it!!






Here are a few from the aquarium itself:




Week 33 Update

Week 33: Is it just me or is getting a little cramped in here?

Fetal development in pregnancy week 33: For all the weight and bulk you’re lugging around these days, you’d think your little champ should weigh much more than a mere 5lbs and measly 17 inches in height, but nope, that’s about the average size for a baby in its thirty-third week. In terms of appearances, they’re getting cuter and pudgier every minute as they pile on the baby fat for those adorable little wrist rolls and chubby toes. And as we’re sure you’ve already noticed they’re getting stronger with every passing day. Nowadays, it’s possible to observe a well-placed kick just by watching your belly—but you already knew that didn’t you? Although they’re getting stronger, your bigger-by-the-day baby is losing space to move around, so the actual rate of movement will drop off in the last few weeks, despite that powerful drop-kick they’ve been working on. Hey, did you know you’ll continue feeling their movements even during labor?

Good to know that she is up to about 5 lbs. Hopefully she will cook a little longer, but if not, that is not too tiny....

Week 32: Mommy, you're HOT! Love this!!!

I have a new ticker on the right side at the top...I like this one because it tells me how big Annie is right now...pretty cool. On the same site, I found this...it is a little long, but interesting:

Fetal development in pregnancy week 32:

In the latest womb reports, your amazing baby has now developed sensitivity to temperature! This means you’ll probably get a swift kick if you put a hot pad on your ginormous belly. For the Elton John lovers out there-- yes, baby’s got blue eyes. At this point, all babies do, although depending on their chromosomal disposition, this could easily change after birth (or even between now and labor), but for the time being, blue it is. Thanks to their recently matured lungs and a remarkably strong immune system, over 90% of babies born in their 32nd week, survive premature births. So it’s pretty much a done deal. Even if your little monkey’s planning on heading out early, their survival odds are in everyone’s favor. Time to celebrate (no, no, wait until after the birth to crack open the champagne!) We’re talking baby-showers and alcohol-free punch!

And how's mom doing? If your family or significant other is around and involved, it’s probably time to start discussing what’s going to happen when you really go into labor. Of course, the delivery itself can be quite overwhelming for first-time viewers, so make sure and openly discuss the fact there will be blood, sweat, make sure and openly discuss the fact there will be blood, sweat, mucous, and possibly even a bit of poop mucous.

Surprise! Your third trimester symptoms aren’t going away yet. If you just got back from peeing, you already know that your bladder is nearing non-existent-land. These joys will persist till you’re on the birthing bench. Also, be careful of lightheadedness during these last weeks. Your blood tends to pool in the lower limbs, resulting in low cranial blood pressure. So, watch out for the head rushes and get up nice-n-slow after sitting for long periods.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Kaitlyn's Christening

A few pictures from the christening- it was very nice and in the same church that Chrissy & Scott and David & Anna were married. Riley enjoyed it- I think she was taking it all in, and wasn't sure what was happening. She especially liked Chrissy's dog, Holly!







Also stuck in there one of my new favorite pictures of Riley, with her mouth covered in chocolate- she helped Auntie Joannie make some sort of chocolate ice cream thing...and then enjoyed it herself!

And a picture of Kaitlyn eating solids- cereal- for the first time. She wasn't too impressed!

Friday, June 20, 2008

Riley

Still working on the Atlanta aquarium and Kaitlyn's Christening photos...almost finished- there were about a million between my camera and Grams...but here is a great new photo of Riley to tide you over until then....


Today

Today is the first day of our summer schedule- we work longer hours during the week so that we can get three Fridays off in a row. This week totally dragged because I spent most of it waiting for Friday!

It is about 1 pm now, and so far this is what I have done:

*Slept until about 7:45- Riley woke up and she watched a Blue's Clues while I laid in bed!
*Got us up, dressed and fed her some breakfast
*Dropped her off at school at about 9 am
*Went to DD and got myself a hot chocolate and a donut!
*Got back home, ate donut and watched some So You Think You Can Dance in bed
*Took a 1/2 hour nap :)
*Just got up, checking email and computer stuff and eating some lunch- leftovers

Now I plan to head out and get my hair trimmed and a pedicure!!! And run to Walmart and return a few things. Let me tell you...this is my kind of day! Exactly what I needed, I think, to feel sane again. I do also need to clean the kitchen at some point, and do some laundry, but all in all...a nice, relaxing day. Might pick up Riley a little early, and if it is not too hot, head to the park to feed the ducks. I feel slightly guilty about sending her to school...but I needed this BIG TIME, so I am taking advantage of it!!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Class picture time

A month or two ago, Riley had her class photos taken. They came out really cute, but were pretty expensive, so we decided just to purchase the class photo, and not the individual ones. I forgot to put the form in on time, so I had to go get it from the studio, which was here in town, but I kept forgetting to pick it up. Well, I finally did...and here it is:



It is actually her old class- she has since moved into the other classroom, so we will have that pic next year. But she still sees these kiddos and the teachers- they do sort of a team approach in the mornings and afternoons so that the teachers can stagger their schedules....she looks pretty cute, huh?

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

My Baby Sprinkle

Ok, here are some pics Karen gave me from the Baby Sprinkle at work last week. It was so nice- great foods, lots of gifts, and of course, the best part- celebrating Ms Annie with my good friends! Riley was so happy to to be there- she had a great time helping me open presents, and even received a few gifts of her own!




Tuesday, June 17, 2008

OB appt update

Had another OB appointment today- was supposed to go on Thursday, but I moved it up due to some unknown pain I seem to be having recently at night....thought it was heartburn, doctor says no...but is not sure what it is. That is reassuring, right??! Oh, well, said if it keep happening, they will look into it further- hope it doesn't keep happening- really, really, really hurts!!!

Lost a pound- not sure what to think about that. Nurse said maybe last time I had heavier clothes on....think not, since it is still like, 100 degrees here!!! Ok, more like 90, but it is still HOT!!! Baby measuring fine, hearbeat fine, nurse today me I have a rapid pulse??? Strange appointment, all around :)

Riley and Todd are at the pool...she was so excited to go. LOVES to swim....they might not come back :)

Guess that is it...still have Atlanta pics to put up and from the "Baby Sprinkle"...hope to get to them soon.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Had a rough night, and an even worse morning....so very tired, but don't really want to go into it.

But, I learned today that in her new classroom, Riley is learning the Pledge of Alligence....how cool is that??! From what I understand from her, each child is assigned a "job" for that week. This week she is the "cart pusher", which apparently means that she brings the food cart back into the kitchen after the meals. Last week she was the "line leader", which means she leads the kiddos back into the school after they play outside. And next week, she gets to be the "flag holder", so she will hold the flag as they say the pledge. I am so, so, so glad that she is in this room- already in just a week she is learning all kinds of new stuff.

Riley came to work with me this morning, and she got to eat at breakfast at Mommy's desk, which was great fun. I also told her that if she was super good for me (we had to scramble to get dressed and out of the house today) that she would get a special treat. I went to the store and bought her this little, tiny, just one serving of cookie dough ice cream...she has never had it, and is very excited to try it later!!!

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Happy Father's Day!!!

From us to you......

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Well, my theory about Riley's illness this weekend being because of the heat was wrong, because Todd is home in bed today with the same sort of thing...must have been some weird kind of bug.

Anyway, I finally took the video from Riley's recital rehearsal off of the camera, and uploaded it. Grams has a video from the real recital, but this one wasn't too bad:



And here are a few pictures:


Tuesday, June 10, 2008

So, Riley and I just got back from Annie's Baby Sprinkle, which was not a sprinkle AT ALL...more like a full-blown Baby Shower!! Seriously...I think I got more stuff today than when I had my shower for Riley!! Everyone was so generous- it was more than I ever expected and I had a great time. Karen has pictures, of course, so I will post them when I get them from her.

Riley had a great time as well. She was a little shy at first, but then she had a snack, and once we got into the presents, she was wide-open! She helped me with the gifts, and even got a few of her own- a cute little doll, a ladybug plate and cup set, some hair things....and her favorite- from Ms. Alison- a makeup kit, complete with lipgloss, hair clips, rings and eye shadow. She demanded it be open the minute we walked in the door, and proceeded to cover herself in makeup! The pictures may not do her face justice, but you might get the point....





And, finally, an updated belly picture. Am getting much, much bigger! In fact, someone told me today that it looks like I grow bigger each day!

Anway, the first pic is from Riley's pregnancy, hence the sweater, which I certainly would not be wearing today, as it was 100 degrees again!!!! Second one is from today!




Not too much difference...still about the same weight gain. If anything, I think that I am more belly this time, and haven't really gained any weight (or very little, at least) anywhere else. At least thinking that makes me feel better!! Could have less than 6 weeks to go at this point...now I need to find a place for all of my new stuff!! Oh, and Todd's work wants to have a shower for us, too....we are so very lucky to have such wonderful family and friends.....

Monday, June 9, 2008

Monday

Riley had a great day today with Ms Donna (a friend of Grams) since her school was closed. She will be back at school tomorrow since the air is now fixed- yay!

They played all morning, and Riley took a long nap after lunch...like, she was still napping when I got home at 4:30- that is really, really long for her, lately, at least. Hopefully she will go to bed good tonight, or we might have a grumpy girl on our hands tomorrow! Right now she is getting a bath and her hair washed with Todd tomorrow because she wants to look pretty for Annie's Baby Sprinkle tomorrow afternoon!

Can't wait!!!!
Not long after I wrote that last post, Riley started complaining that she didn't feel good...and was just really tired and lethargic that night. She said her eyes hurt, and went right to bed without reading any books or complaining! And then she woke about 10 pm, with the eye thing, and again at 11:30, saying her stomach hurt and that she was hot, then cold, then hot. And she had a slight fever. So, we stuck her in our bed, and she slept on and off all night- probably more than I did since I was on the couch!!

On Saturday, it was more of the same...until that evening, so she just stayed on the couch all afternoon and watched movies! She seemed ok that night- she had a nice cool bath and slept all night (in her own bed, thankfully), and now is much better.

I think she might have been affected by the heat, somehow...maybe dehydrated, or some heat stroke or something. We have no idea how long the air was out at her school before they called us, but more than likely a while, and with having such a busy week and really no time to rest after we got back from Hilton Head, her poor little body just needed a break!

Air is still broken at her school, so she is home with a family friend today...hopefully it will be fixed tomorrow.

Friday, June 6, 2008

Riley would like me to inform you- all of you out there in cyberspace- that she is now officially a big girl. That is, she has been moved to the PreSchool room, also known as Ms Kelly's room. She is so excited!! Yesterday, right before my OB appointment, I received a call from the director of the center, saying she needed to talk to me about something. Of course, my first instinct is to freak out...so, I called her, and she informed me that one of Riley's old teachers was out sick, and therefore, Riley and another of the kids from the lower room spent the morning in the PreSchool room. When asked if they wanted to return to their room before lunch, they both decided not to, and since they were scheduled to transition anyway, they just stayed!! So, she was there all day, and it sounds like things went great, so there she will stay!!

She was super excited when she got home and had to tell me all about everything they did. I am thrilled, and we have been waiting for this for a while since she was quite obviously bored and just too old to be where she was for so long. I loved her teachers, but this is more like school, and I know that she will do just great. She is very excited, and is expecting Ms Kelly to teach her to read (note to self: inform Ms Kelly of this before Riley does!!) She was sent home with a little questionnaire that we needed to complete all about her, and so we started to work on that tonight.

Of course, after all of that, she went off to school today, so excited, and Todd and I both got a call (I was in a meeting, so he ended up getting it), that the air conditioner at the school was broken (uh, yeah, forgot to mention it is 100 degrees here right now!!!), so she had to be picked up early. But, they hit Dunkin Donuts on the way home, so tomorrow we have donuts for breakfast!! Yay!

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Hilton Head

We are back from Hilton Head- had a great time and a very nice visit with Grandma and Grandpa Buckley. Riley had her recital on Saturday, right before we left, but I will save that for another time, since I am waiting on a few pictures and video from another camera.

So, Hilton Head...we arrived about 7 pm on Saturday night, and right away, Riley wanted to go swimming. And then that was pretty much the theme of the three days we were there...with one trip to the beach thrown in! Seriously, she and Todd went swimming on Satuday night, we took a trip to the beach Sunday morning, which then ended at the pool...back in the pool again Sunday afternoon, and then she spent most of Monday in and out of the pool...she is quite the little fish. She made a few friends, learned to play dominoes (which, by the way, she is GREAT at...don't think she has lost a game yet. We played again last night, and she beat Todd once, and both of us once...she is a wiz!!).

We had some great meals, and just relaxed and had fun. I wish we could have been there longer, or gotten there earlier, really, since Grandma and Grandpa arrived a few days before, but the recital got in the way. The trip home went quick, but I am pretty pooped this week..even though Todd really did all of the work, and I just was there :)

Had an OB appointment this afternoon, and was checked because of all of the contractions I have been having- I was worried about dilating this early. I am not, so far, which is good...but I need to keep track of the contractions and to let them know if they get more frequent or painful...and have to go back in two weeks...and every two weeks from now on....holy cow!! Todd and I are planning to work some on the nursery this weekend, and get the crib set back up...I have a lot to do. We are also hoping to catch a movie on Saturday- Riley will go to Grams and Gramps house- since we might not have much time left!! And my baby sprinkle is on Tuesday- so excited!!!

That's it...enjoy the photos!