Yesterday started out as a normal day for me. I woke up at 5:30 am and did some laundry, ate breakfast, read a book to my sweet baby boy, showered and dried my hair, and by then it was 7:00 am. I had a few minutes before I needed to wake Jeff and finish getting myself ready, so I laid down on the couch for 10 minutes.
At 7:10 am, I jumped up (I didn't really jump because I'm 9 months preggers, but whatever, I got up) and went to wake Jeff. I had a terrible case of dizziness when I got up, so I quickly laid back down. It just went downhill from there though. I started sweating profusely and was so dizzy that I could not even open my eyes. Then, I started vomitting...it was horrible. It hit me so all of a sudden and like a ton of bricks.
I called the doctor because I was so worried that something was terrbily wrong...I've not had an ounce of sickness throughout my entire pregnancy, so I knew something wasn't right. I had a scheduled doctor's appointment anyway, so Jeff managed to get me there, but not before I was sick a few more times. I'm so thankful he was home and able to call in to work and get off for the day.
Dr. K checked the baby's heartbeat (it was perfectly fine at 142 bpm), and sent me on to the hospital so they could hook me up to the monitor and do blood work and see what was wrong with me. It was so bad...I could not open my eyes, and the light was not helping, so I was wearing my sunglasses and falling all over the place. I felt like a drunk pregnant woman...looking back now, it's pretty funny to think about me wobbling around.
Anyway, we arrived at the hospital around 10:00 am and after a few rounds of basic questions, they got me hooked up to the fetal/contraction monitor and an IV and gave me two fairly large bags of fluids. They drew blood and ran a full sweep of tests, and thankfully everything was normal. I was slightly dehydrated, so the fluids helped with that. It was really neat to listen to little Harrison's heartbeat throughout the day. I was having contractions; some of them I could feel, but they were mild and didn't hurt. After about an hour or so, I started feeling better, and by the end of the day, I was back to my old self again.
We arrived home around 5:00 pm, and I slept pretty well last night. I woke up today feeling better, but not yet 100%. I had to work today and feel like I've extended myself a little farther than I should have, so tonight, we're taking it easy!
I'm really looking forward to Harrison's arrival...hopefully we won't have to wait a full four weeks. By this weekend, he'll be considered full term, and naturally, we're super excited for his arrival.
My husband is the best husband in the world...he takes such good care of me, and I know he was worried about me yesterday. Thank you honey for being so good to me!! I love you!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
36 Weeks
Well, here we are starting month 9...I feel like it's going to be the longest month of my life! I'm so impatient and ready to meet this baby boy!!
Here's the update from BabyCenter.com...Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position. But if he isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating him from the outside of your belly. This is what he probably looks like this week.
As for me, well, I'm hanging in there. My feet are swollen and fat, but it's worth it! I've had some dizziness and pain over the last week, but according to my "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book (and Dr. K), those things are just part of the final part of pregnancy.
My check-up last week went well; got a good report. Harrison's heartbeat was 145 bpm, and Dr. K guestimated that he probably weighs between 5.5 lbs. and 6 lbs. I think that is more of a generalization rather than a guess specific to me, but whatever. I go back tomorrow for another check-up, and he is going to check me to see if there are any signs of dialation. I really enjoy going to the doctor because I get to hear Harrison's heartbeat, and that is just the best sound! I can hardly wait for him to get here so I can hold him in my arms!
Here's a parting gift for those of you that read this blog...a picture of me at 36 weeks...big as a HOUSE and still carrying very high! So, the chances of me having a baby in the next week are slim to none...he's still up in my business! :-)
Here's the update from BabyCenter.com...Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, your baby will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) Most likely he's in a head-down position. But if he isn't, your practitioner may suggest scheduling an "external cephalic version," which is a fancy way of saying she'll try to coax your baby into a head-down position by manipulating him from the outside of your belly. This is what he probably looks like this week.
As for me, well, I'm hanging in there. My feet are swollen and fat, but it's worth it! I've had some dizziness and pain over the last week, but according to my "What to Expect When You're Expecting" book (and Dr. K), those things are just part of the final part of pregnancy.
My check-up last week went well; got a good report. Harrison's heartbeat was 145 bpm, and Dr. K guestimated that he probably weighs between 5.5 lbs. and 6 lbs. I think that is more of a generalization rather than a guess specific to me, but whatever. I go back tomorrow for another check-up, and he is going to check me to see if there are any signs of dialation. I really enjoy going to the doctor because I get to hear Harrison's heartbeat, and that is just the best sound! I can hardly wait for him to get here so I can hold him in my arms!
Here's a parting gift for those of you that read this blog...a picture of me at 36 weeks...big as a HOUSE and still carrying very high! So, the chances of me having a baby in the next week are slim to none...he's still up in my business! :-)
Friday, June 25, 2010
Note to my Hubby
Just a little note to my hubby, I love you! I enjoy our time together and cherish every minute that I have with you!! Too bad you beat me in Black Jack last night...next time, I'm winning! :-)
Love you...ATW!!!
Love you...ATW!!!
Monday, June 21, 2010
35 Weeks
Time is winding down...only 35 days to go to full term. As I've said before, I'm so ready to meet this baby...I'm becomming more and more impatient. However, I know that Harrison will come when the time is right, and that might mean another 5 or 6 weeks. He is kicking me a lot, but I have begun to feel him lower in my abdomen than in previous weeks. So, maybe that means that he has started to descend into the birth canal.
Here's the weekly update from Baby Center...Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. This is what he likely looks like this week.
As for me, well, I'm just fat. Not really fat, just big and pregnant, and uncomfortable most of the time. I am really beginning to struggle to get comfortable, no matter where I'm at or what I'm doing. I have begun to have some swelling in my hands and feet over the last week, but I believe it's because of the heat...I do live in sunny Orlando Florida!! Anyway, overall, I'm doing great. I have had a great pregnancy and have absolutely no room for complaining. I am so blessed!
In other baby news, I went to my good friend Katee's baby shower on Saturday, and I must say, the hostesses did an amazing job!!! Katee and her husband Kirk decided not to find out the gender of their little one, so the Circus themed shower was totally appropriate. There was no detail left out...funnel cakes, make your own candy apples, hot dogs, circus peanuts, popcorn, chicken on a stick...the list just goes on and on!! I can't say enough about how cool this baby shower was. And, because we were there to celebrate Katee and Kirk's Baby Cooper, it was that much better!! Katee is such a sweet soul, and I am so thankful to call her my friend! I can't wait to meet Baby Cooper and share mommy stories with her...our due dates are only 6 days apart.
I go in tomorrow for my 34-35 week check up. I'll post the update (if there is anything to report besides the beautiful sound of Harrison's heartbeat) later in the week.
Make it a great week!!
Here's the weekly update from Baby Center...Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight. This is what he likely looks like this week.
As for me, well, I'm just fat. Not really fat, just big and pregnant, and uncomfortable most of the time. I am really beginning to struggle to get comfortable, no matter where I'm at or what I'm doing. I have begun to have some swelling in my hands and feet over the last week, but I believe it's because of the heat...I do live in sunny Orlando Florida!! Anyway, overall, I'm doing great. I have had a great pregnancy and have absolutely no room for complaining. I am so blessed!
In other baby news, I went to my good friend Katee's baby shower on Saturday, and I must say, the hostesses did an amazing job!!! Katee and her husband Kirk decided not to find out the gender of their little one, so the Circus themed shower was totally appropriate. There was no detail left out...funnel cakes, make your own candy apples, hot dogs, circus peanuts, popcorn, chicken on a stick...the list just goes on and on!! I can't say enough about how cool this baby shower was. And, because we were there to celebrate Katee and Kirk's Baby Cooper, it was that much better!! Katee is such a sweet soul, and I am so thankful to call her my friend! I can't wait to meet Baby Cooper and share mommy stories with her...our due dates are only 6 days apart.
I go in tomorrow for my 34-35 week check up. I'll post the update (if there is anything to report besides the beautiful sound of Harrison's heartbeat) later in the week.
Make it a great week!!
Monday, June 14, 2010
34 Weeks
Time seems to be creeping by for me these days...perhaps it's because I'm SO ready to meet our little guy. I'm now into week 34, and one one hand, I'm hoping the next several weeks come and go quickly, but on the other, I'm trying to cherish the last few weeks that Jeff and I have alone. We are so excited to meet our baby, but we are well aware that life as we know it will never be the same. I always get pretty sentimental when I hear of or know of a couple that is getting ready to welcome their fist baby. It's such a special time, but yet their lives change so rapidly in the blink of an eye. One second, they're two people in love and living life together (just expecting a baby). The next second, they parents, charged with an amazing task from God of raising that baby (or babies) up in His name. It's very deep!
Anyway, on to this week's update. Because we're so far along, there isn't as much going on except that little Harrison is just continuing to grow bigger and bigger. According to Baby Center, he now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. I'm happy to learn that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies. Even though I'm really anxious to meet him, I want him to stay in my belly for at least three more weeks...maybe four or five. I would rather not go to 41 weeks, but if that's God's plan, then that's what we'll do! This is likely what he looks like this week...getting very crowded in my belly!!!
In other news, we finished Harrison's room!!! It looks so good, everything I wanted it to be!!! It amazes me to see the before and after pictures of this little room. It used to be so plain and boring with the almond colored walls, and now, it's the most adorable nursery I've ever seen (of course I'm partial)! The paint job that Jeff did is phenominal, the bedding given to us by Jeff's mom is adorable (we picked it of course), and the wall appliques from Jeff's sister complete the room. Everything turned out just so perfect. Now we're just waiting for little man to arrive. Here are a few pictures of the room, but it looks much better in person...just saying! :-)
Anyway, on to this week's update. Because we're so far along, there isn't as much going on except that little Harrison is just continuing to grow bigger and bigger. According to Baby Center, he now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. I'm happy to learn that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies. Even though I'm really anxious to meet him, I want him to stay in my belly for at least three more weeks...maybe four or five. I would rather not go to 41 weeks, but if that's God's plan, then that's what we'll do! This is likely what he looks like this week...getting very crowded in my belly!!!
In other news, we finished Harrison's room!!! It looks so good, everything I wanted it to be!!! It amazes me to see the before and after pictures of this little room. It used to be so plain and boring with the almond colored walls, and now, it's the most adorable nursery I've ever seen (of course I'm partial)! The paint job that Jeff did is phenominal, the bedding given to us by Jeff's mom is adorable (we picked it of course), and the wall appliques from Jeff's sister complete the room. Everything turned out just so perfect. Now we're just waiting for little man to arrive. Here are a few pictures of the room, but it looks much better in person...just saying! :-)
Well it's time to get another week started. I'm excited to be helping out at Vacation Bible School in the evenings this week. I will be the photographer, so let's hope I can capture some exciting memories for these young kids. I loved VBS when I was a kid, and I hope that these kids will have similar memories to look back on when they're grown. This year's theme, High Seas Expedition, is really fun; I can't wait to see how the kids react to all the fun activities that are in store!!
Make it a great week!!!
Monday, June 7, 2010
33 Weeks and Showers All Around
Wow...where do I even begin. This past weekend was so amazing...I just don't know where to start.
I'll start with the little update from Baby Center...This week Harrison likely weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood. This is likely what he looks like this week.
As for me...I'm hanging in there. I find myself getting winded a lot quicker than I'm used to. It's really had to get comfortable, especially when sleeping. Poor Jeff, I keep him from getting a good night's rest, so I think I'm just going to start sleeping in the office on the couch...I never have any trouble falling asleep there.
This past weekend, four of my amazing friends threw me two different showers...
On Saturday, June 5th, my awesome friends, Liz and Kelly, hosted an adorable frog themed shower just for me and Harrison. It was really special. I love frogs, and not until I started receiving gifts did I realize how many little frog things I had on the registry. So, how appropriate that they used a frog theme for the shower. The invitations they sent out a few weeks ago were "toadally" me and too adorable for me to even try to describe! So many good friends came to celebrate Harrison's upcoming arrival, and it was just great. My mom and mother-in-law were there which just topped off the day!! Here are a few pictures from Saturday...
I'll start with the little update from Baby Center...This week Harrison likely weighs a little over 4 pounds and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood. This is likely what he looks like this week.
As for me...I'm hanging in there. I find myself getting winded a lot quicker than I'm used to. It's really had to get comfortable, especially when sleeping. Poor Jeff, I keep him from getting a good night's rest, so I think I'm just going to start sleeping in the office on the couch...I never have any trouble falling asleep there.
This past weekend, four of my amazing friends threw me two different showers...
On Saturday, June 5th, my awesome friends, Liz and Kelly, hosted an adorable frog themed shower just for me and Harrison. It was really special. I love frogs, and not until I started receiving gifts did I realize how many little frog things I had on the registry. So, how appropriate that they used a frog theme for the shower. The invitations they sent out a few weeks ago were "toadally" me and too adorable for me to even try to describe! So many good friends came to celebrate Harrison's upcoming arrival, and it was just great. My mom and mother-in-law were there which just topped off the day!! Here are a few pictures from Saturday...
Liz & Kelly, my wonderful hostesses and best friends!
My Mother-in-Law and Mama - two AMAZING ladies!
A wonderful group of friends!
On Sunday, June 6th, my real estate mamas showered me, and totally surprised me by having Jeff arrive just in time to help open the gifts...of course, I cried when he arrived! The day was filled with laughter, tears, and cutting-up..all that is our real estate family...awesome!!
Kristin Mazza (Mama Mazz) started off the shower with the sweetest prayer just thanking our awesome Lord for the day, everyone in attendance, and especially for little Harrison. A little later after we had all eaten and were beyond miserable from the wonderful spread of food, she started off the most special event I've ever seen or been privliged to be a part of. She had a ball of yarn and started off by saying something like this..."I think we are all connected, as women, as mothers, and as family, and using this ball of yarn, we are going to create a web of love explaining why and how we feel connected to you, Stacy." Of course, the tears just started right then and there...the next 30 or so minutes were so special as that ball of yarn was passed around the room to all the different ladies and as they expressed how they felt connected to me. Those ladies, and my mothers, said the most precious things about me and about Jeff and about my little Harrison. I do not have the words to express how much that 30 minutes meant to me, and to my mom and Jeff's mom!!! Here are some pictures from Sunday...
How adorable was the cake...with Harrison's name on it!
Me and the Proud Papa opening gifts
Mama Mazz and my Real Mama
Kristin & Patricia - amazing hostesses!
Me and My Wonderful Mothers!!
We, well Harrison really, got some great gifts. Baby bedding, changing pads, diaper bag, bath essentials, a frog bathtub, bouncy seat, car seat, baby Bible, rattles, socks, bibs, clothes, clothes, and more clothes. I was speechless seeing all the wonderful things we/Harrison received. I'm super excited to report that Harrison's room is just about ready. We have some small finishing touches, and then I'll be ready to post the final pictures.
I just can't find enough words to describe how thankful and blessed I feel. God has given us such wonderful family and friends, and it meant so much to have everyone gather around us this past weekend and celebrate our little munchkin that will soon be arriving. We are so thankful and hope that we can pass on the blessings we continue to receive each and every day!!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
32 Weeks
I'm now into my eighth month, and it's getting pretty difficult to do some pretty basic things...like tying my shoes, painting my toenails, or even just getting out of a chair. It's pretty funny, really.
Oh, yeah, and I can no longer wear my wedding rings. Big sad face!! :-(
This week, Harrison weighs about 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long...he's taking up a lot of space in my belly. I'm gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to the baby (this is according to babycenter.com). In fact, he'll gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth. This is what he looks like this week.
Yesterday, Jeff and I returned from a long weekend at the beach with our buddies Brett & Kelly and Craig & Liz. We always enjoy our time with them, and this time was no exception. We arrived to the beach on Friday night kind of late, but we managed to catch then end of the Magic game (too bad they couldn't pull together the win!). Saturday and Sunday, we relaxed at the pool and beach, had dinner, got to visit with my sister, Stephanie, and just had a nice time!!
Check me out in my maternity swimwear...I thought the suit was cute!!
Memorial Day, 2010 - Reddington Beach, FL
I had my 32 week check-up today and got another good report; thank you Lord!! My blood pressure was fine as is my weight gain, and little Harrison's heartbeat was a strong 137 bpm. I measured in right at 32 weeks which is exactly where I should be. Dr. Snook said he probably weigs 3-4 lbs. My next appointment is June 22 with Dr. K.
I'm super excited about the upcoming weekend...my mom, aunt, and mother-in-law are coming into town. Kelly & Liz are hosting a baby shower for me on Saturday, and my real estate family is hosting a shower for me on Sunday. I'm so excited to see my moms and have them meet all my friends and colleagues.
I guess that's all for now; have a great week!!
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