Thursday, October 28, 2010
I had my 34 week appointment this afternoon, and I really feel like I am on the homestretch now! All of my check-ups (blood work, weight, blood pressure, measurements) were good, and once again, my platelet count held steady at 105,000, so that's good news! The doctor estimated Baby Girl to be about 5 pounds now, so he guesstimated that her birth weight would be similar to Madeline's, around 7 pounds. I had my Group B strep swab test, so from here on out, I get to have those appointments, you know, the ones where you get checked. I hate those even though they are necessary.
I am feeling good --- a little short of breath and my meals are pretty small but frequent as I feel like all my insides are crunched up in my throat. Baby Girl has a constant dance party, so my belly is constantly contorting into crazy shapes. I'm still going to the gym 5 days a week, and I'm feeling good before, during, and after my workouts, so that makes me happy. I know I'm getting bigger and dropping lower because the random stranger comments from fellow gym goers are starting to become a regular part of my workout just like they did with Madeline at the very end.
Madeline is starting to talk more and more about her baby sister, and she seems excited! Let's hope that she continues to be excited once baby sister actually comes home with us! Eric and I sure are anxious to meet the newest member of our family!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Every year, my family attends a Clemson football game. We make a big weekend out of it, and it gives us all a chance to visit our old stomping grounds as well as visit with each other. This year, we attended the Clemson vs. Georgia Tech game, and we couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous day for tailgating and football. It was wonderful.
Eric and I left Madeline with my dear friend, Tara. Madeline had a blast with Ms. Tara. They went to the zoo, played with friends, went on walks, and had lots of story & play time around the house. Madeline received a wonderful report, so that made Eric and I feel good about our time away.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Apparently, Madeline was thrilled with her dinner selection this evening because she kept repeating, "Yummy in my tummy, Mama!" Of course, she already had me in hysterics from the beginning of her meal when she was over the top excited about "BEAN BALLS!" being on her plate. She did in fact eat two helpings of "bean balls".
Any guesses as to what a "bean ball" is in Madeline's world? Yep, green peas.
(They are green like her absolute favorite veggie, green beans, so any food item that is green is automatically a "bean", & well, the "ball" part is probably self explanatory.)
Kids. They do say the funniest stuff, and I really needed that laugh by 6 PM today.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
It seems like I was just announcing this pregnancy, and now I'm on the homestretch to meeting this sweet baby girl! I'm feeling good, and I'm still my usual on-the-go self. I seem to be more uncomfortable this time around, and I always have an underlying nauseated feeling. It's a yucky feeling, but oh well. I'm carrying Baby Girl very low, super uncomfortable low, but all seems to be going well from my doctor's appointments this week.
I received a great report from the hematologist yesterday. My platelet count held steady at 103,000 (still low by "normal" standards) --- this is the first time the count hasn't dropped in this pregnancy. Dr. S was encouraged by this, and he says if all things remain the same, this number will not be an issue at delivery. Whew! I return to him in 4 weeks, and at that point, any decisions that need to be made regarding my bloodwork will be made then.
I had my 8 month checkup today, and things are moving along nicely. The doctor was very happy with my weight, blood pressure, etc. I gained 4 lbs. this month putting my total at 12 pounds which made the doctor smile a big smile! We had an ultrasound, and all looked to be developing properly which always makes me feel good. This baby is weighing in a little over 3 pounds right now, and that's perfectly within the normal range. I go back to the OB in two weeks which is so exciting because that means things are getting closer to delivery time!
On the homefront, we are slowly, but surely looking like a household with two little girls, and I couldn't be more thrilled. The nursery decor is a work in progress, but nursery is stocked and ready to go with all the necessities. Madeline seems more excited about her baby sister, and I know she doesn't fully "get it", but she kisses baby sister, talks about baby sister, and pats baby sister. She seems to hold no grudges about her old room being re-done for baby sister, so that puts my worrying mind to ease.
Eric and I are blessed beyond words, and we just continue to pray for eight more weeks of health & happiness.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
I suppose I had anxiety over the big girl bed for no reason. Madeline has been in the bed for over a week now, and all is well. Hopefully, I didn't just jinx myself, but Madeline gets in bed at night, doesn't get up, and eventually goes to sleep after rolling around, singing, & talking. Naps can be a little more tricky, but I attribute this to the fact that on some days she really just needs some down time and not really a full blown nap.
When she wakes up in the morning or afternoon, she gets out of the bed and plays in her room until I come get her. She's happy as a clam to read books & play with her babies. So far (knock on wood), she's not done anything mischievous! We keep her doors (closet, to the hall, and the bathroom) all the way shut, so that helps.
Yay Madeline!
I was putting laundry away one afternoon, and Madeline decided to play dress up in my closet. She chose one of my workout tanks, a scarf from her dress up drawer, a pair of my running socks, and a pair of my boots. It wasn't good enough to just put the new ensemble over her clothes...we actually had to take off her outfit & put this hilarious get up on. She was very pleased with her result when she looked in the full length mirror as evidenced by her comment to herself, "Ooh la la! This is cute. I posh." (Thank you, Fancy Nancy!) Hilarious child of mine.
Even more hilarious was watching her try to walk in my boots. I was beginning to wonder if she'd gotten into the liquor cabinet when I was in the laundry room! :)
Remember these best friend necklaces from when we were young?
If it were still "cool" to wear them, we'd need a BFF necklace split three ways. Steph and I have been friends since the fifth grade---25 years ago! Dana, Steph, and I have been friends since high school. Even though we all went our separate ways for colleges, careers, and adult lives, we remain the closet of friends picking up where we last left off. When one of us has something "major" happen in life, the other two automatically throw a shower and/or party for the third person. It's just our "way" with each other. Dana and her husband are expecting their first baby in January. 1/11/11 to be exact ~ I hope he comes on his due date because I think that's a pretty cool birthday! The guest of honor, Dana, at dinner on Saturday night. It's "our thing" to eat Mexican food whenever we get together. Next time we'll get to have margaritas with our meal!
In lieu of an official baby shower for Dana, Steph & I decided to plan a getaway girls weekend for the three of us to celebrate baby boy due in January. Dana and her husband live in the DC area, so we chose our getaway location as Williamsburg, VA. We chose a bed and breakfast in the heart of Williamsburg. It was perfect!
It was fabulous ~ we relaxed, talked, ate lots of yummy food, shopped at the nearby outlets, and enjoyed each other's company away from husbands, children, and the daily grind. As our lives change, it gets harder and harder for us to spend quality time together, so this gave us an opportunity to do just that.
Just one of our many delicious meals!
It was a wonderful weekend with my two nearest and dearest friends. It's hard to believe that the next time we all get together, our little babies will be able to meet in person!
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
We were leaving the gym this morning, and a very loud motorcycle was passing by on the connecting road. Madeline stops, points, and says, "Mama! A loud motobicycle!"
I just snickered, agreed, and decided not to correct her. Sometimes, the Madeline-invented-words are just too cute to correct. :)
Monday, October 04, 2010
Day 1, Nap & Bedtime: Madeline is officially in the big girl bed and her big girl room! I finished moving all her stuff into the room, and we no longer use any part of the nursery for her in hopes that she will soon realize that "the big girl room" is hers, all hers! Madeline napped in the bed, and she seemed excited to go to that very same bed at bedtime. We'll see how the transition goes...right now, she's wound up about sleeping the same room with so many toys, in a new room, and in a new bed, & we're a little anxious about a big change with a stubborn child who fights sleep like no other.
Day 2, Morning & Nap: Madeline slept in her bed last night, and she did really well. She didn't get out one time although it took her awhile to fall asleep. I am not complaining since we didn't have to go reprimand her one time for not staying in the bed. We heard her this morning, and she got out of the bed and read her books in her rocking chair. She stayed in her room until I went and got her. That's exactly what I wanted to happen this morning, so I'm happy things seem to be falling into place right now. It eases my mind, and maybe I was worrying over nothing. We'll see how it goes from here on out!
(Madeline looks super cute sleeping in that big bed, but I don't dare wake her up by snapping a picture.)