40 weeks and Dr. appt.

So today is the estimated due date of little Benjamin Thomas and looks like he is staying put. Our little turkey wants to cook a little longer (despite my belly button sticking out, saying "I'm done")

As Dr. L started pressing on my belly he asked about movement and such and then said, "I think your little guy has flipped." "WHAT!?! He is grounded if that's true!" Alan said "how does he have any room to flip?" Dr. L said, "lets find out for sure." So when he checked me internally he said "nope, I can feel his head." WHEW! Not funny Benjamin for tricking us like that!

Dr. L said I am one centimeter (up from a fingertip, woohoo) dilated and 50% effaced (guess he over estimated last week when he said I was 60%). Dr. L was excited that I lost the mucus plug last Thursday...at least something is happening!

We asked Dr. L what the chances of me delivering this week are and he said "40-50% chance" Alan said, "so that's like saying its partly cloudy?"Dr. L laughed and said "yeah." Guess the doctors don't even know for sure. So we scheduled a appointment for next Tuesday (I'll be 41 weeks!) and then we will schedule an induction for that week. Dr. L is on call Dec. 3rd and 4th so we would do it sometime then.

Maybe our little turkey really wants to be a December baby instead. Guess we will wait and see. Benjamin you have at the most 10 days to come on out on your own.

39 weeks

Still pregnant and waiting for our little one to join us. It's been frustrating just waiting, but I am finally coming to terms that this kid will come when he is ready. I was telling Alan this morning that I am going to enjoy the time that we have left to be just us. Because when Benjamin decides to arrive, we will be mom and dad FOREVER! It will never just be the two of US! It's kind of sad in a way, but we are excited about what is to come.

I went to the Dr. yesterday (it was supposed to be my last appointment) and not much change. I am 60% effaced and still a fingertip dialated, but he said it was "softer." We talked about what projects I have been doing, especially cleaning the grout on the kitchen floor. He asked what I used and if I resealed it. Obviously there wasn't much to talk about in the baby department so coversation turned to cleaning grout. We sscheduled an appoitment for next Tuesday which is Benjamin's due date and said he would see me then. So it looks like we could have a Thanksgiving baby or a December baby. I wouldn't mind an early December baby, I need someone else to share my birthday month with!

38 Weeks, time for an update

At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world… meaning careful refinement of the blink, suck, inhale and exhale. Meconium, which you’ll probably find in the first diaper, is accumulating in the intestines. If (okay, as) you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life.

Its been awhile since I have last updated, so here is a short recap of past Dr. appointments:

36 week appointment: 50% effaced, and a fingertip dilated, and baby is low. I am happy and excited, things are starting to move along!

37 week appointment: no progress. I was hoping that the Braxton Hicks contractions and the constant pressure and pain in my hips and pelvis was a sign that things are moving along. Unfortunately, I've been in pain for nothing.

38 week appointment (today): again nothing. Dr. asked before he even checked me; "any contractions?" "Nope" "Lost your mucus plug?" "Nope" He laughed and asked "should I even check you?" I laughed and said "maybe, we went hiking at Cumberland falls and Cumberland gap this weekend." That didn't even do it and I got a 'you-shouldn't-have traveled-that-far' talk. I am now grounded and have to stay within 60 minutes of the hospital.

So little monkey, it is time for you to start making your way out. I know you are very comfy in there and really don't want to leave, but can you please make your momma happy and make some progress towards entering this world? Please? The Dr. won't induce me until I am 10 days overdue, Benjamin please don't make me go that long! My belly feels sooo heavy, you press on my bladder all the time, and the every day aches and pains are starting to wear on me. I have cleaned and cleaned the house, the last load of your new clothes are in the dryer now. We got the car seat inspected and the hospital bag is almost packed. We are just missing you! Your daddy is ready for you as well, all while we were hiking this weekend he kept talking about all the places he was going to take you, the things we would do together, and the places we would see. So little one, we love you and we are ready!

35 weeks, 35 days to go!

Wow, where did the time go? Seems like it was just March and I took three pregnancy tests! For a funny take on how we found out about Benjamin click here

Just 35 days (give or take a few) until our lives will never be the same again. Are we ready for this? I think not, but we couldn't be more excited! We are looking forward to watching him discover the everyday things that we take for granted. There is so much to look forward to, his birthday and such but we cannot forget about what we should be enjoying now. Benjamin's kicks and rolls in my belly take on the game of "name that bump." I will miss him tickling my lungs or hips with his hands and feet, even the little hiccups that shake my belly. I'll miss Alan's hand on my belly and talking to Benjamin. However, I don't think I will miss all the bathroom stops!

We have been very blessed, this pregnancy has been easy and baby and I are very healthy (except that I have had a cold for a week now). These next 35 days or so will fly by and before you know it we will be holding our little boy!

6 weeks to go!

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

I think our little one already has a personality, he loves to play when daddy puts his hand on my belly. I swear he tried to claw his way out the other night! Its the weirdest feeling to have little hands tickle the inside of your belly! Benjamin also likes to keep moving. This past weekend we were running some errands and every time the car stopped he started kicking. As soon as the car started moving he stopped. He is an active little man!

Baby Benjamin is almost here and mom and dad can't wait! Dad is funny, he thinks of random things that we need to do at random times of the day. For example, one night as we were trying to fall asleep, he says "we need to pack a hospital bag!" Guess all the baby classes we've been going to are getting to him!

All my doctor appointments have been going great, Benjamin is head down and should stay that way. I start the weekly appointments next week, and I'm supposed to pre-register at the hospital. All signs that this baby is coming and will be here before we know it!

Benjamin's room is about ready, we have all the furniture and just need to organize his clothes and stuff!

Well I think that is about all for now. I'll post pictures of the nursery when its finished!

A Year Later...

Last year on September 19, 2008 we got married! Here is a quick run down of the past year:
Sept. 19th: married
January 30th Alan graduated from fire fighter training
Feb. 10th: closed on our house, kitchen demolition began an hour after closing
Around March 7th finished the kitchen
March 15th: found out that I was pregnant
March-August: remodeled the entire upstairs: 3 bedrooms, living room, and 1 1/2 baths
Currently: working on the basement and going to baby classes.

We both agreed that this time last year as we were getting ready to leave for our honeymoon in Maine that we would have accomplished soo much! Maybe we can take it easy this next year!

Thank you to all who have and continue to show us their support and love. We love you all!

3rd Trimester! 27 weeks

Wow! Time is flying by! 27 weeks marks the start of the 3rd trimester, the home stretch! I will be considered full term in 10 weeks and then Benjamin can decide to enter the world. However, I would appreciate it if he waited until 40 weeks.

Benjamin is about 15 inches long (and he is cramped in his home since my uterus is only about 10 inches!) and weighs 2 pounds. He can open and close his eyes and reacts to light. He love to kick and roll and we love watching him.

Momma and Daddy: are doing great, getting lots done in the house. The upstairs is almost complete and then we will start working on the basement. I have noticed that I am not as hungry as I used to be, I get full soo much quicker. I am not complaining! Other than my hips hurting a lot lately I feel great.

Our one year anniversary is coming up and we are hoping to get away for the weekend. Not sure where we will end up, but somewhere close by. I can't wait!

Belly Dancing...Baby Style

Baby Benjamin has been moving, rolling, punching, and who knows what else a lot lately. As I was laying on the couch watching America's Got Talent, he decided to show me what talent he has. It finally occurred to me as I sat there laughing at my belly to video tape it so other could watch our son's amazing talent! I will try to remember to catch more of his moves on video.
*note you do not need sound, I think there is a commercial playing in the background.

Enjoy!

Natural Disaster #3 in less than a year.

Above: our new office door. This was where the glass door crashed in to our office. The water level was last seen two feet above the top of the door (see last picture)
Above: the aftermath of our office on Thursday.
Below: the glass dorr that crashed in. You can see the water level above the handle to the door. You can also see water coming in from the sides of the door.
Flash Flood in Louisville. We received 7 inches of rain in one hour, which caused downtown Louisville to flood quickly. I was at work when the rain started and noticed that the water was rising up the outside door to our office. We started moving computers and medical supplies out of our office as sewage water started pouring in.
The above picture you can see the water line above the door handle and water coming in from the sides of the door. We were told to evacuate and about 15 minutes after I took this picture, we were upstairs when we heard this horrible noise...it was the door crashing in.
We were in the stairwell when we saw a file cabinet floating down the hallway. We were all told to go home before an electric fire started (because the electric panel was downstairs and is also filling up with water). The problem with leaving is that the streets were flooded and I and another coworker couldn't get to our cars. Dr. C took us to her house and Alan came to pick me up when the weather settled down. We were on the way home when Alan asked "what is that smell?" I guess I had gotten used to smelling like sewage and said "oh, the water was sewage water and I'm covered in it." I got home and took a shower and felt much better.
After the rain stopped and flood waters receded and 65 north was reopened mom and I went downtown to find my car before the next storm came. We got my car and it started pouring again and was difficult to drive in, but we made it home and my car is fine!
We were able to go back to work on Thursday to see if we could salvage anything. The pictures above were taken on Thursday. Some of our files were ok, some we had to throw away. We have been working from home until they can find us a work home. One person said that the downstairs will be up and running again by Aug. 24th and someone else said it could be 2-3 months! We will know more on Monday *hopefully*
Thankfully, our house was ok and received no flooding in the basement. I would have loved to seen the creek as I am sure it was pretty high! In less than a year Louisville has had three natural disasters: wind storm (the week of our wedding), and ice storm and now flas flood. Someone said we have had wind, ice, and water, all we need now is fire! No thank you!

23 weeks

So we have reached the point where the Bump (the website that offers the fruit comparison) must have run out of fruit examples because baby will be a papaya for weeks 21-24.

Studies show that baby finds gentle music and your own voice most soothing. Nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, baby's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It shouldn't be hard to figure out when -- just pay attention to those kicks as they start and stop.



We decided on a name; Benjamin Thomas. He isn't named after anyone particular, we just liked the name. It was actually pretty easy to decide! It fit, just like when I found my wedding dress, I knew that this was the one!

Daddy and I are doing great, busy trying to get the house ready for Benjamin (see his room pictures below). There is so much to do! Benjamin loves to kick and has fun showing off his flips and kicks to us. Watching my belly move is the strangest and coolest thing ever! Alan are amazed every time!

That is all for now!

House Update

Benjamin's room


We like to call the room color; Blue Truck Blue!

Alan did an amazing job on Baby's room! We love it!

Guest/office room
Painting the stripe was not easy. I stood on a step stool and held the laser while Alan painted. Team effort!
Our beautiful kitchen, my favorite room!



More pictures to come, next up finishing the bathrooms and then the upstairs is done!

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails....

How we told my family, I dyed the white cake batter blue so when they
ate the cupcake they found out!We had Alan's mom and dad on speaker
phone so mom and dad could tell them!

Alan trying on the Moby wrap that mom got us!
He figured it out on the first try!

Dad calling his side of the family to tell them that he is getting a grandson.
Puppy, Jesse looks at dad as to say "we are getting another boy? Yay! Oh yay!"

3D ultrasound of baby, his hand is in front of his face

I think he already looks like his daddy!

The money shot!

21 Weeks

Looks like I swallowed a ball!

Baby Boy Vaesa: Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for hydration and nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you want your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch. He also loves to move around, punching, kicking, rolling and what ever else he likes to do in there! At the "big ultrasound" you were not afraid to show your goods! The tech asked us if we wanted to know and we said yes. She put the wand on my belly and presto! There was the money shot! Just so you know little one, that was the one and only time you are allowed to show off your goods like that!

Momma: Doing great! Though it is getting hard to do things like planting flowers and get tired after working around the house and yard. This has been a hard thing for me to get used to. Before getting pregnant I could get soo much accomplished, now babe is having me slow way down! I am so thrilled to be having a little boy! I cannot wait!

Daddy: is excited about having a son and getting more excited about getting to do all the father son things. He is going to be such a great daddy! He even surprised me with three bouquets of flowers! This little baby is going to have a great role model! And if he is anything like his daddy (which I am sure he will be) he will be a ladies man! :)

In other news: Alan has been working on finishing the half bathroom (will post pictures when its done). We are also working on painting the guest room (and yes I helped with the muding of the walls). As soon as the guest room is done, we will work on painting the baby's room. Can't wait to having the upstairs done!

1/2 Way to the Finish Line!

For comparison in honor of the halfway mark: me at 7 weeks
Me at 20 weeks:
Goodbye Toes! Though I can still see you when I walk, so I will cherish the time I have left with you!

Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!

Our little turkey is half way there! And this week is a milestone week for us, we will hopefully find out Wednesday if we are having a son or a daughter. (This is the one and only time this child is allowed to flash anyone!) I have asked Alan many times before what he thought it was and he hasn't a clue. He still doesn't, but did say that he almost is hoping for a girl because he knows what he was like! Either way, as long as its healthy I will be happy. I will update again once we know, but for now I thought it would be fun to answer some of the old wives tales about if its a boy or girl. So here is goes:

• If you prefer sleeping on your left side, you'll have a boy. Right side? A girl. I like sleeping on my right, so girl

• Extreme nausea means you are having a girl. Not extreme, so boy.
  

• If your hands are dry, you are having a boy; soft -- expect a girl. Mine are usually dry, so doesn't count?
  

• If you're craving citrus, you're having a girl. Loving some o.j. so girl
  

• If your skin breaks out, expect a girl. yes especially in the 1st trimester, so girl
  

• If you feel graceful during pregnancy, you'll have a girl. Clumsy? It's a boy. Defiantly a boy!
  

• If you gain weight in your face, it means you're having a girl. I don't think I have so no, boy.
  

• Craving salt? Expect a boy. A little something sweet? You're having a girl. Both? But mostly salt, so we will go with boy
  

• If your right breast is larger than the left, you are having a girl. If the left is larger, a boy. *dies laughing and consults Alan...* Left, Alan says so girl :)
  

• Feeling extremely moody? Expect a girl. yes off and on, more so in the 1st tri, so we will go with girl
  

• If baby is low, expect a boy. High, it's a girl. I have a short torso anyway, so this kid is all over the place.
  

• If you're carrying in front, it's a boy. All around your middle? A girl. My sisters have all agreed that its all in front, so boy.

So the winner of the old wives tale is: a tie! haha :) We had a 50/50 shot anyway!

Will update again after we find out!

We have a mango!

Baby Vaesa: Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might actually get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature. He/she loves to dance in my belly and I am feeling it, nothing really constant, but feel it mostly in the afternoons. July 8th is the day we find out how healthy our babe is and if we are going to have a son or a daughter. I have had three dreams that it is a boy.

Momma: Lots of energy and crazy dreams that we have the baby but nothing for him/her or that I forget to feed him/her. These dreams have now caused me to make a master to-do list of everything I want to get done before the babe arrives. I may have to call in the reinforcments to get everything done! Watch out daddy...you are going to be busy! :)

Daddy: celebratred Father to be Day with a new set of tool boxes that he picked out. He helps me out so much and I cannot wait to see him with a baby! He will probably have more patience than me! He goes along with my crazy ideas and laughs at my insane dreams and tells me everything will be just fine!

Other news: We went to Sarasota, FL for a couple of days with my mom's side of the family. It was great to see the King family that we only get to see once a year! The weather was warm and the ocean salty....perfect! My immediate family (aka mom, dad, emily, and jenny) are driving to Cincy this morning to pick up a new puppy, a little boy named Jesse. Can't wait to meet him!

Well, that is all for now, lots of love and hugs until we see you!

17 weeks!

Baby Vaesa: Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints.
Baby Vaesa has also been moving around a lot, nothing consistent yet and nothing that I can feel on the outside with my hand, bu the kicks are getting stronger!

This is a short post this week, Alan's brother is up from Florida to help us work on the bathrooms, so more house remodeling! This Saturday Alan and I will head down to Sarasota, FL to for a vacation with my mom's side of the family. It will be great to see family that we only get to see once a year!