Saturday, March 28, 2009

Swimming

Now that we are in week 4 of swimming, I thought I'd get a video up. We've worked on running with feet, using arms, putting that together, and floating on our back. One of her favorite things to do is jump in! Here are some pictures too! She's a little diva!

Oh eerie fact..I was looking up the blog from last time I was pregnangt...
1st Pregnacny - found out 6/14 and ultrasound on 8/2
2nd Pregnancy - found out 2/14 and ultrasound on 4/2...weird!

Natalie quote for the week: We were driving by a high school soccer field and Natalie said "Look at all those boys!". Uh oh.
Swimming



Friday, March 27, 2009

Ryan's Surgery

This morning Ryan had dental surgery to fix a spot from his wisdom tooth removal. The bone was supposed to grow to fill it in, but never did, so it was concave. Food was getting trapped there causing cavities on his other teeth.

We went in at 7 and he had consicous sedation. They put some moldable plastic in the space, and by 11 he was stitched up and ready to go. He's been an easy patient, and he should swell up some more by Sunday.

Natalie is glad to finally be home. She has spent 3 nights at friend's houses due to subbing and 2 early morning doctor appts.

That's all our news! I'm hoping for a much more relaxing weekend and week this week.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Specialist Appointment

I got to see the endocrine specialist today. He has 2 offices, but of course I can't get into the one that is 20 min from my house, I go to the one that is 52 minutes away (and that's before traffic/accidents at the tunnel). But, he is a civilian, so that's a perk.

I found out that my 25 mg dosage is too small so he bumped me up to 50. He reminded me that my thyroid is supporting the baby as well and my dosage will only continue to increase as the pregnancy goes on. My 'high' bloodwork at 10.86 can go up to 100 or 125 he said. So I won't be shocked if I see that on an upcoming lab. I also have to get 4 blood tests every 4 weeks, then return to see him (at the far away office).

I'm hoping this issue will help me with my quest to see the same OB every visit. I dont' really care who delivers me, but during the prenatal care I don't want to re-explain this issue (and my tailbone issue) to every Dr. that works there!

As for Natalie news, she is DEFINATELY 2. Everything is by herself, or her way, or it's a HUGE battle. She's in full on MINE mode as well. I'm hoping it's a short phase (ha).

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

10 Weeks - It's A Fetus!


Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.

He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy.

If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.

In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

New Bow and A Busy Saturday

Last night I had some friends from Tidewater Mommies over to make hairbows. You can checkn them out on k. mae. Natalie had this flower from a diaper cake we were making before the bow party started, and she wanted it on a bow. It's not quite how I wanted it, but she likes it and that's all that matters. Here she is modeling before we headed out this morning.



First, Ryan and I worked out, then I took Natalie swimming. She's really doing a great job! She wears the float on her back, but she is using her arms and feet to go around all by herself. I'm impressed! She'll have a blast at Water Country this summer. Her favorite part is doing the 'pokey pokey' and 'wheels on bus'. After that we had to run to a few fabric stores to pick things up.

I sent Ryan up to put Natalie to bed, and 30 minutes later this is what I found!

I wanted to share I have 2 friends that had babies this week - Jen Binning and Allison Reppy. Congrats to both mommies of Allison and Elijah! Both babies are in the NICU for minor issues and should be going home ASAP!

Also Southwest is having a sale for $89 each way from STL to Norfolk if anyone is in need of a vacation!

I've been trying to put a series of books at a time in a basket for Natalie. I have so many childhood books, plus the books I got from teaching. She's into Clifford right now. Here she is enjoying her stash!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Surprise Dr. Visit

Back in January one of my thyroid tests was slightly elevated, at a 1.9 so they ordered a retest. I never went in to get it done because of our 2 week vacation and then finding out I was pregnant. So Tuesday that's why I had an extra lab, because it was in the system. I got a phone call last night that I was up to a 10.8 which is pretty high.

They got me in at 8:10 this morning. I have been diagnosed with hypothyrodism and will be on meds because it causes harm to the fetus/preterm labor if left untreated. I'll also be having blood draws to check the levels every 6 weeks and going back to see the specialist I did last time when I had the growth on my thyroid.

So I'm thankful for all the friends I have here I can call to babysit at the drop of a hat because it looks like I will be at the doctor a lot!

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Updates

Week 9

Your baby has grown to the size of a grape, weighs a fraction of an ounce, and is almost 1 inch long. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain.

My first appointment went pretty well. I met with a nurse to go over my family history and order my labs and vitamins. At the lab, I found out I was getting ELEVEN tubes of blood. The guy who did it said the most he had done on a female before was 10, so I broke his record. I did ok, but had to ask for the trash can after because I felt like I was going to puke. Last time I only had 8, so who knows what was different this time around. I go for a dating ultrasound and exam on April 2nd! YAY!

I was supposed to sub today, but Natalie was upset and crying all evening, so about 10 pm I cancelled. This morning she woke up crying with a 100.6 and telling me her teeth and tummy hurt. We both seem to have a stomach bug so no fun!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Natalie has her green on - a cute shirt Alli and Shell got her for her birthday! Here's my little blue eyed blonde!



Saturday, March 14, 2009

My Little Model

Ryan was busy taking pictures of my new sewing projects (check k. mae for updates) and Natalie didn't want to be left out of the camera fun.

Pretty happy for someone who played in her bed for 2 1/2 hours instead of taking a nap. Sigh. We're having nap issues...




Flashback Friday

Until I get a scanner, mine are pretty lame. But I thought of this when I was lounging around this morning. Hope it takes you back! Post whether or not you were a part of this trend!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Week 8

Your baby -- now comparable to the size of a kidney bean (just over 1/2 inch long) -- is constantly moving and shifting.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Natalie-isms

Some of the latest Natalie phrases for your entertainment.

"Daddy, don't pop the corn" - when Ryan honked at someone who cut him off.
"I'm frustergrated" - when she can't get a puzzle piece in the puzzle.
"I never see my daddy anymore" - when daddy worked on weekend duty.
"Don't Kim!!!" - screaming from time out.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Swimming Lessons

Since gymnastics is over, we decided to try a session of swimming! Natalie will get 7 Saturday lessons at the YMCA. It's the parent/child class, and Ryan took a turn this first week. Natalie really enjoyed it. She wore a belt on her back to stay afloat, and even did some 'swimming' on her own. They worked on 'running' with their feet, did the Hokey Pokey, and did the Wheels on the Bus. She had a great time and we can't wait for next week!



Friday, March 06, 2009

Flashback Friday

Here is one of my first pics from when I started this blog in 2005. Has it really been that long??? Ryan and I went to a free Big and Rich concert on Virginia Beach.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

Hilary's Visit

We had a good time with Hilary and her son Ben this week. We hit up a playdate and the outlets. I got Natalie pants, tights, a cardigan, a fleece jacket, and a dress for $15. Here's a few pics from the kids enjoying each other.



Sunday, March 01, 2009

Super Sunday

With Ryan working all weekend, I undertook a few fun projects. I decided Natalie was ready to go to her big girl bed, well she kept saying she was, so we went for it. But in order to do that we had some furniture moving and some decorating to do. Of course Ryan would not let me move things, so I did the sewing while he was working.

Natalie is in the bigger room with the big bed and all the furniture. The green room has the day bed with trundle, a small dresser in the closet, and the crib/changing table. I'm pleased with how the valances, pillowcases, and duvet covers came out. I did both rooms for about $65! Not bad!

Natalie also moved to the 2 year old room at church. Her teacher is also her babysitter Alli and her mom Michelle. In that class, they play for a bit. Then they do an activity and story in the classroom. After that, they hold a long string with colored rings to walk to Wee World. There is where the 2-5 year olds sing, hear a bible story, sing, and watch a puppet show. Then they walk back to class and have a snack. Her teachers were VERY proud! They said she sat and held the rings like she'd been doing it forever! They were talking about using their eyes and Natalie and Maddie were the only kids participating in the finding the colors and shapes. She's a smarty girl!

And now...pictures!









Friday, February 27, 2009

Anniversary Gift

Ryan and I celebrated our anniversary on the day after Valentine's Day. We went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner and saw the movie Taken. The reason I am posting this SO late is my anniversary present finally arrived today! We always give the traditional gift and this year is our 5th so we are supposed to give something made of wood. The picture is below! I am THRILLED! I have wanted one of these for so long. Thanks honey I love you!

Flashback Friday

Since 2/27/07 was Natalie's 'first' birthday, and today she turned 2. Here she is as a bitty baby.


Seeing these pictures makes it so hard to believe how fast 2 years have gone by. It's also making me anticipate taking these pictures with the newest baby Windle later this year. Happy second birthday to my first baby. You will always hold a very special place in my heart because you made us a family.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Natalie's 2nd Birthday Party

When she came down this morning I had put up crepe paper and balloons and she said "Look! It's Christmas!' It was cute. She requested a Mickey cake and talked about her birthday all the way to and from the Y. I didn't think she would be as into it as she was. We had a nice party during the day today with all Natalie's playgroup friends! The kids had some craft and playtime. She got lots of baby doll stuff, dress up clothes, roller skates, puzzles, a big sister shirt, and more!

Party