Connection

Christmas day is always so hectic, but I wanted to make sure I took the time to reflect on what Christmas means and specifically what it means to me. So the weeks leading up to Christmas I would use my 10 minute commute to and from work (40 min total since I go home to feed Kaydriana during lunch) to listen to Christmas music and praise God and thank Him for giving us His Son and blessing me and my family.
I heard Faith Hills, "A Baby Changes Everything" song. For the first time in my life I really felt a connection to Mary. Now that I have a baby, when I heard those lyrics (and Mary Did You Know and another one that I heard for the first time this year) I picture Kaydriana. No, I'm not comparing her to Jesus-but I picture Mary holding her son, her sweet baby boy who needs his mom to take care of him, love him, teach him, etc. Mary knew her son was something extra special. What an amazing feeling to be a mom-could you imagine the love and pride and joy she felt as he grew and learned new milestones? What kind of boy was he? How did she entertain him? What games did they play? Did he cry when he was hungry? Did Mary grow weary when Jesus was up all night teething? What have I experienced being a new mommy that Mary did as well?
Being a mom has connected me to millions and millions of mothers all over the world and throughout history. I've never felt this type of connectivity before. I'm thankful for the opportunity for this insight.

Moving on to Christmas... as I mentioned Christmas is hectic. Christmas Eve, I cooked the "Costco Turkey" along with some side dishes and my mom brought my little sister and brother over along with "Aunt Norma's Potatos". My older brother was spending the evening with his girlfriend and her family. We opened presents and watched some of the old claymation classics like Rudolph the Rednosed Reigndeer. We ate so much (and fast!) that we didn't end up eating the berry pie my mom brought.
Christmas day, Kaydriana (our little alarm clock) woke us up about 615am. I fed her and then went downstairs to see what Santa brought her. I'd like to say her eyes lit up and a smile grew on her face, but it really wasn't all that exciting to her. Tim put her on her big "Santa gift" which was a giraffe and I took pictures of her. Then we sat around her to open presents and she'd get fixated on a piece of paper she'd have in her hand. She protested when we would remove the paper and try to get her to open her next gift. Meanwhile, Griffey squeeked his new toys and kept trying to be in the mix with us while we opened our gifts.
After our intimate family time, we packed up and headed to Tim's parents where on the way we learned that our niece, Anna was in the emergency room. The Drs still aren't sure whats going on, but she did make it to Nana and Papas for Christmas dinner and presents. After about 20 minutes I took Kaydriana and we headed to my Aunts house so we could say hi to everyone for a moment then went back to Tims parents to finish the evening. I also got to talk with my dad and step mom, my sister and my niece in MI. I don't usually have a lot of time to talk on the phone, so at least car rides allow me the opportunity for calls to my family.
Although nothing spectacular happened per se, I'd have to say it was one of the nicest and memorable Christmas's I've ever had... A baby changes everything is right!

Our baby is not such a baby anymore!

Oh man, our lil poo bear is not a baby anymore! Ever since she hit 6 months old, she has transitioned from being a baby to becoming a toddler. She got her first tooth (now has two), started to do the splits thing that eventually turned into her learning how to sit on her own, can pick up cereal and place it in her mouth, started crawling, and two days ago used the shelf in the fridge to stand herself up.
What happened to my stationary little bug? She is already 7 months old and before I know it she'll be 1 going on 18.
Kaydriana has had a rough time with teething. She gets very whiny and sometimes downright unconsolable. We now go about 2-3 nights a week where she wakes up crying. Many times she'll get herself back to sleep but other nights only loves from mommy or daddy will get her back to sleep.
This week has been extremely rough! I went away last weekend for my 30th birthday to Vegas. It was hard being away from Kaydriana that long, but I had fun. The last day I regretted booking an afternoon flight. I should have booked the first flight home. When I got home I did not want to let her go and I think maybe she felt the same way. That night and the next two she didn't want to sleep and I was forced to try to function with only 4 hours of sleep for three days. Last night I finally got about 6 hours, THANK GOD! I'm still exhausted, but at least not dizzy feeling. (I turned into a wall on Tuesday after making a very firm statement to an employee... I'm sure my authoratitive tone was lost once I looked like a goober).
I'm off the next two days and while I should probably come into work for a few hours I really think that I deserve some me time with my baby. Daddy is going snowboarding all day tomorrow and as a family we have a wedding and a dinner to attend on Saturday.
Okay, so now I'm just rambling. My point of all this is my baby is growing up so fast and I feel like I missing some of it. I want to capture every moment and not let any slip by. No more weekend trips for me for a long time!

We Survived!! (I think)

Oh boy! If someone would have told me what this past week would hold, I would have said I wouldn't know how to deal with it. But we did it!
We experienced Kaydriana's first cold. It wasn't too bad. For the most part she was in good spirits. But then she gave it to daddy, which eventually passed on to me. Having two sick parents taking care of a sick baby is not a good combination. To make matters more interesting, she got her first tooth and her first minor ear ache. Poor baby.
Tim and I start to feel a bit better and I decide that I cannot live with my ingrown toenail any longer and get it removed.
Hichi momma did that hurt!!! I regret doing it. It's been 6 days and I'm still in pain. I haven't been able to wear normal shoes. The Monday after the procedure, I had ran out of vicodin. I had gone back to the dr that morning because I was in so much pain and my toe looked infected. Tim had to drive me because I couldn't. Well, earlier that morning Tim threw up- we still don't know why. After he picked me up from the dr, I was hoping to pick up my refill of pain meds. But Tim felt so sick that he just wanted to rush home. As soon as he walked in the door he threw up. Yuck!
So here I am, not able to drive - in a lot of pain and Tim can't drive because he is so sick. I had to be at work at 2pm! I emailed my boss to say that I'm in a predicament and she came to my rescue. She got me my prescription and I was able to get to work. Tim started feeling well enough to watch Kaydriana on his own for the rest of the day.
Phew! What a trying week!

Adjusting...

I write this today in the midst of some major life adjustments.
I went back to work 7 weeks ago and it's been hard. I've been self minded about how I'm dealing with missing Kaydriana and getting back into the groove of having to use my brain, deal with escalated situations and handle personnel issues. Every moment of every day I'm doing something. If I'm at my desk - I'm working (well mostly ;) ) if I'm not, I'm pumping or cleaning my pumping equipment, or running home to feed Kaydriana, changing her, loving on her, playing with her, paying bills, trying to scarf food and maybe if I'm lucky I might get about an hour to sit and relax and watch TV or get on the computer before bed and doing it all over again.
I knew all of this would happen and now I'm used to it. But I wasn't really focused on how this is all affecting Tim. The love of my life who is a wonderful father is staying home with Kaydriana.
The weather has changed so daddy can't always go on walks when he wants to get out of the house and running errands with Kaydri can be hard in weather like this. I know he gets bored and he is looking for a full time job. He's used to working, which he enjoys. I know he would much rather be working than at home every day. He was dropping Kaydri off at his parents once a week so he can go to the gym or golf, but they are currently in AZ so he doesn't really get a break.
So we're both going through the same thing in a sense.
The funny thing is, we wished the rolls were reversed. I'd love nothing more than to be in his position and he in mine. We'd both be happier... God knows what He is doing in our lives, I just pray that we can get through this with grace and be able to look back at how precious these memories of our young family are.
Building our family is what I've always wanted and I knew not everything was going to be rainbows and gum drops. I still love every moment of being a mommy and a wife and I know God will continue to bless us. Sometimes I just need to remind myself of that.

5 months and 14 days

Wow, the past 5 months and 14 days has been the best of my life. Becoming a mom - being parents- has been absolutely the best thing I have ever done in my life.


Kaydriana makes everything better. Tim and I have had many firsts in our lives together, but creating new firsts and experiencing Kaydriana's firsts with her has been so fulfilling.


I remember before becoming pregnant that although I was content, I knew there was something so much more meaningful missing. And I've found it. I know my purpose in life.


You hear parents say the love you have for your child is so special... and while I could try to understand it, you really don't until you experience it for yourself. I explain it that I now feel like I am a part of this special club because now I get it. It's an indescribable feeling. But it's also scary. I hate hearing bad things in the news about children- I even cry now because I visualize myself and Kaydriana in some of those stories and I couldn't even fathom...


Its like the saying that a child is like having your heart walk around outside of your body.



Okay so now you know how incredible I feel about being a mom. What I don't like is being a working mom. I really wish I could have known how much being a mom would mean to me that I wished I could have planned my life differently in order to be able to stay home. I want nothing more than to be able to stay home with my baby. I miss her so much while at work. The first day back from my weekend I feel such sadness and tear up on the way to work. It's the worst. However, it is not feasible for me not to work. I always thought, and Tim and I planned, that we would both work and provide our children with a nice home, be able to pay for things they need and want and help them pay for their first cars, take them on vacations, etc. Now that Kaydriana is here and with the plan for one (hopefully two) more I see that it's not all of those things that are important. However, I realized a little too late. I know I'll be the best working mom that I can be, I just wish that we can win the Lotto so I can be a SAHM.

Kaydriana is here!

Mother's Day I was awaken by Tim bearing gifts from him and our unborn daughter. I was bummed that Kaydriana wasn't here before Mother's Day but daddy did a good job surprising me with the new Reebok Easy Tone sneakers and a beautiful Karen Kane dress (that I could wear that day and post pregnancy).
I woke up with period like cramps that went on all day. We had brunch with Tim's family at his sisters and had to ask him to take bumps and turns lightly because they kind of hurt.
After we got home I decided to drive 45 minutes to Marysville to surprise my mom at work. I had some stronger waves of cramps, but I was determined so I made the trek. I got home about 5pm and definitely knew I was feeling contractions, but with as many ups and downs we had over the past few days I didn't want to get too excited. Around 6 I pulled up Contraction Master online and started to time my contractions. They were anywhere from 7-14 minutes a part. I continued to track them, Tim went to bed around 7 and they were getting stronger and closer. I kept telling myself they would stop. At 10 I went to lay in bed to try and sleep. I even set my alarm for work the next morning. In about 20 minutes I had 4 contractions. So I woke up, came down stairs and grabbed my birthing ball. At 11:15 I called Labor and Delivery and told them what I was experiencing. They said if I really wanted to come in I could but if I was doing ok at home I should stay home for as long as I could. So I kept laboring by myself. At 1230am I couldn't do it by myself anymore so I woke Tim up and he did such a great job rubbing my back through my contractions. Finally at 145am I couldn't take it anymore. I called the hospital and told them I was coming.
We get to the hospital and they bring us in the "staging" room where they plan to monitor me for at least an hour before admitting me to see if I'm really that close to labor. I was still only a good 2cm, but because it was a slow night and I was Group B Strep positive they decided to admit me. Tim and I were so relieved!
So we get into our LD room, I'm handling the contractions ok, I've got the birthing ball and leaning over it through contractions. We also walked the halls stopping to use the rails as contractions came.
About 6am the nurse comes in and checks me and I'm about 3cm. She says that I have some decisions to make. I didn't want an epidural until I was 4-5 cm, however the anesthesiologist has a c-section scheduled for 730 so I could either get the epidural before or wait 1.5-2 hours after the c-section. Who knew what I'd be feeling 2 hours from then but I decided to wait until 7am to see how I dilated. At 7 Dr. Graham comes in and I'm 3.5-4cm and she is going to break my water. So I decided to get the epidural.
Then sleep... blissful sleep! I had already been awake for 24 hours. I slept hard for about 2 hours and then dozed through out the day. At 3pm the nurse checks me and I'm about 6-7cm dilated so she thinks it won't be long until I'll get to start pushing. However, they think that Kaydriana is sunny side up, meaning she is not going to be coming out vaginally if she doesn't turn around given her size. Not what I wanted to hear. During this time I'm feeling my contractions and need a top off of my epidural. I'll never forget, we were watching Oprah and a girl got the "Harpo Hook up" and got to meet Justin Timberlake. :) Then it's pushing time. Dr. Graham attempted to turn Kaydriana a bit in hopes that with pushing she'll continue to turn. I start pushing while on my back and I'm really not feeling I'm producing results. About 30-40 min into it I get to lay on my left side. When I start feeling a contraction coming on I grab my right leg, Tim grabs my right foot and I push hard for 10 seconds/3 times during each contraction.
I'm feeling the contractions enough where I have to try and breath through them because they are so painful.
I go back onto my back to finish pushing. Dr Graham comes in and is surprised how well my pushing is going and that Kaydriana is cresting. Tim is taking pictures since I can't see whats going on. Things progress and her head is out and Dr Graham tells me to stop pushing - oh wow was that painful!!! A few moments later Dr Graham says I just have one contraction to push and she'll be out so I push with all of my might and all of sudden a huge feeling of relief as she is taken out of my body. I just see a hand flying and her being taken away. Everything is a whirlwind. I'm crying and shaking and Tim is watching our daughter be wiped off. They bring her over to me, remove the top of my gown and I get to hold her skin to skin. I'm getting teary eyed just reliving that amazing moment. I get to lay there like that for 15 minutes or so while Tim is calling our parents and Dr Graham is stitching me up and working on getting the placenta out.
Kaydriana was born 5:42 PM, 9lbs and 2oz, 21.5 inches long. Over 24 hours of labor and about 1.5 hours of pushing...
Wow is all I can say. Tim says it was the coolest thing he had ever seen. I don't know if labor was what I expected, but becoming parents and meeting Kaydriana was far more amazing than I ever thought possible! We are so in love!

40 weeks continued...

So I had my appointment at 11 today. Since I'm sitting here typing this out, needless to say I'm not in labor.
It was cute, when I walked in, Krista (Dr Grahams assistant who I love!) said, "happy due date!". When Dr Graham came in I asked her about the possibility of stripping my membranes which is where she seperates the cervix from the sac. She told me she did that the last time I saw her. I had no clue! When I remember her last checking me I was only 1cm dilated and 0% effaced. She said that if my body isn't ready it isn't ready. So she checked and stripped me again. It makes sense now that when SHE "checks" me it always hurts and bleeds. When the nurse practitioners check me they only check me and it doesn't hurt.
Anyway, I'm still only about 2cm dilated and a bit softer than last check which was 50%. She didn't give me an exact percentage this time. So of course I was bummed with those results.
Then we went into what to expect next. I have a non-stress test on Friday morning. I guess that's normal to do when you're past your due date. Then assuming I'm still pregnant, I'll have another dr appt and non-stress test on Tuesday. She then told me that she is going to have Krista set up an induction date for late next week. So at least she'll be here by May 14th. But I'm still hoping she comes before Mothers Day!

40 weeks!

Here I am at 40 weeks!! Today is the day (that I should/could/wish) I was having my baby.Since I’ve caused confusion on what my due date is/was, I’ll explain it to you. I know exactly how many days my cycles are and the exact date of conception so according to my calculations, Kaydriana’s due date is 5/5. My doctor (like most) goes on the typical 28 day cycle and the date of my last period. So she has my due date down as 5/4. For a while there I was telling people my due date was 5/1 because at my first in depth ultra sound Kaydriana was measuring ahead of schedule: 5/1. Well, I then learned that those measurements don’t change my due date. So basically I’m choosing to go along with my doctors due date of 5/4 because I’m hoping that means Dr. Graham will induce me sooner than later.
I don’t particularly want to go through the process of being induced. From what I’ve heard getting chemically induced causes stronger contractions and because your body isn’t naturally progressing the process can be slower. However, if that’s what my doctor recommends, then I’m going to go for it. Especially if my body decides not to cooperate with going into labor naturally by a reasonable date.
Today I have an appointment with Doctor Graham. I was thinking of waiting to post my next post until after my appt, but in the hopes that I won’t have an opportunity to (cuz maybe I’ll be in the hospital? J) I decided to post this now and if I have a chance, I’ll post another one sharing the results of my latest appointment. I’m going to ask her about stripping my membranes to get labor started. There is no guarantee it will, but it worked for my sister so I’m crossing my fingers. I’m also going to ask her about scheduling an induction date. That way if I don’t go into labor on my own in a couple of days, perhaps I’ll have a particular date to focus on and look forward to.
The only upside to Kaydriana arriving later rather than sooner is the date I’d have to return to work. I’m taking 16 weeks paid time off. So if she’s isn’t born for another week then I’ll be out until Labor Day. However, I don’t know if my employees will survive me if I’m pregnant for much longer.
Can I just say I am proud of the fact that I have worked up until my due date!? I’ve only missed 2 full days of work my entire pregnancy!Below is a little something I put together based on some of the dumb questions or comments I have encountered during my pregnancy. I do have to say that for those who read my blog, I really haven’t been annoyed or offended by any of your comments. 90% of the below come from the people I work with that I don’t have a personal relationship with. Hence their comments/questions annoy me J
Tips on Surviving a Pregnant Woman
1. If you are not my friend or relative, please do not ask me if I intend to breast feed.
2. I don’t need you to point out that I look tired. I probably do, but I’m also thinking I look good today so by you pointing out I look tired makes me feel like my efforts of getting showered and make up on was futile.
3. Yes, I know my feet/ankles are swollen. Yes, they do hurt. Yes, I do put them up when I can, and No, my doctor is not concerned about toxemia.
4. Don’t ask me if I’m allowed to eat that. If I’m eating it, I’m eating it. Mind your own business.
5. If I’m not currently in a conversation with you regarding my pregnancy, please do not spit out unsolicited advice.
6. “You look huge!” is not a compliment and it’s not helpful. “You are glowing/beautiful/doing a great job” those are acceptable comments.
7. Not to sound ungrateful, but if you’re going to purchase something for me that’s not on the registry, a gift receipt is helpful. If I can’t use it, and can’t return it, then what else am I supposed to do with it?
8. If I share that I’m really ready to go into labor and hold my baby (AKA – cannot wait to no longer be pregnant) please don’t point out that my brother was 6 weeks late. Love you, but that is not helpful, mom!
9. If you are a co-worker or employee (someone I do not speak to on a personal level) I’d prefer not to share with you how each one of my doctors visits went.
10. If I tell you I’m feeling fine. I’m feeling fine. Do not ask, “Really? Are you sure?” If I wanted to go into more detail with you regarding how I’m feeling I will.
11. If you are not my friend or relative, do not ask me how much weight I’ve gained or I’ve developed stretch marks.
12. Never, under any circumstance is it appropriate to point out that it looks like I’m having twins. I’m pretty sure my regular check ups with my doctor would have determined that.
13. When I tell you that I haven’t slept in days, it is not helpful or supportive to say that that is Mother Nature’s way of preparing me to not sleep when baby is here. I’m tired now – I need sleep now.
14. If I showed up to work that means I’m still pregnant. Thanks for inquiring.
15. In general it’s always polite to hold the door open for a woman or if someone has only one grocery item in their cart behind you to let them go first. If it’s a pregnant woman, don’t be a jerk! My feet and back hurt and common courtesy would be so appreciated.
16. Yes, I am going for that second/third helpings. And yes, I do plan on working out to lose the baby weight.
17. If I don’t know you (or barely know you) please don’t ask if you can touch my belly. I really don’t want you to, but how do I tell you that without sounding like a you know what?

39 Weeks

39 weeks - I should be excited but with all the ups and downs over the last few days I'm feeling kinda numb. I was really hoping with my doctors appointment today I would be hearing a more confirmed time frame of when to expect Kaydriana. I know there are no guarantees but I was a little bummed that I'm only dilated to 2cm and still only 50% effaced especially with all of the excitement on Saturday.
I did get to see her pretty little face though so that's a good thing. She has big ol puffy cheeks like her mom did. The pictures are bad quality but they're better than nothing.

I really don't have anything else to share except I am ready to be a mommy and hold my little girl in my arms.

Oh and here is my 39 week photo:

The End is Near!

Today I 38 weeks and 5 days. Yesterday I lost my mucus plug. Here is what that means:
"The mucous plug is a small amount of mucous that seals the cervix (the opening of the uterus) during the nine months of pregnancy, like a cork seals a bottle. It serves as a barrier during pregnancy that prevents bacteria from entering the uterus.

As labor approaches, the cervix thins and dilates (the opening gets larger). When this happens, the mucous plug is no longer large enough to fill the opening and it eventually comes out. It may come out all at once, or it may come out slowly in the vaginal discharge over a couple of days.

Losing the mucous plug is a sign your body is starting to prepare for labor. You may lose your plug as early as one to two weeks before the true signs of labor appear, or just as labor itself is beginning."

When I had my last check up on Wednesday, Dr. Graham says I was 1.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. Yesterday while running errands I was experience really strong period like cramps. So with all of these signs labor is anywhere from hours to days away.

It really is exciting, but at the same time, its a little frustrating because I'm literally just hurrying up and waiting. We already put the bags in the car, Tim talked to our neighbor about feeding/walking Griffey and now it's just the waiting game.

This week our friend Kimmy had her second son. We had found out on the same day that we were both expecting and she was due a week before me. She had a scheduled c-section. We went to go visit her and her son at the hospital. It was so neat to hold a 1 day old and trying to picture it being me and Tim in the hospital with our newborn.

Here is my 38.5 week photo:

Full Term!!

I'm officially 37 weeks today which means I'm considered full term!

I had my weekly OB appointment today. I got to see my regular OB (last week I didn't get to see her) so I was pretty relieved she was available today. I didn't feel confident in what I was told last week. Anyway, I'm dilated 1cm! And it's confirmed Kaydriana is head down! Dr Graham said that it's highly unlikely Kaydri can flip herself back up, but that she's not engaged. I'm still pretty hard so Dr Graham doesn't think I'll go anytime soon, but I like the fact there is some progress. Also, after feeling Kaydriana, I was told that if she had to guess, she would say Kaydriana would be 7.5 lbs if born today. Wow! She is gonna be a big baby if I go to term - I don't wanna think how big she could be if I go past my due date.

The last two days I've felt pretty could overall. My feet and hands are my biggest complaint right now... but only a few more weeks of that.

I just have the hardest time trying to figure out what to wear. I don't want to spend any more money on maternity clothes, but between not fitting into any shoes and the weather being unpredictable, I struggle with finding something to wear. Rain + flips flops = :(

Oh and for any body who doesn't know having your cervix checked sucks! I don't know what the doc did last week, but it didn't feel like anything. After today's examination, I'm cramping and feel kinda beat up. TMI perhaps, but just thought I should share :)

Here is my 37 week photo.

Oh and tonight is my last shower before Kaydriana's arrival. What an exciting day!

9 MONTHS!!!

Wholly Mole! 9 months! Next week I'll be considered full term. I can't believe Tim and I will be parents in a matter of weeks! Seriously though I'm hoping sooner than later. I know every pregnant mom in their final weeks say this and no wonder! Here is a list of whoas and ailments:

~I can't wear shoes even flip flops hurt my feet. I think I have elephantitus! ugh!

~1/2 of my maternity clothes don't fit anymore. But at this point why waste $ on more clothes?

~ I have pregnancy carpel tunnel. When I wake up in the middle of the night to pee I have a hard time opening up doors cuz my hands hurt so much

~ I'm officially waddling. My hips are definitely spreading

~ Kaydriana is currently breech. So that worries me since I really don't want a c-section, but also I feel she is trying to kick her way out of my cervix. ah man-crazy feeling!

~My feet hurt. The extra weight I'm sure has something to do with it, but I think the hormone relaxin (that helps let my hips spread) is doing a number on my feet joints. Instantly when my feet hit the floor they hurt

~ I have to sit reclined as much as possible to give Kaydri room. If I don't she forces me to.

~ I've had a cold for the past 5 days- I want nothing more to take drugs to feel better. Instead I'm suffering through every miserable moment

~I have a hard time breathing. ( walking/talking/sitting - all the time)

~ Squatting or getting things from the floor is the most dreaded activity and I continue to drop things. Bad combination!!

~ I have more stretch marks - lovely!

~ Getting ready in my bathroom is more and more difficult as I can barely get close enough to the mirror due to my belly being in the way

~Extremeties go numb

Okay, I'll stop complaining. I don't have much longer and I know I'll survive and in all honestly I love feeling Kaydriana move inside me so I don't hate being pregnant. I'm just ready for it to be over. And I know the moment she comes out I'll forget about all my complaints because as every one says, it will all be worth it!

In the past two weeks Tim and I got a lot done. We both feel ready for her arrival. We had our last birthing class last Tuesday. We bought our travel system (car seat is in the car!), Kaydriana's and my bags are packed for the hospital, we just ordered the changing table and Tim put some finishing touches on the nursery. Tim did a lot of bottle/pump research which was really helpful. He fully plans on helping me with feedings when I need to sleep or run errands. I think it's cute how involved he wants to be with the feeding aspect. In the next few days I'll have a meet and greet with a pediatrician a co-worker referred.

So now if I can just get baby girl to get her head back down, we'd be totally ready!

Here is my 36 week photo:

33 Weeks

Today I had another free ultra sound. It was a regular u/s, but with Kaydriana being so much more developed it was really neat to watch her suckling (sp?) and swallowing. Her feet are nestled right by her face. The U/S tech measured her femur, her abdomin, and her head and each are measuring at 35 weeks, so 2 weeks bigger than average for 33 weeks. The tech thinks she could be at least 22 inches at birth. I'm okay with her being long, I just hope she's not more than 10lbs!

Here are some photos of our precious girl:

The first picture shows her mouth open. When the tech took the image, she took a big mouth full of amniotic fluid and swallowed. She sucked her bottom lip in and out and then for the rest of the time she was suckeling. The 2nd picture shows her foot up under her chin.

Here is me at 33 weeks.

8 Months!

I'm a little late posting my 8 month (32 week) update. I'm officially 32.5 weeks.

Last Saturday was my family baby shower thrown by my mom at my Grandma's house. It was really nice spending time with the women of my family. My Aunt Ann and Cousin Kirstin came from Oregon, My great Aunt Nancy who I haven't seen in about 2 years was there, my cousin BJ's girlfriend, Kelly came, along with my Aunt Cindy, Cousin Danielle with her three daughters, 2nd Cousin Karen and of course my mom, youngest sister, and Grandma were all there. One of my employees made me a cake that was delicious! It was more like a torte with raspberry and chocolate ganash. mmmm

My Grandma made Kaydriana's quilt. We picked out the material together and this is the 40th quilt she has made. This is already one of my most cherished items.

Two games were played. A questionaire about my pregnancy was won by my mom and then there was a toilet paper measurement of my tummy. I was (gulp) 11.5 squares around. Chehaila guessed 12 sheets and Grandma guessed 11 so we had to have a tie breaker which Chehaila won. I got a lot great gifts. It's a bit overwhelming when I look at my registry and see there is so much that I still need before Kaydriana makes her appearance. But thankfully I have 4 more showers and as Tim points out the only thing we Really need is diapers. Well, in a sense thats true...

Tim took off to Arizona on Monday morning to visit his parents (who are now both retired and are staying there for a month) and he golfed with his dad and attended spring training. He got 13 signatures from some of the players of the Mariners on Kaydriana's lil jeresy. He's already put it in a frame for her :)

It was a rough week without him. I felt like a single parent. I had the whole house to take care of and take care of Griffey by myself. Now I know it's not exactly the same thing, but it made me realize how lucky I am that I don't have to do everything on my own all the time. Because I had bible study on Monday night and had to go to our 2nd birthing class by myself on Tuesday night I had to wake up extra early and stay up late to make sure Griffey got lots of love and play time.

I had a horrible time sleeping all week. I don't forsee having a fitfull night sleep ever again!

Friday morning at 3am I felt Kaydri hiccup for the first time. I was so tickled, I got up and grabbed my fetal listener toy and listened to her hiccup for 20 minutes. It was so neat.

Friday I picked up Tim from the airport and an hour later my Costco girls came to pick me up for our annual girls weekend trip. Suprisingly I lasted the whole 3.5-4 hours worth of shopping without having to go hang out in the car. I bought Kaydriana a cute lil onesie with a butterfly on the butt and a princessy fairy/butterfly wing thing. Along with her tutu my sister got her, we are going to have fun dressing her up!

It's official that I hate all the photos I am in. I am just so big all over. I'm not being too hard on myself, it's just the reality of the situation. Besides, I knew I'd end up being one of those, "big all over" pregnant women. I look forward to the swelling bloat that has overcome my body to go away after the baby is born. Oh and a new pain to report: all the joints in my hand ache. I can't wear my anniversary ring any more. And after a 4.5 mile walk with the girls yesterday my feet and ankles are killing me! I'm happy to report that after seeing my Physical Therapist again on Tuesday he said I'm doing good and don't need to see him again unless something changes with my back. After the long walk my back was in a lot of pain, but I did the excersises and felt a lot better. Not perfect, but better.

According to the 32/33 week update, Kaydriana could be about 4lbs and 19 inches long. I can start feeling her feet press into me and I have to be able to stretch my torso when she decides she wants to extend her body. I was trying to sit in a recliner on Friday and she did not like that. She wanted me to straighten out my body. I gave up trying to sit there and went to bed to read so we could both be comfortable. I know the end of this pregnancy is only going to get harder and harder so I'm trying not to complain, but now I can understand when moms to be say they are ready to no longer be pregnant!

31 weeks

Here is my 31 week belly - it's getting huge!

Do I look tired? Well thats cuz I am! I haven't slept well the last two nights thanks to my baby girl dancing in the middle of the night. Tuesday (March 2nd) I experienced my first Braxton Hicks contraction. It wasn't painful per se, it was just super intense. I was trying to roll over and my uterus was as hard as a rock and I could not find a comfortable position. Tim and I haven't slept in the same bed for over a week. I toss and turn all night and with my big belly and all my pillows, its easier if Tim isn't in bed with me so I don't worry about keeping him awake.

This week has been really busy. Monday afternoon I had my first physical therapy appointment for the sciatica pain I've been experiencing. After he was done pulling my legs, checking my pelvis and having me do some exercises, my back instantly felt 90% better. I have to do these excerises when I first wake up and right before bed and ice my tail bone. It's made such a difference!

Monday night I had my first home group through church. Not only am I really enjoying the book, "Crazy Love" we are discussing but I really liked meeting the other women in the group. We shared, "Awe" moments where we discovered God's amazing love, presence, etc. I wasn't sure which moment I wanted to share at first. At the last minute I decided to share when I found out we were pregnant again and how I knew it was God finally answering our prayers after miscarrying our first. I'm glad I shared that story because the other couples said I was in good company and they shared their own struggles with starting their families, infertility issues, miscarriages and a couple who cannot have kids of their own and are going to adopt a baby. It was neat because everything leading up to joining this group just fell into place and it was obvious this is exactly what I've been looking for.

Tuesday I had a teeth cleaning. I typically like getting my teeth cleaned, but doing it while so pregnant was not fun. Not only was it uncomfortable to lay the way I was laying, but my gums bled so much. It took longer than usual because the hygenist had to keep rinsing and sucking the blood. blech!

Tuesday night was our first birthing class. I didn't really learn anything new since I went though birthing classes with my friend, Jessica when I was her birthing coach. But I really wanted to share this experience with Tim and have the opportunity to decide what OUR birthing plan will be. And I'm sure I'll learn something new over the next few weeks. I look forward to to Tim watching the live birthing video! I also look forward to taking a tour of the hospital's birthing center. I'm hoping the annoying guy (there always has to be one, right?) decides he's not the class comedian and doesn't try to make stupid comments every 15 minutes through out the rest of the classes. I told Tim that next week we need to try and find the seat furthest away from him.

One thing I relized that evening was that I will be considered FULL TERM in 6 weeks! How exciting!! Of course I don't want to have Kaydriana that early because I have so many things to look forward to. My first shower is this Saturday. This one is for the women on my side of the family. My mom is hosting it at my Grandma's house. I'm so looking forward to spending this special time with my family. I have so many other things to look forward to this month so I'm sure April will come quickly.

Kaydriana should be measuring about 18 inches at this point and weighs a little over 3lbs. My WTE updates no longer compare her to fruit. She is a full fledged baby and if she was born now, she has an excellent chance of survival :) So now all I have to do is wait, try to remain comfy and keep my fat little feet elevated.

30 weeks!

I don't have much to share except that I am 30 weeks or 7.5 months along.

I went to the doctors yesterday. Dr. Graham was called out on an emergency so I saw the nurse practioner. We heard Kaydriana's strong lil heartbeat and then the dr measured my belly. I haven't had my belly measured before. She said I was measuring a bit big - more like 31 weeks. I asked what that meant and she said it was subjective. Then she said if she had to guess Kaydriana would be about 7.5 lbs. I know this is in no way a true indication how big she'll really be, but it was neat to hear. My mom's kids were all big, me being the smallest at 7lbs 11ounces. But Tim and his sister were both in the 6lb range. So we'll see...

I mentioned to her that I believe I've been suffering from sciatica, so I was given a referral to see a physical therapist twice a week for the rest of the pregnancy.
To be honest, I don't know for sure if what I'm suffering from is Sciatica. Here is what is says about sciatica:
The most common symptom from sciatica is pain. Most people describe a deep, severe pain that starts low on one side of the back and then shoots down the buttock and the leg with certain movements.
~The pain is usually worse with both prolonged sitting and standing. Some people describe the worst pain when trying to stand from a low sitting position, such as standing up after sitting on a toilet seat.
~You may also notice a weakness in your leg or foot, along with the pain. The weakness may become so bad you can't move your foot.

But, I also found information on Coccydynia Pain - AKA tailbone pain- which can occur during or after sitting. The level of pain depending on how long you sit and Acute pain while moving from sitting to standing. Symptoms include
•Sensitivity to finger pressure on the tip or edges of the coccyx
•Shooting pains down the leg
•Like sitting on a knife

Both seem probable so I'm hoping that after seeing the physical therapist we'll get more information. Ever since 10th grade I've had tailbone issue. When I've lifted something heavy or painted a big room - my tail bone would be on fire and it would hurt to sit. And standing and walking were difficult because my leg would give out and I'd have excrutiating pain. I had a feeling when I became pregnant it might become an issue and boy has it!

Okay, enough about my aches and pains, here's my 30-week picture. I'm not crazy about it, but I was not really feeling it today - it was just one of those days:

29 weeks and a 3/D experience

Click the play button to view the 4/D videos

I'm 29 weeks and today I got to get a free 3/D 4/D ultra sound. Not only was it free, I got paid $80! Unfortunately, Kaydriana was not participating very well. Her hands kept blocking her face and her head was rubbing in my placenta, but we can see her nose and in some shots of her lips and ear. I think her nose looks like mine and her ears are more shaped like Tim's than mine. I wish we could see what color her eyes are gonna be, but I suppose there are some things we must be patient with. She is currently face down with her head in the lower left side of my belly with her spine facing the left and her extremeties are on my right side.

For her being 29 weeks she should be 17 inches long and three pounds. She sure has been kicking and moving a lot. I've been using my Bebe Sounds listening thing to listen to her kick me. I've only been able to hear her heartbeat once, but it's still neat to listen to her move. I look forward to hearing her have hiccups. If she is anything like me and her dad, she'll definitely have hiccups.

As a reward for her hard work being a model today I bought what I think will be her going home outfit. If it's too big I'll save it for her to wear during the Morris/Jacobson family shower after she is born. I also bought her a little Mariners outfit. They didn't have any pink ones and Tim thinks she'll look like a boy, but nothing a little headband won't set straight. So now she has a Seahawks, Huskies and Mariners outfit for her. If Daddy couldn't have his little boy first, at least his daughter will support his favorite teams.

Here is a picture of her going home or shower outfit:

And here is a picture of me at 29 weeks:

Yesterday I got a much needed pedicure. My poor feet were needing some TLC. And although they are puffy looking things, they are so much prettier. I must vow to myself I will not let them get so beat up! They are pretty swollen right now because after the ultra sound, we went and had our taxes done(Can't wait to be able to claim a dependent next year!) then I went to Target to update our registry. Most of of the stuff we want/need are at Babys R Us, but it's not a store that is very convenient for many people so I wanted an alternative. But Target kinda sucks when it comes to selection so I mostly registered for diapers and clothes at Target. Its hard to register for clothes. Everything right now is springy and summery and because it's going to be summer for her first 4 months of life I primarily registered for new born and 0-3 months. However, when I found long sleeve stuff I registered for 6 months sizes since it will be November when she's 6 months.

Well, I think thats it for now. 10.5 weeks to go! :)

3rd Trimester, 7 Months, 28 weeks...

Whatever you call it, I’m 2/3rds through this pregnancy!

I know things will only get more difficult with Kaydriana getting bigger and bigger along with my belly so three months won’t feel like a short time. But in the span of things, it really is. Especially considering I’ll be considered full term in less time.

After not hearing back from my glucose test last week, I finally called the doctors office to get my results. Everything came back normal which is great news. However, my iron levels dropped dramatically. When I first had my blood drawn during my first trimester my iron levels were great – 36.5. Normal is 35. They have now dropped to 30. My doctor asked if I’d been feeling tired and sluggish and I responded with, “Well, yeah! Isn’t that normal during pregnancy?” She explained that it’s primarily caused by low iron so I need to start taking supplements. I've taken the supplements for 3 days now. I don't know if I feel any different since work has been really tough lately, but I do look forward to starting to feel a bit more normal.

Oh and bonus on taking iron supplements? They cause constipation! Woo Hoo! So not only am I taking iron everyday, I also take all this other fun stuff to try to keep from getting backed up. Sorry-TMI, but hey isn’t my blog full of it? :)

I’m officially retaining water now. It’s pretty clear in my face and just this past weekend I noticed I can’t see my ankle bones anymore. Wearing socks and stockings have been uncomfortable and after a long day wearing them, I have very pronounced indents.

Here is beautiful foot (sans ankle bone):

Here is my 28 week pregnancy update from WTE:

Your baby is settling into the proper position for birth, with his head facing downward. Your little work in progress is now about 2.5 pounds and almost 16 inches long. He's busy adding new skills such as blinking to an already impressive repertoire of tricks like coughing, sucking, hiccuping, and taking practice breaths. Your baby's sleep now includes the REM (rapid eye movement) phase — and that means he could be dreaming already. Though his lungs are nearly fully mature (so both of you might breathe a little easier if he were born now), your baby still has plenty of growing to do.

While it's good news that your baby is settling into the right position for childbirth (since you're now entering the third trimester), the potentially painful news is his head — plus the weight of your uterus — may now be sitting on your sciatic nerve, which runs through the lower part of your back, buttocks, and legs. This common condition (called sciatica) can cause sharp, shooting pain and/or tingling or numbness, starting in your rear end and radiating down the backs of your legs.


I think I posted it in the past that my sciatica has been bugging me for weeks.


Well, I think thats it for now. Here is my 28 week photo:

27 weeks

So many fun things to post today. Lets see where to start? Well, how about what WTE says about 27 weeks. Apparently my uterus is the size of a basketball. Crazy! That seems so huge... how does it fit? All I know is the last few days Kaydriana has been really low and tucked away since my stomach doesn't seem so big or hard. Honestly it's a relief because during last weekend and all day Monday she was sitting so high I hard the hardest time breathing.

Anyway, WTE also says that our baby is 15 inches long and her weight is creeping up the charts as well, coming in at just over two pounds. More big news: baby may recognize our voice by now.

Some other fun stuff: this past weekend I saw her move for the first time. I noticed out of the corner (or bottom) of my eye that my stomach was making funny movements. Everytime I felt her move I could SEE her move! So fun! Last night I woke up at 12:34 am (yup today at work was hard!). I finally gave in, turned on the light and pulled out the baby listening toy I got a couple of weeks ago. I listened to her kick and punch me and finally after about 15 minutes I found her heartbeat! I just layed there and listened to it for a few minutes. So amazing!!!

I've lost a lot of my appetite. I'm eating very little in comparison to how much I've needed to eat the past few months. If I eat too much I feel like I'm going to be sick. Maybe it's because Kaydriana is starting to really take up a lot of room.

I just cannot believe there is only 3 months to go. In one sense it's not long at all, but the fact that I'm having many hard days and knowing there will be more and more as we get bigger makes me a little nervous. My sciatic nerve bugs me on almost a daily basis and now I'm worried about the days I wake up and she's sitting up in my lungs. But I also try to keep that stuff in perspective. I've got a healthy pregnancy and many people have it worse off so I should be grateful.

Oh and I'm still waiting to hear the results of my glucose test. I had to drink that thick, sugary syrupy crud yesterday. I don't really think I'll end up having gestational diabetes, but my Great Grandpa had it, my uncle and my mom have it (regular diapetes not gestational obviously)... so I suppose it's not out of the question.
Anyway, I think I've captured everything. Here is my 27 week photo:

As you can see my face is getting chubby! I'm not so happy about that, but nothing I can do. I just don't wanna dislike the maternity photos I'll be doing with my sister in March. I wish I could just work out my face and neck. Oh and a tan would be nice.... hmmmm

25 weeks

So I'm 25 weeks and I'm feeling it! Its getting harder to put my socks and gym shoes on. Thankfully my pregnancy Yoga and Pilates DVDs are helping with my back so thats nice.

Here are updated photos from today: 25 Weeks

I had a Drs appointment today. Dr. Graham says everything is going well and I look good. In two weeks I'll be going for my gestational diabetes test. I'm not worried about it at all except to say there will be a 3 hour period where I can't eat. That might be difficult... hmmmmm

Tim and I finished the nursery. Well, for the most part. The painting is totally done and so is the crib - all the hard stuff. Here are more photos:

Here is how our little princess is developing: At nine inches and more than a pound and a half in weight, your baby is taller than two juice boxes stacked one on top of the other, and almost as heavy as four of those little boxes.
Your baby's skin is turning pinker. No, not because he or she's getting overheated (in fact, the amniotic fluid is perfectly climate controlled, keeping your baby at an always comfortable temperature), but because small blood vessels, called capillaries, are forming under the skin and filling with blood. Later this week, blood vessels will also develop in your baby's lungs, bringing them one step closer to full maturity — and one step closer to taking that first breath of fresh air. But at 25 weeks pregnant, those lungs are still very much works in progress. Though they are already beginning to develop surfactant, a substance that will help the lungs expand after the baby is born, the lungs are still too undeveloped to sufficiently send oxygen to the bloodstream and release carbon dioxide when she exhales.

The lungs aren't the only system that's gearing up for air intake. Your baby's nostrils, which have been plugged up until now, are starting to open this week. This actually allows your little one to begin taking practice breaths. (Of course since there's no air in there, your baby is really only "breathing" amniotic fluid, but it's the practice that counts, right?)

Kydriana has been kicking me like crazy the last two days. Its pretty cool and still catches me off guard. I'm so looking forward to the foot in the ribs ;)

What a day!

So I had today off as my MLK day and was looking forward to running a few errands and then relaxing. But that didn't begin to happen until 7:30 tonight.

The first order of business was going to the DOL since I lost my ID a month ago. I tried to do it online, but had to update my address as well so they make you come in to do it. Then I was going to go to Bellevue Square to spend my Bump gift certifcate and finally quench my craving of Cinnabon Cinnamon rolls. Last order of business was to go pick up a crib my friend was giving us. Sounds easy enough, right? Pfft.... yeah right.

So I completely do my hair and make up for the sake of my licence photo-something I hate doing on my day off. I get to the DOL and it's closed. Like shut down for good. They refer me to another facility in the city but I don't have a GPS or internet on my phone. So I decide to give up. Screw it. I have my passport and a paper copy of my license-I'll do it some other day.

I head to the mall and try on a bunch of skirts with my GC. I had to buy a large :( Stupid skinny pregnant boutiques. The skirt was $105!!!! But thats all I could find that I needed. Thankfully my GC covered the cost. I asked the employee if she can point me in the direction of Cinnabon and she said that its right across from the store. All I see is a white wall. I said, "really?" She looked and exclaimed that it looks like its been shut down. WHAT!? I finished my transaction and felt the overwhelming feeling of sorrow come over me. I became depressed. I've been craving a delicious warm, gooey Cinnamon roll for three weeks! I decided to get a slice of Dulce de Leche cheescake from Cheesecake Factory as a consulation. But I vow to find the perfect cinnamon roll to take care of my cinnamon, butter, frosting craving!

Tim calls me and I tell him I'm giving up on the DOL. He talked me out of it, after all, he also need a CDL book. So he sent me directions to the still open DOL. *SIGH* Thankfully it wasn't a long wait. It just stunk in there.

So I finally get home and Tim and I head out to his parent's to get his dads truck to head to Seattle to pick up a new (to us) crib. We already had one from his sister. However the one we were getting from my friend was white (which I preferred) and a convertable bed. We pick it up with no incident and get home. We were going to take apart the other one and bring it to his parents for them to sell. Well, Tim didn't have the right tools so he decided we'll just sell it. We drive all the way back to his parents to drop off their truck. On the way home we stop by Lowes to pick up crib screws, picked up Red Robin for dinner and make it home. Tim rebuilds our old crib so I can take photos of it to put on Craigs list. Thats when I discovered the crib that we've had is also convertable. Anyway we clean off the new crib and start putting it together. Turns out the screws don't work, we don't have the directions and it's just not working.... Grrrr. Theres nothing else we can do. So we take it back a part, take it back down stairs and start moving our original crib back up stairs. What a waist of time, effort and money!
We decided we will pain the other crib white. Great! More money to spend, more effort (to paint) and now we gotta figure out what to do with the "new" crib.

Seriously today was SO ANNOYING! Oh and if anyone wants to come bring a Cinnabon Cinnamon roll I'll be eternally grateful!

24 Weeks

Wow, I’m 24 weeks – that means I only have 16 weeks to go, which is only 4 months!

There is still lots to do, but we have plenty of time. I “finished” painting the nursery this weekend. Tim might claim he helped me, but if you compare his 15 minutes of help to my 5 hours of work, I don’t think saying “we painted” is really accurate :). And when I say “finished” I think I want to add a 2 inch brown trim between the pink and green on the walls. But I’ll tackle that later.

Although Tim’s sister gave us a nice crib that both of her kids used, my friend wants to give us her daughters convertible crib that converts from a crib to a big girl bed. We’re going to pick it up this weekend.

The crib set I ordered was on back order so we should be getting that in the next two weeks. We have registered for and still need a glider, a swing, book case and changing table for the nursery to be considered, “complete”. Oh and I still need to get shelves and the valance in place… hmmmm I’m sure I can add a lot more to my “to do” list.

Here are some pictures of our progress:

My grandma, lil sis and I went to the fabric store this weekend to pick out fabric for the baby quilt. My grandma has made quilts for all of her grand kids for their 18th birthday. And although I’d like to think she’ll be around for all of her great grandchildren’s 18th birthday, she makes them a quilt for when they’re born. She does an amazing job and I’m excited to see this finished quilt.

Overall I’m feeling really good. I feel energetic although I still love my naps if I can fit them in! The only problem I’m having is my sciatic nerve in my back. Some of you may recall when I was in high school (and a few times after) my legs would give out and it would be pretty painful and have trouble walking. Well it’s back with a vengeance. I know what causes it: picking up anything with a bit of weight to it. When I did a lot of furniture moving and painting during my vacation, my back was out for the next day and a half. When I finished painting on Saturday it bugged me a bit on Sunday. It worries me a little bit that I still have 4 months to go and I’ll only be getting bigger which would put my pressure on my back.

Speaking of getting bigger I’ve already gained 23 pounds! And boy do I feel it! I gained a lot of weight during my vacation because I was pretty sedentary, made myself a heaping breakfast every day and made elaborate dinners. Oh and I had TONs of holiday treats to eat. I huff and puff going up the stairs and since I’ve always been active and in shape, I’m really not liking this extra weight. The last week and ½ I’ve been a lot more active and not indulging as much. I know I can’t realistically lose weight but I’m gonna try and slow down the gain.

Here is the baby update:

At eight inches and slightly over a pound, your baby is the size and shape of a small doll when you are 23 weeks pregnant. This week marks the beginning of some serious weight gain. Your baby's weight in the next four weeks alone should double (and you may feel as though yours is too).

You have probably heard your developing baby's heartbeat through a Doppler a number of times already but by now you can also hear it through a standard stethoscope. What a heart throb!

Your baby's skin is reddish in color now because of the developing blood vessels underneath (remember, the skin is very thin still). It also hangs loosely from his or her little body at this point. That's because the skin grows faster than the fat develops during fetal growth. But don't worry. By the time your baby is born, he or she will be pleasantly plump and filled out — from chubby cheeks to chubby toes.

23.5 weeks