Another uneventful doctor's appointment :(
I guess uneventful is better than bad, but not nearly as good as hearing some changes. Wouldn't it have been wonderful to show up yesterday and hear that I am 4 cm dialated and it's time to go to L&D and have a baby?!?! Well, that would have been nice but there was no such news.
I am still status-quo from last week....1 cm dialated, still about 75% effaced, and baby is still -2 station. So no change was reported.
No change in my belly measurement either...which is ok according to the doctor because of shifts in the uterus. We still scheduled another ultrasound for next week to do a final check on her size and amniotic fluid.
So, now we're just in the countdown. I'm running up and down the stairs in hopes of making more productive contractions and any other little thing I can come up with! I assume that no matter what I do, she will come when she's ready. Now, if only I could convince her "it's time"...???
Friday, October 26, 2007
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Full Moon...????
Well, I have my fingers crossed. Although it's not exactly "time" for Raegan to make her début, it is technically "legal" for an early appearance!!
I was born 2 weeks early...soooo....since tomorrow marks 2 weeks AND.....
Tomorrow the 25th (or the 26th...there seems to be conflicting information) is the full moon for the month, I wonder if that will help my body decide that it's time for labor? On top of the fact that it is going to be a full moon, it is also the point in the year where the moon is the closest to the Earth and has the strongest gravitational pull!!
Could this be reason for hope that I can be "comfortable" again? I don't want to anticipate too much because then it just becomes a let-down, BUT it will be interesting to see if the phase of the moon and the 2 week mark are any indication of upcoming events!
Also, twice this week I thought for sure if things progressed as they were, we were having a baby! Both Sunday night and Monday night (and most of both of those days) I was having very frequent and painful contractions along with some harsh pressure. Now, I've started cramping! All good signs that things could be coming to and end...or beginning...soon!
We'll see what the doctor says tomorrow!! Any changes???? hhhmmm..... I wonder....
I was born 2 weeks early...soooo....since tomorrow marks 2 weeks AND.....
Tomorrow the 25th (or the 26th...there seems to be conflicting information) is the full moon for the month, I wonder if that will help my body decide that it's time for labor? On top of the fact that it is going to be a full moon, it is also the point in the year where the moon is the closest to the Earth and has the strongest gravitational pull!!
Could this be reason for hope that I can be "comfortable" again? I don't want to anticipate too much because then it just becomes a let-down, BUT it will be interesting to see if the phase of the moon and the 2 week mark are any indication of upcoming events!
Also, twice this week I thought for sure if things progressed as they were, we were having a baby! Both Sunday night and Monday night (and most of both of those days) I was having very frequent and painful contractions along with some harsh pressure. Now, I've started cramping! All good signs that things could be coming to and end...or beginning...soon!
We'll see what the doctor says tomorrow!! Any changes???? hhhmmm..... I wonder....
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Pumpkins!!!
Grant carved his pumpkin today.......well, not exactly, but he tried. Check out the photos! Oh, and the "baby pumpkin" - it's Raegan's :)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Full Term!!!!!! Uneventful appointment...
Yippie!! Hooray!!! WooHoo!! Yeehaw!!!
That should be enough interjections (is that right MIL? I had to Google for 20 minutes to figure out if that was the right part of speech!! haha) to let everyone know how excited we are to say I made it to full term! Technically, Raegan is fully baked and is just "keeping warm" now until her arrival. So, that means that from today on, I can start jumping up and down to shake this girl out!! hahaha So, I won't really be doing that, but it's a nice thought, right?
I had my 37 week appointment today. First off, let me start by saying..."I graduated". Now, as nice as this might be for some people, it was kind of sad for me. Weird? Well, that means that the nurse had to slide the large weight marker on the scale to the next level! Yes, that's right folks...I've hit 150! That was right after lunch though, so it doesn't really count, right? :) It's all good though. The only weight I'm carrying is this little girl and the mess that comes with it. And, its all right up front, so I'm sure it will melt away quickly. That puts my total weight gain to 34 pounds!! Yikes! I'm not supposed to pass 35 technically so maybe I better put the Little Debbies away?!?!? ........................ Nah..... :)
My blood pressure was perfect as normal and this week, Raegan's little heart was beating at a steady 145 bpm. I lost the bet terribly this time as I guessed 137! Fundal height is still behind as usual - 34 cm instead of 37. But, that is up a cm from last week, so I'm still growing right...just behind. I asked the doc if she thought I would have trouble giving birth vaginally...she doesn't "think" so, but one can never tell until your "knee deep" anyway. Talked about the contractions and how intense they are getting these days...but still irregular. My exam results:
Still 1 cm dialated...but loose...so a slight change there
Still about 80% effaced so no change there
Baby dropped from a -3 to a -2 station....she's LOW and ready to go!
Doc says that the contractions are not changing my cervix right now but they are pushing her down further and furth. Hence the pain and the extreme pressure "down there"! Totally normal she says and the ever-encouraging "you can do it...you're almost done" phrase.
We also talked about induction and going past my due date. Basically, for my situation, if I don't go into labor naturally by 41 weeks, they'll induce. So, I could potentially have another MONTH to go! Yikes! I pray not! I'm ready NOW!!!! I guess it doesn't matter when the mom is ready though....
I'll post some 37 week belly photos in a bit although things are looking pretty much the same here. Maybe we can come up with some creative shots this weekend...?!?!? One never knows!
That should be enough interjections (is that right MIL? I had to Google for 20 minutes to figure out if that was the right part of speech!! haha) to let everyone know how excited we are to say I made it to full term! Technically, Raegan is fully baked and is just "keeping warm" now until her arrival. So, that means that from today on, I can start jumping up and down to shake this girl out!! hahaha So, I won't really be doing that, but it's a nice thought, right?
I had my 37 week appointment today. First off, let me start by saying..."I graduated". Now, as nice as this might be for some people, it was kind of sad for me. Weird? Well, that means that the nurse had to slide the large weight marker on the scale to the next level! Yes, that's right folks...I've hit 150! That was right after lunch though, so it doesn't really count, right? :) It's all good though. The only weight I'm carrying is this little girl and the mess that comes with it. And, its all right up front, so I'm sure it will melt away quickly. That puts my total weight gain to 34 pounds!! Yikes! I'm not supposed to pass 35 technically so maybe I better put the Little Debbies away?!?!? ........................ Nah..... :)
My blood pressure was perfect as normal and this week, Raegan's little heart was beating at a steady 145 bpm. I lost the bet terribly this time as I guessed 137! Fundal height is still behind as usual - 34 cm instead of 37. But, that is up a cm from last week, so I'm still growing right...just behind. I asked the doc if she thought I would have trouble giving birth vaginally...she doesn't "think" so, but one can never tell until your "knee deep" anyway. Talked about the contractions and how intense they are getting these days...but still irregular. My exam results:
Still 1 cm dialated...but loose...so a slight change there
Still about 80% effaced so no change there
Baby dropped from a -3 to a -2 station....she's LOW and ready to go!
Doc says that the contractions are not changing my cervix right now but they are pushing her down further and furth. Hence the pain and the extreme pressure "down there"! Totally normal she says and the ever-encouraging "you can do it...you're almost done" phrase.
We also talked about induction and going past my due date. Basically, for my situation, if I don't go into labor naturally by 41 weeks, they'll induce. So, I could potentially have another MONTH to go! Yikes! I pray not! I'm ready NOW!!!! I guess it doesn't matter when the mom is ready though....
I'll post some 37 week belly photos in a bit although things are looking pretty much the same here. Maybe we can come up with some creative shots this weekend...?!?!? One never knows!
Monday, October 15, 2007
a LONG weekend.....
Friday - we had a contractor come to the house to install a storage door under our stairs. Totally excited about this concept except for paying him to do the work :( but still, we'll have lots of room to store all the Christmas stuff, plus all the other random computer equipment that has nowhere to live! YAY! The only problem...I'm feeling extremely tired and rather unpleasant. It's just that point in pregnancy where I'm ready to be done and there's nothing I can do about it but be uncomfy and wait. So, I lay down on the couch for a while and watch the work but decide I need to go upstairs and lay down for a bit. I get about an hour nap before it's time to come check the work and pay the contractor. When I get up all I keep hearing is how awful I look and flushed in the face I am. Other than just being woken up from a nap and still being tired, I feel fine. Take my temp anyway and I am running a low-grade fever (100.0) ?!?! Don't know where that's coming from or why since I feel ok (not sick, just tired) so I drink fluids and ignore it. I stay down for most of the day and and keep an eye on my temp. It hovers around 99.5 - 100.0 for most of the day...go figure?!?!
Bed-time - Sleeping has been a trick the last couple weeks. I'm uncomfortable and having the craziest dreams which wake me up constantly. I am determined to sleep well tonight. I'm still feeling warm and exhausted but otherwise not feeling sick at all.....I pass out at around 12:30 am and hope for a good nights sleep. Around 3:30 the worst thing in the world happens! I threw up in my sleep and choked!! There was no point where I woke up not feeling good or anything...I just woke up to vomit!! YUCK!! I'm sure I scared Scott to death when I reached for him gasping for air...scared me to death, that's for sure! Things settled down after a few minutes and I tried to get comfy and go back to sleep. I felt a few reassuring kicks from the covers and knew Raegan must be ok and annoyed at the sleeping disturbance! (me too sweetie)
Saturday - Time to wake up and have some breakfast. I stayed in bed for a while not wanting to wake anyone up but noticed that I wasn't getting the normal "feed me" kicks that I usually do. I decided it was time to get up and get something to eat......figured I'd pump us up with some sugar to get some reaction from Raegan. 2 poptarts and some hot chocolate later, I didn't get much wiggly action :( ????? I'm starting to get a little worried but not overly anxious yet....I hop in the shower and that normally excites this little one but not today! Time to lay on the couch with a big bottle of water and start kick counts! I am getting 10 movements in an hour, but something still isnt right?? They are faint movements instead of the regular gut-wrenching ones and they are few and far between as opposed to the non-stop action I've been getting. Lunch time...maybe I can eat something again and wake her up. I'll eat some of her favorites and see what that does. Absolutely nothing! This girl just isn't interested in waking up for me! Based on the way I was feeling yesterday and the strange reaction in the middle of the night, I decide it's time to call the doctor. And, of couse, just as I expected, it's time to go to Labor and Delivery to get checked out.
Labor and Delivery - The doctor orders a non-stress test to monitor the baby's heartbeat, movements, and any contractions that I'm having. I get set up in a room, hooked to the monitor and begin watching. Raegan is perfect! Little Stinker!!! Her heartrate is right on target and it accelerating just like it's supposed to. As a matter of fact, she passes within the first 5 minutes! But....the nurse is a pinch worried....I'm having contractions about every 2-3 minutes again!! lol I didn't even know it! Time to check with the doctor on this one. Although I'm 36 weeks, it's still the gray area where we want to wait another week before letting this girl out! Doc comes right in and checks me out. Nothing has changed from Thursday's appointment so obviously these contractions aren't doing much. Also, I can't feel them very much (some I can really feel, but mostly not at all) so she says, go home, hydrate, take it easy, and come back when you can FEEL these things...then it will be time to meet your baby! Wow! So close to time to meet her! In the mean time, if I ever feel like I'm not getting a lot of movement out of her, don't hesitate to call. They would be happy to monitor me every day if I want! That place is awesome!!!
Sunday - I wanted to get a lot of work done around the house on Saturday but that didn't happen thanks to a little stinker so today's the day to get cleaned up around the house and get ready for this baby. Time to pack a hospital bag, put the storage containers under the stairs, get the spare bedrooms ready, etc. I worked some, rested some, worked some more, and rested some more. Lots of wiggly, painful kicks and pokes today so that was very reassuring. I don't know what was up with her yesterday, but glad that she's back to normal today!
The Call - My mom called Sunday evening. I was in the garage cleaning up the Crayola Paint stuff that Grant has been playing with the day before. Scott comes out and hands me my cell phone..."It's your Mom, it's not good news...." I put the phone to my ear and hear dogs going crazy and a lot of screaming. I wait, now scared to death...what in the world is happening over there?!?!?! Things calm down and I wait to hear what in the world has happened over there. I assume one of the Danes must have turned on Chloe or something....My mom says: "Alice called today...." My Uncle Tom (her hubby) suffered a stroke in April and hasnt quite recovered yet...I thought for sure that something had happened to Uncle Tom. "Aunt Liz died today....."
Aunt Liz is my Dad's youngest sister. We don't know much at this point. Only that she wasn't feeling well on Sunday morning and they ended up called for an ambulance. Her daughter Beth Ann called from the hospital and let my Aunt Alice know what had happened. :(
Please send some prayers our way...this was completely unexpected and so difficult to believe. I'm now struggling with the fact that I'm full term and can't leave the area without the risk of delivering so I won't be able to make it to the funeral. I want to be there for my family but also have to know what's best for my daughter.
Here are 2 dragonflies.....one for my Dad and one for Aunt Liz.....may they both now know the beauty of their new bodies together and share in joys with each other until we are all reunited again one day....
36 Week Appointment & Ultrasound
Thursday was my weekly doctor's appointment to check everything out, along with a scheduled ultrasound to check Raegan's size relative to my fundal height measurement since it was a little small.
The ultrasound was first and I must say, I was quite pleased with how it turned out in comparison to last time. I thought for sure that we wouldn't see much of anything since she must be squished...but boy was I wrong. Silly girl pushed up into my uterus a little further than before to give a great view of her face! :) How nice. We did measurements first since that was the reason for the u/s. All was well which was excellent news. She weighed in at approximately 5 pounds 9 ounces and measured over-all at a pinch under 36 weeks...she's just a petite girl! Her individual measurements were as follows: Head - 36 weeks; Abdomen - 34 weeks; Femur bone (upper leg) - 33 weeks. So she's a bit skinny and pretty short, but has a "big head" :) My amniotic fluid levels were perfect....6-12 cm is normal for this stage and I was 12! Can't beat that! Raegan was kind enough to hold relatively still for most of the ultrasound so it gave us the ability to get really good measurements and a chance to stare at all of her features! It was so cute...she yawned while we were watching her!!!! Gosh, I just can't wait to meet this girl for real! The 4-D photos we got were amazing even though she is starting to look a little squashed. I'm sure she's as ready to stretch out and meet us as we are to meet her (well, at least I like to tell myself that, although she probably really would rather stay warm and comfy inside of me...)
Then for my vitals....weighed in at 148!! Gosh, I'm about to "make the jump" to the next bottom bar on the scale! YIKES! 30 pounds?!?! Still totally normal but WOW! I definitely beat their guess of only gaining like 15-20 pounds! I must say that I have no idea where that weight is though b/c I'm only carrying in the front without extra fat anywhere that I can find AND my belly is measuring little?!?! So who knows...but as long as we're both healthy, who cares! My blood pressure was 110/70, so it's starting to climb back to a bit more normal level instead of almost non-existant and baby's heartbeat was 138 .
Off to see the doctor now....a short and sweet visit. She was happy with the measurements of the ultrasound. Although some of her is measuring behind, she isn't worried because that is how it's always been and a normal growth pattern for her. She is in the 26th percentile for babies her age, so doing well :) I was checked and moved to 80% effaced and 1 cm dialated. So, back in a week for another recheck; and if we still haven't meet this girl by 39 weeks, we'll do another ultrasound just to check everything out one more time. Hopefully I'll have her in my arms before then though!!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Appointment tomorrow...
Hey all! Sitting here in pain, wondering how long I'm going to carry this little turkey around before it's time for her arrival. Right now, I wish I could just go push her out at this second....It's been a long couple days for me and I'm really ready to remember life without back pain.
I certainly can't say for sure what's up and when this little one is going to decide to be born, but based on the way I'm feeling, the contractions, and the horrific back pain...I'm saying it will probably be sometime soon. We'll see what the doc says tomorrow.
It's ultrasound day for us as well! Yippie! It sure will be good to see what's going on with my little girl again :) Too bad 2:00 is her regular "wiggle" time - just to make it a little trickier for the tech! hehehehehe
Also, I got a few replies to the email but I thought I would post this here too....Please let me know if you want to try to come for delivery/hospital visit, a visit once we're home, or a phone call if you're far away. Shoot me an email at grtdanez@gmail.com and let me know so I can provide directions and/or put your phone number on the list. :)
Well, I'm off to try and get some rest before tomorrow - doctor's appointment and a new CSI episode! :) lol Thursdays are busy! I'll update again tomorrow with stats from the appointment and some new photos (if I can remember the CD - AND if she still fits on the screen! lol)
I certainly can't say for sure what's up and when this little one is going to decide to be born, but based on the way I'm feeling, the contractions, and the horrific back pain...I'm saying it will probably be sometime soon. We'll see what the doc says tomorrow.
It's ultrasound day for us as well! Yippie! It sure will be good to see what's going on with my little girl again :) Too bad 2:00 is her regular "wiggle" time - just to make it a little trickier for the tech! hehehehehe
Also, I got a few replies to the email but I thought I would post this here too....Please let me know if you want to try to come for delivery/hospital visit, a visit once we're home, or a phone call if you're far away. Shoot me an email at grtdanez@gmail.com and let me know so I can provide directions and/or put your phone number on the list. :)
Well, I'm off to try and get some rest before tomorrow - doctor's appointment and a new CSI episode! :) lol Thursdays are busy! I'll update again tomorrow with stats from the appointment and some new photos (if I can remember the CD - AND if she still fits on the screen! lol)
Saturday, October 6, 2007
35 weeks...it's almost here!
Week 35 hit on Thursday! It's hard to believe that there are only a mere 5 weeks left until my due date! The time will be here before we know it that we'll be walking out of the door as a family of three and back through the door as 4! Amazing.....
Thursday also brought my another doctor's appointment. My weight is excellent, although I'm nervous to watch the scale climb. I gained 5 pounds in the 2 weeks since my last appointment. That is 3 more than normal, but no worries there. I'm still in the low 20's for weight gain and every ounce of it is in my belly so the doctors are happy there. My blood pressure was the normal low 98/60 and all is good there too. Raegan's heart was pounding steady at 145 bpm (I won the bet!...Scott and I take guesses on where it is going to land) and the nurse was amazed that my belly was ALL BABY! hehe Yep, she takes up every square inch down there!
When the doc came in finally, after being called off to labor and delivery upstairs for a bit, we did my exam and my Group B Strep swab. The exam showed that I've increased to about 70% effaced and am about 1/2 cm dialated!! Woohooo!!! Only 9 1/2 more to go! We also talked about the pro's and con's of an epidural and because of another procedure that I'm going to have to have done right before delivery we collectively decided that an epidural is the route to go. I was up in the air and willing to give it a go with no meds....but I don't think that will work out in the end.
Also, time for the belly measurement.....this is the :\ part of the day. Remember my last appointment included an ultrasound because my stomach was measuring about 2 weeks behind (a 31 instead of a 33 at my 33 week appointment and 30 instead of 31 at my 31 week appointment). Well, this time it is worse.....I'm now measuring 4 weeks behind. Which means, in the two weeks since my last appointment my belly hasn't grown at all even though I gained 5 pounds. This could be that Raegan isn't getting enough nutrition in the womb or that my amniotic fluid has decreased and she's running out of it.....or.....it could mean nothing and my belly is just very little because of the way I've been carrying her. It was enough of a change to make the doc seem quite nervous and want to schedule another ultrasound for next week. So, at 36 weeks I'll go back for another checkup/exam, check the results of the GBS test, and have an ultrasound done to measure my fluid levels and measure her. Depending on what we find, there may be a need to schedule an induction or it could be nothing and we'll just see what happens and progress naturally....?!?! We'll see in a few days!
Otherwise all is well here. Only a few Braxton Hicks contractions to report these days so they've slowed back down again. I bet the next time they hit hard again, it will be time to meet baby! I can hardly believe that it's almost time!! Where has this year gone?!?!
Don't forget to make your guess on her birthday and size to the right at the ExpectNet Baby Pool box! There is no money or registration required. Might want to start now instead of waiting because she could be here sooner than later........
Thursday also brought my another doctor's appointment. My weight is excellent, although I'm nervous to watch the scale climb. I gained 5 pounds in the 2 weeks since my last appointment. That is 3 more than normal, but no worries there. I'm still in the low 20's for weight gain and every ounce of it is in my belly so the doctors are happy there. My blood pressure was the normal low 98/60 and all is good there too. Raegan's heart was pounding steady at 145 bpm (I won the bet!...Scott and I take guesses on where it is going to land) and the nurse was amazed that my belly was ALL BABY! hehe Yep, she takes up every square inch down there!
When the doc came in finally, after being called off to labor and delivery upstairs for a bit, we did my exam and my Group B Strep swab. The exam showed that I've increased to about 70% effaced and am about 1/2 cm dialated!! Woohooo!!! Only 9 1/2 more to go! We also talked about the pro's and con's of an epidural and because of another procedure that I'm going to have to have done right before delivery we collectively decided that an epidural is the route to go. I was up in the air and willing to give it a go with no meds....but I don't think that will work out in the end.
Also, time for the belly measurement.....this is the :\ part of the day. Remember my last appointment included an ultrasound because my stomach was measuring about 2 weeks behind (a 31 instead of a 33 at my 33 week appointment and 30 instead of 31 at my 31 week appointment). Well, this time it is worse.....I'm now measuring 4 weeks behind. Which means, in the two weeks since my last appointment my belly hasn't grown at all even though I gained 5 pounds. This could be that Raegan isn't getting enough nutrition in the womb or that my amniotic fluid has decreased and she's running out of it.....or.....it could mean nothing and my belly is just very little because of the way I've been carrying her. It was enough of a change to make the doc seem quite nervous and want to schedule another ultrasound for next week. So, at 36 weeks I'll go back for another checkup/exam, check the results of the GBS test, and have an ultrasound done to measure my fluid levels and measure her. Depending on what we find, there may be a need to schedule an induction or it could be nothing and we'll just see what happens and progress naturally....?!?! We'll see in a few days!
Otherwise all is well here. Only a few Braxton Hicks contractions to report these days so they've slowed back down again. I bet the next time they hit hard again, it will be time to meet baby! I can hardly believe that it's almost time!! Where has this year gone?!?!
Don't forget to make your guess on her birthday and size to the right at the ExpectNet Baby Pool box! There is no money or registration required. Might want to start now instead of waiting because she could be here sooner than later........
Friday, September 28, 2007
My Favorite Toy
Not only does this thing have the coolest motion(s), it also has 16 different songs, can swing side-to-side and front-to-back, and can turn the lights/mobile on and off!
I wish I could swing in this!!!!
A Long Absence.....
So much for me keeping up and posting regularly! Sorry everyone. I have been totally off of the computer for the last week - after being on bedrest and having the computer in my face for a week I was ready for a break!
So, last Thursday (September 20th) I had my follow-up Dr. appointment to the bedrest appointment the week before. We also got to have our ultrasound (probably the last) to confirm that Raegan is growing on track and everything is ok since my belly is measuring small. The appointment went really well and they even said that with her size and my testing (effaced still but not dialating at all) that it would be safe to get up off of the couch and enjoy the rest of my pregnancy...in moderation. So the results...off of bedrest, but still taking it easy; using the Terbutaline as needed for contractions (which have almost stopped completely again!!! YAY); and Raegan is growing right on schedule. At last appointment with the ultrasound, they measured her at 4 pounds 4 ounces (I was exactly 33 weeks). At this point, I'd say she's probably up another 1/2 pound or so...so she's probably just shy of 5 pounds now! Big Girl! :) I'm totally healthy and have completely normal weight gain...she is just soooo low that I'm measuring small. Her head has completely invaded my pelvic bone and the u/s tech actually had an impossible time looking at her because of how far down she's squished herself! But, nothing wrong with that! As a matter of fact, I assume that since she's so low, once I go into labor and reach 10 cm, the pushing part should be FAST! because of how low she is and that she is already engaging. So that's good for me.
I keep getting the question "Do you think you'll have her early?". Honestly, I wish I had the answer to that one. I really HATE not knowing what's going to happen. There is no way to tell when I am going to go into labor. One day I think that it could happen within the next three weeks. Other days I swear that I'm probably going to have to be induced 2 weeks after my due date. There is just no way of knowing and nothing that I feel indicates anything. Scott swears that I'll probably go into labor in the 20's of October. I thought that too at first, but I wasn't right about the sex so I hate to take guesses about this and then get my hopes up. I guess we'll know when she's ready. I want to hang tight and keep her baking until 36 weeks - after that, I'll totally be ready to shake her out! I'm anxious to meet this little girl! And, she is already having a tricky time fitting into my belly...so X number of weeks growing to go and I don't know what I'll do! She's actually moving my stomach from right to left now! Freaky!!! lol So, we'll see....hopefully sooner than later...but whatever is best for her is when I want her to come.
We're just about completely ready for her here at the house. This week, after the gifts and shopping adventure last weekend, we washed everything and got it all put together and put away. I'm so excited to see everything ready to go for her. It makes me want to meet her that much quicker! I've finally taken photos of her room since it's ready to go (other than the rocking chair) for everyone to see. I hope you love it as much as we do! It's so exciting to see all of that pink and purple! It's a girl...that's for sure! :)
I want to say a quick and HUGE thank you to everyone for the help and participation last weekend! I had a wonderful time and I really appreciate the outpouring with such short notice! It was so good to get out of the house and see everyone. Can't wait for our next meeting - with Raegan in arms! :)
Here's the ultrasound photos from the last 2 sessions (29 weeks and 33 weeks)! Can you believe how amazing these things are?!?!?!
29 weeks - can you see her smile :)
29 weeks - Already pouting about something?!?!
29 weeks - sleeping soundly
33 weeks - she doesn't fit on the screen anymore!
33 weeks - can you see her eyeball (dot in center of eye)?
We actually got to watch her look around! Amazing!!
Friday, September 14, 2007
Contractions, Stress, and BED!!!!!!
I really need to concentrate on updating this place more often...guess that won't be too hard now! Maybe I should start from the beginning....
As I posted earlier, I was having contractions, went to the hospital, went to the doctor, and it was determined that I'm just a "contractor" and to enjoy the discomfort until Raegan arrives! Grreeattt. Well, deal-able I guess. I mean, it could be worse! Some people have real medical problems...thank heavens neither her nor I are dealing with any of those.
So, the contractions taper off after a few days and things calm down. I try to stay in the "light activity" category, but it's hard with a busy schedule, a four year old with soccer, and a house the size of a small palace! Maybe I didn't take it easy enough?!?!?
This past Monday night (9/10...happy birthday Mom and Jenna!!!) I started feeling some pretty frequent contractions. My script for the Terbutaline had never been filled so I drank 2 large glasses of water and went to bed. Hopefully they are just Braxton Hicks and they will ease up by morning. A good nights sleep later (well, as good as an 8 month pregnant person can get) I wake up and get Grant ready to school without feeling too much. Scott and I hop in the car and off we go. I'm starting to feel uncomfortable again but hope things will calm down. I take Grant in and talk to his teacher for a minute and head back to the car in a lot more pain. Back home for more water and some breakfast...maybe that will help?? With a bowl of cereal in my hand, I have quite possibly the worst contraction I've felt yet! Time to get DOWN and get that script filled...and quick. I'm timing contractions at about 3-5 minutes apart and they're STRONG. Scott takes off for the pharmacy and I crash in bed with a phone call to the doctor. I want more info about these pills before I start popping them. The nurse says, if they don't fix the situation in an hour, to get to L&D for monitoring again! Oh shoot!
So I pop the pill and cross my fingers. They work...sort of. The contractions calm down a lot but I can still feel a few here and there. BUT, the downfall...they have a horrific side effect....increased heart rate and the shakes! It's pretty rough and it lasts for 6 hours straight!! I was rather miserable, but at least I didn't have to go to L&D! I have an appointment scheduled for Thursday and it's Tuesday so I assume I can hold out until then.
Wednesday is fill ed with sitting on the couch and taking it easy again. There is another point where I have to pop a pill :( but at least they hold the contractions at bay again and slow them down to an "acceptable" number per hour.
Yeah!!! It's finally Thursday and time to get to the doctors office. I'm extremely nervous about this visit...I feel much different than the last instance with contractions and hope that I haven't started dialating yet! There is extreme downward pressure and I can only assume it's from Raegan's head bearing down on my cervix....I hope not though!....
First weight and blood pressure...both are perfect. Then the heartbeat...although hidden at first, a strong 144 bpm :) She's doing good!!! Then time for the doctor.......
First, we start off with the very uncomfortable Fetal Fibernectin test again (swabbing my cervix to see if there is a chemical present that indicates preterm labor). They will get back to us in the morning with that test. Again, if its negative, we're in the clear for 2 more weeks. Then, it's time for the exam...gone are the days when the doc just pops her head in the door and says everything looks good and see you in a month! I'm having constant contractions through both the FFN test and now the exam...very uncomfy!!
The good news....I'm not dialating yet!!! The bad news.....I'm 60% effaced. Basically, that means that my cervix is thinning out in preparation for birth. Raegan is head down in the birthing position and very very low. My contractions are pushing her down and making my cervix thin but not dialate.
The next words out of her mouth.....bed rest! WHAT?!?! NO!! CAN'T BE!!! But yes, yes it can be. She wants me off of my feet for the next four weeks, in to visit her every week, another ultrasound next week to check the size of the baby and see how she's growing (my fundal height measurement is still about 4 centimeters too small), and to take that Terb when my contractions are more than 6 an hour. Basically, I'm allowed to get up and take care of my needs (shower, bathroom, food) and thats it. I have to keep in a more horizontal position to keep pressure off of my cervix and hope that there is no changes or dialation until 36 weeks. At 36 weeks I'm allowed off of bed rest and can start moving and shaking her out! Of course, the doctor said that Raegan will probably hold tight and be two weeks late after all of this!! I certainly hope not!! I'll be ready to see her soon after I get up...well, pretty soon.........
My stress.....there is relatively not much done. I mean, her room is basically ready...she has a crib with bedding, and the furniture but thats about it. Just a few pieces of clothing here and there and some stuff we have from when Grant was a baby, plus the essential carseat, pack and play for our bedroom, and her stroller. But I want to shop for her sooo bad!! I would love to go and pick out clothes and stuff for her!! I know a newborn only needs essentials, but what fun is it to shop for only essentials and not get to enjoy any of the fun stuff!?!? This is my first little girl and heck, just like any good mommy I want to spoil her rotten! lol Now, I have to hold tight until 36 weeks and hope I have time after that to have my fun. I even tried to convince the doc to let me head out with a wheelchair and she was pretty firm...NO! I need to be mostly horizontal...not sitting in a chair. Oh pooie!!!!!
So, everyone feel free to send me an email or hit me up on chat. I'm on the couch with my computer most of the day just trying to find things to do to keep me occupied. I'm going crazy already having to watch Scott take care of the stuff that I always do!!! I have this horrific fear that me laying here is going to cause resentment towards me or Raegan...I know it's silly and my hormones are just getting the better of me!! I just hate being a bump on a log. I guess I really do have a very important job right now....cooking this little girl a few weeks longer! I'll have plenty to do in a few weeks anyway, so I guess I'll just try to enjoy my downtime and start studying "Mommy 101 techniques"
Oh, and today, the phone call results from the test......negative :)
Until next time.......
As I posted earlier, I was having contractions, went to the hospital, went to the doctor, and it was determined that I'm just a "contractor" and to enjoy the discomfort until Raegan arrives! Grreeattt. Well, deal-able I guess. I mean, it could be worse! Some people have real medical problems...thank heavens neither her nor I are dealing with any of those.
So, the contractions taper off after a few days and things calm down. I try to stay in the "light activity" category, but it's hard with a busy schedule, a four year old with soccer, and a house the size of a small palace! Maybe I didn't take it easy enough?!?!?
This past Monday night (9/10...happy birthday Mom and Jenna!!!) I started feeling some pretty frequent contractions. My script for the Terbutaline had never been filled so I drank 2 large glasses of water and went to bed. Hopefully they are just Braxton Hicks and they will ease up by morning. A good nights sleep later (well, as good as an 8 month pregnant person can get) I wake up and get Grant ready to school without feeling too much. Scott and I hop in the car and off we go. I'm starting to feel uncomfortable again but hope things will calm down. I take Grant in and talk to his teacher for a minute and head back to the car in a lot more pain. Back home for more water and some breakfast...maybe that will help?? With a bowl of cereal in my hand, I have quite possibly the worst contraction I've felt yet! Time to get DOWN and get that script filled...and quick. I'm timing contractions at about 3-5 minutes apart and they're STRONG. Scott takes off for the pharmacy and I crash in bed with a phone call to the doctor. I want more info about these pills before I start popping them. The nurse says, if they don't fix the situation in an hour, to get to L&D for monitoring again! Oh shoot!
So I pop the pill and cross my fingers. They work...sort of. The contractions calm down a lot but I can still feel a few here and there. BUT, the downfall...they have a horrific side effect....increased heart rate and the shakes! It's pretty rough and it lasts for 6 hours straight!! I was rather miserable, but at least I didn't have to go to L&D! I have an appointment scheduled for Thursday and it's Tuesday so I assume I can hold out until then.
Wednesday is fill ed with sitting on the couch and taking it easy again. There is another point where I have to pop a pill :( but at least they hold the contractions at bay again and slow them down to an "acceptable" number per hour.
Yeah!!! It's finally Thursday and time to get to the doctors office. I'm extremely nervous about this visit...I feel much different than the last instance with contractions and hope that I haven't started dialating yet! There is extreme downward pressure and I can only assume it's from Raegan's head bearing down on my cervix....I hope not though!....
First weight and blood pressure...both are perfect. Then the heartbeat...although hidden at first, a strong 144 bpm :) She's doing good!!! Then time for the doctor.......
First, we start off with the very uncomfortable Fetal Fibernectin test again (swabbing my cervix to see if there is a chemical present that indicates preterm labor). They will get back to us in the morning with that test. Again, if its negative, we're in the clear for 2 more weeks. Then, it's time for the exam...gone are the days when the doc just pops her head in the door and says everything looks good and see you in a month! I'm having constant contractions through both the FFN test and now the exam...very uncomfy!!
The good news....I'm not dialating yet!!! The bad news.....I'm 60% effaced. Basically, that means that my cervix is thinning out in preparation for birth. Raegan is head down in the birthing position and very very low. My contractions are pushing her down and making my cervix thin but not dialate.
The next words out of her mouth.....bed rest! WHAT?!?! NO!! CAN'T BE!!! But yes, yes it can be. She wants me off of my feet for the next four weeks, in to visit her every week, another ultrasound next week to check the size of the baby and see how she's growing (my fundal height measurement is still about 4 centimeters too small), and to take that Terb when my contractions are more than 6 an hour. Basically, I'm allowed to get up and take care of my needs (shower, bathroom, food) and thats it. I have to keep in a more horizontal position to keep pressure off of my cervix and hope that there is no changes or dialation until 36 weeks. At 36 weeks I'm allowed off of bed rest and can start moving and shaking her out! Of course, the doctor said that Raegan will probably hold tight and be two weeks late after all of this!! I certainly hope not!! I'll be ready to see her soon after I get up...well, pretty soon.........
My stress.....there is relatively not much done. I mean, her room is basically ready...she has a crib with bedding, and the furniture but thats about it. Just a few pieces of clothing here and there and some stuff we have from when Grant was a baby, plus the essential carseat, pack and play for our bedroom, and her stroller. But I want to shop for her sooo bad!! I would love to go and pick out clothes and stuff for her!! I know a newborn only needs essentials, but what fun is it to shop for only essentials and not get to enjoy any of the fun stuff!?!? This is my first little girl and heck, just like any good mommy I want to spoil her rotten! lol Now, I have to hold tight until 36 weeks and hope I have time after that to have my fun. I even tried to convince the doc to let me head out with a wheelchair and she was pretty firm...NO! I need to be mostly horizontal...not sitting in a chair. Oh pooie!!!!!
So, everyone feel free to send me an email or hit me up on chat. I'm on the couch with my computer most of the day just trying to find things to do to keep me occupied. I'm going crazy already having to watch Scott take care of the stuff that I always do!!! I have this horrific fear that me laying here is going to cause resentment towards me or Raegan...I know it's silly and my hormones are just getting the better of me!! I just hate being a bump on a log. I guess I really do have a very important job right now....cooking this little girl a few weeks longer! I'll have plenty to do in a few weeks anyway, so I guess I'll just try to enjoy my downtime and start studying "Mommy 101 techniques"
Oh, and today, the phone call results from the test......negative :)
Until next time.......
Friday, August 31, 2007
30 weeks
Growing, growing, growing........
I've gained a total of 14 pounds....3 of it being her. That's 11 pounds of "other stuff" - but I can't imagine a whole lotta fat! :) That's good...keeping right on track with my recommended weight gain. See for yourself....
I've gained a total of 14 pounds....3 of it being her. That's 11 pounds of "other stuff" - but I can't imagine a whole lotta fat! :) That's good...keeping right on track with my recommended weight gain. See for yourself....
There's definitely an active, karate-lovin' little girl in there...although I wish people would stop insisting that I'm only 4 or 5 months pregnant! Yes, I AM due in 2 months...I swear! lol
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Shame on me....
This weekend, although I probably should have spent the day with my feet up, we didn't! I couldn't help it! Dave and Margo were in town [half of the in-laws (: ] and had offered to take us shopping to Babies R Us! Amazing place...I just LOVE going there and looking at all of the baby stuff. I sometimes get overwhelmed at the amount of things there! You could buy a billion dollars worth of goodies and probably not use half of them in the end!
So anyway we head off and I waddle/walk slowly around. We had our eye on the Graco Laura Ashley Canterbury Pack and Play and Travel System so we took a look. I melt at those colors and that pattern together...it's perfect for our little girl.
D & M thought so too and were totally awesome to buy them for Raegan! I know she will LOVE it! Thanks "Popple Dave" and Mamaw B!!! So, now were set with the pack and play, car seat with 2 bases (one for each car), and stroller (which, by the way, I LOVE!!! It moves around so easily and the storage and gadgets are awesome!) Check out the photos!
So anyway we head off and I waddle/walk slowly around. We had our eye on the Graco Laura Ashley Canterbury Pack and Play and Travel System so we took a look. I melt at those colors and that pattern together...it's perfect for our little girl.
D & M thought so too and were totally awesome to buy them for Raegan! I know she will LOVE it! Thanks "Popple Dave" and Mamaw B!!! So, now were set with the pack and play, car seat with 2 bases (one for each car), and stroller (which, by the way, I LOVE!!! It moves around so easily and the storage and gadgets are awesome!) Check out the photos!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Contractions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I went to the hospital on Wednesday after calling the Dr. to describe shooting pains in my pelvic area right in the center. I didn't have a clue it was contractions...just thought I wasn't feeling good?!?! Go figure. I didn't call the Dr. until 4:00 pm so they sent me straight to Labor and Delivery in the hospital for monitoring. I was hooked up by 5:00 pm (the shooting pain started around 3:00 pm or so) and immediately the nurse made a face. She stepped out of the room for a few and came right back with an injection of Terbutaline to stop my contractions! Shock! I had no idea! They were coming relatively strong every 2-3 minutes! Talk about immediately nervous. They slowed (not stopped) for about 20 minutes and immediately kicked back up again. Another injection and still no Dr.! I was getting rather annoyed by now. Another 20 minutes and the contractions are back again!
Finally the Dr. shows up at 7:00 pm and checks my cervix. It hadn't changed at all (thank heavens!). However, they wanted to do a fetal fibernectin test to make sure the contractions weren't actually preterm labor. So, that's a swab of the cervix and a 2 hour wait for the results. If there is some sort of "something" present in the test, then there is a risk of my cervix changing with the contractions. If not, then it's pretty safe to just continue dealing with the contractions (oh goodie)......2 hours later, the test came back negative! Yay...however, the contractions were still rolling at about 3-5 minutes apart. They sent me home on bedrest for the night with a prescription to make me sleep and the rule to drink a gallon of water every hour (ok, so not that much, but A LOT of water!) I came home and crashed.....without pills......and tossed and turned through some of the night with contractions. The Dr. said to come back to the office in the morning if they hadn't stopped when I woke up.
10:00 am and I'm still getting contractions....time to call the Dr. again.... They asked me to come in at 1:30 to do some more testing. When we got there, after signing in and peeing in a cup (with no waiting) they called me back. Blood pressure was fine still (110/60) but I watched my weight drop again :( They didn't say anything but I'm keeping track and I definitely don't want to see that happen (lost 3 pounds). Back to the room and the Dr. arrives...since there is a rotation of 5 Dr.'s, I updated her on what happened last night and I'm immediately sent to get a vaginal ultrasound to check my cervix. The Dr. was set to do it but decided to do a fundal height measurement first. Didn't like the look on her face when she pulled the tape measurer across my belly! She said..."You're measuring behind a bit"......how can that be?? I was just in the office a week ago for a regular checkup and I was right on target. She said it's probably because the baby has dropped! YIKES! Didn't want to hear that news!! Because of that measurement, it was time for a full ultrasound with with works in measurement!
Off to another room with the ultrasound tech to get to watch the magic. Raegan was full of herself and moving around like crazy for the ultrasound. She has had the worst case of the hiccups since I started having contractions so I got to watch her hiccup too! After 2 measurements of my amniotic fluid (because it was showing low the first time), cervix length (they measured it at 4...cervix doesn't start thinning until it's measured at 3), and baby size (she was 2 pounds 14 ounces) the tech was comfortable that all would be fine but couldn't say for sure....that's the Dr.'s call. Off to my original room (all the while, I'm changing rooms with a sheet wrapped around me from the beginning because she was going to check me by hand at first so I had to strip! lol) to wait for the Dr. and hear a plan. She said that with all of the testing that was done, she felt totally comfortable that we wouldn't see this girl for at least 2 weeks. Good thing! Her plan was to send me home with a prescription of Terbutaline pills to help ease the contractions when they were bad and to "take it easy" but not actually limited to bedrest. The more active I am, the more the contractions are going to strengthen and speed up. Not what we're looking for. She didn't like the amniotic fluid level that the tech gave her so she took me back to the ultrasound machine AGAIN for another look for herself to make sure all was ok. And it was for the third time :)
So, here I am, still having contractions, although not as frequent. There are certain things that seem to set them off like having to go to the bathroom or eating so I learn when to expect them and rest during those times. I go back to the Dr. on Thursday to follow up and decide if we need to change treatment plans and to make sure that nothing with my cervix has changed.
My due date is November 8th....I'm 29 1/2 weeks right now. Way too early to let her slip out yet. Just a few weeks at this time can make a big difference. 34 weeks or later would be ok...not good, but ok....so I have a few weeks to hold on. From what I'm reading, some people will have contractions for most of their pregnancy and with management (not bedrest) can go to full term or even later! Other people can come back with a negative fetal fibernectin and still end up in labor a week or so after the test. ?!?!? You never know what your body is going to do. Since this isn't termed "preterm labor" its what they call "irritable uterus"....basically just a pain in the butt for mothers who have to deal with contractions for weeks on end. It could change to labor at any time though so I have to be very aware of the difference in my body.
When we go to the Dr. on Thursday, I'll take another CD with me for them to burn the images from the ultrasound on again....so keep on the lookout for new photos of our girl :)
Finally the Dr. shows up at 7:00 pm and checks my cervix. It hadn't changed at all (thank heavens!). However, they wanted to do a fetal fibernectin test to make sure the contractions weren't actually preterm labor. So, that's a swab of the cervix and a 2 hour wait for the results. If there is some sort of "something" present in the test, then there is a risk of my cervix changing with the contractions. If not, then it's pretty safe to just continue dealing with the contractions (oh goodie)......2 hours later, the test came back negative! Yay...however, the contractions were still rolling at about 3-5 minutes apart. They sent me home on bedrest for the night with a prescription to make me sleep and the rule to drink a gallon of water every hour (ok, so not that much, but A LOT of water!) I came home and crashed.....without pills......and tossed and turned through some of the night with contractions. The Dr. said to come back to the office in the morning if they hadn't stopped when I woke up.
10:00 am and I'm still getting contractions....time to call the Dr. again.... They asked me to come in at 1:30 to do some more testing. When we got there, after signing in and peeing in a cup (with no waiting) they called me back. Blood pressure was fine still (110/60) but I watched my weight drop again :( They didn't say anything but I'm keeping track and I definitely don't want to see that happen (lost 3 pounds). Back to the room and the Dr. arrives...since there is a rotation of 5 Dr.'s, I updated her on what happened last night and I'm immediately sent to get a vaginal ultrasound to check my cervix. The Dr. was set to do it but decided to do a fundal height measurement first. Didn't like the look on her face when she pulled the tape measurer across my belly! She said..."You're measuring behind a bit"......how can that be?? I was just in the office a week ago for a regular checkup and I was right on target. She said it's probably because the baby has dropped! YIKES! Didn't want to hear that news!! Because of that measurement, it was time for a full ultrasound with with works in measurement!
Off to another room with the ultrasound tech to get to watch the magic. Raegan was full of herself and moving around like crazy for the ultrasound. She has had the worst case of the hiccups since I started having contractions so I got to watch her hiccup too! After 2 measurements of my amniotic fluid (because it was showing low the first time), cervix length (they measured it at 4...cervix doesn't start thinning until it's measured at 3), and baby size (she was 2 pounds 14 ounces) the tech was comfortable that all would be fine but couldn't say for sure....that's the Dr.'s call. Off to my original room (all the while, I'm changing rooms with a sheet wrapped around me from the beginning because she was going to check me by hand at first so I had to strip! lol) to wait for the Dr. and hear a plan. She said that with all of the testing that was done, she felt totally comfortable that we wouldn't see this girl for at least 2 weeks. Good thing! Her plan was to send me home with a prescription of Terbutaline pills to help ease the contractions when they were bad and to "take it easy" but not actually limited to bedrest. The more active I am, the more the contractions are going to strengthen and speed up. Not what we're looking for. She didn't like the amniotic fluid level that the tech gave her so she took me back to the ultrasound machine AGAIN for another look for herself to make sure all was ok. And it was for the third time :)
So, here I am, still having contractions, although not as frequent. There are certain things that seem to set them off like having to go to the bathroom or eating so I learn when to expect them and rest during those times. I go back to the Dr. on Thursday to follow up and decide if we need to change treatment plans and to make sure that nothing with my cervix has changed.
My due date is November 8th....I'm 29 1/2 weeks right now. Way too early to let her slip out yet. Just a few weeks at this time can make a big difference. 34 weeks or later would be ok...not good, but ok....so I have a few weeks to hold on. From what I'm reading, some people will have contractions for most of their pregnancy and with management (not bedrest) can go to full term or even later! Other people can come back with a negative fetal fibernectin and still end up in labor a week or so after the test. ?!?!? You never know what your body is going to do. Since this isn't termed "preterm labor" its what they call "irritable uterus"....basically just a pain in the butt for mothers who have to deal with contractions for weeks on end. It could change to labor at any time though so I have to be very aware of the difference in my body.
When we go to the Dr. on Thursday, I'll take another CD with me for them to burn the images from the ultrasound on again....so keep on the lookout for new photos of our girl :)
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Indiana State Fair
We decided to brave the heat and check out the Indiana State Fair while we were in town. All I can say is ..... WOW ...... that was huge! I've been to county fairs before, but never anything like this. And as strange as it was to me, the fair grounds were right downtown and it was complete concrete! All the fairs I've been to have been in huge grass fields. So, it was a totally different experience, but a lot of fun. We got there at about 12:00 pm - dumb time to start walking around since it is the hottest time of day, but we managed. We met up with some folks that Scott had done work for in Charlotte and they enjoyed the day with us. 
We headed towards the rides first...Grant hit up the spinning strawberries (which came close to making Scott puke) and the big burlap sack slide (which almost killed the both of them! And Scott lost a shoe...which was quickly recovered). I wasn't able to ride anything because of my "temporary tag-along" :), so Scott had to do all the riding. No problem though...I got to take all the photos, which was cool. 
Next, we made friends with all of the animals, and boy were there bunches of 'em! Horses, sheep, pigs, cows...oh, and the occasional elephant ;) (more to come on that in a bit). Grant loved checking out all of the animals and making lots of noises...talking to them I guess?!?! The horse here on the right was hilarious. She spent about 10 minutes letting us scratch her through the bars and rubbing against us. She was quite the ornary thing but super sweet too! Made me want to take another one home again. Boy, do I miss horses! After the horses we hit up the cow building - poor things were all so hot and pitiful. Grant was definitely a fan of the cows! I think he would have taken one with him if he could have. Talk about fresh milk! lol
After hitting up the animal barns, we headed (with a LONG walk) to the Riley Fun Park for kids to check out the rides there. We found exactly what we were looking for at the first turn into the 
park. The Pony Rides!!!! Grant was looking forward to being able to ride the animals they had there so we induldged. I thought it was a little lame...but it was only $3 so I guess you get what you pay for?!?! He was tossed up in saddle and off he went for a one lap around the fence. He loved it! All smiles the whole time. But, then the BIG event...the event Grant had been waiting for since we got to Indiana.....
park. The Pony Rides!!!! Grant was looking forward to being able to ride the animals they had there so we induldged. I thought it was a little lame...but it was only $3 so I guess you get what you pay for?!?! He was tossed up in saddle and off he went for a one lap around the fence. He loved it! All smiles the whole time. But, then the BIG event...the event Grant had been waiting for since we got to Indiana.....DUM DUM DUM!!!!
THE ELEPHANT RIDE
Just imagine, a little four year old boy walking up to an elephant and getting a chance to ride one! Well, doesn't sound so exciting to us grown-ups, but let me tell you that this was one of the highlights of the day. I think Scott was a little grossed out by the concept at first, but honestly, those elephants are probably cleaner than our dogs! lol They are constantly getting hosed off and scrubbed down. Anywho, Grant and I got
in line to ride the elephant. I thought for sure I'd be able to ride with him...how dangerous could riding an elephant in an enclosed seat be? More than I thought I guess because the lady taking the money immediately kicked me out of line! lol So I called Scott over and sent him on the elephant. Again, not something I think he favored, but gladly took Grant. It was an awesome experience for the two of them. Grant had a great time and was totally enthralled. Scott enjoyed himself more than he expected too! It was a pretty amazing concept.
in line to ride the elephant. I thought for sure I'd be able to ride with him...how dangerous could riding an elephant in an enclosed seat be? More than I thought I guess because the lady taking the money immediately kicked me out of line! lol So I called Scott over and sent him on the elephant. Again, not something I think he favored, but gladly took Grant. It was an awesome experience for the two of them. Grant had a great time and was totally enthralled. Scott enjoyed himself more than he expected too! It was a pretty amazing concept.
You can see by the photo above that Grant got to feed some of the baby animals. Check out his face...you'll know he loved that! The baby cows also loved the food, so it was a good trade off. Although, I should have taken a picture of what happened after Grant was done feeding the cows.....hahahaha! Lets just say that he was grossed out and ran to wipe his hands on the first thing he could find - which happened to be his Dad's shirt! LOL We caught him in time though and took him to the hand washing station! hehe This doesn't surpise me at all with Grant though - that little boy doesn't like to be dirty!
On the way out, we used up our last tickets to ride the ferris wheel. Scott stayed ground level while I rode with Grant. No one kicked me off of this one and I figured that it was as safe as a ride could get. Although I hate heights it was neat to see the ride from a child's eyes for the first time. Grant LOVED the "big wheel"!!! The higher we were the more fun he was having. We actually stopped at the top for a while so he enjoyed the view.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Sweltering in Indiana
Let me tell you - the Bartlett family are travelers! I sure hope this little girl can keep up with us!
Last week, Scott, Grant, and I went to Richmond, VA for work and then from there shipped off for the day to Washington DC. We had a great time visiting Jenna for the night and hope she didn't mind that we stole her bedroom! We didn't get to DC until later in the evening so we hung at the apartment for a bit and decided on Japanse for dinner. YUM! Oh, and also...HILARIOUS! They were completely prepared for kids at that place. Grant got an awesome pair of plastic chopsticks and a cool Japanese fan to play with. Then, the cook came out....well, Grant was his favorite person at the table to pick on! He was teasing him throughout the meal, squirting pretend ketchup on him (and for anyone that knows Grant, that did not go over well with him until he realized it was fake), and scaring him over the back of his chair (luckily I caught him or else he would have face-planted to the ground) when he lit the grill on fire! Grant was totally a good sport about the whole thing though and had a great time. He is STILL talking about it! After dinner, we took off for the city to take a mini-tour at night. We drove straight through the historic area with all of the monuements and statues and made it to the end in front of the Capital Buidling. We got out of the car and walked around the area and took a photo or two. But that was as far as we could sight-see....lets just say our trip got cut short due to a VERY funny issue and we had to head back to the apartment. (If you're interested in the story, just ask Scott....didn't figure I would publish that on here...) We visited for the rest of the evening and just went to bed. Jenna got a chance to make friends with Raegan through my belly and even got kicked a little! :) We headed back home in the morning...only for a short overnight stay before our flight to Indiana.
Now, here we are, enjoying the obnoxious heat wave that has swept through the country here in Indiana. We're here for 8 days while Scott is in training and then a few days of R&R during the weekend. We're going to take Grant to the Indiana State Fair this weekend which should be a lot of fun...as long as the heat simmers down some. I'll get some photos of our outings! Raegan doesn't know what she's missing out here! Can't wait until she's here to enjoy the weather - and adventures - with us!
My mom is coming to Charlotte on Monday morning to pick us up from the airport and then off to the house to paint the nursery. It will be nice to finally get some color on the walls and the stuff set up in there. We've been avoiding doing anything until the paint is up so I'm anxious to get started.
In the mean time, here are some of the photos that we've taken in the last week! :) Enjoy...
The Capital Building at night...
Grant with the Captial Building...which he thinks should be lower case! lol
Week 26 and 6 days belly photo! We're getting there Baby!
Grant with his baby sister
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