Baby BB has arrived!

Asher is here!



Asher arrived Friday, November 4 at 9:31 pm. He weighed 8 lbs 11 ½ oz. and was 22 inches long. I went into labor on Thursday around 6 pm. My contractions started around 7-10 minutes apart and at around 11 pm got to 5 minutes apart. We called my Sister-In-Law to come to our house and stay with the older kids. I called the midwife on call to ask her when she wanted me to come in. I could still walk and talk through the contractions but the midwives had advised me to come in as soon as I thought I was in real labor since we live an hour away from the hospital.

The midwife on call told me she wanted me to come in and at least get checked. Our bags were already packed so once Sister-In-Law arrived we left. My contractions were still 5 minutes apart.

When we arrived around 1 am I got wheeled up to the Alternative Birth Center (ABC) to be checked. I was at 5 cm so the nurse was calling my midwife in. Eric and I decided to walk to halls to see if we could get my contractions to pick up. We walked for about a half an hour before my midwife arrived. She said what we were doing was good and also suggested bouncing on the ball. I tried that when I got tired of walking but my contractions stayed 5 minutes apart.

My midwife suggested I try to rest while I could so Eric and I decided to sleep for a bit. It was hard to sleep because the nurse had to check Asher’s heart rate every half an hour. I think I ended up sleeping around 1 ½ hours. When I woke up around 5 am my midwife wanted to check me again and I was closer to 6 cm and 80% effaced. This was frustrating to me because my contractions were not picking up. I felt like I stalled and they would send me home. My midwife assured me she would not send me home because I was in labor.

My mom arrived around 7 am and Eric slept more while she and I talked and laughed while I alternated walking and bouncing on the ball. The first midwife left and my second midwife arrived. She said she would check me around two and suggested I try nipple stimulation to get things moving. I bounced on the ball in the shower for a while and it seemed to pick things up a bit.

My midwife checked me again around two and I was at 6-7 and still 80% effaced. I was definitely getting very frustrated at this point. A student midwife accompanied the midwife at this point and they suggested castor oil or breaking my water. Eric and I talked about it a little bit and I decided I’d rather have my water broken than deal with diarrhea and contractions. The student midwife attempted to break my water for about 5 minutes before I got angry and asked for someone who knows what they are doing to break it. My midwife broke my water around 3 pm Friday, on the first try and she said it was nice, clear fluid.

This is when things finally started to progress. My contractions came harder and stronger and I wanted to get into the tub. The nurse filled up the tub and I got in. I leaned against the side while Eric put a cold washcloth on my head and the student midwife poured water down my back. During my contractions I zoned out and relaxed, my mom and Eric both said I looked so peaceful. They were impressed with how I was handling my contractions.

Around 6:30 I wanted out of the tub because I was uncomfortable. I got out and had to go to the bathroom. Everyone helped me out and dried me off. I went to the bathroom and had a hard contraction. When I was done I wanted to lay down, I was so exhausted because I had been up over 24 hours. I got into the bed and this is where things get hazy. My midwife checked me again and I was at 8 cm, I was so mad because I was in serious pain by now. I started crying and lost my focus. Eric and my mom tried to calm me down.

My contractions were hurting so bad I started thrashing in the bed looking for any position to relieve the pain. My back never stopped hurting so even in between contractions I was in terrible pain.

This is when I started making noises and begging for drugs. My mom and Eric reminded me of all the reasons I wanted to have a natural birth, encouraged and praised me along with the midwives and nurses.

I decided to go to the bathroom again or maybe someone told me to, I can’t remember. I regained some of my focus in the bathroom and made it through a few contractions on the toilet and on the floor.

This is when I remember the most amazing nurse coming in to help. She came in and said “You CAN do this, you ARE doing this. Work with your body!” She gave me some motivation. I went back to the bed and soon I was ready to push. All the midwives (there were 3 now- the student, the midwife who had been there and another one to observe) were giving me ideas of how to push but they were not helping. Eventually my rock star nurse told them to let me figure it out. Once I did what I wanted things moved quickly. Eric said he was out in 10 pushes after that. My mom was at my back and Eric was ready to catch our baby.

I remember my mom telling me to look down and see the head. I opened my eyes and looked and that gave me more motivation. I was almost done. Finally I pushed his head out and with another contraction I pushed his body out. Eric immediately put the baby on me but forgot to check to see if we had a boy or a girl. He lifted baby’s leg and said “It’s a boy!” I was crying now and just looking down at this little person who I was so happy was out and here and mine.

He barely cried so I kept asking if he was okay, my midwives assured me he was. I held him and Eric and I stared at him deciding who he looked like. After the placenta was delivered my midwife told me I had a small, small tear and asked if I wanted stitches. She said I didn’t need one so I opted not to get one.

I was then able to attempt to nurse Asher. He latched on very well and it seemed like he ate and ate and ate.
Overall I had a good experience. I definitely could not have made it through without my husband, my mom and a supportive midwife team. I wanted to give up but they wouldn’t let me. I’m glad I made it through without any medications but mostly I am glad for a happy, healthy little boy. I love him SO much!

Thank you to everyone who read my story from TTC to the birth of my sweet little boy. I enjoyed being a part of a wonderful group of ladies who I wish all the best to in their journeys.

Goodbye for now,

Oops! It's been awhile...

I've tried to be really good about posting weekly to the blog but the end of this pregnancy has me going crazy! There is so much to do to prepare for baby how can I possibly blog?

Today I am 36 weeks 3 days (I think). I had my 36 week appointment on Tuesday and got some fun news! They did the GBS swab (yuck) and since they were down there anyway I asked to be checked. Guess what? 2 centimeters dilated and 50-60% effaced, yahoo! I know it *technically* doesn't mean anything BUT ask any pregnant woman and I bet she will say she was excited about any progress she had made. I figure those are 2 less centimeters I have to be in labor for.

My midwife also gave me the go-ahead to start taking Evening Primrose Oil three times a day. This will help soften my cervix. She also told me baby is facing posterior (sunny side up) which is usually the cause for some painful back labor. Great! So she gave me a sheet with ways to sit to help baby turn to the right side. I've been living in those positions since Tuesday. Back labor? No thank you!

I think I have gained between 20 and 25 pounds. I feel like a whale. I sure hope I can lose all this weight after baby is born.

Mr. BB is getting pretty excited about baby, he is always asking me whether I think baby is a boy or a girl (no idea) but will never share what he thinks (not fair)!

We can't wait to meet Baby BB. The kids are so excited! The car seat is installed, the cosleeper is set up, diapers are prepped, and the clothes are all washed. I have been nesting badly lately so hopefully I can clean/organize the whole house before this LO arrives since I know I won't be doing much cleaning with a newborn.

The nursery is not finished and I doubt it will be before Baby BB arrives. Oh well, what can you do? He/she will be sleeping in our room anyway. I am hoping we get it finished soon after LO is here though. The dry way is (FINALLY) going up this weekend. Then it will need mudding/sanding before we can paint and tile. I am actually heading over to pick out some tile right now.

Our last Bradley class is Tuesday, woo hoo! I'll also be full term then too. My Bradley instructor thinks I'll go into labor in the next two weeks, exciting!

I *will* *(at least try) to update Tuesday.

-Buttercup Bud

33 Weeks and Other Updates

So technically 33 weeks is tomorrrow, but we are close enough. As much as I don't want to wish my pregnancy away I am so uncomfortable that I am ready to be done. My ribs began hurting again this week along with my back. Usually if I sleep with a pillow underneath my ribs on the painful side it helps but now my ribs are bruised again so even that hurts! Other than that lovely symptom, I have been more fatigued lately.

In addition to the symptoms I have been nesting which Mr. BB loves! I have deep cleaned our bedroom, our bathroom, our closet, the pantry, put together our Arm's Reach Cosleeper and set up the car seat and stroller. Here is a picture of the cosleeper:



Ours is only natural not gingham like the one pictured. Imagine from

We really like the cosleeper because it attaches to our bed so our LO will be sleeping with us, but in the safety of a separate space. Since I will be breastfeeding it makes sense for the baby to be so close to me.

At my 32 week appointment baby sounded good and I measured right on track. I also did not gain any weight since my last appointment. I had the opportunity to ask the midwife all of my questions, which were a lot. I was pleased with all the answers she gave me. Since I will be giving birth in the Alternate Birthing Center (ABC) with midwives and nurses who are for natural birth the midwife agreed with everything in my birth plan. I live about an hour and ten minutes from the ABC and this is my second birth so my midwife suggested against laboring much at home. My last labor lasted 12 hours and the second labor is supposed to be quicker the midwives (and Mr. BB) don't want me delivering the baby on the highway. Luckily I will have the freedom to walk around, take a bath etc during labor which is great.

Mr. BB and I more than half way through our Bradley Birth classes. We really enjoy them and they are helping us communicate our wants/needs for L & D (mostly mine obviously) and to get prepared to any situation that could occur. We do a lot of relaxation in class and are supposed to practice it outside of class as well. Mr. BB and I try to practice as much as we can but we could be better.

I am very excited that my shower is this weekend! I can't wait to see some of my family and friends I haven't seen in awhile and to celebrate this LO. I will also be relieved that when the shower is over we can purchase the rest of the necessities and have everything ready for LO.

I half packed the hospital bag with all our clothes. I am printing out the list of what else to pack and putting it with the hospital bag so we can finish packing it as we get closer. We also made the who to call/text list. It feels good to be prepared!

I will definitely update after my shower, hopefully with some pictures. I can't wait!

Best,

30 Weeks

Belly Measurement/Weight: 30 centimeters (not inches!)/ -2lbs from last week.

Physical Progress: My belly button is definitely an outie. My daughter thinks it is because the baby's finger is poking it from the inside.

How I am feeling about my body: I have been feeling good about my body but now I am at the point where I just feel huge. When Mr. BB and I try to get intimate its awkward and frustrating. I think we are on hiatus until we try to kick-start labor around my due date.

Energy Level: I.Am.So.Tired! Like First tri tired.

Baby Movement: Still a lot of movement. Baby likes to kick both his/her feet into my bruised ribs. Baby also sticks their butt out a lot.

I had a follow up ultrasound yesterday and my fluid levels went up so no more extra monitoring! We could see that Baby B has hair which I was super excited about! He/she is still measuring in the 90% for weight. This makes me nervous for delivery! We also got to watch Baby blink and suck, so cute!

Pre-term Labor and Other Updates

Early Saturday morning I woke up around 1:45 with intense back pain. I got up and went to the bathroom hoping it was just that. After I went to the bathroom I had a contraction, which isn't abnormal for me since my BH usually happen after I go pee. Unfortunately this contraction was harder than my BH ones and after it passed I had another 5 minutes later. After lying there through another contraction I woke up Mr. BB and told him something was wrong. We placed a call to the midwife on call and headed out the door.

The midwife on call called us back when we were about to get on the highway and suggested drinking water and lying down to see if they stop. Since we were already on our way, Mr. BB stopped and got me more water since I finished up what we had brought. We waited in the gas station parking lot for a few minutes and I was still contracting every 5 minutes. We knew we needed to get to the hospital.

We arrived at the hospital and I was immediately whisked upstairs to L & D and put on the monitors. Sure enough, my contractions were showing up every 4-5 minutes. The doctor on call came in to check my cervix and it was 1/2 centimeter dilated and 50% effaced. I was SO scared I started crying and shaking uncontrollably. This hospital is the sister of the one we are delivering at and does not have a NICU, because of that I needed to be transferred to another hospital. So I got a lovely ambulance ride to the next hospital.

I was admitted immediately and the doctors came in to let me know their plan. We needed to stop my labor so I had to be given a suppository first and then a round of pills every six hours for 2 days. I also had to receive 2 steroid shots in my butt (ouch) 24 hours apart to help mature the baby's lungs incase he/she did come early.

Luckily the drugs slowed and eventually stopped my contractions and Baby BB stayed put. I had to be at the hospital for 36ish hours total for everything. Now I am on bed rest.

I went to my midwife/OB practice and had a Fetal Fibronectin and my cervix was checked again. My cervix was a teeny bit dilated but was hard and not effaced, woo hoo! The fFN came back negative which means that my chances of delivering Baby BB in the next to weeks are very low. The doctor who saw me scheduled me for an ultrasound to measure my cervical length and I had that appointment today.

The place where I get my ultrasounds is really great. The techs always tell me what they are doing/measuring and if it is normal/abnormal. Baby BB looked amazing and is totally chubby! The tech said he/she measured in the 90% for head and weight (this freaked me out my daughter was born 6 lbs 11 oz). Baby was measuring about 3 lbs 6 oz already! My BBF took me to the appointment since I am not supposed to be driving and came in the for scan with me. We both think we may have seen a boy part while the tech was scrolling through...but we will wait to see for sure when Baby BB arrives.

The good news is my cervix is measuring where it should and is closed. The okay news is that my amniotic fluid levels are on the low end of normal. The doctor at the ultrasound place wants to see me for another ultrasound next week to make sure the levels have remained the same and not decreased. I go back next Thursday for another look at my sweet pea and my fluid levels.

I am on bed rest until my doctor/midwife notifies me otherwise. I am going to call again tomorrow to see if they received my ultrasound results and if I can get off bed rest. I hope I can because bed rest sucks, really bad. Obviously if thats what I have to do to keep Baby BB in there longer then I will but oh is it boring!

As for standard updates, I feel crappy lately. I am very sore in the top of my belly and ribs and my back. I feel baby move a lot and he/she has started having hiccoughs that I can feel, so cute! I am not sure how much I weigh or what I am measuring but I'll find out for my 30 week appointment on Tuesday.

My shower is officially less than a month away and I am SO excited.

Here is to hoping Baby BB stays in until at least 36 weeks (my goal from the doctors)!

Best,

28 Weeks

Belly Measurement/Weight: 28 inches and up 2 pounds.

Physical Progress: Some of my maternity shirts are getting too short.

How I am feeling about my body: I feel good about how my body looks but physically I feel crappy much of the time. My ribs are so sore! My back hurts too so I am just uncomfortable.

Energy Level: I don't have much energy anymore. I think I am tired because I am not sleeping well at night. I do a lot of tossing and turning due to pain.

Baby Movement: With all the stress I have been under, Baby BB moves a lot! As I said before I really enjoy the movement.

I had my glucose test and I haven't heard anything, no news is good news with my Midwife but then again I only took it 2 days ago. I also started my Bradley Classes on Tuesday. Mr. BB was out of town for work (boo) so my mom came with me since she will be in the room for our labor. I really liked the Bradley instructor she was very fun but also knew what she was talking about. The other couples in our class are around our age and everyone is having a girl except for 1 other couple who are Team Green like us. We have homework already which I have yet to do!

We haven't made any progress on the nursery with everything going on which makes me anxious. We have a little less than 3 months to go! Not to mention my shower is in a month, so we will have baby stuff but no where to put it. I'm honestly not sure how we are going to get it all done. I was 8 days early with DD so I am thinking this one might be early too! If that is the case we have even less time. Ahh stress, apparently I can't get enough.

Congrats to Sassy Bud, B is so beautiful! We will surely miss you on the blog, good luck with everything.

All the best,

27 Week Update

I've been somewhat Missing In Action here because my family is going through a terrible time right now. Unfortunately, my Father-In-Law was diagnosed with Leukemia. We have been through a whirlwind these past few days and it has been hard to focus on anything, much less blogging. Right now, we don't have much information other than the diagnosis which is definitely scary. Any thoughts and prayers the Bloomin' Babies readers can spare would be much appreciated.

As far as the pregnancy, things are still moving along well. I haven't taken a picture the past two weeks so I think I am getting bigger but don't have pictures to prove it. The baby has bruised my ribs and I am in SO much pain all the time now. It really sucks, sometimes I am so frustrated by the pain I just cry. My back has started hurting as well, the one Tylenol a day just isn't helping anymore. I don't think there is anything else I can do to ease my pain though.

I feel hungry all the time but I am paranoid of gaining too much weight. I try to eat healthy but I am not sure I am doing the best job at that. I do eat a lot of cereal, lately Raisin Bran, and therefore a lot of milk. I am trying to get all the nutrients I need for the baby but it is definitely a challenge.

Our Bradley classes start next week and I am really excited. I have been reading the course book, Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way and am excited for Mr. BB to learn the techniques. The teacher seems really great through the phone calls and emails so I think we are going to learn a lot. I have to admit I am a little paranoid, they say that 97% of Bradley moms go med-free. I really don't want to be in the 3% who don't make it. I know Mr. BB will be great I am just worried I will give up. The Bradley Method is all about relaxing and I am stressing about not being able to relax through the contractions. I am sure stressing about that doesn't help, haha!

I have my Glucose test next week as well. I really hope I pass, I was fine with my daughter so I am using that to remind myself that I will probably be ok.

I will have more updates next week after my appointment. After that appointment I go every two weeks already! Sometimes I feel like I still have a long way to go but getting to appointments every two weeks makes it seem close.

All the best,

25 Week Update

Belly Measurement/Weight: As of my 24 week appointment I am up about 9 pounds and my uterus is measuring right on track!

Physical Progress: Baby is now the size of an eggplant! Baby and uterus are so big that I am having awful rib pain already! I had rib pain toward the end of 3rd tri with my daughter so I was expecting it but not this early. My remedy is basically Tylenol if it is REALLY bad otherwise I just ice it.

How I am feeling about my body: I feel good about my body, I am happy to look pregnant. I am definitely getting bigger (duh).

Energy Level: My energy has still been kind of low but I haven't been sleeping good. I just can't get comfortable, again this is SO early! I'm worried about how exhausted I am going to be when Baby BB actually arrives.

Baby Movement: Baby is still very active and definitely getting stronger. He/She likes to roll and twist around in there. The kids and Mr. BB love feeling him/her move.

I am starting to get anxious about going through the newborn phase again. I remember it with my daughter and it was insane. It is exhausting! I know we will be sleep deprived and sometimes frustrated but still have two other kids to contend with. I'm nervous about it but I know people do it all the time so we will make it through. Besides, it's all totally worth it.

I am also getting nervous about breast feeding. I did not breast feed my daughter so I am super nervous to try it with this baby. I am really hoping to be successful and enjoy it. I plan on taking a breast feeding class with Mr. BB and reading a few books on it as well. I am waiting to be further along in my pregnancy to do that though.

I have my glucose test at my next appointment, I am hoping to pass that! After the 28 week appointment we move to appointments every two weeks, CRAZY!

That's all for now!

Happy V-Day to me and Baby BB!

Yay for 24 weeks! I am super excited to hit this milestone and baby has a chance to survive should I go into preterm labor (which I doubt). I've found that dividing the pregnancy up into milestones makes it easier for me and less stressful.

Mr. BB and I registered for our shower last weekend and that was a huge relief. We have older kids so a lot of our baby stuff had been given away or like our car seats, expired. We tested out all the new gear since we haven't had a baby in 5 years, all the stuff seemed so much different! I am excited to have registered and am hoping that our family and friends get us some of the stuff we need, just so we don't end up having to purchase everything. My mom is buying the crib and Mr. BB's mom and dad will give us money for what we don't get at the shower.

In addition to that the baby's room needs to be created. Mr. BB has to frame out the room and , you know BUILD it! I reminded him that we have 100ish days and that put his butt in gear.

I have been feeling pretty good, hungry all the time and tired a lot though. It seems like I have second tri exhaustion almost. I get to 1:00 and am ready for a nap!

We have 3 top names for Baby BB but I don't want to share yet. Two girl names and a boy name though and middle names too, yay! Things are coming together.

My 24 week appointment is tomorrow so I can do the weight update and all that tomorrow.

22 Week Updates

Belly Measurement/Weight: I'm not sure, I'll find out in 2 weeks at my next appointment. Right now I think baby is about the size of a banana and pretty close to a pound.

Physical Progress: I have a very round, basketball like belly. It seems huge to me. I keep wondering how much bigger can it get? It seems like my Uterus is already up in my ribs or it is pushing something up there. At the end of the day my ribs on my right side hurt so bad! I've also had a good amount of gas and heartburn.

How I am feeling about my body: I feel pretty good. I am glad to look pregnant and still be "skinny". I get a lot of compliments which is nice.

Energy Level: Lately I have had a lot of energy until about 6:00pm and then I am done for the day.

Baby Movement: Baby BB moves around a lot in there, I love it. Now that I feel his/her movements I feel better and more relaxed than when I had to wait to hear baby's HB every 4 weeks.

This weekend is my graduation party and I am very excited! Mr. BB planned it all too. We are having a pig roast with some sides and desserts as well. It should be fun! My house is so clean, hopefully it will stay this way and when I am nesting it'll be less demanding.

Anatomy Scan

We had our anatomy scan on Thursday and it went great! Everything with Baby BB was measuring perfectly! He/she was a wiggle worm so it took the tech a few times to get all the measurements. Mr. BB almost caved and decided to find out the baby's gender but he didn't. It looks like we really won't know baby's gender until November...sigh.

Baby is very active and the other kids have enjoyed feeling him/her move around in my belly.

I think Mr. BB and I have settled on for sure boy/girl names but I don't want to share just yet!

My back has been hurting so bad the past few days. Today I caved and took a Tylenol. I haven't been sleeping well either because I can't get comfortable. It seems too early for all of this!

This is short, Mr. BB and I have a wedding to go to today and in order not to be a lame-o I want to nap!

Best,

20 Weeks

So excited to be halfway there to meeting Baby BB! I had my 20 week appointment yesterday and everything went well. Here are a few updates:

Belly Measurement/Weight: I gained 2 1/2 pounds so I am up a total of 6 1/2 since I got pregnant.

Physical Progress: I wear maternity clothes all the time and definitely look pregnant. I am pretty sure my boobs are still growing! They are so heavy too.

How I am feeling about my body: I feel great about my body, I love looking pregnant!

Cravings/Aversions: None really.

Energy Level: I am starting to get tired more again. It takes effort to go up and down the stairs. I get tired after going on walks as well. I haven't been sleeping well because I have been uncomfortable so I feel tired all the time. I definitely sleep whenever I can.

Baby Movement: Baby BB moves all the time! He/she is very active. I love it, baby moving gives me reassurance that everything is ok in there.

My anatomy scan and fetal echocardiogram is tomorrow. Originally my midwife had it schedule for July 6th but I expressed some anxiety in waiting so she moved it up! I am excited to see my baby but nervous that we will have a similar situation to my scary NT scan. I am hoping and praying that everything is normal with baby so I can stop worrying. Hopefully baby's measurements and everything are perfect and we won't need any more tests/procedures. My midwife told me that because all my other tests, the CVS and bloodwork, came back normal there is really nothing to worry about.

I keep having dreams that my baby is a girl! The last two dreams someone has taken her away from me and I spend the entire dream trying to get her back. I always do get her back at the end of the dream and she knows I am her mom. I am not sure why I keep having these dreams, I always wonder if it is a sign that we are going to have a girl since baby is always a girl. Since we are Team Green we will not know until November whether I am right or not.

I will definitely update after my scan tomorrow. Wish us luck!

18 Weeks and some thoughts...

First I will start with the usual updates:

Belly Measurement/Weight: I am not sure the correct way to measure but I measured in a line through my belly button around and it was 34 1/2 inches.

Physical Progress: Still a little round bump, I got asked today if I was expecting!

How I am feeling about my body: I am still feeling good about my body, I like to see the progression of my belly from my weekly pictures.

Cravings/Aversions: Yesterday it was chocolate milk and dill pickles!

Energy Level: It seems to have fallen a bit but I am not sleeping well. I wake up 1-2 times to go to the bathroom and a handful more because I keep ending up on my back! I hate not being able to sleep on my stomach or back.

Baby Movement: Baby seems MUCH more active this week than last week. He/she is rolling and moving all the time.

Thoughts/Feelings/Emotions: I am still enjoying being pregnant. I go from thinking wow, almost half way there! To oh my gosh I still have that long to go! I am excited for Mr. BB to be able to feel baby move soon, he has not felt baby yet.

Mr. BB and I decided not to find out if we are having a boy or a girl before we even got pregnant. How I wish we would not have made that decision because I SO want to know! It is driving me nuts not to know. Mr. BB will not let me give in and ask our midwife. She has known what baby is since 12 weeks when we had the CVS. I kind of hope that the u/s tech at our anatomy scan accidentally shows/tells us!

I have been reading a ton of books about pregnancy and birth.I went to the library and checked out 3 on birth alone. Right know I am reading 'Husband-Coached Childbirth' by Robert A. Bradley. Of course he is the founder of The Bradley Method of Childbirth. It is very interesting! I am planning on have a natural childbirth and want to be as prepared as possible.

I got something to theme the nursery off! I was in BRU and picked this up:



Our plan is to base the room off this so we will be painting the walls one of the colors off the turtle, probably the green. We will also get sheets and a bed skirt and a breathable bumper. Basically we are not going with a theme from a crib set. I am very excited since I couldn't find anything I wanted to use that was gender neutral. I feel like with these colors we can add some purples of baby is a girl or some darker blues if baby is a boy. Yay!

I hope all my fellow buds are doing well!

17 Week Update

Hello 17 weeks!

Belly Measurement/Weight: I am not sure if I have gained more since last week, we do not own a scale.

Physical Progress: My belly is a nice little rounded bump and I LOVE it!

How I am feeling about my body: I feel good most of the time. Sometimes my lower stomach area below my belly button gets really tight and it can be uncomfortable. Also, Baby loves to lay on my bladder so sometimes I have to go pee RIGHT NOW!

Cravings/Aversions: Raw meat smell gets to me lately, my cravings are the same though.

Energy Level: Pretty good, I still love naps though.

Baby Movement: Still a little movement, yay!

Thoughts/Feelings/Emotions: I am enjoying being pregnant. 17 weeks is almost halfway there. It is really exciting.

Mr. BB and I toured the birth center yesterday. We have to drive an hour and 10 minutes to get to this birth center but it seemed nice. We liked it a lot, the nurses we all really nice and the birth center is obviously really supportive of our plans. Visiting the birth center made me more excited to meet our baby.

I got my bloodwork results back from last week and there are no neural tube defects. I am so relieved our baby is healthy!

It has been a quiet week, but I like it. I will report more next week until then I will leave you with my 17 week picture:

16 Weeks

Belly Measurement/Weight: + 2!

Physical Progress: My midwife says my uterus is just below my belly button.

How I am feeling about my body: I still feel really good. I did get sun burnt today along with an itchy rash. Sun burn + itching = sucky!

Cravings/Aversions: I love chocolate milk lately and still candy.

Energy Level: Tired today from my allergic reaction to the sun.

Baby Movement: Yes! Just a little rolling feeling, so cool!

Thoughts/Feelings/Emotions: Still enjoying this pregnancy.

16 Week Appointment Update: I got a blood draw today for neural tube defects, not because I have any risk factors but because it is that time. I am still anxious about it though. I think I will call Monday and check for results. We scheduled our tour of the birth center/hospital for June 1st. Our anatomy scan as well as a fetal echocardiogram (due to the abnormal NT results) is July 6th. On June 8th we are going to a natural birth "expo" type thing where there will be counselors, people who specialize in wraps to show us, and a bunch of other stuff. It is free through the hospital! Lots of exciting stuff coming up. Plus next month I will be half way done!

Names: Our boy name is Asher, we are still working out a middle name. We really liked Mia for a girl name but it is in the top 10 for 2010 and that is WAY too common. I swear I have looked at every single name ever and we can't find one we love. Suggestions are welcome!

15 weeks!

Hello week 15! Here is a little update on Baby Buttercup Bud and I:

Belly Measurement/Weight: As of my last appointment I had actually lost 3 pounds and am at 120. I have not measured my belly yet.

Physical Progress: I wear maternity clothes all the time now. As you can see in the picture above Baby BB is making him/herself known to the world with that bump.

How I am feeling about my body: Actually, I am a little embarrassed to admit this but I feel sexier now that I am showing. I also feel empowered walking around "showing" the world what my body can do. Pregnancy is pretty amazing.

Cravings/Aversions: I LOVE pickles, red chewy candy, slurpees, potatoes and bread. Not really any aversions anymore.

Energy Level: Way up from 1st trimester, I feel like myself again!

Baby Movement: None yet but hopefully soon!

Thoughts/Feelings/Emotions: I am so excited to be able to enjoy my pregnancy. The weather is getting nicer and I can be outside with the kids playing. We have started grilling again too, yum. In 4 1/2 weeks I am graduating culinary school and I am so happy about that. I cry if anyone around me or on TV cries. It is really insane.

That is our update, more next week!

What a week, er weeks!

We had quite a scare after our NT scan last week, so I decided not to post until we got some results. Baby's Nuchal Fold was measuring 3.5 mm and the office where I had the scan done likes to see it below 3 mm. Luckily my 12 week appointment was after the scan so the doctor at the other office had time to call my midwife so she could give us more information.

Mr. BCB and I went next door to the office finding information on Google to make us feel better. We went into the office and our midwife's assistant got us and took us back to the room. She took my blood pressure, which was normal and my weight, I lost 2 pounds. My midwife Sarah came in soon after. She made a little small talk before she informed us that the doctor who read our scan results said that our chances of having a baby with Down Syndrome were 1 in 6! What?! 1 in 6?! My midwife kept telling me she was sorry and hugged me and I broke down. She told us our options were to have a CVS in 2 days or an Amnio at 15 weeks. We opted to do the CVS so we would know sooner.

Mr. BCB left the office worried, calling our immediate family and best friends to let them know and ask for prayers. Our friends and family were very supportive through the whole process and I think Mr. BCB and I became closer. So we banned the internet so we wouldn't worry more than we needed to in the time we waited for the CVS. We showed up for the CVS in good spirits. The tech who was supposed to check baby's heartbeat decided to retake some measurements. Baby BCB's Nuchal fold was measuring only 2.7mm. Had that been the measurement the first time we would have had a simple blood test and not been worried. After we got some more pictures of our sweet little baby we went to have a consultation with the doctor before the CVS.

Dr. F was incredible. She was very positive and answered all of our questions with patience and care. She told us the initial test, called a FISH test would just be looking at Chromosomes 13, 18 and 21 for those corresponding trisonomies. If baby had Trisonomy 13 or 18 we would have had to look at a D & C because baby would most likely die during or after birth. Trisonomy 21 is Down Syndrome and we would have had to make a a decision about that as well. Mr. BCB and I decided to move forward with the test.

Dr. F did the CVC transcervically so it was not painful. I had to have a full bladder and that was the worst part. Dr. F and her staff were funny and Mr. BCB and I joked with them the whole time. That whole office was amazing and I have a lot of respect and admiration for the staff.

I just got a call from Dr. F this morning and Thank God, our baby does not have any of the above mentioned chromosome abnormalities. Dr. F said that the rest of the results back soon but she is not worried because it is very rare that anything comes back abnormal with the other chromosomes. We are so relieved and thankful.

Dr. F also let me know that they know the gender of baby BCB but we are team green so she didn't tell us. I kind of wish she would have accidentally told me because I do want to know but Mr. BCB and I agreed to wait.

Other than that craziness I feel good. We are rounding the corner into second trimester, woo hoo! I am starting to get my energy back and I am happy to have a "normal" pregnancy. We have not bought anything for the baby but I am hoping since we are in second trimester now we can begin our purchases.

I still really want to eat, potatoes pickles all the time. Yum!

Here is a picture of my healthy little baby. I cannot wait to meet him/her.

11 Week Update

We had an appointment today because my BP has been low lately. Luckily everything is okay, just some low iron which I can take a supplement for.

Awesome appointment because we got to hear baby's heartbeat! Amazing!

My nausea has been pretty nonexistent, yay! Cravings are really random but intense when I am hungry. I have gained 3 pounds and it is ALL belly, see baby Buttercup Bud and I below at 9 weeks 5 days:



I've been wearing maternity pants the past week! They are so comfy, I love them and live in them as well as sweats and PJ's.

Next week is our NT scan and I am super excited to see baby look like a baby! My grandma and I think baby is a girl but since Mr BB and I are Team Green we won't know until he/she is born.

I will update with pictures of my sweet baby next week after our appointment.

Best,

Buttercup Bud

Sweet Pea at 8 Weeks

That is my little sweet pea! We were not expecting an ultrasound but the midwife did one and it was incredible! Little Buttercup Bud's heart rate was 160 BPM and going strong. It was amazing. We printed out the picture and now it is on our fridge.

The midwife said according to her wheel I am due 11/10. However, I am still sticking with my calculations because I know when I ovulated. Besides, 2 days doesn't really make a difference because baby will come whenever he/she is ready. Although I do think an an 11/11/11 birthday would be cool.

Mr. Buttercup Bud and I were so excited/relieved to see our sweet little baby. It was wonderful seeing our little baby for the first time, even though he/she looks more like a kidney bean. I was so proud of our little baby for his/her little heart pumping away.

My next appointment I will be 12 weeks, wahoo! Almost out of first tri, thank God! I am so ready! I have been so sick. Our midwife offered to give me a prescription for nausea but I declined. I am really trying to be med free all the way through. Even if that is crazy, I figure I might as well start now so I can be prepared for a natural birth.

Until next time!

Buttercup Bud

7 Weeks!

Yay, we have made it to 7 weeks! I am super excited to be getting closer to the second trimester.

I am still pretty nauseous all the time. I eat what I can when it sounds good. I have tried to stay healthy but at this point I am eating what I can keep down. My boobs are still sore too and I feel like they keep growing, it is insane. I am also still really tired all the time. I can sleep through the night, wake up for 3-4 hours, nap for 2-3 hours and then go to bed in 5 hours. I am not sure if I have gained any weight, we don't have a scale at our house. I should find out next week when I have my first appointment with the midwife.

I feel like my lower abdomen/pelvis area has expanded somewhat, it feels hard. Mr. Buttercup Bud has noticed it as well. I have been wearing the BellaBand since last week and I still love it. I imagine my love for that thing will grow as my belly grows.

At 7 weeks baby's hands and feet start forming from the buds that they were. Baby Buttercup Bud has doubled in size this week and is now about the size of a Blueberry, exciting! Here is a picture of what baby looks like now:





More updates after our midwife appointment next week!

-Buttercup Bud