Ahhh Heaven...

Let me first say how this has definitely been a summer for boys!  Shout out to Bossy - congrats Doll!!  :)

Now to update you all with...my birth story!!!

As I believe I had mentioned before, if Parker didn't come by his due date I was scheduled to be induced on the 21st of this month.  And as I'm sure you've guessed, he did not arrive on his own so his little butt got evicted!

Mr. CB and I checked in at  the Maternity Admissions Unit at 7:15am that morning.  I think they had an admission because I wasn't "checked in" and taken back to Labor and Delivery until 8.  No biggie...I knew my LO was going to be here sometime that day.  Once I got in the room, I had to strip down and put a hospital gown on and then I got my IV for the pitocin and hooked up to the monitor to watch my contractions and monitor Parker's heart rate.

The pitocin was started at a rate of 6mL per hour, but I wasn't feeling anything so the rate kept being increased.  At around 10:30am, my OB came by and broke my bag of waters.  That crap kinda hurt and the leaking was NOT cool!  LOL  I felt like I was constantly peeing on myself.  At around 3-4cm, the pain was starting to get uncomfortable so I had my name put on the list for an epidural (I'm a kind of "go with the flow" kind of girl, so my birth plan included an epidural if I felt I needed one...especially with the pitocin which can make labor pains more acute).  Luckily I was only second on the list so I didn't have to wait long.

The anesthesiologist was fantastic - I wasn't scared at all and barely felt a thing.  It was so funny because before I knew it, the nurse asked "Did you feel that one?"  I was like "Huh?"  And she told me that I was at the height of a contraction.  I wasn't feeling a thing and suddenly everything was fabulous!  Anyway, things progressed somewhat steadily for the rest of the afternoon (times are blurry that day).  I chilled in the bed, sipping Sprite and cranberry juice and talking to my family while updating ALL the girls at work via text messaging.

Later that afternoon/early evening , Parker was still "sunny-side up" so my OB had me lay far on my side with my knee up to open my pelvis and hopefully coax Parker to turn.  At around 8:30pm she came back in, checked me and had me do a couple of "practice pushes" to see what would happen.  After the second push, she said "Okay, let's start pushing!"  Oh man I was so excited...and my parents had gone to get something to eat!!  I had my BF call them on her cell phone but my mom didn't answer! (Her cell has a Minnesota number because that's where she's from)  So I had Mr. CB call them on my cell for her and within a minute my mom was busting in the door.  Luckily, my OB and the nurse were getting everything ready so she didn't miss anything.

It was hard to know if I was pushing correctly since I couldn't feel anything from the waist down.  But I had an awesome team.  My husband was at my head telling me how great I was doing, my mom and BF each had a leg, and of course my doc and nurse.  After about 45 minutes of pushing, Parker was finally here!!!

My sweet boy was born on Tuesday August 21, 2012 at 9:17pm.  He weighed 10 pounds 5 ounces and was 22.5 inches long!!!  When the nurse announced that, I couldn't believe my ears.  There was no way the big fella lived in my belly...I never would have guessed he weighed that much.  But he is mine and the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

This past week has been tiring but I have never been happier being at home with Parker and my husband.  We are one happy family.  I am so thankful for this blog > offering a way for us to support each other through such difficult and happy times and seeing that wishes can and do some true.

I wish all my fellow buds this much happiness and I will definitely keep reading posts!

Curly Bud...signing off.

10 weeks.

40 weeks (the BF painted this...the brown at the bottom is supposed to be sand!)

Luckily, he's a much happier baby than he was the night he born...

This  was taken the morning we went home from the hospital.

40 weeks

How far along: Well well.  Here I am at my expected due date!  YAY!  And guess what else?  No Parker.  Hehe.  Little stinker has decided to be stubborn.  But I'm okay with it...I like being pregnant.  :)

Stretch marks: Okay, I have a new one...

Movement: He's still shifting a lot.  But the movements do hurt more often.

Sleep:  Definitely tired more often than I was even a couple of weeks ago.  I'm talking sleeping 9-10 hours a night with a couple of naps during the day.  Of course this doesn't work during the week, but I rock it out on the weekends!  :)

Best moment this past week: Had my weekly OB visit this past Thursday.  I was at a "tight" 2 (yeah, loved that!) and no change in the effacing.  I still didn't / don't want to be induced, so we scheduled an induction date of the 21st.  I have an appointment on Friday and she's going to do a non-stress monitor to make sure everything is okay.  I'm ready to hold my sweet boy so it is getting a little hard waiting.

Belly button in or out: It's transformed into more of a "flatty" now that the belly is so big.

Cravings / Aversions: Been craving salad a lot here lately...kinda cooky but MAN those things are good!  And of course I still love my sweets!  ;)

Symptoms: Fatigue...cramping...SWELLING...mood swings (yep, been riding the emotional roller coaster)...and my nose is freaking huge!

Alright, that's it for now.  I'll be sure to update you all after my appointment on Friday...and of course if anything happens!  ;)

Holy cow!!!

Only NINE days left!  I'm in the single digits now...and I only just realized it this morning.  What a staggering realization.

I'm excited...nervous...anxious...bewildered...awed.  I can't wait to meet my baby boy.  Talk to you all later!

38 weeks...

Sorry everyone for not posting lately...super busy last couple of weeks.  We had our baby showers, been working on the nursery (not as close to being done as we should be given I'm due in 2 weeks) and washing baby clothes.  *sigh* And still SO much to do!!


How far along: 38 weeks today.  =o)  It's so hard to believe that it's already almost time!  Like Diva mentioned, after waiting so long it's hard to believe that this is really happening...and I mean really happening!

Total weight change: I hate this part...I think I'm gonna skip this part.  After all, I know how much dag-gone weight I've gained!

Maternity clothes: Same as last time, though even my maternity t-shirts are too snug.  But I'm told that nothing is really comfortable this late in pregnancy.  I bought some cotton shorts from Target in a few sizes too big so that I'd have something more comfy to lounge in...maternity clothes are SO expensive!

Stretch Marks: Still no new new ones.

Movement: His movements have slowed down a little to where they're not the actual kicks that I'm used to but more shifting and rolling.

Sleep: Definitely feel like I need more here lately, but the last couple of weekends have been busy so I haven't been able to get caught up like I'd like.  But hopefully the next couple of weekends will be better.  Sleeping pretty well during the night but I'm getting up more often in the night to use the bathroom since he's started dropping.

Best Moment This Past Week: Several since it's been so long since I've written: the work baby shower was on 7.19.12.  The girls definitely took care of me!!  We got so much stuff it was ridiculous!  And then the following Sunday Mr. CB's mom and grandma threw us one at their church.  Needless to say we got plenty of diapers, wipes, bath products, clothes, blankets, toys, gift cards, etc.  The women that work with Mr. CB chipped in and bought us our travel system.  The only things that we still need are an exer-saucer, highchair and travel car seat.  And we've only used a portion of the gift cards.  I still have some small things to get like something to put dirty diapers in, organizer baskets, some changing pad sheets, etc.  Had my weekly appointment this week: dilated to 1.5cm, about 60% effaced and she said that Parker's head is a lot more down.  I would have liked to have had a little more change, and she must have sensed that because she assured me that my uterus has changed a lot since the last check.  She asked if I want to be induced at 40 weeks, which I do not, so she said we will schedule an induction date for about 1 week my due date but only as a "plan B."

Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: I swear I am so tired of hearing people tell me how big I am.  And it really all depends on how they say it, you know?  Like I had a patient yesterday (I swear I love this little old man) whom I always enjoy picking on and vice versa.  Well he wanted to see me before he left so he could see how big the belly has gotten.  Of course he gave me a hard time about it, but he's such a genuinely sweet man that it didn't come off as rude and we laughed about it for about 10 minutes comparing guts, etc.  But then you have some people (and trust me, I've been dealing with these types of people my whole life) who just have a way about them where comments like that come out so freaking rude.  A patient's daughter told me earlier this week that my nose is getting really big.  Thanks lady...I had no idea.


Belly Button In or Out: Yeah, it's an outty.


Cravings/Aversions: I realized last night that I've really been craving salads the last couple of weeks.  Could be worse...could be better without my ranch!  =o)

Symptoms: Still having the heartburn and reflux, the swelling in my feet and ankles is getting pretty bad - I have to keep my feet up all evening when I get home or they won't even go down over night, but luckily my blood pressures have still been running good.  More cramping underneath my belly and deep in my pelvis.  Nothing horrible, just uncomfortable.  The fatigue that I mentioned earlier...but I know that won't get any better in the next 5 years or so!  =o)  Bring it on!

36 weeks

How far along: 36 weeks today!!!  This week Parker is the size of a honeydew melon and is in  17.2- to 18.7-inch and 4.2- to 5.8-pound range and continues to beef up.  He is getting closer and closer to being able to breathe on his own.  His skin is getting smooth and soft and his gums are rigid.  The liver and kidneys are in working order and the circulation and immune systems are basically good to go!  

Total weight change: I gained 5 pounds since the last OV, but the swelling in my lower legs/ankles/feet are getting pretty bad sometimes.  I didn't get fussed at though by my OB!

Maternity clothes: My maternity scrub tops have gotten a bit too short and my belly shows if I lift one of my arms to grab a blood pressure cuff or something.  It's kind of funny and luckily I haven't had any patients comment.

Stretch Marks: Still none new but I'm keeping my skin moisturized with lotions and stuff.

Movement: Parker is still moving up a storm...more shifting and rolling than actual kicks.  Sometimes I swear the kid is trying to stretch his way out because I see a butt and feel his feet or something pushing on my pelvis!  

Sleep: Definitely needing a lot more here lately.  During the 2nd trimester I felt great after only 6-7 hours of sleep and woke up fairly early on the weekends with rare naps.  Now I could take a nap several times a day and sleep in every morning!  I love sleep and I figure I need to start banking some hours!

Best Moment This Past Week:  I have 2 as well: I had my 36week appointment yesterday and found out that I'm dilated to a 1, my uterus is tilted back like it should be, Parker is head down and getting engaged!  I was quite surprised, but I guess all that walking I'm doing at work trying to keep up with my provider has helped.  My baby showers are this week: my mom and girls at work are doing a combo tomorrow and my mother-in-law is throwing one this upcoming Sunday.  Hopefully I'll get lots of stuff that we need!


Oh yeah, I bought my breast pump yesterday and we bought the paint for the nursery on Monday - painting this weekend!

Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: Umm, I think dealing with the extra fatigue has been the hardest thing for me this week.  I don't feel like getting out of bed, getting up from desk to go get my patients or staying until 6pm finishing everything up.  All I want is to wear my stretchy pants and chill on the couch!

Belly Button In or Out: Officially an outty!  It's funny and I play with it sometimes!  Hahaha.

Cravings/Aversions: Craving ANYTHING sweet and totally not feeling meat, especially chicken.

Symptoms: Having dizziness again this week.  Still having the swelling, fatigue, tender nipples/breasts, Braxton Hicks, and heartburn.

35 weeks 1 day

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted...we've been trying to get baby ready!  =o)


How far along: 35 weeks 1 day.  Yesterday was 35 weeks with 35 days left!  It's so hard to believe how quickly the time is passing.  So much to do yet...

Total weight change: I haven't weighed since my last appointment but am trying to not get myself in trouble with the doctor on Tuesday for my next appointment Tuesday.  BTW - this next appointment Doc will be checking my cervix and testing me for group B strep.

Maternity clothes: No change...although I will inform you ladies that my maternity tops have become a little too short!  My belly tries to peek out the bottom!  Hahahaha...

Stretch Marks: Still no new ones.

Movement: He's still going crazy in there!  I have noticed him moving more around 3-3:30 in the morning, so I'm seeing that being an interesting time for us in the near future!

Sleep: Surprisingly, I'm actually getting some decent sleep some nights even though I don't feel like I ever get enough.

Best Moment This Past Week: We FINALLY started on the nursery this week!  I remember sitting on the floor (since I'm not much help these days) thinking how it doesn't feel so surreal anymore and I'm so excited to start decorating the nursery!

Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: Momma's had a pretty good week! ~> Although I will say I officially cannot wear my wedding rings anymore.  =o(  The swelling is getting pretty bad and my hands, feet, ankles, and (just recently) calves are getting tight.

Belly Button In or Out: Still an inny, though the top is trying to pucker a little bit.

Cravings/Aversions: Definitely craving the sweets lately.  And totally NOT feeling meat!  I like the occasional burger and have had fried chicken once.  Other than that...BLAH to the meat.

Symptoms: Swelling is still number one, but the fatigue has definitely set back in, nipple soreness again, BAD heartburn and reflux, cramping/Braxton Hicks, hot flashes that never go away.

33 weeks!

How far along: 33 weeks today...49 days to go!  This week his eyes are staying open while he's awake, his brain is undergoing major development, his bones are hardening and he's starting to coordinate his breathing with sucking and swallowing.  He weighs over 4 pounds and is now over 17 inches long...thebump.com reports that he may grow up to an inch this week!

Total weight change: I think I had gained like 4 pounds at my last doctor's appointment last week...so 38 total?  Man...that sounds bad.  *sigh*

Maternity clothes: Still every dag-gone day. 

Stretch Marks: None new, but I did get a little "scare" a couple nights ago when I was putting on lotion and thought that I saw some new red stretch marks.  It turns out that it was a trick of the light.  I'm happy to report the road map still looks the same.

Movement: He's still moving really well.  Got a little nervous last night when I hadn't felt him move much last evening.  Luckily, he made up for it after my shower last night while I was reclining in bed.  SUCH A RELIEF!  He was doing some serious karate today (that's what I call it when he's really active) so I've enjoyed him letting me know that he's still here and doing okay.  =o)

Sleep: Same...I'm having to change sides every couple of hours or else my hips hurt too much.  And now I have to either support my tummy while I roll over and sit up into a reclining position to roll over.  Not to mention the peeing...

Best Moment This Past Week: Mr. CB and I had birthing class this past weekend (sorry I forgot to mention it last post).  It was pretty cool, a couple of weird moments when we were trying different relaxation poses because of the belly but we learned a lot of things and Mr. CB was very receptive.  We definitely feel more prepared!

Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: Hands-down the scare from last night.  But I did have a patient make (yet another) comment yesterday.  I called her back to the scale and she asked me "You haven't had that baby yet?"  (Now I've never seen this lady a day in my life.)  I said something like "I'm only eight months!" to which she sobered a little and asked "Are you having twins?"  I mean really?!?!  Come on lady...I don't know you...and I'm NO WHERE NEAR BIG ENOUGH TO BE DUE OR TO BE HAVING TWINS!  

Belly Button In or Out: Still an inny, but I don't think it will be for long...

Cravings/Aversions: The sweet-tooth has completely taken over this past week, as I'm sure the scale will enjoy showing me at my next appointment on Monday.  =o(

Symptoms: Let's see...fatigue?  Definitely.  Hot-flashes?  Flashes?  More like a constant inferno!!  Swelling?  You betcha!  My ankles are super sexy.  Increased urination?  Yeah, some...I love it when Parker punches my bladder.  Braxton-Hicks?  Only when I'm on my feet too long or don't take in enough water.  They're not bad though.


That's it for now...

Tick tock...

Well hello ladies!  Sorry it's been a while since I've posted (I'm getting SO tired of saying that!) but at least I see that I'm not the only one who's had trouble keeping up.  =o)

Here's the update...

How far along: 32 weeks today!  I can't believe that I only have 8 weeks left!  Single digits now!

Total weight change: I gained 4 pounds at the last office visit last week (Tuesday it was, I think).  My OB told me that I was measuring right at 33 weeks and that they may do another ultrasound to measure fetal growth.  That made me feel bad because I don't like being reprimanded and I want and am trying to be as healthy as I can but can't seem to get a handle on the weight gain.

Maternity clothes: Duh...lol

Stretch Marks: No new ones...yay!

Movement: Even more so than last week/post.  I've noticed that he seems like it when I rub my stomach.  Not like a light caress but with slight pressure.  He just sticks out his butt / or leg / or whatever for me to rub and when I stop he begins to wiggle and kick.  It's become a little ritual at bedtime.

Sleep: Sleep has actually improved lately.  I seem to be sleeping hard and feeling more rested when I do wake up, though the fatigue throughout the day has definitely increased.

Best Moment This Past Week: No "bests" to speak of.  I have found myself being more enchanted this past week or so with his movement.  Just knowing that that movement and the visible movement in my tummy are MY SON.  There is a human in there and I helped create him and he is mine.  It's so surreal and hard to wrap my head around it.

Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: Yesterday, one of my mom's coworkers (my mom works in the lab in the doctor's office I work in) told me that my face is getting fat.  Anyone who has had weight issues in the past knows that we don't need people telling you how "big" you are.  I see myself in the mirror every damn day and yes, I know my face is getting rounder.  Thanks!  =o/

Belly Button In or Out: Still an inny, but I wonder if that's going to change in the weeks to come because it is now trying to "pucker" a little bit.

Cravings/Aversions: Nothing to speak of.

Symptoms: Still feet/ankles swelling, the fatigue that I mentioned earlier.  My acne has actually improved this past week.  The attitude has been a little drastic the last few days and I've had to apologize to the hubby a couple of times...he's been great about it though.


That's it for now!  Good luck to all you ladies and much love!

Sorry guys...again :o)

Sorry for being MIA (again).  We've been working extra hard to get the house finished...and still aren't as close as I wish we were.  Don't get me wrong, we're making great progress but with Mr. CB working 2 jobs it's a little tough.  Luckily we're in the painting stage so I can help with a lot more than I could in the construction stage.  I must say though: I am getting extremely frustrated.  This project has been ongoing for over a year...and we haven't even begun on the nursery!  I know what we still have some time, but I don't like scrambling at the last minute.

How far along: Today I am 29 weeks, 3 days.  I'm so glad that Dive found this template because I plan on copying her and Lucky but using it.  ;o)  This week, Parker is approximately 15.5in long, weighs about 2.75lbs and is about the size of an acorn squash.  He's growing fat deposits under his skin and his energy level has increased because of this.

Total weight change: I'm ashamed to say 34 pounds by the doc's scale.  I don't like it, but I haven't been eating like I have no sense either.  I've always had a sluggish metabolism and weight gain has always been a struggle for me.  So I'm trying to eat even more fruits and salads than I already was.  I'm not extremely worried about getting the weight off since I've done it before.

Maternity clothes: Every dag-gone day.  One of the girls' moms at work made me some maternity scrubs so that's nice.  I had wanted to try it myself but I have no idea where my sewing machine is in all this crap.  Unfortunately I don't have any "comfy" clothes that I can do this house stuff in, so I've been wearing Mr. CB's athletic pants and undershirts.  Needless to say, they don't fit the greatest and my belly hangs out the bottom of the shirt when I raise my arms.  (Not cool since his dad and brother are over here a lot to help...we haven't had the best relationship in the past).

Stretch Marks: Well since I was overweight pretty much until the age of 23, yes I have stretch marks in the "normal" places: on my hips, breasts and some on my inner thighs and arms.  Nothing since the pregnancy though...thinking the loose skin has helped that situation and I've been using lotions, etc as well.

Movement: Parker is moving really well now...especially in the last week or so.  I used to only really feel him when I was reclined in bed (not lying flat, of course).  Now I feel him nearly all the time.  The girls at work love feeling him move as well.  I try to get Mr. CB to feel him as often as I can when he's at home so he doesn't miss it.

Sleep: Welllllll...sleep is kind of iffy for me right now.  I hate to say it, but I sleep the best when Mr. CB is working (one of his jobs is 3rd shift...we're hoping to get the house re-financed soon so he can quit).  We have a queen (I plan on getting a king ASAP) so it gets a little crowded with me, Parker, all my pillows and Mr. CB.  Speaking of pillows...DIVA: I feel ya girl on the Boppy!!!  I've had mine maybe 2 months or so.  Absolutely AWESOME!  :o)

Best Moment This Past Week: I felt Parker having the hiccups for the first time last weekend.  It was wonderful and I couldn't stop smiling and holding my hand to my tummy to feel him.

Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: Being "counseled" on my weight gain at the OB's this past Tuesday.  I seriously don't like being reprimanded.  :o/

Belly Button In or Out: Oh it's still an inny.  It looks funny though...like a frowny-face.  I wish I could explain it...and I wish I had the courage to post a pic.

Cravings/Aversions: Hmmm.  I was craving a McDonald's sausage-egg-and-cheese biscuit last weekend.  I did indulge myself and get one...okay 2 (Saturday and Sunday).  Other than that...nope.

Symptoms: None really.  The 3rd trimester fatigue hasn't set in yet.  I do have some swelling in my feet and ankles...really not cute.  I've been trying to keep them elevated but it's been tough with the house.

Slacker...checking in!

I actually can't take all of the blame on myself this time. My beloved dog Zeus (our Chihuahua who was 8.5yrs old) passed away right before Easter. He was our first son, and Mr. CBud and I were down in the dumps for a few days. Then we had a bad storm about a week and half ago, and since then our internet hasn't been working well > it would log onto the homescreen, but when you tried to go to another website, the internet wouldn't work. Nothing we tried helped, and with our crazy work schedules we had a hard time coordinating with the company.

Anyways...everything is still doing wonderfully. The belly is continually getting bigger...he's really grown a lot in the past week or so. The baby bump is a definite now, and I don't get asked "are you pregnant?" anymore, but rather "when is your baby due?". It's an incredible feeling and I know I light up every time someone asks. All the girls at work love rubbing my belly and I couldn't mind in the least (I think it's a southern thing, plus they've all been there with me for the miscarriages).

We also decided on a name last week...Parker. =o) Mr. CBud fell in love with the name, but I wasn't sold on it and wanted to hold off until something "called" to me (my motto in life). But after we talked about it I started thinking of him as Parker and one day it seemed to just click. So we happily announced it. So far, it's gotten rave reviews.

I had another appointment yesterday. Everything went well. I'm measuring at 25 weeks (I'm 23 weeks today) but that office doesn't have the best track-record in measuring (4 other women in the office go there). I did get a little coaching about my weight. According to their scale, I've gained 24 pounds in the past 15 weeks. I got a little freaked about that since I've been so anal about my weight in the last few years. But I'm not stressing about it too much. Their scale is about 5 pounds off from mine and the appointment was at 4 in the afternoon, with 2 meals and a butt-load of water in my system (plus I was constipated...sorry for the TMI).

Well, I suppose I'll head out...American Idol is on. I've enjoyed staying up-to-date on everyone's progress and love the directions everyone is heading in! I'm still praying for all of you!

20 down, 20 to go

A sigh of relief...I have reached the 1/2 way point! My next milestone will be 24 weeks when the pregnancy is "viable." Kind of a cold term when talking about whether or not your would survive outside the womb.

Everything is going well. No nausea, heartburn, swelling. I have noticed that my wedding rings are getting a little snug from the weight gain though...I have ceased looking at the scale. My eating habits aren't unruly but in an office full of women, there's always something to snack on. And we've all been under a lot of stress with this new computer system. But I'm trying to incorporate more fruits and yogurt to help balance out the snacking. I'll be taking a belly picture this week so I'll try to post one. Maybe a before (10weeks is as close a one as I have) and an "after."

I'm feeling LO moving a lot more lately and my mom got to feel him move for the first time this past Saturday. She was so cute! =o) Mr. CB hasn't felt him move yet but then again we haven't been able to see each other much lately. He's off next week so hopefully he will get the opportunity. We plan to start discussing nursery plans too! My doctor's office is closed for Good Friday so my mom and I are going to work on my baby registry. I feel like I've waited so long for this and it's kind of surreal to finally get to be able to do these things. Surreal but absolutely wonderful!

19 weeks

Before I get into how everything is going, I just want to tell everyone that we found out on Monday that we're having a BOY!! =oD Mr. CB and I couldn't be happier. You ladies know...with our histories gender doesn't matter in the least; just a healthy baby. Anyway, everything looked good according to both the US tech and my OB. Lil Man weighs 11oz and apparently was feeling happy that morning because he was waving, stretching and being fairly cooperative with the tech. He even had the hiccups a little! I can't wait until we starting picking out names and working on the nursery.

Other than that wonderful news, everything has been going well. Not having any nausea and my sleep has been pretty much nil. I bought a body pillow last weekend because surrounding myself with normal pillows was cutting it. The pillow is super comfortable but I'm a little too tall for it because the middle doesn't line up with by belly right (I'm 5'8") but I'm surviving. I do notice that my ankles are swelling a little bit but I have been on my feet a lot this week with work with our new medical records system. My hair is growing very quickly, and coming out more when I comb it (only in the shower when it's wet because it's so curly) and my acne has gotten better except on the 4 week increments when I would normally be on my period.

I'm feeling Lil Man move around a little more in there, but I'll admit to wanting to be far enough along so that I can feel every movement and have family/friends be able to feel him move as well. I've never been very patient, but I have no choice in this matter.

I know I haven't posted any pictures of myself (ever, I think) and I need to post a pic from the ultrasound, but unfortunately that may have to wait a little bit. We're going to New Jersey tomorrow for my brother's graduation from Coast Guard boot camp. So I'll try to get on here to do that this weekend or early next week.

Talk to you guys next time and thinking about all of you!

Pitiful...

I'm sorry that I just can't seem to stay on top of my blogging here lately...let's blame it on placenta brain an fatigue.

I'm still waiting for the second trimester to turn into the "honeymoon period." I still get nauseated on occasion when I eat something Baby doesn't agree with. The heartburn has luckily calmed way down. But the fatigue! Man. I find myself snoozing at lunch, passing out when I get home and barely being able to drag myself up from the couch to take a shower and go to bed after I see Mr. CBud off to work at 10! We're transitioning to a new Electronic Medical Record system at work and I'm one of the "super users" so my days and evenings have been filled with a lot of classes and training...not helping the sleepies at all! The instructor sounds like the teacher from Ferris Beuler's Day Off. =o)

Anyway, I'm well into my 17th week and will be greeting the 18th on Wednesday. So far Baby is 4.5-4.75 inches long from crown to rump and weighs about 3.5 ounces. The fingernails are well-formed and Baby is starting to accumulate a little fat. (Awwww....)

I had an appointment w/ the OB last week. Everything went well. BP was 110/70. Weight up 4lb since the last appointment. That puts me at 12lb total. A little much for my liking but I'm trying not to obsess about it. I used to be one of those weigh every day girls (because I worked so hard to lose it all in the first place) but I have happily pushed my scale to the back of the linen closet. I'm not eating bad foods, but my salty-sweet cravings have been kicked into overdrive!

I felt the baby move last week!! I was driving to work listening to my iPod and felt some gas-like pains in my lower left abdomen. I didn't pay much attention to it, but when the urge to relieve myself (hehe) never came, but the movement stayed I was like "Hmmmm..." So I took my iPod out, and payed close attention and thump! The baby whopped me! (duh - not too hard) I attributed it to my ever-tightening scrub pants. But ever since then, I've been feeling those same movements all over my lower abdomen. It makes me smile every time I do.

My next appointment is the 19th...time to find out what we're having! I am SO excited and can't wait. I'm taking off a Friday next month so my mom and I can go to my registry.

Ta for now and I'll be thinking and praying for all of you!

Seriously?!?!

Guys, I am SO sorry that it's been 3 weeks since my last post! It's super hard to believe. Life has been quite hectic lately...my brother left for Coast Guard boot camp, my dad's cancer has gotten worse, work has been really busy with sinus infections and bronchitis and we're changing to a new electronic medical records system at work and I have to stay after work a lot for classes. Plus, I got sick with a bad head cold a couple of weeks ago and then hurt my back last week. Whew! Ready for things to calm down a little.

Okay, first thing's first. ALRIGHT DIVA!!! Whoop whoop! Go 'head girl! That is FANTASTIC!!! I knew it was coming...I felt it in my bones. And I love the way you told Mr. DBud. Don't worry about a thing babe, ya'll got this!

I will be 15 weeks on Wednesday...so Skittle will be 13 weeks old. The crown to rump length for this week of pregnancy is 4-4.5 inches. Baby continues to grow rapidly. Skittle has thin skin and at this point you can see blood vessels through the skin. The lanugo hair covers the baby's body. It may be sucking it's thumb and its eyes are at the front of the face but still widely separated.

My symptoms have pretty much disappeared but I still get some nausea occasionally. The fatigue is pretty prevalent (cleaning the house is a major undertaking). I still get some cramping occasionally but I attribute it to "growing pains." I got a pair of maternity jeans and shirts a few weeks ago and am so much more comfortable. I have to wear a belly band at work (mostly for my back, though I do notice some abdominal cramping when I don't wear it) and my scrub tops and pants are getting pretty snug. My face still breaks out (something I've never been lucky enough to not have to worry about) but worse at the 4 week increments. I have more of a belly now, though mine still isn't as cute as Lucky's. I've gained about 9 pounds so far...something I intend to keep a closer eye on.

I listen to Skittle's heart beat about every other night before bed. I'd listen to it all night if I could. It's staying between 155 and 160. Mr. CB and I think we got to feel baby move the other weekend. It was Sunday morning and I had to pee (big surprise, right?) so my uterus was pushed up. I decided to try and see. So I applied some pressure and waited. Then I thought I felt a fluttering under my fingers. I excitedly told Mr. CB (who hadn't long before gotten home from working 3rd shift) so he rolled over and tried for himself. And he got to feel it too! Just a little rolling movement under the fingers. It seems God and this baby are continually letting me know that everything is/will be okay.

This past week has been a little hard emotionally at work. Thursday marks the EDD for my second baby. It's hard to listen to the girls at work (especially the BF who's baby is about 4 months old now) talking about their kids. Sometimes I can't help thinking "it should be me talking about getting up at all hours...nursing a sick baby...whining about sore breasts because I need to pump...showing off pictures...bragging about baby's first giggle...needing to buy bigger baby clothes." God knows I'm happy about this miracle that I've been blessed with. But I can't help to still be sad about the two I haven't been able to meet...and won't until I go to Heaven. I don't like the pain. But I refuse to ever really let it go. When I pray, I ask the Lord to share my love with my babies and to let them know that I will never forget them and can wait to meet them.

I will close for now (sorry about the sad closing). I'll try to do better with my blogging.

12 weeks and counting...

Well girls, I've hit the 12 week mark! YAY! It's so hard to believe...surreal, but wonderful. I'm starting to get a little excited now.

I had my ultrasound and 1st trimester screening on Monday and everything looks good. Skittle was just hanging out and wasn't really moving much when all of a sudden it was wiggling all over the place! The tech was chasing it with the wand. It was awesome to watch and weird because of course I can't feel anything. She got some pretty cool pictures but couldn't get any of the 4D (?) ones because Skittle was being so stubborn and not staying put. Not that I mind any. Oh, and I got the results of the 1st trimester screening today and it was negative for Down's...not that that would have been an issue. My BP was 118/70, FHB was 158 and my weight was up 2 pounds from my 8 week ultrasound. My OB said that I can stop the progesterone as well which made me nearly as happy as the rest of it. *wink*

My next appointment is for the 28th for just a regular checkup. I'm still going to be finding the FHB often just for my peach of mind and shear enjoyment.

To Diva, Bossy and Buckeye: I pray for each of you in all of my prayers. Good luck to you!

PS ~ Sorry this picture is flipped...I couldn't get the darn thing to rotate!

11 weeks...

Ok so not much to report. I've listened to Skittle's heart beat a few more times since my last past. Happily it's been staying 168-172. It just makes my heart sing everytime I hear it and makes me all the more anxious to meet this little person.

The constipation has improved greatly. I've begun taking my magnesium, stool softeners and prenatal vitamin in the morning with breakfast so taking them on a daily basis has helped. I'm not eating the prunes like I should because I think they get nastier every time I have to eat them. Yuck!

I stepped on the scale this morning and I up a total of 5 pounds above my pre-pregnancy weight. A shame compared to Lucky's 20lbs at 20 weeks. =o/ Oh well. I'm not going crazy with my eating but am eating more frequently. Still mostly carbs, which I'm sure is where the weight gain has come from but I don't do well with heavy foods so I stick to things like Cheeze-Its, Goldfish, crackers, etc.

A lot of my girls say that I'm showing already and although my scrub pants are getting uncomfortable I can't really tell an obvious difference. My belly looks bigger and "rounder" so to speak but just not like the other bumps I've seen. I plan on getting a couple pairs of bigger scrubs in the very near future though and maybe some tops. My jeans are fine (I've been using a hairbow to keep them fastened; the belly band doesn't work well for me).

The nausea has calmed down quite a bit even since my last post. The headaches still get me down sometimes though. And my energy level has lagged dramatically. I mean cleaning the house? Puh-leaze! Thank goodness for a kind and supportive husband who has been a HUGE helped with laundry, dishes, cleaning the bathrooms, etc. Thanks Mr. CB! =o) I've also discovered that my new bedtime according to my body is around 8:30-9pm. Too bad I can't listen to it. Mr. CB works 3rd shift and I wake him up and get him ready for work. Plus that's an extra 15-20 minutes a day that I can spend with him (we only get to see each other for about an hour everyday due to work schedules).

Okie dokie, looking at the computer is bothering my head so I'm going to sign off for now.

My bad...

Buds I am SO sorry I haven't posted in a while! I really have no excuse...

Here's what's been going on lately:

I'm still nauseated most evenings/nights. It has improved greatly in the past few weeks but it still hits me pretty hard sometimes (right now I have a pretty horrendous headache). The only thing worse than the nausea thus far is the constipation. It's always been an issue for me (sorry for the TMI) but with the progesterone it has worsened considerably. I've been drinking apple juice, prune juice, eating prunes daily and taking stool softeners and magnesium EVERYDAY and I'm lucky to "go" every 4-7days. As you all know, there really isn't anything that can be done for this so I'm just trying to eat right and drink lots of water. I got my fetal doppler a couple days ago! Of course, I wasn't expecting to hear anything since I'm so early but I took it to my mom's house last night and she found it! 175 and going strong! ~And at just under 10weeks at that! It was fantastic and I plan to try to find it every single day so that I can hear it. =o) I moved up my next ultrasound because my brother leaves for bootcamp at the end of this month > it's now Jan 30th. So I will definitely be posting a pic of that. Umm...I'm still not showing, which is okay. I'm not skinny by any means but I have lost a considerable amount of weight in the past few years or so (65lbs) so I know the loose skin will keep me from showing like my skinny friends. But I don't care. Give me a healthy baby and I'm happy.

Alright Buds, I'm off for now but I promise to do better at my posting! Much love...

Old, New, Same

Well, still hanging in there. This pregnancy is going well...as far as I can tell. I am 9 weeks today. Here's some of what I've been experiencing thus far.

My appetite has increased but hasn't gone haywire. I have noticed that I'm hungry every 2-3 hours, which is something I haven't experienced before. My mood swings don't seem to be as "severe" as they have been in my past pregnancies. The fatigue isn't as bad either. So far I've gained 2lbs (the first pregnancy I gained 10; the second, none before the MC). A LOT of nausea. I've been using these things called Sea-Bands to help; surprising they've been doing a fantastic job! Also, a lot of reflux...I've had to go to sleep sitting up for about a week now. And, my boobs are killing me! That's new for me too. Yeesh.

Still taking the progesterone suppositories. Not excited about those things but naturally I will continue to take them. At my 8 week appointment (sometime last week, I can't remember what day) the NP told me that I can stop them around 12-13 weeks. That, I'm excited about. Hehe.

My next ultrasound is scheduled for Feb 10th. I'll be about 13weeks and some change. I didn't want to wait that long, but that's during the window when some first trimester screenings can be done. So to keep me sane, I've bought a fetal doppler (I found what looks like a pretty decent doppler for about $120. A small price to pay for some peace of mind). Who knows if I'll be able to detect the heartbeat but I'm excited about trying. I really hope I can, though. That would save me a lot of worry in the next 5 five weeks.

A weight lifted...

I decided to call my OB/GYN yesterday to see if my US could be moved up to this week since that's when they wanted it done anyway. A couple of hours after leaving the message for the nurse, she called and told me that it was scheduled for today at the hospital at 9:15! I was utterly surprised and excited. (My provider at work persuaded me to get my beta checked again because I worrying "too much." To my surprise it was over 188,000! The absolute highest it's ever been.)


Anyway, my mom went with me this morning and this is what we saw...

HAAaaaaaa. A sigh of relief, a few giddy giggles and a high five later the tech measured the heart rate at a strong 170 beats per minute. It was beautiful. And exciting. And exhilarating. And miraculous. To have never gotten this far in a pregnancy and to make it to this milestone...no words.

Thanks Buds for the support and I pray that we all will have Baby Buds in the months to come!

Waiting and worrying...

Today marks 7w 3d of this pregnancy. So far, time seems to be moving at snail's pace. My "confirmation ultrasound" is scheduled for Jan 9th but I plan to call the doc's office on Tuesday to see if it can be moved up (remember, they had originally wanted it this next week). The suspense is killing me. I'm so scared that this baby has stopped growing like my first two.

I'm still having symptoms everyday: nausea, food aversions (chocolate! Can you believe that?), headaches, fatigue, breast tenderness. But a part of me is worried that the same thing has already happened and I'm just feeling these symptoms because I'm still pumping my body full of progesterone. My mom is going to go with me to the next US because poor Mr. CB is too scared. He bout broke my heart a couple of days ago when he said that he feels like he's bad luck. =o( Of course I assured him that he is NOT and that as far as we know, there was nothing we could about the first two MC's. So, bless his heart, he won't know the results until he comes home from work (his job does not allow cell phones on the premises).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc. And I hope that 2012 brings a slew of new babies for all my Bud sisters! =oD