Baby Showers, Childbirth Classes, and Doctor's Appointments

I apologize for not updating the blog in so long. We've been having some computer problems that have limited my ability to post recently, but the honest truth is that I've just been too tired. I can't believe how these past few months have flown by. For the most part, the pregnancy has been pretty normal and uneventful, just the way I like it. Although, I do want to say that pregnancy isn't pretty people. Lots of bad things happen to your body, and I know that I haven't even seen the worst of it yet. I'm to the point now where I feel huge and uncomfortable. Thankfully, I only have a few stretchmarks forming. I've got the pregnancy waddle and swollen feet... aka cankles. And, although I'm bordering on TMI here, I'll go ahead and mention that I've been battling constipation and hemhorroids.

There are, however, some fun parts of pregnancy. Feeling the baby move and being able to share that with Joe is amazing. And, of course, baby showers are always fun. We have some very generous friends, family, and coworkers and have had 3 baby showers. My group at work gave us the first one in early April, and we made out like bandits. They got us a walker, tons of the little hygeine items that baby needs, a bumbo, bath gear and tons more. It was really heartwarming to see how many of my fellow HR peers showed up and helped us get started with all the things that babies need. I'm sure the cupcakes and punch didn't hurt in drawing in the crowd!

Our 2nd baby shower was hosted Easter weekend by Tonja and Jessica at Tonja's house in Ponca City, OK. Joe didn't make it to this one as he was tasked with staying home to save us the expense of boarding the dogs. Tonja went above and beyond on this shower, and it was absolutely beautiful. She held to our woodland creature nursery theme and had great decorations and food. The cake was adorable. Again, we made out like bandits and got all kinds of goodies from books (that Tonja asked be given instead of cards), to an awesome diaper bag that Joe won't be embarrassed to carry, to the baby quilt that Mom and Penny made for Baby Hackler. It was great to share a special time in my life with my family and friends, and it will be an occasion that I cherish for the rest of my life.

The 3rd baby shower was given in early May by Joe's group at work. They did a great job as well and made a cute diaper cake, cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries and pretzels, and a few other goodies. Joe's group has about 40 people, and almost all of them showed for the shower. It was great, although a bit overwhelming. I know many of them, as I was the recruiter for their group before Joe became a manager. They chipped in on lots of goodies including a high chair, diapers, changing pad, and many more goodies. I got a bit emotional at this shower and teared up as Joe thanked his group for all their support.

Childbirth classes have been another exciting thing that we've had going on lately. We just finished our last class which was offered on Thursday evenings from 630-9pm for 6 weeks. I'll admit that we're glad it's over, but we really did learn a ton. I was reluctant to take the class in the beginning because I thought it would be a waste of time where we all sat around and shared our feelings and learned how to breathe, but it's been much more educational than I ever imagined. I was getting to the point where I was really starting to stress about all the unknowns for a first time mother about to go through labor and delivery, and Joe's boss and my coworker convinced us that we needed to take the classes. Boy were they right! We've learned a lot, which has really helped to calm my nerves over the whole process. I know that things likely won't go as planned, but now I feel we have all the tools we'll need for our toolbox to deal with labor and delivery.

And, last but not least... doctor's appointments. I had my first exam on May 12th. The doctor seemed a bit surprised to find that I was already 2.5 cm dialated. She said my cervix felt perfect and that I should go home and do a happy dance as these were good signs that my labor would progress smoothly. She said she thought she felt the baby's head and did a quick ultrasound to confirm. At that time she predicted that the baby would come 2 weeks early and weigh about 8 lbs.

I had some kidney pain the following Tuesday and called the doctor because I was worried I was about to pass a kidney stone. They monitored the baby and my contractions (or mostly lack thereof) and took a urine sample, and determined I had a UTI and prescribed an antibiotic. The best part of the appointment was getting to listen to the baby move around through this machine. He would move a ton when the doctor wasn't in the room, and then quiet down when she came in, so she buzzed my belly to get him moving... and it gave him the hiccups! I've heard other pregnant women talk about feeling their babies have hiccups, but this was the first time I ever felt it with Baby Hackler.

Our 37 week appointment was on Thursday, and I've progressed now to 3cm, so it won't be long now! The doctor said that I'm 80% effaced and that the baby will likely come in the next week or so. She gave us the option to have another ultrasound to determine the size of the baby so that we could talk about induction if the baby is getting too big. Joe and I decided to pass for now as insurance doesn't cover this ultrasound, the ultrasounds aren't really that reliable when estimating size, and I really don't want an induction if I can avoid it.

I've rambled enough for now, but I'll have another update shortly on the progress of the nursery. For now, here are a few pictures from Tonja's baby shower.

The group focused on one of the games Tonja had for us.

Cool Diape Dude diaper bag from Kelly and Jessica

Cute quilt made by Mom and Penny

OSU gear from Tonja and her family

Too fat for fat pants...almost!

Time is flying by! I'll have to get better about posting on the blog when the baby gets here, but I'm not making any promises. I sit at the computer all day at work, and HATE to sit down at it in the evening too. I'm making myself though, because I want all of you to have the chance to see our little man grow up... no matter how far away you may live.

We had our 3rd ultrasound on March 10th, and it was not a good experience. The baby looks good, and everything is fine, but there was a miscommunication that caused us some undue stress. Remember that we had to have this ultrasound because the doctor wanted better images of the face and spine. I've been worried since that last ultrasound on January 14th that something was wrong. The radiologist asked why we were back, and I told him what the doctor said. He was much more quiet during the ultrasound than he had been the previous time, which made me nervous. Then he said, "Do either of you have a history of club foot in your family?" Joe and I both said no, and I just lay there thinking "WHAT?!?!". He was quiet for most of the rest of the ultrasound besides asking me if I'd been checked for diabetes. A zillion terrible thoughts ran through my mind. Then he said, "Ok, go ahead and wipe the gel off and head out to the waiting room, and I'll bring out some pictures." I said, "Wait a second. Why did you ask about club foot?" After some more moments of confusion, I realized that he had thought that I had said we were back because we needed better images of the FEET and spine. I confirmed that feet, face, and spine all looked normal. Then I asked why he had asked about diabetes, and he said that the baby was measuring large at 3lbs, rather than the 2lb norm and that it could be because of gestational diabetes. As soon as we got out of the building, I started bawling. I couldn't hold it in anymore. Joe pointed out that we had seen perfect little feet in the last ultrasound, and while I knew that he was right and that all was ok, I just needed some time to flush all those terrible thoughts away.

On a similar note, I had my diabetes test last week and passed with flying colors. The nurse said the top of the range is 135, and that my level was 103, well within the normal range. What a relief. So, it looks like Baby Hackler may just be a big baby. He's measuring on the large side, and I'm measuring a couple of weeks ahead of schedule. The doctor is happy with my weight gain, only about 9 lbs so far, but told me to expect more in the next several weeks.

So, moral of the story is that I'm emotional, stressed, and BIG. I told Joe today that even my fat pants are getting tight. Luckily, Tonja came down last weekend and we did a little shopping where I was able to find some comfortable jeans.

The nursery is coming along. The walls have really become Joe's project. He painted the walls a bright green called Bermuda Grass that I wasn't sure I liked in the beginning, but it's definitely grown on me and I love it now. He's currently working on a birch tree mural that is coming along very well. I'm so happy that he's spear-headed this project (we joke that he's the project manager like on the Apprentice), and I can't wait to see the finished product. We're going to order some woodland animal wall decals for the grand finale. I've got plans to pick out fabric with Mom soon so that she can do the curtains and crib skirt and tie it all together.
I'm definitely entering the nesting phase where I want all this organized and ready for the baby.

I'm 29 weeks today, and that due date of June 10th (June 3rd according to the ultrasound) seems to be coming up way too quickly!

Big Baby Hackler!

Those Beautiful Little Feet!

A special note to Joe...

Thank you for being by my side through this... for being thoughtful, caring, and helpful. I know I've been a crazy pain in the rear. Thank you for understanding that I can't help myself. You are a wonderful husband and will be an excellent father. We're both lucky to have you in our lives.

25 weeks and it's feeling more and more real every day!

I'm 25 weeks along now, and the reality of it all is finally hitting home. Overall, I feel fine. I've been more tired this last week and have been falling asleep around 8 or 9. I swear my belly grows every day, and I am feeling more and more uncomfortable. My clothes are getting tighter, and I've finally conceded to wearing maternity clothes. The problem is that there aren't many options out there for plus sized women. A friend lent me some of her maternity clothes, but the pants are too short and the shirts are too tight through the chest. I found a shirt at Target that has the same problem, but will work for now... God, please don't let them get any bigger! I've also ordered a pair of jeans and a shirt through Old Navy. I've got my fingers crossed that those will work. I can't afford to buy a whole new wardrobe!

I'm starting to stress much more about getting things ready for the baby. The fact that Joe and I haven't decided on a name makes me crazy. He likes Benjamin and Lucas, and I like Max. We compromised so well on a girl name, Zoe Colleen, but we're not working so well together on a boy name. I'm scared that our little guy will be here, and we'll have to flip a coin in the hospital! Poor Baby Hackler, you have such independent, stubborn parents!

We are making progress on a nursery and have ordered a crib and chest of drawers. A special thank you to Grandma and Grandpa Chainey for helping with the crib and to Dad and Marcia for helping with the chest of drawers. We've decided to paint the nursery green, but haven't decided on a shade. I stood in Lowe's yesterday looking at color swatches while Joe grew more and more impatient, and we finally decided to put that off for another day. There's currently a railroad mural in that room, so we have to prime the walls first. We got all the supplies, and Joe got the whole room taped and ready yesterday. He did all the priming today. Thanks Joe! We're buying zero VOC paint, so I should be able to help him paint the nursery... darnnit!

We've also decided on a woodland creature theme, but haven't figured out the details of how to bring the walls, bedding, etc together. I have a feeling Mom will be helping us with that using her terrific sewing skills!

I've attached a picture of Joe and I at Christmas. Neither of us enjoy being photographed, so I thought I'd better throw this one in as you probably won't see many pictures of me and him on here. I'll touch base again after my next ultrasound on March 10th.

20 weeks... halfway there!

I've been able to feel the baby move now for over a month. It started with a barely noticeable fluttering that I only felt while laying down, but has increased to a more noticeable thumping that I can feel throughout the day. Last night the baby was feeling especially rowdy and was moving around more then I'd ever felt before. Joe asked if I could feel him from the outside, and I told him that I sometimes thought I could, but that I might just be imagining it. He put his hand on my belly, and could feel the baby move! It was really exciting to have Joe be a part of those first interactions with the baby!

The websites say that the baby is about 10.5 inches right now from head to toe... the size of a banana! I'm amazed by how fast he's growing. Luckily, I haven't gained any weight yet... but my belly is definitely getting bigger. I know my time will come, and probably sooner rather than later, but I'm trying to keep the weight gain to a minimum given the extra pounds that I'm already carrying!

I'm feeling much better in my second trimester. I only have occasional morning sickness and usually have more energy... although the move into our new house has been draining. I am noticing that I'm not sleeping as well. I wake up hot, or thirsty, or because I have to pee. I realize that this is probably the beginning of a very long period of time without a solid night's sleep. Given how much I enjoy my sleep, I know I'll be cranky... and Joe would likely tell you that I already am! I had a bit of a breakdown the other night as I tried to unpack the kitchen because the shelf liner wasn't cooperating and there wasn't a drawer large enough for our silverware tray. Oh the joys of pregnancy hormones! At least that's what I'm blaming it on!

The nurse called yesterday to say that the results came back from the ultrasound and that everything looked normal, but that they didn't get a good picture of the baby's face or spine. She scheduled another ultrasound for March 10th. I asked her if I should be concerned and she said no, that the baby was probably just too small since I was only 19 weeks at that time. I can't help but be a bit worried, but I'm guessing they wouldn't make me wait 6 weeks if they were concerned. So, I'm not going to let myself get worked up over it. Besides, it will be another chance to see the baby, which is always welcomed!

It's a boy!

Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. We've been super busy! Yesterday was our ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby, and it's a boy! We are both so excited! I wanted a boy because I'm terrified of having a prissy girlie girl. Joe said he didn't mind either way. He was grinning from ear to ear when he found out, and said he was excited about having a golfing/fishing buddy. The radiologist said that everything looks normal, that he's developing as he should be, and that he currently weighs about 13 oz. I've included some pictures below.



Look at that cute little nose!



Perfect little feet!



And some boy parts to make Daddy proud!

The other big news is that we closed on the house on December 28th! We both love the place and are so excited, but I'm absolutely dreading the move. I have definitely grown to hate moving over the years, but Joe keeps reminding me that this is the last time we'll be moving for a long while. The best part is that we've been able to take our time as we don't have to be out of our rental house until the end of the month. I've been packing boxes, and Joe has been making trips in the Jeep. It looks like we'll be moving the big stuff this weekend, so we should be living there shortly. I'll send out an email with our new address and phone number soon!

Busy, busy, busy!

It's Sunday night, and I'm exhausted. It's been such a busy week! Joe and I found a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house that we really liked out near Prairie Creek/Beaver Lake. They dropped the price of the house by $8000 just before Thanksgiving, so we scheduled a second viewing last Sunday. After looking at it again, we were sure it was the house for us, so we put together a contract with our realtor that night. The beginning of the week was a bit stressful as they countered, we countered, and they countered again... but Tuesday turned out to be a great day!

On Tuesday morning, we went to have our first "real" ultrasound. It was fantastic. We spent about 2o minutes viewing the baby on the screen as the technician took measurements... our first real quality time with the baby. I did a better job of not crying this time, but I definitely teared up a bit, especially when we got to hear the heartbeat. I've scanned the ultrasound pictures in below. I'm sorry they're so small, but I promise it actually looks like a baby now! And you can tell I'm ready to be a mother, because I've been proudly showing them off any chance I get!




On Tuesday, we also agreed on a contract for the house. It was exciting, but also overwhelming to think of all the things we need to get done before it will be ours... not to mention all the moving, painting, etc. that will happen after it's ours!

Yesterday Dad and Marcia came down to check out the house, as did the home inspector. All agreed that there are only minor repairs needed and that we're getting a great deal. It was such a relief, and the first time that I felt this might all work out. The house sits on a 0.88 acre wooded lot and, while it's not lake view, you can see Beaver Lake as you drive into the neighborhood. As we drove around the neighborhood, I started thinking about all the family vacations to Table Rock Lake as a kid. I used to love those trips and always wished I could have one of those houses on the lake. I know it sounds corny, but I feel like my dreams are coming true. Beaver Lake is just as pretty at Table Rock, and it's also in the Ozarks. While it's not a house on the lake, we couldn't be much closer. It's not ours yet, but it will be one Home Sweet Home.

View from the back porch

It's been an exciting week!

We had our first doctor's visit this week! I'm 11 weeks along now, and the baby seems to be doing well. The doctor did a quick bedside ultrasound, and found the baby very quickly. Thank goodness there was just one! I could immediately see the head, torso, limbs, and heartbeat. He/she was moving around all over the place! I started crying because it was just so awesome, and then getting a good picture was difficult. So, we've got pictures, but I can't get them to download here... and they're really not worth it anyway. Joe says he can tell it's my baby because it has the Weston head, but he also thought the baby looked like it had frog legs. Men!

The weeks seem to be progressing so slowly, but I'm hoping things will feel like they're moving faster now that I'll start seeing the doctor monthly. Seeing the baby was one of the greatest things ever, and I can't wait to do it again!

On a separate note, we decided it might be time to buy a house. We went to the bank this week and got pre-approved for a loan, so we've started looking. I don't want to rush into anything, but love the thought of having our very own nursery set up for the baby when it gets here.

Lastly, I'll just say that the morning sickness is getting old. I'm so ready for that part of things to be over! I just keep telling myself that my once a day vomit habit is nothing compared to what some women go through. And, I'm sure it will all be worth it!