WAY TO MUCH

So I just realized that I am a slacker and haven't posted anything for way to many weeks.  Things are ok, but crazy right now and some unexplained issues.  We will be 24 weeks on Monday and I promise to put a nice update on the baby and pictures next week as I have my 4d ultrasound.  I do have to say I am excited about this, but I have seen other peoples pics and they are kind of creepy.

Right now life just feels like a fog.  I was really starting to feel good finally and even was able to sleep.  Then on top of that I finally felt movement.  :)  It was the greatest feeling in the world and a moment I won't ever forget.  Chris and I had gone to bed on that Sunday night right before I was 22 weeks and we were talking in bed.  As we were talking and laughing I felt this weird pain right below my belly button.  I stopped and immediately was like what is that.  Then it happened again.  I told Chris I think your daughter just kicked me.  He put his hand on my belly and she did it again to the point he even felt it.  We both were in shock and honestly I am not sure who was more in shock.  Of course my waterworks turned on as I was more than happy and in shock.  I called my mom and told her the news.  What an amazing, weird, and creepy feeling all at the same time.  I just laid there that night feeling her move and kick me.  I didn't feel her after that for a few days which really bothered me.  I have found that I only feel her when I am laying down or sititng in a slumped position.  I love feeling her move and kick me.  Things are definitely becoming more real.  I know that it really started to hit me as I actually started my long term lesson plans for a substitute this winter.  So excited! 

I am growing too, but everyone says I am small for where I should be.  Besides that fact I have still yet to gain a lb, but the dr says that is fine as my belly is growing and is measuring ahead of schedule.  I am still carrying Gabbie extremely low.  I know that the doctor has mentioned a few concerns about this and my placenta.  Then on top of this I have been having some weird pain that we can't seem to figure out.  We did decide last week that it might be my bowels and my IBS issues.  She said if that is the case it will be hard later on to tell the difference between that and contractions.  At least I know what they will kind of feel like hearing that.  Then my doctor brought up the glucose test and how with diabetes in my family, I really need to be careful that day so we don't get a false positive.  I go for that test on the 17th.  I am not too excited, but ready to know.

I am having some pain this week and not sure what is going on.  It is actually a bit scary as I even had some minor bleeding.  I constantly have the pain in my hipbones and pelvis, but this pain is like a sharp pain across my abdomen.  It has been brought up that I am feeling contractions, but who knows.  I know at my 20 week ultrasound weeks ago that we could see my body was having contractions, but I just couldn't feel them.  I am just hoping that Miss Gabbie stays put for a lot longer as it isn't time for us to meet her yet.  I am just trying to take things easy and stay off of my feet the best I can which isn't easy being a kindergarten teacher that is for sure.  Any how, we are trying not to think about an early delivery, but it is hard not too.  I can't wait to have Gabbie, but not yet.  I just have to stay calm and relaxed.  Thank God I can feel her move now and have the Doppler to listen to her.  :)

I promise next week another update.  Thanks for the continued love and support.  We need prayers as always to keep little one growing and for her to stay put. 

When Can I Breathe...

Alright all of you that have been in my shoes and gotten pregnant after years of fertility treatment, when do you finally relax and think things are fine with your pregnancy? Today puts us at 21 weeks and for some reason I am more nervous now then I was a few weeks ago. I don't understand why I am becoming more crazy about my pregnancy and little Gabbie. I wonder if it is how my dr makes me so nervous or what? I am so glad she sees me every two weeks as I need all of the peace of mind I can get. I am sure it doesn't help that I am not feeling movement either. I know the chance of miscarriage is very rare right now but still nervous as I want this so bad. Any how just needed to vent... Thanks for always listening and putting this nervous nelly at ease.

We Are Having A.............

Tuesday was the big day for the 20 week ultrasound and to find out what we are having.  I think we are still in shock that is for sure.  It was definitely icing on the cake on top of a few days of feeling crummy.  On Monday I couldn't even sit up I was having so much pain.  It didn't feel like the round ligament pain, but something different.  Any how, we did figure out why I have so much pain and it is because I am carrying this baby so low.  I had two techs that were in there with us double checking everything, do you see why they make me so nervous?  One of the big things mentioned had to do with my placenta being anterior instead of interior. (I think that is the right word)  My understanding is that I won't feel movement for a long time.  The baby was punching me and kicking me the whole time, but I have yet to feel a thing.  Other things were said, but I can't think.  I was relieved to prove the dr wrong that my cervix was closed.  YEAH!  When it came to figuring out the sex, it took a bit, but we are having a GIRL!  I can't believe it!  There are no girls in Chris's family so this is just huge!  I am so excited to shop that is for sure.

After we finally got done we went to my parents and we told them and about 5 other people.  We then made little mini vanilla cupcakes that we filled the middle with pink icing and frosted them with white cream cheese icing.  So when people bit into them they found out what we were having.   We made 100 of these.  I sent a bunch to my old school or family of teachers that I miss, a bunch for my new colleagues, and for my kindergarteners.  I don't know who was more excited.  The idea was a huge hit even though I made a lot of people angry with not sharing my news immediately.  I wanted to be able to do something fun with my pregnancy as everyone knew we had done IVF and that we were prego early on.  Here are a few pictures of our little miracle.  We love her!  Her name is going to be Gabbie.

20 Weeks! WE ARE 1/2 WAY!

I can't believe that tomorrow I am 20 weeks along in my pregnancy.  We are 1/2 way done to becoming parents.  I can't tell you the joy that this brings to me.  Everyone says that I am glowing, but I don't see it.  I just keep trucking along cautious with each day.  Tuesday is the big day for the big 20 week scan and we get to find out what we are having.  I am so excited!  We are actually going to really be able to plan ahead for our little family.  I think I will have a permanent smile on my face these next few days.  Do I feel like this real yet, NOPE!  :)

20 Week Update
Baby is the size of: a cantaloupe!  WOW!  I don't feel large enough to be having a cantaloupe inside me.

Symptoms: Acne is a bit better for the time being.  :)  My boobs feel like they are growing again.  Lots of pain and soreness on my right pelvic region.  Still not sleeping, but other than that I am doing good.

Weight gain: None...I still keep dropping weight.  The doctor doesn't seem concerned though as I am growing so she said all is good.

Maternity clothes: Bought a few more shirts last weekend.  Winter is coming is all I have to say!

Sleep: This week I had one night where I slept about 11 hours and it was great.  Since then just a couple of hours asleep a night.  I do better if I just fall asleep at an angle on the sofa.

Movement: Not sure.  :)  I think yesterday I really started feeling movement, but I don't know.  I know when I went to the doctor two weeks ago she told me that it would be a while before I really felt real movement as I am carrying the baby so low.  She said where the baby is and the placenta, it would take a lot to really feel a punch or kick.  However, during that ultrasound, you could see the baby really moving and when you listen with the doppler you hear the baby kicking and moving.  What a huge sense of relief!

Cravings: I guess you could say Subway is my craving.  I hate sandwiches, but every time I have a sub sandwich I am happy.  Who knows?  I am also still eating grapes like crazy.  :)

Strangest moment: Watching baby stuff slowly coming in our house.  My parents got us a Britax stroller and carseat for Christmas and of course Chris had to put it together and get it out.  He was so cute pushing that little stroller around the house.  The dogs just keep looking in that room wondering what it going on.  Once we know the sex, the real shopping will start. 

Gender: 2 more days and we will know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I am making special cupcakes to reveal the sex to my coworkers in my old school and new school.  I know that my old school friends will be excited for sure!  There will be pink or a blue filling in them when they bite into it.  :)

What I look forward to: Finding out the sex of course and feeling the baby kick!

Milestones: 1/2 way through my pregnancy!  I feel like I am dreaming, but it is the best dream in the world!
 
I think today I might get out the baby book and start writing and scrapbooking.  So excited!  If any of you know how to print off your blog to make into a book please let me know.  :)  This has been an experience that I want to share with my child some day.  This baby is so loved!

Sneak Peak and 19 Weeks

Is reality setting in with me yet, NOPE!  You would think that I would be realizing that I am going to be a mom in just about another 20 weeks, but NOPE!  We have even been shopping and big items are being purchased, but NOPE still not real.  My doctor joked with me on Thursday that it will take me holding our angel in our arms to realize that I was pregnant.

On Thursday I went for my every 2 week appointment.  Chris couldn't go this time as he was in the middle of his inventory and that is his superbowl of his work year.  So, my mom went with me instead as I have been on edge about a few things.  I am so glad that she went with me.  Immediately when she walked in and started asking questions, I just broke down.  I told her about all of the pain I am having on my right pelvic bone and she said that could be ligaments stretching or core ligament pain.  That made me feel better, but when I told her I am not sure if I am feeling movement and that makes me nervous.  She knows what a roller coaster ride this has been through the years and she could see that this was affecting me in more ways than one including not sleeping and nightmares.  I told her that I can listen to the heartbeat and it is reassuring, but not sure if I am feeling movement and not having an ultrasound since I was 12 weeks makes me wonder.  I told her that I know I have my internal and external ultrasound on the 11th and 20 weeks, but it is too far away.  She told me that since I was the last appointment for the day she wanted to end her day on a good note and we would do an ultrasound for fun.  :)  Can you say excited!  I looked at my mom and she was grinning from ear to ear too. 

We went down for the ultrasound and it took a bit for it to kick in.  I thought this would be a perfect time to find out a bit more information.  She told me that she does have concerns with me as my uterus is huge from IVF and putting me ahead of schedule, the other baby's sac is still there and growing, that I am carrying the baby so low, and a few other things.  I knew she was worried, but hearing it kind of made me feel better.  I know most people just got every 4 weeks at this point in their pregnancy and I feel blessed she sees me every 2 weeks to monitor me closely. 

When we started the ultrasound, you could immediately see my lovebugs profile and the he/she didn't fit on the screen any more.  The baby was looking at us and it was just amazing.  I couldn't believe that I could see the spine, body features, and the little heart.  Then the baby arched his/her back and yawned.  It was beautiful.  I just watched with tears welling up in my eyes that this amazing human being is literally growing inside me.  The doctor than pointed out why I am not feeling true movement yet.  Where I am carrying the baby and where my placenta is, there is a huge gap.  She said that the baby would have to kick or punch way high up for me to feel movement.  She said I will feel it, but it will be a while.  What a huge sigh of relief I had then.  Just laying there and watching my little one move was incredible.  Then my mom asked the big question that I knew she would ask and said, can you find out the sex?  I am just laying there half wanting to know, but knowing my hubby will be mad that he isn't there.  I was a little relieved when the baby didn't want to move, but all of a sudden he/she moved a bit and we saw something for just a second.  I think I know what we are having, but not positive.  I must be pretty confident as I bought some baby clothes this weekend.  I am still waiting to really have a long time for an ultrasound before saying anything, but believe me I want to scream the news at the top of my lungs!  Here is a picture of our lovebug during the ultrasound.

The picture didn't copy well, but you can see the head, the long swan neck like mine, and the upper body region.  I just love looking at this picture.  It is now midnight which makes me officially 19 weeks.  1 more week and we are half way through this pregnancy and one day away from the in depth ultrasound.  One excited Lil Momma.  Thanks for all of the continued prayers and support!  We appreciate them!

Belly at Almost 18 Weeks

So I finally did what everyone had been asking me to do...I took a picture of my belly.  I personally hate the pictures as I feel huge and just disheveled, but still.  For those of you that want to see the bump.  Here you go....  Enjoy....

Almost 17 Weeks

On Monday I am 17 weeks! WOW!  Still it doesn't seem real at all.  I am doing pretty good overall other than I am just on edge as I thought we were finding out the sex this next week and the doctor changed her mind and now we have to wait until October 11th.  Part of this reason is that they want to check my cervix.  I am more than disappointed as I just want to know already.  I have another appt on the 29th and I am going to try to push the appt up.  I am not giving up.  :)  Persistence will pay off, right?

Something for all of you mommies or soon to be mommies....the doctor keeps asking me about chromosomal testing and Down's testing.  How many of you actually did these tests?  My thought is, I don't want to know as I don't want to have more stress and worry than I already do.  Besides, there isn't much they can do if there is an issue just more ultrasounds and monitoring.  I think we made the decision we aren't doing it.  God wanted us to have this baby and we will, no matter what!
17 Week Update

Baby is the size of: an onion...I have a feeling the baby is bigger as I already feel huge.  If you haven't seen my bump, oh my.  :)  I need to take a picture of myself, but I just feel weird doing that.  
Symptoms: Still have the acne going on and feel like a teenager again.  Sleeping isn't my friend still.  Food aversions aren't as bad as they were last week.  I have eaten a few things that have definitely not agreed with the baby or me though.
Weight gain: From my appt last week from the alcohol scare to my appt this week, I put on a lb of weight that I lost.  Who knows?
Maternity clothes:  Big frustration in my life.  I hate that shirts do not cover that lovely panel on my jeans.  I feel so self conscience about it.  I need to buy some warmer clothes too as it seems like the weather is going to skip fall and go straight to winter.
Sleep: Lucky if I sleep about 3 hours straight a night if that.  I asked the doctor and she said I can take something, but I don't want to do that unless I have to.  I know by the end of the school week, I am worn out and I can't wait for the 4:00 bell. 
Movement: I would say I have some flutters or tapping, but not like I thought I would.  I am sure this baby is a mover and shaker though as today we got out the doppler just to hear the heartbeat and he/she was moving all over the place as the heartbeat kept moving.  I told Chris and the baby he or she had better do the same kind of movement when we go to find out the gender.
Cravings: Non existent.  It is crazy that I don't, but I really don't.  I do know that smells of foods make me not want to eat something sometimes though.  For example my lunchable the other day...it went in the trash.
Strangest moment: Going to the city Fall Fun Fest and having everyone just rub my belly.  I have never touched a belly until now with mine.  It is really shocking at how hard my stomach is.  I never would dream it would feel like this.  I thought it would feel mushy.  LOL...
Gender: October 11th can't get here fast enough.  My patience on this one is gone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This momma wants to shop!
What I look forward to: Finding out the sex of course and feeling the baby kick!
Milestones: Not sure one this one...the doctors still think I am crazy so that hasn't changed.  She thinks it is funny I don't believe this is real.  That is probably why she sees me every 2 weeks.  :)

I Was Given Alcohol!

What a past 24 hours I have had!   Went to Applebees last night for dinner with friends and had a frozen lemonade to drink instead of caffeine trying to be good as I had drank nothing, but water during the day.  We even told the waiter to hurry on the appetizers as I was prego and hungry,  During dinner was feeling hot and a headache coming on.  When the ticket came we saw that the waiter brought me a spiked frozen lemonade even though the waiter knew I was pregnant and that beverage isn't even on the menu.  It was quite the evening to say the least and I just feel sick especially from the headache I got.  I talked to my doctor's office and they said to call them today once I got up and moving.  The good thing is that I am out of my first trimester and I didn't drink that much, but still you know how I am feeling like I have so much invested in this and it doesn't take the worry away.  Applebees is flipping out to say the least as they said they have never had this happen before, but come to find out today that this has happened before and a child was served alcohol.  The General Manager was supposed to call me today and believe me he has, more info on that to come.  The manager last night just kept asking what can I do, what can I do.  With each thing he said the tears welled up until I lost it.  Luckily I have amazing friends who helped me through all of this.  I can honestly say that last night I didn't get much sleep at all even though I was sure things were fine, but I was more mad than anything.  Today when I got up I was still angry to say the least.  I called the doctor and while waiting on them to call back, Applebees called more than a few times wanting to know if I was fine and had seen a doctor.  I then talked to my drs office and they said to come in at 1:00.  I was so nervous to be honest with you, but more than relieved and happy when I heard that little heartbeat just going as fast as it could.  :)  Then the coolest thing happened, the baby actually kicked the doppler.  You heard this thump sound and the doctor looked and me and smiled only to say that is what had happened.  I have a feeling that soon enough I will be feeling this little bundle of joy moving all over the place and can't wait.  The doctor wrote me out directions saying that I had been exposed to alcohol by Applebees, what the fetal tones were, that I need lots of fluid, and follow up appointments.  This covers me in case something does happen, but it won't.  Tomorrow I am going to call Applebee's General Manager back and give him an earful about the situation.  I want to figure out everything I want to say first.  I am still SOOOOOOO angry about the whole thing.  Nothing like more drama in my life and my pregnancy!  LOL...

15 Weeks!

Today I am 15 weeks!  It doesn't even seem possible!  It really just seems like yesterday that we were in St. Louis doing IVF.  I still don't think the reality of the fact that I am pregnant has hit me.  The joke is that I won't realize that I am pregnant until I am holding that beautiful baby in my arms.  :)  I know that I am, but it still seems so surreal.

Now the update on our baby and how I am doing. :)
Baby is the size of: a naval orange...our little Gomez or Gertie are growing!  I would almost even say that our baby is larger than that as our baby was weighing in at 2oz a few weeks ago and it says that the baby should way 2.5oz.

Symptoms: I am not having any major symptoms lately.  I guess what people say about the 2nd trimester is true as I am feeling pretty good.  I am getting some pain from my body stretching especially when I sleep, but not too bad.  The only thing that i have still is acne.  Hello hormones!

Weight gain: None...I went to the doctor last week and I am dropping weight still.  I still think I am dropping IVF weight and that is why I can't tell I am gaining even though my bump is growing.

Maternity clothes - I went and bought a few more shirts yesterday.  It is already hard enough to find shirts that are long enough for my body. 

Sleep: I bought a snoogle a few weeks ago and I do have to say that is helps some when trying to fall asleep, but the pain I have been having when laying on my side isn't fun.  I know that it is just my body stretching and growing for this baby, but it is uncomfortable.

Movement: The doctor last week said I should start feeling movement this week.  I can't wait to feel it and it would definitely give me such peace of mind knowing the baby is really developing.

Cravings: I am really not having cravings.  I have been wanting fruit a lot lately, but that is about it.  The other thing is my Lay's BBQ chips.

Strangest moment: People are starting to rub my belly.  I thought it would bother me, but it doesn't at all.  It is kind of neat that people are so excited.  Also, my kindergarteners think every time I have a doctors appt that I am having the baby.  :)  It is kind of cute!

Gender: Don't know yet!  We will know in a few more weeks.  I have so many friends that are making predictions and most of them say girl.  I am still thinking boy, but I just want a healthy baby.

What I look forward to: My appt next week and scheduling my ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby.  I am not being very patient about this.  Also, our baby furniture is being delivered on Saturday.  We even went over to my parents house to get a bunch of stuff out of their basement as I bought bedding and stuff years ago before we knew about our infertility issues.  I had to get it out of the house as it was too hard to look at.  I now have these boxes here and opening them will bring back a lot of memories, but I am excited to see what we already have.  Hello Fish Nursery!

Milestones: Really starting to accept that I am going to be a mom.  :)

When Can We Catch A Break

Today was one of those days that makes me think, when is my family going to catch a break.  Last night I wasn't feeling well at all and having cramping and sharp pains a lot of the night.  Then this morning wasn't much better.  I talked to one of my nurses that is a friend and she told me with my high risk pregnancy and still having the 2nd sac, I need to call Dr. Leverett.  I called the office and she wasn't there, but the nurse said she would talk to another doctor and get back with me.  Most of my pain is on my left side.  At about 10:30, the office called back to tell me to get off of my feet and go home from school.  In addition, they mentioned that it could be a few things.  One being the baby trying to pass or my uterus expanding from the baby this is doing well.  She then said that I might never pass this baby and it might be something that I end up delivering with the other baby.  Creepy if you ask me.  The last thing she said was that if I start bleeding that I need to go to Labor and Delivery at the hospital immediately.  I honestly wanted to cry after hearing this...everything has to be fine, right?  After managing to get a sub, I left school and went home.  Right as I was getting home, my cell phone rang and it was my mom.  I was sure she was just calling to check on me as she and I had been emailing that morning, but no she was calling to tell me more bad news.  My dads nurse that has been coming to the home checked his blood yesterday and the levels in his kidneys had gotten worse since Sunday when he left the hospital.  Dr. Hamood said he wanted to admit my dad immediately.  So my mom was at KU Med yet again with my dad.  Seriously...am I hearing her right.  Then she tells me that they took their dog in that was having issues and she might be having surgery and is staying the night at the pet hospital.  I am honestly at the point I don't even want to answer the phone right now.  Now on top of all of that I am trying to decide what to do about work tomorrow.  I am going to see how my night goes and then I might do another half day.  I am not going to do anything to jeopardize this baby.  I am hoping that tomorrow will be a better day and that my body feels better.  I am going to go buy the pillow everyone says I need as laying on my back isn't good.  I am hoping that will help even though it hurts to lay on my side.  I did lay on my side most of the afternoon.  Praying hard tonight that everyone in my family is ok and NOTHING else will go wrong.

13 Weeks!

Wow..this pregnancy really feels like it is trucking along.  I am sure the fact that school has started, is really helping me out more than anything.  I have so many other things on my mind that I don't just dwell on the baby and the baby we are losing.  We did take a huge step this weekend in that we went shopping for furniture for the nursery and actually bought a set!  I love it!  It was normally $4500, but on clearance for $1300 as they are putting out a new model at Nebraska Furniture Mart.  It will be delivered on Sept 10th.  Here is a link to the furniture...  http://www.munirefurniture.com/lexington_01.htm

Now the update on our baby and how I am doing.  :)

Baby is the size of: a peach...our little Gomez or Gertie are growing!
Symptoms: I am doing pretty good on this lately.  I can tell that the end of my nausea is here or so I hope.  The one thing that is driving me nuts is my acne.  Hello hormones...  I feel like a teenager again.  Another symptom I always has is sore boobs in the morning and definitely some cramping before fully getting up.  Other than that doing good.
Weight gain: Maybe 1 pound. When I did IVF and the steroids, I gained lots of weight from the meds. Now that I went off the steroids, I am dropping weight. :) I think I have put on about a pound though even though I have been dropping weight.
Maternity clothes - I wore my first pair of pregnancy jeans on Friday and I felt so weird to say the least.  The panel made me nuts as I felt like my shirt wasn't long enough to cover it.  I bought a few new shirts this weekend for my birthday.
Sleep: I am tossing and turning most of the night.  A friend recommended a pillow that I am thinking I might go buy real soon. 

Movement: Not yet...however in the last ultrasound the baby was moving all over the place. I can't wait to feel it for real!  Chris calls it our little Mexican Jumping Bean.  It was so funny in the ultrasound last week.
Cravings: Still not having to many cravings except for my Propel Water.  I am having some nice indigestion after eating.   Good times...
Strangest moment: Seeing the baby going crazy last week in the ultrasound.  :)
Gender: Don't know yet!
What I look forward to: Next doctor's appointment on the 2nd to check on the babies. I am hoping that the one is gone and the other baby is still flourishing! Hoping that some of my restrictions will be removed.
Milestones: So close to finding out the sex of the baby.  :) 

2nd Trimester!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOO HOO!  We are in the 2nd Trimester!  I seriously feel like screaming and jumping up and down with joy.  I still can't believe it.  I just keep thinking of someone saying we will never be parents, but now I can just smile as I really believe in February we will be.  I know we aren't out of the woods by no means, but getting closer.  On Thursday I go back to the doctor for another check up and to see what is going on with the babies.  I do have to say I am nervous, but luckily the start of school and that stress is overtaking it most of the time.  Now on Thursday Kindergarten will be the last thing on my mind and the baby(s) will be first and foremost.  Now to fast forward to Thursday.  Until then just going to enjoy this huge accomplishment!  We are one happy family right now.  I forgot to mention my bump is really starting to pop now.  :)