Bathroom Remodel

Well I'm sure by reading my posts you all know how wonderful my mother is. I was complaining about how gross our bathtub is and that I didn't feel comfortable bathing the baby in it. Something is wrong with the drain and it was just dingy. My mom showed up today and began destructing the bathroom! We're going to configure it a little and get a new tub, showerhead, and tile!

Sophie is doing great. I feel like her feedings have been full feedings lately and she seems to just be the sweetest happiest baby! She sleeps so good in her crib, and goes roughly 6-7 hours at night. She loves to hold her head up and look around, and she's full of smiles. She is still a big girl! She wears 6 month size clothes (and she's almost three months). I haven't weighed her lately but I bet she's about 14lbs. She is a wiggle worm. She's quite content to spend some time in her bouncer. She knows my voice very well and looks around the room for me if I talk to her. She is officially too big for her baby bath tub so until the renovations are complete, I think we'll have to bath her in the sink or at my mom's house. Kale and the baby had a 'date night' last night and watched Lord of the Rings in our bed. She did good, she likes the lights and fell asleep.

We had such a great Christmas! I can't wait to use my new camera. I loaded a bunch of pictures on the digital picture frame Kale got me and I love it.

Merry Christmas

We've been busy! Christmas Eve Eve we had a family party at my mom's house. My family is definitely 'different' and always fun to people watch. Christmas Eve I got called off, which I was glad for, so we could go down to see Kale's parents. We got to get pictures with her cousin's who she also met for the first time.

This morning Kale and I opened presents at our house, then went to my mom's for an hour to do presents there. Kale got a new cell phone, some clothes and socks, and snowboarding gear. Kale did SO GOOD on my presents this year! He got me darling earrings, perfume, a digital picture frame, and he even surprised me with two tickets to a Cirque de Soleie (sp?) show for our trip in Las Vegas at the end of January! One of my most favorite presents was a digital SLR camera my mom got me! (well it's both of ours). The camera also comes with like 6 weeks of free classes on becoming a camera pro! I am so excited, and can't wait to learn to use it.

Sophie's First Cold

Background: I LOVE to vaccuum ever since I got my Dyson for my birthday/mother's day earlier this year. I vaccuum at least once every three days. Even during the last trimester and when we were trying to ward-off labor and keep Sophie in until October I refused to let anyone vaccuum because I enjoy it so much. I was telling Kale how fun it was today while I was vaccumming and he said he wanted to try it out and be the judge. I just couldn't help but die laughing at this picture... he looks like a housewife! I have the best husband in the world. I love my baby Sophie so much.

Last week I had to work, and I brought home a cold. I had a scratchy throat and stuffy nose on Tuesday. Sure enough, Friday night Sophie was fussy, and during the night she sounded awful. She had a snotty nose and kept coughing on her sinus drainage. It was so sad. She sounds ok during the day but the nights are no fun. I had a humidifier on her last night but it made her freezing (despite it being a warm mist). I cranked the heat up and bundled her good tonight, so hopefully it helps. The poor girl. I love her so much and hate knowing she's miserable. This is why mother's shouldn't have to go back to work so soon!

Santa

We had to wait in line almost half an hour, but Sophie did so good! Santa and Mrs. Santa were so cute! It was fun. My mom took us until I was about 12, and we have a polaroid picture of each year sitting with Santa. I'm going to continue the tradition!

*I am enjoying my last few days before I have to return to work like normal. I love my baby. She is so alert and active, and I enjoy spending the day holding her and hanging out. Sophie is getting so big. She has slept 8-12 hours a couple night in the last two weeks. I miss nursing her at night because it's so quit and such a time to bond but enjoy the extra sleep. Her eyes are staying blue. Her hair is so long her bangs are almost in her eyes! She hasn't pooped for a week (which isn't uncommon in a breastfed baby her age) so I'm waiting for the 'blow-out.' She is growing like a weed and I can't believe it when I look at pictures from when she was only a week old. She sleeps in her crib now. She is so soft and sweet, I love our baby girl more than anything in the world!

Blessing

We blessed Sophie today. Kale did the most wonderful blessing. He was so nervous about it but did great. I am married to the best husband in the whole wide world! Sophie didn't make a peep (phew). We were able to have some of Kale's closest friends, several ward members that we just love, and my dad and Kale's dad stand in the circle. She is the sweetest baby. I can't picture myself doing anything else but being a mother right now! It is the best feeling in the world to look at my special little baby; the love I feel for her and my family is overwhelming! The dress Sophie wore was so special. It was a dress that my mom made for me, and she worked really hard on it, it is simple yet beautiful, and I wore it when I was blessed 23+ years ago! Sophie fit into it and was able to wear it for her blessing. It is so special to me. I plan on keeping a hold of it and Sophie may one day be able to bless her babies in it!

2 months, 5 generation Pictures

Yesterday, Thanksgiving, went well. It was my first day back to work. I fed Sophie at 4am. My mom had stayed the night to help. I was able to discharge 3 of my 5 patients, so they consolidated to another nurse and I got to leave about 1230. Kale was able to arrange going in late and we went to my mom's and ate dinner. It was nice to spend time with the family. I did well during the day about leaving Sophie, but that night all I wanted to do was hold her.

Saturday, we went to Wyoming to see Kale's grandparents. They are so sweet, we had such a good time hanging out and visiting. We wanted to get a 5 generation picture, so we went to the nursing home where Kale's great grandma Nona was. She is 99! I think the picture is so neat, it's not often you can get 5 generations! We also stopped by to see Kale's aunt and uncle and their puppy Oscar. Oscar didn't quite know what to think of a crying baby! Sophie did well during the 3 hour car ride. On the way back she slept the entire time.

Today she had her 2 month appointment. She weighed 13 lbs 1.5 oz and was 24 inches long... both of those off the charts! The doctor wasn't concerned with her red mark (Hemangioma) and said that it will go away on it's own, and it wasn't affecting her eye at all. I had given her Tylenol before the appt in hopes that it would help after getting her immunizations. She did ok for a while, just a little bit fussy. I ran an errand in town. On the way home she was screaming hysterically. I got home the same time my mom came over, and the poor girl was just crying and crying... it was breaking my heart. Neither me or my mom could calm her down. If you touched her legs she just screamed even louder. We got a warm bath and that helped to calm her down a little. I gave her more Tylenol and we got her to sleep. She's been better since. It makes me sad knowing she's in pain. I hope that our night goes better.

4 generations (My mom's side)

4 generations (My dad's side)

5 generations (Kale's dad's side)

8 weeks

Sophie is doing great. She is going to be 8 weeks old tomorrow! She's getting strong and can hold her head up well. She still bobbles around once in a while. She loves to look around too. She hates having a blanket on her face. She hates getting dressed. She doesn't fit in her bathtub hardly at all. Our bath-tub is old and not easily accessible for two people to bath her (and hold onto her).
My mom took Sophie overnight on Saturday night. She brought her back on Sunday morning, and we got her ready, and went to church. It was the Primary program, it was cute. It was fun to show off Sophie to my friends in the ward. I thought it would be important to go since Kale has to bless Sophie next month and he hasn't been since she was born!

Sophie's hair is one of my favorite things about her. It is getting longer and more thick... it is so soft, and after we bath her with the purple soap (my favorite) she smells so dang good! It styles pretty easy without gel if we do it when it's wet. She is such a pretty baby. I know I'm probably biased, but I think she is absolutely beautiful! She's not too fat but not too skinny, she's long, but not too long. She has the cutest legs! Her feet are so long, but narrow! Her skin is so soft too. One of my other favorite things about my sweet baby is her facial expressions. I love them. She has got some good eyebrow muscles. Her latest thing is blowing spit bubbles too, It's cute. She's not a drooler, thank heavens, and she's not a spitty-baby. I credit breastfeeding, because it seems like the infants that are on formula puke up a lot more at work. I am so thankful I can breastfeed her. It was a hard first week, but I am so glad I stuck with it.

7 weeks

Our Sophie is 7 weeks today. She is the sweetest girl! Sophie is such a busy body - she loves to look around and check everything out. She continues to love her baths. She is growing out of her bathtub though! The water doesn't cover her belly anymore. She's got a great personality, and she is a cuddler which I am so thankful for because I love to cuddle her. She has gotten too long to swaddle in our usual blanket so we've had to improvise lately with a bigger blanket. Man that girl can sweat! If she lays on my chest or if I craddle her in my arm her head and my arm are just soaked! Whichever side she lays on at night she can get sweaty too. I don't overdress her either, she is a heater. Sophie is a noisy sleeper. She must have some crazy dreams. She wiggles a lot, and makes lots of noises. For that reason I have been trying to put her in her crib for a span of time during the night. She wakes up to eat about every 4-5 hours at night.

Kale and I went to the Jazz game last night. I like to people watch and eat. I had a churro and a pretzel, and a couple of Kale's nachos. It was fun to go, they were lower bowl seats. I thought about my baby though, and wished she could have come with us.

This week a nice lady in our ward took some family pictures/Sophie baby pictures. It was so fun, and I know they are going to turn out so cute! She was great! Sophie did good. She slept for some of them (which I was so surprised by) and they were so precioius!

She's laying by me know, chillin, with her hair all fluffy/spiked, making fun noises and I can't help but feel blessed. The love I feel for her is overwhelming! I can't believe what a special little girl she is, and we are so lucky to have her.

6 weeks

Sweet Dreams!

Getting her hair done. I sometimes wash it in the morning so she doesn't have to have wet hair at night when it's colder in the house. She doesn't mind it at all, she just looks around. I love her beautiful hair. She has so much of it, and she hasn't lost any... if anything it's definately thickening and growing.

Today we went to my Grandma's house. She hasn't seen the baby yet, so it was fun to show her off. We got a picture (4-generation) while we were there. I have a four-generation picture of me as a baby and I think it is really neat. Kale and I went to the first meeting at church this morning. We had a program that was so great, the Spirit was so strong. I loved it. When we came home the power was out so there wasn't anything to do, so all three of us layed down for a nap. I love falling asleep next to my baby. She's a pretty loud sleeper though. She makes all sorts of noises and moves around a lot if I don't swaddle her.

5 Weeks

My sweet girl is 5 weeks old today. We've had a good day, she's hardly been fussy. She has wanted to nurse every 2 hours though. Kale only had to work until 1, he's been home with us, it's been fun, and nice having an extra set of hands to hold the little one.

Here are some random thoughts:

*Sophie loves her baths. I have bathed her in her little bathtub from the day way got home, everyday!

*I like to have things clean. I clean my house a lot. I vacuum about every other day. That's mostly because I love my Dyson. I rarely have any dirty laundry. The dishes are Kale's responsibility because I hate touching soggy food, so those do pile up. Some have commented that will change with a family, but so far, it hasn't! (and it wont)

*I love baby girl clothes! They are so cute. Sophie has on these purple butterfly PJs, and they have these cute butterflies on the bottom of the feet. I hate clothes that say "I love Mommy" or "Princess" though.

*I appreciate my mom more than anything in the world. She is so helpful. I love living near her.

*I hate sports. I hate watching baseball, and especially football. It's awful.

4 weeks

Sophie was 4 weeks yesterday. We sure do enjoy her! She is so sweet, and she's getting bigger every day. We had her weighed today at our appointment. She is 10 lbs 11 oz (90th percentile) and 22 inches long (85th percentile)! She was so good last night. I had her in our bed and she slept well. She nursed every 4 hours and went back to sleep, no partying. She's had several tummy aches this week. We got some mylicon and gripe water and it seems to work usually.

Today after the appt we went to run an errand. The baby was fussy and so my mom took her out to the car and was going to pull the car up (I was in the line to checkout). I walked out but couldn't find her, so walked to where I parked. My mom told me she was putting the baby in the car and somehow hit the lock button. She didn't realize it until she shut the door. Yep, that's right, the baby was locked in the car. I was in disbelief. My mom called 911, and I called my roadside assistance. The police officer reached us before the locksmith, and they were able to get the door open. It seemed like forever but she was only locked in there for about 10 minutes. She slept the entire time, and only woke up when we got my door open the car alarm went off. Phew! Despite it being stressful (yeah I got a bit emotional) I'm glad everything worked out, my mom definately felt bad. It wasn't her fault it could have happened to anyone, she wasn't familiar with my car (she didn't know the honk meant it was locked). It was partly my fault too because my spare key was in the car instead of in my purse.

3 Weeks

My sweet baby, smiling in her sleep!

Oh my gosh I can't believe Sophie is three weeks old today! What a cute little peanut. She's so much more alert and two days ago she was lifting her head up and holding it on her own. She also is still in size Newborn clothes. Even though they say up to 8lbs (and she's over 9) they fit her better. They're getting a little small though, I bet we'll have to upgrade soon. The 0-3 months is just a bit too big still. I really like breastfeeding Sophie. It's definately a bonding time for us.

Grandma stayed the night last night. I don't know how she does it but she gets Sophie to sleep like a baby! :) She slept for 5 hours, then 4 1/2 between the feedings! Sophie is such a sweet girl. I just love her. She has soft hair that smells so good, and soft skin, and cute chubby cheeks, and perfect little fingers and toes. I love holding her little body against me, and I love looking at her! She is such a blessing.

Doctor's Appointment

Today we had our doctor's appointment. Sophie weighed 9lb 3oz (birth weight 8lb 3oz, discharge weight 7lb 12oz). That puts her in the 90th percentile. Her height was almost 22inches (20in at birth), which is 95th percentile. She had to get her heel pricked for PKU, she didn't like that. Otherwise all was well. She still has eye boogers and the doctor said she could have that for months until her tear ducts mature. I asked about the mark on her forehead between her eyes. He said it was a birth mark that will lighten, and that it's very common, and they call it an angel kiss. You can look at pictures from the delivery and you can see it really well. I think that's kinda cool, and I'm glad it will lighten.

Can you believe we've gone through over 250 newborn size diapers!?! We have a few left then we're going to break into my stash of size ones. I can't wait until she gets big enough to fit into my cloth diaper stash...

Our big girl

Where Sophie Sleeps

Liking her bouncy chair

Kale was changing her diaper for me a couple days ago and she started to pee on him (and the crib bedding and her blanket). He started screaming for backup. I just laughed. Then she started pooping. It was an awesome experience for him I think ha ha. She still has lots of eye boogers. The pediatrician said that babies have immature tear ducts but I just wish they would be mature by now! Sometimes her little eye gets sealed shut with boogers and she's starting to hate us cleaning it off with a cottonball.

Her bellybutton fell off yesterday! I accidently bumped it in the morning when I was getting dressed and it was bleeding a little teeny bit; it was still very attached though. I felt bad. That night when I took her onsie off it was stuck to the inside of the onsie! It looks like a little raisin. Last night we went out to eat. I wouldn't say I have seperation anxiety or anything but I would honestly just rather stay in with my baby.

I was so tired last night and I nursed Sophie at 11... then I couldn't keep my eyes open but Sophie was ready to party so Kale took her. I fell asleep fast, he said he came in and put her in the bed with us about 1. She woke up just before three to nurse, then slept again until 6 at which time she informed me she would rather stay awake the rest of the morning.

2 weeks old

My sweet baby is 2 weeks old today. She's so dang cute, she's laying in her bouncer sleeping next to me. Kale has gone back to work this week. It was so nice to have the time off together. He was getting pretty bored though and was watching way too much TV. My friend Dari came to visit Monday too, and it was really nice to see and visit with her because it gets kinda lonely when Kale's at work.

Last night I nursed her and she slept for 5 hours. She would have kept sleeping but I woke her up, I couldn't believe it, she ate like a champ, and went right back to sleep. We've been bathing her every other day. I think she likes it! She's so slippery, it takes two people (one to hold her, and one to bathe her). I can't believe how much better nursing her has gotten, it seems much easier now with some practice. Sophie is so sweet but boy does her bum smell! She's such a porker! I can't wait to get her weighed at her follow up appointment next week.

1 Week Old

1 week old, first nap in crib (she usually sleeps in the bed with us or on Grandma's chest)

Sophie and her cute daddy!

2nd Bath

My sweet baby is a week old this afternoon. I can't believe it. It makes me sad. I've said it before, but I just want to freeze time. She is so little and perfect. I think she is absolutely adorable and love her more than I could have ever imagined!

She's had to be under bili lights, but it's hard for me because I want to hold her. Yesterday I went to the hospital to get a serum bili level drawn. I am so sick of going to the clinic and having them scan her forehead... I just don't think it's very accurate! The level in the hospital was 11 and we went to the clinic to have her checked just to prove a point and it was almost 13. That would have made a difference two days ago and we could have probably gotten rid of the lights. I was pretty lax about putting her under them the last couple days because she hates it, and would cry and cry and we'd have to take her out anyway. What a blessing to not have to stress about that. She was weighed on Tuesday and she was 8lb 2oz (just one ounce away from her birth weight). She had a 6% weight loss in the hospital, which is normal, and it usually takes some time to gain that back... not for this girl, she loves to eat! I bet she's surpassed that now.

Grandma stayed over the last two nights. I feel bad that she gets sporatic sleep but I think she secretly loves it! She stays on the couch and Sophie just sleeps on her chest or she wraps her like a burrito and they watch TV. Sophie was so good last night! I fed her about 11, and she slept until 3 at which time she ate for almost 30 minutes (a record for her). Then she didn't wake up until 715! My mom headed home and Sophie only slept lightly for about an hour. I was still really tired but Kale took her out on the couch and held her and she slept well. She just loves to snuggle and loves being held. Today after I fed her, my mom talked us into taking Chief for a walk. He loved it, and I survived being away for that 20-30 minute time frame. Kale is sad because he has to go back to work Monday. He's scheduled 4-ten hour shifts each week for the rest of the month. I think it will be hard but I guess life has to resume eventually. I am dreading having to go back to work at the end of November. It will be really hard to leave her, especially for such a long shift. I just really feel so blessed and want to thank heavenly father for giving me such a sweet baby girl. She means everything to me, and I love her more than words can describe.

Sophie is here

Sophie is here. I came in at 530 in the morning, they got the induction medication started at 630. I was 3cm dilated when I came in. I got my water broken at 830 by my doctor. The contractions still weren't bad at all, I was waiting for them to get worse. By 1030 they were still very tolerable but my nurse said it would be a good idea to get my epidural. After the epidural I was 5cm dilated. I was quite comfortable after the epidural... it was such a good one! I could still move my legs well but wasn't feeling pain at all! An hour and a half later I was 7cm. Still feeling great, just hanging out, lots of visitors and stuff... Next time I got checked though I was stalled at a 7 so they tried this funny position and my doctor came about an hour later and checked and I was a 9! My epidural line got disconnected (who knows for how long) so I was starting to feel more and had to get redosed to get caught up. She said she had some patients to see in her office, that she was going to let me rest and descend (which I am a big fan of). We called her and she came about 4pm because my practice pushes were really good and my nurse said not to push anymore but to wait for the doc. The doc came at 408, I did about 3 sets of pushing, and Sophie came at 426pm. She is darling, has tons of hair! They had to suction about 10ml of fluid out of her belly. She's had lots of hiccups. She breastfed about an hour after delivery for almost 30 min. We've had lots of visitors and I haven't been able to hold her much but now I am going to try to feed her.

weight 8lb 3oz, 20 inches long, born at 426pm

40 weeks

I had my final prenatal appointment today. I asked to not be checked (phew) since I am being induced Thursday morning! Baby measured 8lb 10oz on the ultrasound (third trimester US are known for being off as much as 2 pounds) but the doc felt my belly and said she'd be over 8lbs. I just hope and pray all goes well. It's scary, and I try to be positive and not think of all the 'what if' situations. I'll definately try to post some pictures that evening or Friday, so check back!

38 weeks

I had my weekly appointment today. Kale had to work so it was just my mom and I. US looked good, she said my fluid level has greatly improved. Sophie is measuring about 8 pounds. All of her measurements are very proportionate (head, belly, leg). I got checked and am 2+ cm dilated and 75% effaced. Sophies head is down low but not low enough to push against my cervix. Still no talk of scheduling a day. We'll hopefully find out more at the next appointment about time frames and schedules.

Post op day two

I got to come home last night. I was feeling pretty good all day yesterday but today has been more painful. They gave me some pain medicine in my spinal that lasts 18-24 hours so I think that since it's worn off I'm feeling things more. Plus, it's harder not having the conveniences of the hospital (high toilet seat, automatic bed, the nurse to help). Sophie was really active and it hurts so bad when she kicks; also I can't lay on my right side cause all her weight on that side about kills me! Kale helped me get up and shower today. He is the best husband in the whole wide world.

I have to testify how much I love Kale. He has been so great. He was so worried Monday, it really was a shock to all of us. He and a coworker from the pharmacy were able to give me a blessing and it was really neat. He has helped me and taken such good care of me. He has helped me move around - get up and lay, he brings me things I need, he went to the pharmacy this morning and got my medicine, and he has just been so sweet and loving! It makes me emotional and I just love him so much.

Nothing like emergency surgery to start off my week

I was having a good week since the last appointment. Monday morning I woke up with a side ache at about 730. I thought it was either round ligament pain or gas. It felt like a side ache from running. I got ready and went to my class. It wasn't getting any better, so I called my mom and let her know, and just figured I'd drink some water and keep an eye on it. By about 9 am the pain was so bad I was nauseated and sweating. It was constant... nothing I could do would relieve it. I couldn't leave my class because it was mandatory. I waited it out until the class was over at 11. By now I had talked to my mom and she was on her way up to get me and we were going to just go to the doctor's office. We got there at about 1130 and the doctor was really behind but they wanted to do some labs and a non-stress test to monitor the baby. Baby was fine. We saw the doctor about 130p. She did an US and right off saw that the ovarian cyst I have had (the whole pregnancy) was bigger, and for some reason that ovary that the cyst was on had no blood flow. She stepped out to consult with one of the other docs, came in, and told me it was a surgical emergency and sent me to the hospital. I got to the hospital about 2:45, got check in and prepped for the OR. They had a really hard time finding a vein. The nurse tried twice and then she had to call the anesthesiologist who got it on his second try. So I couldn't have any pain meds until the IV was started. I felt so nauseated and painful. They wheeled me to the OR once I got the IV access, and I got a spinal (similar to an epidural). What a weird feeling to be numb like that. It was crazy! They unfortunately couldn't do anything laproscopically because I was too far along, so they had to do an open incision. They started the surgery at 411pm and ended at 456pm. I had to wait in recovery for about an hour and got back to my room where family was waiting.

Today, day two, I'm doing ok. My IV is out and I'm on oral pain medication. My catheter is out and I've tried to walk alot. The doc wanted to keep me until Thursday but I'm really trying to head home today because of our no insurance situation. I'm trying not to stress about that...

Sophie is fine, she's been fine the whole time the little stinker! 7 weeks to go...

32 weeks

We had a baby appointment yesterday. It was an evening appointment. It was really good to see my doc, I really like her and she is so wonderful! My blood pressure wasn't too bad, I've gained a total of 29 pounds (eek!) compared to my pre-pregnancy weight, and we had an US. We couldn't record it on our DVD like usual because their machines weren't working. She measured my fluid, which was still on the low side but adequate for the time being. My placenta was about the same, still calcifications but the baby is getting everything she needs. She measured 4lbs exactly. So I measured at 32 weeks which moved my due date to Sept 29, 2009. It was funny because Kale and I were talking about wanting her to come on that day last week (9-29-09). I was scheduled to work two more graveyard shifts for my RN orientation. I worked one last week, and it was really hard. She wrote me a note for my work: No graveyards.

My mom and I ran some errands today. We got some things for the baby shower. She's enlisted several of her friends to help. It's an open-house shower, and I am really excited-it sounds like it's going to be really fun! It is going to be the evening of September 10th at my mom's house, so mark it on your calendars! I'll be 37 weeks.

During the US you could see her sucking and moving her tongue around, it was cute. She is still head-down, hopefully for good! Her head measures right on, her belly measures a little behind, and her legs measure really long (almost a week ahead).

30 Weeks

She's measuring right on schedule. She's 3lbs 1oz. My doctor said her fluid was a little on the low side of normal so she is going to have me start following up every 2 weeks to keep an eye on that. She said she'll probably have to induce me early (not sure when exactly) because my placenta was showing some calcifications. She said it's not uncommon but also something to watch. I have a new ovarian cyst too. It hasn't been painful or anything though. I also found out Sophie finally flipped over and is head down now. I hope she stays that way.

Saturday

Kale and I were sealed on June 23 at the Logan temple. It was a little stressful at first but we were able to work everything out and it went really well. My parents, Jane, 4 of Kale's friends, the elder's quorom president, and our Temple class teacher were all there. It was really nice and beautiful in the temple. We had lunch at the BlueBird Cafe and it was nice. Later than night I talked Kale into going swimming with me for our 'anniversary'! He didn't really want to go because he was pretty tired (he had to work late the night before) but he came and we were able to go to the outdoor aquatic center that has a little lazy river. I got to use my maternity swim suit and it was fun to just float!

Kale and my mom both worked so I went to my baby appointment Thursday alone. I was at work and couldn't get it off, so I had to sneak away and felt really bad leaving. I called before I went and the office said she was on time, but of course she's half an hour behind ten minutes later when I get there. I had to take my glucose test. I love my OB's office, they don't make me drink that icky flat orange drink. I was able to eat a candy bar and a soda an hour before. I passed my glucose test at 95 (anything below 135 is passing) and my Iron was 12.2 (normal 12-18). My BP was ok, lowest it's been in a while I think, 132/80. She did a really short US, mostly looking at the placenta and umbilical cord. It showed a good amount of fluid and the placenta had good blood flow. On the DVD you can see Sophie swallowing and her tongue moving around! It was cool.

*Here are the stats: HR 133, weight 2lbs, all of her measurements (head, abd, femur) measuring right on for Oct 1st still! 13 weeks and 5 days to go!

Temple

Kale and I took our endownments out on Thursday. My escort was my Mom and Kale's was our temple class teacher, Brother Garlick. Being there was wonderful, the temple was beautiful, and I felt very peaceful. We were there for just over 3 hours but it didn't seem long at all. I had the sweetest temple worker that was assigned to help me. I loved her, she was such a sweet little lady. I can't wait to be sealed Tuesday. I am so grateful for the temple and the blessings and peacefulness it brings.

I've just been hanging out, organizing Sophie's drawers, cleaning, watching TV. A lady at work said that her sister was going through some baby clothes, so I was able to go over there today and I got two boxes full of baby clothes and a sack full of bottles for $35 bucks. The lady happened to have twins so I seperated the double outfits and have them listed in the classifieds to hopefully make back some of the money I paid. The clothes are all very very cute and well taken care of! Now we are all set for 0-6 months. I'll keep an eye out for 6-12, and 12+ but we won't need those right away. It rained a lot here, which is great for our grass. It looks like it's doing well, I love having our yard!

Sophie is doing good. I feel her kick several times a day usually. We're excited for our appointment next week. I'm just over 25 weeks today, which almost puts me in the third trimester. The closer it gets, the more excited I get. It will be nice to have a baby in my arms instead of in my belly!

I took my RN boards Tuesday. I had not prepared at all, and pretty much since school has been out I tried to ignore the fact I had to take that test. I had to be there at 8am. I was trying not to be nervous about it. The minimum number of questions is 75 and the maximum is 265. A certain number of people get all 265 despite how well they are doing. I was hoping that wasn't me! You have 5 hours to do the test. Basically how it works is it starts you out at a certain level of difficulty, and if you answer those correct it slowly raises in difficulty until you get a certain percent right and then the test stops. If you get them wrong, the questions get easier, and you have to do more and more. Most of my friends had gotten near the minimum so when question 75 came and went my heart dropped... luckily after question 79 the test shut off and I was done! I felt surprisingly better after the test than I did with my LPN test. I found out the next night I had passed, thank heavens.

Target Ultrasound

We had our big Target Ultrasound on Monday. It is the ultrasound where they check out all the organs and get accurate measurements of head, abdomen, femur, and where they usually give a 100% gender. Of course when I checked in they were 40 minutes behind (story of my appointments...). We finally got called back and started the ultrasound. First off, the tech said do you feel that-you're having a contraction? I could see the twitching on the screen (I could feel it, I've been feeling them for weeks). It was weird/cool to see. We were able to see the four chambers of the heart, a bubble in her belly (meaning she's swallowing and moving fluid through), and her labia! She remains a girl! Her head, femur and abdomen measured consistent with my gestational week and all within normal range. She weighs 1 pound 4 ounces. My due date is measuring between Oct 1 and Oct 6. The tech said that they don't give a specific date but rather a range. The tech did the 3D/4D and we got to see some neat pictures of her face. She has both hands up so it made it very hard and time consuming to get a few good pictures! They had to wiggle my belly a lot to get a picture without both hands in front of her face. My next appointment is in several weeks, hopefully all remains well until then.


^ shows gender

Our Future Lawn

My dad borrowed a neighbor's tractor so he could come till the rest of the backyard and get it ready for sod! It's pretty dusty right now, but all the icky weeds are gone and we have a lot left to get ready but it will be wonderful to have all grass. I have been un-invited to help because I'm pregnant. My mom is going to come over with her landscaping rake and get it as level as possible. Then we're going to get a load on Monday and the second part of the load Tuesday. We have to go by my mom's schedule since she's the brains and the braun of the whole operation. Our trailer is only rated to have two full pallets, that's why we're making two trips. I'm sure I'll post pics later of how it goes.

We had our F/U baby appointment Thursday and things are better. I only gained 2lbs, and there is no protein in my urine anymore. My blood pressure was still elevated (150/88) but she seems less worried. That's all good news but the bad news is I'm still banned from all the delicious food I would like to eat and the salt shaker. Sophie is doing good, she was very active on the ultrasound, even though I only feel her movements once in a while. The doc said she is big, 18 ounces! She's still measuring ahead so the doc changed my due date again to Oct. 1. I'm convinced I'll have her in September though, I just have a feeling it will turn out that way.

Salt

So we had an appointment Tuesday with the doctor. On the way I set my key on the top of the car and ran back in the house to get something. I decided I wanted Kale to drive so I could eat my toast. I told him as we were walking out to get the key because it was on top of the car. So a couple minutes later as we're getting on the freeway I heard the key roll off the top of the car and turn just in time to see it hit the road. I was like "did you not get the key" and he claimed he didn't hear me... he was using the valet key to drive. I drive a VW and the keys are 180 bucks. By the time we went back it had been run over. We picked up the pieces but they werent salvagable. So that puts us late to the appt. I get there all worked up and sweaty, almost fifteen minutes late. I pee, get vital signs, weigh, and get put in the room. The doc finally comes in and tells me my blood pressure is high, I have 2+ protein in my urine, and I have gained 13 pounds in the last 4 weeks. She asked what I've been eating, she criticizes my sample diet (wheat toast with jam, chicken breast, creamie popsicle, and spaghetti with broccoli) and basically wasn't happy with me. She said no more sugar, salt, or white flour. She said basically all I can have is protein and vegetables. Which is fine because I LOVE meat and have been eating tons of fresh vegetables. I have also been walking Chief with Kale. She wants me to follow up in 2 weeks for a re-check... hopefully my changes in diet will help and I wont have to be on bedrest or take medications...

The stem fell off...

At 12 weeks the doctor made no promises but thought she may see a stem on the apple; she made the disclaimer clear that it was just too early to tell. Kale was really excited, and I was glad baby was healthy but wanted a girl first (we're such good babysitters and helpers).

So we had our 16 week appt yesterday. It's a girl! My official due date was changed to Oct 3 2009. Kale and I have the name picked out: Sophie Anna Bettolo. I lucked out and was able to get an external ultrasound. The doctor looked... for a long time. The baby had knees together and hand cupped over the "parts." My mom made the comment "He sure is modest" to Kale. By this time we still had no idea what gender. Then the doctor was like.... oop! There is the hamburger! She said she is 99.9% sure it's a girl. She had to wiggle my belly a lot to get a good view but she finally got one. I looked over at Kale and I thought for sure he was going to cry, he looked devastated. My mom was really sad too, she said it was all she could do to keep from crying. They both admitted later it's not that they don't want a girl, they were just set on the idea of a boy because of the previous appt.

So the doc measured her leg and her head. Her head must be huge cause it's measuring 16wks3days while the rest of her is measuring 15wks5days. She weighs only 5oz right now.

Kale had to go to work after the appointment. My mom and I ran some more errands. It was my sisters birthday yesterday! We got her a couple things, and stopped at the DI. I like that store because if you take the time to look you can find some cute things. We looked through all the baby clothes and found some darling baby jeans and a ton of almost perfect condition sleeper sacks/pjs. It was fun. We went to chuck-a-rama for my sister's birthday dinner, and luckily this time around I was able to keep it down. My mom showed me a blessing dress that I wore when I was blessed as a new baby. She made it too! It was so precious! I am totally going to use it for when Kale blesses Sophie. We also looked through some more clothes my mom kept that I wore. It was fun. Then my mom helped me clean my house really good (dust, vacuum) and we moved a piece of furniture out of Sophie's room-to-be. She helped me do all my laundry. She is the best mom ever. I don't know what I'd do without her. Kale got home a little before 11 and has seemed to recover from the earlier trauma.

WE'RE PREGNANT!

Now that Kale and I are far enough along, we feel comfortable announcing to our family and close friends that we are PREGNANT! We had our first appt yesterday and it went well. We had an US and got to hear the babies heartbeat. My due date is anywhere from Sept 26 to Oct 4.

I have been sick... I mean on my deathbed sick. I get the most sick at night. My usual day goes something like this: wake up feeling a little nauseated and shaky, able to eat some cereal or applesauce; lunch comes and sometimes I can eat some mashed potatoes - other times just crackers. By the time 5 comes my nausea is so bad I stay near the bathroom. I usually puke 2-3 times a night: usually between 7 and midnight but several times in the last two weeks I've woken up at 3am to puke. Occasionally I can eat some Ramen noodles for dinner or even just a few sips of gatorade. It's not been fun, that's for sure. At my appt the doctor offered me an anti-nausea medication which I informed her I have already tried with no relief. So she gave me B6 and B12 shots and said they may help with the nausea.

Well I thought it would take several months to become pregnant (by which time I would have graduated and would have health insurance). Since it didn't, and we dont qualify for any government assistance (losercaide) we will be self-pay. Fun, but you do what you gotta do. I think both Kale and I have come to terms with it quite easily and have been saving everything we can so far.

Kale of course wants a boy - just to feel manly I think, and I'd rather have a girl first because the oldest has to usually help around the house with chores and other kids and stuff... I am the oldest... it's a big job!



My little parasite