Little bit of me, little bit of him = Little Us

Finnegan Todd is here!

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 15 May 2009 13:49:00 +0000

Finnegan Todd Stephan has arrived!

He was born on May 12, 2009 at 2:08 p.m.

He weighed 7 pounds and 15 ounces and is 21 inches long.

And as we knew he would, he fits into our family like a missing puzzle piece or as Braeden likes to say, he is the fourth pea in our family pod.

Thank you to all of the blessings and prayers and well wishes we have gotten from family and friends everywhere. It's wonderful to see how loved Finn is already.

He's practicing or teasing

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:55:00 +0000

I don't know if I have a little jokester on my hands or what, but I spent all of Mother's Day in pain. The contractions lasted about 2 minutes each but only came every 10 to 15 minutes. It happened all day long.

Don't get me wrong, I did have a lovely Mother's Day. Brian and Braeden made sure I was well taken care of. They made me breakfast which was yummy. And then Brian made spaghetti for dinner. I didn't have to do much of anything. It was a painful, yet relaxed, day.

Today I'm hoping to hear that some sort of progress towards labor has been made. The appointment is just before noon.

38 Week Appointment

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:21:00 +0000

I had my 38 week appointment a little bit late, it was this morning. I had been hoping to hear that things are progressing and that my body is preparing itself for labor soon. But no. Nothing has changed in terms of what's going on inside. Bah.

I know I have 2 weeks left until my due date and in all honestly I truly just want the baby to be healthy and happy so whatever he needs I am more than happy to oblige. But I'm definitely selfishly ready to be done with this whole pregnancy thing. I am so uncomfortable and in such pain sometimes, it's just not cool.

But who knows. Braeden was early and perhaps this babe would like to be late. It's really all up to him.

That's all I've got for you on this rainy Monday.

Peace out.

Genius in the making

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:41:00 +0000

I found this article interesting since I threw up every day all throughout the day for the first four to five months of this pregnancy.

"Children born to mothers who have morning sickness may be smarter than those whose moms don't have nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, suggests a new study.

Researchers found that the children of mothers with morning sickness scored higher on tests designed to assess children's IQ and mental acuity, the Canadian Press reported.

But while this difference was statistically significant, it doesn't mean that children born to mothers who didn't have nausea during pregnancy are developmentally slow, said senior author Dr. Gideon Koren, director of the Motherisk Program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. It's just that the other children scored higher on the tests.

The study appears in the Journal of Pediatrics."

HA! Another genius in the making.

In other news, I'm craving radishes. Intensely. We're talking eating whole bowls full of radishes in one sitting without salt or dressing or anything. I'll be working and suddenly find myself thinking about radishes. Likewise with the radishes I am craving ice. I crush up ice in the blender, fill a glass with it and spoon feed the delicious ice bits to myself. Seriously, radishes and ice and I'm a happy girl.

Baby is moving around less, most likely because there can't feasibly be anymore space in there. My stomach is sticking out so far, it truly is a wonder I am not toppling over.

As I'm approaching nearer to the due date I am definitely feeling more stressed and emotional. I'm sure my allergies making me miserable is not helping with this, plus the millions of other shtuffs hitting the fan these days. But all in all I am hanging in there. I'm big, I'm swollen and I'm peeing every hour, but at least I'm hanging in there which means our babe is getting stronger and stronger. And soon he'll be here making our loves so much more full and happy. Brian, Braeden and I are just so excited!

Right on schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:49:00 +0000

This morning at my (now weekly) baby appointment I was told that our baby is right on target. I am maintaining weight which shocked me considering I look like I have elephant legs now (seriously, no ankles).

My blood pressure was high but nothing alarming. And so all is well on the baby front. I still feel him moving a lot so I know he isn't ready to be born. We have 21 more days until the due date but most people, myself included, feel I'll have him early. Not too early mind you, just early. Although in terms of time off from work I'd rather I go on my due date which would make it able for me to not have to worry about the third week in July when my Mom's daycare is closed.

Whatever is to be will be. As long as he is born healthy and the labor is better than my last experience I will be happy.

25 days to go

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 12:56:00 +0000

Now that my due date is less than a month away I'm getting very anxious. I'm ready. I ready to hold him in my arms and not in my uterus. It's a long time being pregnant. I want to see his sweet little face and tell him I love him without him having to hear it through his watery cocoon.

My appointment last week was fine. They checked to make sure he is in position, head down and he is. And now start the weekly appointments. My next one will be this coming Friday.

I'm getting as much reading, gaming and cleaning in that I can. I should be getting more sleep, but that's just not possible when you're this big and have to pee all the time.

My friend Tommy and his wife had their little boy on Friday. His name is Thomas Emery Watts, III, he weighs 8lbs 6oz and is 22" long. I am thrilled for them and their family. This is their first child and I know they will both be wonderful parents.

Predictions

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 11:51:00 +0000

On Friday of last week I had a check up and pretty much everything went well. My blood pressure was actually lower than two weeks prior which shocked the heck out of me; in a good way of course.

I did gain 3 pounds which as inevitable as it may be I still wish weren't happening. And I do have pitting edema. Which means I'm retaining a significant amount of water and if you push down on my legs it leaves a pit for a few minutes. Not comfortable, but tolerable.

Next appointment is in about two weeks and they'll be doing a bit more of an invasive check up. Bleck. But it just means we're getting closer and closer.

Hayden's Mom, Yvonne, had a dream that baby was born two weeks early and all was well. She has dreams which come true often and in fact are so real it is like deja vu when the event really does take place. So there's a prediction for you.

My biggest worry is for the babes health. With Braeden's health issues I am nervous and I know I have no control over it and so worrying is fruitless, but what can I do. It doesn't help that I am testing positive for Group B strep. 1 or 2 babes in ever 200 babes can get an infection from that bacteria. If they do get an infection the signs are normally seen within 24 hours, but there is a mandatory 48 hours stay if you have tested positive. It also means they want to hook you up to an IV for an antibiotic drip at least four hours before delivery. Needless to say this does not make me worry less. But what can I do...nothing. I must say feeling helpless in terms of taking care of people you love is the very worst feeling ever.

I wish someone could tell me everything is going to be fine and that I would be able to believe them.

Winding down now

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:38:00 +0000

The last two days have been interesting for my body. I've swollen up like a sponge in the bathtub. I had been experiencing "end of the day" swelling, but now it isn't going away and it's noticeable 24 hours. Last night I had to sleep with my rings off, they were actually hurting me. Even my cheeks look puffier. And my right shoulder is bothering me, but that is probably just from stress.

I have an appointment on Friday and I'm sure they'll take notice of everything, but I'll also mention it. I know swelling during pregnancy is normal, so I'm sure it's not a big deal. It's just uncomfortable. I wish I weren't gaining weight like I am, that wold probably help, but in all honesty I don't feel my eating habits have changed that much during the pregnancy. I don't feel I'm over indulging. It's hard though I mean there have been birthdays and then with the baby shower, I mean all the food is so yummy. I'm drinking plenty of water which is supposed to help with the swelling by keeping your sodium levels down. Who knows!?

We're in the last month and a half of the pregnancy now that April 1st has come upon us. There are 44 days left until my due date.

"Surprise" Baby Shower

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:17:00 +0000

On Saturday our families and friends through Brian and I a surprise baby shower. Only because I know my Mom so well did I already know what was happening. But she did manage to keep it a surprise until at least the day before and that is definitely something in and of itself.

So Braeden, Brian and I showed up at my Mom's with the story that we were celebrating Jessie's birthday. (Jessie is my cousin's wife, she and her son are living with my parents while my cousin Justin is in training for the Air Force).

We have a lot of family and friends, I'm not even sure how many people were there but I would venture a guess of maybe 30 people, probably more. That is a lot of baby shower folk. And they were all extremely generous with their gifts and food offerings. Brian and I know how blessed we are and this only made it more obvious.

Our baby boy has more clothes than Paris Hilton now. And his nursery is going to be the most adorable nursery in all of the kingdom! =o) Brian, Braeden, Terri and Todd (my in-laws) were quickly getting things together yesterday. A lot of the baby clothes and blankets are now washed. The bedding is all in place. The lamp is out, the light switch plate is screwed on and things look fantastic! There's even an adorable nautical rug.

Among the many cute clothes we received a baby car seat, a high chair, a cool baby food maker, a travel swing and a bouncy seat. Plus four different talented women crocheted blankets for us and my Grandma included crocheted booties and hats as well. I need to get pictures of those items to share with you.

In addition to all of the wonderful gifts for our baby boy, our other little boy received some fun big brother gifts. One of which is a voice recorder mechanism thing which was given to him from Carrie and she will be getting some sort of child pay back for it. *beep beep* Although, I should go easy on Carrie since she designed and printed the baby shower invitations!

There was so much delicious food. Tons of wonderful balloons and decorations. I really just cannot thank everyone enough for all they did. Cousins, aunts, grandparents, parents, friends, siblings; I am utterly grateful.

Thank you!

Hot baths are my hero

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 12:30:00 +0000

I'm telling you, a hot bath helps wonders; probably because it's pretty much the only thing that can seem to relax my body for long enough to make this big belly more comfortable.

Yesterday I had a doctor appointment and they ended up doing a quick exam type check to make sure everything is cool because I've been experiencing contractions on a regular basis. Some of them are just tightness and it's uncomfortable, but it's tolerable. Other times, and more frequently nowadays, the contractions are painful. My friend Chris called them wincers when I was explaining. I like the term, they are definitely wincers. She said I should make sure to tell the doctor how often I have the wincers.

Anyway, everything is fine. But after the exam I think baby boy tried to get as far up north in my body as possible. I'm pretty sure for the remainder of yesterday he was sitting on top of my ribs. When I sneezed I couldn't breathe at all and it REALLY hurt!

So before bed last night I took a hot bath and did some reading. It definitely helped and I slept well considering. If only there were enough time in the day to take a hot bath every night before bed.

Baby update, closing in on May

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 16:23:00 +0000

Last week I had my glucose screening test done and the results came back just fine. So I won't have to go do the 3-hour glucose test. Rock!

However, my hemoglobin is low and so I'm taking extra iron supplements in additions to all the other crazy loads of vitamins pregnant women have to take. Apparently our baby boy is sucking me dry, hopefully this means he'll be very strong.

In terms of how I'm doing, I'm doing well I think. This week I have experienced contractions, not the painless kind. But I contribute this to not feeling 100% because I'm tired and battling some sort of freakish head cold. Braeden has been really sick and I have been worried about him, so I know that hasn't helped.

The "What To Expect" e-newsletter says, "Your baby's brain is getting smarter by the minute, but for Mom, the only thing that smarts right now may be heartburn pain." Very true. Heartburn is happening more frequently these days. But it's nothing I can't handle with some tums.

I'm hungrier than ever, but I have been good I think. I eat veggies and fruit, but right now am craving a capistrami from Capriotti's. I also did a bit of exercise on the Wii Fit, but I need to keep up with that, I just haven't been able to with Brae not feeling well.

And so, tomorrow I'll be 30 weeks along and the baby will be here soon. I can hardly believe there are only 10 weeks left to go. And no, the baby's room is not done. At all.

Could it be hiccups?

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 12:42:00 +0000

In reading what is going on with our baby boy right now the e-newsletter says he could be experiencing hiccups which would cause patterned movement in my belly. I wonder if that is what I have been feeling throughout the day and night. I would think they would not be in such a fast paced succession as what I am feeling, but I don't know.

Right now I'm at 27 weeks, which means I have 90 some odd says to go before babe is born. It still feels like forever from now in terms of my big belly, but in terms of getting things done around the house I realize there really isn't that much time left. Especially considering we have known I was pregnant since August!

As for our baby boy, he's supposed to be sleeping and waking at regular intervals, though I think it has still been pretty sporadic. He is opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers. With more brain tissue developing, baby's brain is very active now.

Me. I've noticed my feet are swollen at the end of the day. But the swelling isn't constant which is good, it's just the evenings. My back hurts more and stairs make me a bit out of breath. I'm hungry all the time, and I really need to eat better. I honestly have been trying, I'm eating more fruits and veggies and yogurt. Plus I'm drinking an insane amount of water every day.

Braeden and I spent some time in the nursery yesterday afternoon. We packed up some things for Goodwill and threw some things away. Brian took 7 bags to Goodwill! So we're making progress and that feels good.

And on we go.

26 weeks and nesting!

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:08:00 +0000

So today I am 26 weeks along and yesterday I had an appointment to check on baby and my big belly. All is well for the most part, although I did gain a lot of weight since my last appointment. I didn't get yelled at, but I was told I should try and maintain until the next appointment which is in 3 weeks.

The doctor also gave me advice on eating less sugars/carbs and more protein. She said that will help with the dizzy spells I have been having. She recommended I drink half my body weight in water each day. I tried yesterday and while I was at work I drank about 40 ounces which was A LOT. I don't know if I can get up to the number she gave me. (No I will not divulge that information because then you would know how heavy I am right now which is just embarrassing.)

Next up on the appointment list is at the very end of this month when I'll have to do the glucose screening. For those of you who don't know it just means you drink this sugary liquid and then sit in the office for an hour until they draw blood and make sure your body is handling sugar as it should be. If your blood sugar level comes back abnormal they then have you come back for another, longer 3 hour test to see if you have developed gestational diabetes.

Baby is moving around less frequently, but when he does get active he is very active. He seems to go crazy early in the morning and than at around 8:30 at night. Both Brian and Braeden have been able to feel some of his kicks and punches.

That's really all I've got for you right now. All is well, just getting bigger and uncomfortable, but baby is doing great.

Now we just need to get our house in order and I'll feel better. Yes, I do believe I am definitely nesting.

24 Weeks and four days

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:16:00 +0000

Next Thursday I have another doctor appointment scheduled to check up on our baby boy. I am fully prepared for them to tell me I need to take the glucose screening test. I remember this from when I was pregnant with Braeden and it's not cool. You have to sit at Labcorp for over an hour and drink this syrup, sugary tasting liquid and then have your blood drawn. Plus you can't have anything to eat before hand which is going to kill me. I mean I get light headed as it is and there have been a few times when I have been on the verge of passing out. I guess that means it is good to have the testing done, I'm just not looking forward to it.

Lately I have also been experiencing more Braxton Hicks contractions. For the most part they are painless, it's just an uncomfortable tightening. And my back is giving me trouble but it's nothing a heating pad and/or bath can't help. So I'm feeling fortunate for the most part; I know it could be worse.

And while the baby is moving around less there are times when he hits pretty hard. It's always good to know he is in there and still being active. I'd be worried otherwise.

This morning I purchases some baby boy clothes from Old Navy. This is the first time I've gotten anything for our babe. I also ordered a couple things for Braeden so he wouldn't feel left out.

And Brian and I looked at a bedding set online which I think we both like. He says the realness factor is getting stronger as the pregnancy is moving farther along. I'd say so!

Baby clothes and thank yous

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:37:00 +0000

Since we found out we are having a little boy, we have received three gifts! Carrie, Katy and Jada all gave us adorable little boy baby clothes. Thank you to those lovely ladies for thinking of Baby Stephan.

Jada had a box filled with clothes, a book and a stuff toy sent to our house. What a surprise it was when I opened it. It was so filled I still don't know how she closed the box. You should see ho tiny the clothes are, just adorable!

Katy is pregnant, too. She finds out the gender next week and I can't wait to shop for her wee little babe as well. Carrie just had her second little girl in August, so I had fun shopping for Miss Olivia as well.

We have all been sharing sale links as we come across them. It's hard not to get caught up in the cute little outfits and even bedding sets as Katy has shown me.

So thank you to some lovely ladies with big hearts, your gifts are much appreciated and loved.

More pics for you and some news

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 15:14:00 +0000

Brian, Braeden and I went to Digital Imaging in Glasgow this morning to have our second ultrasound done of the baby. I am exactly 22 weeks today and the baby is measuring at 22 weeks and 1 day so everything is on target with our May due date.

The technician took a katrillion photos and she had to because the baby was moving almost nonstop the entire time. When Braeden and Brian were in the room they could see the baby opening and closing its mouth, cris-crossing its arms and stretching out its legs.

We also found out the gender of our babe. Braeden will be a big brother to...

****

drumroll

****

A baby brother. That's right, this is a baby boy Stephan in my belly! The technician said she is 90% sure and when she checked with the doctor he agreed.

Right now the baby is breach, but the way he has been moving I am sure he will have done 80 somersaults by the time May rolls around and so there is nothing to worry about at the moment. This does confirm his feet being on my bladder though. I knew it!

He had his arms crossed in front of his face most of the time during the ultrasound session. He was crossing and uncrossing very quickly. The technician was able to get a profile shot of him and in the 3D shot you can see his arm and hand to the right of his face. His right eye is closed and his hand is covering his mouth.

All in all the news was fantastic, he is developing normally. His heartbeat is 147 beats per minute, very strong, excellent news!

Working on 22 weeks

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:54:00 +0000

Brian and I went to the doctor this morning for our monthly check up. Everything with baby is normal and strong. The heart beat was far more than just a whooshing sound, it was a very strong real heart beat ranging in the 140s.

Since Christmas I haven't been throwing up every day, in fact things have been great in that respect. I'm tired and I am experiencing heart burn, but everything else has been normal. There has been a strong pain in my right side every now and then which the doctor confirmed this morning is just a ligament stretching with my uterus. Fun. The baby is moving a lot which the doctor also was pleased about.

We have an ultrasound scheduled for tomorrow morning! Normally scheduling one so quickly is a sign that something is wrong, but in this case we just got lucky and were fit right in so that's very good.

I think it would be fun and interesting to bring Braeden to the ultrasound. I would like him to be able to see the baby move around like Brian and I have gotten to see. I think it will make him feel more a part of the experience.

So tomorrow we might have another ultrasound photo to share with you AND maybe even news on the gender pending the baby cooperates and shows that part of the anatomy. =o)

Ooof!

BrianStephan@gmail.com (brian) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:28:00 +0000

Christy whispering: "Brian, put your hand right here, don't push too hard."
Me: "Ok" *puts hand on her belly*

And then I felt it. *BAM!* It felt like baby threw a right hook in there. My hand seriously moved up off her belly. I've tried to feel the baby move a couple times before but by the time I got to Christy and put my hand in place baby was done jumping around or was in there saying "HAHA, too slow!"

Not this time though. I only felt it once but it was awesome! I don't know if it was a foot, elbow, fist or headbutt..but it was so cool. I wanna feel it again but I'm not sure if I should wish that on Christy... I know baby's been punching at her bladder a lot. I'm sure I'll be able to feel more as baby gets bigger.

Our next appointment is this week...but I've been having big trouble remembering when it is. I think I'm confused because of the new year. I don't remember if it's 1/8/09 or 1/9/09. The 8s and 9s are messing me up. I do know it's at 9:30am though and that we'll be nagging about an ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby!

Not much to say

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 13:04:00 +0000

There really is nothing new to tell you on the baby front. Friday of this week marks my 20th week of being pregnant which means I am finally nearing the half way point. I'm still throwing up almost daily, but I have also been able to start gaining weight which is a good thing.

I have been feeling the baby move, at first it felt like baby was rolling around. Now it feels more like little kicks or punches. Sometimes the kick is directed at my bladder specifically. Brian hasn't been able to feel any movement from the outside yet, but I foresee that happening very soon.

My brother gave me some new maternity clothes which I very much needed.

And really that's all I've got for you, but we have an appointment coming up in early January so hopefully I'll have some updates for you then.

Quick baby holiday update

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 14:05:00 +0000

Yes, I know it has been almost a full month since the last post and I'm sorry for those of you wanting news. The truth of the matter is there isn't too much to say which I feel is a good thing at this point.

All test results of the early screening came back fine. The lab work and ultrasound show a beautifully developing baby. We still don't know the gender and we can't wait until we can find out. No news on when the next ultrasound will be.

I have been sick, unfortunately, still...since the beginning of November. This lingering cold and cough really have me quite down. I haven't been able to wrap any gifts, write cards or bake all the cookies I enjoy baking. I feel completely out of the count and worthless in terms of being helpful. I have 95% of the shopping done, only because I have done it all online.

Brian hasn't been able to feel the baby move yet, but I have. It's not noticeable enough yet to feel it by touching my belly, but I feel a rolling sensation often and I know it's our little wiggle worm.

Now that I am 18 weeks along I am starting to show a little bit, but since I have been sick for so long I haven't gained any weight. I'm not losing it anymore, but at this point I'm just maintaining. I don't think I'll have any problem gaining with the holidays coming up. The more I watch Food Network the more I hear my stomach growling. =o)

Braeden tells us this will be the best Christmas ever and when he mentions things he is thankful for he always makes sure to add the baby. This makes Brian and I both very happy.

I'll try to write more often and thanks for checking in!

Heartbeat

BrianStephan@gmail.com (brian) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:07:00 +0000

I heard it! Christy had a checkup today and they listened to the fetal heartbeat with the Doppler, and I heard it for the first time =o) At 158 beats per minute, it was a pumping away. We've seen the ultrasound and all but this is the first time I've actually heard our baby. It was only for a few seconds, but next to seeing the ultrasound it was the best few seconds I've ever experienced!

Baby's still so tiny but we've already seen him or her and now we've heard him/her! How exciting is this? I feel all goofy and silly-like. I was all smiles when I walked into work after the appointment today. Everyone asked how it went and I said I had heard the heartbeat for the first time today and a collective "Awwwwwwwwwwwww" rang out. =o)

Also, the picture in this post is from the 12 week mark. It was done at Maternal and Fetal Medicine at Christiana Hospital. It's baby Stephan =o) I finally figured out how to use the silly software that came with my work laptop to isolate the picture from the PDF and crop it. So there you have him/her. =o) =o) =o)

12 weeks and counting

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:00:00 +0000

This morning, bright and early, Brian and I went to Delaware Center for Maternal and Fetal Medicine of Christiana Care for the first ultrasound of the baby. Too early to tell the gender and anyway the baby was too busy turning its back to us for that to have worked.

I don't remember seeing this much movement so early on with Braeden. You should have seen the little legs just a kicking up a storm. I can only imagine what that will be like in just a few months as the baby grows. Right now the measurement on the ultrasound shows the baby at 8.8 centimeters long and apparently that means the due date is still right on target. Of course we already knew that, but still it's good to hear.

In five days we should know the results of the screening, which was the purpose of this ultrasound. The technician said the neural tubes looked parallel and in the norm to her, so that makes me feel good.

The heartbeat was 154 bpm this time instead of the 175 bpm heard at the last visit which I believe I was 9 weeks along.

Today I'm taking it easy as I haven't been feeling well. Braeden and I have been watching movies this afternoon and he's doing his best to take care of me. =o) Such a sweetheart my boy.

Once I can scan the ultrasound pictures I will post one for you. Until then, cheerio!

Hormones explained

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:52:00 +0000

I haven't been to see a doctor since my last post, so I'm afraid I don't really have much to say but I thought I'd touch base just in case anyone is reading this blog.

Right now I'm in my 11th week and am looking forward to the first ultrasound which will be next Monday. This one is meant for screening purposes of the neural tubes to make sure everything is okay. I don't think they'll be able to tell the gender, but I am hoping for a print out of the baby. And I know Brian is anticipating the ultrasound as well.

Halloween is coming up and Braeden is very excited. We watched Ghostbusters a couple of times this weekend. Brae and I bought some Halloween candy and I stopped and got a costume for Jim and Paul's party. It's going to look incredibly frumpy I am sure because it's just a large red dress really. It's some medieval costume. Ah well. The other options just weren't meant for a lady with a growing belly.

My stomach, while still much better than four weeks ago, is still not very happy. In fact I think it is upset or crampy more than not. I feel like a pod person. My tastes are completely different and I never know what will agree with me or not. This too shall pass though. The doctor has said the worse you feel the better the pregnancy, which I did not know. The higher the hormone levels the better your baby is developing. Unfortunately, this means feeling like crap for me. But hopefully it means the baby is feeling good.

For instance, did you know Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (which decreases towards the end of the first trimester) actually suppresses your immune function to reduce the chance that your body will reject the baby. So the higher it is, the worse you feel, but the better for the baby. =o)

And the increase of Estrogen means endless congestion. I didn't know that either. The nose knows all about estrogen; the hormone increases blood flow to mucous membranes and causes them to swell and soften, giving mom-to-be an endlessly stuffy nose, plus sinus congestion, headaches, and postnasal drip.

Then there is Progesterone. Progesterone keeps the placenta functioning properly and the uterine lining healthy and thick, and it stimulates the growth of breast tissue. By taking the squeeze off smooth muscle elsewhere, progesterone, with the help of the hormone relaxin, prompts all manner of GI discomforts:indigestion, heartburn, and constipation, just to name a few...

I think it is very safe to say I have extremely high amounts of all discussed hormones and the baby must be developing VERY well. =o) I just need to keep reminding myself of that. hehe.

I Missed It!

BrianStephan@gmail.com (brian) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:59:00 +0000

Last week, as you've read, Christy had another appointment at the doctor. We were originally told it was just a physical. No one mentioned looking for a heartbeat with a Doppler. So we decided I'd stay at work while she went, as there would be much more important visits coming up. Well what do you know, they checked for a heartbeat and found it on the second try. And I was at work! I was so bummed that I missed it!! I know it was just a quick heartbeat check but I feel like I missed something huge. I mean, to me it is kind of a big deal. I wish they had told us they were going to check!

The silly resident at Christiana didn't show us the ultrasound she took when Christy had to go to the maternity ER, and now I missed the heartbeat of our baby =o/ I'm so looking forward to November 3rd. That's when our first 'official' ultrasound will be! They better print out a picture or two for us!

Christy's in her 10th week now and overall she's feeling better it seems. She's eating more. She's got me reading a "What to expect when you're expecting" book that I was so not wanting to read at first but now that I am into reading it I really like it. It's helping to calm me down somewhat because as Christy can tell you, I'm constantly like "What's wrong, are you okay?" like 50 times a day. Maybe I'm over doing it and being overly concerned? I dunno. But she told me that what she's been going through is normal and if I'd read the darn book I'd know that! So I [slowly] got the hint and started reading.

It has been very helpful in explaining a lot of what she is experiencing, beyond the general "Well, she's pregnant! DUH!" explanation. I'm trying to do as much as I can for her and I know I can do more.

I made her a big pitcher of lemonade last night. She seems to love that stuff when her tummy is upset. I'll have to check and see how much is left when I get home tonight. =o)

2 weeks until we get a picture of our baby! =o)

Double digits - 10 week mark

noreply@blogger.com (Christy) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 18:41:00 +0000

Even though it is still very early on in this pregnancy, it is so nice to have hit double digits. The baby is now 10 weeks strong and growing by the minute. (As is my belly, how does it happen so fast!)

So baby is about the size of a kumquat. Why they don't describe the size with a fruit I'm more familiar with is beyond me. In terms of length the baby is 1 1/4 inches long. Seems so super tiny for my belly being so expanded. Lol. I'm also reading that the baby completed the most critical portion of his or her's development already. Fantastic news!

My last appointment was yesterday and all is well. The nurse was unable to hear a heartbeat with the Doppler stethoscope, but I asked the doctor to try again and she was able to locate a heartbeat! It sounded like whooshing and wind howling to me, but the doctor said the baby's heart is beating 175 bpm. She also assured me I'd hear it better during the next visit. So, I'll be waiting four weeks for that and Brian says he will be joining me.

Changes for mama?

Well, I am crying at the drop of a hat. Which some of you might think is no different than non-pregnant Christy, but I can assure you my emotions are throwing even ME off lately. But I'm told the mood swings are completely normal and not to be worried about. Easier said than done. I have heard about postpartum depression but I wonder if anyone has ever looked into during pregnancy depression.

My brother is promising some new clothes for me to wear. I'm okay wearing everything Roo let me borrow, but I wouldn't turn down new pajammies. My mother-in-law also surprised me with three new shirts the other day. It's nice to have people looking out for me.

As for this weekend, I'm thrilled to say I do not have any plans. While I'm sure I won't completely vegetate, because things need to get done, I do intend on resting as much as humanly possible. Starting this evening. Just a couple more hours of work and off I'll be going.