Tyler 8 Weeks

OK I have lots of blogging to catch up on.  Tyler Turned 8 weeks this week.  Wow time has flown by.  He is now 14 lbs 9 oz which is the 97%ile.  He's 25 inches long which is the 99 %ile.  Head circum is 41cm which is the 90 %ile.  All that really means is that he's a big boy...nothing we already didn't know, right.  We had a wonderful pediatrician appointment with my favorite favorite pediatrician.  He's simply the best and was put on this planet to do this job.  Tyler, of coarse, impressed him in a few ways.  Tyler gave him a big ole grin when he walked in so he's already learning when and who to kiss some ass too.  Always to your advantage to have your doctor like you.  His first comment was, "well I see he hasn't been missing any meals." and the answer is no way!  Tyler is maxing out all available nutritional sources.  He has maxed out my breast capacity and is on his was to maxing out our bottle capacity.  My breast milk from the start has not been able to keep up with his needs and I'm now wondering if I should just give em a steak.  We may need to just skip the whole cereal and soft food stage because he's ready for a steak!  None the less, he continues to be a complete joy to take care of.  I never thought I would enjoy being mom as much as I do to this little boy.  He smiles and coo's and kicks his legs about to get your attention and all of it he does.  He found his thumb the other day and sucked on it...as if I'm starving the child and he needs something else to suck on.  Surprisingly I found myself so proud of him for sucking on his thumb.  He had been sucking on his hands for days trying to find that thumb.  Now, whose the real sucker, mom!  Why I was so proud at that moment I don't know, but I even had to call Mike at work to tell him.  So silly.  OK back to how Tyler impressed the doc today.  Doc mentioned how nice his skin and overall complexion is.  He never got any of the bad newborn baby stuff.  He had very few milia that lasted a week and a touch of cradle cap but overall he has had a great complexion his whole life, all 8 weeks.  But then again the Doc being an Irish guy probably has a predisposition for liking the pale milky skin.  I think Tyler got my pale skin which is too bad because the obvious choice would have been Mike's darker olive complexion.  Doc was also impressed with the circumcision...I'm serious...funny that I'm blogging about my sons business I know.   But he did say they all don't heal this well and my OB did a great job.  After all it WAS surgery so you like to hear they did a good job.  We ended the visit with a couple shots...oouch.  Tyler gave us a big scream then was fine.  We then headed over to Dad's work so he could show off his little dude to his co-workers.  They ooo'd and aaaa'd and Tyler cheesed it up with a few of the ladies then home for a good nap.  That's all the updates on Tyler.  Oooh other than he was pronounced King of the Cute's!  That's the Cute society for those not familiar.   

Insomnia seems to be the newest game in town.  Sleep has been a struggle for a couple months now but nothing a little tylenol PM couldn't cure...until recently.  Tried Ambien with luck for a couple nights but last 2 nights it has done nothing.  I've literally been up all night after taking an Ambien.  Something must be brewing because it makes no sense.  Must be some hormone change.  Passed the mucous plug yesterday which is a good sign...cervix must be dilated somewhat.  Going to check in with the OB tomorrow so I'll know more in the afternoon.  Feet and ankles are even more swollen than before...so uncomfortable and so depressing to look at.  I could cry if I look at them long enough. 
     Mike's finally feeling better.  He's had the flu for days now.  High temperatures etc... It's been rough trying to take care of him while trying to stay away from him.  We've had him quaratined to the 4th floor room and so far it's worked.  I havn't got it and I'm sooo thankful.
   Nothing much else to report.  It's just a waiting game at this point.  We're ready and waiting!    

My MVP

Wanted to post about my super hero husband's most recent award!  He was given the MVP award for golie in his mens lacrosse league!!  I'm so proud of him...he works hard in all aspects of his life but lacrosse is the one thing he enjoys the hell out of.  Not very often in life your recognized for your hard work so this is really cool!  Will post a pic of the award.  Congratulations baby! 

He's making a move

His head is engaged in the pelvis and I'm 50% effaced!!  He's making a move!  I very well could be like this for weeks but progress is progress and I'm thrilled!  He had significant growth this past week too...OB's guessing he's 7lbs now.  We're as ready as we'll ever be.  Can't wait to meet you little one!    

belly 35 weeks

Kari's wedding with Kevin Bacon!!???

We had a wonderful evening attending Kari's wedding!  The service was in a lovely chuch in the fort hunt area of Alexandria while reception was held at the fabulous Hotel Monoco in Old Town.  We even hung out with Kevin Bacon!  OK not really, but he was hanging out right next to us in the lobby of Hotel Monoco.  We had no degrees of seperation at that point.  The worst is that Jess and Craig missed the whole thing.  They were upstairs checking-in when the Bacon sighting occured.  Very rare a cool celebrity makes there way to the DC area...wonder what he was doing??  Funny thing, is that people at the wedding did not believe us...I guess the on-going Kevin Bacon jokes....but Kari heard from a few people so she knew he was staying there.  Anyway...here's some pics. 

Big Belly

Well, turns out my big belly is just a big belly and this little dude is a normal size bebe.  We had the ultrasound done and he's in the 50 percentile in most all categorizes and weighing about 6 lbs.  He's so in the normal range it's hard to believe since this whole pregnancy has seemed so not normal.  So no big bebe..pheww!  So this guy is tracking at weighing 7.5lbs at 40 weeks.  He still has not dropped at all...he's still sitting high under my ribcage....head facing down and looking up.  So at this point I'm getting some pretty strong kicks under my rib cage.  My cervix is still closed and long...so no signs that he's ready to enter this world.  My pre-eclapsia screen came back mostly normal.  My urine proteins are slightly elevated but not high enough to worry about but an explanation for the swelling.  I just need to watch my blood pressure and so far that is ok too.  It's slightly elevated for me but still in the normal range since my baseline blood pressure is very low.

Baby Rill continues to be spoiled!  He attended his third baby shower!  My co-workers were so sweet to  give lots of baby love.  We got the much needed pack n play...or play prison as Karen called it.  Karen even got us an upgraded version with all the bells and whistles.  Thanks so much Kern and gang!

        

Big Baby!

Checked in with the OB yesterday to discover this baby has grown off the charts in the last 3 weeks.  I'm 35 weeks today and he's measuring 38 weeks.  So all this me feeling so huge was in fact me being so huge.  I keep comparing myself to other gals who are as far along or further along than me and my belly is much much bigger than theres.  The OB is also a little worried about pre-eclampsia so I will have that screening on monday which is a urine and blood test.  My blood pressure is in the normal range but elevated for me, so hard to say there.  I'm mega mega swollen all over.  My hands and feet are the worst.  We're also going to get an ultrasound next week to get a weight and size of this baby (i.e. to see if he will fit through my pelvis) and see if he's still got enough soup to swim around in.  So my instincts are turning out to be on point...this baby will be early.  He's outgrowing his home quickly!  His head is positioned down but has not dropped so he's getting ready but not quite ready.  OMG he could be here soon!!!!!!!!! ahhhhh!!!!

WOW Baby!

I'm big!  There is no other way to say it!  And I'm getting bigger by the minute...  I've grown a lot from my naval to my sternum which makes it very difficult to breathe.  I'm short of breath all the time!  I can't wait for the "lightenting phase" when this boy drops and allows me to breath again. 
      So much has gone on in the last few weeks.  We've had 2 baby showers in honor of baby Rill where he received sooo much love it was so touching.  My best friends threw a shower and mama Jane threw a shower.  He got some of the cutest baby clothes ever and tons of much needed baby gear.  We're so blessed to be surrounded by so many people who already care so much about this little dude.  Aunt Sida came up for both baby showers too.  Was very special to have her around while we prepare for his arrival.   We've also been so lucky to have access to all the wonderful baby classes offered through my work.  These classes are pricey and I get them super cheap.  I went to a breastfeeding class that was wonderful.  I had no idea how much there is to know about breastfeeding.  There is no way I would have just figured all that out on my own....soooo happy I went to that class.  I was on the fence about going and am so happy Becca encourage me to go!  We also attended a childbirth education class that was excellent as well.  I will have to admit I'm a little more scared now about the delivery than before....but having this knowledge will help us tremendously.  I've assisted with a few deliveries in my nursing career but never had the whole picture from beginning of labor to the delivery.  The at home phase of labor I had no idea can be so long and brutal.  Gosh, seems by the time you actually get to the hospital your spent...how do you keep that intensity up for that long??  I guess you just do it.  I will be definitely getting an epidural.  Although I have a high threshold for pain and could probably do it;  I don't see the sense in putting myself through unnecessary pain.  Especially after having such a tough pregnancy...I've endured enough pain already.  Next, we're going to a baby care class that will cover basic care and safety.  Hopefully, more of a fun class and not as intense as the birth education. 
     Mike continues to be a super hero husband!  He's doing all he can to make life a little easier for me.  Taking care of me and visiting family all the while still working his ass off at work.  He's going to be such a great dad.  This pregnancy has brought us even closer together.  I've learned and seen a whole other side to Mike that I truly didn't know was there.  He's so super excited about having this baby that words just could not describe.
     The big 36 week OB appointment will be here before we know it!  My OB will check my cervix, position of baby, size of baby etc... So we'll know more about his birthday and if we're still on track for the 25th of march or not.  I personally think we have a good chance his birthday will be on or near St. Patricks day...the 17th!  If he's born on the day his name will be Patrick but we're still keeping our other names a secret. 
     Happy Valentines to all!  Hope everyone takes the time to tell there loved ones how much you love them!  Much love to you!  Kim

33 weeks

Two Rabbits and a Snake...

It looks like our little guy will be a Rabbit!  Just the other day, a work colleague of mine said, "Congratulations, your baby will be born in the year of the rabbit.  The rabbit is the luckiest of all the chinese symbols."  I was very intrigued and asked many questions.  She is an anethesiologist with a chinese background that has a wealth of knowledge on the subject.  So I did a little more research on the chinese calender and the rabbit symbol.  It was sounding all too familiar when I realized Mike is a rabbit too!  Here's a little blurb from a website about Rabbits...2011 is the year of the metal rabbit or the golden rabbit. 

Chinese New Year day - February 3, 2011

When is the Chinese New Year's Day in Year 2011? It is on February 3, 2011. Chinese New Year (Chinese: 春節, 春节, Chūnjíe; 農曆新年, 农历新年, Nónglì Xīnnián; or 過年, 过年, Guònián), also known as the Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival is the most important of the traditional Chinese holidays. It consists of a period of celebRabbitions, starting on New Year's Day, celebRabbited on the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar. The Chinese New Year period ends with the Lantern Festival, the fifteenth day of the month.

According to Chinese tradition, the Rabbit brings a year in which you can catch your breath and calm your nerves.  It is a time for negotiation.  Don't try to force issues, because if you do you will ultimately fail.  To gain the greatest benefits from this time, focus on home, family, security, diplomacy, and your relationships with women and children.   Make it a goal to create a safe, peaceful lifestyle, so you will be able to calmly deal with any problem that may arise.

The Rabbit Personality - By Theodora Lau

People born in the year of the rabbit are the luckiest among "the twelve animals." The rabbit is a symbol for mercy, elegance, amiability and worship of beauty. People born in this year are kind, speak gently, peaceful, quiet and loving persons. They like to live easy lives. They are reserved persons, love arts and have a strong sense of justice. Whatever they do, they will start well and end well. This feature can make them learned scholars.  A man born in the year of the rabbit is solicitous, refined and courteous. He will have a gentle manner and carry himself like a gentleman. People admire his amiability and his resourcefulness, and they will be willing to follow his wise advice. 

Turns out I'm a snake..here's a blurb on that...I was quite surprised on how well this describes me...kinda creapy.

The Sign of the Snake

People born in the Year of the Snake share certain characteristics:  Acute, aware, charming, cunning, elegant, mysterious, passionate, proud, serene, and vain. They are attractive people who take cries with ease and do not become flustered easily.  They are graceful people, exciting and dark at the same time.  They enjoy reading, listening to great music, tasting delicious food, and going to the theater.  They are fascinated with all beautiful things in life.  Many of the most beautiful ladies and men with strongest personalities were born in the Year of the Snake.

Contemplative and private, Snake people are not outwardly emotional.  They usually act according to their own judgment and do not follow the views of others. They can appear cunning and reticent and work very modestly in the business environment.  They will plot and scheme to make certain things turn out exactly as they want them to.  They are not great communicators and can become quite possessive when they set their minds on achieving the interest of a partner.

Snake people become easily stressed and have to avoid hectic schedules or noisy atmospheres.  They need calm and quiet to thrive and succeed.  They must have sleep, relaxation, and peace  to live a long, healthy life.

People born in the Year of the Snake are usually very sophisticated and cultured in their choices for home decoration.  They are elegant and graceful and place emphasis on their comfort when deciding what to decorate with.  They are materialistic and need to have as many of everything as possible.

They become bored easily and therefore change jobs quite frequently.  They are very conscientious and diligent at work.  They are organized and precise, cautious and alert when doing business.  They act confidently, calmly and have a strong sense of responsibility and clear goals. Sometimes, because they like to work alone, they can seem as though they are withholding information or being secretive about some important things.

Snake people are oversuspicious, which is their nature.  They hide their suspicion, and acting as if nothing is on their minds.  They like to think deeply, plan carefully and make a systematic and appropriate exposition of their views. They like to follow the fashion and be properly dressed. And, they usually speak with great care.

I found this all to be very interesting!  Our golden rabbit will be here before we know it!  --kim

29 weeks

I haven't written in awhile because frankly there hasn't been much fun to write about.  BUT I'll have to say things are looking up for us at the moment!  We've been bogged down with life stresses that brought our spirits down a bit...and can honestly say I don't think I've ever been so stressed out in my life.  WOW, certainly not what I was expecting for this pregnancy.  We've kinda given up on a couple issues and actually feels good to just let it go.  We've been battling with Nissan about covering the cost of some repairs for my car.  We lost the battle and it's OK...it's done and it feels good for it to be over with.  My gallbladder seems to behaving better these days but have developed some heart fluttering and tachycardia... awww just put it on my tab!  When thru bunches of blood tests and an EKG and everything a.o.k!  Stress probably.  Relieved to know it's nothing more serious!  We're sending our tax audit stuff out on friday and what-ever happens happens!  Just send us the damn bill...we don't care anymore...can only worry about one thing so much.  Maybe we can help the federal deficit by 1 millionth of a dollar.  We'll be doing our part to dig our country out of this whole.
     OHHH the baby...this blog is suppose to be about the baby!  Poor guy has been second fiddle while we've been digging out of these issues.  Good news, he's first fiddle now!  We're continuing to get his room ready!  We got a mattress from mama Jane and papa Joe for Christmas; thank you!  Jess gave us her snap-n-go car seat and stroller set along with a bunch of toys; thank you!  We found 2 additional car seat bases on craigslist for the snap-n-go for 20 bucks!  So now myself, Mike and Nannie & Papa can toot this guy around town.  Bought a box of diapers, wipes, crib sheets and a few other essentials that make us feel like real parents.  We're very excited about his arrival and hoping for smooth sailing here on out! We've had our share of challenges lately and in some way I'm sure it's the universe preparing us for the challenges of parenthood.  We're up for it so bring it on! 

NYE 2010