Our Baby

This morning we had our big ultrasound. I have been really distracted with other things the last week or so and was not really excited about it until last night. I'm glad the excitement was short because waiting is so hard! For the last three weeks B and I, along with many of you, our family and friends, have been praying for my placenta to move away from the cervix. I was mentally preparing myself for a high risk pregnancy, bed rest and an early c-section. While all that was premature, I had to have my emotions in check for me to maintain any sanity about the entire situation. I know way too much about the condition and gave everything I knew up to God because I had no control. There was nothing we could do and so I settled with the worst case scenario. In a way, I believe this worked in my favor. I was less emotional and more accepting about it the last week or so, not to mention Christmas and time off from work is a huge distraction.

We arrived and waited for our tech. She has been a sonographer for 30 years so I knew she would tell us everything. Our practice has their own techs so, unlike in a hospital, they can give us details right away. I asked her if my care would be transferred and she said no, not for a previa. So that was a relief. I really was bumming on missing out on my experience with a midwife, even if I did end up with a c-section.

Baby looks amazing! So healthy and very happy. He/she is measuring a week behind, just like their older brother had been. Baby is also very low so we were unable to get the good profile shots. I go back in two weeks so she can check the head, face, brain and heart out in more detail.

Lastly, we finished up with a TV ultrasound to check on the placenta's placement. Right away it was obvious: my placenta was no longer covering the cervix! And not only that, but was a good 2.4cm away from the opening meaning I don't even have a marginal previa. I am no longer high risk and can carry on with a normal, vaginal birth if all else works out that way!! We are elated! I cannot even tell you how it felt to hear B's sigh of relief. We had both been really careful about my carrying things, etc for the last few weeks and while I will still be careful, we have a lot less to worry about.

Our year could not have ended any better! Tonight we are celebrating by a quiet dinner at home, sipping on sparkling cider, and watching the ball drop.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Christmas Time in Photos

As I'm sure you've noticed, I really cannot find a layout I am happy with right now. Wordpress is great, but the selection of layouts is not so much. Bare with me!

Our Christmas season starts a few weeks before Christmas when we get everything set up at home and celebrate with a number of different families over the course of several days. I love how close we are to our family and that we were able to have a wonderful, relaxing time together. Happy Christmas and Merry New Year! CHEERS!

Christmas Eve:

I worked and was able to leave early. Came home and B and I prepared our house for his mom's arrival. After she arrived, we decided to head downtown for a fancy dinner. We ate at my most favorite restaurant our little town has. I had an amazing salmon dish, something I don't get to eat very often! Then we went home, relaxed and watched It's a Wonderful Life.

Christmas Morning:

Logan woke up just before 7am and quickly discovered that Santa had come by the house. He said Santa told him "Thank you" and he was so happy for all his new presents! We spent a quiet morning opening presents, sipping on coffee, eating an amazing breakfast made by B and resting.

Later, we played with Legos and had a lovely Christmas Day dinner of steak (our new tradition), veggies and fruit salad. We topped off the evening by watching another movie and then packing for our trip to Steamboat (we were married there).

[caption id="attachment_3256" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Christmas Morning![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3257" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Santa did good![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3258" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Grandma Mac gave Logan a new trike![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3259" align="aligncenter" width="200"] B got a new saw.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3260" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Music![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3261" align="aligncenter" width="300"] I got new lamps![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3262" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Art supplies![/caption]



[caption id="attachment_3265" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Lego time.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3266" align="aligncenter" width="200"] All of us built something awesome.[/caption]

Day after Christmas:

We headed to Steamboat after I worked for a few hours. The drive up the mountains was beautiful and easy. It was our first time through the canyon since the huge fire earlier this summer and it was devastating to see how much land has been torched. Upon our arrival in Steamboat, we had drinks and dinner with our extended family (my aunt and uncle whose house is in New Jersey). The visiting was lovely! B and all our cousins tried to go sledding that night down the mountain but there was a mix up with reservations. So they came back and we continued our evening back at our hotel room where we opened presents with my parents and brother. It was so nice and relaxing! Logan got an amazing light up/legos type of game that he loves! And B and I got a new camera!! I have been borrowing my dad's for the last few years to take good quality photos so I can now join the ranks of amateur photographers with a professional camera at my eye.

 

[caption id="attachment_3267" align="aligncenter" width="300"] First day in Steamboat (and first photo with my new camera!)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3268" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Playing with his awesome new lights.[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_3270" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Silly man.[/caption]

Thursday:

B treated himself to a day of snowboarding up on the snowy mountain! Fresh powder covered the slopes and B says it was the best day boarding he had ever had! Though he is quite sore, he deserved that day up in the "pow" as locals call it.

I spent the morning with Logan and my mom. We walked around downtown, I got a memory card and camera case and quickly starting snapping photos. That afternoon we had to deal with a ton of family drama, but who doesn't have family drama?! Suffice it to say that everything will be okay, but it did hinder my nap time.

Thursday night we all bundled up and took a very bumpy ride deep into the mountains to a ranch where we were dropped off at a cabin. There we had hot cocoa and apps while we waited for our sleigh ride up to the teepee where we would be having our dinner. The ride was incredible! The moon was full and you could barely see it through the snow and clouds. The air was bitterly cold, but we were covered in wool blankets. Logan loved it! We arrived 10 minutes later and entered a very warm teepee with tables and a fire in the middle where we would be spending the next 2 hours eating our meal. The food was divine! We then got back on the sleigh and went back to the cabin where we had dessert and headed back down the mountain into town.

[caption id="attachment_3271" align="aligncenter" width="300"] It snowed every day we were in town. So beautiful![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3272" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Daddy and Logan on the sleigh ride![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3273" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Our transportation.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3274" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Inside the teepee.[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_3276" align="aligncenter" width="200"] Keeping warm by the fire.[/caption]

Friday we spent most of the day relaxing. My extended family headed home a day early due to some nasty weather on the East Coast. We played with our new toys, took nap, I had an incredible massage at the spa and that night we had dinner with my brother at a local Irish pub. Our last day was just what we all needed!

Saturday morning B let me sleep in a bit until I was ready to get up and start packing for our ride back home. The drive is a good 3-4 hours and was beautiful! The sun had come out for the first time in days which made the snowy trees glisten! I was so sad to leave our respit! The time off from work has been just what my soul has needed to restore balance and drive. Three more weeks and I am back to school! Hope you all had a great week!

[caption id="attachment_3277" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Moon setting over the mountains.[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_3279" align="aligncenter" width="300"] I love this photo I snapped on our way home.[/caption]

2012 Year in Review

This year has been amazing. I will let the photos and captions speak for themselves. Cheers and Happy New Year!!

January

• We started to potty train Logan.


• I was struggling with a lot of depression and anxiety, mostly due to my stomach issues.


• B brewed his first batch of beer.


• I got a promotion and my very own office.

February

• Logan turned two!


• B and I celebrated 4 years together.


• I started some new medication and counseling to help get my health back on track.

March

• We were all sick for most of the month :(


• Celebrated St. Patty's Day downtown Denver with family.


• Logan's verbal language exploded!

April

• I got really sick  (AGAIN!)


• Made some fancy deviled eggs for Easter


• Logan flew a kite!

May

• Celebrated Mother's Day with my parents


• I decided to make a ton of frozen meals.


• My health really started to come under control

June





 

 

• We took our 2nd family vacation together and headed to the Jersey Shore.


• We had a terrible fire rip through our woods not too far away.


• We closed on our first house!

July

• We settled into our new home.


• One of the hottest summers, nearly 100* days everyday in July!


• We dealt with a terrible, local tragedy, the Aurora theater shooting.


• I went to a Dashboard show where I saw someone propose to his girlfriend!

August

• B and I celebrated 4 years of marriage and I turned 28.


• I started up college again!


• We prepared for my cousin to move in with us.

September

•  We learned about baby bean on September 17th!


• My cousin moved in with her kids.

October

• I announced my pregnancy on social networks.


• 1st prenatal appointment


• Got food poisoning on our trip to Black Hawk and lost a bunch of money.


• We had our first snow of the season.


• Hurricane Sandy devastated the Jersey Shore and displaced my extended family.

November

• Pregnancy migraines started up (NO FUN!).


• I attended my first live birth of twins via c-section.


• I only had one class left to finish this month.

December

• Found out I have a complete placenta previa with this baby.


• Celebrated Christmas three times; once in Denver with B's family, once on Christmas Day with B, Logan and his mom, and once in Steamboat with my parents and extended family. (post to come)


• Baby bean started moving around a ton!

Bump Bump (19wks)

This weekend has been so nice! I know it's Wednesday but since Christmas was yesterday, it feels like a weekend. I'll post about Christmas next week, so onward with the baby bump update.

• Eating: Lots of pasta, salads, and peanut M&Ms


• Wearing: All maternity pants (work and jeans) and some maternity tops, though I have several tops that are longer tunics that fit great.


• Baby is…bouncing around quite a bit!


• Differences: This is a good 1-2 weeks earlier that I have been feeling this baby than the first time.


• Predictions: Still thinking (and HOPING!) this baby is a girl.


• No fun: I'm out of breath climbing the stairs! And by the end of the day I am achy all over and just want to sleep.


• Way fun: The baby movement and heading to Steamboat later today!


• Decided: on a name for this baby if it's a boy!

Have a great week, friends! I will be away from the blog for a little while. (I have a year in review post scheduled for this weekend.)

Sunday Social on Monday Mingle

My weekend was so relaxed, the last thing I thought about was writing. Now I'm at work on what is looking to be a very slow day. I get to leave early, take Christmas Day off, work the 26th part of the day and then it's off to the mountains through the weekend! This week could really not get any better. Oh wait. It has. Baby bean has been moving and grooving all over the place! I don't feel baby all the time, but when I do the movements are very pronounced and I swear its an elbow or knee jabbing at me. I love it!

 

1. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Well, I can't eat ice cream anymore, but it used to be cookie dough. Now, I can only eat the lactose free vanilla bean which is good, just not the same.

2. What is your favorite smell? I love the smell of fresh-baked banana bread.

3. Favorite TV commercial: Oh I have no clue! I never remember them long enough to have a favorite.

4. Favorite day of the week: Saturday! It's our only family day that we have together and we always make the best of it.

5. Favorite way to waste time: ha! Me, waste time?! Pinterest for sure.

6. Favorite article of clothing: My new Muk Luks!! I love these slippers! (mine are on the right)

no words

I cannot start these words without physically letting out a sigh so heavy I make myself nauseous. The shooting on Friday has been such an intense tragedy that I have not even been able to listen to, watch or read anything about it. I cannot look at the photos of those beautiful children, or the photos of their broken parents. I'm physically ill thinking about their loss and how they must feel. I have tried to ignore the news, to pretend it was just a nightmare that will go away, but it's not. I'm so devastated and only today, as in the last few moments, have I started to let my mind realize this is a nightmare, but not in my dreams. It really happened. I am so sad. I am sending all my love and prayers to the families. Knowing that this little life I created inside of me, and the one that is running around like a big boy, is one which could be taken away in an instant shakes me to my core. I have no words. No more words to write or say because there will never be the words to describe the hurt.

Sunday Social

Why not? I'm not in the best mood tonight, but writing feels good, especially something with a prompt. (BTW if anyone wants to chat privately  I would be happy to share more about what is going on with this pregnancy--midwife101blog(at)gmail.com).

 

What is the wall paper on your phone?

I just changed it today. I took a photo of lights on a Christmas tree and that is now my wallpaper.

What do you keep beside your bed?

There is a light, my phone charger, and as of today THAT'S IT!! We had the house cleaned and so everything is in it's place.

What is your least favorite chore?

I'm not really a fan of chores in general, but I hate folding and putting away laundry.

If you could eliminate one thing from your daily routine, what would it be?

Waking up so early for work.

What do you do to vent anger?

I'm don't get angry too often, but I do get frustrated. I will cry, talk to my mom or B, or write.

What is your favorite holiday of the year and why?

I LOVE Thanksgiving. I love how relaxed it is, the food and family. I also love 4th of July. Great summer holiday!

Currently...17wks

I know I know!! I've been MIA from an update for a few weeks. I just feel like this pregnancy has been a lot harder than the first time and it's hard for me to write about. But first, currently I am...

Reading... tons of blogs. I am out of school now for winter break and I have time to catch up on a ton that I do not frequent as often.

Listening to... lots of Christmas music. I love Christmas and I love the music. O Holy Night is my most favorite song.

Hating... all the little issues I've had the last two weeks.

Laughing... at my kid. He is so dang funny! Two nights ago he told me to go to time out.

Ignoring... nothing. I am so in-tune with everything right now. It's kind of driving me a little crazy! So hopefully things will settle down soon.

At 17 weeks...

• Eating: TONS of Caesar salad. I love it.


• Wearing: Regular clothes up until this morning. The pair of pants that still fit are dirty so I had to resort to my mat pants for work and am so much more comfortable!


• Baby is…being awesome. I got to see his/her little face two days ago and everything looks great (with the baby).


• Differences: Gosh, everything seems different. I did not have any infections with Logan and I am fighting two different ones right now. UGH


• Predictions: Still thinking (and HOPING!) this baby is a girl.


• No fun: Low back pain. Ouchies! And finding out a I have a complete placenta previa. More on that later.


• Way fun: gearing up for Christmas! We have two family parties this weekend. Oh and my cousin is moving out today! So bitter-sweet!


• Undecided: On how much to share. It's tough. B is way more private than I am, which is why I have strayed from sharing too much about some of the issues going on. Just know the baby is doing great!

Tuesday Night

Last night (Monday) I took my final for my human growth class and left feeling pretty damn good about it. I came home and learned that my cousin finally got the funds she has been waiting for and is set to move into the most adorable early 1900s house downtown in less than two days. We were/are so elated! B and I laid in bed and congratulated each other on getting through the last almost four months with four house guests and surviving. WHEW! B made a margarita in front of me, I smelled it, and wished I could have one myself. Then I turned into bed and slept well.

During the day (Monday) I had a pain return. Last week I was treated for an infection which I was certain was the source of the pain, but alas, it came back and I was worried. Fast forward to this morning. I called my midwife and told them what was going on. They asked that I come in right away. I wasn't too worried. I had a pretty good idea of what was going on. Then. THEN it took the midwife almost FIVE WHOLE minutes to find the bean's heart beat. DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW MUCH THAT SUCKED?! I didn't start to worry until she said something like, "Well, if we don't find it then you get an ultrasound!" Not 30 seconds later the little turkey finally made itself known. Healthy 150BPM. She checked everything else out, took some swabs and was still puzzled. We decided an ultrasound was a good idea. The pain I've been having starts in my belly button and travels straight down. All the way down. It's sharp and very uncomfortable. Could be muscles, even after the results of the ultrasound. Who knows.

So I worked some more, ate an awesome Caesar salad, and walked back over to the clinic. And I must say....I LOVE that my midwife is across the street from the hospital. Plus, I see them almost every day. I love it. B met me for the ultrasound. He was not with me the first time around 13wks so we were both a little excited. Baby looks amazing. It was being very quiet and relaxed. Healthy heart beat again. Measuring well. The "oh shit" moment? I noticed that my placenta was laying flat below the baby (as seen in this photo):



I am no ultrasound expert, but the thought crossed my mind, "Is my placenta covering my cervix?" I brushed it off since the tech had been talking to us about everything the entire time and didn't mention it. Then at the end she asked if I'd had any bleeding. Nope. None. Now, I know why. I waited to talk to my midwife while the tech made her notes. She confirmed I do have another weird infection so new antibiotics were prescribed and then, the bomb: I have a complete placenta previa. This means exactly what I suspected: my placenta is totally covering my cervix which means I am at a very high risk for bleeding, especially as the baby grows more. I have been restricted to only doing light jobs and tasks, no heavy lifting, jumping, etc.

Since it's still early, there is a very good chance the placenta will move away from the cervix as the baby and my uterus grows. However, if it doesn't, then I'm looking at an automatic c-section. This scares the hell out of me. Actually, all of this is scary. The bleeding in PP doesn't usually start until the middle of the 2nd trimester and can result in moderate to complete bedrest. I am trying to stay hopeful and pray that it will move away in time for me to have a normal vaginal delivery without any bleeding complications along the way. The hard part is that I just know too much. I did a huge case study on this exact diagnosis for my med term class. So please send happy thoughts and prayers that all will be well and that the placenta will move. Physically, it doesn't actually move...it moves with the growth of the uterus. I'm just hanging in there and staying positive. So thankful for an otherwise very healthy baby.

It's Award Time

Been awhile since I've received any blogging awards! Thanks to Heather at Charmed Life for pointing out how few followers I have. ;) I kid. This award is specifically for those other blogging folks who have less than 200 followers. There was a time when I *think* I had more than that, but I may be kidding myself.

This award is given to new or up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers...the award is then passed along to other bloggers in the same category to help spread the word and support one another.

If you receive the award, there are a few rules to follow...

1) Each blogger nominated must post 11 things about themselves

2) Then answer the 11 questions the tagger has asked

3)Blogger must then create 11 questions of their own to ask the bloggers they decide to nominate

4) They must choose 11 bloggers with less than 200 followers to nominate and link them on their blog post

5)Bloggers must be notified of their award!

6) No tag backs!

11 Things About Me

1. I love Chai tea with almond milk. I have one at least once a week.


2. I love manatees.


3. Every year since Logan was born, I have made a calendar for my family members and given them as Christmas gifts. It's one of my most favorite things to work on.


4. I am an amateur photographer, still with just a point and shoot camera.


5. My wedding day was the best day of my life.


6. I'm obsessed with dates and numbers. For example, Duchess Kate is due 3 weeks after me and I really hope we have our babies on the same day!


7. I've never had my house professionally clean, but that will change next Monday!!


8. I never liked having outdoor Christmas lights until I had a kid who is obsessed with them. Now I love it.


9. If this baby is a boy, he will be nameless when born. We cannot agree on a boy name yet.


10. I love music and miss going to concerts/shows as often as I used to.


11. My all time favorite band is still Hanson. Don't hate.

11 Questions from Heather:

1. When is my favorite vacation spot? Cabo San Lucas


2. What is my all time favorite book? Catcher in the Rye


3. What is something I love doing but don't have time for? Alone time with my B. Less because of time and more because of finances. I want weekend getaways.


4. Do I feel older or younger than my real age? I feel 28, which I am. Though there are times were I feel older. I never feel younger anymore!


5. If I could meet any celebrity dead or alive, who would it be? Ina May Gaskin


6. If I could battle one movie villain, who would it be? I could take on Regina from Mean Girls.


7. What is my favorite holiday? Thanksgiving. I love the food and family.


8. What technology could I not live without? I don't like thinking about not being able to live without something like technology, but if I have to choose...my phone.


9. If I had 24 hours to do anything, money was no object, what would I do? Wow. This is a great question. I would want to fly to The Farm and learn as much as I possibly could about becoming a midwife, and catch as many babies as possible in that time.


10. My favorite made-up word: The only one that comes to mind is Mmmbop! ;)


11. Who do I look up to most? My  mom. She's amazing.

11 Bloggers I'm Awarding:

1. The Makings of an Ostie Family


2. Hancock Heir


3. Rachel & John


4. Life With the Little Rs


5. I Put the Blah in Blogger


6. Ambition Never Goes Out of Style


7. Tale of 2 Teachers


8. Minnesota Baby


9. B & R Plus 2

So, there are only 9 of you because, apparently, I read a lot of blogs with lots of followers! So I love you all.

11 Questions for the nominated:

1. Have you/would you ever have plastic surgery? If so, for what?


2. Do you believe in ghosts?


3. If you went to school, are you doing what you went to school for?


4. What is your dream job?


5. Your thoughts on the Duggars:


6. Favorite non-fiction book:


7. If you've had a baby, would you be willing to share your birth story on my midwife blog?? (PLEASE?!!)


8. # of traffic violations and why:


9. Do you sleep with socks on?


10. The best day of your life:


11. Share a link to your favorite guilty pleasure online reading (celeb news, news of the weird, etc):

Congrats!! I look forward to reading everyone else's responses.

Sunday Social

Linking up again this week with Neely over at A Complete Waste of Makeup. Enjoy this holiday-themed post. :)

1) What is your favorite Holiday season tradition?

Probably cutting down our Christmas tree. When I was younger, we started doing it when I was 12 and almost every years since I have cut one down. This year, we won't have the time to cut one down. We have way too much stuff going on right now!

2) Do you have a certain Holiday movie you watch more than any others?

Not really, but I love The Christmas Story and Love, Actually.

3) Show us your favorite decoration or pinterest decoration you wish you could have:



(Source: Advent Calendar)

I would LOVE to have the time to make something awesome like this. Maybe next year. I think Logan would be more into it next year anyway.

4) Favorite Holiday song:

O Holy Night. I LOVE the Hanson version of this song, but really, any version of it always makes my heart happy.

5) Favorite Holiday dessert: 

My aunt makes these really yummy green christmas cookies. It's the only time of the year I have them and everything about them reminds me of my childhood.

6) What is on my wish list this year?

I want new bedding so badly. I love gray and yellow togethers with some purple thrown in there.