Merry Christmas!

Almost 8 weeks old!

Such nice smiles at unexpected moments....

A week of firsts

Thanksgiving weekend was Linnea's first overnight trip with her mother. We spent Tuesday night at Grandma and Grandpa R's house and Wed-Thursday at Great Grandpa and Grandma R's.

Friday was her first shopping trip! Great Grandma R went with us to downtown Holland. We stopped in at Tin Ceiling to find Swedish ornaments.

Getting Linnea into the wonderful Snugli. It was great to have her right next to me, keeping us both warm, and leaving my hands free to shop!

A pewter Linnea flower christmas ornament. This is a pink twinflower, ground cover found in mossy forest areas of Sweden.

Checking out fabric with Great Grandma. Never to early to introduce her to crafts!

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving day at her great-aunts house. Her first time wearing jeans!




Linnea's cousin taking care of her while mom checked on Great Grandma's pies in the oven.

My Beautiful Girl

Linnea Jane

10/28/07

1:10 AM

SO happy she's finally here.

It's been an amazing week and a half since Linnea's arrival. We're settled at home this week after so many doctor outing last week to keep a close watch on her jaundice. Stressful for mom and baby, I think. SOOOO glad that's over.

Linnea has turned out to be a good eater after a rough start, but is willing to sleep for decent periods, too. The sleep deprevation isn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Still getting close to the same amount of sleep just not all at once.

More this weekend....:)

The Date!!!

Sean and I will be checking into Hotel Spectrum 8:30 PM Thursday, October 25! My prediction is that the young lady will make her appearance the afternoon of the 26th.

Everything else is going fine...just waiting...and waiting...

At this rate she'll come just a few days before her due date, which is great by me. I had been hoping they'd decide to do it yet this week, but the 25th is great. This gives Sean's jobs enough time to plan and grandparents have the weekend off....perfect!!!

A View to a Wedding...

Some of what we saw tonight...

And the young man toasting his second cousin...

Congratulations from your cousins in GR....wish we could be there with you guys!!!

Latest Ultrasound

Grandma R was right....Linnea's got a lot of hair! I couldn't believe how well you can actually see it in the ultrasound! They think she's 7 1/2 lbs now, but I understand that they can be off by as much as a pound or two sometimes.

Nothing really new to report....the induction isn't going to be scheduled until Monday the 15th. Mom is going with me to this appointment, as Sean is working 2 jobs now and keeping VERY busy. I need someone with me to ask all the important questions I forget!

News!

I'm going to be induced in two weeks!!! No date yet, hopefully I'll have it to post tomorrow with ultrasound pictures.

Feeling....excited, relief....and nervous!!!:)

Baby Bumps

Cousins at the baby shower today in Lansing.

Good This Week

Nothing new at my appointments today. The non-stress test went well and no changes at my ob appointment! Yippee!!!

I think tomorrow will start my official....ish count down to baby. (36 weeks tomorrow) So....28-ish days until Linnea's here!

Mom thinks/wants her to arrive Friday, November 2, so that she'll have all weekend off (and maybe labor will last that long...I figure I have to prepare myself for all possibilities)...(but I have heard short labor is hereditary...thanks, Mom!)

I think she's going to come really close to her due date, October 30...or maybe it'll happen on the 31st, just because I DIDN't want her to have a holiday b-day, but again, I've prepared myself for that possibility.

I am a little concerned about my weight gain....after faithfully gaining 3 pounds a month since the 4 or 5 month...I've gained FOUR in two weeks. Doc said give it another week before getting concerned about it (ultrasound is next week Tuesday, plus a short one this Thursday to check amniotic fluid....maybe I can convince the tech to take 3 tiny little measurements to see how big she is!) But the way I see it...either option is not good...I'VE gained 4 pounds or SHE'S up to 9 pounds! (Or I guess it could be both of us gaining:)

Oh, well. What would I do if I didn't worry about something new each week? Ummm....labor?...delivery? Oh, man....

Non-stress Test

I just got back from our first non-stress test. At the office, I sat in a recliner for about 20 minutes with two monitors positioned over Linnea. I listened to her heart beat the whole time. Man, was she moving! BPM would get as high as the 170s when she was active and down to 140 resting. It was pretty neat to actually hear her moving around in there.

We're at 35 weeks tomorrow!!! After this week I'll go to 2 non-stress tests a week and still have my regular Monday appointment at the ob/gyn.

My sugar readings have been ok, but I'm already up to 3 pills a day (just one when I started them last week). What a pain. How do take a pill 2 hours before I eat breakfast and dinner? I think I'll have to start setting the alarm so I can still have breakfast when I wake up!

NO cankles today! (I knew fall was my favorite time of year!)

What a good way to start the day! ALmost skinny ankles! (At least, compared to how they have been) It was 62 degrees at noon and it's been windy....lovin' it!!!!

Today was my first appointment at another Spectrum office for an ultrasound. The objectives were to check on Linnea's kidneys and her size....5lbs. 6 oz! This weight is just a little larger than average, a 34 week measurement instead of the 33 weeks she is today. Because of the gestational diabetes, I'll have another ultrasound 4 weeks.

The doctor I talked to afterwards went into more detail about the hydronephrosis than about how big she's getting. This is the third ultrasound that has shown extra fluid in her kidneys, but, as with the others, just a little more than what is considered normal. They'll check on them again at the next ultrasound and if it's still a problem, will mean an ultrasound for her and possibly an x-ray (a better way to check for blockages) after she is born.



She's positioned head down and to my left with feet at my right rib cage...which I SURE can tell! Unfortunately this didn't make for great pictures. But Sean and I got to see her sucking or drinking...and HAIR! While the tech was taking head measurements we saw the outline of what looked like a significant amount of hair. Just as several people have predicted. Mom said she wishes you could tell the color from an ultrasound.:)

I have what may be my last Circle of Care appointment tomorrow (they don't do high risk and it sounds like my care is going to be down at Spectrum from now on). And Monday is my next visit downtown, so I'll have another update soon!

My New Best Friend

Last Wednesday I got this glucose monitor and have been checking my blood sugar 4 times a day. Just yesterday I had another 3 hour glucose test. My fasting test was low, the next 2 high, and the last one is normal. These results have been sent to a high risk OB at Spectrum. The doctor there will decide if I need to be seen by them, or if I continue to be seen by the nurse/midwife at Booth (they don't deal with high-risk).

I'm just going with the flow for now. I want to continue with Circle of Care, but I want the have the proper care too! Hopefully I'll know before the weekend what's going to happen. Another plus(since I have to find some positive with this)....I think I might have another ultrasound!

Appointments this week

Monday:

Today was our first day at "Preparing for Childbirth" class at Spectrum. We're in a group of 9 other couples. Sue, our instructor, is very nice. We talked about relaxation and practiced exercises and breathing techniques, which is our homework.

I TOTALLY spaced the fact that Sean has a minor medical procedure scheduled for the same time as our next class!!!:( I'm VERY disappointed...haven't gotten a hold of Sue yet, but the registration lady for class assured me conflicts happen all the time and that Sue will have no problem getting us the information that we'll miss....important stuff....like medications for labor and delivery!!! Oh, well....

The last two classes will be about caring for Linnea after her arrival, review of relaxation, postpartum and the tour!

Wednesday: Circle of Care

My 3 care group was a little different this time as 5 women were no-shows! (I'd hate to miss...you discuss important things, you can share all your new aches and pains, and there's great snacks:)) There were 3 new additions plus 2 other guys came, so Sean was not the only man in the room this time.

I got a double dose of relaxation this week. We got massages and practiced whole body relaxing, where you start at your head and work your way down. After discussion, I made a heating bag out of rice and a tube sock, which has already come in handy, and picked out some nice lotion to take home.

The last half of group is busy time. I took my own blood pressure....110/70ish, normal and good. Took my weight; I've gained 3lbs this month for a total of 15.4! What a relief! I was worried about gaining too much, but as long as I keep it at this rate, I'll be very satisfied. Linnea's around 3 pounds now, so most of the weight I gain these last 2 1/2 months will be mostly her!!!:)

Friday:

Today wasn't a set appointment. I rolled out of bed this morning and was out of the house within a half hour. My first stop was the farmer's market (only a block from the clinic). I checked out the whole thing and went back to a stale for nectarines and big banana peppers (for stuffing with cheese and baking).

I didn't dawdle too much...didn't know how long clinic visit would take and they close at 12 for lunch.

I had my 3rd and HOPEFULLY last glucose test. This one was just another one hour test, so I drank their nasty orange stuff and had an hour to catch up on gossip in Us Weekly. Then, 2 tubes of blood for the test. She also took a titer for Rh antibodies and gave me a shot! Yuck. This was because my blood is Rh negative. The shot is called Rhogam and is to protect my body from making antibodies against Linnea's blood if she's Rh positive.

And that's it! I can't believe now time is flying! Just think....I might only attend 2 more Circle of Care meetings before she's here!

FINALLY....an update

Wow, what a difference a few weeks make! I hit the third trimester Tuesday....week 28. Maybe 12 weeks to go!!! I don't think I'd MIND a little early as long as it isn't Oct 12-14 when Grandma and Grandpa R will be in Phoenix.


Linnea is moving around SO much. I definitely feel pregnant now, where before my body still KIND of felt like my own. Nights are a lot more difficult: bathroom trips (2-3), horrible reflux (even though I'm on Zantac), and hot flashes. Plus, this last week my schedule has completely changed with a temp job in Kentwood, working 4 to midnight. It's hot, noisy, and fast paced.


Tomorrow is my first childbirth preparation class at Spectrum!!! I'm very excited. Its 4 classes over the next 5 Mondays and will include a tour of the birthing unit. I think Sean's looking forward to it: although he has attended his children's births, he's never been to a prep class. My monthly "Circle" appointment is Wednesday, so I'll have another update then!!!






A little display of Linnea's things from Mexico. The doll and colorful rattle are from her Auntie Em and the beautiful cap, booties and mittens are from Uncle Sergio's sister-in-law, Alicia.

I painted this cabinet for Linnea's things. It's been used by Emily and/or I for 20 years or so. The green matches her bed and soon to be painted changing table. For now...I LOVE to have her cute things on display to look at!

For the Love of Gift Bags!!!

Have you ever noticed now useful gift bags are? And Beautiful?

Mom and I cleaned out her gift wrap containers last night so we could add all the shower and birthday tissue paper, bags, and reusable paper to the stash, and, MAN, I couldn't believe how cute all the bags are!

The day of the shower they were out shined by all the wonderful gifts inside of them. But they're like extra gifts! I was trying to think of a way I could keep them as mementos of that day, but that's going a little far, I think, keeping 20 gift bags in a box....just to look at. So....I took a picture of them, saved a few for scrapbooking and added them to the reusable gift wrap box.

I don't think I'll ever buy wrapping paper again. If folded nicely after use, the wonderful gift bag can be used again and again! And the tissue paper, too!

As Mom and I reorganized and purged, I felt guilty tossing out a few old crinkled, brightly colored bags that had seen better days, but I was comforted by the fact that 20 more were saved to bring some one else joy on another happy occasion!

Baby Shower....under construction

For my sister....I told you I was working on it!!!:) More later....baby needs some food, then her mom has to put her feet up.:)

Opening a gift from Aunt Tami...Classic Pooh and Hanna Anderson.

Cousin Sarah, M, Aunt Beth, and I.

Em organizing after the party.

The ladies decorating onesies for Linnea.

Decorated onesies on the craft table drying. I would recommend this shower activity to anyone...it's so neat to look at them now and remember that day and to think about my little girl wearing them!!!

Not For Lack of Posting content...

How much fun I've had the last 10 days with my sis and nephew! I know I have been neglecting my blog, but who wants to sit at the computer with such a cutie running around the house!

So....I'll try to blog-a-day so I'm all baby updated!

But today's like a mental health day, recovering from Em and M's departure, so that's all for today!

How I feel today.

Sean Wins

For some time Sean has been trying to convince me that Classic Pooh should be the "theme" for Linnea's things. I have slowly been giving in....Em has bought Pooh, Sean has bought Pooh....Today mom and I went to Jo-Ann Fabric. I broke down and bought this oh-so-soft flannel fabric for a boppy pillow. I couldn't resist. And then we found these....

SUPER soft fabric, silky edging and an applique piglet for a blanket Mom is going to make.

Sean will be so happy when he sees this.

Note to self: Now that you like Classic Pooh for baby, DO NOT go overboard....only a few pooh's.

Garage Sale Finds of the Day

I spent an hour today hitting sales in the neighborhood today....what fun! These two sleeper sacs and sleeper were my only purchases.

Aunt M.........and Cousin: My next ultrasound is on July 9th! What a co-winky-dink! Cousin-are you going to spread the news ASAP about little K after yours? I can't wait to find out!

M....see you in SIX DAYS!!!!(Please post lil' M pics today)

:)

Shopping for Baby Girl Things is SO Much Fun...

Auntie Em...Here are some of the new things we've gotten! In front is the jumper Mom found; the pink lady bug is a towel Beth and Hillary got; under the Pooh hat is dribble safe bibs, a gift from next door (who ALSO brought over a wonderful gift of diapers in several sizes); and THE Classic Pooh Collection, piglet rattle and pink bear!

Thank goodness for garage sales!!!! I got this changing table across the street from Aunt Beth's house for FIVE DOLLARS! Sean's going to repaint it this weekend, maybe all white.

My practice foamy flowers. Em...do you like the two-toned roses?

Grandma's Gift

Mom brought home this CUTE sleeper and magazine the day of the ultrasound. Linnea's first girly gift! :)

Interesting Info

http://ob-ultrasound.net

This is a cool website I found in a magazine all about ultrasounds! Cousin.....check it out before your ultrasound next month!

Name Game

Baby S' first name has been decided on....the spelling was holding me up.

Linnea

But...we're still looking for a middle name. I have one in mind, but we're exploring all the options.

Any suggestions?:)

It's a girl!

Here are the first good images of Baby S....Baby GIRL S.... I can show off! Sean and I went to Spectrum today for my 19 week ultrasound!This first picture is two profiles, top right is her girly parts, and lower left is her right foot!

Scary 3D face shot. She looks kind of deformed but I was assured it is placenta. (I HOPE!!!)

More Baby

Baby signing love!!!