3D Ultrasound

Once again, much belated, but thought it interesting and fun to put up your 3D ultrasound pictures from back in January. Yep...it's definitely you!

From November to March

As mentioned before, the last time I posted something, you were about 23 weeks along. We knew you were a boy, and had your name pretty much nailed down.

The first part of December saw you and I heading for San Antonio for a meeting. First plane trip! The meeting was a long 5 days, and you kept me on my toes (and awake during long lecture sessions!). It was good to have a traveling buddy with me, if even on the inside.

Right after returning from Texas, we hopped on a plane and went to visit your grandparents in Montana. That was an incredibly long, convoluted trip to get there, but we made it finally! It also was your 2nd wedding attended! Very busy baby! Everyone in Montana was very excited about your impending arrival into the world as well!

Christmas came, and we went to spend it with your other grandparents here in town. It was a good, relaxing holiday. New Years came and went as well.

Next came your big 3D ultrasound! With the holidays and everything else going on, we didn't get a chance to schedule it until you were a bit further along, gestation wise, than your brother was (he was about 24 weeks...you were about 28). We took Daniel with us, which marked the first time he got to "see" you...he didn't seem to really understand what was going on at the time, but he did watch a little on the screen. The lady doing the ultrasound did a "size" check, and reported back to us (off the record, of course), that you were about 4lbs at the time, and measuring about 2 1/2 weeks ahead of schedule. Her calculations had a tentative due date of the 8th of March (eek!). But the best part of the ultrasound was watching you make all of the cute faces and getting to see what you look like up close and personal.

The end of January and month of February seemed to pass by quickly (although there were many aspects that seemed to drag). Your daddy ended his work contract and was looking for a new job, which meant a lot of time at home, and a lot of time with Daniel at home (out of daycare to save money). We also toured the hospital where you were to be born. And then came the issue of all of us getting sick. Daniel had a MRSA infection in his ear (which put him on some pretty strong antibiotics for a few weeks). He later got the flu as well, and had a bit of recovery ahead of him. Your dad had a MRSA infection as well, but on his leg. That meant he had to go to the doctor every couple of days to have it checked or cut or re-bandaged. He also had a cold along the way as well (which didn't make things any better!). Your mom (me) had a cold that seemed to last forever (in reality, off and on for about 3 weeks). Coughing and all of that good stuff...and a fever one weekend that was a little bit scary (fever of 102). Since I couldn't take anything, that made it harder to do things and to recover.

The end of February marked your baby shower! You got lots of great things from mommy's co-workers, and they were all very excited to meet you very soon!

Before the baby shower, mommy had a little bit of bleeding (amongst all of the other goo), and at first dilation check (February 14th), mommy was at 2cm and about 75% effaced. The baby gates were opening up! The following week, 4cm! And after that, mommy stayed at about 5cm (give or take) until the next step in your impending delivery took place, all the while doctor's expecting you to come at any time!

March 1st appointment you were 36 weeks, 5 days along (not quit the "full term" 37 weeks they like babies too be), so the doctor didn't want to do membrane stripping. March 10th was the next appointment, and you were 38 weeks along. The doctor wondered why you hadn't come out yet (just as the other doctor in Reno had wondered 2 1/2 years ago with your brother at this stage!). Membranes stripped...and...well...you were born early the next day!

A very eventful few months!

Hello Jared!

Once again, a VERY overdue blog post! It looks like Thanksgiving time was about the last time I wrote something, so I'll try my very best to catch up!

First and foremost, you were born on March 11th, 2011, at 1:52a.m.! That makes you 11 days old (almost 12, as of the time I'm writing this!). You weighed 8lbs even, and were 18 3/4 inches long (although that is slightly contested by the pediatrician's office who measured you about an inch and a half bigger). The whole birth story/circumstances of your arrival will come shortly...I've written it out a few times in various forms, but it bears repeating here I suppose!

I'll tack on a few posts here (separated out), but just wanted to say...welcome to the world! It's been a fun 11 days!

A Bit Overdue...But...

We found out on October 20th that you are a BOY! The ultrasound went very well, and after a long wait through the whole thing (not that the ultrasound wasn't fun in and of itself!) up on the screen came confirmation!

So out comes the book of boy names! It's kind of weird (but we're still early!) that we don't have a solid name picked out for you yet, but we are getting close. I'm sure if your big brother knew that he was getting a baby brother he'd be excited (but pretty sure Daniel doesn't realize what is to come!).

Onto other things...the ultrasound was great, and you're growing right on schedule (or a couple days ahead) just like your brother. The kicks and other movements have gotten more pronounced as well, which is definitely exciting too!

On Sunday the 24th (10-24...easy to remember since it's your mommy's favorite number!) you were actually kicking so hard that daddy can now feel it! Very exciting! The moving and shaking hasn't stopped, and you have done some full on body rolls in that cramped little space.

Mommy is doing pretty well, aside from waddling pretty solidly by the end of the day. Your big brother has wanted to go for long walks after daycare (before picking up Daddy) which I'm sure doesn't help with the soreness. But at least this week there's not much overtime for Daddy, which means we all get to relax at home!

Another doctor's appointment this coming Friday, and this Thursday you will be officially halfway to your due date (20 weeks!). Time is really flying!

The 17 Week Checkin!

Well, little baby, you've had lots of excitement over the past few weeks. First we went to Las Vegas (all of us!) for a wedding. You aren't on the outside yet, but you've traveled far!

Then came doctor's appointment (just a checkup!) when we got back. Mommy's gained one pound so far (woohoo!) and we had a blood test to check for the open spine defects (negative!). So far so good there! Your heartbeat was about 154!

Then we did a breast cancer walk, where Mommy did a number on her feet (with blisters)! Later in the week, we had the TGen retreat and went for a little jaunt on Chase Field afterwards. Daniel had a blast running around on the field and kicking the baseball that a security guard gave him.

Which brings us to this weekend...we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa (Coon) and went to the park. Train rides, merry-go-rounds and splash pads! You're going to love it when you get big enough to do that with your brother!

Anyway, you are 17 weeks and 2 days today...and 4 days away from us knowing if you are a boy or a girl! It's a big week coming up!!!

The Baby and the Fruit

I promised some pictures, and so I hope to deliver by the end of this post!

Nothing really huge going on this week, other than work, work and more work. And netbooks. Your big brother REALLY likes our new netbooks, so much that he tries to take them out of our hands whenever he gets the chance. I'm sure both of you will inherit these at some point!

In other news, it's 2nd trimester time! If we're looking for the fruit descriptor...you're a 3 inch lemon this week! It doesn't quite seem possible that this much time has already flown by! In just under a month, we can find out if you are a boy or a girl (and you will officially have a name!...that is...if we find out :) ). Some of the nausea has gone away, but there's still episodes of it. Mommy can actually stay up past 8pm (although not much longer!), and things are just overall a little better.

We've also set up the online pool just to guess when you'll be born, how big you'll be, and all of those other vitals.





As for pictures...here are two from your almost 12 week ultrasound!

Almost 13 Weeks!

Well, little baby, you've had an exciting time! After we sent out your big "announcement" email, and everyone knows of your impending arrival...we've had a couple of appointments too!

After Labor Day weekend, had an appointment with the regular OB doctor...Mommy got her prescription for Zofran (which helps with the heaves and pukes!) and your heartbeat was all perfect! The next day, we had a trip to the perinatologist's office for your NT scan/ultrasound. You were just hanging out, waving once in a while...not bouncing off the walls like your brother was at his!

All things told, a pretty good week! We've got some exciting things come up too...including a trip to Vegas coming soon!

Well, that's about all for now! One of these times, I swear the pictures will be posted!

10+ Weeks Already???

My, my how the time flies! Just another week until the news of your impending arrival will be thrust upon the world...or at least your grandparents :).

We chose Labor Day because we thought it was funny, and we had chosen another holiday (Christmas) for your brother. We aren't waiting until Christmas for you (hahaha!).

Anyway, you are 10 weeks and 3 days along now, which means you are over a quarter of the way until your due date! I keep adding the caveat that your brother arrived early, so perhaps you will too...we'll see when we get there!

In other news, we also bought Daniel a "big brother" shirt...going to make him another one to break the news with, but figured this one will do too...can't have too many of them. Your uncle Gary is already in the know about you as well, and he seems to be excited to be an uncle again.

With Mommy...well...still sick. She's trying some different things (ginger and stuff) to see if that helps, but every day there's a dry heave (if not more!). This is not the most exciting time, to say the least. But, if things go as they did with your brother, it should be looking up soon!

And I know I'm skipping around here, and this is more news about Daniel than you, but he had his tubes put in his ears on Tuesday...all the better to hear you with when you are born! He did really well with it, so there's nothing to be scared of if you have to get them at some point (which...here's hoping you don't!).

Lastly...doctor's appointments! Your next one is the day after Labor Day (the 7th) and then the NT test ultrasound the next day! We can't wait to get a look at you and see how much you've grown!

Well, that's about all for now!

Magic Week 7!

And what are you doing this week...growing of course! Today you are actually 7 weeks and 1 day along, and the size of a blueberry...or a raspberry, depending on who you ask.

In other news, it's less than a week before we (hopefully!) get a glimpse of you on an ultrasound, which is definitely exciting! Your big brother won't be there, but we'll show him the pictures, and later he can come and see an ultrasound.

As for the puking...well, that hasn't stopped. Now it's just even being at the wrong altitude that can cause your mommy go dry heave and spit up stomach fluid. And tired tired tired she is too!

Anyway, almost time for your brother to get out of the shower! It's so much fun referring to Daniel as your brother now! Sweet dreams!

Let the barfing begin?

I tried long and hard to remember when the morning sickness started with your brother...it seemed like it started later, and with less of a bang, perhaps (building up and then getting worse). This time around, it seemed like the aversions and cravings and twinges of nausea came earlier (even before we knew you were on your way...had nausea right as your grandparents were leaving to go back to Montana!).

In any case, there's only been one real episode of throwing up...and it was on the same night that Stat and Daniel decided to throw up as well.

In other news, you are moving right along...6 weeks and 4 days! That puts you at the size of a sweet pea!

Today is also big news because your daddy turns 35 today! We celebrated by going out to Applebee's. Pretty soon you'll know what it's like to go out with the family (and maybe you can keep your brother occupied and tell him to stop running off!).

As for the TP Tuesdays (turned Wednesday's)...still at 10 sheets and holding! We need to get some pictures going on here soon when you start to grow so we can show everyone that you're on your way!

Five Weeks Along!

Well, you're 5 weeks along, 35 more til your due date (or 33 more weeks inside if you decide to come out early like your brother!). It seems crazy that we've known for just a little over a week that you're on your way!

Anyway...in the spirit of keeping things entertaining, your mommy has been doing all sorts of online games and prediction quizzes and stuff. So here is one of them that was really funny!

Madame Zaritska predicts your birth experience

Madame Zaritska, using her mystical powers, has the following prediction:

The day you deliver, outside will be hazy. Your baby will arrive in the late evening. After a labor lasting approximately 4 hours, your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 14 pounds, 9 ounces, and will be 17 inches long. This child will have medium gray eyes and a little patch of blonde hair.

Hahahahahaha!

The other "game" is something on message boards that they call "TP Tuesday". Every Tuesday, you take and measure how big around your belly (or lack thereof) is. This week...10 squares of TP!

Onto other things...we are planning to get a shirt for your big brother to wear to tell everyone that you're on your way! Hooray!

Only 20 more days til first appointment, where we hopefully get our first glimpse of you!

Wow...that was fast...

Welcome to the world, little baby! Or, well, right now you're a whole bunch of cells more resembling a tadpole than a human, but you'll get there soon enough!

So I guess I can tell you a little about all of us! Your big brother is Daniel...he just turned 2, and he doesn't quite get it yet, but his world is about to be turned upside down! He will be a good big brother...we've trained him well for the job...and I'm sure you'll learn all you need to know from him!

About your parents...well...your Mom is a biology nerd, and your dad is a computer nerd. So that makes us a huge family of nerds, but that doesn't mean you have to be one too.

So as the title of the post implies...wow that was fast in terms of neither I nor your dad thought you'd happen so fast! When that 'plus' sign came up, it was very surreal...fully expected it to be negative!

Anyway, here you are, and here's to more updates soon! Happy 4 weeks and 3 days!