CAKE

So as you all may know, I'm a big girl. And I LOVE cake. Well, a friend gave me this recipe and I've made it a few times, but I think I have a new favorite. It's a weight watchers recipe (YAY!) so it's not TOO fattening, and it's SUPER easy. All you do is mix a can of pie filling and a box of angel food cake mix. Seriously. That's it.
So tonight for dessert I made it using mixed berry pie filling, apparently a limited edition pie filling. Should have gotten a few more while I was buying, because this is AWESOME!!! Here's a photo to tantalize you:

I think it's fantastic. Unfortunately it's NOT gluten free, so my toddler can't have it, but I'm sure the rest of us will gobble it up fast enough without his help!!!

Do you have any go-to HEALTHY recipes? I'd love it if you would share with me, I'm always on the lookout for a good new recipe!!!

A Random Post: Things I Like!

Well, sorry folks, this blog is starting to head in a new direction. There's not really anything going on as far as surrogacy goes (other than my first surrobabe getting even bigger and even cuter--I didn't think that was possible!!!) so the gigantic weight loss journey is going to be my main focus right now. That and things I like. I belong to a parenting group on babycenter.com called the "crafty sewing mamas". Every month they have a thread to show off the projects everyone finishes. And every month they all put me to shame. No surprise there! Anyway, one of the moms on there is Tori of toriska bags on etsy. Well, I've also liked her on Facebook, purely so I can drool over her amazing bags that I would overfill with all of my mommy junk and that my kids would ruin throwing it into a mud puddle or pile of poo (yes, that would happen). Today she posted about a giveaway!!! Over at The Giveaway Diva they're giving away one of Tori's bgs!!! I'M SUPER STOKED, DUDES. So if I blog about it, you guys get in on the giveaway!! (Me getting extra entries has NOTHING to do with it, I SWEAR!) So here's the link to the post about it. Go ahead and visit it. And hey, guess what. If one of my readers (yes, one of the 3 of you) wins, I'll congratulate you personally on my blog! Of course if I win, I'll thank you all profusely and pray that my fancy schmancy new bag doesn't get thrown in a mud puddle or pile of poo.
On the weight loss front, I hit 37.5 lbs lost yesterday. That's almost 40 lbs. which is my halfway point. I think that when I hit 40 lbs, I need to celebrate. Maybe we'll take the boys bowling. :D Or hire a sitter and go on a DATE! Hmmm...such decisions!!! Have a wonderful rest of the weekend, folks!!!

Another Journey

This journey is not a surro journey. It's a weight loss journey. I weighed in on August 11th at a very unhealthy weight. That was almost 2 weeks after giving birth. To date, I started eating healthy and working out. Managed to stick with that for about 2 months. Also managed to lose 15 lbs that way! Then, at the beginning of October, I started using Herbalife. It's meal replacement shake and supplements. Since then I have lost 20 lbs, for a grand total of 35 lbs lost (at my last weigh-in). I have also been using my fitness pal, both online and the mobile app. I have to say, I really likeit. It's super detailed with logging what you eat and once you take the time to set up your meals (things you eat often) you can just punch in the whole meal, rather than each item by itself. It's a whole community, as well. You can invite your friends and share your weight loss victories there, as well as ask questions and support others. I even have a ticker on there:

Created by MyFitnessPal - Free Calorie Counter

Anyway, enough about MFP. It's helpful, as is the NEW support of my hubby joining me!!! He just started using Herbalife with me on Saturday. He's lost 5 lbs already!!! I'm so proud of him!!! He wants to lose a total of about 80 lbs (also my total goal) and obviously is making a good go of it!
Alright, that's the latest update, sorry nothing to do with surrogacy, but neither of us is ready to think about that yet again. (though I would like to do at least 1 or 2 more journeys before I retire) Hope everyone had a fantastic New Years and a wonderful Christmas. Have a blessed 2012!!!

4 months!!

Well, baby dorothy is now 4 months old. She is growing wonderfully and developing well. She had her first taste of mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving, I guess she was a little unsure of it LOL!!

On the weight loss front, I'm closing in on 30 lbs lost since August 11. Thanksgiving was not so great on my diet, and rather than the 27.5 lbs I HAD lost, I'm now back up to only 26 lbs lost :/ Not thrilled about that...

And since it's officially the holiday season and I'm not surrogating (is that a word? LOL) currently, I found another great way to share somethig special with others. Check out http://thetoysociety.blogspot.com and you'll see what it's all about!! I plan to involve at least my 6 year old in this, the 2 year old MIGHT get involved, but he's not as easy to help make things as his big brother is.

So happy holidays everyone, Hopefully it won't be another 3 months before I update again!!!

Frustrating...

Blogland is starting to frustrate me. I've tried and tried to comment on blogs, even my own, and I'm continuously being told my profile doesn't have clearance to do that, or something to that effect. Any suggestions???

Well, I'm still working on the whole fun of weight loss...yippee. Since the 13th, I've lost about 10 lbs. It hasn't been easy, I've been working out A LOT, sort of doing the c25k program (you can find it here) and using our elliptical. I need to update the upbeat music in my mp3 player, it's pretty old and pretty nonexistant as far as keeping it up goes. Maybe that's what I'll do today to finish off naptime. I'm also following a blog about starting a workout routine and keeping it going.

I'm also starting a new job on Monday. I'll be temping at a company in Fairfield (about 45 minutes from my house) and getting some more clerical experience to add to my resumee. I'm hoping to have a permanent job before the little man's birthday in October, but let's be honest, the job market isn't that great right now. For anybody.

Tomorrow Baby Dorothy will be 4 whole weeks old!! She's doing well, can still fit some newborn clothes, and is growing and eating well. She's up to 4 oz at each feeding and it sounds like she is sleeping pretty well for a 4 week old. Of course, she's still GORGEOUS, I asked if all that dark hair was changing color or getting thinner, her mama said it's getting a tiny bit lighter but is still very thick. Looks and sounds like they're loving their new little family.

And it seems that's all I have for now. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Yep, it's official...

I had my first "what happened to the baby?" conversation the other day and I've been thinking about it ever since. Chuckling. It went something like this:

Hey, I thought you had 3?
HECK NO!!!
Oh, well then...
Yeah, the third pregnancy was a surrogacy.
(significant silence) Meaning what?
Meaning I grew a baby for other people.
Oh. Wow. Are you friends with them? (HA!One of my favorite questions!)
Well, I am now. Wasn't before I met them as prospective IPs.
Oh. Well, that's nice of you.

It was a very interesting conversation, with a man in my small town who's son I went to school with. Very interesting, indeed. And I thought it was all over town! And today while walking a bit uptown a lady gave me a funny look when she asked where the baby was and I said Kentucky...I love those reactions! I just let her puzzle on it though. Why ruin my fun? I don't see her very often anyway. Aren't I mean??? Hehe!

Not that people asking about Dorothy and her parents bothers me or annoys me (most of the time), but really, do you think I grew them a baby because I DON'T like them??? And do you think they'd entrust me with doing that for them and NOT somewhat get to know me and have fairly constant contact with me for something like 9ish months?? HA!! I'd be ALL OVER some chick if she was doing it for me!! Heck, I'd probably try to get her to move to my town so I could be on top of her 24/7! People entertain me. I love it!

Attempting to lose weight...I think I'd rather just give birth again!

Yes, losing baby weight has always been hard for me. I'm sure there are a few of you out there who have the same problem. I'm REALLY good at gaining weight! I don't eat as healthy as I should, and I'm not all that fond of fresh fruits and veggies (unless they're fried or sauteed in tons of butter), so obviously that's a bit of an issue. I've been walking quite a bit, using the elliptical we have in our basement, and I just started the c25k program last week. It's an 8 or 9 week program called couch to 5K. You're supposed to be able to go from a sedentary lifestyle (my lifestyle) to running a 5K at the end...it's a pretty neat FREE program with FREE podcasts of music, the idea is walk, jog, walk, jog, etc. for 30 mins. The podcasts have a notification to tell you when to switch and you're supposed to match your steps to the beat of the music. Not a bad plan. I did it last night on the track at the school and was thrilled to discover that you're jogging maybe 1/4 of the way around the track at a time. Not bad. And I managed to jog all of the bits I was supposed to jog on with the exception of the last 5 minutes. Each week you download a new podcast track with new music on it, and you're supposed to do it 3 times that week. I think I'll probably end up doing the first week twice, because I am too much of a fatty to do all the jogging I'm supposed to do, and I don't want to continue on until I master this track. I'm very determined this time to lose as much of the weight as I can before Christmas. I'll be able to think about another surrogacy in February, and I'd like to be able to pass most of the clinic's BMI qualifications. Anyway, this is probably what this blog is going to consist of for the next while, weight loss. Because it's important to surrogacy #2.
Baby Dorothy is doing very well, her mama and daddy have been quite busy loving on her and caring for her. She seems to be growing well and her doctor says she is gaining weight nicely. At her 2 week checkup she had gained an entire pound!! And of course, she's still gorgeous. But would I really expect any less??
I'm also on the job hunt. Let's just say the weight loss is going better than the job hunt. :S I despise job hunting. I've filled out a TON of applications, but I've gotten 2 rejection letters and a lot of no replys thus far. UGH. Keep your fingers crossed for me on both the job and the weight loss. And that I'll be able to continue working out and losing weight after I find a job. I know that's going to be a challenge.

She's a whole week old!!!

Yes, that's right, Baby Dorothy is a whole week old! She had her first checkup with the doctor on Thursday and they said she looks great and seems to be perfectly healthy. I think she looks pretty perfect. Don't you?

I'm doing pretty well, physically I feel mostly recouperated and emotionally I'm no worse than either of my previous deliveries. The hormones are still a litte out of whack and I've freaked out on the boys a couple times this week, but that's not too out of the norm ;) they like to push my buttons.

I was hoping to get some stuff accomplished this week, and I did get 1 thing nearly done. I have been working on making a quilt for our bed. The one we received as a wedding present from my aunt (yes, 8 years ago!) is finally getting close to it's last days. It will soon be moved to my trunk so it can be our picnic/in case of emergencies/outdoor blanket. I washed it today and I believe it's pretty much on it's last leg. :( Here's what I have so far:

And I'm excited to add a border or 2 to it, then quilt and bind it. I'm hoping I have that done by Christmas. I have several crafty things I'd like to make for friends and famiy for Christmas, so I hope I get them all done in time!

I'll update on baby Dorothy and the quilt (hopefully!) soon!

The Aftermath

Today is Tuesday, Baby Dorothy was born on Friday. I can't believe how GREAT I feel!! **WARNING: TMI!!! STOP READING IF YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!**
The bleeding has slowed significantly, I'm only going to the bathroom a few times a day now (back to normal!) because I don't feel the need to spray myself with the dermoplast every 2 hours ;) (that stuff is AMAZING!!! HEAVEN IN A CAN!!), and my body isn't as stiff and sore as it was. I'm still not back to 100% yet, and I don't think I'll be riding my bike until next spring, but I think I'll be able to carry my toddler OVER the baby gate by the end of the week.
Another fun development: my milk decided to try coming in overnight last night. Woke up this morning with damp spots on my shirt and sore breasts. Not fun. Especially when I tried to put on my bra this morning and what used to be a full-coverage situation is now a "shoot, am I going to fall out of this one today?" situation. BUT, hopefully this will only last a few days and then it will go away.
Baby Dorothy is doing well, Emily was asking me yesterday about giving her more formula per feeding, since she gets fussy about a half hour after feedings and it's not diaper or gas or anything else. It's so fantastic to still be included in her life, and I'm more than happy to throw my thoughts out there for her. (not that they're necessarily right, but they're there LOL) All of her grandparents have met her now, I believe. She has 1 set that lives several hours away from them, so they weren't 100% sure when they were going to see her as his health is a bit questionable at the moment, but I imagine it won't be too much longer if they haven't met her yet.
It is time for me to head to the pharmacy, I get to go pick up more dermoplast (yes, we still have a good relationship with each other!!) and grab a few minor groceries, then I get to go sign the FINAL bit of legal paperwork I have to do for this surrogacy. Can't believe in a few short hours it will literally all be DONE!! Emily and Henry will still have some legal stuff to do on their part, but once I sign papers today, I'll have NO connection (legally) to the baby!! Hope everyone has a fantastic day!!

And now I have pcitures!

OK, well, sorry to be a big tease, but I only have 2 pictures. I was a bit busy so I managed to grab 2 pics on my phone so I'll share with you since her parents graciously agreed that I could.

This is shortly after birth. They cleaned her up and gave her the eye goop and stuff.

And here is a few hours after birth. She was sleeping peacefully after guzzling down a bottle. Her mama and daddy are SO PROUD!!
Oh, and I got all the stats now: 7:06 PM, 7 lbs 8.5 oz, 20 in long. So precious!! Everyone have a fantastic weekend!!

AND WE HAVE A BABY, FOLKS!

Today was the induction, I know I said I'd try to update throughout the day here, but between text messages, facebook, baby center and contractions, it just didn't happen. It's nothing personal, but I knwo most of you follow me elsewhere FIRST before this, so that's why I did it that way.
Arrived in L&D (labor and delivery) at about 10am. By the time they did all the intake questions and got vitals, got me in a gown and peed in a cup, it was about 11:15 and they then started the IV. A few mins later the pitocin was started. Felt maybe a few contractions for a while, started feeling them for sure about 1PM. Around 3:30 got some fentanyl for pain, tried a partial dose first, but that didn't last long. Got a full dose at 4:30, and then said I'd go for the epidural next. Had to have 2 bags of IV fluid in me before they'd give me the epidural, so I finally got that around 6, everyone left to get some supper around 6:15 or 6:30, doc suggested they be back around 7, thinking we'd be pushing by 8. The escapees ;) got back around 6:45, doc was checking me because I was still feeling contractions in the lower left side of my belly pretty badly, she checked and said it was time to push! Pushed a couple times and her head was out, then they said her hand was up by her neck, like she was trying to dig her way out, after the suctioned her mouth and nose we pushed through another contraction and she was out!!! Henry cut the cord and they cleaned her up and took her over to the baby bed. Emily and Henry (obviously) went to be with her while doc took care of the placenta. **WARNING: THIS IS DISGUSTING CONTENET HERE!!! STOP READING IF YOU'RE SQUEAMISH OR EATING!!** One of the nurses was rubbing my belly a bit, and the doc said to stop, my cervix was clamping down and we needed to get the placenta out. She tried pulling a bit on the cord, but it didn't come. Doc actually had to stick her hand and part of her arm up inside me (I felt kind of like I was on Dirty Jobs when Mike Rowe was inseminating cows) and pull it off the wall of my uterus. Then she had to go back up in there and check to be sure she got it all, there was a little piece left, but she said she's pretty sure she got it all finally.
Anyway, little "dorothy" was 7lb 8.5oz and has a head full of dark hair. Her parents took her to another room after a while, where they fed her and bonded with her. They went after a while and got some supper, and are headed back here as I type. I think they're pretty much in love with her, and I think she's already got daddy wrapped around her little finger. Could be trouble!!! She's perfect, though, and I'll do my best to post pics later, when I get some and when I get Emily and Henry's permission to do so. Thanks for following my surrogacy story, there will be more post-birth updates, and I'm hoping there will be another journey, but not for a FEW months at least ;)

Today is B-Day!

Yes, today is the BIG DAY!! We are going into the hospital in about 2 hours for the induction. Emily and Henry are here, we spent some quality time together last night, ate chinese (Dorothy LOVES chinese!), and hung out with a few of my friends. I'm going to do my best to update here as often as I can (yes, I'm crazy like that), and I will be texting and posting on Facebook ALL DAY LONG for those of you who have me on there.

The last checkup!!!

Yes, folks, we are nearing the end!! It is now officially less than a week away! Checkup went well yesterday, dilated to 2, about 50% effaced, baby's heartbeat was in the 140s. Third trimester exhaustion has set in, went to bed about 8PM Thursday (after falling asleep in the chair at 7:30) and haven't managed to stay up past 10 since. Which of course results in less productive days, but what can you do? Speaking of which, it's now about 10:30 and I'm seriously ready to shut the computer and drift off to sleep...IF I can get comfortable. We'll see...have a great weekend, everyone!!!

Another update already!!

Yes, I'm SO on the ball with this one!! Had my checkup today. Discussed the induction a bit more in-depth, yay for me, she said we'd just say to heck with the cervidil, which means no overnight visit on Thursday!!! Her view was worst case scenario, we just add a couple more hours to labor, which isn't that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things. Beats sleeping in the hospital bed all pregnant and stuff!
She also did a cervix check today. Fun, fun. Said my cervix is softened, still long, and about 30% effaced. I hope that means something to some of you! All that means to me is that I'm most likely going to give birth within the next 2 weeks. (yes, I can say 2 weeks because we have an induction scheduled hehe)
One thing I noticed the last day or 2 is that Dorothy must have dropped. I was having some pretty serious sciatic nerve pain, and I was thinking somewhat seriously about cutting out part of my spine and hips temporarily, but Dorothy decided to get off of my nerves or whatever she was perched on, and now I only notice the pain when I stay in 1 position for waaaay too long. YAY!!! It's a small victory for a pregnant woman to feel this great!! In fact, I actually forgot I was pregnant today and opened the car door into my belly LOL (don't worry, it wasn't very hard and Dorothy is well insulated by lots of amniotic fluid and belly flab--who ever said belly flab is a bad thing, btw?) because I felt THAT GOOD!!!
So the next checkup is next Friday, I suppose I'll have another update for y'all then! I'm planning to enjoy the last 2 weeks of this pregnancy by devouring some HuHot this weekend with friends (YAY!!) and celebrating hubby's birthday on Thursday somehow (any cheap suggestions???). Hope you all have a great week!!!

FINALLY an update!

Yes, I know, it's been nearly a WEEK since my last appointment. SORRY!! Just prior to that my little B had diarrhea for A WEEEK straight and we were getting pretty worried about him. Of course, we took him to the doctor on Tuesday and Wednesday, then (assuming I should plan for him to continue being sick on Friday during my checkup) I changed my appointment just so he would get better on Thursday. Figures, huh? I guess he was just waiting for his sickness to be a real inconvenience!!
Anyway, back to the checkup. This was the 36 week checkup so the doc checked my cervix. Slightly softened, no dilation or shortening. Also did the Group B Strep swab (for those of you not familiar with this, doc swabs your "down there" parts with a GIANT q-tip and they test it for group b strep--which is completely normal--and if you test positive you get antibiotics in your IV during labor and delivery) and he of course inquired as to the readiness of Emily and Henry.
Emily had told me the other day (Friday I think) that they hadn't even STARTED Dorothy's room. YIKES!! This past weekend Henry's dad visited them and brought a crib so Emily got started on the nursery this week. As of yesterday I believe it was basically ready except she is still on the prowl for a white dresser, or at least an affordable one she can repaint. She of course has WAAAAY too many smaller clothes (isn't that the way it usually is??) and not too many bigger clothes.
As for the pregnancy, it's going smashingly STILL. On the 4th I ran into 2 different people (separately) who commented on it. 1 just did the whole "when are you due? Aren't you so ready for it?" and the other commented that I wasn't near big enough to be due in a few weeks...thanks lady. Nothing makes you feel like you're not doing a good job growing someone else's baby like saying you're not big enough (insinuating the baby won't be fully developed or something). Also, I've been having some Braxton Hicks the last few days. Mostly when I am up walking around, doing things with/for the boys a lot, so I try to keep it to a minimum at this point. Yes, it's making me lazy.
And yes, for now the induction is still planned for the 29th. However, if 2 mamas come in in labor, we get bumped for fairly obvious reasons. Shouldn't be much of a problem, though. It's a small practice and I doubt they have too many due at the same time. But, you never know!!
I have another checkup tomorrow, and hope to update within a more reasonable time period this time, but no promises!!! Life as a mom of 2 crazy kids doesn't always allow that!! For right now, I'm going to get us dressed and we'll go outside and get some fresh air before it gets too hot outside. Yay for being pregnant in July...

34 weeks!

Alrighty, NOW things are starting to get a bit exciting!! Yesterday was the 34 week checkup. Guess what we did....




We scheduled an induction!!!!! So for all of you who are getting super duper excited, Dorothy will be here (or at least well on her way) on or before JULY 29!!!

Dorothy is measuring right where she should be, heart rate sounded good and my b/p was good. AND I actually sort of packed my hospital bag the other day. The hubs and I were picking up and rearranging in our bedroom and I came across the bag of toiletries from our little vacation we took at the beginning of the month and so I decided that rather than putting them away I'd just put most of it in the bag I had designated as the hospital bag. That's using the old noggin, right?

I'm getting more and more excited about birth, and while I know I'll miss being pregnant, there's always next time (I HOPE!!) and I know she's going to be in good hands. Emily and Henry are getting very very excited as well. Although IDK if they're really ready, they're ready. No first time parent is ever REALLY ready, are they? Shoot, we weren't ready the 2nd time around, either!!! LOL! The important part is, I know they're going to be great parents, and they have a fantastic support system, they're not really high strung, but they care enough to worry, and they're very sweet. It's hard to believe we've only known each other for a year. It was just about a year ago right now that I emailed them and asked if they would be interested in seeing if we are a match. They were on vacation, so I didn't hear back for a couple of days. And it's been wonderful ever since!!

So that's this week's recap. Next appointment is on July 8, then after that I sstart going in weekly and there's only 3 weekly visits, as the 4th (which wuld be 40 weeks, AKA full term) visit would be scheduled on the day we are planning to induce (IF she's not here yet). So I'll catch y'all in a couple of weeks!!! Have a great weekend and fantastic 4th of July!!!

32 Week Checkup

Yesterday was my 32 week checkup. We just got back from a little vacation to Omaha on Wednesday, so I've been very busy getting laundry washed and put away and all of that other little post-vacation stuff you get to "enjoy" after being away for several days.
My appointment was at 10:15 but I had a bill to pay at the hospital, so I went early to do that, and ended up being at the drs office by 9:55 and they called my name right away! Pee looked good, baby's heartrate was in the 160s, measured on the bigger side of right on track, and weight looked pretty good. I didn't have any questions for the doc, but we discussed how my weight gain was doing, which was good. She pointed out the 1 month where I had gained 11 lbs (only had gained a few lbs up till then) and I commented that was the month I rediscovered swiss cake rolls. Then we got off on a tangent about yummy foods while she washed her hands, she commented that she has been known to eat a half loaf of french bread with olive oil and parmesan cheese. So of course after my visit, I had to run to the store for a few things and passed the freshly baked bread a couple of times. Do you think I managed to surpress the craving???

NO!!! So I ate 3 pieces of the bread on the way home. IT. WAS. DELICIOUS!!! And today I got to go to the farmers market and another pregnant friend has been recommending 1 lady's bumbleberry pie for a while (she wasn't there when I went a few weeks ago, I was disappointed) and I GOT ONE!!! Needless to say, lunch has started with a slice of it today, and might just end with one as well!!! DELICIOUS!!!
Oh, yeah, this blog is supposed to be about pregnancy, not food....um, well, I guess that covers my cravings!! (OK, let's be realistic, that doesn't even come close to covering my cravings, but the more I talk about them, the stronger they get!)
So, sorry this is another boring post, but that's all I've got for you, folks. Another checkup in 2 weeks. That will be another boring one. Aren't you glad you're following this blog?! How can you contain your excitement?!

30 week checkup!

Today was the 30 week checkup! Emily and Henry came up for the appointment, drove through the POURING RAIN on Wednesday evening just to get here for Thursday. Thursday we went for pedicures (Henry went along, but I SWEAR he didn't get a pedi!!) and lunch, then met with our awesome attorney to give her info she needed for the PBO paperwork. Then Thursday evening hubby and the boys and I met Emily and Henry at a mexican restaurant for a festive supper. Food was good, friends were better! My oldest has taken quite a shine to Henry. Big guy got a dirt bike yesterday and Henry is an avid ATVing dude, so they kind of bonded over that. Z wanted to sit on Henry's lap through supper, poor guy, but I think Henry kind of enjoyed it as well. He's so gentle with the boys, and really seems to like them, even though they can be trying at times (yes, believe it or not, kids can be trying at times, especially mine!!). He's going to make a great daddy, but I'm pretty sure Kenzie is going to have him wrapped around her little bitty fingers from the moment she's born!!
Anyway, on to today! We met at my house and headed to the doc's office. The interpreter met us there. She was SUPER AWESOME!!! The only bad thing about today was the exam room was a wee bit crowded, but hey, the more the merrier, right??? We had the doc, the nurse, the interpreter, Emily, Henry and I all in an itty bitty room meant for 2-3, possibly 4 people if you stretch it. But it was wonderful! Doc listened for the heartbeat first. He had them put their hands over the speaker on the doppler (that little speaker thingy they use to listen for the heartbeat) and they got to FEEL her heartbeat!!! It was amazing! THEN he got out the ultrasound machine (thus making it even MORE crowded, but I'm pretty sure it was worth it!) and pressed the dohickey (like my accurate medical terms?? :D I'm that good!) to my belly and looked around, showed them her face, her lips (which were moving!), her arm and hand, leg bones, heart, lungs, everything he could see!! Also pointed out that she appears to be measuring right on track for 30 weeks, AND she's head down at this point. Not that she can't turn between now and delivery, but it's good that she's headed the right direction!! Henry is still a bit worried about the thought of induction, as there are dangers associated with it, just like any other medical procedure (including non-induced labor!), so they discussed the procedure a bit more in depth with the doc than I can explain to them. Not sure where they stand on the induction idea now, but either way I'm good. Of course, having the luxury of sort of knowing when your baby is going to start making her entrance (or in my case, knowing when you're going to be incapacitated for a couple of days and needing to be sure your kids are taken care of) is VERY nice!! And I do know that just because we plan for an induction, doesn't necessarily mean that's what's going to happen.
So we had the opportunity to take some decent pics this time, of all of us together! I'll share:

Hope everyone has a fantastic Memorial Day Weekend!!! Next checkup is in 2 weeks, so I guess I'll update then unless something happens between now and then.

I Passed!!!

Had my 28 week checkup on Friday. Also had the joys of getting my Rhogam shot and doing the glucose test (to check for gestational diabetes). Rhogam is not bad, just a shot in the hip or the shoulder, just burns pretty bad, kind of like a tetanus shot. I got to drink the juice stuff then go to my appointment then go back for my blood draw for the glucose test (they draw the blood exatly an hour after consuming the drink to see how your body breaks down the sugars in the drink, or something like that). While I'm not 100% sure of what the guidelines for "normal" are on the glucose test, I know that I got a 101. I'm choosing to believe that's like an A+ ;) but I think I might be a bit off on that. Either way, the nurse said it was good when she called me with the results. Nothing exciting at the checkup, she said my weight looks good (didn't tell me where I stand as far as my total), asked if I have any signs of preterm labor (no), asked if I have any questions (just one). I asked about the baby being big again. Bradin was a 9 lb baby and to be honest, I'd prefer not to go any bigger LOL! She did say that by measuring my uterus I was measuring right on, and that we could do an ultrasound farther on if we were concerned, but to be honest, there's nothing we can do about it. Large baby is not a good medical reason to induce early, just gives me a reason to aim for an earlier elective c-section (which I DO NOT WANT!).
Emily and Henry are coming up in 2 weeks for the next appointment, and the doc had said that we could probably arrange for an ultrasound to be done then!!! That's all I have for updates, I know, this is SO BORING isn't it??? But remember, that's a good thing!!!!

26 week checkup!

Yep, this morning was my checkup. Boring, as usual. Heard the heartbeat, sounded good and strong, and doc said I am measuring just right for 26 weeks. We discussed my fear of this baby being even bigger than Bradin was (he came out at 9 lbs!), but doc said that measuring the uterus is fairly reliable and "normal" measurements suggest that baby is going to be of "average size" (7-8 lb range) but suggested we do an ultrasound at 30ish weeks (which, incidentally is when Emily and Henry will be here for a dr.s appointment...sort of a coincidince, sort of not hehe) to do some measurements, just to be more sure.
I start being seen every 2 weeks now, so the updates will be more frequent. And at my next checkup I get to do all of the fun stuff: 1-hour glucose test, rhogam workup, and rhogam shot. Yippee!!! That means that before my checkup I get to run over to the hospital and drink the orange drink (kind of tastes like half-carbonated orange soda, some women despise it, I don't mind it.) then in an hour they will do a blood draw to see how my body breaks down the sugars I ingest. The rhogam shot is just a shot, but basically it's since I'm Rh negative, if the baby's blood type is positive and the baby's blood mixes with my blood, my body could try to fight it like a disease and it could hurt the baby. This shot is given at 28ish weeks and prevents my body from reacting to the baby's blood. It's well worth getting a shot, and besides, who doesn't love a good burning shot in the hip or shoulder?????
The only negative thing that came out of today is the weight. By my weight chart, it APPEARS that I've gained 11 lbs in the last month. (My overall weight gain is good, about 14 lbs) I'm hoping the fact that I kept my shoes on is what makes the difference, but I'm guessing it didn't throw it off by that much...GRR!!! I'm hoping that with the weather warming up, we'll be able to get outside more and that'll help me work off some of the swiss cake rolls I've been eating!!! ;)