It's December!!

I know I promised to update every Wednesday but it might be every other, well see. Baby girl is soon awesome!! I can't believe she will be 5 weeks tomorrow!! Where does the time go?!? She sleeps and eats like a champ so no complaints!!

After a week if just me and baby my mom
came back to drive all of us to nj for Christmas!! What a drive that was. Clover got sick jn the first five minutes and Ellie peed for no reason where clover got sick. Cadence did great and we stopped twice to feed and change her. The last hour she was fussy, but heck wouldn't you be after sitting in a carseat for almost 10 hours?!? Well we Are finally here safe and sound!! Cadence has been spoiled rotten by her family up here. I feel so blessed to spend this time up here since we don't get to eg up to nj as often as I'd like!! We are just soaking up the time here!!

Corey is doing well but ready to come home. His schedule is going to switch which means our routine will change so hopefully we can get a new one started here soon or his schedule flips again. We miss him very much!

Baby is here

I swore I'd keep up with tho once baby was here but with not having work I haven't made time. This update will be long and be a combination of the last three weeks and then I swear ill keep up with it for all you wanting baby/Corey/family updates!!

A quick labor story. My mom came earlier then planned and I quit working two days earlier then planned. I had been great all pregnancy but by this time I was miserably uncomfortable. Turns out I was having back contractions. Mom got here on Tuesday and Wednesday I had my last dr appt. I had barely made any progress which was frustrating since I was so uncomfortable. We walked around all day but I kept having to sit bc my back hurt so bad. We read eggplant and raspberries helped with inducing labor. I ate a whole lot of both. My back was killing me but I slept great that night. Thurs morning I stood up and mom said my water broke, but I didn't believe her. I finally called the hospital and went in. They told me it hasn't broke, then the dr checked it and it ha broke. They admitted me. They told me to walk for an hour, still no progress. They started me on pitocin and I had to stay on the monitors. Back labor on pitocin is no joke. Then a new dr came on and wanted to speed it up and she increased pitocin by a lot really fast. I was miserable! So I asked for Iv pain medicine since I was not progressing. I took about an hour nap nf woke up at 10 cm. I woke up with the need to push. Got a nurse to check me and it was go time. Pushed for about 30 minutes and baby was here!!! Her umbilical cord was around her stomach so she didnt cry right away but after all that she was and is perfect!!! The hospital stay was log and boring!! But we got to talk to Corey multiple times!

Being home has been great she has been the best baby and Corey has gotten to Skype her almost every day!

My mom was here until Sunday and will be back in a week to take me to nj for Christmas! I can't wait to be home for more than a weekend!!

The dogs have been great with her too!! Corey is doing well over there too. Almost 6 weeks down and about 17 to go. It's December so another month gone! Just have to get through the holidays and it should fly.

Hope all of you are doing well!!

No baby yet

Not much progress at the dr. This dr said its common for first time moms to go past their due dates. I'm eating eggplant and raspberries to try and help things along. Next appt tues and I hope I don't need it. We walked all day so hopefully that helps!! Exhausted so I'm glad I'm finished working. We bought a crock pot with a timer and I'm super excited to get some recipes perfected before Corey gets home.

Corey is doing well but of course ready to come home. He got to Skype with the dogs the other night and they were super excited! He has lost 10 lbs and getting a good routine at te gym. He is super anxious for baby to make her appearance too.

1 week left?

Had my 39 week dr appointment today.  Everything looks great and baby is dropping.  She doesn't see me going much longer then a week more.  At my next appointment (the 7th) they will do an internal and see if I'm progressing.  At that point I will have the option to schedule an induction for 41 weeks.  I never thought I would want to do this however then my mom can come the 10th and not sit here and stare at me for two weeks waiting for me to go into labor.  They won't let me go past 42 weeks however that's Thanksgiving week and baby is measuring big so their is no health reasons to wait that long.  I feel like my situation is unique and it is forcing me to think outside of the box.  I may or may not go before my next appointment on the 7th (no contractions yet) but the Dr told me to get my bag packed and ready (I'm a procrastinator).  So if I'm still pregnant on the 7th I'll schedule my induction and walk ten miles a day once mom gets here to get her going on her own.  Since today I was measuring 39 weeks I'm hoping on Wednesday I'll be measuring 40 or 40 + and I can make my induction early the next week.

Corey update:  He is doing great and really loves his job and the missions he is doing.  It is great to hear him in great spirits.  Thanks to the wifi I have been able to talk to him daily, sometimes only a few sentences letting me know he is ok and sometimes we can chat for a while.  He is going to try to call once a week and it is amazing for us (Ellie's favorite) to hear his voice.  Daddy doll came in and we have his voice recorded so baby girl can hear his voice everyday.  We will hopefully get skype set up this week so it's ready for whenever baby is!

2.5 weeks to go

Waited until today to update because my dr appointment was in the afternoon this time.  My BP was a little high when I got there but I had rushed to get to my appointment on time, they took it again 5 min later and it dropped drastically.  Baby is still measuring fine and the Dr. seems to think she is already 7lbs, our little chunker.  Her heartbeat was a little higher then normal but she was a lot more active at the afternoon appointment then she is at the morning ones.  I'm not having any contractions or anything so she seems to think I'll go around my due date, we'll see.  My next appointment is Thursday morning and then I made the following one for the 7th.  Hopefully I make it to my due date and my mom will already be down here, they keep looking at me like I"m crazy when I say she isn't already down here.  I can't believe this journey is almost over and I'm going to meet our little princess soon.

Everything else is good, the dogs and I are just settling into a routine without Corey.  Seems silly since we'll have to re settle when baby comes.  I worry about them with things constantly changing but I'll keep giving them love and they should be fine.  I have been nesting like crazy and have a huge list I want to tackle this weekend and lots of napping! I heard from Corey Wednesday early morning which was amazing.  I haven't heard from him since they arrived however I know they arrived safely and are busy in processing and getting gear issued.  I will keep everyone updated on how he is doing as well.

3 weeks to go...

In my 38th week, hopefully only 3 more to go.  Had my Dr.'s appointment today, which she was 30 minutes late..again.  Needless to say I scheduled my next two appointments with a new dr.  This dr was kind of surprised I wasn't having contractions yet, I guess she wants my cervix to start getting ready, I truly believe it'll start getting ready when it wants.  We'll see what the new dr says next wednesday at my appointment.  I didn't let her do a cervix check, but I probably will next week.  Just didn't think it necessary with 3 weeks left and I'm not contracting yet.  But I did make my next two appointments the 24th and November 1st.  Now that appoints are weekly it's really getting  close.

Tomorrow and Friday I will be spending with Corey helping him get everything ready for his deployment.  He will leave Friday evening.  Saturday I'll be spending the day with a friend and her two little boys, her husband is leaving with Corey.  Then I will start my to do list in the baby's room and around the house to keep my busy until I pop!

One month left!

Everything besides baby lungs are finished developing. She grows about an ounce a day. I can't believe how close we are to the end.

Corey is in training this week and will be home Friday after that we will have about ten days left before he leaves for his deployment. Lots to get done around the house before he leaves and just a few more things needed for baby. I hope the weeks between him leaving and baby arriving go nice and fast. Once I bring baby home time will fly. Especially having my mom down for a few weeks and going up there for a few weeks.

5 weeks left

I'll post a picture later this week when I'm not in a dress!! Nothing crazy going on this week with baby.  Today is Corey's birthday so we are celebrating that.  His family came down last weekend and took us to dinner for his birthday and they let him open birthday and Christmas presents since he won't be here for Christmas.  Other then that things are just moving super fast, we are getting ready for Corey to leave Sunday and then he will be back Thursday, however we are not sure for how long.  All we know is he will be gone by the 22nd.  I have a huge to do list to tackle once he leaves, so hopefully I can keep busy in those last few weeks.

Clover thinks the glider is her new bed so we will have to look into getting her a bed so when I need the glider she doesn't get grumpy.

Hopefully next Sunday we can meet my mom in Richmond for dinner as long as we know when Corey will be leaving.  Its coming up super fast so now all we can do is be prepared.  I took off Friday to spend with him since I don't know how many day's he'll be home for and then I'm off Monday for the holiday.  Still have 2 weeks until my next appt.

Hope everyone is doing well!

6 weeks to go..WHAT?!

We had our 34 week check up this morning.  Dr was a little late so Corey wasn't able to stay and wait due to a deployment briefing, but might be able to make my next one on 10/17.  We discussed me taking iron and she looked at my numbers and told me it wasn't necessary.  So no more iron, I just have to make sure I eat iron rich foods.  I'll probably be able to take zantac as needed instead of twice a day since I think the iron was making my heartburn worse.  She forgot to check the baby and I though it was weird but started to leave anyway, as I was leaving she texted me to come back.  We had to laugh because it happens to all of us , forget what we are actually doing.  I'm measuring right on track, baby is still head down (which is great) and weighing at about 4.5 lbs (although I have no idea how she can tell).  My next appointment is 10/17 where they will swab and make sure I don't have any STD's or strep b to pass along to baby.  I'm assuming this visit will be my first internal (although she didn't mention that) to make sure everything is still looking good.  After that visit I'll have one more 2 week visit (technically the last two are 3 weeks apart but now I'll be caught up) Then after the one the last week of Oct I'll be going once a week until baby arrives (which will hopefully only be 2 weeks).  Corey swears baby will come early (about a week) I'd rather her just cook until her due date, but we'll see soon enough who is right.  I just hope no more then 6 weeks!!

7 weeks left!

Full 32 weeks, looks like with fall coming I need to find a new place to take this picture because the natural light coming in is no longer enough, but you still get the idea.

Right now baby's eyes are probably blue and it will take a little while after exposure to light for them to fully change to what ever color they will be.  Because of how cramped she is in there she is moving less frequently but when she does move I can feel it stronger then before.

Retha threw me a shower last weekend in Northern Virginia at their house.  Got to see some of Corey's family and got a few more gifts and things that we needed for the baby.  Found out when I got back to work they will be throwing me a shower too next month, I can not believe the generosity of people!

I can't believe how little time is actually left.  I did a count and only 27 work days until my due date!! I had my breast feeding class last night, some of the information was a little overwhelming but even the teacher said you can only do what you feel comfortable doing etc.  She also said we will get lots of contradicting advice and to listen to ourselves and baby above everyone else.  I'm looking forward to bonding with baby though.  She also said the first week is super important family time where your getting into a routine so it's best not to have a million visitors who stick around through feedings, perfect for us since our family is a drive away.  I just hope everyone is understanding and gives baby and I the space we need to get into a routine since Corey will be gone.

Speaking of Corey I can't believe how fast time is going by.  I can't believe it's almost October and I'll have to say goodbye to him.  It's going to be rough on me and the girls but the baby will keep us super busy!!

Next dr appointment is Wednesday!

2 months left and couldn't be more ready!!

This week she can see and taste her liquid environment, hear my heart beat and voice, and feel the sensation of grabbing her toes.  Her head has grown nearly and inch this week (trust me I can feel it).  In the next 7 weeks she will actually double in weight!

The weather is so gorgeous and perfect down here but the weather change is what made me sick.  Fighting a wicked cold and I can't take anything for it.  Just fluids and rest.  Hope it passes before I have to drive 3 hours this weekend.  Other than that my only complaint is baby girl is killing my hips and it's getting harder to walk!! Just 8 weeks left..no big deal!! I have to take advantage while I have Corey here for 4 of those because after that I'll have to do everything around the house myself!! :)

doctor update

Had my 30 week check up today and Corey was able to attend.  My weight and blood pressure are fine, no thanks to some chuckles for Corey.  But only up 4 lbs in 4 weeks.  She changed my iron pill so I don't have to take it three times a day and gave me something for heartburn (thank you baby jesus!!) The best news of all is she flipped and is finally head down!! Fingers crossed she stays this way, not likely she won't.  She is measuring at exactly 31 weeks!! Corey got to hear her heartbeat for the first time in a few months and was super excited!! Next appointment is on 9/26,  she told me to come back in 2-3 weeks and I didn't feel any need to rush back in exactly 2 weeks so we found a morning appointment in 3 weeks.  On 9/20 I'll be taking a breast feeding class which I'm super excited about! After my next appointment I'll be going to L&D to register and get all my paperwork to fill out, yikes it's really getting close!!

32nd week

Yikes! I can't believe I only have 9 weeks left!! This week is when baby should choose and stay in the head down position however there is no guarantee.  We actually will be checking at tomorrow's appointment to see if she is still breech or finally head down.  A scheduled C-section has its benefits because my mom will know exactly when to be here, but no one wants to recover from that! I've been there done that, same surgery two days in a row so to avoid it would be nice but to know what to expect is good too.  After this appointment starts every 2 weeks..it's getting close!! I'll be getting my iron re checked to see if the supplements are helping.  Right now baby is working on lodging body parts in my ribs..and it feels great!!

We had a pretty quiet Labor day weekend, but got a lot of stuff done around the house.  Baby's room is almost completed..just a few things to be added.  Packed her bag for the hospital so I'll only have to worry about mine in a few weeks.  This weekend we are going to set up her pack n play which is where she will be sleeping for the first few months, it has a bassinet in it.  We both agreed since Corey will be gone it's better for all of us to keep her in our room until he returns.  This way I can watch over everyone!

Right now we are just trying to spend as much time together before he leaves since the actual date is so up in the air we don't want to miss anything!

I'll try to do a quick update after my appointment tomorrow!!

WOW 10 weeks to go!

30 weeks here!!

After weeks of rapid growth and plenty of activity baby is calmer this week.  There is less room in the womb for as much crazy movement as she was having.  Now baby's movement is more organized and intentional.  Our next appointment is Thursday and Corey can (knock on wood) actually make this one.  We are going to ask if the Dr. can tell if baby is still breech or if she has flipped.  After this appointment we'll be having Dr.'s appointments every two weeks until the last four weeks.

Last weekend we got the furniture put together!! So excited, now we just have to hang a few things in her room get the sheets washed and on the crib (which I really have a few months for since she'll be in our room at first) and one quick trip to Carter's for some last minute things! Its getting really close now!!

This weekend we are going to celebrate our anniversary!! It's amazing to see how far we have come.  To think there were even family members telling us we wouldn't make it and that we weren't really in love, well heck look at us now..happier then ever and about to welcome a little munchkin into the world! I wouldn't trade it for anything and I'm glad neither of us listened to anyone!

For now we are just enjoying our time together because I only have 10 weeks left of cooking little one which means Corey has less time then that home.

30th week

I can't believe I only have 11 weeks to go.  I think once it gets to single digits it'll feel even weirder!! Baby's brain has been smooth up until now, but this week it gains a new topographical feature, wrinkles.  These folds are called convolutions,  and they give the brain more surface area so it can hold more cells.  So far I'm still feeling pretty good with not many complaints! My hips are starting to kill me but that's pretty normal since I'm carrying her so low.  Thankfully it's cooling down a little outside and its a lot more bearable.

Last weekend Jenn, Ellie, Clover, and I embarked on a mini road trip to NJ for my baby shower!!! It was amazing, my mother out did herself and I couldn't be happier!! Little girl was spoiled beyond belief and will be stylish beyond her understanding!! She has enough elephant gear to last until she is 18, a beautiful way to honor my grandmother!! Besides clothes and receiving blankets galore she also received a pack n play, a rock n play, a swing, a high chair, a baby bullet (so excited!), decorations for her room (elephant of course), a crib, a dresser, a mattress, and the list goes on.  She will not want for anything and I am so blessed to have such a loving and generous family and friends!! Again Corey and I want to say thank you to my mom for this amazing shower and to everyone else for their amazing generosity!! You guys rock!

The pups and I are super excited to pick Corey up tonight, even if it's only for a little bit!! :)

Here we go into 29 weeks

28 weeks.  Baby girl is sitting nice and low..and boy does my bladder love that! At least (and knock on wood) I rarely have to get up to go potty in the middle of the night! Not that I'm sleeping through the night but no potty breaks!

This week baby girl's brain is starting to regulate her body temperature so its not all on me anymore.  She is continually putting on fat, these layers will provide warmth and help make her skin smoother and more pale.  Also she is growing eyelashes this week, perfect for batting at Corey when she wants her way!! Hey I know I"m a pro at it!!

I cant wait for Friday and I'll get to go home to NJ for the weekend!! The puppies, Jenn, and I will be taking a nice little road trip!! I can't wait to see everyone and let them spoil Cadence!! I cleared out what will be her room last weekend so it's ready.  Last night I was able to order all her furniture (thanks Grandpa!!) and as soon as I return from NJ Grandma will be ordering her a glider so we have a place upstairs to rock her to sleep!! We feel so extremely blessed with all the generosity and we haven't even had our shower yet!! We just want to say thank you and we love you all!!

28th week

Baby is starting to be able to respond to all sorts of sounds.  Her lungs are further prepping for birth.  Blood vessels are forming to circulate oxygenated blood and bronchial tubes are branching.  She is starting to make surfactant which keeps the air sacs in the lungs from sticking together.  This will also allow them to breathe properly after birth.

Had my 26 week dr appointment Wed.  Everything looks great. My next appointment is Sept 6th.  I took my glucose test and anemia test too but haven't gotten any results yet which hopefully means everything is fine.  Also got my TDAP vaccine.

http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/  this is the CDC's site on pertussis or whooping cough.  I sent an email out a few months back about this and requested our immediate family get this vaccine.  Some I heard back from so this is just a friendly reminder, but some I haven't even heard back form.  This is a very serious issue for us.  We will be having/traveling with our newborn during cold and flu season, however she won't be fully vaccinated yet.  Anything we can do to help keep her safe we are going to do, and we would really appreciate if as many of you guys would get this vaccine to keep our little girl healthy.  We are requesting that anyone who plans to spend any prolonged time with her get this vaccine.  That means if you will be traveling down here to see her, this will apply to you. We don't want to be those parents who turn people away but this is super important to us.  Your doctor will agree if you go talk to them.  For those getting the vaccine please let us know when you have, :) thank you!!

Here goes 27 weeks

26 weeks, defiantly starting to fill out the bump.

This week her eyes, that have been fused shut, are opening and she can see.  The visual part of the brain has also started to develop.  Also more then likely baby will sleep during the day because all of my movement soothes here and when I'm sleeping she is normally awake and moving like crazy.

I had a nice visit with my mom last weekend, even though Corey was out of town.  We ate a lot and got to spend Saturday at the beach!! I'm glad that even though it's a 7 hour drive we can still get to see each other. I have my 26 week dr appointment on Monday and then a little less then 2 weeks and I get to go home for the weekend!! I can't wait to see everyone!! Corey leaves Friday for training so he won't get to come up with me this time, but we will try to get up again in October before he leaves, if we can.  He will be gone for about 20 days, I hope they go super fast so we can have September and October to enjoy before he leaves.

Other then that things are great, and I feel great!

26 th week!

I thought time was going faster but now I feel like it's back on a stand still.  15 more weeks to go! about 1 and a half weeks until my next dr's appointment which is helping time go faster, counting down to the appointments.  I cant believe there is only one more week left in July and then it will be the super busy month of August.

This week in baby news her nostrils are open and ready.  There is no air in there but she is already practicing breathing.  Her lungs inhale and exhale amniotic fluid to sharpen her skills.  So when she is ready to make her grand appearance she will be ready to gulp up some air too. She is also sucking and grasping this week.  Mostly her thumb but she is also playing with the umbilical cord, however we did see her doing this in our 16 week ultrasound.

Still no crazy cravings.  My symptoms right now are terrible back aches.  Thankful Corey has been helping and rubbing it, and sleeping with his knee in my back (yes this helps, don't ask why).  The other night I was a little dehydrated and had a few braxton hicks contractions but after some water and getting baby to move off of whatever nerve she was sitting on I felt better.  All of a sudden today my heartburn came back, so I'm hoping that leaves again.  I have still been able to keep up with the gym every other day which should be helping with my back and any other pains.  Its been so hot here that some days I go home super swollen but it has always passed by bed time.

My mom comes this weekend :) Super excited to see her, and go to the beach!! Next weekend Corey leaves for about 3 weeks, but during that time I'll get to go to NJ to see everyone and Jenn said she'd drive with me so that will make those 3 weeks go by super fast.  As slow as time feels right now I know its about to speed by.  One more 4 day training in September and then a trip to NJ in October and then he will live sometime after that.  I cant wait for him to leave so he can hurry up and come back :)

25th week

24 weeks here.  We have entered our sixth month, still feels like we have a long way to go still.  This week baby is about a foot long and about 1.5 lbs, although knowing how she has been measuring I wouldn't be surprised if she was a little heavier.  Her cerebral cortex is almost done developing which will help her think and act when she is born.

So far this week I have been a little tired but I think I'm in a growth spurt again so that's ok.  Nothing else to complain about.  Busy busy weekend ahead we are going to see KISS and Motley Crue!! Super excited about that!! Might get to the beach if it's nice enough Saturday, if not some more organizing in the new house.  We have been really busy and not gotten as much done as we'd like.  The girls are adjusting just fine minus a few accidents.  Just enjoying our time together before training and deployment.

24th week

Even though we updated on Monday, today is when my week changes so I figured I'd do a quick little post about the changes this week.

Between this week and week 28 weeks I will feel the most movement because baby has the most room.  This is so true, I can feel baby doing crazy things in there.  Corey felt her kick for the first time on Monday which was very exciting.  Baby's eyelids are still shut but the optic bits are just about ready.  The retina is almost fully developed.  The iris will finish developing in a few weeks but the color wont be fully determined until after she arrives.  Baby is now the size of a grapefruit.  I can't believe in just 17 short weeks we will get to meet baby. I will have my next appointment on August 6th.

23 weeks

22 weeks, seems like I keep wearing the same shirt for my belly shots.  This week baby is starting to hear and will be familiar with my voice when she is born.  Had my appointment today to go over my ultrasound from two weeks ago and everything looks great!! She checked her heartbeat and it's in the 140's.  I'll start going every 4 weeks to appointments now for a few appointments then every 2 weeks.  Weight gain is 16 lbs and as you can see baby has had a bit of a growth spurt recently.  They decided not to change my due date even though baby is big (I'll probably just end up going early) so it's still 11/11.  At my next appointment I'll try to remember to ask when they will check to see if she is still breach, I can tell she is from where she is kicking but there is still plenty of time for her to move.  

Other then that everything here is great!! We moved last weekend and are just getting settled into our new house.  Also had a wedding last weekend and it was amazing to see two people so in love, we had a blast and Corey mc'd.  This weekend Corey's dad came up and they did some work in our new yard, soon they dogs will have a pretty decent yard to run in.  Just need to get them a fence!! 

About 17 weeks left and I cant wait to meet our baby girl!! I know I said I'd post ultrasound pictures but with the move I am still trying to unpack them and then I'll post them!

Here goes 22 weeks.

I had my A/S on Monday.  Basically it stands for anatomy scan and they measure EVERYTHING on baby. They check on heart chambers and bone structure and whatever else you can think of.  It is potentially the last ultrasound on base.  Well typically military fashion Corey wasn't relieved of duty and I had to go alone.  Or so I thought, but I have some amazing friends here and one of them showed up at my appointment to support me.  Not only did she support me but she distracted me, since this appointment requires a full bladder!

Baby is still a girl!! :) However I have no results to how she is measuring.  The way it works with tricare is the ultrasound tech takes all necessary measurements.  She then turns them into her radiologist who makes a report.  They give that report to OB who will discuss the results with me on our next appointment on 7/9.  So first off fingers crossed that Corey will be able to make this appointment (we will also hear the heartbeat again) Second off fingers crossed everything is fine with baby girl.  The tech is not allowed to discuss how anything looks, which is annoying.  We assume if anything is wrong they would call before my appointment in two weeks but we will see.  From the looks of it she looks good, she is weighing 15 oz, a little chunker on our hands!!

I will post a picture from the ultrasound tomorrow.  We will be doing another one off base in September so Corey can see the baby again before he leaves.  Currently she is breech so hopefully she flips in the next 19 weeks.

In other news we will FINALLY be moving Thursday and Friday. Saturday we have an amazing wedding to go to, and we cannot wait to celebrate their love!! :)

Half way there!

This is my 20 week bump pic! I'm half way to meeting our daughter!! I'm measuring at 33 inches.  I have been feeling great minus my lower back being a little sore.  But I honestly think working out every other day has been helping with that.  We walked to dogs last night so that was a nice change of pace for everyone.  No crazy cravings this week besides cookies!! I can feel the princess inside a little but not big movement, hopefully soon Corey can feel her too.

We found out this week Corey won't be able to attend our 20 week ultrasound and we just have to accept that the AF sucks, but we will be scheduling one more elective ultrasound in September so he can see Cadence one last time before he leaves.

This week baby's heartbeat can be heard with just a simple stethoscope so even dad can hear it easily.  She is sleeping and waking in cycles.  Develepoment is less and less as the weeks go on because she doesn't have much less to develop, now she is just growing.  She is the size of a cantelope and as a long as a banana now.

My ultrasound is Monday so I'll update after that and after my appointment on July 9th. :)

NO ONE say anything but I'm wearing the same outfit as my 18 week pic..oops!

ALMOST HALF WAY here goes 20 weeks

Princess' nerves and brain are now responding to a variety of stimuli like my movements, and sounds from the outside.  Hair is starting to form, but it will fall off within a few weeks of birth before the real stuff grows in! I can start to feel hiccups this week.  So far I feel a little bit of movement but since I have an anterior placenta it's not as much as some, but that's okay because baby is super protected.  Right now my cravings are slurpees, cheese, and cookies!! :) Nothing else knew this week, I'll post a picture next week at my half way point.  Corey was TDY this week and we will be happy to get him back on Saturday!! :) Other then that just enjoying the weather and beach!! love you all!!

Here goes my 19th week!

OK this bump is after a full 18 weeks of cooking little Cadence!  Baby is the size of a sweet potato this week.  Since we know she is a girl we know that this week her eggs and ovaries are forming but nothing much is going on.  I'm starting to feel her move which is AMAZING!! Hopefully soon Corey will feel it too.  My anatomy scan will be 6/25, here they will measure baby and make sure everything is going good and check for any abnormalities.  My quad screen came back negative which is great news!! My next doctors appointment will be the week of July 9th but I haven't been able to make it yet because base only has 4 weeks out.  Corey will be TDY this weekend for the next 10 days which will hopefully go by fast!! Seems like a boring week of growing for Cadence but hopefully next week we will have more updates!! :)

6 week appt and 17 weeks down

Had my 6 week check up yesterday, just to make sure things were going the right way.  I have gained 6 lbs in the total 17 weeks I've been pregnant and 4 in the last 6 weeks.  She said that was perfect for me and I looked good.  Blood pressure and all that looked good.  We went over my previous blood work results and all my numbers were really good, so we didn't have to re order any of them.  She check on her heartbeat and it was in the 150s.  Basically so far everything is going very smooth.  Knock on wood it continues that way.

She also allowed me to get my quad screen done.  This is done between 16 and 18 weeks, its a quick blood draw to test for things like down syndrome and CF and a few other things.  http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/quadscreen.html  This link describes it way better then I could.  Although I do not fit into any of the criteria putting us at risk, Tricare offers this test for free so we decided knowledge is power, and it can't hurt.  They will call within a week or so, but only if the results are positive.  Any negative (which is good) results they will discuss with me at our next appointment in 6 weeks.

Also she put in for me to schedule my A/S ultrasound at radiology.  The beauty of Tricare everything you need done is done somewhere else.  This will be my final ultrasound during this pregnancy, unless I go passed my due date.  This ultrasound will determine if she is developing properly, since I will be half way along.  They will verify she has all the body parts she should have, and that all bones and muscles have developed correctly.  They will also be able to tell that it is a girl (first time on base) however I've heard they can't actually tell me.  The ultrasound technician can't actually tell me anything, they will send my results to OB which I will see three weeks later to discuss the results.

I can't believe in 3 weeks I'll be half way done cooking our little princess!! Time is going slow and fast.  I wish it would slow down because we will have to say goodbye to Corey in October.  This summer keeps getting busier and busier so I'm pretty sure it will fly by.

We enjoyed a day at the beach on Saturday and lots and lots of barbecues and sunshine over our Memorial Day Weekend!! Hope everyone had a great weekend!!

Developing this week are fingerprints!! Also I should start to feel little princess kick soon.  At our ultrasound they told me my placenta was anterior so I wouldn't be able to feel much until it moved (totally normal and providing more protection) but at my Dr. appointment she said within the next two weeks I'll feel some movement, just not as much as others!! I'm also due for a huge growth spurt any week/day now.  Princess was looking kind of crammed and we were reassured that just means she is about to make some room for herself!!

16 weeks down 24 to go.

16 weeks :)

Well we have been slacking on the blog a little.  It seems every time it comes to a picture week I can never remember to take the picture or get Corey to take it and then I just put it off.  So I decided it was easier for me to just take it myself.  My energy comes and goes, but for the most part I have my energy back.  I can definitely feel my uterus growing and stretching.  For example yesterday I just felt so full and like there was no room left, but hadn't eaten a huge meal.  I'm glad my appetite is getting back to normal and I'm not eating like fatty!! 

This week my fetus is growing quickly and starting to get plump.  Baby is already starting to suck and swallow, getting ready for November.  Baby is the size of an avocado this week.  It is starting to develop ear bones and can hear our voices.  Hair is starting to fill in and taste buds are starting to form.  

Tomorrow we go for our elective ultrasound off base to find out the gender of our little one.  Lets all hope its cooperating today!! The appointment isn't until 530 but we will be sure to update everyone afterwards.  :) 

We hope everyone enjoys the holiday weekend, we know we will!! :)

Baby is in it's 13th week

This picture is taken at 12 weeks 4 days.  Little bump growing there.  Because the brain is growing so big currently the baby's head is taking up half it's length.  Soon the rest of the parts will catch up! When baby is born the head will be about the quarter of the size of baby.  This week the liver is making bile, the pancreas is pumping out insulin, and the kidneys hone their waste carrying tactics.  The intestines have left the umbilical cord and have returned to the body.   I have my appetite and haven't been sick at all (knock on wood).  No other symptoms besides being tired!!

11 weeks 4 days

Here is our ultrasound picture from our appointment on Tuesday.  Everything looked good and the Doctor said baby looked super healthy.  Baby is growing 4 days ahead so that's pretty awesome!! My next appointment will be in 6 weeks but havent been able to make the appointment yet.  May 24th we will try to find out the sex at fun fetal photo, they do it at 16 weeks here.  Everything else is good and we will take another picture next week :)

In our 11th week

Ok this is 10 weeks 1 day.  We are in our 11th week.  Went to orientation today to learn how to be pregnant.  It was pretty boring but we got a bunch of free samples.  Tomorrow we finally get to see baby at 8am.  I'll update here sometime in the afternoon once I get to work.  We decided we will announce to everyone else tomorrow as well.  So depending what the ultrasound looks like I'll post it here and probably facebook.  I'll be sending the picture around to the rest of my family to let them know we are pregnant.  They say once you hear a healthy heartbeat you should be out of danger so hopefully we can hear one tomorrow.  

Right now the fingers and toes are starting to form.  That's really the only change with baby this week.  After tomorrows appointment I'll be calling this 4d ultrasound place to schedule an appointment to find out the sex.  Base doesn't guarantee finding out the sex but this place will and it's only $80.  Since we only get 2 ultrasounds and Corey missing the birth we want to see baby as much as possible before hand.

I'm feeling a lot better just super tired still!

In our 10th week

So as most of you noticed we skipped a week.  Nothing is wrong we just got busy, tired, distracted, and lazy! I kept forgetting to get Corey to take my bump picture which is what slowed down me righting that weeks entry.  I thought about taking a picture this week for last week but then I'd have two in a row.  So this Sunday I will take my 10 week picture and we will just move forward! :) I hope everyone had an amazing Easter!!
I have been feeling super tired but having trouble sleeping through the night but I think the 12 hours I got on Friday helped me catch up.  I hope this week is easier on me sleep wise!! Other then that things are great.  I finally had some energy to work out so I'm hoping I can stick with it this week!
This week baby's ears are taking shape, ready to slide into position as they head grows larger.  The eyes, still on either side of the head, are looking good, with the basic optical structure in place.  Eyelids are starting to cover little one's peepers.  Teeth buds have emerged as well.  Baby is now the size of a green olive!
The dogs are getting a long great we are just working on Clover feeling completely comfortable in the house!! Hopefully tonight she will sleep straight through!!
Hope everyone is doing great! Dr appointment on next Tuesday finally!

Week 8 begins

I have been super nauseous this last week but I purchased natural ginger gum today and its working so far.  Also super gassy and constipated but that's totally normal.  I go from starving to nauseous to starving it's a pain but I hear 2nd trimester is better. Even more exhausted then last week, and dreading work tomorrow. My boss does know so I might have to shut my door during lunch and take some naps!! My lower back hurts from time to time but again super normal!
The limbs that started forming earlier are now sprouting tiny webbed fingers and toes, and that tadpole tail is starting to disappear. Inside our little one intestines are forming although one of the sections has to live in the umbilical cord because the abdomen is too crowded.  In about a month all the intestines will move back inside once there is enough room.  The nervous system and muscles are now talking to each other.  If we could touch our little one right now he could respond. 
We still have a little over 3 weeks until our first ultra sound!! Just trying to be patient until then!

7 weeks

We entered our 7th week today.  Baby's neural tube has closed and now the brain is the main attraction.  Soon this organ will divide into the forebrain,. which will help our baby solve puzzles and hold onto memories; the midbrain, which directs electrical impulses and the hindbrain, which makes sure that breathing and muscle movement happen according to plan.  There's a second major breakthrough this week: limbs.  Well technically they are just buds at this point, but now that the arms and legs have sprouted, they'll grow  quickly.  Before long the brain and limbs will start communicating. 
Measured at 28 and 1/2 inches today which means last measurement was pure bloat from dinner!! Symptoms have been changing daily.  Some days I am starving and cant eat meals fast enough, others I'm less hungry and more nauseous but haven't been sick, knock on wood! I have been using my energy whenever I have it because most of the time I am exhausted.  If I eat to much in a meal I go into a coma state!! I have been doing prenatal work outs, my goal is to stick with them all nine months to ease with delivery.  Other than that everything is great! We are just looking forward to our first ultrasound appointment next month.

Dr update

Well Tricare won't pay for me, or any other healthy individual to go off base anymore.  So after being turned away from my original appt, I now have a new one made.  I had to go to Langley's hospital (that's where the dr and lab is) and prove I was pregnant.  I happened to be in labor and delivery visiting a friend when they called to say I was pregnant..duh! Anyway they requested I do blood work right away to make sure everything looks good.  I went right back to the lab and got that taken care of.  I scheduled my next appointment which will be on 4/17 and we will hear the heart beat then. I will be 10 weeks 2 days at this point.  They will check how baby is growing and how I am doing.  On 4/16 I will have to go to a mandatory class on being pregnant as well.

So as of today I learned I am in fact pregnant :)

after our appointment on 4/17 where we hear the heartbeat and know everything is going well we will start telling the rest of our family and friends.  Thanks for helping us keep this secret.

Week 6 begins

So I have made it 5 full weeks :) No picture this week we are doing the every other week so that maybe we can actually watch for a bump.  Making it five full weeks means I'm starting week 6 tomorrow.  Last week I was starving this week my appetite feels more normal.  No morning sickness yet but I'm not getting excited yet, I know it can strike at any time. 

This week the neural tube that began forming last week is starting to close over what will soon become baby's spinal cord. Bean still resembles a tadpole however folds of tissues are developing that will eventually become baby's chin, cheeks, and jaw.  Eye buds are forming, and there's even a tiny bump that will turn into a nose. Other tubes are making progress too.  The heart tube is growing into four primitive chambers and is beating like a drum. Lungs tubes are turning into pouches. 

To stay healthy we have ordered a dvd set, one for each trimester and one for after baby.  Each trimester has yoga, cardio, and toning.  It'll be good to have a set list of things I can and can't do each trimester instead of worrying if the exercise I'm doing is harmful.  I have been eating healthier too, since I'm snacking more often I have made sure to have plenty of fruit and vegetables in the house for quick sacks. 

I have my first Dr. appointment on Thursday where they will do lab work and get family history.  I'll update after my appt. :) Have a good week everyone :)

Update

Made my first two doctors appointments today. Have the first one in the 15th to do lab work and talk to the doctor. Then on the fourth of April will be our first ultrasound where will hear the heartbeat! :)

4 Weeks 1 Day

We both agreed blogging about this pregnancy might be a good way to keep our far away family as involved as they would be if we were home.  As we move along in this adventure I will slowly send this link to more people, until eventually making it public.  For now just a select few will be seeing this.  I will try to update about every two weeks. Here is me at 4 weeks 1 day. 

  

I think the only reason I have a slight gut in this picture is because we just ate a huge celebratory meal.  I am 29 and 1/2 inches here.  We both agree it will be neat to watch me grow in inches too.  

Called the Doctor today, just waiting for them to call back to make an appointment.  So far I'm constantly starving, slight nauseous here and there but nothing serious, and sore breasts.  I swear they have grown already, yikes.  

I'm anxious to hear from the Doctor tomorrow so I'll know when I can go in and get checked.  

I am so happy with Corey's reaction to this amazing news.  He has been so supportive and excited.  He can't wait for this next chapter in our lives, and neither can I.  He said it is funny how fast a switch can flip and you stop thinking about yourself.  So true, I love him more each day.  

Facts, right now baby is the size of an orange seed.  The neural tube is being created this week which will later be the brain.  Also the heart tube is already sporadically pumping!! :)