Shopping for Baby!

Today I woke up and wanted IHOP! Even though it was almost lunch time I wanted breakfast! Eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes sounded sooooooooo good! Chris and I got up and headed towards the Outlet Mall were the IHOP is. After eating we went shopping. Christopher bought some clothes and I looked at jewelry just for the fun of it. Then we rounded a corner and there was Carter's. We just had to go in. Well needless to say $80 later we walked out with the cutest baby clothes ever! I can't wait to show everyone! I could have bought the whole store but Chris helped me pick out some really cute things. I am so excited! My next mission is to get the baby's room in order. I finally have it all cleared out. I swept and mopped the floor and am in the process of clearing out more room in the closet. Soon the furniture will go in and more shopping will occur! Fun, Fun, Fun!

My Hospital Stay

To make a long story short, last Thursday while I was at work I started feeling symptoms of a UTI. Not fun at all! Over the course of my shift I began feeling so bad that I had to leave early. I called my doctor's office and they called me in and antibiotic. I went home and went straight to bed. Early morning Friday about 2am the pain got so bad that I called my doctor again and they told me it was okay to take phenazopyridine or what I like to call the "orange pee pill". So I made Christopher take me to Walmart to get some. Finally I got some relief and was able to sleep. Friday was much better. Then late Saturday afternoon I started feeling the bladder spasms again. They weren't too bad so I just kept taking my meds hoping that it would go away. Well, it didn't! At about 2am Sunday morning I was miserable and having the worst bladder spasms ever! My stomach was tight and I had to go the bathroom every 5 minutes or so just to sit there because nothing would come out. I knew something wasn't right. Knowing that infections that get bad enough can send you into pre-term labor, I freaked out and called my doctor again. I explained everything that had been going on and how I was feeling and she said that I needed to go to Labor and Delivery to be checked out. I walked out to the living room and told Chris that I needed to get to the hospital. He of course was playing PlayStation and was very much surprised at what I had just said. He jumped up and we left right away. On the way I told him what the doctor said and what to expect when we got there so he wouldn't be surprised. I could tell he was worried and I tried to keep him calm although inside I was freaking out too. We get there and luckily it was a slow night. They took me in a room and had me gown up, give a urine sample, hooked me up to the monitors, checked my cervix and got my info. It may sound like it all happened very quickly but actually after checking my cervix and hearing the baby's heart beat they took their time on everything else. Poor Christopher was pacing the room half asleep. It seemed like forever before I was in the computer system so that I could get some pain meds. By that time it was 5am and we ended up staying. My doctor wanted to monitor the baby and with the pain meds they gave I was in no condition to leave. Christopher finally listened to me and opened the not so comfortable chair and fell asleep. I was knocked out once I got the meds and was able to sleep really well. I was discharged around 10:30 after being cleared by my doctor. Needless to say it was an experience that I didn't want but I'm glad turned out okay. The good thing is, We don't need a tour of the unit now and I'm already in the system for when I return to have Baby! Let's just say that my Memorial Day weekend wasn't exactly what I'd call a fun one! But all is well with mom and baby and that's what matters! Hugs and Kisses to All!

IT'S A BOY!

Today we went for my 20th week appointment. I worked last night and didn't get in until 8 am and we left for my appointment at 10:30. Although I should have been tried, the second we pulled into the parking lot at my doctor's office I was wide awake! We went straight back for the ultrasound. Dawn who was the tech that did the ultrasound in week 12 was there. She was so excited that she would be the one to tell us what we're having. I can't explain how relieved and happy I felt when the baby came into view and we could see the heartbeat! Just as the picture came up Christopher said "good morning little one" and the baby turned on his side and faced us. It was like he knew his Daddy was talking to him! PRICELESS! Dawn began checking all the organs and spine, taking measurements and making sure the baby was growing properly. She talked us through everything. Pointing out the kidneys, bladder, stomach, spine, legs, arms, and on and on. It was amazing. She took her time and made sure to get good pictures of everything for the doctors to look at. Then finally the view we were waiting for. Luckily Little one wasn't being shy and the legs were wide open. The picture was blurry at first and the second she paused the picture I yelled out "IS THAT A PENIS?!" She smiled and said yep, it's a boy! I immediately started to cry and looked at Christopher who was half way across the room staring at his son intently. He turned to me with the biggest "proud Daddy smile" and said ..................... "I told you so!" His eyes went misty and I called him over to me for a big kiss. I can't explain the joy that came over me. There is nothing like looking at the life you created with the person you love most in the world. Watching the baby move, all the parts in perfect place and seeing the heartbeat.....knowing that in just a few short months that baby will be born and become part of your life forever. They say a baby changes you....I think the innocence of children is what makes life worth while. In no other way is another human being more dependent on others than an infant is on their parents. Amazing and Beautiful! Well now that I'm balling my eyes out and can barely see to type, I think I'll finish telling you what we found out about our little boy today! He is about 14 oz which is well over the average of 10 1/2 oz. Yes that's right folks, looks like he's gonna be a biggin! His heartbeat today was 130 which is great! He is just perfect! I can't wait to see what he looks like! After the ultrasound I met with the Midwife. All my labs came back normal. Everything is going just as it should. Mom and baby boy are doing great! After my appointment we went and ate lunch at Olive Garden! Yummy to my Tummy! Then we went and bought the crib and dresser for the baby's room. today has definitely been a great day! Well I think that's all for now. Love and miss you all very much!

A picture of Mommy to Be

I haven't seen many of you in while and most of you have been asking for pictures of me. Here's one from dinner with Katie and Nick. You can see the mommy belly pretty well. My computer has been acting up so I wasn't able to flip it right side up. Sorry!

boy or girl?...We'll soon know!

Well, everyone has been guessing the sex of the baby. So far things are pretty even. It's funny... the sisters all say girl but the brother and brother-in-laws say boy. Go Figure! Mom thinks its a girl based on the heartbeat. Melissa has said girl from the beginning. Christopher thinks its a boy based on a dream he keeps having. I might have already blogged about it but just in case I'll tell it again. He says the dream starts with him looking from outside the hospital room. He sees me laying in a hospital bed with him sitting in a chair next to me holding the baby. Then it flashes to him looking down at the baby and its wrapped in a lite blue blanket. So he believes that means it's a boy! Kim thinks it's a girl and her smart butt says that the dream just means the baby will be a Tar Heel fan........I DON'T THINK SO!!!! Chris' mom says she can't guess because she hasn't seen me yet. We will be traveling to Maryland for the dedication of Mikaela Blair, Brian and Erica's new baby girl so I'll see his family then but we'll know what the baby is before then. The big day is May 18th! I can't believe it's almost here. I am soooooooo excited! Well I'm at work and have some meds to give so that's all for now. Love and miss you all!