You Know You Are A Father Of Kids When...

... your wife catches you singing Raffi to yourself.

A few weeks ago Josh and I took a business trip to Detroit.  Ethan and Aiden stayed with Nana and Papa so we could go and get back.  (Thank you Mom and Dad!!!)  But this post isn't necessarily about our trip or a cute story about our boys, it's about Josh aka Daddy.

While in Detroit I realized a huge change in Josh.  I was in the bathroom getting ready for our big day and Josh was in the room getting himself ready when I heard him singing.  For those of you who know Josh, know he always sings so this doesn't come to much of a surprise... but usually you would hear him singing a popular country song or even a little top charts pop.  NOT THIS TIME. Now remember, we didn't have either of the boys with us. Josh was singing the ever so famous Raffi Down By The Bay!!  I couldn't believe my ears and it made me smile from ear to ear.  He must have little boys at home.

This past summer I bought a Raffi CD at a garage sale. I am pretty sure Josh thought I was a little weird since I was so excited to have scored this stellar deal.  Josh wasn't as thrilled as me since he had NO idea who Raffi was.  On our next car ride I put in the CD for Ethan and I started to sing along.  Again, I got some weird looks from the driver's seat... I am sure he was thinking that these songs were the weirdest thing he has ever heard.  They are so catchy I knew in no time he would be singing along. 

AND I WAS RIGHT :)

                                                                    MY BOYS!

Welcome to the world Aiden Martin Flom

I haven't forgotten about my blog and actually have a list of things I want to blog about.  I have found that as soon as I we get Ethan to nap, it's Aiden's time to feed and time just gets away from me.  No excuses though, here is Aiden's birth story.

Sunday, August 26th  - 38 weeks
We were to check into the Birth and Delivery floor at the hospital by 8pm to get me admitted and get the process going.  Since I wasn't dialated and wasn't much effaced either the nurse had some work to do beforehand so we could induce in the morning.  My doctor told me to take a bath to relax before coming and to have a good dinner since you never know when you are going to get to eat again.  So I took a bath got Ethan and Lucy packed and ready to stay with my parents and headed to their house to eat.  Hmmmm... my last meal was spaghetti and meatballs... I thought the carbs would be good.  Here is my last picture pregnant and our last picture of a family of three (4 including Lucy)... oh and little Isabel just can't stay away from an opportunity to say "cheeeeeese".

                                       
Once we got to the hospital our nurse Christy made us feel so comfortable and got started right away.  Her and Josh were even constantly quoting and acting out scenes from Office Space... it was quite funny to watch.  She got started right away by placing a small pill on my cervix to get it "ready" for the pitocin in the morning.  My doctor would be in around 8am or so to get me going so all I had to do that night was sleep... YEAH RIGHT!!!!

Saturday, August 27th
2:45am - I woke up in miserable pain.  The pain was unbearable and all I had to do was go to the bathroom.  Josh woke up with the sound of my moans/screams.  I ran to the bathroom hoping that the pain was because I was holding "it" too long.

3:00am Once exiting nurse Christy was waiting for me.  She said, "Time to call the anesthesiologist?"  I am pretty sure I screamed "Yes!"  I got back in bed, she checked me and also said, "Time to call the doctor as well!" Not only did I need the anesthesiologist and doctor but also my mom.  I had Josh call my mom and tell her it was time.

3:30am My mom walks in and the anesthesiologist follows moments behind... good timing.  (Insert apology here) I need to apologize to the anesthesiologist just doing his job.  I wasn't very friendly from what I remember and I am sorry that I didn't care what you said or how careful you needed to be while inserted the drugs! 

4:00am Drugs are in but not working.  I am numb in my lower half but can still feel my contractions and they hurt.  Oh well I won't feel the baby right!?!?  Right.

4:00-5:40am Working through contractions, trying to get the drugs to numb my pain (no such luck no matter how often I had someone push the control button).  Nurse Christy pushing on some pressure points on my hand to make me focus on that pain and not my contractions (impressed it worked)

5:40am Doctor is here and I am 100% ready to go.  A few pushes and I am making progress but still no baby.  Some more pushes with my mom on one side and Josh on the other.. You two make a great team!

5:55am Christy asks if I want to try using the mirror so I can see what is going on.  With some hesitation I finally say yes.  Might as well give it a try.  I do not want to go through 2hours of pushing.  Mirror comes in and we are ready to. Wow there is alot that goes on down there and is that a head? WOW!

6:00am Ready... Set... Push... yep that was a head and yep I am pushing and yep now the doctor says to hold it and yep....

6:02am AIDEN MARTIN FLOM IS BORN
                     7LBS 3OZ
                     20 1/2 IN LONG

I make it seem like we had his name ready to go but truth is, Aiden didn't have a name right away.  We had a list and after we held him and watched him we decided he was the perfect Aiden. 

8:00am My doctor came in and said "You weren't suppose to have him yet!" she was shocked that I went so fast and that I didn't have any pitocin.  Little Aiden had his own timeline and 6:02am was his time.  Thank you Dr Jenkins are all our prenantal care and Dr Druckman for delivering both my boys on short notice!

                             WELCOME TO THE WORLD AIDEN MARTIN FLOM!!!
                      MOM, DAD, BIG BROTHER ETHAN LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!
                     

So many of you came to the hospital or our home to visit and showered Aiden and Ethan with gifts.  Thanks for coming to welcome Aiden to the world.  It made us feel so loved and blessed to have such wonderful support.  

Aiden is already 6 weeks old so we have some catching up to do but so far we are all doing great!

Love to you all!
Mama Hoot of 2

BABY FLOM ARRIVING...

My last 6 weeks of this pregnancy have been rough.  Multiple ultrasounds, weekly appointments, urine tests, non stress tests and bloodwork weekly if not biweekly since I was 32 weeks.  I was put on bedrest last Friday since I have consistently have had high blood pressure, protein in my urine and then some bad lab tests.  I was diganosed with mild preeclampsia.  I spent 4 hours in Labor & Delivery on Monday trying to get my blood pressure down to a safe level to send me home.  I was obviously sent home with strict orders to lay on my left side and stay there as much as I can.

This morning I had a full biophysical ultrasound done on the baby and the baby looks great!!!  The stomach is running into the 60th percentile and with that said and my unfortunate luck of preeclampsia.... WE ARE HAVING A BABY BORN ON MONDAY!!!!

This was such great news because I am not made to be on bed rest. Bed rest SUCKS!  God bless the woman that do it more than a week and I wish that upon no one.  Our bags are packed and we are ready to go.


I want to thank a ton of people that have helped Josh, Ethan and I over the past week....
    Thanks to my Aunt Char for the calls and stopping by with lunch, my sisters for picking up Ethan's mess and helping disicpling him when I can't move and Kerri for the magazine and lasgana (we still haven't ate it because I am holding out for the perfect day).  Also a huge thank you to my parents.  My mom came over Tuesday morning and cleaned my house, did my laundry and motivated Josh to help too!!  They also have just stopped over numerous times to take Ethan out shopping and brought over lunch and dinner so many times.  Thank you for the numerous phone calls from my friends and family to check on me and to keep me occupied.  I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life. 

Broken Bones

I am not a good blogger but I haven't given up.  With a little (sarcasm inserted) push from my sister Kati and I am updating this evening.  The Flom's have had a very interesting month.  Let's back up 3 weeks shall we...

August 2nd:
I had an afternoon prenatal visit at 1:20 which was poor planning on my part since that was right during Ethan's nap time.  We ate lunch and headed to my mom and dad's house so Ethan could play and nap there while Josh and I ran to the appointment.  I got back to my parents house after 2:30 and heard Ethan crying.  I searched all over the house and found him with Auntie NeNe (Kortney) down in her room trying to still get him to nap.   I figured he had to be OVER TIRED since he was crying so hard... like mother like son... right?!?! :)  Well turns out that was probably part of the problem but there was another thing bothering him.

Before that he snuck away being the hurricane he is and got into the guest bedroom.  Ethan loves to climb on beds and jump on them so since no one was with him I can only imagine this is what he was doing.  (This one I am blaming dad for since he always lets Ethan jump in his crib- busted Josh).  Well before long everyone in the house heard a thunk and what did they find... Ethan between the bed and the wall.  Mom and Kortney checked him over and he seemed okay minus the fact he wouldn't stop crying. 

When I went down to see Ethan I brought him upstairs, looked him over myself and nothing stood out to me either so I rocked him and within minutes he was asleep and slept for over 3 hours!  So he's good right?  WRONG! 

THE NEXT DAY...
Ethan and I woke up and played around, I noticed he wasn't using his right arm like he usually does.  Then I took his arm to change him and he screamed and screamed and screamed.  Okay he just doesn't want to take off his pajamas... I was imagining him not using his arm... I think.  We got Josh up and decided to run to Burnsville for some errands and lunch.  In the car he just let him arm hang and did everything left handed.  Again I am imaging this I think.  We went to lunch and sure enough he picked up his fork with his left hand and his right arm hung at his side.  Nope I am not imagining this.  A quick call to my mom and she says bring him in right away, his arm is broke.  No that can't be.  I have never broke a bone and neither has Josh.

Off to Urgent Care we go....
Ethan hates the doctor's office and he hates it even more now since the doctor grabbed his arm and started to adjust his elbow.  I told the doctor that it isn't his elbow, it is right above his wrist.  We get sent for xrays.  Good thing I am pregnant so I couldn't be the bad guy and have to hold him down for xrays... good work Josh :)  We head back to the doctor and what was that?  say it again?  I was right?  It wasn't his elbow... he broke his ulna and radius right above the wrist.

Ethan got a splint put on and then we had to go to an orthopedic the following week for a new splint that he got off yesterday.  Thanks Kati for going with Josh!!! 

It was a long 3 weeks with no baths, no water table and no swimming in his new pool that Nana and Papa Hoen got him just days after the break.  Ethan got to swim yesterday and so it is all good and the arm is healed and better than ever.

Kortney and Elias felt so bad that Ethan broke his arm since each of them thought the other was with him when this happened but we all know Ethan doesn't stop and I don't blame anyone... This broken arm didn't even stop him... see pictures below... rosey cheeks mean he was busy- helped fix the shed with dad and papa - even got to sit on papa's motorcycle (papa took him a ride on the scooter later).  He loves his papa's "momo"

Ethan 15 MonthAppointment & Lil Hoot #2 32 weeks

Ethan had his 15 month appointment last week and it was an adventure.  All previous appointments we have left feeling like our kid was an angel.   This appointment was very different.  Ethan was very naughty.  I think he screamed from the moment we walked into the room.  He swatted at the nurse and doctor whenever they came close and even got yelled at by the doctor for playing with an outlet.  We were those people in the room next door that frightened you but don't worry it wasn't the nurse or the doctor it was all Ethan just not wanting to be there. 

With all that happening we were still able to find out that he developmentally is right on track and we are doing well as parents!  Ethan is still in the top of his class for height and head so no surprises there.  Most people comment about how tall and skinny he is and I guess they got that right (thank god he didn't get his mom's height).

Weight: 24lbs 13oz  50th percentile
Height: 33inches  90th percentile
Head: 19.25   89th percentile

Ethan's favorite book right now is Bubbles Bubbles.  His nickname started out as Frank (from Everyone Loves Raymond) but since he has gotten a haircut it has more appropriately been renamed HURRICANE (thank you to Auntie Kati and Uncle Butter for some original nicknames).  My apologies if you stop over to my house and can't find my floor because of everything Ethan has destructed.  Sadly I can't deny that his nickname is more than fitting. 


32 Week Appointment
My appointment this week was an interesting one as well.  I have been retaining lots of water and my blood pressure in the morning and afternoon is right on but after work I am over 140/90.  They are keeping a close eye on me because they have also found protein in my urine.  What does this all mean?  They are trying to keep my from becoming preeclamptic (the extact reason why I was induced with Ethan).  The great news was that all my blood work has come back normal so no bedrest is needed for now.  I do have to start going in weekly though to get tests done and my water retention looked at.  Dr Jenkins promises me that this baby will be coming before 40 weeks and not later.

My measurements were of another concern at this appointment.  I am just over 32 weeks but when she measured me, she came up with 38cm so off to an ultrasound on Wednesday to make sure Lil Hoot #2 isn't getting too big.  This pregnancy has been exhausting but I can't wait to meet the baby.  I have a horrible sinus cold right now and just got over strep throat (who gets strep throat in the summer as an adult? I guess me).  Well enought of all this writing and let's get to some pictures... the first pictures are of Ethan at the cabing with his cousins (Josie, Elias, Madeline, Ava, Isabel, Caleb and Aubrey).  Then you will get a picutre of me... sorry not cute but remember I am not feeling good and then a few ultrasound pictures of Lil Hoot #2 (these are from the 20 week ultrasound)

Much Love,
Mama Hoot

Getting Back Into It

I tell myself everyday that I am going to get back into the habit of blogging but then another day comes and goes and I didn’t do it.  Today is a new day and I want to document the last 9 weeks of my pregnancy for sure.

Let’s catch up…We have Ethan’s 15 month appointment on Thursday (he will actually be 15 ½ months… oops we were a little late on getting him in).   I am guessing he is around 27 pounds and still tall with a big head J  Ethan started to walk at 11 months and has not stopped.  He climbs on everything and has become Mr. Independent.  This past weekend he has learned to scowl and boy is it a scowl.  Just say hi to him and he just might show you “the look.”  But no matter how loud he screams or how bad he tears apart the house I just can’t get enough of him.  

Our summer has been busy.  We moved to Shakopee, rented out our townhome, did some landscaping around our new home, planted a garden, had a garage sale, chased Ethan and grew a baby… well I should say, Josh has had a busy summer.  I mainly grew a baby but this pregnancy has been exhausting.  

We found out we were having another baby on January 2nd and couldn’t have been more excited.  Ethan was just 8 months old so we for sure convinced ourselves we could do this.  Now I am not so sure but what are ya gonna do?  During the first trimester I was tired but who wouldn’t be.  I wasn’t sick with this pregnancy unlike Ethan’s but I still lost a bunch of weight.  I also thought I would feel this baby sooner but it ended up being later.  Everything went very smoothly and I finally got to feel Lil Hoot #2 move the Thursday of my 22nd week.  Surprisingly, Josh felt the baby move the very next day.  It was exciting that we got to share that experience so close together.  The heartbeat has been consistently in the 154 range except for our first ultrasound when baby was 10 weeks and the heart rate was 170 and then at our last visit where the Lil Hoot #2 had a relaxed heart rate around 147.  At my 28 week appointment I was measuring at 30 weeks (not too bad).     

We didn’t find out the sex of Lil Hoot #2 so once again we will have a surprise… I am carrying low so I think it is a boy.  I had horrible water retention with Ethan and it is back again.  I think I will be resorting back to my pressure socks very soon.  I am very much looking forward to this baby’s arrival and can’t wait for Ethan to be a big brother.

I will update again after Ethan’s check up!... I promise.

Much love,
Mama Hoot

Not so Jenny, Not so Jumper

Among almost all of Ethan's things that we have borrowed from his dear cousin Isabel is a Jenny Jumper.  I remember putting Isabel in the jumper when she was Ethan's age and younger and she LOVED to jump around.  Unlike Isabel, Ethan has no idea what to do so he just hangs out.  I put him in the jumper when I shower and am getting ready in the bathroom.  I have tried to assist him in jumping but no he doesn't get it or it could be pure laziness... oh well!  So I attached a picture below to show you what he does in the "jumper."  I love this picture because there are a few things wrong with it.  1) it is pink and even though I love the shirts that say real men wear pink, I just don't think the floral is his look.  2) it looks like he has only 1 arm though I promise he has 2. And lastly 3) again he just doesn't get it but we love him anyways :)   Doesn't he look like he is having FUN!?!?!  To give Ethan a little credit, I did step out of the shower the other day and he was spinning himself in cricles.  It was kinda humerous because he looked as if he was going to puke.  Miss Isabel, we still appreciate you sharing all your fun toys with Ethan even if he doesn't use them like you did!!

5 months already...

Ethan is 5 months already this week! I can't say people didn't warn me that time would fly by but I jut didn't think it would fly that fast. Last Thursday we took Ethan to the horse races and he loved the people the noise and of course he loved being outside. I don't think we will go again tonight because Ethan and I had actually been there the last 2 weeks but tomorrow the 3 of us are going to go to the State Fair!!

Ethan has been such a good boy as always. I am wondering if some teeth are coming in because he is drooling like crazy AND chews on anything and everything he can. He loves when I put my finger on his gums and apply a little pressure ... stay tuned for teeth. I heard this past week that if we as adults went through the teething process we couldn't take the pain and most adults would take high doses of morphine as often as possible... so when Ethan starts to fuss, I won't get frustrated.

Here is a picture of Ethan being goofy 1 morning before Josh woke up. He thought he was pretty cool in his bandana.

Got It To Work!!!

Video

I took a video on my phone the other day of Ethan and I was so excited to share it but I can't figure out how to upload it. I am super bummed because I wanted you to hear and see something I love... Ethan giggling!!! It makes me smile and my heart melt every time I hear him do it. I can only wish him a lifetime of more laughs and joy. Oh, and more of those moments for me to witness.

My goal in life is to live everyday to its fullest potential for my family. To provide support, a full heart and to love my ownself so I can in turn love others. Ethan, I am so grateful to have you as my son and hope you realize someday what a simple smile does for another person.

Love you!

Back at it!

We had a fun week! Congrats to Monica and Duane for a beautiful wedding last Friday.
Ethan had a great time at his first wedding.

We have also been pretty busy working on ... well see the pictures below :)
Ethan tried green beans for the first time this week and you could probably say they are not his favorite. The night before Josh was hoping that Ethan would hate green beans so that we would never have to eat them as a family.... Josh's wish came true, well not 100% since we will still eat them as a family. I gave him a bite and he gagged and got the chills. I tried it again and it was a repeat- gag and chills. The third bit a just put on his lips becasue the 3rd time is a charm, right? Wrong! He spit them all over me. We were done with green beans for the day. Now I hide them in sweet potatoes and Ethan has now ate a whole container of green beans.


Since dad has to work tonight Ethan and I are going to hit up the races!!! Wish us luck!


Enjoy!

Yes the bottom right hand corner is a picture of Ethan's feet because he tipped over when I snapped the picture- had to add it! He is okay just a little scared since it was quite a fall.

4 Months

Okay I lied! 
I am not good at blogging.
I am going to try to get better.
Thursday nights are my goal.
I will be honest... next Thursday won't happen.
I will be out of town. 

I am starting new now at 4 months.

Last Monday we went to Ethan's 4 month check up.  The nurse came in and look at Ethan and looked at his chart and was shocked to see we were only in for his 4 month check up.  "I thought he was here for his 6 month check up, are you sure he is only 4 months?" said the nurse.  Yes we have a healthy healthy baby.

At 4 months Ethan is wearing some 6 month clothes but the 9 month seem to fit a little better.  He is tall like his dad and loving life.

Stats:
Weight:  16lbs 11oz  (90th percentile)
Height: 26 1/2" (94th percentile)
Head:  17 1/4" (90th percentile)

Ethan has been changing a ton.  Right now he has mastered rolling from his back to his belly but has NO interest in then rolling from his belly to back. He is working on sitting up by himself and sits in his highchair like a rockstar. 

Last Monday Josh started to feed him cereal, we had a little bit of a mess but each day gets better.  Today I gave him his first taste of a vegetable and we decided on SQUASH.  Ethan ate it all up and ended the last bite with a bunch of giggles.  I guess we will have more tomorrow!

Alright... here is a link to his 3 1/2 month pictures that Kerri did for us!  (She did a great job so look her up for all your photography needs!) 
http://khoen.smugmug.com/Other/Ethan-3-months/17984421_Msrk7R#1377580795_jWfzB4s

And here are some other pictures Josh and I have taken...

0 Months Old

The first week with Ethan home was quite an adjustment but we can't complain... Ethan is an amazing sleeper... just like his dad!  It killed me to have to wake him up to feed him though so I was determined to get him back up to his birth weight as quick as possible.  (as soon as they hit their birth weight there is no need to wake them during the night to feed as long as you can get 6 feedings in during the day). 

As determined as I was it was quite the struggle.  I was nursing Ethan and my body wasn't quite as ready as he was so we made many visits to the Lacatation Consultant... Kris Beuch... you are amazing!!!  After days of tears and lots of work my milk came in and I was able to get Ethan not only back to his birth weight but over it! 

Ethan is such a good baby and there wasn't a day that went by that I didn't look into his eyes and cry because I felt like I was the luckiest mom alive.  (Yes Butter I was able to look into his eyes- for those of you who don't know... many people but mainly my brother-in-law, Butter, didn't think Ethan had eyes because whenever we would go visit he would be sleeping).  Like I said, he is a great sleeper like his dad.

Enjoy some more of our photos below...

No I Am Not Still 37 Weeks Pregnant!

 

I am trying to get back into the swing of things and after a weekend in Chicago for a wedding and Ethan at the cabin I think I am finally into a groove and going to try to get back on this blog train.  So in the next week I am going to try to get you updated on my last 10 weeks since yes Ethan is 10 weeks today!!!

March 20, 2011:  I went to work today thinking it was going to be like any other day at work… wrong!  Today I was more swollen than I had ever been and a co-worker of mine, Mia, told me that she would not let me continue to work because she thought I was putting myself and baby at risk.  I kinda laughed at her and called my mom who agreed that if I was more swollen than I had been I needed to leave work.  I wrapped my things and called Josh and told him to call the hotline number and tell them what was going on and get their opinion.  I walked in the door and Josh said they told him to bring me in.  I didn’t really believe it so I called myself and sure enough they told me to get to the ER ASAP.  So I decided to take a bath and relax and attempt to shave (attempt is the key word).  I ate some rice and drank some water and then decided we could go.  I was rushed to labor and delivery where they took my vitals.  Yep something was wrong.  My blood pressure was around 150/90 and there was protein in my urine… I had pre-eclampsia.  TIME TO INDUCE!  Overnight I was feeling better but my contractions started and they were 4-5 minutes apart… I got no sleep.

March 21, 2011:  This morning the nurse came in and said that since my blood pressure was starting to go down they would probably not give me the pitocin and send me home…. WHAT!!!! OH HECK NO I WAS NOT GOING HOME!!!!  She checked me again and I wasn’t dilated much more than 3 still so she said she would be back shortly to check my blood pressure 1 more time.  She came back and my blood pressure was back up and…… my water broke!!!!!  I was not going home!!  Around dinner time I was ready to start pushing.  Thank god for my mom and Josh in the room I would not have been able to do that alone.  Grab my legs??? Yeah right!  More like Mom and Josh grab my legs!  I pushed for over 2 and a half hours until the doctor came back in and said I was going to need even a little more help. So he pulled out some forceps… yeeks!  With a few more pushes and some forceps my little cone headed baby was born at 9:19pm.

Ethan Arlen Flom (our Lil Hoot) was 8 lbs 6 oz 21 inches long and healthy as can be!

Thank god for: Josh, my Mom, epidurals, the button to give me more medicine, forceps, the St Francis nurses, Dr Druckman, our family that so patiently waited in the waiting room and for my little bundle of joy Ethan Arlen Flom!!! 

                            

37 Week Update

Stats from my appointment today...

Heartbeat: 140 bpm
Movement: Lots of moving of the butt back and forth from baby (I think "I Like To Move It Move It" from Madagascar is playing in there)
Weight Gain: I have slowed down again and gained 1 pound
Swelling:  See picture below. Not so hot!
Protein Test:  Checked for preeclampsia again and everything came back normal!!
Belly: Measuring 40.

Dilation:  1 cm !!!!!  Yay!
Effacement:  50%  Whoot Whoot!
Baby is head down still and ready to go. 

My doctor is on call tonight and Wednesday!  Crossing my fingers I can see her before she heads out on vacation on Friday.  She is still predicting a large baby but won't do anything more to trigger labor... still waiting!

Here are a few pictures of what I am looking like....

Say some prayers that Lil Hoot comes soon!

Much love!

Mama Hoot

Quick Update!

We had our 36 week appointment today and this appointment was a little different than all the rest.  The doctor now starts to check dialation and we went over the results of the ultrasound. 

Lil Hoot is a big baby... we heard that a few times today.  Lil Hoot is currently in the 89th percentile for weight and the head is the measuring to be the largest part of the baby at this point (I close my eyes and say a few prayers... please join me).

My doctor will not change my due date but hopes that I have this baby sometime by next week.  Originally she was hoping for a baby at 38 weeks but now she would be ready for the baby at 37 weeks and I am with her on that.  Today I am measuring at 39cm and have gained a good amount of weight but nothing to be concerned with... I am carrying a large baby. 

So am I dialated?  Nope not yet but who knows maybe her checking me today triggered something.  Fingers crossed! 

I just want to quick throw out a huge thank you to many friends and family for a beautiful shower this weekend.  I will blog about that as well but the doctor said I was looking quite pale today so I am instructed to get some sleep... off to lay down!

Much Love,
Mama Hoot

35 Week Ultrasound

9o'clock am we were called into the Diagnostics room at St Francis to get a look at our Lil Hoot and it was just as exciting as it was at 20 weeks!! 

Lil Hoot is head down, rump up and looking like he/she is ready to come out and play.   With one hand by the face (looking for food or something) and the other hand holding its foot and rocking it back and forth I think Lil Hoot is ready to come out and play. The heart was beating at 128bpm which is the slowest it has been but baby seemed to be extremely calm and content today.  I think Lil Hoot is a little camera shy because normally he/she is moving like crazy until the ultrasound equipment comes out. 

Let's see what else did you all want to know... oh yes that's right you wanted to know maybe the weight and even possible due date.  Now just so you know this information is normally suppose to be sent to the Dr and then delivered to us but our Tech is amazing and lets us know exactly what she thinks (love her!!).  So here it is... Lil Hoot is approximately 6 lbs 15 oz !!!  1 oz away from 7 lbs!!!  The "average" baby at this point would be 5 lbs 2 oz so that lead the Technician to tell me that I am wrong on my dates.  She said there is no way this baby is due on April 1st but that with these measurements she would predict a due date of at least 2 weeks sooner.  I guess that puts Lil Hoot due on my Mom's birthday of March 18th!  

We go to the see our doctor next Monday and learn more about what our expectations will be through the rest of the pregnancy.  Monday I will also be checked to see if I am dialated and where we are at in the effacement process.  So for now we will still stick with being 35 weeks.  But know that this baby can come anyday!

Congrats Kelly on being the closest on the guessing game!!

Much love,
Mama Hoot

Here is a picture of Lil Hoot's face from today.  Hard to see since the baby was under my pelvic/hip bone and had a fist to the mouth.  But I can see some chubby cheeks... better lay off the candy bars now and go back to apples.

38 Weeks... Oh wait we were only 34!

On Monday I had another doctor's appointment and this one was a little more exciting (well I am not sure if exciting is the right word).  See here is how it went...

I gained weight again!  Yippee!!!  Looking at my feet though it just looked like I packed on a few more pounds of water ... or is it?  My blood pressure was good and Lil Hoot's heartrate was back up at 140bpm.  Since I had a sudden onset of water retention the doctor did run a protein test just to rule out preeclampsia which all came back normal. 

So what was so exciting??

Well...  at my last appointment I was measuring at 34cm and this appointment (only 2 weeks later) I am now measuring at 38cm!  As the doctor read the measurement outload I looked over and saw Josh lose all color in his face... I am sure mine looked the same too.  38cm!  WOW! 

The doctor pushed on the baby a little bit and you could tell she was processing the measurement as well.  So, we are scheduled for another ultrasound on Monday.  Our doctor wants and updated due date and a better estimate of how BIG this baby is.  Sounds like this baby might not make it to its April 1st due date.

I called my mom after the appointment and there was no surprise from her since she had 5 VERY healthy babies of her own... I guess not only do I look like my mom but I will follow in her footsteps as well. 

So, let's play a little game... below you can post a comment and lets post how big you think this baby is going to be this coming Monday...  (not when the baby is born but how big you think this baby is now). 

Much Love,
Mama Hoot

32 Week Appointment

Monday we had another Doctor’s appointment and we are now down go every 2 weeks!!  The appointment was like all the others where it starts off with weight and blood pressure by our energetic nurse Angie followed by a few minutes of waiting for Dr Jenkins.  Dr Jenkins asks a few questions, answers a few questions and then it is off to measure my belly and listen for the heartbeat. 

This week I gained 6 pounds.  I almost got a high five from Dr Jenkins- she was quite excited… until a little later in the appointment when she pulled up my pant legs and noticed the weight gain was all due to water!  Not so happy for me anymore.  She tells me to keep eating.  If I eat anymore I am going to have to take a pin to pop my stomach but Dr’s orders so I will keep trying.

My belly was measuring at 34cm which is still 2cm above average.  The baby’s heartbeat was at 130bpm.  That was definitely the slowest it has been.  Nothing to worrying about though- seemed as if Lil Hoot was just taking a little nap and was feeling calm.

Dr Jenkins has her fingers crossed for me to go around 38 weeks.  She is not moving my due date and not promising anything she just thinks that is a good time to have the child J  She also let us know that they don’t stop labor after 36 weeks so have my bags packed.  My eyes filled with water at that point… for some reason it became very real for me in that moment… HOLY COW WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A BABY!  Daddy Hoot laughed at me since he said it has been real for him the moment I peed on the stick! 

Next appointment is on Kortney’s birthday…. February 21st.

Much Love,
Mama Hoot

Thank You!

I feel awful that I haven’t posted lately but my body has been EXHAUSTED. If I am not working I am in bed sleeping and that is not a lie. When someone tells you to get as much done in your second trimester that you can… they aren’t lying because the energy is gone. But on to something much more positive…

A couple of weeks ago 2 of my dear college girlfriends through me a shower. Thank you Katie and Grace for all you put into that Saturday morning. I had a blast and it was so nice to be surrounded by so many of my friends, and some of their moms along with a few people from my family as well. I even had a visitor come from Omaha, Nebraska… Thanks Sue!!! We had a great time playing bowling for bottles and pregnancy trivia- the trivia questions were half about me and this blog and the other half were general questions about pregnancy. I have to say I didn’t do too bad :)

After the shower I only had a few minutes before having to head off to work but the next morning I was really able to take everything out of its boxes and get it put away in the baby room. I can’t thank those of you who showered me with gifts enough… I am feeling more and more ready for this baby and the room is really coming together! Below are pictures from the shower. You are all so amazing!!! I feel so blessed to have so many great friends and family in my life.

Much Love,
Mama Hoot