Happy Birthday Danny!!

Happy birthday to my great husband Dan, who turns the big 30 today! Here's a sweet picture of him spending time with Finn. I hope you have a wonderful b-day. I love you!

my sweet boy finn.......

Beautiful day!

It's gorgeous here today. It's pretty cold, the high is only 50 and for us that's quite chilly here. When I looked out the front door this morning, this is what I saw...

Isn't it pretty? I couldn't resist taking a picture of it.

So, me and Finn went for a short walk today. I made sure and bundled him up good since it's cold and breezy. He was probably like, "What the heck are you doing to me?" He really is a good baby and only fusses when the bottles not in his mouth fast enough and when he get's a diaper change. I don't blame him, I wouldn't like that either. We're just enjoying being home and relaxing. I nap when he naps, which is the advice everyone gave me.

I hope everyone's enjoying the holiday season and remember to slow down and remember the reason for the season. Having a baby this time of year is a good reminder of the baby Jesus being born. Don't get caught up in everything commercial, this has been a good reminder for myself being home and not out and about. Merry Christmas!

I'm in love with.......

my baby boy's feet! They are the cutest things I've ever seen and I just love to hold him and rub them. Isn't baby soft skin the greatest? I wish our skin stayed that way. Lucky for us, it's very warm down here in FL and I've been able to sit out back on the patio and feed him and rock him in the glider. Weather wise it's been a perfect 1st week to be home. We went for a walk on Wed and he slept through the whole thing, so that was good. Besides him wanting to eat EVERY hour last night things are going well. A friend just told me that she thought they cluster fed around the age of 10 days or so, so if that's true then that makes since. So, I'm going on maybe 2 hrs of sleep today. I've never known sleep deprivation until now. Dan's going to help me tonight though since it's the weekend. YAY! I might get a few more hours tonight.

Here's the little guy getting ready for his 1st walk! He's just too cute, I could eat him up... :)

Finn is here!

Hey everyone! I'm just now getting around to posting this and I still don't even feel like doing it now. Too sleepy.......But, since I'm just sitting here pumping my breasts, I've got time to kill. :) First things 1st, Finn arrived on Dec. 8 at 5:28 pm weighing in at 7 lbs even. He's a small little guy. I was expecting this huge baby to come out guess. The delivery was ok, I was actually fully dilated and pushing when his heart rate kept dropping and he decided to turn sideways and they had to do an emergency c-section. That sucked! All that waiting and then to have to have a c-section, and I was dilated and ready to deliver. I guess the baby had other plans. The good news is that everything turned out alright and he arrived safe and sound. I was supposed to come home on Thur but my blood pressure was acting up and they wanted to keep me another night. While we were in the hospital also, Finn kept losing weight. I'm trying to breast feed and I guess he wasn't getting enough, he dropped down to 6 lb 4 oz and he stopped latching on. We ended up having to supplement formula so he wouldn't lose any more weight. Since then, he won't latch on. He knows what to do and will suck a few times and then he screams holy murder. This is very stressful and going on the 5th day now. So, I'm pumping and we're giving him a combination of breast milk and formula. I really wanted to breast feed, but now....I'm not so sure. I was hoping to nap when he napped and this isn't working out with having to feel him and then go pump everytime. Dan doesn't get anytime of from his job since he's on probation and it's just really tiring and hard. I also am on a ton of medicine for my high blood pressure and I don't like the way it makes me feel. It doesn't work very well and my pressure goes up and down. It would be nice to get back on a single dose of med again and get it under control. I can't do that if I'm breast feeding. Anyways, I have a lot to think about and consider. I don't want to give up and I hate that I feel like I am giving up. I know formula is fine for the baby, it's just hard to admit that maybe my body can't do something for the little one.
Here's a few pics of the baby. I'll be sure to post more pics and write more soon. I know everyone knows how I feel about being just a tad overwhelmed. :) But, it's totally worth every bit of it, isn't it?

bed rest.......

Ok, so here's the excitement that's been going on here. Sunday all day I could tell my blood pressure was up. I was cranky and my fingers were swollen and I've had HBP for long enough now to know when it's up so I checked it. IT was up. I took my medicine. I checked it 2 hrs later, it was still up so I called the Dr's office. I talked to the nurse who then called the dr on call and then called back to tell us to come on into the hospital. We got there around 9 sunday night and i ended up staying till this morning. My pressure still wouldn't go down Sun so that's why they decided to keep me overnight and do BP checks and a 24 hr urine collection to check for protein. So, needless to say, everything came back good. My BP is still going up a little but for the most part is good. I'm on bedrest until Monday morning when we'll go in and I will get induced. The dr also checked me this morning and I am dilated 1 1/2 cm so far so that's encouraging too. Maybe he won't wait on the induction and decide he wants to come before that. I guess we will just wait around and see. I'm glad to be home but it will be very hard for me to do this whole bed rest thing. My parents are going to come on down either Thursday or Fri and stay till next Fri so that will be a big help.

Just wanted to let everyone know what is happening here. They'll be a baby here before we know it! It still hasn't hit me yet, even while I just spent 2 nights in the hospital. As soon as those labor pains hit though I'm sure I'll realize that this is all very real. I am excited, just hasn't felt real to me yet. Is this wierd?

family time

Saturday we got to spend time with Dan's family. His brother and his wife and their baby are here visiting so we all got to be together. This is our niece Elizabeth. Isn't she cute? She's 5 months old now and soon will have a little cousin to play with. Anyways, we had a nice day just relaxing and hanging around the house. In the pic below you can see the belly. I'm 37 weeks now, so my bag is packed and in the car. I'm feeling really good. I definately need my 2 days on the weekend though to rest up for the next work week. I plan on working up until so hopefully I will continue to feel as good as I feel. I've been so fortunate! I'll keep everyone updated on any baby news. This week I go to the dr tomorrow and then again on Wed to the high risk group since Thursday is Thanksgiving. Which I can't wait for! I guess Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, just something about it that seems so special.
Here's Dan getting his practice in for our own baby.

maybe we all can win!

beautiful day!

It's a beautiful day here today. We had a cold front come through yesterday and now it's gorgeous outside! This morning I've already swept the house out and mopped all the floors and washed all the rug's. The house is clean, the laundry is done and I'm enjoying a good cup of coffee. Yay! And then this afternoon we're heading downtown to the Jaguar/Titan's game. Dan doesn't think I should go, that I'm too pregnant, but I'm going. I can be a bit stubborn most of the time. I'm feeling good though, so why not go? We're riding the buses there and they drop you off right at the gates so I won't be doing too much walking. I just hope once we get to our seats, which are close to the field, I won't have to go to the bathroom a million times. Too many steps to walk up. Anyways, it's gonna be a great day and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it. I hope everyone else has a great day too!

belly pics

YAY! The babies room is finally complete. With the help of my parent's and the fact that I found a changing table yesterday we were able to get everything done. The room is so cute! This kid has everything he needs now and more. He can come anytime now and I'm ready. :) At least his room is ready. :) I'm still not sure about the me part. Anyways, we all went to church this morning and I got my dad to take a few pics of me and Dan. They didn't turn out very well but I'll post them anyways. I looked particularly huge today as well. Some days I do, some days I don't. Here's the church photos. I'll post the baby room pics later, I suddenly got very sleepy.

getting caught up.....

At my Dr's appt on Thursday I learned that this little boy is going to be not so little. He already weighs 6 lbs 1 oz! I was shocked, I about fell off the table when they told me. I was expecting around 5 lbs or so, so I was a little surprised. He's measuring a week ahead of schedule as far as size. So as of tomorrow I'll be 35 weeks, so if he's measuring ahead that would be a good thing for me! He's in the 77th percentile for his size. He's completely normal and perfect though. My blood pressure has never been better. I swear, the farther along I get the better my blood pressure get's. It's great! My only complaint, STILL, is this stinking heartburn. I hate it! I get it for no good reason and it's terrible. Pepcid is my new best friend. :) And ice cream, it feel's so good on my throat. At least, that's my excuse to eat it every day. I'll be posting some pics from this weekend later b/c my parent's are here visiting one last time before baby so we'll be taking some. I hope everyone has a great weekend!

more baby shower pictures

So, last Monday the girl's at work had a baby shower for me. We had it right after work at a Ruby Tuesday's nearby. I got a TON of stuff! This baby has more than he needs right now. Not that I'm complaining...... :) Everyone's generosity has been so overwhelming. Thank goodness my parent's are here this weekend so they can help me organize the baby room. This morning we're going yard saleing(is that spelled right?) and hopefully I'll find a changing table. That's the only big thing left that I need. I'll have to post some pics later once the babies room is complete. Anyways, here are a few pics from the shower. Enjoy!

Here's the beautiful burp clothes Charlotte made for me.

Leigh made this, isn't it great?! I love it!

My pak n play!

Diane, me, Susan and Barbettie

Group Shot

baby it's cold outside!

It's supposed to get down in the low 30's tonight. Can you believe it? Dan stopped on his way home from work and got some logs for the fireplace. What could be more perfect then having a fire, a good cup of coffee and a movie? Nothing! I've had the best evening! I've had my shower and now I think I'm going to make the night even better and go to bed early. Stay warm tonight!!

baby room pics

ultrasound pictures

I had a good report at the dr's office today. Everything looks good and you could actually see the babies hair in the ultrasound. The sonographer said that was really unusual to see that, so I guess he's going to have a head full of hair. I guess the old wives tale of heart burn and babies hair is true for me. :) Here's a few pics for you to see. His foot is sticking straight up in the air in one and in another you can see his face looking at you. It's so crazy what you can see!

my husband.......

So, today Dan got pulled over after he got off of work. First off, Dan is like Safety Sam when it comes to driving, always going the speed limit, never driving crazy and just over all he's a safe driver. Unlike me....... He wasn't paying attention and once he figured out he was in a school zone he slammed on the brakes but it was too late. He saw the red lights behind him and knew he was in trouble. Since he works for the city now he's been told if he ever gets pulled over just tell them that he works for the motor pool and he'd get out of it. Anyways, the officer approached the car and started saying something to Dan and then looked down at his uniform and saw the word's "Fleet Management". Well, the dude stopped mid sentence and said "Drive safely and have a nice day." He just turned around and walked away. Too funny! I guess working for the city if good for something, huh? He's just still so stunned that he actually got pulled over. I personally think it's hilarious b/c he is always fussing about my driving. HA! Not anymore. Way to go Dan! Way to get out of the ticket! Lucky boy! Pay attention next time!

Race for the Cure

So last Saturday me & some of the girl's from work did the Susan B.Komen Race for the Cure breast cancer walk. This was my 3rd yr doing it so far. The first yr was me & my friend Ellen who was going through chemo at the time and walked with her bald head exposed. What a big step that was for her! The next year we had about 6 girls walking and this yr there were 15 of us that signed up, but actually 9 of us that walked. I really enjoy doing this every yr and am happy that it's a new tradition for the girls at work. I thought I might have issues walking the 3 miles being 32 weeks prego, but I had no problems at all. Have I mentioned that I'm so blessed to have had an easy pregnancy? Here are a few pics of the girls and I. I walked for my friend Ellen who is a survivor and for my grandmother, who died of breast cancer many yrs ago. May we one day find a cure!

MADD

Tonight we were invited to a dinner held by MADD, Mother's Against Drunk Drivers. Once a year they have a banquet where they recognize police officer's in northeast FL for their involvement in DUI cases. Dan's sister was killed by a drunk driver 8 yrs ago and since then his mother has worked with MADD as a victim's advocate. We got to hear her speak tonight and another detective who lost his daughter also 2 yrs ago. It was an honor to be there and to hear his mother speak about his sister Michele. It makes me sad especially at this time with my sister-in-law just having a baby and myself getting ready to have one. She was a great person & would have been the best aunt and it makes me sad she's not here to enjoy all this with us. One day though.....we will meet again.

Here is a pic of the officer's recognized tonight.

And here's a pic of myself and Dan with his parent's.

baby update

My dr's appt today went well. The baby is 3 lbs 13 oz and has a big head! I can't say I'm surprised with that one. I had a HUGE head as a baby. He also has long arms & legs, so I think he'll be a tall one. No surprise there either. :) They said he was in the 51% for his weight so we're right on track. My blood pressure was good & he was happy with the readings that I take here at home. So now starting on Monday I'll be going to be regular OB every Mon for monitoring and then every Thursday I'll be going to the high risk group for more monitoring & an ultrasound. My due date is Dec 15 & I was making all my appt's up till then with the receptionist and we got to Dec 4 and she said "When's your due date?" I told her, then she said "Are you on meds?" I told her yes and she said "Oh, well we probably won't even be seeing you on the 4th then." Meaning that I will probably be induced and go early, which I would LOVE! I can only hope! I'm so happy that everything is going well with the baby & me. Work has been stressful this entire pregnany and it hasn't been getting any better. I only wish that we had more fun at work and enjoyed ourselves the way we used to. It is making the time fly by though. I'll try to scan an ultrsound pic this weekend, I'm not too good with that thing. No promises though!

birthing class

So, last night was the 1st night of child birthing classes. We signed up for the shorter version, which is 3 Monday nights from 7-9:30. That didn't sound bad until yesterday when we were both dog tired and didn't feel like going. We did make it, late and all. Soo embarrassing. We had to sit on the front row since we were late, but oh well. I had to laugh to myself while sitting there. I never pictured myself, let alone Dan, sitting in this type of class listening to the things this lady was saying about our bodies. I think he actually enjoyed it. I know he'll never admit it though. It's good for the guys to hear though what we're going through from someone else. I just couldn't help but laugh to myself watching him sitting there listening. :) At the end of the class, we got to watch a movie! A child birthing movie! One where they deliver the placenta & all! Gross! I know I work in surgery and see some nasty stuff, but I know I DO NOT want to see that come out of me. Yuck. No wonder my stomach feels so heavy.

I weighed myself today. I'd actually lost a lb or 2. Right now I've gained 19 lbs which I am totally happy with being almot 32 weeks. It's all right on my belly too, which isn't much fun. And the stretch marks are starting to show. I know the cocoa butter doesn't really work, but trust me, I'm trying.

Oh well, off to get my shower and then to catch a little Dancing with the Stars if I can stay up. Good night!

last couple of days....

So, the last couple of days I've been pretty pooped out. I've yet to make it home right from work. Monday I had to work late, yesterday I had errands to run. I worked late again today... Get the picture? Dan's been soooo good about helping around the house and especially cooking. I'm going to miss him when he goes to the 3-11 shift. I'm not looking forward to it! Like tonight, we're sitting at the dining room table across from each other both working on your laptops. I'll hardly see him anymore after Jan. and it's going to be hard to adjust to a new baby and a new schedule with his work.

Speaking of the baby, this boy's getting big!! Holy cow!! My belly feels like it weighs a ton and it's not so easy to move around fast anymore. It's getting harder and harder to turn over in the bed too. :) I hope to find a good position and stay there most of the night. Until I have to get up to go to the bathroom..... My pregnancy has been so easy so I hate to complaining. But, it is getting closer to the end and I can definately tell. :)

This weekend we're going to look at carpet and get prices. We have someone coming out tomorrow to give us an estimate for our bedroom. This is pretty much the last big project we have to do before the baby comes. It's just replacing the carpet in one bedroom, but I've been wanting this for so long! Hopefully, the prices will all be just right and we can get it done soon. The only thing left after that is painting the guest bathroom. It's a tiny room so that won't be a big deal. I think I'll have my dad help me with that one.

Well, I'm off to bed early tonight. I've got to for my sanity. I'm so pooped I could just lay my head down right here and sleep. Lack of energy is one thing I hate! I hope I get a good night's sleep tonight. Good night!

baby shower pics!!

So here are some pics from my baby shower last weekend in Madison. I was so happy to see everyone! I had a great time & I really appreciate everyone coming.

Here's Laura, me and Tammy

my grandmother

My dad!

My niece Bridgett

Gaylene, me & Mom

Rebecca & I

baby room pictures....

So, this kid has more stuff and I KNOW more outfit's than I do! It's crazy! Everyone has been so nice and has given us so much stuff that we needed. You'll never know how grateful I am. We've been given a swing, a bathtub, a pack n play, a car seat, a breast pump(thank's Kel!), clothes, blankets, and sooo much more. My mind is drawing a blank right now of course. My friends Kristy's little boy is 3 month's old and she gave me a TON of onesies and sleeper's. My friend Michelle gave me a TON of socks and onesies for around 9-12 months. Nothing is cuter than little tiny baby socks. I could just look at them all day... Carla gave me toy's, a pack n play and lot's of clothes for when he's older, which will be a HUGE help then. I can't keep going, there's so much to be thankful for. This child is one blessed little boy! Thank you everyone!!!!