The Stewart Family's Newest Addition...

I can't find her 10 month pic...

2010-04-30T10:17:00.000-07:00

at the moment...but here is 11 months. Sorry - I am not a good blogger. :( I hope to remember to post pics from her first birthday!!

It's amazing how smart Katelyn is. She surprises us daily. She has been walking since just before she turned 10 months. She is ALL OVER the place. She's gotten a few boo boos, which hurt me more than her. I can't stand it. lol. She loves to be read to, and watch her "Your baby can read" videos. She loves flash cards and can point to her head, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, tongue, belly button, toes, feet, etc. She can hold up one finger now that we've started telling her she is going to be turning one. It's crazy!

She's such a blessing!!

Late again, but better late than never right? 9 month pic...

2010-03-08T09:52:00.000-08:00

There is no sign this time...because getting to her to sit still is quite the accomplishment in itself. I have pictures from the 8th month photo session of her eating the sign. lol!

I'm a horrible blogger...

2010-02-10T09:52:00.001-08:00

Here is Katelyn's 8 month pic. We took this at Westgate Resort in the Smoky Mountains during our vacation to Tennessee. I have lots of pics from the trip (of course) but don't have time (of course) to upload them all.

I haven't posted on Facebook in a while either.

I know. We are all busy. I am busy, busy, busy chasing an 8 month old that thinks she can walk already. It's exhausting. ha ha. But she is amazing and growing way to fast. The girl is in 12 month clothes already. She's TALL!

There is too much to post and not enough time to post it all, so I'll end this one for now.

I hope to do better, but we'll see...

Two pics to share...

2009-11-19T09:40:00.001-08:00

First, a cheesey grin...she was hammin' it up after she woke up from a nap...

And this morning, very, very early getting ready to leave for mommy's dentist appointment...

WHAT'S UP PEOPLE?

Sorry for the lapse in updates...

2009-11-17T13:43:00.000-08:00

I do have pics, but the new camera was reformatted and now my pics aren't compatible with blogger or my photo storage site. :( I'm having Shawn work on that so I can post pics from the baby dedication this past Sunday. It was amazing and beautiful. We love our pastor!! (And so does Katelyn, wait until you see the pics!)

We got shots afterward at the park with all of the family - they are so nice (a little on the shady side, but still nice for an inexperienced photographer type such as myself with my new camera - lol).

Katelyn is now breaking in her first tooth. She doing great! A little fussy, but not too bad considering. It is almost impossible to get a pic...she pushes her tongue out and it covers the tooth on the bottom, but I'll keep trying - ha ha!

She is also now sitting up by herself for quite a bit before she plops over. It's awesome!

And...she is starting to try to crawl. She can get up on her knees and arms, but she doesn't quite know where to go from there. She does the "froggy bounce" but doesn't move forward...unless she plops forward like a belly flop. It's so cute...and she tries so hard! It will come sooner than we expect, I'm sure!

I can't believe she's almost mobile (aside from the rolling all over the place) - - time to invest in some baby-proofing products ASAP!!

I can't wait to share pics!

P.S. She'll be 6 months old over the Thanksgiving holidays! WOW!! I'll post stats from her 6 month appointment on 11/25. She's getting big!!

Pics from the weekend and last week...

2009-11-09T09:16:00.001-08:00

We got a new camera this past week and I LOVE IT! It takes amazingly clearly pics and Lord knows I needed help in that area. We tried a few filters and are still learnings the lenses but overall, I think the pics are pretty good (I see a little fuzz on some of these though...so I hope I can figure it all out.)

A comparison...

2009-11-04T09:20:00.001-08:00

Three months...

Five months...

Where has all the hair gone? lol!

Pics to share...

2009-11-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

after bath, hanging out on mom & dad's bed...

trying to take mommy's camera...
playing in a "new to her" jumparoo given to us by The May Family (thank you Mays, I love it!)....

especially the butterlfy...

Some light reading in the bath tub...

Elmo likes to get clean too...

Shiny happy baby...

23 weeks...

2009-11-04T09:10:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it has been 23 weeks since Katelyn was born. Time is flying!! She is growing like crazy, long and tall; she is sleeping through the night (9 to 10 hours - woo hoo); she is eating veggies and cereal; she is rolling all over and starting to try to crawl; she is babbling up a storm (can't imagine where she'd get that); and, overall, just entertaining us! lol! She is amazing and happy and we are loving every minute!

I will post some pics now...and hopefully, if we get a new camera for Christmas ::prays hard:: we will be posting pics in the future that are no longer blurry!! YAY!!

Katelyn's First Halloween 10 2009

2009-10-30T05:37:00.001-07:00

Daddy picked out the costume...

Happy Halloween Everybunny!!

5 months already...

2009-10-28T09:03:00.001-07:00

This month's pics are in our hula girl baby gap pajamas courtesy of a gift card from our work baby shower. Katelyn is sleepy in the morning but always smiles and laughs soon after she wakes up. She's such a happy baby!! We didn't get any other pics yesterday, just the morning pics in our pj's...so cute...

What a ham...

posing already! lol!

She's getting so big!!

More pumpkin patch photos...

2009-10-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Sneak peek...

2009-10-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peek from our photo session at the pumpkin patch this past weekend from Andrea...
AWESOME RIGHT?!

So stinkin' cute!! More pics to come!

(I have been slacking, and I have a lot more photos to share, but I'll try to get those up soon!)

4 MONTH PICS!

2009-09-29T13:29:00.001-07:00

We're at the stage now, where it's getting increasingly hard to get Katelyn to sit still for her monthly pics and to get her to smile for them. :( At least her mommy thinks she looks cute in her little outfits! ha ha! She does know when the camera comes out, I'll say that. So here was our attempts at 4 month shots...

"What do you mean my foot's in the way?"
"Okay, I'm sitting up now. And time for a wardrobe change."

"Fine, here's the sign see...ta dah!"

"Look, I'm Charlie the bear...arms out!"

"I'll smile for ya'...here...aren't I cute."

"See the pink flower on my dress mom?"

"Now, I'm really over this, I'm getting up."

"Ooooooooo baby doll!"

"My baby."

"See, the sign says 4 months."

I have more pics to post - those will be posted soon!

At her 4 month appointment yesterday she weighed 18 lbs. 4 oz. and is 27 inches long!! She's gonna be tall like her mommy & daddy! She's in the 95th percentile and doing well. Her shots went as expected - but she was great, we fed her a bottle when the ordeal ended and she was very content to be held and have it all over with. (Grandma G cried again.)

We're starting to feed her rice cereal from a spoon now and not just put it in her bottle at night. Yay for that milestone. Veggies & good stuff to come!!

She recently slept through the night again, but more often than not she's still getting up at least once in the middle of the night. Not bad though - - that will eventually go away and she'll let her mommy & daddy get a full night's sleep once again. Maybe. Maybe not until she's moved out of the house. ha ha!

17 weeks pics, and a few more...

2009-09-24T13:34:00.000-07:00

I'm finding it's increasingly hard to get a non-blurry pic, because Katelyn is a squirmer!!

Here she's attempting to sit-up during the photo shoot...

"What Mom? I'm a mover and a shaker!"

I am 17 weeks old as of Wednesday 09 23 2009...

And I am one happy baby!!

Taken today...in her new "Baby Gap" onesie...again trying to sit up...

and grabbing for her toes!

She rolls from back to belly often now, and plays with her toes, and tries to eat her hands off. She's a serious drooler, but no teeth yet. She's growing so fast! She'll officially be 4 months old on Sunday, September 27th.

I'm not looking forward to her 4 month appointment on the 28th. More shots. :( But I will be interested to see how long (tall) she is and how much she now weighs!! Her awesome chunky thighs are so incredibly adorable and I want to "nom-nom-nom" on them all the time!

She now does "kisses" and opens her mouth for a kiss. (Something that will need to be corrected sooner than later - ha ha!)

We love our sweet baby Katelyn!!

More pics from the weekend...

2009-09-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

Uh-oh, mom's got the camera out again...

if I close my eyes, maybe she'll think I'm sleeping...

how about about if I try to eat my whole hand?

I know, I'm funny, and oh so cute!

More pics, different day...here we go again...

I don't think this is a great angle mom...

I see you in there...

Maybe if I look away she'll stop...

Or maybe the angry face will make her turn off the camera...

Even the angry face is cute - lol!!

Guess who sleeps in her crib now?

2009-09-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

That's right! Sweet baby Katelyn!! She is so happy now that mommy has reached the stage where she can let her baby sleep in her crib instead of her bassinett! ha ha! Katelyn was so big in her bassinett as of late, that it was just time. And now she has a ton of room. Though, she looks pretty spread out in the pic above - - she really does look smaller in the bed in person. lol!

Saturday night was her first night in the crib (the pic above is from one of her afternoon naps on Saturday). I fed her at 7:45 p.m. and laid her down at 8:15 p.m. and she slept until 4:00 A.M.!! WOO HOO!! YAY KATELYN!

I will post a few more pics in a separate post from this weekend! She's getting so big!! (Do I say that every time now?! lol!)

More pics of Katelyn to share...

2009-09-09T09:24:00.001-07:00

What's up people?

She tries to get that thumb in there to stay, but mostly she just chokes herself when she does this - ha ha - I tell her "see, sucking your thumb isn't as great as they say it is." She keeps trying though!

Just a couple of pics from last weekend...

2009-09-03T09:02:00.001-07:00

In my carseat, as usual, on our weekends running errands...mmm, fingers good...

Aww Mom, more pics?

I know, I'm SUPER CUTE!

Okay, I think that's enough for now...

See Mom, see this...this is my tongue!

Who wouldn't want to smooch on that face all day long!! :)

It's September already?

2009-09-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's September. A year ago this month we found out we were pregnant. We were only a few weeks away from leaving on our vacation to Italy. We were so ecstatic when we found out, we told our parents within the hour of "peeing on a stick". LOL! We framed a pic of the pee stick and gave it to them. ha ha! I can't believe it's been a year and our baby is already three months old. Time is flying, but we're enjoying every minute. She changes weekly - and is growing like a weed. She's smiling and laughing, and the cooing is more like singing. She does it often and we love hearing her sweet little voice. It's amazing to wake up every morning and see her smiling face, so happy. She's such a good baby!

Mommy & Daddy love you sweet baby Katelyn! We're so blessed to have you in our lives and we look forward to sharing each milestone with you as it comes along.

More pics to share from this past week and weekend...

2009-08-28T12:10:00.001-07:00

Katelyn on her playmat...she loves the penguin... Another pic mom?

Asleep on the way to the outlets to do some shopping...

Sweet little lips (the bib says "Little Cutie")...

Awake just in time for lunch...

What? Who? Me, cute? Ya' don't say...

Sporting new pjs...too tired to be happy about picture time...

then out like a light...

night night mommy...

sweet sleepy face...

preciousness!!

Isn't she the best! :) hee hee!

Official 3 month pics of Katelyn!

2009-08-28T06:05:00.001-07:00

It's picture time again... All smiles...

With daddy's childhood bear, Charlie...

With her first baby doll...

And, after all the excitement...

Yep, spitting up is so much fun! :)

Happy 3 months baby girl!! We love you!!

3 MONTHS OLD?!?!

2009-08-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

Katelyn is 3 months old today - WOW! I can't believe it. She is getting so big...bigger diapers, more formula, rice cereal, laughing and smiling, rolling over, cooing and gooing...every day it gets better and better. She's so much fun to watch and listen to now! She keeps us entertained! And of course, I take pictures daily, but fail to post them because I do have to work, ya' know!

I will have official 3 month pics up tomorrow though, I promise.

Happy 3 month birthday baby Katelyn! Mommy & Daddy loves you! And everyone else does too!

Katelyn is a growing girl...

2009-08-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

First, I took Katelyn to the pediatrician today because of a spot on her arm (and several other little spots) that I had noticed were not going away, even after putting baby oil on them for weeks. We were told today at her appointment that the spots are allergy-related eczema. We bought some Aquaphor (spelling?)shampoo and lotion after our appointment for that, per the ped's recommendation. Because it is allergy related, the ped suggested getting rid of our cat. I am allergic to the cat but take meds. Katelyn cannot, and cannot be tested for allergies until age 2. My mom has allergy related asthma (very under control) so hereditarily, it is in line that Katelyn could have some issues. So, we are going to get rid of our cat and have our house seriously cleaned. (Can't wait for that part.) We were also told to buy an air purifier to help her now and later, since allergens can remain for up to a year after getting rid of a cat.

Next - here's where the new mommy guilt became an issue and I lost it in the doctor's office like a big baby - ha ha...Katelyn weighs a whopping 15 pounds 13.5 ounces, and will be 3 months on Thursday. SHE'S A BIG GIRL. So they want me to start her on a tablespoon of cereal per four ounce bottle at night. I can't believe she's so big already and that it's time for cereal. The dr said that if all goes well, in month, we could start veggies at lunch. Oh my goodness!!

Our baby is growing!!

I'll have 3 month pics posted this week.

12 weeks 8/19/09 and SHE ROLLED OVER!!

2009-08-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

First some pics from last week and earlier this week. Here she is, starting to try and hold her bottle when eating now.

Doing some tummy time.

Sitting so well in her bumbo.

Propped in her exersaucer with towels...it's still a little big for her, and she has to have a pillow under her feet since she can't touch the floor just yet.

I don't know why this one is little...

Yesterday I took these shots when we got home...she is 12 weeks old as of Wednesday, 8/19/09.

Apparently, she rolled from her side/back to her stomach in her bassinett last night. I woke up to find her on her stomach, when I had put her to sleep on her side earlier. I was very surprised and thought maybe I was just dreaming. But sure enough, at her nap this morning, she rolled again from her side to her stomach to sleep. WOO HOO for a milestone!

She's the most awesome!!

Pics from the weekend...

2009-08-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

Katelyn's new outfit for Saturday cook-out with friends...

And her sweet face on the ride there...

Sleeping on the way to church Sunday...

Look at those eyelashes...

Katelyn was less amused than her father and I were by her little hair bow addition...

So she chomped on dad's knee to show her disapproval...

She got over the bow incident and vegged with dad, watching some t.v.

Here she is giggling while playing pee-a-boo with daddy...

and hanging out in her new bumbo...

I look forward to our family weekends!

More pics of Katelyn...

2009-08-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

Sleepy on the way to church Sunday...

More awake later when it's time to take pics of the new outfit...

In Grandma Stewart's bumbo chair at Shawn's birthday lunch...

We think she likes it!

She's 11 weeks this week!!

Some pics from Shawn's birthday weekend...

2009-08-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, he had his party at Chuck E. Cheese. It's what he's always wanted! Ha ha!

Katelyn looks thrilled! She only stayed at bit and then had some grandma time with our mom's that day.

Shawn's Harley birthday cake at Family Birthday lunch on Sunday...

Yum, black icing! lol!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

More pics...

2009-08-05T08:18:00.001-07:00

because I take so many daily...I just thought I'd share. And because I don't update Facebook like I should. Here ya' go...

Katelyn and her new Lullabye Gloworm

I wonder what she's thinking?

Sweet face!

This morning just up from sleeping...

so sweet and cuddly...

::sighs:: How can you not love that sweet baby!

A comparison...

2009-08-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

I think she looks like me...

at least a little bit!

Pics from the weekend...

2009-08-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

First, an early trip to walk around the flea market with mom and dad...can you see the excitement in my eyes...
Already passed out from the trip there...

Sunday - back to church for the first time since Father's Day in my pretty dress from Old Navy...

My Zoolander face pose...

And finally...sleepy time...

It was a good weekend.

2 months old today!

2009-07-27T06:34:00.001-07:00

This is going to be a long post! You are forewarned...

First, some pics from this weekend...nap time...

and a sweet profile shot...

Bath time...

In our pink summer bather in the guest bath...

And our two month shots from today...7/27/09...

With daddy's childhood bear...Charlie...

and my first doll...

oh so happy to be me...

yea, I'm 2 months yo!

Today we had a doctor visit for our 2 month check. She did VERY well. Sadly, grandma g cried when she got her shots and mommy and daddy managed to hold it together.

Katelyn is now 14 pounds 2 ounces (in the 95th percentile for her age) (WOW she's a chunkster!), is 24 1/4 inches long (also 95th percentile), and her head is 15 3/4 inches (75th percentile). She is growing, growing, growing!!

We are so proud and so in love with our sweet baby Katelyn!!

Happily, no more shots until 4 months! YAY!

Guess who is 8 weeks old already!

2009-07-22T06:14:00.001-07:00

Meeeeeee!
Heh heh heh...

Yea, no biggie.

I love a happy baby!! :)

I'll take "official" 2 month pics on Monday 5/27/09 - - and post those next week!

MORE NEW PICS...

2009-07-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

Katelyn's first pic, by Daddy...Hands (by Andrea)

Baby feet (by Andrea)

Baby face (by Andrea)

Mom and baby, by Daddy. (Boy do I look exhausted - - and boy was I!!)

Mom and baby (by Andrea)

The new Stewart Family (by Andrea)

I finally asked Shawn for his pics, and found my pics from Andrea. These pics really do show me how big Katelyn has gotten over the last...almost 8 weeks (tomorrow). WOW!

New Pics!!

2009-07-20T07:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I uploaded hundreds of pics, and will need some time to sort through them all (taking out blurry ones and not so great shots) but I do have some pics from this weekend to share. We enjoyed every waking and sleeping moment with our sweet baby Katelyn.

Here she is trying to keep one eyelid open...

And eyeing me knowing she's about to pass out...

And finally, out...

Here's daddy feeding his sweet baby...

And snuggling after...

Katelyn endures the burping...if it means more food is coming...

She standing up with her strong legs...

And a quick pose afterward with her full belly! So happy!!

Playing on her activity mat (with her Aunt Toni's jungle quilt for added comfort)..

Eyeing the penguin ring...

She loves the penguin...

She's not quite able to grab and hang on, but she swats her arms and bats the hanging things around. She has a few new rattles and toys she's "playing" with too.

When downloading the pics from weeks one through three, it's so crazy to see how big she's gotten already. Her expressions are priceless and we love her smile and laugh. She keeps us entertained!!

Here are two shots from after a bath. Not sure if you can see her hair all spiked up...but it's cute...

And this look on her face makes me giggle...

She's just perfect!

Fun facts...

2009-07-17T10:12:00.001-07:00

I found this online...Fun Birthday Facts for 5/27/09 Baby

Your baby's half birthday is November 25
Your baby's birthstone is Emerald (Love, Success)
Your baby's Astrological Sign is Gemini
Your baby's Flower is Lily_of_the_Valley or Hawthorn (Yellow, Red and Green)
Your baby was born in the Chinese Year of The Brown Earth Cow

Your baby will start kindergarten in 2014, be old enough to drive a car in 2025, finish high school in 2027, and will graduate from college with the class of 2031, give or take a year. Can you imagine?

This time last year you weren't even pregnant yet!

And...not that I'm into Zodiac signs, but this was part of the above info...

Eager to get going (this baby probably kicked up a storm in the womb!), the Gemini baby is likely to be talking early and making a mark from day one. Curious and quite the explorer, this tot is one who needs lots of stimuli in order to be happy, as they are easily bored. Since those communication skills are top-notch, the smart thing to do with this baby is bring them into a play group as soon as possible. At home, siblings could easily fill this function, as someone must! It's never too early for the Gemini baby to interact with others, and they will also learn their lessons early on. The Gemini tot is definitely not clingy. Quite the contrary, this is one baby who is happy to march to their own drummer, gallivanting about and being amused in the process. Surprisingly, when this baby is not engaged (chatting or playing with others), there could be a certain emotional detachment. For that reason, it's best to keep things uncomplicated and easy for them to understand, the better to maintain harmony. To sum up, the Gemini baby is the Great Communicator of the play group, has a short attention span (so keep 'em busy!), and is one clever and creative tot.

I forgot to post a pic...

2009-07-17T09:28:00.001-07:00

for 7 weeks - but since my mom, like me, takes tons of pics every day of Katelyn, I had a to share a couple of hers. First this one with her grandad (my dad)...because of the funny look on her face...

and this old one...because of the even funnier look on her face.

I swear I will have to do a giant collage of all of the faces Katelyn makes. It's very, very entertaining. Especially her smiles and laughs!!

7 weeks...

2009-07-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

Katelyn is seven weeks old today. I don't have a pic to post, but I will take some later tonite and hopefully put one up tomorrow.

Katelyn is awake and alert more, and seeing her eyes and her smile is so nice. We were getting compliments on her eyelids - lol - because that's all people saw in her pics and in person. That's changing slowly but surely. Her eyes are still blue, so we'll see if that changes too.

She is very strong and holds her head up well. She has strong legs too, and will probably be rolling over in no time. She sleeps on her side or her back in her bassinet, and usually sleeps three to four hours between feedings at night, which is great. She is starting to find her hands, and her hands are slowing find their way to her mouth - lol. When she finds her toes, I'm sure they'll make it to her mouth too. As will everything else I hear!

We need to weigh her again - the last time (last week) she was up to 13 pounds, so she may have gained some since then. Her next appointment isn't until 7/27, so I want to make sure she's getting enough to eat in the meantime. Though she clearly lets us know when she's hungry! There's a nifty little formula the lactation consultants gave us to figure out just how much she should be averaging...it's the baby's weight x 2.5 which equals the number of ounces they should get in a 24 hour period. It's done well for us so far. She's up to 32.5 ounces in 24 hours! She's a good eater!

The best part of the day is time spent cuddling Katelyn...feeling her baby soft skin and hair, smelling her sweet baby smell, kissing her face repeatedly (trying to get in as much kissing as we can before she starts saying "stop it mom!"), and just holding her while she falls asleep. It is truly bliss.

Katelyn is a sweet, sweet baby and we, and her extended family, love her immensely!!

Happiness...

2009-07-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

Sweet baby Katelyn enjoying her boppy! She is already recognizing when the camera comes out. I think she's going to be quite the ham! hee hee!

Ahh, the sweet faces of babies...

2009-07-13T13:30:00.000-07:00

How could you not miss this sweet face all day?? Don't know. I don't think it can be done. :)

Updated blog information...

2009-07-13T13:28:00.000-07:00

This used to be at the top of the page of this blog...

"This is the beginning of the hopefully soon-to-come baby blog! As of June, 2008, Shawn & Michelle have been married for 9 months, & it's no surprise to their family & friends, that baby plans were in place before the I-do's! This blog will chronicle the next phase of our journey; we hope you enjoy it. We appreciate your love, encouragement, friendship & prayer support. We look forward to sharing this part of our lives with you! We love and thank you for being part of this journey with us!"

It's now July, 2009, so it needed to be changed. It is, as we know, now all about Katelyn...we're so in love! :)

FINALLY...an update...

2009-07-09T09:32:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it's been six weeks since I last posted! Who knew I'd have only the desire to sit and stare at my new baby girl and not get on the internet - ha ha! I have taken hundreds of pics, but here is a link for the last 71 I've taken...

http://s304.photobucket.com/albums/nn191/lglastorl/Katelyn%20Vol%203/

I hope you enjoy them! I've enjoyed taking them and spending the last six weeks at home with our beautiful baby girl. I'm thankful that my mom is watching her though...that has helped tremendously!

I try to post pics and udpates regularly now that I'm back at work and will have time on my lunch hour to post.

Thanks for your patience - and sorry to worry some of you who didn't get updated right away.

Update from L&D...

2009-05-26T08:03:00.000-07:00

I love technology! I'm typing my update while in bed at Winnie Palmer. We got here at 9 am and got checked in. They brought us up to L&D and Jill (RN) got my IV started in my hand, and the doctor arrived soon after. Dr. Diebel is super nice and he went ahead and broke my water right away. We'll see how I progress on my own. If things don't progress, then they'll go ahead and start Pitocin in a few hours. Then things should start moving for sure. I'm hoping Katelyn will make progress without the Pit, but we'll have to wait and see how it goes. It's 11 am now, and my parents have been here since we arrived. I've updated everyone by e-mail, sent some texts, updated my Facebook and now the blog. We're keeping everyone in the loop, and it's so nice to hear everyone is so excited for us! We're excited too! Shawn's trying to stay distracted with t.v., and e-mails (and he's also responding to calls and texts from family and friends), so he doesn't get too anxious! ha ha!

39 weeks 1 day...and tomorrow's THE DAY!

2009-05-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

So...despite our best efforts at walking, drinking red raspberry leaf tea, eating spicy foods, eating pineapple, etc., baby Katelyn has decided to wait until her scheduled arrival appointment date, tomorrow, May 26th. Our appointment is at 9 am, and they will hopefully start with breaking my water first (per my request) before starting Pitocin, but we'll see how it goes. We'll keep everyone posted. We can't wait to meet our baby!!

INDUCTION SET - HOLY COW...

2009-05-21T06:45:00.001-07:00

We're set for an induction - next Tuesday, May 26th at 9 am. WOW! In 5 days, we'll have a baby! EEEEeeeeks!!

I hope now that we know a date, baby Katelyn will come on her own between now and then. Keep praying she does!!

I'll keep you posted...

Update, more progress & news!

2009-05-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

So our doctor's visit today was very informative! Baby Katelyn is measuring a week ahead, as usual, at 39 weeks 2 days instead of 38 weeks 2 days, and they are "guestimating" her weight to be at about 8 pounds 6 ounces. I had another internal and I have progressed to 4 centimeters dilated, still 80% effaced.

The doctor I saw this week commented again that the baby's head "is right there", again, which is normal, because she has been "right there" since February. The doctor seemed to indicate this was a good sign, along with the progress, that I would be a good candidate for induction next week. She said she thought I would "go on my own" but that's why my doctor said last week - so who really knows. The good thing, is that if the induction happens, and they break my water before resorting to drugs...then just the water breaking alone could cause the dilation to increase and the effacement to get to 100% pretty quickly. The doctor said if I even thought I was having a contraction or that my water might have broken, to go ahead and head to the hospital. I'm apparently further along than a lot of first time moms that rush in to the hospital. Good thing!

I will be getting a call this week from my OB's office to set the induction date for some time next week. If I don't go on my own prior, then I will have them break my water first to see if I can progress on my own. If not, then I'm sure they'll start the Pitocin. I was told that generally Pitocin makes for very difficult contractions and more pain than your body working naturally; however, it was said that since I am already 80% effaced, it shouldn't be as bad as someone coming in not dilated and not effaced. Let's hope this is the case. Better yet, let's hope that Katelyn comes on her own and we don't have to worry about an induction.

HOLY COW we will have a baby in a week or less!! YAY! And, EEEEEEEEks!

:)

38 weeks 2 days...

2009-05-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post a pic before my doctor appointment today, just in case!! :)

38 weeks...

2009-05-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

Progress, shmogress. This is why doctors should not tell us that we are dilated and effaced, because the "it could be three days or three weeks" qualifier messes with our heads! lol! I'm not impatient, really, I think I'm just ready, and excited to get this show on the road!! :) (I'm sure I will be thinking differently when contractions actually start!!)

We have a doctor appointment tomorrow and we'll have a sonogram, so I'm really looking forward to that! I'm not looking forward to an internal, should she decide to do THAT again.

Here's the update for 38 weeks...

"Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long. She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.) Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development."

- - I love the last two lines...I HOPE our baby is in the "general" range - lol!

Once again, I don't have a pic - but I will try to post one this week for sure.

UPDATE & progress!!

2009-05-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

So yesterday's doctor appointment was totally not what Ihad expected. I did have the Group B test, loveliness indeed - BUT because I was "already naked" my doctor decided she was going to perform my first internal. YOWEEE!! Not good. But the result was shocking to both her and me...I'm 3 cm dilated and 80% effaced. HOLY CRAP.

Now, this could mean nothing and I could be like this for another three days or three weeks. But when you hear this about YOURSELF, it's a little surreal! lol! So, the fact that the baby's head is and has been on my cervix since February, the doctor says if I go, it will probablybe pretty quick and that I should go immediately to the hospital if my water breaks.

Last but not least, she said if I make it to my appointment next Tuesday (5/19) that she would go ahead and schedule an induction for the following week. Which seems CRAZY to me...but I guess I'll take it. I hope to go on my own, but wes hall see...

AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH...where are the paper bags!!!???!!!

P.S. Car seat inspection was done today. I would like to take a CPR class prior to baby coming, but we'll see if that can happen. Lastly, we HAVE to find a pediatrician ASAP and I am going to work on that this week! :)

FULL TERM!!

2009-05-11T06:32:00.000-07:00

Eeeks, from that pic - let's hope closer to 6.2 lbs rather than 9.2 lbs. ::gulp::

That's right, as of Sunday 5/10, Mother's Day, I'm 37 weeks. Full-term. Which means, baby can come now any day and that would be just fine! We'll see what she decides to do...

Here is the info from the e-mails that I receive...

"Baby's now the size of a watermelon!You're full-term (yay!) and baby is gaining about 1/2 ounce a day and getting her first sticky poop (called meconium) ready. She's also brushing up on skills for the outside world: blinking, sucking, inhaling, exhaling, and gripping (it's getting strong!).

At week 37, your pregnancy is considered full term, meaning baby is likely to thrive after birth. Baby spends these last weeks in preparation for the outside world. If you worry about giving birth, consider what it’s like for the little one. During the journey out of your womb, baby will produce more stress hormones than any other time in life."

I have pics from our church baby shower this past Saturday that my mom took. Here's the link...

http://s636.photobucket.com/albums/uu81/anntoni_g/christ%20church%20shower/

I'll post a 37 weeks pic this week some time.

We have a doctor appointment this afternoon. I don't expect anything exciting to come from it...I don't think my doctor does internals (at least not until you're already in labor)...so I think it will be the usual belly measurement (outside), weight and blood pressure check.

We got some last minute shopping done this weekend, so we don't really have anything else to get. We're as prepared as we can be and now actually have about 200 to 300 diapers. Which I'm told will last all of a month. lol! CRAZY!!

36w5d

2009-05-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

It's a small pic, but it's from a friend's cell phone at work. I had "outfit fail" because I wore the same thing last Friday apparently and I didn't want it to be that obvious in the pic. But now I've told you, so it's out of the bag anyway. I don't think there's been much of a change this week.

We're being thrown a co-ed baby shower tomorrow at church, which is very sweet! We can't wait! I hope to have pics to post next week from that - and I will TRY TRY TRY my hardest to get a pic on Sunday, Mother's Day, when I will be 37 weeks - FULL TERM!!

::breathes into paper bag::

The Invisible Mother...

2009-05-07T07:19:00.001-07:00

We get many forwards in our e-mails every day, but this one was sent by a friend, and I felt I should post it for later days. I think it's an amazing story...

The Invisible Mother

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response,the way one of the kids would walk into the room while I'm on thephone and ask to be taken somewhere. Inside I'm thinking, 'Can't you see I'm on the phone?!' Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone or cooking or sweeping the floor or even standing on my head in the corner because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible; the Invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: "Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this?"

Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, 'What time is it?' I'm a satellite guide to answer, 'What number is the Disney Channel?' I'm a car ride to somewhere 'Right around 5:30 please.'

One night a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. Iwas sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, 'I brought you this.' It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: 'To Charlotte,with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees.'

In the days ahead I would read, no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work:

1 - No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no recordof their names.
2 - These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished.
3 - They made great sacrifices and expected no credit whatsoever.
4 - The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit thec athedral while it was being built and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, 'Whyare you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will becovered by the roof? No one will ever see it.' And the workman replied,'Because God sees.'

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, 'I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become.'

At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life; in fact, it is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished,to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals couldever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don't want my daughter to tell the friend she's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, 'My Mom gets up at4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table.' That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. Instead, I justwant her to want to come home. If she says anything at all to her friend I would like it to be 'You're gonna love it here.'

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot see if we're doing it right. And one day it is very possible that the world will marvel not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

36 weeks update...

2009-05-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

Baby should soon descend into your pelvis, which will give your lungs a little room to breathe (literally). The bad news: This puts the brunt of baby's weight on your hips and pelvis, and will make them pretty sore. Add in your ever-loosening ligaments, and you may soon be taking on that oh-so-adorable pregnancy waddle.

- - So, I'm not waddling yet. I do feel like I've dropped a little, but I really can't tell. There are definitely times though when I have the "been ridin' a horse all day" feeling though. But I'm holding firm against the waddle! :) Baby is still supposedly the size of a honeydew. Next week though...the update says "watermelon". YIKES! :)

Baby's skin is getting smooth and soft, her gums are rigid, her liver and kidneys are in working order, and her circulation and immune system are basically good to go. Her lungs are the only organs that still need to fully mature, but every day she gets a little closer to breathing on her own.

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month.

35w5dys...

2009-05-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

Edumacation...

2009-04-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

We haz it! :)

We finished our lamaze classes last week, and I signed us up for two new classes this week. Monday night we took a "Basic Infant Care" class at Winnie Palmer. It was interesting, and more informative than I had expected. It wasn't a waste of time, but the class was 2 1/2 hours long so we were both quite tired and didn't get home until 10. That's a long day for both of us. And now that I have started getting "elephant foot" over the past few weeks...it's even that much more enjoyable to be out and about after work. (Insert sarcastic tone here.) I started getting some swelling in my left foot/ankle over the past few weeks...nothing major, and we spoke to the doctor and she didn't seem too concerned. I haven't given up my Dr. Pepper obsession so I'm sure that has a part in the whole "cut back on sodium" issue but I am drinking more fluid in general (which isn't all that great considering the numerous pee trips at work and in the evenings). It's all for the greater good though - lol. I do currently have two glasses of water on my desk at work. I hope to finish them in the next 45 minutes. (Probably interrupted by at least two trips to pee. Good times!)

The second class, last night, was a pre-natal breastfeeding class. I opted to go this one alone. I wasn't the only one, thankfully. The class was also 2 1/2 hours long - - and more information in one little booklet than I had thought was possible. Who knew there was so much to know! And how did everyone manage before there were classes?! Well, we found out when it comes to BFing, most didn't manage and gave up when they faced a variety of delays or issues. I'm definitely committed to doing this for our baby after researching its benefits. I know it may not be easy, but there's a great deal of support from people I know and people at the hospital so I'm in.

I'm still looking into a CPR class that Shawn and I, and my mom (who will be watching our baby after I return to work) can take soon, but haven't found anything I'm thrilled with yet (and that isn't so expensive).

We have a hospital/OB tour next week and then that should be it. We still need to get our car seat/bases looked at by someone at the fire station, there's that, but for the most part I think, as I said before, we're good to go. I'm a planner...can you tell?

35 week update...

2009-04-28T06:26:00.000-07:00

We saw our OB yesterday and everything is normal and on track. The baby is measuring ahead one week, but that's nothing new. I will have a sonogram in three weeks to see if baby is still head down and they will "guesstimate" her weight (which is never accurate but gives us a basic idea if I'm giving birth to a toddler - lol).

I have not gained any weight, which is a miracle to me when I look down and see my baby belly! I still weigh the same as I did when I got pregnant (so I dropped 15 pounds in the first several months and gained that back, but I'm back to where I started - which is nice, because that means it's all baby.)

We took a Basic Infant Care class last night which had more info that I had anticipated, but overall it was pretty good (and not just about changing a diaper, which was nice).

I still have a few things on the list for us/me to do before Katelyn arrives, but we're slowing working through those and hopefully we're prepared. As prepared as we can be for the unexpected!

We can't wait to meet our baby girl!!

35 weeks!!

2009-04-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

Okay so as of today 35 weeks and 1 day, but I don't have a pic from yesterday (or today). I got a serious sunburn yesterday - mostly my legs and upper body, but oy vey, what a mistake. I don't think I want to document the pain, but we'll see if I can get a pic up later this week. Right now, I am very lobster-esque. :(

Here's info on the baby from my pregnancy e-mail updates...

"With baby's head pressing squarely on your bladder, you're probably clocking some quality time in the bathroom. On a similar note, if you're finding it tough to poop, load up on the fiber. Whole grains, veggies, and dried fruits (but not all at once!) should loosen things up."

- - I love how when you're pregnant the conversation so easily goes to poop. :)

"Baby's now the size of a honeydew!From now on, baby's growth is mostly in the plumping up department -- though she won't get much longer, she'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth. (She's about 15 percent right now and will be about 30 percent by full-term.) Her hearing is totally developed (tip: baby responds best to higher pitches).

Thank God she won't get longer - she's already head down on my cervix (has been since February at leaste) and either her feet or knees are poking at my ribs. I have a long torso, so I have a feeling she's already very long...and I'm fine if she doesn't gain a ton of weight over the next 5 weeks...I'll settle for anything under 8 pounds. :)

There's still a few things left on the list to finish before her arrival, but I think we're pretty good. I'll update stats if we get any from our doctor appointment today.

Realization...

2009-04-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

I love the pregnancy message board I've been on since Shawn and I first decided we were going to try to get pregnant. I find it interesting, informative and often, very entertaining. One of the regular milestones that pregnant woman will post is "35/35" when they are 35 weeks pregnant with 35 days left to go. I had the sudden realization today that on Sunday, the 26th, in just 4 more days - - I will be "35/35". I was stunned. I remember creating my "pregnancy countdown ticker" last year and seeing the numbers slowly going down from the 100s. To soon be able to say I have 35 days to go (or less possibly)...it's just crazy.

And now, I must go find a paper bag to breathe into...

34 week pic...

2009-04-20T06:11:00.000-07:00

34 weeks 1 day...
6 weeks to go! ::gulp::

34 weeks...4/19/09

2009-04-20T05:38:00.000-07:00

Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month. Less cute news: She now urinates about one pint per day. Get the diapers ready!

33 weeks & doctor appointment update...

2009-04-14T09:12:00.001-07:00

I forgot to take a picture Easter Sunday, so hopefully I'll get a 33 week pic up this week! I even got a non-maternity Easter dress. Though it's quite obvious that I am "in the family way" - lol!

We saw our doctor yesterday and were happy to learn that all is well and that I will now be treated as "normal" patient. YAY! That means, no more ultrasounds to monitor the cervix and the progesterone supplements should be stopped somewhere at 35 to 36 weeks. We were happy with the good news, but disappointed that we no longer will get ultrasounds to see our baby. The good thing though, is that this doctor's practice is very much for promoting natural/vaginal births and not pushing c-sections. That means that most doctor's offices that continue to perform ultrasounds and growth scans tend to be off on weight of normal babies and will often urge their patients to have c-sections if the baby is measuring ahead or appear to be "big". Most times, those measurements are just not accurate and there is no need for the c-section. I will continue to be measured on the outside of my belly and unless baby Katelyn just grows astronomically in the new few weeks, we should continue on as normal through our due date.

We have 7 weeks or less...I'm hoping for less, but we'll see what the baby decides to do! :)

We can't believe how soon it will be, and look forward to finally meeting our baby girl!!

32 weeks pic (from maternity photos)

2009-04-07T12:27:00.001-07:00

Maternity photos...

2009-04-06T06:16:00.000-07:00

A friend of ours, Andrea, took some amazing pics this weekend at Kraft Azalea Gardens in Winter Park. We had a lot of fun, and Andrea is very talented (she made us look good!!)!! Here is the link (I hope you can view it)...enjoy.

http://shawnandmichellestewart.shutterfly.com/

31 weeks...

2009-04-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's 31 weeks and 3 days and not a great pic, but I forgot because I was not feeling so hot this past weekend.

Today I took the last pill in my Z-pack...and we think Shawn is coming down with what I had. Loveliness...

2009-04-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

I found this letter I had typed and saved and wanted to post after our very first ultrasound. I completely forgot about it until sorting through old e-mails today in attempt to clear out over 200 messages. (I know, I can't throw anything away!) So...it's old, but I like it and wanted to share. I must write another letter soon...now that I'm in my 8th month already!!

Letter to our baby:

Today, I am overwhelmed to think about being your mommy in a very short 7 months. I hope that I can be all that you need as your mommy. I know I won't be perfect, and I'm sure you will tell me that more than once in the next 18 years; but I hope you know that everything I will do for you is out of love and concern for what is best for you. I know you won't appreciate that until you are much older, because it took me a long time to feel that way about my parents too. It's normal. Please cut me some slack, as I will you, when you get frustrated. No matter what, I will always love you. Even though you are currently inside and making me feel pretty yucky each day, I know that it will get better when you're here. I have a feeling you may like peanut butter and jelly, because I'm eating lots of that right now for you. I only hope you don't pick up a craving for saltines too. If you hear anything weird in there, please ignore it, your dad and I can be silly sometimes...your name was never really going to be Hector. Also, I hope you like kitties...mommy has one and currently needs another person in the house who wants to keep him.

I can't wait to see you, and see who you will become. I know God already has a plan and purpose for your life, and I pray He keeps you safe until you're in our arms. We love you already!

30 weeks!!

2009-03-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a pic from my family baby shower this weekend...it's actually 29w6d...

The pregnancy e-mail updates I get weekly are usually informative, but this one made me laugh today...

"Your massive belly and nighttime heartburn might be making sleep difficult to come by. If you are able to drift off, you're probably having some strange and vivid dreams -- your subconscious is no less anxious than your waking mind."

Who tells a pregnant lady their belly is massive??? Apparently "they" did not get the memo! lol!

29w5d...

2009-03-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

Update: doctor appointment today...

2009-03-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

I saw the docs at Winnie Palmer for the last time today (if all continues to go well) until it's time for Baby Katelyn's arrival. YAY!! My cervix measured the same as last visit, which is good, but I'm still in the bottom 5% of where it should be for this far along. Thus, my restrictions (modified bed rest) will remain in place and I'll continue the progesterone supplements until about week 35 or 37, depending on what my OB decides around that time.

It looks like, as the doctor said today we're "growing a big baby" - - EEEPS!! - - Katelyn apparently is weighing approximately 3 pounds 11 ounces at 29 weeks 4 days - but is measuring ahead at 31 weeks 2 days. OY VEY! LOL! Let's hope she decides to stop when she gets to about 7 pounds...I'm praying I won't have to have a c-section or a 10 pound baby! ha ha!

My next "doctor" visit will be for the follow up 4D ultrasound, and then I won't see the OB until 4/13. Let's hope the next four weeks things continue as normal and Katelyn doesn't get the munchies! :)

29 weeks update (late, I know)

2009-03-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

"Baby’s energy is surging, thanks to the formation of white fat deposits beneath the skin. (Have those kicks and jabs to the ribs tipped you off yet?) Baby is also settling into sleep and waking cycles, though -- as you’ve also probably noticed -- they don’t necessarily coincide with your own. Also this month, all five senses are finally functional, and the brain and nervous system are going through major developments."

- - Not sure she's kicking "up" toward the ribs, but sometimes she does feel like she's trying to come out of my belly button, for sure!!

And her sleeping cycle used to be during the evening, along with my own, which was preferred...however, in the past several weeks she has decided that evenings are for play and naps are for day. Not cool. Hopefully that will change again or at least be different after she is born! Momma can't handle 'rave' hours! :)

4D ultrasound pics!

2009-03-18T05:25:00.001-07:00

Can you see me smiling???

Another shot...

Not so clear, but a third shot...

We're getting another go at the ultrasound on 3/30 - so I'll have more pics to post after that visit. I hope they can get some better shots - but the "smiling" pic is fantastic!!

Birthday weekend pics...

2009-03-18T05:20:00.000-07:00

Our room at the Omni...

the king size bed!

outside pool view...

back of the hotel & fountain...

Trevi's - the restaurant where we had my birthday dinner...

the yummy cake from Chef Eddie...

Shawn and I after dinner in our wonderful room!

I am a slacker...

2009-03-17T11:43:00.000-07:00

I can at least update, even though I have yet to upload pictures from my birthday weekend or 4D ultrasound pics from yesterday. I promise to find my USB cord and get that done tonite!

As for the surprise birthday weekend - Shawn took me to the Omni Resort at Champions Gate for two lovely and relaxing nights!! When we left our house Friday night, I still had no idea what the plan was...Shawn just drove us South and I waited to find out where we were going to stop and eat. (Because, regardless of where we're going, I'm on a schedule people and I need to eat after work!) So...pretending to stop off of the exit and wander around for a Chili's we drove into the Omni Resort complex to "ask directions" because we managed to pass the restaurant (located directly off of the exit). However, when we pulled in, Shawn advised the valet we were there to check in! YAY!! So we scoped out our room for a bit and our "premium view" of the golf course and pools. Very nice! Then we did head off to Chili's to eat. It was yummy. We went back to our room and got comfy for a movie and had a great nights sleep in our king size bed!

The next morning we didn't really sleep in too late (8:30ish) and had juices and milk brought to the room before heading down to the breakfast buffet. The buffet was really nice and we were very full! We took a short walk around and checked out the pools, lazy river, water slides and golf course/golf school that was behind the hotel before heading back to our room. Shawn then informed me that he had booked a prenatal massage for me at the spa! We relaxed in the room for a bit and watched some t.v., before heading off for my massage - it was WONDERFUL!! Afterward, we ordered a light lunch from room service and relaxed until our 6:30 dinner reservation.

We went to Trevi's for dinner, in the hotel, and Chef Eddie took excellent care of us. We only ordered filets for dinner since we weren't planning on pigging out...but the Chef had his own plans. We first received a bruschetta appetizer, which Shawn tried, but I passed on (tomatoes - ew!). Then came a too large portion of calamari and sauce that was very yummy, but could have served at least 6 people or more! We had a few pieces of that, but were already filling up. Then came our bone-in-filets with asparagus and potatoes...it was SO GOOD. We didn't finish all of that though...so they wrapped it up for us, along with some of the calamari to take home. We expected that dinner would end and we'd leave fully bloated and satisfied. However, to my surprise, Chef Eddie had created a three layer, cream filled, chocolate cake with the most wonderfully decadent chocolate frosting!! A whole cake! It said "Happy Birthday" on it even, and the staff came out with the cake (and one lit candle - nice job) singing. Shawn and I were shocked and could only manage a few bites out of one piece we shared. It was so yummy though! They also boxed that up for us to take home the next day - which was very cool! The biggest surprise came when we asked for our check and was told that Chef Eddie had picked up the ENTIRE tab! ROCK ON!!

So we went back to the room and vegged, and watched a movie, and got one more night of good sleep in our king size bed.

We got up the next morning (Shawn earlier than I) and headed down to the lazy river. After that, we laid by the pool for a bit but it was cloudy so we headed back to the room. We relaxed a bit and then decided to check out around Noon.

We had a wonderful time and I am so thankful for such a fabulous husband! I have to say thanks to Barb too though for the hook-up with the Omni and Chef Eddie!!

I'll post the few pics I took this weekend hopefully tonite or tomorrow.

Yesterday - we had our 4D ultrasound and we got about 8 pics and 2 videos. They turned out pretty good, but the tech said she thought she could get better ones, so they scheduled us to come back in two weeks to try again. Our mothers were there and were very excited about seeing Katelyn. After Shawn talked to Katelyn through my tummy, she was moving her mouth and even "smiling". The tech got a video of that, and it's really cool to see. (I have to figure out how to upload that.) Our moms were very impressed and so were we!

I also found out today that I passed my one hour glucose test I took yesterday too - WOO HOO - no three hour test for me! :)

I hope to get the 4D pics up later too!!

Thanks for reading the update!! :)

Late - - but here are some new pics..

2009-03-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

Shawn's sister made and gave to us a beautiful baby quilt!! I love it - it has vintage Winnie the Pooh fabric, newer Pooh fabric, cute yellow chickies, bears and balloons, Noah's ark, etc. So cute!!

Here is the back of it - - she embroidered Katelyn's initials in the back on a few squares. LOVE!

And (while I hate pictures of myself) here is yet another pic - - from 26 weeks 6 days (yes, I know it's a week late)...at Barb & Wayne's at family birthday dinner last weekend.

I hope to have some new pics from this weekend - my birthday weekend - and my surprise get away!!! YAY!

Maternity clothes!

2009-02-26T10:02:00.000-08:00

Hooray for my first maternity clothes purchase! Motherhood Maternity is awesome - lol. I bought two skirts and two shirts, and finally, some maternity bikini underwear!! (Sorry if that's TMI, but it is about time!!)

26w4d

26 weeks...

2009-02-23T05:51:00.000-08:00

This pic was taken Sunday after church, in the baby's nursery at home. I swear when I got up on Monday to come to work I didn't look this huge. I say it's the dress... :)

Katelyn's Mommy at 25 weeks 5 days...

2009-02-20T11:09:00.001-08:00

Sunday is 26 weeks and I should take a better picture. This one's from today at work and a little blurry...

Katelyn at 25 weeks 4 days...

2009-02-19T09:26:00.001-08:00

She appears to be sucking her thumb! :) And check out those long arms and legs! She's destined to be a tall girl!

UPDATE: Great news!!

2009-02-19T08:14:00.001-08:00

First, prayer works people - and I thank you all for the prayers you've said over the past two weeks for us and baby Katelyn. And thank God for having it all under control!

Next, the great news is that we saw the doctor today and everything is looking good. The cervix measurement is still the same, but they are fine with that because it's been two weeks and it hasn't decreased. I am not going to be put on full time bed rest - YAY!! I am still on limited bed rest though, and will be seen again in four weeks (instead of two - another YAY) and at that point, if all is still looking well, I won't have to be seen at Winnie Palmer anymore by their specialist, I can continue my follow ups with my regular OB (yet another YAY).

They aren't going to move up my due date again, but they did say baby Katelyn, little over achiever that she is, is measuring ahead, yet again. lol! She now weighs almost 2 pounds!! They said they stop worrying about the cervix measurement after about 32 weeks, so if in the next 7 to 8 weeks all is good, I am ready to go at any time she wants to come - HOLY COW! I would prefer 37 weeks, but we'll see how all of that goes. Although, it did freak out Shawn and I both to hear she could come as early as April!! LOL! You should have seen the looks on our faces - ha ha. But we couldn't be more thrilled that she is doing so well and that things are looking great!

Thanks again for your good thoughts, well wishes and prayers!!

I'll have pictures from today up later in another post...they got some great 3D ones for us today!!

25 weeks 1 day...

2009-02-16T13:31:00.001-08:00

This is the picture, an eggplant, that is shown for the baby's size from weeks 25 through 28. Scary part...there are only three other fruits/veggies left on the list!! ::gulps:: I've been through 19 other fruits/veggies!!

4D ultrasound scheduled...

2009-02-16T07:42:00.001-08:00

Pretty early on Shawn decided he wanted us to get the 4D ultrasound done. I've seen good ones and bad ones, and I'm hoping ours turns out good. It's scheduled for March 16th and we've invited our moms to attend.

The bad part of that appointment that day, is that it's not just for the 4D, it's also going to be my one hour glucose test. Fun, fun. Same with everything, everyone's experience is different, so I've heard and good and bad things. I'm again hoping that the sugary drink they describe won't be that bad and that, of course, most importantly, I pass my one hour test so I don't have to do the three hour test.

The baby is always very active at my morning appointments and the techs/doctor always comment on that. Today was no exception - - as soon as the PA put the heart monitor on my belly, baby Katelyn decided to kick it spot on. lol! The PA had to chase her around a bit to get her heartbeat but she finally found it and it was strong and fast as usual. Also, for the first time, I noticed my belly move on the outside when she kicked/rolled around. I saw this when I was in the doctor's office laying on my side, and then the PA noticed it too while she was putting the monitor on my belly. It was funny to see her flinch back when it happened. ha ha!

Last night, we used our heart monitor at home and it worked for the first time. We found her heart beat almost right away. Very nice to have that at home!

This coming Thursday the 19th is my follow up appointment to find out about the cervix/bed rest issue. I know that lots of prayers have been said and I'm so appreciative of everyone's support and understanding (and especially appreciative that Shawn has stepped up to do everything over the past two weeks - he's been great about it!) Thank you all for your prayers!

24 weeks 5 days...

2009-02-13T10:28:00.001-08:00

Another milestone...

2009-02-09T10:04:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, Shawn felt baby Katelyn move for the first time. As I was laying down in our new recliner, I noticed the baby was moving a lot after lunch. So, Shawn came over and pushed down and immediately felt her kick. He felt her move again on Sunday too! It was very, very cool!!

24 weeks! Happy V-Day!

2009-02-09T09:59:00.000-08:00

V-day - or Viability Day - is the milestone where your baby, if born, has a 50/50 chance of survival. It's amazing with technology today that such small babies, not yet developed in many ways, can be born and turn out healthy. Baby Katelyn has been advised she must wait until 37 weeks minimum, and it's good to know lots of prayers are keeping her put!!

Today's update: How your baby's growing:
Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long, she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

How your life's changing:In the past few weeks, the top of your uterus has risen above your belly button and is now about the size of a soccer ball.

- - A soccer ball, huh? And I'm still being told at least once a week that I don't look pregnant. Nice! That will soon change! :)

Crib delivery, set up & finished nursery!

2009-02-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

I don't know why the pics are showing up small. Sorry. I also should explain that while the walls may look white - - they are actually a pale sage green. They were meant to be a "khaki/tan" but for some reason, appear more green. (If you've seen our living room, it's about the same color. Sadly. I wanted something different, but oh well, it's all good and at least it matches).

23 weeks 3 days update...

2009-02-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

How your baby's growing:Turn on the radio and sway to the music. With her sense of movement well developed by now, your baby can feel you dance. And now that she's more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango), you may be able to see her squirm underneath your clothes. Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing her for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze her when she hears them outside the womb.

- - I find it interesting that they reference the size of a baby as "a large mango" weighing more than a pound. Where is that mango at Publix?! Never seen it!

3weeksand 3 days from today - I will be 26 weeks 6 days - officially 3rd Trimester!!

::faints::

Baby Name Meanings...

2009-01-28T10:25:00.001-08:00

For those who have recently asked if we knew the meanings of the names we have chosen...we did. Here they are...

Katelyn:

The name Katelyn comes from the English origin. In English, the meaning of the name Katelyn is: Pure

Grace:

The name Grace comes from the English origin. In English, the meaning of the name Grace, derived from the Latin 'gratia', means: God's favor.

And I was doing SO well...

2009-01-27T10:23:00.000-08:00

Dear baby Katelyn,

One thing you will learn about your mommy is that I LOVE (do not underestimate the caps usage here) chocolate. I would eat it every day, if allowed. But this was before you came along. When I found out I was pregnant, it was as if, by a miracle of Jesus Himself, I suddenly no longer craved chocolate, in any way, shape, or form. However, since Christmas (interestingly, the birth of Jesus - so maybe He was allowing me to celebrate? Hmm?) I started "tasting" chocolate again in some of the goodies we received at work and had at family events. Sadly, I believe this was the beginning of what is happening more frequently now. The desire for chocolate, it seems, has returned. It's not an all day craving, or every day need...but I do find myself thinking more about having this sweet, yummy, delicious creation, you too some day will have the joy of experiencing, on a more regular basis than before. I do fight the urge most days...but if you could only see the lovely desserts they make at the deli in mommy's office building. I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to please do whatever you need to do in there to help mommy out with this. Not sure if it's you, or Jesus, or the hormones, but this urge has to be curbed ASAP. Mommy has yet to take her 1 hour glucose test and I need to pass that so I won't be subjected to a three hour test!

That is all for now. I love you (even when you kick my bladder and almost make me pee at my desk at work),

Mommy

Baby Bedding...

2009-01-27T05:23:00.000-08:00

I uploaded a pic of the bedding we bought from E-Bay...it's Anabel bedding by JoJo. The pic looks more pink but in person, it's actually a deep peach, which was not really what I wanted, but it will look nice in the room. You can't beat the price of the set, we got a deal! We got 9 pieces with our set (no lamp, no wall hearts and no mobile), and once we get that set up this weekend after the crib is delivered, I'll post pics hopefully of our finished nursery. :)

Fun stuff coming this week!

2009-01-26T13:03:00.000-08:00

Shawn and his dad painted the nursery Sunday afternoon. It's a khaki color and goes with the bedding we received this weekend via Fed Ex (thanks to E-Bay). I'll post a pic once the nursery is completely done, but it looks great with the armoire and dresser already in it. We actually have a nursery now and not just a room that will be a nursery. lol!

We are having our carpets cleaned throughout the whole house this Wednesday - yay!

We sold our sofa sectional and ottoman and our new leather furniture (sofa, love seat and rocker/recliner (hallelujiah!)) will be delivered on Thursday. Can't wait!

And Saturday, our crib will be delivered! I'll wash the bedding this week and hopefully we can get a lot done this weekend so I can post pictures on Monday.

We have to register this weekend. We have two showers scheduled for March, so it needs to be done soon! We're registering at Target and Babies 'R Us. We are sure this is going to take ALL DAY! LOL! But it will be fun! (I'll pack some water and snacks just in case! ha ha!)

Things are moving along!! This past Sunday 1/25 marks 22 weeks! :)

A gift for baby and our shopping purchases from last night!

2009-01-16T06:55:00.001-08:00

Today when I got to work...a girl in our accounting department gave our baby girl a gift. She knitted a baby blanket!! I totally cried, and so did she! I love it! It's sooooo very soft. She insisted it is to be used and should not sit around as a decoration. I promised to use it! It's beautiful!

So Shawn took me to dinner last night to celebrate the news of our baby girl. Afterward, he suggested we go 'look' for 'girl' stuff; ha ha! I was ready to just 'look' but he insisted on getting a cart and doing some shopping - lol! He is so excited and it was so cute. We ended up with 3 outfits (he picked out 2 of the three outfits), 10 onesies and a "baby" bible books set (also his pick). ADORABLE!!

We had our BIG ULTRASOUND today...

2009-01-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

We've decided to name her Katelyn Grace :)

Baby is weighing about 15 ounces right now and her heart rate was 161. She was very active this morning and moving around a lot. She is breech/breach (head up/feet down) right now and it's no wonder I experienced my first bladder kick last week. (Interesting.) I'm starting to feel more movement of late, and now I know why. She's quite the little squirmer in there!

Please pray that Baby Katelyn stays put. I had a cone biopsy years ago which they said would affect my cervix. Last appointment, my cervix measured 3.5 today it measured 2.54. The lowest cutoff is 2.4 so I'm very close to that. As such, they've started me on progesterone to make sure my cervix stays closed. I'll go back in next week to be checked again. For now, I can't do any lifting, major activity, vacuuming, etc. (Good thing Shawn already vacuums! ha ha!) Please keep us in your prayers!

Thanks for all of your love, support and well wishes - they mean so much to us both!!

::mini freak out::

Oh MY GOSH we're having a baby girl! LOL!

20 weeks - we've made it halfway!!

2009-01-12T05:56:00.000-08:00

"Baby's digestive system is busy creating meconium (a tarry black substance made of swallowed amniotic fluid, digestive secretion and dead cells), which will fill the first diaper after birth. And, speaking of the diaper situation... baby's genitals are now fully formed!"

Good news, since our big ultrasound is on Thursday this week!! We will finally get to find out what we're having. As for the diapers mentioned above, I was told that newborns can go through between 9 and 12 diapers a day. Say you average 10 a day in the first month...that's 300 diapers! HOLY COW! Fun, fun! :)

Baby is now the size of...
a cantaloupe! WOW!

18w5d belly pic...

2009-01-02T09:14:00.001-08:00

We got STUFF!!!!

2009-01-02T05:40:00.001-08:00

So New Year's Day was eventful! We bought a pack'n play! We set it up at my parent's house (since my now retired mom will be taking care of baby next year) and will borrow it if/when we travel. I love itThis is the bedding set that was gifted to Shawn and I! We got the comforter, bumper, dust ruffle, fitted sheet, diaper stacker and valance. Too cute!!

And last but defintely not least...

We were also gifted our Cribs4Life Crib!! We ordered this one in the honey color (since we have a huge matching dresser that can be used) and got a changing pad that will bolt on to our existing dresser. It's great!! We love, love, love our crib!

Now, after 1/15 when we find out what we're having, we'll pick a paint color for the nursery. Very exciting!

Recent random thoughts and ramblings...

2008-12-23T07:51:00.000-08:00

So, we went to Disney this past weekend. Somehow we got on the topic of the to-be-determined sex of our baby. For the most part, Shawn and I had discussed and (I thought) agreed on having (birthing) one child and possibly adopting another in the future. So you can imagine my shock, when Shawn said "You know, if this baby is a girl, we could just get pregnant again right away and try for a boy." ::jaw drop:: I think Disney lost a little of it's magic in that moment. lol. We'll visit this topic MUCH later...I hope.

Sunday we went to lunch at the OG. Normally, I eat breakfast before lunch, but we got up late so I decided to give it a try. Bad idea. After eating and within 5 minutes of getting to Target to do some shopping...lunch came up. Everywhere. I didn't make it to the toilet (not that I'd put my face near a public toilet) so I ended up hurling all over the sink and floor in the handicap stall. I apologized to the Target staff profusely. I was advised that they had seen worse. ::gags::

Yesterday, a co-worker was talking with me on our way out of the building. She is probably in her 50s or 60s and was telling me how she had wished someone would have just been honest with her about childbirth. She said "...I mean, it REALLY hurts. I'm not gonna lie. Everyone just told me it was no big deal." Um. Thanks for sharing? Yea, I know, everyone is different. I'm in the "enjoy every moment" phase of pregnancy. I'd still like not to think about having to push out a baby at this point. ::breathes into paper bag::

Though...I did learn from my mother that after her water broke she spent a couple of hours in labor at home before going to the hospital, then after after arriving at the hospital I was born in just an hour. I am all for a quick labor and easy delivery. Let's hope genetics work to make this happen.

Lastly, I can honestly say that the single-serve microwaveable corn being sold now, are really the best thing ever! I've eaten them for dinner. I love them. MMMmmm corn. :)

16 weeks 5 days...

2008-12-19T11:48:00.000-08:00

Because I haven't posted a pic in a while...

I would like to add that I did have a big dinner last night and big lunch today. ha ha! I haven't gained any weight yet...in fact, I've lost 10 pounds since my first OB visit. I know that the time is soon approaching for things to start going in the opposite direction - lol. Can't wait! :)

Watch it wiggle...

2008-12-18T07:27:00.000-08:00

It looks like our baby is quite active in the mornings, which is fun to see at our 4 week ultrasound appointments. I hope that continues throughout the pregnancy so I can sleep at night. Today we saw the baby moving all around and waving its arms at us. You can see it's little hand/fingers on the other side of its face/nose in this pic. One shot looked like the baby was sucking its thumb. We are scheduled next month, January 15th, to find out the sex of the baby. YAY! Heartbeat today was a strong 159 and things are looking good!

Crazy milestones...

2008-12-12T12:02:00.000-08:00

Since I don't journal, this will be the only place I have to look back on for memories about how things have progressed over my pregnancy. I don't want to have blog overload and post daily, but I thought this week's milestone was especially important.

On Monday night, at 15d1w, I felt the baby move for the first time. It felt a little like bubbling water, or popcorn, and went from the top of my pubic bone to just below my belly button on the left hand side. It was unlike anything I felt before (it was not gas - Lord knows I know that feeling after 15 weeks - lol!). I did some research the next day and asked a few friends to confirm, and sure enough, everyone agreed that it definitely was baby movement. I, of course, then had to cry. WOW! I know it's a long way from kicks and outside kicks that people can see/feel, but it was an amazing realization.

Sunday will be 16 weeks and I read ahead in my "week-by-week" information and learned that the baby will be able to hear us starting in the 16th week. (Yep, I cried again.) Time to start reading and singing to baby - YAY! It is unbelievable to think our baby will be able to hear our voices now, so soon.

I know more incredible things are ahead for us and baby...I don't want to forget a moment!

Hand-me-downs SCORE!

2008-12-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

Well thanks to our friends Tricia & Dave, we had a major score this weekend from some Davey, Jr. hand-me downs! We got a carseat with a base, a bassinet (that vibrates, rocks and plays music!), a traveling changer, some baby bibs and a ton of maternity clothes! I had fun trying on stuff that I will probably start using in a month or two. YAY! We had fun going through stuff and playing with the bassinet and carseat. Several friends have had babies recently, so whatever we get as hand-me-downs, we are grateful for!!

As for baby and week 15, baby is currently the size of an orange! YUM! :)

New pics - New due date!

2008-12-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

We went for our u/s appointment this morning...and since the baby has measured ahead the last two appointments, they moved up my estimated due date to May 31st (from June 7th)! YAY for a May baby!! We got to hear the heart beat again, 143 bpm...nice and strong!

In 6 weeks, we go for our "big u/s" at 20 weeks, and get to find out the sex of the baby - woo hoo!