Our Go, Go, Go Girl!

This little one of ours just amazes me. My last post was on Sat. when I explained how she kept me awake all night. Friday night she really took it up a notch as far as the intensity of her movements. Well, guess what, she's getting even more powerful! I can now see her poking her body parts out. I can feel the shape and hardness of her head and elbows!! Up until Friday, the only time I really felt movement inside was at night time and morning. Since Friday, I feel her move all day and all night! Doesn't she ever sleep? What's really cute is this morning, Greg put his head up to my stomach and said "Hi Sydney." She instantly poked my stomach out and hit him in the eye!! Every time he said this, she responded the same way! It's just so surprising to me that we are feeling and seeing so much action from her already at only 25 weeks.

I have a feeling this summer is going to be difficult. It's already in the 100's. I attempted to watch Jordan's full soccer game on Sat. but only made it to half time and than suffered for it the rest of the day. It was so hot! I got home and quickly developed a horrible headache that lasted until bedtime. I guess I learned my lesson on that one!

My Little Night Owl

Ooofta, last night was a rough one! We went to bed around 10pm. I had taken a long nap earlier in the day so I wasn't ready to fall asleep yet. So, I watched TV while Greg fell asleep. Sydney decided to let me know she was awake around 10:30pm. I had my hand over my stomach and all of a sudden, "Bam" she either punched out or kicked out very hard right next to my belly button!! I could actually feel her hit my hand!! This kind of freaked me out because it was so close to my belly button. For those of you who don't know, belly buttons (ALL belly buttons) give me the heebeejeebee's!! When I was a baby, I had a herniated belly button. It healed well, but I have always had this "thing" about my belly button. No one is allowed to touch it!! So, Sydney came very close to breaking that rule last night!! She kept doing it over and over. It was like I could feel her little hand punching out. I finally had to wake Greg and have him feel her. "BAM!", she scared him with her jab! We both got a good laugh. Greg fell back to sleep but I was up several times throughout the night. Looks like we have a night owl!! At one point in the middle of the night, I swear I could feel her head or her little butt pushing out on my left side. So, we had a long night together!! And then of course she had to wake me up at 6am to let me know that it was time to eat! Oh boy, she is going to be a handful!!

I had Greg take a picture yesterday for me to post, but I deleted it!! I am really not to keen on having my picture taken right now! We'll see if we can get some better shots later in the weekend. Today, we are off to watch soccer. Jordan's state cup games have started; however, it's suppose to be 97 degrees today, so I am not sure how long I will last out in that heat!

Our First Purchases

Another good day today. I feel energized and went for a walk in the mall. At six months pregnant, I decided it was finally time to start shopping for Sydney. I had a blast picking out pink little outfits - and they were all on sale!! I came home and placed all of the little outfits out on the kitchen table and smiled - we did good Sydney! Now I just need a place to put them all. We are still in the process of cleaning the office/spare room out so we can set up a temporary space for Sydney's things. Since we will be moving into our new home in October, we will not be doing much decorating for a baby room in this house.

Now I am back home, with my feet up, slurping up my daily smoothie. I make it with strawberry protein powder, milk, organic vanilla yogurt, frozen fruit, and ice - YUMMY!!

The Gift that Keeps on Giving

I know I already wrote a blog entry today, but something funny has come up and I just had to write about it.

My mother was always notorious for buying silly stocking stuffers at Christmas time. We always got a good laugh at what "Santa" would put in our stockings. Greg, loving the Holidays as he does (NOT), didn't quite catch on to this humor at first and I think just thought that my Mother was crazy! As the years went by, he grew to appreciate the experience much more. One year Greg got a watch in his stocking. It was a Homer Simpson watch that had a button on the side that once pushed would say in Homer Simpson's voice, "MMMM BURGER"!! This watch was funny on so many different levels. First, it's huge. Second, at the time, Greg and I were on health kicks and rarely ate burgers. And third, Greg wears a Rolex watch!

Since my Mother's death, we have loved to look back at these silly gifts (which we kept thank God) and think of her and get a good laugh. So, this morning before work, Greg was going through a drawer and saw the Homer Simpson watch. We both laughed as Greg pushed the button and we heard, "MMMM BURGER"! Greg said it made him feel good to know that my Mother picked the watch out for him. Guess what? He decided against the Rolex today and wore the Homer Simpson watch to work!!! He looked so awesome in his dress pants, black short sleeved dress shirt and his over sized Homer Simpson watch! He has been messing around with his customers all day today having a blast! He called with with one story that almost made me, well let's say I ran to the bathroom when we hung up!!
Thanks again for the laughs Mom!!

6 Months This Week!!

Today is my day to work. It helps to be at work and to keep my mind occupied. I have been running this store now for gosh, 3 years I think? Over the last 3 years, I have met some very neat people. These customers come and see me every month and many times share some very personal information with me. Many of these customers know the pregnancy issues I have had in that past. Since they have learned of my current pregnancy, they love to come in and see me grow and to get updates. I am very grateful for these customers. And, sometimes, they will stop in just to tell me something wonderful that has happened in their lives. Like today, a female customer whom had been trying to get pregnant for awhile, came in to tell me that she is pregnant. I could see the joy in her face and it felt great to know that it meant so much to her to share her good news with me. I will miss these customers when I am no longer working.

Today is a good day. Physically I feel good. To celebrate this, I bought myself an almond bear claw this morning for my snack. WE thoroughly enjoyed it!! Almost everyday someone will ask me how far along I am. Today, I said "6 months" and reality hit again. We are going to be parents VERY soon!!

Better Day!

Today is a much better day! My blog from yesterday helped me vent some frustrations and now I am over it. I am still going stir crazy just sitting around, but today just seems easier.

I have a feeling that Sydney has moved from her breech position. I feel her movements from different areas now; whereas, before I felt her mostly in one location (because her feet and hands were in the same location). I believe that this is a great sign and that my next doctors appointment will show that my placenta has moved upward.

Can you believe that I am only 3 1/2 months or so out from our due date?? Wow, that brings on many different emotions. Greg couldn't be more excited. It's so cute to watch him as he observes other daddy's with their little girls. He gets this big grin on his face and holds my hand. He is going to be an amazing daddy to his little girl!!

Setting the Record Straight

I want to set the record straight on a few things. A friend of mine made a comment to another friend of mine in regards to "Do you think Sarah is being a little too cautious" because I am not out and about taking trips or working much.

Well, because I am having a bad day and because I am sick and tired of hearing people make comments like, "I wish I didn't have to work"or "take advantage of it while you can"or "wish I didn't have to clean", etc., I am writing this post on my blog today just to set the record straight.

I am not choosing to sit home and do nothing. I am not choosing to not work. I was put on bed rest and am now on "light" activity by my doctor because I started bleeding. Not just spotting but instead free for all full on bleeding. Now, anyone who has ever been pregnant or has lost a child knows how devastating and terrifying this experience is. And, until my placenta rises, which will lower the risk of my placenta detaching or bleeding, I could at anytime, for any reason, start bleeding again - which could possibly lead to me losing our baby and/or a blood transfusion for me. So, we cannot travel because I need to be close to a hospital and I cannot work more because it requires me to stand on my feet and walk around a lot.

Bed rest is NOT a vacation, nor is "light" activity. I would much rather be helping my husband get our home ready to sell or be decorating my little girls room, but I can't because nothing is more important than my child. So, I am not on vacation and I am not enjoying all of my downtime in any way. For all of you who have been so supportive, thank you for your understanding and thank you for listening to me vent today!

Sydney's Dragonfly

Sydney is becoming more and more stronger. How do I know this? I can SEE her moving around in my tummy every morning and every night!! To be quite honest, sometimes it really freaks me out!! To see her arm or leg move from one side of my belly to the other - well, it's like I have an alien in there!!! Everything I have read says that this visual experience doesn't take place until well into the third trimester. I have to say I am a little freaked out (OK, a lot freaked out) about this! If I am already experiencing this much movement, what the heck is it going to be like for us at 8-9 months?

I have had much time to think about how I want to decorate Sydney's room when we move into our new house. I have developed a really cute concept. Let me give you a little history first:

Several years ago, Greg, Jordan & I went on a soccer tour through England for 20 days or so. We had an amazing experience. It was during that trip that I found the neatest little dragonfly pendant for my mother which she loved. I currently have possession of the pendant. Moving forward several years, my mother left Greg and I some money in which we used to help purchase our current home. Shortly after we moved in, I placed a large framed picture of my mother as a little girl, right at our front entrance. We have always felt my mother's presence in our home. On our first Mother's Day here in our home, the first Mother's Day without my Mother, we sat quietly by our pool, thinking about my Mom. Suddenly, a big beautiful dragonfly began swooping around us. Now this dragonfly was VERY persistent! It was almost as if she was demanding our attention. She was very playful and would stop in mid air right in front of our faces and just stare at us. This dragonfly stayed with us for a very long time. At one point it even almost landed on Greg's head. This silly dragonfly was able to change our somber moods into joy and laughter. There was no question in our minds that this dragonfly was my Mother's spirit. She came to us to lighten our moods and help us get through a tough day. This all happened 4 years ago. This same dragonfly still comes to see us every spring and summer!!!

So, it only seems fit that Sydney Cathleen's room have a dragonfly theme. My mother's spirit will be with her everyday bringing joy and laughter to our daughter. This brings me much joy!

Checking In

Sorry it has been so long since I have last written. Life is very uneventful right now since I really can't be out and about doing a whole lot. I try to limit my activity to 1-2 errands on my days off. I did spoil myself yesterday and went and got a pedicure. It was very relaxing and my toes look pretty again. I figure I have at least 4 pedicures left before Sydney comes! After my pedicure, I then went to the book store and found a good book to read over the next week with all of my down time.

My next doctors appointment isn't for another 2 weeks. My next ultrasound with the specialist isn't for another 4 weeks. My doctor is pretty cool so I might ask her to do a quick ultrasound in 2 weeks when I am with her. I'd just like to see if my placenta has moved any. Because if it has, I may be able to at least start taking my walks again. I miss my daily walks. The weather is so beautiful here right now.

Well, that's about it for now. We are hoping to take some additional pictures this weekend. You will be surprised at the size of my belly! And now that I can't exercise, you'd be surprised at how big everything else is getting also, YIKES!!

Worlds Greatest Daddy

Yesterday was my first day back to work. It really felt good to be back and to visit with my customers. I feel I did a pretty good job as far as sitting in between tasks and customers. There was a lot to get done since I haven't been there in over 10 days. My employees are great and my husband is amazing, BUT, they are men and that usually entails a lack of organization and tidiness. So, buy the end of the day I had all of my paper work caught up and the store was once again clean and organized.

Speaking of my husband, I am just so proud of him and how he has taken on all of these additional responsibilities without one complaint. Anyone who really knows my husband, especially his family, knows that he is not fond of "housework." Who is for that matter?? Since I have been pregnant and especially since I have been put on "light duty" Greg has really stepped up! Without me even asking, he is helping with laundry, cooking, shopping, cleaning, and get this everyone - he actually ironed his own work pants the other night!!! I don't even iron!! On a serious note, Greg I am so thankful for you and for all you are doing to help Sydney and I. We could not even dream of a better husband and daddy!! WE love you!!

To Buy or Not to Buy?

All right, now I am totally confused! I went with my mother in law today to look at some bassinets. I then came home to do some much needed research. Some websites say "yes" get a bassinet and others say "no" don't get the bassinet because your baby will grow out of it too quickly. So, should I get a bassinet or just get a crib? Please help!!

For those of you who are wondering why I was out and about when I am on bed rest; rest assure, I was only on my feet for a limited time. Any way, my doctors have taken me off of bed rest and I am now on light duty. Over the next couple of days, I am going to try to be a little more active because I go back to work on Monday for a 9 hour day. I am taking this "light duty" command seriously. We cut my work week down considerably. I will only be working on Mondays and then a half day on Wed. And, if I feel at any time that it's just too much time on my feet, well then, we will just have to hire someone to help out at the stores. Sydney comes first!!

Call Out to all Moms

I have to admit, there have been times in my life when I thought bed rest sounded very intriguing. Not having to be at work, not having to shower or make myself presentable. I have now been on bed rest for 6 days!!! Sounds like a mini vacation doesn't it? Well let me tell you, it's NOT! I am bored people!! I look around at my house with all of the dust collecting and the piles piling and I begin to get restless. I think of how I could do just a little bit at a time throughout the day and eventually I could get it all done. And just when I think I have my mind made up, little Sydney kicks me and reminds me why I am here on my sofa instead of doing all of the "other insignificant stuff."

So, what have I been doing with all of my time. Eating, watching TV, eating, messing around on the computer, eating, showering here and there, and then eating more!! Sound like fun?
Yesterday I started a registry with Babies R Us online. I have spent hours on it over the last 2 days and am really struggling. So, this is a call out to all mom's - what should I include on my registry? What could you absolutely not have lived without? What are things I will never use? What should I look for in a car seat, stroller, diaper bag, baby furniture, clothes, etc. Please help me!!!

Good News

We had our appointment with the specialist today and it went well. The doctor could not see any brightened bowel which helps rule out some of the possible disorders my doctor was concerned about. The secondary ultrasound did show that my placenta is marginally covering the cervix which is why I bled on Friday. The specialists wants to see me every four weeks to keep on eye on the placenta which is normal. There is the possibility that as long as the placenta stays low, more bleeding will occur; however, Greg and I are confident that the placenta will work its way up soon. Until then, only light physical activity - no more elliptical machine or weight lifting - that wasn't part of MY plan during this pregnancy!! Another piece of humble pie for me - it's no longer about ME anymore!!

So, back on the sofa for the next few days!!! Email me if you get bored because it gives me something to do!!

Update

I went to the doctor today for a followup visit regarding our hospital episode over the weekend. My doctor has set up an appointment for us to meet with a specialist tomorrow morning to get a better perspective on what may have caused the bleeding and the white speckles in our daughters bowels. We should have a clearer understanding after our appointment.

Bed rest is not all that easy. I am staying positive but am getting very restless. The doctor has put me on partial bed rest for the rest of the week which means I still am not able to return to work. Greg is just amazing. He will be working everyday thru next Wed. 10-12 hours shifts each day! It is our only option at this point since we have limited employees. I really could not be more proud of him. He is really holding us all together right now. Greg's parents have also been amazing. Greg's dad has been helping us get some major projects done on the house since we need to get it ready to sell. He has saved us from so much stress. And Greg's mom checks in with me everyday to make sure I am ok and if I need anything. We are so blessed to have them in our lives. We will be sad to see them go back to Minnesota next weekend.

I will keep you all posted in regards to our appointment tomorrow.

Our First Emergency

Our little one is already testing us!!

Friday night we all ended up at the hospital. Shortly after we went to bed, I started bleeding, a lot. Once at the hospital, they immediately took us up to the maternity ward and started hooking me up to a monitor. I knew our daughter was fine because the whole time all of this was going on, she was still kicking as usual. The bleeding stopped while at the hospital. After running the ultrasound we learned that I have a low lying placenta. We think that our daughter must of kicked the placenta and broke some blood vessels. So, I am back home but on bed rest for most of the week. I go back into the doctor at the end of the week.

A frightening experience but I am very proud of how Greg and I handled it. There was one moment when Greg was parking the car that I shed some tears. But Greg helped me pull it together as soon as he came back. We both were very strong and positive.

So, bed rest for a week. Today is day two and I am already bored. I am a "project" person. I need to be moving and running errands and getting things done. This all is a very humbling experience and I am getting a much needed lesson on letting go and in letting other people help me. Difficult to do when you have a "in control" personality! For now, our daughter is the only "project" I am focusing on. I will keep you all posted, prayers are much appreciated.