Showing posts with label Prego. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prego. Show all posts

25 December 2009

Is It Different This Time Around?

Six weeks away from meeting our second baby means I've had a 34 weeks to think about what's different about this pregnancy than my first.

I'm not sure what I expected, but here's some reflection on the last 8 months.

Obsession:
- Far less this time around (with my first pregnancy I remember being fearful of breathing in the fumes at the nail salon).
- My thoughts about the baby are just that - more thinking about the baby joining our family and if it will be a girl or a boy, less fixation on being pregnant. Guess I know what to expect now which is exciting.
- No baby or delivery classes. We survived the first and the memories are still pretty fresh so we're good, no need for a refresher.
- I took pictures every week of my growing belly from 20(isk) weeks on with Will. I think I've done one set with #2. That makes me a little sad.

Preparation:
- We're weeks away from the big arrival and just ordered the baby furniture two days ago. Will's room was completely finished by the time I hit 32 weeks.
- Additionally, the registry is short, we're talking double stroller and diapers, that's pretty much it. I chalk this up to what Andy and I learned with Will...all you really need for the first few weeks are some diapers, a small set of clothes, a pack-n-play (or somewhere for the baby to sleep), and the infant car seat. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad we have ALL the baby gear from Will..it's all still current and up to safety standards which has made preparing the house for number two nearly an afterthought.

Physical:
- Weight gain has been nearly identical, but I wish now I had gotten really buff in the nine months between pregnancies. The extra 25lbs is wearing on me and I could tell a big difference after just the first 10lbs. We could also blame it on chasing around a one year old while being pregnant - not something I would recommend for the weary.
- Of course I also "popped" much earlier in my pregnancy (like at 10 weeks!) which I think a lot of moms say about the second pregnancy.
- Other small differences..I was so hungry my first trimester, I also had a lot more headaches then (that passed), and baby Cowx #2 sits differently than Will did - he or she has a favorite spot just to the right of and above my belly button.
- Oh, and the last difference, far fewer hiccups with baby #2. I wonder if that means he or she will have fewer than Will once he or she arrives (Will still gets hiccups almost daily, but it's usually from laughing too hard).

I know the next few weeks will go by exceptionally fast and soon enough I will have forgotten all of these things and replaced them with thoughts of our newborn baby girl or boy.

05 September 2008

Tales for L&D (if you dare!)

Everything went great with William's delivery. From start to finish (6am to midnight), labor took 18 hours. After 40 minutes of huffing and puffing (that was dad), William popped out kicking and screaming (2 minutes late according to Andy's prophecy).

So, I loved every moment of being pregnant except for the the last three hours - those were rough. Andy was amazing - funny (go figure) and strong (we were all worried about a weak stomach coming on - but he didn't even waiver). I didn't think it was possible to be more crazy about Andy - but I think everything I feel for him doubled in just a single day.

There are a few things that surprised me about delivery - so for the curious, here's a quick recap...

1. It hurts, a lot
2. Don't breathe, groan or cry when you push, why? it's ineffective - or as my doctor put it...
- "No, you aren't tired, now push"
- "That was better, but you're still not pushing hard enough, now push"
- "Don't you even think of crying, just push hard"
- "You're the only one in this room getting this baby out, now push harder!"

3. Your body needs lots of time, goop and TLC to recover

That's it - the final prego blog entry. I understand the memories fade fast (especially the painful ones). For everyone that's hung around for the adventure thank you for your support, advise and love. I have absolutely loved sharing the last nine months with so many wonderful friends, family members and colleagues.

02 September 2008

39 Weeks Have Passed, Day One of Week 40!

How far along: Today is Baby Cowx's due date (he/she missed the memo)

What's new: No baby yet. The Labor Day weekend didn't convince Baby Cowx that it was time to make an appearance.

I'm achy, but no regular or really intense contractions yet. We're just relaxing and enjoying our final days being a DINK (dual income no kids) household.

Holly Jean says: Nope, not yet.

Geordie says: Nope, not yet.

25 August 2008

38 Weeks Cooked, Only 1 Week to Due Date!

How far along: Final day of week 38, one week left until the big 40 (due date!)

What's new: Braxton Hicks for sure! I've avoided most discomfort for the past nine months, but "practice" contractions have set in this week. At our last doctor's visit, the MD was betting on an August delivery - but you never know I could go two weeks after the due date (let's hope not folks)!
Total weight gain to date - 28lbs (or two stone for you Brits). I would have settled for less, but hey, I'm not complaining!
Oh, and how can I forget to mention...the baby has "dropped" into position (what do you think?). The change in the past few weeks has freed me to a little spicy food without the wrath of immediate heartburn. Oh yeah!

Holly Jean says: Let's get this party started!

Geordie says: Sept. 4, boy, 7.5lbs - I know.

18 August 2008

37 Weeks Flew By, Will The Next 2+ Crawl By?

How far along: Last day of week 37, fully full term!
What's new: The doctor told us this week that there is "still plenty of room in there" - I beg to differ. I think we've grown my belly far enough.
New stuff this week - getting up and down has been a little awkward - I've now graduated to akward, difficult and well, uncomfortable when I get up from a chair. I have figured out that if I make it past the first step or two, I'm golden (just got to get some momentum going)!
Biggest news this week - Andy has installed the baby seat in his car and finished the nursery. We're all set, bring on baby Cowx!
Geordie says: Is your bag packed?
Holly Jean says: Tonight, I promise, it gets packed tonight!

17 August 2008

The Nursery Is Ready!

Just in time, the nursery is ready for baby Cowx. Andy put the finishing touches on the drapes this weekend. We're now focused on monitoring and temperature control. Andy has masterminded an impressive AV set-up (as always) and the temperature moderation for the room he had down to an art. Here are a few pics of the room.

11 August 2008

36 Week Gone, Almost Done

How far along: Last day of week 36, here comes week 37.

What's new: Well, I'm not sure it's possible for my belly to grow much larger. The doctors don't seem concerned, neither does Andy. The hugeness has started to slow me down, my quick gate is not just a waddle, but a slow waddle - how embarrassing :).
Another realization I've had in the last week or so is that I've turned into a klutz. Andy would say I'm always a klutz, but it's worse now. I don't think there's an hour that goes by that I don't drop something on the floor! It must be natures way of getting a chuckle - the retrieval of items on the floor is not a pretty sight at this point.
We're also now on weekly visits with the doctor. To kick off the new visit schedule, the doctor treated me to an internal exam - if I could have passed on the offer I would have.

Geordie says: Looks like that tickles.

Holly Jean says: [Gasp] um, that's not exactly how I'd describe it.

04 August 2008

35 Weeks, Who's the Gullible One?

How far along: Last day of week 35, only 4 weeks remain.

What's new: So you may have seen the surprise shower post already, but turns out pulling one over on Holly is all the rage right now. Friday was the first Friday of the month - which means bunko! Little did I know the girls at bunko night had NO intention of playing bunko. The ladies in the hood treated me to a fabulous shower in place of playing bunko. I was shocked, but of course Andy was in the know and conspired to make sure I showed up on time, but not early.

After getting over the shock and awe of the second surprise shower in a week, Andy declare the shower season over. Of course I believed my honest, forthright, loving husband, just to be fooled again on Monday at work! Kathy at work arranged a perfect showers with ladies from all over Constellation (and beyond - thank you for coming in from NJ Lynn!!). I think my chin hit the floor twice, once at the ambush and second when Kathy said Andy was sorry he had a meeting that came up and wouldn't be able to make the shower.
We are so lucky to have so many wonderful neighbors, friends and co-workers wishing us the best. Baby Cowx, Andy and I are all truly blessed to have such a fantastic community to welcome our new family addition.
Holly Jean says: You knew about all of the showers!?
Geordie says: What showers?

Here's a pic of the diaper cake and the chocolate cake from the bunko shower on Aug. 1.

28 July 2008

34 Weeks Have Passed, Full On Waddle With 5 Weeks To Go

How far along: Last day of week 34, 5 more weeks to go!

What's new: Well it's been sneaking up on me for a while now, but my swagger has turned into a waddle which is the biggest physical change recently.

Baby Cowx and mom got another A+ at the doctor's last week. Next week we start weekly visits to the doctor's office. Total weight gain to date is 24 lbs.

We're also two weeks into our three-week childbirthing class at St. Joe's. We got to see the labor and delivery rooms and the recovery mom-and-baby rooms. We also watched a video of a few deliveries which was an eye-opener.

Holly Jean says: OMG.

Geordie says: It's two days later and I'm still tramatized.

21 July 2008

33 Weeks, Heading Into the Final 6 Weeks

How far along: Last day of week 33, 6 more weeks to go!

What's new: A few fun new things over the past two weeks...This past weekend we had our first childbirth class at the hospital (St. Joseph's). There was a little drama around the registration form, but we made it and stayed the whole time! There are two more childbirth sessions coming up and a couple evenings of baby care class to follow.

Baby Cowx has now gotten into a regular routine of hiccups. There has been several small spells of hiccups every day.

The last doctor's appointment went fantastic. Holly got high marks for her low blood pressure (thanks to Andy for keeping her chilled out). The baby's little home in Holly's belly measured 32cm, which is exactly the right size for 32 weeks.

Holly Jean says: So, what did you think of the class honey?

Geordie says: I've thought about it, and I'm gonna FREAK OUT!

07 July 2008

31 Weeks - Finishing 8 Months!?

How far along: Final day of week 31
What's new: Still growing and lots of movement. Baby Cowx has had the hiccups a few times over the past few days, but Andy hasn't felt that yet.
We had a good 4th of July and celebrated with some local friends. We also set off some fireworks with the guys next door (Mike & Mike) - they picked up some excellent aerial fireworks which were the hit of the hood.
Other big news this week also has to do with 31...Holly turned 31 on Sunday. We celebrated with a Mexican lunch and a few very thoughtful presents for Holly Jean.
Holly Jean says: Ummmm, Mexican food.
Geordie says: Just because it's your birthday, "ummm, Mexican food".

04 July 2008

New Ultrasound Pics of Baby Cowx at 31 Weeks!

We celebrated Independence Day with a special little treat. We took a trip to Owings Mills and had some very cool 3D/4D ultrasound pictures taken of Baby Cowx.

The baby was a bit camera shy and spent a fair amount of time hiding behind its feet and hands, but we did get a few glimpses of our baby's face. Here are some of the better shots:

First is one of the best face shots (mom's lips).
Second is a cute pic with lots of tongue.

The last one is a full foot - second toe as long as the first (dad's toes).

P.S. This may be too much information, but the fuzziness around the forehead and eyes is the placenta. Perfectly normal but not ideal for taking pictures!

30 June 2008

30 Weeks - Graduating to Single Digit Week Countdown

How far along: Last day of week 30
What's new: This week we progressed from monthly doctor's visits to one visit every two weeks. I got a passing grade on my glucose test from two weeks ago (which means no issue with gestational diabetes - yeah!).
Total weight gain to date is 20lbs even, no movement on that front in the last two weeks - but the baby is certainly growing!
The doctor also gave me a green light on travel, eating tomatoes and the position of the baby (I was obsessing about the last bit because I can't quite get my head around how the baby turns around in there - but I was assured that the baby has plenty of room to flip around all kinds of ways).
Holly Jean says: OMG - did you know we'll need 600 diapers in the first 6 weeks?
Geordie says: Only if we change them.

23 June 2008

29 Week Update - Nearing The Single Digit Count Down

How far along: Last day of week 29
What's new: Busy week this week! Andy was away in Montreal for business so Holly got together with the neighbors to finish up plans for the neighborhood party this weekend.
Furniture for the nursery arrived on Saturday and Andy put the crib together on Sunday. All went well until Andy twisted his back a touch moving the furniture around. He's still recovering today.
And of course, there is plenty of baby movement and a little heartburn to go along with the growing belly! All is going well.
Holly Jean says: Oh, my back aches!
Geordie says: Oh, my back aches!

22 June 2008

The Nursery Furniture Arrives

The nursery furniture arrived on Saturday morning - nearly a month earlier than we expected. It looks beautiful and fits well. Andy got up early Sunday morning and with his assistant Tuxedo had the crib and changing table assembled in no time. Here are some pics of the project...

Andy preparing - parts counted and instruction step 1 studied.

Tuxedo taking a break to inspect the quality and function of of the glider.

The crib, assembled. No mattress yet - but we still have plenty of time to get that ordered and put in place. A shot of the room as it stands today - just about ready for the arrival!

16 June 2008

28 Weeks Finished - A Whole 7 Months!

How far along: Final day of week 28, seven months have passed, headed into month 8!!
What's new: Plenty of fun baby stuff this week...where to start!
- Mom can no longer see her feet without leaning over
- The baby has had several cases of the hiccups this week
- The doctor weighed me in this week, total weight gain 21lbs! Mom freaked out, but the doctor said we're all good and right on track.
- Back aches just a little if mom sits or stands too much.
- Constant baby movement, particuarly when mom sits down for a minute or two to relax.
And of course, this week was Father's Day - happy day to Andy, our very favorite daddy-to-be!
Holly Jean says: The baby had the hiccups today!!
Geordie says: You sure it wasn't just gas?

09 June 2008

27 Weeks Done, Starting Week 28

How far along: Final day of week 27, week 28 starts tomorrow!What's new: Two trips this month. Holly traveled to Florida for a family visit this weekend. Next weekend we're both headed off to Montreal for a long weekend get away. The weather in the mid-Atlantic was super hot, so it was a great weekend to get away to Florida, where it was cooler believe it or not! Andy wasn't so lucky - he stayed in Pennsylvania and the electricity cut out a few times over the weekend. It didn't phase him one bit - he stayed cool and calm all weekend.
As far as baby, the heartburn has kicked up a notch. So mom-to-be is taking it easy on the spices now which she misses already!
Holly Jean says: Aunt Rindy is predicting a baby boy - she's absolutely positive!
Geordie says: Well, she's certainly has a 50% chance of being right.

02 June 2008

26 Weeks Finished - Third Trimester Straight Ahead!

How far along: Last day of week 26, tomorrow starts week 27!

What's new: Lots of baby action, moves every time I sit still now. I've officially outgrown all my work tops, thank goodness for maternity tops and adorable prego dresses.
We also worked on the nursery a little over the weekend. Andy took out the existing closet shelf and put in a great new system to organize the impending chaos.

Holly Jean says: The Mimi Maternity girl said I looked big...do you think I'm bigger than I should be?

Geordie says: Ah, turn it in.

27 May 2008

25 weeks have passed, 26 starts today!

How far along: Today is the first day of week 26, so 25 weeks down!
What's new: Long weekend which meant lots of house projects (95% for Andy, 5% for Holly). One of the projects was the assembly of our new outdoor table and chairs. Andy was hammering away by 8 AM on Sunday (much to the neighbors delight). The set is a perfect fit for the deck and now we can eat dinner outside - just in time for crab season!
Geordie says: Yumm, crabs!
Holly Jean says: Yumm, ice cream after crabs!
Here's a picture of Andy with the new table on our deck.


19 May 2008

24 weeks, going on 25

How far along: Today is the last day of week 24, also the last day of the second trimester.

What's new: Furniture for the nursery got ordered over the weekend. We've picked the Serenity line from Stanley Furniture. Also ordered an upholstered glider and ottoman for rocking the new baby.

Holly Jean says: Okay, this is big enough.

Geordie says: I think it's pretty much done.