Saturday, December 15, 2007
A new blog...
So, I've decided to start a new blog. We've got www.iuwolf.com, but it seems I don't post there very often. I need somewhere that I can post some of my ramblings, most of which don't make it out of my head! Keep checking our current website as it will still get postings... Welcome to the Wolf Den!!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
It's Been a While...
It has been a while since I posted a blog or update, so I thought I'd write a bit to catch up. We've been super busy the past few weeks with Carter's birthday and travelling. We had a total of three birthday parties – one in Ft Wayne for family, one here for friends and family that could make it, and one at my parents' in Ohio to celebrate all the recent birthdays (five in all). We also took Carter to a minor league baseball game in Indianapolis on his birthday and he loved it. Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful gifts (that Carter likes to scatter around the house while playing with all of them!) – I promise thank-you cards are on the way! Thanks also to everyone who helped coordinate the festivities with me!! Matt had a birthday two days after Carter, so some of the celebrations were for him.
Carter went to the doctor today for his three-year physical and checkup. He's super healthy, and hadn't been to the doctor since his two-year appointment. He is 3'5" tall (>95%) and weighs 38.5 lbs (95%). Everything checked out great and the doctor was very pleased. Carter had his blood pressure taken for the first time, but saw me get it done every pregnancy visit and has a toy sphygmometer so he knew what was going on. He made the nurse do it three times because he liked it so much, and he listened through the stethoscope the last time. He did get a Hepatitis A vaccine, as they are just now adding it to the schedule, but did very well. I wasn't sure how he'd react, as he's always cried a bit in the past, but all he did was say "Ow" and liked getting a bandaid on his thigh! We did a developmental questionnaire too, and actually ran out of questions before we were done (I forgot to ask when the nurse came back if there was more I should answer). So we got as far as 3 yrs, 10 months developmentally, so Carter's at least there.
We're still working on potty training, as Carter is always so preoccupied with playing that he doesn't want to stop to use the potty. We've started using a timer, to give him the power when it's time to go (rather than us telling him to go), and that's working pretty well. He does stay dry fairly long now, except overnight. He also doesn't want to go #2 in the potty… No idea why! So if anyone has any suggestions to help us along, please give them to me!!
We thought about sending Carter to preschool two or three days a week starting in the fall, but we decided to wait. One reason is the expense, another is we feel he's already ahead of the game. He's known his alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors, and now knows his presidents and states. Since Lauren's been born, however, it's been harder to teach him new things, but we hope to get back to it soon. Perhaps he'll do one year of preschool before kindergarten to get him accustomed to school. He likes routines so it shouldn't be too hard, and he is very social with kids at the playground or bookstore so we're not worried about that.
Lauren is also doing well. It's hard to believe that she'll be three months old tomorrow!! She had been regularly sleeping six hours at night, and the past couple of weeks she has been sleeping nine-ten hours! She's also started taking more regular naps, usually one-hour in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. I'm hoping to get things more routine still, but was just waiting for her cue. She's now sleeping in her crib all the time, but I'm still keeping the bassinet up in my bedroom just in case we need it in the next couple weeks. I'm doing much better since I usually don't get woken up in the middle of the night anymore, and get my evenings back most days to read, watch a movie, or get stuff done around the house. She'll go back to the doctor on Sept. 6th for her four-month checkup and vaccines.
Lauren is doing more and more each day. She's such a happy baby, unless she's hungry or has a tummy-ache, and loves to socialize. She'll just sit (or stand) on my lap or sit in her Boppy and talk away! She's recognizing more and more things, reaching for them, and following them with her eyes really well. If she hears Carter, she strains herself to try and find him! We've also introduced her to the Jumperoo, which was Carter's absolute favorite thing, and she loves it just as much. She loves to stand and be up, and will hop from leg to leg in it watching the lights and talking to the kangaroo. She's also started to play with rattles – it's funny to watch her get her "serious face" when she's checking something out! It's just amazing to watch her grow and develop, and to watch the two kids interact.
August is another busy month… Matt and I are going to a Dave Matthews Band concert with Mandy and Jack next weekend. It will be fun to have a little break and time to ourselves! Carter is going to spend a weekend in Ft. Wayne with his grandparents the last weekend in August, so that will be a new experience. I'm sure he'll love it, and I'll enjoy a little quiet around the house and some non-guilty time with Lauren! I know Carter understands that Lauren needs more attention, but I always feel guilty that I can't spend a lot of one-on-one time with him like that. When Carter was a baby, it was different – he'd take a nap and I'd have time to myself or could get things done around the house. When Lauren takes a nap, I don't get a chance to get much done because I want to do things with him (and her naps aren't too long yet!). So if I do something around the house, I feel bad for not doing something with him. But if I do something with Carter, I hate that my house is a mess! That's the one bad thing about trying to sell the house before Lauren was born – I got so used to it being spotless that it drives me nuts having any bit of mess now! But… sometimes it has to be like that because I can't do it all right now. And that's hard enough for me to admit!
Although things are very busy, I'm getting very accustomed to being a mother of two. It is quite an adjustment, especially when you're used to doing things when you want or running a quick errand whenever. I totally had to change my day-to-day, but things are slowly returning to a new normal. And with Lauren getting on somewhat of a schedule, it helps things out a bit too.
I've posted lots of pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/hoosier.nik so check them out! I'll be continually adding more as well. Until the next update…
Carter went to the doctor today for his three-year physical and checkup. He's super healthy, and hadn't been to the doctor since his two-year appointment. He is 3'5" tall (>95%) and weighs 38.5 lbs (95%). Everything checked out great and the doctor was very pleased. Carter had his blood pressure taken for the first time, but saw me get it done every pregnancy visit and has a toy sphygmometer so he knew what was going on. He made the nurse do it three times because he liked it so much, and he listened through the stethoscope the last time. He did get a Hepatitis A vaccine, as they are just now adding it to the schedule, but did very well. I wasn't sure how he'd react, as he's always cried a bit in the past, but all he did was say "Ow" and liked getting a bandaid on his thigh! We did a developmental questionnaire too, and actually ran out of questions before we were done (I forgot to ask when the nurse came back if there was more I should answer). So we got as far as 3 yrs, 10 months developmentally, so Carter's at least there.
We're still working on potty training, as Carter is always so preoccupied with playing that he doesn't want to stop to use the potty. We've started using a timer, to give him the power when it's time to go (rather than us telling him to go), and that's working pretty well. He does stay dry fairly long now, except overnight. He also doesn't want to go #2 in the potty… No idea why! So if anyone has any suggestions to help us along, please give them to me!!
We thought about sending Carter to preschool two or three days a week starting in the fall, but we decided to wait. One reason is the expense, another is we feel he's already ahead of the game. He's known his alphabet, numbers, shapes, and colors, and now knows his presidents and states. Since Lauren's been born, however, it's been harder to teach him new things, but we hope to get back to it soon. Perhaps he'll do one year of preschool before kindergarten to get him accustomed to school. He likes routines so it shouldn't be too hard, and he is very social with kids at the playground or bookstore so we're not worried about that.
Lauren is also doing well. It's hard to believe that she'll be three months old tomorrow!! She had been regularly sleeping six hours at night, and the past couple of weeks she has been sleeping nine-ten hours! She's also started taking more regular naps, usually one-hour in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. I'm hoping to get things more routine still, but was just waiting for her cue. She's now sleeping in her crib all the time, but I'm still keeping the bassinet up in my bedroom just in case we need it in the next couple weeks. I'm doing much better since I usually don't get woken up in the middle of the night anymore, and get my evenings back most days to read, watch a movie, or get stuff done around the house. She'll go back to the doctor on Sept. 6th for her four-month checkup and vaccines.
Lauren is doing more and more each day. She's such a happy baby, unless she's hungry or has a tummy-ache, and loves to socialize. She'll just sit (or stand) on my lap or sit in her Boppy and talk away! She's recognizing more and more things, reaching for them, and following them with her eyes really well. If she hears Carter, she strains herself to try and find him! We've also introduced her to the Jumperoo, which was Carter's absolute favorite thing, and she loves it just as much. She loves to stand and be up, and will hop from leg to leg in it watching the lights and talking to the kangaroo. She's also started to play with rattles – it's funny to watch her get her "serious face" when she's checking something out! It's just amazing to watch her grow and develop, and to watch the two kids interact.
August is another busy month… Matt and I are going to a Dave Matthews Band concert with Mandy and Jack next weekend. It will be fun to have a little break and time to ourselves! Carter is going to spend a weekend in Ft. Wayne with his grandparents the last weekend in August, so that will be a new experience. I'm sure he'll love it, and I'll enjoy a little quiet around the house and some non-guilty time with Lauren! I know Carter understands that Lauren needs more attention, but I always feel guilty that I can't spend a lot of one-on-one time with him like that. When Carter was a baby, it was different – he'd take a nap and I'd have time to myself or could get things done around the house. When Lauren takes a nap, I don't get a chance to get much done because I want to do things with him (and her naps aren't too long yet!). So if I do something around the house, I feel bad for not doing something with him. But if I do something with Carter, I hate that my house is a mess! That's the one bad thing about trying to sell the house before Lauren was born – I got so used to it being spotless that it drives me nuts having any bit of mess now! But… sometimes it has to be like that because I can't do it all right now. And that's hard enough for me to admit!
Although things are very busy, I'm getting very accustomed to being a mother of two. It is quite an adjustment, especially when you're used to doing things when you want or running a quick errand whenever. I totally had to change my day-to-day, but things are slowly returning to a new normal. And with Lauren getting on somewhat of a schedule, it helps things out a bit too.
I've posted lots of pictures at http://picasaweb.google.com/hoosier.nik so check them out! I'll be continually adding more as well. Until the next update…
Friday, July 6, 2007
Time is Flying...
It's so hard to believe that Lauren is almost two months old already! It just seems like last week we were bringing her home from the hospital. Time sure is flying by… I have noticed that with the first child you're always pushing to hit the milestones, giving them toy after toy to play with, and basically trying to do whatever you can to pass the time with someone who can't really talk back yet! With the second you try to hang onto every moment so they don't grow up too fast. Not to say I'm not pushing Lauren to strive, but I'm more content just holding and talking with her instead of trying to give her tummy time or seeing if she'll play with this toy or that toy. Having Carter does make the time pass quicker during the day it seems. I remember how lonely I would get when Carter was a baby, watching the clock hoping it would suddenly say 5:00pm and Matt would be on his way home from work. That's not really the case now and I'm so glad! I do still get a little lonely and in dire need of some adult company, but motherhood gets easier with the second child. Of course, I knew a little more what to expect and have a lot more experience.
Today Lauren went to the doctor for her two-month checkup. I can tell she's growing like a weed, but was excited to see the actual numbers. Here is her progression so far:
Birth: 8 lbs 3 oz; 20 in (left hospital at 7 lbs 13 oz)
5 Days: 7 lbs 15 oz
2 Weeks: 9 lbs 2 oz (95%); 20 in (25%, which I think was mismeasured)
TODAY – 2 months: 13 lbs 4 oz (95-97%); 24 ½ in (?97%)
So in six weeks time, she's gained a little over four pounds!! She is completely breastfed, so it makes me feel great that I can give her the nutrition necessary to grow like she is. I'm just amazed…
Lauren got her first round of shots today (with the exception of the Hep B vaccine she got at birth). She got four shots and a liquid and was not happy about it! I have never heard her cry like this before!! As soon as she was done, I picked her up and she calmed down quickly and went to sleep. An hour later and she's still zonked!! She's normally a very good sleeper. She's gone as long as 6 ½ hours at night, but it's usually more like 3-4 hours. She's got to wake up to eat, you know… What a chunky monkey!
She's excelling developmentally as well. She's been smiling since three weeks, rolled over at four weeks, loves to sit or stand up, and has been cooing more and more every day. The questionnaire we do at the doctor's office put her at 5 months, 2 weeks developmentally so I'm really pleased. Maybe it's all the talking I do with her all day long – she also likes talking with her mobile or stuffed lambs. Watching her interact with Carter or seeing things for the first time is just amazing. Lauren is thriving, and it's a joy to experience each day with her!
Today Lauren went to the doctor for her two-month checkup. I can tell she's growing like a weed, but was excited to see the actual numbers. Here is her progression so far:
Birth: 8 lbs 3 oz; 20 in (left hospital at 7 lbs 13 oz)
5 Days: 7 lbs 15 oz
2 Weeks: 9 lbs 2 oz (95%); 20 in (25%, which I think was mismeasured)
TODAY – 2 months: 13 lbs 4 oz (95-97%); 24 ½ in (?97%)
So in six weeks time, she's gained a little over four pounds!! She is completely breastfed, so it makes me feel great that I can give her the nutrition necessary to grow like she is. I'm just amazed…
Lauren got her first round of shots today (with the exception of the Hep B vaccine she got at birth). She got four shots and a liquid and was not happy about it! I have never heard her cry like this before!! As soon as she was done, I picked her up and she calmed down quickly and went to sleep. An hour later and she's still zonked!! She's normally a very good sleeper. She's gone as long as 6 ½ hours at night, but it's usually more like 3-4 hours. She's got to wake up to eat, you know… What a chunky monkey!
She's excelling developmentally as well. She's been smiling since three weeks, rolled over at four weeks, loves to sit or stand up, and has been cooing more and more every day. The questionnaire we do at the doctor's office put her at 5 months, 2 weeks developmentally so I'm really pleased. Maybe it's all the talking I do with her all day long – she also likes talking with her mobile or stuffed lambs. Watching her interact with Carter or seeing things for the first time is just amazing. Lauren is thriving, and it's a joy to experience each day with her!
Friday, May 25, 2007
First Dr Appt & Adjustments
Okay, so it's not technically her first appointment, but the 5-day appointment is really just a weight check and to see if we're adjusting at home okay. At her 5-day appointment, Lauren weighed 7 lbs 15 oz (two ounces more than when she left the hospital). The doctor was pleased that she had started gaining some back (after losing 6 ounces in the hospital, which is normal) and that my milk was in and she was eating well. No problems yet...
Today we had her two-week appointment, and little Miss Lauren is growing very well! She weighs 9 lbs 2 oz, so the doctor was super happy! Let me tell you... as much as she nurses, I'm not surprised she gained that much in two weeks! Everything else looked great, so still no problems (other than occasional fussiness from little tummy-aches and she thinks she needs to eat more... ). She is completely breast-fed (no supplementation like Carter needed), and I hope to start pumping and offering bottles soon so I don't feel "stuck" to Lauren!
We're adjusting well to home life. We've had many visitors, but the days I've been alone with the kids have been fine. Lauren sleeps well (and often) in her bassinet and is so content all the time. When Carter was a baby, he needed constant stimulation and interaction and didn't take long naps-- we're already seeing huge differences between the two of them! Carter is still like that today, so maybe that means Lauren will be a little more laid back. The one that it's the hardest on is Carter. He's doing well, he's just learning that Mommy can't be there every second (and knows when I'm nursing I can't get up to stop him!). It's going to take some getting used to, but I'm not worried about him. He is a big helper when Lauren is being changed or bathed and likes being the "Big Boy Brother". We're all getting sleep, even if it is sporadic, but it helps to feel rested. I've learned when I need to lie down, and most the time Carter lets me catch a few zzz's. That's one thing that's harder with the second, but with her sleeping pretty well both during the day and at night it's not too bad. Lauren's also great when we run errands -- she falls asleep in the car and so far she's slept the entire time we're out! That makes it a little easier to leave the house too. I'm so glad she's been such an easy baby!
Lauren will go back to the doctor on July 6th for her two-month checkup and first round of shots (other than when she was born). Carter will be going to the doctor at the end of July for his three-year checkup. He hasn't been to the doctor since his two-year appointment! I always look forward to seeing where he is deveopmentally -- last year he was the equivalent of 3 years, 1 month. Maybe the constant stimulation isn't so bad after all...
Today we had her two-week appointment, and little Miss Lauren is growing very well! She weighs 9 lbs 2 oz, so the doctor was super happy! Let me tell you... as much as she nurses, I'm not surprised she gained that much in two weeks! Everything else looked great, so still no problems (other than occasional fussiness from little tummy-aches and she thinks she needs to eat more... ). She is completely breast-fed (no supplementation like Carter needed), and I hope to start pumping and offering bottles soon so I don't feel "stuck" to Lauren!
We're adjusting well to home life. We've had many visitors, but the days I've been alone with the kids have been fine. Lauren sleeps well (and often) in her bassinet and is so content all the time. When Carter was a baby, he needed constant stimulation and interaction and didn't take long naps-- we're already seeing huge differences between the two of them! Carter is still like that today, so maybe that means Lauren will be a little more laid back. The one that it's the hardest on is Carter. He's doing well, he's just learning that Mommy can't be there every second (and knows when I'm nursing I can't get up to stop him!). It's going to take some getting used to, but I'm not worried about him. He is a big helper when Lauren is being changed or bathed and likes being the "Big Boy Brother". We're all getting sleep, even if it is sporadic, but it helps to feel rested. I've learned when I need to lie down, and most the time Carter lets me catch a few zzz's. That's one thing that's harder with the second, but with her sleeping pretty well both during the day and at night it's not too bad. Lauren's also great when we run errands -- she falls asleep in the car and so far she's slept the entire time we're out! That makes it a little easier to leave the house too. I'm so glad she's been such an easy baby!
Lauren will go back to the doctor on July 6th for her two-month checkup and first round of shots (other than when she was born). Carter will be going to the doctor at the end of July for his three-year checkup. He hasn't been to the doctor since his two-year appointment! I always look forward to seeing where he is deveopmentally -- last year he was the equivalent of 3 years, 1 month. Maybe the constant stimulation isn't so bad after all...
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Lauren is Here!
I'm finally getting around to uploading pictures and such, so thought I'd post a quick blog. Most of you have probably heard that Lauren Taylor Wolf has made her arrival. She was born on May 10, 2007, at 1:07pm. She weighed 8 lbs, 3 oz and was 20 in long. She looks like big brother Carter, and she has dark brown somewhat-curly hair, big hands with long fingers, and tiny ears! Labor was good -- I went in to be induced at 6:30am and was already having regular contractions eight minutes apart. With just a little pitocin and breaking my water a little after 8am, labor was underway. Contractions got hard pretty quickly, and by 11:15am I was 4.5 cm. The anesthesiologist was paged and by 12:30p I had my epidural, along with some pretty sharp pains. The nurse checked, and in a little over an hour I had made it to 9 cm! Ten minutes later, the doctor said to get me ready to push. I started pushing at 12:55pm and she came at 1:07pm -- out in six contractions!! She was a great delivery and I was up and around with her that first night.
We came home from the hospital on Saturday afternoon (May 12) and have been adjusting pretty well. She's a great eater, and breastfeeding is going great. Carter is adjusting to not having all the attention, but is doing pretty good. It's going to take some time to get a routine going and for him to be used to having her around (and not having Mommy to himself!!).
The pictures are uploaded into two albums:
http://picasaweb.google.com/hoosier.nik/Lauren
http://picasaweb.google.com/hoosier.nik/LaurenAgainFromOthers
I'll upload more as we get them. Enjoy!!
We came home from the hospital on Saturday afternoon (May 12) and have been adjusting pretty well. She's a great eater, and breastfeeding is going great. Carter is adjusting to not having all the attention, but is doing pretty good. It's going to take some time to get a routine going and for him to be used to having her around (and not having Mommy to himself!!).
The pictures are uploaded into two albums:
http://picasaweb.google.com/hoosier.nik/Lauren
http://picasaweb.google.com/hoosier.nik/LaurenAgainFromOthers
I'll upload more as we get them. Enjoy!!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
We're Having a Baby!
I went to the doctor today, at 38 wks 1 day, and the stress test looked great. The doctor always says she's showing off because we get great results. Then she informed me that they induce at 38 1/2 weeks when there are two vessels in the cord (I think they told me that a while ago when we first found this out, but it had slipped my ever-forgetting mind!). They only like to induce when the cervix is favorable, which mine is very ready. She didn't say what it was, but I don't think it dilated anymore than the 3cm it was last week. So anyway, we've decided to go in Thursday morning for the induction. I'd have rather done Friday, but the doctors don't want to work too late on Friday nights. I could've also picked Monday, but I didn't think I could stand to wait that long. I'm so miserable!! AND THE BEST PART... There are two doctors in my office, Dr Weiler and Dr Stowell. I've seen Dr Stowell the majority of this pregnancy (and last) and Dr Weiler delivered Carter. I'd much rather have Dr Stowell, and he's the one on call Thursday so he'll deliver Lauren!! (Yay, Mandy! I hope he delivers Sam too!) There's nothing wrong with Dr Weiler, she's great too, I've just seen Dr Stowell for all but like three or four appointments so he's really been with me through the entire thing.
So as long as Lauren doesn't decide to come on her own tonight or tomorrow, we'll be at the hospital Thursday morning at 6am to get things started (well, it's started, we'll just help it move along quicker!). So anyone who wants to come visit me, I'll be there through Sunday as long as things go well. I get to come home Mother's Day with a new baby!!
Oh, and depending on when she makes her arrival... Mandy will win the baby pool if she's born before noon on Thursday; Amanda will win if she comes after noon; and Mom will win if she waits until after midnight (let's hope not, sorry Mom!).
So as long as Lauren doesn't decide to come on her own tonight or tomorrow, we'll be at the hospital Thursday morning at 6am to get things started (well, it's started, we'll just help it move along quicker!). So anyone who wants to come visit me, I'll be there through Sunday as long as things go well. I get to come home Mother's Day with a new baby!!
Oh, and depending on when she makes her arrival... Mandy will win the baby pool if she's born before noon on Thursday; Amanda will win if she comes after noon; and Mom will win if she waits until after midnight (let's hope not, sorry Mom!).
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
When Will She Be Here?
No one can truly answer that question, but I think she'll be here anytime. She being Lauren, the growing little girl in my belly! I went for my weekly checkup today -- I'm 37 weeks, 2 days and feeling every minute of it! We had an ultrasound first, as the doctor wanted to get an estimate of her weight. Everything looks great and she's growing well. It was hard to see a lot of things because very little fit onto the screen this late in the pregnancy! We have a picture of her profile, but she kept her hand up which cast a shadow. I did see her opening and shutting her mouth, which was so cool! She is measuring 38 weeks on average and weighs about 7 lbs, 10 oz. It is smaller than I expected with the way she pokes out, but it's just the way she's sitting in there. Dr Stowell said I was lucky to only have two vessels in this case, as she could easily be a pound or so more! But she's still growing, so who knows what she'll actually be when she's born. Right now she's in the 84th percentile.
I also had the stress test today and everything was good. Her heartrate stayed lower today, even though she was moving around quite a bit. It stayed around 150 for the most part. My blood pressure was a little higher than it usually is today, at 130/82. Nothing big, just a little higher for me (but still in the normal range). Even though she is measuring 38 weeks (a week ahead), my belly is measuring 39 weeks (2 weeks ahead). See... just the way she's sitting in there! She does have long legs though...
For the great news... Last week my cervix was softened, so had just started getting ready. In a week's time, I am now 50% effaced (thinned out) and 3 cm dilated!! The doctor was super pleased, and says she could be here anytime (but we never know...). He doesn't think I'll go more than two weeks, but probably not even that. Before he left, he said if I make it he'll see me in a week. My appointment is next Tuesday, so we'll see... I think I'll make it, but it's all dependent on Lauren's urgency to get here!
(To give you some idea, I was only 1 1/2-2 cm dilated when I went to the hospital in labor with Carter (so already having contractions).... When I got to 3cm they broke my water and I had Carter 6 hrs later.)
I also had the stress test today and everything was good. Her heartrate stayed lower today, even though she was moving around quite a bit. It stayed around 150 for the most part. My blood pressure was a little higher than it usually is today, at 130/82. Nothing big, just a little higher for me (but still in the normal range). Even though she is measuring 38 weeks (a week ahead), my belly is measuring 39 weeks (2 weeks ahead). See... just the way she's sitting in there! She does have long legs though...
For the great news... Last week my cervix was softened, so had just started getting ready. In a week's time, I am now 50% effaced (thinned out) and 3 cm dilated!! The doctor was super pleased, and says she could be here anytime (but we never know...). He doesn't think I'll go more than two weeks, but probably not even that. Before he left, he said if I make it he'll see me in a week. My appointment is next Tuesday, so we'll see... I think I'll make it, but it's all dependent on Lauren's urgency to get here!
(To give you some idea, I was only 1 1/2-2 cm dilated when I went to the hospital in labor with Carter (so already having contractions).... When I got to 3cm they broke my water and I had Carter 6 hrs later.)
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
36-Week Checkup
I had my 36-week checkup today, and baby is doing very well. I had another stress test and although I felt she wasn't as active as normal the doctor was very pleased. He said her heartrate goes up when she is active, and that's what they're looking for -- the fluctuations in the test are good. He advises pregnant women to count ten movements in six hours, and I had more than that in the twenty or so minutes I was hooked to the machine! Lauren is quite active, and loves rolling from side to side to poke out! Matt says that my belly looks possessed with how she moves sometimes.
I had my beta strep test today and will get the results at my appointment next week. He also checked my cervix for the first time -- it was soft but not dilated, which is what he expected with four weeks until due date. He didn't measure my belly today, but feels that she is still growing well (and I concur -- I have new stretch marks... thanks, Lauren!). I'll have an ultrasound next week so we can get an idea of her weight at this point. I'm excited to see what she looks like this close to being due!
I had my beta strep test today and will get the results at my appointment next week. He also checked my cervix for the first time -- it was soft but not dilated, which is what he expected with four weeks until due date. He didn't measure my belly today, but feels that she is still growing well (and I concur -- I have new stretch marks... thanks, Lauren!). I'll have an ultrasound next week so we can get an idea of her weight at this point. I'm excited to see what she looks like this close to being due!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Busy, Busy, Busy!
First things first: I went to the doctor today for another checkup -- I'm 35 weeks, 2 days along. I had another stress test, and everything looks great. She was busy moving around the entire time, so her heartrate jumped up and down. The doctor said that's good, as they can see that her heartrate is moving when she is. No contractions either, which I guess is a good thing. I am measuring two weeks ahead, and doctor said hopefully my body will be nice and she'll come out two weeks early! Let's hope so... He doesn't think she'll be as big as Carter (who was 9 lbs, 12 oz) but that she will be good size. I don't know if I believe him -- he thought Carter would be in the 8-lb range! We'll see... I go every week now and will be starting the cervical checks, so those will give a better understanding of where my body is in preparing for her to come. Of course, she'll just come when she's good and ready!
For all of you who keep asking -- NO, WE HAVE NOT DECIDED ON A MIDDLE NAME! Remember how long it took to have a first name for Carter? Yeah, it takes time sometimes! Matt has his favorite and I have mine, and since they're not the same we're still working on it. Don't worry... she'll have one by the time she's born.
My parents were here for a few days this past weekend and we really got things done! We had to empty out the guest room and Carter's room to rearrange the furniture and get a nursery started. Carter now has a big boy room, complete with a full-size bed! He's been sleeping great in it and loves his new room. He's even climbing under the covers now! The nursery is pretty much done -- it's amazing what you can accomplish in two days. My mom painted the room Sunday, and we got all the furniture, curtains, light, etc set up on Monday. I still have a wallpaper border to put up and the accessories to finish, a well as putting the rest of her stuff away but at least we'll be ready if she decides to make a really early arrival. I have some pictures posted, but will get some up once it's completely done. You can see them here: http://picasaweb.google.com/hoosier.nik/LaurenSNursery. Let me know what you think! Thanks, Mom and Dad, for all the hard work!! I promise next time you visit you can just relax.
Now that the nursery and Carter's rooms are set, I have all this stuff around my house that I need to organize. Oh, why couldn't our house just sell so I got all my new storage space?!? Such is life... It's driving me crazy, though, because I got used to the house being extra-specially clean while it was for sale! It will eventually get done, I suppose...
Speaking of Carter being a big boy, we've started potty training more intensely. He's known what he's supposed to do, mimicking me going to the bathroom, he just hasn't had any desire to actually do it. So now that we're more settled (not trying to sell a house or travelling) I got some pull-ups and have been taking him in on a regular basis throughout the day to try and go potty. He is still a little hesitant, but he is doing it! I think he's just too busy to stop and try, but I have to make him. He gets really excited when he does it, and we're hoping he catches on real quickly. I don't think he knows the sensation of when he has to go yet either... We're not pushing him -- he has to go at his own pace or else we'll all just get frustrated!
Matt is gone again for a couple days. I think I'm going to have to have a word with his boss -- what is he thinking sending him away when I can barely walk?!? He was in Boston all last week, and now he's on his way to St. Louis. It's not a long trip this time -- he'll be home Friday afternoon. But still... there's lots of stuff to get done around the house (and I can't move things) and with the weather nice Carter wants to go to the park! I can't take him to the park alone since I can't chase him around very well! We went last night and he found a friend named Maya. She was about 4 1/2 months younger than he, and they played the entire hour or so we were there. They were so cute together! Maybe we'll see her around when we go back.
I've been busy with my friend Mandy's baby shower and it will finally be here on Sunday! I can't wait, and hope things go as well as I've been planning! She is five weeks behind me (due June 25th) and also measuring 2 weeks ahead and I think she's more uncomfortable than I am! Hopefully we'll both have early babies.
Hmm... I think that's all the major stuff for now. There will be another update next week after the next baby appointment! Oh, and we won't be travelling until after Lauren is born (and we feel up to it after that), so everyone come visit me sometime!
For all of you who keep asking -- NO, WE HAVE NOT DECIDED ON A MIDDLE NAME! Remember how long it took to have a first name for Carter? Yeah, it takes time sometimes! Matt has his favorite and I have mine, and since they're not the same we're still working on it. Don't worry... she'll have one by the time she's born.
My parents were here for a few days this past weekend and we really got things done! We had to empty out the guest room and Carter's room to rearrange the furniture and get a nursery started. Carter now has a big boy room, complete with a full-size bed! He's been sleeping great in it and loves his new room. He's even climbing under the covers now! The nursery is pretty much done -- it's amazing what you can accomplish in two days. My mom painted the room Sunday, and we got all the furniture, curtains, light, etc set up on Monday. I still have a wallpaper border to put up and the accessories to finish, a well as putting the rest of her stuff away but at least we'll be ready if she decides to make a really early arrival. I have some pictures posted, but will get some up once it's completely done. You can see them here: http://picasaweb.google.com/hoosier.nik/LaurenSNursery. Let me know what you think! Thanks, Mom and Dad, for all the hard work!! I promise next time you visit you can just relax.
Now that the nursery and Carter's rooms are set, I have all this stuff around my house that I need to organize. Oh, why couldn't our house just sell so I got all my new storage space?!? Such is life... It's driving me crazy, though, because I got used to the house being extra-specially clean while it was for sale! It will eventually get done, I suppose...
Speaking of Carter being a big boy, we've started potty training more intensely. He's known what he's supposed to do, mimicking me going to the bathroom, he just hasn't had any desire to actually do it. So now that we're more settled (not trying to sell a house or travelling) I got some pull-ups and have been taking him in on a regular basis throughout the day to try and go potty. He is still a little hesitant, but he is doing it! I think he's just too busy to stop and try, but I have to make him. He gets really excited when he does it, and we're hoping he catches on real quickly. I don't think he knows the sensation of when he has to go yet either... We're not pushing him -- he has to go at his own pace or else we'll all just get frustrated!
Matt is gone again for a couple days. I think I'm going to have to have a word with his boss -- what is he thinking sending him away when I can barely walk?!? He was in Boston all last week, and now he's on his way to St. Louis. It's not a long trip this time -- he'll be home Friday afternoon. But still... there's lots of stuff to get done around the house (and I can't move things) and with the weather nice Carter wants to go to the park! I can't take him to the park alone since I can't chase him around very well! We went last night and he found a friend named Maya. She was about 4 1/2 months younger than he, and they played the entire hour or so we were there. They were so cute together! Maybe we'll see her around when we go back.
I've been busy with my friend Mandy's baby shower and it will finally be here on Sunday! I can't wait, and hope things go as well as I've been planning! She is five weeks behind me (due June 25th) and also measuring 2 weeks ahead and I think she's more uncomfortable than I am! Hopefully we'll both have early babies.
Hmm... I think that's all the major stuff for now. There will be another update next week after the next baby appointment! Oh, and we won't be travelling until after Lauren is born (and we feel up to it after that), so everyone come visit me sometime!
Friday, April 6, 2007
Quick Baby Update
Went to the doctor this morning for my bi-weekly checkup. I'll be 34 weeks along on Monday. I had my first stress test done today, and I think it was more stress on me! They hook two things up to my belly -- one measures baby's heartrate and one measures if I have any contractions. Lauren cooperated very well and they got a good readout in 15 minutes (it can sometimes take 45 minutes). Her heartrate was 153 most the time and she was moving around during most of the test. I, however, did not do so well! The nurse had me on my back and my blood pressure dropped making me hot and lightheaded. The doctor came in and said that I should have been put on one side since this happens, gave me some cold water, and did the rest of my exam while I was lying on my side. She said I'm still growing well, and doesn't think that the cord only having two vessels is going to be a problem at all. I go back in another two weeks, and then most likely every one week after that. I'll have a stress test done each time, but now I know to make them have me lie on one side!!
Some very good news is that the doctor is pretty confident that Lauren is head down because of where they found the heartbeat. She's been this way for the past couple weeks, and I thought she had turned because of how her movements had changed. That makes me feel great because it means she's getting more ready to come out!! Six weeks (maybe less) to go!!
Some very good news is that the doctor is pretty confident that Lauren is head down because of where they found the heartbeat. She's been this way for the past couple weeks, and I thought she had turned because of how her movements had changed. That makes me feel great because it means she's getting more ready to come out!! Six weeks (maybe less) to go!!
Sunday, April 1, 2007
House News
I just want to let you all know the latest news on our house. Our contingency was up on March 25th. Our current house didn't sell by then (but we had potential buyers), so our contract with Beazer was up. We still could've received an offer and then made one on the new house, so I was giving us this week for that to happen. Our current house went off the market on March 30, and we had a showing on March 31. Those people didn't like the floorplan, but we still had the couple who were at the last open house. Their realtor went out of town this weekend so we were waiting to hear Monday from them.
We signed our cancellation papers with Beazer today and found out the new house was already sold. It took less than a week! We knew it would sell fast, but not that fast. So now I'm completely bummed, feeling like the last nine months of getting this house ready (and seven on the market) were a complete waste of my time. Yes, the house is more organized and cleaned out, but it could've been spent making the house better for us rather than trying to appeal to other people. There is no nursery and I'm due in seven weeks. I just worked my butt off, cleaning the entire house and the floors (on my hands and knees) once or twice a week. Trying to keep this house clean with two dogs, a toddler, and a bulging belly? Yeah, not so easy...
Please don't tell me that it just wasn't meant to be or not in God's plan... I know that may be true and that things happen for a reason, but I just really don't need to hear that. I've already dealt with that kind of pain this last year with my miscarriage, and after finally convincing myself that it did happen for a reason I don't need to go through it again. I had a plan too and I hate that it didn't work out.
So now onto trying to figure out how to make this house work. There just isn't enough storage, especially since we're losing the guest room (and the closet we use for the office). It is big enough and is a great house, I was just looking forward to much more extra space... especially the third car garage, extra living room, and walk-in closets in every bedroom! BUT it's too close to baby time to keep our house on the market with no potential house... and by the time I'll be ready to deal with trying to sell again it will be bad selling months again, so looks like we'll be here another year. :( I was so ready to move...
We signed our cancellation papers with Beazer today and found out the new house was already sold. It took less than a week! We knew it would sell fast, but not that fast. So now I'm completely bummed, feeling like the last nine months of getting this house ready (and seven on the market) were a complete waste of my time. Yes, the house is more organized and cleaned out, but it could've been spent making the house better for us rather than trying to appeal to other people. There is no nursery and I'm due in seven weeks. I just worked my butt off, cleaning the entire house and the floors (on my hands and knees) once or twice a week. Trying to keep this house clean with two dogs, a toddler, and a bulging belly? Yeah, not so easy...
Please don't tell me that it just wasn't meant to be or not in God's plan... I know that may be true and that things happen for a reason, but I just really don't need to hear that. I've already dealt with that kind of pain this last year with my miscarriage, and after finally convincing myself that it did happen for a reason I don't need to go through it again. I had a plan too and I hate that it didn't work out.
So now onto trying to figure out how to make this house work. There just isn't enough storage, especially since we're losing the guest room (and the closet we use for the office). It is big enough and is a great house, I was just looking forward to much more extra space... especially the third car garage, extra living room, and walk-in closets in every bedroom! BUT it's too close to baby time to keep our house on the market with no potential house... and by the time I'll be ready to deal with trying to sell again it will be bad selling months again, so looks like we'll be here another year. :( I was so ready to move...
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Updates
It's been a while since I posted a blog on here, so there are probably a million things that have happened. Here's some updates...
I had another prenatal appointment this morning -- I'm 31 weeks and 3 days along. Everything is going well -- heartbeat sounds great and I'm measuring a little ahead (not quite a week). I know I look huge, but I'm pretty much right on! Because of there being only two vessels in her umbilical cord, every appointment from here until I deliver I have to do an NST, which is a stress test. I'll be hooked up to monitors for about half an hour to see if I'm having any contractions and to listen to Lauren's heartbeat. I think I'll have one more ultrasound to check her growth as well. She's moving around a lot in there, and I can tell she's running out of room! She likes poking out (you can actually feel an arm or leg) and sometimes it hurts! My stomach bounces around so much, but it's so neat.
My sister-in-law, Amanda, is due on April 2nd and still hanging in there! We're just waiting for news and then we'll head up to Ft. Wayne to see our new nephew (and Carter's cousin). His name will be Ethan Timothy, and we're so excited!! My best friend, Mandy, is due June 25th so it's babies galore! (She's the one in my pic with me.) We're really excited to meet Samuel Robert too! Carter now thinks everyone has babies in their bellies, HA!
In house news... Our new house is pretty much done and is just waiting for us. We basically have until this Sunday to get an acceptable offer or our new house could go on the market. We're debating whether to set a closing date and hope that ours sells in that time. We've had lots of interested people, but nothing ever came through. Five busy open houses in a row with lots of people coming in, but no offers. We're having another open house this Sunday, so everyone keep us in your prayers! We also have two private showings scheduled -- one for this Saturday and one next Monday. I told my realtor to hint to anyone interested on Sunday that someone is coming Monday that's really interested so they better get their offers in!
I had the greatest baby "sprinkle" this past Sunday, given by Mandy, Christan, and my mom. We had so much fun and there was lots of great food. Lauren now has so much stuff, and it makes me feel like I'm more prepared for her! I already had the big stuff, but since I haven't been able to work on a nursery with the house for sale, it's hard being this close and feeling like I don't have all the little things taken care of. So many thanks to everyone for helping me out!
What else has been happening.... Matt just got home from a business trip to Denver. Well, he made it half business/half pleasure. It was nice being so busy while he was gone instead of feeling all stressed about having Carter alone for 5 1/2 days! I had company for all but two days, and friends made sure I wasn't lonely. He'll be going to Boston April 9-13, so that will be hard because it's all weekdays.
I think that's about all the big stuff for now... Look for another update from my next doctor appointment in two weeks!
I had another prenatal appointment this morning -- I'm 31 weeks and 3 days along. Everything is going well -- heartbeat sounds great and I'm measuring a little ahead (not quite a week). I know I look huge, but I'm pretty much right on! Because of there being only two vessels in her umbilical cord, every appointment from here until I deliver I have to do an NST, which is a stress test. I'll be hooked up to monitors for about half an hour to see if I'm having any contractions and to listen to Lauren's heartbeat. I think I'll have one more ultrasound to check her growth as well. She's moving around a lot in there, and I can tell she's running out of room! She likes poking out (you can actually feel an arm or leg) and sometimes it hurts! My stomach bounces around so much, but it's so neat.
My sister-in-law, Amanda, is due on April 2nd and still hanging in there! We're just waiting for news and then we'll head up to Ft. Wayne to see our new nephew (and Carter's cousin). His name will be Ethan Timothy, and we're so excited!! My best friend, Mandy, is due June 25th so it's babies galore! (She's the one in my pic with me.) We're really excited to meet Samuel Robert too! Carter now thinks everyone has babies in their bellies, HA!
In house news... Our new house is pretty much done and is just waiting for us. We basically have until this Sunday to get an acceptable offer or our new house could go on the market. We're debating whether to set a closing date and hope that ours sells in that time. We've had lots of interested people, but nothing ever came through. Five busy open houses in a row with lots of people coming in, but no offers. We're having another open house this Sunday, so everyone keep us in your prayers! We also have two private showings scheduled -- one for this Saturday and one next Monday. I told my realtor to hint to anyone interested on Sunday that someone is coming Monday that's really interested so they better get their offers in!
I had the greatest baby "sprinkle" this past Sunday, given by Mandy, Christan, and my mom. We had so much fun and there was lots of great food. Lauren now has so much stuff, and it makes me feel like I'm more prepared for her! I already had the big stuff, but since I haven't been able to work on a nursery with the house for sale, it's hard being this close and feeling like I don't have all the little things taken care of. So many thanks to everyone for helping me out!
What else has been happening.... Matt just got home from a business trip to Denver. Well, he made it half business/half pleasure. It was nice being so busy while he was gone instead of feeling all stressed about having Carter alone for 5 1/2 days! I had company for all but two days, and friends made sure I wasn't lonely. He'll be going to Boston April 9-13, so that will be hard because it's all weekdays.
I think that's about all the big stuff for now... Look for another update from my next doctor appointment in two weeks!
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Another Doctor Appointment
I had my next prenatal checkup today at 27 weeks and 1 day along in the pregnancy. Today is the start of the THIRD TRIMESTER!! I had to do the glucose screening to check for gestational diabetes (which just sucks, for those of you that have never had it!). I had to drink this really sugary orange drink at 8:45am this morning, and couldn't eat or drink anything for the two hours before and an hour after. They then drew three vials of blood at 9:45am for the test. If it's abnormal, I'll hear something later this week. I don't have any of the symptoms, so I'm pretty certain that everything is just fine. But I'm glad that test is over!
I then had an ultrasound so the tech could recheck the umbilical cord for two or three blood vessels. Normally, there are two arteries and one vein but my baby only has one of each. It's nothing to worry about and the doctor isn't concerned at all. I'll just have periodic ultrasounds the remainder of the pregnancy, which should be fun anyway! She's really grown in the last 8 weeks since my previous U/S. She is still breach, which just means she hasn't turned head-down yet. At 27 weeks, it's nothing to worry about. She's got plenty of time to turn! She measured 28 weeks, so she is now measuring 6 days (instead of 3) ahead of her due date. Carter was consistently 4 days ahead and still came on his due date. She is about 2 lbs 7 oz, and the doctor said that's 68th percentile. So even if the one less artery in the cord slows her growth down some (which is what could happen), she'll still be good size. The doctor was pleased with everything and I start going every two weeks at this point.
For those that don't know, Matt and I have decided on a name! Her name will be Lauren Wolf -- we're still working on the middle name. Carter is excited and knows what's going on. He loves seeing the baby on the U/S -- he kept pointing out that the baby was on "the computer". When the doctor was listening to the heartbeat with the doppler, Carter just grinned and told him that it was his baby sister. He kisses my belly a lot and tells everyone that Mommy has a baby in her belly.
I've been feeling pretty good. I'm constantly hungry and very tired ALL THE TIME! But Lauren is growing well, so it makes it worth it. I'm also huge already and feel like I'm much further along. She is sitting in there just right to push my belly out more. You can see from my 27-week pic on here that she is lower than she was, so maybe she's getting ready to make the turn into the downward position. I constantly have lower back pain and it makes it hard to work out or even walk around for a long period of time! I am sleeping better now, since I've figured out how to get comfortable. Being a person who sleeps on their belly sucks when you're pregnant!
I then had an ultrasound so the tech could recheck the umbilical cord for two or three blood vessels. Normally, there are two arteries and one vein but my baby only has one of each. It's nothing to worry about and the doctor isn't concerned at all. I'll just have periodic ultrasounds the remainder of the pregnancy, which should be fun anyway! She's really grown in the last 8 weeks since my previous U/S. She is still breach, which just means she hasn't turned head-down yet. At 27 weeks, it's nothing to worry about. She's got plenty of time to turn! She measured 28 weeks, so she is now measuring 6 days (instead of 3) ahead of her due date. Carter was consistently 4 days ahead and still came on his due date. She is about 2 lbs 7 oz, and the doctor said that's 68th percentile. So even if the one less artery in the cord slows her growth down some (which is what could happen), she'll still be good size. The doctor was pleased with everything and I start going every two weeks at this point.
For those that don't know, Matt and I have decided on a name! Her name will be Lauren Wolf -- we're still working on the middle name. Carter is excited and knows what's going on. He loves seeing the baby on the U/S -- he kept pointing out that the baby was on "the computer". When the doctor was listening to the heartbeat with the doppler, Carter just grinned and told him that it was his baby sister. He kisses my belly a lot and tells everyone that Mommy has a baby in her belly.
I've been feeling pretty good. I'm constantly hungry and very tired ALL THE TIME! But Lauren is growing well, so it makes it worth it. I'm also huge already and feel like I'm much further along. She is sitting in there just right to push my belly out more. You can see from my 27-week pic on here that she is lower than she was, so maybe she's getting ready to make the turn into the downward position. I constantly have lower back pain and it makes it hard to work out or even walk around for a long period of time! I am sleeping better now, since I've figured out how to get comfortable. Being a person who sleeps on their belly sucks when you're pregnant!
Monday, January 22, 2007
New Baby Update
I went for another routine prenatal checkup today. I'm 23 weeks along, and the baby is doing great! Heartrate was good and she's moving around all the time. Doctor said she was growing well, and it looks like she'll be comparable in weight to Carter (who was 9 lbs, 12 oz!). Wow, something to look forward to! No, he wasn't bad at all, and my labor with him was suprisingly easy for as big as he was.
I also got the results from my AFP test (prescreener for genetic disorders). Everything was negative -- 1 in 3000 chance for trisomy 18 and 1 in 10,000 chance for down's syndrome. So the doctor is very confident that baby is super healthy with no genetic abnormalities!
I go back in four weeks for my glucose screening and an ultrasound to check on the blood vessels in the umbilical cord. Everything will be fine either way, but it will be fun to see how much she's grown! I'm just so thankful that everything is going well, and feel so blessed to be having another healthy baby!
I also got the results from my AFP test (prescreener for genetic disorders). Everything was negative -- 1 in 3000 chance for trisomy 18 and 1 in 10,000 chance for down's syndrome. So the doctor is very confident that baby is super healthy with no genetic abnormalities!
I go back in four weeks for my glucose screening and an ultrasound to check on the blood vessels in the umbilical cord. Everything will be fine either way, but it will be fun to see how much she's grown! I'm just so thankful that everything is going well, and feel so blessed to be having another healthy baby!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Baby Names
Who ever thought naming a baby is such hard work?!? I found this out with Carter, and I thought a girl would be much easier to name (seeing as how we came up with an entire list of girl names but only a few boy names for Carter). But, alas... our list of girl names grows short this time. Trying to come up with a name both Matt and I like while realizing our child will be "stuck" with this name for the rest of her life is a very difficult task!! I've got my favorites, he's got his, and there are a couple on which we both agree. But I'm tired of searching and trying to be creative, so I'm turning this over to everyone else's creative minds for a while. Respond to this blog with some of your favorite girl names (mind you... it has to go with the last name of Wolf!). I'm not promising we'll use any of them, but it'd be so nice to get some suggestions. Give us first, middle, or both... Let the naming begin!!
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