Beach Belly Pics by Forever Taken Photography

A few weeks ago, our dear friend, Dawn took some belly pics for us at Englewood Beach.  Dawn and her husband, Moke, have been great friends to us since we moved here to Florida and have become part of our family.  Dawn was the one that took such great pics at the airport when Jeff arrived home from Afghanistan, so we knew that she would be the one that we wanted to take our maternity pics.  After seeing how these turned out, we really can't wait to have her take our baby boy's first pictures!  Here are just some of the great pics she took...hope you all enjoy them as much as we do!

Lil Man's itty bitty flip flops

I love this one...we have a similar one from our wedding day

Of course, Jeff had to show off!  I was just praying that the limb didn't break!

I really like this one

Kisses from daddy!

This was a sweater that I wore as a baby...I can't believe that in a few weeks, I will be able to put it on my son

More kisses for our sweet baby boy

 

Pretty soon there will be two new feet in our house!

We LOVE this one!!! 

Happy Birthday to Momma and happy 36 weeks to Lil Man!

I got to share my 29th birthday this year with the 36 week mark of my pregnancy.  Since I have been on the bed rest/"house arrest" orders, I was very excited to get out of the house, even if it was just for dinner with Jeff!  I had a great day...I awoke to a birthday card from my baby boy with a sweet note in it and his sweet little face...daddy put an ultrasound picture in there.  Jeff also left a wonderful card for me to find when I woke up.  I spent the day relaxing and got to talk to family and friends and had many great birthday wishes sent my way.  Jeff and I went out to dinner at Visani's.  It's a restaurant/comedy club that is right up the road from us.  Only took us 3 years to go in there, but man, we sure are glad we did!  We had a wonderful dinner together and decided that it was a night to celebrate mine and Jeff's birthdays since we are more than likely going to have a newborn on Jeff's birthday this year.  I called it the "last supper" which we both laughed about!  Here is the newest belly pic at 36 weeks!

Doctors Appointment Update

I decided this was the best way to give all the info from today's appointments.  Yes, I said appointments!  My appointment with Dr. B was at 10am this morning.  I went in for the NST (non stress test/heart monitor for Lil Man) and my BPP (biophysical profile/US to check amniotic fluid).  My NST looked great...the baby was very active and everything looked great.  When I went back for my BPP, the dr came in and started and said that it appeared that my fluid was low again...below 5.  I of course got very upset...I haven't left the house since I got home from the hospital Thursday and have been very good about drinking plenty of water and I have either been lying down or in the recliner with my feet up.  Thank God Jeff was there with me this morning...I just broke down and said that I have been doing everything that I was told and that I was just so frustrated with it because now I was thinking it was something with me that was causing this.  Dr B's first response was that he wanted to admit me to the hospital...enter more crying from me.  Dr. B said, I know you don't want to have to go and Jeff said, well mostly it's thinking of the cost since we had just heard from the Billers at the hospital this morning.  My less than 24 hour stay cost us a very large amount of money and we haven't met our deductible yet.  Dr B said that he could have me come in for daily monitoring and then decided to send me back to Maternal Fetal Medicine, where I had gone in December and February upon the initial findings of low amniotic fluid.  If I couldn't get in there tomorrow, then I would come back to his office.  Chris, the receptionist at the office called and I was actually able to get into MFM today...just come on over and they would work me in. 

Jeff and I were confident with them since we had been there twice and saw that they knew what they were doing.  We only wound up waiting about 15 or 20 minutes and then were in a room having more ultrasounds done.  Since February was the last time I was there, measurements/views of the vital organs were taken before the amniotic fluid was measured.  As with Dr B's findings, Lil Man's head it a little large...nothing to be worried about since the brain looked great and everything.  His head measurements are about a week ahead...at least it isn't too big!  Our tech, Sharon measured the amniotic fluid pockets two separate times and the average was coming up about 8, which put Jeff and I at ease.  She also really took her time and got us some more great shots of Lil Man...some 3D face shots, a foot shot and of course, he was showing off the goods!  She said that if she could put a smile on our face after the morning we had, then she was doing her job.  God bless her for it!  After she was done, we saw Dr McCurdy.  This was not the doctor I had previously seen when at MFM, but Jeff and I are SOOOO glad that he was there today.  He deals primarily with amniotic fluid issues...he doesn't deliver babies, isn't an OB...he is THE man to talk to when you are having amniotic fluid problems.  He came in and checked the levels again himself, getting three sets of numbers which he compared to the two sets taken by the tech.  My average wound up being between 7.1 and 9, which is in the low to normal range.  He explained that I could very well just have low to normal amniotic fluid with any pregnancy that I have but that my numbers were still good today.  Why, Dr B's numbers were so low could be a combination of things...it could be his machine (which he told us today was from 1993), his technique or a combo of both.  Dr McCurdy actually assisted on the initial studies of amniotic fluid indexing in the 70's and really took the time to explain everything to Jeff and I.  We both feel a lot better after seeing him and discussing everything with him.  Dr McCurdy suggested following up with him next week for another check of my amniotic fluid and go from there.  Jeff and I both are on board with this, as we are frustrated that my numbers continue to be low when Dr. B has been checking, which makes us both wonder if I really needed to be admitted to the hospital last week.  I am not saying that Dr. B doesn't know what he is doing or talking about, but MFM is a specialist office and they have better equipment and they have THE amniotic fluid man (at least that's what I am calling Dr McCurdy from now on.)  I have an appointment at MFM Monday morning and will hopefully continue to hear good news.  I am sure that I will have an appointment at Dr B's next week, but I have not heard back from his office as to when.  I will be sure to pass it along to you as I hear more. 

So overall, my fluid levels are good (for now) and the baby is looking great.  The tech gave us an estimated weight of 5lbs 13 oz right now..if he bakes for the next four weeks like he's supposed to, we could have a very big boy on our hands, since they can gain up to a pound a week!  I have attached some new pics from today's ultrasound...he was being a stinker again and wouldn't give us a great face shot, but we still got some great ones!  I will continue to update and keep everyone in the loop as much as I can!  Love to all!!! 

Look at those lips!! Such a cutie!!

Almost profile shot...can see his nose and lips again

This is his pouty face...he is sticking out his bottom lip at us!  The tech was trying to get him to move and apparently, he didn't like that too much!

Kinda hard to see, but towards the top left you can see his nose and his little birdie mouth is open like he is waiting for food!

Foot

And it wouldn't be an US session without him showing off the goods!!!  He is gonna hate me for this one day!

And it keeps getting bigger and bigger!!!

Since I am bored out of my mind already and have to take it easy, I thought I would update the belly pics on here. Just yesterday I woke up and felt like I had grown bigger overnight...and by looking at the pictures between the two weeks, I think I may have!  I am still feeling good...getting a little more uncomfortable and some things are becoming harder for me to do, even simple things like getting up off the couch.  Good thing I have my wonderful husband here to help me.  Jeff really has done a great job of taking care of me and I know that I will never be able to repay him for it all.  The best I can do is continue to be the best wife and soon, mom to our son, that I can be.  Here are the most recent pics!

34 weeks

35 weeks

And the fun continues...

Hello all.  Just wanted to give an update on my doctor's appointment this week.  I had my scheduled appointment on Monday afternoon.  I arrived to find out that the doctor was at a delivery and should be back soon.  I was placed on the fetal heart monitor and then the nurse came in and said that he was at another delivery and would be gone for quite awhile.  We rescheduled my biophysical profile for Wednesday afternoon.  Wednesday afternoon came and I went in to the office.  Upon my US, Dr. Brignoni told me that my amniotic fluid was extremely low again...5.1.  I was upset, since I was doing everything he told me to...drinking tons of water & resting.  He said that I should be admitted to the hospital for IV fluids and would have another biophysical profile in the morning to check my fluids.  If they were back up, I would get to go home, if not, a longer hospital stay.  I of course was upset and, being filled with all the lovely pregnancy hormones, started to cry.  He said that the baby looked great and didn't appear to be under any distress.  This is just something that needed to be done and that I would hopefully be home the next day.  I left the office to go right over to the hospital, calling Jeff on the way.  He met me there and I was admitted Wednesday afternoon for low amniotic fluid or oligohydramnios .  When I got into my room, I was placed on the fetal heart monitor, had blood drawn and was hooked up to an IV.  I have to say that I was blessed with some of the nicest nurses on the floor and my first nurse, Karen was so sweet.  She really took great care of me and made sure that I had what I needed.  Jeff, being the savior that he is, went home and got me a few things that I would need and brought me back some dinner since the cafeteria was closed for the day.  We were able to have some dinner together and watch some TV before he left for the night. 

Speaking of the night...I know that any of you that have had the pleasure of staying in the hospital overnight know that it is no place to get any sort of rest.  Not only do the night nurses come in to check you all the time, then you have things beeping and going off and you have to call the nurses in to make it stop!!!  On top of that, I could not get comfortable in any way on that stupid bed.  After having another mattress top added to my bed and getting another pillow, I was able to attempt to sleep.  I think I got about 4 hours tops that night.  It was about 6:30 am that I finally got up and put the news on.  I was really hoping to hear good news and get to go home Thursday just so I could sleep in my own bed with my own pillows!!!  About 8:15, the ultrasound tech  came in and set up for my biophysical profile.  There were a few nursing students that wanted to come in to see it done, which I had no problems with.  The good thing about that is that the tech explained what you should be looking for and was pointing out all sorts of stuff...his kidneys and bladder, the arms and legs, etc.  And of course, my son showed off the goods to the ladies in the room!  At one point I looked over when one of the students said something and there was my handsome husband!  He had left work early in the hopes of being able to take me home and take care of me!  The tech continued with the profile and had great news...my fluid levels were up to 8!  I would get to go home!!!  She was one of my favorite ladies on Thursday...her and the discharge nurse!  Before she finished up with the US, she went back and found Lil Man's face and we got to see a beautiful profile shot where we could see his little mouth moving.  That made me get teared up...knowing that he was ok and even though it was a grainy ultrasound screen, I have to say that I have the most beautiful son in the world!

I was released from the hospital on Thursday with orders to "drink, drink, drink" and "bed rest, no cooking, no cleaning, no shopping."  I go in to see the doctor on Monday morning to get checked out again and hopefully all my levels are fine.  Thank you all for your words of encouragement through all of this and your love for all three of us!!

Florida Baby Shower

The first weekend of April, Jeff and I were thrown a baby shower by our Florida family and friends.  Together, Aunt Lisa and my two dear friends, Crissy and Barb, gave us a wonderful afternoon celebrating Lil Man.  The best part was that the shower was at our house...not only could we show off the baby's room, but we didn't have to worry about lugging all the gifts home!  The ladies did a wonderful job and the baby was yet again spoiled!  Even though we aren't near a lot of family, Jeff and I have been blessed to have made some of the best friends down here.  We know that Lil Man is extremely lucky to have so many extra "aunts" and "uncles."  Here are some pics from our wonderful day!

The gift table

Renate and I

The AWESOME cake made by Anne Heinen.  I worked with Anne at the bank and she makes cakes on the side...Barb talked to her about doing a cake for the shower and she looked at the nursery pics and totally ran with it!  The cake says "Baby P Rocks!"

Another view of the cake

Here I am talking to Anne (the cake maker), Irmela and Barb

Playing the safety pin game

Awesome onesie from Barb and Crissy...says My Mom Rocks!!

More gifts for Lil Man

Momma to be!!!

Almost there!!! A look back through my pregnancy so far...

I can't believe that I am almost through this pregnancy!  It almost seems like yesterday that Jeff and I found out we were expecting and I am now almost 35 weeks into the pregnancy!  It certainly has been an interesting ride along the way!  Early on, I had some spotting that put me on bed rest for two weeks.  Jeff and I were on pins and needles the whole time, knowing that the "secret" we had could be just that...a secret that he and I would only ever know.  We were both scared and excited to go in for that ultrasound and were so relieved to hear that little heartbeat for the first time!  Our little baby was growing and thriving!  We were so excited to tell our family and friends and have them share in our excitement.  As the pregnancy continued and I was beginning to show, we could hardly wait to find out the sex...and two days before Christmas we did just that! Our son sure did give us a show, confirming the feelings that Jeff and I both had-that we were going to have a little boy!

As the New Year arrived, so did more complications.  I had more spotting.  While this is not uncommon during pregnancy, it isn't normal, especially during the second trimester.  Another visit to the doctor and he placed me on bed rest again.  While this was not what I wanted to hear, it was the best thing to do.  I was beginning to wonder if it was something that I was or was not doing that was causing all the complications.  Was I not supposed to be a mother?  It was the one thing that I wanted most, and I was so worried that something would happen and that this baby, this little boy that Jeff and I created and loved so much already, would never get to meet us.  Selfish, I know.  I continued to have some spotting and was kept off of work.  Just a few weeks ago, I went to the doctor and he was a little concerned that Lil Man's heart rate was low and that my belly measurements were small for my dates.  I was wondering how they were small since I was continuing to grow, and grow and grow!!!  My doctor decided that I would be placed on the fetal heart monitor and have a biophysical profile (basically an ultrasound) at my next visit to monitor the amniotic fluid.  I returned the next week and during the profile, my amniotic fluid was quite low.  I was told to increase my water intake and rest, especially on my left side.  This increases the blood flow to the baby and limits the cord restriction to the baby.  I was to return in five days and we would repeat the tests.  If my amniotic fluid was low again, I would be admitted to the hospital.  Of course, this is not what Jeff and I wanted to hear, but if it was what was best for the baby and I, then we would do it.  I tried not to worry too much and Jeff just told me to relax and REST!!!  Upon our return last week, Lil Man's heart beat was great and my amniotic fluid was back up...both great news!  While my visits are weekly now, the best part is getting to listen to Lil Man's heart beat for about thirty minutes on the monitor.  It really is music to my ears!  I am now officially done with work...I had to start my FMLA in January and have since exhausted all of my time.  While I loved my job (especially some coworkers and customers) and wish that I could return before and after Lil Man arrives, I know that I am now doing the most important job that I can...taking care of myself and our baby.  I have been able to use my time off to get caught up on scrap booking, lots of books and rest since I know that once our sweet little boy arrives, I won't know what that word is!  I have come to realize just how blessed I am that I will be able to be off for quite awhile after the baby arrives and that I will be able to enjoy the most precious time with him as an infant.  I know that I will never be able to get that time back and that means more to me than anything.  Jeff has been such an amazing source of support through all of this.  He has not only been working full time, but going to school full time.  On top of all of that, he has found time to get Lil Man's room ready, get the house in order, all the while taking excellent care of me and making sure that I have anything that I need.  I look at him every single day and realize just how blessed I am to have such an amazing life partner, best friend, husband and father to our child.  Lil Man has the most amazing role model in the world...someone that will truly show him what an amazing man is and should be. 

With only about five weeks left of this pregnancy, Jeff and I know that our baby could arrive at any time.  This of course has us so excited, and scared to death!  We know that it will be interesting getting used to being parents, but we are so excited to finally meet this little boy that has given us a challenging pregnancy.  We have no doubt that he will be a stubborn child (as Jeff and I both are still) and that we will truly be at his mercy!!  This was proven to us while having our ultrasound to get measurements and find out the sex.  At first he was quite shy about showing off the goods, and then kept doing it.  As our tech was trying to get a front view of his face to make sure there were no deformities or problems, Lil Man continued to "hide" and turned every time she got close.  I know that he will be an independent and strong willed child...and we wouldn't have him any other way!!! 

I will continue to keep everyone updated on the blog as much as I can.  Once our little boy arrives, this may prove to be more challenging, but I'm sure that between Jeff and I, we will be able to make some posts...we promise to do our best!!!  It's so amazing how you can love someone so much and haven't even met them yet...but Jeff and I do.  Our little boy is blessed already...we cannot wait to see where life will take him!

And the bump keeps growing!!!

Just wanted to update the blog with new belly pics.  I feel like I am getting bigger and bigger by the day!!!  And I know that Lil Man is by all the kicking and stretching that he is doing in there!  Here are the newest belly pics!

32 Weeks

33 weeks