HDH - 12 Weeks Old!

I cannot believe it, but Henry is 12 weeks old today!! SAY WHAT?!  Where has the time gone?!  And more importantly, why don't you have a job yet young man?

Seriously, this goes fast.  And what a difference just a few weeks seems to make at this age. Every week he not only looks different but he is doing stuff that is different and or acting different. I love it, well except for the fact that because he is changing so quickly we think we have his routine, likes, dislikes, ways to soothe him, etc….all figured out and then BAM, he changes and said things don’t work anymore. It can be frustrating until we think we have him figured out again!

I must also say that each week is getting more fun and a lot easier!  (knock on wood)

So here is what has been going on these past few weeks.

2 month check up

It went as well as can be expected. We had to wait 45 minutes and he was actually really good (thank goodness for the mobile in the room…note to self – BUY A MOBILE, THE KID LOVES THEM). The Doctor then examined him and noticed the skin on his penis started reattaching back over the head. (Yeah, I get uncomfortable with this “boy” stuff too.) So he had to pull the skin back – OUCH OUCH OUCH!!!!!- so that it wouldn’t fully reattach. Now we have to pull it back and put Vaseline on it every day. So needless to say, Henry was NOT happy about this and in pain from that procedure. And then on top of that he had to get his vaccines. He also upped his dose of reflux meds, which was a good thing.  Overall, he is healthy and that is all that matters! 

STATS?

So, as of three weeks ago, our little chubs weighed 13lbs 4 oz and was 23.5 inches long....but that was a while ago and since then he has outgrown his size 1 diapers, all 0-3 month clothes and is out growing his 3 month pj’s.  We are now moving into 3-6 month clothes! He is SO big!

Any milestones?

TONS!

Every week there seems to be something new he is doing. A couple weeks ago I gave him this little dumbbell rattle and though I had to help him put it in his hands he held on to it and was shaking it and of course hitting himself with it in the head! LOVE.

"I'm working out mommy...look at this awesome body!"

He is grabbing towards toys and is very interested in “playing” with toys.  He is also “holding” blocks in his hands and trying to figure out what the heck to do with it and when all else fails he tries to eat them!  He also has a new BFF - piglet.  He loves this toy and is always trying to put it in his mouth or cuddle it.  

"Get in my mouth pig!"

He is also hearing people and then looking for them and following them with his eyes and watching where they are going. It is fun walking from one side of the room to another with these big eyes following you the entire way! He does an amazing job at holding his head up. We have been doing tummy time (not a big fan of that) and he started sitting in his bumbo chair. 

 "I don't know how I feel about this, mom."

"Get away from my pig daddy and charlie!"

Head up!

Head down.

Head up and to the side!

He is starting to imitate us as well.  We will stick our tongue out and he will do the same.  At first we thought it was a fluke, but he does it nearly every time and you can tell he is concentrating.  And of course, smiling is part of our daily routine now….which starts every morning when he gets out of bed! Nothing like seeing a smiling baby first thing in the morning.  So yes, many many milestones.  It is amazing watching him as he is starting to learn new things and figure things out!

Sleeping?

I don’t like to talk about his sleeping because when I do he then sleeps horrible. But let’s just say we are lucky that he is such a good sleeper at night. He typically goes to bed between 9:30-10:30pm (closer to the 10:30) and sleeps till 8 or 9am.  Like I said, I am well aware how lucky we are and I want this to carry on but know it could change.  He stirs and even cries during the night but it is so brief that he just puts himself back to sleep.  We only get up when it is a real cry and not a sleepy, need to get re-comfortable cry. Now if mommy could just figure out how to sleep through the night and not wake up every couple hours that would be great!

Favorite things?

Loves his Piglet (Pinky) and his blocks. LOVES LOVES LOVES people talking to him!

He also loves his nightlight. This turtle nightlight is in his room and projects stars on the ceiling. Henry has this on every night when we rock him to sleep and he will just stare at the stars. (This is a MUST HAVE item!)

Finally, the boy loves his hands. I mean looooves them.  He is always sucking on those bad boys.  It soothes him and helps him fall asleep or go back to sleep when he wakes up in the middle of the night.  He also sucks his fingers when he is really hungry.  It is hilarious listening to him slurp on his fingers!  Typically, those noises bother me, but it is my kid so it is cute.

(We did not pose him like this...the boy just already knows he wants to ROCK!)

Least favorite things?

When you stop talking to him or ignore him. He likes the social interaction and wants to be talked to (he must get that from his dad). He also is NOT a fan of putting the lotion on after his bath.  Nope, I think we could say he HATES it.

Pictures!

"Yeah, that's right ladies! Take all this awesomeness in."

"I like leaning in my bumbo!" 

Big smiles!!

In his Iron Maiden onesie counting all his favorite Iron Maiden songs.

The shirt says: "I Listen to Iron Maiden with my Daddy." LOVE

In his old man hat making his old man face!

"Hey kids get off my lawn!!"

(What is funny about this picture is that on the TV it says "The Rise of Dick" and then Henry is making this face. Awesome.)

SMILES!

Someone loves Dr. Seuss :)

Sweet boy, just gave up fighting tummy time.

(I didn’t get out thanksgiving pictures uploaded yet…those will come soon!)

Talk to Me - Group B Streptococcus

So last week my Doctor ran a screening test for Group B Streptococcus (GBS).  This is done around week 35 and is done by taking a cotton swab and getting a culture, down there.  Last week at my Doctor appointment they told me I was positive for this.

So let’s talk about Group B Streptococcus because as of a few days ago I had no idea what this was and why I was getting tested.

What is Group B Streptococcus (GBS)?

It is a type of bacterial infection that can be found in a pregnant woman’s vagina or rectum. This bacteria is normally found in about 25 % of all healthy, adult women.  Group B strep colonization is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD).  Most women have no idea they have this and it is not harmful to them at all. 

If it is not harmful why do the test for it?

If you test positive for GBS this simply means that you are a carrier.  A mother can pass GBS to her baby during delivery and if the baby catches it can become very very ill.  Early onset GBS is usually known within the first 24 hours and is the most severe.  Late onset is usually found between 2 weeks and 3 months of the child’s birth and though will cause the child to be sick, is not as severe.  Either way, the child will need to be treated immediately if sick.

So since you are positive for it will your baby catch it?

No, not necessarily.  If properly treated it will greatly reduce the chances of your baby becoming ill.  Some statistics say 1 in 2000 others say 1 in 4000.  My Doctor just says it is very common and I shouldn’t worry :)

So how do they treat it?

During labor they will put the medicine directly into the IV to treat the mother and help protect the baby. 

  

So how do you feel about this news?

Well obviously if I had my preference I would prefer to not be positive for this.  However, I also know that this is fairly common and that the hospital knows what to do and will take all steps necessary to make sure that Henry is safe.  Yes, there is always a possibility that the medicine doesn’t work and he gets really sick.  But that is just like there is always a possibility that something else could happen during delivery or even after.  It is the scary reality that is associated with having a child.  For the most part, it is all out of my control and I cannot worry about it.  I know when he is born, we will both worry a bit until we know he is healthy….I am sure that is common among all new parents!  But at this point at least I know I am positive for it and there is something that can be done and that is all I can do right now.

So has anyone else been tested for this and diagnosed as positive for GBS?  Thoughts on it?

I just wanted to talk about it because I was so unfamiliar with it.  My mom had never heard of it and even women in the office didn’t know about it.  Not sure if it is something new they started testing for in the last 5-10 years or what.  It just got me curious!

Welcome To My Mind…..A Little Bit of This and That

Yes, this is all totally random and maybe unblogworthy....but this is how my mind is right now, completely scattered!!

- Went to the grocery store for the first time in 3 weeks last night to do some real shopping. (we go for bread and milk, but that is pretty much it because no one is home really but me.) I strongly dislike that place mainly because people are annoying.  And WHY when you are in a hurry, and tired, and really have to pee do you run into someone you know who wants to talk?!  Or in my case someone I know who wants to talk for 20 minutes and then some darling old lady who tells me ground turkey is on sale and what she will do with all that turkey. (Ok, the little old lady was sweet and I will make time for her!)  But you get my point.  However, I now have some food in our house again which includes some of my favorite things like apples, bananas & grapes as well as granola bars, fresh veggies, 5 lbs of turkey (thanks darling lady!), and 3 bars of cheese. YUM! On a side note, I spent $55 and saved $22!!!  HOLLA!

- I got a call that our crib arrived and is at JcPenney’s!  Yes, we have our crib already and no, we don’t have a place for it.  I wonder if they can store it there for 5 months.  Holy crap, we have a baby coming in less than six months and we have so much to do! Oh well, I will think about that another day.  Worst case scenario, we get a cage and throw some blankets in it….the piglet will be fine! Here is our crib.

- I really wish I would have brought my Tropical Starburst to work today.  I could use a pick me up of high fructose corn syrup right about now.

- My parents are coming into town this weekend and we are celebrating both Kristen and my birthday!  Hers was in March, mine in April.  I am excited!  We are doing a mini-Spa morning on Saturday and with that I am finally getting my hairs cut!  Would you judge me if I said it has been a year since my last haircut?  If so then ignore that last sentence.  (But seriously, I have stopped myself SO many times the last couple months from cutting it myself because I knew I had this appointment….it is driving me crazy!)  Also, we are also going to PF Changs for our birthday dinner....yum.  Oh yeah, and let us not forget about the cake and presents that are coming!! Good weekend ahead.

- My parents are also bringing up our new stroller and car seat! Yes, we also already have the car seat and stroller.  But that is only because Sebastian, Belle and Charlie are going to test it out for us first to make sure it is safe for the babe.  They are good cats. (This is the stroller. Opting for gender neutral incase someday we have other animals who need this stuff.)

- I have been in the mood for quinoa and made it last night with red & yellow peppers, asparagus and ground turkey.  It was delicious.  Sadly, that was the high point for me yesterday and as I am really looking forward to leftovers today at lunch it may be my high point for today as well. I am boring lately.

- I am thrilled to be going on vacation in a couple months!!  I think this trip will be amazing and I am so excited!  It has been 7 years since our last vacation.  However, I am not as thrilled to try to find a swimsuit – I seriously cannot find one anywhere!  Why if you are bigger and pregnant do they make swimsuits with ugly patterns or animal prints on them?! YUCK!   All I want is something that will hide my legs, does not have some ugly pattern on it, and that will let people know I am not just fat but also pregnant.  Jeans and a tank-top should work perfectly.  I am also less than thrilled to have to wear that swimsuit in a couple months.  No crash dieting for me….guess people will just have to get use to seeing my pale, big butt walking around on the beach for a week! Sorry folks at that beach :)

- I haven’t even started looking into child care.  I didn’t think it was a big deal, but apparently I was told I should have already started looking into this. OOPS!  I figure as long as the piglet is in its cage the cats can watch over to make sure everything is ok.

- You may not have been aware of this, but parents are awesome.

- I am trying to think of things to blog about and I have a bunch of ideas….the problem being when I step in the front door of my home I have no choice but to put comfy clothes on and sit on the couch and watch TV.  It is not that I necessarily want to do that, but it is like my body is taken over by an uncontrollable force and I have to do that.

Soooooooo……..This Was A Bit Of A Surprise.

You know how in life you think you have something planned out and then those plans never go the way you expect because “fate” has a totally different plan for you….but you just don’t know exactly why right away.

It could be something small like you planned to wear a certain outfit then you realize it has a stain and you have to wear something else but then you get tons of compliments on your outfit. 

Or maybe you make special plans to go somewhere for the weekend and then something totally unexpected happens and you can’t go but then you hear later there were bad accidents on the same route you would have taken. 

Or maybe you are adamant that you are not going to get in a serious relationship with someone because you are still in college and then seconds later you end up meeting & dating the man you will end up marrying. 

Or maybe you get married and buy a house because you are financially in a great place and then just a few months later you lose your job and everything in your life changes dramatically but new opportunities present themselves. 

Or maybe when you share in a post on a blog about how 2 years ago you went through a rough patch because you decide you were going to wait to have kids because it just wasn’t the ideal time and then not even TWO months later you find out you are pregnant and your entire world is about to change. 

You know, times like those.

Oh what…are you wondering if you read that last one correctly?!  Well you did.  Our life has once again taken a very unexpected, but exciting (and scary) turn. 

My dearest husband knocked me up.  (That is exactly how he told my parents, so you get it too)

I will let you process this for a second as I am STILL processing this information and we found out on January 3, 2011.

But while you are processing it, here are some details. (Sorry for the length, just catching you up on our last 2 months)

- We found out with a positive pregnancy test on January 3, 2011, exactly 7 days after a missed period.  Though the thought crossed my mind and I didn’t drink on New Year’s (luckily we are boring people anyways) I didn’t think I was pregnant because my period can be off and it was around the holidays and we were busy so I figured it was stress that made me late and tired.  However, I took a test just in case.

- After a positive test and an emotional breakdown that involved me crying because I was scared, because this was not how we had planned it,  and because I honestly didn’t know how to react (I will just blame the early hormone changes for that) I told Terry when he got home from work.  Of course while I told Terry I broke down yet again in tears because this was unexpected and then I apologized for crying and then I cried for apologizing and crying.  I was a mess and didn’t know if it was ok for me to be excited because this would change everything.  My wonderful husband looked at me and just said in a soothing voice “stop apologizing, this is a wonderful thing and you should be happy. I am happy.”  And so it was and while happiness filled me so did an overwhelming sense of anxiety and fear about this possible new reality.  

- The pregnancy was finally confirmed at the Doctors on January 5, 2011.  Of course that was after I had another breakdown because I couldn’t pee first thing in the morning into that damn little cup. (Again, I blame the hormones.)

- We went to our first appointment January 20^th (7 weeks) where the Doctor gave us TONS of information about pregnancy and what we needed to do.  No physical exam was done at this time but we both walked out of there with our bag of reading materials and slightly very overwhelmed by the whole thing. 

- At 8 weeks and even with pregnancy symptoms in full swing (I felt sick most evenings and couldn’t eat anything heavy or after 7:30 at night & I think if someone looked at my boobs too hard they hurt) none of this felt real.  I honestly didn’t think this was real.  I was pretty much in a daze and in my own head thinking about everything from the time we found out until our 10 week appointment.

- On February 10^th (9weeks 6 days aka 10 weeks) we finally had a Doctor’s appointment and got to see an ultrasound of our baby and hear the heartbeat.  We were both cautiously optimistic going into the appointment as it hadn’t sunk in that this was real and we were not even sure if everything would be ok with the baby.  As it turns out our little piglet (T. thinks it looks like a baby pig so that is what we are calling it) was right on track! Instant sigh of relief.  Our piglet even turned and flapped its little flipper like arms at us during the ultrasound as too say…I am OK mom and dad!  (Yes, it really happened and caught us BOTH off guard and it was so awesome.) Tears.

Our baby at 10 weeks - Not the best pictures (maybe you can click to make it bigger) but the big ol’ head is on the right and you can see its legs on the left and an arm in the middle.  I will try to post a better one later.

 - That evening we finally got to tell our parents.  (Which was great) It started seeming a bit more real, though I can’t remember how many times I said “it is still early, so we are still very cautious about this.”  And yes, after I fumbled with finding the right words to say, Terry chimed in and said: “I knocked up your daughter.” Awesome!

- At 12 weeks (February 25^th) I actually became more nervous even though we were finishing up the first trimester.  My symptoms started chilling out a bit and we decided to tell a few people outside of our parents at this time.  I think just saying the words to people actually made it set in as to the scope of the situation which made it a little more nerve wracking…at least for me. “How are we going to do this” crossed my mind numerous times.

- We had our next appointment on March 10^th (13 weeks 6 days) and after trying to find the little sci-fi like squirming baby growing inside me T&I heard the heartbeat again. HUGE RELIEF.  My blood pressure was 118/66 (great), I was down 4-5 pounds since the 8wk appt (also good for me), and the baby was at 150 bmp.  Everything looked great so far.

- At 14 weeks – this is now real. Commence preparing for baby and sharing our news. HOLY SHIT BALLS…..WE ARE GOING TO BE PARENTS.

Here are answers to some questions you may or may not have:

- How did this happen?

Well I will move past the birds and the bee’s explanation and go straight to the answer you may be wondering.  I have not been on birth control since late 2008.  I got off of it, not with the intention to get pregnant, but because I just was tired of being on it.  I wanted my body to readjust.  I also was working to lose weight and taking medicine to help and could not take BC with it.  We still were cautious when we needed to be, though in both of our minds we just decided whatever happens happens.  We were not trying and we were infact preventing much of the time, but we were also not preventing all the time either.  I had reached the point some time ago that I was OK with our situation and we were just being and not even thinking about it anymore.  We were married, together for 10 years….why continue to fret about this and instead just live and not think about it right now. 

- So exactly how far along are you and when are you due?

I will be 15 weeks on Friday, March 18^th. I am due in early September.

- How are you feeling physically?

Better.  January and February were pretty rough.  I was constantly tired. I mean I have no idea some days how I stayed awake at work or even drove home without falling asleep.  I also had to completely change the way I eat.  White foods were best, nothing after 7:30 pm, and I always had to eat something small every couple hours.  There were many evenings and into the early mornings were my stomach was not happy. 

- How are you feeling emotionally?

Also better.  Am I happy – OF COURSE I AM. Thrilled!  But am I also scared out of my mind – you better believe it.  There is just a lot to think about, a lot I don’t have answers for, so much unknown right now, so very many questions constantly in my head……and you have no choice but to be ready for this as it is coming and coming fast.  The constant barrage of questions that go through my head would drive anyone crazy….and is infact driving me slightly nuts!  I often wonder if this is because this is unexpected or if this is just normal.  (Please tell me it is normal!)

- How is Terry?

Awesome.  I know this man is ready to be a daddy and will be a WONDERFUL one at that.  He hardly expressed it before, probably because in the past I was such a wonderful wreck of a person to be around.  But Terry, unlike me, does his best in these types of situations….unexpected situations.  He just goes with the flow so well.  Me; not so much.

- So that is why you didn’t drink at the blogger get-together?!

Definitely.  And though it was so fun, my mind would drift off to what was going on and I know multiple times I would just lose my train of thought.  Which by the way is happening ALL. THE. TIME.  I got pregnant and I literally lost my mind.  If I was off my game that day, I am sorry!

- Is this also why you gave up coffee and haven’t been blogging much?

Yeppers.  I said adios to caffeine and just haven’t been mentally coherent enough to blog.  I hope that changes as I miss blogging and miss all of you!

- What is going on with Terry and school?

Well he was suppose to go down around the same time the baby is to be born, so he will most likely hold off until January and go down then.  We both agree this still needs to happen, even more so since we will have a child.   

- Are you finding out the gender?   

Absolutely. And we will share that as soon as we know!

- Why did you wait so long to tell? 

I was nervous.  This was unexpected and I didn’t think it was real….like is this suppose to be happening now?!  I personally had to wrap my head around it.  Plus I wanted to make sure everything was OK before we start telling.  Once you tell, you can’t take that back and it was nice to be OUR secret for so long.  

- So are you still nervous? 

Yes, but I am reaching a place of calm.  As a very good friend has said to me...."Enjoy this time.  There is no time like this time and you will never have a first pregnancy again. ENJOY IT!"  That hit home.  While I still have some natural concerns and worries and things we need to figure out, I am trying to not be my normal crazy self and actually enjoy the moment instead of worrying about the future.  I am trying to embrace all of this and know that this happened WHEN it did for a reason.  You don't always understand why, but it is still an amazing and wonderful gift that is happening to us and I am trying to just take it all in while fully embracing this experience.

Congratulations!!!

As Turtle Parade said, babies are everywhere...which is fantastic!!!

My friends Jen & Mark just had thier first child this past weekend!! A little boy named Ethan Robert. He arrived on Friday, January 9 at 9:56 p.m. He weighed 7lbs 12 oz and is 20.5 inches.

Congratulations to you both, he looks absolutely precious and I can't wait to meet him!

CONGRATS!!!

Congrats to my friend Jen S. (yes of the infamous Jen's*) who just found out she will be having a baby boy in January. This is her and her husbands first child and I am beyond excited for them!!

I am also honored that myself and Jen J. will be helping to plan a shower for her! FUN :)

* Yes, all three of our names are Jennifer. We use to work together in an office of 6 and half of us where Jen!

Too Cute!

My cousin's little girl, Macey Jo, just celebrated her 6 month birthday this past week!! She is SO freak'n adorable and had to post a picture of her!!!

Hopefully I will see you soon!

Thanks for the pic Mom!

Just Because!

This is a picture of our friend's Chris & Silvia's baby! Baby Ivan!!

I just thought it was the cutest picture and it made me smile today!