2 week visit

We went to the pediatrician today for our 2 week check-up. All looks really well. Andersen is right where she needs to be! She now weighs 8lbs 8oz (55-60%), is 21 1/2inches long (90%) and her head circumference is 14 1/2 (75%). Andersen had her first official bath yesterday and loved it! She also tried out her swing and went for her first stroller ride...it was a big day! Andersen is going 3-4 hours between feedings, so we are getting some sleep:) Grammy left us today which means Bill and I are on our own for the first time...wish us luck! Grammy was a HUGE help and we are counting down the days till her next visit! We are excited for Mimi and Popi to arrive on Friday for Memorial day weekend and for Mimi to spend the following week with us!

It's a GIRL!!!

Andersen Marie arrived on Saturday, May 8th at 4:43pm. We had scheduled an induction, but by the time I arrived at the hospital I was already having contractions 5-7 minutes apart. They still hooked me up to the petocin drip around 7:30am to help speed things along. She weighed in at 8 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 inches long - I was very happy that she came early!! Andersen was the 2nd biggest baby in a nursery full of babies - most averaged in around 6-7. We were discharged on Monday around 11AM and her first car ride went really well - she slept the whole time! She has been such a good baby so far! She is eating every 3-4 hours and we usually have to wake her up during the night for her feedings. We went to our first doctor appointment today and she has gained an ounce (we left the hospital at 7.12 and she is at 7.13 now), the doctor said all looks well too:) We are starting to adjust to life as parents (still so weird to say) and are hopeful that she will continue to be a happy easy going kiddo! Norlina is adjusting well too, she is a little miffed at times as to what we have brought home, but all in all she is doing much better than I thought! Here are a few photos of our sweet baby girl:)

39 weeks

Well, I was hoping that I would have some baby news this week, but baby Sparks continues to enjoy life inside the womb and is in no rush to make his/her debut. It's been a busy week! I made it to the zoo with the class, which was fun and tiring. Walking around all day did not help encourage baby Sparks to make his/her arrival, nor has the pedicure, massage (with accupressure points), walking, pineapple or raspberry tea. I just got back from my doctor visit and I'm exactly the same....90% effaced and 1 centimeter dilated. Baby heartbeat was again 140, right in the middle. Dr. Lingle did say that the head is lower than last week - but who knows if that means we are getting close or not. He is guessing baby weighs 8 1/2 plus and that coupled with a few other things has made us decide to induce on Saturday. Obviously, I could have the baby before, but if not I'm scheduled to check-in at the hospital at 6AM mountain time. We will keep you posted of course, but that's the latest and greatest:)

38 weeks & in a holding pattern...

Well, I must say, today's appointment was somewhat of a disappointment! I was hoping for some progress and there was absolutely none. Still at 90% effaced and 1 centimeter dilated, I guess this is a stubborn baby! Dr. Lingle said it still can be any day and he said that some people get so far and then stop until actual labor, which can come at any time. Needless to say, a little progress would have been nice as I am getting more and more uncomfortable. Everything looks great though with the baby. He/She is growing - Dr. Lingle is estimating upper 7's to 8 this visit and said it could be in the 9's if I go full term...ouch! The heartbeat has slowed a bit too - today it was at 140, but it could be that there is just not that much space to move around! The baby is in the same position as last time - head very low, back /butt on my left side, limbs on the right. Baby Sparks is still very active and it is getting more and more painful as he/she tries to move around the tight space. All in all, it's not that bad, I am just ready to meet this little one and am not being very patient these days! I am still working and trying to decide when I should leave - I was really hoping to make it to the zoo field trip on May 5th - but it is getting harder and harder to be on my feet all day and I'm pretty tired too. I made it through the K show last night, which was one of my goals as well, so at least I made it to that:) I'll make a decision this weekend.

Mom got here this week in anticipation of baby Sparks early arrival. She has been a huge help- running errands, getting our car seat inspected, making dinner etc. It is so nice to have family here!!

I will keep you posted on any news, as of right now, I'm scheduled for my next doctor visit a week from today.

37 Weeks

I just got back from my doctor visit and all is progressing well! I am 90% effaced and 1 centimeter dialated. He told me it could really be any day now, which is kinda crazy! Baby is head down and ready. My belly is measuring at 40 weeks and Dr. Lingle estimates that Baby Sparks is in the 7's for weight. He said that if he were a betting man, I would not make it to my due date, although he also said these babies can get stubborn. I am feeling well, still having a little swelling in my feet and ankles and really tired, but all in all pretty darn well for being 37 weeks pregnant! Baby has been very active (as active as you can be in such a tight space)even kicking me under my ribs last night as I tried to sleep. I think he/she is ready to get out:)

Clumsy

So, it appears I am a little top or "front" heavy these days. Yesterday at school, while walking in the hallway, I tripped over a stick and proceeded to fall as if I were in slow motion, trying desperately to regain balance. It didn't happen and I unfortunately fell onto all fours (saving the belly) but bruising and skinning my knees pretty good and seeing quite a few stars when I was able to get up. I wish I could say this was the first time I have fallen, but its not:( Seems I am rather clumsy and unbalanced these days, guess I need to slow down!!

36 Week Visit

Yesterday I had my 36 week check up and met the final doctor in the group. She was great, so I am very relieved to like everyone in the practice! She estimates that the baby is upper 6 to lower 7 in weight - which would put baby in the upper 8's at birth if I were to go the full term. The heartbeat started out in the 140's, but the baby started moving and the heartbeat jumped into the 150's...she commented about the old wives tale where boys have a lower heartbeat and girls have a higher one - but this baby is right in the middle - so who knows. She guessed a boy (which seems to be the majority of guesses these days), we will know soon enough! I was happy to hear that baby is head down and has dropped, I'm 1/2 centimeter dilated (I know a LONG way to go, but something is better than nothing) and 60% effaced or "thinned". She said that was pretty good for a first timer:) I am sure I will still go the full 40 weeks, but it is nice to think that maybe Baby Sparks may make his/her debut a couple weeks early!! I am feeling really well, starting to retain water, thus swelling in my ankles and hands, but all in all pretty a-OK for being 36 weeks along:) Oh and my iron is much better since doubling up on supplements and eating more spinach & meat. I now start going to the doctor every week and return to my usual guy Dr. Lingle. Next appt. Thursday, April 22nd. More to come then, let's hope for some more progress!!!