By the grace of God, I've been pregnant for 38 weeks. And now I would really. like. this. baby. out.
There's something (read: several things) about the very end of a pregnancy that puts a lot of strain on a mom. Maybe it's the multiple trips to the bathroom and having few comfortable sleeping positions to choose from that result in consecutive poor nights of sleep. Perhaps it's simply the physical strain/discomfort of being this pregnant. Maybe it's the anticipation/worry of how the labor and delivery will go and clinging to hope that the baby will be healthy. Maybe it's the humility that accompanies wearing maternity clothes yet again as I stare longingly at my pre-pregnancy clothes. Plus, pregnancy is just even more draining when there's a young toddler to chase, teach, love, discipline, etc. And ultimately, we simply want to meet this baby outside of the womb and get the anticipation over with! Whatever it is, we're praying for a safe and joyful delivery along with a healthy baby, God willing. We've even got a boy name picked out juuuust in case the ultrasound missed something.
Our bags are packed, a list of phone calls (in order of necessity) is on the fridge, car seat is installed in the van, camera is charged, nursing cover is finished...and now we wait.
Please pray with us and for this sweet baby!
Showing posts with label #2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #2. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
a little pregnancy update
37 week today = longest pregnancy to date! Praise the Lord!
And according to the OB late last week, things are looking healthy for both mom and baby. Friday was the last day of the progesterone injections, a fact that neither Drake nor I are mourning. I'm only dilated to 1cm and not effaced at all, so it's likely that we've still got some time until her arrival. She's head down (and likely to stay that way), and the OB estimates that she's in the high 5's for weight right now, giving her an expected birth weight of 7+ pounds - we'll take it!
And now my tasks (among many others) include: finding that darn camera charger which we still haven't unearthed since our move, finalizing some things with our diapers, getting the admitting paperwork to the hospital ahead of time so that it's one less thing to do when we're there, cleaning out the van (not necessarily a priority, but it's something I'd like to have done before she arrives), and making myself a nursing cover. Whew.
And according to the OB late last week, things are looking healthy for both mom and baby. Friday was the last day of the progesterone injections, a fact that neither Drake nor I are mourning. I'm only dilated to 1cm and not effaced at all, so it's likely that we've still got some time until her arrival. She's head down (and likely to stay that way), and the OB estimates that she's in the high 5's for weight right now, giving her an expected birth weight of 7+ pounds - we'll take it!
And now my tasks (among many others) include: finding that darn camera charger which we still haven't unearthed since our move, finalizing some things with our diapers, getting the admitting paperwork to the hospital ahead of time so that it's one less thing to do when we're there, cleaning out the van (not necessarily a priority, but it's something I'd like to have done before she arrives), and making myself a nursing cover. Whew.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
a (delightful) day trip
We (and by "we" I mean my family, of course) had quite the successful day-trip up to the suburbs today, making it safely there and back.
First stop was JoAnn Fabrics where I stocked up on fabrics for nursing covers that I hope to sell via a little online business. I'm trying to use time now to make some baby items (nursing covers, burp cloths, and hoodie towels specifically...hopefully in coordinating colors so people can mix and match them). I'm hoping to open the shop a month or two after Baby #2 arrives. Oh, and with several coupons and my mom's employee discount, I saved nearly $75 on fabric. It. Was. Wonderful.
Oh, and speaking of Baby #2, we're not divulging the name this time. I found it a bit stressful last time hearing name opinions from so many when we were on the fence about our firstborn's name, so you'll just have to wait until the Fall. Sorry.
After amazing JoAnn savings, we had another delightful stop - Portillo's. If you're from the northern suburbs, I need say no more about the gloriousness that is Portillo's dining. And if you've never had it, please add it to your bucket list. You'll be so happy that you did.
Our third stop was a duplex in Lombard that we'd been eying on Craig's List. And, my friends, we think this is quite possibly "the" new place, for the next few years or so, that is. A garage, yard, full basement, washer/dryer, driveway all give it a very home-like feel. It's a two-bedroom in our price range, and the landlords could not have been any nicer. They're even okay with us not moving in until August. We're sending in our application on Monday as we continue to pray that God would make it clear to us if this is not the place for us. It's the first place we've looked at that both Drake and I could picture ourselves living in...and it's actually less than 10 minutes from some dear friends, including the only other young Catholic mom I know in the suburbs. Plus, it's a less than 30 minute drive from the grandparents and close to several other family members. So we are very hopeful about this place!
First stop was JoAnn Fabrics where I stocked up on fabrics for nursing covers that I hope to sell via a little online business. I'm trying to use time now to make some baby items (nursing covers, burp cloths, and hoodie towels specifically...hopefully in coordinating colors so people can mix and match them). I'm hoping to open the shop a month or two after Baby #2 arrives. Oh, and with several coupons and my mom's employee discount, I saved nearly $75 on fabric. It. Was. Wonderful.
Oh, and speaking of Baby #2, we're not divulging the name this time. I found it a bit stressful last time hearing name opinions from so many when we were on the fence about our firstborn's name, so you'll just have to wait until the Fall. Sorry.
After amazing JoAnn savings, we had another delightful stop - Portillo's. If you're from the northern suburbs, I need say no more about the gloriousness that is Portillo's dining. And if you've never had it, please add it to your bucket list. You'll be so happy that you did.
Our third stop was a duplex in Lombard that we'd been eying on Craig's List. And, my friends, we think this is quite possibly "the" new place, for the next few years or so, that is. A garage, yard, full basement, washer/dryer, driveway all give it a very home-like feel. It's a two-bedroom in our price range, and the landlords could not have been any nicer. They're even okay with us not moving in until August. We're sending in our application on Monday as we continue to pray that God would make it clear to us if this is not the place for us. It's the first place we've looked at that both Drake and I could picture ourselves living in...and it's actually less than 10 minutes from some dear friends, including the only other young Catholic mom I know in the suburbs. Plus, it's a less than 30 minute drive from the grandparents and close to several other family members. So we are very hopeful about this place!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
a little lady
That's right - Steed baby #2 is a girl. And unfortunately I don't have the ultrasound pictures on a CD to upload onto the computer, so you'll just have to wait until mid-October (or thereabouts) to see this sweet angel. But thanks be to God, she's healthy, and so am I. So we're hoping and praying that healthy trend continues for mom and baby. We've reached the halfway point already - she'll be here before we know it! But let's hope she stays in the oven a little bit longer than her brother did :).
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
baby update
At 15 weeks along today, I, thanks be to God, am feeling great. I finally have my energy back and am not counting down the hours until my next nap opportunity. In fact, I've been extremely motivated lately to work on projects around our home, cook, bake, and be productive. We'll see how long this lasts!
We had an ultrasound and appointment today just to monitor the goings-on in the womb, and the midwife was quite happy with what she saw. Some of the issues present in our last pregnancy do not seem to be an issue at all right now. I will start receiving weekly progesterone injections in two weeks with the possibility that Drake might be able to administer them at home so that I do not have to go to the OB office every week (that would be some serious spousal love). The purpose of the progesterone is to strengthen my lining to help prevent premature labor this time around, and I'm really praying now that our insurance will authorize this. In any case, Drake and I are confident that our Lord will provide for our needs, whether physical, financial, or otherwise.
In five weeks, we're scheduled for our ultrasound that determines the baby's sex. And if it's a boy, we're going to need the remaining 20 weeks to agree on a name!
We had an ultrasound and appointment today just to monitor the goings-on in the womb, and the midwife was quite happy with what she saw. Some of the issues present in our last pregnancy do not seem to be an issue at all right now. I will start receiving weekly progesterone injections in two weeks with the possibility that Drake might be able to administer them at home so that I do not have to go to the OB office every week (that would be some serious spousal love). The purpose of the progesterone is to strengthen my lining to help prevent premature labor this time around, and I'm really praying now that our insurance will authorize this. In any case, Drake and I are confident that our Lord will provide for our needs, whether physical, financial, or otherwise.
In five weeks, we're scheduled for our ultrasound that determines the baby's sex. And if it's a boy, we're going to need the remaining 20 weeks to agree on a name!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Whew.
Growing a baby is exhausting. Wow. It's one of the single most beautiful blessings, but it sure wipes me out. I am tired. Plain and simple. And the baby is only the size of a grape!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
A New Addition
As some of you may or may not know, we're pregnant again! I'm not ready to plaster this all over Facebook, but I'm posting it here for one reason...to ask that you PRAY for us...okay? Okay, great. So here's the rundown:
We are 8 weeks along, giving us an estimated due date of October 19 (and after mornings like this one, that date seems SO far away!). We had our first doctor appointment last week, complete with an ultrasound. So far, everything looks great. We got to see our sweet angel who is about 1/2 inch long and has a heartbeat that clocked in at a perfect 140. I was so happy to share in that moment with Drake - we both exclaimed, "Awww!" as the ultrasound tech showed us the baby. It's incredible that even though the baby is so tiny, we could still make out where the appendages are, and seeing the heartbeat was simply beautiful.
As for potential complications, the doctors are keeping a closer eye on me this time around. The troubles I ran into last time may or may not be a problem with #2. Some good news is that the doctor can intervene much earlier now to (hopefully) prevent bed rest, which is clearly quite difficult with an active 1 year old. But based on the ultrasound, the doctor has cleared me for exercising, which means that she's happy with what she sees. Our next appointment is March 29.
We truly could not be more thrilled about this new Steed. I'm feeling fine, though I'm exhausted nearly all the time and have been battling slight nausea as of late. Drake's been a huge help in taking on more Thomas duties when he's home, cooking meals, etc., and that's been a tremendous blessing.
Again, I beg you to keep our family in your prayers - it's still early in the pregnancy, and my anxiety levels are somewhat high in the hopes that all goes well this time around. But we're remaining hopeful that our Lord is keeping us close to Him in all the varied emotions that accompany pregnancy. Thanks be to God for the gift of life!
We are 8 weeks along, giving us an estimated due date of October 19 (and after mornings like this one, that date seems SO far away!). We had our first doctor appointment last week, complete with an ultrasound. So far, everything looks great. We got to see our sweet angel who is about 1/2 inch long and has a heartbeat that clocked in at a perfect 140. I was so happy to share in that moment with Drake - we both exclaimed, "Awww!" as the ultrasound tech showed us the baby. It's incredible that even though the baby is so tiny, we could still make out where the appendages are, and seeing the heartbeat was simply beautiful.
As for potential complications, the doctors are keeping a closer eye on me this time around. The troubles I ran into last time may or may not be a problem with #2. Some good news is that the doctor can intervene much earlier now to (hopefully) prevent bed rest, which is clearly quite difficult with an active 1 year old. But based on the ultrasound, the doctor has cleared me for exercising, which means that she's happy with what she sees. Our next appointment is March 29.
We truly could not be more thrilled about this new Steed. I'm feeling fine, though I'm exhausted nearly all the time and have been battling slight nausea as of late. Drake's been a huge help in taking on more Thomas duties when he's home, cooking meals, etc., and that's been a tremendous blessing.
Again, I beg you to keep our family in your prayers - it's still early in the pregnancy, and my anxiety levels are somewhat high in the hopes that all goes well this time around. But we're remaining hopeful that our Lord is keeping us close to Him in all the varied emotions that accompany pregnancy. Thanks be to God for the gift of life!
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