Rescheduling

So after writing out 3 pages of schedules, we finally found something that works for everyone. Shaun's moved to a 3 1/2 hour routine which is going really well and everyone has adjusted beautifully. For the past 2 days he and I have gone for a walk around 4:30 since he has a snowsuit now. We got it at Gap for $35. It is down-filled and was originally $98. Good deal huh?

Tomorrow night is New Years Eve and we're heading over to Chris and Lisa's. Lisa's making a pork roast for dinner and I'm bringing a bunch of hors d'oeuvres for later. I have coconut shrimp with apricot-ginger dipping sauce, smoked salmon in tortilla cups and mango-brie quesadillas. It's going to be quite a feast!
And Sunday Mum and Dad are stopping here on the way back from Toronto. We'll just order pizza for dinner from Pizza Pizza. It should be a great weekend!
Oh, and I almost forgot... I think there's a chance I could be pregnant! I remember last year feeling car sick and then I found out we were having Shaun. Well, it's been the same feeling for the last few mornings. I was gagging in the car on the way to Zehrs this morning I felt so yucky. If it continues I'm taking a test on Monday; I bought 2 today. I know the timing kind of sucks (another summer pregnancy and Shaun only a year old) but I'm secretly hoping I am. I loved it with Shaun!

Oh, he's awake. Baby calls!

Is Pooping In The Tub A Milestone?

One more week and Shaun will be 4 months old. Everything has been happening so fast! I can't believe the year is almost over!

So a couple nights ago, Tuesday, I'm putting Shaun in the tub and he pees. Okay, that's normal. But then he's stil grunting and sure enough, a soft yellow turd floats to the top of the water. I'm laughing as I'm getting Shaun out of the water to put a diaper on him so I can wash the tub. I had to call Lisa too so I could share my woes! As I'm on the phone with Lisa, Shaun pukes down the front of my shirt and it drips into my bra - YUCK YUCK! So I change my shirt, clean the tub, fill it back up, take Shaun's diaper off (sure enough it's empty) and put him back in the water. And wouldn't you know it, he pooped again, this time more! Even though he was in the water it squirted all up his back and because he was moving around the floaters got all smooshed between his fingers and in his armpits. It was so gross. I'm sure all the neighbours know he pooped in the tub because I was shrieking and laughing so loudly. By the time I had scrubbed the tub again and washed and dried Shaun, the whole ordeal had been almost an hour. I had to call Lisa again after the second time and I called Mum and told her too... what a milestone!

As far as Shaun's schedule goes, I had tried last weekend to move Shaun into a 3 1/2 hour routine instead of 3 hours and he wanted nothing to do with it. I'm sort of puzzled now as to how I'm going to drop the 6th feeding and 4th nap. I think it will take some experimenting. Currently, this is what his schedule is:

Feedings/Naps

8:00 AM / 9:15 - 11:00
11:00 AM/ 12:30 - 2:00
2:00 PM / 3:30 - 5:00
5:00 PM / 6:30 - 8:00
8:00 PM / night time sleep from 9:30 PM to 8:00 AM
9:30 PM

Now the timing of the last feeding varies by about 45 minutes, depending on if I have the car or not. No car, the feeding is at 9:30, car, the feeding is at 10:15.
Eventually Shaun's last feeding will be at 8:00 and then he'll go down for the night. My thoughts are that for the next 6 days I gradually work back the last feeding to 8:00PM. Can Shaun do it in only 6 days?

Obviously there's the potential that the transition won't go so smoothly but we'll see. Shaun's pretty adaptable and he may surprise us! It's worth a try anyway.

Little Traveller

Shaun certainly has quite the personality! The little monster has learned that he can delay bedtime by singing to me while I'm rocking him. It makes me laugh because he's so cute and as a result it takes me forever to finish the bedtime routine. He's so silly!
He's one of the most easy going babies I know, too. I can be out all day, from the time I drop Craig off to the time I pick him up and Shaun eats and sleeps right along with his schedule. In fact, last week Beth and I were in Toronto shopping all afternoon and Shuan was amazingly good. He makes being a new Mummy so easy!
Craig's really being a huge help now too. It was tough for a while I think because we were still getting used to Shaun and even each other being parents. He's started taking initiative when it comes to getting Shaun up or putting him to bed. Craig even gave Shaun a bath a few nights ago while I was baking some cookies.
It looks like we're going to be here longer than we had originally planned. We pay so little for the mortgage that I think we'd really struggle if we were to move right now; it'd be a huge adjustment. We'll definitely have our second child here. Our goal is to move before Shaun starts school, but hopefully sooner.
Next weekend plans are in the works to go to Mum and Dads for dinner on Saturday. Tara and Wes will be there and Steve and Tamrah have been invited as well. Donna's having us and Chris and Lisa over on the Sunday. This months is getting busy already!

A Full Night's Sleep!

So right after my last entry Shaun started sleeping through the night. I had talked to Sheri that day and told her about him waking at 5AM. Sheri told me that Shaun was able to sleep longer than 5AM and she encouraged me to let him cry. So 5AM came and he woke, fussed 5 minutes (really!) and went back to sleep. I couldn't believe it. The next week-and-a-half he slept all the way through almost every night. Only a couple of nights he would wake and cry... one night he cried for almost an hour! But now he's not waking at all so this weekend we're going to my parents house and they're going to babysit. His first babysitters! We'll go out for dinner in London and then probably to Yuk-Yuk's or a Jazz bar of some sort. Mum and Dad will give Shaun his 8PM feeding and then take him to the meeting in the morning. He'll have is 11AM feeding whle at the meeting. It'll be interesting to hear what everyone thinks of him! He waking up... duty calls!

Thumbsucker

I'm not sure how mum had time for us 3 kids. Between feeding and waketime I feel like the time in between is so minimal. I need time to relax but it's hard to keep up with the housework too and cook all the meals. And just when I start to really get into a project, it's time for Shaun to wake up again and then the cycle starts all over again. But I love being a mum. Watching Shaun grow and change and learn new things every day is incredible. What a miracle children are!

Shaun found his thumb for the first time last night. He was stirring in his crib so Craig went to check on him and his whole thumb was in his mouth and he was sucking away. I saw it today and it's so cute! His little fingers curled around his nose...
I have cleaning to do and I'll have to go through his clothes soon and pack away what's too small.

Back on the Saddle

We are so lucky! Shaun is such a good baby! The only glich was on Wednesday; he was waking up only 45 minutes into his nap all day and I finally realized it was because he was hungry. Must be going through a growth spurt. We were shopping in Conestoga Mall today and Shaun slept the whole time. He seems to adjust to whatever we're doing.

Craig and I were talking tonight about dropping the 11PM feeding and moving it to earlier but after I read in Babywise that most babies are 3 to 5 months old when that happens, we decided to hold off a while. Shaun is just so hard to wake up for that feeding!

I was writing some new schedules out tonight that we may use once Shaun moves into a flexible 3-4 hour routine. I think it's going to take a lot of experimenting and adjusting to see what works best for us. It's a bit harder for us because Craig's shift is so different than the norm. We don't actually get going until 9:30 at the earliest. I'll have to see what works the best.

Tomorrow we're going to Wayne and Leah's for the afternoon. Chris came back from Colorado last night. It will be nice to see him again.

And our photos are scheduled at Zehrs for this Thursday. I haven't even begun to decide what we'll all wear. I hope Shaun smiles nice for his photos. We're getting 3 poses for $25. Good deal!

My nipples are completely back to normal. I haven't worn breast pads for about a week too and I'm not leaking either. I've even gone braless a couple of nights.
We had sex today for the second time since Shaun was born. It was 100X better than the first time which was last weekend. I guess I just needed a couple more days to heal. Mum told me that with all 3 of us she didn't get her period until she was DONE breastfeeding and we were completely weaned. That would be nice! Although it would be nice to get pregnant in the late spring and I'll still be breastfeeding then. We'll have to see. I'm a little afraid of how we'll do financially but look at other families who are making so much less than Craig and they survive on one income. I'm confident we could make it work, it would just take some adjustments, just like everything. Besides, how does the saying go... nothing worth it is easy to obtain. Something like that. Basically, being a stay at home mum won't be easy and financially it will be challenging but that's what is best for the kids and it will all be worth it in the end. We'll make it work!

The Adjustment is Complete... For Now

Life has stabilized. We're all on a pretty good schedule now. Shaun eats every 3 hours with his first feeding being at 8AM. After his last feeding at 11PM he usually sleeps until at least 5AM. Although last night he woke at 2:30AM hungry. I think it's because he didn't get enough from the bottle at 11PM. He's so cute to watch when he's eating though and he takes the bottle so good. I've been pumping quite a bit so Craig is going to start feeding Shaun his last meal. I think Shaun is getting ready to move into a 3 1/2 hour routine and I hope he starts extending his nighttime sleep soon. Even sleeping until 6AM would be nice... then I can -- actually, now that I'm thinking about it, I know what I need to do. Once Shaun is consistently sleeping until 6AM I can move his last feeding back to 10:00 or 10:30 so that he eats at 5AM still and then 8AM. I think, though, that his schedule is going to be a bit different from other people's because of our schedule. We don't actually get going until 9 or 10AM.
I went and saw Dr. Raby yesterday for my 6 week appointment (even though it's been 7 weeks). She did a Pap spear and also said my uterus is back to normal. We talked briefly about birth control and prenatal vitamins. As far as birth control goes, the pill can affect quantity of breastmilk so that's not an option. She suggested barrier methods: condon and foam. Although, as long as I'm exclusively breastfeeding the chance of me getting pregnant is next to nothing so I'm not sure we'll use anything. Dr. Raby also said that I have to continue taking my prenatal vitamins as long as I'm breastfeeding and add an extra mg of folic acid when we're planning on getting pregnant again. I asked her about weight loss too and she said I could proceed with that whenever I'm ready so I'm going to my first meeting tomorrow night. I'm so anxious to get back to my goal weight!

Much Ado About Nothing

So motherhood is amazing. I've had a few low points and I seem to take my stresses out on Craig at the end of the day but for the most part I'm completely enjoying baing a mum. I love picking him up and hearing him stop; I love how content he is after eating; I love that he smiles at me when I smile at him... it's just amazing!
I've come to realize though, that I'm way too hard on myself and especially hard on Craig. I'll harp on the smallest things that are totally worthless to even worry about. Like the other night, Craig went in to settle Shaun since he was fussing and left the night light on when he left the room - no big deal at all, right? Well I came downstairs with Shaun and immediately started complaining to Craig about the light. He just looked at me but didn't say anything. Thinking about it now, why did I say anything at all? Who cares? I've noticed that he'll check with me a lot before he does stuff relating to Shaun. I think it's because he's worried I'll freak out over whatever he does. On one hand I really appreciate that he checks with me because he realizes that I'm working hard to get Shaun on a schedule and stuff but on the other hand I feel like he feels like less of a parent - insuperior to me. I don't want it to be like that at all!
He's such a great dad. He talks so funny to Shaun and does diaper changes and ALWAYS kisses him before Shaun goes for a nap or Craig leaves for work. He's adjusted so well and goes to work and works hard all day and then comes home and helps as he can with Shaun. Yet I still get angry that he's watching TV and not helping me. But ask me what I want him to do and I probably won't know. It's strange. I think we just have to spend more time talking to each other and not like "how was your day". It's just hard to find the time. We'll be fine it's just going to take some time to adjust.

1 Month Old

It's hard to believe that Shaun's almost a month old already! He has his one month appointment on Monday.

Last Monday we went to get his circumcision done. He barely cried at all. The freezing must have really helped. This morning when I opened up his diaper his plastibel had fallen off. His penis looks so short now! Lisa says that's normal and that it will grow.

The scheduling has been going very well for the most part. Shaun is a terrific eater and latches like a professional even though, really, it's only been 2 weeks since he figured it out. I've even fed him in out in public a couple of times: in Sears, at the Early Years Centre, and today in Boston Pizza. The only time I'm sort of struggling with him is at nap time when we're away from home. He can't settle himself unless he's in his crib. It'll just take some more practice. He's being a bit of a stinker tonight though. It'll sound like he's fast asleep for 5 minutes or so and then he'll start crying. Maybe it's gas. It's not a constant cry either, sort of off and on. What a pain! I have to go resettle him...

Later...

I have come to discover that Shaun has a really hard time releasing gas after he eats. Sometimes I'll spend 10 minutes burmping him and nothing comes out, like tonight. Then he won't settle for his nap, and again like tonight, as soon as I pick him up he burps. I don't understand it at all. It's very strange. I'd love to think that he doesn't burp because he doesn't need to but obviously he does. It's pretty frustrating. I put him down at 6:45PM tonight. Now it's 8:07 and he's still not asleep... crying off and on. I don't know what to do!

Craig's with Wayne at a football game. They left at 5:30AM and should be home any minute.
I have to go and see if I can coax this gas out of Shaun. This is crazy!

Later...

So now it's 8:20 and Shaun's sitting on my lap in the kitchen. He doesn't seem to have gas anymore but his hand is in his mouth and he's sucking like crazy. He must be hungry. He's starting to gain a bit more control over his hands... seems to favour his right one.

Oh! He smiled today for the first time! I was leaning over him and he gave me a great big grin. I cried! He's so cute!

On Becoming Babywise

I've been reading On Becoming Babywise for the last few days; learning how to get Shaun (and me) on a schedule. It's a great book. All the questions I've had about: how long to let him cry, what to do if he wakes early for a feeding, how long to have him feed from each breast; they've all been answered in this book. It's reassured me that what I'm doing is okay.
These are the times he eats: 9AM, 12PM, 3PM, 6PM, 9PM

All of these feedings follow the eat-play-sleep routine. Shaun will spend about 15 minutes eating and then about an hour of wake time. Then I put him down for a nap. Ninety percent of the time he doesn't even cry when I put him down.

The remaining 2 feedings are: 12 AM and about 4:30AM, depending on when he wakes up. For these feedings he doesn't get any wake time; I put him right back into bed once he's finished eating. The schedule seems to be falling into place rather easily. The next thing to do will happen in the next few weeks. I'll try to drop the 4:30AM feeding. Babywise says most babies drop the feeding on their own. Those that don't sometimes wake during the feeding time and cry for a short time. They put themselves to sleep in the end. I'll end up reading that section about dropping a feeding a million times, I'm sure.

We're going to Sheri and Pete's for a family dinner tonight. It'll be great to see everyone!

Breastfeeding Woes

Yikes! Being a mum is so much harder than I ever imagined but oh my word, it's so rewarding and I wouldn't go back to not having Shaun at all.
Up until last Friday breastfeeding had had it's ups and downs. Most people live "day to day"; I was living "feed to feed". My moods were fluctuating so much based solely on how Shaun was breastfeeding.
I think a lot of the nursing problems I brought on myself... I came into motherhood with the impression that breastfeeding was painless and natural for mommy and baby. Since Shaun had so much trouble latching, my nipples got cracked and raw. They hurt so terribly I'd be in so much pain I'd cry and my toes would curl and I'd get all tense. Shaun probably felt how tense I was and that prevented him from relaxing and latching well. By the time last Friday came I didn't even want to feed him anymore. I was in Wayne and Leah's bedroom with Craig and through tears admitted to him that I wanted something to happen to Shaun so I didn't have to feed him anymore. Craig took that as the sign to ask Lisa for her breastpump for that feeding. I pumped for 2 or 3 more feedings after that and I used the frozen breastmilk I had too. By the time the 1AM feeding rolled around, Shaun was hysterical and I was desperate. I stuck it out for almost 2 hours and Shaun finally figured it out. He latched and hasn't gone back since!
I walked to the mall today to buy Stesha's shower gift and to buy Melissa a gift too. My perineum is really sore now though. I'll have to take it easy tomorrow.
I've decided to be firm and strong and not only get Shaun on a schedule but let him cry it out too. He's been upstairs about an hour. He cried for 17 minutes at first and then it sounded like he fell asleep. I think, though, that the TV was too loud and there was a new mum using a high pitched voice like me. Shaun woke up and now he's been crying for almost 10 minutes again. I'm going to go up in a few minutes to do his feeding if he doesn't stop. Otherwise I'll go up in 30 minutes... maybe an hour. It's be 9 PM or 9:30 PM.

Shaun Anthony Martin's Here!!

Wow, what a trek we've been on these last 10 months or so.
Shaun, you finally arrived; albeit 8 days late but you're perfect and we couldn't be happier. I was supposed to be induced Sunday, August 28 but the hospital was too busy so we ended up being called in at midnight. Nothing was really happening though until Dr. Raby came in at around 8 AM. Originally I had hoped they would break my water when we arrived to try to avoid receiving the Pitocin but he was too high and there was a danger of a cord prolapse. So, finally, at 8 they broke my water. Up until then the nurse had been asking me how my pain was from 0 to 10. It was mostly 0 but closer to 8 AM it was around a 2 and I was still able to sleep through the contractions. Once my water broke though, holy cow! Did things ever get started! Within about 5 minutes I got out of bed and was rocking side to side and breathing heavily and deeply. I decided to try the birthing ball and spent at least a couple hours on there. I wanted to lean forward but it hurt so bad during the contractions so I tried leaning back, hanging onto the bed to hold myself up. But I got tired and would lean into Craig for support. His shirt smelled so good! I remember at one point he turned to walk away just as a contraction was coming and I pulled him back to my by his shirt. Eventually the Pitocin had to be decreased a bit because the contractions were coming too close together and I wasn't getting the chance to catch my breath in between.
It's strange, I remember all of this happening but my memory is sort of foggy; almost like a dream.
The nurse suggested a shot of Demerol at noon, right after I threw up all over Craig's shoes, to help take the edge off the contractions. I hadn't wanted any drugs originally but the contractions were becoming more than I could handle. Craig says once I got the shot and the doctor was leaving the room, only then did I say "ow". I guess I was in a lot of pain... When the Demerol came I was 5 cm and 10 minutes later when it had completely taken effect I was up to 9! But the Demerol had taken too long for me and I was begging for an epidural. Craig asked me so many times if I was sure that was what I wanted. It was great to have his support!
Once I was fully dilated, since I'd just received the epidural I was completely numb from my boobs down. It was a wierd feeling. By 4 PM I could feel enough to start pushing. It felt like I had to take a monster poop. I was allowed to push as I wanted and I counted in my head. It only took 45 minutes and felt like much less. When Shaun finally came out it was 4:55 PM and he was 10 pounds 4 ounces! Quite the porkchop!!

Shaun Anthony Martin
August 29, 2005
10 lbs, 4 oz

Way Overdue!!

Taken at my Uncle Danny and Aunt Helen's wedding the day before I was induced at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener. I don't remember feeling as huuuuge as I am in the picture but I know Helen commented during her speech at how I looked like I was ready to burst. We headed home early from the wedding so I could sleep a little before all the action started the following day. Little did we know that instead of being called in at 7AM, it would be midnight before we got the call that there was a bed and nurse ready for my (and Shaun's) arrival. We could have danced the night away and maybe brought labor on it's own. Oh well, live and learn!

39 Weeks

39 weeks. Anytime now Shaun; we're waiting for ya.

38 Weeks

38 weeks. I'm ready for this Little Man to come out.

Full Term

So, I finally made it. The pregnancy and Mr. Magoo are considered term. If I was to go into labour now the doctors wouldn't do anything to try and stop it. It's pretty exciting that in less than a month there's going to be a newborn in this house. Pretty amazing that Craig and I made a baby. Sex is wonderful!

So Craig and I are pretty much the only Martins in town this weekend besides Pete and Sheri. Wayne and Leah and Lisa and Matthew are up at Uncle Jim's cottage. They've been there since last Sunday and will leave tomorrow for Lisa's wedding in Las Vagas. I think Wayne and Leah are returning on Tuesday with Matthew.

We've been looking after Felix but he had started spraying in the house so yesterday morning we took him home. He even peed on the rocking chair. I was so upset I cried. We didn't even get to use it and it was ruined already.
Mum and Dad left for Kipawa late last night, 1 AM or something. They'll be gone until next weekend and then they're camping at the Oinery Aug 19-21. There's not too many days left for the baby to come especially since Danny and Helen are getting married August 27. That's only 6 days after I'm due. I hope the baby's here by then so everyone can see him!

So all the baby shopping is done. We have everything we need and more! Lisa loaned us a ton of clothes. Three boxes! We ended up keeping about a box. There was so much the baby would never get the chance to wear it all. I still don't feel like the room's done but I can't put my finger on what it is that's incomplete. Once I figure it out I'll have to take a picture.

We visited Chad last night. Tom was there too. It was nice to touch base. So Chad's going to be our messenger when the baby's born. He'll call everyone and let them know. It's great that he's so interested. Tom and Chad felt the baby's hiccups too. They thought that was pretty cool!

36 Weeks

36 weeks and the stretch marks are comin'!

No Break From the Heat!

I never did get back to that entry the other day. I had every intention to though.

Once again this week has been stifling hot. It reached 35.3C yesterday and that was without the humidity. The temperature was similar today. I heard on the news last week that June was the hottest June on record. Thirteen days were above 30 degrees and 10 days broke records! Now I can truly say I was pregnant during the hottest summer ever. I wonder how July will compare. If these temperatures keep up, I have no doubt that July will break records too. So much for enjoying a cool, rainy summer like last year.

It rained this afternoon for the first time in over a month. I've taken advantage of the temporary break in the heat to do a bit of work on the baby's room. It's been such a mess since the shower but I haven't had the stamina to even get in there because it's been so stinkin' hot and humid. I'm considering rearranging it... but how? Maybe I'll just leave it as-is. Less work. Better get back to work before I have to pick up Craig from work.

Countdown

The weeks left until my due date are quickly becoming days. Fourty-one days to be exact. I only have 9 days of work left. That's scary. No more alarm clock, no more curriculum sheets... it's going to be really strange.

Baby Shower

So it's not that I haven't wanted to write, I've just been so busy with so many other things lately. Things like the baby shower that was last weekend at Sheri's. We received so much wonderful stuff for the baby; I said to everyone that it's a little overwhelming that there's so many people who support our having a baby. Many babysitters and advice givers. Donna bought us a playpen. We think we're going to leave it with Mum and Dad since we really don't stay overnight anywhere else. Everybody in town, even if they babysit, is close enough to either come here, or we can set the baby up on the floor or surrounded by pillows on the bed.

Today Craig and I are going to Niagara Falls with Wayne and Leah and Lisa and Matthew. Leah has packed a picnic lunch for everyone. The weather's supposed to be beautiful.

Only 7 weeks to go... hard to believe!!

31 Weeks

31 weeks. Where are the days disappearing to??

Ohhh, the heat!

This week has just been brutal weather-wise. Every day has been 28 to 30 degrees Celcius with the humidex in the high 30s. It's 38 today. I've been managing but really suffering. The poor cats. Kitty just came into the baby's room panting. I brought her outside and she peed in the garden. Maybe she was panting because she was so desperate to pee. I'm going to see Dr. Raby on Thursday this week. Hopefully by then it'll be a bit cooler outside. Things are supposed to get back to normal on Tuesday... let's hope! Now Pokey's laying in the dirt in the garden - must be cooler in there.

Feeling Bittersweet

Wow, June already. It seems like spring just arrived and now in 2 1/2 weeks it'll be summer. It's funny that on one hand, this pregnant feels like it's lasting forever and all I want to do is meet our new baby, but on the other hand, 29 weeks is done already. I'll never have those back. It's sort of sad.

So the results came back from my urine test. Turns out I have a bladdar infection. Strange because when I was little I had one but I actually was uncomfortable. This time I wouldn't even have know. Good thing I said something to Dr. Raby though because my book says it can bring on preterm labour. That would have been okay, maybe in early August, but not now. It's too early.

I've been running around to hardware stores for the past couple of days trying to find pieces for the change table. No luck so Craig finally just screwed it together last night. It looks wonderful!

I did the glucose tolerance test yesterday. The sugary drink you take is ust orange pop. I was expecting something horrid since they give you 5 minutes to finish it. I was thirsty, too. It was pretty yummy.

So there's 7 weeks left until I begin maternity leave. Tonight I hope to write the letter to Shelley explaining the reason for my LOA and then next June I have to let her know when I plan on returning, if at all. I'll have to double check on the internet for all the time requirements for filing for maternity leave. I've checked it before but I can't remember all the details.

I'm gradually collecting things for the baby: diapers, wipes, shampoo. I still need washcloths, bibs and all the baby's clothes still have to washed. I'll have to buy some Ivory Snow laundry soap for that... less irritating to baby's skin.

Having Contractions Already!

So I think Craig jinxed me yesterday morning. I told him I had an appointment at 10 and he jokingly said he'd see me at the regular time. Turns out, Dr. Raby DID have another delivery and I finally got to see her at 2, after I dropped Craig off.
I had been having contractions all morning but not the kind that women in my prenatal class describe. Their's wrap around their belly and mine were just in my uterus. Dr. Raby ended up doing an internal exam to check my cervix. It was still really thick and closed, just like it's supposed to be.
She is sending me for a urine test for a bladdar infection and for the routine blood tests. The blood test is an hour long because I have to drink a sugary drink, sit around, then have my blood drawn and hour later. I guess it's to see how well my body processes the sugar. Maybe I'll do that tomorrow.

Cancelled Appointment

So much for seeing Dr. Raby this week. Every time I had another appointment scheduled she had to leave to do a delivery. Tuesday - 11 AM, Thursday - 10:15, 11:30, Friday - 10AM. Now I have another one for Monday at 10:15. There's no way another woman will be delivering. As it was, I was surprised that 3 of her patients delivered this week (the 4th was an on-call delivery).
Today was our first of 2 days of prenatal classes. Just like we thought, I didn't learn too much but I know that Craig did. We figured that the classes would help hom more that me. After seeing him in action supporting me when I wasn't even in labour, just faking, I know he'll be a terrific support. I predict we'll use a lot of "in your face" supporting and focusing. I just know I'll be fine as long as he's calm. If Craig doesn't freak out, I won't. We'll see... 12 weeks to go.

Stupid Parents!!

This morning was another appointment with Dr. Raby. Craig got to come this time because it was a bit later in the morning than usual - 11 AM. When we got there the waiting room was completely full so I knew she was behind. There was this moron of a woman in there with a child who was at least 2 1/2. Probably closer to 3. The child was whining and complaining the whole time. The mom kept giving threats but never followed through on even one of them and she would get into yes-no battles over everything. It's mind boggling to me that a parent as spineless and retarded as she was would choose to have another child. The most frustrating for me was that this child was named Faith. I would assume by that name that the parents just spoil her rotten.

Poor Craig was getting so frustrated just listening to them go at it, we ended up waiting in the hallway outside the office.

By the time I finally got weighed (I was 175) and into the examination room we had waited 45 minutes and then Dr. Raby got called to deliver a baby so we had to leave and reschedule. It was a really frustrating morning.

So my next appointment is for this Thursday at 10:15. Hopefully she's not behind that early in the day... let's hope.
I've been using the Terbinafine cream on my face since Friday morning. Actually, maybe Thursday - anyway, it seems to be working well. I called Dr. McKinnon to make an appointment to get a refil but since I haven't had my initial consultation with him yet, they're just going to call in the prescription. Works for me.

Oh, I almost forgot: we should get the crib and change table this weekend. YAY! And Grandma, Ciocia, Helen and Natasha are all coming to the shower. DOUBLE YAY!!

27 Weeks

I haven't had another dizzy spell since that one in Home Depot. Hopefully I won't get anymore. Probably wishful thinking.
It's Friday of the May long weekend. The weather is supposed to be gorgeous for all day Saturday and Sunday. Monday will be a bit cool and cloudy but 2 out of 3 days isn't bad.
You've been extremely active for the past 3 days or so, baby. You must be taking advantage of the space you have to move around. It won't be this way for much longer.
Everything I read says you weigh about 2 lbs and are 14 inches long. Amazing that just 6 months ago you were the size of a poppy seed and smaller! In just a few months you'll be 7 lbs and just busting out of me.
The prenatal classes start next weekend on Saturday and continue for the first Saturday in June. I'm anxious to get them over with. I hope they don't scare me! Grandma and Grandpa Jambor are coming tomorrow for dinner. They're going to a wedding in Hamilton first and will be here around 4 or so. It'll be nice to see them... and show them how much you've grown!

The Room is Done!

Finally, your room is finished! Daddy and I did the very last of the painting this afternoon and it looks terrific! Slowly I'm beginning to picture you in here... your crib, the way it will smell (good most of the time I hope!). The idea that in 3 months we'll be daddy and momma is starting to sink in.
We were at Home Depot today picking up some wall outlets and faceplates and I got another dizzy spell; just out of nowhere. It was a bad one too. It lasted about 5 minutes. Again, I have no idea what triggered it. All I can thikn of is that my pants (the first ones I bought from Thyme) were too tight or the smell from the aisle we were in (we were looking for baseboard). Other than that, I'm stumped. Hopefully though the distance between spells lengthens. It's been 3 1/2 weeks since my last one.

Friday The 13th

Ooohhh, it's Friday the 13th. I'll have to make a trip to the cemetary and... gimmie a break. All this spooky Friday the 13th stuff is garbage. What a joke and a waste of time!
I never mentioned - Craig called Dr. McKinnon last week and asked the receptionist if the Dr. would take you and me on as new patients. She called back a day later and said that was fine. So now I finally have a real family doctor here in Kitchener. He seems pretty cool, too. Craig really likes him. So I have an initial visit with him on June 1 to go over some paperwork and sign consent forms so he can get all my records faxed over from Dr. Hawthorne. You know, it hurts a bit that I'm not going to be able to continue seeing her. She's been my doctor since moving to London. I have a lot of history with her. Oh well. I'll be seeing plenty of Dr. McKinnon and I guess I can make a history with him.
Aaron from across the hall was talking to Craig yesterday and mentioned that they have a baby swing for us. We're giving them the futon frame so it's more than a fair trade. I'll have to see the swing before accepting it, of course, but they seem to have pretty nice stuff so it'll probably be a good one. I seem to remember Melissa saying that Alexander hated the swing. Maybe they're counting on baby #2 hating it also. Whatever the reason, they don't want it.
I've been feeling pretty good these past few days. Very tired and achy but remember I've been painting too. Tonight I hope to finish all the painting - closet, trim and hopefully the ceiling. Once that's all done the room can be put back together. It looks so cozy in there at night when the hockey night light is on. It's going to be a great room.
Grandma and Grandpa Jambor are hoping to come before the end of May to pick up the matress and boxspring and then Auntie Sheri will bring your crib and change table. That's all your room needs besides a toy box and that can come a little later anyway. Everyone's doing so much just for you... not that you don't deserve it!!

Another Dr. Appointment

I've decided to leave this book in plain sight so hopefully I'll write in it more frequently. It seems to be working so far.
I had another appointment with Dr. Raby today. My weight was up 4 pounds from my last appointment. It was 171. That's okay. I just have to remain conscious of what I'm putting in my mouth and decide if it's the best choice I could make, or not. My blood pressure was normal, as it has been throughout the pregnancy and my belly measured 25cm, right on target. (It's 1cm per week we can expect it to grow.) Dr. Raby showed me the results from the bloodwork and echocardiogram. The echo was normal, as she expected. Bloodwork was also normal except for my thyroid. She said I'm on the very low end of normal for thyroid (whatever that means). She said we'll keep an eye on it. As far as the dizzy spells, I haven't had one in over 2 weeks but Dr. Raby said that if they change (frequency, I pass out, etc.) or if they start to really worry, to come to her right away. You know, she's a no nonsence doctor but she's growing on me.

25 Weeks

So here I am, 6 months pregnant, feeling absolutely huge but enjoying this time with you more than I ever thought. Yesterday I went for the echocardiogram. It was amazing to watch my heart pumping and see the blood flowing through the valves and vessels. God truly created wonderful things. It's so surprising that people can see stuff like that and still believe in evolution; like everything has come about by chance.
The condo corporation is having a huge yard sale tomorrow and we've also rented a great big bin for larger items like beds, furniture, BBQs, etc. It'll be nice to clean out the basement finally. I'll have ot go through the house tonight and see if there's anything worth selling tomorrow or if it's all going in the dumpster.
Mother's Day is on Sunday. Lisa, Donna and Grandma Irma are coming for lasagna. Hopefully it's good!

Dizzy Spells

So I figured it was time to update this a little. Tomorrow I'll be at 24 weeks. I know it's a little cliche but I can't believe the time is going by so quickly. In 3 days it will be May and before I know it I'll be starting my maternity leave and then you'll be here! It's so scary to think of myself as a mum. I know we'll be fabulous parents but I just worry about stuff... money mostly. I bought the stroller on Monday. It won't be delivered until July 11. We're counting on you not being an early baby because we won't have a carseat to take you home in!!
I also went to see Dr. Raby on Monday. My weight was 168... a lot higher than I wanted it to be at this stage but not unexpected. I haven't been watching what I've been eating at all. I've recomitted to healthy eating. After all, I only have 6 months to lose the pregnancy weight so I don't want to be as big as a house...
Dr. Raby sent me for some bloodwork becaue of my dizzy spells and I'm going for an echocardiogram next Thursday for the same reason. It's like a heart ultrasound. She doesn't expect anything abnormal but wants to check just in case.

Baby, I feel you all the time. You're definitely reminding me constantly that you're in there. Lisa says you'll get annoying but I don't think so. What a miracle you are. I still find it unbelievable that I am growing a HUMAN BEING inside me. It's simply incredible!

I added the photo from 23 weeks too.

22 Weeks

22 weeks

The Halfway Mark

Almost 21 weeks pregnant. That means almost 5 months. It's hard to believe I'm over halfway through. We've been taking belly photos every week, though, so I'll be able to remember this easier hopefully. I wish I could call back the feeling of being pregnant whenever I want once the baby's born and then have the feeling go whenever I want.

I'm beginning to feel stronger kicks more and more but it's just one at a time; never more that just once.

We leave for Mexico on Saturday. Just 4 sleeps away! Craig's sister Lisa and her husband Chris are going to stay here and feed the cats. We're giving them use of the car for the week too. Lisa just has to drive us to and from the airport. Pretty good deal, I'd think.

On Sunday on our way to Grandma and Grandpa Jambor's we spun out (it was so scary!!) on the 401. The front passenger tire came right off the rim and the rim got all scraped up. We had to put on the spare tire and drove on highway 2 all the way to mum and dads from Woodstock. We were hyperventilating and everything. Quite an experience! And not one we ever want to repeat!

Let There Be Life

Well, my son, I am practically halfway through my pregnancy with you (19 weeks). My job of growing you is almost done. Hard to believe it's gone so quickly. I went and saw Dr. Raby again this morning. I was wearing a great big sweater and had just eaten a great big breakfast. I was up to 162 when Lisa weighed me. Dr. Raby said though that I'm doing a great job growing you. Everything seems to be going well.

Last night around 12:45 AM I was laying on the loveseat on my back watching TV with Daddy. I was feeling hungry and then my belly gurgled. A few seconds later it did it again. After the second time I realized it wasn't my belly; it was you! You finally moved enough that I could feel it. I whispered for daddy to come over so he could feel it too. You even moved again but daddy's hand was in the wrong spot. We went to bed right away so daddy could hold his hand on my belly but you must have fallen askeep because you didn't move again. But you woke me up again this morning with a tap-tap-tap. Almost like you were letting me know you were hungry or something. I excitedly woke up daddy but he was too sleepy to say anything more than mmmmhmmmm. :) It was still really early. Even as I'm writing this you're kicking me. I can feel it at the top of my belly on the left side. Now that I know what it feels like I've been feeling it a whole bunch. You're a pretty active baby!

Daddy and I have been thinking about names for you. Our favourite right now is Shawn Anthony Martin. I'm starting to think of you as Shawn.

We went to the mall on Saturday and daddy picked up a couple of outfits for you. Wait until you see how small the shoes are! I'm getting so excited to finally meet you!

The BIG Ultrasound

I can't believe that 2 weeks have passed since my last entry already. SO much has happened... I'm going to be writing for a while.

First, about a week and a half ago I had my first baby dream. You were a girl and Craig named you Cassandra Daisy. The labor and delivery were easy, quick and painless. In my dream I was shocked that women scream and yell because I was just "chillin'". I was sharing a room with another lady and her husband. She had a boy and named him Tarrence Devin but he was black and both she and her husband were white. Needless to say there was lots of shouting. Once our baby was born I went for a walk downtown while the baby was sleeping at the nursery. I told the nurse I'd be back in time to feed and change the baby. By the time I got back to the hospital I had bled through my hospital gown and I'd been gone so long the nurse had already changed the baby's diaper and fed her a bottle. She gave me a really hard time, saying the baby was soaked, and blah blah blah. When I woke up it took me a few seconds to remember that there's not a baby in the next room to go change or anything... yet!

Second, I'm so glad Craig and I are taking weekly belly photos. I am shocked at how quickly my belly is growing. It seems to be bigger every morning when I'm standing in profile in front of the mirror. This baby's growing so fast.
Third, Craig and I are officially a year older. Craig turned 26 on Saturday and I was 24 almost 2 weeks ago. That's not so young to have a baby! Sometimes when we tell people they react with such scock that we're "so young". Hey, we have a house and a car. All our bills are paid. Money in the bank. We're just really young to be so smart and in such great financial shape.

Finally, the biggest news of all!! We had our second ultrasound this morning. The baby was moving and twitching like crazy on the screen but I can't feel the little monster yet. The technician took a whole bunch of photos. I was in the room for about an hour before Craig was asked to come in! Craig and I had decided on the weekend to ask the technician the sex of the baby if she was sure. Initially she said it looked like a boy but wasn't sure because the umbilical cord was in the way. But once she got a better angle she got a straight on shot of the penis and scrotum. So, without a doubt, we're having a BOY!!

I'm going to pick up groceries tonight at Zehrs and I'm going to look at boy clothing. Preparing for this baby is going to be so much easier now!!

16 1/2 Weeks

This morning was my second visit with Dr. Raby. She's very much a no nonsense doctor - really quick. I heard your heartbeat for the first time! It was really faint and Dr. Raby had to ask that no one use the toilet for a minute so we could hear it. You're still sitting really low and on the right side.

I asked about a hepatitis immunization for before we go to Mexico. She said to talk to Dr. Hawthorne about it but I think she said that because she thought I wanted to know where to get the shot from. She never said anything about benefits or risks so I think I'll get it. Dr. Raby did say to only drink bottled water. Not even ice cubes. I guess getting sick can be pretty serious for the baby.

The next ultrasound has been booked for 2 weeks from today at a place across the street from KW Hospital.

I was shocked this morning when I was weighed. After eating so much at Mediterraneo last night I was sure I'd be up a couple of pounds this visit but I was the same exact weight as three weeks ago: 151. But Dr. Raby didn't say anything so I guess that means it's not serious enough to worry about. I would think, though, that if I'm still not up by my next visit in 3 weeks she may start questioning what I'm eating.

Daddy and I spent the weekend that just passed getting more of the house ready for your arrival. We gave Moe the old coffee table and bought a new one from Zehrs; one that holds backets on a shelf underneath for diapers and toys. We also found a cheap ($25!!) bookshelf to put in your room to hold all the books you're going to have.

I'm still looking for the perfect baby book though.

16+1 Weeks

So much for finishing that entry last week. Craig and I have been sick and in bed since Friday night with cold/flu symptoms. We were home from work on Monday and Tuesday; we couldn't even get out of bed. Yesterday a man came from Handyman Connection and installed the railing. One more thing to keep you safe, baby. I've been feeling fine baby-wise this past week. Almost not pregnant. Very soon I'll be feeling you!

15 Weeks

My bulging belly has blossomed this past week and a half. It's begun to expand past my boobs and into my view when I'm standing. Even laying down, there's a small dip where my sternum is and then my belly extends up again from there. No movement yet but it's probably still a week or so early.

First Visit With Dr. Raby

Yesterday Daddy and I went to see Dr. Raby for the first time. She's going to be (hopefully) the doctor who delivers you. She asked me a whole bunch of questions; they were the same ones Dr. Hawthorne asked. It turns out all of the blood work came back normal and my blood type is O+. That's good because a negative could mean a Rhesus problem. I got weighed and even in my bulky sweater I was only 151. Right where I was expecting to be. Pretty good considering what the last two weekends have been like. Dr. Raby tried to listen to your heartbeat but you're still hiding behind my pelvis so there was nothing. She scheduled my next appointment for 3 weeks from yesterday. Hopefully we can hear you by then and I might even be feeling you move too. She also said that the office would book an 18 week ultrasound so we'll finally get to see your picture! Everything is happening so quickly. The first trimester is over already!

Our Second Anniversary

Baby, you're as big as a jumbo shrimp this week and you weigh about an ouce. All of your organs are developed by now so all you have to do is grow. The umbilical cord is completely supporting you. Hopefully it's doing a good job.
Daddy and I are going away for our anniversary this weekend. We're staying at the Pantages Hotel in Toronto and on Saturday night we're going to see Medieval Times.
Thanks to the fabulous anniversary gift from Grandma and Grandpa Jambor, we're going to visit your great-grandma tomorrow and finish paying off the car. Some money has already gone into RRSPs and onto the mortgage too.
You're growing so fast. My belly is having a hard time keeping up. It was very achy today. Anyway... enough complaining.

12 weeks

Boy, what a difference a week makes when it comes to size. I think it's time to start taking belly pictures every week. And time to book those maternity photos too.

My senses are definitely heightened too. There is a student teacher at work who is seriously lacking in personal hygeine and on Tuesday this week I was in tears over it. I had to get the name tag maker from the bathroom cabinet but Stinky (that's what Craig has named her because I don't even care to know her real name) had been in there before me. The smell was so terrible (I even held my breath but it was the smell OUTSIDE the bathroom) it made me gag. No poopy or anything but body stink. I tried to escape it by going into the office but her smell was there too. I couldn't get away from it and through all the gags I seriously thought I was going to barf. Julie was in the office on her break and offered me Kleenex to dry my tears. I was crying; it was so hard to keep myself from getting sick. I had asked Bev on Monday if we're allowed to say anything to students about their personal hygeine and Bev said "no". But once Anne came into the office and saw my state she emailed Shelley and asked for clarification. Turns out it's okay so Bev's going to keep and eye on it and maybe talk to Stinky if necessary. My view (and Craig's too) is that if the smell is affecting staff, children, parents, or her interactions with any of these three it needs to be addressed.

And on the way to work today a city bus pulled out in front of me. The instant I smelled the exhaust I got a dizzy spell. Thankfully there was a Mac's/gas station close by that I pulled into. I had to recline the seat and take a few deep breaths to stop the spinning. That happened a few weeks ago, too. Bev had put on a firefighter movie for the kids and as soon as I saw the flashing lights on the trucks I got dizzy. I guess everything is sort of heightened; my senses I mean. Maybe to protect the baby?

So we go to Mum and Dad's tomorrow for a dual anniversary celebration. It's going to be nice to spend the whole weekend. And Wes is going to be there Saturday afternoon. I've only met him, never talked to him. And Craig hasn't even seen pictures. He's my future brother-in-law so I'm looking forward to getting to know him. That's about all from here. There'll be more news soon, I'm sure.

11 weeks

Boy oh boy. I haven't written in so long. There's been a lot happening.
My body's definitely been changing and rebelling a bit over the baby. I'm fitting into maternity clothes now. Melissa from across the hall loaned a whole bunch to me. All I have to buy is spring and summer stuff. I'm even starting to show a bit. And this morning in bed I was stretching backwards and it HURT my belly. Like everything was being stretched. I'll have to remember not to do that anymore. I've been experiencing a lot of constipation too and my appetite has increased significantly.

Dr. Raby has an appointment for me and Craig on Valentines Day. According to everyone I talk to she's great but very busy. Sheri's friend says we could wait over an hour for an appointment. If that's the case, I'm going to seek out another doctor. We'll have to see...

Waiting on Doctors

9 1/2 weeks pregnant... already. It's been 4 weeks and 1 day since we found out we were going to be parents. I did some follow up phone calls this afternoon to find out about my next appointment with either Dr. Raby or Dr. Hawthorne. Turns out Dr. Hawthorne's office never sent the referral because they were waiting for the ultrasound results. And the ultrasound lab didn't send results because they were waiting for Dr. Hawthorne's office to call to get them. Sheesh! So hopefully Dr. Hawthorne will call tomorrow or Wednesday with my first appointment with Dr. Raby.

I'm going to book a spot in a prenatal class tonight. It's from Conestoga College and we'll take it the first and second Saturdays in May. I'll be right around 6 months pregnant by then. I've also began completing all the forms for the pre-registrations at the hospital.

Last night all the Martins came over for a homemade pizza dinner. Craig and I spent a few minutes showing Sheri and Lisa some of the things on our wish list; like the high chair and Eddie Bauer stroller. I'm so glad Craig and I are so alike in colour likes/dislikes. That makes this so easy. All I really need to find now is a PERFECT baby book.

Everything's beginning to come together.

The First Ultrasound

So baby, Daddy and I saw the first pictures of you this morning. The ultrasound technician started the scan in the regular way, with the cold gel on my tummy. She spent a lot of time looking at the screen and after about 5 minutes she told me that she couldn't see you well enough and that I'd need an internal ultrasound.

She put the cold gel on the end of a probe (it was like the regular ultrasound scanner but longer, about 8 inches) then put a regular condom over the end and some KY-Jelly. She placed the probe inside me about 3 inches or so and took lots of pictures of you.

It turns out, the regular scan wasn't very clear partly because my uterus is sideways. Usually the uterus follows the curve of the bladder but mine is more tilted towards my spine. Apparently it's fairly common, although not normal. The technician said it shouldn't affect pregnancy, labor or delivery. Phew! My mom (your grandma) had the same in all her pregnancies.
Daddy and I are spending more and more time on the internet finding information and searching for baby things. I'm on the search now for crib bedding; fitted sheets and things.

On the ultrasound you were 1.4cm long from crown to rump (your legs aren't measured yet because they're still just stumps!). We saw your tiny arms and legs and your heart beating. Daddy and I firgure your heart is just a bit bigger than a sesame seed and you're about as big as a kidney bean. It's still too early to see the placenta (I'm at 8 weeks) but we saw the yolk sack and the umbilical cord. Daddy kept saying, "look at the heart!", "oh, look, that's the umbilical cord", "those are the arms!" Real proof that you're healthy and growing!

Yesterday afternoon when I got back to work there was a bunch of pamphlets for the prenatal health fair taped to my locker! Everyone there is looking out for my health. Rachel brought me a catalog from Sears and a pregnancy magazine, too.

I scheduled the ultrasound today. The appointment is for... *drum roll*... tomorrow at 10:30. I couldn't believe it was for so soon. I also sent all the info to Dr. Hawthorne's office about Dr. Raby so I can start going to her for prenatal appointments instead of to London.

So all we really have to look into now as far as prenatally, is prenatal classes with the local public health department. I'm not even sure which one we should take yet, assuming there's different ones to choose from.

I'm so excited to see the ultrasound! WOO HOO!

New Year, New Family

Wow, 2005. This is the year you will be born, baby. And the year we become parents. Very, well, surreal I guess. Daddy and I went to visit Dr. Hawthorne this morning. She did all the blood tests and did all the normal stuff. My weight was 149 at her office and blood pressure was 116/80 (I think, I had trouble reading it). The lab will test for many things, including: blood count, Rhesus (+ or -), iron, syphillis, blood sugar, HIV (?!?!) and others. I feel confident that all will come back normal. Dr. Hawthorne couldn't give us an official due date because of my irregular cycle so is sending me for an iltrasound within the next 2 weeks! That way we'll know when I'm at 18 weeks so we can go for the routine ultrasound. Very exciting changes!

We bought a glider and ottoman at The Brick on Sunday for $250 to put in your* nursery.

* I hope you appreciate when you're older how strange it is to write to a baby that's the size of a raspberry! Maybe it's strange for you to read! If that's the case, then we're even.