One Month Old!!

I can't believe it but Olivia is already one month old. I can't believe how fast time is flying by- I guess everybody was right when they told me how fast it was going to go. We went to the doctor and surprisingly she weighs in at 8 pounds 15 ounces. She is growing so much and getting so big!

One month old!!

Uncle Jeffy's birthday

Thanks a lot Uncle Jeffy!

Venturing Out Into The World

Well I finally got brave enough to take Olivia out of the house. I spent about 3 weeks in the house and I was going a little crazy myself. Our first official outing was to see her big cousin Kaylie's school Christmas program. Kaylie did such a good job as an elf and Olivia did a good job of sleeping through everything. The next day we went out to eat to celebrate the news of finding out we are going to have a new little boy in the family in about 3 months. We are all so excited to find this news out and can't wait until the little guy is here! Last Sunday was a busy day for us- we went to Kaylie and Maddie's church Christmas program and then we had our first Christmas party at my aunt and uncle's house. Olivia was really good through all of these outings which is making me a little more confident about taking her out.

2 Weeks

We made it through another week! I can't believe how fast the days seem to be flying by. It seems as though I wake up with her early in the morning and before I know it- it is time for bed again. We had our first doctors appointment last Wednesday and Olivia is doing great. She was at 7lbs 4oz and at 20 3/4in. So she is gaining weight- which is a relief to hear because she still seems so tiny to me! She is still kind of fussy at night- but can go for stretches of 4 hours where she is sound asleep. She is staying awake more and more after she eats which is fun because I get to talk to her- even if she just stares at me like I am crazy!

Waiting for the doctor

Not too sure about the swing

Olivia and her big cousin Kaylie

Olivia and her big cousin Madelyn

She found her thumb!

Surviving the First Week

We made it through the week- I can hardly believe that tomorrow she will already be a week old! It seems like just yesterday I was still pregnant. It has been interesting these first few nights at home especially trying to get up and down with her while recovering. I think she is starting to settle into some sort of pattern though- knock on wood!

She's Here!!!!!!

Well the big day finally arrived! I'll spare everybody the gory details- but I started going into labor Sunday morning at about 3:00am- went into the hospital at about 4:30am and Olivia was born at 9:41PM! She was a stubborn one- but obviously completely worth it. She was sunny side up and just did not want to come into the world without some hard work! After a day of labor pains- followed by 3 doses of pain medication- throwing up- followed by 3 doses of anti-nausea medication- and 2.5 hours of pushing- my doctor decided that a c-section was probably my best option. So Olivia was born at 9:41pm- weighed in at 7 lbs 1 oz- and measured at 20.5 inches long. I've included a few pictures- I have a million but didn't think that I should overload it on the first entry. Thank you to everybody who visited and for all of the congratulations!

Progress

I just came from my appointment and at least there has been some progress since last week. I have thinned out more and am now dilated between 1-2cm- it's a start!

Today's Not The Day

So today was my "official" due date and you guessed it- no baby! I wasn't actually expecting to go today- but I don't feel any different than I did 3 weeks ago. I have an appointment tomorrow morning and she said we could talk about my options for inducing. I'm surprisingly not that uncomfortable- besides the minor backache when I walk. I've had this feeling since last week that she will be here on Wednesday- so let's see if I am right! I'll let you know what happens at my appointment tomorrow!

39 Weeks

I had my 39 week appointment yesterday- nothing eventful :(

38 Weeks

Ok- So here I am at 38 Weeks and counting. People have told me that I haven't "dropped" yet- but I had my check-up on Tuesday and my doctor was really surprised at how far down the head was. I believe her exact words were "wow the head is right there!" With this being my first child and still not being dilated at all- I didn't really know how to take this news. I guess I just have to patiently wait until Olivia is ready to meet her mommy. I finally have pretty much everything set to go. I was so excited because I finally got 2 days off in a row and I was determined to get everything done- but of course nothing goes as planned for me. I was knocked out for about 2 days with a migraine and it was a chore to get out of bed to even get anything to eat. NOT FUN! I still feel a little funny- but at least I am able to function and take care of myself now. Only 11 more days until my due date!

37 Weeks

I had my 37 week appointment today and nothing too exciting to report. My doctor said that the head is further down than last week and that I am not dilated but I am starting to thin. I can't believe how close it is getting! I still feel like I have a lot to do- but I have been going crazy cleaning and trying to set up everything in preparation.
It is getting harder and harder to work as much as I am because by the end of the day I am so tired and I am noticeably swollen in my hands and feet. My back has also been sore lately- but enough complaining- soon enough I will have a beautiful little girl and I can't wait!

Last But Not Least...

Saturday I had my last baby shower which was thrown by friends from high school. It was a mix of friends and family and I am grateful to everybody who was able to attend. That being the last shower means that the baby will be here in no time at all. We have our last class tonight too and it is becoming all too real what is around the corner! I must say that I don't know if I am quite prepared yet- but as I was reassured several times this past weekend- I will never be fully prepared. I am not sure if that comforts me knowing that nobody is really prepared or if it freaks me out even more.

Christine, Joy, me and Alison

Olivia's first book- appropriately named

My grandma, aunt Sue and cousin Alisha

The beautiful blanket my grandma made for Olivia

Bobbie and me

My nieces

Blissful Baby Shower

I had another wonderful baby shower yesterday hosted by my Blissful buddies Larissa and Nicole. It was a great time- we played some fun games and I am so thankful to everybody who was able to make it to celebrate with me! A special thanks to Nicole and Larissa who did a great job hosting! I've got one more baby shower to go next weekend and I am looking forward to seeing a whole new group of people to celebrate with!

Me at 33 weeks

The hostesses

My mom, sister and nieces

The Sarahs

Miss Blissful herself

Classes

I had my first of four classes last night at the hospital and it was... interesting. I think that I am one of those people who is better off not knowing what is about to happen. As many of you know I have a very weak stomach and just talking about blood can make me queasy. As long as I know when I am going into labor and when to go to the hospital I should be fine. I don't really need to know all of the technical stuff that happens when giving birth- I'll leave that part up to the doctors.

Baby Shower

I am blessed to be having 4 baby showers for my baby and me and this past Sunday some of my co-workers from Hallmark threw me one. Here are some of the highlights.

How cute is this cake?!

Barb measuring my tummy for the "string game".

I don't know if you can see the losing string in this picture, but it was literally taller than me!

What a relief!

I had my 3 hour glucose test yesterday and I am relieved to say that everything turned out normal. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be and the 3 hours flew by. One less thing to worry about. Next week starts the prenatal/parenting classes. This should be interesting!

27 Weeks

I took my glucose tolerance test today and unfortunately my numbers came back a little too high. This means that I get to go back again next week and do a 3 hour test and get my blood taken 4 times within that 3 hours. I'm not really looking forward to this since #1- I don't want to have to drink any more of that stuff and #2- I don't want to be pricked with any more needles.

A little freaked out

So if I go on my due date- I have about 3 months left in this pregnancy. While that may seem like a long time for some of you- I can't believe how fast this year has gone already. I am starting to freak out a bit. I feel like I am not ready and once she is here I am going to have no clue as to what I am doing. On the other hand I am really excited and can't wait to see her!

It's a....

Well the majority of you were right on the poll- it's a girl!!!!! I think that deep deep down I knew it was a girl- otherwise I wouldn't have been buying so many girl things- but as soon as they started measuring and I could see her up on the screen I just knew. I am so excited and now I can do some real shopping!!

What was I thinking...

So I made the HUGE mistake of dancing in heels over the weekend and I am paying the price dearly. I messed up something in my back and now I can't even take a step without wincing in pain. I went to work for about an hour before I was sent home because I couldn't walk. So now I am confined to the living room chair and am hoping I will be able to get up to eat.

My appointment- finally!

I finally got to make my appointment! It is on August 10th and I can't wait. Only 2 more weeks- let the real countdown begin! I just hope that when I get there the baby cooperates.

23 Weeks

I had my 23 week appointment today and once again nothing really eventful. The doctor said that I have gained quite a bit of weight since my last appointment- I tried not to get too offended. I did get to listen to the baby's heartbeat and I couldn't stop laughing because it sounded really fast. My guess is from all of the exercise the baby is getting from kicking and moving around. I will get to find out the sex of the baby probably the 2nd week in August- I haven't set the date because I am not sure of my schedule yet. I can't wait- I am going crazy!

Two Things

#1- What is wrong with me? Why do I keep on buying baby girl clothing when I have a gut feeling that I am having a boy? I'm hoping that it will be only another couple of weeks until I can find out the sex of the baby. #2- I am definitely feeling and seeing the baby kick. Sometimes I just stare at my belly and laugh when I see it jump.

Madden's

Baby and me on "the chair"

Baby Shower

I just got back from vacation with the family and it was so relaxing. We went up to Brainerd, MN to the Madden's resort on Gull Lake. We have been having a family reunion up there almost every year for over 20 years now. There were about 30 of us up there this year so it was great to see everybody- we all missed you Kasey! While I was up there I had my first official baby shower! It was so much fun and I am so glad I got to experience that with you guys since I won't be seeing you until next year! I just want to thank you all one more time for all of the thoughtful presents and the words that were exchanged that day and throughout the week. It meant a lot to me to know that I have such loving and supportive family around me.

Short Vacation

Miller Park

My favorite girls

I went to Milwaukee last week with my sis, brother-in-law and the girls and had so much fun! We went to a Twins/Brewers game and even though it was sooo hot out it was fun and good to get away for a little bit. Can't wait to get away again in another week for the family reunion! I realize this post really has nothing to do with the baby but still thought it would be fun to write about something else going on in my life.

20 Weeks!

I can't believe that I am entering my 20th week. I'm halfway there!

Movement??

I'm not sure- but I think I am starting to feel the baby move. I felt a flutter a couple of weeks ago and haven't really felt anything until the past couple of days. When I put my hand on my stomach it almost feels like little kicks. I know they say that first time mothers especially aren't really sure when they feel movement- but I have never felt movement in my body like this before! It is all becoming more real now!

More Nursery Bedding

Ok- so I was right about my bedding and it all went on clearance. I went into Babies R Us today and pretty much bought everything that I could. I got the mobile, blanket, changing pad cover and diaper stacker. I don't know if I will keep it all, but I thought just in case. Every day I am getting more and more excited- it is definitely a nice change of pace for me!

Nursery Bedding

Ok- so I am getting a little ahead of myself. I ordered bedding today but only because I really like it and I feel like it is being discontinued. I had to act fast! I am still a little weary on if it can be a neutral pattern- since it is categorized with the boy bedding. When I looked at it in the store it seemed pretty neutral to me- so I am going with that. Christine- now I know how you felt and I am sorry for yelling at you to stop buying everything off of your registry!

17 Weeks

Well I am nearing the end of my 4th month and I can't believe how time has flown by! I had my doctor appointment today and she said that everything still looked really good. I asked her about being able to find out the sex of the baby sooner and it looks as though I do have to wait until about week 26. I have a feeling it is a boy but lately I have had a couple of dreams where it was a girl. I guess I have to wait 9 more weeks to find out- let the countdown begin!

Greatest invention ever!

I would just like to take a moment and thank the person who invented any version of the Bella Band. I am at the point now where my pants are getting tighter and tighter, but maternity pants are still a little too big for me. I can finally breathe!!

So sick of these migraines!

So I was in bed all day with a migraine- and it was awful! This is the third one that I have gotten since being pregnant. I used to get them before but at least I could take something strong enough to help. I don't know if they are from all of the unwanted stress in my life or from my hormones going crazy- but either way I wish that I wouldn't get them. It scares me because I can't keep any food down and so I basically don't eat all day and that can't be good for the baby.
On a happier note Christine and Sophie are in town and we get to go see Alison and Carter tomorrow!

Trying to predict the gender

I was looking online trying to see if I could "predict" the gender of the baby and came across a Chinese gender calender. So I put my information in and it is saying that I am having a boy. Now I know not to look too much into these old wives tales, but I did put information for 4 other people who have already had babies and it was right on for each of them. Hmmmm........

First trimester is over!

I had a check-up today and got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. It was amazing! I had my mom take a picture of me at 13 weeks and while I feel like I have a baby bump, the doctor said that I still haven't gained any weight. She also told me that my next ultrasound won't be until 27 weeks when I find out the sex of the baby. I thought I got to find out sooner- I don't know if I can wait that long!

Congratulations to Alison who had baby Carter this morning!

First Entry- 13 weeks

I decided to do a blog for my baby after my friend Christine did one for hers. It was so much fun to look at and keep up with her pregnancy since she lived so far away. So I am hoping that those of you who are far away and those that I don't get to see on a regular basis will follow along and enjoy!