Christmas 2011

We are going to have a very, very quiet Chirstmas this year.  I have been in the hospital for most of this week.  Of course my blood pressure was high when I went to the Dr earlier this week so she sent me to the hospital for testing and ended up keeping me for 2 days longer than I had planned.  It was not fun but it was for a good cause.  But my time baking my little guy is almost up, I am officially being induced on Wednesday December 28, 2011.  We are excited and ready for this to all be over.  Hopefully Henry and I will both be 100% healthy after delivery and this journey will be over.  So this weekend we are not doing anything.  We actually have to go to the hospital on Christmas morning for a sono one last time to make sure Henry is still doing well.  My mom flies in on Monday so she will be here to help clean the house one last time and get last minute things prepared.  We are going to wait and have our BIG Christmas meal once we get home from the hospital. It will be our Christmas and Celebration meal!!!!!!  I will update the blog with pictures as soon as I have time.

Cousin LOVE

I don't have very many cousins BUT I do have one that I not only consider my cousin but one of my BFF's. I have NOT always thought of her this way though. 

Maybe one time I gave her concussion.  Truth is she probably deserved it!!!!!

If you know us, you know that we really aren't anything alike.  Ashlee is more into organic, homemade things and likes to live in foreign lands.  I on the other hand am not crafty and would prefer to live close to family more than anything(although that is currently not the case)

Ashlee is turning a BIG 32 years old today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  This will be the first year that we haven't celebrated Christmas together in a while.  Although I am still unsure why her and her dad are not coming to visit me.  That's a whole other post.  Anyways HAPPY BIRTHDAY ACG, I hope you have a wonderful day and have a wonderful year.  You deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Please come visit The Van Bakel's, Andy would LOVE for you to come see him and his son!!!!!!  We LOVE you!!!!!!

Baby Henry update and my BIG brothers birthday

Well Baby Henry will NOT be making his entrance to the world this week.  I went to my regular appointment on Tuesday and had my blood drawn.  My Dr. mentioned that if my platelets came back bad that she would be inducing possibly this week and that Henry would likely have to stay in the hospital longer than me because my pediatrician does not like to send babies home younger than 36 weeks.  Well of course this kind of sent me in a panic but thankfully by the time I go back for my normal appointment Henry will be 36 weeks.  I still have my regular sono tomorrow but thankfully its just at the clinic versus going to the hospital.  I am determined to not return back to the hospital until it is time to deliver.  From the point this all started my Dr was set on me delivering at 34 weeks and I was set in my way with 36 weeks.  Well next week is the 36th week.  Will it happen???????????????????????  I want to say that I am ready but really are you ever truely ready?!?!?!?  I still have my good and bad days.  The bad days are really just not feeling good, I am at that uncomfortable stage.  My legs ache, my back hurts and maybe I'm having contractions, I don't know.  But all in all we(Henry and I) are doing PERFECT.

More exciting news..........................................  My Amazing,  and Wonderful Big Brother is having his 38 birthday today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He is a little under the weather today but nothing that he can't handle.  I hope that he has an amazing day and can't wait for him to meet his first nephew but very grateful that they are not going to be sharing the same birthday.  He is an amazing father and your 3 adorable kids look up to you and LOVE you more than you will ever know.  You are such a wonderful example to all of your students and players. 

Happy Birthday Ryan Alan!!!!!!!!!!

31,32,33,34 Weeks

So maybe there were a few weeks of pictures skipped since I was not really up for getting dressed!!!!!!

Don't think my belly can get any bigger!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 34 weeks

Size of baby: 12.75 inches and about 5 pounds

Gender: A BOY!!!!!!

 

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Weight gain: who knows or cares at this point!!!!!!

Movement: He is very active.  He loves to get up and dance when it is time to go to bed!!!!

 

 

Sleep: I must be preparing for parenthood because I cannot sleep at normal times.  Andrew is ready to go to bed and I am ready to party.  I don't sleep all day so I don't know what is going on.

Symptoms: Heart burn still although it has gotten better since starting medication.  Henry is running out of room so things are getting more and more uncomfortable.

Cravings: I can eat anything but still love blueberries.  I would LOVE some juice but the acid is just too much for me!!!!

 

Best moment this week:  Making it past the 34 week mark.  Making it past this point is huge.  My Dr swore I would be delivering this week.  I LOVE knowing that he is getting stronger and stronger by staying in longer. 

30 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 30 weeks

Size of baby: 10.75 inches and about 3 pounds

Gender: A boy

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Weight gain: around  21 pounds, if I was guessing

Movement: Moving more and more and daddy gets to feel it more and more!!!!!!

Sleep: I am getting more and more uncomfortable and having to get up more to use the bathroom

 

Symptoms: Passed my gestational diabetes test but this is when all of the excitement began. 

Cravings: I just pretty much can eat anything at anytime.

 

Best moment this week:  Knowing that my Dr is taking good care of me and Henry and watching us very closely.  Yes, not really a great moment but at least I know we are being taken care of.

29 Weeks

Better late than never, Right????????????????????????????????

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 29 weeks

Size of baby:  10.5  inches and about 2.75 pounds

Gender: A BOY!!! Henry Joseph Van Bakel

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Weight gain: ????????

Movement: I feel him more and more everyday and love it!!!!!!!

Sleep: I am still being able to sleep pretty good. 

Symptoms: Nothing really to complain about. 

Cravings: I am just hungry all the time!!

Best moment this week: Being able to hear his heartbeat.  I love hearing that he is doing Great!!!!!!

For my record

I want to be able to remember these major steps in this pregnancy so this post is mainly just for my memory.  In we ever decide to do this again I want to be able to look back and say what took place when.

It all started..........................................................

November 1- I had my glucose test scheduled.  I went in and had my blood pressure taken and the nurse said it was kind of high.  We proceeded with the glucose test and I waited the hour and saw my Dr in between the hour.  She took my BP again and we discussed my heart burn and swelling.  She stated that it might not be heart burn and might be my kidneys/liver due to preeclampsia.  So she sent me to the hospital to be hooked up to a monitor to look at Henry and have my blood work done and be able to get the results immediately.  Everything checked out so we were sent home but I had to do a 24 hour urine. 

Novemeber 11- I was scheduled for a biophysical profile(in depth sono) and non-stress test as well as a regular appointment.  Henry does well on his BPP and NST.  BUT the we saw the Dr and she said that my urine was not good and the bed rest was officially starting. And I was talked to about going into the hospital for steroid shots to help Henry's lungs.   Thankfully my parents were with me at this appointment.  But sadly BD was not there which was not fun!!!!!  I was sent home for the weekend but told to do another 24 hour urine.

November 14- My mom was suppose to be going home this day but stayed in case I had to go into the hospital. I had to turn in my urine and thankfully BD came home from his trip.

November 15- I went in for my now weekly appointment and was told that I needed to go to the hospital for steroids.  Mom and I went home and packed our bags and headed that way.  I spent Tue- Thur in the hospital.  I got my first dose of steroids at 5:30pm on Tue and then my last dose on Wed at 5:30pm and then was discharged Thur morning.  I had another BPP while in the hospital and Henry was not really cooperating so we had to schedule another one for Sat.

November 19- I went to the hospital to have another BPP and Henry did great so we were sent home.

November 20- My mom went back to TX!!!!!!!

November 22- I went back for my weekly appointment with my Dr. and everything was ok.

Novemeber 25- I went to the hospital for my BPP because my clinic was only opened half a day.  Henry did great so back home we went!!!!

November 29- Weekly appointment again, everything fine!!!!!

December 2- Weekly BPP and again Henry is a superstar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

December 6- Weekly appointment, sent home.

December 8- I got a call from my Dr that my platelets are dropping and instead of her office for BPP I need to go to hospital so I can get blood work done. 

December 9- I get BPP done at hospital and Henry passes in less time than he ever has and my platelets have dropped but nothing too major.  My Dr wants me to have blood work done again on Sun.

December 11- I go to hospital and have blood drawn.  My platelets increase by one.  I am sent home and told to keep weekly appointment on Tue.

December 12- I am doing 24 hour urine AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!  And have my regular appointment tomorrow!!!

Still Hanging In There

Still on bedrest.  I officially start my 6th week tomorrow.  Like I have said from the beginning this has been the hardest week and it was that for sure.  I went to my weekly appointment on Tuesday with everything looking great or so I thought.  Thursday I got a call from my Dr's office stating that my blood work looked stable.  Not even 3 minutes later my phone rang again and it was my Dr and she stated that my paltelets were dropping and instead of going to her office on Friday for my sono that I needed to go the hospital so I could have blood drawn and get the results in an hour.  So Friday I go to the hospital and have the test run and am told that my platelets are still dropping but nothing too major at this point and to just make my regular scheduled appointment on Tuesday.  But wait, while the nurse is telling me this my Dr calls back and decides I need to come back on Sunday for blood work to make sure I'm still ok.  So it was a long 2 days wondering if we would be having a baby today.  Well good news of the week we are happily sitting at home.  We went this morning and had my blood work done and got to hear Henry's heartbeat and him have an episode of the hickups.  Thankfully my platelets came back 1 point better than they were on Friday.  Not sure how that happend but just thankful it did.  So here we are back at home just hoping to keep Henry baking as long as possible.  I go back on Tuesday for more blood work and have to turn in a 24 hour urine.  These test always make me super nervous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Have I mentioned how much fun being pregnant is?!?!?!?!?!?  And how often I have the thoughts of how will I ever do this again?  Lets get serious I am only getting older and that just increases your chances of problems. How could I have any more than I have already had.  I have a feeling Henry will be here before the first of the year due to my health.  I am kind of okay with this because it has been one HELL of a year with my health.  I am beyond blessed to have this little guy in our lives and know that we were given this experience to make us stronger.  Although it is hard to understand now I know that one day we will look back at this and laugh, especially after I have a few drinks!!!!!!!!!!!

We have had a good weekend of pretty much doing nothing. Well I did nothing and BD did stuff.  Yesterday he cleaned our bathroom like it has never been cleaned before.  We watched Hangover 2 which we both really liked and I really needed.  Unfortunately BD ordered some War movies a while back and got them on Friday so he has been watching them throughout the weekend and WOW they are Boring.  But regardless it was a good weekend and could be our last childless weekend!!!!!!!

Dr Update

I had my weekly appointment yesterday and again it went well.  Me and Henry both look lots better than we did 4 weeks ago.  The week that my Dr had discussed inducing me she just happens to be off so we discussed that we would make the final decision next week after I have a few more tests done.  I am continuing to have anxiety one day and not the next about having him.  I have read over and over that having Henry at 37 weeks is actually full term.  I think the main problem I am having is that I never thought I would be experiencing any of this to begin with.  I had planned on working up until the minute or day that I went into labor.  But wow I have been surprised.  Granted at this point I don't think I would change anything because my Dr was very truthful yesterday and said that things were pretty scary for a few days.  She said she thought I would have had him by now from how everything looked a few weeks ago.  She said everything would have been fine, Henry would have just been a lot smaller and fragile than I would have liked.  I have made it to 34 weeks and am very excited about that.  Things are starting to get a lot more uncomfortable.  Sleeping and getting up from sitting are not the easiest things.  I don't sleep much at night due to having to use the bathroom over and over.  Don't get me wrong I am not complaining.  I know that this has happend to us because we can handle it.  This whole pregnancy experience has been such an emotional ride.  Whoever says that pregnancy is wonderful is very lucky and should be thankful that they had an easy time. 

BD has been amazing during this whole bed rest thing.  He does periodically complain about having to do the dishes and making his lunch for the next day but for the most part he has been surviving.  I do think he is ready for it to be over.  I think he is kind of nervous about the whole hospital experience too because he does not like hopsitals.  I am kind of glad that we have had to spend some time there to kind of prepare him.
Funny story about BD:  On black Friday we had to go to the hospital for my weekly sono bacuase the clinic couldn't get me in.  We had to be there bright and early and got there a little early so we had to wait in the family waiting room.  Well there was 2 sets of grandparents to be there waiting for their grandchild to arrive.  Of course they were busy texting and calling every and anyone they knew.  Knowing BD you know this drove BD crazy.  We discussed that we will not have an audience and that it could possibly just be me and him.  Of course this made him very happy.  When we left the waiting room he said that is just ridiculous.  So  don't be surprised if we have Henry and you don't hear from us for days, just know it's all his doing and not mine. 

The Babies for Now

Here is some new pictures of the babies of our family.  They only have a few weeks longer on their throne.  I hope they are ready to welcome our guy into the family!!!!!!!

Cal at Grandma and Grandad's for Thanksgiving!!!!

Cole and Crim at Thanksgiving!!!

Ryan and his kids in Wichita Falls for a basketball tournament

Crimson being a BIG girl at the hotel

Crim on her first Bus ride.

Coleman and Santa

Calaway and Santa

Thanksgiving Morning

Crimson at a friends birthday party!!!!!

It's the Little Things

Who would have ever thought that having a baby and of course being on bedrest would make me have such a different perspective of life.  Who would have ever thought that you could be so bored while being on bedrest.  I am officially starting my 4th week today and it is getting harder and harder.  But to help my attitude better I did just do some research on Preeclampsia and about the only way the ensure that Henry and I both stay healthy is to do NOTHING!!!!  So nothing is what I will do.  During the week I seem to do absolutely nothing and on the weekends I probably do a little more but nothing too much.  This weekend I did get to get out and go to Target.  But to say it was fun would be a lie.  BD was not so sure about me driving a cart and did NOT let me look around at all.  We literally got what we went for and that was it.  It was a very short trip and not as exciting as I had planned on it being.  From what I could tell they had gotten some really cute new clothes in but that's all I could tell as we zoomed by.  The rest of the weekend was really good though.  On the way home from Target we stopped by RedBox and rented Bridesmaids.  It was cute but not near as funny as we had thought it would be.  Then on Sunday we watched football and ate pizza.  I also got to bake a chocolate cake.  I have been craving chocolate cake for weeks and BD would not let me bake one.  Well yesterday we made a deal and I finally got my cake.  It is delicious.  I am not usually a chocolate person so I am blaming it all on Henry. 

Tomorrow is another Dr's appointment.  I hoping my appointments continue to go well so we can deliver our baby boy the week after Christmas.  Everyone say a prayer for us!!!!!!

December

I cannot believe that it is December!!!!!!!!!!!!  I guess that's what happens when you spend most of November laying around. 

We had a Dr's appointment on Tuesday and things went great.  She actually could not believe that I looked as good as I did.  She said she was very convinced that I would be having a baby next week from how bad I looked when this all began.  I told her from the beginning that I was NOT delivering him before 36 weeks and as of right now that is going to happen.  As of right now we are going to induce at 37 weeks.  I am hoping that this will be December 27 so that Henry's grandma can make it.  And that way she gets to spend Christmas with my dad and brothers family.  It is crazy to think that it is only 4 weeks away.  I think we are ready.  Last night we checked Henry's bag to make sure we had everything that we think we need and of course my bag is packed, his dad's bag is another story!!!!!  I talked with the lady that is making his bedding and it should be done before Christmas so hopefully my mom can bring that with her when she comes.  His last decoration for his room came in late last night so his dad will get to hang that up this weekend. 

BD of course has an estate sale this weekend that he is going to.  We had made a deal that he would let me go to Target this weekend as long as I would ride in a cart.  Well of course I agreed but then last night he said that if it snowed I couldn't go anywhere.  Well of course it snowed last night, not really snow but a dusting so I can't wait for him to get home and find out if I get to go or not.  I sure hope I get too.  There is nothing we need its just a trip to get me out of the house besides for a Dr appointment. 

I have weekly sono's on Friday's.  I am praying that everything continues to look good and I get to carry this little guy as long as I can!!!!!  As much as we can't wait to meet him we want him to be a healthy little guy!!!!!  This sure has been an adventure we never expected!!!!!!!!!

Bed Rest

I am officially starting my thurd week of bed rest this week.  It hasn't been as bad as I thought it would.  Although the first week I was in the hospital most of it and my mom was here and then last week BD here was here most of it due to Thanksgiving.  So by the end of this week my attitude may have changed.  I do get to get out of the house at least twice a week for Dr's appointments. 

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.  Thursday morning we had breakfast and then had a late lunch of all the usual Thanksgiving goodies.  BD has done so well with the meals and dishes although he swears doing dishes is his least favorite thing to do of all house work.  Friday morning we had to be at the hospital bright and early for a test that went well and then BD went to an estate sale and Home Depot.  Saturday we didn't do much but some things around the house and then yesterday was the same pretty much just sat around.  I can't even go downstairs so I am doing LOTS of sitting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I  know the TV schedule by heart  and have looked at every website a time or two.  I am just trying to let this little guy bake as long as possible. 

I will be 33 weeks pregnant this week.  I am still shooting for 36 or even later.  When this all started my Dr was hoping for 34 weeks which scares me because that is next week.  Even my goal of 36 weeks freaks me out because that is only 3 weeks away. Only time will tell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thankful

Oh where to begin...............................................................

This year I have so much to be Thankful for.  I have to say that it has been one of the hardest years but at the same time one of the Greatest. 

1. I am beyond greatful for my amazing family.  My parents and my husband are amazing.  My parents did more for us this past weekend than some parents do in a lifetime.  And Andrew has really stepped up and done his part these past two weeks that I have been on bedrest.  He is very good about not letting me be on my feet too long.  He is just as determined as I am to keep Henry baking as long as possible.  I cannot imagine being on this journey without these three people.

2. I am so Thankful to have a great brother, sister in law, 2 nephews and a niece.  I miss them daily but know that sooner than later we will all be back together!!!!!!I sure miss going to Ryan's sporting events and of course watching the boys play their hearts out at what ever sport is in season.  I cannot wait to see how the kids react to having to share their KK with Henry!!!!

3.  Andrew and I are both Thankful for our amazing friends.  So many of you have called and texted to check on us during this whole adventure of moving to Minnesota and the pregnancy.  I am so happy that some of you have been able to come and visit and experience our life with us.  Thank you all.

4.  I am so Thankful for our move to Minnesota.  It has been hard but it has been fun.  It has made our marriage stronger than ever.  I think with our little guy joining us will make his dad want to move back to Texas sooner than later but for now well just stay warm here in Minnesota.

5. I am forever Thankful for both husbands and I's jobs.  There are so many people out there that do not have stable work.  I am thankful that mine is allowing me to be off all this time for my health.  I am thankful that we are able to spend as we please due to our careers. 

6.  Last of all I am Thankful for our new little baby.  We are so happy to be having a little boy.  We love Henry and at this point we are willing to do whatever we can to ensure Henry's healthy when he comes into this world.  Andrew and I can't wait to show him off to all of our family and friends!!!!!  We love him more than we could have ever imagined!!!!!!

Here are some pictures of things we are Thankful for:

This picture is OLD.  It is from the day before we got engaged!!!!!

Andrew and a few of his friends before moving to MN!!!!!

How adorable is this?  He is going to be a Great dad!!!

Three of the greatest people in my life

LOVE these Girls!!!!

We LOVE when our friends come visit!!!!!

How old is this?  At a friends wedding!

Love these 2!!!!

The BEST big brother!!!!!

Henry Joseph Van Bakel

Lifesaver

My mom has been our lifesaver the last 10 days. She officially left today so now we are on our own. But before she left she made sure we were taken care of. I truly enjoyed her time here but know it was not that fun and she needs to go home to take care of my dad and my brothers family. She cleaned our house,did our laundry and cooked. We have plenty of meals for the next few weeks. I can't wait for her to come back but told her she was NOT allowed to come back for at least 4 weeks. This is her super busy time at work so she is also hoping for the 4 weeks. That means I better continue to do what I have been doing which is Nothing!!! I am going to owe her and BD for a while once I give birth. I Love them both more than they will ever know!!!!

So the weekly photos I think have come to an end. I do have weekly Dr appointments but don't think she will be happy if I show up completely made up. So I guess I will have to be happy with what I have. I do have a few that I need to add but not sure when I will get around to adding them.

We went for another sono of our little guy yesterday and like usual he is doing great. He got a 10 out of 10 so I was super happy!!! I have another appointment on Tuesday and then another sono on Friday. He is still breeched but at this point that is my last concern. I hope the steroid shots helped his little lungs!!! He seems to have gotten the stubborn gene from both me and BD so our life will be interesting!!!

Here's to at least 4 more weeks on the couch/bed!!! This will be my last relaxing Thanksgiving and I am fine with it!!!!

Hospital Stay #1

Oh the joys of pregnancy. Who would have ever thought our journey would be this exciting.

So I have been in the hospital since Tuesday afternoon. I went to my Dr's appointment and was told I had more protein in my urine than I did 2 weeks before so she thought that Steroids for our little guys lungs were the best best. They recommend the shots before 32 weeks so we were cutting it very close. Thankfully my mom was with me as I had a minor breakdown. We went home to pack a bag and made it to the hospital. -SideNote- we had to change hospitals due to me now being high risk. Well this has sent BD into a complete tizzy!!! The original hospital was just minutes from the house and now this one is about 10 minutes and in a totally different neighborhood. Him and change could make you go crazy!!!!
Anyways mom and I got to the hospital,got checked in and I was given my first dose of steroids. I was really dreading that shot in my butt but it was not bad at all. BD finally made it to the hospital and we ordered pizza and watched our normal Tuesday TV. My mom stayed the night with me as I don't think I could have made her leave. Wednesday my blood pressure continued to improve and when the monitored Henry he of course was doing great. I got my last dose of roids around 5:30. BD made it from work much easier this time and we had Chinese and watched TV. My Dr is suppose to make rounds early Thursday morning and I am hoping to be discharged. My visit has been great with amazing nursing staff but I am ready to be home and not be back for at least 5 weeks. I am going home and laying on the couch/bed for the next few weeks. This stay has made me realize that bedrest does change things. I am dying to meet my little guy but he needs to stay in my tummy a few more weeks to ensure we are both healthy.

Notice the timing of this post- I must be getting on mommy time!!
Thanks for all the prayers and texts!! We need all the support we can get right now!

LIfe Unexpected

I will admit I am a HUGE planner.  I try to plan every aspect of our lives.  The scary part is is that BD is just as much a planner.  Well little did we know our little guy has plans of his own.  He has officially put his momma on bedrest.  Really its not him its more me.  My blood pressure is still high.  I had some protein in my urine last week and had to get retested today and will get the results tomorrow.  My Dr. is hoping for at least 4 more weeks and I am shooting for 6 more weeks.  There I go again with my planning.  Regardless I feel absolutely fine and even better is that Mr. Henry looks perfect.  We had multiple tests on Friday and he scored great on them all. He is right on track!!!!!!!!!!!!  That sure puts his momma at ease.  So tomorrow we will find out if we need steroids.  My blood pressure was better today so things are looking up.  I am trying to stay positive.  And we did get some good news about daycare today so life really isn't that bad. 

My parents have been here for the weekend and we had fun.  We ate,cleaned and cleaned.  I will admit I did not do very much.  I am very blessed because my mom was able to stay a few extra days to give me company and to finish cooking. 

How can you be negative when these are your 3 biggest cheerleaders in life!!!!!!!!!!

Recovery Weekend

We are recovering this weekend from a pretty exciting week.

I went back to the Dr on Thursday and got a good report. I am still trying to take it easy the rest of the pregnancy. I plan to work until the day I have Henry. And of course we have to get his room ready. We started on it today so we are a little closer! We should finish the BIG stuff tomorrow and then finish it next weekend. Our new room downstairs is almost done too. It feels good to have these things done!!!!

My mom and dad come this week. I can't wait. Mom and I are going to finish the nursery and cook while dad does some deep cleaning. Don't worry we are going to do plenty of shopping and eating. Its going to be a blast. Of course we will miss my brothers family but he starts basketball this week so I'm sure he is excited about that.

Good Luck Uncle Mike in the NYC marathon tomorrow. Now you just need to come visit me and Andy!!!

Recovery Weekend

We are recovering this weekend from a pretty exciting week.

I went back to the Dr on Thursday and got a good report. I am still trying to take it easy the rest of the pregnancy. I plan to work until the day I have Henry. And of course we have to get his room ready. We started on it today so we are a little closer! We should finish the BIG stuff tomorrow and then finish it next weekend. Our new room downstairs is almost done too. It feels good to have these things done!!!!

My mom and dad come this week. I can't wait. Mom and I are going to finish the nursery and cook while dad does some deep cleaning. Don't worry we are going to do plenty of shopping and eating. Its going to be a blast. Of course we will miss my brothers family but he starts basketball this week so I'm sure he is excited about that.

Good Luck Uncle Mike in the NYC marathon tomorrow. Now you just need to come visit me and Andy!!!

Glucose + Other excitement

So yesterday I had my glucose screening. The appointment itself did not go as planned but we are all safe and sound for npw. The nurse took my bloodpressure soon after arriving. It turned out being high but we proceeded with the testing. When I went back to see my Dr my BP hadn't really improved and the she questioned my heartburn. She then suggested I go to the hospital and get monitored and have more blood drawn for immediate results. So then I had to hold it together to get my blood drawn for my glucose test. Thankfully I passed!!! So then I headed over to the hospital. Upon arriving my BP had improved a lot!!! But we continued with the plans and hooked my belly up to the monitors to check on HenMan. He was fine,actually I think he enjoyed momma just relaxing!!! More blood was drawn and it all came back looking good!! So thankfully we were released after a few stressful hours. Needless to say this momma is relaxing today and I have to go back tomorrow to be checked on again. Who would have ever thought. I have felt fine all along and feel like I have really tried to take care of me and our little guy. I am hoping this was all just a fluke. I hadn't been able to eat as I shoud due to the lovely glucose screening and might have been too active at work. So I am going to cut back on work a little. It was also mentioned that maybe my due date is off and he may be here sooner than originally planned. That is fine with me as long as he is healthy and ready to come! I have said all along that I thought my due date was off so I guess well wait and see. Thankfully we plan on getting his crib moved in his room this weekend and my mom and I did some nursery shopping online today! Had to make today exciting while laying on the couch.

Please say a little prayer for our family. Poor BD has been amazing taking care of me and our little guy!!!

28 Weeks

These pictures are becoming less and less attractive!!!!!

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 28 weeks

Size of baby: 10 inches and about 2.5 pounds

Gender: A boy!!!!!

Maternity Clothes: Yes but a few regular shirts!!!!

Weight gain: ???? find out this week at my glucose test

Movement: Henry is moving more and more!!!! Sometimes I think he is running out of room!!!

Sleep: Seems like I am getting less and less sleep.

Symptoms: My feet have started swelling a little which I do not like!!!!  I am super paranoid about it!

 

 

Cravings: Just eating for a family of 4!!!!

Best moment this week: Finishing his crib and doing some of his laundry and smelling how yummy it smells!!!!!

 

I want to do a post dedicated to how wonderful BD has been during this experience.  I thought I could do it today but as soon as I start thinking about I become a complete emotional basketcase.  Hopefully before Henry arrives I will be able to share with you all how great he really has been.  I LOVE YOU BD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

27 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 27 weeks

Size of baby: 9 inches and about 3 pounds

Gender: A BOY! Henry Joseph Van Bakel

Maternity Clothes: Yes but still a few regular tops. 

Weight gain: ???????

Movement: Henry is becoming more and mroe active.  BD always asks if he is kicking me.

Sleep: Besides the many pee breaks and normal heartburn

Symptoms: I am tired again like I was in the beggining and by lower back hurts pretty often.

Cravings: Nothing in particular, just eating more than usual!!!!!

Best moment this week: Buying more goodies for our little guy!!!!

Finally Friday

I am so glad that it is Friday. We don't have anything exciting planned this weekend but its just nice to know we have 2 days off. I need to get my weekly pics posted as I have kind of slacked on that. I will try and do those on Sunday. Tomorrow I have JL all day so I am sure BD will watch football all day. Sunday he is going to finish the crib and I will pick up around the house.

The weather has continued to cool off here but nothing too bad. You can still get away with just wearing a light sweater. I hope it stays this way for a few more weeks.

My heartburn got better for a few days but today it is back bigger than ever. I know it seems like I'm complaining but I'm not. I know its all for a great cause!! Just when I think I have found something to help it it no longer seems to work so I have to try something else. I hear that as soon as I deliver HJ it will disappear so here's to 11 1/2 more weeks of flames!!! I go this week for my glucose test,I sure hope that I pass! I plan to watch my carb intake the next few days!

Our Journey

I know this post may be TMI for some of you but I am using this blog to post things about our growing family and want to rememeber how we came to be US.  So I don't forget I want to document how we became a family. 

So husband(he wasn't BD yet) and I began trying for a family in September 2010. Husband went to a friends wedding Labor day weekend and I went to TX to visit the family.  So of course that month was not successful.  I will admit at first I had no idea what we were doing.  Anyways we tried month after month with no success.  I was hoping to tell our families when we went to TX for Christmas but that did not work out.  Needless to say we came back home and continued to try. 5 months later- in May we had plans to go to Tx again.  The week that we were suppose to leave I was late.  Mind you I have only ever been late one other time.  So me(us) being cheap I took a pregnancy test from the Dollar Store.  Of course it came back negative.  Next day I took another.  At this point Husband had no idea this is going on although I am getting super frustrated.  So I call my nurse friend and text Heather my SIL and ask if it could have something to do with the cheap test.  Both of them responded with yes and suggested that I buy a "real" test.  So I give in and buy a name brand test.  And thankfully it was POSITIVE.  Of course I couldn't wait to tell husband.  So while I was in TX I was able to share the great news with my family and bought a few gender neutral things.  Husband being the optimistic type wanted us to wait to tell others.  That is why it took so long for many of you to find out.  This is how Henry came to be!!!!!!!!!!!

It's hard to believe that this was 6  months ago and we are 2/3 of the way done!!!!!!  Starting in November I go to the Dr bi-weekly and then start weekly in December.  We also have our hospital tour in December. 

We rearranged the basement this weekend getting ready to move the bed down there for our guest.  HJ's grandma and grandad officially booked their airline tickets to come for his arrival this past week.  I hope he cooperates with their days!!!!!  The Packers are off next weekend so BD said maybe he can finish his crib.  Thank goodness the Packers are giving me my husband back for a weekend!!!!!!

Thursday Thoughts

* Our little guy will be here before we know it. And of course we still have a ton to do!!!

* My parents come 2 weeks from today and we hope to get his nursery pretty much done. His bedding won't be ready then but I hope we can get everything else in place. We are also going to do some shopping!!!

* We ordered a chair for Us/Henry last weekend and I can't wait for it to come in. It will be a while but I can't wait to get it. We have needed more seating room in our living room for a while although BD has never thought this. Well when we started looking at chairs he decided maybe we do need one. I am sure once he takes a nap with Henry in it he will be very Thankful!!!

* I got a moses basket last weekend for Henry and I Love it already. It is the cutest thing!!! Now I just need my little boy sleeping in it!

* we have both been crazy busy at work so it has made us enjoy our weekends even more. This weekend we don't have any plans. No estate sales!!!

* My family in Tx is having a HUGE halloween party this weekend. I can't believe that they can have all the fun without us!! This has become an annual party and I do have plans of Henry and I attending next year. I think it would be more fun than BD can handle!!

* I ordered and received some stationary for HJVB and it is adorable!! I already sent out one and can't wait to send out more!!!

Terrific Third Trimester

I have just entered the third trimester and to say it has been pure hell would be an understatement.  I have had heartburn most of this pregnancy but for some reason this week it has taken over my life.  BD and I went on a little date night last night(not your typical date night, so don't ask but for us it's something we do!!!) and when we got home we went to bed and I got to wake up to lose everything I had eaten during the day and then again it happend again today.  I am a true believer in the Old Wives Tale that the more heart burn you have the more hair your baby will have.  I am very excited about this too since BD does not have the greatest hair!!!!  But the way this is going this little boy is likely to need a haircut while still in the hospital.  I thought that the third trimester was suppose to be some of the easiest time of the pregnancy but that doesn't seem to be the case.  DON'T get me wrong I would not change a thing, this whole experience has been such a blessing!!!!!!!!!

We got another shipment of clothes today so I guess I will do more laundry this weekend.  This past weekend BD was complaining that none of his clothes were being washed but Henry's were and he won't wear them for months.  Thank goodness I was able to do BD's later!!!!!!!!!!!

100% Pure Love

Friday morning I woke up at 5:15 to go to and Estate Sale.  Yes, Henry and I did get some things but the main reason we went was for BD.  He got the inside scoop on this sale and couldn't go so he sent me.  I know lots of people wake up this early on a daily basis but I am NOT one of them.  At this point in the pregnancy I Love my sleep.  So I got to the sale about 10 til 6 and waited for the sale to start at 9.  I got everything I went for so it was successful.  Sometimes I go and wait the whole time and don't get what I want.  Of course we went back this morning and got some more military things.  It was an amazing sale and had more junk than anyone person would ever need. 

Now BD is picking up and cleaning all his goodies and I am doing some of Hen's laundry.  We are having appetizers for dinner.  One of my favorite meals(wings, spinach dip, mini sandwiches,and potato skins)!!

26 Weeks

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 26 weeks

Size of baby: 9.25 inches and about 2 pounds

Gender: A Boy

Maternity Clothes: Yes still trying to wear a few normal things

Weight gain: ????????

Belly Button: It is in!!

 

Movement: More and more every week.

Sleep: I have been sleeping propped up for a few weeks.  I didn't think that I would be able to sleep like this but I really don't have a problem.  This week is the first time that my reflux woke me up during the night, it usually goes away while I sleep.

Symptoms: My belly is growing and growing.  More and more people noticing that I am pregnant.

Cravings: Any and everything!!!!!!  Someone might have eaten a WHOLE package of E.L Fudges in 2 days.

Best moment this week: Starting to put his clothes in his room and taking things off the walls to start working on his room. 

25 Weeks

(I HATE these pictures, but they are the only ones I have)

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 25 weeks

Size of baby: 8 3/4  inches and about 1.5 pounds

Gender: A BOY

Maternity Clothes: Yes but still can wear normal shirts and some dresses

Weight gain: ?????  but going to find out for sure at my Nov appointment so I can record it here.

Belly Button: Still in but not sure how much longer.

Movement: I feel him quite a bit.  And it seems as his new thing is getting behind my ribs and having a party!!!!

Sleep: Still pretty good.  I am back to being pretty tired.  I usually don't remember how many times I get up during the night. 

Symptoms: Heartburn, exhaustion and rib pains.  I hate to complain as I wouldn't change any of this!!!

Cravings: Blueberries and waffles.  My appetite has definetly increased!!!!!

Best moment this week: Going to Texas one last time before Henry joins our family.

Texas Travels

So everyone knows a few weeks ago I made my journey to Tx.  It was wonderful.  Kind of exhausting but worth it.  Henry got more goodies than I could imagine.  Clothes, Clothes and more clothes.  Although as I am starting to laundry his things I think he may need a few more for his first few months but that also may be me just wanting to buy him some things.  Of course I did plenty of eating while I was there.  It is crazy to me to think that the next time I am in Tx I will have a son.  I am not sure how 2 little boys will handle me having to take care of something else.  I can't wait for them to meet my little man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Here are some of the pictures

Look at this BEAUTY!!!!!

Slumber Party!!!!!

Wild hair is IN!!!!

This guy isn't so little anymore.

Who knew Wrestling belts were in?

Love my Texas Family!!!!!

Truthful Tuesday

I am truely exhausted today. I don't know why because I went to bed at my normal time but I am so tired. And of course I have a super busy day. I have 3 clients and then a JL meeting tonight. I would Love to skip the meeting but would have to make it up after Henry arrives and I know I wouldn't like that anymore.

I did get 2 loads of his clothes washed this weekend. We bought some hangers this weekend for his things but I have already used those so I am waiting til I get more before doing more laundry. I do Love seeing his little things hanging up in his closet.

We ordered a chair for Henry/mommy/daddy this weekend. I can't wait til it comes in. My parents kind of insisted that we needed one and it took BD months to agree but he has and I don't know if when it actually comes in I will ever get to sit in it. BD also thinks he knows the perfect place for it but again he is Wrong!!!

I got major anxiety today thinking about BD going to Tx in a few weeks to go hunting. I have never minded being away from him before so I am going to blame this all on the pregnancy!!! I have said this about many things but I know I would rather him go now before Henry arrives rather than after Henry is here. And at least BD isn't hunting all the time like he use to while we lived in Tx. He better shoot something to make this trip worth while!!

I have ballooned this week!!! My Dr doesn't discuss exact pounds gained but I know they are adding up. BD and I are having a hard time fitting in the bathroom at the same time due to this belly. Our little boy is Growing!!!!

3 of my Little BFF's have turned a year older in the last month. I can't believe they are as old as they are. I remember the day all of them were born. The boys sure have grown up so much. The one and only little girl of the fam is also not so little anymore!!!! I can't wait for them to meet their little cousin Henry!!

This weekend we don't have much planned. No estate sales as of now. Of course there will be the usual house chores and football watching!

Getting Busy

I(we) have got to get busy preparing for our boys arrival. We only have 15 weeks as of this week if he actually comes on his due date. Which really what are those chances especially since he is measuring BIG to begin with. I just got home from my Amazing trip to TX with lots of goodies and more being sent on their way. He has enough clothes to fit til he is at least 5. He also got some toys!!! I had decided I wouldn't do any washing of his clothes til Thanksgiving but Grandma said I might as well start now since I am feeling up to it. I also want to trade all of the decorations that are in his room now into our room and then officially start on the nursery. There are some things in his room that BD says are too girly so he will Love them being moved to the master. So this weekend I am going to do laundry from sun up to sun down and start re-decorating the master and getting the nursery ready for the new things to be moved in. BD and I are pretty big planners so we kind of have the nursery planned in our heads now we just have to start it. I think its one of those things that I think once we get started we will get more excited and get it finished sooner than we planned.

I go to the Dr today for just a check-up!!! I do love going and getting to hear Henry's heartbeat.

I will post more about my Tx adventure this weekend!