FULL TERM!

Well, we have made it. Today we have reached 37 weeks and Landon is full term! Now we wait for him to get here! I have been cramping on and off today, and if youknow what I mean by the term "lightening crotch," yeah I've been having that all day too. He is pushing so hard on my cervix I can barely walk. I welcome all of this though b/c it means I will get to meet my little man that much sooner. Wish me luck that he decides to come sooner rather than later. I do not have another Doctor's appt until the 6th so we won't know if we are dialated any more until then, unless of course I go into labor.

My Sister is Pregnant!!!

I am so excited that my sister is pregnant. She is round about 13 weeks, and I couldn't be more excited for her and my Brother-In-Law, Matt. I have known for a little over a week now! I had to wait for her to tell the rest of the family before putting it in my blog, since they have access to it! My dad is going to be a Grandpa twice this year! I cannot wiat to see if they are having a boy or a girl. At their NT scan the other day, the technician said it looked like a boy, but it is way to early to tell. I'm going to have a Nephew, and Landon will have a buddy, yay!! Looks like not only will I be in Dallas in March with Landon, but also in May to attend my sister's shower. And everyone was worried I wouldn't come and visit.

L&D Visit

Yeup we were in Labor and Delivery last night. I was contracting on and off all day, didn't think much about it until around 7:00 p.m. when they were starting to get consistent and I could really feel them in my spine. We tracked them for over and hour and they were consistently 7 minutes 20 seconds to 7 minutes 30 seconds apart the entire time and Landon had been really quite and not moving much yesterday. So, we called the doctor and they had us head in.

When we arrived at L&D they did the usual, pee in a cup, change clothes, hook you up to monitors, ask ?'s, etc. All the fun stuff. His heart beat was great, and he looked great. I was contracting but not near what they should be for "real" labor and delivery. They did an internal (yeup, that was fun) and we found out that my cervix is still completely closed. Landon however is at -1 station (see more info below). He is completely ready to go. I knew that he had dropped, but i did not realize how far down into my pelvis he had descended.

They did send us home after monitoring him and I for about an hour. They said we did the right thing by coming in. Next time they said the contractions should be painful enough that I cannot walk or talk through them and be consistent. When I talked to the doctor this morning he said that he would rather us come in a little early and walk the halls, then wait too long. Especially since we are about a 30-45 minute drive from the hospital. They also told us that he will be here in 3-3.5 weeks max with his positioning, we just have to get me dialating and effacing. So we are now on Landon watch!

Birthing Stations Info:
http://www.doereport.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=12024&ExhibitKeywordsRaw=&TL=&A

It's a video, and a explains it really well with animation. If you think it would bug you to watch an animated baby's head descend through the pelvis, then please don't go out to the website!

Quick Update

So I am at my MIL's visiting so I decided to do a quick update! We have moved intot he house and are about 85% done with un-packing. Landon's room is completely finished and waiting for him to arrive. We have taken pictures w/ the camera I gave Scott for Christmas and I promise to post them as soon as we get internet at our house!

Landon news...he has definately dropped, I feel like I have a bowling ball between my legs. The pressure is un-real, but I am super excited b/c it means he should be here soon! I have been having random painful contractions both in my back and uterus, so they are saying it could be any day now! We will see though...anyone want to take a guess at what day will be Landon's Birthday?

We had a great Christmas and hope that everyone else did too. It was nice and quiet, which was a relief b/c next year we will have an 11 month old at Christmas!! We also had snow at our house yesterday. Yeup that's right, snow in Southern Arizona for 2 hours! Only about 1/4 inch accumulated, but still was really cool to see cactus covered in snow. Again, I have pictures and promise to post them when we get itnernet (very soon!).

Merry (Early Christmas)

I wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. I ama little early, b/c we are moved into our new house, but do not have itnernet access set up yet, and are not sure when we will. I promise I will call or text with any baby news, should anything arise. He has dropped, and the Doctor does not expect him to make it the full month he has left! If I am able to sneak online some where I will post updates when possible. Have a wonderful Holiday with your families and friends.

3D Ultrasound & 35 weeks!

Well today marks 35 weeks, and we had our 3D Ultrasound. My MIL went with me since Scott couldn't take anymore time off of work b/c of the move this week. It was amazing to see his facial features and other parts in 3D :o) I cannot decide who he looks like, but I think he has Scott's nose for sure. We did get confirmation that he is a boy (see picture). So I will start removing tags and washing clothes this evening! I have definately started nesting. Along with the Ultrasound we recieved alot of pictures of the images they captured, a DVD of the Ultrasound so Scott can watch it when he gets home, and I got to pick out 2 pictures and they gave me 5X7's of them...ALL FOR FREE!!! Since I won the contest! I am so glad I entered, and won otherwise I wouldn't have all this neat stuff. I did take the pictures to target and print extra copies for my dad, MIL, and Scott's Grandma. I think it is something they will enjoy having!

As for me, I am still feeling pretty good. I think I over worked myself yesterday at the house. I was able to put up Landon's Crib & Dresser (with help from a friend!), and then I put the Pack-n-Play, Bathtub (yes required assembly), Swing, Bouncer, and Tummy Time Mat all by myself. As well as helping Scott with some of the ceiling fans, making the bed w/ the baby stuff, and starting to organize Landon's other stuff. I am really sore today so I will definately be taking it was easier at the house tonight. The movers come tomorrow :o)

This is his face. You can see his eyes, nose, mouth, and chin. The cloud at the top, is the Pacenta. They said that they hang around it b/c it is really warm and where they can hear your heart beat the best.

This one is his face also, but he has his arm across it. He wasn't too into letting us see his whole face for a long period of time. The u/s tech put the words on the screen. It is funny b/c his fingers look like he is doing the punk/rock symbol!

This is confirmation that he is a boy. The arrow shows you for sure!

Keys to the Castle

Scott and I now officially reside in our new house! We were given the keys, garage door openers, etc to our house today. We had my car, the pick-up truck, and the X all loaded up and ready to go. We unloaded them, and will load up again in the morning with more stuff. I am so excited I could have slept on the carpeted floor. But alas Thursday will be the first night in our new house. When we actually have furniture in it!

I WON!!!!

I recieved a call today from a company here in Tucson that does 3-D Ultrasounds. Apparently sometime in October I entered a drawing to win a free 3-D Ultrasound and I won for themonth of December!!!! I am so excited!! We weren't going to get a 3-D because they are pretty pricey and our Doctor doesnt offer us another Ultrasound before Landon is born b/c everything is going perfectly and he is looking amazing. I was a little bummed, but had learned to live with it, but now I get to see my little man, and all his features!!! I scheduled our appointment for Wednesday at 9 a.m. (when they open) so Scott could come w/o missing alot of work. We are allowed to bring 3-4 people with us. So, Scott's mom and Grandma will be coming for sure, and if Zach does not have Final Exams in his classes this week then he will be bale to come and see Landon as well. If I could dance I would totally do so b/c I am so excited about this. I am sure they will try to upsell us some pictures or something, but I really do not care. Watch out on Wednesday afternoon for pictures!

34 Week Dr's Appt

I had my 34 week doctor's appt this morning. It went really well. They said that Landon felt great, and his heart sounded great. That is always nice to hear, especially now that he is running out of room and isn't moving around as much as he was. We talked about lots of different things. After my next appt the week of Christmas he said I get to join the "Once a week Club". Man, I cannot believe we are already there. I am excited that we will meet Landon in a few short weeks. They said that he weighs approximately 4.75 lbs and that at birth he will weigh no more than 7-7.5 lbs. That is music to me ears! Everyone kept telling me he was going to be 8-9 lbs (family, etc.) and I was so happy to hear that he won't be that big, but the doctor said that was a very healthy weight for him, and for me to deliver at my size. They also said there is no way that he will go any longer than the next 6 weeks by the way he is measuring, feeling, etc. I am definately ready to finally meet my little man.

I also went to Breast feeding class last night. It was very informative, and I learned alot that will help me when Landon is born, and also information about how beneficial it is, etc. I definately reccomend it to anyone who is even remotely thinking about Breast Feeding. It was included in our package when we paid for Child Birth Class. Scott did not go with me, good thing too b/c he would have been bored and it doesn't pertain to him anyways!

The House is Ours!

Here are some pictures of our house. We get our key on Monday!

Front side. It faces nearly due east to due west.

Rear shot. Our yard is just over 90' long, 20' feet deep at its 'narrowest' from the corner of the porch to the fence. It is about 45' from the corners of the yard to the corners of the house.

Our great room as you basically walk in the from door. Ignore the ugly 'chandliers'. We are replacing them with our own iron lights.

Our (ie Regan's) kitchen. Corian counters, stainless appliances, staggered cabinets, and the backsplash I picked out! Yea!

Ignore the soon to be replaced light.

A close up of the wood our cabinets are made of. Scott thought it was a neat pic. The wood is called Knotty Alderwood

TV room to the main part of the house. Kitchen is on the right.

Bathrooms are neat. Brushed bronze fixtures and trim, alder wood cabinets, cultured marble counter tops.

Sink. Just in case you couldn't sleep without seeing it up close.

Professional Pics are in!!!

I was sent the "rough copy" of our professional pregnancy pics that we had take last weekend today. I am so excited they turned out great! I am posting our 3 favorite. Thanks Garry for doing such a great job, we love them.

Disclaimer: I copied these from Garry's website that he sent us. We will be getting a cd of the pictures pretty soon!

This is our favorite picture of Scott and I. Look Arizona does have fall colors!

Wow look at that belly! I hadn't even realized it was that big! What is funny is fromt he back you can't even tell I am pregnant!

This is Scott's favorite picture!

Not Cool.

I will never eat another bite of Sonic again in my life. It's really a sad thing b/c i used to love Sonic, but it all ends sometimes. Ha Ha I am really not that dramatic about it, I just really like Tater Tots.

Zach and I went to Sonic last night before going to the bowling alley to root on my MIL and Grand MIL in their bowling league. It was great, loved it, etc. Well come 10:45 last night I was laying in bed and literally was calling for Scott and desperately trying to find a comfortable position. OMG I had the worst pain I have ever had in my uterus, and then I started having Contractions. Nothing regular so we knew they were false labor, but if that is what it is going to feel like, hook me up to that Epidural now. I literally could not sit still it hurt so bad. And poor Scott was trying so hard to help but there was nothing he could do. Well then I started feeling really nauseous (in my head I am going great in Labor class we learned that contrax w/ nausea meant real labor). So I ended up finally about 30 minutes later upchucking all of my sonic dinner. I felt a little bit better after that, but was still having pain (it was even in my spine people...crazy) and irregular contractions. So I layed down on the couch, and my wonderful husband got me a blanket and a pillow. The pain went away at some point b/c I fell asleep. Scott stayed up until 2 a.m. making sure that I was fine and the contractions had stopped.

So needless to say, I will never eat Sonic again. And I am definately done with fast food for a very long time. Let's hope we can convince Landon that McDonald's really isn't all it is cracked up to be.

33 Weeks

Wow it feels like time is flying now. In 2 weeks and a few days we will be moving into our house, and then it is Christmas. I am feeling pretty good. I have definately aquired the aches and pains of the third trimester, but they are totally worth it. My favorite place to be currently is in my car with my heated seats cranked all the way up. It's like a heavenly heating pad and helps my back pain incredibly. I have been sleeping better than in previous weeks, which Scott is thankful for, now if I could just get rid of this runny nose :o)

According to the OB he weighs 4.75-5 lbs this week and is right about 18 inches long! He is definately getting big fast and I can tell the difference. His current favorite thing to do is to stick his fett between my ribs. Not exactly comfortable but he is stubborn and refuses to move. Scott says he takes after me already :o)

I finally found a camera (not my camera, but it works) so I have a new bely picture for you! Scott's grandma asked me the other day if I had taken up stealing basketballs. It was hillarious. So finally here is another belly picture, or 3!

Keep in mind this is Scott's Shirt.

Head on shows the Basketball a little better!

Getting to know you...Christmas Style

Getting to know you...Christmas Style

My friend Amanda put this on her blog, so I decided to do as she asked and post it on mine as well. Who knows you might learn something :o)

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping Paper, unless it's a mega big present then I stick it in one of the big gift bags and put a pretty bow on it.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. Zach and I are both allergic to real trees. They give me asthma attacks...no fun.

3. When do you put up the tree? We don't have a set date. This year there will be no tree, b/c we move in our house the 18th!

4. When do you take the tree down? We usually wait until the Epiphany, but sometimes after New Years.

5. Do you like eggnog? Never tried it. Scott loves it though.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I think Patrick. The big stuffed dog from FAO Schwartz. If only my mom would let me have him.

7. Hardest person to buy for? Usually my dad. Sometimes extended family though.

8. Easiest person to buy for? Scott.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Not that I am aware of. I really want the Wilow Tree Nativity Scene though.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, e-mail is a little impersonal for that.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Ha Ha they have access to the blog so I will plead the 5th. (not anything from Scott).

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Charlie Brown One. As long as it is not "It's a Wonderful Life" I am good. I hate that movie.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Black Friday. Although I didn't get to this year. I just did not feel up to fighting all those people 8 months pregnant.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cheese Cake. We always had Cheese Cake growing up. Ooh and Honey Baked Ham.

16. Lights on the tree? Clear Lights. Scott and I both agree that multi-colored is a bit tacky (sorry if I offend anyone).

17. Favorite Christmas song? I love anything from Manheim Steam Roller or Transiberian Orchestra. I do Love "mary did you know" although it was a little rough for me to hear last year.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay at home? We have done both. I prefer to be at home but enjoy traveling to see family. Especially now that we are 1000 miles from my family.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixon, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, Rudolph (I totally cheated and copy and pasted Amanda's answer).

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Growing up we always had Angels, but I cannot remember what Scott has.

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? We always did Christmas eve with my mom's family, Christmas morning with us, and lucky if we did it before January with my dad.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? It's a Wonderful Life. I am telling you I can't stand this movie.

23. What theme or color are you using? Packed and Partially unpacked boxes...at least for this year :o)

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Honey Baked Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casseole, Crescent Roles, Deviled Eggs, Wine (not this year for me), Broccoli Rice & Cheese Casserole, Pumpkin Pie, and Cheese Cake.

25.What do you want for Christmas this year? For my son to be born healthy and w/o any complications, a job, and spending time with my family. I am getting a new house, you can't get much better than that :o)

Professional Pregnant Photos

Today we are doing our Professional Pregnant Photos. Our friend Garry and his dad who are amazing Photographers are doing them for us. I am really excited about them. Like a true girl though I cannot decide what top to wear. I have 2 that would look really good. One is orangeish red and the other is brown. They are both a little loose fitting, but there is no denying that there is a belly there so I think it would be fine. Now I have to convince Scott that he is supposed to be in some of them too, they are not just all me (that would be kind of vain).

I will post the pictures as soon as I get them from Garry!

Thanksgiving/Black Friday

We had a really good Thanksgiving this year. We went to Scott's Grandma's house and had dinner. Scott made the Turkey and as usual it was amazing even with the oven having turned itself off, and we found it when we woke up. We then headed to Phoenix and went to game night at Cat's house. It was a blast as usual! I am bummed that we will not be able to make the trip for game night around New Year's. Starting at 34 weeks we are not allowed to travel more than 1 hour away from the hospital.

We didn't get a chance to blog yesterday but we wanted to make a short list of things we are thankful for: family, great friends, our dogs, our kids (and that this pregnancy has been healthy), and each other.

Today was the first Black Friday as far back as I can remember that I did not get up and go shopping at 4 a.m. I just did not have the energy to do it this year. Fighting all those people at 8 months pregnant did not sound fun. I was however able to get the one door buster deal I wanted. Circuit City had their door buster deals online yesterday and you could buy them at the door buster price. So I was able to get the one item I wanted w/o having to fight all the crazy people. I feel weird not having gone shoping, but I am so tired from just regular activities I can only imagine. I promise I will be back out there next year!

We also hung out with our good friends Gary and Maria. We met them at the Science Center in Phoenix and had a blast. Gary is going to be Landon's God-Father, so we wanted to make sure we saw them before he was born one more time. Thanks to everyone who hung out with us the past two days we had a blast!

Also, please pray for a quick recovery for my friend Amanda today. She had to have surgery, so I wish her a speedy and painless recovery.

32 weeks!

We had our 32 week doctor's appt yesterday. It went very well, Landon's heart beat sounded great, they said he was measuring great. He is a little over 17 inches long and weighs 4 lbs or a little more. I had not gained anymore weight since my last appt so they said that actually means that I lost weight, and Landon gained. As long as he is gaining I am happy. We never had an NT scna or got tested for Down Syndrome. It wouldn't have made a difference to us, but I was curious what our risk was. The doctor said that with my age and the fact that we had a normal 20 week u/s and he looked great that is was some where between 1 in6-8,000 and not to even worry about it. We also talked about the contractions I have been having lately and he said the next time we had them and there were more than 4-6 in an hour (whether consistent or not) to call and come in. It is a little early for them to be coming so frequently (on average I get them around 2-3 times a week) and to be as painful as they are. We are also being cautious b/c although they say it isn't a pre-determiner, I was a preemie and we don't want Landon to be.

We are also having our Pre-natal pictures taken this weekend. Our good friend Garry who takes amazing pictures is going to do them for us! I am super excited. So look for those in the near future!

I hope that everyone has a great Thanksgiving. We will be having yummy food with Scott's Grandma and some of his extended family, and his cousins. Then we will be heading to Phoenix to a friends house, they are having game night! It will be exciting to see all of our Phoenix friends one last time before Landon is born. We are quickly approaching the "no traveling more than 1 hour from the hospital" mark. That goes into effect at 34 weeks.

Have a wonderful Turkey Day and eat lots of food, and watch lots of football (at least I hope to).

Waddling

So, yes it is official I have the pregnant waddle. I have had it for a few weeks, but honestly refused to accept it. Well today when walking back to the car with Scott from looking in a store, I saw my shadow. There is no more denying that I waddle.

Not too much else going on this week. I have a dr's appt Tuesday and I am looking forward to seeing how my little man is doing. And of course Turkey Day! It is my favorite Holiday. Especially this year, I have been craving Thanksgiving food for weeks! We are going to go to Scott's grandma's house for Dinner and then head to a friends house in Phoenix for Game Night. I am excited about going to Phoenix b/c that means I get to go shopping!!! Phoenix has more of the stores that I am used to in Dallas!!! I hope I find alot of good stuff on sale. I have some good ideas on what I want to get people, I just hope it works out!

31 weeks

Here we are at 31 weeks. Only possibly 9 more to go. I am doing pretty well. Happy that we have made it this far, and he is doing well. He has taken up residence on my right side (as far right as possible) between my Ribs and my pelvis and no matter what, he refuses to move. Needless to say I am pretty sore, and my back on that side is killing me. Scott told me today that I could get a Pre-natal massage on Friday to try and alleviate some of the pain :o) I am so excited, and really hope that it works. My belly is super massive (or at least I think so), and if I could find my dadgum camera I would take a picture and post it. I will have to look diligently, and locate it. Scott told me the other day that I looked like I was going to pop...imagine what I will look like in a few more weeks!

I talked to my sister today about coming in when Landon is born. But, unless we have to schedule a C Section or get induced (which I really want to avoid at all costs) she will not be able to be here when he is born. An open ended ticket is just way to expensive. We decided that she will come and visit for a few days after he is born and once we are home. I am really excited about having her come, I really miss her.

Not too much else going on. I am DYING for an Olive Garden Salad, but Scott said no :o( I am craving their salad dressing like nothing else. Oh, well...grrr.

Hospital Bag...Packed

Well except for a few minor things like Colace (need to go buy some), Combos for Scott to snack on, and Popsicles to eat during labor. But, of course the popsicles I cannot get until closer til' and definately can't put them in the bag until we leave for the hospital. I feel like I'm in Kindergarten again b/c we have to write our name on them, ha ha.

I asked my sister today if she would come and be with me during labor and delivery and afterwards. She is going to try but of course it depends on air fare and also when Landon decides to make his debut. I really hope that she can come out. We are really close and she would be great company. It would also help to have someone that could stay with me so Scott could check on the dogs and be with Zach also, although I don't want him to miss the birth so that would be more after he was born. My sister always makes me laugh, so she would be great during Labor! Please pray that she will be able to come out and be with me, I have no family or friends out here and I miss her so much.

Hospital Tour

We went on our Hospital Tour today. I was really excited to go and see exactly what the birthing rooms, recovery rooms, and the nursery looked like. I was really quite impressed. They wouldn't let you take pictures so I can't show you until we actually have Landon. But the rooms are really big and spacious. The baby warmer was a little scary b/c it had all of these tubes and things coming out of it. I know they are necessary b/c they have to have them in case anything were to happen. They had the delivery room all set up, and they had the hat they put on the babies head..it is WAY littler than the ones we have found at the stores, it was cute. Unfortunately though we were not able to see the rooms w/ Jacuzzi's b/c there were women delivering in that part of L&D.

We had a lecture part too which was very informative. It told us the rules for visitors, pictures, delivery room, etc. My favorite part was when they gave us a list of things to bring with us to the hospital..that will be very handy. I am thinking about packing the bag soon just in case we were to go early, we would not be scrambling too much.

30 weeks!

We have made it to the home stretch! Only 10 more weeks to go. I am feeling pretty well overall. I have definately aquired the Back Pain, Hip Pain, and random contractions have started.

Last week was a hard one for us. I woke up Sunday with severe pain in my right ear. I was up all night b/c it hurt so bad I was literally in tears. Went to the dr and they said it was this ear infection. I took the medicine they gave me. No progress after a few days, and now it had spread to my left ear. Went back to the doctor they thought it was a fungal infection, took medicine for that...didn't help and now I had fluid coming out (gross!). So I go back to the doctor and then take a swab of the fluid, and call me on Monday it is an ear infection, but one of the nasty ones that show themselves as soemthing different. I was given Tylenol with Codine so it was bearable. Now that we have the right medicine everything is alot better and I can finally hear again (my ear canals were so swollen that they were almost swollen shut...Outer Ear Infection).

This week has started out with lots of fun too! I noticed a "rash" on my hands and part of my arms, and I noticed that Landon was not moving as much and I was worried. The OB called anyways to see if I could come in. They wanted to check on Landon after the barrage of meds I was on last week. They looked at my "rash" and told me it was exzema..ooh fun. I have some cream to put on it, but that's all they can do for it.

While we were at the the OB they decided to hook us up to the monitors to check on Landon. It was really neat to be able to sit and relax and hear his heartbeat on the monitor for 20 minutes. He was attacking the monitor, he really does not like those things. The nurse said it omits a sound that some of them just don't like. But they said he looks great, so I am very relieved.

Here is to hoping the next weeks are very un-eventful until birth!

Landon has Furniture

We finally purchased the last "big ticket" items for Landon this past weekend. We picked up his crib. We had already purchased the dresser about 2 weeks so it is nice to be finished. NOw i just have small little things to get him like bottles, towels, diapers, etc. I also took inventory of everything we have for him and we are set except for those few small items still to buy. I guess the last big one being the baby monitor.

Here are the pictures of the crib and dresser we purchased for Landon. I think this is the right color. They came in pine or natural, we chose pine.
This is the crib. Scott and I both really like it, and with coupons we were able to get a really good deal on it. It is a convertible crib, but we will only be converting it to a Toddler bed, not the ull sized bed it canm become. We also plan to use it once more in a few years :o)

This is the dresser. We liked it because it has the changing table and dresser combined. We can put all the diapers, etc in the dorr part on the side, and use the rest for his clothes and what not.

We have a move in date!!!

After some prodding by Scott we finally have a closing and move-in date on the house!!! We will be closing on December 9th! We will be given the keys and the house will be ours on December 15th :o) I am SO excited. If all goes according to plan and Landon decides to make a timely arrival we will have just a few days over 1 month to get things put up and settled in as much as possible before he makes his debut. I personally think he will be a little bit early, but we will just have to wait and see! I cannot wait to be in my own house again :o)

3 Hour GD Test Results

I PASSED!!!!!

The woman OB at my practice said I passed without even the slightest inclination there was a problem!! I am so excited. There is no way I could have given myself shots, checked my blood sugar, etc. Scott said he would have done it al for me, but I am so relieved we don't even have to go down that path at all :]

Landon looked great. They say he weighs 3lbs now, which I can definately tell. He packs way more punch when he moves around, kicks, etc now than he used too. We are 29 weeks now! We recieved information on how to count fetal movements, we are to do this in a quiet place for at least 1 hour each night. I am going to do it after dinner, that is usually his most active time of the day.

I was relieved to know that he is doing well. We had a tough week last week and so far into this one. I woke up Sunday morning with the worst ear pain I think I have ever experienced in my life. We went tot he Minute Clinic at the CVS by our house, they said I Had "Swimmers Ear". Translation: Out ear Infection. So we got drops for that, pain, etc. And all was good right? WRONG. Sunday night the pain drops did nothing, and I was up all night either crying or trying not to climb up the walls b/c I was in so much pain. So Monday I get an appt w/ our Family Doctor (all this time this is only in my left ear), she says it's a really bad infections, gives me Tylenol w/ Codine (this has saved my life and sanity), and an oral antibiotic. I take both and go on expecting some relief...Nope...It now starts in my right ear. So I call the docotr this morning tell her my right ear is now doing the same thing, the pain has not become any better, my left ear canal is still swollen shut, and not they both itch like hell. So yeah I have Thrush in my Ear Canals from the anti-biotic I was on for the impossible to get rid of Sinus Infection. So now i have to go pick up this powder stuff to put in my ears twice a day, and I am still living off my Codine & Tylenol every 5 hours (OB ok'd it as well). I hope this brings some relief. Who knew you could get Thrush in your Ear Canals from an anti-biotic. Got to love the pregnant body I guess.

We Voted!

Scott and I went "early" (around 8:00 a.m.) to vote this morning. This is my 2nd presidential election to vote him. Between my name and the cartoon I will let you figure out how we voted :]

Also, we get ther esults of the 3 hour glucose test today. I am on my way outt he door so I wil update more later.

1st Trip to Labor & Delivery

It was a very nerve racking experience. We went for the first time last night, and i would be lying if I said we both weren't nervous.

Wednesday night right as we were laying down to go to bed, I started having really bad crampin in the lower part of my uterus. It wasn't fun, but I didn't get nervous until the contractions started. I wasn't sure what they were at first, but when they would build up and I was literally saying "omg, ouch, ouch, ouch" and was practically in tears until they went away that we realized what they were. They lasted about an hour, but were not coming in consistent intervals. I waslked around, drank water, and bounced/rocked on my birthing ball. They lasted from 11:30 p.m.-12:30a.m. I layed back down and eventually fell asleep, but when I woke up the next morning and the contractions were gone, but the cramping was still there. I called the doctor and explained what had happened. They said to take it easy and if the contractions returned, The cramping got worse, or I started bleeding to head to Labor & Delivery.

Thursday: I took it easy all day, lounged around, took a nap, surfed the internet, etc. The cramping was there all day. Starting around 4:00 p.m. I started getting really sharp pains in my abdomen and the cramping was more intense, especially when I would move around. I ttold Scott about it, we monitored it to see if it would go away, etc. At 7:45 p.m. Scott convinced me to call the doctor. The on-call doctor that shares on-calls times with my OB called back. We explained everything to her, and she said to head to Labor and Delivery. They wanted to make sure there was nothing else going on, especially pre-term labor.

Once we arrived at L&D we got checked in, they make you pee in a cup, etc. They hooked me up to the belly monitors. We were able to hear Landon's heart beat the entire time, and they monitored me to see if I was contracting. No contracting, thank God and Landon's heart beat they said was great. They checked my cervix and it was closed tight so I wasn't dialating. They ran a few tests and came back.

They said the contractions were Braxton Hicks, they usually aren't that painful but can be. They told me that since we are nearing the end and our in the 3rd trimester that they will be coming alot more frequently, it when they are timeable and consistent that we need to come back, ASAP. They said the cramping and intense pain in my abdomen was from both Landon and my Uterus growing, and it will be pretty common from here on out. Also, I was slightly dehydrated and need to drink alot more water. I thought I was drinking alot, but I am not used to being in the Desert and upping my water in-take because of it.

All in all they said everything was good. Landon looked Great (which is the important part) and I was doing well. They told me to take it slow from here on out, since the Braxton Hicks Contractions were that painful. Sarah, our nurse was awesome. I am glad that we went b/c now Scott and I feel so relieved that we know everything with Landon looks great. I hope to not see them again until at least January. We go on Tuesday to our regularly scheduled OB appt, so we will get to check on him again then too.

Amanda Tagged Me, So here we go...

I have been tagged to list 7 unusual facts about myself then tag 7 of you to do the same. Here are my 7:

1. For years I hated that I had red hair. I hated that it made me stand out from everyone else, all I wantd was to have "normal" hair color like blonde, or brown. Now I love my red hair and would not trade it for anything.

2. I am a very picky eater. My food cannot touch or I have to seperate it all before I can start eating it, I do not eat things if they look funny or odd to me. If I am in the middle of eating it and I decide something looks odd or funny to me I will stop eating it immediately and move on, or go hungry until later. I also do not eat things b/c of their textures. For example: Bananas are mushy, I do not eat anything banana flavored either b/c it reminds me of their mushy-ness. There are alot more, but I will spare you the list.

3. My desk, room, etc. may look like a disaster, but I promise you I know the exact location of everything that I need or want. I also know the exact locations of Scott's stuff and can rattle it off if he asks me where anything is. I was tested in Elementary School and again in High School, I was only 1-3 points off from having a photographic memory.


4. I hate to wear shoes. They drive me nuts. I live in flip-flops or sandals of some kind until it gets so cold, my feet hurt. As soon as I get home any sort of shoe I am wearing comes off. This is true also for long car rides, plane rides, and in class in college. I prefer to be barefoot, but socks are do-able.

5. I am deathly afraid of fish. I stepped on an Alligator Gar in a lake when I was younger, and it scared me so much, that I am now scared of all fish. Crazy b/c I love to Scuba Dive. As long as they don't get too close I am fine. I will not clean a fish tank, touch a fish if I catch it when we go fishing, I will not eat fish that has been cooked w/ skin on it, it must be removed before I will touch it etc. In fact the first time I saw a fish when I went Scuba Diving I screamed so loud underwater the group I was with all turned around. But, I loved my Beta Fish Lunch b/c he sat happily in a vase with a plant, and all I had to do was feed him.

6. I dress Boomer up for Holidays. Last year he was a chicken for Halloween, this year he is going to be a pumpkin. He hates it, but he looks so cute. I put the pumpkin costume on him yesterday to try it out and he layed down and refused to move untilI took the hat off of his head. I also put thej ingle paws on him for Christmas.


7. I Love to cook. It is a big stress reliever for me, and has a great reward. Scott and Zach never complain. I love watching food network to get ideas, and trying new things. I cannot wait to be in my house again with my own kitchen and kitchen tools to get back to cooking my way.

I also HATE to vaccum. When I had foot surgery at 16 and was on crutches for 4 months, my mom made me vaccum on crutches 2 weeks after surgery. Every time I would push the vaccum the bottom of my foot would hit the floor and make me cry. Vaccuming reminds me of that, so I will do anything to get out of vaccuming the floors.

28 weeks

By this week, Landon weighs two and a quarter pounds (like a Chinese cabbage) and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world.

"You Finally Look Pregnant"

That is the comment of the week. It comes from Scott's Grandma and Aunt. I know they mean well, but I thought I looked pregnant well before 28 weeks. I have only gained 7lbs total (ALL baby) so I guess I am not as big as most women at 28 weeks. But, I feel HUGE, and have for awhile now. I am seriously to the point where 2 of my t-shirts still fit, and I am starting to fill out Scott's. There are a few that barely fit, but oly in the belly. They are huge everywhere else. I may have to take a picture to show you, it's quite hillarious.

Kid found the lungs!

So Landon has discovered both my Rib Cage and my Lungs. He isn't strong enough yet to make a difference when it comes to kicking me in the Rib Cage, but I know that will soon change. As for the beingi n the lungs...It feels like something (well, Landon) is pushing as hard as they can on my lugs in an upward motion. Not very comfortable, and while that is going on you also feel like you can not catch your breath. It is all worth it for Landon, but I really hope he doesn't decide to make a late debut.

Other than that everything is going well. I am convinced that Landon has taught himself to break dance, and I read the other day that he can open his eyes now! I am not sure why, but this was a milestone I was really looking forward too. Ooh and our house has paint, and doors now. Only around 4 more weeks until it is finished and we can move in about 2-3 weeks after that. yay!!!

3 Hour Glucose Test

Is over. Thank God. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, but still tortuous. I have the holes in my arm to prove it. I didn't pass out though so I am proud of my self. I also got to have the Fruit Punch flavored Glucose drink...I highly reccomend this one over the orange, it tastes much better. I was a little "weak" feeling going into the place b/c I had not eaten since dinner last night, and was not allowed to eat until after the test was over. The first hour was the hardest. The sugar drink made me nauseous b/c of my empty stomach, and i was a little dizzy. The last 2 hours were easy though. It went pretty quickly, but I think that had more to do with dreading the needles so it came quicker. I didn't even feel faint or weak when we left, but I was famished. They took all 4 blood draws out of the same vein in my left arm. By the 4th one it hurt like hell, and my arm still does but it is all over. I am interested to see the size of the bruise that I will incure. My vein was almost totally collapsed by the 4th draw, but the one on my left arm rolls so they didn't want to risk it.

I treated myself to Starbucks afterwards. I felt like a total pig, but could have cared less. I had a piece of reduced fat blueberry coffee cake, chicken pesto pasta, a fruit and cheese plate, and a Pumpkin spice latte. It was good. I was still hungry but figured I should not over do it. I am still really tired from the experience. I came home and took an hour and a half nap. I could have slept longer, but then I wouldn't sleep tonight. I am just glad it is over with and I am confident that I passed the test. We won't find out until our next Doctor's appt on Nov. 4th though.

Side Note: We get to pick up our Dresser/Changing table combo this weekend! I am soo excited, hopefully the crib will be in too but seeing as I haven't recieved a phone call I doubt it.

FAIL.

Those are the results of my 1 hour glucose test for Gestational Diabetes. My blood sugar was143 and the cutoff is 135. I Have to go on Friday for my 3 hours test, which is not even what I want to think about at this moment. You go in to lab, they draw your blood when you get there, make you drink that horrible glucose drink (It is basically a water down version of flat Sunkist that is WAY too sweet) in 5 minutes, and then once an hour for 3 hours they draw your blood again. Some people may be thinkingthat's not too bad." Well if you know me and my fear of needles, 4 blood draws in 3 hours is toture. My MIL is being nice enough to go with me so Scott doesnt have to take off work again. I am just praying that I can manage to not pass out from the sugar high, but more importantly the needles. I was very dizzy after the 1 hour test today, I can only imagine the 3 hour test. Hopefully it will all go well. Please pray that I am not diabetic.

Dr's Appointment:

Went very well. We had all of questions answered, were able to hear Landon's heart beat for longer than 2 seconds. I think he was in a sugar coma too, b/c he usually assaults the doppler machine. We are now on the every 2 weeks plan for seeing the doctor, so it should start going quickly to the end. I am a little bummed b/c we wil not get another ultra-sound unless there is a concern about something. I was hoping to see the little bugger one more time. We also learned that after 34 weeks (7 weeks for us) they will "not do anything heroic" to stop labor.

Today also officially starts the 3rd Trimester!! I am so excited. We are in the home stretch and our little guy will be here shortly. We ordered our crib and dresser yesterday. We will be able to pick up at least the dreser on Saturday, and possibly the crib if it makes it over from the warehouse on time! We have all the big ticket items for Landon and managed through thriftiness on my part, to get what we wanted but saving alot of money in the process :o)

House Update

We have walls!!! Outside and Inside!!! I am so excited. They finally put the dry wall up, and the concrete and stucco on the outside of the house. Our guess for what comes next is either the roof (the tiles have been sitting up there for quite some time now, or painting the inside and outside of the house. I hope they get alot done this week and when we go "visit" on Saturday we will have a front door an a garage door. They are claiming only 8 more weeks until we can move in!! I am so excited :o) Here are some pictures of what was done.

The outside of the house while they were cementing it. They happened to be working on the sides when we got there.

Scaffolding used to put the dry wall up in the "great room." You can definately tell how tall the ceiling is in the "great room" in this shot. Scott was standing upstairs in the loft area when he took this picture.

Landon's Room with Dry Wall. He has the largest window in any of the bedrooms and it looks out the front of the house.

The Kitchen with Drywall. Look we have a pseudo island now! Before it was just boards. Once they add the coutners, and counter tops it will look more "island-y".

26 weeks

Here we are at 26 weeks. We finished our Child Birth Education class last night, we even got a certificate. The lady said that we were now certified to give birth...which made me laugh b/c last time I checked i really didn't get a choice in that matter :o) I put the certificate on the fridge, and I am going to go back to my fantasy land of ignoring the fact that I am going to have to birth this kid. I am excited that we are getting close though. Scott told me last night "Your getting big." Thanks Honey ;o) I have only gained 6lbs (as of my last dr's appt) so it must be all baby. We go again next week for our monthly appt and Gestational Diabetes Test (not looking forward to this). After next week we will start going to appts every 2 weeks, and then at 36 weeks we will go once a week. Exciting stuff. Here are my belly pics from the week, and I have included some pictures from the fair as well. Still waiting on the Baby Shower pictures.

Belly Pics:

Definately Carrying him all out front. I am all belly now.

Still stretch mark free (knocks on wood quickly). Bely is really starting to itch now though.

Fair Pictures:

My Littles Brother Aaron and My super cool Friend Kristin acting like the goofs they are in some car at the Auto Show.

Aaron and Zach again acting liking goof's in front of the Home Depot Nascar Car. This pic is for my MIL who likes the Home Depot Car. Personally Nascar puts me to sleep and I don't watch it.

Me and Garry hanging out in a Mazda waiting for Scott to re-appear. He went MIA during this part of the fair. Too bad he missed all the fun!

100 Days!

Only 100 Days until Landon is due!! I am so excited :o) We had a blast in Texas this weekend. I will post more about it later when I get the pictures off of my camera! The fair was fun, and we defiantely got our exercise for at least a few days! The baby shower was a blast too we got a ton of really neat and cute stuff, but again I will post more later with pictures! Thanks to everyone who came, and to Kristin for letting us crash at her house!

25 Weeks!

Only 15 more weeks to go (In theory)!!. He has been doing summersaults, and they make me laugh b/c you can watch him do them from the outside. It feels really funny too, but I love every minute of it. He is supposed to weigh between 1.5-2lbs now! I can definately tell b/c he is getting harder and harder to lug around. I cannot wait to finally meet him and hold him, I am getting impatient even though I know he still has alot of growing to do!

At child birth class this week they passed around the Epidural needle, remember folks needles and I do not mix, you get one chance before I pass out. OMG That needle was HUGE! It looked like a Fountain pen. I am really glad that I will not be able to see it when they are putting it into my back! The nurse who runs the class was like "That's why they give you the Lidacaine (numbing) shot first, it doesnt hurt" So I piped up so these poor people don't frreak and I asked if anyone had had a Lidacaine shot, and 90% said no. I said "Well it's way better than this needle (epi needle), but it still stings a like bee when they do it." Class was interesting though, we got to see alot of the tubes, etc they use for labor, delivery, etc. Totally sold me on not wanting or consenting to Forceps use, they look like salad tongs! See Picture below:

Update on Job Interview

So I went to my job interview. I think I did very well, but I am bummed about it. When we got to the end and they talk about money, hours, etc. Well at this school district having my license, 2 years experience, and my bachelors degree they want to pay alot less than the going rate. I have a feeling they left some pertinent information out, this job sounds more like an aid than a Speech job. They have a PT and FT position available. We will see though, it would be a foot in the door at the school district, but WAY less than what I was making at my previous job. It is a job though, I wonder if I could negotiate it up some..we will see though.

Job Interview

I have a job Interview for an Inclusion Specialist for Speech today! I am excited about it and hope that I am able to get this job. It is at a High School that is really close to our new house :o) I just talked to the Principal yesterday when she called and she asked if I could come in immediately tomorrow (today) for an Interview. I just hope they don't discriminate b/c I am pregnant (I know they aren't allowed too, but alot of places still do). The school is year round, which would be a new experience, but it would give me 2 week breaks placed throughout the year to be at home w/ Landon, Scott and Zach. Please put me in your thoughts and prayers to attain this job. After the other company suddenly lost their contracts, and left me w/o a job a little over a month into it, this would be a great blessing.

Getting Excited

The week has finally come!! It is only Monday though :o( We leave for Dallas on Friday and I cannot wait to go!! We will be going to the State Fair, and Ghengis Grill (oh, how I miss you), seeing friends from church, my family, and our super cool friends are going to the fair with us! And our Baby Shower is on Sunday. It will be a busy, but fun and exciting weekend.

I never thought I would miss Dallas as much as I do. I could not wait to get out of there, and now I am excited about going back. I must admit I don't think it is the city that I miss, I really like living in Tucson. I miss all the people that we left behind. I have been missing my Dad, Sister, and Brothers like crazy, Scott and I's good friends, and being able to call anyone of them at anytime and go out and have fun (at places that I have heard of and know about!). Tucson is definately an adjustment from living in a really big city. I have never lived in a city so small, the only other place I have lived in Washington D.C. and we all know that is not small. Being in Tucson will me much easier once we move into our own house, Landon is finally here, and we meet some people and make some friends to go out with. We have met some neat people in our Child Birth class, so maybe we can make some other parents of young kids friends with them. We will see though.

I am ready to go eat me a Corn Dog, Funnell Cake, and a big REAL Dr. Pepper. I wonder what fried concoction the fair has come up with this year?

Presents & Job News

So I had a great birthday! I recieved a few presents from Scott and I am so excited. Here is what he got me:

This is the diaper bag that I really wanted from Babies 'R' Us. Scott bought it for me!! It's suede and has lots of pockets, and places to put stuff and it's light weight. I also love the blue camo :o)

This is the Willow Tree Figurine I have been wanting since before I got pregnant. I love Willow Tree Figurines and I collect the ones that mean something to my life. The first one I recieved was from my mom. She gave me the Guardian Angels one b/c my birthday is the feast day of the Guardian Angels in the Catholic Church (the religion I was raised in until I met Scott and converted to Lutheran).

We had Ice Cream cake from Baskin Robbins which is w/o fail the favorite type of cake in the house for everyone. I like cake period, but with Ice Cream it's that much better!

Job News: I recieved a call today from a hospital in Wilcox, AZ (about a 45 minute drive from our new house). They are interested in me for a Speech Job there. I am excited about it. I always thought working in a hospital would be fun, and I could wear scrubs! Please pray that this job pans out. I didn't tell them I was pregnant, but they will find out as soon as I walk through the door at the interview.

Happy Birthday to me!!

Today I turn 25, or old as my brother told me this morning :o) I am officially 1/4 of a century old! I am excited about my birthday. I slept in, went to this really cool steakhouse place for lunch with Scott, Zach has a Cross Country meet this afternoon, and then we are going to dinner w/ Scott's mom and grandma! Then it is my favorite part and the reason I celebrate Birthdays...CAKE..YUMM. If you don't know me that well in real life I Love Cake. It is the entire reason I attend most weddings (and for my friends of course, but the cake is the highlight for me). My friend Heather told me when I got married that she wasn't going to miss it b/c "It's Regan's wedding that means the cake will kick ass." Yes, I Love Cake that much.

Thanks to everyone who sent e-cards and myspace and facebook messages! I am anxious to see what all will come in the mail, and next weekend when we go to Dallas! Scott bought me my diaper bag (I will post a picture when we get home from Dinner) and I am super excited about it. I also got a manicure and pedicure and that was so relaxing.

My mom hasn't called, but am I surprised? not really. The rest of her family has called and wished me a Happy Birthday so that's cool!

I will post pics when I get home!

24 weeks!!!

Today marks 24 weeks! And Landon is now viable outside of the womb, with alot of help obviously. I feel really good now that I know that *if* something were to happen he could make it through. His new favorite activity this week is to turn full flips at around 5-6:00 in the morning. It is a realy cool feeling, and I love just lying still watching (b/c you can see it too) and feeling him move so much.

I think that my belly has doubled in size recently. He is growing big really quick. He weighs between 1-1.25 lbs already. Here's to hoping his growth spurt slows a little at the end!

We had birthing class again last night. Is it bad that when we are sitting there and they are talking about birth and the not-so-fun parts I feel way better when I look around the room at all the other pregnant women and go "ha ha you ladies have to go through this too..." That's probably not a good outlook, but currently the thought of giving birth (especially after watching the videos, and watching the lady squeeze the doll through the model of your pelvic bone) is freaking me out. They talked about the delivery of the placenta last night and had a fake model of one. After class Scott asked me if i wanted to go play with it. He's really good about joking around and keeping everyone (not just me) laughing in class, but no I did not want to play with the placenta. I have no desire to lay eyes on the real thing either, the thought of it is gross. It was funny though that the nurse said that some couples request to take it home and plant a tree with it. The first thought that came to my mind was "dog food" well yea and I didn't keep it to myself. I almost made Scott horf. I thought "dog food" b/c those of youthat know our Lab, Schwepps, would agree with me that the first thing she would do is dig it up and eat...gross, yes, but definately true. So, no Placenta tree planting for us.

We bought our Travel System!!

I am so excited. We bought our Travel System for Landon on Saturday. We had planned onm buying it when Scott got paid last week, but when we went to Babies 'R' Us to ick it up we didnt know that we had picked the best day to buy it. We already had 20% off coupons for a single item in the store. They expire on my birthday so we decided to use them on something big so they would be worth while. Armed with coupons we drove to the other side of town (to the really big BRU that has alot more than the little one on our side of town), we arrived at BRU and it was PACKED with people. We just thought we picked a popular day to go shopping...nope. It happened to be the anniversary for the store so they were giving 10% off on your purchase. Woohoo that means in total we would save 30% on our stroller! So, we went and got it off the shelf, put it in the cart and of course looked around some. They were having a fashion show for Halloween, Zach got alot of coupons for free stuff at Chick-fil-a for spinning the prize wheel, etc. When we went to check out we found out that all in all we saved almost $60.00 on our stroller. Score! Those of you that know about them...those suckers are NOT cheap. We are proud of ourselves and our stroke of Good Luck!

Bummed about Crib

We found a crib we liked a few months. It matches the bedding, the theme in the house, etc. Well we went to Babies R Us yesterday to buy our Travel System (stroller and car seat together). It was their anniversary so they had 10% off everything in the store. We had coupons for 20% off a single item (I had 4 coupons). So we decided to order our Crib and Changing table/dresser (It would have been over $100 off!). We told guy which one we wanted and he looked it up ont he computer. Come to find out it is an older model, probably why it was cheaper than the others, and it is being re-tested for safety standards. They will not know if they will be getting anymore in stock, etc for at least 2-3 more weeks if at all. I am really bummed. I really like the set that we picked out and it was affordable. The next price on cribs, dressers, changing tables jumps at least $100. I guess we were not meant to have that set, or it is God's way of telling us to wait and soemthing better might come along. We will see. I have been looking all around and all of the other ones are so dang expensive. Wish us luck!

Well, now that I look up the crib company to try and show a picture of what we picked out I found out that alot of their cribs have been recalled for major safety problems. Here is the website: http://www.jardinecribrecall.com/ . So I guess it is a good thing we were not able to get that crib for Logan. I just wish there was something out there that was price comparable for a convertible crib!

23 weeks & Happy Birthday Scott

1 day late!

I was not able to post yesterday b/c it was Scott's birthday and I was running around picking up cake, making one of his favorite dinners, etc. We had a good time. We had our annual Baskin Robbins Chocolate Ice Cream Cake for Scott's birthday. I got a big one so there would be some left, I don't think it will last long though. Scott really likes his cordless DeWalt tools Zach and I bought him, and he got one of those spring looking water hoses from his Grandma for our new house! I hope he had a great birthday!

We made it to 23 weeks yesterday! I had my OB appt. I met with the Nurse Practitioner and I realy like her. She spent an hour answering my questions about birth (which there are plenty of), and then we heard Landon's heart beat. It is really funny b/c he hates the doppler machine they use to listen to his heart. Usually he runs from it, but yesterday he was kicking it so hard you could see it from the outside.

We decided to try for the traditional delivery and then if he is big or something needs to be done then we will go for the C-Section then. I made them aware of my refusal for Pitocin (it is linked to the cause of Autism) and they agreed that unless it was totally necessary and I was no where near delivering at 2 weeks late they would break my water to "induce" labor instead of using Pitocin. I also told them that Forceps and the Vaccum are an absolute no with Scott and I as well. Besides the fact that they are grabbing their brain when their skull is soft, if they are used wrong or slip, etc the can cause Cerebral Palsy. It's amazing what you learn by reading and educating yourself (some of this I learned in my college classes b/c of my special ed training for speech). I feel alot better after talking to them. I am still really nervous about birth, but hopefully the classes we are going to will make me feel better.

We have our first walk through with the house this morning. We get to see everything before the dry wall goes up. I am excited.. I will post pics when I get home.

Birth & Tailbones

Scott and I went to a Pregnancy Wellness class yesterday. It was included in the package with our Child Birth Education Classes (We have 5 total plus a hospital tour). It was pretty much stuff we already knew, but it was neat to hear about other people's experiences, etc. Wellt hey had a Physical Therapist come in and talk to us about stretches, posture, positions that are good for mo mnad baby and one's to avoid. It was very informative and interesting. I took advantage of her being there and talked to her about tailbone pain since I have started experiencing that again. I told her that I broke my tailbone when I was 12 in gymnastics, etc. She told me to get a referral from my OB to come and see her and she will massage my spine, etc and show me some things I can do to help it. After we talked to she told the class:

It is not un-common for your tailbone to fracture during delivery, especially if it has been previously fractured or injured.

The whole class stopped and went "WHAT?!?!?!" I was very surprised. Breaking my tailbone was bad enough the first time. So this is yet another item on list of reasons to talk to my OB about a C-Section on Thursday when I go and see him.

22 weeks!

We are on the downhill side of pregnancy now. I am getting anxious to get into our house, get everything set up, and for Landon to get here. We have 18 weeks to go!

I am struggling with sleeping lately. Being a stomach sleeper I am having a really hard time adjusting to sleeping on my side. Scott bought me a body pillow which has helped b/c I can swing my leg over it, but I still cannot get comfortable. I literally lay in a position until I am so tired that I just happen to fall asleep there. Then I have to get up at 3X a night to pee and switch sides I am on (my sides get sore) and hope to fall back asleep eventually. It's an endless cycle. It is by far my only complaint currently. I really feel for insomniacs now.

We started Child Birth Classes last night. It was alot of fun, surprisingly. The class is very talkative which makes it that much more enjoyable. My favorite part of the night was when Scott compared the ligaments of the Uterus (when they stretch out) to a brown paper lunch sack. Everyone laughed, and he didn't realize h had said it out loud until we were laughing! It was also amusing to watch the instructor have the guys to the pelvic, back, and wall squat exercises with their wives. Scott got to try out the birthing ball too :o)

Here are some belly pics from this week. He is growing really fast now, the difference from 18-22 weeks is amazing. The pj pants I have on are Scott's and I can't even button them all the way up anymore and I have to roll up the bottoms so I don't trip. Guess it is time for me to get some new comfy pants.

I Heart My Sister.

So for those of you who do not know, my sister Amy and I are really close. In fact out of all of my family I am the closest to her. She has been there to help me through everything, and I mean everything. All of the crap with my mom over the years and her antics, giving me a place to live when I needed one, and on and on. And...She has done it again. Since Scott and I will be in Dallas in October to go to the fair (I am SOO excited!) and will not be able to make it home for the holidays this year b/c of recent events and Christmas is too close to my due date to be traveling, my sister is graciously throwing us a "couples" or men are invited too, baby shower!! It is so sweet of her, b/c I do not know anyone in Tucson we wouldn't be able to have a shower here. I have the bestest sister ever. As corny as it sounds I hope I can find a way to "pay" her back for everything she has done for me over the last 25 years.

Side Note: We start child birth classes tomorrow night, I am excited about it, but nervous about what I might learn. I know it's too late to turn back now, b ut not too late to scare the *@#*@ out of you for what you are about to go through.

TX House is SOLD!!

Woohoo!!! All the paperwork and everything went through yesterday! What a relief :o) Our portion of the Escrow and the profits was funded to our account today!! Scott and I are both really excited. We loved that house, but now we can focus on our new house and not worry about the "what if we have to make 2 house payments" any more. It has alleviated ALOT of stress. We will maybe go out and celebrate (small) after payday. We just realized how much $$ we are going to have to spend on furniture and stuff for the new house, and on Landon so he can be comfortable when he arrives in a few months!

Happy 1st Anniversary!

Today is our 1st Anniversary!! It is hard to believe it has already been a year. It has flown by and we had a blast. We are not doing anything super fancy this year. I will be making Scott one of his favorite meals, home made macaroni and cheese, and his mom bought us a cake!

Will we be eating the top layer of our wedding cake? Umm..no. The original one flew across the parking lot thanks to the bell hop at the hotel where we held our wedding, and the replacement one we recieved...yea we ate that in November. It was REALLY good. Scott and I both looked at each other and said "I want cake, but I don't want to go out." Then I said well we have the one in the freezer, and technically it's not the layer from the wedding so it would not be bad luck to eat it. So we did. Which is why my MIL was nice enough to get us one. Yummm.....Cake.

We have a name!!

We finally decided on a full name for our baby boy. It was actually a suggestion Zach made and both Scott and I liked it, so we decided to use it. So without further delay our baby boy's FULL name will be:

Landon Patrick!

We are excited. I like it b/c it is an Irish middle name (and I am obviosuly Irish), and Scott likes it b/c it flows well. Also, Patrick was one of the names Scott's parents thought about using for him so it has some sentimental value as well.

We are on our way out the door to go to Babies 'R' Us to look at boy baby things. Because I was so certain I was having a girl, I never paid attention to the boy stuff. In the words of Chris Collinsworth from the Olympics (when the u.s. men's relay team beat the french relay team after the french trashed talked the u.s.)...Oops.

We are having a Baby...

BOY!!!!!

No doubt that he is definately a boy!

We had our Big U/S today. I was floored and I think Scott was too that we arehaving a boy. I was positive it was a girl, but I could not have been more wrong if I tried! We are really excited about it! He has all of his parts (see pictures), his heart looks great, his brain looks great, no neural tube defects, and no signs of Downs! He weighed 12 ounces (Big Boy). He was long and active, the tech had some trouble getting a few of the pictures on the first try b/c he kept moving around so much. He was also measuring a full week ahead so they might move our Due Date up a few days!

I am ready to go out and buy stuff and pick out definate things now that we know for sure!


His name will be Landon, but we do not have a middle name yet. I will update you when we pick one!

Landon's Profile Picture. You can see his nose, lips, ears, and part of a hand if you look closely.

This is a picture of Landon's face looking at you. It looks a bit like Halloween to me. You can see his eyes (the circle is the lense of the eye), one hand, the nostrils, and the opening to his mouth!

House Pictures

The view out of one of the Master Bedroom Windows. The cross bar is not staying.

The view out of our kitchen window.

Front view of the house from up the street. Please excuse the dumpsters, they are in our drive way.

Back view of the house from the open "field" behind us.

From the far Right side wall. You can't see the "wings" on the yard though.

Looking down the hallway downstairs. This goes to the 4th bedroom, laundry room, and garage

Me standing in the "Family Room" in front of the stair case

We have a foundation, Framing, Wall Boards and HVAC all installed. We miss 1 WEEK going out there b/c we were busy and had alot going on, and this is what we show up too! The time before that we had gone out ot he house they just had the re-barb down, so we were only expecting a foundation. Man were we suprised when we showed up! Scott andI were so excited that we took about 150 pictures of the house! I won't bore you with all of them, here are the favorites ;o)

We have movement!

Last Friday (8/22/08) at 17 week 3 days we felt our first baby movements. I guess I felt the first baby movements would be more accurate. I was sitting at a cross country meeting for Zach and felt like someone was lightly tapping (thunking more like it) me from the inside. It was super cool to feel. I have felt a few more since, but i have to be sitting or lying really still. Still super cool though. I know they will get more frequent and more intense. I can't wait until they can be felt from the outside so Scott and company can experience it too.

17 Weeks

Wow 17 weeks. We are almost half way through. Some days it seems to have gone quick and other days it seems to go slower. As long as the nesxt 2 weeks go quick, I will be happy. What's in 2 weeks? We find out if we are having a boy or a girl. I can not be more excited about this. Not only knowing what sex our baby is, but also b/c we haven't had an u/s since week 10 and I am excited to see baby again. Hoping everything turns out o.k. and development, etc is normal. They will also be checking for birth defects, genetic stuff (ie: down syndrome, etc). It will be an hour long u/s so it will be fun to see the little one for that length of time.

I added a belly pic for those that are interested. Hopefully it is starting to look more like I am pregnant and less like I am just fat. It also depends on what I wear, but it should "pop" soon. I am also still waiting to feel baby. They say the mom can feel them anytime between 16-20 weeks, and "outsiders" can feel closer to 20 weeks. At this point it's hard to tell whether it is gas or baby, so I am saying gas until I have a more definate way of knowing.

I am feeling good. A little tired some days, but I chalk that up to having to get up at 5:00 now to make the drive to Ft. Huachuca in time to not be spending all evening there. I like my job so far. My case load is huge for only being there for 3 days a week, but my boss is going to see what she can do about that.

We are having more trouble with the house. The new buyers are trying to pull some stuff (again). Hopefully it will all work out, but our lawyer is on it in case they try to be difficult. I mean seriously how many times do we have to do this before the house sells? The stress is driving both Scott and I nuts. Wish us luck and good karma on everything turning out all right (again).