Meet my Baby Boy....Electronically!!!!

This past weekend was GREAT!!!  So much happened, even though it was a pretty relaxed weekend!  
Friday night, I can't even remember, but Saturday morning, I went to St. Albert to the market, where I got a car seat cover for winter, a hooded towel, 2 huge receiving blankets, and a sleep sack!  I got exactly what I went for, and then some more too!  Shortly after getting home, Steph came over to check out the stuff I have bought BBB (baby boy Bond) so far.  I loved opening all the drawers and basically showing off all the diapers, clothes, and other miscellaneous items!!  Such a moment of pride, I can't believe that in a matter of weeks (well, 11) I will be showing off my baby!!!!  Then, Alan came home from fishing and we went to the 3D Ultrasound.  Following this beautiful sight, we went for dinner with the Springers, and as soon as we got home, Alan went to bed, as he wasn't feeling well.  I spent the night watching TV, and waking Alan up to see how he felt!  Sunday morning, we lazed around a bit, and then went to the West Edmonton Mall, along with the rest of Edmonton.  It was so busy, I was going crazy, but it is back to school shopping.  Other than lunch and frozen yogurt (of course) I got 2 clips for my Pandora bracelet to keep my charms where I want them.  After the mall, we went to Babies R Us and chose the crib, stroller and car seat!  All ready to go there.  I am so glad Alan was there, as it is impossible for me to make huge decisions like that myself. 

Now for the super exciting news......the 3D Ultrasound has come and gone, and I am still in awe over it.  All of our parents, my sisters and a friend had the luxury of being able to view the ultrasound live online, and I was so happy they all could.  Steph and Cait came along with Alan and I, and they enjoyed it as well!

It is confirmed, he is a HE! (My dreams proved me wrong again!!!)

So, here are some pics from the ultrasound!!!!

Moving around a little bit!!

Still relaxing with his little hand close by!

It's a BOY!!!  (The tech actually said he had a long penis, we all laughed so hard!!!)

A little foot and toes!!!

Still sleeping!

 (Look at his bicep!!!)

He opened his eyes to look back at us!!!!

Is that a smile?

This is where I shed my first tear!  He is sucking his thumb...it was so sweet, and he is so human like (of course) it is still shocking though to know that he is Alan and my son!

All snuggled up using his arm and my belly as a pillow!

After playing with his cord, he decided he was tired and needed yet another nap! (Another tearful moment for me!!!)

Folded in half!

It was so amazing to see, and I loved looking over at Alan and seeing him smile and look interestingly on at the screens!

The tech said that everything looked good (she isn't a radiologist though of course).  She estimates him to be fairly tall.  She said that he looked very much like his Dad but with my nose.  She also said he has a little bit of fine hair on his head, and has nice full lips!  I can't wait to kiss him.  He will probably stay in the position he is in now, as he is getting too big (approx 3lbs) and there isn't enough room for him to move around much).

It's amazing how much you can love someone without ever meeting them or knowing them yet.  I want to hug him so tight, and kiss every part of his face over and over again!  I want to hold him, and love him, and kiss him!  AND....I think he wants me to hold him!These are going to be a long 11 weeks ahead of me!!!

GDS...To Skip or Not to Skip???

Man-oh-man, did I ever screw this up!  You know when someone says to get a test done in a few weeks, well, those weeks have come and gone and I didn't get around to getting the testing done.
From what I understood when I was first given the blood req forms, was that I had to have blood work done to confirm my blood type for my WinRo shot.  And I had to have the Gestational Diabetes Test done at the Perinatal Clinic a week after that, or a week after the WinRo blood work, I forget exactly.
I go yesterday before my pre-natal appointment to get the blood work done at the lab in the clinic I am already in. I decide to look at my form...it states on it "Nothing to eat, drink, smoke or chew 3 hours before."  Okay so, skip that test for today.
I see my doctor, she asks me about it, and I tell her that I don't really understand what I am suppose to do.  She then tells me to do a 3 hour fast and get blood work, and they then I will be called to be informed as to where and when I go next to drink the orange crap.
So, this morning, I fast and go to the clinic again, the girl at the counter states that I have to wait an hour there after drinking the orange crap.  WTF???  I thought I was only getting blood work done first?
I run upstairs to my pre-natal clinic to get the booking girl to explain it all to me.  Again, I am now on a 3rd explanation and it is different from the first one SHE gave me, the doctor and the lab girl.  I have since called the DynaLife Lab people to make an appointment, and I can't get in anywhere by appointment at 7am.  I do still have to make it to work at 8:30am.  I can go as a walk in, but "apparently" they need to prepare the drink.

I am thinking maybe I will just skip the testing.  I am not sure I can though as I also have to have blood work done to test for syphilis.  Which I guess is routine testing done 3 times throughout your pregnancy.  It just doesn't seem to be able to work out for me time wise.  That or I am too lazy really!  And just annoyed and irritated!!!
And I also hear that this test is brutal, being made to chug this orange crap in seconds, and then sit there with a full bladder for 1 hour.
Can I skip the testing though??  Do I have to have it?  I have opted out of other tests and medical care which was recommended I get.  Chances are I do not have GD as I get my sugar tested through my urine at every appointment right?  I am not overweight, etc etc etc.  However, my mom is diabetic and my older sister had GD with her last pregnancy.  So, does that mean I am at a higher risk of having it???

I did find one place that opens tomorrow morning at 7:30, and I might have to a wait about 15 mins to actually get in, so if I do have to wait, then I will be late for work.  Actually, I will be late regardless as I have to sit there for 1 hour, and then get to work, luckily it's only a couple blocks away!

THE Room is Started!!!

Last night Alan decided it would  be a great idea to move the spare room into the den.  I of course went along with it, as I have wanted this done for a number of months now.  So, we got it all moved and organized.  It looks great, we just need to move the blinds, curtains and wall pictures still.  Then the spare room is complete in its new location.

We also built the dresser/changetable for the babies room.  Alan did the bulk of it, and I did the drawers, and Alan only had to fix a couple of the wheel things that I apparently put on the wrong side.  We also started attacking the closet with full force.  So much stuff, most of which we threw out, as it was crap we had accumulated for years and never did anything with.  After setting up the dresser and cleaning the room out, I put everything we have for the baby in the drawers.  The top drawer is FULL of diapers!!!!!  So many cute things, I even kissed the little dog I bought in the States.  I love it so much, it's so cute!!!!!!

By the time the night was over, I was beat.  A day filled with lunch with friends, a trip to Costco, laundry, dresser building, more laundry, closet cleaning, and of course more laundry, means my bed was looking pretty fine!  I finally get into bed, and little boy Bond decided it is time to play.  I call Alan in to the room to see my tummy moving, and we both just watched it and laughed.  I then took a video.  Check it out.  The quality isn't great as it was on my phone, so I will explain.  The giant blob is my tummy, and the gaping hole is my bellybutton.  My breathing is easy to see as it is regular, but you can really see the punches and kicks.

I didn't go to work today as my back and sciatic nerve are killing me.  I think too much activity yesterday!  I did manage to get out and go to HomeSense today as Alan said walking around would be good for me.  I am sure he didn't mean for me to go to HomeSense and go shopping, but, he should have known that's what I would do!  hahaha

Anyway, I have given up on finding "the perfect" nursey decor, and decided to find a picture I loved and then work from there.  Well, today...I found that picture!  It was quite the drama, as I grabbed it and took it to the next aisle to really look at it, think about it, and inspect it.  This woman comes up and asks me if I am getting it.  I tell her that I think I am.  She then pressures me telling me that she had brought her son to the store, as she wanted to get it. Then she calls him over, and he says he likes it, and she clearly wants him to say that he has to have it, and then rip it out of my hand.  THEN....his daughter comes over and grabs the side of it.   The woman asks me again if I am getting it, even though if by the laws of "First Come, First Serve" I clearly am the winner.   I mean, there was no one around when I picked it up and practically put it in my cart.  I then feel bad that they want it to, but you know, I figured that if I didn't get it now, then I would loose my chance.  And then decide that I am buying it, and if I change my mind it doesn't matter, as I can just get my money back.  But leaving the store without it, means its gone!  AND...it is exactly the type of picture I was looking for too!  Eventually I came to my senses and thought screw her, grabbed it and pretty much ran away.  Then I kept seeing her, and it was so big I couldn't even get it in the cart so I had to carry it around.  I am glad I stood my ground though and screwed them over.  It made me smile that I got what I wanted....and fairly too!  PLUS...it was on clearance!!!

The theme now for the babies room is...well, it's....you know....it's.....okay, so there isn't a theme, but I guess if I had to choose one then I would say it is colours!!!!

I also bought a lamp, 3 more wall pictures, an adorable pillow, and wall hooks for all 3 initials.  Although, in the picture, you can only see the middle and last initial as I turned the first around!!!!  Sorry guys!!!!  I think that I will try to find curtains or the bedding that is red.  I'd like something in orange and green still as well!!!!  My hunt is on!!!  The had really cute mini table and chairs as well, although that isn't necessary at this point.  Steph had picked up a stick-on wall decal the other day so I can't wait to see that!!!   You can't see the dresser/changetable in the picture, so I will wait until later to update that picture when I have more.  The window will be installed in about 3 weeks, then painting, then all the fun decorating stuff can really begin!!!  And then a couple weeks after that is my shower!!!  I can't wait!

Where does the time go?

Another post in just 2 days....I hope I am  not causing anyone too much shock!!!

Things in regards to the pregnancy are going really well.  At the end of the month I have the 4D ultrasound, as well as my WinRo shot because of my negative blood type, or is it positive, I seriously forget.  I just know when and where I have to go to get it.  My next test after that will be for gestational diabestes.  I hope that goes well!  This is my last monthly appointment, and then I am going every 2 weeks to see my prenatal doctor...well, 1 of 11.

Today I am 26 weeks and 4 days!  Getting very close to my 3rd trimester.  The home stretch is coming so soon now!  I never thought I would be at this point.  I would look at people at my Yoga class (also known as the worst 90 minutes of my week) who were 25-30 weeks, and wondered what I would look like at that point, and how I would feel.  I am having a lot of back pains and sciatic nerves problems, but am getting through it.  Last week it was so bad that I told Alan I was done with this pregnancy and that I give up.  I also said that this little boy would be an only child.  We will see if those words prove to be wrong later on!
To help with the back pains, I have a hot water pack, new shoes and am trying to get a monthly massage.  Oh, and I bought a new Lulu Lemon wrap...just because it makes me happy!  I miss my hoodies so much! 

I have gotton in contact with a Doula.  My massage therapist has a client who does this, and passed me her number, as this is something I am very interested in for a number of reasons.  I have a very close friend who is a Doula as well, and she has offered her services.  However, I am leary about how I might treat her at that time, I always seem to think that having someone I know there will be rough as I might be mean to them, but I also know that those I love, and especially her will not take offense to it, and will probably even find it funny!  I know what she will provide me with the comfort and insanity I will likely appreciate at the stressful time of removing a human baby from my body through my crotch!!!!!  Because, word on the street has it that when going through childbirth, that is seriously what is going to happen! OMG!!!

I also know that it will be so hard for her to coordinate her being here for the birth as she lives in Ontario and a 4 hour plane ride at very short notice will be a challenge.  I really don't know what to do. I am stuck as to what decisions to make.  What if I got into labout early, and she isn't here, or she has taken a week off work to be with me, and I am late, and she ends up having to leave before the baby is born?  This is why I feel someone local might be my best option.  We will see.  I am going to meet her tomorrow and see how we get along, and what she believes in and if we are on the same page when it comes to a birth plan. (Which, apparently, according to my book, I should be thinking about....)  OMG AGIAN!!!!

And for photos!!!!

25w1d (Underwater)

25w1d - Floating.  I had this same picture at 17 weeks I think (When in England)

And the most recent where I am at 26w0d.

 (Taken on Aug 13, 2010)

Girls Girl Girls!!!

Last weekend I spent around 4 days with my Mom and 2 sisters. Something I rarely do as I live so far away from them all.

I flew in on Thursday night at 11:30pm into Toronto.  From the airport I went straight to the hotel where they had thrown me a suprise baby shower!  Even though, I was so tired, and stuffy from the plane, it was a lot of fun, and I got some great gifts.  Aside from baby stuff Christine got me a Pandora Carriage Charm, and Brittany got me a Pandora Hedgehog Charm.  I love them!  I had a grand total of 3 charms at this point.

The next morning we got up, had a crapola breakfast, and then headed to Buffalo, New York.  the border crossing was really quick, and cool as we had the top down in the convertable.  Both Brittany and I were freaking out, as we hate the top down feature!

We checked into our mediocre hotel, and instantly started shopping.  The next couple days consisted of more shopping and eating and pedicures!

I did buy a cute baby outfit, a sweater and a Coach Clutch, which I LOVE!!!! 

We threw Christine a suprise baby shower in the Pandora store. We all pitched in and bought her a bracelet, and then we all bought the same charm, so, now I have 4.  I love the charm we all bought, it is a great memory from the mini vacation. Oh, and Christine bought the hedgehog charm as well, so we also all have that one!

Sunday, we packed up and left, and headed back to Canada.  Again, the border crossing was very quick.  I got into the airport with much time to spare, so I decided that have a chair massage, which I think was the best massage I have ever had, followed by an ice cream.  The fligth back was so uncomfortable.  I really don't think I can fly again during this pregnancy, unless of course there was an emergency.

All in all the weekend was great.  We did gang up on eachother a bit, as families do, but I think we all know that it can be easier to poke fun, then it can be to show love! 

Here are some pictures of the trip!

Us Sisters sitting on the back of the convertable!

(Christine (oldest), Brittany (youngest), Me (middle))

Us in our Baboushkas!

The suprise shower we threw Christine at the Pandora store.

The noodles we bought for the pool that we had to walk around with at the mall all day!

Us 3 girls in the pool...with our noodles!!!

This underwater shot took many attempts to have a half decent one! 

All 4 of us on our last day together!

My Body, My Wonderful Body

I've said before that women's bodies are truly amazing, and here I am experiencing this in MY OWN body, everyday!
Everyday, several times a day I can feel this little man moving around.  I am not yet sure if I can feel his kicks or punches, but I feel something, that is for sure.
This past weekend, I was watching TV, and as my belly is getting larger, I see it more than I ever have before.  Well, I thought I saw my belly move, but wasn't sure, so I continuously watched, and sure enough, little man was moving so much that it was visible from the outside.  Alan also caught it as well.  It was so special that I was able to experience something and then instantly share it with him.
People have often said to me "Wait until your tummy moves on its own, or you see hand move across"  Well.....I had no idea it would be so soon.
I almost want to rush to the store and grab a packet of Malteesers and be just like the couple on the commercial!  haha

I am currently 24 weeks and 4 days, ALREADY!!!  It seems as though the time has passed so quickly, of course with a few very slow days and week squeezed in there as well.

Our preparations for him have slowed down for now.  We ordered a new window for his room, but it cannot be installed until sometime in September, so we have to wait until after the installation to be able to paint, and decorate, we will also wait for our divorce...I mean furniture building day until after the install as well.  Since I won't be able to lift the furniture, I think I will stay out of that altogether, especially as it can be so stressful for couples to share in building furniture!  haha
I think we have all the diapers we need though, unless of course I hate a certain style and have to replace them.  We did buy a dresser/changetable this weekend though.

Steph has started planning the shower, which will happen in October.  I am so excited!!!!  She will do an amazing job as a host!  I hope that everyone will be able to come and celebrate with me.

This weekend, I am flying to Ontario, only to hop in my Mom's convertible car shortly after landing, with my sisters and mom, to spend the weekend in Buffalo, NY.  It should be a good time, hopefully there aren't any family fights or freakouts.  No guarantees of course though!  It will be neat to see my oldest sister Christine pregnant as I don't think I saw her pregnant with her first at all! 

At the end of the month, I have my 4D ultrasound scheduled.  As creeped out as I am by these scans, I am excited to get a sneak peek of baby and confirm again that he does in fact have a penis!  I am allowed to bring people with me, and so far, Steph and Caitlin are coming.  Zoe will also be in from Houston that weekend, so hopefully she can attend as well!!!

Things are going so well.  I am though, incredibly lazy, and seriously cannot even remember the last time I cooked or cleaned.  I still do laundry all the time, but other than that NOTHING!!!  I even ask Alan to get me things like ice cream and water!  I feel horrible, but at the same time, I know I have limited time left to be lazy or bored, so I am going to ride this out as long as possible, in which, these days are numbered anyway.  This second trimester has really shown me the true meaning of fatigue and discomfort.  Still manageable though, where I can productively continue to work and function (on some days), so that's good.

On another note, this past weekend, we were able to help friends move, attend the annual Capital Ex Festivities and do lots of yard work.  Alan did the most part of the yard work, okay, all of it, I did have to refill his water though, as it was another scortcher this weekend.  I also did a little shopping, and Alan fixed his newly aquired weed eater and blower! 

Life is great!  I am in great health, as is Baby Bond and Alan.  The pets are happy, healthy and full of love, the bills are paid, we love our house and jobs, and of course eachother, what more could we ask for? Our lives are damn near perfect!!!!

Happy August Everyone!

And finally....some updated photos (although not from this week)!

22w1d

23w1d

23w1d (this picture looks funny because it my belly looks all bumpy and the way I am standing I am really looking as though I will tip over!!!)