Welcome Addilyn Mae Mamich!

I am so happy to announce that Addilyn Mae is here! She is just so precious and already fits perfectly into our new family of 4. To say my labor with Addy was easy would be the understatement of the century. I started having early labor contractions on Monday night around 11:15pm. Chuck and I were in bed watching a tv show and I would have to turn over and squeeze his hand every 3-4 minutes. I had remembered my doctor saying that with a second baby that I needed to go into the hospital once contractions got to be 5 minutes apart. I called labor and delivery and told them what was going on and they said just to come in and get checked out to be safe. So, I drove myself to the hospital because Macy was sleeping and I wanted chuck to stay with her. I told him I would call him with updates. I got to the hospital around 1:00am and got hooked up to the monitors . Sure enough, my contractions were 4-6 minutes apart. We waited to see if they got more intense and if they were going to get closer together. After an hour of monitoring, they were getting further and further apart. Needless to say, I got sent home with the instructions to come back when contractions were 5 minutes apart consistently and when I couldn't talk through them. I was disappointed to say the least and went back home wondering how I was going to sleep that night because I definitely couldn't sleep through the pain of the contractions I was having. I got home at 3am and was up on and off the rest of the night. Chuck decided to work from home the next day to allow me some more sleep since I got hardly any. I got about a good 3 hours and then went to my doctors appointment at noon. I was still having contractions but they were now 30-45 minutes apart. While meeting with the doctor he swept my membranes and decided that we were going to get induced the next morning (Wednesday) at 7am. At that time I was 3cm dilated and 70% effaced. When I was at the hospital earlier that morning I was 1-2 cm and 70% effaced. The contractions I was having were making progress. I got home told chuck the news and started getting things in order for the next morning. We decided to go out to dinner since we knew it was going to be our last hours as a family of 3. While at dinner, I was having even more intense contractions about 10 minutes apart. I made it through dinner and told chuck there was no way I was going to be able to get Macy ready for bed and put her down because I was in so much pain. We watched tv for a while, then I couldn't take the pain anymore, started crying and chuck drew a warm bath for me. I thought the biggest part of my problem was just being so tired from not getting any sleep and contracting all day..... That's what I THOUGHT. The bath was nice but the contractions were still quite intense. I then got out of the bath and made my way to side side of the bed. I found standing at the side of the bed with my hands on the mattress was the best position. By this time, I was crying, swearing, and begging for these contractions to stop. It was about 9:00 pm or so. Chuck was putting Macy down and I was battling the mighty contractions. I had changed positions many times, but nothing was making them better. Chuck got in the room around 10:00pm from putting Macy down and was helping rub my back during the contractions. By this time they were about 7-5 minutes part and about 1.5-2 minutes in duration. We were so set on the contractions having to be 5 minutes apart before going to the hospital, I just kept battling. They eventually got to where I was shaking uncontrollably, crying, swearing, and begging God to make them stop. By this time they were like 6-3 minutes apart. We were still caught up on them not consistently being 5 minutes apart, but I told Chuck I couldn't take it anymore and to call my mom to come out to watch Macy. So another hour of laboring until my mom got to our house and my contractions were 3-4 minutes apart. We left right when she got to out house which was at 1:00 am. We arrived to the hospital at 1:20am. Chuck took my in a wheelchair up to labor and delivery. I sat in the chair clutching my pillow and holding it against my mouth because I was still screaming and crying uncontrollably. I finally got to the room and the nurses were moving SUPER fast. They knew I wasn't going to make it much longer. They got my labs and IV started right away checked me. I was 7cm and 100% effaced. They said they didn't know if I was going to be able to get the epidural, but we filled out all of the paperwork just in case. They said since my water hadn't broken yet we still may have time. They did call my doctor and she got there right away. Like I said, everything went so fast. At 2:05 my doctor walked in and AS SHE WALKED IN, my water broke. She checked me and I was at 8cm. She said we will still have time for the epidural. My contractions got even worse after my water broke. I was hysterical and said I couldn't do this anymore. Every time I had a contraction now, I felt pressure down there. The nurse checked me and said baby is right there!!! In 2 seconds the big lights were on, feet were in stirrups, and doctor was in her scrubs. Obviously, I was not getting the epidural. Once I realized this, I totally panicked! I was crying hysterical and screaming again saying I couldn't do this. Chuck was by my side just telling me to breathe. I honestly couldn't even think of breathing all I could do was scream. In 4 pushes she was out. Exactly 2:30am. We made it to the hospital with an hour and 10 minutes to spare. I will be honest and say laboring was super intense and by far the worst pain I have EVER felt, but the delivery without the epidural was a breeze! I didn't feel anything down there!!! I don't know of its your adrenaline or endorphins or what, but no pain. I seriously felt more when I was delivering Macy with an epidural. Addilyn was 7 lbs 9 ounces and 21 inches long. She looks very similar to Macy and I am so thrilled to have her here with us. We do have to stay until Friday morning because I was GBS positive and wasn't at the hospital in enough time to receive all the antibiotic for Addy. So she just has to be watched until tomorrow morning. I know she will be just fine because she is super alert and nursing like a champ!!! I will post pictures tomorrow; I just wanted immediate family to see her first before the whole world does. The last of the immediate family is coming to visit tonight, so tomorrow you all will be able to see our Addilyn. Thank you for thoughts and prayers. We are all doing well, Mommy is just a little sore and sleepy. Oh by the way, big sister Macy is quite fond of her little sister already. She holds her, gives her kisses, high fives, hugs, holds her hand, and combs her hair. I am loving life right now. Let's see if I am still saying this in a week.... Sleep deprived with a newborn and 2 year old :)

Tomorrow is THE DAY!!!

Where do I start?!?! Last night around 11:15pm Chuck and I were watching a tv show in bed and I started having contractions. They were all in my lower abdomen and 3-4 minutes apart lasting about 45 seconds a piece. I remembered the doctor saying when my contraction got to 5 minutes apart to go to Labor and Delivery. I called L&D and they said to come in just to be monitored to see if its the real thing, especially because it is baby #2. So, I got myself to the hospital around 1:00am. Chuck stayed with Macy while she was sleeping and I told him I would call him if it were the real thing. The fog was HORRIBLE driving there!!! The WORST I have ever driven in by far! Anyways, I get to the hospital, get hooked up and my contractions started out 2.5-5 minutes apart. However, as time went on, they started getting further and further apart :(. I was sent home and told to come back when they were 5 minutes apart and to the intensity where I couldn't walk or talk. I cried on the way home because I was still contracting and didn't know how I was going to be able to sleep. I got home around 3 am and continued to have contractions. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep. Chuck decided to work from home today so I could try to catch up on my sleep now that my contractions had been a good distance apart. I did get a few hours of solid sleep. Thank you wonderful husband!!! :) Chuck and Macy came in to wake me up, and I asked what time it was. Chuck replied with, "11:10." I jumped out of bed (as fast as I could) and started getting ready for my doctor appt I had at NOON!!!! I hd 20 minutes to get dressed and ready. Needless to say, I made it there in time. Phew! So the doctor comes in and I tell him all about my eventful morning which he somewhat already knew about because I guess they were calling him with my updates. Anyways, he checks me and I was at 3cm! I was only at 1cm while I was at the hospital. So things were happening this morning. He said that we are going to induce TOMORROW at 7am! I am beyond excited because I have never been this uncomfortable in my life; mainly due to my beast of a sciatic nerve! He also said to be prepared to deliver an 8 lb baby. He said he is not a little peanut. Haha. I am ready, and the epidural will help with that. So.... tomorrow you all will be hearing news of our precious Addilyn Mae entering the world! Wish us luck! Thank you all for all of your thoughts, prayers and well wishes. They got us this far.... 40 weeks and 2 days today! She should be fully cooked and ready to meet everyone.

What is Going On?!?!?!?!

Another Doctor's appointment today.... MY BP WAS 118/68! That is the best it has EVER been since being pregnant!!!! Woo Hoo! It looks like I just may make it to my due date with this little one. I am so happy an induction is not in the very near future :) My cervix is now "very soft" but still no dilation. She must really be cozy in there! I have no swelling to speak of and have not gained any weight in 3 weeks, which is okay, the baby is still growing. I have been sick since this weekend with a bad head/chest cold and haven't had much of an appetite. Funny story from my appointment today.... as usual you get weighed and then have to give a urine sample in a cup, well after I got weighed, the nurse asked if I could give a sample; I replied with a "Oh , YES I CAN!" I had been waiting for that moment. I guess I got so caught up in the moment and was so excited to go, I forgot to pee in a cup! Ugh. So after my appt. I had to chug some water so they could do their little dip test. lol. Everything came back fine, it was just too funny. Thank you all for your support, prayers, and well wishes. They clearly are working! :)

Hip Hip Hooray!!!!

I DON'T HAVE TO GET INDUCED TOMORROW!!!!!!! YIPPIE! I had my weekly appointment today fully expecting my blood pressure to be high again for the 4th week in a row and to schedule my induction for tomorrow like the doctor said I would most likely have to do. Well, I get there and my BP was good! It was still high (138/90) but much lower than it had been the previous weeks. They were VERY pleased with this, and I also lost half a pound which shows my swelling is also down. I can tell just by looking at my ankles that I don't have nearly as much swelling as I had last week. :) This was an answer to my prayers! I did not want to get induced; I just want my little lady to cook for as long as she needs. My next appointment is Wednesday; hoping all goes the same as today! Yay! I am one happy girl! :) My cervix is "softer" but not very soft and I still am barely a fingertip dilated. Miss Addilyn Mae is not ready to come see us yet, and I am okay with that. She needs her time to bake :)

DeJa Vu

So I had my much anticipated doctor's appointment today, and we got a bit of information. My blood pressure is still high. It was 148/98 today which is not the worst it has been, but still up there. The doctor wants me to go for my weekly non-stress test either tomorrow and Saturday and run some labs just to be safe and check for any signs of pre eclampsia. She then said if at my next appointment (Thurday, April 19th) my BP is still high, which it will be, then we will most likely schedule an attempt at an induction Friday morning (April 20th). I will be 3 days shy of 38 weeks; I know Addy will be considered "full term," but I would love for her to bake longer and start labor on my own, not be induced...... It is seriously the most uncomfortable thing. I know this because I was induced with Macy at 37 weeks. There is a good chance though that the induction will not take because my cervix is still high, closed, and firm. The induction will just help it get to where it needs to be a little quicker, so the doctor says. With Macy I had an attempted induction, like I said at 37 weeks as well, I was at the hospital for 24 hours and then sent home because my BP was stable and there was no progress with my cervix. I ended up having Macy 2 weeks later, going into labor on my own. I just see this same exact story playing over again. Don't get me wrong, I am excited to meet my little girl, but just want her to come when she is ready. :)

This is going to be a week from you know where.... I am going to have to get everything ready as if we are going to have her next weekend, because it technically could happen. The kicker is.... Chuck will be in Vegas for a work convention from Monday-Thursday. I will have to get everything ready by myself while battling with my dear Macy Claire. It looks like I will be having some late nights ahead of me :) At least I am not worried about going into labor on my own while he is away due to my cervix being so not ready to have a baby. It is just going to be insane..... No hubby Monday-Thursday, appointment on Thursday morning, Induction on Friday morning. Yeesh!!! It will all work out though, it always does.

Here We Go Again.....

Well.... looks like my blood pressure is going to decide to be high again for the remaining of this pregnancy. Last week at 9:30 pm on Friday I took my blood pressure (yes we have a blood pressure cuff at home due to my high bp when I was pregnant with Macy) and it was 151/105. I was in shock! I thought I would take it because I was feeling a little light-headed and my head was pounding. I decided to wait about ann hour and a half before calling my OB because with Macy, rest cured the high bp. I took my bp again at 11:00 and it was 148/104. Darn it. So I call my OB and she said, "Off to labor and delivery you go!" So I called my mom and told her I needed her to come out to go to the hospital with me so I could get a non-stress test done. Chuck and I decided it was best for him to stay home with Macy instead of my parents because Macy has been waking up a lot a night now, and I think she would be more comfortable going back to bed with Chuck. Also, I wanted Chuck to get some rest because then he could take care of Macy in the morning while I slept in because I knew it was going to be a long night in L&D. My parents arrived to my house at like 12:15am and my mom and I got to L&D around 12:45am. I get hooked up to the monitors, and the first bp reading was like 117/72. How could this be?!?!! That's just how I am. As soon as I get to the hospital all goes just fine and dandy. I didn't not have one high reading for the next 3 hours we were there. My labs all came back good and I was good to go home. I got home at 4:00am feeling much more at ease knowing everything was good with our little Addy. THANK YOU again Mom and Dad for coming to my rescue! Macy would not have been a happy camper if she would have had to of been woken up and sit in a hospital room for hours on end in the middle of the night.

So its a week later, and I had my normal OB appt today. What do ya know? My bp was 158/100. The doctor wants me now to come for weekly visits AND weekly non-stress tests! Ugh. Although, because I have no signs of pre-eclampsia I dont have to get labs drawn. All he wants for the non-stress tests is like a 20 minute strip of the baby's activity to make sure she is getting enough blood flow and oxygen. So that will lessen the time I am at the hospital SIGNIFICANTLY! I also asked him about my chances of being induced and having to have Miss Addilyn early. He said if I continue to show high readings at the office, they will push for an early delivery. So, she could be here quite soon. He did say that my cervix would have to be favorable or else it would be pointless. So we shall see. It will be interesting when she will make her arrival, but I am prepared mentally to go early. He did say though that I am currently measuring big (by the tape measure) and I do not have a "scrawny little thing in there!" So that was somewhat re-assuring. Macy was so small when born at 39 weeks (6lbs 15oz) I would be terrified to deliver Addy at 37 weeks or so thinking she would be 5lbs or less. It seems that will not be the case. So that is good. I still would LOVE to keep her in there for 38+ weeks.... but I guess it is something I do not have any control over. When Chuck gets home, I will be going to the hospital for my non-stress test (NST) because there were NO ROOMS available at the hospital after my appointment. I guess they are swamped. lol. I'm sure everything will be just dandy: my bp will be perfect and Addy Mae will be having a party in her little bag of water. I will keep everyone posted. :) Looks like a lot of Dr. appointments are in my future until Addy gets here now... we are really at the home stretch!

Quick Update!

I just have a few moments before I need to feed Macy lunch; I just wanted to fill you all in on good news I received yesterday. I got a call from my doctor with my ultrasound results..... my fluid level is just fine AND.... my placenta is not even CLOSE to my cervix anymore!!!! Woo Hoo!!! I did a happy dance. :) I was just happy I didn't have to wait until my appointment on Friday to find this out. Thank you for all of your thoughts and well wishes! It looks like it should be smooth sailing from here on out :)

Crazy About Crafting!

It has been a while since my last post because let's just say I have been a little obsessed with Addilyn's nursery! Macy and I have been shopping almost everyday after her nap to either Michael's or Joann fabrics in search of crafts I found on Pinterest I want to do for Addy's room. So far I have COMPLETED 2 crafts: My paint chip art work, and my "A" button monogram. Before I show you the two completed projects, here is the color scheme of the room:




The fabric is what I am going to make the crib skirt with and the yarn is for a mobile I am going to make (eventually)

Now for my COMPLETED projects....


Here is how the paint chip art came out....



This project was SUPER cheap and easy! I have been a clepto at stores like Wal Mart, Lowe's, and Home Depot snagging free paint swatches...free! The frame I got on sale from Michaels for $4.99, and I already had the circle paper punch and modge podge. It took me about 2 hours start to finish to complete this. Super easy and quick!


Now for the button monogram:









I am super happy with how this turned out! I used double stick tape to set the buttons. I decided to use double stick tape so I could still manipulate the buttons as needed as I went along. I then added all of the brads to fill in the empt gaps. I just found the brads Wednesday at Michael's. I had been looking FOREVER for them, and must have never gone down the right asile. They are a definite necessity for this craft. Once I was done placing my buttons and brads where I wanted them, I modge podged over the whole project to set the buttons for good. I didn't want buttons popping off weeks from now. It took too much time and effort the first time, if I had to re-do it because of buttons falling off all the time, I would have been devastated. This project probably took a total of 4 hours because I am very anal when it comes to things like this. I really did enjoy making it though. I think I may add some fabric flowers to the corner of the frame..... again, found how to do that on Pinterest!

I am in the middle of 2 other projects right now: I am refinishing a lamp shade and I am also covering canvases with fabric for more nursery decor. I will post pictures when those are done as well.


Crafts still on the list to complete:

*Refinish a clock
*Balloon/yarn mobile
*Blocks
*Crib skirt


Chuck and his dad painted the wall in the nursery and the trim last weekend. We will be getting the furniture this weekend (probably tomorrow) and then we will start putting the room together! So excited! By this time, Macy's room was finished except for a rocking chair. Haha.


In other news.... I took an introduction to sewing class with my best friend at Joann fabrics on Monday. I really really enjoyed it and got the information I needed to make the things I am currently interested in making: appliqués for onesies and shirts, pillows, and tag blankets. I have been on search for a hobby because my husband claims I need one. lol. I agree, there is nothing I am really passionate about except my family. I need something I can do for me. SO I am trying different things out. I dont' know when I will get to actually stat sewing because 1... I need to buy a sewing machine, and 2... I have to finish these projects for the nursery and 3….. I have to start getting ready for Macy’s 2nd birthday party. It’s only going to be immediate family and our best friends, but I need to decide what we are going to eat, and I need to practice decorating these cupcakes I found on Pinterest. Haha. So lots to do, lots to do!

Maureen wasn’t too keen on the sewing as a hobby, so I told her to pick another class to try. I think we are going to go to a cake decorating class soon, and after Addy is born, a Zumba class! Watch this girl who had 0 hobbies go to having 5! Haha. Chuck will be sorry he told me to go in search of one. He may never see his wife anymore…..

Bed Rail

Well last night was the first night with the new bed rail. I would say it was a success! Macy never rolled off her bed (it would be nearly impossible) and didn't wake up in the middle of the night. Let's see if this continues. I am still at a loss of what to do about her whole sleep schedule. Yesterday she woke up around 6:25am, napped from 12:45-2:00 (I woke her up at 2:00), and then went to bed at 9:25pm (it took her 35 minutes to fall asleep). She woke up this morning at 6:45am. She is getting only 9 hours at night and it is NOT ENOUGH! She woke up crabby and you can just tell in her eyes she is sleepy. I am definitely going to put her down earlier for her nap...at least attempt to. I had my doctor appointment yesterday, that's why her nap was late. I am also going to see how long she will nap if I just leave her alone. I am going to try and have her ASLEEP by 8:30pm no matter what time she wakes up from nap. I can only try to push things earlier. We will see if it is successful....


Pictures of her new bed rail.....








Macy also has some obsession with wearing Chuck's Clothes... She had to have on his North Face jacket and polo. She wore it for probably the last 2 hours of the night. Had to take pictures... :)

Sorry

Sorry it has been so long since I have blogged last. Ugh. It has been a little crazy with this "sleep schedule" of Macy's. She was doing good taking naps, but she would nap from about 12:20 until 2:00ish (which is totally fine) but then would not be tired to go to bed until 10:00 pm. I was having a very hard time with the 10:00 bed time for her because once she went down, I would want to unwind by watching a show I DVR'd or by spending time with the hubby. I would find myself being up until 11:30-midnight and then would have to wake up at like 6:30 am. Also, keep in mind she has no been sleeping through the night very well lately. She would be up at least 2-3 times a week in the middle of the night anywhere from 50 minutes- 2 hours. I then would wake up at 6:30-7:00 and would have had very poor sleep. I am also sleeping somewhat poorly due to this growing belly of mine. lol. I finally said, "NO MORE NAPS FOR MACY!" When she wasn't taking naps, she would go to bed so easily and around 7:00-8:00. This was going to be great...so i thought. The first couple of weeks she was fine with the no naps, granted she would still wake up in the middle of the night at times, but she would go to bed like a dream and at a good hour. Recently however, she has been getting so tired mid-day that my heat just breaks how sleepy she looks. It saddened me that I was doing everything I could to not allow her to fall asleep. Yesterday, she fell asleep in the grocery cart, sitting up, while we were shopping. That was the last straw. Now, she is back to napping, I think I am just going to limit her naps to 1 hour. We will see how that works out.

Macy is still rolling off of her day bed at night. I think this is what wakes her up half of the time in the middle of the night. Yes, we do still have the other mattress on the ground, but I still feel like it is interrupting her sleep. Chuck made a bed rail out of MDF, foam, and fabric that we started assembling last night. We are going to complete it today, and hopefully that solves the problem of her waking up so frequently in the middle of the night. I think she just needs to feel more secure, like she did when she was in her crib.

I had an OB Appointment today and all was pretty routine. I am 29 weeks along and my belly has just recently "popped" maybe 2-3 weeks ago. It was like that with Macy too. I am kind of the late bloomer I suppose. I have my ultrasound scheduled for March 13th to recheck once again my AFI levels and also to check the location of the placenta. Let's all hope for positive news all around. I am actually feeling pretty good about it! :)

Nothing else is really new over here. Same ole same ole, but I guess that can be a good thing. I hope all is well with everyone else. Wish us luck with Macy liking her new toddler bed rail! I will post pictures soon of what the finished product looks like!

Official Cravings and My Little Hamlet

Finally some "official" cravings!!! I have been wanting onion rings and chocolate milk non-stop! Thank goodness onion rings are hard to get (meaning I have to leave my house) or else I (and the scale) would be in A LOT of trouble. The chocolate milk however is at my disposal at any time. I feel this isn't a TERRIBLE craving for the little bean is getting some calcium. A little birdie told me that Burger King is giving away FREE onion rings this Saturday and Sunday. Hmmmmm.....

Just had to throw in some adorable pictures taken yesterday of my little Macy bug. She has a new obsession of putting on Chuck's clothes. The other day it was his jeans, and yesterday it was his Bears zip-up hoodie. She HAD to have her arms all the way through.... I love her!!!



Making her "cheese" face




Just being cute

25 Week Appointment and Alphabet Kid!!!

As many of you know this has not been the "smoothest" pregnancy for me. Because of the bad cramping I had on Wednesday, I got my appointment moved up to today from Wednesday.

Some good parts of the appointment:

* I did not gain any weight from last month! (Gained 6 pounds total so far!)
* Blood pressure was good!
* Baby's heartbeat was strong and loud at 137 bpm!

Some REALLY good parts of the appointment:

* Amniotic fluid level is no longer an issue!!!! :)
* Baby is now measuring in the 53rd percentile!!!! :)

One not so good part of the appointment:

* Placenta Previa is still a concern


The doctor did reassure me that 95% of all women that start out with some sort of previa will no longer have it at 32 weeks. With that being said.... I am going for a repeat ultrasound at 32 weeks to determine the location of the placenta. IF the placenta is still too close to the cervix, we will have to schedule a C-Section at that point. She said by 32 weeks, the placenta will not have a chance of migrating far enough up the uterine wall to have a vaginal delivery. Please keep your fingers crossed for good news at 32 weeks!

As for the cramping.... The doctor did check me and said that my cervix is still very closed and very thick; both very good signs. Just to be sure, she cultured the area down there and had me drop it off at the hospital lab right after my appointment. She said if I were at risk for pre term labor within the next few weeks, this test would come back positive and I would know the results by tonight. Well, it is 8:30 pm and I have not gotten a call from the hospital, so I would say that's great news!!

She said the cramping most likely is due to how the baby is positioned at the the time. She also said that majority of her patients that have had multiple pregnancies say that all of their pregnancies after the first have been MUCH more uncomfortable, like the baby was just going to fall out, and that they were much more achy in the pelvic region. I remember with Macy this being the greatest time of the pregnancy! I felt SOO good, so comfortable, and like I wasn't even pregnant at all. Darn you 2nd pregnancy and my weakened female parts!

All-in-all, this appointment was great! I left feeling so good that the baby is measuring right on track and the amniotic fluid levels are no longer a concern. We are just keeping our eye on this placenta of mine..... 95% chance that it will fix itself is a pretty good bet to me!


Now onto my little alphabet master......



About 2 weeks ago she started displaying an interest in letters. She would point to them in her books, one-by-one, and even little sayings I have around the house. I decided to download some alphabet apps onto my droid. She LOVES them!!! She can repeat many letters and even name them without hearing them first! Her favorite letters to say are: I, M, R, V, K, L, H, S, C, O, P and B. Haha, sorry for the randomness of the letters, but that is just how they came to me. :) She is also starting to really take off on her vocabulary and repeat a lot of what Chuck and I say to her. She has been a late bloomer with the talking, but I think she is finally coming around!!! She is also very fond of the "colors" flash card app I downloaded. Who said technology is a bad thing for kids?

Name Change

Not so much a name change as a name modification.... Chuck and I were talking last night about our newest little lady that will be joining us in May. It was hard not to talk about her, because she had me in tears most of the evening with extreme cramping. I don't know what it is about this little one that enjoys making me miserable so early on..... lol. Anyways, we were playing with Macy on her magna-doodle and were writing out the baby's name, Adilynn. We then were playing around with the spelling. After a few minutes of thought, we decided that we like the spelling "Addilyn" a lot better! So now, her new, modified name is Addilyn Mae. Just thought you all would like to know. Haha.

Update...UGH!

I have been trying to keep a very positive attitude about the challenges I have had with this pregnancy. Anyone who knows me, knows I am quite the worry wart; a fault of mine that does much more harm than good. So, yesterday I was quite excited to go to this ultrasound to hear some good news! I get there and the technician was quite pleasant; she talked small talk, and actually seemed interested in the details of this pregnancy so far.

She kept asking what I was told my due date was. She must have asked this like 3 times which raised somewhat of a red flag to me. I just came out and asked her what my fluid levels were measuring at (what percentile) and what percentile is the baby currently at for her growth. She told me she doesn't have the "chart" that gives percentages, and that I would have to get that from my doctor. UGH!!!! This is what I ave been waiting to hear! She did say that she measured 11-12 cm of fluid, which when I got home I researched myself to find out that it is within the "normal" range. It is not quite at the median (50%) level, but not in the danger zone. She then said that she was measuring my due date as May 15th-ish. The previous ultrasound technician said she was getting May 9th. This was a little over 2 weeks ago... I don't know what to think of this. It's not a HUGE difference, but enough to make me a little uncomfortable. I wish it would have been closer to the May 9th due date. She did say however that my placenta is very close to my cervix. She said she could even measure any distance between the two. As of now, it is unsure whether is is just considered to be a low-lying placenta or a partial previa. This is news I definitely did not want to hear: 1. I am terrified to have a C-Section and 2. Some of my daily habits would have to change such as picking p Macy and playing with her the way I do. Ugh. I am trying not to think to much about this because it is a worse-case scenario. My doctor told me 4 weeks ago that 90% of the time a placenta will migrate on its own to a safe place where a natural delivery can occur. I just have to keep my fingers crossed that I am in the 90%.

After all the medical measurements and observations had been made, the technician let me actually see and watch the bay for a little bit. This is something that I have yet do do because all of the ultrasounds thus far have been so medical and complications had been found. This was a definite bright spot in the appointment. I asked if she could confirm that the baby was actually a girl just because I am further a long now and things should be more obvious. Well, just as my luck would have it....she was not cooperating and the tech could not see anything because of how she was positioned. I am still quite sure that our little Adilynn Mae is in there though.

The technician told me that she would be sending my report to the doctor right away and to call their office sometime after noon today to find out the actual results. I called today at 11:45 and the nurse said they have received my report, but that the doctor has yet to read it and they would call as soon as it is read. Needless to say... I did NOT receive a phone call today. UGH! I am taking this as somewhat of a good sign that nothing extremely worrisome is wrong. I guess I will find out the detailed report a week from tomorrow when I have my OB appointment and hear the results directly from the doctor's mouth. Until then, let the waiting begin....

In other news... Macy has finally figured out how to open her bedroom door. I was woken up two mornings ago to the sound of her walking into a rattle toy in the great room, and the shadow of footprints beneath my bedroom door. It's the little things like that, that make me smile :)

Nesting

I did NOT go through this with Macy. Sure, I was excited to decorate her nursery, but I did not have to have the house spotless or crazy organized before she got here. WELL..... I have already started going crazy with feeling my house is not clean or organized enough. Yesterday I organized all of my kitchen cabinets and drawers. I still dont feel like they are good enough. Everywhere I look, something is bothering me about my house.... I am totally paying for it today though. I am exhausted and so crampy. :( This pregnancy again, has been different in every way from Macy's. If I felt like I do with this pregnancy (discomfort and fatigue), I would have gone mad teaching, just mad. I never had ANY complaints about my pregnancy with Macy until I starting swelling like crazy around 34 weeks. Even then, it wasn't like I was uncomfortable, just disgusted. lol.

I go Monday for my ultrasound to remeasure the baby and recheck my amniotic fluid levels. I am a little nervous, but really feel that all will be okay. I have been feeling her a lot lately (VERY low) wich again, different from Macy. Hopefully I will get some answers Monday from the ultrasound tech or the doctor herself. If not, it may be January 25th until I hear actual results (my next appointment). Knowing me, I will not be able to wait that long and will be calling the doctor's office on Tuesday if need be just to ease my mind. I will update as soon as I know something!

On another note, Macy has been staying either on her main mattress or the secondary mattress of her bed lately! I hated seeing her sleeping on the floor. Baby steps...baby steps! Yay!

We Have Our Napper Back and My Current Thoughts on the New Nursery!

Macy has been in her big girl bed since December 30th and every time I have tried to put her down for a nap; she has napped!!! It has only taken me about 10 minutes to get her down with NO FUSSING!!! This is a huge change from when she was refusing naps in her crib, having tantrums that would result in bruises on her head and a pain in my heart. I do have to pat her back, but I will take the sitting in the for 10 minutes and comforting her rather than listening to her scream and worrying that she is going to flip out of her crib. My sanity is much more important, as is hers. So yes, we have our napper back!!! :) She does go to bed a bit later though, but she is a MUCH happier toddler during the afternoon and evening. I will gladly take it!

As for other news.... I finally have my vision of what Addy's nursery will look like. We will be painting the one wall where the crib will be only. The other walls with stay the tan color they are currently. The color we chose was




It is quite a bold color, but with the other walls being a lighter tan color, the room needed a little boost. Above the crib we are going to put this decal .....





Here are my other inspirations for the room.....













I am planning on making a few of these things myself and purchasing others. This is just a little taste. I am also very excited to be making my own bed skirt for her. When the fabric has been bought, I will post that as well! The crib will be a cherry wood tone. I love decorating; especially baby rooms!!! :)

Macy's Big Girl Bed!

Macy's Bed



Macy's Bed When She Goes to Sleep




My Pumpkin.....

Just Found Out....

I am going to be an Auntie to TWO babies!!! Yes, my sister Katie and her husband Pat are expecting twins this fall! How exciting! They are in for a real treat. Having kids is such a blessing and miracle in itself, but especially for them with having to go through IVF. I also known Macy and Adilynn are excited to have some cousins coming! Congrats Katie and Pat!

Toddler Bed Update

So tonight was night 6 for the toddler bed. So far, I really cannot complain about this transition. It was one I was DREADING.... let me tell you! Macy did crib-a-robics while she was sleeping. She would move constantly and always wake up on the opposite side of the crib I would put her on; she is also a complete busy-body during the day (remember her nickname...tornado). Needless to say, the thought of her being free was not a comforting feeling for my usual getting to sleep-through-the-night self. We opted to not use any kind of rail because I know she would flip over any rail no matter how low to the ground, and that still scares me. So mattress as low to the ground as it gets; sounds good to me! We also bought the new babies crib mattress already and put that right up against her mattress after she falls asleep so she has a little more room to roll before she lands on the floor. Most night, she does end up on her shaggy rug, but we don't hear a peep.

Every night, except for the first night she has fallen asleep within 10 minutes of me setting her down in there. I stay in there and pat her back until she falls asleep. She doesn't even fuss! It was only the first night and that is because we went cold turkey and tried letting her "cry-it-out" the first night. Not a good idea on our part. We should have known we needed a smoother transition and that this would be new to her. She has woken up only twice so far in the middle of the night. One night was New Years Eve, that was a rough night because she never fussed but just wouldn't fall back asleep. She just would lay there and as soon as I stopped patting her back, she would reach for me. Needless to say, that night I slept on the floor next to her. Last night was also a night similar to New Years Eve, she slept a good 7 hours without even budging from the spot I left her in, but once she woke up she would NOT fall back asleep. She woke up very congested yesterday morning, and I think that is why she woke up. She was having a hard time breathing to her nose. She again laid right back down on her big girl bed, but every time I stopped patting her back, she would reach for me. I then resorted to rocking her, thinking some elevation would be good for her and her congestion. This worked for her, she slept like a charm....I on the other hand, did not. Oh well, that's the job of a Mommy, right?

All-in-all, I am EXTREMELY pleased with how this transition has been going. I thought getting her to go down initially would be the hardest part; it has been a slice (knock on wood)! I wish I would have done this sooner. Hopefully by the time Adilynn gets here, she will just let me put her in bed and fall right to sleep on her own. I have 4 more months! We can do it!!!

It Has Been Quite A While....

Gosh.... I haven't written a blog post since a month BEFORE Macy was born! I apologize. Things, as you could imagine, had gotten quite hectic at the end of the pregnancy and have not calmed down since. I have truly missed blogging, so here I am. I feel this will be a good outlet to update people on my current pregnancy and all the craziness that is now my life with a 21 month old running around.

First an update on my little princess, Macy. She has been the greatest gift to me. Everyday is such an adventure and challenge. It's amazing how motherhood changes a woman. Things that used to be so important, just aren't anymore. I can have the worst day; Macy could have been a complete beast, and at the end of the day I find myself in bed with Chuck telling him how precious she is and all the funny thing she did that day, and how I miss her now that she is asleep. It is that feeling of unconditional love that never gets old to me. I love being a mommy and feel so fortunate I get to spend every moment with her, not missing a thing (good or bad). She recently (within the past month and a half) has been refusing naps. She used to be the greatest of sleepers, for nap and bed. It got to the point where she would get so upset in her crib, that she would throw herself around and bruise her head and face. Recently, she flipped out of her crib before I could walk out the door. That was the last straw! Tonight is night 4 in her toddler bed and so far it hasn't been too bad. Only one night was horrible, so I can't complain yet. I just feel so much better that she is safer and can't significantly hurt herself anymore. She has been done with naps now completely for like the last 2 weeks or so. It took me a good while to accept this, but I am okay with it now. We have some cranky afternoons sometimes, but she goes to bed like a dream! Her usual wake up time is 8am and falls asleep around 8pm. Not too shabby :) She loves to throw all of her food on the floor (Frank is one happy pup) and loves to dump all of her toys. We call her the "Tornado." My life is crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Chuck is at Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago getting his MBA degree. He began the program when Macy was about 5 and a half moths old and is half way through. He will be done completely when Macy is 3 and the new baby is 1. We felt this would be the best time for us, so he can spend the years the kids will remember completely with them. He only has class 2 nights a week, getting home around 10pm, but there are days where he will not see Macy at all. It is just a sacrifice we have to make now to offer a better life for all of us. He is really enjoying his program there and the challenges it offers. I will be happy when he is done. :)

As for our most recent news.... we are expecting again! I am 22 weeks along, so we have known this for a while as I am sure most of you reading this do as well. We tried for 7 months to get pregnant; it took a little longer than I had anticipated, but I think the timing will actually work out really well. This baby is due Early May (May 6th to be exact), but with Macy coming a week early...who knows? I feel the timing is good because Macy will have just urned 2 years old and will be a little more aware of what is actually going on (I hope), I could not even imagine our little one being here already with the craziness I live everyday with Macy. lol. This pregnancy started out really smooth.... I had hardly any morning sickness to speak of and just felt wonderful except for being cold all of the time and having no appetite what-so-ever. This is an extreme difference from my pregnancy with Macy. We had our 20 week anatomy scan on December 17th and found out we are most likely having another little GIRL :) It took me a while to grasp this only because I could not imagine calling another baby my Princess or Bug-a-Loo like I call Macy. It's hard to explain, but I almost felt as if I was replacing her, and that is the LAST thing I would ever want to do. I have finally become extremely excited that Macy is going to have a little sister and Chuck will have another little Daddy's girl. He is such a natural with little girls; melts my heart. We are NOT keeping the name a secret this time. Her name will be Adilynn (Addy) Mae. At our 20 week ultrasound we also found out that I had an extremely low amount of amniotic fluid (below the 2nd percentile) and that my placenta was partially covering my cervix. I was surprised about the partial placenta previa because I had not experienced bleeding of any kind. The low amniotic fluid didn't surprise me as much because I know I have not been drinking as much as I should with this pregnancy, but I didn't think I was THAT bad.... My doctor told me she wasn't really worried about the placenta location; that it will more than likely migrate throughout the pregnancy, but she was concerned about my low amniotic fluid level. She told me to REALLy push the liquids and get a repeat ultrasound ASAP to recheck the fluid. I did so much of my own research on low amniotic fluid which was the WORST thing I could have done... I always do that to myself. Anyways..... 6 days later my fluid had gone up from being in the 2nd percentile to the 45th-ish percentile which is awesome! It is well within the normal range. My doctor suspects that there was a measurement error during the first U/S because the change was just so great. Granted I was drinking a gallon of water every day..... Also, that ultrasound confirmed that my placenta had already migrated out of the danger zone and was no longer at risk for placenta previa! At my last appointment, the doctor said she was really pleased with the results and that she still wants me to go in for another U/S to re-check my fluid levels agin, but this time she wants me to scale back my liquid consumption to a normal range (48-64) ounces to make sure my body is doing what it needs to and it's not just all this extra fluid I am consuming. She also want to remeasure the baby because on Decemeber 17th, the baby was measuring in the 18th percentile (while is small, but not dangerously small). She again thinks there may have been some error of the technician. We are going to another ultrasound facility on the 16th of January to get all of this taken care of. I'm not sure if I will know results that day, or if it will have to wait to my next appointment on the 25th. I'm sure of there is a problem, I will know that day as I did with the low level of amniotic fluid. So, all in all, this pregnancy started out VERY smooth, but has quickly taken a turn. lol. Not that things are terribly rough, but I didn't have worries like this with Macy until I was about 34 weeks or so along with my blood pressure. I have also been getting extremely bad cramps with this pregnancy. They come and go, so I think it has to do with how the baby is positioned at that time. This little Adilynn Mae is already giving me quite the run for my money. What am I in for this May?!?!?!

This has been my recent life in a nutshell. I will keep this updated as I have some free time on my hands while Chuck is at school and whatnot. More to come soon... :)