Good news!!

No gestational diabetes for me!!!  But the nurse did share that my hemoglobin levels are low so I need to start taking an iron supplement.  This happened when I was pregnant with Gavin and I believe happens in about 80% of pregnant women.  No big deal (at least at this point), just another pill.

I called to ask about my doctor appointment - if it really is okay to wait 3 weeks or if they should be every 2 weeks now that I am past 28 weeks.  I learned that the young, new, nervous doctor was wrong, just as I thought, I do need to go every 2 weeks now until I hit 36 weeks, then I go once a week.  My next appointment is now scheduled for Wednesday October 7, 2009 at 8:20 a.m.  [silly doctor - good thing I called!]  

Ultimate Christmas List!!

I saw this great idea on a few other blogs I read - the idea is to make your Ultimate Christmas list.. no strings attached.  I thought, what a great way to pass the time (even though there are 1,000,005 other things I could should be doing!)  Enjoy my wish list - some items are way over the top and others are fairly realistic.  I tried not to include items for Gavin or Gummy Bear - just for me or the house.  Maybe I could make another - Ultimate Christmas list Gavin/Gummy Bear edition!  Go now, make your own :o)  You know you want to!!

new bedding set!

awesome eliptical with a power incline!

2010 Ford Edge!

large chest freezer!

beautiful garden tub!

macro lens for my digital SLR!

zoom lens for my digital SLR!

North Face fleece!

 

a nice concrete patio outside of our basement! 

 

Rob Thomas CD!

a lifetime subscription to People Magazine!

a lifetime supply of photo albums!

a new platinum wedding band for my handsome hubby!

snowman charm for my pandora braclet!

cruise to Alaska!

Rascal Flatts concert tickets!

 

super nice running sneakers!

Tiffany's bracelet!

 

super powerful steam cleaner!

Garmin Forerunner!

iPhone w/all services paid for!

 

Phillies tickets!

Red Sox tickets!

iTunes gift cards!

this dream kitchen!

$ that grows on a tree!

Oh boy I am getting a little carried away with this!!  Stay tuned for more ultimate wish list items :o)

29 weeks = a squash!

 

 

 

WAHOOOO - her room is painted a beautiful pink!!!!  I just love it - thank you to my wonderful hubby :o)  I cannot wait to get things organized and get the room looking like a real nursery.. it's going to be so classy!

AND, guess what... Gummy Bear School Bus Anderson has a real name... drum roll please...
GABRIELLE LOUISE ANDERSON :o)  Is anyone surprised?!?  I just love the way it sounds and I love the meaning - and Gavin can say it and my hubby picked it out - so it's a win win all the way around (until Gabrielle shares with me she hates it!)


29 week quiz:
How far along: 29 weeks 1 day 
Weight gain: +22 pounds 
Stretch marks: yes - oh well.

Sleep: not too bad this past week - although my dreams have been insane - I had a dream a few weeks ago that I got pregnant again (while I was still pregnant with Gummy Bear) and I couldn't figure out how I would deliver her and keep the other baby safe in my tummy.  I thought it was the most insane dream... until recently I read about a lady who that actually happened to... SO crazy!!  (although some doctors do think her babies could be twins but others think they were actually conceived at different times)

Food cravings: I really want Texas.Roadhouse - but I haven't given in to this craving yet... yet...

Gender: girl!! :o)

New maternity clothes: YES!! My awesome, sweet, well-dressed coworker MaryBeth (who had her son last December) let me borrow a bunch of clothes a couple of months ago and she just recently gave me 3 more of her maternity shirts to borrow and they are wonderful!!  And I got 2 new pair of pants - a pair of gray dress pants and a pair of jeans - I'm not excited I had to spend the $ but it was definitely worth it.

New baby items: YES!! Pretty pink paint in her room and the 2 new outfits in the photos below.

Belly button in or out: I'd say half in half out :o)

Labor signs: I had a scare Sunday night - I was having very painful cramps in my lower abdomen for about 10 minutes and I was ready to call the doctor but thankfully they stopped.  Other than that I've only had the braxton hicks contractions - they are not painful but can get pretty darn annoying and uncomfortable after awhile.

What I miss: running, sleeping on my tummy, super hot baths, my cute cherry tattoo that now looks like an apple tattoo :o)

Best moment of the week: Gavin's 3rd birthday party with family, the Memory Walk in honor of my Grammie and seeing Gabrielle's room so pretty and pink!!!

What I'm looking forward to: continuing to work on her room, Gavin's birthday on Friday, possibly going to a pumpkin patch next weekend and a women's health training on Thursday (it's a training for work but it's all related to pregnancy so it should be very interesting!!)

Weekly Wisdom: (not at all pregnancy related!)"Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean." 

9 years ago today many of us lost a close friend - John Michael Thompson, Jr. - he was such a funny and crazy guy who had a heart of gold and loved making people laugh.  I think of him almost every day, especially when I get in my car and see the piece of the Ford Probe John was in when the accident occurred.  (yes, I've kept it in my door since the day I found it at the accident scene 9 years ago)  I miss you Johnny T. just as everyone who knew you does.. I can't wait to hear your laugh again someday. 

Milestones: Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds, like a butternut squash and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.

 

 

 

 

 

28 week doctor visit recap

Just a quick break down of my doctor visit this morning:

Glucose drink = Hawaiian punch on steroids = GROSS!!

Urine = no trace of protein & no trace of glucose

Blood pressure = 101/64

Weight = ....officially up 22 pounds.... which is right on track for "average" weight gain....

Heartbeat = 145 beats per minute - sounded lovely, as usual!!

New, very young doctor = seemed very nervous and unsure of what to say/ask

Favorite quote from nervous new doctor = "well you're pretty boring" - obviously a good thing, meaning there is nothing abnormal with the pregnancy but still funny to tell a patient you've just met

Next appointment = October 14, 2009 at 8:10 a.m.  (I thought I would be going every 2 weeks now, but the nervous doctor had written 3 - I am going to call today to confirm this - I am wondering if because he's new it really should be 2 weeks or because I'm boring I don't have to go back for 3 weeks!)

Blood work for gestational diabetes = PAINFUL! - I usually don't mind getting my blood drawn or getting shots but for some reason today's lab work was very painful - I even cried for a minute when I got into my car.. oh man, I need to toughen up if I'm going to be giving birth in 2 1/2 months :o)

Hard to believe we are getting close to the end - I am terrified but totally excited!!

Hello 3rd Trimester!

 WOW - we are now in the 3rd trimester (although some websites say it begins at 27 weeks) - craziness!!!  I can officially say I am feeling "more pregnant" every day.  I feel like I am carrying low and my belly gets so heavy.. I wish I could walk around holding my belly up, but I'd look pretty funny.  Things have been very busy here lately.. work has simply been insane.. and we are getting ready for the Memory Walk and Gavin's birthday party on Saturday.  It's hard to believe my baby boy is going to be 3 years old.  (That reminds me I need to update his blog!)  The nursery is just about ready for paint.. I can't wait to see if all done!!  Gavin has decided that his baby sisser's name should be School Bus.  He even told the clerk at Turkey.Hill that School Bus was her name.. too cute!!  So, it's offical - School Bus Gummy Bear Louise Anderson - like it!?!!

We have our 28 week doctor appointment tomorrow and I get to drink the yummy glucose drink.  I am praying I don't have gestational diabetes.  After this appointment we will start going every 2 weeks, then at 36 weeks we go every week until School Bus Gummy Bear makes her debut :o)

Week 28 quiz:

How far along: 28 weeks 1 day

Weight gain: I'm sure by now I'm up about 18 to 20 pounds

Any new maternity clothes: nope

Any new baby items: yes - I lost control today and bought her a pair of pants, an adorable sweater and a shirt to go under the sweater - I have had my eye on this outfit for a while and it was finally 50% off at the Carters outlet and I had a $10 off coupon!!

Sleep: some nights are awesome, some nights are terrible - the most I've used the potty in one night was 4 trips!

Best moment of the week: buying her new outfit today and buying new toilet seats!!!

Stretch marks: oh yes.. I've been using my lotion regularly but it really hasn't helped much.

Food cravings: I've been craving Texas.Roadhouse but can't bring myself to spend the $... oh but it sounds sooooooo good!!
Gender: well if School Bus Gummy Bear is a boy he's going to be wearing a lot of pink ;o)

Movement: yes!!!  I have to start my kick counts this week, fun!

Labor signs: nope - still just braxton hicks contractions

Belly button in or out: it's a weird shape, but it does stick out sometimes, depending on my position and the baby's position; I finally put my maternity belly ring in.

What I miss: I'd say currently I miss my old clothes and I really miss sleeping on my belly.

What I'm looking forward to: my doctor appointment tomorrow and the Memory Walk and Gavin's party on Saturday!! :o)

Weekly wisdom: It's true what they say about your hormones when you're pregnant - one minute you're happy and cheerful - the next your sad or snapping at someone - just make sure you apologize when necessary!

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

27 weeks = almost 3rd trimester!

I think this is our last week in the 2nd trimester - so insane!  We now have 10 weeks until I am full term = 37 weeks.  I know that doesn't mean Gummy Bear will be here in 10 weeks, but that does mean that, should I go into labor after that point they will not do anything to stop the labor.  Hard to believe that realistically we could have a baby in just 70 days!! :o)  Not much new news to report - we didn't get the painting done yet.. hopefully soon.. and trust me, I will post photos of the nursery progress!

Gavin shared this weekend that he thinks Gummy Bear's name should be Spiderman, ah the mind of a 3 year old!!  He talks about his baby "sisser" a lot and he has started to give my belly kisses.. adorable!!  I think he's going to be a great big brother, but I can't help but feel somewhat bad for him.  His whole world is going to change.. and he really has no control over it.

I am really excited about the fall weather - it has always been my favorite season and I am already loving it!  Football, beautiful leaves, pumpkins, candy corn, corn mazes, parades, mums.. I just love everything about fall!!  Speaking of mums, I have always wanted to buy a mum or two for my house but have never wanted to waste spend the $ because I would probably just let it die.  Well, for Labor Day my mom bought me a beautiful mum - such a lovely fall copper color - I was SO beyond excited when she gave it to me!  Guess what... it's still alive!!!  I need to take some photos of it as proof, because I am sure those of you that know me can't believe I could actually keep a plant alive for more than 5 days!  THANKS MOM!!!

Anyway, Gummy Bear is moving around a ton and has really grown to like oreos and milk.  I wish mommy didn't like them so much :o)  We have our next doctor visit on Tues. Sept. 23rd at 7:50 a.m.  First I have to drink the glucose drink, then I have my regular visit with the doctor, then I have to get my blood drawn to see if I have gestational diabetes (GD).  I did not have GD when I was pregnant with Gavin so I am hoping I am clear this time too.. but I have a funny feeling.

27 week quiz:

How far along: 27 weeks 1 day

Weight gain: well, I'd say I am up about 18 lbs or so - I am truly scared of the scale ;o)

Any new maternity clothes: yes, I bought a pair of corduroys at a consignment shop for $4.00 - and my coworker Amy gave me a shirt from NY.and.Company that she bought from Goodwill, it's not a maternity shirt but sure fits like one (it's actually the shirt I have on in my photos below!) Thanks Amy!

Any new baby purchases: nope.

Sleep: some nights = good some nights = bad -- I am getting up to use the potty about twice per night now

Best moment of the week: seeing family at the Schroder family reunion on Sunday; college football starting; the beginning of some fall weather; getting holes patched in the nursery

Stretch marks: oh man - they came out of nowhere - my poor hips will never look the same :o(

Food cravings: oreos and milk, chocolate, hot chocolate - wonder why I have stretch marks?!?!

Gender: girl :o)

Movement: yeppers - she's moving a lot - I will try to take a video of her dancing sometime so everyone can see how much she makes my tummy move!

Labor signs: no true labor signs but I am continuing to have the braxton hicks contractions..

Belly button in or out: still a funny shape.

What I miss: this past week I have really missed my normal clothes; I really don't have many nice maternity clothes that fit me well and it's really making me miss my old wardrobe.

What I'm looking forward to: our DR visit next week & hopefully learning I do not have GD; making progress on her nursery; the Memory Walk next weekend, Gavin's 3rd birthday coming up on Oct. 2nd, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Gummy Bear's due date, Christmas, Steven's birthday - we are coming up on a very busy couple of months!!

Weekly wisdom: "Get busy living or get busy dying." - a quote from my favorite movie Shawshank Redemption

Milestones: This week, your baby weighs almost 2 pounds, like a head of cauliflower, and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, your baby's brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother her, so just relax and enjoy the tickle.

 

  

  

yes, I know this one is blurry but it's the best one I got! 

I thought it may be a good idea to try and take my belly photos at the start of the day instead of the end because I am always so tired and it really shows in my photos.  Now that I look at these, I think I look just as tired so it really doesn't matter when I take them ;o)  It's not like they're going in my modeling profile or anything, it's just a fun keepsake for Gummy Bear and myself!