We're on Our Way!

Today I went to the Dr. for a check-up. This is my first of now weekly appointments. I've gained about 3 pounds since my last visit 2 weeks ago, bringing my total weight gain to 20 lbs. This is 3 pounds less than I was with Alex at this point. Dr. Putman said some of the weight gain is water retention, as my ankles are starting to swell just a little bit. My blood pressure was 117/72 and baby's heart was racing today!! Baby is in the head down position, and has been for some time now. I'm dilated 1 cm and 50% effaced. Dr. Putman says I'm ahead of the curve for progression, considering I'm 36 1/2 weeks pregnant. I'm not getting my hopes up because I was dilated this early with Alex too, but with this being the 2nd baby maybe things will move a little faster. Guess Mommy should get her bags packed this weekend!!

Dr's Visit

Today Mommy took the day off work, Daddy was on Spring Break, and Alex went to daycare. Mommy & Daddy started the morning off by going to Dr. Putman's to get a check up on our new bundle of ever growing joy. Everything looked good and we are basically just counting down the weeks until the little one comes. I actually had lost a few ounces, and the Dr. asked if I had been eating. I told him yes, and didn't mention the large french fry from McDonald's I'd had the day before!! I head back in 2 weeks for another visit.

After the Dr., we ran a few errands and then stopped at JC Penney to buy a coming home outfit for the new baby. At this point we're ready for the little one to come as soon as I wash the car seat!

Take the Poll!!

In case you haven't noticed. . . on the right hand side of the blog, there is a poll on whether you thing Baby Kershaw is going to be a Boy or a Girl. Please vote!!!

Beds all Around

Sunday Grandma & Grandpa Kershaw stopped by to deliver the cradle for the baby to sleep in. As I mentioned with Alex, this cradle was made by Daddy's Papa and Daddy and all his brothers slept in. Now the grandchildren are continuing the tradition, with both Alex and Evalee having slept in it. It really seems like yesterday that Alex was in it. Time really does fly!!

We were glad to get the cradle. It's the jumpstart Mommy needed to get her motivated to start getting other things in order for the arrival of our special delivery (only 7 1/2 weeks left!) I have washed baby clothes, cleaned out Alex's new room, and gone through boxes in the basement. We're getting ready for our first ever garage sale next weekend. I took tomorrow off work, so I plan on getting lots of cleaning done then as well!!

Alex was not as excited when Daddy put the cradle together because he wanted to go night night in it and he didn't understand that he was just too big. I guess you can chalk this up as his first little bit of jealousy over new baby! We were able to take him upstairs and talk about his new big boy bed. Alex even helped put the new sheets in the washer and the next day we made the bed together. Last night was his first night sleeping in his big boy bed and he did fabulous!! He slept all night and didn't fall out, so we consider it a huge success!! I would love to share pictures with you, but my camera batteries are still dead! I did actually put them on the charger today, but who knows how long they'll last! No worries, new ones have been ordered and will be hear next week!

31 Weeks Pregnant

Can you believe we only have 9 weeks left until Baby Kershaw is official set to arrive?!?!?! Friday I went for my check-up. I'd gained about 5 lbs, but since I had lost some at the visit before the Dr wasn't too concerned. I think I'm at about 16 pounds gained. I passed my blood glucose test, anything under 130 is considered good and I was at 117. My iron count is great, which is good because with Alex I had to take iron pills. My blood pressure was good too. Other than that the baby's heart was beating well and has been very active(actually doing quite a few kicking maneuvers as I type this!). My biggest complaint has been a lot of pressure in my lower pelvic region, which Dr. Putman says is completely normal. Of course, I've been having to get up a million times in the night to go to the bathroom but that too is normal!! I head back in two weeks for another visit.

Big Brother Intuition??

Last night I was reading to Alex his book on being a big brother and talking about the new baby. He didn't seem super interested and kept walking in and out of the room. Then he walked back into the room came over to my belly and said, "Hi Sissy". I asked him what he said. Adam walked in at the same time and heard Alex say again, "Hi Sissy". I don't know if he knows something we don't know, but we'll find out in a few short months!!

Third Trimester!!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen we are entering the final leg of this journey!!! Today starts Week 28 of my pregnancy, and the beginning of the 3rd Trimester!! I got up early this morning and drank my sugary, orange, glucose drink and then headed to the lab to get my blood drawn. The doctor will call to let me know whether or not I have gestational diabetes. This was one of my biggest fears when I was pregnant with Alex, but I'm feeling much more confident this time around!!

I truly can't believe little one that you will actually be here in just a few short months. You have been kicking up a storm lately and definitely letting Momma know that you are alive and well. We have some things we need to do before you get here, but we can't wait to meet you!!! We went this week and bought Alex a book about being a Big Brother. I don't know how much he understands what is going on, but he gives you kisses and raspberries all the time!! I have a feeling he is going to love you more than you can imagine, just like Mommy and Daddy will!!!

Dream a Little Dream!!

Yesterday was the first official day with the hour time change to spring forward. I don't know how one hour makes such a huge difference, but it took it's toll on this Kershaw house. We napped for 3 hours yesterday!!!! Followed by a trip to Dairy Queen for ice cream! What a great way to spend a Sunday!

While taking my 3 hour nap, I had a very vivid dream. Little Baby Kershaw made HER appearance on May 16th, weighed 8lbs 1oz, had tons of hair, and was perfectly healthy! Don't know if this is a little preview of what's to come, but I guess time will tell!!! This is the last week of the second trimester.

Half Way There!!

Profile of the Baby Kershaw

Turn your head to the left and you can see the baby's

face and it's arm and elbow.

Turn your head to the left and you will see

the baby's nose, left hand, and an open mouth yawning.

A foot. It measured about 1 inch!

Today I am 20 weeks pregnant, half way there!! This pregnancy has seemed a bit longer than the last one, but we definitely had a rough start! Luckily things are going much better now!! Today we headed to Dr. Putman's for our 20 week sonogram and check-up. We are happy to report that are little one is growing right on schedule and had a heart beat of 152 bpm. Dr. Putman said things looked as perfect as they could be!!!! What more could we possibly ask for?!?!? I know some would say to know the gender, but sorry you'll just have to keep waiting and wishing!!

I have gained 2 1/2 pounds since the last visit, for a total weight gain of 6 pounds. I have to admit I'm pretty proud of myself. I'm hoping I continue on this path. It will make losing the weight afterwards so much easier!!! I have been having a lot of lower back pain, so he gave me some exercises and stretches to try. I'll go back again right before we leave for our trip to make sure everything is continuing to go well.

18 Weeks Pregnant

In the last few weeks my belly has blossomed, so I figured we better start documenting the growing process. Of course, Alex had to have his picture taken too. He kept saying 'cheese' until we took his picture. I can't wait to see what kind of big brother he's going to be!!

The last several weeks I have periodically felt a flutter from the baby, but in the last several days I felt it a lot more consistently. Mommy knows you are in there little one!! I know Daddy is excited to feel you moving around too!!

17 Weeks Pregnant

Today I went to the Dr for my monthly check-up. Nothing too exciting to report, which is really good news!! I've gained 3 1/2 lbs and am starting to get a belly. I've even busted out a few maternity tops! The maternity pants are too big, but my regular pants are getting pretty snug!!! It's a tough spot to be in!

The baby's heartbeat sounded really strong, and is truly music to my ears. We go back in 3 weeks for a sonogram, and the intention is to not find out what we are having just like we didn't with Alex!!! Everything is going well, which makes us very happy. We even got the go ahead to take a little babymoon to Mexico!!!! Mommy and Daddy are scheduled to be laying on the beach for 4 days later in February and we can't wait!! Alex gets to vacation at Grandma & Grandpa's and Nana & Papa's!!

13 Weeks Pregnant

We turned this picture upside down.

The baby was actually laying on it's belly.

Today Daddy and I headed for our first visit with Dr. Putman. We first had an ultrasound done. The baby was moving all over the place, they had a hard time getting a picture at first because there was so much activity. She even asked me if I drank coffee, and I said no it must have been the peanut butter sandwich I ate for breakfast! The baby measured right on schedule and had a heartbeat of 156. We did manage to get a few good pictures. Check out the lips on this baby in the second picture!!

Dr. Putman was running a little behind so Daddy didn't stay for my appointment with him, but he got to see the little one which was the most important part. Dr. Putman didn't have anything exciting to report. I still haven't gained any weight and he said things seemed to be looking really well. Now that my ovaries are looking better he said he'd like to see me exercising a little every day. So far that hasn't happened, but hopefully I'll get in a routine!!! Anyway, I don't got back until after the first of the year, so we'll just continue to hope and pray the little one grows and develops like it should!!

12 Weeks Pregnant

This one is kind of upside down, but it's a close up of the head.

It kind of looks like the baby is sucking its thumb.

Today I went for my last visit with Dr. Galle. I couldn't believe how big our little one is growing. It's truly amazing to see how fast things change from week to week. It's one of the bonuses of going to the fertility doctor. Everything looked really good. The baby is now measuring 5.62 cm and had a heartbeat of 166 bpm. My blood pressure was great and stepping on the scale wasn't bad either. I've gained a pound or two, but honestly can't remember. Anyway, we're finally moving in the right direction. I'm starting to get a little belly, and think I'll be busting out maternity clothes a little sooner than I did with Alex.

I'm finally feeling like myself again. I'm able to stay up past 8:00 now and I'm starting to get back to my house duties, like cooking and cleaning and such!! I think the boys are glad to have me back and I'm definitely glad to be back!!!

We head to our first visit with Dr. Putman on December 7th!!

10 1/2 Weeks Pregnant

Head to the Left with 2 hands and the body

Top of the head and an arm/hand

Yesterday I went for my weekly visit to Dr. Galle's office. The baby looked great and is growing so much!! We're up to a whole 3.86 cm now!! The heartbeat was 178 bpm. My ovaries are slowly reducing in size and I was taken off another medicine!! Dr. Galle said I could call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Putman so we did that and will make our first official visit with him on December 7th.

We go back for one last visit to Dr. Galle's office at the end of the this month. This always makes me sad because they are soooo amazing and caring at their office. It also means not getting weekly peaks and hearing the heartbeat of our growing little miracle every week. That's OK though, it means that both baby and Mommy are doing good enough to be released into regular care!! Mommy is still feeling nauseous from time to time, it seems to mostly happen at night. She's still really tired too, but being back to work full time and in session really didn't make the transition super easy!! She just keeps reminding herself that next week is a short week since Thanksgiving is coming!!!! And if I have to be sick so that we can have a healthy baby than that's exactly what this Mommy will do!!!!

Alex Shares some Special News!!

Alex went to daycare today to share some very special news with everyone. . . . Just like his shirt says. . . . This Little Dude is Going to be a BIG BROTHER!!!!! The ladies at daycare were so happy for us and Alex too!! They know the last few weeks have been pretty rough on Mom, so they were glad that all the suffering will bring a very happy end result!!! Alex doesn't really understand what's going on yet, but there's still plenty of time before the little one arrives!

After telling everyone the news we headed to Panera to eat lunch with Nana. Then she came over to help do some cleaning and laundry. Thanks so much for all your help Nana!! You're the Best!!!

So now that the news is blogger official, you can click on 'The Journey Continues' label at the bottom of this post and see all the posts regarding our newest family member!!

9 1/2 Weeks Pregnant!

If you look at this one upside down you can kind

of see the baby's face and a little hand on the chin.

Today we headed back to see Dr. Galle. Daddy was able to sneak out of parent/teacher conferences for a little while. I know he was thrilled to have any excuse not to be at school, but getting to see our little one again was a perfect excuse!

Baby looked great again today. The heartbeat was 175 beats per minute and is measuring right on schedule. I managed to have lost 5 lbs since Monday. I think it's primarily because the swelling in my ovaries has reduced significantly and other parts are moving better than they have in the last few weeks (if you get my drift!) So, Mommy had Daddy stop at Dairy Queen on the way home for a Butterfinger blizzard, just a small one! It was delicious!!! We head back next Thursday morning for another check up. Dr. Galle took me off another one of my meds today and says next week we may stop another one!! So excited to not feel like a little old lady with my pill box full of pills!!!

On a different note. . . today is Veteran's Day. What a blessing to have so many people that are willing to give their time and some times their life to protect our country and all the people in it. Thank you to all who have served and particularly the families who sacrifice so much when their loved ones are away serving!! God Bless the Veterans and the USA!!!!

9 Weeks Pregnant!!

This morning I called the Dr.'s Office and they told me to go ahead and come in to just ease my mind. Dr. McCrae spent tons of time showing us our perfectly forming little angel!!! I've never been so relieved in all my life to see that little heart beating!!!! We were able to see little arms, fingers, legs, and toes!!!! It was truly amazing!! The little one showed off a few tricks for us and crossed it's little legs and even gave us a little wave and measured at about 2.44 cm. God is truly so good!!

It's been a really rough road for Mommy, but I keep telling myself I will feel like crap and do whatever I have to if that means we can have a healthy and happy little baby!!! The other good news is that my ovaries are finally starting to reduce in size. Dr. McCrae couldn't really tell if the bleeding had been from a ruptured cyst or just the placenta burrowing into the uterus. I'm on bed rest all this week, but go back on Thursday for my regularly scheduled appointment with Dr. Galle.

A Little Scare!!

Last night amongst all the playoff excitement and celebration, I could tell I had pushed myself entirely to hard that day. I had been on my feet all during the game and held Alex (which I'm not supposed to be doing), and then come home to host a rather large party.

It was almost midnight and nearly everyone had left. I was going to get ready for bed and went into the bathroom and realized I was bleeding pretty heavily. Adam and I called the Dr and by time they had called back about 10-15 minutes later the bleeding had significantly slowed down. After talking with Dr. McCrae she had determined that more than likely one of the cysts on my ovary had ruptured. She told me I needed to resume bed rest and call if anything changed.

I've layed around all day today, but think I'm going to call the Dr. in the morning to see if I can come in just to make sure everything is OK. I'm sure I'm being nervous nelly, but I just want to be sure that our little one is doing OK, and I think Daddy agrees too!!

8 Weeks Pregnant!!

Today I went to see Dr. Galle again. I've gained a pound this week, and my belly is starting to show a little bit. It's amazing how in one week this little baby can grow and change so much!! It's now measuring at a whopping 1.63cm, but now is starting to show some little arms and legs!!! God is soooo good!!!

My ovaries remained unchanged, which means my activities are still restriced and I can only work half days. Hopefully in the next few weeks will see some progress and the swelling will begin to go down. I've still been feeling a little nauseous, but the pills are working great. Last night was one of the best nights of sleep I've had in such a long time and I feel so much better than I have been!! Here's hoping that trend continues!! Dr. Galle is going to be out of the office next week, so I'll see Dr. McRae next Wednesday.

7 Weeks Pregnant!!

Today Mommy and Daddy headed to see Dr. Galle for our weekly visit. We were so excited when we got to hear the heart beat for the very first time!!!! It was going strong at 141 beats per minute!! The baby measured .95 cm. Can you believe something so small can have such a strong little heartbeat?!? AMAZING!!! Dr. Galle said things are looking great. My ovaries are still huge and I'm still on restricted activies. I plan to go to work on Thursday and Friday for half the day. Hopefully that will go OK. I'm a little nervous since it's been almost 3 weeks since I've been up and doing anything!

Bottom line, this little one is growing just like it should, even if Mommy is having a tough time!!