December 20, 2003


Today, I brought you over to my Grandparents house for a Christmas party. Have you ever seen two prouder people. I just makes me so happy to see them with you. I just wish you were a little more understanding of other people holding you. This cute picture didn't last long, and soon you were wailing for your Mommy. Grandpa wanted to know all about your health and how well you are growing. He was a general practioner back in Caro before he retired. That was about 15 years ago, and I know he struggles to recall all his infant growth and development knowledge, so he can apply it to you. I hope they will have many more years to watch you grow. They were very important people to me growing up.

December 15, 2003



I can't believe it! Two teeth already! I haven't even noticed that you were unusually cranky or anything. Maybe a little drooly, but that's not unusual. I was just sitting in the computer room with you and thought I saw something, so I felt in your mouth with my finger and there they were. I just hope you don't decide to use me as a chew toy, that thought makes me cringe. Well, there's another milestone, and something to write in your baby book.

November 30, 2003

November 30, 2003


It was love at first sight! With you and your feet that is. Daddy likes to call this your overhead storage pose. You love to lay on the floor now and just play with your feet. You are quite flexible I might add. You get frustrated sometimes when I cover them with socks or footy sleepers because then you can't taste them.

November 29, 2003

November 29, 2003

You have finally really discovered the joy of toys. Your favorite? It is an odd yellow ball that looks more like a cat toy than a baby toy. It is a little larger than a grapefruit and has a bunch of 1/2 inch slits in it, so that you can see 3 golf ball sized balls that are inside of it. The 3 golf balls have bells inside of them. One of your favorite activities is sitting in your feeding seat in the kitchen and playing with this ball. You grab it and hit it against the tray. You yell at it, sing to it, and talk to it. You also love to taste it, sticking your tongue through the slits. It's really very funny to watch. It's like you have a love-hate relationship with it. Sometimes you seem very angry at it, yelling at it, whipping it back and forth, and bashing it against the tray. Other times you sing and coo to it lovingly while you stare at it and lick it with your tongue.

November 24, 2003

November 24, 2003

Another big milestone tonight. Your first solid food. On the menu, rice cereal mixed with formula. Yum! Yum! Mommy and Daddy even went out and purchased a video camera just so we could film this event. What an event it was too. You seemed quite interested in the spoon, but whenever a bite of cereal actually made it back to your throat you gagged and gagged. I guess you are not ready after all. They talk about the tongue thrust reflex, and you definitely still have that. Most of the cereal was instantaneously pushed out of your mouth along with the spoon. What a mess! I guess we'll just have to try again later.

November 21, 2003

November 21, 2003


Yesterday was your 4 month check up. You weighed in at 13 pounds 3 ounces and 25 inches long. You big girl you. Unfortunately, it was time for more shots. Luckily, you didn't seem to remember from last time. You were all smiles for Dr. Vanzee.

I don't know if it's the shots or something you picked up from daycare, but today you seem sick. You have a cough and a stuffy nose. It doesn't seem to have affected your mood, although it did shorten your nap, which is never good. Mommy needs that alone time. ;)

Here's a picture of the sicky in the swing.

October 29, 2003

October 29, 2003

Big Milestone!! You rolled over! You rolled from your tummy to your back...twice! Once for me, and once for Daddy to see. I guess I'm going to have to watch where I set you down now. I think it was your big ole noggin that gave you the momentum. Your head measures in the 90th percentile and your body weight and height, 50th.

You have also started drooling like a blood hound. Maybe you have teeth coming in, but I haven't noticed any change in behavior, and I don't really feel anything in your mouth.

October 19, 2003

October 19, 2003


Everyday you get stronger and stronger. Now when you are lying on your belly you can lift your head 90 degrees. I got some great pictures of you doing it. The outfit you are wearing is pretty much your uniform. I love putting you in onesies and sweat pants. It's so snuggly and easy too. I love the facial expressions you make. When you lift your head up it's like you are concentrating so hard!! I'm really glad too, that you are gaining more head control. It is so hard to carry you sometimes because your head wants to flop, so I have to use two hands, and can't get much done that way. Especially since you want to be held so much. I think you are the happiest when I have you in the front carrier, facing out, while I vacuum. You could stay like that all day. The other day you even fell asleep like that. Daddy and I made a CD of the vacuum cleaner, hoping that would help you sleep longer, but it just doesn't have the same effect. We are going to burn out the motor on this thing I think. Psss... colic is supposed to go away by 3 months, maybe you didn't get the memo.

October 15, 2003

October 15, 2003


Lights! Camera! Action! Today was your first professional pictures. You wore a lovely soft pink pant suit with a cross over front embroidered with bunnies. I was really happy with the photographer. He let us have all the time we needed, and tried lots of different things. We took some pics of you peeking over a pillow, but you just kind of drooled a lot and stuck out your tongue. So then we sat you in a little chair with white satin draped over it, and got some good pictures that way. We also took your picture naked laying on a big sheepskin. Very risque!

I added the pic Nana and I finally decided on. I love your chubby pink cheeks, bright eyes, and kissable toes!

October 3, 2003

October 3, 2003

You got to visit Mama's work today! I had to go in and write down my schedule. Of course, all the ladies were so excited to see you. The feeling was not mutual, however. You did not want anyone to hold you or even look at you. Andrea was there and held you while I wrote down my schedule. She was the only one who got to hold you for any length of time. She has a young baby too, so she's familiar with the bouncy walk you love so well. I weighed you on the baby scale and you were 12 pounds. I hope during your next visit you are willing to be more social.

September 29, 2003

September 29, 2003

This past weekend, Daddy and I had our first time away from you. We wanted to get away once before I have to go back to work. Nana came up to the house to stay with you. At first, I was very hesistant to leave you, because you are still so fussy. It seems you cry about 80% of your waking hours. But then I realized, it probably doesn't make much difference if you cry for me or for someone else. I don't think there's anything special that I do that makes you content. Nana promised it would be fine. I had been saving up lots of pumped breastmilk for the occasion.

When we got back Nana said you were "an angel", although I find that kind of hard to believe. Not to mention, I would be devastated if I thought you only cried like that for me. I think she just wanted to butter me up, so I'll leave you with her more often.

Dada and I had a good time, although it was hard to think of what to do when we didn't have to worry about you. We spent the weekend at our favorite bed and breakfast. I felt kind of attached to my breastpump for the weekend, but if I didn't do it, I would be very uncomfortable! I didn't get to sleep through the night, because I had to pump too, but I only had to get up once, which was nice.

Anyway, I'm just happy to be back, and see that you could manage without me for a little while. It makes me feel a little better about going back to work, although I'm still not looking forward to it exactly. It will be nice to get out of the house and be around adults for a while though.

September 22, 2003

September 22, 2003

Today was your 2 month check up. You weighed in at 11 lbs 3 oz and were 23.5 inches long. Holy mackeral! You looked nice and healthy, but had to have 4 shots today. At first you looked up at the nurse and me like we were playing some game. Then the first shot came and your little face melted into a scream. I was surprised at how quickly you recovered though. I nursed you right after and by the time we left the office, you were over it. You have little bright colorful circular bandaids all over your chubby little thighs. Poor thing!

September 20, 2003

September 20, 2003


You are smiling so much! Your new favorite pasttime is sucking on your hands, which makes them smell like sour milk a lot of the time. Pew! The Zantac seems to be helping during the day, but you are still a screaming mess come 5:00, which makes dinner unpleasant for Mommy and Daddy. We usually have to take turns with you, so that the other can get something to eat. Other times, I eat with you in the bouncie seat under the table. I'll be vigorously bouncing you with my feet, while I'm simultaneously tryting to shove food in my mouth.

I wish Daddy got to see more of your smiley times. I think he thinks I make it up, because he's only home in the evenings when you are so fussy. Our only respite in the evenings is our evening walk. I have to walk with your back against my stomach, so you can look out at everything. You love to watch the trees. I live for those walks, it's so nice to get outside. I feel so trapped inside the house lately.

September 4, 2003

September 4, 2003

Oh my sweet baby. Mommy doesn't know what to do with you. You cry all the time it seems. The only thing that stops the crying is nursing, swinging, and the vacuum cleaner. Sometimes, those things don't even work. I feel so bad for you. I'm guessing it's just colic, but today I started worrying that all this time I thought you had colic, but maybe there's something wrong. I called the pediatrician's office and it was all I could do to not cry on the phone. The secretary could tell I was upset. She asked if that was you crying in the background and I said, "Yes" **sniff, sniff**. They she said, "Do you want to bring her in today?" And I said, "Yes...." and almost broke down.

Dr. VanZee said you might have "silent reflux" since you never spit up. So we're going to try you on Zantac and see if that helps. Oh, I hope it does. I feel like such a terrible Mom. I've tried everything, but still you seem miserable.

September 1, 2003

September 1, 2003


Elly Belly you are getting so big! I'm honestly worried that you might end up being 6 feet. Madelyn who is 5 months old was over yesterday and you two are the same height. It's been a rough few weeks. You want to nurse all the time and sleep very little. You have also been very fussy. Daddy and I have different levels of crying named for you; Defcon 1, 2, 3, and 4. Defcon 4 involves clenched fists, red face, and a scream you can hear anywhere. Shai is very concerned when you are upset and gives me a look like "Why are you hurting my baby?". Despite all that, I can't believe how much I love you. I love to kiss your chubby face all over!! When you are upset, I just tell you that you are safe and everything is all right. You are sleeping swaddled in your crib right now, but as with most nights lately, you'll probably end up in bed with Mommy and Daddy. You are a very noisey sleeper, but oh so cuddly!

Kisses,

Mommy

August 29, 2003

August 29, 2003

I swear you have a sixth sense. It's either that or a really good nose. I will not so much as sit down and pick up a fork, and you're crying. I have yet to get through dinner with out being interupted. If this doesn't make those pregnancy pounds melt away, I don't know what will. Wait! Yes I do. I'm sure the rocking, bouncing, swaying jig I have to do about 4 times a night is aerobic exercise. It's not that I mind that you wake so often at night, it's just that it takes at least 45 minutes to get you back to sleep!! You will be sound asleep in my arms, swaddled tightly, and I'll lay you ever so gently into the crib and tip toe out of the room. The floor creaks and BAM! you're screaming again. The other night, I was so tired of bouncing, that I decided to try take a drive with you. My Dad had told me I loved that as an infant. It was 4 am and I drove you around the country for about 20 minutes. You were quiet in the back for so long, I was sure you were asleep. I pulled in the garage, snuck around the side of the car, opened the door, and there you were, eyes wide open, looking at me. I wanted to cry. Mommy still loves you dearly, but please baby, go to sleep.

August 25, 2003

August 25, 2003

Aunt Allison is here from Miami to see you for the first time. She was so excited! I just wish you weren't so fussy. Whenever someone else tries to hold you, you scream. I think Allison is a little intimidated by this, and hands you back to me quickly, because she doesn't want to make you cry.

Grandma Worman came over today too, to see you and Allison. I'm glad she gets to see you, but she makes me cringe. Then Grandpa came over in the evening. How proud he is! You have so many people that love you little bug!

August 23, 2003

August 23, 2003


Today we took your first nudie shots! It was Dada's idea, I just want you to know. He couldn't help himself, he had to pinch your little butt. You're starting to get fat rolls too. I think your hair resembles Elvis in these pictures.

We drove down to Grandma & Grandpa Smith's house. It was nice to be able to see them, but it was a rough trip. 2 hours is a long time to have you in the car. I can't see you because your seat is rear-facing. I thought you might sleep, but you only did for a very short time. The rest of the time you mostly cried. We had to take a break and stop on the side of the road so I could change your diaper and nurse you. It's frustrating, because I can't really do anything for you when you are strapped in your carseat. I think it's going to be a while before we try to make that trip again.

August 13, 2003

August 13, 2003

Today was your 1 month doctor's appointment. You are 8 pounds 14 ounces and 22.5 inches long. Wow! You are so big. Your newborn-3month sleepers are too short! I can't believe how fast you've grown. Dr. VanZee said you look very healthy.

July 30, 2003

July 30, 2003


My wonderful little bug. I am so torn. I can't wait to watch you grow up, walk, talk, and smile, but I love you being so small and cuddly. I hope I will be a good Mommy to you. Daddy thinks you will be the first female motocross champion. I hope you will pick something safer. I so dread going back to work. I don't want to miss anything. I love you so much.

Today was your due date, but I guess you had a different agenda, and that was fine with me! You umbilical cord fell off. I'm glad it's gone...Yuck! A couple days ago when I was bathing you, I noticed it was starting to come off and it was a little bloody and gooey looking. I freaked out a little and called your Dad in there to look at it. I asked him if he thought it was all right and he said, "Why don't you know, you're the nurse?" I told him, they never fall off for me. He thinks that because I'm a nurse, I'm supposed to know everything medical related. I'm happy to report that now that it's fallen off, everything looks a-okay, and you have an inny.

July 24, 2003

July 24, 2003

Today was your first doctor's appointment. I really liked the doctor's office, they had a special room for us to wait in, so you didn't have to be out in the waiting room with all the sick kids. You got weighed and measured. 7lbs 6 oz. and 20 1/2 inches long. Dr. VanZee was very impressed that you are already back up to your birth weight. Yay for Mama's milk! You are looking a little jaundiced, but Dr. VanZee wasn't too worried.

I am very happy to report that I think my spinal headache is finally gone. What a relief that is. Sally, Joe, Meghan, and Nick are coming over tonight to meet you for the first time.

July 20, 2003


Today the Smith family came to see you. Nana, Papa, Gigi, Aunt Angie and Uncle Joe, and Joey were there to meet you. You were so good and let everyone hold you. I was miserable. The spinal headache is terrible. I am hot and my breasts feel like two red hot bricks on my chest. You nurse every 1-2 hours and since the breastfeeding thing makes Papa uncomfortable, I take you to another room. Gigi made the comment, "She wants to eat alot, maybe you don't have enough milk." I so wish I could have lifted up my shirt and shown her I have enough milk to feed an army of newborns. I love them, but I really wished everyone would just go away so I could lay down. I'm not tired, I just don't feel well. Earlier I was begging you to please eat some more. I feel like my boobs want to burst!

July 19, 2003

July 19th, 2003


We brought you home today!! Actually I couldn't wait to get out of the hospital. I just wanted to get you home and show you your house and your room, and just chill out with Daddy in our usual surroundings. We dressed you in a hot pink dress that had the butterfly from "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" on it. It said "a beautiful butterfly". It was a hot sunny day. I was on edge the whole ride home, because I was afraid we'd get in a car accident. I sat in the back with you, so I could watch you. You slept the whole way home.

Unfortunately, I think I have that darn spinal headache that they thought I might get from the epidural. So I don't feel very well. My head is pounding, and Daddy tries to make me eat, but I really don't feel like it. My boobs are HUGE!! Shai seems pleasantly curious about you, and the cats could care less. I like nursing you in your room in the recliner we got. It is very comfortable. I thought I would be more tired, but I'm too excited. Aunt Katie stopped over to see you too. She's not real keen on babies and looked so uncomfortable holding you, it was hilarious!

July 17, 2003

July 17, 2003


You are here!! And you are beautiful!! Much different than I expected you to look. I guess I don't really know what I was expecting. You have tons of long brown hair, with hair on the tips of your ears, and a sort of dark complection. You have big eyes, which were wide open and staring at us right after birth. You have cute little bird lips that are always pursed, and your nose has a wide bridge like your Dad's. Of course we had to check out the toes to see if you got Mom's long toe, or Dad's big toe. It's the big toe! No doubt. Here's how everything got started.

At 4:20 in the morning I woke up because I had to pee. I was lying there and all of a sudden there was this big snap/pop sort of like kicking followed by a tidal wave of fluid. I told Daddy that my water had just broke and I needed a towel. He said “a lot” and I said “a lot, a lot”. I got up to go in to the bathroom with the towel and it was soaked through before I got there. I soaked three more towels and then tried to pack while wearing a pad. 4 pads later we were ready to go to the hospital. I had wanted to wait a little longer until the contractions really kicked in, I had started having mild ones right after the water broke, but then I would have missed my fellow night shifters and I really wanted them to be the ones who checked me in. We got to the hospital and everyone was so excited to see me even though they were really busy. 6:30 They checked me and I was 1-2/80%/0, bummer. So I walked the halls. Feeling a little bit like a celebrity because all the doctors and other nurses were so excited to see me there as a patient. My friends in L&D said that I shouldn’t be walking so fast, “we’ll have to send you home” jokingly. My contractions were only every 5-6 minutes or so and not very strong. So I walked and walked and walked. It must have done something though, because 4 hours later I was 3-4 cm. So I walked some more. Still no good contraction pattern. 2.5 hours later I was 4-5cm. I had some good contractions, some wimpy ones, still no pattern. I could only get them to come close together if I walked and that was getting a little tiring and boring. Daddy kept pushing me, “walk faster!”. And the fluid just kept coming. My patients always said that was a gross feeling, but Man is that a gross feeling.

Anyway so I decided to get my epidural. The anesthesiologist and I are just shooting the breeze while he’s placing the epidural, and I’m telling him how another nurse I took care of had problems with hers and how we all said it was because she worked here when he goes “crap.” And I go “what?” He says “I just gave you a wet tap”. Which means that he has gone past the epidural space and gotten spinal fluid. So we redo the epidural, and he tells me that he gives me a 50/50 chance of getting the spinal headache. He was so embarrassed, and I told him it was bound to happen to me of anyone. Oh well, what can you do. The epidural was much more pleasant than I was expecting. I had no problems moving my legs and moving around in bed, but no contraction pain. However it did space my contractions out to every 10min. I was like “start up the Pit!!” Or this will take forever. So they started the pitocin. At 4, my nurse comes in and I get my bladder emptied. And immediately my contractions go from 10 minutes apart to 2-3min apart. 20 minutes later my doctor comes in to say hi, which was perfect timing because in the meantime a bowling ball has all of a sudden started pressing on me. I have never felt a more intense pressure in my life. He checks me and I’m ready to push!! Halleuia!! Outside it is storming and there is thunder and lightning. What a dramatic entrance for you!

I pushed for 30 minutes before you were born, and it was some of the most intense pain I have ever experienced. Someone asked my Daddy if I screamed, and he said “No but there was a lot of whimpering.” Yes wimpering with tears streaming down my face and begging for another contraction so I could get you out. I used a mirror, which was great, but afterward my doctor was so kind as to point out where I tore, where he was going to put stitches etc. TMI!! I said just do whatever you gotta do. The best part, after Dr. Gorsuch delivered your head and shoulders, I was able to reach down and grab you under the arms and pull you the rest of the way out myself! My Grandma thinks that is just the most amazing thing. Then once you were out and I was holding you, the clouds lifted, the rain and thunder stopped, and the sun came out. It was just like a movie!

Your Dad and I were pretty stupid when it came to getting pictures. We didn't even get any pictures in the delivery room. We were just too preoccupied I guess. But here is a picture of us, both looking pretty worn out. You can see how crazy your hair looked before it got washed.

July 13, 2003

July 13, 2003


I had Daddy take me to the park today so we could get some last pictures of my huge ole belly. I wanted so nice pictures of me pregnant, so I wore my favorite maternity dress. I feel the need to have everything ready and wrapped up because it could be "any day now!" I still think I will go overdue though. Daddy and I plan to go on one more date this Friday. We're going to go out to dinner and to see Pirates of the Caribbean.

At work, Christine did an ultrasound for me to see if we could measure how big you are. The calculations say that right now you are about 7 pounds. Which means if I go all the way to my due date (or more), you'll probably be 8 or 8 1/2 pounds. Yikes!! I feel like you are right between my legs most of the time, and my co-workers think it's hilarious to watch me waddle all around. I get so frustrated with pants!! My work pants won't fit over my belly, but don't stay up when I time them under either, so I feel like I am constantly hiking them up. I have a clot in my leg, so I also have to wear support hose which SUCKS!! I can't even put on regular socks, let alone, those things. Most of the time I sucker one of my co-workers in to helping me put them on. I can't wait to wear regular pants!!

June 30, 2003


Well there it is. Does it look scary to you? Uncomfortable? It's really not to bad. Actually my legs hurt the most probably. I wake up from a dead sleep with these incredible leg cramps, and have to hop around the bedroom until they go away. About 3 weeks ago, I noticed what I thought was a stretch mark and the next morning I woke up to find that my entire belly had exploded in stretch marks. Literally, it was overnight. They wrap all the way around to my back. My belly button has popped out like a turkey timer. The funny thing is that only this week one of my patients dared ask me if I'm pregnant. I guess the scrubs hide it really well. She was very surprised to find out I'm due in one month. So far you seem like a pretty calm baby. Maybe it's because I'm always moving around, but I don't feel you move that much. Sometimes it makes me nervous. I listen to your heartbeat at work all the time, just to check in.

June 8, 2003


Today was the baby shower that your Grandma Smith through for us. We had Gigi, Aunt Allison, Great Grandma Miles, Sally and Megan Miles, Karrie, Kate, and Mrs. DeVries. We got so much stuff! We played a fun game where you try to guess the baby food with the labels torn off. I didn't do too bad. I wish someone would have told me that my pink striped underwear was showing the WHOLE TIME. Seriously! I'm including a picture on here, and let me tell you, they were all this bad.

May 28, 2003

May 28th, 2003

Today was my first baby shower. It was given by my friends at work. It was kind of a group shower for myself, Andrea, and Dorothy. Both Andrea and Dorothy have already had their babies. Andrew, Andrea's baby, is a big ole chunk, and Sophie, Dorothy's baby, is a petite little princess. Dorothy had to spend a lot of the shower standing and rocking her.

I am overwhelmed by how generous everyone was. There was tons of food and I got a bouncy seat, a walker, boppy pillow, sleepers, towels, blankets, clothes, and a photo album. All these beautiful things from people who only know me through work. I don't have any qualms about delivering there. It is comforting to me to know I will be surrounded by friends when I have my baby.

May 22, 2003

Hello in there... I hope you are comfortable. I am not so much right now. I made the mistake of agreeing to go shopping at Birch Run with Katie and Rachel this weekend. I thought I was going to die. My back and belly hurt so bad. Every store we went to I scanned the place looking for somewhere to sit down. It was really bad. I don't know why that was so much more uncomfortable than working. I don't seem to have much problem at work, and I'm still working full time nights 12 hour shifts. I wanted to include a little bit of monitor strip. Here you are looking good! Very advanced for 30 weeks!

March 16, 2003

March 16, 2003


Now that's a belly! This is my 20 1/2 week belly picture. I wouldn't let Daddy take a picture of my head because I just got out of the shower and look like crap! I'm feeling great and even fit into my regular jeans still. I haven't really felt you move much, but at least I get to hear you whenever I want to at work otherwise I might be worried. I can't wait until your Daddy gets to feel you move.

March 4, 2003

March 4, 2003


Today was my formal ultrasound. It was strange for me, coming into the hospital as a patient, instead of to work. I drank tons of water like a good doobie, so that my bladder would be full. It was fun at first. The ultrasonagrapher seemed so young to me! I think it was exciting for your Daddy to see you moving around in there. The last ultrasound he was there for in person was at 8 weeks. All the other ones have just been pictures I brought home to him. The tech confirmed again for us that you look like a girl! She began taking measurements of all your parts and checking out your organs and my back began to spasm!! Oh my god I was hurting so bad. I don't know if it was the hard table or my very full bladder, but I didn't think I could make it. She let me get up and move around a little. I felt like such a wussy, but my back was just breaking! When everything was done and I finally got to pee I swear I peed for 5 minutes straight. Then I had to pee again before we even left the building. Wow! I think this ultrasound was a little anti-climatic for me just because I've already had 4. We did get a nice picture of your profile though.

February 27, 2003

February 27th, 2003

Tap, tap, tap!! That's what I felt! I was sitting at work, and there it was. Like someone tapping me with their finger from the inside. This time I'm sure it's you. So cool!! I sat very still for a while hoping you'd keep doing it, but it subsided and once I started moving around, I don't know if I'd be able to feel you. Maybe that's why it's taken me so long to feel you, because I think I'm always moving. I hate to sit still.

February 23, 2003

February 23, 2003

The walls of the nursery are done. I took wallpaper and cut out these cute butterflies out of it. Dragonflies, ladybugs, and bees too. They look like they're flying all around the room. I love it!! Dad and I went to Meijer and I was admittedly sticking out my belly, so people would notice.

February 22, 2003

February 22, 2003

Dad and I picked out a recliner today for your room. It was fun to sit there and rock, pretending you are in my arms. We are going to have some great times in that chair. We made sure to get the fabric protection because I'm sure it will be covered in spit up more than once.

February 20, 2003

February 20th, 2003


Last night at work one of the Doctor's Mom works with did an ultrasound to see if you were willing to show off your private parts. Dr. Cady said he was "pretty sure" he knew what you were which is about as sure as anyone ever is when it comes to an ultrasound. I promised your Dad that I wouldn't find out so Dr. Cady wrote it on a piece of paper and sealed it in an envelope, so that your Dad and I could open it together. I called your Dad and told him I had the results in my pocket and that he couldn't leave for work until I got home. It was an excrutiating 8 hours, but I never peeked. Kate, the PCA, saw to that. She put that piece of paper inside a piece of paper, inside an envelope, inside an envelope, then taped and stapled it shut. We had a hard time getting to our answer. What fun though. Drum roll please.....Girl!!! Music to my ears!! It didn't matter to me, but your Dad really wanted you to be a girl. I know he would have been fine if you were a boy, but he is so used to girls and thinks they are so cute. He was elated! We think we know your name too. Elise Katelyn though that could change.

It's hard for me to believe you're in there, and that you're a girl. I think what makes it the most fun is that the stuff for girls is so cute! Anyway, here are the pictures we took. We got some really good ones this time. Daddy labeled them, so others would know what they were looking at. ;)

February 13, 2003

February 13th, 2003


More shopping for the nursery. Went looking for a rocker and picked up the crib. I had to borrow the Whaley's minivan and take out all the seats because the box was so huge. Daddy and I set it up in no time flat. Now I just stand in the doorway and stare at the room. Tomorrow I think I'll hang the pictures. Here's another belly picture.

February 12, 2003

February 12th, 2003

Well so much has happened today! In the morning, I went with your Great Grandma shopping for my first pair of "fat pants", maternity pants that is. Now I actually look like I might be pregnant! Your Great Grandma is so excited to meet you! Then I went and picked out some bugs to go up on your wall. I had to order them so they won't be here for a while.

At 3:30 I had an appointment with the doctor. Everything looks good. I gained 1 pound, since my last appointment which is good. I got to hear your heartbeat again, and I should every time I go to the doctor's now. I also sort of felt my uterus though I had a hard time. Dr. Anderson said she coudl barely feel it too because it is retroverted.

When I got home your co-sleeper had arrived so I set that up nest to our bed. It was a pain to set up, but once we figured it out I don't think it will be so bad next time. I layed there imagining you were in it sleeping next to me.

Then I took Daddy up to the hospital where I work. He hates hospitals, so he whined the whole way there. I gave him the tour and then my doctor and the resident there that night, Chris, did an ultrasound. We wanted to find out if you are a boy or a girl but you were in this funny position standing on your head, so we couldn't see. I was glad Daddy got to see you move and your arms, legs, head, spine, and little heart beating, so it was fun anyway. I have my formal ultrasound in 3 or 4 weeks so hopefully you will let us see your private parts then. If not there are always plenty of people around to scan me. You can't be shy all the time.

Here are the pictures we took. They are of your spine, leg & foot, and head and body (sort of).

Appointment 4 : Week 16 : Weight 144 lbs.

February 10, 2003

February 10th, 2003

Today I finished your baby registry for the most part. Your Dad still has to pick the stroller and car seat. I also had a hard time picking clothes. I don't know if you are a boy or a girl, and even if I did I wouldn't want to pick pink or blue clothes because that would give it away for everybody else. Yesterday, I started an online baby pool. Our friends and family have to guess the date and time you will be born, your weight, length, and gender. Whoever gets the closest will win a prize, but I don't know what it will be yet. I also ordered our co-sleeper. It's a bed that attaches to the side of Daddy and Mommy's bed. That way when you cry all I have to do is reach over and pull you to me. I so look forward to that, though I am sure after a few sleepless nights I'll be eating my words!

February 8, 2003

February 8th, 2003

It is just after midnight and I as laying here trying to fall asleep and I think I felt you move! I was laying on my side and I felt this fluttering/tapping feeling low in my abdomen. It felt like bubbles. Of course, it could be gas or something, but I was excited anyway.

I think this week I am going to have to buy maternity pants. I only have two pair of pants that I can still wear without unbuttoning the top button. That's fine with me though. I want my belly to show.

I have also begun reading a story to you everyday. So far we have read The Foot Book, The Poky Little Puppy, The Animals of Farmer Jones, and Tootle. I know you can't hear me, but it's fun to do anyway. Sometimes Harley or Dookie listen too. Besides, I need to practice. Today we are going to read the House in the Woods.

February 5, 2003

February 5th, 2003


Early this morning at work, we were slow, so the resident Jeannie said she would ultrasound me and Andrea (one of the other pregnant nurses) if we wanted. Andrea went first, she is almost 31 weeks. She doesn't want to know if it's a boy or a girl, but Jeannie told me she's about 80% certain it's a boy, which is what I guessed because Andrea has always though it was a boy and mother's are usually right. I think you are a boy, your Dad thinks you are a girl. Aunt Allison thinks you are a girl, but your Grandma Smith thinks you are a boy. I was hoping I might be able to see when Jeannie did the ultrasound, but we couldn't. You looked so small compared to Andrea's baby. Her baby's head filled the whole screen and you're whole body doesn't even fill it. You looked so funny, like you were kicked back in a lazy boy chair with your legs stretched out straight and crossed some of the time. You waved, kicked, and punched at me. I couldn't believe I can't feel that. We couldn't see your head because you were hiding it behind the placenta, but I showed everyone at work the picture anyway. I am so excited to see you moving and growing. You have arms and legs too!

February 2, 2003

Febuary 2nd, 2003


Today we picked out your crib. Your Dad actually let me splurge and get the fancy one. He can be a real cheapskate sometimes, but I showed him how this one would actually save us money in the long run, so he let me get it. It converts into a toddler/daybed and a double headboard. It is natural wood with an arched back. I wthing it will look nice. I also spent my gift certificates that I got for my birthday. I got the bedding and mobile for the crib. It is blue with bugs and says, "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite" all around the bumper and on the quilt. The sheets are white with bees. I wish your crib was already here so I could dress it up, but we had to order it special.

I also have been looking for books to read to you. I am trying to remember all the books I liked when I was a kid. I went out to eat with my Dad and Denise tonight. They gave me Goodnight Moon and Dr. Suess's The Foot Book to start out. They are very excited to meet you.

Here's another belly pic! 14 weeks! Don't ask me why I never smile in these pictures. I guess I was thinking we'd crop out my face.

January 26, 2003

January 26th, 2003

Your Dad got me sick with the flu/cold whatever. Anyway, I am all snotty with a sore throat and body aches. On the upside, today is the first time in a long time I actually feel hungry. We went to the grocery store and I got lots of food. We were standing in the checkout line and I looked down at the conveyor belt and there sitting right next to each other was mint chocolate chip ice cream and pickles. How cliche'. I ate the ice cream and pickles and popsicles and chicken noodle soup all day today. Everything tasted so good.

January 23, 2003

January 23rd, 2003

Today is the first day I feel like I show a little bit. I was getting ready to hop in the tub and I was examining my belly and lower abdomen is starting to stick out and it is much firmer than usual. I can't wait until other people notice.

January 20, 2003

January 20th, 2003

I decided to treat myself, indulge myself. I started a baby registry. How much fun! I picked out your swing, highchair, bedding, sheets, bottles. Tons of fun stuff. I looked at clothes too, but everything was either pink or blue and I don't know which one you are yet. I hope to know soon.

January 18, 2003

January 18th, 2003


Today, Daddy took a picture of my belly. We are going to take one every 2 weeks until you are born, so we can se how you grew. Not much there to take a picture of just a little Mommy fat. I feel like I look like I just ate a big meal. We also went shopping at Babies R Us. We might have picked out a crib and changing table. Daddy was most focused on the stroller. He's decided to research and find the best one, he's funny. I felt a little silly there because everyone had big belly's or a baby already. I just can't wait to start getting ready for you.

Here is the picture of Mommy's belly at 12 weeks.

January 15, 2003

January 15th, 2003

Today I heard the little swish, swish of your heartbeat. What a wonderful sound! What a relief! Now I can't wait to get that cute belly I see everyone in the waiting room sporting. I love to tell people I'm pregnant. I can't wait until it shows. I am concerned that I have lost weight though. I haven't been sick or puking like I thought I would be. I just don't have any appetite. Dr. Turke says I'm under strick instructions to eat more. I never thought I'd hear that! But okay... if I have to. Today is also a good day because my risk for miscarriage dramatically drops. Hopefully, now I will relax and enjoy this pregnancy. I think I want to go shopping.

Appt. 3 : Week 12 : Weight 143lbs.

January 12, 2003

January 12th, 2003

Well you are already being naughty. I've been trying to listen to your heartbeat for the past 2 weeks and I can't find it. Technically, your not supposed to hear it until 12 weeks, but both Dorothy and Andrea (two girls I work with who are also pregnant) heard their babies at 10 weeks. I'm 11 weeks and 4 days and I can't hear it. I have my 12 week appointment this week and I vowed to myself that I would not try to hear before then. I just get frustrated and scared. If they can't find it at my appointment though, I'm going to have to make them do an ultrasound because I'll just be too scared. I just need some sign that you're doing ok in there.