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.

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

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

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 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

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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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!

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 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 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 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 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 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 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.