March 23, 2012- I am two weeks into my month long hcg diet and doing well. Struggling not to drink or eat buffalo wings because UK is totally kicking ass in the tournament. They beat Indiana on this night. Sweet revenge.(THE CATS TOOK IT ALL THIS YEAR, by the way). So Fred and I "celebrate". I have two more weeks left on this damn diet and then I'm having a pizza, wine, and The Hunger Games at Alamo to celebrate. I am finished with the diet on April 8th and very pleased with my weight loss.(I lost 20 pounds. This diet will be repeated post Cletus) UPDATE: This diet was repeated and now we have Cleatus II.
April 21, 2012- I am pumped that we are going to San Marcos to hang with friends and I will drink for the first time in over a month. I hope I can still hang. I couldn't. After two bottles of white wine with Sarah, I am in bed by midnight.
April 22, 2012- I can't eat brunch and I am sick as a dog. Was it the white wine? I'm usually a red girl. The turkey sandwich from the day before? The ride back in the back seat with smelly Stifler? I feel terrible and weak for the rest of the week, but figure the diet had just messed with me and coming off was a little tougher than I expected. 500 calories a day for a month can make a girl feel terrible and weak. I give a status report on facebook and I believe it was Kinnison, my due date twin, who said I should take a test. Of course, I blow this off. Fred, fortunately, did not and brought home a box of tests on Tuesday.
April 24, 2012- We have to go to Home Depot. Wait, I just have to get my shoes and take a pregnancy test, obviously. Fred is ready and waiting to go (should have known it was a weird day at this point) when I come out with a very positive pregnancy test and some mixed feelings. I wanted to be excited but I didn't want to get overly excited just in case it was the hcg from the diet messing with my system. And I didn't want to get Fred's hopes up, just in case.
April 25, 2012- Another positive pregnancy test. Hmmmm...
April 27, 2012- Another positive. Surely the diet hcg is out of my system and my levels are back to normal by this point. Better schedule an appointment with an OB/GYN to get this checked out.
April 28, 2012- Feel like hell. We have Mike and Nicole in town and a crawfish party on this day. I am trying to prepare food but I'm sweaty and nauseous. I have to sit down to finish it. Nicole smells baby and is quickly onto me. I spill. She figures out the due date before I ever see a doctor! The girl is good. I get one more POSITIVE pregnancy test before the party and this determines what I will be drinking for the evening. I carry a half glass of sangria around, not drinking it, with another glass of water that I actually drink from. No one is the wiser until I blab to a few close friends. I can never keep my own happy secrets. Dammit. Will see a doctor on May 2nd. Until then, I rest and continue to feel like poo.
May 2, 2012- Hello pregnancy. We are very excited. But now I start with the first trimester worry.
I rented a doppler thingy, so that we could listen to the heartbeat and put me at ease. If it were up to me, I'd see a doctor every week. I'm so paranoid. I kinda think I did it right the first time by having no clue that I was pregnant until 6ish months. Much less stress if you ask me. Anyhoo, at 12 weeks, baby's heart is going strong at 160 bpm. It's been hanging right around there since 7 weeks, so he/she is consistent which makes me wonder if it's really my baby...
May 21- All of the nursery furniture is here. All that's left is paint and decor. Will start that as soon as we get the pink or blue go ahead. And of course, I already have themes for both. I cannot wait to find out what it is. I pretty much made sure that we will be having a boy by ordering three girl outfits from zulily. And oh are they cute, so if I have to give them away, I'm going to be heartbroken! But I ordered a pretty sweet, boy mustache shirt too, so I'll take what comes and be thrilled!
Narrowed down nursery plans. Boy- Where the Wild Things Are. Still kicking around the idea of a mural. Girl- girly pink walls with blue floral bedding with fun girl touches everywhere.
Oh and PS, I'm too fat too early. Hoping this early weight gain slows or I am in a world of hurt. Kaitlyn's birth weight plus Tarabay boy birth weight plus already chubby Leslee equals OUCH. But doc says I can still gain 20 to 30 pounds and be just fine. Love that liar of a woman.
May 25- I couldn't wait. I had Kaitlyn stop by Walgreen's for an Intelligender test. It measures baby's hormones in my urine (in theory). It claims that we are having a boy along with every other gender predictor test that I've taken. I schedule the ultrasound at 15 weeks on June 22nd and we shall see, in hopefully no uncertain terms, what sex our little Cletus is going to be.
June 20- Wild hair up my butt today. If Baby Tarabay is a boy, I'm thinking that I want a graffiti artist to come in a spraypaint a wall in his room. I am pricing people and it's not cheap. It might be easier just to wait for my mind to change again.
First trimester was a bitch. I was sick, tired, weak, cranky, and my attitude sucked. I could only eat bread, pizza, and sweets which did not help a figure that hadn't seen a carb in over a month. Hello, fat girl. Second trimester starts with headaches, gas, and sinus issues but I can definitely feel the moods swinging to the lighter side. Fred hung in there like a champ. Still is. I'm never easy to get along with and it's still pretty hard to be happy when the hormones are raging and the pounds just keep coming and clinging to my ass. Every side effect you've ever heard of in pregnancy, I've had it. I am very textbook, which actually makes me feel a bit more at ease. So bring on the heartburn and constipation! Pregnancy rocks! I am going to try to make the best of the second trimester because if the first was bad for me, the last one is going to be hell for Fred. I already have a very expensive dinner planned for him on our anniversary in Key West. I should probably buy him a car though.
July 5, 2012- Not changing my mind. If we find out on the 18th that it's a boy, a professional graffiti artist, Nathan Nordstrom aka SLOKE ONE, is going to come and do a wall in his room! He is based right here in Austin but travels the world doing what he does. And he's making time for us! Woot! I'm so pumped about this. What a cool room this kid will have! I sent him all the details of the room and he is going to start sketching some things while he is in Europe. I'm just giddy! Also picked out the fabrics for bedding and found the person on etsy that I would like to make them for me. Mixed tapes and boom boxes. I'm thinking a Breaking 2 theme...you know you've seen it.
July 7-13- We go to Key West and Miami for our anniversary/babymoon/birthday extravaganza! One year after our wedding and we are another year older and 4 1/2 months pregnant. It's been a good year. I can really feel the baby moving inside now. Sometimes it's strong enough to feel on the outside with a hand but not often. Fred was lucky enough to catch one of those times on the morning of our anniversary. That was pretty cool timing, I think.
July 18, 2012- We had our genetic counseling and anatomical screen today. Everything looks good and it's a boy! We've had our names picked out for a while now, so he is Jameson Frederick rather than Cletus now. Fred is over the moon and I am ready to shop and start with the decorating! I have picked out the fabrics for his bedding and sent them to a woman on etsy. I'm hoping to get that started this weekend and have the finished product back in under two months. It's gonna be so cute!
July 24, 2012- Baby Jameson is moving a lot now. He's pretty consistent. Mostly around 9 AM, 7 PM, and 11 PM. Fred is able to feel him flipping and flopping all over the place now. I placed an order for the custom bedding this morning. Now I have to wait which is nothing I'm good at. I went with some cool fabric that I found on spoonflower. Aqua, black, and gray with stereo equipment with aqua and black accents. Both artists are in. Niz is doing a 2x3 custom canvas for us and Nate is doing the JAMESON wall. The painters are coming today for colors and pricing, so soon enough, we just might have ourselves a nursery! Doc appointment tomorrow. Wonder what I weigh now...
July 27, 2012- Halfway there! 20 weeks and counting. I'm starting to think we just might have a baby around here this Winter. We will do our five month pic when Fred gets home this afternoon. The painters are here doing the front rooms of the house, including the baby's room. They are in there putting plastic over the furniture as I am typing this. Operation "Room for Baby Jameson" is under way!
July 30, 2012- First hiccups!
August 1, 2012- Starting to wake up with swollen fingers:( Wedding and engagement rings are a little snug. We have ordered a place holder ring for me to wear when the others just won't go. Jameson will get the place holder when he is old enough. It's a suitable promise ring for him to give to his future fiancee'...if we like her.
August 7, 2012- Sleep? What sleep? I can't get comfortable at night, so I'm exhausted all day. Wahhhhhhhhhhh!!!
August 13, 2012- This week the spray paint gets put on the walls! I recevied a rough draft of the lettering and I love it. It's going to be so awesome! Now me...I'm hot all the time. Stuffy. Uncomfortable. Winded. Tired. Puffy. Miserable. I'm supposed to feel good right now, no? If this is trimester two, I may sleep through three. Ugh. I just keep thinking how it's all gonna pay off in the end. Feeling yucky but keeping positive. Only three more months to go!
August 15, 2012- The wall graffiti is done! It's more awesome that I could have ever imagined! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you to Nathan Nordstrom. That room is oozing with so much coolness and there's not a stitch of fabric in it yet. I love it! Waiting on Niz's piece to be finished and then the bedding will arrive in October. We might just have a baby room coming together!
August 25th- Kentucky Baby Shower Day! We got lots of fantastic baby booty but the best part was getting to see everyone. Makes me miss home. Everyone there is all about family and with trips like this, I realize that I am so far from all of them. They get to go on trips together, go to dinner together on a whim, or just go over to each other's houses and hang out every weekend. Like I said, the togetherness of the whole weekend was the best part for me. Presents for Jameson were the cherry on top of it all. Mom and Jennifer did a great job planning and setting it all up. I can't thank them enough. I've received so many compliments on the photos. Cake was gorgeous. Food was delish. Weather was HOT. Family and friends were awesome. I appreciate everyone for showing up. Fred and I love all of you very much. Thank you. Now where are those thank you notes...
September 9, 2012- Jameson's first Texans game...from the inside. I gotta tell you, I do not think he was impressed. He moved more in the car on the way home as I worked the crossword. It was hotter than I remember and the walk from the train was further than I remember. The people in front of us were annoying picture takers and the guys behind us were dipping and the smell was awful. Pretty safe to say, pregnancy has also sucked the fun outta the Texans for me. I could do a cool weather game, but I'll be too far gone, so this season is a wash until after baby. I'm sure it'll be their best one ever! Tune in next year for Jameson's first game from the outside. Oh yeah, it's gonna happen...at least once.
September 11, 2012- I'm so fat.
September 20, 2012- I started measuring my belly today because I wanna look back and go, "Holy cow, I wish I was just 46 inches around again!" Oh yeah, it's 46 inches today. Meet the Docs Night at the hospital. And of course, my doc was missing. We did get cupcakes, juice, and a pretty sweet tour of the 2nd floor. Found out that people are still giving birth to girls, so my fear of world domination by boys, is laid to rest. The nurses are nice. The other doctors and anesthesiologists all seem nice. We are ready to rock!
September 22, 2012- Childbirth Class Day! What I learned...10 to 4 is a long time to ask a pregnant woman to sit still for a class. What Fred learned...three hes and a ho is funny. We both learned that we won't be looking down. Everyone in class apart from us, was expecting a girl. More confirmation that the world is safe from an all boy takeover. Breathe easy now, people. If you don't know how, Fred can show you.
End of second trimester summary: I do not like being pregnant. I am pregnant in every pore of my chubby body. I am still uncomfortable. Everything aches. My knees could go at any time, I'm convinced. I'm hot. I make weird snorty noises in my sleep and sometimes even when I'm awake. I hate clothes. I hate going out because I hate clothes. My feet are a size and a half bigger than they normally are. I miss my wedding/engagement rings something awful. It's been over a month since I've fit into them. Headaches are gone but the cranky sits close and is ready to jump at the slightest of things. Sigh. So, second trimester...you can also suck it. I'm ready for the third. I know it's gonna be awful on me, but it's the last one so bring it. I'm ready for 20 more pounds of weight gain with a healthy baby to show for it very soon!
September 25, 2012- Got an email from Miss Polly's Piece Goods saying that she is starting on Jameson's bedding this week! Paid the last payment as soon as I got her email so hopefully she'll knock me out first. I can't wait to see it!
October 2, 2012- Saw the bedding. Love the bedding. Can't wait to have it here.
October 3, 2012- Finished the ruler/ height measurer thing for the room. Looks awesome! Promised Fred he could help me hang it, so now I wait for him to get home and do man stuff. So much stuff is in the mail for this baby, I think I may lose track. I can tell you this, after this round of stuff comes in, I'm calling a time out. I'm getting overwhelmed sitting here waiting on stuff so that I can complete other stuff. I must chill. I can sit here then and freak out about stuff I don't have for the hospital yet. Oh yeah, I've started trippin' on that too. I definitely need a gown, a robe, and some socks. I'm running out of time. I'm so screwed. And it looks like Fred just got a video camera in, so that something good outta the way. His list of one to do is DONE. Butthead.
October 5, 2012- The bedding came in and it rocks! Kaitlyn helped me put it on. She is taking the leftover fabric and making lampshades for the room! The mobile is done. Fred just needs to hang it. He has been warned,. If it's not up this weekend, I will be moving and climbing a ladder on Monday. I'm A LOT anxious. BUT after that's up and some random knick knacks get here, the nursery is DONE! We need so much random stuff still though. I'm having a hard time waiting for the shower before I go out and get it all myself. I hate not being prepared! I swear I need sedatives. (Oct. 13-I redid that damn mobile like 5 times before I finally said screw it and hung it up, as is. I'm over it and is he really gonna care?)
October 10, 2012- Hospital bag is pretty much packed and waiting in Jameson's room. Must remember to pack electronics and their cords but other than that, we are locked and loaded. Even got some sugar-free candy!
October 12, 2012- No leaky boobs yet, no stretch marks, and the belly button is still an innie. You know you were wondering.
October 17, 2012- OB appointment. All good and normal. Tonight is the season premier of my favorite show, American Horror Story. Our Halloween costumes just might be characters from this show...
October 20, 2012- Fred's Birthday and Texas Baby Shower Day! We were under strict orders to leave the house so that we could be surprised with everything, so we went to the pumpkin patch, took some photos, and grabbed a bite to eat. When we came back to the house, we were amazed at all of the food and decor that the ladies had put out. Everything was gorgeous and over the top! Stephanie Migues, Julie Connally, Kaitlyn Herring, Erin Sheehy-Norton, Christy Kelley, Cindy Hines, Sarah Clifton, and Barbara Tarabay...you ladies are the best. You planned everything down to the last detail even providing gift bags for the children who came. You should all go into party planning together, but I want in on this action. I love to plan a party too. I had so many compliments on everything, so I thank you. So many friends and family members to thank, I'll be writing thank you notes for weeks now! We are grateful that you all took the time out of your very busy schedules to spend the day with us and help get us prepared for our little life changer. We feel a little more prepared but we also feel so loved. We closed the day down relaxing with some college football and close friends. This was a very good day. Thanks to all. We love you.
October 29, 2012- I look at the ticker and it's telling me that we only have 46 days to our doctor designated due date. This means it's only 23 until the one I have called dibs on for myself. It's starting to sink in that in a month or so, we will have a baby here. And for the first time EVER, I'm kinda dreading being just me again. All this time, I've ached and been swollen in places I never even knew I had and now that it's about to come to an end, I'm sad. Am I weird? Does this make me the number one candidate for a bout with post-partum depression? Nah. I'm glad to get my body back under my control but it's gonna be strange being empty again. BUT I can't freaking wait to meet him on the outside! We've been chit chatting all this time (this was not just an excuse for me to talk to myself and get away with it) so he knows what I sound like. I wanna know what he sounds like too! This could be one of those "be careful what you wish for" things. I'm sure he'll be very vocal and probably very late at night with my luck. Will keep some bourbon on my nightstand. A shot for me and a dropper for him. We'll get on just fine and both sleep like babies with the help of hard liquor. Who came up with that saying? Sleep like babies? Babies on bourbon? Sure, I wanna sleep like that one. But a regular, bourbonless baby, that wakes up crying every two hours, I don't wanna sleep like that baby at all. Girl with wandering mind says huh? Huh? Anyways, Fred is gonna be a first time Dad and I'm gonna be a Mom again in a month or so. May all the powers that be, be on Jameson's side. I'm looking forward to this.
November 2, 2012- So I read a couple of days ago about a recipe for labor inducing eggplant parmesan. While Fred promises to make this for me (I can't cook a lick), we opted for Craigo's tonight. I made sure to eat every flipping bite and I felt like I was gonna blow. It wasn't the famous Scalini's but I'm hoping it'll do. We are going to try again next week if it doesn't work this one. The wives tale says your body has to be ready for it to work. I am totally ready, but I do wanna make sure he's healthy and ripe. Don't want him to come if he's not ready. Will keep you posted though. If this does work and we are ready, labor should start within two days. We shall see. I told you I'd try anything. And a Jameson's Whiskey commercial just came on. Signs anyone?
November 3, 2012- Bought a new dress for Jake and Jessica's wedding. Paid extra for quick shipping so that I could wear it to said wedding. During cocktail hour, I rest my hand on my belly while holding some bruschetta. One kick from Jameson, new dress and limestone patio...ruined. Grrrrrr. He's grounded now. I'm eating spicy foods and sugar all day. There will be no rest for this baby today. He will sleep tonight! Rascal. PS- Eggplant...well, he's obviously still an indoor baby who can already wreck shop on the outside. Maybe we leave it alone and let him cook a while longer. His powers only grow stronger but will effect more than me once he makes his debut into the world.
November 10, 2012- Kinnison had her baby boy, Casen on Monday. And Carla is dropping hints that this is her last weekend without a baby. I am thinking that I am going to be the only December due dater to have a baby in December. Sniffle. Sniffle. Still rooting for Thanksgiving week. Anybody hearing me? OB appointment on Wednesday. Not expecting any fun news but I got my nails done just in case! Nothing new to add with me. I'm a puffy, uncomfortable peebag but baby is livin' la vida loca on the inside. He kicks and rolls all of the time. Painful as hell, but a good sign. Eviction notice to be served soon.
November 11, 2012- The first signs of the end of the tunnel are starting to "show" up on this day. I won't get graphic, but Dr. Google says we are looking at 2 days to 2 weeks more. Hooray! J is very active and switching sides on me today. He's been head down this whole time so I'm crossing fingers that he's not deciding to turn on me now. My gut is literally telling me that he is sideways in there right now. No bueno. As you were, son! Going through the check list and I think we've got it all ready to go. I will clean this week and get all of the laundry done in hopes that we do have a baby here soon. Fred sold the last of his Texans tickets today. Daddy doesn't want to risk missing a thing...even if it's just me getting fatter and watching 6 hours of HGTV. Oh! And we measured today...Mom and Dad share the same size baby bump! He's a trooper for hanging in there with me! Love me some Fred!
November 16, 2012- Before going to see Breaking Dawn Part 2, I went by Tari's house and had her massage the baby eject button on my feet. Didn't work immediately. Baby is still hangin' tough, but here's hoping that in the next couple of days we get this labor going! Everything hurts and I'm pushing maximum weight overload!
November 18, 2012- Stomach has been upset for the past two days. Sucks but I keep thinking that it's leading up to something. We knocked out a lot of the registry with the help of Kaitlyn's magical discount. I'd kind of still love a nap nanny and ergo carrier but they can wait, I suppose. I'm just getting greedy. Had lunch with Kaitlyn and Fred at BJ's, shopped til I dropped, put baby stuff together, wrapped Christmas gifts, and then went to bed. Was a big day for this big girl. Today I think I shall bond with the bed...unless we are going to watch the Texans game, that is. Fred sold the tix thinking baby might come today...sigh. Missing a whole season, Jameson. Bring it!
November 22, 2012- Thanksgiving Day. The Texans are playing the Lions. A few friends and family are coming over later. No baby to show them yet. Sigh. Happy Thanksgiving.
November 24, 2012- We decorated for Christmas today! Put up what will be baby's first Christmas tree and all the fixins that go along with it. Kaitlyn and Fred argued doing the lights and Fred took out a ceiling fan with the ladder. I baked cookies and laid low. I can barely stand for longer than ten minutes anymore without my back breaking. The day was decent. It could have been worse, so I'll take it. The house looks great and we are ready for baby's first Christmas!
December 1, 2012- Another sign of upcoming labor happened today. I'll leave it at that. But we are definitely getting closer!
December 3, 2012- I am 50 inches around. Whoa. And still no stretch marks! Go go healthy skin! Big sister, Kaitlyn's birthday is tomorrow. Dinner at Plucker's is on the agenda. Hoping we can make it through to the other side of the 4th to please her. She doesn't wanna share her day...at all.
December 7, 2012- Congratulations to my other due date friend, Carla. She had her baby boy last night. I spoke to her this morning asking how she was and to my surprise, she was a mommy! I don't know how she kept it from facebook for so long. I don't have that kind of will power at all. But hooray for her and Alex. Mom and baby are healthy and should go home on Sunday. We will meet Benjamin Owen in July hopefully when we go on our cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale. (Yes, he and my brother Ben have the same first and middle names! So awesome.) So that just leaves me. I knew five people expecting this month and I'm the last one to go. Sigh. I know it's because I'm the only one that wanted to go early. I bet if I let him cook as long as he wanted, he'd go to Christmas and then probably still have to be taken by force...and also weigh 12 pounds by then. No way. It's my last Friday to take advantage of a date or night out and I'm in bed by 10. It's just too much work to even get ready anymore. Missed a surprise party because Fred was working but I needed the rest anyways. Geez. I am going out tomorrow but I bet I don't last three hours. Wish me luck!
December 8, 2012- Daddy bought a baby car! It's black and adorable. Jameson won't care one way or the other, but travel will be sooooo much easier. Our first family car! We were at the dealership all flipping day and both had stuff to do when we got home, so no fun with it yet. Poor Fred is so busy trying to knock out his work and I went out with Christy and Crystal for dinner at Flores. Great company. Greasy, cheesy food. A good night...for me more than Fred:( But he got my leftovers and got his second working wind. Hoping he gets whatever it is finished up so he can relax a little. Four more days...
December 11, 2012- Tomorrow is to be the day. I slept NONE last night and my stomach is a mess. Is it the Plucker's? The Texans loss to the Patriots? Or baby anxiety? All of the above, I'm sure. Must feel better soon. Have to finish Christmas shopping today and then hopefully find a nap around here somewhere. We check in at 8 PM tonight. Wish me a night of great sleep!
I've been getting the sweetest messages from everyone today. As if I wasn't emotional enough, these have sent me over the top. Tears, tears, tears. Bittersweet. I've been two people for so long now, I wonder what I'll feel like being on my own again. My body being mine. It's been a fun and fluffy ride but it's definitely time to evacuate. We are all ready. Seems like all of facebook is waiting for pics of our sweet boy tomorrow. I am too.
We check into the hospital and they get me going immediately. I'm hooked up to monitors and emptied of all blood. I am so excited and still super pregnant so the Ambien they gave me doesn't do its work. No sleep for me on the night that I need it the most. Fred stays til late but goes home to get sleep and take care of the fur babies. Back bright and early to take care of business. I take two pills to help me dilate and I am at 4 by morning.
Jack 3-25-14
September 4, 2013- Well, we've made it to almost 11 weeks and I haven't announced it on facebook yet! Who am I?! Went to the doc today. Baby is still in there. Heart rate is 172 bpm. My weight...not good. I'll break 200 before I hit 6 months. But again, no one there cared. I still look normal. Not swollen. My hair is colored, my nails are recently done, and my outfit was cute. One day outta seven will do. We did the new 10 week blood tests. As I was checking out, the blood lady came running at me wanting to stick me again. After she promised I could have another juice, I gave her my arm. Two pricks today...hmm. But in 5-10 business days, we will know if the baby has any chromosome issues and also the sex! Science is the best, ain't it?! Will keep you posted.
PREGNANCY FIRST TRIMESTER- Hair is falling out in clumps. Thank goodness for prenatal vitamins keeping it growing in. No food sounds good. I can eat if it's there but forget about cooking. If I cook it, I can't eat it. Probably the way everyone else feels about my cooking, as well. Meat seems to be the clincher this time. Just not good to me. Fred's coffee smells like farts or tuna. I'm not sure why it changes from day to day. I am crampy all day every day and sooooooo damn tired. I could pass out around 3 PM without a second thought, but I've yet to do it. I've gained about 20 pounds since June, so I think we can all see where this pregnancy is gonna take my body. Not to mention the fact that I was nowhere near where I wanted to be before getting pregnant again. I'm feeling 250 this go round. Ugh. Where are my fat clothes? Another difference between the pregnancies is that when I am hungry, I'm not wanting sweets and pizza like I was with Jameson. I hated the thought of Mexican food then but now, it's what I'd prefer. That or fried cheese. I'm definitely wanting more salty this time. Mean anything? Doubtful. Just noting it.
Septemeber 18, 2013- It's outta the bag. We announced it to facebook today with Jameson's weekly picture and the congrats have been rolling in. Jameson is 40 weeks and "Bubba" is 12 weeks. I emailed Niz today about spraypaint and she's already gotten back with me, so hopefully we will get this all going before life happens and we forget something. I've also emailed a lady about bedding and sent her links to the fabric I like. Theme is punk rock! Paint is picked out. Baby steps.
September 24, 2013- Names I'm kicking around trying to find one Fred will agree with...Watts, Miller, Brooks, Tate, and Boyd. I threw out Rivers and Rhodes too.
September 27, 2013- I think I've settled on Jack. Fred is going to make his list and see what he can come up with but I don't think it matters. He likes Jack too and I think it may be settled. Also, got a mock up of the bedding. It's awesome. Got the price list too...not so awesome. Will be hitting IKEA up for some curtains. A dude doesn't need fancy curtains anyway, right?
September 30, 2013- First payment on bedding has been made! Niz comes tomorrow for a consult. Fred is supposed to be calling painters today. Things are hopefully about to get kicked off. If only we could agree on a name now...We may have to seriously stick with Jack.
October 1, 2013- Niz came by today and we figured out what we are going to do. She will be finished in two weeks with the stencil and then it will take her four hours here at the house. We needed to give her a baby name so we named the baby Jack today. It's official. We looked at each other and said Jake or Jack. Agreed on Jack and boom! I wish that much thought went into all of our decisions. We left messages with the wall painters. Hoping they will be by next week.
October 2, 2013- Saw the doc today. Everything is normal. She even commented on how cute and put together I look. She's still drinking, I suppose. I am a pound away from hitting a nasty number with weight but I am gaining much slower than last time. At least this month. Baby's heart rate was 159. My blood pressure is normal. Scheduled the ultrasound with Dr. Berry for November 6th. That's the one where they check out everything...heart, brain, lungs, etc. Crossing fingers that one is all normal too. Website says baby is the size of a lemon so I'm sure mine is a little bigger than that.
Sweet! The painters just came by! They are doing the baby's room on Friday. Moving right along!
October 4, 2013- Doesn't look like the painters are showing up today after all. :( No show. BUT Niz came through with a pieced together version of what she's putting up and I love it. Said she has to send it to print and she will be ready to go. Really hoping the painters have shown up by then...
October 10, 2013- The painters are here! Shit is getting done! HOURS LATER...I freaking love this color. I want my room done in it now. Looks fab.
October 11, 2013- Bad news. I was bleeding today and it got bad enough to scare me. Made a call to OB and she said if it got worse to hit the ER, so I did. For four hours, we chilled out mostly. I was examined, ultrasounded, IV'd, and given a shot. They say I have placenta previa which is a low lying placenta and a bit of it is covering my cervix. This early, I obviously can't deliver a viable baby, so I am on bed rest at least for the weekend. My uterus could save us all by growing and nudging the placenta up to where it's supposed to be, but that will take time. Dr. Schneider could tell me bed rest for some period of time and I gotta do it. I will hate not being able to play with and pick up J, but Fred can step it up. He's done a good job for a day. Wonder how long he can keep it up...Positive thoughts and good juju. (as usual, Jameson was awesome and rolled with it)
October 14, 2013- Went to see OB like ER doc said to. Guess what?! No ultrasound techs in and no docs. Awesome waste of gas. We go back tomorrow. Grrrr.
October 15, 2013- Back to the doc today. Had a very thorough ultrasound. Felt good about that. He weighs 7 ounces, moves around a lot, and is breech for today. Wasn't on Friday. Heart rate is 152 bpm. So, Dr. Walker talked with me today after reviewing my ultrasound. She and the tech said I have a low lying placenta but not really previa. Close but not quite. Phew! Said bleeds happen all the time but most women don't ever know it because theirs is away from the cervix with no easy escape. Also told us that what's going on is very common. She sees them every day. Told us not to worry. That 99% of the time it will correct itself with a growing uterus. When I go see Dr. Berry on November 6th, he will be able to tell me if it's going to a normal position. I have an appointment with Schneider on the 30th, but I doubt she will check that when I'm not scheduled for it. Who knows? But I'm more relaxed now after today. I can get out of the bed and do normal things but no lifting or exerting myself. If there's another incident, I gotta go back ASAP. Crossing fingers. But for now, I feel better.
Fred rocked at taking care of everything for three days. Feeding me, keeping J alive and clean, and maintaining the house. He even did a load of laundry! He had a little help from Mike, Nicole, and Kaitlyn, so I thank them and owe them BIG TIME! They relieved Fred from time to time and brought food. My family is better than yours! Love them!
October 21, 2013- Still not quite back to normal so we are taking it easy like Dr. Walker said to. No lifting or bending. Still can't pick my boy up outta bed and that makes me sad. Hoping we get good news next week or the week after. In the meantime, Fred is working from home and doing all the bending and lifting for me. Sitters come Thursday and Friday this week. Not sure how I'm gonna throw Kai into the mix. She's not supposed to watch anyone else's kiddos. I guess I just sit there with her and watch Kai while she watches Jameson. Weird. I am cramping a lot with that round ligament mess but feel okay. I get tired and achy pretty quick but that's just me with pregnancy. Being laid up for a week doesn't help my bendablility either. Baby Jack is still hanging tough. Don't think he has a clue that anything is going on. Doc Schneider is next Wednesday. Doc Berry, the Wednesday after.
October 23, 2013- I have the stomach of an eight month pregnant woman. What the hell is filling all of that up?!
October 26, 2013- Niz came by today and did Jack's wall. Holy shit, it looks awesome! Jameson might be jealous later. Cross fingers that baby Jack stays put or we are gonna have to adopt a Jack. Hang in there, kiddo!
October 28, 2013- We've made it to Month 5. I'm in bed a lot. Trying to keep bad stuff from happening. Baby is still clueless and loving life on the inside. Grow,baby, grow! Kai is back for two weeks now with Fred doing all of his lifting, as well. My hero. I ache a lot right now, so I'm glad he's able to be home with us.
October 30, 2013- OB appointment. She has seen all of my results and is telling me not to worry. I'm having pain by my belly button and she felt around and said that my uterus is already moving up, so that's good news. Said not to worry. Everything is normal and she sees this all of the time. I can travel. Take it easy. Let Dr. Berry tell me what he sees and then we can all feel better...hopefully. I've gained 6 pounds since my visit a month ago. Not great. Looks like I'll be picking up the pace now. Total weight gain...20 pounds so far. I guess that's not terrible for someone else who would have started off at a reasonable weight! Grrrrr. After this, Nutri-System, here I come! More news next week when we've talked to Dr. Berry. Baby looks good. Heart rate was 154 bpm. He's a squirmy thing just like Jameson was. Doesn't like being tracked down at all.
November 6, 2013- We went to see Dr. Berry today for the big anatomy ultrasound today. We are most definitely having a boy and he most definitely has all of his parts. She even counted his fingers for us. Heart, brain, kidneys, spine, etc all look great. So with this and our maternity 21 chromosome test, we've got a great chance at a normal healthy baby brother for Jameson. He's still breech, no biggie right now. Head is right under my belly button. Placenta has moved up, so we are in the clear with no fear of previa or even low lying anymore. I can pick up my baby now without getting yelled at. I am 19 weeks 2 days and am measuring 20 weeks 4 days, so a little big but he said their measurements give or take ten days anyway. He's right on track and weighs approximately 13 ounces. Heart rate is 147 bpm. He looks like a scary little alien in there right now. We couldn't get a good profile shot. He appeared to be going through the motions of chewing. We could see him working his little mouth. Not very wiggly today. He really must be a chill baby in there. I still haven't felt him but I know he's there. I listen for him daily! That is all. Everything looks normal. Now we wait.
November 16, 2013- Swelling is coming soon. My feet swelled tonight and my speech is slowly becoming impaired. This is the worst part of this whole thing. Ugh. I think I am starting to feel little flutters in there, but it could just be gas. So, still nothing for sure. Soon, I hope. I know he has legs but I'm starting to think he might be in a wheelchair because he'll never use them!
November 17, 2013- Without a doubt, I felt Jack moving around in there tonight! Woo hoo!
November 27, 2013- OB appointment. I gained 12 pounds in a freaking month! Even the nurse couldn't hide the "whoa" in her voice. My drunken doc blows it off and says women just hit that point and have one good weight gain during pregnancy. Suuuuuure, they do. But thank you and I love you. I look good. Swelling is just starting. Baby looks good. Heart rate 139 bpm and he's growing and moving a lot now. Thanksgiving is tomorrow. Crossing fingers that I can cook and make it out alive.
December 9, 2013- Today I unpacked all of Jameson's tiny clothes. I think I may have even teared up a bit when I saw the clothes he wore for last Christmas. They won't be worn again as a hand-me-down, so I put them away for good and will keep those and cherish them. But we are fully stocked with clothes and ready to rock again. Who knew I'd be unpacking them so soon?! I even have a pack of size 1 diapers to get us going. Jack's room is also pretty close to being ready. I think all I'm missing is the bedding and then I'm calling it a day. It should be here any time. 24 weeks and counting...
PS: swelling has commenced and I'm removing my "resized for fat fingers" rings at night. How big can I get? Geez. Speech is still okay. I should at least make it another month before Fred has to order food for me because no one can understand me.
December 13, 2013- 4D ultrasound today. Let's see what this kid looks like in there.
It looks like a blur. The kid is sitting too deep inside so we have to go back. We DO know that he has a face. And on that face, he has a nose and lips but that's all we could see. Placenta is all up in the way. On 3D, we saw him pretty clear. His left foot was up in his right eye and one hand was down underneath his booty. So bendy but that's all we got today. Hopefully better photos on January 31 when we go back. Heart rate was 134. All body parts are there. Now we wait some more.
December 15, 2013- It is OOOOOfficial. I am swollen. My ankles are gone. Winter break, I guess. I've been on my feet all weekend, going nonstop since Friday so I knew it was bound to bring something on. If I can make it til after Christmas before my tongue swells on me, I'll be content. I got nothing going on in the next couple of months other than growing a baby. He's moving a lot right now. Could it be the chocolate cake I had for breakfast, the sweet tea I had for lunch, or the M&M's I just had after dinner? I am eating like total shit with this baby. I did with Jameson too and he turned out awesome. Maybe there's something to the "chocolate making happier babies" thing. Alright, I'm in bed by 9 and gonna try to settle my brain. Glucose test this week...gag. The sweet drink doesn't bother as much as the five damn times I get poked for blood. Freaking vampires.
December 17, 2013- Curses! My bedding was due to ship tomorrow, meaning it would arrive while I am gone to KY. Guess who is totally bummed and would consider cancelling my trip just for baby bedding that won't even be used til Jack is six months or so? THIS girl. But I won't. I ask the girl to have it here on or after the 26th just to make sure it wouldn't be sitting on the porch while we were gone. She did say she's post a pic tomorrow for me, so that helps. But grrrrr. Tomorrow is the glucose test. Hooray. J has shots in the afternoon. Hooray. Hopefully all will be well with Baby J-Dos and then my day will be turned around. Happy faces once again!
December 18, 2013- Glucose testing just wipes me out. Old Navy and some spa love woke me up though. I am weighing 223. Ugh. 20 more pounds and I'm where I was with Jameson at 9 months! Baby looks good. Heart rate was 134 which is fine. My bp is fine. All good. I AM scared that I'm gonna have to take the damn glucose test again. No one told me to fast and I had a drink of juice and a bite of crepe at breakfast. Knowing that gum can throw it off...I think I may be screwed. Results for testing around Monday.
December 27, 2013- Passed my test! Woot! Healthy as horse and not too far off from being as big as one. Got a look at all of our Christmas photos...bleh.
December 30, 2013- Pregnancy takes things from me. My face, swollen. My figure, swollen. My ability to speak clearly due to swelling tongue. Straight hair. My ability to move stealthily about the house like a ninja. My ability to wipe myself or maintain any body part south of my belly button. My abilty to sleep. And when I do, my ability to sleep silently is long gone. I snore like a buzzsaw. I can't sneeze or cough without a tinkle. Any hopes for taking in a deep breath. The joy of playing with my baby on the floor. Getting down there and back up if I do takes two good knees, an ache-free back, and stomach muscles. I have none of those.
January 8, 2014- The year this baby will come into the world! Doc today. Every two weeks starting now. But today, baby measures 29 weeks so he's smaller than Jameson for now or at least he's measuring that way. This guy is right on track with normal babies. Watch...he'll weigh ten pounds and I'll need a c-section. Head is down and right over my right leg which makes for an uncomfortable grinding sensation when he moves. Jameson did the same. Feet are up into my ribs on the left side. Heart rate was 154 bpm and he had the hiccups. Doc says everything sounds ike it's going well. My BP is good and I've only gained 1 pound!!! And that's with Christmas break in there too! Woot! I'm sure I'll put on 10 in the next month. Swelling is down due to the cooler weather but my speech is still barely hanging in there. But the light at the end can be seen from here! Go baby!!!
January 22, 2014- Everything is all good under the hood. My bp is 120/80. I gained 8 pounds. So much for my tiny weight gain of 1 last month. I just caught up. 232 is what I think I saw on the scale. Yeah, you read that right. I'm a big girl! Soooo much fluid! How in the hell do I gain 1 pound over a month and Christmas break was in there?!!! And then gain 8 in two weeks of being good?!!! Me. Weird, pregnant me. Baby is good. Heart rate is 151. He measures around 32 weeks. I ask her today about how to make sure she delivers this guy. She said to have him at night or on a Wednesday, in her own words. Usually they can make sure they get out there and deliver their own, but sometimes it is left up to the doc on call that night. Will talk about induction at a later date. We will see how I feel in another month. I might be ready to say fuck it. Maybe if he's not born by his due date, we will give him the 4-1-14 birthday that Fred is pushing for. Back in two weeks! 4D ultrasound next Friday!!! We finally get to see his face!
January 31, 2014- Well, we finally got to see this sweet boy's face...barely. The kid did not wanna come out from behind his hand and foot. After much poking and prodding, the woman got him situated just long enough to catch some pics. He fell asleep again with limbs out of the way and she took better ones. He's a very chill kid until around 9PM, so he was sleeping the entire time we were there. He's a chubby looking little thing. Same adorable lips his brother has with some super chubby cheeks to go along with them. You can definitely tell they are related. He stuck his tongue out and smiled some. She says he has hair and pointed it out to us. Just looks like lumps on the screen. No color but I'm sure he's gonna be another blonde. Head is still down. Butt is between my boobs just lower. Feet are curled up to his face most of the time but if they were straight, they would kick out my left side. He's another cutie and I can't wait to meet him!
February 3, 2014- Super Bowl party was last night. Great showing but my fat ass was planted. Baby and weight are getting the best of me now.
February 5, 2014- Baby doc day. Heart rate was 147. He's still upside down and pushing way hard on my business from in there. Tons of pressure and it only gets worse from now on. Two more weeks and then two more weeks and then we go week by week. She wants to get an ultrasound on me in the next month. Says he's measuring 35.5 weeks but I take that with a grain of salt. Said J was measuring big and he was only a perfect 8 pounds. Check up on the 19th and then the strep b test the appointment after that. That'll be the day I really start to get antsy. More antsy. Like, legit antsy. I'm already counting down Mondays. (Gain of three=235)
February 13, 2014- Wahhhhhhhhhh!!! I hurt everywhere anymore. Baby has definitely dropped making walking and standing for any length of time, nearly impossible anymore. My lower back and pelvis scream at me to sit my ass back down. Sometimes I listen, sometimes I regret my day when I'm finally settling into bed and everything is settling. I'm wanting him to stay in for a little longer to make sure he's ripe, but I'm getting to Leslee's "I'm over it" stage. This is the last time I'll be pregnant so I'm trying not to hate on it too much, but omg. PS: I'm 51 inches around right now. That's 3 inches more than I was this time with Jameson. Wowzers.
February 19, 2014- Doc day. Nothing new. I only gained 1 pound so that's fun. BP is normal. I believe she said 117/79, but I know she said it was good. Jack's heart rate is 134. She gave me the option of starting my weekly appointments next week or the week after. I chose March 5 because I have a dentist appointment next week. I seriously doubt anything is going to change. Strep B test when I do go back and I will also schedule my last ultrasound. One last peek! Me and pregnancy don't get along, or at least not at this stage of my life but it looks like I'll make it. These last two have been uncomfortable and miserable but in different ways. I remember back with Jameson, my knees ached and would not allow me to put lotion on my legs at all. Forget about dealing with my feet. But this time, the knees are ache free and bendy. Now, it's my back and my pelvis. I think I'd rather the knees hurt. Swelling has not been as bad this go round. Do not get me wrong, I do not look like myself at all but my feet and hands do have random times of looking less like a linebacker's. I am not ashamed to get a pedicure. And while my speech is impaired, it is definitely not as bad as it was with Jameson. I was embarrassed to even go out in public because I could not get anything to come out right. It was awful. But this time, I'm okay. Not perfect, but okay. I can order a sweet tea with only a slight struggle. I am bigger around, no stretch marks. Limbs are still big but actually smaller than with J but I don't know how. I've gained as much, if not more weight with this guy. I need to get the final weigh in on both of them. I snore and snort just as much as last time. It's gross but will pass. Can't wait to burn this pregnancy pillow. The drool it has collected could put out a campfire.
March 2, 2014- The swelling has officially kicked in. Went to a wedding on Saturday night after being on my feet all day. It's Monday now and I'm still puffy as hell. Looks like I'll be hanging on to it from here on out. I can still speak but am most definitely struggling with it now. I'm stuffy and full of goo. I make snorting noises for no reason at all My inner thighs ache but I am still able to bend my knees. I'm hanging on to this one. Proud of myself.
March 5, 2014- Last bi-weekly doc appointment. Gain of four pounds in two weeks putting me at a big dude's weight of 241. I don't think Fred's ideal weight is even that! If I can just stay under 250, I promise not to cry. My BP is great. Jack's heart rate is 141. Did the Strep B test and my last HIV. Nothing should have changed there. If it has, Fred and I will be having words and possible thrown objects. She did start checking my cervix. I have dilated to two which is more than I ever did outside of the hospital with J. He's still super high though. I was certain she was going for my lungs while she was looking for him. Ouch. Final ultrasound is scheduled for next Tuesday. Weekly appointment is the day after. We will see how big he is on Tuesday and then hopefully discuss on Wednesday. She ask what my feelings were on a 39 week induction and I jumped at it. Hoping he will come before then though, on his own, so that I don't have to choose a date. The 21st is the last one that even sort of appeals to me. Hoping for the 12th or 17th, but not holding my breath. Til next week!
March 11, 2014- We had our last ultrasound today. It was an extremely quick one and the tech was a bitch today but everything is all good with J Dos. Fluids are good. Breathing is good. Head is down but I have known this. Heart rate was 157. He still has a head and he still blocks his face with his feet and hands. No good pics of this kid before he's ready, that's for sure. He's already bigger than Jameson was at birth, according to her. She's confident that he weighs 8 lbs 11 oz right now. Said she could be ounces off due to the way he's positioned but she said said only ounces. Definitely, at the least, 8.5 pounds. She said 7.5 with J at 38 weeks and he weighted 8, even. I trust her. I have an appointment with Dr. Schneider tomorrow. She will have the results and I guess we will just wait and see what she says about induction. If he's this big now...and I wait the full three weeks I have left...owwwww. Still crossing fingers that I go on my own any time now but everything feels painfully normal.
March 12, 2014- Visit with Dr. Schneider today. She had not seen the results of the ultrasound, so we had to tell her. She said big babies are not a reason for induction so we have to wait. We set a date for the 26th if he doesn't work his way out sooner that that. I have dilated 3 cm, so I really don't think he will wait that long but who knows. I birth some stubborn ones. I lost 2 pounds putting me back at 238. Still freaking huge but I won't hit 250, which was an actual fear that I had but never in my wildest dreams expected to have. My blood pressure is normal. If it were high, we could induce sooner, but that ain't happening here. I'm entirely too healthy. Good problem to have. His heart rate is 137, also very healthy. So, everything is going great for both of us. We just have to wait. I go back next Wednesday and the Wednesday after that, we will have a Jack! Better be ready!
March 15, 2014- Kentucky has won their second game in the SEC tournament today They play Florida next. I'm a fan but I'm not holding my breath on that one. I've been feeling a little meh today. Tummy is upset but we had Mexican for lunch. Could just be that. Things are progressing. Gross things that I can't even put on here because people actually read this, but I'll just say that my last bathroom break was eventful and leave it there. From what I read, anywhere from a few hours to a couple more weeks...DERRRRRRR. But I'm ready. Bags packed. Legs waxed. No, I did NOT do my hoo ha! I just can't ask anyone to do that for me. I should probably shower though. I'm kinda feeling like we are getting close but like I said, we did just eat Mexican food.
March 19, 2014- Today was the last OB office visit. The last pregnant one anyway. We are going to go ahead and induce next Wednesday. We will go in at 5:30 am and get things going. Still hoping to go on my own but not holding my breath. But Jack will be here one way or another by this time next week. Woot! She examined me today. I bled a little tonight and called in a panic but they say things are still okay. As long as the baby is moving and I'm not having regular contractions, I should be fine. My blood pressure was normal for me. Weight 243...Nutri-System, do your stuff. Really hoping I'll lose 40 pounds of fluid and baby weight in the first few weeks. Damn, that still leaves me starting above 200! Babies! His heart rate was 154. All normal. He's still really high but she says he can come down any time. I haven't dilated any more from last week. Still at 3 but that's still better than last time. I don't have to go in the night before to get things going this time. I'll take it. Everything is still ready to go. I'm a little freaked about leaving Jameson here without me and keeping the house clean but I need to let that shit go. Will do my best.
March 23, 2014- My nearest and dearest threw us a very unexpected baby shower today. Lord knows we didn't need anything at all but we had registered for a very sweet, very expensive double stroller that we had just planned on getting after he was here with the "finish your registry" discount. BUT these fabulous friends of mine went in on this sucker and even hit up my Mom and Dad to go in on it and make it happen so that we didn't have to. I swear, I could not ask for a better bunch of friends. Fred teared up a bit. And they didn't stop there. We got diapers, onesies, binkies, toys, and a really cool donation made in Jack's name to a wildlife fund. I'm so damn lucky. You really wish you had my people.
March 23, 2014- Two more sleeps and then we will have a new Tarabay around the house. I can't wait. Or rather, my body can't wait. I am in so much pain all the time now that if I had to go one more day longer than Wednesday, I'd die. No really, I mean, I'd DIE. I feel like every muscle in my stomach and thighs has been pulled and stretched into thirty different directions. I can barely walk anymore but laying down to go to sleep at night is almost as unbearable. Sleep never comes. I can't breathe. The flipping the ship from side to side, constantly because the leg underneath has cramped up, is the worst. I think my body allows me one hour, at the most in one position. The mouth breathing is awful. I drool and my lips are split twice on each one. The mucous is disgusting and causes me to get choked up and make snorting grunty noises that are super embarrassing. Let's not even get into what I look like. Ugh. My friend posted a picture of his VERY pregnant goat, onto facebook tonight. I've never felt so close to a goat in my life. The way she looked expressed exactly how I feel and we look a lot alike too. Miserable with our stomachs touching the ground. If that goat has her kid before me too, I might cry. I am the last of the Spring baby friends to give birth. Why are Tarabays always the last to the party?!
March 25, 2014 (1 AM)- Something has changed. The pain is unbearable and constant so I go to the hospital, leaving Fred and J behind just in case it's nothing. They put me in a room and check me. I have dilated to 4/5 and they think all of the new pain is because he's moving down and is just hitting every nerve and stretching every ligament, possible. Only had one contraction in the hour that I was there, so they didn't see the need to keep me since I was being induced on Wednesday. I go home at 2:30 am and try to sleep. It never comes.
March 25, 2014 (8:30 AM)- Pain is still there. I'm shuffling at this point instead of walking and I think I've sprung a leak. My water has never broken before so I really have no clue if this is the real deal or not. But I have fluid running down my leg for Pete's sake! I'm calling. I go into the doc at 10:50 to see of my water has broken. They can't tell but I've dilated to 5/6, so they send me over to the hospital to check on that water...an hour later, we know we are having a baby today.
