1 month and 2 months

Weight: 9lbs 7 oz

Height: 21 inch

I don't know how it is possible that an entire month has gone by.  Quickly.

Sydney has been breastfed, exclusively now for a month.  Every month I reach is a milestone for me and I am so happy to be able to provide this for her.  She hasn't even had a bottle yet. I noticed we were having some latching issues. After some googling it appeared that Sydney had a lip tie.  I contacted the LC and brought it up to our pediatrician also, both confirmed, lip tie. A week later we saw an excellent periodontist who came highly recommended for lip and tongue tie procedures on babies and children. Sydney had the procedure done that day in the office and within 5 minutes she was done and immediately nursing after all was said and done.

The LC came to the house within her 6th week to check on things and check her latch.  The LC brought her scale and weighed her before and after a feeding, which after her feeding she weighed 10.9lbs!

Breastfeeding, I don't even know what to say.  Exclusively breast feeding is hands down, the hardest thing I have ever done.  It is so much commitment and dedication.  Without the support of the hubby, I don't know how far I would make it. He is wonderful and so knowledgeable.  He reads just as much as I do, researches and continues to be my biggest cheerleader.  I am so thankful for him.

Sydney has been hands on since day 1.  She likes to be held, doesn't like to be put down.  We go back and forth on holding her.  I started wearing her all the time in the Baby K'tan.  So thankful for it.  I really don't even use the stroller.  I wear her all over the house, out running errands.

She started smiling in her 6th week and it melts me, especially after all her crying episodes.

She HATES, I mean HATES the car.  Screams bloody murder when we get in the car until she is out of the seat.  It is heartbreaking but there is nothing we can do.  We have tried 2 different car seats, different cars, nothing seems to matter.  Sometimes we will get a good 10 minutes and think she has grown out of this and then boom, the blood curdling screams start.

She was doing good naps, 3 hour spurts and then in her 7th week she said screw it, I am going to see how long I can go without napping.  She has lasted the past few days on the longest nap being a half hour.

As we arrived closer to 2 months, she has become much better with the car.  We can go longer periods of time without her screaming.  That has been a blessing.

Her 2 month appointment went well, she had all her shots and handled them well at the dr visit. Per the dr, I nursed her immediately after the shots, I was derobed and ready to go.  That being said, she only whimpered for a few moments.  The rest of the day however, was crazy.  She screamed and screamed, we had to give her tylenol.  The day passed and she was back to her self.

She smiles so much now. Below is her 2 month update!

Sydney's Arrival

My day started off by going to the hospital with Geoff early in the morning to do my pre-op for the C-section scheduled for the next day, the 24th.  I was having contractions all morning, but nothing out of the norm.  Geoff and I went to breakfast after we left the hospital and then toys r us to pick up Carson's big brother gift.  Geoff dropped me off at my mom's since Carson was there and I said I would stay for a bit while he went home to do his conference call.  I laid in bed with Carson for a bit and noticed that the contractions were getting stronger.  As time went on, they started getting stronger and coming more consistent.  I started timing them and called Geoff and told him that we may be going back to the hospital, get prepared. Once I had a pretty good feeling I was in labor, I went and asked my mom where my dad was.  When she told me he was in Palm Beach, I knew he wasn't going to be back in time and I didn't want her knowing yet what was going on.  I needed her to stay with Carson.

I went back to the room and they were getting so much stronger, I called Geoff and said you need to pick me up, NOW.  I went to the bathroom and when I came out, I couldn't walk and my mom was standing there.  I told her I was in labor, call Daddy and tell him to come home, stay with Carson and come to the hospital once Daddy gets back.

Geoff assisted me to the car because I couldn't walk and we drove to the hospital and it was like de ja vue with Carson.

We arrived to the hospital and Geoff got me a wheel chair and brought me up.  I was admitted and in triage for just about 2 hours before Sydney was born via C-section at 3:31 p.m. a day earlier than scheduled.  She was even a cone head, that little girl was coming whether they liked it or not.  I begged for drugs, I didn't know why they wouldn't give me something since I was having a c-section anyway.  Nope.  I had to wait and it was unbelievable.

As they wheeled me back, my mom and Carson came around the corner and I was able to say goodbye just before she was born.

What made me the happiest was that she picked her own birthday.

We had lots of visitors at the hospital and our stay was wonderful as it was the last time.  Carson slept there Friday night and we watched a movie and ordered pizza. Our first night all together as a family of four.

37 weeks...Looks like we've made it!

"Your baby is now considered full term"

14 days until my sister is here

Saw Dr G today.  I'm up 1lb from last week for a total of 18 lbs gained. Everything is looking good.  I have alot more contractions, enough that yesterday that I actually kept track for awhile. And enough that when I was going to go to the sawgrass mall yesterday, Geoff said he didn't want me going alone. Maybe he secretly likes to go shopping. hehe.

I'm uncomfortable and as everyone keeps mentioning, you are so tiny. It doesn't make a difference. I still can't bend over, have trouble tying my shoes.  I still pee every 1/2 hour, it seems, still have trouble sleeping, heartburn, the whole shabang. Smaller belly or not, the end of pregnancy comfortableness is the same. 

Sydney won't be making her arrival until after 39 weeks, which I am thankful for.  As uncomfortable as I am, I am not in a rush to get her out, although I can't wait to see what she looks like, how much she weighs, how long she is, if she has hair.  All things that will come with time.  

I have 1 more doctor appointment next week, prior to C-section and that kind of hit me when I was leaving the office today.  I made my last appointment as a pregnant patient. Just weird. 

2 of my very good friends should be having their babies this week or next. I can't wait to meet both of their baby girls.

Geoff took some photos of Carson and I and some of me to continue documenting this pregnancy of our latest miracle who will soon be in our arms.

37 weeks

36 Weeks!!

Welcome September and 36 weeks.  Happy Birth Month!! 

36 weeks brings no change, nothing new. Saw Dr G today.  Gained 2lbs, for a total of 17lbs.  Dr checked the baby's heartbeat and checked my stomach and everything was good.  Next week, FULL TERM! 

35 weeks

34 weeks, 6 days brought a fun day, NOT!  I called the nurse in the morning, told her about some lower back cramping I had been having and she had me come in just to be sure.  I didn't see my normal dr.  

They did do my 35 week check up since I was there. Weight, no change and measured good.  

I was having contractions while I was there, which isn't unusual, I get them all the time. Apparently, I have a UTI which is the cause of the lower back cramping and to be extra safe and make sure I wasn't in preterm labor, I was sent to good ole L&D. Yey! (Insert sarcasm)

All I could think about was everything I had to do at work and not being able to go back the rest of the day.  Then throughout laying there I kept thinking, what if this really happens and Geoff has to pack my bag for me.  God help us all. 

So when I walked into L&D, I immediately had a flood of memories from when I walked in there in labor with Carson, 7cm dilated and I sat in the chair and my water completely broke, EVERYWHERE.  Of course I laughed to myself and told the nurses and they laughed.  I said, 6 years ago I sat here filling out the same papers, going through contractions and filled out the wrong name on the paper work. Hence why when people came to visit or call, they asked for Lauren Ellison and couldn't find me until it was fixed.  I wrote my name as Lauren Kaplan that day. ha! 

In L&D

So here I am, sent this to Geoff and Carson while they were luckily at home. Layed there for awhile while they monitored the baby and contractions.  At least out of everything, besides being starving, I got a good rest.  

I am 1cm dilated, amnio fluid is good, cervix measured 3cm in length which the nurse said is good for 35 weeks and the baby was perfect. On the ultrasound I got to see her eyes, nose, mouth and they confirmed again, its a girl. The ultrasounds in the hospital are amazing, so clear. 

I finally got home at 6 and Geoff had dinner waiting on the table.  Needless to say, I fell asleep with Carson when I put him to bed at 830. 

4 1/2 weeks left to go!!

34 weeks

Week 34 brings me to another dr appt and check up on baby.  

I'm up 2 lbs for a total weight gain of 15lbs. Syndey's head is down and ready to go.  It is still amazing to me how the body prepares and how the baby automatically will go in the direction they are supposed to be in.  Next week starts my weekly appointments.  

34 weeks

Dr G did an ultrasound for me today.  Nothing fancy, just saw her heart and legs and its her feet and knees that have been jabbing my ribs constantly.  

I have been having an extremely hard time sleeping now.  Quite a few nights now, I've almost cried myself to sleep because I am so frustrated.  The last time I had a fantastic sleep was this past Friday night, Geoff and I went on a very long bike ride and I slept all night long.  It was a gorgeous night, there was a storm brewing to the west, so there was a nice breeze and it wasn't too hot.  

break time

Carson also recently took a sibling class at the hospital.  He was very excited and did very well. During the class, the kids talked about their new sibling, made a welcome sign for the baby.  They also went on a tour to see where Mommy and Daddy will be while in the hospital.  They got to go in the hospital room and walk around and check things out.  The nurse also told the kids they can sleep there if it is ok with Mom and Dad.  Carson was very excited for that.  We told him as long as he doesn't have school the next day, he can sleep there with us if he wants to. 

The kids also learned the basics of putting on a diaper, how to hold the baby and burp the baby.  But before all of this can be done, they have to ask permission and wash their hands.   

At the end of the class, the kids watched a video of what it’s like when the baby comes home and all the visitors that come to see the baby and visit the new sibling. And although everyone is coming to see the baby, they are also coming to see the big brother. 

Each child was awarded a Certificate of Achievement.  

Every day, Carson marks his days off his calendar.  He is so excited to meet his baby sister and be a big brother.  He has told Geoff, my mom and I quite a few times, that he is going to cry when he sees his baby sister because it will be the happiest he has ever been. 

33 weeks

33 weeks

No dr appt this week, so no new updates :)

32 weeks/8 months...Ooooh Baby!

Saw Dr G today for my 32 week check up.  We are now at 2 week appointments instead of once a month.

I am up 2lbs for a total weight gain of 13lbs. I also measured right on target for 32 weeks.

Sleep, what is that again? I haven't been sleeping well.  I can't get comfortable, I am in the bathroom what seems like every hour. I am tired.  Because I am tired, I am cranky and irritable. Anyone who takes offense to my crankiness, I urge to develop a thicker skin for the next 7 1/2 weeks because it has nothing to do with you, I am just tired. 

A few days ago, I had some swelling in the ankles and I thought they were a goner until baby arrives, but I am lucky, they came back.  I have ankles again.  :)

Everyday I get more and more contractions, some stronger than others, but nothing consistent.  Just baby getting ready. 

With that being said, heartburn has pretty much been put on the back burner.  Thankfully! 

This month, we will be celebrating our baby shower, that my mom and my dear friend Eva have been working so hard on. I am so super excited to see all my family from near and far and spend the weekend with everyone. 

Carson is also signed up for a sibling class at the hospital. The class is designed to help big brother cope with new addition in the house and what he can do to help.  At the hospital, they will also take Carson on a tour and show him the nursery and where mom will be. With that being said, we plan on having Carson at the hospital, as much as he wants.  He's older and it is not like having a toddler running around a hospital room.  He is very self sufficient and I know will want to be included, as much as possible.  I told him if he doesn't have school the next day, he can bring his pillow and sleep with Daddy at the hospital and we'll have a big sleepover.  He was very excited for that. So we will see.  

My C-section is scheduled and we are counting down the days, ready to meet this little princess. The nursery is ready, the only thing I haven't finished is decor for the walls.  That will come with time and as I see something when I am out, I will pick it up. 

We planned to have everything done for the baby this month because Carson starts kindergarten this month and he will be our main focus, getting him ready and excited for his first day in the new big school.

32 weeks

Glucose Test

Happier than a pig in shit!!!

Welcome 3rd Trimester

Exactly.  To start with a funny moment, I was just in Publix, a man was walking in front of me, his scratch off card fell out of the back of his pocket.  I looked at the card and thought for a second about taking the time to squat down to pick it up (it hurts to bend over) and then followed with “excuse me, you dropped your card”.  Pushed my cart and said "I’d pick it up, but you know".  He was polite and smiled and said thank you and kind of walked away quickly. 

28 weeks, I am not sleeping the greatest, but not terrible.  Every hour I have to switch sides that I am sleeping on because that leg has gone completely numb.  I go from just having gone to the bathroom, not having to go, to I need to go right now before I pee myself.  I guess it just "depends". lol. 

Today I did my glucose test.  Wasn't terrible, hoping and praying I pass.  

My 28 week Dr appt went great.  So far this pregnancy, I've gained a total of 11lbs.  Dr said my weight is perfect.  My blood pressure was 102/58, much better than before.  

Heartburn, heartburn, heartburn. Ugh, heartburn. I had it with Carson, terribly and I have it again.  I am not even dealing with TUMS this time around, going straight for Apple Cider Vinegar.  It gives me instant relief.  I am so very thankful for it. My throat is sore from the heartburn and indigestion. 

My back has been ok.  I have found that the only time I really experience back pain is after being at work all day and sitting at the computer, all.day.long. When I am active, I really don't have the lower back pain.  We spent 4th of July weekend at our friends home in Jupiter.  One morning we did a beach walk and walked to breakfast, down to the inlet and back, Geoff, Carson and I.  It was a total of 4 miles.  I felt WONDERFUL all day, exhausted, but wonderful.  No back pain, nothing. Exercise really does wonders for a pregnant body.  

The baby has definitely grown and organs are getting pushed around.  My stomach seems much smaller than before, as if it is being squished.  I can eat a 1/4 of what I would eat before and then I am full.  

Carson LOVES the belly. Touches the belly, kisses the belly, hugs the belly all the time. He even talks to the belly.  Likes to tell me, wow Mommy, your belly is getting so big. . Carson will just walk over and put his hands on my belly to see if she's kicking, which she does ALOT. At this point, when she is kicking, you don't even need to put your hand on my belly, you can just watch my belly move all over the place.  Carson has a countdown and always wants to be reminded of what month it is and then he will tell us how much longer until she gets here.  He is very excited about being a big brother.  

The nursery is a work in progress, still coming along, but the big stuff is finished. 

28 weeks

78 days to go..................

Pregnancy Dreams

Pregnancy dreams, they are weird, can be very real and also disturbing and/or beautiful and moving.

With Carson, I had a dream and he was the most beautiful little boy, blonde hair and blue eyes.  His hands were so little and soft.  When Carson was born, he was EXACTLY how I saw him in my dream.  That dream was so very real.  I remember holding him in the dream and staring into his eyes.  Holding him in real life was just like the dream. 

Last night I had a weird dream.  I had a dream that I had Sydney earlier than expected.  I felt disconnected during the C-section, almost like as if I wasn’t awake.  In my dream, I tried to remember the C-section, but it was like I wasn’t even there during the C-section.  Afterwards, I was ok, laying in bed, lots of people around.  I wasn’t holding Sydney, my mom was.  Sydney had a lot of brown hair and she was small, let’s say petite.  I didn’t see her face in this dream, I just remember seeing lots of brown hair and she had a bow on, already.  

The big brother

Carson: I think I am going to cry when the baby is born.
Me: why, because you're happy?
Carson: because it will be the happiest I have ever been.

24 weeks

In Sydney's Room
 

 

 

24 weeks, 6 months. 111 days to go until we meet Sydney. This month, we have been really working on getting the nursery done.  So far, we painted, cut and installed baseboards, installed the floors and finished closet are done.Notice I say, WE. Truth be told, the only thing I did was paint and and then just kept company for everything else and instructed. :)

This next month, we will be breaking down Carson's bed and converting it back to a crib.  Sydney will be getting Carson's furniture and Carson will be getting new furniture.  

 

My 24 week appt went great. My buddy, Carson came along with me.  Dr. G walks in and Carson says, Hey Dr. Goldberg and gives him a high five, like they are friends. ha! All the ladies love him there, he goes with me every month and knows the routine. Urine sample, blood pressure and then hear the heartbeat. There is something sweet about having Carson along for all of this and having him at the age that he is.  He understands so much.  I can imagine this would be a totally different experience if he was 2, 3 or 4. 

 

Next month, I am going to do the glucose test. My fingers are crossed that I pass because I only have to do the 1 hour and I don't have to fast.  If I fail and have to do the 3 hour, I have to fast for the test.  Ugh!  Weight gain, Im + 5/6 lbs.  So I believe my total gain is about 8 lbs.

 

The other night I was woken up with the most severe leg cramp. I did my "toes to nose" to try and break it and I couldn't. I jumped up out of bed trying to flatten my foot, but the damage was done.  My leg has been sore for the past few days.  I went back and looked at my blog with Carson and sure enough, it was the same exact time that it started with him. 

 

Along with that has also come the heartburn, which was also the same exact time as with Carson.

 

Sydney kicks all the time now.  Putting Carson to bed at night, he will lay there with his hand on my belly and she just kicks away.  He talks to my belly and tells her that he's her big brother.

 

If all goes the same, with Carson I had "cankles" shortly after my 24 week blogpost.  If things stay the same, I'm guessing I should be losing my ankles soon. Gosh, I really hope not, but we shall soon see. 

 

I truly love having my blog with Carson, which I still keep up, of his special moments.  But being able to look back and compare pregnancies and all my little notes has been priceless. 

 

With that being said, 2015 vs. 2009, both pics 24 weeks.

 

Side note: Turbo wasn't in the mood to pose this time around. He was outside wandering with Carson.

1/2 way there...20 weeks

20 weeks, I hit the 1/2 way mark.  This pregnancy is just flying by.  Happy to report I am feeling so much better than last month. I really feel that I have my sugar and blood pressure under control to the point where I feel great.  

My belly started itching this week, so I'm pretty sure I must be growing and the belly is stretching. Cocoa butter is something I now lather on daily. No stretch marks with Carson and hoping for the same this time around.

I finally felt the baby move, getting the flutters all the time now. 

Went to Dr G today and my mom went with Carson and I.  I'm up 2 lbs from last week at SE Perinatal. My thoughts on this are, last week I hadn't eaten much before the appt and then sat there for an eternity, this week they got me right after I ate, so I'm probably the same. lol.

All I wanted to know when I saw Dr G this week is if he would let me go to 40 weeks instead of scheduling the C section at 39 weeks.  In his words, "Lauren, whatever you want". Boom, done. So AS OF TODAY, we know how things change month to month, I'd really really like to wait until Sept 28 or Sept 29 to schedule the C section. Sept 28 is my 40th week.

And, as of today, no more ultrasounds at SE perinatal.  Great news all around for my 5 minute visit with Dr. G. 

Next appt., middle of June :)

139 days until we meet Sydney. 

19 weeks - She leaves a little sparkle wherever she goes

I had my 19 week ultrasound on May 6, 2015. Scheduled for a 1:30 appt, I wasn't taken back until 3:10. The day I don't have to go back to SE Perinatal can't come soon enough. Carson, thankfully was very well behaved and didn't start getting ancy until the very end. 

My blood pressure is still "lower" but I have been doing great managing it. I can tell now when it starts to get really low.  Once I get up and move around, go for a walk or just stand for awhile, I am ok. I have been drinking ALOT more water too. I have pretty much cut down processed sugar to almost nothing.  Every so often I will have a cookie or a bite of cake, but in the end, it hasn't proven to be worth it because it makes me feel so lethargic and sick. Water and milk is what I live on for beverages and a cup of coffee in the morning. I literally just drink milk right out of the carton, it is so delicious and yummy. 

Leaving the house with my water bottle has come as natural as grabbing my purse to leave. My weight hasn't changed. I find odd because I literally eat all day long.  I start my day with a piece of toast, peanut butter, sliced bananas and then drizzle that with honey.  Then I have oatmeal a few hours later, then later on, lunch, then snack, then dinner. I don't stop. I guess she is taking it all in. 

19 weeks

The ultrasound confirmed, we are still expecting a little girl in September. Sydney would not move at all during the ultrasound.  She was actually getting annoyed when the tech was trying to move her, which looked like her hitting back.  The tech said she was very stubborn and when I mentioned this to my mom, her response was, "well you got your easy one".  Carson says she still looks like "Optimus Prime" baby. lol. 

Sydney, 19 weeks, frontal. 

 Now, I am going to order her bedding. I was waiting until this ultrasound to order it. I am so excited, it is so pretty. I put together this little collage of how I want to accessorize her room.  Pinks and golds. 

Her room

I go back to Dr G next for my 20 week appt. I will update if Dr G has any new news for me :)

Integrated testing results

The nurse called from the perinatologist called today and Sydney tested negative for 

1. Neural Tube Defects
2. Down Syndrome
3. Trisomy 18

Glad to have received these results today!! She is healthy and growing. 

The results are in and 16 week check up

After a good friend told me about a place, 4D PICTURE PERFECT, I decided to give it a try this time around instead of waiting until about 20 weeks to find out the gender.  I scheduled my appointment for 15 weeks and anxiously waited for the date to arrive. 

The ladies there were so nice, the facility was great and I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a 3D/4D of their baby in utero.  

She was waving the wand around on the belly, there is the foot, the hand and then boom, she says, I know, do you want to know. And just like that, she says ITS A GIRL. I was in shock, although my gut said it was a girl, to hear it, I was still in shock. How sweet, Geoff and I get one of each :) A little Lauren and a little Geoffrey. 

Carson is ready to be a big brother and apparently has been telling all his classmates that he is getting a baby sister.  

Introducing.....................................

We were excited, told our friends and then it was time to tell my mom and family. Sorry, you guys found out last, but I think we can all agree, telling you on video was worth it.  We took Carson shopping after the appointment and had him pick out a baby girl outfit and we put it in a bag and brought it to my mom, video rolling.  I won't give away the details, but her reaction was just as expected and why we videotaped it for everyone.  

Click the link below to watch the video! 

Telling Nannie the results


My 16 week checkup came after a small bout with a stomach flu last week.  Blah! That was no fun.

I haven't been feeling myself and when I went to the perinatologist on Tuesday, I asked her to take my blood pressure.  It was 93/53, which is low for me.  I can tell, I knew something was off.  She said it was normal during this part of pregnancy to have low blood pressure, just effects everyone differently.  Just drink ALOT more water to help.

Yesterday, when I went to Dr. G for my 16 week checkup they took my blood pressure again, 88/54. Dr. G came in and asked how I've been feeling.  I told how I have been feeling.  More tired than normal, not like a pregnancy tired.  It is hard to explain, more like eyes rolling in the back of your head tired.  It effects me more in the afternoon, especially after being at work and sitting all day.  He told me to drink ALOT more water and just to watch it.

Dr. G is also going to bump up my glucose test and he's going to do it a few weeks earlier than normal.  How I have been feeling may also be a combination of a blood sugar issue as well.  Which that, I don't need a blood test for.  I know when it is low and I know what I can and cannot eat that effects it.

I continue eating small meals all day and working to drink more water.

My weight check, I even lost a pound.  So I am pre-pregnancy weight right now.  I started exercising this week, eating my veggies and staying on track.

Next ultrasound is the beginning of May.

2nd Trimester

Woo hoo!! Made it, haven't crossed the finish line yet, but sayonara First Trimester. The good, the bad and the ugly.  I am finally starting to regain my energy and loosing the queasiness.  I am looking forward to getting back into an exercise routine and excited knowing that will definitely help to pump up my energy level.

The second trimester is going to bring wonderful things.  In just a few days, we will find out if Carson is having a brother or a sister. I absolutely can't wait, I am so excited just to know.

I am still waiting to find out my results from the neuro testing.

Oh! And of course, got my hair done today. Feeling back to myself.

For now, here we are, 14 weeks today! Not too much, but a little bump and not the best photo.

Something painful, something new

Since I have been pregnant, my ears have been clogged.  The constant wind howling in my ears is driving me absolutely batty. I never had this with Carson, so this is new to me.

I've googled, I've researched and it seems common because of the extra fluid retained during pregnancy, but really, it is painful and annoying. I did a sinus flush thinking that might help, no go.

I finally broke down and made an appt with my ENT and hopefully, hopefully will get some relief soon.

Fingers crossed!

15 more days!

15 more days and we will be able to celebrate PINK or BLUE! I simply cannot wait. I really can't wait to surprise the family.  I am pretty sure my mom is on the edge of her seat like we are.

We made an appt for a 4D ultrasound at a facility that was highly recommended by some friends.

Carson has the day marked on his calendar because he is anxious to know as well.  He has been taking a poll from friends and family on their thoughts as to whether it is a boy or a girl.

So soon....Counting down the days.

12 weeks

12 weeks

our announcement 

excited big brother

12 weeks. We made it! It has been a long/short 12 weeks.  As weird as that may sound. 12 weeks have absolutely flown by, but in the same sense, has taken forever.

Yesterday was the 12 week u/s and the beginning of the integrated testing. Haven't gained or lost.  

The baby measured perfectly and was very active during the u/s.   Carson was so funny.  He sat next to me and continued to point out everything on the screen, the head, neck, arms, chin.  We were laughing when the baby started flailing his/her arms. Carson must have asked the tech a million times if she knew if it was a boy or girl yet. 

We go in the beginning of April to find out the gender of the baby.  I am seeing Pink and Carson and Geoff are seeing blue.  However, Carson has requested that he wants both, a brother and a sister.  I had the tech confirm there was only 1 heartbeat, which was beating at 167 bpm.  

I definitely have a small belly.  There is no denying it.  Much sooner this time around compared to with Carson.  I wore my first maternity skirt yesterday. Seriously, people should wear these things everyday.  It is so glorious and comfortable.  I  am going to invent a line of "thanksgiving" clothes that are made out of maternity clothes. ha! 

So yesterday was a very big day and now the news is out and public.  There is another Ellison on the way!!!

8 weeks

8 WEEKS

Today marks 8 weeks. I've known I've been pregnant for about 3 1/2 weeks.  During the day, I really have to remind myself I am pregnant.  Other than the exhaustion, I feel fine. At night, most nights, I feel really really crappy. On and off nausea. 

I had my first OB visit today with Dr and I swear it is so different the second time around.  So calm and relaxing, not a million gazillion questions. 

I'm not being considered high risk, which is totally awesome.  Because I am a Csection again, the baby will be born at 39 weeks, which puts that the week of September 21, 2015.  So sometime that week, a new little Ellison will enter the world.  

First Baby Photo

Baby Ellison No.2's. First Photo 

The baby measured 6 weeks 2 days, but the radiologist kept me at 7 weeks with a estimated due date of September 29, 2015.  This puts both of our little ones almost 6 years apart.  

We were on a cruise this past weekend and when we got home, I had a terrible bout of landsickness.  Couldn't even move, it was horrible.  My appt was last night at 7 and there was no way I could drive.  Our original plan was not to bring Carson, but being that I needed Geoff to drive me, Carson came along.  I spoke with the radiologist prior and said Geoff and Carson are going to wait in the hallway until you can confirm there is a baby and a heartbeat.  Once she did, she called them in.  We asked Carson if he had an idea of what that was one the screen.  He was extremely shy, but kept looking.  We told him it was his baby brother or sister and that he was going to be a big brother.  

He says he is very excited.  When we were leaving he gave me a big hug and wiped tears from his eyes.  He then gave Geoff and I a group hug.  Through the night, when talking to Geoff and I,  he kept referring to the baby as "our baby". 

When we got home, he went right to his calendar and asked if we could mark the due date on the calendar.  I told him we are going to need alot more monthly calendars, we have to make it all the way until September.  Then he asked how big my belly is going to get.  I told him just like Ms. Pie's (his music teacher whom he just loves) and Ms. Pie is due very soon. 

Prayers for a continued healthy pregnancy.  My next appt is scheduled for 2/17. 

Its climbing

Reading from labwork on 01/13/2015  was 2720.

First ultrasound is scheduled for 02/10 :)

Readings are looking good

After leaving 2 messages yesterday for my lab results, I finally got a call back about 4:30 p.m.  I gave up hope and then the phone rang.
HCG: 1,538 and Progesterone is 19.8

One more blood draw today, results Monday :)

Can it be?

Here we are, 5 1/2 years later and we have a positive pregnancy test.

Almost 2 years ago, Geoff and I talked and decided maybe it was time to turn our family of 3 into a family of 4.  It certainly wasn't a snap of the finger and here's baby. God has his own way of deciding when the time is right for each and every person.  Clearly it wasn't our time.  Carson would ask on a regular basis about having a brother or sister.  He would ask if we could say a prayer to Jesus to ask for a baby brother or sister.  Try holding back your tears when a little one asks you that. Its hard!! So sweet, thoughtful and just every bit of Carson, not surprising.

We are in the middle of trying to buy a house, supposed to close the middle of February.  I have been beyond stressed about it. Sunday (01/25) I realized I was a few days late and I wasn't feeling well.  I just kept getting these waves of nausea.  Very odd. I didn't even think twice about being late because I had been so stressed, I figured that was why.  But, I decided to take a test that afternoon, just in case. Sure enough, what do you know.  A BIG FAT POSITIVE! I had to look at it a few times to make sure I wasn't seeing things. A year and a half of taking tests and getting a negative result, your eyes will start to play tricks on you. I even took a photo and stared at that. No joke.

Monday morning (01/26) I went straight to Dr G's office, no appointment, just went right there.  Peggy, his nurse, gave me a huge hug.  Unfortunately Dr. G wasn't there and I saw Dr. Smith. He did a sono to see if he could see anything and I was too early, nothing but a uterus.

Blood work confirmed the pregnancy. I got the phone call today (01/28) that my HCG is 484 and Progesterone is 17.2.

Regardless how this may go, I am going to enjoy these moments. I've been down the negative road, I know the reality.  But at this moment, I am pregnant, Carson is getting a brother or a sister and that is all that matters.