The Mathis Family

2 Months Old

2009-08-06T16:55:00.000-04:00

A quick update.
Arya is now 2 months old. She just had her wellness check-up this week. She has grown 2 inched, 23 inches and gained 2 lbs, 12.1 lbs. She is mostly alert wanting her mommy, so when it is necessary, like taking a shower, I will turn on an educations kids channel and she will she focused to good periods of time. She has started talking baby talk and smiling a lot. It is so fun watching and listening to her. She is active with her arms and legs, I wonder if she will skip the crawling and hit the floor running. Arya started sleeping throughout the night last week, which has been a blessing for me. I’m still tired but it has been a lot easier with more sleep. While at her wellness visit, she received her first set of vaccines. Poor Arya did not like that very well and for the rest of the day her legs felt tender from the injection site. However, the very next day it was as if none of it happened, so that is good. I’m having so much fun with her it is going to be very hard returning back to work. I have been fortunate enough to have 3 months off leaving me with about 3 weeks left till I return. I’m just having a hard time dealing with the fact that someone else gets to be with my daughter watching her smile and talk and other things as she gets older.
The house is still a working progress. Arya’s room is completing finished and so cute. Our bedroom is almost finished. Soon we will be moving upstairs, there are just a few more things that need to be done. David has been working so hard with both his job and at home trying to make sure the house is ready before the cold weather hits. I think we are just about there. We can do the finishing work, like the molding and finishing carpeting later. All in all we are doing great!!!!

Tyler and Haley have adjusted well with the baby. They are pretty rowdy with playing so they are outside a lot of the time when it is nice out. They like to explore the grounds, hunt; yes I said hunt, and sunbath. They probably sunbath most of the time. It is fun to watch their expressions when Arya is crying. They look like they are wondering what is wrong and are close by watching her. Still they keep their distance for they don’t know their own strength.
When I return back to work it will be easier to keep you all update on everything.

Arya is 1 Month Old

2009-07-08T22:41:00.001-04:00

Holy cow, I cannot believe that it has been a month since the birth of Arya. Arya just had her third wellness visit this past week. She now weighs 10 pounds and 4oz, measuring 21 ½ inches. She will receive her 2-month vaccination shots next visit. I’m hoping that it isn’t too dreadful for her. While we were at the doctor’s office she decided as I was feeding her that she was going to go poopy. And of course the diaper leaked and I had poop all over my leg. I think she was smiling during that time frame. She is definitely David’s daughter.
Arya is doing great. She is a good baby. She is getting into a schedule, which has been helpful towards me. She generally goes to bed by 9:30pm and will sleep until 3-4am for a feeding and diaper change. I try to go to bed soon after she does so I feel rested. So far, that has been working. She hardly ever cries. She will generally fuss when she needs to be changed or is hungry. She finally lost her belly button cord about two weeks ago, and we think that Maggie, my mom’s dog, must of ate it. I was disappointed about that. I would have like to have saved it for her baby book. Arya loves bath time. She loves the warm water and kicking her legs. We gave her bath this evening in her new whale tub and she slept throughout the bath. I couldn’t believe it. The water must have been that relaxing. Arya is becoming more alert everyday, enhancing her attention span, at times looking in the direction that her name is called, looking at mom and dad when we are talking, and smiling. I love when she smiles. You can’t help but be happy. Her facial expressions are so funny. Arya is just a character and David and I are enjoying every minute. I feel so blessed that she is apart of our lives. I’m looking forward to when she starts cooing and baby talking.

Welcome Arya Marie Mathis

2009-06-15T23:53:00.001-04:00

On Sunday June 7th at 11am, David and I were on our way to the store. Before leaving the house, I was tying my shoes when my water broke. It felt like I had just peed my pants. I called my mom first to explain what had happened, then called the hospital to let them know I was on my way. David and I arrived at the hospital at 12:30pm and they admitted me and got me ready for what was going to be a long evening. The doctor on call checked me and I was 4cm dilated and 100% effaced. I stayed that way for about 4 hours and then received some medication to ease the anxiety and the sharpness of the contractions. I walked around a little and visited my family in the waiting room to help move along the dilation.
Around 6pm I had dilated to 7cm. By 9pm, I was feeling really uncomfortable and received a pain reliever in my spine. I can’t recall the name, but it was not an epidural. It was a one-time shot. That helped considerably. I was able to rest for about an hour still able to recognize the contractions, just not the intensity. At 10:30pm, it was time to push. Pushing helped relieve the contractions and I was thinking to myself, this should take no time. After an hour and a half of pushing the contractions became harder. Two and a half hours had passed and Arya had stopped progressing down the canal. She was fine, however I could not do anymore. The doctor decided that I was going to have to have a C-section. At 2:30am I went to the OR for surgery. David was really nervous about the surgery, however throughout the entire evening, he was very supportive and completely there for me.
Arya was born on June 8th at 3:07am weighing 8 lbs and 8oz, 21 inches long. The doctor said that Arya had been lodged and a C-section was necessary. Arya scored well on her Apgar score and was healthy under no distress from the delivery. David returned to the maternity ward with Arya while I went into recovery. Thankfully I wasn’t there long. When I came up to the maternity ward she had been cleaned up waiting for me. To see her, I was overwhelmed with so many emotions. She is so beautiful; I still cannot believe that David and I had made this perfect person.
I was discharged from the hospital on Thursday morning. My mom and sister in-law came that evening for a couple of days to help out around the house due to my surgery. Tavia, my sister in-law helped David work with the addition upstairs and cleaning. Arya’s room is almost complete. The molding is up, room is painted and the doors are in. We are waiting for carpeting at this point. Mom helped with preparing and cooking of the meals, cleaning and organization. So things continue to move forward and everyday the house is more comfortable and getting closer to moving things upstairs. Can’t wait for that day.
Arya had her first doctor’s appointment this morning, June 15, 2009. She continues to be healthy weighing 8 lbs and 5 oz. She looks and is doing great. She has a prescription to take vitamin drops to go along with the breast-feeding. She has another appointment next week.
David has been so great this past week. He really wants to be involved with everything; cooking dinner, feeding, diaper changing, bathing, play time, and even getting up with me in the middle of the night. I have been pumping so he can feed her in the evening prior to putting her to bed. Arya has been a joy watching her different facial expressions, having snuggle and play time. She is a perfect addition to our family and we love her very much.

39 Weeks Along

2009-06-04T11:33:00.001-04:00

I think I’ve been having contractions; however, it has not been time to go into the hospital yet. I had my weekly check-up yesterday, 6/3/09, and was informed that I was 3cm dilated and 75% effaced. I asked the doctor when I should stop working and he replied that I should consider stopping now. I’m far along and the process has started, so I should rest. I am going to finish off the week and start my maternity leave on Monday. I am looking forward to having the summer off from my working job.
My doctor also wanted to give me the option of moving forward with labor. He said that the baby is full term and if I wanted, we could schedule a day to have my water broken. I started to feel anxious and scared. I realize that she is going to be here any day now; however, I really don’t want to force her here and create an increase of discomfort for myself. I really want to try to embrace her coming naturally on her own. Her due date is not until the 10th of June, so I’m going to wait. If she is not here on the 10th, then I will consider proceeding with getting my water broken.
I’m really nervous and excited. I can’t believe I’m going to be a mom. It is somewhat emotionally overwhelming. I knew this all along, however sometime in the few days this is truly a reality. David is excited. He has been working his butt off trying to finish the baby room. He is being so particular; he just wants it to look perfect. It is really sweet of him. I have my call list ready to inform everyone the news. Pray for me and wish that I have a good experience with labor.

38 Weeks Along

2009-05-28T08:19:00.001-04:00

Two more weeks left…maybe. I had my check-up with the doctor yesterday and again, I’m doing great with blood pressure and weight gain. The baby’s heart rate is within normal range; 140’s. He did check to see if I had dilated further. I’m still 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. He said that he can feel her head and that my cervix continues to soften. I was really hoping for further progress, like maybe being taken out of work due to further dilation. I really don’t want to start using my leave until it is necessary. Therefore, I will just have to wait. Soon enough.

David and I will be able to start painting the baby’s room this weekend. I’m looking forward to that. David has the master bedroom almost finished with the dry wall, so he will be taping and mudding this weekend. His dad is suppose to visit to help him finish the electrical work so we can continue with the living room. Slowly but surely things are progressing. We have the car seat ready for her arrival. I can’t believe how heavy that sucker is. David put the stroller together last night and I love it. My parents will be up to visit this weekend to bring the pack-n-play and dresser that goes with the crib. All these cool toys for me. I can’t wait to start putting things into place.

37 Weeks Along

2009-05-20T15:57:00.001-04:00

I had an ultrasound done yesterday, 5/19/09, to check the growth of the baby. It was so cool seeing her. David and I are definitely having a girl. She has some hair already. She approximately weighs 7 pounds and 10 oz give or take a pound. The cool part was watching her heart beating, all four chambers working and pumping away. I can’t believe I have this little person inside of me and that she will be with us very soon. She is still in position squished down with her hands in front of her face. It almost looked like she was sucking her thumb.
I had my check-up with the doctor today, 5/20/09. I was in and out in no time. Again, I’m doing great with blood pressure and weight gain. The baby’s heart rate is within normal range; 130’s. He did check to see if I had dilated further. I’m still 2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. He said that he can feel her head and that my cervix is loosening. So we shall see next week, if I have progressed any further.
Last night as I was driving home from work, I noticed a new feeling for about an hour off and on. It felt like my stomach had tightened for periods of time. She continued to be active moving around throughout this time frame. Some of the girls at work said I could have been feeling Braxton Hicks. I didn’t feel any pain; it was just a very different feeling.
Things are still progressing with the house. David has the baby’s room dry wall up and the taping and putty will be done hopefully this evening, just the first coat. I have her paint already to go. My brother and his wife will be coming up next week to help paint…so very grateful for that.

9 Month Check Up

2009-05-15T12:14:00.001-04:00

I had my 9-month check up this past Wednesday and it went great!!! The baby’s heart rate continues to be good around 150, my blood pressure is normal, my weight is in check, and everything I am experiencing is normal, ex: the swelling and tenderness of the feet. This visit took a little bit longer due to having an examine done. I have found out that I am already 2cm dilated and 50 % effaced. SO EXCITED!!!! I realize I could be this way for a couple of weeks, but there is a chance she could come early. I have an ultrasound scheduled for next Tuesday to figure the size of her. Love ultrasounds. The last one I had was New Years Eve, so it will be amazing to see her again before delivery. When I told David that the baby has started moving her way down, it took him a minute to realize that we really don’t have that much time left. He has been spending the evenings getting the upstairs ready. Mom and Dad are visiting on Sunday to help with the house and are going to bring everything from the shower with them in hopes that next week I can start putting some of her things away.
I have been resting more this past week and a half. I will usually lay down for about an hour prior to sweeping the floor and making dinner. That helps a lot. Working a full day is very tiring these day, especially working with psychiatric patients. I’m losing patience with them. I’ll be glad to be out of work for 11 ½ weeks. I know it won’t be much of a break; however, it is a break from work. I am hoping to put the updated pictures on the web this weekend.

36 weeks along….Coming into the Home Stretch

2009-05-11T11:07:00.001-04:00

I have 4 weeks left until the baby is born. I will also be visiting the doctor on a weekly basis from now on. David and I have decided on a name and yes, we are still keeping it a secret. Her bed and bedding arrived this past week and so now I need to go and get paint for her room. I am hoping to start painting next week. Mom and Tavia, my sister-in-law, will be helping with that and a little of the cleaning around the house due to the major renovations in adding a second story.
On May 2nd, our roof came off and the start of the second story being built. By Friday May 8th, I had a second story with windows, framing to the rooms, and stairs. It is coming together very quickly, I can’t wait until the insulation, and dry wall is put up. David will be starting the electrical work this week ( May 11th). He has been working very hard for the past month trying to get the house ready for our baby girl.
It has been very exciting and very overwhelming. Last week definitely had its up and down. I am not able to help much. I become very tired and achy because I am on my feet too long. By the way, my feet will not return to their normal selves until after the baby is born. I have no shoes that fit comfortably at this point. Everything in my home is packed away that can be packed away and the rest is not where it used to be due to the place having so much wood dust. David and I try to keep up with the cleaning etc, so we can be comfortable at least when we are sitting on the couch, cooking meals and of course when we sleep. It will be easier when the upstairs is ready for us to move up and then I can do a good cleaning with the down stairs. I am definitely in my nesting phase, however it is very difficult to move around and do things. For example, bending over. Just doing everyday little things is challenging.
I will be posting a belly picture for Ms. Mary, and what we have accomplished so far with the house very soon. My next doctors’ appointment is on Wednesday May 13th and during that visit an ultrasound will be scheduled. Very excited!!!!

Seven more weeks to go.......

2009-04-18T11:53:00.002-04:00

The pregnancy is coming to an end, and I am feeling overwhelmed. There is so much more to do and get for the baby yet. Her bed will be ordered this weekend and next week, David and I will be ordering the car seat, stroller, bedding and possibly the pack-n-play. David has started working on the house. He is properly insulating our home with the help of my dad and brother. I hope that in the next week or two we will start building the second story. It is really crunch time. The weeks are going by faster and I really want her room to be finished and put together prior to her arrival. It has been difficult for both David and I to work full time and put the rest of our energy into the house in the evening. The weather has been cooperative so far, however the rain is suppose to start next week. We need to go into a drought for 3 weeks, so we can put the framing up and the roof on.
My friend Mary was right about the third trimester, the tiredness really kicks in. Being so big in the tummy area now, it is harder to move around. If I do too much, my back and feet ache. The next day I feel like I just endured this vigorous workout, in which case it is just everyday chores that you and I would be doing. Maybe after a week of the delivery I will look more toned. It is wishful thinking, but you never know.
The baby is moving around so much this past month. I feel like she is doing gymnastics, especially after I am done eating. Lately she has been stretching to where it feels like her hands or feet are in the back of my ribs. That can be uncomfortable. For relief, I need to lay down for a bit. I am so thankful that we have a physical therapy department where I work. I am on my feet a lot which can take a toll after a while. Therefore, I will sneak to get a hot pack for 10 minutes. That is heavenly.
I had my eight-month check up this past Wednesday, and I’m in and out of the office. Everything is going really well. The baby’s heart rate is in the 150’s; my weight is under control, low blood pressure, no gestational diabetes. I’m feeling pretty good. Just suffering from tiredness and aches after a long day. I do have a lot of water retention. You can especially see it in my ankles and feet, but that will soon be gone. Looking forward to fitting into shoes again. I will now being seeing the doctor every two weeks until the last month and then weekly I presume. I can’t believe my baby will be here soon. This pregnancy has flown by so fast. My next appointment is on April 29th. Maybe I will have an ultrasound scheduled.

March has been a busy Month.....

2009-04-06T14:07:00.000-04:00

I just finished celebrating the BIG 30, attending a conference to renew my certification and Licensure for Recreation Therapy and attending my baby shower. In normal circumstances, I think I would have freaked out about turning 30, however being pregnant has definitely kept my mind busy. David up graded my cell phone and it is awesome. It is kind of like the I phone, however doesn’t have all the features that the I-phone offers. It offers text, IM messaging, internet, television, I-tunes, camera and video, etc. It is really cool. We also went to dinner and honestly, it was really nice to be out on a date. Being pregnant really tires you, so it was nice to have some normalcy. We did get together with my family the week prior and after the conference to celebrate. Like I said, it has been a really busy month.
The conference was held in Saratoga Springs, NY, which is about four hours away from where I work. Saratoga Springs is a really pretty area. The conference was held for four days. The days seemed to last forever and I couldn’t wait to get back home to David and the doggies. I enjoy attending the conference and it was very informative, however by the end of the third day, I was ready for it to be finished.
The baby shower was held this past Saturday on the fourth. I want to say a special thank you to my mother and sister in-law, Tavia who put so much time and planning into such a beautiful shower. They really out did themselves and I am truly lucky and grateful to have them in my life. I would like to thank all those who care about David and me for attending and/or sending a gift. We received so many items and I can’t wait to have the baby’s room finished so I can put everything away. All the clothes, so adorable and I can’t wait to use them, even if I have to change her 3-4 times a day to make sure she wears everything. The games were a lot of fun. We played the left/right game, the Price is Right (with baby items, holy cow baby stuff is expensive), and Guess the baby food. I feel bad for the babies who eat this stuff. For those who really participated in dressing up in their tea party dresses, pearls, gloves and hats received a prize. It was a really nice afternoon. So thank you MOM and TAVIA. I love you very much.
Nine more weeks to go. My next doctor’s appointment is on the 15th of April. I will be starting the eight month and meeting with my doctor every two weeks then after. I will be meeting with a pediatrician next week, hoping she will be the physician for our baby girl. Time is flying by so fast. I can’t believe the time is almost here and I can’t wait to see my baby girl. It is a very exciting time. The shower just enhanced how real and soon things are approaching.

More Shots....

2009-03-24T16:24:00.003-04:00

This morning I had my gestational diabetes test and received my RoGram shot in the tushie. Those of you who know my really well, know that I am really scared and get really anxious when it comes to receiving shots. I felt really good this morning, doing positive self talk and preparing myself for the procedures. I get to the hospital, gave my blood work and drank my sugary fruit punch. I had so many people tell me how awful the drink was going to be and telling me not to throw it up. When it came down to it, it was tolerable and not so bad. I need to stop listening to other people. Why do people like telling negative comments is beyond me. Anyway after an hour of waiting more blood was drawn. So hopefully as a result I will show a negative for gestational diabetes and will have no further testing.
After that procedure was finished, I went up to the maternity ward to receive my RoGram shot. The nurse was aware that I was nervous and she goes on to tell me not to jerk because the needle may come out and she will have to start again. I think that just pumped up my nerves even more. So I get into the room and as she is pinching my skin I start to panic and asked to to wait a minute as I broke into tears. I think I made her so nervous that she had me lye in bed and talked with me for a minute before giving me the shot. She was afraid that I may faint. After it was finished, it was no big deal. Actually I hardly felt a thing and my arms were the ones that were tender from giving blood verses my tushie. I tried so hard not to become upset, but I just can't help crying when I feel scared and anxious.
On Sunday, that just pasted, David and I went to our birthing class. The class went really well. There was a lot of good information given and the nurses that facilitated the class were layed back and fun to be with. My favorite part of the class was the tour of the maternity ward. The hospital had recently remodel the ward and it looks so warm and cozy for the patients. It really makes you excited for the baby to come. It makes me think that I am now in my 29th weeks along with 11 more weeks to come. It is going by so fast. Our baby girl is going to be here in no time. I can't wait to see her and hold her. David and I still haven't agreed upon a name for the baby and when we do, we have decided not to share it with everyone until her arrival. We want it to be a surprise.
Things are still going well and we are continuing to move forward with the extension with the house hoping to start sometime next month.

28 Weeks

2009-03-19T08:51:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe I have 12 weeks left until our arrival. It is so very exciting and scary all at the same time. I had my monthly check up yesterday and everything is going very well. The baby’s heart rate is normal, the measurement of my belly is normal and my weight gain is within the recommended range. Next week I get to have some blood work done to check for gestational diabetes. I have to say I am not looking forward to that. First, I hate needles and I am hoping there is a good phlebotomist on that day. I have to drink this syrup like beverage, wait an hour and have more blood drawn. I don’t really tolerate supper sweet foods/beverages very well, so I am hoping to keep it all down or else we have to start the whole process over again. On top of that, I get to receive a shot of Rhogam in the tushie because of my blood type. Terrified!!! That is all I have to say…Terrified. I am looking forward to an ultrasound; however, that will happen closer to the end of the pregnancy.
I also talked about my concern of labor and how scared I am of the process that is to come. I wanted to get some information of different kinds of pain management. Of course, I get emotional about it because I am scared. My doctor was so wonderful. He was very reassuring and helped me feel more confident.
Overall, I am feeling pretty good. I just got over a cold. That was no fun. When you are sneezing and coughing with a big belly that gives no leave way, it can be very uncomfortable and at times hurt from the straining. Thankfully, it only lasted a couple of days. One of the best things to use while you are pregnant and/or have a cold is the breathe right strips. They open up your pathways so you can breathe throughout the night getting a good nights rest.
David and I have been planning to put an extension to the house, so we have an upstairs that will include a master bedroom, a baby’s room, full bathroom, and bonus room. We have the plans drawn up and are looking into what the cost will be. Hopefully we can start our project in May. I am really looking forward to the end result.

Is Everything O.K.

2009-02-23T16:10:00.001-05:00

I went to my month check-up and everything seemed to be going great. I returned to work and by 3 pm I started to feel like I had moderate menstrual cramping. I went home, made dinner and took a nap. When I awoke at 10:30pm the cramping had not yet subsided and decided to take a Tylenol for the discomfort. By morning the cramping had stopped, however the pressure remained. I decided to call my doctor to let him know what was going on and if this was normal. Unfortunately, he was unavailable, however, I was told by the office to stop by the hospital to be check out by the on-call doctor just to make sure things were good. I did not realize that being checked out was going to take 3 hours. The doctor hooked me up to this machine that would check the heart rate of the baby and to monitor if I was having any contractions. Also the doctor checked to make sure my cervix was still closed. Fortunately, that went good and I had a nice rest listening to her. I feel so relieved that the baby is doing good and the pregnancy progressing nicely. In the end, it was discovered that I have bladder infection and the doctor took me out of work for the rest of that day and the following day to rest. I had no problem with that. Having a bladder infection is very uncomfortable and I sure needed the rest. I have started an antibiotic and by today, Monday, I am feeling much better.

24 weeks-Six Months Along

2009-02-18T13:06:00.000-05:00

I can’t believe that I am at the sixth month mark. Time is flying by so fast. I had my monthly check-up today. The baby’s heart rate remains at 152 and my belly measures 24 inches. I have gained 4 pounds within the past month and the doctor seems pleased with my progress so far. It was an in and out visit. Next month I will be scheduled to take a glucose test to rule out gestational diabetes. This past month I did go purchase a body pillow and have come up with a new way of sleeping that is comfortable for most of the evening. Unfortunately, it pushes David out of the way, but I am sure that he enjoys not having my elbow or knee in his back. In addition, whenever possible I have been taking naps. I love naptime. I enjoy a restful three hours and just feel renewed when I wake up. Unfortunately, this only occurs during the weekend. Therefore, by the end of week I am bushed.
David and I traded in the Mazda; I will miss that pretty girl, for a 2008 Ford Escape. We needed something that was going to work good for the baby, the doggies and the weather during the winter months. The Ford so far is working out great for us. All I need to do now is place the baby car seat when we get one. I can’t wait for that. David and I have been struggling to come up with a realistic solution with the baby’s room. We have finally decided that we are going to move a wall making one of the rooms smaller and the other bigger. Not only will this change accommodate all of our bedroom furniture, but also the baby’s room will look sweet and cozy. David has to wait until spring before he can start working on the room. He is waiting for the weather to be warmer for when he has to reconstruct the ceiling. We have been thinking of the possibility of buying a different house, but as of right now, there is nothing available that I would even consider moving into. So instead, I think we will stick it out and possibly build a second story to our home. David thinks this will be a quick and easy job to do, and I hope that he is right. This will also make our home more marketable when it does come time to sell. So we will see.
I have discovered this past month that I no longer have small cute ankles. Yes, they have been gone and distorted unit the baby’s arrival. The first time I noticed that I had “cankles”, I about freaked out. They looked so distorted and scary. Since then I have been putting my feet up whenever possible. I have also noticed that I look squishier due to the water retention. I feel beautiful. It comes with the territory and the outcome will be worth it, however I can’t lie when I say I am looking forward to having my body back. Until then I continue to walk a mile or more 5 days a week. This helps keep me more alert at work.
Since week 21/22, I have been feeling the baby a lot, mostly in the morning and in the evening. I think the walking rocks her to sleep in the afternoons. I can feel her nudging in the lower abdomen and at times, I can see the belly moving. She is not big enough yet where you can see the tidal wave. David thinks I am fooling him, but soon enough his time will come to see and feel her move as she gets bigger.

20 Weeks

2009-01-26T07:56:00.002-05:00

I am officially over the hump on the downward slope to having our little girl. I can't wait. I had my 20 week visit on the 21st of January and according to the doctor, everything is progressing well. The baby's heart rate remains in the 150's and the ultrasound pictures and info from the previous month shows everything is right on track. No abnormalities noted and the baby is growing at a normal rate. I had my belly measured, 20 cm, which does match to the weeks I've been pregnant. I only gained 2 pounds this past month and in total, I have been staying within the weight gain recommendation. I have started to feel movement this past week. It is so incredible and surprising. One minute nothing and then this bigger flutter movement and ooohhhh. It makes you stop what you are doing to pay attention wanting more.
This past month, sleeping has become a bit uncomfortable. I am not used to sleeping on my side, so I am continuously tossing and turning. Now that my belly is getting bigger, it is not as easy getting in and out of bed along with repositioning. I would have never thought it would take much effort just to turn from one side to the other, but it does. It is almost like a straining feeling. Not sure how else to explain it. At times, David will come up to me and want to tickle, and I am begging him to stop. Tickling is not tickling anymore. It is a straining feeling in the abdomen and that does not feel comfortable at all. So he has backed off from that, well for the time being anyway. The hormones are up and down all the time. I will be laughing and fine one minute, then all of a sudden start crying. I realize what is happening, however I can't help myself. I don't like that part of the pregnancy. I don't feel in control, and for you that know my very well, I have a hard time not being in control.
David and I have started talking names, however it is a slow process. We have very different taste in names, so we are just waiting to come up with one that will be a hit for the both of us. Our next appointment with the doctor is on the 18th of February. I can't believe I will be six months at that point. It all seems like yesterday that David and I started the IVF process.

It's a......

2009-01-04T18:56:00.002-05:00

On 31st of December, David and I had our first ultrasound since the implantation. We were excited to see how the baby has grown and to hopefully find out what the sex of the baby was going to be. As soon as we saw the baby on the screen, we both were completely amazed. The last time we saw the baby, the baby was in its yolk sac. So there was no form of a baby grown yet. This time, we saw our baby for which seemed like the first time. The best part was watching the baby stretch and move around. Unfortunately I couldn't feel anything, however our hearts just grew with all this love. The other best part was finding out that we are having a baby GIRL!!!!! The technician checked at 4 different times. This was due to the positioning of the baby, because she wasn't really cooperating. However, by the end of the ultrasound, the technician was pretty sure that we were having a girl showing and describing her on the screen. We received pictures of her and one of the pictures is in 3D, which is in color verses and black and white image.
Now the planning begins. David has started looking at cribs and there has been some talk of names, however we have a difficult time agreeing on names that we both like. I'm not worried. I now we will find a name that will be perfect for her. On Saturday night I was lying on the couch resting my hand on the side of my belly and out of no where I felt a movement across my hand. I couldn't feel anything inside, only on my hand. I can't even describe the feeling I had at that moment. But I feel more connected than ever to our baby. I can't wait for her arrival, to see what she looks like, and the personality to come. I am overcome with joy and excitement. My next visit to the doctor is on the 17th of January.

Second Trimester

2008-12-28T19:45:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone. Hope everyone’s holiday was fulfilled with fun and relaxation. David and I had a really nice day. We were able to stay home for a change and opened our stocking stuffers that morning. David and I had bought our Christmas gift early, a normal size refrigerator. But we decided to do stocking stuffers so we could have something to open other than the fridge door:) . Later in the day David’s dad and sister, with her two children, joined us for dinner. It was a pleasant day. We will be celebrating with my parents on Saturday. I really look forward to that because we have so much fun; with gifts, playing games, laughing and having a nice dinner.
It has been 16 weeks with the pregnancy as of the 25th of December. At my doctor’s appointment the doctor measured my belly and I was able to hear the heart rate. Everything is going well with the baby. As for myself, I have been struggling with a cold the past two weeks. It is really hard when you are unable to take any medication to help battle the cold a get some rest. I discovered the Breathe Right Strips were very helpful in the evening while sleeping. The cold has finally dissipated. I have an appointment for an ultrasound on the 31st of December to see the baby and hopefully find out if the baby is a girl or a boy. I see that everyone is voting for having a boy. Either way I’m excited and hope the baby is healthy. So I will update everyone next week.
The changes I have been going through. Well, my belly is poking out and you can definitely tell that I’m pregnant verses gaining weight. I look fuller in the face and upper torso, but that is due to increase water and blood volume in my body. The doctor has said that my weight gain is appropriate and to keep exercising, which I do almost on a daily basis; mostly walking on the treadmill and some arm exercises. It is an adjustment to see the changes. Most days I feel pretty good and up beat. On occasion I have an emotional day, which is hard to handle because I have a hard time controlling my feelings. I know what’s happening, but I have no control. So that’s when I read a book and sooner or later I’m o.k. again. The pregnancy is really exciting; especially when you get to hear the baby’s heart beat, see an ultrasound, watch the belly grow, etc however the emotional roller coaster sure is a ride. I’m not feeling so tired all the time. I changed my schedule around at work and that seems to be helping. All in all things are going pretty good:).

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year; 2009!!!!

12 Weeks

2008-11-28T11:37:00.003-05:00

It has been 12 weeks on the 26th of November, and the belly is starting to poke out. I had my initial doctors appointment on the 26th. They let me know that everything from the blood work came out really good and that I'm completing healthy. I was able to hear the baby's heart beat, which is an indescribable feeling. I can't believe I have this little person developing inside of my body and that his/her heart is beating so fast. The heart rate is at 170 beats. The doctor said that was within a healthy range. So everything with the pregnancy is going well and I'm feeling good. We won't know the sex of the baby until around the second week of January, around the 7th. I'm really looking forward to that ultrasound. Hopefully the baby will be moving around just right so we can see all parts!!
The rash is completing gone, thank goodness. I discovered that the cause of the rash came from using the Palmer's Coca Butter lotion. I went without the lotion for a 1 1/2 weeks as I was healing and started it back up about a week ago and broke out all over again. So I threw that bottle away and now only using sensitive skin lotions. The Vaseline in the products will help in reducing the chances of getting the "beauty marks".
My next appointment is on the 24th of December. I will be meeting on a monthly basis for check-ups until I get nearer to the end of the pregnancy, then they become weekly.

Hoping everyone had a nice Thanksgiving holiday.

Feeling Better

2008-11-14T08:02:00.003-05:00

I am feeling much better with the rash. I started to feel some relief about a week ago and this week it is pretty much gone. I went again to have it seen and was told to keep taking benadryl and this menthol lotion. The lotion really helped throughout the day, however it was stinky and the benadryl in the evening. That stuff just knocks me right out. I wasn't much company for David. The doctor didn't want to give me any medication due to the critical stages I was still in for the baby's development. So I had to just hang in there.
I'm still feeling pretty good with the pregnancy; no nausea or vomiting. I feel really tired by the afternoon and if I don't eat on a regular basis I will get a little nauseated. I have my next doctor's appointment on Wednesday the 26th of November and I hoping to receive a sonogram. This week I'm at 10 weeks and according to babycenter.com, the baby has started to develop red blood cells to the organs and nails on the fingers and toes. The baby is moving around a lot, however the baby is still too small for me to feel anything. The site compare the baby to a kumquat in size. Just bigger than a quarter. The development is progressing and I can't wait for the upcoming progress and changes. It is all very exciting.

The Joys of Pregnancy

2008-10-28T17:46:00.005-04:00

The Joys of Pregnancy. I have broken out into a rash all over my stomach and to make it worse it is very itchy. I went to see the doctor and basically I am to live with it. They are not sure what cause it; allergy or hormone changes from the pregnancy. They don't want to give me any medication that would be transferred to the baby. So this mean I can keep using my lotion for relief and if I just can't take it anymore I can use calamine lotion. I did buy the calamine lotion for the evening to prevent the pink rubbing off on my work clothes. So hopefully this will work and it will clear up in a couple of weeks. On Thursday the rash had worsen to the point of wanting to claw at my skin and to make it even worse it had spread all over. I was able to go see a dermatologist and the doctor took a culture of the clear fluid seeping out of the rash. On Monday I will find out the results. The doctor gave me a low dosage steroid cream to get rid of the rash and I am to take Benadryl for relief and sleep. So far so good. The cream should not hurt the baby due it hardly even getting into the blood stream if at all. I did inform my OBGYN and he agreed to the treatment regiment.
I had my third ultrasound on Friday morning. I'm eight weeks along and things are going great. The baby has almost tripled in size increasing the heart rate from 120 to 168 beats. The baby has started growing her/his limbs and you can see where the head is developing. When I saw the baby on the screen, I couldn't believe how much he/she had grown in just one week. Of course I received pictures. I won't have anything else done until I see my OBGYN on the 26th of November, not sure what will occur on that visit. So until then no more pictures. I'm officially discharged from Dr. Kilts (the specialist in Syracuse).

Ultrasound # 2

2008-10-23T08:06:00.003-04:00

We had our second ultrasound yesterday on the 22nd and David was able to come with me. I was really excited for him to see everything on the monitor, which isn't too much yet. The baby's heart beat went from 100 last week to 120 this week and grew to 2.8mm compared to 2mm last week. You can see that the sack has gotten bigger and this tiny little circle just a beating away. It truly is just amazing. So everything is going very good at this time.
I have to buy some bigger pants. I can't believe how uncomfortable everything is starting to feel. I guess at 7 weeks, you should be feeling a little differently in your clothes...but this has been quick. I'm am eating healthy with a few snacks here and there. No cravings yet nor nausea, thank God. Lets hope it stays that way. I have started to feel really tired, especially by the afternoon. I usually fall asleep on the couch by 7:30pm.
We have our next visit on the 29th. The doctor (specialist) just wants to follow-up with me until I'm in Dr. Heiss hands which is on the 26th of November. Fine by me. I love receiving a weekly picture of the baby, seeing what progress has been made.

Our First Ultrasound Visit

2008-10-14T16:04:00.006-04:00

It is October 15th and it could be a better day to go on our first ultrasound visit on our 3 year wedding anniversary. We have been looking forward to this for the past two weeks. Due to David's work schedule he was unable to be there. So hopefully he will be able to attend the one next week. Everything looks really good. David and I are having one baby. I could see the yolk developed and just inside was our tiny baby that looked like a dot on the side of the yolk pumping. My baby has a heartbeat. You couldn't hear anything, however you could just see it when the device located it just right. I was given a picture and can't wait to include it in the baby book..thanks to mom and dad.
I have another ultrasound on the 22nd of October. The specialist that we have been working with wants me to have two more ultrasound before discharging us to my permanent doctor. I will meet with Dr. Heiss (permanent doctor) on November 26th. I look forward to all my appointments. I wish I could just hook myself up and watch the whole process.
Until next week, I'm still feeling pretty good.

We are Pregnant

2008-10-08T08:03:00.007-04:00

David and I went started the procedure for IVF, however the medications were unable to hold the embryos resulting me to pre-ovulate and taking another month off. Our doctor suggested we try a different drug that would hold the embryo's and a new protocol. David and I decided this was a go, however this would be our last try working with the doctor. There is a lot of stress and tension when going through infertility treatments, especially with the hormone treatments. We decided that if the IVF procedure did not work, what was meant to be will be.
On the 17th of September, I was scheduled to have my embryo's extracted. I was so nervous and hormonal, I couldn't help but cry. I went to sleep and when I woke up, David was by my side and I was told they extracted eight embryo's and that the embryo's and sperm were together getting to know one another. On Friday we were told that four of the embryo's were fertilized. We were very excited to hear that but at the same time nervous...potentially four babies. Holy Cow!!! On Monday the 22nd of September, David and I went back to the doctors so they could place the fertilized embryo's into my uterus. We decided to put three of the embryo's into my uterus. The fourth embryo stopped growing. We had to wait two weeks from the 17th to know if we were successful.
On Monday, the 29th, David suggested that we go buy a test. I was hesitant of that because I didn't want to be disappointed if the test result came out negative. We were taking a blood test on the 1st of October. Let's wait and I could continue believing I was still temporarily pregnant. David ended up talking me into buying the test. On the way home, I immediately took the test and shut the bathroom door. I was so anxious, excited and nervous. I kept walking toward the door and David would state "WAIT FOR ME". We look at each other after a couple of minutes, crossed our fingers and said we loved each other. We opened the door and saw the test was positive. I immediately starting jumping up and down, I was so excited. Of course I could help myself and had to call the parents.
On the 1st of October, the blood test confirmed that we were pregnant and we went ahead and told our friends and rest of family. I have my first ultrasound on the 15th of October and I guess we should be able to hear a heartbeat or heartbeats. We shall see.......

Let's Give it Another Go.....

2008-07-09T08:58:00.003-04:00

Well unfortunately the second IUI didn’t work. David and I decided to take a month off and think about what we wanted to do next. After a lot of thinking and talking with the doctor’s, David and I decided to try IVF; In Vitro Fertilization. If you are interested in learning more about the procedure, http://www.cnyfertility.com/ displays a good explanation with pictures. We start the process on the 14th of July, however probably won’t do the procedure until around the first full week of August. It really all depends how my body is reacting to the medications. David and I are really excited in proceeding with the IVF because there is a 40-50% success rate in becoming pregnant. Keeping our fingers crossed.
David and I have been enjoying the summer so far. The weather has been really nice and we have been planning and exploring different ideas for the house. Tyler and Haley are having a ball running around, trying to play with the other animals (squirrels, chipmunks, turkeys, porky pines, etc.), and getting into the river. Usually by the time they come in the house for the night, they put themselves to bed and you don’t hear a peep out of them. They are like zombies. They are too precious.

The Journey has Started

2008-06-18T14:10:00.004-04:00

For those of you who know us, David and I have been longing for a baby since our wedding night. David and I will be married 3 years in October and since we have moved back to New York, bought a new home, we feel we are truly ready to bring in a precious baby in our lives. David and I have had a little trouble conceiving, so we decided to go see a specialist. We were both tested with good results in the end, however yet to have a little one. So we decided to go in this aggressively and begin our journey getting prepared for a procedure called an IUI; intrauterine insemination. David and I receive our first treatment, however it was unsuccessful. We decided that we would jump right back on the wagon and start the process over again. Another procedure was done on June 11th. So we will find out if I'm pregnant on the 25th of June. Keeping my fingers crossed till then. Although this has been very stressful and exciting all at the same time, we are just fortunate to be able to go through this process to help us have a little one.