Back to Birth (weight that is)

Palmer had his upteenth doctor's visit yesterday. After the first few the FNP was worried about him not gaining enough weight. Usually newborns will return to their birthweight at about 2 weeks old.

It's a ...

BOY! Jollybean is no longer nameless. Palmer Austin Jolly arrived on December 6, 2010 at 9:09 pm! He weighed 8lbs 9.6oz and was 20" long.

Birthstory and updates to follow soon! For now ... a couple of pictures!

Are we there yet?

Today is December 1st and I can not believe JB is not here. Dr D said he thought the baby would be here by Thanksgiving. Then a friend told me that as soon as the doctor says you'll go early, the baby is gonna wait.

I feel great! This past Sunday we had maternity portraits done and I'm so glad that JB held off long enough to do them. It was important to me to get them done. This may or may not be our last but I haven't been great about taking belly shots or other pictures so I really wanted them done. Kris isn't big on pictures but all the pictures we have are from our wedding! (4 year ago!!!)

I've had some stress from work the last few days and today I think it got the best of me. But I'm trusting God will provide like He always has! We have never gone without and I know that we're going to be taken care of. Today however, was extremely stressful and I think it's taking a toll on me. But I have a wonderful husband who brought me the only I wanted and has agreed to a backrub later. I'm so blessed!

Just hoping delivery isn't too far away and everything goes ok. Check out a couple of my maternity pictures below! I heart them!

37w 4d ... and a stomach bug to join us

Saturday morning about 3:00 I woke up just not feeling right. Not knowing if this was early labor or what, I started texting my mom. Then I got sick. Close for 12 hours I was violetly ill. I couldn't keep anything down, not even Gatorade. I finally paged my doctor and he wanted Kris to get some freeze pops and call back in 2 hours. So that's exactly what we did. Only to find out after talking to him the second time, he wanted us to go to L&D. When I got there my blood pressure was up (slightly) but that wasn't the main concern. They had me on the monitor and JB's heartrate was in the 170's and had them concerned. My pulse was also high. In the meantime, 2 women came in and the doctor's had to tend to them. In the meantime, they did let me eat crushed ice for 2 hours. When a doctor made it back to me, my pulse was down just a little but the baby's was still slightly elevated. They decided to check me since I had been so violently sick and having irregular contractions. Although I didn't even feel all of them; some lasting 40-60 seconds. I was 1cm and 20%. Surprise! I wasn't expecting that at all. After 4 1/2 hours of monitoring, eating ice chips and 3 packs of crackers, they sent us home!

33 weeks ... Time is FLYING by!

I absolutely can NOT believe the title of this post. 33 weeks! Where has this pregnancy gone?

I celebrated my 28th birthday on October 6. The day before we had a doctor's appointment with an ultrasound! Best b-day present ever (except what Kris got me)! Every time I get to see our baby, I get the most amazing feeling in the world.

Then this past Saturday, my mom treated us to a 3D ultrasound. I'm so glad she was able to go with us. It really was an amazing time! Our little JB didn't want to cooperate for the first little while. He/She decided to keep at least one hand in front of their face. Since we drove almost 2 hours to get there, the tech decided to keep going and give us some extra time so we wouldn't have to drive back for a rescan on another day. Good thing, cause I think we almost missed the window for a good scan anyways, and that's without waiting another week.




JB's (Jollybean's) room is pretty much done. The floors have been done for a couple months. My dad and a friend of our's finished the baseboards and shoemolding. Then a couple weeks ago, I decided on a day off that I wanted to go ahead and caulk the baseboards. We finally got the crib replacements pieces in and all put together. Furniture is in place so all we have to do is find bedding we like. And that will probably be after JB arrives, since we can't find anything neutral.

I have spent the last few weeks washing clothes, towels and washcloths for the baby. We have 3 drawers ready to go for when JB makes his/her arrival. At the appointment on the 5th, the ultrasound and exam all looked good. However, on the 14th I ended up going to L&D after talking to a nurse and my doctor. I was fine when I woke up and got ready for work but on the hour drive I starting having a few contractions and sharp pain. I called Kris and he left the dealership and was there before me. They put me on the monitor as soon as we got checked in. The baby was doing great and I only had a one measurable contraction. So after a couple hours, the dr checked me out and let me go home. So from the 5th to the 14th I went from normal to between a fingertip and 1cm dilated. And it was then that Dr. D said we will probably have a Thanksgiving baby. And while I know the important thing is for JB to be healthy, I'd love him/her to come the week before or the week after Thanksgiving.

I forgot to mention what Kris gave me for my birthday. It's actually my birthday and anniversary gift combined. The week before my birthday, Kris took my mom out to every furniture store in my hometown to go shopping. My mom said Kris sat in probably 100+ chairs. So he ended up ordering a custom upholstered rocking arm chair for me. It's totally fluffy, soft and cozy! I can't wait to rock our baby in it!

Things are finally coming together! I've spent today cooking some of our favorite meals to freeze. So our house smells totally yummy and I've enjoyed my day off. I not only deserved a good day but I have really enjoyed it. So back to work tomorrow and then I'm photographing a wedding saturday. I've got to be crazy! Lead shooting a wedding at 33 weeks pregnant... Yep, I've lost it. But after that, it's only small projects I'm sure I can handle until I go into labor.

I do believe that labor and JB's arrival are within weeks! I'm totally excited!

Almost 23 weeks ...and trying to figure things out?

Tomorrow I will be 23 weeks! Where has this pregnancy gone? I seriously cannot begin to figure this out. It's like a mystery that no matter how hard I try to enjoy every day, it keeps slipping away.

Tonight I enjoyed at least an hour "chat" with a friend of mine. She's about 5 weeks behind me and we both know how scary this is. Just talking to someone who understands how I feel. I feel pregnant but I'm so scared that it's going to be taken away from me any second. 24 weeks is a milestone of viability. It's around the corner but what if something happens between now and then.

I'm excited that I have a dr's appt next week. I wish I could have another ultrasound though. It's tough not seeing your little one often enough. It's been 5 weeks since our last one. If my doctor doesn't order one at my appointment we will likely go for a 3d ultrasound in the next month or so. It's killing me.

Also, Kris and I decided that we wouldn't find out the gender. Mostly because he didn't want to know. But now, I'm thinking that I want to know. Shopping has been fun but somewhat challenging. It's definitely harder to find neutral outfits than one for specific genders. We'll probably wait to buy the bedding until Jollybean arrives. It's going to be interesting trying to do some buying, especially if I find out the gender and can't tell Kris. Hmmmm... what ever do I do?

Half Way There!

Could I be any more amazed! We are 20 weeks through this pregnancy. Things are going great.

Not a long post, but just had to announce that we are officially, HALF WAY THERE!

Almost 19 weeks and Everything's GREAT!

Yesterday was an exciting day for me and Kris! We had our "BIG" ultrasound. That's as big as it gets without finding out the gender. Our baby is healthy! From head to toe! Besides measuring 6 days ahead, everything was so normal my Dr. D said it was a boring appointment.

Me, Boring? yeah right. I quickly reminded him of the last 2 years and everything it took for us to get to that point. After a few minutes, Dr. D was whistling the tune, "If I only had a brain." That's not exactly what you want to hear your doctor singing while he's in the room. We all just laughed.

Afterwards, Kris played golf with my dad. I think it did them both some good to get away from "the women." My mom and I went to Olive Garden and enjoyed the salad then did a little shopping. I still think we're having a boy. Watch my intuition be wrong. (What else is new?) But I picked up some cute stuff. If we do end up with a boy, he's going to be the best dressed! Argile sweater vests, plaid pants, collared shirts. Oh yeah... that's where it's at! And if I'm wrong, our little girl will be the prettiest princess, EVER!

Another Great Giveaway

A friend of mine is doing another great giveaway. It ends tonight but I plan on buying some of these awesome Bumbas!

It's a great way to stop diaper rash before it starts, eliminate the use of powder and keep your little one healthy and happy! You should check them out, and her blog!

http://www.bummas.com/

&

http://www.mommywantsfreebies.com/

Almost 18 weeks down, 22 to go

Tomorrow I will be 18 weeks along in my pregnancy! WOW! Time has really flown by. In the beginning I tried so hard to protect my heart and Kris's that we didn't really take time to enjoy those first few months. But now, it seems as though time is flying by and our baby will be here before you know it.

Yesterday, I received a doppler fetal listener in the mail. (Thanks to one of my dear friends! TY!) I sat on the couch for almost 30 minutes and just listened to our miracles hearbeat. It's really the most amazing sound! Then when Kris got home, I couldn't wait for him to listen as well. He missed the doctor's appointment last week when my dad and I were able to hear it. And then, amazingly enough, I felt the doppler move. Kris was able to feel our baby move last night for the first time ever! Oh I wish you could've seen his face!

We have our "BIG" ultrasound next week, but we will not be finding out the gender. So for now, and until December, our little is known as "Jollybean." We are looking forward to seeing our baby again and finding out just how big he/she really is. Last time, around 13 weeks, our baby was almost a full week ahead of schedule.

But as for me, I'm behind schedule. The nursery isn't even cleaned out, we haven't picked out furniture or anything. We waited so long to make sure that everything was going to be ok that time kinda slipped away from us. I have been buying clothes when I find them on sale or clearance, buying some diapers online and I even think we have names picked out.

This past week, my dad and I made the trip to LA (that's Lower Alabama) to see Granny. I finally told her our news. I was beyond thrilled that I was able to tell her in person. It meant so much to me. And of course, I went shopping for some new Bama gear since they did win the National Championship back in January. But little did I expect to find a Houndstooth onesie! I almost died right there in Hibbet Sports. It wasn't on clearance, much less on sale: But none the less, it found it's way right into my bag.

I realize that I haven't been blogging much. But I will be better from here on out. I haven't recorded many of the little milestones along the way, but you can bet on it that I won't miss another one!

IVF Cancelled ... Baby Due In December

Just wanted to do a quick post to share our amazing news. While taking a month off to get ready for IVF and everything that goes with it, we ended up with a positive pregnancy test and 2 great looking ultrasounds!

What a blessing! So I guess I'll be changing the name of my blog to reflect this soon!

Also, a friend of mine has a great blog! Check out Mommy Wants Freebies! I've gotten a few of my freebies already. Can't wait for the rest to get here. Right now there's a Paci-Plushie giveaway. They are super cute! Here's the link http://mommywantsfreebies.blogspot.com/2010/05/loading.html

Hope to share the next 7 months or so with yall about our journey we never thought would happen. Baby's Due Date - December 10, 2010

Another Week Past

We're another week into the year and I don't feel any closer to attaining our dream.

I'm working long crazy hours and so is Kris. So "us" time doesn't exist like it once did. It's kinda depressing actually.

However, I did end up talking to my doctor a few weeks ago. He called in a prescription for Clomid again this month and insisted I make it in this time for my lab appointment. Last month I didn't make it in because work wouldn't let me off. But this time I'm going to make it in to get my Progesterone draw on time. It's a must this month. If I don't go in, he won't know if I'm ovulating on my own. So we'll see. I'm hoping I ovulate. Who would've thought that after years of preventing and such that now just ovulating is a huge step to get pregnant!

I'm feeling pretty good about this cycle. I don't know why but I have a feeling that ovulation is right around the corner. Just that part will be a huge step at this point.

Kris's car will be paid off next week and we'll be able to start saving even more for IVF. I still have hope for a miracle though! God has always been faithful. Either he will send us a miracle baby or send us the means for IVF. It's just being patient that I'm not good at.

Also, I have given up soda. I've lost about 9 pounds in the last 3 weeks from that alone. I'm drinking about 2 liters of water a day as well. Trying to cut back on the fast food and junk. Maybe we can add some exercise in the mix when my work schedule evens out (if ever.) So keep us in your prayers. I'm also praying for God to open the door to a new job for me. These 60+ hour weeks are just killing me. But for now, I guess that's it. I'll post again next week when I have my lab report back.

IF and too much to do

I'm gonna try to be better about posting. It just always seems that I try not to think about things so much.

But in the midst of this storm, there's a lighthouse on the shore. We're approaching 16 months of TTC. I mentioned all the hoops we're having to go through to get to destination baby. Some of those hoops will be in the past in about a month. Our tax return was better than we expected and we'll hopefully be able to proceed with IVF in October. We could possibly do it before then, but I'm hoping for October! It's a wonderful month; my birthday, our anniversary and just a great month all around.

I have set some goals and intend to complete them all before IVF. The major one is weight loss and to improve our lifestyle. We need to be healthier, but especially me since I'll be the one carrying our little miracle (or two!) Decrease our clutter is another huge thing. How do 2 people accumulate so much stuff. Really, just stuff. We're donating most of it to local charities and safe houses for women.

Kris is doing so well at his new job. Well, not so new anymore. It's great to see him succeed! Not just because he's my husband, but because he was suppressed for so long in the golf business. When he does a good job, he hears it. That goes a long way. He's happier and we can spend Sundays together. It makes a huge difference in our relationship as well. We're both happier.

All is well on our journey for now!