He's nearly here...

Today I'm taking a more serious turn. Hang in there with me. Or just hit the little 'X' in the upper righthand corner.


It is nearly the day for baby's arrival. The c-section is scheduled and we are counting down. When you live with a very excited 4 year old, the best option is to count down nighttime sleeps. So, that's what we've been doing. He is so sweetly excited, I just hope he remains that way once the baby is here!


However, this time is different for me than the last two. One of the biggest differences is that we don't have a church family with which to share this time. We have a church that we have been attending but I have been dragging my feet about getting involved and because of that we really only know a few people of the 800 or so who attend regularly. Why? I have felt crummy a lot of the last 9 months, and that doesn't make me want to be particularly social. Plus, I'm sure with nearly 800 attendees everyone thinks someone else is our friend so people aren't overly friendly. Add to that a child with food allergies and then I'm not just the new person, I'm the new person who has to scrutinize everything that goes near her rambunctious 2 year old's mouth. Admittedly, our lack of involvement is primarily my issue, as Dave would have gladly joined a smaller group a while ago.


All that rambling just to say, I'd like to share a couple of prayer requests here as I don't have another good place to do so:

*First, for Seth & Luke and Grammy & Grampy. For the few days I'm in the hospital the boys will be hanging with G&G. I know they'll have a great time! I also know that these boys are a lot of work and that it will likely be exhausting for someone who hasn't had to deal with a 2 year old 24 hours a day in a long time! Also, Luke is pretty attached to me. AND he has arms like an octopus so I'm not sure when I will feel comfortable with him coming up to the hospital with all the IV's and tubes in me, etc. On the other hand, Seth is SO excited to meet the baby. I just need to make wise decisions about when it's okay for them to come up and meet their brother.

*Next, for Dave. He will be balancing helping me at the hospital (the c-section leaves me a little less mobile than I'd like to be for the first day or two) and coming home to love on the older boys as well. Plus, he had a bad experience after Luke's c-section was over and I'm really worried that being back in the OR with me might make him queasy all over again, only earlier. Selfishly, I really need him to be strong during the operation!

*For the baby. That he arrives safe and healthy. I am so ready to meet this little person.

*For the doctors and nurses. That they'll be rested and ready. That there won't be anything odd to deal with as far as the c-section, etc. but that if there is they are ready for it. That they will listen to my requests for less of a certain drug that makes me really sick post-op.

*And finally, for me. The 'operation apprehension' is starting to creep into my excitement and overshadow it a little. I'm also feeling really guilty about not relaxing and enjoying this pregnancy (I have NO explanation whatsoever for this). But I really want to relax and enjoy the baby once he's here! Also, there is a newer pain management option that I am planning to use. I am very hopeful that it will reduce the amount of time I spend vomiting post-op.

7 month update

How far along: nearly 33 weeks

Baby movement: More of that odd rolling than kicking or punching. Seth and Luke were both more soccer players. This one just seems to be finding a good location to settle in. And he prefers to do it just about when I sit down to relax. But that's okay. He's just preparing me for what's to come!

What I Miss: Sleep. Good sleep. I told Dave the other night that I just wanted a good night's sleep. He was kind enough to remind me I have, at minimum, about 9 months before that likely happens. So, I rephrased and went with, 'I would like some restful sleep for the time that I get to sleep!' I feel like it's me, 5 pillows and a bottle of tums, just trying to get comfy!

What I Love: Knowing that every day is a day closer to meeting this little guy. Knowing that now that Easter and Seth's birthday are over I have nothing left on my agenda except to hang out with Seth and Luke and prepare things for this little guy. Birthday party done. Easter outfits purchased. I guess it's the calm before the storm, but just slowing down a little is starting to sound really nice.

What I'm hoping for: To be able to convince the doctor I see today at my appointment to let me go back to my doctor. She's been on maternity leave and I've been rotating, slowly, through all the other doctors. But I have some specific c-section questions for my doctor and I'm hopeful to just be able to get back to her and get my questions answered!

To Do: **Finalize a name. He had a name for a couple of weeks. Then Dave mentioned that we had "settled" on that name as we both didn't so much mind it. Well, that's not how I want to name my baby so we've moved on. I think he has a first name again. I painted some stuff for his room with his name on it, so it's about time to change our minds again. Ha ha. But he definitely does not have a middle name. I fall asleep most nights rejecting middle names that Dave is throwing out (perhaps this contributes to my lack of sleep?). **As for the list of things to do or purchase, we are making progress. I'm obsessing about a diaper bag, as I think I see it as my ticket out of the house (go ahead and laugh at me - as if I'll ever be able to leave the house w/a 4 year old, 2 year old and newborn, but that's the only logical (?) explanation I have for my complete obsession). Other than that, I think diapers and washing his little clothes are about it. I only want to buy a few diapers until he's here, as I'm voting he's going to be smaller than the other two, but I don't want a bunch of diapers he can't wear. And I don't have anywhere to put his washed clothes until the new dresser arrives.

Bargains! We decided not to re-do the nursery (sorry if I've already blogged about this part). We are moving Luke into Seth's room and leaving the puppy dog nursery for the new baby. The new bed for the older boys' room is ordered and all is well there. Well, provided it comes sooner rather than later. Anyway, the adorable brown and red puppy dog nursery theme was just too cute to get rid of already. But the real bonus, that particular line is no longer being sold so there's stuff on clearance. I got a diaper stacker for less than $4 and a matching lamp for around $7. YEAH!

p.s. - yes, I'm aware I have the same shirt on for my 5, 6, and 7 month updates. I do have other shirts. A few. But I was hoping to wear the same one for each update. Hi Matt.

6 month update

How far along: 27 weeks +

Baby Movement: some, but still not much compared to Seth and Luke. It is still primarily when I am lying down. I am SO buying a good sling to wear him in if he sleeps while I'm moving after he's born as much as he does now! I have noticed some at night, when I wake up 5 times each night to roll over again, that he's moving then. I'm thinking this might make sleep harder as he gets bigger in there.

What I miss: (1)Sanity. Hormones are so fun. Maybe more to come on that another time. (2)Energy. I remember it fondly. But I don't really possess much of it anymore. The dreary weather and cold and snow aren't helping out either. I love snow. But I feel a little trapped when it snows. Between being pregnant and having to wrestle Luke into and out of car seats, I just don't usually get too excited about going out. (3) Patience. See 1 and 2.

What I love: (1)Seth so sweetly talking to Baby in my belly. "This is your brother Seth. Don't you wanna wake up and play with me?" (2) Very occasionally seeing the baby move. (3) Seth acting like there is a baby in his belly. Unless that's really creepy and then I don't love it. [???] Although now he's moved on a little. Sunday he announced he was going to the hospital to have his baby and since then he often asks if he can go upstairs and get his new baby. Today he pretended to carry him around the store. His baby's name is David McJunior. Oh, that boy! (4) Luke is sleeping better which means I am getting more restful sleep. Yeah Lukey!

To do list: HA! I think I'm starting to hyperventilate a little when I look at it. (1)We've discussed the new Seth/Luke bed a lot. Perhaps even making a purchase before the end of the weekend! (2)A name is in the works. We are trying one out now, throwing it around amongst Dave and me, calling the baby that name when we talk about him, and trying to decide if it's a keeper. (3)Everything else - I think I have a complete list, from the essentials (bottles and tiny diapers) to the frivolous (monthly stickers for his onesies for his monthly birthday pictures and new scrapbook supplies specific to his book). I did buy fabric for a new boppy cover since I couldn't find any covers that I like and our old one needs replaced. This will be immediately farmed out to Grammy as I don't even own a sewing machine. And last night the four of us wandered around a baby store and finally settled on some bottles and pacifiers. Progress, huh?

Uugghh: And finally, I have strained/pulled/ripped/something'ed a ligament in my abdomen. I know there's the "round ligament pain" associated with pregnancy. I experienced that around Christmas and was told that was normal, more likely with each subsequent pregnancy, etc. I really didn't mind - it was just uncomfortable and as long as it was normal that was fine. This is different ligament pain. I was holding Luke and getting up out of the recliner and kicked the footstool down and felt the pain immediately. Hurt bad enough after a few days that I went to the doctor and the nurse practitioner said it was fine, just a ligament. Nothing to do with baby. No real meds to prescribe, nothing much to do really. It lasted about a week off and on and finally went away. For about 3 days. Started up again yesterday. It burns. It's not fun. I am trying to be tough as they assure me it's only bothering me and not the little guy. But it's really bothering me! Sorry to be a downer, but in the interest of fully remembering this pregnancy, and being able to throw it in the little guy's face someday (just kidding!!) I thought I should fully disclose.

5 month update

How far along: 23 weeks

Clothes: maternity clothes all the time (w/the exception of jammies and a couple of hoodies)

Weight gain: plenty

Baby movement: yes, but mostly early in the morning (we are not morning people; I'm scared that I am, however, breeding a morning person)

What I miss: peanut butter and vanilla diet coke; neither one really mandated as a "do not do" from the doctor, but self-restricted. PB because with an allergic child I've read a lot about not eating it while pregnant with subsequent children. Diet coke because I'm just not a big fan of the sweeteners. But I did break down yesterday and have my first one in 5 months and it was SUPERB!!

What I love: feeling the baby move; Seth talking about the new baby and wanting to know if he's kicking so Seth can feel him (he has not felt him yet)

To do list: find a bed for Luke so the baby can have his bed; work on a shopping list of things we need for the baby; name this little boy!!

p.s. - no comments about my ginormousness (sp? word?)

Ultrasound

hand

face

spine, etc.

foot

more face

I can't really explain it, but I was completely freaked out about this ultrasound. I kept trying to remind myself that God knew what was going on in there and me seeing in there didn't change a thing but I didn't do a very great job of remembering that most of the time.

For starters, I am old. By reproduction standards anyway. Every doctor's appointment is another discussion of another test to determine whether the baby is likely to have this abnormality or that genetic issue, etc. My stand has always been that they can do any test that they would need to know the results of to help the baby at birth. However, I would not terminate a pregnancy so none of the other stuff really matters. Many of the tests just determine if you are more likely to have a baby with certain defects, not a for sure answer until an amnio, which I personally would not have (because it's risky AND I'm a wimp!). Besides, God gives you the baby He wants you to have. I have known plenty of people my age to have healthy babies. I have also known of plenty of 25 year olds who have babies that are not well, have genetic issues, etc.

All that said, I did let my doctor (who is also my age and pregnant) talk me into a more extensive ultrasound, which has to be done at a specialist's office. The appointment starts with a consultation with Debbie Downer (as I am choosing to refer to her). I understand it's just her job but she started out explaining all the terrible things that could be wrong based on my age and really tried to force the amnio issue. We let her do her job and then informed her we didn't want one. I said yes to the ultrasound in the first place, knowing there are some soft markers for chromosomal issues that would be looked at during the ultrasound. But selfishly, I knew for me it was a longer peek inside there to see what was going on. Well, the baby did not disappoint! I was nervous going in as I really couldn't feel any movement (okay, I was only 18 weeks and a couple of days but still!). Well, baby did a complete somersault mid-ultrasound, flipping all the way around (and I couldn't feel that either). We looked at the heart, the heart rate, measured upper arms, lower arms, looked at blood flow, etc. The tech declared this was a really cute baby. Of course, I agreed, but really the baby looks a little, well, skeletal on an ultrasound! Then came the doctor to interpret the results. My doctor's office had scheduled the appointment for me so when I got the packet in the mail and found out our appointement was with the head of the department I figured he'd be all business. He didn't disappoint either. He walked into the room, sat down, and said, "Everything looks great. Any questions?" Yes, that was the extent of the actual doctor's visit.

So, without further adieu, I introduce you to baby BOY McNichols (or Little Mr. No Name as he is affectionately being called). Here's where I give a little shout out to Jill, Janel, and Simone - all moms of 3 boys who are still very feminine, enjoy girly time, and love love love their boys!

Blog post 100, aka "The Announcement." And some answers to some questions...

So, post #100! Okay, I started this post a few weeks ago but then the holidays happened and it just didn't get posted. So, let's do it now!


Yes, this is my 100th post. I worked hard to time this out just right. : ) So, I seem to recall hearing on lots of decorating shows that odd numbers are more aesthetically pleasing. As such, we needed another baby to balance out the family photos. Okay, maybe we didn't do it for the pictures, but we are having another baby!!


Answers to your questions: First, people keep asking if we planned this. I have decided that must mean no one in their right minds does this? So, for you inquiring minds, yes, we planned this. Talked amongst ourselves, prayed a lot, talked some more, and did this on purpose! Although I know of at least three people, with whom I am very close who did not plan at least one of their children and they seem to adore them just the same!


Second, due date. I am due May 30th. I am planning another planned c-section so will likely deliver the week before that. Not that 18 hours of labor and then a c-section wasn't fun the first time, woo hoo, but let's just cut to the chase when it's time (pun intended). Anyway, this weekend I am 20 weeks pregnant - halfway there!


Third, we do know what we are having. For now, I will just tell you it is a healthy looking baby, via ultrasound anyway. A baby who had its hand up by its head, its feet crossed at its ankles and did a full somersault, just to annoy the ultrasound tech I think.


Fourth, yes I feel just as crummy this time as the last two times. Three has been "my number," I think since Seth was born. And every time I get sick I feel that number being confirmed! I am very much looking forward to the baby at the end of the pregnancy but pregnancy and I just don't get along very well. Nevermind that I'm not getting any younger. I thought it would be so much easier being at home and being pregnant, but instead I feel like I have more time to think about feeling sick and be tired of feeling sick and then feeling sad that I'm feeling sick. I'm just ready to feel good. This is the second trimester and supposed to be the "honeymoon phase" so to speak, where you're not puking and you're not huge. Well, I'm still puking, although much less often. And if I really think hard, I realize that I have come along way and I do feel so much better, but still nauseated more than not!


So, that's our story. We're very excited. Seth sort of gets it. Although he keeps asking if he can have a puppy when we're done with the baby. I keep reminding him it's like when Luke came - the new baby will also stay forever. As for Luke, he hasn't a clue what's in store for him. Poor little guy.