Hmmm ... did someone ask for a picture?

Another guest contributer post. Still acb here ...

The wonders of technology will never cease to amaze me ... Neither will the miracle of babies. And now we have both rolled into one -

Mike was able to send this to my phone ... and I was able to upload it to my computer. Now to figure out how to upload the pics I have taken with my phone without subscribing to Sprint's service plan ...

Anyway, drumroll please ...

Introducing Patrick William!!!!!

He is totally a cutie!!!

Again, so many congrats to our dear Annie and Mike!

Anna and Mike had their baby!

A short story by acb, Guest Contributer.

Sooooo -

Anna and Mike had their baby!!!

And it's a ...

Wait for it ...

Wait for it ...

A BOY!!!!!!!!!

Patrick William
8:06 a.m., today, 10/19/07
6lbs, 8.2 oz,
19.5 inches long

Anna is doing well - she is in recovery from the c-section. Baby Patrick has a good amount of strawberry blond hair (like his daddy!), and is doing well also. Mike - well, he's over the moon, as expected. :)

Congrats, Anna and Mike!

38 Weeks

Just got back from the doctor. Won't have the official results of the amnio until tomorrow, but the doctor seemed to think the fluid looked 'perfect.'

Thanks for all the well wishes, thoughts and prayers, and phone calls today.

I'm going to be a mom in less than 48 hours!

Quick Update

Not much going on this week. Just waiting.

Please send good thoughts tomorrow morning, as I have to go in for an amnio to check on FeeNo's lung maturity. If all is developed, the c-section is scheduled for Friday morning.

With the exception of waking up once every night to go to the bathroom, I've been sleeping wonderfully. I have no complaints. My swelling has gone down - my legs are back to normal.

It must be the calm before the storm. :)

More tomorrow.

Countdown to FeeNo - 9 Days

In nine days, I am going to meet my baby face to face. Even as I type this, I can't believe it's going to happen already. It's been the longest nine months of my life, nine months of anticipating and preparing. But still, it seems like a dream.

At today's appointment with the doctor, my parents got to see a glimpse of their grandchild. They were amazed by it all - seeing the baby's profile, arms and legs. FeeNo's weight today - about 6 pounds. Things look good for my c-section next week, pending an amnio on Wednesday.

I'll say this now and I am sure I will again: thanks to everyone for all the prayers and good wishes. It's been a long journey, a scary one most of the time, but everyone's encouragement has been helpful.

FeeNo's Bedroom

I took some pictures of FeeNo's bedroom. Enjoy!




And, finally, a picture of my chubby pregnant face:

Cankles

I developed them yesterday. I still have them today.

They are gross.

I spent the day doing baby stuff with my mom. We washed clothes and went through lots of things in FeeNo's room. Tomorrow, we'll finish up the room.

Hopefully I'll have pictures to post early next week.

FeeNo Wants Out!

How did it get to be October already? Holy moly!

My parents arrive tomorrow. Together, we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of FeeNo. I tell you, it's going to be like an I Love Lucy episode, where everything is rehearsed and then, someone will totally freak out about the entire situation. Of course, this will only happen if I actually go into labor, and I might, since FeeNo's head is way down, ready to come out.

Not much going on otherwise. I saw the doctor today and the countdown to FeeNo has started - 16 days until my scheduled c-section. Things are looking very good - the doc even joked that I am no longer a high risk pregnancy.

I didn't have a growth ultrasound today, so I don't know how much FeeNo weighs today. I suspect the weight is at about six pounds, since I seem to have put on FOUR POUNDS in a week. FOUR POUNDS!

Oh well, what can you do?

I'm so excited, I don't even care.

Here is a clip of what could possibly happen in the next few days with Mike and my parents. Enjoy!

Insomnia + Back Pain = A Very Irritable Annie

Okay people, we're in the homestretch.

It looks like FeeNo will be making a grand entrance on October 19th (as long as my amnio on the 17th shows mature lungs). That's only three weeks away. THREE WEEKS AWAY.

I spoke to my doctor yesterday during my appointment and told him that Mike and I were leaning toward a scheduled c-section because we would rather schedule it than have to have an emergency one. The doctor agreed (coincidentally, they had already sent me the order via US Mail earlier this week, so it was a done deal) and as long as I don't go into labor beforehand, my doctor is definitely going to do the honors of making me a mom.

I have terrible back pain. Last night, it was so terrible I was almost reduced to tears. I have insomnia. Today, I was awake at four in the morning, tossing and turning, and finally got up at five to read and watch shows I had DVR'ed during the week. When I do sleep, I have the craziest dreams (they are all pregnancy related - if you want details, email me). I am snapping at poor Mike. Then I fel bad about it. My stomach weighs a ton (even though my overall weight gain is 8 pounds) and I am in the bathroom constantly, it seems. And my indigestion doesn't seem to be getting any better.

FeeNo wants out of my belly already. There is constant movement in there. And the poor kid is running out of room. Yesterday's weight was 5 pounds, 1 ounce.

I can't believe I'm going to be a mom in less than a month. I'm very excited, but in all honestly, I am scared out of my mind.

Moving Legs and Arms

At today's doctor's visit, FeeNo was a ball of energy. During my entire ultrasound, FeeNo kept moving around, punching his arms and kicking his legs.

In the end, we were able to come to these conclusions: the child is very healthy and active at 34 weeks. And, apparently, experiencing a growth spurt. Today's weight: 4 pounds, 12 ounces. Up from last week's 4 pounds, 2 ounces.

A nice healthy jump that isn't a reflection of my diabetic woes.

I also had a growth spurt: a weight gain of 2 pounds, most of which is baby. Obviously.

I am feeling pretty good, if a bit tired from time to time. I've spent most of this week "nesting" starting with the cleaning of my kitchen cabinets and ending with the cleaning out of dresser drawers. The doctor says this is all perfectly normal, that I'm just getting ready for FeeNo's arrival.

Now, every week, the doctor and I go through pretty much the same things: how I feel, my blood pressure, the baby, my blood sugars. I keep a log of my blood sugars, writing down as many as 10 blood sugar readings in a single day. Then, the doctor and I go through the numbers and figure out if I should make any changes in my food and/or insulin intake during the day. Most of the time, it's been pretty easy to manage because my control has been pretty good.

Today, however, was different. After reading my fasting blood glucose levels, the doctors says to me "I see you were 102 the other day. And 105 the day before that. That's high." Now, for any diabetic out there, those numbers are actually within range. They are pretty much perfect numbers. But for pregnant diabetics, doctors like to see fasting numbers below 95. The doctor expressed concern over increasing my insulin intake overnight, as it might make me too low (which is worse than a high at this point). So he said we should reevaluate the numbers next week and see what's going on.

I have read on other diabetic pregnancy blogs something similar. And the reactions have always been the same: WHAT? HOW CAN 102 BE HIGH? I AIM FOR THIS NUMBER ALL THE TIME! But I guess the rules change when you are pregnant.

That being said, if my fasting numbers don't decrease, I may need to have a c-section afterall. I appreciate the doctor being so cautious with me. But man, now I have c-sections on the brain again.

I shouldn't complain, though. This kid is healthy, active, and growing. I shouldn't be concerned about having to have a cut on my belly, right? I'm curious to hear what everyone thinks about that.

Jenny McCarthy I'm Not...

...But I am certainly experiencing many of the things she did while she was pregnant. I will spare you guys the details, but if you are curious, pick up a copy of her book, Belly Laughs. I read it many months ago and now, I find myself picking it up to read a chapter here and there. It reads comically, but very truthfully. Even the stuff your own mother won't tell you!

This week's update is more of the same. FeeNo is still thumb/hand sucking. Weight - 4 pounds, 2 ounces. Very healthy.

I am still awaiting the results of my preeclampsia test - hopefully, I'll know by this afternoon. I lost a pound at this week's appointment. Not too much swelling in my legs. Blood pressure was okay. Blood sugars in check.

I feel bad that I haven't been posting much lately - only pregnancy updates. I will try to post more often - I have plenty to write about, including the disappointing season finale of Rescue Me, but I will save it for another day. Next week sometime...

It's Raining, It's Pouring, Annie is Snoring

Or so I'm told. Poor Mike hasn't had a good night's sleep in about three nights. But then again, he won't go sleep in the guest room. So it's not really my fault now, is it?

At my 32 week check up today, I learned that I gained 3 pounds! In a week! Things are still looking pretty good, but I have to do a test next week for preeclampsia, which makes me a little nervous (due to being 32 weeks pregnant and the fact that my legs are swelling - ick!).

No growth ultrasound this week, but I did get to hear FeeNo's heartbeat (in the 130s - nice and healthy) and see a little bit of this growing baby. Still has a big head. Right hand is still covering the face. Legs continue to kick. The lungs are practicing breathing and the heart looks so cool pumping away in the chest.

Next week, in addition to the preeclampsia test, another growth ultrasound, which should give us an indication of FeeNo's weight. Less than 60 days to my due date. I can remember when it was over 200 days. Not much more to go until Mike and I get to meet FeeNo face to face.

As soon as FeeNo is born, Mike wants to discuss the baseball playoffs - never mind this baby has a 50% chance of being female.

Me - after giving FeeNo a kiss, I think I'll give him a kick. Just like he does to me every night at 4 am. :)

I Have an Awesome Baby

Guess what FeeNo did?

Turned around and got into the right position - all on his own!

At my appointment yesterday, we found out that FeeNo is no longer in breech position, so while we still have a scheduled c-section on the calendar, it's very likely that I am going to go into labor on my own and have this baby naturally.

It took me the entire week to wrap my arms around the idea of having a c-section and now I am told that it may not even happen. No complaints, but I have learned over the last 7 months that things can change daily.

I'm feeling pretty good this week - no indigestion, although my back is starting to hurt a little bit and I get some leg cramps from time to time. I gained another pound - I think that makes it a total of 2 or 3 pounds gained over the course of the pregnancy.

I am almost finished with the baby's room. I only have a few more finishing touches and then I can start to snap pictures. My mother has some things in Florida for the room, so it won't be entirely finished until she arrives in early October. But it looks like a room for a baby.

A room for my baby.

Wow.

Here's a picture from yesterday - I know it looks like the last one, but it's a new one. Really. And I guess FeeNo likes sucking his thumb. Thay may explain the hiccups I feel everyday.

FeeNo at 31 weeks.

So You Really Think FeeNo is a Boy?

Right now, the poll shows that the majority think FeeNo is a boy.

Interesting, because initially, people thought FeeNo was a girl.

Weight yesterday - 2 pounds, 15 ounces. Baby looked good, except still giving us the spine. No pictures to show for it. Maybe FeeNo will cooperate in two weeks. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

I have gained back the two pounds I had lost. So I have gained a total of one pound this entire pregnancy. Blood pressure was good. And the doctor decreased some of my insulin intake since my blood sugars have been dipping a little bit. Overall, not a bad visit.

Ten more weeks until my due date, although it appears FeeNo may have to come early. He is in breech position (which explains all the spine shots the last few weeks) and if he doesn't flip himself over the doctor has scheduled a c-section for mid-October. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about that yet, but as long as FeeNo is okay, that's all I really care about.

More on that in the coming days.

For now, if you haven't voted in the poll, please do so.

Better Late Than Never

I finally scanned the ultrasound picture from three weeks ago.

Here is FeeNo, sucking on a thumb:

How awesome is that?

Oh, and I am feeling better today. Thanks for the comments and phone calls from everyone to make sure I was okay. :)

I Made it to 28 Weeks!

Yipee!!

I made it into my third trimester. The headaches, although still present from time to time, are not as intense as they used to be. My blood pressure is steady. And my blood sugars are within range.

FeeNo continues to grow. At my ultrasound today, Mike and I learned that the baby has gained another 11 ounces, for a total of 2 pounds, 5 ounces. FeeNo is the 40th percentile at this point of the pregnancy, a number that made the doctor very happy.

And while the baby increased in weight, I lost 2 pounds. The doctor told me not to worry since I am sure to gain it back and then some over the last trimester.

No photo to show off today (and yes, I realize I have not posted the picture from two weeks ago yet) because the child had his back to us for the majority of the ultrasound. When FeeNo turned around and we caught a glimpse of his face, he proceeded to cover his face with his hand. It was very Sean Penn-like. And then, as the technician was measuring FeeNo's leg, I got a nice, strong kid. Boy or girl, this baby is definitely going to be a handful. I can sense it already!

We also got a tour of the Labor & Delivery unit, complete with a visit to the baby nursery. I saw a fresh little one: she was screaming and crying. And so tiny. But - wow! - so beautiful. I was literally taken aback and when I saw Mike's face, I knew he was thinking the same thing: in a few short months: that's going to be our baby, kicking and screaming.

Excitement is building. It's starting to become more concrete and less abstract.

Sheesh, I need to finish up the nursery.

One Week

I've been home for an entire week now. And with the exception of two of my friends visiting me from Boston and Miami, I haven't done much of anything.

I mean, yes, I've done stuff: laundry, cooking, dusting. But I haven't gone anywhere. In fact, I haven't been in the car in three days.

But I'm resting.

Yesterday morning, I assembled FeeNo's changing table. All the baby furtniture arrived on Tuesday and the room wasn't cleared out. It's full of stuff: stroller, high chair, car seat, clothes, and diapers. Now it's my job to sort through it all. I'm not complaining, it's just that I didn't realize my belly was going to start to balloon in a matter of weeks, making things a little bit uncomfortable.

I'm clearly pregnant at 27 weeks. Entering my third trimester. FeeNo kicks and punches me and responds to conversations Mike and I have. It's a strange sensation, one I hope never to forget. I'm winded after climbing the steps. And I've given up on picking up the laundry basket full of clothes. I just can't do it anymore.

I've yet to scan my latest ultrasound picture, which is a shame on my part, since I am scheduled for another ultrasound next week. I'll get to it.

I will.

Homebound

It's official.

I have been put on limited activity until FeeNo arrives. I will be home for my entire third trimester growing this baby and making sure that everything stays on target.

First, the serious stuff: I have been experiencing some migraines and the doctor feels they may be indicative of preeclampsia, which has no cure except the delivery of the baby. The doc feels that I would be better at home, resting up. I am not on complete bedrest (luckily!) so I can still go up and down the stairs, go for walks, swim, etc.

Second, the details of my last visit: the baby looks good - very good. FeeNo gained half a pound over the last two weeks and is now 1 pound 10 ounces. I am 26 weeks along (plus two days), with less than 14 to go. However, the doctor thinks the baby may come a few weeks early, due to the changes in my body and the way I am reacting to the pregnancy as I enter the last trimester. I have gained another 5 pounds, for a total of 13.

Third, the fun stuff: during this ultrasound, FeeNo must have sensed how serious everyone was, so he decided to cooperate and pose for a picture. I will upload it in the next few days, but basically the child was sucking on a thumb and chilling out. The baby continues to kick and punch me, and has developed what I think are hiccups from time to time. Mike and I continue to watch episodes of 24 (we are now on season 2), which results in many kicks to my belly. We continue to read in both English and Spanish. And lately, Mike has taken to imitating radio reporter John Sterling and making calls on the Yankees.

FeeNo's favorite call: El como dulce, sweet as candy! Bobby Abreu singles to the right!

I'm not sure if FeeNo's response is from the baseball itself or Mike's comical way of imitating Sterling.

Either way, it brings smiles to both our faces and just makes us want to meet FeeNo that much sooner.

How can it be that someone I don't even know yet has taken over my entire heart?

Cravings

So, my obsession this week is nuts.

Cashews.

Almonds.

Peanut butter cookies from Target. They have their own brand of cookie - Double Peanut Butter made by Archer Farms, especially for me!

And FeeNo. Because FeeNo wants them. FeeNo craves them. FeeNo must be obeyed.

The only unwanted product is Reese's Peanut Butter cups. If anyone puts one of those darn things near me, I'll fling it at them.

They gross me out. Even when frozen.

More tomorrow, I promise. I've been tagged by FFG and I need to respond. I'm becoming very forgetful in my pregnant state.

Nearly Two Hours on Hold

As many have read from my blog over the last few years, I have developed a very strange crush on Tom Jones. Mike reintroduced him to me after having listened to his records with my parents as a child. At first I thought is was a little silly (sorry!), but I really do love the sound of that man's voice.

I've been very fortunate to see him live various times, including front row in Las Vegas with my two awesome friends (including acb, who was carrying Little Owen in her belly but didn't know it yet) humoring me and joining me at the show. Yes, I screamed with delight when I saw him. Yes, I threw a pair of panties.

(No, I wasn't married yet, but engaged - very engaged. Luckily, Mike wasn't enraged. I think he was shocked that I would do such a thing, but hey, it was TOM JONES! I had to do it. Anyway, I digress...)

Mike and I went to see him in Atlantic City about two years ago. Unfortunately, when he peforms there, seats are not assigned and you get seated where ever the maitre'd puts you, depending on how much you grease his palm. Since we are poor folks, we sat way in the back.

And even thought Sir Tom is awesome, we vowed never to go back to see him in Atlantic City. Unless, of course, we got free tickets.

Yesterday, we got a postcard in the mail inviting us to stay at a casino on the boardwalk in Atlantic City. It's the casino we visit when we go down there, but we are not - in any way, shape, or form - whales. Seriously, we play penny slots and consider it a big victory when we are up $5.

But anyway... we received the free night for all of August and in the tiniest print you can ever imagine, it said: Come join us to see the Legendary Tom Jones. Two tickets complimentary.

Whoa!

I got on the phone immediately. Toll free number. On hold. On hold. Nearly two hours. And then - Mike went to plug in something where the cordless phone is plugged in and DISCONNECTED THE PHONE.

For a second, I wasn't sure what happened. Then it hit me. And when I told Mike we were disconnected, I thought his head was going to explode.

I got back on the phone. Busy. Busy. Busy.

And then Mike had the great idea of calling the hotel directly and telling them that we got disconnected. I thought it was a longshot, but it worked. He was put through almost immediately and we reserved our tickets.

Yipee!

FeeNo is going to get his first taste of Tom Jones in about three weeks. I can't wait until Tom sings Sexbomb. Hopefully, FeeNo will start doing the usual somersaults in my belly.