A great video to watch!

http://www.storyofstuff.com/index.html

This is why we've slowly been turning "green". I've been getting rid of "stuff" in our house, looking at things that come into our house more closely, I've been buying more handmade, natural things. I've started getting Ava natural, non-toxic, organic toys. I've been going through the boys stuff and am going to be switching them to more natural toys. Actually more books and things more so than toys. We cloth diaper, I breastfeed exclusively, I plan on making Ava's baby food myself. I'm cutting cable and only having basic channels and limiting TV time to almost nothing for the kids. I want to start making as much as I can completely from scratch. If I could have a garden I would. I don't trust the foods we get all the time from the stores. I feel safer knowing that I made it and controlled what was in it. I prefer to support local and work-at-home moms more than big corporations. I don't mind buying things used, I prefer it. (with the exception of my daughter's crib and car seat, those were safety issues for me) Why waste money on something when you can get it used and fine for cheaper? And it's one less thing that is in the trash later. I am hoping for a sewing machine for Hannukkah and I will be sewing a lot for the kids. I got my mom to re-teach me to crochet and I taught myself to knit!

I have a couple little "fancy" little things I love, like my iPhone and my laptop (which I need for work) but other than that, I don't have a lot of luxuries and I like that. I'm not controlled by the media telling me what I need. God gives us everything we need and I couldn't be more blessed with what we have.

We had slowly been changing over to this way for awhile. When I saw that video, it made me further determined to continue on. Little by little we are making our way to a simplistic and healthy lifestyle.

I've been tagged!

By my Aunt Jodi! ( http://creamerchronicles.blogspot.com/ )

Name 6 things that make you happy!

1. My husband Sal. He's the best thing that has happened to me! He supports me in everything I do and the choices I make for our family. He's striving to be a Godly husband and father. He loves OUR boys and little girl. He works hard, and he loves ME! =)

2. My kiddos. I love hearing them say mommy (most of the time hehe). I love seeing them smile and laugh and enjoy life. I love their hugs and snuggles. And their curiosity.

3. My family. I love my daddy, he's always there when I need him, and I look up to him and hope my boys grow up to be like him. I love my mom and all the help she has given me. I love to sit and do craft stuff with her and see all her new projects. I wish I could do them as good as her. I love my sisters, we ma not get along ALL the time but we still are there for each other.

4. Art and drawing. I love to just sit and draw and wish I could paint. I love creating things digitally. I love to see the finished product and think "wow I did that!" It's so relaxing.

5. Photography. There's something about seeing a beautiful photograph that makes me excited. Or capturing the beauty of something exactly the way I see it.

6. Being home. I enjoy just being home, enjoying my family, and God. Makes my heart warm!

Update....finally

I didn't realize how long it's been since I've updated this blog. She was 6 weeks last time it as updated, and now she's 10.5 weeks!!

Everything is going well so far! We haven't been to the Dr office yet as we are still waiting on stuff from our insurance, it's been a mess. At 4 weeks she was 7lbs 13oz. I weighed her myself last week and she was at 9.5lbs! She is still exclusively breast-fed. Getting more hair (that's getting darker)and more chubby! Her eyes are starting to lighten more so I think they're going to be blue like mine. She's starting to look more like me now. I have some pictures of me that resemble her a lot. I need to scan them in and post them! She pretty much sleeps through the night now. She goes to bed about 9:00 wakes to feed about 2am then is back to sleep until about 7ish.

Her dedication will be Nov. 15th at our synagogue for those that wish to attend! I can finally go back to synagogue after this Saturday. Been a long time and she'll be 3 months! But at least she's old enough that she can go into the nursery now so we wont be distracted during service.

Cloth diapering is going great! We now have our stash made of 2 different kinds of diapers that I love! Our main ones for going out and about are pockets, Bum Genius 3.0s and our daytime fitteds are BSRBs (Bagshot Row Bamboo) which are AWESOME! My favorite diapers! I love the customer service of Joyce (owner and maker of these diapers)She only stocks on Thursday nights at 6 and they are gone within seconds. But I can always manage to get one or two! ;)

Homeschooling is going great. The boys love to learn. We're working on getting into a set schedule/routine. Kinda hard but we're working on it!

Photography is going good. Been a bit slow but still steady. I've put my degree to use and a designing some shirts and things to sell on CafePress. And may make my own online store to sell from.

Other than that, things are well. I'll try to update more often but things just get busy and in the way.

This is her in one of her BSRBs. This one is my favorite!


My little Peanut






Bath time-she LOVES the bath!

6 weeks pics!

Firs day of CDing!

Our first day was yesterday and went really well! No leaks, even overnight! I've kind of figured out which type I like best now. So I can sell ones I don't like and get more of what I need. I would take more pics of her in the different ones but right now her mouth and hands are purple from the Genitian Violet we used to treat our Thrush. She sticks her hands in her mouth when she's hungry so that's why they are purple. lol.

My stash!

Still expecting about 6 more diapers. For those who are CD savy, stash includes: 12 prefolds from Green Mountain, 12 Organic Hemp Fleece doublers, 2 Chunky Monkeys (1 AIO OS, 1 SM AIO) 1 Pampered Bunz, 1 Minkee, 1 BSRB (my fave with 3 more coming!!) 1 from a WAHM, 2 BGOS (another fave!) 4 Bummis covers, 1 Thirsties cover and one snug to fit from Green Mountain along with a various selection of wipes. Wipes are great for washclothes too!!

So if you think I'm crazy, check the post below. I'll be posting pics of Miss Ava in her fluffy butt!! :)

Cloth diapering?!? Are you crazy?!?!

I thought I'd post a blog about why cloth diapering is good. I have been getting crazy looks and what not because I want to cloth diaper. (Happens with breastfeeding too :( ) Anyways this is an article of 10 reasons why to switch to cloth diapers.

Top Ten Reasons Parents are Choosing Cloth Diapers

Let’s face it, we all know cloth is better for the environment. But did you know there are MANY other reasons that more and more parents are choosing cloth diapers today (yes, in the year 2008!?!). These are only the top ten reason why moms and dads are considering cloth diapering their baby. Once you actually give them a try, you will discover many more!!

1. Cloth diapers have come a long way, baby!!
Chances are you wouldn’t even recognize cloth diapers today. Cloth diapers have evolved to such an extent over the last ten years that many rival disposables - they are just as easy to use, change and wash! In fact, if you were to put an All-In-One cloth diaper next to a disposable, you would find very little difference in bulk, size and function.

2. Cloth diapers are more economical!
Disposable diapers become very expensive when you consider a 2-3 year diapering period. They can only be used once and are then they are tossed away. They can not be used for a second (or more) child. You can use cloth diapers on one baby for 3 years for as little as $400!! That’s a savings of $2500 (considering the average family spends $2800-3000 in disposable diapers over 3 years) for one child. Now, how much would you save if you had 2 or 3 more babies? Yes folks, that could mean a savings of almost $8000!! By the way, remember that initial $400 you spent on cloth diapers? Due to their excellent resale value, you may be able to get as much as half of the money spent on cloth diapers back on an auction site. Try doing that with your used disposables!

3. Babies are healthier in cloth diapers!
Disposable diapers contain many chemicals, poisons (TBT tributyl tin), dioxins (which are highly carcinogenic) and even perfumes and dyes that are all harmful to your baby and lead to diaper rash. The majority of babies in cloth tend to have less diaper rash as cloth diapers are more breathable and have none of the harmful chemicals or bleaches found in disposables. The gel that is used in disposables to absorb and hold in moisture is known as Sodium Polyacrylate. This substance has been found in the urinary tract of babies and may cause severe diaper rash, chemical burns, and bleeding in the perineum and scrotal tissue. There are also many studies that have been done to show a direct link between using disposable diapers and childhood asthma as well as an increase in infertility in boys (Mothering Article - Link to Asthma). Considering we have alternatives that are so easy to use today, why take the risk?

4. Cloth diapers are more reliable and less messy than disposables!
Yes, we are talking about leaks! With a correctly fitted cloth diaper the majority of moms experience less leaking than you get with using disposables. New, modern cloth diapers and covers are so customizable that you have the ability to get a perfect fit on your baby each and every time. Think you will have too much washing to do using cloth? We're certain you'll find it’s no more (maybe even less!) than with disposable diapers. It's a little known secret that the “blow-outs” that occur from leaky solids are actually contained better in cloth. Disposable diapers have a slippery surface to them which causes a "slip and slide" effect with messy, leaky solids. It's not pretty! The textured fabric that cloth diapers are constructed of provides the perfect surface for leaky messes to cling to.

5. Cloth is more comfortable!
Would you like to wear paper underwear all day? Why would you think your baby thinks any differently? Soft cotton next to a babies tender skin is much more comfortable and breathable than paper and plastic. Babies also tend to be changed more frequently in cloth diapers, as opposed to single use disposable diapers, because moms are aware of when baby is actually wet. Just because a disposable “feels” dry, does not mean a baby is not sitting in urine. It just happens to be dry, crystallized urine! And, with the new microfleece fabric used as liners in cloth diapers today, your baby will not have wetness against their skin. The liquid is wicked away to the cotton diaper underneath, keeping baby feeling dry.

6. Cloth diapering is quick and EASY!
Yes, we said easy! The concept of convenience is a marketing ploy that disposable manufacturers use. They don't what you to know how easy cloth diapering really can be! With new, modern cloth diapers and the many innovative accessories available today, cloth diapering CAN be easy. And it takes no more time to change your baby and run a load of laundry than it does to change your baby, get baby dressed to go out, put baby in a jacket or snowsuit, fasten baby in car seat, get stroller out of car, take baby out of car seat, fasten baby into stroller, go into the mall, weave through the aisle to get to the disposable aisle...wait a minute? This seems like way more work to us!

7. Cloth Diapering is Fun!
With all the choices in diapers, fabrics, fun prints and colors to choose from, and that fact that we can do away with pins and wet, messy diaper pails, using cloth diapers can actually be fun! Setting up your cloth diapering layette is just as much fun (maybe more so!) as picking out bedding and blankets. The majority of moms that are cloth diapering love to talk about cloth diapers and how much they enjoy using them. They love to show them off! I don’t know anyone who feels this way about disposables...do you?

8. Babies look adorable in cloth diapers!
Cloth diapers are a modern baby's fashion statement! And modern moms love to shop for cloth diapers. Have you ever noticed how professional photographers use cloth diapers on their baby models? Cloth just looks better on babies. There are so many choices in cloth diapers today. With all the styles and colors, babies look adorable in cloth! Show your little one off in a soft, comfy, adorable cloth diaper.

9. Potty learning is easier!
Here's something you may not have already known. You will likely change less diapers in the long run, if your baby is wearing cloth diapers. It is a little known fact that cloth diapered children potty learn earlier and with less effort on the part of the parent. Again, cloth diapers are saving our families time! As children are actually aware of the sensation of urinating, the average child that is cloth diapered typically potty learns faster than their disposable diapered friends.

10. Cloth diapers are better for the environment!
Okay, we just had to throw this in! But you know it’s true!! The average baby will go through 6,000 – 10,000 disposable diapers before potty learning. According to Stats Canada (1994 statistics) 4 million diapers are discarded by Canadians PER DAY! Add to this the number of disposable diapers the US-population goes through and we're talking about more than 25 BILLION diapers that end up in our landfills each and every year. Now that's a lot of diapers! Cloth diapers are less taxing on the environment even when taking the amount of water and energy used to make and wash them.

Updates - 3 weeks old!

Yesterday Miss Ava turned 3 weeks old! Almost seems as if it's been longer since the days ran together the first week. She's changing everyday though!

She had her first day to the beach last Sunday. She slept most of the day but put her little feet in the water a couple times. That night she also slept 8 hours! Had a sick kid and a hurt husband though later that evening and next day. All is well now. (except the hurt husband) Here's a couple pics from her first beach day:





She loves the water now. Didn't like her first bath so much but each one gets better and better. She likes when I take a bath with her and just hold her floating in the water. I think when she turns 6 months, I'm going to enroll her into baby swim classes.

She sleeps great. Usually 5-6 hours for a couple stretches each night. And she sleeps so soundly. Lately she's been cluster feeding so it's been a bit hard in the beginning of the night to get her down but it's getting better. The past couple days it feels like all she has been doing is nursing round the clock. Haven't been able to do anything because all she wants to do is nurse. But I know she is going through a growth spurt and she's just building my supply. She will even her feedings out again in a few days.

We decided we are going to start cloth diapering. We're going to ease into it. Just bought my first one today! Friday I'm going to get a couple more and we're going to try it a few days here and there. If we like it I'll get enough to build my stash. Then we'll do cloth at home and disposables out until we get the hang of it and cloth diaper full time. Hopefully I'll get experienced enough so that when we have our next and last baby, I can cloth diaper that one from the start!

Not sure what her weight is, I tried estimating it by weighing myself, then myself with her and last week, she was at least over 7.5lbs. I can def feel her getting heavier. She has an appointment next week so we'll see how big she's gotten.

Homeschooling is going great with the boys. They love it and are eager to learn. Ephram has been memorizing EVERYTHING and will sit there and study and practice until he gets it. It's exciting to see them so eager!

A couple new pictures and update

I have plenty more I took yesterday but they're still on the camera and Sal is at a shoot so there will be more! I'll post the flicker site with all her photos too.

Everything is going great with her. She had her 1 week check-up and weighed in at 6lb 8oz. She is nursing like a champ now and sleeps 2 five hour stretches at night! She's been spending more and more time awake and looking around. Her little cord stump fell off on Thursday night! So now she has a cute little belly button!

Project 365 Photo - August 20, 2008

"Our little Angel"

Life with Avalea...

We survived our first night home! The night before we left the hospital was a bit rough. We had some breastfeeding issues and she was having a hard time latching and we were both getting frustrated. It continued when we got home. So I researched a little and decided to retreat to my bedroom by myself with her and we were going to work out our issues. We slept skin to skin for a while and patiently and peacefully worked on our nursing. When she woke up, the first session she fussed a little but it went great. Each time after that went better and better. She is way less fussy now and things are a lot less stressful. She woke up every 2-3 hours last night and after she was done, she would go right to sleep! I ended up getting a horrible fever along with being really sore and my allergies acting up on top of that. So I felt miserable. Sal helped out a lot. I finally took tylenol, got some rest while he kept an eye on her and feel a ton better. Today she spent a little time awake looking around. She's been so good so far! Her brothers are so happy to have her home as are we!

Project 365 Photo - August 19, 2008

Our baby girl is here! This is the start of many, many pictures! It will be hard to choose THE one for each day!

Miss Avalea Jo is here!!

Ok here is Miss Avalea's birth story! Yes I only had her a few hours ago and I'm writing from the hospital but I feel great and she is doing amazing and such a good baby. They took her to the nursery for a bit for shift change and her newborn hearing test. So I have a few minutes to post, then I'm eating and getting a nap in!

So we check in at 7. Get all our cervadil and IV started ect. I asked for a sleeping pill because I thought I would be anxious and not sleep any. WELL, an hour after the cervidil was in I started getting contractions about 3-5 minutes apart. They got really strong and were hurting bad, especially in my back. So I got a round of Stadol. It knocked out my contraction pain as well as me. Woke up a little later because it wore off and she gave me another dose(3am). Well, at about 7am, I started feeling them again. The nurse came in to take out the cervadil and check me. I was a "stretchy 3" and still 80% and baby at -2. Dr came in about 8 and broke my water and said after he broke it I was 4 and 0 station and 80%. They let me get the epidural then because the anesthesiologist was next door and I was hurting a lot already. They had JUST started pitocin then my Dr said turn it off because I was in pain and didn't NEED it then. They came and gave me the epidural, it worked perfect. They turned the pitocin on a little after the epidural took effect. I could feel contractions but no pain, then I couldn't really feel the contractions all the time, and they were pretty big. A couple hours later (not even that) she checked me and I was 7cm and still 80%. I started feeling pressure about 20 minutes later. With every cntrx the pressure got stronger. Baby's heart kept dropping low with contraction so she checked me and said I was complete. They put the call in to the Dr. I told her the pressure was getting stronger. She checked and the baby's head was crowning. She told me not to push, I told her I wasn't pushing, I didn't have the urge even though I felt the pressure. I was just sitting there waiting, and the baby was just sliding out. Well with every contraction, her heart beat dropped low, and she pushed out a little more on her own. Then they (the 2 nurses) decided to let her come since she was almost out and her heart rate kept dropping. Well the nurse had to deliver her. they said push, I didn't even push that hard and her head was out, then the rest. She had the cord around her leg and foot which was causing the heart rate to drop because the contraction would squeeze it too hard. She didn't even scream. Just made a few little noises and they put her on me skin to skin for about 15 minutes. Then they took her to the bed to clean up. Apgar was 9/9. Brought her back and she nursed right away for about 30 minutes!! She is so beautiful and hasn't been fussy at all!! I didn't tear or have an episiotomy and feel great other than some soreness from the epidural site!!

Although it was way faster than I was expecting, it was a nice, calm and quiet birth and a wonderful experience to share with my husband. She has been such a good baby. Only has fussed once when she woke up for a feeding and was still so quiet. She nurses great and is the sweetest little baby ever!

I can't access Photobucket in the hospital so I will post pictures later. We've taken a ton already. And have a ton more to take :) We should be released Thursday morning/afternoon!

Daddy Thoughts: Labor Day

Yesterday started out like normal Monday work day. Got to work and started finishing up cases in my queue. Around 1:15 Cassandra came and picked me up to go to her Dr. appointment.

Sat there for a little while and finally saw the Dr. He gave us the news we'd been hoping for. Induction would begin that night in to the morning.

So, we headed back to the house to take the dogs to the in-laws and then hung out there for a little bit; as we didn't need to arrive at the hospital til 7pm.

We got settled in and the gave her the medication to soften the cervix around 8pm. Cassandra was already tired but knew she wouldn't be able to sleep, so they gave her a sleeping pill. I stayed up for a little awhile and watched 300 :)

Throughout the night she's been having contractions, so needless to say, we both kinda tossed and turned. Of course, I can't complain much for obvious reasons.

Feeling a little helpless right now since when she has them, she won't really respond to my questions. But, I understand.

It's about 8am now and they're about to take out the meds that soften her cervix; it had to stay in for at least 10-12 hours. So, now begins the "fun" part.

For those interested, you can follow the labor via my twitter account, where I'll give a play by play of what's happening today.

I can't wait to meet my baby girl.

UPDATE:
For those who didn't follow the twitters, here are some stats for Avalea Jo Baldovinos:

Time of birth: 12:31p
Weight: 6lbs 2oz
Length: 19 1/4 inch

And, here are some pictures:

twitpic.com/89v9
twitpic.com/89ve
twitpic.com/89vq
twitpic.com/89ym
twitpic.com/8a2s
twitpic.com/8bjj

8/15/08 Appointment update

So I didn't see my Dr today. I was supposed to see another Dr then he ended up having to go across the street and deliver so I saw the NP that I see sometimes. Baby's fluids were actually great for once. My BP was 142/80 which I have NEVER had high BP in my life. They took it a bit later with me laying down and it was back to normal. There was a slight bit of protein in my urine but I wasn't swelling so they we're okay with me.

SO she (the NP) called my Dr, talked to him. They keep going by my LMP due date of 9/6. (I saw a different OB until 30 weeks then transferred to this one) Well my previous OB went by 8/28. So since she has been measuring closer to the 9/6 due date lately, my Dr is trying to get me between the dates. I guess past 37 weeks according to LMP but not too far according to adjusted due date.

So I see my Dr Monday. He wanted to personally see me. His OB days are Tuesdays so he wants to see me Monday and if we induce that night, I'll prob have her Tueday and he'll be there. IDK, I really think I'm ok with her coming on her own seeing as it's not far. But my Dr leaves on vacation for 10 days on Wednesday...

I didn't make any progress. I'm still 2cm, 80% effaced and she went from 0 station last week, to -2 this week. Other than that it's still a wait and see thing I guess.

Sal and I ran all around today. We went to Ikea and got the boys desks so we can start homeschooling in a couple weeks. And then we went to the mall so I couldwalk some and we were there for about 4-5 hours walking, and then the walking at Ikea. So hopefully that helps. Tomorrow we're going down to Kemah and Galveston for a day at the beach! Then we have grocery shopping Sunday. So a kind of busy weekend but hopefully it will get this baby going.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

38 weeks WOW..14 days left!

We have made it now to 38 weeks! Longest I've ever carried a baby. Things are def getting harder. I'm thinking she has moved out of 0 station because yesterday and today she has really been shoved up into my ribs and causing me all kinds of issues. Been feeling yucky the past couple days. Hoping tomorrow they say I've made more progress. If they don't induce, I'm going to ask them to strip my membranes to help things along more. I've had a *few* contractions. But they are very random and some hurt really bad and then some I hardly feel. Not near enough to establish a pattern or do anything. That is the one thing I have lacked somewhat this PG is contractions. I have tons of pressure though. So we have 14 more days left! Not that long at all. Hope I hear good news on the progress tomorrow! i have my u/s scheduled at 10:15 then meeting with the Dr at 10:45.

37w 4d appt.

Went in, fluids were low. Dr wouldn't induce like he said. Says that this week the lungs just start making surfactant and she needs to stay few days longer. Last week he said if my fluids were low he'd admit and induce. But I guess not. Sent me to get IV fluids all day again. My hands and wrists are all bruised from weeks of getting IVs. I have another appt on Friday. He says he isn't letting me go past then (I'm 38w on Thursday) however I'm not getting my hopes up as I am not seeing him. I'm seeing some other Dr I've never seen before (my Dr will be in surgeries all day) so I doubt he will induce me. Probably go get yet another round of fluids. Plus he said he would induce today and didn't. Didn't get an exam today so I have no clue if I've made more progress or not, at this point I really don't care because it doesn't matter. She can come at any time.

A little change...

We decided to change her name a little. We are dropping the Madison and she will be:

Avalea Jo Baldovinos

Her middle name is in remembrance of both my grandmothers who passed away from cancer. One who I was close to and one who I never had the chance to meet.

Bobbie Jo Crump (passed in 1973 of Breast Cancer)
Marletta Jo Appel (passed 3/12/2007 of Lung Cancer)

I'm glad to be able to honor them this way.

*************

I have my ultrasound this morning. If her fluids are low again, instead of pumping IVs we're going to induce today. If not we're waiting another week. I feel nauseous this morning but that could be nerves, thinking I *could* have a baby today!

37 week Dr appt! 21 days left to go!

Not inducing today but I'm very happy with my appt!

First: Dr scheduled an u/s for Monday. If fluids are below 6 or 7 then he will admit me and induce. If not, then we'll wait another week. I'm good with that!

Second: I'm SO happy. He checked me and I am 2cm dilated, 80% effaced and baby's head is engaged and at 0 station!!! This is up from last week's exam in which I was fingertip and just starting to efface and baby at -3 station!! I made SO much progress in a week!! Now I know all these cramps, backaches and contractions have been working!

So no baby coming just yet but she may just come on her own with the progress she is making! Dr said I can go the rest of the time at 2cm so it doesn't mean she is going to be here NOW. I could go the full 40 weeks like that. I'm just happy that all this pain is doing something. I can deal with that!

Avalea's nursery

Still have a couple little things to paint and hang up but it is pretty much done! Here are pics!

Yeterday's hospital visit

Got my fluids. U/s showed AFI of 7.4. Seems lower than normal when they release me but if they think it's fine then ok. Baby is estimated at about 5.5lbs but thats give or take a pound. Have my next appointment Thursday when I'll be 37 weeks (term) and will see what they say.

36 week appt.

Not one single thing to report. No exam, no u/s, nothing. Going tomorrow yet again to the hospital for u/s and IV. And a "we'll go from there". I'm so frustrated and tired of doing this. I'm so tired of all this getting stuck every week and spending a whole day in the hospital. So I guess the plan is to keep doing this mess until I go into labor. Which could be another 4-6 weeks.

2 weeks.

I went in for my routine appt on Wednesday. They did a follow up ultrasound to check her fluids again. They were back down to 5.6. She was also measuring 33w3d when we are 35w. When I was actually 33w, she was measuring exactly 33w, so she hasn't grown much. Her weight was estimated at 4lb 14oz. She had also been moving less. So the Dr had me go to the hospital and get more fluids. They did a follow up u/s and fluids were back to 10.5. So he wants me to go back every 3-4 days to get a 12 hour round of IV and u/s. We're going to try to make it until 37 weeks when her lungs are fully mature. But if the Dr catches anything such as her not growing or fluids not staying up, we'll induce sooner. But her said once we hit 37w, we'll induce. He says my placenta just isn't doing what it should. Nothing I did or could do to prevent, sometimes it just happens. So probably in 2 weeks she will be here. If she is doing really good at that time, then we'll wait until she is ready to come. She's been moving a bit more since my fluids were up. Her not growing worries me a bit. We'll see Sunday I guess if shes made any progress. Dr did an exam on me and I'm still only a fingertip dilated, thick and high.

So I was really busy today unpacking and made A LOT of progress. Got her room all unpacked and working on washing all her clothes. I just need to get her crib and paint her dresser and bookshelf. Going to try to get it done this week. Probably will get her crib next week as she has her bassinet to sleep in.

So we'll see how things go...

Whoa!

I took my weekly belly shot and I think she may have dropped. It looks completely different than last week.



Oh and here is her coming home outfit!!

34 week Dr appt.

I got to the Dr. and was I the waiting room forever! Then when I went back, I was feeling very lightheaded, weak, nauseous and faint while they were doing vitals. Vitals were fine, didn't gain any more weight. (been the same for the past 5 weeks)then they checked my pulse. It was at 120bpm. My normal is 70-80. So then they check the baby's and hers was 170. We talked about the hospital stuff and cntrx and back pain I'm having. They wanted to put me on the monitor there for a NST. So the NP came and did an exam. Found a bit of fluid on the nitrazine strip, and then did the ferning test, but I didn't get results from those. Checked me and said it doesn't feel like I'm thinning but it would be measured on the u/s and that she would say I'm still about a fingertip. And she could feel Ava's head right there. So we did he NST and it was fine, and my Dr came in and said come in Friday morning and do a BPP and AFI check u/s. Since I just had one on Sunday. They also gave me these pantyliners that turn blue if amnio fluid is on them. Pretty cool. that way I can tell them if I have any leaking. Oh and my uterus was measuring 31 weeks and they were a little concerned with that. So, I'm basically still on mod bed rest until Friday's u/s. And we'll see whats going on then and go from there.

We're home! 33.5 weeks!

We got discharged today. Dr. wanted me to stay one more night for monitoring then another follow-up ultrasound this morning. My fluids went down to 8 this morning but the nurse said it does fluctuate and the position of the baby can make it difficult to measure completely accurately. So they said it is good and we can go home. We have our regular 34 week appointment scheduled Wednesday and they are going to continue to keep an eye on it.

My cervix was 2.1 this morning. So it is continuing to thin out. However they said it can thin all the way out and I can go overdue still so it doesn't mean I'm going to go early necessarily. As long as I make it another 3.5 weeks, she *should* be fine being born. I want her to come when she is good and ready so she is her healthiest. They measured her and her weight was estimated at 3lb 14oz. So she is a bit small but not too much. Average I believe is 4.5lbs right now for that age. Anthony was born at 33 weeks and was 5lbs 8oz so he was technically on the big side.

We get to move into our house this Saturday! Really excited and looking forward to it! I'm ready to get all her stuff ready an get settled in to our new home!!

My sister is going to be home from the navy on the 29th! Can't wait! Excited for her to be home finally and in time for her niece's birth!!

Until next time....

Have to make it 2 more weeks!

Thursday night we went into the hospital because of really bad back pains, they didn't feel like the normal PG pains. They ran all kinds of test, found a bit of an infection and that the baby's AFI (amniotic fluids) were at 5.6 (normal is 5-20) so they pumped me full of IVs all day Friday. Got the steroid shot for the lungs on Friday and hen the other today. Checked the ultrasound again today and AFI is at 12. So based on that it looks like I should be able to go home today. All depends on the Dr. So now I just basically wait for him.

My cervix is now thinning. At 31weeeks it measured 3.7, Thursday night measured 3.4 and today was 2.9. The nurse says that's good for how far I am, means less work later on down the road.

So we will update later on after the Dr has come had his say.

Dr. Appointment - 32 weeks

Nothing exciting. Everything checked out fine. Dr came in, felt my stomach, looked at my chart and said everything looks good, see you in 2 weeks. She is head down, but not anywhere near dropped at all. Thinking she has no intention of coming early and will be here towards the end of August around her due date. We have our next appointment in 2 weeks at 34 weeks. Just basically the same thing with a hospital talk.

Lately been feeling nauseous everyday, headaches coming back, horrible heartburn but Zantac takes care of that. And tons of pressure and sciatica which the Dr said is absolutely normal. Other than that, pretty uneventful. Nights and mornings I feel my absolute worst. Don't sleep much or well anymore and always tired.

The next two weeks are being spent packing up the house and then we move! It will be nice to get moved and settled in. I'm ready to start getting the nursery done. We have everything we need baby wise except the nursery stuff which we are getting after we move so we don't have to move it. Can't wait to make my vision real :)

Until next time...

Project 365

So I came across this and I think it is a really good idea. PROJECT 365 You take a photo a day for 365 days. It lets you look back through that year and see how much you have changed. I really want to do it with Ava too to document her first year. But I'm thinking about doing it as a family project. It also helps to build your creativity because you've got to come up with something every day. I need that as it's turning more into work rather than a hobby I used to love.

Anyways I think it is going to be a neat project and will probably make a scrapbook at the end with each entry. I think it's going to be good.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHEL!

My little sister's birthday is today! She's 21!

Requested Baby Shower Pics :)

Cause I forgot to post them! Here you go Aunt Jodi! :)

Photobucket Album

31 weeks...63 days (or less) to go...

Nothing really going on. Had an appointment yesterday, everything checked out fine. She is confirmed head down. I'm sure sometime soon we'll have an ultrasound to determine her size. Have another appointment next Thursday then it's every two weeks after that. We have the "hospital talk" at 34weeks. Then at 36weeks I start going weekly.

Other than that nothing has changed. I have been losing pieces of my mucous plug so maybe she's getting ready in there. She gets the hiccups a lot.

The shower went great! Thanks to everyone that came and those that helped! We got lots of good stuff. An excessive over abundance of clothes. We do not need ANY clothes for a very long time. I already had bought a lot of clothes and other necessities before the shower. Now all we need really is nursery stuff (crib, dressers, bed set ect.) We'll be getting that after we move.

Speaking of, we got our house! We're moving the weekend of July 18th! Very exciting!! And just in time for this baby!!

Here is a picture of my 31 week belly. Not much baby there...

My growing boys!!

Can't believe how big they are getting!

Our 3D ultrasound!

Hey everyone! Posting some pictures from the 3D u/s. She had her face behind the placenta most of the time, but we got some decent ones. She also had her hand up to her face/mouth a lot lol. She is now 2lbs 10oz! Enjoy!

Her hand by her face




Her hand




Face



My favorite. Her smiling with her hand to her face. Looks like she is giggling!




Face



Hiding behind the placenta

27 weeks and counting...

Not really much to update with. Everything has been uneventful which is good. I got a maternity belt and have been wearing it the past few days and t helps take some of the pelvic pain away. Not all but it helps some. Today I've been having some cramps, back pain and a couple contractions off and on. Could be from the busy weekend we had. So I'm taking it easy and editing pictures all day. We are going to book our 3d ultrasound probably around the second weekend in June. So we can have the pictures for the shower. We're excited to see her again!

Saturday is my baby's birthday. He'll be 5! I can't believe he is already 5!! Time flies.

24 weeks

Another milestone. She is now viable outside of the womb. It's a relief to know IF she did come early, she'd be okay now. That said, haven't had any contractions in a while. Everything has been good. She is a very active baby, in fact as I type this, my belly is dancing and jumping. Anthony and Ephram got to feel her today. She kicked them hard lol.

I've been miserable for the past few days. My bottom wisdom teeth are trying to some in (I can see them)and there is NO room for them whatsoever. My whole jaw hurts and feels swollen. There is nothing the dentist can do until after I have the baby. I can feel them actually pushing the rest of my teeth together. And on top of that it gives me a headache. :(

In about 4-6 more weeks, we're going to do our 3d ultrasound. I can't wait, you can see so much more detail.

Until next time...

Daddy Thoughts: Back to work and excited 'bout my baby

Started my new job yesterday. So far so good. I've been doing my baby book reading off and on. Probably less than Cassandra would want me to, but ya know, I don't like reading. Put those books in an action-packed, comedy of 2008 staring today's young talent, and I'll line up to see it :)

I have been talking to Avalea almost every night. Using the Cassandra's belly button as my microphone. Actually looking forward to the baby shower next month as it will be co-ed, so I can actually participate.

Nothing more to really update right now. Till next time. "Remember, the light of the end of the tunnel, maybe you. Thank you. Goodnight."

Cribs!

We went looking at cribs he other day. We had our heart set on one, but when I came home and researched it, I found that most people purchasing it found it to be poorly made, pieces damaged when they came in, problems getting them in during the delivery time quoted and a couple people even said they had problems with the height of the mattress frame as their babies could fall out. It was a beautiful crib but I only found 1 good review out of more than I can count.

So we found a couple more that we really like. I haven't found anything negative at all about them. We're going to go try to look at them on Saturday. Below are the 2 we are considering.

23 weeks...

We had to go to the Dr yesterday. My nurse that comes on Tuesday to give me shots called my DR and told them I was feeling pressure that morning (it went away but came back in the evening). So the Dr wanted me to come in. Even though I figured it was nothing. So they did an ultrasound and a fetal fibrocon test (to see if you are at risk for PTL in the next couple of weeks). They found nothing. Which I knew they would but they wanted to check me out. But we got a couple more pics of the baby.

The first one she is scratching her head, and you can see her mouth open and kind of smiling. The second her legs are over her head. She is still head down. And she was measuring about 1.5 weeks behind as far as size but her weight is on track. It was the size of her head, stomach and bottom that they checked. Her legs actually are not that long either, they are average size. The Dr isn't concerned about her progress. And my cervix was excellent they said.

New stuff!

I made a new piggy bank for Ava's room. I also bought a cute little flower to go in there from Hobby Lobby. They had all their wood decor like that 50% off. We looked at cribs this past weekend and have no clue which one we want. We know what styles and colors we like but haven't made up our mind on the exact crib we want. I'm ready to have our house so I can start decorating the nursery!

22 weeks!

2 more weeks and Miss Ava is viable outside of the womb.(although she isn't coming out anytime soon) She has been extremely active the past few days. Today she was trying to kick the remote off my tummy. Sal got to feel her for the first time the other day. He can only feel her when she kicks on the sides of my stomach though.

We changed our bedding choice. It's a little more girly but really cute. THIS is the one we want. We aren't changing it! It's on our registry now so it's done! It's fairly new so I didn't see it until the other day when I was browsing the Babies 'r' Us site.



So I have to change my letters again. But that is ok because there has been quite a few people asking me to make theirs. I think it gives me more practice and gets my mind turning creatively. And since I can't get my nursey ready yet until we move, it gives me something to do. I have about 3 sets coming up that I'm going to do for people. I think this time, I'm going to decopauge them. I saw some paper at Hobby Lobby that was similar to the bed set, so I need to go back and check and see if it is similar or if they still even have it.

Hmmm, that's about it I guess. I've now gained a total of 7 lbs in the 22 weeks. And the pelvic pain is getting horrendous at times. Contractions haven't been too bad. I've only had to take the Terbutaline a couple times in the past month.

Until next time...

21 weeks

Nothing really to update on. Everything is going the same. Still have constant headaches and the pelvic pain but I'm trying to learn to get used to it.

Ava has been moving a lot more lately. (well today she is being lazy) She generally sleeps for an hour or two then she's up bouncing around! My belly really hasn't gotten any bigger. I think I'm going to be small like I was with the boys. I've gained a total of 5 lbs since I found out. We bought the play pen a couple weeks ago so I will post a pic of it when I take one. I've been getting clothes too and we are pretty much set on clothes up to 9 months.

We have wedding jobs every weekend through the last weekend in May, so I have been busy editing pictures.

That's our busy, boring life right now :) On our way to my parents house to celebrate Passover tonight!

Daddy Thoughts! - It's Offically A Girl

Yea, I know it was confirmed when we had to go to the ER, but I need to hear it from our doctor. I'm goofy like that.

She's getting so big and long. According to the u/s she's now 10oz. (a little over half a pound) and approx. 21cm (about 9in.) from head to toes.

Now I'm really looking forward to the 3D u/s so we can see how she looks. See below for a video I made from todays u/s.

High risk monitoring galore...

My Dr decided to put me on weekly progesterone injections. They are supposed to help with the PTL (pre-term labor). I started them today and they will continue every week until 36 weeks or birth, whichever is first. They have had good success with them so we will see. The nurse comes to my house each week and injects me and does some monitoring and checking up on me, in addition to my Dr appointments.

Also, our insurance company called me and they provide additional monitoring for free since we are high risk. Basically she sends me a bunch of information on pregnancy, labor, pre-term labor etc. She calls every few weeks and checks on me for signs and symptoms of labor. And they have a call center of OB nurses that is 24 hours should I have questions.

I haven't had to take the Terbutaline until last night. Had some more frequent contractions so I took it. Then this morning and today I have had some more. So I've been taking it. It makes me shaky, just like it did with the boys. So I'm trying to lay low today. Make them go away. They happen less once the meds kick in.

Pelvic pressure/pain has kicked up this week. I just move and it hurts. I'll be talking to them about it Thursday. Other than that everything is good!

Soooo pretty!!!

I ordered these burp cloths last week and they came today in the mail! They turned out SO pretty!!! I can't wait to use them!