August 21, 2009

More Photos of Our Precious Abigail

Abigail Mae Johnson
Here's Abby!





Our Family...





Papa J holding Abby.



Grandpa Bill and Grandma D with Abby.




August 19, 2009

Abigail Mae Johnson


Abby was born on Tuesday, August 18 at 11:02 a.m. She weighed 7 pounds and was 20 1/2 inches long.

August 17, 2009

This Time Last Night

we were on our way to the hospital. It all started about 10 pm when we were watching Benjamen Button and I started to choke on my spit. Hey, it happens from time to time...anyway about 2 minutes later I feel a warm gush. Hummmm, what was that? I went and changed my liner and settled back in to finish the movie. This happened two more times so we decided it was time to pack up and head on out.

I was not feeling many contractions and they were not getting worse like they say they will once your water breaks, but then again some women don't experience this either. I was moving rather slowly, not in any hurry because I figured it would be a long night in an uncomfortable hospital room.

So long story short, I got checked by the nurse: 60% effaced and dilated to 1 cm. Slight progress, better than nothing. Then she checks to see if my water had broke...negative. Well, she had the doctor come in to check a different sample under the microscope....negative again. Am I a fool? Am I just peeing and not realizing it? Then why is it a bit pink??? The nurse said this is what she does for a living and even she was wrong, not to worry it happens all the time.

During this time MJ asked what this meant and the nurse replied "Well, you are 41 weeks, you are pretty much here to stay at this point whether or not your water broke." As you may realize by now, I am not ok with this statement especially when it is said to me more than once in a matter of 2 hours. So once the Dr. confirmed that my water did not break and the nurse said that she talked with my Dr. and they would start pitocin in the morning since I was contracting too much for the cervix-softening gel, I was angry. Why sign me up for induction today, when I am scheduled for Thursday? Convince because I am already here? Not happening. This is when I asked to talk to my Dr. because I did not want to stay and be put on pitocin. Needless to say the nurse was surprised then said that my Dr. said I could go home if I wanted. Check please!

By the time we got home it was after 4 am. Poor MJ, he had to be up at 7 to take a final...not the ideal situation but he managed. I was up at 6:45 am just because I could not sleep.

So, I worked from home today and went to our 11:30 US. Peanut still looks good as does her fluid levels so we are on for Thursday....that is if I make it that long! I have been contracting every 5 minutes (for 30-45 seconds) since 8 am. Around 10 pm they kicked it up a notch in pain, length (45-60 seconds) and frequency (every 3-5 minutes now). I think this might happen in the next 24-36 hours!!! At this point I am hesitating because I would hate to get in there and them tell me that I am dilated to a 3 or 4 and have to stay at this point, only to not go fast enough for them and wind up on pitocin any way...

Wish me luck!!

August 15, 2009

Round Out the Week

Well here is the survey, did not get to cropping the photos yet, tomorrow....


How far along: 40 weeks, 6 days

Sleep: On a downward spiral to a 5—bathroom at night, hips hurt, getting hot…but at least I am getting more than 2 hours at a time!


Best moment this week: Seeing Peanut again and hearing that she is doing fine in the baby condo/womb.

Movement: Lots of wiggles!

Food cravings: Chocolate chip shake (wanted one from DQ but that does NOT agree with me so I got one from the local place instead…it was ok)

Labor Signs: Definitely kick it up a notch! LOTS of Braxton Hicks and much stronger too. Two other signs, but it might be a little T.M.I. for the average reader…

Belly Button in or out: The top of my belly button is peeking out, though I wouldn’t consider it popped…Don’t think it is going to happen.

What I am looking forward to: Officially making Michael a father and seeing him hold Peanut for the first time.

What I miss: Not being treated like a ticking bomb. Yes I am going to burst new life on to the planet at any given moment, but women do it all the time and I promise it is going to hurt me a whole heck of a lot more than it is going to hurt/effect you!

Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy every moment of pregnancy, it only lasts 40 or so weeks!

Random Belly Touches: Not out in public much this week, so no.

Shout outs to new followers: Hello to Lyryn! Thanks for joining us and for the prayers.

Baby Brain Moment of the Week: Not so much…

Rude Comment of the Week: No comments just LOTS of looks.

Accomplishments of the Week: House is clean and ready for Peanut, Aunt Wendy put together the jogging stroller, wedding pictures in frames and put out, bags packed as much as possible, purchased all needed items from registry, enjoyed time with my hubby

Something a Pregnant Woman Should NEVER Have to Do

There are somethings women in general hate doing: going out in public w/o make-up, wearing flip-flops with chipped/yucky polish on, admitting our weight, sweating, trying on bathing suits, realizing it is time to move up to the next pant size, etc. I think that most of these are justified dislikes and should be avoided when ever possible.

Then there is the one thing a pregnant woman--make that a very pregnant woman-- should NEVER, I mean NEVER, have to do: give your measurements (more specifically measurements for a bridesmaid dress). I have always cringed at this task, not wanting to hear the numbers then being told what dress size you should order (Note to the men reading: dress sizes are ALWAYS bigger than our pants size and you know how much we hate that number...). This is a dreaded task non-preggers...imagine doing so at 40+ weeks.....yeah, feel my pain!

Now if that ain't love for a friend, I don't know what is!!!

August 14, 2009

Day 5 of Waiting

Today was a good day of waiting.

MJ and I started the day by cleaning the house in preparation of baby and a visit from my cousin Sara who is in from California. Then I showered and worked from home for a few hours until Sara and Shalin (her very cute and smart 1 1/2 yr.old son) showed up for their visit. I had a great time catching up with her--it has been over 8 years since we last saw each other. I am very thankful for the Internet/e-mail because without it I don't know that we keep in touch as much as we do. Sara, thanks for making time to visit during your trip home :) After my visit, it was time to get ready for Michael's cousin's wedding (we RSVPed "no" assuming that we would have Peanut by now or would not be in any condition to make it, but Auntie Jeannie refused to take no as an answer. She told us all along that she was saving a place for both of us and we were welcome to come if we felt up to it).

Yup, there I was at 40 weeks and 5 days pregnant getting all gussied-up for a wedding. All I have to say is THANK YOU pregnancy Spanks you saved my a*!, literally! With out this amazing little item I would have looked like I was smuggling a certain dairy product under my dress. Got to love what pregnancy does to a body.....All in all, I didn't look too bad for this stage in the game--and we had a lovely evening out to top it all off!
The wedding was nice and dinner was great. The Spanks did start to feel a bit too constricting at hour four and MJ does have class tomorrow, so we called it a night at about 9:30. Not bad, not bad!

So that was my day in a nut shell or should I say "as" a nut shell....

August 13, 2009

Nonstress Test Results.....

Well..........


Snack time worked! We just got home from our appointment and NST and Peanut is still looking good. Stubborn, but good.

I am dilated just a "fingertip", cervix is softer, baby is still high. Lori, the midwife, suggested that I lay on my right side to get her to turn and hopefully drop a little more, as well as a few other suggestions for getting things started on their own. All in all, she felt that we weren't ready just yet and that it would be best to give it a few more day. So our options were to be induced on Monday or Thursday of next week (though she hesitated on the Thursday option because the doctors might not agree on waiting that long). I told her that I really wanted to avoid induction because I did not want to do 18-23 hours of work then have to have a c-section because things just weren't happening...if I'm not ready, I'm not ready. She agreed (and told us that at the last practice she worked at they did not start talking induction until one reached 42 weeks, which for us would be the following Sunday) and checked the schedule to see what she could do.

SO---we put in for next Thursday. I will call tomorrow to check with the hospital to see if we were able to get that day, if not Lori will see what she can do. That means that we would check into the hospital at 8 p.m. Wednesday night for the cervix-softening gel to be administered and pitocin started on Thursday morning. Which means, this time next week I will be in labor/a new mom (if things don't happen on their own before then!)!!!! We will have another US on Monday (11:30 a.m.) to make sure all is STILL well and that she can handle her mommy-condo until Thursday--or perhaps she will make the move on her own.

Keep your fingers crossed and positive thoughts coming our way!!

p.s. I would like to add Lori, the mid-wife, to our list of new friends that we have met while venturing through Pregnancy Land.

Snack Time

Dear Peanut,

I don't really believe in using food as a motivator, but I really need you to cooperate for today's non-stress test...that is the only reason why I am feeding you juice AND ice cream before our 2:45 appointment. See, mommy's worry is that you are not going be awake enough to get the information that they need and then would push for induction today or tomorrow when we may not need to go that route. So, enjoy your snack!

Love,

Mommy

August 12, 2009

Just Another Day of Waiting

Yep, still waiting...not much new. MJ and I spent the day relaxing and enjoying some time together. We went to MJ's brother's in-law's house for a dip in the pool then came home and we for a walk. A one mile walk. Anything to help little Peanut find her way out of the womb and into Mommy's arms :)

No such luck thus far. The Braxton Hicks (hey, when do they turn into real contractions? When they don't stop and there for are in labor for real??) are happening more often and for longer periods of time, but nothing significant yet. Guess we will have to wait to see what the next few days (and tomorrow's non-stress test) bring.

August 10, 2009

Still Waiting for Peanut

Hello Followers and Friends! All is well in Pregnancy Land and we have some great new pics of our little one! I won't make you wait, here they are:

Here is Peanut and her full cheeks with a little hand near her mouth.

Here is profile shot. See her ear (the white spot on the lower right), nose and eye?

So the Ultrasound Tech. said that there looked to be plenty of fluid for Peanut to swim in, umbilical cord had plenty of resistance, the placenta is a grade 2 (of 3) which is normal at this stage. She did not see anything that would suggest the need for induction at this point. GREAT news!! As for the weight she is a healthy 7.5 lbs--not to big, not too small!! So here we are, still waiting for Peanut to make her grand entrance!

August 09, 2009

40 Weeks!

Well, here we are at 40 weeks! I can't believe how fast these 40 weeks went. It doesn't seem like it was just less than 40 weeks ago Michael and I realized that we were going to have a baby. Now here we are, patiently waiting for the little Peanut to decide when she is ready to meet the world and change our lives forever. It has truly been a roller coaster ride, one that I can honestly say that I have enjoyed.

Round Out the Week

Here is a pic of us at the end of 39 weeks:

Still growing and not dropping! As a reminder here I am at 36 weeks:
How far along: 39 weeks, 6 days


Sleep: 7 starting in the middle of the night to get up to go to the bathroom.


Best moment this week: Making it to my one year mark at GS which qualifies me for FMLA!

Movement: Peanut tends to hang out with her bum to the left so I’m getting little punches low and to the right.


Food cravings: Nothing really

Labor Signs: Getting more and more “crampy” with occasional back pain.

Belly Button in or out: The top of my belly button is peeking out, though I wouldn’t consider it popped…Don’t think it is going to happen.

What I am looking forward to: Knowing when I get to hold Peanut for the first time.

What I miss: Not being stared at when walking into a room. I’m only pregnant people!

Weekly Wisdom: Remember that it is ok to ask questions about what procedure/process is being suggested. You are a consumer of the services being provided by the doctor or the doctor’s office; it is your job to be an informed consumer and it is their job to fully explain what they are “selling” you before you purchase it. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask—you might be surprised at why they are suggesting it…

Random Belly Touches: Not out in public much this week, so no.

Shout outs to new followers: No one new this week.

Baby Brain Moment of the Week: Not so much…

Rude Comment of the Week: Not so much rude this week, but more of a “seriously!?!” The lady who has told me for the past 6 months that I’m “huge” and there is no way I am going to make it to my due date and wondered if I was sure that I’m not having twins just got back from 2 week vacation only to tell me that “oh, you’re still carrying so high, you’ve got a least two more weeks before you go…” SERIOUSLY—make up your mind!!

Accomplishments of the Week: Car seat checked at local police department, got to a place at work where it would not be horrible if I was done working, and the below list:

* Finish sewing 12 burp cloths for Peanut-Half way done (and there are 16 of them)
* Sew snap in panel in nightgowns to cover cleavage (don't need guests seeing too much)-Panel done, just hand sewing on snaps-this can be done in the hospital too.
* Laundry-3/4 done
* Finish packing hospital bags (as much as possible)
* Fill out pre-check in to the hospital on line (did a paper version before but have not heard from them...)-Check
* Put iTunes on laptop-Check
* Add soothing music for labor to iTunes-Check
* Charge cameras-Check
* Doc appointment at 12-Check
* Grocery shop-Check
* Dinner at Longhorn with Michael-Check
* Purchase Gift Certificates for upcoming weddings and showers-Check
* Exchange MJ's jogging pants-Check
* Maybe do a Babies 'R Us run to get little items not purchased
* Look for plane tickets and hotel for Uncle Jason's wedding in October
* Scan and put out wedding pictures (yes, we just got them due to our very late ordering. But hey, they will be up before the baby pic. take over the house)
* Put away misc. baby gifts
* Clean our bedroom
* Put together jogging stroller (have to hit the trail ASAP after delivery and I want to be ready!)
* Went to a wedding shower
* Baked zucchini bread
* Visit with Emily, Steve and the girls (Happy 2nd Birthday girls!!)
* Sterilized pacifiers and 1/2 of the bottles

August 07, 2009

Progress Report

* Finish sewing 12 burp cloths for Peanut-Half way done (and there are 16 of them)
* Sew snap in panel in nightgowns to cover cleavage (don't need guests seeing too much)
* Laundry-3/4 done
* Finish packing hospital bags (as much as possible)
* Fill out pre-check in to the hospital on line (did a paper version before but have not heard from them...)
* Put iTunes on laptop
* Add soothing music for labor to iTunes
* Charge cameras
* Doc appointment at 12-Check
* Grocery shop-Check
* Dinner at Longhorn with Michael-Check
* Purchase Gift Certificates for upcoming weddings and showers-Check
* Exchange MJ's jogging pants-Check
* Maybe do a Babies 'R Us run to get little items not purchased
* Look for plane tickets and hotel for Uncle Jason's wedding in October
* Scan and put out wedding pictures (yes, we just got them due to our very late ordering. But hey, they will be up before the baby pic. take over the house)
* Put away misc. baby gifts
* Clean our bedroom
* Put together jogging stroller (have to hit the trail ASAP after delivery and I want to be ready!)

Well that is where we stand on the To Do list. Now for the update on the doctor visit:
We saw the Nurse Practitioner, Heather, today...you know the super skinny one who told me it is only 300 extra cal. a day--which was only a yogurt and banana...Yes, my second "favorite" person at the practice.

So, my urine and blood pressure look good as well as baby's heart rate :). My weight "jumped" a little (2 lbs) so we discussed 6 small meals/light snacks...you know "carrot sticks and some almonds". Gee thanks for the oh-so-insightful-I-would-have-never-thought-of-that-on-my-own advice. All I could think was "Go eat a pizza B*&$h"...

Anyway....other than than NOTHING has changed--still sitting high at -3, thinned a little but still at 50% effaced and am not dilated at all yet...so then she starts talking about next week and induction. As you might imagine this made me even more upset. Ultra Sound on Monday, Non-stress test on Wednesday or Thursday. Ok, that is understandable. No problem with that. Then, tries to end the "conversation" with a "discussion" about scheduling me for induction on Thursday or Friday, which is what they "typically" do depending on the availability at the hospital. Wait, don't I get a little bit of say in this? Don't I get a chance to hit the 41 week mark before you sign me up for induction? So I ask the silly question of "what is the option of going past 41 weeks?". Blah, blah, blah, 9 1/2 lbs. baby, blah, blah, blah old placenta, blah, blah, blah there are risks.

I get that there is sound medical reasons for not going too long. But, I also think you should give me a chance to hit 41 weeks--which would be on Monday, not the previous Thursday or Friday. Hey, what happened to Saturday and/or Sunday even? I got the impression that Thurs./Fri. is a better option for the doctors...never mind what is best for me or baby. Now, MJ says he did not get that at all and that perhaps I am being a little quick to blame. Ok. No, I don't buy it. Perhaps she got confused as to when my due date is and when exactly we will hit the 41 week mark. I might buy that, but wait...isn't this her job? Shouldn't she pay more attention than that? This is why I asked the question about going past 41 weeks. I'm cool with induction after next Monday, but not before (unless one of the tests shows that it is time for Peanut to come out, then I am all about induction. But let's see the tests first people!). I think she picked up on my concern, double checked the dates, mentioned something about not being due until Sunday and back tracked a little on being induced on Thursday.

Needless to say, there will be much conversation with the DOCTORS before I show up for induction--especially on Thursday or Friday. Stay tuned....

To Do List

Well, it is Friday and I have already worked 2.5 hours overtime for the week. Needless to say, I am taking MOST of the day off (still need to finish a few things for work so I will do that from home as well as check voice and e-mail).

So what am I going to do today? Here is my proposed list:

* Finish sewing 12 burp cloths for Peanut
* Sew snap in panel in nightgowns to cover cleavage (don't need guests seeing too much)
* Laundry
* Finish packing hospital bags (as much as possible)
* Fill out pre-check in to the hospital on line (did a paper version before but have not heard
from them...)
* Put iTunes on laptop
* Add soothing music for labor to iTunes
* Charge cameras
* Doc appointment at 12
* Grocery shop
* Dinner at Longhorn with Michael
* Purchase Gift Certificates for upcoming weddings and showers
* Exchange MJ's jogging pants
* Maybe do a Babies 'R Us run to get little items not purchased
* Look for plane tickets and hotel for Uncle Jason's wedding in October
* Scan and put out wedding pictures (yes, we just got them due to our very late ordering. But
hey, they will be up before the baby pic. take over the house)
* Put away misc. baby gifts
* Clean our bedroom
* Put together jogging stroller (have to hit the trail ASAP after delivery and I want to be ready!)

OK, so as I am typing this I realized that this is our To Do list for the WEEKEND (it seems a bit too ambitious for one day).

August 06, 2009

Goal Achieved

Well ladies and gentleman it is 7:45 am on August 6th and I have already sent out a work e-mail. Guess what the means....

I now qualify for FMLA leave instead of Medical Leave!!!!!!! So excited and relieved!

OK Peanut, you can come out whenever you are ready. Can't wait to officially meet you--I love you already! -Mom

August 05, 2009

The Start of Something?

Or is it just practice???

I'm no expert seeing how this is my first time going through the process, but I think things are starting to happen. I have been crampy all day today. No real "pains" just enough of a dull ache to remind me that I do have a uterus in use. Say that 5 times fast.........(I'll wait for you to try)..........not bad! We shall see what our Friday appointment brings!

Note: I am eligible for FMLA in less than one hour :) What a good little Peanut!

August 04, 2009

Happy Anniversary

I just wanted to take a moment to say Happy Anniversary to Michael!

It has been an amazing two years, I'm just not sure where they went! It is strange how it feel like we walked down the isle just yesterday, but at the same time it feels like we have been together for 10 years (I mean that is a good way people). I have truly enjoyed every moment (even those where we did not "get along" with each other--we wouldn't be the great couple we are without those moments). Thank you for putting up with me! I love you sooooooooo much!

Love,

Keliann

Down to One Hand

I can't believe that our count down to our due date is down to one hand! That's right, T minus 5 (or so) days. It is hard to believe that five lonely digits (and hours of labor) separate us from the official world of parenthood!!!

I'm excited, nervous, anxious, scared, happy, in denial, proud and hormonal :) There are moments where I think to myself "I got this man" and other moments where I think "Oh shit, what did we do". I don't think this makes me a bad person/parent, just a little realistic. I'm sure that it is going to be the best journey I have ever taken. A journey full of twisty roads and flat lands, sunny days and stormy nights. Hopefully, I come out the other side a better person than I am now.

How is MJ you ask? Perhaps I should make him post on this topic today.....

August 03, 2009

Round Out the Week

So it seems like I am always apologizing for the lateness of these posts, but that is how it goes I guess. I wanted to get this up even though I don't have the pictures uploaded yet. Tomorrow.

How far along: 38 weeks, 6 days

Sleep: Perhaps a 6.5 this week. It is getting pretty rough when it comes to changing positions.

Best moment this week: Sleeping in on Saturday. It was very much deserved, if I must say so myself!

Movement: More of a wiggle than kick these days. Must be getting a little cramped in there!
Food cravings: Nothing really

Labor Signs: A few more Braxton Hicks contractions and she is starting to feel “heavy” on the underside of my belly (towards the bottom)

Belly Button in or out: Flat? By the end of the day it tends to be more out than in, though I wouldn’t consider it “popped”

What I am looking forward to: Spending time with Peanut face to face!!

What I miss: Shopping at regular clothing stores with normal people.

Weekly Wisdom: Start your projects early because there is always something else going on the list and everything takes longer when you have to maneuver with a big, big belly.
Random Belly Touches: A few from MJ’s volunteers at Celebrate Oxford today. Interesting that just because she “knows” Michael it is ok to rub me. Soon, this will be over…

Shout outs to new followers: The Agnello Family---FINALLY J

Baby Brain Moment of the Week: I decided to take the back way to I-69 because my usual was backed up but when I got to the entrance ramp I could not remember if I needed to go East or West to get home. I seriously had to think about which way I needed to go…only to go the wrong way! I wound up having to get off at the next exit and turning around. This could be the worst Baby Brain moment yet.

Rude Comment of the Week: None :)

Accomplishments of the Week: Curtain is cut and outside sewn, saw our last Pediatrician (debating between two), finished writing thank you notes, put Moses basket together so now Peanut has somewhere to sleep when she comes home, put the linen on the crib,

August 02, 2009

$10 off at Diapers.com

Hey there! If you are in the market for diapers/baby stuff check out Diapers.com. I just placed my first order (thanks Kristi, you will see your credit soon) and found some good deals! Plus, how great is it that they come right to you instead of having to drive to the store to get it.

If you are interested in saving $10 on your first order at Diapers.com just enter this referral code at check out: KELI6544

What's the catch? You have to spend more that $49 and it has to include diapers, but hey if you need them you might as well save some dough! But the bonus is that you get free shipping on order over $49 anyway (2 day shipping!!). You can also use the code: PLUS10PCT to get 10% off most of your order (not on diapers and some other stuff, but worth a try) if you are a first time user. Just thought I'd pass on the deal. Hope enjoy it!

August 01, 2009

You'll Love This

So last night Kelli and I decided to go out and grab a bite to eat, but before we left I had to grab my phone. I knew it was on the dining room table because that is where I spent the last 6 hours working AND I had just heard it ring but did not get to it in time.

So there I am, standing at the table SEARCHING for my cell phone. Only, I don't see it anywhere. I looked behind the laptop, under all my papers, on the floor, behind the computer again. HUMMM...where could it be?? I took a step back, complete puzzled as to where it went only to find that it was RIGHT THERE hidden "under" my belly! Yes ladies and gentlemen, you know your belly is large when it manages to hide your cell phone. Ah, the joys of being pregnant :) Needless to say, Kelli and I laughed so much I almost peed my pants!

Another Weekly Visit

We almost missed this one due to misinformation on the reminder call from office. I wrote done 9 when we booked, call said it was at 11. They would know better than forgetful, pregnant me, right? Wrong. Our appoint was at 9 but I did not call to double check until 10 after. I had to hurry up and get my little--scratch that--big butt there. Needless to say, we had to wait a little longer to see the Doc. Oops!

Anyway, Dr. Lambert (the reason why I go there) said that I am still measuring on track, urine and blood pressure is good, lack of swelling is great considering it is the summer (well, kind of summer), Peanut is still high (-3 still), and I am not dilating yet. She said not to worry, this does not mean a whole lot yet, we still have a week before the due date.

So, I am happy to report that all is well, that I SHOULD make it to August 6th (for FMLA reasons) and then I will start encouraging Peanut to come out at that point or later (I plan to start walking, sitting on my exercise ball, etc that night since I DO NOT WANT to be educed or have a c-section if at all possible.).

So lets start thinking positive thoughts for a natural and quick labor somewhere between August 6 and August 15th...