A Journal of Austin's Pregnancy!

Jan. 4, 2004
Today was my guess for when you would come, Austin! How about coming out today and I’ll win the baby guess pool?!? That would make Mommy really proud!
Yesterday I had contractions off and on all day, a lot more than usual. Last night I was woken up quite a few times with contractions. Even if I don’t go into labor today, I hope that all this work will make the induction tomorrow go easier/faster than Sarah’s labor. I’m feeling guilty about the induction tomorrow. It’s only 5 days before your due date. Why not wait a few more days and see if you come on your own? Maybe God wanted you and Sarah to share a birthday! We actually were going to cancel it last Wednesday, but then we found out Angie had already bought a plane ticket, and she, Mike, and Mom had already made travel plans, so we felt like we had to keep the induction, even though we didn’t want it anymore. At this point as much as I want you out, I still want to go into labor on my own…….. Daddy wants to know when you’re going to let Mommy sleep all night so I quit waking him up. I reminded him that when you are born you will still be waking Mommy up every couple of hours so you can eat, ha ha!
Today is my last day pregnant…I have gained 32 pounds, and will deliver you when you are 39 weeks old. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!

Jan 3, 2004
Good morning, Austin. It’s now 3:35 am. I woke up for my regular 2:30 am potty trip and couldn’t get back to sleep. You had the hiccups and I was very hot. Mommy’s been having some pretty major hot flashes lately. Daddy will be cold and Mommy is dripping with sweat and has a red face. You’ve been moving around a lot this very early morning. I haven’t felt you move this much in days. During the day you are pretty still now. Just a little nudge every now and then. Right now when you move your head is bumping my cervix, and it doesn’t feel too good, kid.
This week has been hard with expecting you here on Tuesday. We are more ready for company as Daddy had a few more days to work on getting things in the attic, taking down Christmas lights, etc. But we were ready for you on Monday night. I had a dream the other night I was holding you and it was very nice. Mommy can’t wait to hold and snuggle with you!

Jan. 1, 2004
Austin, you didn’t make it here for our tax deduction, kiddo! Now we owe $850 in taxes and we’re $3,000 behind in savings. I guess you’re as stubborn as me! You aren’t going to be the New Year’s Baby either…. You’re going to make me wait until the 5th, aren’t you!?! This wouldn’t be a big deal at all had I not be told and prepared for you to come on the 30th. Had I not heard that and packed for the hospital, getting through yesterday and today would be no big deal. While I hoped he would be here, I never thought he would. When I was told he would be here, it was then hard knowing we could’ve had him by now….

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Dec. 31, 2003
We are rescheduled for Jan. 5, 2004. Which is a week later from yesterday. I spent most of yesterday crying off and on. Unless it’s happened to you, people have no idea how it felt to be told I would have my baby and then I didn’t get to have him. I appreciated the comments of people who sympathized, and had to brush off the comments of, what’s a few more days? I was super depressed yesterday, and am still somewhat today. I imagine this is how mom’s who have babies in NICU feel….that they just can’t have them even though they are so close….

Dec. 30, 2003
As usual, I spoke too soon. Sarah went to Jean’s last night, we got up at 3:00 am and got ready. At 4:45 am as we were walking out of the door the phone rang. It was the hospital saying they didn’t have any room, so they had to cancel the induction. Andy and I just sat and looked at each other for a minute. He decided to stay home incase they had room later, I just sat and cried. (Four hours later I’m still crying off and on.) The hospital called around 7:30 am and said they were still full, and to call my doctor later today and have him reschedule it for a different day.

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Dec. 29, 2003
Well, Austin, it appears we will be meeting you tomorrow! On the 30th I will be going to the hospital at 5:00 am to be induced. Dr. Matta did a quickie sonogram, and you are head down, placenta looks good, plenty of fluid. He asked if there were any questions. I said that Dr. LeMay was mentioning inducing me because of the size of Sarah. He guessed you are about 7 1/2 pounds right now. With 2 more weeks to go he asked if I was interested in an induction and I said yes. He then checked me and I'm 1 to 1 1/2 cm dialated. That took 36 hours of induction with Sarah to get that far, so I'm hopeful this time will go a lot smoother. Dr. Matta said he guarantees you will be here before the day is over. I am a crazy ball of emotions right now. I look at Sarah and get weepy because this is her last day as an “only” child. I’m excited to have you, Austin, so I can meet my little boy. I’m nervous about being induced again since Sarah’s labor was so awful. And I’m even a little guilty about bringing you into the world at 38 weeks 3 days, instead of the full 40 weeks. Hopefully my next entry will be a wonderful birth story!

Dec. 26, 2003
I had my 38 week dr. appointment today. This is the 2nd week in a row I haven't gained any weight. Dr. LeMay said that Austin is measuring really big, so Monday I will have a sonogram to double check on his size. They will check and see how my cervix is, and if it's "favorable" for an induction, they will induce me next week. She said it looks like I may get my tax deduction after all :)
Yesterday I started to feel yucky. I can’t quite describe it, but it’s a cross between queasy and lightheaded. I’m wondering if this is a “pre-labor” symptom or I’m coming down with something. Wouldn’t that be great to be sick in labor?

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Dec. 25, 2003
Merry Christmas, Austin! Last night we went to Christmas Eve Service and you moved around a lot to all the music. Next year you’ll get to open presents with your big sister!

Dec. 22, 2003
Gosh, I hadn’t realized it’s been 10 days since I last wrote. My last doctor appointment went fine, plus I didn’t gain any weight! I’ve been having a lot of contractions and cervical pains the last five days. Many times it’s unbearable, but it usually only lasts a couple hours. I’m hoping that with all this “pre-labor” stuff the “real” labor won’t be 44 hours like Sarah’s. I think we are finally ready for Austin now. I have everything cleaned and ready. The carseat is in the car, and today I bought announcement paper and a new battery for the digital camera. Now we just wait :)
Here’s what BabyCenter says about Austin at 37 weeks: your baby may weigh between 5 and 7 pounds at this point and is probably 19 to 20 inches long. Your baby's head is now cradled in your pelvic cavity — surrounded and protected by your pelvic bone. This position clears some much-needed space for her growing legs and buttocks. Many babies now have a full head of hair, with locks from 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if her hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children are born with bright red or blond hair, and fair-haired couples have been rewarded with Elvis Presley look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies don't have any hair at all. Speaking of hair, most of the downy coat of lanugo that covered your baby from 26 weeks has disappeared, and so has most of the vernix caseosa, the whitish substance that enshrouds the baby. Your baby will swallow her lanugo and exterior coating, along with other secretions, and store them in her bowels. These will become your infant's first bowel movement, a blackish waste called meconium .

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Dec. 12, 2003
Dec. 9th work threw me a surprise shower! It was the first time in my life that I’ve actually been surprised! It was overwhelming how many people were there and that they all got together to do it. We received a large gift card, some outfits, bibs, and a few small toys. I went tonight and used the gift card to get the much needed stuff off of the registry. It is such a HUGE relief to have that stuff at home now so I can finally say I have everything I need to bring him home. I still need to install the carseat, but it’s all ready to go. I will pack my hospital bag this weekend. A few days ago I had contractions every 10 minutes for a few hours and Andy said I better hurry and get my bag packed, ha ha!
I had my 35/36 week appointment yesterday. (I’ll be 36 weeks tomorrow.) Because I’ve been having so many contractions Dr. LeMay checked me and said, “There’s not much change, so those contractions are just there to torture you!” Gee, not what I had wanted to hear, ha ha. I am up to 151 1/2 pounds, so I’ve gained 31.5 pounds, with 4 weeks to go. She did say to take it easy over the holidays and be sure and rest when I can.
Austin, today your cousin Jack was born! You are going to be about a month apart! When we go to Indiana you will have a buddy to play with!

Dec. 8, 2003
35 Weeks. Sorry, Austin, I’ve wanted to write but have been pooped! Your Papa Pat came for a visit after Thanksgiving and we’ve been busy working on your room. Daddy got the walls painted and installed new carpet. All that’s left is to hang curtains, and paint the dresser and closet doors white. This weekend I got all the stuff out of the attic washed. I’m glad we did it now because we’re finding things we had planned on using no longer work! There are still some things we need right away off your registry, but I’m going to hold out another week or two and see if work gives me a shower. Grandma Jean gave us a big bag of new clothes of you, that was a big relief to me. I still probably need to get you a few outfits, but again, I may hold out a week or two and see what happens.
I got a “virtual” shower from my Mom Reality group yesterday. It was so much fun! We played a game, they wrote advice, well wishes, gave me e-cards, and virtual gifts.
Austin, dear, you are extremely low in Mommy. Now I know what people meant when they said they felt like the baby was going to fall out. I have SO much pressure it hurts! You like the Holiday Season, too. Every time Mommy has the slightest bit of sugar you go nuts in there!
I had my 34/35 week check-up a few days ago. Dr. Matta thinks you will be 7 1/2 to 8 pounds. I have gained 30 pounds already, but everything else looks great. I go back in two days for my next appointment. Now we go weekly.
Well, Austin, Mommy is just about ready to have you. It’s still too early for you to come out and be perfectly healthy, so I’ll wait a few more weeks, but you can come anytime after the 20th, ok?

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Nov. 28, 2003
Yesterday was Thanksgiving and Austin was a busy boy. He moved up on my stomach and ribs, then back down, then back up, etc. I don’t know if he was just stretching out or what!? I registered at the hospital a few days ago, so that’s all set now. It’s getting time to think about what needs to be in my bag for the off chance I go into labor on my own a bit early. As far as getting things ready for a baby, we still need to finish the room, there’s things off the registry I need for right away, and hopefully next week I can wash the stuff out of the attic (car seat, baby bath tub, stroller, etc.). I have diapers, wipes, baby wash, nursing pads, etc. bought and some outfits washed. I would like it all done by week 36 (I’ll be 34 weeks tomorrow.)

Nov. 23, 2003
Austin’s walls are painted and the closet is, too. Andy will start painting baseboards this week. He also pulled out the carpet, and hopes to install new carpet when the painting is done. We found a type at Lowes that is really close, close enough I don’t think it will be obvious that his room is different. At this point we’ll just plan on doing his carpet due to time and money. Since Andy will do it himself it will just be a couple hundred $$.
A few days ago I had my regular check-up. I had only gained one pound in the two weeks! That made me feel a lot better with my weight. I asked Dr. LeMay if she thought he was going to be a 10 pound baby and she said, “Not at this point.” After I told her the size of Sarah she said they probably wouldn’t let me go over my due date, and if it started looking like he was getting too big they might “get things started early.”

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Nov. 16, 2003
Thirty-two weeks. Here’s what BabyCenter says about Austin now: Your baby now weighs approximately 3 3/4 pounds and is about 16 1/2 inches long from head to toes. Though his lungs won't be fully developed until just before birth, your little one is inhaling amniotic fluid to exercise his lungs and practice breathing. Some babies have a head of hair already, others have only a few wisps. Thick hair at birth doesn't necessarily mean thick hair later on, but children with fine hair in childhood usually have thinner hair in adulthood. If your baby is a boy, his testicles should be descending from his abdomen into his scrotum. Sometimes, however, one or both testicles won't move into position until after birth. Luckily, for two-thirds of all baby boys who have undescended testicles , the condition corrects itself by a boy's first birthday. You're gaining a pound a week, largely because your baby is likely to gain more than half his birthweight during the seven weeks before delivery.
I’ve got Austin’s curtains finished, and Andy’s got the room taped off ready to paint the walls. He’s going to work on that this week since he starts days tomorrow. The carpet still smells like a kitty, so I don’t know what we’re going to do with that. We can’t afford to re-carpet the room since we’re $800 behind in savings. And if we do Austin’s room only it will look dumb since the entire house is the same carpet. We would at least have to do Sarah’s room, too, since both bedrooms are down that hall way. Who knows what we’ll do.

Nov. 13, 2003
Whomever thinks pregnant women are beautiful is nuts! My boobs are saggy, my belly’s odd shaped, my belly-button looks like a puckered @ss. I am covered in blue veins, tiger strips another preggo lady called them, ha ha. My butt’s bigger and my girl parts are black and blue from the pressure of Austin being so low. How in the heck is that beautiful?!? And no sexy walk here, just a waddle.
Last night I got worried. Sarah decided to jump on me as I was lying on her bed. She did a “cannonball” and her knees went right into Austin. She may only weigh 25 pounds, but all 25 pounds went on top of me. I had a nice mark for a while where she made contact. It hurt like the dickens and I was worried she may have hurt the baby. He’s been super active today (too much left-over Halloween candy at work….) so I’m sure he’s ok, but boy was I worried!
“Crunch time” has hit me completely. I had hoped by now someone would’ve bought the booster seat off the registry so we can get Sarah in it and used to it, but nope. I think I’ll go buy one this weekend and take that off the list. She needs time to adjust before Austin gets here and is in “her” stuff. There’s other things off the registry we would need the day he comes home. Since no-one’s getting things off of it, I may get some of them, too, so I can at least have the major necessities here when we bring him home. I guess I’ll send Andy for the rest when Austin’s born if he comes before Christmas, or I will buy the rest after Christmas if I’m still preggo. He could be here in 4 weeks…and I don’t even have his carrier out of the attic, or the bouncy seat washed, etc. So much to do and so little time!!!!!!!!!

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Nov. 11, 2003
I’m amazed how there are times I worry that something will go wrong this week with Andy so far away. We’ve had so many complications this pregnancy (thankfully nothing serious with Austin) that I guess I expect something else to happen each week. I’ll feel much better when he’s home. (That and Sarah and I miss him.)
In one month if I go into labor they won’t stop it. I can’t believe that in one month Austin could be here. I don’t think he’ll be here in one month, but boy, what a thought! All the more incentive to get his room done and everything washed and ready by the beginning of December. I did get yellow material today. I may start on his curtains Thursday since Sarah will be at Jean’s all night. I got his walls and closet doors washed today. The room was awful! Let’s just say that whomever painted didn’t even paint the corners! The corners are white and the room is off-white. So, you can bet they never cleaned the louvered closet doors!

Nov. 9, 2003
Yesterday Andy painted Austin’s ceiling and in place of the 70’s light fixture put a nice ceiling fan. We decided on a wall color, “Beautiful Blue.” I would like to find some star wall-removable-thingies. Something I can put up that matches his bedding, but in a year or two I can just peel off so the room still coordinate with what ever he wants for “big boy” bedding. Tuesday, while I’m off for Veteran’s Day, Sarah and I will go get material to make curtains. I’m thinking yellow to add a punch of color since the walls will be all blue. (And his bedding is blue and yellow.) Since I’m making the curtains it shouldn’t be that big a deal to make new ones in a few years if they don’t match with what he wants later.
Andy left today for Los Angeles, California for a week. (Training for work.) This summer we were worried I would be on bedrest right now. Thank God I’m not! When he gets back he’s on DAYS and I will again have some help at night….just in time!!!
I almost have all my Christmas shopping done, I think I only have 2 people left! I also have Sarah’s birthday stuff bought, plus her “party” supplies. I want to be prepared in case he comes a few weeks early like I hope (but don’t believe) and I want to spend December doing “Christmas” things with Sarah…tree, cookies, decorating, etc.
Even with Andy’s Grandma giving us some money we needed to save $400 a month for me to take off. Didn’t happen (we actually used $100 out of savings, lol.) I’ve spent all my extra money buying baby things (toy box, odds and ends needed, paint, ceiling fan, etc) and Christmas gifts. Hopefully this month I can wrap up shopping and put some money in savings. We’ve got to be prepared because a roof is soon in our future – the roof now leaks over the garage. If we can get enough saved for my 12 weeks off with Austin we can start saving for a roof!

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Nov. 8, 2003
Wow, 31 weeks….this pregnancy is FLYING by…..Austin could technically be here in a month, but I honestly don’t believe he will. While I keep hoping he’ll come in December so we get a tax deduction, with Sarah being so late I imagine he’ll come at least around his due date, and not 10 days early. Especially since I’m positive when he was conceived since I was taking ovulation tests and we only did it once. The only thing is if he stays “big” and since I’m carrying him much lower than I did Sarah it may get things started early or on-time. Who knows?!?
Here’s what Baby Center says about Austin now: Your baby's arms, legs, and body continue to fill out — and they are finally proportional in size to his head. He weighs about 3 1/4 pounds and looks more like a newborn. You can expect your baby to gain at least two more pounds before delivery.
Pay attention to your baby's kicks and rolls now. Your perception of your baby's movements is an important tool in assessing your baby's well-being. Ideally, you should feel at least ten movements in two hours. If you notice a significant decrease in the frequency of the movements you've come to expect from your baby, you should tell your midwife or doctor immediately.
Your baby's organs are continuing to mature, and he is passing water from his bladder, good practice for the urinating he'll do after he's born. Soon you can wonder what your baby is wishing for — brain scans have shown fetuses have periods of dream sleep around month eight.
You've probably gained three to four pounds this month. Gaining a pound a week is quite normal during the last trimester — your baby has a final growth spurt before birth.

(Yeah, right…how about 5-7 pounds a month, ha ha!)

Nov. 6, 2003
I actually have to start at last night.....Yesterday I was up at 1:00 and never went back to sleep. I started having contractions 45 min. apart all day. I didn't think much of it since they were so spread out, but they sure were regular. I called my dr. office at 3:00 pm and they wanted me to go to Labor and Delivery to get checked out. Andy, Sarah, and I went. I still only had the one contraction at the 45 min. interval, and I hadn't dialated any, so they sent me home after an hour with instructions to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Today I've still had some contractions, but nothing regular so that's good!
I had my "regular" 30 week check-up today. I gained 5 pounds this month, so I have now gained a total of 25 pounds, with 10 weeks left to go. I am measuring 32 weeks, so either he's going to be a big boy or I may go early (ha ha....if anyone believes that!) I now go to the dr. every 2 weeks. As for yesterday, they said to take it easy and I need to slow down and rest more. Luckily Andy's last night on nights is tonight! However, he will be in California all next week, so my help in the evenings won't be for 2 more weeks.

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Nov. 4, 2003
Austin’s room really needs painted. The walls have a lot of black scuff marks on them from having 3 desks in there. I know Andy says he won’t have time this month to do it, so I think I’ll ask my doctor on Thursday if I can paint. If he says yes I haven’t decided whether I’ll paint it light blue or light yellow. If he says no, then I’ll clean the walls really well and then maybe sponge paint a border up at the top to draw your eye up off the yucky walls.

Nov. 3, 2003
Thirty weeks – the home stretch! I’m getting anxious that we have so much to do still and so much to buy. With the holidays coming up that cuts into “prepare” time. It also means I need to get into gear with work and the hospital.
Austin’s kicks are starting to hurt. He still mostly kicks by my belly button, but there are a lot of times he pushes and a butt or head sticks out and it really hurts. I go to the dr. on Thursday, then I have to start going every 2 weeks.

October 29, 2003
It seems like forever since I wrote. Every night as I go to bed I think that I needed to do this, but by then I’m exhausted. Andy should’ve been on days by now, but still isn’t. It looks like another 2 weeks, but I’ve heard that so many times I don’t believe it. Every time we get close to the date he’s to go to days they push it back a month. I need help at night. I’m pooped! Sarah’s a great kid, but I work hard all day, and come home and need a break! Even just an hour to clean!
Not much has changed pregnancy wise. There are times we can feel Austin’s head or butt, not sure which, but it’s hard and round! He really pokes out my belly and sometimes kicks so hard it moves me if I’m not balanced. Andy tells me weekly how “big” I am, but then I go to work and get compared to a woman who is 35 weeks pregnant and I’m told I’m small. It’s all in how you look at it!

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Oct. 19, 2003
Here’s what Baby Center says about Austin this week (28 weeks): You're in the home stretch. The third trimester typically starts this week and lasts until 40 weeks and sometimes even beyond. Most women gain an average of 11 pounds during this trimester. By this week, your baby weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and measures about 14 1/2 inches. At about this time, your baby can open his eyes and turn his head in utero if he notices a continuous, bright light shining from the outside. The fat layers are forming and the fingernails appear. If you aren't already, you'll probably start visiting your doctor once every two weeks until the eighth month, when you'll switch to weekly visits .
Here’s a general pregnancy check-in. I’m so happy to be pregnant I try not to complain, so these are just things to mention for remembrance: about 2 weeks ago my feet started to really hurt, I’m talking as soon as I wake up in the morning they hurt -- even before I sit up. While Austin is still low, my uterus is up to my ribs, so bending over has become interesting -- he’s low so I can’t bend at the waist, but bending also pushes on my ribs, lol. Of course for months I’ve had to wear a pantyliner every day at work due to “dribbling.” With Sarah it was only an issue if I sneezed, with Austin it’s all the time, ha ha. My back hasn’t been too bad, only hurting every now and then, and depends on how much bending I do.

Oct. 16, 2003
I know I’ve said it before, but Austin is such a kicker! He is active off and on all day. Today he heard a movie I made and when I narrated he kicked! People were amazed when the movie stopped he stopped kicking, and when we started it back up and he could hear me he kicked again! Have I mentioned his love of sugar??? Oh, boy. Anytime I have something sweet he goes nuts, ha ha!
I’m finally starting to “enjoy” this pregnancy. Not that I haven’t before, but now that I’m not worried everyday has really allowed me to enjoy all the kicks. I feel much closer to Austin now than when I was pregnant with Sarah, but he and I have had a lot of talks about him “making it” and I never had to have those talks with Sarah.
We are now able for me to take off 12 weeks for a maternity leave. A very generous relative gave us some money which really helps. We still need to save about $400 each month now and until August, but at least we’re back in the “do-able” category. Hopefully with less driving/gas, less trips to Wal-Mart, etc. we can scrimp and get the money saved. That has been a HUGE relief to me. Now if I can convince everyone to buy things we need for Austin for me for my birthday, we’ll be set!

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Oct. 12, 2003
Andy was putting things up in the attic and he needed room so he brought down the bassinette. Sarah and I got it all cleaned up and ready. Right now her baby dolls are in it, hee hee.
There have been three babies born off my Jan 04 board that are in NICU. One was born at 24 weeks, one at 26 weeks, and one at 27 weeks. We’ve also lost a few who were born around this time but didn’t survive. I am soooo glad that it wasn’t us, but I feel so sorry for these women and the struggles they are now going through with micropreemies.

Oct. 9, 2003
Had my monthly apt. today:
Blood pressure was 90/56
Weight was 140 (total gain of 20 pounds, monthly gain of 6 pounds)
Austin's heartbeat was 138.
I passed the glucose test (yipee!)
My hemoglobin dropped, but I'm still high enough I have room to spare, so no worries about that.
My dr. didn't have the ultrasound report yet, but she was glad to hear my placenta moved.
When she measured me, Dr. LeMay said, "My, he's getting big!" Stupid me didn't think to ask if that meant I was measuring large or not, ha ha!
I asked about induction, and if I go one week past my due date I would be induced, so Jan. 17 is the latest Austin will be here. She said should it come to that usually the 2nd time being induced is much easier. (Lord, I hope so!)
Next month apt is Nov. 6th, then I start going every two weeks.

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Oct. 7, 2003
We had our specialist visit today and NO MORE PREVIA!!!!!! Right away the tech doing the ultrasound saw that the placenta was "obviously" away from my cervix, YEAH!!!! It's still "low lying" but since it's moved so much in the last month there are no worries! The specialist dr. said I now have no more restrictions and can be a "normal" pregnant lady!! WOO HOO!
When we were paying our co-pay I said to Sarah, "Come here! Mommy hasn't been able to pick you up in 4 months, but now I can!" And I picked her up and gave her a big hug. The office staff was like, "Awwww" sniff sniff.
I am still in shock. I honestly can't believe it finally moved! They weighed me today and I've gained <gulp> 21 pounds already, but if all that extra weight "popped" out my belly and that darn placenta, then YEAH WEIGHT GAIN! lol It is SUCH a relief it's gone, I don't quite believe it. I guess it's like someone hearing they're cured of cancer. You believe it and are elated, but at the same time still cautious!
As for Austin, he weighs 2 pounds even and is measuring right around my due date. He was sleeping so not a lot of movement, and since I'm 26 weeks he was much more crowded. We weren't able to see his "thing" very well because of how he was laying, but the tech though he was still a boy, lol. (Good to know!)

Oct. 5, 2003
Here’s what BabyCenter says about Austin: Your baby now weighs about 1 3/4 pounds and is about 13 inches long with its legs extended. Your baby's eyes begin to open around now. Response to sound grows more consistent toward the end of the seventh month, when the network of nerves to the ear is complete. He also continues to take small breaths, and although he's only breathing in water and not air, it's still good practice for when he's born.
The funny part is last month we have pictures of Austin with his eyes open! On my BabyCenter board we’ve had 2 babies born already, and both are alive and expected to develop. It’s amazing that instead of reading of people losing their babies because of early births we are now hearing that the babies are making it. That is soooo nice to hear.
I never heard back about the glucose test, and that’s good because it’s my OB’s policy to only call with problems, so after a week I’m going to assume I passed!!!!!! I was supposed to have my next ultrasound last Friday, but they called and rescheduled for this Tuesday. I then have my regular dr. visit on Thursday.
I had to buy larger shorts this weekend. This time with Sarah I wasn’t wearing shorts as much. Ok, really, it’s because I’ve gained more weight with him and my medium sized stuff just doesn’t fit comfortably. My butt is much bigger (never changed with Sarah) and so are my legs. Austin also sits lower.

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Sept. 27, 2003
25 weeks today! Yesterday and this morning I’ve had a lot of Braxton-Hix contractions so right now I’m laying on the couch taking a break. I’ve spent this morning doing laundry and picking up toys and I kept having more contractions so I decided to just lay down for a while. (Not that I’m supposed to do any house work anyway, but it has to get done…) I did my gestational diabetes test yesterday. It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought. Having done the six hour test a few years back I had memories of how awful it was…this was nothing! People who complain about the one hour test are silly. Do the six hour test after fasting and THEN let me know how bad it is, lol! I am somewhat concerned my test may come back positive because I’ve been gaining a lot of weight lately. I’m not going to worry, though. I figure I’ll just eat all my fruit this weekend before I hear that I can’t eat so much fruit anymore!

Sept. 21, 2003
Andy’s earning his wings this weekend – I have nested something awful! We’ve moved furniture, only to have me want to move it back the next day! (Which we did move back.) We cleaned out Austin’s closet and put baby stuff in there. At every turn I’m cleaning out and grabbing more stuff for the yard sale, ha ha! I never nested with Sarah so this is all new to me, too. I just have an incredible urge to declutter and get the house in perfect condition.
Here’s what BabyCenter says about Austin at 24 weeks: At 1 1/4 pounds, your baby is still a little string bean with no body fat. But his brain is growing rapidly, and he's starting to fill the space in your uterus, which is now the size of a soccer ball. His taste buds are also forming, and, believe it or not, his sweet tooth. Could that explain your sudden craving for donuts? No one knows for sure, but try that excuse on your honey the next time you ask him to run to the store.

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Sept. 20, 2003
24 weeks today! Woo Hoo! It’s exciting that as every week goes by should I have complications Austin has a greater chance of living. I don’t like that feeling, but with this pregnancy it’s a reality. In just a few weeks I’ll be in the third trimester and we still have so much to do, we aren’t even done with the kitchen we started last spring! When I was on bedrest I said Austin could stay in the bassinette for a month and he just may have to! Depending on how long Sarah’s room takes she may be in his room and he may be with us. I’m ready for him to be here, but the house and finances aren’t, lol! I know Sarah is anxious for him to come out, too. I just can’t wait to see them together!

Sept. 18, 2003
People are really telling me I’m waddling now. I can’t believe how differently I am carrying Austin than I did Sarah. Now I know what people meant when they said they felt like the baby would fall out. Sarah was always really high, and she never dropped, so I never had this low pressure before. That’s also affecting my bladder…having other problems I didn’t have with Sarah, lol.
It seems like he’s been “Austin” for ever. It’s hard to remember not being pregnant and not feeling him kick me all the time. If it wasn’t for everything that needs done/fixed, I’d be ready for him right now. But with water coming into Sarah’s room somewhere, we’re $2,000 behind in savings, Christmas is coming up, etc. I just can’t afford to have him now! Especially with Andy’s insurance, we’re looking at about $600 co-pays for Austin and $100 for me. Add that to owing $800 in taxes next year and let’s just say my credit card will be completely maxed out! I need to fill out my maternity leave paperwork, but at this point it kills me to just put in for 3 weeks – that may be all we can afford! Hopefully we can swing six weeks, but unless a miracle happens I won’t be able to take 12 weeks off like I had hoped (and even that seems short…..compared to 7 months off with Sarah. It’s just not fair…)

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Sept. 16, 2003
Kick Boxer – that’s little Austin! He kicks so hard you can see my stomach move! I think Sarah got kicked pretty good once and is now scared to feel, but she likes to watch. She still kisses and hugs my belly, but no more feeling.
I had my OB check up last week. All seems to be well with Austin! I, however, gained another 7 pounds this month. That puts me at 14 pounds gained total, which is completely normal, but I’ve gained those 14 pounds essentially in the last 2 months! Dr. Matta was teasing me telling me to lay off the sweets and watch what I eat so he doesn’t get to be “too” big a boy! I think he saw 7 pounds last month, 7 pounds this month, and if I continue to gain 7 pounds each month I’ll be way over target, ha ha! I do have to do my glucose test. I may do that this Friday afternoon after work.

Sept. 9, 2003
Sarah has enjoyed playing with some of “Austin’s” toys. She’s even tried to put on some of the baby clothes. She, of course, realizes that they are much too small for her! I go tomorrow for my check-up. At 22 weeks with Sarah I had gained 10 pounds, I’ll be 22 1/2 weeks so it will be interesting to see what I’ve gained with Austin.

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Sept. 7, 2003
I turned 22 weeks yesterday, here’s way Baby Center says about little Austin: The baby now weighs almost a pound, measures nearly 11 inches long, and is proportioned like a newborn, albeit a thinner version since her baby fat hasn't yet developed. Although she's getting heavier every day, her skin still appears wrinkled because she needs to gain more weight. The lips are distinct and the eyes are formed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. The pancreas, essential in the production of hormones, is developing steadily. Even this early, the first signs of teeth appear in the form of tooth buds beneath the gum line. Before you know it, your baby will be born, and soon after, flashing his pearly whites.
I went through Sarah’s baby stuff this afternoon. I can’t believe how many boy things I have! On top of that there are a lot of sleepers that are yellow or green. Of course I pulled down blankets, spit rags, etc.

Sept. 4, 2003
Oh wow! We had our sonogram today and it was AWESOME! Austin was active and we saw so much more this time. He looked at us and the lady zoomed in on his face and we saw him blink. He was making a sucking motion with his mouth and he kept sticking out his tongue. He even waved once! He is doing great, measuring right on time, he weighs one pound. We saw he's still a "he" and his "thing" had really grown, ha ha! There's no mistaking it now! My placenta hasn't moved yet (UGH) but since he's doing so well I honestly don't care. This was a reminder to me to still take things easy. We go back in 4 weeks for another sonogram. I must say -- having placenta previa stinks, but atleast I get to "see" Austin monthly!

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Aug. 25, 2003
Austin has been really active today! A lot of kicks, and some have been strong. Normally I don’t feel him until the evenings, but today he started kicking around noon. According to BabyCenter he’s the size of a sweet potato. I’m willing to bet it’s a plump sweet potato!

Aug. 23, 2003
Twenty weeks today! YIPEE!!!!!!! Today Sarah played doctor and took care of Baby Austin. She checked his heartbeat, "ears" via my bellybutton, temperature, etc. It was really cute. Then we pretended it was Dorothy's birthday and she put a hat on my belly for him. Awwww.

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Aug. 20, 2003
I’ve been back to work five days now and it’s like I was never out! I’ve gotten my energy level back up to what it was. I still worry all the time that I’ll bleed again, but from talking to other ladies with this problem it’s a common worry we all have until delivery. On a day like today I sat more at work than I did at home! I was in my office most of the day, but at home I cleaned bathrooms, did dishes, gave Sarah a bath, etc.
I don’t think my belly has grown as much in the last week as it did the last two weeks! I still eat a lot, though! I’ll be 20 weeks on Saturday, so in a few days I’ll be half way! Yipee! I can’t wait to get to 22 weeks so if I go into labor they’ll stop it. Then little Austin will have a fighting chance! I haven’t had too many contractions, pretty much only when I haven’t drank enough. The contractions hurt, though, and last a full minute. If I’m dehydrated I might get one every hour or so until I drink a lot again. They’re not the type of contraction to actually cause labor, thankfully!

Aug. 15, 2003
I’m glad I went back to work on a Thursday. The two days back wore me out and now I have the weekend to rest…well, after cleaning the house since it’s a wreck since I’ve been too tired to clean it. The last two days were nerve wracking since I was afraid I’d start bleeding again. Thankfully I didn’t, but I guess that’s a fear I’m going to have to live with for the next 5 months. I did take it as easy as I could, and in a week things will be caught up and I’ll be able to take it even easier.
I’m telling Austin he needs to come out December 31! We really need to claim him on our taxes. We had to fill out paperwork today and found out we owe approximately $800 next year, so if he comes we can deduct another $1,000 and then we would get a $200 refund and keep that $800.

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Aug. 12, 2003
We had our 18 week check up today. My dr. said I can go back to work tomorrow, phew! She said Andy still has to do the housecleaning,, hee hee! I am to call the office immediately if I spot or bleed, then it’s probably back to bed rest. A few days ago I split my stomach muscles and from laying down and sitting up at the dr.’s my stomach really hurts! I didn’t do this with Sarah until 7 or 8 months, but I knew what it was right away, and when I sit up the “wrong” way you can see the separation. I did gain weight finally. I’ve gained from 120 to 127 in two weeks! They were pretty happy about that! Austin’s heartbeat was down to 130, the lowest it’s been yet!

Aug. 12, 2003
Little Austin has been kicking/moving a lot the last few days. It’s been nice to say “he” or “Austin” when talking to and about him. Andy’s really getting excited at the thought of having a son.
We go to the dr. tomorrow for another check. I am under the assumption they will release me from bedrest since I haven’t even had brown gunk for 10 days, and no red blood for 4 weeks. Work is going insane without me, I get a lot of emails each day. It would honestly be less stressful if I was AT work!

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Aug. 8, 2003
Andy was able to feel the baby kick last night! I can’t believe he was able to feel baby Austin before I’m 18 weeks! This is the time I was just starting to feel Sarah kick. It was a while after that before Andy could feel! I’m tempted to take another belly shot because I have really popped out this week. I don’t know if that helps or not, but I am definitely “round” now! We decided to wait until I’m 20 weeks, but I can’t wait to see how much larger I have gotten!
We told Sarah we are having a boy and she was upset….SHE wanted to have a boy! (She thinks there’s a baby in her belly, too.) She said I have the little sister and she has the little brother, hee hee. After a few hours she was ok with the thought that we BOTH are having boys, and both babies are named Austin. She liked watching the sonogram video and said he looks silly. When they showed his “butt shot” she said “stinky poopie butt.” Hee Hee!

Aug. 7, 2003
It's a boy!!!!!! His name will be Austin Thomas, with Thomas being Andy's dad's name. If it was a girl it would have been Emily Deborah Gallagher, with Deborah being my mom's name. He looked great, everything was there and working right, measured right on time. They looked really closely at my placenta and said I still have marginal placenta previa, so I go back for another ultrasound in a month to see if it's moved out of the way. The doctor said I can go back to work based on what he saw!!! I am just SO happy that little Austin is doing ok!

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Aug. 6, 2003
Tomorrow’s the ultrasound! While I’m excited, there’s always a small amount of fear that they will find something wrong with the baby. I guess it’s better to find out now and hope it can be fixed then at birth try to figure out what’s wrong and there not be enough time to fix it.
I started moving around a little more this morning and I got wiped out! I took a shower and had Sarah in with me. By the time I got her ready I didn’t have enough energy to comb and braid my own hair! I had to lay down. It’s going to take a week to build back up my energy level to be able to go to work! I’m back on the couch for the afternoon. Tonight Sarah and I will hand wash dishes and see how that goes. There aren’t very many, so it should be like standing in the shower.
My tailbone started hurting yesterday. I remember this with Sarah. However, with her I was able to do yoga and that helped, now I can’t. I would love to stretch out since my whole body is so sore from laying here but I’m afraid to.
The girl’s name is picked! I got the best of both worlds (two names I wanted to use) and Andy likes it so it’s a go! I’ll announce it tomorrow with the ultrasound results. Even if it’s a boy we need a back up girl’s name. And I hope even if it’s not used a certain person will be honored at what we’ve done.

Aug. 5, 2003
Two more days until the ultrasound! I’m getting really excited. They said if we bring a blank video tape they’ll record it for us. I am anxious to get an indepth look at everything and make sure what they say is the problem really IS the problem. Of course I want to see Baby G kicking around, too!
Work started today. It was really odd not going. I did get up and down more today than I probably should’ve, but I’ve spent the afternoon on the couch just to be safe.

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Aug. 4, 2003
Woo Hoo! The bleeding has stopped! The only thing today was a slight, light brown spot. Yesterday was really light, but I never thought it would actually stop! I still need to stay down for a few more days according to my doctor, but this weekend I can start adding in “light activities” very gradually. I think I’ll start by Saturday cooking dinner, and if that goes ok cook Sunday, too. Then Monday if all goes ok I’ll start doing dishes. I never thought I would be so excited to do dishes! I also can’t wait to start sitting up more instead of laying down! I totally realize if I start spotting or bleeding again I’m back on bedrest and then no work for 5 months, so I’m going to be very careful to slowly add back in activities and not overdo it!
I had a wonderful idea last night for a girl’s name. It’s not perfected, but I hope to get the nice ring to it should we have a girl. Even if our sonogram in 3 days says boy I feel we need a girl’s name as back up!

Aug. 2, 2003
The bleeding is definitely slowing down. I hope it stops soon so I can start taking care of things again. I never realized how much I take care of myself, Sarah, the house, etc. I’m on week 3 of bedrest and my house has never been fully clean yet. Somehow I work all day, cook dinner, bathe and play with Sarah, grocery shop, and still manage to clean. Guess I’m superworman. Andy and I have talked and we’re going to assume I will get off bedrest in a few weeks, and then I will take back some of the cleaning duties while on “light activity” for 5 months. Then we won’t have to hire a cleaning lady. I said I would be able to cook and do dishes on light duty, but he wants me to clean the bathrooms, too. I don’t think the dr. will let me, but we’ll see. Being on bedrest has shown me a lot of things about my marriage and about my family. Some relationships with people are stronger, others are weaker.

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July 31, 2003
I’m probably going to jinx myself by saying this, but I think the bleeding is slowing down. It’s a little less and the color is starting to lighten from dark brown/black to light brown. I’ll feel better when we have our Level II ultrasound a week from today. It should really be able to pinpoint an exact problem.
I had a few contractions last night, but it was right after a family member was getting on me for things out of my control. Then she said I was going to lose the baby because I was getting up and not staying down all day. (I have to pee!) If they wanted me down all day and using a bed pan I’d be in the hospital!
Sarah’s doing a lot better about me being down all day. She doesn’t get upset anymore when I say I can’t do something, and she now asks Andy for the things she knows I can’t do.

July 30, 2003
Day 14 of bleeding and bedrest. I think I’m finally used to the bedrest part, and Sarah’s quit asking for me to do as much with her. I may have Andy go get my mini-fridge from work and put it by the couch. Then I can keep cold stuff in it. That will help me get up less.
We met with a cleaning company today. It’ll be $150-$200 for the initial cleaning then $60 every other week. I knew what to expect but I don’t know how we can pay that. Andy’s talking about selling his car or working a lot of overtime to try to come up with the money, but when my income goes to only 60% of my paycheck while collecting disability I don’t see how we can add $120 a month to our bills when we’ll be short $700 each month! A lot of things won’t get paid. Whoever said bedrest was relaxing is an idiot! I lay here all day and stress about the baby, money, Sarah, Andy, work, etc. This is no vacation.

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July 29, 2003
Had my 16 week check-up today. I haven't had any contractions since Friday, so they aren't worried about them anymore. It took the nurse a few minutes to find the heartbeat. It started freaking me out. But she found it and Sarah was excited.
First he (Dr. Matta) was upset that I haven't gained any weight. He asked if I was eating and I said yes, as best I can on bedrest. He asked Andy and he said, "She eats all the time" so dr. Matta said, ok, as long as you're eating. I measured 14 cm (should be 16) but I figure that'll change when I get to eat more. I have to do bedrest still. He said he would feel better waiting until the bleeding stops, then for the next week to do very light activity, and then I could try work. I said, "So if this quits tomorrow, I'm to do light activity at home, then go to work the next week." He said, "How about we see you again in 2 weeks? Do bedrest until then. If it's stopped then we'll do light activity then you can go back to work." I talked to him about my dizzyness, and it's just my hypoglycemia kicking in. He said my sugar levels are really low and I need to eat more often.
So, on the couch at least 2 more weeks. At least I'm not upset this time because I didn't expect to be released while I still was bleeding. He did say that since it's brown, that's good. That and the baby is growing and has a good heartbeat, so it's ok.
Next up: Level II sonogram next Thursday, then back to the dr. the next Wed. I’ve contacted Aflac about my short-term disability and they are sending me the claim forms. I just hate it that I’m using up my sick days now and won’t have any when the baby comes.

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July 28, 2003
It’s amazing how much better I feel when Sarah is here! We sat on the couch and read books, had a tea party, I painted her nails, etc. I wasn’t feeling down at all. I think getting up a few times to help her is better than laying here for days feeling down.
Tomorrow is my regular 16 week doctor appointment. We’ll find out if I get off bedrest or not. Tomorrow is day 13 of bedrest, still with a light period flow….who knows what he’ll say.
I’ve started calling around for a cleaning lady. My house is a disaster. Laundry needs done, toys are everywhere, dishes are everywhere, bathrooms haven’t been cleaned in weeks, etc. It’s very stressful to lay here 12 hours a day and see the filth knowing I can’t do anything about it. We can’t afford $50 a week, but stress with my condition isn’t good either. I wish Andy was able to keep the house clean, but he can’t. If I stay on bedrest I will also have to find someone to come and cook, as I can't stand up to cook, but I can't keep ordering pizza either!

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July 27, 2003
Sarah comes back today! Yipee! She has been the hardest part of bedrest…not being able to be her “mom.” Tomorrow I’m going to have to start calling around for a cleaning lady. We don’t have the money, but my bathrooms haven’t been cleaned in weeks, floors haven’t been swept/mopped. Even if I get released off bedrest I won’t be able to do housework. Of course if I have to stay on bedrest, Andy will need the help anyway. I got on the scale this morning and I still haven’t gained any of the weight back, infact I show that I’m back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I wish I were able to get up and fix regular meals and eat when/what I want to! I know I could put the weight back on.

July 26, 2003
Last night I had another scare. I had two strong contractions, and then had some red bleeding with the brown. I called my OB and they said since I’m so early they don’t stop labor, so while they would normally tell me to go to labor and delivery at the hospital, they said unless the bleeding goes back bright red, or I’m in a lot of pain to just hang tight. If any of that happened, I should call the dr, and see if he wants me to go to the ER. It’s very frustrating that since I’m only 16 weeks (today!) they won’t do anything to help the baby. To me it’s a BABY. I’ve seen it on 3 ultrasounds. I’ve heard its heartbeat. I’ve felt it kick….I know this baby is OK…so why would they not do something to help it? Just because I’m under 22 weeks and if the baby was born it wouldn’t make it? Then why not make sure everything stays ok so it can stay in longer? It’s so frustrating lying in one spot all by myself all day. I alternate between reading and my on-line groups, but it’s still hard to not dwell on what’s happening.

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July 25, 2003
I’m not as “up” today. Sarah came home last night and left already this afternoon. Andy has to work this weekend and I can’t stay down with her here all day and no help. I hate having her gone; I miss her so much. Nothing else is new. I’ll be 16 weeks tomorrow, and I’m still having brown bleeding – day 9 total. I’m beginning to think I just may have this the rest of the pregnancy….

July 24, 2003
I'm not doing too bad today. I can't change what's going to happen, so I might as well accept and move on! Andy got me some books from the library today, so I have plenty of reading to do this weekend. I've been reading some great true stories of people with this problem, who have healthy babies! That really helps instead of reading all the clinical reports that focus on what can go wrong.
I did forget to mention that I had dropped in weight again, too much stress! Last Thursday I was 124, Monday I was 122, giving me only a weight gain of 2 pounds. Now that I'm upbeat again I'm HUNGRY, so it shouldn't take too long to put those pounds back on!
Baby G. has started tap dancing every night for me! Not a lot, but enough I know s/he's ok!

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July 23, 2003
Got the call and I have “low lying placenta.” In some cases it’s no problem, in others it can cause major problems. I won’t explain it here since an internet search can tell you all about it. I have to stay on bedrest another week because I am still bleeding. I go back to the dr. on the 29th and we’ll see what happens then. I would like to get released from bedrest and to “light activity” so I can go back to work. My boss will categorize me as “temporary disabled” and will make all the necessary accommodations for me so I can spend 99% of my day sitting down in a chair. Then, if Andy can make dinner in the afternoon before going to work, I can lay on the couch all evening. If I go back I will hire a cleaning lady since I still won’t be able to do that. We don’t have the extra money, but Andy can’t keep doing it all. I’m almost positive there will be more bleeding episodes, and in those cases I will do bedrest for a few weeks, then hopefully go back to work. If I can do that as long as I can we might make it financially, If there are too many bleeds, then they won’t release me to go back to work and I’ll have to go on disability, which only pays 60% of my salary. Trying to decide what doesn’t get paid for 6 months isn’t easy…..I’m not supposed to have stress, but loosing something or having something shut off is stressful….
But I decided today, there’s nothing I can do, so I might as well quit being gloom and doom and send this kid some positive energy. So what ever happens, we’ll make it the best we can! My job now is to keep this little one safe and if that means laying on the couch for 6 months, then so be it.

July 22, 2003
No news today. We did the ultrasound this morning but my dr. doesn’t have the report yet. We didn’t see the baby much since they focused on my placenta.

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July 21, 2003
The bleeding didn’t stop like I thought it would. It’s still at spotting, so it’s still going. UGH. There wasn’t much the doctor could tell me, so I go for an ultrasound tomorrow to see what’s causing the placenta to bleed. The baby/uterus are at the right size, so it hasn’t seemed to effect the baby yet. I am to “rest” until then and no sex until further notice. I have been able to feel the baby move more, so that has been nice…..

July 20, 2003
I think today we’re down to just spotting, yippee! Hopefully it will stop tonight or tomorrow. I can’t wait until my appointment Monday to hear the baby’s heart beat. Last night Andy and Sarah went swimming and when she came inside she was cold. I was laying on the couch with a blanket and told her to come get under the blanket with me and get warm. She said, “No, you can’t walk Momma. Daddy have to help me.” Then she proceeded to yell, “Daddy….help me!” and would never let me help her. It broke my heart for her to now understand that I can’t help. We haven’t told her I’m on bedrest because of the baby, we’ve told her I am sick. We don’t want her to see the baby as something that takes Mommy away from her. But on the other hand, she keeps saying, “Mommy, you not sick anymore” because I look ok. She’s not a dummy.

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July 19, 2003
Yesterday the bleeding turned brown, which is a good sign. Today it’s down to a light period flow, so I hope it stops soon. If they don’t release me from bedrest I don’t know what we’ll do financially. I guess I should wait and worry about that Monday when I go back to the dr.
Laying flat in one spot for 3 days has not been fun. My neck has really been hurting the last few days from being in the same position. It’s been rough not being able to help Sarah, get my own drinks, food, etc. I feel useless. Ah, the joys of bedrest!

July 17, 2003
Bad news today. I didn’t feel right all day. Then after lunch I started bleeding. It was like a period and bright red. On my way to the doctor I started having contractions. They checked the baby’s heartbeat and it was 150, so much lower than what it has been. The dr. was concerned about how much I was bleeding so he did a quick sonogram. I saw the little one kicking up a storm! The dr. said part of the placenta is on my cervix, and the contractions are causing the placenta to bleed. I am now on strict bedrest for 5 days, then I go back to be rechecked. If the bleeding and contractions stop the baby should be ok. If we can’t get them to stop it doesn’t look good, even though the baby’s ok.

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July 15, 2003
I’m sure I’m going to jinx myself, but yesterday and today I haven’t felt nauseous! It’s amazing how much better I feel when the day starts out “normal.”
We’ve been working this past week on getting Andy’s grandma’s furniture in the house. We’ve about got everything in, then hopefully Andy can finish the kitchen and start on Sarah’s room. To be fair we wanted to paint her room before the baby’s. We have a crib, changing table and dresser for the baby. I would like to have a new mattress for the crib since this will be the 3rd baby to sleep on it (I bought it used.) Jean’s having a yard sale here in a few weeks that I’m putting a few things in, and I think I’ll use any money from that to get wall border and curtains for the baby’s room.
I got my paperwork today for my maternity leave. If I have the baby on it’s due date (yeah, right) I will go back April 15th. They do your 12 weeks as 60 work days exactly. Hopefully with the money I’m making from summer school we can catch up a little on our savings for me to take off the whole 12 weeks. Andy’s going to work any extra overtime they give him to help, too.

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July 9, 2003
I have been back to work this week and I am amazed at the number of people who are asking me if I am pregnant! I finally started asking people why they thought I was and here’s the responses I got today:
“You’ve been wearing long shirts untucked. I have never seen you wear your shirts untucked before.”
“You have a pooch.”
“You look like you’ve gained weight”
“Those reek of maternity clothes.”
So I guess at 13 weeks I can say I am “officially showing” ha ha! People who have no idea said I looked pregnant.
I’ve gained another pound this week! Not surprising since I eat more than Andy now! The way I see it, if I’m hungry I should eat! (So I do!) I swear most of the weight is in my chest, as I am now filling out bra’s I haven’t worn since pregnant/breastfeeding Sarah. Gosh, how much more are they going to grow in the next 6 months????
Sarah has given up her changing table and bed to the baby. She is totally ready to be a “big girl” and loves her “big” bed so much she ASKED that we move the crib out.
My morning sickness is now really bad in the mornings, but much better in the afternoon. I think this is the times I was sick with Sarah.

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July 3, 2003
I guess I’m no longer worried that I might lose the baby, because now my worry for money has kicked in! Ha Ha! Right now it looks like we only have enough money for me to take off 6 weeks….we’ll see. Dr. Kellar wouldn’t clear me with Sarah until I was 8 weeks because of my complications with the stitches. Maybe if we cancel Christmas this year, LOL. Our plan was for me to take off 12 weeks, but we are $2,000 behind in where our savings should be. Not sure how we’re going to save that extra (on top of what we’re saving now) in the next few months….
Here’s something fun! On one of my on-line boards they gave you the link to a “predictor” site for labor. Here’s what mine said:
Madame Zaritska, our resident clairvoyant, wants to help you prepare for the arrival of your child. Here she does her best to predict certain aspects of your labor and birth experience. What she senses for you:
The day you deliver, outside will be sunny. Your baby will arrive at night.

After a labor lasting approximately 3 hours, your child, a girl, will be born. Your baby will weigh about 10 pounds, 15 ounces, and will be 18 inches long. This child will have light brown eyes and a little patch of brown hair.

But there is more. Although you may feel tired, your pregnancy will be over before you are truly ready to let go of this precious baby you have all to yourself. I sense that you will look back and long for these days. I suggest doing something now to preserve some memories of this time. Many women enjoy making a belly cast? Perhaps you would be interested, too.

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July 1, 2003
Had my 12 week doctor appointment today. As expected they weren't happy with my weight (I've lost a pound)....but after I told them about this darn stomach flu I've had for 2 days they were ok. I eat, but it doesn't stay in me! I've drank a lot of water, and my urine was nice and diluted so they were happy I'm staying hydrated. According to my scale, I had gained a pound before this virus hit.
Heard the little's one's heartbeat, that was nice It was odd to have the nurse do that. My old dr. did it himself. I was supposed to see the other dr. in the practice but he was delivering, so I had my dr. I taked to her about the possible UTI and she said all the pains I have and my constant urge to pee is because while my uterus is bigger this time since it's a 2nd baby, it's still about in the same spot...meaning this time it's putting MORE pressure on my bladder than with Sarah, and since everything was stretched out with Sarah those muscles are causing me a lot of pain this time. She said in a few weeks I will start moving up and out and the pains will go away, or at least get better. I will say, that after I do my yoga tape I do feel much better, but since I've felt so bad I haven't done it in a few days.

June 29, 2003
I’ve felt the baby “bump” almost every night for a few days! That and my larger bust size are my reassurances that Baby G is ok, as we sent back our doppler and I can’t check the heartbeat anymore.

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June 27, 2003
I’ve had some sharp pains the last few days, and a never ending feeling of a full bladder so I had a UTI test done. Came back negative, so I guess it’s just growing pains.
I bought the crib set today! I had seen one on-line that I liked, but it was too expensive for me. I then saw it yesterday in a consignment shop! I bought it today. Here’s what it looks like: crib set
I think we’re going to paint the room the light yellow color and buy the border and put it at the top of the wall. We’ll buy the curtain, too. I think I’ll register for another sheet and the hamper, and ask for them for Christmas.
I’ve finally put on a pound! I’ll know for sure when I go to the dr. on Tuesday. I think with Sarah it took a while for me to gain weight because I was so nervous, and did bedrest for the two weeks.

June 25, 2003
Tomatoes, tomatoes, tomatoes! They are the one craving that has not gone away in this pregnancy. I have eaten about one a day! And it has to be a “good” tomato, not a Wal-Mart-has-no-taste tomato. This weekend starvation kicked in. I am hungry all the time, and eating all the time! Until now I hadn’t gained any weight yet, but in the last few days I’ve gained a pound! I have been able to do my Yoga tape a few times, and that has really helped with my gas :) As the instructor says, “Your baby loves to move….”
I’m beginning to think we should say to heck with following our initials like Sarah just happened to, and pick any ol’ name I want. Haven’t gotten a yea or nay answer from Andy, but there are other names I like better that don’t start with A or S, like Emma, Emily, or Grace.
I think I felt the baby move again last night. For the past couple of nights when I lay in bed on my side/tummy a little, way low I have felt a little “bump.” Too low for gas, and it felt more inside than on the top like gas bubbles do.

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June 24, 2003
Yesterday a lady at the bank asked if I was “expecting more.” It was the first time someone who doesn't know asked if I was pregnant. She was pregnant, too, and due only 9 days after me, so I think she recognized maternity clothes, ha ha!

June 21, 2003
I've been busy the last week as Mom and Alan came to visit. I haven't felt the baby move anymore, but I imagine that will start up regularly in a few weeks. I have made it to Eleven Weeks today, so that is an accomplishment! Little one still has a heartbeat, so all looks good! I will probably send back the doppler next week. I still have some doubts about this pregnancy making it to full term, but hopefully when it starts moving that will reassure me instead. Not a lot else has changed, if I don’t eat I get nauseous and dizzy, so I just make sure to eat every 3 hours. I have switched vitamins to one with a stool softener to help with constipation. Didn’t have that problem with Sarah. The new vitamins seem to help.

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June 10, 2003
Little baby said “Hello” last night! I had my Doppler out and was listening to his/her heartbeat and s/he thumped it! About 30 seconds later it hit it again. It was either “Hello” or “Hey, I need some privacy, here!” I can’t believe I felt that since I’m 9 weeks 3 days. Guess I have a “Kicker” in there, ha ha!
I’m starting to feel better. Still tired but not exhausted. I can prevent morning sickness if I eat something early. We’ve been to busy working on the kitchen to work on girl names, but we still have plenty of time!

June 5, 2003
Everything seems to be going well! Looks like my doctor was right and the baby just hit a blood pocket while implanting (thus the bleeding.) At my dr. apt a few days ago she said my uterus was high, which explains why I’m pooching out so bad, Ha ha! We’ve found the baby’s heartbeat and it’s been at 168 the times we’ve counted. I’m 8 weeks and haven’t gained any weight yet, but that doesn’t surprise me. I’ve been eating very well, lots of fruits & veggies. I crave a salad almost every day!
Now we are considering the name, “Alyssa Tucker Gallagher” for a girl. Not positive, but I like it. A boy would still be “Austin Thomas Gallagher.”

June 2, 2003
Last weekend at 7 weeks 6 day we found the baby’s heartbeat! It is the most glorious sound in the whole world! Still nauseous and tired. I started wearing maternity clothes this weekend. My next size up stuff was getting tight, and I’d rather be comfortable!

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May 23, 2003
I have been to work all week, and boy am I exhausted! Thankfully a few “choice” people know and make sure I take it easy, sit down a lot, etc. Today is Friday and I’m doing a lot better. I still have a lot of ligament pain, but no bleeding! Last night I had Andy get me some Mylanta since my stomach is always upset. It has done MUCH better today! In fact, I just may need to take some more right now hee hee! I took one this morning, and I just got done eating lunch.
A few days ago I told Sarah to go get some books and we would read. She pointed to my belly and said, “Let’s read to baby!” I said ok, and we read the butterfly book a couple of times and the strawberry and the mouse book a couple times. When we were done, Sarah patted my belly and said, “Baby liked that.” It was soooo cute. When we read the strawberry book and get to the “boom boom” page where I usually yell, she says, “Shhhhh, too loud for baby! Might scare baby!” She is going to be a GREAT big sister!

May 18, 2003
I only spotted a little this morning, and now that it’s evening it’s all done. My pains aren’t as bad, but if I start moving around too much they come back. Excluding any new spotting, I will go to work tomorrow. Sarah talks about the baby a lot, because I can’t pick her up now. She wants the baby to come out now. I am not as excited as I was, but that comes with getting my hopes up. I’m amazed how the terrible timing of this pregnancy didn’t matter. I haven’t really even thought about how hard it will be to go to work with a 3 month old, or that we’re $1,500 behind in what we need to save for me to take off 12 weeks. I have just been soooo excited at the thought of this little one. And then yesterday to see all the bleeding. I’m now worried that the baby won’t make it, but we won’t find out until 10 weeks like the 1st baby.

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May 17, 2003
Last week we were in Indiana for Pandy’s wedding. I was nauseous a lot! Take off and landing on the flight were the worst! This week exhaustion kicked in, and the nausea went to just a little bit in the morning. Yesterday, the 16th, I had a lot of pains, some really bad. But since I didn’t have spotting I thought I would be ok…..until this morning. I began to have bleeding. We went to the ER and after 4 1/2 hours they decided I had a “threatened miscarriage.” We saw the heartbeat on the ultrasound, but it was only 100, which is low. As I write this almost 12 hours later I am still spotting,, but it’s not as heavy as this morning. I’ve been on the couch all day and I feel ok, but if I start to move around I start getting pains again. Andy’s been great! He’s brought me drinks, picked up the house, etc.
We have spent this week working on names. Should this baby make it, it will be Austin Thomas for sure for a boy. It’s a girl’s name we’re having trouble with. So far we like Savannah, Ashley, Annastacia, Anna, and Sierra. We’re trying to keep with the “same initials” tradition. I just pray that this little one makes it so we can name it!

May 5, 2003
I am amazed how bad I feel! I have had morning sickness for a week now. (I didn’t realize that’s what it was at first.) Here it is midnight and I can’t sleep because I feel like I need to throw up. I didn’t have this when I was pregnant with Sarah. Maybe a boy? Twins? Ha Ha! I’m actually glad that I have morning (all day) sickness because that means my pregnancy hormone levels are high, and high means the baby’s ok! Bring it on!!!!!!! I’m also amazingly thirsty. I’m drinking over 2 1/2 quarts a day, and before I was lucky to drink one quart a day! It’s amazing! I told a few people at work, and I was glad because I was soooooo exhausted I looked terrible in the afternoon. Hopefully I’ll get some energy back soon.

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May 4, 2003
I was supposed to start my period yesterday. I felt yucky all day, but it never came. Sarah woke up at 5:00 am today looking for her juice so I got up and got her back to sleep. I still hadn’t started my period so I took a pregnancy test. It was supposed to take 3 minutes, but it turned positive instantly! I was shocked! I couldn’t believe I was pregnant since we weren’t trying and had been using protection! For a few minutes I began to worry about money, since a January baby would be hard on us financially. I may have to work summer school now to get extra money. Then I began to worry that I had only been off the pill one month and that I may loose this baby. And then I got excited!!!!! Andy came out and asked if I was ok and I told him I was pregnant. We both sat on the couch for a while in shock! We had planned on trying to get pregnant this June, 2 months from now, so that I could take March/April/May off work and get June & July for free. Now I will have to take Jan/Feb/March and go back to work April and May (then off June/July). I’m scared because with Sarah there was NO way I could’ve gone back in April. She wasn’t sleeping at night (still up every 3 hours) and I was exhausted. How am I going to go back to work with a 12 week old???? And then there’s the little fact that my due date is Sarah’s birthday! ACK!
All in all this has been one of the best days of my life! Now that it’s evening, I’m more excited than worried. Andy and I have had fun teasing each other all day about how well his sperm can swim. It’s been fun talking to him about the baby and hearing his excitement. I know he’s worried about money like I am, and whether or not I’ll loose this baby like I did the first one, but he’s excited nonetheless. I’ve loved telling people, even though part of me is worried that I’ll loose the baby. I’ve loved the thought that we are FINALLY having another baby after talking about it for over a year now.
As for how I feel, all this week I’ve had cramps and back aches off and on. The last few days I get nauseous off and on during the day/evening. And I have been SO thirsty! I can’t believe I’m nauseous since with Sarah I only got slightly nauseous in the morning, and only from weeks 10-16ish. I’m only 4 weeks pregnant! And I don’t know if I’m tired or not. With Andy working nights and me in charge of Sarah alone, I’m ALWAYS tired. How will I notice if I’m tried from being pregnant? Ha Ha!

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