They're Here!

Ok, well, the babies are here! It's a long story and the details are all getting kind of foggy now, but I'll try my best to make it short!

On Monday, the 4th, I dropped off my 24 hour urine and had labs drawn. I then had to wait until 3pm to see my OB. At the appointment my bp wasn't too high and my protein and labs had gotten worse, but not awful, but since I was having blurred vision, headaches, and was seeing spots my OB sent me back to the hospital. I had more labs drawn, they did a BPP on the babies, which was good, then they did a NST, which was fine as well. They talked about delivery, but decided to keep me over night to moniter instead. Monday night was awful and I got no  sleep. They couldn't keep the babies on the moniter so the nurses were in all night trying to find the babies.

On Tuesday, the 5th, my 26th birthday, they released me from the hospital, but I was to be on strict bedrest. Well, I spent the day/night crying on the couch because I felt to awful. After not sleeping well because of the headaches and blurred vision, I woke Cole up at 7am, sobbing because I felt so awful.

Cole called the hospital and they told him I needed to get there ASAP. We packed as quick as we could and threw Grace in the car in her p.j.'s and Cole's Mom agreed to meet us at the hospital to get Grace. We got to the hospital before 8 am. They got me in bed and the babies on the moniter, they drew more blood. While they were waiting for the results of the pre-eclampsia labs I started having contractions. Well after an hour of contractions I was dilated to 3 cm, so they decided today was the day. They prepped me for surgery. I was only 35 weeks 5 days along and was so scared of the unknown.

At 11am, they wheeled me into the OR, it took a while to place the spinal, but once they did everything moved very quickly. The nurse brought Cole back and at 11:45am Emily Katherine was born screaming, weighing 5lbs 11oz, 18.5 in, with apgars of 6 and 9. Coleman Carter was born at 11:46 weighing 6lbs 2 oz, 18 in, with apgars of 8 and 9. Hearing both babies crying was amazing. They brought each baby over so I could kiss them, then they were taken to the Special Care Nursery. Cole was able to go see them and update me.

Originally Carter needed some oxygen and they both needed some fluids. I wasn't able to see them until 9pm that night. They started me on mag sulfate after delivery. At 9pm I was able to hold Emma, but not Carter. At 4am I got out of bed and walked to the nursery dragging my iv's with me. I was determined to see my babies. I was finally able to hold Carter.

The next few days all blend together..Emma ended up needing to go into an incubator because of her temp. instability, they both needed fluids, and they both ended up with feeding tubes. We tried breastfeeding, but neither baby could really figure it out, so I ended up pumping and they got the breast milk through the feeding tubes. Emma had a few spells were she forgot to breathe while she had a binkie in her mouth.

On my last day there my incision started to look like it was getting infected it, so they started me on antibiotics. I  was released from the hospital on Sunday, the 10th, but since the babies were still in the Special Care Nursery they let me stay in my room until the babies were released.

The babies remained in the nursery for 9 days. Every 3 hours I would go to the nursery, try to breastfeed Carter, then try to breastfeed Emma, then if they didn't feed well I'd give them each a bottle of breast milk, and then I'd go back to my room and pump for 20 minutes. This whole process would take 2 hours or more, then I'd get up for the next feed 40 minutes later to do it all again.

On their last night I was finally able to have the babies room in with me. After 8 days I was finally able to be alone with my babies, what an amazing, emotional experience. We took the babies home on Friday, the 15th, when they were 9 days old. So far they are doing well, they are now nursing well and we aren't having to supplement them. I also have finally figured out how to tantum nurse, which saves a lot of time.

Grace is adjusting. This whole thing has been very hard on her. She wasn't able to see the babies until they were 8 days old, which made everything very difficult to understand. I also was at the hospital for 10 days and wasn't with her at all, which she took pretty hard. Everyone has been so helpful and have been watching Grace for us, but her nap schedule is all over the place, which is making things more difficult for her.

On Wednesday when I had my staples out, while removing them, my incision opened up and started dumping fluids out, so much that it soaked my pants and table. My OB has been packing it daily. I went today and unfortunately my incision is now open 8cm and is 3 cm deep, and is still draining a lot. My OB is hoping to be able to close it on Friday, but can't if it's infected or still draining, so only time will tell. I'm trying to take it easy so that I stop opening it more, but with 2 babies and a toddler it is difficult.

Overall I'm so thankfully that both babies are here and health, but the last few weeks have been an emotional rollercoaster. Having the experince of having premie babies in the Special Care Nursery has forever changed me, it's something I wouldn't wish on any parent. I can't even begin to express the amount of emotions I experienced.

It took a year of trying, 2 months on Clomid, the scare of a vanishing twin, then 9 days in the Special Care Nursery...they truely are miracle babies!

                                                            Carter getting some oxygen

Emma

Holding Emma for the first time.

Holding Carter for the first time

Carter's feeding tube.

Emma's feeding tube.

Getting to take our babies home!

Our 3 babies!



We Have A Plan

So I went to see my OB today to discuss not being able to get pregnant. I knew what the problem is/was I just need my OB's help fixing it. My problem is that my luteal phase (the time from when you ovulate, until the time you get your period) is much to short. The average luteal phase is 2 weeks, mine is 5-7 days. My OB said to call back when I get my next period and then I'll go in and have blood work done and I'll get a prescription for pregestrone and clomid. Both medication are suppose to help regulate ovulation.

Hopefully these meds will be just what we need! I'm excited to have a plan! Hopefully 2010 will be the year we have another baby.

How I'm feeling lately

except I do usually puke!

Check, Check

I feel accomplished! We finally did some things on our baby checklist. We scheduled our 3d ultrasound for June 16th. I can't wait to see Grace in 3d! We also finally booked our birth class for August. If it was up to me I probably wouldn't take a birthing class, I feel pretty comfortable with the whole birthing, postpartum, baby, breastfeeding thing. After all that's all I did for a year and a half. But I think Cole really would feel better about everything if he had a clue about what to expect. So we will do one very very long day of birthing class.

Now if they would just call and let me know what day they scheduled us for our next ultrasound, that would be good!

17 Weeks

Well, here we are at 17 weeks! We're getting closer and closer to the half way mark. We have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, so we'll see how the little one is doing.

What's Happening With Baby:
"As your baby is in the middle of an impressive growth spurt it should come as not surprise to hear that they've already added nearly another inch to their length and over an ounce and a half to their weight (they're around 5 ounces and 5 inches). You're definitely feeling the growth as your belly expands enough to make you feel a bit off balance now and again."

What's Happening With Me:

• "Morning" Sickness- Well, I'm sure it's no surprise to anyone, but I am still getting sick, everyday and all day. It doesn't really bother me anymore, it's just part of my life now. I been getting sick now for 12 straight weeks, everyday, so it's just routine. It gives me some reassurance. As long as I keep getting sick everyday then I know the baby is still there and still growing. I think this baby is going to be a picky eater, because, well it already is.
• Weight- I'm still losing weight, last week I had gained a pound, but then this week I lost 3.5. So I'm still down from where I started, which is good. I know the doctor doesn't really want me gaining a lot while pregnant. I think we're shooting for around 15-20 pounds. So far so good, and we're almost half way there, but I know most of the weight gain during pregnancy happens during the 2nd and 3rd trimester. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
• Pee-Pee-This baby apparently likes its space and does not like it when my stomach, bowels, or bladder are full. It wants all the space in there to its self. As of the last few weeks the nighttime pees are getting worse, I am now getting up almost every hour to pee. It's not like a full pee either, it's just a little tinkle, so annoying. I think all this nighttime pee is making me tired, so I've actually been going to bed before midnight, which Cole loves. Speaking of sleep, I've officially taken over the bed and can no longer share. So Cole now sleeps on the couch, if he can get there before Lily.
• Belly Growth- I feel like my belly is growing everyday, and when I look at pictures I can tell it is, but until yesterday no one had commented on it. This made me think that maybe it's just in my head and that I must still just look fat, not pregnant. Well, last night we went out with some of our friends and their parents to watch the Bruins game. One of the mom's, who we hadn't see in a few weeks, commented on how big my stomach was getting, I bet she had no idea, but that totally made my night! Now, I can't wait for a complete stranger to comment on it, then I'll feel good.
• Kicking- I'm still feeling the baby kick here and there, some days it's very active and other days I feel nothing. If we drive down a bumpy road, especially the road near the South Shore Hospital, the baby goes crazy. I think the baby is either going to love roller coasters or hate them. I can't tell if the baby moves around out of anger, like "how dare you wake me with the all this bouncing!" or it moves out of excitement, like "wow, this is fun, let's do it again!"

Just some added random pictures from the last week:

This is me on the deck before we went out last night. I think I see a baby belly. I think my belly's getting rounder and my butt flatter. Lily loves to hang her paws off the porch, I have no idea why, but it's cute.
Lily snuck outside yesterday when me and Cole weren't looking. This is her, please don't make me come in face. (I didn't)
Jackson carrying his Build-A-Bear around the mall. He would not let us help him carry it, he insisted on doing it himself. What a big boy!

Jackson finishing my shake for me. Jackson with his sunglasses. What a cutie!


Plus an added video. This is Lily sleeping, you can't see anything because it's dark, but just listen.

No wonder I don't sleep.

16 Weeks

Well, here we are, week 16. Where has the time gone? Only 4 more weeks and we'll be at the half way point. I'm getting really antsy and just want to know if it's a boy or a girl. Hopefully we will find out in the next 4 weeks or so.

What's happening with the baby:
"Your baby is now a real teddy bear with downy hair all over! He is really limber and can stick his feet in his mouth. He wriggles his little fingers and sucks on his thumb, because he can already make a little fist. He plays with his umbilical cord and he can swim in his own safe little swimming pool. That warm swimming pool is the amniotic fluid safe inside its amniotic sac in your uterus, which is still hanging slightly loose in your abdomen, attached to four ligaments. During the coming months, he will keep growing until he is around 20 inches (50 cm) and weighs - on average - between 5 1/2 and 11 pounds (2500 and 5000 grams). "

What's happening with me:
Well, there isn't really a whole lot going on with me. I'm still getting sick, but it seems to be getting better. I'm only getting sick 3 times a day- which is wonderful and I will settle for this. I'm starting to gain weight back now, unfortunately. I know it is best for the baby but I still hate to see the numbers on the scale go up, even if it is just a pound or two. I've been getting random bursts of energy and I just want to finish everything for the baby, but we're at a standstill until we know the sex.

Well, I guess that's it for now!

15 Weeks

Another week has come and gone, only 25 weeks left to go. I can't believe how fast the weeks go, but I guess when you measure your life in weeks it's bound to go fast.

Baby Info:
"Your baby's skin is still very thin and his little body is now completely covered in fine downy hair called lanugo. Almost all babies will shed their lanugo near the end of the pregnancy. It will float in the amniotic fluid - he will even naturally swallow some of it! The liver, kidneys, stomach and gall bladder glands are all functioning well. The intestines are filled with meconium, a greenish-black substance that consists of intestinal mucus, intestinal cells, swallowed amniotic fluid and skin oils. The dark colour arises from the release of gall dyes during this period. The fat and sweat glands begin to function.Downy hairs will grow on his head during these weeks. His head is approximately 1/3 of his total body length, measured from the crown of the head to the tail bone. He can bend his spine, neck and head, so that he can lie comfortably or stand straight up if he wants to. Your baby is now approximately as big as an orange. He's continuously practicing all of his movements and his muscles are becoming stronger and stronger. His vocal chords are also ready now, but he can't make a sound yet, because he needs oxygen for that."

Mommy Info:

• Morning Sickness- Well I'm still getting sick, no new news here. Although,I have found that the earlier I get up the worse it is.
• Movements- Well I'm pretty sure that I've been feeling the baby move the last few days, which I am very excited about! I keep getting random little flutters in my uterus, so I'm assuming it's the baby. Also I think the baby hates my belly button. In the morning when I roll over to my right side after laying on my left side all night, the baby has a fit and does something that feels like someone is stabbing a knife into my belly button. Apparently she does not like being woken up, so she takes it out on my belly button. Man, I hope the baby isn't always a bear about being woken up. Sorry Cass, but I hope it is nothing like you in that department!
• Belly- Well I feel like I'm finally starting to look a little pregnant. It was like I went to bed Friday night just looking bloated and woke up Saturday morning with a baby belly. I was shocked, Saturday I got dressed for my cousin's baby shower and then looked in the mirror and couldn't believe it, I actually look pregnant. I was so shocked I ran out to Cole and was like "Look! I look pregnant" Cole was like "Um..you are pregnant!"
• Boobs- Ok, so I know that my boobs have gotten bigger and are changing every day, but apparently they look like I have a baby in them. Yesterday Jackson and I argued for about 10 minutes about where my baby was. He insisted the baby is in my boobies, but I kept telling him no it's in my belly. He knows he's mommy's baby is in her belly, but apparently my baby is in my boobs.
• Saltine Thief- There is a saltine thief in my house! Every night before bed I put a stack of Saltines on my night stand, so that if I wake up nauseous in the middle of the night I can have a saltine and go back to bed. Well, the last few morning when I get up to pee, Lily is sound asleep next to me. I go to the bathroom and I hear her eating my Saltines, by the time I come back to bed she is in the same spot I left her sound asleep, but my saltines are missing. She thinks she has tricked me, but I know it's her! But then again, I guess she wins because every night I put them there and every morning she eats them.

14 Weeks and Updates

Welcome to the 2nd trimester! We've finally made it, 1 trimester down, 2 more to go.

What's happening with the baby this week:
"At this time, your baby's face is becoming more developed. The cheeks and bridge of it's nose appear and the ears move from the sides of it's neck to much higher on his head. The eyes continue to come closer together. A big development from this week onward is the development of lanugo. Lanugo are the fine hairs that grow over almost all of your baby. The hairs grow in whirled patterns that follow the grain of his skin. These patterns later give way to your baby's fingerprints. The lanugo will be shed before birth and replaced by thicker, coarser hairs. Your baby's thyroid gland has matured and starts to produce hormones. If your baby is a boy, the prostate will appear and the ovaries descend from the abdomen into the pelvis in baby girls. The embryo's soft cartilage is now being replaced with real chalk bones. Your baby has eyebrows, but no eyelashes. Fine, light hair also begins to grow. "

Updates on Miss Lily:
Lily has recently started staring at my belly. I don't know if she's trying to stare the baby down, being like "this is my house, not yours" or if she's like "what the hell is going on in there?"

Here are some added cute pictures of Lily snuggling with her Dad's leg

Busy Weekend:
Also we had a busy weekend, we had Siobhan's wedding shower Saturday and Andy's Confirmation on Sunday. Well, I guess the baby does not like parties at all, because I was the sickest I've been by far this weekend. I couldn't keep a damn thing down. But all and all the weekend was fun and we enjoyed spending time with family.

13 weeks and 2nd glance

Last Thursday we got to see little baby Gryler again, and it was amazing! I can't believe how much he/she has grown! Last time we saw Gryler it was the size of a raspberry and now it's the size of a peach! Gryler's like a little jumping bean now to, he/she was bouncing all over the place while they were doing the examine. My poor uterus, Gryler thinks it's a trampoline. Also Gryler is very amused with his/her hands, it kept playing with them and putting them on it's face, it was adorable! It looks as though baby Gryler may in fact have a large Polish nose based on this picture!

We'll we've finally made it to 13 weeks, our last week in the first trimester..Yeah! I can't believe we are a 1/3 of the way there.

What's happening with the baby this week:

• If you could peek in again you may spot your baby as he begins to practice inhaling and exhaling movements
• Eyes and ears continue to move and develop
• Baby's neck is getting longer, and the chin no longer is resting on his chest
• Her hands are becoming more functional - Your baby may find it comforting to start playing with her fist.
• At this point all nourishment is received from the placenta

What's happening with me:

Well I'm still getting sick all the time, but now it seems to be developing a pattern. I get sick every time I wake up, if I wake up at 5 am, I get sick. If I go back to bed and wake up at 8am, I get sick. It doesn't matter how many time I go to sleep and wake up I'm going to throw up every time. Also I now get sick every night, it's not often that dinner stays down. Well with all the puking I've lost another 2.5 pounds this week, with a total of 8 pounds lost in 2 weeks. Well, I guess that's it for now!

12 Weeks

Well another week has come and gone! We are finally almost done with the first trimester, only a few more weeks. We go back for another ultra sound Thursday, so I'm sure I'll be blogging later in the week about that. As for the countdown, we are finally in the 100's and out of the 200's, only 196 more days until our due date, yeah!



What's happening with the baby this week:

• Vocal cords begin to form


• Those precious eyes begin to move closer together


• Ears shift to their normal place on the side of the head


• Intestines move farther in to your child's body


• His or her liver begins to function - Responsible for cleansing the blood, storing nutrients, and providing needed chemicals, this is an important event!


• The pancreas begins to produce insulin

What's happening with me this week:

Well, every book and website says my morning sickness should go away this week, but so far this week is the worst it's ever been. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed though. The Zofran did work well for me, but unfortunately my insurance will only give me 12 pills a month. Well when you are suppose to take 2 pills every day, 12 pills don't last a long time. Stupid insurance company, how do 12 pills equal a month supply? Do they know how many days are in your average month? Can they simply not add? Well, regardless I had a good week, vomit wise last week, but this week with no Zofran , it's back to Barf City! Warning, I'm now going to be talking about my bowels again! On a positive note, I think it was the Zofran that was making me constipated, because without it now for a few days, I am no longer having constipation problems. Unfortunately for me, I am now on the other end of the spectrum and have diarrhea. I just can't win, no happy medium for me or my bowels. I am down 5.7 pounds since last week,and I officially weigh less now then I did before I got pregnant. Who would have thought that pregnancy would be the one diet that worked for me?

Well I guess that's all for now, I will post after the doctor's Thursday, hopefully with some new pictures of baby Gryler!

11 Weeks

Well another week has come and gone. We are now at 11 weeks, I can't believe we're in the double digits. Time is flying, yet standing still at the same time. It's finally all starting to feel real. Our baby is now the size of a lime, she's getting so big!

What's happening with the baby this week:
"The growth of your baby is phenomenal now and your baby's length will double in the next three weeks. The head is grossly out of proportion and is almost half of the baby's length. This is the last week of the embryonic period. From now on, your baby will be called a fetus. Your baby's fingernails appear this week! External genitalia are beginning to show distinguishing features and the development of male or female will be complete in three weeks. The placenta's blood vessels increase to provide your baby with the nutrients and oxygen she needs for continued growth. Your baby's ears are gradually moving from the neck towards the sides of her head. Inside of your baby's abdomen, the intestines are developing. Because the intestines are so large, some of them project into the umbilical cord and they will return to the abdomen within the next week or two. Your baby is now able to swallow. The urinary system functions. The baby swallows and urinates the amniotic fluid and the fluid is continually replaced. All vital organs are formed and, for the most part, function normally. As a preparation for breastfeeding, your baby now has learned to swallow. Babies swallow amniotic fluid in the uterus.Your lil' fetus will be gaining a substantial amount of weight this week. What's more, your little scientist is already starting to explore their body, focusing most intently on touching their head, and especially their face and mouth. Their mouth in particular will provide them with hours of entertainment. This happens not only because your baby is gaining coordination, and is therefore able to move a hand on command, but also because their palms have gained sensation and can actually “feel” what it touches. And lastly, your baby's smelling and other olfactory senses will begin developing this week, which when combined with the maturing taste buds, will provide your baby with their first experiences of taste and smell."

What's happening with me this week:

I'm finally starting to feel a little better, I think the medication is helping. I've been so tired lately and don't ever want to do anything, so I'm just trying to sleep as much as possible. I'm finally able to notice changes in my belly. My regular pants no longer button, but I bought a Bella Band, and it's amazing! I'm hoping I can put off or avoid buying maternity pants, we'll see. My new aliment this week is constipation, and it sucks! Who would have thought it was only a year ago that I was having chronic diarrhea, and now here I am begging to be able to poop, what a crazy world it is! I can no longer eat at night, because the food isn't going anywhere, since I'm not pooping, by night time if I eat it has to instantly come back up because there is no room for it to move. I think I now know what it must be like after gastric bypass surgery. You want to eat, your body tells you you're hungry, but you eat and your stomach tells your brain that everything must come back out because there's no room. I wish the baby, my bowels, and my stomach would all communicate. The baby tells me to eat, my stomach tells me not to eat, my intestines tell me the food is never leaving. Okay, enough talk about my bowels and there lack of movement, for now.

10 Weeks

We are officially 10 weeks now, I can't believe how fast time is going by. We are already 25% done with the pregnancy...that's so crazy!

What's happening with the baby this week:
"This week is somewhat of a landmark for your developing baby. By now, your baby's complete body plan is laid down. Your baby will continue to develop and grow for the remainder of the pregnancy. The fingers and toes have separated and the tail has disappeared now. Your baby has taste and tooth buds at this point, which will continue to develop. The brain will continue to grow at an amazing rate and nearly a quarter of a million new neurons are produced every minute! The embryonic heart is completely developed. External genitalia are not apparent until next week, but a male's testes will already be producing testosterone. "

What's happening with me this week:
Well I still have crazy baby sickness, not morning sickness, because it last all day, just plain I'm having a baby sickness. I am hoping my doctor will put me on a new medication, if I can get her to ever call me back! I have started taking Flintstone vitamins now, because I can not keep regular Prenatals down. Yes, I am so old that I am having a baby, yet I am taking the same vitamins as my 2 year old nephew. I also am starting to feel so bloated and fat. I'm in that awkward is she fat or pregnant stage. Here's a picture of the lovely baby bloat! Please note Lily's butt in the picture, because we take so many pictures of her, she now associates the camera with her, so she always tries to be in the shot.

Flashing Back to the Doctors Appointment

Even though it may be old news by now, the doctors appointment was amazing. It was absolutely incredible seeing our baby. I thought I was gonna dump all over the place while watching the doctors face as she tried to get a view on the screen for the ultrasound. I was just a little paranoid, but all is well, which is awesome. The other shocking thing about the appointment was "my first vaginal examination." Although I do not have a vagina and really could not even see anything, I still felt violated. My lovely wife was sitting spread eagle and the doctor/CIA torture specialist started coming over with the tools found in "SAW." After the doctor brought in the car jack to open her up she mentioned "scraping," "some bleeding is normal," and something about "putting the lotion in the basket," thats when I temporarily blacked out a little. It was quite traumatic, but I think Kristen handled it well (like everything else involving her pregnancy) so that is the important part. She's still being a trooper with the morning sickness, but I'm know it'll turn around soon. So Gryler if you're reading this in like 12 years, I love you and am so grateful to have you. Muah!

Week 9

Wow, we've already made it another week. I feel like these weeks are just flying by. I can't believe we are now entering our 3rd month of pregnancy. Already the changes to my body are mind blowing. I now have the completion of a 14 year old boy, I have the greasest hair, my nails now grow at rapid rates, my boobs, forget them, they will never look the same, and talk about emotional! I watched the Acemedy Awards the other night and cried at every acceptance speech, and I didn't even know who half the people were-crazy! My morning sickness is still here, it never gets better, but I'm hoping someday soon it will!

Ok here's what's happening with the baby this week:

1. Although the baby is still very small, it is beginning to look more like a human being. The baby's back is straightening out and the tail is shrinking. In proportion to the rest of his body, the head is large and remains curved forwards onto the chest. The head is erect and the neck is developing well.
2. The baby will begin to make tiny movements as the muscles start to develop. You can not feel any of these early movements, but you might be able to see them during an ultrasound.
3. The arms and hands are progressing faster than the legs and feet at this point. By this time of the baby's development, the hands have defined finger ridges and the tissue between them will die off to leave separate fingers.
4. Most joints are formed now
5. Fetus will curve its fingers around an object placed in the palm of its hand. At only nine weeks, if you happen to have an ultrasound, you may observe your infant fascinated by everything he or she can lay their fingers on (mainly other fingers, toes, ears and nose).
6. Fingerprints are already evident in the skin
7. The baby can also make a fist, and he/she may begin sucking his/her thumb.

Baby Gryler's Playlist

Here's the playlist I have for the baby so far:

1. A Mother's Prayer- Celine Dion
   
   
2. Amazing- Janelle
   
   
3. Baby Mine- Alison Krauss
   
   
4. Capri- Colbie Caillat
   
   
5. Godspeed (sweet Dreams)- Dixie Chicks
   
   
6. In My Daughter's Eyes- Martina McBride
   
   
7. Isn't She Lovely- Stevie Wonder
   
   
8. Let Them Be Little - Lonestar
   
   
9. Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)- Billy Joel
   
   
10. My Little Girl- Tim McGraw
    
    
11. My Wish- Rascal Flatts
    
    
12. To Zion- Lauryn Hill
    
    

Let me know if anyone knows any other good songs to add!

First Glance

I know it's a little late, but last Thursday we finally went to the doctor's and saw Baby Gryler. The appointment was pretty routine and so far everything looks good. We go again in 4 weeks. Seeing baby Gryler was amazing! I still can't believe this is real. This is our baby and it's perfect! I already think Baby Gryler is the most beautiful baby. I keep wanting to call the baby a she, so I'll go with that for now. I know it's kind of hard to see the picture, that's because I took a picture of the ultrasound. So this is the best I could get. When looking at the picture the baby's head is to the right and the body to the left. I can't even describe the amount of love I have for this baby already.
I've started making a playlist for the baby on my Ipod. I am in love with the song "Amazing" by Janelle.

I can't leave Miss Lily out when talking about the baby, because well, she is our first baby. Well she recently has started sharing my foot pillow with me. When I sleep I place a pillow under my foot, it just helps make me more comfortable. Well, she now places her foot on top of my foot on the pillow and we share it. We usually spend most of the time kicking each other though. Here's a picture of the nightly occurrence.

8 Weeks

Yeah! 2 months down only 7 more to go. Our baby is now the size of a raspberry. My morning sickness gets worse everyday, but I'm learning how to cope with it. We finally go see the doctor Thursday. I hope we get to see the baby! I can't wait. I'm hoping this will make it feel real.

What is happening this week:

-Cartilage and bones begin to form - At the end of this week the baby will have already completed 1/5th of the journey 'til its birthday!
-The basic structure of the eye is well underway - The position is more "newborn" like already!
-The tongue begins to develop
-Intestines move out of the umbilical cord into the abdomen.
-Body grows and makes room - Two months along and this little one is growing inside and out by leaps and bounds!
-The fingers and toes have appeared but are webbed and short

Hopefully we will have lots to blog about Thursday!

7 Weeks

Well we are finally at 7 weeks, which means we are almost 2 months along, yeah! We finally go to the doctor's next week and we can't wait.

Here's what's happening this week:

This week the baby has an amazing growth spurt. At the beginning of this week, the baby is approximately 4 to 5 mm and by the end of the week it has more than doubled to 11 to 13 mm. The baby's leg and arm buds are longer now and they have divided into segments where the hands and feet will be. The hands and feet also have an area where the fingers and toes will begin to form. At this point the heart is bulging frrom the body and it has divided into right and left chambers. The brain's hemispheres are continuing to grow and the air passages into the lungs are visible. Your baby's eyes are begining to get pigment. The nose is developing and the beginning of the face can be seen. The baby's abdomen is developing quickly and the appendix and pancreas are already present.

As far as what's happening to me, morning sickness is kicking my butt! I am unable to keep anything down. I am a prisioner in my home and can't leave for fear that I will puke everywhere. I'm trying to hang in there, and know that this will all be worth it to have a healthy little baby.

As far as Lily, she is very interested in me and why I spend so much time with my head in the bucket. In fact she often appears to be mocking me by sticking her head into my bucket.

When she's not mocking me, she's stealing my spot constantly. The minute I get up, she hops into my spot. I think she likes all the pillows I use.

6 Weeks

Our appleseed is now the size of a sweet pea. Morning sickness has finally kicked in full force, although I'm misserable it's all worth it.

What's happening this week:
The arms and legs continue to develop
Brain is growing well
Lenses of the eyes appear
Nostrils are formed
Intestines grow - Initially these are actually located outside the baby's body within the umbilical cord.
Pancreas - The baby is now equipped to deal with digestive enzymes and take on processing the insulin and glucagons the body needs to function.

5 Weeks

Our little Appleseed is 5 weeks old today! It is now officially an embryo.

Things that are happening this week:
1- First heartbeats begin
2- Umbilical cord develops
3- Blood is now pumping
4-Starting to form major organs (heart, kidney, liver, stomach) and systems (nervous, circulatory, digestive).
5-Arm and leg buds appear

Yea! Grow little Appleseed, grow!