39 weeks and 4 days

I had my weekly appt this morning. I am still only 1 cm dilated and my cervix is still pretty thick, which means it doesn't look like I am going to have a 2008 baby. No 2008 tax break for us....remember I am an accountant. At this point, I am scheduled to see the doctor next Wednesday, if I have not had her yet. They will then do an ultrasound and schedule an induction. Dr. Bane said that they will not let me go more than 1 week after my due date, which is this Saturday. So we know one thing for sure.....I will have Hailey by next Saturday, January 10th.

Today was my last day of work. I took off on Friday and I start maternity leave on Monday.

5 days until my due date

At this point, we are 5 days away from my due date. I just wanted to post an update...I have had no contractions or anything. I do feel lots of pressure and of course I am not sleeping (it is 4:50 right now and I have been up since 3 am).

Actually, right now I have a terrible cold and sore throat so I am kind of glad that I am not going into labor yet. I can't imagine going into labor feeling like this. Hopefully, I can kick this cold before baby Hailey (Hail-ee) comes.

9 days and counting

Hello Everyone!

Merry Christmas. Well I had my weekly appt yesterday morning at 8am. The nurse did the normal....weighed me & had me pee in a cup. I always seem to have a little sugar in my urine but yesterday she took my urine to the lab in the office. (Sorry if this is too much information.) She said I had alot of stuff in there....whatever that means. I told her that my parents had just gotten in from New York about 6:30am and brought cookies from the bakery, rainbow cookies, which are my favorite and that I had 3 of them this morning. I guess things weren't bad because they didn't say anymore about it.

So then I went into the room with the other nurse who listened to Hailey's (Hail-ee) heartbeat. It was about 150, which is high for her but normal. Again, the 3 rainbow cookies I had a few hours prior and the small cup of regular coffee I had probably contributed. Dr. Stevenson came in to see me and said that everything looked good. He informed me that they won't check to see how many centimeters that I am because it really doesn't change anything at this point. He informed me that years ago, research showed that the more a patient was checked the more susceptible they were to infections and their water breaking before they were ready.

While I was there, I asked him how long they would let me go past my due date. He told me that if I am 4 or 5 days past my due date that they will start talking about inducing me around day 7. That was good to know that they are not going to let me go 2 weeks past my due date...I can't imagine lasting 23 more days.....Whewwww!!! It's not that I am having a very hard time but I am not sleeping. Right now it is 3:20am and I am wide awake sitting on the couch with the computer in hand and watching Law and Order......as Mollie sleeps on the couch next to me.

Pictures of Hailey's (Hail-ee) room

Well I thought since we only have two weeks to go I would posts some pictures of Hailey's room. We only have a few more things to do before it is finished. For those of you who haven't seen me in a while, I am posting one picture of my HUGE belly.

37 weeks and 5 days

Well today I had my weekly check up, I am 37 weeks and 5 days. They listened to her heart beat and everything looked great. Dr. Avery checked and said that I was maybe 1 cm. At this point, I just hope that I don't go late. For the most part, I am feeling good. I can say that I am not sleeping at all. Paul, Mollie and I start in the bed and once I start to get up every hour or more, Mollie and I go lay on the couch....I think we need a bigger couch.

Her room is finished for the most part, we just have a few more things to hang on the wall. I have taken the pictures of her room, so I will post them to the blog this weekend.

Update

I have been really slack on updating the blog when I go to the doctor lately...partly because I have been tired and busy but mainly because my lap top has been at "the doctor" and I am lazy to go upstairs and use the desktop. I know, I know!!

At this point, I am 37 weeks....3 weeks to go. I had my weekly check up today and the doctor said that she is head down and everything looks good. Thank goodness!!! When the nurse tried to get the heart beat, she would not seem to "sit" still but they finally got it. It was about 140. I have another appt on Thursday, December 18th and then Christmas Eve morning. Let's hope she comes by the end of the month....tax break!!!!!! Remember I am an accountant.

On a side note:
Things should be a little bit easier since tonight I graduated. Yes, no more school. I finally have my Masters, just enough time to welcome our little girl into this world.

Stay tuned.....

North Carolina shower

On November 1st, my closet friends and family members threw me a wonderful shower. The shower was at my sister-in-laws house. There were lots of wonderful people there, even my mom and my sister flew down from New York. The girls did an amazing job with the games and food. Karen hosted the games and she was hilarious. She was like a game show host, I couldn't stop laughing. They really worked hard to ensure that I had a great shower. We received tons and tons of wonderful gifts.

Pictures from the wonderful event will be posted soon!

Work shower

On October 24th, I had to go to our Morrisville, NC office for AED training. While I was there, the wonderful people that I work with gave me a SURPRISE shower. Oh how I hate surprises, but it was so nice of them to share in our excitement of the anticipation of our new little girl. We had cake and ice cream and celebrated the upcoming arrival of our new little girl. We received some wonderful gifts but mostly Target gift cards, which will come in handy for buying diapers and formula. My supervisor, Nancy, also made me a diaper cake (see picture below). Here are some pictures from the wonderful event:

Paul's first feeling of the baby

On October 18th, 2008, we went to the East Carolina - Memphis football game. It was a rainy and crummy day but we went tailgating at 8am and then went to the game at noon. We cooked breakfast sandwiches and hung out getting ready for the PIRATE game. We were at the game and the pirates were losing by a touch down, if I recall correctly. Paul and I made the decision that if Memphis scored again we were going to leave and watch the game at home.....since it was cold and rainy. The Pirates came back and scored, I was up cheering and I guess our little girl was cheering too because she started moving. I had Paul put his hand on my stomach and he finally had the opportunity to feel her kick. It was so wonderful that he could finally experience the joy that I had been feeling.

First feeling of baby Mickey

I have been feeling our baby girl move for some time now. Everytime I feel her move, I run to get Paul so that he can feel her and then she stops. Paul says that she is disobeying him already....

While I was in New York, I was out to dinner with very good friends of ours, Danielle and Rick. I felt her move and grabbed Danielle's hand, placed it on my belly and of course she stopped. Well it happened again, so I grabbed Danielle's hand again and she felt her move. Danielle was the first person other than me to feel the baby move.

New York baby shower

On October 11th 2008, my mom threw us a baby shower in New York. It was at Villa Monaco, the same place we had our wedding rehearsal dinner. We had about 25 of our family and friends there to celebrate our new baby girl, which is scheduled to arrive on Jan. 3rd, 2009. It was so nice to be able to see everyone although I wish that I was able to spend more time with everyone. It's hard since I don't live in New York anymore, so my time there is spread extremely thin.

I must say it was overwhelming sitting there having everyone staring at you as you open all the gifts. Contrary to what people would think, I hate being the center of attention. In the end, it was wonderful and baby Mickey received tons and tons of wonderful gifts.

Here are some pictures from the wonderful event:

the table setting

Danielle and I

my sister and I

me opening some of the wonderful gifts we received

my mom and I before I cut the cake

New Picture

On another note, we were at a party this weekend where these pictures were taken. I thought that I would share them because it shows how much my belly (and Paul's) is growing.

Glucose Test 2

Well today was a very long day. I left the house at 7:15 and arrived at the doctors office at 7:35, waiting for them to open the doors. The doors opened at 7:45, I checked in, sat down and waiting for them to call me. A few minutes later, I was called and the nurse took my first tube of blood. I was then showed the lobby that I would be sitting in for the next 3 1/2 hours. I looked at those uncomfortable lobby chairs and dreaded the next few hours but I had no choice. I sat down and about 30 minutes later, they called me to drink that wonderful tasting drink (kidding) again. I was then sent to the lobby again. The nurse then took a tube of blood at 9:35, 10:35 and 11:35. I was sitting in the lobby starving and starting to get a headache, not sure if it was from the sugar or not eating. As soon as the test was over, I stopped to get something to eat.

I called the doctors office about 3:30 or so to find out the wonderful news, I passed. I do not have gestational diabetes. It has been a long 24 hours.....6 tubes of blood taken out of my left arm, 2 not so great drinks, and stress that I may have gestational diabetes. In the end, I was so glad to know that I do not have gestational diabetes.

Glucose test

Well today was the day I had to get my glucose tested for gestational diabetes. I went to the doctors office at 8 am. I was anxiously awaiting the drink that they give you.....I have heard that it is horrible. I guess I was expecting the worst but it was not awful, it was not great but not the worst thing ever. After I drank the drink I had to wait an hour before they drew blood to test for gestational diabetes. While I was waiting I saw the doctor, she listened to our little girls heart beat, which was 140. When the hour was up they drew my blood and then I was done. They said they would call sometime today to let me know the results of the test. I scheduled my next appt for Oct. 28th.

The doctor's office called me at 11am to tell me that I had failed the test. The max level is 130 and my glucose level was at 149. So, I have to go back to the doctors office tomorrow for a 4 hour test. I have to drink the same drink again but this time, they will draw my blood 4 times. If I fail the test tomorrow, they will treat me for gestational diabetes.

Stay tuned to see how the test tomorrow goes.

26 weeks

I was reading my weekly baby update...week 26 and found this very interesting. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. The picture below illustrates about how big she is:




Back to the doctor next Wednesday....stay tuned.

24 1/2 week appt

I had my 24 1/2 week appt on Monday. Not much went on...... got weighed, the nurse took the babies heart beat which was in the 130's and then went to the 140's when she started moving. Then the doctor came in and measured my belly, she said that I was measuring 24 weeks so I was right on schedule.

For the most part, I have been feeling pretty good. I hope that the next 15 1/2 are the same way. My next appt is Oct. 8th. After that I will start seeing the doctor every two weeks.

Pictures

After many requests, here are some pictures of me and my belly. Not the most flattering look because it was HOT out but you can at least see my belly. The first is of just me and my belly. The second picture is of my dad and I belly to belly....the sad thing is that I have a baby in mine.

21 1/2 weeks

Well today was the first day I felt the baby move. I was at work sitting in interviews when I felt a little movement, I put my hand on my belly and felt it a little more. It was so amazing to know that there was a little girl growing inside of me. The last 21 1/2 weeks have flown by and to think that there is only 18 1/2 weeks to go.

Friday we picked up the baby furniture that mom and dad Mcdonald bought for us. The bedding should be arriving on Thursady. (Thanks again mom and dad Mcdonald). Mom and dad Mickey bought us the rocker for the nursery. (see picture below).

Looks like we have all the nursery furniture we need....thanks to the baby girls wonderful grandparents.

20 1/2 week appt

Today was my 20 1/2 week appt. and everything went great. I finally saw Dr. Gay, who is my regular OBGYN. The baby girls heart beat was 144. Still no kicks or flutters from her, but I am waiting for it any day now. I only have to see one more doctor in the practice to have madw my rounds with all the physicians. Yeah!! My next appt is September 15th.

I can't believe how fast things are going. I only have 19 1/2 week to go, which means Christmas is in 18 1/2 weeks. I know that many of you did not want to hear that but it's true.

Half way point!

Friday we were at 20 weeks....half way. I can't believe it has went so fast. For the most part, I have been feeling pretty good. Tomorrow, I have my next appt with Dr. Gay, who is my regular OBGYN. This is the first time that I will have the opportunity to see him since we got pregnant.

We also ordered the crib and the combo (dresser/changing table) on Friday (see pictures below). My parents were extremely generous and bought us the furniture. Thank you.....we love you mom and dad. We will be ordering the bedding today (also see picture below).

As some know our house is for sale so we will not be starting to decorate the nursery just yet. I know, some of you are thinking that I am crazy....pregnant, my last semester of grad school, our house for sale and dealing with a crazy husband (LOL) but I promise I won't go crazy. So anyway, we are going to wait a little while to decorate in case we have to move before our little girl is born.

We will update everyone after the appt tomorrow....

Shopping!

Well shopping for furniture and bedding is not as easy as I thought it was going to be....well atleast bedding was not. We knew that we wanted dark furniture for the room and it was not difficult to find a set that we liked. Below is a picture of the furniture. We are getting the crib and the combo (dresser/changer).

We were looking for modern bedding that had pink in the color scheme. I guess we really knew what we wanted, no too pink or too many flowers, or animals and that is just to name a few of what we did not want.....I guess I should say we knew what we did not want. We found a set at Babies R Us that we liked but when we went to the store it was on clearance, which meant there were no accessories to go along with it. There went that set. So I looked and looked and looked online and finally found the bedding below. Paul and I love it. We are not going to do the whole room in that pattern, such as the drapes but we love the bedding.

It's a GIRL!!!

Today was the big day. We had an appt to see Dr. Avery at 2pm. Paul and I saw the sonogramist before Dr. Avery. She took lots of sonogram pictures. She showed us the heart, the bladder, the little legs and more wonderful body parts. With that she showed us three little white lines, which means that we are having a GIRL!!

One of the pictures shows baby girl with her mouth open. We saw her little legs kicking around a bit. The heat beat was 138.

13 week appt

On Friday, June 30th I went for my 13 week appt. I saw Dr. Stevenson. At this point point, I am making my rounds between all the doctors in the practice, I believe there are 6. This way, I have met all the doctors since I will have no idea which one will be on call when I go into labor.

Paul and I listened as the nurse placed the machine on my belly to hear the heart beat. The heart beat was 158. Even though I thought it might be a stupid question, I asked if that was a normal heart beat for a baby at 13 weeks. The answer was yes. I am sure that they hear all kinds of crazy questions, especially with first time moms.

The doctor said that everything looks great. To date, I have gained 9 pounds. We scheduled our next appt for Friday, July 25th with Dr. Avery. That is the BIG day, we can find out the sex of the baby. YEAH!!! Anyone have any ideas of what we will be having???? A Boy or a Girl.

1st sonogram - 10 weeks 2 days

Today was our first sonogram. The nurse came in and placed the warm jelly type substance on my belly and then ran the "wand" on my stomach. As she did that, you saw baby Mickey. It was an amazing site. Just when I didn't think the day could be more amazing we saw the little heart beat up and down. Paul was looking at the screen and asked the lady if she could tell him the sex yet. I think it is going to be a long 8 weeks for him, as he waits to see if we are having a baby boy or a baby girl.

Announcements to our Family

At this point, our immediate family knows, we called them before we went to the doctor. We just could not wait to tell them. Paul and I decided that we wanted to tell the rest our family in a special way. I created this special announcement to send to our family.

1st Doctors Appt!

Today was my first appt with the doctor....everything went fine. They said that I was about 6 1/2 weeks with a due date of January 3rd 2009. Maybe it will be a New Year's baby!!!! My next appt is set for June 18th. I will know much more at the next appt.

The News!

The day was Monday, April 28th and I was studying for my economics exam that was Tuesday morning at 8am. I had been feeling funny for a few days, no sickness or anything, just different. My eating for that week had been all over the place and I had been really tired all week. I was already late, I was due Thursday, April 24th. So, I decided to take a pregnancy test. I don't really know what I was thinking, remember it was the night before my final exam.


So I went to the bathroom and took the test....waiting as the bars showed one (not pregnant) or two (pregnant). With in a few seconds, it showed two lines. I could not believe it, my heart started racing. Paul was working in the garage and with disbelief I opened the door and said,"I'm pregnant". I know that was a really sweet and cute way to tell him. LOL I don't think he really believed that home pregnancy tests were 100% accurate. I had to tell him that when they said pregnant they meant pregnant. I guess I wanted to take another test to make sure before we called the doctor. So, instead of studying for my exam we went to the drugstore and purchased another pack of home pregnancy tests. I went home and took another one, it showed two lines (pregnant). We were excited, scared, nervous and probably every other emotion that you could think of. Still in disbelief, I knew I had to study and get some sleep before my exam.





I got up the next morning and decided to take a third pregnancy test before I called the doctor.....it showed two lines too (pregnant). I woke up and called the doctor. I told the nurse that I had found out that I was pregnant and that I was wondering if I could see the doctor in the next day or so. The receptionist took down my name and said that she would have the nurse call me back. A few minutes later my phone rang, the nurse stated, "The receptionist said you wanted to see the doctor today. Is everything ok?" I responded, "Yes, I just found out that I was pregnant." The nurse then responded, "We like to wait until you are atleast 6 weeks. I will have the receptionist call you back to make an appt." Did I feel dumb!!!! So, the receptionist called, asked when my last period was and then made my appt for Tuesday, May 13th. I then went to take my economics final exam. If you only imagine, my mind was in a whole other place. I think that I finished my final in record time, 20 minutes.

Welcome to Mickey Moments

Welcome to our blogspot. We thought that it would be nice to have a blogspot for friends and family to keep up with our lives in North Carolina. There will be lots to share over the coming months!!!

We tried to come up with a name for our blog and decided that "Mickey Moments" would be appropriate since we will be posting many of the moments that will occur in our lives.

Please enjoy our blog. We hope to update as frequently as possible.