Look what came yesterday!!!

Helping dad set up the crib! 

Finished product! 

28 Weeks = 7 Months

How far along? 28 Weeks = 7 months!

Sleep: I’m starting to have a hard time getting out of bed!

Best moment this week: Got to see Parker on Friday May 9^th! Another great moment this week is no more Placenta Previa!!! Woo hoo.   

Food cravings this week: Ice cream and sherbert. (Not together)

Belly button in or out? My belly button is still “In” but it definitely doesn’t look the same anymore.

Miss anything? Cutting grass! It’s weird that I miss this since we have to do it so often, but I do enjoy getting on the mower and cutting grass for a few hours.   

Gender: BOY!!! Parker Torosian

 Symptoms: Lots of movement!!

This week baby is the size of a: large Eggplant

Baby’s development this week: This week he is able to open and close his eyes for blinking.  He should measure to about 14.8 inches and weighs 2lbs 1/4oz.

New baby items (purchased or received):  Ordered the crib! Can’t wait to get it set up once it arrives!  I received a call this morning and the crib is in!! YAY Now to track down a carpenter who can help get it set up! Anyone know where I can find one?! J   

Feeling (Happy, Moody, other):  Getting really anxious!

Looking forward to: Getting the crib set up!

Other Things Going On:  What an eventful week this past week!! On May 9th CJ and I went in for my follow up ultrasound, where we received great news! My Placenta Previa has moved upwards no longer putting me at high risk for bed rest! The ultrasound person did a full scan of baby and everything is looking good and he is expected to weigh about 2lb 4oz. YAY! I also requested for one of those 4D ultrasounds, which will allow you to see actual facial and body parts. From looking at the picture, I think baby may have CJ’s mouth, the rest of the features are too hard to tell whose parts he has! He’s pretty snug in my belly, so when you see the picture that I posted, you will see half of his face, plus his left arm, and a foot up near his face. At one point he had both feet up by his face and was even sucking on a toe…I do not have a picture of that pose.

Saturday, May 10^th, CJ and I attended an all day baby class. We learned the sings of labor, ways to cope with making labor more comfortable by being in different positions (laying on the side, rocking on an exercise ball, walking, etc), what to expect during the labor process, delivery, postpartum, and newborn care. The class was pretty helpful to both of us as there were things that we both did not know. I personally am a little scared of the labor and delivery process because I do not know what to expect. I learned that just because your water breaks, it does not mean you are in labor & you need to rush to the hospital. I also did not know that just because you are 10 CM dilated and are pushing, it does not mean that baby will be here in a couple of pushes, but could take up to a couple hours! I guess ‘in the movies’ they make it seem like once your water breaks, you are going to have a baby, and a couple of pushes they are here! By the end of the class I now feel a bit more prepared for any medical decisions CJ and I need to make once we get closer to Parker’s arrival.  

CJ and I also now have a new permanent resident in our house. Her name is Sasha and she is 1 year old, very sweet, loves to play with Lacey, and likes to snuggle. Yes, we now have a new furbaby in our house. Zach and Kaylee (CJ’s brother and sister in law) were blessed with Cooper’s arrival in late February this year, but it turns out they believe that Cooper may be allergic to Sasha. Since Grandma and Grandpa Torosian were in California visiting Cooper, they were easily able to bring Sasha back to WI with them. It’s been a bit of an adjustment having another dog in the home and learning each other’s routine, but each day seems to be getting a little easier. I have never had a little dog before so I am learning how to care for a dog that is 3x smaller than Lacey and have to be more conscious about where I’m stepping so I don’t accidentally step on her. Lucky for us Lacey has been a pretty good teacher so far in helping out  with the daily routines such as when to eat, when to go in the kennel, and when to go outside. Sasha was pretty skiddish of Lacey at first, but each day they both seem to get a bit more playful with each other. Lacey is all tuckered out from playing! 

 

This past Sunday I celebrated my first ‘semi official’ Mother’s Day this year. Other years I have just been a fur baby mom to Lacey! For Mother’s Day, CJ made me a wine rack made out of a wooden pallet to hang in our kitchen. I’ve been asking him to make one for me for quite a while. I’m excited that I finally got one even though I will not be enjoying any wine for a couple months yet.  Mine is a bit bigger, but I posted the “Pinterest” version as an example, plus mine has not been hung yet! 

27 Weeks + 3rd Trimester!

How far along? 27 Weeks = 3^rd Trimester. 13 weeks to go!

Maternity clothes: You betcha

Sleep: Better than last weeks post! I’m starting to have a hard time getting out of bed! Having a  temperpedic bed does not help as the mattress molds to my body making it really hard to get out of bed. I’m sure it’s going to get much worse as the belly gets bigger!

Best moment this week: Went wedding dress shopping with Mandee (best friend) for her wedding next June! She sure looked pretty!  

Food cravings this week: None really

Belly button in or out? My belly button is still “In” but it definitely doesn’t look the same anymore.

Miss anything? Volleyball, since it starts this week.

Gender: BOY!!! Parker Torosian

 Symptoms: Lots of movement!!

This week baby is the size of a: head of cauliflower

Baby’s development this week: He should be sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing his eyes and may even be sucking on his fingers (which he better enjoy that now because he won’t be sucking on his fingers once he arrives!) He should measure to about 14 ½ inches and about 2lbs.

New baby items (purchased or received):  Basket full of misc. clothes and bibs that Grandma Torosian got from someone.   

Feeling (Happy, Moody, other):  Getting really anxious! I am also starting to get really nervous about the labor and delivery process. It seems very scary.

Looking forward to: May 9^th!  

Other Things Going On:  The nursery room is all painted (light tan) and there are now a couple of things hung on the wall, thanks to my handy carpenter! So far we have hung my bow (which is a Parker brand of course) and a craft that I made. See pictures below of the messy but painted room and the craft (sorry for the glare)!  The craft is hung on the wall next to the mirrors and the window on the right. We have the bow hanging above the mirrors, but I do not have a picture of that yet. 

26 Weeks

How far along? 26 weeks. If I counted right….I should have 93 days to go! Whoo hoo double digits!

Maternity clothes? You betcha, the belly is finally showing! 

Sleep: Not so good lately. I haven’t slept very ‘sound’ the past couple of nights. I wake up several times in the middle of the night to toss and turn.   

Best moment this week: My mom and sister got to feel Parker move.  I also got to have dinner and catch up with some of my SCJ pals! I am glad to have had the chance to work with such great people and maintained a friendship with them.

Food cravings this week: Brownies

Belly button in or out? Adding this category to the list this week. My belly button is still “IN” but it definitely doesn't look the same anymore as it previously has.

Miss anything? With softball and volleyball leagues starting up for the summer I am very saddened that I have to sit this year out. What a bummer considering these two things are some of my top favorite things to do.

 Symptoms: Lots of movement!! He’s discovered my ribs this past week and will typically push on them several times throughout the day. It kind of tickles right now, but I am sure will get more painful once he gets bigger and stronger. CJ and I have also discovered that if we watch closely, we can see my stomach bulge in the place that I am being kicked. It’s really exciting to know that he is moving around and I love that I can ‘see’ him. On the other hand, I kind of get creeped out when I look at my bare stomach and I see him move. I feel like there is an alien in there! J But I do seem to get more enjoyment out of him moving around than being creeped out.

This week baby is the size of a: scallion (looks like a green onion)

Baby’s development this week: He is starting to inhale and exhale amniotic fluid. He should be able to hear my voice and the people that I talk to. Also, just in case you felt like you were missing this information from your life: his testicles should begin to descend into his scrotum which will take 2-3 months to happen. He should measure to about 14 inches and about 1 2/3 pound – 2lbs.

New baby items (purchased or received):  Lots of goodies this week! He received a ‘turtle onesie’ from Auntie Mandee (the turtle is an inside joke because Mandee drives like a turtle when backing up in our driveway), a hand me down crib mattress from another friend. Also from my wonderful SCJ friends they bought: a bumbo seat & tray (it is a foam seat that he will be able to sit in once he can sit up), 2 outfits w/ an elephant on it, 1 elephant sleeper, and a matching elephant receiving blanket. 

Feeling (Happy, Moody, other):  Getting really anxious! I am also starting to get really nervous about the labor and delivery process. It seems very scary.

Looking forward to: May 9^th!  

Other Things Going On:  What’s on May 9^th? Back at our anatomy scan on March 14^th,  CJ and I were informed that I have ‘Placenta Previa’ which means that my placenta is laying very low and is covering my cervix. Having this condition puts me at a greater risk for bleeding throughout the pregnancy and may lead to me having a C-section to avoid hemorrhaging during a regular birth. If I start to bleed any time throughout the pregnancy, I will most likely be put on bed rest as there is really no way to control the condition besides resting.

There are 3 different forms of this Previa. There is one that is called ‘marginal’ which is where the placenta is next to the cervix but not covering it.  Then there is the ‘partial’ which semi covers the cervix, and then there is the ‘complete’ Previa which fully covers the cervix. I of course have the ‘complete’ Previa which puts me at a high risk for bleeding at some point during the pregnancy. I was told that I do not need to change any of my daily activities for the time being but if I start bleeding I need to be examined immediately. The only restriction I have is no sex. (Sorry for the TMI!)

The doctor expects that I have an 80% chance of the Previa moving upwards on its own since it is my first pregnancy, but if it has not moved by May 9^th then she will recommend that I have a C section closer to the due date for both mine and Parker’s health. I went in for my monthly check up on Wednesday, and she was really amazed that I have not yet had any bleeding yet. I consider that a plus!

I have been pretty worked up and very worried since finding out, but I know there is nothing that I can really do. I try to take things easy and make sure that I get enough rest. I definitely hope that I do not get put on bed rest as I would love to spend my 12 weeks by being with Parker and not just waiting for Parker while sitting in a hospital bed!  

So to recap, the worst case scenario would be that I was put on bed rest and most likely have a c-section. The good news, Parker would probably be here as soon as mid July  vs August! Of course all of this information is still up in the air because we have to see how I’ve progressed, but it is something that I have been very worried about for the past 7 weeks.

Keep your fingers crossed that we receive better news on May 9^th!  On the other hand I’d love for Parker to come in July because then I don’t have to wait until August!

One last update, I had the much dreaded Glucose test on Wednesday at my monthly check up. The Glucose test is where I have to drink that sugary drink and they draw blood 1 hour later to see if I have gestational diabetes. I’ve always heard that this is a dreaded test among pregnant people and the drink you have to drink is horrible. Since I had a horrible picture in my head about this test, I too was a little worried about having this test done, but I personally did not think the drink was too bad. It basically tasted like the juice from a melted Orange “Freeze-Ice Popsicle.” I received the results yesterday and I do NOT have Gestational Diabetes! Yay! 

25 Weeks + 15 Weeks To Go!!!

How far along? 25 weeks, 15 more weeks to go!

Maternity clothes? Yes. Bought a pair of maternity work pants, khaki cargo pants, and a couple tank tops

Sleep: All is good in this area  

Best moment this week: CJ got to feel Parker kick twice this week! 

Food cravings this week: Strawberry pop-tarts

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing new in this category!

Miss anything? I miss not easily getting back pain. I walked a mile and a 1/2 and now I have lots of back pain. :(   

Gender: BOY!!! Parker Torosian

 Symptoms: Lots of movement. Starting to get that pregnancy line on my belly. (Not sure what it is called, but it’s the one that is on the middle of my stomach by my belly button)  

This week baby is the size of a: rutabaga

Baby’s development this week: He is starting to gain some ‘fat’ this week so he is not all skin and bones. He should measure to about 13 inches and about 1 1/2 pound.

New baby items (purchased or received):  None

Feeling (Happy, Moody, other):  Happy

Looking forward to: Finishing painting Parker’s room.

Other Things Going On: I called my insurance company to inquire about finding a pediatrician and asked them to check their system for any providers that are closer to home vs Milwaukee. I mentioned that I looked at a listing that is offered on their website but only saw Milwaukee doctors. I gave her the name of the doctor that I was looking at and to my surprise this doctor is part my network! I chose to go with Rebecca Lescher of the Aurora clinic in Racine on Washington Ave. Dr. Lescher came highly recommended by CJ’s cousin Katie who takes her daughter there. Woo Hoo another huge check off my to do list! 

24 Weeks + Pictures + First Pregnancy Dream!

How far along? 24 weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes. I can no longer button any of my pants. Everyday I go to work with my pants unbuttoned haha! No one knows as I always have a shirt that covers the button. It’s probably time that I invest in some maternity work pants! I also have one pair of regular jeans that still fit comfortably. I am also starting to have to wean out and put away some of my tops as they are no longer fitting.

Sleep: Good in this area  

Best moment this week: Spending the past week with my mom in Florida soaking up some sunshine and warm weather!  I was also able to feel baby kick when placing my hand on my belly. CJ and my mom have tried several times to feel him, but he seems to stop when someone tries to feel him! What a stinker! (I hope that is not a sign of what his personality will be like!)

Movement:  Yes, lots over this past week. The books say they are most active between 24-28 weeks. So far this seems to be true

Food cravings this week: Strawberry pop-tarts

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing new in this category!

Miss anything? Florida’s warm weather and sunshine! I am so over Wisconsin’s 30-50 degrees and snow in April!

Gender: BOY!!! Parker Torosian

 Symptoms: Lots of movement. Starting to get that pregnancy line on my belly. (Not sure what it is called, but it’s the one that is on the middle of my stomach by my belly button)  

This week baby is the size of a: ear of corn

Baby’s development this week: His brain is brain is growing and his taste buds are continuing to develop. He is also developing “branches” in his lungs to help him breathe on his own once he is born. He should measure to about 12 inches and about 1 1/3 pound.

New baby items (purchased or received):  None

Feeling (Happy, Moody, other):  A bit sad having to come back to reality after a nice vacation.

Looking forward to: Finishing painting Parker’s room. With me being sick and being out on vacation I have not done any more work on the room.

Other Things Going On: This week I finalized and booked a spot for Parker to attend daycare after my leave is done. He is expected to start attending mid to late October. We chose to go with a daycare in North Cape as we felt it is easily accessible for both CJ and I to pick up and drop off (or grandparents if needed). This was a tough decision for me as I debated about going to a better rated day care up in the Milwaukee area near my work but then it would not be easy for anyone else to drop off/pick up if for some reason I couldn’t. This was a huge “Check” off my to do list!

 Next up on my to do list is finding a primary care doctor as it is required to have one before we leave the hospital after Parker is born. This “project” as I like to call it, is another big dilemma that I am facing and currently I do not know what I should do. One option is to pick a physician up at Froedtert as that is where we are going to have guaranteed insurance coverage.  The con side of having a Froedtert physician is that there are none in the Racine area so I would need to stay in the Milwaukee area for appointments! That also means that I would basically have to take a day off of work for doctor appointments because it doesn’t make sense to be driving to Milwaukee for work, then leaving to come back to North Cape to pick him up to take him to his appointment in Milwaukee and then back home! While I am on maternity leave I would not mind driving up to Milwaukee for appointments because I would only have to be going up there once, but once leave is done it doesn’t make sense to be doing all that driving. My second option is to find a doctor that is closer to home in the Racine area so CJ or I can come from work, pick baby up, and then head to Racine for an appointment. If I stayed with option 2 that means I would need to call the insurance company to see what my out of network costs would be and if anyone has dealt with insurance before, you can guarantee that this will be a mess to try to figure out! I think I am leaning towards option 2 but am dragging my feet with calling insurance! 

Pictures were taken in Clearwater Beach. Clearwater is known for having amazing sunsets! 

I had my first official pregnancy dream last night. I’ve always heard that once you are pregnant you will start to have dreams about being pregnant or having baby related dreams. Well I encountered my first one last night and it has me hoping that he doesn’t come too early!

Dream: At 29 weeks I ended up getting admitted to the hospital for a complication and ended up delivering Parker. The dream showed that he was healthy but very small since he was so early. Since he was so small he needed to stay at the hospital for a little while to be monitored.

…Next thing I knew it was time to go home and the nurse asked us where our car seat was. CJ responded that we didn’t have one yet because he was so early and just hadn’t gotten one yet. The nurse said that in order for us to go home CJ needed to go and get a car seat right away and to make sure he had a crib or somewhere to sleep once he was home. Of course we didn’t have any of those, so off to the store CJ went.

In the next scene, CJ comes bursting into the hospital room all breathless (must have been running to the room) saying that he grabbed the only car seat that the store had. Looking at the pink car seat I said, “really that was the only one?” The nurse replied, “Well that pink car seat will at least get you home.” So in the pink car seat we packed our baby and headed for home! Once we were home I asked CJ where baby was going to sleep since the bedroom was never finished and we didn’t have a crib. (The bedroom looked exactly how it does now – not fully painted and all of the furniture pushed to the center of the room in order to finish painting!) CJ said that he bought a crib when he was at the store picking out the car seat but had not yet set it up. I told him that we should get it set up so that he had somewhere to sleep. As he was putting up the crib, I said that I needed to go to the store to pick out other things that we needed such as bottles, clothes, diapers, and a swing! While I was in the store people commented on how tiny my ‘daughter’ was and I had to explain that baby was a boy but since he was so early we had not gotten a car seat yet and this pink one was the only one the store had!  Everyone seemed to stare at me puzzled because I had a boy in a pink car seat!

I woke up shortly after that. Kind of a silly dream to have, but I sure hope he doesn’t come at 29 weeks because we are not ready for him! The room is not finished and we only have a few packages of diapers, a couple outfits and a pack and play!                                                                                                                                                                                             

23 Weeks

How far along? 23 weeks

Maternity clothes? Yes. I can no longer button any of my pants.

Sleep: I can’t seem to get enough sleep.

Best moment this week: Heard the heartbeat again this week. Heartbeat was 140.

Movement:  Yes, but I haven’t felt him much lately.   

Food cravings this week: Strawberry pop-tarts

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing new in this category!

Miss anything? COLD MEDICINE – specifically DayQuil and NyQuil! Of all the time I could have gotten sick this winter, I somehow picked up a terrible cold just in time for vacation. Go figure! Anyways, I am limited on the medicines that I can take that would normally help ease some of the cold symptoms. These are the only ‘pregnancy safe’ medicines that I am allowed to take: Robitussin DM and Mucinex

Gender: BOY!!! Parker Torosian

 Symptoms: Lots of lower back pain.

This week baby is the size of a: Mango

Baby’s development this week: Blood vessels in the lungs are developing to prepare for breathing. He should measure to about 11 inches and about 1 pound.

New baby items (purchased or received):  I purchased a few DIY décor items for Parker’s room. (I’ll post pictures when I finish them)

Feeling (Happy, Mooody, other):  Excited for my Florida vacation this week!  

Looking forward to: Vacation and feeling better