I cannot believe my sweet baby turned 1 yr old. It doesn’t seem possible that a whole year has gone by since he graced us with his presence, all 10 lbs 13.4 ozs of pure joy and sweet baby boy! I still remember that day like it was yesterday, and yet somehow, it does feel like it was a long time ago.
Two Week Old Newborn
For his first birthday, we wanted to make him feel extra special. And what better way then to go where dreams come true…Walt Disney World. On Grant’s FIRST birthday (1/26), we took him to Disney for the FIRST time, where he received his FIRST haircut. We had such a blast and Grant was fantastic. We all really enjoyed ourselves!
First Haircut
Meeting Mickey & Minnie
Magic Kingdom
That following Saturday (1/28) we had a BIG carnival shin-dig to celebrate his life. I planned for his birthday for quite a few months and was so worried of what the weather would be like. Since Grant is a January birthday, it could have either been freezing/raining or sunny/beautiful. Thankfully it was the latter. Surrounded by family and friends, we had a great time bouncing in the bounce house, eating cupcakes (and other carnival themed food), and singing Happy Birthday.
Carnival Birthday
Look Who's ONE
Happy Birthday
"Can I have this"?
Bouncing Fun
Family of 3...about to be 4!
Opening Gifts...tons of them!
Grant, at 12 months old you love to:
–Say Dada, Mama, Dog, and Bubba
–Walk around the house w/ your cute waddle
–Play in the dirt and throw the ball to Harley
–Chase Harley while you giggle and she hides
–Fake Laugh & Cough
–Snuggle w/ your “snuggie”
–Read books & play w/ puzzles, legos, & trucks
–Be mischevious and love to play in Harley’s water dish (and occasionally eat her food)
–Play in the bath or shower
–Still eat baby food & have become a picky table food eater
–Drink 3-4 (6-8oz) bottles per day
–Eat sweets, ice cream, & cookies (You are certainly a Folgate)
–Go to restaurants and watch people (You are such a good boy)
Grant, we are blessed to call you our son and feel so lucky that the Lord chose us to be your parents. Our constant prayer is that we will raise you to be a respectable man of God who loves the Lord and others. Thanks for being so easy going, a good sleeper, and a super snuggler. You are so funny and always changing, and we are so thankful we get to experience these new adventures together. We love you so much! Happy Birthday BIG GUY:)
Hi, I'm CUTE!
12 Month Stats:
Weight: 26 lbs (90th %)
Height: 31.5 in (90th %)
HC: 19.25 in (95th %)
1. I don’t have to work and can be home with Grant all day.
2. I get to do fun things like go to the produce stand and make homemade baby food.
3. I get to share homemade mint-chocolate chip ice cream with a cute boy.
4. I get to have a lunch date and make a mess (or better yet, Grant gets to make the mess and I pick it up).
5. I get to pick up a smiley boy right after a nap.
6. I get to watch a sweet boy get clean in the tub and splash around.
And the #1 reason I love every day equally as much…
I get to wake up and spend time with the best husband and son in the world!
I cannot believe that 2 months have already come and gone in our little boys life. So much has happened and I feel that in such a short time, Erik and I have learned so much about our son, our parenting style, and the craziness of parenthood. Grant has truly blessed our lives in so many ways, but if we didn’t admit that we had our days of frustration we would be lying. It’s funny how during my pregnancy Erik and I would always comment that we thought parenthood would be tough, but we assumed that since we were well-established, married, 28 and 29 year-olds that this parenting gig would not be as hard for “people like us.” Boy were we wrong! I have said a million times since Grant was born that being a parent is the hardest job I have ever had, however, it is the hardest job I have ever LOVED. He has grown so much in so many ways and it is hard to believe that he is getting older every day. I already feel myself longing to slow time down. A few weeks ago, Erik and I took Grant out to get ice cream at night thinking the car ride would put him to sleep, he of course was not falling for our tricks. As we were driving back from getting ice cream, with Grant screaming the whole time, I kept thinking, we are going to look back on nights like these and wish we had them back and saying “remember that time…”. I have a feeling the time is going to continue flying by and before I know it, he will be in kindergarten, then graduating from high school & college, and then getting married and having kids of his own. I have already cried thinking about all of this and because of that I try to cherish every day with my little boy whether it be the most joyous day ever or the most frustrating day ever.
Grant, Daddy and Mommy love you more than words could express. You have enriched our lives for the better and we know you will be one of our greatest accomplishments. Thanks for being the sweetest, most precious little boy!
Sleeping on my Boppy!
On 3/22, Grant had his 2 month well-child visit. He continues to impress us with his size (weight and height), and over the last 6 weeks (since his 2 week appt), he gained 2 lbs 12 ozs and 1.5 inches in length.
2 Month Well-Child Stats:
Weight: 13 pounds 10 ounces
Height: 24 inches
Head Circumference: 16 inches
Immunizations: 3 shots and 1 oral vaccine
Waiting for Dr. Chong
Bandaids after his shots
At 2 months Grant is:
–Cooing and making noises with his sweet little voice
–Smiling all the time, especially after he wakes up in the morning
–Gripping onto everything with his little hands
–Sleeping anywhere from 5-7 hours straight at night, which is AMAZING!
–Takes about 3-4 naps per day, but we are still working on the exact schedule
–Eats every 3 hours approximately 4 ounces (he is breastfed, except his bottle of breastmilk at 10pm before bed)
All Smiles
5 Weeks
6 Weeks
7 Weeks
8 Weeks
His favorite things to do are:
–Laying on his changing table and watching the shadows on the wall
–Taking Baths
–Playing on his activity gym for about 15 minutes at any one interval
–Watching Gator Basketball with Daddy
–Running errands with mommy in the Moby wrap
–Taking morning walks with his doggy sister Harley
–Dressing Stylishly
Changing Table Fun
Bath Time
Activity Gym Time
Gator B-Ball w/ Daddy
G-Baby
Cutest Kid EVER
As you can see, he has already gotten so much bigger and more aware over the last 2 months. We cannot wait for all that is yet to come. This month (April), I unfortunately have to go back to work, but our man will be in the caring, loving arms of his wonderful Grama Lynn, who recently moved here from South Carolina to be his nanny. YAY! I cannot wait to share more of his growing in future posts, but until then, I am going to catch up on some housework while the big boy sleeps.
Happy Boy
Since Grant has been home, our lives have definitely changed, and it has been for the better. We have had some tough nights of no sleep and constant crying (by all of us…not just Grant), but overall, its hard to remember life before he came around. We are so in love with him and its hard not to realize how precious and sweet he is when you look at his little face. We are truly blessed to be this little guys parents and it is our prayer that the Lord will teach us how to raise him by delighting in him and trusting in the Lord.
This post is going to encompass some of his firsts, which are to be expected. And it has been so fun getting to experience them with him.
First Bath (1/30/11):
Grant’s first bath took place in his bathtub in his bedroom so we would have more space to spread out. He didn’t like being placed in the bath “sling” because it made the bath slightly colder, but he could not be submerged yet because of his umbilical cord and circumcision which hadn’t fully healed. However, he did LOVE getting his hair washed and then being snuggly in his towel afterwards.
He was a little chilly
Hair Washing
Warm, Cozy, & Happy
So Fresh & So Clean
First Tummy Time (1/30/11):
After Grant’s first bath, we placed him down for some tummy time. He is such a strong little boy and he already has great head/neck control. He can literally lift his head straight up and turn it from side-to-side. We were amazed!
First Doctor’s Appointment (2/1/11):
During his first doctor’s appointment, we were mainly being seen to check his circumcision site and his weight gain. The day we left the hospital, Grant had lost 14 ozs during his stay, which they said not to worry about because he was such a BIG baby and my milk had not fully come in yet. During his visit, everything checked out fine and he gained 2 ozs. They had forewarned us, that most babies gain all of their weight back by their 2 week appointment, but that it may take Grant longer because he was a bigger baby. But to our amazement, at his second appointment at 2 weeks old, he had gained his birth weight back plus 1/2 an ounce, putting him at 10 lbs 14 ozs. He is such an overachiever already!
1st & 2nd Appointment Stats:
2/1/11: 10 lbs 1 oz & 22.5 inches
2/10/11: 10 lbs 14 ozs & 22.5 inches
Going to see Dr. Chong for the first time
Lookin' Gangsta on his way to his 2nd appt
Dr. Chong's Office--2nd Appt
First Outing (2/5/11):
For Grant’s first outing, we went to see his cousins (Ben and Anthony) play basketball. Unfortunately, they lost the game, but we found out that Grant does not mind loud noises, as he slept right through the whole game.
Anthony shooting free throws
Ben & Anthony on Defense
Hanging out with Grandpa & Jonissa
Eating...his favorite activity!
First SuperBowl Sunday (2/6/11):
For Superbowl Sunday, we had all the family over at our house to watch the Green Bay Packers vs the Pittsburgh Steelers. We are a Steelers family by Marriage, since Matt (our Brother-in-Law) is from there. Unfortunately, the Steelers lost, but Grant still had a fun time.
Daddy & Grant
First Family/Friend Visitors at Home:
Sunday (1/30): Grant was visited by his Mema and his cousins (Ben & Anthony).
Monday (1/31): Grant was visited by ADB who graciously brought us dinner
Saturday (2/5): Grant was visited by his Aunt Laura and cousins (Corbin & Mia)
Mema & Grant
Left to Right: Grant, Ben, & Anthony
ADB & Grant
Left to Right: Corbin, Aunt Laura, Grant, & Mia
First Photo Shoot (2/7/11):
Our friend and fantastic photographer Jenny Schartner of Captured Photography came to Orlando to shoot Grant’s newborn photos. She did an amazing job and we look forward to her doing his 6 and 12 month photos as well. He was such a good boy, especially because during the outdoor shots it became quite windy and slightly chilly, and our little man was out there in his birthday suit. He topped the photo shoot off by peeing in his crib, on himself, and on my hand, but thankfully he did not poop. We cannot believe how much he has already changed from this first photo shoot. Thanks so much for the life-long treasure Jenny!
A little lovin' from mom and dad
A Naked Gator Fan
Cutest Kid EVER
So Peaceful!
Family Photo
Playing with his toys
Cute Tootsies
First Family Walk (2/8/11):
Since we have been home, we have been making a point to make sure Harley knows she is equally as loved as she was before Grant arrived. We were told by our vet to make sure we do not change too much of her normal routine. So we got the stroller out, got the baby all snuggly, and took Harley to Formosa Park to play with her tennis ball.
Harley is not too fond of the stroller
Erik with his daughter and son
First Fully Submerged Bath (2/11/11):
Due to Grant’s umbilical cord continuing to heal, he was not able to be placed in the bath with water around him, so once that puppy fell off on 2/11 we took the opportunity to introduce Grant to the wonders of a warm bath. If he is anything like his mama, he will love showers and will want them to be SUPER HOT! Erik always yells at me for taking such hot showers, but it feels so dang good. Especially now when it is a chore just to get in the shower:)
Our Little Doll
Check out that belly!
First UF Gators Basketball Game (2/12/11):
For Christmas, I bought Erik tickets for the UF vs UT basketball game. At the time, the OB/GYN thought that I would definitely not make it to full-term since I was already effaced and dilating, so I confidently bought the tickets thinking Grant will atleast be 4 weeks old. We all know that my thinking could not have been more wrong, as Grant waited to be evicted from my womb, making him only 2.5 weeks old during the time of this game. Erik and I decided we were going to make it a fun trip no matter what and would take whatever Grant threw at us. He was amazing! We stopped at Uncle Steve and Aunt Caroline’s house first and made sure the little man was well fed. After that visit, we ventured to the game, and the big boy slept the whole way through. We couldn’t believe it, because it was quite loud in there, and at times I had to put “ear muffs” over his ears. The Gators won in buzzer beater fashion with Erving Walker scoring the winning lay-up making the score UF 61 UT 60. GO GATORS!
Uncle Steve & Aunt Caroline
Mommy & Grant
The O'Connell Center
UF 61 vs UT 60
A Family of Gators
First Holidays (2/14/11 & 3/17/11):
Grama Lynn wanted to be the one to get Grant all of his “first” holiday bibs/outifts. Since Grant was born in January he will get to experience all the holidays in chronological order (except New years) which is pretty awesome. So far we have had the joy of celebrating Valentine’s Day, which included us going out to dinner with the Gables at Jade bistro. The funniest thing about that night was the Asian lady who attempted to take our picture, completely cutting Matt out of it, and the Indian couple who came in while she was doing it and demanded that we allow them to take a repeat picture. It was pretty hilarious. We have also celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, which included us staying in and eating tacos…how Irish of us right?
Our Little Cupid
Without Matt...Take One!
With Matt...Take Two!
"Irish you would kiss me"
Happy St. Patty's Day
First Trip to Disney…Kinda (2/24/11-2/26/11)
Before I went on maternity leave, I had CME (continuing medical education) money I had to use before the deadline, so I had signed up for the Southern Neurosurgical Society Conference at the Grand Floridian Resort in Disney World. So being the adventurous parents we are, we decided to take the opportunity and bring a newborn to stay in the nicest resort at Disney. Grant did pretty well considering he was only 4 weeks old and completely out of his element. And Erik and I had a good time ordering room service and playing by the pool. We definitely loved the hotel and will definitely return someday. By the way, the monorail picks you up directly outside of the hotel…HOLLA!
Representing the Gators at the Grand Floridian
In front of the hotel near the carriage
Can we say...ROOM SERVICE!
I am sure there will be many more firsts that will be posted on here…but this is just the beginning! ENJOY!
As many of you know (from the previous post), we were induced on Tuesday 1/25 because Grant wanted to continue to live in his watery home, and that day was eviction day. We arrived at Winnie Palmer at 4am and were quickly admitted and taken to the Labor and Delivery floor. The typical questions were asked and it wasn’t long until the pitocin was started (at around 545am to be exact). Erik and I thought for sure we would be the “lucky” ones and would deliver our sweet son that afternoon, since we were already about 1.5-2cm dilated and 70% effaced. Boy were we wrong.
40 Weeks...The Last Supper
Morning of Induction
Around 12pm I decided that I would like a walking epidural as the contractions were becoming very painful, which is to be expected, especially when being induced with pitocin. However, I apparently waited too long and by the time I was ready for the epidural, the pain was so bad and the contractions were so close together with very strong peaks, that they were unsure a walking epidural was going to work. I was adament however, because I wanted to be able to be up walking to the restroom and around the unit, which you cannot do with a regular epidural. After the epidural was placed, the pain was controlled, but due to Grant not tolerating the crazy strong contractions, they reduced our pitocin all the way back to zero, therefore, meaning we had to essentially start over. The rest of the afternoon was filled with walking around the L & D floor, bouncing on the birthing ball, and going to the restroom.
Smiling and Happy despite contractions
My Mother and the Pregnant Lady
Finally at 8pm our night shift nurse Carmen came to the rescue and recommended we transition the walking epidural to a regular epidural because she was really going to start ramping up the pitocin. At the time that Carmen began her shift I was only 3 cm dilated. She had me changing into all sorts of positions to help stimulate dilation and by 1:30am I was finally 10 cm. They had me “labor down” for about an hour, which basically meant me laying there and processing the contractions. At 2:30am I started to feel pressure and we knew it was time to push. Erik and I thought this was going to be the quick part and our baby boy would be here before we knew it…WRONG. I labored (actively pushing) with Grant crowning for 2.5 hrs. Finally Dr. Snow came in and gave us the look (without saying words) of “this is going to be a big baby and maybe we should have done a C-Section”. However, once he saw how far I had pushed Grant into the canal, there was no turning back.
Daddy during labor...he was great!
About to start pushing...for 2.5-3 hrs
He quickly changed our whole birthing plan in a matter of minutes, as he knew I was quite fatigued and Grant was too. He recommended and episiotomy and suction to help with the delivery. The epidural seemed to be pretty light at this point, so I had the joy of being numbed locally with an injection for the episiotomy. Once that was done, we pushed on a few more contractions, and with the assistance of the suction (which popped off twice because Grant was so big), I was able to deliver his head.
All of a sudden, the word “shoulders” were uttered, and before we knew what was going on, the trauma team was called into our room and there were probably around 15 people in there ready to help me and Grant. When a baby has “shoulder dystocia” (meaning the shoulders get stuck), time is of the essence, because the umbilical cord can become compromised and cut off blood and oxygen supply to the baby. With that being said, things took a scary turn for all of us. My bed was flattened out, my legs were completely straightened, my physician had both hands around Grants shoulders, and 4 nurses pushed Erik aside and literally jumped on top of me and pushed as hard as possible on my stomach. This was done twice and thankfully in a matter of 48 seconds Grant was out. Mind you, I was screaming this whole time due to pain and fear, and people were encouragingly yelling, “you need to push like your life depends on it.”
At first, Grant was not crying which again brought on more fear for me. But Erik said he looked fine and actually seemed “stunned” but smirked at Erik and our two mothers. He was quickly taken over to the team ready to suction him and give him oxygen and in a matter of minutes he was crying out loud. His Apgars were 5 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes. Erik was then allowed to go over to him and take photos. They asked Erik how big he thought Grant was and Erik said “about 9 lbs 5 ozs?” Obviously, that was way off, and when they placed Grant on the scale, Erik looked at the numbers like they were being read in a different metric system. The scale said 10 lbs 13.4 ozs and he was 22.5 inches long. Needless to say, we were all shocked, and I mean ALL of us. We had never imagined he was that big, especially since 2.5 weeks prior we had an US saying he was about 7 lbs 11 ozs.
10 lbs 13.4 ozs in all his glory
Grant skipped newborn diapers and went right to size 1
Grant was taken to the transition nursery due the shoulder dystocia and I was left in the L & D suite to be attended to, since there are some “issues” after birthing an 11 lb baby vaginally. I actually was one of very few women who was able to go to the post-partum unit with a walking epidural because they felt bad for the what my lady parts sustained…haha! We were like rockstars for the remainder of our stay in the hospital, as everyone could not believe we had such a BIG baby and that he was not delivered by C-Section. We kept getting asked if we knew he was going to be that big or if I had gestational diabetes during my pregnancy…NOPE!
Aunt Ashley and Grant
Mema and Grant
Grandpa Kasper and Grant
Grama Lynn and Grant
Daddy and his boy
Mommy and Son
The little buster pulling out his binky
Check out those cheeks
We were discharged home on Friday (1/28) and it felt so good and natural to be bringing our little one home with us. We were now complete and loved the fact that he was all ours. He has been doing well at home, and overall is such a good baby. He just likes to be up from 8pm to 12am every night, which is a habit we need to quickly break. During the day he is such a good boy, and we have been able to take him to many places with us if we plan it right and after he has eaten. Thanks to everyone for all of your prayers and comments…we truly feel blessed in so many ways, and being a mother and father is more than we could have every imagined. People were definitely right though…SLEEP while you still can, because that has been thrown out the window.
Leaving the Hospital...still looking 6 months pregnant!
First Car Ride
It's a Boy...He's Home!
Meeting his sister Harley
Well, Baby Grant really likes it inside Mom’s water home, so we’re being induced this morning. Lindzee and I checked into hotel Winnie Palmer at 4am this morning, Tuesday the 25th, 2011. This “should” be Grant’s official birthday if everything goes according to plan!
Last night, Lindzee and I went to Bonefish Grill for one last meal out together before we became parents. But, we’re going to try really hard to continue to have date nights even after the little guy is born! Lindzee didn’t sleep much, and I slept but it was very light sleep. Harley knew something was up, because we NEVER wake up at 3am voluntarily and stay up.
The pitocin was administered around 5:45am, so now it’s just a waiting game! Lindzee was given a vaginal exam around 5:30am, and it was good news. She was about 2cm dilated, and the baby’s head was in a firm anterior position in the canal. The nurse said that is a good sign, so we’ll see!
Here are some photos of Mom in the hospital bed and one last picture of Grant inside Mom:
Lindz in the L/D bed
the baby belly all wrapped up in fetal monitors!
Baby Stats:
Heartbeat: 135-137 bpm (Monday) & 134-135 (Thursday)
Fundus: 41cm (Monday) & 40.5-41cm (Thursday)
How Far Along: 39 weeks 5 days
How Big is Baby: Apparently, according to the books, there is not much change in the weight and height department this week, however, I feel like he is still growing and my skin is definitely still stretching. They mention that this week, his growth may slow down or even take a hiatus until after delivery. On average, he should weight about 7-8 lbs and measures between 19-21 inches.
Development: During the 39th week, even though Grant’s growth has possibly plateaued, he is still making great strides in brain development at a rapid rate that will continue until about age 3. His pink skin has now turned white or “whitish”, and despite the race of the baby, will be that way since pigmentation does not develop until soon after birth.
How huge is mama: At my Monday (1/17) appointment I gained 1 lb so currently placing me at 31 lbs total, however, I then lost 1 lb at my Thursday appointment (1/20), so I am still right at 30 lbs total…which, as previously noted, was my goal weight during this pregnancy.
Movement: Still lots of rolling around in there and he seems to have the hiccups an awful lots these days.
Food: Pretty much the same. I have realized that if I do not snack more at this point that I have periods where I feel hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) and experience nausea and dizziness…which as a 39 week pregnant momma does not make one feel so great!
Belly Button: No Change…Outie!
Preparations: My Monday appointment has come and gone without much change. My BP was stable at 124/80, and since my diastolic was 80 or less, they did not feel any need for induction to occur on Tuesday (1/18)…BUMMER. I was slightly more dilated at 1.5cm, still 70% effaced, anterior position, soft cervix. Overall fairly stable when compared to last week. I was hoping that at todays appointment (1/20) that things would have progressed, as I have been feeling some tightening of my abdomen/uterus, but to no avail, little Grant is perfectly happy in his watery home and there has been no change at all, still leaving me 1.5cm dilated, 70% effaced, anterior position, and soft cervix. I must be a glutton for punishment, because I asked (yes you heard that right) to have my membranes stripped again. I would really like to go into natural labor without having to be induced, so I thought this might be my last chance to make that happen…here’s to hoping it works!
Pregnancy Symptoms: Occasional cramping and possible contractions mainly with position changes at night during sleeping, but nothing constant or unbearable. As noted above, I have also been having much more frequent abdominal/uterine tightening, which are likely contractions, but again, nothing too painful or difficult to deal with.
Milestones: The shelves are up in his room with all of his Gator knick-knacks. Now all we need is Grandma to finish the final curtain and it will be ready for its debut. It looks so cute!!
Looking forward to next: Again, pending no natural labor this week, I will officially be induced at 4am on Tuesday (1/25). Here’s to hoping for natural labor soon, because they say that it could be a longer induction pending there is no change in my cervix prior to then, and who wants a longer labor process than necessary (not this girl). I feel like these last few weeks have been eternity. Its partially due to me not working, so I have nothing to think about but labor and delivery. And the most exciting part that makes the weeks go by so slow, is that we really want to meet this little rascal who has been cooking in mommy’s belly for the past 10 months. It is going to be so amazing to meet this little man. Lately I have been watching a lot of “The Baby Story” on TLC (as mentioned above…I am currently on bed rest and not working…haha), and every time I see one of the babies being born I cry, so I can only imagine myself being a complete emotional wreck when I see that sweet little face for the first time. Come on Grant, let’s get this party started!
Upcoming Events: In other news, Erik’s co-workers are throwing us a joint baby shower with one of his other pregnant co-workers today so that should be fun. People have been so extremely generous and we are very thankful!
39 weeks and ready to "pop"
39 Week Close Up
Baby Stats:
Heartbeat: 135 bpm (Monday) & 134 bpm (Thursday)
Fundus: 38.5cm (Monday) & 40cm (measuring 1 1/2 weeks ahead on Thursday)
How Far Along: 38 weeks 6 days
How Big is Baby: Head to toe, Grant is “supposed” to be about 7 lbs and approximately 20 inches (give or take an inch). We know from last weeks US that he is definitely going to be beating the averages in the weight and height department at birth.
Development: During the 38th week, Grant is basically ready for the BIG show, with just a few minor touches to add. He is currently shedding his protective vernix and lanugo which keeps his skin from becoming cracked and dried in his watery environment. And he is producing more surfactant that will prevent the air sacs in his lungs from sticking together when he begins to breathe outside of the womb, which hopefully will be real soon!
How huge is mama: After being placed on bed rest on Thursday (1/6), I had an appointment on Monday (1/10) at which time I had lost 5 lbs, all water-weight from swelling no doubt. Then I went back on Thursday (1/13) and gained 1 lb. So overall, I am sitting pretty at 30 lbs total which was my goal weight.
Movement: He still is a mover and a shaker, but I have noticed this past week, that the strong jabs and pokes are definitely less noticeable and it is now mostly rolling with pushing of his butt, head, and elbows/knees into my belly, which sometimes hurt worse than the strong kicks, especially when he hits me dead on in the ribs or right in the middle.
Food: I never really left my dairy kick throughout the pregnancy, but it seems that over the last week or two that my milk consumption has skyrocketed. I drink it ALL the time, with everything and anything. Even when I wake up in the middle of the night because my throat is dry, it is my drink of choice. So that means a lot of trips to Publix for Erik and I (or maybe more for Erik…haha).
Belly Button: Outie…there’s no turning back at this point!
Preparations: We had two appointments this week (as mentioned above) which will continue until I deliver due to the gestational hypertension (high blood pressure). On Monday my BP was around 124/74 and I had lost 5 lbs so they were comfortable with those numbers and the progress I had made since being placed on bed rest. However, I hadn’t made much progress in the dilatation department, continuing to be 1 cm dilated, 50% effaced, anterior position, and station -2. On Thursday I went back for another check-up and my BP was fairly stable at 126/80 and a weight gain of 1 lb. However there was some progress down below, with 1 cm dilated, 70% effaced, and a much softer cervix. These are good signs, but for good measure he decided to try and move things along with “stripping the membranes”. This was not a pleasant feeling to say the least, and involves his fingers scraping the “membranes” inside my 1 cm dilated cervix to help remove the mucous plug and detach the amniotic sac slightly to allow it to be more likely to rupture (water to break). Let’s just say I was bearing down so hard because it hurt that I am surprised he got his fingers and hand back…haha! They say that if it works to induce natural labor, that it will take place in 24-72 hrs, let’s keep our fingers crossed as nothing has happened yet.
Pregnancy Symptoms: No Braxton-Hicks, strong contractions, or cramping as of yet. Definitely feeling the pelvic pressure, but nothing consistent. I think Grant is happy in his watery home and in no rush it seems.
Milestones: We received his bookshelf and rocking chair and these are set-up and his room is almost complete with the exception of his shelves on the walls. Pictures to come soon!
Looking forward to next: I return to the doctor’s office again on Monday (1/17) pending I do not go into natural labor this weekend. When I go in on Monday, if my BP (diastolic) is greater than 80, then they will induce me on Tuesday (1/18). If everything is fine at that point, they will continue to let my body attempt natural labor, and if nothing happens next week, then there is an end in sight, and I will be officially induced on Tuesday (1/25). We are just so excited to meet this little guy, but I have a feeling he is going to be stubborn like his mommy and relaxed and in no rush like his daddy!
38 Weeks
The soon-to-be parents
Baby Stats:
Heartbeat: 125 bpm
Fundus: 39 cm (measuring 1 1/2 weeks ahead)
Estimated Weight on US: 7 lbs 11 ozs
AFI (Amniotic Fluid Index): 21 cm
How Far Along: 37 weeks 5 days
How Big is Baby: Head to toe, the books would still measure Grant around 20 inches and weighing around 6.5 lbs. We all know based on our US today that he is at least weighing 7lbs 11ozs, therefore, I am also guessing he will be longer than 20 inches. He is going to be a BIG BOY folks!!
Development: During the 37th week, Grant is now considered full term…YAY!! Fat is continuing to accumulate and he continues to practice for life outside the womb, which includes, inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluid, sucking on his thumb, blinking, and pivoting from side to side.
How huge is mama: Well I gained another 4 lbs, so that’s a grand total of 10lbs in 3 weeks…YIKES! I am tipping the scales at 34lbs total, and they have told me that most of this is water weight because of the swelling I am now experiencing.
Movement: On our US today our AFI was 21 cm which is quite a bit a amniotic fluid. Because there is still so much fluid surrounding him, he is nice and comfy, and his kicks are still quite hard and sometimes take my breath away when he pushes his booty up towards my diaphragm.
Food: Nothing has changed here with my diet. I feel like I am actually eating less because there isn’t much room left in there. So that is also why they feel the 4 lb weight gain is likely due to swelling and water weight.
Belly Button: Outie!
Preparations: Today at our appointment we had an US because they were concerned that Grant was going to be large and they wanted to check my fluid level and his positioning. We found out that by estimate he is around 3500 grams making him ~ 7lbs 11ozs and he is currently head down. I was 1 cm dilated, 50% effaced, cervix was softer, and I am in an anterior position, all good signs for the impending labor to come. However, we also found out that I gained 4 lbs (10lbs in 3 weeks), had elevated BP at ~ 135/85 (normal for me is ~110-115/60-70′s), and had worsening swelling of my hands and feet. Because of this I was officially placed on bed rest until delivery day due to a diagnosis of Gestational Hypertension. There concern is that this could lead to pre-eclampsia which could lead to significantly higher BP’s and problems for momma and baby, hence the bed rest to prevent this. So now it seems as if delivering him has become much more a reality and we have plenty that needs to be done to prepare for his arrival. Cue the nesting…haha!
Pregnancy Symptoms: No Braxton-Hicks contractions or other cramping, but definitely have had increasing pelvic pressure. And now that I have begun dilating, it literally could mean delivery any day now.
Milestones: Grandma finished all the bedding with the exception of one curtain and it looks adorable. Pictures to come soon when it is all complete. I would say another milestone is being 1 cm dilated…now we’re talking!!
Looking forward to next: I am really looking forward to meeting this big guy. I am also excited to experience the labor process, although I know it will likely be painful. What a great experience and end product of bringing another life into this world.
37 Weeks and Swollen
New Years
Baby Stats:
Heartbeat: 135 bpm (146 with movement)
Fundus: 38 cm (measuring 1 1/2 weeks ahead)
How Far Along: 36 weeks 5 days
How Big is Baby: Head to toe, Grant is still measuring around 20 inches according to the baby books, and weighs about 6 lbs. Again, we are measuring 1 1/2 weeks ahead so I have a feeling he is taller and weighs more than they are estimating. We will find out for sure at our next appointment when we have an US to check his weight and position.
Development: During the 36th week, most of Grant’s organ systems are just about equipped for life outside of the womb. The only organ system that has not been completely worked-out yet is the digestive system, as Grant is currently receiving all of his nutrition from the umbilical cord and that requires no digestion. However, after his first breastfeeding or bottle feeding, the digestive system will be jump started and so will the poopy diapers.
How huge is mama: Yet again, I gained another 3 lbs so we are now tipping the scales at a total of 30 lbs right now.
Movement: He still likes to move and roll, but thankfully he isn’t kicking/sitting right near my diaphragm so now I can sleep laying down. I was waking up most nights prior to this week out of breath because of his position. So hopefully he is migrating in the right direction into the birth canal!
Food: I have literally become a candy face at this point. It should be no wonder I gained 3 lbs when I went and had a McFlurry the night before our appointment. It was worth it!
Belly Button: Still holding my outie status, but its funny how sometimes it sticks out way farther than other times where it seems almost flat.
Preparations: Grandma is here and she brought the bedding and is currently working on the final touches and hems. It looks so adorable, I cannot wait to post pictures. He is going to have no choice but to be a Gator Fan from birth! We still need to get his bookcase and rocking chair, but he does now have his pack-n-play set up and the car seat is in the car and ready to go!
Pregnancy Symptoms: No Braxton-Hicks contractions since last week, but I have had continued pelvic pressure. I am still feeling pretty tired after work and now that we are almost 37 weeks (Full Term), I am ready for my little man to come anytime.
Milestones: We had our second pelvic exam today to check Grant’s progress. Right now I am still 50% effaced, my cervix is softer and continues to be closed, and I am at a -2 station. So based on Dr. Snow’s one week predictions, it will not happen before the new year. I return for my next appointment this coming Thursday 1/6, and I will get an US to check his position, my amniotic fluid levels, and his size. I have a feeling that he is going to be a big guy based on my current measurements.
Looking forward to next: I am really looking forward to meeting our son. As we near closer and closer to the due date its hard to have patience because I want to hold him, meet him, and love on him so much! Finding out we were pregnant has definitely been the best moment of 2010, and then having our son will be the best moment of 2011. Hurry up and get here Grant, we are all waiting to meet you!!
Advice: I thought this was cute so I wanted to share some advice we received from an older gentleman who was at our OB/GYN office with his wife. He said he was a father to 5 successful kids, and he told us that when he was going to have his first child that he asked his father how do raise successful upstanding kids. His father said (1) Make sure to teach and give them character and (2) to give them an education. He was the cutest old man, and I thought that was very sweet of him to share with us! Erik and I are hoping the Lord will teach us everyday how to Delight, Disciple, and Discipline our children so they will be faithful followers of Christ.
36 Weeks...Merry Christmas!
36 Weeks at the Gaylord Palms
36 Weeks 5 Days
