My lovely lady bump...part2. Check it out!

Here are the long awaited belly pics. Here I am at 32 weeks and 56 days to go! I can't wait to see my baby!

Time to prepare!

I just woke up from a 3 hour nap that was much needed! I'm not sure why I was so tired all of a sudden. Actually, I think it's because I'm starting to flip-flop all night. If I don't have to pee then an ache or pain is waking me up. I think I'm just getting to the ever dreaded uncomfortable part.

Yesterday my mom came over and we got the trim in Aidan's room painted. The walls are beige and the trim is sage green now. It looks so sharp! On Monday Jeff and I are going to get Aidan's furniture and bedding and travel system and a few odds and ends that we need. I'm ready to have his room done, and not for the normal reasons either. I'm a member of the August Expecting Club on ivillage, and the women with gestational diabetes have started having their babies....Scary huh? Premature labor is a side effect of this lovely thing we call gestational diabetes, so I guess we can't be very sure about when he's coming. So, my plan is to get my bag packed and his room done next week. I just want to be prepared just in case because you never know!

Ok, I'm off for now so I can get a few things done now that I've slept the afternoon away. Ciao!

Doctor's visit today

Today I saw Dr. Weingates, and everything looks ok right now. He was pleased with the numbers I got back from a test at the diabetes specialist. I did learn something interesting. He said that he had a surgery patient, and he started talking to her husband, and he's a driver for either Coke or Pepsi. He asked the Dr if he thought there was a difference in weight in the big cases of pop they have to move around with a fork lift to load the truck up. He said he thought they weighed the same b/c they all have the same amount of water. Well, those big flats of regular pop weight 200 pounds more due to the sugar. Isn't that crazy? I would have guessed that they weighed the same....Anyway, I go back to see him on July 12th, and then I'll have to have a non-stress test to see how the baby is doing and if he's in any kind of stress at all from the sugar problem. I'll get an ultrasound as well so they can see how much he weighs right now and predict how he'll keep growing. As long as he's healthy....that's all I'm concerned about. So yeah, that's my update for the day. I'm going to head on out. Have a great day everyone!

A quick rant for the night...

Ok ladies, how about we all ban together and support eachother no matter what. It seems like there anytime there's a chance to be positive and supportive.....it's not taken advantage of. It's filled with negativity and judgement. Tomorrow I have to go to Dr. Induction will be the topic on the table, and it's very likely I'll need to have that done. It's something I'm comfortable with b/c I know they need to get Aidan out to keep him healthy. The diabetes specialist even said they'll need to keep him under 8 pounds b/c it't not the normal healthy 8 pounds of baby with a healthy mom. Aidan gets too much sugar from me due to the gestational diabetes, so that causes him to just gain body fat. It's a fatty 8 pounds, not a healthy 8 pounds. So, it causes respiratory problems, and they can be born not knowing how to eat. Now, he's been a Dr for over 30 years, so he's seen it all. Should I put my faith in him? Yes. This is why we have doctors. Will I be judged for needing to be induced? Probably yes. You know who the first ones are to bash induction or c-section or whatever needs to be done.....the ones who have never had a baby that way. I say...every woman and every situation is different. Is natural ideal? Of course! Is it always the option? No. Personally, I'll do whatever I have to to keep my Aidan healthy...and keep me healthy too. The hormones from my placenta are fighting my insulin, so I'm ready to get back to normal and be healthy again too. Anyway....let's just support eachother. Doctors have a very important job and if everything they wanted to do was so bad then they wouldn't be in business. They're not out to hurt us and our babies. They're looking out for us. They went to school to help people. They wouldn't run around performing bad practices b/c they'd be getting sued left and right. I say, whatever you feel is best for you....do it for you and your baby! Mama knows best! You know what you can handle and what you're comfortable with, so don't let others shove their opinion on you. Do what you know you need to. Support the decisions of women even if you don't understand....even when you don't know how she feels or what she thinks. If it's best for her then that's all that matters. And ladies....don't take opinions from women who have never been in your situation, but are quick to give you their opinion. Let's just surround ourselves with positive and uplifting influences. On the flip side, let's been positive and encouraging to other women as well. We should look out for eachother. We're all in this motherhood thing together!

Overwhelmed

Ok, so reality is finally setting in. Up to this point it hasn't really seemed real that Aidan is on his way. It's a very surreal experience once you find out that you're having a baby. Now I see all of his tiny little clothes and shoes and socks and bottles and binkies and blankies...wow! He really is on the way! I know he'll be the most handsome little man in Findlay, Ohio! I must say though that I get a little scared sometimes. Scared about what? I'm not really sure. Being responsible for another human life is such a huge deal. I feel like I just spend everyday in prayer, asking God to give me the strength and wisdom to be the kind of mother I need to be. I just want Aidan to grow up to be a good man. I just remind myself that God does not give us more than we can handle. I will defnitely be the best mom I can be. I'm honestly not even sure if this post is making any sense b/c my mind seems like it's racing a million miles a minute.....I just love this little boy so much! I just want to do everything in a way that's pleasing to God b/c I know that's the best way to raise a baby. Jeff and I decided that we'll have Aidan dedicated while his parents are here. At our church you can just do it whatever Sunday you want to. There's no set day anymore. One thing I love that my pastor always says is that it's not just the parents dedicating the baby to the Lord it's a dedication of the parents and church members too. We're dedicating ourselves to raise him in a good, moral, Christian home where he can grow up and come to have his own personal relationship with God. It's a dedication of the church members to be the Sunday school teachers and leaders and examples that they should be for not only our baby, but the other kids in church. Jeff and I both had awesome childhoods and our parents were great examples, so I think that if we follow what we saw our parents do with us...he'll turn out just fine. I just want him to be a godly, loving, respectful and well-rounded person. Mama will be so proud :)

Pics from the shower....

will be coming soon. I've been trying to attach them and blogger is giving me fits!

What a baby shower!

Last night I could hardly sleep b/c I was so excited about the baby shower today. I tossed and turned all night....well, I tossed and turned partly too b/c my hips are starting to hurt really bad....Anyway, I kept running my whole schedule for the morning through my head to make sure I had enough time to get everything done. The plan was to get up at 7....well, I woke up at 10:30 when my mom called me to ask some questions about the day, so that was a little set back, but nothing too bad. I always think I need to get up hours before it's really necessary. So, I woke up and made the shredded chicken for sandwiches....I know I wasn't supposed to do anything, but I told my mom that I really wanted to contribute something, so she let me do that....I then got excited b/c I realized that if I went ahead and got dressed and got my hair and make-up done that I would have time to get the pedicure I was really wanting! So, I did all of that quickly and kissed Jeff and Maggie good-bye and went to the salon to get that done. Kepp in mind that I had my first pedicure when I was in Colorado. That was a treat to the wedding party from the groom's mom. Oh my was it grand! I was so relaxed....today wasn't the case. The water was so hot that it burned my feet when I first put them in. Once I got used to the temp, I got really hot. So, here I was sitting in this normally realxing massage chair with wonderful jets massaging my feet and I was sweating so bad. I was sticking to the seat. My bangs that I had flat ironed were starting to curl....it was not the relaxing experience I had the first time. She did do a wonderful job though!! I think it's a small luxury I'm going to treat myself to until Aidan is born. I have all the supplies to do it here at home, but first of all, it's more relaxing when someone else does it. Also, I can't reach my feet right now since my belly has gotten so high. So, it's worth the little extra money to have someone do it for me :) Next time I think I'll make an appointment at the salon here in town that specializes in Aveda. That's the kind of salon we went to for my first pedicure.....

After that I then ran home and packed up my car with stuff to take to the church. Once I got there and was able to relax a little it was smooth sailing from there. The guest started to arrive, and it was so nice to see so many loved ones! It's a good feeling to be surrounded by people you love. Today was my cheat day from my diet. I'm not supposed to have one, but a girl has to enjoy her baby shower food! My mom did a great job on the food, and Aidan kicked with approval :) Everything was so delicious. Then it came time for the presents, and let me just say that I am so thankful! We got so many useful things that are greatly needed by new parents!! We got the Baby Einstein play gym (thanks Ran!), an Eddie Bauer bouncy seat, Eddie Bauer carrier thing that you put over your shoulders and stick the baby in. We got a tub, lots of diapers, lots of wipees, bath products, bottles, layette clothing.....it was such a blessing! Now all we really have to buy is the furniture, which is pretty much taken care of, the carseat/stroller combo, which is pretty much taken care of also, and the bedding and we'll be done. Oh, and a glider. It was so wonderful! I am so appreciative of everyone who came and for everything that we received. I know Jeff will be very appreciative too once he comes home from work and gets to see everything :)

I would like to give a big thank you to everyone! Today was a wonderful day b/c I got to share it with people I love! I must say that the weather was beautiful too.....blue skies with puffy white clouds, no humidity, and mild temperatures. I couldn't have asked for a better day. It was more than I could have ever asked for.

I saw the diabetes specialist today, and everything is going great. He looked at all of my numbers and he was very pleased. Sunday we ate at Lonestar for lunch. I had a salad, steamed veggies and a steak. I took my sugar at the appropriate time and it was over 20 points too high. I was so upset. He explained to me that you even have to careful when you eat out b/c even if you think you're eating your "free" foods you may not b/c there's the differnt oils and seasonings and things they cook with. So, atleast I know to be careful of that now. Now the Dr won't need to see me for 3 weeks and I can leave out my morning finger prick b/c all of those numbers were good. He said I shouldn't need insulin at all b/c walking brings sugar down more that even insulin could. I'm just so pleased that everything is going well b/c I've been so worried about Aidan's health. His body is so tiny and fragile...I just want to keep him healthy. I recommend this way of eating to everyone too b/c since I've been eating this way....wow! It's amazing how great my body feels. I don't ever feel tired or sluggish anymore. It really does help your energy levels.

It's a short post today, I know. But I have things I must get done! I just got my dress for my baby shower and boy is it stinkin cute! Next I need to go in to work and get my hair done. So, I have a full night ahead of me. I'll talk to you all later! Have a great night!

I saw the diabetes specialist today, and everything is going great. He looked at all of my numbers and he was very pleased. Sunday we ate at Lonestar for lunch. I had a salad, steamed veggies and a steak. I took my sugar at the appropriate time and it was over 20 points too high. I was so upset. He explained to me that you even have to careful when you eat out b/c even if you think you're eating your "free" foods you may not b/c there's the differnt oils and seasonings and things they cook with. So, atleast I know to be careful of that now. Now the Dr won't need to see me for 3 weeks and I can leave out my morning finger prick b/c all of those numbers were good. He said I shouldn't need insulin at all b/c walking brings sugar down more that even insulin could. I'm just so pleased that everything is going well b/c I've been so worried about Aidan's health. His body is so tiny and fragile...I just want to keep him healthy. I recommend this way of eating to everyone too b/c since I've been eating this way....wow! It's amazing how great my body feels. I don't ever feel tired or sluggish anymore. It really does help your energy levels.

It's a short post today, I know. But I have things I must get done! I just got my dress for my baby shower and boy is it stinkin cute! Next I need to go in to work and get my hair done. So, I have a full night ahead of me. I'll talk to you all later! Have a great night!

A lovely night.

I've had a pretty quiet day. Nothing exciting has happened. My mom and dad stopped by this afternoon, and that was nice to get to visit with them. We've noticed with Chilli (my dad's service dog) that she's always been so focused on work that she doesn't really know how to play. She also seems so starved for affection. When you pet her she just can't get enough of it. Now she can be a regular dog when her harness is off, and she doesn't know how to be, so we let her run in our big back yard today and boy did she have fun! She tore through our yard like a wild horse. I can't wait till she can relax a little and learn how to be normal when she's allowed to be. She is so precious. It's amazing to watch her work. She's so incredibly smart and very particular about everything. I love her, and I'm glad that my dad has her to help him.

It's nice just sitting here. It's a quiet night....well, except for the fact that I can hear kids playing outside, but that doesn't bother me any. It's a nice sound. It makes me kinda miss being a kid when everything was simple. The days where as long as I had my Barbies...life was great! It's just such an innocent time. It's sad that it's hard to appreciate that time b/c we always wanted to grow up so badly. I did have a great childhood, so for that I am very thankful. Now I'm just waiting for Jeff to get home. I always miss him so much all day.

Today Jeff's Father's Day present arrived. The FedEx guy rang the door bell and Jeff wanted to answer the door, but I knew it was being delivered today, so I was all.....NO! I'll get it! I'll get it!....Of course he had to have his present right away, and I was excited for him to get it, so I let him have it. Here's a little history behind it...Not too long ago, Jeff told me this story about how when he was in Kindergarten his school took a trip to Disneyland. He kept getting separated from people all day and didn't have a buddy to hang out with. He only had enough money to eat on, so he didn't get a souvenir. He remembers seeing all of the kids get something and he was so sad. He specifically remembers one mom letting her son pick out whatever Mickey Mouse watch he wanted. Jeff said that he always wanted a Mickey Mouse watch and never got one. That broke my heart for him. So, searched online for a men's Mickey Mouse watch for him becaise I just couldn't find one here locally. After searching for a couple hours I finally found one. I wanted to get him the one thing he always wanted as a kid before we have our own. His face lit up like a Christmas tree, so I think he liked it. I hope he did. I tried to put some thought into what I got him and make it sentimental.

I thought I would explain something also about my state of health right now. I'm getting so many questions. I know it's hard to understand everything. I've learned so much over the past couple weeks that I never thought I would have to know. The reason behind taking Aidan early if I keep measuring large and why 8+ pounds is bad for him....Even if he's bron at 8 pounds it won't be a healthy 8 pounds for him. He'll be 8 pounds from all the extra sugar he's getting from me, so that means he'll be putting on body fat and be more of a chunky 8 pounds, not a healthy 8 pounds. That's why he can have respiratory problems and such if they leave him in too long. Anyway, that's all. There's just a difference between a normal 8 pounds and 8 pounds on a baby whose mom has gestational diabetes. I know, it's very sad. I can defnitely say though that I'm doing all I can to keep him healthy. I love him so much.

Well, I must go for the night. I need to get my hair dried. Talk to you soon! Love!

Maggie's New Do!

It was time to shave Maggie down. She was so furry and raggedy looking. Here she is with her stunning new look. Her groomer put a light blue bow on her ear and painter her little toenails light blue with glitter. I can't get over how skinny she is with all of her fur gone!

The Wedding

Pikes Peak and the Rocky Mountains

Casa Bonita

In Denver we ate at a Mexican restaurant called Casa Bonita. Inside they have a 30 ft. waterfall. They have divers, and they perform mini-shows and skits all day long. There'a a big eating area around the waterfall that's full of palm trees. It has a very tropical feel to it. There's a theater room. We ate in there once and there was a magician performing in there. There's also a room that looks like a mine, but it was too dark to take a picture of. They have puppet shows for kids and you can go through Black Bart's cave. It's a very fun, family oriented place. If you're ever in Denver, stop on by!

Home Sweet Home!

It's good to be home! Our trip to Colorado was wonderful though. It was so nice to just get away for a few days and relax and see family and friends. I am glad to be home and have my Maggie with us again. I dropped Maggie off at my mom and dad's Wednesday evening because we were flying out Thursday morning. Well, she didn't eat till yesterday morning. She missed us sooo much. I don't think we'll be leaving her behind anymore. Anyway...It was good to get away before this little one gets here. I am glad that I won't have to travel anymore before he's here because I was so exhausted. The heat and altitude gave me horrible swollen ankles the whole time. Some people think it's a funny thing, but it really does hurt! We got home Tues morning at 3am and then I was up at 10 to get ready for 2 Dr's appointments. I was so exhausted yesterday that I couldn't stand myself. My Dr's appointments went kind of ok I think. I saw the diabetes specialist and he said my sugar shouldn't have gotten as high as it did with my 3 hour test, but I'll only have to control my sugar with diet and exercise. So, no insulin shots! Woohoo! I then saw my midwife and she informed me that I'll have to keep up my diet and exercise forever so I can prevent diabetes since this is a warning sign I"ll have it later in life. I"ll so whatever I have to in order to keep myself healthy so I can always be around for Jeff and our kids. I've gained 9 pounds total this pregnancy. In the beginning I lost 14 pounds, but now she said I'm still losing body weight b/c it's the body's way of helping control blood sugar, so I'm gaining all baby weight. She meausred my belly and he's measuring large, so it sounds like they'll end up taking him early, which is fine with me. I know that even when they take him early that they'll only do it when he's healthy. Actually, it's a matter of getting him out to keep him healthy I think. Dr. Schroeder (diabetes Dr.) said that they'll try to keep him under 8 pounds b/c babies born when the mom has GD and the baby get big....they have respiratory problems and have problems sucking, so it's hard for them to eat properly. I have every confidence in my Dr's. They have been so wonderful. I know they'll make the right decision for us. I must say that I am ready to have him out because I'm to the point where I'm just ready. Mainly b/c of the swollen ankles. I'm tired of being able to barely walk. That's been the worst. There's nothing fun about it. I know it's great though if that's my only big complaint b/c it could be worse. I'm just tired. It's time to be done. I'm not trying to sound whiny...I'm just ready to get back to normal with my big, strong boy!

I must head on out. I have stuff to get done around this house. I hope you all have a wonderful day and enjoy this awesome weather!

On a break.

I won't be around here for several days. I am getting Spring cleaning done this week. On Thursday Jeff and I will be leaving for wedding in Colorado. I'm the matron of honor, so I'm very excited. She is such a good friend and she and her man have been together for a long time. They really are perfect for eachother and I can't wait to celebrate with them. Anyway, I need everything perfect before we leave. I refuse to come home to any kind of mess anywhere. I'm turning into my mama more and more everyday, which is a good thing. She's a good woman :)

I've decided not to post anymore pics of what we're doing with Aidan's nursery until it's all done b/c it's changed again. We're back to farm animals, only different bedding b/c the other bedding is so hard to get. There was also a 10 week delivery wait for the other bedding, and that's my due date, so forget that. Jeff really wants to get Aidan a metal John Deere tractor to set on his dresser. That's a sentimental thing for him b/c all of his grandparents were farmers, and it's something he grew up around. So, the new bedding is picked and I"ll have pics once his room is all done :)

I hope that all of you enjoy your week! Enjoy this beautiful weather, and I'll have pics and stories when I get back!
xoxox

Thank you :)

Thank you ladies for your positive comments :) I really appreciate it. I know I'll be ok. It was just a shock to me to hear bad results. I guess everything is under control though since I've had good readings when my mom checks my sugar, so I shouldn't worry. I still don't have my appointments set yet to see the dietician or the diabetes specialist, but today I took on a new attitude while I was at work. I've decided that it will be good for me to see these people and get more tips and advice and direction. I know now that it's something I"ll definitely have to keep up with after he's here too. Diabetes does run in my family, so I need to be careful. It's better I be a healthy nut now rather than when it's too late and I'm doing damage control. So, I'll have to stick to diet and exercise forever. All I have to say is....I'd better look like Halle Berry when I'm in the condition I should be in! Amber, you're like the Queen of Fitness and you look so great. I wish you were here to coach me :) I can do this though. I just have to stay confident and positive.

I can't believe that today is the start of trimester 3....wow, where has the time gone? Our little sweet pea will be here soon! I was just telling Randi that just thinking about seeing him and holding him brings tears to my eyes. My heart is just so full of love for him already. I can't wait to meet my son. I really can't wait to see who he looks like. A client of mine said tonight....Isn't Jeff blonde?....Yes he is....Wow, who is he going to look like?....Beats me, but I'm sure he'll be the most handsome little man in town!

Well, I'm off! I work early tomorrow, so I'll get off at 3. I will then go to a bridal shower and then spend the rest of the night with my wonderful husband. I enjoy that time with him b/c during the week I don't always get to see him as much as I would like with his work schedule. I love him :) I hope he knows that I do even when I wake up grouchy.....like today. Have a wonderful weekend everyone. Love!

Update...

Well, I officially have gestational diabetes. I just know that I am very confused right now. I've had my mom check my sugar after big meals and it's normal. I've been so careful. This just stinks. Atleast I know how to control it although it's already under control. I just got back from 45 minutes of working out at the Y. I waited on a call from the Dr's office b/c they were supposed to schedule my appointment with the dietician and a diabetes specialist here in town. They never called though, so I think I'll call there in the morning. I don't have any symptoms of it at all, so I think I'm just still in shock. So if you could, just keep me in your prayers that this will stay under control and my Aidan will stay healthy. That's my main concern. I just want us both to be healthy.