Baby's First Christmas

Our first Christmas as a family was everything I could dream of! It was so amazing to have Adam in our arms as we celebrated the holidays with family. Adam got lots of great gifts from everyone and he spoiled Mommy and got me a gorgeous pair of earrings with his birth stone in them! My favorite was on Christmas morning we all woke up and laid in bed for awhile just staring at our baby boy and then we went downstairs and saw that Santa had come for Adam. That was always so exciting for me growing up, I love being able to start new traditions with our little family now.

Tomorrow Adam will be 2 weeks old already! He has been such a great baby, we are so lucky. He never cries, only when he is really hungry or when he is getting a bath. The nights have been great too - he only gets up at 12:00, 3:00 and 6:00 - I really can't complain about that at all - I actually feel rested in the morning. The pediatrician told us we can now go out with Adam - thank goodness, I was getting stir crazy staying in the house! Adam weighs 7 pounds and 11 ounces now so he is gaining weight really well. I think he is going through a growth spurt though - for the past 2 days he has wanted to eat every hour (sometimes even 30-45 minutes after the last feeding). So I feel like all I have done is sit on the couch to feed him but I am loving our special cuddle time! Speaking of feeding - the breastfeeding has been going relatively well and gets easier everyday but it was a hard start.

I am feeling great! I really never thought I would recover so fast from the c-section but it's amazing how good I feel. I have to remind myself all of the time that I had surgery and I can't go full speed ahead yet - I need to still take it easy!

Here are a few pictures from Christmas....

My Whole Family (Brother-in-Law, Sister, Nephew, Brother, Dad, Niece, Mom, Me, Adam and Bob) - Not a great picture of me at all, I look huge but I have to remind myself it was only one week after c-section and I was so tired in that picture it was 10:00 at night (way past my bedtime)!

Christmas Morning under the tree with the Teddy Bear my Mom got him at Harrods in England.

Christmas Tradition - My Mom reading Twas the Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve to all of her grandkids in their matching PJs.

He's Here!!!!!

We had our baby boy Adam Robert on December 17th at 3:06 p.m. 7 pounds 8 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long - just perfect!

We arrived at the hospital at 11:00 a.m. for our c-section scheduled at 1:00 p.m. We got admitted and checked into our room. Had a series of questions asked by the nurse and spoke with the anesthesiologist and the doctor. We had a discussion with the anesthesiologist that I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine and had to wear a brace growing up) so going into it we knew that doing a spinal was going to be a bit more of a challenge but it shouldn't be a problem at all. At about 12:30 p.m. we walked down the hall to the OR. Bob sat in a chair right outside of the OR and I went in. The anesthesiologist did have a hard time getting the spinal in and it took some time (to me it felt like forever - my neck was cramping from the position you have to sit in while they are doing it). Finally, he got it and I was laid down and they prepped the room and everyone scrubbed in. They were just about ready to have Bob come in when the doctors did the numbness test and I told them I wasn't numb at all in my bikini area and my mid abdomen! But I was completely numb on both sides and my legs and bottom. So they tilted the table towards my head as low as it could go to see if we could get the spinal to even out - I felt like I was in that position for a good 45 minutes with still no change. So at that point the anesthesiologist told me that we have two options - epidural or general anesthesia. Obviously I said I didn't want to go to sleep - so everyone had to tear everything down and unscrub. Round 2! We did the epidural, since my legs and bottom were already numb I didn't feel a thing, so that was a piece of cake! Finally, I was completely numb! S o they prepped everything again and rescrubbed in and finally 2 hours later DH was able to come into the OR! Very quickly after that I heard the beautiful cry of my baby boy! Recovery has been great and I am already home less than 48 hours after the operation and we are just getting the nack of breastfeeding.

Obviously he wasn't as big as we were expecting him to be - so ultrasounds can definately be wrong like they tell you. But my doctor talked to me afterwards and said I probably would have ended up with a c-section anyways because he wasn't even close to being engaged into my pelvis and they think that is possible because of my scoliosis and that my pelvis is tilted sideways and off center. So even if I would have waited a week or two and gotten induced chances are very high that I would have ended up in the same situation after hours of labor. So do I regret doing a c-section - yes and no. I am sad that I didn't get to have the experience of pushing him out and being able to hold him right away (I didn't get to hold him until I was in the recovery room for 1/2 hour). But I can honestly say I am not sad that I missed the opportunity to feel labor pains. And I am just so happy that everyone is here happy and healthy!

Being a Mommy has been more than I ever imagined it to be! I can't describe how madly in love I am with by angel! And I have fallen more in love with Bob! Seeing the two of them together is the most amazing thing in the world! I knew Bob would be a good dad but he is so much more than I ever imagined!

Here are a couple of pictures from the hospital photo session.

Adam's Birthday will be.....

This Thursday, December 17th!!!!! I had my 39 week appointment this morning. The doctor checked me and Adam is still way up there floating around, I am not dilated and my cervix is not thinning out at all. The doctor strongly felt that Adam is just too big and would not be delivered vaginally so he said the best and safest option for delivery would be to just schedule a c-section. So off we go on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. to have our c-section. We need to be at the hospital at 11:00 a.m.

I can't believe on Thursday I will be a Mommy! I am so excited but also so scared at the same time! I have never had surgery or stayed in a hospital before but most of all I just want to make sure Adam is ok. I have to admit I am a just a tad bit sad that I won't be experiencing a vaginal birth but on the other hand it is nice to know exactly when he is coming. I have SO much I want to do before he gets here. I am going to deep, deep clean my house - make sure everything is completely set for Adam - make and freeze some meals and I am sure there a million of other things I'll think of!

This is going to be the BEST Christmas ever!!!!!

Dear God,
Please watch over all of us coming up and on Thursday! Please keep me and my sweet angel safe and help us to have a uncomplicated delivery! Thank you again for giving us the gift of this amazing miracle - the past 9 months have been such a dream come true to experience this pregnancy! You are so amazing!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Oh my goodness I can't believe in just 3 short days you will be in my arms. Mommy and Daddy are so excited and can't wait to see you! Mommy is going to savor these last feel days when I have you just to myself and feel you move inside. You have no idea how much Mommy and Daddy love you and how LONG we have waited for you! You are our miracle and we hope that we show you everyday with our love! There is NOTHING we wouldn't do for you!
We Love You Angel!
Mommy & Daddy

Doctor's Update

So let's just say I left the doctor's office in tears! I had my first internal exam and nothing is going on - my cervix is still closed and he said baby is WAY up there. Not really what I wanted to hear, I thought for sure something was going on because of the symptoms I have been having but I was wrong obviously. The doctor then went on to discuss how he was concerned about how big Adam is which left me confused, if they are so concerned about the size and knowing that he gains an ounce everyday why don't they do something about it. Oh well, I guess my patience will be tested like it never has before and I'll just have to wait it out. I just really want him here for Christmas but am starting to feel like maybe I should take the Baby's First Christmas stuff I bought should be taken back.

One bright spot in all of this is that my boss is allowing me to work from home for the rest of this pregnancy! That definately helps deal with all of this a lot. It was such a chore to take my 1 1/2 hour one way train ride everyday and sit in the office all day - so knowing I don't have to do that really helps me deal with how uncomfortable I am. Now I can freely move from the kitchen table, to the recliner, to the couch with my laptop and just work.

Dear God,
Thank you for continuing to watch over us and Adam. I know he is safe and sound where he is right now.
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
I think you might have a little bit of your Daddy in you. You are going to procrastinate aren't you? I just hope you don't come too late - we really want to experience Christmas with you this year!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

38 Weeks

Baby has really plumped up. He weighs about 6.8 pounds and is over 19 1/2 inches long (although we already know Adam is bigger than that - last Tuesday he was 8 pounds already). He has a firm grasp, which I'll soon be able to test when I hold his hand for the first time! His organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb! You might be able to tell what color baby's eyes are when he's born. If he's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If he's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time he's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises may gain more pigment in the months after he's born, they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue.

I really am hoping that Adam will have blue eyes just like his Daddy! His Daddy has the most amazing blue eyes and I would love it if our son has them! We'll have to wait and see. I am so ready for my next appointment tomorrow - I can't wait to see if anything is going on. Keep your fingers crossed that something is happening because if that is the case I am pretty sure we'll be able to schedule and induction for next week! I cannot wait to hold my baby in my arms! I started working from home today - I had a bad night last night with sleep and am just so uncomfortable and the thought of sitting in my desk chair all day just brought me to tears. So I have been bringing my computer and files home every night just in case something happens. Hopefully, I'll just be working from home the rest of this pregnancy!

Dear God,
Please watch over us tomorrow as we go to the doctor and for the rest of the time of this pregnancy. We are really ready to see our miracle you gave us.
Thank you!
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Oh boy Mommy sure hopes that something is going on so that we can schedule for you to come! I can't wait anymore and am so ready for you to be here! We can't wait to see who you look like, what your personality is like and just ready to start our lives together as a family!
We Love You!
Mommy & Daddy

Nothing....

Just wanted to let you all know I have nothing new to report. Nothing is happening with my body at all - I was kind of hoping contractions would start after the other day but nope, nada! Oh well, I will be so anxious to see at my exam on Tuesday if anything is happening.

Hmmmm... Is Something Going On?

I am wondering if something is going on with my body - just went to the bathroom and saw some blood (not much at all) but makes me wonder if it the bloody show you hear about! According to research I have done it means that this is a sign that my cervix is dialating and/0r effacing! They also said you can usually expect to go into labor anywhere from several days to several hours from then! But I also read it could be a couple of weeks too. Either way, my body is definately doing something right now and it's just around the corner!

Bob is going to LA this weekend, I really want him to stay home just in case! I guess we'll see if anything starts to happen tonight or if the show gets heavier, I am making him stay home!

Come on Adam - Mommy and Daddy are SO ready for you to come into this world!!!!!!

Update

So we had an appointment today where we had an ultrasound. As of today Adam is 8 pounds! So he's big but not huge by any means but technically I still have 3 weeks left and at this point he will gain an ounce everyday. So if I go all the way to my due date he will be just over 9 pounds. I didn't meet with my normal doctor today but the doctor I spoke with did say that there is a chance that they could induce me at 39 weeks but only if my body is gearing up on it's own for labor - meaning my cervix is ripe and I am dialating a bit. Next week I will see my normal doctor and have my first internal exam to see if anything is happening. I will just pray, pray, pray that something is starting to happen by then. Now I am nervous that Adam won't be here for Christmas and I was so looking forward to spending the holiday with my baby boy.

37 Weeks

Today is a big day! Adam is now full term! This means if he was to arrive now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though technically my due date is still three weeks away. He should now weigh about 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel.

I am so excited to know that from this point on if Adam decides to come he should be healthy! Tomorrow I have an OB appointment where we will be doing another ultrasound - if he is still measuring as far ahead as he was at the 30 week ultrasound we will be discussing taking him early! I am actually praying that he is still quite large, I am so ready for him to be here. I am extremely uncomfortable all of the time and just can't wait to hold this sweet angel in my arms! I believe he has dropped quite a bit (I'll have to post another picture) - I don't have heartburn anymore and I can breathe so much easier now. My trips to the bathroom are extremely frequent now too!

Our Thanksgiving was great! My mom made such a yummy dinner (she always does though). It was fun just having Bob there (since he has been traveling so much) and just hanging out with the family. Bob and I also got all of the Christmas decorations up this weekend! It didn't take us too long to do but I am glad that we got it out of the way. Now I just need to wait for 2 more gifts to arrive in the mail and wrap them and I am all set. I sent out the Christmas cards yesterday too! I also scheduled Adam's baptism with the church - yes I know it is extremely early for that but I wanted to make sure I did it and was able to give Bob's family in Detroit and my family in St. Louis plenty of time to plan if they wanted to come in town for it. It will be on January 24th - hopefully the weather will cooperate that weekend!

Today is my niece's 2nd birthday! I can't believe she is 2, I remember being in the room when she was born - what an amazing experience! I felt such a HUGE amount of love the second I saw her and thought to myself that I would do anything for her. I can't believe that the love I will feel for Adam when he comes isn't going to even compare to the love I have for that little girl! But I know it will be so much more!

Dear God,
Please watch over us these last couple of weeks as we prepare for our sweet angel to get here!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Mommy and Daddy are really excited to see you tomorrow! We hope you are nice and strong and big and healthy! We are so ready for you to be here and can't wait to see you!
We Love You,
Mommy & Daddy

36 Weeks

Adam is still packing on the pounds - at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. He swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, that will form the contents of his first bowel movement. At the end of this week he is considered full-term!

Unbelievable - we are almost at the full term point! This pregnancy has been the best thing that has ever happened to me (even though it's been very tough at times). I have SO much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! Last Thanksgiving I was in a major depression thinking that my dreams of having a child were never going to happen and now this Thanksgiving we are just weeks/days away from seeing our beautiful baby boy! I can't believe this is the last holiday where it will just be Bob and I - from now on all of our holidays we will have a child with us!

Dear God,
Thank you so much for all of the amazing blessings you have given us this past year! I am in awe everyday of how great you are!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
I can't believe next year at this time you will be toddling around and eating turkey at your First Thanksgiving! Mommy and Daddy are so excited to start celebrating holidays with you and creating many, many, many family memories!
We Love You!
Mommy & Daddy

New Belly Picture

So here is my 35 week belly shot (I haven't taken one in a long time). I feel HUGE!

35 Weeks - 35 Days Left to Go!

I think it's so funny that today I am 35 Weeks with 35 Days left to go - so exciting! Adam doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds. Because it's so snug in there, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore (although to me sometimes it feels like he is), but the number of times he kicks remains about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete - he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

I had an pretty uneventful OB appointment this past Saturday. Adam's heartbeat was nice and strong and I finally got my H1N1 shot! I have been wanting to get that for awhile, at first I didn't think I wanted it but I really feel like I made a good decision on getting it because now Adam will have some antibodies for it. Now we just need to get Bob to get the shot to just make sure we are all protected. I start going to the OB every week now - next Tuesday I will have a Non-Stress test and the test for Group B. Then the week after that is our next ultrasound, I am anxious for that because if he is still big I am pretty sure we will talk about getting him early!

Adam's movements are SO much stronger now! He is constantly moving and it hurts a lot of the time because he has no room and everytime he moves you can see it on my tummy. My skin feels so tight too on my tummy - I can't imagine it growing anymore because it already feels like it is going to rip. I haven't slept at all the past 3 nights - I just can't get comfortable, I pee a ton at night and my mind is racing! I am getting so anxious for him to get here, I just can't wait to hold him in my arms.

This weekend I pretty much finished our Christmas shopping and wrapped everything! I just have 2 more gifts to get. I was teasing that I should have a baby around Christmas time every year - it really motivates you to get things done! Can you believe next week is Thanksgiving! I love that holiday but I don't think my stomach will let me eat as much as I normally do!

Dear God,
Thank you for your continued blessings and please continue to watch over us as we come closer and closer to the delivery of our wonderful gift!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
I can't even imagine how crammed you are inside Mommy right now! I hope you are getting excited to come out and meet us because we are SO excited to meet you!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

34 Weeks

Adam now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (at least that is the average) and is almost 18 inches long. HIs fat layers - which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born - are filling him out, amaking him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. Babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

That is a huge relief to me that if he were to be born now he would most likely be just fine. This morning I woke up at 4:00 a.m. with really bad gas pains (or at least I thought that is what it was). I tried to go to the bathroom but nothing happened and the pain just went away after a minute or so. I thought nothing of it and tried to go back to sleep, well it happened again probably about an hour later and it's happened 2 more times since. I am almost positive it is just false labor or something like that. I know it's not the real deal because they are so far apart, aren't regular at all and don't get any worse. It's kind of exiciting to think at least my body is doing something even though I know it's not the time at all. I just have never felt anything like this before.

So I think it is safe to say that my center of gravity is definately off! Sunday morning I fell off the step coming from my parent's house to the garage and twisted my ankle. It hurt so bad! I got up and was able to hobble to the car to go to church. Once in church though I felt like I was going to pass out and throw up because my ankle was just throbbing so I sat out in the car while my family stayed there for mass. After mass my dad took me to the 24 hour emergency care clinic (Bob was out of town) and luckly it was just sprained! I didn't fall on my belly or anything and Adam was moving around like normal so I was sure he was fine. Yesterday, I got up got ready for work because my ankle was feeling a million times better and was getting ready to leave - well wouldn't you know it but I fell again coming out of my house into the garage - the exact same way I did the day before! So at that point I decided I was not going into work and just laid on the couch all day with my foot elevated! I am much better today and am at work but I am trying to make sure I really favor my right side so I don't reinjure myself again! I am just thankful that Adam is ok and that I didn't break anything - there is no way I would trust myself on cruches right now!

Dear God,
Thank you for watching over me and not letting me break any bones! Also thank you for making sure Adam stayed nice and safe.
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Sorry Mommy jostled you a little bit these past couple of days! I am just glad that I didn't hurt you, I would have felt so bad and so guilty if something had happened to you! It is so exciting for Mommy and Daddy to think that you could be here anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks! That is so soon!
We Love You!
Mommy & Daddy

33 Weeks

This week Adam weighs a little over 4 pounds (or at least he is supposed to) and has passed the 17-inch mark. He's rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and his skeleton is hardening. The bones in his skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for him to fit through the birth canal. (The pressure on the head during birth is so intense that many babies are born with a conehead-like appearance.) These bones don't entirely fuse until early adulthood, so they can grow as his brain and other tissue expands during infancy and childhood.

I can now officially say that Adam will be here next month! And we are in the 40s as far as days left! I am so excited for him to get here. I can't wait to hold that sweet angel in my arms. I can't wait to see Bob as a Daddy and watch their bond grow. I already feel a bond with Adam but I am not sure if Bob does yet but I know as soon as he holds his son in his arms he will instantly fall in love. I know that he is probably more excited than I am for him to get here. Now that Halloween is over I know we will start to see all of the Christmas decorations soon. I love that and can't believe that our little boy will have his first Christmas this year! I think he might be too new to take to see Santa though this year but it all depends on when he comes.

Dear God,
Thank you for your continued blessings. Please watch over us this last month. This pregnancy has been the greatest gift you have ever given me!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
You will be here next month! Mommy and Daddy can't wait to hold you in our arms and love and cuddle you. I hope you grow up knowing always how much we love you and how we will always be there for you. You are our most precious gift and we love you more than you will ever know!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

32 Weeks

By now Adam weighs 3.75 pounds (or at least that is the average, we already know he is over that) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in my uterus. Average weight gain for me is about a pound a week now and roughly half of that goes right to Adam. I have no idea how much weight I have gained, I have chosen not to look at the scale when I go to the doctor's office. And once Adam comes I am just going to go by how my clothes fit me rather than the number the scale says. Adam will gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails and real hair. His skin is becoming soft and smooth as he plumps up in preparation for birth!

Adam could be here now between 5 and 8 weeks. I feel really ready for him to come, I have everything I could possibly do at the house to prepare for him finished. The only two small items are to pack the hospital bag and to put the car seat in the car, other than that we are so ready. Tonight is our second to last Child Birth class, we are learning about the medical procedures tonight so I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot of videos. This is the class I am most nervous about but hopefully it will make me feel more comfortable rather than more scared.

I have my next prenatal appointment at the doctor's on Friday. I am anxious to see if my fundal measurement is large since the last appointment when we had our ultrasound we found out Adam was 3 weeks ahead - I wonder if my fundal height is ahead too. I have a couple of things I need to bring up to the doctor too to make sure everything is ok. For two nights this past week I have woken up in the middle of the night with a bloody nose, I don't think that it's a big deal from what I have read but I still want to make sure I mention it to the doctor. And then this morning coming in on the train I got SO hot and sweaty and was dizzy and felt like I was going to pass out. My hair was literally wet with sweat and I had to take off my coat and sit there with my short sleeve shirt on. This has happened a couple of other times on the train. I used to think it was because I didn't eat in the morning but I have now started eating something before I leave so I was surprised when it happened again today. It did go away after having some water and holding the water bottle on my wrists for a while but it did take some time and it's scary to think you are going to pass out on a train with a bunch of complete strangers!

Dear God,
Thank you for your continued blessing! And thank you for watching over my parent's while they were on their vacation and for having them have a safe return home!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Hey Little Man - why do you like Mommy's ribs so much lately? I am sure you are so crowded in there and don't have much room to move anymore so go ahead and just get as comfortable as you can and Mommy will deal with it!
We Love You!
Mommy & Daddy

31 Weeks

This week Adam measures over 16 inches long (at least that is where he is supposed to be at). He weighs about 3.3 pounds (that's the average, we already know that Adam is way over that because last week he was already 4.3 pounds) and aparently he is heading into a growth spurt! He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's moving a lot and his kicks and somersaults keep me up! But I should take comfort because this is all a sign that he is active and healthy!

Everyday I wonder how much longer I truly have - it could be anywhere from 6 weeks to 9 weeks, either way I am now in the single digit weeks left! I really never imagined that this time would go by so fast! Overall, I have been feeling pretty good. Every once in awhile I will get a nice swift kick in my ribs which takes my breath away but for the most part his movements are getting more smooth and not so rough. It is so much fun to sit and watch my belly now! Everytime he moves you can see it from the outside - I spend a lot of nights with my shirt pulled up just staring at it. I was so hoping that I would go the whole pregnancy without streach marks but it looks like that's not going to happen - I just had 3 small ones pop up - boo! I know though that they are so worth it for my miracle baby! Lately, I have been eating Tums like it's candy - I seem to ALWAYS have heartburn at least the Tums seem to be doing their job for now, I hope my body doesn't get used to them and that they don't work anymore.

Tonight we have our second Child Birth class. I am really looking forward to it - I really enjoy them. I know tonight we are learning breathing and relaxing techniques because the instructor made sure to tell us that we definately need our pillows and a blanket this week. I am actually really looking forward to learning these things and hope that they will help me in labor since I really, really want to try natural. But, I am not going to beat myself up if I have to have an epidural. I just want to at least be able to say that I gave it my best shot.

Dear God,
Please continue your awesome blessings upon us! We are very aware of the gift you have given us and we are so gratful!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Mommy is having so much fun watching you move around - I wish Daddy was home more often to see it but he has to work. Soon enough he'll be done traveling and hopefully he'll be able to experience these things with Mommy. I especially love when Mommy pushes on her tummy in one spot and a few seconds later you kick there! It's like we are playing our own game! I can't wait until you are here so we can play many, many more games together!
We Love You!
Mommy & Daddy

We Have a Big Boy on our Hands!

I went to the OB yesterday for a 30 week ultrasound to measure where Adam is at right now. We'll let's just say I think I might be giving birth to a huge chunker! Babies at 30 weeks should be around 3 pounds and Adam is 4 pounds and 3 ounces! So he is measuring 3 weeks ahead of schedule. If I got the full 40 weeks they said he could be between 9 1/2 and 10 pounds. So I will have to go for another ultrasound at 37 weeks and if he is still growing at the same rate, I will be induced then. I could have our angel in my arms in just 7 weeks! I am really freaking out on how soon that is and there is so much I still want to do. So I will be busy starting on my "To Do" list this weekend. One good thing is they said I definately would not go a day over my due date (December 21st) so Adam will be here for Christmas! I am SO excited about that!

30 Weeks - Only 10 More to Go!!!

Today marks the beginning of week 30! Only 10 more to go! Adam is now about 15.7 inches long now, and weighs almost 3 pounds. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in the uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision - which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face.

I really can't believe how close we are getting! I cannot wait for him to get here but at the same time I am so scared. I hope that I am a good mom and can help in raising and developing Adam to be a good man one day!

We are completely finished with his nursery! I have posted pictures at the bottom.

Dear God,

Thank you for your continued blessings! Please watch over us in these last 10 weeks as we prepare for the miracle you have given us!

Love,

Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,

Mommy and Daddy can't believe you will be here so soon! We are so excited to meet you. We are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at our ultrasound at the doctor's. That is the last time we will see you until you are born! Also, Mommy and Daddy are going to their first Child Birth class tonight to learn what it will be like the day that you come - we are really looking forward to that!

We Love You!

Mommy & Daddy

Hospital Tour

So our hospital tour last night was really informative! It was a little bit of torture though for a bit - there were over 10 couples taking the tour and the crammed us all into one Labor and Delivery room for a while while the tour guide talked - it was SO HOT in there that I almost passed out and had to walk out of the room in the hallway! But after that Bob and I just decided to stay behind the pack a bit and I started to feel much better.

It was so strange to think that the next time we step on the floor will be to have our sweet Adam! Each Labor and Delivery room is private (which is so nice) and they are really good sized. You labor and deliver in the same room so you don't have to be moved from place to place. Each room has a TV with a DVD player, CD player, birthing ball a fridge for coaches snacks (yea right like I am going to let Bob eat in front of me when I can't eat) and a lot of other nice amenities! No tubs though, which is ok with me because I doubt I would really use that. Once you have the baby they let you take pictures and everything in the room and then they take the baby to the nursery for observation for a couple of hours but Bob can go with Adam to the nursery, which I told him last night I want to make sure that he stays with our sweet angel. I am then moved to a room on the Mom/Baby area as soon as I am all cleaned up - they have both private and shared rooms. They said that they always try to fill the private rooms first and it's kind of a first come first serve basis, but good thing for me is the tour guide said December usually tends to be their least busiest month so I am hoping that we have a good chance at a private room that way Bob can stay the night if he wants to. One thing though that I was kind of iffy about is that they really try to push you to have the baby in your room 24 hours a day. Not that I have a problem with that but I just thought that I might want the baby to sleep in the nursery at night so that I can get some rest but it probably doesn't matter too much because I do not want Adam to have formula at the hospital so they would have to wake me up anyway so I could feed him.

I feel like time is just flying and I really need to make some decisions on my birth plan! One day I think that I want to go natural and then the next day I say I want the epidural as soon as I get there! I think I will probably just end up waiting to see how I feel when I get there but tell the nurses not to ask me if I want pain meds but to let me ask for them. I also am still up in the air about episiotamies (spelling I am sure is wrong on that), I have heard that sometimes it's better to just tear naturally but then I have also heard that it is better to get one because it is easier to repair. Uggh - so many decisions, how in the world do I know which ones are the right ones.

Wow reality is really hitting me in just 11 short weeks my life will be FOREVER changed! I am scared to death but so excited at the same time!

29 Weeks

Adam now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to matrue, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. His bones are soaking up lots of calcium now. This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited into his hardening skeleton each day.

Only 11 more weeks or so to go! It's really getting close and I am getting so excited. Tonight we have our tour of the Labor and Delivery department at the hospital we will be having Adam at. I am really excited to see what we are going to be in for and I hope this calms my nerves a little bit. I have to admit I am really getting anxious about actually giving birth and am getting really scared that I won't be able to handle it. Next week we start our Child Birth classes so I hope that will help with my anxiety too.

Dear God,
Thank you for your continued blessings. Please bless a friend of mine who just had her 3rd failed IVF attempt. I know that you have a plan for her and her husband but watch over them during this difficult time.
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Today Mommy and Daddy are going to see where you will be born! I can't believe that you are going to be here in just 11 short weeks. Mommy has waited for you all of her life, for as long as I can remember all I ever wanted was to be a Mommy! I know Daddy can't wait for you to get here either - he is getting more and more excited everyday and has your picture on his computer so he can look at it all of the time.
We Love You Sweet Angel!
Mommy & Daddy

I Passed!

Woo Hoo - I passed my 1 hour glucose test! Thank goodness, I was really hoping I wouldn't have to go through the 3 hour one, yuck! But the nurse said my hemoglobin levels were really low so they wanted me to take an iron supplement. I proceeded to tell her that I started taking one a long time ago when they called last time I had blood taken when they were low. She was surprised and said that I'll have to get something stronger, so they called in a perscription for me. I told my mom just the other day that I still feel so drained and tired and now I know why! Hopefully, these pills will give me some more pep - it would be nice to stay up past 8:15 or so.

I am looking forward to this weekend - one of my best friends from high school will be in town with her husband and adorable little boy. She is pregnant also and due a couple of weeks before me - so we are just going to hang out at my house tomorrow with her son. It should be fun to just veg out and catch up!

28 Weeks

By this week, Adam weighs two and a quarter punds and measures 14.8 inches from the top of his head to his heels. He can blink his eyes, which now sport lashes. With his eyesight developing, he may be able to see the light that filters in through my womb. He's also developing billions of neurons in his brain and adding more body fat in preperation for life in the outside world.

I have my next OB appointment on Thursday where I will have my Glucose Screening. Hopefully I pass this one so that I do not have to do the 3 hour test. My poor sister had to do that one when she was pregnant with my nephew and it didn't sound fun at all. I decided to just take the day off (we have 3 mandatory days without pay that we just found out about last week), so I figure I'll just use one of those and take it easy the rest of the day. Plus I can spend a little extra time with Bob then since he is travelling Thursday-Monday every week and I feel like we don't get to see much of each other anymore. Just Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights and lately by the time I get home from work I am just beat and all I want to do is veg in front of the TV and go to bed early. He has this schedule all the way until December :( So still 2 more months of this, but at least it's a job and it could be worse - most of the times when he is on a tour for something he doesn't get to come home at all.

Most everyone that has seen the 3D pictures of Adam all think that he looks like me (or at least my side of the family)! I really can't tell though - all I know is that I don't care who he looks like I am so madly in love with him. I printed out one of the pictures and have it hanging in my cubicle at work and I have to admit I spend A LOT of time just staring at it throughout the day! (Good thing I am not busy at work at all right now). I can't believe he is inside of me and he is made of both Bob and I - really how can anyone question that children are not the greatest miracle from God!

Dear God,
Everytime I look at the picture of my beautiful son I am just reminded of how amazing you truly are! Thank you so much for blessing us with this special miracle!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Has Mommy told you lately how much I love you?! I have never felt so in love with someone in my entire life! You are Mommy and Daddy's miracle and we can't wait for you to be here in our arms.
We Love You So Much Adam!
Mommy & Daddy

So In Love!

Our 3D/4D ultrasound was amazing yesterday! I am so madly in love with this little angel! I cannot wait for him to get here in December. I think he has Bob's mouth, my chin but I can't figure out whose nose it is. I really can't explain how much my heart bursts everytime I look at these pictures and could have never imagined loving someone I haven't even met this much!

27 Weeks - 3rd Trimester!

Today marks the beginning of the 3rd trimester! I can't believe we are at this point - I remember last year at this time thinking that this would never happen for us! We were still trying on our own at this point and just getting ready to talk to my OB about our issues. I had no idea what was in store for us but I am so thankful we are here today and also feel blessed for everything we have gone through to get to this point. I truly believe that this has made Bob and I stronger people and in turn we'll be stronger parents!

This week, Adam weighs almost 2 pounds (like a head of cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with his legs extended. He's sleeping and waking at regular intervals (which I can tell, of course he like to be awake at night!), opening and closing his eyes, and perhaps even sucking his fingers (Bob and I were both thumb suckers when we were little so it wouldn't surprise me a bit if Adam is too). With more brain tissue developing, Adam's brain is very active now. While his lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning - with a lot of medical help - if he was to be born now. I can now chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements I might be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on (I don't think I have felt those yet but I can't wait to). Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother him.

Tomorrow after I get off of work we are going for our 3D/4D ultrasound! I really can't wait to see Adam. I can't wait to see if whose nose he has, whose ears he has, what is cute little feet look like, what is mouth looks like, if he has chubby cheeks or not! I will post pictures on Wednesday and if I can figure out how to post a video I will try to do that since we get a DVD of the whole thing. I just really hope he cooperates and doesn't have his hands covering his face or anything.

Sleeping at night is starting to get really, really uncomfortable. I can't find a comfortable position and when I have to roll over it is like a choregraphed dance trying to do so! First, I have to throw my pillows over to the other side, then I have to basically sit up (which isn't so easy anymore), twist to the other side and flop down. Poor Bob having to sleep with me! And I know I am all over the bed too, not just on my one side. Most of the time he ends up on the couch downstairs, I feel so bad but I can't help it.

Dear God,
Thank you for getting us to the point you have gotten us to today. I know last year I was doubting you at this time but I should have just had faith that you had your plan for us and that everything was going to work out!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Mommy and Daddy are beyond excited to see you tomorrow. It's all Daddy can talk about! Hopefully you won't be sleeping or you won't try to hide your face from the camera, we really want to see your sweet angel face! Only 3 more months until we get to meet you, I can't believe how quickly it is coming. I cannot wait until you are in my arms!
We Love You So Much!
Mommy & Daddy

Week 26

The network of nerves in Adam's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both my voice and Bob's voice as we chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about 2 pounds and measures 14 inches from head to heel! A point of interest for Bob is that his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum-a trip that will take about two to three days.

I can't believe that we are now in the double digits until Adam is here! I will be in the 3rd trimester in a couple of weeks, this time has flown by! I am counting down the days until next Tuesday, that is when we are going for our 3D/4D ultrasound! I am so excited and can't wait to see how adorable my sweet angel is!

I have been wanting to post this poem that my sister wrote me for my baby shower but kept forgetting to do it - so here it is!

December 21st is when they say you are due,
Your dream of becoming a mother will finally come true.

Nine months it takes for a baby to grow,
Everything to develop from his head to his toe.

Your tummy will grow with stretch marks galore,
To where you will say, "PLEASE NO MORE!"

The day will come and to the hospital you will go,
The pain you will feel you are yet to know.

Kicking, screaming and pushing you will do,
You never know, you may just poo!

Finally you will receive a baby boy,
Eyes will fill with tears of joy!

Adam's smile will be so bright,
Remember he was worth the fight.

Bring him home and you will see,
All the love that comes for free.

I can't believe my sister wrote that but I will treasure it forever!

Dear God,
Thank you for your continued blessings! Please watch over everyone I know that has just had their babies recently or who is about to have their babies soon!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Mommy can't wait to see your adorable face next week! I think you have been having a party in my tummy lately! Go ahead though and have a blast, I love it! But maybe we can have a party during the day instead of the middle of the night. Never mind - Mommy is a big push over you just go ahead and do whatever you want in there!
We Love You!
Mommy & Daddy

OB Update

Everything looked good at my OB appointment yesterday. I am no longer on bed rest but I can't do anything strenuous. No lifting heavy objects, no pushing anything heavy, no exercising. So basically I have a doctor's ok to be lazy! I am glad Bob was in the room with me to hear that! I go back in 3 weeks, at that time I will be doing my Glucose test. I can't believe that is already happening!

My birthday is this Friday and Bob wanted to know what I wanted and I told him all I wanted was a 3D/4D ultrasound session to see little Adam again! So we have our appointment on September 22nd - I can't wait! It will be so neat to see what he looks like now, I can already tell his face is starting to fill out from the ultrasound I had last Tuesday, he's got cute little cheeks!

I have a funny story to share that I forgot to post yesterday. I was cooking dinner on Monday night (mashed potatoes and some rolls) and I needed to turn off the timer so I leaned over the stove to do so (like I always do) but this time I burnt my belly! I am not used to how big it is! I touched the edge of the pot that was boiling the potatoes with my tummy! Ouch, it hurt but it was kind of funny at the same time! I now have a nice blister on my belly and I am rubbing cocoa butter on it so that I don't get a scar.

Dear God,
Thank you so much for watching over Adam and making sure he stays nice and healthy!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Mommy and Daddy can't wait to see what you look like on the 22nd! I hope you look like your Daddy but no matter what I know you are going to be adorable and I love you so much! You are my angel and my miracle!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

25 Weeks

Head to heels, Adam now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight - a pound and a half - isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair - and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture!

Technically I think I am still supposed to be on bedrest but I went to St. Louis this weekend for my baby shower. I was feeling good at the end of last week and hadn't had anymore spotting scares so I wasn't nervous about going. I am so glad we went - it was the best weekend! Friday we drove to St. Louis and went to my cousin's high school football game when we got in town. I can still remember the day he was born, it's so strange to me that he is now a Junior in high school and towers over me! Then Saturday was my Baby Shower! My sister and 2 aunts hosted it and they did an amazing job! I actually had to hold back tears when I walked into the room because of all of the thought and work they had put into it! It was so me! The cake was gorgeous (my Aunt Barb designed it) and she thought of every little detail. It looked just like the invitation but she had 3 baby blocks put on it also with Adam's initials! And my sister made a diaper cake! I couldn't believe she had made it when I saw it! I had no idea she had any kind of craftiness in her at all! I don't want to take it apart to use the diapers but I am sure there will come a time when I do! We are so blessed with so many amazing friends and family members! They were all so generous and we got so much stuff! We only have to get a few more items and we are all set for Adam! I feel so ahead of the game!

The Hostesses - My Aunt Nancy, Me, My Sister and My Aunt Barb

My Mom and Dad (Grandma and Grandpa) and Bob and I and my Niece (she wanted to be in all of the pictures)

Bob and I

The diaper cake my sister made!

The cake!

I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon - I am sure everything will go fine and hopefully they clear me of the bedrest! (I am not telling them that I went into the office today - I just didn't want to have to take anymore days off since I don't know what I will need in the future and I don't have many more days left at all)!

Dear God,

Thank you for blessing us with such amazing friends and family!

Love, Bob and Alicia

Dear Adam,

Mommy and Daddy have pretty much everything we need for you! We can't wait until you are here!

We Love you! Mommy & Daddy

Scary Morning

We had a stressful day today! I went to work all was well and then went to the bathroom and to my horror saw bright red blood, I freaked out and started crying. I ran to my desk called Bob first and he immediately left the house to drive downtown to pick me up and I then called the doctor and left a message with the nurses. They called me back right away and told me that they'll fit me in as soon as we get there. So we finally got to the doctor and they had me go for an ultrasound - what a huge relief, we saw Adam moving like crazy and his beautiful heart beating! My placenta also looked fine - huge sigh! After the ultrasound the doctor wanted to check my cervix to make sure it wasn't dialating or anything - things looked ok there. He thinks that I over did it a bit this weekend when I told him about watching my niece and nephew and that I had had some cramping on Saturday night. So he said the bleeding could have come from a small tear in the placenta. I am now on bed rest for at least the rest of the week and if I start bleeding again I need to call them immediately. He said he just wanted to be more conservative with us since this is a "delicate" pregnancy. I didn't ask him if it was ok to go to St. Louis this weekend for my baby shower but I am just going to go and sit the entire time I am there, that is if I don't have any more bleeding this week. Too bad Bob and I can't go for our Anniversary Dinner tonight though but keeping Adam safe is much more important right now!

Dear God,
Thank you so much for making everything ok with our angel.
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Stay healthy in there! I am so sorry that I overdid it this weekend and might have put some stress on you. Don't worry, Mommy is going to really take it easy now!
We Love You!
Mommy & Daddy

24 Weeks

We are now at 24 weeks! Adam is growing steadily, having gained 4 ounces since last week. He is now just over a pound and almost a foot long. So he's pretty lean at the point but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

I had a busy weekend. I helped my mom babysit my niece and nephew - we had a great time playing and running around but I might have over did it a little bit, I was having really bad cramps on Saturday night, so I took it easy that night and on Sunday. I hope everything is ok with Little Man, I haven't felt him too much since Saturday. So of course I am being paranoid and freaking out that something is wrong even though the sensible part is telling me that everything is fine.

Last night I watched this show that followed 3 couples that had multiples. I cried my eyes out because one couple was expecting to have quads and during one of their appointments they found out that they lost one of the babies. So sad - they showed the delivery and everything. I really can't imagine getting news like that. The good news was that the other 3 babies were perfect. Then another couple was having sextuplets and they took the babies at 25 weeks - it was crazy to watch that and see the tiny babies to know that Adam will be that size next week! I wish Bob would have been home to see it. All six of the babies survived and were healthy so far - what a miracle!

Tomorrow is our 2nd Wedding Anniversary! In a way the time has flown by but in a way it also feels like we have been married forever. This past year was definatly a trying year for us dealing with the infertility and everything but it has brought us so much closer together. I really can't imagine loving Bob anymore than I do today but I know as soon as I see our son in his arms that my heart is just going to burst. I want to thank him for making the past two years the best of my life! It is so amazing to sit here today knowing that the future ahead of us is just going to be so perfect as we start our beautiful family. He is making all of my dreams come true - I am such a lucky girl to have the most perfect husband in the world. I love him more than I could ever express!

We are going to one of my favorite places to eat and I am counting down the hours (pathetic I know)! It's a fondue restaurant and I have been craving cheese lately-so this is right up my alley! Then on Friday we will be driving to St. Louis for our baby shower with my side of the family and all of my friends! I cannot wait to get there and see everyone, the week can't go by fast enough!

Dear God,
Thank you for blessing me with such an amazing husband! Please watch over us as we share many, many, many more anniversaries together!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
You must be lazy lately because you have been pretty quiet and not kicking Mommy as much - I just hope everything is ok with you. I worry about you all of the time and I am sure my worry and concerns are just going to increase after you are born. Mommy and Daddy love you so much we don't ever want you to feel pain or be sad.
We Love You!
Mommy & Daddy

23 Weeks

Yesterday marked 23 weeks. With his sense of movement well developed by now, Adam can feel if I dance and move around. He is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing and the sounds he hears are preparing him for entry to the outside world! Loud noises that become familar now - such as the roar of the vacuum cleaner - probably won't faze him when he hears them outside the womb.

Adam has been really rocking and rolling the past 2 or 3 days! He is constantly moving, such a cool thing. I don't think he wants Mommy to get any work done because when I feel him I find myself daydreaming about what he is doing in there. I want to know what it is that I am feeling, is he turning, kicking, punching his arms? I can't wait until we can feel him from the outside and Bob can experience it.

Last night we started filling out the baby book that we have with information that we can fill in right now. It asks a lot about the 2 of us, where we met, our wedding and honeymoon. It also asks about the baby's grandparents and gives you a mini family tree to fill out. Filling out the family tree was neat - Bob has a file that he got when his parent's passed away that has extensive information about both sides of his family (I think one of his siblings did a report for school and we have them) but it was really detailed and very interesting to read. My family doesn't have anything like that I don't think - so now it makes me want to do something especially while I still have my grandmother around on my mom's side since both of my dad's parents are now gone. These are things I want to make sure that I pass down to Adam and any other children we might have.

Dear God,
Thank you for your continued blessings - you are truly amazing.
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Oh boy - Mommy asked for you to kick me and are you ever giving me a taste of my own medicine. But I LOVE it! I am not complaining in the least - please keep on rocking and rolling to your content.
We Love You Sweet Boy!
Mommy & Daddy

Week 22

Today marks week 22. At 11 inches and almost 1 pound, Adam is starting to look like a minature newborn. His lips, eyelids and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. He has fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and deep wrinkles in his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas-essential for the production of some important hormones-is developing steadily.

We had our first baby shower this weekend in Detroit with Bob's family and friends. It was so wonderful and we had a great time! His sisters and sister-in-law did a fabulous job and everything was just beautiful! Adam is one spoiled little baby boy - we got so much for him that I know we will get a ton of use out of! Bob was at the shower too and I think he loved every single moment - especially opening the gifts! We got some Detroit Tigers onesies and Bob was crazy over them! I was having so much fun I didn't even take any pictures - but hopefully my parents will send me some so I can post them soon.

It was strange leaving because I know the next time I will see them all is after Adam is here (unless some of them come to Chicago to visit before then). Adam has such a great family that he is being born into. Between my side of the family and Bob's side of the family he will have 12 cousins already! Everyone is so excited to meet him - especially Mommy and Daddy!

Dear God,
Thank you for blessing us with such an amazing family!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Wow- we got lots and lots of things for you this weekend at the baby shower! You are going to be the cutest dressed boy on the block! Everyone can't wait to meet you!
We Love You!
Mommy & Daddy

21 Weeks

We are at 21 weeks! Adam now weighs about three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long - the length of a carrot. His eyebrows and lids are now present! His movement will turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges soon (hopefully I can feel him then) and he will have a pattern to his activity!

The cruise with my family was actually really fun! We had a good time just relaxing and hanging out. I think I might have felt Adam while we were on the cruise. We were at the final night show and there was a lot of music being played and I told my sister I felt something like a gas bubble but it wasn't in a normal area you would feel one. She thinks it was Adam. I really can't wait until I feel him more and more.

Yesterday we had our level 2 ultrasound at the OB's office. I am happy to report that Adam is perfect! His heart, brain, kidneys, bladder, stomach and measurements all look great! That is such a huge relief to have that over with and know that he is developing just like he should. He was extremely active throughout the entire ultrasound and wouldn't sit still much at all! It was by far the best ultrasound we have had to this point, Bob and I could have watched him all day! So I know now that he moves around like crazy and I am just praying that I really start to feel him more and more - I can't wait to actually know that it's him kicking me and not questioning it.

Here are a couple of cute pictures we got....

Dear God,

Thank you so much for your continued blessings and for watching over Adam as he continues to grow healthy and strong.

Love,

Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,

Thank you for the show you gave Mommy and Daddy yesterday! We could have watched you all day. It was so adorable to see your little legs kick around like crazy and move your arms all over the place. Daddy and I are SO in love with you! Keep growing just as you are and keep that movement going, Mommy can't wait to feel you kick me!

We Love You Angel!

Mommy & Daddy

Pictures

Adam's Closet! This doesn't even include the things from my nephew! I have been shopping way too much!
I love this blue color. My dad and Bob did an amazing job on the crown molding and bead board. I just love this room!

Me at 20 weeks.

Half Way There

Today marks 20 weeks! We are half way there, I can't believe it! I have a feeling though things are going to start really slowing down and the time will start to drag on! Adam weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now and is around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inchesx from head to heel - the length of a banana. Up until this point he has been measured from the top if his head to his bottom because he was so curled up but now he will be measured from head to toe. He's swallowing more these days which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels and we'll see it in his first diaper - yea a present for Daddy!!!!

I still haven't felt any movement from him. I just keep praying that anyday now I will start to feel it! I am getting anxious. This past weekend was really busy. Saturday I went shopping with my mom and I think I found Adam's coming home outfit but I am waiting for it to go on sale, in the meantime I will keep looking. But I did get a ton of cute things for really cheap at some sales (most of it for next summer). Then my sister brought me tons and tons of clothes that my nephew doesn't fit into anymore! Adam's closet is already completely full and I have moved into the guest bedroom closet! This boy does not need anymore clothes but I know I'll see things that I won't be able to resist! On Sunday Bob and I went shopping for a rug for his room and a lamp. I did find an adorable lamp for cheap that is a little sailboat! I was so excited to get it for $30.00 because all of the cute ones I saw online were over $100.00! I never thought it would be so difficult to find a rug for a baby's room but it's impossible! Of course I am really picky and we don't want to spend a ton of money. The one I really wanted at Pottery Barn Kids was on sale but now it is no longer available, I guess that's what I get for waiting.

This weekend I am going on a 4 day cruise with my mom, sister, aunt and grandma for my grandma's birthday. Oh boy, that will be an interesting trip to say the least! Let's just say I think it's going to be way too much togetherness and I am so grateful it is only 4 days! Don't get me wrong I love them all dearly but that's a lot of togetherness! My sister and I are sharing a tiny room and she is kind of a slob so I know she will drive me crazy with her stuff everywhere. At least it won't be as bad as my mom, grandma and aunt all in a room :) But it will be really nice to get away and just relax, I am planning on doing nothing but reading by the pool and eating! I can't indulge in beverages so I have a feeling ice cream will take it's place. Hey, I am pregnant, I can do that now right?!

Dear God,
Please watch over us and our little family.
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Ok mister - why aren't you kicking me yet! Mommy really, really wants you to kick me. I will never say that to you once you are outside but take advantage of it now. Mommy and Daddy has so much fun shopping for your room this weekend, we can't even explain how excited we are to meet you!
We Love You Angel!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

19 Weeks

19 weeks today - woo hoo! Adam's sensory development is exploding this week! His brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision and touch. Some reasearch suggests that he may be able to hear our voice now! He weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches - about the size of a large heirloom tomato. His arems and legs are in the right proportion to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine an dthe hair on his scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on his skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

I think it is so cool that he can possible hear now! I have a bunch of books that I want to start reading him. My mom actually got me a Dr. Suess book that is designed to be read to the baby while he is in the womb - it is so cute! So I think I'll start reading tonight - Bob and I can take turns.

So the nursery is all painted! Bob and my dad worked on it while I was out of town for work this weekend - they did such an amazing job! I absolutely love it! It is blue with white bead board, chair railing and crown molding - I'll have to take a picture and post it. Now I can't wait to put the furniture in there!

Dear God,
Your continued blessings on us are so appreciated and we can't thank you enough!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Your room is all painted now! Daddy and Grandpa worked so hard on it. Daddy is very proud of it and couldn't wait to show Mommy when she got home. We think you are going to love it and we just can't wait until you are here to start enjoying it!
We Love You Dear Sweet Baby Boy!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

18 Weeks

Today I am 18 weeks! Only about 22 more weeks to go. Really the time is flying by, I hope it stays at this pace. Adam is now about 5 1/2 inches long and weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs - movements that hopefully I'll start feeling soon! His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born.

We are now completely finished registering! I know it's really early for us to have done that but our schedules coming up are crazy so we are having our baby showers really early. One is on August 15th and the other one is on September 5th. It was actually a lot of fun picking out all of the blue stuff! There really is some cute boy stuff out there. Mommy spent way too much money this weekend! But a lot of it was clearanced summer clothes for Adam to wear next year. My sister also just gave me two HUGE bags of clothes that my nephew can't wear anymore. I have to go through and see what we can use and what we can't since my nephew had a bit of a spitting up problem and I'm sure there are some things that will need to be thrown out.

I had the scare of my life today. My cell phone rang while I was at work and I couldn't get to it in time. So I listened to the voicemail and it was a nurse from my doctor's office telling me to call back as soon as I could to discuss my lab results. I was so scared that something was wrong with Adam, so I dialed the number shaking the whole time. The nurse told me that my iron levels were really low in my blood so they are going to put me on an iron supplement. I was so relieved when she said that, that's an easy fix. She then proceeded to tell me that all of my blood work for the screening on Adam came back normal - so he's a completely healthy boy so far! I have been SO tired recently so at least now I know why with my iron being so low. Yea, hopefully these supplements will give me a little more pep!

Dear God,
Please continue to watch over our baby boy!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Mommy spoiled you this weekend - I am sure it's just the beginning. Daddy is going to start painting your room this weekend, can you tell that he is so excited for you to get here. I don't think that you will ever understand how much we love you and how much you mean to us. You are truly our miracle baby boy and we will cherish every moment of your life!
Now, I have a tiny bone to pick with you - please start kicking Mommy! I can't wait to feel you moving around inside me!
We Love You our Dear Sweet Boy!
Mommy & Daddy

Baby Boy - Adam

Here are some pics from our ultrasound on Wednesday. I swear my husband looks at these everyday like he thinks it's going to disappear! I have to tell him that it's not going anywhere and he is most definately a BOY!!!!

It's a..........

Beautiful Bouncing Baby Boy!!!!!!!!


We are both thrilled and can't wait to meet our son in December! Bob's face was the neatest thing I have ever seen when the tech paused the screen and asked, "What do you see?" and I immediately responded, "There's a weiner!". The silly, little grin came up on Bob's face and hasn't left since that moment! I know that he truly wanted a boy so bad - even though he never admitted it. This is one very lucky little boy! Everyone loves him so much and is so excited for him already - come on December just get here! I think one of the neatest things is that my nephew, CJ, is only going to be one year old when Adam is born (that's his name, Adam Robert) so I know those 2 boys are just going to be the best of friends. I can't wait to hold him in my arms and watch him grow up. But what I am most excited for is to see Bob bond with his son, it brings tears to my eyes just making me think about it! But I kind of hope he is a Mommy's Boy too!

Dear God,
Thank you so much for giving us this gift of our beautiful little boy! Please watch over him as he continues to grow strong and healthy!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Adam,
Mommy and Daddy are so excited to be able to call you by your name now! Learning that you were a boy yesterday was one of the best life chaning moments I have had! Daddy already has so many plans for you - sports, camping, playing outside and all kinds of fun things! Mommy just can't wait for you to snuggle with me! We are so excited to start getting your room together now. I hope you like what we picked out. And the rest of the family can't wait to meet you - you have lots and lots of cousins who are counting down the day until you enter this world!
We love you more than you will ever know our dear sweet Adam!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

Impatient

Ok - so I am quite possibly the most impatient person on earth (as is my mother). She convinced me today to call one of those 3D/4D elective ultrasound places and make an appointment for a gender determination ultrasound. So guess what - I go on Wednesday to find out! I though Bob would be mad when I told him that I made the appointment but he was really excited!

Dear Baby,
This is going to be a great week coming up! Mommy and Daddy get to hear your beautiful heartbeat tomorrow and then Wednesday we finally get to find out if you are a he or a she! We can't wait!
We love you!
Mommy and Daddy

16 Weeks

Holy Cow, I am 16 weeks today! Baby is the size of an avacado and weighs about 3 1/2 ounces. The baby will have a huge growth spurt in the next few weeks, it will double it's weight and add inches to it's length. Legs are more developed now and the head is erect now. The eyes are in the correct position and the ears are just about there. Baby is now starting to grow toenails. The heart is now pumping 25 quarts of blood each day!

I have an OB appointment on Saturday, it feels like forever since I have been there. I am really excited that Bob will be able to hear the heartbeat for the first time! At the appointment I am going to schedule the big ultrasound to find out the gender! I can't wait for that! I am so impatient that I am thinking about going to one of those 3D places to get one done. The place my sister went to is offer a $45.00 special on a gender peak right now. To me the $45.00 is well worth it but I can't convince Bob of the same thing. He thinks I just need to be patient but he is talking to the girl who used to find my Christmas gifts, steam them open with an iron and re-wrap them! This is THE biggest Christmas gift ever - I CAN'T wait!

Bob and I had a good 4th of July weekend. I had family over on Saturday and did a lot of cooking. I am not normally a cook but everything I made turned our really, really good! I think my family was shocked. Then on Sunday it was a complete lazy day. We went to church, breakfast and for a Sunday drive. On our drive we just decided to go play miniature golf - as we were playing it hit me - wow, we aren't going to be able to do things like this when the baby comes. It will be a lot more planning before we just take off on a whim. Little by little I guess I am realizing that my life is going to completely change. And I know it will be for the better!

Dear God,
Thank you for your continued blessings!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Baby,
Mommy and Daddy are really excited to hear your heartbeat this weekend, especially Daddy. Tomorrow is Daddy's birthday, I think his birthday wish has already come true - knowing that you are on your way! Next year will be so much fun to have you sitting in his lap helping him blow out the candles!
We Love You SO Much!
Mommy & Daddy

15 Weeks

I can't believe 15 weeks today! This pregnancy is really flying by! Baby now measures 4 inches long and weighs 2 1/2 ounces - about the size of an orange. Baby is now moving amneotic fluid through their nose and upper respitory track, which is helping the air sacs in the lungs develop. Legs are now longer than the arms and they can move all of the joints and limbs! Eyelids are still fused shut but the baby can now react to light - if I put a flash light to my tummy the baby would move away from it, that is so cool! Taste buds are forming, even though there isn't much to taste at this point.

Bob and I had a mini-vacation last week! It was so relaxing. We stayed at an adorable Bed and Breakfast in South Haven, MI. The food was SO good for breakfast each morning. We slept in everyday, went to the beach in the morning, had lunch and shopped a bit, then came back for our daily afternoon naps and went to dinner. Absolutely perfect! We bought the cutest onesies for the baby - one says "I'm a Miracle", so true-I had to buy it! And the other one has Christmas holly on it and says "The BEST present ever", again so true! I can't wait to see our little one in it.

Dear God,
Thank you for your continued blessings!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Baby,
Mommy & Daddy bought you lots of stuff this past week! We can't wait to put you in the outfits and read you the books we got. We actually want to start reading you some books soon every night. We love you so much!
Mommy & Daddy

Our Sweet Peach

As of yesterday I was 13 weeks, baby is now the size of a peach. Fingerprints have formed on the baby's tiny fingertips and their veins and organs are clearly visible through their still-thin skin. Baby's body is now starting to catch up with their head - which makes up just a third of their body size now. If baby is a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries! Baby now weighs nearly an ounce.

Dear God,
This miracle you have given us is so awesome! What a blessing and we are so grateful!
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Baby,
I miss seeing you already and it hasn't even been a week! Mommy is going to have major withdrawls from seeing you, next time we do we will know if you are a boy or a girl! This Sunday is Father's Day, don't tell Daddy but I got him a little card from you, it made Mommy cry in the card store. You are going to be so lucky to have such a great Daddy! He is going to be such a fun playmate for you and will probably act like a kid all over! So Mommy will have 2 kids to look over now but I can't wait. Daddy will be your best friend and will give you lots of great advice like he does for Mommy when you need it. Daddy is so patient and never loses his temper. And best of all Daddy is a really good cook so you won't starve since Mommy isn't too good in that department. I can't wait to see Daddy's big arms holding your tiny body, just the thought of it brings tears to Mommy's eyes.
We love you so much!
Mommy & Daddy

Appointment Results

The OB appointment went great. I had the ultrasound first and I love the tech at the office. She took her time explaining everything and pointing things out. I think that baby was sleeping because he/she didn't move much at all (except to rub their eyes at one point). They were in the exact position they needed to be in to get the measurement of the neck. Our measurement was 19, which is a great number anything over 30-35 is cause for concern the tech said. I still have to wait to get the 1st set of blood work results back but the tech said she wouldn't worry about a thing and it seems that we have a perfectly healthy baby in there. She didn't try to even get a gender shot so I'll just have to be patient! I did post the profile shot of the baby on a website I go on and there is a way that you can get a really good guess at the gender by looking at a nub in that area and people seem to think by the nub it looks like we are having a girl but who knows! So we'll find out for sure in 8 weeks! That is when my next ultrasound is, I am going to have major withdrawls by then! I have an appointment on July 11th for the 2nd set of blood work and just a check up with the doctor. I think the best part of this appointment was hearing the beautiful sound of the heart beat! Oh my goodness, that was so unbelievable! Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to call Bob so he hasn't heard it yet but he will definately get to hear it on the 11th.
Here's a couple of profile pics from the scan. I told Bob I think it looks like my nose from the profile shot :)

First OB Appointment

Tomorrow is my first OB appointment. I wish Bob was in town to go with me because I have a feeling I will hear the heart beat for the first time! We haven't heard it yet because the RE office we went to (they have 5 different ones) didn't have the correct machine to hear it with. So that is something that I am still waiting for. My mom told me that hearing the heart beat is the neatest thing and makes it seem a bit more realistic. I was telling her how it is still hard for me to comprehend that the baby I see on the ultrasounds is actually inside of me. It still doesn't seem real sometimes. I will have another ultrasound tomorrow too, I hope we can get a peek between the legs and get a guess at what it is! I know that this will probably be my last ultrasound until the 20 week one, so sad! I just loved seeing the baby every week. I also have a ton of questions for the OB. The first one will be if I can have an epidural even though I have scoliosis!

Tomorrow after my appointment my mom, aunt, niece and I are driving to St. Louis to surprise my grandma for her birthday. She has no idea we are coming and I am so excited to see her face when she opens the door. I also haven't seen a lot of my family in St. Louis since I found out I was pregnant so I can't wait to see them all, especially since I have a bit of a bump now! I am also really looking forward to seeing my best friend! I miss her so much! Her son is turning one this weekend! I can't believe she has been a mommy for one year now already, it seems like just yesterday I got the call that she was even pregnant.

Dear Baby,
Mommy is so excited to see you again tomorrow! I hope you cooperate and give us a nice shot between your legs, I really want to know what you are. I am also so looking forward to hearing your heart beat, I wish Daddy could be there to hear it too. Maybe Mommy will just have to find a recorder to bring for him.
We Love You!
Mommy & Daddy

No More Meds

I took my last dosage of progesterone this morning! I am officially finished with all of the meds from the IVF. I can't believe that it is time to close the book on that part of this pregnancy. I can still remember when the doctor told us that would be our only option for us to get pregnant. I remember crying my eyes out for days and days thinking that was something we would never be able to afford or do. But I guess there is always a way. I just have to Thank God everyday for allowing us to be able to do this and for truly blessing us with having this work (and at the first try for that matter). We are so blessed and so lucky! My heart still aches for all of those women who I know and don't know that are out there struggling with infertility. It really is one of the hardest things to have to go through. I just hope that everyone gets their baby one day soon!

So I am so confused about the weeks and figuring out trimesters. On one website I go to it says that you are in the 2nd trimester starting at 12 weeks but some other places I am hearing now that it is on the first day of your 13th week that you are in your 2nd trimester. I'll have to ask my OB about it on Friday when I go.

Dear God,
Thank you so much for watching over us during this whole IVF process and holding us in your hands. You were a constant source of calm for me during all of this.
Love,
Alicia & Bob

Dear Baby,
Mommy finished her progesterone today. You are now getting the progesterone on your own. Keep growing strong and healthy in there.
We Love You!
Mommy & Daddy