Holy Cow! 5 months has gone by WAY too fast! Rae has begun to Army crawl and wanting to push herself up into sitting. When you put her upright, she sits on her own. She put her foot in her mouth earlier this week. It was too cute! She was eating avocado, but I think that was giving her an upset tummy and I had some sleepless nights. So we switched to bananas and she LOVES them! Since switching, we've had a few sleepless nights where she wants to get up every hour and a half or so to eat, but I think I've figured out that she just needs her plug. So, last night we tried that and she slept one 4 hour stretch! I'll be so glad to get out of school and start a routine with her.
She is very nosey and wants to know everything and touch everything. Her favorite thing when we go out to eat is the menu! She could play with it for a long time. Anything that goes into your mouth when you're holding her she thinks is hers. She played with the edge of a glass for a while one time.
Mother's Day was PERFECT!!! Rae and I had breakfast with some high school friends, and it was very nice to get together as a group again and catch up. Then we hung out outside all day on Sunday at Granny and Grandpas. She played on a blanket in the grass, got held by her aunts, uncles, and Grandmas, and didn't take a nap! It was a long day and she knew if she fell asleep that she would miss something! She did take about a half our nap, but that was it. Then she screamed for an hour on the way home. But, other than that, it was perfect. The weather was so nice, and it was nice to see family. Being 3 hours away and Ryan not having off every weekend sucks! 4 weeks is TOO long!!
Rae has been healthy overall with a constant rash type thing on her trunk. I've tried different lotions and nothing works. I thought it was a reaction to her shots once and took her into the doctor, who said it was nothing and that she has funky skin. She is almost caught up on all of her vaccinations, we still need to do her 5 month ones. But she has done MUCH better as they go along. The nurse put a regular adult band aid on her and it definitely left a big mark! So, yep, funky skin!
School is ALMOST over! Just a few more days and I'll get to be pool side with my loves. I'm hoping to get up and walk every morning right away before it gets hot and then come home and relax and then go back out in the later afternoon to get in the pool. I am putting Rae in swimming lessons, and I hope she loves it.
Every day I am amazed at how much she is growing and learning. Every day is something new and I want to teach her new things every day. I can't imagine my life without her!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Woah Nelly! 4 months!
Well, Raelynn is now 4 months as of yesterday! Our little missy is getting so big!
She is talking SO much more! This past weekend she laid in bed at 2:30 in the morning talking to herself for a half hour. Sounds like a mix between an "ah" and "ugh." And she cracks me up! She has also been putting anyhing and everything she can get her hands on in her mouth! An arm while I'm changing her, a blanket, shoe string, toy, any part of her plug, and so much more! She got these really cute webble wobble things this weekend for Easter and LOVED them because they fit just right in her mouth! I'm pretty sure she is getting some teeth on the bottom!
She is getting longer hairs on top of her head that stick straight up most of the time! She is able to put her plug in her mouth about 90% of the time, as long as she has the right end facing her. The sitter and I talked about giving her more ounces per feeding, so she went from 4 ounces to 5 ounces. Which we've been doing and so we're on more of a schedule. She wakes up, eats, plays, and then takes a nap all within about 3 hours. In the morning she goes a little longer between feedings, about 4 hours or so. So we're not getting up as often at night, but still getting up. Getting her down at night and for naps has been a bit harder and I'm needing to rock her to sleep and can't put her down until I know for sure she is dead asleep. But, I like that Mommy-Raelynn time. I don't get much of it durring the day when I'm at work.
Raelynn LOVES to stand ever since we put her in a walker to play with toys.
She rotates between that and the floor, where she is rolling and scooting all over the place. Sometimes she sits in her bouncy chair to watch me in the kitchen. I don't dare leave her on the changing table anymore because I'm afraid she will roll over. I've had to make bumpers for her bed because she was getting appendiges stuck in the slats.
She loves watching the dogs and her favorite seems to be Bandit. She watches him and Dad run around the circle. And he seems to like and want to lay by her more than Rowdy. It probably doesn't help when Dad tries to get Raelynn to ride Rowdy. :)
Our little princess is growing up so fast and it has been so fun getting to see her learn something new every day! She loves going to the sitters and watching the kids and the darn tv, which she can spot a mile away! I love how she lights up when she sees my face or Dad's face and talking to her.
Our lives have changed for the better and I'm so in love with my daughter! I can't wait to see what she will show us in her 4th month!
Raelynn LOVES to stand ever since we put her in a walker to play with toys.
She loves watching the dogs and her favorite seems to be Bandit. She watches him and Dad run around the circle. And he seems to like and want to lay by her more than Rowdy. It probably doesn't help when Dad tries to get Raelynn to ride Rowdy. :)
Our little princess is growing up so fast and it has been so fun getting to see her learn something new every day! She loves going to the sitters and watching the kids and the darn tv, which she can spot a mile away! I love how she lights up when she sees my face or Dad's face and talking to her.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
10 weeks today!
My oh my!!! She is growing before my eyes and I'm constantly telling her to slow down! She LOVES sitting up, putting her fingers in her mouth (I caught her sucking her thumb last night!), talking to us, and watching the fans still and lights. She tries to take her daily poop first thing in the morning. Sometimes it happens and other times she just toots.
We're still not sleeping through the night, but I'm ok with that! I love getting up and snuggling with her. We're up between every 2-4 hours. She's usually in bed by 8:30-9 and we get up and get our day started between 5 and 6. So in that stretch, I'm up about twice. On Monday nights it's usually more often because she is coming off the weekend.
In the past month we have made a trip back to Illinois to say good bye to Great Grandpa Thomas. Her aunts, uncles, and cousins in Illinois were all very happy to see her and were amazed at how much she had grown. Her Auntie Em has come to see her several times. She got to see her Great Grandma Mulnix and spend some time with Great Grandpa Prouhet.
She also had her 2 month shots... and it was not good! The first was an oral vaccine and the nurse put the whole thing in her mouth at once, therefore 1/2 of the vaccine came out. Then she had her shot, just one, and she screamed and wouldn't take a breath, therefore turned blue. She didn't have any reactions to either one which was good. She did seem a bit fussy the next day, but nothing major. She weighed 11lbs 7oz and was 23.5 inches long. She was in the 85% for her height and 65% for her weight. She is my chubby little bunny! Her thighs are getting bigger and so is her belly! She had a little bit of ecezema on her neck which was cleared up quickly with a bit of baby aquaphor.
We go back at 3 months to get the other 2 shots their supposed to get at 2 months. I'm spreading them out because I don't know if I can handle 3 shots at once, plus I want to know which ones she is having a reaction to.
I'm still loving cloth diapering! I'm loving not having to spend money on diapers each month, although I have bought covers for her recently. The velcro ones don't work nearly as well as the snap ones; the velcro wears out too soon. She has had some cradle cap which I've tried a little bit of everything on. I tried vaseline first, which didn't work well. Then I tried olive oil, which worked ok. But what I've found really works well is baking soda paste. Rub that on her head, wash her hair, and when it dries brush it and it flakes right off. Of course, I need to be doing this for several days in a row but between doing supper, getting ready for the next day, and spending time with her it just doesn't get done.
Our little bug is getting so big and I'm loving every minute I get to spend with her! And miss her terribly when I'm at work!
Oh, and her second cousin was born this week! Walker Eugene Hempstead was born on Tuesday, weighing 8lbs 11oz (the same as Rae), 19 inches long! We can't wait to meet him!!!
I hope everyone has a great rest of the week! The weather is getting nicer (although I won't be liking the allergies and bugs to come this spring) and I'm hoping we can get outside more often.
Love,
The Thomas Family
PS: I wish I could write more often, but some little missy keeps me busy!!!
We're still not sleeping through the night, but I'm ok with that! I love getting up and snuggling with her. We're up between every 2-4 hours. She's usually in bed by 8:30-9 and we get up and get our day started between 5 and 6. So in that stretch, I'm up about twice. On Monday nights it's usually more often because she is coming off the weekend.
In the past month we have made a trip back to Illinois to say good bye to Great Grandpa Thomas. Her aunts, uncles, and cousins in Illinois were all very happy to see her and were amazed at how much she had grown. Her Auntie Em has come to see her several times. She got to see her Great Grandma Mulnix and spend some time with Great Grandpa Prouhet.
She also had her 2 month shots... and it was not good! The first was an oral vaccine and the nurse put the whole thing in her mouth at once, therefore 1/2 of the vaccine came out. Then she had her shot, just one, and she screamed and wouldn't take a breath, therefore turned blue. She didn't have any reactions to either one which was good. She did seem a bit fussy the next day, but nothing major. She weighed 11lbs 7oz and was 23.5 inches long. She was in the 85% for her height and 65% for her weight. She is my chubby little bunny! Her thighs are getting bigger and so is her belly! She had a little bit of ecezema on her neck which was cleared up quickly with a bit of baby aquaphor.
We go back at 3 months to get the other 2 shots their supposed to get at 2 months. I'm spreading them out because I don't know if I can handle 3 shots at once, plus I want to know which ones she is having a reaction to.
I'm still loving cloth diapering! I'm loving not having to spend money on diapers each month, although I have bought covers for her recently. The velcro ones don't work nearly as well as the snap ones; the velcro wears out too soon. She has had some cradle cap which I've tried a little bit of everything on. I tried vaseline first, which didn't work well. Then I tried olive oil, which worked ok. But what I've found really works well is baking soda paste. Rub that on her head, wash her hair, and when it dries brush it and it flakes right off. Of course, I need to be doing this for several days in a row but between doing supper, getting ready for the next day, and spending time with her it just doesn't get done.
Our little bug is getting so big and I'm loving every minute I get to spend with her! And miss her terribly when I'm at work!
Oh, and her second cousin was born this week! Walker Eugene Hempstead was born on Tuesday, weighing 8lbs 11oz (the same as Rae), 19 inches long! We can't wait to meet him!!!
I hope everyone has a great rest of the week! The weather is getting nicer (although I won't be liking the allergies and bugs to come this spring) and I'm hoping we can get outside more often.
Love,
The Thomas Family
PS: I wish I could write more often, but some little missy keeps me busy!!!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Crazy!
Well, I've been back to work for a solid week now (actually just over a week) and it has been crazy! Work has been good, and it is nice to get back into a routine. But I want to spend all of my time in the evenings with Raelynn and the house is a MESS! I'm not organized at all and things are spread out all over the place. It seems like every flat surface has become a place for what ever happens to be dropped on it.
Last Tuesday was my first day back and it was SO hard to leave her although I only cried when I left. It was mainly hard because she was crying when I left her. She has done so good at the sitters since then! Last week when I went to get her, she would immediately come home and sleep, eat a bit, sleep again, eat a bit, get her pjs on and go to bed. This week, not so much! Which is great with me because she has really started talking more and finding your face to smile at you!
I'm glad I'm able to get back into the swing of things at work. I feel though, like I'm not getting anything but pumping and teaching done durring the day. I'm always thinking about one or the other. Pumping will just become second nature soon, but making enough food for her is about all I can think of. Which I've been able to do, but its just stressful.
The sitter is the neighbor who has been babysitting for years! She writes me a note each day to let me know how she did, when she ate, and when she napped. She has 2 bouncy seats and a swing for Rae to be in. She is more than willing to do my cloth diapering and she is feeding her the milk I take her. I could not be happier with our choice in daycare.
This past weekend Mom and Emily came out to see us. We went shopping on Saturday which was nice to get out and get some of the things done I needed to get done and wanted to get done with extra hands. Shopping by yourself is hard! Sunday we just hung out, watched her talk to us for a good hour, and then Granny and Aunite Em made her into a dolly changing her clothes and taking pictures.
This weekend we're just hanging out at home. Ryan's changed shifts so he's working 12 am to 11 am. It has been nice durring the week because he gets up right as we get home, we can eat dinner together, and then he goes to bed before us.
Raelynn has been sleeping pretty good at night. Last night I thought she was ready for bed at 8, but she had other plans! She was up until about 11 and slept until 4:45. Unfortunately we get up at 5:30 and she was up and ready to start her day by 4:45. Last week she was sleeping a good 4 hours her first stretch and then every 2 hours she was up to eat. She is ready to go by about 5:30 every day.
The cloth diapering is going very well! I'm enjoying saving money for other things, like jeans for her! I've started using cloth wipes as well. Just an old t-shirt cut up into squares, squirting them with water and done. Often her poops have exploded out of the diaper but remain in the cover which is great! The disposable ones just blow right out of the diaper. I'm still looking for a few more prefolds to fit her so I don't have to fold them.
She is enjoying her bath time. I've just been taking a shower on Thursday nights with her because of how chilly our house is. With a regular bath, she just gets cold too fast and starts to cry. She seems to like the water running on her, but she sure does get slippery!
Other than being exhausted, we are two of the happiest people in the world! I can't believe how much she has changed in almost 7 weeks and I don't want to miss anything!
I hope everyone has a great week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Last Tuesday was my first day back and it was SO hard to leave her although I only cried when I left. It was mainly hard because she was crying when I left her. She has done so good at the sitters since then! Last week when I went to get her, she would immediately come home and sleep, eat a bit, sleep again, eat a bit, get her pjs on and go to bed. This week, not so much! Which is great with me because she has really started talking more and finding your face to smile at you!
I'm glad I'm able to get back into the swing of things at work. I feel though, like I'm not getting anything but pumping and teaching done durring the day. I'm always thinking about one or the other. Pumping will just become second nature soon, but making enough food for her is about all I can think of. Which I've been able to do, but its just stressful.
The sitter is the neighbor who has been babysitting for years! She writes me a note each day to let me know how she did, when she ate, and when she napped. She has 2 bouncy seats and a swing for Rae to be in. She is more than willing to do my cloth diapering and she is feeding her the milk I take her. I could not be happier with our choice in daycare.
This past weekend Mom and Emily came out to see us. We went shopping on Saturday which was nice to get out and get some of the things done I needed to get done and wanted to get done with extra hands. Shopping by yourself is hard! Sunday we just hung out, watched her talk to us for a good hour, and then Granny and Aunite Em made her into a dolly changing her clothes and taking pictures.
This weekend we're just hanging out at home. Ryan's changed shifts so he's working 12 am to 11 am. It has been nice durring the week because he gets up right as we get home, we can eat dinner together, and then he goes to bed before us.
Raelynn has been sleeping pretty good at night. Last night I thought she was ready for bed at 8, but she had other plans! She was up until about 11 and slept until 4:45. Unfortunately we get up at 5:30 and she was up and ready to start her day by 4:45. Last week she was sleeping a good 4 hours her first stretch and then every 2 hours she was up to eat. She is ready to go by about 5:30 every day.
The cloth diapering is going very well! I'm enjoying saving money for other things, like jeans for her! I've started using cloth wipes as well. Just an old t-shirt cut up into squares, squirting them with water and done. Often her poops have exploded out of the diaper but remain in the cover which is great! The disposable ones just blow right out of the diaper. I'm still looking for a few more prefolds to fit her so I don't have to fold them.
She is enjoying her bath time. I've just been taking a shower on Thursday nights with her because of how chilly our house is. With a regular bath, she just gets cold too fast and starts to cry. She seems to like the water running on her, but she sure does get slippery!
Other than being exhausted, we are two of the happiest people in the world! I can't believe how much she has changed in almost 7 weeks and I don't want to miss anything!
I hope everyone has a great week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
She's still sleeping...shhhhh!
She ate at 5:30 and she's still sleeping! Don't worry, she'll be up in a little bit to eat again!
Things are going good. We went to mom and dad's last weekend and the newborn clothes I packed, that fit, on Thursday were all of a sudden tight on Friday. So, I packed all of her newborn clothes up. :( Our little girl is growing up. :(
The question everyone asks is "How's she sleeping?" or "Are you getting any sleep?" Yes and more so since I put her to sleep on her belly. She is usually in bed between 8:30 and 10 and sleeps until between 12 and 1 at night. The she goes right back to sleep and is up at about 3:00-3:30. That is the time she has a hard time falling back asleep. So we sit in the recliner and rock, also putting me to sleep. So sometimes we sleep in the chair until sometime in the 4:00 hour. Then she goes back to bed and we're up between 5 and 5:30. Often when I lay her back down in the 4:00 hour she doesn't sleep very soundly and I'm up putting her pacifier back in her mouth. This doesn't happen as much after she eats in the 5:00 hour. So, I'm getting sleep most nights. My biggest thing is that I like to sleep in my own bed! I sit up all day and I'm ready to lay flat at night. Some nights of course are worse than others. A few nights ago she cried and screamed from 3-4 and I had no idea what was wrong.
During the day she is usually awake for about an hour after we get up and get our day started. She is very content and happy to sit in her bouncy seat and talk to us. (Which she has been doing A LOT more of and it always makes me smile!) Then she is down for a nap and we do it all again a few times a day. She usually cluster feeds from about 3-5 and then takes another nap before she goes to bed.
Lately I've been wondering if something that I'm eating is making her belly upset. I'm thinking it is dairy and therefore I've given up milk for starters. I'm thinking dairy because we didn't have any milk in the house late last week, but when I went home, mom and dad had some so I drank like 3 glasses in one day. Well, her belly was upset the next few days. Then the night she screamed from 3-4 and kicked her legs, I had a glass of milk before bed that night. So I've not had a glass of milk for 2 days now and she's not had nearly as bad of a kicking screaming episode as she did. So, I'll keep giving up milk (although I'm craving about 3 glasses right now) to see if that helps her belly. I'm also not eating any plain cheese or cheese in huge amounts or any other dairy. (I'm also missing my coffee.)
Cloth diapering is going great! Except for the blow out we had yesterday that resulted in her having poo all down her leg, socks, sock-ons, clothes, and my moby that she was chilling in. The washing is easy, the folding is easy, and I'm enjoying it! Some of the prefolds I have are thinner and don't take the wetness away as much. So sometimes she cries because she is wet, but other than that she seems to be doing well with it too.
Breast feeding is also going well. I've pumped some to get a stash started for when I go back to work. She cracks me up because she is either massaging me like a kitten does its momma or she is trampolining her face off of my boob. But she eats between 10 and 15 minutes on one side. I've been trying to burp her about half way through, thinking that could also be part of her tummy trouble (gas).
I am so in love with our little girl. I knew our lives were going to change, but I never knew it would be this hard, this rewarding, this fun, this exciting. I love kissing her and holding her while she sleeps! My favorite thing is to talk to her and read her books! Although I have TONS of sleeping pictures :) Ryan loves when she holds his finger. Not that he has said anything, but he is always putting his finger in her hand. I wish he were here more so he could spend some time with her. He's here in the mornings to be with her and he got to feed her her first food out of a bottle. He was excited about that too! "You did!" was what he said when I left him a bottle in the fridge. We just haven't had a weekend to just be at home since she was born, but Ryan's off this Saturday and we're going to spend it together at home.
Well, she is starting to squeak and wake up. Tonight is shower night! (Which she likes MUCH better than a bath!) More later.
Love,
The Thomas Family
Things are going good. We went to mom and dad's last weekend and the newborn clothes I packed, that fit, on Thursday were all of a sudden tight on Friday. So, I packed all of her newborn clothes up. :( Our little girl is growing up. :(
The question everyone asks is "How's she sleeping?" or "Are you getting any sleep?" Yes and more so since I put her to sleep on her belly. She is usually in bed between 8:30 and 10 and sleeps until between 12 and 1 at night. The she goes right back to sleep and is up at about 3:00-3:30. That is the time she has a hard time falling back asleep. So we sit in the recliner and rock, also putting me to sleep. So sometimes we sleep in the chair until sometime in the 4:00 hour. Then she goes back to bed and we're up between 5 and 5:30. Often when I lay her back down in the 4:00 hour she doesn't sleep very soundly and I'm up putting her pacifier back in her mouth. This doesn't happen as much after she eats in the 5:00 hour. So, I'm getting sleep most nights. My biggest thing is that I like to sleep in my own bed! I sit up all day and I'm ready to lay flat at night. Some nights of course are worse than others. A few nights ago she cried and screamed from 3-4 and I had no idea what was wrong.
During the day she is usually awake for about an hour after we get up and get our day started. She is very content and happy to sit in her bouncy seat and talk to us. (Which she has been doing A LOT more of and it always makes me smile!) Then she is down for a nap and we do it all again a few times a day. She usually cluster feeds from about 3-5 and then takes another nap before she goes to bed.
Lately I've been wondering if something that I'm eating is making her belly upset. I'm thinking it is dairy and therefore I've given up milk for starters. I'm thinking dairy because we didn't have any milk in the house late last week, but when I went home, mom and dad had some so I drank like 3 glasses in one day. Well, her belly was upset the next few days. Then the night she screamed from 3-4 and kicked her legs, I had a glass of milk before bed that night. So I've not had a glass of milk for 2 days now and she's not had nearly as bad of a kicking screaming episode as she did. So, I'll keep giving up milk (although I'm craving about 3 glasses right now) to see if that helps her belly. I'm also not eating any plain cheese or cheese in huge amounts or any other dairy. (I'm also missing my coffee.)
Cloth diapering is going great! Except for the blow out we had yesterday that resulted in her having poo all down her leg, socks, sock-ons, clothes, and my moby that she was chilling in. The washing is easy, the folding is easy, and I'm enjoying it! Some of the prefolds I have are thinner and don't take the wetness away as much. So sometimes she cries because she is wet, but other than that she seems to be doing well with it too.
Breast feeding is also going well. I've pumped some to get a stash started for when I go back to work. She cracks me up because she is either massaging me like a kitten does its momma or she is trampolining her face off of my boob. But she eats between 10 and 15 minutes on one side. I've been trying to burp her about half way through, thinking that could also be part of her tummy trouble (gas).
I am so in love with our little girl. I knew our lives were going to change, but I never knew it would be this hard, this rewarding, this fun, this exciting. I love kissing her and holding her while she sleeps! My favorite thing is to talk to her and read her books! Although I have TONS of sleeping pictures :) Ryan loves when she holds his finger. Not that he has said anything, but he is always putting his finger in her hand. I wish he were here more so he could spend some time with her. He's here in the mornings to be with her and he got to feed her her first food out of a bottle. He was excited about that too! "You did!" was what he said when I left him a bottle in the fridge. We just haven't had a weekend to just be at home since she was born, but Ryan's off this Saturday and we're going to spend it together at home.
Well, she is starting to squeak and wake up. Tonight is shower night! (Which she likes MUCH better than a bath!) More later.
Love,
The Thomas Family
Monday, December 26, 2011
Pictures
First Trip, Headed Home
Granny, Great Grandma and Rae
Granny, Great Grandma, Me, Rae, Great Auntie Polly, Aunite Em
The NEW Thomas Family, day we went home
Rae and Santa at Bass Pro
2 weeks old
It is hard to believe two weeks have already gone by. Our little girl has already changed a great deal and I'm falling more in love with her each day. So much has happened in her first two weeks of life! She's been to her Auntie Em's college graduation 3 hours away and she's been to Illinois to see her daddy's family and friends. She's been to Walmart a few times. She's been to Bass Pro to see Santa. She's been snuggled up close at home with her Momma and Papa. She's been sniffed by her brothers. She's been in a million outfits, one of which got stuck on her head. :( She's had cloth diapers put on her butt. She's pooped and peed on the bed and made me laugh at her poops and pees. She's had a million pictures taken sleeping and awake. She's cried a few tears and had many silent screaming bouts. (Scares her Momma when she does her silent screams and she doesn't breathe.)
I know I have had a great 2 weeks getting to know Raelynn and watching her smile and scrunch her face. I've had a few moments of sadness and moments where I have no idea what to do next! Raelynn has had a few days so far where she spends the afternoon very upset, but I'm guessing it is because she is overtired. Often I rock or pat her to sleep in the afternoon. I LOVE holding her and snuggling with her. She can always make me smile!
I've been doing good. I'm back into my pre-pregnancy pants for the most part. All the extra skin is still hanging over the top, but my skin stretched slowly for 10 months and it isn't going to go back to place over night. Breastfeeding has been going great! Lately, she's been taking a mouth full and then letting it all fall out, making both of us very sticky! She gained all of her weight back plus 1 ounce in the first week. She goes back at 8 weeks for her first round of shots and check up.
She has been eating about every 2.5-3 hours except some nights she will go 4 or more hours. When she rides in the car she can go longer without eating (about 4 hours). Some nights it is a challenge to get her back to sleep, so her and I rock in the recliner after eating. Often I fall asleep there and we spend a few hours in the recliner sleeping. She HATES her clothes being changed about 90% of the time as well as her diaper being changed. She's had one real bath since her cord fell off, and she didn't like it either. She sleeps on her belly at night because that is the only way she will sleep longer. She has awesome neck and head control so I'm not too concerned with her sleeping on her belly. Plus, I'm going to do what helps us all sleep. (Although her Papa sleeps through her cries.) She still uses her pacifier often. She got a new pacifier this weekend with a caterpillar attached so we can all find it easier. She does great with the dogs barking and sniffing her; she doesn't wake up. She does VERY well in her Moby wrap when we go out. Often she gets in there and sleeps making Walmart trips and eating out very easy!
Her Papa and I are enjoying every minute with our pretty girl!
Happy Holidays,
The Thomas Family
I know I have had a great 2 weeks getting to know Raelynn and watching her smile and scrunch her face. I've had a few moments of sadness and moments where I have no idea what to do next! Raelynn has had a few days so far where she spends the afternoon very upset, but I'm guessing it is because she is overtired. Often I rock or pat her to sleep in the afternoon. I LOVE holding her and snuggling with her. She can always make me smile!
I've been doing good. I'm back into my pre-pregnancy pants for the most part. All the extra skin is still hanging over the top, but my skin stretched slowly for 10 months and it isn't going to go back to place over night. Breastfeeding has been going great! Lately, she's been taking a mouth full and then letting it all fall out, making both of us very sticky! She gained all of her weight back plus 1 ounce in the first week. She goes back at 8 weeks for her first round of shots and check up.
She has been eating about every 2.5-3 hours except some nights she will go 4 or more hours. When she rides in the car she can go longer without eating (about 4 hours). Some nights it is a challenge to get her back to sleep, so her and I rock in the recliner after eating. Often I fall asleep there and we spend a few hours in the recliner sleeping. She HATES her clothes being changed about 90% of the time as well as her diaper being changed. She's had one real bath since her cord fell off, and she didn't like it either. She sleeps on her belly at night because that is the only way she will sleep longer. She has awesome neck and head control so I'm not too concerned with her sleeping on her belly. Plus, I'm going to do what helps us all sleep. (Although her Papa sleeps through her cries.) She still uses her pacifier often. She got a new pacifier this weekend with a caterpillar attached so we can all find it easier. She does great with the dogs barking and sniffing her; she doesn't wake up. She does VERY well in her Moby wrap when we go out. Often she gets in there and sleeps making Walmart trips and eating out very easy!
Her Papa and I are enjoying every minute with our pretty girl!
Happy Holidays,
The Thomas Family
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
And... She makes her debut!!!!
December 9, 2011 Raelynn Marie Thomas made her entrance into the world. Weighing a whopping 8 pounds 11 ounces. Measuring 21 inches long. Dark hair, gray eyes, perfect skin, and the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!
And now for her story. We decided to induce on Thursday night, having to be at the hospital at 4:45. I worked all day Thursday and Ryan cleaned house and got things ready at home, then came to pick me up at school. Auntie Em came to school to hang out for the day. We went out and got Arbys for dinner, not knowing when I would get to eat again. Ryan, Auntie Em, and I arrived at the hospital and got checked in. IV was started, but no meds yet, and the doctor came in to insert the Cervidil. (A pill inserted next to the cervix to thin it out.) At this point in time, 6:00 pm, I was dilated to a 1.5. The contractions began and were like all of the other contractions I'd been feeling, not painful, but I could tell they were there. Granny Prouhet arrived at about 7. We all sat around and visited. They had a constant monitor on Raelynn's heart rate and on my contractions. I wasn't aloud to get up and move around much because of the Cervidil. Granny and Auntie Em left about 10 to go home and let the dogs out. We were going to call them and let them know when things were progressing.
About 10, I started to feel more intense contractions that didn't really let up. There was a constant pressure, but nothing more. About 2 they checked me again and I was dilated to a 2 or 3. They called the doctor and she said they could take the Cervidil out and see how things progressed. They were hoping contractions would continue and intensify on their own, but they could also decrease and stop. Well, I got lucky and my contractions increased and intensified. I asked if I could get in the jacuzzi tub and was aloud to get in for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes I had to get out and be on the monitors for at least 20 minutes to check on Raelynn's heart rate. Well, because the contractions were painful by this point, the only way I could get through them was by leaning forward. Leaning forward resulted in the monitors being shifted and not catching her heart rate. So instead of being 20 minutes, it was closer to over an hour. The nurse finally had to come in and hold the monitor on my belly to keep her heart rate on the monitor. By 5:15 am they had monitored Raelynn's heart rate long enough and the nurse was going to allow me to get back in the tub, begin on IV meds, or get an Epidural. I told the nurse I wanted to get in the tub for a while and then start IV meds. She checked me and I was at a 7. The nurse told Ryan that it was probably a good idea to make his phone calls to get Granny and Auntie Em back into the hospital. They got the call at 5:30 ish and were at the hospital at about 6. I went and got in the tub and about 3 contractions later I was back out because I felt the need to push. They checked me at 6 and I was at a 9 to a 9.5. So within about a half an hour I was about fully dilated. They were working on calling the doctor and she was there by 6:30. They set up all of their things. I had been pushing just a little since about 6 and when the doctor got there she said I could push when I felt I needed to. I pushed for a little over a half hour and by 7:08 Raelynn made her debut. She was out in one push, and that was the best feeling in the world! The other greatest thing about my delivery besides getting to finally see our daughter was being able to have her all natural. (Except for getting things started.) I always wanted to have a natural birth, knowing women had been doing so for centuries. Although, if I would have had to go much longer or had not dilated almost fully in 2 hours I would have gone with some sort of medication. I am so proud of myself for being able to live out my dream.
In this time, they wanted to hold my legs up so I could get a better push. Well, the nurse had one, and Ryan had the other. But, he didn't make it all the way through. He ended up very white and having to lay down so he didn't pass out. Thankfully Granny was there to help take Ryan's place. All of the nurses throughout the 10 hour labor and delivery were EXCELLENT!!! Actually beyond excellent. They coached me through each contraction and each push. I was surprised they didn't tell me how to breathe or how to push or when to push. The doctor didn't tell me how or when to push either. It was all instinct.
They placed her on my chest immediately and Ryan got to cut the cord. She didn't really cry much until they took her away to weigh her and do their testing. Then she started screaming and holding her breath. All of their testing looked great! They did have to check her blood sugar because she was so big, but all of their tests came back in the normal range.
While they were cleaning her up, the doctor did have to stitch me as I had a 2 degree tear. After feeding RaelynnRaelynn's first bath. There again she was screaming and holding her breath, but she made it through and the nurse was fantastic.
We had a few visitors in the hospital. ALL of the nurses I had throughout our stay were excellent! Very helpful and were able to answer any questions we had. The doctor came in on Saturday and Sunday to check Raelynn out and every time things were great! They actually did more monitoring on me than they did on her. However they had to run all of the tests on her. We got to check out Sunday at about 11.
Our car ride home went well. Raelynn slept the whole time except for when we got off the highway and our bumpy drive through town. Being home that last few days has been wonderful! We're up about every 2 hours feeding in the night, but that is to be expected. My milk came in yesterday and so I don't know if it was the switch in her food or if it was something I ate, but she was very gassy yesterday and crying because it hurt.
She had her first bath today at home and it went well. She does not like to be changed or messed with once she is comfortable. She smiles in her sleep. We can't keep socks on her cold feet.
Immediately after she made her debut and she was on the table being checked she had her fingers in her mouth. She has her fingers in her mouth or near her mouth constantly. It was funny because in all of her ultrasounds she had her hands by her face. Like mother, like daughter! She looks beautiful in her pink!
This week we are hanging out at the house while Ryan works. Auntie Em is coming up today to hang out for a few days. Then on Saturday, Raelynn and I are making our way to Kirksville to watch her Auntie Em graduate from Truman State University.
I'll find some time to put pictures up of her. I hope everyone has a wonderful week! I know I am going to soak up our little girl!
Love,
The Thomas Family
And now for her story. We decided to induce on Thursday night, having to be at the hospital at 4:45. I worked all day Thursday and Ryan cleaned house and got things ready at home, then came to pick me up at school. Auntie Em came to school to hang out for the day. We went out and got Arbys for dinner, not knowing when I would get to eat again. Ryan, Auntie Em, and I arrived at the hospital and got checked in. IV was started, but no meds yet, and the doctor came in to insert the Cervidil. (A pill inserted next to the cervix to thin it out.) At this point in time, 6:00 pm, I was dilated to a 1.5. The contractions began and were like all of the other contractions I'd been feeling, not painful, but I could tell they were there. Granny Prouhet arrived at about 7. We all sat around and visited. They had a constant monitor on Raelynn's heart rate and on my contractions. I wasn't aloud to get up and move around much because of the Cervidil. Granny and Auntie Em left about 10 to go home and let the dogs out. We were going to call them and let them know when things were progressing.
About 10, I started to feel more intense contractions that didn't really let up. There was a constant pressure, but nothing more. About 2 they checked me again and I was dilated to a 2 or 3. They called the doctor and she said they could take the Cervidil out and see how things progressed. They were hoping contractions would continue and intensify on their own, but they could also decrease and stop. Well, I got lucky and my contractions increased and intensified. I asked if I could get in the jacuzzi tub and was aloud to get in for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes I had to get out and be on the monitors for at least 20 minutes to check on Raelynn's heart rate. Well, because the contractions were painful by this point, the only way I could get through them was by leaning forward. Leaning forward resulted in the monitors being shifted and not catching her heart rate. So instead of being 20 minutes, it was closer to over an hour. The nurse finally had to come in and hold the monitor on my belly to keep her heart rate on the monitor. By 5:15 am they had monitored Raelynn's heart rate long enough and the nurse was going to allow me to get back in the tub, begin on IV meds, or get an Epidural. I told the nurse I wanted to get in the tub for a while and then start IV meds. She checked me and I was at a 7. The nurse told Ryan that it was probably a good idea to make his phone calls to get Granny and Auntie Em back into the hospital. They got the call at 5:30 ish and were at the hospital at about 6. I went and got in the tub and about 3 contractions later I was back out because I felt the need to push. They checked me at 6 and I was at a 9 to a 9.5. So within about a half an hour I was about fully dilated. They were working on calling the doctor and she was there by 6:30. They set up all of their things. I had been pushing just a little since about 6 and when the doctor got there she said I could push when I felt I needed to. I pushed for a little over a half hour and by 7:08 Raelynn made her debut. She was out in one push, and that was the best feeling in the world! The other greatest thing about my delivery besides getting to finally see our daughter was being able to have her all natural. (Except for getting things started.) I always wanted to have a natural birth, knowing women had been doing so for centuries. Although, if I would have had to go much longer or had not dilated almost fully in 2 hours I would have gone with some sort of medication. I am so proud of myself for being able to live out my dream.
In this time, they wanted to hold my legs up so I could get a better push. Well, the nurse had one, and Ryan had the other. But, he didn't make it all the way through. He ended up very white and having to lay down so he didn't pass out. Thankfully Granny was there to help take Ryan's place. All of the nurses throughout the 10 hour labor and delivery were EXCELLENT!!! Actually beyond excellent. They coached me through each contraction and each push. I was surprised they didn't tell me how to breathe or how to push or when to push. The doctor didn't tell me how or when to push either. It was all instinct.
They placed her on my chest immediately and Ryan got to cut the cord. She didn't really cry much until they took her away to weigh her and do their testing. Then she started screaming and holding her breath. All of their testing looked great! They did have to check her blood sugar because she was so big, but all of their tests came back in the normal range.
While they were cleaning her up, the doctor did have to stitch me as I had a 2 degree tear. After feeding RaelynnRaelynn's first bath. There again she was screaming and holding her breath, but she made it through and the nurse was fantastic.
We had a few visitors in the hospital. ALL of the nurses I had throughout our stay were excellent! Very helpful and were able to answer any questions we had. The doctor came in on Saturday and Sunday to check Raelynn out and every time things were great! They actually did more monitoring on me than they did on her. However they had to run all of the tests on her. We got to check out Sunday at about 11.
Our car ride home went well. Raelynn slept the whole time except for when we got off the highway and our bumpy drive through town. Being home that last few days has been wonderful! We're up about every 2 hours feeding in the night, but that is to be expected. My milk came in yesterday and so I don't know if it was the switch in her food or if it was something I ate, but she was very gassy yesterday and crying because it hurt.
She had her first bath today at home and it went well. She does not like to be changed or messed with once she is comfortable. She smiles in her sleep. We can't keep socks on her cold feet.
Immediately after she made her debut and she was on the table being checked she had her fingers in her mouth. She has her fingers in her mouth or near her mouth constantly. It was funny because in all of her ultrasounds she had her hands by her face. Like mother, like daughter! She looks beautiful in her pink!
This week we are hanging out at the house while Ryan works. Auntie Em is coming up today to hang out for a few days. Then on Saturday, Raelynn and I are making our way to Kirksville to watch her Auntie Em graduate from Truman State University.
I'll find some time to put pictures up of her. I hope everyone has a wonderful week! I know I am going to soak up our little girl!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Monday, December 5, 2011
I see the light at the end of the tunnel...
I go in on Thursday at 4:45 to begin the process. Paperwork, cervidil, and then pitosin. So Raelynn will be here Friday sometime for sure. And... This momma is nervous!! Right now I'm more nervous about being a mom than I think I am about going birth at this point in time. I'm nervous about how we are going to do everything. I know we will get through it together and I know we will both be great parents. Its not like it's a huge shock that a baby is going to change our lives, I knew the day she was born that was going to happen. I guess now that we have an end date it has hit me hard what is really about to happen. But as nervous as I am, I can't wait to meet our little girl and hold and kiss her and take care of her!
I am also nervous about going birth, as I have been for about 4 weeks. I'm worried about how bad the pain is going to be and if I am going to be able to stick to my natural birth plan. And being induced makes me even more nervous about how much pain I will be able to tolerate. I've heard good stories and bad stories about being induced, but most lead to an epidural. An epidural is something I REALLY don't want. A needle that close to my spine scares the poop out of me!
I will be working all day on Thursday because sitting at home all day would drive me crazy!! Plus, everything is ready. Bags are packed, nursery is prepared, and car seat is in. Plus I want to have all the days possible I can with our little girl instead of sitting around waiting for her. Call me crazy, it's ok!
I know I have the best birth partner I could ask for and the best Papa for my daughter! I also know I have the best mom, sister, grandma, and aunts a girl could ask for too! They will all always be a call away! I am very thankful I get to bring our little girl into such a loving family!
So, be prepared on Friday to get pictures of Raelynn!! I hope she comes on her own before and, but if not, we definitely see a light at the end of the tunnel!
Love,
The Soon to be Complete Thomas Family
I am also nervous about going birth, as I have been for about 4 weeks. I'm worried about how bad the pain is going to be and if I am going to be able to stick to my natural birth plan. And being induced makes me even more nervous about how much pain I will be able to tolerate. I've heard good stories and bad stories about being induced, but most lead to an epidural. An epidural is something I REALLY don't want. A needle that close to my spine scares the poop out of me!
I will be working all day on Thursday because sitting at home all day would drive me crazy!! Plus, everything is ready. Bags are packed, nursery is prepared, and car seat is in. Plus I want to have all the days possible I can with our little girl instead of sitting around waiting for her. Call me crazy, it's ok!
I know I have the best birth partner I could ask for and the best Papa for my daughter! I also know I have the best mom, sister, grandma, and aunts a girl could ask for too! They will all always be a call away! I am very thankful I get to bring our little girl into such a loving family!
So, be prepared on Friday to get pictures of Raelynn!! I hope she comes on her own before and, but if not, we definitely see a light at the end of the tunnel!
Love,
The Soon to be Complete Thomas Family
Shall I ever see the light at the end of the tunnel?
41 weeks today. I thought I wouldn't see 40 weeks, and I NEVER thought I'd see past 41 weeks. Guess Raelynn has a mind of her own and like everyone has been saying, is showing her personality. Maybe she's taking after her Paw Paw Tim, and is going to be late for lots of things. :) Last Wednesday I was supposed to set an induction date, but the doctor was OK with waiting until this week instead. She has said my pregnancy has been a breeze and she has no concerns. So I go back today to set an induction date and see how things are progressing. I've had a few stronger contractions that I had hoped were real, but no such luck. I have noticed more swelling lately in my ankles and fingers, but that is to be expected this late in the game.
This past week was good. It started slow but then speed up. Thursday I had a scare though. About 2:15 my vision went spotty, but I just thought it was going to go away. By 230 my fingers on my right hand were going numb and I decided I needed to go the nurse to have her check my blood pressure. She checked my blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature and everything was within the normal range. By then, my whole right arm was numb and tingly as well as the right side of my face. I could tell my face was funny because then I started to talk funny. (It was like I had just been to the dentist and they numbed my mouth.) So I called the doctors office and had to leave a message. I walked down to my room to get my water and phone so I could call again and went back to the nurse's office to lay down. Shortly after I laid down, the numbness started going away. About an hour after it all started, the doctor's office called me back and said that the doctor wasn't concerned with the numbness, but that I needed to go home and count Raelynn's kicks. If I didn't have 10 in an hour then I needed to have something sweet to drink, and count for the next hour. Well of course as I got in the car to go home she was active again and being her normal self. So she must have been sitting just right on a nerve to make me go numb.
This weekend we went grocery shopping on Saturday and relaxed together. (Probably one of our last days to do so.) Sunday Ryan worked and so I just hung out around the house, cleaned, read a book, napped and waited for Comcast to come fix our box. (Which he never did come...) Other than that it was pretty boring. Fifth weekend in a row at home without a baby kind of sucks.
This week we WILL be having a baby! My doctor won't let me go into my 42nd week, so this week is it! I'm REALLY hoping to go into labor on my own, but Raelynn just might have other plans. Other than that, we have no plans for the week. This Sunday is Ryan's Christmas party at work, and I know he wants to go. It might just be him going to his Christmas party, depending on how I'm feeling and how old Raelynn is.
Every day I walk into work someone says something about how I'm still here. Yep! I want to spend every day of my leave with my little girl and not any time sitting at home with just me. I've spent the last 6 weekends at home and I don't need to spend any week days at home.
So for sure, this week we will be holding our little girl in our arms. I've waited for this for over 9 months, and thought about it for years. And in all honesty, I'm scared shitless! I'm anxious. I'm nervous. I'm excited. And I'm scared. I know we will be great parents, but the unknown is hard. I'm so glad I have family and friends who are there for us when we need them. I'm also so glad to have a husband and father like Ryan in my life! I know we will be able to get through anything together!
I hope everyone has a great week! Be looking forward to the text of our Raelynn Marie!
Love,
The Thomas Family
This past week was good. It started slow but then speed up. Thursday I had a scare though. About 2:15 my vision went spotty, but I just thought it was going to go away. By 230 my fingers on my right hand were going numb and I decided I needed to go the nurse to have her check my blood pressure. She checked my blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature and everything was within the normal range. By then, my whole right arm was numb and tingly as well as the right side of my face. I could tell my face was funny because then I started to talk funny. (It was like I had just been to the dentist and they numbed my mouth.) So I called the doctors office and had to leave a message. I walked down to my room to get my water and phone so I could call again and went back to the nurse's office to lay down. Shortly after I laid down, the numbness started going away. About an hour after it all started, the doctor's office called me back and said that the doctor wasn't concerned with the numbness, but that I needed to go home and count Raelynn's kicks. If I didn't have 10 in an hour then I needed to have something sweet to drink, and count for the next hour. Well of course as I got in the car to go home she was active again and being her normal self. So she must have been sitting just right on a nerve to make me go numb.
This weekend we went grocery shopping on Saturday and relaxed together. (Probably one of our last days to do so.) Sunday Ryan worked and so I just hung out around the house, cleaned, read a book, napped and waited for Comcast to come fix our box. (Which he never did come...) Other than that it was pretty boring. Fifth weekend in a row at home without a baby kind of sucks.
This week we WILL be having a baby! My doctor won't let me go into my 42nd week, so this week is it! I'm REALLY hoping to go into labor on my own, but Raelynn just might have other plans. Other than that, we have no plans for the week. This Sunday is Ryan's Christmas party at work, and I know he wants to go. It might just be him going to his Christmas party, depending on how I'm feeling and how old Raelynn is.
Every day I walk into work someone says something about how I'm still here. Yep! I want to spend every day of my leave with my little girl and not any time sitting at home with just me. I've spent the last 6 weekends at home and I don't need to spend any week days at home.
So for sure, this week we will be holding our little girl in our arms. I've waited for this for over 9 months, and thought about it for years. And in all honesty, I'm scared shitless! I'm anxious. I'm nervous. I'm excited. And I'm scared. I know we will be great parents, but the unknown is hard. I'm so glad I have family and friends who are there for us when we need them. I'm also so glad to have a husband and father like Ryan in my life! I know we will be able to get through anything together!
I hope everyone has a great week! Be looking forward to the text of our Raelynn Marie!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Monday, November 28, 2011
40 weeks...ugh
Well, we all thought Raelynn would be here by now. Guess she has other plans! My doctors appointment Friday went well. My mom and Ryan both got to go. I've only gained about 23 pounds so far, which I'm happy with! I really thought the last few weeks I'd gain a ton. Her heart rate was 148. My blood pressure looked good (I can't remember the exact numbers). I was a centimeter dilated and 50% thinned. She said I'm still measuring the same, but she feels like her feet are lower than they were last time. We will talk about an induction date on Wednesday when I go in if I haven't had her by then. I would like to make it for the weekend or Friday because I want to give Raelynn as much time to come on her own as possible. Being induced is not something I want.
Last week was WONDERFUL!!! 2 work days, and then 5 days off! Mom, Dad, and Emily came up on Wednesday afternoon and stayed until Friday afternoon. Wednesday we drove around looking at gun shops, antique shops, the Battle of Lexington Civil War historical museum, and went grocery shopping. Dad was hooked on the computer, the History channel, and the Discovery channel all weekend! Thursday we all slept in! About 1 we cooked our Thanksgiving Feast of fried fish, fried okra, fried mushrooms, homemade chips, and green beans! It was DELICIOUS!!! It was very nice to have a non-traditional Thanksgiving. We went on 2 walks too to get Raelynn moving... It didn't work... Friday we went to my doctors appointment and relaxed the rest of the day. Saturday I had to get out of the house so I went to the mall and walked around. Yesterday Ryan's Aunt Jan and Uncle Ray came by to visit on their way home from Texas. It was VERY nice to see them! They had never been to the house before. I wish we lived closer to Ryan's family so Raelynn could get to know them better, but who knows, things could change when she gets here.
This week I'm just hoping for a baby! Ryan works all week, but today there isn't anyone extra to cover him if she comes today. So tomorrow would be good. Although I REALLY didn't want to come to work today. I have been here about an hour and have already had tons of people say "Oh you're here!" Yes... I'm here, but I don't want to be.
I hope everyone has a great week and I hope we have some good news to share mid week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Last week was WONDERFUL!!! 2 work days, and then 5 days off! Mom, Dad, and Emily came up on Wednesday afternoon and stayed until Friday afternoon. Wednesday we drove around looking at gun shops, antique shops, the Battle of Lexington Civil War historical museum, and went grocery shopping. Dad was hooked on the computer, the History channel, and the Discovery channel all weekend! Thursday we all slept in! About 1 we cooked our Thanksgiving Feast of fried fish, fried okra, fried mushrooms, homemade chips, and green beans! It was DELICIOUS!!! It was very nice to have a non-traditional Thanksgiving. We went on 2 walks too to get Raelynn moving... It didn't work... Friday we went to my doctors appointment and relaxed the rest of the day. Saturday I had to get out of the house so I went to the mall and walked around. Yesterday Ryan's Aunt Jan and Uncle Ray came by to visit on their way home from Texas. It was VERY nice to see them! They had never been to the house before. I wish we lived closer to Ryan's family so Raelynn could get to know them better, but who knows, things could change when she gets here.
This week I'm just hoping for a baby! Ryan works all week, but today there isn't anyone extra to cover him if she comes today. So tomorrow would be good. Although I REALLY didn't want to come to work today. I have been here about an hour and have already had tons of people say "Oh you're here!" Yes... I'm here, but I don't want to be.
I hope everyone has a great week and I hope we have some good news to share mid week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Monday, November 21, 2011
39 weeks
Well, I REALLY thought Raelynn would be here by now, but I guess she is nice and snugly in my tummy and doesn't want to come out yet. I did have a few contractions last night that were worse than the past few have been, but I only had about 4 and they were done. No other signs of labor coming any time soon. I bounced on my ball this weekend, hoping that would work some. My ring is starting not to fit. And today I noticed she is definitely sitting lower; it is a bit harder to walk.
This weekend we just hung out around the house. I'll be glad when she gets here and we can travel again. This staying at home stuff with nothing to do gets old! Saturday I made cookies for us and for the nurses at the hospital. Ryan worked some in the garage and cleaned up. Yesterday we went to Walmart to get a few things and to just get out of the house. We washed all of the sheets on all of the beds for our guests coming on Wednesday. And we had to do washer surgery! Ryan noticed the washer wasn't draining and all of our clothes were sopping wet when they came out. So, we pulled the front cover off and pulled the drain plug out... EW! I think a small animal saving money for his escape was found. We cleaned the plug and catch that was clogged. And it drains like a champ now!
Last week was short! Which was good. I had my doctor appointment on Wednesday and I was still just a fingertip dilated but my cervix was soft. Not much happened last week. Ryan got a call on Friday from a dairy farm where he applied and worked for a few hours the week before. He starts there today! It is unfortunately nights, but it will help pay for daycare and if he works hard, they might move him to days.
This week is a short work week, only 2 work days. Wednesday Mom, Dad, and Emily are coming for Thanksgiving. They'll be there until Friday about noon and then everyone has plans for the weekend. Emily and Mom are going to my doctor appointment with me on Friday at 9. Hopefully Raelynn is either here by then or the doctor has more good news.
I hope everyone has a thankful Thanksgiving!
Love,
The Thomas Family
This weekend we just hung out around the house. I'll be glad when she gets here and we can travel again. This staying at home stuff with nothing to do gets old! Saturday I made cookies for us and for the nurses at the hospital. Ryan worked some in the garage and cleaned up. Yesterday we went to Walmart to get a few things and to just get out of the house. We washed all of the sheets on all of the beds for our guests coming on Wednesday. And we had to do washer surgery! Ryan noticed the washer wasn't draining and all of our clothes were sopping wet when they came out. So, we pulled the front cover off and pulled the drain plug out... EW! I think a small animal saving money for his escape was found. We cleaned the plug and catch that was clogged. And it drains like a champ now!
Last week was short! Which was good. I had my doctor appointment on Wednesday and I was still just a fingertip dilated but my cervix was soft. Not much happened last week. Ryan got a call on Friday from a dairy farm where he applied and worked for a few hours the week before. He starts there today! It is unfortunately nights, but it will help pay for daycare and if he works hard, they might move him to days.
This week is a short work week, only 2 work days. Wednesday Mom, Dad, and Emily are coming for Thanksgiving. They'll be there until Friday about noon and then everyone has plans for the weekend. Emily and Mom are going to my doctor appointment with me on Friday at 9. Hopefully Raelynn is either here by then or the doctor has more good news.
I hope everyone has a thankful Thanksgiving!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Monday, November 14, 2011
38 weeks, 14 days!!
It is getting closer! And with that my anxiety, nerves and excitement are going up!
Last week went by SOOO fast! It was AMAZING! I had a doctor appointment on Friday and I was a fingertip dilated. My Strep B test came back negative. She is still definitely head down. Heart rate was good and blood pressure was too. My doctor comes back this week and I will be glad to see her. The doctor I've been seeing is VERY nice, but not very informative. When she does a heart beat check, she never says what it is. When she measures me, she never says what it is. When she did my cervix check, she never gave me more information than how much I was dilated. Again, VERY nice but not very informative. So we shall see what happens on Wednesday at my next doctor appointment. I have been feeling more contractions, and I'm pretty sure they are not just Braxton Hicks.
This weekend we lounged, cleaned house, walked, and had friends over for dinner. Saturday we were talking about playing music for babies to make them stop crying. So we decided we'd see what type of music Raelynn likes. We played Notorious BIG for her, and she was moving her head along with other rap music. We played Bob Segar for her and she was wiggly. We then played American Pie for her, and she must have known it was a dancing song because she was moving her feet along with her head. :) Then I had to stop playing music because she was moving her head so much in my pelvis that it hurt.
Saturday night after dinner, we were playing games with Kaity and Ben and my feet got very swollen! So I put them up and they got a little better, but they still kind of hurt. My hands didn't well much, but they did get puffy. (I know how swollen they are by by ring.) After they left, I called the Labor and Delivery nurses at the hospital and explained to them what happened. She said it was normal this late in my pregnancy and that by the end of the day my feet probably would do that. Just to keep them up. Sunday when I got up they were still a little swollen, but not bad. It eventually went away on Sunday. I'm thinking though, I sat too long at the table with my feet dangling.
Sunday we relaxed all day. We even had just spaghetti-o's for supper. I'm sure our weekends of just relaxing and doing nothing are about over. We did go for a walk Friday night and Sunday morning. I'm hoping it will help her move down. I'm also hoping Ryan will be willing to go for a walk every night this week.
This week we don't have much planned. I'm having dinner with a friend on Wednesday and hopefully pedicures with another friend on Thursday. I'm REALLY trying not to get my hopes up for Raelynn coming early, but its SO hard! I just want her here! (And a break from work would be nice!) But 7 more days of work until Thanksgiving break!
I hope everyone has a great week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Last week went by SOOO fast! It was AMAZING! I had a doctor appointment on Friday and I was a fingertip dilated. My Strep B test came back negative. She is still definitely head down. Heart rate was good and blood pressure was too. My doctor comes back this week and I will be glad to see her. The doctor I've been seeing is VERY nice, but not very informative. When she does a heart beat check, she never says what it is. When she measures me, she never says what it is. When she did my cervix check, she never gave me more information than how much I was dilated. Again, VERY nice but not very informative. So we shall see what happens on Wednesday at my next doctor appointment. I have been feeling more contractions, and I'm pretty sure they are not just Braxton Hicks.
This weekend we lounged, cleaned house, walked, and had friends over for dinner. Saturday we were talking about playing music for babies to make them stop crying. So we decided we'd see what type of music Raelynn likes. We played Notorious BIG for her, and she was moving her head along with other rap music. We played Bob Segar for her and she was wiggly. We then played American Pie for her, and she must have known it was a dancing song because she was moving her feet along with her head. :) Then I had to stop playing music because she was moving her head so much in my pelvis that it hurt.
Saturday night after dinner, we were playing games with Kaity and Ben and my feet got very swollen! So I put them up and they got a little better, but they still kind of hurt. My hands didn't well much, but they did get puffy. (I know how swollen they are by by ring.) After they left, I called the Labor and Delivery nurses at the hospital and explained to them what happened. She said it was normal this late in my pregnancy and that by the end of the day my feet probably would do that. Just to keep them up. Sunday when I got up they were still a little swollen, but not bad. It eventually went away on Sunday. I'm thinking though, I sat too long at the table with my feet dangling.
Sunday we relaxed all day. We even had just spaghetti-o's for supper. I'm sure our weekends of just relaxing and doing nothing are about over. We did go for a walk Friday night and Sunday morning. I'm hoping it will help her move down. I'm also hoping Ryan will be willing to go for a walk every night this week.
This week we don't have much planned. I'm having dinner with a friend on Wednesday and hopefully pedicures with another friend on Thursday. I'm REALLY trying not to get my hopes up for Raelynn coming early, but its SO hard! I just want her here! (And a break from work would be nice!) But 7 more days of work until Thanksgiving break!
I hope everyone has a great week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
37 weeks!
37 weeks yesterday and still feeling pretty good. Her feet are still in my left ribs and her head is definitely pushing on my pelvis. I thought rolling over in bed was pain free, but I think it was because I was getting up every hour to pee and therefore kept moving. At the doctor last week she was still head down in the correct position. Her heart rate was good. In the ultrasound she is in the 70th percentile meaning she is bigger than 70 percent of babies at 35 weeks. When I got home, Ryan said she is on track to be a Thomas baby (big) and not a Prouhet baby (small). As long as she is healthy I don't care. :) I have been feeling more intense Braxton Hicks contractions lately, but nothing terrible.
Friday last week I was not feeling very well, my throat hurt and I was exhausted. Last week felt like 2 weeks long instead of just one. By the time we got to Friday we weren't sure if Halloween was earlier that week or the week before. Well, I came home Friday and had a fever. I called the doctor and they said I could take Tylenol and that I didn't have to come into the hospital until my fever was about 105. So I took some Tylenol and slept. Went to bed with a fever still, so I took some more Tylenol. I was shocked at how bad I had the chills when I went to bed. We slept in on Saturday and I was feeling ok, no fever, but my body ached really bad. I just lounged around the house on Saturday and did a few things. Saturday later afternoon came along and I had another fever. Took some Tylenol and slept some more. We slept in on Sunday and got an extra hour of sleep. I was feeling pretty good except for my head hurt. So I took a Tylenol and went on about my day. We went to Target and got the things on our list for our hospital bags. They are packed now! We also installed the car seat, so now really the only thing we're waiting on is a baby!!!
This week I'm glad and surprised tomorrow is already Wednesday. My long term sub was in yesterday and today and I am feeling a little better about leaving. I have a few things on my list that I need to get done before I leave, but not much. She is gone until the 14th, so Raelynn has to hang out until then. Then Auntie Em text me and told me Raelynn needed to wait until the 20th. But she needs to be here before the 27th when Aunt Jan and Uncle Ray come to visit for Thanksgiving. So....Raelynn's window is from the 20th to the 27th. Not much of a window, and we'll see if she actually comes in that time. I talked to Mom tonight and she said she stayed late last night to get her generic lesson plans done for when she is called to the hospital.
My next doctor appointment is this coming Friday. It is so hard to believe our little girl will be here in about 2 1/5 weeks or less... I almost get teary eyed when I think about it. I'm not sure why. I know we're ready for her and I know our lives will change a great deal. And I think we're ready for our lives to change. I guess I've been carrying her around for the last almost 10 months and I FINALLY get to meet her! I can't wait to hold her in my arms and look at her beautiful face and bring her home from the hospital and watch her sleep and smile.
I hope everyone has a good week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Friday last week I was not feeling very well, my throat hurt and I was exhausted. Last week felt like 2 weeks long instead of just one. By the time we got to Friday we weren't sure if Halloween was earlier that week or the week before. Well, I came home Friday and had a fever. I called the doctor and they said I could take Tylenol and that I didn't have to come into the hospital until my fever was about 105. So I took some Tylenol and slept. Went to bed with a fever still, so I took some more Tylenol. I was shocked at how bad I had the chills when I went to bed. We slept in on Saturday and I was feeling ok, no fever, but my body ached really bad. I just lounged around the house on Saturday and did a few things. Saturday later afternoon came along and I had another fever. Took some Tylenol and slept some more. We slept in on Sunday and got an extra hour of sleep. I was feeling pretty good except for my head hurt. So I took a Tylenol and went on about my day. We went to Target and got the things on our list for our hospital bags. They are packed now! We also installed the car seat, so now really the only thing we're waiting on is a baby!!!
This week I'm glad and surprised tomorrow is already Wednesday. My long term sub was in yesterday and today and I am feeling a little better about leaving. I have a few things on my list that I need to get done before I leave, but not much. She is gone until the 14th, so Raelynn has to hang out until then. Then Auntie Em text me and told me Raelynn needed to wait until the 20th. But she needs to be here before the 27th when Aunt Jan and Uncle Ray come to visit for Thanksgiving. So....Raelynn's window is from the 20th to the 27th. Not much of a window, and we'll see if she actually comes in that time. I talked to Mom tonight and she said she stayed late last night to get her generic lesson plans done for when she is called to the hospital.
My next doctor appointment is this coming Friday. It is so hard to believe our little girl will be here in about 2 1/5 weeks or less... I almost get teary eyed when I think about it. I'm not sure why. I know we're ready for her and I know our lives will change a great deal. And I think we're ready for our lives to change. I guess I've been carrying her around for the last almost 10 months and I FINALLY get to meet her! I can't wait to hold her in my arms and look at her beautiful face and bring her home from the hospital and watch her sleep and smile.
I hope everyone has a good week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Monday, October 31, 2011
36 weeks!
Tomorrow I get to say, "I'm having my baby at the end of THIS month!!!" 4 more weeks and they will fly by! (I hope!) Nothing new going on. I still have those light headed moments, but not nearly as bad as they were last week. I feel like I'm always hungry, but she is supposed to be putting on an ounce a day between now and delivery. I still can't believe how big I look when I walk by a mirror or window and can see myself! Sleeping is getting worse, between getting up to pee, her being in a weird position, and just getting comfortable. Sometimes I wish I had a bed all to myself with 2 body pillows (one on each side). Then all I would have to do would be roll over. I haven't gotten uncomfortable yet, which is a good thing and I'm still enjoying being pregnant! Rae is moving more and more and she is finally letting her daddy feel her! They are not necessarily kicks, they are more of her stretching and longer movements.
This weekend we just relaxed around the house. The house is clean. The dragons cages are semi clean. We grocery shopped and had our maternity pictures. We had a great time with Cheryl doing our pictures! Lots of belly shots of course! And it was chilly, but all worth it!! I can't wait to see them this week! Cheryl has always done a great job, so I'm sure the pictures look AMAZING!!! When we were doing our shoot, Ryan laid his ear on my belly and she was definitely letting her daddy have it!
This week I have a doctors appointment Wednesday to find out the results of the ultrasound and just my normal check up. Other than that, we're not doing too much. Relaxing because when I come home from work, I need about 15 minutes to have a snack and begin relaxing and then I'm out! I need to go to Target sometime soon and get some things for my hospital bag and things for when we return home. Maybe next weekend.
I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween! And a great week!!
Love,
The Thomas Family
This weekend we just relaxed around the house. The house is clean. The dragons cages are semi clean. We grocery shopped and had our maternity pictures. We had a great time with Cheryl doing our pictures! Lots of belly shots of course! And it was chilly, but all worth it!! I can't wait to see them this week! Cheryl has always done a great job, so I'm sure the pictures look AMAZING!!! When we were doing our shoot, Ryan laid his ear on my belly and she was definitely letting her daddy have it!
This week I have a doctors appointment Wednesday to find out the results of the ultrasound and just my normal check up. Other than that, we're not doing too much. Relaxing because when I come home from work, I need about 15 minutes to have a snack and begin relaxing and then I'm out! I need to go to Target sometime soon and get some things for my hospital bag and things for when we return home. Maybe next weekend.
I hope everyone has a Happy Halloween! And a great week!!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Thursday, October 27, 2011
35 weeks
I wanted to wait until we had our ultrasound yesterday before I posted. I woke up yesterday morning and felt not so much dizzy or light headed, just that my equilibrium was off. Once I got to work, things were fine. Ryan came with me to save gas and I'm glad he drove. We went to the ultrasound and laying on that bed for 30-45 minutes (flat on my back) was not fun! After I got up from that I again felt more dizzy and it hasn't really gotten much better. This morning I feel a little better, but again feel like my equilibrium is off. I am definitely going to mention it to the doctor tomorrow. I'm not sure if it is because I'm not getting enough fluids (which I feel like I am) or if it is because of something else.
The ultrasound yesterday went ok. The purpose of the ultrasound was to see how big she is since I measured big at my last appointment. I was very disappointed in the professionalism the tech showed. (Answered her phone, answered the door, ect.) But we got to see that Raelynn is definitely Raelynn! She has hair!!! She has 10 toes and 10 fingers. She definitely has her head on my bladder and her feet in my ribs. Now I just can't wait to get her out and hold her! Just like my 20 week ultrasound, she had her hands by her face the whole time. I'm guessing she'll be a thumb sucker before we know it!
I just got a call from the doctors office and my appointment has been moved from Friday to next Wednesday. I wish it could have been earlier because I want to know her measurements, but I'm sure since she is the only OB doctor in the office that she is crazy busy!
This past weekend I was laying in bed on Sunday and realized that it would be the last time we would be home at my parents without our daughter! Definitely an emotional moment. We went to a wedding and every time I walked by a mirror I was shocked at how far she sticks out! I do my Monday morning pictures every week, but I guess I don't always look at how much she's grown!
This week we've not done too much. I come home and if I don't have anything to do, I'm asleep by 7:30 or before. Work has calmed down some. My lesson plans are done and I'm just waiting on the copy center so I can put my assessment book together. I finally have a long term sub and she is going to get to come in and observe for 2 days before I go on leave.
This weekend I don't think we're doing too much either. Just relaxing! I need to get my bag packed, or semi packed for the hospital. Less than 5 weeks away is going to come SO quick but yet not quick enough! I am getting a bit more nervous about delivery, but I think that has a lot to do with the uncertainty. I am also getting nervous about having a baby in our home, but I can't wait to hold the little thing that has been growing inside of me for the last 8 months! I told Ryan this weekend that I can't wait for a comfortable sleep in any position I want and to put her first cloth diaper on her! Of course with his sarcasm he said that neither of those things will happen for a while. Either way, I CAN'T WAIT!!!
I hope everyone has a great week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
The ultrasound yesterday went ok. The purpose of the ultrasound was to see how big she is since I measured big at my last appointment. I was very disappointed in the professionalism the tech showed. (Answered her phone, answered the door, ect.) But we got to see that Raelynn is definitely Raelynn! She has hair!!! She has 10 toes and 10 fingers. She definitely has her head on my bladder and her feet in my ribs. Now I just can't wait to get her out and hold her! Just like my 20 week ultrasound, she had her hands by her face the whole time. I'm guessing she'll be a thumb sucker before we know it!
I just got a call from the doctors office and my appointment has been moved from Friday to next Wednesday. I wish it could have been earlier because I want to know her measurements, but I'm sure since she is the only OB doctor in the office that she is crazy busy!
This past weekend I was laying in bed on Sunday and realized that it would be the last time we would be home at my parents without our daughter! Definitely an emotional moment. We went to a wedding and every time I walked by a mirror I was shocked at how far she sticks out! I do my Monday morning pictures every week, but I guess I don't always look at how much she's grown!
This week we've not done too much. I come home and if I don't have anything to do, I'm asleep by 7:30 or before. Work has calmed down some. My lesson plans are done and I'm just waiting on the copy center so I can put my assessment book together. I finally have a long term sub and she is going to get to come in and observe for 2 days before I go on leave.
This weekend I don't think we're doing too much either. Just relaxing! I need to get my bag packed, or semi packed for the hospital. Less than 5 weeks away is going to come SO quick but yet not quick enough! I am getting a bit more nervous about delivery, but I think that has a lot to do with the uncertainty. I am also getting nervous about having a baby in our home, but I can't wait to hold the little thing that has been growing inside of me for the last 8 months! I told Ryan this weekend that I can't wait for a comfortable sleep in any position I want and to put her first cloth diaper on her! Of course with his sarcasm he said that neither of those things will happen for a while. Either way, I CAN'T WAIT!!!
I hope everyone has a great week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
6 more weeks!
Wow! 34 weeks yesterday.... that means just 6 more weeks! It feels like it has been 8 months since we found out. Now I just can't wait for her to be here.
We finished our birthing class last Wednesday, which went well. The thing I got out of it the most was that the hospital staff is there to help with anything we should need. I also had my doctor appointment on Wednesday afternoon. It was the first time I had seen this doctor and it went well. I hadn't gained any weight in the last 2 weeks, so just 23 all together so far. She measured my uterus and said it was 37cm. Two weeks ago it was at 35.5cm; I should have been between 31 and 35. So, I measured big, but the doctor said it could be because she is laying in a weird position. However, she wants me to go in for an ultrasound to be sure she is not too big, because if she is then they will take more precautions. So my ultrasound is scheduled for next Wednesday. I'm glad we're getting to see her again because I've been thinking about what I would do if she was a boy and with the ultrasound we will hopefully get to see her show herself off again. The doctor also said her heart rate was good and she was definitely head down! So overall, it was a good visit.
This past weekend Auntie Em came into town and visited. We went to Brass Armadillo, painted a lamp, and just hung out. I also got Raelynn's bag packed. I'm waiting to pack mine until the end of the month after I get paid and go to get a few things I need. This week is parent teacher conferences, which means 2 late nights. On the good side, we have Friday off and we will FINALLY get to have a dinner with Grandma, Tate, and Maddy at a decent time. (Hopefully...) We have a wedding to go to this weekend and I'm not sure what I'll wear. Probably just a skirt and nice shirt.
I'm definitely finding my belly bigger and bumping into more things or finding I can't fit into places. Today it was chilly enough to wear a jacket, and as I was walking into the building the gals at the door were laughing at me. It is time to find a coat of Ryan's that fits and zips otherwise I look like a fat man in a little coat. :) And I'm sorry, but even if you are pregnant, it is NOT ok to tell a woman that she is getting bigger. I had someone come up to me today at work and tell me that I'm getting bigger. I was immediately shocked she would say that and a little offended. So whether you've been pregnant or not, it is not ok to look at a pregnant woman and tell her she's getting bigger!
Thankfully the week is half over and I get to go home this weekend! I definitely miss my family, and once a month isn't quite enough.
I hope everyone has a good rest of the week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
We finished our birthing class last Wednesday, which went well. The thing I got out of it the most was that the hospital staff is there to help with anything we should need. I also had my doctor appointment on Wednesday afternoon. It was the first time I had seen this doctor and it went well. I hadn't gained any weight in the last 2 weeks, so just 23 all together so far. She measured my uterus and said it was 37cm. Two weeks ago it was at 35.5cm; I should have been between 31 and 35. So, I measured big, but the doctor said it could be because she is laying in a weird position. However, she wants me to go in for an ultrasound to be sure she is not too big, because if she is then they will take more precautions. So my ultrasound is scheduled for next Wednesday. I'm glad we're getting to see her again because I've been thinking about what I would do if she was a boy and with the ultrasound we will hopefully get to see her show herself off again. The doctor also said her heart rate was good and she was definitely head down! So overall, it was a good visit.
This past weekend Auntie Em came into town and visited. We went to Brass Armadillo, painted a lamp, and just hung out. I also got Raelynn's bag packed. I'm waiting to pack mine until the end of the month after I get paid and go to get a few things I need. This week is parent teacher conferences, which means 2 late nights. On the good side, we have Friday off and we will FINALLY get to have a dinner with Grandma, Tate, and Maddy at a decent time. (Hopefully...) We have a wedding to go to this weekend and I'm not sure what I'll wear. Probably just a skirt and nice shirt.
I'm definitely finding my belly bigger and bumping into more things or finding I can't fit into places. Today it was chilly enough to wear a jacket, and as I was walking into the building the gals at the door were laughing at me. It is time to find a coat of Ryan's that fits and zips otherwise I look like a fat man in a little coat. :) And I'm sorry, but even if you are pregnant, it is NOT ok to tell a woman that she is getting bigger. I had someone come up to me today at work and tell me that I'm getting bigger. I was immediately shocked she would say that and a little offended. So whether you've been pregnant or not, it is not ok to look at a pregnant woman and tell her she's getting bigger!
Thankfully the week is half over and I get to go home this weekend! I definitely miss my family, and once a month isn't quite enough.
I hope everyone has a good rest of the week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
33 weeks
I should wait and write this tomorrow after my doctors appointment, but then it might not happen this week. Tomorrow night we have our second birthing class at the hospital. Thursday is a normal day and this coming weekend family is coming to the house. I'm not sure what we're going to do because we have NO money. (I hate not being paid in July and August... Going from June 20th to September 20th is HARD!) Maybe the local antique store, yard sales, or just hanging out. This weekend we are going to hopefully going to have our maternity pictures taken by a friend who did our engagement pictures! I can't wait! I have some ideas of what I want, but I know Cheryl will make them look GREAT!
This past week I've been more tired, but awake at 7:00 on the weekend at the latest... Normal Braxton Hicks. Still sore at night sleeping and I do a lot of tossing and turning. I can usually guess what time it is when I get up to pee. Raelynn is up in my ribs by the end of the day. I cannot lean over my table at work to work with kids in the afternoon anymore. She is definitely growing! Her movements are becoming more forceful. No special food cravings. I've been trying to get in more water.
This past weekend was our one year anniversary! We spent the day relaxing and then going to Bass Pro, Target, and Pet Co to return some things. Thanks Grandma for supper! Olive Garden was delicious! We had our wedding cake that evening for dessert and it was just as good as it was on our wedding day!
This past weekend I also spent time washing the cloth diapers and the rest of Raelynn's clothes she had piling up in her basket. I'm really excited about the cloth diapers, but also nervous they won't fit right away. I'm thinking of going to get some flats (flour sack towels) and possibly trying those. I have some more cloth diapers on the way and I'm going to see how those size up to the ones I already have. If they are the same size, I'll have about 50 or so! (Less laundry!) I also didn't realize we bought size 2 covers and she needs size 1, so I have some of those coming too. I think the thing I'm most nervous about is her getting a rash and washing them so they will absorb what they need to. But I'm still excited to get Rae here and put those cute covers on her!! I also bought some "Sock Ons" to help keep her socks on her feet this winter! I'm going to try and put her in those one piece outfits as much as possible, but she has SO many cute jackets, pants and onesies that I want her tootsies to stay warm while she wears them.
This next weekend we're going to have our maternity pictures done by a good friend who did our engagement pictures! I'm excited! I have some ideas, but I know Cheryl will do an excellent job and have TONS of ideas!
There are more questions at work about when I'm due, and when I tell them the end of November I get many responses. Most are surprised at how much longer I have to go. So I'm not sure if I look huge...or if they just think that's a long ways away. I have also had people ask me recently, how much longer. And honestly, I couldn't tell them... I haven't really been keeping track of how many more weeks; I've been thinking that it is getting closer! I feel like I'm in the home stretch with a little less than 7 weeks to go. I know it will feel much closer after parent teacher conferences next week! Just sitting here thinking about it I get a flood of mixed emotions! I can't wait for our little angel to be here, but I also am nervously anticipating the birthing process. I also know our lives will completely change once she gets here, and I can't even begin to think about what I will be doing at 8:00 at night. I guess I am closer than I think I am...
Well I hope everyone has a great week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
This past week I've been more tired, but awake at 7:00 on the weekend at the latest... Normal Braxton Hicks. Still sore at night sleeping and I do a lot of tossing and turning. I can usually guess what time it is when I get up to pee. Raelynn is up in my ribs by the end of the day. I cannot lean over my table at work to work with kids in the afternoon anymore. She is definitely growing! Her movements are becoming more forceful. No special food cravings. I've been trying to get in more water.
This past weekend was our one year anniversary! We spent the day relaxing and then going to Bass Pro, Target, and Pet Co to return some things. Thanks Grandma for supper! Olive Garden was delicious! We had our wedding cake that evening for dessert and it was just as good as it was on our wedding day!
This past weekend I also spent time washing the cloth diapers and the rest of Raelynn's clothes she had piling up in her basket. I'm really excited about the cloth diapers, but also nervous they won't fit right away. I'm thinking of going to get some flats (flour sack towels) and possibly trying those. I have some more cloth diapers on the way and I'm going to see how those size up to the ones I already have. If they are the same size, I'll have about 50 or so! (Less laundry!) I also didn't realize we bought size 2 covers and she needs size 1, so I have some of those coming too. I think the thing I'm most nervous about is her getting a rash and washing them so they will absorb what they need to. But I'm still excited to get Rae here and put those cute covers on her!! I also bought some "Sock Ons" to help keep her socks on her feet this winter! I'm going to try and put her in those one piece outfits as much as possible, but she has SO many cute jackets, pants and onesies that I want her tootsies to stay warm while she wears them.
This next weekend we're going to have our maternity pictures done by a good friend who did our engagement pictures! I'm excited! I have some ideas, but I know Cheryl will do an excellent job and have TONS of ideas!
There are more questions at work about when I'm due, and when I tell them the end of November I get many responses. Most are surprised at how much longer I have to go. So I'm not sure if I look huge...or if they just think that's a long ways away. I have also had people ask me recently, how much longer. And honestly, I couldn't tell them... I haven't really been keeping track of how many more weeks; I've been thinking that it is getting closer! I feel like I'm in the home stretch with a little less than 7 weeks to go. I know it will feel much closer after parent teacher conferences next week! Just sitting here thinking about it I get a flood of mixed emotions! I can't wait for our little angel to be here, but I also am nervously anticipating the birthing process. I also know our lives will completely change once she gets here, and I can't even begin to think about what I will be doing at 8:00 at night. I guess I am closer than I think I am...
Well I hope everyone has a great week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Monday, October 3, 2011
32 weeks
Today I am 32 weeks and I can feel it getting closer. I know I've said the last few weeks that I can't believe she'll be here in so many weeks, well I'm starting to really feel it! I'm getting nervous about having a baby at home and what labor will feel like, and about how life as we know it is almost over.
I have had more Braxton Hicks contractions within the last week or so. I've had a few days where I've felt dizzy on and off. I've had more trouble sleeping and staying comfortable while trying to sleep. I've had just as much heartburn, but I know mine is associated with stress. I've felt her move TONS more, which is awesome! I've felt a little bit more tired. No new cravings. It is getting much harder to bend over for anything including tying my shoes. I've been feeling more emotional and can cry at the drop of a hat.
And my pregnancy brain has become worse! Last Friday, I told a student to go back to class. About 15 minutes later his para came looking for him; he never made it back to class. She checked the bathrooms and outside at recess. Eventually the principal, social worker, counselor, and the para were all looking all over the building for him. I happened to hear voices next door in the speech room and that's when it hit me like a rock! Right after I sent the student back to class, the speech pathologist stuck her head in and said she was taking him for testing. I completely forgot she even had him until it was quiet enough in my room that I could hear voices. I was so embarrassed!
Thursday was my last 4 week appointment. My belly was measuring 32.5 centimeters, which is right on target. My blood pressure was fine. I've gained 23 pounds so far, which the doctor was pleased with (as normal is 30 for overall pregnancy). She did test my thyroid again and found it was elevated; so she increased my dosage. She said it was normal for it to go up. Other than that, things were great! I asked her about taking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, she said it was fine, so today was my first few glasses. We'll see if it helps with delivery.
My baby shower was this weekend and it was FANTASTIC!!! We got lots of great things, and it was SO nice to see my high school friends and family I don't always get to see. We got lots of gift cards and things off of our registry. I am so thankful for my mom and Auntie Polly who put everything together! I can't wait for Raelynn to get here so I can go buy some more things we need. I'm planning on spending some of it on cloth diapers and some gift cards on some more towels and sheets. (I'm not sure of how many of those I'll need, but more wouldn't hurt.)
This week we're attending the first birthing class at the hospital and celebrating our one year anniversary! I am so thankful for Ryan as he has been there with me through lots and I can't wait to go through lots more together.
I'm glad I have finally had a Monday night that I haven't fallen asleep at 6:30 (which I totally could have tonight) and got my blog done before the middle of the week! I hope everyone has a great week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
I have had more Braxton Hicks contractions within the last week or so. I've had a few days where I've felt dizzy on and off. I've had more trouble sleeping and staying comfortable while trying to sleep. I've had just as much heartburn, but I know mine is associated with stress. I've felt her move TONS more, which is awesome! I've felt a little bit more tired. No new cravings. It is getting much harder to bend over for anything including tying my shoes. I've been feeling more emotional and can cry at the drop of a hat.
And my pregnancy brain has become worse! Last Friday, I told a student to go back to class. About 15 minutes later his para came looking for him; he never made it back to class. She checked the bathrooms and outside at recess. Eventually the principal, social worker, counselor, and the para were all looking all over the building for him. I happened to hear voices next door in the speech room and that's when it hit me like a rock! Right after I sent the student back to class, the speech pathologist stuck her head in and said she was taking him for testing. I completely forgot she even had him until it was quiet enough in my room that I could hear voices. I was so embarrassed!
Thursday was my last 4 week appointment. My belly was measuring 32.5 centimeters, which is right on target. My blood pressure was fine. I've gained 23 pounds so far, which the doctor was pleased with (as normal is 30 for overall pregnancy). She did test my thyroid again and found it was elevated; so she increased my dosage. She said it was normal for it to go up. Other than that, things were great! I asked her about taking Red Raspberry Leaf Tea, she said it was fine, so today was my first few glasses. We'll see if it helps with delivery.
My baby shower was this weekend and it was FANTASTIC!!! We got lots of great things, and it was SO nice to see my high school friends and family I don't always get to see. We got lots of gift cards and things off of our registry. I am so thankful for my mom and Auntie Polly who put everything together! I can't wait for Raelynn to get here so I can go buy some more things we need. I'm planning on spending some of it on cloth diapers and some gift cards on some more towels and sheets. (I'm not sure of how many of those I'll need, but more wouldn't hurt.)
This week we're attending the first birthing class at the hospital and celebrating our one year anniversary! I am so thankful for Ryan as he has been there with me through lots and I can't wait to go through lots more together.
I'm glad I have finally had a Monday night that I haven't fallen asleep at 6:30 (which I totally could have tonight) and got my blog done before the middle of the week! I hope everyone has a great week!
Love,
The Thomas Family
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
31 weeks
Well, it's almost Thursday again before I have a chance to post... I'm not sure what went on Monday. I had an allergist appointment and came home to be a vegetable. Ryan made burgers for supper, and I was in bed by 8:30. Yesterday I had a dinner date with Ashely Saffell and I had a great time as usual. It is amazing how you can find those few friends in your life and how easy it is to pick up right were you left off. So I came home and again was in bed by 9. Tonight Ryan's changing my oil and I'm relaxing. Tomorrow I have my last 4 week appointment and then starts the 2 week appointments. I called the doctor today to see if the doctor was still seeing patience as she is due on Friday. I have questions about vaccinations as well as something else I wrote down today but can't remember. Good thing I wrote it down :)
2 more days until we get to go home! My baby shower is this Saturday and I can't wait to see everyone! Only a few more things we need and one of the most important being cloth diapers. I have some on their way hopefully soon (21 of them.) We've decided to do prefolds (like grandma used to do) and covers. I have also thought about using flour sacks and a cover, but Ryan said he won't. I'm kind of excited about using them. I know I don't want to while her poop is still in the newborn stage, so we're using our stock of newborn diapers and then moving onto the cloth. I have a few other things I need to get to be ready for the cloth since you can't use regular diaper rash cream. And we need a trash can for her room to put the diapers in, and a bag to keep in the diaper bag for those longer trips.
Raelynn moved non stop today! She was kicking high, low, and all over the place. I text Ryan today and he said she didn't want to be at school. I didn't want to be at school either, although it was a good day.
I hope everyone has a great rest of the week! It's almost over.
Love,
The Thomas Family
2 more days until we get to go home! My baby shower is this Saturday and I can't wait to see everyone! Only a few more things we need and one of the most important being cloth diapers. I have some on their way hopefully soon (21 of them.) We've decided to do prefolds (like grandma used to do) and covers. I have also thought about using flour sacks and a cover, but Ryan said he won't. I'm kind of excited about using them. I know I don't want to while her poop is still in the newborn stage, so we're using our stock of newborn diapers and then moving onto the cloth. I have a few other things I need to get to be ready for the cloth since you can't use regular diaper rash cream. And we need a trash can for her room to put the diapers in, and a bag to keep in the diaper bag for those longer trips.
Raelynn moved non stop today! She was kicking high, low, and all over the place. I text Ryan today and he said she didn't want to be at school. I didn't want to be at school either, although it was a good day.
I hope everyone has a great rest of the week! It's almost over.
Love,
The Thomas Family
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