"Tutu" cute!!

Since we announced that we are expecting our little one, gifts have been coming our way.  Tonight, I decided to photograph some of them to show you how adorable they are - and what thoughtful friends and family we have.  (no worries - I am not planning on photographing every single gift we get...  but these are just PARTICULARLY cute!)

This might be the first outfit we received.  It's from Grandma Gates, and it has a G on it.  :)  I love this one for the polka dots and the giraffe!  SO ADORABLE!

Also from Grandma & Grandpa Gates...  Lorelei's first pieces of jewelry.  This was given to us at the cupcake party - and it was so sweet it made me cry.  The picture doesn't do it justice.  This is the tiniest - and most precious little necklace and bracelet set EVER.

Here we have one from Auntie Donna in North Carolina.  She sent it as a "thinking of you" gift - and it CERTAINLY brightened my day that day.  It's got little duckies on the side - and my favorite part is on the bottoms of the feeties - there are little duckie footprints!

 When Marmee and Auntie Laura have traveled, they've brought back little onesies from their trips.  The Vegas cupcake is from Marmee - and the I <3 NY is from Auntie Laura & Uncle Ralph's recent trip to New York.

...I may have gotten a little carried away playing with the clothes.  But this sweater matches this onesie TOO perfectly.  At least I didn't go in search of pants too.   (yet)

 I posted about these a few days ago.  Here we have the hand-knitted sweater and scarf along with the super soft cute red teddy bear.  These are from a lady at Alex's work named Susan.  You can't really tell from the picture - but the buttons on the sweater are little blocks with A, B, C on them.  Just darling!

Then we have the sock monkey and tutu from Donna at Alex's work.  When I saw the gift bag - I could only see parts of the tutu sticking out - I said to Alex, "If that's a tutu, I'm gonna die!!" and sure enough...  How adorable is this???  Plus the monkey is wearing the same tutu and a matching bow on its head!!  Naturally - all this cute made Alex a little jealous - and he had to get in on the fun...

It's only right - someone has to make sure the tutu works properly before we give it to our daughter, don't you think?

Finally - this burp cloth with "Little Sprout" on it.  Kathy & Amanda got this for us before we knew whether Sprout was a girl or a boy - and they prayed hard for a girl. :)  I couldn't believe how perfect this was. 

All these cute baby clothes, toys, and gifts are making us even more excited to have Lola here with us.  You know, so we can dress her up like a little doll.  :)  This week, we are going to get a dresser into the nursery so we can have a place to start putting all of these clothes.  I have a laundry basket FULL of newborn (0-3 months) clothes all washed, folded, and ready for baby when she arrives.  Those were donated from Matt & Annette (of Speeding Bullet fame...  they have 3 daughters - so they had a TON of baby clothes), and from my sister Shannon who has a 1 1/2 year old little girl herself.  I thought about photographing some of them too - but there were too many cute ones, it would have been crazy.

Here's wishing you all a good week.  We have birthing class tomorrow night where we will be learning more about breathing, and hear a full presentation on C-Sections.

- mama g

a baby shower, a birthing class, and an overall update

first - the baby shower for cousin Amanda. She is due to have her little girl December 2nd - and she's naming her Sarina Marie (such a cute name!). The shower was held at her Mom's house, and it was a really fun time.

Here is the diaper cake that she got - isn't it fun??

and the beautiful Dutch girl quilt she got...

This is Amanda opening the highchair that I decided to also register for - because it was really neat....

and here she is with the teddy bear quilt that Grandma made for her

it was a fun afternoon topped off by YUMMY cake - which makes any party a success.

Also - I have to make mention of the DELICIOUS pub mix that they had.  I think I could have eaten 3 pounds of it - and still wanted more.  MMMMMM!







Birthing Class #1

Several of you know I was dreading birthing class.  I had heard enough about "THE VIDEO" to know that with my oh-so-tender tummy these days, I wasn't sure I'd make it gag-free.  Alex and I got to birthing class right on time to find that there were NINETEEN other couples in the class as well.  Okay, that's not what I pictured.  I thought maybe 10 couples total.  I had no basis for that assumption - but that's what I was prepared for in my brain.  The nurse who taught the class dove right in.  She started with a slide show that depicted all kinds of things from the baby's position pre-birth and during - to the mom's parts and how they work during labor.  I'll admit I felt a little awkward for some of the guys in there - I'm not so sure they were ready to hear some of the things she was saying...  But after the first few minutes, it seemed normal to be hearing the word "cervix" being casually tossed around.  After the slide show - we were given a break and offered some refreshments.  During the break - the nurse showed the birth part of Bill Cosby, Himself.  Classic & perfectly apropos!

Then it was time for "THE VIDEO".  Folks - it wasn't as bad as I had anticipated.  It was graphic - there is no question about that.  Alex and I agreed that the yuckiest part was the placenta delivery.  On all of the TLC shows - they never mention what happens after the baby is out.  At that point, Mom is holding baby - and everyone is happy and crying, and they all ride off into the sunset together.  Only, in the real world - Mom still gets a couple more contractions, and actually has to push to deliver the placenta.  (Can I say I'm SO glad I know that now???  I think it would have more than unnerved me to feel more contractions, and be told to push after the baby was delivered...  But now, I'll know what that's all about). 

After the video, we did some breathing exercises together - only about 10 minutes worth...  But it was what you would expect to see in a child birthing class.  She told us that our next class will be taught by a different nurse - and that she will teach us about C-sections primarily...  I'm interested to learn more about that topic, even though I would REALLY RATHER NOT have one.  I know - as has been the case so far with all this baby business - that I will feel less scared once I have more information.

When the class was over, I stopped in the restroom.  The nurse said if anyone had any general questions - that she'd be happy to answer them.  I had a couple, but I figured there would be a line of people waiting to talk to her - so I waddled into the bathroom.  When I came out, I was SHOCKED to find that everyone had left.  So, I decided to ask her my questions.  :)  She was super sweet, answered every question I had IN DEPTH...  I know I've said it before - but my OB's office has the greatest people!

The Overall Update

The first question I asked her was about this stupid carpal tunnel.  It's really been painful - and seemed like it was a fairly quick onset.  During the birthing class, she had mentioned that if the swelling in the feet and ankles seemed to have a quick onset - to call the office and have blood pressure checked.  So I asked her if sudden onset carpal tunnel could be due to high blood pressure.  She said she didn't think so, but gladly took me into an exam room and checked my blood pressure just to be sure.  And it was just fine.  :)

As Alex and I were gathering our things to leave, she asked how I was feeling overall.  I said that I'd been really tired, and was anxious to see the results from my blood test & glucose test - and to see if I am anemic. She ran to get my chart right away, and sure enough - I'm anemic.  So - she gave me iron supplements and I started them on Tuesday.  As of yet - they haven't made a huge difference, but I imagine it's going to take my body a little time to stop shuttling every drop of iron I get to the baby, and start leaving some for me.  She also gave me the results of my blood glucose test.  That came back abnormal (shoot!) so I have to do the 3 hour test next.  Meaning I get a 2nd date with the oh-so-ucky glucose drink. 

The rest of this week has sort of flown by...  I have needed naps everyday - so so much for my theory of being able to take them or leave them.  I think the lesson there was, if I leave a nap - I'm gonna have to just take one later.  :)  I did try to knit a little yesterday.  It's wasn't painful while I was doing it - but afterwards, both of my thumbs hurt up into my wrists.  I did (on the advice of WTE and my nurse) buy some splints for my hands.  I wear them mostly when I'm in bed - because that's where WTE suggests most of the swelling happens...  You know, all the funky positions we get our arms and hands into while we sleep.  The good news is - I haven't had the tingling in my arms or hands since I started wearing the splints.  The bad news is - it's REALLY difficult to get comfortable with those things on.

Now - for some exciting news - last night, Alex was FINALLY ABLE TO FEEL THE BABY KICK!  HOORAY!!!!!!!!!  :)  She was kicking up a storm, and I had him come over and gently rest his hand on my belly - and sure enough...  After about a minute, she launched a big one, and he felt it!!  It was nice to be able to share her kicking with him finally!  I know he's been really wanting to experience that for himself.  I've really been wanting him to get to as well!

Today - when he came home from work, Alex had some presents for the baby from one of his work colleagues.  She sent a teddy bear, a knitted scarf, and a knitted little sweater.  SO PRECIOUS!  It's so sweet that people I haven't had the pleasure to meet want to send things for our little baby!  I was truly touched by the gifts.  It just reminds me of how generous and lovely people can be. 

This weekend - I'm excited to get to see Sarah & Dave, Marmee, Rick, and Vickie!!!  And I get to meet Vickie's new dog Diva!  I have a new OB appointment coming up next week - but I'm sure that I will update you before then.

Thanks for reading!

- mama g

carpal tunnel, really?

This weekend, I learned about a new bonus ailment that can come with your pregnancy package free of charge! Congratulations to me! I am the proud new owner of carpal tunnel syndrome!

I guess I should have seen it coming with all the knitting I was doing. I did notice that my hands were feeling sore - like I needed to pop my knuckles all the time - at the end of each day. And I had noticed that my hands were numb at tingly at night - sometimes my entire arms would be. But I didn't piece it all together until this weekend when my hands were so puffy, swollen, and painful. Marmee diagnosed it right away - and in a healthy fit of incredulous denial, I didn't believe her until I got home and consulted WTE. Sure enough - according to WTE most pregnant women experience carpal tunnel. Luckily, it's SUPPOSED to go away when my body is no longer inhabited by 2 people - I just hope it does! I didn't really give carpal tunnel sufferers enough credit before. It's downright painful. Luckily, I don't type or handwrite enough these days that I have to play through the pain. I can just keep my hands resting for the most part.

But the knitting has to go to the sidelines for at least a couple of days until this swelling has a chance to go down.

Even holding my cell phone is painful.

Pitiful. Just pitiful.

In other news - this weekend, I made it through both Saturday AND Sunday without taking a nap. I'm paying for it a little bit today - but I was impressed with myself, because I didn't get all cranky - and I really didn't miss the naps TOO much. (not that I'm excited to give them up... but it's nice to know I can take them or leave them).

I also got to go to Amanda's baby shower this weekend. I will have to write a post about that and include pictures later on. It was really fun, though... I will go ahead and say that much.

For now, I'm going to go catch up on some homework and then grab a couple of zzzzzz's before birthing class tonight.

- mama g

glucose tolerance test day

This seems to be one of the things that women remember from their former pregnancies - and they do NOT have fond memories. Why, you ask? Drinking this
10oz container of really gross liquid on an empty stomach is LARGELY unpleasant. Follow that by waiting around for an hour, then a blood draw - and then a whole day of feeling like... Well, I felt like I had eaten a whole bucket of frosting. My tummy was UPSET - and I felt lethargic, green, & kittenish most of the day. I opted to take a nap around 2 when Alex got home, hoping that would help the situation, and when I woke up at 530 - I did feel well enough to eat half of an apple. And that has so far gone well. But I'm still being cautious - and I in NO way want anything to do with any real sugar.
Y-U-C-K!

On top of feeling yucky... Lorelei really didn't move much this morning after I drank the orange serum of disgusting. The poor thing must have been in a sugar coma! Even though I got some protein in this morning & a little this afternoon... I didn't start feeling her kicking until 1 or 2 - which is NOT her normal schedule. While I am sure that this had more to do with the 10oz of sugar I had consumed... It always makes me uncomfortable when I don't feel her. According to WTE - women don't really need to start counting fetal movement until week 28 - making sure that there are 10 movements in a hour at least once a day. I don't count the movements like that, but I notice... Especially between 10-1030 at night. That's an active time for her, and were she not active, I would notice and feel concerned. (or, you know... paranoid - cause that's how I roll)

Because of all this stomach discomfort - I opted to stay home from class this evening. I hate to miss class, but I didn't feel well enough.

Now, thanks to all this H1N1 business, and the vaccinations being later than expected - I'm starting to worry that Alex and Marmee are going to conspire to keep me out of public. It'll be like in the days of Little Women - I'll be in confinement. Only, at least I'll have internet & TV. Still - I'm hoping it doesn't come to that. While I realize that nothing is worth risking my health or the baby's health... I don't want to be locked up in the house for the next 3 months either. But maybe staying out of public is the sensible thing, and I'm just being selfish? I don't know... Aside from class and the grocery store - I don't really go out much now anyway. I'm sure if I were to wear a mask to the grocery store - I'd probably be able to buy myself another month?? (and HOPEFULLY by then I can get the vaccination).

I am going to relax & knit some more. I got my 3" quota in yesterday, but haven't done any today yet - so I'd better get started.

Birthing classes start Monday!

- mama g

the flood gates remain closed... for now.

Today - I ventured into the baby section at Target to buy shower gifts for our cousin Amanda whose baby shower is this coming Sunday. She is also having a little girl (due about 6 weeks before we are). I have thus far been able to avoid this very situation knowing that once I started picking up cute little girly outfits - I'd be unable to control myself and buy everything I saw.

So there I was in the Target, all alone, defenses low - and here it was - a SUPER CUTE almost cannot stand it impossibly sweet little outfit... I picked it up, held it a little, put it in my cart and proceeded to walk around Target with it the rest of the time I was there. Until it was almost check out time, and then a cooler head prevailed, and I somehow found the strength to put it back.

Was it too expensive for me to buy? No. It was $8.00. Had I previously registered for it? No - but as I learned today, registering for specific outfits at Target is pointless because when people are looking for the outfits on the registry - they'll never be able to find them. No picture - and descriptions that aren't near specific enough. So - why not just buy the darn thing???

Because I know me.

I know that once I allow myself to buy one little outfit - before I know it, I'll have a dresser and closet full of clothes I "just had to buy". I know that once I cross that line in the sand - it's all over.

Having said that - when I got home with the gifts for Amanda, I did hold one of the outfits for a while. It was so soft and so little and so precious... I couldn't help myself. Although - can I just say that it seems a lot bigger than newborn clothes used to seem to me. I held it up to my tummy and tried folding it in several different positions to see how something that large could fit in my belly - and it's a scary proposition indeed!!

Anyway - I peeled myself away from Amanda's presents and threw myself back into my knitting project (a receiving blanket for Lorelei... It's going to be 30" x 30" eventually, right now it's 30" x about 9") and the colors are light & dark pink, light & dark green, and light & dark brown. I have calculated (with Alex's help) that I need to knit about 3" each day in order to be done in a week or so.
Not that Lola will be here demanding her finished blanket by then, but I still have a few more projects I'd like to complete before she is.

I'm off to start winding a new ball of yarn for tomorrow's 3" of knitting!! Then bedtime.

- mama g

mary mary quite contrary

Alex has a theory about Lorelei not wanting to kick when people try to feel her... He thinks maybe she gets curious about what that feeling is - and stays still to try to figure it out.

Maybe so.

The point is - she was contrary with Marmee just like she is with Alex. She just doesn't like to kick when she knows someone (even me, folks) is trying to feel her doing it.

At some point, she won't have enough room to get away. And that point is fast approaching. As most of you know - I have a very short torso - and already my whole torso area is full of baby. So, now we have no choice but to expand outward. Thanks to the fabulous combination of short torso, short legs, AND short arms... I have about an inch and a half left between my belly and the steering wheel.

Marmee actually laughed on Wednesday when she saw how close it is. I am not sure anyone quite believed me that I'm going to be too big to get behind the wheel soon. But let me assure you - I maybe have a month left before it's just not going to happen.

That'll be strange.

I'm getting excited about the Tulsa baby shower. Invitations went out this week - and they are really cute! My friends who are collaborating to throw this shower did are doing such a great job - and although none of them really has the spare time to spend on shower planning, they have all spent hours already emailing and planning (and plotting)... I am humbled to know that this many people already love this little girl - but to tell you the truth... I already love her, and can happily report that she's easy to love. (not at all a biased opinion, I'm sure!)

Still knitting quite a bit. I'm hoping to get this current project done in the next week or so. I spent a good 4 1/2 hours working on it today, and made some nice progress. I'll probably work on it a bit more tonight as well.

The high temperature for today was around 58 here in Norman, and I have been just a little chilly all day long. I LOVE IT! Last night in class, a lot of the people were saying that the local news is predicting a super cold winter. That gives me hope that we will be able to switch off the air conditioner at some point before the new year. ;)

Have a great weekend!

- mama g

kick kick kicking

It's amazing what a difference the temperature makes on my mood! I am feeling FAR less sweaty, which makes me feel FAR less cranky! AND - I don't have to have the air conditioner cranked down to 69 all the time. (because it's that way outside instead of being 150 degrees outside). I hated hot weather before I got pregnant, but I have DESPISED it since I've been pregnant.

Luckily, it shouldn't get above 80 again this year.

I've been knitting like a crazy person. I'm working on a 30" square receiving blanket for Lorelei. The yarn is cute, it's chunky and a combination of light & dark pink, light & dark green, and light & dark brown... I'll post a photo of it once it looks like something. I started on this one yesterday, and have only completed 14 rows so far. For those of you who know about knitting, you know that it just looks like a curly lump of yarn so far.

Lorelei is kicking like crazy still! There was only one day when she didn't. I had taken a Claritin, and I think that made her drowsy. I have to admit, as much as I sometimes wish she would stop kicking so much, when she wasn't kicking - I missed it, and I was a little but concerned.

But never fear... She is back to being active as ever. And she's clearly Alex's daughter. She is quite contrary! She'll be kicking away, big enough kicks for me to see them on the outside of my tummy. I'll laugh, and Alex will come running over to see if he can feel her. As soon as he does - she stops. And then she won't move again until he's been gone for a couple of minutes.

I'm seeing Marmee later this week, and I'll be interested to see if she's as contrary with her as she is with her Daddy. :) It's become laughable for the two of us. I'm guessing at some point we'll catch her kicking... Either that, or Alex will have to just sit with his hand on my belly all day until Lorelei gives in and kicks for him.

Tonight - Alex has his boys' night out... I'm going to stay in and knit and maybe watch some TV. It's much nicer to relax when it's cool outside then when it's hot. Maybe it's just me?

Okay, I'm off to work the needles.

- mama g

october appointment

Yesterday I went to my October OB appointment. I always get nervous before an OB appointment. I'm afraid that he'll say I've been doing something wrong, or he'll yell at me for some reason. But that wasn't the case at all. In fact, I was commended! I gained a total of 1 pound in the last month, bringing my grand total to 17. I have to tell you, I was really worried that I could not be able to stay beneath the 25 pound recommendation... I've heard too many stories of women who have gained 40, 60, 75 pounds with their pregnancies, and I just knew that was going to be me. I'm SO relieved that has not been the case.

Meanwhile, I thought that I had an active baby - and I definitely had that confirmed for me yesterday. When they were trying to get a count of Lorelei's heartbeat, they would get it - and then WHOOMP!!! We'd see my belly move, and they'd have to find her heartbeat again. The doctor said it's unusual for baby girls to be so active, but that activity in the womb is absolutely indicitive of personality outside of the womb. Last night and today I've been paying more attention to her movements. She is most definitely more active at night than in the morning. But she doesn't seem to sleep much. It's a good thing I can sleep through the kicking right now, and I know I'd better enjoy it while I can since once she's on the outside, the kicking will be coupled with noise! :)

I am REALLY getting excited! I have just a couple of weeks before I enter the third trimester, and I can feel January coming just around the corner. I can't wait to see Lorelei and hold her. I can't wait to see Alex with her - he's going to be the most amazing father.

Okay, okay... I'm going to change the subject before I start crying. (Or before the crying gets worse, to be more accurate!)

Eggs! I successfully ate an egg this week! So, currently I have no foods on the strict ban list. It's a nice feeling to know nothing offends my gag reflex. (Well, no foods... I still struggle through brushing my teeth and bending over in the mornings. BIZARRE but true)

I've been knitting a lot the past week. And today, I definitely was nesting some. I dusted, vaccumed, and scrubbed the microwave. There's still more to do. I need to sweep the kitchen floor and mop. When I was dusting the living room ceiling fan, I was thinking about wanting the house to be as clean as possible for the baby. No dust, no allergens, no clutter... I do realize these are lofty goals - but I want to replace the air filters this weekend just the same. (And then again before Lorelei gets here) I realize I can't (and really shouldn't) try to erradicate every germ and speck of dust from my house. But I'd like there to be as few as possible.

My next OB appointment is October 29th. I have to fit in my glucose test sometime in the next 2 weeks. (yuck!) Otherwise, I just need to keep doing what I've been doing.

And I'm off to do just that!

- mama g