How I spent my Friday afternoon...

Yes, that's right. I was sent to the hospital for observation. When I went to the doctor for my regular weekly check-up, apparently they recorded my blood pressure at 150/90. Of course, that's ridiculously high for anyone - especially an expecting mom.

First, notice the very FAKE smile on my face. I was not happy to be where I was. In fact, I was quite scared at first. I called Don home from work (which he's still not happy about), and I was on my way to the hospital with Braelyn in tow.

I had more lab work done (the same stuff they did a month ago due to high blood pressure) and was monitored with those belts you see wrapped around me for a few hours. EVERYTHING came back normal. At one point, the nurse came in and said my blood pressure measured at 103/64. SERIOUSLY?! I figured due to my being so worked up over being at the hospital that it would be even higher than it was at the doctor's office. It was checked repeatedly while I waited and waited to get to go home. Every time, it came back normal. The nurse came in again later and joked, "If your blood pressure gets any better, I'm going to have to give you some medication to raise it back up."

Anyway, all seems to be fine for now. As much as I'm ready for this baby to be here, there are still just a few little things I need to get done first. He's scheduled to make his appearance on July 2nd, and it would be just perfect if he would hold out until then!

Where has the time gone?

Oh, Baby Girl, where has the time gone? In just 16 days you will no longer be the baby in the family. I know you're going to be a great big sister, but I can't help but worry about how your life is about to change.

You have been such a blessing to our family, and I can't imagine you not being here with us! I'm looking forward to watching you grow for many more years and seeing you teach your little brother who's boss. :o)

36 Weeks

This past Friday, I had my 36 week check up. I'm a little bit in shock that this baby boy will be joining our family in 17 short days! Anyway...back to the appointment. I had to take Braelyn with me since she's staying home with me for the summer (saving $ for daycare in the fall). That in itself was an adventure.

She was curious about what Mommy was doing with that little pink cup in the bathroom. LOL She also tried getting on the scale with me. I've gained enough weight on my own without adding her 32 pounds to that! Speaking of weight, I got in a little bit of trouble at the last appointment because I had gained 5 1/2 pounds in a week. OOPS! This time, I actually lost 2 of those pounds. I'm not quite sure how that happened, but I'll take it!

Once I was put in a room, my blood pressure was taken. Yep...still HIGH...144/90. The nurse didn't even bother to check it a second time as they usually do. I guess they've realized that it's just going to stay there until this baby comes out...or maybe for a few months afterwards. Who knows how much stress I'm going to be under having 2 children to care for. :o) Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way!

I did ask if I should be worried about my blood pressure and was told that there wasn't much else I could do. I'm already not working for the summer and am pretty much just sitting around the house with Braelyn with the exception of our occasional pool trips. Plus, delivery is less than 3 weeks away.

Dr. P came in to measure this big ol' belly of mine and to listen to the heartbeat. Braelyn was not a fan of the doctor "squeezing" her baby boy. Braelyn also told me on the way home that the doctor wasn't very nice because she "squirted her baby". LOL You moms out there know that all the doctor did was put a little gel on my belly so she could hear the heartbeat.

(***Maybe a little bit TMI***) I was asked again if I planned to breastfeed, and this is something I've been going back and forth with. Yes, I know that BFing is best for baby, not to mention FREE! However, I tried it with Braelyn and it only lasted for about 6 weeks. I'm not sure how much of that was nature and how much was the stress and frustration I was feeling. Anyway, I'm definitely leaning more towards going straight to formula. I remember being a much happier mom when we switched with Braelyn. The doctor actually told me that she didn't even attempt to BF her 2nd baby, and that was very comforting to hear from a DOCTOR. I want to do what's best for our family, and while formula will take extra money out of our pocketbook, I'm not sure I could handle one kid attached to my hip and the other attached to my...well, you know.

That's all for now. Until next time...

35 Weeks

I had my 35 week check-up today. My doctor ordered a sonogram which we had before the appointment since I've been measuring big for the last couple of months. I was measuring 2-3 weeks ahead, so Dr. P wanted to see how big the baby was and also check the fluid levels around the baby.

Everything looked great. Fluid levels were right around where they should be. From what we could tell, the baby's body is in about the 58th percentile which is fairly average. However, he has a big head. LOL Thank goodness the C-Section is already scheduled. I also just think this means he'll be one smart kid. According to the sonogram, he's weighing between 5 1/2-6 pounds right now. Of course, I know that the sonogram can't be 100% accurate at estimating weight. We also saw some big lips and chubby cheeks.

After the sonogram, I met with Dr. P. Baby's heartbeat sounded perfect, and I'm now only measuring a week ahead of where I should be. My blood pressure still remains an issue -- It's HIGH! 142/92 today. :(

The doctor seemed concerned and told me to rest, keep my feet up as much as possible, and drink lots of water. That will be much easier once school is completely over. I plan on doing PLENTY of resting in the pool! :)

If anyone wants to volunteer to come do my cooking and cleaning, just come on over! HA! :)

Until next time...

I got lots of money right here...

Funny story...

So, we're sitting at dinner tonight talking about our sonogram we had today. I'm convinced that this boy is going to look more like Mommy (me). Braelyn is a spitting image of her dad. Anyway, some of the features we saw on the screen today reminded me of my own.

Don thinks he's hilarious and says to Braelyn, "Well, since we now know you're going to be the hot one, you're going to have to be the one to make Daddy lots of money."

Braelyn, in complete seriousness, points at this little pile of money on the table and says, "I got lots of money right here!"

Don and I busted up laughing. Poor Braelyn didn't really get it, but it was so funny.