New Baby Pics!

Hello Dearest Friends and Family!

We went to get an elective ultrasound over the weekend and got some pretty incredible shots. Our little boy is very active -- he moved so much, it was hard to get non-fuzzy pictures of him. However, we managed to finagle a few.

Hope you enjoy!

As for me, I'm swollen, huge, and taking things day-by-day. Had an OB visit yesterday b/c I was having dizzy spells, but the Dr. is not concerned. Could just be hormone fluctuations. Will get some blood tests back next week just to confirm that all is well. Michael and I will take a "prepared childbirth" class this Saturday and next. It's the same class we took before Henry. It was so valuable. Surprisingly, we've forgotten so much since Henry was born, so we need a refresher.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Kiss Kiss,
Mary


(sticking out his tongue)


(profile)


(little smile!)


(yawning!)

Big Brother to Be

Hello All!

Well, time is closing in. Although I find myself saying, "I can't believe I have 10 whole weeks to go until the baby is born!" I also find myself saying, "I can't believe I ONLY have ten weeks to go," almost in the same breath. Wow, it's getting close.

Henry is certainly gearing up to be a big brother. He talks to his brother all the time now, and even brings him his favorite toys to "see" and "smell". As time passes, I am more and more confident that Henry is going to transition exceptionally well to his new role of big brother.

However, I am still saddened to think that he will have to experience less of my attention than usual. He is so clingy right now and our bond is stronger than ever. We are attached at the hip. I am so worried that bringing the new baby home is going to upset his whole world. I try not to dwell on these fears, but they do creep up from time to time. They are very real. All I can do is try to be the best mom possible and ensure that Henry has as smooth a transition as possible. Any advice?

Kiss Kiss,

Mary

Final Stretch!

Tomorrow's the day...it marks the beginning of my 28th week and the start of my third trimester...yay!!!!! I'm so glad this day has come because now I feel like I am finally justified for being so enormous. Trust me, I'm huge!

However, despite my girth, my pain levels have decreased dramatically since I began physical therapy. Kudos to the gals at Bebe PT...they are miracle workers. Actually, they simply know what they're doing and they truly care. I'm so thankful I found them.

Tomorrow is also a huge day because my brother's wife is scheduled to be induced...it is her third pregnancy and my third niece. I'm so excited for them! Hoping and praying that everything goes well.

Please check out my baby name poll to the right and cast your votes!!! So far, it's dead even. Although I've settled on a name, I'm still not 100% sure, so I'm curious to get some feedback.

Kiss Kiss,
Mary

Awwww, Man!

So, it turns out I'm NOT 25 weeks just yet. I will be tomorrow. But all week, I thought I was approaching week 26, not 25. Where/how did I lose a week? I guess I'm getting ready to have this baby, sooner than later.

This experience is way different from my first pregnancy. With that pregnancy, I loved being pregnant--every waking moment. I was on cloud nine and I was afraid of having the baby. Funny how things change.

Physical therapy has been good this week. I've made a HUGE improvement since Monday, when I was in so much pain, I could barely shower myself without yelping after every slight movement. I just hope I can keep up with this good streak. I don't want to ruin things again over the weekend.

Tomorrow is my monthly OB appointment. This is the one where I have my glucose test--to check for gestational diabetes. I hope I pass with flying colors. Wish me luck. I'm huge this time around, so I'm a bit fearful of the results. But, I am trying to eat well as much as possible, so we shall see...(oh, and no, that's not really me in the picture)

Looking forward to getting the great news from my brother and his wife soon! Sounds like their little one is ready to arrive any day now!

Chugging Along - Week 25

Hello All!

I am now in my 25th week. Three more weeks before I can officially say I'm in the home stretch (third trimester). Woo hoo!

It has been a rough road. This pregnancy has been wrought with pain and discomfort since the beginning. I'm doing physical therapy now, two days a week, to try to combat the pain and strengthen my core muscles (which will help with delivery down the road). It seems to be helping, but I also seem to take two steps back every weekend. Apparently, I'm pushing myself too hard, although I feel like I'm taking it easy.

For instance, I went to two parties this weekend, plus ran all the usual errands. I even took a nice, long nap late yesterday afternoon. However, I went into PT today with sharp, stabbing pains in my lower back. My PT told me I am officially restricted to only one party a weekend from now on. Awww, man! I suppose it could be worse. I could be on bed rest...yuck!

For those of you who haven't seen my latest U/S pics, or for those of you who just want to see them again, here they are for you. Enjoy!!! More to come soon.

Kiss Kiss,

Mary

Update on Mya

First of all, I want to thank everyone who sent well wishes and prayers to baby Mya. She is home now with her family and growing every day.

However, she was diagnosed with a very rare disorder called Cri du Chat (or "Cry of the Cat" in French). It's a disorder of the 5th chromosome and results in severe developmental disabilities, including mental retardation and difficulting walking/talking.

Please continue to keep Mya in your prayers and thoughts. Our friends have a long, tough road ahead of them, but we know they are survivors!

Pray for Mya

Dear Loved Ones,

A dear friend of ours recently gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Mya. She was delivered a couple of weeks early due to retricted intrauterine growth.

A few days after her birth, she was showing signs of growth and doing quite well. But on Sunday, her health took a turn for the worse. The doctors are exploring the possibility that she could have a chromosomal problem.

Please keep Mya in your prayers. I cannot think of anything else we can do at this point.

Love,
Mary