It's A GIRL!!!

Today was our appointment at Houston Perinatal for the Level II ultrasound.  My mom came to town yesterday, so she could watch Addison for us today.  Thank goodness appointments like this are few & far between.  Usually I try to schedule everything during MDO hours, but wasn't sure how long we would be gone today.

The ultrasound went really well & our little girl is growing just fine.  All measurements were normal, 4 chambers of the heart, kidneys, bladder, arms, legs, spine, head.  The heart rate was 150 & baby weighs about 13ozs.  I'm measuring right around 20 weeks.  WE ARE HALF WAY!!!!  Even though the ultrasound didn't show any soft markers for DS or abnormalities, we were still offered the amnio due to the blood test numbers.  Blake & I talked it over & decided to go ahead with it.  It was really a different perspective once we were there & talking with the doctor.  I'm not going to lie....I was nervous!  The thought of a needle being stuck in my belly so close to the baby scared the hell out of me!  I avoided looking at any of the utensils, needle, monitors, etc.  There was a monitor on each wall, so everyone in the room could watch the procedure.  You could tell they do this all day, every day.  The dr found a good open spot with the ultrasound & a nurse held it in place while the needle was inserted & fluid drawn out of the amniotic sac.  Blake watched the whole thing on the monitor.  There is no way I could ever watch that being done in person.
                               I need to scan the pics instead of taking a pic of a pic with my cell!

So after it was over, well, actually during the procedure, I started to feel warm & fuzzy (not in a good way).  I drank some water & rolled on my side for a few minutes.  Once I tried to get up & leave I realized I needed more time to lay there.  I guess it was just such an overwhelming experience AND it HURT, just made me sick.  Finally, I was ready to go & taken out by wheelchair.  We'll get the amnio results in a week or so.

Now, I'm just resting on the couch for the rest of the evening & can resume normal activities tomorrow.  It's been really hard not being about to pick up Addy & jump each time she needs something.  Blake has been awesome taking care of us though!    

Sunglasses & Cadillacs

We had to go by TRU yesterday to pick Logan up a tricycle.  They have way too many to choose from, but we finally picked one!  Memaw also wants to get a car for Addison & Logan to keep at her house!  She's been talking about it forever & I keep convincing her to wait, wait, wait.  Addison can't even touch the pedals yet.  Well, that didn't stop us from sticking her in a Cadillac & getting a couple of pictures.  First, we put her in the black one & she just wasn't feeling it.  Her eyes were glued to the PINK one (maybe that's because she had on her Dora sunglasses)!  LOL  Memaw bought her a shopping cart after I failed to convince her NOT TO get it!  I'll have to get a picture today.  It took forever to put together & I'm still not sure it's done correctly.  How can something so small & simple looking have so many pieces?

Addison dressed herself yesterday morning!  She was all set to go to town!

Have I mentioned how much easier it was to be pregnant & sit at a desk all day than to chase a toddler all day?  WOW!  I miss my office & desk where I could prop my feet up & have a very productive day without moving.  Now I sit & prop my feet up every chance I get until Addison says it's time to get up & play!

Naptime & bedtime have been challenging since Addison doesn't have a crib here at Memaw's house.  It takes her forever to fall asleep with me in the room (if I left her in there by herself she would likely climb off the bed).  Then, I remembered her old pack n'play was here because we let Logan use it.  I set it up & it worked perfect!  I just put her in & she plays for a few minutes then goes to sleep!  LIFESAVER!

Logan's Birthday Party

My great-nephew, Logan, celebrated his FIRST birthday last week & the party was yesterday.  We all had a great time!  Logan is walking, talking, squealing, everything!  He knew exactly what to do with his smash cake.  My niece, Aimee, did a great job planning the theme of the party.  Everything was so cute!  Here are some pics from the festivities.

Happy Valentine's Day 2010

Blood Test Results

I got my blood test results this morning.  I'm anemic & have to start taking 2 prenatal vitamins.  This is common in pregnancy, since the baby is taking all of my Iron!  The average risk of Down Syndrome for my age is 1:203 & my results are 1:147.  These numbers are being taken with caution until further testing in Houston.  This is just all part of having babies later in life!

AMA = Advanced Maternal Age

I got a phone call this morning reminding me of how old I am!  My OB office called to tell me I have an appointment with Houston Perinatal Associates for Genetic Counseling & a Level II ultrasound with a possible amniocentesis.  This is all routine for pregnant women over 35.  The ultrasound screening will last about an hour & looks in-depth at the baby from head to toe checking for any abnormalities.  So, it looks we will be finding out if Addy is getting a little brother or sister earlier than our regular appointment on 3/4!

Playgroup Valentine's Day Party

This morning we met with the playgroup & had a great time.  Addison isn't the only girl anymore!  Little 3 year-old Sophia is part of the group now!  There are 5 boys & 2 girls!

Pigtails

LOOK...... Addy has enough hair to make pigtails now!  This is so EXCITING! (Yes, I need more practice.  Maybe a comb would work better than a brush?)

        

  

Sporting the pigtails & stacking blocks

Am I the only one that didn't know diaper cream & antibacterial hand sanitizer have expiration dates??  I just learned about this recently.  Not sure what made me look for a date on the package, but I did & was stunned to see they expire!

Long Time, No Post

Let me try to rewind & think about all that has been happening...

Last week we had to make a trip to Mississippi because Blake's grandmother passed away.  She was 91 & would talk to Addison at least once a week.  I'm sad Addison won't get to know her, but I know there will be many great stories shared as she gets older from Grams & Pappy!

Addison did great on the trip.  We even did a breathing treatment while on the highway!  I love having an outlet in the van!

I've started letting her eat 'messy' foods by herself lately.  She will never learn unless I get over my desire to keep her spotless!  

JELLO

YOGURT

My check-up was last Thursday.  It was a great visit this time.  In & out in less than an hour!  I haven't gained any weight & dr said that was fine.  If I was losing weight he would be concerned.  The labs didn't go so well.  The nurse tried the first time & the vein rolled (I warned her that it would likely roll or blow)!  She dug around in my arm for a minute & realized that she would just have to start over.  Second time was much better.  We will go back on March 4 for the big ultrasound & find out if it's a boy or girl!  Now that I'm feeling much better time is flying by so FAST!