Haven Joseph

Haven and Ho Ho!

2009-12-14T10:57:00.000-05:00

Halloween and Winter 2009

2009-12-14T10:52:00.000-05:00

Punkins!

2009-10-20T15:20:00.000-04:00

It's Fall- Haven's first pumpkin!

2009-10-20T15:16:00.001-04:00

2009-09-04T16:25:00.000-04:00

Haven mimiking Mary Ann

2009-08-28T15:14:00.003-04:00

This one is kinda hard to see. But the idea is Mary Ann is making a smacking noise with her mouth and he is copying her. We were at at restaurant when he did this. We all thought it was hysterical!

Haven Talking

2009-08-28T15:11:00.001-04:00

2009-08-28T15:05:00.001-04:00

2009-07-27T13:22:00.003-04:00

2009-06-29T16:47:00.002-04:00

2009-06-11T16:54:00.000-04:00

2009-06-11T16:44:00.001-04:00

Cutie!

2009-05-20T10:16:00.003-04:00

Haven's 1st Beach Trip- April 30-May 3, 2009-Ocean Isle Beach, NC

2009-05-20T10:12:00.002-04:00

Save the Drama for your Mama!

2009-04-29T12:12:00.000-04:00

Cousins

2009-04-29T12:10:00.001-04:00

Smiley Man!

2009-04-29T12:08:00.001-04:00

Stylin and Pro-fi-lin!

2009-04-24T13:01:00.002-04:00

Colt and Haven

2009-04-24T12:59:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter 2009!

2009-04-13T12:25:00.003-04:00

Haven's first holiday is Easter. He looked like such a little man. Adorable!

New Haven

2009-04-13T12:19:00.002-04:00

1st Real Bath!-March 29, 2009

2009-04-02T18:24:00.004-04:00

So Haven loves the bath. He wasn't crazy about the sponge bath, but now that he can get in the water. He loves it!!!

Haven is HERE!!!- March 11, 2009

2009-03-17T17:21:00.004-04:00

Baby Haven is finally here. It sure took him long enough. We are so excited. He arrived on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:36pm, via c-section. He weighed in at a whopping 8 lbs 14 oz and was 21 inches long. He had brown eyes and a head full of dark brown hair. He is the most beautiul thing Kelly and I have ever seen.

I went into my doctor's appointment on Tuesday, to be checked, and since I had not dilated (just like I thought) they told me to go ahead and check into the hospital to start cervadil. We were allowed to get some dinner first, so we went to South 21 before we checked in. And boy was I glad we did, cause I didn't get anymore solid food food until Friday morning. We got all checked in and by 6:15 I was given the cervadil. I didn't feel to much going on until about 11pm, then I was starting to fell some contractions. Nothing unbearable. I tossed and turned most of the next few hours and at 2:30am my water broke. I felt a pop and then some gushing. I called the nurse and she confirmed it. I was now in active labor. So I tried to go back to sleep, but the contractions got stronger. Still nothing unbearable. I was able to get my epidural around noon and I was Sooooo ready for it by then. I was comfortable for quite a while after that. I was checked again at 3:45ish and was fully dilated. I began pushing at 4pm. I pushed for 2 hours but he wasn't getting far enough down in my pelvis. Apparantly my pelvic bone is narrow, so he was having a hard time getting past it. The nurse decides to let me rest for a few minutes and then she changed her mind and decided to up my epidural and let me sleep for 30 minutes. I thought this was strange, so I figured something must be up. She and Dr. Barnes come in 30 minutes later and he checks me and tells me that I have 2 choices. 1- I can push for another hour and see if I make some progress or 2- go ahead with a c-section. I asked him what he would do and he said he did not think that I would make any progress in pushing for another hour (my pelvis was just too small) and I would have to have a c-section anyway. He would go ahead with the c-section now and not exhaust himself. So I spoke with Kelly and my mom and they agreed. Kelly wanted everything to be ok with both of us and he wanted it to be over. So we decided to have a c-section. They prepped me and I was in the operating room. He was born shortly afterwards. I was very groggy afterwards and fell asleep when I was wheeled back to my room. I finally got to hold him when I woke up and it was awesome.

People have asked me "What was the worst part of the whole thing?" And honestly, the worst part is the recovery process from the c-section. The labor was not bad, the pushing was not bad and the c-section was painless. The getting up and moving around afterwards with the soreness is absolutely the worst part of it. Everything else was totally bearable. But Haven is completely worth all of it!!!

Day Ten Overdue

2009-03-10T09:37:00.003-04:00

Looks like today will be the day that we start things off. I go into the doctor at 3:45 and they are going to check and see if I have dilated. If not, then I check into the hospital at 5pm. If I have dilted then I check into the hospitall tomorrow morning. I have a feeling that nothing has happend, so I'll be checking in tonight. Kinda nervous. But I keep telling myself "If all these other women can do, so can I."

Day Nine Overdue

2009-03-09T11:22:00.004-04:00

Still nothing. Looks like I'll be going to the doctor tomorrow. I have a feeling that I still haven't dilated. So I bet they will just admit me tomorrow at 5pm and start the cervadil. I had hoped that something would have happened by now, but it doesn't look that way. Oh well. This baby can't say in there forever. So wish me luck tomorrow. I'll try and post soon.

Day Eight Overdue

2009-03-08T09:34:00.007-04:00

I thought that maybe something might be happening yesterday. Kelly and I went on a walk Friday night and when I went to sleep that night, I was SUPER uncomfortable. My pelvis was sore and I tossed and turned all night along. Then I got up yesterday morning and was still uncomfortble. We went to Lowes and I was walking ultra slow and I was just whipped. So I go on home and lay down. I took about and hour and half nap. Woke up totally refreshed. My pelvis didn't hurt aymore and I wasn't tired. Oh well.
However, I do think that Kelly is the one nesting, rather than me. While I took a nap yesterday he proceeded to clean all the windows on the bottom floor. I'm talking on the inside, outside and the window seals. He even went upstairs to clean off the paint we accidentally got on the crib railing when I was painting it. Then he couldn't sleep last night to save his life. He told me this morning that he thinks he may have slept for all of about 30 minutes. Starting to think that his body is the one that's getting ready for a baby!

Day Six Overdue

2009-03-06T12:31:00.003-05:00

Went to the doctor today for the Non Stress Test and the Ultrasound. He is not stressed out at all about being in there so long and his fluid levels are fine. So they will see me again on Tuesday afternoon, if nothing happens before then. And knowing our luck, he'll still be in there on Tuesday. I would really like for this to happen on my own, but it's looking like he's going to be stubborn. Can't imagine who he gets that from? For those of you that are saying your prayers for us...Say it LOUDER!!!

Day Five Overdue

2009-03-05T13:45:00.003-05:00

I thought that today might be a cool day for Haven to make his grand debut. My birthday is 5/3 and today is 3/5. But, it doesn't look like that is going to happen either. So, onto something else. He's super active today. I sit on the couch and he just does summersaults and back flips the whole time. Maybe he's going to be a cheerleader, like his mommy. (Kelly would have a stroke...hehe!) So I guess he's not that uncomfortable in there if he's moving around like he is. Hmmmm...that could be a bad thing. He might want to stay in there forever!!! He is getting stronger though, because his kicks and punches are harder than ever. If he stays in there much longer, he might be able to take his daddy in a bench pressing contest.
COME OUT HAVEN!!!!

Ultrasound and non-stress test in the morning. Maybe they will admit me then! Let's all keep our fingers crossed.

Updated Nursery Shots

2009-03-04T18:01:00.004-05:00

Here are some updated shots of his nursery and closet. We got hooked up on some diapers at Kelly's diaper party!

Day Four Overdue

2009-03-04T17:38:00.003-05:00

Still nothing. I am just tired today. That may just be because I was awake last night for about an hour and couldn't get back to sleep. Kim text me when Avery was born and I was awake after that. I spent most of the day at the hospital visiting with them today. Then I had to come home and take a quick power nap. I didn't know sitting on my rear would make me so tired.
Still OVER IT and it's getting more irritating as the days go by.

Three down...one to go. Kim finally gave birth!

2009-03-04T16:55:00.005-05:00

Well, three down...one to go. Kim had Miss Avery Lynne Richards this morning at 2:48am. She was 8 llbs and 1 oz and 20 1/2 inches long. She has a bunch of peach fuzz on her head and big blue eyes. And Michael made it thru the delivery. He even watched. We are all totally surprised. I thought, for sure, he was going to be a fainter! Kim is doing great and so is Avery. Michael is sleepy but a proud poppa! Here is a photo of her. Ok, Haven...all your cousins are waiting to meet you, come out and play!

Day Three Overdue

2009-03-03T16:21:00.002-05:00

Still no baby yet. I did go to the doctor this morning and the new game plan is:
Friday: I go in for a non-stress test and ultrasound. They will check to make sure that Haven is not in any kind of stress and they will also check to make sure that he has enough fluid.
If all is well then on Tuesday I am scheduled to be induced. I go in at 3:45pm to be checked again ( I still haven't dilated at all) to see if I have started to dilate. If I have dilated to at least a 1 1/2 or 2 then I will skip the cervadil step and go straight to the pitocin or whatever it is that they decide to give me.
I am hoping that he gets ready to come before any of this needs to take place. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that maybe my water breaks or something happens. I don't want to be induced if I don't have to, but I don't want to wait around aymore either. So frustrating.
Kim...poor thing...is still in the hospital. They started her cervadil last night and she has not progressed at all so far. Hopefully she will make some progress soon. I know she is MISERABLE. And who can blame her.
Say labor prayers for both of us!!

Day Two Overdue

2009-03-02T11:04:00.004-05:00

So I was supposed to have a doctor's appointment this morning, but due to the inclement weather, it was cancelled. So I go tomorrow morning at 8:15. Still not feeling any different. Last night I did start to think that maybe Haven isn't moving as much as I thought he was. I'm starting to think that it's more of a Braxton Hicks contraction and I might be mistaking my tummy tightening for him moving. They still don't hurt but they are a little stronger. I don't really know though. I've never done this before, so I'm totally just taking a wild guess.
Kim goes in for her ultrasound and stress test today. Keep your fingers crossed that they just go ahead and admit her. She will be thrilled if they do. She is totally over it!!!
PS. If you haven't put in your guess yet as to when I'm going to have him, put it in!!! It's the link to the left of the page that say's "When will Haven get here?"

Day One Overdue

2009-03-01T18:22:00.003-05:00

So it's March 1 and still no baby. He is moving around like crazy today and yesterday. I can't figure out if he just can't get comfortable or if it's a sign that things are starting. No other signs have occurred, so I don't have too much to go on. Still haven't had that overwhelming urge to clean or anything like that. So maybe it's not going to be soon. Who knows. Maybe the doctor will have more news in the morning.
And how about this weather? When is the last time it snowed in March? Good thing I have 4 wheel drive on my car. In case I do go into labor, we have a good car to get us to the hospital!

It's my Due Date!

2009-02-28T09:17:00.002-05:00

So today is my due date and I don't feel any different today than I did last week. However, I did get up and pee two times last night. Which was annoying, because I usually get up once or not at all. I've been lucky with that part of it. So I guess I'll just have to sit back an WAIT for something to happen. This could take 2 more weeks....I really hope it doesn't. Let's all say a prayer that Baby Haven comes out soon. We're all ready to play!

Docotor's Appointment-February 23, 2009

2009-02-26T17:45:00.003-05:00

I had my 39 week doctor's appointment and a whole lot of nothing happened. Blood pressure looks good and his heart rate is 142. They told me to come back next Monday and they would check me to see if I had dialted at all. Last time they checked me (2 visits ago)I had not dilated at all. But I was about 50-60% effaced. So maybe more will have happened when I go back next week.
Still nothing going on with Kim. But she does have an inducion scheduled for next Thursday. So we will at least have Avery here by Friday the 6th. She's over it too. She told me today that she would hunt me down if I went into labor and had my child before she did. I just laughed at her and said to have no fear, I'll be the last one left.
I am starting to get reay uncomfortable. I was just laying in the bed today and I was uncomfortable. Not a good sign. I hope I go soon, so I don't have to deal with being uncomfortable for too long.
Last week was my last week of work. So I've been at home all week. Trying to keep myself busy. Monday, I ran around with Kim and looked for a small accent table. She ended up giving me one that she had at her house. Tuesday, I painted the table and hung out with my sister. Wednesday, I hung out with Kristen and had my parents over for dinner. And today I did a little cleaning. I'm starting to run out of things to do. The car seat is in my car and the extra base is in Kelly's car, the nursery is totally complete. All of his clothes are washed and hung up. So I am literally just waiting around now. I guess I could move on to things around the house. But what fun is that?

Doctor's Appointment-February 17, 2009

2009-02-17T10:10:00.003-05:00

I went to the doctor yesterday and it was very uneventful. My blood pressure is good, his heart rate is 136 and all looks good. She told me that they would see me in a week, unless I went into labor before then. We went over when to go to the hospital (the 5-1-1 rule)and I asked a few questions that I had been wondering about. I have scoliosis, so I asked if that would make any difference during labor and delivery. She looked at my back and said that the curve of my spine was more at the top of my back, rather than the bottom, so the epidural shouldn't be a problem. She said sometimes the epidural would only numb half of me. But it shouldn't be a problem. That's a relief.
Kim is still pregnant, so no news with her. It's just me and her left.
This is my last week of work. I'm working 9-3 everyday this week. Then I'm all done till around the beginning of May. This time off will be much needed. I'm worn out about 4pm everyday. So hopfully I'll have a little time to relax and save up some energy.
Next doctor's appoitment is Monday, February 23 at 4pm.

2 down...2 to go

2009-02-13T16:55:00.003-05:00

My cousins, BJ and Ashley had their little girl on Febuary 12. She was 7 pounds and one ounce. She has a head FULL of dark brown hair. She is super cute. So looks like it's Kim's turn!

Doctor's appointment-Dr. Barnes-Dilation and Effacement

2009-02-09T17:27:00.007-05:00

I had a doctor's appointment today. Everything looks good. My blood pressure is good and his heartrate is 142 bpm. He did the group B strep test and checked me for dilation and effacement. I am about 50%-60% effaced and I have zero dilation. But he did say that my cervic is softening, so that's a good sign that things are starting. He also said that he didn't think that he would need to talk to me about induction. So I guess he must think that I will go on my own. However, he didn't mention when he thought I would go. But his opinion doesn't really mean anything. Everyone is different. I asked him to take a guess on how much Haven weighs right now. He said " If I had to guess, I would say about 7 and a half pounds." Then he said that they gain about half a pound a week. Which I heard was a pound a week. But he's the doctor, so what do I know? I do know that all of these things are just a guess. We have some friends whose doctor told her she was having a 10 pound baby and when she was born, she was 6 pounds and some change. So, I don't think doctor's really know, they just guess. So I'm hoping that he's off. Cause I really don't want to birth a 9 pound baby. Pray for me.
Also, don't forget to put in your guess for when Haven will arrive, his weight, time of birth and length. The link is to the left of this post.
I go back to the doctor next Monday. I have started my weekly visits now.

Something is in the air!

2009-02-06T16:34:00.005-05:00

Well, Stephanie finally had her little one on Wednesday February , 2009. She was 7 pounds even, 21.5 inches long and born at 5:58pm. There is one down. Then, we have some friends-Jason and Emily-that were due 3 days before me. Yep, she had her little one early this morning at about 4:30am She was 6 pounds 6 ounces. Two down. Then I get a text message this morning at 7:30am from Kim (my cousin who's due 6 days before me) saying that she is either in false labor or early labor. So she goes to the doctor and it turns out she is starting to dilate and she's having mild contractions. The doc told her that this could go on for hours, days or weeks. You just never know. He told her to just go on about her day and call them if anything changes or got worse. So she might go into labor anytime. Almost three down. There must be something about this week. Kelly told me to call him ASAP if anything happened to me. I told him that he could rest assured that I will be fine. Cause I know I'll be the one that watches all the other's have their babies and I will still be sitting here, preganant as can be, miserable and WAITING!! Watch. That's how it's going to go.
But I have a doctor's appointment on Monday and they are going to check me to see if I have dilated at all. So maybe I'll have some progress, probably not though. I like to tell myself these things so that I have a possibilitly of being pleasantly surprised and I'm not devastated when I get the "no progress" news.
I have two more baby showers this weekend. Last one's. Exciting because I know that once these are over, we will be ready to rock and roll. But sad at the same time. Closing a chapter in my life, but opening a new one. So I guess it's really more exciting than sad.
I am ready to meet this little guy. I want to know what his hands look like, what he will smell like, will he have my eyes and Kelly's feet? I just want to see him. Last night Kelly was funny. Haven was pushing on me and so I decided to push back. Then, Kelly pushed too. Well, as Kelly pushed, Haven jerked it away (as he did when I pushed back too). And Kelly got concerned and said "Maybe we shouldn't do that. What if we push too hard and break his arm or leg." I just laughed and said "Babe, I don't think we are pusing that hard. He'll be fine." That must have been good enough for Kelly, because he didn't say anything else about it. I think it's all starting to sink in with Kelly. He's going to be a daddy REALLY soon!

2009-01-28T16:07:00.004-05:00

Mom had a "Grandma Shower" at her office on Tuesday. Check out the video her brokers made for her. So sweet!

Sleepiness

2009-01-28T15:29:00.006-05:00

So I kept hearing that in the third trimester, you loose your energy again. And you want to sleep like you did in your first trimester. Well I thought I must be the exception to the rule, because I was full of energy, like I was before I got pregnant. Yeah, I was way wrong. I think it just took a little longer to kick in. Monday morning rolled around and I was whipped. All day long I just wanted to lay my head down on my desk and take a nap. And it's been that way since. Maybe it's the weather, who knows. But I sure could go for a nap right now.
Exactly one month to go! I can't believe it's so close. Time is flying.

Updates

2009-01-26T09:41:00.002-05:00

So, I have been real slack about updating my blog. But I've been busy. The holidays were good (busy) and the New Year has been great, so far. My doctor's appointmnets have been very normal. Nothing too exciting. I'm measursing right on schedule, so that's a good thing. His heart rate is around 146 and my blood pressure is great. I have had some swelling in my ankles. They swelled up so bad the other day that I thought they might explode. They didn't even look like kanakles. They were bigger than that. It was horrible. Anyway. I asked the doctor the other day just how long they would let me go past my due date and he told me that one week past my date, they would bring me in for an ultrasound and check my fluid levels, and if all looks good then they will schedule me to be induced sometime before 2 weeks past my date. So he will be here before March 14. Whoo hoo!
I have had 3 showers so far. 2 more to go. I had the one in November with my dad's side of the family and the other 3 girls that are pregnant too. Then I had another one on January 10, with some people from work. I got lot's of goodies there and this past weekend I had one with my mom's side of the family. I totally racked up. My car was packed to the top. I was not expecting it t be like that. I'll post a slideshow later on with some photos of the showers.
None of the girls have gone into labor yet. Stephanie is the first one and it seems her doctor is going to make the baby come today or tomorrow. So it begins.

When will he get here?

2008-12-23T14:02:00.003-05:00

I put up a game/survey for you to choose the date he will actually get here, his weight, length and time of birth. Click on the link that say's "When will Haven get here?", on the left side of the page, under "Links". Place your bets, everyone!

Birthing Class-December 12-13, 2008

2008-12-19T11:36:00.004-05:00

So, we had our lovely birthing class, with BJ and Ashely, last weekend and learned lot's of interesting tidbits. Friday was more of a wash than anything else. We didn't take anything from it. But that's ok. We were shown some birthing videos, one without drugs, one with drugs and a c-section birth. They weren't as graphic as I thought they would have been. Don't get me wrong, we saw everything, but it wasn't gorrie or anything like that. All I can tell you is, I'm sooooo having drugs. I'm not brave or crazy.
The guys asked a lot of questions and put in a lot of input. I was proud of them. I can honestly say that I discovered some things that I defintely do NOT want when I give birth and I told Kelly my wishes. I know I probably won't care at the time, but right now I do, and I hope that Kelly will be able to remember my wishes when the time comes. Nothing major, just some modesty things. And I know they say that all modesty goes out the window when your in labor, but some of the things I saw were just grosse and I don't want it. Maybe I should write them down for Kelly, so he won't forget.
Anywho, I think the class was very informative and we learned a lot. I'm glad we took it, even if we had to use a whole Saturday for it.
Update: I did have to go and get my Rhogam shot on Monday. They put it in my hip and I went on along my merry way. Glad that's over with.

Dr's Appointment-December 11, 2008

2008-12-11T18:15:00.003-05:00

Today was the gluclose test. They are checking me for gestational diabeties. Here's how if works: you drink a 10 ounce "sugar-water" drink that is flavored. You have a choice between orange, which tastes like flat Sunkist, and Fruit Punch, which tastes just like Hi-C fruit punch. I went for the fruit punch. I'm not real into flat Sunkist. Then you get 5 minutes to drink it. I guess I drank it in 5 minutes, the nurses didn't tell me otherwise. However, there was a girl that came in after me and I think she chugged her's, cause she was done before I was. Anywho, once you drink it, you have to wait an hour and then have your blood drawn. They let you know if you fail within a few days. Then you have to go back for a 3 hour test, if you fail. So while I was waiting for my hour to pass, I had a regular doctor's appointment.
I saw Dr. Fishburn again, and he said everything with the little man is good. His heartbeat is 142 bpm and I'm measuring right on target. He said he wasn't positive, but he thinks that he is head down. He put my hands on it so that I could feel it. I didn't really know what I was feeling so "whatever you say, doc." He says that is a good thing, even though he is active he could move positions, but it was good that he is there now. So hopefull he'll be back there in 11 more weeks.
I thought I was supposed to have my Rhogam shot at this visit but I was halfway wrong. This is the shot to deal with my negative Rh factor in my blood. Along with them testing for the diabeties they took enough blood to test my antibodies. Dr. Fishburn explained it that if my body is already producing the antibodies to deal with the negative blood, then I don't need the shot, my body is already taking care of it. So they will call me tomorrow or Monday to let me know if I need to come in and have the shot.
This was the last 4 week appointment. I have to start going every 2 weeks now. So my next appointment will be December 22.

Hospital Tour-December 7, 2008

2008-12-10T15:16:00.003-05:00

We went on a hospital tour on Sunday with BJ & Ashely and Kim & Michael. It was super helpful. But I have to admit, it made everything very real for me. I've never been admitted to the hospital for anything, so as I was standing there in a room that will look just like the one that I will be in, and it was kinda nerve racking. It made me nervous. But I keep telling myself that by the time it gets here and I'm in that room, I won't care about a thing. I'll just want it over with. So, for now, that's what I'm going with.
So the nurse that gave us a tour is a friend on Ashley's. She is a nurese in the maternity unit at Matthews. Really nice. She answered all of our questions and even some that we hadn't even thought about. We got a tour of all the different rooms, she showed us what all the tools in the room are used for, we got to visit the nursery and we saw the area where the c-sections happen. Not an actual room, but where they would take a patient needing a c-section.
The boys asked questions and poor Michael got more information than he as hoping for (he has a weak stomach). We learned that we get to stay in the same room throughout the whole process, unless it's a c-section. We have the option of allowing the nurses to take the baby from 11pm til 6am, which is highly recommended, so we can get some much needed rest. The hospital supplies eveything that we will need, Dad's get a cot or a chair to sleep on and the nurses have no problems being the "bad guy's" when it comes to visting and mom being "over-it".
All in all, we had a great tour and left with some helpful information. We're now much more prepared for what's in store for us.
I'll have even more information once we take the birthing class. It's this weekend.

ooohhhh!....the heartburn

2008-12-04T11:36:00.005-05:00

I never had the pleasure of experiencing heartburn. That is, until about a 3 weeks ago. I had to ask my mom what heartburn felt like. And she totally described what I was feeling. She said that spit gave her heartburn, the whole time she was pregnant. Luckily, mine waited until the end of my second trimester.
I believe pizza is the cluprit. Everytime I eat pizza, I seem to get it. Spaghetti doesn't bother me or any other italian dish. Just pizza. My favorite thing to eat. Such a bummer.
Last night was the worst that I had it. I promise I thought my esphagus was going to turn into ashes. It was horrible. Thank goodness for my new best friend...his name is TUMS. Without him, I might be able to breath FIRE!
The more I think about it, the more I'm starting to realize that spit might be giving me heartburn. As I sit and write this post, I feel it coming on. This can't be good.

Look what I went and did.-November 26, 2008

2008-12-02T10:18:00.002-05:00

Yep. Sure did.

1st Baby Shower - November 16, 2008

2008-11-17T10:59:00.002-05:00

We had a joint baby shower this Sunday. It was really nice. We got all kinds of goodies from the family. This little boy is going to be decked out in some CUTE clothes. We got lot's of other really useful stuff too. Just to name a few things: wipe warmer, diapers, burp cloth, wash cloths, bottles, drying rack, blankets, bibs, the list goes on and on! We had a really nice time. My sister threw the party for me, Kim, Ashley and Stephanie. And of course my mom was helping too. It's such a nice thing. I have some BIG shoes to fill when my sister gets married and has kids. I owe her a lot.

Doctor's Appointment with Dr. Barnes: Novemember 13, 2008

2008-11-14T16:33:00.003-05:00

Everything went just fine at the doctor's appointment. His heartbeat is 157bpm. The nurse said that was normal. My blood pressure is good. I did have a little bit of protein in my urine, but the doctor said it was nothing to worry about. I should just drink some more water throughout the day. Next visit is December 12, 2008 at 2:30pm. This is the visit where I have to do the glucose test and I have to have the Rhogam shot then, as well. Yuck, a blood test and a shot, all in the same visit. Can't say I'm ooking forward to that visit. He did also mention that I should get a flu shot. They recommend, for woman that are pregnant during flu season, to get one. So I'll be calling around to find a place to get one. All is well at this visit.

Storytime

2008-11-12T16:07:00.003-05:00

Well, pregnant brain is taking over my world. Last night I discovered heartburn. And what an awful discovery that was, might I add. Anyway, so I decide to go to CVS and get some TUMS. I put on my coat and grab my keys and my wallet. And out the door I go. Well, as soon as I closed the LOCKED door behind me, I realized that I never put my house back on my key ring. So I had just succeded in locking myself out of my own house. And to top it off, Kelly wasn't home (I'll give you one guess where he was...hunting) so he couldn't do anything about it. So I get in the car, after checking all the doors to see if I might have left one open. No luck. So I call BJ and asked if he still had a house key. Praise the Lord, he did. So I get my TUMS and head over to their house, get my key and head on home. When I get home, I immediately put my house key back on my key ring, but I forget that my wallet is still in my pocket.
I head to work this morning and while running some errands for my boss, I decide that I should stop fo some gas, since I was running on fumes. I pull up to the pump and starting digging thru my purse for my debit card. I come to the awful realization that I never put my wallet back in my purse, last night. So it's at home in the coat that I wore to CVS. So I can't get gas, get anything for lunch or go to the grocery store on my way home, like I planned. I had to call Kelly and ask him to come to my office, from Rock Hill and bring me some money for gas and lunch.
I swear, I have never been this forgetful, EVER!!! Pregnancy really does make you stupid.

More Nursery Shots

2008-11-04T15:36:00.003-05:00

So I did some more work on the nursery. Here they are.

Preliminary Nursery Shots

2008-10-29T16:21:00.009-04:00

I wasn's going to post any pictures of the nursery, until it was totally finished. But I can't resist. I finally finshed painting the furniture and the walls. So here are some before and after shots for your viewing pleasure. I'll post more when it's complete.

Moving

2008-10-29T16:14:00.002-04:00

So I have been feeling him move for almost 2 weeks now. I now know that the little movement was feeling a while back was actually him. But I feel it a lot now. Everyday. It's funny, I will sit up close to my desk, to where the edge is gently digging into my tummy. Well, he doesn't care for that. I feel him moving or kicking to get me to move. I hate it for him when he gets bigger and then he really doesn't have any room to move.
Kelly tries to feel him move, but he can't. Of course whenever I feel him moving and Kelly puts his hands on my belly, all movement stops. Not that he is even kicking hard enough right now for anyone other than me to feel. But Kelly still hopes to catch a little punch. He'll just have to wait a little longer.

Doctor's Appointment: October 16, 2008

2008-10-17T09:41:00.003-04:00

Everything looks good. I went at 3:30 and met a new doctor. So far, I think Dr. Fishburn is my favorite. He wears cowboy boots under his scrubs. Too cute. He was very friendly and super informative.
So here are the details: heartbeat is 168, blood count looks good, measuring right on schedule, no swelling or dizziness. So, all is well, right on track and going smoothly. Couldn't ask for anything more. I did ask if I was going to have another ultrasound and he said not unless the measuring suddendly became off or some complications were to arise. So, hopefully no more for us. I do have to have the shot at 28 weeks for the negative RH factor in my blood. So that's coming in about 7 weeks. Next appointment is November 13 at 4pm!

Registering-October 9, 2008

2008-10-10T09:45:00.006-04:00

WOW, WOW, WOW! I registered last night at Babies "R" Us and it was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. Every other time I have been in there, I get extreme anxiety (well, not so much extreme). I can usually go for about 10 minutes and then it becomes all too much. I look around at that big store, full of all kinds of different baby items, and I have no clue on where to even begin. Total madness for me.
Anyway, I got it done, with the help of a seasoned mother, in about 2 hours. I hope I didn't leave anything off. I put a link up on this blog page (over to the left), if anyone wants to check it out. Be on the lookout for a Target registry comming soon!

October 1, 2008-The BIG Ultrasound!!

2008-10-02T10:01:00.002-04:00

Well, it's a BOY! I'm in total shock. I was convinced that it was a girl. So it took me most of the night to wrap my brian around it being a boy. But I wrapped it and I'm good now. I'm excited! There is nothing like the relationship between a mother and her son. My aunt say's "Those boys sure do love their momma's." So Haven Joseph it is. I guess I'm the one that broke the girl chain. All my cousins are having girls...now I get to have the only boy and he'll be spolied rotten! BJ and Michael are sooo jealous! I love it.
The technician said that I am measuring right on schedule, so my due date is not changing and everything looks good. We can't wait to meet him!

September 26, 2008-Movement?

2008-09-26T09:23:00.002-04:00

I think I may have felt the baby move this morning! Don't know for sure, considering I've never been pregnant before and I don't know what it feels like. Anyway, I was lying in bed this morning and I rolled over on my stomach (yes, I can still lay on my tummy). After lying there for about a minute I felt something strange in my tummy. I would describe it like an air bubble in my tummy that was rolling around. It did it twice, one right after the other. The second time made me aware of it. I thought to myself "Hmmm, that was weird. Hey, I wonder if that was the baby moving?" I laid there for a few more minutes waiting to see if I could feel it again, but no such luck. So I decided to get up and get ready for work. I wonder if it was really the baby moving or just my tummy rolling? I suppose I'll know if I feel the same thing again.

September 24, 2008

2008-09-24T09:43:00.004-04:00

So, I mentioned before that my cousin's are pregnant, too. We are all due within a month of each other. So far everyone has found out what they are having.
Stephanie: GIRL
Ashley: GIRL
Kim: GIRL
Isn't that crazy?! We all think that our grandfather, that passed away in March of this year, played a hand in us all getting pregnant within a month of each other. It's just a little joke we have. Now it looks like he might be at it again. Giving us all girls. I wonder if he'll go 4 for 4 and give us a girl too! You know 20 years ago there was a boy boom in our family with Kendall, Devin, Tyler and Jeremy. Now maybe it's the girls turn to have a boom. I can't wait to find out!

Doctor's Appointment: September 18, 2008

2008-09-19T09:49:00.005-04:00

Well, I FINALLY got an ultrasound date. Mark your calendars for October 1st at 3:30pm. Yeah!!! We finally get to find out what this little person is!!! I'll be taking bets up until the first of October, so start placing them now!
The baby's heartrate is 164 beats per minute. That's good. Between 120 and 170 is normal. It took her a few secounds to find the heartbeat and then she got it. Then the baby moved so she lost it and had to find it again. So we have lot's of moving around. I still haven't felt any movement yet, but the nurse said I'm still kinda early to feel it. But hopefully soon I'll be able to feel it. I'm so curious to know what it feels likie. Everyone has their own description of it. What else?....they did more bloodwork, which I wasn't prepared for. They are checking my iron levels. And I go back for another regular appointment on October 16 at 3:30pm. I think that's all the main points.
So let the countdown to the ultrasound begin!!! Feel free to place your bets at any time! Tootles!

September 12, 2008-15 weeks

2008-09-12T09:27:00.003-04:00

This week has been full of changes. My belly started sticking out more so this week than ever before. I wore maternity pants to work and have discovered that they are super comfy! Not so good looking, but comfortable. My energy level has come up, too. I don't feel like I could sleep for days as soon as I get out of the bed. But 9pm is still bedtime for sure. Sometimes it's even 8:30pm!
Going back to the doctor for a regular visit on Septemebr 18. Then we're going to make an appointment for the BIG ultrasound. Exciting stuff! Can't wait to find out what this little human growing inside me is.
Check out the new section at the bottom of the page. It's called "I wish someone would have told me..." This could get really amusing, espically for all of you that have been pregnant before. Feel free to offer up things you wish someone would have told you before you got pregnant. I'll add them all to the list!

Doctor's Appointment-Heard the Heartbeat-August 22, 2008

2008-08-23T08:23:00.002-04:00

We finally got to hear the heartbeat today. It was sooo loud. I had prepared myself for it to take the nurse a minute or so to find it, I have heard that it could take a little bit to find. But as soon as she put the doppler on my belly, there it was. It's beating at 168 beats per minute. They like to have the beats between 120bpm and 170bpm. So we are in the range. They say the higher the heart rate means a girl and the lower the heart rate means a boy. So what will it be? I also hear that the younger the fetus, the higher the heartbeat. So who knows! We'll find out t 18 weeks though.
I also found out that my blood type is O negative. Which means that I have to have the RHO shot at 28 weeks. Then if the baby's blood type is positive, then I have to have it again after delivery. This is to protect the fetus in the next pregnancy. My antibodies could attack the next pregnancy. The shot at 28 weeks is to protect this pregnancy. The negative Rh factor could cause illness in the fetus and low birth weight. I did a bit of research this morning on it and I found out that O negative is the universal doner type, meaning anyone can accept my blood. But I can only accept O negative blood.
So there is a little science lesson for you. I hope you took notes, there will be a quiz tomorrow!

My 1st Maternity outfit-August 20, 2008

2008-08-20T09:21:00.003-04:00

Well I broke down today and put on my first maternity outfit. I did keep my regular pants, with the bella band. Cause Lord knows, those suckers were NOT going to button. Then I decided to wear a new maternity shirt. Partly because I had nothing else clean to wear and partly because I really wanted to be comfortable. So check out my outfit!

Little Bit of Everything-August 14, 2008

2008-08-14T09:07:00.004-04:00

Ahhh, the joy's of pregnancy. The nausea, the sleepiness, the food aversions, the constant need for junk food and the thongs that have gotten sooo tight that it looks like (well you know what it looks like). So off I go to Target, on Saturday, to buy myself some bigger undies. I made the mistake of buying medium hipster panties. They are huge. They bunch on the sides and droop in the back and sag in the booty. Then I buy 2 packages of, what I thought were thongs, and what do I end up getting? Not thongs, the whole reason for going to Target, but I bought bikini's. I read the front of the package , I know a few times, and still thought I was buying thongs. Didn't realize it until I opened the package and went to put a pair on. So I can now add one more symptom to my ongoing list....stupid. Maybe I'll soon be able to get the right undies. Pray for me.
Onto another rant....I had a dream last night that I had the baby. Don't know what it was, but I know I had it. Got the baby home and realized that I forgot to call the peditrician, the baby had no doctor's appointment and I forgot to call the insurance company too. I guess I should make a list now of phone calls that have to be made. I might forget to call the doctor!
I think I can safely say that I have traded the nausea for sleepiness. It is all I can do to drag myself out of the bed in the mornings. I feel like I could fall asleep at my desk everyday. But around 2:00pm it goes away. But only for about 4 hours. By the time I get home at 6:30pm, I'm ready for bed. And then I feel like I could sleep for days. I bet I'll trade the sleepiness for peeing every 5 miutes, here in a few weeks. I'll keep you posted.

Putting the word out now!

2008-08-08T09:37:00.003-04:00

For those of you reading this blog, please keep your ears open for us. We're looking for a person to baysit our child when I have to go back to work. BJ and Ashley are interested in this as well and we were hoping to find someone that would come to our house and watch both of our children. We would love for a retired lady to do this but we are open to other suggestions. This would be a paying gig, of course. If you know of anyone that would be intrested in this or have any good places to start the search, please let us know. Our requirements are very basic: non-smoker, own transportation, experience with newborns, CPR certified. Please feel free to throw out any other suggestions that you might have. This position will not be available until mid April. Thanks for all your help!

Pre-Natal Visit with the Pediatrician-August 7, 2008

2008-08-08T09:17:00.002-04:00

Today, we had an appointment with Dr. Neal. He is going to be Baby Poplin's doctor. Funny,
he was my doctor when I was a kid. My aunt takes her boys to him and my cousin takes her son there. They all think that the man can walk on water, so I figured, if they all think so highly of him, then so should I. So now we have a peditrician. We went in at 8:15 and sat down with him, while he told us lot's of information. Main points:
*Don't stress out over this pregnancy. Just be pregnant and go on about your business.
*Don't read a lot of books. It's mostly a bunch of junk and every woman's pregnancy is different.
*Call me when you go into labor.
*By the time your child is 18 months, they need to be in some sort of day-care, at least part-time (something like mother's morning out) and by the time the child is two years old, they need to be in something full-time. They need the socialization. He was very avid about this.
So all in all, I think we went away with a lot of good advice, that made a lot of sense. So now, we can check that task off the list. Now just 99 things left!!!

StoryTime at 10 weeks-August 2, 2008

2008-08-02T08:30:00.003-04:00

So, I go over to my parents house last night and I'm standing in the kitchen when my mom comes over to me. I have on a red dress and she makes me lift it up. She wants to see my belly. So I hike my dress up and show her my belly. She touches it and says "You've got two in there. Look how your already showing at only 10 weeks and it's already hard as a rock." So mom thinks I've got twins in there. Honestly, I think I would be ok with that. Some women that I talk to think I'm crazy for saying that, cause they say that one is all they can handle. But I kinda look at it this way, if I get twins the first time around, I won't know any different. Another plus factor: I wouldn't have to be pregnant ever again. The Poplin's would be finished with the expansion of their family. If I could choose, which I know I can't (one can daydream, though), we would have a boy and a girl. My mom would say "One for me and one for you!"

July 25, 2009

2008-07-25T12:05:00.002-04:00

I had my 2nd doctor's appointment this morning. I got lot's of information and gave them mine and Kelly's medical history. They took blood, a first for me, and told me about all these different tests that they can do, if I want them done. Not sure on which one's we will opt out of. I totally thought the bloodwork was going to be WAY worse than it actually was. I finger prick hurts 10 times worse. I have some paperwork to fill out and send in and other than that, all went well. I go back in 4 weeks (August 22) and we can hear a heartbeat! Exciting. I will get an ultrasound at 18 weeks. Which is the last week in September. Stay tuned, there is lot's more to come!

July 23, 2009

2008-07-23T10:27:00.004-04:00

Starting to look like a fattie! I broke down yesterday and had to buy a bella band. My capri pants were sooo tight on Sunday that I had to unbutton AND unzip them. Now I should be able to wear them unbuttoned and no one will even know! The nausea is still here, but I have discovered it only shows when I'm hungry. So, as long as I eat constantly I should feel pretty good. That bella band might not work for very long if I have to eat constantly. :) The pre-natal's are getting harder and harder to take too. We all know that I'm a wuss and can't swallow pills. So I have been taking Flintstone's chewables. Well, those have not been the greatest idea in the world. They are totally disgusting me! I got a tip today saying that I could go to GNC or a health food place and get the pre-natal vitamins in a powder form and then put it in a glass of orange juice. You can't taste anything in orange juice. I'll be getting my vitamin and an extra dose of folic acid. I think I'll give it a try.

July 9, 2009

2008-07-10T09:55:00.002-04:00

Well it looks like the nausea has reared it's UGLY face! Thank goodness it just comes and goes. And thank goodness it's tolerable. I bought some of those "sea-bands", just to see if they work. It is a band that you put on both of your wrists and it is supposed to hit a pressure point in your wrist, and help with nausea. I haven't really tried them yet. I almost want to wait until I HAVE too!
We have recieved out first baby gift. Whitney, Kelly's sister, came over on July 7th with a bag for us. It had a heart-to-heart monitor in it. Which is a monitor that you strap onto your belly, once your 21-27 weeks along, and you put the head phones on and you can hear the baby kicking and moving and the heartbeat too! I can't wait to try it out. She also gave us a plush little teddy bear that says "My First Bear". It's adorable!

Don't forget to vote!

2008-07-02T09:23:00.001-04:00

There are some things that you can vote on at the bottom of the page. Just scroll down and read the questions, then cast your vote. I'll put more up later! Thanks!!!

Confirmation Appointment-June 27, 2008

2008-06-29T10:09:00.000-04:00

Well I had my confirmation appointment on Friday, June 27, 2008. I went in and had a urine test, got weighed and had my blood pressure tested. It is now official, I'm pregnant. The doctor has cofirmed it!! Everything looks good. I am due on February 28, 2009. Which made me 4 weeks and 6 days along. We are super excited! I go back in 4 weeks.

The Test- June 22, 2008

2008-06-29T10:02:00.001-04:00

It was a Sunday night and I was sitting at home wondering if I was pregnant or not. I had told myself that if I had not gotten my period by Monday, then I woud go ahead and take a test. Well, for some reason, I had a "feeling" that I needed to take a test tonight. I had gone to the dollar store earlier that afternoon and bought two of them. I went ahead and took the dollar test and it was postive. Not 100% convinced, I decided to take a digital one that I had. It was a Clear Blue Easy test. It said "pregnant". Kelly wasn't quite sure if he should believe it or not. He kept asking "Are these real? Shouldn't you go to the doctor?" So I went to bed that night and got up the next morning and took the other dollar test. It too, said positive. So I figured if three tests gave me a positive, then I MUST be pregnant. I made a confirmation appointment with my doctor for the following Friday, June 27, 2008.

Welcome

2008-06-27T11:32:00.001-04:00

Hey there! Welcome to our site! We are super excited to have you here with us in this special time. We will be posting news and photos as this pregnancy unfolds! Can't wait to meet Baby Poplin!!!