5x7 Folded Card

Make the Mantel Christmas Card

Customize your Christmas cards this holiday at Shutterfly.com.

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We Need a Little Christmas....

Sometimes you just need a little Christmas!!! It's been a rough year in our neck of the woods so I was DELIGHTED when I received an offer from Shutterfly for Christmas cards.
I LOVE Shutterfly! It is so easy to upload my pictures, and create gifts and cards. Last Christmas I made my mom a great personalized calendar full of Savannah ;) You can build yours following this link: http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/ I promise your mom will LOVE it, too!!!!
I can't wait to do our Christmas cards this year. This will be our last year as a family of THREE! That's right Savannah is going to have a baby sister! I plan on using Shutterfly for the birth announcements linky: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birth-announcements. I was so busy with Savannah being in the NICU that she didn't have them so I really excited to do these for Baby (we are keeping the name a secret this time!) I am LOVING this one, SWOON, well, for now at least! http:http://www.shutterfly.com/cardsstationery/announcements/garden-grow-birth-announcement?sortType=1&storeNode=60376
There are so many options from modern pinks and browns to classic monograms!!!!
I really am going to talk about Christmas card choices now http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards....HAHAHA! I have no idea how I am going to choose! There are so, so, so many cute ones! Last year I did a card with a lot of blues so I am thinking of going a little more classic this year. BUT then I saw the black with the snow flakes, and it just grabbed me!!!! I can't decide if I am going to do a family shot, or just Miss Thing. I figure people are really looking for her anyway, though! Decisions, decisions! I post a copy of our card when I finally decide! Thanks Shutterfly!!!!

33w1d: SURPRISE!!!!!

Savannah Elizabeth is here!!!! I have a good excuse for my absence. What a whirlwind! My water broke on Sunday 8/17 at 32w6d. I woke up used the bathroom, and when I was standing up I felt a huge SPLOOSH...there was no mistaking that it was my water breaking. Luckily I was in the bathroom!!! I was FREAKING out, but MH was calm and got my clothes and got me into the car.

I finally got up to L&D where I had a mini-breakdown about how early she was and oddly enough not having a chance to brush my teeth. They got me right on the monitors, and when I heard her beautiful heartbeat I calmed down. I met with the Dr. who wanted to stop my contractions and give me steroid shots to mature her lungs. They work after 48 hours, so the goal was to stop labor for at least 48 hours.

This was the longest 48 hours of my life!!! After it was determined that I didn't have an infection I was given a shot of terbutaline to stop my contractions. This worked for awhile, but after about four hours my contractions were back and becoming more regular so it was time for the big guns: magnesium sulfate, affectionately known as mag. The mag is like having liquid fire going straight into your veins. You literally feel like you are on fire from the inside out. At this point I also got a catheter, and was on strict bedrest and no food or water. I slept a little, but was still worried and HOT!!!! Overnight my contractions really picked up and I had to have two shots of terbutaline which worked thankfully! Monday was incredibly slow. I couldn't concentrate to read or even watch TV, I literally just lay there and listened to Savannah's heartbeat on the monitor. Monday night was tough. I had a mean nurse who made me cry because I couldn't tell the difference between her moving and contractions.

FINALLY, 10:00 Tuesday morning came...the magic 48 hour mark!!! At this point they turn off the mag, and it becomes just wait and see, either your will go into labor or your body will get the message and wait a little longer. They let me eat that morning, and it looked like the contractions had stopped.

Then around 4:00 PM I started having intense pain in my lower back, but wasn't registering any contractions so the nurses kind of just ignored me until it got so bad I was crying...then they had a resident check me and I was dilated 3cm. Everything happened so fast after that. The OR was open so they rushed me in before the next scheduled c-section. The spinal block was terrible; the Dr. couldn't get in, I was crying hysterically, but finally on the third try it worked! It was bizarre being awake while you knew they were cutting you open.

At 6:48 Miss Savannah was born!!!!! I can't explain what it was like to hear her cry for the first time. It was like my heart cracked open. I cried and cried. The nurse brought her over for just long enough to get a quick picture...she was beautiful and perfect. Savannah weighed 5lbs 1oz and was 19 inches long. i don't remember much after that. I know I went to see her in the NICU while I was still on the gurney, and I guess I somehow got up to my room.

Savannah spent two LONG weeks in the NICU. She only need the CPAP to help her breathe for a few hours. After that she just needed to learn how to eat and maintain her body temperature.

The last seven weeks have bee magical! We are so, so, so lucky to have our real, live baby. I will post more updates and pictures soon!!!

31w1d: A Year Goes By...

It's been a year since we first met with the RE. In someways it seems like only yesterday, and in others it seems like a lifetime ago. We're going to be meeting our baby in a about nine weeks. I'm still waiting for the shoe to fall. It still hurts when I hear of people who get pregnant the first try. I doubt that will ever go away completely.

I met my new Dr. yesterday, and really liked her and the the whole office. She seems to radiate capability and confidence so I think I am in good hands. I have a growth ultrasound in two weeks to see how big Savannah has gotten.

The nursery is coming along. The small stuff still needs to be done, but we do have a crib!!!!

It is really beautiful here, and COOL (well, cooler than SC!) I'm mainly putting the apartment together and relaxing. I have been taking a nap every afternoon, and trying to enjoy myself.

30w1d: Stubborn Girl!

Well, we had the 3D/4D ultrasound and Miss Savannah was having none of it! I was so frustrated. I had been so excited, and she decided to keep her hand over her face almost the whole time!!!!!! We did get a few semi-cute ones. I can't tell who she might look like though...

29w3d: 7 Hours and 8 minutes...

Until I quit working (hopefully for the rest of my life!) I cannot wait to waddle my pregnant behind out of here!!!!! Apparently, my co-workers are giving me a pizza party to say good-bye. I am really not looking forward to all the small talk. I never really made friends with anyone at work so I kind of wish they would just let me slink out without fanfare.

I hope that I enjoy staying at home as much as I think I will. I was the happiest I have ever been when I was a full-time nanny. I know that I got to leave after eight hours, but I have never been as personally satisfied since. Frankly, sitting at a desk is basically torture for me so even the thought of being exhausted, and having a demanding, unpredictable new boss sounds appealing.

I had my shower last weekend...it was FABULOUS!!!! All my dearest friends were there, and the food was beyond delicious. I will write a full post on it when I get to CT...I don't have my camera cord here with me to post pictures and properly document it.

On Friday I am meeting MH in Raleigh. We are going to dinner at Ruth Chris on Friday, yum!!!! Then we are going to a giant consignment sale Saturday morning. We have our 3d/4d ultrasound that afternoon, I can't wait to see her little face (and confirm that she is still a 'she.') I hope I will feel up to seeing Batman that night, but we'll see.

Check back next week for shower and ultrasound pics!!!!

27w2d: I Love a Good Countdown!

Let's see here...89 days until my due date, and only 12 more business at work!!!!!! I'm not sleeping well at night so being able to nap during the day for the next few months is going to be heavenly.

Not much else is happening. My shower is in about a week. I'm very excited about it. Then the next week we're going to have a 3D/4D ultrasound. I can't wait to see her little face!!!!!

26w2d: I Passed!!!!

No gestational diabetes for me!!!!!! What a relief!!!! I said a sad good bye to my doctor today, I will miss her. Hopefully, my new one will be just as good. Everything looked good with the baby. She was measuring big a couple weeks ago, but seems to be within normal range now so we'll see.

26w: 98 Days To Go!!!!

Update- Here is the fabric I choose for the valances!




This is the bedding for Savannah's room, obviously it is very, very simple. I'm going to make some valances for the windows. I'll post pics as soon as I am in CT, and have the nursery somewhat put together!

Here is the crib we picked out this weekend. The one I 'really' wanted was sold out, and Babies R Us didn't inspire much confidence that it would in fact be coming back...so we ordered choice number two.

The movers finally came Friday morning, and are unpacking our stuff in CT right this very minute! I will be giving my notice at work sometime this week! I have a Dr.'s appt. scheduled in CT Aug. 4th. I'm nervous about seeing a new Dr., but I've had a normal pregnancy so there really shouldn't be any issues. I also have my gestational diabetes test on Wednesday. I really, really hope I don't have GD!!!!!

24w4d: She'll be in High School Soon!!!!!!

Time seems to be flying by right now. It reminds me of a scene in "When Harry met Sally." Sally says something to the effect of, "I'm going to be 40!" Harry asks, "When?" and Sally replies, "Someday!" I feel like before I know it Savannah will be choosing colleges!

I know I have been a TOTAL Debbie Downer in my last few posts so here is some good stuff!!! I am moving to CT sooner than expected...July 28th!!!!! They hired MH on permanently so all the nice perks like free flights are gone. We figured that any money I earned would be spent on flights, and seeing each other once a month was just not going to work. The rental house fell through after several traders mentioned that the owner said they could have a key, and crash there when they were too drunk to drive home. That will not work, period. We got a very nice apartment, though. It is closer to MH's work, and he will be able to car pool with his boss, Tim. Tim's wife is a L&D nurse so she has given me recommendations for an OB and pediatrician. The office staff at the new OB's has been very nice. This is HUGE for me since I have to hang-up and call back at my current office when a certain woman answers!!!!

I CANNOT wait to quit my job!!!! July 24th will be my last day! My mom asked me what I would do with myself for two months before the baby arrives: my mom is constantly doing something so I don't think laying on the couch watching TV hold much appeal for her. I will unpack and get things organized, but other than that I am going read, sleep, swim, and watch TV.

23w1d: Hormonal Abyss, or Post Where I Continue Complaining

Well, the precious Wiblet is a little over a pound now, and about 11 inches in length. We scheduled a 3d/4d ultrasound in July so that is exciting!!! Plans for my shower seem to be coming together as well. It's not ALL bad, I promise!!!

I am bone tired. I try to tell myself that this is nothing compared to what it will be like when the baby is actually here, but obviously that is cold comfort.

I am swollen. This has been going on since week 17. My feet and ankles are literally the size of cantaloupes at the end of the day. I can't feel my toes, and it hurts to walk.

I am SWEATY! Since it is approximately 5,000 degrees here there is no relief. I sweat at work, at home, and even in the freaking pool! I hate, hate, hate being hot.

I have carpal tunnel. The only cure for it is delivery. I can't feel my left hand. Oh, and I work in a job where I have to type ALL DAY LONG!!!

I just want to cry and/or scream pretty much all day long. I feel incredibly unstable...like I am possessed. The hormonal part is probably the worst because it reaffirms how little control I have over everything with my body right now. Everything is pissing me off. I hate my job. I'm sick of living with my FIL. I'm sick of being alone all damn day. I'm sick of not having any friends here. I'm sick of feeling like the odd man out since I am pregnant. I want a freaking cocktail!!!!! I want a hot bath!!! I want lunch meat, sushi, hot dogs, and Diet Coke!!!!! I miss my husband. I want to stop thinking that the baby's dead every single hour. I want to take my anxiety meds again.

22w: Beyond Expectations

I have a real problem with things living up to my expectations, well honestly not just things or events, but people too. Physically, being pregnant has been great, but it has taken a toll on other areas of my life that I didn't really anticipate i.e. some of my friendships. There are a couple that are dying, if not completely dead. I 'expected' that these people would be life long friends, I 'expected' that we could all move in different directions, and remain as close as we once were. I guess I have been watching too much Sex and the City! Has getting married and getting pregnant fundamentally changed who I am? I don't know. It doesn't feel like it; besides not bitching about bad dates and getting drunk I don't think I'm any different than the 'before' me. Who knows?

This is by far the happiest I have ever been in my entire life, but there are still parts that are missing. Is it like the 'triangle theory' where if two areas of your life are great the third will always be a mess? I have the great relationship, I'm going to finally be able to quit working, but the friendships are a wreck?! Is this just some kind of cosmic balancing act? Does anyone have it all?

The good news is I have found something that COMPLETELY exceeded all of expectations so maybe I'm not doomed to be eternally insatiable and annoying! Anyway, last night for some reason I decided to poke the baby. Well, I poked and poked THEN she BUMPED me back!!!! I felt it from the outside!!! AMAZING!!!! So, I kept poking her and she would bump back every time! I laughed and laughed and then cried a little bit. How in the world did I get so lucky?

20w2d: Bitter Moment

Sigh. I am still infertile. I was reading another infertile's blog today. She had a picture of a gyno exam table complete with stirrups, and the headline "Where the Magic Happens." It made me cry...not dainty tears, but full out sobbing at my desk. That's where our 'magic' happened too; in an office, on a table, not at home, not just the two of us.

Yes, I am pregnant now. Yes, I am beyond grateful everyday. Yes, I am lucky. Unfortunately, the hurt and fear is still there just below the surface. Sometimes, when people ask me when I am due I have to put in a disclaimer, "Well, if everything works out." This, of course, makes people stare at you like you are CRAZY person.

I am already planning out when we need to start treatments again. What if things aren't so easy next time? MH just wants to forget. So, here I am. Alone. I still don't feel like a 'success story,' but I don't really fit in with those who are still fighting the good fight.

20w: Halfway!!!!

I can't believe I am halfway there, or I guess that Savannah is halfway here!!! She is about the size of a banana, 10 inches head to foot and 10 1/2 ounces.

We had a fun weekend. Daddy went crazy in Babies R' Us! We bought some toys, bibs, bouncer, Johnnie Jump Up thing, high chair, and swing. Oh, and we bought our car seat at another baby store in Charleston. I think daddy wanted to buy more more, but I wanted there to be somethings left for other people to buy! We also bought our video camera.

We are going to be renting the house MH is staying in CT which is great news. No deposits, no icky landlords, no apartment searching! Plus, we have a garage, free internet, yard, and they will pay half the satellite bill! I am so excited. One more big thing down!!!!

19w1d: Mother's Day

Miss Savannah got me a dozen red roses for Mother's Day...isn't she just the sweetest girl in the world???!!! Baby girl is the size of an Heirloom tomato today (about 6 inches head to rump, and 9 oz.)

We had a great weekend visiting friends in DC. We even had a tour of the West Wing!!!! VIP all the way! Unfortunately, I was really exhausted by the end of the weekend. I even had to take Monday off. It's so hard adjusting to not being able to go full-force anymore. I don't know how people survive being pregnant and having a toddler!!!

Not much else to report. I have my next doctor's appointment on the 20th. I hope that my weight gain is OK.

17w1d: Shopping Spree!

Oh wow! I knew shopping for baby stuff would be fun, but it's even better than I had imagined. Someone came over the other day, and asked if we already had our shower...HAHA! The dining room is almost FULL!

So Far:
- Stroller (about 40% off)
-Pack n Play (gift from FIL)
-Play mat (great deal at TJ Maxx)
-Bundle Me (great deal at TJ's)
-A big, ol' bag of clothes (sale at Gymboree)
-Bedding (being discontinued at Pottery Barn)

16w2d: IT'S A GIRL!!!

Here's our sweet baby girl, Savannah. I called MH when I left the OB's office, and he really wanted to know, so I ripped open the envelope. Obviously, the ultrasound picture said, "girl." We were both a little shocked. I don't know why, I mean there is a 50-50 shot! I guess I had been relating to the baby as a boy this whole time. I have no idea why!!!

We are both terrified that our baby girl will have lupus. MH's sister and mother both passed away due to lupus related infections. They were both exhibiting symptoms in early childhood. It's a very painful and debilitating disease. There's no cure, and the treatments are often worse than the disease itself. The good news is MH has tested negative for antibodies, and I don't have any family history. The geneticist we met with said there was only a 3-5% chance any of our children would have lupus. So, we'll just pray, and try to eliminate as many environmental triggers as possible.

This is not to say that we are not very, very happy!!! Miss Savannah is healthy. She has all her organs, and is growing right on schedule. This week she is the size of an avocado!!! I am so, so excited to buy all the cute girl stuff. I think MH is scared I'm going to spend every last cent of his new paycheck!

15w3d: Is it Monday, yet?

Monday is our 'big' ultrasound!!! They will be able to tell us what we are having, and I suppose most importantly that all the organs are present and are the right size. I can't wait to be able to use the appropriate pronoun instead of 'it' and 'the baby.' On the downside MH won't be able to be there. He will be working in CT all week. They will make him a DVD, though. We decided to have them write the gender on a piece of paper and put it in an envelope so we can open it together when he gets home on Saturday. I told my father-in-law that he might have to put said envelope in his safe so I don't rip it open. Next week is going to be a long one...

13w4d: Tidbits

The blood work for the NT scan came back yesterday: less than 1/10,000 for trisomies 13, 18 , and 21. This is as low as the odds go for their lab. I feel really great about it. The NT ultrasound was AMAZING! They project the ultrasound on a big TV so you can see everything. We saw two arms, two legs, a brain, and a stomach. Oh, and we were able to see little, tiny fingers. I think Le Bebe looks like me in profile, MH didn't agree. Oh well, as the mother I get to be right about this one!

It also dawned on me yesterday that odds are this baby is going to be coming out one way or another. Labor and delivery has been such an abstract concept for me. It literally never occurred to me that I was going to have to get a baby out of me. I know this sounds stupid, but I have spent so much time researching getting pregnant that things like birth and newborn care seem very far out of my scope.

I am experiencing a few new pregnancy symptoms, namely pregnancy brain and hormonal crying jags. The other day I couldn't think of the word lunch...I told my co-worker I was going to eat the meal you have in the middle of the day. I am NOT kidding!!! It was embarrassing. I also spent a good minute staring into the fridge wondering where the silverware was to set the table. Oh, and as some of you know I am a crier, but now it has become almost daily and nearly hysterical in nature like when MH wouldn't go get me McDonald's right that second. This was obviously because he didn't love me or want our child, not because he needed to put on his shirt and shoes.

I think things have worked out on the job front. MH is going to be working in Chapel Hill, NC for a couple months as a consultant, and them move to CT in a full-time position. I will be staying here and working until the baby comes.

12w2d Nervous

I'm feeling slightly unsettled right now. I am worried about the NT scan tomorrow. I just want our baby to be healthy. The stroller came yesterday. We put it together last night, and now it's just sitting in the dining room looking menacing. I know that sounds silly, but I feel like it is just waiting to torture me for ever thinking we will have a real, live baby.

I'm also feeling stressed about MH's job situation. He has had a semi-formal offer made by a hedge fund in Connecticut. The fund needs to schedule time for MH to come to Connecticut meet the COO, and finalize his salary. This all happened Monday. Now, we are waiting on pins and needles to hear back about the meeting date. I know the COO is a busy man, but come on SET A DATE this pregnant lady needs a plan!