The Second Trimester and Beyond

On December 20, I had an OB appointment.  The doctor asked if I wanted to know what the sex was and of course I said yes (even though Jordan wasn't able to make it to that appointment)!  So he began the ultrasound and then went over the genital area...and it was pretty obvious!  I just sat there looking at it, and Dr. Mead said, "So...what do you think that is?"  I began laughing because it was a boy!!  Here we had been, expecting a girl, because of the previous appointment, and we were having a boy!  I am SO excited.  I tried calling Jordan but ended up having to tell him when he got home from school that day.  He couldn't believe it either.  We were SO excited to tell our families on Christmas!  

We attended a breastfeeding basics class that evening.  I learned so much!  Needless to say, although it was informational, Jordan decidedly told me he doesn't like classes.  So we have found other methods to educate ourselves, like reading, watching movies, and discussing what we've learned together.  I'm also really excited because there is a lactation center that is owned by the company I work for, and I get big discounts there for renting a pump :)  

We were able to fly out to Utah on Christmas Eve.  I stayed for four days and Jordan stayed for a little over a week (lucky ducky!).  I made sure to wear compression stockings, drink tons of water, and get up and walk frequently on our flights.  We had such a great time with our families!  Christmas morning was spent with Jordan's family and eating delicious waffles.  Below are the superhero shirts we made for the boys.  

We then drove to the Cuthbert grandparents and spent the afternoon and evening there.  My favorite part of the trip was announcing to our families the sex of the baby.  I had bought some adorable onesies and wrapped them along with dinner mints that said "It's a Boy!"  I can't put the videos on here, but you can see them on my Facebook.  Jordan (brother) was able to skype us from Argentina for his last Christmas on the mission!  It was amazing seeing him, even though his face was green from the camera, haha.  The next day I was able to see my friends from Westminster!  It was so great.  The last day I was there we saw Les Mis with my family and had a Christmas party with the Lassigs.  It was so fun!  Apparently Buppi has a "gift" of being able to guess the sex of a baby by looking into the pregnant woman's eyes.  I made him guess and he was wrong, but that's ok :)  

On the last day of our vacation, Jordan was finally able to feel our sweet boy kick from the outside!  I'd been able to feel him for over a month, so I was glad Jordan finally got to feel it.  Other things that got better around 20-21 weeks were my acne (my skin was actually clear!) and my energy, which finally came back.  It was great to feel energized!  

On January 31, I had the anatomy scan which is basically a 20-25 minute long ultrasound going over every tiny part of the baby's body.  He looked so healthy!  All extremities, fingers, toes, and organs were in place!  

When Jordan came home from Utah it was apparent he got really sick while he was there...and it ended up being the flu.  :(  On the bright side, however, he got the flu during Christmas break so he could rest and recover without worrying about school.  His cough lasted about 2 weeks though.  So, lesson learned - make getting the flu shot a priority!  I got it and didn't get sick, thankfully.  

Jordan and I registered at what seemed like a ton of places - Franklin Goose, Pottery Barn Kids, Amazon, and Babies R Us.  I found a great website that compiles everything you've registered for in one place though, which is awesome!  It's called babyli.st.

We had the chance to tour the birth center at my hospital, St. Mary's in Richmond.  I already had high expectations because of the status of my hospital (Favorite Place to Have a Baby - 10 years in a row!) but was so so happy with the tour!  The labor suites are huge, and 2 of the rooms had jacuzzis.  I really hope one is available when I go into labor!  After delivery they have what is called "Magic Hour" where they basically leave you alone for an entire hour to get to know your baby.  They highly encourage breastfeeding and have tons of lactation consultants.  Lots of the staff is certified, which is great!  On the mother-infant unit, the nurse is your nurse and your baby's nurse as well!  This is HUGE and so different from any other hospital I've seen/worked at.  Usually your baby has a separate nurse in the nursery, so this is great for continuity of care and letting your baby stay in your room as much as you want.  I am SO excited to give birth at my hospital!  Plus it has a level 3 NICU, which is good if anything goes awry.  

I toured the day-care center at my work as well.  I was very impressed with that as well - clean, bright, happy kids, plenty of care-givers, and on the campus of my work.  I got on the waiting list in November and was told the list was 11-12 months long...so we will see when I get in.  My other day care plans just fell through, so I hope it turns out!  I called them recently and they said that they just increased the amount of infants they accept, so hopefully the list moves a little quicker.  There are currently 6 moms ahead of me.  

Around 24 weeks, my appetite picked up immensely for a few days!  I could not stop eating, and even had to eat in the middle of the night sometimes!  It was crazy! About the same time, I started actually seeing baby Jonah kick from the outside.  Talk about a bizarre feeling - like there's an alien inside you!  It makes me laugh so hard though to see him kick.  Sometimes he will just go crazy in there and be flipping around and my belly quivers.  So funny!

I was able to get another prenatal massage around 24 weeks as well and it was so relaxing.  I seriously fall asleep getting massages.  I remember that I asked her to focus on my hips and thighs, because they were SO sore.  All the extra weight was starting to take its toll!  

We already have the majority of the furniture for Jonah's room.  We got the dresser off Craigslist, the crib from Target, and the bookshelf from IKEA.  Jordan's mom was sweet to send us a rug that matches the colors we've picked out for the room (dark blue and bright green).  The walls are light gray and the furniture is black.  It's slowly coming together!  The last real piece of furniture I need is a glider.  I was walking around Target one day and a random lady asked me if I had gotten my stroller yet.  I hadn't and she told me to go look at the City Micro's they had on major sale.  These are a way nice brand of stroller and they were 75% off!  I had a 5% off coupon as well, so I got this brand new stroller for 80% off.  I was SO pleased with myself.  Haha!

Starting around 27 weeks (third trimester) my OB increased my appointments to every 2 weeks!  Time is ticking!  Every appointment we have just makes us more excited.  It's been great too because Jordan was on his Psych rotation so he had more time and has been able to come to every appointment.  Our baby boy is so healthy.  On February 7 the doctor did a 4D ultrasound (basically a 3D movie).  It was INCREDIBLE!!!  It was so clear and we could see our son's face!  He was rubbing his eyes and opening and closing his mouth.  It made both of us so excited to meet him!  I also had my glucose tolerance test that day and drank the orange drink...which I can honestly say wasn't that bad!  Is that gross or what?  Haha.  I passed, thankfully, so I can eat all the sugar I want.  Just kidding!

Valentine's Day was so fun!  I got Jordan a box of chocolates from Godiva.  Jordan had worked the entire day and night before, so he had been at the hospital for a whopping total of 30 HOURS!  He was  so sweet at made me chocolate covered strawberries and got me a dozen roses!  He is the best hubby ever.  We watched LOTR and ate Chipotle.  :)  

February 15-18 we went to NYC for a babymoon!  It was amazing!  It was Jordan's first time to NYC and we had such a great time.  The drive up was momentous for being insanely expensive ($60 in tolls!!?!?) and frustrations from how crazy drivers are in New York.  We finally got to our hotel around 1 AM.  We stayed at a Best Western in Brooklyn that was across the street from the subway (great hotel by the way!).  The first day we went on a river cruise of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, went to the World Trade Center memorial, ate at Katz's Delicatessen, went to the Empire State Building, and then got some authentic NY pizza down the street from our hotel while watching a movie on my computer.  The second day we slept in and then went to the Museum of Modern Art, ate at the Original Soup Man, walked through Central Park and by the NYC temple, went to the Metropolitan Art Museum, ate at a mexican food place similar to Chipotle, and then went to the Nintendo store and Times Square.  We braved the weather for sure - it was freezing the second day!  Thankfully we brought heavy coats and long socks so we didn't die of frostbite.  One of our favorite things was using the subway system - so efficient!  My legs got extra strong after walking about 3 miles per day and taking about 10 flights of stairs every time you wanted to use the subway too.  

Jordan's birthday this year was so great!  It was a relaxing Sunday.  I made lots of good food: waffles for breakfast, roast for dinner, and Chocolate Wasted cake via Pinterest and it did not disappoint!  We had friends over to share cake and had a great time.  I love you Jordan and can't believe you're 27...getting old!  ;)

March 7 (about 31 weeks) we had another appointment.  Jonah is measuring approximately 4 pounds!  He was practicing breathing like crazy and wiggling around a ton.  We also saw his sweet face and it looked like he has the chubbiest cheeks ever!!  As Jordan says, "A fat baby is a happy baby."  We just don't want him too fat.  He does have to get out at some point, haha!  At this point, the main pains I've been experiencing are left rib pain and some sciatica.  I can deal with the sciatica but the rib pain is killer.  His little body is just pressed up against my rib and it feels like it's going to pop!  My doctor didn't reassure me when I told him this - he said some women have broken ribs during pregnancy because of the pressure.  Great.  I pulled a groin muscle a few days ago as well (from walking?!) and it's gotten a little better.  I waddle like no other and it is so awkward looking and feeling!  I also get very minor contractions when I walk too fast, so I need to remind myself to take it easy and slow it down.  We did get some great news though from my OB.  Since Jordan is in his OB rotation right now, he will get experience delivering babies.  Well, we asked...and Jordan is going to deliver our baby with the doctor!!!  Ahh, so so exciting!  (Below 30 and 31 weeks)

Overall, despite my complaints, I LOVE being pregnant.  The thought that there is this life inside me that I helped create is incredible and humbling.  I already love this sweet boy so much and can't imagine him not being here.  He is so much a part of our life already.    

What a Lovely Time!

This vacation really was lovely.

I forgot to mention that on Monday night, Jordan and I went to go talk to a psychiatrist in his parent's ward.  He gave some amazing advice.  I need to write it all down otherwise I'll forget: Network now with people at the hospitals you want to get into (i.e., go visit and say, "I'm an up and coming resident, blah blah can you give me a tour, etc."); Do what you love; Psychiatry isn't a huge/popular field but there's a huge need, especially in Utah; There aren't very many LDS psychiatrists (hello future clients!); there are SO many ways to run your practice (office, hospital, or both.  Few pts, lots of pts.  Teaching.  Giving seminars.); I liked how he runs his office - one office person and him - small overhead and he spends quality time with each patient.  Awesome awesome awesome!!!  It really pumped Jordan and I up.  I truly think he would make a fantastic psychiatrist.  

We spent Wednesday sleeping in and relaxing because everyone in my family was at work or school.  Jordan and I attended the Provo temple for a session, which was much needed.  We were able to attend Critter's viewing that evening.  It was such a heartbreaking experience.  His poor parents have been through so much, it really made my heart ache.  After the viewing, we went to Pizza Pie Cafe.  My brother Jared works there and got us in for free ;)  Ahh, perks are great!  He made us his "special" and then we came home and watched the rest of Avatar.

Thursday we slept in again (love it)!  We got all ready to head down to Moab and waited for everyone to come home from work/school.  We got on the road and as we were heading down Spanish Fork canyon, there was MAJOR traffic.  Turns out, a tanker carrying gas and a box truck carrying tires crashed into each other and were strewn all over the highway.  According to my dad, Highway 6 is the most dangerous road in America!  Scary.  We had to turn around and get to Moab through Scipio, then head east to Green River.  But thankfully we got in at a decent time.

Friday we got up bright and early to head to Fiery Furnace, my FAVORITE hike in Moab.  Seriously.  There is no set trail, and you have to have either been on it before to go in, or you have to have a ranger guide you.  Such a fun hike.  We got lost quite a few times (haha, Mom), but enjoyed the scenery!  After the hike we got Pizza Hut to begin the carb-loading for the race.  Jordan and I went swimming for a bit, then relaxed and waited for Jim and Wendy to get in.  They were smart and got Olive Garden take-out so that we wouldn't have to go to the insanely busy restaurants.  After dinner, Jordan, Jim, and I went to see John Carter at the luxurious "Slickrock Cinema".  The movie doesn't make sense at all, so don't see it.

Saturday (St. Patrick's Day) was the day of the Half Marathon!  Jordan and his parents got up early to walk to the bus pick-up.  I waited around the hotel until Jordan got in.  My mom, brother, and I cheered him on.  Considering how dang windy that day was, he came in strong at 1:38!  Jim came in at 2:16, and Wendy came in at 2:18.  We had to wait for their bag to come in, and then we headed back up to SLC.  Got some delicious steak at Texas Roadhouse, then came back to the house for dessert and to say goodbye to everyone.  We loved seeing all of you!

Sunday, we had some crepes for breakfast courtesy of Jim, and then drove to the airport.  The flight was uneventful and we got into Baltimore early!  We drove home and then went to bed early too.

I've worked Monday, Tuesday, and today.  Still in orientation, and it's going well.  I think I'll be done with orientation by next week.  Jordan started Women's Health and it's not his favorite subject.  I thought he would enjoy it because then he'll know why I'm crazy, haha!  He had the chance to do some physical exams on Monday and passed with flying colors!  

So Happy

Well people, I told you it would be an attempt to blog three times a week.  Guess I shouldn't make any promises the week I start a new job.  Speaking of which, I've been so thankful for this decision.  It's is one of the best choices I've ever made.  The people are so nice, and I'm going to be orienting for 6 more weeks!  It's awesome and I'm so so happy.  It has been difficult trying to adjust to days (I'm not a morning person!) though.  Waking up at 5:15...and going to bed at 9:30...not so fun.  But I'd rather take days over nights.

Valentines Day was so fun.  I love all holidays, and we celebrated by going to our favorite, Plaza Azteca. I had decorated the house all cute and when I got home from work, Jordan surprised me with the CUTEST stuffed frog that I've named Freddie the Frog (I'm obsessed with frogs, as seen here), the most beautiful roses I've ever seen, and a sweet valentine.  He knows me so well :)  I made him a valentine and tons of chocolate for his long studying sessions.  After dinner, we went to the Blockbuster rental and after looking at the selections, said, "There's nothing good in here.  Do you want to look?"  So I hopped out of the car and the first thing I saw was...Breaking Dawn!  Um, it's Valentines Day!  Let's watch a romantic movie!  So, needless to say, I have the best husband ever, because he agreed to watch it with me.  Regardless of the fact that we both laughed at the awful acting, it was awesome.  

Last Thursday, the 9th, my orientation for work was held in this small room in the hospital.  There were 30 of us packed into the room and no room to move our chairs.  So we were all twisting to see the speakers.  Not so good for the back.  The next morning I woke up with a small twinge in my neck, but when I leaned over later, I got this MAJOR sharp, shooting pain all up my back.  It was awful.  I knew I had pinched a nerve, and was so mad.  Our insurance from my last job cancelled in January and my new insurance doesn't start until April...so we couldn't really see a doctor.  Turns out, I was in so much pain by lunch that Jordan got me an emergency appointment at a chiropractor near us.  He adjusted my back and popped it like 20 times in the process, gave me a TENS unit, some topical cream, and instructions to relax!  It took a while for my muscles to get back to normal, but today I feel almost 100%.  Lesson learned: always adjust your chair so your nerves don't freak out!

Today is VCU's annual Winter Ball.  I'm so excited - pretty dresses, mani/pedi, great food, and DANCING.  I haven't forgotten Jordan's promise from the last dance that we would dance the night away.  I'm so exicted.

And finally, it is Flashback Friday.  Today I'm remembering the Valentines Days from when I was in high school.  My boyfriend from HS gave me a jewelry box full of those Nestles Treasure chocolates and put roses in my shower and said now that I've showered you with roses, will you be my valentine? It was cute :)  Ah, high school.  Good times.

Flashback Friday

This Flashback Friday is in honor of Punxutawney Phil!  Unfortunately, Jordan doesn't share my love for "that rodent who thinks he controls our lives."  But I honestly love Groundhog's Day.  It's the best!  When I was growing up in Mapleton, our family would celebrate Groundhog's Day at our dentist's house (the Lunds) in the Mapleton 8th Ward.  We would have groundhog themed food and watch the movie.  They even decorated their house with groundhog decorations.  It was so cool.  Maybe I can persuade Jordan to stop his aversion to groundhogs, and then we can have parties every February 2nd.