Happy Halloween 2011

Katie was a ladybug for Halloween this year.

 Paul and I took her to mom's house to do some trick-or-treating. She is still pretty little to understand what is going on, so we only went to a few houses in the cul-de-sac. The first couple of houses we stopped at, Katie was pretty nervous and not sure that she wanted to get whatever it was that was being passed out. However, after a few house, she discovered she had candy in her basket and had gobbled down some M&M's while no one was looking! Then she decided maybe she would go with Daddy to a few more houses to see if she could get some candy! LOL!

Helping Grandma pass out candy

Ready to go!

First House of the Night

Trick or Treat!

Candy Baskets from Grandma

Our Family, Halloween 2011

Katie and Grandma

I can't wait to see what Katie decides to be next year!

22 Months

(As I type that, I get a tightness in my chest even...)

My Baby Boo Bear,

I can't believe that you are already 22 month old! I know that we have been referring to your age as "almost two" for some time now, but we all know that you are still a year and some change, and that makes me feel better.

***This is as far as I got, but I wanted to post what I had! Oops!

Baby Showers for Nathan

We were so very blessed to have had two showers for Baby Nathan.

Tara and Hilda hosted the first shower September 24, 2011 at Apple Annie's. It was such a fun time and everyone made onesies for Nathan to wear.

Apple Annie's Cafe

Me at the Gift Table

Mom making a onesie for Nathan

Onesies by Hilda and Tara

Onesie by Melissa and Bonnie

Onsie by Marilyn, Lindsay and Debbie

Opening up Gifts

Handmade Blanket by my Grandma

Tara, Wendi and Me

The second shower was October 22, 2011 at the Rodriguez Home hosted by Leslie, Noemi and Meghan. I felt so blessed and honored that two of my friends flew in from out of state to help us celebrate.

Me with my yummy cake Nomi made

Mom and Me

Funfetti Cake and Brownies

Playing the Diaper Changing Game

Nathan got lots of cool gifts!

Katie Bug got a gift for Nathan

Tiff, Nomi, Me, Meghan, and Les

Thank you to everyone who has sent us well wishes and given us special gifts to help celebrate and prepare for Nathan's arrival. We have some amazing and selfless friends and family. :)

32 week Appointment (and 5 days)

Weight Gain: +14 lbs per MD
B/P: 118/80
FHR: 155
Fundal Height: 33cm

I had my 32 week appointment today. It went fairly well. Everything is measuring where it should be and I haven't had any trouble with my blood pressure or protein in my urine. Dr. A had me recheck my glucose tolerance test because I was just under the cutoff at 28 weeks. I also had to have my labs collected again to check if I am anemic, verify my blood type, ect. I won't see her again until almost 36 weeks. She said we will probably check my cervix at that time since I have been having so many contractions. I have an ultrasound a week before that appointment, and they should also be able to see if I am dilating.

I have been having more migraines lately. Also, I am still nauseated. I actually threw up before I left for my appointment. Seems like I am able to keep from throwing up if I take my Zofran, though. I am feeling super tired this trimester, and am ready to be at home getting ready for Nathan and playing with Katie.

31 week ultrasound

Weight: +12 lbs
B/P: 112/50 (It's always lower at the specialist for some reason)
Fundal Height: We don't measure
FHR: 142

I had a growth ultrasound today to check on Nathan with my perinatologist. He is doing really well and measures at 31w3d (I am 31w1d). They estimate his weight at 3 lbs 13 oz, which is in the 45 percentile. His head is all the way down right next to my cervix and the technician had to measure his thigh bone up by my bra strap...I am thinking Nathan is going to be a long fellow. :) 

I have been having a lot of contractions and cervical pressure, as I mentioned, but my cervix is CLOSED! Yay! I am really excited to meet Nathan, but not for at least six more weeks. He needs time to bake.

29 week appointment



29 weeks and 2 days

Weight Gain: +12 lbs per MD, +10 lbs by my home scale
B/P: 128/82
FHR: 158
Fundal Height: 30cm

In between my last appointment and this one, I have been having a lot of abdominal pain, tightening and pelvic pressure. Sometimes it hurts so bad I have to stop walking and just hold my stomach. It kind of has me a bit concerned that I might be having contractions that are "doing something" or making my cervix dilate/efface, and I never had these with Katie's pregnancy. The good news is, the pain goes away when I rest and drink fluids. I brought this up to my Dr. today at my appointment, and she said to make sure to let her know if the pain doesn't go away. They don't want me to kick into pre-term labor.

My blood pressure seems to be a bit higher, too, but not so much that anyone is worried right now. We will keep an eye on it and see what happens. I asked my doc when I should stop working, as I was going on bedrest about this time with my last pregnancy and I dont' know what it will be like to work later into my pregnancy. Dr. A said as long as the pain/contractions don't keep me from working, I don't go into pre-term labor, and my blood pressure stays under control, I should be fine to work until I am ready to stop...probably around 37 weeks if that is possible. I can't believe that in 8 weeks, Nathan will be "Full Term" if he chooses to jump ship! I have so much to do!!

I also get to take my 1 hour glucose test again...oh fun. I was127 with a 130 cut-off, so she just wants to "Make Sure." Fun times!

3D/4D Ultrasound

We had a 3D/4D ultrasound at Baby Vision ultrasound for Nathan on September 10th. Nathan was such a good boy and cooperated so that we were able to get some great shots of his face. He was playing with the umbilical cord and had his hands up by his face. Not only does he kinda act like his big sister, He looks SO MUCH like her!

He was moving around some and even managed to get both his feet up by his face. I'd say he still has plenty of room to move around. :)

26 week Appointment

26 weeks, 5 days

Weight: +8 lbs per MD
Blood Pressure: 122/78
FHR: 130-150's
Fundal Height: 27cm

This was a super quick and easy appointment for me. Well, beside the fact that I had to take the yucky one hour glucose test...and I passed! They took the standard vitals, urine specimen, Doppler and fundal measurement. Nothing new to report to my doctor. My nausea is acting up again (super boo) so I need to get a refill on Zofran, but that will have to wait. Can't believe I am already in the THIRD trimester. Christmas (and Nathan!!) will be here before I know it.

My Sweet "Baby"

I can't believe how quickly my little girl is growing up. She is so bright and curious. She is full of life. Katie's personality has continued to just bloom over the last month or so. She is making connections so quickly and is more vocal about things she likes and doesn't like.

We moved her into her new big girl bed on Sunday night, August 28th, and she has been sleeping there every night since. The first night, she cried when we laid her in it, but she feel fast asleep when daddy laid next to her. She stayed put all night. The next day, when it was time for nap time, she asked for her milk. She held my hand to walk back to our bedroom, but I told her she was going to lay in her big girl bed. She went right over to her bed, laid down under the covers and went to sleep. The second night she woke up scared and fell asleep after I sat with her for a few minutes, but otherwise, she has done a GREAT JOB.

On Wednesday, she ran over to Nomi and pointed at her (fake) purple flower tattoo and exclaimed "PURPLE!" Jonathan had been teaching her about purple diving gems and purple water toys the night before in the hot tub.

Grandma spoiled her with a new fall/winter wardrobe on Thursday and all she wanted to do was try on every pair of shoes. She would go into the living room and show her daddy before running back into the kitchen and taking out the next pair to try on. Since then, she has been digging through the bag of clothes for her jeans and dragging them around with her saying "jeans!"

She had a sleepover this weekend with my mom and dad. I have been working all weekend and Paul had a birthday party to go to last night. Before Paul took her over on Saturday morning, they were cuddling and she didn't want to get up, but didn't want to fall asleep. He told her she was going to go to Grandma's house, and she jumped up on the bed and got all excited. When he dropped her off, she told him goodbye and didn't even cry! Katie hardly minds being at Grandma's, in fact, I think it's her favorite place, but she always gets upset when Paul leaves her anywhere.

This morning mom said she asked to go for a swim in the "pool!" (Papa and Jon call the hot tub Katie's pool). She was playing with the puppies on the floor and trying to do the "grrr" game with the baby puppy boy. When she came to eat lunch with me, her whole face lit up and she ran down the hall to give me a hug. She has such sparkle in her eyes. She loves to laugh and to be the center of attention. She got a Hello Kitty doll today, and she immediately clutched onto it giving it big squeezes and kisses. Grandpa bought her some Elmo DVD's today, and she was holding them at the store and chanting "MOMO! MOMO" and giggling.

I miss my baby girl all the time when I am not with her. I love to get pictures and updates when I have to be at work and it just warms my heart to see how well she is doing. I can't believe how tiny and small she was 20 months ago and could not have imagined how in love with Katie we would all be today. Being Katie's mother is my proudest achievement, and I hope that she always knows how special she is to me, to all of us. As she is growing up so quickly, I cherish being able to capture these memories so that one day in the distant future when she is all grown up, I can remember my Katie Bug as a young little girl, full of love and energy.

26 weeks!! (and one day)

26 weeks, 1 day

Weight Gain: +8.2 lbs per MD
B/P: 112/62
FHR: 141

Had an appointment today for a follow up ultrasound with my specialist. Everything is looking good. Nathan is measuring right on track according to the measurements they took today. He is 1 lb 15oz and in the 46th percentile. I have been feeling pretty good lately, compared to how I felt my first pregnancy. I have been fighting off allergies for the last couple of weeks, and I got sick this morning before my appointment, but I haven't had any more migraines (knock on wood), and I am able to function at least 75% of what is normal.

I moved Katie into her "Big Girl Bed" this week, so Nathan's crib is all set up with his bedding, mom bought him a few new outfits, and I cleaned out Katie's closet so he now has a "section" just for his stuff. I need to clear out a drawer for him and figure out what to do with his cloth diapers, but I am feeling much more prepared mentally now that Katie is out of the crib. Not sure why that is, Nathan is going to sleep in our room for the first few months anyway, but I feel more confident in myself at least! =)

23 week Appointment

Photo from August 18th (24 weeks, 0 days)

Weight Gain: +6 lbs by MD, +4.6 lbs by my scale
B/P: 114/72
FHR: 150
Fundus: 23cm

Today's appointment was quick and boring; which is how they should go! :) It is extremely difficult not to compare my two pregnancies each appointment, so with that said...I have better blood pressure and lower weight this time than last! My appointment with Katie was at 23w2 days, and I am 23w1d today. I was 1.8 lbs heavier with Katie, although my overall "gain" was only +3.8 lbs since I started heavier with Katie. My blood pressure was already 130/90 at this appointment last time, and as you can see, it is much better than that with this pregnancy. I think "size wise" I am looking about the same this time as last time, but I will take a picture for comparison when I get back to my camera. Both of the babies had heart rates in the 150's so I guess I don't fit in the "old wives tales" that boys have slower heart rates. :)

Katie's Words

Some of your latest words:
Momma
Mommie
Daddy
"Ba" for all done
Baby
"Peas" for Please
"Bock" for Block
Bye
More
"Bi-an" for Brian
Bubbles
Bottle
Budd-e!
Bella
"Pollo" for Apollo, Nomi's dog
"Ice Ceam"
"Ice"
Bite
Teeth
Juice
Cook-ieeee, sounds so cute
"Uh oh!"
Cheese
Birdie
Grandma
Nose
PawPaw for Grandpa
Toes
Morning
Trash
Blue
Puppy
"NoNee" for Aunt Nomi
Owie
Ear
Two
Out
Balloon
"MoMo" for Elmo
"aught" for Hot
Charlie
Pool
Purple
Four

Growth Scan

21 weeks, 5 days

Weight: +5.8lbs per MD, +3.8 lbs per my scale
B/P: 102/62
FHR: 147

Grandma and I went to a follow up ultrasound for Nathan on August 2nd (21w5d). This was the first ultrasound my grandma has seen, so I was really excited for her to come. Unfortunately, Nathan didn't want to turn and look at the U/S wand, but he is doing wonderfully, which is what really matters. He is laying with his back pressed up along my stomach and his feet low near my bladder and cervix...fun times when he kicks! Lol! His head is up near my ribcage.

He is continuing to grow well, and by the measurements at the perinatologist, he is 21w5d, which was exactly where I was according to my LMP. Dr. R estimates that he is roughly 1 lb and that he falls in the 40% for growth. We have another follow-up in a month with Dr. R and if I haven't seen a cardiologist by then, he will have his office set up a referral instead of my OB.

The Name Game

We finally picked a name!!! Deciding on a boy's name has been soooo challenging for us. We had a girl's name already picked out because I just knew our little boy was going to be a girl (I WAS WRONG!), and we absolutely did not agree on boy's names. We seemed to like traditional names, for the most part, but for some reason one of us would have a reason to veto's the other's names. Some of the name casulties include Alexander, James, Mason, Dominic, John and Logan for Paul and Isaac, William, and Nicholas for me. It has taken over a month of brainstorming, but we finally agree on a name!!

Our son will be Nathan (after the Ross family) Edward (after Paul and his Dad) and we are soooo excited to meet him in a few months! I can't beleive our little boy is going to be here by Christmas!!

19 weeks Appointment

Weight Gain: +4 lbs by MD, +2 lbs by my house scale
B/P: 120/74
FHR: 150's
Fundal Height: Umbilicus

I saw my normal OB today for a pretty uneventful appointment. She said that everything was looking great and wanted to touch base about my palpitations. She is referring me to a different cardiologist (I could tell she didn't like the one that saw me in the ER), thus increasing my provider count to THREE! Oh goodness. I wish my body would realize women have babies everyday! Oh well. I am so glad that my little boy is doing well, and gaining weight.

We have started getting ready for his arrival. Paul and his dad painted the nursery green last weekend, and I am looking at ordering Katie Bug's new toddler bed so that he can take over her crib. I can't believe our son will be here in five short months!

Level II Ultrasound and Gender Reveal

Weight Gain: Something completely ridiculous by their scale....+3.8 lbs at home
Blood Pressure: 98/62
Fetal Heart Rate: 150's

We had the Level II U/S on July 5th (17w5d) with the Perinatologist. While Dr. A didn't think that anything was concerning with the pregnancy, she thought it would be "safe" to have Dr. R check me out again. (At this point in my pregnancy with Katie, my blood pressure was already creeping up.)  Our little baby cooperated very well for the technician and we got all of the pictures they were looking for. 

Our baby BOY was measuring in at 8 oz and was moving all around. He had his hands up by his face just like his big sister, and we got to see him opening and closing his mouth and even all of his fingers and toes. He is currently transverse, with his head on the left side of my abdomen and his bottom on the right. I know it is still plenty early, so he has lots of time to flip to a new position, but I can definitely tell he isn't sitting like Kaitlyn was because it feels so much different.

We talked more about my heart palpitations and my ER visit. Dr. R said that he expects me to continue to have palpitations, which unfortunately has happened, and in fact increase as I get further along. He suspects it is the baby that is causing the arrhythmia as I had never had this problem before and there was not a mechanical/structural abnormality within my heart.  So, I am now up to TWO doctors for this pregnancy as Dr. R will be following us monthly...

Happy 4th of July!!

For the Fourth of July, our family went to the Hyatt near our home to enjoy some relaxation and Hill Country Fun. We had such a great time. We floated the Lazy River, went to a Barn Yard Dance, mom and I went to the spa for some girl time, took some naps, and saw a neat laser show this year since the fireworks are banned.

Checking into the hotel with Daddy

Breakfast with Lady Liberty and her Crew

Getting ready to head out for the day!

Floating the river with Daddy, big girl wanted to swim alone

Katie and Mommy

Grandma, Grandpa and Katie Bug



Happy Fourth from the Medinas!



Happy First Birthday, Aubree!!

My little niece, Aubree, turned one on June 23rd, and we had a great time at her Pool Party on July 2nd. Of course, Katie thought swimming with her cousin was the most amazing idea ever!!! It has been such a joy watching these two grow up together over the past year.

Kaitlyn: Month Eighteen

Kaitlyn Marie,


March 30, 2011

Oh my goodness, how time flies. I look at you now, and I am just amazed by the sweet little girl you are becoming. You are such a happy child and my eyes well up just looking at how beautiful you are (on the inside and out). You have such an playful spirit. You LOVE being the center of attention, having an audience and being loved on. When we get home from work, you always have such a big smile (unless of course it's bedtime, and then there are tears because you are tired and fighting sleep). It makes an entire day full of stress disappear.



Grandma's Birthday Dinner, April 9, 2011

You have learned so much in the past few months. You are so smart!! It is neat to see you connecting the dots, and you are starting to come out with new words. You know when we are leaving somewhere and take the proper shoes to everyone coming. You run to the door and wave bye bye. If we are at home, you promptly walk to the garage and start reaching for the door knob (which thankfully you can't open, yet). You love to carry around your shoes and any bag that could work as a purse. And Violet, your puppy from Great Aunt Tami, is your favorite toy. Sometimes she even makes it all the way to Aunt Nomi's because you won't put her down. You love to be independent and insist on doing everything yourself, including picking up trashing and throwing it away!
 

Katie and Gam Gam at King William Festival, April 16th

You have started to run occasionally, you dance more, laugh a whole lot, of course we have tears for the dramatic, you climb like crazy, you think you are ready to swim on your own (not gonna happen)....You are most definitely a toddler. You are still a good eater, and you are drinking from "big girl" glasses, with help, of course. We haven't kicked those bottles, but it's not something I am too worried about right now, and you mainly have them before sleeping. My favorite thing is when you give me hugs unexpectedly. You finally kissed someone this past couple of weeks....the lucky recipient??? Kalli and Buddy's new puppy boy! The rest of us will just have to settle for your cheek and sweet smile.  

Easter, April 24, 2011

Some of your latest words:

Momma

Daddy

"Ba" for all done

Baby

"Peas" for Please

"Bock" for Block

Bye

More

"Bi-an" for Brian, Nomi's boyfriend

Bubbles

Bottle

Budd-e!, All Dogs

Bella, All Kids

"Pollo" for Apollo, Nomi's dog

"Ice Ceam" or "Ice"

Bite

Teeth

Juice

Cook-ieeee, sounds so cute

"Uh oh!"

Cheese

Birdie

Grandma

Nose


Three Generations, May 23rd

We are trying to prepare you as a big sister for the new baby coming later this year. Since you are more into horseplay that quietly sitting these days, Daddy has tried to help you learn to rub my belly "gently," and tells you "baby." I don't think you understand what that means because Grandma told me you were patting her belly and telling her "baby" the other day, too! LOL! I know that you are going to be a wonderful big sister to your new sister or brother.

June 2, 2011

We love you so much, Katie Bug, and we are so blessed to have you as our daughter. Always know that it was your sweet little face that stole my heart, and you who made me a mommy. I will always love you to infinity and beyond, and nothing will ever change that.

Kisses for Katie!, June 24, 2011

Love,

Mommy