It's a BOY!
In a few short months, Caleb will get his little partner in crime. Someone to play trains with and teach all his daredevil moves to. Someone to play ball and matchbox cars with. Someone that will look up to him, and in turn someone that he will care for and protect. A buddy for all time, and hopefully, his best man someday. I pray they are close. I pray they are good friends. AND, I pray I survive all the boyish games that are about to invade this house.
One thing is for sure... Katherine will reign supreme. She'll have two little brothers to watch out for and boss around... and I'm sure she won't let either of them forget that she is "the princess" around here.
So.... this begs the burning question.... do I want a fourth child?? Do I want to try for a little girl... a sister for Katherine? I will say this... for as long as I can remember, I've wanted twin girls -- Katherine and Elizabeth. I've held them in my dreams and prayed for them in my heart for years. At this point, Matt probably wants to stop with three kids, but I *really* want to keep that door open. I'm not ready to call it quits. I'm not ready to leave this phase of my life. We'll have to see how Matt feels about it in a couple of years.....
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
18 weeks 6 days
Wow... It's been ages since I've updated this blog. I promise from now on, I'll do better -- much, much, MUCH better!!
Tomorrow is the big day. We have our ultrasound at 9:30 and if all goes well, we'll be able to find out the sex of the baby. I do have gut feeling, so we'll have to see if I'm right tomorrow. In all fairness -- I've told very few people what my true gut feelings are on this one. I've decided to stay pretty quiet about it as I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea. I really don't care what the sex of the baby is... With that being said....
Katherine really wants a baby sister, and Caleb really wants a "brudder". So regardless of what the ultrasound shows in the morning, I'll feel both overjoyed and sad. Since this will most likely be our last child, it means that either Katherine or Caleb will have the opportunity to experience a sibling of the same sex.... the other one, won't know what it's like to have that special bond. For the one who gets the sibling of the same sex, I'll be elated for them. I'll rejoice in their excitement as they'll be about to experience an amazing relationship -- one like no other. For the other one, I'll share in their disappointment, and I'll understand the sadness they may feel. However -- regardless of what the baby is, the relationship they both will have with it, and with each other will hopefully grow and evolve over their lifetime. I'm not sure if any of this makes sense or not ..... it just may be the late night ramblings of a pregnant woman! LOL.
So now here I sit, unable to sleep, and anticipating the big ultrasound in the morning. I can't wait! Truly, I really don't care what this baby is... I just want to know! It's strange -- with Katherine I desperately wanted a girl, and given the Hanson genes I feared I'd never have a daughter. (Matt is the youngest of 4 boys, his oldest brother has 3 boys, his brother Todd recently had two boys -- along with a daughter in college, his grandfather was one of 5 boys -- right Fran??). So when I found Katherine was a girl, I was walking on air. Literally, I would not have been happier if I had just won the lottery... actually, I felt like I did win the lottery!! With Caleb, I knew from the second I conceived that he was a boy. The ultrasound was nothing more than a formality. I would have bet almost anything that he was a boy. Both of them have brought so much joy to our lives, but in such different ways. They are each amazing, remarkable little people and thankfully mine.
So regardless of what this baby is, I have no doubt it will be the perfect fit for our family. He or She will complete us, and make us wonder what we ever did before s/he arrived. So until tomorrow, I can't help but to wonder if our home will be invaded by more cars and trucks and boyish play, or if more tea parties, magical weddings and pink frilly things are in our future.....
Tomorrow is the big day. We have our ultrasound at 9:30 and if all goes well, we'll be able to find out the sex of the baby. I do have gut feeling, so we'll have to see if I'm right tomorrow. In all fairness -- I've told very few people what my true gut feelings are on this one. I've decided to stay pretty quiet about it as I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea. I really don't care what the sex of the baby is... With that being said....
Katherine really wants a baby sister, and Caleb really wants a "brudder". So regardless of what the ultrasound shows in the morning, I'll feel both overjoyed and sad. Since this will most likely be our last child, it means that either Katherine or Caleb will have the opportunity to experience a sibling of the same sex.... the other one, won't know what it's like to have that special bond. For the one who gets the sibling of the same sex, I'll be elated for them. I'll rejoice in their excitement as they'll be about to experience an amazing relationship -- one like no other. For the other one, I'll share in their disappointment, and I'll understand the sadness they may feel. However -- regardless of what the baby is, the relationship they both will have with it, and with each other will hopefully grow and evolve over their lifetime. I'm not sure if any of this makes sense or not ..... it just may be the late night ramblings of a pregnant woman! LOL.
So now here I sit, unable to sleep, and anticipating the big ultrasound in the morning. I can't wait! Truly, I really don't care what this baby is... I just want to know! It's strange -- with Katherine I desperately wanted a girl, and given the Hanson genes I feared I'd never have a daughter. (Matt is the youngest of 4 boys, his oldest brother has 3 boys, his brother Todd recently had two boys -- along with a daughter in college, his grandfather was one of 5 boys -- right Fran??). So when I found Katherine was a girl, I was walking on air. Literally, I would not have been happier if I had just won the lottery... actually, I felt like I did win the lottery!! With Caleb, I knew from the second I conceived that he was a boy. The ultrasound was nothing more than a formality. I would have bet almost anything that he was a boy. Both of them have brought so much joy to our lives, but in such different ways. They are each amazing, remarkable little people and thankfully mine.
So regardless of what this baby is, I have no doubt it will be the perfect fit for our family. He or She will complete us, and make us wonder what we ever did before s/he arrived. So until tomorrow, I can't help but to wonder if our home will be invaded by more cars and trucks and boyish play, or if more tea parties, magical weddings and pink frilly things are in our future.....
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
16 weeks 1 day
Last night on the way out the door to the Billy Joel concert Katherine wanted to kiss the baby (my belly) goodbye. Caleb came up to me and said, "Mommy, I wanna kiss the baby too". I looked at him, smiled and told him that the baby would love one of his kisses.
He said "Great" and hugged my boob and then proceeded to slobber all over my shirt. What was that???? I started laughing, and he patted by chest and said, "good night baby. I see you in the morning".
OK, my boobs are getting huge, but come on!!
He said "Great" and hugged my boob and then proceeded to slobber all over my shirt. What was that???? I started laughing, and he patted by chest and said, "good night baby. I see you in the morning".
OK, my boobs are getting huge, but come on!!
Friday, April 11, 2008
15 weeks 3 days
I had a routine appointment today and met one of the new doctors in the practice. I really liked him -- he was super nice, took tons of time with me, really listened to what I had to tell him, and was older, about 50'ish.
Anyway we were chatting away and when he found the heartbeat he said, "I better be quiet. It's the baby's heartbeat you want to hear, not me!" How right he was!!
The baby's heartbeat was close to 160. He looked at me, laughed and said, "How's another little girl sound????" Talk about making me giddy! To be honest I really don't care what sex the baby is, but I really want to know one way or another. I'm such a planner!
The good news is that on May 6th, at 9:30 in the morning, all the guessing and wondering will be over and I'll (hopefully) know for sure! I'm getting an ultrasound and the little one better be willing to show the goods!
Anyway we were chatting away and when he found the heartbeat he said, "I better be quiet. It's the baby's heartbeat you want to hear, not me!" How right he was!!
The baby's heartbeat was close to 160. He looked at me, laughed and said, "How's another little girl sound????" Talk about making me giddy! To be honest I really don't care what sex the baby is, but I really want to know one way or another. I'm such a planner!
The good news is that on May 6th, at 9:30 in the morning, all the guessing and wondering will be over and I'll (hopefully) know for sure! I'm getting an ultrasound and the little one better be willing to show the goods!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
14 weeks 1 day
Reason number 582 why I love my husband....
Last night I'm sitting in Katherine's bed waiting for them to pick out books, when Matt walks into the room, takes one look at me, and says,
"WOW.... Your belly really is getting big!".
Oh, just wait baby... I'm a firm believer in getting even!
Last night I'm sitting in Katherine's bed waiting for them to pick out books, when Matt walks into the room, takes one look at me, and says,
"WOW.... Your belly really is getting big!".
Oh, just wait baby... I'm a firm believer in getting even!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
12 weeks 4 days
Right now -- this pregnancy is all about insomnia and cravings...
Every night about 12:30 I wake up and rush to the bathroom. I can't believe it's happening already, but I swear my bladder is shrinking, and I have to go in the worst way. Literally, it seems like all I have to do is lie down and fall asleep and PRESTO! the bathroom is calling. Then, I have the worst time falling asleep again -- my mind starts wandering and I think of the most ridiculous things -- which just makes me angry because I can't sleep. It's a vicious cycle!
So, I've been trying to not drink anything before bed, but inevitably I forget to take my prenatal vitamin, so I end up drinking anyway.... UUUUUUGH! It's maddening!
My cravings are also starting to kick in, and thankfully, Katherine and Caleb, will eat right along with me. Our morning tradition of pancakes has fallen away, and the three of us share TWO grapefruits -- because one is not enough! I have to laugh, grapefruits are now one of their favorite foods. The more sour the better!
Then, today we were at Target picking up a few last minute things, I ended up in the frozen foods isle -- right by the pizza. Remember those super cheap Tostino's pizzas -- they're like $1.00 each??? I haven't had one since living in the sorority house in college, but as soon as I saw them I couldn't help myself -- I threw FOUR in the cart. As soon as I got up to the check out I was totally embarrassed. Who really buys these things anyway??? I'm sure the check out girl thought I was feeding this junk to my kids -- but NOPE -- these babies are all for me!! How sad am I?
As soon as I walked in the door I threw one in the oven, and man... in was Heaven! I devoured that thing like I hadn't eaten in a year. It was sooooo yummy! Speaking of cheap college foods .... Danyel was telling me that she made hamburger helper the other night, and I was about drooling. What is it with the food I ate in college that my mom would NEVER have served us as kids???? Matt better watch out! He just may be eating Hamburger Helper slop some night soon!
So far, I haven't gained any weight, so really will one (or in my case 4) Tostino's pizzas really hurt? Here's to hoping not!
Every night about 12:30 I wake up and rush to the bathroom. I can't believe it's happening already, but I swear my bladder is shrinking, and I have to go in the worst way. Literally, it seems like all I have to do is lie down and fall asleep and PRESTO! the bathroom is calling. Then, I have the worst time falling asleep again -- my mind starts wandering and I think of the most ridiculous things -- which just makes me angry because I can't sleep. It's a vicious cycle!
So, I've been trying to not drink anything before bed, but inevitably I forget to take my prenatal vitamin, so I end up drinking anyway.... UUUUUUGH! It's maddening!
My cravings are also starting to kick in, and thankfully, Katherine and Caleb, will eat right along with me. Our morning tradition of pancakes has fallen away, and the three of us share TWO grapefruits -- because one is not enough! I have to laugh, grapefruits are now one of their favorite foods. The more sour the better!
Then, today we were at Target picking up a few last minute things, I ended up in the frozen foods isle -- right by the pizza. Remember those super cheap Tostino's pizzas -- they're like $1.00 each??? I haven't had one since living in the sorority house in college, but as soon as I saw them I couldn't help myself -- I threw FOUR in the cart. As soon as I got up to the check out I was totally embarrassed. Who really buys these things anyway??? I'm sure the check out girl thought I was feeding this junk to my kids -- but NOPE -- these babies are all for me!! How sad am I?
As soon as I walked in the door I threw one in the oven, and man... in was Heaven! I devoured that thing like I hadn't eaten in a year. It was sooooo yummy! Speaking of cheap college foods .... Danyel was telling me that she made hamburger helper the other night, and I was about drooling. What is it with the food I ate in college that my mom would NEVER have served us as kids???? Matt better watch out! He just may be eating Hamburger Helper slop some night soon!
So far, I haven't gained any weight, so really will one (or in my case 4) Tostino's pizzas really hurt? Here's to hoping not!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
12 weeks
Wow... I can't believe it.... My first trimester is over. This time has passed so quickly (probably because I spent so much time sleeping LOL) but really, these past 12 weeks have flown by. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in the bathroom staring at a positive pregnancy test, thanking God for the blessing that was entering our lives, and now 12 weeks later, when I look in the mirror I see an already growing belly. Oh, and Katherine won't let me forget about my expanding waistline. Love that!
I didn't think it was possible, but the past few days I've felt the baby start to move. At first I thought it was hunger pains and tummy rumblings, but really, I'm pretty sure it's the baby.... which is unreal because I thought I had to be in the 14 to 15 week range. It's so exciting!
I didn't think it was possible, but the past few days I've felt the baby start to move. At first I thought it was hunger pains and tummy rumblings, but really, I'm pretty sure it's the baby.... which is unreal because I thought I had to be in the 14 to 15 week range. It's so exciting!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
11 weeks 5 days
My doctor appointment yesterday afternoon went well. It was pretty uneventful except for the surprise blood work, which always throws me off my game, but other than that, everything looks good. I hate blood work, and detest needles. They freak me out -- I start to shake, sweat, the works. I'm pathetic. I'm fully aware of it, but man... they terrify me!
The baby's heart rate was in the high 160's range, which is fairly typical in early pregnancies, so unfortunately no indication of the baby's gender. It did take the doctor a minute to find the heart rate, but thankfully I was able to hear it.
I must be emotional, because when I heard the baby's heart beat on the doppler I could instantly feel my eyes well with tears. Before I knew it, I was bawling. Hearing your baby's heart beat for the first time is such an amazing sound, and it absolutely overwhelmed me.
I haven't gained any weight yet - in fact I've lost a couple of pounds, which isn't even on my radar as something I should worry about. With Katherine I lost 20 pounds initially from being so sick, so this isn't even a blip on the radar! And it's not like I don't have 20 pounds to lose this time around anyway! LOL!
My doctors --- Let's just say that as of now, I have SEVERE reservations. I loved the OB/GYN practice that I had been going to since I moved to Des Moines. All of the doctors were very competent, and I would have been comfortable with any of them in the delivery room. Well..... After Katherine, my fave doc retired. After Caleb, another one decided not to do the OB side anymore, so he doesn't deliver babies. They tried to hire a few doctors, but decided to take in 4 doctors from another practice here in town. Two are M.D's and two are D.O.'s. I don't go to D.O's. I don't trust them. I'd never take my kids to one, let alone, slice me open if (God forbid) I need a C-section. However, there are a ton of D.O.'s here in town because of the school. Yesterday I saw a D.O. -- one of the new guys. He was older, maybe in his 50's and talked to me like I didn't know a thing. He started to preach to me about morning sickness and food aversions even though I told him I felt fine and this was my THIRD pregnancy. I was seriously questioning if he bothered to read my chart.
Anyway, I wasn't a fan. I don't plan to go to him again before the baby is born, and just pray that he isn't on call when the little one decides to make his/her grand entrance.
The baby's heart rate was in the high 160's range, which is fairly typical in early pregnancies, so unfortunately no indication of the baby's gender. It did take the doctor a minute to find the heart rate, but thankfully I was able to hear it.
I must be emotional, because when I heard the baby's heart beat on the doppler I could instantly feel my eyes well with tears. Before I knew it, I was bawling. Hearing your baby's heart beat for the first time is such an amazing sound, and it absolutely overwhelmed me.
I haven't gained any weight yet - in fact I've lost a couple of pounds, which isn't even on my radar as something I should worry about. With Katherine I lost 20 pounds initially from being so sick, so this isn't even a blip on the radar! And it's not like I don't have 20 pounds to lose this time around anyway! LOL!
My doctors --- Let's just say that as of now, I have SEVERE reservations. I loved the OB/GYN practice that I had been going to since I moved to Des Moines. All of the doctors were very competent, and I would have been comfortable with any of them in the delivery room. Well..... After Katherine, my fave doc retired. After Caleb, another one decided not to do the OB side anymore, so he doesn't deliver babies. They tried to hire a few doctors, but decided to take in 4 doctors from another practice here in town. Two are M.D's and two are D.O.'s. I don't go to D.O's. I don't trust them. I'd never take my kids to one, let alone, slice me open if (God forbid) I need a C-section. However, there are a ton of D.O.'s here in town because of the school. Yesterday I saw a D.O. -- one of the new guys. He was older, maybe in his 50's and talked to me like I didn't know a thing. He started to preach to me about morning sickness and food aversions even though I told him I felt fine and this was my THIRD pregnancy. I was seriously questioning if he bothered to read my chart.
Anyway, I wasn't a fan. I don't plan to go to him again before the baby is born, and just pray that he isn't on call when the little one decides to make his/her grand entrance.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
It's official!
Our lives are about to change dramatically! In a few short months, we will welcome our third bundle of joy into our lives and hearts. It's such an amazing feeling knowing that our family will grow by one more this fall. I am so excited and anxious to meet this little one.
Remember when I was a total witch??? I hate to blame it on pregnancy, but let me tell ya, hormones totally got the best of me that weekend. I was completely out of control and there was NOTHING I could do about it! Thankfully it didn't last last! Several people who read my regular blog, guessed that a baby was on the way based on that post. Thankfully, they thought it was WAAAAY out of character. Thank goodness!
I had my first ultrasound around Valentine's Day. You could already distinctly see the head, arms, legs... Everything! AAAHHH! I can't wait until the day when I can hold the little one in my arms and see everything with my own eyes.
Based on that ultrasound, my due date is September 30 so I'll use that date, but... I KNOW I'm actually a few days further along. It doesn't REALLY matter unless you're a control freak and planner (which I am), so it's a big deal to me. Matt doesn't get it... Two or three days one way or the other is insignificant to him, but to me.... It might as well be months!
Katherine is absolutely elated, and can't wait to be a big sister again. She keeps telling everyone that she "has a VERY important job to do. I'm going to be a big sister to two people"! Caleb is thrilled to be a "big brudder" and always wants to kiss my belly and hug the baby.
As a side note, I've been wanting to start this blog for ages, but feared that Matt's family would find it, and I certainly didn't want them to find out about their newest grandchild that way. So, wait I did! We went back to LeMars this past weekend and Katherine spilled the beans! She couldn't wait!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)