Soon to be Mama of 2!

Good Morning friends.

I am nearly 3 hours away from being in the OR becoming a Mama of 2! It is crazy to think that life can be planned that way, but today I am thankful I can do it like this!

I really didn't have much trouble sleeping until 3am when I woke up thinking that I will be able to hear my daughter cry when she comes out and actually hold her and touch her, take pictures of her unlike having Charlie. It feels as if I am becoming a Mom for the first time all over again. Ryan and I will be able to experience firsts that we never got to with Charlie. It's a surreal feeling knowing that this is planned and some may not agree with it, but I couldn't ask for it any other way. I couldn't imagine going through what we went through with Charlie again.

I know there are always risks with having a child and the birthing process, but I have to say I am beyond happy with the doctors I found and how precautious and diligent they were with this pregnancy. It makes me feel so much better about to day and taking the route that we are.

During my NST yesterday, I was watching "A Baby Story," for the first time since I had Charlie. I have always been reluctant on watching it after giving birth to Charlie just because of the fact that I didn't see it fair that I didn't have that first experience of hearing my child cry, or being able to hold her for the first time, or getting that first snap shot of us as a family. But today I get to experience that with my husband knowing that our first child is doing great and so happy to become a big sister to Baby Cheeseburger.

Ryan and I are so excited to bring a new Daignault into the world and even more excited knowing that we are under the care of wonderful, knowledgeable doctors!

So here is to an exciting, nerve-racking, and joyous day welcoming Baby Cheeseburger into the world. Happy Birthday Baby Cheeseburger!

Not Quite Ready

Today marks 37 weeks and 6 days...and yet another weekly appointment for me and Cheeseburger! Of course she wasn't cooperating for the NST, so I was on the monitors for an hour. But Dr. Frank explained that what we want to see is a heart rate increase after each movement, and she was just not having it today! So he pushed her around a bit and we were able to get some responses!

As for my cervix check...head is down (he could feel her...WEIRD) and my cervix is less than a fingertip thick, translation SOON...VERY SOON! So, as much as I don't want to, staying on my feet and walking up and down stairs can help with thinning the cervix.

But it was great, Dr. Frank sat down and explained that because of my history that I need to be very conscious of everything. Any rush of fluid (my bag breaking), any bleeding, contractions more than 5 minutes apart, and kick counts...if there seems to be ANY cause for concern, get my ass to the hospital! For me, I feel like I am being a hypochondriac, and just waiting for something to happen, but I know its for mine and Cheeseburger's well-being. And he said, he totally agrees with the c-section option, especially with history.

So, our bags are packed, seat is in the car, I am tying up some loose ends around the house, getting my baking in, and praying that she comes preferably Friday or Saturday!!!

Till next time (when I am writing you from a hospital bed with Cheeseburger at my side...HOPEFULLY)!!

False Alarm!

Sorry it's been so long since my last post. Alot has been going on. My Dad ended up in the hospital with a staph infection in his knee and had to have surgery to remove the bursas. So, we thought we would take advantage of his time off and have an estate sale. Yeahhhh...didn't really know what we were getting into with that! LOL! Needless to say, we have been busy.

But on the baby side of things, all has been going well! My doc has ordered non-stress every week until I have the baby, heartbeat has been great, moving a ton. My Group B Strep test came back positive, so I will have the antibiotics when I have Cheeseburger (no biggie),

So, in the midst of all of this craziness and moving, last night I had a BIT of an issue. I ran to the store after the sale and ended up have to stop dead in my tracks walking to my car. Horrible pains and pressure. I got home and the pain continued. I think I got Ryan a little nervous. I waited some time and the pain wasn't stopping, so we decided to make a trip to the hospital. We wanted to be safer than sorry.

They put me on a fetal monitor and saw no contractions (according to the doctor, it was text book vitals)! They then did a cervix check and no leaking. To be over cautious, they took me down to ultrasound to do an amniotic fluid level check. Everything came back great! It was so nice being able to see Cheeseburger again (we haven't seen her in over 4 weeks). But it was trully amazing! She looks JUST like Charlie and sleeps just like me! Arm up over her head.

So, needless to say, they sent me home and just said, that I was right for coming in especially with my history. I felt a little silly but I have a feeling Cheeseburger will not be lasting till the 24th!! So here is to a RELAXING, STRESS FREE Labor Day!!

This Mama is baked!

Today marks Week 34 and 4 days! Let me just say, I am one cooked Mama! The braxton hicks contractions are UNBAREABLE and the pressure Baby Cheeseburger is putting on my hips is so painful. But I did go to the doctor today and everything looks good...cervix is still closed, heartbeat was good, my blood pressure was good, and then he throws me a curveball. He has ordered a stress test for Cheesburger! No need for alarm, but because of what happened with Charlie, he says this would make the most sense with the cervix checks! At this point, I'm ok with whatever they recommend.

So, I have the stress test on Thursday and then next week I begin my weekly appointments. Its crazy to think I had Charlie at 36 weeks and some change. My nerves are starting to get better about the whole delivery. I am realizing that many things like this are out of our control, and even with what happened with Charlie, even though it could have been avoided, there was nothing that I could have done to stop it!

I will have an update after the stress test on Thursday! Happy Monday Peeps!

The date has been set...

Got the official call today,

Baby Cheeseburger is set to arrive via c-section on Monday, September 24 at 9:30am at Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL!

Unless she wants to make her debut any earlier, which would make this cooked turkey VERY happy!!

What a HOOT!

This past Monday, my family was being really weird. Telling me I needed to get out of the house, that they were happy I showered for the day, telling me I should get a new shirt at Target...all to find out that they were throwing me a surprise mini baby shower with my immediate family. It was a great surprise! Bailey has been in town for the last few days as well and she made these adorable cupcakes.

They tasted like cookies and milk. SO GOOD! And Mom made homemade lasagna, salad, and fresh bread. Nana Claudia made my favorite deviled eggs and Natalie made a SUPER cute fruit baby carriage.

It was great to have everyone over at the new house to celebrate! And so nice of everyone to come over after work. Baby Cheeseburger got some very nice things, including her new Owl Bedding, new bathtub, monitor, outfits and a few other small things! It's great to know that even on the 2nd kid, we are still all loved! Bailey gets back from a mini-vacation on Friday, so our plan is to start putting the baby's room together...FINALLY! Hopefully a sidekick there to help me will make me more motivated (especially since she will be arriving withing the next 6 weeks)!

Until next time...

Better late than Never!

Good morning!! Sorry it's been so long since I have updated my Baby Blog! We have been without internet at the new house for the past 2 weeks, but now we are back and running! I got my results back from my glucose test and everything was great! So, I can keep on eating my sweets...but my iron was low, so I am having to take an additional iron supplement (probably why my ice eating is OUT OF CONTROL)!

Then Wednesday August 1, we had another Level II ultrasound with the maternal fetal specialist. It lasted about 30 minutes or so. They confirmed that Baby Cheeseburger is a GIRL (Ryan was holding out for a boy). After the ultrasound we met with the doctor and he said everything looks great! The day of the ultrasound I was 31 weeks and 6 days and I was measuring 32 weeks and 1 day. Which he said is near perfect. I guess they want you to be within 48 hours of your due date. He said all of the growth was right on target and amniotic fluid levels are also right on. The doc said that as long as the movement was pronounced and no spotting, I do not have to go back to see them.

And on Monday, I had a regular appointment. I am starting to meet the other doctors in the practice because my doc will be delivering her baby on August 24. Baby Cheeseburger's heartbeat was good. And then with my AWESOME luck, my doctor in Aurora never sent over my pap results so I had to do another one and have my cervix checked! NOT FUN! But he said that my cervix is still good and no ruptures. He also said I may have to have another ultrasound and we are going to schedule my c-section within the next week. Unconfirmed, I will be having Baby Cheeseburger on Monday September 24 pending any early arrival.

The countdown begins...

Today was my 31 week appointment and yet another glucose test (man do I hate those things)! I won't have the results till tomorrow but I am pretty sure I don't have gestational diabetes and if by some strange wind I do...I am going to DIE!

Everything went great! Baby Cheeseburger's heartbeat was a solid 150, the cramping has subsided (although I have yet to slow down, we have been moving for the past 3 weeks), and I am pretty sure this little one is going to be 3 feet when she arrives! Holy cow is she spread across my whole belly, it is the weirdest feeling EVER! Way different than with Charlie. But I do have to say, I was looking at pics of me pregs with Charlie at the same point I am at now, and my belly is way smaller this time around! Which is crazy, figuring with Charlie I lost 32lbs in the first trimester and with this one I only lost 25lbs! Interesting...

I also talked to Doc about scheduling my c-section and she has informed me that she will also be having a scheduled c-section on August 24, so there is NO WAY she will be there to deliver Baby Cheeseburger (which is what I had expected)! But I asked if there was a way that I could schedule mine on a Friday (Friday Sept 21 to be exact) and she said that depending on who's on-call that weekend, we may be able to do it! I told her I want to capitalize on the time that Ryan has off for paternal leave! LOL, I am such a planner!

Other than that, I go Thursday again to get a Rogam shot (I have O- blood) and then next week I go back to the Maternal Fetal Specialist to do another Level II ultrasound and then back again to the doctor on August 6 to meet another doc in the practice for my 32/33 week checkup, all while moving to a new house and trying to get stuff set up while I have Mom, Dad, and Ryan yelling at me just to sit and watch! HA HA HA...little do they know the super strength I have at 7 months pregnant!

Till next time peeps!

Bad Mama...

Today was my 29 week appointment ( I am now doing every 2 weeks). All was good, Baby's heartbeat was 129, I am measuring good, until she asked me how I was feeling! I told her I have had some really bad cramping and it even stopped me dead in the store the other day cuz I was in so much pain! Needless to say, the doc was NOT happy with this Mama! I know I have been completely overduing it, so she flat out said I have to slow down! Little did she know that after my appointment I was on my way to our house in Aurora to get it move-in ready for the new renters! But after today I promise to take it easy...that is until we have to move in the next 3 weeks! LOL

Yes, it's true, we found a house in Lake Bluff to rent!! It's 30 miles closer for Ryan to work and has 3 fishing ponds in the neighborhood!! I am SUPER excited and the girls will have seperate bedrooms and we will have a finished basement! Now I can finally do what I do best...setup the girls' rooms and get ready for Baby to be here!

Next appointment is in 2 weeks and YAY, I have another glucose test scheduled! YUCK! I just don't understand how some people like those drinks!

That's all folks!

Pregnancy in Summer BLOWS

It's about that time for yet another post about pregnancy numero dos!! I am 26 weeks and 5 days and I have decided that being pregnant in the Summer is the WORST thing possible! If I lay out at the pool I get overheated too quickly, I get tired quicker and because I have to wear maternity pants, the extra layer for the belly makes me that much hotter! So...anywho, my recommendation, try not to be pregs the ENTIRE Summer!

Now that I am done ranting and raving, today I had my 27 week checkup! I had both Charlie and Becca with me this time, that always makes for a fun visit! Of course it took a little longer than expected because I had to explain all of my symptoms from yesterday...fever, cramping, couldn't eat anything. Good times. But the doc said it may be a virus and just to watch the fever! Other than that, we are looking good. The baby's hearbeat was 151 per minute ( and it didn't take any time to get it). The girls thought it was so cool to hear the baby!

Normally I would have my glucose test next week, but because I had one at 22 weeks, she is going to wait again till 32 weeks. Next ultrasound will be the first week of August at 32 weeks as well! But she has asked to see me from now on every 2 weeks.

In other news, Charlie is taking to me having a baby in my tummy. She likes laying her head on my tummy and laughs when the baby kicks her! Charlie has also taken to bringing her baby EVERYWHERE we go. She is going to be such a great big sister! And in house news, we still don't have renters in our house and my parents may have sold their house...so we have decided that if we don't have renters by July 1 (yes, next week) we will be moving back to Aurora and still have the baby here at Condell because I will be having a scheduled c-section! So, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers that all goes well with the house! I would love the be SOMEWHERE by August 1st so I can have both kids rooms set up in a timely manner!!

Until next time friends!!

She gonna be a socca playa!

Today I had my 23 week check up! Everything went great! Heartbeat was VERY loud, even though we lost it because my little Chiquita banana does NOT know how to sit still...EVER! The doc looked over my latest ultrasound with the Maternal Fetal Specialist and said they weren't concerned but are siding on precautionary. She said just to be sure to report any spotting, leaking, contractions or cramping! If so, this Mama would have to go on bed rest...HA, could you imagine me on bed rest?! So would not happen! Oh, and she said the rash on my arms is nothing to be worried about. She said to watch it, but it looks better. So, all in all...everything checked out well! Next appointment is at the end of June!

Since we found out this one is a girl, Ryan and I started a very small registry at Target with stuff that either broke from Charlie or things that have gotten gross over the last 2 years and of course new bedding! HA HA, I have a problem! And then there are the names! Ryan and I finally were in the car over the weekend and put a verbal list together! I compromised on one and him on another, but the rest we are pretty equal on! But who knows what we will name her! Charlie enjoys calling her Baby Fiona and Baby Cheeseburger which is always entertaining! I honestly don't think Charlie will fully grasp the concept of having a baby until she is actually here! She likes to tickle my tummy, thinking she is tickling the baby which is a good thing, but she often doesn't remember there is no jumping on Mommy's tummy anymore!

Well, until next time folks...

Survey Says...

Welp...today was the BIG day! Ryan and I had a 2 hour appointment with the Maternal Fetal Specialist (AKA High Risk Doctor)! We went over all of my history and then had an hour long ultrasound! What we decided to do was have Lovin' Oven make 8 blue filled cupcakes and 8 pink filled cupcakes! We took both sets to the doctor and had them take the cupcakes that the baby was not! HA HA...the nurses were hilarious about the whole thing!

Needless to say, everything went GREAT!!! The baby is healthy, everything looks good, my amniotic fluid levels are right on target. They recommended I come back at 32 weeks for another Level II Ultrasound and after 32 weeks, I have my cervix checked every 2 weeks to be sure what happened last time with my bag rupturing doesn't happen again! So I'm sure you all want to know now, what the gender is....



Our cupcakes were PINK filled! We are having another GIRL!



Ryan and my Dad are completely outnumbered and said they are moving to Las Vegas! LOL! We really don't have any names picked out, but Charlie says sister now and everyone is very excited!! More to come soon friends!! Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers! Please keep them coming, we still have 20 weeks left! Lots of love!!

Breathing a Sigh of Relief

18 weeks and 2 days, and my records finally arrived at my new doctor in Libertyville. I was a little nervous about the whole thing just because I didn't know how they would take to me be so far along and pretty much having to start all over again. I have to say, they were nothing but welcoming. The staff were so nice and I got to meet 2 of the 4 doctors in the practice! Of course my doctor, Dr. Adu is pregnant and 5 weeks ahead of me, so she encouraged me to see all the doctors in the practice throughout the rest of my time just in case she isn't back for her maternity leave.

Both doctors that were there read through my file and before even talking about it, they had suggested we do a c-section, which Ryan and I had been debating on anyways. They both said with the history of Charlie's birth and the low amniotic fluid levels, we shouldn't take a risk. Plus, Dr. Adu emphasized that no person should have to go through something so traumatic. Everyone there was very knowledgeable and sympathetic of my situation and really took the time to read through what had happened and got my side of the story as well which I greatly appreciated.

Both doctors agreed that I need to go see a high risk doctor, just for precautionary sake (one of the doctors in the practice is a high risk). So I will have a consultation and a VERY VERY long ultrasound to really look at everything and it gives us a chance to find out the sex of the baby. YEAH! They said that I will be monitored closely through the rest of the pregnancy with additional ultrasounds towards the end. The docs also moved my due date up to September 27, but because of the scheduled c-section, I will have the baby at 39 weeks (unless he/she decides to come early). I have to say, even though I was at the office for 1 hour 1/2, I have never left an appointment so happy. They were truly understanding and made sure that I understood all aspects and gave me the opportunity to ask questions.

All in all, I am measuring right on track. The baby's heartbeat was 154 (and she was able to find it with the Doppler). I go today to do my first glucose test. Dr. Adu is going to have me do 2 throughout the pregnancy just in case. Not looking forward to that AT ALL! My next regular check up is May 29 and sometime in the next 2 weeks I will go to the high risk doc and get an ultrasound! I am so anxious, I can't stand it!  Other than that, I have been feeling pretty good. Headaches off and on, no substantial cravings! Just taking it day by day!!!

Large and In Charge

I have officially hit the 17 week mark (17 weeks and 2 days to be exact) and wow, am I feeling it. The back pain has begun again, its getting harder to time my shoes, and I no longer fit into my normal jeans! Everything definitely grows faster with the second child. But overall, I'm not feeling too bad! It's getting REALLY hard to sleep on my stomach, I had to bust out the body pillow, and I'm feeling the pain of sleeping on my side. Hip pain is not fun! Other than that, I have no cravings, there really isn't anything that I can't stand. So far this pregnancy has been pretty easy (fingers crossed)!

Our latest adventure has brought us up to Lake County, living with my parents, and having to move our ENTIRE house the past 2 weekends. That has really done a number on the old body! But we are officially moved out of the Aurora house and onto the next phase. With the move, I had to find yet another doctor. My 18 week appointment isn't until April 30 (waiting on all of my records to be transferred), but the doctor delivers at Condell!! I originally was VERY hesitant, just from hearing some of the stories of Condell, but I researched the hospital, and they have recently put a "New Life" wing in with a Level II NICU with special capabilities and they work directly with Lutheran General! So I am excited to finally stay with one doctor and get ready for this new bundle of joy!!!

That's it for now, post again after my 18 week appointment (and hopefully order my ultrasound to find out the sex)!!!!!!!

14 Weeks...Quite the Scare!

Just got back from our 14 week appointment. We were excited to be able to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. Well, got in there, and two people were unable to find the heartbeat. Gave us quite the scare, especially knowing that with Charlie they were able to find it within seconds. The doctor reassured me that it happens all of the time, but we were still nervous! Thank goodness they have an ultrasound tech on site, so they moved me into the ultrasound room, and low and behold, she found the heartbeat. A strong 153 per minute. The little popcorn was moving around like crazy. But so fun, we got to see it raise its' hand, and foot. We asked the tech if she could sneak a peak between the legs, but of course it had its legs closed...TIGHT!

Then we got this next picture. Kind of scary, but the baby's skin is transparent right now, but it could sense we were there!

Back to Normal...

Today I am 13 weeks and 4 days and its the first day that I have felt back to my normal self! No more nausea and spur of the moment vomitting! The exhaustion is still there but it comes and goes! My next appointment is on Friday for the 14 week checkup! I do have to say my college love for bagels and cream cheese has returned, but other than that, haven't really been craving much at all.

The past week has been nothing short of crazy. We are putting our house in Aurora up for rent and moving back to the Lake County area! So, we had a friend of Ryan's come and repaint Charlie's room to a neutral color. Let me just tell you how sad that was. Not just getting rid of the color, but her height chart on the wall was painted over. But the house is now in showing condition and I have begun packing things that we don't use on a regular basis. So, I guess that can add to my exhaustion!

Friday I will post an update from my 14 week appointment...but until then, be cool!!

It's Official!

Welp, it is official...we are preggers with Baby Numero Dos!! We are due September 29 and are beyond excited for the arrival of our new bundle of joy! The last 7 weeks have been nothing short of exhausting, but having a 22 month old screaming, jumping, dancing, singing, little girl really takes a toll on a pregnant lady! In addition to the exhaustion, I have been blessed with "morning sickness" all day! It certainly wasn't as bad as with Charlie, but none the less, bad! Add three separate common colds in the 7 weeks, and you have one pooped Mommy! But we are nearing the end of the first trimester and praying that all of my early pregnant symptoms dissipate!

The good news is, we have found a new OBGYN in our area that is very nice and knowledgeable! She has seen my records from Charlie's pregnancy and birth and says that we will take the pregnancy in strides and go from there. She doesn't completely agree with my having an optional c-section, but she did say that if ANYTHING remotely looked wrong or risky, that a c-section will be the first option. I can honestly say I am very nervous about the labor, even though I am 6 months away. I just couldn't bare going through such a traumatic experience again. But I have full confidence in my new doctors abilities and I am excited to see how this pregnancy differs from Charlie's! Until next time bloggers!