Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Great News!

Brandy: I finally talked to the doctor today about the sonogram I had last Wednesday. He said at this point in pregnancy, my placenta is not going to move any closer towards my cervix. In fact, he said it will move further away!! This really is great news! I asked if he wanted to see me again about it, and he said NO! He is not concerned about it!!! Whew. I feel so much better! So it looks like I am out of the woods with this one.

Also, today is my 3 year anniversary. Happy Anniversary Brian! We have been together for a total of 9 years (married for 3), and we are both super excited to start the next phase of our lives together... the family phase!


Monday, September 28, 2009

Update: Houston Shower and 3D/4D Sonogram

Brandy: This weekend was super busy! Friday morning we left bright and early for Houston. We stopped 3 times on the way so I could stretch my legs and go to the bathroom. When we got in town, we drove by our old town home, and then headed straight to Lankford's for lunch. It is an awesome little dive, with breakfast, burgers, and daily lunch specials. Brian got a cheeseburger and fries. I got the lunch special - crispy beef tacos. It was great! If you watch Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, this place was featured there this season. We used to eat there all the time when we lived in Houston. After lunch, we stopped by my old office and said hello to everyone. That evening, we met my friend Chad at Mi Luna in Rice Village for tapas. Mi Luna is another of my faves. We ordered a platter of 8 different tapas and shared everything. Yummy! We stayed with friends out in Katy. That night Brian and David went out for a bit, but I turned in early! The next morning, David's wife, Greta, informed us that David had been throwing up. We assumed he drank too much, and laughed at him. Brian and I headed to Niko Nikos, probably my favorite Houston eatery of all time. We wanted to get lunch and we were also meeting some people who could not make it to our shower later in the afternoon. I fulfilled my craving with hummus, a gyro and a side of potatoes. Brian got the Souvlaki plate with rice, and was nice enough to give me his dolma! Funny enough, Guy Fierri had been here too! Niko Nikos will be featured on DDD on October 5th. I guess we have good taste in restaurants - Ha! We saw some great friends we had not seen in a while, and got some awesome gifts! After this, we headed back to David and Greta's to drop our stuff off and get ready for the shower. On the way, David emailed Brian that he thought he had the flu. Uh oh! We made the decision to pack up our stuff and just leave after the shower. Neither one of us wants to be sick, especially me because of the baby! When we got to their house, we found out their one year old daughter had started throwing up too. We were out of there! The shower was fabulous! It was at my friend Suesan's house. She, my mom, and my mom's friend Kitty did a fabulous job of getting everything together. It was wonderful to see everyone. We also got to meet two new additions, Henry and Eleni, who were born 3 days apart back in June. They were both so cute! The shower was marvelous. We got some great gifts. Everyone was so generous! After the shower was over, we stuffed the car, and headed back to Dallas. It was a very long day and I slept so well that night! The next day, Brian and I spent all day organizing gifts and putting everything together. We got it all done, which made me feel the day was worth all the hard work!


This morning we had our 3D/4D sonogram. It was so amazing to see what Baby Markey looks like. I think our little one is absolutely adorable! I love the little cheeks and the nose, which I am pretty sure is mine since Brian's is so pointy! Also, the lady that did the sonogram, runs the sonography school there. She said that Baby Markey's head is nice and low... So low that she doesn't think the placenta has anywhere to go but away from my cervix! Sounds good to me! We got still photos printed out, and 4D videos on disc. Enjoy!






Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Sonogram Appointment

Brandy: Brian and I had our follow-up sonogram this morning. While we were in the waiting room, I noticed that Brian, who was dressed up for work, had on 2 different black dress shoes. Granted, they were similar in style, but they were most definitely 2 different shoes! This gave us both a pretty good laugh, as well as a few other people in the waiting room. So, the sonogram... First let's talk about the baby. Baby Markey is doing well... measuring 28 weeks and 5 days (I am 28 weeks and 2 days)... about 2 pounds 11 ounces... definitely the same sex as the last sonogram (more than certain this time!)... no calcification of the heart... good amount of fluid... everything with baby was perfect! Now, for the news on my placenta... it has not moved at all since my last sonogram. I asked the technician if it was low enough to warrant a c-section, but she said that the doctor would have to make that decision. There is still time for the placenta to move so they want me to come back for another sonogram. The doctor is supposed to call me in the next couple of days to discuss the position of the placenta, and when he wants me to come back in. The technician indicated it would probably be another 3-4 weeks. I really thought it would have moved, at least a little, by this time. I emailed my doula to update her, and she said not to worry. She said she has seen it move this late, and even at up to 36 weeks. Also, my midwife just called me to give me some encouraging words. She also said that she has seen a placenta move much later in pregnancy. She said she believes that mine will move, as they almost always do. She told me to visualize it moving. The power of positive thinking, right? I just want my chance... PLEASE no c-section! Here are 2 pictures of Baby Markey. The first is a straight on facial view. You can make out the eyes, nose, mouth and the hands are together in front of the chest. The second is a profile picture. Baby Markey's hands are in front of the face, and you can see the thighs and knees curled up to the left.







Monday, September 21, 2009

28 Week Checkup / Another Blog Win

Brandy: Today marks the start of my 3rd trimester. 28 weeks down and only 12 more to go! I am 70% of the way there! Wow, it seems like only yesterday that I handed Brian a gift bag FULL of pregnancy tests. I told him I had a surprise for him, that he would get part of it now and the other part later (9 months later to be exact!). He looked in the gift bag, and did NOT believe me. Apparently he thought I had some sort of magical power to make my pee turn the tests positive without really being pregnant... yea right! Anyway, fast forward to the present and there is no denying that I am indeed very preggo! I went this morning for my 28 week checkup and my glucose test to check for gestational diabetes. I had to fast from midnight until my first blood draw at 8:15 this morning. Then it was off to eat a good meal! I went to work for a bit, and then headed back to Dinah's for my normal appointment. She had to draw my blood a second time in order to compare before and after. Some people may not like this version of the test since it requires two needle sticks, but I am not scared of needles in the least. This was a great alternative to the standard glucose test where you have to drink some nasty orange stuff and then get your blood drawn an hour later. Okay, so back to my appointment... Everything is going great! My blood pressure was nice and low. The baby's heart beat was about 150 bpm. My fundal height is 29 cm. Dinah was able to tell the position of the baby by feeling my belly, and confirmed that position by the location of the heartbeat. And the verdict is... head down! I hope that the baby stays that way! Everything I read says that they usually lock into the head down position around 32 weeks, but I am hoping that my little one found his/her way early. I talked to Dinah about the flu shot (the normal flu, not swine flu). I really wanted her opinion. I have never gotten a flu shot before. I know they are recommended for pregnant women and parents of infants and small children. I am not big on "optional" vaccines, and really did not know what to do. After talking with Dinah, she really does not recommend one way or the other. What she did say is that the flu shot is one of the last vaccines around that still uses mercury in it's ingredient list. Even though the amount is trace, and supposedly harmless, that information was enough to make me decide to skip the shot. As for the swine flu vaccine, I would NEVER take that. It is way too new, and no one really knows the long term affects, let alone the affect on a pregnant woman and her baby!I have to start going to appointments with Dinah every 2 weeks now. Wow that happened fast!

I won another item from a blog giveaway. This one came from Natural Mommie http://www.naturalmommie.com/ and Kelly Green Way http://kellygreen-way.com/shop/body-skin/baby-kids/erbaviva-organic-baby-washbag-pouch.html. I won 20 unbleached muslin sachets for baby's bath time filled with lots of organic goodness - oatmeal, milk powder, lavender flowers and lavender and mandarin essential oils. I can't wait until our little one is here and I get to try these out!


Friday, September 18, 2009

Dallas Shower

Brandy: I just wanted to let all of my Dallas friends know that invitations for the shower went out on Wednesday. I got mine in the mail yesterday and it is adorable! The shower will be at our home, and hosted by friends Nicole and Melania. It is Saturday, October 10th at 2pm. Please RSVP to melaniaponce@hotmail.com by October 5th. I hope to see you all there!


Is there anybody out there?

Brandy: I know that there are people out there reading my blog, but you guys are so secretive about it! Are you out there? Make yourself known! You can sign up to receive my new posts 2 different ways.

1. Email - This option is located in the right column of the blog, under the header "Subscribe Via Email". It is really easy to sign up! Simply type in your email address and hit subscribe. A few seconds later, you will receive a confirmation email. Click on the link to confirm your subscription to Irish Baby Bump. There is no spam associated with this feature. The only thing you will receive is an email containing any new post(s) to my blog.

2. Become a Follower - This option is located in the left column of the blog, under the header "Followers". Simply click the "Follow" button, and fill in the applicable information. Choose to follow publicly. This option is great if you have a blogger or google account (both are free). When you log into your account, you can view any new posts that I have written.

Also, don't be shy about leaving comments about/on my blog posts. It is nice to know that someone out there is reading what I am writing! This is a blog, and you are supposed to leave your thoughts, comments, feedback, or anything else that you feel like. So, now you know how to make your self known. What are you waiting for?


Thursday, September 17, 2009

Britax Marathon CS Giveaway

Brandy: Jolly Mom http://www.jollymom.com/2009/09/britax-marathon-cs-car-seat-review.html and Britax http://www.britaxusa.com/ have paired up to offer a fabulous giveaway! They are offering a Britax Marathon CS, retail value $299.99 to one of Jolly Mom's readers. Just visit the link to Jolly Mom's blog, and follow the instructions to enter. The giveaway ends October 7th at 11:59 PM EST, so hurry and get your entry in! I have had really good luck with winning giveaways, but I have yet to win a high dollar item yet. I think I am due!

Go Graham Go www.gograhamgo.com is also giving away the same car seat as Jolly Mom - a Britax Marathon CS! Now you have double the chance to win if you enter on both blogs!


Wednesday, September 16, 2009

So Apparently I Snore Now...

Brandy: Brian has informed me that I have started to snore/whimper in my sleep every night now. Apparently on the inhale I snore, and on the exhale I let out some kind of whine/whimper? I am choosing not to believe it until I get some sort of proof. If it is true, we can just call this payback for all of the nights Brian has kept me up with his snoring. Truth be told, I have been a little stuffy lately. At least this is a side effect of pregnancy that is not bothering me. I have been sleeping pretty well for the most part. I do have to get up every 1-2 hours to pee, but I usually go right back to sleep.
Including the snoring, my pregnancy symptoms have been pretty textbook... heartburn/acid reflux, some lower back pain (that my chiropractor fixes/ I heart Dr Durkee), last week my ribs started hurting REALLY badly... apparently my belly has squished everything up enough that my ribs have started to push out and up...hmmm what else.... I have developed skin tags on my neck and along the area where my bra strap sits. I think that is about it. Isn't that enough? My ribs are the only thing that I can really complain about right now. They really hurt a lot!
Things are going really well. My little bun in the oven is super active! I keep warning Brian that this baby is going to have his energy level. If this is true, we are both in trouble! I swear that the baby throws parties in my belly. I wish I was invited...
I have some important dates coming up soon - Monday 9/21 is my 28 week prenatal appointment (3rd trimester already!) and glucose testing, Wednesday 9/23 is my follow up sonogram to re-check my placenta and the baby's heart, next weekend is our trip to Houston for my first shower and Monday 9/28 is our 3D sonogram! I can't wait to get a glimpse of what our little one looks like. We are getting it done at El Centro College. They have a sonography school, and they offer 3D sonograms for only $30! The price even includes a CD with pictures on it. Considering that most places charge $200-$300 for a 3D sono and you might not get a good picture, this is a fantastic deal! If you are in the Dallas area, it is definitely worth checking out! That is about it for now. I will be checking in a lot over the next couple of weeks to update you on all of the exciting things coming up!


Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Did you get your invitation yet?

Brandy: The invites for the Houston shower went out last week. Some people received them as early as Saturday, and some people still do not have them. It seems there is something fishy going on with the mail service in Houston right now. So, I am going to post a copy of the invite so you can have the information, and RSVP on time!






Thursday, September 10, 2009

3rd Pediatrician Interview & Houston Shower

Brandy: This morning Brian and I interviewed a 3rd pediatrician, Dr. Agrawal. I really like her! She is in a solo practice, has separate well and sick exam rooms, and was just overall a really pleasant person. Dr Agrawal was pretty in line with Dr Linderman (the 1st doctor I interviewed). I think I am giving her an edge though because of her background. She is Indian, and has a different outlook than most Western doctors. I think she brings to the table a different perspective, a certain open-mindedness you don't always see. She does not want to over prescribe antibiotics, and wants to give the body a chance to fend off the nasties before introducing drugs to the mix. I am totally okay with this, as it seems like antibiotics are totally over-prescribed these days. I don't want my baby to be immune to medication because it was handed out too readily. I think that Brian and I will make a decision soon, and I don't think I will need to interview any more doctors.


So, the Houston shower is on Saturday, September 26th from 3-5. Invitations have been mailed out, so keep keep an eye on your mail box! Please remember to RSVP by the 18th. You should be getting the hard copy of the invite in the mail any day. I can't wait to see everyone!


Tuesday, September 8, 2009

97 Days Left!

Brandy: This weekend was a busy one. I was on vacation Friday, and Monday was a company holiday. So, I had a 4 day weekend to pack with activities. Thursday evening, we ran a few errands to look for items for the nursery. Friday morning, I saw a chiropractor for the first time. Her name is Dr. Durkee. She was recommended by a friend, and she is certified in several prenatal techniques. It is covered by insurance, which is a bonus! She basically adjusts me to help relieve pain, and to make sure everything is aligned properly so the baby has as much room as possible (which allows it to move into the proper position). I will be seeing her every two weeks until the end of my pregnancy, when it will increase to weekly visits. After that appointment, Brian and I interviewed another pediatrician. This doctor, Dr. Straughn, was really nice. The only thing I did not really like about him is that he does not give any leniency when it comes to vaccinations. He basically said if you want to spread them out, or skip them, you need to find another doctor. I don't know what I want to do yet, but I want to keep my options open. Plus, he is located in Medical City, which was kind of a pain. You have to pay for parking and the office does not validate. I have one more doctor to interview on Thursday morning. We will see how that one goes, and hopefully make a decision from there. So, back to our adventure... After we met with Dr. Straughn, Brian and I had lunch at Texadelphia. Yummy! We went and picked up his mom after that and headed up to Allen Outlets. I had way too much fun at the Carter's Outlet, while Brian walked his mom around to other stores so she would not see my purchases! I really LOVE Carter's. They have the cutest clothes, and if you sign up for their email list they send coupons ALL the time. On the way back from Allen, we stopped at Target, Costco and finally went to Dinner with Brian's mom. By the time we dropped her off and got home, it was almost 8. I had been running around all day, and my feet and ankles were showing it! My feet were swollen for the first time during pregnancy. I soaked in the bath for a while, and then propped my feet up in bed while I watched TV. By the next morning, they were back to normal. Saturday I took it pretty easy. In the morning I went to prenatal yoga, which I always look forward to. After that, Brian and I went grocery shopping. After that, I took a much needed nap! We stayed at home the rest of the day, cooked dinner, watched a documentary, and basically took it easy. Sunday we pretty much stayed home all day and took it easy too. Monday, I revved things back up, and tried to get some stuff accomplished before the holiday was over. Brian and I finally organized the guest room, and went through the closets of the nursery. They are now cleaned out and ready to be filled with Baby Markey's belongings! After that, one of our kitties started showing signs of a UTI, so we took her to the vet for antibiotics. She is very prone to UTI's and we wanted to nip it in the bud. Get better soon Pepper! Last night we cooked a new recipe for dinner - Rustic Lemon and Onion Chicken Breast with homemade Potatoes Au Gratin. It was really good! Needless to say, we did get a lot accomplished over the long weekend. I ordered the baby's bedding and matching nursery decorations. They should be delivered tomorrow. http://www.babysupermall.com/main/products/car/carc201bed4.html. To go with the elephant decor, I also ordered some prints of some pictures we took in Thailand to hang on the walls. We got a new light fixture for the nusery, and curtain rods for the window valances. I can't wait to put everything together!!! I still need to order the mattress. We decided to go organic, and Brian's mom has generously offered to purchase it for us! Thanks Joan!http://www.fawnandforest.com/designers/153/products/1924-naturepedic-seamless-organic-cotton-ultra-crib-mattress. Today was back to reality... I am ready for the weekend already!