35 Weeks

So, we've made it this far in our pregnancy, but not without a few bumps in the road. Let me just say, this is not how I saw things going when we planned to get pregnant! At 33 weeks, I was admitted to our local hospital, where I work, because my blood pressure was elevated and I was having some contractions. After about 2 days there, they had stopped the contractions and administered a full cycle of steroids to help Pickle develop should we have to deliver early, and I was discharged to home on bedrest... so officially no more work for me until after Pickle makes an appearance in the outside world.
I had an appointment for a Non-stress Test the day after I was discharged, so I went in for that, and started vomiting and my blood pressure spiked, so back into the hospital I went. The end result of that was me being shipped to Tucson via ambulance with mild preeclampsia, and being told at the time that we may have to deliver the baby at 34 weeks.
And, here we are, at 35 weeks, still pregnant, still at TMC, and being told that I am "super stable," and that I will be here, on bedrest, until they deliver the baby at 37 weeks unless something goes downhill. Last unltrasound said Pickle is around 5 pounds 13 ounces. And, after all this bedrest, I have ankles again (still swollen, though).
Thomas is still working, of course, but has cut back on his hours a little so he can come to Tucson at the end of the week to be with me, which is wonderful, because I miss him so much. My family has come to visit quite a bit, also, they keep me from getting too lonely up here.
For now, though, with my super stable status, I am being the best incubator I can be, and I know it will be totally worth it when I see this little boy for the first time.

Still no great pics...

but if you could have seen him in person, you would have seen what looks much more like a baby now at the ultrasound today (sweet chubby cheeks, the works). I think he may have Thomas' nose. Thomas could see the screen a little better than me, but I guess I'll get to see him in person soon enough. We're at 32 weeks now, so not long to go! According to the ultrasound tech and her extensive technology, Pickle is already weighing in at roughly 4 pounds 8 ounces. And, Dr. Tran says I'm measuring at 34 weeks, so looks like we may have a big baby on our hands. Only time will tell.

Now, speaking of time, I'm not sure I fully realized how long 40 weeks can be to anticipate the birth of a child. Especially in light of all that pregnancy puts your body through during those 40 weeks. Most of it I expected (nausea, weight gain), but I was not prepared for the fatigue and the swelling. I'm sure I had heard about them in passing, and didn't give them much thought, but they are a pretty big deal here at the end of this pregnancy. There are so many things I want to get done every day, even fun things, but all too often a good long nap wins out. And the swelling will go down part of the way overnight, but one hour out of bed and I'm the Michelin Man again. I hate that I can't wear my wedding ring, and even my nose is swollen. My nose!

Not that I'm complaining (ok, maybe a little). I fully realize what the purpose here is, and look forward to seeing my little miracle very soon. And I would do it all again. My favorite thing about pregnancy? Feeling him kick and move and squirm inside my belly. It's like our own little reassuring form of communication. But I am so ready to have a beautiful, healthy baby in my arms and not be pregnant anymore. This waiting is killer!

By the way, Thomas just asked me if I had ever mentioned (which I didn't because it happened during that long dormancy this fall/winter) that he passed his test and is now an LSIT (land surveryor in training). So proud of him! My man is goin' places!

For those feeling cheated...

Here is the 20 week ultrasound pic, which Thomas swears he scanned long ago and I just didn't look hard enough for.

As you can see, not a very photogenic child thus far, but we think he's darling, and hold high hopes for a great picture of him someday, maybe when he's not surrounded in fluid.

Also, I would like to give a special shout out to Jennie and Josh Clonts who finally had their beautiful baby girl yesterday! A huge congratulations to them, and many blessings to their expanding family. If Thomas wasn't feeling under the weather, I could be over there playing with the sweet girl!

Back from Dormancy

Wow, are we bad at updating, or what? Once again, though, no worries, you haven't missed too much. I think we just go dormant for the winter. *wink*

And, in case you were wondering where all that time at home with nothing to do gets you, here's a peek at what we're expecting in July...

This was at about 12 weeks into the pregnancy, and he looks a bit like an alien here, but this is Pickle, so called because he resides inside the Pickle Barrel (that's me, a part of a nickname given to me in childhood). You'll note I said he, because the 20 week ultrasound (haven't scanned the pictures yet, sorry) showed we are expecting a healthy baby boy, and he should arrive sometime around July 24th. Now, here we are at 29 weeks into the pregnancy, and I really hope there is nobody major we forgot to tell, lest you be super shocked as you read this post!

Took Mom to the two D-Backs games this weekend for Mother's Day, and had a blast! I absolutely love our seats.

So, guess we will try to update more, especially with a little one on the way!

I own season tickets!

Been so long since I last posted, sorry about that, guess I was a little preoccupied. Don't feel cheated, you didn't miss much!

So, we are now the proud owners of D-Backs 2009 weekend season tickets - 4 seats! So excited! We also own tickets to all of the prospective postseason home games for this year, but looks like our money may be refunded, since the D-backs appear to have decided that they don't want to play into October. At least they havn't been playing like the championship team I know they can be! Pick it up, guys!

Last weekend, labor day, we had a flash flood - we're talking washes running, roads washed away, and one big hole in my yard:

Hot mamas Kiley and Ashley were in town this weekend, so much fun! Reminded me how much I miss them and want to see them more often.

Dad celebrated his 61st birthday this week! Did I mention he is in remission? Happy Birthday, Dad!

Durango

Such an amazing getaway, just a little late with the post! So, at the end of May, we made our way to Durango, CO, to stay in the Rincon Lodge that Grammy rented for the week. Gorgeous lodge, gorgeous surroundings, the works. We went fishing, took a day trip to Silverton, and wandered around town a little to hit up some of our favirite haunts. By far the best part of the trip was whitewater rafting down the Animas River, and so cool that everyone came along with us for that! As always, here are some pics:

Quick Shout-Out

Dad is in Remission! He found out on the 24th of April, and he is done with his chemo treatments! Some preventative radiation this summer and he's good to go! Woo-hoo!

It's been Awhile!

After a busy holiday season and new year, I won't even try to catch up on everything... I'll just start from here!
A couple of weeks ago, we proudly walked with Mom in the Susan G. Komen Southeastern Arizona Race for the Cure. Such an amazing and fun gathering, with a sea of people in attendance! At the finish line, Mom received her survivor medal, the perfect ending to her cancer story. We decided we're going to make this race a yearly event for our family!

From there, Thom and I continued on to Phoenix for the D-Backs Home Opener. And our seats were amazing, thanks again, Dad! Perfect place to watch my man Byrnes in left field! That's right folks, baseball is back, and we are lovin' how the season has started off!

Tess and Smokey have a new friend, Bandit, whom we are certain they will get along with someday!

Oh, one lase thing! Thom had his collar bone surgically repaired in December (plate, pins, and a bone graft), and was cleared recently by Dr. Bryce to go 100% with that arm!

ANYBODY, ANYTIME!!!

There's only one October, and our boys are gonna be there! That's right, our D-Backs have clinched their spot in the post season!!! We were on the edge of our seats watching the end of the game tonight, and Papa Grande made it interesting as usual, but we are celebratin' now!!! Next step: go for the best record in the National League and capture the NL West title, then it's off to the post season we go... for sure!!! Time to bring home more hardware, boys! Go D-Backs!

Ignacio Bike Week

So, last week at this time we were driving home after the complete blast that was Ignacio Bike Week / the Four Corners Rally. Such beautiful rides and scenery (with a few notably bumpy roads), and so many bikes! Zach invited us to go (he had been the last 2 years with his dad) and we were in a group of about 20 bikes, some staying in cabins and the rest of us camping. Our butts were aching after the 12 hour ride up to Durango, CO, but that got better over the 5 day trip. I think Thomas put something like 1300-1400 miles on the bike, and I was on the back for all of it except the trip home on Labor Day (I drove the chase vehicle with Zach's somewhat altered bike on the trailer in back). Cannot wait to go again next year (hurry and get that bike fixed, Zach)!!!

Check Her Out!

Ok, ladies and gentlemen, we are so proud of this girl! While in Phoenix for a D-backs game a couple weeks ago, we dropped by to see Kiley's new Skechers Store at the new Tempe Marketplace (awesome new shopping district). And when I say Kiley's new store, I mean she is the head honcho, and she fits there so perfectly! So, next time you are in Tempe, swing by and support this amazing woman, she so deserves it! We love you, cutie!

Western Caribbean

Ok, we've been back for like 3 weeks now, so we're a little late in getting this posted, but our cruise to the Western Caribbean was a blast! We sailed on the Carnival Liberty for 8 days over those pristine blue waters thanks to Grammy! Thomas and I snorkeled on the second largest barrier reef in the world, then ejoyed the sun at Uvero beach in Costa Maya. In Costa Rica we visited the sloth sanctuary (with adults and babies) and hiked/rowed through the rain forest during (gasp!) a rain storm! We visited the pirate village of Portobelo in Panama, with its coral forts (original canons!) and Black Christ Church, then cruised over to the the Gatun Locks of that well known Canal. When it was time to debark the ship, we has some time in Florida to ride on a fan boat through the Everglades and see some 'gators. Plenty of time at sea on this cruise, too, so there was loads of opportunity to have fun onboard!