2011 Cutest Baby Contest

Please vote for EJ!


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Life with baby EJ

I can't believe our little miracle was born on September 7 at 7:12pm. He weighed 6 pounds 3.8 ounces and was 18 3/4 inches long. We love him dearly and can't get enough of him. While I'm sure most mothers are annoyed with their sleep deprivation by this point, I am happy because each minute less I sleep is one minute more I get to be with him. He is sleeping anywhere from 1-4 hours at a time, so our sleep schedules are quite off. I wouldn't trade it for anything. He is almost 4 weeks old already-boy does the the time fly by! Here's a recap of what's been happening in his life since he was born:

One week- EJ took several walks with Mommy, Daddy and Auntie Amanda. It tried to rain on us one time, but we were thankful for the visors so EJ didn't get wet. Mommy overdid it a little and was reminded by daddy and her doctor to cool it. That just meant Auntie Amanda and Daddy could take EJ for a walk by themselves. I never thought I could be so protective. Ask me about the requirements given to Chris for him to take EJ out of the home for 30 minutes without me. ;) EJ also enjoyed his first bath at home. He LOVED having his hair washed. His Auntie Amanda helped with the second bath and he began his schedule of baths every Wednesday and Saturday nights. The only adventure in the car was to a doctor's appointment when he was a week old. EJ weighed 6 pounds 2 ounces at that appointment and doctor told us to keep up the good work. 

Two weeks- EJ enjoyed more walks and baths as he did the last week. He also ventured out to Neighbor's Cafe for some tasty food. Shelly even held him and told him she would buy him his first Mickey Mouse pancake. They share a birthday, so that made it even more special. EJ had another doctor's appointment for his two week check-up and he passed with flying colors. He weighed 6 pounds 3.4 ounces, so the doctor was happy. He said he wanted him to have another weight check in a week and wanted him to gain at least 6 ounces. EJ also enjoyed his first play date with Miss Emily and Master Cooper. I'm not really sure he knew what was going on, but Cooper was a big help with trying to feed him and it gave him some practice for the arrival of his little brother in January/February. Mommy and EJ survived his first trip alone somewhere with just mommy. Mommy was a little nervous about taking him somewhere alone, but it was nice to get out of the house and enjoy the weather at the park with a friend. EJ also made a trip to the Bookshelf to have his copy of Murder at St. Alfanus signed by his cousin, Todd Vogts. Of course he was able to see some family there and enjoyed the warmer weather again. EJ also had his first trip to Nana and Grandpa Shafer's house and slept until 5 minutes before we were leaving. The funny part of the week was when EJ decided to pee right off the side of the changing mat. Then mommy tried to change him again a little later and he peed right on his face. I wish I had the camera to capture the look he made, but I can assure you he didn't like it. Oh, and he made his first trip to Walmart too.

Three weeks- EJ had a weigh in at the doctor and he is up to 6 pounds 10 ounces. He heard (not watched-or shall I say slept through?) his first movies: Bridesmaids, No Strings Attached, and Love and Other Drugs. EJ ventured to Grammy and Papa Walther's house and even met a family friend, Lynne Price, while he was there. Angel had to check him out, but I'm pretty sure she approved. He made his first trip to Dillons, and thankfully slept the whole time. EJ also went to church for the first time with mommy on Sunday morning. He enjoyed the trumpet solo and the bell choirs. The children's bell choir even played Jesus Loves Me, so mommy sang along for him since he knows the song so well already. Then off he went to fellowship lunch at Nana and Grandpa Shafer's church in Galva. So many people greeted him with open arms there and tons of hugs. 

It's still just so hard to believe he is already here after waiting what seemed like forever for his arrival. I'll try to keep you posted on his firsts and other activities each week. Hope you have a great day. =)

High Risk Doctor's Appointment

Well...here it goes. The appointment started out pretty well with having the ultrasound first and being able to see our little one on a big screen tv as he/she waved hello at us. Then they moved us to an exam room where we waited for the doctor, and waited, and waited. The doctor was very nice and apologized for taking so long. Then I heard good news that I wouldn't have to have the Lovenox shots I had been dreading.  
Unfortunately, the good news quickly turned to not so pleasant news as he changed his mind and said I needed to do the Lovenox shots. I had to have bloodwork taken which is an entirely separate story (waited almost an hour to find out that lab didn't do that test, so had to drive across town to wait longer and get stuck twice because I "wasn't bleeding much"-whatever!). I felt myself wanting to run from the room when he started talking about my morbidity with DVTs and how much I am at risk for miscarriage if I do or don't do the Lovenox. I knew I was about to start crying, so I tried to just shut that out of my mind. I know they have to tell you everything because you have to be informed, but I am already nervous enough and I simply didn't want to hear that.

Now we sit and wait for the test results to come back in a week to two weeks to find out if I will have to have two shots per day (therapeutic) of Lovenox or if I can remain on the one shot per day (prophylactic). I will then have to switch to Heparin at 35 weeks and that will be two shots per day. Then after the delivery I go back on Lovenox for at least six weeks. While the shots themselves don't bother me, it's the effects of them on my belly because I pretty much look like a drug addict shooting up in my stomach. I know it's the best thing for both me and baby, but it's still not any fun. Trying to keep a positive look on things, because I know it could be so much worse. If these tests do come back positive, it will mean Coumadin for the rest of my life.

Who knew that ten years after all my heart cath stuff and blood clots that this would be rearing it's ugly head again. I am thankful to be alive. I have the awesome opportunity to help care for people who are going through the exact same thing I did ten years ago. It is a pretty amazing feeling. I do think I will empathize again a little more with my patients each time I have to give them a Lovenox shot. I have already told them that I have had these shots before and I know how they can burn. I'm not quite sure they believe me, but it makes me feel a little better to let them know that I don't enjoy sticking people, but I know the benefit outweighs the risk. 

Well, I think I will try to go back to sleep for a little bit. I've enjoyed three days off and now I go back to work tonight. Check out the most recent sono pictures from yesterday on my fb. They really do look like a baby now. He/she is standing on it's head. So silly already. We go to see the regular OB next Friday, so will post more info after that.

Mommy-to-be,
Angela =)

Tomorrow

Hello all! Sorry I haven't posted anything since our first ob appointment. Guess I left you hanging there. We were able to see the heartbeat, but weren't able to hear it yet. I was absolutely fine with that though because the doctor said it was a good, strong heartbeat. Precious words to my ears. Doctor just kept saying how cute it was and printed two pictures for us. 

We go to see the high risk doctor tomorrow because of my previous blood clots. Can't believe they have been with me for so long, but as long as they are not moving, I am a happy person. I have a full day planned of lunch with a friend and dinner with my in-laws to keep me occupied so I don't have to anticipate the appointment tomorrow morning so much. It's exciting to know we will get to see the baby again (and hopefully it will look like a baby now), but kind of scary to think of what news it might bring. I might have to go on Lovenox shots for the remainder of my pregnancy and I am not looking forward to that. Please keep us in your thoughts tomorrow and I will post information sometime after the appointment.  

Well, I had better try to go back to sleep. It's still pretty early and I have a normal day planned today. Hope everyone has a great one!

Mommy-to-be,
Angela =)

Today is the day!

I really didn't think I would ever make it to today. I'm so excited because at 3pm we have our first OB appointment...that means we get to see and hear our baby for the first time. I simply cannot describe how happy I am! While I am ready to have energy and not feel sick anymore, I wouldn't trade our growing baby for anything.

I've tried to explain to our other babies (Minnie and Jack) that mommy has a baby in her belly and they can't jump on me anymore. I don't think they have a clue. They continue to be silly as usual. I think they will be a big help to wake Chris up in the middle of the night while I am at work to give him a look of shut that thing up. Just wish I could capture it on film. =) I do believe they love the extra sleeping time with mommy. Minnie is my little heater and she gets all snuggled up with me on my body pillow. She loves being mommy's princess. Jack on the other hand loves his time with his food bowl. If Minnie is getting too much attention though, he feels the need to jump right in the way and move my hand so it will pet him. When they play it is so cute though and they are going to be quite the great older siblings. ;)

Not much else to say at this point. Chris and I are hoping to make it to Olive Garden for lunch before we head to our appointment. Since I work the night before my birthday, we are going to celebrate it today at lunch with my favorite dish. Can't wait to get back and post pictures. Check back on facebook tonight to see the little one-he/she is the size of a raspberry right now and weighs that of a paper clip. Only 32 weeks to go-we can do this! Enjoy your day because I know mine will be fantastic.

Mommy-to-be,
Angela =)

Vomiting...ugh!

So I spent my night on Wednesday trying to keep myself from vomiting. I'm not enjoying this part of the pregnancy, but I know it could be so much worse. Thankfully it finally calmed down and I was able to eat some minestrone soup and crackers after the apple juice and crackers had stayed down for an hour. I'm ready for the time when I eat everything in sight. I should mention that I was able to eat a chocolate donut I picked up in the garden cafe on my way out the door. I had seen a girl with one and had to find a donut store. So thankful we had one downstairs and I didn't have to venture out in the cold anymore than usual.

On another note, Chris and I get to spend the whole day together. Can't believe we both have the same two days off. He's getting ready to go on vacation with his dad to Colorado for skiing while I stay home and take care of the babies. While I will miss him, it means I can make chili and eat canteloupe and all things he doesn't like. 

Better go for now. Enjoy your day. I'm going to try to make the best of mine.

Mommy-to-be,

Angela =)

P.S. Only 11 days until we get to see/hear our baby and 14 days until my birthday. What a great present! =)

Tired

I went to sleep around 8:30pm last night because I was falling asleep on the couch since about 7pm. That meant I woke up around 5am this morning. Couldn't go back to sleep, so I went downstairs with the babies. I had great plans for everything I wanted to accomplish today. Doesn't look like that will happen now. I managed to make it to the store, get my car washed, and make/take lunch to Chris. I also made lunch for myself and have one load of laundry washed, but it still needs to be dried. I never would have thought I would be this tired. I seriously get tired just walking up the stairs. It's absolutely ridiculous because I sleep for so long and it's still bad. At least I have a good reason for this. I'm thankful the babies like to be lazy with me as they help to keep me warm.

Not a whole lot else is going on today. Going to pack up a box for Amanda and hopefully get it mailed off. Hope all is well with everyone. I'll try to post again tomorrow.

Angela =)