Sunday, September 24, 2006

Grandma Laura's Baby Shower

Grandma Laura threw Baby James a wonderful baby shower! The women of the family came through with wonderful, thoughtful gifts. James is so lucky! He received blankets, toys, clothing, crib sheets, a sleepsack, etc! And did you see the picture of the Vikings Diaper cake?! Auntie Kathy must have worked so hard on that thing! She's so creative- I didn't know this! Jim got a really big kick out of the Vikings accessories :)

It had been a rainy weekend until Sunday- the sun came out for Baby James! It was a beautiful day for the guests to see Laura's duck/geese/egret pond. Her house is looking great- new furniture and fireplaces! And she has a North Woods themed bathroom- complete with hooting owl! It was so funny because the shower guests kept thinking it was a crying baby but it was the owl :)

Oh yes, the food! How could I forget the fresh Honeycrisp apples and caramel from the apple orchard? And all sorts of goodies for snacking and lunch.

Sorry if this is random, I'm just remembering all the little details of the day. Last thing I'm going to add is that Baby Marshall (Jim's 3rd cousin?) made an appearance at the shower. Marshall is nearly three months and a great baby. Its so cute how babies can entertain themselves by just playing with their own feet! He came to the shower in his own Vikings outfit. Jim was happy to see this. Jim also mentioned that it was nice to observe a real live baby and how good he was. We're hopeful that James will have the same easygoing personality!

Its been a long day and I'm going to close this. Thanks to Grandma Laura and Aunt Kathy for a great shower and a wonderful day!

From Jim & Lisa, for Baby James!

Shower pictures to come later! Check back soon.
Weekly hospital appointment update after Tuesday too.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

A sack of sugar!

James might already be as big as a 5 lb sack of sugar! Holy! I had my first weekly appointment at the hospital this morning. First, I had an ultrasound where they did a series of measurements (weight/length estimate, "practice" breathing movements, regular movement, heartbeat, etc). James got a score of 8 out of 8, whatever that means! This is when the ultrasound tech told me that he was measuring ahead weight-wise at 35 weeks, 5 lbs and something ounces. I didn't hear the ounces because I was in shock. I hope this isn't bad news. I won't see my doctor until next Friday where I'm sure I'll hear more about what this means.

I asked the ultrasound tech about printing out more ultrasound pictures but there wasn't a good opportunity this time. She said next week we'll try again. She couldn't get a good shot of his face/head because his arm was resting across his face.

The next part of the appointment was up in the Labor & Delivery area of the hospital. I was put in a hospital room, told to lie on the bed, and they hooked me up to two monitors- James heartbeat and then to check for contractions. James doesn't move around much in the morning and they found that out for sure. Half an hour into the monitoring they made me drink a lemon-lime soda to get him moving around. It worked for a little bit. They monitored me for a total of 90 minutes and then said everything was okay.

I've just recently started feeling James' hiccups and they were able to hear them on the heartbeat monitor too. Everytime he hiccuped, the monitor went a little crazy. It was cute :)

So no part of the appointment was terrible. I wasn't expecting it to be but its nice to get used to the hospital and/or the nurses. Everyone was very nice and friendly. The only bad thing is that I now feel very groggy (soda?) and tired from laying around for 2 1/2 hours.

I'm so hungry all the time. I haven't really cheated too much on my diet, but now I know that I can't even have a bite of Jim's Dairy Queen anymore :( James might get too big.

Upcoming: We're almost done with James' nursery! We just have to put together the dresser and hang the curtains. All the big things are done! Now all we need are diapers and things like that! WOW!

Thursday, September 14, 2006

32 week appointment update

Everything is well! Baby James is measuring normally and the heartbeat was strong. My blood levels satisfied the doctor, she said that I wouldn't have to be put on any additional medication (insulin) because diet seems to be controlling my levels. I'm so glad! I've truly been good with my diet. No huge cheats.

I had a one pound weight gain from my last appointment. This means that I've only gained one pound in the last two months because I didn't have a weight gain at my last monthly appointment. My dear Mother is just in disbelief. The doctor said that for some women the significant weight gain is in the 2nd trimester and not the 3rd. I guess this must be the case with me.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

From James Tauer Sr. aka "Daddy"

Hello everyone,
I just wanted to take this opportunity to offer my thanks to all of you who attended the baby shower this past weekend, and also for all the gifts we received from Lisa's family and friends from out of state. Lisa and I are so grateful for all of the wonderful gifts you have given and that you took time out of your busy schedules to help celebrate the upcoming birth of James. I have to say I did have a few favorite gifts - the "Baby Bjorn" carrier (I plan on using this extensively), the two beautiful baby blankets that Ana hand-knitted (James will be toasty warm this winter), and the Vikings outfit and little football. Of course I can't wait for the day when James and I can be relaxing on the couch catching a Vikings game together :)
Lisa and I will be extremely busy now over the final weeks before James' arrival. We'll be getting all the baby stuff assembled (furniture, car seat, stroller, etc.), getting the house/nursery finished up, and attending our final baby/birth classes.
I am extremely happy, excited and proud to have a wonderful home, family and friends for James to come home to. Thanks again for everyone's love, generosity and support, it is greatly appreciated!!!

-Jim

Monday, September 11, 2006

Baby Shower and Nursery Update

I had my first baby shower on Saturday at my sister Ana's house. She always throws a fabulous party. (Yay to Rich for his grilling skillz.) I think everyone was impressed by her creative games and then parting gift/favor. There was a onesie decorating contest (Winner: Kari!) and Baby Bingo... and then guests left with a "Bun in the Oven". These were boxes decorated to look like ovens, with a mini-cinnabon inside. The tag inside said, "Thanks for celebrating Lisa's 'bun in the oven'..." My friends/co-workers were still talking about them today :)

This family is very lucky to have so many people who love James already. He is a very lucky boy! We received many, many gifts. Everyone was very generous and wonderful to us. We loved everything. Jim was seriously overwhelmed when I came home with a SUV-full of great gifts. I'm having a lot of fun planning and putting away the gifts. I put together the changing table last night just to get the nursery looking a bit more complete. Its getting there! We still have to buy a dresser (soon!), curtains, hang up the quilt on the wall (part of the decor), and Pappy Larry is building a toy chest!

Baby James has been really active today. Since I've started my GD diet, his movements have slowed down and felt fainter. I've read this is common for this time of a pregnancy anyway, but I figured it was also because I was eating/drinking less sugar. But last night and today I've received some hard kicks. I enjoy them :)

I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday. At this appointment I'm scheduling my WEEKLY appointments. The nurse told me to choose a convenient day for these 2-4 hour appointments. 4 hours? I guess it could depend on how cooperative James is. I'll be monitored for James' heartbeat, movements, and then possible contractions. At some time I also have other ultrasounds. I guess I'll have to wait and see what these appointments are exactly. I'm only getting fuzzy details by phone.

Thank you for reading this! I hope you visit the updated Baby Album and Baby Shower Album too. I added a few more pictures.

Wednesday, September 6, 2006

Dietician appointment

Happy 2nd day of school to me! I've had an easy time, I don't do much at the beginning of school year because everyone is getting used to being back in classes, etc. I just hang out and help when I can.

I had a Dietician appointment yesterday to give me some guidance with my new and improved diet. I've been keeping a food journal for the past week and a half and she looked that over. She said I'm doing very well! The only adjustment she made was to my breakfasts because I was consuming too many carbs (even though my blood tests weren't high).

She also said that if I ever did test high after a meal, that a simple walk around the block (or two) would bring my levels down to normal. I would test again after the walk to make sure. (Note to self: this doesn't mean I can have ice cream and then take a walk.)

Other news: Jim and I went to our 2nd Childbirth class last night. We watched a video of 3 women's birth experiences! It wasn't shocking to me but the stories weren't as sugar-coated as the ones you'd see on the Discovery channel. I think Jim, though, was a little uncomfortable. Poor Jim. ... I am wondering about this class. I didn't feel I learned much and am thinking whether we should continue or not. I'm going to read ahead in the book and look at our upcoming schedule to see if its worth it. I feel like a bad Mom for not wanting to go to class!

Oh, at the class last night we also had the hospital tour. We saw the birthing rooms, the family waiting room, the kitchens, etc. It seemed pretty nice. It was a lot more modern than the rest of the hospital. TG!

So now I wait for the next doctor's appointment: Sept 14th, 32 weeks! I think I find out when I have my next ultrasound and biophysical profile testing.

Monday, September 4, 2006

Energy!

The past few mornings I've been waking up at 5:30 or 6:00. If you know me, you know this is unheard of. I am NOT a morning person. What I think is that because I've been eating better and watching my blood sugars, I think I have more energy and maybe my body is functioning properly! OR maybe my body is getting ready for early morning feedings and/or a fussy baby :)

I have been doing okay on my diet. I've tested high a couple of times but with explanations. I've followed a sample diet but without the exact diet from a dietician, its all guesswork. I know I tested high a couple of times because of too much food, processed food, etc. (Its been the couple of times I've eaten out.)

The only baby related thing I've done this weekend is paint wall letters for James' room. Ana & I found these letters (J-A-M-E-S) at a paper store and I used the leftover craft paint to paint them to match the nursery. I didn't go nuts, they're just solid colored.

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Week 30 updates

I'm looking forward to my upcoming baby shower not this weekend but next! I'm so happy that my sister took this on. She always is the best hostess and I'm always overwhelmed by the love and effort she puts into these kinds of things. (Isn't family wonderful!?) Its going to be a great party and I hope everyone can come! I'll be the one with the baby belly, a little embarassed and overwhelmed by the attention :)

My latest health update is that I saw a diabetic specialist this week and I am now testing my blood levels four times daily. So far, my levels are all great and perfectly normal. I feel absolutely fine but missing eating sweets! I've changed my diet according to a sample menu that I found and it seems to be working. I see the dietician next week where I'll find out even more about my diet and what changes I need to make.

Weekend plans: Spend some sister time with Ana on Saturday, take a long walk with Jimmy (need exercise), and we have dinner plans with Roger (father-in-law) on Sunday to celebrate late birthdays

Have a great weekend!

Monday, August 28, 2006

Childbirth class

We made it through. One class down, three more to go! I think Jim was a bit uncomfortable talking about labor and delivery but he did well. The breathing exercises seemed a bit forced but I'm sure they'll come in handy when Jim has to remind me to breathe! The other couples seemed a bit younger this time.

Next class: Birth video! More breathing exercises. Hospital tour and registration.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Jim is a swaddling fool!

We had our All About Babies class yesterday at Unity Hospital. There were about 10 other couples and we were each given a fake baby, a little bath tub, receiving blankets, etc. We practiced how to diaper, give a baby a bath, and learned how to swaddle the baby. Jim didn't think the class would be so interactive- I guess he thought it would be a lecture only. Ha!

It was so cute because when we first got to the class Jim had to sign us up and adopt our fake baby. He came back with the BIGGEST baby and I made him take it back. The baby was probably 5 months size. It was a little scary and intimidating looking. I guess he chose that baby because it was a "brown baby" like ours will be :)

The other news is that I have a diabetic appointment on Wednesday at the hospital. I will meet with a doctor (or other specialist) and they'll show me how to use the blood meter to test my blood 4 times a day. I've read that you test your blood right away in the morning (after nighttime sleep/fasting), 1 hour after breakfast, lunch and dinner. I'll learn how to adjust my diet according to my levels. I guess I'll find out most of my information on Wednesday.

So far I've been eating better and I've cut out sweets. I've felt fine. I feel hungry all the time though and I don't know if I should be eating constantly. I've read that women with GD usually stick to very strict meals and scheduled snacks. I don't think the diet says anything about ice cream or chocolate :( Just kidding- I'll live.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

29 weeks today and GD results

Well, I have something to report. I did test positive for gestational diabetes. My levels were just barely normal after fasting for 12 hours, but after the glucose drink my levels were 20-30 points higher than the maximum norm. (They drew blood three times after the initial "fasting" bloodwork.) UGH.

The earliest I can get in to see the dietician is September 5th (first day of school!) and I just can't believe that they wouldn't want try to fit me in earlier. I'm a freaking out. Well, I know I can just be strict with myself and eat totally healthy. I have to give up sweets at least until I can figure out how my sugar levels work. I've read that an occasional, very small treat is okay if you follow with exercise or certain combos of food. Anyway, tomorrow I have to pick up my Rx for a monitoring/meter system. I'm assuming I'm testing my own blood 4x a day. My doctor's appointments also get upped to weekly after 32 weeks and I get more ultrasounds and biophysical monitoring. I'm supposed to get more information later next week from the doctor when she returns from her vacation/absence.

Well, I expect to feel better after I change my diet. I probably will have more energy. I haven't been bad or dragging too much, but maybe I'll see significant changes?

Thanks for reading this! No worries!

Weekend plans: We have our first Baby class on Saturday! We will learn how to diaper, feed, and care for our Baby. (I know my little sister Kristina is thinking, THANK GOD! She is so worried about our lack of experience :P)

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Additional glucose testing

After fasting for 12 hours (ugh!) I had to undergo additional glucose tests for three hours. They first took blood to test before I drank the glucose drink, and then they were able to compare those results with the THREE other blood tests. I literally sat in the doctor's office for 3 hours, giving blood every hour on the hour. The glucose drink made me nauseous and groggy.

I still don't have the test results. I called today to ask about them but the doctor isn't in the office all week! I have to wait?!?!!

Thursday, August 17, 2006

28 weeks today! and GD Test results

I am 28 weeks today! Starting my seventh month. WOW!

My doctor's appointment today consisted of a blood test after I drank a glucose drink (yuck). They tested my blood for glucose and gestational diabetes. Unfortunately my glucose levels were high and I will need to take another detailed test to determine if I really have gestational diabetes. The doctor was already talking like I do have GD and how I will have to change my diet.

I'm going to try and not worry until I know for sure. Really, I will have to change my diet and exercise. The doctor would then watch me closely and I would have appointments every two weeks starting immediately. I might even need to give myself insulin shots if I have GD badly.

Some of this does make sense. I am known in my family for having low blood sugar (or whatever), requiring frequent snacks to prevent the shakes/mood swings. I thought this was better for me since I became pregnant... ?

Weekend plans: baby shopping? Relax :)

Sunday, August 13, 2006

The Nursery and painting

PART ONE, 9 am
Jim and I started the painting last night. It was surprisingly fast and easy. We traced the monkey, crocodile, and giraffe the night before. We're almost done painting and then we'll outline the animals with paint pens. We're only doing the three animals, not knowing what else we'll fill the walls with. I'm imagining book shelves, a toy chest, my shadow boxed teddy bear (MY childhood teddy bear, Brownie), etc. We figured that we don't want to overwhelm the nursery with too much, at least not at first!

Grandma Laura came over last night to see our work and to drop off some unexpected, early baby shower gifts. It was like Christmas in August :) I'm glad I was able to give her her gift of cookies (monthly cookies from Christmas promise/gift)- I hope they were an adequate exchange :)

Please see the Nursery pictures in "My Baby Albums" to see our progress. Finished pictures will go up later today. Yay!


PART TWO, Noonish
We finished! Please see our finished pictures in the "My Baby Albums" section. Our wall animals are complete, the crib is made up, and our new car seat is sitting in the corner of our nursery now. (Thanks Laura for the car seat and mattress!)

Jim said, "I would like to play in this room." I guess that's how friendly the nursery is now :)

Next: Purchasing the changing table, buying/putting up curtains, and hanging the quilt on the wall.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

27 weeks today!

I am 27 weeks today! One of my pregnancy books says that I'm in my third trimester. Even if I'm not, I'm really close to it :)

No significant changes with me. I am feeling healthy and having an easy pregnancy. I'm still very thankful for this. I'm just starting to feel awkward and fat, though officially my weight gain is around 12-13 pounds so far. I'm probably right on target.

I'm feeling Baby James kicking a lot more. Just now I sat and felt some hard kicks to my upper stomach. I'm enjoying them, but I doubt I will when he tries to do it at 3am! So far my sleep is unaffected :)