Baby Post #4

So good news on the ultrasound! I was nervous yesterday that they were scheduling me for an ultrasound/amneocentesis because I didn't know what kind of "special ultrasound" they were talking about. I googled things for a maternal history of spina bifida, and that's what I kept finding. Well, my idea of a good time is NOT having a huge needle stuck in you while you're having an ultrasound. I've had that done before post appendix problems and I blacked out from pain. Needless (or needle-less) to say, I wasn't too thrilled about the idea. So to put my mind at ease, I called the hospital today to find out EXACTLY what I was scheduled for. Turns out, no big scary needle is in my future, well, except for maybe an epidural during labor. The "special" ultrasound was really that they were having a perinatologist come in to do the ultrasound and to read it on spot so that if there were any neural tube defects, etc he would be right on hand and be able to tell Ryan and I about it, and what needed to be done, medications, future scans, etc. It also turns out that he is apparently one of the most sought out perinatologists in the state! And also, it means that we get a 3-D ultrasound out of it! Woohoo! Today was a good day, and I'm looking forward to the ultrasound. Who'dve thought that having spina bifida could actually pay off for once?

Baby Post # 3

I had my second OB visit today, and all is well! Ryan ended up getting off of work so that he could make it to the appointment and hear the babies heartbeat. It took a little bit of searching, but Dr. Ring found it, and then started laughing at how much our kid likes to move. Apparently we have a really active, healthy sounding boy or girl! I'm thrilled! I got scheduled for a "special" ultrasound on 11/14 because of my history of spina bifida, then the next appointment with Dr. Ring is on 11/28. I'm looking forward to both appointments. It should be fun to watch this kiddo grow!

Long weekend...

I had a VERY long weekend this weekend, and I don't think that I got enough sleep because of it. I woke up at 2am this morning with a pounding headache, which followed me to work. I think that it's the start of a VERY long day!

New day...

This morning is a new day. I got to start a new schedule at work which will enable me to work from 7-4, instead of 8-5. It may not seem like a huge difference, but the new schedule should get me home in time to be able to cook some dinners for Ryan finally, and to be able to get some needed rest before nearly nightly engagements. I'm really excited. Also, I've found over the past week and a half that the morning hour plus commute has been a great time of worship and prayer. This morning I happened to bring headphones to listen to some tunes at work, and when I was looking for Ryan's CD's in the car I found my little case of my favorite music! It looks like it's going to be a great day! Right now I'm listening to Casting Crown's LIFESONG and I'm so glad that I found my CD's, it makes a huge difference!

Pumpkins

A Daddy Pumpkin, a Mommy Pumpkin and a Baby Pumpkin (picked out specially by Daddy)

Do you ever...

...just want to pack up your stuff and go on a nice long vacation? I know that I'm pregnant. I also know that my patience level is lower than normal, but it seems that lately things have been crazy. It seems that lately Ryan and I have been busier than normal, and it looks like things aren't going to slow down anytime in the near future. We've been gone the last two weekends, this weekend we have plans, next weekend is the women's retreat, the weekend after that I'm going to St. Louis for my cousin's wedding, and I can't think much beyond that to know what other busy weekends are in store. My old roommate Joanna told me last week that her mom had scheduled me to teach Sunday school this week, which I thought was strange because I requested to be taken off the Sunday school rotation for awhile due to being pregnant and being tired and sick all the time. (Joanna offered to teach for me this weekend, which I was thrilled about! Thanks Jo!) I also found out last week that I'm supposed to be playing worship on the Sunday morning of the women's retreat with Sandy. Apparently I was volunteered. Then this week I found out through the grapevine that I am supposedly now on a schedule to lead worship in Racine on a regular basis!?!?!? Isn't that strange? I'm just confused as to how I got volunteered to do something on a schedule without being asked, not once or twice but three times, and all at church within the last week and a half! It's draining. I'm t ired of saying no to things, but sometimes I don't know what else to do? Ahhh, soon enough it will all be behind me, but I can't wait for soon enough to come.

The weekend

Ryan and I went to Michigan for the weekend to visit the family and had a great time. We decided to take 2-94 instead of the sky-way which ended up being a four hour mistake, but other than that everything went well. We got in late Friday night and were able to hang out with my parents before heading off to bed, and then it was go-go-go for the rest of the weekend! We did countless loads of laundry, got to watch Ellie and Mallory on Saturday which was both a blast and exhausting at the same time. (According to Ellie I make the "Bomb-diggity" pancakes--which of course made me feel like an AMAZING cook. It's funny how a compliment from your five-year-old niece will make you feel like a million bucks) We also went up north to the trailers to visit Aunt Jill, Uncle Rick, Aunt Janet and Uncle Bill. We had a great time there, and walked the beach. The water was pristine and the perfect temperature. I can't remember seeing Lake Michigan that clear and beautiful. However, we did end up having to turn around and go back to the trailers after mom got licking attacked by a huge St. Bernarnd! We cooked burgers on an open fire and had a golf-cart tour of the place from Uncle Rick. Finally to wind down a bit, Rick brought out the tv and we watched the first period of the Redwings under the fullest sky of stars I've seen in years. It was great. Today we both slept in and then helped mom out as much as my energy level would allow. (Who'd have thought that a baby the size of a lime would zap you of ALL your energy?) Then all the siblings came over as well as the nieces and nephews and we had a great ham and twice baked potato dinner with Carrie's salad and Janet's punch. It was really fun. We left a bit later and got home in nearly record time thanks to Ryan's driving skills and not taking 2-94! Now I'm home, tired and heading to bed in a few. Ryan's watching the Packers game at his brother's and should be home in awhile, but I'm not planning on wating up for him the trip wore me out WAY too much!
Good luck on Moab Chris, stay safe.
Hope you're feeling better Marni!