25 Week Ultrasound

Tuesday I went for my 25 week ultrasound at Dr. Palmer's office. Mark didn't join me this time due to the fact he was involved in a minor fender bender that morning. It was cold, yucky, and rainy but I made it to the Medical Center for my afternoon appointment.

This baby boy already checks in at 2lbs 3 oz per their measurements and calculations. He was in a breech position, but I don't really think that matters at this point. I feel like he is in there doing somersaults anyway. Dr. Palmer said the AC -Abdominal Circumference is measuring 2 weeks ahead and again referred to my eating habits. I researched on my own some about the AC, via the internet. The AC is not used to determine fetal gestation or growth, but to estimate birth weight.

Seriously, if the insurance was not covering these visits 100%, I don't think I would go. I mean, being considered high risk just because I am over 35 is a little absurd to me. Shouldn't I have been high risk with Cort having placenta previa. I was like a walking time bomb. At any moment I could start bleeding....and did at 30 weeks. But since I'm not paying for it and I get to see my baby I go. I'm just not sure how much of this I can buy in to. I mean, come on, it is apparent Mark and I have big babies. Why would we think the 3rd one would be any different. Why is that not taken into consideration. Keaton was full term 9lbs 7oz, Cort was 6 weeks premature and still weighed in at 5 lbs 9 oz. Don't they say they keep getting bigger the more you have also??

Of course, there are problems associated with having bigger babies, mostly when you labor and deliver. We already know we have opted for a c-section and the baby and I will not have to undergo that stress. Since Keaton was large, they tested his blood sugar level every 3 hours the first 2 days. It never seemed to be much of an issue though.

Regardless, I am taking the doctor's advice and making minor changes to my diet. Per Dr. Palmer, the one giving the instructions, I don't have to eliminate anything from my diet. Just add more protein, especially for breakfast and dinner. I was eating cereal thinking it was a healthy option, but cereal gives you no protein and a lot of sugar. She wants me to eat 1.5-2 palm size servings of protein for dinner. That way the baby is not 'taking all the sugar from my body' during the night while I sleep and when he is most active. She said, and I quote, have a kolache or chicken biscuit for breakfast instead of cereal. If you are going to have spaghetti, have meatballs and spaghetti, if lasagna make sure it is meat lasagna.... Not so bad, I think I can make these adjustments. But let's remember, when I was pregnant with Keaton I was pounding the honeybuns, ding dongs, twinkies and my diet never was an issue. My doctor never even said much about my weight gain (except the the time I gained 10 lbs in 4 weeks) I only had 1 ultrasound with Keaton the entire pregnancy, didn't' have GD and he was born robust and healthy. In my opinion, this pregnancy will be the same, except an added bonus, I am not gaining the same weight. To date 18 lbs with 15 weeks to go, right on track.

I hope this doesn't seem like I am complaining too much. I am grateful for modern medicine, but sometimes you find yourself being referred to doctors for no reason. Like the time Keaton was 5 months old and our pediatrician said we needed to see a neurologist since his head looked to be abnormally shaped. I drove to the medical center, parked, made my way to the office with 5 month old in tow, waited in the lobby only to see a neurologist literally for 30 seconds. He stepped in the room, looked at his head, said it was completely fine and left.

I will have the glucose test next Thursday which will give us much more of an indication if my sugar is off. I guess I will have to eat my words if it does come back with a high result. I get to see the baby again Jan 26 at my next ultrasound. Guess we should get to work on finding this little boy a name. I don't even feel like I have a starting point.

Christmas

As the holidays go, we had several parties to attend. Keaton and Cort's school parties were on the same day, Friday 12/18. Mark and I first attended Keaton's party in which his class gave a presentation of 'The Night Before Christmas'. Keaton did a great job saying his line that we had practiced the last few weeks. He knew it by memory and looked out to the parents. The majority of the other kids read their line and hid behind their pictures. I was very proud of his hard work.

I had initially thought I would not make Cort's class party since it was at 3:00. Mark had planned on going with Keaton who we signed out early. I ended up not going back to work after Keaton's party since I had made an eye doctor appointment. Surprisingly, I was also able to make it back to Cort's class for the end of the party.

Peyton, Cort and Evan

Keaton's class presentation

Keaton's class party

The following Saturday was my company, Corrugated Concepts & Packaging, Christmas party. Each year the owners hold a Christmas gathering at their home. Mark's dad babysat the boys so we could have a few hours out that evening.

I can't believe how fast Christmas came this year. (and now gone) My parents arrived at our house Christmas Eve morning. Mom had made homemade lasagna that we enjoyed minus Mark. Mark had not been feeling well the days before and was able to get a doctor's appointment that morning. The doctor sent him to the ER for tests, so Mark spent most of Christmas eve at North Cypress Hospital. All tests came back fine, so they sent him home and over the next few days he did begin to feel better. Maybe it was just too much holiday food.

Christmas Eve everyone, Mark's parents, Aunt Kerrie, and my parents, joined us for a candle light service at our church. Our family participated in the service by lighting one of the advent candles.

After the service we feasted on Rudy's BBQ and Blackberry cobbler at our house. After dinner, we settled the kids down, set out cookies and milk(soy) for Santa, and tucked the kids in bed. Surprisingly, they were pretty tired and easily fell asleep. Mark and I, on the otherhand, stayed up till midnight trying to get a peek at Santa!

Santa did not disappoint. He brought Keaton and Cort a new Basketball goal and remote control cars, as promised in the email he sent earlier in the week. He also brought basketballs, a new skateboard, and a kick flipper, ---a skateboard without wheels to practice your tricks.....(hoping to minimize injuries as my sons push their physical limits. More about this later. I am reading a new book, Boys Should be Boys), stockings overflowing and a sports pillow chair with matching blanket. The pillow chair and blanket have actually turned out to be one of the boys' favorite presents.

The boys slept till 7:00. Okay, well Cort was whistling in his bed at 6:30 but never ventured out until around 7:00 when Mark went up to get them.

The boys, especially Keaton, loves his basketball goal. At this point it is still in our house because the weather is so cold and wet outside. So far, nothing has been broken from all the slam dunks.

The kids thoroughly examined all their gifts from Santa and then we enjoyed sausage balls and candy apple cider for breakfast. I was surprised at how easy it was to convince them we were going to eat before we opened all the presents. After breakfast, we opened some presents from under the downstairs tree before making our way upstairs to the the next tree.

Keaton's Christmas wish list included DS, PSP, XBOX 360, PS2, PS3.....I think you get the point. Cort's wish list included the Devastor Transformer...price tag 80-100. Wellllll, don't think these things were in the budget. Not to mention, Mark has been against opening the door to video games. After much discussion, we gave both the kids hand held video games. Keaton got a Leapster 2 and Cort a VTECH Cyper Pocket. (With the idea they can share---it's like having two different games) They both have educational games that are age appropriate. In addition, we have discussed the responsiblilty of taking care of the games, not leaving them on the floor, to show that one day, some day, in the future we would feel they may earn a DS.

Our Christmas unwrapping lasted until after 9:00 when we hit the kitchen to begin preparing Christmas lunch. Mark's parents once again joined us and we feasted on a delicious ham with all the side dishes--in my opinion the best part. After being up late, getting up early, and stuffing yourself, nothing is better than a Christmas day nap. Friday night, we played Uno Attack next to a fire in the fireplace and watched Night at the Museum 2.

Saturday morning mom, dad, and Kerrie left to check out some after Christmas sales and then start home while we got ready for round 2. We headed to Nana's house for a Roberson Christmas.

Mark and all the cousins on the couch

Even though Keaton felt Santa didn't get his letter, WII knew better.....

Nana and Papa got our family a WII

Uncle Adam and Aunt Julie got us Mario Cart

So much for no video games. So far, we have enjoyed our WII as a family. The idea behind the WII is that it is something we can all do together, not like a hand held DS that the kids play by themselves. I have never been a big video game player so I am starting off at the same level of the kids. I'm sure it won't be long before they pass me.

Kids and Dads playing together

It's a good Christmas!

2 Doctors in 2 Days

I saw Dr. Imtiaz Thursday afternoon for my 24 week appointment. I saw her at 22 weeks, but she is going to be out of town for Christmas and New Years, so I had to squeeze in one more appointment before she left. Everything is still normal and going well. There were two topics we discussed.

If you remember, I wanted to confirm with her this whole business of limiting starches and sugars. She was in agreement it should include breads, rice, pastas, as well as dessert type items. She did say fruit was okay. I asked her why and after her first response of 'because your are pregnant' this is what I got out of her. It is my choice at this time to limit the sugar intake in order to prevent Gestational Diabetes. I didn't have GD with either Keaton or Cort, so why worry now. She stated that since I am 35, I am more likely to have GD this time. Limiting my sugar intake now could decrease the odds of being diagnosed with GD later in the pregnancy. Okay, so I can accept that answer for now. I will be screened for GD on Jan. 7 and cross your fingers it is negative. I am trying to watch what I eat, but it is the holiday season. Not an easy task. I have tried to increase my protein and veggie intake.

The other issue I wanted to discuss with her was 'the party in my head'. I failed to previously mention at the PJ and Pancake party I had an episode of flashing lights in my eyes that lasted 15-20 minutes. I thought at first it was because I had hit the M&M bowl pretty hard and my sugar was too high. It's the hypochondriac in my I think. I coined the phrase later that I was having a party in my head that no one else was invited to. It seemed like a disco ball flashing in my right eye. This is not the first time it has happened. I have had episodes since college, but maybe 1 to 2 a year. I think the only reason it bothered me more this time is because I am pregnant. I wanted to make sure it was not related to the pregnancy. Dr. Imtiaz didn't think so since there was no protein in my urine and my blood pressure was fine at 118/72. She did suggest I see an eye doctor.

I had pretty much decided I wouldn't go to the eye doctor. I mean it had happened before and was nothing. Except it happened again Friday morning at work. This time is seemed more intense and was in both eyes. So 2 episodes in 1 week, this didn't seemed usual. I immediately made an appointment with Dr. Jenkins. They fit me in Friday afternoon. She would normally dilate a patient's eyes that is complaining of flashing lights, but they cannot dilate your eyes if you are pregnant. Luckily, they have the ability to take a computer image of your eye, an Optimap. She reviewed the optimap for holes or tears in my retina, and there were none. With that ruled out, she thinks that based on my description, I am having Optic Migraines. At least I am one of the lucky ones that does not have the intense Migraine headache following the light show. I do however, feel a little cloudy headed. Optic Migraines can be triggered by many things, from food to environment. It is different for every person. I have no idea what could trigger mine. Over the weekend, I tried to rest my eyes by wearing my glasses more.

Also, to note, I am at risk for a retina tear since I am so near sighted. She said any trauma to the eye or head could easily cause a retina tear. Signs of this happening could be a lot of floaters or curtain vision. She said if any of this occurs, I should be checked out immediately.

Next doctor's appointment, December 29 with Dr. Palmer for another ultrasound. We will see if it is still a BOY!!

2nd Annual PJ and Pancakes

This past Saturday we had our 2nd Annual PJ and Pancakes Party hosted by The Taylors. John read the Christmas story from the Bible to the kids to start off the evening.

Here are all the kids round the tree anxiously waiting, but for what or who?

SANTA had arrived!

He passed gifts out to all the girls and boys.

Keaton and Cort must have been good this year since Santa brought them each a gift early.

Keaton and Cort loved the new PJ's we bought especially for the party.

K-Mario Bros.

C-Buzz LightYear

They each got superhero watches with an image projection.

After Santa left, we had a feast of sugar! A Pancake buffet with all the toppings.

Then Ms. Jennie led the kids in a craft.

This year each child made a Rudolph ornament from a brown bell.

The following morning the children sang at church.

"Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "Joy to the World"

Getting Ready for Christmas

It is only 14 more days until Christmas!! And we are getting ready. As you know it SNOWED in Houston last week, December 4. It looked like it was coming down hard throughout the day, but it really didn't stick. Even though I left work early, by the time I picked up the boys and got home it was all gone. Keaton said he did get to play outside at school when it was snowing hard. I am sure he had a great time. Cort watched it through the window at daycare, but they didn't get to go outside because it was nap time. Seems like they could have rearranged the schedule a little for snow! But Mark took a few pictures of Dixie and Lady in our backyard enjoying it.

We woke up the next morning to very cold temperatures but still braved the trip to the Red Caboose Tree Farm with our small group. We had already decided we would not be cutting down a tree this year, but wanted to join in all the fun. Our neighbor that moved earlier in the year gave us a fake pre-lit tree. We were completely happy when we pulled it out of the box Friday night and put it together that it all worked and was quite beautiful. I actually like a fake tree more than the real trees we have had in the past.....especially since it was freeeeeee!

But on to the tree farm we went. I was hoping to see Santa in his workshop, but again this year he was a no show. I can't say it was the best trip since Keaton was in rare form. He spent most of the morning in time out or holding Mark's hand. Maybe it was the cold weather, but regardless, I was not happy with his behavior or choices. Here are all the kids on the hayride.

Taylor, Ella, Remi, Cameron, Levi, Cort, Spencer, Abi, Brewer's neighbor, Keaton, Austin, and Brewer's neighbor (I don't remember their names)

I had dressed the kids in matching black sweaters hoping to get a picture with Santa and be able to use it as our Christmas card. Since no Santa, I still took pictures of the boys with the trees surrounding them. They were a little excited and it was hard getting them to sit still and I became a little frustrated that they were not cooperating. I never claim to be a photographer, but was hoping for some cute pictures of my beautiful boys. The sun was shining bright, so the light was hard to deal with. Here's how they turned out.

Okay mommy, enough pictures already. So off to the train, a snack, and some Hot Cocoa.

The train takes them for a ride through the trees and back around the pond with ducks and swan. When the train came back into sight of the parents waiting it looked like Keaton's and Cort's cars were empty. Mark and I had heard a noise and even joked that it sounded like a kid fell out of the train. I would have started to panic except I could see the sun shining off of Cort's little head. They both had slid down into the barrel of their car and were hiding from us. Funny kids!

So, I wasn't satisfied with my pictures and was hoping to get a few more good shots. I dressed them up individually, put them on the stairs by the tree and here they are.

It seems easy for Cort to smile for the camera, he is such a ham. Mark helped make Keaton laugh so we could get a more natural smile and I think they turned out great. Now only if I can put them together and decide on a Christmas card....I mean it is already December 10!

This is the first year we have 2 Christmas trees in our house. I decided to make the main downstairs tree MINE this year. I love how it turned out! But I didn't want the kids to be without their tree. I bought an inexpensive tree from Walmart and the kids decorated it all by themselves. It has froot loop garland, which I thought would be a fun activity to distract them while I decorated my tree. Only Mark and I ended up stringing most of the froot loops. It has all of the ornaments they have made over the years and my favorite ones with pictures of them.

Our tree (please ignore the laundry on the couch behind it)
The upstairs tree Here are some close ups.

Can't wait to finish shopping and get the presents under the tree!