Doctor's Appointment-37 weeks

Wet to the doc on Thursday and everything looks good. Blood pressure is normal and her heartbeat is 148 beats per minute. I had my group b strep test and a cervix check. Yep, nothing is happening. Dr. Reynolds said "that door is definitely shut!". Woo hoo. He also said that I would probably make it to my c-section date. Shocker. I was telling someone just the other day that I am convinced that I would sill be pregnant with Haven right now if it weren't for medical intervention. My babies must just like it in there. Oh well. She is getting evicted in less than 2 weeks. Hope she's ready. On another note, he did say that she is head down.
So, the nursery is totally done, clothes are washed and diapers have been stocked. Kelly asked me the other day if we had everything ready for her arrival. I was in shock. Really? Has he not been paying any attention to what I have been doing for the last, oh I don't know...2 months? I he said that he figured we did but jut wanted to be sure. I told him we're good to go. Thanks to me. He did say that he was going to straighten up all his stuff. I've been asking for two weeks now. So far, he hasn't done anything. Probably will the night of the 18th. Sometimes he makes me crazy. But I do love him.
Her bag is packed! I finally got around to doing that about two days ago. Complete with newborn outfits. I am scared to death that she won't be able to wear all the newborn clothes that she has. And there is a lot! So I will be that mom in the hospital that changes her clothes every few hours, just so she can wear everything! Still need tom pack my bag. But at the rate that I am progressing (zero) I will probably be fine to wait until the 18th.

Finished nursery

So the nursery is finally finished. It took a while but the furniture is in, the bedding is done, the closet is stocked and the walls are decorated! Check it out!

Big brother kit

So I wanted to make sure that Haven was occupied during my stay in the hospital. So I decided to make him a "Big Brother kit". It's going to have stickers and art stuff, a puzzle, his leap pad (provided as long as I get batteries...retched chore) a big brother book and his beloved snacks. I also made him a big brother t-shirt to wear and oh yes, Quinn has a matching onesie to wear too. I hope this stuff will keep him occupied for a while. I won't have I labor or anything like that, but at least he will have something to do during his visits. Not sure how long the nostalgia will last with the baby!

Doctor's Appointment - 32 weeks - Barnes

I saw Dr. Barnes on Monday and it was a VERY routine appointment.  Blood pressure is good and the heartrate was 148 bpm. 
I actually had a question for him.  I NEVER remember any of my questions when I am actually at the doctor.
Question: How long can I not drive for after the c-section? 
Answer: 2 weeks or longer, depending if you are still on the pain killers.
So I went thru my dates of my maternity leave and planned accordingly.  Looks like I will be starting my leave on July 18 and will return full time on September 20.  I will actually be going into work on Fridays to pay bills and brokers.  But not for the first two weeks!
Last night we took Haven and Ella Weezer to the sibling class that Presbyterian offers.  It helps the big kids learn how to change a diaper, hold the baby properly and what to expect when the baby is here.  I think he liked it.  Minus the annoying kid that wouldn't stop talking over the teacher. Haven finally looked at him and said "Shhh!"  I almost peed in my pants.  It was hilarious. 
Still working on the nursery.  I have to get the bedding finished (almost there) and find a few little knick knack things and something for one of the walls and I should be done!   She will be making her bebut 6 weeks from today!  Crazy.  I also have a shower coming up on Sunday.  Exciting!

Quinn has a Birthdate - Tentatively!

So I got the phone call today from the doctor's office scheduling my c-section.  It's going to be July 19th at 7:30am!  Whooo hoooo!  Kelly and I have to be at the hospital at 5am and the c-section starts at 7:30am.  Dr. Sweeny and Dr. Castellion wil be the ones doing it.  I cannot have food or drink from 10pm the night before.  So, unless she decided to make an appearance before then (yeah right!), then we get to meet her in 6 weeks and 6 days!  That's crazy soon!  I got to get her bedding done!

Dr. Appointment - 30 weeks - Castellion

Starting the every two week appointments now. Normal appointment, heart rate was 152 and blood pressure was good. Apparently when I took my glucose test they tested my iron levels. They are low and they mailed me a prescription for iron pills. Little did they know I can't swallow pills. We can thank grandpa for that one! So I asked if they have a liquid option. The nurse said that they do and to ask the doctor. Well she looked at me like I had three heads. I said the nurse just told me about it. Apparently her kids were prescribed it. Yes, I have to take meds for kids! However the nurse said that my level is supposed to be around 34 and mine is right at 33.7. So I may skip the meds and just try a diet high in iron. We'll see how that goes. I get a recheck in a month.
We also talked about scheduling my c-section. She is putting in the paperwork for July 18. That is the earliest that they will schedule it. The surgery scheduler is going to call within the next few weeks to confirm. Kinda crazy that I was 11 days late with Haven and thought I would be pregnant forever and now I'm actually going to have his one before my due date! And in 8 weeks on top of that! I need to get things done!
Next appointment is June 4 with Dr. Barnes.

Baby Sprinkle! - May 20, 2012

So today was my first baby sprinkle. My sister in law, Whitney, and my friend Kristen threw it for me at Hawthorne's Pizza in Mint Hill. It was pretty small but nice to get to actually talk to everyone that was there. We had some yummy food and great conversation and even better goodies for the babe! Miss Quinn is well on her way to be spoiled rotten!

Storytime at 30 weeks

So I wake up this morning from the craziest dream. I suppose I dream every night but I rarely remember the dreams. So not the case today. I dreamt that Quinn was born! With a twist of course. She was born at home I assume since I was never in the hospital. And apparently there was no c-section because I was never in an discomfort. I started to notice that she didn't eat very much. She slept a lot! Didn't think anything of it until the next day when I went in her room (which, by the way, looked nothing like her actual room!) to wake her up. She was huge. She looked like a toddler. And to top it off, she was already walking! I was like "what in the world is going on? She is growing way too fast! we have to see the doctor!". And then I woke up. Pregnancy makes you dream the craziest things!

Nursery

So I have been busy this weekend working on Quinn's nursery and Haven's new bedroom.  Can we say "exhausted"?
I have been trying to do a few things here and there, but Saturday was the day I did the most! 
It all started last Monday with the room being painted.  It used to be yellow with brown trim.  Now it's pink with white trim!  On Friday night we moved the furniture into the room, which left Haven bed-less!  He was still sleeping the toddler bed, which is also the crib.  So Saturday morning we were off to find The Haive a new bed.  And wooo hooo! We found one!  I can't believe he is getting so big so fast!  And FYI: he has been sleeping soooo much better since he got in that bed.  I think he was really uncomfortable in the toddler bed. 
So, after we found Haven's new bed and chest of drawers we took it home, went to a birthday party, then came home and put it all together.  I then had to go out and get a mattress pad and some sheets.  Came home and put it all together.  I was whipped but happy with the results!
Then it was off to hanging things on the wall in Quinn's room and hunting down the side to the crib that we took off while Haven was sleeping in it.  Coming along nicely.  Still have several things to do before it's complete:

 Crib with monogram

 That mirror will be on the wall, between the chair and the changing table.

 Chair and ottoman that we will spend a ton of time in!

Chest of drawer and window.  Planning on hamper to go in the empty space.

And here is Haven's new room:



29 week Doctor's Appointment -Reynolds - 5.11.2012

So I saw Dr. Reynolds at my visit on Friday.  I went in at 2pm and drank my lovely "fruit punch" sugar water drink and then had a regular appointment.  I swear, they want you to drink that stuff in 5 minutes.  Both times I have had another girl sitting next to me and they chug that stuff!  How do they do that?  I am amazed that anyone can drink that stuff that quickly.  Not me...I take my whole 5 minutes.  And it's really not that bad. 
So, when I went in to see the doc we talked more about me scheduling a c-section.  I have been doing a lot of thinking about it and talking to others about it and it just makes the most sense.  I mean unless Dr. Reynolds can tell me that this babe is going to be significantly smaller than Haven was (which he could not at the appointment), then what is the point in even trying when my odds are real slim?!  So, he said that we can take a look at the schedule at my next appointment (5.21.10) and get it on the calendar.  They will not schedule it before 39 weeks, which is July 18.  He said that we will probably have good luck getting it for that day since it's so far out.  We'll see next Monday.  I asked if I could request a certain doctor to do it or was the "on-call" doctor the one that will do it.  He said that I can request a certain doctor if I would like, and they would have to see if that works for the doctor.  So we'll see about that one too.  Dr. Barnes did a good job with Haven, so I might ask him to do it again.  I need to talk to the Hub's about that too.
He also said that if I happen to go into labor before the c-section date and the babe is smaller in size then I totally have the option to try and deliver vaginally.  It will be up to me.  But if she is anything like her brother, she won't be in any hurry to get out of there. 
I haven't heard anything from the doctor's office and I would assume that I would have by now if I failed my test.  So it's looking like I'm in the clear! 
Next appointment is 5.21.2012.  I am every two weeks now.  Man, this is flying by!

Update: The doctor's office just called and all my labs look good.  I passed the sugar test!  They also said that I needed to have my Rhogam shot within 10 days of them testing me for the antibodies.  I have to have this shot because I have O- blood type.  I will be getting that at my appointment on Monday. 

28 week update

It has been a while since I have posted, but I have been busy chasing a three year old around, making Quinn's bedding and turning thirty!  I am 28, almost 29 weeks pregnant and have started getting tired again.  And let's not forget the lovely HEARTBURN.  I sure haven't missed that inbetween these pregnancies.  I finally had to breakdown, yesterday, and take a TUMS.  Those things are lifesavers. 
I am in the process of getting the nursey put together.  It's being painted today and I am still working on her bedding.  Yes, I am making her bedding myself.  Well...with the help of my Aunt, cause I sure wouldn't have the courage to make a single cut if she wasn't helping me.  But it's coming along.  I need to get it done so that I can mark that off my list of things to do!  I will post pictures as soon as I can.  But let's not hold our breath on that one....I have made it pretty clear that I am horrible about updating this blog! 
I have my glucose test on Friday at 2pm.  Not really looking forward to that, but I don't remember it being that horrible last time.  Hopefully I remember correctly.  Fingers crossed that I don't have any issues with that.  I think after this appointment I will start going every two weeks.  And I have to have my Rhogam shot here soon as well.
Here is a sneak peak of the bedding. Colors are Hot Pink, White, Navy and Light Pink. More to follow...hopefully!

This is going to be the bumper.

This mirror will go over her changing table.

Can we say "active"?

Good grief this child is an active little thang! I remember Haven moving around, but he was nothing compared to this little diva. She is moving a ton more than he ever did. She likes to kick. Haven did more of a roll around than kicks.
And she is still so low. I keep thinking she is going to move up a little and I still feel her lower. When do they move up or am I going to just carry her lower? I hear that happens with raj pregnancy, they get lower and lower.
Oh yeah, another strange sensation. I could swear that my c-section scar is stretching. It feels like it when I sit down, but then when I stand up it goes away. Weird.
The things pregnancy does to you.
P.S. the heartburn is slowly starting to rear its ugly face. Better get the TUMS soon!

Doctor's Appointment - 20 weeks

I saw Dr. Castellion yesterday. Everything looks good. Heart rate was 160 and blood pressure is good. She said that I will have my glucose test in 8 weeks (28 weeks) then after that I start going every two weeks.
This pregnancy is really flying by. I can't believe we are already halfway there. I need to get cracking on the nursery. More to come on that later...cause you know I already have a plan!

Poll

So those of you that voted about the sex of the abay are awesome.  Looks like the majority was right!  So I thought I would add another one for ya.  I have been going back and forth, for a while now, about what I want...another c-section or a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC).  Part of me wants to be able to try for a VBAC.  Contrary to what Kelly might say, no I don't feel like any less of a woman if I never get to experience a vaginal birth.  If you know me at all you would know that I'm not that kind of girl.  It is all boiling down to recovery.  VBAC would be much less recovery than a C-Section.  I mean, I have been there, done that and got the scar to prove it.  I just know how hard it was last time and this time I have a three year to tend to as well.  But I could tear and deal with the dreaded "hemmroids".  Which I hear can be just as painful as a c-section.  (somehow I doubt it, but what do I know?)
However, on the flip side of things.  I can plan the c-section date about a week before my due date.  And let's face it...I'm gonna be 9 months pregnant during the end of July, so anything earlier will be wonderful.  I also won't have to go thru the torment of labor and possibly still having to have a c-section. 
I just don't know what the best option for me is.  The doctor said that if she is as big as Haven was (8 lbs 14oz) then there is no way I will be able to get her out.  Then I will have to have a c-section.  But if she is smaller, then I have about a 60% chance of being about to deliver vaginally.  He said we will have to see what closer to time.
What would you do if you were me?  Scroll to the bottom to cast your vote on what you would do if you were me.

Broke down

So I finally broke down and bought the babe her first outfit from mommy and daddy. Cute little shirt with matching bottoms and a really adorable onesie/tank top. I have to admit that it is very different shopping for a girl compared to a boy. The selection is twice as big and much more color to choose from. However some of that stuff is just ugly. But no worries, Baby Quinn won't be in a single ugly thing!
I have also been thinking about wether or not I should have a small little gift for Haven to open, from Quinn of course, at the hospital. That way it won't be such a shock that everyone is paying their attention to her. I mean he is used to ALL the attention. Not sure if that is too much or not. Should I not do it and let him get used to not being the center of attention all time or gradually introduce him to it?
Thoughts?

The BIG Ultrasound @ 18 weeks - February 22, 2012

Well, we finally had the BIG ultrsound done last week and it's a GIRL!!!  We even decided on a name.  She will be Mattie Quinn Poplin and we will call her Quinn.  Crazy to think we are going to have a bunch of pink stuff to add to all of our blue!  We are super excited to meet this little lady. 
Everything else on the scan looked good.  We had a little scare with a measurment of a section of her brain, but we went to another ultrsound place, downtown, and they said it is nothing to worry about and she is in the clear.  So now we can sit back and relax and enjoy the rest of the pregnancy. 
I have started to feel her moving around more and more this past week.  She is still very low, so it's still kinda strange feeling.  She is doing flips as I write about it now!  Kelly hasn't felt her yet, but he will soon enough. 
I have been trying to talk to Haven about his baby sister and tell him what her name is and he WILL NOT remember her name.  (FYI: he will be 3 in a week and a half...can you believe it?!  Time really does fly by!) He always refers back to Kinley (his cousin--Whitney's daughter).  Hopefully it will sink in before she gets here.  Otherwise we might have two Kinley's in the family!
Next appointment is Wednesday March 7 at 4pm. 

Movement - 17 weeks

Whoo hoo!  So we just got back from our cruise and I had movement while there.  It was Thursday (2.16.2012) and I was on the ship laying out.  I decided that I was going to roll over on my tummy (yes, I can still do that) and get some sun on my back.  When I did that I felt movement.  It was low, but it was there!  So I figured it was the babe telling me to move and give up some room, so I flipped back over.  It was the first time! 
The BIG ultrasound is tomorrow.  So if you haven't guessed yet, go to the bottom and vote!  I will post tomorrow to let you all know!

Doctor's Appointment - 16 weeks - February 9, 2012

Went to the doc yesterday and I took the Haive with me.  Interesting, to say the least.  Thank God for the iPad.  Watching Bubble Guppies kept him entertained.  Good thing too, cause we waited for Dr. Godsey for 30 minutes. 
But all is well with the babe.  Heartrate is 160, blood pressure was 110/58 and the weight gain is minimal (hooray!)  They did want to take some blood to check my levels.  Something about making sure I wasn't getting anemic.  To be quite honest, Dr. Godsey is a little on the strange side and I found it difficult to follow what he was saying.  Very easy appointment and everything looks good.
One thing the nurse did say when she was feeling around for where the babe is so that she could get the heartbeat was that she felt growth.  Makes sense cause my belly definitely popped out last week.  Check out the pictures from 14 weeks to 15 weeks.  It got round over night!
13 days till we find out if its a boy or a girl!

2nd Trimester

It's finally here!  I got my energy level back, the nausea has gone away and I'm feeling good.  I think I was even nesting a little last weekend.  I have started to get headaches though.  They seem to show up in the late afternoon and linger till about dinner time.  Nothing painful, just noticeable.  Something I didn't have with Haven.  Other differences so far have really been that it's eaiser this time.  Now, don't get me wrong, I had such an easy pregnancy with Haven...I wasn't sick, didn't have any complications or anything.  But I just remember things being more extreme the first time around.  The nausea was more intense and seemed to last a little longer, the food aversions were worse, the sleepiness seemed to last longer and the "pregnant brain" was OUT OF CONTROL!  I don't know if that was because it was the first time for me to go thru all of it and I was just much more in-tune with it or if I just don't have time to think about it as much this time.  I know they say all pregnancies are different, so that could be it too.  They weren't lying when they said that.  Just hoping that this baby is healthy and as easy as Haven was and still is!  Fingers crossed. 
Headed off for our cruise a week from Wednesday!  So excited!  Ready for some sunshine and warm weather!   I bought some bathing suits last week to take with me.  All I can say about that is "YUCK".  Boobs and belly, really?  Not diggin' it.  Whoever said that pregnant women were so beautiful must have been looking at the 5 foot 10 woman that is only pregnant in the belly, still has thin legs, arms and face.  Cause this 5 foot 5 mama ain't so cute!  :)
16 days till we find out if Baby Pop 2 is a boy or girl!  Make your guess at the bottom of the blog!

12 week appointment - January 11, 2012

I went to my 12 week appointment today.  I got to hear the heart beat.  It was 168.  The nurse was able to find it pretty quickly and was surprised that she found it so fast.  My blood pressure is 100/64 and everything looks good.  I saw Dr.Castellion this time.  Still not crazy about her.  I felt like she was rushing me thru my questions.  Just one more thing to add to my list with that one.
Kelly and I are going on a cruise next month so I had to get a letter from her stating how many weeks I would be when we left and that baby and I are both in good travelling condition.  She wrote that for me and also told me that it was okay to take Benedryl or Dramamine.  Good to know that I can take something.  Fingers crossed that I'm not bothered with getting seasick.  I haven't in the past, but you never know with pregnancy.
We also set a date for the next ultrasound.  This one will be the one at 18 weeks when they can tell you the sex of the baby.  It will be February 22 at 8:30am.  So if you haven't voted at the bottom, you have until February 22 to do it.  I still  have no feelings as to what I think it is.  Maybe I will have a dream in the next few weeks.
Next regular appointment is Feb 8, at 4pm.  I will be seeing Dr. Godsey.
Already wearing a few maternity pants.  Really wanted to be comfortable.  They are still on the big side, but I will fill em up soon enough!

Storytime - Dec. 9, 2011

So, I'm bringing back storytime.  For those of you that read Haven's blog, I would post funny things/stories that happened while I was pregnant.  Well this time is no different.
We decided to go out to eat with Kristen, Nick and Kailey Baughn for annual Christmas dinner.  We went to Dish it Out in Stonecrest and then to Qdoba to eat.  Well, I didn't know that we would be eating there for dinner that night, so I ended up having it for lunch.  Normally I love Qdoba and that day at lunch was no different.  Well, I could not even stand the thought of eating that for dinner.  I didn't really realize it until we there in the line to order.  I decide to not have anything and just get something on the way home.  I did end up having some of Haven's chips and guacamole though as I waited for the other's to finish.  We say our goodbyes and I ask Kelly to run over to Wendy's and get me cheeseburger.  We get up to the drive thru, order the cheeseburger, get the food and drive off.  I open up the burger and I kid you not, I took one bite and was like "I don't think I can eat this."  I took one more bite and it was official...there was no way I was eating that burger.  I tired again the next night and took one bite and couldn't have anymore more!  Never ever did this happen with Haven.  I knew exactly what I wanted to eat and had no problems eating it.  So I have come to the conclusion that this baby is a diva.  Either that or I'm just being a brat.  One of the two.  I think Kelly is hoping for the diva!

Ultrasound - 8 weeks - Dec. 14, 2011

I had an ultrasound today for Baby Pop!  Everything looks good.  Heart rate was 164.  I was really cool to be able to see the little babe.  You could see the heart beating and everything.  It make me feel good that I was bale to see it.  Kelly was there too and was in awe at the sight too.
I'm feeling good.  Still waiting on the sleepiness to go on out the door.  Food aversions this time include turkey and anything that might be associated with a traditional Thanksgiving meal.  Yuck, yuck, yuck!
Oh yeah, and I have already busted out my bella band.  The pants are getting tighter!  Here is the ultrasound picture.  Kinda small and hard to see.  I will try and post a bigger picture later.