7 Months!

We recently had our 7-month checkup in Bismarck, which included a second ultrasound. The doctor wanted to rule out any 'problems' that are typically associated with measuring too big in accordance with the week of pregnancy (i.e. typically, at 28 weeks, you would measure 28 inches from pubic bone to the top of the uterus). If this measurement is not accompanied by too large of a weight gain by the mother, which in my case it is not, then they will normally schedule an ultrasound to look for any other abnormalities that would cause such an occurrence. I measured a few inches too large at my last appointment and again at this checkup. But, we received good results/data from the ultrasound... I am not producing too much amniotic fluid, the baby is growing at a normal pace and is right on track, AND I am showing no signs of gestational diabetes (a few of the biggest reasons behind having a larger-than-normal weekly measurement). My doctor simply explained it as a "mothering trend." Or, in other words, something that is possibly going to be common for me in this pregnancy and any future pregnancies. It may also be the position of the baby, which is breach and higher in my abdomen. The baby may simply be distending my belly at a higher point and lending a hand in the odd measurement. We were happy to receive good news - very reassuring. At my next appointment, in two weeks (as we've reached the point where appointments will be spaced by about two weeks vs. every four), I will have some blood work done to test my glucose and other such levels. Looking forward to more positive results and more opportunities to hear that our little one is healthy and happy! :)

Happy Hunting!

This past weekend, Steve and I headed down to Elgin, ND to hunt for the opening of deer gun season. Each year, we're invited to hunt with the family of Steve's good friend KC Bo (Koepplin) just south of Elgin and in the surrounding area. Not only is it usually a weekend of delicious food, all homemade I might add, but it's usually a great time spent telling stories/jokes while driving along section lines looking for the "big one." We ended up filling five buck tags (yes, I said FIVE) in one day! I was lucky enough to fill my whitetail buck tag amidst the snow storm... while Brandi, KC's little sister, filled her buck tag just a few hundred yards away. Leave it to the girls to take care of business no matter how nasty it was outside! It was a great weekend, as always, and a fun adventure :) Steve is headed back to Elgin for the next couple of days and into the weekend to try and fill his "any buck" tag along with KC. No doubt, as always when those two boys are together, it'll be a weekend of stories and "...i wish we would have had that on camera" situations. Good luck boys!

25 Weeks!

We're approaching the 25 week mark (Monday) and momma/baby are feeling good! At my last checkup, I measured a bit bigger than I should be at this week mark (not in weight, in fact I'm a little behind in that) so at my next appointment we will do another ultrasound to determine the cause. Could be that the baby's position is simply pushing outward, there is too much amniotic fluid, development of gestational diabetes OR this is just one big baby (among other possibilities)! No matter the outcome, there are relatively simply measures/procedures we can take to ensure the health of both momma and baby... so, no worries everyone... all is well :) Baby is becoming more and more active as the weeks go on and we've discovered that Leopold has quite the calming effect. He will curl up on my belly and begin purring which immediately puts the baby at ease and the kicks cease. It's a pretty comical sight to see, as Leopold is no small cat, but he's definitely a cuddler and I appreciate his ability to calm our little peanut down... (s)he is getting big enough to where some of those kicks/punches are a little uncomfortable! Both of the cats have also taken to sleeping in the new nursery. They've quickly made the crib their own and are often found snuggling with the baby's teddy. Once the baby is big enough, I have a feeling all three of them will be cuddled up together :)

The Beulah Miners football team is set to play in the first round of playoffs this weekend vs. Wahpeton. It's a home game, so I will be manning the concession stand with my juniors (bundled up like Arctic explorers no doubt, it's predicted to be a cold afternoon). Send good luck our way as this class of athletes is going for their 3rd trip to a state tournament (boys basketball and baseball last fall and spring) in less than a year! Also, our volleyball girls will be showing what they've got in the district tournament, they play on Monday. GO MINERS!

22 Weeks (Almost 6 months)

We have met the end of the second trimester and now we are into the home-stretch! I am still feeling good (heavier than normal, but hey... it's expected) and have had good results for all lab tests up to this point. "Baby" is doing well and spending all of his/her day napping and then all night apparently practicing his/her acrobatic routines. I must admit, the movement is rather comical and it's good to know the baby is actively growing and exploring their space (which technically, is MY space but apparently he/she could care less?)! We have our 23 week/6 month check-up on Wednesday the 17th and are looking forward to hearing more good news and getting a chance to hear a healthy heart beat again (fingers crossed). We'll keep you all posted!

Happy October!

Couldn't help but feel like a kid again, getting excited for October 31st, as I was putting up my Halloween tree... compliments of my lovely little grandmother. As you can gather from the photos below, most of them are they are hand-stitched with love - witches, ghosts, haunted houses, pumpkins, etc. Just another "little nothing," to quote my great-grandmother Elsie, that adds happiness to this time of year :)

Our Little 'Punkin'...

We had the opportunity, this past week, to see our little one via ultrasound. We've made it to 20-weeks and both momma and baby are feeling great! The doctor was happy with our little one's growth and all of the baby's measurements are on par with this stage of development. I've been feeling good so far and my appetite is quickly returning to full-force... and then some. It was so neat to see our little one moving around and seemingly squirming with joy. The technician was having a tough time avoiding the baby's eagerness to show off it's gender and was laughing at him/her for 'talking' during the entire ultrasound... I wonder what side of the family that comes from?!

 

Autumn Treasures...

Autumn has officially arrived... it doesn't take more than a glance outside at the 'painted' trees and shrubs as well as the recently harvested crops and bare, stubble fields to notice that fall is upon us. Not only that, but the daily temperature highs and lows also give you a glimpse of the fleeting warmth of summer and the approaching cold of winter. I took advantage of the energy and lift-of-spirit this new season has instilled in me and began emptying my closets of clothes, knick-knacks, books etc and held my own yard-sale a few weeks ago. I was positive everything I put out on those tables was a treasure (who doesn't think everything they own is great?) just waiting to be plucked from the treasure chest by someone who shared my love of modern and eclectic, antique and refurbished. We were utterly surprised as the amount of items we sold and the profit we made - apparently, I've got great taste?! I was also granted an hour reprieve, from running the sale, from my understanding husband who knew I could not possible spend the entire day selling my own things and miss out on the hunt! In that time, I was able to find a one-of-a-kind little chair... a circa 1970's mustard yellow accent chair for a reasonable price. Which has found itself at home in a corner of my dining room...

And, now that I have decorated the house in the hues to match the changing colors of the season and have candles releasing the scent of pumpkin spice and apple pie, I feel that I am totally ready for all that autumn has in store for me/us... take a deep breath of that cool, refreshing harvest air and smile!