Introducing.... Smiles!!!

That's right! Just after Jordan woke up from a noon nap, she started cracking smiles for Mommy!! I'm so excited. Enjoy the pictures. This is a great way to celebrate Jordan's five week old birthday!!

Another busy newsroom day

I woke up when Jordan woke up this morning... 6:50. Later than I expected... But probably because she only slept every 3 hours last night. Yuck. But hey, it happens sometimes.

Anyway. When I woke up, I had to be at the station in an hour. So in about 40 minutes, I had to get out of the door. That's very fast. But somehow I got Jordan fed and dressed, Cam dressed and fed (thanks to Randy's help) and I even had time to get dressed... No time to make sure I looked okay, but you can only do so much in such little time. I pulled it off.. I was amazed that I could get out the door on time for an 8:00 meeting. I taught a group of students a computer system that they'll need if they report or work on web stories for the newsroom. Jordan slept the whole time.

After that, we returned home, I fed her and we fell asleep for a couple of hours. I would have missed my next training session at the station if today hadn't been the day for the tornado alarm test that goes off at noon once a month. I rushed out of the house again... This time I pumped enough for Jordan to take a bottle at the station.

So today was the day... She actually drank from a bottle. She did a good job. Of the 6 ounces, she drank about 3 and a half. She gagged a little, but she started figuring it out. I know she drinks more with me... And it sucks to throw out anything I've pumped for her. She was a trooper. So I think about the whole bottle thing... It makes us a step closer to her going to daycare. That's kind of sad. I'm already preparing her for leaving me during the day. And she's five weeks old tomorrow!! I don't think I'm mentally ready for that yet!

Prosthetic talk

We went to meet with the local prosthetic guy. He says his company can help us work with pediatric upper extremity experts to get Jordan the best prosthetics that she needs. It will probably take a lot of letters of pleading with the insurance companies, but I think we'll get her what she deserves and needs to help her function in every way imaginable. The down side: Her amputation was right above the elbow... So fitting a prosthetic with a functioning elbow will be very challenging.

In the case of a traumatic amputation, the doctors get to decide where to amputate -- giving the patient the easiest fitting for a prosthetic. Jordan didn't get that option and there's no way I would want to amputate more of her arm just to get the perfect fit. So we're just going to have to work with this extra challenge. In the end, she may not even want a prosthetic and not even care that she's missing an elbow... or a forearm... or a hand.

So our preliminary plan is this: Get a passive prosthetic between three or four months of age. I'd like to aim for a myoelectric prosthetic (that's the kind that is operated with her muscle tone at the tip of her arm) by age one. At some point early on, we're also talking about a more manual shoulder pulley-type prosthetic so she has an arm that can function in more rugged environments -- like in wet conditions or somewhere where there is no electricity. Eventually, there will be needs for arms that help her swim or do other activities... But I'm guessing that kind of stuff will be out-of-pocket expenses. We'll worry about those kind of prosthetics when she's older.

You know, I'm okay with Jordan's arm... I know she is going to live a normal life and she is gorgeous and perfect in every way. But I've noticed I'm hiding her arm in public. I shouldn't. I know I shouldn't. But I'm just not ready for that first comment: "Ohhhh! A baby! She's so sweet! She's hiding her arm... Oh dear! She doesn't have an arm!" And then the stranger gets uncomfortable and I'll have to explain what happened in the womb to another person. I should just get it over with and start getting used to the conversation before we're visiting my parents in Florida and can't hide under a warm winter blanket. But I guess I'm just not ready yet.

One month old!

Jordan is officially a month old today. Pretty cool, eh? I'm also noticing a turn in her behavior. She is so into the world, she is starting to have a hard time letting go of her alert time. So today, I started making sure she lays down if she's been awake for 2 hours. That's upset her a couple of times... But I hope it helps us with our night time sleep. Wish me luck.

I started looking over Cameron's sleep log... And I'm surprised by the similarities between the two. And I didn't start documenting Cam's sleep until he was almost 2 months old.

By the way... Keep praying for "Taco" who is now Cooper. Your prayers are working. He may not need surgery on his heart. But he's not out of the woods yet. Keep those prayers going!!!

Farewell family and hello experimentation

The Reeves and Wilkins left this morning... They are patient folks to deal with our constant feeding schedule yesterday. Today, I'm starting Jordan on my exhaustive sleep training. She's starting to show signs of regulating sleep. So I pulled out my favorite baby book: Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth. I'm going to start making sure she goes down for a nap after her awake time every time. The sleep log is back. I tracked Cam for 6 months. Who knows how we'll make it work for Jordan when she goes to day care. But I'll try not to worry about that just yet.

I'm going to dig back into my book and catch up on the sleep parenting skills I was once so good at. Jordan is resting right now... Hopefully she'll give me 30 minutes or so of peace while Cameron plays with a toy quietly.

I'm a milk machine

The girl ate almost every hour and a half all day. Consider that... If it takes 10 to 30 minutes a feeding, I've had maybe an hour here and an hour there to myself. But that doesn't include burping time and time helping her get gas out of her belly. So I really haven't done much for myself or the rest of the family today. I feel kind of bad about it since we have the Reeves and Wilkins in the house today. Jordan wasn't very social. She was cranky and hungry.

I think she's coming out of the constant feeding haze... She slept through dinner and I even got to give Cam a bath before she wanted to eat. So hopefully we'll have a good night for sleeping. She's certainly eaten a lot today.

Family time again

All kinds of visitors for Jordan today... Her Poppy and Grandma returned for the weekend with Moma Dot and Daddy Junior. I think Cameron is more excited by the visit... But I think all of the grandparents are thrilled to see the girl.

I swear I think Jordan smiled a bunch today. If not, we're so close to real smiles, and I can't wait.

Four Weeks Old!

It was another busy day... And I tried a new sleeping plan of attack. Since Jordan got home, I've been sleeping in her room... And I'm a little tired of that. So last night, I decided Jordan's sleep is regulated enough that I can return to my room. So what did I do? I fell asleep in the rocking chair for 3 hours instead of putting her down to bed. Doh.

Anyway. After a strange night's sleep that eventually ended up in my bed... Randy and I decided to let Cam sleep late so I took him to school. So after feeding the girl, the boy and getting him to school. I had the desire to go grocery shopping. Why? I'm not sure.

So we got home, I fed the girl and we ran off to her well baby check-up. The stats: 9 pounds 4 ounces and 22 inches. Head circumference is 37 1/2. The doctor helped confirm my plans to get Jordan as much physical and occupational therapy as we can. Here's the rediculous stort of the week: I called the state's program that helps disabled kids to see if I could enroll Jordan. They told me she doesn't qualify because she has a birth defect, not a developmental delay like Downs Syndrome. So she said I should call when Jordan has developmental delays. The whole point to starting PT early is to PREVENT developmental delays. So my pediatrician wrote a note to help. We'll see if that works. We waited almost 50 minutes extra to see the doctor... So after the appointment, we ran to campus to show off the girl at the faculty meeting. That was cool.

Since then, I've been feeding Joedan a bunch. She slept through possible Cam playtime, dinner, Cam's bath and bedtime. And we've had a lot of feedings since then. Exciting day. I'm ready for bed.

Say a prayer

If you know who "Taco" is, please say a prayer for him and for a safe birth. If you don't know who "Taco" is... Still, say a prayer for this little boy who isn't born yet. He needs strength for his parents, family and his doctors who will be able to help repair his heart. Prayers are the best support he can get from us right now.

That would have been so nice...

Jordan slept from midnight until 5am. That's five hours. How great is that? It would have been so much better if Cameron hadn't waken up at 3am with an ear ache from his recent swim lesson. So we got him calmed down a little before 4 and Jordan woke up at 5am.... Down by 6am. I was up again by 7:30 to get Cam ready for school.

We were so close to a big chunk of sleep.

The boy has new ear drops so I'm hoping tonight will go better.

So I think I've figured out why we're getting closer to longer sleep for Jordan. I just pumped since the girl fell asleep before I felt she drained me... And I pumped almost 6 ounces. That's awesome. Why? Because that means she's eating more and may need as many constant feedings! Hooray! I'm also thrilled to see such big pumping output so I feel like pumping is worth my time when it comes to stockpiling food for the girl when she goes to daycare. I'm kind of nervous about that part... I never left Cam longer than 4 hours with a day care professional when he was Jordan's age. Randy brought Cam to me once a day for a feeding. I'm hoping to break from work once a day for a feeding... But that isn't the same as her coming to me. Anyway. I fear that day when Jordan's caretakers tell me she didn't have enough milk. I'm determined to not let that happen... And I really don't want to live a Just In Time factory setting. There is so much pressure when you don't have any food stored up. JIT is great fo car manufacturers... JIT isn't so great for breast milk.

Diaper change

Jordan wore a lot of clothes today -- 3 different outfits! Why you ask? Because she grew out of the newborn diapers today. They couldn't keep her from messing up her outfits. I timed t out pretty well... I had 6 newborn diapers left.

I'm starting to see a sleep pattern for Jordan... Midnight to 4am. Then 5am to 8 or 9am. During the day, she's eating almost every 2 hours. The bath last night didn't extend sleep time... So that one night with 5 and 1/2 hours of sleep was an anomaly.

Today I held a class discussion in my house for my leadership independent study. I fed Jordan through most of it. It was fun to talk producing and managing a newsroom.

I had plans to go to the gym... Instead I started cleaning closets. I'm not sure why, but it became an obsession.

Rats... We're not there yet.

So I didn't post about it yesterday because I didn't want to jinx myself... But two nights ago, Jordan slept for five and a half straight hours at night. I felt rested yesterday... Very rested. It was great. So I didn't write about it because I wanted to see if she could do it two nights in a row.

Nope.

I got 4 straight hours. I can't really complain about that. But that's an hour and a half less than the night before.

What was the difference? I think it was the bath she got the night before. So I'm going to do a little experiment tonight... And see if a bath before bed puts her to sleep longer. Wouldn't that be cool if that's all I have to do?

Other than that, Jordan had visits from the Cottles and Liz yesterday. She was very social... Gave each of them a little awake time before falling asleep again.

Speaking of falling asleep again. I'm going to try to sleep again before she wakes up. I just send Cam off to school with his Dad. So I'm going to try to sleep before we run off to the benefits office on campus. I think it's time to start becoming friendly with the folks in that office. They'll be hearing from me a lot for the rest of my career at the university.

Perfect

I've waited three weeks for Jordan to fit in this shirt. She is perfect... arm or no arm.

Three weeks old

It was a long day for a 3 week old baby. Jordan had 2 doctor appointments today. First, I tried to be a good Mommy and feed her right before we left. But she thought sleeping was more important. So I pumped a bottle so she could eat at the hospital even if we were in a situation where opening up my shirt was innapropriate.

First appointment: Ultrasound to make sure there weren't any problems with Jordan's hips. They click a little. But after the ultrasound, we can be confident in knowing there are no structural problems.

Second appointment: Pediatric orthopedic specialist to confirm her hips are okay and prepare for our next visit... After she's fitted with her first prosthetic. She'll have x-rays on her arm to start watching her bone structure. That's the doctor's main focus -- making sure her bone and muscle growth is steady.

So I started focusing on prosthetics for Jordan... And I've found a group that really works with the same beliefs I have: The sooner we get a myoelectric prosthetic, the more natural it will be for her to use. There's a group called Pediatric Prosthetics that thinks babies should get their first passive prosthetic at two or three months and the first myoelectric around 9 months. Thta is much earlier than what our orthopedic doctor told us... And I'm sure that I'll hear differently from the local company... But it does give me more reason to contact them soon.

But all this prosthetic thinking has me scared to learn about the costs. I read somewhere online that the average myoelectric costs $23,000. I hope our insurance plan will help more than the initial documents read. All I can say is... Wish us luck and pray the girl can earn a scholarship into college.

A wrap up of Jordan's third week of life is online now.

A very gross first

It happens in every parent's experience at some point with a newborn... Jordan pooped all over my hand. Yup. It was disgusting. I was changing her diaper when I mistimed it all. She exploded all over my hand, her changing table and the cute outfit she was about to change into. I yelped, grabbed a handful of diaper wipes and tried to clean up, get a new diaper on the girl before she exploded again and keep her little feet out of the puddle of poo.

If my pregnancy wasn't enough birth control... A poo splatter should be.

All is well now. The laundry machine is running, Jordan is hanging out in the bouncy seat and we're listening to yoga music.

Newsroom Day

Jordan was just hanging out with her Daddy... When she got upset and hungry just as I was going to take a sweet picture of Daddy and daughter. It turned into a picture of the cry babies. Very funny.

Anyway... I took Jordan to work today. I set up training for our website and that had me in the newsroom conference room from 9am until 2pm. Jordan slept through the entire first training session... I think she was stimulated too much by students and co-workers who wanted to meet her to fall back asleep immediately before the second session. So I just fed her while I taught... That wasn't too bad. And since the class was four women, I didn't think they'd mind me feeding her.

I love bringing Jordan into the newsroom so many students can finally meet her... But I don't know who knows and who doesn't know about her missing arm. It's not who she is... But I don't want a conversation with an insensitive person who asks me what's wrong with her... And I don't want whispering. I just want it known. She really is so perfect... A little cherub with one arm and one angel wing.

I got her home and fed her a couple of times, but didn't get a nap in before Csm came home. I feel terrible... I fell asleep bwfore dinner... And woke just before Cam's bedtime. I helped tuck him in... But I feel like I missed my Cam time today.

Jordan is now happily fed and sleeping in my arms.

Busy day for a rose

I woke up at 7:40 this morning... And realized we needed to get out of the house in 40 minutes if we wanted to get to church on time. So I got Cam dressed, he played with his grandparents and I got Jordan ready and fed before church. Jordan was cute in her little dress and very snuggly with her grandparents before they left town.

Church had a rose at the altar in honor of Jordan today. That was cool. We had enough time after to church to enjoy breakfast at Bread Co. Then off to home to get Cam to take a nap, feed the girl... And go to a birthday party. I actually took both kids to a party. Jordan slept through most of it... I only had to feed her once. Cameron had a ball and got to eat lots of sugar and play around. I'm exhausted... But I had to stay up late enough to watch the first 2 hours of 24. This may be the best part of maternity leave -- I actually have time to sit down and watch the entire series. I haven't been able to watch since the second season.

Now I'm going to convince the baby to wake up long enough to eat... So we can go back to bed.

Days without naps for Mommy are tough.

Lots of cuddles

Jordan likes cuddles. Today she was crying and I figured she was hungry. So I picked her up... She cuddled in and fell asleep. It was very sweet. I caught a couple of good naps today.

Jordan's Grandma and Poppy got to spend another day with Jordan. But since I'm the one who feeds her, it's so funny to see her fuss on one person's lap and she'll stop crying the moment she gets close to me.

We got a very special gift in the mail today... My Uncle Bob and Aunt Mages sent a special Sri Lankan tradition to Jordan: A small gold anklet with little bells. It's tradition for babies to wear it... It helps mom keep her ears on the baby at all times. It means so much for them to send Jordan a gift with so much meaning.

One other mention... Jordan is shedding. All that thick hair is on its way out. I'm just hoping she avoids the strange newborn bald spots that happen so often. I know, I know... I really shouldn't care. But for some reason, I'm concerned about baby bald spots.

Oh... And I've been keeping up with all of my pictures on Flickr. I even created a second week slideshow for Jordan. To feel free to check it out.

Slow day

We had a great night of sleep followed by a great day of sleep. Jordan reested very well today... I think it's because she was so darn alert yesterday. But even though today was a sleepy day, when Jordan was up, she was checking everything out. It's pretty incredible to watch her grow day to day.

2 Whole Weeks Old

Jordan turned 2 weeks old today. And it's incredible to watch her grow. The outfit she's wearing today was too big last week. It fits perfectly this week. She is so much more aware of the world these days. It's amazing to see her watching and looking and listening to everything around her.

Her alert time is messing with our sleep pattern. I'm not too sure if I remember this challenge with Cameron. She slept a really good amount of time last night -- From 11:30 until 4:30am. She ate for an hour (with a big burp break in the middle). And once I got her second burp out, she was wide awake until 6:30. I was pooped. So I didn't even get to see Cam in the morning, I just let his Poppy take him to school. We slept until 9:30.

So in the last two weeks, I've done a lot of web surfing to learn about ABS and what we need to do next. From what I've read, I can't tell you how lucky we are to have Jordan. Amniotic bands can cause unbelievable damage to a baby. Some of the cases I've seen are just terrible. In the majority of ABS cases, the babies die in the womb before 12 weeks. No one knows why it happens. Statistics show ABS cases happen from every 1 in 1200 to every 1 in 15,000 pregnancies. There are amazing prosthetics out there... and there is an obvious difference between above elbow amputees and below elbow amputees. From the looks of things, I think above elbow may offer Jordan more challenges. But I'm not sure. Only time will tell.

Cameron still tells me he's sad about Jordan's arm. I'm not sure how to help him, except to explain to him that we know Jordan is going to be just fine without her hand. He's a sweetie.

Cranky day

Jordan had a cranky day today. Lord knows if it was something I ate... I was having a heck of a time getting her to burp today. SO all of those missed burps turned into belly bubbles that made her very sad. She was so sad, I never had time to grab a camera and shoot a picture of her sad face. It's pitiful. I'll capture it, I promise.

Randy's dad helped us get Jordan's curtains up in her room. It looks cool... But I think I may take them down and iron them tomorrow. It's sweet, but not totally perfect until I get the wrinkles off.

I'm headed for bed. Jordan was on a strict every three hours schedule all last night. So I think I'm going to head to bed a little earlier than normal tonight.

My wonderful, skinny ankles

I have to share... I got my ankles back completely a few days ago. I was feeding the girl when I looked down at my feet and noticed my skinny ankles. Aren't the great? I've lost more than 20 pounds and I feel reasonably human. I have a lot more work to do to get over this pregnancy... But it is so great to have my friends the ankles back.

Sleepy day

We slept in today. I let Randy take Cam to school and went back to bed with Jordan. We napped until 10:30. It felt good after I overdid it yesterday. (I emptied all the trash, started the laundry, did dishes, took Cam to school, showed off the girl at work and went shopping)

Today, Randy's parents arrived to help out. Jordan and Cam got extra attention today -- Along with more presents! We got new tires for my car from Randy's parents and grandparents... Which is very kind.

You should have seen Randy and Poppy pacing around Jordan's bassinet... Hoping she'd wake up. Very funny.

By the way... It's a big day for Grandpa Lee. Today is his big 60th birthday. Happy Birthday to him. Unfortunately, Jordan slept through our big phone call. But Cam got a chance to sing.

Newsroom visit

Before I go into what happened today... I have to explain what is happening in my house right now. Randy is dancing around in a very silly way trying to get Jordan to burp. And it worked. Now he's telling her she's too young for earings and a belly piercing while Dudley hangs out with them on the floor.

Anyway... I was feeling bold and strong this morning. Jordan gave me 4 straight hours of sleep and a few more after that. Randy got Cam set up with his breakfast before he left for work... And then he woke me. I got to spend a little time with Cam at the breakfast table. Then I got Jordan dressed and fed and placed in the car seat.

Then the day's tone changed.

Just as I pulled the car seat out of the stroller shell that we've been keeping in the house (don't ask)... the latch on the car seat broke off. My well planed day was over. I was panicked... How do I take Cam to school with a car seat that doesn't work. I called Randy when sanity cleared my brain and reminded me that the car seat will work with a basic car seat strap... It doesn't have to have the base. So for the temporary time, I could just use the seat belt until I got a new car seat.

So we got Cam to school before circle time. Cam's teacher Ms. Suzy's daughter was in labor... very exciting. Jordan got to see some teachers and I set up her first day at school: March 27th.

So, then we went to the station for the first time! Jordan got to meet a bunch of people and woo them with her girlish charms. I had to feed her while I was there, so I surfed the web for car seats... They ain't cheap. So I decided I'd go to a store to look at what was available in town.

We get to the store and I find this awesome car seat. It's girlier than I ever thought I'd want... It's grey and pink... with grey flowers in the pink. I know, I'm out of my mind. Ms. ANTI-PINK is buying pink. It's just a nice car seat. And it came with a matching stroller... And I wanted it so much, I bought it after talking the store down on price because it was the display stroller. Randy is annoyed with me for spending more than I needed to spend. But the girl deserved something nice... Not just some car seat I found. I'm terrible. I know this. And my post-partum problems are clearly girly issues beyond my standard personality.

Jordan was incredibly alert during her awake times today so she hung out in her play mat a couple of times... Cam crawled up to her and kept saying: "Hi there baby cakes!" So cute.

Sleeping beauty

I'm trying to figure out how much sleep I should allow Jordan. I have a great sleep process for a baby once she's about six weeks old. But before that time, I'm kind of open to doing whatever needs doing to try and convince Jordan to sleep more at night compared to day. So far... I've found if I just let her sleep, my night is challenging. If I make sure she eats every 2 to 3 hours and give her a bath, she gives me a good 5 hours or so at night.

We did something very big today... We went to church. I put the girl in a dress with little girly shoes that no one saw. We actually showed up a little early! Jordan slept through the entire time we were there... She slept so long, she even slept through a visit with Lynda and Lily! I'm feeling pretty proud about going out in public with the family. I was even ready to feed her in public if I needed to. Her latch isn't as painful as it's been.

Along with our big outing of the day, we've also been fortunate to receive some wonderful meals to eat while we figure out this two-kid world. It's really yummy!! So big thanks go out to Joy, Lynda and Mike!!

Due Date Day

Last night around 11:45pm, Randy's computer alarm went off to remind him that Jordan's due date was 15 minutes away. I looked down at Jordan who was eating and smiled. I'm so glad I'm not still pregnant. It's a relief.

Jordan slept too much during the day yesterday. She decided to eat non-stop last night between midnight and 4:30 or so. Of course, Cam started trying to wake me up around 6:30. I wouldn't get up, and got to sleep lightly until 9:15. Once again, Jordan gave me 5 hours... But I would have rather had those 5 hours between 1am and 6am. Beggars can't be choosers.

By the way, before my Mom left, she bought Jordan a bassinet... And it looks like she really likes sleeping there.

A few days on our own

My mom went home today... And Jordan was really sleepy for most of the day. I went out for a short time to find some baby items. Foe some reason, I'm feeling a bit more worn down today. I'm also dealing with some latch problems. I know Jordan is eating a lot. Her diapers are messy (very baby mustard by the way). But it shouldn't hurt so much to feed her. I'm thinking it's time to find a lactation consultant. I'm not quitting... But I can't figure out how to handle this little girl's little mouth. Cam was so much easier in this department.

Sibling Love

Cameron finally had a chance to sit with Jordan on his lap all by himself. He was so excited. The moment I put her in his arms, he took the task very seriously. Of course, Jordan slumped into an uncomfortable position. And not long after she spent some one-on-one brotherly time, she was bawling. Cameron was okay with it... But not for long. After her cries, he announced, "I'm done now." And I took Jordan away.

The good news: I got some great pictures of the two together. There are more on the Flickr site... But I'm including a couple here.

Daddy time

Jordan and Daddy have had some great times together already... Mostly involving sleeping. But this afternoon, Jordan and Daddy got to be home alone. I went shopping for 2 hours with my Mom. We needed to find some kind of bassinet for the girl. The man cave needs a little place for Jordan to sleep. Right now, she sleeps on my feeding pillow or on my lap all the time. It's warm and sweet... But I need to get up every once and a while.

So we went through a few stores, I quickly bought some more breastfeeding clothes (I'm not one who enjoys stripping out of normal people clothes) and various baby items. It was nice to be out just a little. I was ready to get home after 2 hours. Oh, we found a sweet little baby Christmas dress for $8.50. The holiday sales rock right now!

By the way, I've uploaded more pictures to the Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/reeveskids/
I even created a few slideshows. Those are the little boxes on the left side of the webpage.

Bath day!

Jordan got her first bath today -- the cord fell off yesterday. So after Cam got his bath, he helped me bathe his sister. As she was undressed his time, he quickly noticed she didn't have a hand. He asked what was wrong with his sister and if her hand would grow. He told me he was sad she didn't have a hand. But Randy and I told him that she could use his help and she's going to be just fine with one hand. His job as a big brother will be extra helpful for her! He seemed okay with that. We let him touch her arm and try to understand that she's fine. After our talk, he was a good helper... Kind of. He really wanted my Mom to take pictures of his Buzz Lightyear, not Jordan.

Jordan did really well with the bath. She cried, but was calm during most of the bath. The moment she got dry and warm, she was calm and happy. We dressed her up in her new frog outfit. Yes. Those are frogs on her clothes. I'm actually warming up to pink outfits... she's kind of cute in pink. (I know, it's shocking)

Is this kid for real?

I actually slept between 12:30am and 5:30am this morning.

I feel kind of normal today. I realize Cam slept like this as well. But it seems strange for another kid who is so calm.

Jordan's little cord stump fell off yesterday... So today we'll give her the big first bath.

Right after Jordan was born, I started surfing the web to learn more about ABS. I've never heard of it before. So imagine my surprise when my baby is born without an arm without any warning. I got onto a community group on Yahoo to meet other parents who have been there, done that. I was reading a posting by a mom whose three-year-old son started asking why he has one hand when all of the other boys have two. And I finally cracked for the first time. I haven't needed to cry for Jordan's loss before. But it hit me and I was finally sad.

Cameron hasn't even noticed Jordan's missing left hand. It's amazing. Yesterday I got her dressed in front of Cam to see if he'd say anything. All he could say was: "I like her hair." Very sweet. So when Randy sent Cam to school with a photo album of pictures, he took out the picture of Jordan's arm. Randy had a good point - he doesn't need some kid in school pointing it out to him, he deserves to figure this one out with us.

She must be official now

I finally ordered the baby announcements. So I guess Jordan is official now.

We took her to her first doctor's appointment today. She's 7 pounds 5 ounces -- not a bad weight loss from her birthday... That puts her in the 30th percentile for weight. Her head circumfrence was 35 1/2 centimeters - 50th percentile. Her height is also in the 50th percentile.

Jordan got a couple of visits today... And was incredibly good and calm with everyone. It's amazing how calm she is. There's a little period of time in the evening when she gets all cranky, but that's about it.

My big challenge right now: breastfeeding. I'm very sore. I won't get into the details, but my mom and I spent the day looking for solutions to my pain so I can establish a good milk supply and not cry every time I feed the girl. It's tricky. But I remember having similar challenges at the beginning with Cam... And we ended up very healthy and happy.

Oh yeah. I shouldn't eat that

We spent a good portion of last night and this morning dealing with my love of Corned Beef and cabbage. I'm thinking the cabbage thing wasn't so great for Jordan's system. But I'm learning her sounds and physical reactions to uncomfort. Her high pitched squeal means there are bubbles in her belly. A big grunt means she's working something out into the diaper.

Anyway. The Silveys came by with bagels for breakfast and they got to watch the poor girl battle with my cabbage milk. She's a trooper. I think for the next few weeks, I'll try to be a little better at watching what I eat.

Other than the tummy oogies... She's still so calm. Cameron's loud yelling doesn't phase her one bit. It's amazing to see how second children adapt.

A trip outside

Jordan got to enjoy her first venture outside today. Can you believe that? On January first, we got to go for a walk around the neighborhood. It was 60 degrees and my brain told me I had to take advantage of that warmth. We met neighbors and found out one of our doctor neighbors was at work in the hospital the day Jordan was born... But she was working in the NICU and didn't get a chance to see Jordan. She didn't know she was my baby, but she had heard about a baby with Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS by the way) who was totally healthy.

Randy and I have researched this condition... There's nothing we could have done to prevent it. But we do know we are incredibly lucky to have her so damned healthy. A missing hand will be a challenge, but she is strong!! You should see her move her head and kick around. Her eyes are following action.

AND she is so calm. She sleeps through any sounds. Her hearing test was fantastic, she just doesn't let a yelling Buzz Lightyear brother bother her. It's amazing.

She slept about 4 straight hours last night. I got in a few naps... Including one while I fed her in the basement. My dad took pictures. I look rediculous. I'll have to think about posting the picture.

Lots of pictures

I have a Flickr account with 44 pictures of Jordan's first day. I have more pictures... But the ones on this website are nice enough for quality picture printing so my family members can have access. I'll post more soon... You may have to sign up to become a Flickr account member: http://www.flickr.com/photos/reeveskids/

I'm happy to announce my milk just dropped about an hour ago... And Jordan is sleeping very soundly right now. I'm hoping she wakes soon to enjoy her real first meal.

Jordan is here!!

This is long. So if you don't want all the birth details, here's the short version:
Jordan Lee
Born: December 29, 2005
Serious labor: 4 and 1/2 hours
Pushing: 2 pushes for Jordan's entry
Time: 5:06pm
Weight: 7 pounds 9 ounces
Height: 20 1/2 inches
APGAR: 8 and 9

Long version:
So on Tuesday, December 27th, I woke up around 2 in the morning feeling really wierd... Chills, regular contractions and an all around feeling that I was in labor. I walked around the house for 6 hours to keep it going and try to get the contractions stronger. At 8am, my parents came by to say good bye after visiting for Christmas... Until they discovered I felt like I was in labor. They canceled their flight and decided to stick around and wait for Jordan. That was very cool. My brother planned to stay until Friday, so he was around as well.

Randy and I went to labor and delivery where I was monitored, told to walk around and then monitored more. After 4 hours of misery -- strong
contractions that weren't progressing enough -- we went home. I was crushed. Here my parents stayed in town and I was going home still pregnant and uncomfortable. I continued my 2 miles a day walks at the local gym. I felt like I was making progress, but I was afraid to return to labor and delivery. I wasn't up for the heartbreak of being sent home.

I slept little, lived on the recliner in the "man cave" and took many late night walks around the house.

On Thursday, I woke up from a recliner nap and felt very strong contractions. I called the hospital and they didn't make me feel confident about going back there. So I walked around the house hurting until I called the doctor's office. They said I really should go to the hospital. So Randy and I said goodbye and decided to walk around the gym for an hour before going to L&D. When we got there, we quickly discovered that my water had broken... Not completely, but any leaking means you're in for a delivery.

Around 12:40 in the afternoon or so, they fully broke my water and I started working. I'm not a drug-taking type, so I rocked in a chair. I meditated, relaxed around my contractions, moaned.. Randy was expecting me to crush his hand like I did with Cam, but instead I used him to rub my head. That helped a lot. Our nurse was wonderful, she even massaged my feet. Around 4:40 in the afternoon, I felt like things were close, so I moved up for a check -- my only internal check during the major laboring process. It was wonderful they just let me do my thing. Suddenly I went from 8 1/2 centimeters to 10 -- So fast, none of us expected it. My doctor was teaching class until 5pm, so when they called her, she ran in as fast as she could, but I pushed the baby out without anyone telling me to do it. I just had to. Jordan flew out with a couple of pushes and arrived at 5:06pm. I didn't need stitches! Amazing. Her APGAR scores: 8 and 9. Excellent. I was the first to notice that she didn't have a left hand. Randy didn't believe me at first, but immediately, we looked at each other and it was okay. She's going to be fine. I knew that we can help her through this and she was healthy. We felt at peace.

I turned down a shot of pitocin, because I believed breastfeeding would get the job done. But Jordan didn't start sucking immediately like Cameron. We had to cajole her into eating... That didn't help my uterus contract to a smaller size very fast. So while Jordan was doing great... I started bleeding excessively and things got really scary. I got a late shot of pitocin, but that didn't help. I was clotting and at risk of losing my uterus and needing emergency surgery to save my life. So 2 doctors came in (Randy told me this, I didn't know what was going on, I was so scared) and had to push out the clots. The pain was so intense, I can't explain it. I can say that the experience shook Randy to the bone and it took him until the next morning to recover from the scare. I had to get an IV of pitocin to get my uterus solid and help it contract down to a smaller size. It took 2 bags to fully get me into a safe zone. My nurse tells me the early shot of pitocin wouldn't have been enough to prevent this from happening, but I have a little guilt in the back of my head that tells me that all of that horrible experience could have been ignored if I had just accepted the drug in the first place.

Not long after that scary experience, Randy's parents got to the hospital. We gave the rest of the family the all-clear to come to the hospital: my parents, brother, Cameron and Randy's brother. I was shaken and couldn't really get as involved in showing off the girl to everyone. Just as the whole crew got there, Jordan was taken to the nursery for all the statistic taking (weight and height), tests and a bath. So I stayed in the room to recover and try to eat food.

Cameron was so excited, he was stopping people in the hallway bragging about how he was a big brother and showing off her sister Jordan. He couldn't stop gushing in pride... Until I gave him Jordan's "gift" to him: The original Toy Story movie. He'd never seen it before. So he started running around showing that off. And the questions... He had so many questions: When is she going to walk? Can I teach her to sing? When am I going to be a big brother again? How is she going to turn into a boy? Classic stuff.

Can you believe the entire family was there? Incredible. We are so blessed. To have the Florida grandparents, the Washington, D.C uncle, Kentucky grandparents and St. Louis uncle there. Amazing. Just amazing.

We met with a local pediatric orthopaedic specialist who will see Jordan again next month. There is muscle tone in her arm that will help her use sensor prosthetics. We'll have to keep an eye on any overdevelopment of bone and muscle growth as she matures. There is a local prosthetic company that can give us a basic device to help Jordan crawl... After that, we can go for more complicated bionic (that's what we're calling it) arms as soon as she is one years old. If anyone has any more information in prosthetic programs or just programs that will help us make sure we give Jordan every bit of support she deserves, please let us know.

After 24 hours in the hospital, we went home. My first night with Jordan was challenging. She slept so much in her first 24 hours, around midnight today, she realized she hadn't eaten enough... And we fed about every 30 minutes until 5:30 this morning. I'm so dang happy I bought a nesting positioner that helps Jordan lay next to me as I try to feed and sleep at the same time. It ROCKS. Cam is trying to be gentle today... And is trying so hard to play with Jordan. He got a little upset when she wouldn't play with his Buzz Lightyear.

Today, Jordan is resting and eating. I'm hoping we'll be a little more regulated tonight. We'll see. Hopefully, her life will get even more comfortable when my milk arrives.

I've sent out a big email to as many people as I could think of... So if you didn't get the email, let me know and I'll send it to you.

Great time to catch a cold

I picked up a cough the day all of the family got into town... Tonight, the nose started running along with the sneezes. Now I'm afraid I'm going to go into labor and get the baby sick. How stinky is that.

I'm trying so dang hard to bring Jordan into the world. I walked around and shopped with my mom today. I actually spent money on clothes... Something I've avoided for most of this pregnancy. And I decided the baby has to come now because I finally bought a second pair of shoes that fit my swollen feet. I expect my 32 dollars will be put to waste quickly. But they were comfortable enough to make it a little easier to walk my 2 miles today at the gym.

Contractions? Sure. But not regular enough. So we'll just keep waiting.

Yup. Still Pregnant

I can't tell you how nomatter where I go, if I see someone, they have to ask me why I'm still pregnant. The due date is January 7th. I'm obviously fully cooked. Heck, even people are instant messaging me to check to see if I'm still pregnant. That's why my status is now: "Yes. I'm still pregnant." Fewer people are bothering me now.

I took my first full day off from work... I've been working from home. I didn't stop by at all today. It feels a little strange and a bit of a relief.

2 miles a day...

I'm walking two miles a day and I'm still not seeing any constant improvement of these contractions. I'm so darn ready to be done. It's hard to not want to be done.
I'm also trying hard to not obsess. But any time the contractions start up again and feel productive, I start getting hopeful and ready. I'm mentally prepared. The house isn't perfect. But it's ready enough. I'd also love to welcome Jordan into the family before everyone gets here for Christmas. It just seems better to be swamped with family while the baby is here compared to me sitting in a chair like a beached whale.

Hours of walking...

I'm planning on doing a lot of walking in the next week or so. Yesterday's progressive contractions didn't do much at all. I'm still 50% effaced and 1 cm dilated. That's not a major change. I dilated a little more, but that's it.

So I'm going to start walking a lot. Tomorrow morning after breakfast, I'm leaving the boys at home and heading over to the gym. After that, I'n going to take a nap. No, who knows what I'll do. I just know I have to push the activity a bit to try and move things along.

Who knows how it will go. But I am feeling more convinced that Jordan is going to wait until the due date... No matter how hard we wish for her to arrive early... It's not going to happen.

Contractions... if only they were big enough

I've had contractions all day... Enough to bother me, but not enough to mean much. We had a "faculty retreat" at the King Kong movie and that kept me a little tense and Jordan obviously scared of King Kong's roar. But no labor. So Randy, Cameron and I walked about the mall this evening to try and encourage the contractions. It continued, but the moment I sat down, things calmed down.

This could be a long, long process.

I may be wrong, but this is a big kid

Jordan is a big girl. She is so heavy! I'm carrying her so low, that it's amazing to think just how big she'll be when she gets here. I pray she'll be early just so the labor part isn't too impossible.

But because I feel so prepared and ready, I have a gut feeling I'm just going to feel oogie for another month. I think she's going to be late like Cameron just because I'm feeling so sure that she'll be early. I'm shooting for January 10, my dad's 60th birthday. He never gets cool birthday gifts... I think Jordan would be a great one.

But because I'm such a mess, I'm trying not to work as hard. I know, easier said than done. But I've been working more from home and leaving early if I can. Today I went in late and left early. I had a massage... And it was wonderful. It's my second in 2 weeks and I'm thinking about going again. I'm not sure. But it's good stuff.

I think I'm going to wrap up some work and head for bed. I love sleep and wish I got more.

Tick, tick, tick

Time is ticking... And it seems like Jordan just drops lower and lower. But what I think is going on is she's just getting bigger and heavier by the day. This will not be a little girl. She will be big... And hopefully very healthy.

I'm having a hard time walking most of the time. But she's moving around and hiccuping and punching and kicking. She's going to be a very active little girl.

Last week the doctor said she expects Jordan to come sooner than later. So we shall see. Randy has given me the go-ahead for prenatal massage. I had a short massage last week. This week I have an hour massage planned. I can't wait.

Okay, Okay... Here's your picture

For those regular visitors who keep begging for a picture... Here you go. This is my belly with Cameron posing as a super hero. I figure I should post it before I give birth. I am an imposing size... And I assume that means Jordan will be quite big as well.

Wow... That's low

So just when I didn't think the girl could go lower... She did.
On Monday I had another doctor's appointment. I asked her if I should start packing my bag... And she said she expects Jordan to arrive sooner than later. She does not expect her to make it by the due date or past the due date. And I'll tell you, I think she may be right. I've been feeling things change, so Jordan could be here soon.

I've been doing on air little spots about our new website -- it launched yesterday: www.komu.com. I feel pretty silly on TV since I'm so large. But it seems to be going well.

I woke up at 4 this morning... And I couldn't sleep after that. I'm hoping I don't have another night like that. My brain is on overload.

I did actually pack for the hospital today... I'm feeling like it has to be done.

All is well

I just wrapped up my class for the week... and went to my doctor's appointment just before that.

I only gained two pounds in the last 2 and a half weeks... which is a miracle. Jordan is measuring LOW... which is obvious. After I was careful about how I walk and sit yesterday, my lower rear pain is much better. We talked about what I'm doing to help with the pain... And as long as I can deal with it, I'm good to keep working and doing my thing as Jordan keeps growing. Plus Randy wants me to get a massage every week before Jordan is born as a Christmas gift. I scheduled an appointment starting next week.

We're officially moving to the time when I have to visit the doctor's office once a week. That's kind of exciting because it means we're wrapping this up. but it also gets tricky when I'm trying to put together doctor's apointments during the holiday season. So next week I actually have an appointment on Monday and Friday just to get our appointment times back on schedule.

Wierd new pain

Yesterday, something happened. I was walking and suddenly, I had a huge, horrible pain in my very, very lower back. More like in the bones of my butt.

Yeah. I just wrote about my butt.

Anyway. I can't seem to shake this pain. At its peak, I really can't walk. It's a HORRIBLE feeling. After doing a web search, I've diagnosed it as posterior pelvic pain... There's a more medical term to it, but why focus on that.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to fix this pain. The websites say I shouldn't move around too much. I don't know if I like that option. We got all of the Christmas lights up today... I had to move at it really slowly, but I survived. But getting up from a sitting position can really hurt.

I see the doctor on Monday. But after researching, my best options to help include buying a maternity belt, prenatal massage and resting more. I found one place that offers prenatal massage. I hope its affordable. But honestly, I don't really care about the price. It's that uncomfortable.

Okay. I'm going to get up and try to walk up to bed. (ow)

Brain overload

I can't sleep. I woke up at 3:50 this morning and I haven't been able to get back to sleep. My head is clogged up. Jordan wiggles around every time I cough. And my brain can't stop thinking about all the things I need to do before I'm too pregnant before the holidays.

I've got most of the boy's presents... I have a few things left to do to decorate Jordan's room. I still need to buy family gifts. The house is a freaking mess and it has to get cleared out before the holidays. I have six-tons of clothing that needs to be donated before the end of the year. I didn't take a refresher course on labor and for some reason that's started stressing me out. The launch for our new website is a week from Monday and I have to look good enough to introduce the site on our air for five straight days. I don't have enough TV-type clothes and my hair needs a BIG improvement before then.

Honestly. I'd rather ignore it all and go to sleep... But I can't because I can't sleep.

Dude. This stinks.

I'm snotty

I caught Cameron's cold... And now I'm all snotty and uncomfortable at a new level. I don't really want to complain much... But heck, I can write what I want in a blog.

I HATE COLDS!

I really hate them when I can't take drugs. Then, last night, my ankles and legs started swelling (I probably sat at the computer too long at work). I wanted to go home and eat chicken soup, but I decided that had too much salt in it. So I just drank water and ate a less salty meal.

Anyway. Jordan is moving and grooving... She seems to be spreading out a little more. She gets hiccups more (or I'm noticing them more). She doesn't like my coughing. But I don't like it either. Hopefully I can beat this cold before I'm expected to go on the air the week of December 5th. Yeah. On the air. My boss wants me to introduce our new website to our audience. That's a little wierd. I'm sure everyone will be happy to see the monster pregnant lady on TV.

Strange dream

You know, pregnancy brings many strange things into your life... Including strange dreams. Most aren't that strange... But last night's was so strange, I had a hard time getting back to sleep. Okay -- It was probably because I had to go to the bathroom. Anyway... In the dream, I was in labor in a hospital in Boston for some reason. And the room I was in had a bunch of other people in hospital beds. They had other health issues and they were looking at me weird. My contractions were like Braxton-Hicks... they didn't feel very productive. But suddenly I stand up and realize the baby is almost there. I push a couple of times and boom: there's a baby. I delivered her on my own and the nurses just kind of stand around and look amazed. The baby had a head full of brown hair with VERY round brown eyes. Very opposite of Cameron.

It was odd... But the dream got stranger. For some reason, the baby disappears and I'm in a wheelchair looking for her in some mall in Boston. Is there a mall in Boston? Why was I in Boston?

I don't know. Strange, strange dream.

Baby shower day

We just got back from our baby shower. It was mainly a diaper shower party -- Four pregnant women (including me) got to have the party from our co-workers. I got a bunch of diapers and enjoyed the company of many pregnant people. Cameron came along with my cousin and her daugher. Randy hid in the basement watching football. The downside: Cam was having so much fun, he peed all over himself. We had to borrow some clothes from the host's son... Who is MUCH older than Cam. So he was swimming in the clothes.

Oh well. So I'm done with the showers... And now I really need to start focusing on how to get Jordan's room together. If I ignore it, it may be too late!!

Another appointment

So we had another doctor's appointment yesterday.

We get there on time, and I'm told I'm not on the schedule. So we wait FOREVER and decide to just visit with a nurse practitioner. That isn't a big deal.

I didn't gain too much weight in the last two weeks... Which is amazing after Halloween and all that comes with it.

Blood pressure was good... Jordan's heartbeat was 140 beats per minute -- very healthy.

So my doctor doesn't really poke or prod the baby. We were certain Jordan was head down just from where you can find her hearbeat. But the nurse kind of dug down and really smooshed me to feel her head. So I can officially say (even though I knew it already) -- Her head is in my pelvis. She's totally on my right side -- Just like Cameron. I'm not carrying a girl any different from how I carried a boy. Is that a strange thing? I have no idea.

Anyway. I turned in my birth plan -- 4 copies of it -- to my file so every possible human has access to my expectations. Randy reviewed my plans the day before our appointment. He decided to also write a funny version of it. It's so funny I cried in the newsroom as I read it. But I can't share it with too many people. It includes words like induction, augmentation and words that would make college students blush.

I'm starting to understand...

I think I get why some women are willing to schedule inductions. The uncomfort level is already getting to me. I don't know if Cam was the same... I did black out some of the memories of what pregnancy was like.

I wouldn't dare induce if I can help it. But I understand.

The sharp punches are feeling a little more muted, which means Jordan is probably getting bigger and running out of space. I feel comfortable enough to say I'm about 8 weeks away at this point. I have so much that needs to be done before she gets here.

But for now, I think I'm going to take a nap.

Hiccups

Yup. They're here. Right now, I'm feeling hiccups for the first time. She's probably done it before, but I didn't notice it.

By the way, I was at yoga last night and I could do very few positions without serious pain in my pelvic bones. Those poor tendons down there are as stretched as they can be. Of course, they'll have to stretch more in the next 8 weeks or so.

All I can say is -- Wish me luck.

Woah. What is that?

The girl actually can punch me inside my hip bone!! It is one of the strangest and most uncomfortable feelings I know. She is getting strong.
I go to the bathroom all the time already... And this weekend, I had to make the big change: Put the wedding ring on a necklace. My fingers just ain't right.

Waddle waddle

Two people in two different departments at the station decided to notify me of the fact that I am officially waddling.

I know this. I can feel it. But it's so nice to get crap from other people to remind me of how silly I look.

9 1/2 weeks away.

I realize that's not a lot of time. But my body is already laughing at me for needing to hold on that long.

Good appointment for Jordan and I

We had another appointment with the doctor today... We're finally at the point where we need to go every two weeks. I've gained weight... a lot of it is water from all of my travels. I'm hoping to lose some of that when I go back in another two weeks.

Anyway. The heartbeat is strong -- she can't avoid the doppler anymore. There isn't any room to hide anymore. We talked about her placement -- and my doctor said it seemed very obvious that where the heart is, Jordan is head down and VERY low. (Like I didn't know that)

After the standard question and answer period, I started shooting out some questons about what I was hearing about the hospital where I plan to deliver the baby. I had heard that every woman who is in labor is require to wear a port in her arm just in case they need to give her an IV. I won't do that. I just won't. I had Cameron without an IV or the need for an IV. I don't need to bruise the hell out of my arm JUST IN CASE. I told that to my doctor, and she kept asking me to do it. She couldn't convince me. So at least she told me how to sign a waver on that issue and how she'll put information on how I do not want the port in my documents so the hospital knows I won't do it.

I'd also heard that the babies are immediately taken from the mother after birth to go to the warming table. I want the baby cleaned off on my belly and given to me for breastfeeding. I think that's really important to help the body naturally get rid of the placenta. I'd heard they like to give women a shot of pitocen instead. I don't want that. My doctor supported my desire... And we discussed how I would accomplish that. It's all about the nurse I get. Apparently the evening nurses are more open to delivering the baby and placing her on the mother's belly.

So it's very obvious that my birth plan is very, very important. My doctor also said she would try to attend the birth -- she'll put the request for the hospital to page her when I'm in labor. Who knows what will happen. Randy and I agree that it would be more likely she'll be there if Jordan arrives around the due date. If she's early, lord knows who will attend the birth. We'll have to team up together to fight for what we want.

Sad that you have to fight... But I'm not fully open to the idea of going to a birth center. I want a hospital environment for the possible "worst case scenario" but I don't expect we'll need that. I didn't realize how relatively progressive the hospital was in Grand Rapids.

Wow, that's a lot of movement

So Jordan is rocking and rolling in there... I wish I could figure out what is really moving around in there. I think she's in a similar position to where Cam was -- butt up with her back against the wall of my belly. And if that's the case... She's got a lot to say with her hands. She's moving a lot. So much that I can't sleep like I used to. If I get up to go to the bathroom, she wakes up and I'm up for a while because I can't sleep with her dancing and grooving.

I have 10 more weeks to go. That's a lot of time to be sleep deprived.

Good thing I'm a pro at sleep deprevation.

Bathroom visits on the rise

So... I got up 3 times through the night to visit the bathroom. We have 2 months to go and I'm already missing a lot of sleep. Bummer.

Cameron wanted to climb into bed around 5:50 this morning... The pregnant lady wasn't going to allow that one. I was actually so tired, that I had Randy feed the boy so I could sleep a few minutes longer.

Sleep. Glorious sleep. I look forward to getting it again next year sometime.

No more trips for me

I'm so happy to be done with all this flying. My ankles are finally looking human again. I'm exhausted and annoyed from this last trip.

Unfortunately, this whole trip has put me in a sour mood... And I am not digging out of it. I am really behind on the new (and not live) website at work and I'm not probably keeping watch on our old (and currently the only one the public sees) site.

Exhausting.

Jordan has been moving around in new ways today. I think she finally stretched out a bit. I've had pain exactly in the same place where Cameron used to stretch and stick his butt out. I'm wondering if she's doing a similar thing.

I do know I'm tired and I have a long 11 more weeks to go. So i'm going to work on resting a bit more and staying home more often so I'm not so tired.

The attack of the killer cankles

Have you ever heard of cankles? It happens when your calf merges with your ankles... And you don't know when one starts and the other finishes.

I've had them before... After our trip to Austin. Well, i have them again here in Orlando... And it's disgusting. I propped them up during a lot of yeterday -- and it still wasn't enough to bring them down.

To make matters worse, I'm heading back on a plane today. So I'll have to deal with this problem getting worse before it gets better. What a bummer.

The upside? I carried onto the plane two HUGE carry-on bags on my way here. I'm only carrying one back with me (HOORAY!). So my travel hom will be a lot easier.

Crazy lady isn't as crazy

Randy and I were talking recently when he realized I'm not as crazy as I was during the last pregnancy. He says he spent a lot of time talking me of the ceiling. I'm just not that crazy this time around.

At least I have that to be proud of.

There's nothing cute about me

So we took Cam to ride on his first homecoming parade... And I was not graceful. Not only was I wearing a really large gold sweatshirt (I was joking that I looked like a large glowing orb), but I fell out of the float when we were getting off. I didn't fall down hard... A kind man was helping me off... But I couldn't stay upright. He kindly guided me down to the ground as slowly as possible. My hips are a little sore and I have a bruise on the back of my leg. But this fall was nothing like the spill I took on the ice when I was pregnant with Cam.

Oh... And the doctor's office called a couple of days ago saying I have iron levels that are a bit low... So I'm taking iron supplements and hopefully I can boost that up. Obviously, I've been tired. At least I have a better idea why -- the combination of a bladder infection and low iron really leave me tired. I will survive.

Wiggle wiggle wiggle

Jordan is on the move. That girl can go! And here's the coolest news of the weeek:

Two mornings ago, Randy finally felt a really big kick or two. That made me very happy.

As Cam says: "Oh Bummer!!"

So I had another doctor's appointment... From now on, we're on the every two weeks schedule.
So, the appointment was going really well... Jordan was avoiding the doppler thing that listens to her heart. She is very healthy, I gained very little weight this past month. And just as we were wrapping things up, it turns out... I have a bladder infection. Bummer. I'd felt a little wierd in the last day or so... SO I'm guessing that's what was wrong. So now I'm doing what I don't like to do while pregnant: take drugs. Hopefully the low-dose antibiotic will do the trick and everything will clear up.

The upside of the day: I'm about to head out of work and hit my yoga class!! Hooray.

Pacifier report confuses me

So there's this new study and recommendation released today by the American Academy of Pediatrics. They're saying the use of pacifiers in bed cuts the risk of SIDS by 61%. I'm torn here. I really don't like the idea of Jordan becoming dependent on a little plastic thing... But at the same time, the idea of actually preventing SIDS in any way seems like an important idea.

I'm so confused. And tired. And so glad that tomorrow is a yoga day.

:-)

Starting to get tired

Today is officially the day I can really say the baby is three months away.

Last weekend, I started working through all of Cam's old baby clothes... And started setting Jordan's room up. The drawers are starting to get full... And I've decided I'll need some headbands and bows with blue on it... Because there are some really cool outfits that are blue.

Cam is curious about the room... And periodically takes toys out of there.

I've handed out three or six bags of clothes to new parents and parents-to-be in the world of KOMU. They're all excited. Here's the interesting thing: I still have a ton of clothes to donate. I can't believe how well dressed Cameron was.

A Soccer Ball in My Belly

Yes. It looks like there's a ball sticking out of my shirt. But still, people are a little worried to assume I'm pregnant. I was talking to a new neighbor (who moved here from Lexington, KY)... And I had to mention our next child when he said -- Oh I was afraid to say something... Probably because I wasn't wearing official pregnancy clothing -- Just a big t-shirt.

Jordan continues to wiggle and kick. Yesterday she was really calm. The kicks weren't very strong. I think it's because we were up late the night before at a concert... So I'm guessing Jordan didn't get the same amount of sleep that she's used to. Anyway. Today it all went back to normal. She's kicking with force again.

It will be interesting to see how it all works out next week. We're going to a three day music festival. She will be OVERstimulated.

Another doctor's visit

I got to go to this month's doctor's appointment. It was kind of cool. In the last month, my doctor and I started participating in a program that is designed for new faculty members. It was kind of a fluke that we were both picked to be a part of the program. Since the first meeting of this group, she was so much more friendly with me... We have a relationship that goes beyond the examination room. As Randy says -- She may actually answer my page when it's time for Jordan to arrive.

Anyway. All seems well. I'm measuring exactly where I should at this point in the pregnancy... Even though I feel much bigger. I was cleared to go on a business trip next month. And I got some tips on how to work on donating the baby's umbillical cord. I was sad when I didn't with Cameron's... I want to make sure that happens with Jordan's birth.

By the way... When I lay on my back, I can watch Jordan dance along my belly. Her kicks and punches are picking up speed. It's a great feeling knowing she's growing.

How low can you go?

I carry babies low. I couldn't say that with Cameron since he was my first. But Jordan is proving it. I carry babies low.

All of Jordans kicks or punches come very low... I can feel my pelvic bone expand. I'm going to the bathroom all the time because there just isn't a lot of room in there.

And I have 4 more months to go!!

Astonishing. I didn't truly document my pregnancy with Cam, so I can't be sure exactly what point I was at when he started to feel uncomfortable.

My mom keeps recommending I stand on my head for a little while... Maybe she'll move up a bit. I can't decide which is better -- a baby who is so high, you can't breathe or a baby who's so low, you can't walk right. I think I'll just deal with the cards that are handed to me.

Okay. That smarts.

I've noticed I tend to carry babies low. I had this problem with Cam and I have a similar situation with Jordan. The problem with this trend is I can feel my pelvic bone stretching. It's a terrible feeling. It's especially uncomfortable when I need to use the bathroom... And that need has taken a step up in recent days.

I assume the fact that the more pain I'm dealing with means Jordan is growing. That's a good thing. I have interesting wiggles and kicks from time to time. But the most I'm feeling is stretching. And I'll be honest. Pelvic bones shouldn't be able to stretch as much as mine does.

Ouch!

Turbulence and Landing

Jordan made it known that she doesn't like turbulence and a hard landing.

My first flight from Edmonton to Minneapolis was bumpy in the end. It was a little wigglier than I enjoyed. I had to hold my belly just to feel comfortable. Then we landed... And just as the plane finally slowed down, Jordan kicked very hard as if she was saying: "What the HELL was that?"

So for the rest of the day, she crowded up on my right side even more than usual.

By the end of all of the travels and we finally got to the car to drive back from St. Louis to Columbia, I noticed my ankles have swollen for the first time in this pregnancy. It's ugly. Really, really ugly.

Hopefully a lot of water and rest this weekend will put everything back to normal.

The smallest traveller

I'm in Canada this week... Training on nerdy computer stuff.
As I was flying I thought about all the places Jordan has been since her conception:
Las Vegas
Maine
St. Louis
Denver
Chicago
Kentucky
Edmonton, Canada
Austin (next month)
And if the doctor thinks it's okay: Orlando

That's pretty well traveled. Cameron just had to sit through grad school with me. Jordan gets to train on nerdy computer programs and fly on a lot of planes. She doesn't seem to mind.

But she keeps hanging out on one side -- My right side. She's crammed up in there and doesn't seem interested in moving. It's a little strange... She wiggles and kicks in the same area. My belly is actually bigger on one side than the other. It's not that noticeable to anyone other than myself. But it's obvious to me.

I'm seeing things differently

I've purposefully ignored ads that are targeted towards girls.

Until now.

I was watching cartoons with Cam while we were in Kentucky. We don't normally watch cartoons... So I don't normally watch commercials. I kind of try to avoid those.

Anyway. I was watching the cartoons with Cam when I saw a Barbie pegasus commercial. It was a big horse head that had colorful hair girls could design. I never liked those kind of toys as a kid... I never owned one. That's when I realized I'd have to have conversations about Barbie and colorful toys instead of super heros and cars.

That's going to take some time getting used to.

Another appointment

We had another doctor's appointment today. All is going well. I'm gaining weight at a steady, but not dangerous pace. The blood sugar levels were stellar, my blood pressure: 100/70 -- pretty darn good for a pregnant lady.

Jordan continues to wiggle and kick... She seems awake a lot... But I'm probably just noticing movement in her sleep. I have a feeling she'll be like her brother -- Always on the move, awake or asleep.

More details on Jordan

So... Jordan is very wiggly. She stayed in one spot for 45 minutes but just never stopped wiggling. She kept moving so much that we couldn't get a good look. I remember Cameron being wiggly, but Jordan was a mover and a shaker.

She isn't very big. Right now she's about 9 ounces... 8 pounds less than Cameron's birth weight. She's in the 35th percentile in size. There isn't anything to be concerned about, she just isn't monster in size like her brother.

To be honest. I was just really excited to see a baby with a head with a normal size. Maybe she'll have a head like Mommy instead of Randy's huge cranium.

We're excited to watch my belly grow as Jordan grows. It's very different knowing a name and sex of a new baby before birth. Cameron's surprise was probably the greatest surprise we could have. But it's so cool to watch Cameron feel more connected to his new sister.

It's a GIRL

Yes. We got a chance to meet little Jordan today. I'll try to scan in a picture soon and post it.

She's healthy, amazingly active and due between January 5th and 7th. More to come.

One day away

I'm being silly counting down the ultrasound. But because we're willing to find out if this is a boy or a girl, it's even more exciting. By the time I had my 20 week ultrasound with Cam, I'd had two other ultrasounds... So I'd seen him wiggling around before. I'm also excited to bring Cameron to the appointment so he can see. It may not go well. But I think it will be interesting to Cam. We shall see.

Yoga and wiggles

I started a yoga class last night... Now that I'm moving to days, I'll be able to take evening classes. So I skipped out of work for a couple of hours yesterday to attend the first class. There are a bunch of pregnant women in the class. I have the latest due date by 2 days. We all have bellies and struggled through the first day of exercises. But I already started remembering some of the skills I learned from a similar class from 3 years ago when I was pregnant with Cameron.

On the same day, the baby started much more obvious wiggling. He or she was wiggling and poking every time I sat down and took a breather. It's kind of exciting to finally feel a more physical connection with this little one than just watching my body expand.

Oh, and by the way... The ultrasound is officially 2 days away!

4 days away

The ultrasound is coming. I'm looking forward to meeting Jordan or Kian... That's our girl or boy name. Jordan for a girl or Kian for a boy.

We went to a Bruce Springsteen concert this past weekend. It was strange to feel the music reverberate in my belly. It was strange and I'm sure the baby was rocking. Near the end of the the show, we got up really close to watch and MAN did things shake. I can't feel mega kicks yet, but I think I felt wiggles from time to time.

This won't be our last show. In the next month, we are going to a concert or two in Columbia. And Randy and I plan to go to a music festival in Austin, Texas. This baby will really know how to dance!

Streeeeeeeetch!

Things are growing. I can feel it. It's strange. I don't think I remember being so aware of what it feels as the baby grows. It feels odd... But I like knowing things are going on in there. I haven't felt any crazy kicks lately... Just a few wiggles.

A shocking kick

So... I've kind of thought I've been feeling kicks from time to time. But I was sitting down on the couch with Randy just before bedtime last night... And I made a little stretch... When I feel this *WHACK!!* in my belly. It surprised me so much I yelped. I don't know what I did, but I really upset Baby Z.

Wow.

We may have a very strong soccer player in there. (But don't tell Randy, he doesn't like soccer)

I just look fat

You know how there's this point where you have to wear big clothes during pregnancy. I'm there. And there's a little belly... But if you don't know what's going on with me, you assume I'm just fat.

I realize I'll get over this. But I just feel large.

A room in the making

Baby Z's room is developing. We moved the crib and rocking chair in... The next step is the changing table/dresser. It's kind of exciting and scary at the same time as we put together this new bedroom. Seeing the crib in a new room makes it very real. Real enough that I think I'm going to go take a nap.

5 weeks to go

I'm getting a little antsy to find out if this little one is a girl or a boy. I didn't feel this way with Cam. It's probably just because we made the big decision to find out the sex of the baby... And that means I know the date and time of when that information will be released. Cameron's birth was reason to be patient (I guess). Anyway. I look forward to that knowledge.

It may be because I'm older or just because I don't remember... But I'm not comfortable when I sleep. I was in Denver this week and I couldn't sleep -- the pillows weren't right, the bed was too hard. I woke up in the morning with the strangest pain in my shoulder. Very strange.

Last night, I drove home late from the airport. I was so exhausted, and yet I woke up every so often to shift positions. I'm not even huge yet and I'm uncomfortable. That's a bad sign of the months to come.

Maybe if I don't dwell it won't be as bad.

Maybe

A HEARTBEAT!

We heard it! We even recorded it! The baby is beating and things are going well. I knew things were still going well... But it's still great to hear progress.

Because I'm a nerd, I even recorded the audio and emailed it to as many people as I could thing that would like the audio file.

Hooray!

Big shirts and hot weather

I'm so happy I'm not extremely pregnant this summer. It's thick outside... So thick that your sweat glands start working the moment you set foot outdoors. It's so hot, the dogs don't want to be out there.

I've had some annoying headaches lately... I'm not sure why. It usually happens when I haven't eaten enough. But today, it's still there. I really don't want to take any medicine.

We had family in town and they got to see the ever expanding belly. I like the belly... I think it's kind of big this early. But they were pretty nice about it. I had a former student visit the station earlier this week and she wasn't so nice about the belly. She asked me how far along I was... And commented about how that seemed really big already. Rude. I think the size is obviously a sign of how my body didn't forget about being pregnant a single day.

Stretching

So I don't really feel sick anymore... Which is awesome. I have energy again.

But I really feel everything stretching. It's wierd. I can actually feel spots where Cam stretched more than others. The body remembers a lot.

Feeling a lot better

I'm starting to feel human again... The nausea is fading... And I can actually go around at work and at home without making sure I'm carrying snack food around with me.

It's kind of scary to not feel sick anymore... It makes me worry if the pregnancy is still going okay... You know, the normal mommy worries that come with the territory.

My next doctor's appointment is a week from Friday -- we delayed it a week so Randy would be in town for the big heartbeat appointment. I'm hoping to record the sound and post it to the web!

The Cat's Out of the Bag

So in the last couple of weeks, we've gone public with all of this exciting baby talk.

Baby Z is making her or his little self known more and more every day. I already moved to pregnancy pants... Just because it's more comfortable. I think the baby bump is more obvious to me than anyone else... But that's okay.

I told my parents while we were in Maine. I announced it with a gift of a baby picture frame that read: "Coming January 2006" There were lots of smiles and hugs.

The morning/night sickness got worse in the last couple of weeks. I'm hoping now that we're very close to the end of the first trimester that the ickies will slow down and go away. There's nothing worse than running around during breaking news and trying to hold back nausea. Yuck!

We still haven't told Cameron. But last weekend, he found a baby bib we bought in Maine. He asked me if it was his for when he gets little. I told him he'd never get little again... So he was confused and kept asking questions. But he got distracted and we moved on. We still have 29 weeks to go... I'd rather not make him wait as long as we do.