Monday, April 21st
Last night around 11:30pm I started to have quite a few uncomfortable contractions, but they were irregular so I didn’t time them and the baby was still moving like crazy. I was finally able to fall asleep around 2:30am. When we woke up at 6:20am I felt like a zombie, but I got up with Nathan and ate breakfast. After breakfast I noticed that I hadn’t felt the baby move since I had fallen asleep early this morning. Nathan had JUST gotten to work when I started to completely freak out and he turned around and came straight home to take me to the hospital. I figured that if something was wrong that maybe it wasn’t too late at this point to fix it, where several hours down the road it may be…Nate agreed.

We got to the hospital and in the lobby of Labor/Delivery I noticed that I was still having a lot of contractions and that it seemed like my tummy was staying a little hard at all times. I started to think that this might be why I hadn’t been able to feel Rivers moving, but was glad we were going to find out for sure. We had to wait for a while before they put us in a room…they took my vital signs (which were good) and hooked me up to the contraction and heartrate monitor. THANK GOD the baby’s heartrate was good…it ranged from about 109-156 depending on contractions and his position. I continued to have a lot of pretty strong contractions…they were topping out on the monitor. After about 30 minutes a nurse came in to check me. I was 3cm dilated and around 50% effaced…definitely a change from Wednesday when I was only dilated 1cm! So they told Nathan and I to try walking around the hospital for two hours, get some lunch, and come in to get checked again. If I made progress they would admit me.

So Nate and I charted a course around the 2^nd Floor of the Naval Medical Center from Building Two (where Labor/Delivery are) to Building Three (where the food court and shops are), through the Parking Garage, and back to Building Two. We walked this course about 6-7 times…I kept having to slow down or stop because of the contractions, but we kept walking. We then ate lunch (not saying what because I’m sure it probably wasn’t exactly wonderful “Mommy-to-be food”) and walked our course about 4 more times before heading back to Labor/Delivery.

When we got back they checked me again…a little change. Now I am (I use present tense because I assume this is where I still stand) almost 4cm dilated, 70% effaced, and the baby is in -3 station (which I assume means his head is in my pelvis but still kind of high). They gave us three options: OPTION 1: Hang out in triage hooked to monitors and hope things will magically progress. (Ummm…no thanks!) OPTION 2: Walk around for TWO MORE HOURS, come back to be checked again and hope I have made it to 5cm so I can be admitted…otherwise I would go home. (I don’t think my cankles could stand two more hours of walking. I mean, my feet were so swollen and my toes looked like mini-weiners.) OPTION 3: Go home and do whatever I want to do- take a nap (which I desperately needed after not sleeping much at all last night), eat, walk or rock in my rocker, etc. (*ding, ding, ding* “We have a winner!”). So we chose to come home and hopefully (PRAYERFULLY) I will continue to have contractions and will dilate and be back in the hospital soon. The nurse who discharged us said she fully expects to see us back tonight or tomorrow. I hope she is right, but we will have to see (PLEASE PRAY)!

So, here we are at almost 7:00pm. Nathan and I just ate (he had to go get food because I am still contracting and not very comfortable) and are timing contractions and basically playing the waiting game. I am going to take a shower and do some rocking as it is wet and nasty outside, and hopefully things will keep rolling. If not, then we go back for another check up on Wednesday afternoon. Please pray that Rivers will be ready to come soon and for a safe delivery for both of us. Love to all and I will keep you posted to the best of my ability!!

Monday, April 7th
Today Nathan and I went for our 38 week appointment. We didn't get to see Dr. Austin (because of the crazy way the Navy schedules their doctors) but we saw Nurse Chapman, who is a real sweetheart. I have gained SEVEN MORE POUNDS since our 36 week appointment (two weeks ago), which puts the grand total to 151.4lbs...YIKES!! My blood pressure is still looking good, though, which is wonderful news.

Rivers had a bad case of the hiccups so they couldn't really get an accurate reading of his heartrate, but it seemed to be in the 120s. I thought it was pretty low, but Nurse Chapman said it was fine. My fundal height is measuring at 39cm, which explains why when I have a Braxton-Hicks Contraction I can barely breathe. Nurse Chapman also did an internal exam and I am only dilated "a fingertip" and remain 50% effaced. I was hoping to hear news of more progress, but hopefully when we go back on April 16th we will be pleasantly surprised to find Rivers is ready to come :o) I hope, I hope, I hope!!

On just a regular note...the Braxton-Hicks Contractions are coming periodically throughout the day now (as they were only coming at night and in the early morning)...this started yesterday.

Monday, March 31st
Today Nathan and I went for another growth scan to check on the baby's growth. He looks strong and healthy, and his growth is within two days of his due-date (so he is right on track). He decided to let Mommy and Daddy see his face again this time. We got a few pictures of him while he was drinking his fluid and he looks like he is making a kissy-face! I think that that wa the last time we will get to see our precious little Rivers until he decides to come...we can't wait!!

Saturday, March 29th
Today Nathan and I had pregnancy pictures taken. We created some of our own poses and I think that they turned out very cute. The only bad thing is that the pictures aren't scheduled to be in until April 18th, which doesn't give us long to enjoy them before the baby is here and we are scheduling another session :o) Oh well...once we get them I will post them.

Monday, March 24th
Today Nathan and I had our 36 week appointment. The weight gain has slowed down some and I am up to 144 lbs, and my blood pressure and pulse are just a tiny bit above my normal range (which is great). Rivers once again ran from the heart monitor so it seems that his heartrate is still around 130bpm. He is head down and dropped, but still moving around like crazy in there. They checked my cervix today (that was the first time but I think they will do it at each appointment from here on) and although I am still completely closed, I am 50% effaced...just the knowledge that things are starting to progress is wonderful!! We go back for another ultrasound on Monday to make sure that Rivers is continuing to grow as he should; although Dr. Austin believes he is still growing as he should. I am a little sad because it seems like I won't be seeing Dr. Austin again unless his schedule changes...just one of the fun parts of being at the Navy Hospital (working around crazy schedules). Oh well, I choose to see the Nurse Practitioner that I saw the last time Dr. Austin was unavailable. I do hope, however, that we will get to see him at least one more time before Rivers comes!

Saturday, March 15th
NATHAN IS HOME!! We picked him up from the airport tonight; his flight was supposed to arrive at 6:30pm, but he didn't get in until closer to 7:30pm. It was so great to see him, and Rivers has been putting on a show for him!! I'm glad that he isn't too jet-lagged to enjoy being home!!

Thursday, March 13th - Friday, March 14th
Yesterday (March 13th) I went shopping with my friends Gina and Kim...we were looking for Easter dresses (it wasn't going well for any of us, but especially not for me being that I am now eight months pregnant and look like I have swallowed a watermelon). We looked around various stores from about 3:00-5:00pm and then we stopped for some food. At the restaurant I noticed that I was starting to have contractions (not too bad at first) and they progressively got worse throughout the meal. By the time we were finished, they were coming one after the other (literally only 30 seconds to a minute apart) and I was barely able to catch my breath between them. I had my friends take me home because I thought it would be better to take it easy, rest, and drink lots of water to try to get them to start.

Once I was home I drank two large bottles of water and laid down in the chair for a couple of hours. I was still having contractions but they were not as bad as they had been at the restaurant. I thought things were going back to normal, but around 8:30pm they started to become stronger and closer again. I debated as to what I should do (since Nate is still in Korea and I didn't know if I should go to Labor/Delivery or not...I'm sure they are tired of seeing me). But they kept getting worse so I called Labor/Delivery and the doctor I talked to said I should come in just to be sure, so I called my friend Gina and we went.

We arrived around 9:00pm and I had to fill out some paper work, pee in the cup, and we waited for about 20 minutes. We finally got to go to a room where they hooked me up to the blood pressure monitor, pulse monitor, fetal heartrate monitor, and contraction monitor. I was definitely having a lot of contractions (at this time they were registering at 55...it was at 0 when I wasn't having a contraction), but the baby's heartrate was good and all of my statistics were good as well.

After several doctors came in to speak to me (and the admissions lady came in and made me sign a lot of forms and asked about a living will...which scared me nearly to death) they decided to give me an IV just to make sure I wasn't dehydrated. Needless to say after all of the water I had pounded at home, my urine was almost completely clear when I peed in the cup, but they insisted it had to be done. The doctor gave it to me in the middle of my arm (first time for me) which is an AWESOME place for an IV- it doesn't hurt too bad when they place it and it doesn't hurt at all after they take it out! BUT the IV seemed to make the contractions worse (now they were registering in the upper 70s) so they decided I needed to have an internal examination. Luckily the baby seems to be staying in (not dilated or thinning) but since the contractions were strong and frequent they wanted me to stay a few more hours for observation. By this time my friend Kim showed up and in-between contractions she, Gina, and I were having a great time. The doctors gave me some medicine in my IV to stop the contractions and it worked. They checked me again- still not dilated or thinning- and did an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid (which looked great and had vernix in it...which means it shouldn't be too much longer before Rivers is ready to be born) so they finally signed off on me to go home (at 3:00am on Friday). Of course, I was ordered to take it easy and not do so much. This is very hard for me to do, but I have been trying to limit my activities...one more trip to Labor/Delivery for contractions, and I will be put on bedrest. Not fun!

At least Nathan will be coming home tomorrow and hopefully I can do a little more resting and relaxing. At least I will not be constantly worrying about how he is doing, I won't have to scoop the cat box or do all of the chores around the house by myself, and we can go shopping together. I can't wait.

Wednesday, March 5th
Today I had my 32 week check-up with Dr. Austin. I have gained NINE pounds since my last appointment (four weeks ago) and am up to 141.9 lbs!! That seems really big to me, but I can tell my arms and legs have not gotten any bigger so it is all in my belly...but considering I started at 117 lbs it seems like a lot of weight to me. My blood pressure is looking good again (as it was low) and I had some bloodwork done to check my iron levels to make sure the anemia has gone away...if not it will mean iron several times a day from here on out.

Rivers continued his three-month tradition of running away from the fetal heart monitor but it seems his heartrate continues to be in the 130s and very strong. They measured my fundal height and I am now measuring at 31 weeks (because the baby has dropped). Dr. Austin was not overly concerned about the fact that at 33 weeks the baby has already dropped...he believes that Rivers will stay in for at least another month. Rivers is also still head down (which I guess is a given since he has dropped) and stuck his butt out for the doctor :o) My child is going to love having his butt rubbed and patted...so cute. The doctor thought it was pretty funny, too.

Navy policy normally dictates pregnant women go to the doctor once a month (whereas some women are going every two weeks at this point) but my doctor does not want me to go that long, so I will be going back every 2-3 weeks. My next appointment will be on March 24th and he will start checking my cervix and monitoring the baby's heart at that point. I am so thankful that Nathan will be home for the next appointment and will get to come with me!!

Tuesday, March 4th
Tonight I was able to catch Rivers's nightly ritual of trying to burst out of my stomach on video. It's amazing how my whole stomach moves with him now (and how much bigger I have gotten)...I went back and watched the video I took of him in January :o)

Monday, February 25th
Well, my parents had to go back to SC today. I cried for a long time because I love them so much and I wish that they were closer...especially with their first grandchild coming so soon. They are going to try to come up again over Easter to see Nathan and I one last time before the baby arrives (and of course they will be coming up for that)! At least we had a good time and got so much done. They put up Rivers's wall border, blinds, finished putting together his furniture, and helped me arrange the room. The nursery is so sweet, and I can not wait until Nathan comes home to see it. My parents worked so hard and it is amazing to see how much they already love Rivers too. He was so active while they were here (and continues to be) and they had a good time watching him move my stomach around and feeling him poke out body parts. I will be so glad when they get to come back down, and I will be super happy when Nathan gets home safe and sound from Korea...we're half way through!

Friday, February 22nd
This morning around 1:00am my parents arrived from South Carolina...they came in early so that they could come with me to Rivers's growth scan (and see their grandson in action). My mom got to stay in with me for the growth scan, and afterwards the technician let us bring in my dad and she showed them all of Rivers's little parts. It was so great that they were able to see him in my belly considering that they live so far away and we often go for several months without seeing each other because of the distance. Rivers is still growing and developing as he should, which is an answered prayer. He definately made things difficult on the technician because he wouldn't quit wiggling so she could get good pictures to do the measurements! Then she tried to get some pictures of him so I could send them to my husband, and the little booger covered his eyes with his arms and wouldn't move them! So I have some pictures of his nose, lips, and chin with arms above :o) It's so cute because from that angle it is easy to see he is going to have his daddy's nose and my chin. Of course, when I went to scan the pictures the scanner died so I had to take a picture of them with my digital camera so I could email them to Nathan. Hopefully they were decent enough that he could see them. Next time he should be home and will go to the growth scan to see our little boy again in person.

Wednesday, February 20th
Tonight at around 10:00pm I noticed that my right breast was leaking a little colostrum. I am so excited...the fact that Rivers will be coming soon is starting to sink in!!

Thursday, February 7th
Nathan left for Korea this morning at 4:20am. I got up with him at 3:30am and ate breakfast with him and cuddled on the couch while he rubbed my tummy. I'm glad Rivers was up early this morning, too, to roll around and kick Nathan before he left. Since Nathan has been gone, I have heard from him quite a few times...he calls me at every layover to check up on me and the baby. I think it is so sweet. The next time I hear from him will probably be tomorrow sometime when he arrives in Tokyo, Japan and then the next stop will be Korea. I will be so relieved when I know he has made it there safe and sound! I have done this so many times but for some reason this one is already so hard (I guess because of the pregnancy hormones)! I know God will look out for all three of us, and that is what is keeping me going right now.

Wednesday, February 6th
Today Nathan and I went to our 28 week check-up with Dr. Austin. Rivers was pretty inactive, but he still ran away from the fetal heart monitor so they were unable to get an exact heartrate for him (but it was in the 130s). They measured my fundal height and everything seems to be normal...it was at 28, which was a little smaller than it should be, but not by much and thus not a big deal. I showed the doctor the articles I found about Ocular Migraines and (after reading the eye doctor's report that all is normal) he agrees. He said that it is normal to develop them during pregnancy and menopause (when hormones fluctuate) and that they normally go away after delivery! I was so glad to hear that! We had to schedule a follow-up ultrasound (I'm not complaining!) on the advice of the Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist...it has something to do with my lupus and kidneys and sometimes it can stunt the baby's growth. I'm not really sure, but the doctor feels confident that everything will continue to progress normally. Nathan will be in Korea when I have the ultrasound (Feb 22nd), but I was able to schedule it when my parents are visiting from South Carolina, so my mom will get to come with me! She is so excited to get to see 'Nana's Baby' in action (and hopefully we will be able to get my dad in there, too).

After the doctor's appointment, Nathan and I had some last minute running around to do before he leaves for Korea tomorrow. We went to the Commissary and got all the groceries that I should need until my parents come in a few weeks (except for milk, which I go through like a madwomen). We also had to go to Wal-Mart and get a lock for his seabag. We went to church (which is getting harder for me to do right now because of how horrible my back and hip feels after sitting straight up for an hour), but it was worth it. I feel better knowing that so many people are praying for us. Then we came home and packed up Nathan's bags and just spent some quality time together. He explained to Rivers where he was going and everything...I was balling like a baby! Nathan was so torn up about having to leave me (and I think more so his 'bitty')...I'm not sure how he is going to be able to leave once Rivers actually arrives. Maybe it will force him to consider a career change :o)

Wednesday, January 30th
I went to the dentist today for my six-month cleaning...25 years and still no cavities :o) It was pretty funny because I can no longer lay all of the way back, so the dentist and hygienist were so nice and stood over me to clean my teeth. My gums bled so much, but from everything I read it is completely normal during pregnancy and caused by the increased blood flow. Now my teeth and gums are so sore, but they look nice and shiney. Rivers was so funny; while they were cleaning my teeth he kept kicking me in the ribs and making me jump...they thought they were hurting me. Haha! He has become so active...he is such a little wild man!

Nathan has been in Mississippi since Monday (he left the house at 3:30am) and will be coming home tomorrow afternoon. I cannot wait to have him home, even if it is only for a week (then he will go to Korea for 1 1/2 months). I will miss him so much, but he should be able to email and/or call me every day and that will make things much easier. As an added bonus; my parents and brother are planning on visiting me while he is gone, and my best friend from SC is moving to nearby Newport News in mid-February (I am so excited)! I know God will take care of Rivers and myself so I will not be alone :o)

I also think that I may have found the root of my vision problems. I have no idea how I came across the article on Ocular (Visual) Migraines, but all of the strange visual problems that seemed so unrelated are all symptoms. I printed out several articles and I plan on taking them to show Dr. Austin at our next prenatal appointment (February 6th).

Saturday, January 26th
It has been a very trying last couple of days for my husband and I. On Thursday, out of nowhere, our Katie cat completely spazzed out on our other cat. The other cat was so scared she peed and pooped ALL over the house (downstairs, upstairs, and on the stairs), so my husband and I spent the evening moving out furniture and cleaning. She seemed to calm down and went back to being a sweet kitty...until she saw Dory again and it happened over and over. We tried keeping them separated and slowly putting them back together (because these cats have been together for THREE YEARS), but it kept happening. The final straw was when she pinned Dory down and started biting her neck (trying to kill her) and Nathan went to break them up...Katie BIT him. We had to go to the Emergency Room where they gave him oral and topical antibotics and took X-Rays. That night, on Nathan's suggestion, I let Katie back out of the laundry room and at 12:15pm I heard the commotion from upstairs again. My poor husband was drugged out and couldn't move his right hand anyway, so I spent the next hour moving heavy couches and bookcases and cleaning cat pee and poop from under them (crying the whole time). I knew we would have to get rid of her because she just wouldn't snap out of whatever was causing her aggression towards our other cat, so on Saturday we took her to the local SPCA. I pray they can find her a nice home with no cats. I wish there was something more we could have done, but it was so hard on me to scrub cat pee on my hands and knees several times a day. It was such a physically and emotionally draining weekend for my husband and myself. I am just thankful that his hand is doing much better, we have the pee smell completely gone from downstairs and almost gone from upstairs, and the baby is moving around more than ever. Nathan will be in Mississippi tomorrow until Thursday and then we only have one more week together until he goes to Korea for 1 1/2 months, but we are going to enjoy these last days...we've been through MUCH MUCH longer, so hopefully this will be like a drop in the bucket for us both.

Friday, January 25th
I had my first leg cramp tonight. It woke me from a dead sleep, I cannot even believe how painful those are. It is still VERY sore...I'm not sure if it is normal for your calf to be sore after the fact.

Wednesday, January 23rd
Today Nathan and I went to the Breastfeeding Basics class (commander gave him the day off, which was nice). It was very informative, and Nathan was actively involved in asking and answering questions. I was glad he didn't feel uncomfortable. Afterwards, we exchanged some things from the shower. I had the strange flashing lights and faded spots in my vision in Target, which scared me because I haven't had them in such a long time...my eyes still feel weak, but have been doing better overall. My vision finally straightened out, but at that point I was ready to go home because at least there I can close my eyes and rest them. I feel sorry for Nathan, because it seems like every time he has some time off and wants to do something, something happens to me and we have to go home. I will be glad when our little man is here and I can get back to feeling normal so Nathan and I can do our normal activities again!

Tuesday, January 23rd
I feel a lot better today in regards to the nausea/vomiting. I slept for so long because the doctor prescribed me Phenergan pills to take at home. I still don't feel 100%, but I guess it will take a couple of days to completely recouperate from such a horrible stomach problem. I went to the therapist today (for the panic disorder) and we worked on relaxation techniques. They seemed to work very well, but they would probably work better if Rivers would try to relax a little bit, too. I hope that they will help me be able to stay off of my anxiety medicine at least until the baby is born. I have almost finished with my 'Thank You' cards (it is taking me a long time because I am very specific and indepth when I write them). I think that by Friday I should be completely finished with them. Since my stomach is still a little weak, I'm not going to take my iron suppliment or vitamin C today...I hope a few days without it will not be a big deal.

Monday, January 22nd
I'm not sure whether it was the McDonald's that we ate last night or a bug that I picked up from someone at the baby shower, but I have the worst upset stomach I have had in a long time. We spent most of the day in Labor and Delivery where I was hooked up to an IV to rehydrate me and given Phenergan to take away the intense nausea. I was worried because the dehydration had started to cause contractions, but the doctor did an exam and everything is closed and looking as it should at 27 weeks. Rivers was not happy with the monitors they placed on my stomach to track his heartrate and monitor contractions. They had to confine him to one spot with the contraction monitor because he kept running from his heartrate monitor...then he kept kicking it and it made a loud staticy sound. I'm thinking that we are going to have a head-strong and wild little man on our hands in a couple of months.

Saturday, January 19th
Today we had the baby shower my mom threw for Rivers in South Carolina. I must admit that I was worried noone would show up because the weather was so cold and it was raining/snowing pretty hard. When it snows even a little in SC, people are so unaccustomed to it that they don't even leave the house. I was pleasantly suprised that so many people showed up...I must have really caring friends and family. Rivers got so many cute outfits and some wonderful and useful things (like a wipe warmer, Diaper Genie, fold and go diaper changing station, etc.). My mom did a great job with the shower and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. We played several games (How Well do you Know Mom? and How Big is Mom?) and just had a great time talking. My mom ordered the cutest cake where each little piece had a blue baby bootie made out of icing. My mother-in-law didn't come (not surprising), but my husband has had his fill with his family (which makes life so much easier on me since I personally reached that conclusion about three months ago). Other then the 7 1/2 hour drive each way, the weekend and the shower were absolutely wonderful!

Friday, January 18th
Today I had went to the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society to a class called Budgeting for Baby (Nathan couldn't come because he only working a half-day so that we could get to South Carolina at a decent time tonight). I learned much wonderful information concerning how much the needs of a baby cost and ways to be thrifty. The best bit of information I learned that I can share is: Babies outgrow outfits before they wear them out. The lady teaching the class said that the thrift store is a great place to get baby clothes for this simple fact...plus you can get an outfit someone spent $30.00 on for $2.00 and it will still look new. Good information. The class let out a little early so I walked across the street to where my husband works and sat in his office and read a book until noon. Then we ate at Subway, came home and loaded up the car, and went to SC. I drove until it got dark, and then Nate drove the rest of the way home. It was so great to finally get to SC and see my parents again. I love them so much!! My mom has everything looking so cute for the shower. I can't wait, although I am a little nervous because they are calling for bad weather tomorrow...I hope it will hold off until after the shower!

Wednesday, January 16th
Tonight I was uploading pictures to the computer to send to my mom when Rivers decided to cut up BIG TIME. Luckily, the camera was right beside me, so I grabbed it and was able to catch him in the act :o) I wish it was more in focus and less grainy, but it was taken on a Sony Cybershot digital camera (not a camcorder)...maybe next time. Let me know what you think!

Tuesday, January 8th
Nathan and I went to our 24 week check-up today. I had to see a different doctor today (which I was unaware of until she walked into the room), which led to a mini-breakdown on my part. It has to be the hormones, but it was so bad that they actually ended up bringing my doctor in from the OR to calm me down...I think the other doctor and nurses were afraid I was going to hyperventilate (I though I was going to, as well). Anyway, once I started feeling better I apologized like crazy to my doctor (still in his scrubs), the other doctor, and the nurse (and especially my husband, although he didn't seem to be embarassed). Keep in mind this is at the NAVY hospital so *sigh*.

Well, we went over the results of my bloodwork and most everything looked good. All of Rivers's bloodwork was perfect and the bloodwork they ran on me looked pretty good (just low iron, red blood cell count, and lymphocytes). I now have to be on extra iron supplements to try to get the iron and red blood cells up...hopefully I won't have to be on it the whole time. The lymphocytes are no big deal- just one of those Lupus things. My doctor also said that after week 28 he wants to do ultrasounds twice a month to check the baby's growth (it has something to do with the Lupus and my kidneys possibly causing the baby's growth to stunt). He said he doesn't think it is going to be a problem since Rivers is actually a little big for his age, but it's a good idea anyway. I won't object to seeing my little guy so often :o) I'm a little scared about taking so much extra iron, but from everything I read it should help me feel better and will make delivery safer (in case I bleed a lot). Nathan will actually get to come to the February appointment since we were able to schedule it before he leaves for Korea. That makes us both very happy!

Friday, December 28th
Today we finally got in for our diagnostic ultrasound and got to see our little man again. I cannot believe how much he has grown in a little over a month and a week! They measured and checked EVERYTHING and said he looks 100% healthy: four great looking chambers to his heart, his diaphram is perfect, his kidneys still have some fluid but are draining, perfect spine, and ten little fingers and ten little toes. We were so relieved after everything we went though on December 20th! On another bright note, based on their measurements, they moved my due date up six days (from April 28th to April 22nd). We were able to see Rivers yawn, smile, scratch his head, drink his fluid, and practice breathing...he is so amazing. He also wiggled his little hiney. He might just have his daddy's personality, so cute! I go back on January 8th for my 24 week appointment and to go over the results for all of the bloodwork and the 24-Hour Urine Analysis, and prayerfully all of those will turn out fine. I am starting to get scared about being here by myself from Feb-mid March with my parents being seven good hours away while Nathan is in Korea. I know God will take care of me, he always does, but I guess its just human nature to be scared about being alone (especially when you are that pregnant).

Monday, December 21st - Wednesday, December 26th
Nathan and I decided to go home to South Carolina for the holidays this year so that we could see his family (my family will drive up to see us), and so that my ailing grandparents could see my baby bump. Things went pretty well. Nathan's Meme (grandmother) died the morning of December 21st, so we went down early to see his parents on Saturday before they left for Texas. Once again, my father-in-law was thrilled to rub my tummy and find various parts of the baby on the 17 Week ultrasound pictures. My mother-in-law didn't even want to look at them (which still kind of hurts me, but I have resigned myself to the fact that she is a self-centered and jealous cow).

On Sunday we went to church with my parents (morning and night). We had a lot of fun, but my back hurt so badly due to the wooden pews.

We went up to North Carolina on Christmas Eve and had lunch at my grandparents. My older cousin just had a little boy six months ago, and it was nice to hold him and ask her all of the questions I could think of about pregnancy and childbirth. I am very glad that my Gramma and Grampa were able to see Rivers in my tummy (since I'm not sure if my Grampa will be around to see him once he officially arrives). Later in the afternoon Nathan, my little brother Joe, and I drove back to South Carolina to visit Nathan's brother and his family (wife and four children) and to give them presents. We had a good time visiting with them. We used to be very close (as Nathan and Steven are only 10 1/2 months apart they basically have the same relationship as twins) but after being moved from Charleston to Georgia to Virginia, we do not get to see them as much as we would like. I miss Michael, Mary, Baily, and Sammy (our nephews and neice) who are growing up too fast; but it is always so great to see them!

On Christmas Day we had the family Christmas with my parents and brother (I love it because it feels like old times). We got some great gifts. Nathan got a mandolin, a robe with slippers, and an imported beer set while I recieved a new digital camera with a big zoom lens and an awesome case (to get great shots of the baby when he comes), a USC Gamecocks garden gnome, an easel, and a nice set of oil paints! My parents got Nathan and I a digital video camera (also for the baby), soft blankets, and some USC Gamecock pajama pants. Rivers also recieved his first presents: from my parents he got a little sailor outfit and from my sister-in-law Aemie he got a little USC outfit. I cannot wait until next year when Rivers is here to open his own presents! Later that day my other grandmother and aunt came over for Christmas dinner. It was great to see them as well. After everyone left Dad, Mom, Nathan, Joe, and I all watched Christmas movies in the living room until bed time. It was a wonderful Christmas!

Thursday, December 20th
My husband and I spent most of the day today in Labor and Delivery. I started having some cramping and contractions last night, but figured it had to do with the tacos I had eaten for supper so I decided just to drink some water and go to bed. I woke up this morning to find that I felt twice as bad. That's when we decided to go to the hospital. We were there for about four hours because more serious cases kept coming in. They took the baby's heart rate (135 bpm) and hooked me up to a monitor to measure my contractions. They did a full exam and everything looked fine: my cervix was not dilated, the baby was not in delivery position, and everything looked exactly as it should at 21 weeks. I was so relieved. They finally decided that the contractions and cramps were coming from dehydration. I narrowly escaped having to have an IV (thank goodness) and I had to promise to pound the water when I left. It was a really scary day, but at least I can rest assured that the baby is alright...what a relief!!

Monday, November 26th
I had my 18 weeks appointment today. This is the first doctor's appointment that Nathan was not at due to the fact that he has a week-long conference in Korea. The baby's heart sounded good and strong at 145 bpm, and he decided to give the doctor a good, swift kick while he was feeling my stomach. I haven't told our doctor that we already know the sex of the baby...we'll wait until the next time we see him to share that information, although he has been saying it's a boy since about week 12. I had to get a bunch of bloodwork drawn (partially to check on the baby and partially to monitor a medical condition that I have) and I have to do a 24 hour urine test...very gross! I also set up my ultrasound today, and they were booked solid until December 28th...Thanks, Navy. Thank goodness my husband and I were already fed up with waiting for the Navy and wanted to find out the sex of the baby before the holidays, so we went to a 3D/4D prenatal imaging facility earlier in the month and found out we are having a little boy! I guess we will have that confirmed on December 28th and make sure the baby is healthy and that my due date is accurate. My doctor is going on leave from Christmas until New Year's, so I won't go back until January.

Wednesday, November 21st
We are home for Thanksgiving and my mom got to feel the baby (her first grandchild) kick...it was very touching. My future sister-in-law also got to feel him moving around...she is only 21 so it freaked her out. The baby wouldn't kick or move around for my daddy (hopefully over Christmas), and my brother (who is also 21) said he wasn't quite ready to experience feeling something moving inside of my belly yet...BOYS!

Tuesday, November 20th
My husband and I went to Prenatal Imaging, Inc. (a 3D/4D ultrasound facility in our area) to find out the sex of the baby. We were just so tired of waiting for the Navy, and we wanted to find out if we were having a little boy or a little girl and we loved the thought of seeing our little Squiggy in 3D! It was very affordable and the people there were so nice and understanding. I called to make the appointment Monday and they had me in on Tuesday...that is a speedy turnaround that I'm not used to! It took about five minutes of prodding and me rolling into different positions before the baby (who was sleeping rather soundly) decided to move around so we could tell the sex. We're having a BOY (or so the ultrasound technician says)!! I'll post some pictures so that maybe some of you with boys (or who know what a boy ultrasound looks like) can let me know your thoughts. I'm sure the Navy will get us in for an ultrasound in the next month or two, so I guess we'll know for sure then. I LOVE the 3D pictures...he looks so cuddly!! By the way, Nathan can now feel the baby kick. His favorite thing is putting his head on my stomach and letting Rivers play soccer with his head.

Wednesday, November 14th
I FELT THE BABY KICK FOR THE FIRST TIME!! It was so strange and wonderful...I truly know what a bag of popping popcorn feels like :o) My husband can't feel it yet, but hopefully soon!!

***About You***
Name? Gabrielle
Age? 25
Height? 5'7'
Pre-pregnancy weight? 117 lbs

***About the Father***
Name? Nathan
Age? 29
Height? 5'7'
Are you still together? Yes

***About Your Pregnancy***
Is this your first pregnancy? Yes
When did you find out you were pregnant? August 18th
Was it planned? Yes. Nathan had just came home in July from a six month deployment and we decided since he was about to go to shore duty now would be the best time.
What was your first reaction? We were both totally shocked that it happened so quickly, but very, VERY excited!
Who was with you when you found out? Nathan
Who was the first person you told? Nate was actually the one standing over the test watching, so we knew at exactly the same time. We called my parents and my Mom answered, so we told her first.
How did your parents react? My mom didn't really register the information right away, but after a minute of telling her over and over again she was very excited. She insisted we take another test and then send her pictures of the positive test.
How far along are you? Today (Sunday, December 2nd) I am exactly 19 weeks!
What was your first symptom? My breasts became very sore, to the point that it hurt to touch them.
What is your due date? April 28, 2008, although I'm almost positive that after my ultrasound on the 28th they are going to move it forward...I seem to be hitting the milestones a couple of weeks ahead of schedule.
Do you know the sex of the baby? Yes, we went to a 3D ultrasound place at week 17 and found out.
If so, what is it? It's a BOY!!
Have you picked out names? Yes, we have decided on a name (we had one boy and one girl name picked out so that when we found out the sex he or she would already have a name).
If so, what are they? Jonathan Rivers (and we're calling him Rivers) and if he were a girl it would be Jillian Katherine.
How much weight have you gained? Almost 5 lbs
Do you have stretch marks? Haha...not on my stomach, but I have them on my butt.
Have you felt the baby move? Yes, we have been able to feel him since about week 17...he really moves in the early morning, after lunch, after supper, and when I'm laying in bed at night.
Have you heard the heartbeat? Yes, three times. At week 14 it was 125bpm, at week 17 it was 146bpm, and at week 18 it was 145bpm.

***About the Birth***
Will you keep the baby? Most certainly!!
Home or hospital birth? I'm high risk so I don't really have the choice, but even if I did I would definately go with the hospital
Natural or medicated birth? I'm sure medicated although I wish I had the gumption to go natural like my mom did!
Who will be in the delivery room with you? Nathan and my mom
Will you breastfeed? That is the plan, although I'm not sure how long I can be off of my medicine.
Do you think you'll need a c-section? I don't think so.
Will you cry when you hold the baby for the first time? Definately...I cry when women on TV hold their babies for the first time.
What's the first thing you might say to him/her? I would imagine something like, 'Hello, I love you!'
Would you let someone videotape the birth? No, thank you.
Are you excited about the birth, or scared? Both, but I can't imagine how strong both of those feelings are going to be when the time comes!