It's a GIRL!!

Picture is me & my great nephew who was born at 30 weeks. He is a gift from God!! I also have 3 other great neices, & another great nephew...odd that I would be having another when the latter generation is conceiving...My Mom & Dad have always said I do things my own way!! PS ~ we are somewhat "enlongated" in this picture. It didn't post right & I am not savvy enough to fix it.

At the "tender age" of 39, I find myself with a girl in my belly!! After 2 boys (Josh 19 & Drew 15) I am feeling quite inadequate!! Give me a boy, I know what to do...not so much with a girl. My significant other did not believe he would be able to have children, so I guess in a way, we are both first timers. We are very excited to spoil & love this little gift that God has chosen to give to us to watch over & teach.

Week 24 (&4 days):

I completed a Level II ultrasound & was releived that out of the 15 "markers" they check to rule our chromosomal/genetic defects, our girl had ZERO!! This significantly reduces Gracie's chances of having defects from 20% down to 5%. That is good news. I have been very stressed out over this pregnancy because of my age. I know more & more people are having children at an older age, but I wasn't planning on being one of them!! I will go in for another ultrasound between weeks 28 & 32 to make sure that she is growing okay. The doctor that read my ultrasound said that Gracie was "small" for her age. I thought that was weird since she measured at 1 lb 3 ounces, & the "stats" for this week are around 1 lb 2 ounces. Hmmm. I go to my regular OB on Friday to go over everything. That will be nice. I have been having terrible heart burn, sleepless nights though I am completely tired! & just have no energy to do anything...even the simplest of tasks. My house is a disaster, laundry piled up, & hubby in Montana working for the summer. I can't wait until the "nesting" stage when I can get all of this done!! Right now it is all I can do to stay at work for the full 8 hours. Then home to relax! Weight gain is also concerning me just because of my age & how much harder it will be to get rid of it than when I had my first 2 children. As of this date, I have gained about 22 lbs. Oh well, what do you do???

26 weeks, 3 days ~

Had another doctor's appointment last week. I lost one lb. Doctor wanted to know if this was a weight loss program ~ when I want to loose 20 lbs, get PG. He is kind of harsh at times. I think he is trying to be funny, but NOT. I told him that my begging weight until now (appointment day) I have gained 17 lbs (officially), so I am well within the "limits". I started overweight & then I gained so much in the begging. I have a hard time eating because it is so blasted hot here!! Also, Gracie likes cold veggies, fruit & some sweeter things (ice cream or slushies). It's not like I am not eating, I am just dictated by my little sweet heart growing inside of me. Mark getting annoyed because he wants to make me suppers (he loves to grill) & I never know what I can eat until it is time to eat it. I think I am giving him a complex, I just keep telling him that he doesn't understand....Gracie decides when, what, & how much I eat, not me!!! Everything seems to be going well. I will have another ultrasound in 6 - 7 weeks to make sure she is growing the way she should. At my level II ultrasound, that doctor kind of stressed me out because he stated that Gracie was small for her development. I spoke with my primary about it, and he said she was only one ounce under, not to worry. They will check my placenta for issues (due to my age & that I smoke) to make sure that it is not faulty & is giving Gracie what she needs. So, that's the update for now. Hope everyone is doing good ~ getting plenty of rest as I know we are all extremely tired!!!!

August 1, 2007
Last Trimester!! FINALLY. Heading to the finish line. I believe this may be the longest trimester yet!! I am already uncomfortable, can't harly bend over, & loose my breath really easily. I got on my hands & knees last night & scrubbed my kitchen floor because it was so NASTY, took everything I had to finish it. No energy, just want to sleep whenever I get home from work. I have my next doctor's appointment on August 9th...will find out then when he wants to do the last baby "checkup" ultrasound. It will be nice to see our little Gracie again. It feels like it has been forever. I can't wait to meet her, but first I really need to clean my house!! I have a dog, cat that don't stay off the funiture ~ pet hair is a commodity at my house!! & other people living in the home. It seems I get one room cleaned, go to the next, & the first one is messy again! This weekend, planning on really cleaning the house good. Need to enlist help from the sisters. I think I may be nesting!!

August 31, 2007
I had a doctor's appointment on August 29. I am now sporting high blood pressure & edema. The doctor has given me one week to 'fix it'. I have been told that I can go to work, then home to REST. Dr. offered to write me a RX for a bell to ring when I am on the couch & need anything. I have to lay on left side as much as possible, & keep feet elivated above my heart as much as possible. My hands, wrists, arms & feet HURT! If it is not better by September 6th (my next appt) then Dr. stated he was putting me on bed rest. That really sucks since I only have about 2 months worth of vacation time built up for maternity leave. It's just money, right? The needed entity in life, but the root of evil? Anyhow, will post how things go after my appointment.