June 19th, 2008

Joey is filling out very nicely, I never thought my love for him would grow more and more each day! <3

He's said "Ma ma, what, uh-huh, uh-oh"...and is still making noises and practicing to speak. I am so wrapped around his finger...he's got those big brown's...and of course that sweet giggle! I melt for him...He continues to sleep through the night...and is very easy to care for. We have chosen to continue breastfeeding.

Joey looks so bright...a lot of people who have met him say how "He knows what he wants and how to get it." "He looks like he's thinking right now." "Is he ever smart!" "He's gorgeous!" "He's ahead for his age." I am very proud to be his Mommy! He still prefers the ladies and continues to flirt whenever we are out...

I still can't believe how fast he's growing and changing!

February 28th, 2008

I can't believe how much Joey is changing each day. I am feeling a love for him that I've never felt before...and it's amazing! He's smiling and cooing more and more...and I can see it in his eyes that he understands more than he can express right now. He's a real flirt too...a ladies man...he loves to interact with others, especially women...LOL! I am an extremely lucky mom because ever since 3 weeks Joey has slept through the night, making life for mommy and daddy easier than we had expected. We are still breastfeeding and it seems to be going very well so far. Joey weighs 11 lbs 3oz and length is 22.9 inches long.

Shawn and I are proud to announce the birth of our new addition to our family, our first born son...

Joseph Shawn was born on December 27th, 2007 at 12:12am! :o)

weight: 8lbs 11.1oz

length: 21 1/2 inches

Everything went EXCEPTIONALLY WELL! I was 6-7 cms when I got to the hospital...We took our time getting there...My contractions started when we were leaving and they got so bad in the back not the front, that I went for the epidural...but after that we knocked down the amount so I could feel more of the urge...and get moving on pushing...which was a breeze...he was born in about 45mins of being at 9-10cms...I never felt the "ring of fire" and didn't tear or need an episiotomy...

I love little Joey so much...he's my new little man to adore...I was walking around within 30 mins after delivery...slow to start, but things only got better...I was doing laps around the ward the next day...We are currently breastfeeding and so far so good...he's keeping us really busy...We got the okay to head home 36 hours after I delivered Joey...We stayed for 40 hours...

I guess my performance was so good, that the labour and delivery welcomed me back anytime...they couldn't believe Joey was my first baby...one of the male nurses said "Wow! You do really good job!" in referencing to my pushing ability! :o)

I am recovering very well...no complaints other that I am a little laggy from a sore throat...

I am very glad we got our Christmas dinners in, as well as Joey not sharing his birthday with so many family members or holiday/Boxing day...He's a charmer...

December 26th, 2007

UPDATE: Water broke!!! :o)

I am heading to the hospital now...I woke up when my water broke this morning at 5:40 AM...no contractions...feeling a lot less pressure...having better mobility...will keep you updated as best as I can! YAY!!! :o)

UPDATE: Baby's still not here...but my mucous plug came on Christmas eve! :o)

I am really happy because on Christmas eve my mucous plug came! LOL...some sign of progression...maybe today or tomorrow baby will arrive...everyone is excited for him to make his debut! :o) He may be taking his time, he'll be well worth the wait...lucky boy, he got two turkey dinners yesterday and lots of presents!

Currently, I am feeling menstrual like cramps (mildly) and he's still moving...I am not having contractions...I'll keep you all updated...Thanks for your support! :o)

December 22nd, 2007

UPDATE: Baby's still not here...I am counting down the days left until he's here! :o)

I really thought he would have been here by now...but obviously he likes it in there cause he's not making a move...LOL! Baby has at max. 8 MORE DAYS to stay in Mommy...I've been having an extremely hard time sleeping...and it's probably because of my belly...I can't seem to get comfortable...and everyone keeps saying how big he's gotten, just this last week he's grown again!...Baby is still active but at times I feel a lot of pressure sometimes high or low, or both and I get heartburn from him kicking me...I try to stay busy during the day and take breaks in between activities to help me rest...and it seems to help me...but this baby is ready to make his move...just not yet! :o)

December 21st, 2007

UPDATE: OB appointment yesterday! Not so exciting! :o(

I am still at 4cms and the baby is not here yet...I'll update if anything changes...but until then, I have one more OB appointment scheduled for the 27th and induction on the 30th...Baby's heartrate was 133bpm...

9 more days maximum until baby is here! :o)

December 20th, 2007

UPDATE: OB appointment this afternoon! I'm so excited! :o)

I really want to know if I've dilated any more since last week...I am hoping I have...and that it helps labour progresses a little faster...when it comes! LOL! Can you tell this Mommy is getting anxious?...I am happy that the baby is full-term 40 weeks...he seems pretty happy in there! No rushing a good thing I suppose... :o) I'll update when I get back later tonight! (unless of course Baby comes!)

December 13th, 2007

UPDATE: OB appointment :o)

Today, when I went to my OB appointment, she checked me and I was dialated 4cms. My tummy is measuring 42cms and my blood pressure is excellent. The baby's heartbeat was 152bpm. He's still in the same position head down to my left...his back along my right side...his bum to my right...legs at the top of belly...and feet to my left. If baby doesn't arrive by the 20th, I am scheduled for induction on Dec 30th.

December 6th, 2007

UPDATE: Baby's size! Yesterday's 3D Ultrasound...Busy, Busy, Busy! :o)

Today's OB appointment went very well...Baby's head is measuring approx. 10cm...and for his weight...9lbs...My BIG Boy has an above average belly size...He's on the chubby side! But he scored 100% on his health check...his heartbeat was 153bmp...and they are very happy with him! :o)

Yesterday's 3D ultrasound went well...his hand was over his face quite a bit, same with today's ultrasound at the hospital...

I am lacking sleep...I am energetic during the day and can't sleep well at night...I got about 4 hours last night...YAWN! I am so tired...

December 3rd, 2007

UPDATE: Baby's size! CONGRATULATIONS! :o)

My last ultrasound (November 22nd) Baby was measuring 6lbs 12oz...What a BIG HANDSOME BOY! I am so excited for my December 5th 3-D ultrasound and my December 6th ultrasound...hopefully I make it!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL YOU MOMMIES WHO HAVE GIVEN BIRTH! :o) I am very proud and happy for you!

November 29th, 2007

UPDATE: We made it to week 37/OB appointment! :o)

I officially made it to week 37! YAY! My OB appointment went very good today and she ordered another ultrasound for fetal growth for next Thursday...I never expected to get so many ultrasounds for my pregnancy...but I do feel better getting such great medical care and monitoring! :o) If Baby holds off another week, we'll get another look at him!

Shawn is sick now and he got medication for it...he went to the doctor's and they are expecting I'll be getting it soon! I guess everyone's getting a cold now...*fingers-crossed* that I don't get sick for labour and delivery...

November 28th, 2007

UPDATE: 9 MONTHS?!?! WEEK 37?!?! Already? LOL! :o)

Wow...week 37 is coming up quickly...tomorrow!...my pregnancy has flown by...where has the time gone?...

I have an OB appointment tomorrow...We are almost there! :o)

Since my pelvic pain has decreased significantly, I am planning on attending Shawn's work Christmas party! YAY! It's this Saturday...I was a little worried because I was feeling so terrible before, I thought I wouldn't be able to go because of how uncomfortable I was and my nerve pain was quite unbearable at times...but lately, I have been feeling a lot better and my engery level has increased...so let's just keep our fingers crossed that the Baby doesn't decide the Christmas party is his chance for a "BIG arrival"...LOL...I am excited and looking forward to enjoying the evening out...I think it'll be really nice for Shawn and I...even though Shawn feels like he might be coming down with something...hopefully, it passes and neither of us get sick! :o)

November 22nd, 2007

UPDATE: My birthday and today's adventures! LOL! :o)

My 24th birthday was on Tuesday 20th and I had such a great day...I was tired, but spent time during the day with my Mom at our place and went out for supper with Shawn and my Mom to The Keg...We had a really good time and lots of laughs...and the baby was there so it was really special for me! My sister called from school to wish me a happy birthday...It was so nice to hear her voice...Shawn got me a digital camcorder...I thought it was such a sweet and thoughtful gift...he said he got it for me to use for the Baby...and he figured it was good timing because it's before the Baby's due date...My Mom got me a digital photo frame...which is extremely new/interesting to me...and I think it'll be amazing to have for all of my photos...especially of the Baby! Very thoughtful and loving gifts...from the most important people in my life! <3

Later this morning, I've got a week 36 ultrasound, mat. registration, and an OB appointment...such a busy day...this girl's going to be tired! LOL...I am looking forward to seeing my Baby Boy again! I am very lucky! I'd better get to bed! :o)

November 11th, 2007

UPDATE: My last OB appointment and another ultrasound! :o)

My last OB appointment went very well Baby is still head down, good heartbeat, and is measuring normally. My OB ordered another ultrasound for week 36...I am so happy I get to see my Baby again! They want to make sure Baby's size is good and amount of amniotic fluid is normal...They are taking really good care of the Baby and I. Things are getting busier and busier the closer to Baby's arrival, but I am getting more excited to meet my little man! :o) I am going for another 3D ultrasound in week 38! Yay for us Ladies...we are almost there!

November 3rd, 2007

UPDATE: possible names for our Baby Boy, in no particular order...Shawn and I narrowed it down a little bit more!...BUT, we added one name to the list! LOL :o)

1) Alexander Joseph Shawn

2) Ethan Shawn Quinn

Quinn (to be used as a middle name, honouring a father-like figure in my life) and Shawn (to be used as a middle name...no Shawn Jr.)

October 26th, 2007

We need your help selecting BOY NAMES!

Shawn and I have been trying to come up with names for the last couple of months and nothing seems to be sticking out. Please help us by making suggestions!

Yesterday, I had an appointment with my OB and everything is going exceptionally well. I am measuring normally, baby is moving a lot and his heartbeat was 150bpm, I don't have gestational diabetes, etc. I have to go to my OB appointments every 2 weeks until week 36 and then I need to go every week until delivery. I am so excited! I hope labour and delivery go this well! *fingers-crossed*

We are planning to go for another 3D ultrasound on December 6th (week 38)...I can't wait to see the change in our baby from week 31 to week 38...I just hope I don't deliver before we get to do the ultrasound! :o)

October 22nd, 2007

IT'S A BOY!!!

I got my 3D ultrasound done last Thursday (week 31) that confirmed that Shawn and I our having a beautiful baby boy. I feel better knowing the gender of our baby and we went shopping for some outfits. I really like one of them that we got from Old Navy saying "little version of daddy" on a blue onesie...SO CUTE! Prior to finding out the sex, we were going with a green and yellow theme for the baby.

The only thing we are missing for baby is a name...We like unique/uncommon names...just not too unique/modern...we would appreciate any suggestions :o)

October 16th, 2007

Two more days left until week 31! I am so excited...

I am very lucky to have both the support from my partner and family.

We have had two ultrasounds done so far and everything with baby seems to be perfect. We have wanted, but have not been able to determine the gender of our baby due to the position of the baby. Good news since my last appointment, our Baby has moved head down and my doctor hopes that it stays there for the remaining weeks.

We have almost everything ready for Baby's arrival. We finish up childbirth classes tomorrow night and finish packing my hospital bag. We finished packing Baby's hospital bag tonight.

Our Baby's due date is on my Grandfathers birthday. Since this is my first, we may have a Christmas Baby! Although we are hoping for an early Christmas present!

About the Mother

Name: Ashley Age: 23 Height: 5'8" Weight: 255lbs

About the Father

Name: Shawn Age: 27 Height: 5'8" Are we still together: Yes...Happily together :o)

About our Pregnancy

First Pregnancy: Yes When did I find out I was pregnant: End of April Was it planned: No My reaction: Shocked and surprised Who was with me when I found out: Shawn First person who was told: Shawn and my Mom How did my parents react: my Mom was shocked and very supportive How far along am I: 8 Months First symptom: Nausea and sore breasts Due date: December 20th, 2007 Sex of the baby: Finally found out...IT'S A BOY! Picked out names: nothing final How much weight have I gained: 34lbs Stretch marks: Yes please! Have I felt the baby move: Yes...lots of movement especially when my sister and Shawn tease the baby Have I heard the heartbeat: Yes...it was an amazing experience (150-153 bpm)

About the Birth

Will we keep the baby: Yes Home or hospital birth: planning for the hospital Natural or medicated birth: Try natural and see how things go Who will be in the room with me: Maybe Shawn and my Mom (depends on how I feel during labour and delivery.) Will I breastfeed: Yes. I have planned to Do I think I'll need a c-section: No. I wouldn't be hard on myself if I needed one though Will I cry when I hold my baby for the first time: Very likely, unless I am highly medicated and not myself First thing I say to my baby: I've been waiting for you...I love you! Would I let someone videotape: No. I want to remember the birth from my perspective Am I excited or scared about the birth: Yes to both. Excited for Baby's arrival, scared for labour and deliver. Mainly because it's an unknown experience for me and people have told me that every pregnancy is different.