I had my first ultrasound on April 16th. While sitting in the waiting room, my husband asked if I was nervous. I lied and said not really. Then I asked 'why? Are you?'. He replied 'a little bit'. How sweet!!!

The ultrasound revealed a healthy baby with a heartbeat of 164bpm. You feel so connected after seeing your little jelly bean! My mom was a little disappointed though. She claims they 'missed the other one'. She was hoping for twins! My feelings were also a little hurt because I scrutinize over the days just to have the ultrasound tech push the due date back by a week! Oh well. If the baby's good with it, I'm good with it.

I have my next ultrasound on May 14th (at 15weeks). Hopefully, everything will still be fine. I hope we'll be able to take a guess at the sex. Wish us luck!

FOOD CRAVINGS

April:

• nachos
• anything salty

May:

• crunchy taco supreme
• chicken & broccoli alfredo
• broccoli
• cheesy foods
• anything salty

June

• Mentos (mint)
• ice cream cones from McDonald's
• grilled cheese sandwiches
• spicy things: hot sauce & lots of black pepper
• anything salty

July

• fried clams with hot sauce
• grilled cheese sandwiches
• white grapes
• anything spicy or salty
• mint mentos

August

• Orange soda
• Tootsie rolls
• still loving things a little spicy

September - October

• Orange soda
• Strawberry Milk
• Grilled cheese sandwiches

Mother's Day 2007

My first unofficial Mother's Day was excellent. The house was filled with cards, candy and flowers to and from all of the women in my family. We ended up having an impromptu picnic in the park as one big family. We laughed, had some good food, and had fun being together as a family.

MAY 14th, 2007 (week 15):

Today we had our third visit to the doctor's. We had blood drawn to test for birth defects detectable through blood. We also got to hear the heartbeat for the first time! We were both all smiles the entire time. A little disappointed because we didn't get an ultrasound; but I think we'll have the 3D/4D ultrasound done soon. If not then, our next doctor's visit is June 11th. We will know the sex for sure then!

May 23, 2007 (week 16):

I'm 16 weeks & 3 days today. I started feeling the baby move about a week or so ago! I didn't know what it was at first, but now it happens a little more often - like after eating or especially after using the restroom. It's like s/he's saying 'thanks for the extra room!'. Still can't wait to know if it's a boy or girl!

June 9th, 2007 (week 18)

I'm almost positive that today I felt my little one kick. I've felt what has felt like little thumps inside of me before, and I guessed that those were it; but, I'm sure I experienced a nice little kick today. I think he may be breech because I feel the kick extremely low in my belly. Can't wait to feel them again. And can't wait until they're strong enough to let daddy feel them too. Bring on the kicks!

June 19th, 2007 (week 20)

Today was the big ultrasound! As soon as the u/s tech lubed my belly up and turned on the machine, our little rascal was laying on its back...with his little male part pointing straight up in the air! The tech said she usually tried to save the surprise until the end, but we all got an eyeful in the first few seconds. Daddy was so happy. Afterwards, he told me that he has always wanted the baby to be a boy but didn't want to say anything because he didn't want to jinx it. He even did the little jump-&-click-your-heels thing in the parking lot. I am so happy that he got what he wanted since it didn't matter to me either way. As soon as we found out, we went shopping for him. We didn't tell anyone the sex of the baby....we just let the see all the clothes.

The baby measured a whopping 14oz., had a heartbeat of 143bpm, and is breech like his mommy was. He's very active now, and I feel him kick all througout the day. I can't wait to see him!

June 30th, 2007 (week 21)

I've been having back pains on my right side in the middle and lower portion of my back for the past few weeks or so. It's hurt so bad that it's hard to get comfortable...especially at night. They're so bad now that I only sleep on my left side. Other than that and getting up 3 or 4 times a night to go to the bathroom, Devin and I are good.

Daddy felt Devin kick for the first time today! I've been feeling him kick for the past few weeks, but today Daddy actually caught him in the act. I'm so excited that he got caught instead of me having to tell Daddy that he was kicking.

July 11, 2007 (week 23)

Everything has been PERFECT up until today. I was sitting up in the bed studying when all of a sudden I got this excruciating pain in my upper left leg and side. It felt like the baby was inside of me twisitng the nerve in my leg! I thought I was going to have to call an ambulance. I was literally in tears. I called my husband once it was over. He asked if I thought it was a contraction. That made me laugh, but the pain was definitely not funny at the time. Anyone else experiencing this?

July 14, 2007 (week 24)

July 20th, 2007 (week 24)

I had my Gestational Diabetes Mellitus blood glucose testing done today. I didn't remember exactly what I could have to eat, so I didn't eat anything before the appointment (it was scheduled for 10:15 luckily). Besides the slightly weird-tasting concoction I had to drink before wating an hour to have my blood drawn, the appointment went well and we're cruising along.

July 23, 2007 (week 25)

I got a call today from my doctor's office. I was told that my blood glucose testing yielded slightly elevated levels. That means that I must be retested - this time I have to have the test performed at a hospital and I must wait 3 hours before having my blood drawn. Maybe the fact that I didn't eat before had something to do with it? Or maybe my blood was drawn a little early. I've never had an issue with my blood sugar or insulin before. And because I know that being diagnosed with GD usually means being diagnosed with diabetes 5 to 10 years later, I can't help but be worried about myself as well as my baby. I hope this is just a false alarm.

July 27, 2007 (week 25)

I had the 3-hour glucose tolerance test performed this morning. I didn't want to affect the results, so I didn't have anything to eat after about 9:00 the night before. My husband and I got up extra early to get to the hospital. I have to agree with everyone that the orange drink was rather disgusting (probably because I like orange soda so much). The waiting periods between blood drawings actually went by pretty fast. We had the test performed at the hospital we want to deliver at, so we walked around for a while. The only bad thing was that the phlebotomists kept drawing the blood samples from the same arm. The puncture sites were pretty swollen afterwards, but it's over! We met a really nice nurse - Ms. Jeanette - that wanted to hear our life story (LOL) and made us promise to bring the baby back by once he's born. She said she couldn't even tell that I was pregnant (maybe it was the dress?...anyway, I loved her instantly LOL). I'm glad it's all over and I hope all is well for Devin and I.

August 9, 2007 (week 27)

I returned to work this week and what an experience. I'm receiving a lot of love and everyone seems to be just as excited as I am about the baby arriving soon. I think I have his night schedule down now: he's up about 11 and then again at about 4 from what I feel. My mom and sisters got to feel him pushing out again my stomach recently : ) He's getting so big now!

I don't know how much more of this Atlanta heat I can take though! It's about 140 inside my car with all that leather everyday afterschool and you can hardly breathe the air. Hopefully it'll be letting up soon. I still want to wear my 'cute' teacher clothing and shoes, but today I think my feet swelled for the first time. Don't know if it's just because of Devin or if it was the 3-inch patent leather pumps...Anyway, guess I'll try to wear my flip flops more. Can't wait to go to the doctor next Thursday. Still haven't heard anything from the 3-hour glucose testing. Maybe that's a good thing? Hopefully everything is okay.

August 18, 2007 (week 28)

We had our 3D/4D u/s done today! It was originally scheduled for yesterday; but I got bad directions and we drove over 2 hours for nothing... Anyway, today was so exciting. We ate Wendy's right before going to the appointment just to make sure that he would be up for his appearance. He wouldn't cooperate for anything. He is in love with his hands and kept them in front of his face the entire time. We got some really precious pictures though - and we especially like the ones with his eyes open even though they look a little wierd LOL We also got a DVD of the entire session that included him doing quite a bit of smiling and even sticking his tongue out. Can't wait to meet him in person...

My mom was like 'the pics are nice, but you should've came home with the baby!' I wish!

Yes, that's his foot by his face___________________ _ Waving 'hello' to the world________________

He covered his face the entire time!__________________ He's looking right at the camera!!!_________

He's got long toes...must be his daddy's_________________Look at that precious face!!!____________

August 20, 2007 (week 29)

I woke up about 2 this morning to go to the bathroom and my tummy was hard as a rock! I felt huge! When I got to work this morning, all my students said I'd grown a bunch since they saw me on Friday and I had to agree with them. I officially feel like a house. My husband says that I don't look any different (isn't he sweet LOL), but my tummy is full to the touch now, so I notice a difference. When he's awake and on the move, which is pretty often now, you can actually see the movements across my belly. I've yet to see a footprint or handprint in my belly though. That'll be wierd, but I can't wait until it happens. I really don't think I'll make it until my due date of November 5th, which will be just fine with me!

September 27, 2007 (week 34)

Had a doctor's appointment today. Was anxious to see if the baby had turned yet since he's been breech mostly. I asked the doc if she'd give me an ultrasound to check and she told me she could tell me. While performing my pap and telling me a story about her nephew, she - all of a sudden - shoves her massive hands inside of me and starts poking around. She said she could feel his head, so he's in the correct position. I would have liked a little warning at least though LOL By now I've felt him have his precious little hiccups and I think I've had some BH contractions.

October 8, 2007 (week 36)

At my appointment on the 4th, my husband and I had to watch the laboring video which made us really excited. It must really be getting close now! I recently received clothes and shoes for the first two years of Devin's life from some friends of the family, so I'm really happy about that. That was a true blessing.

My shower was yesterday. It turned out well. Devin's got a lot of stuff that I'll actually use, so that's good. He doesn't need anything else - beside milk and daddy's buying the breast pump :) All I'm missing now is Devin. I think he'll be coming closer to the original due date of 10/31 which would be fine with me. I'd love to don a hospital gown as a costume for Halloween this year :)

October 11, 2007 (week 36):

Had a doctor's appointment today. My blood pressure was slightly high (140ish/80ish). I told the nurse about the tingling I'm experiencing in my right hand and she recommended a wrist splint. I was also told that there's protein in my urine (so I'll have to submit urine for a 24-hour urine test) and that if the levels were high, I'd more than likely have to be induced within the next week or two. I wanted him to come early, but like this? Still hope I don't have to go under the knife - but it's that what I have to do then let's get on with it.

Devin's Birth Story

October 18 - 20, 2007 (week 37):

Had a doctor's appointment today after work. My BP was through the roof - 192/101. My doc checked my cervix, which was completely closed and 0% effaced, and told me that I had to go the hospital right away to deliver. Cervadil was inserted into me for 12 hours Thursday night and I was also put on Magnesium Sulfate to try to bring down my blood pressure. Friday afternoon I was put on Pitocin to bring on the contractions but I stalled at 4 1/2 cm. My water was broken - very painful - and things moved quickly from there. I asked for the epidural after being at 4 1/2 for a while and delivered at 12:45 Saturday morning. Coincidentally someone was shooting fireworks outside of the hospital that night! My little man was born with a knot in his umbilical cord - so he was only 4lbs 15oz. We were both spent afterwards, but we fell in love with each other at first sight. My husband was the best coach you could ask for and was more active in taking care of Devin for the next few days in the hospital that I was. He's a natural at being a daddy.

Weight Tracker

December 2006 (pre-preg.): 174 lbs

April 16, 2007 (week 11): 178 lbs

May 14, 2007 (week 15): 178 lbs

June 19, 2007 (week 20): 183 lbs

July 20, 2007 (week 24): 189 lbs

August 16, 2007 (week 28): 194 lbs

August 30, 2007 (week 30): 198 lbs

September 13, 2007 (week 32): 199 lbs

September 27, 2007 (week 34): 201 lbs

October 4, 2007 (week 35): 203 lbs

October 11, 2007 (week 36): 205 lbs

October 18, 2007 (week 37): 205 lbs

75 % chance of having a boy

Long Pregnancy Survey!!
About the mommy!
Name:	Rasheda
Age:	23
First child?:	Yes
About the daddy!
Name:	Danny
Age:	26
First child?:	Yes
Finding out!!
What day did u find out?:	Feb. 23rd
How did u feel when u found out?:	I was really excited! We'd been together about 7 1/2 yrs then.
Who was with u?:	Daddy & Lil Bitty (our toy poodle)
Who was the first peson u told?:	Close friend at work, then my Mom & sisters. I wanted to wait a few months, but I couldn't hold water around them!
How did they react?:	Everyone was excited. Mom nearly knocked me over trying to hug me! Some people had their hearts set on a girl because they wanted to play in her hair, but others wanted it to be a boy since they're pretty rare in the family.
How did the daddy react?:	Thought the line on the 1st Response was too faint and wanted me to test again. But I could tell he was hoping that I was. He was excited.
Telling the grandparents!
How did ur parents react?:	They were excited and wanted to tell everyone they knew.
How did his parents react?:	They can't wait to spoil him...they want it to be a 'him'. He already has a lil silly nickname that I will not embarrass him by typing here.
Are they helping with baby names?:	They're pretty much leaving it up to me. But, everyone has a suggestion, of course.
Have they bought anything for the baby yet?:	Not yet...but I can assure you that I'm buying enough for EVERYONE!
How often do they call to check on u?:	I see my mom everyday!
About the pregnancy!
When was ur first appointment?:	At what I thought was the 8 wk mark, but I was pushed back to 7 weeks :(
When is ur due date?:	November 5th, 2007.
How far along r u?:	Currently at 20 weeks 5 days
Pre-pregnancy weight?:	174 lbs.
Weight now?:	183 lbs as of 20 weeks
Have u had an unltrasound?:	Yes! I just had the second 'big one' done on June 19th.
Have u heard the heartbeat?:	Yes. Daddy & I couldn't stop smiling!
What was the heartbeat?:	Heart was beating at a healthy 164 bpm at week 7. At week 20, 143 bpm.
Sex of the baby!
What do u want?:	The last few generations of my fam is all girls & it's the opposite for my hubby's fam - all boys. It will be a split either way, so I don't care as long as (s)he's healthy!
What does the daddy want?:	He told me in the beginning that he didn't care. Once we found out the sex, he told me it was what he wanted but he didn't want to say anything to jinx it.
What do u think u r having?:	Initially I thought boy, but the closer we goty to week 20 the more unsure I got...probably because I didn't want to be disappointed if it wasn't a boy. I've always mostly thought it was a boy though, and I was right!
Have u had ur big ultrasound yet?:	Yes!
If so, what r u having?:	We're having a healthy baby BOY!!!
Are u happy with what u r having?:	I'm extrememly happy! He's the first boy in my immediate family (and that made two of my sisters mad ; ), so he's already a trendsetter and he isn't even here yet! I'm especially happy that daddy got what he secretly wanted.
About the birth!
Do u know what u r taking with u?:	All of my family, something to read (right...LOL), and plenty of nice, comfy socks
Who is going to be with u?:	Probably everybody I know!
Are u going to videotape it?:	Hubby just got a new digital video camera, so I'm sure he'll be playing camera man.
Natural or medicated?:	Haven't really decided. Guess we'll just see how it goes!
Do u think u will need a c-section?:	I hope not. I want to experience a vaginal birth. I think I can handle it...I think LOL
Will u cry with u hold ur baby for the first time?:	I'm sure I will!
Do u know what u will say to the baby when u first hold him/her?:	Hey my lil' man! What's up?
Are u scared about the labor?:	I think I'm more excited than scared.
Names!!
Do u have a name picked out?:	I think I do....
Girl names...:	Devynn Renee Dewberry but it's a BOY!!!
Boy names...:	Devin James Dewberry.
Is ur baby going to be named after someone?:	Daddy's name begins with a D and his paternal grandfather's first name is James...so, yes.
Other random questions!!
Where was ur baby conceived?:	LOL On a bed...
Have you felt the baby move?:	Yes, I feel him move a lot now. I try to stay in tune with what's going on in there; that's how I knew he was breech before the doctor told me. He wants to be born like his mama.
What race will your baby have? From you and daddy?:	Our baby's mixed - Mommies black & Daddy's white...so I guess Oreo? J/k!
Do you have stretch marks?:	None as of week 20. I hope I don't develop any.
What was your first symptom?:	I was never sick. Have yet to throw up. I guess a swollen tummy (from gas) and feeling like I had to puke were the first symptoms besides the obvious missed period.
What religion will the baby know? And from what side?:	Christianity (Baptist) from both sides.
What music or interests do you want the baby to know?:	I want the baby to explore a little of everything to find something he's really passionate about. But daddy will definitely have him tryin every sport under the sun!
Will ur baby have godparents?:	Yes.
Who will the god mommy be?:	Don't know yet.
Who will the god daddy be?:	Don't know yet.
What is the baby's room theme?:	I've not decided completely yet. I change my mind everytime I see something nice.
What was the first thing u bought for the baby?:	A baby book, which I've already began to fill in.
Are u ready to be a mommy?:	I am SO READY to be a mommy!

Introducing: Devin James Dewberry

born: October 20, 2007

weight: 4 lbs 15 oz

length: 18 inches

interesting facts: born with a knot in umbilical cord

November 7, 2007 (2 weeks old)

Devin had his second visit to the doctor today. He's growing! He's 6lbs 8oz now and is two inches longer - 20in now. He is at the bottom percentile for just about everything - weight, length, head circumference, etc. His doc says he's still trying to catch up since he was born early and that he is doing beautifully!!! No shots this time, but he did pee - again - while he was naked on the scale :)