All Good Things Must Come to an END

My maternity leave is coming to an END. I have loved being home with Nathan, becoming a mother, learning about him; his little cries, whines, and the noises he makes when he nurses, even the grunts when he sleeps. I've falled totally and utterly in love with this precious child the Lord has given to me. I've always worked full-time, and thought of myself as a sort of 'business woman' since earning my Bachelor's degree. Now that going back to work on March 2nd is coming so close, I now look at myself as a 'business-mom-woman'. As much as I'd love to stay home with Nathan, we just can't afford the missing salary....we've got bills to pay, and Nathan can't quite meet my salary requirements. He's a strict boss, I tell ya! heehe :)

Our plans for Nathan's daily care when I go back to work has been that the Grandma's would share the week taking care of him. At first didn't want any Grandma's to have to be daycare person plus Grandma, because it's not fair to their right to spoil the kids as Grandma's are supposed to do. Well, the price of full-time daycare convinced us otherwise, but I've recently found an option that will work!

Back up for a second... Tom's parents have offered since day 1 to help watch Nathan for the first year. While they love their grandson, we want to be sure they can enjoy him fully, and taking care of a baby in their 70s is much different than taking care of a baby in their 30s-50s. In addition, my mom is turning 60 next month, and with my dad's health rapidly declining, she's got him to take care of as well. Basically the Dr said he would very soon need Adult day care. Long story, don't want to get into it, very emotional...

So I began my search for daycare centers with any possible openings next month. I called 3 places nearby home here and all 3 had openings. One was full-time only, one was Mondays & Fridays only, and the 3rd is a flexible schedule... so full-time or part-time, and any combo of days. That's KinderCare, and my friend Julia has been taking her 3 kids there for a while now and they love it.

I had a chance to tour the place the other night and fell in love. They can not only give Nathan wonderful care, but provide him with developemental toys, games, kids, and so much it blew me away! Their secruity is top-notch so I don't have to worry about my child being kidnapped. I am really excited for Nathan to have this wonderful experience and I know he will really thrive by going there. The Center Director just had her baby girl on Nov 20th, so she and Nathan are only 2 weeks apart. I think the babies will learn a lot from watching eachother, and growing up together. Look out baby girls, another girlfriend for Nathan! :)

*hugs*
Roxanne :)

Our Christmas Gift

God has blessed us with an early Christmas gift, our precious son. Nathan Gerald Schwandt was born to us on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008 at 5:00 pm, weighting 6lbs 1oz and 18"long.

The Birth Story

I woke up to my alarm at 5:40am on Tuesday, December 2nd. As usual, I emptied my bladder and proceeded to the kitchen to get my cell phone, which is set with a 6:07am alarm so that I can cuddle on the couch with my doggie and make sure I don't fall asleep and miss work. As I grabbed for my phone, I felt two "wets" and thought, What the heck did I just pee? As I returned back to the bathroom, the thought crossed my mind, Did my water just break? Well, it had to be that cuz I couldn't stop the flow, if ya know what I mean... So I started yelling for Tom, LOUDLY, cuz he sleeps with ear plugs. He had just gone to bed (works 2nd shift) about 2 hrs prior to my water breaking. Once I got his attention, he opened the bedroom door and although he was speechless, the look on his face said, What the heck is your problem? All I said was, I think my water just broke and he said Are you sure you're not just peeing? I was sure. Boy, was I sure! Neither of us could believe this was happening. NOW? Really? Oh-my-gosh-we're-going-to-have-a-baby!! A little ironic how Monday is when I got the call from my Dr's nurse telling me I tested positive for Group B Strep (see post just below here) and I was instructed to call the office if either I was having contractions 7-10 mins apart OR my water broke, whichever came first. Ha, did that instruction come at the perfect time or what?! So, I called and woke up the on-call nurse, who confirmed it certainly sounded like my water broke and instructed us to enter at the ER entrance. I had my hospital bag only partially packed, so I quickly threw in things I had on my list-to-pack. I wasn't having any crazy contractions, no more than I was before, so on our way we stopped for gas since the truck was on "E". I wanted to eat my muffin, but withheld (afterthought--wish I hadn't). We checked in at the ER at about 6:30am and were brought up to our room.

Once in our room, the nurses put monitors on me to watch contractions and the baby's heart rate. They also did a test to ensure my water had broke and it came out positive. Since I was only dialated 2cm, I was put on pitosin to urge along those contractions and dialation. I had already decided I would get an epidural and the nurses told me I'd have to get the whole bag of fluids in me before the epidural could be put in. As the contractions got much more stronger, we took a walk around the floor, came back, got the catheter placed, the bag of fluid pushed through, and then the epidural came. I knew I'd have to be super still, and I was worried cuz I could only get thru the contractions by vigerously moving my legs around. While getting the edpidural placed, Tom, the nurse and the anesthesiologist were all encouraging me and telling me how perfect I was doing. The nurse commented she wished they had video taped it to teach other people how to be super still. I only got thru the 2 contractions I had while all of this was taking place was because of my loving husband's encouragement and reminding me to breathe through them. He was so great and I couldn't have done that without him there holding his hand listening to his voice. The acutal epidural didn't really HURT, it was just trying to be a perfect statue so nothing would go wrong while having painful contractions. After the epidural was placed, Tom and I both took an hour nap. Mind you, Tom is running on like 2 hours of sleep on top of a bad cold!

Hours went by, I was feeling SO MUCH better and the nurses continued to check dialation. Finally, I was fully dialated, confirmed by Dr. Kaldas, but the nurses were having a difficult time getting baby's heart rate, so we tried an internal monitor which slips right under the baby's scalp. Still the heart rate was irregular, and Dr. Kaldas wanted to install one on his own cuz he thought maybe the nurse hadn't done it correctly, but still the heart rate was irregular. Baby was at +1cm (above the cervix), part of his head was bubbling through the fully dialated cervix, but he wasn't coming down like he should be. Each contraction was putting strain on him, causing the irregular heart rate, so an emergency c-section was called for. They quickly rushed me in the O.R. (I'll save the gory details and pain of the surgery), and a few minutes later Nathan Gerald Schwandt was born!!

The look on Tom's face when we both heard that first cry was priceless. I'm sure my face looked much the same. Oh my gosh, we have a baby! Tom immediately said how perfect he was and took pictures of him as the nurses wiped him off, swaddled him and handed him over to Tom. Tom brought our precious little miracle to my face and I kissed him, with tears coming from my eyes. Our precious bundle - how amazing! Tom was a natural, instantly, at holding him so perfectly. If you know my husband, he always passed on holding our friend's babies for fear of breaking them. But he said holding our own precious son was so much easier.

Since Nathan was born at 36w 5d, he is considered pre-term (a.k.a. preemie). Because of the irregular heart rate, an EKG was done immediately which came out perfect-- no hole in his heart and no more irregularity. His vitals were montiored closely the entire time of our stay, and Dr. Berg, his physician, came to check him over and with another EKG to be safe, and it still looked good. The only concern she had was him being high risk for jaundice. He had some yellowing and discharge from his eyes, so Dr. Berg ordered more Erythromycin to be put in his eyes 4 times per day. That's the stuff they put in a baby's eyes after they are born. After just one more dose of the gel-stuff, his eyes were much better and Dr. Berg later came in to say his 2nd heel poke test came back good and his eyes looked good. So far so good, and no billy bed!

Here are the pictures I know you've been waiting for...

Nathan Gerald Schwandt

6 lbs. 1.1 oz. 18" long

born 5:00 pm Dec 2, 2008

PS - Tom even cut the umbilical cord. Days ago he wasn't so sure he could do it, but he did and I could tell he was proud!

The name NATHAN means "gift from God". I like meanings of names, and I find them special, so we wanted to pick a name we liked, and with good meaning. The meaning of Nathan is perfect, especially for our miracle gift and we hope that he will never forget that.

GERALD is Tom's dad's first name, and Tom said from day 1 he wanted his son to have his dad's name for his son's middle name.

Proud MOMMY

Proud DADDY (with a cold)

A weekend of BABY

This past weekend we spent a lot of time on BABY, for BABY, and about BABY!

Saturday was our full day class for Birth Preparation. We learned a great deal about how babies are born, the stages of labor, and much more about after baby is born. I'm so glad we did this class because I feel like I have a better understanding of my body and what might be going on to tell me when I'm starting labor. We learned different positions to help overcome pains and help open the space for baby to decend. Yes, I've heard other's birth stories and what contractions felt like to them, but honestly, until you really feel it yourself, it's hard to grasp what those feelings will be like to you. We are hoping baby will come naturally, but if cesarean is necessary, that is ok too. What I really like about what our hospital is doing now is once baby is born, he is placed on mommy's chest to be wiped off, then he goes straight to skin-on-skin for 2 hours before bath, measure, etc.. They've found in doing this that babies are responding so much better to their adjustment into the world, and instinctively are looking for the breast to feed. In addition, while they are in the womb, their body temp is controlled by mom's body, but once they make their entrance into the world, it's all-systems-go and their little body's have to adjust. By placing baby skin-to-skin on mommy's chest for those first 2 hours, mom's breasts naturally will help to adjust baby's temp giving him more heat or less heat to help him learn how to control his body. I just think this is so amazing, it's natural raw-ness, and exactly what God intended when He created us. I can't wait for this first bonding time for our new little family!!

Sunday we had fun doing maternity pictures! My friend Pahla takes her family to The Picture People and I always love her results. Once I found out how totally reasonably priced they were, I made the appointment. Of course we had to leave the house in the middle of the 4th qtr of the Packer/Bear game, but Tom survived! Luckily the Packers were already killing the Bears, so all was safe ;) Here are a few pictures from our session:

The last picture is the one pose that I requested. You may remember me in this kind of pose when I had Tom stand on our stoop and I was wearing the teal colored top. The photographer was showing everyone this picture and they all loved it. They can't wait to share the pose with other couples. I hope it turns out as good for them as it did for me! The only thing I had them change was to edit out my necklace pendant. I didn't like it -- looks like it's coming out of my chin. All-in-all, I am very happy with the pictures and the fact that we walked out the door with them in hand! How cool you don't have to wait a month to pick up your pictures! Next will be baby newborn pics! I will be doing birth announcement pics incorporated with our Christmas cards. So depending on exactly when baby comes, Christmas cards may be late, but it will have to do!

Love,
Roxanne :)
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34 weeks and Great!!

I had my regularly scheduled OB appt today. I am 34 weeks and doc gave me a rave review! After last Friday, I was a little anxious as to what he might have to say.

Firstly, I lost the 5 extra pounds of water weight I had freakishly gained last week. I'm so glad, but my feetsies don't look any less pudgy or papaya-like. That's ok though, cuz Tom promised to give me a foot and back massage this weekend. That, on top of my exciting afternoon at the spa tomorrow!! I'll post about that later this weekend. :)

Dr. Kaldas told me I look good, no rash on my tummy. I'm like, rash? what kind of rash? He was referring to PUPPPs syndrome where some women, at this point in pregnancy, develop a red rash with blisters on their tummies... Here, this is how crazy PUPPPs is: (One study has shown that male fetal DNA can be found in skin biopsies of the rash. Since 70% of women with PUPPP give birth to boys, a new hypothesis is that male fetal DNA acts as a skin irritant.)

Doc also told me as long as I am feeling well, no unrelieveable headache, and no painful contractions, I am good to go for another 2 weeks. So I will be back for Week 36 check up on 11/26.

Now that ROXANNE is back, me and my old self, here's the weekend plan:

Friday afternoon 11/14: Spa Ben Mar Nico's for prenatal massage, facial, manicure and pedicure with my 31 wk pregnant girlfriend, Toni, for our b-day presents to eachother:)

Saturday 9am-3pm 11/15: Tom & Rox birth prep class at AMC. We will install the car seat in the truck and leave the base in there (prepare is my middle name), make dinner and watch movies while Tom fulfills his foot/back massage promises:)

Sunday 11/16: Church, then visit my family to hear all about their wonderful vacation/cruise in Italy! They fly into Minneapolis late Friday night, then mom and dad will drive home on Saturday afternoon. I can't wait to see the video's and pictures!!

*hugs*
roxanne :)
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the scare at 33w 1d

I was in the hospital on Friday 11/7 being monitored. Everything is ok now, but here's what happened...

I woke up at 4:30am (nothing new) but I had a really bad headache. I went to work and it got worse. I couldn't stand to look at my LCD monitor...it was so blury and bright. Took 2 Tylenol extra stength and it wouldn't go away. My eyes hurt, my face hurt, my head hurt, my hands and feet still hurt (swollen like melons), and I just felt down in the dumps. So after freaking out worrying about these symptoms of pre-eclampsia, I called and got an appt for 2pm to see my OB.

My OB, Dr. Kaldas, was off so I saw Dr. Schluzelberger. Not sure how to spell her name, but she was very nice. Turns out I had gained 5 pounds of water weight in the past week (not good), my blood pressure was ok, but considering my other symptoms, she wanted to do some tests and monitor me to find out what was going on... So they sent me up to the 3rd floor (baby floor). On my way, I lost it, again. I called Tom, who was home raking leaves with his nephew Ryan helping, and I could hardly speak through sobbing tears streaming my face and trying to catch my breath. I was scared of what the outcome might be, I wasn't scared we'd be having the baby, but I was worried for his health, my health and the fact that I just couldn't stand the thought of possibly being put on bed rest. I can't! I just can't! Can't afford it paycheck-wise, can't stand it sanity-wise. There's so much we have to do yet before the baby comes and time is ticking. Being put on bedrest would be the worst possible thing that could happen to me right now. So Tom was on his way.... And then I called work to tell them I wouldn't be back. My boss could tell how upset I was, sensing my previous sobbing and all, and she was very supportive and encouraging.

So I got on the elevator and pushed the "3" button. I just felt so drained emotionally and energy. I had none left. They got me set up in a room and just as soon, Tom came in. I instantly felt better having him there with me. They took my blood to run tests and hooked me up to some monitors. One on the baby's heart rate, and one on my uterus. The baby was doing perfectly - very energetic, excellent heartbeat, "textbook-perfect" the nurses said. But I was contracting. Had 4 in like 10 minutes. But they didn't hurt, I didn't even know!! Once I watched the machine and concentrated on my body, I could associate what I felt with it being a contraction. Weird, but not good. If this was baby #2 or #3 for me, then fine they would probably go along with it, but not for the 1st and at 33w 1d, so they had more tests to do and were able to rule out pre-eclampsia which they did, so that was a relief. What they did find is that I have a bladder infection, my cervix is 50% thinned out (not common for 1st time and this early) but my cervix is definitely closed. I got set up on an antibiotic for the bladder infection and they gave me a shot to stop the contractions, which worked. Oh, and they had given me a narcotic to get rid of the terrible headache, which worked like a charm.

All in all, I was there from 2pm and didn't get home until 7pm. Once my headache was relieved, knew the baby was fine, and pre-eclampsia was ruled out, I felt 100 times better. My next regularly scheduled OB appt with Dr. Kaldas is this Thursday, so I will go to that and see what he says. We need to keep the baby in as long as possible. He has lots of growing to do yet in these final weeks, and being in the womb is the best place for him. Mommy and Daddy have lots to do yet to get ready for his arrival!

In fact, my friend Nikki came shopping with me at Babies R Us to get items on our "absolutely-need-before-baby-comes-home-list". After $450, the only two things I need yet are the breast pump and the pack-n-play. I want to make sure breast feeding is going to work out for us before I buy the pump cuz it's like almost $300, probably more after all the accessories for freezing, etc... I have a couple 15% off coupons that I can use the end of this month and into December, so we'll hold off on those two items for now. As of this moment, I have yet another load of baby stuff in the wash. It's drying now, so I'll start putting those things away... a nice sling to carry baby and still have use of 2 hands, a peanut shell for nursing, 0-3m white onesies, changing pad covers, boppy covers, lap pads, crib mattress pad, etc... I happily fold and put away baby's beloved laundry; I just love the smell of Dreft baby detergent!

How am I feeling now? I am much better. My happy, energetic self is back and baby is happily bouncing around doing his normal aerobics. Oh, and I'm hungry... time for lunch!

Love,
Roxanne :)

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32W 1D

We had an ultrasound and OB appt today. The u/s technician measured the baby and amniotic fluid. It was quite interesting to watch her because baby was just moving around the whole time... very active! The measurements of baby's tummy and his head looked similar. Nice round tummy, nice round head! Baby's position is spot on, too. A few weeks ago when we went to Baby's Debut, he was head down with body along my left side facing right. Today he is still head down (WAY down) and body along my right side facing left. I thought I had felt him turn over the other day. I guess since he's got the room, he can flip away all he wants as long as he keeps his head down to prepare for his arrival. We did get a few pictures, but he was playing peek-a-boo covering his face with his arms. Cute little buggar -- he already loves to play games!

So how big is he?
After all the measurements of baby and my amniotic fluid were taken, baby measured at 4lbs. 6oz. which is in the 51 percentile, so right in the middle -- right on track! I also have a normal amount of amniotic fluid -- not too much, not too little. My blood pressure is excellent, baby's heart beat excellent, size excellent, fluid excellent, everything is just excellent. (ok, now I sound like wayne's world... sorry!!)

Dr. Kaldas said he suspects the baby will be about 8 to 8 1/2 pounds when he is born. Nice size little chubber, in my mind. I go back again in 2 weeks, Nov. 13th for the next OB check up. Dr said if my fundal height measures more than 37cm (as it did 2 wks ago), then we will do another ultrasound just to check and make sure all is still "excellent". He said my blood pressure and weight gain are also excellent, so I'm doing very excellent. Ok, I suppose I just like that word. To think of being able to use that word in this pregnancy, our miracle, just has me so elated!!

Baby's room is well on it's way to completion. We decided to leave the current paint color which is a bagel yellow with a blue moulding boarder (painted) up by the ceiling. Once the little guy grows up and is in love with trains, or whatever it might be, then we will taylor the room to his favorite things. Crib is up, bedding washed and put on. Amby bed assembled, bedding washed and put on. Dresser assembled, and full of clothes, bibs, burb rags, blankies, the cutest little socks and all the baby necessities. We're just waiting on Babies R Us to deliver the rocker glider. Then we also have more shopping to do yet to get some things on our registry that we need yet... like a changing pad, a bath tub, the breast pump, bottles, necessity things that we need for baby's arrival. Other toddler-type items we'll wait and purchase as we grow into them, which I already know happens way too fast.

Baby,
Mommy & Daddy can't wait to meet you. Keep growing in there; you've got a few weeks left and you will grow nice and strong like a little boy should be. We are here waiting for you and we promise to be ready. Together we will all learn new things, even Theodore. He will soon learn your scent and midnight cries. We're sure he will be very interested in you when you come home, and you two will grow up best-buds! We love you so very much!!!! hugs-n-kisses, M&D

30W 1D

Today was our 30 weeks check up. Let me start off with stating some numerical facts about my particular pregnancy at 30 weeks. Numerically speaking.... I am 30 weeks pregnant and I will be turning 30 years old on Tuesday. Doesn't that just say to you "meant-to-be". God really lines these things up with much thought in mind. He is so rad!

So this morning we went to my OB check-up. If you remember, last month (at 26W 1D), I measured 31cm fundal height. Pregnant women should measure about 2-3cm +/- within the number week of pregnancy. So at 26w I should have been in the range of about 23-29cm fundal height. Since measuring at 31cm, Dr. Kaldas said that if I measure the same at my next appt (which was today), we are ok, BUT if I measure more, he wants to order an ultrasound to see exactly how big the baby really is. Are you wondering what I measured this morning? Sure you are..... Ok, I will tell ya. 37cm. Yes, holy crap!! Dr. Kaldas said we surely have a big boy growing and a good amount of amniotic fluid. He ordered the ultrasound for my next appt, which will be in 2 weeks. Yup, we are now at the point in our pregnancy that we will go see the Dr every 2 weeks.

We also got to talk to one of the nurses. She gave us all kinds of "homework" to do between now and 35 weeks. Mostly stuff to measure (kick counts and early contractions), and other stuff to be aware of that might indicate early labor. Definately good stuff to know, that's for sure! Then we got a couple goody-bags. A diaper bag and a cooler thingy. Inside these bags were a TON of free samples, coupons, info, magazines, etc... Once we got home, I spent a good hour and a half going thru all the coupons and organizing them. I pulled out the coupons and freebies Motherhood Maternity gave me and added those as well.

Oh, by the way, I am off today. I took a vacation day (very much needed might I add), and Tom and I are spending the day/evening together as a late anniversary celebration. Since he works 2nd shift, we didn't get to spend last week Thursday (10/9) together. We have a suite reserved at The Copperleaf downtown Appleton, and we're gonna go get checked in there soon. Then we'll stroll down College Ave, have a romantic dinner at The Bar on the Ave for some much need and much anticipated BBQ/Hot Chicken Wings! Sure, not your typical romantic anniversary dinner, but we've both been craving these wings for a long time! We used to have them every Sunday when Tom was in a volleyball league....and that was before he got sick...before the cancer, so you know how long that has been.

Oh, you don't? That's ok, we keep track! This month, in fact, this next week is 3 years!!!!! 3 years cancer-free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's now on a 6-month check-up schedule with his Oncologist and Dermatologist. This is still for the study he is involved in for science. Remember the study wasn't about the type of chemo he had, it was about the combination he had vs the usual treatment to determine life expectancy so that someday when a person is diagnosed, the doctors can give them options rather than just one type of treatment. So far in 3 years Tom has never had a relapse or any bad x-rays/labs to worry about. *knock on wood* We couldn't be happier for God's plan for us. Getting through that rough time has made us stronger, more loving, more appreciative, and even that much more anxious to welcome our Miracle Baby into the world! In fact, next weekend is the baby shower and it sure is going to be interesting to see the baby's room full of baby stuff and not an empty room that used to be the spare bedroom. Makes me smile to imagine our little son cozy in his room.

Ok, so here's what's going on in Pregnancy Week 30:

The light is visible at the end of the tunnel! Your oversized self and amazing growing baby have finally reached the single digits (in terms of weeks till birth)! The fine lanugo hair that has been growing all over their little monkey-like body is going to start falling off this week in preparation for the big day. But don’t be shocked if they’re hairier than you’d anticipated, some babies keep their lanugo until after birth. Still, it’s not any cause to be concerned as it will fall off eventually. No surprises here: your little porker is getting even cuter with increasingly pudgy arms and legs this week thanks to the ever-growing layers of subcutaneous fat. In terms of numbers, your baby should be weighing in at around 3 pounds 12 ounces (or more!) and be nearly 16 inches long.

*hugs*

Roxanne :)

26 Weeks Update

I can't believe how fast time has gone. Since the day we found out we had conceived on our own, without the use of fertility drugs, it seems to have flown by. The first 10 weeks were the longest where each day felt like pins-n-needles hoping and praying this new life growing inside me would be strong and survive. And here we are now... 6 1/2 months pregnant, a viable pregnancy, a human life moving around inside of me. I love to feel him move; I love to know that he is there; I love that I am never alone. First I will share with you what pampers.com says is going on this week, then I will share my most recent Dr visit and Glucose test results from this week.

Practice breaths. This week, your baby's nostrils are starting to open up, which gives him the chance to practice breathing using his muscles and lungs. There's no air to take in, of course, so instead he "inhales" and "exhales" amniotic fluid. By the time he's born, he'll be a pro.

What a sucker! Your baby is also flexing some of his feeding muscles— his lips and mouth. His sucking reflex is so strong that if his hand floats by his face, he'll suck on his thumb or fingers. Ultrasounds often show babies in utero sucking their thumbs. In fact, some babies are born with sucking blisters on their fingers, thumbs, lips, or hands. Sucking is just one of the 70-plus reflexes your baby will have when he's born.

Up for grabs. "Grasping something—like my umbilical cord—is my newest trick." Grasping is another of those many reflexes. If you hold out your finger to a newborn, you'll be amazed by the strength of his clutch. Your baby is practicing his killer grip right now. His favorite pull toy is his umbilical cord, which he likes to yank and tug. Don't worry; the cord is up to the challenge.

Face Time. More facial features are evident by this stage, including lips, eyelids, and prominent nose and chin. The external ear is more developed and is assuming a position higher on the head.

Isn't that SO precious!! I can only imagine the little facial expressions our boy is making. I hope he doesn't think I'm looney for talking to the dog the way I do ;)

So my Dr appt on Tuesday went good. I gained another 2 pounds (8 in total) and am doing good in that department. Dr. Kaldas measured me and I measure in at 31 centimeters. I asked if that is normal and he says, "Well, it's at the top of the range right now. If you measure the same next month, we'll be at the top yet, but if more, then I want to order an ultrasound and see just how big he is." Dr. Kaldas believes he is a big boy, and I certainly agree. Both Tom and I were almost 9 pounds at birth, so I wouldn't be one bit surprised if our little miracle is growing to be a big boy as well. I just hope I will be able to walk without falling over in the next few months...! And my glucose test -- I passed it with flying colors! My body can effectively metabolise sugar, so guess what that means?? YES! I can eat my candy and love it too! I told Dr. Kaldas about my little obsession with sweet candy and he affirmed that it is perfectly normal and OK as long as I maintain my weight like I have. I'm so relieved because who else is going to eat all the pixie stix, nerds, smarties, and pop rocks I just bought at Wal-Mart??? Oh yea, that's for trick-or-treaters... Right, I bought Halloween candy already. It was all on sale, and how could I pass it up?! Initially, I had hid it in the pantry downstairs to keep Tom out of it, but I've busted in it twice so far... and thinking about it again right now... Hmmmmmm.

So here are a few pictures Tom took of me this past weekend. I had loaded them in my new Photoshop Elements, made some edits, and saved them, but I must have done something wrong cuz they didn't save or they would transfer on my jump drive from my laptop to my desktop. I don't know. I've got some tutorials to go thru so I can learn how to use the program.

We'll have to try some new pics in another few weeks. My sister (the photographer) will be coming home for my shower at the end of October, so I'll have to take advantage of her then, and maybe we can get some good pics of me and Tom and Theo, too! :)

Until next time, *HUGS* to all!!!

Roxanne

25 weeks update

As I complete week #25 of my pregnancy, here is what's going on:

How your baby's growing

Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Her weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutagaba, but she's beginning to exchange her long, lean look for some baby fat. As she does, her wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and she'll start to look more and more like a newborn. She's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

How your life's changing

Your baby's not the only one with more hair — your locks may look more full and lustrous than ever. It's not that you're growing more hair, but thanks to hormonal changes, the hair that you'd normally shed is sticking around longer than usual. (so true!) Enjoy the fullness while you can — the extra hair will fall out after you give birth. (oh no!!)

source: baby center

Kicks

Baby Boy Schwandt has been kicking like crazy. If you know Tom, you know he can't sit still. He's constantly rocking, even in a stationary chair. I'm beginning to believe that his son will definately be taking after him. I love feeling him move, and the past few days I've felt stronger movements and kicks. Nothing uncomfortable yet, but seeing as my placenta is attached to the back of my uterus, I think I may be in for it the bigger he gets. Just as long as I survive without any broken ribs. Readers of Stephanie Meyer's Breaking Dawn will know what I'm getting at with that little comment :)

Last night as I awoke for a potty, I came back to bed and called for Tom to come feel his son moving. As Tom put his hand on my tummy, the baby contemplated this new warm object covering his home, and heard a voice he will soon recognize as "daddy". After a minute he gave a good kick, and then another good kick. WOW! Tom's eyes lit up in amazement. That was the coolest thing to feel inside me and have Tom experience from the outside. At 22 weeks strong, working into 23 weeks gestation (5 1/2 months), our little offspring is growing and gaining strength. I always imagined what this experience would be like, and let me tell you, it is the most amazing thing ever! We are so greatful to our Lord that he has blessed us with this miracle, with good health and this loving life we adore. We can't wait to finally meet our son in a few short months. Until then, here is what's going on during Week 23, according to babygaga.com:

Fetal development in pregnancy week 23: At this point you’ve pretty much adjusted to the fact you’ve got a moving little gymnast inside of you, but now they’re going to kick up the party a notch because they can hear and react to sounds from the outside world. Sounds from your alarm clock, a thunder roll, or that darned car honking at you across the intersection can actually jar their little ears enough to elicit a kick or violent bout of squirming. Of course this also means that their little ears are picking up the sounds of your voice and those near you. So go ahead, sing a lullaby to your little angel—if they start kicking, it’s likely they just want you to stop… or maybe it was a kick of approval? You decide. Your baby's tiny taste buds are still growing and their bones are continuing to ossify (harden), their tiny veins are visible through their translucent yet wrinkly skin. (Think of it this way: they’ve been swimming in the equivalent of a long hot bath for the past 23 weeks, so you can’t blame them for being a little prune-like.)

"Pee-n-See"

My appointment this morning went swiftly. These little check-ups are so quick in-and-out. The longest part is the waiting room, which I hate. I even called ahead before I left work to see if the Dr was on time. They never are, what was I hoping for…?

We listened to baby boy schwandt’s heartbeat which was at 140 and strong. He gave a few kicks at the thingy on my belly. Dr. Kaldas said I measure good and was surprised I've only gained 5 pounds so far (since the beginning). He had guessed I would gain more, based on the norm, but he said 5 pounds is nothing to worry over. Good! I'm glad cuz I've gotta loose it all and then some after baby is born.

Then he asked me how big I was and if my mom had a c-section with me. I think I was around 8 1/2 pounds, and yes, she had a c-section with me because I was head-down and face-up. He said that is a good indicator I might have a c-section because my pelvis would be shaped similar to my mother, but we will try natural first. He also said I've got a good size boy in there. :) Well, let’s see people…. If I was over 8 pounds, Tom was over 8 pounds, and my hunny had a big head when we was born…. I think I’m in for it. That’s fine. I’m ok to go c-section if it comes to that. I want to try natural, but I don’t want to be in excruciating pain either, so if c-section is the ultimate end-all, then it is.

Anyways, this little precious boy really loves to kick around a lot. Today I felt some stronger kicks this morning, so I’m thinking I might be in for it the bigger he gets. But I love feeling him kick all the time. Even at work (people probably think I’m crazy, but…) I talk to him when he kicks. And then he kicks back ;)

My next appt will be the glucose testing (sept 16th). I have to drink that orange stuff 50 mins before my appt, then they'll take my blood and do another OB check-up. I wish I could see him again in an ultrasound, but at this point they will only do that if something is going wrong. My blood pressure and everything is right on the mark. I really am glad that everything is going so well and healthy. I couldn't ask for anything more.

It's a BOY!

I had a little glitch with my printer/scanner, so it's taken me a little longer to upload the ultrasound pics from Friday. First, here is what's going on with our little bundle of joy BOY in Week 21:

Your beautiful little miracle-gro baby will be putting on a full ounce and a half this week (and weighing up to 16.5 ounces), but that’s just the beginning! Within the next five weeks, they’ll really be packin’ it on! For now, we’re pleased to report the addition of rapid eye movement (REM) a key component to any healthy baby’s sleep schedule. While in the dermatology department: their thin soft skin is very red, rather translucent, and a bit wrinkled. Not to worry, it’s not a premature aging disease. It's just their clever little body setting them up with extra space that will smooth out once your little one starts packing on the baby-fat. That won’t be for a few more weeks, though. So for the time being, your munchkin is still a little lean mean growing machine! The beginnings of what is commonly called “brown fat” is just starting to fill in to help your baby retain some body heat, which is crucial as they’re not yet capable of regulating their own body temperature.

We were really looking forward to seeing baby again. It had been since Week 14 with the Best test. I was eager to see how much more "real baby" he looks and boy did he! At first, he was all curled up in the fetal position with his legs tucked up to his chest and feet over his head. Little stinker. The ultrasound tech got to measure and check his heart and brain. Everything looks great! Then I got to go release my bladder, which felt Oh So Wonderful, and then we really got to moving around in there. He flipped upside down so we were looking at his back, which is when the tech took advantage to look at each vertibrea. That was neat. Then we saw it... she pointed out the legs, and then said "...and here is the scrotum and the penis..." IT'S A BOY!! I couldn't make it out, she had to show me like 3 times until I figured it out. In regular people terms, this is how I explain the ultrasound picture (2nd one below)... Imagine the baby is sitting on a glass table and you are look up at his bottom. You can pick out the legs by imagining a backwards "C". The bottom of that backwards "C" is the left femur bone, then follow it up along to the right. In the middle, a grey shade is the scrotum, and the bright white bubbly sticking out is the penis. Yep, it's definately a BOY! This is exciting because there are no boys on my side of the family, and plenty of boys on the Schwandt side. So the Piunti side has some getting used to :)

Here are the pictures:

cute profile!

It's a BOY!

snuggling on the placenta pillow getting ready to suck his thumb

snuggling on the placenta pillow with his toungue out!

Today, Tom and I were at Scheels and picked out the first baby BOY outfit for our son. We got a set of two Brewers onsies. One is blue with the vintage mitt embroidered on the left side of the chest and the other is yellow with the same vintage mitt. SO CUTE!!

Next up is tackling our list of to dos:

• get new basement storm windows installed
• finish converting the media closet back into a coat closet in the living room
• get the full-size mattress and box spring to the basement and wrap it with plastic (we'll save this mattress, in great condition, for when little jr grows into his 'big-boy-bed')
• steam clean all carpets
• hopefully our new living room furniture will get delivered soon
• get the Schwandt family crib out from the garage rafters and clean it off good. Check all nuts and bolts.
• order the Amby Baby bed
• set-up the baby's room
• register at babies r us and baby depot
• file and organize in the office
• clean out a kitchen cupboard to baby bottles, etc...

I'm sure there is more to add to the list. I think this is what they call the "nesting phase" and I can definately tell why!

Well, I really hope we will get another ultrasound so we can see him again before he's born, but that will depend on how everything goes once we near the last weeks. My next appointment is Aug 19th for another "pee N see" (pee in the cup and see the Dr). Last time I got to hear the heartbeat, so I'm sure they'll listen for that again, and measure me. Here is a picture from the other weekend of me standing by my super tall gladiolas.

Oh! and how could I forget the Goodyear blimp that made it's way to Neenah from the Oshkosh EAA. Look everyone! Can you see the resemblance between Roxanne and the Blimp!?

Baby Gender RESULTS!

Did you guess it's a GIRL? Raise your hand.

Did you guess it's a BOY? Raise your hand.

If you guessed GIRL, put your hand down cuz it's a BOY!!!!!!!!!!

Yep, and I got pictures to prove it!! He was SO cute thru the whole ultrasound. At first he was all srunched up with his feet over his head, then I got to go let out my bladder (that felt good!), then he moved around a lot more flipping over and finally rested his little head on my placenta like a pillow and snuggled in for a nap with his hand up by his face. How precious, my little boy :)

Later tonight I will post pictures, so be sure to come back!!!

*HUGS & KISSES* from baby boy schwandt :o)

Baby Schwandt Update

I had my "Pee and See" last Wednesday and everything is going great. Baby's heart rate was 150 bpm, and I only gained a pound and a half (that's a total of 2 pounds so far). Dr said that's OK, I'll gain it by the end. I'm just hoping it's not a whole ton, maybe 10-15 more at the most.

I can really feel the baby moving now. I started to feel light kicks about a week and a half ago while I was in Chicago. It's becoming more often and more definate movements, but none yet that Tom can feel. I wonder if that's why I didn't feel rested when I woke up this morning (the baby moving all night). The alarm went off and I practically flew out of bed in shock! Usually I wake up 15-20 mins before the alarm, turn it off, go grab my celly, set that alarm and cuddle on the couch with Theo.

To date, I am 18wks and 5 days (due Dec 25th). We go August 8th for the 20-wk ultrasound. This is when we expect to find out the sex! I've already been talking to baby and begging for cooperation so Mommy and Daddy can plan out cute stuff for him/her. Here's what going on during this week, according to babycenter.com (keep in mind they are using the words "her" and "his"):

How your baby's growing: Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, taking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom —about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

About: Baby Schwandt

As I was checking email today, Due Maternity had a link on their message for this baby astrology thing. Click here to check it out! I thought this was a pretty neat look ahead at baby schwandt's sign. I believe it will help us to be the best parents for our child. Here is what we have to look forward to:
About the Capricorn Baby
The Capricorn baby has a plan from day one and will definitely stick to it! A bit on the serious side, this is a child who is disciplined, methodical and highly organized to boot. Is this really a child?! Well, yes and no. Not adventurously inclined, the Capricorn baby almost seems dull, but they are simply taking time with things, learning lessons slowly, so as to learn them well. This child enjoys feeling important from an early age, so don't hesitate to give them responsibilities. The Cap baby is up to the task! They also understand things better as they get older and appreciate the merits of a reward system. Good deeds are repaid in kind! This babe will rejoice and will happily live with that precept in mind. When it comes to learning, the Cap baby shouldn't be rushed, preferring to follow their own pace of discovery. Early lessons will be of the organizational kind which is how this tot's mind operates. Organizing the play group will be play indeed. As with everything, the Cap baby will be hyper-focused and determined. Even speaking will be undertaken with great effort and diligence, leading many Cap babies to bypass babbling and go straight to chatter! To sum up, the Capricorn baby prefers to play it safe, enjoying the efforts of a job well done.

Mother-Child Compatibility
Capricorn Child / Libra Parent
When a Capricorn child is born to a Libra parent, the fluidity of the family relationship depends on both person's ability to seek out similar interests. The similarities aren't always easy to spot, however. Their similarities aren't always easy to spot, but they do exist. Libra is extroverted and derives satisfaction from public interaction. On the other hand, Capricorn is more calculated, steering clear of distractions while moving steadily toward a set goal.

While Libra is pondering and intellectual, Capricorn sees the value of doing things the hard way if it leads to certain success. Both parent and child will certainly reach their destination, following two very different paths which can merge together somewhere along the way when they're least suspecting it. Both are self starters so when they're on the same team they need to have different and well-defined roles to ensure that they don't cross each other's boundaries.


Pretty cool! Well I do have new pictures of my flowers to upload, so I promise to do that soon!! My pink oriental lillies are beautiful! Ooo! And I saw one of the baby bunnies that had grown up in our garden. One of that litter (Ma Rector, is that the correct terminology?) came back for a visit!! He/She was SO cute :) I'll post pics soon, I promise!

The BEST of the BEST

You might remember we had the "BEST TEST" done last week Wednesday. This is the testing for downs and combined tests for other chromosomal abnormalities. The ultrasound was not only to get cute pics of baby schwandt yawning, but to measure the amount of fluid at the back of the neck/top of the spine, but they also took 5 viles of blood to run tests.

Well, my Dr's nurse (Sue) called tonight with the results. She said after the ultrasound, the chance of our baby having Downs Syndrome was 1 in 900. BUT....After the blood tests, the chance went to 1 in 3,000. WOW! That's GOOD! She said that is the BEST of the "BEST TEST" score you can get. And that's not all, folks. The other chromosomal abnormalities result came back at 1 in 6,800. Holy man--that is great! I was so excited for Tom to call on his 8pm break tonight to tell him the good news. He had done all the worrying for himself and me, so he was very relieved to hear the good news!

We couldn't be more greatful to our wonderful Lord, God. He has blessed us with a miracle without the use of science, and He continues to bless us with health of the baby and of myself. I have been feeling great. Nausea is gone, never got "sick"and right now I'm just hungry all the time. 'm eating good and even eating my vegetables! I'm looking forward to next is feeling the baby moving around, which should happen in the next couple weeks. Oh, some of you may be wondering how far along we are now. I am 15 weeks. Thursday, July 3rd is the first day of week 16. Here is what will be happing during the next week:
WEEK 16:
Over the past three weeks your astounding growing baby has managed to stretch yet another 2 full inches (totaling about 4.5 inches) and weighs around 3.5 ounces. Yessireee, that’s some pretty serious growth... and with it comes several physical developments! For starters, their head to body ratio is finally starting to even out a bit as the rest of the body is actually growing faster than the head at this point. Yes, your little light bulb is not so top-heavy. Their adorable little limbs have lengthened, almost reaching their normal proportions which they will have at birth. Their eyes are still closed but moving and if you had an ultrasound, which many doctors recommend you have at about this time, you may even see your little one sucking on a thumb, not to mention the necessary signifiers to let you know whether you’ve got a wee lad or lassie.

Our next ultrasound will be at 20 weeks (about August 7th). That is when we hope to find out the sex of baby schwandt!

Baby Schwandt Update

We had our 14 weeks check-up and BEST testing done today. Happy to report that we have nothing to worry about as far as chromosomal abnormalities go. The ultrasound technician took three measurements of the fluid behind baby's head at the spine, and all three came out perfectly normal. She also showed us the two bones the form the forehead and nose. A good sign that the nose bone was there! And in between getting just the right position to take her measurements, we got to see the baby's ribs, spine, arm and leg bones, stomache and kidneys (which looked like little black spots), and we even caught baby yawning and doing little baby sit-ups! It was SO cute!! I told Tom those sit-ups look a little like the beginnings of a rocking motion.... we all know Tom cannot sit still... he rocks even in stationary chairs! ;)

This picture shows baby lying on it's back, pulling it's legs up and touching it's knee with it's fist.

This is baby yawning (see the arrow). In my printed picture, you can just about make out nostrals, and even here you can see the chinny-chin-chin!

Once the nurse took my blood, Dr. Kaldas came in the room. The first thing he said was, "Well, Roxanne, you're making this really easy on me!" He said baby looks great, perfectly healthy, and seeing as I only gained a half a pound (fluid and extra blood, he said) that I should go celebrate with a Dilly Bar! So while in line at the grocery store after work today, I spotted my favorite candy bar, which I haven't seen in forever... 5th Avenue! Yumm! The price was right, too, buy 1 get 1 free... so I got 4! :) Already ate 1 for dessert after my salad for dinner. I might just have one more before too much longer... hehe :)

Next on my agenda is to join the Pregnant & Fit class at the YMCA. Dr. Kaldas happily approved my asking. I figure if I'm paying for a class that has a start and end time predetermined, I'm better off doing that then trying to keep fit on my own. Not that I ever was one for much exercise... I just don't want to end up fighting with the balooga wale tied to my body to work the weight off once the baby is born. The Y also has other postnatal classes as well, so it looks like this is the beginning of a new relationship with me and exercise. hehe

By the way, due date is still December 25th, so that make Mamma & Daddy happy :) Tom and I want to Thank You all for your prayers and well-wishes. We couldn't be happier for our little miracle and we can't wait to share him/her with the world!

Vegetables

Nice, huh? Like that title line, do ya?

So my loving and caring husband has been reading his Father-to-be book, which gives him advice on what is going on with our pregnancy. It's got cute little sections that say "Brownie Points" and "In the Dog House" so he knows what to and what NOT to do and say.

As much as I love and adore my hunny, he is really getting on my case about eating vegetables. I can't say I've been much of a fan of the veges lately, but he read in his lovely book that I need to eat my share of vegetables. I think tonight he might just shove them down my throat at dinner (which HE actually has all planned out for a change).

So, in my rebuttle, I try to tell him there are veges in chocolate, and my colored Spree candies... the red is for tomatoes, the green for broccoli, and so on... he doesn't buy it!

So if you have any decent vegetable recipes, please share them with me!!

In other news, I am doing well. I haven't been "sick" although I wanted to be a few times. The nausea is tolerable, it just comes every now and then. What I don't understand is the no-warning famished feeling I get when all of a sudden I'm starving and have to eat like NOW but there is nothing to eat. I don't just get hungry, I feel like I haven't eaten in days! It blows me away because I feel like I am eating all the time as it is. I'm really am trying to watch what I eat, and eat as balanced as I can. I currently am really digging apples, pinneapple, and any fruit. I like that it is crunchy, sweet, juicy and satisfying. See, vegetables could never stack up to my fruit....

So please help me! If you have a good Vege recipe to share, please email me at roxntom@new.rr.com I do have a super yummy Rachel Ray Vege Stoup recipe, but it's getting too nice out for soup these days.

One last thing--- THANK YOU SO MUCH for your support, well-wishes, congrats, and all the nice things you all have said. We really are thrilled and so happy. Thanks again SO much for being our family and friends!!

***Hugs -N- Kisses***

PS - don't forget those recipes!!! I know, I really scattered my thoughts about this posting. nice example of pregnancy-brain, huh?

Miracles

We've all heard the saying, "Miracles happen" right? You never think a miracle will ever happen to you, they always happen to other people, and it is amazing to hear the stories. When a miracle actually does happen to you, you are beside yourself in total awe of our amazing God.

Most of you know our story.... Tom's battle with melanoma skin cancer (currently 2 1/2 yrs cancer free - yeah!!), and the fact that we had to deposit our assets, between his surgery and chemo, to ensure a family some day. And you've heard about my battle with PCOS, and the three tries we've done of artificial insemination with 1 miscarriage (Dec 06). All of this is the reason I started my business with The Pampered Chef, to save money so we could go forward with InVitro fertilization (IVF). We hadn't told anyone this, but we did have an appt scheduled for Oct 18th last year to go see Dr. Sherban in Gurnee, IL... but when I lost my KC job on Oct 17th, that put a huge damper on our plans.

This just killed me, after everything we've been thru and now it seems another road block. I can't even begin to express the emotional rollercoaster we've been on. I am really good at holding things back from people so that all they see is the happy-Roxanne-things-are-fine exterior. As many times as people would give baby-making advice, I have to admit-- it got old....heard it once, heard it a thousand times.... "once you stop trying, it will happen." Well, sorry to bust your bubble folks, it's not that easy, and no, I do not believe in that myth. If you have never dealt with infertility, and cancer, I'm sorry, but you just couldn't possibly know what it is like. We all know the definitions of the words "sympathize" and "empathize". We thank all of you for your love and support through our difficulties, and we know we have the most amazing, caring and loving family and friends. We are so greatful God has blessed us with each of you.

So I'll just cut to the chase here.... you probably have a clue what I am getting at. As I said in the beginning of this post, "When a miracle actually does happen to you, you are beside yourself in total awe of our amazing God." Yes, people, WE ARE PREGNANT!!!!!!!!! This gift of life is totally, and utterly, 100-million-percent GOD's work. We did not do IVF, I was not giving myself fertility shots, it is a complete miracle!

We all know "how" this happens, but here is my little personal theory on WHY:

I finally accepted the fact that this wasn't going to be easy. I accepted what we've been through and the fact that if we were ready to pay thousands upon thousands of dollars and go through the physical and emotional rollercoaster. That having a child was worth it and definately something we both so badly want, to share our love and our life together. I accepted it wasn't going to be easy, and I was at peace with us, with God, with our little situation. Acceptance.

So if you are trying, and someone says to you "If you stop trying, it will happen." You don't have to believe it. My theory when it is right with you and God, it will happen. He is the one making the calls, not you or I. And that's the truth. Have faith. We did, and now we get to share this miracle with the world! World, I hope you are ready for another SCHWANDT!!!!!

We are 9 1/2 weeks along, as of today. The Dr said Baby is healthy, and everything looks really good. We have nothing to worry about. This baby IS GOING TO COME! Est Due Date is December 25, 2008. I can't think of a better due date - Jesus' Birthday - for our little miracle. :)