There She Goes Again...

Exciting News! We're having a baby! What an appropriate announcement for a pregnancy blog, right? We're pregnant! Again... haha!

Well, Perkins #4 is eager to join the family! I knew once I moved to Arizona, that I was going to get pregnant. One of those omens... Which is why I gave my pregnancy pillow, Steve, a death stare. As if to say, "You better be going in the closet." But who listens to me any way? So far no one. Lol!

First Test

 Another test. I think I took four.

 I found out the big news on September 13th. I really REALLY wanted to tell Ben in a cute way. I typically just blab my guts, and never get creative. This was my fourth chance to get it right. I bought him some fun daddy books, and they were on their way in the mail. They were going to come the day I told him. What ruined my secret? Health Insurance. I was really pushing for it, and Ben said that we just might have to wait. And I laughed. I shouldn't have laughed. He pried my secret from my lips, and I'll just have to spend forever forgiving him. I was so nervous to tell him. I was excited about the pregnancy, and it was fun keeping it a secret (for a few weeks days.) According to Amazon, I told him on September 18th. To my perfect surprise, Ben was elated! I was so happy that he was excited too. And for a few weeks everything was perfect.

Around week 9/10, I started to feel sick. Really yucky. For all you TMI people, I don't throw up. But I feel like dirt, and lose all pleasure in eating food. I wanted my comfort foods. I was craving hamburgers and french fries. Somehow those french fries sooth my raging stomach. (And probably add unwanted inches. Too bad.)

On October 22, I had my first ultrasound. My OB office does not do these routinely. They only offer the genetic screening, and the gender ultrasound. I had to be kind of pushy to get one. I told them that I had a miscarriage this year, and it moved things along. (In case you didn't know, I really did in April.) I was so worried about something being wrong with the baby. So when I saw this little bundle, kicking and wiggling like crazy, with a beautiful flickering heart, I was excited, but nervous about how I was going to take care of another one!

Measuring 9 w 6 d, but they left it as 10 w 5 d

According to my LMP, my due date was May 15, and the ultrasound measured 6 days behind. I guess that is not enough to change the due date, so it will stay May 15. 

On November 10th, I had a visit with the nurse. That included the lengthy questions, and insane amount of blood tests. It was short and sweet. 

My first real OB appointment was November 11. I am seeing Dr. Maria DiLeo, and I really like her. She was funny, and genuine, and really empathetic too. I think she will be a wonderful doctor to have. She was really thorough, and made sure to answer all my questions. I complained about some severe stomach pain, which she believed was similar to acid reflux, but instead of the reflux, I was having acid reflex. After I eat a meal, about an hour later I have a really bad stomach pain, which I can usually get to subside if I snack a little bit more. She explained that when I eat, the acid is used up, and my body keeps making more. That's why it calms for a little bit after I eat, but flares up about an hour later. She recommended Pepcid AC. Does this sound familiar? Hmm... happened when I had Eve. Next, I got to hear the heartbeat. It was strong and loud! 166 bpm. Oh, wait... usually a faster heartbeat means a girl? Hmmm... wait a second... 

Yep.... Pretty sure I'm having a girl. I felt like I was from the beginning, and now I'm not changing my mind! And that makes me more excited! We let the kids guess if I was having a boy or girl, and they guessed girl. Eve keeps calling her, Tiana baby, because she keeps forgetting the name Julianna. If we are having a girl, that is the name I felt really good about, and I love it. Now Ben can finally have his Jewels. 

So here we go again right? I guess we are trying not to lose momentum. After this little cupcake, I'm ready to take a baby making break. I'm sure I'd love to call it the end. But then someone gives us a gentle nudge that it's their turn, and we start all over again. I couldn't be luckier. My current baby looks like this now:

I guess he's not a baby anymore! And yes, that is chocolate, and yes, I had two perfect handprints on the white bed sheets in my room. He found mommy's stash! 

Wish us luck! (or just me... )

John's Ultrasound Pictures

I never scanned John's ultrasound pictures, but I took pictures with a camera. I wanted to post these because I always go back and compare the ultrasound pictures every time I have another baby.

First Ultrasound:

This was the first ultrasound, around 8 w. 5 d. 

Second Ultrasound:

18 w. 5 days for the gender ultrasound. I'll never forget the shock and relief at having a boy. We found out on Valentine's Day, and over lunch we decided his name would be John Tanner. 

Left arm

Cute feet!

Profile shot! I decided to leave the gender shot out. We all know what that looks like!

Third Ultrasound:

Just two more! I had an ultrasound around 28 weeks, because until this point I had a low lying placenta. Luckily this ultrasound confirmed I would be okay to deliver vaginally, and I got to see his sweet face one more time!

I can't believe how much you can see! Look at that face!

40 weeks

Well, I was hoping I wouldn't reach this day, but it has come! John is due today, and he is not here! haha. I had a doctor's appointment on Thursday, and I was 60-70% effaced, dilated to a 2.5. My uterus is 40 cm, and John's heartbeat was in the 140's again. I had the doctor strip my membranes, but it was of no use. It was so uncomfortable! I was hoping that something would come of it. Too bad! haha. She told me that she would like to deliver me by 41 weeks, so I am scheduled to be induced on July 17th at 7 am. I sincerely hope I don't make it to that appointment.

In a last effort to tidy things up before John gets here, I will post my last pictures.

38 weeks, 5 days on the 4th of July

39 weeks, 3 days

40 weeks! On my due date!

I decided that since it was my due date, I wanted to get dressed up one more time, and go out and do something fun! I have always wanted to take the kids to Build a Bear, and I thought we could make a bear for John. Well, the kids didn't really get into the bears at all. They had more fun pushing the buttons on the sound machine with the samples of the different voice boxes, and they danced and ran through the store! haha. So they still had a great time, just not building a bear. We did manage to make one for John still. We made him a cute little blue bear that we named John Bear. We each put a heart inside, so this little bear has 5 lives. haha! The kids got their very first candy necklaces, compliments of Grandma Shauna. We were sad to discover that the candy store in our mall is gone. There is only a kiosk with retro types of candy, and very little selection. We left the mall and ate at Chipotle. It was a nice outing together!

And here is a little preview of John's nursery corner/wall in our room. I didn't have a whole room to decorate, but I had fun putting something small together. I knew that I was always relieved to put my babies in a real crib, so we skipped the bassinet/co-sleeper idea and went straight to a big bed. I thought about a mini crib, but at the rate our kids grow, it seemed pointless. We bought him the IKEA crib and changer. We've invested so much money in cribs, I decided it was time to get economical. I like it, and I think it fits with the nautical theme.

Now we just need the little man to go in his bed! I've felt stronger and stronger contractions lately. Once they decide to get closer together, then we will be in business. But at least there is an expiration date on the 17th.  

39 weeks

Well, I skipped blogging one week. I think it was because my doctors appointment was a nurse visit. My doctor went on vacation, and is now back! I visted her last Wednesday. My weight is about 170, uterus 39.5 cm, and his heart rate 140's. She did a good old check to see if I am progressing at all. I was only 1.5 maybe 2 cm. I guess Braxton Hicks really aren't all that useful. I've felt a few long and strong contrations, but nothing good enough for the real thing. I am considering that there is a possiblity of being over due. But let's not dwell on that please!!!

Since time is ticking away, I decided to create a bucket list of things to do before John comes. We went to see a movie with the kids already, Monster's University. On Friday, my parents watched the kids so Ben and I could go to the temple, which was amazing! Yesterday, when I hit the 39 week mark, we decided to go to the zoo. We got a membership so daddy can take the kids after baby comes to give me a break. They absolutely loved the zoo. The kids loved walking instead of sitting in the stroller. Of course the big hit was the huge giraffe slide. After the zoo, Ben let me go off and do last minute shopping. And I shopped till my legs ached. I was on the hunt for new guest bedding, when I found the most amazing things for John's nursery corner in our room. That was so exciting! I made some returns of what I had already bought, then headed to WalMart where I over stuffed my cart with things to stock the pantry. The cashier insisted I get help out to the car. The family behind me understood my nesting. They were expecting #6. The husband claimed all the pregnancies he'd seen were from our cold cold winter. I got a good laugh from that.

All I need to do now is hang some pictures on the wall and wait! Everything is washed. Hospital bag packed. Car seat washed. Clothes washed. Bedding washed. Now all I need is the little boy in my belly to be in my arms. I cannot truly complain. I feel pretty darn capable right now. My next doctor's appointment is Thursday, July 11th.

37 weeks

I had a doctor's appointment last Friday, June 21st. My doctor is actually out of town, so I met with her nurse. She measured me at 36.5 cm, which makes no sense, my weight has stayed at 165, which also does not make any sense. Haha! John's heart rate was in the 140's to be predictable. : )

My next appointment is tomorrow, June 25th, so, not exactly a week later, but my doctor's nurse will also be leaving town. What is a girl to do with a baby in the summer time? Hopefully everyone will have their vacations out of the way. My mom is gone this week, enjoying Glacier National Park, before John comes. Poor little me is not on vacation. But it sure sounds nice right about now! Ben was dutifully working outside with Gunnar and his friend Bill to finish our playground outside. I am so glad that project is done! The kids love the playground, and it will be nice to have somewhere for them to play without having to go far. Thank you daddy!

The pregnancy has been going well so far. I am just exhausted all of the time. And it is so difficult to keep up with the mundane household tasks. Or is routine a better word choice? haha! I am very much looking forward to meeting my little man. I've been having a lot of contractions with this pregnancy. Unfortunately I think they are all Braxton Hicks. Maybe the nurse will check tomorrow. Only 2 weeks and 5 days to go!

Here is a picture of me. I will be taking my maternity pictures this Wednesday. So excited!

36 weeks, 3 days

Had to post this picture, not only because you see my awesome toilet,

but there is a cute little girl peeking up from the counter!

36 weeks! (Tomorrow!)

Today I had a doctor's appointment. I'm dilated to a fingertip. And it begins.... Little John is head down. The doctor was able to feel his head. I always get jealous when the doctor gets to touch or meet my baby before I do. When the midwife broke my water with Eve, Eve held her finger, and wouldn't let go. Yeah. I was pretty jealous about that. Like, "Hey get the heck out of there. Wait till I push this baby out and meet her first!"

I didn't gain any weight since my last appointment, which always comes as a relief to me. lol! I measured 37 cm, and the doctor said that I was contracting in the office. I must say, I have felt way more Braxton Hicks with this little man than with the other two. I think part of the reason is that I have finally figured out how to recognize when they are happening this third go around.

Ben and I are getting pretty excited to meet this little guy. I just bought him some more blankets and another cute little outfit. I can't stop buying things for him! I probably think it will help me be prepared. But he's coming no matter how many blankets and cute outfits he has.

On a side note, I took Jacob to see his school today. He starts preschool on Tuesday. We looked at the classroom, and I talked to the staff about his first day and orientation. I am so excited for Jacob. Challenger school seems so perfect for him! Of course I am sad to think of him being away from home. I keep reminding him that when he goes to school, mommy and daddy won't be there. Ah!!! But he deserves this so much! With a new baby on the way, I will be too busy to try to do much preschool stuff at home. At least for the first 2-3 months. I think that is how long it takes to get adjusted. It's soooooo tough, but now I know that the transition period has an end, and the benefits are so much fun once they can all play together, and wrestle and love each other. Eve and Jacob give each other so much love. It's so rewarding to watch them together. I know that John will just be another pea in the pod! So blessed!!!

Baby Blankets!

When I was pregnant with Jacob, I decided that I wanted to make a baby blanket for each of my babies. I started Jacob's blanket, but didn't quite get it finished. Not sure if two more weeks being pregnant would have helped, but nonetheless, he has a baby blanket! (Stitched by two generations. My mom sewed it shut where I had left an unfinished seam! haha!) When I was pregnant with Eve, I bought some fleece to make a blanket, and I wanted to bind it with satin trim. I made a similar blanket for Jacob's birthday, decided that it was a nightmare, and left the fleece for Eve to collect dust. Besides, my little Eve is particular about her blankets. She has to have a waffle weave receiving blanket. No other will do!

Now with John on the way, I recommitted myself. I wasn't going to get behind on two children! So I picked out some cute fabric online, and I got to sewing! I have successfully finished a blanket for Eve, and made TWO for John... shhh! Don't tell the other two kids. They only get one blanket.

Because I am so proud of myself, I am sharing pictures of my handiwork. The hardest part of sewing is cutting the fabric. I find it so intimidating. If you are off, then your whole project is off. No pressure! Especially on hands and knees with a watermelon in between your legs! hahaha!

 Eve's Blanket- Birds and Rosette Minky 

 John's Minky Blanket- Baseball, of course! Just like Jacob's.

 Couldn't pass up this cute print! 

This cotton will actually be usable, as the minky blanket will be too hot.

Can you see Jacob's "blankie?" That thing will be threads someday.

And how cute is that little girl? I snapped this while taking pictures of John's blankets.

Love these two!!!