The Ultimate Hospital Packing Guide: Must-Haves for Every Mom-to-Be

♥Skip the cute PJs in favor of something practical. For boob access, pick something that's easy to pull up or down.
♥Nursing bras and pads and a few pairs of underwear. Bring on the granny panties (it can be messy down there the first few days after delivery).
♥A comfy robe to layer over breezy hospital gowns. (C-section mamas will be doing a lot of hospital hallway-walking).
♥Socks: Don't overlook these feet-warmers. Studies show that wearing them to bed can actually help you nod off faster.
♥Slippers: You don't want to pad around the hospital hallways in just your slippery socks -- or in uncomfortable shoes, either.
♥Going-home outfit for you: You'll definitely still be in maternity clothes at this point - as though you're five or six months along.
♥Sanitary pads: Most hospitals have, but it's good to bring your own just-in-case supply for postpartum bleeding.
♥Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, makeup.
♥Concealer: It�ll help cover up redness, blotchiness, and post-delivery blemishes for all the zillions of photos that'll be taken after baby arrives.
♥iPod and headphones/speakers (or a portable CD player and tunes).
♥Books and magazines: You have no clue how long labor will be. When doesn't celeb gossip help the time fly by?
♥Pillow from home: It's decidedly cozier than those hospital-issued ones.
♥Lanolin cream: This nursing essential soothes sore nipples as you adjust to your baby's feeding techniques.
♥Basic toiletries for your partner: Let's be honest -- he probably doesn't need much more than a toothbrush and deodorant..
♥At least $20 in cash: Bring lots of singles for the vending machine and snacks.
♥Cell phone and, just as important, charger. Using your own helps avoid those pricey hospital phone bills.
♥Digital watch or one with a second hand (for timing contractions).
♥Digital camera and video camera (if you've agreed to go there).
♥Blanket and pillow for your partner: If he'll be staying over, he has to crash on a chair somewhere.
♥Car seat, already installed, natch!
♥Layette stuff: Newborn hat, two receiving blankets, several burp cloths, two "onesies," and two pairs of socks.
♥Baby going-home outfit: Try a kimono onesie (so you don't have to pull anything over your newborn's head -- they're not big fans).
♥Diapers and wipes: Don't forget that awesome diaper bag you've been dying to break out.
♥Nursing pillow: It'll make those first (potentially tough) feedings a bit easier.
♥Completed hospital registration forms. Bring a copy of your pre-reg documents in case they can't dig yours up.
♥Birth plan: Remember to keep it short and sweet!
♥Insurance cards.
♥Address book: For the random relatives who aren't in your cell phone but still demand to hear the good news ASAP.
♥Your driver's license: You'll need it for admission to the hospital. Make sure your partner has his, too.

http://www.parents.com

REGISTRY 101

♥Diapers: Whether you're going the re-usable or disposable route, you'll need plenty on hand.
♥Burp cloths (fabric diapers can also double as burp cloths).
♥Disposable wipes. Always have a few packets on hand - this is not an item you want to run out of.
♥Diaper rash cream
♥Diaper pail: Choose one that you can operate with one hand, one that uses regular garbage bags, and has an odor control system.
♥Diaper bag: Make sure it hangs well from your stroller handlebars.
♥Baby monitor
♥1 or 2 pacifiers, if you want to use them. Be sure to get ones labeled "newborn."
♥Portable crib, commonly known as a Pack 'n Play, for when you visit the grandparents.
♥Co-sleeper. It's so nice to just reach over to nurse your baby at night. But you can easily substitute the portable crib if it's easier.
♥6 bottles, including nipples: Make sure you buy nipples for newborns.
♥Bottle brush
♥Breast pump: Go for the fancy automatic double pump if you're going back to work.
♥Breastfeeding pillow
♥Nursing pads
♥Lanolin lotion for sore nipples
♥Breast milk freezer bags or storage cups
♥Thermometer. The rectal kind. Don't be freaked out -- once you do it, it's a piece of cake.
♥Nasal bulb syringe for clearing stuffy noses
♥Baby nail clipper
♥Alcohol swabs and bandages
♥Infant bath tub or seat with a newborn "sling"
♥Baby shampoo and cleanser
♥Baby lotion
♥2 to 3 hooded towels that let you swaddle baby post-bath
♥Crib
♥Changing table with pad (you can also covert an existing dresser by topping with a pad)
♥Rocking chair
♥ExerSaucer. You won't use it for a few months, but once your baby hits 4 or 5 months, it will blow his little mind.
♥Swing or bouncy seat. The movement makes almost all babies very, very sleepy.
♥Activity mat (also called the baby gym)
♥Mobile for the crib: Think music, lights and movement. We like ones you can turn off remotely.
♥Mobile for the changing table: Distract your baby from the fact that his bum is cold.
♥Crib bumper
♥2 to 3 fitted crib sheets
♥2 waterproof mattress pads
♥2 or 3 changing pad covers
♥A rear-facing infant car seat with base. If you have two cars, you'll need a second base.
♥Baby carrier and/or sling
♥Stroller: Baby won't sit up for a few months, so you'll need a Snap 'n Go, a travel system or a model in which baby can fully recline.
♥A "take-me-home" outfit. Look for a set that's cute for photos, but practical (something warm for winter or light for summer).
♥6 to 8 onesies, half short sleeve and half long sleeve. Choose kimono styles that don't pull over baby's head to cut down on screams.
♥5 pairs of pants
♥6 to 8 sleepers (aka coveralls) with built-in footies, or rompers if it's spring or summer
♥5 to 6 sleeping gowns, which snap5 to 6 sleeping gowns, which snap, zip, or cinch closed at the bottom, making late-night diaper changes a breeze.
♥At least 3 sleeping gowns should have built-in mittens to cover fast-growing baby fingernails and avoid scratches on smooth baby skin.
♥1 to 3 sweater cardigans or zip hoodies, depending on the season
♥1 snowsuit or winter bunting (for winter babies)
♥1 to 2 pairs of mittens if they aren't included in the snowsuit (for winter babies)
♥8 pairs of booties or socks
♥4 to 6 hats, including at least one sun hat
♥4 to 6 receiving blankets. One should be soft and thick enough to be a blankie contender; two should be thin enough for your diaper bag.
♥4 to 6 bibs. At least two should be waterproof. Once baby starts solids, you'll need something you can just hose off.
♥Velcro swaddle. This crucial miracle item may be the key to peace in your household.
♥Sleep sac, for when baby outgrows the swaddle or sleep gowns, but is still too young for a blanket in the crib.

http://www.parents.com

MARCH IS AN AWESOME MONTH THIS YEAR!

I heart March. Not only are my baby

shower's this month, but my husbands

birthday (his favorite holiday as he calls it [and he

thinks he gets to celebrate it all month long lol]) and

his graduation from the academy! He is coming

home to me! I'm one lucky wifey!

30 Week Check Up

Baby Check up went great today. I have gained 22lbs. Kylie is as healthy and beautiful as ever...I cant believe how quickly her due date is creeping up on us. Not that I'm complaining, I so look forward to meeting our love bug. Im so giddy! I got to see her precious little face today. She is about 3 lbs. 7 oz. Found out that Im slightly anemic but everything else is perfect. Kylie is facing the front of my tummy (head down), meaning I am carrying her in my back (her back is laying on my back) and that is the cause of my pain and discomfort all the time, lol, but I love her so its worth it.

♥

So, before and during my pregnancy, I have heard the "what you should expect" stories...or "whats typical" but, honestly, my personal experiences are, for the most part, nothing like most womens. I haven't craved anything out of the ordinary. I ate grilled cheese sandwiches often, and chips and salsa, but those aren't anything I didn't eat before pregnancy and I don't eat much more than I did before either...I don't use the "I'm eating for two" excuse...baby girl doesn't need much food for proper nutrition, so my advice (if wanted) don't over indulge if you don't want to gain too much weight. One thing that is a bit unusual, I used to be mildly lactose intolerant, but the whole pregnancy I have had no problems with drinking a glass of milk. Oh, I do remember, one morning, I woke up at 2am thinking about milkshakes, lol, I was thinking about stopping by McDonald's, on my way to work at 5am, to get a shake...but what kind, Strawberry or Vanilla? Lol, 2 in the morning, and this is what was on my mind...Ridiculous! Then, I was worried that at 5 in the morning, will McDonald's even have their icecream machine put together and ready??? It was so funny. Needless to say, I didn't go to McDonald's, later in the morning I called my husband and had him bring me a Strawberry Shake from there. He was so Amazing to bring it to me even though the line for the drive thru was to the street. But that's the only time I ever had the "midnight craving."
♥

My face broke out really bad in the beginning, but I think a HUGE part was my job and stress...now its cleared up and I feel much better about myself. Hormones! Hormones ain't got nothin' on me. Lol. I have been pretty happy for the most part, I don't cry over everything or get overly angry about stupid things and pick a fight with my husband. I hear about all these women who do crazy things because of "hormones". I remember in the beginning, I was miserable with the constant morning sickness, my husband would say something that maybe I would take the wrong way and have a slight (to me) attitude...instead of my husband understanding that I am pregnant and probably not going to take things the way they were meant to be taken...he decides to get an attitude back, "I'm just not going to say anything anymore." What the hell is that? Lol. I would tell him, "Do you honestly think that makes the situation any better?" He said, "Well, I don't know what you want me to do...I feel like everything I say pisses you off." I told him to hug me or something because rolling his eyes and making snide comments or remarks just makes it worse. So, a few days later, I'm trying to get the I-Pod cord untangled from my purse on the floor of the car and put the I-Pod where I usually do, and my husband says, you can just set the I-Pod right here...I snapped a bit and said, "Working on it!" he quickly leans over and hugs me. I couldn't help but laugh...it was the cutest thing...and it broke the negative mood. After the first trimester misery passed, so did the bitchiness. haha!

♥

I recently experienced Braxton Hicks. I think I have felt it before but passed it off as Kylie just pushing against the entire face of my belly...but the other night I was thinking, maybe its not her...so I looked up Braxton Hicks and what they are described to feel like...pretty sure that's what I'm feeling, and my daughter thinks its funny to make mommys tummy look hilarious *giggle*. So, anywho, that's my pregnancy experience so far.

♥

* Oh PS. my husband thinks the Where's Waldo books are pretty much AMAZING! Lol!

Pregnancy Weight Consists Of....

Baby ~ most babies pack on roughly 6-9 pounds (though some will weigh as much as 10 or more!).
Placenta ~ the placenta generally weighs in at 1-2 pounds.
Amniotic fluid ~ the amniotic fluid generally comprises 1-2 pounds of extra weight.
Uterus ~ the uterus grows and expands to roughly 2 pounds.
Breast tissue ~ most women's breasts add 1-2 pounds of weight during pregnancy.
Blood volume ~ a woman's blood volume adds an additional 2 pounds of weight gain during pregnancy.
Fluid ~ Women's bodies generally retain as much as 4-5 pounds of fluid during pregnancy.
Maternal fat stores ~ your body stores roughly 7 pounds of added fat to help nourish your baby and provide you the energy necessary to breastfeed after pregnancy.

Foods to eat if your anemic: Fruits such as iron-rich apples and tomatoes are great to eat when treating anemia. You can either eat apples or tomatoes or drink 100% pure apple and tomato juice to treat anemia. Also fruits that effectively treat anemia are plums, bananas, lemons, grapes, raisins, oranges, figs, carrots and raisins when eaten in large quantities. Honey is a potent source of iron, copper and manganese. When these elements are combined they aid in hemoglobin synthesis. Honey is therefore a powerful weapon against anemia. You can eat honey with slices of apples or bananas for iron and energy when treating anemia. Red meats such as kidney, heart and liver are effective at treating anemia. Red meat, as the name suggest, is the iron-rich meat that doctors suggest those suffering from anemia consume. Also poultry, fish and oyster are effective against anemia.Vegetables of course are always good for you and carry good source of iron as well.

A new post everyday...obviously I have too much time on my hands.

Proud Momma.

Our Little Love Bug's Room *All Done*

IN JUST 10 WEEKS.....

P.S. The BeBand is AMAZING! Im in Love!

Before Pregnancy, and possibly the day of conception...WOW! I wonder if I will get my figure back??? *giggle*

ToDaY!

Okay, so today I went to Bakersfield to hang out with my friend Jenny. We ate at Red Robin's and visited for a few hours. She gave me a book called "Belly Laughs" by Jenny McCarthy (I look forward to reading it...its supposed to be funny), and she got a cute dress for Kylie. It has been so long since we last hung out, so it was wonderful to see her and her boys.

After I left her house, I made a quick stop by the Mall before heading home. I needed to get my wedding ring cleaned and checked as well as get some maternity clothes. Yes, its official, I am too fat for my regular clothes now. My pants are snug, and shirts keep crawling up and my little baby bump is playing peek-a-boo. I have 2 pairs of maternity jeans, but I hate them, so I found a BeBand and I have high hopes that it will work better. I just don't like the fact that maternity clothes are made for women who expand all over...why doesn't there seem to be much out there for us girls who only gain in the uterus? My arms, legs, boobs...even butt, are not any bigger than before pregnancy...so I wanted to find some shirts that are like baby doll style...fitting on top, wide on bottom. I was dreading going to Motherhood Maternity *$pricey$* but I had to...its the only option I had left. I hate how expensive clothes, that are going to be worn for 10 weeks and then pushed to the back of the closet, are...almost depressing. LOL. However, I found 4 really cute shirts that fit me nicely and are comfortable. People comment about how little I am for being 7 months pregnant, they cant believe that I am still wearing my regular clothes, lol, I guess its a good thing, but I am starting to outgrow them a bit quicker as we approach full term. Kylie girl is growing so fast now. My ribs are starting to get sore because she is gradually moving upward. Its amazing how distinctive everything is...every week its a drastic difference in size and location for her.

Cant Wait!

3 WEEKS Not only is it my BaByShOwEr, but Jocelyn is going to take preggo pictures of me and, *drumroll please* my hubsband is coming home for that weekend, so we get pictures together, and another weekend to spend quality time together & break up the long 2 months! WHOO HOO! Is it March 13th, 2010 yet?

Super Excited!

♥Pregnancy Questionier♥

• How far along?: 29 weeks
• How big is baby?: About 15 inches long (head to toe)
• Weight gain?: Last check up said about 18 lbs
• Maternity Clothes?: Dont like 'em...Lol...but I have 2 pairs of jeans and 3 shirts...mostly still wearing my regular clothes though
• Stretch Marks?: Nope, thank goodness, taking after my daddy's genes (my grandmother had 3 boys, and you wouldnt have known it *wink*)
• Sleep?: Oye, pregnancy sleep sucks...I wake up everytime I roll over...my back kills me...and I have to pee at 2 am almost every morning
• Best moment this week?: Got to see my husband...oh how good it was to see him.
• Movement?: She is a wild one. LOL. I love it!
• Food cravings?: Nothing out of the ordinary. I think it is in most women's head to eat odd things
• Gender?: It's A Girl!
• Belly button in or out?: Flat, lol...still an in'ey though
• What I miss?: Comfort
• What I'm looking forward to?: The joy's of being a mother...and watching my husband be the amazing father I know he will be.
• Milestones: We have reached the 3rd trimester! WHOO HOO!

Pregnancy Dreams...

Although its vague, and I know it comes with the pregnancy that you have odd dreams, last night, I had a crazy dream. Lol. Like I said, its a little vague, but I had a dream that I was in labor having Kylie, only they said it was a boy...we panicked because we (apparently) didn't have a name picked out for a boy and we already have the girls room decorated... (we do have a boy name picked out, and as far as the gender its pretty positive to be a girl...but dreams right Lol) Then the doctor said get ready to start pushing again...I was confused and Matthew asked what he was talking about...the doctor responded with, "You are having twins...you didn't know that?" Sure enough, a second baby was on the way...a girl. The dream seemed so real and I was panicking...we didn't know what to name the babies...all the sudden we didn't have a boy or girl name and we didn't know if we could handle two babies at one time. That's pretty much all I remember...but the emotions in this dream were so real and terrifying...not to mention the pain the labor was...it was graphic. Lol. I know everything will be okay at the time...but I'm still nervous about the labor...I definitely want an epidural.

I have had other (more morbid and graphic) dreams, but I will spare everyone the details...not the type of dreams you want to remember...woke me up terrified. Weird how your pregnant body works...and its "normal". Lol

THE BET ON RECORD!

Grandpa To Be vs. Mommy To Be

Stakes: $5.00

Grandpa thinks that Kylie is going to be born with a head full of jet black hair like her mommy..........Mommy thinks she will be born with hair, but not as much and not as dark as mine was..........Grandma recently joined in, she thinks Kylie will be nearly bald

11 weeks till we find out! I cant believe it, less than 3 months to go!

BABY SHOWER!

One month from today, we will be having a baby shower to get prepared for the arrival of our beautiful baby girl, Kylie Paige Griswold.

☂

Just a reminder, we are registered @

www.walmart.com

www.target.com

www.babiesrus.com

☂

There is going to be 2 showers.

One is being hosted by Grandma Griswold & Auntie Nichole,

in Lake Isabella, Saturday, March 13th, 2pm.

The other is being hosted by Grandma Coleman & Cathy,

@ my house, Saturday, March 20th, 2pm.

A huge special thanks to you guys for putting this together for us,

we are very grateful. *muah*

Hope to see everyone there, its going to be so much fun,

lots of games equals winning lots of prizes *wink*

☂

Both parties are doing the Diaper Raffle...

bring a pack of baby diapers (any size) and enter a drawing for a prize.

☂

*Any questions, please contact me 793-6444,

if I dont know, I can find out for you.

27 week check up...

So, I never did write about my last check up. February 3rd, I went in for my OB check up and brought my friend Jen with me (since my husband couldn't make it). We got to see Kylie...she is healthy and beautiful of course. Dr. Miller wanted me to go down stairs to the lab office and get some blood tests done...its routine. They had me drink that sugary stuff so they could check my glucose levels...which meant the quick in and out appointment turned into a 2 hour appointment. Lol. Good thing Jen didn't have any plans. I told them that I needed to get the second Rhogam Shot (because of my blood being RH-) and they said that they couldn't do it right away, they had to check my blood type and then I would have to come back after the results to get the shot. WHAT? How dumb is that...they have it on record what my blood type is and that I have already had the first shot back in October. Anywho, a few days later I got a call from Dr. Millers office, they were letting me know that my prescription (the shot) was in at Walgreen's and that I could pick it up and bring it in. I was confused. Why am I picking up the shot and bringing it to them? I get to Walgreen's and end up paying almost $60 for the shot. Thought that was BS too...granted it would have been more than double that if I didn't have insurance...but still. The first shot was injected into my arm...but this time they injected it in my hip and said because I'm so thin, they shouldn't have put it in my arm...its meant to go into fatty tissue. So, now everything is all good. Kylie is progressing wonderfully.
I also talked to the doctors office about my work sending me out on Maternity leave early. I explained to them that they wouldn't put me on desk duty, that I can't do my required job duties (standing for 12 hours straight, lunch breaks when convenient, potty breaks few and far between), and I asked them if they knew what my options were since work isn't paying me for this leave. They said that I can try disability, but its no guarantee...I applied for it and found out that because I'm a federal employee, we don't pay into disability, therefore I'm not qualified...so now what??? Stressed out over surviving on one income, I applied for the donor program that is available on the establishment...THANK GOD FOR THAT! I already have a few people helping me out by donating their unused leave. I think everything will be okay. Just sucks because my job is making me use the FML (Family Medical Leave) which requires them to secure my job for up to 90 days...after that they do not have to hold my job for me...I am due in about 3 months, and I will be needing to continue my leave after Kylie is born to take care of her...I was hoping to save the FML for after I have her so that I could stay home with her and breast feed for 3 months...now I will only have 6 weeks, and hopefully still have a job to go back to. Oye, its like they think its a crime to start a family. This is a beautiful creation...yet my job makes it stressful. But, we do what we have to do...hopefully everything works out in the long run...it usually does, just gotta keep movin' forward. My husband doesn't see TOO worried...he thinks that we will be fine on one income...he actually said I could probably quit and go back to school if I wanted...but I don't think that is feasible. We will see what the future brings. Wish us luck...after all, March is a lucky month *wink*.

***********************************

27 weeks~

13 weeks to go...

Sweet girl has graduated to a new growth chart according to What to Expect When Your Expecting, no more crown to rump.

Head to Toe, she is 15 inches long. She is about 2 lbs. Babies at this point have more taste buds than they will after they are born, so that means all the flavors in the amniotic fluid can make her respond with kicks and hiccups. How cute is that?!

She moves a lot, I love it. I smile ear to ear when I see her go from one side of my stomach to the other. I can tell the difference when she kicks me from when she punches me...its funny. I'm still looking pretty small for being about 7 months along...people are thinking I'm carrying more in the back, which means I'm prepared for back labor...Lol...so worth it though, even if I don't think so at the time, she is more than worth it. I love our little Kylie P!

Momma's getting so EXCITED

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Well, yesterday was so perfect. It poured almost all day and I got to spend it with my wonderful husband. We watched movies and snuggled. Then we found out that our dressers came in, so we picked them up as well as the crib mattress...put the dressers together and now Kylie's room is coming along wonderfully. I ordered the LadyBug decor too...Eeee, cant wait for it to come in.

We got our baby registry done...

Y

www.target.com

Y

www.walmart.com

Y

www.babiesrus.com

Y

We have so much already, but I found a lot of necessities that we still need. Baby shower is the weekend of March 20th. Yay! So excited!

Halfway Point!

Well, I'm 20 weeks pregnant today. Kylie is so funny already. I don't feel her have hiccups yet (if she has had them yet at all) but I feel her moving all over the place. Last night my husband and I were laying in bed watching TV when he started going crazy. LOL. She was kicking me for like 15 minutes straight. Usually, I would just feel her poke a couple times and then it stopped. It was funny. I had Matthew put his hand on my tummy, she calmed down. She would still poke, but not as hard and not as constant. I think she is attracted to the heat from our hands too...she moves right under our palms. A few times I have felt so much pressure in the lowest part of my uterus on the left side...you can feel the rock hard bulge and see her in curled up there. Then within a few minutes she moves. She cracks me up. I enjoy watching her and feeling her. Daddy loves it too. He comes home from work and kisses her and says hello. Its adorable. We are such a cute and happy family!

Maternity Pictures: www.griswoldphotography.blogspot.com

Anatomy Scan

So, yesterday was our OB Anatomy Scan...and it was AWESOME!

❀

When I got there, I was drinking water (like a half a gallon LOL) and waiting anxiously...finally they took me over to the admittance desk. I filled out paperwork for the scan as well as pre-registered for the delivery of the baby in May.

❀

They sent me back to radiology for the ultrasound...the lady was like, "This is my patient?" "Are you sure your as far as your paperwork says? Your not even showing." LOL...but when we got in there and she looked at my cervix to make sure everything looked good there, then she said, "I'm surprised at how little you look for how far along you are...that's a good thing though." I laughed...I guess I'm not as big as I feel. After looking for about a second, she said that I could go pee...all they make you drink all that water for is so they can differentiate the cervix from the bladder. Throughout the ultrasound I had to pee 3 times. LOL, she had to tell me to go cause she could see my bladder getting full again and again before I could even feel it. Crazy!

❀

After voiding my fluids, lol, she started looking at our baby girl and took lots of measurements. She said that the baby is very healthy and everything looks to be developing properly. The brain looks great, spine is forming well with no gaps, and she is right on track. Kylie was very active, as usual, but not camera shy at all. The nurse had no problem seeing the sex of her...in fact, when she was trying to show Matthew and I the gender, Kylie shook her little butt at us. Hahaha, that's my girl. We got to watch her on the screen for like an hour...it was awesome. She is so funny. She was waving at us, yawning and moving her mouth, we could see her eye sockets, he nose, her hands and feet with all her fingers and toes. This ultrasound was so in depth, I was blown away. It was almost like we could see exactly what she is going to look like in person. Matthew was making jokes about her mouth being wide open when she yawned..."She is just like her mother, mouth always open." Haha. Then he asked the nurse if her head is small because he has a small head...she said no, her head is pretty average. Hahahaha. My husband is so full of personality...our kids are all going to have so much character.

❀

So, Matthew is finally convinced 100%...he got the hamburger he wanted. Hehehe. Okay, suppose I should tell the story behind that. One morning, while I was getting ready for work, he says, out of nowhere, "hamburger or turtle?" I asked what he was talking about, he repeated it again...I thought maybe he was half asleep still, so I said, "Turtles are cute, so lets go with turtle." He said, "but I want a hamburger." So I told him to go get a burger. LOL. He finally explained hamburger means its a girl, turtle means boy. I told a friend that, and right away she knew what he was trying to say...I was like, am I the only idiot who has never heard that before.

❀

Anyway, Kylie is healthy, she is about 10 oz. her heart rate was 160, and according to that machine she is due May 8th now...it was only a day off how far along I am. I am 19 wks 4 days, it said 19 wks 3 days. No matter what day she decides to greet us, mommy and daddy are very happy and excited. I already bought her cute little onezies...7 precious moments ones for only 25 bucks. They were 40% off and adorable, and I saved 16 bucks. Cant beat that. I cant wait to dress her up in them...she is so precious!

❀

18 weeks 4 days

Kylie Paige Griswold

❀

We had our monthly checkup yesterday at 3:45, my mom went with us. I couldn't sleep at all the night before...so anxious and excited. When we got there, they weighed me, I am 138 lbs...a total of 10 lbs gained from start to now...not bad...right on track actually. It was kinda hard to see the gender because the umbilical cord was between her legs, but you could still see the lines. The appointment before this we saw the 3 lines, but I didn't want to announce the sex as a girl because I felt it was a little too soon (I was about 14 weeks then). I had a feeling it was a girl for the last 2 months anyways, so the ultrasound was just confirmation. Matthew doesn't want to go out and buy a bunch of pink stuff because he isn't convinced that the baby is a girl...he said that it wasn't obvious and the doctor didn't say he is 100% positive it is. So, next appointment might convince him *wink*. Before the appointment Matthew told me not to get my hopes up that we will know what it is, and sure enough, the umbilical was being a bit of an inconvenience. But even my mom was able to see that she is a girl. Kylie had her little hands by her face, rubbing her head, her little legs kicking around. We could see her face, she looks so beautiful. Her heart rate was 158 last visit, this time it was 150. Strong and steady. After our appointment, we talked to one of the nurses...she was setting up paperwork for the genetic disorder testing...we asked if it was really that necessary...she said no, its our choice, so we chose not to do it. We have no intentions of terminating the pregnancy even if there are problems, so why know and stress over it for the rest of the pregnancy. LOL, even right this moment, she is kicking me...she is doing just fine, but either way, we love her and always will.

So Excited!

1 week till we find out if Baby Griz is a Boy or Girl!

Also, we have been feeling the baby move...not a lot, and its not the same feeling other women have discribed to me...its like poking rather than butterflies. I think women feel this and think its gas, but I know this isnt gas. Matthew even felt it...he was so excited. We love our baby!

➀➅ Ⓦⓔⓔⓚⓢ

Of course, I cant remember what I last posted, so I don't know how out dated this is, but...here is how things are now.

O.o°•♥•°o.O

I am 4 months pregnant now, and finally able to enjoy it for the most part. The morning sickness and taken a flying leap and the bloating isn't so extreme. Still a little discomfort in the evenings and rarely feeling yucky...but I will take yucky and discomfort over being sick all the time any day. LOL.

O.o°•♥•°o.O

Our last appointment, the doctor said that he can sometimes tell the gender at 14 weeks...I was about 15 weeks along, so we gave it a go. We think its a girl. I feel like its a little girl too. Either way, our baby is so playful and precious. It was moving around in there and playing with the umbilical cord. The cord was wrapped loosely around the baby, but being so early in the pregnancy it isn't anything too serious to worry about, but we will keep an eye on it and make sure that it isn't still looped around the baby next visit. Our next visit will be December 7th and we will confirm weather our baby Griz is a boy or girl. I don't care what it is as long as its healthy. If its a boy, we have settled on the name Tyler Kole Griswold, and if its a girl her name will be Kylie Paige Griswold. Both are beautiful names for our beautiful little one. I'm so excited. I was going through my baby book and thinking about how I will be logging all the things our baby does, curious about how similar and how different we will be. Its crazy awesome to think that I'm going to be mommy and Matthew will be daddy. I love it.

O.o°•♥•°o.O

Our sweet pea has so much love surrounding it already...all the grandparents cant wait to get their loving arms around him or her and spoil it rotten. LOL. I'm just so thrilled that our baby gets to meet both sets of grandparents. Sadly, I didn't get to meet my grandpa Cutler. He passed away a year before I was born. He always wanted a little girl named Lisa, and my grandma's middle name was Jean, so that's how I became Lisa Jean. I'm the only girl born into the Cutler family...I was very spoiled by that side of the family, and from what I hear my grandpa would have spoiled me 10x worse if he lived to see me grow. I found out last weekend that my sister in law's grandma's name was Ima Jean also...just like my grandma...and it was her dads mom too. Weird coincidence...but neat too.

O.o°•♥•°o.O

Its amazing how differently you think when your about to have a child of your own. Family becomes the most important thing to you...time is everything, it passes you by so quickly that you have to appreciate every moment you have...money isn't everything. I love our unborn child and we will do the best we can to raise him or her to be the best he or she can be. Its an incredible joy to know that we are giving someone a life...a chance to live, learn, and love.

What's New

Okay, seriously, I was so hoping that the morning sickness would go away when I reached the second trimester. Now, although it isn't as bad as it was a month ago, its still here. I want my energy back, and I miss just being able to eat what I want. I still get freakishly bloated and uncomfortable in the evenings. The mornings I'm still finding myself throwing up on occasion. Last night was miserable. Ugh! I cant wait till May and have a healthy baby boy or girl. I don't like being pregnant, but I love the outcome. I am showing...kinda looks like a beer gut right now, lol, but its cute cause we know its just the baby getting bigger and bigger. Right now, I am 15 weeks and our baby is about the size of a clenched fist. So cute. I love our little bundle of joy. We have a Dr. Appointment today, but I cant wait for the next one, we should find out the sex by then. YAY!

My husband got the job! I'm very excited for him...but we are concerned about weather he is going to be here during the delivery of our baby. We don't know exactly when the academy is, or weather it will be here in town or in San Diego. If the academy is here, he will most likely be there. If its in San Diego, then its all about timing. Its frustrating, but you do what you gotta do, and I support him no matter what. I'm just having mixed emotions right now because both occasions are important. His career will help us in the long run, but its our first born, and I don't want him to miss it. Either way, things always work out for us, so we will deal with it when the time comes.

My first ride in an Ambulance...

Friday, October 9th, I was at work when I felt uncomfortable. I had been bleeding for the last 3 days, but it was old blood and I was told it was nothing to worry about as long as there was no pain to go with it or it wasn't bright red and heavy. Well, there wasn't any pain, but it was bright red, so I started to panic a little. I told my supervisor that I didn't want to do this to them and leave them one man short, but I had to go to my doctor...he asked if everything was okay and I started to cry, I explained to him that I was bleeding and I don't think it is normal. I was just going to have my husband take me to my primary doctor, but instead my work called the medics. When all these people were fussing over me and asking me questions while strapping me into a gurney, I felt so stupid...I was genuinely concerned about my baby, but I didn't feel that it was necessary to be in an ambulance. Once I got to the Emergency Room, the nurses were asking me questions while putting an IV in me and taking blood. When I explained what was going on, one of the ladies said that it sounds like I could be miscarrying, but we will know more after an ultrasound. So, naturally, I'm scared that we are losing our first baby...this is the worst feeling in the world. My husband was being strong and keeping me together...his support was exactly what I needed. Well, when we got into the ultrasound room, I was tearing up because I feared the worst...but as soon as he put the machine on my stomach I saw our baby and its fast little pitter pattering heartbeat. I was overwhelmed with joy. The cervix was still closed which meant that the blood wasn't coming from the baby...I wasn't miscarrying. THANK GOD. Still concerned about why I was bleeding, I was temporarily distracted by the doctor doing the ultrasound. He was so awesome...he explained the machine to us, showed up where everything is inside me...it was nice to just relax and look at our baby for a few minutes. When I got back into my room, the nurse came in and told me that my blood type is O- with the RH- Factor...this means that if the baby's blood doesn't match mine my body will start to generate antibodies that will attack the baby...however, this pregnancy wont be affected because the baby's blood hasn't mixed with mine yet, so my body has created the antibodies...but the next time I get pregnant, that fetus would be affected unless I get the shot to prevent it. Well, I got the shot and I will get another one at 28 weeks. What a relief. Even with this being said, the nurse said that she still wouldn't be surprised if I miscarry. I wanted to be prepared for anything, so I kept it in mind, but it was very unsettling to hear. Matthew didn't like one of the doctors, because as soon as I explained the first day I started bleeding, he said, nonchalant, sounds like you were leaking amniotic fluid...and then left the room. Okay!? So, what does that mean? How do you tell someone who is fearing for her unborn child's life something like that but not clarify that it could be nothing? My primary OB/GYN said that the blood is most likely coming from behind and around the baby...its my blood, it doesn't sound like anything to be worried about...just keep an eye on it, and take it easy. Fortunately the bleeding stopped...the baby is doing just fine making mommy sick all the time. Im 11 weeks pregnant now and I never thought I would be so happy to be sick and miserable. LOL. I was on bed rest for a few days. Now I'm trying to get released and cleared to go back to work, but its taking a bit longer that expected...so looks like I'm losing one more day of work.

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Dont let the stress get to ya...

I hate stress. But, unfortunately, its apart of life. Work has got me tied up in knots, and no matter how badly I want to relax, it seems to be one thing after another. Being pregnant, I'm trying to think about how this is affecting our baby. So, I'm trying to be positive and wait things out...its bound to go away soon...I hope.

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Anyways, our next appointment is next week, Oct. 14th. I don't know what they are going to do...everything is so new to us, we just roll with it. I am about 10 weeks now...and yesterday had some mild spotting...this morning woke up with a little heavier spotting...but I don't have any pain, so I'm not too worried about it, but I am going to discuss it with my OB.

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Matthew got the job he has been waiting for for months. I'm proud of him. Its better money, retirement, benefits, and a secure position. We discussed it, and after the baby is born, I may not have to go back to work, I might be able to get a part time job somewhere else. YAY! Its going to suck when he is gone for 2 months in Diego for training, but in the long run, its worth it, and we are strong, so we will survive it.

All I want is for him to be done with the training well before the baby arrives. But they are getting things moving now, so hopefully it wont be long before he officially starts.

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Its crazy, I'm already showing a little bit. Not enough for anyone else to notice, but I feel my jeans getting snug. Its weird. I have always had a flat tummy, now there is a small pooch there. AH! LOL. I have been taking walks when I can (when I feel well I should say). This first trimester has been hard to exercise because of the nausea, but I'm starting to get a little more energy back. I don't want to be lazy throughout the pregnancy and not be able to lose the baby weight after I have it...so motivation is key.

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The weather is finally cooling off, and my acne is clearing up slightly...but the wind made my lips so dry that I keep getting cold soars. I don't know if its part of the pregnancy symptoms or if its just my stupid body doing its own thing. I haven't had too many emotional outbursts...yet...but I have been feeling a little emotional. I'm not a fan of crying over little things, so I hold it in. Pretty sure I should just let it out, haha, but oh well...it will happen when it happens. I feel forget full and easily distracted...even this blog doesn't seem to be making much since. Hopefully you can follow it though...I'm trying.

2 Months Pregnant

Well, in the beginning of this pregnancy, I felt like I was going to be one of those lucky freaks of nature women who don't have any morning sickness...Apparently, I thought too soon. LOL. As soon as week seven hit, the morning sickness began. Now, at eight weeks, I am for sure experiencing the typical pregnancy symptoms. As miserable as it is at the time, I'm glad to have it. Gluten for punishment I suppose *giggle* but I'm proud to be pregnant. Having a family with Matthew is so much more than I could ask for. We are very lucky, and I try to keep that in mind when I am huggin' the porcelain thrown, haha. I have switched shifts to weekend days, and although I hate losing the quality time with my husband during the weekend, it is less stressful. I have to do what is best for me and our baby. So far so good. Yesterday, Matt and I went to Bakersfield Fair...it was a lot of fun. Matthew won me two stuffed animals from some Carny games. He is so cute. We got a piece of art, its Japanese and says Griswold made out of characters. Its very awesome. We had one made at last years fair, but were disappointed with the outcome...this one is amazing. We love it. So, anyways, our baby is about the size of a large raspberry and growing by the day. Our next appointment is in about 2 weeks.

First Appointment...for real this time

Had our first appointment today! We were able to have an ultrasound done and saw our iddy biddy baby...including its heartbeat. Oh my goodness! The most innocent and amazing thing i have ever been able to experience. We are a proud mommy and daddy. :o) I am 6 weeks and 4 days pregnant and the baby will be due May 6th, 2010. Dr. Miller is a fantastic doctor. Couldn't be more pleased. Everything seems that much more real to us now.

6 Weeks

Well, this week has been an overly stressful one due to work issues, however, for the baby's sake, I have to stay calm and try not to think about everything.

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So, the update...we have a new appointment on Monday 9/14. I have to get a doctors note so that I don't have to re qualify on my firearm and wear my gun belt at work. Without it they will make me shoot and the lead isn't good for people without pregnancy, so its really bad for the baby, especially so soon in the pregnancy.

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Its so funny how so many women complain about nausea and tender breasts at the very beginning of the pregnancy. I have had slightly tender breasts, but nothing too major or painful. I get queasy for about five mins and then it goes away. My appetite has enhanced a bit and only fruit and sandwiches sound good. Not craving or anything, just haven't wanted anything heavy. Light and healthy sounds amazing, and Subway has been my best friend. LOL. But, I am expecting the nausea to kick in in a few weeks...we will see...maybe I will be one of the very few fortunate women with no nausea or morning sickness at all...wouldn't that be nice? *wink*

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Based on my calculations, we are about 6 weeks along. I cant wait to get a more accurate time on it though...I may be further than I think. The newest names I think we should go with are...

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Kylie Paige Griswold

(we both have settled with that one)

Jayden Kole Griswold

(Matt's not sure about it. He is leaning more toward Landen Kole...we will see...)

BABY STUFF!

Although it may seem too soon, Matthew and I have always been the type to be well prepared. We found a great deal on a car seat/stroller combo, playpen, and high chair. They all match, are neutral, and great quality on sale...it was too good to pass up. My mom has already bought the baby 2 toys, and my mother in law bought 2 thermal blankets. I'm so excited. I don't think it has officially set in just yet, mainly because I'm not showing yet. We are about 6 weeks along now. I cant wait to make it through the first trimester...

Darn it...

No appointment today. When I went into Dr. Lacy's office, I told them that after making the appointment with them for a PAPP, I found out that I was pregnant. They said that basically, Dr. Miller likes to do his own PAPP's for their records, so it would be a waste of a co-pay to do it today. So, we headed to Ridegecrest Hospital and filled out paperwork and made an appointment for September 22nd @ 3 o'clock. I will be about 8 weeks by my calculations, which they said is the perfect time to have a first appointment. So...until then, I will just keep doing what I'm doing, taking care of myself with exercises and healthy food. Slightly disappointed, but its okay.

So, Matthew and I have been discussing it, and we were browsing through Wal-Mart's baby department, and we decided that the nursery is going to be decorated Brown and Green with an accent color depending on the gender. For a girl, it will be accented with pink, boy will be accented with blue. I'm so excited, I cant even wait to start buying stuff. Matthew says that we have to start buying things now, but I don't know...Personally I think its too soon...but I wont argue, I'm all for getting baby stuff now. LOL. I don't know what we are going to do about a baby shower. I'm thinking my sister in law and mother in law are going to throw one for me, but nothing has been discussed yet...still a wee bit too soon. I have quite a few friends, but not many who live in town. My best friend lives out of state...so I don't know. We will figure it out when the time comes. I'm really not all that worried about it.

My First Appointment

Well, today is my first doctors appointment. Although I made this appointment just for an annual womanly check up, I am still oh so excited. Who knew you would be excited about this particular routine, ha! But, telling a doctor that three home pregnancy tests popped positive for baby making is so wonderful. After doing the doctors pregnancy tests and possible ultrasound, I cant help but feel so happy and warm inside. Its like it becomes that much more official. Oh, and I bought 2 large longsleeved shirts yesterday for when it cools off and I start to show, I also bought 3 books..."What to Expect When Your Expecting" and "100,000 Baby Names" and a journal by the author of "What to Expect...". This book is so useful...I have read up to where we are approximately at in the pregnancy so far. Well, actually I read up to the end of week six, which I believe Im going into this week. Anyway, I will tell you all how the appointment goes when I get home. Hopeing for an ultrasound *fingers crossed*

BIG NEWS FROM THE GRISWOLD'S

Yup, its true, after 3 pregnancy tests, I have confirmed it. We are going to have a baby. YAY! Couldn't be more excited about it. So, here is how it happend...LOL...just kidding, everyone knows how it happened.
~✿~

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009, I woke up feeling like crap, so naturally my first reaction was, maybe I'm pregnant. I took a pregnancy test and it showed up negative. So, I assumed that I had the flu that is going around. I called out sick and stayed in bed. Feeling like I had tapeworm or something, I wanted to eat all day, but still felt nauseous. Wednesday, woke up feeling better than Tuesday, but not 100% up to par, so I went to work to find myself feeling pukey again. Went home sick an hour and a half later. I told myself that I cant afford to lose anymore work, I will survive Thursday, and I did.

~✿~

Well, Saturday, we had made plans to go to the lake and spend the day with the in laws. Matthew wanted to get some new pictures of his parents and I wanted Mexican food Lol. Just kidding, I wanted to get out of Ridgecrest and spend some time with the family. While Matthew was frolfing with the guys, I stayed home to get ready so we could basically just head right out...while in the shower, I was doing a lot of thinking. Friday, I was supposed to start and when I didn't it made me wonder...did I take that test too soon? Should I take another one or wait till my Dr. appointment on the 4th? I decided to take another test and wouldn't you know...without even waiting the three minutes they tell you to, the first line popped up. I was looking at it and thinking to myself, "wait, that line is usually on the other side?" (this was test number 6, so of course I know what to expect with a negative) then as I sat and stared intensely at it...the second line showed up. I'm not even dressed, I literally had just gotten out of the shower...I'm jumping up and down and screaming. OH MY GOD! is this really happening? Taking a double take on the pee stick...sure enough, it was not my eyes playing tricks on me...we are really pregnant. First thing I think to do is send a picture of this positive test to my husband and closest friends. I call my mom and tell her, she didn't seem very excited and was more concerned with inviting me to someones baby shower, but nothing could bring me down from this natural high. I'm going to be a mommy. Wow! Amazing! With all this energy, I quickly got ready and decided to take a walk to Albertson's to get a money order for my car registration. On my way there was I was talking to my daddy and Shannon. They are so excited. When I told my dad that we were trying, he was hesitant because he doesn't want to get old and be a grandpa. LOL. Now that we are pregnant, he is looking forward to being a grandpa, grinning ear to ear. Talked to them for about an hour while wandering aimlessly in Albertson's parking lot haha. When I got back home, Matthew was pulling into the garage. I was so excited, I practically tackled him. He is super excited too...of course. So, now we need to tell his parents.

~✿~

We were heading up to the lake and I cant stop bouncing and smiling...the excitement was a warm overwhelming feeling. But, I had to tone it down a bit because we had planned months ago the way we wanted Don and Debi to find out. We invited them to play a game of Cranium right off the bat. After a few cards we decided to make a green card an everyone plays charades. Matthew and I acted out "we are pregnant" trying to get Don and Debi to guess it. After a while hahaha they finally got it...but didn't know we were being serious. They sat there and looked at us, when we said "we are pregnant" they were like, that's the answer...LOL....after they got it, they jumped to their feet yelling and got teary eyed grinning, which of course made me start to cry, we all hugged. It was the best reaction I could have ever seen when breaking wonderful new such as having a baby.

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Well, my mom had made a point that the test I took could have been defective and I should take another one with the first urine of the day, just to be sure. Me thinking there is now way you can get a false positive, I didn't think it was necessary, but Matthew and I felt better knowing for sure...there is a possibility for anything. So after hanging out at the wine walk talking to friends, we walked to Rite Aid and bought a couple more. I took one more last night and one first thing today...Yup...all 3 say Pregnant. Good enough for me.
~✿~

We will keep everyone posted throughout the pregnancy. So far, we have already had names picked out.

~✿~

Boy: Aiden Kole Griswold

Girl: Kylie Rae Griswold

*Names may change...pretty set on Kylie and set on Kole for the boy middle name...