What an adventure: Violet Louise is here!

WE HAVE A BABY! 

Just...wow.  That is exactly all I have to say after a month of having this incredibly amazing little girl in our lives.

I've been meaning to write down her birth story for quite some time. Not that I'll ever forget even a second of that experience for as long as I live, things may get fuzzy and I want to preserve this memory as perfectly as possible.

If you aren't prepared for slight moments of TMI - just scroll through and enjoy the photos. I'll start from the beginning...

Wednesday, January 8th:  I got home from a long day at work and 3rd day training in my replacement for maternity leave. I was feeling pretty good that he would handle things nicely while I was away, and actually starting to feel a little worn out. It was the first day that I was genuinely excited for some time away from work before the baby came. I was truly wiped from the day, swollen, and ready to kick my heels up for the remainder of the evening.

7 hours before Violet was born

I took Kunu for a nice little walk, came in and took my weekly photo for the blog [38 weeks] and then propped my feet up on the couch. I put something on TV [this, I didn't even remember when I woke up the next morning!] and not even 5 minutes later I felt an intense POP that felt like a kick, a jiggle and a whoosh that I swore I could hear. I kept laying there for a second, befuddled and in complete shock of what I was certain I just felt... MY WATER BROKE! It was about 7:00PM.

Belly button POPPED

 I text Adam a series of messages: "Ummm,"  "Umm...." "Adam I think my water broke." All about 30 seconds apart. Looking back I don't know why I even questioned myself about this- there is nothing else that could have possibly been.

Then I called Steph to troubleshoot- clearly this was more important than calling Kaiser right away. She very joyfully exclaimed after concurring that there really is nothing else that could have been, "There's going to be a baby tonight!!"  I then called Kaiser and they very nonchalantly said, after confirming it was my first baby and that I could "just take my time, shower, have dinner and head up here sometime this evening." I talked to a few people on the phone and they all said that since I was able to talk through my contractions, I had a long night ahead of me.

Daddy cut the cord!

When we got to the hospital it took some time to figure out what entrance to go into- but with contractions getting stronger by the minute, we settled on going in the ER since the regular entrance looked dark and not open. Once we got processed and up to L&D, the adventure began.

When they got me hooked up to all of the monitors they discovered a few things: #1- my contractions never fully went down between each #2- this baby was a trooper, the heartrate never fluctuated during contractions, which meant they didn't need to hook me up to anything until much closer to delivery.  The most interesting thing was that they never checked to see how far dilated I was or anything- they just said they would let me labor on my own until the baby came or 7AM, whichever came first.

Hot mess of a mommy and her perfect GIRL

In order to have a med-free delivery, the nurse and midwife advised me to keep moving. Walk, bounce, roll, shower...whatever I had to do to keep my body from figuring out what was happening, essentially. This worked great for a few hours. It was now close to midnight and the pain was getting more intense so she suggested I hop in the shower now. While the water felt nice, the increasing pain was making it hard to relax the way they hoped it would. 


**side note: this whole time, Adam was the most incredible partner I could have ever dreamed. He was talking to me (trying to make jokes, of course), holding my hand when I wanted, even rubbing my back and shoulders--for anyone who knows us, this was big! ;) sorry, babe, it's true**

Hearing those screams in all their glory

After the shower- things got real intense. They hooked my IV up for fluids, and at that point I asked if there was anything to just take the edge off, since my contractions were still never fully coming down, so I quite literally got no break between- to which they responded they could give me something that would make me feel like I had a couple cocktails. Hell to the yes, was my answer to that. Unfortunately, while it did take the edge off, it sure made the contractions a lot more intense since I got to relax in between- and it only lasted an hour.

Daddy's first time holding Violet

Once it wore off, my body was telling me... IT'S GO TIME!  Of course, I didn't think it would actually be time, but I asked Adam to get the midwife and nurse because the pressure was getting quite unbearable.

Midwife Mary came in, and ever so sweetly, with her Irish accent [who Adam thought sounded like Mrs Doubtfire --all I knew is that her calming, positive voice seemed to make everything better all night!] told me she'd check how far along I was, now that I was saying I thought it was time. To my surprise, she smiles big and says, "Wow, you're 9 1/2... how about you give me a little push on the next contraction and lets see what happens." 

Our brand new baby girl, Violet Lou

I could not believe it. There was absolutely no turning back now (As if there was before? No.). I looked at Adam and he knew exactly what I was thinking, "Holy #*$&@#!" It was just about 2AM and I was about to push a baby out!

Auntie Becca holding Violet

Pushing was hard. Absolutely the most physically challenging thing I've ever done- even just figuring out how to do it correctly. I did know, however, when I figured it out...because, well... not only could I feel the baby coming down and out, there were lots of other things coming out.

Although, I will say, I did not care, not even one tiny little bit. The only thing on my mind was gripping down and getting this baby OUT!
 

Auntie/Gramma Steph with Violet & me

After about 30 minutes of pushing, legs to my chest, sweating like I just did an EC workout followed by Bikram Yoga on the hottest day of the year... I heard the most incredible words I have ever heard in my whole life to this point, and they came out of my wonderful husband's mouth, "It's a GIRL!"




As her gorgeous, crying little self was laid on my chest, Adam and I met eyes and I said, "Violet Louise." He smiled SO huge, and kissed my forehead. After they got me all cleaned up, Adam cut the cord, and we got to lay there for nearly 2 hours with our perfect baby girl.

Our gorgeous little girl

She naturally latched on to nurse after about 30 minutes, as Adam and I just kept staring at her trying to grasp the incredible adventure that was about to begin. I've never been more in love with my husband than knowing the love we now share with our new baby girl. Having this night and those moments shared just the two of us (well, now 3), was exactly how I always pictured having my first baby. It was perfect. Just perfect.

Daddy and Violet quality time

Then it was time to clean her up and get all her measurements: Violet Louise Keck, born at 2:32AM on Thursday, January 9th, 2014, weighing 6 pounds, 15 ounces, and 18.5 inches long, with a head full of brown hair, gray/blue eyes, long fingernails, and an olive complexion. She was ours. We made her. Wow.





 The hospital stay was wonderful. The care we were provided with at Kaiser was exceptional. I absolutely loved that she never left the room. She stayed on my chest (or Adam's) or in her bassinet next to my bed the entire hospital stay. We had a few visitors to the hospital to meet our gorgeous new addition, and it was so wonderful to share our joy with them.

The Keck FAMILY

Bringing her home with us was so surreal. No, this whole experience was surreal. I'd waited almost my whole entire life to be a mommy, and it was HERE. Ever since Miranda was a baby, and my absolute favorite time was taking care of her, I knew mommyhood was exactly what I was made for. My 12 year old self was not wrong.

Unforgettable blissful mommy-daughter moments

Violet's first day of life

The last month has been an absolute joy. Sure, I have had some moments where Violet and I cry together, some long nights wishing she would just go to sleep already, but through every single moment I am thankful. I would not trade her cuddles for anything else. If she wants me to snuggle instead of do the dishes...the dishes can wait.






Adam is the most incredible daddy, too. We got 2 blissful weeks of him not at work, which meant family snuggles all the time, and some real quality time that he and I haven't gotten in a long time since we had been so busy before she came along. When she was eating, he'd get up and get me a refill on my water and get us a snack. When she wasn't eating. he enjoyed many hours of daddy snuggle time.


Now, the moment he arrives home from school or work- he changes and washes his hands, then says, "Gimme my baby!" I try to always make sure she's freshly fed and changed when he gets home so he can have as much time as possible before they've got to do anything but enjoy each other. Plus, then I can do some cleaning or make dinner... or shower. I never thought I'd appreciate a shower the way I do now.

First beach walk! Violet is one month old!

After a month she's already grown so much. She's gone from newborn clothes being quite baggy on her, to fitting very nicely into 0-3 outfits. She was already up 1 pound 5 ounces from her birth weight at her 2 week appointment (and that was after getting down to 6 pounds 4 ounces two days after birth), and 2 1/2 inches longer! I am excited to see what she'll be at next month at her checkup.

Violet with her elephant at 1 month

If you made it to the end, I commend you for getting through my novel! (& forgive the formatting, it was giving me a hard time so I hope it isn't too jambled).


Until next time,

Violet's mommy.

36 weeks: The Countdown is On!

Here I thought at the beginning of all of this- oh, sure, I'll have plenty of time to blog every other week and keep everyone updated on me. HA! If it wasn't for technology and quick messaging, well, I'd be one mysterious pregnant lady.

I will say, I look back to the earlier weeks and some of the 'discomforts,' I thought I had...oh how I wish I could go back to those days.  The good news is, we're coming down to home stretch now. Halleluiah!

One little fun thing everyone can do, is put their vote in as to when/what/size/etc baby will be! Just click here and let's see how the votes come in! The tally at work is still very boy skewed, and many people have flopped their vote from their original prediction. The midwife's official vote is boy, as well. All of the boy votes make me want to vote girl out of spite, because, of course, our child is a rebel at heart ;) HAHA I don't even make sense anymore!

How big is baby Keck: At 36 weeks- a big ole honeydew melon if we're going fruit sizes-- actual size between 4 and 6 lbs and gaining every day! Baby is in constant motion, too. We're in big trouble if it's this active outside the womb! [having a kickboxing training sesh as I type this]. Also notable- baby is head down & measuring right on target.

34 weeks

Weight Gain: *Gulp* 27 lbs.

Maternity Clothes: Except my super long shirts, yes- and some of my maternity pants are a no-go since water retention has begun. Hello leggings and dresses for the duration of baby's stay in my uterus.

Sleep: Oh sweet sleep. I can sleep for hours in the middle of the day, but at night...forgettaboutit! Between getting up to pee, waking up from hip discomfort, dead limbs, or just insomnia. Oye! The nights I do get a good rest, I'm thankful.

Symptoms: I have to say, the last 36 weeks really has been quite easy. Especially in comparison to many pregnant women I chat with. I certainly count my blessings there. I have officially felt what I am positive are Braxton Hicks contractions. Only a couple times, and it makes me pretty confident I'll know when the real thing happens. The first trimester exhaustion/insomnia is back, too- which is lovely.  Oh, and how can I forget the constant pain in my poor little sausage fingers! This pregnancy onset carpal tunnel is no joke. My rings miss me.

Adam & Me [he's just so darn cute]

Best Moment the last few weeks: Getting the baby's area all set up. We are pretty much completely organized. It feels great to have all of our stuff out of boxes (except a few boxes of diapers, of course) and bags and actually in a "place." Also when we got our stroller & car seat, that was SUPER exciting. OH- and maternity photographs! I posted the album on facebook, and you can find it here, courtesy of Haole Girl Photography. [also subbing my 34 week photo from the shoot]

Biggest Challenge: Mentally preparing for everything and trying not to get outrageously annoyed every time someone tells us our world is about to change completely and there is no way we can be actually ready. I guess it's more because no other time in anyone's life do people feel entitled to tell you every opinion they have about you & what/how/when things will happen for you. It's incredible. Duh, I know, we can't. There is no way. I'm aware that we are first time parents and it will be a whirlwind of change. If half the energy that is put in to telling us how 'dumb' we are, went into some actual positive input, then I'd be happier. Of course, there are people who are extraordinarily supportive and constructive, and it's marvelous. I've been around and taken care of a fresh newborn before- I actually do have insight into how much work they take, and I fully recognize that it will be different for us- but there again, just because it happened to you, doesn't mean it will happen to us. So please, if you feel like being snarky- just don't, because I'm about to go hormonal crazy woman the next time. Mmk thanks. WOW. Sorry for my rant, still love me?

Miss anything: Total TMI moment, you've been warned- and for those of you who are freshly expecting/will be soon, here is one little nugget no one ever tells you - wiping is like a contortionist event. I seriously feel like a cirque du soleil reject for how much effort it takes to reach! Also, a big freaking beer! I don't even like beer that much and I legitimately cannot wait to have an ice cold one. There are many other pregnant lady woes about what I miss, but I'll save ya the torture. Ok, it's not that bad, really.
 
Most excited about: Meeting this little bugger in just a few weeks. I think that will be the permanent most excited about until baby comes, now.








Cravings: Back to first trimester weirdoness, except that chocolate doesn't repulse me. A good salami and cheese sandwich is made from the Gods. I'm convinced. That and anything cheesy (real cheese, cheetos, cheez-its, etc). 

Mood: Contrary to this post- okay, lies- I'm a little stabby. To be expected, though, right? Naw, Adam has been such a good husband, making me feel extra special lately, so that really helps me stay in a happy mood.

Milestones: Ummm does HUGE count as a milestone? The sweatshirt I am wearing in the week photo was baggy on me last year...haha- a very real reminder that I am large, regardless how "tiny" people say I am. Trust me, I'm not! The next will be our hospital tour scheduled for Jan 11th (holy cutting it close, yeah, we know) and car seat inspection, and then my last day of work. The temp comes on January 6th (SO CLOSE!) so I'll have a week or two to train him in, and then buh bye for a few months. EEK!

 Looking forward to: Getting the car seat installed, putting the finishing touches on baby's corner, and washing everything. After fully enjoying our last *alone* holiday together, of course.


Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have a marvelous holiday whether your family is near or far. We will be lounging with all of our favorite Christmas movies and crock pot cocoa for our celebration!

-Momma in approximately 4 weeks! 

Tracking the Bump: Quick Update & Preview- 33 weeks

I honest to goodness cannot believe how quickly time is going! I promise to do a FULL update, complete with all of my random ailments ;) Even more importantly- the rundown of our incredible showers & how prepared we *think* we are <--- through the "AHHH we're having a baby moments."

For the moment I will just say-- we have an appointment today, so official progress report to come. I'm feeling great, the home stretch is certainly on the way. Growing bigger every day, and so active I can hardly sit through a meeting without giggling from all the activities happening in my uterus!

This time next month we will be putting the finishing touches on everything patiently waiting for it to be our turn!

Happy Thursday, everyone! Here is me from the beginning --to now. 

I can officially say-- my true bump arrived around 25/26 weeks.... I go from "maybe she's pregnant" to.. "DANG GIRL, you've gots a baby in there!"   This week... I'm feeling like a true basketball/watermelon smuggler. The changes in shape/size/position of my belly are just crazy! Loving every minute (minus the bruised rib and foot cramps). 

Until next time--- this plump mama is off to have some breakfast and an appointment with our midwife!


- Large & in charge

29 Weeks & It's Getting Real!

OH MY GOSH- In 11 weeks (give or take a couple), Adam & I will be PARENTS! What the what?!


I'm sure I will be saying that a lot in the course of the next 2 1/2 months, but we had our first HOLY MOLY moment today when we received our first "big" baby gift-- the bassinet!

Grandpa & Grandma Wiswell sent us the exact one we were hoping for, and it looks perfect. As Adam was giving me the play-by-play of setting it up, stating the zippers were "tougher on his thumbs than the knex roller coaster," I had to giggle because that is likely one of the more simple pieces of child furniture that we will encounter in our future.

Here is a little snapshot of the perfect little snoozer for the munchkin ---->  *SO EXCITED!*


Per usual lately, we've been so busy that just when I am thinking to update the pictures and everything, something else comes up. All last week, Adam wasn't feeling so great, so we were in bed extra early.

Luckily, this week is promising. We still have a ton happening, but it is getting more manageable. It will be nice when the semester break hits, then we'll be able to enjoy a few weeks together with not so much happening, except, of course, getting ready for this new addition.

So- on to the questions-- using week 29 as the benchmark.

How big is baby Keck:   One says large butternut squash- another says acorn squash...so, baby is just a big ole squash! Growing like crazy in there!

Weight Gain: As of October 18, I officially gained 18lbs (ha, 18 on the 18th!) --though I'm sure it's closer to 20 now. *hides head*

 











Maternity Clothes: More shirts are being retired, and a couple more dresses. Even my low band maternity pants are starting to give me a little grief-- bring on full panel gloriousness!

 Sleep: My best sleep in the last few weeks has been the few hours in the evening that I zonk on the couch before Adam brings me to bed, or falls asleep on me, and I wake us up to go to bed. Once I get into that nice position, I'm good- but I'm finding if I'm not propped up enough, I really do get a little short of breath, no matter what position.

 Best Moment the last 3 weeks: Getting to spend Adam's birthday with our good friends. It was so nice to get out, be out, and just have a great evening. While they were certainly enjoying the finer things about the evening *ahembeer,* it was great to let my lover man celebrate and just relax with some of our favorites on the island. Also- of course, today, getting the bassinet in the mail. SO so exciting. I am sure as more things start coming in, it's going to get even more exciting.

Biggest Challenge: That dang glucose test! I know I am a very healthy person 95% of the time, but there was this little part of me way too paranoid about that silly little thing. Worst part is, it really wouldn't have been the end of the world if I did have gestational diabetes, I still would have felt pretty defeated. Luckily, ALL CLEAR! Wahoo. I can sit back and enjoy my cookies for the next 11 weeks. The other thing-- hormone alert--remembering to check myself when I'm worked up about something. It is a little too easy to take things personally for me generally speaking, and now I have to consciously remember to remove myself before feeling any way about things happening around/about me. 

 





Miss anything: Recently... my pre-baby body. Ugh! I know, it sounds a bit petty- but while I absolutely LOVE feeling little one wiggle around in there, and I feel like I have a lovely pregnant body- what I would give to bend over normally, wear one of my fitted dresses, go do a heavy duty workout with the exhaustion reward (now just walking up stairs is the exhaustion reward...ha!)
 
Most excited about: The shower coming up in a couple weeks, of course- it should be a great day. OH- getting a haircut! These locks need a freshening up in the worst way. Otherwise, just looking forward to getting more stuff for the baby to prepare for the grand entrance.

Cravings: Just a food-a-holic. There really isn't anything that I need to have on any given day, though I'd probably have steak, fruit & pizza for every meal if I could...haha.

Symptoms: HOT,  energetic but tired,  and I hit a wall of pure discomfort around 9:30PM every evening. Other than that, major major movement. This kid is cah-ray-zee! There is no pattern or time of day that baby Keck is most active, but goodness gracious! I keep thinking I can get it on video, but of course- the moment I whip out my phone to record, I get a long pause. Little turd!












Mood: Not much has changed here- feeling slightly more emotional the last week or two. A combo of my rapidly changing body, getting excited, yet feeling a little overwhelmed...yep- I think that pretty much explains it.

Milestones: Made it to the 3rd trimester! Home stretch! Luckily, though this little munchkin is ridiculously active, s/he seems pretty cozy in there, so hopefully we have a full 11 weeks to keep cookin'.

 Looking forward to:  Hospital tour, getting all registered there and really putting the finishing touches on getting prepped for this baby. Adam & I have a mini "babymoon" planned for this month or early next. Just a weekend of us. Spending a few days doing exactly what we love doing, without any other worries in the world. I feel like we just get so busy and caught up in our same routine (not all bad, routines are my friend) and forget to really sit down and enjoy each other's company without the distractions of everything else.

Well, as you can see- I grow pretty significantly each week, now. I'm almost afraid to see how massive this belly will get in the coming weeks!

-The Keck Mama-To-Be

25 down, 15 to go!

Phew! Time is flying, and my belly is growing by the minute! The last two weeks have been so busy, but full of great, happy things.

Surprisingly, I don't have a ton to say, other than I feel like a slacker because technically I'm now in week 26 but since it's Monday (and my day off), I'm taking care of house business and will not be making myself look nice for a picture. 

One thing I will say, and it makes me chuckle, is that I feel a lot smaller than I think I look when I see a picture of myself. Aside from having to remind myself that the higher number on the scale is no biggy (and it only sends me into minor shock moment for .2), I think God is playing a silly trick on me by making me feel small- and then when I see a picture of myself I think, "Holy Moly! Who is this massively pregnant chick?!" I mean, I know I am note huge by any means, but in comparison to my pre-pregnancy body--my oh my have I changed!

   
 How big is baby Keck:  at the end of week 25, baby is the size of a head of cauliflower. Growing quick!

Weight Gain: Haven't weighed myself in a while- but I will know for sure on Wednesday at my appointment. I'm guessing somewhere around 15lbs so far.

Maternity Clothes: This status hasn't changed- I have retired more non-maternity shirts, but the ones that were longer anyway still work, especially with a maternity tank underneath! Like I've said before- maternity pants since the first weeks- this baby starts at my pelvis!

Sleep: Sleeping very soundly again, hallelujah! Rolling over in bed...well, that is getting more interesting. I have to prep myself, give a good grunt, and I make it over to my other side. Though, baby is now ridiculously active at night, and does not appreciate me on my left side often. I get a sharp jab to the ribs and hard kicks all over the moment I flip from the right to left side. Wonder that that is all about! 


Best Moment the last 3 weeks: Getting a couple evenings with Adam! With our busy schedules, it seems like we only see each other when we're sleeping and getting ready in the morning. Not ideal, though I am so proud of him for working so hard at school & work.

Biggest Challenge: Remembering this belly is starting to limit certain things. The last couple weeks I've actually started to feel pregnant, if that makes sense. I've been feeling baby for weeks, but my belly was still relatively small- but now...shizah! That under-belly soreness at the end of a long day is not awesome. Getting winded by walking up our stairs fast isn't awesome, either.

Miss anything: I thought of something the other day, but other than a normal stride when I walk, I'm not feeling "without" anything lately.

Most excited about: Having a date set for the baby shower! November 17th! Maybe because I didn't have a bridal shower and all that jazz, I'm more pumped. Not going to lie, though, figuring out what to put on registries is complicated. I feel like we've registered for a "whole baby" but...I guess we'll find out! Either way, I think I'm mostly excited about setting a date to see my friends--I feel like we just don't get out much, so having set events is so convenient to get to really catch up with everyone. Plus, my incredible friend, Becca, is hosting, so I have no doubt she'll make it fabulous!

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Cravings: I've come to the realization that my "cravings" aren't really cravings, honestly. I mean, who doesn't generally have an idea as to what they'd like to eat on a given day? Besides, it's not like I want some crazy combo of awkward foods that I've never enjoyed. I will say, though, that my chocolate/sweets aversion the first trimester was for real. Aside from that, I haven't had any funky food situations. However, I must say- the response time to me saying I'd enjoy some pumpkin flavored goodies (definitely a this time of year thing for me always--and Christmas time is anything chocolate peppermint, yum yum!), to the time of receipt was fantastic! Hehe I am overwhelmed with love and support, and it was so sweet of everyone to grab me pumpkin deliciousness! Adam teased me, "why would you put a craving on FB, you're about to be overloaded with pumpkin!" ....he wasn't wrong, and I am so grateful for all that love!

Symptoms: Finger swelling, but it is MUCH better (notice, I am actually wearing my rings in the weekly pics!). Perhaps since it has cooled down, my poor fingers get some relief. Otherwise, just the under belly soreness at the end of the day and stuffy nose are about the only things I can attribute to pregnancy. My energy has been pretty good, I've been able to get out for a jog, do some yoga, and take Kunu for long power walks (complete with sniffing breaks, of course).

Mood: I've been a mixture of really relaxed and really motivated- once again, contradictory moods...yes, I know. It's like I want to get so much done, but without the stress/anxiety that usually accompanies those things. I'm loving it, feeling much less stress no matter the situation has been the biggest bonus to pregnancy for me.

Milestones: Shifting belly!! I can officially determind where baby K is at any part of the day based on where my belly sits.  Also- I think my "belly shape" is pretty set. I'm poking out much more to the front, now- and any side belly I had happening is going away. Kind of funny to look at me from a front view vs side view now. (except in these pics where I purposefully contour the shirts to show off belly!)
 
Looking forward to:  Getting to organize things for baby. Also the appointments coming up, getting a hospital tour, birthing classes and all the stuff that marks the official preparation for baby! It's pretty exciting, but I feel like there is still so much to accomplish in these last 15 weeks...and if they go by ask quickly as the first 15- AH! I better get crackin.

So... now that I have a bit more of a belly--- any other guesses on what this babe might be? A mini me, or mini Adam? Hmmm....

Well - until next time! 

Busy-Bee-Momma-To-Be!

Oh, silly hormones... 23 weeks

23 weeks! Things are certainly pluggin along.

I have to say, there are a lot of things I anticipated with pregnancy...but there have been a few surprises along the way. Namely- this emotional rollercoaster. Calm, annoyed, excited, stressed, exhausted, restless...OYE! [Most of the time, I really have been a ridiculous amount more laid back in pregnancy than I am in real life, though.] I truly thought that since the worst of my PMS was when my 16 year old self got all worked up over my dad asking whether or not the dishes were done, or what boy I was dating "this week," and bursting into insta hysterical tears-- that I would be OK in pregnancy.

I mean heck... I'm in charge of dishes, and pretty sure my relationship status has been stable for quite some time. Oh...Ashley...how wrong you were. Because of said hormonal emotions, I haven't shared many of these things, until now. Why? Well, when I'm not crying because I was 15 minutes late to my OB appointment and the nurse wouldn't wait until the end to take my vitals (I ran from the bus stop to the clinic, and was scared my pulse/blood pressure would be all whacko), or doing a foot stomp tantrum [in public] because breakfast stopped serving at the bakery 20 minutes ago and I can no longer get a breakfast bagel, I just have to laugh.

It makes the hectic workday and all of the crazy happening in life seem a little better. I joked with a co-worker today that, "No one will have a more dramatic reaction than a pregnant lady!" I think I do a decent job of keeping my knee-jerk reactions to certain things people decide to spew from their lips, but the urges to whack the woman who tells me "you should be bigger by now, you know, they have size and weight benchmarks," or say, DUH, to the next person to tell me, "oh you think things are getting awkward now, just wait."

 Ok...maybe I'm over reacting, but seriously folks-- I'm not sure how many times it needs to be said--- If you don't have something positive to say to a pregnant woman, turn around and walk away. [Unless you are close to me, then by all means, I promise I've not been offended by anything sassy you've said--and if I have, I've told you! Adam makes a fatty fart noise every time I sit down or take my shirt off for goodness sakes] :)  What if there was something wrong, won't you feel like a giant donkey for having opened your mouth?!


Rant. Over.  Now onto the good stuff-- I'm naughty, it's been 3 weeks since the last post. Oops, too busy!

How big is baby Keck:  Little one is the size of a big ole grapefruit! (seems like a small cantelope is bigger...whatever- it's growing!) & becoming more alert and active.

Weight Gain: As of last weeks appointment, I'm up 12 lbs. Shizah! I definitely know I've had a growth spurt lately, and that confirmed it.

Maternity Clothes: Ohhh yeah. I can still do most of the shirts and dresses- but the maternity ones are SO much more comfortable.

Sleep: Actually, now that I've surrounded myself in pillows and make sure to pop my mouth guard in (yeah, super sexy, I know), I've been sleeping awesome. I don't remember getting up to pee- though I know I am.

Best Moment the last 3 weeks: Honestly, meeting our midwife was a huge sigh of relief. I have liked the OB MD and my regular NP, but she is outstanding. I have officially decided that she'll be the one (given everything goes OK) to deliver this baby- she will bring absolute happiness and excitement to the day in a way that I did not get from the other two. She radiated sunshine and pure passion for babies, their mommies and the whole delivery process. Even more, she didn't bat an eye when Adam swung in with his sarcastic side comments- she played right back. It was fantastic. *I'm quite sure he gets side-eyed and my file gets a red dot from the other people around the facility...ha*

OH! Also, when we were out with friends the other night, a random group of [stumbling] guys gave us a big ole WOO HOOO, You're having a baaabbyyy, alrighttt! It was hilarious, and made me feel pretty good that even strangers can tell there's a baby in there.

Biggest Challenge: Keeping my cool when things get stressful. There has been a lot going on in many different places of life, and it's hard for me to remove myself sometimes[okay, not sometimes, always]. I get gentle reminders from the ladies at work, and most of all, Adam, that I have to stay calm and happy--and not even for me--for his baby. I love how much he cares and is already showing what an amazing daddy he'll be, just based on how well he takes care of me. I don't have him going on midnight errands to get an obscure item, but when I say, "Ooo this sound good," I usually find it in my hands a very short time after & he's always making sure I'm taking care of myself in every way. I'm more thankful for this goon of mine every single day.

Miss anything: These are all only going to get worse as time goes: Bending over comfortably. Quickly running across the street with Kunu and not having to pee the moment a jog begins,  not feeling like my fingers are making a vested effort to expand the moment conditions are not ideal, feeling like my bladder is going to explode--only to sit down and have an underwhelming pee.

Most excited about: Finding our stroller/car seat.  We're pretty jazzed about it & it will be an item that we get very soon. It's one thing we'll not be waiting to get. Also, discovering the options for online baby stuff stores. Things are much less expensive if you get to checking! Wahoo for cute and not spendy!

Cravings: Eh... just food. Yep...just food. I'll eat it. Whatever, whenever with whoever. I'm down.

Symptoms: Finally feeling pregnant. Not in a bad way- just the days get to me, I can't do as much as I used to. I can't even saunter off a curb without my bladder yelling at me for goodness sakes.

Mood: Well, clearly *ahemrantabove* I've got a little pent up- BUT truly, I am very happy and relaxed. I've learned to use my weekends as true decompression from the week, and it really works.  

Milestones: Nothing recently. I think the next one will be in 5 weeks after my GD (Gestational Diabetes) test. Otherwise...nothing big, that I can think of.

Looking forward to: Adam feeling consistent movement. This monster likes to kick my organs more than outside. It feels very odd, to say the least- and while I don't mind, Adam doesn't get to join in the fun as much because baby is facing the wrong direction!

Well, I think that is enough blabber from this mamma-to- be!

Aloha,  Mrs. Keck

Half baked- 20 Weeks & Gaining Steam

Gosh... I can hardly believe we've passed the halfway mark! Maybe because life has been so busy crazy lately, but WOW this is flying by. I am so thankful for so many things and this pregnancy certainly has brought light to them...maybe I'll save that laundry list of things for the Thanksgiving post ;).

This week I thought I'd try a little something different to showcase how the last couple weeks have been.  I gathered a bunch of questions in hopes that it would save me from rambling so much. I am just so excited and wish I could be sharing these moments with the family in person, but hey...thank goodness for technology, right?

 How big is baby Keck? Size of a small cantaloup (according to one app)

Total weight gain: 8-10 pounds, the masses are applauding, finally!- though I'm unsure if it's boobs or belly gaining the weight....seriously.


Maternity clothes? Pants, definitely. Most of my dresses and shirts aside from the fitted ones still work nicely. The few maternity shirts I have, I enjoy because they help the belly look even more like baby and less like chubster.

Sleep/dreams? Aside from waking up to pee quite frequently, I am now finding sleeping on my back to be uncomfortable, so time to stop I guess. Also time for a body pillow so I can get into a nice comfy position for the remaining months.

Best moment this week? For me, seeing my belly move when the baby moved. Seeing the kicks and feeling them from the outside is SO fun. Poking my belly and feeling a poke back is just too fun. I'm already picking on our little one, hehe.  Now just waiting for little one to be active when Adam is home.

Biggest challenge this week? Sleeping soundly. Switching positions and waking up a lot more just isn't awesome. Yes, I know, sleep will continue to be a challenge from here on out- but once my belly isn't dictating the position or comfort of my sleep, it will be better.

Miss anything? The last couple weeks... MARGARITAS! I could desperately go for a nice cocktail to take the edge off these crazy weeks. Ice cream will do for now, I suppose.

Most excited about: Finally having a BABY belly that is noticeable not just to me and the people who know me best. I think it is safe to say I am no longer in the awkward "has she put on weight or is there a baby in there," stage. 

 
Cravings? Not particularly, and actually my aversions to most things are kind of gone, too. My supersonic nose still turns me off to a lot of things, but nothing that I was used to eating or enjoyed before baby are happily enjoyed now, too. 


Symptoms: Most notable, stuffy nose! When I lay down for bed and through the morning I'm stuffed up.  Also, sausage finger syndrome. Rings are off this week, officially. My poor little fingers, due to the heat, and increased blood flow- are quite on the chubbariffic side. 


Happy or moody most of the time? This whole pregnancy I've been very relaxed, perhaps too relaxed in some fashion. I have certainly had my hormonal mood swing shifts, crying spells (most notably recently was my laugh attack that resulted in uncontrollable crying from laughing and it was ridiculous, but at least I was happy). The last couple weeks are no different. 


Any milestones this week? Feeling the baby from the outside! It's pretty exciting, and though poor daddy (Adam) is definitely feeling left out because he either is relaxing and soothing to baby, or baby is just plain worn out by the time he gets home, but there is zero movement from the time he gets home to when we wake up most of the time. OR I get a couple good kicks, then put his hand there...and nadda. 


Looking forward to: Getting into "nesting" mode. I haven't really felt the desire to buy or do anything for baby yet. I look at plenty of baby things, have my registries and wish lists all organized, but the desire to fill our apartment with all things baby just hasn't hit me yet. I know it will, and bank account beware! 


Speaking of baby things, I just wanted to showcase some of the incredible gifts we've already been given for baby! I just love all of them SO much and am very thankful. Thought I would share what we've gotten: 

We purchased the two silly onesies with the text and the polka-dot blanket, but otherwise, all fabulous things received by our incredible friends. This baby is already blessed beyond words.

 The amount of growth this baby has made ME show can only mean it is growing like crazy in there, too! Can't wait to see what the next weeks bring.

Until then, 

-The ever expanding Momma-to-be