WelcomeDate: 11/11/2006
Today is the first entry in the baby journal and I'm now 10 weeks pregnant. Jeff and I found out on October 29, 2006 that we were finally going to have a baby after 3 pregnancy tests! We really couldn't believe it! We were happy and nervous at the same time because we knew our lives were going to change.
I'm almost through my first trimester and I've been feeling pretty good. I'm going through all of the "normal" pregnancy symptoms that most women talk about: fatigue, loss of appetite, random waves of nausea and yes, some irritability. Overall, I'm doing great and can't wait to get through these next 2-3 weeks.
Right now, my clothes are still fitting, however, I think it's doing to be an overnight surprize that my pants won't button one morning as I'm getting ready for work.
I've had 2 doctor's appointments so far. My first one was at 7 weeks. Jeff came with me and we saw the ultrasound of our little speck. It became more real to us when we could see the tiny flutter of a heart beating on the monitor. My second appointment was with my midwife. I feel really lucky that I have an OBGYN and a midwife that will be taking care of us throughout the next 9 months.
I know that this time is going to fly by and I want to document as much of it as possible. Kristal said something to me that made me realize how special this time is..."you don't have many firsts left in your life." This is something that is completely new and exciting. I'm looking forward to the journey of parenthood.
Date: 12/17/2006
Today marks week 15...I feel great. I've started to gain some energy back and now I'm back at the gym for yoga and walking my 4 mile route. I really feel much better when I'm active rather than coming home and eating, having a bath and getting into bed by 7pm. I'm going to enjoy this bit of energy that I have.
On my last doctor's visit to see Lisa, my midwife. I'm lucky enough to have the support of Dr. Anderson and Lisa throughout this experience. Lisa will be with me 100% even if Dr. Anderson can't be. I weighed in at 128lbs...3lbs lighter than my first appointment back in October. Lisa said that after the holidays I need to have gained about 5-6lbs by my next appointment on January 11th. During my appointment, she went over all of my blood-work and everything was great! We also heard the baby's heartbeat! It was amazing! I wanted to take that little machine home with me and just keep that microphone on my constantly! She found the heartbeat instantly and said that it was very strong.
I went to Babies R Us the next day and bought a "home" heart monitor...not quite the same effect as the doctor's. I've been using it everyday and all I can hear is the TV from downstairs, Jeff talking on the phone or the cat meowing! Hopefully, further into my pregnancy, it will work!
I'm looking forward to the holidays, going home to Canada to see everyone will be great! Unfortunately, I don't have much to "show", but I'm sure I will eventually!
I can't wait for January 11th...we'll have our "big" ultrasound!
I'm a Boy!!!
Date: 01/15/2007
Well, we finally found out...it's a HE! On January 11th I was scheduled for my big ultrasound. At this appointment I weighed in and gained 4 pounds from a month ago. Now I'm up 1 pound from my original weight! I'm finally getting my appetite back and venturing with regular food again.
So, this was my first "real" ultrasound experience. Jeff was there with me and we went back into this dark little room with computers and machines all around. Dr. Moore, the ultrasound guy, was really nice and did a great job. He did a regular scan first and checked and measured the baby from head to toe. We saw the 4 chambers of the heart with the blood flowing through him, he measured the head and he was in the 50th% in size so far. Everything appeared to be very normal and that was a huge relief for us.
He told us that he'd check the sex at the end...we waited with anticipation! Finally, he took the image and put it on the screen, he didn't even have to say what it was! I could already tell we were having a sweet baby boy!
I was surprised an the look on Jeff's face was relief and happiness all at one time! I know he's happy to be having a little boy...
This experience was incredible! We saw our baby in 3D for the first time. His little face, hands and feet were clearly visible and he squirmed around like crazy!
We've thought of a name for him...Loch Macaulay Harris! It was a name that Jeff and I both discovered at the same time and immediately loved the sound of it all together. We were driving down the laneway at the farm, looked at the barn, LOCH MELON FARMS and both said the same thing to one another. Wow, Loch would be a great name for a boy!
Only 20 more weeks to go now. I'm dreaming about him all the time and felt him move for the first time last week! I feel him roll around inside me, but have never felt him with my hand until then. I immediately called mom to tell her the news! All of these firsts are so much fun!
23 week appointment
Date: 02/15/2007
I'm almost at 6 months and I'm still feeling really good! My last Dr.'s appointment was with Lisa, the midwife. It was just a routine visit to check out the size of Loch and myself. I gained 5 pounds this month and I'm up a total of 6!
I started using the BABY PLUS lessons in the morning and evening. When I do this, he moves around and responds to the beat of the speaker. I'm interested to see if this will create a "calm, more alert, and BRILLIANT" child.
I love how I feel right now. I'm very in tuned with my body and how he's doing. I've finally started to feel a connection to the little guy and Jeff has been feeling him move around. I can hardly wait for my next appointment on March 5th. We're having our last ultrasound with the 3D images. I'm sure this will really show his features!
26 Week Appointment
Date: 03/05/2007
Today was another great appointment with Dr. Moore! Jeff and I were so excited to see Loch and his little face is so sweet! You can really see his features. He is still positioned transverse (across my tummy) and the Dr. was hoping that he would've turned by now. He weighs 2lbs3oz and is is the 65th% for size...kida chunky! I'm not surprised as the women in my family tend to produce "big-uns"...ALECIA!
It was difficult to get some really good pictures of him since his legs were folded up around his head, BUT, we did see alot of something else! He's definitely a boy!
Overall, I'm still feeling great and keeping active. I put on 3 pounds in 3 weeks, which is pretty normal. I'm definitely showing now, as you can see from my pictures. Loch moves around constantly and I've been feeling more rolling movements than kicking lately. Hopefully that means that he's getting ready to turn!
I'm excited to have my Dad come for a visit in the beginning of April, and then Mom 2 weeks later. Our shower will be at our house with a "full" house of visitors. I'm looking forward to it!
I hope everyone is doing well, we're getting closer to bringing our little man into the world and we can hardly wait.
29 weeks
Date: 03/25/2007
During the last 2 weeks, I've had a rough go with vomiting and cramps. I was down and out with a "flu virus"...I guess? I spent about 15 hours on the bathroom floor feeling horrible. After 6 hours, I called the Dr. and she prescribed me some anti-nausea meds b/c she thought that I might be too dehydrated and have to go to the hospital. Jeff went to the pharmacy to go get them and I continued for 5 more hours b/c I couldn't even keep that down. It finally subsided after the night. I took Monday off work and rested. I felt a million times better after that!
I had an appointment on the 21st...since all of my throwing up, I haven't put on any weight. I was down a pound. Lisa (midwife) isn't worried because Loch is VERY active and growing nicely. I have 11 more weeks...I know I'll grow twice my size by the end! It's amazing how much more pregnant I look just in 3 weeks!
Overall, I feel great now!
31 week appointment
Date: 04/06/2007
I saw Dr. Moore on Thursday morning for an ultrasound due to the fact that Loch was transverse last time. Now he's breech. It was difficult again to get a really good 3D picture of him b/c his arm was in the way. He continues to move around constantly and hopefully this will lend him to position himself appropriately. He weighed in at almost 4lbs...still in the "big" range for his age. Everything looked great! I've gained 11lbs...every ounce must be baby!
Jeff and I had our pictures done by Jeremy Adomo. He did a really nice job. I've posted a few for everyone to see. They were taken at 30 weeks.
Baby Showers
Date: 04/24/2007
Loch and I have been very busy over the past two weeks being showered with wonderful gifts!
On April 12th, there was a shower at work with two other dad's to be. There were about 50 people in attendance and everyone was so generous it was almost embarrassing! My colleagues at Creek View are wonderful!
On April 21st, Claire, Crissy and Katie hosted a shower for us with all of our friends. Husbands and kids came too, which made it lots of fun! Mom came with Erica, Liz and Rhonda from Goderich. It was great to have them here. Brenda, Tammy and Raegan came from NC too! We were able to get the nursery set up with the bedding and essentials for now. The crib looks precious! Loch received his travel system and pack'n play from his grandma's, aunt and cousin! They are great!
All of our friends were so wonderful and generous with gifts for our new little boy!
Jeff and I won't forget this day! We're so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Thank you all!
The next update will be in a week or so, check back soon!
Love, The Harris Family
35 week appointment
Date: 05/06/2007
On Thursday Jeff and I saw Dr. Moore for our ultrasound. Loch is STILL in breech position and cramped inside me in a little ball. I was very frustrated about his positioning since he has little room left to completely turn around. He weighs just over 5 1/2 lbs and is doing great! We didn't get a picture of him b/c his arms and legs are in front of his face again. Dr. Moore prepared me of the possibility of a C-section if he doesn't turn...that bummed me out. I gained another pound over the past 2 weeks...that makes it 13 lbs so far!
After seeing Dr. Moore, we saw Lisa (midwife) and she was VERY positive about Loch making the move downward! She gave me lots of suggestions to help him turn and since he's already very active, she doesn't think that I need to worry about anything quite yet.
I've been elevating my hips, on all fours, drinking caffeine, putting frozen beans to the back of his head, Jeff's been talking to him "down there" and I've contacted a chiropractor that knows the Webster's technique of turning a baby. I'm going to try EVERYTHING to get him to turn into position! I think he has some time, so I'm very optimistic!
Jeff and I had a labor and delivery tour today at Northside Hospital. We were lead through all of the basic procedures for checking in (I'm pre-registered already), parking, where I'll deliver and where I'll be for post-partum recovery. The hospital is very nice and the rooms are ALL private with all of the amenities. I got really nervous when we walked into the labor room...it's not much longer!
I'm pretty much ready for Loch to arrive as far as supplies go. We have everything that we need. I'm really getting into that nesting stage and making sure that everything is in its place. I've packed the diaper bag, have all of his clothes/blankets washed, the change table is stocked and all of his little toys are in bins. I'm getting anxious! I think Jeff is more "ready" than I am however. Every day he says he's ready for him to arrive. He's going to be a great dad! (He's already read The Velveteen Rabbit to Loch) I'm the luckiest mom-to-be in the world.
22 more days- maybe?
Date: 05/17/2007
Jeff and I have been VERY busy getting ready for baby! I'm happy to say that I think I'm ready!?
Last weekend was spent in Conover NC where Tammy (Jeff's sister) threw a beautiful baby shower for us at a quaint little B&B with close friends and family of the Harris'. We had a wonderful time and are truly grateful to have such giving people in our lives.
We "officially" have all the essentials (and then some). Basically all I have to do is put up a few picture frames and little things in the baby's room and then everything will be in it's place.
I saw a chiropractor this week that is renound for turning a breech position baby. I had an adjustment on Monday and went back on Wednesday. He said I held up very well and didn't need to adjust me again. Loch hasn't moved yet, but I go back tomorrow and hopefully we'll see a change. In the mean-time, my OBGYN has scheduled me in for a c-section. She doesn't want to bother with an external version, b/c she says it's too hard on the baby and "could" cause problems and result in an emergency section. My date will be on May 31st, 2 weeks! I'm hopeful that things will change, however, it's out of my hands now and I'm trying everything possible.
My parents (at school) gave me a baby shower with the kids today. They were so cute! We played a game with naming baby animals, pin the passie on the baby and diaper change race. They had so much fun! All of the children gave Loch a book for his library and signed a blanket..."so you don't forget us". So sweet!
My friends Kristalyn and Sara had their babies last week...two girls! They're all at home and doing well. It's nice to have so many friends with children already to get advice from.
I'll keep everyone posted about Loch's progress.
I've posted the pictures from the NC shower...enjoy!
4 more days...
Date: 05/27/2007
Wow! What a crazy few weeks I've had...and it's FINALLY coming to an end, or, just the beginning!
All of my showers are over (minus the thank you cards...I SUCK at that!), I completed my weekend at grad school (one more class to go until graduation!!!!), my classroom at work is packed up and in boxes in the garage, so, I guess that leaves just one more thing! BABY!
I can hardly believe that it's almost time. Thinking back, it was just yesterday that Jeff and I were "talking" about starting our family, and now it's here! What an incredible journey, and I can't believe this is my life! I feel like the luckiest person alive! Truly supportive friends, a loving family and an amazing husband! I am blessed.
Jeff and I had our "final date" as the 2 of us last night. He surprised me with reservations at the restaurant where we had our first date...La Tavola in Virginia Highlands. It was very romantic and sweet of him to think of that! On the way to the restaurant, we stopped into a little baby boutique where he bought Loch a "Happy Birthday to Me" hat for him to wear when he's born...cute!
Yesterday I stopped in to see Dr. Blottner (chiro) and he says I'm in perfect condition for Loch to turn...he just doesn't think it's going to happen considering my size. He just doesn't have enough room...poor little dude! But, I got the best adjustment I've had in YEARS! I felt like a million bucks yesterday! Jeff and I went to visit Harrison and Katy at the pool, I saw Kristalyn and Ava, and then went out for dinner and a movie. I felt wonderful and full of energy!
Tonight we're having some friends in for a BBQ. Jeff and the boys went golfing for the afternoon while I just enjoy the last few days of silence and alone time with child #1...Titty.
So, around 4:30 on Thursday, we will welcome Loch into the world. I'm so overwhelmed with emotions about all of this, I'll be relieved when I finally see him!
Please continue to check this site as I will start Chapter 2...Loch.
