Here's BJ!!!

Hey guys......So this is my first time making an entry into the blog (yeah, it's B). Our little guy decided that he wanted to come out today and into the world. Let me tell you, he chose the quick route, emergency c-section. Everything was going well, then his heart rate dropped into the 50's and stayed there for about 3 minutes. Phones started to get dialed and the chaos started. It took about 20 seconds for the 9 medical people to get into our room, and for me to get out of the way. They wheeled her off and told me to stay put. That freaked me (us) out for a little bit. Then a few minutes later I was told that everything had stabilized, but they were still going to take the little guy out. About 5 minutes later, my son was breathing on his own! It was really scary for a while, but both mom and boy are doing great! He came out 9:33 (Mountain Time) this morning (10/21/08). We named him Brandon Jacob after his proud daddy and his Uncle BJ (Cassi's brother) that he never got to meet. He weighted 8lbs 11.5 oz and 19" long. Here are a couple of the pictures from today......

Our chunk

So we had our last ultrasound today- sorry no pictures. The good news is that the extra fluid everyone was worried about has normalized, which is a huge answer to prayer, since this makes it really unlikely that the list of things they said could be wrong with him are not possible with normal fluid now. Praise God!! The other news is that he is estimated to be 8 lbs 13 oz. Ultrasounds- especially this late in the pregnancy-can be up to 1/2 lb off, and if I had to guess I'd say this would be smaller estimation just from watching her technique, but we'll have to wait and see how big he turns out to be. (We'll be taking bets!) I have another doctor's appointment tomorrow, but for the most part am there to say I'm still pregnant (not too much to do). I'm feeling pretty good- just really tired and drained. Luckily, I don't realize how tired I am at work- only when I get home- so that is good. I'm not sleeping great- between a few actual contractions, Braxton-Hicks, and potty breaks, I think I'm pretty restless (poor Brandon), but at least I'm allowed to sleep every night in my own bed (other than trying to find an hour in a call room at work)- so we're thankful for that. The one other thing we found out from the ultrasound is that he is OP (or sunny side up) but head down. OP labors are usually longer and more difficult, so we're praying he'll change to OA prior to labor, but know it is all in God's hands. Better run, but thought I would update you all. Here is this week's pic (it's from yesterday).

I have excuses!!

So I do have some good excuses on why I haven't blogged in forever. Mostly has to do with lack of time- 80 hour work weeks really get to you, and the fact that my husband was out of town and took our computer. Do you forgive me? Hopefully so! So I'll try to update you on everything going on here. The Pregnancy: We have reached the crucial full term mark. Yesterday was the pivotal 37 week mark, so by definition, he shouldn't need much support to survive (breathe especially) should he be born now. So now it is just time to wait. Things are going fine. I have appointments weekly starting this week, and we have another ultrasound next week to make sure he isn't > 11 lbs- otherwise, they'll just schedule for a c-section. I'm praying not, although 10 lbs 15 oz doesn't sound fun to do vaginally either!! My guess is more the 8-9 lb range. Obviously ultrsounds aren't the perfect weight estimate (they can be up to 1/2 a lb off) but it gives us a ballpark, and they'll check my fluid again to see if it is increasing or decreasing. So we'll see. I'm more uncomfortable these days, but still want him to come in God's time- not my own and if that means 4 weeks of being uncomfortable I'll take it. (Remind me I said that later!) The baby's room is essentially finished, we just need to pick up last minute things from Target.

We did a birthing class last weekend which was sometimes redundant knowledge, but nice to have a reminder and for B to prepare some. We went over labor, delivery, newborn care, and breastfeeding- which was nice- and good to get some tips on all these areas.

We have the results of a recent DNA test we did on Pedro to determine his breed (drumroll please): he is mostly Lab, then smaller portions of Boxer and Newfoundland. I have to say we have had lots of Lab and boxer guesses but never Newfoundland. It was fun to find out, but B was a little disappointed he wasn't something more unique than Lab- I say he is super unique, as I'm sure you all can contest to!!

Brandon went to Minneapolis for training for 2 weeks and got back last weekend. He definitely had lots of fun (3 people were fired from his training group for having excessive fun) but he learned a lot. He is enjoying his new job- the people and the work, but is anxious to get his hands really dirty (they have been taking it slow with him getting him "ramped" up).

My mom and dad were able to spend a weekend with me while Brandon was gone and were a great help with working on the basement- what a blessing they are- coming to visit and essentially working nonstop. We're still optimistically hoping to get at least to a good stopping point before the baby comes, but we'll see how much we can do in the time we have left. But regardless, it looks great!

Other news, one of my awesome brother-in-laws, Jason, (they are both amazing) has gotten his masters in math and got a job in actuarial science in Omaha. He starts tomorrow! It was a really hard decision for Miranda and Jason, since they have loved Arkansas but thought it was best for their family. So Jason will be living with my parents in Omaha until Christmas break when Miranda moves up. The other exciting news is that they are pregnant!! The little Oswald is to join the fam May 2- so our little guy will have a little cousin to play with close to his age. We are so pumped for them. (Although their moving to Omaha will make it hard for us to talk my mom and dad into moving to Denver :)). But keep the three of them in your prayers, as it will be a long 10 weeks apart, working in different states. Anyway, lots of work to do here, so I better run, but sorry for the large delay in blogging. Here are some pics.

Growing boy

So I've survived my first week back to my busy schedule. What was already a difficult schedule when not pregnant or with a huge belly, is quite tiring lugging around our growing boy! I am a lucky gal and don't usually get much swelling, but post call definitelyget some deep sock lines from my swollen ankles! Also, I took my old body pillow to work so that when I am able to get some shut eye I have the proper "tools" but I have realized the flat old body pillow is not as supportive as my nice new one at home :). Plus, I'm sure the pregnant ladies who show up on labor and delivery for dumb reasons really aren't happy to see another pregnant gal seeing them- let's just say I have sympathy, but my sympathy is diminished when they come in for things regular back pain and tell me they can't work their parttime job anymore :).

My last doctor's appointment was okay. There are still concerns about how big this boy is, and now concerns about the level of amniotic fluid I have. It's higher than normal which could be a normal variant, but could also mean there is something wrong with our baby boy and puts us both at higher risks for complications concerning the rest of the pregnancy. I'll not go into many details, because I know too much so I know everything to worry about- but it would be great if you could keep us in our prayers. I have to say, my husband is wonderful however, in lightening the mood in every circumstance- one of the normal variants of having too much fluid is that the baby could be urinating a lot. So his comment to me was, "it's fine cass, he just has your genes, you pee all the time, so he does too!" God bless that man! I thank God continually for putting us together!!

Friday was Brandon's last day as a welder. It was hard to leave since he loved his job a lot, but he decided it was just too hard on his body (and he has a little boy to think about now). So he will start Wednesday working in logistics. Back to a desk job- but one he is pumped about! It is a pretty fast moving industry, where they spend time working with shipping companies and customers to get thing shipped and his skills in math and problem solving will be challenged- which he likes. He starts Wed. and then Sun. flies to the Twin Cities for a 2 week training. The company is 6 miles from our house, so his commute will be cut from 39 miles to 12 daily- which will be nice. Anyway, that's the update, gotta run- I don't have a self-cleaning house- wouldn't that be great!

Latest bump:

32 weeks

So we've made it to the 32 week mark! The baby continues to grow- I hadn't thought my belly was getting to much bigger but Brandon (nicely) shares with me that it definitely is. My mom says once you get big you don't notice getting bigger- I definitely think that is the case. You can judge for yourself below. I've finished my easy month of work and will be starting a busier schedule coming up on Monday- call every 4 days, 80 hour work weeks- I definitely have been spoiled lately- it will be a shock to my system, but I'm anxious to get back to my clinic. We'll see how I survive no sleep and potentially being on my feet 30 hours in a row. (Plus, my belly may make deliveries a bit more complicated!) But despite the size of the baby, things are going well. I'm still working out, but run much less than before- there is a lot to carry especially at that speed! (I'm sure I'm going at a snail's pace, but you know).

The great news is that Brandon got offered (and has accepted) another job!! He will be working in logistics- back in an office, but faster paced and more demanding that his previous office job. God really blessed us with this one, and we are thrilled- plus they were quite complimentary towards Brandon and his skills which is great to know his new company already appreciates him (as they definitely should)! So he'll be starting in a little less than 2 weeks and will have a 2 week training in MN in Sept. (which will be a bummer to have him gone, but better to do it now than after the baby). His job will be much closer to the house with a faster commute and flexible hours- such a blessing!

Last weekend we had the extreme privledge of attending Katarina's (Brandon's niece) first dance recital. It was so awesome to get to see her (age 3) doing ballet on the stage (even if there was a significant amount of standing around and watching the other girls in her class). So for fun, I'll attach 2 pics from that day- she looked so cute in her outfit. Plus, Brandon and I were a big hit since we got her a flower to celebrate her big day- she carried it around the house most of the rest of the afternoon! Such a big girl!!!

She's the one looking over to the girl next to her with her hands crossed on her skirt!
Sorry- I know it is fuzzy, but its hard to take a pic of yourself with one hand!

Our little chunk

So last Friday I had the repeat ultrasound to follow up on our big baby (>98% in size) and he's still big. At this gestation he should be approximately 3 lbs in weight and he's estimated to be 4 lb 7 oz. Fabulous! I'm glad he's healthy (at least you would assume so with that weight) but not looking forward to how big he will continue to get!! Funny, before I got pregnant I thought I would be one of those cute petite gals who hardly show- didn't count Brandon's genes into the mix :). So oh well. So we're counting on a big baby and praying for a relatively short labor! (I of all people know very well this is likely not going to be the case, but we can always pray- God is in the business of miracles!) Plus, my exercising has to help for something!!

I'm starting to get a little more uncomfortable- very normal I know for the third trimester, (Sat I'll be 31 weeks). I wake up not feeling overly rested as I'm tossing and turning a lot, and I'm having more back, head, and feet pain. So I'm hitting the Tylenol when necessary, and smiling through it! (or trying). We've been blessed with a ton of things for the baby, so I think now we just need to get a dresser, a camcorder, and some more clothes and we'll have the big things taken care of. (Oh and decide on a daycare- such a minor thing). In the daycare running, I'm a former West Omaha snob now South Denver snob who wants the best (or at least a nicer place)- so my favorite is pricey (but cheaper than a nanny which is a popular choice for those in my profession), but very conveinient and clean. Brandon is still researching if there are any options through our church (including in home centers) so we'll see.

Anyway, I'll post some of the ultrasound pics- not as great as the last ones- the umbilical cord is in the way of his face.

29 weeks and counting. . .

So I think blogging was a great idea, in theory, but obviously, I struggle to find time to keep you all updated! My apologies, Im sure we have lost "subscribers" due to my lack of writing more consistently. Updates:

The Pregnancy:

So I'm 29 weeks, 3 days today, still getting lovely comments about how I look a lot bigger than I should be, but the doctors are not overly concerned. I have another ultrasound this Friday to measure his growth velocity, more for information sake. Still the thinking is that it is genetics causing him to be so big. Although I can say I would like to kiss the people who think I've only gained a belly, no where else or who say I just look like a swallowed a basketball! I'm feeling pretty good, although my large belly does cause me some discomfort, and I started taking a nice H2 blocker- Zantac for heartburn that so far does the trick.

The Recent Shower:

Thanks so much to everyone who was able to make it to the recent shower, our little guy is already definitely spoiled! We had a shower in Omaha, which was wonderful- but a short trip. Miranda and my aunts planned it and did a great job. My sis made homemade gorgeous invites and napkin holders, my aunt's daugher-in-law made an amazing cake (always appreciate especially when you are pregnant and a Cross woman!), and my other aunt made cream cheese mints, someone (I think my cousin) made awesome cucumber sandwiches! Listen to me talk about food- you'd think I was 400 lbs! We had a great turnout and got some really great gifts! We have a few more incidentals to pick up (and a dresser) but we're getting really close to being ready for the new arrival!! It is amazing, but Brandon and I were back for approximately 36 hours in Omaha, but probably the longest we've been back since April 2007. Way sad! It was great to see everyone, and we're hoping to be able to spend more time at Christmas.

The basement:

I can't remember if I've mentioned it on the blog, but we are trying to finish the basement before the baby comes. It's coming along well, although somewhat slowly. We've got a laundry room built, a bathroom mostly done, but still need to do the ceiling, wet bar, and entertainment center- what an undertaking. But it looks good, and is kind of exciting. I love pointing out exactly which walls I've buit myself. But really Brandon has done a great job with it- he does the majority of the work- I'm so proud of him. Here's a pic of the bathroom, a few workdays ago.

The car:

Those of you who know Brandon well know that he loves his car(s). He has been a rotary guy (a different type of engine than piston engines that are traditional) since turning sixteen, never without an RX7. The one we've had recently, he has owned for 7 years- a record of sorts. It is a gorgeous car (but needs a paint job), and has great memories in it, since he had it through our later years dating, we were chased through Lincoln by crazy guys in trucks in it, we (or more he) has rebuilt the engine more than once I think, and we drove away from our wedding in the "anniversary" (it is a special edition RX7). But alas, we have traded the RX7 in. Brandon, already being a great dad, has traded his "baby" (the car) in for a slightly heavier, less powerful Toyota Supra with a back seat. Mind you, it is still a sports car, but much more kid friendly. It was sad to see the RX7 go with all the memories, but definitely the right choice given our upcoming addition. So now in addition to the work on the basement, he is working hard on getting the Supra just how he wants it before the little guy comes (and before the snow comes). The old car:

The new car (sorry not the greatest pic) but this is B and my dad putting it on the trailer so we could tow it back to Denver, a long painful drive!

Work:

Work has slowed down for me this month, I'm working in an urban underserved clinic with the majority of patients either uninsured or Spanish speaking only. The nice part is that I have weekends and even Fridays off. I honestly don't know what to do with myself- it is awesome! I'm really enjoying using my Spanish and dusting off vocabulary that I haven't used in quite some time, while figuring out how to get patients through the system of healthcare without money or insurance. Definitely challenging. Brandon is still loving his job, although is investigating whether or not a different field may be better off long term with his health-he'd like to keep his lungs, knees, and sinuses healthy! So he has some leads, and definitely has some unique skills, so I'm praying God brings him the perfect position (and it would help daycare costs some if it paid just a bit more!)

Anyway, I think that is probably enough for now, if you've made it this far on that long update, I'm thoroughly impressed. I'll post another belly shot, although I had to take this one myself (so it has my cheesy pic smile!). I'll update you more after I get some more ultrasound pics later this week! Love you all!