Tuesday, May 25
This was our last childbirth class! We watched a short video about newborns and learned all about wake and sleep cycles as well as the newborn's ability to imitate facial expressions. We also took a tour of the labor and delivery and postpartum floors. I think Colby and I were both surprised to see how small the postpartum rooms were. We will probably try to upgrade to a larger "pavilion room". After class, we drove around the hospital to make sure we knew were to park and which entrance to use when the big day comes. Overall, we learned a lot in our classes. It was a great experience! We start our breastfeeding classes on Monday, June 7.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
our sixth appointment
Monday, May 24
We had another good, but uneventful doctor's appointment. Dr. Nilson did an ultrasound and listened to Miller's heartbeat. Everything is looking good! We got a couple of ultrasound pictures, but none of them are as good or as clear as the the pictures from our 4D ultrasound. I haven't gained anymore weight, but that is okay because my weight gain will average out in the end. We have "graduated" to appointments every two weeks, so our next appointment will be Monday, June 7. Dr. Nilson will do some measurements at this appointment and we will find out how big Miller is getting. We can't wait!
We had another good, but uneventful doctor's appointment. Dr. Nilson did an ultrasound and listened to Miller's heartbeat. Everything is looking good! We got a couple of ultrasound pictures, but none of them are as good or as clear as the the pictures from our 4D ultrasound. I haven't gained anymore weight, but that is okay because my weight gain will average out in the end. We have "graduated" to appointments every two weeks, so our next appointment will be Monday, June 7. Dr. Nilson will do some measurements at this appointment and we will find out how big Miller is getting. We can't wait!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
4D ultrasound
Saturday, May 22 
Colby's parents, my parents, and Mackenzie all came to Tulsa for our 4D ultrasound. It was so fun to see baby Miller, although he was really uncooperative. He had his right arm and hand in front of his face nearly the entire time. It didn't seem to matter how many times the ultrasound tech thumped on my belly, he refused to move his arm. He would just frown and look mad as if to say "leave me alone". :) The entire session was recorded, so we have a DVD of the whole ultrasound. We also have a CD with about 13 pictures.
We did still get a few good pictures of his face, but only profile pictures. Looking back through all of my ultrasound pictures, I noticed that his right arm and hand have been in front of his face the entire time, even at 12 weeks!
Here is a really clear picture of his foot, which he was using to cover his little boy parts. He pretty much had his foot there throughout the entire ultrasound, although we were able to confirm that we are having a boy! I guess the Chinese gender chart was right! Our ultrasound tech, Tamra, said that it is almost always correct. She said that the old wives' tales for determining the baby's gender such as heart rate or carrying high or low are only right about 50% of the time.
Colby's parents, my parents, and Mackenzie all came to Tulsa for our 4D ultrasound. It was so fun to see baby Miller, although he was really uncooperative. He had his right arm and hand in front of his face nearly the entire time. It didn't seem to matter how many times the ultrasound tech thumped on my belly, he refused to move his arm. He would just frown and look mad as if to say "leave me alone". :) The entire session was recorded, so we have a DVD of the whole ultrasound. We also have a CD with about 13 pictures.Here is a really clear picture of his foot, which he was using to cover his little boy parts. He pretty much had his foot there throughout the entire ultrasound, although we were able to confirm that we are having a boy! I guess the Chinese gender chart was right! Our ultrasound tech, Tamra, said that it is almost always correct. She said that the old wives' tales for determining the baby's gender such as heart rate or carrying high or low are only right about 50% of the time. 
This is his other arm and hand. He has it extended straight up next to his body. You can see his palm facing up.
He is still oriented head down. I am hoping that he will stay that way until delivery! We also got to hear his heartbeat. It was 158 bpm. Now we have a recording of it so we can hear it anytime we want.
We are so glad everyone could come to Tulsa to see baby Miller! We had such a great time at the ultrasound and visiting with everyone afterwards! We are looking forward to our doctor's appointment on Monday!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
our third childbirth class
Tuesday, May 18
Dr. Cohen, a pediatrician with Warren Clinic, came and talked to our class this evening. Everyone had questions about all different kinds of topics including circumcision, immunizations, SIDS, breastfeeding, pets, bumper pads, and special laundry detergents for baby. It was the best part of our childbirth class so far! We still haven't chosen a pediatrician, but we have gotten several good recommendations. I am hoping to get that done sometime soon!
Our instructor had us divide into groups of men and women to discuss our biggest fears and concerns. It was fun to see how the concerns differed between the two groups. The men seemed to be concerned about money, providing for their family, and sleep. Colby did tell me later that one of his biggest concerns is changing poopy diapers! :) The women seemed mostly concerned with episiotomies, epidural needles, and recovering from labor.
Next week, we get to take a tour of the labor and delivery and postpartum floors! It should be fun!
Dr. Cohen, a pediatrician with Warren Clinic, came and talked to our class this evening. Everyone had questions about all different kinds of topics including circumcision, immunizations, SIDS, breastfeeding, pets, bumper pads, and special laundry detergents for baby. It was the best part of our childbirth class so far! We still haven't chosen a pediatrician, but we have gotten several good recommendations. I am hoping to get that done sometime soon!
Our instructor had us divide into groups of men and women to discuss our biggest fears and concerns. It was fun to see how the concerns differed between the two groups. The men seemed to be concerned about money, providing for their family, and sleep. Colby did tell me later that one of his biggest concerns is changing poopy diapers! :) The women seemed mostly concerned with episiotomies, epidural needles, and recovering from labor.
Next week, we get to take a tour of the labor and delivery and postpartum floors! It should be fun!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
our second childbirth class
Tuesday, May 11
This week we talked in more detail about relaxation techniques to use during different stages of labor. We practiced breathing techniques, massage, and pressure points. Our instructor had us simulate the pain of a contraction by squeezing ice in our hands. Then she had us utilize breathing techniques and massage while holding the ice to determine if the techniques helped reduce the pain. It actually did help with the pain. I'm not sure if it will help with the contractions, but its worth a try! She also told our coaches to give us 20-minute massages at least twice a week. Now Colby has to give me a massage since it is part of our homework! Just kidding! Finally, we watched an epidural video and discussed other medications for pain relief. At this point, Colby and I are planning on using natural relaxation techniques for the beginning of labor and an epidural for pain relief towards the end of labor and delivery. We ended the class with a video of a C-section. We are hoping that there will be not be any complications necessitating a C-section. However, we just pray that we will have a healthy baby! We are looking forward to next week when we will get to talk to a pediatrician.
This week we talked in more detail about relaxation techniques to use during different stages of labor. We practiced breathing techniques, massage, and pressure points. Our instructor had us simulate the pain of a contraction by squeezing ice in our hands. Then she had us utilize breathing techniques and massage while holding the ice to determine if the techniques helped reduce the pain. It actually did help with the pain. I'm not sure if it will help with the contractions, but its worth a try! She also told our coaches to give us 20-minute massages at least twice a week. Now Colby has to give me a massage since it is part of our homework! Just kidding! Finally, we watched an epidural video and discussed other medications for pain relief. At this point, Colby and I are planning on using natural relaxation techniques for the beginning of labor and an epidural for pain relief towards the end of labor and delivery. We ended the class with a video of a C-section. We are hoping that there will be not be any complications necessitating a C-section. However, we just pray that we will have a healthy baby! We are looking forward to next week when we will get to talk to a pediatrician.
my first mother's day!
Sunday, May 9
I had such an amazing day!! I am so lucky to have a wonderful and thoughtful husband who makes me feel so loved and appreciated! I came home from work Sunday morning and found two notes and a present on the coffee table. The first note was from Colby along with a baby journal for me to record all of our little boy's firsts. I can't wait to start filling it out! The second note was written in the words of our baby boy, thanking me for taking care of him so far and instructing me to look for my next present in the bedroom. It was the body pillow I had wanted to help me sleep better. I slept really great that day! Although I am really enjoying being pregnant, I can't wait to be a mommy and for our little boy to arrive!! I know that Colby will be an awesome daddy and I can't wait to see what the future holds for our little family!
I had such an amazing day!! I am so lucky to have a wonderful and thoughtful husband who makes me feel so loved and appreciated! I came home from work Sunday morning and found two notes and a present on the coffee table. The first note was from Colby along with a baby journal for me to record all of our little boy's firsts. I can't wait to start filling it out! The second note was written in the words of our baby boy, thanking me for taking care of him so far and instructing me to look for my next present in the bedroom. It was the body pillow I had wanted to help me sleep better. I slept really great that day! Although I am really enjoying being pregnant, I can't wait to be a mommy and for our little boy to arrive!! I know that Colby will be an awesome daddy and I can't wait to see what the future holds for our little family!
our first childbirth class
Tuesday, May 4
Colby and I had a good time at our first childbirth class. It seems like taking a childbirth class before having your first child is an important part of the pregnancy experience! The information we covered was mostly review for me, but we got to meet some nice couples and Colby even got to see a video of a live birth. I thought it would freak him out, but he said it didn't bother him. Before watching the labor and delivery video, we talked about the different stages of labor, including the coach's role during each of these stages. We also reviewed the definitions for basic terms such as effacement, dilation, and station. Finally, our instructor told us where to go when we are in labor and things to bring to the hospital with us. She also suggested several things to do if we go into preterm labor: drinking a glass of water, emptying our bladder, and lying down to see if the contractions will stop without medical intervention. Overall, it was a good class and a fun experience!
Colby and I had a good time at our first childbirth class. It seems like taking a childbirth class before having your first child is an important part of the pregnancy experience! The information we covered was mostly review for me, but we got to meet some nice couples and Colby even got to see a video of a live birth. I thought it would freak him out, but he said it didn't bother him. Before watching the labor and delivery video, we talked about the different stages of labor, including the coach's role during each of these stages. We also reviewed the definitions for basic terms such as effacement, dilation, and station. Finally, our instructor told us where to go when we are in labor and things to bring to the hospital with us. She also suggested several things to do if we go into preterm labor: drinking a glass of water, emptying our bladder, and lying down to see if the contractions will stop without medical intervention. Overall, it was a good class and a fun experience!
Monday, May 3, 2010
nursery pics
Here are some pictures of the nursery so far!
We decided to paint the room with a blue and blue stripe pattern. We created the stripes by using a glossy and flat paint in the same color blue. Thank you mom and dad for all your help painting!
This is the fabric that we are going to use for the curtains and crib bedskirt.
Our new chandelier.
This is our dresser and changing table.
Colby did a great job putting the new crib together!
The final product! Thank you so much to Curtis and Debbie for the crib and dresser! They look amazing in the room!
We decided to paint the room with a blue and blue stripe pattern. We created the stripes by using a glossy and flat paint in the same color blue. Thank you mom and dad for all your help painting!This is the fabric that we are going to use for the curtains and crib bedskirt. Our new chandelier.This is our dresser and changing table.Colby did a great job putting the new crib together!The final product! Thank you so much to Curtis and Debbie for the crib and dresser! They look amazing in the room!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
babymoon
April 24-29
Riu Palace at night.
They had really neat palm trees in the shape of fans.
The view from the balcony of our room. We woke up every morning to the sound of the ocean.
The water was perfectly clear and the sand was really white. I really wanted to get a tan before my maternity pictures and thought I would get a little sun on my belly. Apparently, your skin is really sensitive when you are pregnant and I ended up burning my belly pretty badly!
The only time we left the resort was to go on a catamaran tour of Negril. It was beautiful! We saw the 7 mile beach, downtown Negril, and some resorts along the rocky part of the coast with gorgeous cliffs. We went to the largest reef off the coast of Jamaica for some snorkeling and were able to see amazing fish in bright shades of orange, yellow, and blue. Colby even got to hold a sea urchin. We also saw a cannon from an old ship.
In our snorkel gear :)
We swam inside this cave! It was so pretty. You can really see how clear the water was in this picture.
Colby and I wanted to take one last big vacation as a couple before our little boy arrives, so we decided to go to Negril, Jamaica.
They had really neat palm trees in the shape of fans. The view from the balcony of our room. We woke up every morning to the sound of the ocean.We spent most of our time at the beach or the pool and even pampered ourselves with a couples massage. We had the most relaxing and amazing time!! On our last day at the beach we saw starfish while we were swimming in the ocean and I saw a stingray while we were walking along the shore.
The water was perfectly clear and the sand was really white. I really wanted to get a tan before my maternity pictures and thought I would get a little sun on my belly. Apparently, your skin is really sensitive when you are pregnant and I ended up burning my belly pretty badly! The only time we left the resort was to go on a catamaran tour of Negril. It was beautiful! We saw the 7 mile beach, downtown Negril, and some resorts along the rocky part of the coast with gorgeous cliffs. We went to the largest reef off the coast of Jamaica for some snorkeling and were able to see amazing fish in bright shades of orange, yellow, and blue. Colby even got to hold a sea urchin. We also saw a cannon from an old ship.
In our snorkel gear :)We swam inside this cave! It was so pretty. You can really see how clear the water was in this picture. Our last stop was a place called Rick's cafe. It is a restaurant and bar located on Negril's cliffs that is most well known for cliff diving. There were Jamaican "professional" cliff divers who would do flips and dives off the cliffs as well as drunk vacationers who would jump off the cliffs.
Some of the "professional" cliff divers.
Some of the "professional" cliff divers.
At the resort, there are four restaurants-Italian, Japanese, fusion, and steak. You can choose to eat at the buffet or you can make a reservations at one of the restaurants. We were in Jamaica for 5 nights, so we thought we would try each of the restaurants. Our favorite was the Japanese restaurant. They had amazing sushi! Here are some pictures of us before dinner each night. Of course, we had to take some belly pics!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
What does dad have to say about everything?
Well, I'll tell you. Meg wanted me to post on here as well. I guess that is because the baby is half mine (so she tells me). He definitely has my nose, so I guess I can claim him.
In the beginning..... of the pregnancy. I was so excited when Meg first told me we were having a baby. You can gather this much from her first post. It was so hard to keep my big mouth shut about the big news. As you all know, we started spreading the word and the rest is history.
The heartbeat. When I first heard the heartbeat, my heart melted. I couldn't believe that 1) we actually created a baby and 2) that someone would soon be calling us mom and dad. It's all been sinking in more and more as time has passed.
It's a girl!!! That wasn't very nice of the doctor to play with my emotions like that. I spent 4 weeks envisioning a future with my little girl; tea parties, dresses, dances, pink, dolls, boys, etc. Then at the 16 week appointment he tells us it's a boy. All those dreams came crashing down. I didn't think I would have been so attached to the idea of having a girl, but apparently I was. A few hours later I got over the surprise and I've got to admit that I am very proud that we are having a boy. Now I've been thinking about blue (and green), Legos, slot car tracks, trains, transformers, action figures, monster trucks, catch, dirt, skinned knees, etc.
The first kick (that I felt) Meg was telling me for over a month that she was feeling him moving around. She was getting the butterfly feeling and she was feeling him kick. She really wanted me to feel him, but he just never kicked hard enough. And then, one night, we were laying in bed about to go to sleep. With my hand on her tummy, nodding off, I felt two taps on the palm of my hand. That had to be one of the most surreal moments in my life. To think that there was a small creature inside Meg's body and he was tapping my hand as if to say "hello, someone's in here." Now when I see him moving around I keep thinking about that scene in the movie Space Balls (which Meg has never seen) where the alien pops out of the guy's stomach and dances across the bar with his top hat and cane singing, "hello my baby, hello my honey, hello me ragtime gal." Weird, huh?
All this time, I have stared in amazement at my beautiful wife as she has blossomed into yet an even more beautiful mommy-to-be. Several dads I've talked to have shared this same feeling of love when they look at the mother of their children. It is quite amazing the amount of sacrifice a woman will go through to bring a baby into the world. I don't think us guys could handle it. So we watch in awe at the transformation happening right in front of us. We do as much as we can to take care of them, drive to Charlie's Chicken 20 times a week for mashed potatoes, rub their feet, kiss their bellies, hold their hand, and anything else we can do for these magnificent women who God has blessed us with.
I love you, Meg.
In the beginning..... of the pregnancy. I was so excited when Meg first told me we were having a baby. You can gather this much from her first post. It was so hard to keep my big mouth shut about the big news. As you all know, we started spreading the word and the rest is history.
The heartbeat. When I first heard the heartbeat, my heart melted. I couldn't believe that 1) we actually created a baby and 2) that someone would soon be calling us mom and dad. It's all been sinking in more and more as time has passed.
It's a girl!!! That wasn't very nice of the doctor to play with my emotions like that. I spent 4 weeks envisioning a future with my little girl; tea parties, dresses, dances, pink, dolls, boys, etc. Then at the 16 week appointment he tells us it's a boy. All those dreams came crashing down. I didn't think I would have been so attached to the idea of having a girl, but apparently I was. A few hours later I got over the surprise and I've got to admit that I am very proud that we are having a boy. Now I've been thinking about blue (and green), Legos, slot car tracks, trains, transformers, action figures, monster trucks, catch, dirt, skinned knees, etc.
The first kick (that I felt) Meg was telling me for over a month that she was feeling him moving around. She was getting the butterfly feeling and she was feeling him kick. She really wanted me to feel him, but he just never kicked hard enough. And then, one night, we were laying in bed about to go to sleep. With my hand on her tummy, nodding off, I felt two taps on the palm of my hand. That had to be one of the most surreal moments in my life. To think that there was a small creature inside Meg's body and he was tapping my hand as if to say "hello, someone's in here." Now when I see him moving around I keep thinking about that scene in the movie Space Balls (which Meg has never seen) where the alien pops out of the guy's stomach and dances across the bar with his top hat and cane singing, "hello my baby, hello my honey, hello me ragtime gal." Weird, huh?
All this time, I have stared in amazement at my beautiful wife as she has blossomed into yet an even more beautiful mommy-to-be. Several dads I've talked to have shared this same feeling of love when they look at the mother of their children. It is quite amazing the amount of sacrifice a woman will go through to bring a baby into the world. I don't think us guys could handle it. So we watch in awe at the transformation happening right in front of us. We do as much as we can to take care of them, drive to Charlie's Chicken 20 times a week for mashed potatoes, rub their feet, kiss their bellies, hold their hand, and anything else we can do for these magnificent women who God has blessed us with.
I love you, Meg.
our fifth appointment
Friday, April 30
I had my screening test for gestational diabetes today. Before going to the appointment, I had to drink a glucose drink. I had heard a lot of horror stories about how bad it tastes. It kind of tastes like gatorade at first. It wasn't as bad as I thought, but it was still pretty nasty. One hour after the glucose drink, I had my blood drawn. They tested me for anemia as well as gestational diabetes. I shouldn't hear anything from the doctor unless my lab results are abnormal.
I had my screening test for gestational diabetes today. Before going to the appointment, I had to drink a glucose drink. I had heard a lot of horror stories about how bad it tastes. It kind of tastes like gatorade at first. It wasn't as bad as I thought, but it was still pretty nasty. One hour after the glucose drink, I had my blood drawn. They tested me for anemia as well as gestational diabetes. I shouldn't hear anything from the doctor unless my lab results are abnormal.
Our appointment with the doctor was short, but we got some great pictures of the baby. Colby is convinced that he looks just like him! :) He is positioned with his head down right now. In the pictures, you can see the umbilical cord right in front of his neck and mouth. His little hand is in the background of the first two pictures on the top left side of the pictures.
He seems to be moving around a lot! I am feeling lots of little kicks and punches. It is so much fun to sit and watch as my belly bounces and wiggles and around. Colby and I are both enjoying getting to feel and see our little boy move!
Dr. Nilson says the baby looks great. I am 27 weeks and 1 day. Our next appointment will be May 24. We are also having our 4D ultrasound on Saturday, May 22. I can't wait to see him again! I know we will get some awesome pictures and video!
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