I am updating this a little early, as I don't have photos of Karmann dressed up for the holiday or any pictures of me either. Baby Stenger has not arrived, either. This weekend I had high hopes. We even had Keri and Amara stay over to watch Kar in case I was to go into labor, but it never happened. We had fun anyway - went to Lake Eola yesterday and hung out enjoying the beautiful weather. But, no action on the baby side. I am having contractions around the 15 minute interval mark, but nothing to run to the hospital about. I also have the rash on my ankles and upper thighs, as well as my belly, which is driving me crazy. I'm trying not to swell up and am trying to drink a lot of water today. I'm not going into work, as people are more nervous having me there, so its probably better for everyone that I stay home at this point. Maybe my nesting instinct will chime in and I'll get a few things organized today while home alone. Karmann's school is having a "harvest day" so at least she's not missing that. Well, hopefully the next update will be good news. For now, keep your fingers crossed!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
39 week update
But I have met all our "deadlines" before the baby, so now it can get here any time! Just waiting for the contractions to start. I already have the crazy rash on my belly and ankles and legs, which my mom reminded me that I had that last time (which I vaguely remember). I am having contractions, but they are not regular or painful (yet). I halfway don't know what they are supposed to feel like because I was induced last time, and had an epidural, but I do remember what they were like before the epidural, and I haven't felt that yet.
Kris is starting to get nervous. Though its not quite clear if its because of the Cardinals who are in the world series or me going into labor.... Karmann is sensing it too - one minute she wants me and the next she's mad at me. But mostly she's being a cuddle bug and as sweet as can be. She still is having potty training issues, but we've accepted it and hope and pray that she will decide soon when to make up her mind and just do it.
Other than that, we are just waiting around for things to get moving! We hope to have another update soon!!! Can't wait to meet this little one and find out if its a boy or girl (in which we still haven't picked out a name!!)
Sunday, October 23, 2011
38 week update - Open House
Last Wednesday marked week 38! On Thursday, the doctor wanted to have an ultrasound, as I was measuring a little large (this is opposite of Karmann, as I had a similar situation with her because I was measuring too small). Ends up that the baby is measuring a little large, but the head is normal. They estimated the weight to already be at 7 lbs 15 oz (so by today, it would be over 8 lbs.). The doc estimated that I would go into labor within a week. Beside the rash on my belly, and having to treck the belly weight around, I am feeling fine. Haven't had any scary contractions yet.
This was a good thing, as Friday and yesterday we had open houses for the local AIA chapter (October is Architecture Month and it was part of the event schedule) and yesterday was for friends and coworkers that helped with the construction or just plain dealt with all of us while going through the construction process. It was a lot of fun and it was great to spend the time with everyone throughout the day. It was a great turn out and it really meant a lot to Kris and me to share the "completed" house with everyone. We have some great friends and we are really lucky to have such a wonderful support system of friends, coworkers, and neighbors here in Orlando. This house has been a true accomplishment for us and now that we have lived here for 6 months, we are really loving it. We also know how lucky we are! We are looking forward to many more get-together's here in the years to come!
On another note, another deadline we met was a "before baby 2" photo shoot. The pictures turned out really great and I could not be happier. Karmann was not exactly cooperative, but we did get a few great ones of her and all three of us. When I get the digital versions I will post to share.
This morning, things definitely felt calmer now that the major events are done and over with. Karmann ended up passing out at 630 pm yesterday from all the activity of yesterday, so she woke up around 5 am and wanted breakfast. Kris left for his weekly long run, and Kar and I spent most of the morning hanging out on the front deck spending some last minute quality time together. This could be the last weekend that she is an only child! I had to soak it all in and give her tons of hugs and kisses. She was adorable as usual! One of her favorite songs lately has been "I have the joy, joy, joy, down in my heart" and she sang it for me this morning. It just makes me smile when she sings it as she is very enthusiastic when she sings it! Its a precious moment. She sang it super loud in the grocery store the other day and she was cracking me up. I figured of all the songs, she can sing that one as loud as she wants whenever she wants! Anyway, I am trying to take all of her adorable (and stubbornness) in, as I fear I will miss a lot of stuff with the new baby here. I can only hope that I am able to balance everything so I don't feel too guilty about it!
Well, I'm off to start working on school stuff today - this week is most likely to be the last week at work and teaching - and it just happens to be midterm week. So I'm off to prep for that. Kris is sleeping and Kar is watching Sesame Street, so it is quite in the house for the moment - again, another moment to take in!
This was a good thing, as Friday and yesterday we had open houses for the local AIA chapter (October is Architecture Month and it was part of the event schedule) and yesterday was for friends and coworkers that helped with the construction or just plain dealt with all of us while going through the construction process. It was a lot of fun and it was great to spend the time with everyone throughout the day. It was a great turn out and it really meant a lot to Kris and me to share the "completed" house with everyone. We have some great friends and we are really lucky to have such a wonderful support system of friends, coworkers, and neighbors here in Orlando. This house has been a true accomplishment for us and now that we have lived here for 6 months, we are really loving it. We also know how lucky we are! We are looking forward to many more get-together's here in the years to come!
On another note, another deadline we met was a "before baby 2" photo shoot. The pictures turned out really great and I could not be happier. Karmann was not exactly cooperative, but we did get a few great ones of her and all three of us. When I get the digital versions I will post to share.
This morning, things definitely felt calmer now that the major events are done and over with. Karmann ended up passing out at 630 pm yesterday from all the activity of yesterday, so she woke up around 5 am and wanted breakfast. Kris left for his weekly long run, and Kar and I spent most of the morning hanging out on the front deck spending some last minute quality time together. This could be the last weekend that she is an only child! I had to soak it all in and give her tons of hugs and kisses. She was adorable as usual! One of her favorite songs lately has been "I have the joy, joy, joy, down in my heart" and she sang it for me this morning. It just makes me smile when she sings it as she is very enthusiastic when she sings it! Its a precious moment. She sang it super loud in the grocery store the other day and she was cracking me up. I figured of all the songs, she can sing that one as loud as she wants whenever she wants! Anyway, I am trying to take all of her adorable (and stubbornness) in, as I fear I will miss a lot of stuff with the new baby here. I can only hope that I am able to balance everything so I don't feel too guilty about it!
Well, I'm off to start working on school stuff today - this week is most likely to be the last week at work and teaching - and it just happens to be midterm week. So I'm off to prep for that. Kris is sleeping and Kar is watching Sesame Street, so it is quite in the house for the moment - again, another moment to take in!
Thursday, October 6, 2011
36 week update
So I've been a little busy but have made a list of the things I need to record via this blog. I start with the stories about Kar....
Now, I know I have a unique child, but this took me by surprise - the other morning, she woke up, happy as a clown, and when I asked her what she would like for breakfast she said "Broccoli". I said what? And she repeated "Broccoli"! I said for breakfast? and she said "Yes!" I continued to say are you sure you don't want cereal? and she said "No MOM, Broccoli!" So I really couldn't argue, so I made her a small bowl of broccoli, and she ate all of it!
One day last week, I picked her up from school and at every stop she said "look! An octagon!" I couldn't figure it out at first, but then realized she was identifying all the stop signs as the shape they are! I was impressed. Then, the next morning, we were downstairs getting ready to head out the door, and she started pointing at all the furniture, and identifying the shapes they had - such as the table was a circle, the TV was a rectangle, the pillow was a square! It was pretty cute and observant.
Last night she wanted to play in her room, and specifically with her little piano (which is the shape of a cat smiling and the teeth are the keys) and she wanted me to sing into the microphone, and she would play the piano while I sang. I was pretty impressed how she was trying to keep the beat and try and play the keys! We really need to get her into music class as I think she may be musically talented!
I also would love to get her into dance class, but we are having a major setback in the potty training department, and no dance class until she's trained. She was doing so well, until she (and the rest of her class) was moved up to the Trailblazer classroom. She has been okay with #1, but insists on wearing pull-ups instead of "big girl pants" and has been consistently going #2 in her pants. She goes a little bit at a time, and refuses to admit to us that she has indeed pooped. I am baffled by this activity, and she does it at school and at home. Kris and I are both sick of it, and have basically given up. This is not a good thing, of course, as we fully expect a regression/protest when the baby arrives. This potty training has been going on for almost 9 months now - which to me is unacceptable. So, as a parent I feel like we have failed, and are pretty much giving up. What is so frustrating is that she was so close!!! I was really hoping this would be old news before the new baby arrived, but I have given up on that hope also. I guess she'll figure it out when she is ready - its not like she doesn't know what to do or how to do it - she just doesn't do it. I'm about ready to call the doctor or try a child psychologist!!
Earlier this week, a few of my coworkers gave me an impromptu baby shower during our weekly staff meeting. It was very nice of them, and it made me realize that we have done - literally - nothing to prepare for this child. I haven't been reading big-sister books to Karmann; we haven't gotten the car seat down from the attic, not the bassinet; still need to get a new mattress for the crib; get out the newborn clothes and wash them and organize the drawers/closet; haven't packed a bag for the hospital - let alone pre-register at the hospital; and haven't given the daycare the emergency list of people who could possible pick up Kar at the daycare if something were to happen during the day!! Kris is still focused on baseball - and as I have been joking this whole pregnancy - is still in denial that I am even pregnant. I am secretly hoping the Cards drop out soon, just so he comes to reality and starts to get these things done!
I went to my 36 week check up on Wednesday. I will be going every week here on out. I have gained a total of 34 lbs. so far. Though I think 25 of it is just in my belly and boobs! The heart beat was at 150 this time. It seems to be different every time I go. But otherwise, the doctor said I am measuring normal and the head is down. I am having to keep track of the number and time of kicks or movements of the baby on a daily basis and have to keep a form with me at all times and take it to the hospital when I go into labor. The movement is crazy now. Its so frequent that its hard to remember to keep track of the number (I only have to count to 10 and note the time I get to 10 movements. By the time I count and remember it's been around 10 am everyday.)
I am having minor swelling in my feet, which is worse on nights when I teach - of course, but otherwise doing better in the tailbone and pubic bone pain. I'm getting up at least once - if not twice- a night to go pee and re-position myself in bed. I have also realized that I pretty much look like crap due to the sleep interruptions and probably all the stress of not being prepared. Too many things still to get done!! Hoping these braxton-hicks contractions do not turn into real ones for 4 more weeks!!
Anyway, I am sure I am missing a lot of details, but will continue making my list. I will also try to post photos next time - as I am freakishly pregnant and larger than I was with Kar!! Caio!
Now, I know I have a unique child, but this took me by surprise - the other morning, she woke up, happy as a clown, and when I asked her what she would like for breakfast she said "Broccoli". I said what? And she repeated "Broccoli"! I said for breakfast? and she said "Yes!" I continued to say are you sure you don't want cereal? and she said "No MOM, Broccoli!" So I really couldn't argue, so I made her a small bowl of broccoli, and she ate all of it!
One day last week, I picked her up from school and at every stop she said "look! An octagon!" I couldn't figure it out at first, but then realized she was identifying all the stop signs as the shape they are! I was impressed. Then, the next morning, we were downstairs getting ready to head out the door, and she started pointing at all the furniture, and identifying the shapes they had - such as the table was a circle, the TV was a rectangle, the pillow was a square! It was pretty cute and observant.
Last night she wanted to play in her room, and specifically with her little piano (which is the shape of a cat smiling and the teeth are the keys) and she wanted me to sing into the microphone, and she would play the piano while I sang. I was pretty impressed how she was trying to keep the beat and try and play the keys! We really need to get her into music class as I think she may be musically talented!
I also would love to get her into dance class, but we are having a major setback in the potty training department, and no dance class until she's trained. She was doing so well, until she (and the rest of her class) was moved up to the Trailblazer classroom. She has been okay with #1, but insists on wearing pull-ups instead of "big girl pants" and has been consistently going #2 in her pants. She goes a little bit at a time, and refuses to admit to us that she has indeed pooped. I am baffled by this activity, and she does it at school and at home. Kris and I are both sick of it, and have basically given up. This is not a good thing, of course, as we fully expect a regression/protest when the baby arrives. This potty training has been going on for almost 9 months now - which to me is unacceptable. So, as a parent I feel like we have failed, and are pretty much giving up. What is so frustrating is that she was so close!!! I was really hoping this would be old news before the new baby arrived, but I have given up on that hope also. I guess she'll figure it out when she is ready - its not like she doesn't know what to do or how to do it - she just doesn't do it. I'm about ready to call the doctor or try a child psychologist!!
Earlier this week, a few of my coworkers gave me an impromptu baby shower during our weekly staff meeting. It was very nice of them, and it made me realize that we have done - literally - nothing to prepare for this child. I haven't been reading big-sister books to Karmann; we haven't gotten the car seat down from the attic, not the bassinet; still need to get a new mattress for the crib; get out the newborn clothes and wash them and organize the drawers/closet; haven't packed a bag for the hospital - let alone pre-register at the hospital; and haven't given the daycare the emergency list of people who could possible pick up Kar at the daycare if something were to happen during the day!! Kris is still focused on baseball - and as I have been joking this whole pregnancy - is still in denial that I am even pregnant. I am secretly hoping the Cards drop out soon, just so he comes to reality and starts to get these things done!
I went to my 36 week check up on Wednesday. I will be going every week here on out. I have gained a total of 34 lbs. so far. Though I think 25 of it is just in my belly and boobs! The heart beat was at 150 this time. It seems to be different every time I go. But otherwise, the doctor said I am measuring normal and the head is down. I am having to keep track of the number and time of kicks or movements of the baby on a daily basis and have to keep a form with me at all times and take it to the hospital when I go into labor. The movement is crazy now. Its so frequent that its hard to remember to keep track of the number (I only have to count to 10 and note the time I get to 10 movements. By the time I count and remember it's been around 10 am everyday.)
I am having minor swelling in my feet, which is worse on nights when I teach - of course, but otherwise doing better in the tailbone and pubic bone pain. I'm getting up at least once - if not twice- a night to go pee and re-position myself in bed. I have also realized that I pretty much look like crap due to the sleep interruptions and probably all the stress of not being prepared. Too many things still to get done!! Hoping these braxton-hicks contractions do not turn into real ones for 4 more weeks!!
Anyway, I am sure I am missing a lot of details, but will continue making my list. I will also try to post photos next time - as I am freakishly pregnant and larger than I was with Kar!! Caio!
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