Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
It's a BOY!!!!
Garrett William Russell arrived at 5:59am on Tuesday, December 23, 2008!!! He was born at 9 lbs 10 oz and 21 inches long - he was HUGE! Details to come after Mom has rested.....
Monday, December 22, 2008
40 week prenatal appointment
So....Annie says I'm now dilated to 4 cm and I have a really bulging bag of water (that's good)! It shouldn't be too much longer now - if you scroll back you'll also see that she said I wouldn't make it to my 40 week appointment! Love you Annie! Baby is very low and taking his or her own sweet time! At 4 cm the hospital would admit me but I would rather labor at home and not stuck in a maternity bed or walking the carpet in the maternity ward! This baby will come....sooner rather than later as we are all waiting to meet him/her!
Going to be pregnant forever
At least that is how it feels....I've tried everything to get this baby moving and still nothing =/ I have an appointment with Annie this afternoon and I'm hoping she has some good news for me because I'm starting to think that this baby bump may become a permanent fixture on my body!
Keep your fingers crossed that something starts to happen soon...
Keep your fingers crossed that something starts to happen soon...
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Murphy's Law...
So I have 3 more days until the dreaded due date approaches and I honestly have NO IDEA if this baby is going to come before then or not =/ I'm having good contractions during the day and early evening but then things seem to taper off - I'll continue to walk because other wise I just sit and beg this baby in my belly to come out! I figure that something must be going to happen soon as Matt came down with a terrible case of food poisoning from our dinner out last night (he is still at home sick as a dog) and it's storming like crazy outside...these are both key ingredients for this baby to deliver...right?!?
Thursday, December 18, 2008
What do you think?
No baby
I've been walking like it's my job and still this child resides in my belly! This baby is hanging out, nice and cozy with a little chuckle! At least I know I'm dilated and things are moving along...I'm going to hang on to that for now =)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Anytime...
While I'd love to go into full detail about the latest happenings with my pregnant bodily functions I'll go ahead and spare you the details! Let's just sum it up by saying that things are moving along just as they should be - I'll continue to walk and we can all keep our fingers crossed that we have a healthy baby arrive before the 22nd =)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
39 Week Follow Up
Good news - this baby is making progress!!
We are now dilated to 3 cm and baby is very, very low! My midwife is confident that I will have this baby before my December 22nd due date (famous last words...right) but I've started the walking routine in an effort to get this kid OUT! Overall I've been as comfortable as any 39 week pregnant woman can be aside from feeling like I've ridden a bike all day everyday!
Madison loved me a WHOLE lot and arrived one day early - I have no idea what it is like to watch your magical due date come and go and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have to experience that this time around =)
Everyone wish me labor luck!!!
We are now dilated to 3 cm and baby is very, very low! My midwife is confident that I will have this baby before my December 22nd due date (famous last words...right) but I've started the walking routine in an effort to get this kid OUT! Overall I've been as comfortable as any 39 week pregnant woman can be aside from feeling like I've ridden a bike all day everyday!
Madison loved me a WHOLE lot and arrived one day early - I have no idea what it is like to watch your magical due date come and go and I am keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have to experience that this time around =)
Everyone wish me labor luck!!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Full Moon
My cousin, Kristin, has informed me that tonight is said to be the biggest full moon of the year and you know what they say about full moons!!! Any hospital labor and delivery will be a busy place when a full moon rises...maybe I'll be lucky enough to get myself one of those rooms =)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
What a kid!!
Madison is growing up to be such an amazing little girl! Each day she looks a little bit older and as much as it makes me sad I am so amazed to see her mature into such a caring little girl right before my eyes!!
Here is a photo of Madison having a PB&J while watching one of her many recorded shows...I would like to take a poll to see just how many of you could watch TV and eat your snack in this position?? Anyone??
Here is a photo of Madison and her American Girl Doll - Gracie - in their matching jammies! How cute are they?!?!?
Here is a photo of Madison having a PB&J while watching one of her many recorded shows...I would like to take a poll to see just how many of you could watch TV and eat your snack in this position?? Anyone??
Here is a photo of Madison and her American Girl Doll - Gracie - in their matching jammies! How cute are they?!?!?Monday, December 8, 2008
38 weeks down, 14 days to go!
Today marks my 38 week of being pregnant...I'm slowly getting to the end of my rope =) Just 14 days left until my due date and 10 more days of work before starting my leave - whoohoo!! I have an appointment with my midwife this afternoon and will be sure to update everyone.
**UPDATE** No breaking news to report, just an update from my appointment this afternoon! Everything is moving along, baby is now lower (which is a blessing because this baby is finally off my ribs!) and we are dilated to 2 cm!! Whoohoo for progress but the honest truth is that I could stay at 2 cm dilated for a long time =) I told my midwife that I'm mentally prepared to stay pregnant until the 22nd but it's all about intervention after that!! Madison was one day early - so I really have no idea what it is like to watch my due date (yes, I understand its just an approximation) come and go!!
So - everyone keep your fingers crossed that this baby loves me as much as Madison did and will arrive ON or BEFORE the 22nd!!!
**UPDATE** No breaking news to report, just an update from my appointment this afternoon! Everything is moving along, baby is now lower (which is a blessing because this baby is finally off my ribs!) and we are dilated to 2 cm!! Whoohoo for progress but the honest truth is that I could stay at 2 cm dilated for a long time =) I told my midwife that I'm mentally prepared to stay pregnant until the 22nd but it's all about intervention after that!! Madison was one day early - so I really have no idea what it is like to watch my due date (yes, I understand its just an approximation) come and go!!
So - everyone keep your fingers crossed that this baby loves me as much as Madison did and will arrive ON or BEFORE the 22nd!!!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
19 Days To Go!!!!
I can't believe it - we are in the teens!!! Only 19 days until Baby Russell is here and our life takes on a whole new definition of crazy!!!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Happy Anniversary!!!
Madison and I were treated to pedicures this weekend (THANK YOU Aunt Lynn) and we had such a good time! Madison woke up Sunday morning and asked if we could go get another pedicure!! What a kid, she gets her first pedi at the age of 8 and now I think she's hooked!!!
Yesterday Matt and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary and in true Northern Michigan fashion there was a snow storm - far as I know there has been a snow storm on December 1st for the last three years!! Madison lucked out with a snow day off from school so she joined me at my 37 week prenatal appointment with Annie and then we were able to hang out for the day!! I'll post some pictures of the cute gingerbread house Madison and I made together!
Yesterday Matt and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary and in true Northern Michigan fashion there was a snow storm - far as I know there has been a snow storm on December 1st for the last three years!! Madison lucked out with a snow day off from school so she joined me at my 37 week prenatal appointment with Annie and then we were able to hang out for the day!! I'll post some pictures of the cute gingerbread house Madison and I made together!Tuesday, November 25, 2008
We're Official!
I've completed my Maternity Prepared Stay at the hospital!! I've signed all the consent forms and answered all the questions ahead of time that I could possibly answer! We now have our file sitting somewhere near the main nurses station - just waiting on Baby Russell now =)
Monday, November 24, 2008
36 Week Appointment
I met with Annie this morning for my 36 week prenatal appointment and everything is moving along very well!
We had to wait for a contraction to pass (I didn't even feel it) so that we could check the heart rate for baby. This baby still doesn't like the doppler on him/her and makes an attempt to "get away" - too bad there isn't any more room to run!
This baby tends to use my ribs as somewhat of a spring board from time to time - I'm way over that!! Baby is still head down and that is where we want him/her to stay - no more turning around now! I'll now head to the Doctor once a week until this baby is born!
We had to wait for a contraction to pass (I didn't even feel it) so that we could check the heart rate for baby. This baby still doesn't like the doppler on him/her and makes an attempt to "get away" - too bad there isn't any more room to run!
This baby tends to use my ribs as somewhat of a spring board from time to time - I'm way over that!! Baby is still head down and that is where we want him/her to stay - no more turning around now! I'll now head to the Doctor once a week until this baby is born!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
35 weeks down, 35 days to go!!!
That's right folks - I've been pregnant for 35 weeks and now have just 35 days to go!! 35 days - agghhh!!! I'd like to think I have that much time but Dr. Russell (aka Matt) doesn't seem to think I can get much bigger =) so he is convinced that I'll have this baby before December 22nd!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Go ahead, leave a comment =)
No comments - not a single one? What is the matter with you people? If your related to me - and some of you are - I know you have plenty to say!!
Leaving a comment is easy (you don't even need an account to do so). For example, click "0 comments" at the bottom of whatever post you'd like to leave a comment about and it will take you to a new window page!
It's super easy and we would love to see what you have to say!
Leaving a comment is easy (you don't even need an account to do so). For example, click "0 comments" at the bottom of whatever post you'd like to leave a comment about and it will take you to a new window page!
It's super easy and we would love to see what you have to say!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
34 week Appointment - Everything looks good!
I met with Dr. Myers this afternoon (after she missed our appointment two weeks ago) and everything is fine. Actually, my appointment today may have been the fastest appointment ever! She did make a comment about my belly measuring big (by 1 cm - give me a break lady I am making a human in there) and that it was nothing to be concerned about - maybe I just carried big babies! After checking Baby Russell for a good, strong heart beat she filled out my form and scurried out of the exam room. Turns out she had a patient laboring over at Munson the whole time she was seeing regularly schedule patients - sounds a bit like good 'old Dr. Bump (except he was taking his kids to Burger King)!
Anyhow, our remaining appointments will be with Annie (my favorite) and we are scheduled to be seen on Monday, November 24th for our 36 week appointment.
For all of our friends and family out there that might be wondering who "we" might be - it's Baby Russell and myself (the baby carrier) - Matt has had his fill of the ladies exam room and won't be connecting with the Doctor until labor and delivery!!
Anyhow, our remaining appointments will be with Annie (my favorite) and we are scheduled to be seen on Monday, November 24th for our 36 week appointment.
For all of our friends and family out there that might be wondering who "we" might be - it's Baby Russell and myself (the baby carrier) - Matt has had his fill of the ladies exam room and won't be connecting with the Doctor until labor and delivery!!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Madison's Well Child Check-Up
This morning was Madison's annual Well Child Check-Up and she did fantastic! She is 55 inches tall (she grew 3 inches over the past year) and is tipping the scales at 75 pounds (up 13 from last year which is GOOD since she has been bone thin for SO long)! There were lots of questions asked by the Doctor and Madison spoke up and answered everything for us! Madison was given a clean bill of health and we'll keep our fingers crossed (or knock on wood - whatever it takes) to see that we don't end up in the Doctor's office until her 2009 check-up!!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Happy Birthday Madison & Grandpa Hays!
And Happy Belated Birthday to Aunt Val =)
Madison is 8 years old today!!! I can't believe it!! Matt & I sent her a balloon bouquet to school today and I went to school and had lunch with her (all the little kids are so cute)! She was very excited about the cup cakes that she brought to share with the class and has decided she would like her Dad to take her to La Senorita tonight for dinner (she can't get enough of the birthday song)!
Madison is 8 years old today!!! I can't believe it!! Matt & I sent her a balloon bouquet to school today and I went to school and had lunch with her (all the little kids are so cute)! She was very excited about the cup cakes that she brought to share with the class and has decided she would like her Dad to take her to La Senorita tonight for dinner (she can't get enough of the birthday song)!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Happy Birthday Party Day Madison!!!
We did it!! We managed to survive Halloween and Madison's 8th Birthday party all in the same weekend!!! Madison had a great time trick-or-treating in Grandma Maggie's neighborhood - took us about an hour to trick-or-treat the entire sub with her friend Leah - then it was off to see if we could pull a fast on on her Dad. Madison had me park out on the street so that we looked like "normal" trick-or-treaters! She surprised her Dad and he loaded her up with candy! Our last stop was Grandma Sleder's and Madison was the 12th trick-or-treater ALL night!! Poor Matt stayed home this year to hand out candy to any trick-or-treaters that might stop in
to Logan Hills and he didn't see anyone ALL night long! Poor guy - Madison was his first visitor and we didn't get home until 9:45pm! Saturday was Madison's Birthday party! She invited four classmates to join her in watching High School Musical 3: Senior Year! I invited my Mom to help with all the kids! The movie was cute and we got a great view - Madison sat us in the very first row! After the movie I brought all the kids home and we had pizza while we waited for the family to show up (they were all late as usual)! Madison was a very lucky birthday girl - she had so many cool presents that we were still opening them up this morning!! Thank you to our family that stopped by the house for presents, cake and ice cream - Madison had a blast!!
Friday, October 31, 2008

Better late than never...right?!?! We managed to get all three pumpkins carved last night, the night before Halloween!! Madison created a Cat (in the middle), I worked with lots of straight lines (on the left) and Matt had the traditional pumpkin face (on the right)! Now if we can just keep Boris from pushing them down the driveway long enough to light them up for trick-or-treaters!!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
32 Week Appointment
Yesterday was my 32 week appointment, scheduled with Dr. Meyers but since she was way behind I was able to see Annie (my midwife and primary care giver)! It was a completely normal appointment - urine sample, blood pressure check, step on the scale, listen to the heart beat and measure the belly! Baby has been really active and he/she seems to really like one particular spot on my stomach - feels like a tae-kwon-do workout on my stomach!
I can't believe how busy this next week is going to be!! Friday is Halloween - enough said! Saturday we are celebrating Madison's birthday party which means that I'm taking five 7 year old to see High School Musical 3! Thank goodness that Grandma-Grandma said she would go with me...I'll need the help! Tuesday is Election Day and I encourage EVERYONE to get out and vote! Thursday is Madison's birthday - 8 years old already!! And Friday we head down state for a full weekend of visiting friends and taking in a wedding!!
Whew, I may need a small vacation after all of that!
I can't believe how busy this next week is going to be!! Friday is Halloween - enough said! Saturday we are celebrating Madison's birthday party which means that I'm taking five 7 year old to see High School Musical 3! Thank goodness that Grandma-Grandma said she would go with me...I'll need the help! Tuesday is Election Day and I encourage EVERYONE to get out and vote! Thursday is Madison's birthday - 8 years old already!! And Friday we head down state for a full weekend of visiting friends and taking in a wedding!!
Whew, I may need a small vacation after all of that!
Monday, October 13, 2008
30 weeks and counting!!!
This morning I had my 30 week pre-natal appointment with Annie and today was the day I had to take my glucose test - yuck!! Nothing like getting your blood drawn first thing in the morning!!
Good news is that Annie says baby is head down (just the way it should be) and that everything looks good!! Baby had strong heartbeat and has been giving me a good kick in the side here and there!! Could I have a soccer player in there??
Since we are on the homestretch now - 10 weeks more or less - I am now schedule to see someone at the practice every two weeks!
Whoohoo...Baby Russell is on his/her way!!!
Good news is that Annie says baby is head down (just the way it should be) and that everything looks good!! Baby had strong heartbeat and has been giving me a good kick in the side here and there!! Could I have a soccer player in there??
Since we are on the homestretch now - 10 weeks more or less - I am now schedule to see someone at the practice every two weeks!
Whoohoo...Baby Russell is on his/her way!!!
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
Tooth Update
Madison's dentist appointment went well this afternoon. We were told that she can't have the tooth capped until 14 years of age or so but he can put in two metal poles and create a tooth from that....I know I'm not explaining it right but basically they can make it look like her whole tooth is there until we are done with braces and such later on.
The only down fall was, of course, they have to give Madison a shot in the mouth to numb things up =/ but I think that is the perfect appointment to send Scott to! One little shot in the mouth is a whole lot better than having the whole tooth removed! We are very lucky that the nerve is alive and doing well!!!
The only down fall was, of course, they have to give Madison a shot in the mouth to numb things up =/ but I think that is the perfect appointment to send Scott to! One little shot in the mouth is a whole lot better than having the whole tooth removed! We are very lucky that the nerve is alive and doing well!!!
Mackinaw Island

We had a great time on Mackinaw Island this past weekend! Grandpa Lee & Grandma Maggie are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary this year (Congratulations to them!) and decided to celebrate by taking the family to Mackinaw Island! Matt, Madison and I drove our own horse drawn carriage - actually Matt and Madison drove while I hung on for my life in the back seat!! Rocky (our horse) really had a mind of his own and as it turns out he likes to chase any other horse he might see - male or female!! We had a yummy lunch at the Mustang Lounge and did some shopping after that! We were able to check into the Grand Hotel at 4:00pm and Madison changed into her bathing suit in record time and she spend some time in the outdoor (non-heated) pool for about an hour or so. Later we got all dressed up - or at least Matt & Madison did - and joined Lee, Maggie, Dan and Jenn for dinner in the great dining hall. Madison was an adorable little guest! Thank you Lee & Maggie for a great weekend!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Something to talk about!

WOW! I can't believe how much has been going on since the last time I updated everyone! Madison's tooth is fine, she'll have a checkup with the dentist on September 22nd but so far so good! Matt was gone from September 5th-13th for a fishing trip to Montana! He had a great time but I told him there was no way I could hold down the fort next year with the addition of baby...it was hard enough to keep it all together while he was gone! While Matt was gone Madison and I decided to try our Jacob's Corn Maze! It was awesome! I highly recommend everyone giving it a try before the close on November 1st! This morning was my 26 week appointment with Annie - everything is normal! Baby was active and we were able to pick the heart beat up in no time (150 bpm for those of you counting) and my belly measured right on track for 6.4 months! I did have to ask permission to travel to Brighton for a wedding in early November but Annie said all was good - she would let me travel as far as 37 weeks! I'll try to do a better job keeping everyone up to date....seems like time just gets away from us too fast!!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Madison vs the Playground
Today is the second day of school, the school secretary calls me during my lunch hour to let me know that Madison had an accident on the playground...she chipped her tooth!! Turns out Madison and a friend of hers (a boy) were having a discussion about who could spin faster on the piece of playground equipment and Madison said she could spin faster than her friend, he told her she couldn't and in an effort to prove him wrong off spinning she went. She tells me that she knew she was in trouble when she spun so fast she couldn't get her feet on the ground =) So it was Madison vs the metal pole and the pole won! Took her into the dentist who said to come back in a couple of weeks for x-rays and we'll talk about what plan of action to take! Yes, it was an adult took that she happened to break...she only had it for a year or so!!
First day of 2nd Grade!!
Yesterday was the first day of school and Madison could not wait to get started in 2nd grade!! The crazy kid was up at 6:45 am just to get a shower in - she also wanted to make sure we had time to blow dry and curl her hair!! Madison said that she thinks it's pretty awesome that everyone likes to get dressed up for the first day of school!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Appointment Day!!!
Matt & I met with Annie (our midwife) this morning and all is well in Baby Russell land =) We were able to get the results of our ultrasound and everything came back normal - which was a huge relief to Matt!! Baby was very active while we checked for the heart beat - even kicking the doppler a few times but I am still unable to feel anything diffinitive =( but Annie says that is normal and that I'm most likely looking for the kicks and nudges that Madison gave me towards the end of pregnancy! We're all set up for our next appointment, September 15th! Can't wait!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Novice Horse Camp
Madison & Jackson
Today is the last day of Madison's week long horse camp! She has had such a great time being with the horses from 9:00am-4:00pm everyday! It was a larger group this year, 14 kids in all, but they spent their time reading about horses, feeding them, riding and cleaning out their stalls! Madison was paired up with Jackson this week and the two of them had a great time together!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Family Fun Weekend
We had an amazing weekend! We took advantage of the cooler summer weather and had a bonfire at the house and Sunday was deemed "Family Adventure Day" by Madison and I =) Madison had more than enough energy to burn so we loaded up and traveled to Empire for some trail hiking, dune climbing, a cold swim (Madison only) and dinner at the Friendly Tavern! The 1.5 mi hike was a bit challenging for me but we all made it to the beautiful overlook! The hike was no match for the dune climb - Madison was up to the top in no time and Matt thought he could follow closely after her (silly man) and I eventually hauled my pregnant body up there too!! It was a lot of fun and I think all the hiking/climbing finally wore Madison out!!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
20w5d
I know I'm a little late but our lives hit super speed yesterday after the ultrasound! Madison couldn't wait to get to the Northwestern Michigan Fair with Grandma-Grandma!!
The ultrasound went great and while Baby Russell didn't give us any super great pictures we did get a video of the whole thing!! I think Madison was a little bored (she was also present for her little brother's ultrasound) and Matt was overwhelmed by the whole thing =)
Everything that the ultrasound tech did was great and she has us right on track for a Christmas baby - I was quick to correct her and tell her that our due date was actually December 22nd!
I'll make an attempt to post the ultrasound pictures soon but for now we are off for some shopping!!!
The ultrasound went great and while Baby Russell didn't give us any super great pictures we did get a video of the whole thing!! I think Madison was a little bored (she was also present for her little brother's ultrasound) and Matt was overwhelmed by the whole thing =)
Everything that the ultrasound tech did was great and she has us right on track for a Christmas baby - I was quick to correct her and tell her that our due date was actually December 22nd!
I'll make an attempt to post the ultrasound pictures soon but for now we are off for some shopping!!!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Ultrasound Today!!
Super excited for today!! We (Matt, Madison & I) get to see baby today!! My hope is that we'll get a great picture and I'll post it just as soon as I can!! Wish us luck!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Pictures
Previous Post from BabyHomePages =)
August 4, 2008 (20w1d) - Found this online and HAD to share it with the rest of you...too funny!!
Dear Non-Pregnant Person,
I hope you find these guidelines helpful in your interactions with pregnant women as failing to follow them may result in serious physical harm. If you are thinking, surely she doesn't mean me- then you should probably read this twice.
1) The appropriate response to a couple telling you they are having a baby is "Congratulations!" with enthusiasm. Any other response makes you an &*@!!!
2) Through the wonders of science, we now know that babies are made ONLY by the mother and father- not grandparents. Unless the baby is in your uterus or you are the man that helped put it there, you may not ever use the phrase "my baby".
3) On the same note, unless you made the baby as defined in 2, the pregnancy, birth and raising of the child are not about you. You do not have input. No one wants to hear your opinion unless they ask for it.
4) The body of a pregnant women should be treated the same as any other body. You would not randomly touch someone's stomach if they were not pregnant, nor would you inquire into the condition of their uterus, cervix or how they plan to use their breasts. Pregnancy does not remove all traces of privacy from a woman.
5) Likewise, no women wants to hear comments on her weight- ever. A pregnant woman does not find it flattering that you think she is about is pop, must be having twins, looks swollen or has gained weight in her face. Telling her she looks too small only makes her worry that she is somehow starving her baby. Making such comments invite her to critique your physical appearance and you may not act offended. The only acceptable comment on appearance is "You look fabulous!".
6) By the time we are 20-30 years old, most of us have picked up on the fact that the summer is hot. We are hot every summer when we are not pregnant. We don't need you to point out that we will be miserably hot before the baby comes.
7) There is a reason that tickets to Labor & Delivery are not yet sold on Ticketmaster. Childbirth is actually not a public event. It may sound crazy, but some women really do not relish the idea of their mother, MIL or a host of other family members seeing their bare butt and genitals. Also, some people simply feel like the birth of their child is a private and emotional moment to be shared only by the parents.
8) Like everything else is life, unless you receive an invitation, you are NOT invited. This includes doctor appointments, ultrasounds, labor, delivery, the hospital and the parents home. You do not decide if you will be there for the birth or if you will move in with the new parents to "help out". If your assistance is desired, rest assured that you will be asked for it.
9) If you are asked to help after the birth, this means you should clean up the house, help with cooking meals, and generally stay out of the way. Holding the baby more than the parents, interfering with breastfeeding and sleeping schedules and making a woman who is still leaking fluid from multiple locations lift a finger in housework is not helping.
10) The only people entitled to time with the baby are the parents. Whether they choose to have you at the hospital for the birth or ask for you to wait three weeks to visit, appreciate that you are are being given the privilege of seeing their child. Complaining or showing disappointment only encourages the parents to include you less.
July 22, 2008 (18w2d) - We had another great appointment with Annie (my midwife) today! We had a very strong HB of 140 bpm (I can hear you screaming BOY! out there but remember we are not finding out the sex of the baby) and little Baby Russell measured right on schedule! Matt joined me this morning and had a short list of questions - mostly which medications I was allowed to take during pregnancy! We were also able to schedule our ultrasound appointment for August 8th - so excited to see the baby!!
July 14, 2008 (17w1d) - Man o man did we have a crazy weekend! Madison rode the Eastern Elem. float in the big parade for the Cherry Festival - our float was "Night of the Ninjas" and they were able to rock out to some kung fu music while rolling down the parade route! Matt & I are really glad that all the float building is over - Matt really put in more work that I did on this one and THANK GOODNESS he did!! The float looked great and all the kids did a great job! On a Baby Russell note, we have movement and I'll use that term lightly because I'm not sure Matt could feel anything if he placed his hand on my belly. This afternoon baby was having a little dance party - fell like my stomach was stuck on a roller coaster that just went up and down with out stopping for a while! Its crazy!!
July 9, 2008 (16w3d) - Not a whole lot to report here! We are in the middle of the National Cherry Festival and Madison will be riding her school float on Saturday in the Grand Royale Parade (which for the parents is a grand pain in the booty)! But Matt did an amazing job being the "man" of the float and whenever something needed to be cut, nailed or drilled he was there and happy to help! THANK YOU MATT!!! Madison will be riding the "Night of the Ninja" float and will be a little ninja costume (hoping for mild weather that day) and she is really excited about it! Madison has the rest of the day all mapped out for us =) Should be an interesting Cherry Festival any way you cut it!!!! Hope this finds everyone enjoying the beautiful summer weather!!!
June 24, 2008 (14w2d) - Prenatal appointment went great!! Baby Russell has a strong heart beat of 160 bpm and was super active today! I'm still not able to feel the baby but Annie assures me that that milestone should come anyday now! A great surprise at the appointement today was the news that I had lost some weight - whoohooo! I had two visitors with me today, Madison and Grandma Maggie (Matt's Mom) and Madison was able to help Annie work the doppler and find the heart beat - Madison wanted to make sure the doppler really worked so she asked Annie to try it out on her!! They both had a great time and no worries Aunt Val and Grandma-Grandma, your turn will come =) but we need to make sure that Matt gets in there too!! Next appointment is scehdule for July 22nd (18w2d) and at that time we'll schedule an ultrasound for around 20 weeks!!!
June 11, 2008 - Today is the last day of school! At 12:19pm Madison will officially be a 2nd GRADER! I can't really believe it but I guess as much as you want them to stop growing they just won't!
June 5, 2008 - Only 200 days left! Whooohooo! That's something to celebrate...isn't it =)
May 27, 2008 - Baby Russell has a hearbeat of 150-160 beats per minute and our midwife, Annie, assured us that everything was great!! In the information age of today we tend to read about all the bad things that can and could happen but this appointment reduced our chance of miscarriage from 15% down to 6%-7% - for all you numbers people =) We'll be able to listen for the heartbeat at all of our appointments from now on and the ultrasound will be scheduled for the end of July sometime!! Exciting!!
May 22, 2008 - Sick and tired is the name of the game this week =( I think the baby is sucking any energy that I have been able to build up and to top things off I seem to be fighting off some sort of sinus head cold! I think my cold may have something to do with the drastic changes in weather around these parts! I'm bound to start feeling better soon....right???
May 15, 2008 - We had our first appointment today and everything looks great!! Scheduled to go back on May 27th to hear the heartbeat and we can't hardly wait! Whoohoo! Matt didn't attend this appointment (I didn't need a companion for a urine sample, bloodwork and a million questions) but he is excited to be there on the 27th! My internet website calulations were correct and we are due on/around the 22nd of December!
May 11, 2008 - We told our families today (Mother's Day)! We gave them a baby themed photo frame with the following poem:
I do not have a face to see,
Or put inside a frame.
I do not have soft cheeks to kiss,
I don't yet have a name.
You can't yet hold my tiny hands,
Nor whisper in my ear.
It's still too soon to sing a song,
Or cuddle me so near.
But all will change come December,
That's when they say I'm due.
I'm your new grandson or granddaughter;
I can't wait till I meet you.
All I ask between now and then
Is your patience while I grow.
I promise I'll be worth the wait,
Because of all the love we'll know.
So what I have to give you now,
Is a wish to you from me.
I cannot wait to be a part
Of this wonderful family!
~Baby Russell
Everyone was super excited and we were so proud of Madison, she was able to keep the secret and not tell anyone!
April 20, 2008 - I found out I was PREGNANT!!!
Dear Non-Pregnant Person,
I hope you find these guidelines helpful in your interactions with pregnant women as failing to follow them may result in serious physical harm. If you are thinking, surely she doesn't mean me- then you should probably read this twice.
1) The appropriate response to a couple telling you they are having a baby is "Congratulations!" with enthusiasm. Any other response makes you an &*@!!!
2) Through the wonders of science, we now know that babies are made ONLY by the mother and father- not grandparents. Unless the baby is in your uterus or you are the man that helped put it there, you may not ever use the phrase "my baby".
3) On the same note, unless you made the baby as defined in 2, the pregnancy, birth and raising of the child are not about you. You do not have input. No one wants to hear your opinion unless they ask for it.
4) The body of a pregnant women should be treated the same as any other body. You would not randomly touch someone's stomach if they were not pregnant, nor would you inquire into the condition of their uterus, cervix or how they plan to use their breasts. Pregnancy does not remove all traces of privacy from a woman.
5) Likewise, no women wants to hear comments on her weight- ever. A pregnant woman does not find it flattering that you think she is about is pop, must be having twins, looks swollen or has gained weight in her face. Telling her she looks too small only makes her worry that she is somehow starving her baby. Making such comments invite her to critique your physical appearance and you may not act offended. The only acceptable comment on appearance is "You look fabulous!".
6) By the time we are 20-30 years old, most of us have picked up on the fact that the summer is hot. We are hot every summer when we are not pregnant. We don't need you to point out that we will be miserably hot before the baby comes.
7) There is a reason that tickets to Labor & Delivery are not yet sold on Ticketmaster. Childbirth is actually not a public event. It may sound crazy, but some women really do not relish the idea of their mother, MIL or a host of other family members seeing their bare butt and genitals. Also, some people simply feel like the birth of their child is a private and emotional moment to be shared only by the parents.
8) Like everything else is life, unless you receive an invitation, you are NOT invited. This includes doctor appointments, ultrasounds, labor, delivery, the hospital and the parents home. You do not decide if you will be there for the birth or if you will move in with the new parents to "help out". If your assistance is desired, rest assured that you will be asked for it.
9) If you are asked to help after the birth, this means you should clean up the house, help with cooking meals, and generally stay out of the way. Holding the baby more than the parents, interfering with breastfeeding and sleeping schedules and making a woman who is still leaking fluid from multiple locations lift a finger in housework is not helping.
10) The only people entitled to time with the baby are the parents. Whether they choose to have you at the hospital for the birth or ask for you to wait three weeks to visit, appreciate that you are are being given the privilege of seeing their child. Complaining or showing disappointment only encourages the parents to include you less.
July 22, 2008 (18w2d) - We had another great appointment with Annie (my midwife) today! We had a very strong HB of 140 bpm (I can hear you screaming BOY! out there but remember we are not finding out the sex of the baby) and little Baby Russell measured right on schedule! Matt joined me this morning and had a short list of questions - mostly which medications I was allowed to take during pregnancy! We were also able to schedule our ultrasound appointment for August 8th - so excited to see the baby!!
July 14, 2008 (17w1d) - Man o man did we have a crazy weekend! Madison rode the Eastern Elem. float in the big parade for the Cherry Festival - our float was "Night of the Ninjas" and they were able to rock out to some kung fu music while rolling down the parade route! Matt & I are really glad that all the float building is over - Matt really put in more work that I did on this one and THANK GOODNESS he did!! The float looked great and all the kids did a great job! On a Baby Russell note, we have movement and I'll use that term lightly because I'm not sure Matt could feel anything if he placed his hand on my belly. This afternoon baby was having a little dance party - fell like my stomach was stuck on a roller coaster that just went up and down with out stopping for a while! Its crazy!!
July 9, 2008 (16w3d) - Not a whole lot to report here! We are in the middle of the National Cherry Festival and Madison will be riding her school float on Saturday in the Grand Royale Parade (which for the parents is a grand pain in the booty)! But Matt did an amazing job being the "man" of the float and whenever something needed to be cut, nailed or drilled he was there and happy to help! THANK YOU MATT!!! Madison will be riding the "Night of the Ninja" float and will be a little ninja costume (hoping for mild weather that day) and she is really excited about it! Madison has the rest of the day all mapped out for us =) Should be an interesting Cherry Festival any way you cut it!!!! Hope this finds everyone enjoying the beautiful summer weather!!!
June 24, 2008 (14w2d) - Prenatal appointment went great!! Baby Russell has a strong heart beat of 160 bpm and was super active today! I'm still not able to feel the baby but Annie assures me that that milestone should come anyday now! A great surprise at the appointement today was the news that I had lost some weight - whoohooo! I had two visitors with me today, Madison and Grandma Maggie (Matt's Mom) and Madison was able to help Annie work the doppler and find the heart beat - Madison wanted to make sure the doppler really worked so she asked Annie to try it out on her!! They both had a great time and no worries Aunt Val and Grandma-Grandma, your turn will come =) but we need to make sure that Matt gets in there too!! Next appointment is scehdule for July 22nd (18w2d) and at that time we'll schedule an ultrasound for around 20 weeks!!!
June 11, 2008 - Today is the last day of school! At 12:19pm Madison will officially be a 2nd GRADER! I can't really believe it but I guess as much as you want them to stop growing they just won't!
June 5, 2008 - Only 200 days left! Whooohooo! That's something to celebrate...isn't it =)
May 27, 2008 - Baby Russell has a hearbeat of 150-160 beats per minute and our midwife, Annie, assured us that everything was great!! In the information age of today we tend to read about all the bad things that can and could happen but this appointment reduced our chance of miscarriage from 15% down to 6%-7% - for all you numbers people =) We'll be able to listen for the heartbeat at all of our appointments from now on and the ultrasound will be scheduled for the end of July sometime!! Exciting!!
May 22, 2008 - Sick and tired is the name of the game this week =( I think the baby is sucking any energy that I have been able to build up and to top things off I seem to be fighting off some sort of sinus head cold! I think my cold may have something to do with the drastic changes in weather around these parts! I'm bound to start feeling better soon....right???
May 15, 2008 - We had our first appointment today and everything looks great!! Scheduled to go back on May 27th to hear the heartbeat and we can't hardly wait! Whoohoo! Matt didn't attend this appointment (I didn't need a companion for a urine sample, bloodwork and a million questions) but he is excited to be there on the 27th! My internet website calulations were correct and we are due on/around the 22nd of December!
May 11, 2008 - We told our families today (Mother's Day)! We gave them a baby themed photo frame with the following poem:
I do not have a face to see,
Or put inside a frame.
I do not have soft cheeks to kiss,
I don't yet have a name.
You can't yet hold my tiny hands,
Nor whisper in my ear.
It's still too soon to sing a song,
Or cuddle me so near.
But all will change come December,
That's when they say I'm due.
I'm your new grandson or granddaughter;
I can't wait till I meet you.
All I ask between now and then
Is your patience while I grow.
I promise I'll be worth the wait,
Because of all the love we'll know.
So what I have to give you now,
Is a wish to you from me.
I cannot wait to be a part
Of this wonderful family!
~Baby Russell
Everyone was super excited and we were so proud of Madison, she was able to keep the secret and not tell anyone!
April 20, 2008 - I found out I was PREGNANT!!!
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