Holiday Program

Bo had her first holiday program for daycare, it was too cute.  

All the little kids singing

 

Wheels on the bus

Bo's BFF from daycare Ellie

Waiting for her gift from santa

Then last night she sang us a few of her songs

(some of it I can only guess what she is singing)

Letter to Bo

Dear Bo,
Your daddy and I are very excited to meet you.  I know that it is very warm in there and it is very cold out here.  However, we are very ready for you to come into our world and turn it upside down.  You still have a few more days until your due date, but you keep getting us excited with all of your contractions.  We realize you will come out when your ready, and when you do we are going to love you more then we have ever loved anything in our life.  Daddy says he will love you more then the Cubs and Hawkeyes, and when you get to know your daddy you will realize how very much that is.  There are so many people in our life that are also very excited to meet you too.  We love you already see you soon.
Love Mom and Dad

Week 39 Midwife Appointment (Follow-up) Baby #1

Test results came back most were normal, but my iron and protein are low, so I have to start to take iron pills and eat more protein.

Easy!

I lost 3 lbs too, and my blood pressure was 110/70 which is also lower, so guess resting has helped. 

They put me on a monitor to check on the baby, and she is doing great. 

Contractions are nonstop, but I'm still not dilating, however, I am 50% effaced so that's something.

She will come when she's ready, and now that I know that we are both healthy I feel better about letting her come on her own.  She'll come when she's ready.  I might as well enjoy the rest while I can get it.

Week 39 Midwife Appointment Baby #1

I went to my midwife today and the nurse looked at my weight and asked to look at my ankles.  I showed her and she said you better show Michelle those. Then my midwife came in and looked at my weight and ankles and told me she thinks I need to be done working now. 

I have gained 10 lbs. in two weeks and my blood pressure is higher, so she started to tell me all the reasons why Edema is bad for me, but to be honest I was so overwhelmed by her telling me I couldn't go to work anymore, and there might be something medically wrong with me I couldn't concentrate on what she was saying. 

What I do know is that they tested my blood and urine for protein (which I should get the results tomorrow), and she wants me to come in again on Thursday to retest my urine, blood, blood pressure, and weight.  If any of these are elevated they will look at inducing me.  The only thing she is really worried about with inducing me is that I haven't started to dilate yet there is a higher risk of having to have a c-section. 

They are going to do what ever is best for both me and the baby. 

Hopefully she just decides that she wants to come out naturally and soon then we don't have to worry about either one of our health.

Now for housekeeping: 
Week 39

Blood Pressure: 116/76
Baby's heart beat: 140

Fundal Height: 36cm

Total Weight gain: 50 lbs. 

Next appointment Jan. 20th

Not Yet!

I started having contractions at 6:50am, so I called the nurse hotline around 8:00am, and they told me to start timing them.  I started timing them.  They were 10-15min. apart, so I laied down and took a nap. 

I got Josh really worried, so he came home at lunch time.  I started retiming the contractions and by 5:00pm they were closer to 6-8 min apart call the nurse hotline again.  They told me to come in.  

So Josh and I headed to the hospital.  They hooked me up and monitored the contractions.  Still 6 - 8  min apart.  She was also moving like crazy.  So they checked my cervix nothing.  They told me to walk around for an hour and they would re- check me.  One hour later the contractions were the same, but still not dilating.  Therefore, they sent us home.  

They think I have definitely started labor, but I just haven't started to dilate.  

Well we have had our dry run, so we are ready when she really wants to come.

Time to Vote

When will Bo bless us with her presence? 

Vote on the top right.

Add weight and length to the comment section.

Week 37 Midwife Appointment Baby #1

Today was another boring appointment.
We did my strep B test (we will find out the results in a couple of days).
We discussed whether I could be enduced a couple days before my due date, and she said no, I have to be 41 weeks to be enduced. I told her do not want to go to early, but I also do not want to go over my due date. I really want to have her before February 1st.  So she recommended that I start taking 2000mg of Evening Premirose Oil every night, and 3000mg after the first week to help prevent me from being over due.  I'm not to worried, but I am so ready to be done. 
We also told her I decided to give birth at Abbott, and I would labor in water, but deliver on the table.  I really want to stay with Abbott, and I think I will feel better the second time around doing a water birth rather then the first time.  Plus the idea of a water birth freaks Josh out.
She also told me that Bo is a small baby.

Now for housekeeping: 
Week 37

Blood Pressure: 114/76 (the highest its been my whole pregnancy) 

Baby's heart beat: 140 (lowest its been)
Fundal Height: 34cm

Total Weight gain: 39 lbs. 

Next appointment Jan. 17th

Prego Pics

This weekend Rachel came over to do our pregnancy pictures. She sent a couple so we could decide which one to put on our Christmas card, but I am so excited to see the rest of them when she is done editing them.

Here is a sneak peek.

My grizley man thinks it's the play-offs (He is not shaving or cutting his hair until after Bo is born)

Scary

So I have had a lot of upper right pain, and have put it off as normal pregnancy pain.  However, the last couple of days the pain has been non stop and to the point of making me cry it has hurt so much.  While talking to my midwife yesterday she said it could be my gallbladder and if the pain consists to go in.

I just thought I could suck it up, but all day at work I couldn't even sit at my desk because it hurt so much.  So back to the doctor I went, but this time to my regular doctor.  She said she wanted me to get an ultra sound ASAP because it could be my gallbladder or my appendix if it is either one of those that would mean no travel and surgery.  Lets just say I almost started crying right there.  One Josh and I are really excited to see his family, and two SURGERY!

Well we couldn't get in to the ultrasound until 7:00pm (which turned out to be more like 8:00pm)

Well the good news is we got to see baby Bo, and the tech didn't think he saw anything we should worry about except that he thinks that Bo is using my gallbladder as a kicking bag. We will find out for sure tomorrow, but most likely it's just Bo. I guess I'll just have to suck it up and hope she finds a new place to put her feet.

2 more months 2 more months....

Week 31 Midwife Appointment baby #1

Today was a very boring appointment

We checked my cervix to see if I have dilated at all so we can travel to Iowa for Thanksgiving.
(No worries, can't wait to head to Ames on Wed. night)

Then we talked about what kind of birth I want, and I told her that I think I would really like to do a water birth.  She said that would be great, but I would have to go to Regions because Abbott was going to start water births Jan. 1st but they have pushed it back.   I may reconsider the water birth or the hospital I'm not sure yet.  Josh and I have a lot of talking to do.

I also talked to her about a pediatrician at our clinic and she recommended 2, but said that she thinks that I would like one of them more then the other.  She thinks our personalities would match better.

Now for housekeeping: 
Week 31

Blood Pressure: 100/60

Baby's heart beat: 152

Fundal Height: 29 cm

Total Weight gain: 31 lbs. 

( I gained 7 lbs in 3 weeks that is the most so far in a short amount of time)

Cookies and Babies

Cookie Baking Day

We had our annual Theis Cookie baking day this past weekend, and we all had a wonderful time.  We use to make all of our cookies in one day and then Grandma would ship a care package to each of her children near and far just in time for Christmas.  However as the grandchildren started to get older and Grandma had more and more difficulty making all those cookies, we started a new tradition.  A cookie exchange and we would make the traditional Theis cookie on cookie baking day (Moose Turds).  We also now spend most of it talking and drinking instead of making cookies.  I would say by far this is one of my favorite traditions, especially since we are no longer able to get together for the holidays. 

This year the following Minnesota Theis women were able to attend:

Nancy (my mom), Me (of course), Angela, Marilyn, Holly, Heather, Missy, Steph, Eden, Eva, Kathy, Becky, and Lisa

Making the Moose turd centers

Dunking the Moose Turds in Chocolate

Thanks Lisa for all the helpful delivery advice, and I don't think I will look at a fish scooper the same again.

Baby Shower

Sunday was my baby shower I had a great time and was so excited to see all of my family and friends that were able to make it, despite the icy roads. I missed pictures with my sister-in-law Angela and her mom, and our family friend Patty.  However, I did get some great pictures with the rest of the people that were able to come.  Thank you everyone that was unable to make it, and Thank you for all of you who sent me well wishes on this most surreal day.  It is still amazing to me that so many of my family and friends continue to be so generous and supportive of all of the life changes that Josh and I have gone through.  We love you all!

My aunt Dottie, Cousins Wendy, Jannelle and Maddie hosted the shower for me.  (they did such a great time planning and hosting the wonderful event.)

My niece Sophia was able to make it and she is very excited to have a new baby girl cousin.  (it will be the only other Theis girl in Minnesota)

3 generations (4 if you count Bo)

My Aunt Kathy and Two Cousins Lisa & Becky

My Cousin Holly

My amazing Godmother Jan

One of my Best Friends with her mom and her adorable girls (Emma & Sara)

My sister-in-law Jody with her mom and my "so happy" neice

My cousin Holly My aunt Marilyn (the adorable green monkey), my cousin Heather and Eva

Week 28 Midwife Appoitment Baby #1

I took my blood glucose test this time, and I am still waiting to get the results.  Not to worried though.

This was a very uneventful appointment.  We talked about my concerns about not loving being pregnant, but being very excited for baby Bo to come.  She told me that this is normal and that there are a lot of people that don't love it. The most heart warming thing she said was that your children choose us to be their parents we don't choose them.  Have I told you how much I love my midwife lately. Then we listened to her heart beat and she kept kicking the monitor so it through off her numbers.  Silly girl.  We also figured out that she is face down, so her feet are right by my lungs.  

Now for housekeeping: 
Week 28
Blood Pressure: 98/60
Baby's heart beat: 152
Weight gain: 21 lbs.

Results of  Blood Glucose Test:
Glucose: 66 (SR 70-129)
Grams of Glucose: 50gm
Hemoglobin: 11.6 (SR 12-16.0 g/dl)
Platelets: 243 (SR 150-450 k/ul)

So Sweet

I forgot to share how sweet my students are...

One of my former students sent baby Bo a gift, and a box of homemade cookies for both Josh and I and also for staff.  We received a Critterz blanket (it's the 20x20 pink blanket in bottom left corner of the first picture) blanket it is so cute it is with the 8 little stuffed animal heads on it.  It is so soft and snugly.

Also another staff member and I are 3 weeks apart in our pregnancy (Bo is due first).  One of our students planned a baby shower for the both of us which will be include all of the staff and all of the students.  We found out about it last week, but she has been planning since the beginning of September. She has even planned Halloween treats and beverages for everyone.  So sweet!

CrAzY Weird Amazing

Words I would use to describe the feeling I have when Bo moves.  Her favortive time to move is at night when I am tring to fall asleep.  It has gotten to the point were she makes me nousious.  Baths have helped with that, but it always freaks me out.  She also likes to kick me in the middle of meetings which is sometimes a little aackward.  Overall, I am enjoying knowing that she is MOVING.

Week 22 Midwife apointment baby #1

I told my midwife that I continue to have round ligament pain, and that it is a dull pain that continues to annoy me and make me think that just worry. She reassured me that it was, but she checked my cervix again just in case. She did and said it was normal. We also did a UTI test; which came up negative.  Just normal growing pains.

We started to talk about what we wanted to do for the delivery.  We discussed different concerns that I had such as the baby coming out the wrong way, or the likely hood of a c-section.  She reassured me that they would do what ever they could to make sure that baby Bo would come out safe.  We also talked about drugs, and whether or not I wanted them.  I said I would have to wait and see how that day goes.  She reassured me that mother always make the best decision for themselves the day of the delivery and that she would help support what ever I wanted.  Then we talked about that there are only so many ways that I could give birth and not to stress about it.  One of the last things we talked about as a delivery option was a water birth (Don't worry Chris it will be in the hospital and not in our apartment).  I would really like to know your guys thoughts on a water birth, do you know anyone that has done it, or do you know anything about it.   

Thoughts are appreciated.

Have I told how I use to think that I would only want a doctor, and now I can't imagine have a doctor after having a midwife.  She is great and always makes me feel more normal about all of my fears.

Now for housekeeping:
Week 22
Blood Pressure: 98/62
Baby's heart beat: 152
Weight gain: 11 lbs.

Ultrasound Pictures #2 week 20

It's a girl (the arrow points at the lack of parts)

3D Baby Bo

More 3D of little Bo (right side is her head)

Thumbs up!

Baby Bo sucking her thumb

We have more, but these are our favorites.

Sorry about the quality, but I took pictures of them instead of scanning them this time.

Week 18 Midwife appointment baby #1

I told my midwife about my round ligament pain, and that it is happening 75% of my day, and that I was concerned that it was not normal. She reassured me that it was, but she wanted to check my cervix just in case. She did and said it was normal. Ya, just normal growing pains.

I also talked to her about it there were things I should not be doing soon, she told me to just use common sense and not to worry to much. I asked her about sleeping on my back, and she said it would be fine because my placenta will counter act any blood flow problems. However, I still feel better sleeping on my side, it's just more comfortable, but its nice to know I don't have to. She also reminded me that women have been doing this for centuries and that our bodies know what they are doing. It is reassuring to hear that. I really enjoy some of her more natural approach it really calms my nervousness.

The last thing I asked her was if I could ride my bike or not. She said I can, but it is one of the highest causes of fetal loss, due to the fact that pregnant woman often loose their balance and cars don't always watch for bikers. She also said if I was going on a trail with no cars it would be ok. I think I will just avoid that all together, there are not a whole lot of bike trails without places with cars near our house.

Now for housekeeping: 
Week 18
Blood Pressure: 100/62
Baby's heart beat: 150
Weight gain: 9lbs.

Enjoy Little Cleve's heart beat, but don't forget to turn up the volume it's not very load.



2 more weeks and we will know if Little Cleve is a boy or girl =).

Room Decor

OK it is not the original idea of the forest theme, but when we started registering at Babies R Us Josh wanted me to register for every monkey item in the store. I finally asked him do you want a monkey room. His response "Well monkey's make me laugh so they will make the baby laugh too", that was after we had already registered for the forest stuff. However, he was too cute. Monkeys won.

Click on the following words to see pics

Wall decor

More decor

Mobile

So the new theme will be Monkeys (not zoo or jungle JUST monkeys).
Browns, Creams and Greens. We are so excited we picked a theme.

Baby Registry

Yesterday I went and babysat my nephews and hung out with my sister-in-law Angela.
It was so nice to talk to her about unrealistic fears I have had. She also gave me a ton of baby stuff that they no longer need.

We now have a high chair, Infant bath, more maternity cloths, a baby bjorn, back back diaper bag, baby clothes, portable high chair, and more. We still have to look through the bins, but if we are not having a boy Jess and Stevi are going to get some cute baby boy clothes.

Then after dinner Angela, Max and I headed to Target to start the baby registry. It was so fun to have a mom come with me and tell me you don't need that it just takes up space, or I loved that. It was also really fun to have my nephew come along and tell me what the baby would really like (You know Buzz Lightyear). However it was really cute when he started to scan things with the gun. I still have to look at it and make sure they are all things we wanted hehehe

Today I started looking at bedding, I never knew there were so many choices.
Here are some of the ones I liked.
We want to go with a forest theme (not jungle) turtles, frogs, ducks, owls, etc.
Click on the name to see the picture.

Carter's® Forest Friends Bedding and Accessories
From JcPenny's

Lil' Explorer
Mr. And Mrs. Pond
Froggyville
Sunny
From Babies R Us

Woolrich Woodlands
Target

Enchanted Forest
A lot of sites (all different prices)


If you come across anything that is along this theme let me know, or if there is one you like better then the others let me know.

Week 13 Midwife Appointment Baby #1

I had my second doctor appointment this morning.

11 weeks pregnant

I had several question for her this time, and I decided to write them down this time so I would not forget the questions or the answers.

Question 1: I am cold all the time should I be worried?
Answer: Testing my thyroid (should get results tomorrow)

Question 2: I stopped taking my allergy med. can I take something else?
Answer: Try Claritin

Question 3: I stopped taking my prenatal, how many Flintstones can I take instead one or two.
Answer: take one, but if you want to take two you can

Question 4: I have been having lower back pain making it difficult to fall asleep is there anything I can do to help relieve this?
Answer: She prescribed Visaril ( I can pick it up if it gets to bad, but I think I will wait until I really can't handle it.) She also suggesting going to the chiropractor to get an adjustment, and to get a foam pad for our bed (www.overstock.com was her suggestion).

Question 5: When can we find out the sex of our baby?
Answer: Twenty weeks, she also ordered an ultra sound for the week of September 6th. I just have to call and set up the actual appointment.

Question 6: When do I come for my next appointment?
Answer: In five weeks. (Aug 23rd; 9:00am)

Week 13:
Blood Pressure 94/62

You can listen to little Cleve's heart beat. (bpm 152) The weird sound is just the machine, but you can still hear the heart beat.