Caleb's Room

 I finally have some pictures of what we have been up to in his room. They aren't the best pictures but I wanted to post them so you all could see. His room is a little messy because I haven't put everything away yet. It seems like every time I get it all put away we get more stuff, which is awesome but hard to keep everything organized.

The Christmas teddy bear was one I had when I was little and the other two bears are ones that Mike and I made at build a bear when we were dating.

The window valance that my sister made with the fabric that Mike picked out and decided we had to have in Caleb's room.

My talented sister made this crib skirt as well. It's nice having people that can sew in the family.

36 Weeks

Yesterday I had my cerclage taken out. My Dr had told me that it wouldn't be too bad so they do it in the office and once they get it set up it should only take a couple minutes. Well like many things my situation was not like normal. My cervix is tilted and further back than normal. Also the stitch was as the Dr. said well placed and hard to pull and cut. It ended up taking about 45 minutes and was much more painful than I expected. On the doctors last attempt before sending me to L&D to have it removed with an epidural she was able to get it out. The Dr apologized afterward for it being worse than she thought it would be and not being able to prepare me better. She also told my mom who was with me that I deserve to be pampered when I got home. Mike was at work so my mom filled in for him, which I am really grateful for because she helped remind me to breathe and relax though it. Luckily Mike gets home today. (it's currently midnight on Thursday morning and his flight gets in at 8:30am). I thought about staying the night at my parents just in case I had to go to the hospital tonight but I was feeling ok and figured I would sleep better at home.

The Dr measured my belly and said I am still measuring big so although it isn't exact she thinks Caleb will be bigger but not huge. They checked his heartbeat, which was normal and checked that he is still head down and it is. After the cerclage came out the Dr checked my cervix and said it still felt closed and long. I am really hoping to go into labor in the next week or two instead of at or past my due date in three. Caleb is pretty active throughout the day and gets the hiccups at least twice a day these days.

Before Mike went to work last week we were very busy getting Caleb's room all put together. We got everything we still needed, we set up the pack in play in our room, we packed the suitcase for the hospital, and started cleaning up the whole house. I feel pretty ready for Caleb's arrival. I will try to take pictures of his room this week and post them for you all to see.

35 Weeks

Last Sunday we had our baby shower. It was great to see all our friends and family together to celebrate Caleb. My friends Leslie and Kelly did a great job putting it all together for us and making amazing vegan food for everyone to enjoy. We heard many people say they never knew vegan food could be soo good. Mike wanted to be included so we invited both men and women to the shower which was fun. The boys got to watch football and drink beer while the ladies chatted. There was a onesie decorating table which showed off how artistically gifted many of our friends and family are. My sister made me a diaper boat with not only diapers but blankets and burp cloths that she made. (her blog has a how to if anyone is interested) I am so thankful to everyone that came and all the great gifts we received. I can't wait for Caleb to be here to meet everyone.

Thursday I had another Dr. appointment. Everything is still going smoothly. Caleb's heartbeat was good and all my stats (blood pressure, belly measurement...)  were good. I am still measuring a week to two weeks bigger but the Dr. said that was normal. I didn't have to have an exam this week because they no longer worry about me going into labor. I thought my cerclage was going to come out on Oct. 26th but my Dr. changed her mind and decided to do it Oct. 19th because I was going to be seeing her that day anyways. They take the stitch out in the office and she made it sound like it wouldn't be too bad. Since it looks like Mike will be at work my mom is going to come with me just in case.

Mike and I have been working on Caleb's room a lot since he got home. We installed a closet organizer, got the furniture put in and the crib put together. I washed and started putting away all the clothes and items we have received from people. I am slowly starting to organize his stuff so we know where things are. We still have some items we need to get but not too many.

My mom and sister are going to come over in the next week or so and help me make a crib skirt and window valance since they got the sewing genes and I didn't. I can do it but they are much better at it. They are also going to clean my house for me because my mom asked me last week what I wanted to my birthday and I said a good house cleaning before Caleb arrives. It kinda makes me laugh knowing that's what I wanted because I remember my mom saying that every year for her birthday, and as a kid thinking oh yeah whatever. But now I see she probably really meant it most years.

1 year ago today

The view from our balcony

Me at 34 weeks

Yesterday was my 26th Birthday. Mike and I went on a mini vacation out to Half Moon Bay and stayed at this great little bed and breakfast called the Cypress Inn. Our room over looked the beach and we were able to leave the doors to our balcony open and just listen to the waves crash. We also got massages which felt wonderful on my sore muscles. The day was so relaxing and gave Mike and I time to just spend together without anything else going on.

One year ago today Zoey was born and went to heaven at 8:29am. I miss her everyday and wish she could be here with us but I know that just wasn't Gods plan for her and us. I like to think that Zoey is watching over us from heaven keeping Mike, Caleb and I safe. Last night Mike and I talked about how we both feel very at peace with having lost Zoey. There are still parts of our story that bring tears to my eyes when I tell people or hear others talk about it. Mike and I read my sisters blog post last night about Zoey and both of us teared up reading about the moments when I was holding Zoey in my arms and Mike talking to her over the phone. It was hard to read but good at the same time, it helped us to express how we were feeling and start the conversation about it. Today Mike and I went for a nice walk on the beach. The beach and water is a huge part of our lives and symbolizes many things for us. Having scattered Zoey's ashes off the coast of Half Moon Bay was so special for us and I am so glad we can go there often and remember our little ladybug.

Our footprints on the beach

Last week we were waiting to hear back about my blood tests and I am happy to report that everything came back normal. I do not have a bile acid problem and everything from now on will be treated like a normal pregnancy. Finding this out was a huge relief and another reminder at how lucky we are to have Caleb in our lives. Mike and I are still nervous about the things that could still go wrong but know that we can handle whatever comes our way. Mike and I feel that losing  Zoey when we did was her way of making it possible for me to have Caleb and hopefully other children. Many things could have gone worse a year ago but they didn't, my infection didn't cause me to lose my uterus, I didn't get sick or have any other problems and Zoey didn't suffer. I feel so lucky to finally be 34 weeks and can't wait for my baby shower this weekend. Finally being past the point where the Dr would want to stop labor if it happened is a big milestone in my eyes and i look forward to Caleb being with us in a matter of weeks.

33 Weeks

This week I am 33 Weeks pregnant. Only one week away from the time the Dr. says they won't even worry about stopping labor if I go into it. It feels good to know that at this point I could deliver a healthy baby who might not even need to go to the NICU.

How I'm Feeling: I still have pretty bad heartburn. Luckily I can take Zantac and Tums which seems to be helping most of the time. I am still itching all over my body but other than those two things I actually feel pretty good. I am starting to feel ready to be done with pregnancy. Creating a life is an amazing experience that I feel so happy and lucky to have gotten to experience but it really takes a toll on a woman to share her body with another human. Caleb is pretty active at certain times of day but not the same times everyday which when I am wanting to sleep can get annoying. This week I started experiencing a new pregnancy symptom swollen feet and hands. My sister had lots of swelling with Scarlett and I hoped I wouldn't but Friday it hit and I have had it everyday since. Other than being annoying it doesn't really effect me too much.

Dr. Appointment: This week I saw my Dr. for my normal check up. I had an exam again and she said everything looked good. My cervix is still long and closed. I then had a blood test done at the end because there is a concern about my itching. There is a condition called Cholestasis which causes the liver to produce too much bile acid which causes itching without rashes. The blood test takes a week to come back so I am waiting to hear if this is what I have. The Dr. said if I do have it then I would be put on a medication to help reduce the acid and then I would have to be induced at 37 weeks. I am pretty anxious to find out and Mike and I are nervous because what we have read about Cholestasis is kinda scary, although the Dr. didn't act like it was that big of a deal.

Baby Preparations: Mike and I have gotten a bunch of stuff for Caleb's room but since Mike just got home Thursday we haven't put it all together soon. The furniture company called to tell me the crib and dresser are ready to be picked up so we will do that Monday. I am really excited to get all of Caleb's stuff together. I have some baby stuff already but after the baby shower next weekend we will make sure and get anything else we need. Getting baby stuff into the house really makes this whole thing feel so real. I am so excited to get to have Caleb here and to finally have and use all the things I had started looking at a year ago for Zoey.

This week is Mine and Zoey's birthdays.. I will write more about all of this later but I wanted to share that although it reminds me of a sad time in our lives I am actually not feeling sad about it. I feel so blessed to have Caleb coming into our lives and I know that his big sister Zoey is watching over us keeping us safe. I also am looking forward to my birthday trip with Mike to Half Moon Bay.

Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

I made this recipe tonight and thought I would share. It came out really good and was pretty easy to make.  Didn't have regular potatoes or shallots so I just didn't add them and added a little more red union than called for. It comes out sweet and savory and the celery gives it a little crunch.

 

Roasted Sweet Potato Corn Chowder

Ingredients Serves: 10 

2	sweet potato (peeled and cubed)
1 tbsp	corn oil
	salt
	pepper
12 oz	corn kernels (frozen, thawed)
1 cup	water
1 1/2 cup	celery (finely diced)
1 cup	red onion (diced)
1/4 cup	shallot (minced)
1 tbsp	tomato paste
1/2 tsp	thyme leaves (dried)
3 cup	vegetable broth
1	bay leaf
1 tsp	salt
1	potatoes (peeled and cubed)
2 tbsp	fresh parsley (chopped)

Method

	-Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Place the sweet potatoes into a 9x13 inch baking dish, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of corn oil, and season with salt and pepper. Stir to coat the sweet potatoes in oil.
	-Roast in the preheated oven until the sweet potatoes are golden and tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally as they cook so the sweet potatoes cook evenly.
	-Meanwhile, measure out 1 cup of corn kernels and set aside. Place the remaining corn into a blender, and puree with the water until smooth; set aside.
	-Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of corn oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the celery, onion, and shallot. Cook and stir until the onion has softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and dried thyme leaves; cook 1 minute more. Pour in the vegetable broth, corn puree, bay leaf, salt, and cubed potato. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the potato is tender, 25 to 35 minutes.
	-Once the potato is tender, remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the whole corn kernels, sweet potato, and chopped parsley. Return to a simmer and season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.

30 Weeks

I am finally 30 weeks. I feel like even though I have come so far 10 weeks is a long time to still be pregnant. Currently Caleb is kicking hard enough to shake the computer a little on my lap as I type. His kicks are much less painful these days and are more enjoyable to get to see and feel. As he gets bigger some of the not so fun parts of pregnancy are coming back. My heartburn is pretty bad again, I get nauseous often I think mostly when I eat because there isn't enough room, I have a hard time taking deep breaths and my sleep is a battle every night. Aside from all of that I actually feel pretty good.

I had a Dr. Appointment yesterday. So far everything is still looking really good. My cervix is still long and closed. My Dr wants to keep seeing me every 2 weeks which I kinda like because it gives me reassurance that I am doing well every other week. I will continue to have my cervix checked until 34 weeks. After that she said if i go into labor they won't worry about stopping it so they don't feel they need to check me anymore. Each appointment they measure my belly to see how everything is growing and each time I am measuring bigger. This week I am 30 weeks but I measured between 32 and 33 weeks. I worry he is going to be a huge baby and since there is a bit of family history with big babies the Dr said we will do an ultrasound later on to check how he is doing and how big he is.

Mike and I have done some stuff for Caleb's room but not a ton. I ordered a dresser that matches the crib and I got a closet organizer system we will install when Mike gets back from work. My plan is to have everything ready by the middle of October. After the baby shower I am sure I will have much more to do. This week I started finding and making recipes that I can freeze for us to have after Caleb is born. My first success was vegan pot pies. Next I will try pumpkin gingerbread scones.