Wednesday is the Big Day

Hi again everyone. Today marks the beginning of Week 39, and it’s sure to be a most memorable week. The doctor has scheduled a c-section for June 6th at 8 am. Dr. Stafford had surgery to remove kidney stones last week so Dr. Trippell will be doing the c-section on Wednesday. We have one last non-stress test for Maggie tomorrow (Monday), and if that goes well, we’re all set for Wednesday.
Wednesday also marks my parents’ 37th wedding anniversary, and they seem to be quite content to share that day with Maggie’s birthday. This also means that Matt wins our bet. He has predicted that Maggie would arrive June 5 or June 6 for the last nine months. I, of course, predicted the end of May.
My parents arrive any minute now from Texas, and Matt’s parents will be arriving Tuesday. Uncle Andy is also set to arrive late this week, and we’re excited to also have all our local friends and family come visit too. And, of course, all of you who have already made plans to come as well. It will be great seeing everyone. I am still pretty scared of the c-section so we welcome all the friendly faces at the hospital and at home. The doctors say it will be a stay of about 3-4 days, and I hope it isn’t any longer than that because I don’t want to stay in the hospital long at all.
I have pretty much lost hope that Maggie will flip into the proper position. I have to give her credit though – she’s been quite active – so she might have tried to flip herself a few times. Dr. Stafford still doesn’t recommend trying to flip her because he says the amniotic fluid level is “borderline.” So, no matter how much I negotiate with Maggie or Dr. Stafford, it appears I am not going to be able to avoid the c-section. I am glad Matt will get to be there with me. And, if everything is okay with Maggie when she is born, she will get to go to recovery with me, and Matt gets to go too. Hopefully, she won’t have to go to the special care nursery and can stay with us.
Matt has the camera charged and ready, and we’re taking the laptop with us. He plans to send pictures out at some point that day as well as an email. So, we hope to be in touch again soon with the news that Maggie has made her appearance. I apologize for not including any photos with this update – I promise to make up for that next week.
Thanks again for all your love and support. We can’t wait for Maggie to meet all of you.

Mark Your Calendars

Hi everyone. Well, it looks as if we’ll be meeting little Miss Maggie on June 4 or June 6. At our doctor’s visit last Monday, Dr. Stafford scheduled a planned c-section for the 4th, but yesterday, Dr. Trippell called to tell us that he had a family emergency. So, it’s likely we’ll be rescheduling the c-section with her for the 6th. Maggie is still in breech and the chances of her flipping into the proper position are “slim to none.” And, as Matt says “And, slim has left the building.” Matt is taking the news of a c-section much better than I am. I am still scared to death of the c-section and have tried to bribe Maggie to flip. So far, I have promised her the car of her choice on her 16th birthday, a diamond tennis bracelet, and a trip to Europe upon college graduation. She is either one tough negotiator or she has no desire for the materialistic things in life.

We have another non stess test and ultrasound tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. If those both go well, then the schedule for next week should hold – pending I don't go into labor beforehand. If that should happen, I would call in and they would take me right in for the c-section. So, it appears that I won’t be getting out of this surgery. I have heard that many women prefer the c-section so I am taking some comfort in that.

Matt scored big this week with the news that he had indeed installed the car seats properly in both vehicles and that his favorite cigars had arrived. 95% of car seats are installed incorrectly, so Matt beat the odds big time. The inspector was really thorough and even tested it with a 6.5 lb baby doll. She showed us how to do all sorts of things with the car seat and even gave us tips for “home safety inspection” before Maggie arrives. I felt really informed. Matt is planning to disperse his favorite cigars upon Maggie’s arrival – Bull and Bear cigars from St. Charles, IL. Those are by far his favorites, and we had them shipped down for the occasion.

With Dr. Stafford’s permission, I also ventured into the office last week – but briefly each time. It is so good to be out of the house. I am taking it easy, but being at home alone all day was starting to really wear on my nerves and make me panicky about things so I am grateful Dr. Stafford allowed me a little freedom.

The photos are the last two ultrasound photos taken over the last two weeks. In one of them, you can see Maggie’s little nose and mouth. The ultrasound tech said it was hard to really see, even in 3D. So, they look a little funny, but they are interesting nonetheless.

We will continue to keep ya’ll posted on things and thanks again for all the great support you have given us and are continuing to give us. We are both ansy and are so ready to be home with Maggie.

All our love – Kim and Matt

Full Term and Directionally Challenge

Hi again everyone. Well, today, Maggie is full term. This means she should be “developmentally ready” to be born. That’s good to know.
We had an ultrasound last week and it made for a crazy week for us. After the ultrasound, the doctors told us that she was breech, the cord was wrapped around her neck, my amniotic fluid was low, and her head was flat on both sides. The doctor said we would not have a vaginal delivery and that we would have a c section this week. Matt and I were scared out of our minds. The doctor said Maggie’s kidneys may not be working properly because of the low fluid, and he told me to stay off my feet and work something out with my classes. However, on Wednesday, after consulting with the other doctors, we felt better. They said her kidneys were okay and that while my fluid level was low – it was still in the normal range. He said they felt the head issue was a non issue. They also said they wanted to try and wait for Week 39 to have the c section if Maggie doesn’t flip. That’s the first week in June. They also said it is unlikely she will flip. I am hoping she does flip, but there is less than a 10% chance that she will. I guess Maggie is directionally challenged.
So, we are targeting the first week of June, and it is likely we will have a c section. I am terrified of the c section. They put us on notice and said to bring our packed bags with us at every appointment in case they send us straight to the hospital. So, if the fluid level drops or they see something they don’t like, we’ll be on our way. Matt and I have another appointment tomorrow so we’re packed and ready but hopeful we won’t be checking in tomorrow.
Matt installed our car seats today. We will have them inspected and see how well we did. I am not going to tease him if he was off on the installation because he was so nice to give it a shot. We have our pack n play set up now, the bottles are washed, and the bags are packed. I sewed her cradle bumpers and blankets, and we are under the illusion that we are prepared. Ready or not though – Maggie is coming soon.
We feel like it was a crazy week last week and are hoping that tomorrow’s appointment kicks this week off much better than last week. We’ll keep you posted.
Also, please feel free to visit us when Maggie is born – in the hospital, at home, or both.
The photos are random photos from showers, etc. We thought you’d enjoy seeing how Angus is preparing for Maggie’s arrival. Thanks again for all your support – we VERY MUCH appreciate it.

Tic Toc

Hi again everyone. It’s been forever since our last update, and we apologize. Things have been hectic and are sure to get even more busy as Maggie’s due date quickly approaches. We have lots to update you on so we’ll get right to it.
In late February, I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes and pregnancy related anemia. Fortunately, both are under control at this point. I am lucky because I don’t have to take insulin and can control my sugar levels with my diet. I do miss my mocha frappaccino’s though and my iced chai tea lattes. I could still have those if I wanted, but I don’t dare tempt myself with them. I take iron supplements, but today my doctor told me that I don’t have to take as many iron pills each day because the levels are good now.
Because we’re at 35 weeks, I go to the doctor twice a week now. They perform what is called a non stress test/fetal monitoring. They do this because I am taking blood pressure medicine and because of Matt’s heart issue when he was born. The monitoring tests Maggie’s heartbeat and makes sure she can handle the stress of labor and delivery. I am confident that she can handle it – I am most concerned about me! So far, Maggie is performing like a trooper. During the first two tests, she moved around like crazy. This meant it took longer to get good readings because it’s best if she’s not as active during the test. Today, she was sleeping for the first part of the test, but she woke up and performed well.
Next Monday, we have another ultrasound. This is to make sure that “she is growing as she should be” as the doctor said. It’s just another precaution. I have only gained four pounds during the pregnancy. What is odd is that I will gain two or three pounds and then lose two or three pounds. I don’t understand it, but the doctors don’t seem too concerned about it. What is really weird is how my clothes are tighter and my belly gets bigger, but I don’t gain more weight. It defies logic to me, but as one of my doctors said, “you had some stored up to begin with.”
Maggie will be full term May 20th. This means she could come at any time after that date even though her due date is June 10th. Dr. Trippell said today that they would not stop my labor even if I go into labor before May 20th. She doesn’t think this will happen, but she wanted me to know that. Suddenly, I feel way behind with having things ready for Maggie’s arrival. I truly feel like the clock is ticking and that it’s getting louder and louder.
We had our childbirth prep class last week. It was interesting and scary at the same time. I think the videos they show are excellent forms of birth control – if they’d show them prior to getting pregnant. I think ignorance might have been bliss in this case for us. We did get to tour the maternity ward which is nice. Plus, they have wireless internet in all the rooms so Matt is thrilled. This also means that he has the responsibility of sending an email update from the hospital and a picture of Maggie.
Maggie has continued to move around and be very active in the belly. She seems to really like music. Every time we go to a restaurant with music (like Cheeseburgers in Paradise or Texas Roadhouse), she starts moving around like crazy. We’re not sure what this means yet, but it makes me a tad nervous. We’re hoping it soothes her and doesn’t mean she is going to be a wild child.
We continue to have such great support from our friends and family, and we are so thankful for that. The pictures are of the nursery and from baby showers. Ya’ll have been so wonderful to us. We hope to see ya’ll soon, and we’ll be much better about the updates. We’ll keep you posted.
Thanks for all your love and support!

Week 19

Hi again everyone! We hope this update finds you all well and enjoying the New Year. Week 19 began today, and it was time for an update.

Matt and I are excited because on the 23rd, we find out Ziggy’s gender. We have our Level II ultrasound in Indianapolis that day at the IU Med Center. We’re planning to stop that afternoon and get something for Ziggy.

We had our monthly checkup shortly after our return from Texas. Unfortunately, Matt wasn’t able to join me for that visit. We saw Dr. Wren, and he gave me the once over and sent me on my way. I was pretty nervous since Matt wasn’t there so my blood pressure was a little high, but Dr. Wren wasn’t worried. He was most concerned that I have only gained 1 pound. He asked me if I was eating. I assured him that I was eating plenty. I told him I’d have to write this down because no doctor has ever accused me of not eating. In the first trimester I had gained 2 pounds and then I had lost 2 pounds. So, I’m plus 1 pound. I couldn’t believe that after all the food I had in Texas. Between the Tex-Mex, the bbq, the chicken fried steak, etc. I was sure I would have gained 10 lbs. so I was relieved. Dr. Wren also listened to Ziggy’s heartbeat. It seemed like it was taking forever to hear the heartbeat, and all we heard was static. I was getting pretty worried, and Dr. Wren must have sensed this because he told me that the static was from Ziggy moving the arms and legs around. Whew! Finally, Ziggy relaxed, and we heard the heartbeat. I was glad Ziggy was moving around because I plan on poking my belly during the ultrasound until Ziggy moves in the appropriate spot for them to give us a definitive answer on gender.

A few days after the checkup, I wasn't feeling very good and was certain I had another kidney infection. I didn't, but as Dr. Wood said "you're very dehydrated." So, I had strict orders to rest and drink a ton of fluids. I did and felt better pretty quickly. Now, I know what it feels like to be dehydrated, and it wasn't fun. I have no idea how I became dehydrated, but I am drinking much more often now.

We’re staying busy with home improvement projects to get us organized for Ziggy’s arrival. I am determined that we’ll be organized because I am pretty sure we won’t be organized after Ziggy arrives. We also signed up for our childbirth prep class and the baby basics class. Matt and I plan on saving the documentation that we actually took these classes. This way, when Ziggy gets older and tells us that we're terrible parents, we can provide the little one with documentation that we were - at the very least - somewhat trained.

This is a short update, but we’ll update again real soon – probably as soon as we know the gender. At the request of many, we're also planning on adding pictures soon.

Take care and thanks again for all your support.

A Busy Week

Hi everyone. We hope ya’ll are enjoying the holiday season. Matt, Ziggy, and I had a busy week as we near the second trimester. I was wrong last week because I thought Week 13 marked the beginning of the second trimester, but it’s actually Week 14, which means we have just a few more days to go. I forgot that it’s calculated on a 40 week timetable vs. a 36 week timetable – I’m no math whiz .

Last week, we had our genetic counseling at the IU Med Center in Indy. We made our first “real” parental decision. We had to choose which screenings to have performed. The risk of getting a false positive on most of these tests was actually higher than the average risk and the genetic risk of Ziggy having any type of disorder. I had asked the genetic counselor if there were any advantages to Ziggy if we discovered any problems now rather than at the 20 week ultrasound. He replied that there was no advantage whatsoever, and any positive result would be reexamined at the 20 week ultrasound. So, Matt and I discussed it, and we decided that it would be best to wait for the 20 week ultrasound rather than have me worry about results, etc. The genetic counselor was great, but he did begin to annoy me toward the latter part of our meeting. He kept reminding me that any risk went up at age 35, but he wanted me to know that since I was close to that age and “getting older” (his words, not mine) that I could essentially have those same risks. It’s just odd to hear someone say that I’m older – over and over and over again . Regardless, the risks are all pretty much fewer than 2%, so we are really hoping those odds hold. We did schedule that 20 week Level II Ultrasound – it’s Jan. 23rd. We also decided to have a screening for cystic fibrosis. Matt and I would both have to be carriers for Ziggy to be at risk, but again, odds are on our side. This is a simple blood test, and the results should be in soon.

On Sunday, I had some bad cramping and a few other issues, but all is well. I was a little unnerved, but Matt was his usual laid back and relaxed self. We had our monthly check up with Dr. Trippel on Monday, and she assured me that all was normal. She also told me that I might have these goofy symptoms for awhile since Ziggy was growing. She mandated a flu shot for me. I HATE shots. When I was little, the nurses would have to tell me elaborate stories and try to get me to look away just so they could give me my shot. I caught on to this fairly quickly, and the stories became more detailed until they eventually wore me down. I had told Matt this story, and he told me that they used a gun like contraption to administer the flu shot. So, for about 10 minutes, I am trying to find an escape route out of the exam room. I have never had a flu shot and didn’t know any better but to believe Matt. So, when the nurse came in, my face was red and I was sweating. She asked about my allergies, and I was tempted to lie so I would not have to have the shot. I didn’t lie, and as it turns out, it’s just a regular needle. I hardly felt it so I wrote the nurse’s name down so she can give me all my shots .

We saved the best part for last. We heard Ziggy’s heartbeat on Monday. It was very cool and very reassuring. Dr. Trippell said the heartbeat was strong and at a perfect pace. Dr. Trippell is a no nonsense type woman, so there was really no time to ooh and ahh over that perfect heartbeat. She heard what she needed to hear and it was over in about five seconds. But, that was just long enough to be logged into our memories forever. I told Matt how cool it was, and Dr. Trippell (who has her own kids) told us that it would be the coolest sound we hear until we hear Ziggy’s cry. I am sure this is true – until Ziggy won’t stop crying .

So, all in all, a good week and a half. We’re ready for Week 14 and that second trimester. The risk of any problems carrying Ziggy dramatically decrease then, and it also brings us one week closer to the 20 week ultrasound where we also learn the gender. We’ll continue to keep you posted. Thanks again for everything! Take care!

Moving Right Along

Hi again everyone. I am sorry it's been awhile since our last update.

Today marks the middle of Week 12 meaning we're just about through the first trimester. This is great news, as usually this means the morning sickness becomes much better. Unfortunately, I'm still pretty tired. The end of the first trimester also means that Ziggy has passed a bit of a milestone as things are less likely to go wrong now. I have been real superstitious and didn't want to jinx anything, but I finally fought the superstition and purchased a little outfit for Ziggy. It's a Halloween outfit that was on sale and I snagged it for $5. I thought Ziggy could wear it next Halloween. I also purchased a pair of black shorts - for $1. They were 12 months, but that's okay. Ziggy will grow into them eventually.

Ziggy is a very lucky little one already. We have received so many wonderful cards and emails and many presents. Great Aunt Jill sent Ziggy a mobile for the car - it's very cool. Honorary Aunt Vicki sent Ziggy some Baylor socks. Another honorary Aunt - Jen - gave Ziggy some toy keys and a cute picture frame. Aunt Molly and Uncle Tony gave Ziggy a teddy bear and Grandma Nancy already has several presents for Ziggy that we will open at Christmas. Grandma and Grandpa Miloch also brought Ziggy a sippy cup and t-shirt from their trip to the West Coast. Ziggy is a very lucky little one to have such love and support, as are we.

We signed up for regular emails from one of the baby sites, and each week, we get an update on Ziggy's growth. This week, Ziggy is about two inches long, and about the size of a lime. Also, according to the email, if I or Matt poke my stomach - Ziggy will squirm. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to feel it yet.

A few weeks ago, Matt and I were in Chicago for our nephew Brady's christening. While we were there, we found this cool little book entitled "The New Parents' Book of Firsts: The Seemingly Insignificant but Truly Astounding Accomplishments of Mom and Dad." It's a cool but sarcastic book, and I'm sure it will become all too familiar soon. We are to record the date and time we reached each "accomplishment." It includes excerpts such as “the first time Mom or Dad read Good Night Moon and thought – Jeez, I could have written this” and “the first time dad realized that he’s never experienced any more panicked and stressful minutes than the ones spent looking for the crying babies lost pacifier.” It’s funny, yet scary to us all at the same time.

Tomorrow, we travel to Indy for our genetic counseling and screening at the IU Med Center. I’m nervous, and Matt is his usual laid back self. On Monday, we have our second check up with Dr. Trippell so next week will be another full update.

Take care and thanks again for all your love and support.

Nine Weeks and Counting

Hi again everyone. First, let us just say that we have the best friends and family. All of you are so supportive. Thanks!

Today marks 9 weeks, and we have just a small update for you. Last week, despite the morning sickness, Ziggy and I began the prenatal swim class at the YMCA. The class is called the Pregnant Plunge. Dr. Trippell recommended this class to me in lieu of the weight training. I must say, she really hit the nail on the head with this class. I find the resistance of the water to be more challenging than the weights. It’s great, and I love being in the water. It’s so relaxing.

When I showed up to class, I saw one lady who looked so familiar. I couldn’t place her (which is unusual for me) so I asked her for her name. She replied “Beth” and then it hit me. She was my family doctor – Dr. Beth Florini. Dr. Florini is about 7 months along, and I must say that having her in my class is fantastic. I know that she can handle it if I pass out from exertion . Three other ladies are in the class with me, and they are much farther ahead of Ziggy. I like them all, and it’s really fun chatting with them.

Matt continues his quest to be named as husband/dad to be of the year. He relentlessly runs errands, cleans, cooks, does laundry, organizes, etc. It’s impressive, and so helpful.

That’s really all we have to report so far. We’ll keep you abreast of any developments. Thanks again for all your love and support!

A First Time for Everything

This is our first post, and we have lots to update you on. First, Matt thinks we need to explain the name of the blog. In high school, his football coach often referred to him as Buckethead. The nickname stuck and it’s followed Matt throughout his life. When Matt designed the blog, he named it The Chronicles of Baby Bucket to honor his nickname and to tie it into the blog that I keep (but haven’t updated in awhile) called The Tennis Chronicles of Kimberly.

We found out about four weeks ago that there would be a new addition to our family. After two positive home tests, we were still in disbelief. Then, we met with the Childbirth Educator at our doctor’s office and things became quite real for us in a hurry. I think it was her inquiry “Have you selected a pediatrician yet?” that hit home.

Yesterday, we had our first ultrasound. We were able to see Ziggy’s heartbeat. Ziggy (aka Baby Bucket) is a nickname we coined for the little one. It was really cool to see its heart beating. Ziggy is very tiny, but you could definitely see that heartbeat.

This morning, we met with the doctor. Dr. Trippell was great. She did her residency at the University of Texas Medical Center in San Antonio so I liked her immediately :-). Matt liked her too. She said everything is progressing as it should. She is, however, taking me off of weight training. I was a bit bummed about that, but we must defer to her expertise. The good news is that I can keep playing tennis and walking. I likely will also pick up swimming since I can’t do the weight training. I am looking forward to that.

Dr. Trippell confirmed our due date as June 12th. It will be an eventful summer! She also told us that we will have genetic counseling on Nov. 30th. This is pretty common in individuals that have a similar family history as Matt. Matt was born as a blue baby, meaning he had a little hole in his heart. Since this can sometimes be hereditary, Dr. Trippell wants us to have the genetic counseling and possibly and integrated screening. Because of Matt’s condition, we will also have a Level II Ultrasound at 20 weeks. So, the genetic counseling, screening, and ultrasound will be conducted at the IU Medical Center in Indianapolis. The IU Med Center has a fetal cardiac unit and the fetal cardiologists will examine Ziggy’s heart during the ultrasound. If the fetal cardiologists don’t like everything they see, they will mandate that Ziggy be born there in Indy instead of Bloomington just in case they need to perform any procedures. At the 20 week ultrasound, we will also find out Ziggy’s gender. This will be a long awaited discovery, as we are anxious to purchase things for Baby Bucket.

I have been hit with the morning sickness this week, and Dr. Trippell says it might get worse. I’m seriously hoping this isn’t the case. I think Matt shares this hope as he has been pulling double duty – running errands, cooking, retrieving popsicles for me, etc.

We’ll keep you posted throughout and provide you with regular updated. We hope all of you are well. Thanks for all your love and support. We’re so lucky to have it.

For Baby Bucket