37 weeks and My Truly Lovely Bride

I wrote this poem for you Tara.  I am so completely blown away by your beauty, strength and joy.  I am so completely grateful for your patience, gentleness and unconditional love.  I am forever changed in heart and soul, in ways beyond measure.  I love you.

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What a beautiful sight to see,

My lovely bride with child to be

Her baby bump filled up with love,

Her Baby kicks and gives a shove.

To see it now, like this I know

The beauty true… her human soul.

If evermore a love there were

That fly from heart and time could blur,

My voice would sing and heart would swell

That she I love, loves me so well.

Our little boy so strong and sweet

While kisses rain upon his cheeks

Luck has danced in mine own eyes

Her light has flown through mine own skies.

So child of mine for you we pray

Put your hand in our hands, and we’ll show you the way.

I love you more than words angel.  You have surpassed my wildest dreams in every way.  You have carried our baby boy with grace, strength and above all, an abundance of love.  Let's grow ever older in body and ever younger in spirit as we embark hand in hand on the most exciting journey of our lives.  I'm yours forever, Jonathan.

36 Weeks! One more week till full term!

Phew! 36 weeks...this week is just the final stepping stone before 37 weeks. 37 weeks is the official "green light." After that week, Declan is considered full term and is free to come whenever he wants! I have a feeling that it will be closer to 40-41 weeks before he graces us with his sweet little face.  He is busy putting on weight and getting ready for his big debut. He is still learning to breathe and has the hiccups at least once a day. The other night I was convinced he was having a dance party in the womb! Jonathan and I both were up at various points in the night, laughing and giggling at all of his antics. With parents like us how could we expect to have a calm and chill baby?!
Mommy is beyond exhausted. This time I am being honest. I was doing great up until this past week. Work kicked my butt, it was busy and hectic. My ankles swelled like crazy while being on my feet. My blood pressure is within normal limits, as is my blood sugar. I was slightly disappointed at my midwife appointment to find out that the diabetes educator labeled me "diet controlled diabetic." Even though that is not what she had told me at our appointment. However, the stress of not having these appointments and feeling like I might be put on medication has had a positive effect on my morning blood sugars, which is wonderful news. Bottom line is I can deliver at the birth center and everything is as its supposed to be.
We were supposed to make it up to Los Alamos on Friday for a maternity photo session...However, we have had a good amount of snow here in New Mexico. Enough that on Thursday night they closed the roads to Los Alamos from Albuquerque and it was still severe driving conditions on Friday morning. We ended up not going. I am so disappointed. Hopefully it will work out later this week or weekend to make it up there to do the shoot!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas with lots of love! Jonathan, Tara and of course baby Declan!

 

 

 

 

 

During church last night every time the words "and she gave birth to a son!" were mentioned, both Jonathan and myself were quite emotional. A whole bunch of words and emotions could be said. Most importantly Jonathan and I are so blessed to be preparing for the birth of our son. We pray for a happy and healthy baby in 2012. All of our love!

Alex and Kaiti!

Congratulations to Alex and Kaiti! '
They got engaged on December 23rd overlooking the city, at the top of the tram!
So so happy for them!

ONE MORE MONTH!!!

Happy December 20th! This means one more month until January 20th which is our official due date! However, a very small amount of babies arrive on their actual due date. Still fun to start the countdown though!

35 WEEKS!

ANYWHERE FROM 2-7 WEEKS LEFT!!!

35 Week ultrasound!

Our sweet baby boy's nose and mouth. He was snuggled up next to his placenta blanket so we were unable to see his face. This photo is from the 30 week ultrasound. This time we got 3D photos of his "baby moon" or his boy bits!

• He weighs 5lbs 9oz, according to the ultrasound. This puts him in the 44th percentile. It is so tight in there we are unable to tell about how long he is, but he is strong and still very active.
• He is head down!
• Declan's hearing is fully developed, but babies respond best to high pitched noises (he likes Christmas Carols!)
• His testes should be fully descended, it also looks that way on ultrasound.
• His kidneys are fully functioning (we are still praying for strong healthy kidneys! According to the ultrasound that we had on the 15th his left kidney is still dilated. Now we won't know specifically what that means till after he is born and we have a renal ultrasound.)
• His face will be a big surprise! At every ultrasound he is smashed into his placenta blanket, that we aren't able to see his face. Truthfully I really like that what he looks like will be a surprise.
• He is just beautiful. Everything about him is just perfect. Jonathan and I made this little boy out of love, and really nothing can beat that.

What is up with Mommy?

• I  got cleared from my diabetes educator! I don't have gestational diabetes! I don't have to go on medication!
• I am still going to be super careful with my diet, higher protein, lower carbohydrate, low glycemic index.
• I gained 1/2 lb in 2 weeks, makes up for my 5.5lb weight gain that happened over a 3 week period. 28.5 lbs gained so far.
• Fundal height is measuring at 34 weeks. Still 35 weeks gestation! No change in due date!
• I am having some swelling in my feet, super dry skin, super super tired.
• My current bedtime is 8:30pm every night, I wake up about every 3 hours. When I wake up its either to pee or eat... or both.
• I have to eat small portions all day long because he has either his legs or butt pressed into my stomach, so I don't feel too great if I eat too much.
• I am getting so excited! Not scared, not nervous, just really really excited!
• All we have to do is make it two more weeks than he can come anytime after that!
• So so ready to be a mommy and for Jonathan to be a daddy! So in love with our little boy!

What is up with Daddy?

•  I have been busy trenching and planning how our family will eat once the Zombie Apocalypse is upon us.  As long as I keep my lovely bride fed, Declan will eat.
• I have fallen ever more in love with Tara as I've watched how strong and beautiful she continues to be.  She is still working three 12 hour days and has done amazing Christmas baking!!  WOW!
• I have been working with an EXCELLENT mechanic to get our vehicles in tip top shape.  If you need a mobile mechanic, you'll love Wayne from ONB Automotive.
• I am busy rubbing Tara's legs and hands to give her some relief.
• I have been getting lots of friend time with swimming, grabbing lunch and just hanging out.  I am excited for everyone to meet my son.
• Tara's pillows aren't really helping...I think Declan uses the nights to prepare for the big day that only HE knows when it will be!
• I have just loved spending time with Tara and we are both ready for our baby boy....this of course could be the calm before the storm.  For the record, I had all my hair when I was 30.
• To our faithful readers, I deeply apologize for dropping off the face of the blogging planet!  My lovely bride has been keeping this going strong and I promise to have something special for our next post.

34 WEEKS!!!

Anywhere from 4-8 weeks left to go! I could sit here and try to figure out when he is going to come, earlier or later, but that baby is going to come when he is good and ready!

Jonathan and I took this wonderful series of birth classes called 'Blissborn.' I know I have talked about it before, but trust me, its worth talking about it ALL the time! Laura Wood and her sister Shelley Black started this program together. It is an amzing hypnosis program centered around preparing couples for a better birth. As humans, mammals whatever, we were built to grow and birth our children without the help of unecessary medical interventions. Now trust me, as a nurse, I know there are circumstances for medical intervention etc. However, the majority of the population can birth babies with out medical intervention.
Anyways....Blissborn. It is a wonderful series of classes, five classes for five weeks. All centered around self hypnosis and birth. Our instructor, Laura, was wonderful. In fact so wonderful, that when I was having some serious anxiety about all this blood sugar business, I went to see her outside of our classes for some extra help. We are so sad that our classes are over, but both of us feel confident and excited to have our baby. There is no fear, just acceptance.
If you want more information about the program here is the website and they are also on Facebook!
http://blissbornonline.com/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Blissborn-Birth-Hypnosis-Youre-built-for-a-better-birth/107031109330464

So I also feel like I should address the concerns of some friends and family who have a certain opinion about us delivering at the birth center. Yes, I do know that there are such things as "Labor and Delivery Emergencies." Yes, I have heard all of the stories around worst possible scenarios and the worst labor and delivery stories ever. Guess what, I went to nursing school and I am still a nurse, and I still hear the stories. Here is the other thing, when you are pregnant, people seem to want to tell you all of the bad labor stories and very few good ones. But maybe that is what is wrong with our society, with the United States in general. Birth is natural, it is a good thing. The birth center carefully screens all of its patients, the midwives are the best of the best, if they are concerned I get to go to the hospital. I trust them. They have emergency equipment, but no I can't have a c-section, but I can be transferred in a medical emergency in less than six minutes. So on behalf of Jonathan and I, and your love for us. Please know that we have informed ourselves or evey option, we have researched, we are prepared. We made the best decision for us and for our family. It may not be your choice, but please accept our decision and support us as we enter the final stage.

33 WEEKS!!! 7 WEEKS to go!

Yay for 33 weeks! I say 7 weeks left to go, but that is 7 weeks until my official due date. I am officially 37 weeks on December 30th. Which means that Declan could come anytime after that. I am so so excited, not nervous, not scared, just ready and so excited. I feel so blessed.
We had another appointment with the midwife and so far everything is right on schedule. My belly is measuring right at 33 cm, which is perfect for 33 weeks. Declan was super active when our midwife, Abigail, was trying to listen for his heartbeat. I would just like to give some recognition to Abigail, because I truly feel that she is one of the best. I saw a lot of different midwifes at UNMH and no one is as down to earth, knowledgeable and as comforting as Abigail. Last week was extremely stressful between being on the "Gestational Diabetes Watch", getting a stomach bug, anticipating the results of our last ultrasound. After our visit with Abigail, I felt relief. True relief. That everything really was going to be ok, that everything that was going on was perfect for our pregnancy. She is a blessing.
Ultrasound results said there was still pylectasis in the left kidney. The perinatalogist wanted another ultrasound check at 35 weeks, just to check the progress. If no improvement, Declan will have to have a renal ultrasound after birth. We have another ultrasound on the 15th of December just to reevaluate his size, making sure he is not growing bigger or faster than he should. We will make sure to keep you updated.
Also this weekend was the baby shower! My mom, Kait, and Rachel threw a wonderful "Winter Wonderland" themed baby shower for Declan and myself! Words can not describe how much fun we had and how touched I was by everyones generousity.

Happy Birthday Kaitlin!

Happy 23rd Birthday

to my little sister!

Love you so much!

32 WEEKS! 8 weeks left to go!!!

Phew! Well where to start...If you looked at the Thanksgiving photo, I am sure you are saying to yourself, WHOA check out that belly....Yes that photo makes me look enormous. I put that photo up there because it was one of the few from Thanksgiving, but I would like to think that I am much more petite and adorable than that photo lets on.
Declan is busy growing and growing! I hope he is getting used to the higher protein, lower carb diet...There are days where it is really easy and days that I seriously can't stand it. Still checking my blood sugars at least four times a day. And the last few mornings I have been able to keep my fasting blood sugars under 90mg/dL. Which is a huge deal. I went back to see the Diabetic Counselor this week and she was really impressed by how deligent I had been and how "normal" my blood glucose levels were. However, the only thing that was a little off was my fasting blood glucose. Those levels are taken first thing in the morning after six to eight hours of not eating. Sometimes they can be a little high because in the middle of the night your body starts to panic because there is no energy coming in, that your liver releases glycogen into your blood stream in preparation for you to be hypoglycemic. Unfortunately that is what was happening to me. I found this out because I spent a night waking every few hours to take my blood sugar only to watch it dwindle down and spike back up by morning. Good thing is, it seems we have fixed the problem. I am still walking like crazy, even though I have more aches and pains now than I did a few weeks ago. And I am definitely much more tired. However, I would do anything to protect our baby and right now thats what I am doing, everytime I poke my finger, watch what I eat, go for a walk etc.
We got our Christmas tree up today! Thank you to Catherine and Michael for bringing us back a tree from their land up by their cabin. I can not begin to describe how thankful I am that someone took care of that part of the holidays for us! But our house this year will have less decorations than we normally do, because if you put them up...you have to take them down. And this year its a lot of work to get them up, so I know it will be more effort to get them down.
Much love to everyone!

Thanks to my mom and brother for taking our Christmas card photo this year! I included some of the out takes from our photo shoot so hopefully you get a good laugh out of them. I should say you must leave a comment on our blog in order to receive your Christmas card this year, because for some reason, none of our followers want to leave comments...or maybe because no one reads this blog!

Ramble already loves Declan, but he doesn't like to share the spotlight

Then it turns into yawning...

At this point he has had enough and our photo session was definitely over!

Happy Thanksgiving!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We have so many wonderful people to be thankful for! The list goes on and on!

On Thanksgiving, Jonathan and I, Ryan and Melissa and Kait all went up to my Dad's house to say hello and visit for awhile before they ate dinner. We had a great time visiting and meeting new people. Also Melissa and I got our workout in playing "Just Dance" on the Wii. So so much fun! In fact I have to get my dad to email me those photos because I am sure they are so funny!

Later that day, we went back to my mom's house and Catherine and Michael came over for Thanskgiving dinner. We had an absolutely wonderful dinner! Just wonderful!

We truly are blessed!

Ryan, Jonathan and Christopher all blowing out Jonathan's birthday candles!

Jonathan, Tom, Baby Kyle and Josh!

This past weekend we were finally able to celebrate Melissa (my brother Ryan's girlfriend) and Jonathan's birthdays up at my Dad and his wife Kelly's house. We finally found a time where everyone can get together! We had a fun time and I just thought this photo was hilarious of everyone blowing out the candles! We also learned that night that if Declan is born before January 23rd he will be born in the year of the rabbit. And if he is born after January 23rd he will be born in the year of the dragon, and he will also be an aquarius. The boys love to climb all over Jonathan! Jonathan was so proud that his new workout let him play with the kids and the next day no weird soreness or muscle aches! I am embarassed to say that I had my camera out and I took a total of two photos the whole night...shame on me. Guess that just means we had a great time!

Rachel (Kyle's mom!), Jane (13.5 weeks pregnant), and me at 31 weeks!

31 WEEKS!

EEEEeeeeekkkk! WEEK 31! What a week....Most importantly lets talk about baby. Baby is officially 3lbs and 15oz. Weighing in at the 57th percentile. Which is a little bit above the average, but all within the healthy range. We had a "baby date" today and he was all snuggled up against his placenta of a blanket, so we could see much of his face. He did give us multiple views of his scrotum, so yes we are sure he is a boy! We saw his kidneys but of course we won't know what the deal is until the perinatalogist reviews the ultrasound and sends all the information to my midwife. Our next appointment is the 2nd of December so we will keep you updated.

This week has been a little stressful. I did not pass my three hour glucose that happened last friday. I had to get three out of four within the normal range...and I only got two. So...I had to go Diabetic Counseling on Wednesday afternoon. Met with the Nurse Practioner at Center for Prenatal Development to go over eating habits, exercise, difference between protein and carbohydrates, glycemic index etc. I have to test my blood sugars about four times a day. The NP was very positive and encouraging and said she would be shocked if I had abnormal blood sugars, but she did say that I may just be more sensitive to carbohydrates. She also said considering how much I have decreased my sugar intake in the last few years, including giving up corn syrup, that drinking 100grams of glucose might have just been system overload. I have not been given the official diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes, but you better believe to protect Declan and myself we are eating like it. So far so good. I have yet to have an abnormal blood sugar. I go back on Monday afternoon to go over all of my levels and figure out the next step. So happy to say that it didn't look like Declan was a meatball of a baby and he looked proportionate and he looks like his daddy!

Declan's still the size of a squash!

• He's going through major brain and nerve development.
• Eye development, too. His irises now react to light!
• All five of his senses are in working order.

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He is moving a ton! Still head down but rolling his butt and legs from one side to the next.

November 14, 2011

JUST BORN!!! And he was so modest, covering up all his boy bits!

This sweet little boy was born six months ago! Can you believe it! I certainly can't. I already have anxiety about him growing up too fast. Here are some of my favorite baby Kyle photos!

About 30 minutes old already cuddling and wide awake!

Just a few days old! And getting to spend a day with all
of his Aunties!

Absolutely loving his duck and turtle friends!

Cuddling with Uncle Jon!

Getting so so big! Smiling all of the time, laughing and continuously
rolling!

30 WEEKS!

Wow! 30 weeks! Hard to believe, this whole experience is going by so fast. We started our Blissborn classes this past Monday. Like we talked about earlier the classes are just awesome. Our instructor, also the founder of Blissborn, is an amazing woman. I could go on and on about how much we enjoyed the classes and how important they have been for me in the last week. It has been really hard to listen and filter out all of the pregnancy and delivery horror stories. Now that I am visibly pregnant, no matter what I wear, everyone has a comment. Everyone is willing to share their advice or their story, or to strongly suggest that you need to have an epidural or that I am crazy for delivering at a birth center. I am over the negative stories or the strong opinions. Bottom line is I was made, in God's grace, to be able to birth a baby. I can and I will do this exactly how it is supposed to happen for Jonathan and I. I also have an amazing partner to stand by me and behind me to support me through this journey.

Baby Declan is busy busy busy! And I love it!
Loves:

• Singing to Declan!
• Talking to Declan, while we are cooking, driving or getting ready!
• Trying to guess which bump and lump is what body part!
• That he kicks his Daddy when Jonathan hugs me, because he knows that voice!
• That we get to have a baby date on the 18th!

Your baby's the size of a squash!

Your 15.2- to 16.7-inch, 2.5- to 3.8-pound baby continues to grow.

Declan's skin is smoothing out and becoming less wrinkled and his brain is becoming more wrinkled. That is good news, because that means making room for that super important brain tissue. He is also strong enough to grasp a finger!

At the Birth Center before our appointment and after I drank a disgusting 100 grams of glucose.... Special thank yous to Rachel for coming and keeping me company and not letting me go crazy!





CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FRIENDS JOSH AND JANE!!! THEY ARE GOING TO BE PARENTS!!! They are expecting a beautiful spring baby! Due May 23rd!!!

Jane, Rachel and I on Halloween! I have been saving this picture until Janey gave me the go ahead that I could spread the joy and love!

29 WEEKS!!!

Declan's the size of a squash!

Baby already measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches long. Right now, he weighs about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds but he's still got a ways to go -- He will triple his weight before birth!

Declan is a dancer and he loves music! As he starts to move more and more, I can tell he responds to certain peoples voices and he is already figuring out what kind of music he likes. I can actually feel him growing. On certain days I have the most intense burning right under my belly just from all of the stretching and growing. Unfortunately I have also been experiencing some swelling in my feet. Which just means that I need to learn to relax, rest and put my feet up! For someone who rarely sits down while at home this is going to be a big challenge!

This weekend my mom and I went out to California to surprise my Grandpa for his 80th birthday! My mom managed to keep it a secret from my Grandpa, Grandma and my Aunt Carol! They knew my mom was coming but didn't know that I would be there. We had a great time! We went golfing on Thursday, I could only manage about six holes. It was a little awkward and a little strenuous on the round ligaments(Hello intense burning!). It was also super windy and a little on the chilly side, lucky for us my Grandma and I were in the cart with the pull down sides and heater! Friday we went over to Napa to my aunts house and to celebrate my Grandpas birthday over there. She was super excited to see us too! We had a great time lounging and eating. For those of you, like me,  with extensive prayer lists who adds anyone who needs a little extra help to your daily prayers. Please keep my aunt in your prayers. She has had some nagging health problems and has to have another surgery in the next few weeks. Because of these health problems she was unable to come for our wedding, due to the same surgery. And as life would have it, now that Declans arrival is on the horizon, she has to have another one. Let's just hope this one is effective and quick. That she is able to heal and be strong and able to meet her great nephew.
My mom and I just had a really wonderful time getting to spend time with Grams and Gramps and Aunt Carol, also each other. Its nice to have such an easy and enjoyable travel companipon. The obvious thing that was missing: JONATHAN! He decided after much consideration that he needed to save up his time off from work for when the baby comes. How could I argue with that? I was very excited to be back at home with Jonathan last night, in fact so was Declan. He kicks, punches like crazy when he hears his Daddy's voice. It is just adorable.