Annabelle's going to be a big Sister!

Surprise surprise your pregnant again. Tim and I were pretty shocked to learn that we were expecting a second time. Not that we weren't trying, just that we wanted to wait a few more weeks to start really trying. We heard baby #2 heartbeat for the first time on September 21st. What a wonderful sound to hear. I'm currently 16 weeks pregnant and feeling pretty good. This pregnancy is much different then the last. I've had morning sickness starting at 5 weeks, although no throwing up, just lots of gagging. We saw the doctor again at 14 weeks, and heard a strong and healthy heartbeat of 149 bpm. This time around my new doctor is being proactive with my care. She's suggested that I received 17p shots for my preterm labor. If you remember back in 2009, the day I was admitted to the hospital, I was put on magnesium sulfate to help lower my blood pressure. I also received one of two steroid shots to mature Annabelle's lungs. Over night my water broke unexpectedly and I started contracting. My doctor is hoping this time around with the help of the 17p shots that this prevent me from going into PTL. Starting at 16 weeks I will receive weekly shots until 36 weeks. I joked with Tim on Tuesday night, one shot down and 19 more to go. Some of the side effects are itchiness and welts around inject site. My nurse Val (love her already) insured me that she would be gentle and she was. I got the shot in my hip, instead of my butt (thank you Val). I never felt the serum go, another positive for Val. So far I haven't had any issues with itchiness or welts, but we are just starting. Next Tuesday, I get my second shot, on the left side and I'm hoping for the same outcome as the first shot.

Our next OB appointment is November 21, and I'll be 18 weeks along. We are hoping to get the referral to have the anatomy scan at this appointment. Stay tuned for results (hoping that baby cooperates during the ultrasound.

An update

Our little girl is not a baby anymore. It's hard for me to type these words out, but our little girl is growing up. I knew that the baby years would go by fast, but I never thought this fast. Annabelle is now 22 months old, and talking non-stop. You won't believe some of the words that comes out of her mouth. She will repeat everything you say. From Josie, Roscoe, to dog, cat, animals sounds, to describing what she sees outside. I love it. But I also miss holding her, laying her on my chest when she so tiny. Although we still snuggle, but she fights me most nights. "No mama, I big girl!"

Last weekend Tim and I celebrated five years of marriage. We decided to celebrate by staying in a Bed and Breakfast in Kennett Square, PA. This B&B is near Longwood Gardens and about an hour from our house. On Saturday we decided to do the "sip and stay gateway". We toured 4 of the 6 wineries on the tour. Our card does not expire, so we might go back for a day trip in the near future. We relaxed both days, GPSing it to the wineries, and checking out several of the local restaurants in the area.

On Friday, we ventured over to Kennett Square Inn for dinner. Tim got the Chesapeake Steak and I got the surf and turf. My steak was wonderful, but my lobster was over cooked. We got chocolate creme burlee for dessert and that got an A plus in my book, but I would give the overall dinner a C. After dinner we pretty much collapsed and went to bed early.

The next day we got up early, can't help that Annabelle wakes us normally up at 5:00 a.m. on the weekends. We had breakfast downstairs at 8:15. The first morning Gilji fixed us mushroom omelet w/fresh fruit and bacon. Yum. After breakfast we headed out to check out the local PA wineries. We returned late that afternoon, took a 20 minute power nap and then headed to Blue Moon Pub in Kennett Square. We ate upstairs on the rooftop desk, which had a wonderful breeze. We ordered Crab nachos (A plus) for apps. For dinner I had a cheese burger and Tim go BBQ pork burger. Over all it was a yummy evening. We had plans to go back to the room and bring our glasses of wine down to the porch, but we fell asleep early. Ha ha!

Sunday morning came and we greeted with the most amazing cinnamon french toast thanks to our wonderful host Gilja. We left Kennett Square and headed home. Were we processed to clean out the entire house. I left around 3 p.m. to pick up Annabelle and the dogs. Both Tim and I enjoyed our weekend away, but we really missed our little girl.

Check out some of the most recently professional pictures we had taken by our friend Charlene. If your every in need of a local photographer, please email me. I'll pass Charlene contact information along.

What's Miss Annabelle doing now??

I've neglected my blog for far to long. We've been busy since Christmas, we also have a growing toddler on our hands. Since Christmas, Annabelle has learned to walk, she is also talking too. Her vocabulary has exploded in the last three months. She use to say about 5 to 10 words, now she talks all the time. Tim and I decided to make a list of all the words that she now says. I'm sure we are leaving a few off. I also like to point out a few months ago I bought some flash cards from Barnes and Noble with a gift card that we received at Christmas. These flash cards have helped out amazingly. I've tried to google them, but I'm not having much luck. I'll just describe them to you all. They are the touch and feel, first words, transportation and color cards. Onward to the list:

Daddy
Mommy: (I'm so happy to announce that finally will say this word on command)
Josie
Roscoe: but it's more like "scoe"
duck
tree
car & truck: are her favorites when we are outside
apple: her first word other then daddy
ball
bath
tomato
baby
sweater: although it's more like weter
cheese
hot dog
dog: which see says doggie
fish
Lily but it sounds ily
up
down

Okay I'm drawing a blank for more. I know there is more. I think everyone has to be a wallflower at my house and you will see. You might even be shocked at how she is. Usually in public it's the quiet, shy Annabelle, but at home, it's a whole other story. Which I'm sure is the case for many children.

It's been a long time...

It's been a long time since I've posted. We are already in 2011 and we are having lots of fun. Annabelle is growing like a weed. She just had her 15 month appointment on Friday. And she is up to 22lbs and 31 inches long. She has come a long ways from 4lbs 18.5 inches long. She is mobile now too. She has been walking for about a month now, and some days I look at her and think WOW! You'll be a teenager before I know it. Lets see her vocabulary has exploded too. Here's a list of what she is saying:

Dadda
Momma
Bush
Good
Dog
Bad
Yes
Linda (although I haven't heard her say this!)

Doctor is really impressed with her and wants her to say 1-2 new words a month. Now if we could just get through this winter and onward to spring we all would be doing wonderful. Annabelle is in the thick of flu season. She's been sick a few times, but nothing crazy, thank goodness. Mommy and Daddy are both sick now, so we hope to fight off this cold ASAP!

We are looking forward to several Birthday Parties this upcoming weekend, seeing some old friends home from Germany and and a few play dates too. Visit us soon. Hopefully I'll add some more pictures to the blog.

National Prematurity Awareness Day!

Today, November 17th is National Prematurity Awareness Day. This day is very special to me, not only because Annabelle was born seven weeks early, but for all of the other babies out there who were born too early. Being a mother of a premature child is difficult enough, not knowing what will happen, but with awareness, things can change and lives can be saved. While our NICU stay was short (praise the Lord), we still had huge out pour of love and support from not only our family and friends, but the March of Dimes too. I remember on one occasion arriving to the NICU without Tim, just wanting to see my baby. Just hoping that she had made progress over night. I would sit by her isolate hoping for her to keep fighting and praying for a speedy recovery. One of the MOD volunteers at Franklin Square, offered to take some pictures of Annabelle and I. It was small, but so meaningful to Tim and I.

Every year, half a million babies in the United States are born too soon, too small and very sick - that's 1 in every 8 babies. Since 1981, the rate of premature birth has risen 30%, and in half the cases it is not understood what went wrong. The March of Dimes is a wonderful organization who helps family in their time of need. Please share your story or check out other stories.

A year ago today my world changed forever...

Can you believe it's been a year ago since my precious girl was born into this crazy world. Her debut into this world was a crazy ride itself. I was admitted to the hospital on October 6, 2009 with high blood pressure and significant amount of weight gain. After having an U/S to check on the baby, it was confirmed that I had pre-e. A nasty disease that can cause death to both mom and baby if delivery doesn't take place. After a whirlwind of 14 crazy hours of drugs, epi's, lots of pain, Annabelle Renee was born on October 7, 2009 weighing 4lbs 10.5oz and 18.5 inches long. She spent 12 long days in the NICU. I hope to never experience that place again. Yes we made friends with the nurses, doctors and even some preemie parents. It was a scary place, a world of unknown, when any minute your life can be turned upside down. In our case we survived the NICU with lots of love and support from family, friends and care from those at Franklin Square Hospital. Tomorrow she has her 12 month appointment with her doctor, so I'll update everyone with her stats. Happy Birthday Annabelle. Mommy loves you very much.

Here's a few pictures from this morning in her Birthday Girl shirt:

Things that I've learned...

1. Wearing two hospital gowns is the way to go. Most of you know that hospital gowns open in the back, leaving you feeling a tad bit exposed. So yesterday I put on two, one opening in the back and one opening in the front. Wow, I sleep like a baby last night.

2. Saying Thank you to the nurses, they will let you do almost anything. For instance, I can take a shower every day if I want. I can now walk the halls in my cool outfit. Picture, socks, two gowns, yoga pants, girl with iv stand walking the halls. It's a sight.

3. I liked my old roommate! When I first arrived at the hospital earlier Saturday morning I placed in a room with another patient, who reminded me of my grandmother. We joked, talked about food, or food that we wanted to eat, what was on TV and life in general. She went home yesterday (Monday), I was alone for a few hours and then bam four hours later I have a new roommate. Who does the following things I can't stand: SNORES, COMPLAINS about not being about to reach the remote, SNORES, complains about the IV. Okay, I happen to over hear that she smoked like two packs a day, and so I guess that's why she SNORES. It's highly annoying. I want a new roommate. To bad I can't ask for a new room.

4. Hospital Food is not that bad! I've heard people complaining about the food. The two meals that I've eaten were yummy. Chicken w/gravy and mashed potatoes and french toast and a bowl of fruit. Those were the only two full meals I've had. I've also had several bowls of jello, pudding, chicken broth, beef broth, Italian ice. I can't wait to a crab cake sandwich.

Things we seem to take for grant!

When your stuck in a bed for days and can't be released your mind tends to think of other things you could be doing, or wish you were doing. Here are some of the things I really wish I was doing these past three days.

1. Showering
2. Eating whatever we want, when ever we want.
3. Hugging your family.
4. Using the restroom alone (not having to take your iv pole in the restroom)
5. Sharing your room
6. EATING PERIOD!

I may add more to this list later.

NOT my idea of a vacation!

Everyone has their ideal vacation planned in their head. Laying on the beach somewhere with a cold drink in their hands, heading to the mountains to hike for miles, road trip to the grandparents house. Our plans for Labor day 2010 weren't set. We talking about going hiking with Annabelle, possible cookout with friends, or just relaxing at home. Well that all changed on Friday night when I woke up with severe back pains. I walked downstairs to inform Tim that we needed to call Aunt Linda and we needed to head to the hospital. Earlier in the day we had visited the local express care in hopes of an answer and were shocked to learn that my liver levels were off the chart. They requested I get a CT scan immediately, which I did. But being that this was a Holiday weekend it didn't look promising for a quick turn around.

Off to the ER we went. After 2 hours in the ER I was admitted to the 2ND floor with gallstone attack. Saturday my day consisted of three MRI scan. The first one I spent an hour on my back, while the machine took pictures of my liver and gallbladder. They shot this dye into my IV line, hoping to get a picture of gallbladder. Well after an hour, my gallbladder decided not to participate in this test. So I was sent back up to my room. You also have to remember that I had not ate since 5:00 pm on Friday night and not had anything to drink since 11:00 p.m. I went back down for a second time for a shorter MRI scan that lasted 30 minutes, but again, the gallbladder didn't want to play. So around 3:00 p I was sent down for the third and finally time and finally the gallbladder made it's present. So I spent a total of 2 hours laying on a cold, metal bed. Finally after several hours of bitching to nurses and doctors I was able to drink my meal down. Doctor B wanted my liver enzymes levels to come down before doing surgery.

Sunday more blood was taken, levels were down to 400, and I was scheduled for another MRI scan on Monday.

Monday morning I had my blood drawn, was taken down to MRI for my 20 minute scan. This scan involved me laying in a tube for 20 minutes holding my breath every few minutes. It wasn't a fun and I really hope to never do it again. After my scan I return to my room where I had ate french toast and a fruit bowl. Then my entire world turned upset down. My blood test came back that my liver levels were working their way to the normal level. I'm at 300 today. Doc B arrived with depressing news, I wasn't going anywhere. A gallstone has lodged itself into my bile duct and before I can have my gallbladder removed I must this stone removed. I seriously lost it in front of the doctor. I've been away from Annabelle for three days and I was missing my little terribly.

Hopefully tomorrow (if they can fit me in) I will have this procedure called endoscope. This where a camera will be put down my throat, and then a dye will be injected into my iv line and then a cathered will be put down the line and remove the gallstone. I should only be in surgery for an hour, put under, and hopefully that will be it, but obviously there could be complications, of panceratis, which obviously would set back my gallbladder surgery. I really like to get out of here as soon as possible.

I could really use some prayers.

Lots going on...

We've been busy this month. Annabelle and I went to the Baltimore Zoo last Friday. We spent the day with Rachel and Treith and lots of animals. Although most of the time Annabelle just sleep or ate, but she still had fun. We got a few pictures as well. Last Sunday Annabelle tried out her new pool and hopefully this weekend she will be trying it out again. Tomorrow we are heading down to Baltimore the National Aquarium to send a few hours with Nana, Grandpa and Katelyn. On Sunday we will be celebrating Tim's first Father's day.

Last night we finally purchased new shades for the living and kitchen and nice valance. Although I've told Tim that I would like to replace the kitchen counter tops, flooring and cabinets. A girl can dream right??

Here are a few pictures of Annabelle enjoying her summer.

Annabelle's Photoshoot

For several months I've been debating if I wanted to get Annabelle's pictures professional done. We had plans to have newborn pictures taken of her, but Miss Annabelle had other plans in mind, when she arrived 7 weeks early. So we decided not to have a professional come to our house and just have the Hospital take her pictures a few days before she was going to be released from the NICU. I'm so amazed at how much my precious sweet girl has changed from the tiny preemie to a happy sitting 7 month old. My friend Charlene came to our house a few weeks ago and to take photo's not just of Annabelle, but of Ashlynn too. Ashlynn and Annabelle have been friends before they were even born. Michelle (Ashlynn's mommy) and I have been friends for several years and I was just overjoyed when they announced they were expecting a few months after Tim and I.

Here's the link to Annabelle and Ashlynn's photos.

If anyone is looking for a photographer in the Maryland area, please contact me, I'll be happy to pass Charlene's information along.

We have a sitter!

Not a babysitter but a sitting baby. Annabelle finally has decided to sit. It's so wonderful. I knew she would get it some day soon, but I'm so happy to share another milestone with you all.

Happy Memorial Day to everyone!

Sorry it's a tad bit fuzzy (taken on a camera phone yesterday)

6 months old

Yesterday, Annabelle turned 6 months old. Tim and I can't believe how much she has changed from that little baby we brought home just six months ago. Tomorrow she has her six month appointment with the doctors. She will be getting her last synasis shot too. I've been very thankful for six shots that she's received to protect her from RSV. I'm also happy that she made it through the flu season with only one cold. Two weeks ago she came down with the sniffles and cough, was just plain miserable for days. Although I didn't mind cuddling with her, but we lost a lot of sleep. We knew something was wrong, when she was waking every 2-3 hours, wanting to eat. But she kicked the cold with lots of cuddling with her favorite person, Daddy.

Check out some of Annabelle's milestones so far:

-Sleeping through the night since she was 3.5 months old.
-Rolls from back to belly
-Rolls belly to back (new accomplishment)
-Smiles and laughs
-Talking non-stop
-puts her hands in her mouth
-puts toys in her mouth
-drops and throws toys
-Sleeps un-swaddled
-Eats rice cereal
-Love sweet potatoes
-Love applesauce
-unsure on green beans
-unsure on squash
-Like carrots
-Likes snap peas
-Like Bananas

Still to try:
-apples
-pears
-peaches
-any so much more.

A splash of color...

Who knew a splash of color could brighten a room up so much. After almost four years of living in our townhouse, our basement has a new color. The old color, Tim would call it smoker white. Although the previous owners nor us have ever smoked in our house, the walls were just plain ugly. We debated for several years, what to paint the walls. Red (for Maryland), purple (for Ravens), yellow to just brighten up the room. But we decided to go with a bright blue. The room will officially turn into Annabelle's play room. We are in the process now trying to located or building some kind of storage unit to host all of Annabelle's toys. I wanted something that has cabinets on the bottom and maybe cubbie holes on the top. Maybe something like this or like this.

Now obviously we aren't going to pay this much $$$, but I like the idea. Plus we have a small space that we are working with. Just getting ideas. If you have any suggestions, please pass them along.

Bitter is the New Black and Hush

I finally finished reading Bitter is the New Black by Jennifer Lancaster. I've talked to several people about this book, all whom seem to love the book. I purchased this book back in May 2009 and finally finished reading it in March 2010. It was very hard to read, I have days or months where I would just put it down and not pick it back up. Not sure if it was the author's writing style or I just wasn't into the topic. The story seem to hit close to home for Tim and I. With Tim being unemployed for three months now, I just can't imagine being laid off for 2 years like Jennifer Lancaster, then her husband also gets laid off. That just scares me to no end. But somehow I make it to the end and I'm happy to had start another book.

I picked up the latest Kate White Book "HUSH". What a great book. I love her murder mystery books. It's one of those books that I just couldn't put down. I finished reading this book in three days. I'm sad it's over, I would if the author could write something weekly.

I'm currently reading "Wonderful You" by Mariah Stewart. Well see how this book progresses.

Some changes

I've decided to start with my new list today. I'm sick of my old list and it's time for a change. I'll be updating my blog shortly.

In other news... Annabelle is growing nicely. She has come so far from her birth weight of 4lbs 10. At her last appointment this morning she weighted 13lbs 14.5oz at five months. The doctor also told us that they may try and get her another RSV shot for April. We won't know until end of the month if the insurance company approved her. They aren't sure if RSV season will be ending this month or next, so they are highly recommending her.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone! 2009 was a great year for Tim and I. We found out in March of 2009 that we were expecting a baby and in October we welcomed Annabelle Renee into this world. Ever since then we have been very busy, trying to keep up with a three month old. I feel like I've neglected my blog in some ways and not in the others. As you have noticed most of my 101 items are almost complete. I have a few thing items that may need to be revised come March 2010. I've decided that whatever I can't finish in the next two months that I will probably just create another 101 list.

My goals for 2010 are as followed:

Read 25 books in one year. Last year I read 36 books, my goal was 50, but I had a few distractions along the way. I'm happy to report that 36 may be a record for me. I started tracking my reads through www.goodreads.com (check the website it, it's a great tool to use).

Starting in the spring (March 20 is the first day of spring this year!) walk the dogs and Annabelle at least twice a week. I hope to get out of the house as much as possible.

Cook dinner at least three times a week for the entire year.

Save money (put at least $100 away each pay period for Annabelle)

Once summer hits: entertain friends and take Annabelle to play dates.

Things I've been up too...

It's been a busy month with the birth of my daughter, cookie exchanges and just finding time and energy to do things that I love. But last Sunday I attended a cookie exchange with a few friends (about 25 of them). Lisa was so nice to host this cookie exchange at her house. After slave in the kitchen for two days (yes it took me two days, with an newborn at home and tons of phone calls I finally got my cookies done). Tim was very pleased with all the cookies I brought home. 100 cookies or so, plus the two dozen I made for him. After sampling all the cookies I decided that my favorite cookies were the Chocolate Chip Meringues and Gooey Butter Cookies. Tonight I made the Chocolate Chip Meringues. Here is the Recipe:

Ingredients:

2 egg whites
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil or parchment paper, and set aside.

In large metal or glass bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until they hold stiff peaks. Mix in the vanilla and cocoa on low speed, then fold in chocolate chips by hand. Drop small mounds of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.

Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven. Turn off oven, and leave the cookies in the oven for 1-2 more hours, or until centers are dry. Remove from pan and store in an airtight container.

Other things that I've been up to while out on maternity... taking care of Annabelle, sleeping a few hours here and there, playing with the baby and when I have time baking. I can't do all my baking without inspiration. I must say that I love google reader. Google reader holds all the blogs that I'm interested in reading in one location, no more bookmarking. Thank you google reader for making my life easy. If you have time to check some cooking blogs, check out Vintage Victual. The blogger is having a give way of some yummy mixes. I wish I had time to blog about my food experiences, but with Miss Annabelle and then starting back to work in a few short weeks, I just don't have time.

Annabelle Renee has arrived...

Sorry this post has taken forever to add, but I've been a very busy mom. Annabelle Renee arrived seven weeks early on October 7, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. weighing 4lbs and 10 oz and 18.5 inches long. Here's the birth story for those that are interested. I woke up on the sixth feeling not right. The day before I received my annual flu shot and I thought maybe the flu shot was making me feel awful. I went to work, feeling quite large and had a feeling that my blood pressure was on the rise. I had my 33 week check up later that day. I was so surprised when the doctor confirmed that I gained 20lbs in two weeks and my blood pressure had skyrocketed. She sent me to the hospital for some testing. She wanted to make sure the baby was okay. I was really upset, being that this was the first appointment that Tim had missed the entire time. I left the doctors office very upset, headed downstairs, finding my coworker (she works in the same office building that my doctor is located in). I started to cry because I was scared. She told me not to worry that she would take me to the hospital. She called the shuttle, but unbeknowest to me, she was having Franklin Square Security pick me and her up and taking us to the Women's Pavilion. I first called Tim and I told him to high tail it to the hospital and secondly I called the dentist office to cancel my appointment.

I arrived at the hospital thinking that I was only getting some blood work and another ultrasound. They decided to admit me due to my weight gain and high blood pressure. My doctor arrived an hour later to assure me that I was in good hands, but they needed to induce me, so I was having this baby in the next two days. I was so scared because I knew that she was too early and that she would be on the small side.

I was admitted at 4:30 p.m. and the doctors started to administer magnesium sulfate to get my blood pressure back on the positive side. I was not ready to have this baby, I didn't have my bags packed, nor did I have a baby book. So thanks to my aunt Linda for picking up clothes for Tim and I and my sister-in-law Rena for coming all the way to the hospital from Anne Arundel County with four or five different baby books. We settled in for the night for a long night of testing and hardly any sleeping. Around 2:00 a.m. I felt some leakage down below and I told the nurse that something was happening. At first she didn't believe me, but later it was confirmed by the house OB's that my water did break. Contractions started a little later and I keep asking for drugs, but I never received any. I didn't realize until a few days later that because of the magnesium sulfate I was unable to receive any good drugs. I did receive an epidural around 9:00 a.m. and I was told to get some rest. Okay, yeah okay, I'll try and rest. I happen to feel one side effect with the epi and that was that my entire body was itching. Tim keep commenting not to scratch my eyelids. Around 3:30 p.m. I thought the epi was wearing off, but I think that was just my body telling me that it was ready for this baby. I progressed pretty fast with pitocin that at 4:oo p.m. I was 100% dilated and ready to push. I thought for sure I was going to have this baby without my doctor (the hospital was so busy) that my nurse told me not to worry that she could deliver Annabelle if Dr. Hesse was not available. Annabelle arrived 30 minutes later with a ton of hair and healthy scream. But because she arrived so early, she was whisk away to the NICU.

She sent 12 days in the NICU, causing havoc to the entire NICU Staff. She drove them crazy because she was so feisty, but because she was feisty, I feel that this brought her home a little early.

Annabelle is currently one month and 2 weeks old and is up to 7lbs. She is still feisty and has her days and nights mixed up, but we still love her, even if we are getting about four hours a sleep a night.

Family Pictures

Check out some of the new family pictures we took!! Can you tell we are ready for FOOTBALL!
Also if you've been following, I'm currently 30 weeks along. Only a short 10 weeks to go until we finally get to meet our baby girl.