Thanksgiving program

Lillian had her very first program at school on Thursday. I think I was more excited about it than she was. Oh, well!! She did a good job. No melt downs. I totally had to bride her to take a nap before the program. So, glad I did it! She looked so cute and did a great job! I was very proud of her!! She was so excited that grandma and grandpa got to come and watch her.

Reeve is 1 month!

 

I can't believe my baby is already a month old! Time keeps flying by. Before I know it, I will be back at work :( I really don't want to think about that. Reeve, you are such a good baby. I don't know what I would do without you in my life. You are the sweetest. You love to snuggle, you only cry if you are hungry or gassy. You have discovered the lights. You look for them in each room. You started smiling and have even giggled. That sweet smile melts mommy's heart. You do very well with your big sister constantly in your face. You take it with stride!

 

At one month:

you wear newborn to size 1 diapers

newborn to 0-3 clothes

sleeps most of the time, but starting to stay awake longer during the day

rolled over from belly to back

take 2-4 oz of formula

switching from Similac Advance to Similac Sensitive....you are doing well with it.

loves to be swaddle at night time

only takes a paci to soothe

enjoys bathtime

very laid back

 

 

Happy 1 month to my sweet baby boy, Reeve. We all love you so much. We love to watch you discover new things. We love to snuggle and kiss on you!! You are such a sweet baby!

Happy Halloween

This year I had to goblins to take trick or treating! It was a lot of fun to dress up two kiddos. We went to a Trunk or Treat at Eastside Park. John and I were dreading it because last year was horrible. We stood in line for about 2 hrs. This year, we were in and out in 40 minutes....much better! Then, Lily had a Halloween party at preschool, which I was lucky enough to attend. She had a blast. I really enjoyed seeing her interact with the kids at school. Then on Halloween, we took Lily to Ms. Angie's house (her preschool teacher), the sheriff's department, and to her aunt and uncle's house.

Lily had a blast! It makes my heart happy seeing her enjoy these activities. I am glad I was able to attend all these activities with her this year. Next year, I will have to do some trading at work, seeing how next year I won't be on maternity leave.

Trunk of Treat 2012

Passed out!

Heading to Lillian's preschool party

my kitty cat

Singing for treats at WC

All the morning preschool classes

Trick or Treating at Mamaw's and Papaw's

Happy Halloween

Reeve's first Halloween

The Potts family...Halloween 2012

Family and Friends came to visit

 My sweet baby Reeve has gotten a few visitors since his birth. My mother, aunt, and sister came up to visit a couple of weekends ago. We really enjoyed the company. My sister made us dinner. It was very nice. I am so glad my sister got to meet Reeve. Since she lives in Seattle, it's not easy for her to get back home!!

 

My mom and Lily

                                                                   My sister Kelly and Lily

 

Nana and her grandbabies

 

Nana and Reeve

 

Aunt Kelly and Reeve

 

All of us!

 

My friends from home, Amy and Emily, also came over to meet Reeve. It was so good to see them. I can't even remember the last time I saw them. It was good to chat with them for a few hours. I am very thankful for good friends that would drive 2.5 hours to see a friend!

 

 

Amy, me, Reeve, and Emily

 

Loxton (Amy's son) and Lily

 

 





Reeve Harrison Potts

Well, I can't believe my baby boy is already here. I was just sitting here thinking that yesterday was supposed to be his birthday. I was scheduled for a c-section at 7am. I guess Reeve had other plans.

On Saturday, October 13th, I woke up at 5am to get ready for work. I really didn't feel that great, but being huge and 38 weeks pregnant, I don't think anyone would. So, I headed to the bathroom, turned on the shower, and used the restroom. To my surprised, I was bleeding. It was a lot of blood too. I immediately started freaking out. I called in to work because there was no way I was going to work with me bleeding. I ate a cookie to see if he was going to move. I woke John up to tell him what was happening and I laid down to start counting kicks. Well, he was kicking and moving like normal. After continuing to bleed for a couple of hours, I decided to call into the OB unit at the hospital to talk to them about what was going on. The nurse told me to come in to get evaluated because I didn't have a reason to be bleeding. So, I hurried up and took a shower, packed our bags just in case, and made sure we had a sitter for Lily.

I arrived at the hospital at 10am. I was feeling kind of stupid being there. I got to the OB unit and was quickly greeted by the staff. I changed clothes and was hooked up to the monitor. I was checked and was 1 cm dilated (which I was at 36 weeks). The nurse had to call the on call doctor, which wasn't my doctor. The nurse came back in and told me that Dr. Werne wanted to watch me for an hour to see what I was doing. Well, during this time, I was starting to go into labor. At first, I was having contractions every 12 minutes. I felt them, but they weren't that bad. Then, the nurse came back in to assess me again before calling the doctor back and I was having contractions every 3-6 minutes. I can honestly say, I didn't feel a one. So, long story short, Dr. Werne came in and we were getting ready for a c-section. I was prepped an in surgery at 1:30pm.

At 1:51pm, Reeve Harrison Potts was born. He weighed 8lbs, 4oz, and was 21 inches long.....2 weeks early too!!! He checked out great! He had a full head of dark hair and looked just like his big sissy. I was in surgery for a long time. I guess during surgery, Dr. Werne discovered my uterus was too thin at the bottom. When I say too thin, I mean WAY too thin. Dr. Werne said that she was thankful I came in when I did because my uterus couldn't handle the pregnancy too much longer. The bottom was transparent. Dr. Werne was worried at first that this would have been my last pregnancy. However, she was able to repair my uterus and told me that more pregnancies would be ok.

Reeve Harrison Potts

 

 

 

 

8lbs 4oz 21 inches

 

I was very lucky in the fact that I got to leave the hospital a day early after having a c-section. I was able to talk Dr. Beckman into discharging me :) I was/am doing fine. There really wasn't a medical reason for me to stay. I am very grateful for the early discharge. I was going crazy in there.

Reeve is such a good baby. He is total opposite than his sister!!!! He is very laid back and only cries when he is hungry. John, Lily, and I are all in love with this little boy!!!! Lily is starting to act out. She is jealous and wants all the attention. It breaks my heart to see her like that. I have to keep telling her that mommy and daddy still love her and want to spend time with her. I have been trying to have her help me with some activities such as getting the bibs, "helping" change his diaper, and letting her hold him. I try to make her feel like a big girl!

Reeve's first doctor's appointment was Oct. 19th. He weighed 7 lbs 12oz. He checked out great. I was switching from breastfeeding to formula since I developed severe mastitis. Dr. Bies wanted us to come back for a weight check. So, Oct. 23rd, we went back. Reeve was 7lbs 15.5 oz. Dr. Bies was ecstatic. We go back in 8 weeks!

Everything is going pretty good. I feel very blessed. All my prayers have been answered. I am truly grateful for a healthy, happy baby boy and a beautiful healthy little girl. Let's not forget my hubby. He has been amazing! I am honestly very happy and satisfied with my life right now!

                                                                            In surgery

First time holding Reeve

Lily meeting Reeve for the first time

Our first family photo of 4

Daddy and Reeve

We are home!

Lily and Reeve

34 weeks!!! Getting close!!

I am a bit behind in writing this since today I am actually 35 weeks. However, I like to write it down so I can remember this later.....

I had a doctor's appointment last week to check on baby boy. I got on the scale (which I hate to do). I gained 4 lbs...ouch!! There was no protein in my urine. Then, the nurse took my blood pressure....it was 132/70....double ouch!!! That is very high for me. I felt fine, no swelling, didn't even know it was up. I just contributed it to having Lily with me and her being a grouch, plus working 14 hrs the day before and not sleeping well the night before. So, she told me to keep an eye on my blood pressure and if 12 hr shifts were too much for me at this time to let them know. I told her I would watch my blood pressure, but 12 hr shifts were very convenient for me right now.

So, on to the next room to wait for Dr. Beckman. Thankfully, we didn't have to wait for very long and that I didn't have to deal with another student this time. (Sorry, I am all for students, but I get sick of dealing with them at work and then my doctor's appointment every time I go). Dr. Beckman dopplered the baby's heart beat. It was good. (I can't remember what it was though). Then, he measured me.....of course, I am measuring ahead, by 4 weeks....again!! At this point, he isn't too worried sense I had a growth scan 2 weeks prior and the baby's weight was ok and I am already scheduled for a c-section. It's kind of a wait to see game.

At this point though, I am not really suppose to leave town. So, going to Illinois is definitely a no until the baby gets here. I started having contractions at 33 weeks and now with my blood pressure up and down, he wants me close to home or at least close to a hospital that I trust. So, I am staying close to home....I did make a trip down to Eville, but thought if I went into labor, I would just pull into my old stomping ground....Deaconess.

Things are going as good as it can be right now. I am huge, very tired, can hardly walk without hurting, chasing around a 3 year old, dealing with the stress from work and home life....you know, the usual stuff. I don't have a whole lot of patience at this point, which isn't fair to my family or my patients. However, I really can not help it. So, I am sorry in advance if I am absolutely rude to you.....but the hormones are controlling the situation right now.

Well, anyway, in about 4 short weeks, I will be holding my baby boy in my arms!! I can not be anymore excited!! I can't wait to meet my little man!

 

34 weeks and 4 days

First Day of Preschool

Well, I survived Lily's first day of preschool. I can't believe my baby is old enough to go. Monday night, I started to become very nervous and upset that she would be attending preschool. I started to second guess myself.....why did I decide to put her in school? Well, I started to think about why I wanted her in school.....learning, socialization, a routine....so I sucked it up.

Today, I woke up early to get things ready. I made her a pancake, grapes, and chocolate milk...breakfast of champions. Of course, mommy got her all cute and took some pictures. Then, it was time to go. I felt so sick and Lily was so excited. She kept singing in the backseat. She kept asking me to sing, "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" so we sang that all the way there. John followed us, he went to work late so he could go with us. So, we get there. I am doing ok. I was starting to get excited for her. We took a picture at the front steps and then went to Ms. Angie's room. Lily got her name tag and we helped her put her back pack in her locker. Then, she was off. She went to a table and started playing with two other girls. She never looked back...sniff, sniff. I had to go to her to give her a hug and a kiss and to tell her goodbye. She was very ready for me to leave.....that's when I about lost it. I hurried up and walked away. John went to her as well and did the same. I couldn't look back or at John. I basically ran out of the school before tears started to fall. I kissed John goodbye and seriously ran to my car so I could cry. I only cried a little bit....I promise!

 

 

 

 

So, after that, I went home and tried to keep myself busy for 2 hrs. I was so happy to go pick her up. Watching her come down those steps made me so happy. She looked absolutely exhausated!!! She had nothing but good things to say about school and is excited to go back!!

So, I guess we both survived with flying colors....however, I think she did better than me!

32 Weeks and growing!

Today was my 32 week appointment. I am so happy that I am getting closer to the end. It has got to be the hottest summer EVER!!! I really don't want to complain because so far this pregnancy has been a lot better than my last. I haven't really had any big issues. Thanks heavens!!!

So, my only complaints on this pregnancy....it is so hot!!!!!! I have pretty much stayed inside all summer long. Taking care of the elderly that like their room at 80+ degrees has been hard. I have had a fan under my desk at work just to cool me off. I can't even tell you how many times my underwear is soaking wet with sweat. You think I am kidding....I am not!! The other complaint....my back hurts BAD!!! I think the baby is on my sciatic nerve. My legs go numb from time to time and walking is sometimes a challenge. Sleeping is difficult and I don't get much of it. The combination of being hot and back hurting equals not comfortable enough to sleep. I guess this is just helping me adjust before baby boy gets here.

Anyway, back to my appointment. Everything went well. I had to have a growth scan because I keep measuring ahead. The scan went well. Baby boy fell in the 62 percentile in weight. They weighed him at 4 lbs and 8 oz. His belly is bigger than the rest of his body, which this may even out overtime. So, my due date hasn't changed.....yet anyway. My fundus still measured ahead at 34 cm....34 weeks. However, they think its the way he is position. Baby's heart rate 151 beats per minute.  My blood pressure was 110/60. I have had no swelling, no protein in my urine, and I have gained another 2.5 lbs for a total of 18.5 lbs. 

Well, my next appointment is September 11th. I am loving the fact that I get to go every 2 weeks....makes me feel a lot better!

30 weeks and counting!

Today, I went for my 30 week appointment. Let's just say, that place was a mad house!!! I couldn't believe how full the waiting area was. Since I have been on a rant all day, I will continue, I don't think that you should bring your whole family to the OB doc. Seriously, it's one thing if this is your first ultrasound or your 20 week ultrasound, but just to bring them to your regular appointment is wrong. I am not kidding you when I say, there were two different families that brought like 6-7 family members with them....then 3 went back to the room while the remaining stayed in the waiting room....for real, what is the point? The waiting room was so crowded and very very loud!! Ok, enough with my rant!!!

So, back to my appointment. I have gained a total of 16 lbs. I got on the scale and realized that I was trying to suck in. I just had to giggle to myself. Like that was really going to help! Anyway, my blood pressure was good...I think it was 108/80. No protein in my urine. Now the moment of truth....measuring my fundus.....I measured 34 cm....which really means 34 weeks. Yep! I am measuring ahead again. Dr. Beckman wasn't too worried....he just says that I grow toddlers instead of babies...which is very true. Anyway, just to double check everything, next appointment I am having a growth scan done. I have never measured right, so we will see.

So, no other news at the appointment. However, we have started on Baby boy's room. We got it painted and the crib is put together with his cute little bedding on it. Now we are in the process of moving the rest of the furniture in his room from Lily's. We still have to put her dresser together before we can move more stuff. It's been quite the work. However, I really love Lily's new bed....it's so cute. I will post pics soon of each of their rooms and of my growing belly!!

28 weeks....Finally in the Third Trimester!

Tomorrow will be my official date of being 28 weeks. I am so excited that I will be in the third trimester. Only 12 more weeks until I meet my baby boy! Wow! At times, I think this pregnancy has been really slow and other times I think it's going too fast. I am starting to feel overwhelmed with everything that is going on. I still have to get baby's room ready, get a new phone line put in so we can move our computer and desk out of baby's room, buy baby stuff (which I am almost done with that), and don't forget the bills piling in from the doctor's office and soon to be delivery. I am very grateful that I get an employee discount, but geez whiz....everything is getting so expensive. (I could go on and on about this...will save for a different post)
Anyway, the point to my post. I had my 28 week appointment today. My doctor is out of town, so I got to see the nurse practitioner for the first time. She was very nice. Well, my appointment went great. My blood pressure was 120/60 (which it isn't fair that they check your blood pressure right after weighing you). I gained 4 lbs for a total of 11.5 lbs. My goal was to only gain 15lbs. I don't think I will make that goal. There wasn't any protein in my urine. She checked baby's heartbeat, he was in the 150s. Then she measured me, I am measuring 2 weeks ahead. Which is good because last time I was 4 weeks ahead. So, he is starting to even out a little bit. Then the best news of all....I PASSED my glucose test!!! Yipee!!!! Anyway, I start my 2 week appointments now. I go back August 16th.
So, back to my glucose test. When I first found out that I was pregnant, I was told that I was probably going to have to do the 3 hr glucose test because Lily was a big baby and that my glucose with her was a high normal. So, when Dr. Beckman told me it was time for my glucose test I cringed. I hated the thought of having to do the 3 hr test. To my surprise, he totally forgot and I got to do the 1 hr test. (Who am I to remind the doc of what he said earlier ;) ) So, Saturday I went and did my glucose test. I was absolutely dreading it. That stuff is a lot nastier than I remembered. 5 minutes is not nearly enough time to get that stuff down. However, I managed and I almost threw it up. I felt horrible while waiting that hour. Finally, it was time to stick me. I am a bad stick, meaning, I don't have very good veins. The first girl stuck me twice and both times my veins blew, leaving me with two giant bruises. The second girl came in and got me with no problems. However, it hurt like you wouldn't believe. What the worst part about this was that, I could immediately hear my blood going into the vial. I knew she got it, but coming off a sugar high, being in that chair forever to get stuck 3 times, and then that sound....well, I wasn't feeling the greatest. They had 4 vials of blood to get and on the 3rd vial I was feeling lightheaded and antsy. I looked at one of the girls and I guess she knew I wasn't doing well because she asked if I was ok. I said no. They hurried up and not the last vial and told me to relax. Well, I was on the verge of passing out and I knew it. Don't tell me to relax and especially since I am an ICU nurse. I started saying, "I need to put my feet up to get blood flow to my heart/head." They told me no. I started to stand up and said I am just going to lay on the floor then. They finally just grabbed me and took me to the back room with a bed. I laid there for about 10 minutes. The girls got John and he quickly came back. They asked if I ever did this before.....uh, no. So, I am very relieved that I don't have to do that again!!!!

27 weeks and 6 days