First Trip to Grandma & Grandpa's House

In early December, the three of us took a trip to visit my parents in Ft. Wayne. Drew had a training in Battle Creek later that week so I found a great deal on a ticket and Paige and I tagged along. We were a little concerned about the flight but Paige did extremely well. Not so much as a peep out of her! What a relief! It was so nice to be home (I don't think I'd been there since last Christmas, way too long). My parents hosted an open house on Sunday so that Paige could meet the extended family. Thank you to all who came; it was wonderful to catch up with everyone! We really enjoyed being there and were sad to leave, especially knowing that this would be our first Christmas apart. However, we're looking forward to another visit in late January or February for Paige's baptism.

We miss you Grandma & Grandpa!

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Two Months!

Well, I'm posting Paige's two month pictures just in time for her third month to roll around. At least the growth comparison will be fresh in everyone's minds, right?! She really has grown so much. We went through a rough couple of weeks in which Paige exercised her lungs (constantly). After numerous trips to the pediatrician, who probably just chalked it up to nervous first time parents, and even more desperate phone calls to my Mom, we finally figured out that dairy does not agree with her tiny little belly. So, no Christmas cookies or casseroles for me (which may be a blessing in disguise). It's a small price to pay for our sanity!

Once the crying stopped, it was quickly replaced by big smiles that seem to fill up the room and invoke a good belly laugh from both Drew and I. She seems to have great comedic timing! Paige is really beginning to check out the world around her, not only with bright eyes but also with an open mouth. She found her fingers, thumb, and fist and loves to stick all of them in her mouth at once. I would love it if her thumb would replace the pacifier, which seems to constantly fall to the dirty floor or always be missing when we need it. The thumb, however, is always there (guess that's why I couldn't kick the habit until I was 10)!

Just for an idea of growth, Paige weighed 9lbs, 8oz at the two month check up. She was 21 3/4" long. Quite the progress for a tiny little piglet that was 5lbs just a matter of weeks ago!

Updated Photos

I have finally gotten around to updating our Shutterfly site with the latest and greatest photos. Enjoy!

www.hamfamilyphoto.shutterfly.com

One Month Update

It's hard to believe that Paige is already a month old! Time has already flown by and I'm trying to imprint each precious moment into my memory. I can't help but wish for the next milestone, when she might cry less and allow us to sleep more but I also can't help but wonder if I'm wishing these first special weeks away. The moments that she first recognizes our voice and listens so closely to the sound or those "practice" smiles as she drifts off to sleep. She's already changed so much and I don't want to forget!

Here is Paige on her one month birthday. I'm planning to continue taking this same shot at each month so we can all see how much she's grown in such a short period of time. We visited the pediatrician for a standard check up and she found that she has packed on the pounds. She now weighs 7lbs 8oz, (now 8lbs 9oz as of November 14th, since it has taken me so long to post) up from 5lbs 14oz just 2 1/2 weeks earlier. The double chin and chipmunk cheeks are there to prove it!

Visitors

Paige had more visitors recently, Grandma and Grandpa followed by Aunt Julianne and cousin Mia. She has loved all of the attention and we have benefited from all of their help, home cooked meals, clean laundry and a clean house. Paige's feeding schedule only allows for a couple hours worth of free time so we didn't venture far, just to the nearby mall and to check out downtown Charlotte. It was so nice to have family here and we will definitely miss them!

More pics on shutterfly...http://hamfamilyphoto.shutterfly.com/

Paige's First Halloween

Inspired by her big sisters, Rosie and Zoe, Paige celebrated her first Halloween this year as a Dalamatian. We spent the evening trick or treating in the neighborhood with Paige's friends, Addison and Ella. Paige was the best little puppy ever, sleeping through the whole thing.

More pictures are on the shutterfly site.

Life with Paige

I know it has been a long time since I last posted but I am quickly realizing that life as a new mom does not include the luxury of free time. This is the same reason I have been remiss in returning phone calls, emails and Facebook messages to all of our wonderful friends and family. You know who you are and I'm so sorry!

While life as new parents has been an adjustment, we still can't believe how lucky we are to have a healthy baby girl. Sure, the lack of sleep and 'round the clock feeding schedule have been a test of our patience and sanity, but it really is worth it. Paige has already changed so much since we brought her home. She's becoming more alert and awake and exercising her lungs often.

We had several visitors over the past couple weeks. Grandma, Nana, Aunt Lisa, and Cousin Lucy all came to help with Paige, cooking, cleaning, and just general moral support. Thank you to you all!

Well, Paige is calling for her dinner so I'll have to cut this short but I did update photos on our Shutterfly page. Here's the link...

http://hamfamilyphoto.shutterfly.com/

Welcome Paige Elise!

We are so happy to announce the arrival of our tiny piglet, Paige Elise Ham. She entered the world on October 3, 2008 at 6:15pm. She weighed 5lbs 5oz and is 18 1/2 in long. She has a full head of hair and everyone has said that she looks like her daddy. She's doing well and while we're already adjusting to less sleep, we're enjoying every minute of it!

Pictures are on our photo site, http://hamfamilyphoto.shutterfly.com/.

Lucky 301

After four very long days in triage room #3, I have finally been moved back to my old hang-out, room 301. I feel like I've made it in the world! It's a cloudy day here but I'm enjoying the fact that I even know this without watching the weather. Oh, the small things in life!



I'm still killing time until Friday, which is officially the big day. They may start things as early as Thursday night, depending on my progress so far. Either way, our little piglet will be making her appearance in just a few days and we can't wait to meet her and share her with the world!

Screw the Barometric Pressure

It has been a rainy couple of days here in Huntersville, which was kind of relaxing to watch from my hospital bed. However, apparently a change in barometric pressure can cause expectant mothers to go into labor. Oh no, not me, just the crowds of other women that have arrived in labor and delivery only to push me out of my relatively comfy room and back into triage. So, here I am in triage #3 (different room but identical to #1) indefinitely. At least it has a normal bathroom but again, no windows, one chair and the size of a closet. They say that they won't let me deliver in here and I would hope not considering that is still six days away! I know I'm venting a little bit but it is hard not to feel like I've put my time in and should get some sort of favoritism because of it! Maybe I should have bribed the nurses earlier this week. In the meantime, there's not much I can do but keep a close eye on the weather (on the TV, since, like I said, there's no window) . Luckily there isn't a full moon again until October 15th!

On another note, here's my 36 week belly shot. Please excuse the outfit but there's not much point in getting dressed up to lay in bed all day. I've also included a picture of Drew hanging out in the lone chair.

Jail Break!

Yesterday was a big day for me; I ventured outside of the four walls of my hospital room for the first time in days! Granted, it was in a wheelchair and only to the cafeteria two floors down, but I'll take what I can get at this point. Maybe today I'll check out the gift shop?

Everything else is pretty much status quo. I've been catching up on old episodes of Friday Night Lights, to which I'm now addicted. My goal is to be caught up by the time the new episodes start on Wednesday. I know, it's the small things!

Today is 36 weeks so only one week to go! I know we haven't posted pictures lately so I'll try to get one this weekend; it could be the last chance!

Third Time's a Charm?

I mentioned in my last post that I wasn't sure how many times I could be sent to the hospital only to be lucky enough to go home a few hours later. Well, apparently the answer is only two. Yesterday we went for yet another doctor appointment (I feel like Norm on Cheers when I arrive). This time, they did a biophysical profile in which they test the baby on four different points. She got a perfect eight out of eight score. What a good little student already! Unfortunately, when they checked my blood pressure, it was again high enough to warrant a trip to labor and delivery. I was excited to be checked into triage #4, which had a window and a recliner for Drew in which he could actually see the TV. My excitement was squashed when the nurse told me about the toilet situation. This toilet is similar to one you would find on an airplane or train, minus the actual room or door. That's right, this toilet could only be used by pulling it from its hiding spot underneath the sink, surrounded only by a curtain. Figuring there was no time like the present, I tried it out, laughing the entire time. What else do ya do?!

Same process as the other two times, monitor blood pressure, baby's heartbeat, contractions. After a few hours, the doctor came in only to deliver the bad news that I had officially reached preeclampsia and I was going to be staying for the long haul. Thankfully, they had a room ready for me and I could say goodbye to the "secret" toilet.

So, here I am, killing time until next Friday (or earlier if they feel the need) when we can get this show on the road. In the meantime, I don't anticipate too much happening that will justify a post but who knows, there could be some good drama on the soaps that I will feel compelled to write about.

Deja Vu

Today was a bit of a repeat to last week at this time. Drew and I went in for a follow-up appointment in which they were supposed to check my liver function and platelets again and do another non-stress test. Unfortunately, my blood pressure was one of the highest it's been so after a successful non-stress test, the doctor said she was going to run the tests over in the hospital, while I was monitored and observed. On our way, we made a quick stop to do an ultrasound, just to check growth. Our little girl looks great and weighs approximately 4.8lbs.

In labor and delivery, they checked me into triage room #1 (again). By this point, Drew and I felt like we were old pros at the process. They monitored my blood pressure, contractions, and the baby's heartrate while they took blood for more tests. Fortunately, during this time, my blood pressure started to drop and the baby continued to do fine. The test results came back quickly and within two hours of our arrival, we were sent home.

I'm so grateful that I could come home to the comfort of my own couch yet again but wonder how many times I can press my luck. We're scheduled for another appointment on Friday so I'm sure we'll have more to report then. In the meantime, I've been catching up on daytime TV, surfing the Internet, and producing crafts like there's no tomorrow. Drew's been great, handling all of the household chores along with his very busy schedule at work. We're also very thankful to have such wonderful friends close by. They've dropped off meals, care packages, and let me camp out on their couches just for a change of scenery. We are truly blessed!

More to come soon (but hopefully not too soon)!

The View from my Bed

Well, it's been an eventful couple of days. As I mentioned in my previous post, the doctor wanted to do a couple more labs and a non-stress test on Monday so we went to the appointment as usual. However, while there, they found protein in my urine, which can be a sign of pre-eclampsia. This, along with my elevated blood pressure and high end liver function results, prompted them to send me to the hospital for monitoring and observation. I was quickly whisked away in a wheelchair through the back exit of the doctors' office.

Once checked into triage, they checked my blood pressure every 15 minutes as well as connected a fetal heart rate monitor and another monitor to track contractions. Tiny Piglet's heart rate was fine and showed "good variability". I had a few contractions (didn't even know that's what they were) but the nurse said this was normal at my stage of pregnancy. They also gave me a steroid shot to speed up the development of the baby's lungs, in case she needs to come early. Unfortunately, this shot has to be repeated 24 hours later so I was in it for at least the night, and potentially longer depending on another set of liver tests. Thanks to Ambien, I was able to get a decent night's sleep!

Drew and I hung out today until they gave us the word this evening that I could go home, but only to the comfort of my own bed. I'm on bed rest indefinitely and have a follow up appointment on Friday and more labs on Tuesday. They would like to keep the baby cookin' until at least 36 or 37 weeks and whatever that takes, I'm happy to oblige. I must admit, I'm grateful to be home, if nothing else but for the change of scenery. Moving from the bed to the couch will feel like a big adventure compared to staring at the four windowless walls of the hospital room.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. We just ask that you continue to pray for us in this last stretch.

St. Louis Baby Shower

Drew and I packed up the dogs this past weekend and traveled to St. Louis for a couples baby shower hosted by Drew's sisters and mom. The shower was great and we had a huge turnout! Thanks again Lisa, Amy, and Nancy! Pictures (also thanks to Lisa since I had a pregnancy lapse of memory and forgot our camera) are available on our Shutterfly link, http://hamfamilyphoto.shutterfly.com/.

I'm now grounded for the remainder of the preganancy, with only 7 weeks left to go! It has flown by, especially these past few weeks. It's crazy to me that she could be here in such a short period of time, or even shorter for that matter!

I had another doctor appointment yesterday and surprise, surprise, my blood pressure was elevated. It's no wonder, considering they leave us to wait in a room for a hour before even seeing the doctor! They ordered more labs, some of which I've already done (I won't go into all of the details, but let's just say it involves lots of peeing) and a non-stress test for Monday. I asked the doctor about just going on medication so we could stop messing around with all of this, and she agreed but still wanted to do these tests first. Obviously, the reward is well worth all of the hassle and if this is the worst that I have to deal with during this pregnancy, I'll take it!

Latest Ultrasound

Drew and I went to the doctor yesterday so that they could track the baby's growth with another ultrasound. She (yes, still a girl) looks great and is right within the size range for this point in the pregnancy. It was a little more difficult to distinguish body parts in this ultrasound, just because she's more spread out, making it hard to put things into context. She's head down already (hopefully she stays like that) and the hard little pokes in my side are from her feet. Hope she doesn't have boats! The ultrasound tech tried to get a 4-D shot of her face but it wasn't the greatest. The baby had a hand covering one side so we couldn't get a good angle. We did catch her practicing her breathing and what looked like some smiles. Nothing new with my blood pressure, it was still high. More checking at home and another visit next week and every week after that.

Huntersville Baby Shower

Our friends, Jodee and Kelly, were gracious enough to host a wonderful couples shower for us this weekend. We had a great time with our friends and were truly overwhelmed by all of the love and support! Photos can be found in the link below.

http://hamfamilyphoto.shutterfly.com/

31 Weeks

We're in the single digits; only 9 weeks to go! I'm definitely starting to feel big. Even bending over to buckle my sandals takes my breath away! Guess I'll stick with flip-flops from here on out! Here's this week's belly shot.

1in = 2.54cm

Ok, I feel a little stupid after one of my earlier posts. I guess that's the risk of putting your thoughts and comments out on the Internet for all to see. A couple weeks ago I had mentioned that my belly was measuring 27 inches. Well, that should have been 27cm. When I had asked the doctor how big it was and how big it got, she simply said 27 and 40, so living here in the U.S. and only using the English system, I just assumed inches. Thank God I was wrong! Could you imagine 40 inches being strapped onto the front of your body (not that 40cm isn't plenty)?! When I told Drew of my embarrassing mistake, he said, "Of course, isn't everything in pregnancy measured in centimeters?" Well, I guess all of the reading he's been doing has paid off and I stand corrected.

30 Weeks

Drew and I haven't done a very good job of remembering to take belly pictures lately so unfortunately, I don't have any to share this week. We were busy over the weekend with childbirth class, which was definitely an eye-opening experience! It feels good to have some knowledge of what may happen, although I'm sure nothing goes as planned. One of our friends joked that she thought Drew would surely pass out while watching the extremely graphic videos but he did great. I'm confident he'll be a good labor buddy. Of course, he may be scarred for life after seeing the overly unattractive women in all kinds of overly unattractive positions but at least he remained upright the whole time.

With only 10 weeks to go, it has hit me how quickly our little bundle will be here and how much we have to do before she makes her arrival. Yes, panic has set in. Drew reminds me that we have plenty of time but as I make my many "Nesting To-Do Lists" I can't help but be overwhelmed. Thank goodness I can stay at home and worry about this stuff all day long!

I also had a doctor appointment yesterday, just for another routine check. I passed my glucose test so that was a huge relief! Unfortunately, my blood pressure was up yet again, which is no surprise (especially given that I'm fretting over all my lists). Just to be safe, they want to see me again next week and do another ultrasound. This will enable them to check the baby's growth and make sure everything is on track. I'm excited to see how much she's grown since the last ultrasound at 18 weeks. Maybe if we're lucky we'll get a 4-D image? More to come then...

Tiny Piglet's First Trip to the Beach

This past week we were lucky enough to spend a week in Gulf Shores, Alabama with Drew's extended family. We soaked in the rays on the beach but most of our time was spent lounging by the pool. The lack of jelly fish, sand in the bathing suit, and a nearby bathroom made the pool the wise choice for me. Either way, it was great to spend the time catching up with family that is normally spread out across the country. Here are some family photos documenting the trip (and 29 weeks).

27 Weeks

Friday was 27 weeks and yet another doctor appointment. The baby's heartbeat was strong, 136 and she's measuring right on track (aka my belly is the appropriate size at 27 inches)! I was scared to ask, but did, and apparently it increases to 40 inches by the time I'll deliver. So, 13 more weeks and 13 more inches to go!

Sorry, we didn't take pictures this week but not much has changed since last week, except maybe by an inch.

26 Weeks

Well, one more week down, 14 to go. I must admit, I wasn't sure I was going to share this week's photo but I'm sure it's only going to get worse so here it is. Obviously, both of us are growing!

I had Drew take a shot of my protruding belly button, just because I'm a little obsessed with it. Sometimes I just look down and laugh because it pretty much sticks out of each and every shirt and adds a good inch or two to my widening circumference. I read somewhere that you can cover it up or at least contain it with a band-aid but who wants to go to all that trouble, not to mention all the money we'd spend on band-aids over the next three months!

Move over Martha

Lately I've been feeling very crafty. I'm not sure if it's a product of nesting or just time on my hands, but I thought I'd share some of my creations. It's so hard to believe she's going to be this tiny! By the way, the "A" onesie is in no way indicative of the name we've chosen (or not chosen, for that matter); it is a gift for our neighbor and friend.

Yet Another Dr. Appointment & Furniture Arrival

Just when I feel like I couldn't pee in a cup one more time, another doctor appointment sneaks up on me. It was a pretty routine appointment; with the baby measuring right on track and heart pounding away. She apparently didn't like the cold doppler goo on my belly anymore than I did and showed her distaste with a giant kick to the nurse. At least she's not afraid to speak up!


My blood pressure was up again so they just want to keep a closer eye on me with more appointments and monitoring at home. Luckily I have a former Certified Nurses Assistant right in my own home!


On a separate note, the furniture arrived, which was alot more fun than the doctor appointment! Of course it was only the first step in the crib instructions before we were stumped and questioning whether we were too stupid to become parents. Here are some pics...

24 Weeks & Painting

So I'm officially 24 weeks along and as you can tell, still growing. Unfortunately, my belly button has also "officially" become an outie. Please pray for its safe return to its original spot once our little babe is here.

Drew and I were busy this past weekend preparing the baby's room for furniture (which arrived sooner than anticipated). I was a little nervous about the brightness of the paint at first but it's definitely grown on me. I'm pretty sure Drew could get a side job as a painter with this one. There's not one stray mark on the ceiling or trim! We also installed a ceiling fan to keep the baby from melting in what turns out to be a very hot and stuffy room and added a new closet system for her little clothes. Does this mean there's room for more shopping?

P.S. As you can tell, Rosie and Zoe were exhausted from what must have been unbearable excitement.

Does it work?

So Drew and I (ok, mostly me since I have all the free time) decided to create a blog as a way to share the excitement of our pregnancy and eventually the life of our little piglet with family and friends. I'm completely new to this whole blogging thing. In fact, it was just last week that I signed up for a Facebook account. Needless to say, I'm a little behind in the world of technology so we'll see how this goes.

Today I'm 23 weeks into the pregnancy. I feel great and the baby is moving around quite a bit. I'll post belly shots soon along with (hopefully) more exciting posts!