Counting Down the Weeks!

 I think it's time for a baby update!

Baby Rosman is just over 22 weeks old and doing great! It has been quite the road, but I would, without a doubt, do it a hundred-thousand times over again.

The bleeding stopped at about 17 weeks, and I have not had any since! At my 18 week ultrasound, they said there was no sign of the subchorionic hemorrhage (see previous post), and baby was doing great! Praise the Lord! He is now for sure a HE! We have always had a feeling the baby was a boy, and ever since my 13 week ultrasound the ultrasound techs have been reassuring us he indeed is a boy. He measured around the 50th percentile for about everything, which according to me is pretty close to perfect :) He was so good during the ultrasound, our awesome ultrasound tech was able to get all the measurements and see all the parts she needed to see. His heart rate has always been in the 140s and 150s, and he's a very active young man. My favorite part of pregnancy this far has definitely been feeling him kick. Adam enjoys it, too :)

As far as how Momma is doing... I feel great! The nausea stopped around 18 weeks, and I had a little break before I got to enjoy some acid reflux. The acid reflux was pretty bad for about a week, but that too seemed to subside. I guess I've learned what not to eat, but lately, even when I cheat and eat pizza or fried food, it has not been too bad! The only slightly negative thing I have to say is how the baby seems to be using my bladder as a "water" bed. But, if frequent trips to the bathroom is my biggest complaint, I'll take it!! 

22 weeks gestation

At 20 weeks, I had gained about 10 pounds. I've had a few cravings: baked potatoes, Arby's roast beef sandwiches, pickles, apple pie, and chili soup, just to name a few. 

 

The only stretch mark I have (if that's even what it is) looks like a small cat scratch on my chest. I've been able to wear regular jeans in a bigger size, but I've also gotten a few pairs of dressier maternity pants. I haven't needed to buy maternity shirts yet, but I'm sure that day is coming soon. My favorite outfits so far (aside from wearing scrubs at work and sweats at home), are definitely long sweaters, leggings, and boots! Yay for Fall and cooler temps!

The nursery is coming along nicely. I'm pleased with how it has come together, and I just ordered the sayings for the walls. I thought about painting those as well, but I think it will be much easier to change nursery quote decals verses painting over the old ones as more babies come along :) The closet is slowly gaining some blue, and I've had to stop myself multiple times from buying every cute outfit I see. I've taken care of labor patients who bring oodles of newborn outfits and end up having a 10 lb baby... so I keep reminding myself about upcoming baby showers and how there will be time for shopping after baby comes.

We have a couple of boy names we like, and I am pretty sure we will use one of them. They are names we have liked since before I got pregnant, and we keep coming back to them. I hope Baby likes it!

As for Daddy... I gave in, and Adam ordered DIRECTV and bought a huge new TV. I guess I've enjoyed it some, too. Watching the X Games in 3-D was pretty cool, and having DVR definitely has its perks. I don't watch much TV, but as for the few shows I do follow, it's nice to not have to play catch up on my laptop. Adam claims it's for all the times he'll be up all night with the baby... Hey, if it's any more incentive, I'm in :)

That's all for now! We take family pictures on Sunday, so I will be sure to post those as soon as I get them!

We're having a BABY!!

The BIG news... 

Baby Rosman is due to make his or her debut March 4, 2012!!

We feel so blessed to have the opportunity to become parents, and we are so excited for the adventure! This pregnancy has been a rollercoaster of an experience for us, but we are hopeful and putting all our trust in God. Here is a quick rundown for those who have been asking:

I found out I was pregnant at about 4 1/2 weeks (yep... Mexico baby!!!), and Adam and I could not be more thrilled! I had a 7 week ultrasound to confirm dates, and the little guy/girl was just perfect! What an awesome experience seeing that little peanut for the first time!

My family found out while we were visiting relatives in Dubuque, IA. It was pretty obvious when I wasn't partaking in the wine and festivities on the 4th of July. I also started not feeling well around that time, and my pale/green color and poor appetite gave it away. We called Adam's parents and brother and shared our exciting news with them because we couldn't wait to tell them in person!

Here's where things gets a little rocky...

At 9 weeks 4 days, I started bleeding quite a bit. I was expecting the absolute worst. It was the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced. I called Adam, and he came home from work immediately. We went to the hospital for an ultrasound to, in my mind, confirm my biggest fear. When the ultrasound tech said "There's the baby, and I see the heart beating!" I started crying and sent God a quick prayer of thanks. After hearing the baby's heart beating for the first time, Adam and I left feeling relieved and even more excited. My Doctor called later and told us she thought the bleeding was caused by a subchorionic hematoma, a type of blood clot found between the pregnancy membranes and the wall of the uterus. This occurs in just over 1% of pregnancies, and it appears that the bleeding occurs when small parts of the pregnancy membranes separate from the uterus, causing a subchorionic hemorrhage. Most resolve on there own and do not effect the baby at all, but the bleeding may continue well into pregnancy.

I spotted for the next week and a half. I didn't like it, but I was resting assured little baby Rosman was safe and sound. The following Sunday (11 weeks), I had a large bleed once again. I watched it closely through the night, but when it didn't slow, Adam and I went in to the office in the morning for an ultrasound. Once again, Adam and I sat nervously waiting to see and hear the baby's heart beating. What a relief when the ultrasound tech assured us everything looked good. We met with our Doctor after the ultrasound where we found out the area of the bleed (hematoma) was about 29x29mm. She told us it was quite large, but that it would hopefully get smaller and disappear over the next few weeks. Then she told us there is a chance it would continue to get bigger, possibly resulting in the end of pregnancy. I was a mess. I cried a lot that day. Adam was so amazing and supportive, I don't know what I would do without him! God sure knew what He was doing when when He put Adam in my life :) My doctor said there is no real cause for the bleed, and there really wasn't anything I could do at this point. As a nurse, that was hard to hear. There was nothing I could do to help my little baby.

Work was difficult for me the next few days. I spend my days helping other moms and babies, making sure they are safe and have the best birth experiences possible. I found myself wondering how I could help them and their babies when I couldn't even help my own? It didn't help that I was constantly nauseated and felt like running to the bathroom every 20 minutes. However, I was grateful for the pregnancy symptoms, after all, it meant I was still pregnant and I would put up with it forever if I knew my baby would be safe. Thankfully God was right there with me, and we got through that week together. Adam was also a huge help! We would stay up all night praying and talking about our excitement, worries and concerns, a future with little baby Rosman, and what our life will be like. Our excitement grew and grew. I continued to spot for the next week, but I became increasingly hopeful when the spotting completely stopped for a day and a half.

The following Sunday, exactly one week later (12 weeks gestation), I bled again. This time it was different. It was heavier and didn't slow. Adam was playing softball across town, and by the grace of God he was able to answer his phone when I called. I also called my L&D Coordinator at work. Worried I would pass out, she kept me on the phone until Adam got home. A quick side-note, did I ever mention I have the absolute best co-workers ever? Because I do! Adam rushed me to the ER where I underwent tests and such, got IV fluids, and finally an ultrasound. Once again, Adam and I were relieved to see and hear our baby's heart beating. We both breathed a giant sigh of relief. We were told the spot of bleeding had increased from 29mm to 38mm. Once again, the worry, the tears, the uncertainty returned. After the bleeding had slowed considerably, we were discharged home to rest and return to the clinic in two days. Adam and I kept reminding ourselves it's all in God's hands. It's all a part of His plan, and it will all go according to His will. We definitely find much comfort and peace in knowing He is in control.

Our ultrasound on Tuesday (12 weeks 2 days) showed the bleed had increased again. It grew from 38mm to 45mm. 45mm! What discouraging news. However, the baby looked perfect and was continuing to grow and develop normally according to gestational dates, and that's the most important thing! We met with the Doctor. Once again, we were told it's a waiting game. She said hopefully the bleed will start to decrease in size and eventually disappear, which she has seen happen with bleeds as big and even a little bigger than mine. We were also told the bleed could continue to grow, eventually disrupting the placental blood flow, ending in a loss of pregnancy. The good news, loss of pregnancy is not common with this type of bleed, however this is a significant bleed. The prayers continued, and we placed all our trust in God. At 12 1/2 weeks, I was put on bedrest until things looked a little better.

That was the longest week of my life. I watched movies, chatted with friends on the phone and on facebook, slept, tackled some scrapbook pages I had neglected, sorted truck slips for my dad, and prayed a lot. Sitting and waiting is not something I'm good at, but with the support of my amazing husband, family, friends, and co-workers, we got through it!

I had an ultrasound the following Monday at 13 weeks 1 day. Great news! The bleed had not grown, and it showed signs it was starting to resolve. The baby looked great, measuring right on for dates (about 3 inches)! They even told us what they thought the sex of the baby is! :) We'll wait until we know for sure to share, however! After meeting with our doctor, I was much more at ease. She explained to us that the chance for miscarriage had decreased significantly, and she is pleased with how things are going.

Wrapping up an exciting and eventful first trimester, Adam and I decided to share our big news with everyone- isn't Facebook so convenient? I know there is still a chance things could take a turn for the worse, just like with any pregnancy, but we have faith in God's plan and His will for our lives. We know that we will be provided for and taken care of, whatever the future holds for us.

Adam and I owe a HUGE thanks to all who have supported and continue to support us through this rollercoaster experience. I cannot thank my family, friends, teammates and co-workers enough for all the prayers, cards, food, visits, messages, and thoughts. Adam and I are so blessed to have such a wonderful group of people in our lives, what blessings! We have felt God working in us and through us, and we thank Him for all the peace, comfort, and healing He has provided us with. We know it is all in God's hands, and it will all work out according to His will.

babies on the brain

I am 24 years old. 24! How did that happen? It seems like just yesterday I was climbing hay stacks in my parent's barn and digging up worms to top off a mud pie. It's definitely been a fast 24 years, and there hasn't been much looking back. I've always kept a mental list of what's next. I seemed to have stayed focused and have checked everything off my to-do list up to this point, so what's next? 

Ah, I remember. The ever so popular topic, CHILDREN. Up until college, I couldn't wait to have kids. Many kids. But, somewhere along the way I became selfish. Selfish is a strong word, but it seems so fitting. I mean, I keep telling myself, "You can't do that when you have kids..." Just after our wedding everyone was telling us to take time for ourselves and to enjoy "this" time. Well, it seems that "this" time has passed. Now I'm being hounded to have babies by those who once told me to be selfish. What to do?

Many of my friends from high school and college have already begun bearing children, some with 3+ kids already. And that's great! They seem so happy. But sometimes I just want to scream from the top of my lungs, "I LOVE MY LIFE RIGHT NOW AND HAVE NEVER BEEN SO HAPPY!! LET ME ENJOY THIS!!" Why would I want to mess that up, right?

I know, I know... everyone is "ready" in their own time, and every once-in-a-while I get baby fever pretty bad. It usually subsides when I think of a summer spent out on the lake, camping with family and friends, and that trip to Vegas just around the corner (which, for better or worse, seems to be becoming an annual excursion). My husband has already given the green light to start trying for babies and is getting more and more excited to expand our small, yet perfect family of two. So, when will I know when I'm ready.

I've been going back-and-forth on the topic for a few months now. 

I think what I'm feeling is fear. Fear I won't be a good mom. Fear I won't be able to do it all. Fear I won't be as good as the other moms. Fear I won't be able to meet all their needs. Fear for what comes after children. I'll be old. There I go being all selfish again... Uh. Fear I'll be selfish. Deep down inside me, I hope there is a super mom just waiting to come out when the time comes. I am a bit of a planning perfectionist. Everything has a place and time, a when and where, a save the date, and comes with an owners manual. Um, can anyone tell me where I can get a personalized owner's manual for my own future children, please? I sure would love to start studying and memorizing it now.

I look at my life now and see the excitement, the fun, the balance, the happy-go-lucky attitude, and the simplicity. I love it, simple. We virtually do what we want, when we want, and it is absolutely glorious. Selfish, selfish, selfish. I know. Up until now, I've been ok with it. I know I truly want what's best for my future children, and I'm really excited to be a mom someday, but it's hard to imagine what life will be like.

A dear friend of mine, who recently and unexpectedly became a new mom, told me about a love greater than she could ever imagine that exists between her and her new daughter. Her husband, who was even less ready to be a dad in his own eyes, has repeated those words as well. They didn't want a baby right then and there, but now they wouldn't change it for the world. I must add, they are absolutely amazing parents! Will I be ready when I have to be ready? It also left me wondering, can I really feel more love than I feel right now? I've never loved another human like I love my husband, it brings me to tears to think about us being apart for little more than a day. How much more love can I experience?

I guess it's all up to God. How it always should be. I know He has a plan for me, but I feel like I often mess that plan up and make it into my own based on my wants and desires. I have faith He has not and will not ever give up on me, though. Keep on chipping at me, Lord, mold me into the person You want me to be, and open my eyes and heart to Your way. Whether I'm to be a mom in a year or in ten years, I'm excited for what God has planned. Ahh (sigh), there's that overwhelming peace that comes from knowing God is in control.

Right now, I'm working on being open to change...

Labor tips/info

I absolutely love my job as a Labor & Delivery nurse! And boy have I learned a LOT very quickly. There are some things I've learned along the way that I feel I should pass along...

1. No, I don't know how much longer it will be or how much worse it will get. Chances are good that it will get worse.
2. Yes, you will probably poop. No, it's not as big of a deal as you think it is. Yes, almost everyone does it, especially if you are pushing correctly.
3. If you insist upon having your mom's cousin's brother-in-law's uncle's family there for the delivery, make sure they do not touch the sterile table during delivery.
4. Don't let people take "crotch shots". The first reason being it's against our policy, the second being- why would you want those pictures anyway!?
5. Yes, you will "leak" amniotic fluid after your water breaks/is broken until you deliver.
6. Losing your mucus plug mean nothing to us- you don't need to show it to us.
7. If you come in to be induced, we most likely will use a labor inducing drug, and we will have to put an IV in.
8. No, we still do not know how much longer it will be. We can take an educated guess, but that might very well be many hours off.
9. It might be in your best interest to stick to clear liquids once in active labor, it will most likely all come back up shortly before delivery.
10. If you ask me if you can go out on a smoke break while you are in labor, I will tell you NO.
11. Your baby will be monitored at some point, continuous for inductions and high risk labors, while you are in the hospital. We are not trying to inconvenience you, we really do want what's best for you and your baby.
12. If it's your first baby, it is likely you will have to push for 1-3 hours.
13. Your nurses care about you and your baby very much and will do everything in their power to make your experience the very best it can be :)

MUST-haves according to ME

Pandora Radio - a must-have application for any smart phone/tablet

Francesca Battistelli music - great up-beat Christian music

Reebok's ZigZag Shoes - easily the most comfy shoes I've every owned

UGG boots - every midwest woman deserves a pair

TRESemme Dry Shampoo - for greasy roots

(does not take the place of showering)

Trouble sleeping at night?

Try taking a bath with J&J's Bedtime Bath before bed

a heated mattress pad is perfect for staying warm and snuggling in bed, just be sure to buy one with adjustable heat levels and an automatic shut-off timer

Havarti cheese is so good - it's similar to Swiss cheese

Amazing Grace Firming Body Lotion from Sephora

Smells AMAZING!

aussie Deep Conditioning Hair Treatment - saved my damaged locks

Anthropologie - an up-scale cross between Urban Outfitters,

American Eagle and H&M (cute clothes and home decor)

Clinique Up-Lighting Illuminator - for sun-kissed cheeks

Clinique Moisture Surge - great for combination dry/oily skin

Hurry up SUMMER!

I want warmth! and sunshine!! and water!!! and swimsuits!!!! and a tan!!!!! and to ride bike!!!!!! and to run outside!!!!!!! I want SUMMER!

Boy, the last few weeks have really made me stir crazy. Yes, we've had a couple days when temps saw mid-30s, but it never lasted long. I've tried pretending I'm lying on a beach while at the nearby tanning salon, but 10 minutes of sticking to hard plastic while trying not to think about the harm I'm causing my body is hardly my idea of a good time. Uh. This must be what people mean by the depressive days of winter. I'll take a large dose of vitamin D please! Or maybe a frozen drink with an umbrella? How about a day on the lake and a night in a tent? Anything to wash away this icky, stuck-in-a-rut feeling that comes with being cooped up for what seems to be an eternity!

As I was bah-humbugging last night while getting into bed, my wonderful husband, Adam, politely told be to snap out of it! I began making my argument, but soon became embarrassed by my childish moping and complaining. Boy, did I sound ungrateful! That being said, I didn't know how to take back my complaining, and found myself in a downward spiral until I was in tears. At that time, I knew I had to hit the Bible. And man did I ever need to read those words.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things.

Philippians 4:4-8

We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed… Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-18

Another 'saved by God' moment. I'm so thankful for those moments :) Maybe I'm being a little too hard on winter. After all, I do enjoy snuggling in front of our fireplace after a long day of sledding and snowboarding, and hot chocolate just isn't the same in the summer. I suppose I like warm bubble baths and my fuzzy Uggs, too. Oh, and there's indoor Zumba and weight training classes, and my favorite TV shows are on this time of year, not to mention March Madness... I guess winter isn't so bad after all!

Just another little project...

Operation guest bedroom remodel has begun!!




I've finally talked my husband into letting me get rid of the vibrant blue in our upstairs guest bedroom (yay!). As you can see, it's a bit much...

before

For color, I love neutral tones with accents that really pop. Because the rest of our house walls are different versions of browns and tans, I'm going with grey and white. This is what I'm thinking...

I plan on painting white trees on one of the walls, but I cannot decide between the look of the traditional branching Maple or the thick trunks of a Birch tree.

Thinking a bit into the future, this room will become a nursery. When that happens, I will accent with splashes of either purple and pink for a girl or green for a boy.

I will be sure to post pictures of the final product! :)