Congrats Shaun & Kyla on the birth of Soren Ronald Vincent. We can't wait to meet him!

Heather

My view from up here!

Heather

Capers & Coffee Cravings

Just thought I'd give you a little update on my latest symptoms, and lack of symptoms. I feel much, much better this week. Energy levels are coming back, and I'm not really nauseous at all anymore. Even my libido seems to have come back to life a little bit.

I was bragging to my mother-in-law yesterday that I seem to be hungry more often, but so far haven't had a bigger appetite. Well, I had to eat my words! The waitress brought out a plate of capers, because a few people at the table had never tried them. I ended up polishing the rest off on my own. After that, I finished off a large Greek salad, a couple of bread sticks, and my entire plate of cannelloni stuffed with ricotta cheese and spinach, and smothered in rose sauce! Usually I would have brought at least part of it home. In fact, as I kept eating I would stop and think "I must be full". But no! I wanted more, so I just kept eating. Then on our way home I was already craving a stop at DQ! I decided I had eaten enough, and we had ice cream at home if I still wanted it later. I also noticed yesterday that my sandals were tight on my feet - so I must be swelling a little bit now too. How exciting!

I am suspicious of a few "flutters" I've been feeling - but nothing that I can officially say was movement. I'll keep waiting for the moment that I can say "THAT was the baby". I also seem to have a little extra saliva, and a stuffy nose. But other than all of that - I feel fantastic. Some part of me wishes to go back to feeling sick - because that always reassured me that things were going well. Now that I feel fine I worry a bit more again, but I'm fighting it - with God's help, and the prayers of my family and friends. I get to meet my Obstetrician next week, so I'm excited about that. She will likely listen for the heartbeat, so that will give me peace of mind for another week or two.

This morning I also had my first desire to drink coffee since... who knows when! It tasted so good, but hopefully I can keep my coffee drinking to a minimum.

6 Random Facts

6 random facts about HEATHER - I've been TAGGED by Janelle...so here goes...

1. I am nine years younger than my husband. Most of our friends are his age, and when they find out how old I am they are always shocked and dismayed.

2. I still have two baby teeth in my mouth, and two adult teeth are permanently embedded in my upper jaw.

3. I have been on the Rosenort Chamber of Commerce for almost 3 years, my first year as Treasurer and the last two years as Secretary.

4. One of my favourite meals is egg noodles, topped with cottage cheese and ketchup. The same combo also tastes good on KD. Most people (including my husband) will not try it, and think it looks gross. My entire family loves it. I had one babysitter (Cora) who was brave enough to try it, and now she serves it to her kids!

5. I lost both my baby toenails in a wheelbarrow-jumping accident. They have since grown back, but have never been the same.

6. In my early teens I was an avid dirtbiker (owned a Honda XR80), and could keep up pretty well with the boys. I did it just to impress the boys I liked.

Eww, I think maybe I just look fat here - but really, it's my 15 week prego pic!

Heather

Successful Shopping

Jeryn and I had a fabulous time shopping in Grand Forks on Saturday. It was a beautiful day, and the sun shone brightly on the highway as we made our way across the border. It was nice to be able to speak without guilt about baby stuff! We asked each other all kinds of questions, and discussed everything under the sun. Our first stop was the mall, where we spent our time in JC Penney, Victoria Secret and of course, Bath & Body Works! We both had a lot of luck at JC Penney, and the clothes were really cute (and a size smaller than here in Winnipeg, so it makes you feel good about yourself). We both took out a pretty good haul there, including some cute baby clothes that we all on sale. Plus, we got another 10% off at the till! We had a nice Subway lunch in the food court, and then it was more shopping. We headed off to Gordman's, with our 20% coupons in hand. Unfortunately, they had no maternity clothes in. I ended up finding a neat stone angel lawn ornament, and Jeryn found some goodies too. From there we headed to Super Target. Wow, I could have seriously maxed out the credit card there! I was finding things I liked left, right and center - including baby furniture! I remained in control of myself, and just picked up a few little things, and some treats for Ryan. Old Navy was last, but not least, on our list. We actually had a lot of good finds there too, and we both found some clothes for our hubbies. We finished off our trip with supper at Arby's, and made the trek home to unpack all our great stuff. My find of the day had to be the camouflage capris I found at JC Penney. I love them, and they are so comfortable (see pic)! Thanks for all the good advice we got girls - we definately heeded your warnings, and tried not to buy too much stuff all at once.

Whew, that tummy is BIG! Sorry about the awful picture, it's taken with my webcam. Hubby's got the camera on his fishing trip this weekend.

Heather

This Is It!

Well, guess what everyone?! If I make it to tomorrow (which I suspect I will), I will officially have come farther in this pregnancy than the last one! PRAISE GOD! I am so excited, mostly because things are going so well, and I've started to feel much better in the last week. I am not nearly as tired, and the nausea is pretty much completely gone. Some days it still feels like I am expecting something to go badly, but most days now I am positive and looking forward to the future with this new little life. My tummy is definately showing now - I'll have to take a picture soon.

Just five months ago, at this point in my pregnancy, I called the doctor because I was having some strange symptoms. I just thought it would be some kind of infection, and she's put me on some meds and I'd be good to go. She examined me, and felt there was a serious problem. I was given an immediate ultrasound appointment, which Ryan and I went to that evening. The news was grim. We watched little Baby Plett's motionless body on the screen, and then the technician confirmed, "I'm sorry, but it looks like the baby has died some time ago". I'll never forget that horrible feeling that washed over me. My throat ached as I held back my sobs. The technician left us alone, and the tears flowed.

Looking back, I'd have to say that was the most heart-wrenching time of my life. I was so hurt, so angry, and all I wanted was to have that baby back. It amazes me how God has used that experience to get me to the point where I am now. Just five short months, and I think I am changed, hopefully for the better. How amazing that He took care of us, even when we were cursing Him for allowing our baby to be taken. How incredible, that even through great loss comes great gain. What a miracle, that He has blessed us again with a new life. God is good. I pray His blessings on each of you today, no matter what you are going through - I promise you that you can get through it if you rely on God. All you have to do is ask Him, and He'll carry your load. You can leave all your baggage at the foot of the Cross. He'll take it for you. Don't try to carry it all on your own - you were never intended or created to carry such burdens.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

SHOPPING!

I'm very excited because my friend Jeryn and I are going to make a trip to Grand Forks on Saturday to shop! It will be so fun! Jeryn is also prego, and we'll both want to find maternity summer clothes. Does anybody have any suggestions on where to go, or what to look for? I don't know how much I should get, or what to get, especially because I'm prego throughout the summer, but also into the fall and early winter. I've already got the top shown on the left. We've found a few online coupons for Gordman's too, so that will help out a little. I can't wait to hit Bath & Body Works - one of my faves!

Tomorrow! Tomorrow!

I luv ya, tomorrow! You're only a day away!

Tomorrow marks my fourteenth week of pregnancy, and come Saturday, we will have passed the mark at which we found out the previous baby had died. I'm quite excited, because everything is going really great! I'm starting to feel a little better now, although still a little nauseous in the mornings (I gag when I brush my teeth). I'm still usually pretty exhausted at the end of the day, but even that is getting better now too. My tummy is slowly expanding, and I have to be careful now when I sit and get up, or roll over in bed, because the muscles have been pretty angry at all the stretching!

I may not even be at work much longer. We found someone to fill my position, and he is ready to come right away. It was somewhat unexpected, but why wait? So, I may start training him as early as the end of the month, and be out of work by June! I don't think I'll just take the summer off though. I may be able to do some work from home, or I may go get a part time job - maybe at a greenhouse or something, because that would be so fun!

All's Well

Well, of course everything went just fine at the Doc's yesterday. She checked me out, and said that everything looked good. I potentially have the start of a mild infection, but as long as it is not giving me discomfort I'm not to worry about it. Ahhhhhhhhhh... another sigh of relief. Maybe this time I can go at least a week without a problem! She also picked up the heartbeat again, and it was loud and strong and a healthy rate of 140. The muscles in my sides are starting to pull now as my tummy continues to grow to give Pepe room to move in. Now I'm just counting down the weeks until I can start to dream about feeling a kick!

Going to see the Doc

So I've made myself an appointment with my doctor for tomorrow afternoon. Just making the appointment already makes me feel better, so I'm glad I just sucked it up and did it.

I was talking on the phone to a friend yesterday, and she was asking me why I was so hesitant to just go see my doctor if I was worried. It was a good question, and after talking about it for some time I admitted to her that it was fear holding me back. Fear that this appointment, (which sort of feels like a similar scenario to when I went in when we found out the baby had died), will end up the same way. We both found it interesting that without my conscious knowledge, my body was fearful of the pain that could potentially come from bad news, and was making me hesitant to go see the doctor. And here I just thought I was being unreasonable! Anyway, she talked me through it, and I built up the courage to call and make the appointment.

I prayed about it last night, and I already feel some peace about it all. I'm thankful for that. I'm pretty sure everything will be fine. I've just got to have faith!

WARNING: Girl's Only Post (or read at your own discretion)

Just a question for all you previously pregnant gals out there. All the books/websites say that a normal pregnancy discharge is just milky and white. What if you have a little bit of yellow, but no odor and no itching/burning? With the previous pregnancy I went to the doctor exactly because of such a discharge. This is slightly different than that one was, so I'm not in panic mode yet - just want some opinions. Should I run to the doc's, or just wait it out a little bit?

Proof of Life

If you would ask me how I'm doing today, my answer would be FANTASTIC! Ryan and I went to a doctor's appointment yesterday, and it was my dream to hear a heartbeat. I had already mentally prepared myself to not hear it, because 12 weeks is still fairly early. While the doctor was weighing me (I have gained 3 lbs. - woohoo - never gained anything in the last pregnancy), she asked if I wanted to try to hear the heartbeat. I said I did, and she warned me that we may not hear anything, and if I would be alright with that. I think she knows me better than I know myself! She probably knew that on the outside I would appear really strong, and cool as a cucumber, but on the inside I would be panicking if we didn't hear anything. Well, she conceded to try - and so I hopped up on her table to get ready. She moved the doppler around for a while, but couldn't hear anything, and was just about to give up. In my head I was saying "Lord, it would be so cool to hear it...". Just then, the doctor said, "There it is!".

thump, thump, thump, thump, thump, thump...

Tears immediately started flowing down my cheeks, but I said nothing, and I was holding my breath - I didn't want to miss one beat! She said, "It gets quieter and louder because your baby is moving all over the place!". We were all stoked - what a blessing! A heartbeat at 12 weeks. Wow. I was just praising God, and saying "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" in my head. It was amazing. I have tears pouring down my cheeks as I type this, because... it was just amazing. I finally feel like I can get excited now, and totally fall in love with this little baby. Thank you everyone, for your continued prayers and support.

Bad Things I Want to Happen to Me - Part II

Remember that post I wrote a while back (January 5, 2006)? It was a list of all the bad things I wanted to happen to me in my next pregnancy. Well, I got some of my wishes come true!

1. The achiest, sorest boobs EVER!
Yup, I definately have achy, sore boobs! For the last week they have also been ITCHY like crazy! I've tried lotion and Vaseline, but so far nothing is working. In my last pregnancy I only had sore boobs for about a month - which timewise seems to correspond with the date they feel the baby actually died. So, I'm loving my sore boobs. No complaints.

2. Constipation (again, but maybe worse this time)
Yes, I've definately been constipated again. I don't think it's worse than last time though. About the same, I'd say. I poop about once a week.

3. Bleeding - seems odd right, but I want some mega implantation bleeding.
Well, as you may have read, I even got this wish come true. It wasn't implantation bleeding, but it did lead to a couple of early ultrasounds, which was good. And, it isn't anything serious.

4. Vomit and crazy nausea
Okay, I've had a lot of nausea, and lately I'm nauseated mostly by my OWN cooking! How weird is that?! I puked once, but I think that was just a fluke because of my cold. The biggest thing that makes me nauseous is meat. I like to eat it, but just thinking about it... gross.

5. Heartburn
No sign of any heartburn as of yet.

6. Breast secretions
No secretions yet, but I expect it is yet to come.

7. I want to be dead tired
Can I take this one back?! Man, have I EVER been tired. I feel like I could sleep and sleep. I get home from work, take a nap, and I'm ready for bed at 9:00. I've just been dragging myself around for the last couple of months. Thankfully, I think my energy levels are getting better.

8. Darkening areolas
Not that I've noticed. I don't know that mine will change until later, if at all? Does everyone's change?

9. Cravings for the worst foods ever
This is a definate yes! I've been totally anti-fruit and vegetable. All I want is chocolate, chips, candy (Nerds), cookies and anything else sweet or salty. I had cravings last time, but this time it's nuts! Oh, and I have every kind of Cheerios on hand - can't stop eatting them. Good thing those are relatively healthy. I've also craved Arby's, Spicy Seafood Penne from Earl's, and marble cheese.

Relief

Man, am I relieved to have finally been able to tell all of you our great news! I was dying there for a few months, just wanting to spill the beans, but my hubby kept saying, "not yet, not yet". Then, just last week, the news leaked from one of my (many) secret-keepers, and before we knew what was going on we were being congratulated left, right and center. So, out came the news! A little early, but I'm totally fine with that.

My sister-in-law, Ang, is also pregnant, with their third baby. I am trailing her by a mere 13 weeks or so. It will be so fun to have cousins so close in age! I just wish they could live closer together to be able to grow up together, and go to school together. Well, maybe that wish will come true.

One of Ryan's cousins also recently had a baby. Congrats to Adam, Margaret and Keira on the arrival of a new little boy - Lance!

Lance was born in April, Ang is due in August, and I am due in November - and we are all booked on a flight to leave for Hawaii together in December! That means there will be a 1 month old, a 4 month old, an 8 month old, a 2 year old, a 5 year old, and a 7 year old all in business class! This also means that the hotel will need to provide at least 4 cribs, and 4-5 strollers. This also requires that as a family we would need 6 car seats, and in the off chance that we all go out to eat together, we would need at least 3 high chairs. It is going to be NUTS! Can you imagine how many diapers we're going to go through? But I can't wait!