Balancing out...a little.

Not a whole lot to say, but I did have a regular check up on Tuesday. If you remember from my last post I was measuring really big (7 weeks ahead). As of Tuesday I am only 4 1/2 weeks ahead of schedule, so that was good. Maybe I will balance out a little more :) I am still scheduled to have an ultrasound on January 24th though just to get more actually size ( they said that ultra sounds in the thirst trimester can still be off a pound and half to two!) and measurement for Cole as well as see how much fluid I have and fun stuff like that :) This is week 26, which sounds kind of crazy when the doctor is thinking I may go around 38 weeks, only 12 weeks away and Cole could be here but even if he doesn't come a little early that is only 14 weeks!! Casey says it seems sooner when you count in weeks.
Casey has been asking me for a couple weeks now, when would he be able to feel Cole kick? I was not really sure the answer to that. I know he has to get some more weight on him (according to what to expect he is around 16 inches and 2.5 lbs) and since my placenta is in the front? I was not sure, but last night we were watching TV and he was going crazy. Then I felt a few big kicks so I put my hand on my belly and thought I could feel him, but he is in me so it is hard to tell if I am actually feeling him on the outside too. I told Casey and grabbed his hand and Cole performed, well just for two kicks, but Casey's eyes lit up and he thought it was great. Then he started shaking my belly asking him to kick more, but he wouldn't, but Casey was excited that he got to feel him twice. I am sure there will be many more kicks ahead!
It was a fun moment. :)

Glucose Update and cramps

Well I finally got the call back from my glucose test results...I am good! :) Blood levels look good, no gestational diabetes. The day that they called me I had been cramping. They seemed to be getting stronger as the day went along. So I go to my "what to expect book" and I notice that it does say that cramps are typical this month, but then it said if they become worse, intense or severe you should call your doctor. So since they called me I mentioned it to them. The nurse said I was probably fine but if I wanted to come in the next day (Wednesday) I could come in at 2:30 just to check me out and reassure me. So of course I went! I was really not that worried, but I figured I was off work, why not just go in and get some reassurance. Well, my doctor was not working so I had to see the doctor on call, Dr. Thornberg. She was fine and nice. She just checked my cervix again, listened to heart beat, checked blood pressure and asked questions. I looked great she said. She did mention drinking fluids. I seemed to be a little dehydrated, which was probably the cause of the sharper pains. She said I need 12 cups of fluid a day. I know I have not been getting that. Drinking is not something I am good at-drinking anything. I am fine with water, which I know some people have a hard time drinking it. I actually got an app on my phone that I use to count my water intake. It has helped, but I still do not reach my water goal for the day. I must do better. I will seriously be living in the bathroom now, as if I wasn't already :) As she left she said enjoy plenty of those water cocktails! Oh let me back up a few minutes...I asked her if she would measure me before she left? She said I do not measure until 28 weeks, have you already been measured? I said yes, last week and I measured big so I was just wanting to see what you measured me at. She said what did you measure? I said 30 weeks. She said no way! "Ok, well I have to measure you now. We will not put it in your chart or tell Dr. Macey and I will just see what I get". So I laid back and she measured me. Then she says, well yeah you are measuring right at 31. Which still has me measuring 7 weeks ahead! Remember in last post Dr. Macey said he is not that big, but definitely ahead of schedule. I am having another ultrasound January 24th to get a more accurate measurement of Cole. I will let you know what this big boy is measuring then. I am so thankful about my blood results and that everything is checking out great! Thank you Lord!

Brad, Craig and I at grandmothers for Christmas. Just wanted to show you the big ole belly he measured.

23 weeks and Glucose test

Well today was the glucose test and it was nothing. I am not sure what some of my friends were talking about, saying it was horrible. I drank the orange liquid, sat in the waiting room for an hour, had blood drawn and it was over. Oh well! So after my blood work I went upstairs to see Dr. Macey. Just a regular check. So he comes in and asked the usually questions, how do you feel, no cramping, spotting, etc... I am feeling good. So he says well we will check the heart rate (148) and measure you (my uterus). So I lay back and he says let's measure this little guy. I said " I do not think he is that little if it is anything like last time". So he has this ruler things and he starts somewhere around my belly button and measures down to somewhere around my pubic bone, I guess. He measured it and then he looked to make sure he was measuring from the right spot (or that is what it seemed like). He did that three times. Then he looked at my chart. He said I need to look at your cervix so undress from the waist down and I will be back in a minute. So he came back, checked me out and said all looked good. He wanted to make sure my cervix was not thinning yet. He said he wanted to see me back at 28 weeks for an ultra sound. I said ultra sound? he said yes and then  he said he did not want me to worry, but I was measuring 30 weeks!!! he said Cole was not that big, but I was carrying high, which sometimes made you measure earlier, so he just wants to double check and get a more accurate reading on how big he is. So I said 5 weeks, and he said no, I want you to come back in 3 weeks, but schedule an ultrasound for 5 weeks!
I knew my belly was really sticking out there, but 30 weeks!?! Holy Moly.
I am not worried. I know everything is good. Dr. Macey was not concerned, but he did say he just want to keep a closer check on him and how he is growing!! So I will let you know how my big boy is doing. Here is a picture to check him out! We truly hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. I know we will. We have truly been blessed.

21 weeks

I meant to post last week at our 20 week appointment, but the time just passed and I totally forgot. Last week was our 20 week ultra sound where they do all of the measuring and they look at everything. Since Casey went to my last ultra sound he decided not to take off, especially after he knew they were going to give us a DVD of the ultra sound any ways (trying to save up some days! for when Cole does arrive). So I asked my mom if she wanted to go with me and she said yes! she was so excited. She asked a ton of questions and was so excited about the experience. She kept saying this is all new to me-they did not have all of this 30+ years ago. She was cute to watch. 

This ultra sound was a little different this time than the last one. I guess since the one two weeks ago was a reassuring one it was more laid back and we really just got to watch him. This one was more precise and medical. They would zoom in on everything and measure it ( feet, lips, eyes, head, stomach, leg) but everything was more than just one measurement. They measured and analyzed his heart, lungs, spine, etc...She would put in the measurements and every time she did it would change the due date, then it gave you an average estimate date. 

So to say all of that-Cole measured out great! Actually bigger than he should be at this point. He was measuring between 7-10 days bigger. The doctor said maybe we have your conception date wrong, then he looked up and said "oh no, we can't have your date wrong", well if he keeps this up we will have to watch you closely around 37-38 weeks to make sure he does not get too big. I know he is easier on the inside than out, but I have the days and wouldn't mind him being a little bigger and having a week or two longer with him at home before going back to work in August as long as he is healthy and big enough to come then :)

He probably will not come until April 25th (4 days late). Trying not to think about it. He will come when he is ready.

He was moving all over the place like last time! He is such an active little boy. It really is neat to see him on the screen. I am starting to feel him more and more. It is really funny. Especially after I eat, I guess he is excited, because he is moving like crazy then. We are so excited and cannot wait to meet our little guy (or maybe not so little :) It is crazy to think that we are a little over half way through it all.
So this past week I have had about three people ask me "so is pregnancy everything you thought it would be?." I am not really sure if I ever really thought what it would be like, but it is interesting. It is so crazy how one day you just look down and you have this round belly, then you start to feel these weird movements inside of you, then you get this kink in your hip, and you are gassier than you ever imagined! I love the way What to expect put it..."Are you making noises and sounds that you have only heard or smelled from your dad or brothers?" Don't worry guys if you are around me I am usually good during the day. It just seems to hit me at night. :) 
I can say this about pregnancy though...it has definitely been a journey and expereince. One that I am excited to be apart of, but also a journey of things I had no idea about (the anxiety and stress of the unknown-that has been the worst). I go back to the doctor on December 21st for my glucose test. That should be interesting. I have all of these directions and rules I must follow before being tested.  I have not heard good stories from my friends about this test, but I am sure I will be fine. I will let you all know how that goes-in two weeks!
Here is an updated picture of me with my baby bump :)

A few pics of Cole...

Then me with Cole at 18 weeks...I just look pretty thick with a big butt. This picture doesn't show it, but I actually thought my butt had gotten smaller by the way my pants were fitting, guess not. I am SO critical :) I truly am so lucky to be carrying Cole and having this blessing given to me/us. I really am grateful for this experience.  Maybe I can get some better pictures though soon :)

It's a BOY!!!

...and boy were we surprised!!! Let me back up. Yes, we did find out a week early. If you read my last post "what is my deal?" you know that I have been anxious and feeling a little stressed about everything. I had been disappointed a few times thinking that I was going to have an ultra sound and then I did not have one. It was all just getting to me. It was almost like the angel and devil on my shoulder and they were in an argument. I kept trying to tell myself everything was fine and I had a count down going and telling myself "only 10 more days and you will see him, only 9 more...everything is fine". Well Sunday night I just could not handle it. I am pretty sure I was having an anxiety attach. I had tried to keep it in for so long and tell myself everything was ok, but my head was just not listening. My heart was racing, I could not catch my breath, and I was just crying. Poor Casey did not know what to do? He asked what was wrong, did something happen to make you think something is wrong, etc...I had nothing! no symptoms, no anything telling me something was wrong, but my head and the way I was feeling. Casey felt that I really needed to call the doctor. I was not sure because I had not had any luck with him thus far, but Monday when I woke up and started crying again I figured I should.
So I called the doctor's office and talked with the nurse. Yes, I began crying again on the phone with her. I was out of control. After going back and forth with conversations she said that I needed to come in. I did not need to be stressed out like I was. I asked her about an ultra sound and she connected me with the insurance lady up front, who was so sweet. She got my information and asked if she could call me back. She called back within 30 mins and said "well I just got verification that your insurance will cover the ultra sound, can you come in tomorrow afternoon?" I said YES! and already felt a little better knowing that I was going in for the appointment the next day, plus Casey was off and I knew he could come with me.
When we got there we went straight in for the ultra sound. The technician was very sweet and let us know that this one would be a quick one. It was just to reassure me that everything was ok, but at my 20 week it would take about an hour or hour and half because they were going to look at everything in more detail. Right when she put it on my belly you could see his little face :) I felt as though 50lbs had been lifted, then she recorded the heart beat and we heard it (another 50lbs lifted). Then she stretched out and you could see his whole body. He was stretched out with his legs crossed and his hands up behind his head. We just laughed. She said you baby looks pretty comfortable. She said the baby is breech right now, but don't let that bother you it has plenty of time to turn. She pointed to his feet and said he is basically standing on your bladder, well as soon as she said that, the  baby started moving as if he was running in place on my bladder! she said I bet you are going to the bathroom all the time! and yes I am! He began moving ALL over the place. He was EVERYWHERE. Remember though we still did not know it was a boy at this time. I know I keep typing "he" but it was not until the end that we found out. I almost thought we were not going to find out. He would not turn right, so I thought girl, she is being modest. :) Casey and I had both pretty much convinced ourselves that it was a girl for so many different reasons. The technician asked us what we thought and Casey told her girl and a few reasons why. Then she asked us if we had names picked out. We told her yes and told her the names. She said "Well, I think I have seen it, but I really want to see if I can get a better picture before saying anything. Just about then she got it. She froze the frame and said I am glad you have a boy name because it is a boy!!! Our eyes were huge and said boy? are you sure? She said 100% sure! Then she drew an arrow and said, as she circled it, "here is his scrotum and then here is his little weenie" and yes it was! We could not believe it. Casey's eyes were huge and the smile on his face was even bigger! I was still in shock I think. It was a great moment.
I know I have told some of you before, but I have always seen myself as more of a boy mom (growing up a tom boy with two brothers and so involved in sports), but everyone said I was having a girl and I had convinced myself that God had a sense of humor and was probably going to give me a prissy little, pink loving girl that I would have no idea what to do with, but I guess that was not his plan!
We are SO excited and I feel a million times better. I am not use to being a drama queen, but I am glad I got to go to the doctor and find out that I am having a sweet and healthy little boy! very active too! Now we are just excited about the arrival of Cole Bradford Coggin in April!!!!! :)

A lady that works with Casey, Mary Ann, had to get Cole an Arkansas outfit as soon as she found out he was a boy. How funny! Cole will be ready for football season now.

What is my deal? :)

I had an appointment almost two weeks ago now. It was a very weird appointment. I left a little frustrated. I  do not know what it is, well not really. I can imagine, but the last few times I have gone to the doctor I have been an emotional mess. You remember the doctor asking me if I was sure there was one? Well that has been on my mind, especially with SO many people telling me how big I am and if I am sure it is just one! (People can say the dumbest things sometimes). Well, I do not think I posted this, but around 14 wks I had some bleeding, nothing big! I actually was not worried at first, but then Casey started questioning me and really got me to thinking, so then I began to worry. So I called the doctor on call (not mine) and to say the least he did not have the best bed side manners. He really upset me, but told me I was fine. He actually acted like he was annoyed that I called him over something so minimal. That was on a Saturday. I did nothing the rest of the weekend and called my doctor on Monday. He said he thought it was nothing, but come in and I will check you out and ease your mind. So I did that following Monday afternoon. He said everything was fine and the heart beat was great, but still did not do an ultra sound. He told me not to worry, but if I felt anxious or worried to come in again next week or so and I will check you out again and I do an ultra sound if that will make you feel better. My appointment was in about 10 days so I was on edge but figured I could wait until then. My attitude was..."I am not leaving this office without an ultra sound!" So I get there and it is not my regular nurse, which was fine. She was so sweet and she could tell I was a little emotional. She said "the ultra sound technician was not here today, but Dr. Macey can do it. I will just go ahead and pull the machine and put it in your room." So I was feeling better when I went into the room seeing the machine a hands length distance away. Dr. Macey comes in and says "What's the problem? you still spotting?" I said no, but I just think I would feel better if I could have the ultra sound, remember you mentioned last time you would give me one if I still was not feeling 100% about everything. So he said let's check you out. He said I look great, measuring right and heart beat was good. He saw no reason to do a ultra sound. UGH!!!!! I could feel my voice cracking. Like I said I am emotional wreck when I go in there. I think it is overwhelming with the reality that I AM PREGNANT after so long and going through so much to get here, plus I am hypersensitive to EVERYTHING. I told him I wish I was high risk (not really, but I want the treatment). I am sure all first time moms are a little hypersensitive and without a pity party I really think I should have constant assurance that everything is ok. I know I sound a little needy, which drives me crazy, because I am not that kind of person, but in this situation, I am!
I told Casey last night that I am ready for this pregnancy to be over! I have been lucky and not had any sickness or problems, but I want my baby here and in my arms, which I know will come with a whole new set of worries, but I am just ready to see him or her. Not much longer as far as knowing the sex. Two weeks from yesterday. We are so excited and chomping at the bit! I will keep you posted! Love you all!