Thursday, August 30, 2012

33 weeks

August 30, 2012


Pregnancy Stats:
How Far Along: 33 weeks

Size of baby: a little over 4 pounds, the size of a pineapple, and over 17-inches long
Total Weight Gain: 13 pounds so far...Going back to the doctor tomorrow, so we shall see!  I feel huge, does that count? ;)

Gender: It's a GIRL!!!
Movement: She is moving and rolling and readjusting, ALL THE TIME!
Sleep: It's way overrated.
What I miss: A good nights sleep, being able to move without pain, running to clear my head...heck, I miss all exercise at this point.
Cravings: Sweets, nothing new.
Symptoms: hip, back and horrible neck pain, a touch of sciatica, braxton hicks contractions, and heart burn,you know, the so-called "normal" pregnancy pains.   Nothing I can't deal with. I have nothing major to complain about though.  Praise God for that!
Maternity Clothes: Yep! or my husbands t-shirts, or the belly band...its amazing. And Thank God for being able to wear scrubs to work!
Best Moment this week: Getting the rest of the nursery bedding in and finally deciding on curtains for her room, who knew curtains where such a big decision?!?  Also, my work peeps threw me a shower!  So nice of them!


Thursday, August 23, 2012

32 Weeks

August 23, 2012



Pregnancy Stats:
How Far Along: 32 weeks

Size of baby: Almost 4 lbs and up to 19 inches long, weighs as much as a jicama, what the heck is a jicama??
Total Weight Gain: 13 pounds so far...

Gender: It's a GIRL!!!
Movement: She is moving and kicking like crazy, all the time!  She can throw the punches, that's for sure...still wouldn't trade it for anything. I love feeling this baby move!
Sleep: I miss it...
What I miss: A good nights sleep, running to clear my head...heck, I miss all exercise at this point.
Cravings: Sweets, nothing new.
Symptoms: back and horrible neck pain, a touch of sciatica, braxton hicks contractions, and heart burn,you know, the usual "pregnancy pains." but I can't really complain about anything major right now. Praise God for that!
Maternity Clothes: Yep! or my husbands t-shirts, or the belly band...its amazing. And Thank God for being able to wear scrubs to work!
Best Moment this week: Getting a good report at the doctor and getting to see my sweet babys face.  I also had the best baby shower ever thanks to my awesome friends and family!  We are so blessed and this baby is so loved already!  More to come on the baby shower soon..

The ultrasound tech at work also took a peek at our precious little girl and got some sweet sweet pics of her face :)  I can not wait to meet this little kickboxer!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Can't wait!


This picture just makes me smile.  I can not wait to meet this little baby girl that kicks me all the time!  CAN.NOT.WAIT.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

31 Weeks

August 16, 2012


Pregnancy Stats:

How Far Along: 31 weeks

Size of baby: 3.5 lbs +, measuring a tad big...the size of 4 oranges

Total Weight Gain: 11 pounds so far, still feels like way more than that though.
Gender: It's a GIRL!!!
Movement: She is moving and kicking like crazy, still!  Definately my ADHD child in there.
Sleep: I miss it...
What I miss: A good nights sleep, running to clear my head...exercise in general
Cravings: Sweets, nothing new.
Symptoms: back and horrible neck pain, a touch of sciatica, braxton hicks contractions, and heart burn,you know, the usual "pregnancy pains." but I can't really complain about anything major right now. Praise God for that!
Maternity Clothes: Yep! But I have found a way to find normal clothes that are just a tad big and wear them or my husbands t-shirts, or the belly band...its amazing. And Thank God for being able to wear scrubs to work!
Best Moment this week: Getting the glider chair for the nursery in and putting more of the nursery together.  So thankful for my husband, who willingly helps me work on the nursery for hours by hanging things where I tell him and putting things together. 

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Touched by an Angel...and the meaning behind our daughter's name


Most of you may or may not know that we have chosen to name our baby girl Lauren and call her "Lo."  We have gotten a lot of questions about the name of our baby from a few of our family and friends, so, folks, for all of the rest of you wondering why we picked the name we did for our baby...here is the meaning behind our daughter's name...

Five to six years ago, I was so blessed to have crossed paths with one of the most incredible families I have ever met.  At the time, I did not know the impact this family would have on my life, but looking back now, it's nothing short of God's plan.  Circumstances that I would never wish upon anyone, led to other circumstances, which placed amazing people in my life, specifically one of my dearest friends, that led me to cross the path of the Detrich Family. 

The Detrich Family is a family unlike any I have ever met.  Their youngest daughter, who went to Heaven a few days ago, was just a couple years younger than myself.  She was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as an infant.  And if you have been reading my blog for a while, you know that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is very near and dear to my heart and it's for this reason.  You can read about my previous blogs about this family here and here.  I never knew 6 years ago that when I met this special family that I would be forever changed.  I have only had the opportunity to be around this family a handful of times, but, oh my gosh, I had no clue the impact they would forever have on me.  I believe it to be the light that this family continues to shine, day after day, despite the circumstances they have been dealt, and also the fact that this family is just so incredible, that every person that has the opportunity to cross their path is forever changed.  They touch people and make impacts in ways that some can only dream about.  The strength and perseverance that they exhibit is incredible, and after all they have been through, they still continue to be so very humble and set this Godly example for others that is just amazing.  I am truly amazed with how God has worked in this family, and I promise you that if they just read their book, "The Spirit of Lo," you will be touched as well.

Simply put,this family has touched my heart.  They have truly truly truly blessed my life. They not only opened up my eyes about the kind of person I aspire to be, but also the kind of pediatrician I continue to strive to be to this day.   In my professional life, they have helped me to see the whole picture with families dealing with certain life circumstances and I know my patients will benefit because of it.  And in my personal life,  at certain times, I can remember having a "rough day," who doesn't?  But these so-called "rough days" were put to a hault as soon as the Detrich Family would come to mind.  "If they can go through what they do and still exhibit this amazing attitude of strength and positivity, I can get through this so-called rough day of mine."  They were dealt cards that most people will never be able to fathom, yet you would never know it.  This family is the epitome of taking God's plan for one's life and making a difference.  And what a difference they continue to make in every life they cross paths with and in everyone that hears their story! 

We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand - Randy Pausch.

Lo, their daughter, was one of the most amazing people I have ever met.  Her strength, attitude, and outlook on life was contagious.  She was gorgeous inside and out and full of life and energy.  She had so much spark, and just lit up an entire room by simply being in it.  People were drawn to her and her zest for life.  I truly believe that she was put on this earth to make a difference, to change lives, and to be one of God's angels to the rest of us, and she did a darn good job at it and will continue to do so looking down from Heaven, no doubt about it!   

I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives. ~Tracy Chapman

When it came to naming our baby, Andrew and I both felt that our daughters name was something we didn't really want to take lightly.  We wanted a name with a meaning behind it, a thoughtful name.  For a few years now, we have talked about naming our little girl Lauren and calling her Lo.  Since Andrew and I have been so touched by this family and all that they stand for and the love that they show to everyone that crosses their path, once we found out our baby was a girl the name Lauren was decided upon pretty quickly.  And we both decided that we would call our sweet baby "Lo."  It was difficult  for us to start a family, as some of you may know, and we know that this baby is nothing short of a miracle from up above, and already such a huge blessing to our lives.  Therefore, we not only wanted a name that we love, we also really wanted a name that had a meaning behind it.  We love the name Lo so much and we love the meaning and significance behind the name even more.  We can't wait to tell our little baby girl all about what her name means and the girl who inspired us. 

And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20

A few months after finding out our baby was a girl and deciding upon a name, I found out that Lo decided to be placed on hospice.  To say that she had a tough few years, is a huge understatement.  You can read more about their journey on Lo's caring bridge site here.  After finding this out, I felt this strong need to let this family know how much they have blessed my life and the name we have choosen for our daughter.  Life is short, and very precious; therefore I find it to be very important to let others know how much they mean to you on a regular basis.  And I am so glad I did just that. 

Lo gained her Heavenly angel wings on Saturday, August 11.  What a life she lived!  While it was such a sad day for the millions of people whose life she touched, I have no doubt that Heaven is still having the party of the century up there welcoming her home. 

Life isn’t a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, latte in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming ‘Woohoo WHAT A RIDE!’

Fox News did a special on Lo last night.  You can view it here:


Please keep this amazing family in your prayers.  And please remind your loved ones how much they mean to you.  Life is precious and very short. 

Monday, August 13, 2012

My baby shower!


My friends and my mom and sister threw me the cutest baby shower!  The details were adorable and even though I told them numerous times, nothing fancy, they didn't listen and far surpassed my expectations.  I loved everything that they did to make this day so special for me!  I am so very blessed for some of the best family and friends that I could ask for.  And this little girl, is so loved already, nothing could make my heart happier :)







Me and all my wonderful hosts, minus my mom.
Abby, Amber, Alex, Yours Truly, Tracy, Shannon, Chelsea








Thursday, August 9, 2012

30 Weeks

August 9, 2012


Pregnancy Stats:

How Far Along: 30 weeks

Size of baby: 3 lbs 5 ounces, as big as a large cabbage, measuring a tad big...as you can tell by the rapidly growing belly.

Total Weight Gain: 11 pounds so far, feels like way more than that though.  I was shocked when I stepped on the scale at the doctors office!  I think its because I have lost all of my muscle mass and replaced it with fat.  But I am definately thankful for a healthy baby so far and not a tremendous weight gain.

Gender: It's a GIRL!!!

Movement: She is moving and kicking like crazy, still!  Andrew has even felt a few of her hard kicks...I think he realizes I am not kidding when it actually kinda hurts sometimes...still wouldn't trade it for anything.  I love feeling this baby move!

Sleep: We spent the weekend with my parents and I actually slept well for once, three days in a row!  It was crazy...but as soon as we got back...sleeping well went out the window.

What I miss: A good nights sleep, running to clear my head...heck, I miss all exercise at this point.
Cravings: Chocolate and more chocolate, nothing new.
Symptoms:  back and neck pain, a touch of sciatica, braxton hicks contractions, and heart burn,you know, the usual "pregnancy pains." but I can't really complain about anything major right now. Praise God for that!
Maternity Clothes: Yep!  Or the belly band...its amazing.  And Thank God for being able to wear scrubs to work!

Best Moment this week: Getting a good report at the doctor and getting to see a picutre of our sweet baby sucking her thumb!  Can't wait to meet this little girl. 

Thursday, August 2, 2012

29 Weeks

August 2, 2012



Geez my belly is getting big!  And I still have a ways to go, yikes!
Don't mind the messy hair, goofy smile, and mismatched outfit...it had been a looooong day ;)

Pregnancy Stats:
How Far Along: 29 weeks

Size of baby: 2 1/2 lbs, 15 inches long, size of a butternut squash

Total Weight Gain: 10 pounds so far, as of 3 weeks ago, definately more by now. I go to the doctor tomorrow, so we shall see! I hear you are supposed to put on a pound a week from this point out and that the baby doubles in size in a month...yikes!

Gender: It's a GIRL!!!

Movement: She is moving and kicking like crazy! She seems to be growing like a weed and can really kick hard. Sometimes it really hurts, but still the best feeling ever.  Soccer player??

Sleep: Eh....I sleep ok sometimes and not ok other times.  I either roll and toss, wake up on my back and freak out, or have to go to the bathroom.  Just part of it I guess :)

What I miss: A good nights sleep, running to clear my head...heck, I miss all exercise at this point.

Cravings: Chocolate and more chocolate, nothing new.

Symptoms: Horrible neck pain (thank you work chair), back pain, a touch of sciatica, braxton hicks contractions, and I still get mild pressure feelings when I exercise and the occassional heart burn,you know, the usual "pregnancy pains." but I can't really complain about anything major right now. Praise God for that!

Maternity Clothes: I have been wearing scrubs to work a lot.  Ive been trying to by normal clothes just a tad bit bigger...they are cheaper and way cuter!  I just don't understand why all the maternity clothes are either way over priced, ugly, or stiped?!?

Best Moment this week: Feeling the baby move around and become more active!