Down On The Farm

Pictures from my Aunt and Uncle's farm in Iowa, unedited.

Baby Swanson Update

I had a 12-week check-up yesterday with my OBGYN.  Because I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with Makayla, they tested me early this time around. An hour before my doctor's appointment I had to drink glucola, orange flavor. I should find out on Monday what the results are.

They drew blood to check the percentages of birth defects, etc. and I am waiting to hear back from the hospital regarding scheduling my level 2 ultrasound. The reason for the level 2 ultrasound is because of my age, there is a higher risk of birth defects. I am supposed to have this done within in the next few weeks. My doctor said that there is a good chance we could find out the baby's sex at this time ... stay tuned!

This is what that ultrasound will look like.

We had one done when we were pregnant with MK,

though we didn't get any pictures from that ultrasound.

I also received my flu shot and listened to the baby's heart beat for the first time. Nice and strong.

On Sunday I need to do a 24-hour urine collection. Apparently, they want to get a good reading of where my blood pressure is now and they can tell that from my urine, who knew! I will get to do another collection in my third trimester to see where I am.

Next scheduled appointment is in four weeks.

We have been talking about baby names and already have a girl's name picked out, which will be in memory of Alan, Dwight's dad. Can you guess what it would be?  Boy's names are a little harder, we haven't agreed on any and it was the same case when we were pregnant with Makayla.

Dwight surprised me by purchasing a crib this week. We had looked at them over the weekend since so many places had them on sale. Now, to clean out the craft room and get a fresh coat of paint on the wall.

I'm feeling great, still a little tired but if I can get a 20 minute nap in after work I'm usually good to go. My baby brain is getting worse by the day, I can't seem to remember anything these days ... but it's all for a good cause!

Rest Of The Weekend

After the fair, we headed to Pomeroy to visit my parents.

On Friday we went to see Dwight's mom. We ended up playing a few games of Sequence and Croquet. We told Makayla lots of stories about the cut-throat Croquet games we used to play with Papa Swanson. It wasn't the same without him. We took Granny out to Pizza Ranch for lunch and then headed to the Kaleidoscope Factory. Granny has always wanted to go. This was such a neat place and Makayla learned first hand how someone that enjoys crafts and creating so much, they opened a store/studio. Leonard, the owner, took us out in the middle of the street with a kaleidoscope and then he got a different one to look at flowers across the street. It was very cool! Makayla picked out a couple "worry stones" as souvenirs. I recommend checking out this place when you are in Pomeroy.

On Saturday, we spend the day with my parents. Over the weekend Dwight showed Makayla how to drive the moped, shoot a BB gun and gave her a sip of beer. Beer? Yes, she kept asking and he said no but I told him that she was going to keep asking so why not give her a sip to learn her lesson. She did and she didn't like it. "How can people drink this stuff?" Dad took us around town to check out the neighborhood a few times and we also headed over to my Aunt and Uncles farm so Makayla could play with Kelsey. MK had a great time riding Kelsey's pony and running around the farm.



Iowa State Fair

On Wednesday after work, we traveled down to Neveda, Iowa to spend the night with Dwight's brother and his family because on Thursday we all attended the opening day of the Iowa State Fair.

Traveling, we ran into bad weather and had to pull over on the side of the road three times. The rain was coming down so hard we couldn't see the cars ahead of us. But we eventually made it safe and sound.

Thanks to the Des Moines Register, David was able to get us free tickets for opening day.  Makayla's favorite part was eating cheese curds and getting to go down the big slide ... and of course, spending time with her cousins.

Jonathan and Makayla pretending to lick one of the many

ice cream cones placed throughout the fair.

The largest chocolate moose in captivity!

Photo was taken for my sister Dee "aka Moose" ... never gets old!

Judging was taking place, Dwight is poking the Pillsbury Doh Boy.

Here comes Jonathan and Makayla!

Here comes Jessica and Jenn!

Dwight and Myself ... doesn't Dwight look great? He's lost a little over 40lbs!

I'm extremely upset, everywhere I looked MARGARITAS!

Makayla and Jessica making their way through Little Farm Hands.

Makayla is tired of walking!



Household Changes

We purchased some new stainless steel appliances a few weeks ago. The stove, microwave and dishwasher were delivered last week and tomorrow our refrigerator will arrive in the morning.  In the afternoon Xcel energy will take our old fridge that was out in the garage and the old one from the house will be put in the garage.

Currently, our garage is a disaster. We are still trying to unpack boxes and get everything situated once again. Plus, we had to make room in our entryway for the new appliances to be brought in.

Dwight emptied the garage fridge today ... boy I sure do miss my margaritas!

 

Makayla's Blog

Makayla is an officially blogger! She has been bugging me over the last month for her to start her own blog. She thought it would be a good idea to blog the stories that she rights. Well, after much convincing I caved. Please make sure you save the link under your favorites and she very much appreciates comments ... she will respond.  Makayla's Short Stories

First Picture

Here is a picture of our soon-to-be newest addition to the family. Sorry, I didn't realize our scanner was a little dusty.

I'm still feeling great and thankfully no bleeding. I bled throughout my first trimester with Makayla. We are slowly making improvements to the house and rearranging so a family of four plus two cats can live in perfect harmony. Stay tuned for more blog posts on that.

I have a doctor's appointment next Friday for my glucose testing. I tested positive for gestational diabetes with Makayla and actually lost weight because I had to change my diet. I remember eating a lot of fruit, by the time she was born I didn't even want to look at another cantaloupe ever again.

My belly is big and solid! Thanks to my sister-in-law for letting me borrow some of her maternity clothes, what a lifesaver!

Big News

I have to apologize for the lack of blog posts. Since getting back from Texas, life has thrown us a few curve balls lately. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason but what doesn't kill us makes us stronger, right?

With a fresh new blog, here is a toast to new adventures! And to celebrate this first blog post, we would officially like to announce that we are expecting a baby on March 8, 2013.

So much for having PCOS! I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome about 5 years ago through my family doctor. I won't go in to great detail on this condition, if you would like to read more click here. One of the problems with PCOS is fertility problems. It took us about 4 years to get pregnant with Makayla, that is why we call her a blessing. About a year after she was born we tried again but didn't have any luck. We eventually gave up and I went on birth control pills. Again, I will not go in to great detail, you know the end result ... another blessing!

Makayla, of course, is extremely excited. She has ALWAYS wanted to be a big sister and would ask us at least once a week about having another baby. She gave up when I told her the reason that we couldn't have anymore kids. That is when I found this note on her bed-side table. It reads:

Dear God,

Can you do me a favor? Is my dad's dad okay up there in heaven? If you were to bring him down here to see my dad it would make him so happy. One more thing. I really want a brother, can you make my mom have babies? Please write back.

Love, Makayla

How can that not make you cry? We have had fun going through all her baby tubs in storage this weekend and recalling all the things she did within her first year.

It took Dwight a little longer to wake up to the idea of having another baby. It was nice to find a card, a few days after we found out, on the kitchen counter that basically stated "You are not in this alone."

Me ... I'm doing great with the exception of  what my doctor keeps telling me, that I'm considered "old" now at age 35. Well, if my mom could have me when she was in her 40s I think I'll be okay!  Thankfully, not having morning sickness is a BIG PLUS ... something that is hereditary in our family.

My belly has popped out so I have already started whereing maternity clothes. Unfortunately, this time around, it's been harder to find clothes. Back then they had huge sections, now your lucky if you find a couple racks. I had an emotional breakdown in Kohls a few weeks ago, I guess I may need to do some online shopping ... at home ... where I can cry on my couch.