It's A ...

Well, yesterday was the big day! And I am surprised to say it’s a girl! Why am I surprised? I had a dream Sunday night that it was a boy. Literally, the whole ultrasound played out in my head and we learned it was a boy. I even woke up Monday morning saying, “Babe, we’re having a boy. I know it … it’s a mother’s intuition.” So much for that crap!

The technician said to us, “Do you see those two things?” At that moment, I knew she was talking about a pair of balls and it had to be a boy. Nope, she goes on to say “Those are the lips of the labia forming!” Wow – way to share the news in a technical format!

Either way, I was elated! Mike – well, he’s getting to used the idea. But I know that Baby Girl Hellebuyck is going to be a big ‘ole Daddy’s girl and she is going to have him wrapped around her little finger in no time at all!

After that, mom and I headed off to Buy, Buy Baby and Babies ‘R Us. Overwhelmed doesn’t quite explain how we felt. There were literally four massive shelves of strollers, rows and rows of car seats, etc. You could spend a week there and still not know what you were going to buy!

Needless to say, we decided on furniture (thanks mom – you are the best!) and narrowed down the bedding to a couple choices! After that, it’s time to get new carpet, replace windows, paint, etc. I have a feeling we are going to have a few busy months … so much for catching up on R&R before the baby arrives!

Either way, I am pumped and it truly feels real now! Can’t wait for you all to meet our little peanut!

Hospital Tour & Pediatricians

On Saturday, Mike and I toured Royal Oak Beaumont’s Family Birthing Center.

I think it will be a great place for our families to wait – there is a 24-hour cafeteria, Starbucks, a bakery and more. In fact, our first tour stop was the bakery and Mike looked around at all of the pregnant women drooling and asked “How many people do you lose here on the tour?” Definitely should have been the last stop!

Next was the Triage unit, followed by the birthing room and the post-delivery room. All were very nice, but I’m not going to lie, the birthing bed terrified me. What a weird contraption! And did you know there are even things that come out of the ceiling for the doctor to use during the delivery? WHAT??? I didn’t ask specifically what those things were. They also shared that during delivery, they now let you drink instead of just having ice chips. That’s where I got excited – I said, “Alcohol?” The nurse laughed and said no, “Just clear liquids.” What a bummer, that sure would have made the delivery process a little more appealing (and tolerable!).

Finally, it ended in this little classroom where the nurse talked went over important things like what to bring to the hospital, visiting hours, etc. But, she also told us we should all have our pediatrician picked out before delivery. Never even thought about that one – can I blame it on pregnancy brain?! So – I started doing research on the Internet and found a few that got good reviews. But I figure there is nothing better than a referral from family or friends – so if you use a great pediatrician or know of one, please let me know!

On a side note, I am interviewing doulas over the next couple weeks. I’m not sure that I really need one, but if I am going to try this delivery thing (which is what Mike really wants – even though I’d be good with a C-section!), I think I am gonna need someone who is totally there for me. I thought many of them were the granola-type – very holistic, no drugs, etc., but I was wrong. They really are there to just support you in your decisions and make the whole process easier.

God knows I love my husband, but for those of you who know him as well as I do, you also know about his ADHD. I think he might get a little distracted or at least try and sneak a peek of things, which he is forbidden from! And my mom would probably be the only other one even allowed into the room (no offense everyone else!). Again – love her – but when I start cussing and wanting to hurt someone for getting me in this position, well she’ll be telling me to “Suck it up!” Probably not what I need. So we’ll see what this doula thing is all about and I will get back to you!

Question of the Day

As many of you know, I am going on a cruise April 10th! It’s a trip with Mike’s family – but I also like to think of it as a Baby Moon! It's our first time in a suite, so I am really looking forward to it.

Anyway, the weight gain keeps on coming (as do the pukes – so I will likely be carrying a bag 24-7), but what do about a swimsuit? That is the question.

Some have said get a bikini and rock your baby belly proudly!

Now perhaps if I had a pre-baby body like Kendra’s, I might be cool with this. But let’s just say I feel like the baby weight has seriously expanded to my butt and thighs.

Or, do I go conservative with the more one-piece approach. While I used to think of these as the “grandma” suits, it just might be the proper way to go so that people don’t think there is a beached whale aboard the ship.

Thoughts anyone? What did you wear when you were pregnant?

Mike's Future Rap Video

Gotta love the socks and sandals in this video. Thanks to C.A. for passing this along!

Click on the link below:
A Dad's Life

The Test Results Are In

So I had my monthly doctor appointment today and we received the results of our full integrated screen. This is the test that determines your baby’s risk for genetic defects. I am pleased to say that our risk was calculated at 1 out of 9,500 which means we don’t have to do any further testing! YEAH!

Beyond that, baby’s heartbeat is good and strong at about 150. The only area of concern at this point is my platelet level, which we are closely monitoring. I am on the low side of the range… so we just have to make sure we stay there and don’t dip much more. Otherwise, there could be some delivery concerns. We’re staying positive and hoping for the best!

Oh – and did I forget to mention that so far, I have gained 11 pregnancy pounds. OUCH! They keep saying that is normal, but I continue to feel like a house. Just means I need to start eating healthier and maybe get back to the gym. I have started mall walking on my lunch (you know, like those little old ladies), so hopefully that is helping a little. You would think with all the puking, I just wouldn’t eat – but no, momma still loves her McDonald’s and Taco Bell.

We have our hospital tour this weekend … so I’ll be sure to update you all next week!

And the Winner Is ...

Thank you to everyone who voted … especially my way! Fortunately, the overall consensus was to find out, so that is what we’ll be doing on March 28th at 8:30 a.m. We’ve decided to invite our moms and then take them out to breakfast to celebrate. So stay tuned for the big news!

On a separate note, I am subscribed to those weekly email updates on your pregnancy. It sort of gives you this progression of how you should be feeling, how much weight you should be gaining, etc. Well – now that I am 17 weeks, I am officially supposed to be past my first trimester and done with morning sickness. Let me just tell you how this morning started – with a big ‘ole puke! Not only do I have to “spring forward” and lose an hour of sleep, I barf my breakfast. LOVELY start to a Monday! If anyone knows any witchcraft or anything that can help this stop, please cast a spell STAT! Just don’t bother any warlocks, they seem too busy trying to help Charlie Sheen.

I'm Back ...

I know it has been a while since I posted and I am sorry. Things have just been crazy busy and by the time I get home, well … I am pretty much ready for bed. I guess exhaustion is another joy of pregnancy, huh?

That being said, I am happy to share another belly picture. Ok, maybe happy isn’t the right word – but I’m sharing anyway! I feel like I am definitely “blooming!” Look at that Buddha belly!

Anyone, one of the big debates Mike and I are having right now is if we want to find out the sex of the baby. I say ABSO-FRICKIN-LUTELY! Mike, well he thinks it should be like opening a Christmas present and a surprise.

So what do you think? Our appointment is currently scheduled for March 28^th.

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