Edwin is just over 11 weeks old now.  I can't believe how fast the time has gone by!  Especially now that we're getting more sleep.  Edwin is such a good baby.  He really only cries when he's hungry or over-tired.  But he's generally pretty happy.  He loves to lay on his back and watch everything that's going on in the room.  He smiles all the time, and I've even gotten a real laugh out of him twice!  Big stuff for such a little boy.  He's really strong too, always trying to stand up.  Unfortunately, my time with him at home is about to ocme to an end.  I have to go back to work this Friday, and the thought of leaving him is breaking my heart.  Yes, I know he'll be fine.  But I won't!  Nobody knows him like I know him...but we'll all get used to it I suppose.  As of July 1st, Edwin will be going to daycare on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  On Tuesdays and Thursdays he'll be at home with Daddy.  That should give them lots of manly bonding time!  Haha.  Thanks to everyone for the cards, gifts, prayers, and well wishes.  We're finally settling into a "normal" routine around here which feels really nice.  I love havinig him around!!  I'll try harder to keep this site updated until Katie gets the other one up and running.  It should be easier once I go back to work.  (Don't worry Jen, I'll do it on my lunch hour).  Talk to you soon!

 Diana

Here's the latest on my doctor visits.  If you've seen this before, it's because I emailed the very same explanation to a few people.  It gets very hard to keep everything straight!!

Ultrasound Update

As promised, here’s an update on my latest ultrasound.  I went to a specialist on Tuesday for a Level II scan to check on my amniotic fluid level again.  Conclusion?  Everything is fine!   The doctor told me that yes, my fluid is on the low end of normal, but it’s nothing to be concerned about.  Especially since Edwin’s growth is so great.  As of Tuesday, he weighed 3lb 13oz!!!  So basically, the specialist will recommend to my regular doctor that I have a scan every two weeks until I deliver just to keep an eye on the fluid levels.  I never imagined I’d get to see Edwin’s little developing body so often.  This is great! 

During the scan, the tech (Angela) said that Edwin is head down, but facing up (towards my belly button).  His body curls around so that his legs end up on my right side.  That explains all the crazy movement I’ve felt over there.  This place had a much more sophisticated ultrasound machine, so Angela tried to get a 3D picture for me to show Ed.  Unfortunately, little man’s face is practically kissing the placenta, so she couldn’t get a good shot.  But it was still fun to try. 

Nothing else too crazy has been going on.  I'm trying to keep my mood swings in check.  I must say my husband has been very supportive and understanding.  I'm sure it's not easy living with a pregnant lady!  Not too exciting either considering I sleep constantly.  Speaking of which, I've got to get ready to leave work.  I plan on eating dinner when I get home, then stretching out on the couch for a good 2 hour snooze! 

I've figured it out..........

It has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that there's a baby in there.  Nothing to do with the ever-expanding belly.  No.  It's all related to the need to pee!!  Seriously.  I can walk like any other normal human being if my bladder is empty.  But if I have to pee, forget it.  Waddle waddle waddle.  I look like a freakin' penguin. 

I’m officially 29 weeks and 1 day.  That means there’s only 77 days until Edwin’s due date!!  How exciting! 

Well, as promised, here’s an update on all of my ultrasounds and low fluid.  Last Monday (Jan 8^th), I had another ultrasound to check Edwin’s growth and my fluid level.  Once again, he was being stubborn…hiding in the corner with his hands & arms over his face.  I swear he’s camera-shy just like his daddy!  Anyway, his growth was great—74^th percentile to be exact.  In fact, the tech said he weighed 2.5 lbs.  That’s huge!!  Well, compared to what he started out as, that’s huge.  As for the fluid, she said it’s still on the low side.  It didn’t get any worse from the last scan, but it didn’t get any better either. 

Skip ahead to this week.  I had a regular doctor visit yesterday.  I got to hear Edwin’s heartbeat (152 bpm) and the doctor measured my tummy.  I was at 29 cm, perfect for being 29 weeks.  I found out that the number of centimeters you are is supposed to match (±3) the number of weeks you are.  Unfortunately, my chart was missing. Yes, that’s right.  They could not find my chart, so I wasn’t able to find out if I needed another follow-up scan for my fluid check.  My doctor had the tech re-print my scan from last week and he called me with the results later in the day.  He said everything looked “essentially normal”, but they like to be over-cautious.  So I have a Level II Ultrasound scheduled for next Tuesday (23^rd) afternoon.  Basically, they take a much closer look at Edwin to make sure he’s doing everything he’s supposed to be doing.  I found out the procedure takes almost 2 hours!!  But that’s fine with me.  I’ll be able to take another peek at him!  And of course, ask for more pictures. 

Other than the fluid drama, things are going great.  As I’m sure you can tell from the pictures, the last 3 weeks have certainly brought about a growth spurt.  I feel like my belly button is about to pop any day now!  Edwin is still very active.  There was one night when I was laying in bed reading that he just kept kicking one spot on my side.  I’d push back (gently of course) and he’d kick again.  I felt like he was almost “talking” to me!  So I just watched for about 10 minutes laughing every time he kicked.  I had to get Ed involved too, so I called him into the room.  Normally, whenever I try to get Ed to feel my stomach, Edwin stops moving.  I swear he does it on purpose.  But this time, he cooperated.  Ed was worried that I was smushing the baby, but I assured him it was fine.

Oh, and I forgot to mention.  Our childbirth education classes start soon.  Every Monday in February we go to class for 2 hours.  When I got the notice in the mail, it made me realize just how close we’re getting.  In the beginning, everything I read had to do with being pregnant.  Now I’m realizing that I’m actually going to have to go through labor…and taking care of a real live baby!  Whew!  Good thing my big sis has already gone through this whole thing. 

Let’s see…what else can I talk about?  Oh yeah, last night after work, I purchased our very first car seat and stroller.  I made sure to get the one that passed Consumer Report’s latest testing.  Only the best for my baby boy! 

Until next time…….

Yes, I know I've been neglecting my journal entries.  Sorry!  The last time I wrote in here, I'd had an ultrasound and they found low amniotic fluid.  I had another scan on Dec. 12th to see if there was any progress.  I was convinced that all of my extra water intake was making a huge difference, but evidently not.  The tech said everything looked great with the baby--his lungs looked good, his kidneys were working...but for some reason, the amniotic fluid was still on the low side of normal.  Apparently this is nothing to be overly concerned about at this point, but the doctors will be monitoring me more closely until the end of the pregnancy.  My next ultrasound is scheduled for January 8th.  One benefit to all these tests = MORE BABY PICTURES! 

Yesterday was my 25 week checkup with the doctor.  She said my growth is right on track for 25 weeks.  I gained 7 pounds in the last 5 weeks!!  Edwin is getting stronger every day.  Last night when I was laying on the couch, he kicked me so hard it actually made me jump.  I can't imagine what it'll be like when he's even closer to being "done"! 

Ed (do I call him senior?) has been busy working on little Edwin's nursery.  He painted it the most amazing color of blue I've ever seen.  It's a Nickelodeon color called "Bestest Blue".  And it definitely is the bestest!  For the last few nights, he's been drawing characters on the wall.  I don't want to spoil the surprise and tell everyone what characters.  I'll post pictures on here when it's all finished.  Let's just say that Edwin has a majorly talented artist for a daddy. 

We're all getting ready for Christmas.  David & Jenny are flying in from Minnesota tomorrow.  I'm so excited to see them!  And I'm sure my brother will have a shock to see me pregnant.  On Christmas Day, the family is coming down to our house for presents and dinner.  It's hard to believe everything that has changed for Ed and I in the last year.  We moved to NC, started new jobs, got married, bought a house, and now we're expecting a baby.  God has truly blessed us.  I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas!  I wish we could see everyone, but unfortunately our family and friends are spread all over the place.  But you're all welcome in our home any time!! 

Love, The Boso Family