Happy New Year to everyone.

How does a "Mother and Father to be" spend their New Year's Eve? With an Auburn Game and apparently a nap with a kitty. I think Caleb might have a friend even before he's born. The cat's name is Daisy and ever since Tammy became pregnant, Daisy has hit her lap or should I say her belly, the second she sits down. This cat, or should I say "heating pad" is one of two Tammy rescued from a local shelter just before receiving 2 more when I came into her life. Daisy is one of the sweetest cats I've ever met. And I think she may just end up being one of Caleb's dearest friends.

Caleb's Countdown!

Today was the first of our weekly doctor appointments until we get to meet our son in person. I think the doctor started the weekly appointments a little early due to my elevated blood pressure. Our appointment was to consist of a biophysical profile (ultrasound), non stress test and a routine Dr appt. We arrived at 2:30pm for our scheduled appointment. The room seemed to clear out before I was called back. The front desk advised me I would not be having the ultrasound as one tech was on vacation and the other hurt her back and had to go home. So we did not get to see little Caleb today :-(

After about an hour waiting, I had my blood pressure and weight taken. My blood pressure was down 139/81. I think the hour to relax in the waiting room helped. My weight was down 3lbs. My vitals were good today. Steve and I then went to the room for the NST (Non Stress Test). They placed 2 monitors on my stomach. I think one was to check for contractions and the other was to monitor Caleb's heartbeat. They gave me this clicker to press when he moved. I really did not think he would move much, as he has been pretty calm (like his Daddy). Once Caleb's heartbeat started, he really started moving. I was to be there 20 minutes, I was there almost an hour. Steve and I were both sitting in a room in leather recliners - pretty nice! Steve was kicked out after about 10 minutes when another patient needed to be monitored. I felt bad he could not stay to hear Caleb. Caleb kicked the most that I have ever felt during this test. I don't think he liked the loud sound. The other patient said she could see my stomach moving when he kicked. The RN I saw (as my OB was on vacation) said that the NST produced a good result. They said they wanted to see 15 in 15. Something like his heart rate jumping 15 points on the graph in 15 seconds or something. She also said she could tell the amniotic fluid was at a good level by the test and either Caleb had good cardio or I did...I don't remember exactly. She talked really fast. We never left the doctor's office until after 5:00pm. We closed down the office. The RN was running really behind.

We are glad that the results came back good for this test. He needs to bake a little longer before he arrives to great us. I had what I believe to be the first Braxton Hicks Contractions a couple of days ago. I told Steve that I don't want to go through labor...I just want to go pick up Caleb from the store.

I am going to copy and paste an explaination of this test from the website www.ahealthyme.com (see next post - ran out of room)

Fetal Non Stress Test

From www.ahealthyme.com

What is a nonstress test?
A nonstress test is a simple, noninvasive procedure that involves monitoring your baby's heartbeat to make sure your baby is getting the oxygen he needs through the placenta.

This test helps your doctor determine if your baby is distressed and to make plans for delivery if he is.

When is a nonstress test performed?

The test is usually recommended in the third trimester if your pregnancy is considered high risk or if you have a low risk pregnancy but are already more than a week past your due date. In either situation, your healthcare provider may want to perform the test once or twice a week, or more often if necessary. It can be performed as early as 24 weeks.

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart problems, or if you're carrying twins or multiples, your doctor may suggest you have this test.

Your doctor may also recommend this test if an ultrasound picks up that you have too much or too little amniotic fluid around your baby, or if your baby is not moving as much as expected.

What happens during the test?

During the non-stress test, two belts are placed around your stomach. One belt records your contractions. (Contractions may be a sign of preterm labor if you're less than 37 weeks pregnant.) The other belt is attached to a monitor that records your baby's heart rate and movement. When the baby moves, his heart rate should increase -- just as yours does when you move around or exercise. Every time you feel the baby move, you push a button.

What do the results mean?

If your baby is moving and active, his heart beats faster by at least 15 beats per minute. This happens for at least 15 seconds at a time. In order to be considered normal or "reactive," this activity has to happen at least twice in 20 minutes. If your baby isn't moving much, the test is considered "nonreactive" or abnormal.

If the baby doesn't move during the 20- to 40-minute test, it's no cause for worry. He or she may just be asleep. Your doctor or a medical technician may try to wake the baby with a buzzer or by having you eat or drink to stimulate movement. Your doctor may want also to repeat the test every week -- or more often -- until your baby is born, just to play it safe.

This test sometimes delivers false positive results if it is performed early in the third trimester. As many as 50 percent of babies tested during their 24th to 28th weeks may have an abnormal result on a nonstress test, according to one study. And another 15 percent of tests conducted on babies in the 28th to 32nd week gestation may also produce an abnormal test result.

Talk to your doctor about what these results really mean and other tests that can rule out problems. Your doctor may repeat the test or perform additional ultrasounds to measure your baby's heart rate.

If the test is nonreactive, that doesn't mean something is wrong. It just means that additional tests might be needed to determine whether or not there is anything to worry about. If the test is reactive (normal), it's very reassuring and unlikely that the baby is in any immediate danger.

-- Sarah Henry is a freelance writer whose health and parenting stories have appeared in The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times Magazine, Health, Hippocrates, Parenting and other publications. She has also written for the online outlets Consumer Health Interactive, WebMD, BabyCenter and ParentCenter.

Biophysical profile (BPP)

The biophysical profile combines an ultrasound evaluation with a nonstress test (NST) and is intended to determine fetal health during the third trimester. This test is performed if there is a question about fetal health and well being resulting from either an examination, maternal/fetal symptoms, or if the pregnancy is considered high risk.

How is a BPP Performed?

There are two parts to the BPP, a Non-stress Test (NST) and an ultrasound evaluation.

The NST involves attaching one belt to the mother’s abdomen to measure fetal heart rate, and another belt to measure contractions. Movement, heart rate and “reactivity” of heart rate to movement are measured for 20-30 minutes. If the baby does not move for a time during the test, it does not mean there is a problem; the baby may be asleep. A nurse may use a small “buzzer” to wake the baby for the remainder of the test.

The ultrasound portion of the test is like any other obstetrical ultrasound performed during pregnancy and is performed by a qualified ultrasound technician who is usually overseen by a perinatologist. The ultrasound may take up to an hour, and the technician will watch for a variety of signs that are important in measuring the health of your baby.

What does the BPP look for?

Usually, five specific fetal attributes are studied and “scored” during the BPP:

Biophysical Attribute
Breathing
Normal: 1 breathing episode within 30 minutes
Abnormal: No breathing episodes within 30 minutes
Movement
Normal: 2 or more movements within 30 minutes
Abnormal: less than 2 movements within 30 minutes
Muscle Tone
Normal: 1 or more episodes of active extension/flexion of limbs, etc. (i.e. opening and closing a hand).
Abnormal: Slow extension/flexion of limbs, partially open fetal hand, etc
Heart Rate
Normal: 2 or more episodes of reactive heart rate acceleration within 20 min
Abnormal: 1 or more episodes of unreactive heart rate acceleration
Amniotic Fluid
Normal: 1 or more adequate pockets of fluid
Abnormal: Either no pockets or inadequate pockets of fluid

The total score will help decide the overall health and well being of your baby and help your doctor or midwife determine if your baby should be born sooner than planned.

What are the risks and side effects to the mother or baby?

The BPP is a non-invasive test that poses no known risks or side effects to the mother or baby. Although it should be noted that some concern has been raised on ultrasounds that are done for lengthy periods of time.

When is a BPP performed?

A BPP is generally performed after 32 weeks of gestation.

Compiled using information from the following sources:
WebMD, http:// www.wedmd.com
Biophysical Profiles, American Family Physician, April 15, 1999
Biophysical Profile: Ultrasound, Peter A. Gearhart, MD, June 10, 2005, http://www.emedicine.com

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone. I have the absolute best husband ever! I am very thankful to be blessed with such a wonderful, thoughtful man for a husband. Steve delights in surprising me and he has done such a great job with the crib and the room we have to work with.

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Merry Christmas to everyone. We hope all our friends and family have a very Blessed and wonderful holiday.
Unfortunately, Tammy had to work on Christmas Eve day and extremely upset that I was off for the day. Fortunately for us, I had a plan. For the past few weeks, I have been thinking about just what to do with the Crib and our spacually challenged condo. After a bit of moving furniture and careful planning, the day was packed with surprises for Tammy when she got home. Below are a few pictures of what she came home to on Christmas Eve.


The curtains have yet receive the "tie-backs" to keep them away from "little hands" but will serve a dual purpose. Tammy and I have been thinking about just how to keep our kitties from crawling in bed for the evening with Caleb. The curtains will drape over the crib, like a mosquito net and keep Caleb kitty-free. Let us know what you think.

Even Rylee is excited about Caleb's homecoming!!!

Christmas is next week...

Another Birthday had come and gone (Steve, 37). Its hard to believe how close its getting to seeing our "Baby Boy". It feels like the days are flying by now. Nothing huge has happened in the past week or so, since our last post. Christmas gifts have almost all been wrapped. (I think Tammy still has a bit of wrapping to do). And a second morgage was taken out on the condo to Fed-Ex/UPS the other gifts to family. Can you believe the cost of shipping a 2 lb. package three states away??? And I thought there were crooks at the fuel pumps!!!
Tammy and I spent our Saturday (Dec. 15th) at NASA. As cool as it was, its really a place you go see every few years or so. It was my first time back there since moving to Houston. Not too much has changed and to be honest the whole reason we went was sort of a let down. (pictured below) I'm not sure what I expected, but it was nice to spend the day with my beautiful bride. We're both looking forward to our next Ultrasound (Dec. 28th) Hopefully, Caleb will cooperate this time and smile big for the camera. Over the next month or so, there will be a series of Ultrasounds (1 a week) to measure his size, weight, etc. So maybe in one of those, we'll have a clearer preview of what hes going to look like. I'm not sure if everyone gets the "red carpet treatment" or just those expecting over 35, but it sure is nice.

So close to Christmas and approaching 60 days to go...

Hello everyone. With Christmas quickly approaching, we are coming down to our 50 day countdown. For some odd reason, this 9 months has been super fast and at the same time super slow, if thats possible. And if thats not enough, I can't seem to get into the Christmas spirit. I love this time of year so much, but just can't get "jolly". Maybe its the 80 degree temps here in Texas or maybe its the nesting phase was are into and not wanting to mess up everything with a tree and lights, etc. Here it is Dec. 12th, we still don't have our tree up. Tammy and I are heading to NASA on Saturday as a "birthday trip" for me to see the Star Wars display of the original lightsaber used by Luke Skywalker, after its return from the last space mission. I can't wait.
As for Caleb news, Tammy had her first rough patch Sunday night. We're not sure whether Caleb isn't fond of late night pizza or if she got something a little out of date on it. Either way, it wasn't pretty and we're very thankful shes as far along as she is without any episodes until now.
This past Tuesday (Dec. 11th), Tammy had a 31 week checkup and we returned to try for some better pictures of our "shy boy". Well, apparently, there's even less room in the womb, than before. For these pictures, Caleb was obscuring his face with not only his hands, but his feet as well. Looks like we'll just have to wait until the delivery.
Thats it for now. But before we sign off, I'd like to say congratulations to my Sister and Brother-in-law, Jennifer and Evan Morris, on the upcoming arrival of Baby #2 due in July. Thats all we need is ANOTHER July birthday. (hehe) Congratulations Morris family. We can't wait to find out what he/she will be.

Very Busy and Exciting Thanksgiving Trip

Well, we're finally back and its time to start decorating for a fast approaching Christmas. Honestly, its not even December yet, but it feels like the New Year is happening next week.
Tammy and I spent our Thanksgiving weekend in Alabama, with the whole Hannah gang there. We had lots of fun, eating out at a Japanese Steakhouse as well as the Original Oyster House. Eating there was especially special for me. I received a letter a few days before Thanksgiving, letting me know that the photo I took from their fire escape last January, was on display in their brand new Banquet Room. Very exciting!!! And they sent me $100 in gift certificates to the restaurant to show their appreciation. MY FIRST PHOTO SALE! I'M A PHOTOGRAPHER, MOM!!!
We also played like crazy with our nephews, Carter (Chris and Brandi's son) and Langdon (Jennifer and Evan's son). The funniest time that sticks out in my mind is when Langdon and Tammy were hitting the TeeBall, while I was taking pictures, and the ball didn't get released from the velcro and hit Tammy squarely in the eye. She was ok but fortunately for me, I got it on film. (see below)
We also did something a bit unusual on this trip. I enjoy watching the SCIFI Networks show "GhostHunters" My brother's neighbor was over Thursday evening and the conversation turned to that show. One thing lead to another and the next thing I know, we are all (withthe exception of Tammy, who was sleeping soundly in the backroom) ended up going to a small cemetary we grew up around. I had my camera with me and was shooting shots at random as my brother and the neighbor mimicked what they had seen on the show. As we were driving away, I took a look at the pictures I had taken at the cemetary and one stood out. In the shot, there is a large cross. To the right of the cross near the right 1/4 of the shot, there appears to be someone walking across the graves. Now I know for a fact, there was no one out there that night but us. I'm not positive of the figure but it made my hair stand on end when we saw it on film.
Anyway, the weekend went way too fast, but all in all, it was a great time. And unfortunately, it is the last trip, Tammy and I will take before Caleb gets here. So leaving was expecially difficult. Thank you Brenda and Rodney for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. A special thanks to Mom and Dad, Chris and Brandi, and Jennifer and Evan for doing your part to make the holiday so special. And last but certainly not least, a really big Thank you to Carter and Langdon for playing so hard with your Uncle Steve. I had a great time and the allergies I suffered from by rolling around in the grass with you both was TOTALLY WORTH every sneeze!!!

Caleb's 4D pictures are here!!!

The much anticipated 4D ultrasound has been performed and wouldn't you know it? We've got a "shy" baby boy. Throughout the procedure, he had his hands and arms covering and all around his face. There is actually one picture where it looks as though he was in Houston traffic, if you know what I mean. Anyway, here are the pictures. The video is really neat as well but it may take some time to figure out just how to post that one. We love you all and hope you enjoy the pictures.

Good morning all. We are so excited to see how the 4D ultrasound turns out this morning, that we can hardly contain ourselves. Tammy didn't sleep a wink last night. I actually got a pretty good night's sleep but I'm still excited. Well, the William's Kids asked to see pictures of Uncle Stevo and I havent gotten any up yet but I figured this might be enough to tide you guys over for a day or two at least.

Have you ever wondered what Uncle Stevo McNevo and Tammy the "Hottie", and some very special guests would look like as elves? I was kind of curious too, so click HERE or HERE to find out.

Week 28

Today's appointment was for the 28 week check up. We got to hear Caleb's strong heartbeat of 149 bpm. He was moving and the nurse had to find his heartbeat again. The doctor said that all was progressing as it should. We go back in 3 more weeks. My blood pressure was it's normal slightly elevated self. My weight was up a little too much - probably from Paula Deen's Gooey Pumpkin Butter Cake! Wow is it good. The doctor seemed pleased with our progress. Steve and I are excited to see our 3/4D ultrasound tomorrow. I look forward to "reconfirming" Caleb is a boy. I had a dream last night that I could feel his ear through my stomach. The dream was so real, I woke up expecting to still feel his ear. Steve will post ultrasound pictures tomorrow.

I was very thankful this week did not start out like last week did. I misplaced my watch Sunday night and could not find it Monday morning. Those of you who know me well, know I really like wearing a watch! I then went on to work and when I reached the parking lot, I looked for my FMLA paperwork in the glove box. I *knew* I had placed it there a few weeks ago. When I opened the glove box and it was not there, that was all I could handle for the day. I went straight back home and stayed in bed all day. Funny thing was Steve found the paperwork on the outside of the fridge. I could not for anything remember how it got there - that really bothered me. The fact I had an off day and had to call out sick bothered me. When I told the doctor today what happened, he said I had a case of the Mommy Brain. I know I had let myself get too tired and that with Mommy Brain is a bad hormonal combination. Steve is the best husband ever. He was so patient and kind to me.

Next Appointments

My next Dr's appt is scheduled for the 20th of November. I go November 13th for a glucose test and blood count in preparation for the visit on the 20th. (11/13 happens to be the 13 year anniversary of my moving to Texas and my parents 36th wedding anniversary.) I don't think I posted that my last appt on 11/1 brought better news with my blood pressure. It was down from the previous visit. I had also lost a pound. The doctor was very pleased.

The prenatal exercise classes at the YMCA ended Saturday. I am very thankful I got introduced to water aerobics during this exercise class. I have been going to the open classes during the week. I drug Steve there after he was out of his boot and crutches. The therapist told him it would be good exercise for his foot.

We are scheduled for the 4D ultrasound on 11/21. We hope to have some good pictures of little Caleb to share.

Busy, busy, busy

Whew! This weekend was yet another busy weekend. IS THERE NO END IN SIGHT?!?! Hopefully, Caleb takes after his Daddy and enjoys sleeping in. (I think we may be in for a rude awakening...no pun intended.) Last weekend was spent picking out some much needed furniture. Goodbye Futon! We found a great couch and recliner for the Hannah household and Mommy has already been snoring...er...test-driving it. I get the feeling those were the first of many naps taken on it.

This weekend, Steve, Tammy, and Aunt Laurie registered for baby goodies. (I thought we'd never get out of Babies-R-Us) Add to this weekend, our responsibilities at our church's Resource Center, Tammy's craving for Philadelphia Rolls (thanks HB Steakhouse), and picking up a very special friend for our baby boy (pictured below), you get one jam packed weekend. I guess no naps for Daddy, this week.

Lastly, we've had several requests from out-of-town family to see Tammy @ 26 weeks. So pictured below are several pictures of Tammy and our baby-practice puppy, Rylee.

By the way, this week, Rylee had her annual checkup and vaccinations. The vet couldn't have been happier regarding the health of Rylee. "She's in great shape, with 'bubble-gum pink' gums, a beautiful coat, and is very healthy." Tammy and I couldn't be happier about the prognosis.

Rylee was our test subject and preparation for a greater responsibility that a child in the home can bring. While I understand, there's much more involved in the raising and care of a baby, the responsibility of caring for another life doesn't always come naturally. it made us feel very proud to be told what a great job we've done with our puppy/baby in training.

Pumpkin Carving

Steve tried his hand at pumpkin carving...It was his first time to carve a pumpkin in his 36 years of life! I think he did an outstanding job!

Caleb's Halloween Costume

This will be Caleb's Halloween Costume next year. We picked it up at Pottery Barn Kids on clearance. I hope it is cool enough next October.

Caleb with have the matching Puppy Bag for treats. We sure hope he loves puppies as much as his daddy does.

Goodbye 2nd Trimester, Hello 3rd Trimester

Well as you all know, time is flying so quickly, before we know it, its been weeks since our last post. Sorry for the delay. The past few weeks have been filled with alot of changes as far as Tammy and myself go.
I, Steve, sit giggling softly as Tammy takes a look at "The Belly Book" and its announcement of the official end of the 2nd trimester at 24 weeks. Yes folks, as of Tuesday, Tammy and I enter the 3rd trimester. Thankfully things have been busy but going well. Tammy's aversion to chicken has finally subsided and it has taken its proud place once again on the Hannah menu. I have been slowly progressing towards once again returning to work and am happily walking without "The Boot" I'm slowly getting back to walking normally and have an appointment on Wednesday to see the orthopedic doctor. If all goes well, I should be back to work in the next week. Tammy also has a couple of appointments in this coming week. First appointment is to see the hairstylist as her hair is growing totally out of control thanks to Caleb. Her second appointment is with our baby Doc on Thursday, to see how well little Caleb is doing. We are getting more and more excited for this season as well as the birth of our bouncing baby boy. I even felt the urge to write him a little tune, set to the tune of "On Top of Old Smokey"

Caleb's Song

Caleb Mackenzie, you're such a good boy.

You give your Daddy a whole lot of joy.

Your Mommy's so happy, smiles ear to ear.

We promise to love you, year after year.

Yes Caleb, we'll love you, year after year.

If there was ever a doubt...

Caleb,

This week we quickly say goodbye to Week 20 and hello to Week 21. Its all downhill from here...time-wise that is. 19 more weeks to go til our bouncing baby boy enters this wonderful world of awaiting Star Wars toys, and a teddy bear named Patches McHugglesworth. And don't forget the countless aunts, uncles, cousins, two loving parents, 1 dog, and 4 cats. Oh, the names you will have to remember my son. Lets just hope, for my style choice, you are a Superman fan and not scared of Darth Vader. Your Mommy wouldn't agree to Anakin as a name, so you have her to thank for that. However, the low hum of a "lightsaber" awaits you as you wait out your time until you enter this world, not "a long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away." We'll see you very soon, Caleb. We love you!

Daddy

Dr's visits, an ultrasound, and a Blue cast.

Today was both a very tough and exciting day as well. After so much drama over the weekend with my foot and ankle, we scheduled a Dr's appointment for early Tuesday for the Orthopedist. Tammy and I were both off due to the day's events. So Tuesday morning, Tammy and I began the day with much hope of what the day might hold.
While in the "ortho" office, I had to get a few more X-rays. After a few more minutes, we found out "The Boot" wasn't quite helping out the way the Dr had expected and after a bit of discussion, we opted for a cast. Now was the time for our first big decision of the day. "What color would you like on your cast?", was the question up for debate. My options were pink, hot pink, blue, or black. Now personally, and if Tammy wouldn't have been there,I would have been the hot pink. But a minute later, I was told I would much rather like "Auburn" blue. So here I sit, foot and cast elevated in a nice blue cast.
After a bit of errands and some lunch, we FINALLY made it home for a little "R&R" before our biggest Dr visit yet.
With much anticipation, we met our dear driend Laurie at the Women's Center. After what felt like an eternity, our name was called and we excitedly hurried (as best I could with crutches) to the Ultrasound room. Our tech, Sonia, was super excited and we all had a great time while learning the sex of our dear "Little One"
Included with this post, you will see a couple of pictures of our baby laid back and resting comfortably. And the last picture will be evidence of what can be expected from the Hannah's when we come to visit. By the way, we also settled on a middle name for our little one. And wouldnt you know it, it wasn't even one of the ones we had posted in the poll. Go figure!!! Our baby isn't even born yet and already, we are being caught off guard.







Please join us in welcoming to the Hannah family our SON, Caleb Mackenzie Hannah.

Our Baby's Middle name, if a boy...

Please add your vote to the "Help us give Baby Hannah a middle name" poll. If its a boy that is. If you have other ideas for a middle name that aren't listed, use the other selection and send us your idea for that middle name in a comment to this post. We have settled on the first name Caleb and are stuck on the middle name. HELP!!!

Tammy and I enjoyed a great day yesterday in celebrating the "Mommy-to-be's" 35th birthday. We started out the day with lunch at the H.B. Japanese Steakhouse. They were very nice and even sang "Happy Birthday" to Tammy. We plan to take our family from Pennsylvania there when they come to visit Baby Hannah in March. They have never been to a Japanese Steakhouse before.


After lunch, we took a short drive to pick up a very dear friend, who I will introduce you to later. We spent the rest of the day shopping. Since my foot has been so swollen, she went and picked up a wheelchair, and we spent 4 hours or so hitting various shops at the Woodlands Mall.
I would now like to introduce you to a very dear friend of ours. Mr. Patches McHugglesworth was created with lots of love and hugs at the Woodlands branch of the Build-A-Bear Workshop. Tammy and I plan on introducing him to our little one some time in Feb. Mr. McHugglesworth has a special purple heart which Tammy and I kissed and inserted into "Patches" in the hopes of his becoming our baby's dearest and closest friend throughout childhood. The reason Patches is so special is because a $2 donation that was made in the purchase to help finance Childrens Cancer research $1 for the special "purple heart" and $1 for the bear.

Here are pics of Steve riding the motorized cart at Costco. What a pair we are. With me being pregnant, I cannot lift much, and Steve cannot walk. So we now have 3 cases of water in the car preparing for Tropical Storm Humberto. Neither one of us can bring them up the stairs. We will have to break them down. When it is time for a house, I really want a one story.

Welcome to the beginning of Week 18. At the last Dr. visit, we received some GREAT news. In 1 week, we will find out whether Baby Hannah will be "Daddy's Little Girl" or "Momma's Little Slugger". Make sure to check back next week for a picture and help us welcome our little one into the "gender" world.
Tammy had a little bit of trouble with her blood pressure again this visit and unfortunately this week, Steve hasn't been helping things in that department.
We started off Week 18 in the Emergency Room, getting X-rays of Steve's foot and ankle. *note to self* Next time you are coming downstairs from the loft, move the "baby/keep Rylee out of the catfood in the loft" gate instead of trying to climb over it...especially on the stairs. Steve's doing just fine with the exception of a sprained foot. No breaks! However, the use of "The Boot" will continue for the next two weeks. *sigh*
Tammy and Baby Hannah are doing well this week, with the exception of some very sleepy, early evenings. She began her "Fit for Two" class Monday at the YMCA, where she will learn all sorts of helpful things in preparing for our little arrival. Both of us have made promises to each other regarding the past weeks events. I, Steve, promise to not take stupid risks, such as climbing over a Baby Gate on the stairs, and potentially turning Tammy into a "widow" (her words). And Tammy promised to get her blood pressure down by frequenting the gym in the "Fit for Two" classes (three times a week),and some extracurricular activity in the YMCA. Please continue to pray for both of us, especially Tammy and Baby Hannah, throughout this pregnancy. See you next week with some wonderful news as well as pictures of our little one, provided he/she doesn't play the role of our little "SHY" one.

Week 16 and 17 Updates

The last 4 weeks have been something! It started out with a good OB appt because we got to see Baby Hannah. At that time Tammy had a sore throat, a bad sinus headache that turned into a full blown sinus infection, and pink eye. So for 10 days she had to take her horse pill-prenatal vitamin, a horrible antibiotic, Claritin-D and eye drops. What a loooong 10 days. She grilled the doctor and the pharmacist to make sure that all of these medications were safe. You always hear that you cannot take anything when you are pregnant. After finishing the eye drops, her eyes still did not look clear. Tammy went back to the doctor to have her eyes checked out and another sore throat from sinus drainage. The doctor said that it looked like this was all allergy related and said to start on a daily Claritin. That definitely helped with the sore throat and drainage. She is now seeing why they put this over the counter. It is pretty good stuff. She was very surprised when she had to use her drivers licence to purchase the Claritin-D from behind the pharmacy counter. We had no idea that it was restricted that much.


Today we are 17 weeks pregnant and had another routine OB appt. We got to hear the heartbeat in the office (148 bpm) and found out that Tammy had to have more blood drawn. We thought that the last screen was for all of the 1st trimester birth defects. It turns out, it was only for a portion. We will need to ask the doctor again what exactly the last blood tests were for. We know they checked the thickness of the neck via ultrasound and determined it was normal. The screen today is for neural tube defects.

We go back in 2 weeks for an ultrasound appointment in which we hope to see if the baby will be named Mackenzie Lynn - if she is a girl and Caleb ? if he is a boy. We are stuck on finding a middle name for a boy we both like. We are considering Caleb Ashton, Caleb Alexander and Caleb Stephen. Any ideas? Feel free to post a comment to help us out. Tammy's mom's advise was that we should remember the child will grow up with this name, have to live with it and have to learn how to spell it.

We spent Labor Day weekend with our family in Mobile, AL. We had a nice visit. Steve's Dad is doing better after the fall he took a few weeks ago. Can't wait to see Baby Hannah spend time with Mimi, Grandpa, Aunt Brandi, Uncle Chris and Cousin Carter.

Please feel free to leave input on this post or any post by clicking on the word comments immediately following each post.

Week 15

Mommy's sinus infection got better, but her pinkeye did not fully go away. She may have to call the doctor again. She says it is faster getting ready for work when she does not wear eye make-up or contacts, but she is ready to wear both again. Daddy's eye infection got better. Mommy's sinus's started to hurt again on Saturday (8/25/07). Everyone says she may have this problem for most of her pregnancy. Mommy felt me flutter more this week. Daddy tried to put his ear on mommy's stomach to hear me, but I am still to small for that. No one taught me how to say "Hi Daddy" yet so I just waved at him. Daddy must not have seen me, because he kept saying "Hello." Daddy can't wait to feel me kick.

Mommy still has problems with lots of food tastes and smells. She tried to eat lime sugar-free Jell-O on Friday night, but it made her feel a little sick. It didn't sit well. She still does not want to smell, or eat Peanut Butter. Daddy did not understand this when we were preparing for Hurricane Dean. Thankfully this Hurricane did not hit Texas. We pray for those that were affected.

Daddy is STILL watching SummerSlam - WWE Wrestling. They are so loud on that show. I heard Daddy say he hopes I like wrestling when I grow up.

It is getting a little late so I will see if I can talk mommy into a nap. That is about as long as it will be until we wake up to go to the bathroom again. We get up about every 2 hours now at night. I am getting mommy ready for those late night feedings.

Week 14 (not so) Highlights

Mommy and Daddy were sick all this week, both taking a much needed sickday. (Daddy on Monday, and Mommy on Tuesday) Both came down with "pinkeye" and Mommy had a severe sinus Infection. She also thought she felt me "flutter." (might have been the spicy Chipotle burrito)
Aversions for the week:
Cheerios (we bought 5 boxes 3 weeks ago)
Lance Cheese Crackers
Chocolate Ice Cream
chicken
peanut butter

No nausea

Week 13 Ultrasound

After a great vacation, (not including the crappy flights...thanks for nothing NorthWest), we were treated to annother Ultrasound and yet another glimpse at our little one, passing the "alien"stage of growth. *Warning: Contents may be scarier than they later appear*

Baby Hannah's heartbeat