Tag: Lexi

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

Belly Kicks at 25 weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby Peanut,

You are a very active little baby! I was laying in bed trying to relax and read tonight and you were just kicking away. I kept seeing my belly move from your kicks. I took a video to show how strong and big you’re getting and to remember what it looks like when you’re moving around inside of me. I’m still amazed everyday that you are growing inside of me. It is so remarkable to think of everything happening (and feeling) inside as you grow and eventually make yourself ready to join your Dad and I.

Love, Mom

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

Kidney Trouble

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby Peanut,

This past week has been a little scary, disappointing and painful. We headed to Vail for vacation and to photograph a wedding. We drove out and visited with cousin Lauren and then spent the night with Aunt Mary and Uncle Larry in Lincoln before making the rest of the drive the next day. When I woke up the following morning, I had some very uncomfortable pain in my back and side. Originally, I thought I slept funny or pulled a muscle. I kept rolling into different ways but the pain wouldn’t go away and was getting worse and I was beginning to feel nauseous. Eventually, I got sick and knew we needed to go to the Dr. We headed to the Urgent Care to get checked out and were then sent to the Emergency Room at the Hospital. The pain had steadily increased and was unbearable. I was worried about you and that I could have kidney stones or appendicitis. They checked you our right away and you were very active and had a strong heartbeat so they gave me some medication to help manage the pain. Eventually, we had an ultrasound done and learned my kidney was very enlarged and swollen. However, they weren’t able to determine anything without a CT scan so they released me with some very mild pain medication and told me to come back the next morning. It was pretty clear they didn’t know what was causing the pain or how to find out because I was pregnant, which was a little unnerving.

We proceeded to attend the rehersal dinner and not tell anyone what was going on because we didn’t want to worry anyone. I got sick twice throughout the evening because the pain was so excruciating. Never have I been in so much pain that I actually throw up. Although I was in a lot of pain, I felt I could manage it because you were healthy and maybe even a little prep for labor. The next morning, I felt decent so we began photographing the wedding and things were going pretty good until we headed to the top of the mountain, and I kind of fell apart. While Daddy was photography Nikki and Ryan, I was laying on the bathroom floor trying to feel better and hoping the pain would go away. The pain continued to get worse and I was pretty much incapable of doing anything. As soon as the ceremony was over, Daddy took me down the Gondola and to the condo to sleep off the pain. Thankfully, Micah was able to  help Daddy take a couple photos while he was taking care of me. The following morning, I was feeling OK so we spent it with Micah walking around Vail Village. I was in pain and had to take it easy but was able to keep food down for the whole day.

Originally, we were scheduled to stay a couple extra days, but I was still feeling crapy and wanted to go home and figure out what was causing all this pain. So we drove for 18 straight hours to get home. The Vail Doctors thought I had Kidney stones and had advised that I strain my pee in hope of catching the stones (and let me tell you it was always awkward coming out of a public restroom and having to rinse the strainer), Dr. G didn’t think I had kidney stones. She believed you were pushing on my ureter (tube between my kidney and bladder) as you were growing and essentially putting a kink in my tube causing urine to get trapped in my kidney. The next day we had another ultrasound, which campe back inconclusive of any diagnosis. Unless the pain got worse, I needed to muster through the pain. There was a good chance that it would go away as the pregnancy continued, but there was also a good chance it wouldn’t. In addition to pain, the medication I was taking made me very constipated. I hadn’t pooped in over 9 days. I was even given medicine that is supposed to clear you out and it did nothing. Praying things get better or it’s going to be a long four months.

Love, Mom

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

Half way there!

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby Peanut,

Today was an exciting day for Daddy and I. We had our 20-week ultrasound (you’re really 21 weeks along but Dr. G was out of town last week). During the ultrasound they spent a lot of time looking at how you’re growing to make sure everything is happening the way it is supposed to and there aren’t any complications. So we essentially got to watch a video of you for an hour and look at all your cute little body parts. We got to look at your brain and all four chambers of your heart. We saw your kidneys, stomach, lungs and bladder. You were an active little bugger moving around a lot but we saw your tiny little feet and hands. It was so exciting to see your little hands and feet and know that is what I’m feeling when you’re moving around. You definitely have gotten much stronger as your kicks are more noticeable and stronger. As of today you weighed 1 lbs. and 2oz and the size of your head is in the 74% of other baby’s at this stage so you’re a big but very healthy baby as of now. All of your other measurements we’re very proportionate so that is great news! You did like to keep your hands in front of your face so we couldn’t get a good look at your face and it sort of looked like you may have been sucking your thumb but it was pretty hard to tell at this point still. Typically at this appointment we can find out if you are a boy or a girl, but we want to be surprised. However, Daddy thought he saw a thing or two on the screen that may have said you’re a boy. And I’ve always thought that so we’ll see in another 20 weeks!

You’ve also been given the nickname of baby peanut. Peanut is Daddy’s nickname for me, and he’s started referring to you as that baby peanut.

Love, Mom

12-07-31 3D Baby Sleeping 02 Lexi 20 week bump pics-2

Lexi 20 week bump pics

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

We’ve got a kicker

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

We have been keeping ourselves busy while we’re getting ready for you. We photographed a wedding in Brainerd, shot an engagement session and celebrated the 4th of July. And holy smokes has it been HOT! It was over 100 degrees on the 4th of July. Daddy, and I didn’t do a whole lot; he worked on Grandma and Grandpa Bothwells backyard in the morning and then we just went home and hung out in the AC and watched a movie. We were going to grill some stakes and corn but it was so hot we weren’t even hungry. Grandma Bothwell and I bought all of the fabric for your room so now we just need to sew it all together. We also were able to pick up the rocking chair so things are slowly starting to come together.

You’re auntie Sheila also came into town this past weekend for Dan and Sheila’s wedding so we were able to go down on the river on Friday and then hang out with the rest of the group for dinner. It felt great to be out on the water and go swimming. It was a little windy so the ride was a little bumpy—but I don’t think it disturbed you too much.

As we were sitting at home talking about you and how big you are, we talked about how now is the time in pregnancy when I can start to feel movement, but I hadn’t felt anything yet. Sure enough, that evening, I’m sitting in bed looking on my phone and felt what I describe as food digesting or settling. I had heard that first movements feel like butterflies or gas so I paused and wondered if that was you moving and sure enough I felt four more defined movements that really felt like kicks and even saw my stomach flutter. It was such an incredible moment. I was so excited to be feeling you. I had a huge smile on my face. Daddy came over and put his hand on my belly trying to feel too but didn’t have any luck. Then he shook it up a bit trying to get you to move again but no luck. I was a little mad because I wanted to feel more movement and then he repositioned you so I couldn’t.

Two days later I felt more movement and it was becoming more discernible that it was definitely you moving and not just the pumping of the blood by the placenta. You continued to move throughout the day on Monday while I was at work and that evening. It is such an amazing feeling; I was determined for Daddy to feel it too. The tricky thing is you’re not very consistent and are moving in different places in my belly all the time. But finally, I felt you kick near the bottom of my belly a couple times in a row so I had Daddy put his hands there and he was able to feel you move too. His eyes just lit up feeling your life for the first time. We’ve been able to see it on the screen but for us to physically feel it makes everything so real.

You’re almost 20 weeks which is half way until we meet you. You’re about 6 ½ inches long. This past week, it also got too tight to button my pants, so I’ve been wearing my belly band over my pants to keep them up, but am going to go shopping with Tia this week to try and find some new maternity pants to wear.

Another funny story to share was as we were talking with Auntie Sheila and Uncle Steve about your progress, I informed them my uterus is the size of a cantaloupe, which was conveniently sitting on the table. We were all awestruck that there was something that large in me because it doesn’t look like it. Auntie Shelia thought the cantaloupe comparison was hilarious and told several of the cousins at the wedding, so they all proceeded to call me Cantaloupe throughout the wedding. Another unique experience that happened this weekend was people touching my belly. Almost all of the Bothwell’s came up and wanted to touch the little baby belly and it was so odd to have people coming up and rubbing my belly. This coming weekend we have another wedding to photograph and then have another doctors appointment in a couple of weeks. They do a full ultrasound and look at all your measurements and make sure you’re healthy and growing at a good rate. Can’t wait!

Love, Mom

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

17 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

This past week we went to the doctor for our 16 week visit. Everything went well, and I’m happy to report, I only gained one pound! It took awhile for the doctor to find your heartbeat because you were moving around so much. For some reason, I have a feeling this is going to be a pattern. From everything we’ve seen, you seem to be a very active little baby. I haven’t felt you move yet, but that should be happening in the next couple of weeks. Still no major cravings, just less self control—especially with sweets!I We also found out that you’re going to have another new friend, baby Senefelder is going to arrive about two months after you! My pants are starting to get pretty tight–especially when I sit down. I’m still wearing pre-pregnancy pants, but keeping them buttoned with a hair tie or the belly band.

Other news to report, last week Daddy surprised me by painting the nursery. Another item checked off the list. We also found a rocking chair for the room and should be getting it in a couple of weeks. Next step is to paint the changing table. Other than that, things have been pretty low key. I haven’t been traveling for awhile and we had the weekend off from weddings. Your cousins Ashley and Courtney slept over and we had a Harry Potter slumber party. We also were able to relax on Sunday by laying by the pool.

This weekend we’re headed to Brainard to shoot a wedding and then have an engagement session on Sunday so a busy weekend ahead! Also, just a cute little story to remember. Daddy was playing with my tummy the other day and flicking it and I go “What are you doing” and your Daddy responds, “We’re playing, would you leave us along”. It was very sweet and I think a little forshadowing to the future. Your Daddy is really just a big kid and he is going to have so much fun with you—I can’t wait to watch!

Love, Mom

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

15 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

It’s been awhile since I’ve written to you, mostly because sometimes I forget you’re there. I’ve been feeling pretty great these past couple of weeks—all of my clothes fit and I can still sleep on my belly so there isn’t a lot reminding me you’re there. At least like the first couple of weeks when I was sick and tired. Still no major cravings or anything, but do miss the occasional beer—more so when others around me are enjoying one. This week you are about 4 inches long and 2 ½ ounces, about the size of an apple. Your crib also arrived last week and we got it all set up and I’m ready to pain the room this week. I’m also planning on meeting with Grandma Bothwell to get all the details figured out on the bedding for your crib and hopefully she can get started on that soon! One of my favorite things right now is watching and hearing how excited your dad is for you to arrive. Everyday he asks how’s the little peanut doing? He also likes to kiss my belly or shake it. I usually tell him that probably gives you a headache and you probably don’t like it, but he likes you to move around and squirm from his movements. We go to the doctor again next week to check on you and make sure you’re doing well.

Love, Mom

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

Boy?

peanutsmiles

This past week, I got the feeling that you are a boy. I’m not sure why, but it doesn’t seem possible that you could be a girl. Last Tuesday, we had our regular monthly doctor appointment and everything looks great! We tried to hear your heartbeat but because the placenta is at the front of my belly, it was too hard, so we had another ultrasound and got to hear your little pitter-patter. No real changes—I can still fit into all of my clothes and am having fewer and fewer episodes of feeling sick. I haven’t gained any weight yet (at least according to our scale at home. The scale at the doctor says I weigh a couple of pounds more, but I haven’t gained anything there either so that is a good sign.) This past weekend, we found a crib for you, and I looked at fabric that we are going to make a crib skirt and some other items for you. Right now it looks like you’re room is going to be grey, aqua with maybe a little bit of white and orange in there too. My goal is to have the nursery done be the end of summer! I’m off to Madison again tonight/tomorrow and am hoping it will be the last trip for a while. All this traveling is exhausting.

Love, Mom

P.S. We met your cousin Ruby Griswold over the weekend. She is a little cutie and can’t wait to have play dates with you!

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

12 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

So many things to share! Last Friday was quite the day. I had a genetics appointment to make sure you’re extra healthy. Originally, I was told it was going to be a quick 15 min appointment, so I told Daddy he didn’t need to come. The appointment ended up being over an hour and included an ultrasound. Luckily, Daddy was close by and able to join us for the ultrasound. They took all sorts of measurements and pointed out all of your different organs. Right now, you’re 6 cm so 2.5 inches. We even got to hear your heartbeat, which was very exciting! They also took some 3D photos of you. Right now you kind of look like a teddy bear but you’ll keep growing to look like a little human. My favorite part of the ultrasounds is watching Daddy’s reactions. His whole face lights up when he sees you and gets this sparkle in his eyes that brings tears to my eyes. He is so excited for you to arrive.

From everything they could tell, you are looking like a very healthy little baby. After the appointment, we took some bump pictures. There isn’t much of a bump yet, but we’re going to take photos every week to show your progress! That evening, I shared the news with the Hickels and they are beyond thrilled for your arrival! Saturday, we took some newborn photos of your friend, Carter Hall. It was such a thrilling experience to hold him and think in 6 months, we’ll get to hold you. Holding him brought emotions to the surface I had never felt before. Whenever, I had held babys previously, it was fun and they were cute, but knowing you were growing in me made it that much more real.

We also shared the news with your auntie Kelly—she was so excited she cried. We also shared the news with Great Grandma T and she was overjoyed. We have another Dr. appointment today so we’ll get to hear your heartbeat again. I’m also hoping to ask Dr. G why I get so sick while standing up. It is such an odd feeling. It isn’t really nausea—it feels more like motion sickness. Hopefully we’ll get some answers.

Love, Mom

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

11 Weeks

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

Once again you made another trip to Madison this week. Maybe that’s an early sign that you’re going to be a badger?!?! Your Uncle Joe, Aunt Angie and Aunt Sheila would be very excited about that. You continue to be quite the little stinker on airplanes. I feel very sick and almost always have to rest my head in my hands and between my legs for the entire flight. Let’s hope you get over that soon. You are now 11 weeks, just  three weeks away from the 2nd trimester, which means only 6 months until you get here! You’re as big as a prune and weigh almost half a pound. Nothing too big happened last weekend. We took pictures of your friends Abigayle and Annabelle on Saturday and then on Sunday I just hung out on the couch for most of the day. I wasn’t feeling the greatest and felt motion sickness just while walking in Target. I had to go sit down on the patio furniture to try and rest so I could make it home. You’re Dad was busy at Grandpa Sampson’s doing a train session, one of his favorite things. We also told a couple more people about your existence, Trevor and Nikki, Rachel and Jake, Jenna and Cory and Lindsay and Dan. In one week we hope we can tell everyone! We’re also on the countdown for your cousin baby Griswold. He or She should be arriving any day!

Love, Mom

Lexi, Pregnancy Updates

Unofficial Mother’s Day

peanutsmiles

Dear Baby,

You are so thoughtful! This past weekend was mother’s day (my first unofficial mothers day) and you told your dad it was a good idea to give me a card from you. It was very sweet and thoughtful! We also shared the news with the Sampson’s that you’re on your way! They were all very excited especially Great Grandpa Sampson. He had a huge grin on his face and has been wanting another baby around. You’re Daddy has been busy helping him on his garden the past couple of days and he says Grandpa asks him all sorts of questions about you and how I’m feeling. One of his first questions, was, if you’re a boy, will your name be William? We told him it would be! You’re dad has also been busy over at Grandma and Grandpa Bothwell’s house. Today he is working on fixing some of the boards in their retaining wall and re-doing the stairs. It’s a lot of hard work and he’s pretty tired at night so I try and take care of him. You and I also went to Madison again this week. It’s getting a little bit better every time I travel so ‘Thank You’! We’ll be heading there again next week, but that time we’ll have to stay over night. Oh, I also forgot we finally told Auntie Sheila that you’re on your way. She thought we were joking and I think still part of her doesn’t believe it.

Love, Mom