Vying for Chris' Attention...

The Gerber Baby and I are already vying for Chris' attention!

My FABULOUS sister-in-law and I went to see the maternal-fetal specialist on Tuesday morning. The ultrasound was great, but the monitoring revealed some issues with the location of the cord, so Dr. Principe called our OBGYN and sent us directly to the hospital. The expectation was that we would be monitored for a while and then the baby would need to be delivered by c-section.

To our surprise, the baby moved during transport and was no longer lying on the cord (or whatever she was doing in there...) so the monitoring went well in the triage unit. However, Mommy was having a very elevated and erratic heart rate and my usual high blood pressure. I've been experiencing tachycardia for about a week (which is pretty normal for me) so I didn't feel the need to call the doctors and alarm them about it -- but regardless, I needed to be admitted and see a cardiologist.

While we were in the hospital, the baby was monitored every four hours for an hour. All of their observations went well (except one middle of the night reading that showed the same results that the specialist originally sent us to the hospital for...) Poor Chris -- one minute he's worried about this daughter and the next minute his wife... then his daughter... than his wife! Little does he know that we'll be vying for his attention for the rest of his life!

I was able to return home today with a heart monitor. It's small and not too uncomfortable. The worst part is the bed rest! I'm not allowed off of the couch and for me that's the worst kind of torture. I'm nearly 39 weeks pregnant, so we're hopeful that the baby will join us soon and I can start to medicate my other issues.

Thank you for your positive thoughts and prayers. Chris and I have had a scary few days and have a lot on our minds -- but not too much to cheer on the black and gold this Sunday. Go Steelers!!! BTW: The OBGYN is expecting our phone call around 4 PM in Sunday ;-)

Notes to my Unborn Steeler Fan

To my daughter,

Your mommy is from a wonderland called Western Pennsylvania. A place where, for generations, people have enjoyed a more simple way of life. Your grandparents and great-grandparents worked in coal mines and steel mills, and they worked the land on country farms. It's a place where high fashion takes a back seat to work boots and coveralls -- where hunting season and football season are as revered as Christmas. A place where expensive dinners are passed over for Kielbasa and Iron City Beer.

Generations of our family have worked hard to put food on the table six days a week and sat in the same pew every Sunday. After church, there was always time to cheer on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Rooney Family and the Pittsburgh Steelers represent many of the same values that Western Pennsylvanians cherish -- like hard work, loyalty and humility. In the Steeler organization, there is no place for Superstars -- only hard workers who are willing to fight hard to overcome any obstacle.

You're inheriting a long legacy of fandom. I promise that being a Steeler fan will serve you well. You'll have moments of disappointment and moments of overwhelming pride in your team and in your family's roots.

I've put together a small list of notes to get your started --

Ben Rothlisberger is a God. Yes, he spends too much time in the pocket, but just when you think he's been there too long (and your Dad starts screaming "Get rid of the f-ing ball!") -- that's when the magic happens. Big Ben makes things happen. Be patient and you'll rarely find yourself disappointed.

Terry Bradshaw is a traitor. He obviously learned nothing about loyalty or humility during his time in the Steel City, but he helped us win four Superbowl rings, so we quietly and respectfully disdain him. That being said, feel free to jeer him at home, but never in public (even when your Dad starts screaming "f-ing traitor!"

Always swing your Terrible Towel with pride. Myron Cope, a Pittsburgh legend, invented the Towel, not to make money, but to show his Pittsburgh pride. Myron Cope was a fan in the truest sense. I wouldn't be opposed if you want to learn words like "Yoy" and "Double Yoy" before "Mom" or "Dada."

But most importantly, when you've grown and move away, always call your Dad at half time to discuss the game and the next morning for arm chair analysis. Those conversations will be priceless.

Best of luck, sweetie!

Mom

Here We Go...

Congratulations to my favorite boys in black -- the mighty Pittsburgh Steelers! My team is headed to the Superbowl for the seventh time and are trying to earn their sixth Superbowl win! To top it off the black and gold are playing the Gerber Gazette's third favorite team -- a team Chris and I have aptly named "Pittsburgh West" -- the Arizona Cards.

Thanks to the "Stillers" upcoming trip to Tampa -- Chris and I can pretty much guarentee that the Gerber Baby will arrive on February 1st. My sister-in-law promises me that Hackensack U. Medical Center has televisions in the delivery rooms and Chris and I have already packed our little girl's first Steeler snowsuit for her trip home ;-)

Speaking of Baby's First Steelers Gear -- someone who loves us dearly sent us a great Steelers Toddler Bib and a fleece blanket and football. But there was no card or indication of whom sent the package (aside from the Pittsburgh Steelers store). If you are our Secret Steelers Santa, please let us know so that we can thank you properly -- with a rousing rendition of "Here we go, Steelers, a virtual hug, en at...

We're off to the doctors tomorrow for our 37 week check ups! Wish us luck... and keep your fingers crossed that our newest Steeler fan arrives before the Superbowl -- God knows when she'll be able to experience another one!!!

On my last nerve...

The Gerber Baby is on my last nerve... literally. We went to the doctor for surveillance today, and as I assumed, she is laying on my sciatic nerve. She has no room to go anywhere else, so apparently, I'll be in pain until she decides to arrive (or Dr. Seidner pities me enough to schedule her delivery ;-)

She is growing nicely and all looks well. Although... the little BRAT stuck her tongue out at me during the ultrasound. This type of behavior is inappropriate... she never would of pulled this crap in front of her dad ;-)

Taking Suggestions...

Although I've been off of work since December 24th, Chris didn't go back to work until this AM, so it's felt a lot like a holiday vacation. But now Chris is back at work... it's 9:24 Monday morning and I'm bored already... I've already had my morning cup of tea and a bowl of cherrios, checked my work email, my home email and facebook, cleaned my room and the master bath, washed the dishes and had about 20 meaningful conversations with the dog. (Just Simon... Marley's not too chatty today -- still pissed off that everybody thinks he was named after John Grogan's dog).

What, oh what, am I going to do with myself???? Everyone just keeps saying "Relax. Take it easy. Put your feet up!" Sorry, folks, it's not in my nature -- and if you've ever met my mother -- the energizer bunny -- you'd understand why.

My frustration is growing by the day and the Gerber Baby isn't due to arrive until the beginning of February. So, I'm now accepting suggestions on how to pass the time. Any and all suggestions are welcome...

Happy 2009!

Chris, Baby G, Marley, Simon and I wish all our readers a happy and healthy 2009!

We've had a happy and eventful week. Our New Year's Eve was one of our happiest yet, because we got to meet our new niece -- Caroline Suzanne Kinney! She's absolutely perfect!!! Knowing me as well as they do, Jon and KrisAnne let me hold her almost the entire time we were there, so I could get my fill. But, of course, we miss her already and can't wait for her to meet her new bestest friend.

Speaking of, Chris and I have decided that our little munchkin doesn't like ANYTHING on top of her! Last week, I was rocking Ryan in the glider and the baby kept kicking him in the belly. I told Dana, "He might have some bruised ribs. His cousin is startin' fights already." Then yesterday, the only times she was active were when I was holding Caroline. I could almost hear her scream "Get her off of me! I'm trying to sleep." And of course, she hates the monitors they put on my belly for our weekly non-stress tests...

Speaking of tests, all of our appointments went well this week. It seems that our princess has finally decided that she likes her watery home. She snuggly in there and growing nicely. Now weighing in at 5 lbs 4 ounces. Her Daddy got to come to the appointment with me -- and got to see her little chubby cheeks. Its probably the last time he'll get to see her... before he sees her!

Jingling all the way...

Merry Christmas Eve! Today is my last day of work until April. I'm a little depressed about it to be honest. What am I going to do with myself until our little GB arrives? I'm all stressed out about it! I like my job. I like the people I work with and I'm going to miss working. But I also want to do what's best for the rockin' Gerber Baby -- so I'm going to suck it up and try to relax.

Chris and I are celebrating a very laid back Christmas this year. There's only one thing on our Christmas list -- a healthy baby, but Brendan was visiting this weekend and suggested that Uncle Chris go to mall, sit on Santa's lap and ask for a new travel toothbrush holder. B was very upset that Uncle Chris' toothbrush (which is blue) does not match his white toothbrush holder. Aunt Carry, on the other hand, has a pink toothbrush and a pink toothbrush holder ;-) By the way, Uncle Chris has to go to the mall, because, apparently, according to a four-year-old, it's too late to reach Santa via the postal service...

Santa is bringing Simon a new rubber bone and Marley a new collar. Both will receive rawhide bones from Mom and Dad -- which hopefully keep them occupied when their sister arrives. It's the old bait and switch... Here's your sister -- Not appropriate to chew on... Here's a bone -- Appropriate to chew on...

I hope that you receive all you're hoping for this holiday season -- and that you ring in a healthy and happy 2009! We can't wait to share all our adventures in 2009!

31 weeks... under surveillance!

This week, we saw both the OBGYN and Maternal-Fetal Specialist for check ups. There's still no real diagnosis for the pain I was feeling last week, but we're thankful for whatever it was, 'cause it got us to the hospital and hydrated.

Chris and I are both very proud of the Gerber baby this week, because she has doubled in size! She now weighs a hefty 4.1 pounds!! What a little chubalub... I told my Mother-in-law, "I'm not feeding your Grandbaby anything but slimfast for the next six weeks! She's on a diet." Of course, Mom had a near heart attack and I assured her I was kidding ;-)

Little GB is now squished into her watery home -- as you can see on her newest pic. She's always been a little lazy, so I don't feel her move very much -- just in the morning when I first wake up and she demands her coffee, and at night when she's ready for bed. The ultrasound tech tells us that she's head down and will be ready to join us soon. Her heart rate was 141 beats/minute and my blood pressure was excellent. Actually, never been better... thank you, Gerber Baby!

I'm going to see the OB again in two weeks, but now I need to see the MF Specialist once a week for monitoring and ultrasounds. Geez, you go into labor for like five minutes and all the sudden you're under surveillance! The good news is that we'll get to see little GB every week now -- the only plus to be considered high risk!

BIG Week...

It's been a CRAZY week for the Gerbers! Monday night Chris had his soccer banquet (the official end of the season!) and Tuesday night we drove up to Hackensack for our hospital pre-registration. On our way out of the hospital, I made the HUGE mistake of saying to Chris -- "that's one more thing to check off the list -- I think we're actually ready to have this baby"... BIG MISTAKE!

On Wednesday AM, I woke up at 5 with what I thought were gas pains. I just figured the pain would pass. I had a big day ahead of me, so I got showered and got on the road. I had to do some grocery shopping and then meet my new Junior League friends at the Food Pantry to drop off some donations we had collected and stock shelves. After our visit to the Pantry, we went to Starbucks to get some coffee and chat. The next thing I knew it was almost 1 PM and I had a meeting at work -- so I said my good-byes and got back on the road.

On my way to work, I realized that the pains were getting worse. Long story short, the doctor suggested I go to the closest hospital just to get checked out. I called Chris, he left school, and we went to the hospital. It turns out that I was having small contractions and had pulled a muscle in my tummy. We spent the remainder of our day and night in the labor and delivery unit at Easton Hospital fearing that Baby G would come 9.5 weeks early. The doctors at the hospital discovered that I was severely dehydrated and gave me lots of IV fluids and were able to stop the labor. So now, I'm just laying on the couch blogging (with Gatorade in hand!)

We have appointments scheduled with our OB and our Maternal-Fetal Specialist on Tuesday. But baby and mom are doing just fine... resting on the couch ;-)

Giving Thanks...

This Thanksgiving, Chris and I have sooooo much to be thankful for. (Apparently, the least of which is the freedom to end a sentence with a preposition!)

We're especially thankful for families that love and support us unconditionally. We've truly been blessed with parents who create nets to catch us when we fall and yet gave us the wings to fly far from the nest and return at will. We're thankful to have parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins that are more than relations but also our best friends.

We're thankful for nieces and nephews that give the BEST hugs and kisses and coos... and sometimes even cry when they see us coming (we know they're tears of joy!) Our 3Bs and Ryan have taught us MANY valuable lessons which we'll carry with us into parenthood.

We're thankful for old and new friends who care enough to read our crazy blog and who worry and call and text and email and support us throughout all our adventures.

We're thankful for two four-legged, furry children who fill our lives with laughter. One who has truly helped to hone our investigative skills and one who humbles us with his grumpiness and general disillusionment. Their cuddles make everyday worth waking up for.

We're thankful not only to have jobs, but jobs that we enjoy and co-workers that we like spending our days with. I'm thankful to have supportive co-workers who understand when my swollen fingers just won't type anymore and who lug my mailings to the post office without complaint or grumbles ;-)

Most of all, this Thanksgiving, we're thankful for a healthy, growing little girl who will no doubt fill our lives with a joy we have yet to understand. And, although, we're sure to make PLENTY of mistakes as parents, we're thankful to have each other to laugh with at the end of long days.

We are truly blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving to our readers -- we hope you have a lengthy list of things to be thankful for this season!

Medical Update -- 27 weeks

• Yesterday, I had my regular visit with the Maternal-Fetal Specialist, and I'm happy to report that Little Girl Gerber is 2.2 lbs (or about the same size as a kilo of cocaine!) She was making the sucking motion with her little lips and kicking her feet around for all to see. That is her little foot above her profile in the pic above.
• All is well. The doctor scheduled a slew of new tests, including a Fetal Echo, another 24 protein test, glucose tolerance, etc. So we'll be busy in the next couple weeks. He was a little concerned about my swelling and urged me to slow down a bit at work and at home... and of course, sleep more... which for an insomniac is a bit difficult ;-)
• He even asked "When can you stop working?" I almost fell out of my chair, because if he wants me to remain sane, I need to keep working! So we're "negotiating" the answer to that question.
• The most amusing part of my visit was when he said, "I thought of you last week. I had a patient with pancreatitis and gall stones. She almost died." And that made him think of me?? Tooooo funny! Thank God she lived!!!!

Medical Update -- 26 weeks

Chris and I woke up yesterday AM and exercised our right to vote! (On a side note: it's a good thing we stopped at Starbucks, before our 1.5 hours in line!!)

After voting we drove to an appointment with our OBGYN. My BP was stable. He gave me a prescription for my heartburn (yea!) and yelled at me for not testing my blood sugar daily. We discussed swelling in my hands and feet, and we're going to monitor it more closely for early signs of Preclampsia.

Baby Gerber is doing great! My belly measured perfectly and her heartbeat was strong and stable! I'm telling you BG is already above average :-)

My Maternal-Fetal Specialist had to reschedule at the last minute -- which Chris and I are ok with, because we'd want him to cancel on others to be there for me. He rescheduled for next Tuesday, so I'll have more photos and updates on the 11th. The following week, I need to have yet another glucose tolerance test -- so stay tuned... lots of medical updates yet to come...