Mommy's little badass!

Here is my little dude with his new mohawk! Doesn't he look dangerous? LOL...if I were a robber, I'd think twice before crossing this vicious guard dog!

It's all in who you know!

I had an OB appointment today. Steven was unable to get off work, so my cousin went with me. She is a Labor & Delivery nurse and works with my OB. The appointment was pretty standard. Lots of questions and then we heard Carter's heartbeat. I love that sound!! I have to go back on Thursday to Fetal Diagnostics to have my cervix checked. I was kinda concerned because I am nearly 20 weeks and still haven't had it done. I just want to make sure that my body is still doing what it is supposed to. So...back to the hospital Thursday, then another OB appointment in 3 weeks.

Now for the exciting news! My cousin was working L&D yesterday and one of her patients had a doula. My cousin complimented her on the way she treated her patient and they started talking about the doctor (who happened to be my OB). From there, they began talking about me and my situation. The doula said she would love to meet with me, but that she is booked for December. She told my cousin that she is sure her partner would love to be my doula...for free! I am super excited!! We have to call her and set up a meeting, but Steven and I already discussed it and we are pretty sure that we will take her up on her offer. I will keep you posted!!

Some weird form of nesting?

I am on a friggin roll this week! I seriously usually don't get this much done!! I'm thankful to have some energy back, but I wasn't expecting to just jump in this way.

1) Our driveway is done. Not that I personally paved it myself, but I have a huge sense of accomplishment from knowing that it is over. We have been waiting on my ramp and the driveway for months, and now both are complete!!

2) Today, I made an appointment for Bailey to have his mohawk fixed. Steven cut it a little crooked and I want to make sure he looks like a little stud for our Albany trip next weekend. He goes to the doggy spa Tuesday morning. I will probably go with him. I trust the groomer with him 100%, but he is my baby and I hate leaving him!! I will definitely post pics of him on Tuesday!

3) Bills are paid! I hate to see the money go, but its done!!

4) Plans are in place for the trip next weekend. Steven and his friend are driving out Friday and going to my mother-in-law's. My mom and I may drive out Friday as well. My shower is Saturday at 3pm in Albany, which is about 8-9 hours from here. So, instead of waking up at the ass crack of dawn on Saturday, we may spend Friday night in NY. The only thing I have left to do before the trip is change my oil...which I hate. What a waste of $30!

5) Our central air is in the process of being fixed...$2,400 later!! Apparently, the entire outside unit is shot, so we need a new one. Go figure! If its not one thing, its another! Oh well...I'm pregnant and its too damn hot to go without it!

6) I finally ordered our Cord Blood Collection Kit from CBR. Now that I'm halfway there, I figured I better get all my ducks in a row with that. We're pretty atoment about it because of my paralysis. It's not necessarally that I want the cord blood for myself, but I certainly don't want Carter to ever have to suffer the way I have. So...that's done and I am relieved!

So...I am trying to relax now. I had a craving for those after-dinner mints, so I sent a friend out for them! I will probably eat the entire bag then get back up and get some housework done!!

By popular demand...

Here are my 18 week belly shots. I didn't realize how round I am until I looked at them!! LOL, I am just glad I'm past the "pregnant? or fat??" stage! Now its safe for people to ask when I'm in public!!

Still BLUE!

We had our 2nd trimester ultrasound today. We still have a BOY! He is the most adorable boy ever, too!! See...

Steven and I have also decided not to name him Noah. We love the name, but I am so afraid that he will end up in a class with 3 other kids named Noah. I guess I didn't realize the popularity of the name until I was more aware of it. We picked the name out when we were in high school, so there wasn't much discussion on it recently. We were watching "The Bucket List" this weekend and Steven goes "I really like the name Carter." I absolutely agreed. So...after much debate, we have decided that our baby boy will be Carter John Butchino. I promised him today that we will not confuse him like this ever again!! I guess its better to change his name now, rather than after he is born!

Anyway, the ultrasound was so fun. The sonographer had to poke at him for awhile, but he was moving all over. It was breath-taking. Then the doctor came in just to double check that everything looked good physically (which it did) and he goes "Whose lips are those??" LOL, Steven goes "Hers!" It was funny...but I do have big lips! Its amazing to see our features on his face. I want more ultrasounds!!

So...everything is normal and looking good. I was informed that the lady who did my very 1st ultrasound gave me the wrong due date. My real one is December 19, which makes me 18 weeks and 3 days, not 17 weeks and 5 days. Anyway, just that much sooner that my boy will be in my arms! I can't wait!!

In my dreams!!

OK, I heard the dreams you have during pregnancy were quite graphic and sometimes "naughty", but holy cow! I was just discussing this with Sara...so now I know I'm not the only one!! I don't feel so bad. Anyway...I thought I'd share, because they're downright funny.

At first, the dreams were strictly Steven and I. I would wake up thinking we were actually in the middle of "doin' the deed"...and he'd be fast asleep on the other end of the bed. I kinda thought my brain was just going crazy, but I hadn't seen anything yet!

In the last week, I have dream-cheated on my husband with 2 different men. I feel terrible about it, because I seriously do NOT fantasize about anyone else when I am awake. At the beginning of the week, I had 2 different flings with Memphis from Big Brother 10. Last night, I switched my sights to Brady Quinn, QB for the Cleveland Browns. In my defense, a news story on him was the last thing I watched before bed...I think that's why. Reguardless, I feel dirty and I need to find Jesus!!!

Pregnancy just gets weirder and weirder!

We're still here!

We're still here...just enjoying the nice weather. It has been so nice the last few days. I just hate that this pregnancy has made me so lazy! I seriously have had no energy. Maybe its because I don't work...I just need motivation. That is why I can't wait until my 1st shower on the 2nd. After that, I will be able to start Noah's room. I need to compare the bedding we picked out to paint, so it matches well. Here is the one we registered for.

I think I want the paint to match the lighter blue color in the quilt. We'll see how it comes together!! I can't wait until everything is ready for our little MVP to come home!

I have an appointment for an ultrasound on Monday, so I'm just waiting for that. I can't wait to see our little man again! And I promise I'll post a belly pic soon!!

You mean they're gonna get BIGGER??

I had a fun day of shopping at Motherhood today. I needed jeans because my other ones have been hurting my stomach. They were just too tight. So, first I picked out a pair of Secret-Fit Belly jeans. I am hesitant to wear them because I am in denial that I need full panel front jeans. But they do look verrrrrrrry comfy!! I also got a pair of overalls because they were on clearance for $16.99. I love them and see myself living in them for awhile!! Then, I began my mission for something to wear to my shower in Albany on August 2nd. I found an adorable dress shirt that will match my black maternity dress pants. Jackpot! I also bought 2 tanks to wear under all the low-cut shirts that I now ooze out of. Here's my problem...

My boobs are out of control. I'm not a very big girl. Last week, I went to Victoria's Secret to buy a new bra. Well...the 34D was too small. Sooo...I tried on the 34DD and it was just a teeny bit too big. It fit better than the D, but I have a hard time moving up cup sizes because I hate boobs!! I found a 36D that seemed to fit. Well, when I got it home, it felt kind of tight. I am only going to get bigger, right? WTF is happening to my body?????

A great big "Thank you!"

I wanted to post to show my gratitude to all of our soldiers that risk their lives every day for people they have never even met. Before this war began, war was just something that happened a million miles away...something that I was never really directly affected by. This war is much different. My little brother just got back from Iraq and will be heading back out shortly. On his first deployment, he was shot in the leg by an AK-47 after being in Iraq for only a few hours. Thank the Lord, he made a full physical recovery after a few months. He went out knowing that he could be hurt or killed, but did it anyway...as many others do. I respect them with all of my being and I am so proud of all of our soldiers. So, to all of you out there fighting, and to their families...THANK YOU!

I hope everyone has a great day tomorrow. While you're grilling and enjoying fireworks with friends and loved ones, slip in a prayer for all those who can't be here with us.

HAPPY 4th OF JULY!!

Almost...but not quite.

I had about a week of no morning sickness. I thought I was good to go. Steven and I were at Walmart last night...another flat tire! Anyway, I started feeling kinda queasy in the store. By the time I got out to the car, I had my head in a plastic bag. I got sick again before bed. Steven rubbed my back until we fell asleep. He is the perfect pregnant husband!! I felt nasty right off the bat this morning...lovely. I took a Zofran, but I still feel kinda yucky. Thankfully, I don't feel like I'm going to toss my cookies, but its still early!

Right now, my dogs are running around being protective. There are a few guys in the driveway and yard. We are having a ramp put on the back of our house. Up until now, I have just had Steven carry me in and out of the house. It has sucked during the day when he is at work because I have no way in and out. I just sit here and watch TV or make sure the house is clean. So, next week, I will be free! It will be nice to just get up and go whenever...if I'm not feeling sick, LOL!

Noah John Butchino

IT'S A BOY!!! I was shocked, but still overjoyed. It is such an amazing feeling to know that there is a little boy growing inside of me right now. I almost feel weird saying "my son"...but that's exactly what he is! I was seriously expecting a girl, but there was no mistake. The doctor had barely touched my belly with the ultrasound and he goes "Whoa...do you want to know what you're having??" Of course we said yes. He goes "Here's one leg, here's two legs, and here's three legs!" LOL, and was he right!! Plain as day!! Steven is very proud!! (sorry about the photo quality. We are without a scanner, so we took a picture of the ultrasounds with our camera.)

2nd trimester!!

Hello! I'm still alive, LOL! I actually had a bit of a breakdown, so I had to back off from the internet for awhile. I have been reading about a lot of terrible things happening to women in the IVF world lately and I think it all just hit home. I woke up last week in the middle of the night crying because I had convinced myself that the baby's heart had stopped. Now that I know all of the things that can go wrong, I play them over and over in my head until I am sure they will happen to me. So, for my own safety and the baby's, I have decided to step back a little bit from message boards, blogs, and websites. I'm still here, just trying to do what I can to keep my body and my mind healthy for the baby.

As for the pregnancy...I am doing great. I'm getting huge and still feeling woozy every day. I kinda thought the 2nd trimester would come and magically wisk away all of my morning sickness...I was very wrong!! I am still taking my Zofran every day and can't wait until I don't need it anymore!!

So, that's pretty much all. 6 more days until our gender scan!! I'll be sure to update with either pink or blue writing! Here's a 13w2d bump pic...I'm getting huge!!

OMFG...I live at Home Depot now!

I'm doing good. I am sick today...but I'll live. I ran out of Zofran and I'm waiting for the refill. Its so hot here, which makes the nausea even worse! I'm inside with the central air on. That's where I'll be for the next 6 months...if anyone needs me! I had a massage yesterday, so I decided to shop while I was out. I spent a 1/2 hour in the parking lot at Target hanging out my window...throwing up! People probably thought I was drunk!! I did get a bathing suit, though...success!!

Steven and I had a busy, busy weekend. Friday after he got home, we went to Home Depot. My mom had called me earlier in the day. She works at Walmart and bought us 11 shrubs for our walkway @ 50% off. She said we would have to run out and buy the weed paper and mulch. We bought 5 bags of mulch (what were we thinking??) and came home. That trip was $50. Steven rotatilled and my mom got home at 8pm with the plants. We put them in the ground, layed the mulch...surprise...we came up short...very short!! Saturday morning, we headed back to Home Depot. We got 12 more bags of mulch. Steven also got me 2 rosebushes...I love them!! That trip was $150. We came home and he mowed the lawn before we headed out to a wedding. Sunday morning, he resumed the gardening while I was at a bridal shower. I came home and the 12 bags of mulch were laid...STILL not enough. OMFG!!! BACK to Home Depot!! We got 10 more bags of mulch...and a bunch of other flowers and stuff because they were just so pretty! That ended up being over $200! So...my mom's nice gesture ended up costing us $400...good thing we got our stimulus check!!! Poor Steven has been resting and playing video games. This weekend ended up being a record setter for hot days. He was working in our yard in 90+ degree weather for 3 days...all for his dear ole' wife! What a trooper!!

If you can, please say a prayer for my friend, Jess. Her beautiful baby girl, Jenna Faith, was born 11 days ago and is suffering from seizures. So far the cause is unknown and they will not know anything until further testing can be done.

To the left, to the left...ovary.

My left ovary hurts. (I'm pausing so you can feel bad for me.) Anyway, ever since I began stims, my left ovary has burned. At first, it was constant. After awhile, it became less frequent. I still have days here and there where it hurts so bad, I could scream. So...I have self-diagnosed myself. It is mild OHSS. No, really. I knew it from the beginning, but refused to tell Dr. A because I was terrified of a cancelled cycle. After my beta, I was just too excited to worry about it because it seemed to be getting better. Now, I think I am going to come clean to Dr. S at my next appointment...just to make sure that it isn't serious.

Today was crap. We woke up today to a flat tire on our only vehicle. Steven went to get the spare out from underneath the truck and it was stuck. He assumed it was because of the lift that I get on to drive from my wheelchair. I waited until the lift manufacturer opened then called. Apparently, they had nothing to do with it...but our spare would not come off. So...we were stranded until my friend Katie got here. She took Steven and the tire to Walmart and he had them patch it. He missed the whole day of work. Ridiculous! I hate my car!!

I need to go somewhere and woo-saaaaaa until I am calm! BREATHE!!

Don't Mess With the Zofran

LOL, sorry...couldn't help myself. I want to see the new Adam Sandler movie, Don't Mess With the Zohan...thought it would be a funny title. But seriously, its true! Nobody mess with my miracle drug!! I am feeling human for the 1st time in 6 weeks...I like food again!! It was scary to know that I had actually lost 3 pounds. I knew the baby wasn't getting what she needed. I wasn't even getting what I needed. I felt so sick and so weak. I just wanted everyone to leave me alone to puke by myself. Very scary!

So...I got my diaper bag!! Very exciting! I saw it on eBay for $100. It is originally between $250-$300 normally, so I had to grab it up. It is a black, Juicy Couture bag and it says "Couture Baby" on the front. I can't wait to fill it up!!

We also got a bassinet. One of the big cheeses that Steven works for just had a baby boy. He brought in a barely used Eddie Bauer bassinet (white and tan) and gave it to us! I thought it was very nice of him and his wife to think of us like that. Anyway, it is in the nursery and it is just so neat to look at it and know that in 6 months, my baby will be in there! I am so emotional these days!!

Well, still waiting impatiently for my next appointment!! I will update again when something exciting happens!

Thump, thump, thump...

My appointment yesterday was great! I didn't have an ultrasound, but the doctor used the doppler and I heard the baby's heartbeat! It was amazing. Its one thing to see that there is a beating heart, but to hear it...what a blessing! It brought a whole new meaning to everything!

I also got my prescription for Zofran. OMFG! I couldn't be happier!! I can not believe how well it works. After 5 minutes of taking the 1st pill, I ate 2 tacos, chicken tenders, crackers, and took all my pills. And I felt fine. Now I'm getting ready to have pancakes and sausage for breakfast...OMG, BREAKFAST!!

Anyway, next appointment is in 4 weeks. That is when we will try the gender scan. Sooooo...I'm off to eat all day. Bye!!

Home is where the calcium is.

I'm home. The trip was good...just seems like there is never enough time to see everyone. We only spent a few hours with my dad. We got to see the new puppies...soooo cute! It almost made me want another one. Then I remembered what a demon Bianca is. I no longer want another one! I also didn't get to spend any time with my BFF, who was my maid of honor. I miss her and wish I could've seen her, but what can ya do?

Anyway, we did get to spend lots of time with Steven's family. We stayed at his brother's new house for 2 nights, which was fun. Sunday, we went to church (where we were married) and got to see lots of old friends. Steven's mom had a huge cookout. The boys played football and realized how out of shape they all are.

I am glad to be home. My calcium pills were not packed with my regular stuff, so I was chugging chocolate milk all weekend. I am not gonna lie...I hate milk. Maybe that's why I have osteoporosis. Hmmm. Sometimes I feel like I'm 80. At least I am an 80 year old who can still pull off a 2-piece baithing suit! That's really all that matters in life. LOL, for now anyway.

I have an OB appointment tomorrow. I can't wait to see how the baby is growing! I am also dying to ask if massage is OK again. I haven't been to my masseuse since February...I'm dying!! So, I'm off to rest. Will post pictures of the baby tomorrow after my appointment!

A much needed Memorial Day mini-vacation!

Steven and I are heading to NY again this weekend. It seems like we were just there...we were. I know once the baby comes, we won't be able to just pack up and leave, so it doesn't bother me to do it now. Anyway, we are leaving tomorrow after Steven gets home from work and we'll be home Monday night. I'm sure Steven will enjoy his Corona at the picnic his mom is having, so I assume I will be driving home while he sleeps. Woo hoo for being the DD...only 7 more months of that crap! We are not bringing Bailey on this trip. Ever since we got Bianca in November, he really hasn't been able to run the house the way he used to. Every time he even tries, Bianca thinks he wants to play and jumps all over him. Plus, he will enjoy the quality time with his Grandma. They used to be inseparable until she moved to Texas. Now that she's back, he is just so used to being with me 24/7. Now, let's hope I make it to the freeway before turning back to get him!

Thank you all for your support and suggestions about Bianca. I will surely try them. Earlier today, I was in my recliner and she took a kamakazi leap and went paws-first into my abdomen. She caught me off to the side and luckily it didn't hurt. I literally went psycho on her. I am not usually for animal abuse...but my motherly instinct picked all 50 pounds of her up and threw her about 10 feet off of me. Then I proceeded to use a string of profanity that would've gotten me grounded for a month, had I been in high school. She just looked at me like she didn't know whether she should run or petrify right there. If I can't find a way to control her, Steven is going to have to Bianca-proof half of the basement and she will be spending her days down there...at least she is out of the "puppy" phase and calms down a bit. The only reason I'm not rallying to throw her out on her ass is because my dad raises boxers and I know what wonderful family dogs they are as adults. I also know that her actions are all typical of boxer puppies. I just thought I could handle her better.

So, I'm off to pack. I may not update until Tuesday. If I don't, everyone have a safe and happy Memorial Day!

aaaaaaand...EXHALE!

As much as I have been trying to avoid it, the stress seems to be getting worse every day. Some of it has to do with the people I am around during the day, but most of it is from the dogs and the way that they interact with people...Bianca in particular. I keep trying to remind myself that she is only 8 months old, but sometimes she just gets me going so bad. She is a jumper. She will run and jump up on people whenever she feels like it. She weighs 50 pounds, and whether you expect it or not, she can just about knock you over. Sometimes she will run and jump up at someone's hands and nip at them. She doesn't bite, but it still hurts. She also runs at full speed and jumps all over the furniture. We have leather furniture and it is now covered in claw marks from her. No matter what I do, she won't stop. When Steven is home, she doesn't do it...she knows she can't do it around him because he wouldn't have it. For some reason, she is just so bad when she is with me. I'm sure its because she knows I can't get up to discipline her. I don't know what to do with her. Will it ever end??

The stress level during the day is starting to concern me. Sometimes when I yell to stop the dogs from being bad, it literally hurts my stomach. I need to calm down, but I can't very well let my dogs jump on and/or bark at everybody that comes here...if I do, it looks like I don't care what they do.

I think I need to start getting massages again. I used to go once a week during IVF and it really did chill me out. It gets expensive, but it might make all the difference with this pregnancy. Let's hope so. Right now, I am going to close my eyes and try to remove myself from this stressful environment...pray for me.

Officially just another pregnant lady!

My 1st OB appointment went great! He was awesome and very modern (unlike Dr. A...bless his heart!)...I had a few things cleared up. I can paint my nails, I don't have to eat organic, Lovenox is not necessary...among other things. The most important question I had was about the c-section. He said he was 100% supportive, but completely confident that we could do a vaginal delivery without putting the baby in jeopardy. He said if it were his wife and kid, he would go vaginal with forceps. I have always been very, very wary about forceps, but he told me all about how he teaches medical students at Case Western how to use them safely and effectively and has never had any negative results with them. He kind of sold me on the "if it were my wife and kid...". I always feel better knowing what a doctor would do in my shoes...because sometimes it changes their answer. I cried like a baby, of course. Just knowing that my baby will come into this world and be laid on top of me...what a huge miracle and blessing. God has been so good to us. Sometimes I feel so unworthy.

The most exciting part...he is attempting to find out the baby's gender at 14 weeks!!!! He said he has "his ways" and that he is very accurate! So...hopefully, the baby isn't shy and let's us sneak a peek! Can you believe it? That is only 6 weeks away!

Anyway...I am off to play some X-Box with Steven then watch Grey's Anatomy. I will be eating whatever I want, while giving myself a manicure! So, there!!