My pregnancy

I know I haven't been posting weekly updates and taking weekly pictures this time around, so I'm going to put on here what I have. Thanks to Stephanie for reminding me to take a weekly picture. I usually end up taking one and putting it on Instagram, so if you follow me on Instagram you've seen these pictures.

I have to say this pregnancy has been going really good, up until a week ago. Nothing bad, just a little hiccup along with way. See below.

I feel awful, I took pictures but I don't know what week is what, so I'll just give the last few weeks worth of pictures!

28 weeks

Week 30 or 31

32 1/2 weeks

Last week I was diagnosed with Cholestasis of Pregnancy I had no idea what it was, however my skin was itching like crazy and thought it was really odd, so of course I Googled "itching during pregnancy" and all sorts of things, not so good, came up. So I called my doctor Monday morning and they said to take a Benadryl and if it doesn't go away to mention it at my next appointment, which was on  Thursday, so I did, which seemed to help or I just got used to it. Its the weirdest thing and really hard to explain. At my appointment on Thursday, I was to get my Thyroid tested as well since I'm now in my 3rd trimester so she ordered 2 other test, one to test my liver function and the other to test the bile in my system (bile acid-that's what causes the itch) and this test has to be sent to the Mayo clinic so I'm still waiting on results of that. However, my liver functionality test came back as elevated so they diagnosed me with Cholestasis and put my on a prescription called Urso, see the hyperlink above, four times a day!! I can say the pills have helped. With this diagnosis I have to have a weekly, possible twice a week, NST (non-stress test) on the baby. We don't want any bile getting into the baby. Followed by a doctor's visit once a week. So as of last Friday, I had my first NST and all is good. I go again on Thursday and I'm hoping for the same. The doctor also said I could or probably will have this baby between 36 and 37 weeks!! So that's only 3 weeks away!!!!!!!!

On a good note, I passed my Gestational Diabetes test a few weeks back. I did have to take the 3-hour test but all was good. That's what I was really concerned with and now I get this...never fails!

I am STILL Jazzercising!! I'm super excited to have been able to exercise throughout this pregnancy and I know the girls at the center are too! I am teaching until the end of January, doing 2 classes this week and once class next week then I'm done for a while. It's getting tough but I love it and it's really helped with the weight...I've only gained about 15 pounds so far! I know I still have a few weeks left but I'm really excited about it. When I step on the scale at the doctors office I always flinch but it's been good!

I haven't been craving anything either, I'm kind of bummed about that, but I do like my sweets. Speaking of, I have a Take 5 bar I'm going to eat right now!

I'm getting really nervous about how Cooper is going to react. We put all the "baby" stuff out this past weekend, such as the swing, bouncer and the bassinet. I got it all cleaned and ready to go for the new baby. Cooper was crawling underneath the bassinet last night. To him, it's a new toy, but once the baby is here, I have a feeling, he's going to be one jealous little/big boy. I also got all the baby cloths washed and bought a few new outfits for him. I can't believe how little the cloths are and that Cooper was that little. I'm getting nervous but I know all will be fine!

We have Cooper's new bed coming today, Tuesday! I'm super excited. We ended up going with a Queen size bed for when we have company, not that we have a lot of company but you just never know. The room is plenty big so it won't cramp Cooper and his toys. I'll post some picture tonight! The only thing I don't like about going with a Queen size bed is you can't find any cute, kid theme, bedding. All is either for a toddler bed or single or full. We want him to want to go into his room. He loves Sesame Street so I'm on the hunt for a Queen size Sesame Street comforter or something. Right now we settled with some stripes. We'll see how he does! We are not going to push him into this bed, he still a wonderful sleeper and he's just learning to get out of bed and come into our room, so I don't want to upset that because momma likes her sleep!

We are still trying to come up with a name, it's between Louis Ronald or Ronald Louis. I think we may have to see this little guy before naming him! I'm hoping dad send me a signal or something. LOL

So say some prayers all is well and I'll try and keep you updated with a just a few more weekly pictures!

ursodeoxycholic

ursodeoxycholic

Christmas 2013

What a blast we had celebrating Christmas. I can't believe its all over with already. This year was so much fun with Cooper he's at the age where he had a blast and that's what it's all about. He loved opening presents and had to help everyone open there presents too.

Our first Christmas celebration was Sunday the 22nd. Tom and Linda hosted Tom's dad's brother and sisters for Christmas. Of course Cooper got a few things and one of his favorites was a new John Deere tractor. He pushes it all over the house.

Later that evening we all stayed and our little Christmas with Tom and Linda. Everyone of use was spoiled!

Cooper helping Grandma and Grandpa open their present from him - a new photo coffee mug!

Christmas eve we celebrated at our house with Tom's family, the Barrett clan (Tom's mom's family). We've hosted this now for 4 years and we love it!

Cooper got all dressed up in his new/used Santa outfit. This was a steal on Facebook, someone was selling it for $3 and Linda found it and said "Cooper needs this" at first I didn't know but I'm so glad I got it, too cute. And yes that's his real belly!! He's just standing in a way that really makes his belly stick out, or he just got done eating!

Loved playing in the boxes too...

and opening the White Elephant gifts!

Taking a break to get a drink out of his snowman cup.

Chillin with Grammy!

Just a few presents around the tree.

Grandpa John enjoying his time opening his presents.

It was a cold and snowy Christmas eve. We got about 3-4 inches of snow while everyone was here. here are just a few of everyone around the house. I did not get hardly any pictures and there weren't any family ones. I know Tom and Micayla took a few but they didn't send them to me, I'll have to put those on later.

Tom's cousin, Missy, is expecting her first child sometime in May I think. Christmas Eve was her 20 week ultrasound and it was so cute the way she told us what she's having! It was a scratch-off ticket that revealed "IT'S A BOY" I thought forsure he was having a girl but it's going to be so much fun getting together with her and her new baby and our new baby this summer!

The next day was Christmas! SANTA CAME!! (here is a video but not sure if you can open it)

 

Anyway, Santa brought Hug Me Elmo and a Kitchen set, again not many pictures but he loved everything!!

After that we cooked some breakfast, Stephanie's famous Sausage Balls, popped those in the oven, we made up the day before, Tom and Linda came up to watch us open presents again Cooper was opening them all.

Cooper loved his new sleeping back from Steph and Luke! He's going to grow right into this, it's so warm and fuzzy, I just want to curl up in it sometimes.

A new "Dyson" from KK

Cooper again was spoiled by his big brother and sister - KK got him new John Deere boots too and Brandon and Alyssa got him an Elmo shirt, vest, jeans and PJ's! They sure do love him!

We cleaned up and headed up to Mom's, unfortunately I only got a few pictures from there. Shoot!!

He received a shopping cart from Chris, Kristi and the boys, he loved to 'push' it around. Kristi put Elmo it in and now he has to have Elmo in it all the time. Too cute!

Not quite sure what he's in here, I think it's his box from his legos he got.

And mom opening her present from all of us - a year long subscription to the TH - she loved it!!

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 After we were done opening presents, the rest of the gang came up. 

We did our White Elephant game, everyone I think, except mom, came away with something they wanted!

Again, no family pictures this year. It was a hard this year without dad and Bill, but we know they were both looking down on us and enjoying seeing all of us smiling and enjoying each others company. Next year is going to be another exciting one with 2 new babies joining the family, we can't wait!!