Joe 3 Months Old

3 month has gone by very fast.
I am back to work. The transition was made easier since my mom is able to care for him while we are at work. Jeff is able to work from home one day a week and every six weeks or so he is able to be home for the week. I will admit I am a little jealous of that but when Joe is older he will be coming to KinderCare with me.

Joe is about 12 pounds and 22 inches long now. He is sleeping through the night and is taking two naps during the day.
Joe really enjoys looking at himself in the mirror and standing up when someone is holding him. He also enjoys making his daddy walk around with him when he is very fussy.

When are gearing up for the holidays. Thanksgiving went very well. My family and Jeff's mom came to our house for dinner. It was nice not to have to do all that driving that we have done in the past.

We are planning to have family over for Christmas too! With Joe so small we felt that it would be better to keep him home this year.

Joe will be baptised on 12-7. Not such a great idea to through a baptism before that holidays but what the heck!

Joe goes into the doctor on 12/17 (Jeff's birthday) for his 4 month check up so I'll do my best to update you when I can.

Take Care!

Baby Joe @ 7 Weeks

Wow! the time has flown right by! We can't believe that next week is the last week of my maternity leave. It seems like yesterday that I was put on bed rest. I have enjoyed my time home with Joe and Moose but I really miss work. ( I know sick.)
I wish that I could take maternity leave when Joe is 2 or 3 years old. That way we could go do all sorts of cool things.

We have been getting ready for Halloween. We are not having our party this year because I am not ready for Joe to do an over night yet. But as always we still will go over board with decorations. Jeff's pumpkin sculpture will be of the "Headless Horseman". Some of the neighbor kids have stopped to ask if we will be putting up our decorations this year. They are so funny.
Every year it is Jeff's goal to make it on the news or in the paper because in Jeff fashion he always goes over the top. So make sure that you stop over!!!

Jeff is still having trouble adjusting to waking up every three hours but he wants to get up. It has been getting better last night Joe slept from 11:30-4:30. He then went back to sleep @ 5:00 and woke up again @ 9:00. The broke up sleep doesn't bother me since I had been living with that 2 months before he was born.

Moose loves the baby. Moose loves Jeff. Moose has major problems with me. When we were in the hospital Moose stayed with the Teeters (very good friends of ours) He got lots of attention from all and even their dog. When he returned home he was very happy but something was wrong.....Mommy wasn't paying enough attention to Moose Man. So Moose decided that it was a good idea to pull back the covers to Mommy's side of the bed, pull out her PJ's and snuggle up with them to show Mommy that he too needs love. So that is just what Mommy did. We take care of Moose first and then Joe. All has worked out. However, when attention is not given the way that Moose would like he has peed on Mommy's side of the bed, gotten a hold of used diapers and ripped them up, pooped and peed in the office and other places. But his favorite game is trying to sneak off with Joe's toys. I know that this is my own fault for treating all of our dogs like children but have you seen this dog he is just too cute! I guess that is what has saved his life a time or two. ;0)

BABY JOE
Joe is doing great. Not only being one of the cutest babies ever he is also a very sweet baby. Now I know that being sweet may not last forever but we are sure loving it.
Joe has been fight a little cold this week and he did have some projectile vomiting one morning but when I got him to the doctor. He was fine. ( Showing everyone that I am a crazy 1st time mom)
They had my go to Children's Hospital for an ultra sound on his tummy to see if there was any blockage . There wasn't but there was a whole lot-a-gas. The doctor did call us on Friday to check in and to tell me that everything looks fine. He may have a touch of reflux and the gas may be what is giving him tummy trouble too. Otherwise he looks great.
We go back on 10-22 for our 2month check-up and shots. :0(
Oh, guess what our little man weighs...............................................8lbs 5oz.!!
He has almost doubled his birth weight!

Well that's all for now!
Hope this finds you healthy and happy.

He's Here!

August 13th we had another doctor's appointment to check my BP and my labs for the week.
Dr. G said that I looked great and the plan was to induce on 8-18. After the appointment Jeff dropped me off at home so I could nap and he went off to work.

1:00 PM
Dr. G called and left a message at home( i was sleeping)
to call her ASAP. My labs came back and they were not good. She wanted me in the hospital TODAY! The baby needed to come.

Now once I woke up and listened to the message I had to listen to it again. I had just seen her a few hours ago and in that time I went from having a baby in six days to having a baby in hours. Holy Crap!

After making our Pre-Baby calls and keeping Jeff calm on the way to the hospital we checked into Lakeview at 2:30 PM

Once I was in my room they started getting things going. IV's and the medication needed to start labor. I was also give magnesium to help with my high BP. My water broke around 6 PM. and I started having some good contractions things were really progressing nicely.

Around 8 PM the Dr. came into do the epidural. It was a painful process that had to be adjusted once. When it was over it was working on one side and not the other. ( This really freaked me out!)
Contractions were coming but I wasn't dilating very fast. By 9 PM they had shut off the medication that would help me develop contractions because the baby's heart rate would go down when I would have a contraction. They were thinking that they baby would respond better to my body developing contractions naturally. But his heart rate would still drop.

10:45 PM
Dr. G came into my room to tell me that our plans would be changing again. For the baby to come without more stress he would have to come c-section. Again pre-baby phone calls were made by Jeff and Becky who had been with me through the first part of labor.

Once again I started to freak out a little because I was only numb on one side of my body and now they were telling my that I was going to have a c-section. EEK! The thought of having another epidural made me sick but Dr. G assured me that we were not going to have to do that again and that she would not cut into me if I was not numb from pain.

I was in the OR by 11:15. By 11:30 Jeff was sitting by my side in his hospital scrubs. One of the nurses was even taking a few pictures for us.

11:44 PM Joseph Thomas Schmidt was born!
Healthy but very little. He weighed 4 lbs. 10 oz. and was 18 1/2 inches long. We were very blessed that he was able to breath on his own and that he would only be hooked up to a heart and oxygen monitor for a few days.

My recovery on the other hand was a little more tricky. I would have to be on the magnesium IV for 24 hours because of the high BP. This makes you feel very icky. You can't get out of be and the sleep that you get is not true sleep. You feel really drugged up and high.
Then once you are off that medication it takes another 24 hours before it will leave your body.
So because of all that and the c-section baby Joe was not able to stay in my room.
We also had to stay in the hospital an extra day because my BP was way to high for me to be released.

Our 4 pound baby got a clean bill of health and had gained 1 oz. while staying at the hospital. Joe and I worked on nursing on Saturday and by the time we left the hospital we were pros at it. The doctors were very impressed that Joe did so well with taking a bottle and nursing. Normally babies born as early as he was have problems with sucking and even breathing.

We were able to go home on Monday(8/18)
We were all very excited to be home. Jeff had stayed with us at the hospital the whole time. He really is a wonderful husband and I am so blessed to have him. Moose returned home on Monday as well. He enjoyed spending time at the Teeters.

Home life is good. Joe is eating and sleeping well. Jeff is so proud of his son. He gets up with him to feed and change him and he loves to look at him and tell Joe that he is the cutest baby that he has ever seen. Moose Man is doing awesome. Yes, he still love to be right on top of me but now he has someone new to look over. He isn't barking as much as is very gentle when he walks by the baby. He will even nap by the baby when he gets a chance. I am on the mend even though I take more medications then my grandma ever did. My BP is still high but we are working to bring that down with medication.

I would like to mention how wonderful the doctors and nurses at Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater are. My doctor made phone calls to me personally! She was always very honest and very calming. She was the one who cried with me the day that we miscarried and she was the one who cried with me again when we found out I was pregnant again. Dr. G was to be off the weekend after I delivered but for whatever reason she was at the hospital she check on me and Joe everyday we were there.

Dr S., who asked if he could be Joe's doctor is the one who took care of him during our stay at the hospital. He fussed over Joe as much as Jeff did. He even told me that he ,"loves the little dude".
How do you not get excited over someone who thinks that your baby is great?

The nurses were awesome too! They took time to answer every question and encouraged us in every way.


I would also like to thank our family and friends that helped us in so many ways that I can't even begin to describe. Jeff and I are so lucky to have you all in our lives.

So that is our Preggers Story.

I would like to update this blog monthly so you can see how Joe is growing and changing. I think that the blog is a great to have for those family and friends who are not always able to be with us. It helps us stay in touch and up to date. so remember to check in from time to time and feel free to leave a comment.

Doctor update for 8/11/08 & Week 36

Jeff and I headed off to the doctor again.
Just to let you know how much we go. I don't even have to check in at the desk. The ladies their just wave at me as I walk in.

My BP is down 130/88. Not the best but it did go down.
Joe's heart rate ranged for 140-160. He is running out of room in there but still does his best to move around.

I am doing another collection for the lab on Tuesday. Once again checking for those protein levels.

Wednesday we will head back to see Dr. G. This will be the last check we have hopefully.
Dr. G said because I will be 37 weeks over the weekend that she would like to induce me on 8/18.
Providing that there is room in the hospital that day.
I am going to post information on the induction process because it is just that a process.

So as of next week the O'Schmidt's should have another member!!
Can you believe that?


Information From babycenter.com About Inducing Labor

What does it mean to induce labor?

If your labor doesn't start on its own, your practitioner can use medication and other techniques to bring on (or induce) contractions. She can use some of the same methods to augment, or speed up, your labor if it stops progressing for some reason. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in five births in the United States is induced.

Why would my labor be induced?

Your practitioner will recommend induction when the risks of waiting for labor to start on its own are higher than the risks of the procedures used to get your labor going. This may be the case when:

You develop preeclampsia, a serious condition that can endanger your health and restrict the flow of blood to your baby.

What are some of the techniques used to induce labor?

This depends in large part on the condition of your cervix at the time. If your cervix hasn't started to soften, efface (thin out), or dilate (open up), it's considered "unripe," or not yet ready for labor.

In that case, your practitioner would use either hormones or "mechanical" methods to ripen your cervix before the induction. Sometimes these procedures end up jump-starting your labor as well.

If your labor doesn't start, you'll get an IV infusion of Pitocin after your cervix ripens. Pitocin is a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin, which your body naturally produces during spontaneous labor. If your cervix is ripe to begin with, you'll get the Pitocin straightaway.

Some of the methods used to ripen the cervix and induce labor are:
• Using prostaglandins
• Using a Foley catheter
• Stripping or sweeping the membranes
• Rupturing the membranes
• Using Pitocin


Baby Stuff from babycenter.com
Joe is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. He now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. He's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered his body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected his skin during his nine-month amniotic bath. Joe swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of his first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, Joe will be considered full-term. (Full-term is 37 to 42 weeks; babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term and those born after 42 are post-term.) He's in a head-down position

Doctor update for 8/7/08

My BP was 140/100 and my labs did came back "poor"
I have been diagnosed with preeclampsia.
The only way to "cure" it is to have the baby.
Dr. W feels that we can make it to 37 weeks ( At this point the baby is considered full term)

So, Thursday we had another ultra sound to check on Joe's growth. The doctor says that he is about 5 pounds. His heart looks good and he is head down. The doctor also checked the cord and their is good blood flow there too.

I go back to the doctor on 8/11 and 8/13 of next week.
I have my bags packed just in case.


The picture posted is a shot of Joe's face from the ultra sound done on 8-7-08
He is 35 weeks.

week 35

We were at the doctor today. Here is the update.

Things really have not changed in my status.
BP was 163/96 when I go into the office
Before I left the office my BP was 143/90. ( My BP went down so I got to go home)
Joe is doing great! His heart rate was 130 - 160 and he was very busy kicking the whole time.

I saw my "back up" Dr. ( Dr. Wiseberg) He is having my collect urine again for 24 hrs. They did a urine dip and there was protein in my urine so we are checking that out again. They are still looking for preeclampsia.

He check my cervix and I am just starting to open but I am not dilated.

Dr. Wiseberg wants to see us again on Thursday @12:30 for an ultra sound. He wants to get some measurements on Joe. He wants to be sure that he is growing at a good rate. He thinks that Joe is around 6 ponds give or take.

I will have another appointment with my "normal" Dr. (Dr.Goudge) on 8/13. I think at this point we are going to have to start talking about inducing me because I will be close to the 37 week mark and my BP has not improved.

Right now Jeff and I are trying our best to take care of a few "loose" ends around the house.
We are not in freaking out yet but it becomes more and more real that the little baby we have waited so long for us will soon be here.


Baby Stuff
From babycenter.com
Joseph doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in the womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.


Picture posted is not Joseph. It is an example of fetal development at 35 weeks.

No More Work

We went to the doctor today. The news not so great for someone who was planning on working a few more weeks. No More Work For Ms. Heather. I am at home relaxing and waiting for Baby Joe!

My BP was 138/92. I have Gestational hypertension. I start going to the doctor weekly now this way they will be able to keep a close eye on what is going on.

Joe has dropped into position and let me tell you I was up last night for 3 hours feeling every inch of that. Dr. G did check and said that she could feel his head but I was not dilated.

Dr. G thinks that Joe will be coming early. She has not changed my due date but because of the issues that I am having looks like he may come early. Our goal is 37 weeks.

Next week we will have a non-stress test done. This is where I get to sit in a chair with my feet up and listen to the baby's heart beat for a half hour. Of course they will want blood they are still trying ruling out Preeclampsia.

That's it for now. Becky just bought me a book that she swears I won't be able to put down so I think I am going to go read.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers

Week 34

I write this blog from the comforts of my bed. Oh, how I wish this could be a sceen from Sex and The City. But it's not that way at all.

I headed off to the doctor once again for my normal check-up. Nurse Donna found my BP to be 140 over 80. That's a bit too high. Dr. G. came in to talk to me to see what else was going on and how I felt in general. (Which is pretty good.) I was sent to the lab for more blood and urine tests. What they are testing for is preeclampsia which is a conditionin pregnancy that cause high blood presure and protein in the urine. The only cure for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby.

As I waited for the results of some of my lab work they hooked me up to the fetal monitor. I got to listen to Joe's heart beat and not only feel him moving around inside of me but I got to hear it too. Nurse Donna says that we have avery active baby. He wouldn't sit still long enough for them to pick up his heart beat at first.

After sitting with my feet up for a while some of the lab work came back. It was all clear so now the issue is how to control my BP. Dr. G decided to put me on relaxing bed rest until 7/28 and at that time I will go back to the doctor Monday morning for another BP check. it is at that point that Dr. G will determine if I can return back to work or back to bed.

So right now this pretty much sucks. I know I have to do what I have to do. But I can't even put things away in the baby's room. I can't clean my bathroom. Of course, I do find some small joy watching my House Husband...but he helps around the house when I ask him to anyways. I think that he may be enjoying the fact that i am not judging him on how he is folding the laundry or dusting the living room. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful husband. Joe does have a great dad that takes good care of us.

To pass my time I am keeping track of how much I can sleep in a day. Yesterday I slept 18 hours. yah, that's right 18 hours but what else can I do?

Well wish me luck I feel another nap coming on.

Thanks to those who have stopped by to visit or who have called. It makes the day go by faster.

Baby Stuff
From Baby Center.com
Joe now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long. His fat layers — which will help regulate his body temperature once he's born — are filling him out, making him rounder. His skin is also smoother than ever. His central nervous system is maturing and his lungs are continuing to mature as well. You'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

Week 32

1 month and 23 days! But who is counting? It seems that Joe's mom got herself into a little bit of trouble. She has started swelling in her feet and hands. Well this morning Mom was looking like Angelina Jolie. She started swelling in her face. She got into the doctor this morning. Since it was kinda urgent she took the first appointment they had with a different doctor. Mom's blood pressure was pretty high so they had her lay down. Mom's doctor heard that she was in the office and Dr. G wanted to see her right away. Because the blood pressure was so high and then dropped so fast after laying down that bought mom lots of lab work. But before she got to leave the doctors office she had to have her blood pressure taken again. It had gone up some but was still considered safe. So the doctor sent her home to relax and put her feet up. Dr. G called a few hours later and told mom that the lab work looks great but .....Heather needs to remember that she only has a few more weeks before the baby comes and that she needs to take it easy. This was a warning the next time it could be bed rest until the baby comes. Dr G. put here into her place very quick!


Baby Stuff
From Baby Center.com
By now, Joe weighs 3.75 pounds and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in the uterus. Heather is gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to Joe. In fact, Joe will gain a third to half of his birth weight during the next 7 weeks as he fattens up for survival outside the womb. He now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). His skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.


*** Family picture take at Justin and Crystal's wedding 7.12.08

Week 30

I went to the doctor last Wed. for the glucose test. Everything looks really good. My BP is still very low and I am not having much swelling.....yet.
I go back on 7/7. That is right we start seeing the good old doc every two weeks.
Jeff won't be going with as much. He went to my last monthly appointment and that was painful for him. Not because they were poking around or anything like that but because they just want to talk about what is going on with me. i think he was hoping to see some kind of action. Anyways he drove me nuts and I don't think I'll ask him to go until we get closer and then he can see some action ;0)

I did have a bit of a stomach bug last week. Ugh! That was not fun at all. I was really worried because I hadn't eaten in a day in a half. We called the doctor to check in and they said that as long as I was getting some fluids that there was nothing to worry about. After 72 hours of being sick is when they would want to see me...then they would worry. With lots of fluids and rest over the weekend I was good to go.

I took my bridesmaid dress in to get fitted for Melissa's wedding, which is July 19th. Judy the seamstress, said that she is will only need to add 6 inches to the dress. So that whole extra yard I ordered won't all get used like I had feared in Feb.

That is all I have for now. Happy 4th of July!

Baby Stuff
From babycenter.com
Joe is about 15.7 inches long now, and he weighs almost 3 pounds. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds him, but that volume will decrease as he gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. His eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after he's born, he'll keep his eyes closed for a good part of the day. When he does open them, he'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means he can only make out objects a few inches from his face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

Moose Moment
As I have stated before Moose is on to the changes going on in his house. The newest thing that he does is snuggle with the Bump. He HAS TO lay his head on it every night. Sometimes he will fall asleep there and will jump up when Joe kicks or moves around. He also has become very watchful of Joe's room. We had friends over and when I showed them Joe's room Moose ran into the room and started barking at them in is "BIG" dog voice. He also tried to stop them from looking in the crib. He is very interesting to watch.


****Pictures above are of Moose sleeping on the Bump, my newest belly shot and what Joe may look like at 30 weeks in the womb.

Week 29

We have started the 3rd T!

The past few weeks went by really fast. The crib came in. Jeff picked it up on Father's Day. Since this was Jeff's " Father-To-Be" Father's day I gave him the day off. He didn't have to put the crib that day but he would have to put it together sometime in the coming week.

Wednesday Night
Jeff decides that it is time to put his son's crib together. He was worried because this was something that we could use if he didn't use all that parts. Baby Joe was going to be sleeping there. Baby Joe will be able to use this bed for a very long time. ( It will convert into a full size bed)
Jeff is careful to cut it out of the box and what to my wondering eye should appear but a pretty white crib fit for a little girl!!!!

Guess who called Babies R Us....Yep, Yep as the Daddy was in the baby's room duct taping the box shut and cursing everyone who worked at Babies R US. This mom to be had to choke back the rage and speak as clam as she could to the manager on the phone.

Uncle John saved the day by stopping over at the house to help Jeff load the crib that belonged to Carrie Schmidt back into the truck. Jeff then drove to Woodbury to drop it off and pick up the correct crib. The only snag that Jeff ran into is that the box for OUR crib did not fit into the back of the truck. The manager at Babies R Us took a step back away from Jeff in fear. They were able to take the parts out of the box and load them into the truck.

All in all just another Schmidt moment in our baby tale. Jeff did a wonderful job putting the crib together. I can't wait to put Joe in it!

As for the Wee Bump. He is growing more and more. He moves and pokes me more especially when I sit at my desk at work. I think that it doesn't give him the room that he likes. When I stand or lean back then he is happy.
I must say the only time that I am comfortable is when I lay on my left side. I can breath much better then. If only I could lay down at work. hahaha!

I will be going to the doctor on Wednesday for my glucose test. I will now start going to the doctor every two weeks. It is all starting to go faster and faster soon this little one will be here and I will have another wonderful reason to be so happy and blessed with the life I have.

Baby Stuff
from babycenter.com
Baby Joe now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, I'll
need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, I will be drinking milk. This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in Joe's hardening skeleton each day.

****The picture above is of the crib that Jeff worked very hard to put together.

27 Weeks

Summer has just started and I am already looking forward to the fall. No not only because Joe will be here but we can stop running around. I am sure like most of you, we too have been hit with graduations, weddings, showers and birthdays. It is amazing how much of that stuff eats up your time. Don't get me wrong I think it is important to go to these things and I wouldn't have it any other way I am just amazed at how much time goes into each function both preparing for it and actually attending it.

The nice part about the past few weekends is that we have gotten to see some family that we haven't seen in a very long time. I love just sitting around and talking about things. I loved listening to the plans that our graduates have for their future. I love talking about good old memories of fishing trips and blue jump suits. I enjoyed the big 5 year old saying, " Oh, I really like this!" after each and every gift she opened. It makes me smile that the little boy who wished with all his heart finally had a dream come true. It gave me chills as the father of the bride stood and made a very emotional speech about his only daughter. These moments are priceless just as our family is priceless. Families go through highs and lows but the great thing is that we have each other no matter what.
This is something that Jeff and I hope that we can pass on to Baby Joe. That no matter what you will always have us. And once in a while stop and take in this family you have been given. The are a wonderful and caring group that you have been blessed with.


Baby Stuff
We went to the doctor today. Dr. G had us come in for another ultrasound. We needed to check in a couple of things that the Ultrasound Tech. couldn't locate at week 19.
1. Joe does have a face. When we were watching him move around on the screen we watched him put his foot in his mouth. (He is his Father's son) I do think this is a trait that comes from my side of the family but I will have you know that I never did that but I could mention 4 other people in my family who could put their feet into their mouths when they were very little.
2. Baby Joe is a Boy. Sorry Grandma Candy. We saw his parts again.
3. Joe has a stomach. Because he was so little it was hard to find his stomach during the week 19 ultrasound.
4. Joe has a measuring weight of 3 pounds. Most babies at this time weigh about 2 pounds. This means that Dr. G is now calling him Buddha Baby. He is going to be a big baby if he keeps growing that this rate. EEEK!
The plus side is that I am all baby so in a perfect world I should be able to drop that weight at a good rate.

Jeff Moments
Jeff and I will be attending birthing classes this coming weekend. Let's just say he is having a hard time finding the silver lining in this coming weekend. Wish him luck! Well, maybe wish me luck since I will have to listen to him the whole time. If some of you remember when we were going through our "Marriage Classes" Jeff did not do so well when we talked about natural family planning. He got up and hid in the bathroom until the class was over.


*** The picture aboce is Joe at 27 weeks. This is a front few of his face.

Week 25

Gee, I guess I am a little behind on the blog. Sorry about that. May is just flying by!
Work continues to be non-stop. I know that I keep saying that I need to slow down but I am finding it very hard to give up my workaholic ways. I have stopped picking up the kids and have stopped moving furniture but I am still working long hours. I keep saying that it will get better and it slowly has but it won't stop till the kids are out of school.

Anyways enough about work. We have taken down the bed in the spare room and have ordered the crib. It should be here in about two weeks. We have also finish our baby registries too. Looking at our house right now you would think that we have a few babies that live here. Jeff's cousins have given us some of their baby items from their kids. This stuff will work out great for the grandparents!

Joe has been moving around more and more. We have now been able to see my stomach move when he kicks. It's nice that Jeff has witnessed it too. Most of the time he thinks I am prego crazy and am making things up as I go.

Over the holiday week Jeff and I played 9 holes of golf at Phalen. We had a lot of fun. It was nice just to be together alone....well kinda alone. ;0) I am really working hard at staying busy but I have to say that sleeping at night isn't the best. We have a really poopy mattress and my husband is too cheap to buy a new one. ( we have been battling this for about a year now)
I also am starting to have shortness of breath when I really get moving. This freaks me out because it almost feel like my child hood asthma is coming back. I don't have any wheezing and I can regain normal breathing if I slow down a little bit.

Baby Stuff
from babycenter.com
Head to heels, Joe now measures about 13 1/2 inches. His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. His hair is probably recognizable now (in color and texture), although both may change after he's born.


Jeff Moment

It is nice to see that Jeff is getting more and more comfortable around babies. He is even will to hold Jace ( Ramar & Courtnee's 5 month old son). He does great. However , the one thing that he is worried about and I won't lie I am to is how he will do during delivery. Yes, we are going to our " Delivery Class" but I am worried that he is going to pass out or better yet freak out. Anyone have any advice for poor old Jeff?



+++ Pictures above are of Jeff and I at a wedding we were at on 5-23-08 and for course the wonderful speed bump pictures. Moose Man had to get into one of the pics because he like to hug the baby now. Also please note that I do own normal pants but I prefer Jeff's fanel pants once I come home because prego pants suck to wear.

Week 23

We went to the doctor yesterday. Everything seems to be going well. I have only gained 2 pounds since my last visit. Which means the weight that I have been gaining is just baby!
This really made me happy because I have been really trying to make good choices when I eat.

Although, yesterday I did have cake and cheese cake. But it was my birthday so I had to celebrate it some how.

We will be going back on June 9th. Then my doctor wants to do another ultra sound to look at a couple of things that they were not able to see during week 19. She wants to see his face head on and a shot of his stomach. These are things that she is not too worried about otherwise we would have has an ultra sound yesterday.


It was a nice day. I worked a half day yesterday, went to the doctor, and spent time with Jeff.
We also started out baby registry at Babies R Us. I am planning on registering at Target as well but am won't drag Jeff through that. He was a trooper but I think the thought off all the stuff you"need" tends to freak him out.

The baby's room is moving along nicely. I think this weekend we will be able to move the bed and the desk out. Jeff will be making a trip to the dump too. We have really been trying to get rid of old stuff that has been just sitting around. We are still finding stuff from when his grandma and grandpa lived here.


Baby Stuff
Joe is more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango). His skin is red and wrinkled. Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare him for breathing. He can swallow, but he normally won't pass his first stool (called meconium) until after birth. Loud noises heard often in utero — such as your dog barking or the roar of a vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze your baby when he hears them outside the womb.

Moose Moment
Poor Moose Man. Things are changing and he is on to it. Now that he is a little older we are trying to give him more freedom. Which means no more kennel when we are gone. For a while he seemed very happy with his new freedom or responsibility as I like to call it but he know that there is something going on with Mom. Not sure what but he is grumpy. He can't sit in my lap at night and he can't figure out why when he snuggles with me at bed time why he can't get comfy with that big tummy in the way. So he is trying new tactics to be close to his mommy and trying to avoid his found freedom. Take a look at the pic above.

Creation

I think this is just so cool. It amazes me that all this is going on inside of me.
All because two people fell in love.

Week 22

We have been in a bit of a health kick at the Schmidt house. Jeff is training for a 45 mile bike ride for MS on May 31st. So he has been biking and walking like crazy. Which means that he wants me to go with him. I try to keep up as best I can but I put my foot down biking 20 miles or waking up at 6 AM to go for a walk.

This weekend Chas and Jeff biked 20 miles while Kelly, Travis and I did about 5 miles. Picture me riding a bike. hehehe. I don't feel like I am over doing it in fact I feel great! Plus I am getting a mile walk to a mile in a half walk in about every other day.

Jeff and I have been watching what we are eating and trying our best to cut pop out of our diet. Jeff has been better at that then me. I still want a Cherry Pepsi every now and then. With all the health stuff going on Jeff has lost a few pounds. I am hapy for him but this is not what you want to hear from your husband while you are gaining wieght. It doesn't make me feel that great. So we have decided that we won't share that info with each other.

Joe's room is coming along nicely. One more Sunday of cleaning and I think we will be ready for that crib. I have a few small decor projects that are in the works too. So I am hoping that his room will be ready by the begining of June.

This coming week will be another crazy one at work. But I am hoping to slow down after this week. May is crazy both at KC and home. We have birthdays, a wedding shower, wedding, graduation and of course Mother's Day to celeberate this month. I was looking at our calendar and we are booked every Sat. in May. Poof just like that your month is gone.

Baby Stuff
from babycenter.com
Joe now looks like a miniature newborn, checking in at 10.9 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound. His skin will continue to appear wrinkled until he gains enough weight to fill it out, and the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his head and body is now visible. His lips are becoming more distinct, and the first signs of teeth are appearing as buds beneath his gum line. Her eyes are developed, though the iris (the colored part of the eye) still lacks pigment. Eyelids and eyebrows are in place, and his pancreas, essential for hormone production, is developing steadily.

Week 20

We are half way!
This has been a big week for us. We spent our entire weekend spring cleaning. Which means that I had 2 tearful break downs while Jeff tried everything he could to stay out of the house and work in the yard.

I have come to the conclusion that Jeff and I both like to be in charge of projects. Neither one of us wants to take the back seat. This made spring cleaning day very interesting. Normally he worked outside and I would work in the inside. But this year he had to help me with moving furniture and even opening windows. As he is feeling that his wife has become helpless I am watching my Independence walk out the door. I know that things are going to change and I am going to need to count on him more but as my body changes and Joe gets bigger I am finding harder to do simple things and it really bothers me.

For example we go on walks about every other night. Well one night I had to slow down the whole group because I had gotten kicked and all of the sudden lost my breath. It's just those little things that are making my a little more nutz than I already am.

On a high note Jeff and I celebrated our 2year wedding anniversary. We had dinner at the Dock Cafe in Stillwater. I was very good but it is now 1:43 AM and I have such bad heart burn I am writing in this blog until the Tums kicks in. ;0)

Baby Stuff
from babycenter.com
It's kinda yucky but.....
Joe weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom, and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, we use measurements taken from the top of the baby's head to her bottom — known as the "crown to rump" measurement. After that, we use measurements from head to toe. This is because a baby's legs are curled up against her torso during the first half of pregnancy and are very hard to measure.)

A greasy white substance called vernix caseosa coats her entire body to protect her skin during its long submersion in amniotic fluid. (This slick coating also eases the journey down the birth canal.)

Joe is swallowing more, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky substance that's the result of cell loss, digestive secretion, and swallowed amniotic fluid. This meconium will accumulate in her bowels, and you'll see it in his first messy diaper (although a few babies pass it in utero or during delivery).

Jeff Moment
This week Jeff is trying to deal with me. Hope next week goes better!

***The baby pictured above is not Joe. It is an example of where he is in his development.

Week 19

I spent a lot of time at different appointments thsi past week. We had our regular dr. appt. on 4/7. Everthing is going great. It is wild to think about how big my uterus is since my exam. My weight seems to be good too. Even though I am "full of life" I really miss my favorite pair of jeans.

I went to the dentist on 4/9 for a regular cleaning. At the end of my vistit I had to set up two more appointments because I have gum daisees due to pregnancy. Let me just say I hate going to the dentist. I cry just before evry visit and the thought of having to go three times in a month makes me sick. Plus my dentist, who is my age, is kinda slime ball. Needless to say Jeff wants me to make the switch to Dr. Spahl. Which I will do after my appointments.

4/11 was the big ultra sound. ( This is where I tell the world what we are having)
After getting the baby to move a little we discovered that it is a.......boy!
Yep, the wee bump that is not so wee is a boy bump named Joseph Thomas

I do feel bad for my poor mom. She really was looking hard for the girl parts.
I must say part of me wanted a girl because, well, I am out numbered in my house and I really like to buy little girl clothes.

But having a boy is great for a few reasons. I think that having Joe is going to help Jeff get over some of his baby fears. Sure he will have them but I think it would have been very stressful for him to have a little girl first. Second, I am looking forward to the bond that Joe will develop with his Grandpa Gerry and Gampa Tom. Jeff and I were both very close to our grandparents especially our grandfathers. And finally, I just can't wait to hold him and bring him home!

Baby Stuff
from babycenter.com
Baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces, and he measures 6 inches, head to bottom. His arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of his body now. His kidneys continue to make urine, and the hair on his scalp is sprouting. This is a crucial time for sensory development: Your baby's brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch.

Jeff Moment
Jeff loves to call the baby Joey. I love to call the baby Joe.
The baby is named after Jeff's Grandpa Schmidt who went by the name Joe and the middle name is after Jeff's dad and my uncle/ Godfather both are named Thomas.
Jeff has a best friend named Joseph Thomas Spahl who goes by Joey.

You make the call.


*** Please feel free to send this blog onto others. I feel like I have missed some family and friends. Also, if you need help leaving comments please drop me a line at:
hjokeeffe78@ yahoo.com

***** The picture that is posted with this weeks blog is a picture of Baby Joe sucking his thumb. The ultra sound tec. says that he weighs 9 oz.

18 Weeks

This past week I have been trying my best to fight off a cold which turned into a sinus infection. I am taking medication but it has been a slow process getting better.

Jeff went out of town this weekend so it was nice and peaceful at home. Moose and I enjoyed sleeping in. :)

I did have a few moments this weekend I am sure Jeff is glad he wasn't home. I yelled a our neighbor kid because he was having a party and some of his friends were fighting out side my bedroom window at 1 AM. I won't write what I said to the kids but I am sure you can imagine.

On top of all that Moose got loose! Lucky for he comes on my first call. Finally I had a few words with someone who was visiting a neighbor a cross the street that it would be great if the could park their cars the right way so I can back out and leave my house. If you have been to my house then you know how many cars can be parked on the street when these certain neighbors have their family over. Seems like little things now that I write them down but, boy was I mad!

I have also started nesting. Jeff and I went looking at baby furniture yesterday. I have also started cleaning out the spare bed room. I need one good weekend of work i there and I think I will have it under control. I have also started putting some of the baby's things away in the changing table/dresser that we have.

Like I told Court last night. Four months from my wedding we were planned and ready to go. I am four months form having a baby and I am no where near ready!

We have a doctor's appointment today! Things are progressing very well. The baby's heart rate is at 145. I was loud and very strong. No kicking sounds this time.

We are scheduled for the "big" ultra sound on Friday! We are hoping to find out what the wee Bump is that day. I can't wait for Friday but with my luck the kid won't show us the "goods"

But the baby is half Jeff's so maybe we will have another so off. ;0)

Baby Stuff
from babycenter.com

Head to bottom, your baby is approximately 5 1/2 inches long and she weighs almost 7 ounces. She's busy flexing her arms and legs — movements that you'll likely start noticing more and more. Her blood vessels are visible through her thin skin and her ears are now in position and stand out from her head. Myelin (a protective covering) is beginning to form around her nerves, a process that will continue for a year after she's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and Fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If your baby is a boy, his genitals are noticeable, though he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

Jeff Moment

Babies R' Us is the coolest place very! We went to look at baby furniture but he was so interested in car seats and strollers he has already picked out the one we should get. He could not believe that a store that large was just for babies. Wonder if he will be that excited to go into Motherhood Maternity?

**** The pictures of the developing baby that I have been posting are NOT pictures of my own baby but pictures to show that progress that our baby is going through.

Week 17

I worked a ton this week. I don't think that I will be able to pull those kind of hour off much longer and on top of that I am getting a cold. Jeff is on my back about going on walks with him and Moose but that was hard to do this week because I was getting home @ 7 PM. I would have loved to go every night but there just wasn't enough time in my day.

We did get to spend some time with friends and Family in Finlayson this weekend to celebrate St. Eurho's day. It was great to see everyone again. I was looking at some old pictures of us and though about how much life has changed for everyone in those pictures. Wow, how time flies!

The wee bump is getting bigger as I had commented below it is starting to look more like a speed bump. I rolled over on my tummy in the middle of the night and I got a good kick once I rolled back to my side. ( Someone did not like that much)
I am doing my best to sleep on my left side but Jeff is to my left and he doesn't make it easy to sleep next to him. He talks, snores, moves his arms around, ect. So normally I will sleep on my right side so I don't have to deal with him. Plus Moose Man sleeps on top of my feet or where ever he feels he needs to be. I think we need a bigger bed or a better mattress. I'll take either.

I have started ordering things for the baby's room. We are going to do a Moon & Star theme in the bedroom since it is already painted. I now have to start cleaning the room out. Joy!

Baby Stuff
from babycenter.com
Baby weighs 5 ounces now and he's around 5 inches long. He can move his joints, and his skeleton — until now rubbery cartilage — is starting to harden to bone. His sense of hearing is also developing. The umbilical cord, his lifeline to the placenta, is growing stronger and thicker.

( We don't know what we are having yet but I hate calling the baby "It")


Jeff Moment
Jeff is really worried about Moose and how the dog is going to deal will the the baby coming. Since we lost Charlie, Moose has become our world. So the conversation started and Jeff thinks that it would be a good idea to get a second dog before the puppy is born. Yeah, he called his unborn child a puppy.

No, we are not getting another dog. I am not ready for that mess.

16 Weeks

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Easter. We made our round to see all of the parents today. This will be the last holiday that we do that sillyness. Next big holiday will be Thanksgiving so the folks willhave to come to visit us.

By us I mean myself, Jeff, Moose and our Wee Bump! Yep. We are having a baby!
I am now entering my 16th week! Which means less morning sickness and more belly!
I am affaid that the 'bump' is getting bigger and I must start wearing prego pants. Don't get me wrong it's nice to have the extra room for holiday eating but I sure do have some really cute capris that won't see the light of day this summer.

Baby Stuff:
from babycenter.com
I felt the baby move for the first time on 3/17. My mom think's that this is still to early but the movements have been pretty regular. Plus they feel a little more freaky then gas.
Develpoement wise the baby is about 4 1/2 inches long and weighs about 3 1/2 oz. The baby's heart is pumping 25 quarts of blood each day. At each of our doctor's visits the heart rate is at 160. The baby's eyes have moved to the front of the head and are moving slowly. The baby is also developing finger nails.



My next doctor appt. is 4/7. I think by the end of April we will find out what the baby is and start calling it by it's name and not Wee Bump.