Sick Baby Update Part 1

Good morning!

                I just wanted to get a quick update up for all of those who are asking!

Please read my previous post “Sick Baby” if you haven’t already to understand what is going on.

                Oaklee went in on Monday morning for her follow up appointment. She seems to be back to normal to me and the doctor was pleased with how much she is moving and how much her attitude has changed! She requested more blood work to be done to make sure her inflammation levels were going down and to continue taking Naproxen for another four weeks and see her again.

            She called back later that day to give us the blood results and said that the inflammation levels were going down but now it showed her liver enzymes were high… Her doctor said it could be a few things like the medication she was taking or it could be another clue to whatever she has (the doctors still don’t know). She asked us to stop the medication and come in the following day (Tuesday) and get an ultrasound of her liver to make sure everything was okay and to follow up with more blood work on Thursday.

                We received the ultrasound results and everything is normal. So right now we are waiting until Thursday to see if her levels have changed since stopping the medication. I will be sure to do another update once we know more. She seems to be moving normal (I was a little nervous she would slow down after we stopped the medicine but she seems to be doing fine). It's been very stressful for us and we are so ready for it to be over! We were getting close to paying off our medical bills from Zack's surgeries from 3 years ago, Oaklee's birth and now this. It kind of seems endless but I know it will all work out. We appreciate you all taking the time to reach out and give us encouraging words. It truly means so much to me and thank you for your continued prayers. Hoping and praying for good news Thursday.

Love Always,

The Crazy Collards 

20 Weeks!

How far along: 20 weeks as of November 1, 2015!

Total weight gain/loss: Had a doctors appointment this week so I am at 126lbs. It scares me a little seeing it go up. Being small I've never seen this happen!

Maternity clothes: I can't fit into some of my favorite pieces anymore but I've made up for it by buying new clothes that can stretch while and grow and still look awesome later on! 

Sleep: Sleeping really good this week! Loving the time change! Zack and I have decided to just stick to our old schedule (what our body is used to) so we wake up at 6:00 now and it's so refreshing to not have to rush to get ready and still have time to pick up around the house before we leave to work!

Best moment this week: We were able to see our baby girl this week at our 20 week ultrasound appointment! Everything is looking good and she is one wiggly little girl!! My favorite part was when the tech tried to get some pictures of her face she decided to be a little shy and hide by putting her hands AND her feet in front!! 

Food cravings: Still loving that milk! And donuts!! I have been wanting donuts so bad lately! 

Food aversions: Um nothing really bothered me this week!

Gender: Baby Girl! Zacky asked the tech to double check just in "case" anything changed. Still for sure a girl!

Labor signs: Nope! 

Pregnancy symptoms: Belly is for sure growing!! I love it!
My belly button is starting to really poke out! I hate it! ha ha
She moves like crazy and I am able to feel it on the outside! The most insane feeling ever!
Swollen/sensitive gums. They bleed so bad when I brush my teeth.

What I miss: Really miss playing soccer with my sisters!

What I am looking forward to: Meeting my new doctor (kind of nervous) 

Milestones: Made it to the halfway point!!

One tip I could give a first time mom who is also 20 weeks along: Keep up with your baby book and write down these moments! 

19 Weeks!

How far along: 19 weeks as of October 15, 2015!

Total weight gain/loss: Won't know until my next doctors appointment! 

Maternity clothes: Still going strong on those dresses and skirts! 

Sleep: I have been sleeping soooo much better! I don't know if it's because of the cold air which makes me sleep like a baby, or what but I've been sleeping like a champ! Also been having crazy dreams again.

Best moment this week: Just feeling all those kicks!

Food cravings: Still loving the spicy food this week! And I LOVE milk! Milk has never tasted so good to me!

Food aversions: Sandwiches 

Gender: Baby Girl! 

Labor signs: Nope! 

Pregnancy symptoms: Growing belly
My feet at the end of the day (probably doesn't help that I wear heels 99% of the time)
That's about it for this week!

What I miss: Sushi and playing soccer

What I am looking forward to: Still the 20 week appointment! I can't wait to see her again! 

Milestones: It's crazy to think that in less then a week I will be halfway through this pregnancy! 

One tip I could give a first time mom who is also 19 weeks along: Drink plenty of water!

17 Weeks!

How far along: 17 weeks as of October 11, 2015!

Total weight gain/loss: At my doctors appointment last week I was up 6lbs. So total weight is 121!

Maternity clothes: I officially cannot fit into any of my pants so I have been sticking to leggings!  Luckily for work I mainly wear dresses and skirts so I have been lucky and able to fit in most of those since they stretch. 

Sleep: It's getting better but I still toss and turn a lot to get comfortable. 

Best moment this week: Having another appointment and being able to hear her sweet heartbeat! Also being able to call her by her name and a her. Also being able to feel her little kicks is really exciting and crazy! I can't wait until they become stronger! 

Food cravings: Chick-fil-a, steak, sausage & eggs. I guess I want protein! haha

Food aversions: Peppers

Gender: Baby Girl! 

Labor signs: Nope! 

Pregnancy symptoms: Feeling pretty good this week! Still having a growing belly and my belly button is starting to poke out. I'm really self conscious about it. 

What I miss: Sushi!

What I am looking forward to: My 20 week appointment. I am just so nervous about his process and I feel like once I finally have that big scan and make sure she's growing how she should be and that everything is okay, I'll be able to relax a little.

Milestones: I am only three weeks away from the half way mark and that blows my mind! I am loving every minute of the second trimester! 

One tip I could give a first time mom who is also 17 weeks along: Take time everyday to touch your belly and enjoy being pregnant.

16 Weeks!

How far along: 16 weeks as of October 05, 2015!

Maternity clothes: I'm not sure if I need maternity clothes but the clothes I have now just aren't fitting me the way I want them to.. I don't feel my best in them which I hate so I think i'll be doing some shopping this week!

Sleep: I've said it again and again but I hate sleeping on my sides and it keeps me up at night. My legs keep getting so sore and ache and it drives me crazy! Sleep is not my friend. :( 

Best moment this week: Keeping the best kept secret of all time (not telling anyone for a few days that we are having a baby girl!!) & then finally being able to tell the family the news! They were so shocked! Everyone thought it was going to be a boy!

(insert pictures below) 

Food cravings: Baked beans! 

Food aversions: Nothing really this week. Still don't like chicken. 

Gender: It's a baby girl!!! I knew it! 

Labor signs: Nope! 

Pregnancy symptoms: 
I felt the baby move!! Crazy stuff! 
Having to use the bathroom a bit more. 
My bump is growing.
Tender nipples.
Sensitive gums.

What I miss: As of right now nothing really. I am just so grateful for this blessing everyday! 

15 Weeks!

How far along: 15 weeks as of September 27, 2015!

Maternity clothes: My clothes are starting to feel really tight!  

Sleep: Sleeping okay, I just can never seem to get comfortable. 

Best moment this week: Having our gender reveal appointment, even though this little angel was being a bit shy and didn't want anyone to see what he/she was! Mommy & Daddy had to go back a second time to get a better look. 

Food cravings: Pickles & those peppers that Olive Garden put on the salads! 

Food aversions: This doesn't really count as food but toothpaste really gets to me. 

Gender: A girl! 

Labor signs: Nope! 

Pregnancy symptoms: Not feeling the best at nights this week. 
My gums are very sensitive and bleed really easily.
I can feel baby move now! 
I've got a baby bump. 

What I miss: I've been feeling pretty great this week so I honestly can't think of anything I am really missing. I am getting to the stage where I am starting to enjoy this pregnancy! yay! (:

What I am looking forward to: Being able to buy little girls clothing! 

Milestones: Finding out we are having a little girl! 

One tip I could give a first time mom who is also 15 weeks along: Yes, finding out the gender early will give you peace of mind! (;

Gender Reveal Story

Hey everyone! I feel like it's been awhile since I have actually sat down to write a post besides my weekly updates! This is already going to be a long post so I will jump right into it!

I was so anxious about finding out the gender that the night before our appointment I was way too excited to sleep!! I woke up in a great mood and was ready to find out if baby Collard was a boy or girl (I knew it was a girl, I just knew it!) But anyway, we arrived at our appointment anxious as can be and went back into the room to see!

I thought they were just going to look for the goods but instead they went slow and got a few pictures of the profile, feet, and spine. When it came time to see the goods baby Collard decided to be a little shy and sit Indian style so no one could see. The tech had me lay on my side for a minute to see if we could get baby to move. The next time she checked baby had her legs crossed (already a stubborn one! ha ha) so she had me switch sides. Again when she went to check baby had hands in the way! Baby did not want us to know!

After the third check our time was up so we had to reschedule another appointment later that week to see if we could see then... To be honest I was really disappointed, but I just kept thinking it was okay as long as baby was happy and healthy.

We went into work after the appointment and no one believed that we really didn't find out!! Our gender reveal party was schedule for Sunday that week so everyone had to wait a few days to find out and so they thought it was a cover up!! Literally, no one believed us! ha ha

Our next appointment came and I wasn't getting my hopes up this time. We went in and this tech was awesome and got right to the goods! Baby was not being shy this time, legs were wide open! And we finally got the news... It's a Girl!!!! I turned to Zack and said, "HA! I told you!!"

He then replied with, "Can you check again?" ha ha

The tech did check again and let us know that we had a textbook picture of a girl! I was so excited but I could tell Zack was terrified!! Ha ha. When we got to the car all he could say was, "We have to buy tampons..." ha ha! He kills me!!

 Fast forward to later that week, we had our party! Everyone in my family and his thought it was a boy! I thought I would be the only one on the girl team! Luckily some people thought different! As you can tell the big boy team and little girl team!

                                     

                                                                          Team Boy!

                                                                            Team Girl!

When we finally told everyone they were really surprised it was a girl!! I wish the video would load (I can never get videos to load, they take forever!) It was fun to hear everyone scream!! (:

We are so excited to welcome a baby girl in our family! Zack gets a house full of girls and I can't wait!!! (I want her to be such a daddy's girl.) 

Thanks for stopping by!

Love Always,
The Crazy Collards

13 Weeks

How far along: 13 weeks as of September 13, 2015!

We got our family pictures done during this week and I LOVE how they turned out! 

Big thanks to Melanie from http://www.melanieisaacphotography.blogspot.com/ 

Total weight gain/loss: I don't have a scale at home so I can only update this when I have a doctors appointment.

Maternity clothes: Not yet

Sleep: It's been really hard for me to get some good sleep at night. I toss and turn and it's really hard to find a comfortable position. 

Best moment this week: Finally having others notice my little bump!

Food cravings: I thought I would like CRAVE one thing and feel like I needed it that second but I really haven't. I guess you could say I've been craving pickles this week, but I'm fine if I don't get them.

Food aversions: Meat

Gender: I keep going back and fourth on this! I had a really strong gut feeling that it was a girl but now I kinda feel like it's a boy! Ahh! We get to find out in about 2 weeks and I can't wait!!! 

Labor signs: Nope! 

Pregnancy symptoms: Still feel sick if I am not eating every 2-3hrs, my nipples are so sore (tmi?) and thats about it for this week. Can I just say that they are not kidding when they say making a baby is hard work!!! It was not what I was expecting AT ALL!!

What I miss: Sleeping on my tummy

What I am looking forward to: Finding out the gender in 2 short weeks!!! 

Milestones: Almost to my 2nd trimester!!!  

One tip I could give a first time mom who is also 13 weeks along: Make your husband rub your feet. You totally deserve it!

11 Weeks!!

How far along: 11 weeks as of August 30, 2015!

Maternity clothes: I swear I write the same thing every week but I mainly wear dresses and skirts for work so pretty much everything is still fitting pretty well! 

Sleep: I feel like I am slowly getting my energy back but come 8:00 pm its time for me to go to bed! 

Best moment this week: I felt pretty good this week and wasn't as sick which made me very happy! 

Food cravings: Box Mac & Cheese & Mandarin Oranges. Both of which I never got my hands on this week! :( 

Food aversions: I am really sick of eating out and fast food. 

Gender: I have such a strong feeling it's a girl! 

Labor signs: Nope! 

Pregnancy symptoms: Most of the nasty signs have gone but I have to pee a lot more lately, hungry all the time and slowly getting a teeny tiny bump. 

What I miss: Not being picky with food, and having enough energy in the morning to spend some time on how I look! 

What I am looking forward to: Our 12 week appointment and being able to hear the heartbeat!

Milestones: So close to being in the second trimester which will give me so much peace.

One tip I could give a first time mom who is also 11 weeks along: Take lots of pictures and enjoy this journey! 

9 Weeks!

How far along: 9 weeks as of August 16, 2015!

Maternity clothes: Not yet! 

Sleep: Fatigue hit me hard this week. I feel like I can't go a day without taking a nap, but that might also be because of how sick I am. 

Best moment this week: This was a really rough week for me but the best moment(s) for me were being able to see how much this has impacted Zack's life. He has been so amazing this entire time and I have no idea how I would survive without him. Every night while I take a few minutes to puke up my dinner he always makes sure to tell me he loves me! haha! He has seriously been a life saver! 

Food cravings: Not much sounds good these days. 

Food aversions: Way to much to put down! haha 

Gender: A girl! I really think it's a girl! 

Labor signs: Nope! 

Pregnancy symptoms: Morning sickness... or should I say night sickness. I am sooo sick at night that 99.9% of the time I can't keep my dinner down. It's been rough and I spend a lot of time crying by myself in the shower. Haha 
I also finally noticed my boobs are growing (itty bitty titty committee over here) so this is awesome!!! 
I've noticed a little bump coming in! 
Really tired!
Peeing a lot more! 

What I miss: Not being sick. Oh I can't tell you how many times a day I pray that I wont be sick that day. I also miss being able to do simple things like the dishes, laundry, cleaning the house. By the time I come home from work I am dead and I feel so horrible that I leave Zack to do it all... I cry about that in the shower also! 
I am trying my best love bug!!! I'm sorry!! :(

8 Weeks!

How far along: 8 weeks as of August 9, 2015!

Total weight gain/loss: 115.2! .2lbs more then pre-pregnancy weight

Maternity clothes: Not yet! 

Sleep: Very tired again this week! Love when its finally bed time! I get really sick at nights so sleep is heaven to me! 

Best moment this week: Our appointment!! Oh my goodness! It was amazing actually being able to see that little baby inside of me!! It still blows me away looking at the pictures! Zack is really cute and has them on display at his desk at work! 

Food cravings: Depends on the day. Hour. Minute. Second.  

Food aversions: Still candy. 

Gender: I really think its a girl now! 

Labor signs: Nope! 

Pregnancy symptoms: Morning sickness still. :( It sucks. Some days I literally barf my eyeballs out. Another thing that is really weird is I get the hiccups EVERY SINGLE DAY! It will only be like one or two really loud ones and then its gone.

What I miss: Waking up feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Now I just wake up and want to barf.  

What I am looking forward to: Being able to announce the good news to everyone! Anyday now!

Milestones: Saw that little blueberry for the first time and was able to hear its heartbeat!!

One tip I could give a first time mom who is also 8 weeks along: Thank God for that little miracle every day! 

7 Weeks!!

How far along: 7 weeks as of August 2, 2015!

Total weight gain/loss: 115.00 same as before.

Maternity clothes: Just wearing dresses or workout clothes.  

Sleep: So tired... I am literally falling asleep typing this and its 9:30 in the morning. My dreams are so freaking crazy sometimes! This week I had a dream about a snake biting our dog in the desert, giving birth while trying to walk to the hospital (like full on details people! It was a boy!), and last but not least I was Peter Pan.. Sometimes these dreams are fun to wake up to but vivid dreams also mean vivid nightmares. Terrifying people. 

Best moment this week: This was a really, really hard week for me. But i'd have to say the best moment was finally feeling better and able to get out of bed and eat food like a normal person.

Food cravings: Nothing really. Everything sounds gross. 

Food aversions: Candy, anything sugar and sweet.

Gender: I had another dream last night that it was a boy. So I really have no idea at this point! 

Labor signs: Nope! 

Pregnancy symptoms: I am sooooooo sick. Literally been in the bathroom or bed 24/7. Some days I don't even want to move it's so bad! I finally went to the doctors on friday and they gave me some medicine to help and it has been helping a ton but it makes me super sleepy! 

What I miss: Not feeling sick every minute of every day. 

What I am looking forward to: First appointment and feeling better! 

Milestones: Only one more week until our appointment!  

One tip I could give a first time mom who is also 7 weeks along: Just give in and puke whenever you want. It's okay.