Growing Belly - Month 8

31 weeks

This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy. (www.babycenter.com)

Belly is growing at a rapid speed

Sometimes I walk by a mirror and a catch a glimpse of myself and I freeze. Omigod. I have a belly. Like...that is a big belly...my belly. There's a baby in there. This is crazy!!! Is that really me? My body? Whoa...

I'm still wearing [some] non-maternity shirts, but I think that's going to be very short-lived as my skin is starting to show under some of my tops. Probably not the classiest look for work apparel. My stretchy work pants from New York & Company are finally getting tight around the waist too. I might have to hang them up soon and invest in some real maternity pants. Sigh.

I survived the evil stomach flu (barely) this past week. It was a rough bug - took about six days to completely feel better and eat again. Poor baby was probably thirsty and starving inside me, but there wasn't much I could do. Karl forced me to drink as many liquids as I could and asked for a temperature update every hour. I called the nurses line twice, which is something I've never done before. I truly thought I was going to die at one point, but all is well now. Thank God. Hopefully that means I won't be getting the flu bug for another ten or so years....

My leg cramps and charlie horses have gone away. Yay! But, instead, the baby is for sure sitting on my bladder. It even hurts to walk, which is the weirdest feeling for me. I did make it through 25 minutes of stair stepper last night and felt like a whole new person afterwards so I was glad I made myself push through. I wonder if I could exercise and deliver at the same time....seems like that would keep my mind preoccupied. All I know is exercise sure makes me sleep better at night.

I've noticed that stress completely knocks me out. I had a real rough day at work on Monday and I could barely keep my eyes open that evening. Trying to do what I can to prevent stress from occurring but sometimes it's out of my control.

Baby is moving quite a bit. I can see an arm or elbow move across my entire belly. Karl says when I'm sleeping, he'll put his hand on my belly and say goodnight to the baby and will get a swift kick. He loves that.

We finally started writing down names for baby, but we haven't settled on any. We feel we need to meet the baby first and see if there's a name that pops in our minds once baby is out in this big world. Not sure if it works that way, but I want to pick a name that fits baby's face and personality.

I wrote a blog for the Star Tribune about all the most recent thoughts I've been feeling. Here's a link to the latest post! A Different Kind of Love.

We spent all last weekend setting up all our new furniture and picking up all the picture frames and heavy objects and papers off the floors and tables in the family, dining room and kitchen. Our house looks like a different place. I'm not sure why we waited so long to do this? Our next focus is the baby's nursery. I was thinking of picking up the crib this week and getting that set up this weekend.

I can't believe there is less than nine weeks to go. I have a feeling these next two months are going to go fast - they will be uncomfortable - but still go fast. Life is about to change in a real big way, isn't it? I still can't fully accept this is happening. I'm going to be a mom. Wow.

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Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna Noodle Casserole
serves 4
recipe found in Better Homes and Garden (May 2008)

Can't forget the potato chips!

3 cups medium noodles (4 oz.)

1 cup chopped celery

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 - 3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard

2 1/4 cups milk

1 12 ounce can chunk tuna, drained

1/2 cup bottled roasted red sweet peppers, chopped

Potato chips, optional

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In large saucepan cook noodles according to package directions. Drain; return noodles to pan.

2. For sauce, in medium saucepan cook celery and onion in hot butter until tender. Stir in flour, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Add milk all at once; cook and stir until slightly thickened and bubbly, whisking to remove any lumps.

3.  Gently fold sauce, tuna, and peppers into noodles. Transfer to lightly greased 1-1/2-quart baking dish. Top with chips. Bake, uncovered, 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through. Let stand 5 minutes.

I had to add cheese too!

Karl's reaction: "Could use juuuuust a little bit more salt babe."

My take: I felt like this needed a little bit of lemon and some dill or something. Otherwise it was pretty good!

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Bloom Blog Tour Guest Post (and a recipe!) from Julie Anne Lindsey

Introducing.... Julie Anne Lindsey
A wonderful friend, writer and critique partner

Thank you Christie for having me over to your super lovely blog! This is my very first blog tour and I am so excited. I’m really stoked to be here because you always have the yummiest recipes to share! I wanted to give you my chocolate/peanut butter Buckeye recipe BUT thanks to the snowpocolypse  in Ohio right now, I think something warm and cuddle-up-kins is in order.

Julie's fabulous sweet romance! Great read!!!

My husband’s grandmother makes this soup and she shared the recipe with me when we got married.  My family loves this recipe, and I’ve even made it once or twice when it was way too hot for soup because I craved it! LOL. A good old yum-it-up recipe

Stuffed Pepper Soup

1 ½ pounds of hamburger/turkey burger (whatever your family prefers) ground and browned
2 cans of diced tomatoes (I like the petite diced tomatoes with garlic; sweet onion)
2 cans of water
2 beef bouillon cube
1 Tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
½  cup diced onion (I use lots of onions. I love onions!)
1 ½ cup chopped green pepper (I also go crazy with the green peppers)

Brown the ground beef in a soup pot and drain. Add peppers, onions, salt, sugar, bouillon, tomatoes and water and bring to a boil. Then cover and reduce heat. Let it simmer for an hour or so, all day is okay too.

You can adjust the amounts to suit your family’s tastes, but it is delicious any way you mix it! I hope you’ll make a batch tonight and curl up to watch the snow fall!

I also hope you’ll visit Honey Creek if you need a good old country escape. It’s a beautiful place where anything can happen. Kick off your shoes, relax into that porch swing and cuddle up to a steamy mug of soup with my debut novella Bloom! Now taking a trip to Honey Creek is as easy as Amazon : ) See you there!

Bloom by Julie Anne Lindsey

In a town filled with her past, she never expected to find her future…

Seven years ago Cynthia left Honey Creek with a broken heart. Three years ago Mitchell arrived with one.  Now Cynthia’s come home, and these two hardened hearts can’t stop arguing. If they’d only take a break long enough to find some common ground, they might be surprised to find love can grow anywhere.

If they’ll let it, love will find a way to Bloom.

*Bloom is book one in my new Seeds of Love series.  I’ll be planting those seeds all year.

About Julie:

I am a mother of three, wife to a sane person and Ring Master at the Lindsey Circus. Most days you'll find me online, amped up on caffeine & wielding a book.

The Great Julie Anne Lindsey!

You can find my blogging about the writer life at Musings from the Slush Pile

Tweeting my crazy at @JulieALindsey

Reading to soothe my obsession on GoodReads

And other books by me on Amazon

Bloom Buy Link

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Baby Shower #2 - Entering Month 8

31 weeks

Minnesota Baby Shower

What an awesome baby shower thrown by my sister-in-law, Kelly and Karl's aunt (and godmother) Janie. I'm overwhelmed right now with all the love and generosity I've received from so many people. We are feeling so blessed and so lucky. Jeez we know a lot of awesome people.

We had quite the spread of food! YUMMY!

Well, I just realized (yes, as I'm putting this post together) the shower...as in the shower I was the guest of honor at...started at 10:30, and Karl and I didn't show until 10:45. I'm feeling really cool now. Like as low as scum. Who does that??? For one, I was still battling getting over the stomach flu (yes, it got me good) and haven't totally been all there, but I have never in my life mixed times up like that. What is wrong with me!?!? I feel like such an idiot right now.

Super fun baby shower hosted by Aunt Kelly and Great Aunt Janie

Some of the fabulous guests!

Kelly's place was packed with friends and family and was decorated really great. There were so many cute details everywhere. From two books Kelly bought that said I Love You Daddy and I Love You Mommy with our baby pictures next to them to this cute little baby carriage fruit spread my mother-in-law made to a big diaper cake she put together. All super cool and creative!

I Love You Daddy Book (and a pic of Karl as a baby)

I Love You Mommy Book (and a picture of me)

My mother-in-law, Judy made this cute fruit baby carriage!

Brunch was served and it was delicious! After, we played a couple fun games. One, we had to unscramble a bunch of baby words. I wasn't very good at it. I had maybe three right - Karl got nine right. Then we played a "Price is Right" game where Janie brought out a bunch of items from Target in a bin that baby will use and we had to guess the price of each item. Then we added our totals and determined who came the closest. I guessed a total of $87 and Karl's was around $38. Karl was only about $.75 off. I guess I shop at expensive places.... He won. He's so kicking my butt!!!

Then I began opening gifts. Wow. There were so many! And so many awesome, adorable things. I couldn't believe it. Blows me away every time I start thinking about the time and talents it takes to put some of this stuff together!!!!

Look at this adorable sweater Janie made. WOW! So CUTE!

Kelly's awesome friend Kaisa made the CUTEST burp cloths I've ever seen!

My dear friend Sue Ann shipped out this fab bookshelf for all baby K's books!

Karl's other Godmother, Aunt Susan, made this fun blanket!

Karl's mom kept Karl's blankets and wrapped them up for Baby K

Then I thanked everyone for coming (wishing now I could've explained why I was so late... and apologized ten times over). The shower was a GREAT success. Karl and I couldn't be more excited for the big day!

Me, Karl, Great Grandma Bea, Great Grandma Alice and Grandma Judy

Kelly did an AWESOME job!!!! THANK YOU!

Huge success!!!! Can't wait for the next one! Baby Koester is sure one lucky baby! :)

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Ten Weeks Until the Big Day - Entering month 8

30 weeks

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

I can't believe it! Ten more weeks! Wow! That's it??? Could be less. Could be more. Seems like time has gone really fast. Doesn't it? But I hear the last two months are also the slowest because they are the most uncomfortable too.

Spending the weekend with Grandpa and Grandma. Looking all chubby!

This past weekend Karl and I (and my older brother) visited my grandparents in Wild Rose. The guys wanted to go ice fishing and I wanted to spend some quality time with the best grandparents ever. My favorite part is they treat Karl like one of their own. I think they have more pictures hanging up of him than they do of me!

I love how towels were set out for us and they call Karl Dr. Fuzzy. LOL.

While the guys were fishing, I went on a quick walk with my grandpa (pretty good for an 85-year-old man whose heart only beats at 35 beats per minute right now) and then to church with my gpa and gma. They're Catholic and as we were leaving church, my grandma dipped her hand in the blessed water and blessed my belly and baby. That was really sweet and meaningful. And my grandpa rubbed my belly too. I felt my eyes fill with tears for a second. But no crying here!

They both predict 'boy'. Grandma thinks baby boy will be born April 12. Grandpa thinks April 18th.

We had a ton of laughs and it's always hard to leave because I never know when I'll see them next. Every time I see them I think this might be the last time. I try to enjoy every last second of being with them. They are such special people and have meant so much to me my entire life. Such wonderful examples of what I want to be like as a grandparent one day.  Even though when we left, my grandpa was sure to remind us that he'll haunt us in our sleep when he dies. Jeez...thanks!

As to how I'm feeling... Pretty good! I can't complain. I had my first episode of bad heartburn yesterday. I thought I was coming down with the stomach flu (didn't tell my husband that since he fears puke) but realized after I took some Calmicid (Melaluca), I felt better. Duh, I was probably suffering from heartburn. Great. Then I received an email saying heartburn was about to enter my life from now until baby is born. Yipppeee. Let's hope not! I'm going to try eating smaller meals.

Ever since I was told I could sleep on my back, I've been sleeping pretty good! I still have my moments when I wake up to use the bathroom and can't fall asleep right away. Sometimes I feel like I've slept 12+ hours and need to get up and organize the nursery at 3 a.m. Kind of messed up. I'd say I'm going to the bathroom 4-6 times a night. But keep in mind this is kind of normal for me. I go on average probably 3 times during the night, pregnant or not. I must have the world's smallest bladder. My brother calls me Tiny Tanks.

I feel heavier. I don't like that. I'm slow to move and am wondering where the rest of the weight is going to go these next few months...cheeks (both butt and face)...legs...thighs... Sigh.

Digestion issues... Not fun. In short, I have realized how important these things are.

1. Drinking enough water. Take current weight divided by 2...drink that in ounces every day. I've been far from it. But after this weekend, I'll be drinking LOTS more.
2. Eating plenty of vegetables and fruit (for fiber) 
3. Exercise.

All aid in digestion. Trust me...you do not want to be clogged up. No. No. No. 

On our four-hour drive back home I was asking Karl all kinds of questions. I wanted to know what he's most fearful of right now. His response: "Lack of sleep." I guess I felt pretty relieved with that answer because that's my great fear too.

We both decided we really don't know what we are getting ourselves into and what to expect, but we figure we're smart enough to figure things out. And we'll work together to figure things out. So the unknown doesn't worry us so much. We just both love to sleep and need our sleep... And I can't say Karl's ever seen the overly tired Christie. I'm not the nicest person when I don't have enough sleep in me. And I can't see Karl moving any faster when he's extra sleepy...

There are other worries, but that one is our major one. My uncle asked me why I seemed so scared in general. He reminded me it's the circle of life and everything will be fine. It's how it's supposed to be. He's right in a way. Change is good. I noticed now I'm pretty comfortable in my life right now. Go to work, work out, cook, watch some good TV shows. But after awhile, it becomes super routine. I think a good challenge and change up will be good for us. And from now on, life won't really get comfortable. I'm kind of OK with that.

Coming next: Baby Shower #2, Working on our Birthing Plan, Buying the Big Baby Items
         

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3D Ultrasound at 29 Weeks - Month 7

week 29

The Coolest Gift Ever!

We must thank Karl's parents (big time) for hooking us up with one of the coolest gifts - a 3-D Ultrasound. This was just something cool. Thank you! Thank you! It really was awesome.

Of course, baby was being stubborn once again and wouldn't totally turn his/her face to pose for us! At 20 weeks our ultrasound tech said our baby was the most stubborn baby she's worked with in a long time. At 29 weeks, the tech was having the same troubles. Uh-oh! Is this a sign of what's to come??

Adorable little face!

For a split second I felt something I have never felt in my life. This crazy calm, totally-in-love sort of feeling rush over me once I saw baby on the screen. And that was just for a few pictures! I had to stop and ask myself, "Ummm...what the heck was that emotion???" It was the craziest thing. Kind of freaked me out. Like...a rush of this beyond insane love. Does that make sense?

Our baby already seems pretty cool!

I was getting worried that baby was going to be stubborn, stubborn, stubborn. But all of a sudden we get a thumbs up. And all was well again. I'm thinking this baby is going to be pretty cool.

Look close enough and you can see the eyelashes!!!!

I asked the tech if she could find out how big or small the baby was. After all, I was ten pounds when I was born...did that have any say in how big our baby would be? Dear God, I hope not. At 29 weeks she says baby is about three pounds and ten ounces. That seems big to me already.... Doesn't it???

Some day those feet will be doing lots of walking...and volleyball!!!

At our 20-week ultrasound baby's head was stuck on my upper left side. This time his/her head was down and on my right side. Oh, and if anyone knows me...umm, well, I kind of have this thing about ears. OK...maybe a slight fetish. Karl has the BEST ears ever. They are soft and squishy and he lets me flick them and kiss them. I kept wondering if baby would have my ears or his ears. I'm in luck... Baby has his/her dad's ears!!!! Yesssss!!!

Look at those most perfect ears!!!!

This was by far one of the coolest gifts we've received, thanks to Karl's parents!!! This is definitely something we'll cherish for many years! We are so stinken excited to meet Baby Koester!!!!

Hoping this short little video clip comes through because it's pretty sweet too!!! Baby sticks his/her tongue out at the end!!! Silly lil baby!

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Baby and Insurance - Month 7

week 29

Your baby is growing rapidly now. This week he weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is getting bigger to accommodate his growing brain – which is busy developing billions of neurons. Every day, about 200 milligrams of calcium is deposited in your baby's skeleton, which is now hardening. With this rapid growth, it's no surprise that your baby's nutritional needs reach their peak during this trimester. (www.babycenter.com)

What Happens to My Insurance After Baby is Born?

I kept asking myself this. So I decided to do something about it over lunch and called my medical provider. Not that this is an exciting post by any means, but it might be interesting to look back on in 30 some years and see how things have changed in this industry.

Wouldn't it be nice if money grew on trees?

First Steps

From the moment baby is born, my employer will have 31 days to contact our insurance provider and let them know the greatest baby ever was born. :) 

Baby will then be added to my plan, but have his/her own separate plan and his/her own $2500 deductible to meet from that moment to my company's plan year...Aug. 31, 2012.

My current plan

I currently have a $2500 deductible. Yes, I'm on the Health Savings Account (HSA). I did this so I could save enough from each paycheck to cover the $2500 by the time baby is born. Once I've met my $2500 (which I most definitely will after having a baby), I will have met my deductible. Any appointment I go to or service/treatment I receive after, will be 100% covered… until August 31, 2012. That is when our plan ends.

Ummm...yes, I will be getting a mouth/jaw split (which is normally about $800+ out of pocket) because it will finally be covered and I can stop grinding my teeth! I also want to look into contraceptives without hormones. I can no longer be on any birth control pill or anything with hormones since my mom and maternal grandma have Factor Five Gene Mutation. I tested negative, but still...they don't want to risk stroke. Maybe an IUD? Unless we decide we want Irish twins. *gulp*

If I were to add Karl to my plan next year, then we’d have a $5000 deductible grouped together. Seems like a crazy amount of money to me. Again, so pays to be healthy. Thank you mom for always making us eat so healthy and pushing us to play outside all the time!!!!!

My coverage

My insurance will cover me for 48 hours in the hospital AFTER baby has been born. They will extend coverage if they have to. Very nice! If I have a C-Section, I will be covered for 96 hours after baby is born. They will also extend coverage if they have to.  

Breast pumps (which run about $250-$300) can only be covered if:

1. I’m separated from child.

2. My child is born with a condition where he or she can’t suck or has downs syndrome

or

3. I am diagnosed with an infection or a lactation disorder.

Baby's coverage

Baby “well care” is everything the doctor prescribes for baby to keep baby well, and is 100% covered. This is much like the prenatal care I received. All 100% covered. Such as, “I need to see your baby in 3 days for a checkup, or come back in a month so I can see baby…or I need to give baby shots on this day…”

Circumcision, hearing tests are all covered 100%.

Not covered

Emergency room visits or unexpected visits. And if baby gets a fever and cold, it's recommended to bring him/her into urgent care pronto since they have a hard time breathing through their noses at such a young age. Another reason I hope breast feeding works and really does prevent baby from getting sick as much as they say...  

Car seats are not covered. I had to ask because most everyone in my car seat safety class was getting one through their insurance, but I think that’s cuz they are struggling financially??

I will say it was nice to get this out in the open and know what's covered and not.

Up next: 3D Ultrasound tonight!!!!!! I can't wait! Also, ice fishing and weekend at Grandpa and Grandma's.

             

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