Monday, December 28, 2009

New Stubborn Baby Pics


Today was Baby Schaab's 19 week visit to Dr. Ashby. Dr. Ashby got caught up in a delivery at Evanston, so she was running late. Baby Schaab was not happy when she finally got there, and we didn't get many good pictures. Dr. Ashby said she looked good, even if she wasn't cooperating. I'm going back on January 18th for measurements of the baby with Theresa, the ultrasound tech. Also, a new part of my visit today was measuring my belly. Today my belly was measuring a week and a half ahead, however they will confirm this at our next appointment when the measure the baby. It's not from too much weight gain because I'm right on track there... if not a little under. Dr. Ashby said be ready to really start gaining as the baby is starting to grow fast! Take a look at the few pics we got today! :)

Baby Schaab's Heartbeat = 140 bpm

Baby Schaab's feet

19 weeks - Happy Birthday Mommy to Be!

Today is the start of week 19... Here is what Baby Girl Schaab is up to this week according to babycenter.com...

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.

Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

How far along? 19 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +4 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes and loving them.... especially since my pregnancy wardrobe just doubled after Christmas!

Sleep: Is back to waking up a few times a night... however Mike just got me a Boppy Total Body Pillow for Christmas which has provided me an amazing past three nights of sleep. I'm still waking up but this body pillow is amazing! A lot less tossing and turning.
Best moment this week: Being with all of my family and seeing how everyone is so excited for Baby Schaab's arrival! Also, I was able to feel her move a lot more this week! :)

Movement: Some flutters every so often.... It's very exciting and I'm hoping that I start to feel her more and more! Now waiting for the kicks to start... I know Mike is very excited for this as well as he listens to my belly trying to hear her.

Food cravings: Still Juicy Oranges... I LOVE THEM! :) Now if I could only snap my fingers and they would peel themselves... Really any sort of fresh cut fruit that I don't have to cut myself screams my name.

Gender: GIRL

Labor Signs: Not yet. :)

Belly Button in or out? In

What I miss: I actually really am enjoying being pregnant! :) I've been drinking a lot of sparkling juice while everyone else enjoys champagne, wine, etc.... and enjoying all of the yummy flavors!

What I am looking forward to: Seeing Baby Schaab TODAY!!!! What a fabulous golden birthday present!!! I hopefully be able to post some pictures today or tomorrow. I'm also looking forward to wearing my new maternity suit in Florida this week! :) I'm leaving tomorrow and Mike's meeting me there on New Year's Eve for a long weekend. It should be a fabulous and sunny New Year's!

Milestones:
Baby Schaab's arms and legs are now the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body. That is very exciting! Mike and I also have started registering for "baby things" as I read about them in Best Baby Products: Consumer Reports for Baby. This has been a bit nerve racking for me as I'm not a baby expert... yet!

Here is another fun website to check out specific to Baby Girl Schaab's development. I always click in the upper right hand corner to make the narrator the baby - very cool. Check it out!
http://www.ehd.org/pregnancy-calendar.php?person=1&id=12832

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Merry Christmas!

We didn't think that the baby would get so many gifts but we are so lucky to have so many people who love her already! Check out how lucky she is...


Thanks for all of the Christmas Love! :)

Monday, December 21, 2009

Week 18


Today is the start of week 18. Here is what Baby Girl Schaab is up to this week according to babycenter.com...

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long and she weighs almost 7 ounces. She's busy flexing her arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. Her blood vessels are visible through her thin skin, and her ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from her head a bit. A protective covering of myelin 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.

How far along? 18 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +4 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes and loving them.

Sleep: Actually had a great week sleeping (knock on wood). I think the body pillow helps... although it is a little flat!

Best moment this week: Starting to see my belly grow more and more... My mom and I also went to Kickin', a maternity store in Roscoe village. It's a lot different from the Old Navy maternity section... LOVED IT! :)

Movement: I think I've started to feel the baby "quickening" in my belly. It's a weird feeling I've never felt before but I'm not 100% sure it's the baby. No swift kicks yet... which I'm guessing will be strong if she has my soccer genes.

Food cravings: Juicy Oranges... I LOVE THEM! :) Now if I could only snap my fingers and they would peel themselves...

Gender: GIRL

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? In

What I miss: I actually really am enjoying being pregnant! :) Nothing I miss this week but I have a feeling after making cookies today, I'll miss eating raw cookie dough.

What I am looking forward to: Feeling Baby Schaab move more in the next couple of weeks. Also, Mike being able to feel the baby move... he tries to listen to her at night time. I'm also looking forward to seeing our baby girl next Monday, as I have my 19 week ultrasound which should be a lengthy one since the do a lot of measurements... so I'm really looking forward to that birthday present! :)

Milestones: Mike says, "that you have a noticeable baby belly". I also was "professional fitted" for a bra this weekend... what an experience. I didn't know my bra size existed, but we'll leave it at that. The girls look and feel fabulous for now... Thanks mom and Jess to a fun field trip! :)

Here is another fun website to check out specific to B Schaab's development. I always click in the upper right hand corner to make the narrator the baby - very cool. Check it out!
http://www.ehd.org/pregnancy-calendar.php?person=1&id=12832

Monday, December 14, 2009

Week 17

Today is the start of week 17. Here is what Baby Girl Schaab is up to this week according to babycenter.com...

Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now, and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.

For any boys who are sick of fruit and veggies... this comes from "His Boys Can Swim": Dad's Pregnancy Guide.

How far along? 17 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: + 2 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes and loving them.

Sleep: Still getting up 1-2 times in the middle of the night. I started sleeping with a body pillow which has helped me sleep more as a side sleeper.

Best moment this week: "Connecting" with my baby during pre-natal yoga which I started last Sunday. I also really liked looking at baby "stuff" with Mike at Target!

Movement: I think I've started to feel the baby "quickening" in my belly. It's a weird feeling I've never felt before but I'm not 100% sure it's the baby. No swift kicks yet... which I'm guessing will be strong if she has my soccer genes.

Food cravings: Juicy Oranges and Coke - (don't worry only one, if any, a day) which has helped me relieve these "hormone headaches" I have been having. They feel like a sinus headache mixed with a really bad hang over... Coke seems to do the trick. Not sure if it's a craving... but it helps get rid of the headaches!

Gender: GIRL

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? IN.

What I miss: Sleeping through the night... however I'm sure that's long gone...

What I am looking forward to: Feeling Baby Schaab move more in the next couple of weeks.

Milestones: I gained my first pregnancy pounds this week... let the fun begin.

Here is another fun website to check out specific to B Schaab's development. I always click in the upper right hand corner to make the narrator the baby - very cool. Check it out!
http://www.ehd.org/pregnancy-calendar.php?person=1&id=12832

Monday, December 7, 2009

16 weeks


Today is the start of week 16. Here is what "B Schaab" is up to this week according to babycenter.com...

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Right now, she's about the size of an avocado: 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces. Her legs are much more developed, her head is more erect than it has been, and her eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of her scalp has begun, though her locks aren't recognizable yet. She's even started growing toenails. And there's a lot happening inside as well. For example, her heart is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop.
What's going on with Mommy Caroline:
The top of your uterus is about halfway between your pubic bone and your navel, and the round ligaments that support it are thickening and stretching as it grows. You're probably feeling a whole lot better as you settle into pregnancy, too. Less nausea, fewer mood swings, and "glowing" skin contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

Soon you'll experience one of the most wonderful moments of pregnancy — feeling your baby move. While some women notice "quickening" as early as 16 weeks, many don't feel their baby move until about 18 weeks or more. (And if this is your first baby, don't be too impatient — you may not be aware of your baby's movements until 20 weeks or so.) The earliest movements may feel like little flutters, gas bubbles, or even like popcorn popping. Over the following weeks they'll grow stronger and you'll be able to feel them much more frequently.

How far along? 16 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +/- 0 lbs.

Maternity clothes? Yes and loving them.

Sleep: Getting up 1-2 times in the middle of the night. I've also had to change sleeping positions to sleeping on my side - which is not my favorite. I started sleeping with a body pillow which has helped me sleep more.

Best moment this week: Seeing our baby girl last Monday.

Movement: None yet.

Food cravings: Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli.

Gender: GIRL

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? IN.

What I miss: Sleeping through the night... however I'm sure that's long gone...

What I am looking forward to: Feeling Baby Schaab move in the next couple of weeks.

Milestones: Finding out we're having a girl! Now when we talk about the baby we can say "her", "she", "girlfriend", "baby girl Schaab".


Here is another fun website to check out specific to B Schaab's development. I always click in the upper right hand corner to make the narrator the baby - very cool. Check it out!
http://www.ehd.org/pregnancy-calendar.php?person=1&id=12832

Monday, November 30, 2009

So after the big doctor's visit...

So after our doctor's appointment today with our active little baby, we have some exciting news to share. We are 99% positive (per the ultrasound tech) that our little baby is a girl! Before the ultrasound the tech even commented on how my belly looks like I'm carrying a girl. During the ultrasound she kept pointing out her girl parts. She had thought we were having a girl when we were there a few weeks ago - however she seemed quite confident after today's ultrasound. Her heartbeat is strong and she is doing well. She was very active today, as before our ultrasound our doctor had a hard time following her around my uterus with the doppler trying to hear her heartbeat... already playing! :) We go to visit the OB again on my birthday and they will measure her development. Mike & I are very excited about the addition of a little girl to our family.




Glitter Words

15 weeks

Today is the start of week 15 - which also means a trip to the OB for Mike and I today! We are meeting the third (and last) doctor in our practice today, Dr. Dillon. We're very excited to see Baby Schaab today and meet Dr. Dillon. Here is what "B Schaab" is up to this week according to babycenter.com...

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an orange). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week (we do today), you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl! (Don't be too disappointed if it remains a mystery, though. Nailing down your baby's sex depends on the clarity of the picture and on your baby's position. He or she may be modestly curled up or turned in such a way as to "hide the goods.")Another thing that babycenter.com says this week is Talk to your baby. It's a great way to start the bonding process. If having an actual conversation seems odd to you, narrate your activities; read a book, magazine, or newspaper; or share your secret wishes for your child. This is great practice for after your baby's born. Talking to babies is one of the best ways to help them develop language skills. Mike and I are going to try! :)

How far along? 15 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +/- 0 lbs. The MD says this is okay... the baby is like a parasite and takes what it needs!

Maternity clothes? Yes and loving them.

Sleep: Still going to bed early, however getting up 1-2 times in the middle of the night. I'm always up between 3-4 a.m. and have a hard time falling back asleep. I've also had to change sleeping positions to sleeping on my side - which is not my favorite.

Best moment this week: My bellying popping out a little bit and looking pregnant, as opposed to overweight.

Movement: None yet.

Food cravings: Stir Fry and Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli.

Gender: Not sure yet, however people are speculating... Vote in the poll on the left! Mike and I can't wait to find out... maybe today!

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? IN.

What I miss: Sleeping through the night... however I'm sure that's long gone...

What I am looking forward to: Seeing B Schaab (hopefully he/she cooperates!) and our doctor today!

Milestones: The baby can hear us talking to him/her now - or just hear what we're up to!


Here is another fun website to check out specific to B Schaab's development. I always click in the upper right hand corner to make the narrator the baby - very cool. Check it out!

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Baby Schaab takes a Vacation

Here is my 14 week belly picture on Baby Schaab's 2nd trip to Marco Island. We went to Marco with my mom, Mary HT, and Hope. We had a very relaxing few days but left on the perfect day, as it was very stormy there, not that here is much better.

14 week belly shot
The vacation girlies.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

14 weeks

Today is the start of week 14... Here is what the baby is up to according to babycenter.com:

This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.

In other news: Your baby's stretching out. From head to bottom, he measures 3 1/2 inches — about the size of a lemon — and he weighs 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. By the end of this week, his arms will have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (His legs still have some lengthening to do.) He's starting to develop an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over his body. Your baby's liver starts making bile this week — a sign that it's doing its job right — and his spleen starts helping in the production of red blood cells. Though you can't feel his tiny punches and kicks yet, your little pugilist's hands and feet (which now measure about 1/2 inch long) are more flexible and active.
How far along? 14 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: +/- ? lbs. My mom doesn't have a scale in Marco Island.

Maternity clothes? Yes. Pants for sure and a few of my shirts. I feel like the maternity clothes make me look pregnant and not just overweight.

Sleep: Still going to bed early, however getting up 1-2 times in the middle of the night. I'm always up between 3-4 a.m. and have a hard time falling back asleep. I've also had to change sleeping positions to sleeping on my side.

Best moment this week: Going "public" with our news and seeing people's reactions - especially my students!

Movement: None yet.

Food cravings: A shake from Oberweis.... maybe when I get home from Florida.

Gender: Not sure yet, however people are speculating... Vote in the poll on the left! Mike and I can't wait to find out.

Labor Signs: Nope.

Belly Button in or out? Still in

What I miss: Sleeping through the night... however I'm sure that's long gone...

What I am looking forward to: Thanksgiving dinner x 2 and seeing Baby Schaab a week from Monday 11/30. We'll also be meeting the third doctor in our practice, Dr. Dillon. So after Monday, we'll know all three doctors!

Milestones: I'm officially in my 2nd trimester! "B Schaab" as Mary HT calls our baby is also in Marco Island for the second time. Mary HT is working on a collection of "baby bump" pictures with palm trees in the background. Once there is one I'm comfortable with, I will post it! :)

Friday, November 20, 2009

Telling my class...

Today started off with the above left on my students' desks when they walked in this morning... Let me tell you, their reactions were priceless. As they arrived, they just looked at the paper as it was a new morning work... when they took a closer look, they loved that I had a secret and were challenging them to figure it out. You would of thought that the babies at the top would of given it away, but no. The first student who figured it out squealed, but then quickly turned his paper over so no one could see. As they figured it out, smiles spread across their faces. After announcements I asked them if they decoded the message to read it on the count of three... 1...2...3... Mrs. Schaab's having a baby! Baby Schaab's Estimated Arrival is May 24, 2010. They were all so excited. A few of the May babies in my class were hoping that Baby Schaab would born on their birthday. I also sent out an e-mail to my parents at lunch and have recieved nothing but postive well wishes and a lot of, "we had our suspicions after conferences, you were simply glowing". So now the cat's offically out of the bag! :)

Sunday, November 15, 2009

13 weeks

Today is the start of week 13... Here is what the baby is up to according to babycenter.com:

Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long and weighs nearly an ounce.
I found this on another blog and will try and fill it out weekly with my updates!

How far along? 13 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +/- 0 lbs. I think this is about to change though...
Maternity clothes? Pants for sure! My belly is growing...
Sleep: I try to go to bed as early as possible - 8:30 p.m. if I'm home. If not, as soon as I get home!
Best moment this week: Seeing the baby waving at us and hearing his/her heartbeat last Friday!
Movement: None yet.
Food cravings: Mike will tell you Skillets from the pancake house - but I'm really not that hungry.
Gender: Not too sure yet, however people are speculating... Check out the poll!
Labor Signs: Nope.
Belly Button in or out? Still in
What I miss: Being able to eat on a regular basis.
What I am looking forward to: Going public this week! I'm telling work today and my students on Friday.
Weekly Wisdom: Stop stressing - thanks mom.
Milestones: Our baby looking like a baby! I also finally got my H1N1 vaccine on Saturday!

Baby Schaab - Estimated Arrival 05/24/10

As you can see, our blog is looking a little different, as Mike and I are expecting our first child! I will be posting updates about the baby as well as pregnancy here on a weekly basis, if not more. Please visit back often and enjoy the journey with us! We are beyond thrilled and are enjoying this exciting time. Below are some pictures from our last ultrasound, Friday, November 13, 2009, 12 weeks 4 days. As you can see our baby is looking like a little baby! He/she also has a healthy heartbeat of 162 beats per minute.




Friday, November 13, 2009

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Pumpkin Carving Party 2009

Last night we had our annual pumpkin carving party which was kicked off by some of my homemade turkey and veggie lasagna, which I must say, tasted delicious. We then got into the dirty work of carving pumpkins. We had researched some fun designs before carving so most of us had something to guide us to our beautiful pumpkins. We had a blast, like always, and some of us were surprised more than others at our talents! Now my task for today is to make all of the pumpkin seeds!!!






Pumpkin Carving Party 2009

Kari & Jeremy's Pirate

Jason's Superman


Mike's Kool Aid Man - OH YEAH!

Terrell's 49ers Logo

Caroline's Blues Clues Puppy

Pumpkin Carving Party 2009


Barack My World - Michaela

The Tin Man - Shelli

Celestial Stars and Moon - Nancy


Free Hand Crazy Pumpkin Face - Lindsey

Group Shot

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Marco Island!

Over Columbus Day weekend we headed to Marco Island for some much needed R & R. It was super relaxing hanging with Jason, Shelli, Michaela, and Tyrell. We had a great time like always and hated to come back home. Luckily, I'll be heading back in November...


Mike couldn't believe the fake butler had taken a spill...


Marco Sunset


Marco Sunset


Being in the sun all day is hard work and deserves a nap. In this pic you see Mike and Tyrell, don't worry Jason is napping in his bed. This is what the girls returned to after hitting the beach.

Group Shot at Nene's for breakfast!