The last to tie the knot....

Well, the last of the Millersville gals, Meghan Garrison, got married on Sunday, October 4th during a beach ceremony in Avalon, NJ. It's hard to believe that the whole crew is married now (some even have babies or babies on the way). Meg and I lived together all four years at MU! It's hard to believe that 11 years ago we were moving into our 3rd floor dorm room in Diehm Hall and now she is married. Anyways, enough with the emotions (pregnancy hormones really get to me)....the day was beautiful, the bride was gorgeous, and a good time was had by all! Best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kallen...A good friend once told me......

"May your love be old enough to survive the times but young enough to last forever!"

Hands on House 5k

Mommy-to-Be and Baby Osika participated in the Hands on House 5k on Saturday, 10/3/09. The race benefits the Hands on House, Children's Museum of Lancaster. We couldn't have asked for a more gorgeous morning! The race was expecting over 1,000 participants this year between the 5k and the Half Marathon. Mommy and Baby ran along side Aunt Katie. She was my cheerleader, going slow and steady at my new pace! It was a great day and we couldn't have had a better cheering section, Daddy-to-Be, Cheyenne, Uncle Timmy, Rosie, Dan, Giada, and Wembley.

Regardless of my good efforts, Cheyenne was surely the hit of the morning. If we had a quarter for every person that asked to pet her, asked what kind of dog she is, asked if she is blind in one eye (due to the 2 different colored eyes), or called her a "he" (even with a PURPLE bandanna)....I think we'd be RICH! Perhaps this is our way to become millionaires!

25 weeks down, 15 to go...

As of 10/1/20009, I am half way through my 25th week. This week has been a tough week for both Andy & I after our appointment with Maternal Fetal Medicine. We are trying to stay optimistic and stay calm as we continue these appointments on a weekly basis. Our next appointment is on Tuesday, 10/6, at 12:45. Andy and I have come up with a list of questions that we hope will ease our anxiety. We will be sure to keep you up to speed after each appointment.

On a lighter note, I am starting to believe what I've read about pets knowing when you are pregnant. Cheyenne seems to be craving some extra attention as if she knows what is to come in January 2010. We are trying to show her love and attention and assure her that she won't be forgotten when Baby Osika arrives.

Frequent Flier Miles....

Can you earn frequent flier miles for weekly appointments with the doc?

Andy and I went to our follow up appointment with Maternal Fetal Medicine this morning. The baby doubled in size from our appointment 4 weeks ago which is good. Even better, the doc said that the baby appears healthy, organs are all functioning as expected. However, Baby Osika weighed in at only 1lb 9oz and most babies at 25 weeks would be 2lbs. So, with that, we are now scheduled for weekly appointments until this Baby makes an appearance. They plan on monitoring the growth and organs on a weekly basis. The doc did say there is nothing to worry about at this point, but it still makes us worried and doubtful when we have to go on a weekly basis. Some may wonder if the due date is off. I asked that question. The doctor confirmed that the early ultra sound at 11 weeks is extremely accurate and therefore they are sticking with the original due date.

So, for now, just keep your fingers crossed that this baby remains healthy and continues to grow throughout the rest of the pregnancy.

Monthly Baby Check Up

Andy and I had our 24 week check up this morning at 10am at May Grant Associates. It's amazing how quick these appointments are (that is the actual appointment....NOT the time in the waiting room). Andy and I had to chuckle at the fact that pre-natal care is so important but the appointment consists of listening to the heart beat, measuring the belly, and answering any questions. Besides the wait, it usually takes 5 minutes! Anyways, good report from the Nurse Mid-Wife. Baby's heart rate was 143 (lowest it's been thus far, generally around 150-151) and my belly measured at 24cm. The Nurse Midwife said the belly usually measures in accordance with how far along in your pregnancy you are (24cm-24weeks).

We are scheduled for a follow up appointment with Maternal Fetal Medicine on Tuesday, Sept. 29th at 8:15am.

Our next monthly check-up is scheduled for Thursday, October 15th at 7:40am. Prior to this appointment I have to get a diabetes screening done where I get to indulge in a tasty sugar cocktail, wait one hour, and then get blood drawn. If I pass this test, I'm in the clear. If not, I have a three hour test to follow.

Stay tuned for an update on Tuesday from the specialist.....

Do you hear what I hear?

I recently read in one of my weekly pregnancy updates that daddy-to-be might be able to hear the baby's heart beat if he puts his head on mommy's belly. Andy and I are going to experiment and see if we have any luck!

I am now at 24 weeks. There are times when I feel like time is going slow but then I realize that summer is over, fall has arrived, and before you know it, it will be Christmas. When I think about it that way, it's going to be here before I know it.

My belly is surely growing. I'm slowly losing my "inny" belly button as it's trying to convert to an "outy!" I'm also noticing that people who don't personally know me (mainly fellow gym-goers) are now brave enough to ask when I'm due. I guess I'm past the "looking fat stage" and now officially look pregnant enough that anyone can ask and not worry about insulting me.

Andy and I have almost knocked another thing off of our baby to-do list....daycare! After visiting quite a few centers, we narrowed it down to three places that we re-visited over the past three weeks during busy hours. We had the opportunity to meet with the teachers and observe how they interact with the infants. It's amazing how your perspective changes when you enter a nursery where the kids are all quiet and peaceful vs. a nursery where the kids are crying and carrying on. I know that doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the day care but it still has an impact on your impression. We are now debating how important convenience of location is over the "ideal" day care. There are so many things that people consider when choosing a daycare, how do you know which one should be the deciding factor? Some of the things we've considered were location, Keystone Stars affiliation, NAEYC accredited, staff turn over, cost, and "perks" included within the weekly fee (snacks, hot meals, diapers, etc.). It's a lot of pressure knowing that your child's every day happiness is at stake!

Post Baby Race Goal....

Mommy participated in the Philly Distance Run, 13.1 miles, in 2007 and 2008. But, this year I chose to sit out as a 6 month pregnant mommy-to-be. However, I still participated, on the sidelines, cheereing for Aunt Katie as she completed her first 1/2 Marathon.

However, you can look for me in 2010 as I already have a post-baby race goal....2010 Philly Distance Run.....here we come! I'll be sporting a shirt that says "Run like a Mother!" So, how crazy am I? I'll be attempting training while taking care of a new baby! Do I have any volunteers to babysitt when I have to do my long training runs? Mark your calendar for September 19, 2010.....All cheerleaders and participants are welcome (Get $10 off registration by using code PDRROCKS until 11/30/2009)!