Baby McGinnis Update at 20.5 Weeks Along!

View #1 of Baby McGinnis
Baby McGinnis's foot
View #2 of Baby McGinnis
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So, as of today, I am 21 weeks along! We had a Dr. appointment on Wednesday, August 11th to have the big 20 week ultrasound. Kind of funny side note: that exact date and day of the week, 11 years ago, I entered the MTC. Kind of funny and interesting, I thought. Anyway, moving right along, ha ha! The baby looks great! The Dr. was very pleased, happy, and excited about the growth of the baby so far, everything (baby, placenta, etc.) are in great positioning! So, was so relieved and excited to see and hear that!!!! As with all of our pregnancies, we didn't find out the sex of the baby. The technician said she knew but, she was EXCELLENT about not letting on one way or the other! She wouldn't even tell my Dr. the sex of the baby. It was so fun seeing the baby move all over the place. Mike was albe to come to this appointment, which was special for us both! There were some fun moments where a couple times our baby was holding onto the ambilical cord, like it was holding on for dear life! It loved putting he/she's hands into a fist, up by his/her face, as if getting ready to box or fight someone! A couple times, while we were looking at the top of the head at the brain, you could see fingers, almost as if strumming the top of his/her head, like he/she was bored or something! Kind of funny! So, it looks like we'll be scheduling the c-section on December 17th, unless something else comes into play. My Dr. gave us a choice of the 17th, 18th, or 19th. The 18th and 19th are a Saturday and Sunday. Mike didn't want our Dr. to have to work on a Saturday or Sunday if he doesn't have to and we'd like to have the baby as far away from Christmas as we can so, we shall see. As far as changes in my body that I've noticed, here is a list:

1. After explaining some symptoms I've been having the Dr. came to the conclusion that I have pregnancy onset carpal tunnel syndrome. He said that once in a while it happens with women because of the amount of water they retain. Good news: it should go away after the baby is born. Bad news: I'm barely half way along and it will only get much worse. So, for now he would like me to wear a brace to bed at night, to prevent me from sleeping with my hand in a claw or curled position. If it gets too much worse he'll have me start wearing a heavier brace all day.
2. The Dr. examined me, because I've been having some extreme pain on the side of my chest, just below my armpit. Come to find out, my ribs are jabbing me on the side quite badly. It just comes from my body making room for the baby. Good news, sort of: If it gets too bad he can give me shot that will numb the pain. Bad news: Again, I'm only 1/2 way and it could get a lot worse.
3. They discovered through my blood tests that I'm no longer immune to German Measles. They were surprised that no one caught it in my other pregnancies. So, after the baby is born they'll give me a booster for it and I'll be immune once again.
4. My baby bump is growing and I love it! We measured me to compare how big I am now to my other pregnancies. Width-wise I'm still about the same as my others. HOWEVER...as far as how far my bump is sticking out.....I'm only one inch less than when I was 9 months will Rylie!!!!!!!!
5. I feel the baby move quite frequently, especially at night! The last couple of days have been so fun! I finally have gotten to the point where I can put my hand on my baby bump, and can feel baby either kick or punch my hand! So fun!!!!!! Mike likes this point too!
6. The all-day sickness is getting better! I still have my moments but, there are not as many of them! Happy days are here once again, almost! Ha ha!

Baby Bump @ 19 Weeks Along!

Connor saw me getting a profile picture of my baby bump so, he decided he needed one taken of himself with the same pose, almost. His profile picture is much cuter.

This is me at 19 weeks long. Keep in mind, I had just woken up and was getting ready to go to the lake so, I had no make-up on, half asleep and just looking icky. I have never liked my profile picture when I'm pregnant but, this time I am showing must faster than I ever did with my other 3 pregnancies. I love it and would love to have a ginormous preggo belly. Go big or go home, right?

Long Lost Friends, Reunited!!!!

Connor & Sky
Rylie's infamous "Cheeeeese!" face

Connor, Sky, Rylie

Tiffany, David, and Cassandra

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Some of my best friends, from Michigan, were in UT a few weeks ago. I happened to be up north visiting my family at the same time they were in the Ogden area! I am so happy and grateful that we were able to work out a day that we could get together and hang out! I have many, many fond memories of the Arrington's. I have missed them IMMENSLY! We met up at McDonald's, like the good ole' days, and let the kids play while we caught up and just jabbered. I got to meet Tiffany's adorable new baby boy, Cammon! What a sweet, perfect, tiny little guy. It was so great to just hang out again! After lunch we went over to David's parents house to swim and cool off a little! It made me realize, even more, how much I miss them! However, I am so grateful we've been able to keep in touch and see each other a couple times since we moved back! I can't wait until the next time we see each other!

Hyrum Parade-July 5, 2010

Looking for the parade to come!

Ready for candy!

She's already got the princess wave going.

The fireworks crew at my parents house.

The campfire!

We went to the parade in Hyrum this year. I have to say that it was the longest, boring 2 hours of my life in a long time. It was a pretty lame parade with hardly any candy. It's okay if it's a lame parade but, you do need a lot of candy and it was lacking. After the parade we went to my Grandma's house for food and fun and hanging out with family! We then went to my parents house and had a swim party in the backyard, ate more food, and just enjoyed the afternoon. Later that night we had a campfire, made smores, and set fireworks off!

Logan Fireworks - July 2, 2010

We sat in front of the football stadium to watch the fireworks this year! We had a GREAT spot and it was right next to the Jamba Juice tent! Mmmmm! My brother Matt and also my brother Greg and his family met us there to watch! The kids had a great time and I just love the Logan city fireworks! Such a good time! One of my favorite moments was the airplane flyover! That plane was HUGE! So glad we were with my family to celebrate the 4th of July this year!

17.5 week Ultrasound/Check-Up

Went in for a check-up today. We had a scare for a few moments. My Dr. was unable to find the heartbeat. He checked for a few minutes and couldn't locate the heartbeat. Scared me to death!!!! So, he found the ultrasound tech. quickly and had her do an ultrasound. Luckily and thankfully, she was able to find the heartbeat just fine. We found the baby's head is currently located just above my belly button and it's legs towards my hip bones. Every time I took a breath he/she would move so they think that is why the Dr. had a hard time finding the heartbeat. They looked at the baby's brain and you could see the baby's hand popping up and down, as if he/she was waving at us. So grateful and relieved that all is well! No more scares for me, PLEASE!!!!!

17 1/2 weeks along!

I'm 17 1/2 weeks along right now and will be 18 weeks along on Friday. I wanted to make sure I documented that I felt the baby move, with 100% assurity, yesterday evening as I lay on the couch watching some TV. I have thought that maybe I felt movement here and there but, this was an obvious kick and flutter in the lower, right side of my stomach. It was such a great and awesome feeling and I look forward to feeling that again soon, I hope! As far as changes or things I've noticed this pregnancy.....I'm not as sick as I have been but, I still seem to have afternoon/evening sickness. Mornings start out pretty good but, afternoon comes and I feel just icky and the worst time is at around 11:00pm. Oh my goodness!!!! I feel awful! If any of you have been on the white roller coaster at Lagoon too many times, you'll know the feeling I am referring to. Anyway, I get hungry quite fast and if I don't eat the instant I feel hunger pains, then I suffer the rest of the day. I also have noticed that I am, so far, carrying this baby much lower than I have my previous other 3 pregnancies. I'm sure that will change as the baby grows but, it has just been interesting. It's time to bite the big one and by some maternity pants & capri's or something! No real cravings but, I do have to avoid taco's. I have an appointment in 2 days. Last time I was there they said I would be able to find out what we're having this next appointment. We're not finding out, again, but I'm still anxious to see the baby. I always get anxious and nervous when it comes to appointments. Mike and I are just so nervous and anxious that we'll go into our appointment and find that something is wrong or has happened. So, it will be good to go in, get an ultrasound, and see that all is well.

So Far This Summer We've........

SWIMMING LESSONS

PLAYING WITH COUSINS

GOLFING WITH DAD

SWIMMING PARTY WITH COUSINS

Although it is only June, we have been having a great time trying to stay cool. I know a lot of my posts involve water but, you have to do what you can to survive the heat down here. What's great about St. George is all the splash pad's, pools, and other ways to stay cool! So, now June is almost over and can't wait for next month which will include more swimming, the 4th of July, camping, and who knows what else!

13 Weeks Along!

I've decided, for journaling purposes mainly, to blog each week of my pregnancy to note how I'm feeling, changes, etc. I kept a journal of all my other pregnancies but, this time I've been slacking so, I'm going to start now. So here goes week #13. Up until now I've been very blessed to not be NEARLY as sick as my other pregnancies. However, where I haven't been as sick, I've made up for in other areas. My face is COVERED in pimples like no other! I need to be on a commercial for Proactiv, after they clear up! I've been very, very depressed, moody, unmotivated, and just a slacker in every area of my life! I just feel like a chaotic mess and feel like my kids and husband are suffering because of it. I know Mike understands and doesn't think anything of it but, I worry about my kids and what they must feel and think. Next week I'll begin my 2ND trimester. Some changes I've noticed this week is that my nausea has increased in a big way!!!! I do okay in the morning, still nauseous but, okay. However, my afternoon and evenings are pretty bad. Last night I was so, so sick and just collapsed on my bed in tears from exhaustion from being so sick! Mike was so cute and kind with me. He came in and gave me a blessing, rubbed my hair back while I cried, and cut up an apple (helps to ease the nausea). He was so sweet and sat there until I finally cried myself to sleep. The other annoying thing that is going on is that strange taste in my mouth thing! I must brush my teeth 8-10 times a day and chew cinnamon gum like crazy, to mask the metallic-like taste! GAG!!!! Eating is an issue too, even for ME!!! I find myself getting EXTREMELY hungry every 3-4 hours and if I don't eat right then, I'm deathly sick. It's tough 'cause I truly don't want to eat but, I must! I hate to complain and whine because the miracle of a pregnancy and a child is beyond comprehension and I'm so very grateful for each child I'm able to carry! It just gets hard to be tough sometimes and I have definite moments of weakness. This too shall pass and I have to keep my eye on the ball and remember the reward for this. I haven't noticed any change in growth in my tummy, which isn't saying much. At my last Dr. appointment I had lost weight so, that was good for me to hear. So, we're moving right along. Slowly (thank heavens) but, surely!!!!!

Baby McGinnis at 12 Weeks

Measurements of baby at 12 weeks.
Heartrate of baby was 162 bpm
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I had a baby check-up appointment today. To my surprise they decided to do a quick ultrasound. It was so fun seeing the baby on the screen and it was especially funny to see the baby had major hiccups while we were there! The baby is looking great, measuring 2 days ahead, and was moving like crazy!!! Heck, I even lost 2 lbs.! SWEET!