Welcome Henry!

Our sweet son is here!!!

Henry Joseph Bassett was born Tuesday, November 1 at 1:43 PM at Seton Williamson Hospital. What a day it was!

When I woke up at 7AM that day, my stomach hurt a little bit. At first I thought it was gas pains. I had been to see Dr. Chao just the day before, on Halloween. She said that I was still dilated 2cm. Nothing was changing and we even scheduled a date for induction for the following week. I was deflated. Since it was Halloween, though, I took Ruby to a festival downtown and we dressed up. I was a Double Stuf Oreo. At night we went around the block trick-or-treating.

My morning stomach pains were not going away so I thought "maybe this is labor." I didnt quite believe it, but downloaded a contraction tracker app to monitor it. I soon realized the pains were regular and I notified Nick that he would need to come home to take Ruby to school. I don't think he believed it was labor, either. He said he could come home in a couple hours. I messaged him soon after that and said "COME HOME NOW!" I went in a hot bath and water helped. I notified the Doula collective. When Nick got back from taking Ruby to school, I had him call the Doula. Kayle was the one on call and she suggested we get to the hospital soon. I didn't think that was necessary just yet. How could it be? At around 9:30 she arrived at the house and we talked things over. By 10:30 we were at the hospital and my contractions were regular, about 5 minutes apart. We checked in and got settled in the room. She set me up in the shower, which is where I stayed for what must have been a couple hours, taking each contraction under the hot water. At about 1:30 I came out of the shower to get checked by the doctor. She happened to be there that day! As soon as I got into the bed, I could barely move and my body was jolting. It was happening. She checked me and then all of the sudden they rolled out the equipment and I was pushing.

Two giant contractions and pushes later... bam! This baby was out and breathing in life! We did it. Henry was born naturally and came out with a full head of hair. He shocked everyone with how big he was. Everyone was shocked when he was weighed and was 9 lb 6 oz! A full 3 lbs larger than Ruby was and 3 inches longer, too. My big boy was also sunny-side up which explained all of my back pain. I can't believe I did this again. The doula said I was meant to have babies and if we have a third, that I should consider a home birth. That was sweet but no thanks!

A few hours later Sarah and Ruby arrived has big sister got to meet her little man. She was so excited. It was a really special day. Our live became instantly richer. Henry started eating like a champ, having no problems with the latch. He did have to have glucose checks regularly at first, but did fine and had no concerns related to jaundice or anything else. We are so blessed with a healthy baby boy.

We discharged home on Thursday, November 3. Since then we have been enjoying the holiday season. We spent a week at Thanksgiving in Allen. Henry was adored by his grandparents and extended family from Montana he got to meet, too. He is sleeping for some good stretches, fusses a bit at night about 10PM. We are anxiously awaiting smiles and baby giggles. We think that we will see those soon.

1 day to go?

According to all my apps and tracking, there is one day left until little Henry's due date. Due dates are of course ball-parks, but we do tend to cling tightly to them. I would not be upset if the little guy came "right on schedule."

I have been home now from work for 4 days. I am still not feeling like myself, but am getting a bit better every day. I want my energy levels back so I can go into labor with full strength. Today I stayed in and cleaned up and crossed things off my to-do list. Loose ends are wrapping up. I hope that he makes it here before Halloween so that he can wear the little pumpkin outfit I have for him. He will look so cute in it if he decides to grace us by then.

I continue to have back aches and trouble sleeping. I am looking forward to having him on the outside so I can sleep by him, but not with him. 

Waiting for Henry

A lot has happened in the last month. On September 23, we got word that Nick's brother, Joe, died. A few days later we left for Lafayette and attended his funeral. It was then that we met his wife, Sue, and daughter, Cora, for the first time. It has definitely been a difficult and sad time for Nick and the family. We have decided that we will name our baby Henry Joseph, in honor of Joe.

A couple weeks ago we took the 12 hour drive out to Albuquerque for our 4th annual Balloon Fiesta. Everyone was concerned about me traveling at 37 weeks pregnant. My doctor, however, did not think it would be a problem. We went and came back without incident! The weekend there was a bit hard on me due to being so big and needing to be by a toilet at all times. I have had a rough month of sleep and general movement such as walking and bending, but it was a good time for the family. Ruby enjoyed it this year because her best friend, Sophia, went too. The weather was not as nice as it had been in recent years but I was happy because I got what I wanted-- my mini donuts!

Today I am half-way into my 39th week. I expected this baby would have been early. Here we are waiting and wondering when he will decide to make his debut. This past weekend I was sick with a pretty bad cold. I am now staying  home from work and trying to rest and recover and prepare for our little bundle of joy. Being sick at this point in time was not in m plan. I was so weak this weekend that I worried if he came, i would not have had the strength to push him out. I went to the doctor today and I am still at 2cm dilated, which is the same as last week. I hope little Henry comes this week because a lot of people are anxiously awaiting his arrival!

I have been getting things ready around the house for him, too. We set up the baby swing and the pack-n-play. I have three different pumps for nursing and some Ayurvedic recipes to make in the early weeks. I have broth, chai and fiber muffins in the freezer. C'mon baby! The doulas are on stand-by. It has been an amazing 9-10 months of growing this baby inside of me. I don't know if this will be my last, but if it is, what a joy it has been to be pregnant with Henry!

Baby Sprinkle!

My Baby "Sprinkle" was held on Sunday, September 18. It was a lovely brunch at a restaurant in East Austin called Juniper. It was really nice to have my friends and sister there to celebrate in a low-key way. The highlight of brunch was being showered by a spilled mimosa all over the back of my dress. Baby Henry got some nice presents and books and we are now just about 5 weeks away from his debut!

This weekend we also celebrated Ruby's 4th birthday. My parents and Sarah and Ryan came in for the day. Next time we are all together, little Henry will be with us! Hard to believe!!!

Hook 'Em Horns!

It is the start of football season. Here I am with my horns up at 32 weeks pregnant.

Aloha!

We made it to Hawaii for our babymoon trip! It was quite the adventure. Despite Ruby being treated for an ear infection and Nick needing to see a doctor there for sinus infection, we didn't let it slow us down. We landed in the island of Kauai and stayed at the most beautiful resort. It was paradise! We enjoyed the lush island and having Waimea Shaved Ice. The beaches there were beautiful and we traveled to see a waterfall and visited a plantation for brunch and a tour of the orchards and fed animals. Ruby enjoyed it all.

After that we flew to the Big Island and stayed at a really large resort. We traveled all over the island and went to see waterfalls, an active volcano and also attended a Luau, which was really fun for us all. Nick did snorkling at night with manta rays and we also found some pretty beach spots...oh and more shaved ice!

Cleared for Take-off

Ruby went with me to my appointment with Dr. Chao today. We got to hear the baby's heartbeat. 150 BPM. He seems to be doing well. I asked her about positioning and she said she can tell around 36 weeks if baby is breach or if he is head down and getting into positioning. Since they don't do any more routine ultrasounds I was curious how they could tell.

She gave me the all-clear to fly to Hawaii and enjoy the vacation. I am excited to go. I stayed home with Ruby today because she was feverish last night. She seems to be doing OK today. I went to the chiropractor and got an adjustment and now I feel like I have been in a car wreck. My whole body is aching. I am icing my back and trying to take it easy. My weigh-in today was 182 lbs. Gosh, I will be big when the baby comes! I feel like I am in better fitness this pregnancy but am probably gaining the same amount of weight, or more!?

I have been eating a lot--burgers and fires, fudgecicles, bread, you name it! When I get back from Hawaii I will be signing up for my doula and getting that in place. The time is really ticking. This is the 30th week already. Where has the time gone?

HFB

We are officially in the third trimester and counting down now. Wow, time is going by fast! I am starting to feel it. I struggle to bend down, my back hurt and today I officially can't fit my wedding ring/band. Breathing is also a bit labored for me at times. I had a bit of acid reflux last week but nothing too bad. I had my glucose screen done and haven't heard anything from the OB office, so I am taking that as a sign that I passed. I will go back for an appointment next week.

We also decided on a name: Henry Frederic Bassett. Nick has always liked "Henry" and "Frederic" is family name--my dad's brother, my grandma's brother, and my great-grandfather all are named Frederic. I am glad that we can have a family tie-in. We have gotten mostly positive feedback from people who we have told the name.

Oh, I have also started to get even more hungry! I could eat everything and then some right now.
Current cravings: vegan ice cream from Sweet Ritual, granita from Dolce Neve, half-caff iced soy lattes, and burgers & fries, cereal at night. I am trying to stay hydrated and drink lots of water. It has been in the 100 degrees temperature here and I can feel it. We still have several hot weeks ahead. Hopefully out trip to Hawaii will be a nice respite from his ungodly heat.

I have also been having fun getting ready for the trip by shopping. I have found several pieces at the thrift store, Saver's, which I have got great deals on. I have been ordering some things online and have a lot of pretty dresses and beach-type pregnancy clothes. I have been feeling good about the way I look in this pregnancy and am trying to embrace it for as long as I can. I continue to work out and am staying in shape with this little guy. It's not easy, but he is worth it!

Closing out 2nd Trimester

The second trimester is nearing and end and I am getting BIG! July has been quite a full month. This week I finally had my glucose screen, after it was rescheduled twice. I will hopefully find out the results in a few days. The house is now taking shape since our new furniture is here. My next step will be making room for baby boy clothes and items. We have started to receive some hand-me-downs and I really need to create some space for this kiddo.

Last week I was sick with what was diagnosed as a likely sinus infection. I took 7 days of antibiotics and am finally feeling better. I am sad that I have had two infections now in my pregnancy. I am trying to stay healthy for my little guy. I have been eating a lot of ice cream lately. My biggest craving is Peanut Butter Chocolate Hagan Daaz. I am going to start limiting myself from it and shying away from dairy a bit better.

The heat here is now in the triple digits and that is making my mobility a bit labored. I have struggled with work due to visiting people who either do not use their A/C or have broken A/C units. It has been tough to counsel in some of the conditions I have been in. I really hope the next 12 weeks isn't as bad as this past week has been.

Tonight I attended a concert with my friend Elizabeth. We saw one of my favorites, Edwin McCain. It was the 5th time I have seen him in concert and it was wonderful. Baby boy was wiggling around in there and I think he enjoyed the music as well. I wore a long magenta dress, one that I also wore when I was pregnant with Ruby. I have been doing a lot of Thrift store shopping for Maternity clothes. I enjoy getting bargains at Savers and having some different items to add into my maternity wardrobe.

We leave for vacation in a little under 3 weeks and I will also be turning 33! Time is flying by. October will be here before we know it. My friends are planning a Baby Sprinkle for me in September.

Summer fun

We are here almost mid-July and things are moving along. Nick has been to Chile and back and Ruby and I went to Michigan for several days over the holiday. We had a great time at The Cottage and spending time with Grandma & Grandpa and Sarah. I enjoyed kayaking on the lake and resting.

Tomorrow I will hit the 25 week mark...15 weeks to go.

I have been having a rough time with back and leg pain. I hope that I can keep it under control for the next few months. We finally got a new bed and furniture, including a recliner/glider. Helps to put my legs up. I am looking forward to rocking and nursing my baby boy in this chair!

Other than that, we are just doing normal life. I am working in my side practice and Nick is finishing up his semester at Texas State. We have a big family trip planned next month and it will be a fun vacation for us as we near closure to our chapter of life as a family of three.

We still can't believe we are having a son! He is moving and grooving in there and my chiropractor said he is sitting on my back, maybe causing some of the pain. I just hope that when the time is right he can position himself head down and ready to go just like his sister did.

Still kicking

Baby boy is moving a lot! It is really fun to get a subtle reminder that there is a little growing person inside my body. Still mind-boggling when you really think about that! I had my appointment on Monday with Dr. Chao and it went well. The heart rate was about 143 and there was nothing else really to report. At my next appointment, I will do the dreaded glucose screen. Ugh! I am not looking forward to that, but hopefully this time, I will only have to do it once.

Nick has been in Chile for a few days now and Ruby and I are flying solo. We have kept quite busy with projects and meeting up with friends. We have a full agenda this weekend, but do look forward to Nick's return on Thursday of next week. Ruby has been breaking in some baby toys that Elizabeth handed down and I think will be quite pleased to teach baby brother a lot about the world. Ruby is referring to herself as "big Sister" when she talks about herself now. It is pretty cute. She likes to kiss the belly every morning and night.

I am still trying to get my workouts in and here I am at the gym this week. I feel like my belly has really grown in the last couple weeks. I can feel the shift in my center of gravity and certainly a limitation in my flexibility. I am really tired by the night's end and want to lay down a lot. My back continues to hurt, and I am sure kickboxing does not help that!

I also just purchased my first baby item. I bought him one of my favorite baby blankets that was also gifted to Ruby by Yaso. His little Tourance blankie should be here next week or so. I can't wait to see him on it.

21 weeks at the Gym

Wedding Travels

We traveled to New York last week for the wedding of my friend, Yaso, from college. I met Yaso the first week of class as freshman at UT-Austin. She and I were in the same Calculus II class and I credit her with helping me survive that course, and not completely failing. She and I stayed in touch over the past 15 years. I visited her in San Francisco after we both graduated, and she came to our wedding there in 2009.  The wedding was a beautiful multi-cultural affair. At 20 weeks pregnant, I was feeling good and had a blast on the dance floor. I enjoyed wearing this long purple gown and feeling beautiful as my pregnant self. Beside the wedding, we stayed busy. We met my cousin, Stella in NYC the day we arrived and had a great dinner. Then on Saturday we took the train to Beacon and had a hike with the wedding party. The next day we went to an art museum, Dia: Beacon, and a strawberry festival before the ceremony. 

I am starting to feel the baby move around a lot more and that is exciting. I continue to have back pain and have to go to the bathroom so often, but I know that is to be expected. Nick is on cloud nine to be having a son. He couldn't sleep after finding out the news...he was so excited! We don't have anything definitive on names yet. Yesterday, when I asked Ruby what we should name him, she responded, "Botticelli." That is an interesting one!

Nick is in Chile now for 2 weeks with his Texas State study abroad program. He left last night. I go to the doctor on Monday for another check-up.  Overall, I feel quite good and have good energy. Ruby and I have been staying busy and doing most of our normal routine.

Our Son

This morning we went in for the anatomy scan at 19w 3d. Nick and I both waited patiently for the tech to bring up the pics that would reveal the baby's sex to us. At the last moment, I anticipated it would be a girl. When she told us it was a boy, Nick was so excited and had tears of joy! He got his boy!!! I was happy too, but also a little bit like "oh my gosh! this is unchartered territory for me!" I don't know about boys! I know about girls!

She finished up the appointment and measured all the parts. She said that the baby is in the 46th percentile, which is awesome. He weighs apx 11 oz right now and has 10 fingers and 10 toes. His heartbeat was 145. Everything seems to be going well for the little guy. We were quick to inform our family and friends of the news. Everyone was of course excited for us.

Ruby was at school when we found out so we waited until we were both home from work to let her know that she was going to have a brother. I was nervous about how she would handle it, as she has expressed several times over the last months that she "doesn't like boys" and that "boys smell." I stopped at Toys-R-Us on my way home and found a newborn babydoll Cabbage Patch kid that was a boy. We presented it to her when we told her and she was actually fine with the news. She just wanted to play with her new babydoll! She took a bath with him and fed him and changed his diaper. She is really going to be a loving big sister I think!

Busy as a bee

18 weeks hitting it hard at the gym

My 17 week appointment was uneventful.  I met with the Doctor and the heartbeat was 150 BPM. I had blood work drawn and then scheduled the anatomy scan. That means next time I go in, we will find out what we are having...Boy or Girl! That is set for June 6, so its just over 1 week away. We are very excited.

I was thinking it was going to be a boy, but then now I feel more like it will be a girl. My acupuncturist told me she believes I am having a girl based on my pulses in each wrist. We will soon find out.

My itching has subsided quite a bit, which is nice! My most significant complaint now is my back pain. I have a lot of lower back discomfort and I think that is probably just par for the course as everything is expanding and stretching a lot.

We have been staying busy as a family. We recently bought new furniture for our living room. We got a really nice recliner that will be perfect for the baby because it rock and swivels. And we finally bought a king size bed set so we will have room to sleep all together if that is what needs to happen, although I am working hard to get Ruby transitioned into her own bed.

Big Sis testing out baby products

Ruby has taken a liking to Nick's CPR Dummy Baby and is practicing being a big sister. She has been dressing the baby and even disciplining the baby.

First time at the pool with Baby

Itchy Mama

Mother's Day Roses

For a little over a week I have been dealing with extremely itchy skin and terrible scalp itch. It started up a couple days after my last OB appointment and so I went back in that Friday. I met with another doctor who was puzzled by it. There was no rash and the itching was all over my body, but worse on the scalp. I thought I had lice at first!

They tested my blood to make sure there was not a problem with my liver, which can result in a dangerous condition for the baby which presents with mom itching. Luckily my liver and bile tests all came back fine. I am relieved that I do not have some rare condition and I can suffer through with whatever this is as long as I have a healthy baby. The itching is still there but it has subsided a bit, I think! I also think that maybe this is a sign that I am having a boy. I didn't have this symptom with Ruby and a couple people I have heard of had crazy itch with their boy pregnancies, but not with their girls. Additionally, I have had a total of 3 dreams now where I delivered a baby boy. Could it be? We wait.

Yesterday was Mother's Day and it was a nice, but uneventful day. Nick had to work so Ruby and I spent the day out and about shopping and then I came back and cleaned up the house a bit. It was so nice to have a day off work and to actually have the time to clean my house. We Facetimed with Diana and baby Emmet, which was fun. I also had a pretty rough work week so it came as a really nice surprise when I won a $200 Amazon gift card from a Mother's Day campaign I entered on social media. I am thinking I may use that to buy a new stroller, one that Ruby can stand and ride.

I have been back at it in the 9Round Gym and enjoying the workouts. My back is hurting a bit and so I think it is probably time to pay another visit to the chiropractor. Its already May and summer plans are taking shape. Nick and I will go to NYC in June and Ruby and I will take a trip to Michigan over the 4th of July. I am really looking forward to that. I have a feeling this baby is going to be here before we know it because we have so much planned between now and delivery date. Life is good.

Going Public

Ruby kissing the Baby

We had our second appointment with the OB doctor this week for the 13 week genetic scan and check-up. Nick was able to make this appointment and got to be there for the ultrasound. The little baby was pretty cooperative at the beginning and then turned and appeared to fall asleep so the tech struggled to get the measurement she wanted. I think she was able to get it eventually. The baby had his/her hands up and legs crossed at the ankles.

Yesterday afternoon we decided to make the announcement official and posted a video clip on Facebook. We, of course, got much congratulations and excitement from friends and family after they learned of our news. It was fun to be able to finally share this with the world.

Ruby is enjoying giving the baby kisses and rubbing Mama's belly. She says that she is having a baby sister. It will be about 7 weeks until we can know that with any certainty.

I was back to the gym yesterday and hoping I can have a strong and fit second trimester. I am in the 13th week already...my has it flown by!

12 Weeks

12-weeks pregnant outside our home

It's hard to believe we are almost done with the first trimester! I am in the 12th week and things have been going OK pregnancy-wise. I am almost done with my antibiotics for my sinus problems and I think I will feel better when that is over with. I have been a little dizzy at times and very tired.

Other than that, we are just really working hard right now. Nick is in the final couple weeks of his semester of MBA classes, which is always stressful. He will then start a class for his study abroad and leave for Chile in mid-June! I am working 7 days a week now on average as I am seeing clients on weekends. My goal is to save money from my private practice work for my maternity leave since my agency doesn't offer any paid leave benefits. Although that is upsetting, I am at least glad I do have an opportunity to be able to make some money that can cover that period of time.

Ruby seems to be excited about being a big sister and has told all her friends and teachers, who are now asking me "is it true?" I think we will probably make the public announcement next week, after the 13 week genetic scan. Like before, it is hard for me to begin thinking seriously about names until I know the baby's sex. We will have to wait a while longer for that I think.

I am enjoying the few pieces of maternity clothes I am wearing and really need to buy some more. I think that the baby growth is more apparent earlier this time around.

Under the Weather

It has been a challenging week. I have not been feeling well and the rest of the family is sick as well. I went to the doctor yesterday after about 4 days of not being able to breathe and feeling pretty crummy. I got an antibiotic for a sinus infection. I am hoping that it helps fast, and that the baby continues to be healthy and not impacted by my illness or medications. Sleep has been rough because of not being able to breathe.

Yesterday I told my co-workers that I am pregnant. They were happy for me and I am glad that I have that behind me so I don't have to try to conceal it anymore. I have gained probably 6 lbs already and credit that mostly to eating a lot and not exercising as much. I did my kickboxing class once last week but afterward I felt like it might have been a little too much, so my plan is to scale back and wait until my 13 week appointment before I get back in there in a modified way.

Anyway, this week is all about getting better and feeling back to our normal selves!

9-Week Appointment

Monday was our first appointment at the new doctor's office. Nick was not able to make it this time,  but hopefully he can go next time. I went in for ultrasound and got to see a little figure of a person. The baby was moving a lot, the tech said. She dated me at 9 weeks pregnant and set the due date for October 28, 2016.

I then met with the nurse for genetic counseling and finally met Dr. Chao. I liked the doctor a lot. She is young-probably around my age, and had good energy. I will see her again in 4 weeks for a check-up and first trimester screening for genetic abnormalities. They will do another ultrasound at this appointment.

Overall I have been feeling very tired, very hungry and still recovering from my cold & allergies. I haven't been to my exercise classes in a couple weeks now. I just don't have the energy right now. I am hoping that will change soon, because I know it would be good for us.  Monday evening I also got out my tub of maternity clothes. There is not a lot in there, so I will need to do some shopping soon. Tuesday we went out for Mexican food and I decided that would be a good time to get into the maternity jeans! I am feeling much bigger in the stomach already, even though it is early. I don't have any shame in wearing the stretchy pants.

Ruby has told the neighbors about the baby I and told Diana last week. I haven't announced it at work yet, but will probably do that in a couple weeks.

Travels

This past week, I traveled to Washington, D.C. with a group of University Students to attend a conference, Aging in America. I was feeling pretty good going into it, but the travel was exhausting (up at 2AM) and straight into long days of conference. I either have a cold and/or allergies and it made it pretty difficult at times to engage and stay alert. I did venture  out into D.C. with the students a couple times, once at night to see the White House, Lincoln Memorial and MLK Memorial. We finished a long cold trek at The Old Abbitt Grill, which was nice. I was exhausted by the end of it all and was out a few hours past my intended bed time. One of the students in the group told me she knew I was pregnant--that she could tell when she saw me at the airport Sunday morning! I was shocked. We also went out to see the Cherry Blossoms in bloom at the Tidal Basin and they were lovely, but not good for my sinus issues.

It was so nice to get home Thursday evening. I am still not feeling well, but hoping it will pass by the time I go back to work Monday. Being pregnant in the first trimester, you can't really take many OTC meds. I did go to acup

uncture yesterday and that was helpful, at least a bit, for my splitting headache. It is hard to be pregnant, and sick, and still have to care for a family. I am hopeful that once I get though this, the rest of my time will be smooth sailing!

I go to the doctor on Monday for my initial appointment at Oakwood Women's Center. Nick will be there for that one and we will meet the new OB who will follow this pregnancy and delivery.