Happy Birthday Ramey Ann!!!

I was bound and determined to keep Ramey in place till after all the services… my due date was Thursday and since many first babies are late I thought all was good. After Cheryl’s passing I put myself on couch-rest, thinking it would help… well I spent most of Sunday night wide awake timing contractions, they weren’t super strong or regular but they were happening. This continued thru the night, morning and afternoon. Monday late afternoon I decided I needed to get checked out to see what was going on since the visitation was in 24hrs.
When I first got to the hospital I was only dilated 3 but almost fully effaced. The monitor showed that I was in fact contracting on a regular basis but still weren’t super strong. This continued thru the evening with no progress, normally we would have been sent home but they knew the situation and let us stay awhile longer. We (mom and I) decided to walk around for another hour or so and if nothing progressed then we would go home… with a little help from Cheryl, I finally made just enough progress and continued too for awhile longer. Once I made it to 6, I got my epidural (HEAVEN!!!) then shortly thereafter we started the pitocin. Tuesday morning rounds the dr ruptured my water in hopes of getting things moving along again but by noon I had stalled again and the dr suggested a c-section if I still hadn’t progressed by 1… Well no change and we ended up having the c-section… Ramey was born at 1:30 Sept 23, 2008!!! My chunky monkey... 8lbs 15oz!!! and 21 inches long!!
She had difficulty maintaining her blood sugar and was put on an iv (they also had concern about possible infection due to maconium in fluid, all test came back negative!!) Poor thing was stuck over and over... I was discharge on Friday but Ramey had to stay, luckily the hospital let me stay on as a border till she was discharge which happened on Saturday.

Remembering Grandma Cheryl

On September 20, 2008, Grandma Cheryl past away after a long fought battle with breast cancer. She tried so very hard to hold out to meet Baby Ramey…

Cheryl was the best mother-in-law I could ask for. She treated me as a daughter and not as an in-law. I could go to her with any problem, including those involving her son and she would look at the situation with an open heart and mind…set me straight or would agree with me!

I remember times of laughter, like when she came to Chicago for my bachelorette party and danced the night away with my aunts. I remember times of support, like when Ron and I were debating wedding locations. I remember times of mothering, like when she took me to the emergency room while at the Lake of Ozarks. I remember numerous times of celebrating: graduations, weddings, new jobs, new homes and the prospect of a new baby… the memories will never be forgotten.

Grandma Cheryl may not be here in person but I have already felt her presence. In the midst of her passing I felt Baby Ramey move like I had never felt and I know that she made a stop and spent some time with Baby Ramey before the rest of us! Ramey has so much of her Grandma in her that Cheryl will be an ever present part of our lives…

For Cheryl’s birthday Ron spent countless hours preparing a montage for her:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILGwgdVmYNw

We miss you….

THANK YOU ASCP!!!

So I get a call from Ron asking to meet him for lunch yesterday. Upon my arrival he takes me back to a conference room and to my surprise it was a mini-baby shower lunch!!! They gave us a VERY generous gift card to Babies-R-Us and a hand/foot print memento. I can't wait to take the little girl down to meet them all.

Thank you again!!

Crazy weekend.... I hate the car!!!

We had a very busy weekend...ok so it was mostly saturday, but that is a lot for me!!!

Friday was a low key night with Phillip and Dita, carry-out Indian while listening to the airplanes fly by (too lazy to go outside and see if we could see anything) Wasn't a late night as I was ready for my comfy spot on the couch and comfy clothes...

I knew Saturday was going to be busy, so I tried to take it as easy as I could in the morning. Ron took me out for breakfast before a quick Home Depot trip. The afternoon was spend in Michigan City, IN for a work bbq/house warming for Ron's work, this drive was a little over an hour!!! We had a great time visiting and people even sat inside with me (close to the food of course) Upon our return to the city I had to rest for a bit, literally only a bit as we had to go to Highland Park for Ally's engagement shower (another 40 mins on the road!!!) Beautiful party at a beautiful house. It was great to see everyone!! The wedding will be amazing! Ron was well behaved and able to drive home, which was great as many times the pregant wife is the DD and I was in no shape to be driving

Luckily we were able to take it easy on Sunday... I had the best nap I think I have ever taken while Ron went to a movie.

Next weekend looks just as crazy... Ouest Anniversary Party friday, Cheryl B-day saturday and my shower sunday (plus Mike's B-day sunday) Guess we better get it all in while we can!!! Will try to post some pics next week...

Week 33

Busy weekend!!! Mom and dad came for a visit. Friday morning mom went to the dr with me and got a good idea where she will need to go when she makes her mad dash to the city when the time comes! I told her that when I pack my hospital bag that she may want to bag her over night bag so she is ready at a moment notice. I scheduled all of my remaining appointments, only 6 more to go!!!

We then meet up with the boys for the Cub/Cardinal game (thanks for the tickets Papa!!) I drank my water while the rest enjoyed their Bub Lights! In the middle of the 8th inning all the sudden we here a young woman hyperventilating and all eyes turned her way only to discover her boyfriend down on one knee... a wedding proposal in the 8th inning on 08-08-8!!

Later that night we got word the Baby Mecum made her appearance at 10:18 pm on 08-08-08 (great birthday!!) Mom and baby Olivia are now home and we are going for a visit tonight! Can't wait to meet Baby Swan newest playmate!!

Sunday afternoon we drove to Bloomington so Cheryl could paint her pictures for the baby's room. We had a nice visit and also got to visit a few siblings as well... Baby Garrett is getting big, my they grow so fast!

Welcome Baby Olivia!!

Baby Swan has another playmate!!! Baby Olivia arrived on 08-08-08!!! What a great birthday! (and easy to remember!)

Ron and I went to visit the new family and got a chance to hold the baby (not an easy task with a big o belly!!) Ryan and Natalie look great. I can not wait for all the playdates to start!!

We also found out the so far we are 5 for 5.... all girls!!! Christy and Kristie are both expecting girls!!! Should make for some great drama in the future...GIRLS!!!

Week 32

Had my Chicago shower over the weekend. It was great to everyone and catch up. Thanks for all the great gifts girls!!! (and the cake was yummy too!!) Can't wait to start using them all

Was thinking about the things I miss since being pregnant... A few of them are:
-Bending over... you don't realize how much bending you do till you can't do it anymore
-Sushi, this WILL be my first restaurant visit post baby!!!! Bob Sans here I come!!
-Ice cold Corona!!! 'nough said!!
-Sleeping with my husband... due to all the excess pillows, constant flipping and numerous bathroom trips, Ron refuses to sleep in the same room as me
-Walking a normal pace... senior citizens pass me when walking, poor Ron, Mr. Speed Walker has been really great not leaving me in his dust
-Going up/down the stairs without getting out of breath
-Making a fist... got to love pregnancy induced carpal tunnel!

There are a few great things about being pregnant too.... people will give you there seat in various locations, eating ice cream regularly because you need A LOT of calcium, making your husband bring you any and everything because getting up from the couch takes 5 minutes!, and holding our little girl in a few short weeks!!!

Cubs Game

Made it to my first Cubs game this year (Ron's 18th and counting!) with the Feit cousins. All had a good time:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ron.swan/FeitCubsOuting

I did well in the heat and didn't complain too much (My only request was for more ice, which apparently you have to buy a bottle of water to get, which I had already purchased...ugh!!)

Baby Laila arrived over the weekend as well. I stopped by the hospital to get Ulla and walking in the Maternity ward was a little surreal...makes me want Sept to get here in a hurry, yet Oct is sounding better and better... Mecum's, your up next!!!

We drove down and spent the afternoon with Cheryl on Wed... still waiting for my painting!!! We had a nice dinner then went out for icecream!!!

On tap for this weekend: Shower in Chicago with the girls and may see Dark Knight with Ron.

Week 30

The movements are picking up, as expected...however so far I've been lucky and haven't had many rib or bladder shots...I'm sure they are only a few days away!

I decide to compile a list of my favorite pregnancy foods (will try to start from the beginning:
-Lemon drops and Jolly Ranchers
-Mashed potatoes (even made Ron try to find a restaurant that served mashed potatoes, decided on German and the place was closed... It was Good Friday, go figure!)
-Potbelly's shake, chocolate or strawberry
-Grapes (went thru a bag of grapes in 2 days and Ron didn't help!)
-Strawberries
-Dole peaches in a jar... had to be the refrigerated ones in a jar
-Mashed potatoes still holding strong!
-Yogurt (only Yoplait peach, cherry, raspberry & strawberry)
-Egg Salad (would drive to East Bank just to get some from the deli on days when I didn't take a class)
-California Pizza Kitchen (I could always count on Dita to meet me for salad and the occasional shared pizza! I've even done carry out by myself)
-Sweet Mandy B's cupcakes (oh so yummy...fine, pregnancy is just my excuse, can eat them ANYTIME!)
-PBJ on toast for breakfast (or anytime!)
-Lemonade
-Orange Soda (Fanta or Sunkist)


I'm sure there are more but now I'm hungry...

Week 29

I made it to the third trimester!!! (ok, so it was a few weeks ago...I've been busy, give me a break!!!)

The joys of pregnancy are starting to really show there face... the swelling, the constant peeing, uncontrollable heartburn, the not sleeping and the need for constant resting... I think Ron asks me at least 10 times a day either: are you ok or what's wrong... My usual response: Just pregnant!!!

Yesterday we had a nice day and met up with the Ciaccio's at the farmer's market (Dita knows all the good stands to hit) Ulla really wanted us to bring Lefty, but it had rained all morning and I did not want to deal with a muddy dog! (maybe next time!) We got a lot of great fresh fruit and shared a fresh peach crepe (oh so yummy, will be back for that)

After the farmer's market, we walked over the zoo and had a nice time walking around... with only one minor incident... we found a spot on a bench to sit and watch the monkeys play and swing when I felt a drop, didn't think much of it as it rained a lot that morning... at least until I went to wipe it away, yeah that's right, I got pooped on!!!! Luckily the washroom was right there and I was able to rinse it all out...

Went to my last 4 week appt last week, I'm now going for check ups every 2 weeks!!! Hope this helps the last few weeks fly by...(Less than 75 days and counting!)

Things to do: register for a class/infant cpr and pre-register at the hospital

Showers are set... Aug 2 in Chicago and Aug 24 in Bloomington