Before Little Jason

Monday, June 20, 2005
This was a busy weekend for us. Saturday we had a fish fry at Nana & Papa's house and then Sunday we had a shower for Uncle Brian and Aunt Joyce at Gram and Daddy Dave's. All the relatives came over Sunday and got to see you one more time in the womb. I was hurting pretty bad as my back pain has not gone away. I think you are sitting on one of my nerves - I hope this is not an omen of what's to come in the future!Today I went to the Dr. again and after almost being hit by power lines as a girl crashed into the power pole outside the office as I was walking in, I had my appointment. The dr. said I am still 2 cm dilated, but 80% effaced and that she didn't think you would take long to arrive once I was induced. Let's hope so!Weight Gain: 2 lbs (37 lbs so far)Tummy Measurement: 38 cm9 Month Pic added to album along with Pic of Aunt Joyce

Wednesday, June 15, 2005
WE HAVE A DATE TO BE INDUCED!!!!!!!!Well alot has happened since I last wrote in here. Friday I started having really bad backache pains. It continued all weekend long until finally Monday morning I called the Dr. They had me come in to test for a kidney infection. Sure enough - I had to start taking antibiotics on Tuesday. The pain was so unbearable that I can only imagine what labor will be like for me.Today I went for my 38 week checkup. I was 2 cm dilated so Dr. Damian went ahead and let me set up an appointment to be induced on 6/22/05 - NEXT WEDNESDAY! YEAH!!!!! She won't be the doctor on call that day, but I would rather do it on a Wednesday so I can be home for the weekend. You'll soon learn that your mommy likes to have things planned. :) I can't wait to see your little face instead of feeling you pushing on every organ inside me. Tummy Measurement: 38 cmWeight Gain: 1 lb. (35 lbs. so far)Cravings: I've been drinking a lot of smoothies lately.

Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Weekly checkups begin! Today I talked to Dr. Damian about induction. She said that as long as I am starting to dilate on my own, she would induce as early as 39 weeks. She said she was induced at 39 weeks with her kids because she "just got tired". I really want you to come on your own, but it's nice to know she won't let me go over my due date without some intervention.Also she checked and your head is in the down position like it should be. Yeah! Next week I start internal exams so she can monitor if I am dilating at all.Weight Gain: 1 lb (34 lbs. so far)

Monday, June 06, 2005
This weekend was kind of boring, we've just been sitting around waiting for you. I went and bought formula and purified water to get you started. Saturday night your Daddy and I went to a wedding for one of his co-workers. There was a girl there that was 7 days overdue. I started getting a little depressed thinking that might happen to me. I am going to discuss how late I have to be before they will induce with my doctor on Wednesday. Your Uncle Brian and Aunt Joyce are planning a trip down here from Georgia on the 18th and would really like to see you when they're here. They asked me to get with you about that and see what you could do. :) Sunday I went to buy your Daddy some new shoes and walked the whole mall looking for them. I started getting some cramping in my lower abdomen from all the walking, but it went away as soon as I got in the car. I am starting my weekly appointments this Wednesday so it means you should be arriving very soon.Cravings: One day only - Checker's Champ Burger!

Thursday, June 02, 2005
Today was another checkup. They did the test for Group B Strep so I should get the results by next week. Everything looked good measurement and weight wise. Tests performed at the hospital last week also came back ok.Weight Gain: 4 lbs. (33 lbs. so far)Tummy Measurement: 36 cm

Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Memorial Day Weekend - We spent the last weekend of May down at the condo in Bradenton. Saturday I went out on the boat with your Nana and Papa until your Daddy got there and it became very clear this would be my last boat trip for a while. You were so jammed into my ribs the whole time that there was no way to get comfortable. Yesterday I spent the day cleaning the house, getting the cradle set up, packing both of our hospital bags and putting in your carseat. I think we have just about everything ready that we possibly can before you get here. Now it is just a waiting game. 4 more weeks to go...(8 Month Pic is posted)Cravings: Nothing special.

Tuesday, May 24, 2005
HOSPITAL TRIP!!!!! So at about 6:30 pm my lower left back starts to absolutely kill me. So I try to get comfortable curling up in a ball on the couch, recliner, bed, etc. Nothing helps. Your Daddy got home about 8:00 pm and I had him massaging my back which moved the pain to the front of my stomach like really bad menstrual cramps. So at this point I am starting to worry (first-time mom syndrome) since my paper from the doctor says Braxton-Hicks should not last more than an hour. So at about 9:00 I finally called the answering service and got to talk to Dr. Nixon (of course the only one I haven’t seen in the rotation yet). She said at 35 weeks I should probably come in and get checked to make sure everything is ok.So your Daddy jumps in the shower and then we head to the hospital. I get to L & D and they have me wait in the waiting room for 15 minutes. Then the L & D Nursing Supervisor calls the desk and asks to talk to me. I explained the problem to her and she said it would be about 5 minutes. I waited for another 20-25 minutes and finally they call me back. I give my urine sample and get situated in the bed and the nurse comes in to check me. She says she doesn’t feel any holes in the cervix but she wanted to watch the monitor and wait for the urine test results. She gave me two Tylenol and let me lay there forever. Finally the results come back and she calls Dr. Nixon. The Dr. wants to come check me so we wait until about 1:00 am before she gets there. She said that my urine showed signs of possible urinary tract infection which can bring on contractions so she wants to send it off for a culture. She then checks me and says that everything feels normal and that my cervix is not opening at all. She told me that will call when the results come in if I need to take anything. So by now, the pain is a dull ache and I am sent home at about 1:15 am. While hooked up to the monitor she did record that I had several contractions and that you are a VERY active baby. You‘re supposed to be able to record 10 movements in a 2 hour period according to the doctor and you were doing 10 every 5 minutes.Anyway, we are all fine now and I actually slept from 1:30 to 6:00 this morning without waking up once (very refreshing).I have now successfully completed my FTM panic trip to the hospital and felt contractions so I know next time to just take two Tylenol, lay in the most uncomfortable bed with a stupid gown on, turn on all the lights and I should be fine

Monday, May 23, 2005
This weekend was Dawn and Tracy's wedding. Your Daddy and I were both in the wedding party. It looked really cute with a pregnant bride, Matron of Honor and me as a bridesmaid. The rehearsal dinner was Friday night and then the wedding was on Saturday. My feet were so tired by the end of Saturday that I was wearing flip-flops at the reception. It was an outside reception at Dawn's uncle's stable so it was very casual. Everything turned out well and you were cooperative with the stepping on the bladder thing during the ceremony :) Yesterday your Daddy and I went to take the hospital tour, but they were short-staffed and weren't doing any that day. Bummer! We are going to try again in June. Hopefully you won't arrive before then. We did however get the curtains hung in your room so I think it is pretty complete now.Cravings: Watermelon has been pretty good lately.

Monday, May 16, 2005
This past weekend we were down in Bradenton again. I fished Thursday, Friday and Saturday and felt great the whole time (I even out fished your Papa). Sunday I started feeling a little woosy, but ate something and was fine again. You crowd me so much now that sometimes it's hard to breathe and your Daddy makes fun of me when I get to breathing heavy just sitting there watching TV. It's rough carrying another person around with yourself too. Today I went for a checkup with Dr. Puretz. He said everything looks good and I am set as far as measurements go. 6 more weeks to go...Weight Gained at Dr.: 3 lbs (29 lbs so far)Tummy Measurement: 34 cmCravings: Japanese (which I will get to eat tonight since Gina is in town and we are going out)


Monday, May 09, 2005
This past weekend we went back to the beach and I fished a little more this time. It was actually easier to go out first thing in the morning than to wait until I was more worn out in the afternoon. It was fun. Before Nana and I headed back, we went with Daddy and Papa to Anna Maria Oyster Bar for dinner. They gave Nana and I flowers for Mother's Day. It was my first official Mom-to-Be Day.Cravings: Chocolate

Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Today was my baby shower at work. The girls did such a good job planning and making it special. Most everyone went in on buying you the bigger car seat and even kept it a surprise by not taking it off the registry. They had the cutest cake and favors as well as lots of yummy food.

Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Today was another appointment with Dr. Caravello. He said everything was good and I have gained another 4 lbs. Wow the weight is just packing on now.Weight Gained: 4 lbs (26 lbs so far)Tummy Measurement: 32 cm

Monday, May 02, 2005
I now have swollen ankles much of the time. We went fishing this weekend and it is a lot harder pregnant than it was before. I didn't go out until later in the day and then after standing on the boat for so long my ankles were huge. I tried sitting, but it is hard to get comfortable sitting on the boat, especially in my adorable maternity swimsuit. I spent the rest of the weekend with Mom, Christy and the boys. Bryant even offered to help with you when you're born, changing dirty diapers and everything. We will probably be going to the beach for the next few weekends so at least I can get some sun if I can't fish for very long.(7 Month Pic is now posted)Cravings: Anything salty - which is exactly what I don't need.

Wednesday, April 27, 2005
This past weekend the nausea started again and has been going on and off dor a few days now. Nana and I went shopping Saturday and bought some little odds and ends that we still needed for you. Hopefully I will start to feel better before we start going to the condo during the month of May.Cravings: Not much of anything

Friday, April 22, 2005
Today was my checkup. I started rotating with the other doctors in the practice. Dr. Alvarez said everything looks good. Weight Gain at Dr.: 4 lbs (22 lbs so far)Tummy Measurement: 30 cm - right on track for 30 weeks

Monday, April 18, 2005
This weekend was one of the busiest we've had in a long time. Friday night we went to cousin Becca's wedding reception, Saturday was your baby shower, Saturday night was Dawn and Tracy's wedding shower and Sunday was mommy's Juniors convention. The shower was so exciting. Everyone was very generous and we received many very cute and useful gifts for you. Daddy wonders how one kid can need that much stuff, but I assured him it was all going to be helpful. All the hostesses of the shower, Nana, Aunt Christy, Gina, Corinne, Dawn and Charissa really outdid themselves with the decorations, games and food. Everything was so cute and I think everyone that attended really enjoyed themselves. We can't wait for everyone to meet you - our shining new star!Cravings: Anything food related!!!!

Monday, April 11, 2005
Well I would have heard by now if my glucose test went badly so I guess I am ok. They only call if there is a problem.This weekend your Daddy and I went fishing again and caught some monster bass for the lakes around here. It's getting more difficult to sleep and get my rest so it's nice to go out on the boat and just relax. At night I toss and turn trying to get comfortable. On Sunday I went to lay in the sun at Nana & Papa's and you were not cooperating when I tried to lay on my stomach. You kept kicking me like I was squishing you or something. I guess if you're getting bigger you need your room.Your Uncle Brian visited this week too and couldn't believe how many clothes and shoes you already have. Uncle Brian and Aunt Joyce need to get started on your cousin's nursery so they can send us pictures since they have seen yours now. I can't wait to see what they do for their own little baby Ducar. Cravings: Subs

Monday, April 04, 2005
This weekend Daddy didn't have to work so we got a lot of things done around the house. We bought flowers for your Gram's front yard for her birthday, stained some shelves for your room and I got some new maternity clothes since I am outgrowing so many of the ones Aunt Christy gave to me. Cravings: Nothing specific

Friday, April 01, 2005
Today I went for my 1-hour glucose test to see if I have gestational diabetes. I should have the results early next week if there is a problem. I had to drink this syrupy sweet orange drink before the appointment - Yuck!Weight Gain at Dr.: 2 lbs. (Total 18 so far)Tummy measurement: 26 cmCravings: Chocolate - luckily we got lots of it for Easter.

Monday, March 28, 2005
This was Easter weekend, so Aunt Christy, Uncle Brian and the boys came up. We went to Lowry Park Zoo on Friday, went shopping Sunday and had Easter dinner on Sunday. We also visited your Great Aunt Sheryl's house on Sunday for the Ducar family Easter. Everyone was asking about you. Saturday night we went to dinner with Daddy's boss Mike and his family. You kicked alot during dinner and on the limo ride over to Tampa. I can't believe you'll be here in 3 months. It's kinda going by quickly.(6 Month Belly Picture in the gallery)

Sunday, March 20, 2005
This weekend Nana came over and painted your room. We also put up some shelves and did some stenciling around them. It is slowly coming together and will probably look more complete when we get the mobile, wall hangings and curtains. We also washed up all the clothes that Aunt Christy had sent to you. Boy, you sure have a lot for a little one who's not even here yet. I think you have more shoes than me. Grams and Daddy Dave came down with the crib mattress they bought you and Grams just loved all the little clothes.(Check out the photo gallery for pics)Cravings: Rocky's Ham & Cheese sub and anything chocolate.

Sunday, March 13, 2005
This week I went to Miami for a business trip. You were great the whole time even though we had a hard time finding a restaurant the one night and you were poking at me to get some food. We are slowly working on getting the house ready for you. Daddy and I worked this weekend on dying the grout on all the tile. I thought I might put this off until you were born and I was on maternity leave, but I figured that you would be my main priority and I would never get it done. This afternoon we rewarded ourselves by going fishing for about 6 hours, and yes, Mommy beat Daddy 10 fish to 9. I'm pretty sure you'll learn how to fish from your Daddy as well as I did. Next weekend Nana is going to come over and help me paint your nursery so we can get you set up. Cravings: Nothing specific.

Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Today was another Dr. Appt. I feel like a BIG FAT COW!! I have gained a total of 16 lbs now!! The nurse told me that I was on track for normal weight gain and that I gained more recently making up for what I didn't gain in the beginning, but that didn't make me feel any better. I think I need to lay off the cokes and start drinking more water.Weight Gain at Dr.: 8 lbs. (Total 16 so far)Tummy measurement: 23 cm

Saturday, March 05, 2005
This week I first felt you move from the outside. I was laying in bed Tuesday night and you were moving, so I put my hand on my belly and you kicked it. I was going to try to get Daddy to feel it too, but you stopped before I could get his attention. I can't wait for him to feel it too. This weekend we put your nursery furniture together and set it up in the room. Next weekend I think we might go ahead and paint. Then it's time to start loading in everything else that Aunt Christy has already given us. She has been very generous.Cravings: Tropical Smoothie Almost Heaven

Saturday, February 26, 2005
This week was pretty calm. You moved around alot, but other than that it was pretty uneventful. You seem to really like it when I eat cold, sweet things. Today was Family Fest at Munn Park where I was in charge of all the children's activities. You were really good and I wasn't sick or anything throughout the whole day. I was very tired tonight though and Daddy and I just stayed at home and watched a movie. We started cleaning out your room. We are getting rid of the spare bedroom furniture to make room for yours. I can't wait to decorate it.Cravings: Tropical Smoothie Beach Bums

Saturday, February 19, 2005
This week was a tough one for Mommy. I was sick with a really bad cold all week long and am still trying to get over it. It's tough when you can't take a lot of normal medicines. Today Daddy and I went to get your nursery furniture in his new truck and I registered for more stuff for you at Target. Soon we will need to start setting up your room and getting things ready for you.Cravings: Nothing since I couldn't taste a thing.

Saturday, February 12, 2005
This week was so exciting finding out that you will be a boy. I had such a hard time preparing for this appointment with all the water I had to drink, but the ultrasound tech was very nice and accommodating to me. After our ultrasound appt, your Daddy and I called everyone we knew to let them know. Now we know that we want your room to be decorated with red, yellow and blue stars (picture in LJ's World section). In fact, Nana and Aunt Christy have already started buying parts of your crib set. Aunt Christy also sent you 7 boxes of clothes this weekend. She was so happy that her new little nephew will be getting good use out of many barely used clothes. Daddy and I decided on your Name - Jason Neil Jr. We're going to call you LJ though which is short for Little Jay. Although with your Daddy's stature, you're bound to not be very little.You also started making some definite movements this week. I was sitting at work on Friday and you were just bumping around in there like crazy.Cravings: Cheese Quesadillas

Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Today was our 20 week Ultrasound and IT'S A BOY!!! I'm sure glad the tech knew her stuff, because we couldn't tell at all until she pointed out your manhood. Daddy just had a feeling last night that you were all boy and he was right!!! Your heartbeat was 142 and you weigh 11 ounces.Weight Gain at Dr.: 5 lbs. (Total 8 so far)

Saturday, February 05, 2005
This week I had a few bouts with the morning sickness again. Just when I think it is gone, it reappears. I told Daddy Friday morning that you were punching me since that's what it felt like. You're obviously a fiesty one. Hopefully Tuesday we can give you a name and start really planning your nursery. I was watching TV Thursday night while Daddy was out at Uncle Corey's house and I saw so many shows with cookies on them that I called Daddy and he had to stop at 2 different stores on the way home to get me some chocolate chip ones. I guess you wanted something sweet. You are definitely my child!Cravings: Chocolate Chip Cookies

Monday, January 31, 2005
Well the epidural class was a complete waste of time. We were there for about 20 minutes while we had to fill out a medical history and watch a 9 minute video. I guess it's good that I'm all signed up though so I can make sure nothing holds up that pain medication. :)

Saturday, January 29, 2005
I feel you move more and more now like a little butterfly inside my belly. You especially like it (or are really objecting) when I play loud rock music in the car. I had a little bit of the morning sickies this week like it was coming back, but by the weekend I was better. On Saturday I bought some more maternity clothes since they seem to be becoming a necessity. Next week I am going to the epidural class to make sure I have the option of pain control and then the week after is when we get to see you again on the ultrasound. Hopefully you're not modest. Aunt Christy, Nana and Charissa got together today to start planning my baby shower too. They wouldn't let your control freak mommy even sit in the room. That's good though, since I want it to be a surprise.Cravings: Sweets - Ice cream and chocolate AND subs.

Saturday, January 22, 2005
This week I finally came to the realization that I need to start wearing some of the smaller maternity clothes. They are so much more comfortable than regular clothes. I have a little pooch which is evident because I can't suck it in anymore. It's nice to finally feel like I'm starting to look pregnant. My morning sickness is few and far between as long as I eat every few hours. I also really felt you move for the first time. I was driving down the road and when I put in the Shinedown CD and turned the volume up you kinda jumped or something. It was the first time I knew it was you and not just a stomach rumbling.Cravings: Spicy foods (chips and salsa, chicken tacos, etc.)

Saturday, January 15, 2005
I went to the Dr. on Thursday for a quick checkup. Everything appears good and she found your heartbeart really quickly. It was strong and fast. We get to have our ultrasound on February 8th to see if you're a girl or a boy. Yeah!Cravings: Subway BMTSWeight Gain at Dr.: 2 lbs. (Total 3 so far)

Saturday, January 08, 2005
Nothing new this week. I can't wait until I can feel you move for the first time. We'll see what next week brings.

Saturday, January 01, 2005
Happy New Year! Last night we went to Nana and Papa's to shoot off fireworks with the gang. I actually wore maternity pants and a shirt for comfort. Everyone was drinking except for me - no alcohol for the baby. I am starting to feel a little better a lot of the time which is good.Cravings: Milkshakes

Saturday, December 25, 2004
Christmas Day!! Today we went to Gram and Daddy Dave's for Christmas dinner. Daddy got me a charm bracelet so I can start collecting charms when you are born. It rained most of the day and we spent the night just watching TV and relaxing together.

Sunday, December 19, 2004
Yesterday we had our Christmas Brunch at Nana's house. It went pretty well and I was able to eat. Last night was the Arnett Christmas Party and it was cold out on the ranch. Daddy and I stayed until late and helped clean up since I started feeling better after we were there for a while.

Friday, December 17, 2004
We had a Holiday Homes Tour event on Sunday and I was so weak I couldn't stand up to hostess. I ended up sitting in a chair all afternoon. I went back to the Dr. on Wednesday. Dr Damian offered to give me medicine for the nausea, but I declined as I don't want to take any chances in hurting your development. Cravings: Wendy's Baked Potatoes & SaladsWeight Gain at Dr: 1 lb.

Friday, December 10, 2004
No cravings, no food kept down...argh!!! Every day is a new time to throw up and feel awful. Let's see what next week brings.

Friday, December 03, 2004
This week was same old, same old - I can't keep much down and what I do keep down doesn't really taste good. I sure hope this starts going away soon.Cravings: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Friday, November 26, 2004
Your daddy has been gone all week in Georgia and Alabama hunting. It was rough without him here, and I think I had him worried when he called the one night and I had a crying fit on the phone. I have been very emotional this week. For Thanksgiving I went down to Aunt Christy's house. I managed to keep down some turkey, cranberry sauce and mashed potatoes. Yeah! Cravings: Arby's Roast Beef sandwiches

Friday, November 19, 2004
Daddy left today for his annual hunting trip with Corey. This week was pretty much the same as the last with lots of nausea and tiredness. Cravings: Wendy's Frostys

Wednesday, November 17, 2004
Today was our first sonogram. It was so cool to see you for the first time and to hear your little heartbeat. It was so fast. Then I had to give lots of blood to make sure that everything is ok with me and you.

Friday, November 12, 2004
11/8/04 - I have been feeling very tired lately and all I want to do is sleep. The prenatal vitamins I am taking make me nauseous and there is no food that sounds good at this point in time. My mind is also starting to go so soon. I almost completely forgot about a meeting I had for the Junior Woman's Club.

Tuesday, November 02, 2004
11/2/04 - My first appointment was all about the paperwork and finances. I first had to set up a payment schedule - you weren't cheap - and then had to sign a whole bunch of consent forms.

Friday, October 29, 2004
This morning I snuck out of work to go visit the Dr.'s office so they too could tell me you were here. Funny how they used the same test I used, but I believed it more coming from them. Our first appt. is scheduled for 11/2/04 at 2:30 pm.Tonight after the neighborhood Halloween party I gave your Nana & Papa and Gram & Daddy Dave the good news through a little poem:"Happy Halloween from your Little-Ghost-To-BeNext year I'll be in costume for everyone to seeBut for now I'm growing bigger each and every dayAnd so is Mommy's tummy so she doesn't want to weighSo be prepared to see my face I'll be arriving very soonMommy and Daddy think that I'll pop outSome time around this June"Nana cried, Papa and Daddy Dave were excited, and Gram said something I can't write to you now because you're too young. I also called Aunt Christy and told her to send the maternity clothes my way.

Thursday, October 28, 2004
Today I snuck home before my Nail appt. to see if you were here. I had a test that Aunt Christy had given me a long time ago, but it expired in November 2004. Therefore, when I saw the pink line appear I still wasn't convinced. I went to get my nails done and then stopped to buy a twin pack of tests just to reassure myself. After taking the first one your daddy came home and I surprised him with the news. I made a little card from you and tied it to the tests. Later that night I took one more, I think out of the fact that I am such an obsessive person and wanted to make sure I was doing it right.