Announcing....

Casper Boone Thoma

April 9, 2009

3:56pm

7 lbs 3 oz

20 3/4 inches

We are so excited to announce the arrival of the most beautiful and perfect baby in the whole wide world. I have never seen a baby so smart, cute, charismatic, strong...I could go on and on. We are absolutely in love with this little man, I didn't know something could steal your heart so quickly! I am head over heels...is it possible to kiss a baby too much?

There are so many amazing pictures of our little guy that I decided not to post them on the blog and instead I have set up a family website on shutterfly to share with everyone. Please check out http://thomafamilyphotos.shutterfly.com/. You may have to become a member, if so you can do that on the site.

If you're interested, I have included a play by play of our first couple of days together...

Despite my valient efforts at visualization, walking, and other forms of internet recommended labor inducements, I was not able to go into labor without assistance. So, Chris and I reported to the hospital at 6pm on Wednesday night to be induced Thursday morning. On Wed. I was given oral prostagladins which work to soften the cervix. They gave me a new dosage every 3 hours and I started having some more significant contractions in the middle of the night as a result. I was in a hospital bed, hooked up to the fetal heart monitor but not terribly uncomfortable. Poor Chris had to sleep in one of those awful hospital "recliners" that are never quite big enough for him. He ended up pulling up another chair to put his feet on. We hung out for the evening with no real excitement, watching American Idol and Slumdog Millionaire.

Thursday morning Dr. Trammell arrived at about 7:00 am to see how I was progressing. I was much more effaced so he went ahead and broke my water and started me on Pitocin to start contractions. Mom and Dad arrived around 8:30 or 9:00 to hang out for the day and Chris's mom came a little bit later. The Pitocin definitely worked to get the contractions going. The nurse and I discussed pain medicines...my original plan was to try to go with IV pain meds only but after three weeks of contractions, I was waivering on this decision. We started some IV pain meds around 10 o'clock and all that did was make me dizzy...it didn't do anything for the pain. About an hour later the nurse told me that I was dialated to 3+ cm and so I could do an epidural anytime even though it was only early labor. I progressed a little further then asked the nurse if it was too early to do the epidural...she said that all of the other induced mommies for the day had gotten it much earlier...I was the last one holding out, so I gave in. Although the process of getting the epidural put in is not fun, it definitely changed the course of my labor and delivery. From that point on, I didn't feel anything...in fact my legs were almost completely numb. I had to have Chris pick them up every once in a while and move them toward the center of the bed so they wouldn't fall off.

At about 3:00pm the nurse checked my cervix and decided that I was getting close to 10 cm. and about ready to start pushing. She paged Dr. Trammell and we started prepping for the delivery. I still couldn't feel my legs but I was starting to feel some contractions so I used my epidural "booster" button which was just the right amount. At about 3:30 I started some practice pushes and they actually got things moving. My contractions were still three minutes apart but that gave me plenty of time to rest and push the next time. All in all, I pushed for 25 minutes...about 6 contractions and Dr. Trammell showed up just in time for the last two contractions. Chris said I made it look real easy...I think it went easier than I could have ever imagined. I think Chis was really proud of me since he sounded so amazed during delivery and he brags to everyone that I made it look so easy. Although I didn't realize it at the time, I did tear a little and that is sure causing me some problems now...but it's all worth it. We are overjoyed with our little boy!

We spent Friday in the hospital and saw lots of visitors both Thursday night and all day Friday...we are blessed to have so many friends that want to spoil our baby. we went home...I think earlier than the nurses intended but I was ready to go. Both nights we were in the hospital Casper spent some time in the nursery, but not much. Neither Chris or I slept much on Thursday night since we would just lay there and watch him sleep. On Friday, Chris had to work some and also had an early morning delivery on Saturday so he didn't spend the night Friday night. Casper and I had fun in the times we were hanging out together, alone. We just snuggled and cuddled. Friday night was a little tough, we were trying not to use a pacifier but after a couple of hours of trying, I gave in and am glad that I did. I was afraid that it would hurt his nursing but it didn't bother him at all.

After Chris got back from his delivery on Saturday morning, we went home...I think earlier than the nurses intended but I was ready to go. We spent that day at home with just the three of us - napping, snuggling, changing diapers - it was perfect. We tried to have him sleep in the pack and play in our room but we were jumping up at every little noise. Halfway through the night we moved him to the nursery and turned on the monitor...that worked much better. I didn't get much sleep over those first days but I hardly noticed, I just slept whenever I felt like it and that worked well for me.

Sunday was Easter but we satyed home and just enjoyed each other again. Granny and Poppy came by and brought us Easter dinner and some presents for Casper. Then Mommy gave Casper the Easter basket that the bunny had left for him. He liked alot of his new toys. On Sunday night Chris had to go to bed early to do his route on Monday at 4 am so Casper slept in his room and I slept in the spare bedroom...except I started watching a movie and didn't try to get to sleep until right before he was ready to eat. I only got about 2 hours sleep total that night, but we were awake to say goodbye to Daddy when he left in the morning. I know, I know, sleep when the baby sleeps...I'm learning :) In fact, I am starting to enjoy our naps together...I don't think I am spoiling him by holding him for every nap and cuddling together.

Nursing has been going as easy as the delivery and I am very thankful for that. Casper weighed 6 lbs 11 oz when we left the hospital and had gained 3 oz when we went to our first doctor appointment on Monday. Dr. Holly thought he was doing wonderfully! He was slightly jaundiced so we had to get some lab work done...which was not fun at all, for Casper or Mommy. Then we had to go back again on Tuesday to retest. I prayed that his billirubin would be low so that we wouldn't have to do the lab work again...it's so hard to watch him go through that. Thankfully his levels were stablized and we didn't have to do anything special and his jaundice was not progressing.

I can't think of anything to report...all is well with the world. My life is a dream come true!!!

38 Week Update

I can't say it's for lack of trying, but no, I haven't had the baby yet. It seems to me like he is so very close that it could be any minute but I've been thinking that for a couple of weeks now. Here is basically how I have spent the last week...waiting...

Earlier this week, Chris brought me flowers - a gift from one of the flower shops on his route, they were beautiful.

I had my 38 week appointment with Dr. Trammell yesterday and everything looks good. I have not made much headway in the delivery process. Because of the gestational diabetes, my age, one or two episodes of higher blood pressure, and the size of the baby, Dr. Trammell has decided that if he doesn't come before Thursday, he will induce labor. I am scheduled to report to the hospital on Wednesday evening for prostaglandins...which may do the trick. If not, then the pitocin will come early Thursday morning and our little guy should be here sometime on April 9th. Here's a picture of me getting my ultrasound with Kristi...

Here's my official 38 week photo, with the orchids that Grandma & Grandpa Thoma brought back from Florida...

At his weekly appointment, Casper got all of his points in the ultrasound and was in delivery position. He did turn around briefly to let us see his face...he is so beautiful, I just love watching him in there. On the monitors he was exhausted and not cooperating with the technician. He wouldn't move much and when he did he moved away from the heart monitor...but eventually he got all his scores there too. He weighs approximately 7 lbs. 10 oz. which means he gained 12 oz. (3/4 of a pound) in the last week. One more week of that kind of growth and we will be looking at a 8 lb. 6 oz. baby (give or take 1 pound). Here's my boy...

Does he look more like Mommy, or Daddy?

Casper's Update

Ooops...I knew I shouldn't have updated while I was still a little grumpy :) I forgot to mention Casper's part of the appointment on Friday.

He weighed 6lbs. 15ozs. which is the 73 percentile...looks like he's leveling out some, thankfully. The ultrasound tech let me see some 3D pics even though I don't think she was supposed to...I guess because it could have been my last ultrasound.

On the monitor he fell asleep...he wasn't moving very much at all. When he didn't respond after a glass of cold water, they used a little tool to vibrate my belly...that woke him up and then he got to moving like he should. His heartbeat is good, he is breathing well and often, and he moves alot...when he feels like it. I think he's just exhausted like me from being squeezed all the time.

37 Weeks

I have been reprimanded for not updating my blog...I apologize. I am feeling very uncomfortable, crampy, tired, lazy, irritable and grumpy...I didn't think I could update the blog with that attitude. Since I am feeling remarkably better today, I thought I would give it a shot.

Last tuesday I had somewhat of a false alarm. My contractions were regular (according to me) so I went to the Dr. office to get checked out. I specifically waited for the Dr. office to open so I wouldn't have to go to the hospital and be embarrased if it wasn't time. Apparently they were Braxton Hicks contractions and not very regular. Unfortunatley, my blood pressure was high so - you guessed it - they sent me to the hospital to be monitored. I tried to tell them that my blood pressure was only high because of the excitement but they wanted to be safe and check it out for awhile...it went down almost immediately and they sent me away. The nurse at the hospital tried to tell me that it was a good thing I had come to the hospital so that I wouldn't have to fill out paperwork and answer all the silly questions when it's really time.

My appointment on friday went well...Dr. T was in a great mood, I could hear him singing a little diddy as he was coming down the hallway. I found this very irritating. I have been having contractions for over a week now and my body is tired. I'm not sleeping well, which makes me grumpy and even more emotional. My body is leaking all sorts of disgusting things that I won't describe. Dr. T said this was all right on track. I had not made any real progress as far as being dialated and effaced. He did say that IF I was back for my 38 week appointment then we would schedule to be induced the next week. I am relying heavily on the IF and hoping that something happens before friday. Maybe Casper's just waiting for April to get here...did you know the birthstone for April is diamond!! BTW - Wednesday is April 1st...that will be our luck, to have a baby on April Fools Day...

I felt tired and lazy all weekend...not really any nesting instincts...but I forced myself to make sure that everything was in order and the house was clean. I make the bed every morning (something I don't normally do) just so it will be nice and neat when we get home from the hospital. The contractions were getting stronger over the weekend but, nothing happened. Today I feel remarkably good, which everyone says is a sign that it's getting closer. Although, anything I mention seems to be a sign according to someone. I'm not getting sick, from either end, I am told that if that starts, it's a sign. I don't have any back contractions...this would be another sign.

I will definitely update facebook and send out an e-mail when the baby comes...these I can access from my phone. I can't post to the blog from my phone, just so you know. If nothing else, I am planning on my last day at work being Friday. I am hoping that if they have to induce me it will be on Tuesday the 7th and I will just take Monday off to "prepare". That all depends on what Dr. T says this friday, if I make it that long...

36 Weeks...

I had my 36 week Dr. appointment yesterday and all looks good with Baby Casper. He was doing a great job of moving and breathing during the ultrasound but he was so low the we could get any good pictures of his face.

On the monitor he had tons of movement and his heart rate was perfect...I could even see the monitor show a little pressure on my uterus (not a contraction, just pressure).

Dr. Trammell indicated that Casper has dropped and I was dialated to 2cm and 50% effaced which is very exciting...we are on the way!!! He also clarified that some women can be dialated for several weeks so I am trying not to get too excited.

I have felt what I think are small contractions a few times over the last several days...nothing to big and many hours apart...but it all makes me think that eventually I will have a baby, I was beginning to wonder!!

I will post 36 week pictures later today!!

Update...

I know that I am a little behind schedule and I am sorry for that. I have been editing my 34 week photos and am now ready to share them with the world. Please be advised that there are some photos of my bare belly...

For my 35 week appointment, which was last friday, March 13th, everything looked good. Casper was facing my back so we didn't get any good pictures of him but we did get to see his big feet and a little bit of hair on his head...it looked like a little mohawk.

We also had him measured and he weighed approximately 6 lbs. 7 ozs. He has gained two pounds in the last four weeks. He scored all of his breathing and heart beat points early again and seems to be a strong little guy...let me tell you he feels strong!! He is constantly moving...he likes to push me away from the table or push my hand away if I am holding my tummy. Sometimes he looks like he has a shark fin when he travels across my belly from one side to the other...it must be an elbow or a knee??

The doctor is pleased with my sugar levels...I haven't gained weight in the last seven weeks. I was not dialated...bummer, I was sort of hoping that things would be moving along. I am getting very impatient for him to join us out here in the real world. My next appointment (36 weeks) will be friday morning. Casper won't be measured again until 37 weeks.

In the meantime, I have been putting together his Easter basket and getting ready to color easter eggs...I am convinced that he will be here, and home, before Easter (which is April 12th). My due date is April 17th but the Dr. has previously said he won't let me go past 39 weeks which is April 10th and Good Friday. Since the Dr.'s office is closed that day, I am expecting that he will pick earlier that week. I have told Casper that I would like for him to come on the 7th but I am actually okay with any day now as long as he is healthy and strong.

34 Week Update

I just realized that I hadn't posted an update since my last two Dr. appointments, probably because they were fairly uneventful...which is a good thing. Casper has been getting his "points" in all his tests right away. He is breathing well and moving often. I am amazed by the contortions that my belly goes through in a day!

The Dr. did say that he probably wouldn't let me go past 39 weeks since he was getting so big. We won't measure him again until this friday so hopefully we will know if he is still growing fairly quickly.

My only complaint is my swollen feet and ankles. This past week they have started getting really bad. I have to sleep with them elevated and get up and walk around every 30 to 60 minutes. I only have one pair of shoes that fit...they are sandals. It's been warm so it's worked out okay but tomorrow the high is supposed to be 35 so I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my feet.

I had professional pictures taken last weekend...I am working on editing them to perfection and then I will post some.

Baby Shower Highlights

Thanks to everyone who came on Saturday to my BCNB/Columbia Shower! I had a great time visiting with each of you. Here are some pics for those of you who weren't there...

Special thanks to Lori Snodgrass and Julie Houseworth - thanks for throwing such a great party.

31 Week Dr. Appt.

Apparently, when you have gestational diabetes and you watch your sugar intake, positive things happen.

Today I found out that my amniotic fluid had decreased from 25 to 14 which is well within the good range. I also found out that the baby has gained 8 oz. in the last two weeks, he now weighs 4 lbs. 2 oz and is measuring at 33 weeks, the 74th percentile (down from 80+).

Personally, I lost about 3 lbs (which is okay according to the doctor) and my fundal measurement is still at 33...I am not getting bigger!!

I am now on weekly ultrasound and non-stress test visits. Today's ultrasound was a little bit of a bummer since Cas was face down and all we got to see was his belly, the back of his head, and those big ole feet. The non-stress test was nice, 20 minutes in a big fluffy recliner - I almost fell asleep. They hooked me up to a monitor for the heart rate and pressure on my uterus - all looked good.

The diet adjustments have been fairly easy overall but today is hard...I work right around the corner from the Candy Factory and everyone is talking about Chocolate Covered Strawberries. Both dr. offices had them around this morning and I'm finding it very hard to resist.

Test Results Are In

Dr. T's office called yesterday to let me know that I did test positive for Gestational Diabetes, my "score" was 268 and the high level is #140...so they were pretty certain and decided to skip the 3 hour test. I meet with a Dietician next week. We are hoping to control with diet and exercise but I will have to start checking my sugar everyday. I have done some online research and started adjusting my diet already based on what I found. Hopefully, it won't be too complicated...just another thing to keep track of.

They also decided that my thyroid levels were a little low, something I have been trying to tell them for awhile. So they increased my thyroid meds. Between the two, I hope to be gaining energy and feeling a little less sluggish...and maybe slow down on my belly growth :)

I still have another ultrasound on Thursday to re-measure my fluid levels and make sure they are not increasing too rapidly.

His name is

Casper

If you'd like a nickname, we think Cas would be good. Chris says he may call him "Boo Boy" but I don't think that will ever really happen. We had picked this out many years ago, before we even started trying, well Chris did actually. This has always been our choice for a boy name and we are so happy that we finally get to use it! The only reason I hadn't provided the name previously is that we still do not have a middle name picked out. I think something outdoorsy would be good but we haven't found just the right thing. We are open to suggestions so feel free to chime in.

Today's Doctor Appointment and A Few Extra Comments

Everything looks good! Dr. T said my uterus was right where it was supposed to be and my lab tests were all normal. The baby's heartbeat was 148-150 beats per second, which is good. I told him everyone thinks I'm huge and he said that I am right on target...So there!

We scheduled my big ultrasound and next appointment for December 4th which seems like a lifetime away. I will be 21 weeks then...how does every week feel like forever and fly by at the same time??

One of my girlfriends, my mom, and I are all going to St. Louis on Saturday to do some baby registering which should be a lot of fun. I am excited to start picking out those things the baby just has to have.

Also, did you notice my new widget? A friend put this on her page and I thought it was cool. I am further along than her so my baby picture looks a little creepier...sort of like that weird creature from Lord of the Rings that always said "my precious".

The same friend recommended a Snoogle for mama's-to-be and she is right! This pillow has made all the difference in the world to me getting a good nights sleep...it was worth every penny. Between that and my uterus moving away from my bladder, I can almost sleep through the night!

I may go shopping for more maternity clothes tonight, the hand-me-downs I got from the girls at work are all too small now...but remember, Dr. T says I am right on target. I tried on five shirts yesterday and they either wouldn't button or I couldn't lift my arms. Bummer, I just dread shopping for new clothes so much! BTW - that's sarcasm, I will never tire of buying new clothes, preggo or not.

The Pencil Test

So today I went to the two "experts" at the bank...the two who could predict the sex of your child with near 100% accuracy, or so I'm told. They each did the pencil test without knowing the results of the others test.

Karen - after a slight adjustment by the pencil to "read" me, it clearly showed that I will have one boy, one girl, and then another boy.

Judy - after the pencil was very still for a moment, it clearly began to swing side to side and showed a baby boy. She did not let the pencil continue to see if there would be more.

My diagnosis, it's probably a girl. I guess we will find out next month!

14 Weeks...

Here it is, the 14 Week picture...Check out that baby bump! I would never make it in Hollywood...there's no hiding my secret! Notice my new mama haircut...shorter, no straightening, no products - love it! Also, I made two new t-shirts on Grandma Thoma's machine, this one says "Happiness" in Chinese, the other one says "Finally".

Meeting Dr. Trammell

Today's Dr. appointment was pretty uneventful. Mostly we listened to Dr. Trammell tell us what was going to happen, what I should be doing and not doing, and whether or not to do all of the testing for birth defects and down syndrome - we decided against it.

On Friday I will go back for an ultrasound. Apparently this is done in another office and then followed up by an appointment with Dr. Trammell. He wanted to wait until after I was 12 weeks (which is Thursday). He did change my due date by one day but that's just an estimate anyway...it's now April 17th.

Dr. Trammell was very easy to get along with, we liked him alot. He explained things so I could understand and gave Chris all the medical verbiage he appreciates. He relieved some anxiety about the umbilical cord issue by telling us it is just to early to tell and even if it is Placenta Previa, it just means they will have to do a c-section instead of a vaginal birth. Also, he relieved some concerns about my thyroid and adjusting that medication throughout the pregnancy.

I did give alot of blood and pee'd in a cup. I will let you know the results when I find out and give you an update on Friday after the ultrasound.

Seven down - Thirty Three to go...

Well, today marks my seventh week of being pregnant and everything appears to be going well. I am showing all the signs of early pregnancy and although they are exciting, they are not all fun. The queasiness is a multiple times per day occurence although its never gotten past an upset stomach - thankfully! The rest of my body is changing and moving like it should be - I suppose. They say I should only gain about 3 lbs by the 8th week and I am a little ahead of schedule (or almost double). I think it's because eating keeps me from getting queasy but I am trying to cut back. I have set the goal to not weigh more than Chris during this pregnancy so I need to start pacing myself.

We get another peek at the baby on Tuesday morning to make sure things are going well. I am so anxious to see him/her again. I am getting spoiled with all of these early ultrasounds. After the first trimester they won't do any more until week 20 which will be a long wait.

The weeks are going by slow, I think because I am so anxious for everything to happen. I can't wait until I get to meet this little critter... but in the meantime, I will enjoy the journey.

1st Photo...

The little black dot in the center is the gestational sac, the little bit of white on the inside of the dot is the embryo. The big black spot on the left is my ovary - for perspective, it's 7cm, a little over 2 1/2 inches, or the size of a baseball. They say the embryo is the size of a sesame seed.

One Perfect Little Embryo...

I had my first ultrasound this morning and it looks like we have one perfect little embryo hanging out in there. We are very excited! Right now it just looks like a sac with a dot in the middle. I will scan the picture in tonight and post it – I will continue to do that throughout. In two weeks we go back and have another ultrasound and should be able to see the heartbeat!! My official due date is April 18, 2009.

Right now, my ovaries are still overstimulated from the procedure and are each about the size of a baseball...no wonder they hurt and I look like I'm "showing". I had to buy some maternity clothes last night because none of my pants would fit. You can't really tell that I'm pregnant but I am way more comfortable with stretchy clothes. This whole process is so exciting...I can hardly wait for each step to happen...but I am enjoying the moment. I love feelling a little queasy if I haven't eaten for two hours, I love that the smell of chocolate and sweets makes me want to be sick, I love that none of my clothes fit, I love that I had to buy a bigger bra and I love that I get to take a nap whenever I want! Those last two - I really am happy about that...

Keep praying for a healthy baby...I think it will be an athlete since we have watched nothing but the Olympics since we found out we were pregnant.

Another Blood Test

This morning I had my schedule BHCG Blood Test to confirm that the levels were rising. On friday, my Beta was at 167 and today is was at 610!!! That means in three days it almost quadrupled. That's good news!! The nurse said I was right on the border of one baby or two...she couldn't make a prediction but it is still possible that both little guys are hanging in there. I have my first ultrasound on 8/19 to see if there are two gestational sacs - which means two babies. They can't always tell that early but let's hope that they can. I'm anxious to start planning!!!

I really wanted to go shopping this weekend but Chris wouldn't let me...not even camoflauge onesies from BassPro...he said we should wait - whatever!

It has been so fun letting everyone know - I love hearing people scream and cry into the telephone. Especially those that tell me they are out shopping or at work! Thanks to everyone for being so excited and so positive. Please keep the prayers coming - it's still very early and I'm still worrying sometimes. I actually think I will wake up one day and find out that it's all been a dream...but I am going to enjoy it while it lasts.

The Pregnancy Test was Positive!!!

We just heard this morning that I am indeed pregnant - although it's still very early in the pregnancy. I have unofficially calculated my due date around mid April, but I'm not a doctor.

Anyway, I just wanted to get the word out there...thanks for praying, it worked!