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Thursday, March 10, 2011

27-Week Ultrasound & Glucose-Testing

Yesterday I went in for the glucose-test with great fear and trembling. I hadn't given much thought to it until some moms at work, a few days earlier, decided to dump their horror stories on me. One mom actually had gestational diabetes and was forced to check her blood sugar four times a day and give herself insulin shots. Another mom failed the test and had to re-take the test, using the 3-hour method where her blood was tested once an hour for three hours. As an excellent test-taker, I was not ready to fail a test that I obviously needed to prepare for.

I changed my appointment from the afternoon to the morning (after being told I'd be less likely to fail the test if I did it in the morning) and groveled for a sub at work. I then made sure that everyone (co-workers, gal-pals, husband, mom, sister) knew that I had fallen victim to "mommy war-wound" stories. Then I began the tedious task of regulating my protein, carbs, and sugar for my Wednesday appointment (so maybe I should have been doing that part all along). Needless to say, I found myself a bit snappy on Tuesday without the sugar I so dearly love.

Wednesday morning came and I was sure to fast until after the test. I drank my orange glucose drink (I'm ashamed to admit I didn't hate it) and then headed to the doctor earlier than needed, like a good test-taker does. I patiently waited an hour to have my blood drawn and, afterwards, ripped into a Fiber One bar that I had packed...like a well-prepared student does, of course. I then waited another hour for the test results and to see my doctor.

The nurse called me back and casually informed me on the walk to the exam room that I had passed the test and not to give it a second thought. Aced another one! I knew all of my preparation had paid off handsomely. She continued to tell me that my numbers all looked quite good and that they were pleased with my iron levels, blood pressure, weight, etc. I was beaming.

While beginning my ultra-sound, the nurse told me about a woman, the previous day, who had actually passed out after the test. I laughed heartily at the poor girl and gave myself a mental pat on the back for being on top of my game. While we looked at Barrett (who I must mention the nurse cooed over and called "cute" several times...more pats on the back for me), I began to feel very hot. I tried to ignore it, but I knew the old familiar feeling. Soon I was feeling sick to my stomach and sweating. I notified the nurse who sat me up to see if getting off of my back would help. Nope..."don't roll off the table" played over and over in my mind. Then the nurse instructed me to roll to my left side, while she got me a wet washcloth and crackers. As I slowly started to feel better, I shivered from the sweat-mustache I'd developed during my little episode. After recovering, I had to wait almost another hour before the nurse would let me leave. I sheepishly made some joke about not being as tough as I thought. I then proceeded to the closest Wendy's and inhaled a hamburger and spent the rest of the day napping.

Not my finest moment, but a memorable pregnant-moment, nonethless. What I've learned from this experience: 1) I will not let mommies scare me with their war-stories 2) I will never assume I'm tougher than the next pregger or mommy 3) a pack of crackers in the purse doesn't hurt.

Below is an ultrasound of Barrett Ryan. It's a close-up of his face, laying sideways. His eyes are dark (it looks like he's wearing a superhero mask) but you can see his little nose, mouth, and chin. I was told he was sucking in this particular photo so his lips are slightly parted. I have a feeling he's just laughing at me.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

24-week Sonogram

A little over a week ago, Grant & I went to Barrett's 24-week sonogram. My mom drove in for the occasion so that she could later tell her "Bear Bear" that "Sug" (yes, that is her chosen granmda name) was there to see him before he was ever born. Barrett looks healthy and had a thorough check-up. His heart, lungs, brain, etc. are all developed nicely and the pride of his little manhood is still very much there (which Grant was grateful for).

We were all three extremely shocked by how clear Barrett's sonogram pictures came out. We were able to see his little face and get a look at our firstborn! Grant & I agreed that the little guy has my nose. :) We are even more excited to meet him now that we've had a glimpse of his adorable mug.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Barrett's First Shower...from his crazy "aunties"

This past weekend, I drove to Coppell (outside of Dallas) for a weekend with my best friends. These are the same girls who were in Austin in October for Olivia's baby shower. When I arrived at Olivia's house on Saturday afternoon, this was posted at the front door.
Barrett's first shower! And on top of that- a surprise! Cari, Lindsey, and Emily ushered me into Liv's dining room where they had turned it into a baby boy extravaganza!
My first mom-to-be shower pose! I felt so loved by their effort and attention to detail.

My adorable party hostesses...minus Susan who was in the UK but still managed to give Barrett some super-cute onesies before she left.

The diaper-cake that Olivia made for Bear. I'm so impressed!


Thank you to my best friends for clothing Barrett and feeding his mamma! What a fun night!









Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Registry Advice!

A couple of my mommy-friends here can attest to the fact that the impending baby registry has me FREAKING OUT. I have yet to step into the actual stores...I've just started registeries online. I feel completely overwhelmed and have been picking friends' brains to get an idea of what I need and what I don't. I've been given some great advice, but I want to take advantage of the fact that some of y'all might have helpful tips to share with this mommy-to-be.

I am registered at Babies-R-Us and Target. What are a couple of things that you swear by and would consider must-haves? Anything I should do without?

Sunday, January 23, 2011

21 weeks...

Friday, January 21, 2011

Let the Nesting Begin!

Apparently I've been nesting. Actually Grant's exact words, last weekend, were "I can tell when my hen is nesting". My guess is that with it now being 2011, I feel like I need to get down to business. Baby Q finally has a name and now he needs a home to come to in June. We moved into our house in May, but have been ok with letting lots of things slide. We've had an entire empty dining room, plenty of bare walls, and zero paint. I want Barrett to have a cozy, warm home to grow up in and this is the best time to get everything in order.

Monday I had to work, but Grant had the day off. I came home that afternoon to find one very busy dad painting his son's nursery. It was so heart-warming to see Grant putting such time and effort into Barrett's future room. Grant chose everything from the paint colors to the design. I know he is more than capable, but I was still very impressed!

I know the fancy dress socks make you swoon.


















Grant said that measuring and taping off the checkered wall took over three hours. That doesn't include the painting!





























































The finished product! I absolutely love this wall. Grant is already Father of the Year!














Our new dining room table from World Market. There is also a painting of cowboy boots to the right from Garden Ridge. We are thinking about painting the center wall with an accent color. Any suggestions?














I finally found the perfect clock for the wall next to my kitchen sink. Things are falling into place at the Qualley house!



Friday, January 14, 2011

Introducing...

Today I am officially 20 weeks...half-way to the big day where we'll meet our little guy. And to celebrate this milestone, we happily announce Baby Qualley's name. Drumroll, please....

Barrett Ryan Qualley!

Grant fell in love with Barrett immediately and said that if we only have one boy, this is the name for our guy. It's a very masculine name, meaning "bear-like". It doesn't hurt that there are a few famous athletes named Barrett and if you know Grant, you know how important this is! Ryan is a family name on both sides and a name that I stubbornly clung to. It is Grant's middle name and I wanted our firstborn to have something special passed down from his father, besides good looks, of course.

Please continue to pray for a healthy baby as we move along this journey and now you can call him by name!