Happy feast of St. Nicholas, a day late

It's now over a month since my last blog entry. I've been too tired or only have one hand to use at the computer, so I've not written. Thus goes the life of a new mama. I hardly would have thought having two hands to do something was a luxury.

I do want to write more about my birth experience, but I have other things on my mind. Yesterday, I had a visit to my OB/GYN doctor for a follow up visit after Eleanor's birth. Some people know, others don't, but I had surgery 10 days after the delivery of Eleanor. I was angry. I was feeling, for the most part, good after Eleanor's birth, except I was experiencing more pain. I went to the doctor and found out that I had more internal damage than originally thought from the delivery. It was a huge set back for me emotionally. I felt as though my body was failing what was to be a normal event of the female body--to birth a baby. Now, six weeks later, after an incredibly painful reconstructive surgery of that "special area," (I'd rather give birth again any day) I am driving for the first time since October 7th and starting to keep up with a few household chores. I am thankful for both sets of grandparents who took shifts with the baby, night and day, so I could sleep for a few extra hours here and there and heal. My body needed that. I needed to sleep to make milk to feed my baby.

I have always wanted a handful of children. This past year has taught me that fate, providence, or whatever, sometimes dictates the ease of this process. Not everyone goes through miscarriages, fertility drugs, and reconstructive surgery to have one baby. I'm not resentful, but some, plain and simply, can do it with less interventions. Thank God that these things don't happen all the time. Our hope is that we are able to have more babies (yea, we like 'em). But for now, we are thankful for our Baby E.

I want to go visit friends and family in other places. But, that is not possible in this stage of our life. I miss a lot of friends that I really want to see. I really want to put decorations on our Christmas tree, but I'm too tired to get them out. (Our tree got put up while I was breastfeeding). And, I don't really want someone else to do it for me either. It's a funny feeling really, having someone else decorate my Christmas tree.

I am thankful to be breastfeeding Eleanor, by the way. It is exhausting but rewarding.

To all of my friends (and sister) expecting your baby soon, I'm praying for you.

I missed October

Today is the 28th of October and I feel as though I've lived one continuous day for the past 20 days. Our little baby girl, Eleanor Grace, was born on Friday, Oct. 8th at 3:16pm, 7 lbs 12 oz. The experience of giving birth is something I still cannot wrap my mind around. I would like to take a few postings to describe my experience of the labor and delivery in order to keep the memory.

Labor started late Thursday night, after watching Private Practice. Ken and I went up to our room and he gave me one of my much-needed massages as I tried to stay comfortable those last days of pregnancy. I had been having contractions all day, but really, I had been having contractions for the past couple of weeks. Some more intense than others. I decided to take a bath because the warm water usually calms them down. However, with "real" labor, it speeds them up. I called for Ken to come in to the bathroom and time some of them (as I said some not too pleasant things) and at midnight, they were 2-3 minutes apart, lasting for 45-90 seconds each. Usually, women go to the hospital when contraction get close, like 5 minutes apart, so I kept wondering if they'd slow down (ha ha). At 3am, I was starting to get more tired, and the contractions kept coming every 2-3 minutes. I asked Ken to start loading the car because now I really felt like these weren't going away! I finally realized that it was going to be the day we were to meet our girl. Since it was the middle of the night, I remembered that I was supposed to eat something before going to the hospital because after admission, food is not really allowed. So, I had Ken get the pan of Rice Krispie Treats that I had made and between cussing (I mean, the contractions), I ate Rice Krispie bars as we drove to the hospital. I think I had 15 contractions during the car ride, not fun. I walked in to the birth center with Ken, and we got right in to our room (they were expecting us since we called our OB doctor). I also remember feeling bad about waking up Tara (our doula) to come to the hospital. I kept thinking, maybe this isn't labor yet. When we got to our room, my nurse checked my progress from the labor and I was 6 cm. dilated. I was a little shocked, only 4 more cm. to go before birth. I knew, on average for first time moms, it would take approximately one and a half hours for each centimeter, so surely by 10am we would be ready to push the baby out.

Tara arrived shortly after we got settled into our hospital room. One of the great things about our hospital is the laboring tubs in the room. I was able to get into the tub which helped manage the intensity of the contractions. They even had a mobile, cordless fetal monitor that allowed me to be in the water for over an hour. Thinking back, both Ken and Tara were right with me, helping me focus on deeply breathing and relaxing through the contractions. After about six hours of these contractions (from midnight or 11pm, I can't remember exactly) I started to feel more and more exhausted, and, to me, the hardest part of transition was just around the corner. I decided to go with an epidural, knowing that it would take a little while to get things set up and get the medication in place. I did consider having an unmedicated birth (i.e., no epidural), but the combination of exhaustion (I had been awake since 8:30am the day before) and some fear of the intensity of the birth helped me decide. Even after getting the epidural, I was still having a significant amount of discomfort, so I actually had a different epidural placed, and that one took two attempts to get placed properly. I remember that Ken left the room because he really doesn't like needles, so Tara stayed with me. In fact, I hardly remember having the discomfort of having the procedure done due to having to manage the contractions! What a trip. Honestly, re-reading what I just wrote, it sounds way worse than what I remember. I am amazed at the capacity of the body to cope and handle all of the changes of birthing a baby. I was thankful for the epidural. I was a little surprised at how much I could still feel the entire process, just minus feeling my uterus contract.

As I write this, I realize that I need to write it for myself. I really don't care if anyone else wants to read it or cares much about my experience, but I know for Ken and me, we need to remember the events of birthing our baby Eleanor. Right now, I have my computer on my lap and baby is sleeping, snuggled under my chin as I recline in the recliner. The birth seems like a distant memory, but a memory not to be forgotten. All for now. Must change a diaper.

The birthday that didn't happen

Today is our baby's day-after-her-due-date. I've been getting looks and comments like, "Why haven't you had your baby yet?" Ken just keeps telling me it is the way others are showing interest in our pregnancy and baby. He's right, I'm just annoyed. "Eat Mexican food, that will start labor"... (Abbie thinks: yes, it may, but if it doesn't, I'll have heartburn for the next 30 hrs and my husband will have to listen to me moan around more than I already do) And, I'm not going to stay home from grocery shopping, going to women's group or other social things just because our due date has passed. We told the clerk in line at the grocery store that our due date was that day and she panicked so much she starting ringing our groceries wrong, as though the baby was going to drop out of me on her check out belt! It was hilarious, and she was the one who wanted to know! Now, I just tell people when they ask, "Any day now" rather than, oh, it passed a few days ago.

We did celebrate baby M's due date, though, because it really is a joy and accomplishment to me. I am thankful for a low-risk, very healthy pregnancy and baby (as far as we know). Ken and I both celebrate because we are aware that this is not in our control (at least, in some areas) that things have gone the way they have but for a special grace that has been given by our loving God.

I have been thankful for our doula Tara who is supporting us through our pregnancy and will support us through our birth. Her words of encouragement and insight keep me calm and in perspective.

All things considered, life is so good in the Mortimer house. I am thankful for friends who call and send messages just to listen and give words of encouragement. Yes, hormones are all over the place, yes I cry a lot, yes, I'm very blunt (at least in my head, but sometimes the words come out of my mouth with no intention of hurting any one). Please don't let these things stop you from calling or writing. It's a BLESSING to have such great support.

Baby M is excited to meet all of you! (And, her mama is excited to meet her, especially).

And, probably the best news I have to share is that baby Mortimer will have a GIRL cousin (my sister Ashley's baby), in February. Too much fun. :O)

Birth and Death

I think I love my baby even more today. I am beyond-words excited to meet her and hold her in my arms with Ken. Last night was quite the experience of some "practice" contractions that lasted most of the night. Between eating, drinking water, taking a bath and a walk, they finally slowed down enough to sleep. I am glad for them. This body has to get this baby out somehow. I am learning to sleep when I can so as to rest for this transition about to happen. I find "hospice-like" similarities in most of this. Death is certainly a mystery as to when it comes, despite the physical signs and changes that occur in a person's body. I have been privileged to watch people die. For some, it takes weeks. For others, it comes as a complete surprise with little warning and the passage happens with family fairly oblivious. Ken and I stand by and watch consuming signs that our baby is nearer to her debut to our arms. For us, the process is taking weeks. Rightly so. This is apparently how many experience the birth of their children; this is true, too, with death, as family and friends release and let go. Both birth and death certainly are significant transitions commonly experienced over a period of time.

I often hear stories of family members about deaths. Each is unique and precious and must be held sacred. Birth stories are similar with the spectrum of emotion. I am thankful to hear them. They are sometimes hard to hear, similar to hearing stories about death. Regardless, the stories need to be told, even written, and handed on to each other with out fear of expressing the emotions that accompany.

37 Weeks

Today marks the best week -- baby M is officially a full-term baby. She is a very happy baby, and I am a very happy mother that she decided to stay put this whole time. Baby and mama went to visit a support group for mothers today as well. There were so many moms, probably 20 with babies. My eyes kept scanning the room, seeing newborns breastfeeding all the way to mothers with toddlers. We are going to have one of these precious bundles in a very short time! I think Baby knew this as well, as she kicked and squirmed in my belly the entire time. Having all of these babies and new moms in my memory will certainly help me visualize the purpose of birthing our baby.

Today I realized I did not have any chocolate chips, so the cookies have yet to be baked.

I need to post our latest sonogram picture. Baby Mortimer is getting chubby!!

Chocolate, peanutbutter, oatmeal

I can hardly stand how much I crave baking, anything really. Tonight, it's chocolate chip cookies. I really want to make them. Problem: it is 9:00pm and I should really try to stay on a good sleep schedule (even though I know that will all change in a few short weeks!) Our doula, among others, told us a great idea. The suggestion is to bring a basket of treats for the nursing staff when we go to the hospital to have our baby. Now, having worked on multiple floors in different hospitals, I know the good that can come from a little grazing of some yummy, homemade snacks. After all, this is going to be a birth-day, right? I already know that nurses work very hard and have very important tiny lives that they care for each day. I am already thankful for them.

36 Weeks

Ken, Baby, and I had a sonogram last week and our 36 week visit to our doctor. The baby looks great, I'm doing great, now we wait and wait and wait some more. I am trying to decide what all to take to the hospital. My last visit to the hospital was for a week with appendicitis. I don't think I really packed for that. We will be much more prepared for this trip, no doubt!

In other news... we are getting both of our garage doors worked on. One spring and pulley system completely snapped last night once we shut the door and got in the house (luckily we were out of the way, though I don't think we would have been hit). The other door also needs some new parts as they are not looking the best either.

Belly Kisses

My husband loves to kiss my belly and say, "I love you baby!!!" mostly during the sign of peace at church and in front of other strangers and funny times. It kind of embarrasses me, but not really. I am, I remind myself, 9 months pregnant and it's totally obvious what he is doing, not like I'm hiding something.

Other thoughts of late:

• How is this baby going to get out of my belly? (I know how it's most likely going to happen, but seriously, is this for real? Yea, I know it is, but seriously?)
• What will she look like? What will go through my mind if she's not a she, but a boy? It's been known to happen. If it does, we will have the best girl clothes any boy could ever want! Is it possible for a girl-baby to look like my husband? That is a very strange thought.
• Growing a baby is the strangest thing I've ever done. Even though I've been doing it now for 35 weeks, it is still strange. I think I'd like to do it again because strange things are also very nice at times.
• It's hard to imagine a day when I will not look pregnant. It feels kind of perminant. I'm glad it's not.
• Praying for my baby with my husband during holy hour is so sacred and sweet to me.

Organizing

I'm not sure what "normally" happens when a soon-to-be mom starts to organize things for her baby. Right now, I've been sorting our baby's clothes based on the size of each item. I have a lot of items of clothes, that are all nearly as cute as the next. I find the whole idea of organizing baby things to be a little comical. They are organized now, but I can see chaos erupting the moment baby arrives home. I won't want to do the laundry, so Ken will do it. And, he will probably sort the clothes according to some strange method that is different than what I sort. Who knows. Hopefully, the clothes will make it back to baby's room at some point, but I've heard babies wear multiple outfits during the day. Kind of sounds like what my husband does, though I think the reason for the changes is entirely different. Well, not all together different because he sometimes does spill things on himself. So, clothes are washed and sorted.

I bought the biggest box of diaper wipes that I could find. I was amazed at how many TYPES of butt wipes from which one can select. We were given a wipe warmer too. I think Ken might like the warmer enough to install one in our bathroom. Who knows?! Simple luxuries.

Most of my clothes that I had been wearing as "maternity clothes" no longer fit. Even the shorts that I have with the belly band that goes all the way up over the belly no longer goes up over the belly. Ken was a very helpful husband and accompanied me to a consignment shop that has a fair selection of maternity clothes. I did find 4 new tops that sufficiently cover my belly. I am a happy mama. I mostly stick to Ken's gym shorts during the day.

Our 34 week visit to the doctor went well. Not much to say here. 2 more weeks and another visit.

My sister Ashley is also expecting a baby. She is just out of her first trimester and is doing quite well. I am so excited for her.

I think autumn is just around the corner. I hope Ken and I can get a few pumpkins before our pumpkin comes!

What I love about being 8 months pregnant:

• A very interested husband in all things pregnancy: "honey, can I give you a loooonnngggg backrub? You look like you're hurting" ..... "what is a breast pump for?"
• Abbie: "Let's watch these videos on breastfeeding." Ken: "I've never seen so many breasts."
• I am interested in reading about baking bread. My latest find: Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day by Hertzberg, M.D. & Francois. The library is great. Free books. New books all the time.
• Feeling Baby M move and move and move. Feeling her little hiccups, feeling her squirm around and shift positions. Feeling elbows, tiny feet (or so that's what I imagine).
• Talking with our doula. She checks in with me about what I'm doing and learning and how she can be of help. She's wonderful.
• Most conversations include words such as baby poo, nipples, and contractions.
• Growing out of my shirts. Now I really need maternity clothes.
• Wearing Ken's clothes. He laughs at me.
• Getting advice about baby things from friends. Most of it is very informative and helpful.
• Sharing pregnancy stories and joys and pains with other pregnant friends
• Going for walks with Ken. Being pushed up the hills when I run out of energy (ok, so I've never actually been pushed yet, but we tease about it).
• Parents who want to help around our house as we get ready for baby to arrive (this is AWESOME!!) I think "grandma and grandpa" are more in to nesting than I am at times!!
• Learning how to cuddle with my husband with a baby inside of me that is very in the way

My cousin Kaleena is passing through Kansas City today and will be staying the night with us. I love having company.

OK...Farmer's back!

Well...it seems Mamaberry has entered the Blogosphere. I'm kind of excited about that, not only because it's about dang time, but I have about as much reliability in maintaining the blog as a 5 year old with a puppy. A lot has been going on around the old Berrypatch. Mamaberry and I have been building our little nest. We just had two baby showers, one at my office and one at the house with loads of family and friends. I'm sure Mamaberry will post some photos at some point. Some of the highpoints:

• Showing off our newly painted nursery, complete with Bonavita crib and dresser, glider rocker, crib set, and a closet that is slowly filling with baby items
• A diaper cake made by Bushel.
• A cloth diapering game. Incidentally, I came in first in the Men's division (and yes, it was more than just me.
• A homemade afghan from one of my co-workers
• A Chicco KeyFit 30 car seat from my co-worker
• Wonderful, yummy food at both showers

In more recent news, we just brought home our new stroller, a BabyJogger City Mini. There are lots of strollers, but the City Mini has a one hand fold, which we are told is a definite advantage. Plus, it has an adapter for our Chicco, so Blueberry can travel in safety, comfort and style.

Speaking of Blueberry, she is a whole lot more active. She's gotten to the point now where Mamaberry feels every move she makes. I love this, since I get to feel her all of the time. Mamaberry like it too...except when Blueberry pushes on her bladder. Still...it's totally cool. Farmhand says she's doing well too...so that's just GREAT.

Background change

This new background seems to adequately fit at this time in our life. The background is hot, I'm hot, Kansas City is hot. It was actually 84 degrees yesterday around supper time, which felt like a cold front.

The three of us (I am starting to refer to myself as "we") are headed to Iowa City tomorrow to be in Laura Billingsley's wedding. Marriage is such a great gift, and I wish them all the best.

Some new friends of ours have four BEAUTIFUL girls who have outgrown all of their infant gear! Yesterday I was able to go for a visit and look through lots of great baby things. Especially after seeing the price tags on some items, I feel so grateful to have such generous people in my life. We now have 2 different sized pack-n-plays with homemade sheet covers, fun sheets for the crib, adorable sleep outfits, other outfits, blankies, baby towels, etc! Needless to say, I have been sorting and storing little items until this little lady arrives. Thank you, thank you. Ken had a great time as I showed him all the fun little items.

Also, our crib and dresser for the baby room arrived and is ready to be delivered! I'm so glad we have the painting done.

Keeping up

"Keeping up" is a difficult task. My life has taken me many directions and has given me lovely connections with people from all over the world. Many of them I hold dear (that is, I still think about them, pray that life is bringing blessings, etc) and wish beyond wish that I could have regular morning coffee times with most all of them, which in reality, my desire is to see most people I love about once every two weeks. That would make for an over-caffeinated mama-to-be, averaging at the VERY least 4 cups of coffee (but actually, most often tea these days) per morning. My ideal morning coffee time would last about 70 minutes per person, and if I started these 70 minutes 4 times per day, that would be 280 minutes, or around 4 and 2/3 hours per morning. I best get up early.

I have also decided that I simply cannot do everything I wish to do to "keep up" with the lives of all the people that have been involved in my life from time to time. I am sorry for this. I wish it weren't the case. I love reading my friend's blogs and facebook pages because, at the very least, it gives me a connection to them that feels a little like having a sweet morning cup of joe and hearing about what is precious in life to them at that time. Thank you, my dear friends, for taking the time to share your life in these ways. I appreciate it much.

I also like to keep up with my husband. Attempts are made daily. I try. I like him enough to put him in my "coffee time" rotation. He would tell me straight away that he would have a diet coke and would like to be on the every-other-Friday rotation after at least an hour of watching West Wing re-runs. Mostly because I wouldn't be allowed to interfere with his work schedule.

Above all, my most frequent coffee times will be with our new baby, at least every 2 hours at the beginning as we get to know each other. I think she'll have the milk, though.

I'm still new at getting pics in order, but here is the finished product in the lovely neutral-tan!

Ready to take the tape off and see the pretty edges.

The lavender's last moments:

Mamaberry here.... :O) I love how Ken has coded this blog with different names. It is so his style. I'm starting to think that the background needs to be updated a bit since we are having a girl; with a keen eye, a blueberry really can have deep hues of purple.

Ken and I finished painting the nursery a lovely....tan. It was lavender, but the tan is so much more versatile. I have a feeling that when baby # 2 comes, I won't want to repaint, especially if we have a boy next. Really, though, the tan looks AMAZING, thanks to the help of my wonderful sister Ashley who just sent me the paint sample and said, "get this one". She knows how I decorate. Tell me what to do and I'll do it. At least, if it is Ashley telling me what to do.

Now, trying to decide on crib bedding. I'm not a huge fan of the pink girl bedding sets (or the purple ones for that matter). I have some fun ideas for wall art that I like that have the theme of doll dresses and jewels. Very sweet girl things, but I'm not too sure how that would match barn animals (lots of crib sets have animals in them-- and I love the colors in these---reds, greens, browns, neutrals). We'll see.

Today I was in Radio Shack getting a new car charger for my phone. The man assisting me just kept staring and trying to make awkward conversation about my growing belly. First he thought that I might give birth in his store (or at least, that's what the expression on his face said) and then he asked me if I was having twins! I just smiled and shook my head. I still have 9 weeks to go. Sigh.

I've decided I love being pregnant. And, Ken is the best husband and father already. He knows how to load the dishwasher, take out the trash, sweep the kitchen, keep accounts, grill, and listens to me sigh every time I roll over in bed, trying to get comfortable. Amazing. He just does these things because he sees all the work of pregnancy. I love to feel the baby moving. Her kicks and rolls that nearly take my breath away bring to reality how quickly she is growing and how full of life she is. Yes, it is difficult to take a deep breath and my back aches often, but it is so worth it.

I'll have Ken put pictures of the baby's room on the blog soon.
~Abbie

It's been a while...

Well...it's been a while, so let's get down to all of the fun details.

For those who aren't in the know yet, Blueberry will likely be socialized to a fondness for pink, because Blueberry is a girl! This was also confirmed on a sonogram at 27 weeks, so folks who doubt the power of sonography can put that to a rest.

Blueberry is GROWING! As of this writing, we are in week 27 and Blueberry has decided to make her presence known. She has been kicking, tossing, punching and even hiccuping inside of Mamaberry. Farmer has enjoyed this immensely. Mamaberry continues to soldier on, forging steadily into her third trimester. Lately, the name question has come up...and Blueberry is seeming like a solid name. After all, I know of some kids named Apple out there :). We're not telling...but if versions of ourselves from the future show up...we'd certainly take their advice.

Let's see what else is new. Blueberry weighs about 2lbs, 10oz...a little big for her age (only 63th percentile of all babies) and should be about 16in, head to toe. Farmer and Mamaberry have been going to childbirth education classes and are learning a lot about how labor works and how to have a positive experience. Mamaberry can fill you in on all of the lovely details. Mamaberry has also gone PRN on her job at KC Hospice, meaning that the Berrypatch is becoming a very nice nest. Friends and family have been wonderful to us. Bushel and Carton have given us some lovely outfits, while Silo and Pasture gave us some very nice handmade things, as well as all of Farmer's childrens books since...well...ever it seems. Lots of new photos two...basically since April.

Wow! Another visit to Farmhand and boy was it a big day for Blueberry. The sonographer took lots of pictures and tried for a long time to find out if Blueberry is a boy-berry or a girl-berry. No luck though. 15 weeks is apparently too early in Blueberry season. Blueberry's little heart was going at 140 beats per minute and Blueberry was squirming and flipping and even waving. In fact, the sonographer even got a picture of Blueberry saying hello, since, as a Mortimer, Blueberry is a natural lover of attention. Mamaberry and Farmer got a real kick out of seeing it, and why not, since two months of waiting to see Blueberry is a long time. Mamaberry and Farmer spent a long time talking about how exciting everything was. Farmhand said that everything was looking good, and even gave a listen to Blueberry's heart. Everything sounds good. He said that we would have a sonogram next time (19 weeks), which means we should pretty well know then about whether Blueberry is a boy or a girl. Until then, it's more waiting and guessing.

Another visit to the Farmhand

Blueberry, Mamaberry and Farmer visited Farmhand's office today for a checkup at 11 weeks. No new sonograms, but Farmhand did use his trusty handheld sono tool. Blueberry's heartbeat was loud, fast and strong. Farmhand said this was very good and that made everyone excited. Mamaberry continues to feel better, even though she is tired a lot. From everything we can tell, Blueberry is growing nicely.

Tomorrow, Blueberry, Mamaberry and Farmer head to the big city of Chicago to see family and friends and so that Farmer can go to his professional conference.

Updates

No new sonograms yet. We may have one next week. Mamaberry and Blueberry go see Farmhand this Friday. We are hoping for a good visit.

In other news, Pasture came out for a visit. We now have a new recliner, piano and lots of books that Farmer left at home when he moved to Missouri. It was a nice (albeit short) visit. Silo, Pasture and Farmer's Thai sister (codename: "Pineapple") are coming out for a longer visit. We are all very excited. Bushel and Carton also came to visit while they were attending the Big 12 Tournament. Also accompanying them were Mamaberry's brother, an electrical engineer (codename: "Lightswitch)" and his girlfriend (who is a marine animal afficianado, hence her codename: "Goldfish"). It was great to see them and hear about all of the exciting things that are going on in their lives.

Mamaberry and Blueberry seem to be doing OK. Mamaberry was powerful tired and nauseated for a long time, but that seems to be lightening up. She is able to eat more now, and the smell of the refridgerator doesn't seem to bother her as much any more. Still, Farmer has been banned from eating onions, garlic, and anything that is even close to pungent. Ahh, the joy's of growing a blueberry.

Based on the timing from the last sonogram, Blueberry is 10 weeks, 4 days into his/her growing cycle.

Bushel and Carton visited this weekend. It was nice to see them and spend some time with them. The Christmas decorations finally came down. Can't say if Blueberry was excited about that (probably didn't feel one way or the other). Now the living room at Berrypatch looks bare. What to do, what to do.

Blueberry at 7 weeks, 3 days

Good News! Blueberry has a heartbeat! Not only a heartbeat, but a good rate of 158 beats per minute. Mamaberry and Farmer were amazed to see the little heartbud chugging away. It was quite surreal. As you can see from the picture, Blueberry measured 1.25 cm from crown-to-rump, making Blueberry about the size of a Blueberry. Blueberry's development seems right on track so far. Blueberry even has an estimated harvest date of October 5, 2010, making Blueberry ready during the peak of Blueberry season.

Farmhand gave Mamaberry some anti-nausea medicine that is safe for pregnancy, making Mamaberry very happy, and helping Farmer relax a bit.

Here is a picture of Blueberry at 7 weeks, 3 days.

Blueberry at 5 weeks

This is a photo from the ultrasound of Blueberry at 5 weeks. Farmer and Mamaberry thought they were further along, but like Puxatawny Phil (aka, the Groundhog's Day Groundhog), it looks like we're in for two more weeks of pregnancy. Mamaberry was NOT pleased. Still, Farmhand (our OB/GYN) said everything looked good.

Welcome

Welcome to our pregnancy blog! "Blueberry" is the code name given to the new life created by "Farmer" (Ken) and "Mamaberry" (Abbie).

If you are reading this, it means we've told you that Blueberry is on his or her way, so visit often to find out the latest and greatest news.

Farmer