27 Weeks

I can't believe I am a few days away from being in my third trimester.  I must also say that I can't believe that I still have 3 more months to go.  I am shocked at how big my belly has gotten, and I am frightened to think that some of the more extreme growth is still yet to come.  So far I still am having a pretty easy pregnancy.  Despite feeling HUGE I feel pretty good.

About two weeks ago I had a doctors appointment and everything is still checking out just fine.  I passed my glucose tolerance test with no issues and I am measuring right on target.  The babies HR at the is visit was 140, so still on just on the border of the old wives tale to tell if it is a boy or girl.  I guess we will have to keep guessing.  I still 100% feel that this baby is a girl despite that everyone around me is saying boy. We have decided on Evelynn Ann for a girl's name but are still struggling to come up with a boys name.... suggestions welcomed!!! 

The biggest changes I have noticed since last posting is I really no longer

Baby all  curled up on my Right side.

 

 

feel just kicks. I feel like the child is doing barrel rolls inside me.  And for whatever reason he/she likes to curl up on my right side all the time which can sometimes be pretty uncomfortable.  Speaking of uncomfortable I have now settled into some pretty serious back pain at times. The only thing that sooth it is a heating pad and last week it was so bad that I spent all evening after work in Dave's reclining chair with the heating pad.  Since  then it has gotten better so lets hope that doesn't happen again.  I am still having some issues with swelling but really this is only a problem on the weekends when I don't wear my compression socks.


My grandparents are in from Florida, to visit, see some doctors, and shop for a condo.  This is super exciting to me!!!  It will be so nice to have them back in Kentucky.  I just hope it all works out.  Last weekend my dad got tickets for all us to go to the Reds Game.  It was fun but unfortunately Dave and I had to leave at the 5th inning and I actually spent most of the previous innings up in the shade.  It was just too hot for a 6.5 month pregnant girl.  My legs swelled up, and I felt slightly light headed.  I dealt with this part ok, but when I started to feel sick to my stomach I decided that it was time to go and Dave and I walked back over the bridge and went home to take a nap.  Overall though it was nice to get out and be with my family for at least a little while.

We have been slowly working on the nursery and have the gray color up on the walls.  I know gray sounds like a funny color for a nursery but have faith in my vision for the final project I think you will love it.  I know I do.





I have also been practicing my cooking skills over the last few weeks and I have made some pretty yummy dishes.  I baked Dave and I a whole chicken the other day and it turned out great.  I will definitely repeat this one once we have more mouths to feed.  We had to many leftovers.  This Thursday I cooked dinner for Maggie and myself since Dave was out of town.  I made crab stuffed shells.  It was delicious, easy, and really not that bad for you so I will definitely be making this one again. 

Pregnancy Stats as of today:

Gestation: 27 weeks
Weight: At the doctors two weeks ago it said 128.6 (theirs is always higher than ours--- so I will go with our scale)  Our scale this morning said 128.  This is only two pounds away from where I thought I would be at term so I guess I am going to pass that up.  :(  This makes for a total weight gain so far of 16 pounds.
Cravings:  Back on a grape kick
Aversions: None
Funniest Pregnancy Memory so far:  During the opening ceremonies a few weeks back I started sobbing because I was so sad that I would probably never be able to carry the Olympic torch.  I knew how silly this sounded but I was still so upset.
 

26 weeks side view

26 weeks

Battle of the Republic

Celebration of Life

 

This weekend we celebrated, and mourned the loss of my grandfather other wise known as Pau to us Grand kids.  He had been struggling with COPD as well as some other ailments for some time and I must say that hid death for me was not unexpected.  He was a wonderful man that was very patriotic, a disciple of Christ, loving husband, father, and grandfather.  On a lighter note he was also so stubborn, and was not afraid to speak his mind and always like to share his opinion weather it was asked for or not. 

When I think of his stubbornness it makes me smile.  He and my brother were the only Democrats in our family and he loved to talk politics and argue the worlds issues with the rest of our Republican family.  One of my favorite memories of him is during Thanksgiving about 4 years ago.  Pau always said the Thanksgiving prayer around the table before we would start eating. I can't remember his exact words but the prayer was always the same.  He thanked the Lord for gathering us, and would specifically mention a few things we were thankful for and that we needed extra support for and then he would always end the prayer with "bless this food for the nourishment of our bodies, in Christ name we pray, Amen."  Well this specific year he ended with "bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies, in Christ name we pray, and thank you lord that president bush only has 62 more days in office, Amen"  We all busted out laughing because he had never ever changed the ending of the prayer except for this year and he had really snuck one in on us.  

A few more funny memories of him is how he always asked my husband Dave, "how is the guard?"  My grandpa was a proud veteran of WWII and he knew good in well that Dave was in the Marines and not the guard but he knew this got under his skin so he always said it.  When Dave would tell him he was in the 

Marines my grandpa would always reply, "same thing isn't?"

I am thankful that his passing was somewhat predictable to our family because I feel that we all got to spend some quality time with him before he passed.  Being in the medical field forces you to look at death differently.  No one once to see a member or their family struggle through their last days and due to his complex respiratory and cardiac issues I knew this was a very real possibility for him.  I was not present at the hospital for his passing and I don't want to downplay what my grandmother and aunt went through in those hours but although very sad, I was also relieved to know that he had gone for a walk and shortly after went into cardiac arrest.  I am glad that he didn't have to suffer and it was quick.  

His entire funeral service was as wonderful as a funeral service could be.  It was neat to hear stories about him from childhood friends, golfing buddies, and church members.  He was definitely a well respected man in the small town of Carrolton.  Some of the memories I would like to cherish from his funeral is the playing of the Battle of the Republic during the church service.  Apparently my grandpa always made sure that during a military holiday week the church service would always include this song in their service.  This illustrates to me how patriotic he was.  The other moment during his funeral service that I would like to remember is his military graveside service.  The folding of the flag and handing it to my grandmother really pulled at my heartstrings, and the 7 gun 3 shot salute definitely jerked some tears out of me. The final memory I have of his service is definitely more lighthearted and I am sure my grandpa was looking down and laughing.  To my immediate family and friends you will know who I am speaking of but since this post is on the Internet I will leave out names.  Right after the gun salute a certain someone in my life that was standing directly behind my chair gave me a hug as I stood up.  She said, "that was such a moving ceremony," and then the elastic in her suit skirt broke and her skirt fell to the ground.  I am sure everyone around us noticed that her skirt was in a puddle on the ground exposing her light colored slip.  She quickly pulled it up which only caused her light colored slip to bunch up around her waist of her dark suit.  It was hilarious.  While the rest of my family was sniffling and hugging her and I were laughing so hard our stomach hurt.  I just couldn't help my self it was so funny.  Soon after we left everyone had heard what had happened and I would like to think it was the perfect way to break the ice a bit and it helped us continue on with our day.

I would like to thank each and everyone of you who sent cards, flowers, texts, called, and came to the service to show their support to our family.  It didn't go unnoticed and we appreciated each and everyone of you. 

Girls Get-A Ways

The last two weekends have been a wonderful addition to my summer.  Last weekend I met up with Emily, Shannon, Melanie, and Julie for a weekend on the lake. The weather wasn't the greatest but it was still wonderful to see each other.  I hadn't seen Emily or Shannon since I left St. E and I hadn't seen Julie or Melanie since a little after graduation.  The best part of the weekend is that we all had something to celebrate.  It was Melanie's birthday, Emily and Shannon are getting married, Julie is moving to Arizona, and I am expecting.  The girls even got together and got me the cutest gift basket that I wish I would have taken a picture of.  The gift basket included diapers, a bottle drying rack, an assortment of bath and hygiene supplies as well as a super cute changing pad. 

We spent Friday night gathering goodies to take on the lake Saturday and just catching up at Shannon's dad's cabin.  Saturday we got up and hit the lake.  The sun didn't come out till later but we still had fun driving the pontoon boat and meeting up with the Good Samaritan hospital gang.  The girls all drank yummy alcoholic beverages and I drank "mocktails" that the girls brought for me (so thoughtful).  After a full day on the water we came back to the cabin and ate some dinner before making really yummy smores.  These were great for my sweet tooth that seams to have taken over my life.  On a side note I had two days at work where I ate more than my fare share of cookies and brownies.  I think I will just blame this one on the baby.  Sunday I came home early and we had my parents and Dave's Mom down for the afternoon and dinner.  I again wish I would have snapped a picture but I forgot.  Dave and my Dad planned the meal and we broke in our cherry dinning room table that Dave built years ago.  It was a really fun, great evening!!


***Click on the caption "Pontoon" and open the link***

Pontoon



This weekend I spent with Bryan and Melanie.  Bryan and I met up at the Massage Center and spent the morning getting pampered.  I got a prenatal massage which was really nice.  The table they used for the message had me laying on my side which was very comfortable but I must say I was really looking forward to laying on a pregnancy massage table that had a cut out hole for your belly.  I really am starting to miss sleeping on my stomach.  I also got a face lift facial which felt great but unfortunately when I finally got up off the table I still had a double chin.  I am sure that has to do with all the brownies and cookies I have been eating.  ;) After our massages we came back to my house showered, and went to lunch with Melanie.  We then drove to the Edminton outlets where I purchased boy and girl sleepers to take to the hospital.  I really don't want to have to dress my newborn in yellow and green so my plan is to have a few outfits of boy and girl clothing ready until I can purchase them a gender specific wardrobe.  Anyway, after shopping we headed back to the hotel in Louisville and ordered in pizza.  We all three stayed up late talking and playing Matching on our phones.  I guess, long gone are the days of going out to fourth street and getting wild.

Yesterday marked week 24 on the pregnancy calender, and lots has changed.  I feel HUGE and my belly just ballooned out over the last 4 weeks.  I now can feel the little girl or boy flipping all around instead of the occasional kick or jab.  It is such and incredible feeling!!!  I got so big so quick that I finally had to go buy maternity clothing.  I had gotten to the point that I could only fit into gym clothes which was fine for going to and from work and the gym but I really needed to look a bit more presentable at times.  I was also starting to feel really down about how big I have gotten and since I have bought some cute maternity clothes I have gained some confidence back.  I am hoping to not have to buy to much more and make it to the fall where I can borrow my friend Andrea's clothes for the fall and winter season. 

Pregnancy Stats:
Cravings: still LOVING cherry icee's
Aversions: nothing really
Other Symptoms: My SI joint pain has greatly improved and I am not having as much swelling in my lower extremities as before. 
Weight gain:  I am up to 123.  This is 7 pounds away from where I thought I would be when I was term, so I guess I am going to surpass that.

22 Weeks

22 Weeks

A lot has happened in the last few weeks, and I have been very busy and tired.  Dave just got back in town so I have had the house to my self and spent both of the past two weekends up in NKY.  It was great to spend sometime with friends and family up there.  I started off my first weekend home alone with a trip to the pool with Emily, Peggy and the kids, and spent the evening with Anne and Theresa at the coffee shop just catching up on life.  Sunday my whole family, minus Aaron, went to my grandparents house for a cook out.  Then Monday it was back to work for me.  I have really settled in to my new job at St. Joe and LOVE IT!!!  Everyone has been so kind and nice.  I am most impressed with the anesthesia techs and how much they understand what I need and are willing to help.  I am always getting fussed at to sit down and let them take care of me; which is great but hard for me to let go and let them help.  I definitely am missing my friends at St. E but am, happy to be making new friends at St. Joe. 

19 weeks at the Pool

The next weekend Maggie and I drove up to NKY to visit Jackie and her little Maggie.  It was such a blast just hanging out and hearing about her joys and trials of becoming a new Mom.  I made sure to take mental notes. ;)  Maggie is such a cute little (or maybe not so little) baby.  She was so good and let everyone hold her and even did great while we went out to lunch.  I hope and pray that our child is as easy as Maggie seams to be.  I wish there was a way to post the pictures Jackie took on my blog so everyone could see them. 

20 Weeks; 1/2 Way there!!

This passed Tuesday morning Maggie came in to work for me so I could go meet my new OBGYN and have our anatomy ultrasound.  This is really the only BIG downfall of the new job.  I hate that I can't request a single day off during the week, and I have to get someone to come in on there vacation to cover me if I need to go to the doctors.  I am crossing my fingers that this will change but who knows.  Anyway, Dave came with me and it was so much fun to see the baby on the ultrasound.  I was amazed at all the the things they can screen for via ultrasound today.  They looked at the babies heart, brain, ventricles, cerebellum, spine, nasal bone, lips, diaphragm, stomach, kidneys, femur, tib fib, hands and feet, etc.  After looking at everything it was determined that our child appears to be developing perfectly and is very healthy. They estimated me to be in my 21st week and for the baby to weigh 1lb 1oz.  All of this was right on target of where I should be.  Dave and I were elated to get a clean bill of health and it was so incredible to actually see the baby.  Next we met with the new OBGYN I chose.  It was really just a meet and great but so far I really liked her.  My next visit is in 4 weeks and I again have to go in in the morning because I am due for the dreaded orange soda glucose test.  I am not looking forward to trying to find someone to cover this shift for me and I am also not looking forward to drinking the orange soda.  Ill just cross my fingers that the results are normal.  

Ohh and I forgot to tell you how it was when Dave got back in town.  I will be the first to say that it really seamed like my belly doubled in size while he was gone so I knew he would be shocked when he came home.  So far I have heard.....

"Wow you are really starting to show"

"That really looks funny"

"So have you probably have gained around 20 pounds now?"

Most women I think would be upset by these comments but it really doesn't bother me.  I will agree that having a big belly like this is definitely different and looks a little goofy.  Amongst all his comments he has also really enjoyed feeling the baby kick and thankfully the baby has put on quite a show for him lately.  He will probably never admit to it but he is already kinda protective over the baby.  He tells me all the time to quit poking my belly and that he doesn't think I should be doing that.  And last night we went to eat sushi, he seamed to be a bit more concerned then ever before that I was partaking.    

I have forgotten to keep up with my plan for weekly stats on the pregnancy so here is an update.

Weight gain: 8 lbs

Cravings: Vanilla coke, and Cherry Icees

Aversions: none

Other Symptoms: starting to have trouble with basic movements such as squatting down, or getting up off the couch or bed.  I also feel like despite my greatest efforts I don't move as fast as I used to.  

 My mom had the great idea to save the text messages I got right after I sent this picture out to people after the ultrasound.  Despite my greatest efforts I can't figure out how to save a text message conversation so I decided to painstakingly transcribe it below:

Me: 

"Waiting to see the doctor.  Ultrasound went very well!!!  All organ systems have been accounted for.  Estimated weight: 1lb 1 oz."

Emily Groh:

"So Exciting.  Second set of pics ;) So glad she/he is healthy."

Peggy Kaiser:

" Wheeeee! So Exciting!!!!! Hello baby!!! So cute looks just like you.  Look at that nose!"

Emily Groh: 

"Barett said wow it has Britts nose LOL"

Me:

"LOL"

Anne Wolking:

" I need to see the pic, it never came through!  I mean I love everyone's commentary, but I would love to see the pic!!!"

Peggy Kaiser:

"Is Dave there? He must be so excited!"

Ginger Conway:

"I agree.  Love it!  Thanks for sharing.  Love that little thing with all my heart already"

Anne Wolking:

"Okay, saw it.  Love that lil human!"

Me: 

"Yes Dave was there."

Anne Wolking:

" I still say Girl. :)"

Emily Groh:

" Me too because it looks like it has a little headband on. LOL"

Peggy Kaiser: 

"Duh Em, that's the princess tiara, or halo if he/she takes after Dave. hahahahaha  He is being such an angel"

Emily Groh:

"You r delusional"

Andrea Kaiser:

" So cute!!! So glad everything is perfect"

Ginger Conway:

"U asked about my birthday.  I just got my present"

Emily Groh:

"OMG"

Mike Conway:

"WOW JUST SAW THE PICTURES.  I think she looks like me!!!! Love it!!" How about she looks like her Mom...... that's much better!!!!!"

Dave:

"You guys are all mistaken.  Obviously by looking at HIS!!! toned physique and the workouts Brittany feels him doing all day long the German genes definitely took over."

Emily Groh:

" God help us all!!!!"

Andrea Kaiser:

"LOL!"

Dave:

" Besides....... I'm  only breeding war fighters."

Me:

"That's right Dave.  She is a women marine. ;)"

Emily Groh:

"Or will be"

Ginger Conway:

"OMG. now its really getting deep"

Dave:

"Ohhh hell no!!!!!  You did not."

Emily Groh:

"And she will knock serious you know what ;)"

Mike Conway:

"You know Brittany is both Irish and German so watch out!!!"

Dave:

"Kid will be stealing all my beer."

Mike Conway:

"Your right, given the stories your Mom has shared with us about you I am thinking military school might be best at 8."

Dave:

"He's being born into the Kaiser Boot Camp.  Mom ran a loose ship.  Ive spent the last 12 years learning how to discipline Marines.  Ive got a few tricks up my sleeve."

Anne Wolking:

"Your toast Kaiser.  You won't be able to say no to that sweet baby girl ;)"

Ginger Conway:

"Just wait till that beautiful little GIRL looks at u with those baby blues.  Boot camp may change a bit."

18 Weeks

18 Weeks

This has been a big week for baby and I.  First I started my new job and it has been wonderful. So far I have only been to the surgery center due to credentialing issues so it has been a easy transition.  Everyone has been more than nice to me and I am so excited to really start my career at a place I plan on staying for a long time. 

I have been feeling the baby move A LOT more.  I feel him/her daily.  My mom even got to feel  it and see it move on Sunday.  Dave tried and tried to feel the baby move and finally felt it on Sunday.  He put his hand on my belly and the baby put out a really hard kick for him.  His face and response were so funny.  He said, "From experience I know that was a kick of a boy, just based on the force of it."  We both laughed and unfortunately that is the last time he has felt it.  I have gotten so used to Dave calling the baby a him that I am starting to have trouble remembering that it really might be a girl.  We are still set that we will not find out what we are having until the baby's birthday despite so many people telling us how it is much better if we do find out.  When we tell people that we are not finding out we get one of three responses.  The first is, annoyance.  So many people are annoyed and it bothers them that they don't know what we are having,  The second response comes from those people who feel like they need to tell us why not finding out is a bad idea and try and make it seam like we are stupid for not being able to plan for the specific sex of the baby.  The last response I hear is definitely the rarest but comes from those who think it is great and wish they could have waited to find out. 

We have our anatomy ultrasound on the 23rd of July and I am very nervous about it.  I think that most people are so excited about this visit because they are learning the sex of their child but since we are not, all I think about are the anatomical issues the baby could have.  I will be so happy to see our little one on the screen and hear that every organ system appears normal.  My other fear is that I might actually see the sex of the baby.  My plan is to look the other way when they place the probe on my belly and to definitely not look when the ultrasound tech is determining the sex. 

Here is a picture of me at 18 weeks downtown Lexington when Dave and I went out to dinner on the 4th of July. 

18 weeks 4 days

Not as Romantic as We Remembered

Not as Romantic as We Remembered

Between ending my job at St. E and starting my job at St. Joe Dave and I took a week off so that we could go on a vacation.  We had not been on a vacation in such a long time we were really looking forward to it.  We had so much trouble picking a place to go, since Dave and I hold different interest, and there are so many limitations on activities when you are pregnant.  =(.  Unfortunately about a week before our vacation our upstairs air conditioner died and in an odd way this helped us make up our mind on where we would go on our vaca.  Since replacing an air conditioner is so expensive, we decided to keep the vacation small and short and just went to Gatlinburg for a few days. 

Gatlinburg wasn't really how we remembered it as kids.  It was nice, but so redneck and there really wasn't anything for us to do after the first night. Our first night we spent walking the strip, eating at a brewery that had some unbelievable pretzels and beer cheese dip and buying and eating lots of candy, and caramel apples.  The next day we decided to go hiking in the Smokey's.  Unfortunately this didn't go as planned either.  We quickly choose a trail that led you to a waterfall.   At first it seamed very promising we didn't see anyone else on the trail, and we saw a turkey and deer at the trail head.  We hiked for about 2 miles but besides the beginning of the trail it was very disappointing.  We were constantly hiking right along the side of the road and it finally got so old that we both decided we were fed up and started to hike back before getting to the waterfall.  Dave was really irritated and was kicking himself for not doing more research and picking a better trail.  I on the other hand was definitely disappointing but also thought it was kinda funny.  

When we got back we took a  nap and then set out to eat at a restaurant that was on the creek and looked romantic.  We took the trolley to the restaurant only to find out that it didn't open for a few more hours.  Strike out again.  We headed over to do some wine tasting which was fun.  I just took small sips of each wine and let Dave finish the rest of all my glasses.  We picked out three bottles, one of which I LOVED and we are planning on saving for after the baby comes.  

We then decided to just abort the Gatlinburg strip and head back up to our room and order a pizza and movie.  All in all it was a short trip that didn't involve to much excitement but it was really nice to just get out of town together and celebrate the end of us living apart.  The next day we came back to Lexington and despite deciding to go do things and not work on the house, working on the house and getting stuff done is exactly what we did.  We got organized, started to get used to living with each other again and really just enjoyed each others company regardless of what we did.  

Outside our hotel

Farthest anyone has traveled for a craving; gotta LOVE pecan Caramel Apples

17 weeks in the Smokeys

Other activities on our week off included:

Bryan and I heading out to do my registry.  Some may think it was weird that I didn't take Dave but seriously think about that.  Dave would have no desire to register, and I could just hear him telling me how all this stuff is so ridiculous and "We don't really need that do we?"  So I decided to go with my friend Bryan who has had 3 kids and is an expert in a area I am very clueless.  We had a blast and I feel really good about the stuff I picked out.  p.s Don't tell Dave but I did register for the expensive car seat that he has made fun of in the past, but you can't argue with safety right??  

Peggy even came down on Friday and we took her out to Talon winery where there was live music.  It was really hot but surprisingly in the shade we were pretty comfortable.  I even made a cantaloupe salsa that was delicious!!!  Ill post the recipe below.

Cantaloupe Salsa

1 cantaloupe-diced
1 small red onion-small dice
1/2cup of fresh parsley-chopped fine
Mix in separate bowl:
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4cup honey
1/2cup olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Mix with cantaloupe mixture...taste for seasoning...sometimes if cantaloupe is not sweet enough add honey or if too sweet add vinegar.

French loaf of bread cut in 1/4 inch thick pieces and brushed with a little olive oil.
Toast in oven 400 degrees-5 minutes on each side until lightly brown.

Bittersweet Day

Bittersweet Day

Friday the 22nd of June was my last day at St. E.  I had been counting down, dreading, and looking forward to this day for awhile but some of the emotions I felt still hit me by surprise.  My morning started with my mom getting up to make breakfast for me on my last day living with them.  It was such a blessing being able to live with them for the last three years that I can't thank them enough. 

Once I got to work it really was a very chill relaxed day.  I had a student who is so awesome, so I was able to talk and say my goodbyes or see ya laters to the many people that made St. E such a great place to work. 

Around 3:00, as I was anxiously awaiting my exit out the door, I got a nice surprise.  I was sitting right outside OR#3 and I felt it.  I felt the baby kick a few times.  I had thought I might have felt it before but really wasn't certain if it was the baby or just a gas bubble, and I refused to get all emotional and excited over what very easily could have been a gas bubble.  These few kicks were definitely kicks.  It was so exciting to finally feel the little baby move, which made it all that more real to me.