Hamra Boy #2 // Baby Watch

I had my weekly check up yesterday and things are progressing. And we are officially at that point where any day he could come.

Here are my stats....
Dilated - yep...at a 3 - I was a 1 last week
Effaced - 70% (need to be 100)
Station - negative 2
Measuring - 40 weeks (I am only 37, another big boy) - I measured 37 weeks last week
Baby's Heart Rate - 150

My Stats look a lot like the blog I posted the week before Sawyer came: http://www.hamratime.com/2012/02/baby-hamra-doctor-update.html

She also did that fun procedure (stripping membranes) I mentioned in my blog last week.
It didn't hurt and was very quick. She said she didn't think he would come in the next couple days because my cervix still needs to thin more and his head (while in position and down) needed to descend a little more. The procedure speeds up this process but you just never know if it will work. She said if I make it to my next appointment next Wednesday and no baby she is going to induce me.

Great news though is she confirmed my platelets are still in good range to get an epidural if I want one. She doesn't imagine it will drop enough to change that.

Friday my contractions started really intensifying and are getting more consistent. We had tickets to the St. Louis Cardinals game Sunday but John and I decided to stay home due to the contractions and pre-labor pains (in my back). Sawyer still went with my parents and unfortunately the game ended up getting rained out. I am very glad I stayed back, plus now we have tickets to a game in July for the rain makeup.


I have to share a cute Sawyer story too. He is so excited to meet his brother and on the way to school Tuesday he said, "My brother is coming today". I had to fill him in on how there is a chance but really mommy was just going to the doctor to see if he was ready to come out yet and if he was I would go the hospital. He then asked, "Well, who will pick me up then?" I made sure he knew we had a plan. Later that same day, obviously still thinking about our conversation, I got a text from his teacher telling me he was extremely upset and worried about me and wanted to give me a call. He kept telling her, "My baby came out and I am not there." So I called and comforted him and told him he would definitely be the first person to know when his brother is coming. So sweet!

Our bags are packed including a nice Big Brother surprise for Sawyer. My mom took Sawyer shopping Monday to let him pick out a gift for his brother and for himself. He was so sweet and picked out a sound machine just like he has in his room. For himself he got a new Chuggington train and a Jake and the Neverland Pirates toy.

37 weeks

Hamra Boy #2 // Count Down

I guess I should probably blog about our new little addition since I have been terrible about posting like I did with Sawyer (typical second child issue). I have very good about logging records and photos just haven't shared them.

I had my weekly appointment yesterday and everything went well. Last week my doctor had mentioned she wants to bring him early and she confirmed that today.

I am one centimeter dilated, his heart rate was 150 (what Sawyer's was the whole pregnancy), measuring at 37 weeks and my blood pressure looked great too. She said she is going to stimulate the cervix a.k.a "strip my membranes" at my next appointment on Tuesday, June 16. And when I asked what that meant exactly, she responded "Have your bags packed". The process can get you going in to labor right away or a few days later, so basically it sounds like we should be able to meet our baby boy next week!!! If you are wondering why she would try to bring him so soon, it is because Mr. Sawyer made an 10-day early appearance weighing in two pounds heavier than my doctor thought at 8 lbs. 11 oz. She wants to prevent me having to go through that again, I'll spare you the details.

One concern I had was that my platelets were low, a condition that if gets too low (under 100,000) means you can not get an epidural (mine were at 125,000).  I had never heard of before so it made me a little nervous. They did blood work yesterday and they only dropped 5 points, which mean so far I should still be good. They will do another round of blood work when I come in to deliver, fingers crossed they stay above 100,000.

I have been tracking my progress over the weeks with photos, so I will go ahead and share in case I don't get to take another one, ah! We also finished the nursery and will be sharing that soon as well but we might wait until our baby boy can see it first.

Prayers are appreciated as we prepare to become a Family of 4!

Here is a picture at 37 weeks with Sawyer (he came about 7 days later)

Baby #2 Weekly Photos (I skipped a couple weeks)

Hamra Boy #2 // Maternity Session

I was hesitant to get Maternity photos taken again but I really wanted some pictures of Sawyer with me pregnant to show his little brother one day.  While I don't love pictures of myself, I love the way they turned out, especially of Sawyer and John...the candids of him squeezing me and the pure joy on his face. Thank you J Designs for another amazing photo session.

Check out all the photos here: https://karitravels.shutterfly.com/3694

Here are a few of my favorites:

Hamra Baby #2 Reveal

We got to meet our see little nugget today, we brought Sawyer along and he stayed with my mom in the waiting room awaiting the news.

Checking out his little?!?!?

It's a boy!!! 

My mom got us little goodie bags 

in pink and blue. 

Sawyer called this his "nose"...sure, we'll go with that.

When I got back to work, my sweet coworkers had a little reveal for me.

Sawyer Farris Hamra

Hamlet is officially Sawyer now. And the best part is we didn't have to be induced and after my blog post my water broke that same night. See prayers do work! We have been very busy so I hadn't gotten a chance to post but Friday Feb 17, 2012 at 3:59 pm we welcomed our baby boy into the world. Doc was a little off on the "being small" thing and he came out a whopping 8 lbs 11 oz and 21.5 inches long. It was a long 11 hour labor but worth every second. We are so in love with this little man! Thanks to everyone who has brought us food, gifts, called and visited and for the prayers. We couldn't have done it without the help. I will be posting shortly about some road blocks we've hit but that's gonna have to wait until Sawyer's been fed :) Also lots more pics to come.

Let's get this thing started

Hi World My name is Sawyer

My sweet Sawyer!

Grandma Engel and Sawyer

Grandpa Engel giving him some kisses

Proud Grandpa Hamra

Daddy changing little man

Released from the hospital, first car ride home

Baby Hamra update

Today was very eventful and emotional. Went to my weekly appointment (sans John, he had to work) and unfortunately had another high blood pressure ready. High enough that my doc sent me to Labor & Delivery. They kept me for a few hours and did blood work, urine test, more blood pressure readings and monitored me, contractions and the babies vitals. They released me after a few hours but my blood pressure was still high and they were concerned with protein in my urine so would not release me to return to work today or tomorrow. They ended up calling me a couple hours later and telling me they scheduled me for an induction this upcoming Monday at 7 am. It is not worth having me continue with elevated blood pressure and she feels he is ready to come. She even said that she thinks there is a good chance he will come on his own this weekend. While I am sad we may be induced, I trust my doctor and know she is just doing what is best for him. We would appreciate prayers that everything goes smoothly and that we get to meet a healthy Hamlet hopefully this weekend if not then Monday.
The good news is doc said he is very healthy and they are not concerned with him. I was still 3 cm dilated but he had descended a lot. We are just so excited to meet our little man!

j+k

Baby Hamra: Doctor Update

We had another weekly doctor's appointment yesterday and it was  definitely more eventful.
Little man is measuring 40 weeks already (we will be 38 weeks sunday) with a healthy heart beat of 148. I am 3 cm dilated and 50% effaced (half way) and getting a lot of contractions, enough that she said at this point if they are 5 minutes apart for an hour to skip the phone call and come straight in because she will admit me. She even said she would induce me this weekend if I wanted. I am definitely not interested in getting induced, he will come when he is ready.
I had a pretty rough day yesterday after the appointment and thought about going in but my contractions were only 7-10 minutes apart so I stayed home but I had major cramping. I can definitely feel a difference though with way more pressure and dull pain.
My blood pressure was high for the first time but she wasn't worried thought it had to do with me having a head cold and having trouble breathing. I also lost weight this week. She wasn't concerned and said that is normal at the end because the baby starts taking weight from the mom as it grows.
Who knows, maybe we will get to meet our little guy in the next few days. Megan and I plan to walk tomorrow morning so that should help.

Baby Hamra: 37 Weeks

Getting heavy

I can't believe we are just 3 short weeks away.
We had another appointment last thursday and I am still just 1 cm dilated but about 30 % effaced (which is the fancy word for thinning of the cervix). He was measuring about 38 weeks and had a healthy heart beat of 148.
His nursery is officially complete and we even rearranged the living room to make room for his swing. John was busy installing the car seats and I have packed my hospital bag. We even took our infant lifesaver class last week and learned CPR and safety tips for when we bring him home.

Bet at work on when he will arrive.

Hard to believe!

Baby Hamra 37 weeks

Countdown: 3 weeks or 20 days

Size: 19-22 inches
Weight: approx. 6-6.5 lbs (watermelon) - although Dr. thinks he is only about 5.5 lbs.
Fun Facts: Weight gain for baby can be about half an ounce per day. His head at birth will be the same size circumference as his hips, addomen and shoulders. baby's organs are fully developed and prepared for the outside world. 

2012 MO Sports Hall of Fame Induction

This past Sunday, John, my dad, Greg and I attended the 2012 Missouri Sport Hall of Fame 2012 Induction ceremony at the University Plaza Convention Center. We have gone in years past but this year was particularly special because we got to meet St. Louis Cardinals Jim Edmonds. The list of inductees was very impressive and even though I am not a huge sports buff I recognized a few of the names on the list. In college, I nannied for an awesome family who was very close friends to Jon Sundvold (an 2012 inductee), so I also babysat his kids a few times. It was cool to get to see them at the banquet supporting him as well as see Jon be inducted. He had quite the impressive basketball career with Mizzou, Seattle, San Antonio and with Miami.
We were able to get a few players to sign their cards for Hamlet’s baby book too.

Terrible pictures but at least we have one

 

2012 INDUCTEES
Click here to read more on each inductee and their bio

Jim Edmonds - Outfielder, St. Louis Cardinals

Emmitt Thomas - Cornerback, Kansas City Chiefs

Jon Sundvold - Guard, University of Missouri

Jamie Quirk - Catcher, Kansas City Royals

Mel Gray - Receiver, University of Missouri, St. Louis Football Cardinals

Al Onofrio - Football Coach, University of Missouri

Mickey Owen - Catcher, St. Louis Cardinals, Brooklyn Dodgers

Dr. Richard Lehman - Sports Medicine, St. Louis, MO

Rex Sinquefield - Chess, St. Louis, MO

Lawrence Walls - Football Coach, Sumner High School - St. Louis, MO

Jim Pearson - Golf/Football Coach, Kickapoo High School - Springfield, MO

Richard Hantak - NFL Official, St. Louis, MO

Ellen Port - Amateur Golf, St. Louis, MO

Clyde Lear - Sports Media, Jefferson City, MO

Gene Ruble - Basketball, Southwest Missouri State University

Columbia College - Volleyball, Columbia, MO

New Haven High School - Basketball, New Haven, MO

Baby Hamra: 36 weeks

We are 9 months!!! Can't believe how fast time has gone by and how little we have left.

This week we had our last birthing class and had our first weekly doctor's appointment.

Hamlet's heart rate was 140 and was he measuring 37 weeks (when we went we were 35 weeks 4 days, so about a week and a half ahead). Doctor also said we are 1 centimeter dialated and she thinks he is about 5 pounds now. I always assumed he'd be a big baby like me (I was 8 lbs 11 oz.) but she said she think she will be a smaller baby around 6.5-7 pounds. I am feeling really good and still working out/walking but I am definitely feeling more contractions, the most being on Tuesday when I felt 6 in 2 hours.

We picked up the final things we needed to for his arrival...monitor, pack 'n play, jogging stroller, baby bjorn and of course his coming home outfit (I'll save those pics for his birthday).  We are getting so excited and are anxiously counting down the days.

Baby Hamra 36 weeks (9 months)

Countdown: 4 weeks, 28 days

Size: 19-22 inches
Weight: approx. 5-5.5 lbs (melon/large canteloupe)
Fun Facts: By the end of this week baby is considered full term. This week, the fat is dimpling on the elbows and knees as well as forming creases in the neck and wrists. The baby's gums are very rigid.

Nursery Planning: DIY Baby Hamra's Mobile

While designing our nursery, I knew I wanted a mobile above our crib but really despised the ones I found in stores and online. I wanted something simple and gender neutral. I found some awesome ones on Etsy but they were super expensive (ranging from $50-80) for something I knew I could create on my own. I googled pouf ball tutorials and found a few helpful sites and decided to just try it on my own. I am very pleased with the result and saved a ton of cash. It took about 6 hours total to create and cutting was the most time consuming part.

Here are the helpful tutorials I found:

http://first-time-fancy.blogspot.com/2011/06/diy-fabric-pom-pom-mobile-winner.html

http://www.oncewed.com/24140/wedding-blog/diy-wedding/diy-fabric-poms/

MATERIALS

Styrofoam Balls (1.5 inch) – $1 (for 9)

Embroidery Hoop (just need inside) – $1

Acrylic Paint – I bought white from a craft store – .69 cents

Fishing wire, Rope, Yarn, Ribbon (I used Fishing line)

Fabric – I got a yard of white and a yard of yellow and it was more than enough - $6

Glue Gun - $3

Glue Sticks - $5

Scissors – already had

Something round to trace - already had

Ceiling hook - already had

Total cost: less than $17 (and I even had to buy a glue gun)

STEPS

Step 1:

I painted my embroidery hoop with white paint first so it would be dry when I am done, it doesn’t take very long to dry so really you can do this step at any point

Step 2:

Find something round to start tracing your circles onto the fabric. Trace a ton of circles, I am not exaggerating either each individual pouf will need about 30 circles.

Step 3: 

Cut out all your circles, this doesn’t have to be perfect because they will be folded so don’t feel like you have to spend extra time making them flawless.

Step 4:

Take your circle and fold in half, apply a small dab of hot glue in the middle of that half and then fold over again (see picture). Do this for all of your circles.

This is enough to make 2 poufs

Step 5: 

Apply dab of hot glue to one of the Styrofoam balls and apply the folded fabric. I found holding them in the center and apply the point to the ball was the easiest and then you could fan it out to the way you want it to look (see picture)

Continue this step until your ball is filled with no Styrofoam showing and until you have enough poufs for your mobile. I made 6 total fabric poufs, which was about 180 cut out circles.

Step 6:

If your paint is dry on your hoop, tie fishing line across the top to make quarters. I applied extra hot glue on the inside of the hoop against the line to make sure it was secure. This is how you will hang your mobile to the ceiling. Set aside.

Step 7:

Apply fishing line to your individual poufs, I left my string really long so I could adjust when I hung them. I found a trick to attaching the line to the pouf was applying hot glue to the inside of a piece of the fabric on the ball and then sandwiching the glue and line in between it.

Step 8:

Tie fishing line securely onto a ceiling hook (like the ones you use for plants). Make sure you have extra string so you can adjust to the height you want. 

Step 9:

Screw the hook into the ceiling into the place you want to hang.

Step 10:

Tie line from ceiling to the middle of your quartered hoop securely to the height you want above crib.

Step 11:

Apply each individual pouf onto hanging hoop at the height you want. After they are all attached you may need to move them to get it to sit evenly and balanced.

Ta-Dah! You have a super affordable mobile!!
j+k