Wild Rice Soup

One clever idea that my mom came up with for my baby shower was to have everyone bring an easy/quick recipe that I could make ahead and stock in the freezer for when the baby arrives. I collected a handful of delicious recipes and I am now just trying them out. We went to the grocery store last week and bought all the ingredients needed for about 10 of the recipes. As I try them out, I will post them for you if they are blog-worthy ;) The first one I tried was a Wild Rice Soup recipe - the weather has been a bit chilly this past week and I thought it was prefect weather for some soup! This soup is so easy and yummy! (Thanks Barb!) Enjoy!

Wild Rice Soup

• 1/2 lb bacon, cut up, fried crisp
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 pint half & half
• 2 (4 oz) cans mushrooms w/ liquids
• 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
• 2/3 C wild rice, cooked covered in 3 C water for 45 minutes or until tender ( I used one box of Uncle Ben's wild rice)
• 1 C shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 C water
• 1 chicken boullion cube

Cook rice. While rice is cooking, fry bacon. Saute onions in bacon drippings until tender - drain grease. In large pan, combine bacon, onion, and remaining ingredients, including wild rice with any remaining liquid. Heath thoroughly, being careful not to scorch. Cool - put in air tight freeze container.

This makes A LOT of soup! Serve with salad and breadsticks!

Test Results

I just received a call from my nurse with the results from my 24-hr urine collection analysis. I am in fact leaking some protein in my urine, which explains the swelling and elevated blood pressure. The magic number to stay under is 300, and my levels are at 177, which is nothing to be too concerned about, but will need to be monitored. Luckily, my doctor visits are weekly now so they can keep a close eye on this! I go back to the doctor on Tuesday and will have my blood pressure re-checked, and possibly have to do another urine collection to make sure the protein level hasn't risen. I've never realized how much of a privilege it is to pee freely into a toilet - I am NOT looking forward to collecting my urine again - it is a ROYAL PAIN! The grossest part is that you need to keep it refrigerated! Let me tell you, it's not very appetizing to open your fridge and see a jug of urine chillin in there!

Anyways, unless my protein levels rise, they want me to get to 39 weeks before I deliver the baby - only 2 1/2 more weeks! This little scare that we had yesterday really made Adam and I start final preparations for the baby: we started cleaning, organizing, packing, etc. It was a nice reality check for us! Well, I'm off to put my feet up! :) What a great medical order to follow!!!

Ultrasound Update

We had an ultrasound done today to see how the baby is doing; several tests and measurements were done and the baby scored an A+! The baby had enough amniotic fluid, was moving around well, and all the organs looked good. A major test that the baby passed was that it was already breathing in amniotic fluid, which is a sign that the lungs are developed and ready for the outside world! This was very important because if for some reason I have/do develop pre-eclampsia and need to deliver early, the baby will be able to breath on his/her own! The baby weighed in at 6 pounds 5 ounces and had a heart rate of 147 beats/minute! I wasn't able to get my urine results back today, but will get them tomorrow morning. The results will give us a more accurate delivery date, as well if I'm leaking protein, which is a symptom of pre-eclampsia. If I have to deliver early, I feel much better now after today's ultrasound! If the results come back normal, we'll have to play the waiting game - which could become very long and boring since I can't work anymore. I'll make a new blog tomorrow with my test results. Here are a few 3-D pictures of the baby: DEFINITELY GROWING!!!

Look at my precious face!

CHUBBY CHEEKS!

I'm mad about something!

36 Weeks

Today marks the beginning of my 9th month of pregnancy! YIPPEE!!! We had another routine Dr. appointment today, except this time things didn't go as smoothly as they have in the past. My blood pressure was significantly higher than the previous visits (150/88) and there is still swelling in my legs, ankles, feet, face/nose, and my right hand is still tight and tingly. The nurse had me lay on my left side for 10 minutes and then re-checked my blood pressure, which it did go down, but was still on the high side. My doctor ordered that I do a 24-hour urine collection to see if I am leaking protein in my urine, which is a sign of preeclampsia. He also scheduled me for an ultrasound tomorrow afternoon to make sure the baby is doing okay, has enough amniotic fluid, the baby's position, and to see how big the baby is. If my protein levels come back high and the baby is healthy enough, I may have to deliver early! Exciting, yet scary! I don't care when when the baby is born, just as long as he/she is HEALTHY! One positive outcome from my appointment today is that I am not supposed to work anymore or do any strenuous activity! I'm not on 100% bed rest, but need to rest and put my feet up, which I have NO complaints about! Adam, on the other hand, isn't too thrilled about this order! HA HA! I know all of these signs and symptoms are normal towards the end of pregnancy, so I'm not too worried. We'd rather be safe than sorry! I'll get my urine results back tomorrow already - so I'll keep you posted on my results from the test and ultrasound! Here's what's happening this week:

The countdown continues… and in fetal developments: most of the bones (soft skull aside) in their little body are now completely hardened, providing a solid structure from which they can now make their grand debut into the world. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we are structurally ready for a secure launch. In physical fitness news: their muscle tone has also improved over these past few weeks, and you’ll definitely be impressed by their steel-like Ulnar grasp (a newborn reflex that occurs if you lay your finger in their palm). And in the fluids/excretion department: the amniotic fluid-to-baby ratio has fallen over these past weeks, although they’re still swallowing fluid (building up even more meconium for that historic first poop), and some vernix caseosa. They will be more than ready to swallow and digest milk after birth. Just in case you didn’t get it quite yet: you’ve got yourself an adorable and hungry 6.5 lbs 20 inch baby—are you ready?

Old Wive's Tale

There are a handful of old wives tales about pregnancy to predict the gender of your baby, how much hair your baby will have, the temperament of your baby, and when your bundle of joy will arrive. One tale that I heard was that when the balloons from your baby shower deflate and hit the floor, labor will soon follow! This past weekend the balloons hit the floor - but no signs of labor yet! Now of course this is a silly tale because it all depends on when you have your shower! I only have 29 more days until the due date - however I had someone tell me this past weekend that she predicts I will have the baby in 12 days (10 now)! As Adam and I were saying goodbye to our families yesterday, it occurred to me that it may be the last time that Adam and I come home as 2 - next time we may have a baby with us!

Week 35

It's hard to believe that I'm finishing up my last week of the 8th month! The big day will be here soon! Now that school is starting, I hope that the time goes by fast and I can keep busy subbing. Other than the swelling, I'm feeling pretty good still! Adam and I started 'Child Birth Education' class a few weeks ago and are learning a few good tips for labor. Next week at class, the anesthesiologist is going to talk to the class about different pain medication (and show us the needles!), we get to see forceps and the vacuum, and get a tour of the maternity ward, all in addition to the lovely videos we get to watch each week! Check out what the baby is up to this week:

Congratulations! You’re now carrying nearly 6 lbs of baby not counting their amniotic fluid, the umbilical cord, or the placenta itself. We’re impressed because that’s a LOT of work non-stop. Are you feeling proud of yourself yet? Well, get to it—you’ve done an amazing job! At this point, your little grower is almost busting out of the womb size-wise, which make their restricted attempts to move much challenging. Of course, your stubborn little sucker is still trying to move around as if they weren’t in a cramped space. And the accumulating baby fat deposits are starting to level off so your little butter ball will be padded and warm when they head out of their super snug little home.

State Fair Update: It was so dang hot at the state fair that we all probably lost 5 lbs! We went through a few buildings and then grabbed something to eat and drink and sat in the shade for awhile. I was so excited to pig out on fair food, but it was so hot that I didn't feel like eating. But I did get an order of cheese curds and Adam got some mini donuts. The Big & Rich concert wasn't until 8:00 so it had cooled down a lot by then and was comfortable. The concert ROCKED! They were amazing and really got the crowd going! We would definitely go see them again! I don't have any pictures to post - it was too hot to even bother!

Watch Out State Fair - Here I Come!

This weekend Adam and I are going to the Iowa State Fair with another couple to go the the Big N Rich concert....and to indulge in fair food! Adam asked me if he'd need to take out a small loan to pay for all of the food I plan on eating?! I'm looking forward to some mini donuts, cheese curds and anything on a stick! Check out that link - everything looks so yummy! At this point, I think I'm more excited about the food! ;) Let's just hope the weather is decent and it isn't raining or 90+ degrees! Pictures to come later!

34 Weeks

We had our 34 week doctor's appointment today and everything checked out great! I was worried that my blood pressure may be a little high due to my swelling, but it was normal. The baby is measuring right on track and it's heartbeat was in the upper 130's/lower 140's. It's got to be boy! The doctor said that if I were to go into labor at any point after today that he wouldn't stop the labor and that the baby would be healthy! But I'm not getting my hopes up - I'm thinking that I'll go over my due date. I guess only time will tell. I'm still feeling good when my legs/feet are swollen to the size of an elephants! Here's what's going on with the baby this week:

Your amazing baby is on the move! They’ve been riding fairly high in your stretched-out womb till now (while kindly compressing your poor internal organs), but now they’re planning on making the big move to your pelvis this week. If you haven’t noticed it already, you’ll be feeling the weight shift that signals that your baby is most likely out of breech position, with their head now resting on your pubic bone. In liver news: although not quite fully formed, your little miracle’s liver is now capable of processing a certain amount of waste. In general, most of your child’s prenatal physical development is pretty much up to snuff and ready for the outside world. Naturally, further weight gain is expected—so you’re still not at maximum capacity despite probably feeling like you definitely are maxed out.

Des Moines Getaway

This past weekend Adam and I took a mini-vacation to Des Moines to do some shopping, see a good friend, eat lots of yummy food and relax. We did lots of shopping for the baby! We came home with a trunkful of purchases from Babies R Us and Target! It was tax free weekend on clothing, so even Adam came home with a few purchases! I came home with NOTHING! I can't wait until I'm not pregnant anymore so I can start shopping for clothes again! We always try to eat at places that aren't around here whenever we go to a bigger 'city,' so we ate at Fuddruckers, PF Changs, and Hu Hot while in Des Moines! We also got some ice cream at a WONDERFUL ice cream shop called Maggie Moo's! We both liked it much better than Cold Stone! We met up with Abby on Saturday night for dinner at PF Changs - we sat and chatted with her and her boyfriend, Aaron, for a few hours. Aaron is getting deployed to Iraq in September, so of course he and Adam had lots to talk about! Even though Des Moines isn't necessarily a vacation, it was nice to get out of Clarion and spent a weekend together before the baby arrives. We're actually heading back to Des Moines this Sunday with another couple to hit up the State Fair and go to the Big N Rich concert! Yee Haw!!!!!!!

Adam and I at PF Changs (nasty pic of me - but look how big/swollen I am - GROSS)

Abby and I

Abby and Aaron

33 Weeks

We have less than 50 days to go!!! The feeling is so surreal - but so exciting! I think we are finally ready for the baby to arrive. We have been mentally and emotionally ready for awhile now, just not ready as far as baby gear goes. But after the wonderful baby shower, we have everything we need to get us started with Baby Nerlien! I haven't started nesting yet [which Adam and I both don't' see that happening ;)], but have all the sheets, blankets, and clothes washed and put away. The swing, pack-n-play, and bouncer is put together, the toys are all in one basket, and the changing table is prepped with all the essentials! Now I just have to work on the hospitals bags - I'm a huge procrastinator so I should probably start now, instead of waiting until my water breaks! Here's what's going on during week 33:

For all the weight and bulk you’re lugging around these days, you’d think your little champ should weigh much more than a mere 5 lbs and measly 17 inches in height, but nope, that’s about the average size for a baby in its thirty-third week. In terms of appearances, they’re getting cuter and pudgier every minute as they pile on the baby fat for those adorable little wrist rolls and chubby toes. And as we’re sure you’ve already noticed they’re getting stronger with every passing day. Nowadays, it’s possible to observe a well-placed kick just by watching your belly—but you already knew that didn’t you? Although they’re getting stronger, your bigger-by-the-day baby is losing space to move around, so the actual rate of movement will drop off in the last few weeks, despite that powerful drop-kick they’ve been working on. Hey, did you know you’ll continue feeling their movements even during labor?

Baby Shower

This past weekend my mom hosted my first baby shower, and it was so much fun! We had great food, fun games, and I got to see lots of friends! My mom did an AWESOME job planning the shower, I can't thank her enough! Baby Nerlien got lots of great things: a stroller/car seat, baby swing, pack-n-play, bouncy seat, bibs, blankets, toys, sleepers and many other useful items. The spoiling has begun! I attached a lot of pictures of all the details that my mom worked so hard on! I love her!

The hostess with the mostest: Grandma Dawn

The anxious Grandmas

Brett also put in a lot of time helping plan and decorate

The tree was decorated with baby items too

The AWESOME diaper cake

One of 2 diaper wreaths

Baby tub filled with water (and pink and blue ice cubes shaped like teddy bears and ducks) Thanks for all your hard work on these Brett!

The party favors for all the guests (It was a cinnamon roll with a label that said "Thank you for coming to celebrate with Brooke and her little 'bun in the oven;"

A few friends from high school

Adam putting together some of our new stuff!

In other news: We start birthing classes tonight!!! The fact that we're going to be parents soon is starting to become more and more real as the days go by! We're so excited!!!!