A new blog

All future posts about Caleb and other family topics will be at:
http://bradandstephjohnson.blogspot.com/?m=1

This blog is going back to being my running/exercise journal!

Newborn photos and our Christmas card

Once Caleb was out of the NICU, I called the photographer and got his newborn photo session scheduled. We had his photos taken when he was 16 days old. Here are a few of my favorites, as well as our 2012 Christmas card.

Couch to 5k

I know that it's typical to wait until six weeks postpartum to return to exercising, but I was a little antsy at about three weeks. I knew that if I started back that early, I would have to take it really easy. I decided that the Couch to 5k program would be a good place to start. I love having a plan to follow and a goal to work toward. I did the program a few years ago, and I loved it. I recommend it to people all the time, because I think it's a great place for anyone to begin. http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I started the plan on November 19th (3 weeks, 3 days postpartum). The first three weeks went really well, and I started week 4 yesterday. My postpartum check-up is tomorrow, so my fingers are crossed that my doctor clears me to workout! And my fingers are crossed that I haven't messed something up by working out too soon! I feel great, so I'm sure everything's fine.

One month

Weight: 7 lbs 14 oz

Length: 20.5"

Clothing size: Newborn

Diaper size: Newborn

Eating: Caleb takes 2.5 oz of breast milk with half scoop of formula seven times per day.

Sleeping: Caleb sleeps 4-5 hours at a time during the night and usually has to be woken up to eat. We haven't really been able to establish a consistent daytime nap schedule because of all the doctors' appointments. He usually falls asleep in the car when we're going to/from appointments, though.

Highlight of the month: Caleb left the NICU and went home on November 5th. He was there for ten days.

I'm back!

So much has happened since my last post. I will try to get this blog up to speed over the course of the next few days. For now, though, I leave you with some photos of the little guy who has been consuming my time lately.

38 weeks

My induction was scheduled for Monday, October 29th, but we found out a week before that there was a scheduling error at the hospital. I got rescheduled for Friday, October 26th, so that put my delivery date at exactly 38 weeks. I didn't take time to write down all of the "weekly milestone" answers that day, but here are a few...

Total weight gain: 18.8 lbs

Belly button - in or out: It stayed in!

Stretch marks: No stretch marks!

The photo was taken in Caleb's nursery before we went to the hospital. My labor/delivery story is coming next...

36 weeks

Gender: Boy

How big is baby: At my ultrasound on Tuesday, Caleb’s estimated weight was 5lbs, 9oz.

Total weight gain: 16.6 lbs

Maternity clothes: The weather is cooling down some, but I refuse to buy any more maternity clothes. I’ve been wearing maternity skinny jeans, maternity tank tops, and non-maternity cardigan. I’ve been going through my non-maternity fall clothes and have found a few things that are large enough to fit.

Belly button - in or out: It’s still in!

Stretch marks: I still don’t have any stretch marks!

Movement: Caleb is still very active, even though he’s running out of room. My doctor got quite a laugh about how much he was moving, while she was trying to listen to his heart beat during my appointment on Wednesday.

Food cravings: My favorite snack this week has been honeycrisp apples and peanut butter.

Food aversions: I’m still avoiding milk.

Baby items purchased: I ordered a diaper bag and a few other things that we didn’t receive at any of the baby showers.

Gifts received: We had our final shower on Friday and received several wonderful gifts from the ladies in our Sunday School class.

Labor Signs: The contractions seem to be further apart than they were over the last couple weeks. They now tend to be about 30 minutes apart. At this point, my doctor is fine with me having them and doesn’t want me to take any Brethine to make them stop.

Milestones: When I was at the hospital having so many contractions three weeks ago, we decided that our goal was to make it to 36 weeks. I’m so glad we’ve made it this far.

What I am looking forward to: I’m scheduled to be induced on October 29th, if Caleb doesn’t decide to arrive sooner.  I will be 38 weeks, 3 days at that point.

34 weeks

Gender: boy

How big is baby: Approx 17.75 inches and about 4.75 lbs.

Total weight gain: 15.4 lbs

Maternity clothes: I have three pairs of maternity jeans, but only one pair is still comfortable.

Belly button - in or out: It's still in, but it's so shallow.

Wedding ring - on or off: I'm not even attempting to put my wedding ring on, but I wear my fake ring everyday.

Stretch marks: None!

Movement: Caleb is still pretty active.

Baby items purchased: We bought a four-door sedan on Saturday. There was no way we were going to try to mess with getting a car seat in/out of Brad's old two-door coupe.

Gifts received: We had a shower with friends last Friday evening and one at Brad's office yesterday. Caleb now has so many clothes, socks, and shoes!

Labor Signs: When I went to the hospital for a NST last Saturday morning, I found out that what I thought might be Braxton-Hicks were the real deal. I was given an injection of Brethine to relax my uterus and slow the contractions. The contractions intensified that evening, and I went back to the hospital. Brad and I spent four hours there. I got another Brethine injection, as well as a prescription for Brethine tablets to take at home. I had my cervix checked, and I was less than 1cm dilated... good news! I also had a biophysical profile done, and Caleb scored perfectly! On Monday, my doctor told me to quit working and go on bed rest. I finished out the work day and have been taking it easy since Tuesday. My next NST was on Tuesday afternoon. I was still having some contractions, and Caleb's heart rate was dropping during them. I got steroid injections on Tuesday and Wednesday to help his lungs develop. we're preparing for our little guy to come early.

Memorable moment this week: See "labor signs" above.

What I am looking forward to: Even though I'm on bed rest, my doctor is going to let me make the two hour drive to my hometown for a baby shower tomorrow.

32 weeks

Gender: Boy

How big is baby: Approx 16.7 inches and about 3.75 lbs.

Total weight gain: 17.8 lbs

Maternity clothes: Everything I wear is maternity, except for a few dresses and workout clothes.

Belly button - in or out: In, but it’s very shallow.

Wedding ring - on or off: I can get my ring on and off, but it’s difficult.  I was afraid that one day I wouldn’t be able to get it off, so I bought an inexpensive ring at Macy’s and wear it most days now.

Stretch marks: Still no stretch marks!

Symptoms: My lower back and hips are starting to ache a little, and I got sick once this week.

Movement: Caleb is still very active.  Sometimes I ask him to give me a little break, but he doesn’t seem to care.  

Gifts received: We received a Target gift card from one of Brad’s cousins.  

What I miss: Sleeping on my back... I really don’t like sleeping on my left side all the time.

Memorable moment this week: A lady sitting beside me at Bible study asked how many kids I have. I told her that my first is due in 8 weeks. She said, "Oh. I saw all the snacks in your bag and assumed that you must have small children". I replied, "Nope. Those are my pregnancy snacks."

What I am looking forward to: Our first baby shower is this Sunday!

30 weeks

Gender: Boy

How big is baby: Approx 15.7 inches and about 2.75 lbs.

Total weight gain: 16.6 lbs

Maternity clothes: Most of my t-shirts don’t fit now, so I’ve started raiding Brad’s closet for a few larger t-shirts to wear around the house.

Belly button - in or out: It’s still in, but barely!

Wedding ring - on or off: I can still get my ring on in the morning, but it’s really tough to take off in the evening.

Stretch marks: None!

Symptoms: My back (mainly on the right side) is pretty sore by the end of the day.

Movement: Caleb moves around all the time.  I think he take naps during yoga, but he’s active again within 5-10 minutes of class being over.

Baby items purchased: We ordered the crib mattress and some artwork for the nursery walls.

Memorable moment this week: A little boy at Hotter ‘n Hell Hundred asked “What’s wrong with your tummy?”  That’s probably the funniest pregnancy question I’ve been asked.

What I am looking forward to: My doctor will be out of the office next week, so I’ll see the PA at my appointment on Wednesday.  Getting to hear Caleb’s heartbeat at the appointments never gets old to me, and I always look forward to it!

Hotter'N Hell Hundred

Hotter'N Hell Hundred is tomorrow, and I won't be riding.  I think cycling may be the thing I miss most while pregnant.  Brad and I decided early on that I shouldn't ride my road bike while pregnant.  Someone told me years ago, when I started riding, that there are two categories of cyclists - the "have fallen" and the "will fall".  And somehow, I've managed to still be in the "will fall" category.  Brad and I didn't want that inevitable fall or crash to happen while pregnant with this baby that took us so long to get.

So after work today, we'll put Brad's bike on the Jeep and head to Wichita Falls.  Tomorrow morning, I'll wish my husband and parents luck as they join 12,000+ other cyclists for the largest annual ride in the country.  And I'll look forward to next year when I'll be back on my bike.  Mom already offered to sit next year's ride out, so that she can babysit Caleb while I ride.

28 weeks

Gender: Boy!

How big is baby: Approx 14.8 inches and about 2.25 lbs.

Total weight gain: 14.0 lbs

Maternity clothes: I still wear a few tops and dresses that aren’t maternity, but most of my clothing is maternity now.

Belly button - in or out: It’s still in for now.

Wedding ring - on or off: I’m still able to get my ring on/off, but it’s pretty tight sometimes.  

Stretch marks: Still no stretch marks!

Symptoms: I’ve been sick a few times this week, and I had some aching pain in my stomach a couple days.  But I've felt great the last few days.

Movement: Caleb’s kicks and punches are getting much stronger.  If Caleb is this active once he’s born, Brad and I will have our hands full!

Food aversions: I’m still avoiding milk and only eating a little ice cream.

Baby items purchased: I ordered the crib bedding and changing pad covers, as well as the fabric that I’ll use to make curtains.

What I miss: I miss sleeping comfortably through the night.  

Memorable moment this week: When I was on vacation last week, Dr Chambers’ nurse called and said that I would need to get a Rhogam shot.  I got that out of the way on Wednesday, and I’ll have to get another one after delivery.

What I am looking forward to: The rocking chair that we ordered in June is supposed to be delivered next Thursday!

26 weeks

Gender: Boy!

How big is baby: Approx 14.5 inches and about 1.75 lbs.

Total weight gain: 14 lbs

Maternity clothes: I wanted to wear leggings one day, but Ihe only ones I had were non-maternity.  I’m sure it was quite a sight to see me struggling to get them on.  If I want to wear leggings again during this pregnancy, I'm going to have to purchase some made for maternity.  

Belly button - in or out: It’s still in for now.

Wedding ring - on or off: On, but my ring is getting more difficult to take off in the evenings.  I think it’s mainly due to the heat outside.  My hands and feet don’t like the 110-113 degree days.

Stretch marks: None yet!

Symptoms: I felt pretty good, except for the swollen hands and feet.

Movement: One evening this week, we were visiting some friends who recently had a baby.  As I was holding Graham, I could feel Caleb kicking right where the Graham’s legs and feet were resting on my stomach.  I think Caleb was trying to wake his friend up, so that they could play.

Food aversions: I’m still staying away from milk.

Gifts received: My mom bought a couple more outfits for Caleb.  Kyle bought him a Texas Rangers onesie and shorts, as well as Dr Seuss’ book “Fox in Socks”.

Milestones: I made it to the point in my pregnancy where I had to do the one-hour glucose test this week. I've always heard terrible things about the drink, but it really wasn't that bad.  I haven’t heard the results yet, but I'm really hoping that I won't have to do the three hour test.

Best moment this week: I never get tired of hearing Caleb’s heart beat at my appointments.  I love that sound!

What I am looking forward to: I’m looking forward to our Florida vacation next week.  I plan to spend hours in the resort pool and plenty of time napping in our hotel room.  Brad is looking forward to lots of golf.  We are both excited about the high-80s temps instead of the 110s that we’ve been experiencing here.  It’s going to be a nice last getaway for us before Caleb arrives.

Drop and give me... zero

As of 7:00am yesterday morning, I'm on extended maternity leave from Body & Soul Fitness.  I'm taking off the rest of my pregnancy and an indefinite amount of time postpartum.  I don't like telling a student to do something that I can't do myself, so I felt that it was getting difficult for me to be an effective instructor.  My two co-instructors will continue the class while I'm taking a break.  And I do still plan to attend the class at least a couple times a week, but I refuse to do another burpee for the remainder of my pregnancy!

24 weeks

Gender: Boy!

How big is baby: Approx 12.5 inches and about 1.25 lbs.

Total weight gain: 11.8 lbs

Maternity clothes: I wear both regular and maternity shirts and dresses.  All pants and shorts are maternity, except for my workout clothes.  

Belly button - in or out: It’s still in but getting very shallow.  

Stretch marks: None yet!

Symptoms: I got sick one morning this week, but I think it was because I didn't eat soon enough after working out. I was too busy rushing around to get ready for work.

Movement: I can tell that he’s taking up so much more room. I still usually feel him on one side of the other and below my belly button. Every now and then, I'll feel some movement higher.

Food cravings: Watermelon

Food aversions: Milk

Gifts received: Josh & Lindsay gave him a Whoozit toy.  Amber and Chelle gave him a bib that says “My auntie rocks”.

Milestones: I’ve read that 24 weeks is the average “point of viability”.  Most babies have a 50-60% chance of survival if born at this point.  

Best moment this week: We told our family and friends that we’re naming our son Caleb Drew!  

The weekend and our little guy's name

We spent the weekend with Brad's family at his aunt & uncle's lake house.  One of the highlights of the weekend was announcing our little guy's name to everyone!  I'm sure that Caleb will love the lake trips in the years to come.

22 weeks

Gender: Boy!

How big is baby: Approx 11 inches and about 1 lb.

Total weight gain: 9 lbs

Maternity clothes: I have started wearing some maternity shirts, and some of my regular shirts still fit.  I wore a maternity dress for the first time on Sunday.

Belly button - in or out: It’s still in.  

Symptoms: Things have been going pretty well this week.  I haven’t felt too sick, and I haven’t thrown up any!

Movement: He is so active.  I can feel him moving throughout the day.  When I wake up during the night, I can sometimes feel him moving then too.

Food cravings: No big cravings this week.

Food aversions: I did have a little ice cream, but I stayed away from the milk.

Baby items purchased: I purchased an outfit and some socks that were on sale at Carter’s.  Brad bought an OU sippy cup at Academy.

Best moment this week: I think we’ve settled on a name.  We still haven't told anyone, just in case we change our minds.  When we’re at home, we’re calling the baby by the name we’ve selected.  When we’re talking to other people, I’m having to be really careful not to let the name slip!

What I am looking forward to: I’m looking forward to our childbirth class this Saturday!  After struggling for so long to get pregnant, it just seems unreal that we’re going to a childbirth class!  In four months (give or take a few days/weeks), our little one will be here!

21 weeks

Gender: Boy!

How big is baby: He was 12 ounces at our ultrasound on Monday (June 25th).  The app on my phone says that he should be about 12.7 ounces now and about 10.5 inches.

Total weight gain: 8.6 lbs

Maternity clothes: I made it one more week without wearing maternity shirts or dresses, but this might be the last week.

Belly button - in or out: It’s still in.

Stretch marks: I haven’t noticed any stretch marks yet.

Symptoms: I’m still throwing up some mornings, and I’m not sleeping as well.  I wake up several times during the night, because I can’t get comfortable.

Movement: Baby J is very active.  The sonographer laughed about how wiggly he was during our ultrasound on Monday.  He did not want to cooperate with her.  I love feeling him move around.

Food aversions: Milk and ice cream

Baby items purchased: I bought two sleeper outfits that will be good for this winter, and I bought a little golf outfit that Baby J can wear next spring/summer.

Gifts received: Brad’s parents and my parents gave Baby J a few outfits the day we found out the gender. My parents bought him a cute pair of sneakers.  Baby shoes are precious!

What I miss: Even though milk doesn’t sound good at all, I do miss having a bowl of cereal every now and then.  I also miss hot dogs.  I know it’s okay to eat a hot dog if it’s heated enough, but I don’t want to risk it.

Milestones: Brad and I got to see the baby kicking against my stomach this week.  I saw kicks for the first time on Tuesday (June 26th), while I was home for lunch.  Brad got to see them Thursday evening (June 28th).  

Best moment this week: The best moment of the week was our ultrasound on Monday.  It was amazing to see so many details of our precious son’s body, and we were thrilled to find out that Baby J is a boy!  

What I am looking forward to: Deciding on a name. I want to start calling our baby by his name, but we're having a tough time coming up with something.

Oh boy!

We found out yesterday that Baby Johnson is a boy! We are so excited! I can't stop staring at all of the images we received at yesterday's ultrasound. Here are a few of my favorites...

Pregnancy - 20 weeks

How big is baby: approx 6.5 inches

Total weight gain: 7 lbs

Maternity clothes: I'm wearing maternity jeans and shorts, and I'm still wearing regular shirts and dresses.  All of my workout clothes are still regular, as well.

Belly button - in or out: The belly button is still in, but it seems much more shallow than it used to be.

Stretch marks: No stretch marks yet... thanks either to good genes or all of that Palmer’s cocoa butter I use.

Symptoms: I threw up five of seven mornings this week.  I remember all the times that I said “I’d gladly deal with morning sickness every day if I could just be pregnant.”.  I’m certainly eating (and throwing up) those words now.

Movement: I love feeling Baby Johnson move around!

Food cravings: Apples and applesauce

Food aversions: Milk

Baby items purchased: We ordered the rocking chair for the nursery!  It should be delivered in 6-8 weeks.

Best moment this week: On Father’s Day, Brad felt the baby move for the first time!  

What I am looking forward to: We have an ultrasound next Monday (June 25th).  If Baby Johnson cooperates, we’ll find out the gender!  

Summer fitness classes in OKC

If you live in the Oklahoma City metro and are looking for a summer fitness class option, here's a great deal!  Summer classes start June 24th! Okie Power!: $16 New Student Deal

Running update

As I mentioned in a post on March 16th, I put my half marathon training on hold.  I tried to continue training after I found out that I was pregnant, but then the first trimester fatigue and nausea set in.  Fortunately, the race I was registered for allows participants to defer their registration to the next year's event.  So I deferred my registration to April 2013.  Am I crazy to attempt my first half marathon five months after having my first baby?  Probably, but at least that's motivation to get my body back in shape!  Now excuse me while I go research jogging strollers...

Pregnancy - Week 18

How big is baby: approx 5.5 inches

Total weight gain: 5.0 lbs

Maternity clothes: This week, I wore maternity jeans, swimsuit, and shorts.  I’m still wearing regular shirts and dresses, but my dress selection is getting very limited.

Belly button - in or out: It’s still in, but I think I can tell that my growing stomach is starting to stretch it a little.

Symptoms: I’m still dealing with a little nausea, as well as low back pain.

Movement: I felt Baby Johnson for the first time on Saturday (June 2nd).  I felt a couple little flutters that day.  Since then, I’ve continued to feel flutters every now and then.  At the OKC Thunder game on Wednesday, I could feel movement every time the crowd got really loud.  Our baby is already a Thunder fan!  

Food cravings: I haven’t noticed any cravings this week.

Food aversions: Milk.  A bowl of cereal sounded good last night, but then my stomach was upset afterward.  I told my husband to not let me have a bowl of cereal, because I always regret it later on.

Milestones: I felt Baby Johnson move for the first time!

Best moment this week: I had an appointment w/ my OB on Monday (June 4th).  I got to hear the heartbeat again (148 bpm), and we heard the baby kick!  The doctor said that everything is looking great!

What I am looking forward to: I cannot wait for our ultrasound in 2.5 weeks!  

Is your sunscreen safe?

I've always been pretty health conscious, but I feel like I'm even more so now that I'm pregnant.  A couple weeks ago, I started researching pregnancy-safe sunscreens and was disturbed to find out that many sunscreens I regularly use have some pretty scary chemicals.  The Environmental Working Group has put together a handy tool to help us select the proper sunscreen.  You can search by product or check out their list of recommendations.
http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen/

Pregnancy - Week 16

How big is baby: approx 4.5 inches

Total weight gain: 3.2 lbs

Maternity clothes: Maternity jeans!  I bought a couple pairs on sale at Old Navy, and they are so comfy.  I’m still wearing my regular shirts.

Symptoms: I haven’t been too nauseous, but I’m hungry all the time.  I’ve also been pretty tired this week, but I think that has more to do with allergies and late OKC Thunder playoff games than anything else.

Food cravings: Popsicles and applesauce

Food aversions: Milk

What I miss: Exercises at boot camp where I’m supposed to be on my back or stomach.  I don’t like sitting around while everyone else works out, so I’m trying to figure out alternate exercises during those times.

What I am looking forward to: I still haven’t felt the baby move, but I’m really hoping to within the next couple weeks.

Big announcement

For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. 

1 Samuel 1:27

Baby Johnson is due to arrive on November 9, 2012!

Pregnancy - Week 14 (previously hidden post)

Gender: We’ll find out on June 25th.  That seems like so long from now!

How big is baby: approx 3.5 inches

Total weight gain: 0.6 lbs. For the first time since I found out that I’m pregnant, I’ve gained weight.  I bet this will be my last week in the 120s for a LONG time!  

Symptoms: I threw up for the second time this week.  Other than that one time, I haven’t been too sick.  I felt like I was having some indigestion or something the other day, so I bought some Tums.  It helped then, and I haven’t had any problems since then.

Food cravings: Mac & cheese

Food aversions: Milk

Best moment this week: I told my boot camp class about the pregnancy.  One of the girls said, “I’m showing more than you, and I’m not even pregnant”.  Funny.

What I am looking forward to: I cannot wait to start feeling the baby move.  I expect to start feeling him/her in the next few weeks.

Pregnancy - Week 12 (previously hidden post)

How big is baby: approx 2 inches

Total weight gain: -2.4 lbs

Symptoms: I was nauseous earlier this week, but I can tell that it’s starting to get better.  I’m taking 50mg B-6 in the morning, rather than twice a day like I have been lately.  My lower back has been sore the last couple days.  I figure that has to do with adjusting to sleeping on my left side.

Food cravings: No cravings this week

Food aversions: Milk and ice cream

Best moment this week: I told a few people about the pregnancy.  It was so nice to have this secret for a while, but now it’s fun that other people are finding out and asking about how things are going.

What I am looking forward to: I’m looking forward to my appointment with my OB on Monday.  I hope I get to hear the heartbeat again!

Food survey

It's almost marathon weekend!  My younger brother is flying in tomorrow.  Sunday morning, I'll be in downtown OKC cheering him on in the half and my husband in the first 10k leg of the marathon relay.  My big announcement is coming in a few days, so stay tuned!  Until then, I've been seeing this food survey floating around blog world and thought I'd participate.

Coke or Pepsi?

I don't drink soda... except for the rare trip to Pop's when I like to get a Boylan's Grape or Boylan's Ginger Ale.  I used to drink Coke, but I never liked Pepsi.

Lemonade or fruit punch?

Lemonade

Caramel apple or cotton candy?

Caramel apple... but I'd rather just have a regular apple

Butterfinger or Snickers?

Snickers

Pudding or Jello?

Jello chocolate/vanilla pudding is so good!

Turkey or chicken?

Both!

American or Provolone cheese?

Provolone... unless I'm eating a grilled cheese sandwich, which must have American cheese.

Crackers or cookies?

Cookies

Pretzels or chips?

Chips

Mexican food or Japanese food?

Definitely Mexican!

Chinese food or Italian food?

Italian... unless we're talking about Pei Wei or PF Chang's (I'm a fan of Americanized Chinese!)

Ice cream or cookies?

Ice cream

Pasta or pizza?

Pizza

Soda or juice?

Juice, but I don't drink it very much because of all the sugar.

Chocolate bars or chocolate truffles?

Chocolate bar

Apples or bananas?

Bananas are probably one of my favorite foods.  I eat at least one a day.

Salad or soup?

Soup

Cauliflower or broccoli?

LOVE broccoli

Onion rings or french fries?

Onion rings

Blizzard or McFlurry?

Blizzard, but we don't have a Dairy Queen in OKC.  A Freddy's Concrete is a decent substitute for the Blizzard, though.

Fried or poached eggs?

Neither

Crepes or pancakes?

Pancakes

Hashbrowns or roasted potatoes?

Roasted potatoes

Oatmeal or cereal?

Cereal