Post Christmas/Pre New Years

Greetings all - just a quick update to let you all know that we had a wonderful Christmas and are now back in Edmonton. We spent about five days in Calgary mostly with the family, eating and sleeping and relaxing as much as possible. Mom went way above and beyond with the food prep, and there was MUCH great feasting and visiting. We had a lovely time, but since coming home have already spent four hours in the emergency department - not for me or baby but for Geoffrey, who has developed a terrible throat infection that progressed to a high fever and chills late last night. We went in to the hospital at about 11:45, and spent until almost 4 in the morning getting him looked at and re-hydrated with some IV fluids. His fever broke while we were there, and we came home and got some much needed sleep. He is a little better today, but still fighting a terribly painful throat. SO, we are grateful that Baby Pagel is not making an early "New Years" appearance - we need a little time to get daddy feeling better so he will be well enough to coach me through MY hospital time!
I saw the Dr. yeasterday, and she let me know that I am still "closed" at this point, so my due date is still looking like it might be pretty accurate. Time will tell - I wouldn't be sorry to be wrong and to get this little boy out as soon as possible - I just want so much to meet him and hold him and enjoy being mom to him. The best Christmas present that is still to come...!!!

3 weeks to go!

This post has been a LONG time coming...our home computer has not be plugged in for about a month as we did our renovations to the baby's room, and we are JUST getting back to normal. Therefore, an actual tummy picture for the "tummy tales" has not emerged until now. It has changed a little...we think we have a future NFL linebacker or "Baby Beckham" soccer player in my belly - he is feeling rather HUGE! And I am looking rather huge, too, but mostly happily so! I have had a few issues of late - some upper abdominal and back pain that comes out at night and makes me very nauseous and mimics a flu-like feeling. They are checking me for gallbladder problems that are likely being exacerbated by the extra squishing that this little guy is doing to all my internal organs. I get very short of breath - playing the trumpet lately has been disappointing as I cannot for the life of me take a deep breath and sustain any long or high notes! (You wind players out there will understand my frustration). Continued swelling of my feet and ankles and legs goes on, I find time every day with my legs up in the air to alleviate this, but they are mostly in a perpetual state of "puffy". SO attractive!

School is now finished for me, and I know it will be difficult to stay away. However, I know once the baby is here that it will probably be the furthest place from my mind as I get to spend my days with him at home. In this weather, I will be glad to stay in - I can't imagine taking a little one outside in these horribly cold temperatures anyways. I can barely get MYSELF to get dressed and out the door!

Geoffrey worked his heart out to finish the baby's room, and I have to commend him on a job well done. But for a couple of finishing touches, we should have a very "zen" place for our little man. There is a crib waiting for us in Calgary that we hope will get here to Edmonton in the next week or so - not sure how or when, but we'll get it here sometime soon. It will really feel like it is "time" once that final piece of furniture is in place. Geoffrey's parents are coming for a visit at the end of January - they found an excellent seat sale and will be here for a little over a week. We can't wait to have them here! My mom is planning to drop everything and drive to Edmonton once I go into labour, so she may be with us when he is born (though not in the room - some things are sacred even to moms!) So, we'll have some good help and advice in the early days when I am sure to be a little overwhelmed. Nothing like grandparents to ease the transition!

I am on weekly Dr. visits, and will probably follow this up MUCH more regularly, so check back for more emerging news. I really think he is a good three weeks away yet - but we are still hoping he might come just a LITTLE early. We'll try all the old wives tale tricks to see what we can "encourage", but it really comes down to him!

Our little man!!!

There he is, the sleeping little man! We were SO thrilled to finally get the 3D ultrasound done yesterday, and here is the result. I cannot get over the clarity that you can see, it's just amazing!

The "little" man is weighing in about 5lbs 5ozs (!) already, which puts him a week earlier that his due date (not that you can count on that, but I suspect an early delivery myself...) So he really might be a New Years Baby after all!

Oh, and the real reason for the ultrasound was to see if my placenta had actually moved up - and it has, apparently, so we are all good to go as far as delivery. I see my Ob/Gyn this morning, but doubt there will be much to report. She always listens to his heartbeat, which is nice to hear. I imagine I'll be seeing her more regularly now - no more once a month, time to keep close tabs on this little one! A tummy photo is coming this week, Geoffrey says he thinks it has changed shape. All I see is BIG! : )

Greetings from preggo land...not having the best week of all time - both Geoffrey and I have been very sick with head colds/sinus infections, and I am worn OUT! I am finding that my energy is fading quickly each day, just getting showered and dressed in the morning is a real effort that tires me out. Most recently the heartburn/acid reflux is at a new high, and I find I wake up in the night from acid in my mouth - disgusting, and too much info, I know. Just ranting a little...on the up side, the baby is kicking like a mad-man, which I love as it is very reassuring that all is going well on the inside. He gets calm when his daddy talks to him, which is a good sign of who will be taking him when he screams!
Only another 4 weeks of work to go - lots to do in that short amount of time, but then I will do my best to stay away from the office and leave it in capable hands. I'm realizing just how hard that is going to be for me - who knew I was such a control freak? (Oh, all of you? Hmmm...) However, I will certainly be consumed with my new job as full time mommy, which I am really looking forward to.
Our friends Scott and Sara just had their second child this week - a daughter named Kaitlyn. We are so happy for them and can't wait to get the two babies together for some playtime in the New Year! Congrats, guys!
Photos to come - amidst the renos to the baby's room is our camera, which I have not fished out for a while. You can only imagine how big I am...but it's worth every pound! : )

New Poll!

My students are going to use my pregnancy as a fundraiser...they will ask people to pay for a vote on the date and time that the baby will be born. I thought that I should put a poll up here as well - but a free one! So watch for it and be sure to get in on the action.

Week 29

THIRD TRIMESTER!

The real countdown begins now...

How can there only be eleven weeks to go? I am shocked at how time flies! Here I am in my 29th week, wearing what had become my favorite shirt - more compliments on this one than any other. perhaps it is the vertical (if "curved") stripes! Whatever it is, it certainly doesn't hurt a pregnant woman to be told she looks good.

What's new in the 29th week? More of the same - swollen feet and ankles, load bearing pain in my lower abdomen, varicose veins popping up, fatigue, heartburn and acid reflux.But really, if that's the worst of it, I am not complaining! (Did I mention the hormones and that on days when I'm "up" there's little to no complaining...today is an "up" day. So, no complaining!)

Gearing up for a major performance with my Wind Ensemble this Friday night - should be a good'un. They had a great "moment" today that filled me with excitement. There were many other moments that were not stellar...but I'm sure they are just waiting to peak at the right moment. I'll be sure to let you know!

The Pagel clan in Denver

BRONCOS MANIA IN DENVER!!!!!!

Well, a different take on the belly...this is Baby Pagel's (and mom and dad's) first Broncos home game at Invesco Field in Denver. We brought his little jersey with us just for this photo opportunity - notice that he is Pagel #1! We had a great weekend in Denver visiting our friends Caryn and JR, and witnessing a terrible loss for our team. But we had fun! We also did some damage at the local Target and Kohl's stores...

The trip had a few ups and downs - it began with miscommunication and a bag being left at home with the passports et al inside...luckily we realized it AT the airport (duh), and had just enough time to run home and get back and through the gate. However, we had some "issues" with security - in our effort to take only carry-on luggage, we were forced to give up a few toiletry items at the first checkpoint (most of which were almost empty anyways). However, we were assured that the rest of what we had would be fine. NOT so - a security officer proceeded to yell at me for having a container over 100ml, even though it fit inside the plastic bag, and after trying to explain that it had already been approved at the first point I simply broke down in tears. Hormones, hormones, hormones...this was only 7:15 in the morning and we had already dealt with enough stress that I was DONE. A nicer security lady asked us if we wanted to report such barbaric (well, it felt that way at the time!) behaviour. As we were already close to missing our boarding time, we said no and carried on, with me wiping my tears away. It took most of the plane ride to get my emotions out of my system, as I realized on the plane that my new headphones were not charged. Sigh...woe is me. However, the trip as I said was a good one, we got to eat at several of our favorite places (Uno's Pizza, Sonic, Cheesecake Factory, Village Inn - all yum!) and had a really great time at the game, despite the VERY chilly temperature and snowflakes. Our seats were literally at the very top of the stadium, at the top of the staircase, which meant a mostly unobstructed view of the game. After the many years of college football games, I have to say I enjoyed not carrying ladders or waterbottles or videocameras, or listening to the band at close range. It was fun to be a fan!

So, baby is doing fine - I had another Dr. appt. today and his heartbeat was 140 bpm, quite strong. Lots of movement still going on, which is still entertaining for both of us. I have had some serious heartburn and acid reflux that keeps me up at night, and some pretty sore ligament pain in my lower parts, but otherwise no big complaints. Only 12 weeks to go, if you can believe that, I know I can't!

Keep us updated on your lives too - I'm never sure anyone actually reads this, but it keeps me busy in any case! Love to all!

Week 26

Well, here is the latest on the belly - growing and growing at week 26! It has been one of the busiest months of my entire life, and has left me somewhat exhausted. I have my third concert of the semester tonight, and feel like I have been living at the University whether in rehearsal, class or meetings. It looks like things will lighten up slightly in the coming weeks, which I will be very thankful for. My ankles (er, Kankles) will also be grateful, as the swelling in those puppies is unreal to see.

Everything seems to be very good with the little man though - he is kicking up a storm and delighting his parents to no end. Geoffrey even took video of my belly and you can see it jump.

Who knew it could be so entertaining???

I have had some difficulty walking lately, and can only describe it as carrying around a bowling ball full of water that is constantly pushing on your hip flexors and bladder. I am definitely "waddling" now, but with incredible grace if I do say so myself! Other symptoms: occasional heartburn, very sore feet, sniffles and wheezing at night...really, I am getting off quite easy and have little to complain about. If anything, Geoffrey should be the one to complain as he is doing a myriad of home repair work while I sit on the couch with my feet up. He even rubs them now and again (with a little coaxing). He has been very supportive throughout, and is so cute when he reads and sings to the baby in my belly. It is no secret that he will be an amazing daddy!

Next project: baby's bedroom. We bought a lovely light blue paint, and will be redoing his closets to make them more functional. My mom has a crib for us that will match the hardwood floor, and I have my eye on some items at Restoration Hardware to complement the look. And there is an RH opening in Calgary at the mall 5 minutes from my mom's house! The gods can be kind sometimes...this is our favorite home store, and I imagine they will get a LOT of business from this household. Thanks to Grandma Schroeder and Great grandma "Nan" for the first set of clothing that the boy has received. Before that, the only thing we had was a Broncos jersey that daddy specially ordered - "Pagel #1". We are off to Denver next weekend to see a home game, and will take the little jersey with us for some photo ops!

Must get moving, I am at home this morning for my first morning off in a few weeks, but have some errands to run and then more meetings. classes and rehearsals...no rest for the wicked!

Beaner Photo

SO.... here is a photo of our little guy, MUCH more interesting than a photo of my expanding belly! He is incredibly active, and all tests show that he is at least as normal as his mom and dad...

We were hoping to do the 3D ultrasound, but were told that we have to give them advanced notice to do it. So aggravating, but I will have one more in another 6 weeks or so, and will certainly be calling ahead for the high tech machine.

I am feeling pretty good these days, fewer nightime allergy attacks and little to no nausea or heartburn this month. My biggest issue right now is the swelling in my feet and ankles, caused by long rehearsals and teaching. I have tried and tried to conduct sitting down, but it feels so limiting and ineffective that I end up standing anyways. I have some LOVELY support stockings...I wore them on our plane rides to Hawaii and they worked quite well, but I haven't been brave enough to wear them to school. I think it might be time, as the varicose veins are creeping up as well. Yuck!

The new house is also coming along - Geoffrey has been doing his own minor "demo" of some areas, and we are currently running a dehumidifier to get rid of as much dampness in the basement as possible. So far several gallons in only a day, I can't imagine what a week will do! Will get some photos up soon!

Well, we are back from our incredible "honeymoon" (only a little late) and are feeling rested and happy. We enjoyed many days at the pool and at the beach, as well as some great trips around the island sightseeing. We had a wonderful trip, desptie the awful trip home (took almost 24 hours total). You can imagine my ankles, but it wasn't just mine - Geoffrey suffered from the same problem, almost workse than mine! No pictures of that

This photo was taken at about 18 and a half weeks. Not sure if it is the baby or all the pina coladas that make my belly so big. For the first time in my life, I don't really care!!!! I have posted more photos on Facebook if you are interested in some trip photos.

Today marks the start of week 20 - halfway there! That seems unreal that it is only half way...

A very "BIG" day!

I am calling this a big day because this photo makes me look enormous. And, yes, I AM enormous! But it is also a big day because we had our amniocentisis done, and all went well with no complications. Huge relief. I was so scared of having this done, and now that it is over I have a huge weight off of me.

It is also a big day because we found out the sex of the baby. We weren't sure if we would, as the ultrasound was meant to be quick and only to aid in the amnio procedure. But, baby was very visible - must be the three litres of water I drank - and incredibly active. This meant that we could see ALL angles, and which meant that we saw parts that kind of gave it away.

So the jig is up - we are having a little boy! There is the biggest news of all, making this one of the biggest days of our lives. We are so excited and can't wait to meet our little "cupcake" (maybe we will have to stop calling him that...)

No names will be provided for you, we will let that be a surprise to all once the little man is out. Hard to believe I am not even half way...really, another 4 and a half months to wait for a name??? Yes, you'll just have to wait!

Anyways, the photo is after a day of resting, so forgive the sleepy face and hair - I suspect that there will be many more days that leave me looking this way. Hard to be vain when you are preggers! I guess I'll be taking down the poll now...they really were neck-in-neck, with "girl" being ever so slightly ahead. Hooray for those that picked boy - so smart!

Time to go rest some more, love to all!

BAND CAMP!

This one time...at BAND CAMP...one of the clarinets passed out in rehearsal...

I wish I was making this one up, but today one of the young ladies in the band I am working with had a fainting incident which was a little scary for everyone. However, it seems she is fine, nothing serious, but it sure made us all wake up.

So, I am in week 2 of band camp in Red Deer, where I have three rehearsals a day, meals in the cafeteria and a shared dorm space. Not exactly luxury, but I must admit the food is not bad - there is a salad bar which I have taken huge advantage of, and even the worst meals aren't so awful. With my new memory foam mattress topper, sleeping in the dorm bed isn't so bad anymore either, and the rehearsals? Well, aside from some pretty severe swollen ankles, I am having a great time and making some great music with wonderful (if chatty..) kids. Not a bad way to make a living, even in the middle of July!

As for the pregnancy, not much to report. I am feeling quite good, which makes me worry that something has changed. Hopefully I am just a nervous nelly and everything is progressing just fine. I am awaiting the definitive "felt the baby" moment - I MIGHT have felt it, but I can't be sure that was what it was, and it hasn't happened in a few days now. We go for our amnio appt. one week from today, so I can hopefully be reassured by the ultrasound there. We then meet the OB/GYN on Thursday of next week, which will also be nice - good to know WHO will be in charge of bringing this person into the world! I have had very bizarre dreams, but that is hardly new, as I have ALWAYS had crazy dreams and remembered them the next day. These are mostly about holding the baby, nursing the baby, seeing the baby born and immediatley grow (giant baby dream was a scary one to me!!!) All over the map!

Anyways, as long as I am feeling good, I should celebrate and enjoy, so that is what I will try to do!

Boom, boom...

Just back from a doctors appointment where I got to hear the heartbeat for the second time. WOW! This is the third moment of "evidence" that gives me reassurance that all is well and the baby is truly "in there" (sometimes I'm not convinced...) and growing. I wasn't sure that we would try to hear it again today, so Geoffrey didn't come to the appointment, and is now kicking himself that he wasn't there. Such a devoted daddy already! So, next up is the amnio appt., of which I am very nervous but trying to be positive, and then the first appt. with the ob/gyn, and then the 18 week ultrasound, which I need to book. With all of that info, we should know by late August what the sex of the baby is, so if you intend to vote in our poll, get on it! So far, boy is ahead, but not by much. Just so it's clear, I could care less if it is a boy or a girl, just a healthy baby is all I care about! So, you won't offend!

Thanks for the comments and e-mails so far, the encouragement has been greatly appreciated!

The first tummy picture!

Well, it sure LOOKS like I am eating for two...this is the only dress I own that I am able to get into right now, and was a bargain buy last fall at $12.00! This picture represents Week 14, for those who are keeping track.

It was our 1st wedding anniversary yesterday, and Geoffrey and I were able to enjoy a lovely dinner at La Ronde, the revolving restaurant at the top of the Crown Plaza hotel here in Edmonton. After a really gray-sky day, the sun came out and we had a beautiful view while we ate a spectacular dinner - courtesy of our friends Rick and Julie, who sent us gift certificates for our wedding - thanks you two! Also, we were surprised to find waiting at the table a gift from our wedding photographer Rebecca - she had our completed wedding album waiting there for us, the sneaky girl! It was such a sweet surprise, and we are thrilled with the album. So, thanks to you too Rebecca!!

After such a wonderful evening, today was a pretty down day for me, another gray sky and a lot of work to do. I was quite productive for a change, but just didn't feel like myself. That has happened a lot over the course of the pregnancy, very moody and irrationally weepy. You'd think after being fed so well that I'd just be happy! I guess it's par for the course, but is upsetting to have no control over it. It defies logic and that is what is most frustrating. Again, poor Geoffrey - he is so patient with me, and constantly trying to put a smile on my face. All it takes is for him to sing a couple of bars from the theme to "Team America" and I will crack up. Such a simple girl!

Noses just shouldn't run!

My greatest pregnancy complaint thus far is the non-stop nasal congestion that rears its ugly head most mornings. I woke up today and have used about 40 tissues already (it's not even 10AM yet!). It's frustrating that I can't (read-shouldn't) use allergy medicine, the couple of times I have it has really drained me for a couple of days. Not sure what is worse, but I am really trying to avoid all medications - you just never know what might be harmful. So, I continue to flush my nose with saline rinse, and lie on my back to keep the snot from flowing. It's exhausting to blow your nose so much - it's one thing when you have a cold and you know you just need to stay in bed and let it pass...this could last the entire 9 months! AAGGHH!

Thank you to everyone who has sent their congrats in e-mail and on Facebook, every message means so much and I am so lucky to have so many friends and family who care . I know what you REALLY want to see is my belly...it's coming, I promise. Today is the start of week 15 - I am amazed to be able to say that! But, the bump isn't really a true "bump" yet, just a further expansion of my already expanded waistline. It's almost like I have 2 bellies - the top belly where all the food seems to be congregating, and then the lower abdomen where there is a subtle roundness that wasn't ther before. And then, the line in between created by my too-tight clothing - not enough elastic waistlines in my wardrobe, time to do some damage at the maternity store!

The word is out...

The word is out...I have sent dozens of e-mails in the past couple of days, and have such a strange feeling about it, as though if I tell people, something is BOUND to go wrong. I know that is very pessimistic of me, but that's what comes to mind, and I just keep praying that everything will be fine, so that I don't have to turn around and tell people bad news. I guess that's my personality in a nutshell - avoid conflict at all costs!

On the up side, I feel really good today, and have made some progress in other areas - I am gearing up for Musicamp Alberta in Red Deer - Band Camp for those who don't know, woo hoo! Should be fun, I am looking forward to being able to use the phrase "this one time, at band camp" - I never REALLY went to band camp, outside of a couple of days in jr. high, so this could be life-altering. I hope that's a GOOD thing!

Time to tell...

It's been a very long three months, and I am finally ready to go "public" with our happy news - Geoffrey and I are expecting our first child in January 09. We are obviously THRILLED, and cannot wait for our little family to grow. The first three months were pretty brutal for me, with plenty of nausea and exhaustion and other joyful symptoms. However, the last couple of weeks have felt much better and I am not quite so whiney...Geoffrey is certainly better off!

So, six months to go, and lots to look forward to in that time. I plan to work up to Christmas, and begin my mat leave in the New Year. That seems so far away, but I know the time will pass VERY quickly. I can't believe the summer is more than half over already, but having spent half of it curled up on the couch, I guess it makes sense. We have a trip to Hawaii planned for early August, our delayed honeymoon! It may be our last holiday as a twosome, and we are both looking forward to the time away.

I will post some photos once there is "something" to see...certainly feeling the changes in my clothing, but it may be a few more weeks before things really "pop". Something tells me that I have a rather large future ahead of me!!!

So, I'll do my best to stay current with this blog, and hope that it allows us to share this amazing experience with all of you.

Love to all!
A (& G and baby cupcake!)