Finally, a heartbeat at 13.5 weeks!!

On Tuesday, Branden accompanied me to our "first" OB appointment. It was much better than the last one. The doctor and nurse were both great. I really felt comfortable with both of them. We were able to listen to the heartbeat, 160 beats per minute. Well within the acceptable range. When I got home I looked up the wive's tale that predicts the sex of the baby by its heartbeat. According to the wive's tale, if it is above 140, the baby is most likely a girl! Very exciting news.

We haven't yet decided if we are going to find out if the baby is a girl or a boy. We didn't find out with Kenten. If we find out and the baby is a girl, we can start stocking up on clothes. If the baby is a boy, we can start stocking up on stuff like diapers. Decisions, decisions!

In other news, Kenten has been having fun at school. He has been having a few problems paying attention, but I think things are getting better. After all, it is only his first full week of school, ever. Branden took Kenten to his last dentist appointment, until his next regular cleaning. Now that we've got all those fillings done, we are getting better with brushing and flossing. We have decided that Kenten will be seeing a pediatric dentist from now on. As a side note, I would recommend all children see a pediatric dentist.

Also, Branden has accepted a job with SM&P. He will start training on Sept. 16. He will be the guy that comes out to mark the utility cables in your yard if you have to have work done. We are really looking forward to him working again. Plus, he will start out making a little more money than he was making at his previous job! Now, we just have to hold out for a couple more weeks and pray nothing happens that will require money. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for us. It has been a very difficult three and a half months.

First Day of Pre-K!

Today was Kenten's first day at Pre-K! Branden and I both got to take him to school this morning. Last week, Branden was able to take him to open house to drop off all of his supplies and see his classroom. He seemed right at home this morning. He went in, put his bag in his cubby, moved his name for attendance, sat on the rug, and never looked back. He didn't want us to take his picture with Mrs. Ricke. Usually he jumps at any chance to have his picture taken. When all the teachers came for a home visit on Monday, they wanted to take a picture of him for his cubby, he insisted they take his picture while he took a bite of his pizza.

Luckily, I had to go to work this morning, otherwise I think it would have been really hard for me to leave him there. Starting tomorrow, the babysitter will take him and pick him up. He seemed to have had a really good day. The babysitter said he was really excited when she picked him up. The teachers said he had a great day also!

Exhaustion

Yesterday was my first day with students. I hadn't fought exhaustion too much until yesterday, and even then I didn't realize how tired I was until I got home and sat down. Luckily Branden cooked dinner so I could rest. I've gone for about a week and a half without feeling any nausea, until last night. I'm not sure if it was dinner or the pregnancy.

Branden is still looking for a job. Things are starting to look a little better. He has been working towards becoming a bus driver for Wichita Schools, we're still not sure if that is going to work out or not.

Kenten will begin school on Tuesday. He is very excited to get to go to school this year. Every day for the last couple of years, he has asked me about going to school. Now he finally gets to go! He will go every morning for just a couple of hours.

Frustration

We went to the doctor yesterday, fully expecting to hear the baby's heartbeat.  We were shuffled in and out without any chance to ask questions for ourselves.  On the way out the door, I was finally able to get in a quick question and asked to hear the heartbeat.  She laughed it off and simply said, "They'll do that at your next appointment."  But thats not for another three weeks.  We also had some insurance problems with that doctor.  So we decided maybe it would be better to just change doctors.  We now have a new doctor that we've never heard of, and again our next appointment isn't for another three weeks.  I just want someone to listen to my belly and tell me everything is ok.  I'm sure it is, I just want that reassurance.

Since my last post, I have had horrible nausea with vomiting this time.  Saturday was the worst by far.  Sunday was better without the nausea, but I felt very weak and dizzy every time I stood up.  My appetite is slowly coming back and my newest craving has been seafood and Subway sandwiches.  I think it's their bread.

Branden has found a job!  He will be driving a school bus for the Wichita school district.  Hopefully during the school year he can find another job that he will like better.  In the mean time, its a job that pays well and will train him for a class C driver's license.  He will continue taking classes this year working towards a Bachelor of Science Degree so he can pursue a career in construction safety, which is what he really wants to do.