The Ritchies

Guess It's Time to Update...

2009-03-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

Well, only a little bit has happened since the last post!... As most of you know, Mallory WAS an early bird, but absolutely would have no part of even waiting until March 6th...her scheduled birthday - most of you know why she was scheduled. Except, she ended up not being scheduled. She had other plans, and so my water broke the morning of February 27th when I got up to get ready for work. I was at the hospital by 6:30, and Mallory was born at 10:19 a.m. She weighed six pounds even, and was 18 inches long...what a tiny baby she was! She's still tiny, but it's important to report that at 10 days old, she had already gained up to six pounds, eight ounces and was then 19 inches long. I am going to stop by the pediatricians office this week to have her weighed and measured again. If she keeps up at the rate she has, she'll be over seven pounds! Joe and I realize how incredibly blessed we are by this beautiful gift from God. She is certainly the light of our life, and we absolutely enjoy every minute with her. Even the middle of the night feedings! She's changing so much, and so fast, so we cherish every minute. We are starting to get out of the house more...I've been a little crazy about taking her out. I guess because just before I had her, everyone I knew had been sick. I'm just so paranoid! I can't wait to starting getting out with her more, and for everyone to meet her! As you can imagine, I don't have time to post a whole lot, but sometime in the near future I will post more...I promise.

Early Bird...Maybe

2009-02-18T12:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my 36-week routine appointment, in which I met the last of the doctors in the practice I use. I must add that I was quite nervous about this one because I'm not fond of this particular doctor. Things started off well, with Joe and I receiving the news that I was progressing, and rather quickly. Now for the bad news...I was told I needed to go have an ultrasound because the doctor said she felt something, but not the head. She said maybe it was the head with Mallory's hand on top, or...it could be her heel. Great...just what I didn't want to hear. After worrying around 30 and 32 weeks that she was going to stay breech, I got the word from my doctor that it seemed like she had turned head down. So, as you can imagine, hearing that she now might be breech again hit me like a ton of bricks. So, Joe and I mosied on down to the ultrasound waiting room, and were taken back fairly quickly (a shock, since the last few ultrasounds I've had were 30 minutes to an hour past my appointment time...maybe the key is to just get "worked in"). I climbed up on the table, and within the first few seconds, it was confirmed that Mallory is breech. Again, very upsetting, since up until five seconds ago, I was still holding out hope that she was head down, and just had her hand on her head - earlier ultrasound pictures show that this is not uncommon for her.

I was sent back over to talk to my doctor, who I love, and we discussed the options...of which are:

Try an external version - the only problem here...this is my first pregnancy, and the success rate of a version in your first pregnancy is not very good. Not to mention how unbelievably uncomfortable they are for mommy and baby. OR...
Have a c-section. I decided right then and there that we weren't going with option number one.

I have my 37-week appointment next Wednesday, where I will have another ultrasound to check her position (no one get their hopes up...her position will likely not change), and visit with Dr. G. Assuming she is still breech (she will be) I'll have to schedule a c-section for the first week of March. All of this assuming I don't go into labor on my own, end up in labor and delivery, have a last minute ultrasound to check her position, find out she's still breech and then proceed with a c-section. The way I am progressing, I may just end up in labor on my own.

Here's to hoping Mallory and I make it to the first week of March!

Getting Closer!

2009-02-13T12:03:00.000-08:00

Well, there's not too much to report. I had a 35 week visit with Dr. G. this week, because when I went for my 34 week appointment, I had quite a bit of swelling in my feet and ankles. They were mildly concerned since that can be a pre-requisite to high blood pressure. I was a little nervous at this point, noting that my both my mom and sister had pregnancy-induced hypertension. So, on Wednesday my bottom number was a little high, and I have orders to monitor my blood pressure at home. I have to take it everyday when I get home from work...great...just one more thing for me to remember to do! Last night it looked pretty good, though. I am also starting to dialate, which I understand from Dr. G. is completely normal at this point. I guess we'll see what comes out of next week's appointment.

Right now, Joe and I are ecstatic, and can't wait for Mallory's arrival. We have come so far in the last couple of weeks. Her cradle is ready and in our bedroom, her nursery is almost complete (we just have a few minor touches to add) and Joe has already, yes already, put her carseat in the car. Now, we just have to go have it inspected. That reminds me...I need to call the fire department to set up a time!

See below for some pictures of her nursery. Stay tuned for more details from next week's appointment. I can't believe we only have 28 more days to go!!!

...And here's one of my precious Bailey. He's so shaggy!

Why See Marley and Me?

2009-01-22T09:45:00.000-08:00

Joe has been on my case lately because I never mention the dogs in any of my posts. He's right, I should talk about them more...they are our first "children", so everyone should get updates on them as well.

All I really have to say about what they've been up to lately...or should I say what Charlotte has been up to lately...will completely justify the title of this post.

Some time ago, Joe and I would walk in the door everyday from work, and Charlotte would have torn something up. One day she drug her blanket out into the middle of the den floor...not a big deal at all. The next day she had torn a parenting magazine into a million pieces all over the den and our bedroom...frustrating because we had to clean it up, but it's not like it was anything of value. Now for the kicker...the next day, it was a $246.69 reimbursement check from Mazer. GASP!!! Now, I must let you in on the whole story...

We had some boxes of leftover hardwood after we completed the new floor in our house. Joe took it back, but because it had been over 30 days, they just gave us a store credit. Well, as it turns out, I found the perfect wool rug for our bedroom at Mazer. This was going to be great...we would essentially be getting a wool rug for next to nothing! I was there on my lunch hour, so I asked the manager to hold it, and told him I would bring my husband back by 5:00 that afternoon to present the gift card they had given us. I wrote my name on a red SOLD tag, and watched him place it on the rug. At 4:45 that afternoon, Joe and I walked through the door at Mazer ready to walk out with our new rug. Not so...the manager...the one who put the SOLD tag on the rug, met me at the door and said he had just sold it out from under me to a lady about 15 minutes before. He said he was sorry, and that was it. I stewed all night long...I mean I was so mad that I didn't sleep that night (probably had a little something to do with the pregnancy hormones). So, I didn't let it lie, and I talked to that manager's boss the next day, and explained that since Mazer had ruined my chance to spend my credit on something I really wanted, I'd rather have a reimbursement check issued to me so that I could spend the money somewhere else if I chose. They were very cooperative, and agreed to cut us the check. Well, with it being almost Christmastime, it took a good two weeks to get the check in the mail. Not even thinking that something so ghastly would happen to it, Joe left it sitting on the kitchen counter for a few days until he had time to deposit it into our account. On day three of the check sitting on the counter, we walked into the house from work at 5:48 like we always do, only to discover that Charlotte had torn the check to shreds. At least the total amount and routing number were still salvagable. Joe taped what was left back together, and we headed to Mazer the next day to explain the situation. Imagine explaining that your dog ate a check. That's an excuse a seven-year-old tells their first grade teacher happened to their homework. But, the guy just laughed and agreed to issue us another check. Needless to say, we leave nothing...I mean NOTHING...of value on the kitchen counter anymore.

So...the moral of the story...we pretty much live with Marley. I have yet to see the movie, but I loved the book. I can't wait to get a chance to see the movie, and really compare our Charlotte to Marley.

Oh, and of course...Bailey is nothing but a sweet angel. He never does anything wrong and behaves perfectly all of the time. Thank goodness he doesn't let his sister influence him;).

I'm sure this is not quite the post Joe had in mind about our sweet and wonderful dogs, but I did what he asked and wrote about them. I thought it only fair to our readers to tell the most interesting story I could think of...enjoy!

32 Down, 8 To Go!

2009-01-20T16:59:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a while since I've posted, as usual. I had my 32-week appointment today with Dr. G. It was actually a great visit! I am having some Braxton-Hicks contractions, but Dr. G. said not to worry, everything looks great. Including our baby girl's position! A week and half ago, Mallory was in what is called a "frank" position. She was breech, with her legs straight up in front of her face...hence the reason we never got good shots of her during any of the three, yes THREE, 4D ultrasounds. Mallory has moved in some kind of way in the last week or so that has really taken my breath away, so I thought maybe she was turning. She has had the hiccups several times, and judging from where I felt them, I was hoping she had turned. She has! Yay! Dr. G. said that it wouldn't be too concerning if she hadn't, but they like to see them turn about now for fear the longer they wait, the less room they'll have, therefore they're likey to still be breech when they're born. Hopefully she'll stay where she is and not turn back around like a bad little girl.

Other things to report...Mallory's bedding should be ready on Friday, and I can't wait to get it. I can finally start putting her bed together! Once that's done, I'll finally feel like I'm getting somewhere. That's not to say we don't have A LOT left to do. We certainly will be working to get ready for her arrival, probably up to the time she gets here. That being said...are you ever REALLY ready?!? That's what I keep trying to tell myself. If everything little thing isn't in its place, it's going to be okay! I still have to wash and iron all of her clothes. I think I'll start that process sometime in February. Hopefully it won't take as long as I think it will...I hate ironing!

My wonderful husband has been so good to me...he's hardwooded and painted until he can hardly do anymore. Needless to say, I love him dearly and he's the best husband ever! He's pretty excited about Mallory, and is rushing the next seven and half weeks along. He's ready to hold his baby daughter in his arms. She's already wrapped around his fingers!

Hopefully I'll get better about posting in the next several weeks. I start seeing the doctor every two weeks now, and then every week starting at 36 weeks, so I should have quite a bit to report soon! Stay tuned...

Monday's Doctors Visit

2008-12-17T13:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I promised this post would be up on Monday, but I've been terribly busy at work. I guess that's what implementing a new website will do for you. I'm pretty worn out, but luckily tomorrow is my Friday. Joe and I are heading to Nashville Friday morning for a quick weekend getaway before there are three! We have plans to eat really good food, see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular and see the Opryland Christmas lights. We are staying in the hotel, and have an atrium room...I've never stayed in an atrium room before! Much love to my husband for planning this trip!

Now on to what everyone cares about...Mallory! Joe and I went for the routine check-up, I had my one-hour glucose test and the 4D ultrasound. I haven't heard from my doc about the glucose test, so I'm assuming the results were good. Thanks goodness. I didn't want to have to take the three-hour test. Everything with the routine check-up looked great...the baby bump is measuring right on schedule. She asked me if I was having contractions...my response..."if I am, I don't know it!" We determined that the sharp pain on my left side is just Mallory sitting in a spot that makes mommy uncomfortable. The ultrasound was a bit of a bust. We only got a few pictures...much to my dismay. I was told that the glucose can sometimes make them sleepy and lethargic. She definitely was. She would kick the ultrasound tech from time to time, but she would not move her hands and arms away from her face! So, we got what we could and we're scheduled to go back for another 4D on the 29th. Here's to hoping for a better turnout - I'll have to drink a little caffeine to get her moving before the ultrasound!

From the pictures we did get, I've heard from lots of people that she has my nose and mouth. I emailed my mom the pictures, and she held up my baby picture and said the nose and mouth are definitely mine. We'll have to wait three more months to know for sure! I personally think she has her daddy's deeper set eyes, and from the looks of it, sweet Mallory already has some hair! Just for kicks, I scanned the pictures and put them up. As you can tell, not much to see. There will be more to come on December 29th...hopefully:)!

Double-Digits

2008-12-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

I have just realized that Joe and I are no longer counting down the days from triple-digits! We entered the double-digit realm today, and only have 99 days to go before we meet sweet Mallory Hope! I'm not sure why this is such a huge step for me, but it seems to be.

Joe and I will visit Dr. G on Monday the 15th, when I will have my one-hour glucose test (not too excited) and experience the 4D ultrasound. We are so excited about that. My mom found a picture frame for us last weekend...it will be perfect for one of the 4D shots. I'm just hoping baby Mallory cooperates, as she always has in the past, so we can get some great views of her. I can't wait to see her again!

A shout out to one of my best friends, Lauren, and her husband Malcolm. Lauren delivered Allie on Saturday, November 29th. She is a healthy and precious baby. I know Lauren and Malcolm are proud.

Be on the look out for the next post (it will probably include 4D pics of Mallory)!

The first November post...halfway through the month!

2008-11-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

Wow...sorry it's been so long. I guess we haven't had much to report lately. Mallory and mommy have been doing well. I have been feeling her move more and more now, and occasionally Joe can feel her. If I catch it right, I can see my stomach jump sometimes. There is nothing better than feeling your baby move!

I had my 24 week appointment this morning, and everything seems to be going well. Mallory's heartbeat was strong, and she seems to be right on target for everything. Today was my first rotation visit - I have to see the other four doctors in the practice so that I am familiar with them, in case one of them delivers Mallory instead of Dr. Gregory. Today I saw Dr. Sparks, the only man in the practice. If you know me well, you know I don't like to see men doctors - I'm just not that comfortable with them. For the most part he was nice, and he answered my questions, so I was okay with it. He is a little hard to read, and made it very clear (not in a joking manner) that ultrasounds are only 99.9% effective. Joe and I got a pretty clear shot in which we saw three little white lines...I'm pretty sure we're having a girl. And, I told him as such. Has anyone out there actually ever known anyone who had an ultrasound be wrong? I go back in four weeks for my one-hour glucose test. That should be a joy.

Joe and I have obviously been doing a lot of thinking about the nursery, since Mallory will be here in four months. Our next project is to get her room ready! We have decided on the wall color. It is a very, very light pink. All of her furniture is off-white and distressed. I am blessed to be able to use antique furniture that my mom has. I am using one very special piece of furniture - the antique chifferobe that was mine growing up. It is hand painted, and will fit perfectly with the decor of her room. Her bedding will be all ivory using different textured fabrics. I would best describe it as a very shabby chic nursery, which is what I've always wanted for a little girl. I can't wait to get started!

That's all for now. Hopefully at our next appointment we'll have the 4D ultrasound. I can't wait! Stay tuned...

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

The doctor is in...or out...

2008-10-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

Joe and I met with another pediatrician yesterday. It was some fiasco to say the least. Our appointment was at 5:00, so we left work at 4:30. We arrived at the office promptly at 4:55. After notifying the nurse at the front desk, we filled out some short paper work so that they could start a file for us...a little presumptuous if you ask me. I did it anyway, and walked it back up to the counter. At 5:15 I began looking at my watch, a little concerned that they had forgotten about us (we hadn't been acknowledged since we came in). Not one of the nurses bothered to apologize for the wait, or give an explanation. I told Joe at this point that we would wait until 5:30, which we did...still with no explanation or interaction with a nurse. I walked up to the counter at 5:30, saw our paperwork that I almost grabbed and ran with, and then was startled by the doctor running around the corner to apologize and ask if we could give her three more minutes. Reluctantly, I agreed. So, finally at 5:40 we followed her to her office...we were back in the car by 5:52, and she even left the parking lot before we did! She was clearly in a hurry, which was not a good sign. I felt totally rushed. I kept picturing all of this with an infant in tow.

Now for more of the real reason we aren't going with this pediatrician... While sitting in the "well baby" waiting room for 30 minutes, I became very familiar with how this office works. I just watched and took everything in. There's a lot you can learn if you just pay attention to people's actions. Of course Joe and I sat on the "well baby" side, so as not to expose ourselves to anything. The "sick baby" side seemed to be pretty full; I'm guessing because of the time of year and cold weather we've been having. My question, though, is...why have "well baby" and "sick baby" sides separated when the nurse calls the patient, and the sick child is escorted through the "well baby" waiting room. We're all exposed! Not only that, the counter where the patient checks in, pays copays and makes follow-up appointments is right in front of the "well baby" waiting area. So all of those parents with sick children who check in, pay a copay or make another appointment let their children sit in the "well baby" area while they are busy. Again, contaminating all the well children! This was a HUGE turn off for me!

Eventually we got to ask our questions, and one of mine was her recommendations for the length of time before you take your newborn out on trips to the grocery store, Target, etc. Her answer...six weeks. I kind of figured, as that is a standard answer. But what does is matter? I could bring my two-week-old in to her pediatrician's office for her "well baby" check up and she might be exposed to five or six sick children in the "well baby" waiting area, that we could potentially be in for 30 minutes or more. I kind of laughed at her suggestion after I thought about it that way!

So, after all the hoopla, Joe and I have chosen to go with Dr. S. For those wondering (and laughing at what a germ-a-phobe I am) this pediatrician's office has separate entrances for "well baby" and "sick baby" check ups, thus leading to separate waiting rooms. The best part...one is upstairs and one is downstairs. The sick kids never cross paths with the well kids...my kind of pediatricians office! In the end I've learned a little something about myself...I'm more OCD than I ever imagined! Thanks Mom!

It's A....

2008-10-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

At our routine OB appointment and second trimester ultrasound, it has been confirmed...Baby Ritchie is a GIRL! Joe and I are truly ecstatic, and cannot wait to meet her in another four months. The ultrasound technician spent a good 20 to 30 minutes with us, which meant we got to spend lots of quality time watching Baby Girl. She was VERY active for us, and we got three good shots of her rear...no mistaking it's a girl! The tech was nice enough to take two 4D images, and I'd like to think in one of them she is smiling at us. We plan to have a 4D ultrasound at 28 weeks, so we'll know more of what Baby Girl looks like! She likes to keep her hands up by her face, but luckily we got some good views of her features. She favors her right hand...I think she may have been sucking her thumb. She is measuring one day ahead of schedule, so 19 weeks and five days. That bumps my estimated due date up to Thursday, March 12th. That's excellent! I was a little weary of being due on a Friday the 13th! She is estimated at 10 ounces, so she is the perfect weight for now. We got to see both of her kidneys, her heart and measurements of her brain...all excellent!

So, I guess this confirms that Joe's hunches are always right! He has been saying from day one that Baby Ritchie is a girl, and once again he is right. He wanted a girl really bad, as did I, so we feel incredibly blessed. When we found out we were expecting, one of the first things we did was throw around names. We were pretty decided on a boys name, and stuck with it. Since we won't be using it, we had to decide from the list of 11 girl names. So, here it is...MALLORY HOPE! Hope is my middle name, but I don't use it since I took my maiden name four years ago. I love that name, and really wanted to use it. Mallory is just a favorite for both of us. Now, we can start talking to her and calling her by name. Maybe by the time she arrives, she'll be used to it.

Now, for other news...Joe and I visited a pediatrician last Tuesday, and really like him. He seemed to be just what we're looking for. However, we meet with another one next Tuesday, so no decisions until then. We've also been to two different day cares between last week and this week. We visited Mountain Brook Baptist Child Development Center last week, which turned out to be mediocre, but we have plans to get on the waiting list. Monday, we looked at Canterbury United Methodist Early Learning Center...I love this one about as much as I love Out Lady of Sorrows Early Learning Center. We will be on the waiting list here too...much like everywhere. These days there's not much of a choice. We still have to visit Vestavia Hills Baptist Child Development Center, and UAB. Hopefully out of five waiting lists, we will get in somewhere by early June 2009.

Stayed tuned for more on how Mallory is doing!

Busy Week Ahead

2008-10-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

So, Joe and I have a pretty busy week ahead of us. On top of an eventful weekend (mostly attributed to the tumble I took during my walk Saturday morning...Baby Ritchie is doing just fine) we have much to do this week. Tomorrow we begin our search for Baby Ritchie's pediatrician. We are meeting with Dr. Simpson at Vestavia Pediatrics, and have heard nothing but wonderful things. Hopefully we will like him as much as everyone else seems to. Wednesday morning we tour daycare number two on our list...Mountain Brook Baptist Early Learning Center. We'll start at 9:30, when we'll learn the fate of the dreaded waiting list. I can't wait to see how long this one is! If I had only known what I know now, we would have started the daycare search before we even got pregnant with Baby Ritchie!

Other notes from the Ritchie household...Things are crazy right now because we have four dogs in our house...yes four! Our 2 + my parent's 2 = mass chaos. Lady is just that...such a lady. She just hides under the bed mostly, but Lula has to be the center of attention, and that make Bailey and Charlotte mad. All in good fun, though!

Joe came quite a long way on our hardwoods this weekend. The nursery is done, and he should finish up with the den by next Sunday. I'm sure he will work on it some nights after work this week. After the den...on to our room! I can't wait for all the carpet to be gone! Needless to say, I'm glad I married a handy man.

Stay tuned...more on the pediatrician/daycare and Baby Ritchie next week!

Posting at Last!

2008-10-08T09:05:00.000-07:00

Well obviously it's been a while since I've posted...like a week. I guess I'm falling down on my job! Joe and I have had a fairly eventful week. First I'll give the news on my doctor's visit yesterday with Dr. Gregory. I am almost 18 weeks, and was hoping I could convince Dr. G. (via a sad face and poked-out lip) to do an ultrasound. My mom and Joe...and I'll admit it, me...are very anxious to know what Baby Ritchie is going to be. My sad face and lip failed to persuade Dr. G., but she did schedule my next appointment two weeks from now. So, On October 21st we will know boy or girl! So exciting!

Other notes from the doctor... I am having some ligament pain, which is no fun. According to Dr. G. I have gone through a growth spurt, which makes sense. The baby is doing wonderful. Dr. G. had the doppler, so we listened to the heart rate. After finding mine and hearing many thumps, which was Baby Ritchie kicking Dr. G. away, we determined that it sounded great! We also determined that our baby is a mover and shaker, and does not like to be disturbed. I still think it's a boy, but the attitude definitely sounds like a girl!

Our poor porkie Yorkie, Bailey has had a tough week. He was groomed last Saturday, and then developed a patch of sensitive skin on his belly which he licks and licks. After trying some Benadryl on Monday, Joe and I thought it best to take him to the vet yesterday. He spent all day there, and ended up coming home with one of those silly looking cones around his neck and some steroids. He'll survive, but mommy does not like it when her baby is unhappy...and I assure you, he is UNHAPPY! He should be better in a few days.

Hopefully I will be better about posting in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned for the sex of Baby Ritchie...

Olivia Grace is here....finally...

2008-09-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Well, my niece, Olivia Grace Knowlton, entered the world Friday, September 26th. After a long 12 hours of labor, Kristen delivered her via c-section. Needless to say, my sister was not happy about this. Most importantly, Olivia was born at 6:34 p.m. at a healthly 6 pounds 5 ounces and 20 inches long. She is absolutely beautiful. She looks much like her big brother did when he was born. The resemblance is actually uncanny. I can't wait to watch her grow!

Kristen is hoping to go home today after bouts of high blood pressure. She may be spending another night, which neither mommy or baby or daddy really want to do. The most important thing, though...everyone is healthy and doing well!

Joe and Lauren

2008-09-25T14:22:00.000-07:00

Joe and I are four years into our marriage, and have much to celebrate at this point! We are 16 weeks pregnant with our first child, so I thought it might be approriate to start blogging. So, welcome to everyone who visits to read about our progress!

On July 4th, 2008 Joe and I found out that we are going to be parents to something other than our two dogs, who we love dearly (a Yorkie, Bailey, and a Golden Retriever, Charlotte). Baby Ritchie is due March 13, 2009, and we couldn't be happier. We will go in at the end of October for our third ultrasound to find out whether we will be having a little baby girl or a little baby boy. Joe is 100 percent certain it is a girl...although, I tend to wonder if that's not just because he's dying for a little girl. Mommy and baby are doing well, but still rather tired. I think I'm getting over the hump, and hopefully the next several months I will feel fabulous! As soon as we know little girl or little boy we will be sharing the name, so stay tuned for that!

I look forward to posting frequently and giving updates on Baby Ritchie.