Little Sis is here!

Mini-Meek 2 has arrived!

Emeline Joy joined us early Tuesday at 3:54am, February 28, 2012. A tiny liitle thing at 6lbs 5oz, but pretty tall at 19.5 in. Verdict is still out, but she looks mighty Fitzpatrick like :)

Proud big sister has been wonderful. Pics coming soon!

Serious countdown to a forever 4-some!

The days are flying by!  We have been busy in SO many ways!  Busy in baby ways, toddler ways, house-hunting/renting ways, business start up,  Superbowl party, baby "sprinkle", visiting with family, a GAMA get together...even some crazy police activity at what should have been a routine trip to good ol' Walmart (no, it wasn't me prompting the police activity, I was just a bystander ;)  Overall, NEVER a dull moment here -- although...I'd like one!

Pregnancy is at 37 weeks (any looooong time blog followers, Annie was born at 38 weeks!) - so amidst all of the excitement from every other direction our lives are being pulled, we're trying to remember we're weeks or maybe even days from having a whole new person arriving and sharing all of this craziness with us (and likely contributing a whole new level of crazy themselves :)  I can't wait!  I can't wait to finally have all of these distractions trumped for awhile over someone wonderful - that we will soon not be able to imagine life without.

In the meantime -- Annie has been prepping for her new role as big sister.  Talking about the baby, attempting to do more and more on her own (and in the process doing a bit of regression at times).  In leui of potty training, pacifier (nukie) giving up, or transitioning to a toddler bed (failed at all, or haven't even tried) before the baby comes...we have upgraded her crib bedding from unisex baby bedding to some nice, girly toddler decor.  She assumes this makes her crib "a big girl bed", just based on bedding alone.  Fine with me for now.   It is going to be so incredible to watch her and her new sibbling meet for that first time - I'm sure this all seems so surreal to her (heck, it does to me!)

Stay tunned -- undoubtably, one of these posts in the very near future will be introducing Mini-Meek 2, and we can finally find out who he or she is!

New "big girl bed" (aka. big girl BEDDING, maybe not so much big girl bed yet ;)

3 expecting mom friends at a recent "baby sprinkle" (we're all expecting #2!)  (Momma Meek in blue)

Annabelle enjoying a Superbowl party with friends.

Recent GAMA get together (13 kids in this photo, 10 are galactosemic, 3 are not...can you tell me which?  Didn't think so ;)

Annie in heaven with her ring around the rosey pals.  (she could do this ALL day)

Grant & Annie

Annie dying to "hold the baby" when visiting with baby Van this week.

....and going in for a big sisterly kiss.  Won't be long she can love all over her own little bundle :)

Meek 2, Level 2 Ultrasound Update

Ahhh...
A nice, normal ultrasound today. The fancy level II ultrasound showed no major concerns, baby was measuring between 34-36 weeks on all measurements (My official due date puts me at 36 weeks, 1 day - my personal due date would have me hitting just 35 weeks today...so even if some measurements are a week or two behind, they'd be right on with momma's calculations ;) We did have Dr. McCulloch today at Maternal Fetal Medicine, which was a nice surprise. He did our amnio and fancy ultrasounds when we were pregnant with Annabelle, so it was nice to catch up with him - and we definitely felt like we were in good hands. He reiterated that they see the EIF so often, it's practically a non-issue. And any head circumference problems were nearly non-existant, if anything the head was measuring a bit elongated, which is common in breech babies (which we don't have :p). Baby was estimated at 5lbs, 6oz today, up already from 4lbs 12oz last week. There was some evidence that the placenta is begining to wear down, but thats common at the end of pregnancy, something to monitor, but all in all, he saw no issues....and wished us on our merry way with what he hopes will be a "boring final few pregnancy weeks and delivery." AMEN!

All about Mini-Meek 2 Today....

Mini-Meek 2's latest close up - that's a head, two eyes, nose and mouth :)
February 2, 2012



Did I say this baby felt bigger?  That's funny because we have actually just been told the opposite may be true.  I always "carry small" -- and even with Annie had strangers and friends alike telling me "you're no where near your delivery date, you're going to have to grow way more than that!"  (two days before my 7lb, 1oz, perfectly normal sized baby was born).

However, this time we seem to have a problem?  We went in at 33 weeks for a follow up ultrasound (to keep an eye on the EIF (refresh your EIF saga knowledge at our previous post here: www.mini-meek.blogspot.com/2011/10/mini-meek-sequel.html) that just won't go away, and to "check growth" -- which I guess never really crossed my mind as an issue, I just assumed that was standard follow up when an EIF was involved?

At the 33 week ultrasound Mini-Meek 2 was a little behind.  Only measuring in the 50th percentile (more in line with a 30-31 weeker), but still within normal range, estimated at about 4lbs...small, but nothing alarming.  (And of course, I'm used to being told I have some micro-baby stashed in my overly roomy torso, nothing I love more than gaining 20lbs and stashing a human in my belly and being told "you don't even look pregnant" - thanks, so this is how I always look, like I swallowed a person?)  Anyway....

Wednesday this week, at our 35 week ultrasound, Mini-Meek has fallen to the 30th percentile over all and UNDER the 10th percentile for head circumference (ie. small baby, even smaller head)...and had only grown to a little over 4lbs.  Growth has slowed, fallen further on the charts, AND we have asymmetrical growth (body 30th percentile, head less than 10th percentile).  Had our baby stayed small, but consistent (50th percentile) there wouldn't be much cause for concern (so I'm told) - but because baby seems to be regressing, not growing and not even just small but small over all and even smaller in other places...we're off to Maternal Fetal Medicine again next week to look further into what's going on.

And of course the EIF (white spot on the heart) was a big nerve wrecker a few months ago, until we went to Maternal Fetal Medicine and were told there were no other markers to cause concern - so to write that off as an isolated finding.  This new poor growth and asymmetrical growth issue now adds to the EIF and it's no longer an "isolated finding".

We won't have any more information until the next ultrasound on Thursday.  For now I'm just trying to calm down (ha) and read what I can (like a shot in the dark without a real diagnosis)...this could be another Down's Syndrome marker, this could point to some other metabolic disorder (puh-lease be galactosemia, we're all over that), or chromosomal disorder, this could mean that there is an issue with my placenta not working properly to nourish the baby, there could be an issue with the umbilical cord function....or this could just be a "small baby"....OR heck, it could even be that modern science is just a little ahead of itself and none of these ultrasound measurements are perfect - and there's absolutely nothing wrong in there.

How's that for a pregnant momma head-full?  I'd love to assume the best...but I'm nothing if not a planner - I'd like to be prepared for whatever we have ahead.  If this little brother or sister is going to need anything more than what we know-- I want to start educating myself now so we can just enjoy the arrival -- rather than desperately trying to learn in those precious first few days and weeks again. 

So for now we wait...and fold little socks, wash tiny sheets, pack and repack the hospital bag, and plan for the day we go out that door pregnant for the last time, only to return with baby brother or sister in our arms.

waiting, preparing, and oooh the things Annie says....

....Week 33 of fetal captivity! This baby seems bigger, or maybe I just don't really remember those last few weeks the first time around? At least this time we know 40 weeks isn't an exact science...however, that also has me on my toes a little more, wondering if we have 6 weeks to go? Or 4, 3...? I'm trying to live like any day could be the big day....even though we hopefully have plenty of time left for baby to finish up its growing on the inside. PS, to anyone thinking a summer pregnancy is too hot...hogwash...you don't appreciate the ease of sundresses and fliplops. This winter bulk is WAY worse, I already can't reach my feet and thats before layering on clothes upon clothes...and then trying to get into some winter boots? UGH!

In the meantime, we're trying to cherish the last few moments with Annabelle alone. She's so darn witty for a two year old, and still amazing strangers with her knowledge. Just this week she floored a few mom's at the library by grabbing random books and reading them to me...and she read most of the posters at the bank to a woman opening an account for us. When Annie realized she was impressed, she decided to spout off her ABC's....the woman just replied...'I bet you can do that in French too huh?'

I keep meaning to jot down some of the fun conversations we have, here is as good a place as any:

Mom: Annie please put your glass down before you spill
Annie: Mom, you mean?
Mom: No, I'm not mean, I just don't want water all over the place.
Annie: Mom, you annoyed?
Mom: I won't be if you just stop waving that glass around.
Annie: Mom, you frustwrated? (still waving glass around)
Mom: YES, a little bit...I am a little frustrated, put the glass down.
Annie: oh, ok (usually puts glass down)

(driving down thre road...passing some stores, Annie sees Target)
Annie: Hey Mom, shall we go to Target and buy things?
Mom: we're not going there today sweetie
Annie: Shall we go to Dominick's and buy things?

(watching TV with Annie (America's Funniest Videos, our 'favorite show ;)
Annie keeps pointing out the window
Annie: "refrection!"
Mom: "mmhmm, it is snowing out" (had no idea what she was talking about, all I saw was snow)
Annie: " No! Mom, refrection!"
So I leaned over closer to see what she saw, and sure enough, she could see the REFLECTION of the TV in the window...

We're still working on possessive words. Annabelle has started using "my's" for "mine"...it is hard to correct (especially as any blog reader will certainly attest to...her mother has horrific grammar) but it is so darn cute! Everytime we're at the table eating, she'll point to all of her things (fork, napkin, what have you) and say "this is my's?"

We still get regular spontaneous "oooh, I love you Mom (or Dad)" several times a day...and random hugs and kisses...with exagerated 'muuuuahs!' - she's a real lover :) She also instigates, "group hugs!" and "Everbody hug!" She's always worried about where her people are, or what they're up to...she asks me most days about "where Grandma is, or what's Maddy & Ava doin right now?"

aaaaand of course, because this is a reality blog...we also get plenty of "no, no, no's" And screaming as if her fingernails were being ripped off whenever she has to do something she doesn't like (turning off a favorite show for mealtime, giving back a cell phone, getting a diaper change when she'd rather keep playing) and we hear a LOT of "I DO IT!!"... and often times when she can't quite 'do it' (like buckling her seat or putting on socks) -- so even though I usually let her give it a shot, it usually ends in frustration and more dramatic 'no, no, no's' or 'it's too hard!'

That said...she is a fantastic little helper, the girl can load the dryer in no time, and knows we need just one dryer sheet, and where to throw away the old one. She can sort her lights, whites, darks and linens...now if we could just work on real folding ;) She's a great swifter, helps unload the diswasher, loves helping to cook (she'll see me cooking and say "I'll be right back, gotta wash my hands!" then she will come pull me by the hand to her stool and tell me she's gonna need that in the kitchen to help cook).

Oh, and our little social butterfly still says hello to EVERYONE...if you see us out and about, better say hello back, or Annie will call you out on it! If she says hello to someone who doesn't say hello back, she will promptly and loudly announce to me and everyone around that 'that lady/guy is NOT very friendly'. I try to tell her some people are just too engrossed in their errands, maybe not necessarily 'not friendly'....but come on...who can't look up and say hi to a friendly two year old?....So I usually let her point out the unfriendlyness publicly without shushing her too much ;)

I can't believe how far she has come in two short years...and to think, we're about to bring home another sweet little bundle of helpless flesh....that will also grow right before our eyes, faster than we can imagine. So many crazy, wonderful (sleepless) moments ahead!

2012

Dear 2012:

Please be kinder to the Meek Family this year.  How about less deaths, employment frustration, financial woes and stress, and more weddings and babies to enjoy?

Sincerely,

Ma Meek

Hooray!  We're only 8 days into 2012 and so far...we've had one fabulous wedding to be apart of...and are still counting down till Mini-Meek 2 arrives.  We're busy shifting around closet and dresser space, stacking mini diapers next to pull-ups, hauling out old baby onesies and washing tiny socks.  It won't be long before our threesome is forever a foursome -- I cannot imagine what's ahead!  Throw in a new business venture...and hopefully a bigger homestead in the somewhat near future...and no matter what happens this year, it's bound to be a wild ride as always.

Annabelle was yet again a flower girl this weekend.  Another fabulous performance, especially considering she was sick the entire weekend and running on no sleep.  She managed to smile, walk down the aisle, and even get a ride in the limo with the wedding party despite her runny nose and puffy eyes.  Such a trooper and we had such a great time with the bride and groom - what a fabulous family, we always have fun with the Keca sisters :)  Congrats to the new Mr & Mrs. Wange!

Merry Christmas from our crazy house to yours!



From ALL of us, Robyn, Annabelle, Jeremy, Kitten & Sammy -
Hope everyone has a safe, happy, memorable holiday!  Bring on 2012!



Holidays are here!

Tis the season to be busy! Fa la la la la...

Thanksgiving has come and gone, Christmas tree is glowing in the living room, Christmas cards are getting addressed and sent day by day -- and anything else that could be going on, seems to be happening these days.  We're feeling thankful for surviving the crazy year we've had, and once again, find ourselves looking forward to another New Year, and all the anticipation that goes with wondering what it will bring.

Annie playing with cousin Lizzy at our Kansas Thanksgiving

Jumping with her cousins on Thanksgiving in Kansas

Grandma Meek, Annabelle & Great Grandma Meek

Smiling 'round Great Grandma's kitchen table

Decorating the 2011 Christmas tree

Annabelle and Dad enjoying the lights from under the tree.

Annabelle's new blue shirt.

Finally some real visiting time with Uncle Scott and Aunt Shannon

Burning off Thanksgiving calories the fun way :)

Annie's first dental visit.  She didn't cry, not loud anyway ;)  But she didn't exactly open her mouth either.  She let Dad show the dentist how he helps her brush her teeth -- and was very gracious when receiving her new free toothbrush,  good enough for visit number one. 

Happy Halloween 2011!

Super Annie & the Lobster fisherman.

Mini-Meek (the sequel)

Finally!  A few pictures of Miss. or Mr. Mini-Meek. 

We had our 2nd trimester ultrasound today - highly anticipated by most parent's-to-be, due to the big gender news usually given at this time.  Tempting as it was, we restrained ourselves -- and will hold out for the gender surprise in March.  We had a nice long ultrasound today, baby was pretty cooperative eventually.  Mini-Meek is estimated at about 12 ounces right now (funny, I've gained more than 12 ounces...) and is lying "transverse" (sideways, the head is at one side of my hip, and the rump is at the other hip) at the moment.  Not a huge concern at all, we have plenty of time for him/her to shift into delivery position.  Annabelle was excited to see "her baby in Mommy's tummy" on the big screen today, and pretty much sang and talked through the entire visit.

Follow up appointment after the ultrasound showed that we have an EIF (echogenic intracardiac focus).  Because, here at the Meek family production facility, we never do anything simply ;)

Aside from being a string of big unfamiliar words, an echogenic intracardiac focus is:  a small bright spot seen on the baby's heart during an ultrasound.

This means one of two things:

1)  Absolutely nothing.  (very likely)

2)  This EIF could be a marker for a chromosomal issue like Downs Syndrome or one of the other Trisomys (highly unlikely)

Soooo...we will be sent for a longer and fancier ultrasound in the next week or two to determine if there are other "soft markers" pointing towards an issue, or if this EIF is an isolated incidence and meaningless.  (Apparently this is pretty common, roughly 10% of pregnancies show an EIF with no actual fetal complications.)

We had something similar to this when Annabelle was still in the oven.  We were worried sick, did extra testing, amniocentesis etc.  All tests proved negative and she was given a clean bill of health -- and then at birth, we discovered galactosemia.  So as the doctor sat with her hands wringing today, waiting to see how I'd take the news of a possible complication (small chance that it is) -- telling me "not to worry, and please, don't go home and google echogenic intracardiac focus..." (like I ever wouldn't?  -- I had to at least figure out how to spell it.)  I calmly told her it was fine.  The first time around, it wasn't fine.  I wanted everything to be "perfect" - but now I know, we have no control over these things. (I know some of you didn't take as long to learn this, I'm not good with acceptance ;)  But Annie has taught us SO much.  I look at her and I don't see galactosemia, I see a barely two year old who can read, make wise cracks on her own, and sing like nobody's bussiness.  My little girl who just as easily reaches up desperately saying "Mommy holdjya" (hold me) as she does saying "I do it!", "Mommy go away, I do it" -- She's smart, she's loving, she's funny, she's capable and she's just fine just as she is.  As will her brother or sister be, just as they are.  So bring on the extra ultrasounds, I rather like the chance to lay down in a dark quiet room and get an extra glimpse at our new baby.