Clayton Lane Altman

Clay made his appearance into the world today, Christmas Eve, at 1:14 p.m.

AND HE IS THE SPITTING IMAGE OF JONATHAN!

7 lbs., 9 oz. and 19 1/4 inches long.

He was delivered by c-section. Kara, Jonathan and Clay are all doing fine.

Christmas baby coming...

Tuesday, December 23rd -

Well it doesn't look like Clayton is going to make his due date, but Kara and Jonathan have to report back to the hospital tonight at 9:00 p.m. and they will start the inducing process.

So the next report will be with PICTURES!!!!!

No baby yet...

Kara went to the hospital on Friday. Her water was "leaking". We all told her that she just peed herself, but she swears she didn't.

Anyways she was sent home on "bed rest" until her due date and dr. appt. on Dec. 23rd.

Dr. mentioned maybe inducing on the 23rd if her blood pressure remained high (which it has), so we'll see...

We may have a Christmas Day baby after all!

I will keep you posted!

And the guessing game begins...

Remembering that Clayton Lane's due date is December 23rd....

Regina Ramsey - Dec. 21st at 3:30 p.m. - 8 lbs.
Mary Hodge - Dec. 23rd - 12:01 - 7 lbs. 11 oz.
Karen Bryant, PA – December 23rd at 3:49am - 8lbs., 7 oz
Michele Greene - December 24th at 11:00 a.m. - 8 lbs. 3 oz.
Suzanne Robinson - Dec. 25th at 3:00 a.m. - 6 lbs., 8 oz.
Karlee Briley - Dec. 25th at 11:30 a.m. - 7 lbs., 6 oz.
Kristy Jones - Dec. 26th at 2:15 p.m. - 7 lbs., 3 oz.
Angie Odam - Dec. 26th at 2:30 p.m. - 9 lbs. 5 oz.
Papa - December 26th at 5:45 p.m. - 7 lbs.
Crystal Davis - Dec. 26th at 9:30 p.m. - 8 lbs., 4 oz.
Bonnie Carter - Dec. 26th at 10:00 p.m. - 8 lbs., 5 oz.
KD Huff - Dec. 27th at 1:22 a.m. - 7 lbs., 6 oz.
Sheryl Rowe - Dec. 27th at 5:00 a.m. - 8 lbs., 7 oz.
Natalie Krolak - Dec. 27th at 8:00 p.m. - 7 lbs., 2 oz.
Cindy Marrs - December 27th - 8 lbs. 5 oz.
Jenny Flowers - Dec. 28th at 2:08 a.m. - 8 lbs., 2 oz.
Vicki Trent - Dec. 28th at 3:00 a.m. - 6 lbs., 10 oz.
Mendy Doss - Dec. 28th at 6:30 a.m. - 7 lbs. 8 oz.
Sherry Huggard - Dec. 28th at 4:30 p.m. - 7 lbs., 8 oz.
Jessie Cox - Dec. 30th at 12 a.m. - 8 lbs., 2 oz.
Belinda Fletcher - Dec. 30th at 1:00 a.m. - 8 lbs., 4 oz.
Annie Dauphinais - Dec. 30th - 12:45 p.m. - 7 lbs., 11 oz.
Lyndia Shoemaker (GG) - Dec. 31st - 7 lbs., 9 oz.
Missy Mullis - Dec. 31st - 8 lbs., 9 oz.
Sheryl Faw - December 31st - 6 lbs., 4 oz.
Angie Keahey - January 1st at 2:42 a.m. - 7 lbs., 5 oz.
Nanny - January 1st at 11:45 a.m. - 7 lbs., 6 oz.
Donna King - January 1st at Noon - 7 lbs., 7 oz.
Traci Leahy - January 2nd at 3:00 a.m. - 6 lbs. 9 oz.
Erica Smith - January 2nd at 12:17 p.m. - 7 lbs., 14 oz.
Kessia Lorio - January 2nd - 6 lbs., 12 oz.
Mitzi Hebert - January 17th at 2:00 a.m. - 7 lbs., 9 oz.

39 (or so) days to go...

Baby's First Picture and "Ultrasound"
Author: Unknown

My Precious little baby

I have loved you from the start

You are a tiny miracle

laying closely to my heart

Each day I feel your presence

Each day you quickly grow

Each day your heart beats slowly

as only I could know

So I'll keep this in a special place

And remember each year through

of this very special time of life

The months I carried you

From Clayton Lane

Well, here I am…in 4-D.

Don't mind the "cord" up close to my face….it's kinda crowded in here.

I didn't really want to cooperate. I was sleeping. Mama had a baby shower at work and fed me lots of cake and I was snoozing hard, but I did manage to show my face a little bit. I showed my "boy parts" A LOT just to assure mama that I was still "all boy".

See you all in just 2 months!

Clayton Lane

Daddy and Mommy at 30 weeks

Daddy FINALLY feels baby kicking!

Jonathan finally got to feel Clayton Lane kicking...unfortunately it was in the middle of the night! Guess daddy got a little TOO CLOSE to mommy for his liking.

Met Kara for lunch. Mentioning food was one way to get her out of bed!

The count-down is on...100 days to go!

26 Weeks!

Less than 100 days to go!!! The count-down is on!!!

The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take two to three days.

20 Week Sonogram - ALL BOY!!!

The video is the coolest thing! You can see his little heart beating, facial features, everything...you can even see him trying to suck his thumb.

20 WEEKS - HALF WAY THERE!!!

How your baby's growing:

Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in his bowels, and you'll see it in his first soiled diaper (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery).See what your baby looks like this week. (Or see what fraternal twins look like in the womb this week.)Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Congratulations! You've hit the halfway mark in your pregnancy. The top of your uterus is about level with your belly button, and you've likely gained around 10 pounds. Expect to gain another pound or so each week from now on. (If you started your pregnancy underweight, you may need to gain a bit more; if you were overweight, perhaps a bit less.) Make sure you're getting enough iron, a mineral that's used primarily to make hemoglobin (the part of your red blood cells that carries oxygen). During pregnancy, your body needs more iron to keep up with your expanding blood volume, as well as for your growing baby and the placenta. Red meat is one of the best sources of iron for pregnant women. Poultry (especially the dark meat) and shellfish also contain iron. Some common non-meat sources of iron include legumes, soy-based products, spinach, prune juice, raisins, and iron-fortified cereals.If you haven't already signed up for a childbirth education class, you may want to look into one, especially if you're a first-timer. A structured class will help prepare you and your partner for the rigors of labor and delivery. Most hospitals and birth centers offer classes, either as weekly meetings or as a single intensive, one-day session. Many communities have independent instructors as well. Ask your friends, family members, or caregiver for recommendations.
Take an extra pillow to bed tonight "I found it so much easier to sleep on my side when I hugged a pillow and wrapped my legs around it. In fact, two years after the birth of my child, it's still my favorite way to fall asleep." — Clara

Surprising Facts:

Getting a good night's restIt may become more difficult to sleep through the night as your pregnancy progresses, thanks to some obvious and not-so-obvious changes taking place in your body. You may be surprised to find that:• You start snoring for the first time in your life, thanks in part to more estrogen, which contributes to swelling of the mucous membranes that line the nose and may even cause you to make more mucus. What to do: Sleep on your side and elevate your head slightly.• Heartburn and indigestion can make it extra uncomfortable to lie down in bed. What to do: Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn, give yourself two to three hours to digest a meal before going to bed, and try sleeping semi-upright in a comfy recliner or propped up with extra pillows under your upper body.• Leg cramps jar you out of a deep sleep. What to do: Ease the cramp by straightening your leg, heel first and gently flexing your toes back toward your shins, or walk around for a few minutes.• You toss and turn all night trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. What to do: Lie on your side with your knees bent and a pillow between your legs. For extra comfort and support, arrange other pillows under your belly and behind your back. Or try using a contoured maternity body pillow.• You become hot and sweaty in the middle of the night. It's common for pregnant women to feel a little warmer than usual thanks to shifts in your metabolism, hormones, and weight. What to do: Keep your bedroom cool and strip down to the bare essentials. Keep slippers and a snuggly bathrobe handy for those nighttime trips to the bathroom.• Getting out of bed is harder than ever! What to do: Roll over onto your side so you're facing the edge of the bed. Dangle your legs over the side and use your arms to push yourself into a sitting position. Plant your feet squarely on the floor and then stand up.

WE WENT SHOPPING!!!

Kara and I went shopping at Babies R Us on Saturday. Thank goodness she FINALLY picked out a bedding set. I bought the bedding set and wall border. Everything else she put on her baby registry. Really cute farm scene.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2908618

Boy how times have changed! There are like 100 different kinds of bottles, diapers, and everything! Even car seats and strollers are a complicated selection!!! The one item that just blew me away was this computerized baby swing! What happened to the old fashion "wind me up" and swing away??? And it didn't even swing, it kinda rocked back and forth!

I did find all kinds of NASCAR Jimmie Johnson stuff. Randy asked if I shopped for Clay or for me!!! The repair guy at the Sprint Store asked me and Kara what if Clay didn't like NASCAR...we both just laughed...it is in his genes!!! How could he not? I've already told Kara and Randy that one of them is going to have to give up their race ticket when Clay gets about 5 years old!!! He will be my little Track Brat (with a #48 shirt on)!!!

Donna

Where the names came from....

Everyone always wants to know where the name came from...here's a break-down.

Clayton: Named after mine and Kara's Papa - Clayton Selph
Lane: For Lane Frost - World Champion Bull Rider who died tragically in 1989.
Altman: Well, we all know where that comes from...

Here is a picture of me and my Papa. Looks just like Kara, doesn't it? He was and always will be THE LOVE OF MY LIFE! And he loved Kara just as much! One of the last things he did, the day before he died, was pull Kara up into the bed with him. I told him that he was not strong enough, but he wouldn't take no for an answer. He absolutely loved that child! Kara and I have always said that when she grew up, she would have a little boy and name him Clayton. Imagine our surprise of this one being a boy, when no-one in our family has ever had a boy first...the first child has always been girls! I was so afraid that she would have a girl and then not want to have anymore!!!

Donna

Free Counter

Week #19:

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, taking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom —about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.See what your baby looks like this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.
How your life's changing:

Think you're big now? You'll start growing even more rapidly in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but call your practitioner if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes severe.You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from increased estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin due to a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." You may also notice some darkening of your nipples, freckles, scars, underarms, inner thighs, and vulva. That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line." These darkened spots will most likely fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.

IT'S A BOY!!!!

Clayton Lane Altman

When they first started the sonogram, you could see his little legs were crossing and uncrossing at the ankles. Then he stuck his little hand up to his face and you could see all his fingers. After a little while he did a big ol' flip and said "that's enough", but by then they had already seen everything they needed to see to prove he is all boy!!!

TODAY IS THE DAY...

Provided that the baby is COOPERATING...we should know this afternoon whether we are welcoming a Clayton Lane or a K'Leigh Lane into the world!

Holding our breath...



Your pregnancy: 18 weeks
See the big picture
How your baby's growing:Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.See what your baby looks like this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:
Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy.From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon. This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!

Afternoon energy booster "If you're finding it hard to get through the afternoon at work without a little nap, find a place you can escape for 15 to 20 minutes (close your office door, use a conference room, even sit in your car). Bring a small travel alarm clock and set it for 15 minutes." — Laura

Tuesday, July 14th - 17 weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. Your baby weighs 5 ounces now (about as much as a turnip), and she's around 5 inches long from head to bottom. She can move her joints, and her sweat glands are starting to develop.See what your baby looks like this week.Note: Every baby develops a little differently — even in the womb. Our information is designed to give you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life's changing:

Starting to feel a bit off balance? As your belly grows, your center of gravity changes, so you may begin to occasionally feel a little unsteady on your feet. Try to avoid situations with a high risk of falling. Wear low-heeled shoes to reduce your risk of taking a tumble; trauma to your abdomen could be dangerous for you and your baby. You'll also want to be sure to buckle up when you're in a car — keep the lap portion of the seat belt under your belly, drawn snugly across your hips, and also use the shoulder harness, which should fit snugly between your breasts.You may also notice your eyes becoming drier. Using over-the-counter lubricating drops may help. If your contact lenses become uncomfortable, try wearing them for shorter stretches of time. If you still have discomfort, switch to glasses until after you give birth.
An easy way to keep track of the nutrients you need "I made a simple chart of the basic food groups and posted it on the refrigerator. At the end of the day, I checked off what I had eaten. Then, for my bedtime snack, I tried to pick something that would fulfill whatever category was lacking — yogurt (or a bowl of ice cream!) if I needed more dairy, for example, or an orange if I needed more fruit." — Anonymous

Dreams During Pregnancy

Many women report that their dream life shifts into high gear during pregnancy. Interestingly, during the second and third trimesters, you spend less sleep time in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, the cycle in which most dreams occur. Why, then, all those frequent and vivid dream memories?It's probably at least in part because you may be interrupting a dream-filled cycle when you wake up to pee, cope with heartburn, leg cramps, restless legs, or a backache, or to shift to a more comfortable position. Waking up during REM sleep makes you more likely to remember your dreams.It may also be in part that dreams seem so vivid during pregnancy because for most women pregnancy is a time of such heightened emotions — from joy to apprehension and everything in between — but no one really knows for sure.Here's a look at some common themes and what they may mean, according to Patricia Garfield, a clinical psychologist and author of Women's Bodies, Women's Dreams.You're caring for baby animals. During the second trimester, many pregnant women dream about cuddly, baby-like animals, such as puppies, chicks, and kittens. Friendly creatures in your dreams are generally thought to signify that you're tuned in to your instincts. Menacing animals, on the other hand, may represent ambivalence about the strange new creature entering your life.You have a sexy encounter with an old flame. Many mothers-to-be are concerned about their changing figure and its effect on their sex life — while many others feel more sexually charged than ever. Both feelings are often reflected in your dreams. Not only do erotic dreams offer comforting reassurance, but they may mirror the sexiness you feel during your waking hours, too.Your mate is straying. If you dream that your partner hooks up with an ex-girlfriend or a total stranger, it can signal insecurity about holding his love and attention through a time of great change. Right now, you're dependent on the goodwill and support of those around you, especially your partner. Fearing his loss is a common emotional reaction to being pregnant.
Since there's nothing you can do to stop the crazy dreams, try having fun with them. Keep a notebook and pen by your bedside to jot them down.

Monday, July 14th

Doctor's Appointment Today.

Karlee went with me to hear the heart-beat...155 bpm

Next appt. is August 5th for sonogram to find out if we have a boy or girl!!! It's driving my Mom crazy not knowing!

Kara

http://www.babycenter.com/fetal-development-images-16-weeks

Go to this web-site to activate the picture. It's pretty cool! Here's also a 3-D image of what a 16 week fetus looks like.

Wednesday, July 9th, 2008

I think I just felt the baby kick!

Kara

Tuesday, July 8th, 2008 - 16 weeks

We spent the past week-end in Daytona, down at the races. I don't know what kind of excuse Kara is going to use on everything once this baby arrives! We saw lots of small children at the races AND LOTS OF BABY OUTFITS and even baby race car sippy cups...but I think it will be a couple years before we take the baby to HIS first race! HE/SHE will definitely be a TRACK BRAT!!! Of course at my house he/she will wear #48, but at mama and daddy's house, it will be #88...but I can handle that. Donna

Week 16: Time for ye olde ultrasounde
Fetal development in pregnancy week 16:

Over the past three weeks your astounding growing baby has managed to stretch yet another 2 full inches (totaling about 4.5 inches) and weighs around 3.5 ounces. Yessireee, that’s some pretty serious growth... and with it comes several physical developments! For starters, their head to body ratio is finally starting to even out a bit as the rest of the body is actually growing faster than the head at this point. Yes, your little light bulb is not so top-heavy. Their adorable little limbs have lengthened, almost reaching their normal proportions which they will have at birth. Their eyes are still closed but moving and if you had an ultrasound, which many doctors recommend you have at about this time, you may even see your little one sucking on a thumb, not to mention the necessary signifiers to let you know whether you’ve got a wee lad or lassie.

And how's mom doing?

Along with an ultrasound, many practitioners recommend administering the “Multiple Marker Test (MMT)”, which is also known as the “Triple Screen Test”. This very common procedure checks your blood (not your baby’s) for specific protein and hormone levels as well as informing you about any potential Before you start breathing in that strained fearful way or furrowing your brow in concern, you should know that even if you do get a positive test this hardly means your little trooper is in trouble. Only about 3 to 5 percent of women yield positive results risks of genetic or birth defects. Before you start breathing in that strained fearful way or furrowing your brow in concern, you should know that even if you do get a positive test this hardly means your little trooper is in trouble. Only about 3 to 5 percent of women yield positive results and of those women, only 10 percent actually have any sort of complication to report. Obviously, a positive test from the MMT will mean further testing for you, including amniocentesis and more ultrasounds. Although this test sounds like a bit of a dud with the high percentage of false positives coming back, it's popular because it has and can effectively identify a majority of all neural tube defects as well as babies with Down Syndrome. So despite its obvious drawbacks, you’ll still want to arrange to take the test to better prepare you and your family for the fact that anything is possible. (see BabyCenter's page for additional information.)

Tuesday, July 1st, 2008 - Week #15

Week 15: Your little hairy baby
Fetal development in pregnancy week 15:

Your nearly four-inch long gymnast is happily mobile inside your womb and if you're really lucky, you’ll notice a point when your sneezing, coughing or laughing results in a little kick here or a poke there. Still, many women don't feel anything until the 17th week or later. Although the poking and kicking isn't very charming during sleeping hours, it’s a good sign as it means your baby is actually reacting to outside events. Yay! You’ve got yourself one active healthy baby! Their little elbows and knees are bending more freely this week and their little legs are finally growing longer than their arms and getting pumped up for prenatal Richard Simmons. Many of their major organ systems are increasing in capacity—particularly that amazing tiny heart and complex circulation system, which is now pumping about 25 quarts of blood per day, and will increase to a very impressive 200 quarts per day by the end of the pregnancy. As far as hair goes, we’ve got some new scalp patterns beginning to develop on the head, although actual head hair is not yet present.

And how's mom doing?

Have your cheeks been rosier lately? (No, no, no-- we’re asking about your face.) Are you feeling especially radiant? This famed “glow” is brought to you courtesy of the pregnancy fairy who has waved her magical “rosy tinge wand” over you. Seriously though, your body is experiencing an increase in be aware that increased blood flow might cause your blood vessels to expand, resulting in a series of not-so-magical nosebleeds blood flow and you probably do have flushed skin and cheeks. Just be aware that increased blood flow might cause your blood vessels to expand, resulting in a series of not-so-magical nosebleeds for some women, which although perfectly normal, are a bit gory if you’ve got a day job. If you find the nosebleeds especially irritable, consider purchasing a humidifier to ward off future nose bleeds. Also, do your best to avoid irritants, such as aerosols, smoke, and dust.. Even though the placenta is regulating your babe’s hormones, you are still producing additional estrogen, which often causes swelling of the mucosa membranes, leaving you with a stuffy nose—potentially throughout the duration of the pregnancy. These are just a few of the charming physical experiences you can chalk up to the pregnancy fairy!