19 Weeks - Here We Go Again

Yep, pregnant again.  And this is probably the last time, considering it's our last frozen embryo.  I've been such a slacker and haven't blogged in over a year.  I'm disappointed in myself because I really like being able to look back at these memories.  I'm hoping to get better about this and start blogging more.  I want to be able to look back and remember all the fun (and sometimes not so fun) times we had.

So, I know that you're all ready for some pregnancy details.  We found a fertility clinic down here and met with the doctor.  All the testing leading up to the transfer went well, with no issues.  Even shipping the embryo down here went off without a hitch.  Transfer day was April 11th and went well.

Isn't that such an amazing sight??  It just blows my mind that babies start out like that.  It's such a miracle when you can see their beginnings.

The pregnancy has gone well, for the most part.  I kept waiting and waiting for morning sickness to hit, but it seemed like I might be getting lucky.  Until, we had a very large scare.

In mid-May, Drew, the kids, and I traveled back to Illinois for a few days.  Then, I left for a girls' trip to Florida for a few days.  I got on the flight to go from Florida to Illinois and didn't have any problems.  Drew and the kids met me at the airport in Chicago, and then we got on a flight to travel back to Houston.  The flight was full, and it was a miracle we made it on.  I sat with the kids in a row, and Drew sat up in the cockpit.  When we landed, I stood up and my pants felt wet.  It thought maybe I had sat in some water that Annelise spilled or something.  I went to the bathroom and discovered that it wasn't water, but blood, and a lot.  Enough that I had soaked through my pants.  Cue panic!

I told Drew what was going on once he had made his way back to us.  We gathered all of our stuff, and made our way down to the baggage claim.  Once down there, I changed my clothes, and called the RE's office.  They wanted me to come in right away.  My heart was in my stomach the whole drive to the doctor's office because I just knew that I had lost the baby.  You don't have that much blood and everything is just fine.

Imagine my relief when we got to the doctor's office and saw a healthy heartbeat on the ultrasound screen!  The doctor couldn't see any reason for the bleeding and said that sometimes stuff like that just happens.  For the record, I'd much prefer for stuff like that to NOT happen again!!

Since then, it's been fairly uneventful.  Morning sickness did set in, but nothing major that some good meds won't help.  I'm (obviously) getting bigger.  I've had some bad round ligament pain that is the worst at night when I'm sleeping and it makes it painful to roll over.

I felt movement for the first time in my 13th week.  I felt some outside kicks during my 17th week, and Drew was even home to feel them too!

Next week is the anatomy scan.  This time, we've decided not to find out the sex.  I'm a little more excited about this than Drew is.  I said after we had Harrison, that if we get blessed with another baby, that I wanted to wait to find out.  I don't think Drew actually thought I meant it.  I saved everything from both kids, so I have clothes and blankets.  I'm sure I'll have to get a few things since this baby will be born in December and all the boy stuff I have is summer clothes.

I also want to try for a VBAC.  I have picked a doctor who supports VBAC and she determined that I would be a good candidate for it.  I have my fingers crossed, but I know that things don't always go as planned and I'm okay with that also.

I've actually been very good about doing weekly pictures.  My weeks change on Wednesday, and I have a book study group that I meet with on Wednesday mornings.  So, I usually look presentable to take a picture.  This baby might have the most pictures out of all three!  And on the correct day too!

Now, let's just see if I can blog (a lot) more than I have!

38 Weeks - Induction Set

I haven't blogged any pregnancy updates, or blogged at all for that matter, since the middle of May.  Boo.  So, lots to catch up on.

The gestational diabetes has been the biggest thorn in my side.  My glucose numbers have been awful and my OB has continued to increase my insulin to figure out where I need to be to manage my sugars effectively.  At this point, I am now on 20 units of NPH insulin at night, and 5 units of regular and 15 units of NPH insulin in the morning.  This combination has finally seemed to get my numbers where my doctor is happy with them.  I'm praying that the baby is healthy and doesn't have any issues with all of this once he's born.  And, I'm also hoping that I can put all this behind me and don't have to worry about it anymore once he's born too.

I've had two ultrasounds since my last update.  At the one at 36 weeks, he was measuring 7 pounds.  Today, he's measuring 7 pounds 11 ounces.  I know that it's not completely accurate, but it's a good base to judge.  Basically, he's huge!  My OB thinks that I should still be able to have a vaginal birth, which makes me happy.  I really want to avoid a c-section if possible.  Of course, if the baby's health or my health is in jeopardy, then I understand.  I also have extra fluid.  Drew and the doctor sat and compared what I was with Annelise and what I am this time after the 36 week u/s, and I have double the fluid that I did with Annelise.

I've been doing twice a week NSTs and, let me tell you, they are boring!  Baby looks absolutely perfect though, and that's all that matters!

Physically, things have started to take an uncomfortable turn.  My feet are usually sort of swollen all the time now.  They get worse if I'm on them for a long period of time, or if it's very hot outside.  For the past four weeks or so, my hands and wrists have really started to hurt.  They will fall asleep in the middle of the night.  They also seem to hurt way worse during the night.  When I wake up to use the bathroom, it's very painful to try and bend my fingers.  My OB said it's carpal tunnel.  I'm hoping that it goes away quickly after delivery!

I'm up about 42 pounds now.  Yikes!  My poor belly is huge, and my skin is so stretched.  With Annelise, I just got stretch marks on my sides.  Now, I have them all above my belly button too.  It's pretty gross.  The other day, I got out of the shower and Drew took one look at my belly and said, "You will never be the same again".  Thanks pal, love you too!  He's also made some other fantastic comments that have made me feel quite heifer-ish.

He still moves around a ton.  I'm so amazed at how much he moves.  It's comical to watch because my entire belly will move and shift when he does.  I can usually feel his knees or feet run along my skin.

His room is coming along.  Drew and I have been working on getting things organized and hung up and arranged.  We just have a few small details left.  Everything else is basically ready for him.  I've washed the car seat, but we probably won't install it until we bring him home from the hospital.

As of right now, we are scheduled to go to the hospital on Wednesday the 2nd to start the induction process.  He'll probably then be born on the 3rd.  I'm nervous about being away from Annelise for all that time.  I'm afraid that she's going to have a rough time with me being gone and not able to come home.  We are planning on having her come up to the hospital right away after he's born so that she can meet him.  I can't wait to see my two children together!

32 Weeks - Growth Scan

Basically, I'm huge!  And, I still have 8ish more weeks of growing to do!  A lot has happened in the four weeks since I've last done an update.

First, I failed the one hour glucose test.  I was not a very happy pregnant lady.  I failed it by a lot too, around 30 points.  I went the following week to take the three hour test and was pretty optimistic going into it.  I drank the drink through a straw, which helped, A LOT!  Good news?  I didn't feel pukey at all!  Bad news?  I failed the three hour test too.  So now I have gestational diabetes and scheduled an appointment with the diabetes care center.  The hope was that I could control the diabetes with a diet plan.  I met with them, received a glucose meter and was given instructions to test my sugars four times a day, when I first wake up, an hour after breakfast, an hour after lunch, and an hour after dinner.  It was quickly apparent that my morning numbers are the ones that are causing all the trouble.  In the three or so weeks that I've been doing this, I've only had one fasting number that has been where it is supposed to be.  I had another OB appointment and meeting the diabetes center today and I've been put on insulin.  I take five units of NPH insulin at night before bed.  Hopefully, this will be the answer to get my blood sugars where they need to be.

At my appointment today, I also had a growth scan.  Little boy was head down and I hope that he stays that way!  Also, he's huge!  He measured in at 4 lb 10 oz.  I know that the measurements can be a little off, but that's pretty large at this point.  I think the tech said that was in the 70th percentile.  I also had a little extra fluid.  When I met with my OB, he's a little concerned that I won't be able to have him vaginally.  Doc knows how much I really don't want a c-section, so we're going to be watching his growth.  I also measured at 36 cm today.  And I feel like it!  The bump is huge and my skin is starting to feel very stretched.

My OB wants to do weekly NSTs now because of the gestational diabetes.  Every Thursday, I'll be at his office doing the boring non-stress test.

Oddly enough, my weight has stayed about the same for the past couple of weeks.  I'm hanging right around the 30 lb mark.  My feet hurt if I'm on them for a long time, and I've developed some cankles that I noticed while we were in Florida.  They've been better since we've been back.  Occasionally, I'll get a little heartburn, which will usually go away on its own.  Very rarely do I have to take anything.

Drew and I set up his crib and dresser yesterday.  I bought the fabric to make some decorations for his room, but now I have to sew it.  We're going to be working very hard over the next couple of weeks to get things finished up.  I need to order the crib skirt and some fabric guard rails, and purchase some sheets.  I'd like to get things finished up by the beginning part of June in case he decides to make an early appearance.  And also because the bigger I get, the less I'll feel like doing things.

This kid moves constantly!  It's very reassuring to feel him move as much as I do.  However, I'm a little worried that his lack of sleep in utero is going to mean a lack of sleep once he's an outside baby.  Since he's getting bigger, his movements are starting to hurt.  I find myself wincing often when he moves around.

28 Weeks - Feeling Large

I know that I'm going to look back and be so upset with myself that I didn't write more weekly updates.  I've done well actually doing my pictures, even though they usually don't get taken until Saturday and my weeks change on Thursday, but at least they get done.  It's just strange how much is different this time around, yet, still the same.

Physically, I haven't had nearly the pregnancy symptoms that I had with Annelise.  The only real complaints that I've had lately are the round ligament pain, which still is pretty bad, and I'm really starting to feel huge.  I think that the little boy must have had a growth spurt in the past week, because suddenly I feel ginormous.  I hoisted myself into the van the other day and thought, "Good grief, I still have 12ish weeks of growing to do".  I'm definitely much larger at this point than I was with Annelise.

I did notice that when I put my wedding rings on the other day, that they are starting to feel tighter.  I want to say that I was well into the 30some weeks before my rings felt tight.  My feet are also starting to hurt a lot quicker lately.  That could be because I've gained 27 pounds already.  It blows my mind how quickly the weight piles on at this point.  I'm anxious to see how big the baby is, but we don't have another ultrasound until May 15th.

His movements are so much different than Annelise's were.  I feel like he moves much more frequently and for longer stretches than Annelise ever did.  His movements seem more rolling and wavelike, where Annelise's were some stretches and jabs.  Annelise would be quiet for most of the day but have spurts where she would wake up and move especially after I ate.  I feel his movements all day long.  There have only been a handful of days where he's been pretty quiet during the day.  He also moves very high up on my belly, right at the top.  I can usually feel some body part of his right at the top of my belly.

I went to the hospital lab and did my one hour glucose test today.  I had to go by myself since Drew was home with Annelise.  It was too bad, and I only felt pukey for a few minutes while I was drinking the nasty drink and then shortly afterwards.  The drink isn't too awful, it's just a lot of liquid to down in five minutes.  And, drinking it that quickly makes it taste even worse.  Hopefully I'll hear back soon that I passed.  Fingers crossed that I passed because I really, really, REALLY do not want to do the three hour test.

We haven't made any progress in the baby's room.  His crib and dresser are still in the boxes.  The mattress has arrived and is sitting in the box in the room.  His walls are all painted though, so that's a plus.  I need to start working on some decor for the room.  And, it probably wouldn't hurt to get the crib and dresser set up.  We'll probably do that when we get back from vacation, which is in a little over two weeks.  We need to finish cleaning out his closet also.  I have a ton of clothes for him, but they are all still in bags until Drew cleans out the clothes of his that he's left in there.

As far as names go, we think we have it narrowed down to two.  I sort of want a three syllable name since Annelise has a three syllable one.  Weird, I know.  As soon as we land on one for sure, we'll share, but not until we know.  Hopefully, that will be soon since I need to order his baby book and I want it personalized.

Annelise is still infatuated with my belly and will constantly point to it and kiss it.  She doesn't really want to put her hand on it and wait for him to kick anymore, but she will rub my belly.  She also will growl at my belly sometimes.  Weirdo!  I really do think that she is just going to love him to pieces when he comes out.

23 Weeks - Finally An Update

Boy oh boy (pun intended), have I been a slacker the past few weeks with the updates.  Things keep chugging right along with not a lot of things being different.  The bump is growing, as is evident in the picture.  A new edition?  The belly button.  Yes, my belly button has popped out this time and it really skeeves me out.  I don't know why, but I'm not a fan of it.  I'm wondering if it popped out this time because of the anterior placenta.

I'm up about 18 pounds now.  I'm also pretty sure that a good chunk of that is in my boobs.  :/  Overall, I feel pretty good, minus the round ligament pain.

I had an ultrasound and an OB check today.  I asked my OB about the pain and he said that it's common for the pain to be worse each time.  The little boy was breech with his legs folded up by his head.  Weirdo!  I'm not sure how that's comfortable, but he was seeming to enjoy it.  We even got to watch him drink some fluid, which was really neat.  My OB said that I'm measuring almost a week ahead.

I've started having a little heartburn every so often.  I've had to take a Tums once, but mostly it's just annoying at this point.

Drew and I are still talking about names, and we have not come any closer to deciding on one.  I'm sure, I hope, that we'll land upon something one day, much like we did with Annelise.

The baby's crib and dresser have arrived and are sitting in our dining room waiting for his room to be cleaned out and painted.  We've already installed the closet organizer.  I have bought a few items of clothing, but I have a shopping trip planned for this Saturday with a friend and plan on buying lots of new things for both Annelise and the new baby.  The only other big thing that we need to buy is the mattress for the crib.  I also plan on doing that soon.

I ordered some new sibling and big sister books for Annelise to help her get ready for the baby.  I know that we still have quite a few weeks, but it's a good idea to work on getting Annelise prepared, even though I know that nothing will truly prepare her.  I'm honestly really glad that this baby is due in the summer when it's going to be nice out.  I think that it'll be very important for Annelise to get some one-on-one dates with both Drew and myself and that will be a lot easier when the weather is nice.

Overall, I'm just moving right along over here.  It really is crazy how different everything is when it's not the first baby.  I felt like there was so much I had to do when I was pregnant with Annelise.  And there was!  This time is so much more laid back and almost less stressful.

20 Weeks - Half Baked

Half way to 40 weeks!  Although, if I'm being honest, I really hope that this one comes without an eviction and sooner than Annelise did.  Not too much sooner, but a little bit sooner.  It will be July after all!

It's been a quiet week after the events of last week.  Thankfully, the bleeding stopped on Monday and hasn't returned.  Praise the Lord!  I have had an incredible amount of pain; what I'm assuming and what my OB has told me is round ligament pain.  There are times when I can barely get off the couch it hurts so badly.  When I do finally manage to make it up, I walk all hunched over.  I definitely don't remember being in this much pain last time.

Drew and I ordered the crib yesterday.  We absolutely love it, and it's completely different from what we picked for Annelise.

It's a blackish, brownish, grayish color, sort of rustic in a way.  It converts to a toddler and a full size bed.  We also plan on ordering the long dresser that matches it, probably tomorrow when my coupon becomes valid.  Our hopes is that the furniture that we've bought Annelise and this baby will last them until they decide to buy furniture of their own.  Annelise's is still in great shape, minus some animal claw scratches on her bed.

I have felt movement like crazy since my appointment last week.  It amazes me how I've gone from feeling practically nothing, to movement all the time.  It's definitely reassuring.

I'm up about 14 pounds at this point.  I was starting to think about walking on the treadmill some before all these problems came up, and now I'm scared to do anything.  I have another ultrasound on March 13th, so hopefully I can get the okay to do some light walking, maybe some yoga.  I'm not totally against gaining weight, I know that happens, I just want to be healthy and not look like a swollen blimp come July.

Drew and I laid in bed the other night and began discussing baby names.  The conclusion?  There isn't much we agree on.  I have a feeling that this kid might be nameless until the birth certificate lady walks into my hospital room!  There are names that I like that Drew is mulling over, but I'm not really crazy about anything that he's suggested.  I'm not trying to be difficult, they just aren't anything I love.  We probably need to write names down and see how we like them on paper and let them sit with us for a little bit.  I'm sure that we'll eventually land on the perfect name.  We did land upon Annelise out of nowhere!

19 Weeks - Good News Bad News

Hitting 19 weeks have proven to be quite eventful!  Last night, I was complaining to some friends about some belly pain that I was having.  It was right around my belly button, and it would hurt more if I pushed on it, but occasionally, it would hurt without any pressure.  Most of them said that it was probably some round ligament pain, wasn't that big of a deal, but to call my OB in the morning.  I didn't think it was RLP, because I know what that feels like and this pain is different.  Regardless, I knew that I'd be calling my OB in the morning.

I woke up and made my way to the bathroom (of course) and discovered that I was bleeding.  Cue slight panic.  This was right around 8:30 AM.  My OB's office didn't open until 9 AM, so I hopped in the shower and began getting ready.  I called the office as soon as they opened and informed the receptionist that I was bleeding.  She asked how far along I was, and after I told her 19 weeks, she put me on hold to grab my chart and the nurse.  Once the nurse got on, I informed her that I was bleeding, but it was only brown, which isn't as alarming.  Still something to be concerned about, but not horribly alarming.  She told me to relax for the rest of the morning and to come in at 1 PM, where I would have an ultrasound and my OB would check me.

Once I got there, Sue, the u/s tech, took me back to the u/s room.  Since I was there, and I was 19 weeks, she went ahead and did the anatomy scan that was scheduled for two weeks from today.  Baby was in a great position.  The good news is that the baby looks perfect.  Heart, brain, bones, kidneys, everything looks just as it should.  Even my placenta and cervix looked great.  So, what's the deal with the bleeding?

The bad news?  I have an intrauterine synechiae.  This is scarring on my uterus that may or may not be what's causing the bleeding.  This scarring can pull on the placenta and cause a placental abruption.  Some complications can arise during delivery if the placenta doesn't detach and deliver properly.  If that's the case, my OB will have to do a D&C to remove it, and possibly a hysterectomy if the situation gets very complicated.  This has deemed me high risk.  We will have ultrasounds at least every four weeks to monitor this synechiae and the placenta.

I have been instructed to take it easier.  That is complicated with a toddler.  But, I have been trying to not lift her unless absolutely necessary and to rest as much as I can.  At this point, if something were to happen to the placenta, it would be a miscarriage.  The baby is still too little to be saved.  We have to make it to 24 weeks, which is Viability.  I'm assuming that if things continue to look precarious, then more precautions will be enforced then.  At this point, it's lots of prayers and rest to make it at least 5 more weeks without any issues.

Other than all of that, everything else is good.  I did find out that I have an anterior placenta, which explains why I haven't felt much movement.  That was reassuring.  Baby was moving like crazy during the scan.  Then, almost as if to rest any fears that I was having, I felt outside kicks tonight.  It was like my baby was trying to reassure me that everything would be ok.

I did find out the sex of the baby during the scan.  I called Drew as soon as I left the office to let him know how the appointment went since he couldn't come because Annelise was napping.  One of the first questions was whether it was a boy or girl.  I want to tell a few more family members in person before we share here or on social media.  I promise that I'll spill the news in a week or two.

To make up for it, here's an adorable profile shot of our little one.

18 Weeks - Getting Started

I've thoroughly procrastinated long enough; it's time to get the weekly recaps started!  At this point, half the time I think, "I can't believe I'm 18 weeks already", and the other half of the time I think, "I'm only 18 weeks, I still have so far to go".  I am definitely larger this time around.  The bump emerged a lot faster.  I just chalked it up to the fact that everyone says that you show faster the second time around.  But, at my doctor's appointment last week, my OB said that he thinks this baby will be bigger than Annelise.  When I asked why, he said, "Well, you're measuring bigger.  Don't you feel bigger?"  Well gee doc, I certainly didn't feel like a fatty until you mentioned it.  I've gained 12 pounds so far.  I figured that I will probably gain more this time because I wasn't so sick like I was last time.

Speaking of that, I have felt pretty darn good so far this time.  I've only puked once, and that was because I gagged myself too much while brushing my teeth.  Pretty good, right?  I still do get nauseous, but it's mainly only when I'm hungry and need to eat.

Physically, I still feel ok.  I wake up sore from sleeping in a stationary position.  Mainly it's my back and shoulders.  I can definitely tell that I have a small bump when I get up from a sitting position.

When I was pregnant with Annelise, we had the crib ordered at this point, and names were being discussed regularly, and I was researching baby products like it was my job.  This time?  We've casually looked at cribs once while strolling through Babies R Us, and we've only tossed around a few names.  It's so crazy how laid back it is.  I'm sure that once I have the anatomy scan at the end of the month, and we find out the sex of baby, that I'll kick it into overdrive and begin buying and planning like crazy.

Annelise is obsessed with the baby.  She is always pointing at my belly and saying "baby", and she'll rub it and give it kisses.  When we went for our first ultrasound with my OB, as soon as he put the picture up on the screen, she pointed and said "baby.  So, I feel like she gets somewhat.  I hope that her love for the baby continues once the baby is actually here.

A couple of weeks ago, we made the plunge and became a minivan family.  So far, we love it and haven't really had any complaints.  I think that I'll love it even more once I have two kids to load inside of it.

While we were at the car dealership, I'm pretty sure that I felt movement for the first time.  I had thought that I had felt some, but nothing that I could definitely pinpoint.  They were all so tiny and would only be one bump, maybe two.  This time, I'm fairly certain that I felt baby.  Since then, I've felt more of what I'm assuming to be the baby.  But, nothing that I am absolutely positively definite about.  I can't wait to feel movement consistently.  This waiting is nerve wracking!

I think that I've mainly put off doing these updates because I haven't had much to talk about.  Hopefully I'll have more fun updates as the weeks tick by.

Expecting #2

So, I'm pregnant again!  I can't believe that it's been two months since I've last blogged.  There really isn't any excuse for it, just pure laziness.  So, let's recap what's been going on.

After lots of discussion, Drew and I did decide to do a transfer last year.  October 24, 2013 to be exact, one day before our five year anniversary.  At the end of the day, we just didn't really want to wait.  There was no guarantee that things would be easy and that there wouldn't be problems, so we figured that now (then) was just as good a time as any.  

We did have a few speed bumps along the way before we got to the actual transfer.  At one of my baseline ultrasounds, Dr. D was checking my uterus, tubes, and ovaries.  He saw some cysts on my ovaries, which I mentioned on another post, but then he also saw something in my fallopian tube.  He said that it might be a hydrosalpinx, which could cause some issues with a pregnancy.  He couldn't be certain without further testing.  After some discussion with Drew, and some more discussion with Dr. D, we decided to just leave it alone and pray for the best.  I started taking Estradiol and progesterone in oil injections and prepared for the transfer.

Drew, Annelise, and I all drove into the lab that we use in Chicago on October 24th.  When they called us back, the nurse informed me that children weren't allowed back in the room.  I was beyond angry.  No one ever told me that children weren't allowed, and I was always able to bring Annelise to any appointment that I had at my RE office.  So, Drew took Annelise outside to wait and I went back to the room by myself.  I sat there on the verge of tears the whole time.  I was so irritated that my husband wouldn't be able to be in the room when we transferred our embryo.  When the doctor came in to talk to me, she could see that I was upset and asked me what was wrong.  I told her everything and she really offered no sympathy.  Shortly before they were going to begin the procedure, the nurse came in and told me that she had looked for Drew because she was going to watch Annelise while Drew came back for the transfer, but she couldn't find him.  I later found out that he was near the parking garage letting Annelise play.  And, of course, I had awful reception in the room and could barely send or receive texts.  

Transfer went very well, my lining looked great, embryo was beautiful and was already hatching.  I spent the rest of the day at home resting.

I had my first beta on November 1st, and it was 88.9.  Officially pregnant!  Second beta was November 4th and had risen to 324!

Our first ultrasound was November 15th and we were able to see the beautiful flicker of the heartbeat.  Everything looked great!

I have felt wonderful this time around.  I've been nauseous some, but no puking!  I have been taking a Unisom every night before bed, and I really think that has helped my nausea.

Annelise will point to my belly and say "baby", and when we took her to my first ultrasound with my OB, as soon as Dr. M put the baby up on the screen, she pointed at it and said "baby".  Even now, every time she sees the ultrasound picture, she will say "baby".  I don't think she truly understands that there will be a new baby here in a few months.  But, I do think that she is going to absolutely love the new baby.  She is obsessed with babies.  I'm so excited to see her as a big sister.  I do have moments where I get a little sad knowing that my time with her as my only child is growing shorter and shorter.  I'm trying to soak up all the moments that I can, and Drew and I have some exciting trips planned for us to enjoy our last time as a family of three.

July 10, 2014

Here we go again!

Introducing....

Please meet my daughter, Annelise Jean.

She was born Monday, April 2nd at 6:27 PM. She weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces and was 20 3/4 inches long.

Drew and I are totally and completely in love with her and could not be any happier.

Overdue

I'm still pregnant.

I'm still pregnant and I really don't think this little lady has any intentions of going anywhere anytime too soon.

So, she's being evicted tomorrow.

I've been such a slacker on updates, but I'll make up for that now.  I had a doctor's appointment on Thursday.  First, I had an ultrasound to check on her growth.  They measured her at about 7 1/2 pounds.  Then, I met with the doctor.  He did an internal and gave me the (awful) news that I was only a fingertip dilated.  Yes, 40w1d and I was only a fingertip dilated.  Seriously body, you suck!

The plan was to send me over to the hospital that evening and start the induction process.  So, my doctor left the room to go call the hospital.  When he came back, he had some more (awful) news.  The hospital was full, so he couldn't send me over for an induction.  Just fabulous!!

So, he told me that I would go in Sunday night to start the induction process!  I am to check in at the hospital at 5:30 PM tomorrow.  They are going to start with some Cervadil and then we're going to go from there.

I won't lie, I was really disappointed as we left the doctor's office on Thursday.  I was so looking forward to having my daughter in my arms on Friday.  Drew and I have tried to enjoy our last few days of "freedom".  Now, I'm excited that tomorrow is finally the day that we will be on our way to meeting our daughter.

Maternity Pictures

I finally picked up the disc of maternity photos from Kristen, and so I thought I'd share some of my favorites here.  I had such a great time working with Kristen that we booked her to do our birth photography and our newborn pictures.

All of the following photos are courtesy of Photography by Kristen.

This one is one of my favorites!!  The hubs looks so handsome!

I was absolutely freezing in this picture!  She had a fan blowing on me and it was just torture.  But I thought the picture turned out so cool.

37 Weeks: Full Term

I seriously canNOT believe that I am full term today!  It's so surreal to me.  There were so many days that I cried and cried and never thought that I would be able to experience a pregnancy and have a child, and now, we're just a few short weeks away from meeting her.

I had a doctor's appointment last week and had my Group B Strep test done, and my first internal check.  The GBS came back negative.  The internal hurt like hell!  Doc said that my cervix was hard as a rock.  He did an ultrasound, and thankfully, she is head down.  So, that eliminates the need to have a c-section planned for this time.  Praise God!  He also thinks that I'm going to go past my due date.  Boo!  She is measuring in the 34th week, so we know that she's going to be little.  Otherwise, everything else looks great.

I had my first Non-Stress Test on Monday.  Basically, they hook me up to two monitors, one that measures contractions, and one that measures the baby's heartbeat.  Then, I sit there for awhile and push a button every time I feel her move.  Fun!  NSTs are pretty standard, and I'll probably have a few more before I deliver.  Unless I go early.

I can really tell that I'm getting down to the end.  My poor feet are so swollen!  On Monday, I couldn't fit into any of my shoes, so I had to wear socks and slip on sandals to the doctor's office.  Awesome, right?  I have since bought a couple of pairs of shoes to get me by.  My doctor isn't concerned about the swelling and just instructed me to watch my sodium intake and rest more with my feet up.  No problem!

Insomnia has hit and it sucks!  Usually, when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, I can fall right back to sleep.  Now, I struggle.  I laid awake the other night for three hours.  Ugh!  I keep telling myself that all of this is to prepare me for a newborn.

Her room is almost done!  We have a few more finishing touches and then I'll be sharing that.

Showered

Today was the baby shower for my side of the family and friends.  So many people came and we are so blessed!  Here are a few pictures from today.

Maya really likes this toy.  It's a My Pal Violet, and when I push the hands and feet, it talks and sings.  Maya will look at it and turn her head to the side, then try to bite at it.  It ought to be real fun to keep her away from all of the baby's toys!

Thank you to everyone who came and showered us with gifts.  We are so thankful and we are so blessed to have so many great people in our lives!

36 Weeks: Maternity Pictures

Today, Drew and I went and had my maternity pictures taken.  This subject has been quite the battle for us.  When I found out I was pregnant, and I knew that this one was going to stick around, I told him that I wanted maternity pictures from Bobbi and Mike.  I have been a fan of their work for ages now and I love, love, love every image that they post.  I even told Drew that the maternity session could be my anniversary, Christmas, birthday, and "push present".  He wouldn't go for it.  I agree that the session would have cost a little much, but I just wanted some great pictures.  Reluctantly, I let it go.

He told me to find someone local, so we began researching.  We found Kristen at Photography by Kristen and I loved what I saw on her website.  After a little chatting back and forth, and rescheduling, we were finally able to go today to take some pictures.

We had a great time and she was so sweet to work with.  Now, I just have to practice some patience until my photos are ready.  This is the part that I'm not so good at.

Tonight, we treated ourselves to massages.  I received a gift certificate from some wonderful ladies back when I had the miscarriage, and I've been waiting to use it.  I decided that now was the perfect time since I'm starting to feel sore.  I had a prenatal massage and Drew got a deep tissue.  Honestly, it was just ok.  I mean, don't get me wrong, it felt great to have someone rub my back, but I was hoping to feel better than I do afterwards.  I think I really just wanted some more pressure, especially on my lower back and feet.

No belly picture this week.  I'll share my maternity photos when I get them.

35 weeks: 35/35

33 weeks

34 weeks

35 weeks

This week marks 35 weeks, 35 (ish) days to go!  I can't believe that I've finally hit this milestone.  It seemed so far away in the beginning and I felt like I would never make it.

Physically, I feel huge.  Everybody keeps telling me that I'm all belly and that if it wasn't for the belly (and boobs) nobody would be able to tell that I was pregnant.  I've noticed my hands, feet, and ankles swelling up some.  Actually, I had a discussion with Drew the other day about whether my ankles were swollen or fat.  My vote was fat, his was swollen.

I've gained 27 pounds so far, and my poor feet can feel it!  I can also feel it when I try to put my socks and shoes on.

My belly button is so ready to pop out.  Every week, when we take my belly picture, I always say that next week my belly button will be popped out.  I can't believe that it hasn't done it yet.

Her movements are absolutely crazy at this point!  I am always wincing as she stretches and rolls around, and my belly contorts into the weirdest shapes as she moves.  As painful as it is, it's amazing too!  I've been able to feel her hiccup for quite a few weeks now.  Sometimes, I can even see my belly move with her hiccups.  Right now, her hiccups are the only way that I can tell if she's head up or down.

My sleep has been awful lately.  I truly believe that all the getting up in the middle of the night to pee is simply practice for when the baby actually comes.  Thankfully, I'm able to fall back to sleep quickly when I do wake up.

I have a feeling that the next few weeks are just going to fly by with all of the stuff that we have going on.  I am so anxious and excited to meet our little lady!

Baby Shower

My amazing sister-in-law threw me a fabulous baby shower today.  She started planning back at Thanksgiving, and when she came into town over Christmas, completed the remainder of it.  Once I heard that she wasn't going to be coming to the shower, I put my foot down and insisted on flying her up here so that she could be a part of what she planned.  It just didn't seem right that she did all of that work and then not be able to enjoy it.  So, Drew and I picked her up from the airport yesterday, and we just got back from dropping her back off there.  Yes, it was quite a quick trip.  But, the shower was amazing!

My sister was in charge of taking pictures, and she did a great job.  I have about a gabillion to choose from, but since I'm sure you don't want to be bored looking at all of them, I'll just share some that have a little story.

Drew's grandma gave me this quilt and told me that it was made by some women down in Florida where we like to go and vacation.

Drew's aunt made me a "Hooter Hider".  I'll use this when I nurse or pump if I'm in public and need to cover myself.  She also made one for Jessica when she had her baby shower and I loved it, so I am very honored that she made one for me.  I love that fabric that she chose!

This bag was filled with diapers and some baby wash and lotion and was a gift from Drew's cousin that lives in Africa.  This bag is crocheted from plastic bags!  Yes, plastic bags!!!  I was amazed when his aunt told me this.  There is a flower on the front of the bag that you can tell is made from plastic bag material, but you'd never be able to guess that the bag is made from plastic bags.  I love it!

This was one of Drew's quilts when he was a baby.  It amazes me what his mother has kept all these years. I think that Drew's daughter will love laying on there and looking at all the colors.

The cake matched the invitation perfectly!

We were showered with so many great gifts and our little lady is definitely spoiled!  We are so, so grateful!

32 Weeks: Growth Scan

Today, we had a growth scan at my doctor's appointment.  The little lady has been head down for every ultrasound, and yesterday, I know she was head down because I felt her have hiccups four times and each time I felt them down low.  But, wouldn't you know, she has decided to flip and is now breeched.  Oh joy! I'm not too worried about it at this point because I know that she still has quite a bit of time to flip back around.

The ultrasound tech took some measurements, and let us know that she is about 3 pounds 15 ounces.  I know to take this number as a grain of salt, because it's usually wrong.  She is in the 37th percentile right now.

The tech tried to take some 3D pictures since we didn't really get any good ones a couple of weeks ago, but again, we have a stubborn little lady on our hands.  She had her arms and legs in front of her face the whole time.  She's obviously camera shy!

After the ultrasound, Drew and I met with the doctor.  We talked about a c-section since she is breeched.  Basically, I have another ultrasound at 36 weeks to see if she has flipped, and also one at 38 weeks.  If she remains breech, I'll have a c-section on March 19th.  If she turns, my doctor will check me at my 38 week appointment, and if I am dilated at all, he will induce me.  If I am not dilated, he will let me go and check me again when he gets back from vacation.

It makes it very real to have a potential end date.  I know that she can still come any time between now and then, but it's still very surreal to have a possible birthday for this little lady.

At our childbirth class tonight, we got a tour of the labor and delivery floor at the hospital that we'll be delivering at.  The rooms are pretty big and have recently been remodeled.  I am very happy with the security that they have in place on the floor.  I feel like delivering there will be a positive experience.  Crossing my fingers that I get great nurses!

I ordered her baby book on Monday, and it arrived this afternoon.  I'm very happy with it!  I'll do a separate post on that soon.  I also ordered a quote for her nursery to put on the wall, but I'm still waiting on that.

Drew keeps telling me that he wants to put the bedding on her crib.  It's so cute how excited he is for that.  I have my first shower in about two weeks, so I'll probably wash the bedding after that.  Her room is slowly coming together and I hope to have it finished within the next few weeks.

Still basically feeling the same.  It's hard to move around and she always feels like she's trying to kick her way out of my belly.  I'm sure she's starting to run out of space in there!

31 Weeks: Feelin' the Burn

29 weeks

30 weeks

31 weeks

Ok, now that we're all caught up with the bump, let's talk other stuff.  I had a doctor's appointment a couple of weeks ago.  Everything looked and sounded great.  I've gained about 20 pounds so far and my fundal measurement has finally caught up.  While we were there, Drew asked them about doing a 3D ultrasound and they were going to get us right in, but the tech had an appointment, so we scheduled the ultrasound for the next week.

So, we went back the next week (which was last week) and had the 3D ultrasound done.  Unfortunately, the little lady is quite stubborn and feisty, just like her mama.  She refused to get into a good position for pictures.  The tech even sent us out to get lunch and come back with the hopes that she would move into a good position.  No such luck.  We did get a couple of pictures that were decent.  We go for our growth scan ultrasound next week, and the tech said that she would try to get some better pictures then.  Fingers crossed!

Our childbirth class has been so informative.  Last week, we learned all about the different stages of labor.  This week, we learned about pain meds.  I think that I'm slightly more terrified now that I have all of that knowledge.  We discussed narcotics, epidurals, and Cesarean sections.  She also showed us some different tools that the doctor may have to use such as the vacuum and the forceps.  I think that I may be scarred for life after seeing those forceps.  ::Shiver::

Physically, I'm starting to feel very big.  It takes me a little bit to get up from a sitting or laying position, and I usually have some groans that go along with me getting up.  I'm sure that I'll look back on this week when I'm further along and think that I was hardly big at all.  Ha!  I mentioned earlier that I've gained about 20 pounds, and I can feel it.  I think that the fact that my body has packed on so much weight in such a short amount of time is shocking it.  It's starting to be difficult to walk for any length of time because I'm not used to all the extra weight.  I can tell that Drew gets a little irritated when I have to sit down, but he's really understanding because he can tell that it's a lot for me to adjust to.

It's so adorable to catch him looking at my belly.  He really wasn't too attached to the pregnancy in the beginning, but since I've sprouted this lump in the front, he's really opened up to it.  He still gets freaked out when he feels her move.  I'll lay in bed at night and point to a spot where she has a body part sticking out and he'll push there a little bit and then get freaked out when she moves it away.  It's so funny!

Speaking of those body parts, I swear that she is trying to bust out of my belly sometimes.  I'm constantly putting my hands on my belly and telling her to keep her arms and legs inside the ride at all times.  Her movements have gotten strong!  I find myself wincing or gasping sometimes because it hurts.  I still love feeling her move, but I'm convinced that my insides are black and blue from her movements.

The heartburn!  Oh the heartburn!  This started with a vengeance a couple of weeks ago.  Milk didn't touch it and it made me extremely nauseous.  I actually called up Drew, crying, and begged him to come home.  I don't know why; it's not like there was anything he could have done to help me.  The next night, I made a trip to go get some Tums after I got heartburn, but it must have been too late because the Tums did nothing for it.  It's been better lately, and I know to take some Tums if I feel like I'm starting to get heartburn.  Maybe this means our little lady will be born with some hair after all?

I feel like I may be having some Braxton Hicks, but I'm not certain.  The nurse said that my belly would get rock hard, and while it definitely feels hard, I don't know if it's rock hard.  I feel like my belly gets tight, but it's never really painful, just uncomfortable.  It's hard to tell if it's a contraction or if it's little body parts.  I really wish I knew.

According to the app on my phone, the little lady is about 16 inches in length and weighs about 3.3 pounds.  I'm curious to see about what she actually is when we go for our ultrasound next week.