Catch up...

Well life got hectic and I have totally been slacking in the blog area...sorry.  This post will be a summary of events that led up to the birth of our little Elliott. His birth story will be in post all it's own. :)


Towards the end of my 36th week we went to L&D because of the contractions I was having. They had been constant all day and were progressively getting stronger and were 8-10 minutes apart. The contractions weren't unbearable but were definitely getting uncomfortable. Called my MIL to come watch Ethan and I bawled like a baby. The thought of that possibly being the last time I saw him as my only child was a tad overwhelming. I got myself together and we headed to L&D. Got all hooked up and could definitely see the contractions occurring at regular intervals. The nurse checked me and I was no different then I was early in the week at the doctors office. Boo!! She spoke with the 'on staff OB' and he said to give me some drug, that I don't even remember the name of, and to send me home. The nurse said the drug was to calm my uterus down and unless I couldn't talk through the contractions that I shouldn't come back. I was LIVID!!! First of all...I refused the drug because I felt it was totally unnecessary, not the mention my doctor said if I went into labor she wouldn't do anything to stop it. She also said if the contractions were 8-10 minutes apart to come in...no questions asked. So we left and walked around at the mall for almost 2 hours and since the contractions weren't getting any stronger we went home.

At our 37 week appointment I was still measuring behind so we had another ultrasound to check fluid levels. Despite measuring 6 weeks behind everything looked good. I was still measuring the same, despite the non stop braxton hicks contractions I was having. They were happening so much that I was getting charlie horses in my stomach muscles. Not. Fun. At. All.

Made it to our 38 week appointment and by this point I was so frustrated with my body. I felt like I didn't know it at all. Even though I was miserable, I was okay with still being pregnant, especially since I was still measuring behind but I couldn't understand why I was progressing with all the braxton hicks I was having. My appointment was on Wednesday, 2.20.13 and my doctor said we could be induced the following week. She tried to schedule me for Monday, 2.25.13 but the hospital was booked full, so she scheduled us for Thursday, 2.28.13.

On Friday, 2.22.13, the nurse called me and said someone had delivered, so I was not scheduled for 7:00 AM on Monday morning. I couldn't believe it...I was so excited...We were finally going to meet our sweet lil man. That night I made a list of all the things I wanted to make sure to get done that weekend so we would be ready to go on Monday morning.

Everything changed when I woke up Saturday morning...

To Be Continued...

Over joyed...

Well we had our growth ultrasound and weekly appointment on Wednesday. We had our ultrasound first, and it couldn't have gone better. Our appointment was right after lunch so I figured he would be very active but to our surprise, he snoozed the majority time. We were told at this point they like the babies to be in the 50th percentile and our little guy is measuring in the 30th percentile...weighing approximately 5 lbs 15 oz. She said even though he is on the "small side of normal", there's nothing to really worry about. We talked about Ethan and the fact that his weight at birth was in the 10th percentile and he was considered "full term" when I had him at 38 weeks. I guess we just make small babies. :) Everything else looked great. What an answered prayer!!

Of course everything is so squished, it was hard for me to tell what all we were looking at. Then to our surprise, the tech changed the screen to 3D. Squee...I was so shocked. Tears were running down both of our faces. Since this was an 'extra' ultrasound and not usually included, even though it was 'medically necessary', I wasn't sure if we would get any pictures. After the tech was done she said she would go get us 'a picture'. She then came back and handed us 7 pictures...all of them in 3D and one profile shot in 2D. I couldn't wait to show him off. He looks so much like his daddy. :)

Our weekly OB appointment was right after the ultrasound and of course my doctor was running behind, due to an emergency C-section. At check in we were told she was behind by an hour. UGH!! At least I had so pretty awesome pictures to look at to help pass the time. :) Our doctor ended up making up some time and got us in only 30 later then our scheduled appointment. Even though she was obviously busy and was trying to see as many patients as she could because she had another patient who was currently in labor at the hospital, so she was trying to do what she could before she called away again.

She did my group B test and then checked me. I'm dilated to 2cm and 70% effaced and 'very soft'. I am still measuring behind so she said to me, "I have no idea where you are keeping all this baby". lol. We went over all my questions and concerns, we showed off our pictures and then she was on her way.

Now ready more then ever to hold our precious baby boy in my arms.

36 weeks
 

Tested...

My heart is heavy and I am relying on my faith more then ever right now. Everything has always gone smoothly, with this pregnancy and with Ethan, so when we received unexpected news, my heart just dropped. As a mom, it is my job to protect my babies and right now I feel like I'm failing, or rather my womb is failing.

We went to our appointment on Wednesday, at 35 weeks. After my last appointment and already dilating, my mind started racing with 'must do's'. Since we are delivery at a different hospital this time, it's like going through this for the first time...so many unknowns. So I took my trusty steno pad with my list of questions, concerns and delivery expectations all written out. Thinking I had everything covered, I was so shaken when she advised she wanted me to have another ultrasound.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to see our sweet boy again before he makes his arrival but not because there is a concern. The Dr. pulled out her measuring tape and readjusted several times. She started pressing around on my belly and then measured again...and again..and again. She then said you are measuring behind and we need to get another ultrasound to check and make sure everything is ok. She said Elliott and really low so that is more then likely why but she wants to make sure. She then pulled out the doppler and his heart rate was much slower then normal. My heart just sank. I was completely caught off guard. He has been so active I never in a million years expected there to be a problem.

I was so confused as to how he could be measuring on target up until this point and now all of a sudden he's not. Well, it could be several different things: (a) he's low in my pelvis (this option gets my vote), (b) my fluid is low, due to placenta issues, (c) he's not growing at the expected rate, which could be caused my cord issues.

I am doing my best to give my worry and concern over to the Lord. I would be lying if I didn't say I have spent several hours crying but I'm proud to say I have spent more hours praying. I know it is through the prayers and my faith that I am getting through this. I know there are much worse things that could occur and there are mothers who have been through so much more but for me this is a big deal. I am grateful the Lord does not discriminate, yet instead He loves and heals all...equally.

After some discussion, my Dr. wanted to check me. I have been praying like crazy for things not to change and progress until after Ethan's birthday party. She said I was still at 1cm but I was now 70% effaced. Oh boy, more anxiety. With Ethan, my doctor checked me and I was 3 cm and 70%...then less than 12 hours later I was in active labor. She did say my cervix was still posterior but that it could change in a matter of hours or stay that way for weeks. I'm hoping for the 'weeks' option. :)

In the meantime I will follow the doctor's orders and take it easy and drink more fluids. I am excited about seeing our lil man next week.

Any and all prayers are appreciated.

It's been awhile...

It's been awhile since my last post...life has been pretty busy. Looking forward to things finally slowing down in two weeks and hopefully staying that way for a few additional weeks.

Since my last post, my hubby and Ethan both had the flu. Hubby was down for about 5 days but only had a fever for 3. Ethan however was down for about 11 days and fought the fever for 9. It was awful and I am so thankful I got my flu shot. I wasn't sure I was going to get by without getting it because I got the shot only 3.5 weeks before they got the flu and I was coughed on for so many days...I really had my doubts but I made it. Since then they have both received the flu shot and we are hoping to not have to deal with it again. After the round of the flu, however, I ended up on antibiotics for a chest cold and the hubby ended up on antibiotics for tonsillitis. It's been a rough winter and we are all very ready for spring.

At my last doctors visit (which I as 33 weeks) I informed her of my new concerns. The contractions have gotten more regular and some even waking me up out of a sleep and some into my back....which really scared me because that was where I had my labor pains with Ethan. Not only all the contractions but the increased pressure and the fact that the contractions are affecting my bowels. She advised that all those symptoms were signs of preterm labor and that she wanted to go ahead and check me to see if my cervix was responding to anything. Well, of course it is...that's just how I roll. :) Thankfully I am not thinning out yet but am dilated to a 1. She advised to head to L&D if the contractions become 7-8 min apart for a least an hour. If they become consistent quicker then that or become more intense at any point I am to head to L&D. Great!! On a positive note, he is now head down so that made me feel better. It's scary to think that things are already in motion. I can not wait to hold him in my arms but I would really like him to wait a few more weeks before making his arrival.

I celebrated my 35th birthday last week and then had a little sprinkle for Elliott last weekend. I really enjoyed the sprinkle...it was a simple and intimate 'event' but full of fun and lots of laughs. I am so grateful for the friends and family that came to celebrate this precious little life. I was so glad my cousin offered to throw us the sprinkle. Even though we are having another boy and even though he is due around the exact same time of the year that his older brother was born, he still deserved for people to want to come together and celebrate his life. It fills my heart with joy when I think about the people in our life that are as excited about meeting him as we are.

I have been really busy getting everything ready for Ethan's 3rd birthday party coming up and have really pushed myself with getting other things done around the house. To the point where I may have pushed myself a little to far. This past Sunday afternoon I started having regular contractions, some not so fun. They continued for 6+ hours and then I thought maybe if I just got a good nights sleep they would subside and be better in the morning, so I went to bed.  They woke me up off and on that night and then when I got up yesterday, Monday, and they were still going. I was having approximately 6-8 an hour. They weren't getting any worse but the fact that they had been so consistent for so many hours had me worried. I called my doctor and she wanted me to go to L&D to be checked and monitored for a few hours. I was doing okay until the nurse says, "be sure and bring an overnight bag, she may want to keep you over night". I went into panic mode. I wasn't ready! Ethan was down for his nap so I wasn't even going to get to say good bye, nor was anything packed for the baby or us. We threw a few things in a bag and headed to L&D once my mother in law arrived to babysit. I felt in my heart that we were coming back home that night but it was still scary to think about how unprepared I was. After several hours on the monitor my doctor let me go home. I was having regular contractions but thankfully my cervix had not changed. My urine did show I was a "tad" dehydrated (not enough to need an IV) and that I had a mild UTI (not bad enough to need antibiotics). I was told to drink a minimum of 160 oz of water PER day otherwise the UTI could get worse, which could cause preterm labor.

I was so glad to be getting to go home and be there in time to tuck Ethan into bed and do our normal bedtime routine. Tonight I went on a 'preperation' frenzy. I got Elliott's diaper bag ready, the car seat ready, Ethan's "Big Brother" bag ready and packed our bag of essentials we would need but wouldn't miss for the next several weeks. At least this way if he decides to come early then we can take what we need and it would be easy for someone else to grab everything else...if needed.

My amazing hubby has now become a warden. He has set strict rules for me for the remainder of the pregnancy. I'm not happy about them but I know it's for the best. The hardest part is no shopping. Not that I want to go clothes shopping but I enjoy Ethan and I going shopping for groceries and/or necessities. I'm going to miss that, but like I said, I understand. It's also hard to not be 'allowed' to be helpful around the house. You would think I would like being told that I can't do laundry or clean up the kitchen. Nope...as a SAHM, those things are my job and not getting to do my job is hard to swallow. There are some days that I already feel like I don't contribute enough...this is not helping. I am trying to see it as a blessing and use the opportunity to spend more one on one time with Ethan. At least I'm 'allowed' to play with cars/trucks/tractors in the floor or play board games. :)  At the end of the day, I'm so blessed to have a husband who cares so much for me.

I love my life!!

Prayers!

We survived and had very merry Christmas.  The only part I really dread about the holidays is the increased risk of spreading illnesses. When I was 30 weeks pregnant with Ethan I was 'lucky' enough to get a nasty stomach bug that landed me a trip to L&D, where I received 3 bags of fluids and the news that the throwing up and dehydration caused my cervix to start dilating. I have prayed for months that myself and my family would remain healthy this holiday season. Well...it just wasn't in the cards for us this year. :(

My hubby was restless throughout the night on Christmas eve, so when we woke up Christmas morning and he was overly tired we just figured it was because he didn't get good sleep. As the day went on he grew more and more fatigue so by 3:00 he was beyond ready for nap. After we arrived at our second and final stop for the day, he went in and laid down sleeping for almost 2 hours. Once he got up and walked into the living room where we were all sitting it was very apparent that he didn't feel well. I touched his face and he was burning up...fever of 102.6 to be exact. I didn't want to go home until it came down since we were only 20 minutes from the hospital at that point and if we went home we would be an hour and fifteen minutes from the hospital. After dosing him up with Tylenol, putting him in quarantine down stairs, forcing fluids down his gullet and getting him to eat some jello then waiting 2 hours, his temp lowered to 100.5. We were confident it was going in the right direction so we made the trek home.

He slept all night but didn't feel much better today. His temp was back up to 101.5 so we started him back on the regime of Tylenol and decided he would not be going with me to my doctors appointment. I was full of mixed emotions. I knew he had no business going but he had gone with me to all my appointments, with this pregnancy and during the pregnancy with Ethan. I was confident everything would be ok but so many what ifs were going through my mind. Thankfully my mother-in-law was already planning on coming over to watch Ethan, so he was able to stay in bed and just focus on resting.

Meanwhile at the doctors office, after getting weighed in and situated in the room the nurse compared my numbers to two weeks ago and about came unglued when my weight showed I lost 6 pounds. LOL!! I explained how it had been entered wrong two weeks ago and she finally calmed down. Doctor measured me...right on track, listened to baby...healthy 160 bpm, great blood pressure...124/62. Then I told her I thought he had flipped and was currently in the breech position, so she said lets see. Sure enough, he has flipped. Great!! ::insert sarcasm:: Doctor is confident he will flip back but said she wouldn't get to concerned about it until 34 weeks. She said her concern is the fact that he is so low already and the strength of the contractions I'm having. They are not regular but they are intense and lasting a couple minutes at a time. When I told her about hubby being sick and asked what applied differently to me being pregnant then someone who wasn't. She said, if I was to get sick and my temp reached 102' then I was to go straight into L&D...no ifs, ands, or butts about it.

Then, this evening before Ethan and I could get through dinner, he told me he didn't feel well. I took his temp and sure enough...102.1. Ugh!! I hope he and the hubby get to feeling better ASAP and that I am lucky enough to not get sick at all. I ask for your prayers for not only that I stay healthy but that the contractions subside and I am able to continue this pregnancy for several more weeks.

Good results...

We had our doctor's appointment yesterday and all seems to be well. I had my glucose tolerance test so we had to get to the lab 15 min before my appointment so I could drink that oh so yummy drink (blahhh...so gross). After gagging it down we get signed in with our doctor and are informed she is running about 15 minutes behind. No biggie...that is normal for her. Our appointments go pretty quick once we are in the room so as long as I was able to get back to the lab within the hour I didn't mind the wait...I wasn't going any where anyway. 30 minutes passed and we were still waiting in the waiting room. Oy...it's going to be one of those days, I thought to myself. There is a 60" TV that sits on the check in counter and it has all the doctors in the clinic listed and shows whether they are on time or delayed, and if delayed by how long. Surprise surprise....my dr is now running 1 hour and 20 minutes behind. We figured she had a delivery. When my hour was just about up, we notified the front desk and ran back to the lab for my blood draw. Then back to the waiting room. (Come to find out their computer system was down, so they couldn't see any patients)

Finally they called my name and we were able to get on with the show. Got weighed in and then taken to my room. Blood pressure done. The nurse had my name labels which she writes my vitals down on and was entering stuff into the computer when I look down and see what she wrote my weight down as. Holy bug eyes!!! There is no way that is right. My blood pressure was a little low for me but I figured that was because I was feeling nauseous from the lovely glucose drink. After the nurse left the room I began my tirade about 'my weight'. This has been a topic for the past 3 months so I didn't want to seem crazy but there is just no way that is right. I weighed myself, fully dressed, before we left the house and our scale is always within a few pounds of the doctors office. Not 10 pounds different!!! My husband begged me not to say anything to the doctor and just let it play out in two weeks when we go back. I am preparing for the discussion in two weeks when it's going to look like I've lost weight. Ugh!

Since we had to wait so long to see the doctor the lab had completed my CBC and had the results entered into the computer. She said my iron showed in the 'abnormal' range (low) but the 'normal' range is for non pregnant and being pregnant it can be 'one point lower'. So then it should be between 11-? (I can't remember what the top number is). Mine is 11.7 so right now I don't have to take an iron supplement, like I had to do with Ethan. Also, my RBC, hematocrit and lymphocytes are low and my neutrophil absolute is high. My dr didn't seem to concerned about anything but in my 'professional' observation/opinion it seems like I may be getting ready to get sick and that my body is trying to fight it off already.

Doctor checked my belly and baby is head down. I was pretty sure of that since my ribs have become like a soccer ball. The other night he was very active so I had the hubs put his fingers on my belly, where all the action was going on. It was so funny, as Michael would push on my belly, Elliott would kick back..this went on for a couple minutes. All I could think about was how this could be a sign of how his personality is going to be...the 'don't push me or tell me what to do' kind. lol!

I am basically done with shopping for Christmas, with the exceptions of some 'bag filler' aka candy. I have one thing to make for Ethan then I'm all done!! Woo hoo!!

I close with my monthly belly pic.

Hello 3rd Trimester!!

Well here I am...rounding 3rd base, heading towards home (aka baby). So excited!

I would be lying if I didn't admit to having my panic moments but all in all, I can't wait to hold my precious lil guy in my arms. I love carrying my babies in my womb and I love holding them in my arms, it's the process from point a to point b that gets me. Even though I've been through this once and had a basic text book perfect labor and delivery, all the unknowns get my heart racing. I'm confident everything will be just fine, yet it's still unnerving to think about the process to get my little guy in my arms.

During our labor and delivery tour we learned that we would be in "recovery" for 2 hours after delivery. Wow...we only had 1 hour with Ethan before they moved us to our post partum room. We know we want that first hour to be just the 3 of us. That time is so precious and can never be gotten back. We used that time with Ethan to nurse and just spend time being a family. I savored every minute we had and can still remember it like it was yesterday. Elliott deserves that same time. We decided during the 2nd hour we wanted Ethan to come in and us spend time as a whole family. They will not let Ethan in the 'recovery' room without another adult in the room, so someone can help with him and still allow hubby to tend to me and the baby. We figured there would be no way to pick just one person to come in with him, so family and friends will get to take turns coming in to 'help' and meet our new bundle.  Obviously if I deliver in the wee hours of the morning, Ethan will meet his brother after he gets up. :)

I have been feeling pretty good. I have completed my 6 weeks of physical therapy on my back and it feels awesome. I am truly amazed at the difference it made. My nose bleeds are better, minus the one I had yesterday, but it wasn't to bad. I now have a head cold so that is making things interesting. I refuse to blow my nose on the side that is prone to the bleeds but thankfully the congestion and pressure hasn't been to bad. I had some fairly painful round ligament pains earlier in the week. Followed by a pain in my groin that hurt so bad I couldn't hardly walk. I'm guessing he is having a growth spurt and my body is just trying to keep up. Who knows!?! I also started having braxton hicks, which I am not to excited about. I didn't have them this early with Ethan and since my body knows what to do already, I don't like having them at this stage. Just one more thing to think and worry about. I increased my fluid intake and it has seemed to help. Of course that means I've increased my trips to the bath room too. lol.

We had our family/maternity pictures taken. Things didn't go exactly as planned but I am loving how they turned out. Here's a few: