Elliott's Birth Story...

8:30 Saturday morning, 2.23.13, I woke up with what I was sure was more braxton hicks. Since the hubby worked until 3:00AM I decided to get up and go into the living room and lay on the couch. I figured just by getting up and going into the living room they would either go away or lighten up. Nope! So I began to time them...6 minutes apart. The first thing that came to mind was: Hmmm...I should probably take a shower if we are going to go to the hospital. I called my dad to make sure he could meet us at the hospital to take Ethan back to his house. Thankfully his plans had changed for the day and he was available. I then went in to wake up Michael and told him I was going to jump in the shower but that I thought it was time to head to the hospital. He is so laid back (and partially exhausted still) he said, "Ok, do you think there's time for me to jump in the shower after you get out"? I said sure...you can do that while I'm getting Ethan up and ready.

During my shower my contractions were getting stronger and were now 2-3 minutes apart. I had been checking myself for several weeks and decided to check myself while in the shower. I couldn't feel anything...I was suddenly pissed. I was sure that if I was in labor that my cervix would be low and now it was so high I couldn't feel anything. I guess that's what one thinks when someone who doesn't really know the process the body goes through during labor. I get out and start expressing my frustration to Michael, he tells me I need to just relax and we would see what the nurses would say when we got to the hospital. Ugh! I hate it when he's right. ;) I got myself ready and then proceeded to get Ethan up. It was going to be a breakfast in the truck kind of day...he was pretty excited.

Thankfully the truck was already loaded with everything we needed...including a trash liner and towels on the seat. ;) By the time we left the house it had been 45 minutes since I began timing the contractions. They were VERY uncomfortable at this point and I was mentally trying to prepare for the fact that it was going to be a LONG hour and fifteen minute ride to the hospital. I brought along a pop tart to eat but couldn't even think about eating by this point. I was timing the contractions with an app on my phone and within 10 minutes of being on the road they were 2 minutes apart and lasting 45 seconds - 1 minute long.

Of course we hit every light red and there were lots of slow drivers out, most of which needed to turn off onto side roads in front of us, causing lots of starting and stopping/slowing down. I was tested to the limit as I had to maintain self control since Ethan was in the back seat. I was experiencing mainly back pain which made being uncomfortable even worse. At that point, Ethan's car seat was behind my seat so I couldn't recline my seat, which I was sure would have helped. I just kept alternating grabbing the center console and hubs hand. Bless hubby's heart...he just kept saying, "You're doing great, babe. I promise I will get you to the hospital". I teasingly said, "before or after the baby gets here". It felt good to laugh and sorta joke in such a trying time.

The plan was to meet my Dad at the front door and he would just take our vehicle to his house with Ethan, that way we wouldn't have to get Ethan out. So we pulled up to the front door and my Dad came out with a wheelchair. I was so ready to get out of the truck but I wasn't so sure I wanted to sit any longer. One thing about it, in that moment I didn't have time to get emotional about leaving Ethan...which was a good thing. I hugged and kissed him, telling him how much I loved him and told him that Gramps (which is what he calls my dad) would bring him back to see mommy and daddy and Elliott. He was so excited to get to spend time with Gramps, I dont' think he even really listened to what I was telling him. :)

Michael wheeled me through the door and I decided I wanted to walk. ((probably not my smartest decision)). We made the 25 foot jaunt to the elevators. Once the doors closed I had to get down on all fours to get through the contractions. Thankfully no one else was on the elevator with us. The doors opened on the 5th floor and the 200 foot walk to the the check in window seemed a mile away. I told Michael, walking was probably only making things worse. He said we are almost there babe...you got this. I was glad he had confidence in me...I wasn't as sure as he was. I kept thinking to myself, "Please just let me be dilated to a four so they will keep me, please don't let them send me home".

We got to the check in window and they asked "Can I help you". I responded with "I think I'm in labor". They handed me a form to fill out and before I could even write my name I had to drop to the ground again. I think the nurses and staff realized I was serious. The next thing I knew they were trying to get me up to get me back to a room. The contraction finally subsided and I was able to get up. The nurses were rushing me to a room, walking faster then I really cared to go but I couldn't wait to get into a bed and finally be able to lay down. The nurses were actually assisting me in getting my clothes off and into a gown. I barely got my 'outer' clothes off before I was having another contraction so I laid down on my side on the bed. A nurse said she was going to check me and I began begging her to wait until after the contraction. She said it was important for her to do it now and to "just relax". I almost laughed when she said it but instead I tightened up and it was literally like a tug-a-war between me trying to keep my legs together and her trying to get them apart. Needless to say she won. What she said next I was in no way prepared for...she spoke the words no person with minimal pain tolerance wants to hear..."only a rim and +2". After hearing those words the stark reality suddenly hit me. I knew exactly what that meant...no time for any kind of drug. They immediately wheeled me into a delivery room and on the way a nurse shouted out, "does anyone even know her name". Thankfully my ever so cool, calm and collected hubby was right there to answer and also advised them of who my doctor was. I could hear him behind me the whole time, saying, "I'm right here baby...you're doing great...I love you so much". I could hear his voice changing, knowing that even though I couldn't see him, there were tears welling up in his eyes.

During the trip to the delivery room I said to the nurse, "but my water hasn't broke". She said to me, "that's the only thing holding that baby in". After getting into a delivery room...of course another contraction. They wanted me onto the delivery bed and were going to wait until the contraction subsided until I spoke the dreaded words, "I think I'm shi**ing my pants". I didn't know what else to say...even though I knew I wasn't wearing any pants. lol. The nurses decided there was no time to wait so heave hove, they scooped me up and put me onto the delivery bed. By this time my hubby was on the other side waiting to greet me with a kiss on the forehead. He whispered in my ear, with tears running down his cheek and onto mine, "Baby you are doing so awesome...we are going to meet our little man very soon". Then he prayed. ((Just reliving these moments while typing this is bringing tears to my eyes)). There was so much commotion going on and I remember asking over and over, "can I please get some drugs?". [[cricket cricket]] No one would respond to me, so I knew what that meant. However I was like a broken record...anytime anyone would come near me, I had to ask again. I'm sure the nurses just loved me.

I was still on my side and the nurses were so nice to work around me and let me be in what ever position I was most comfortable in. The nurse who put my IV in was even standing behind me and some how managed to get it in without me really even realizing it...which it's not like I didn't have anything else on my mind. A male doctor soon entered the room and introduced himself and said they had paged my doctor but if I progressed before she got there he would be there to deliver Elliott. I remember thinking I wish he would stop talking so I can just ask him if I could get some drugs. I think I finally interrupted him and asked...he to gave me the silent treatment. During that split silence I thought to myself, gosh I don't even care that you are a dude. lol.

Even though I was in crazy pain everything was happening so fast...including the contractions. I was still saying I felt like I was shi**ing my pants and that I wanted to push. A nurse humored me and lifted my sheet and looked at my hubby and said, "She's not shi**ing". lol. In unison several nurses said at the same time, "if you feel you need to push, go ahead and push". It never felt so good to "push". The next thing I know I hear a very familiar voice come through the door. My doctor actually made it. She was her chipper self and clapped her hands and said, "Lets have a baby". I was so not in the mood for chipper but I was never so happy to hear her voice. Of course the first thing out of my mouth was..."I really want some drugs". Finally a nurse acknowledged me and whispered in my ear...honey it's to late...drugs aren't going to help at this point...lets get this little guy out and you won't need any drugs. Oy!! I was basically slapped in the face with reality and realized why everyone had been ignoring me all this time.

My doctor said I needed to roll over onto my back...which was the last thing I wanted to do...so the nurses assisted. Off came the end of the bed, up went my legs and the doctor broke my water. Then "Push" when you're ready, was all I heard. So pushing is what I did. My best friend, support person, life coach and husband was right there cheering for me the entire time. Every time he spoke, a sense of peace and confidence came over me. I was so worried about shi**ing everywhere it was affecting my pushing so finally I decided, phewy I don't even care anymore...if I shi* everywhere, then I guess I will just shi* everywhere. Once I let my worries go within two pushes, Michael looks down and says, "there is our sweet baby's face". The doctor said one more push and he will be here. I pushed like I had never pushed before and there before my eyes was my precious baby boy. "I did it, I did it, I did it". I couldn't believe I had actually done it. He was perfect. Hubby had his arm wrapped around Elliott and myself and we all just cried. Within minutes of him being placed on my chest, time almost seemed to stop and I wanted to soak up every second of that moment. I was in a state of shock and complete euphoria. Everything couldn't have gone better.

I'm not going to lie...after he was born and the doctor "finishing up" was by far the worse part. The actual delivery was no where near as bad as I would have thought it was going to be. On that note, it would not be something I would want to experience again...the all natural thing that is. I prefer the relaxed setting and getting to enjoy the process. From the time we arrived to the hospital till the time he was born, was less then 25 minutes. I had prayed to God throughout my pregnancy, that I wanted to be more present in the delivery and for Him to grant me peace and strength to do so. Boy did He ever answer that prayer. ;) I should have specified exactly what I meant by 'more present'. lol.

Elliott was having a hard time keeping his temperature up so I got lots of skin to skin time before they scooped him up to take him to nursery. During our 'recovery' time we started calling and texting everyone to let them know our sweet baby boy was here and healthy. It was nice to finally see the faces and learn the names of the staff who were a part of our wild and crazy journey. The staff at Mercy Hospital were amazing!!

He was born at 10:49 AM on Saturday, 2.23.13. Weighing 6 pounds 11 ounces and 20 inches.

Minutes old

My perfect family

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.