Check this out...my sister, Sarah, posted this on her blog about what her daughter had to say after feeling her baby move. (She's 21 weeks pregnant today!) It is so cute, I had to share:)
It was the cutest thing this morning. I was laying in bed and the baby started moving around and I called Noah in - she's been waiting for this moment for a while. She came in laid down on the bed next to me and put her hand on my tummy. Sure enough, he gave her a big ol' kick! She was so surprised and said, "He's probably trying to figure out how to get out of there and saying LET ME OUT OF HERE!". I said, "Well it will probably take him until about 40 weeks to figure out how to get out of there." Right away she said, "Yeah, unless he's really smart like Aunt Julie's baby!" **grin**
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Another Trip...
Last night at 2am I got up to take my meds as usual...by 2:30 I started having contractions. They were every 8-10 minutes for an hour, then they got closer together over the next half hour. They were every 5 minutes when I called the doc at 4am, and of course, he said to go right in to labor and delivery. So I called my friend to come over to stay with the kids and we left.
They hooked me up to the monitor right away and the contractions were every 3 to 5 minutes. My doc wasn't available over the weekend so we got the doctor on call. He ordered a fetal fibronectin test which can predict your chance of going into labor over the next 2 weeks, as well as a urine culture. The nurse also checked my cervix, which hadn't changed, thankfully! The contractions continued for a couple hours and he didn't want to give me anything to stop them until the results of the tests came back.
It was frustrating because my doctor would probably not have done the fetal fibronectin test at all since he doesn't rely on them, and neither did our high risk ob that we had seen. He has been more aggressive at stopping the contractions, especially since he knows my cervix has recently changed with not many contractions at all. He would rather stop contractions than risk them changing my cervix more, since there's no way to know when that will happen, and because we don't want to have the baby for a couple more weeks! But since the results were negative for both tests, the doc on call just said I could go home. The contractions had slowed down, but they were still at the point where if I were at home that I should call! So I said, well, when do I come back then? The nurse said if I have them for 2 hours or more to call and come back in. So we went home.
I know my doctor would have kept me there a while longer until the contractions were slower, just to make sure. Being under the care of another doctor that is not as familiar with my history makes me nervous! I can't wait until Monday when my doc will be back around!
But for now, I am glad that the test was negative, that means I am unlikely to deliver in the next 2 weeks. Even though my doc would not change treatment based on that test, it is still somewhat reassuring. And after we got home, the contractions did slow down a little more. So hopefully things will stay settled down for a while yet...we shall wait and see, what more can we do?
They hooked me up to the monitor right away and the contractions were every 3 to 5 minutes. My doc wasn't available over the weekend so we got the doctor on call. He ordered a fetal fibronectin test which can predict your chance of going into labor over the next 2 weeks, as well as a urine culture. The nurse also checked my cervix, which hadn't changed, thankfully! The contractions continued for a couple hours and he didn't want to give me anything to stop them until the results of the tests came back.
It was frustrating because my doctor would probably not have done the fetal fibronectin test at all since he doesn't rely on them, and neither did our high risk ob that we had seen. He has been more aggressive at stopping the contractions, especially since he knows my cervix has recently changed with not many contractions at all. He would rather stop contractions than risk them changing my cervix more, since there's no way to know when that will happen, and because we don't want to have the baby for a couple more weeks! But since the results were negative for both tests, the doc on call just said I could go home. The contractions had slowed down, but they were still at the point where if I were at home that I should call! So I said, well, when do I come back then? The nurse said if I have them for 2 hours or more to call and come back in. So we went home.
I know my doctor would have kept me there a while longer until the contractions were slower, just to make sure. Being under the care of another doctor that is not as familiar with my history makes me nervous! I can't wait until Monday when my doc will be back around!
But for now, I am glad that the test was negative, that means I am unlikely to deliver in the next 2 weeks. Even though my doc would not change treatment based on that test, it is still somewhat reassuring. And after we got home, the contractions did slow down a little more. So hopefully things will stay settled down for a while yet...we shall wait and see, what more can we do?
Thursday, April 26, 2007
32 Weeks and Ultrasound
Two days ago we hit our big goal of 32 weeks! It is at this milestone that babies have a much lower risk of long term difficulties from being born too early. While this is a great point to be at, we still want at least two more weeks! It would mean the difference between leaving the hospital with Josie, or having to leave her there for a few weeks.
Yesterday we had an ultrasound to check on the size of the baby as well as cervical length...we got good news and bad news. Josie weighs appoximataly 4 pounds 10 ounces, which is just a little bit above average, so wonderful news! However, although I have not dilated past 1cm, my cervix has become very short. It measured about 3.5 cm at the last ultrasound but is now down to 1cm. I also have been feeling a lot of pressure and have been having a few more contractions lately, so the doctor hooked me up to the monitor for a little while. I had one contraction in about 15 minutes, so he sent us up to the hospital to be monitored for a few hours. I had around 4 to 5 contractions an hour for the first couple hours, then they picked up a little for long enough for me to need a shot of terbutaline. They took a couple hours to settle down, but did not come back after the terbutaline wore off so we got to go home around 6pm.
I'm so glad we didn't have to stay, but nervous that the time is near. It seems like the Procardia isn't working like it did for a while, which we were afraid of. I have strict orders to remain on bedrest and go in with more than 4 contractions in an hour. Just a couple more weeks...please!!
Yesterday we had an ultrasound to check on the size of the baby as well as cervical length...we got good news and bad news. Josie weighs appoximataly 4 pounds 10 ounces, which is just a little bit above average, so wonderful news! However, although I have not dilated past 1cm, my cervix has become very short. It measured about 3.5 cm at the last ultrasound but is now down to 1cm. I also have been feeling a lot of pressure and have been having a few more contractions lately, so the doctor hooked me up to the monitor for a little while. I had one contraction in about 15 minutes, so he sent us up to the hospital to be monitored for a few hours. I had around 4 to 5 contractions an hour for the first couple hours, then they picked up a little for long enough for me to need a shot of terbutaline. They took a couple hours to settle down, but did not come back after the terbutaline wore off so we got to go home around 6pm.
I'm so glad we didn't have to stay, but nervous that the time is near. It seems like the Procardia isn't working like it did for a while, which we were afraid of. I have strict orders to remain on bedrest and go in with more than 4 contractions in an hour. Just a couple more weeks...please!!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Josie's Room!
We had a wonderful weekend...thanks to those of you that came over and offered your time to help us get ready for the baby! Everything got crossed off of the list and it is such a relief to have all of those things done that I haven't been able to do. Not only is our house neater than I think I've ever seen it, but Josie's room is all ready for her!
Aunt Sonia did almost all of the painting, and Aunt Sarah sewed the curtains and quilt. Grandpa set up the crib and did numerous other projects around here. Grandma brought tons of food and did lots of laundry and cleaning. Uncle Jerry and Aunt Bonnie brought and prepared lunch. They also brought us a freezer that my parents no longer needed, and Jerry and Grandpa even put in an extra outlet in the garage for it! Jerry also helped Grandpa with his projects...oh, and he even knows his way around the kitchen...imagine that! Bonnie, and Sarah's friend, Stephanie worked hard at dusting, vacuuming, and scrubbing throughout the entire house! Thank you all soooo much for all of your hard work, we will surely never forget everything you did for us!
Here are some pictures of Josie's room...
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
31 Weeks!
Yesterday I hit 31 weeks! It has been an uneventful week, with very few contractions. I had a doctor's appointment today and I was in and out of there in a few minutes:) Nothing new to report. Next week we have an ultrasound to check on the size of the baby, so I'll have more news then. Let's hope for another boring week!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Daddy
So the other day after Brett had a doctor's appointment, he came home and told me all about an article he read in the waiting room about tips for parents with babies. He said he learned all about something where you wrap the baby up tight in a blanket and they like it. I said, "you mean swaddling?" He said, "yeah, that's it."
Then he proceeded to tell me about this carrier thing that you can put the baby in and carry her around the house with you as you do dishes, laundry, and whatever chores you have to do. He said how the baby likes to be close to you so if you use it they tend to cry less and are happier babies. I said, "you mean a baby sling that I told you about a few days ago when I mentioned I wanted to try one?" He said, "uh, yeah." Guess I know NOT to talk to him while he's watching TV or is on his computer:)
Oh boy...do I have my work cut out for me! Granted, it has been a long time since Brett's kids were babies, and he was younger than I was when he had his kids...but he's going to need some training! As most of you know, I was trained in the art of newborn care when I was only 10 when my niece, Kristen, was born! And ever since then, I had lots and lots and lots of practice with babies and children of all ages. It's like riding a bike, at least for me...and I'm sure hoping some of those things come back to Brett as he becomes a Daddy all over again:)
In his defense, Brett has done his best to take care of me and the kids throughout this pregnancy, and it hasn't been easy! We were still adjusting to married life together with 4 children, when the 5th little one started reeking havoc...and it has been a lot for all of us to deal with. He has had to completely take over the laundry, cooking, dishes, cleaning, shopping, not to mention tending to the kids' needs (and did I mention we have 4 of them!) While he's trying to do all of these things, he's also dealing with a demanding business that is in the process of expanding. He's usually working or we have the kids, which leaves little time for household chores. When I get frustrated that things aren't getting taken care of around here, he plainly admits, "I'm just not as good at this stuff as you are!"
Of course, we have the kids helping out, and I must say that they are becoming very capable little helpers! I can look past the piles of laundry that need to be folded and put away, I can ignore the dirty kitchen floor and even our pig sty of a bathroom (and bedroom), I can stay upstairs so I don't have to even look at the basement, and I can close the door to the baby's room so I don't start painting...but boy, I sure am glad I have my sisters, brothers, parents, and girlfriends, coming over this weekend to help out! It's getting harder and harder to lay here and do nothing when so much needs to be done, so I thank God for all of you and everything you've offered to do! It will definitely help to keep me from breaking all my rules...and remain somewhat sane for just a little longer. And for that Brett thanks you, too!
You know what they say, "When Mama's not happy...nobody's happy!"
Little Josie...we all love you very much, but Daddy will be very relieved when you arrive safely and Mommy can actually get off this couch do something:)
Then he proceeded to tell me about this carrier thing that you can put the baby in and carry her around the house with you as you do dishes, laundry, and whatever chores you have to do. He said how the baby likes to be close to you so if you use it they tend to cry less and are happier babies. I said, "you mean a baby sling that I told you about a few days ago when I mentioned I wanted to try one?" He said, "uh, yeah." Guess I know NOT to talk to him while he's watching TV or is on his computer:)
Oh boy...do I have my work cut out for me! Granted, it has been a long time since Brett's kids were babies, and he was younger than I was when he had his kids...but he's going to need some training! As most of you know, I was trained in the art of newborn care when I was only 10 when my niece, Kristen, was born! And ever since then, I had lots and lots and lots of practice with babies and children of all ages. It's like riding a bike, at least for me...and I'm sure hoping some of those things come back to Brett as he becomes a Daddy all over again:)
In his defense, Brett has done his best to take care of me and the kids throughout this pregnancy, and it hasn't been easy! We were still adjusting to married life together with 4 children, when the 5th little one started reeking havoc...and it has been a lot for all of us to deal with. He has had to completely take over the laundry, cooking, dishes, cleaning, shopping, not to mention tending to the kids' needs (and did I mention we have 4 of them!) While he's trying to do all of these things, he's also dealing with a demanding business that is in the process of expanding. He's usually working or we have the kids, which leaves little time for household chores. When I get frustrated that things aren't getting taken care of around here, he plainly admits, "I'm just not as good at this stuff as you are!"
Of course, we have the kids helping out, and I must say that they are becoming very capable little helpers! I can look past the piles of laundry that need to be folded and put away, I can ignore the dirty kitchen floor and even our pig sty of a bathroom (and bedroom), I can stay upstairs so I don't have to even look at the basement, and I can close the door to the baby's room so I don't start painting...but boy, I sure am glad I have my sisters, brothers, parents, and girlfriends, coming over this weekend to help out! It's getting harder and harder to lay here and do nothing when so much needs to be done, so I thank God for all of you and everything you've offered to do! It will definitely help to keep me from breaking all my rules...and remain somewhat sane for just a little longer. And for that Brett thanks you, too!
You know what they say, "When Mama's not happy...nobody's happy!"
Little Josie...we all love you very much, but Daddy will be very relieved when you arrive safely and Mommy can actually get off this couch do something:)
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Dr. Appointment...Good News!
I just got back from my weekly doctors appointment and have reassuring news. Although I was having a few more contractions in the last few days than I had been, and I was feeling a lot of pressure...my cervix is behaving itself and remains unchanged! Still at one centimeter, so that's great! The baby's head is very low, but so far so good:)
I also met with the nutritionist. She tweaked a few things with my diet...I was skipping some carbs at supper time to keep my numbers low enough, but she didn't want me doing that. If my glucose goes too high, then I will need to be put on meds to control it, but bottom line is that I have to make sure to eat enough. She said to spread the carbs out more if necessary, but getting them all in is important for my nutrition and the baby's. I can handle being told to eat more! So we'll see how that goes, and check back in in two weeks.
Good appointment...good day:)
I also met with the nutritionist. She tweaked a few things with my diet...I was skipping some carbs at supper time to keep my numbers low enough, but she didn't want me doing that. If my glucose goes too high, then I will need to be put on meds to control it, but bottom line is that I have to make sure to eat enough. She said to spread the carbs out more if necessary, but getting them all in is important for my nutrition and the baby's. I can handle being told to eat more! So we'll see how that goes, and check back in in two weeks.
Good appointment...good day:)
Monday, April 9, 2007
A Light at the End of the Tunnel
Almost 30 weeks - YEAH! I'm starting to actually enjoy some parts of this pregnancy a little. My favorite part is feeling Josie moving, she's very strong, sometimes her kicks even hurt. But it makes me a little less worried about her:) I'm getting use to the restricted diet and have become quite good at controlling my sugar levels...although I can't wait to eat something sweet!
We had a nice Easter here at home, the boys came home at 2 and Mom and Dad came for a visit, of course, with a few little baby gifts. Dad took the boys to McDonalds to use a gift card they got for Easter, Jordan begged to go. And later Brett and I had KFC...YUM!
I can't wait for the next 11 days to go by! My sisters, my brother and his wife, Brett's dad, and others will be here to work on Josie's room...everything needs to be done yet - EVERYTHING! They are also planning on doing some cleaning and laundry if there is time. They might even get to the garage! What a huge help...and relief!
By then I will be almost 32 weeks...my next big goal! I'm sure I'm going to cry as this all becomes more real. There will actually be a real little baby girl here soon, right here in my arms. I'll admit, it's taken a long time for this to sink in with all of the difficulties I have had...but now, finally, a light at the end of the tunnel!
We had a nice Easter here at home, the boys came home at 2 and Mom and Dad came for a visit, of course, with a few little baby gifts. Dad took the boys to McDonalds to use a gift card they got for Easter, Jordan begged to go. And later Brett and I had KFC...YUM!
I can't wait for the next 11 days to go by! My sisters, my brother and his wife, Brett's dad, and others will be here to work on Josie's room...everything needs to be done yet - EVERYTHING! They are also planning on doing some cleaning and laundry if there is time. They might even get to the garage! What a huge help...and relief!
By then I will be almost 32 weeks...my next big goal! I'm sure I'm going to cry as this all becomes more real. There will actually be a real little baby girl here soon, right here in my arms. I'll admit, it's taken a long time for this to sink in with all of the difficulties I have had...but now, finally, a light at the end of the tunnel!
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Things I Will Never Take For Granted Again...
walking outside to get the mail
taking my time in the shower
driving anywhere
getting up to hunt for the remote myself
grocery shopping
doing laundry or even cleaning
making dinner for my family
playing a game at the table with the kids
eating as many cheetos as I want
going for a walk in the sunshine
getting up when my son says, "Mom, come look!"
being there for school events
going to the doctor with my boys instead of finding someone to take them
walking to the park with my family
going on vacation
wearing make up
getting a haircut
not getting up in the middle of the night to take medication
going to a movie or out to dinner
standing by the window watching the kids playing outside
dancing
cutting the grass
going to church
chocolate and cake and pie and ice cream
sisters and girlfriends who get it
holding a healthy baby
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
29 Weeks and Still Home!
Today I am 29 weeks pregnant...and I'm still home!!! Things have been ok since I got out of the hospital, one night was touch and go for a while, but I didn't have to go back in...WHEW! We had all 4 kids over the weekend, and we all survived. I can definitely tell that I have been away from home...lets just leave it at that. I'll have plenty of time to whip them all back into shape when I can get off this couch:) For now, I'm happy to be here and not in the hospital.
Later this afternoon I have an appointment with my doctor, so if there are any changes, I'll let you know. But for now, I'm liking this boring routine:)
Later this afternoon I have an appointment with my doctor, so if there are any changes, I'll let you know. But for now, I'm liking this boring routine:)
Broken finger!
While I was in the hospital yet, Jordan showed me his finger and said, "Look, Mom, my finger's bent!" Apparently a couple weeks earlier he hurt it when he caught a football! He never mentioned it to me until then and said it didn't hurt too bad. Well, I made him an appointment with the doctor and his Grandpa brought him in. Sure enough, it was broken! A tiny piece of the bone in the joint had broken off. They straightened it out (ouch!) and put a splint on it. He said it only hurt for a little bit...what a tough kid!
Our doc sent him to a specialist to make sure he didn't need surgery or anything else, probably because it was broken for a couple weeks and had started healing the wrong way. The specialist said it would be fine, he just has to wear the splint for 6 weeks. He can even play sports to some degree but does have some limitations.
What did Jordan have to say about all of this?? "Well, at least I made it until I was 11 before breaking any bones!" We all know he did much better than I did, I think I was on my 3rd cast by then:) Not to mention my broken toe...thanks Jerry! HA!
Our doc sent him to a specialist to make sure he didn't need surgery or anything else, probably because it was broken for a couple weeks and had started healing the wrong way. The specialist said it would be fine, he just has to wear the splint for 6 weeks. He can even play sports to some degree but does have some limitations.
What did Jordan have to say about all of this?? "Well, at least I made it until I was 11 before breaking any bones!" We all know he did much better than I did, I think I was on my 3rd cast by then:) Not to mention my broken toe...thanks Jerry! HA!
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