34.5 weeks and a trip to triage

August 26, 2012

How far along? 34 1/2 weeks (according to Oct 3 due date)

Total weight gain: 15 lbs ish
Maternity clothes? YES, all day every day.  They are so comfy!
Stretch marks? Just a few around my belly button, not to awful and totally worth it.

Sleep: Well it’s midnight and I’m just starting to blog…so yeah sleep is sporadic.

Best moment this week:  There were a few, but probably hearing J tell me how grateful he is for me and how hard I’m trying to take care of our baby.  He also said that he thinks its amazing that I get to feel the baby move inside me and that he thinks that would be pretty neat.  It just melted me to hear him say that and reminded me even more how lucky I am to get to be the one to carry our little baby.  I love hearing J talk about how excited he is!  J

Also having my MOMMY here to help me and keep me company.  She did SO SO much and I couldn’t be more grateful!  She went shopping for us, helped clean our house (it looks amazing thanks to her), helped me cook, and most importantly she helped me go through all of our baby things and organize the room.  She took SUCH a burden off of me I can’t even begin to express my gratitude!  I now feel so much more prepared and less stressed.  I miss her so much already!

Miss Anything?   Sleeping through the night without waking up for a potty break!
Movement:  SO so much!  I am feeling his head moving pretty low and feeling kicks up high.  Crazy wonderful! I love it and love sharing it with J even more!
Food cravings:  Chocolate milk…mmmm good!

Anything making you queasy or sick:  nope not really

Gender:  Boy

Labor Signs:  Actually last night I started having pretty regular Braxton hicks contractions.  I also felt some pressure down low.  In the 4 or 5 times I got up to use the bathroom during the night I had one each time as well.  In the morning J told me to keep relaxing while he went to a meeting we were both supposed to attend. By church time (noon) I called my sister and told her what was going on.  I was not thinking anything was wrong but also just wanted to be sure.

She said to rest and drink and count them and we’d go from there.  After talking to her I started to mark how many I was having I had 10 in an hour and they were right on top of each other.  Not painful although some were a little uncomfortable.  She said I needed to go in.  This scared me as I know that 34 or 35 weeks babies will probably be just fine but they would be even better if they were in there until 37-40 weeks.  J and his Dad gave me a blessing and we were on our way to Triage.  The whole way there I was just so nervous that the nurses would see NO contractions and NOTHING wrong and laugh at me for coming in.  I didn’t want to be ONE OF THOSE patients.  But my sister and J reminded me that it is much better to be safe than sorry and I couldn’t agree more.  I’d rather be embarrassed than have a preterm baby because I was being prideful. 

Once we got there I got a room in triage and the nurse came in and started asking me all sorts of ?’s.  She asked why I was in today and I told her I was having contractions but that they didn’t really hurt.  To which she snidely remarked, “well they have to hurt to do something.” At which point I felt really dumb for coming in and I had no idea what to say to try to defend myself.  So I just said well they are coming really close together and I had them all night long.  She also said that around 35 weeks they don’t try to aggressively to stop contractions.  Ok well WHATEVER!  I learned in my birthing classes that before 37 weeks you shouldn’t be having regular contractions and my Dr’s even said to come in with more than 5 an hour.  So there!  Either way she hooked me up to the monitors and checked me out.

(On Tuesday of this week I had a Dr. apt and they checked my cervix and I was not dilated on the inside but the outside of both of my cervixes it was dilating)

Now it is Sunday and after she checked me she said my cervixes were very soft and I was 60% effaced and dilated to at least a one and she could feel the baby’s head.  When she touched his head he wiggled up a storm!  I honestly thought she was teasing me when she said, “Oh I can feel his head” but she was of course NOT the teasing type. 

She reported her findings to the on call Dr and they decided to give me a shot of tributerine (or something like that) and that was supposed to slow the contractions. (also had some great side effects like making my heart race and shortness of breath!) Either way it did it’s job and I was able to be sent home.  Thank goodness.  They said I need to be on modified bed rest, so no mall walking or shopping for me right now.  I guess I have a great excuse to take it easy.  I will do all I can to keep our little man safe and healthy!  I’m really hoping to make it to at least 37 weeks if not farther! 

I’m so happy this all happened on Sunday so J was able to be with me.  He calms my nerves So much!  Love my man!

Symptoms: Heart burn, back pain, Braxton hicks contractions, frequent trips to the bathroom,

Belly Button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off?  On

Happy or Moody most of the time:  Happy. Elated, Ecstatic!

Looking forward to: Meeting the little  man that is a little piece of me and a little piece of J…but not for a few more weeks we hope and pray!

To do list: 

·         pick a pediatrician

·         talk to my doctor about my labor and delivery (what if my amazing Dr. isn’t there to deliver my baby?  Will the on call Dr. fully understand my body/situation and help me to have this baby naturally or without a C Section as long as it is safe?  I trust my dr. completely but there is a chance that he may not be able to be there when I deliver – so I want to know what I’m getting into and what support I’ll have) 

·         Decorate the nursery

·         Tour the hospital (set up the tour for Sept 15, but am wondering now if we will make it that far!)

·         Take a breastfeeding class (I signed up for it tonight! YAY, I’m excited!)

·         Write my birthing plan

·         Keep practicing breathing exercises (working on it)

·         Go on a baby moon (a vacation before baby comes)

·         Pack my hospital bag (I know I still have some time but it will need to be done eventually)

·         Pick a name or at least narrow it down to a few

·         Find a coming home outfit for baby

·         Find a photographer for maternity photos and newborn pictures

·         Wash all of the baby laundry

·         Buy a video camera

·         Buy a car seat, crib mattress, crib bedding, diaper bag,

·         Clean the house – good! (yep entire house!)

·         Buy all of the baby items we need that we didn’t get from the shower

We got our CAR SEAT this week!

Also love my new diaper bag!  It is so cute! 

Misc.:  Had a doctor’s appointment this week.  Everything was looking great and they screened me for the Group B Strep.  While there the Dr. came in and asked if there was any reason why they would need to check my cervix or do an exam and I said nope, everything had been going great and as far as I knew I just needed the Strep B test. 

Since the Dr. was not my usual OB Dr. she asked if she could perform an exam just out of sheer curiosity of my 2 cervixes.  She wanted to see for herself what they were like.  She had tried to pull up pictures and info on my case before she came in but their server was down and she was quite disappointed.  She also asked if we were just going to have a C-section to which I quickly replied, NOPE! Dr. Wilson and us just want to play it by ear and see how it goes.  

Hoping for a normal delivery. 

She was quite impressed with my 2 cervixes.  I must admit it is always fun to see the Dr.’s and nurses react to my unique situation.  Even the nurse in triage (at a high risk hospital) says they see lots of abnormal uteri but she said it is very rare to see 2 cervixes.  Now we are all just wondering how this baby will be delivered – what will my cervixes do?

When the nurse in triage did my exam today she said that if she had to guess she thinks Baby D will choose one cervix because one cervix was more in the middle and just a little softer than the other.  We will see.

After my Dr. appointment this week I got a call with the test results.  And wouldn’t you know I have Group B strep!  Darn it all!  Well it could be worse.  It just means I have to have an IV as soon as I’m admitted to L and D and I hate IV’s.  Hopefully this will be the only hiccup!

Tonight J and I were telling each other what we are grateful for and he said that he is happy that the baby is probably going to come before 40 weeks because he can’t wait to meet him.  Yep, melt my heart! I can’t wait either babe; you’re going to be the best Daddy ever!  I really do love hearing how J feels about it all!  I know he is so excited!

My mom was here this week and I just loved having her.  She did SO much for us I can’t believe it!  The baby’s room looks great and clothes are washed and folded and put away nicely.  I never knew folded laundry could look so beautiful! Haha!

This week we also bought the bedding for the crib, our only pack of new born diapers, and…the CAR SEAT!  YIPPEE!  I love crossing things off our list!

33 1/2 weeks

August 20, 2012

How far along? 33.5 weeks (according to Oct 3 due date)

Total weight gain:  about 15 lbs
Maternity clothes?  All I wear!
Movement:  Lots and Lots of big movements and kicks and rolls.  Sometimes the hiccups too/
Food cravings:  Still nothing crazy.  Sure wanted all of the sweet stuff from my shower today and yesterday though! Amazing chocolate chip/chunk cookies, cupcakes, and pretzels with hugs on top…OH YUM!!
Food cravings:  Still nothing crazy.  Sure wanted all of the sweet stuff from my shower today and yesterday though! Amazing chocolate chip/chunk cookies, cupcakes, and pretzels with hugs on top…OH YUM!!
Stretch marks? Tiny ones around my belly button, not bad and totally worth it. 

Sleep:  Challenging.  Grateful for a hubby that doesn’t kick me out of bed when I’m peeing, watching Netflix, or moving to the recliner or couch all night long.  (or groaning as I move and flip over etc)

Best moment this week:  Having the WORLDS BEST baby shower ever!  It was UNBELIEVEABLE!  The details were amazing and everywhere, and it was so perfect for ME!  Amazing food, friends, décor, games, fun, all of it made it one of the best days of my entire life.  I always dreamed of this day but always wondered if it would really ever come.  Then I have these amazing friends who made it a dream come true.  I know this is the best baby shower anyone could ever have attended.  It was SPECTACULAR!  I’m so so spoiled!  But I’m also so so grateful!   (separate baby shower post coming soon!)  My smile in the picture below just shows how over the moon excited I was.  I couldn't contain myself.  My smile is so big and goofy!  I was in heaven!  Don't know how I got so lucky!!!!  And don't I have the most beautiful friends in the world!  Seriously Stunning!

Miss Anything?   Miss having no heartburn 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Today in church I thought I might pass out from the heat in this tiny room and I had to escape quickly.  Then my tummy was so sick.  YUCK! 

Gender:  Snakes and Snails and puppy dog tails – not our little boy! J

Labor Signs:  Nope

Symptoms:  Heart burn, aching back, some nausea for no reason, lots of nesting,  

Belly Button in or out: In

Wedding rings on or off?  On

Happy or Moody most of the time:  HAPPY! It was a fabulous week.  Starting to get waves of different emotions as we are getting closer to D day.  Anxiety, Excitement, Gratitude, etc…

Looking forward to: Organizing all of the baby things and putting the nursery together! 

To do list: 

·         pick a pediatrician

·         talk to my doctor about my labor and delivery (what if my amazing Dr. isn’t there to deliver my baby?  Will the on call Dr. fully understand my body/situation and help me to have this baby naturally or without a C Section as long as it is safe?  I trust my dr. completely but there is a chance that he may not be able to be there when I deliver – so I want to know what I’m getting into and what support I’ll have) 

·         Decorate the nursery
       Organize the Nursery (sort through clothes, return duplicate gifts, put things away, etc)
       Tour the hospital

·         Take a breastfeeding class (I signed up for it tonight! YAY, I’m excited!)

·         Write my birthing plan

·         Keep practicing breathing exercises (working on it)

·         Go on a baby moon (a vacation before baby comes)

·         Pack my hospital bag (I know I still have some time but it will need to be done eventually)

·         Pick a name or at least narrow it down to a few

·         Find a coming home outfit for baby

·         Find a photographer for maternity photos and newborn pictures

·         Wash all of the baby laundry

·         Buy a video camera

·         Buy a car seat, crib mattress, crib bedding, bookcase for all our children’s books

·         Clean the house – good! (yep entire house!)

·         Buy all of the baby items we need that we didn’t get from the shower

Misc.:  We are really getting close! I wonder will baby come early?  Will he be late?  Will I be ready?  So many feelings!  Most of all love for this little guy and gratitude for this pregnancy!  We know we are so blessed and we don’t want to take one thing for granted.  Every day I stay pregnant and I’m not swollen or sick or in a hospital I’m just so thankful!

32.5 weeks

August 13, 2012

How far along? 32.5 weeks (according to Oct 3 due date) 

Total weight gain:  12 lbs (yeah I went down 2 lbs at the drs office, don’t know how that happened, but back on my scale at home I’m back up to around 15lbs)
Maternity clothes?  Yep still wear them when I go out, otherwise I’m starting to enjoy BIG comfy tshirts that aren’t cute but sure are comfy while around the house. 
Stretch marks? Just a few very tiny ones around my belly button.  Not awful, but they’re there.  Oh well! Still using oil and lotion (I do think it’s helped my skin not be as itchy)

Sleep:  2 hours here, 2 hours there, trip to the bathroom, get a drink or a snack, flip over, move the pillows, try the recliner, move to the couch, try the bed again, it’s interesting that’s for sure! J

Best moment this week:  My doctor’s appointment with Dr. Wilson and seeing the baby on the ultrasound.  Dr. Wilson told me he wants to be there when I go into labor and to call him when I go in – OH WHAT A RELIEF. (if he isn’t on call already)

Also went to Merri’s birthing class again this week with Angie.  It was lots of fun!

Baby D's little profile, look at that perfect nose!

Here is Baby D scratching his head :) His arm in front of his face

Here's bis little face - chin, cheeks, eyes, perfection!

Here are Baby D's little legs.  He keeps his feet close together and likes to kick mommy's ribs! 

Miss Anything?  I miss sleeping on my tummy.                          
Movement: Big movements that sometimes are even a little uncomfortable (but yes I love it all)! In the ultrasound we saw that baby D is already head down and his feet are up by my ribs and man he likes to kick sometimes!  But I am really loving feeling all of it because I know soon enough I will miss it SO much!
Food cravings:  Nothing too bad.  Been enjoying some peanut butter, cheese, oh yum! Things I didn’t really eat before I got pregnant.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  I get a little sick after I eat anything now it seems. It isn’t miserable just uncomfortable and I don’t know why.  I’ve tried eating smaller portions or different foods, it doesn’t really matter.

Gender:  ALL BOY!  At the ultrasound I asked the tech if it was still a boy.  As she moved the probe she suddenly exclaimed, “WOW!” at the same time as Merri who was there with me.  She showed me that he is definitely ALL BOY in a BIG way.  Oh dear, I couldn’t help but laugh.  She snapped a few pictures and continued to say “WOW” and “OMG”.  When I told Justin about their reactions he laughed and just brushed it off, saying, “oh gosh, whatever!” until he came home and saw the pictures.  Then he laughed and said “WOW” too!  Haha OH DEAR!  Maybe he’ll catch up with his boy parts before he’s born J - just thought this was a funny story!  Seriously the ultrasound tech said wow at least 6 times, even as we were leaving she was commenting on it. 

Is it inappropriate to post these?  (here's the proof that he's all boy!)

Labor Signs:  Getting some Braxton hicks  but nothing other than that thank goodness.  Dr. Wilson said one cervix is shorter than the other by an entire inch but we don’t know if that means anything so we aren’t worrying about it unless something happens like bleeding etc.

Symptoms:  Yucky heartburn often, back pain, some nausea after eating, BAD NESTING (is this even a real thing? Cause man I got it BAD and I’m stressing out over it!  I can’t get enough done in a day!), out of breath easier, 

Belly Button in or out?     In
Wedding rings on or off?  On

Happy or Moody most of the time:  Happy, unless I’m crying uncontrollably about how our house will never be organized and clean before the baby comes.  Poor Justin has had the same conversation with me 20 times!  Love my man!

Looking forward to: MY BABY SHOWER!  It is this WEEK!  I have the best friends in the world I swear!!

To do list:  (YAY I CROSSED A FEW THINGS OFF THE LIST! GO ME!!!)

·         pick a pediatrician

·        talk to my doctor about my labor and delivery (what if my amazing Dr. isn’t there to deliver my baby?  Will the on call Dr. fully understand my body/situation and help me to have this baby naturally or without a C Section as long as it is safe?  I trust my dr. completely but there is a chance that he may not be able to be there when I deliver – so I want to know what I’m getting into and what support I’ll have) 

·         Decorate the nursery

·         Tour the hospital

·         Take a breastfeeding class (I signed up for it tonight! YAY, I’m excited!)

·         Write my birthing plan

·         Keep practicing breathing exercises (a work in progress)

·         Go on a baby moon (a vacation before baby comes)

·         Pack my hospital bag (I know I still have some time but it will need to be done eventually)

·         Pick a name or at least narrow it down to a few

·         Find a coming home outfit for baby

·         Find a photographer for maternity photos and newborn pictures

·         Wash all of the baby laundry

·         Buy a video camera

·         Buy a car seat, crib mattress, crib bedding, bookcase for all our children’s books

·         Clean the house – well! (yep entire house!)

Misc.:  J and I also picked  a NAME this week but we are going to keep it a surprise until baby D is here. At least we are pretty positive we will use this name.  We won't be 100% until we write it on the BC.   J would prefer not to hear anyone's opinions on the matter so we will just keep it a surprise!    We both love it and get all happy and excited when we hear it.  We feel really good about it so unless we meet our little man and the name just doesn't feel right, then we are good to go.  

The ultrasound and doctor’s appointments were perfect!  I love my doctor and feel very blessed to have him.  

The ultrasound:
First the tech measured my cervixes (yep I have TWO) and then she went to check the heartbeat.  The hearbeat was 137 I believe which is perfect. Then we saw his beautiful face, little cheeks and the cutest chin, and THEN the tech pointed out that she saw HAIR on our boys head.  This is AMAZING news because I was quite the baldy for a while.  I was so excited to tell this to J!  Our baby D was moving his hand up by his head and we saw his fingers. Then I asked if he was still a boy and he SURE is!  He was keeping his feet together but we still got a great view of his male anatomy.  Then we saw his little legs and toes which are up by my ribs.  Also got the good news that he is already head down and he most likely won’t turn since the head is the heaviest part of a babies body.  YIPPEE!  I LOVED seeing our little guy on the big screen.  Can’t wait to see him face to face next time!

Then I got to see Dr. Wilson and he reported that one cervix is shorter than the other but we aren’t concerned by that.  Dr.’s don’t generally do ultrasounds at this point in pregnancies so we don’t know what the average length of a 32 week pregnant woman is.  So mine could be completely normal.  Either way we are hoping for cervixes of steal until D Day. 

We discussed what could happen with my cervixes when I go into labor.  We don’t know what is going to happen so Dr. Wilson laid out the options.  1. One cervix could dialate and Baby D could slip out one side. 2. Baby D’s head could push down directly onto the septum or wall that is between the 2 cervixes and nothing could happen (this would be if the septum was very strong, which is possible if it is cervical tissue because that stuff is SUPPOSED to be strong to hold a baby in) OR 3. The baby’s head could push on the septum and rip through it and he comes that way. 

If the septum does tear they will need to check for bleeding.  No bleeding would be IDEAL and nothing would have to happen different from any other typical delivery.  If there is bleeding however then he will have to stop it by stitching me up.  If it just a small tear then he can stitch me up there – but I would need an epidural if I didn’t already have one, and if it is larger he will have to take me to an OR and put me under and J would need to stay with the baby.  We are hoping and praying that if #3 happens there will be NO bleeding.  I’m not even going to think about the alternatives right now. 

J will give me a priesthood blessing and I know that I will be watched over.  We have been so blessed this far, that nothing matters as long as we get a healthy baby. 

Then I brought up my concern to Dr. Wilson, what if I go into labor and he isn’t at the hospital?  Will any other Dr. know what to do with me?   Then the wonderful Wilson told me that he WANTS to be there and to call him directly.  This relieved so many of my fears and concerns!  And if by SOME chance he can’t be there he said to let the Dr.s know about my condition because they don’t generally go into a delivery looking for 2 cervixes. 

So all in all I’m still having a healthy and boring routine pregnancy and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it!  It is such a miracle to us and we thank our Heavenly Father every day for this sweet baby and my healthy pregnancy!