Tuesday, June 29, 2010

38 Week Appointment and Still Here!

EDITED TO UDPATE: I am feeling much better this morning other than the fact that I have a knee and foot stuck in my right ribs and lung space. :-) I am a firm believer that the OB is correct and his is all the way from my lungs to down below! I think we are looking at a 21 incher at least!!!! I look funny because all 7 pounds of him is on the right side. If he is still that way tonight, I'll take a pic from the front too. Speaking of, I am thinking I may do a bare belly shot next Tuesday night along with my last weekly picture. We'll see if I'm that brave!

Thanks to everyone who has emailed to ask if I am still here, yes I am. :-) On Monday morning I had my 38 week appointment and much to my OB's surprise, I was at 2 cm dilated and almost completely effaced! Woohoo! We do not want Nicholas to come before Wednesday because if I go into labor it will complicate the delivery a little, but given some events over the last 24 hours (seriously TMI) I am thinking he may show up earlier rather than later!

Last night I spent the night almost in tears, and yes, I should have called my OB. I had timeable back pain that radiated to the front for about 6 hours. I finally got to sleep around midnight, only to be awake again around 2:00 for a few hours. This morning I felt nauseated and crampy and it was all I could do to make it to work (even though I did show up at 8:45, oops!). I started feeling better as the morning went on, but around lunch time I had the pain again along with just no appetite at all. If this continues into tomorrow I will call my OB. Otherwise, I will see him at the end of the week for a quick recheck before the holiday weekend.

I'll be back tomorrow with my 38 week picture. I cannot believe after all this time, Nicholas will be here in ONE week (or less!). I am working tomorrow and Thursday this week then a half day on Tuesday, then it's delivery day!!!!!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Full Term!!!!


How far along? 37 weeks! We will meet our miracle baby, Nicholas TWO WEEKS from today!!!!!!
How big is Baby? 20 inches, 6.5-7 pounds. Size of a watermelon.
Total weight gain/loss: 30 pounds, but almost 5 of that we know is fluid since I gained so much in one week. My OB thinks I might have as much as 10 pounds of fluid as swollen as I am. I HOPE SO! No change this week.
Maternity clothes? All I wear.
Stretch marks? Not yet, hoping I can make it another two weeks without any!
Sleep: No longer in my vocabulary, getting harder and harder at night! I'm pretty sure I could take a nap in the mid afternoon though.
Best moment this week: Finding out Nicholas' birthday! I am still sad that I will miss his first few minutes, but I am slowly coming to terms with it.
Movement: LOVING it! He isn't as active as he was because he is so big and I have a very small torso. I still feel kicks and hiccups, but that is about it.
Food cravings: SONIC ICE! It is my new obsession. My mom bought me a bag on our way home from my Dr appt last Friday and I can't stop eating it or drinking it with caffeine free coke. SO GOOD! Haha!
Gender: It's A BOY!!!!!! Nicholas Allen Ledford.
Labor Signs: Still having backpain and contractions on and off. It is getting stronger when I've been on the NST. Too bad I don't need to have practice contractions! Ha!
Belly Button in or out? It is almost flat. However, it is basically still an innie.
What I am looking forward to: I'm starting to get super excited that we are only 14 days away from meeting Nicholas!!!!
Milestones: WE ARE FULL TERM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am taking off this Friday and next to finish a few things that need to get done before I'm ready. One thing off my list is that I ordered a stork for our front yard to be placed the day we come home from the hospital. I've always wanted one in my yard when I had a baby, as in since I was little. I always thought they were fun. I'm pretty sure they are a violation of our subdivision rules, but God help them if they send me a violation letter. I've waited a LONG time for that stork to come visit!
I am having quite a few contractions in the mornings when I first wake up and then again at night when I try to rest. Heat and ice water seem to help, but the past couple of days they seem to have a mind of their own. Who knows, we may not make it another TWO weeks, but my OB is out of town fishing with one of our trauma partners! Just my luck! Ha!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Maternity Pictures

As you know, last weekend Michael's sister, Melissa, took some maternity and nursery pictures for us. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them! Here are my favorites!












Check her out at http://www.melissaleannphotography.com!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Nicholas Has A Birthday!

We had our 37 week appointment today and we now have a set scheduled date for our c-section, Wednesday, July 7!!!! We thought the date 7/7/10 was a cool day to be born! I am so excited, scared, and ready all at the same time. We should be the 6:30 case, so if all goes well, I should be in a room by 9 and have the decision to go home on Friday, but we talked about it today and I really want to stay until Saturday since my insurance will allow me to. I want all the rest and help I can get, especially with the c-section and general anesthesia.

My BP is still staying around 115/90, but he isn't worried since the systolic (top number) has come way down, almost to normal for me. I'm still SUPER swollen all over, but again, as long as my urine stays protein free, we are just accounting that to the 97 degree temperatures outside and being on my feet a lot at work.

EDIT: I just went on FB and saw a status by a friend I used to work with in the hospital and I wanted to share their story with you all. They are currently pregnant with their first child and found out he has a rare brain defect. They could REALLY use your prayers right now. Their blog is http://journey4jake.blogspot.com/.

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day

Today was another happy day in our house. Last year we kind of overlooked Father's Day. One, it was a very busy day between seeing both dads and Michael's grandfather and going to a party at my boss' house to honor our graduating residents. Second, we just didn't want to talk about it. It was another reminder we didn't have a baby. The year before we were six weeks pregnant and excited. Everyone bought Michael a card and we talked about how much fun the next year would be. Well, that wasn't the way God planned it.

This year, we celebrated! We are so blessed and we know that. We know how it feels to not get to celebrate Mother's Day or Father's Day as parents when you really want to. Everyone came to our house and Michael made his famous stuffed hamburgers (check the recipe blog this week for the recipe, WARNING: they are MASSIVE!) and we had a good summer meal.

This morning I gave Michael his very first Father's Day gift. He collects fun, decorative beer glasses and I found this one yesterday at Hallmark. He also got a grilling cookbook to find creative ways to make some of our favs while he is the main cook at our house this summer! :-)
Around 2:00 everyone came over and it was a great afternoon on the patio. This is where Spencer spent 90% of his afternoon. Under the patio table! He was so hot!
Michael LOVES to grill, we joke that he is the "grill master". Here he is cooking hamburgers, stuffed hamburgers, and brats.
My mom and I put out the food. We had potato chips, potato salad, baked beans, brats, hamburgers, banana pudding, and Melissa made pineapple upside down cake.
I was SUPER excited to find this at Sam's yesterday! I've been wanting a drink dispenser for future birthday parties and found a great deal on this one. So, we put lemonade in here today. I also did a pitcher of water with lemon and lime. Michael always does a cooler of beer and cokes on the patio too.
Here is one of his stuffed hamburgers. It is about 1-1.25 pounds of hamburger! TOO much for the pregnant girl with very little room, that's for sure!
Michael, his dad, Melissa, and Matt sitting on the patio after lunch
My dad and his first grandchild. They are planning what they are going to do during the three days Spencer gets to stay at their house soon!
My parents and I.
As you know, I am an only child and I am very close to my parents. My dad has always been the rock of our family and I'm sure where I'd be without him. He worked hard to provide for us and to make sure I had everything I could ever want or need. He paid for my college and my first car (and half of my 2nd). I am so blessed to have him as my dad! I CANNOT wait for Nicholas to meet his Grandfather (he has yet to pick a name). He is going to teach him how to play football (he was a high school football coach for 30 years) and how to ride 4-wheelers (with a helmet at low speed, of course). I'm sure Nicholas will love him as much as I do!
Michael, his Granddad, Dad, and Melissa
The happy, excited Parents To Be! I was beyond tired by this point and so was Michael! He spent his first Father's Day working hard and cooking! It was good though!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

36 Weeks/Only THREE To Go!!!!!!!!!!


Haha! Yes, I'm barefoot! Not too many shoes fit by dinnertime these days!!! :-) Plus, I didn't have the energy to fix my hair this morning, so curly it was.

How far along? 36 weeks! According to our last appointment, Baby Nicholas will be here BY 39 weeks!!!!!!!
How big is Baby? 19 inches, 6 pounds. Size of a large melon.
Total weight gain/loss: 30 pounds, but almost 5 of that we know is fluid since I gained so much in one week. My OB thinks I might have as much as 10 pounds of fluid as swollen as I am. I HOPE SO!
Maternity clothes? All I wear.
Stretch marks? Not yet
Sleep: No longer in my vocabulary, getting harder and harder at night! I'm pretty sure I could take a nap in the mid afternoon though.
Best moment this week: Finding out that we are SO CLOSE! I am still sad that I will miss his first few minutes, but I am slowly coming to terms with it.
Movement: LOVING it! He isn't as active as he was because he is so big and I have a very small torso. I still feel kicks and hiccups, but that is about it.
Food cravings: SONIC ICE! It is my new obsession. My mom bought me a bag on our way home from my Dr appt last Friday and I can't stop eating it or drinking it with caffeine free coke. SO GOOD! Haha!
Gender: It's A BOY!!!!!! Nicholas Allen Ledford.
Labor Signs: Still having backpain and contractions on and off. It is getting stronger when I've been on the NST. Too bad I don't need to have practice contractions! Ha!
Belly Button in or out? It is almost flat. However, it is basically still an innie.
What I am looking forward to: I'm starting to get super excited that we are only 20 days away from meeting Nicholas!!!!
Milestones: Knowing that full term is just NEXT WEEK!!!! AHHHHHH!!!!!
Today we made the decision to put the baby on Michael's insurance plan, which does not have as many providers on it as mine, but more than half the cost. With that we learned the pediatrician I REALLY wanted to use was not on his plan, so we've had to pick someone else. I'm sad, but I am going to give this other group a fair chance before making a judgement. It will be worth it for a $0 copay to the ER, very cheap copays, and a 60% less premium.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Preview of Maternity Pictures!

I am in LOVE with my maternity pictures!!!! My very talented sister in law did these for us Sunday. You can check her out here. I just wished I had felt better and not quite so swollen (even though I did manage to shove my rings on for an hour or so! And I mean SHOVE!) . I'll share more when I have them.



Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Finished Nursery Tour

I wanted to show you all Nicholas' nursery!!!! The pictures are a little dark because it was raining outside and the lighting was bad, but you'll get the idea. I'm so happy and excited how well it came out.
We have a canvas coming for over his bed from the super talented Kim Wheeler, but until then, this is what we did. I thought it was pretty cute.

His window. I had a hard time choosing something to use as his window coverings, but decided to just use white panels. They really made a difference.

I'm really happy with the way this side of the room came out too. I think all the green and white polka dot is adorable and pops well with the dark brown.
You know how I feel about my canvas!!! I LOVE IT! Here it is on the wall in it's spot. It made the room!

We still have a few things to put together and put throughout the house, so some of the clutter in the back corners will disappear soon. I'm so excited to bring him home and show him his room! It looks like it will be later than next week, luckily. I got the results of my 24 hr urine today and everything was ok, not great, but ok. It has been called pregnancy induced hypertension rather than preeclampsia. Basically just a very mild form without much protein in my urine. So, as of today we are looking at sometime around July 7!!!!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Weekend and 36 Week Appointment Update

I wanted you all to see how I spent my weekend. Meet my two best friends that spent it with me...
My blood pressure cuff that I had to use every four to six hours. We are definitely BFFs now!

And...
My 24 hour urine jug! I meant to take a pic of it before it had peepee in it, but I forgot, so please excuse the fact this was somewhere around hour 8 and already had pee in it! Sorry!!!!!

This weekend was a pretty low key weekend. Friday afternoon and night I just lied around in my pjs, researched c-sections under general anesthesia, and watched some TV. That night Michael brought home some Ruby Tuesday and it was so good! We are definitely going to add that to our list of restaurants we carry out at.

Saturday I went out for a few minutes. My OB said it was ok to get my pedicure that it might actually help me feel better and to run to Target (just NO going to the mall, which is FINE with me! Too crowded anyway!) to pick up some last minute things to pack my bag. Came home and finished packing. I'm glad that is behind me! Nicholas and I are packed and ready to go! Now, Daddy just needs to pack his stuff too. That night Michael finished hanging some things in the nursery and we are 100% ready! I'll do a nursery tour tomorrow night.

Yesterday was when I hung out with my newest friend, the urine jug. I couldn't get too far from home so my awesome SIL Melissa came over to take some maternity pictures. I CANNOT wait to see them!!!! I know they will be good! I'll post some as soon as I get them.

We went to the OB again this morning to recheck my blood pressure (BP) and to let him know what we have decided to do about our birth plan. I turned in my 24 hour urine, YAY!, and now I'm waiting on the results of that to confirm that it is just pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH), not preeclampsia. My BP has maintained in the 130s/80s today and that is WAY better than where we were three days ago. We let him know that yes, we agreed to do the scheduled c-section. The only thing that is still concerning to us is that my face, feet, and hands are still swollen and I know this is gross (well, probably not as gross as the urine jug) but it is my blog and i want to remember my feet and how they looked, so here is a pic of my feet after a day at work. I was able to sit 90% of the day today and they still looked like this. I'm curious to see how they look tomorrow after a much busier afternoon!
Come back tomorrow for a tour of Nicholas' room! I'm super excited to show it to you!

Friday, June 11, 2010

Swollen With A Change Of Plans

Wednesday I started noticing that I had a huge increase in my swelling and I started noticing that I just didn't feel right. My feet were H.U.G.E by the time I got home from work. Yesterday morning when I got up to go to work both my hands, and feet were all swollen this time. I had been able to wear my wedding band, just not the entire set for the week or two before, but now nothing fit. My shoes barely went on and I started to get a little worried.

I got to work and a few people commented that even my face was swollen. Any good pregnant girl knows that is a bad sign and you need to call your dr at that point. Well, of course, I didn't because I have not had any blood pressure problems at all, in fact one visit it was so low it had to be rechecked. I did get it checked twice while at work yesterday and it was quite elevated for me. I still put off calling because I thought if I went home, drank water, and put my feet up it would go down. Well, it didn't. I checked it around 8pm and it was actually up from when I was at work and my swelling wasn't going down. I called and talked to my doctor and he wanted to see me this morning.

My mom drove me to my appt this morning (Michael had to work and the dr asked that I not drive until he saw me) and sure enough, BP was still going up and TMI, but there is protein in my urine (the hallmark for preeclampsia). I was really surprised by that. I was still in denial that there would be that big of a problem. The nurse put me on the NST and it showed a few contractions, but Nicholas was doing perfect and even handled the contractions well.

I finally made it all the way back to see the doctor and he said it was concerning, but he didn't want to call it preeclampsia quite yet. He wants to get a 24-hour urine collection and see me back Monday before he makes a final decision. While I was there we talked about anesthesia and what the latest was on that. If you don't know that story, I blogged about it here. Again, God has laughed at my plans and made His own. My OB has had two different conversations with anesthesia since I saw them Monday and it has been decided that it is too risky with my particular spinal lesion to have an epidural or a spinal. I really wanted a vaginal delivery, but that is too risky with both my spina bifida (due to not being able to push efficiently) and clotting disorder. So, the only option that I have is a c-section with general anesthesia.

I've really debated posting all of the details because I do not want any negative opinions or comments, but this is my blog and I want to remember how I feel about it today. I'm very disappointed that after two years of infertility and all the anticipation of getting this far, now I have to be asleep for the greatest moment of my life. I really don't need any negative feedback or opinions about my OB. He is well known and widely respected. I have to trust him, which I do, 100%. I know that what really matters is that Nicholas comes out happy and healthy, but also that I do too. A spinal could cause paralysis or severe permanent nerve damage and that isn't worth the risk to me.

When we go back on Monday I am prepared to tell him that we have selected that option. Michael is ok with it, I'm ok with it (well, not going to lie, I'm getting ok with it), and that is what we have to do for everyone safety. So, we will get to pick Nicholas' birthday on Monday (although it may change if the preeclampsia testing comes back positive)!!!! So for now, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I'm going to start getting excited about meeting him around July 7!

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Another big milestone! 35/35!!!!


I have looked forward to this day for awhile, the day I am 35 weeks with 35 days to go! I just always thought 35/35 sounded cool! Haha!

How big is Baby? 19 inches, 5.5 pounds. Size of a honeydew melon.
Total weight gain/loss: 26 pounds
Maternity clothes? All I wear.
Stretch marks? Not yet
Sleep: No longer in my vocabulary, getting harder and harder at night! I'm pretty sure I could take a nap in the mid afternoon though.
Best moment this week: Seeing Nicholas on US Monday! He was quite laid back and refused to move his head for us so we didn't get a 100% accurate measurement.
Movement: LOVING it! He is VERY active! He has taken up residence in my ribs and now he is ALWAYS up there! He also loves try to stretch out which is fine except it is right in my ribs.
Food cravings: fruit, veggies, and red meat.
Gender: It's A BOY!!!!!! Nicholas Allen Ledford.
Labor Signs: Still having backpain and contractions on and off and even got to be hooked to the NST machine on Monday. I told Michael it was our sneak preview for labor. Ha!
Belly Button in or out? I can tell it is starting to move towards the outside. My laparoscopic scar at the base of my belly button that has always been on the inside is now on the outside (you can see it on my abdomen, not just inside my belly button anymore)! AH! It's getting smaller and flatter. However, it is basically still an innie.
What I am looking forward to: Packing my hospital bag and diaper bag this weekend. We are also having our maternity/nursery pictures made by Michael's sister!!! I'm excited about those! I was worried we wouldn't have time, but we are going to have them done this Sunday.
Milestones: Knowing that full term is just TWO weeks away!!!! AHHHHHH!!!!!
I am feeling a lot better today. I have these random days where my exhaustion, pain, and all the things left on my to do list catch up with me and unfortunately, it was yesterday. I actually slept decent last night and I am really starting to think that sleep will make a big difference. I don't know if you noticed, but I went back to my ALMOST natural hair color (I actually have VERY dark hair and I can't go quite that dark because of how much gray I have). I wanted something that didn't require so much maintenance for the next few months. After I go back to work I may go back to a lighter highlight, but I don't know. I like it right now.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Overwhelmed and Stressed

Disclaimer: Before I even write this I am well aware that it is not good for me to be stressed right now. Please do not even bother commenting if you plan to tell me that.

I think one of the major disadvantages to pregnancy after infertility and multiple losses is the fear of the unknown and the desire for everything to be perfect. I am stressed about how we are going to survive without my income for twelve weeks, I am stressed about the fact that I am high risk and we are having trouble getting everyone together to make a plan for delivery, and I am stressed about finishing everything that needs to be done before he comes.

His room still has several things that need to be done, but there hasn't been the time. I have literally around 100 thank you notes to write, some of which are almost a month old, and I just don't have the time. I'm also stressed over the whole birth plan issue. The possibility that the wrong decision could leave me paralyzed or with some sort of permanent damage is stressful, and the decision is 100% up to me. Then there is the fact that yes, I've made it 35 weeks, but this is the most dangerous time of them all when you have a clotting disorder. We have a risk of a clot for me or even one in the umbilical cord or placenta. A lot could still go wrong. I've never had the luxury of being naive and 100% relaxed. That stresses me out.

I spent two years crying and praying for this day and now that it is here, I am scared to death. What if I don't know what to do or how to handle something? What if he is just a complete brat? I'm just worried I won't make the right decisions. I am scared to death of the actual birth part. I've seen it done a hundred times and LOVED working L&D, but it is way different when it is you! Ha!

Well, I better get to bed, just realized it is already 12:15 and tomorrow (or well, today) is a long day (got to get my roots did!). I haven't slept much, so I'm sure it isn't like I'm missing any sleep! Ha!

Sunday, June 6, 2010

35 Week Appointment

We went for my 35 week appointment this morning and had our growth scan. Nicholas looks great, but due to his position, he couldn't be measured well. The OB did give us an estimate of a little over five pounds right now. I did get to take a little trip to L&D to meet with anesthesia and a NST today. I have been having some regular, timeable back to low abdominal pain that he wanted to check out. It wasn't regular enough to get worried about and Nicholas looked great on that too. I am now a weekly OB pt and can't wait to go back next week. Hopefully I'll have my first internal exam and we'll know if we have any progress (although he indicated it wouldn't be for another two weeks).

Now, I'm sure many of you are wondering why I went for the anesthesia consult. I have a very mild, closed form of spina bifida that could create a problem getting an epidural or a spinal, especially when combined with my clotting disorder. We are wanting to know if they will be able to give me an epidural or a spinal and what they want me to do about my aspirin. Well, we still don't have any answers. My spinal defect is so low, it doesn't show up on my CT that they looked at, so they are trying to get one from 2004 from my old urologist. Ha, good luck with that! However, as of today we have had two different plans; one, a c-section with a spinal and very controlled anti-coagulation, second, back to inducing at 39 weeks with controlled anti-coagulation and an epidural. I'm ready to have a plan!!!! Hopefully by the end of the day tomorrow we will know something.

I love being pregnant, it is the most wonderful thing ever, however I am at the point of being miserable. I hate complaining, and try so hard not to. I am just having a hard time sleeping, walking, sitting, and doing just about everything. Summer pregnancy is hard. I laughed at first because I thought mid-July won't be bad. Ha, wrong! June is just one week in and my feet are massive and I am just so hot all the time. (I would show you a picture of my feet/ankles, but you might lose your dinner!) With that said, I'm the happiest, most excited I've ever been.

Someone Is Five Now

May 29 was a special day at our house, it was our firstborn's fifth birthday! Ha! Seriously we do tell him Happy Birthday and get him a special treat. I'm sure he could care less! Haha! I can't believe we've had him almost five years (in September), time is flying by and I'm sure it will even more once Nicholas joins our family.

I've always thought this was a cute picture of my two favorite boys the day after we got Spencer. He was SO tiny! Next is a current one from last fall. He is such a good dog, but I think he is a little worried what is going on in his house. He seems a little unsure about all the new things in his favorite room to look out the window. He loves babies and children and has never had any aggression, but I plan on having Michael discuss bringing a baby in when he takes him to the vet next week for his shots.
Happy Birthday Buddy! We Love You!!!!!

Friday, June 4, 2010

HELP, 911! Laundry Emergency!

I just realized I washed a black gel pen with a load of WHITES! Great! I washed them late last night and was putting them into the dryer and noticed huge globs of black ink on everything, including my ONE pair of maternity shorts. I think I may cry.

HELP!!!!! Any advice, I'll do anything!

UDAPTE: Tried hairspray = no help. Moving on to oxy now.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

34 Weeks/6 or LESS To Go!!!!


How big is Baby? 18.5 inches, 5 pounds. Size of a cantaloupe.
Total weight gain/loss: 24 pounds
Maternity clothes? All I wear.
Stretch marks? Not yet
Sleep: No longer in my vocabulary, getting harder and harder at night! I'm pretty sure I could take a nap in the mid afternoon though.
Best moment this week: Seeing Nicholas on US today!
Movement: LOVING it! He is VERY active! He has taken up residence in my ribs and now he is ALWAYS up there! He also loves try to stretch out which is fine except it is right in my ribs.
Food cravings: fruit, veggies, and red meat.
Gender: It's A BOY!!!!!! Nicholas Allen Ledford.
Labor Signs: Still having backpain and contractions on and off, but not as frequent, thank GOODNESS! They are never consistent enough to time, so my OB isn't worried. Who knows, he may make an early debut, but judging by how high he is still sitting, I don't think it will be that early.
Belly Button in or out? I can tell it is starting to move towards the outside. My laparoscopic scar at the base of my belly button that has always been on the inside is now on the outside (you can see it on my abdomen, not just inside my belly button anymore)! AH! It's getting smaller and flatter. However, it is basically still an innie.
What I am looking forward to: We start our weekly visits on Monday with our official growth US (see 34 wk appt update below)
Milestones: Making it another week
Today was supposed to be my 34 week appt and when I made the appt I thought it was strange that they scheduled me for the one day he goes to a hospital about 40 miles away for the day. Well, apparently the new girl that made the appt didn't get that memo and scheduled me for this morning. His nurse was there and she let us have an US since Michael had taken off from work to go. She did mention he looked a little on the large side! Ha! I can't hear to see the measurements the Dr gives us Monday! I think we have a TALL baby on our hands!!!!
Tonight we went to BRU and purchased our highchair with the gift card from the doctors I work for and a 20% off coupon! Woohoo! Now we have all of our "big" items! My mom and I are going Saturday to make exchanges and get the few things I still need. It won't be long now!