This silly baby has the hiccups. He hardly ever gets them, but he has them right now. They're pretty strong too - my whole belly is vibrating. I am tired and want to sleep, but can't.
Just wanted to post this very important information, since my Overthinker friend thinks I've stopped blogging forever. :-) I'm sure she's glad I'm sharing this now.
G'night ya'll - hope you are resting peacefully!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Latest, great news!
We were thrilled today to have a sonogram to check out our baby boy, and the position of the placenta. As many of you have prayed, God answered our prayers they way we specifically requested, and it has almost resolved! YEA!!! The tech said that it is still considered a marginal previa, but with Elijah now in position with his head down, as he moves further down, that he'll probably help it totally get out of the way. This is such a great thing, meaning we should not have to do a c-section, and I can deliver him vaginally as I'd desired.
It was harder to see his face today, because he is squished down so low, and is facing up into my abdomen right now, but we were able to catch little glimpses, and see his heart beating well, his cute, round tummy, and legs, feet, hands and arms. So sweet...the kids again loved seeing their little brother, and commented on how cute he is. And, of course, we're not biased at all. :-) He is still measuring ahead, and at a pretty good size. I'll be at the 33 week tomorrow, and the tech said he is just under 5 1/2 pounds. We are tickled he's growing well, and happy to know that as of now, things look just wonderfully well.
We were waiting for a minute on the nurse to check my blood pressure and weight (both were good), and Dr. McKenzie saw us and came in to say hi. He said though they'd like the placenta a couple of centimeters away from the cervix, he was pleased and felt that the tech was right, and that it'll probably continue to shift a little. He said even if it didn't, he saw no reason we couldn't plan on a vaginal delivery. He was very happy for us, and agreed that God had answered our prayers in a terrific way.
I had my quick visit with Dr. Radbill, and the nurse who showed me to the room commented as she was putting my chart in the door, "You're not even 33 weeks and this baby is measuring 5 pounds, 6 oz.?! Wow!" [I'm getting a lot of that, and comments on how big he's going to be, when who really knows?! :-)] Dr. Radbill was pleased with the change in the placenta and my measuring, and is very encouraging that things are going well. Other than sore, swollen feet still, I have no complaints or concerns. I'll go back in two weeks for just a regular visit.
Thank you for encouraging us as we waited for this day, and for the prayers you've lifted. A caesarean would not be an awful thing, but I really had hoped to avoid yet another surgery if possible. My mom was overjoyed with the news today, especially because of the complications of that ovarian remnant possibly needing to be dealt with, my propensity for bleeding insanely, and the history I have with my blood pressure bottoming out during previous surgeries/anesthesia. We're all relieved that those things just won't have to be a concern anymore, as far as we can tell. What a wonderful bunch of praises to add to our Thanksgiving list of things to be grateful for!!
It was harder to see his face today, because he is squished down so low, and is facing up into my abdomen right now, but we were able to catch little glimpses, and see his heart beating well, his cute, round tummy, and legs, feet, hands and arms. So sweet...the kids again loved seeing their little brother, and commented on how cute he is. And, of course, we're not biased at all. :-) He is still measuring ahead, and at a pretty good size. I'll be at the 33 week tomorrow, and the tech said he is just under 5 1/2 pounds. We are tickled he's growing well, and happy to know that as of now, things look just wonderfully well.
We were waiting for a minute on the nurse to check my blood pressure and weight (both were good), and Dr. McKenzie saw us and came in to say hi. He said though they'd like the placenta a couple of centimeters away from the cervix, he was pleased and felt that the tech was right, and that it'll probably continue to shift a little. He said even if it didn't, he saw no reason we couldn't plan on a vaginal delivery. He was very happy for us, and agreed that God had answered our prayers in a terrific way.
I had my quick visit with Dr. Radbill, and the nurse who showed me to the room commented as she was putting my chart in the door, "You're not even 33 weeks and this baby is measuring 5 pounds, 6 oz.?! Wow!" [I'm getting a lot of that, and comments on how big he's going to be, when who really knows?! :-)] Dr. Radbill was pleased with the change in the placenta and my measuring, and is very encouraging that things are going well. Other than sore, swollen feet still, I have no complaints or concerns. I'll go back in two weeks for just a regular visit.
Thank you for encouraging us as we waited for this day, and for the prayers you've lifted. A caesarean would not be an awful thing, but I really had hoped to avoid yet another surgery if possible. My mom was overjoyed with the news today, especially because of the complications of that ovarian remnant possibly needing to be dealt with, my propensity for bleeding insanely, and the history I have with my blood pressure bottoming out during previous surgeries/anesthesia. We're all relieved that those things just won't have to be a concern anymore, as far as we can tell. What a wonderful bunch of praises to add to our Thanksgiving list of things to be grateful for!!
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
32 weeks
It is so hard to believe I'm this far along in the pregnancy, and that we're within 2 months of holding our little boy! This has been a busy week already, with vision screenings for both kids, a follow-up eye check-up for Isaac who now has glasses ordered for his far-sightedness. Today I had my regular annual eye appointment. I was actually not supposed to go until January, but since I was down to my last pair of contacts and knew that it would be hard to go with a newborn, we bumped up the appointment. Everything was fine, and I'm glad to have that out of the way. We are done with doctors for the week hopefully.
My sweet best friend from high school, Julie, had her 3rd baby yesterday. Her name is Corlee and I can't wait to meet her face-to-face. She joins sister Christa and brother Canaan, and I'm sure they are all enjoying getting to know their little sister! Julie and I were so excited to go through our pregnancies together this time, since we haven't had the opportunity before. It was really special to be able to share maternity clothes, and discuss all the crazy changes we both were going through physically and emotionally, in preparation for these new little ones.
Elijah is still very active, and seems to be pressing on something giving me a good ol' case of sciatica. My left foot stays swollen all the time, and I'm struggling some with fatigue, from the lack of sleep due to my sore back/hip. This past week I've spent any moments free trying to organize his baby clothes, and make room for his things in Isaac's room. It's a little overwhelming trying to fit it all in there, but it's going to work I think. It's so sweet to handle those little outfits and choose my favorites to take to the hospital. I have packed his bag already, so will work on mine next week. Then, we'll just be waiting for the big day!!
My sweet best friend from high school, Julie, had her 3rd baby yesterday. Her name is Corlee and I can't wait to meet her face-to-face. She joins sister Christa and brother Canaan, and I'm sure they are all enjoying getting to know their little sister! Julie and I were so excited to go through our pregnancies together this time, since we haven't had the opportunity before. It was really special to be able to share maternity clothes, and discuss all the crazy changes we both were going through physically and emotionally, in preparation for these new little ones.
Elijah is still very active, and seems to be pressing on something giving me a good ol' case of sciatica. My left foot stays swollen all the time, and I'm struggling some with fatigue, from the lack of sleep due to my sore back/hip. This past week I've spent any moments free trying to organize his baby clothes, and make room for his things in Isaac's room. It's a little overwhelming trying to fit it all in there, but it's going to work I think. It's so sweet to handle those little outfits and choose my favorites to take to the hospital. I have packed his bag already, so will work on mine next week. Then, we'll just be waiting for the big day!!
Thursday, November 8, 2007
31 weeks!
Today was another check-up, and it went well. I had gained 3 pounds these past 2 weeks, so that wasn't awful, considering all the yummy birthday and shower food I've had lately! Blood pressure was great as usual, at 116/70, so my continued swollen feet aren't really an issue to be concerned about, other than the discomfort.
Dr. R. was encouraging about Elijah's size, and surprised at how big he seemed to feel to him, based on where I am in the pregnancy. He glanced at the last ultrasound report though, which showed him in the 80-90% in all areas, so agreed that apparently our little boy is healthy and growing well! He also thinks he may have turned and be head-down now, so that's neat. I'll go in 2 weeks for the next sonogram to see if the placenta has moved any, and he was encouraging that it still could change if it hasn't already. So, I'll update you on the 19th and maybe we'll know more about whether we'll be waiting on Elijah to come on his own, or if he'll need to be delivered early by caeserean. Thank you for your continued prayers for us as we look forward to our baby boy's birthday with much anticipation!
Dr. R. was encouraging about Elijah's size, and surprised at how big he seemed to feel to him, based on where I am in the pregnancy. He glanced at the last ultrasound report though, which showed him in the 80-90% in all areas, so agreed that apparently our little boy is healthy and growing well! He also thinks he may have turned and be head-down now, so that's neat. I'll go in 2 weeks for the next sonogram to see if the placenta has moved any, and he was encouraging that it still could change if it hasn't already. So, I'll update you on the 19th and maybe we'll know more about whether we'll be waiting on Elijah to come on his own, or if he'll need to be delivered early by caeserean. Thank you for your continued prayers for us as we look forward to our baby boy's birthday with much anticipation!
Saturday, November 3, 2007
30 weeks
Our fabulous friends gave us a baby shower/brunch today. It was overwhelmingly beautiful, with tons of good food, and precious fellowship. We received many sweet gifts and were so touched at the work that was put into making it a very special occasion as we celebrate this little boy we can't wait to meet! Numerous friends were there, including Julie, my best friend since high school, and even a former first grade student and her mom. My parents and brother came too, as well as an aunt and cousin, so that was all awesome! Here are a few pictures, with more coming later probably.
This 30th week of the pregnancy has been a nice one, with milder temperatures, and James home from work. Elijah is still moving a ton, and hangs out pretty much on the right side of my belly. Sometime it looks super weird, with the big lump that is him, being so lopsided. :-) I've felt pretty good overall, just feeling somewhat uncomfortable trying to sleep, but know it's not for much longer...and that's really been a sad realization! I have loved being pregnant again, and sharing this time with Elijah inside of me is something hard to describe. It's a relationship neither of us will ever have with another person in the same way, and is just a unique blessing. I'm so, so grateful.
This 30th week of the pregnancy has been a nice one, with milder temperatures, and James home from work. Elijah is still moving a ton, and hangs out pretty much on the right side of my belly. Sometime it looks super weird, with the big lump that is him, being so lopsided. :-) I've felt pretty good overall, just feeling somewhat uncomfortable trying to sleep, but know it's not for much longer...and that's really been a sad realization! I have loved being pregnant again, and sharing this time with Elijah inside of me is something hard to describe. It's a relationship neither of us will ever have with another person in the same way, and is just a unique blessing. I'm so, so grateful.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
29 weeks
What a nice birthday gift today has been already! I had a check-up with Dr. McK this morning and was in and out of the office in less than an hour. Elijah was cooperative and we heard that steady heartbeat, complete with kicks of enthusiasm from him. :-) It's hard to believe that at 29 weeks, our sweet Isaac was born. I'm so thankful that I'm not in labor right now. Though Isaac was a fighter and did amazingly well to be 11 weeks early, that is just too soon to enter the world, and has made his life complicated at times. We have lots to be thankful for!
Dr. McK was happy to hear Disney went so well, and we chatted for a while about that. We discussed a few other things too. One was the possibility of a c-section looking more possible (he gave me a 70% chance of having one due to the placenta not shifting yet, though it's still possible). I'm still hopeful, but not in despair or anything if we have to do surgery. Reading up on placenta previa and realizing the profuse bleeding and scary issues that happen when a mom goes into labor sure make me want to avoid that. It's so risky for the mom and baby, so I am glad we have technology to help us be aware of these situations today.
As he measured me and felt around on my belly for E, I asked him to show me how to tell what was what. He took my fingers and lightly pressed down on the top of my abdomen, and said when I felt the bouncing back, that was the head. Then, the bottom feels "doughy", and gives in a little, instead of bouncing back like the head. Right now, Elijah is still breech, which is not uncommon at this stage of the pregnancy. That explains why I felt like a foot was stabbing me last night, really low. It was! He said he can still turn to get in position, but it's harder with the placenta in the way, and with his increasing size.
A little concern is that he shared he's never had a lady get pregnant with an ovarian remnant and also have placenta previa, resulting in a c-section, so he said that will just be something he has to carefully consider if we end up going the surgical route. (Some of you may remember that this remnant was found months ago before I was pregnant, growing where my left ovary was removed 11 years ago. We left it alone, because it wasn't changing over several months that we watched it and wasn't causing any problem, so neither of us wanted to do a surgery just for it.) His word to describe the c-section with placenta previa and the additional factor of removing this remnant is "grungy." :-) He said a uterine polyp or tumor would be simpler to handle, since he obviously would be there in the uterus anyway. Getting over to the ovary area and removing that during the bleeding that happens in a normal c-section is just more complicated. Right now we can't even see it any longer during sonograms, due to Elijah's size, so don't know what exactly is going on with it. It's not a major problem, just something he wanted me to know he remembered (I'd totally forgotten about it), and that we'd talk more about it as things progress.
For now, he put me on additional iron supplements, since I was borderline anemic with my last visit's bloodwork, and plus, he said anticipating the possible surgery, he wants me to "tank up." I realize more and more every visit how much I appreciate this man for his sensitive manner, and godly wisdom. James and I both are so impressed with the care he's given us for 6 years now, and it's so nice to really trust that he is seriously praying for us, and the best way to provide care for me. It gives me a lot of peace of mind, and I can happily anticipate each visit, knowing his heart, and his attention to details. What a blessing.
I'll go back in 2 more weeks, and then the next visit after that, probably at 33 weeks will be the final ultrasound to determine the delivery plan. Thank you all for praying! God is so good.
Dr. McK was happy to hear Disney went so well, and we chatted for a while about that. We discussed a few other things too. One was the possibility of a c-section looking more possible (he gave me a 70% chance of having one due to the placenta not shifting yet, though it's still possible). I'm still hopeful, but not in despair or anything if we have to do surgery. Reading up on placenta previa and realizing the profuse bleeding and scary issues that happen when a mom goes into labor sure make me want to avoid that. It's so risky for the mom and baby, so I am glad we have technology to help us be aware of these situations today.
As he measured me and felt around on my belly for E, I asked him to show me how to tell what was what. He took my fingers and lightly pressed down on the top of my abdomen, and said when I felt the bouncing back, that was the head. Then, the bottom feels "doughy", and gives in a little, instead of bouncing back like the head. Right now, Elijah is still breech, which is not uncommon at this stage of the pregnancy. That explains why I felt like a foot was stabbing me last night, really low. It was! He said he can still turn to get in position, but it's harder with the placenta in the way, and with his increasing size.
A little concern is that he shared he's never had a lady get pregnant with an ovarian remnant and also have placenta previa, resulting in a c-section, so he said that will just be something he has to carefully consider if we end up going the surgical route. (Some of you may remember that this remnant was found months ago before I was pregnant, growing where my left ovary was removed 11 years ago. We left it alone, because it wasn't changing over several months that we watched it and wasn't causing any problem, so neither of us wanted to do a surgery just for it.) His word to describe the c-section with placenta previa and the additional factor of removing this remnant is "grungy." :-) He said a uterine polyp or tumor would be simpler to handle, since he obviously would be there in the uterus anyway. Getting over to the ovary area and removing that during the bleeding that happens in a normal c-section is just more complicated. Right now we can't even see it any longer during sonograms, due to Elijah's size, so don't know what exactly is going on with it. It's not a major problem, just something he wanted me to know he remembered (I'd totally forgotten about it), and that we'd talk more about it as things progress.
For now, he put me on additional iron supplements, since I was borderline anemic with my last visit's bloodwork, and plus, he said anticipating the possible surgery, he wants me to "tank up." I realize more and more every visit how much I appreciate this man for his sensitive manner, and godly wisdom. James and I both are so impressed with the care he's given us for 6 years now, and it's so nice to really trust that he is seriously praying for us, and the best way to provide care for me. It gives me a lot of peace of mind, and I can happily anticipate each visit, knowing his heart, and his attention to details. What a blessing.
I'll go back in 2 more weeks, and then the next visit after that, probably at 33 weeks will be the final ultrasound to determine the delivery plan. Thank you all for praying! God is so good.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
28 weeks
It's been an exciting 28th week, as we just returned from a big family vacation. We haven' t been on a vacation in over 3 years, so really enjoyed the adventure of Walt Disney World with my parents and brother. We spent 5 days in the "happiest place on earth" and it was a really happy week. Elijah seemed to enjoy it just fine, though he didn't see any great attractions, he did respond to hearing and feeling them, with some vigorous movement at times. The return flight home really got him going. :-)
Thankfully, I was able to enjoy the trip, despite the heat that was draining on all of us, since we walked miles and miles each day. My feet, however, did not seem to enjoy it as much. The below pictures are not of an elephant, but actually my own pitiful swollen toes and ankles. They're still pretty painful, and the skin just feels stretched to its limit. Hopefully they'll return to a somewhat normal size eventually. Right now, they're pretty ugly and embarrassing, not to mention numb and achey at the same time, if that makes any sense. I am very grateful that I h
ad hardly any back pain all week, which has been an issue for me for years, and only one hour of Braxton-Hicks contractions. I consider those major blessings and answers to prayer!
This Wednesday is my birthday and I will have a doctor's appointment that day to see how things are going. I'll update you after that! I'm looking forward to some cool weather moving in just in time for a birthday gift too. YEA!!
Thankfully, I was able to enjoy the trip, despite the heat that was draining on all of us, since we walked miles and miles each day. My feet, however, did not seem to enjoy it as much. The below pictures are not of an elephant, but actually my own pitiful swollen toes and ankles. They're still pretty painful, and the skin just feels stretched to its limit. Hopefully they'll return to a somewhat normal size eventually. Right now, they're pretty ugly and embarrassing, not to mention numb and achey at the same time, if that makes any sense. I am very grateful that I h
ad hardly any back pain all week, which has been an issue for me for years, and only one hour of Braxton-Hicks contractions. I consider those major blessings and answers to prayer!This Wednesday is my birthday and I will have a doctor's appointment that day to see how things are going. I'll update you after that! I'm looking forward to some cool weather moving in just in time for a birthday gift too. YEA!!
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