My Happy Ending

WARNING: This could get lengthy! (I started writing this several weeks ago and have had no time to finish. I am determined to share the story of how the little guy who was due to arrive November 4th, came home over two weeks early!)

In my last post I wrote about a Dr.'s apt. that I had on the 12th of October. I was admitted as an outpatient that day and had a slew of tests run to make sure that "Baby" was thriving, and he was. That following Friday, the 15th, I was told to go in for a blood pressure check at our small town clinic where they discovered that my blood pressure was continuing to rise. I was sent home (back to bed rest), put on some BP medication and asked to again do a 24 hour urine sample on Sunday.

Monday the 18th of October....

I got up that morning feeling really frustrated. The BP medication they had put me on was creating a whole new set of problems. While it was lowering my BP, it was also causing me to black out! I wasn't comfortable with that and decided to stop taking it on Sunday. (I knew there was no way I could take the medicine before driving myself to my Dr.'s apt. Monday morning.)

I handed in my urine sample which they tested while I was there and my protein count had doubled since the week before. My BP was once again elevated since I'd stopped taking the meds, I had gained a few more pounds and the swelling hadn't gotten any better. My Dr. suggested that we go ahead and start discussing my induction at that point. I asked a ton of questions and at the end of my appointment asked when I should come back to have my "Baby"... that's when the Dr. said that we should go ahead and do it that day.

I was a little surprised but after she explained to me that sending me home could only complicate things that much more, I decided that I needed to do what was not only best for "Baby" but for Mommy too! My husband had stayed at work since he was really busy and I truly thought if we were going to get induced, that it wouldn't be for a few days. I called him after they had admitted me and gave instructions of what to pack in the bag since I was planning on doing that that afternoon. He was really surprised too!

They began giving me pitocin around 10:30 am. When the Dr. had checked me that morning I was at a 3 so she was confident that the pitocin would get things started with no problem and it did. She came back and broke my water at noon and shortly after that my husband arrived.

The contractions were really intense from the start. I was very ready for my epidural when the time came to get it done. Since my contractions were a minute apart, it took a lot longer to get my epidural started then it had when I had DS. I was never comfortable enough to rest (much less sleep) and while the epi took the edge off, it didn't completely take the pain away like I remember from my first delivery.

Things went much faster this time around as I had expected they would. Every time the Dr. came in to check me I had gotten further along, no stalling or stopping took place that day and by 4:30 pm I was at a 10 and ready to push. The Dr. came in, the nurses set up the "Baby" station and I began what took a mere 20 minutes of pushing. At one point during labor the nurse asked me to lie on my right side because the "Baby's" heart rate was all over the place. When he was born the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck and one of his little feet... which was what was causing his heart rate to be all over the board.

He came into the world screaming, turned a beautiful shade of pink almost immediately and latched on like a pro after only a few minutes! I nursed him for awhile and when I had finished they checked him all over and handed him back to us. After a very long wait, we finally had the perfect little boy we'd been waiting for!

My blood pressure stabilized almost immediately after delivery, my carpal tunnel has disappeared, the swelling is gone and I've shaved off several pounds. I feel much better now that he is here and safe. Other than a "UTI" I feel almost back to my normal self again. I don't get much done other than nursing, pumping and changing diapers but I wouldn't have it any other way!

"Baby Craftysaur" or Maddox as we like to call him is almost 4 weeks old now. He is growing like a weed and developing quite a little personality! DS is absolutely in love with him and has been so sweet and gentle. We look forward to watching the boys grow up together and feel so blessed to finally have a sibling for our oldest son. It's been a long road from TTC, to the miscarriages, to the finally positive HPT that ended in a happy ending! Looking back I wouldn't change a thing! Sometimes the best gifts are worth the wait and in this case he definitely was!

So here I am ending my final post. I appreciate every one's kind and encouraging words along the way. I will continue to follow along in the rest of your journeys and continue to pray that each of you receive the happy ending you are all working so hard for!
Best of luck to you all... Craftysaur

Wonder Where I've Been?

If you are wondering where I've been... this should explain it all!

I will blog all about him as soon as I get a chance!

Tests, Tests & More Tests

Baby Craftysaur at 37 weeks... this was taken during a biopysical profile ultrasound.

My Dr.'s appointment on Monday didn't quite turn out the way I had hoped or expected! I woke up that morning feeling very nauseous with a splitting headache. I ended up throwing up three times before it was time to leave! My blood pressure wasn't terribly high compared to what it had been but I was a little puffy and starting to get a little concerned because of the vomiting. I had it in my head that we would be having a baby this week... it's now Thursday and I am still pregnant and on bed rest!

I turned in my "jug 'o pee" from my 24 hour urine analysis, peed in the cup, got weighed and sent back for my routine check up. The nurse took my blood pressure, asked a few questions and sent in the doctor. The doctor asked how I'd been feeling, measured me, listened to the "Baby" and then admitted me as an out patient to Labor and Delivery.

She ordered a non stress test which is where the mother (me) is hooked up to the fetal monitor just as she would be if she were in labor, and the response of the fetal movements is observed. She also ordered a biophysical profile which generally evaluates, through the use of ultrasound, 4 aspects of life in the uterus: fetal breathing, fetal movement, fetal tone and amniotic fluid volume. I was also given an IV due to dehydration caused by the vomiting.

While the tests were being performed they drew blood to check and make sure my liver and kidneys were functioning normally and they are. They did find protein in my urine again but it was at a +2 which isn't high enough for them to be concerned at this stage in my pregnancy. The non stress test showed that the baby is doing just fine and that I am having contractions off and on but not enough to categorize me as being in "active labor". The biophysical profile had to be done twice because the first time the radiologist came in she was unable to pass us due to my very sleepy "Baby". After a snack and a cold drink he was ready to perform and passed with flying colors in the first 10 minutes!

After about 4 hours or so I was dismissed, told to go home and remain on bed rest for another week and come back next Monday for more fun and games! I got the results of my 24 hour urine analysis back yesterday and I am being asked to retake that test... YUCK! Apparently the volume of urine was much lower than they liked to see. I can't tell you how many times I have tried to tell my nurses and doctors that I have been having trouble peeing. I will fill up on fluids this Sunday and again pee in my little jug only to blow up like a balloon from the retaining of the fluids and sit on the toilet for hours on end because of the pressure from not being able to pass much urine... YAY ME!

They are also considering another non stress test for Monday to check out the "little man" and make sure he is still doing OK. Hopefully we will have an answer as to whether or not I need to be induced next week. As far along as I am now, I am not sure I even want to mess with an induction as long as he's doing OK. I am feeling much better today and am tired of the testing and retesting and would honestly rather have labor set in on it's own between now and then. I am anxious to meet our Baby but as long as he's healthy on the inside, I say why not keep him that way and can we do it w/out remaining on bed rest... PLEASE!

I would love to hear some feedback from those of you who have been induced whether it be because of preeclampsia or other health related issues. What week were you induced and why? Were your baby's lungs fully mature upon delivery? Were your contractions that much more uncomfortable due to the induction? And finally, were you able to have a vaginal delivery w/out it turning into a C-section?

Bed Rest Is For the Birds

The one thing I have been trying to avoid more than anything else this entire pregnancy has been the dreaded... BED REST! Who has time for laying in bed all day?! Not this Mama... especially not this week! During my pregnancy with DS I would have loved to have been told to go home and go to bed. Work was making me crazy and all I wanted was an excuse to get away a little early, but that never happened! This time around I have (an almost) four year old to keep up with... that doesn't leave much time for just laying around! And... it's the week of his birthday!

My appointments have been all over the place the past couple of weeks. There have been so many changes I have had to call before going in to make sure I have the right date and time. After a small get together with DS's school friends yesterday I had an appointment. Now, I will admit that I may have overdone it a touch on Tuesday. I mowed the lawn, made and decorated cupcakes for PreSchool and kind of cleaned the house (from top to bottom)! Nesting never felt so good, that is until it was time for bed! I vowed to never do that again and went on with my day yesterday.

I have been feeling a little nauseous, a lot tired, kinda sore and really weepy the last couple weeks. My hand, (you know, the one infested with carpal tunnel syndrome), has been really giving me fits lately and my back has never felt so sore. But other than that, I have felt great! When I got to my appointment yesterday the first thing I noticed that seemed a little off was my weight. I had gained 5 pounds in a week... WHAT?! How is that even possible, I've barely been able to eat anything because I've been so nauseous!

Moving on... my blood pressure was a little higher than normal. I thought nothing of this because I had just finished entertaining 7 four year olds before I got there. I even joked with the nurse about it, who said they'd just go ahead and check it again before I left. When the Dr. came in she asked how I'd been feeling, I told her and mentioned that peeing was becoming a real pain in the you-know-what. I went on to explain that it's not painful but uncomfortable because of the intense amount of pressure I feel every time I try and go.

She measured me and began trying to find "Baby's" heartbeat. Normally "Baby" has a very loud, very distinct heartbeat, but yesterday the Dr. was having a heard time even finding it! When she finally did it wasn't real loud. I got real nervous at that point and asked if everything was OK. She went on to explain that because of his position it was hard for her to get a very good listen, he had his back to my stomach. She then asked when I had had my last sonogram, I told her it was done at 21 weeks. She handed me my paper towel skirt and said she'd be back to check me to see if I had dilated.

I had started to dilate and was already at a two. This really came as no surprise to me because I knew he had dropped at least 2 weeks ago and when I had DS, I was at a 2-3 for 2-3 weeks before he was born. The nurse took my blood pressure again and asked if I could stick around awhile, I said that'd be fine and she asked me to lie down on my left side for 20 minutes. This happened two more times before the Dr. came in again.

When she came back in I could tell she didn't want to tell me whatever it was she had to say. She looked at me and said, "I don't know how to tell you this, but I have to put you on BED REST!" After a few tears I was released and asked to come back on Tuesday. They had found protein in my urine, my blood pressure was elevated and I had some pretty significant swelling ... all signs of preeclampsia!

I am on strict BED REST until Tuesday when I go back. If everything is back to normal I should be able to stay pregnant a few weeks longer, if not, they will then decide whether or not to induce labor. I have to check my blood pressure twice a day, stay off my feet unless it's to get up and go to the bathroom or get something to eat or drink and collect my urine for 24 hours on Monday. I have already had to miss DS's Pumpkin Patch Field Trip and am not going to be able to help my Mom and sister decorate and make ready for his party this weekend. BED REST IS FOR THE BIRDS!!!

I know I need to do whatever I can to stay pregnant for at least another week, but this SUCKS! Not only am I not ready, but now I can't even get ready without the help of my family and friends and I feel really bad about that! I would love to hear from anyone who has had to go through this... what did you do to keep from going insane?!

Getting Ready for Baby Brother

Today I am 36 weeks!!! DS and I have been super busy getting ready for "Baby Brother". I read somewhere that it is important to involve an older sibling w/ the preparations to make them feel as though they are a big part of getting ready for baby.

Each week, for the past two weeks, we have been doing things around the house (one day a week) to get ourselves prepared. Two weeks ago, we went through some of the crib toys we had when DS was a baby. Together we picked a few things out to wash and put new batteries in for "Baby Brother" to use. It was fun showing DS his old mobile, he asked to listen to the music the mobile plays when he went to bed that first night.

Last week we cleaned up the car seat by washing the liner and bleaching the seat and base. DS helped me take the liner out and put it back in after everything had dried. We then took apart the Diaper Genie and bleached it. I realized at that point that there are a few supplies that I need to run out and get in the next few weeks, like Diaper Genie liners and diapers!

We will be packing the diaper bag today and making a list of all of those supplies one needs when preparing to bring home baby number 2. I look forward to showing DS the outfit we brought him home from the hospital in and having him help me pick an outfit for "Baby Brother".

In the next 4 weeks (or so), we will pack Mommy's hospital bag and DS's overnight bag for Grandma & Grandpa's house. We will order the crib bedding and wash it up and put it in the crib, put the car seat in the car, set up the bassinet and shop for a gift for DS to give to the baby. Mommy will shop for those supplies I mentioned above as well as a few other things we need and for a gift from "Baby Brother" to "Big Brother" DS!

There's so much left to do in so little time! On top of all of the busy work to get ready for baby, there's also the matter of celebrating DS's 4th birthday next week. Everyone keeps asking if I'm ready and my answer is always "YES!", but after writing this post, I'm not sure I really am as ready as I thought!

What am I forgetting? I'd love to hear from all the second time Moms out there about the things they stocked up on before bringing home baby #2!

Breast is Best... Right?!

I'm 34 weeks today and I'm exhausted! I haven't been sleeping well (during the night that is). Naptime seems to be the only restful sleep I can get and unfortunately since DS doesn't nap... I am limited to a catnap after dinner when DH is home.

I find myself awake almost every night at 3 or 4 am researching breastfeeding online. I am trying to do everything in my power to have a positive result with nursing this time. My first experience didn't quite go the way I had planned so this time I am educating myself as much as possible.

I had planned on taking a class but found out last week that the only one offered before
"Baby"comes has been canceled. I have spoke to two women over the phone now who have answered a slue of questions regarding my upcoming challenge. They have given me more insight then I could have possibly imagined and I wish now that I had taken more imitative to get this kind of information before going down that dreaded road with DS!

You see, like most first-time moms, I had it in my head that nursing was going to be so natural and often wondered why more women chose the bottle over the breast. Why would one even consider spending $25 a can on formula when you can supply your baby w/ all he/she needs for free? I obviously had watched way too many Baby Stories on TLC because when it came time to nurse DS, I failed miserably!

I remember thinking that when DS was born, that the Dr. would place him on my chest and he'd latch himself on and take right off... right?! WRONG! After four and a half hours of pushing and with the help of forceps, DS came bouncing into the world. But instead of the Dr. placing him on my chest, they held him up for me to see and placed him on the baby "hot plate" to check him all over. By the time I was able to hold him I was so busy looking at him and watching as our families passed him around the delivery room, that I didn't even think about trying to nurse.

Two hours later, as I was being prepped to move to postpartum I had to ask the nurse, "Should I try breastfeeding him now?" She replied that it'd be a good idea so I tried with all my might to get him to latch on not knowing what the hell I was doing! I was in such a euphoric state and so exhausted I think I actually thought I had gotten him fed since he'd drifted off to sleep.

DH and I had made the choice to have him brought into the room during the night only when he needed to be fed or changed. At midnight the nurse rolled him in and said she'd be back a little later to take him back to the nursery. DH fetched him from the rolly cart and placed him in my arms. I did what I'd seen so many times on Baby Story and again thought I was doing everything right.

The next morning after a very long night I asked for some help from the lactation consultant. She was very helpful and had some really good advice but I just remember thinking this is not something I should have to ask for help with. When she left the room I cried to DH telling him how I felt like a failure for not being able to successfully nurse our newborn son. I didn't' give up though, I wanted to, but I kept on trying for the first 3 or 4 weeks.

My mother-in-law went out and bought me a breast pump the first day we were home. I tried it out and didn't get much milk, no surprise, my milk hadn't even come in yet. I continued trying day after day, night after night to nurse DS but felt he wasn't ever satisfied. At his first appointment after delivery they had me start supplementing because he'd lost so many ounces. The formula would leave him feeling full and the weight was put back on fast so I felt relieved for the first time since bringing him home. No one told me about a little thing called nipple confusion and every time I tried to nurse, he'd not have much of a response. After those first few weeks, I gave up!

This time I am going to try much harder! And while I know it doesn't work for everyone, I plan to do things differently in hopes of having a better experience! What advice can you give me to have that better experience?

Let the Countdown Begin

The Countdown to "Baby" arriving, that is! I am in the home stretch now with only 48 days to go till I reach my due date. And believe me people, I am ready!

Remember that little thing I mentioned in my last post about how I was hoping to steer clear of the cold DS had brought home from school?! Yah, two days later I spent an entire day on the couch because no amount of hand washing could keep me from getting the dreaded bug! Almost a week later, the symptoms haven't got much better. I have been taking Tylenol to now tolerate not only the stiff neck and carpal tunnel infested hand but also the aches and pains of the common cold. I see my Dr. again tomorrow so I will ask what she suggests I take to get me through the rest of this miserable state!

I have also been lucky enough to be experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions again! My DH, DS and I raise steer calves. We had a death in our herd yesterday so I spent quite a bit of time outside w/ the "babies" cleaning out the stall our sick calf had been residing in. I was fine for awhile, until I decided to start preparing for the burial of the dead calf. I found that digging a hole wasn't going to work too well and luckily I had saved that part for last.

About that time DH came home from work. It's always better, I find, to keep some things from him. Especially if those things involve me overdoing it a tad bit! We went about our business as usual but he quickly caught on that I was uncomfortable. I told him that I thought maybe that "Baby" was sitting in the wrong spot and creating some pressure. He ordered me back inside to sit down and finished up with the help of DS.

Things went back to normal relatively quick after I sat down awhile, and I don't think I'll be doing anymore digging till after "Baby" makes his grand entrance! Seven more weeks or more of taking it easy isn't so bad, as long as there's not too much work to be done from here on out!

Empty Nest (for a little while)

The next 8 weeks are going to be tough! DS started preschool on Monday and I am starting to feel the affects of an empty nest! Good thing I have a special bundle arriving soon!

I saw my Dr. on Friday last week and everything looks good. I had my glucose tolerance test, it came back normal and I was given a prescription for a wrist splint to help w/ the carpal tunnel discomfort. Ugh! Not too wild about wearing the splint but it helps tremendously so it's worth it!

My neck is still really bothering me and sleeping hasn't gotten any easier. DS brought home a cold from school this week so I am washing hands like a maniac to try and stay healthy. A cold's the last thing I want or need right now!

Baby's been pretty active this week. We watched his little buns move from one side of my belly to the other a few nights ago. (That's the one thing I am going to miss about being pregnant after he's born!) DS has a classmate who's mommy just had a baby brother the other day. He was really excited to tell me all about his friend's new baby and has asked several times if our's is coming soon. I keep reassuring him that the next few weeks are going to fly... wish I could convince myself of that!

It's almost time to head out to pick up DS, he doesn't have school again till Tuesday because of the holiday weekend. Guess this nest won't feel so empty again for a few more days at least!

Baby Bed Diaster

A few weeks ago my DH was home from work over the weekend so I thought it'd be a good opportunity to set the crib up. (Notice that thought is in italics!) DS was 18 months when we switched him from crib to toddler bed... we will wait till 2 years with this new baby! DS developed a bad habit of crawling out of bed and into ours when the rail came down and we still struggle with this on almost a nightly basis.

The crib is very functional for a small room which is great because that is what we have. The changing table is built on the end of the bed with a set of 3 drawers underneath and on the backside of the drawers are 3 shelves. There is also a rolling "floor drawer" that fits under the bed... lots of storage.

In order to keep things simple, we left the changing table assembled so that all we would need to do is piece the crib back together and reattach it to the changing table. It'd been almost two years since we had messed with the crib but since we'd assembled and disassembled it so many times (because of moving into our home when DS was 3 months), we thought it'd be a breeze... WRONG!

My DH, like most men, has it in his head that instructions manuals are really unnecessary. I pushed the envelope when it came to reassembly simply because I wanted it done right the first time. And since I was getting the impression that he'd rather be watching a football game than putting the crib up, I took it upon myself to read the manual out loud to him!

We work really well together, normally! We have great chemistry and often know what the other is thinking before he/she even thinks it. This project, however, was a little different! What should have taken maybe 20 minutes, took over an hour! And, it's still not entirely put together! The front rail is still sitting on the floor next to the bed because the screws are missing. What a disaster!

With 9 weeks left before Baby arrives we have plenty of time to get the crib up and ready but it's a good thing we started when we did or DH would probably be in some pretty hot water!

Smelly Mama

It's an exciting day for two reasons...

1. I am 30 weeks today!
2. We finally settled on a name for "Baby" this morning!

It's hard to believe that in 10 weeks we will be meeting the newest member of our family! And let's hope it's in the next ten weeks!!! Alright, I know I promised to quit complaining but I have had a miserable week!

Remember a few weeks ago when I was complaining about my stiff neck? YAH... I still have it! AND, to add to the discomfort, I now have a hand, wrist, forearm and elbow that gets more sleep than I do! I finally called the Dr. after a really rough night a few days ago. She assured me that I wasn't having a stroke, and that more than likely my symptoms were being caused by pregnancy induced carpal tunnel syndrome. YAY ME!

Has anyone else ever had to deal with this? Is there anything I can do to get some relief? It's not too bad during the day, I can at least tolerate it. But at night, it's a whole different ballgame! I have resorted to sleeping on the couch since that's the only spot that I can get any solid rest in.

I've been taking Tyelnol when it gets so bad that I can't stand it any longer and of course I continue to slather the BenGay on my neck at about 4 every morning. Funny story! A friend and I took our kiddos to the pool last week. We'd been in the water awhile when my friend looks at me and says, "Do you smell chewing tobacco?" I had, but couldn't figure out where it was coming from. We finally decided that it must be a group of high school guys that had made their way over to the little kids pool. All of the sudden it came to me that it was not the high school boys... IT WAS ME & MY BENGAY! How sad is that?! My own DH can't stand the smell of me any longer!
Typing hasn't been too bad, I just quit if it gets too painful but driving is the absolute worst! I've been doing some research and have read numerous times that this isn't going to go away until after the baby's born... that's going to make the next 10 weeks seem like an eternity! I would love to hear from anyone out there about experiences that they've had with this!

The State That I'm In @ 29 Weeks

I feel like I've been doing a lot of complaining the past couple of weeks! Instead of dwelling on everything from the heat, to the irritable uterus, the stiff neck, to the bleeding gums, the growing pains and the lack of sleep at night, I need to keep in mind the little prize at the end... our baby boy!

It took a long time to be in this state that I'm in, and I am so thankful for it. And honestly, it could be so much worse! When I stop and think about it, I've only got 11 more weeks of being uncomfortable and that doesn't even compare to the year and a half of trying that it took for us to get here.

So from here on out, I promise to do better about being positive about this little miracle of a full term pregnancy! And I started that positive outlook w/ a few new "belly shots" (from earlier this morning). I'm not excited about having people see my bare belly but I know in a few years I'll look back and be thankful for having taken them. (The only "belly shots" I have from my first pregnancy were taken a few days before DS arrived and I now wish I had more to share w/ him.)

So as I head out this afternoon to do my daily chores in this horrible heat, I will remember a year ago at this time when I felt so sad about not being in this special state that I'm in!

What a Pain in the Neck

At 28 weeks I have woken up everyday with the most horrible sore neck! BenGay is my best friend right now! During the day, luckily, the pain isn't too bad. I can at least tolerate it but at night and right away every morning, I have been more than miserable! For the first few days I kept telling myself that it would go away... it's been OVER a WEEK!!! Is it ever going to go away?!

I have tried switching pillows, changing positions while sleeping and various different forms of support for my legs, back and neck during the night. Nothing seems to help! At what point do I call my Dr.? I need my sleep and sitting up, nursing a stiff neck is not my idea of rest!

I have a feeling that all of this "taking it easy" stuff has caused my pain in the neck. I haven't been able to be nearly as active and avoiding the great outdoors right now is critical since we are experiencing triple digit heat, daily! Has anyone else experienced this type of horror?! What should I do?

Oh So Irritable

Uterine irritability: Research suggests that in some women the uterus is particularly irritable, and that this irritability makes it susceptible to untimely contractions. - What to Expect When You're Expecting

After visiting w/ my Dr. last week and again the other day over the phone, I have been doing a little research on this whole irritable uterus mess. I have been experiencing some very uncomfortable symptoms this week which include...

• menstrual-like cramps
• nausea
• lower back pain
• an achiness or feeling of pressure in the groin area
• an overwhelming urge to pee that ends in a trickle
• not as much fetal movement

I know I need to take it easy and I thought I was! Sure there are a few things that maybe I should have avoided doing but this is getting ridiculous! I have been ordered to refrain from lifting anything over 20 pounds, have I mentioned that DS weighs almost 50?!
The last thing I want right now is to be put on bedrest so I guess I will just have to suck it up and stop when I feel I need a break. DH has banned me from using the mower after this morning. I got too hot again and not getting enough water only causes more irritability which in turn causes more discomfort.
"Baby" has been more active over the last couple days which is a relief. Saturday and Sunday were pretty scary, he wasn't nearly as active as usual! That's enough to scare me into sitting for a few hours!
I am currently 27 weeks today and have 13 more weeks of dealing w/ this irritable uterus. I have a feeling that if I make it to 40 weeks, this Mama is going to be a little irritable herself!

14 Weeks Left to Go

I have reached my 26th week of pregnancy. My baby weighs about 1 1/3 pounds and has undergone a growth spurt in the last couple of weeks. This week marks a major milestone in development. His hearing system is now completely formed and over the next few weeks he'll become increasingly sensitive to sound. I've been trying to remind DS that "inside voices" are very important now and especially when the baby comes. "We don't want to scare Baby Brother!"

Being pregnant in the summer time has had it's fair share of challenges. Although I was pregnant w/ DS at the exact same time, I don't remember ever having to deal w/ the heat the way I have this time around. Most days I do what I can to avoid going outdoors altogether but w/ a busy three year old, that's not always possible!

My Dr. scolded me at my appointment yesterday telling me that I need to take it a little easier on myself and reminded me that I am not only responsible for my own health but the health of my baby. I have been experiencing some cramping which she believes is due not only to the heat but my running around like a crazy person! Staying off your feet is definitely easier said than done.

And after a very comfortable 2nd trimester, we are now back to feeling not so comfortable during the third! After a very busy week at our county fair last week, I spent an entire day in bed on Sunday recuperating. Bedtime is back to 8pm (if I make it that late), and the lawn has definitely seen it's better days! Picking up DS has become almost impossible and hanging out the wash requires the use of the big red wagon!

With only 14 weeks left to go, I plan to try harder to relax a bit and take in all the preparation that comes w/ getting a home "baby ready" once again. DS and I have plans to start sorting through baby clothes and washing the newborn duds. I am anxious to pick out some new crib bedding and a to finalize a decision on a name for Baby Brother! And as I've said before, I promise to do better w/ my blogging!

Boy, Oh Boy

Instinctively I guess I've known all along. Mothers have a way of sensing these things, as do siblings! From day one, DS has been absolutely insistant that we were having a brother and we found out yesterday that he was right! As badly as I would have loved to hear that baby number 2 was a little girl, my excitement at the thought of DS having a little brother outweighed any disappointment I may have had. I also figure that this is a good excuse to try for just one more little miracle!

As of today I am 22 weeks and feeling better than I have since February. While the summer time heat isn't always agreeing w/ me, it's a good excuse to stay inside and clean my way overdue house! DS has been getting lots of trips to the pool out of the deal so he is a happy camper and DH doesn't mind me once again doing my part of house wife!

I am measuring right at 22 weeks and gaining weight at a steady rate. I was pleased to hear that I have only gained about 2 and half pounds since my last visit... after vacation I was sure that I must have gained at least 10 pounds just that week! My blood pressure has been staying put and after 8 weeks of prescription vitamin D pills, my levels are once again normal.

I look forward to the next half of this pregnancy, enjoying every minute I have left w/ my only child. Now begins the task of sorting through tubs and tubs of baby clothes and making room for Baby Boy #2!

Belly Shots

Something I didn't do while pregnant w/ this little blue-eyed baby was "belly shots"! I took a few about a week before he was born but I sort of regret that I didn't take more. I've never been too fond of looking at my stomach so why would I want to photograph it?! I am really going to try harder this time and thought this was a good start!

I am currently 18 weeks today and am already feeling the heat of what is starting out to be a very HOT summer! Although I was pregnant at the very same time when I was expecting DS, I never bought a pair of shorts... guess I didn't spend much time outside! I have resorted to wearing DH's boxer shorts most days but don't feel real comfortable wearing them places like the grocery store or the bank. We are leaving for vacation next week and have decided that I am going to have to bite the bullet and buy some shorts. I don't think I can stand a whole week in Texas w/out them!

I saw my Dr. earlier this week and Baby seems to be doing really well. He/she kicked the instant the Doppler was placed on my stomach, DS got a real "kick" out of that! He is still convinced that Baby is a boy, I guess we will find out on the 23rd of June. I wish we could have set up an earlier time to find out but we will just wait and see!

After much consideration I decided to go ahead with the blood work that tests to see if there are any birth defects. I am currently reading a book about a family who has a child w/ OI (osteogenesis imperfecta), I guess it's making me a little paranoid! Anyway, my blood work should be back sometime today or tomorrow and while I am sure there won't be a problem, I guess I just wanted to know this time. I will keep everyone posted w/ my results!

Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut

I apologize! Once again it has been awhile since my last post. As of today I am 17 weeks along and still feeling overly tired. I had hit a spot there a few weeks back when I thought to myself, "Hey, I finally feel good again!??!??" That time is in the past! It doesn't help that we have had an overly rainy month and I am in a funk being stuck inside most days.

I have had some serious cravings this month! I recently read that I shouldn't be eating many nuts... OOPS! Hopefully this baby doesn't receive a nice, fat peanut allergy thanks to Mommy! That craving has subsided and now we are on to a different kind of nut, the kind that really isn't a nut at all... doughnuts. DH took me to a local bakery over the weekend because I couldn't stop obsessing over how badly I needed a doughnut. We bought a dozen rolls and by Sunday afternoon the rolls were gone! I have an appointment to see my Dr. on Monday the 24th and honestly, I am more excited about the chance to once again visit the bakery then to hear my unborn child's beating heart!

I am starting to show a bit now... I think?! (Maybe it's the 5 pounds that I have gained that are starting to show!) Anyway, I have dug out all the maternity clothes from my past pregnancy and have begun wearing them here and there. I love maternity clothes and wish I could always wear them! I feel so comfortable not trying to hide the bulging belly from anyone.

On Mother's Day my DH, DS and I took a trip to visit my grandma who is very sick. As I was getting ready to go, my DS said to me, "Mommy, I not like that blue shirt!" The truth is, I wasn't wearing a shirt! He was telling me that he didn't like the "belly band" attached to my jeans. I reassured him that I'd be wearing a shirt over the "blue shirt" and w/ that he was relieved!

I am continuing to take it easy. I did mow the other day for the first time in a while again but felt good afterwards. I have been experiencing some quickening and my husband has felt the baby move. I am starting to have trouble sleeping at night, I had the same problem when I was pregnant w/ DS. It's hard to get comfortable and between trips to the bathroom I struggle w/ trying to go back to sleep.

We look forward to finding out the sex in a few weeks. I continue to wish for a girl but would be very happy w/ another boy. DS is 100% sure he is going to have a baby brother. And DH really hopes for a daddy's girl too but like myself would be completely happy w/ another son. All in all I think like anyone else, we are hoping for a healthy baby! And w/ that said, I am off to hunt down the closest thing in my pantry to a doughnut!

Taking It Easy

After a wild weekend, I had a follow up visit w/ my Dr. on Wednesday and everything looks good! Baby was very active again and his/her little heart was beating away loud and clear at 160-170 beats a minute. As for the cause of the bleeding, there's not munch explanation. Dr. feels that I may just be one of those women who experience spontaneous bleeding from time to time. She has recommended that I take it easy and refrain from mowing the lawn, moving sheets of tin and pulling weeds for awhile!

We have also been given instructions to abstain from sex for at least the next month! A friend of mine who is very much done having children has asked if I could get her that kind of Dr.'s note! DH was completely OK w/ these orders, he doesn't want to feel as though he at any point has caused a trip to the ER! When we go back the end of May we will once again discuss whether or not this is still necessary but my Dr.'s advice personally, was to try and abstain throughout the rest of the pregnancy only for peace of mind. That's a little longer than I'd like but am willing to do what's best for the Baby!

Taking it easy isn't as easy! I am normally the person in our household who takes care of all of the outside chores. That includes the mowing, which I am pretty particular about! Also, now that the weather has changed over to Spring, DS is all about the great outdoors! It's hard for me to sit and watch him play and not get distracted by weeds that need pulling or seeds that I have been wanting to plant. I don't like to ask for help but might be needing some in the next few months!

I have been looking at it as sort of a way of spending a lot of extra quality time w/ DS. He is starting Preschool this fall and w/ the new baby, he deserves as much alone time w/ Mommy as I can give him. That's really the best part of taking it easy and in a few years when they aren't babies anymore I will look back at these next few months and be thankful for the time I had to take it easy!

Threatened Miscarriage

One of the scariest things an expecting mother can go through is discovering that she is bleeding. I remember all to well what that feels like from my first pregnancy. I was at work, running around like a mad woman. I had put off going to use the restroom for much too long and finally couldn't take it anymore! I ran upstairs for what I thought was going to be a quick trip and discovered that I wouldn't be returning to the hustle and bustle downstairs.

Luckily I had just told my boss the week before that I was expecting. She was wonderful when I called to tell her that I was leaving for the day, very concerned, didn't make me feel guilty for abandoning my duties for the day and she even called to ask if everything was OK later that afternoon. And everything did turn out OK! I was treated for a threatened miscarriage and sent home to rest for the weekend.

When I found out I was pregnant this time one of the first questions I asked was if I'd experience this again. My Dr. told me that my chances were higher since I'd experienced it before but after visiting w/ her on Wednesday, I thought that I was probably past that.

I was very tired yesterday. I had fallen asleep on our couch in the afternoon and when I woke up to use the bathroom I was bleeding, heavily! My DH called the ER immediately and we were told to head straight there. Our hospital is 20 minutes away and I've never seen my DH drive that fast w/ DS in the car, ever! (I kept thinking to myself that it didn't matter how fast he drove, if I was miscarrying, there wasn't anything the doctors would be able to do.)

When we got there the ER nurse took my blood pressure and checked my temperature. She then began looking for the heartbeat w/ the Doppler. That was agonizing! My Dr. had found the heartbeat right away on Wednesday but the nurse looked a little longer than we were comfortable with. But, she found it... beating away at 160 again! The on call OB had ordered another sonogram so we were sent to radiology next.

My DH wasn't along the first time we got to see the baby or hear the heartbeat, he got to hear and see both this time! Everything looked good, nothing concerned the Dr. and after the pelvic exam he sent us on our way. My cervix was closed, there were no tears and more than likely the cause of the bleeding was a ruptured blood vessel. I will wait to hear from my Dr. today to see what we do next. Obviously I am supposed to take it easy, no heavy lifting, no sex! But I plan on doing whatever is needed to ensure that everything stays alright!

We were also told that I am a week farther along than we thought which makes my due date October 28th... we might just have two October babies!

160 Beats a Minute

I woke up this morning feeling really excited and really nervous! Last week at my appointment when the Dr. went searching for a heartbeat, she didn't have much luck. Today, however, was a little different! DH was unable to attend today's big event due to work but DS was along and very excited to hear what "Baby" had to say!

While we were busy getting ready to leave this morning DS asked if the Dr. was going to take the baby out today! I think he's a little confused right now about when we will meet "Baby"! I again explained to him that the Dr. won't take "Baby" out until after his 4th birthday. He then wanted to know if the baby could talk and what he/she could say.
When the Dr. came in she asked DS if he was excited to hear the baby, he placed his head on my tummy and said "yes"! The Doppler picked up the tiny sound immediately! She told us that the tiny heart was beating at 160 beats a minute and that everything sounded perfect... pphheewwww! DS went on to tell the Dr. that the baby is a boy and that he is really excited to play w/ him. Even though I would really, really love to have a little girl, I'd be totally OK w/ another little boy!