It's hard to believe that Mallory was born one week ago today. I wanted to blog about Mallory's labor and delivery because the birth of my children are two of the most precious moments of my life. If you don't care to, you don't have to read this. I did my best not to be too graphic.
My last OB appointment was on Tuesday, January 6th. On my way to pick-up Isaiah afterwards, I started having very, very mild contractions that were every 3 minutes apart. They weren't labor pains, but I did think it was very strange that they were coming so regularly. Then again, my Braxton Hicks contractions were a lot more frequent with this pregnancy. (I didn't have any at all when I was pregnant with Isaiah.)
The next day, the contractions continued at work until about lunch time. They were noticeable, but not painful. I just felt a little uncomfortable when they would come. The length of time in between began to spread out over the course of the day. I went to choir practice and youth that night at church, and the contractions started to come more frequently. They were also a touch more intense.
When we got home from church, Tim and I talked about my concerns about being at work (an hour from the hospital) and going into labor. I didn't want to stop working early and feel stupid, but I also wanted to be safe and not stupid. We decided about 9:30 p.m. that I would begin my maternity leave immediately. It was just not safe for me to be driving the long distance through contractions, and it was certainly hard to concentrate on teaching!
Fast forward to 2:00 a.m. I woke up feeling pretty uncomfortable. I watched about an hour of TV, and when I tried to go back to bed labor offically started. The contractions were coming very strong every 5 minutes. I had called the nurse from work the day before to see how I would know when it was time to go to the hospital. She told me that if I could not walk or talk through the contractions, then it was time. Well, it was time. All I could do was try to breathe through the contractions and hunch over in pain. (Sounds lovely, doesn't it?)
We called Isaiah's overnight sitter, and we were on our way to the hospital by 4:00 a.m. Thank goodness I had packed my bag! When we arrived at Theda Clark they noticed the frequency and intensity of the contractions. The nurse said that I definitely would not be sent home. I was 5 cm dilated and my water was about to burst at any moment. (Tim is so glad that this didn't happen in his car.) The nurse checked me again an hour later, and I had dilated another 3 cm. We had left the camera in the car, and I asked the nurse if Tim would have time to run down and get it. She didn't think he would have time. Things were moving very quickly! Lucky for us, Tim has a camera on his Blackberry.
I was given an epidural (such a BEAUTIFUL thing - ahhhh), and was able to relax for a little while. The doctor (not mine, an on-call, but a GREAT doc) broke my water and I started pushing around 7:00 a.m. Mallory's heartrate started dropping during my contractions while I was pushing. It was so scary because she was not recovering as quickly as the doctor wanted. I was even aware of the slowing down as I listened to the monitor. If it happened again, the doctor would assist the deliver with forceps.
It happened again. So, time for the forceps. Let me tell you, this was not the best time for the epidural to stop working, but it did. Ouch! The great drug doctor (I can't spell his official title, but you know what kind of doc it is. :-) came up and gave me some stronger meds. Ahhh, relief. When Mallory was born, she was "sunny-side up" which explained why I had so much difficulty. She was given oxygen for just a little bit, but there were no great concerns.
Mallory did have some nerve damage from the forceps. She had a bit of paralysis on the right side of her face. It was most noticeable because her right eye would not always close on its own and the right side of her mouth was a little lazy. This is already almost completely gone! She will recover completely. My recovery has been a lot slower because of the assisted delivery, but I'm feeling better every day.
This experience was completely different from Isaiah's birth. They were both scary in their own way, but I'll never forget any moment of either experience. The first cry, the first time I held them, the first time we looked at each other and felt the bond of parent and child...
Tim and I are truly blessed with two beautiful children.
- becky
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baby. Show all posts
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sibling Adjustment
Tim and I are both so impressed with how well Isaiah and Mallory have adjusted to each other. I think Isaiah was more upset with me for staying at the hospital and not coming home.
Isaiah spent most of his time visiting us playing under the bed and behind the curtain. He also enjoying taking a "ride" on the bed. He giggled when I raised and lowered it for him.
We haven't pushed Isaiah to go by Mallory. We've been letting him check her out on his own. He seems most interested in her when she is awake. He likes to blink at her when he sees her blink.
We are ALL so exhausted!
Mallory enjoys watching Isaiah (as best her new little eyes will let her see at this point), and she often listens for his voice when he's in the room.
2 year old Hemorrhoid - LOL - He popped the pillow.
- becky
Isaiah spent most of his time visiting us playing under the bed and behind the curtain. He also enjoying taking a "ride" on the bed. He giggled when I raised and lowered it for him.
We haven't pushed Isaiah to go by Mallory. We've been letting him check her out on his own. He seems most interested in her when she is awake. He likes to blink at her when he sees her blink. 
We are ALL so exhausted!
Mallory enjoys watching Isaiah (as best her new little eyes will let her see at this point), and she often listens for his voice when he's in the room.
2 year old Hemorrhoid - LOL - He popped the pillow.- becky
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
OB Update
It's been quite a night.
I lost another pound. My total weight gain is only 11 pounds. This is not as happy as it sounds. I am very frustrated that I just can't seem to gain weight because of concerns about the baby's size. My doctor liked the results of my BPP, though, so she is not too worried. She reassures me that keeping my blood sugar under control is much, much healthier for the baby.
I'm dilated to 3 centimeters, and my membranes have been stripped. I've been having some uncomfortable contractions since the exam, which were most likely brought on by the exam. We're keeping a close eye on things because there is a 50% chance that I will go into labor sometime within the next 72 hours because of the membrane stripping.
If I don't go into labor before Thursday, January 15th, I'll be heading into the hospital that evening to be induced.
Please, please, please - pray for a healthy baby.
- becky
I lost another pound. My total weight gain is only 11 pounds. This is not as happy as it sounds. I am very frustrated that I just can't seem to gain weight because of concerns about the baby's size. My doctor liked the results of my BPP, though, so she is not too worried. She reassures me that keeping my blood sugar under control is much, much healthier for the baby.
I'm dilated to 3 centimeters, and my membranes have been stripped. I've been having some uncomfortable contractions since the exam, which were most likely brought on by the exam. We're keeping a close eye on things because there is a 50% chance that I will go into labor sometime within the next 72 hours because of the membrane stripping.
If I don't go into labor before Thursday, January 15th, I'll be heading into the hospital that evening to be induced.
Please, please, please - pray for a healthy baby.
- becky
Monday, January 5, 2009
Back to Work
Today was the first day back to work after Christmas break. I really enjoyed being back with my students, but it was a big time bummer to have to wake up to the alarm so early in the morning again.
I'm in baby preparation mode both at work and at home. I met with my long term sub today to go over my schedule, where I keep things, yadda-yadda-yadda. She is wonderful, so I know that I will not need to worry while I am home with my children. It's really tough to keep things very organized (at work and at home!) so that we are as prepared as we can be when the baby makes its grand entrance. (When will that be already?!?! I am getting so excited!)
The car seat cover is in the washing machine right now. I'll get that re-assembled tomorrow and hopefully get my bag packed for the hospital. I have a regular check-up at my OB office tomorrow. Between now and my due date I have 5 appointments scheduled - 2 regular weekly check-ups, 1 ultrasound to check the baby's growth, and 2 BPP monitors.
I talked with the nurse today to get the results of my first BPP from last Friday. The baby scored 8 out of 8 points, which is a good score. My doc wants to move my BPP monitoring to her office instead of at the hospital. Because this change is at such notice, I will get priority as far as getting an appointment goes, but that does not necessarily mean I will get a time that is convenient for me. Apparently, my doctor wasn't very happy with how the BPP was read. She wants my next one to be done ASAP, so I will find out when that is scheduled for tomorrow. Hmm... I'm not sure I like the sound of that. I'll post an update after my appointment tomorrow. Until then, I'm just going to keep reminding myself that if they were REALLY concerned about me and/or the baby she would have had me come in immediately.
- becky
I'm in baby preparation mode both at work and at home. I met with my long term sub today to go over my schedule, where I keep things, yadda-yadda-yadda. She is wonderful, so I know that I will not need to worry while I am home with my children. It's really tough to keep things very organized (at work and at home!) so that we are as prepared as we can be when the baby makes its grand entrance. (When will that be already?!?! I am getting so excited!)
The car seat cover is in the washing machine right now. I'll get that re-assembled tomorrow and hopefully get my bag packed for the hospital. I have a regular check-up at my OB office tomorrow. Between now and my due date I have 5 appointments scheduled - 2 regular weekly check-ups, 1 ultrasound to check the baby's growth, and 2 BPP monitors.
I talked with the nurse today to get the results of my first BPP from last Friday. The baby scored 8 out of 8 points, which is a good score. My doc wants to move my BPP monitoring to her office instead of at the hospital. Because this change is at such notice, I will get priority as far as getting an appointment goes, but that does not necessarily mean I will get a time that is convenient for me. Apparently, my doctor wasn't very happy with how the BPP was read. She wants my next one to be done ASAP, so I will find out when that is scheduled for tomorrow. Hmm... I'm not sure I like the sound of that. I'll post an update after my appointment tomorrow. Until then, I'm just going to keep reminding myself that if they were REALLY concerned about me and/or the baby she would have had me come in immediately.
- becky
Friday, December 26, 2008
Baby #2 Update #2
Looks like today was not my last ultrasound after all.
My doctor read the ultrasound after we left her office today, and she's scheduled another one in 2 weeks to check the size of the baby again. Ironically enough, the baby is on the small side. It's size is only in the 17th percentile right now. I'll be having more intensive monitoring at the hospital once each week until I deliver to keep an eye on things.
The nurse tells us, "Not to worry!" My doctor is on the conservative side, which I see as a good thing. I'm very comforted by the fact that she keeps such a close eye on me.
I would appreciate some extra prayers, though. And I was worried about a BIG baby because of the diabetes.
- becky
My doctor read the ultrasound after we left her office today, and she's scheduled another one in 2 weeks to check the size of the baby again. Ironically enough, the baby is on the small side. It's size is only in the 17th percentile right now. I'll be having more intensive monitoring at the hospital once each week until I deliver to keep an eye on things.
The nurse tells us, "Not to worry!" My doctor is on the conservative side, which I see as a good thing. I'm very comforted by the fact that she keeps such a close eye on me.
I would appreciate some extra prayers, though. And I was worried about a BIG baby because of the diabetes.
- becky
Baby #2 Update
This morning was my final ultrasound. Because of my gestational diabetes, the doctor wanted to check the size of the baby.
Everything is looking GREAT! Even the ultrasound technician remarked that I must have my diabetes well-controlled. The baby is weighing in around 5 1/2 pounds right now. My due date is only 3 1/2 weeks away, and my doctor feels that I will go earlier than January 20th. This relieves my worries of having a large baby. Thank goodness! After Isaiah (3 lbs. 2 oz.), this baby is already going to feel like giving birth to a 3 month old!
Tim tells me I'm overplanning. I know he's right. This baby is going to come when God has it already determined.
Let's just hope God doesn't have plans for our baby to be born in Chicago. We had plans to go for New Year's. After the appointment today, we're trying to switch everything around to leave earlier in the week and return by January 1st. Hotel rates looks just as good and the weather looks even better, so that's probably what will happen. Be on the look-out for Chicago pictures on our blog!
- becky
Everything is looking GREAT! Even the ultrasound technician remarked that I must have my diabetes well-controlled. The baby is weighing in around 5 1/2 pounds right now. My due date is only 3 1/2 weeks away, and my doctor feels that I will go earlier than January 20th. This relieves my worries of having a large baby. Thank goodness! After Isaiah (3 lbs. 2 oz.), this baby is already going to feel like giving birth to a 3 month old!
I gained back the pound that I had lost between my last two appointments. My weight gain is holding steady at only 12 pounds. Woo-hoo! Baby is still growing, so I can celebrate this! There is an up-side to gestational diabetes! :-)
I am 1-2 centimeters dilated and 75% effaced. If I go long enough where I need to be induced, we are talking about the week before my due date now. My doctor will be out of town the entire week that my due date falls. I really like her, so I would like to at least try for her to be the delivery doc. The other part of me does not want to be induced and leave everything in God's hands.Tim tells me I'm overplanning. I know he's right. This baby is going to come when God has it already determined.
Let's just hope God doesn't have plans for our baby to be born in Chicago. We had plans to go for New Year's. After the appointment today, we're trying to switch everything around to leave earlier in the week and return by January 1st. Hotel rates looks just as good and the weather looks even better, so that's probably what will happen. Be on the look-out for Chicago pictures on our blog!
- becky
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Look At That!
I didn't realize my belly was as big as it is until I saw a picture of myself. I've posted it here on my blog to replace my 26 week picture. Baby sure has grown a lot in 9 weeks!
It's nice to be pregnant in the winter. It's like having an internal furnace. This can be helpful when you have to pump gas and the wind chill is 21 degrees BELOW ZERO!
- becky
It's nice to be pregnant in the winter. It's like having an internal furnace. This can be helpful when you have to pump gas and the wind chill is 21 degrees BELOW ZERO!
- becky
Monday, December 15, 2008
Busy Times
I can't believe Christmas is next week already! This is such a busy time of year.
I made one stop on my way home and was able to check someone off my list for Christmas gifts. (I love you, Dad!) I intended to finish my shopping tonight, but it is just TOO COLD! Now that I know the weather forecast for tomorrow - possible 3-5 inches of snow - I regret not getting the shopping done. We have play group at church tomorrow, so we're all going to go after that. Tim and Isaiah will drop me off at each stop, I'll run in to make the purchases, and hopefully all will be finished in record time.
Wednesday night is advent service and choir/youth at church. I have to leave work early that day for an OB check, too. I have to be prepared for a sub on Thursday because I will be attending a workshop in Neenah. Positive - don't have to drive to Denmark and more snow is predicted. Negative - the lady subbing for me is really, really bad. She doesn't follow the lesson plans that I leave and it really throws off the rest of my week. I'm thinking of leaving her a very direct note this time - AKA a nasty-gram. Tim has church in the evening. Friday we're back to church again for a Young Adult (new name - 3 CHEERS) Christmas dinner. Sometime before then I need to make sure we pick up a few groceries. You see, we bought eggs on Saturday, but then left them in the car overnight. Oops! At least it's so cold out that they didn't stink up the car. Imagine doing that while living in Florida! Yuck!
On top of all of these errands, I have a really long To Do List right now, and it seems to be growing longer and longer each day. I've got a few more Christmas cards and thank you cards for Isaiah's 2nd birthday to get out, and we ran out of stamps. We've got Christmas presents to wrap and FIVE packages to mail for family and friends out of town. Did I mention that my first paper is still not finished??? I've read the book, but I just need to complete the paper.
Ugh. I can do all of this, can't I?!?!
Tim and I worked on the baby's room a bit last night. It's time to shift all of Isaiah's stuff to his room and be sure the infant stuff is washed up and ready to go. I've also thought about getting my bag packed for the hospital.
Add it to the list of things to do. At least I'm not doing any baking until after Christmas. No way am I making cookies with gestational diabetes!
- becky
I made one stop on my way home and was able to check someone off my list for Christmas gifts. (I love you, Dad!) I intended to finish my shopping tonight, but it is just TOO COLD! Now that I know the weather forecast for tomorrow - possible 3-5 inches of snow - I regret not getting the shopping done. We have play group at church tomorrow, so we're all going to go after that. Tim and Isaiah will drop me off at each stop, I'll run in to make the purchases, and hopefully all will be finished in record time.
Wednesday night is advent service and choir/youth at church. I have to leave work early that day for an OB check, too. I have to be prepared for a sub on Thursday because I will be attending a workshop in Neenah. Positive - don't have to drive to Denmark and more snow is predicted. Negative - the lady subbing for me is really, really bad. She doesn't follow the lesson plans that I leave and it really throws off the rest of my week. I'm thinking of leaving her a very direct note this time - AKA a nasty-gram. Tim has church in the evening. Friday we're back to church again for a Young Adult (new name - 3 CHEERS) Christmas dinner. Sometime before then I need to make sure we pick up a few groceries. You see, we bought eggs on Saturday, but then left them in the car overnight. Oops! At least it's so cold out that they didn't stink up the car. Imagine doing that while living in Florida! Yuck!
On top of all of these errands, I have a really long To Do List right now, and it seems to be growing longer and longer each day. I've got a few more Christmas cards and thank you cards for Isaiah's 2nd birthday to get out, and we ran out of stamps. We've got Christmas presents to wrap and FIVE packages to mail for family and friends out of town. Did I mention that my first paper is still not finished??? I've read the book, but I just need to complete the paper.
Ugh. I can do all of this, can't I?!?!
Tim and I worked on the baby's room a bit last night. It's time to shift all of Isaiah's stuff to his room and be sure the infant stuff is washed up and ready to go. I've also thought about getting my bag packed for the hospital.
Add it to the list of things to do. At least I'm not doing any baking until after Christmas. No way am I making cookies with gestational diabetes!
- becky
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Feeling Better
The past 24 hours have been pretty rough, but I'm finally starting to feel better. Sleep was very rough last night. I had horrible chills and woke up every hour. Waking up was an okay thing because I could drink plenty of water through the night. The baby needed that! I feel really bad for Tim. He has been such a trooper helping with Isaiah, the laundry, and the meals this weekend. My shivering woke him up at one point last night, and he was really sweet to hunt down extra blankets for me.
The worst part about this 24 hour bug is worrying about the baby. I don't want my being sick to affect my pregnancy. Everything is great, though, so no worries.
I'm sure my headache will go away eventually. Speaking of that, I think it's time for another dose of Tylenol.
Stay healthy,
becky
The worst part about this 24 hour bug is worrying about the baby. I don't want my being sick to affect my pregnancy. Everything is great, though, so no worries.
I'm sure my headache will go away eventually. Speaking of that, I think it's time for another dose of Tylenol.
Stay healthy,
becky
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Snow Day!
Well, the call came at about 5:45 this morning. Yippee!!! I had gotten up 15 minutes before and saw my district listed on the TV, so I already knew. I was just settling back in bed, but the phone call was certainly welcome. We rolled out of bed about 8:30 this morning. It was so nice to sleep in today.
Deep Snow on the Deck
Tim worked so hard on the driveway and sidewalks this morning, only to have the plow come through as he was finishing...
Isaiah's reading teacher mommy is so proud of his love for books!
Deep Snow on the Deck
Tim worked so hard on the driveway and sidewalks this morning, only to have the plow come through as he was finishing...
Isaiah's reading teacher mommy is so proud of his love for books!
I'm very glad to be home today. Isaiah has had quite the runny nose, and is just not feeling himself today. He's very cuddly today, which I love. We watched Finding Nemo (his new favorite), and he even let me rock him to sleep for his nap. If you know how independent Isaiah is, this is quite unusual. He's been putting himself to sleep for a looooong time now. Let's hope he teaches his new brother or sister this very important skill...
Stay warm, and stay off the roads! School is closed for a reason, people.
- becky
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Last of the Appointments
I saw my OB doctor today, and all is well with the baby. My next appointment is in two weeks, and then I'll be going weekly after that. We have one more ultrasound at 36 weeks to check the baby's growth. The doctor just wants to be sure everything is okay due to the gestational diabetes. From 37 weeks on, I'll have a non-stress test each week in addition to my appointment. This is essentially a monitor to check on the baby for 20-30 minutes at a time.
All of my remaining appointments were scheduled today. I am so excited to meet our baby, but I am so hoping to deliver close to my due date. I'm due on January 20th, but wouldn't it be neat to have the baby on January 21st? Then Isaiah and the baby would be exactly 2 years and 2 months apart.
Tim and I still have not come to a final decision on the baby's name yet. While it is fun not knowing the baby's gender, it makes deciding on a name twice as difficult. Oh, well. I'm sure we'll make a decision. We have many names 'on the table', we just need to decide.
- becky
All of my remaining appointments were scheduled today. I am so excited to meet our baby, but I am so hoping to deliver close to my due date. I'm due on January 20th, but wouldn't it be neat to have the baby on January 21st? Then Isaiah and the baby would be exactly 2 years and 2 months apart.
Tim and I still have not come to a final decision on the baby's name yet. While it is fun not knowing the baby's gender, it makes deciding on a name twice as difficult. Oh, well. I'm sure we'll make a decision. We have many names 'on the table', we just need to decide.
- becky
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Not So Comfy
Now that I am past that dreaded week 30 of my pregnancy, I am beginning to experience the uncomfortable phase. It is quite difficult to sit up straight. Recliners are most comfortable for me until it's time to get up. That's when I need a shove. I was sitting with Sara (a high school youth at church) and Isaiah for the children's message at church. When it was time to go back to our pew, she nearly had to help me up off the floor.
It's like being pregnant for the first time. When I had Isaiah, I was still at that "I feel great! I could be pregnant forever!" phase. Don't get me wrong - I am in NO WAY rushing this pregnancy. I enjoy every little movement, including the hiccups that I'm feeling right now as I type this. I just enjoy the movements more when I don't have to move around.
The hiccups are hilarious. I only felt them once with Isaiah - the day he was born. It was only when I was hooked up to the monitors that I realized what they were. This baby gets them nearly every day. It feels like a very rhythmic pulsing sensation. Baby must be growing!
Tomorrow is Scrap-and-Craft at church. I have a lot of things to work on, so I am really looking forward to going. I have some miscellaneous things to get done - Isaiah's birthday thank you cards, look up a few addresses for Christmas cards, finish my first of three papers for an independent study class that I'm taking for my WI teaching license, etc. We would also like to get our Christmas tree up this week. So much to do, and it's all fun stuff. Well, except for writing three papers... What do you do? Oh, well. I made great progress this weekend and should be ready to mail off my first paper by the end of the week.
Stay safe if it's snowing where you are. I keep hearing different weather reports for us, and they get worse every time I hear a new one. First is was 1-3 inches, then 3-5 inches, and now it's 6-8 inches (along the lakeshore). With my luck, we won't even have a 2 hour delay tomorrow. What a fun, long drive it will be to work. Note the sarcasm.
- becky
It's like being pregnant for the first time. When I had Isaiah, I was still at that "I feel great! I could be pregnant forever!" phase. Don't get me wrong - I am in NO WAY rushing this pregnancy. I enjoy every little movement, including the hiccups that I'm feeling right now as I type this. I just enjoy the movements more when I don't have to move around.
The hiccups are hilarious. I only felt them once with Isaiah - the day he was born. It was only when I was hooked up to the monitors that I realized what they were. This baby gets them nearly every day. It feels like a very rhythmic pulsing sensation. Baby must be growing!
Tomorrow is Scrap-and-Craft at church. I have a lot of things to work on, so I am really looking forward to going. I have some miscellaneous things to get done - Isaiah's birthday thank you cards, look up a few addresses for Christmas cards, finish my first of three papers for an independent study class that I'm taking for my WI teaching license, etc. We would also like to get our Christmas tree up this week. So much to do, and it's all fun stuff. Well, except for writing three papers... What do you do? Oh, well. I made great progress this weekend and should be ready to mail off my first paper by the end of the week.
Stay safe if it's snowing where you are. I keep hearing different weather reports for us, and they get worse every time I hear a new one. First is was 1-3 inches, then 3-5 inches, and now it's 6-8 inches (along the lakeshore). With my luck, we won't even have a 2 hour delay tomorrow. What a fun, long drive it will be to work. Note the sarcasm.
- becky
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Uncharted Territory
Uncharted territory is how we are describing this phase of my pregnancy. As of today, I am 31 4/7 weeks along. Isaiah was born at 30 1/7 weeks, so I am officially pregnant longer this time than last time. YEA!
My last appointment was this past Monday. My FFN test came back good, so their is only a 5% chance that the baby will be born sometime in the next two weeks. The heart rate was 141 beats per minute. My next appointments are during the first week of December. I will have an ultrasound, a FFN test with my doctor, and a consultation with my dietician about my gestational diabetes.
Below are some of the latest ultrasound pictures. I did the best I could with the flash on my digital camera. I hope that you can see them okay.
Ultrasound on October 31st
Ultrasound on October 31st - 28 3/7 weeks along
Ultrasound on November 17th - 30 6/7 weeks along
My last appointment was this past Monday. My FFN test came back good, so their is only a 5% chance that the baby will be born sometime in the next two weeks. The heart rate was 141 beats per minute. My next appointments are during the first week of December. I will have an ultrasound, a FFN test with my doctor, and a consultation with my dietician about my gestational diabetes.
Below are some of the latest ultrasound pictures. I did the best I could with the flash on my digital camera. I hope that you can see them okay.
Ultrasound on October 31stThe baby is looking kind of stressed out with the little hand on the forehead. So adorable!
Ultrasound on October 31st - 28 3/7 weeks along
Ultrasound on November 17th - 30 6/7 weeks alongCheck out the chubby cheeks! I'm thinking the baby looks a lot like Isaiah's ultrasound and baby pictures, but the chubby cheeks make me think that this baby will look more like me than Isaiah did. (Isaiah is a miniature Tim.) We shall see!
Keep praying for red hair! ;-)
- becky
Saturday, November 15, 2008
It's Official
I think we can officially say that Isaiah is done with his crib. Just like giving up his Nuk last July, he decided he was ready. About a week ago, we told him it was time to go night-night. He led us upstairs right into his new room with his big bed. (Note that I don't call it a big BOY bed. Ugh. That phrase bugs me. I can't explain it, it just does.) We put him in the bed to see what would happen, and ever since then he's been staying in bed and putting himself to sleep. Success!!!
Isaiah taking a nap one afternoon in October - love the toys in his hands! What a cutie!
Isaiah taking a nap one afternoon in October - love the toys in his hands! What a cutie!I can't believe he's going to be 2 years old next Friday. Because the new baby's due date is so close to Isaiah's due date was, I'm getting really nervous. Tim keeps telling me not to borrow trouble.
I was telling my principal about my work-out at the gym on Thursday. I could only walk 1.7 mph. If you don't realize, that is ridiculously slow. She told me not to shake anything up. :-) I've been walking in the cardio theater, so it's not too embarrassing to be walking so slowly. Plus the time flies by when I'm engrossed in a movie. I'm hooked! Between the pool, cardio theater, and ladies only work-out room our new gym can be quite motivating to go to. Add to that Isaiah loves to play there and our friends Jen and Ken are also members, and we're good to go. Jen, we should get a work-out schedule together for next week!
This weekend I hope to finish my first of three papers that I have due for my on-line class. I have to take Wisconsin Native American history to lift a stipulation on my teaching license. History has always been interesting to me, so I'm trying to make the best of the class. I just need to set aside more time to get the reading and writing done. It's an independent study class, so I have 12 months from this past September to finish 3 papers and a one hour exam. My goal is to be done by the time the baby is born.
I also have to take an independent study class on conflict resolution and an on-line class about environmental education. I hope to take one of those while I am on maternity leave and the other next summer. I have to submit my credits to the Wisconsin DPI by January of 2010, so that will allow me to finish in plenty of time.
The house is a wreck, and Tim's at church for a workshop right now. I better go and get things done. I'm going to enlist Isaiah's help in putting laundry in the laundry basket now. He likes to do that. :-)
Saturdays rule!
- becky
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Chowing Down
I get to eat more!
I saw my dietician this afternoon. I lost just under one pound this week, which isn't enough to be concerned about, but is enough to let me eat more. Now I have to see if I can keep my blood sugar numbers low when adding more carbohydrates into my diet.
This would be so much less stressful on me if I were only worried about myself. The health of the baby is my biggest concern right now.
This week is a short week - thank goodness. Things are pretty stressful with progress monitoring, meetings, and leaving early for doctor appointments. It will be so nice to have some down time! I'm hoping Isaiah will let me sleep in a little on Thursday and Saturday. There will be no sleeping in on Friday because I have an 8:00 appoinment with my perinatologist. Counting the dentist yesterday, that's 3 doctor appointments for me this week. Ugh. At least I can read some magazine articles in the waiting rooms.
- becky
I saw my dietician this afternoon. I lost just under one pound this week, which isn't enough to be concerned about, but is enough to let me eat more. Now I have to see if I can keep my blood sugar numbers low when adding more carbohydrates into my diet.
This would be so much less stressful on me if I were only worried about myself. The health of the baby is my biggest concern right now.
This week is a short week - thank goodness. Things are pretty stressful with progress monitoring, meetings, and leaving early for doctor appointments. It will be so nice to have some down time! I'm hoping Isaiah will let me sleep in a little on Thursday and Saturday. There will be no sleeping in on Friday because I have an 8:00 appoinment with my perinatologist. Counting the dentist yesterday, that's 3 doctor appointments for me this week. Ugh. At least I can read some magazine articles in the waiting rooms.
- becky
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I Like to Move It, Move It
I had an OB appointment today to check on the baby. We didn't get to see my doctor because she had been called up to the floor for a delivery. Apparently, all beds are full at Theda Clark, and they are sending women coming in over to AMC! Must be the full moon!
Another doctor (who delivered Isaiah) came in to do the FFN test. No word on the results yet, but I should definitely have them by tomorrow. I also had my glucose tolerance test. After fasting most of the day today I better pass! I do NOT want to go in for the 3 hour blood test.
Baby's heart rate was 146. I attempted to take pictures of the ultrasound pictures. Sorry if they're a little fuzzy, but I did the best I could.
Profile of baby's face
Another doctor (who delivered Isaiah) came in to do the FFN test. No word on the results yet, but I should definitely have them by tomorrow. I also had my glucose tolerance test. After fasting most of the day today I better pass! I do NOT want to go in for the 3 hour blood test.
Baby's heart rate was 146. I attempted to take pictures of the ultrasound pictures. Sorry if they're a little fuzzy, but I did the best I could.
Profile of baby's face
Turning a little bit to show us more...
Baby with a hand near the nose and mouth
This is the best we could get of a front view of baby's face. It was moving all over the place - again. (Hence the title of this blog post.) The movement is the reason the right side of the picture is so difficult to see.
- becky
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Eventful Weekend
It's already been a busy weekend for us, and it's only half over!
Last night, Isaiah stayed home with Tim, and I went to dinner with some friends at El Azteca. We had tons of fun! Ordering my dinner turned out to be somewhat frustrating/comical. Being pregnant, I'm a little picky. I was so in the mood for a beef burrito and a beef and cheese quesadilla. How difficult does that sound? Apparently, it's pretty tough to get tortilla shell, cheese, and ground beef - that's it! No vegetables? Right, no vegetables. The food comes out, and what's in my quesadilla? Mushrooms. I hate mushrooms. Back to the kitchen it goes. About 10 minutes later (seriously, it took a long time - poor Krista had been waiting for her meal to even come out once), they brought back the SAME one! I am not kidding. I opened it up, and it was cold and filled with mushrooms. Let's try this again - tortilla shell, cheese, and ground beef - that's it! No mushrooms? Right, no mushrooms. I waited another 5 minutes or so, and out comes a different waiter with my plate. He put it down in front of me and said, "There you go. Mushrooms and cheese."
Grrrrr!!!! I don't want mushrooms!!! He laughed, and said, "I'm only teasing you!" He sure is lucky I was in a good mood. At that point, I laughed and all was forgotten After all, it tasted delicious! I LOVE the food at El Azteca.
This morning I met Jen at the pool at Gold's for water aerobics. It was fantastic! I am so glad that we renewed our membership. The pool felt great, and it was a really good full body work out. We can't wait to go back again. I'm going to try for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday classes this week.
Before I left for the gym, I made breakfast. When Tim was clipping coupons last week, he found a recipe for Cheese and Sausage Potato Pancakes. YUM!!! (Isaiah and I just shared a leftover pancake for a nighttime snack.)
Isaiah even tried to use his fork! With our help, he's been getting better with yogurt and a spoon. We guide his hand and let go close to his mouth and he puts it in himself. It's a start, right? As you can see in the picture, he's got the wrong end in his mouth. Oh, well - at least he put the end he was stabbing into his pancakes in. That should count for something.
I've been recording home movies from our camcorder to a dvd tonight. Isaiah has really enjoyed seeing baby Isaiah on the tv. I ask him who the baby is, and he says, "Isaiah!" The movies have me so excited to have another little baby in the house! Isaiah brings us so many smiles, and pretty soon we'll have another special little person to love. I think I look forward to watching Isaiah and the baby together the most. We really are blessed.
Tomorrow is a craft day at church. I'll be teaching how to make a paper bag album at my station. Hopefully we have lots of people attend. It's going to be tons of fun!
We'll be found in the front pew tomorrow. Isaiah likes to watch his dad during church - it really helps his behavior there!
Night, night.
- becky
P.S. I noticed lots of trees with their leaves beginning to change this morning!
Last night, Isaiah stayed home with Tim, and I went to dinner with some friends at El Azteca. We had tons of fun! Ordering my dinner turned out to be somewhat frustrating/comical. Being pregnant, I'm a little picky. I was so in the mood for a beef burrito and a beef and cheese quesadilla. How difficult does that sound? Apparently, it's pretty tough to get tortilla shell, cheese, and ground beef - that's it! No vegetables? Right, no vegetables. The food comes out, and what's in my quesadilla? Mushrooms. I hate mushrooms. Back to the kitchen it goes. About 10 minutes later (seriously, it took a long time - poor Krista had been waiting for her meal to even come out once), they brought back the SAME one! I am not kidding. I opened it up, and it was cold and filled with mushrooms. Let's try this again - tortilla shell, cheese, and ground beef - that's it! No mushrooms? Right, no mushrooms. I waited another 5 minutes or so, and out comes a different waiter with my plate. He put it down in front of me and said, "There you go. Mushrooms and cheese."
Grrrrr!!!! I don't want mushrooms!!! He laughed, and said, "I'm only teasing you!" He sure is lucky I was in a good mood. At that point, I laughed and all was forgotten After all, it tasted delicious! I LOVE the food at El Azteca.
This morning I met Jen at the pool at Gold's for water aerobics. It was fantastic! I am so glad that we renewed our membership. The pool felt great, and it was a really good full body work out. We can't wait to go back again. I'm going to try for Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday classes this week.
Before I left for the gym, I made breakfast. When Tim was clipping coupons last week, he found a recipe for Cheese and Sausage Potato Pancakes. YUM!!! (Isaiah and I just shared a leftover pancake for a nighttime snack.)
Isaiah even tried to use his fork! With our help, he's been getting better with yogurt and a spoon. We guide his hand and let go close to his mouth and he puts it in himself. It's a start, right? As you can see in the picture, he's got the wrong end in his mouth. Oh, well - at least he put the end he was stabbing into his pancakes in. That should count for something. I've been recording home movies from our camcorder to a dvd tonight. Isaiah has really enjoyed seeing baby Isaiah on the tv. I ask him who the baby is, and he says, "Isaiah!" The movies have me so excited to have another little baby in the house! Isaiah brings us so many smiles, and pretty soon we'll have another special little person to love. I think I look forward to watching Isaiah and the baby together the most. We really are blessed.
Tomorrow is a craft day at church. I'll be teaching how to make a paper bag album at my station. Hopefully we have lots of people attend. It's going to be tons of fun!
We'll be found in the front pew tomorrow. Isaiah likes to watch his dad during church - it really helps his behavior there!
Night, night.
- becky
P.S. I noticed lots of trees with their leaves beginning to change this morning!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Baby #2 Update
I had a regular check-up with my OB doctor today.
Isaiah and Tim were able to come along. Isaiah enjoyed Dr. Clark's company, and he even counted to five for her. I think he was auditioning to help me count through pushing when the baby comes along, but he's going to have to stay at home with a baby-sitter for that big event. Tim had him playing with his keys, and Isaiah was looking quite intense. As soon as he heard the heart beat, though, he looked up and smiled sooooo big! That moment was so special for me that I forgot to ask what the heart rate was. Oh, well. It was good and strong, that I can tell you. :-)
My blood pressure and weight are great. So far I've only gained 10 pounds. Woo-hoo!!! I am quite proud of that! I go back in 3 weeks.
WARNING! WARNING! Pregnancy exam details to follow. Read at your own risk...
At my appointments from now on, I will have a fetal fibronectin swab and an ultrasound to measure the length of my cervix. After this next appointment on October 2nd, I will be going in every two weeks for these same procedures. I am so excited about the ultrasounds every two weeks! My doctor's office has a GREAT 3D machine, so I'm hoping for lots of good pictures to show Isaiah.
I will still continue with the weekly progesterone injections (which are making me cry from mood swings rather often). A nurse at school is teaching me how to give them to myself. I get to shoot up my thigh this Friday. Lucky me. Not.
Isaiah and I are missing out on lots of time together now that I'm back to work, so I'm going to get off this computer now. Nighty-night!
- becky
Isaiah and Tim were able to come along. Isaiah enjoyed Dr. Clark's company, and he even counted to five for her. I think he was auditioning to help me count through pushing when the baby comes along, but he's going to have to stay at home with a baby-sitter for that big event. Tim had him playing with his keys, and Isaiah was looking quite intense. As soon as he heard the heart beat, though, he looked up and smiled sooooo big! That moment was so special for me that I forgot to ask what the heart rate was. Oh, well. It was good and strong, that I can tell you. :-)
My blood pressure and weight are great. So far I've only gained 10 pounds. Woo-hoo!!! I am quite proud of that! I go back in 3 weeks.
WARNING! WARNING! Pregnancy exam details to follow. Read at your own risk...
At my appointments from now on, I will have a fetal fibronectin swab and an ultrasound to measure the length of my cervix. After this next appointment on October 2nd, I will be going in every two weeks for these same procedures. I am so excited about the ultrasounds every two weeks! My doctor's office has a GREAT 3D machine, so I'm hoping for lots of good pictures to show Isaiah.
I will still continue with the weekly progesterone injections (which are making me cry from mood swings rather often). A nurse at school is teaching me how to give them to myself. I get to shoot up my thigh this Friday. Lucky me. Not.
Isaiah and I are missing out on lots of time together now that I'm back to work, so I'm going to get off this computer now. Nighty-night!
- becky
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)