When Keegan left the hospital his bilirubin level was a wee bit high at 9.1. Yesterday we took Grayson to his two year check up and Keegan tagged along- and Dr Esser drew some blood then to reveal a bilirubin level of 15.3. So today at Keegan's first official Dr appointment they took more blood to see what his level is today- hopefully it is under 17 and we can avoid phototherapy. Hopefully his good nursing, the fact that my milk has come in and the fact that his already gaining weight all mean his bilirubin levels will stabilize and we won't have to do anything else.
When Keegan left the hospital on 9-28 he weighed 9 lbs 5 oz, today on 9-30 he weighed 9 lbs 7.5 oz so he is already gaining weight! Dr Esser thought everything else looked good too (other than the slight yellow tinge to his skin of course). He thought maybe he felt a little click by his clavicle- that just maybe he had dislocated or fractured something on his way into the world- but he was unable to reproduce the sensation so he is unsure and I am unwilling to have Keegan exposed to radiation for nothing so we will just wait and see. Dr Esser recommended that we be a little careful in how we pick Keegan up- not picking him up under the arm pits- for at least a few weeks just in case his clavicle is out of wack.
We wait now for Dr Esser to call us with the bilirubin test results this evening and find out if we have to do anything. Then Keegan goes back in three weeks for a weight check and then for a regular two month appointment as long as all continues to be well.
Feeling lucky to have such healthy boys!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Thursday, September 29, 2011
The Story of Keegan's Arrival
All day Monday at work I felt a little off- a little back pain, a little tired, a little ...off but I didn't think anything about it- though I was dissappointed that I was unable to get into my chiropractor that afternoon. I worked all day and felt fine, and then came home and wanted to go run some errands with my guys. I felt like we spent most of the weekend sitting around the house since Ryan had hurt his back so I wanted to just get out and about for a little while. Ryan and Grayson and I went to the grocery store, picked up some dinner and ran an errand or two and then we came home.
While putting together the finishing touches on dinner at about 6:30 pm I noticed that my back was really starting to bother me and it was hard to pick up Grayson. Then while we were eating I noticed that my back was hurting in waves even if I wasn't moving.... and started to wonder if that meant labor was on its way.
Ryan turned on his phone timer and it turns out there was a wave of pain across my low back about every four minutes- interesting- so we decided to try to just pay attention to that and timing and see what happened.
At about 7:10 I called my mom in Illinois and told her that I thought things could be starting and asked her to consider driving up to stay with Grayson just in case - she was happy to skip her dinner and hop in the car :) Ryan and I kept timing the contractions and they were staying about 4 minutes apart, but only lasting about 40 seconds or so and I was very comfortable in between- it didn't seem like things were moving all that quickly but it was also clear that they weren't stopping either.
By 9:00 I was starting to get uncomfortable so I hopped in the shower while my mom and Ryan watched the baseball game. I also started to think of all the things I had forgotten to pack in my bag- my glasses case, deoderant, lotion.... and so I sent my mom up and down the stairs a dozen times fetching things for me while Ryan iced his back and waited for me to feel ready.
At about 9:50 I told Ry I thought it was time to call the Doctor and let them know things were moving ahead. We ended up leaving for the hospital at about 10:15 pm and while driving there the contractions were too intense to talk through or ignore but I felt totally fine in between each one and actually commented to Ryan that I hoped we weren't heading to the hospital too soon. (On the way to the hospital during my labor with Grayson I couldn't focus on anything other than the contractions the whole time- so this feeling fine between was totally new to me.)
We arrived at the hospital about 10:40 pm and I knew it wasn't too soon, we got up to Labor and Delivery and the nurses took one look at me as I was getting through a rough contraction and took us straight to a room and let us skip triage (Woo hoo!) When we got to the room I felt really nauseated and kept feeling like I had to throw up (though I never did) and couldn't sit down because the pain became too intense. The nurse needed to check me so I had to lay down for a minute and when she did she discovered I was already 7-8 cm and there was a bulging bag of water. They called Cheri for us (she wasn't even on call and they weren't certain she would be able to come in) and when the nurse told her how far I was she said she was on her way (yay!) Our nurses were AMAZING- they let me stand while they did the fetal monitoring so I could sway and move rather than be stuck on a bed, they skipped triage so we could go straight to a delivery room, they were kind, quiet and supportive and seriously wonderful.
Shortly thereafter Misty arrived and I was pacing the floor. My feet really hurt from standing in the shower for an hour at home and then pacing at the hospital and I found good relief from wearing my sandals while I walked. Cheri got there while I was pacing as well and we chatted and spent time between contractions- it was hard work but doable for a little while. That is until the contractions started to double on top of each other- then honestly things got pretty uncomfortable- I would have one long contraction and it would start to slow down and another would start right away with no break. Eventually the only thing that made anything feel okay was Ryan jamming his palms into my low back on each side of my spine and just pushing until the contraction stopped- that made it manageable. After a bit of this Cheri wanted to check me again- which I dreaded because that meant lying down which I *did not* want to do. But I did- and when Cheri said I was 8 with a bulging bag it didn't even register that not much had changed. Then she said she wanted to break my water and the first thing I said was that Bridges told me everything gets a lot more painful after that- Cheri said we were moving in that direction either way it was just how fast- so we decided to let Cheri do whatever she recommended (thanks Ry for reminding me to just trust her- I actually made him make the decision because I felt I couldn't decide anything at that time). The downfall of agreeing to have the water broken was that I had to stay laying down for a while and OMG that hurt- I felt like with each contraction I was flailing on the bed (though Ry and Misty say that wasn't the case) it was very intense. After Cheri broke the water I got back up and stood for all of two minutes (repeatedly asking for my shoes by the way) before I felt like I had to vomit- which again I did not do- and then felt the undeniable need to push. Thank goodness for the nurse and Cheri who got me back in the bed or I would not have been able to do it on my own. I did come to the conclusion somewhere around then that it hurt way worse this time- and no one seemed to disagree with me.
By the time I laid back down little man was on his way and there was no stopping him. Ry stood on my left, Misty stood on my right and Cheri talked me through it all. I closed my eyes, I was super focused and I had a baby boy. I have come to the conclusion that Cheri is a 'whisperer' of some sort- she knows the exact right thing to say at the exact right time-- amazing.
Keegan had the cord wrapped loosely around his neck one time and pooped on his way out but otherwise was awesome. His 1 minute Apgar score was 7, his 5 minute apgar score was a 9, he snuggled on my chest skin to skin for an hour before they took him to weigh him or measure him, he nursed well on the table, he did all of the most amazing new baby things. He was born safely, surrounded by love and my most favorite people, with no meds- just his pure, sweet self surrounded by my awesome cheerleaders and support people. Once again- it was all worth it- the chiropractic care, the supplements, the pain, the determination, the nutrition, the choosing of our team of special people, all of it came together to support our sweet boy as he was born.
Before Keegan was weighed and measured Cheri came back to say good night and head home, Dr Dolan (the MD on call) came in to say congrats- and tell Ryan he was right I was in labor :) and then it was just me and Ry and Misty and Keegan.
After about an hour or so they weighed and measured him- to reveal that it *might* have hurt more than with Grayson since he was a whole pound heavier!
We got to the hospital at 10:40 pm and at 11:27 pm Keegan Orlo Schmitz was born weighing 9 lbs 12.6 oz at 21.5 inches long and perfect in every way! We are truly blessed and so thankful for another safe delivery, another healthy son, another blessed experience.
While putting together the finishing touches on dinner at about 6:30 pm I noticed that my back was really starting to bother me and it was hard to pick up Grayson. Then while we were eating I noticed that my back was hurting in waves even if I wasn't moving.... and started to wonder if that meant labor was on its way.
Ryan turned on his phone timer and it turns out there was a wave of pain across my low back about every four minutes- interesting- so we decided to try to just pay attention to that and timing and see what happened.
At about 7:10 I called my mom in Illinois and told her that I thought things could be starting and asked her to consider driving up to stay with Grayson just in case - she was happy to skip her dinner and hop in the car :) Ryan and I kept timing the contractions and they were staying about 4 minutes apart, but only lasting about 40 seconds or so and I was very comfortable in between- it didn't seem like things were moving all that quickly but it was also clear that they weren't stopping either.
By 9:00 I was starting to get uncomfortable so I hopped in the shower while my mom and Ryan watched the baseball game. I also started to think of all the things I had forgotten to pack in my bag- my glasses case, deoderant, lotion.... and so I sent my mom up and down the stairs a dozen times fetching things for me while Ryan iced his back and waited for me to feel ready.
At about 9:50 I told Ry I thought it was time to call the Doctor and let them know things were moving ahead. We ended up leaving for the hospital at about 10:15 pm and while driving there the contractions were too intense to talk through or ignore but I felt totally fine in between each one and actually commented to Ryan that I hoped we weren't heading to the hospital too soon. (On the way to the hospital during my labor with Grayson I couldn't focus on anything other than the contractions the whole time- so this feeling fine between was totally new to me.)
We arrived at the hospital about 10:40 pm and I knew it wasn't too soon, we got up to Labor and Delivery and the nurses took one look at me as I was getting through a rough contraction and took us straight to a room and let us skip triage (Woo hoo!) When we got to the room I felt really nauseated and kept feeling like I had to throw up (though I never did) and couldn't sit down because the pain became too intense. The nurse needed to check me so I had to lay down for a minute and when she did she discovered I was already 7-8 cm and there was a bulging bag of water. They called Cheri for us (she wasn't even on call and they weren't certain she would be able to come in) and when the nurse told her how far I was she said she was on her way (yay!) Our nurses were AMAZING- they let me stand while they did the fetal monitoring so I could sway and move rather than be stuck on a bed, they skipped triage so we could go straight to a delivery room, they were kind, quiet and supportive and seriously wonderful.
Shortly thereafter Misty arrived and I was pacing the floor. My feet really hurt from standing in the shower for an hour at home and then pacing at the hospital and I found good relief from wearing my sandals while I walked. Cheri got there while I was pacing as well and we chatted and spent time between contractions- it was hard work but doable for a little while. That is until the contractions started to double on top of each other- then honestly things got pretty uncomfortable- I would have one long contraction and it would start to slow down and another would start right away with no break. Eventually the only thing that made anything feel okay was Ryan jamming his palms into my low back on each side of my spine and just pushing until the contraction stopped- that made it manageable. After a bit of this Cheri wanted to check me again- which I dreaded because that meant lying down which I *did not* want to do. But I did- and when Cheri said I was 8 with a bulging bag it didn't even register that not much had changed. Then she said she wanted to break my water and the first thing I said was that Bridges told me everything gets a lot more painful after that- Cheri said we were moving in that direction either way it was just how fast- so we decided to let Cheri do whatever she recommended (thanks Ry for reminding me to just trust her- I actually made him make the decision because I felt I couldn't decide anything at that time). The downfall of agreeing to have the water broken was that I had to stay laying down for a while and OMG that hurt- I felt like with each contraction I was flailing on the bed (though Ry and Misty say that wasn't the case) it was very intense. After Cheri broke the water I got back up and stood for all of two minutes (repeatedly asking for my shoes by the way) before I felt like I had to vomit- which again I did not do- and then felt the undeniable need to push. Thank goodness for the nurse and Cheri who got me back in the bed or I would not have been able to do it on my own. I did come to the conclusion somewhere around then that it hurt way worse this time- and no one seemed to disagree with me.
Keegan had the cord wrapped loosely around his neck one time and pooped on his way out but otherwise was awesome. His 1 minute Apgar score was 7, his 5 minute apgar score was a 9, he snuggled on my chest skin to skin for an hour before they took him to weigh him or measure him, he nursed well on the table, he did all of the most amazing new baby things. He was born safely, surrounded by love and my most favorite people, with no meds- just his pure, sweet self surrounded by my awesome cheerleaders and support people. Once again- it was all worth it- the chiropractic care, the supplements, the pain, the determination, the nutrition, the choosing of our team of special people, all of it came together to support our sweet boy as he was born.
Before Keegan was weighed and measured Cheri came back to say good night and head home, Dr Dolan (the MD on call) came in to say congrats- and tell Ryan he was right I was in labor :) and then it was just me and Ry and Misty and Keegan.
After about an hour or so they weighed and measured him- to reveal that it *might* have hurt more than with Grayson since he was a whole pound heavier!
Monday, September 26, 2011
Welcome to the world Keegan Orlo Schmitz
Keegan Orlo Schmitz picked his own birthday and arrived at 11:27 pm on September 26, 2011 weighing in at a solid 9 lbs 12.6 oz, 21.5 inches long and with a head circumference of 37 cm.
To the Due Date and Beyond!!!
Somehow Buzz Lightyear's voice has gotten stuck in my head as I think about how we have gone to our Baby B's due date and beyond.... it is like when a song gets stuck in your head and you can't get it out.
Today is 4 days past our due date, but I honestly can't remember what the ultrasound said when they did that at 11 weeks- and since we hadn't told people yet I wasn't blogging about the pregnancy yet and therefore didn't write it down anywhere that I can find. Grayson was born two days after the due date predicted by his ultrasound and so I was kind of thinking Baby B would come out and meet us this past weekend about 2-3 days after his due date. However- obviously he has other plans.
I am at work today, Monday, which is actually a good thing since I am returning part time on Mondays and Wednesdays after 6 weeks of full time maternity leave so every Monday and/or Wednesday I work actually buys me more time at home with Baby B and G and Ry (but working Thursday and Friday don't benefit me at all so let's kinda hope Baby B decides to come before then...)
Our next appointment with Cheri is this Wednesday- which would be 40 weeks 6 days. At first I was thinking I would call the office and see if I could get in today or tomorrow BUT after thinking about it some more if I don't go in then no one can say the word 'induction' and I can give Baby B more time to pick his birthday. Though I am curious to see if things have progressed at all- last week I was 3 cm dilated and I am wondering if things have moved forward at all- but since I am not inclined toward medical intervention to start labor yet there is really no point yet other than satisfying my curiosity.
Wednesday is also Grayson's second birthday- kind of wondering if Baby B wants to share his brother's birthday or if he is going to pick his own- I am getting SO curious about this kid... what he looks like, what he is like, everything.
Today is 4 days past our due date, but I honestly can't remember what the ultrasound said when they did that at 11 weeks- and since we hadn't told people yet I wasn't blogging about the pregnancy yet and therefore didn't write it down anywhere that I can find. Grayson was born two days after the due date predicted by his ultrasound and so I was kind of thinking Baby B would come out and meet us this past weekend about 2-3 days after his due date. However- obviously he has other plans.
I am at work today, Monday, which is actually a good thing since I am returning part time on Mondays and Wednesdays after 6 weeks of full time maternity leave so every Monday and/or Wednesday I work actually buys me more time at home with Baby B and G and Ry (but working Thursday and Friday don't benefit me at all so let's kinda hope Baby B decides to come before then...)
Our next appointment with Cheri is this Wednesday- which would be 40 weeks 6 days. At first I was thinking I would call the office and see if I could get in today or tomorrow BUT after thinking about it some more if I don't go in then no one can say the word 'induction' and I can give Baby B more time to pick his birthday. Though I am curious to see if things have progressed at all- last week I was 3 cm dilated and I am wondering if things have moved forward at all- but since I am not inclined toward medical intervention to start labor yet there is really no point yet other than satisfying my curiosity.
Wednesday is also Grayson's second birthday- kind of wondering if Baby B wants to share his brother's birthday or if he is going to pick his own- I am getting SO curious about this kid... what he looks like, what he is like, everything.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
40 weeks...
So technically Thursday the 22nd is 40 weeks and our due date with Baby B.... the reality of course being that he can join us anytime :) and I am getting anxious to meet him. I cannot wait to see if he looks like Grayson, or Daddy, or maybe even me (crazy talk I know since Grayson looks EXACTLY like his daddy). I am also super curious as to when he will arrive. Grayson was intially due on September 23rd but I always thought he would be later and then an ultrasound told us he would come around September 26ish- he chose to join us on September 28th. This sweet boy's due date is September 22nd- and the ultrasound confirmed that timing to be pretty accurate within a day or two so I am wondering when he will arrive. I am hoping to meet him before the weekend is over :)
At my 40 week appointment with Grayson (which was on a Thursday and then he was born the following Monday) I had a cervical check which revealed I was 3-4 cm dilated, 75% effaced and at a +1 station. So that was 3-4 days before his birth. On Tuesday the 20th (two days before Baby B's due date) at my 40 week appointment Cheri checked me and this time around I am 3 cm dilated, 60% effaced and at a -1 station...... so who knows. If things follow the same trajectory Baby B should be here within the next 4 days, maybe :)
Oh and stats- Baby B's heartbeat was in the 140s today, I have gained a total of 13 pounds all pregnancy and Cheri measured me at 41 cm- all nice and lovely and reasonable measurments :)
At my 40 week appointment with Grayson (which was on a Thursday and then he was born the following Monday) I had a cervical check which revealed I was 3-4 cm dilated, 75% effaced and at a +1 station. So that was 3-4 days before his birth. On Tuesday the 20th (two days before Baby B's due date) at my 40 week appointment Cheri checked me and this time around I am 3 cm dilated, 60% effaced and at a -1 station...... so who knows. If things follow the same trajectory Baby B should be here within the next 4 days, maybe :)
Oh and stats- Baby B's heartbeat was in the 140s today, I have gained a total of 13 pounds all pregnancy and Cheri measured me at 41 cm- all nice and lovely and reasonable measurments :)
Friday, September 16, 2011
39 week pictures
Being busy working full time and mommying full time and such -- I haven't been as good at taking or posting pics of my Baby B Belly as I was the first time around. But here are a few snapshots of what it looks like for Baby B to be growing big and strong and healthy in mommy's belly.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
39 weeks
We got to see Alli this week for our weekly appointment- and really didn't ahve much to say or do because everything is totally fine which is awesome.
Baby B's heartbeat was in the 130s, I have gained a total of 12 pounds, my blood pressure was a lovely 112/74 and Alli measured me at 41 cm this week. Baby seems good, momma seems good, all is well.
Baby B's heartbeat was in the 130s, I have gained a total of 12 pounds, my blood pressure was a lovely 112/74 and Alli measured me at 41 cm this week. Baby seems good, momma seems good, all is well.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Happy Birthday Mommy
A birthday party for mommy with my two sons- Grayson @23.5 months and Baby B @ 38.2 weeks :)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
38 weeks
Today we saw Cheri for our 38 week check up- and again today we were blessed to be told that all is well!
BP is good (118/64), weight gain is good (9 pounds total so far), measurements are good (38 cm) and Baby B is head down, butt up - though he is not engaged yet and still kind of floating around in his mommy pool for now.
Baby B is full term for sure now so if he decides he is ready to be born he should be healthy and fully cooked- which is reassuring for sure. His nursery is ready, the newborn size clothes have been washed, his coming home outfit is ready to be packed.... now Mommy needs to get cracking on the next part of the to do list: pack a hospital bag for mom and dad, find the carseat so Ry can install it when the time is right, finish my schedule for my speech kids at work, finish up the last of my classroom set up at the school, and make an address list for sending out Baby B's birth announcements. Which sounds like a lot- but honestly none of it is mandatory all just preferred.
Not much else to report- Cheri is out of town on and off until next Sunday the 18th but Alli is certain she would take great care of us so I guess things really are ready to go if he is ready.
I am kind of hoping he keeps cooking for at least one more week and would be totally fine if he wanted to stay in there for two more weeks- each week he stays in mommy's tummy is another week that I can work which obviously delays my return to full time work further into the school year....
I was rereading my journal from Grayson's pregnancy and noted that at this time when I was pregnant with him I was already so puffy that I couldn't wear my wedding rings anymore- that hasn't happened yet which is nice. I am also not as swollen or uncomfortable as I was this time last time around- which is also nice. Though I am still hoping for a very similiar delivery experience so I don't want things to veer too differently :)
BP is good (118/64), weight gain is good (9 pounds total so far), measurements are good (38 cm) and Baby B is head down, butt up - though he is not engaged yet and still kind of floating around in his mommy pool for now.
Baby B is full term for sure now so if he decides he is ready to be born he should be healthy and fully cooked- which is reassuring for sure. His nursery is ready, the newborn size clothes have been washed, his coming home outfit is ready to be packed.... now Mommy needs to get cracking on the next part of the to do list: pack a hospital bag for mom and dad, find the carseat so Ry can install it when the time is right, finish my schedule for my speech kids at work, finish up the last of my classroom set up at the school, and make an address list for sending out Baby B's birth announcements. Which sounds like a lot- but honestly none of it is mandatory all just preferred.
Not much else to report- Cheri is out of town on and off until next Sunday the 18th but Alli is certain she would take great care of us so I guess things really are ready to go if he is ready.
I am kind of hoping he keeps cooking for at least one more week and would be totally fine if he wanted to stay in there for two more weeks- each week he stays in mommy's tummy is another week that I can work which obviously delays my return to full time work further into the school year....
I was rereading my journal from Grayson's pregnancy and noted that at this time when I was pregnant with him I was already so puffy that I couldn't wear my wedding rings anymore- that hasn't happened yet which is nice. I am also not as swollen or uncomfortable as I was this time last time around- which is also nice. Though I am still hoping for a very similiar delivery experience so I don't want things to veer too differently :)
Friday, September 2, 2011
A Nursery!!
Baby B has a nursery! A bed for him and mommy, a crib for him (although his brother is spending a lot of time in there right now), decorations, cuteness, fun animals, storage, a dresser, a changing table..... phew!
Now all we need is to do some laundry and fill that dresser and find the carseat- then we will be ready for Baby B! (or as ready as you ever can be for a baby...) I am so excited, so relieved and so pleased with how it has all turned out. Baby B is one loved little man and he isn't even here yet. Grayson loves to play in his room and bed, Daddy has been shopping and arranging and sorting and getting everything just perfect and Mommy has been growing and dreaming and hoping- I can hardly wait to meet this boy!
Now all we need is to do some laundry and fill that dresser and find the carseat- then we will be ready for Baby B! (or as ready as you ever can be for a baby...) I am so excited, so relieved and so pleased with how it has all turned out. Baby B is one loved little man and he isn't even here yet. Grayson loves to play in his room and bed, Daddy has been shopping and arranging and sorting and getting everything just perfect and Mommy has been growing and dreaming and hoping- I can hardly wait to meet this boy!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
37 week appointment
37 weeks (or will be on Thursday) means technically this baby is 'full term' and if he was born now he should be just fine.... hopefully he will stay in there and keep cooking as I just am not ready quite yet... I have some things at work I would *really* like to take care of before Baby B arrives so I can really relax and focus on him when he is here. But if he decides to show up he should be cooked enough to be healthy and in the long run that is all that matters.
We saw Alli this week, Grayson was an angel boy (a sucker during and after the appointment certainly helped). My weight went up by another pound or so- no biggie, blood pressure is nice and steady (112/64), Baby B's hear rate is slowing down a bit (131 this week) which is apparently normal. Alli didn't have any great advice to get rid of my restless legs other than doing what I am already doing- but I didn't really expect anything new or fantastic so I am not too disappointed.
Results of the Group B Strep Test are.... Negative!!! Yippee!! That means no fluids or antibiotics during delivery- and makes me so very, very happy. I do have to have an IV put in but they will cap it and will not make me have any fluids at all :)
Not much else to report- we have our appointment with Cheri next week, and Alli the week after. Between appointments with the midwife, the chiropractor, back to school meetings, and more things are getting remarkably busy and I suspect that I am going to be shocked at how fast the rest of this pregnancy goes by (and I have been surprised at how fast it has gone so far) and it will seem like no time at all from now that Baby B arrives.
We saw Alli this week, Grayson was an angel boy (a sucker during and after the appointment certainly helped). My weight went up by another pound or so- no biggie, blood pressure is nice and steady (112/64), Baby B's hear rate is slowing down a bit (131 this week) which is apparently normal. Alli didn't have any great advice to get rid of my restless legs other than doing what I am already doing- but I didn't really expect anything new or fantastic so I am not too disappointed.
Results of the Group B Strep Test are.... Negative!!! Yippee!! That means no fluids or antibiotics during delivery- and makes me so very, very happy. I do have to have an IV put in but they will cap it and will not make me have any fluids at all :)
Not much else to report- we have our appointment with Cheri next week, and Alli the week after. Between appointments with the midwife, the chiropractor, back to school meetings, and more things are getting remarkably busy and I suspect that I am going to be shocked at how fast the rest of this pregnancy goes by (and I have been surprised at how fast it has gone so far) and it will seem like no time at all from now that Baby B arrives.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
36 Weeks
36 weeks....9 months pregnant.... only one month to go until Baby B is here!
We saw Cheri again this week and Grayson was not as happy and cheerful during the visit- but with Daddy's intervention and a little help from a sucker things rapidly improved for our sweet toddler.
This week I was once again measuring at 36 cm, gained back the two pounds I had lost ;), heard a nice strong Baby B heartbeat and was poked and prodded a lot in an attempt to figure out which way Baby B is pointing. Cheri is *pretty* sure that Baby B is head down- which I am good with for now. She did say that if we aren't certain by next week she would happily do a quick little ultrasound herself (but our next appointment is with Alli so who knows if she would do the same). Cheri also mentioned that I am already one to two cm dilated- interesting- but that probably doesn't mean a whole lot and I have nothing to compare it to as I haven't been checked before this week. I had to get tested for Group B Strep again and am praying super hard that it comes back negative as I *really* don't want an IV again during delivery. I hate IVs, I have read recently that IV fluids during delivery can negatively impact breastfeeding after birth (makes me wonder if that hurt G and I when we were starting) and that it can also make it 'seem' like a baby has lost too much of their birthweight after birth (turns out fluid weighs a lot and when the baby establishes a normal fluid balance they can seem like they lost a bunch of weight). I took probiotics fairly consistently this pregnancy so I am hopeful, but only time and my next appointment (which is already next week!!) will tell.
We denied the fetal growth ultrasound, which I don't think anyone who knows us (Cheri included) was surprised by, so the next time we are most likely going to see our darling Baby B will be at birth (unless one of our midwives does decide to take a really quick peek to see if his head is down). We decided that since nothing would be done other than start talking about induction or abnormal findings or benign incidental findings that could cause all kinds of hoopla there is no need to have another ultrasound.
Not much else to report- appointment with Alli next week and then Cheri the week after that, only one week until Baby B is considered full term which is pretty exciting.
We saw Cheri again this week and Grayson was not as happy and cheerful during the visit- but with Daddy's intervention and a little help from a sucker things rapidly improved for our sweet toddler.
This week I was once again measuring at 36 cm, gained back the two pounds I had lost ;), heard a nice strong Baby B heartbeat and was poked and prodded a lot in an attempt to figure out which way Baby B is pointing. Cheri is *pretty* sure that Baby B is head down- which I am good with for now. She did say that if we aren't certain by next week she would happily do a quick little ultrasound herself (but our next appointment is with Alli so who knows if she would do the same). Cheri also mentioned that I am already one to two cm dilated- interesting- but that probably doesn't mean a whole lot and I have nothing to compare it to as I haven't been checked before this week. I had to get tested for Group B Strep again and am praying super hard that it comes back negative as I *really* don't want an IV again during delivery. I hate IVs, I have read recently that IV fluids during delivery can negatively impact breastfeeding after birth (makes me wonder if that hurt G and I when we were starting) and that it can also make it 'seem' like a baby has lost too much of their birthweight after birth (turns out fluid weighs a lot and when the baby establishes a normal fluid balance they can seem like they lost a bunch of weight). I took probiotics fairly consistently this pregnancy so I am hopeful, but only time and my next appointment (which is already next week!!) will tell.
We denied the fetal growth ultrasound, which I don't think anyone who knows us (Cheri included) was surprised by, so the next time we are most likely going to see our darling Baby B will be at birth (unless one of our midwives does decide to take a really quick peek to see if his head is down). We decided that since nothing would be done other than start talking about induction or abnormal findings or benign incidental findings that could cause all kinds of hoopla there is no need to have another ultrasound.
Not much else to report- appointment with Alli next week and then Cheri the week after that, only one week until Baby B is considered full term which is pretty exciting.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Large and in charge
Baby B is taking up some serious space in my body. Serious space and lung capacity have been given up to my little bundle of joy currently sharing my body. According to Babycenter at 35 weeks "Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete – he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight."
At work at the hospital I have given up the elevators so I have been taking the stairs every shift. Two weekends ago I could make it from my office in the basement all the way to the fifth floor without taking a break or feeling totally out of shape. Today however I only made it to the fourth floor before I was panting, sweating and totally short of breath. Turns out Baby B has grown a lot in the last two weeks and is now invading my lung space making me short of breath after even the most moderate exertion- which I have to say is slightly disconcerting as it makes me feel out of shape (and God knows I have a major physical event coming up in about 4.5 weeks) and it is also odd to take so long to catch my breath BUT if Baby B is growing and strong then all is good and I guess it is actually a good thing, right?
At work at the hospital I have given up the elevators so I have been taking the stairs every shift. Two weekends ago I could make it from my office in the basement all the way to the fifth floor without taking a break or feeling totally out of shape. Today however I only made it to the fourth floor before I was panting, sweating and totally short of breath. Turns out Baby B has grown a lot in the last two weeks and is now invading my lung space making me short of breath after even the most moderate exertion- which I have to say is slightly disconcerting as it makes me feel out of shape (and God knows I have a major physical event coming up in about 4.5 weeks) and it is also odd to take so long to catch my breath BUT if Baby B is growing and strong then all is good and I guess it is actually a good thing, right?
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
34 weeks
Ryan and Grayson and I all headed to the midwife for my 34 week appointment. Grayson did MUCH much better this week (as Cheri predicted he would) and not only didn't cry a single time but also blew kisses at the end. My blood pressure remains wonderful (110/64), my weight is good (actually lost 2 pounds in the last two weeks) and the baby's heartbeat sounds wonderful and strong. Cheri is still not 100% certain that little man is head down, but is more sure that he is appropriately positioned than she was last week. Little Baby B is still measuring a bit big though- 36 cm this week- BUT that measurement has only gone up 3 cm in the last 4 weeks which is in the range of normal. When I measured 33 cm at 31 weeks it was a little concerning as that is a good bit ahead, but now that I measure 36 cm at 34 weeks it doesn't seem as big of a deal as the growth is constant.
So now we have to decide- do we go ahead and have the ultrasound next appointment at 36 weeks or not? The pros: we could be certain of Baby B's position so if he isn't nicely head down we could try to move him, we could check his weight and size, we could see him again soon (and since we really didn't get any good pics of him at his 20 week ultrasound we could snag some new pictures of our boy in utero). The cons: exposing Baby B to another ultrasound, the possiblity that they may find "something" that may make them think they need to induce, the possiblity that they may find "something" that means nothing (a la Grayson's pregnancy) that causes a whole bunch of hoopla for nothing, they may tell me that the baby is too big or too small, that I have too much or too little amniotic fluid.....but they may also be wrong of about any of that.
Point being I am leaning toward no u/s.... but I still have a week to decide
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
32 weeks
Grayson came with Mommy to the midwife this week. It was quite the adventure!
Grayson doesn't like it when other people touch "his" mom and gets pretty upset- so Cheri and I have been planning some practice runs at midwife appointments and dr visits to try to prep him for when mommy is in the hospital with the new baby.
Grayson got to help take my blood pressure (still well within normal range), push the buttons while I stood on the scale (still gained about 6 pounds this pregnancy), hold the doppler while we listened to Baby B (solid heartrate of about 143) and play with cars on the floor while Cheri and I talked. All in all G did much better than I expected- he will come along with Ry as well to the next appointment and hopefully there will be even less crying and moments of general distress.
Cheri can't tell which way Baby B is pointed this time around, and I am measuring a little bigger this pregnancy than I was at this time last pregnancy yet haven't gained any more weight (though I honestly haven't worked out as much either so...) Cheri said that if she cannot tell what position Baby B is in at the next appointment she would like to do an ultrasound to see where he is and how big he is getting. We have tentatively scheduled that ulatrasound for my 36 week appointment but can move it up if need be.
Good appointment, good news, good days and already 8 months pregnant :)
Grayson doesn't like it when other people touch "his" mom and gets pretty upset- so Cheri and I have been planning some practice runs at midwife appointments and dr visits to try to prep him for when mommy is in the hospital with the new baby.
Grayson got to help take my blood pressure (still well within normal range), push the buttons while I stood on the scale (still gained about 6 pounds this pregnancy), hold the doppler while we listened to Baby B (solid heartrate of about 143) and play with cars on the floor while Cheri and I talked. All in all G did much better than I expected- he will come along with Ry as well to the next appointment and hopefully there will be even less crying and moments of general distress.
Cheri can't tell which way Baby B is pointed this time around, and I am measuring a little bigger this pregnancy than I was at this time last pregnancy yet haven't gained any more weight (though I honestly haven't worked out as much either so...) Cheri said that if she cannot tell what position Baby B is in at the next appointment she would like to do an ultrasound to see where he is and how big he is getting. We have tentatively scheduled that ulatrasound for my 36 week appointment but can move it up if need be.
Good appointment, good news, good days and already 8 months pregnant :)
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Goodbye Elevators
Okay so here I am 31 weeks pregnant already and I *still* haven't managed to find the time in my schedule to start working out. That means that in 9 weeks I have to do some work called childbirth and I am not in shape to do that at all.... SO
Goodbye Elevators for the rest of this pregnancy!
I work at St Joseph's Hospital at least 2-4 days a week at this point in time- and that is a seven story hospital with my speech office in the basement. I have discovered most of the stairwells in the hospital and am fairly confident that I can navigate all of the patient rooms I need to without using the elevators at all.
So I have issued myself the challenge of no more elevators for the rest of this pregnancy- and so far I have succeeded! My goal is to avoid elevators and use the stairs at work and in life whenever I can (I am not going to risk getting locked into a stairwell just to get a bit of exercise) and sneak in exercise that way. The first couple of days were rough- but hopefully I can build more lower body strength, build some cardiovascular endurance (hiking a pregnant body up 6 flights of stairs takes some work after all) and build some confidence as well!
Goodbye Elevators for the rest of this pregnancy!
I work at St Joseph's Hospital at least 2-4 days a week at this point in time- and that is a seven story hospital with my speech office in the basement. I have discovered most of the stairwells in the hospital and am fairly confident that I can navigate all of the patient rooms I need to without using the elevators at all.
So I have issued myself the challenge of no more elevators for the rest of this pregnancy- and so far I have succeeded! My goal is to avoid elevators and use the stairs at work and in life whenever I can (I am not going to risk getting locked into a stairwell just to get a bit of exercise) and sneak in exercise that way. The first couple of days were rough- but hopefully I can build more lower body strength, build some cardiovascular endurance (hiking a pregnant body up 6 flights of stairs takes some work after all) and build some confidence as well!
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Baby B's Crib
This is what Baby B's crib looks like- in the store.
We haven't quite gotten around to cleaning out the guest room/office in our house that shortly will be Baby B's room so his crib needs to stay in the store for a little bit yet. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks- maybe a month- we can get the room all cleaned out and pick up the crib from the store. The goal is to have Baby B's room all set up and ready for him before Mommy goes back to work at the school in the last week of August (about 4 or 5 weeks before he is due to arrive).
Wish us luck!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
30 weeks
Nearly 8 months pregnant and so far all is pretty good. At my appointment with Cheri this week she officially told me I do not have gestational diabetes (which I suspected since no one called me last week to tell me that I did). I am holding steady at my 6 pounds of weight gained over my starting weight- which is good. Baby B's heart rate sounds great- I seriously will never get over how awesome that sounds.
Only thing is that I am measuring a little big- 33 cm at 30 weeks (about 3 cm bigger than I was this time when I was pregnant with Grayson) and so Cheri wants to make sure everything is growing okay and not too fast or big. We might have an ultrasound in a couple of weeks if baby keeps measuring large- or we might not.... we will decide at some point in the 34-36 week range of time.
Only thing is that I am measuring a little big- 33 cm at 30 weeks (about 3 cm bigger than I was this time when I was pregnant with Grayson) and so Cheri wants to make sure everything is growing okay and not too fast or big. We might have an ultrasound in a couple of weeks if baby keeps measuring large- or we might not.... we will decide at some point in the 34-36 week range of time.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Stupid Glucose
I failed my glucose tolerance screening/ diabetes screening at 28 weeks by two dumb points (a pass is 140 or below and I got a 142). That means I had to do the long three hour glucose tolerance test to be sure that I don't have gestational diabetes. This shouldn't be shocking to me as when I was pregnant with Grayson I only passed that same screening by one point with a 139, but somehow I am shocked and sad about it. I also shouldn't be shocked since I have possibly, just maybe been indulging in ice cream on a nightly basis as well, and yet I was. Shocked that is.
So today I took the three hour test. I had to fast for 12-14 hours before the test so I didn't have anything to eat this morning before I went in. The lab tech took my blood when I arrived at the office and then I had to drink a whole lot of a very, very sweet drink. And then wait. And wait. And wait....for an hour until the lab tech came back to take my blood again. Then I waited for another hour until the lab lady took another vial of blood and then waited another hour before she took the final blood sample.
My elbows are bandaged and I was one hungry, grumpy lady by the time the whole thing was over. Then I went to get something to eat and all that food combined with all that time of not eating made for a really nauseated and shaky feeling- so I had to lie down and nap while Grayson napped for about an hour or two. After that I felt much better and life seems to have resumed at its normal and hectic pace.
I am really hoping I passed this test- I really don't want a super sized baby, I don't want to end up diabetic later in life, I don't want a c-section delivery, I don't want to increase the risks of anything bad happening to me or baby B --- and Gestational Diabetes increases all of those risks. So perhaps nightly ice cream should be done and daily walking should begin....perhaps.
Here's hoping I don't get a phone call from Cheri or a diabetic counselor anytime soon- which means I would be in the clear!
So today I took the three hour test. I had to fast for 12-14 hours before the test so I didn't have anything to eat this morning before I went in. The lab tech took my blood when I arrived at the office and then I had to drink a whole lot of a very, very sweet drink. And then wait. And wait. And wait....for an hour until the lab tech came back to take my blood again. Then I waited for another hour until the lab lady took another vial of blood and then waited another hour before she took the final blood sample.
My elbows are bandaged and I was one hungry, grumpy lady by the time the whole thing was over. Then I went to get something to eat and all that food combined with all that time of not eating made for a really nauseated and shaky feeling- so I had to lie down and nap while Grayson napped for about an hour or two. After that I felt much better and life seems to have resumed at its normal and hectic pace.
I am really hoping I passed this test- I really don't want a super sized baby, I don't want to end up diabetic later in life, I don't want a c-section delivery, I don't want to increase the risks of anything bad happening to me or baby B --- and Gestational Diabetes increases all of those risks. So perhaps nightly ice cream should be done and daily walking should begin....perhaps.
Here's hoping I don't get a phone call from Cheri or a diabetic counselor anytime soon- which means I would be in the clear!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
28 weeks
28 weeks already!
Midwife appointments every two weeks already!
Seriously this pregnancy is flying right by- we are so very busy between me working multiple part time jobs to save up enough money to stay home as long as possible with Baby B and chasing a very active toddler around.
Midwife appointment this week was with Ali again. Baby seems to be fine, good heartbeat, good size. I didn't gain any more weight (phew) so I am standing at 6 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight. I did however fail my glucose tolerance screening- which means I *may* have gestational diabetes and now have to undergo the long three hour glucose tolerance testing and hope I pass.
In the meantime- I am planning some nice long walks, a bit less ice cream and a more balanced diet.
Not much else to report- I finally have some maternity scrub tops and so I can comfortably sit down to chart at work which is very nice. Baby B is moving and shaking and generally seems awesome- though so far less active than his big brother was at this time.
Midwife appointments every two weeks already!
Seriously this pregnancy is flying right by- we are so very busy between me working multiple part time jobs to save up enough money to stay home as long as possible with Baby B and chasing a very active toddler around.
Midwife appointment this week was with Ali again. Baby seems to be fine, good heartbeat, good size. I didn't gain any more weight (phew) so I am standing at 6 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight. I did however fail my glucose tolerance screening- which means I *may* have gestational diabetes and now have to undergo the long three hour glucose tolerance testing and hope I pass.
In the meantime- I am planning some nice long walks, a bit less ice cream and a more balanced diet.
Not much else to report- I finally have some maternity scrub tops and so I can comfortably sit down to chart at work which is very nice. Baby B is moving and shaking and generally seems awesome- though so far less active than his big brother was at this time.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
24 weeks
At my 24 week appointment this week I discovered that I have gained 9 pounds in 4 weeks! Whoops....is about all I can say. Ali kept telling me that because it has been SO blessed hot and therefore I could be retaining water or maybe not moving as much due to the heat that the weight gain may not be 'real.' But I also need to be careful. Since I lost 3 pounds in the beginning of this pregnancy this weight gain puts me at only 6 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight- which is not awful. However no one should really gain 9 pounds in just their fifth month of pregnancy so I better keep things in check from here on out.
It has been SO hot and miserable and we have been so busy that I haven't been able to walk or work out much at all this pregnancy. It makes me kind of nervous because I worked hard during my pregnancy with Grayson to walk daily and work out frequently to try to support an easy and safe delivery- and I haven't been able to do that this time at all. I would LOVE to experience a similar delivery as I was blessed with last time but that also means I should probably try to find the time and energy to get moving, walking, doing Bradley exercises, being treated by the chiropractor..... and yet it seems that there just isn't enough time. Hopefully things will slow down a little bit and I can make taking care of myself and supporting a good delivery a little more of a priority.
It has been SO hot and miserable and we have been so busy that I haven't been able to walk or work out much at all this pregnancy. It makes me kind of nervous because I worked hard during my pregnancy with Grayson to walk daily and work out frequently to try to support an easy and safe delivery- and I haven't been able to do that this time at all. I would LOVE to experience a similar delivery as I was blessed with last time but that also means I should probably try to find the time and energy to get moving, walking, doing Bradley exercises, being treated by the chiropractor..... and yet it seems that there just isn't enough time. Hopefully things will slow down a little bit and I can make taking care of myself and supporting a good delivery a little more of a priority.
Friday, May 6, 2011
20 weeks
At 20 weeks this second pregnancy is already half over! Time is flying, I think chasing a toddler, working full time and generally being a grown up is taking up most of my mental energy because I just haven't been as focused on counting down the days this time around.
We got to see our sweet baby on ultrasound this week at our 20 week appointment. Some important things to mention: Baby B is perfect! The head, heart, lungs, palate, GI tract, kidneys, femurs, bones, spine, bladder, brain, and cord are all exactly as they should be according to the ultrasound. Baby B is measuring within a day of his due date of September 22 so perhaps we will all be home and settled in before Grayson's second birthday on September 28.
Excitingly we also learned that Baby B is a BOY!!! We are thrilled and feel so blessed to be given the privilege to raise two boys, two years apart. I hope they will be the best of buds and will always have each other as a support system. I can hardly wait to watch two boys grow up together, boying it up, building and playing and just being boys!
We got to see our sweet baby on ultrasound this week at our 20 week appointment. Some important things to mention: Baby B is perfect! The head, heart, lungs, palate, GI tract, kidneys, femurs, bones, spine, bladder, brain, and cord are all exactly as they should be according to the ultrasound. Baby B is measuring within a day of his due date of September 22 so perhaps we will all be home and settled in before Grayson's second birthday on September 28.
Excitingly we also learned that Baby B is a BOY!!! We are thrilled and feel so blessed to be given the privilege to raise two boys, two years apart. I hope they will be the best of buds and will always have each other as a support system. I can hardly wait to watch two boys grow up together, boying it up, building and playing and just being boys!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
18 weeks
18 weeks
18 weeks already!! and finally feeling better. This time around the nausea and food aversions have really been kicking my butt- but finally between 14-16 weeks it seems to have resolved. I am super hopeful this baby is a boy so I can watch G and he buddy up and boy around and just be awesome together- but I secretly think this one might be a girl since I have been so very nauseated and feel pretty much the opposite of how I did when I was pregnant with Grayson.
I am feeling Baby B swimming around on occassion now- and I love it. I find the baby's movement so reassuring and so connecting. I love it when I can feel it and right now can hardly wait until I get to feel it every day (I am sure in 10 weeks I will be kicking myself for wishing for more movement sensation :).
I made the big switch to maternity pants this week during my spring break and am so very happy I did- I am so much more comfortable and plus it kind of feels like I have whole new wardrobe (I am sure that feeling will wear off long before this pregnancy ends as I cycle through the same few tops and pants). I am hopeful for warmer weather soon- apparently my pregnancy with Grayson must have been during warmer weather even though their due dates are just a week apart as I have mostly capris and t shirts in maternity clothes. It will be nice to be able to get out of the house and get moving too- I am feeling pretty housebound and wishing that we could have afforded a spring break vacation to get some sun for a while.
Here's hoping that May brings some warmer weather, more baby B movements, an ultrasound revealing a healthy and well developing baby and the chance to be outside!!
18 weeks already!! and finally feeling better. This time around the nausea and food aversions have really been kicking my butt- but finally between 14-16 weeks it seems to have resolved. I am super hopeful this baby is a boy so I can watch G and he buddy up and boy around and just be awesome together- but I secretly think this one might be a girl since I have been so very nauseated and feel pretty much the opposite of how I did when I was pregnant with Grayson.
I am feeling Baby B swimming around on occassion now- and I love it. I find the baby's movement so reassuring and so connecting. I love it when I can feel it and right now can hardly wait until I get to feel it every day (I am sure in 10 weeks I will be kicking myself for wishing for more movement sensation :).
I made the big switch to maternity pants this week during my spring break and am so very happy I did- I am so much more comfortable and plus it kind of feels like I have whole new wardrobe (I am sure that feeling will wear off long before this pregnancy ends as I cycle through the same few tops and pants). I am hopeful for warmer weather soon- apparently my pregnancy with Grayson must have been during warmer weather even though their due dates are just a week apart as I have mostly capris and t shirts in maternity clothes. It will be nice to be able to get out of the house and get moving too- I am feeling pretty housebound and wishing that we could have afforded a spring break vacation to get some sun for a while.
Here's hoping that May brings some warmer weather, more baby B movements, an ultrasound revealing a healthy and well developing baby and the chance to be outside!!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Big News
Hey Everybody Guess What........
Our big boy Grayson is excited to tell you all that he is going to be a big brother! Baby B is due to join us sometime around Grayson's second birthday :) How life is going to change around here in about 6 months- should be fun to watch!
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