Update on Pregnancy

I had an appointment on Friday to check the amniotic fluids. I had an ultrasound, and according to that, the fluids were great! I was much relieved to hear that. Baby is doing great, and the heartbeat was strong. Doctor said I am dilated to a 2, and not too much had changed since Tuesday. Because of my history with low to no amniotic fluid on the due date, we are set up to go to the hospital on Tuesday morning to get the process going. Am I happy to induce? Not especially. I do wish that I could have this baby all natural, no induction, just my body naturally going into labor. I am still hoping (and praying) that I will naturally go this weekend or Monday. It is very likely!! With the ultrasound, the Technician said that the cervix is narrowing/thinning down from the inside, and that is super! I think I should clean the house tomorrow, and maybe that will help me along. Of coarse, my hubby has an agenda to help me out, too. So, hopefully we can be more natural with this labor.
What the doctor is going to do is have a pill put in to "ripen" my cervix, which will soften it. This should start the labor process. I had this done with Madelyn, and it is not a pleasant experience. It did put me into labor, and things moved rather quickly with her. I am hoping the results will be similar with this labor. (IF I don't go naturally, of coarse).
So, Tuesday morning is the start of a big day. If you can, please pray for me, and our baby. Pray that my body will go into labor on its own the next few days so we don't have to help the labor process. Please pray that the baby stays healthy, strong and is born without complications. Pray that I have the strength and rest needed for this delivery. Thanks so much! I will keep you posted as best as I can.

Baby Appointment: week 39

My appointment went alright on Tuesday. I am probably dilated to 2, but he said baby is up so high it is hard to tell for sure. All of my baby's are high, and don't "drop" until I am in full blown labor. The Doctor did do some moving around, and it was a bit uncomfortable, but it was hard to get anywhere. I know my body is fully ready for this baby with the contractions I had over the weekend, and the baby is considered full term. So, I am SO ready, and just pray that he/she comes really soon~
We were planning on starting the process Thursday night. The Doctor said that I could check into the hospital on Thursday night, where they would put a pill in (citadel) to help ripen my cervix. Then, come Friday morning, the Doctor would see what my progress is, and start the induction. With my history of low or no amniotic fluid, we don't want something to happen to the baby, or wait until the estimated due date. The hospital didn't have an opening for that procedure for that evening. Then, there was an opening last night, so I took it. I was excited about the fact that I could be holding my baby Tuesday night or Wednesday (today).
However, after talking to Terry, he wasn't happy with that choice. He didn't want to miss as much work, and he said if the baby is fine, we should leave it alone. I agree, but I am just downhearted about it, and I do have the worry over the fluids. I am a fan of letting things be, but I am just anxious about the fluid levels, and really quite honestly, I am tired of being pregnant and having the pains. So, the Dr. and I scheduled an ultrasound for Friday morning, and we will see where everything is at. I hope that the fluids are fine, and that the baby is still fine on Friday. I am really hoping and praying that my body will naturally go into labor before Friday, so I don't have to wait much longer. I felt kind of crampy this morning when I woke up, but that is it. I want to clean the house, but I have no motivation or desire.

Almost Done, I hope~

I have my 39 week appointment in the morning. I only have one week left, "technically." I had some great contractions going on Saturday and Sunday, but they didn't keep going. My body isn't one to go into what some call early labor, but I can only pray that my body will naturally go into labor on it's own. With the last two pregnancies I have had the amniotic fluid is very low. With Caleb, I had little fluid left, so they scheduled an induction right after his due date. With Madelyn, I had an ultrasound on my due date, and they found that there wasn't any fluid left, which they admitted me into the hospital that night for an induction. So, I am not really sure what the Dr. will recommend for me tomorrow. It does make me a little leery about waiting until next week to check the amniotic fluid, since Maddie's was gone on her due date. Plus, with my history, it seems that the fluid is gone quicker with each pregnancy. I wonder if the Dr. will order an ultrasound tomorrow? I know that my body is preparing for labor, and I know the baby is "technically" full term, so if we did induce, I think that the baby will come fine. However, there is a strong side to me saying that I should just leave the baby alone, and let he/she come when they are going to make their debut. Then I struggle with the thoughts of what if something is wrong, or what if the baby doesn't have adequate fluid. Of coarse, I totally WANT to be done being pregnant, because I have been in terrible pain. I cried everyday for the last 3 days from just pain from walking. I seriously need to just be done. I praise God for this baby, and for the miracle of birth, but I want to have the baby in my arms now and let my body heal. So, what do I do? It really keeps me in the middle. I am just going to pray over it all, pray that God will put me into labor in the next few days (or hours)...and see what the Dr. says tomorrow. I just need to keep calm, and relish in this last week of pregnancy, right? Because, I will miss being pregnant and feeling my baby move and groove inside me, right? Hmmm...I wonder about that some days. :)
I will post an update after tomorrow. I am sorry that I haven't been up to doing much blogging lately, but I really am not in the mood lately. PLUS, I have been so tired!
I will try to keep posted on here when the baby comes, and what we have (boy or girl). This baby has really baffled us on who he or she really is going to be. I have done the drano test with this baby, and the test revealed a boy. Then, just over the last week/week and a half, I have done the ring test, and that revealed I am carrying a girl. (you hold your wedding ring over your belly on a string, and if it moves like a pendulum ~back and forth, you will have a boy, if it moves in a circular motion, you will have a girl). I did this test with Madelyn, and it was accurate~ results and her sex. I know those tests are just for fun, and I really don't hold a lot of stake in them, but they are fun to do nonetheless. Plus, it is just pure fun to guess. Only our Lord knows since He created such a miracle! I will let you know when I have the chance to let you know!

Baby Appointment: 37 weeks

I had my baby appointment yesterday morning. With having concerns of my amniotic fluid possibly leaking, I was anxious to see what my Doctor thought. I am so excited to be back with MY doctor, but there is a huge set back with seeing him~ I waited for an hour and a half before I even saw him! Long wait, he is a popular Doctor, but so worth the wait because he really truly cares!
He checked my stats, baby is not dropped down into the pelvic region, yet. I told him how uncomfortable I have been lately, and how hard life is. Then, I melted down and cried. I know I am emotional right now, but really my pains have been absolutely unbearable at times~ day or night! I told him how sleep is tough, laying down and getting up. That Sciatic nerve is the worst it has ever been. He said he was sorry that I was going through all that pain, and he would love to have me fitted for a special pregnancy belt thingy, but they are expensive. Yeah, for approximately $150, I could have some relief for the next few weeks. Umm, no, we have no extra money, so I just have to suck it up for the duration. Yippee! Can you sense my excitement?
The Doctor said that I am carrying this baby so differently and so low...even though it isn't "dropped" yet. I told him I was surprised that the baby hasn't dropped, because sometimes it feels like the baby could just fall out, or that he/she kicks so low sometimes. However, none of my baby's have dropped until I was in full blown labor. So, it would be kind of a shock if the baby was dropped right now.
I am not dilated and my body isn't doing any changes in preparation for delivery day, yet. I do have 3 weeks yet, so really it isn't time yet. He said he didn't think I was leaking any fluids, and that my water wasn't broken. He did want me to get an ultrasound to see if baby was in the head down position, though.
I didn't get to see much on the ultrasound, because baby is so big right now. Heartbeat was at 147 at the time of the ultrasound, and baby was head down. The amniotic sacs looked great, and the technician said the placenta and heart looked good. One great thing I got to see was a head of hair. That is so exciting. Just seeing our little baby on the screen gave me an added boost of encouragement that this pain really is worth it~ even though some days I feel like I just would rather die.
So, onto another week. The next few weeks will go rather quickly in time, but seem long with the pains and aches. SOON~ I just have to remember that blessed word.

Baby Appointment: 36 weeks

Well, my baby is growing and growing...and the scale keeps adding more numbers~ urgh!
My Doctor doesn't "measure" me at every appointment, but he said everything is going well. Heartbeat is strong and healthy. Head is down, and no dilatation....which is good, because I am just over 36 weeks. My belly is so low, though, and I feel like this baby could just fall out. I have never experienced that with my other kids. The Doctor said my belly is low, and the uterus muscles are probably very stretched out. He recommended getting a belly band. However, with the price of those, I don't think it will be an investment we can make at this time. I am sure my body (mainly my back, legs, and booty) would appreciate the lift of strains. I just keep telling myself that there are less than 4 weeks to go...less than 4 weeks. I can do it....even if painfully.
My blood pressure was a bit elevated today. Normally, my BP is 120 over 60~ or something close to that. Today it was something around the 170 over 72. I can't remember what the nurse said, but my guess is very close to what it was. So, that is a bit concerning to me. My ankles and other joints have been really swollen lately. I really feet swollen all over, but my ankles are pretty swollen. Even putting on shoes and boots is a challenge lately. I am sure it is water retention, and I need to get my feet up more. I am looking forward to getting my body back in shape, and moving about normally again. I told Terry I feel like an over stuffed penguin lately...waddling around and feeling large. Soon...I keep saying that blessed 4 letter word~ SOON!

You know you aren't a "new momma" when....

*You don't keep track of every STAT at every Doctor's visit.
*You dread stepping on that beast of a scale at the clinic. (this isn't just for pregnancy)
*You don't have the "count down" on your calendar.
*You don't have a baby book yet, and you only have less than a month before the baby comes.
*You don't have a "coming home" outfit for your baby yet, and there is less than a month to find one.
*You know what labor is, and you wish they could just knock you over the head until it is over.
*You wish that baby could stay in just a little longer so you can sleep without getting up every hour. Oh wait, I am doing that already with potty breaks. What am I thinking?
*You still need to update your other kid's baby books, and your last child is lucky if they got their first year's milestones written down...at least in the baby book. ~Now where is that piece of paper with their first tooth...hmm....
*You keep forgetting to call the hospital to register, even though it should have been done a month ago.
*You don't pack your bag until the day/night of.
*You don't prepare a birth plan because chances are it won't be what you wanted/expected anyway.
*You are alright with getting that epidural after all. MMMM....happy epidural.
*Childbirth classes are not on the agenda. I don't think I got that much out of them anyway. My mind was just on one thing in labor....OK, maybe two things. OWIE.....GET THE BABY OUT!
*You know you don't need to pack books, word finds, puzzles, etc. for the hospital, because you won't have the desire or time to actually relax. If you are in the hospital before baby arrives, you are in so much pain that book reading is the last thing on your mind. After baby is born you are so enamored with your baby and overloaded with visitors that you don't have time to pick up the books.
*You already have a diaper bag or two, and that should be OK for this baby, too.
*Your home is already childproof...pretty much. Your other kids are doing OK so it must be alright.
*When the hospital asks you to write down every time you nurse, baby wets/poops, you tend to forget that part. Why do they need to know? Besides it is just one more thing to try and remember. You know your baby is absolutely perfect, and YOU KNOW what you are doing by now.
*Your "milk suppliers" are totally ready for another work out to give the best nourishment for your baby. So, no need to prepare them.

Just speaking from experience...~LOL

~Babies~ appointments, Dr.'s and a funny....

I have my Doctor's appointment in the morning to see how baby is doing. I can't believe that I am 24+ weeks along already! Wow~ this pregnancy is zooming by! I guess things are just so busy with an elementary child, a (pre)pre-schooler, and a toddler! Now we will be getting into the holiday season, and time will really fly! Before I realize it, my arms will be filled with a brand new baby! WOW~

I am really excited to start our new insurance coming the beginning of November. Once that happens, I will be going to my main OB/GYN. I really miss him. About a month ago, I was practically in tears after my last appointment. I didn't get the welcoming factor from the current OB/GYN I am seeing. This Dr. is all new to me. I didn't get the warm welcome hello...no, "How are you doing, Sarah? How is the pregnancy going? How is Terry doing? What are the kids up to these days..." Just, the statements like, "Do you have any questions or concerns? Let's listen to the heartbeat." Blah, Blah. I am so missing my Dr. (even though he is more of a drive) To me, it is worth the extra miles and gas to feel loved and appreciated. I have had my other Dr. since High School ~over 15 years ago. So, I am glad I get to go back to him...even for just the last 2 1/2 months. Since I am more than likely needing to schedule an induction at the end of my pregnancy, there is a high probability that he will be the one delivering our baby. Caleb is the only one that he delivered. Actually, Terry delivered Caleb, with our Dr. just assisting him, and telling him what he needed to do. What an amazing Dr. he is!! He is so caring, and he just knows people.

Anyway...funny story from something that happened this evening. Maddie and Caleb love talking to the baby. Caleb (almost daily) says, "Hi Baby!" to my tummy. So, Maddie has picked up on this and does it, too! She also likes to pat and rub my belly when she can, too. *Sometimes she mistakes "the baby" for being up higher than my belly*~lol, so I just tell her, no...the baby is here~ with pointing to my belly. Anyway~ tonight, Terry was sitting at the computer on the chair, and Maddie toddles over to him and says sweetly, "Hi baby!" while looking at his belly. Opps! Terry said, "Is that her polite way of telling me I need to lose some weight?" Ha ha ha ~~

My baby is a celebrity!

I love going to my ultrasounds have way through my pregnancies and see that adorable little baby growing inside me. What a miracle!! I wish I had a scanner so I could show you my baby's pictures. I love to say that my baby is a celebrity, because it is their first debut on TV. LOL~
I am 20 weeks today, but my ultrasound measured me at 20 weeks and 4 days. I would be alright if the baby came even earlier, and we could get him or her in this year yet. (Good tax deduction) :) Hey, I can dream, can't I? I just want our little baby to be gorgeous, smart, wise... healthy, and born without any complications. I am so excited for this baby, and the expansion of our family. We don't know if our baby is a girl or boy yet, because my husband loves the surprise factor. I would rather know, just for the fact of getting those baby clothes ready, but I am banned from preparations I am OK with waiting. Nathaniel thinks that the baby is a girl, but Terry, Caleb and I think that the baby is a boy. I think I may have seen a little peter in there, but it is so hard to really see anything. It could have just been part of the umbilical cord...who knows! We are half way to knowing who will take the fourth child place.
I have my Doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon to go over the ultrasound reports to know all the stats, and to get the run down. I am excited to hear what he has to say.

Friday

Well, yesterday, Madelyn was a bear pretty much all morning. She wanted to be held constantly, so I know she really wasn't feeling well. I think mostly her teeth are really bothering her. I really hope they burst through this weekend.

Caleb started a cough and a "headache" in the earlier afternoon, just before we headed out to go to the ultrasound. So, I gave him some Tylenol, and we left. I knew he was tired, too, and the timing of the drive was perfect for him and Maddie to sneak in a nap.

I went to pick up my friend, Lisa, because she offered to come with me. I wanted someone to be with me for two reasons, for support, and also to help with Maddie and Caleb if need be. So, she was willing to come. I am so glad she was with me.

The news from the ultra-sound was disturbing to me. It was calculating the baby to measure at 5 weeks and 3 days. I am still trying to figure out if that is possible, just for peace of mind. The tech saw the yolk sak and what looked like a possible lining starting. BUT, she didn't see anything else. No little baby, and no heart beat. It is possible that my timing is way off, and everything is normal for the pregnancy, but I am not so optimistic. I do want to say, that I am at peace with whatever the outcome is. It would be sad to not be pregnant right now, and not be adding on to our family at this time. However, I know that EVERYTHING is in God's timing, and HIS timing is perfect! If we don't have a little one on the way, I just need to remind myself that God has a plan, and He knows what He is doing. I will still pray for our little baby, and that he/she is healthy and growing.

On the way back from the ultra-sound, Lisa dropped me off at the clinic so I can request a blood draw to check the HCG levels. When a pregnancy is progressing normally, these numbers increase (basically double) daily. So, I had a draw on Friday, then I will have a re-draw on Monday morning. The NP informed me that everything is normal, and I really shouldn't worry. She was trying to talk me out of doing a blood draw, because she said the numbers can be deceiving. The numbers may or may not go up, but it really doesn't verify the progress. She said the best identifier would be the ultra-sound. I do have a re-check on the early ultra-sound for 2 weeks away. At that time, if everything is all good and normal, we will see a heartbeat. So, I will do my best to not worry or stress about what the results may be.

Another thing that happened on Friday....when Lisa dropped me off, she went to get Nathaniel from school. I gave her misleading and wrong directions, and she got lost...ended up at the wrong school, and we were all worried. Nathaniel's office called our house to see what was up, and since there wasn't an answer, she tried my cell phone. My cell phone went through the wash machine a couple of weeks ago, so that didn't work either. Then, they called Terry at work. Since he was 45-50 minutes away, he asked if someone could drop Nathaniel off at home! Oh what a mess! Fortunately, the Principal was willing and able to give him a ride. Lisa was a bit frantic, and she did catch up with them. After about 30 minutes of waiting, I got concerned and I called home. They were there, filled me in on what happened, and then Lisa came and got me. I feel terrible about giving her wrong directions, having Nathaniel waiting and worried, and having the school upset with me. That just added to my sad afternoon. I do thank Lisa for being willing to get Nathaniel, and for all her trouble. So, thank you Lisa!

Caleb was running a pretty good fever last night, has a nasty cough, and a really runny nose.
So, Now that Caleb is sick, I am dealing with either a cold or allergies and Maddie isn't 100% we decided to just stay home this weekend. I am sad we couldn't go up to see Terry's Grandma and Mom...and our other family. But, I do think it is wise to stay home to let our kids get over another round of the sicknesses.

Teeth? Or Sick?

Madelyn is really working on 4 (her first four) teeth. Her gums are bulging, and I can see the whites of teeth under her gums. She has been pooping more, like 5 diapers a day. Her poor little heiny! Well, last night she had a higher fever. During the night, she started a barking cough. Then, this morning (at 5:40 A.M) I woke up with her super hot!
I gave her the Motrin, and checked her temperature. It was 101.7 under the arm. We aren't even sure our thermometer is right on, because it takes forever to get the results! Poor little girl! Her cheeks were flushed, and when she was sitting on my lap...I could feel her hot little bottom! ~That is how hot she was!
So, with having such a high temperature, and that cough, we will be making a trip in to see the Dr. this morning. I am pretty sure it is just her teeth, because she no longer has the cough this morning. Plus, she has no other symptoms. She is happy, smiley, and playful. So, we will see. Maybe I should cancel her appointment...I hate to bring in kids just to hear, "They are fine...or it's just a virus." And~pay $25.00 to hear them say it.


I have my first "baby" appointment today. I have to do a verification test~ pee in a cup. Then, I will be talking to the CNP about a health questionnaire, I believe. I am sure we will schedule an ultrasound to make sure all is good with the baby. Due to a miscarriage 2 years ago, I am in a greater risk category. So, I look forward to the ultrasound to see that little heart beating.