Trial Run #2

So we got to do another trial run to the hospital with Graham today and I am pretty confident we are beyond ready logistically at this point to meet this guy and that I am tired of visiting the hospital and leaving with no baby!

Here is the story of the day.....I went to my weekly appointment with the high risk doctor to do my non stress test and ultrasound and during the non stress test Graham's heart rate was on the lower side and didn't show much variation. Most of the time it will increase drastically when he moves/kicks and then go back down. Today it stayed around 110-125 and didn't go up hardly at all.

The doctor didn't say anything and had me continue with my ultrasound and it looked great, he is around 6lbs 7 oz right now (they think a little bigger since he wasn't cooperating to get great measurements) and growing wonderfully and his lungs, bladder, stomach, heart etc all look perfect! He is also measuring about 10 days ahead of schedule. I also didn't lose any fluid this week which is a praise.

But when I was done with everything the doctor commented how she would have like to see more variation in his heart rate and that the baseline was a little low even during the ultrasound. So, she was recommending that I go and do a longer and better non stress test at the hospital. I was fine with that, asked how long it would take... a couple of hours... and then she mentioned...very casually..."and if his heart rate does more of the same over those couple of hours and doesn't have any variation we will just go ahead and deliver." I just looked at her with disbelief because she said it so casually and almost like an afterthought. We talked about the possibility of a delivery that day and implications on Graham and she was comfortable with his development and what she saw on the ultrasound that he would be fine but obviously would rather we didn't.

I left the office, called my parents to let them know what was going on and have them pick up Peyton from school, called John to come home in case we did have to deliver and I didn't want to track him down as I was being wheeled into the operating room, came home to pack Peyton's bag, grab some last minute stuff, take out the trash and run the dishwasher and then John got home and we dropped off the extra car seat at my parents and went to the hospital.

I was monitored for about 2 hours and within 30 minutes the nurse commented that he did not look like a baby in distress and was fine. John and I played some games and watched TV. Fun times and headed home with a list of what to watch for and a request from the nurse to try and keep Graham inside for a couple more weeks. I did like that again I had AMAZING nurses and that we were really well cared for. Each time I go I get more and more reassured that we will be fine when we finally do have him.

As for all the last minute stuff to do before you go to the hospital....I realized we were pretty well off and ready and even more so now....we now have Peyton's bag packed and I am not unpacking it since she has plenty of clothes to wear for two weeks and the extra car seat installed in my parents car so I guess that is a positive.

I talked to my doctor tonight and I will see her Thursday as planned and she had no real explanation for why he did what he did this morning besides that the NST at the doctor's office is not as advanced and high tech as the one at the hospital. She just requested that I take it easy and monitor for any contractions or changes in anything.

So....please pray that if Graham needs to come early because he is in distress or my body is not doing what he needs to that he and my body makes it very evident BUT if he needs to stay in for the next two weeks that he does and all my labs, monitoring, scans etc are normal!

36 weeks....14 more days!

We are in the homestretch! Only 14 more days! We are officially scheduled to meet Graham on March 8th!

This past week and weekend we have been BUSY BUSY BUSY with finishing up baby prep and my list of what is left is short....disinfect Peyton's toys, wash all of our sheets before we head to the hospital and pack Peyton's bag the weekend before! We did so much this weekend such as de-cluttering and organizing our master bedroom closet, cleaning the vents/fans and TONS of yard work! We only have two more weekends before Graham comes and the weekend before he comes is already full with visiting with friends who will be in town and cleaning/packing so we really only have next weekend free.

As much as we did get done this weekend I will be honest that it was a hard weekend for me emotionally. I am not the type of girl to sit down and not help and growing up we did all kinds of stuff around the house so I am used to working, building and doing hard labor and it is super hard to sit down and supervise. I hate not being useful and hate feeling lazy! I love hauling bags of dirt, planting and feeling achy and sore at the end of the day. Then....I also realized that even after having Graham and after my recovery I will still not be able to help/do as much for awhile because I will be busy caring for two children. It really has only been since Peyton turned 2 that she can be out there working with me and I finally felt like I had some free time and ability to do more than just caring for the household chores/Peyton. I am going to have to be patient and remember this is just a phase of life and one that I need to sit back and enjoy!

Another thing that hit me this weekend is how Peyton will no longer be my baby/only child. I love our family of three and I am a little sad to see it end. I love devoting all my time and attention on Peyton and the relationship that we have been building. I am scared of how she will react to the baby, being a big sister and most of all sharing Mommy. I worry about her and am trying to remember that she will be fine!

This weekend just brought forth the reality of how close we are and how much life is about to change in two short weeks. So, here are some specific things that we are really asking for prayer for....

• For my c-section and that everything goes well before, during and after surgery. Wisdom and attentiveness for my doctors and nurses. That I am healthy at the end of the surgery. And for my fears of having the surgery and the whole process. Pray for peace for me.
• For Graham and that he is delivered healthy and we can start and have success in establishing breast feeding as soon as possible.
• For my recovery and that it is speedy and that I rest and allow my body to recover. Specifically that I take it easy, accept the help that is offered and remember my limits and yet have the energy and strength I need physically and emotionally to care for my family.
• For Peyton as she adjusts to being a big sister. That she understands and still feels loved when Mommy can't pick up her and carry her around. That she is not affected by the inconsistency in her day to day life those first few weeks when other people are caring for her etc.
• That despite the tiredness and stress of a newborn that John and I daily seek God for strength, wisdom and guidance on how to raise a son and how to adjust to being a family of four!

And I leave you with my wonderful pregnant belly...I am getting so big and feel huge! Next week I am planning on wearing the same outfit for my 37 week picture that I did with Peyton so we can compare. That was the last picture I had with Peyton so lucky Graham will get one more before we venture into the hospital!

Graham's Quilt

I think I mentioned before how a friend of ours (Sarah from My Spare Time) is an amazing seamstress and makes beautiful quilts.

Well, we talked awhile back about trading our skills and I would help plan her son's birthday party and she would make Graham a quilt. Unfortunately with my second trimester cramping and intense pain, I was unable to uphold my part so I didn't really think about his quilt until she contacted me in December and asked when we were going to get together and talk about his quilt. I was so excited and incredibly, incredibly grateful. We met up, I dropped off the fabric and this weekend she dropped off the finished quilt and it is AMAZING! I am so in love with it and am so excited for Graham to use it. She did an beautiful job and I can not even begin to express how appreciative I am of her gift. I love that every time we use it we can think of her and her family and we can reminded of not only the blessing of their relationship but the blessing of so many wonderful relationships that we have formed while living here and how truly blessed we are and so appreciative of them.

I love that it is primarily white since so much of his room is dark and that there is so much of the blue used since his curtains, furniture are are all dark. The back is a super soft baby blue fabric which gives it such a nice cuddly feel. She also made it bigger than a traditional crib quilt so I can use it on the end of his toddler bed or even folded at the end of a twin bed. Since I love his curtains/theme I am most likely keeping them for many years and just buying a plain duvet cover/sheets to stick with the blue and brown so we will for sure be using the quilt for many years to come!

It is so pretty, soft and beautifully done. Sarah has a definite talent and she is so generous bless her friends with it! Thank you SO MUCH!

Our Weekend

We did lots and lots of yard work since that will probably be one of the last things on our mind in a couple of weeks with a newborn! Everyone made sure to do their part and we had so much fun working with Peyton! She is an amazing helper and loves being outside! Lots of fun memories this weekend!

Stop with the food holidays....

I realized today while eating Girl Scout cookies that with this pregnancy I have hit every single major eating holiday....seriously......

TONS of Birthdays (Peyton, my mom's, booth of my sister's, mine, and my dad's)

College Football Season

Halloween

Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve (big food night at my parents house)

Christmas

New Years Eve (we do lots of snacks etc as a family)

College National Championship Football Game

Super Bowl

Valentine's Day

Girl Scout cookie delivery

I traded the heat of the summer for a calorie filled pregnancy....the second has been more enjoyable but my poor body! Somehow I have managed to stay right around the same weight as Peyton. How I have no idea!

Sand Box

At the beginning of my pregnancy and when I barely had the energy to walk to the bathroom to be sick, I started having Peyton play outside in her sand box while I sat on the couch and watched her. It has proven to be a valuable tool because she now knows to tell me before she walks inside and I can do stuff around the living room/fold laundry or just relax and she will play for a long time. She also insists on Titus being outside with her and if she isn't playing with the sand, they are playing together.

Well, today when I walked back from grabbing a load of laundry this is what I found..... She was having a blast and loving the warmer weather! When she was ready to come inside she stood by the back door (which I just leave open when she is out there), yelled "Mommy" even though she could see me and started to take off her clothes herself outside. I was very pleased!

35 weeks...20 days to go!

I know that 5 weeks does not equal 20 days but when you are having a repeat c-section those numbers tend to not match!

Finally we have a new date that I believe will not change nor do I want it to change. We will be having Graham the week of March 7... about 20 days away. I should have the newly scheduled date when I go in on Thursday for an appointment. Mostly this is because the specialist wants him delivered between 38-39 weeks and my doctor is gone the 39th week so that leaves the week of March 7. Finally a final date and one that I want to stick. I don't want him any earlier!

As a result of my fluctatuating blood pressures and wanting to verify that it wasn't hurting my body, I did another 24 hour urine collection but at home on Sunday, dropped it off Monday and did some blood work. I will be doing weekly blood work now until he comes to test my kidney function. I didn't think much about the whole collection thing until I realized that we had offered to watch our friend's kids (an almost 3 year old and 3 month old) Sunday night so they could go on a date and that meant trucking over there with my cooler and "sample." At least we have all gone through the joys and strange stuff of pregnancy and got a good laugh! Then when I had to go in to get my blood work drawn, I just took Peyton with me. We had music class later that morning and it just made since since they are in the same area and both about 15-20 minutes from the house. Everything was going great, peyton was being awesome and then I realized that I had to sit in a chair, get a needle and get my blood drawn and NOT act like a baby like I normally do. I HATE HATE HATE getting needles and blood work done and normally act like a baby. Not something you can do when your toddler is already looking a little freaked out and even gave you her lovey to comfort you! I made it through and actually found it easier since I was trying to talk to her and distract her from flipping out/grabbing at the vials and other interesting objects! I am also glad I took her because my doctor hasn't seen her in forever and one of the nurses there was one of my nurses with her and she hasn't seen her in two years and loved being able to see her. You never realize how much time you spend with these nurses during your pregnancy and how much they also care about delivering you a healthy baby at the end. They work so hard and I am so appreciative of the awesome nurses I have!

My ultrasound and stress test were this morning and my fluid dropped again.....25 cm. which was kind of expected. I am having more regular contractions but nothing concerning and overall he looks fine and healthy. My appointment next week will involve a more in depth ultrasound to monitor growth and ensure that my blood pressure etc hasn't restricted his growth. Two more appointments with the specialist and then Graham will be here!

As for baby preparation...I made some serious progress this past weekend and have very little left, which is good because we are running out of time! My biggest things left is arranging all the details for Peyton and where she is going on what days etc while I am in the hospital! I also need to pack her bag etc but I figured I would just do it the night before since she uses so much of it everyday anyways.

Here is what our list looks like now......

Send email to family
Wash clothes/blankets/bibs etc from shower
Call Bayside Bed and Biscuit for Titus
Make master grocery list of items we regularly buy
Arrange for Peyton's care
Print off Peyton schedule and important numbers to put with bag
Master bathroom mirror project done
Spray paint patio table done
Get watch battery replaced
Clean out freezer/fridge
Sort/declutter master closet bookcase and master bathroom
Make Rice and Bean Taco's to Freeze
Make Spaghetti Pie to Freeze
Wash baseboards
Clean fans and vents
Get extra stationary to write thank you notes etc
Make email/text list of friends and family to inform
Print off and prepare as much as possible of passport application
Call Dr Quillinabout procedure since not delivering at Clear Lake
Get Dyson working and all parts here
Check to make sure breast pump is working
Sort and clean out pantry
Sort/declutter guest bathroom and desk area and hall closet
Disinfect all of Peyton's toys
Move swing and bassinet to appropriate places
Batteries in swing/ bouncer etc
Bring pack n'play, bouncer to parents
Car Seat adapter in John's car
Peyton extra car seat to parents
Car seat by hospital bags
Pack hospital bags for Che
Pack diaper bag
Mulch/clean up backyard
Make Chicken/Brocolli Casserole to Freeze
Buy frozen Stouffer meals
Make list of addresses for birth announcements
Get information on adding Graham to insurance
Pick out birth announcements
Decide on poses etc to do with Graham for pictures
Sort/declutter living room
Buy extra pull ups/wipes for Peyton
Stock up on toliet paper/paper towels/buy one extra dog food
Get gift for Graham to give to Peyton at hospital
Wrap gift for Peyton
Che haircut
Clean Graham's room/fan/vents etc
Clean house (major cleaning) one last time
Wash bed sheets/changing pad one last time

And as I look at the list I realize that the things that are left really don't matter all that much. They are nice to do items but not needed which I guess is part of having your second and realizing that all you really need is some diapers, wipes, some sort of bed for them to sleep in and a food source...the cleaning and other supplies are just nice to have!

Off to pick up Peyton from school and hopefully spend some time outside enjoing this beautiful weather...finally!

Finally finished!

Graham's room is finally finished! All we need is a baby!

I FINALLY got the letter I ordered off of Etsy (from Whimsical Rooms) and it is hung up above his changing table area and looks great! I decided to not do his whole name and just get a 20" letter G and I am really pleased with how it turned out but I will be honest it take a little too long to get it (about 8 weeks) which I might understand if I ordered a whole name but not for one letter. I also love how Peyton immediately walked in and pointed to it and said "G."
Another nice surprise in the mail today was a gift from a friend who got Peyton and Graham Big Sister and Little Brother shirts also from an Etsy seller....Rock Paper Sisters. You can't tell from the first picture but their names are wrapped around the circle. I can't wait to get pictures of them in their shirts.
More progress this weekend in Graham's room was the collection of our hospital bag (minus stuff I use everyday...hence the list in the bag). So far I have just packed my stuff, pillows, an extra blanket for me, blanket and sheets for John and then the diaper bag. I am just going to pack Peyton's stuff before we leave and well...John is on his own for his stuff!Another detail in Graham's room that I haven't shared is his going home outfit. My grandmother knit an outfit for me and each of my sisters and she did one for Peyton as well. So it has become a tradition for all the grandchildren and great grandchildren to have an outfit to come home in. She knit the sweater, booties and hat for Graham and I love it! I just found a simple brown shirt and pants to go under it and I can't wait to see him in it. I remember how adorable Peyton was in her outfit!
We are getting more and more ready which also means more and more anxious! All the little things are falling in place and we are counting down until we meet our little man!

Party until you crash!

Today Peyton had her Valentine's Day Party at school! Which meant lots of candy for mommy to be tempted by tonight! I only had one...

Last night I thought it was funny that although it was her party I was the one stuffing all the bags and making the Valentine's...one of the many times I am sure that will happen! Also, when we were talking about school and her party during dinner she asked if her Granny and Papa were coming to the party....she already told me that Daddy was not coming because he had to work! So, I told her that she could call and invite them and she did. I coached her the words to say but she called them and asked Granny to come and it was adorable! Loved it!

Most of the party focused around decorating a cupcake that left it full of icing, sprinkles and candy and thus inedible and eating candy. There was a craft to do but she was so consumed with the eating/sugar part we never got to that.

The party (or maybe the 30-40 minute temper tantrum later that afternoon) must have worn her out because at dinner when we were all eating our dessert, John and I were talking and not really watching Peyton and then John told me to look at Peyton and this is what we saw....

Yes...she fell asleep while eating her Popsicle and it was hilarious. I felt bad for laughing but it was pretty funny especially since she insisted on finishing her Popsicle even though she couldn't keep her eyes open. It was an early night for Peyton for sure!

34 Weeks

Another week down and approximately 31 or so days left!


How did we get so close? Well, AGAIN my doctor decided to adjust my delivery date. Based off my last appointment (last Tuesday, 2/1) and seeing my fluid levels slightly (ever so slightly) down from my last ultrasound in the hospital, having fluctuating blood pressure readings and my history, not knowing my exact due date and not wanting to go past due knowing that past due babies have to be monitored for placenta and fluid issues (which are already an issue with me)....the high risk doctor recommended delivering between 38-39 weeks. So, that puts us back to the second week of March since my doctor is going on vacation the third week. I am waiting on the newly scheduled c-section date but it will probably be March 10 or 11 so I am as far along as possible before my doctor leaves. So...back to having a new date that hopefully is the final date! We don't want Graham to come anytime before this new date!

At 33 weeks and 5 days

I had another ultrasound/non stress test today and everything is still looking good. During the non stress test I had about three contractions about 10 minutes apart but everything looked normal. As for my ultrasound my fluid levels dropped slightly again...about .25 cm...and are just below normal for the stage of the pregnancy at an AFI of 11.53 cm. Nothing to worry about but it is showing a trend and as long as the pattern of .25 cm each week holds up we are fine. It is when we start losing whole centimeters that we need to worry. When I started having this with Peyton I had an AFI index of 9 cm at 35 weeks and then 5 cm the day before I delivered at 37 weeks. So, a 11.53 cm reading is good news! What is even more interesting is all the various things they look at to see if this is affecting Graham such as his stomach and bladder and ensuring that they are full which indicates that he has enough fluid to swallow/function. I feel so beyond blessed and thankful that we have access to the medical care that we do to make sure that we get a healthy little boy here!

We are very much ready for precious Graham to arrive and I am getting very excited about seeing him, holding him and beginning our life as a family of four. I was able to get a good amount crossed off my list over the weekend and once I get my new date can get several more done pretty quickly. I really would like to finalize everything for Peyton and Titus this week and start packing at least my hospital bag. We did put out the swing over the weekend so I could get Titus used to it again and also teach Peyton not to hang on it or sit in it. So far so good for both of them but we will try turning it on in the coming weeks and see what happens! I also managed to make one meal to freeze so we are well on our way to checking off items!

I have my regular appointment Thursday and hopefully everything will be pretty routine there and then back for another ultrasound etc next Tuesday!

_____________________________

Update from my Thursday appointment....

Blood pressure is still fluctuating and random. I will be starting weekly blood work to check kindney function until Graham comes (not fun since I HATE my blood getting drawn) and I have to do a 24 urine collection again but this time at home starting Sunday.

Finally...looks like our date will be March 8th so about 26 days or so to go.....