36 Week Doctor Update

We had our weekly doctor appointment yesterday and we wanted to update everyone and also ask for prayer.

We started out the appointment with an ultrasound. I am so happy John was able to be there because he missed the one at the hospital. First, praise that our little girl is still a girl as far as we can tell! Also, she has gained weight since Friday so she is growing! She is still in a breeched position which I expected because I can still feel her head under my ribs. We were able to get a good look at her lips (which are surprisingly big) and nose and that is about it because she has her hands in a fist right in front of her face (my little boxer). One concern that was raised during my ultrasound however was that my amniotic fluid level has decreased from Friday (it went from 9cm to 8cm). Although not a significant decrease and it is still in the acceptable range of 5-15 cm, it is something that will now need weekly monitoring.

We then went to our regular check up. We discussed the blood pressure issue with my doctor and my concern that since it has been in the non hypertension range since Friday that I was being on bed rest for no reason. We discussed the spectrum of things that could go wrong and her reasoning for me being restricted etc. It was a good discussion and left John and me with the big decision of what we wanted to do and what we felt was the best for our family. We then moved on to discuss the breeched position and what the next steps were for that. Since Peyton is near full term, and the low levels of amniotic fluid, it is very unlikely that she will turn and any alternative measures to get her to turn would be unsuccessful and possibly dangerous due to the fluid levels. So, we are in the process of scheduling a c-section. Due to the blood pressure issues I would have been induced at 39 weeks so now we will just have a c-section then. We are waiting to hear from the doctor's office on when it will be but it probably be either September 12 or 15. We will keep everyone posted. 

When John and I left the office, I was pretty overwhelmed. We have been so blessed to have a normal healthy pregnancy up to last Friday and since then it seems like all these unexpected things keep creeping up and I honestly wasn't really ready to handle all of it. I have never been scared of labor and delivery but that was before I knew I would be having a c-section.  I always knew it was a possibility but I never really gave it much thought. After getting home, praying together and discussing everything, John and I decided that I would take a sick day for Thursday, go to work Friday since our office was closing at 1:00 for the long weekend, go to work Tuesday, have my doctor's appointment Wednesday morning and go in for the afternoon on Wednesday which would be my last day. I then would start my leave Thursday. Although I will be waiting at home for about a week without Peyton, I need to remember that the goal is to get a healthy baby here and that this is better for her and for me then working until the last moment and possibly making myself or her really sick. 

We are feeling better today and are starting to discuss the c-section and things John can do before, during and after to help make this easier. Also, since we have an idea of when she will be here we are making a final list of things we want to get done before then. Although not our first choice, we are now able to plan a little more which for John and me is kind of nice. Everyone has been amazing and so many of you have offered help but right now we really need prayer however I am sure that once she arrives we will be needing tons of help and will be taking everyone up on their offers.

Prayer Requests:

• Please pray that for the couple of days that I am going to work that my blood pressure stays low and that when I am not at work, that I am resting and being still
• That the Lord comforts my fears of having a c-section
• Prayer over my amniotic fluid levels and that they don't decrease to a dangerous level
• Finally, but most important, that Peyton continues to grow and be healthy

36 Weeks

What is the baby doing...

Our little girl is still packing on the pounds - at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She is shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine month amniotic bath. She swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.

At the end of this week, Peyton will will be considered full-term!

How is the Mommy doing....

For the most part this was a pretty quiet week. I mostly dealt with being uncomfortable and having constant heartburn. Even though it was a quiet week, our weekend made up for it...

I went to my regular doctor's appointment on Friday and when they were doing my regular blood pressure check they noticed that my blood pressure was really high which is not good by itself and especially since every other week it is either normal or low. So, they did the rest of my exam and then rechecked my blood pressure and it was still high so I was admitted to the hospital for 24 hour observation. 

While under observation, I had to have my blood pressure checked every two hours (even throughout the night) as well as had to have a 24 urine collection to check for protein in my urine which would also indicate Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. I got settled at the hospital around 10:00 AM and started on the monitor to check the babies heartbeat and monitor my contractions, everything checked out fine and although I do have some contractions here and there they are very irregular and are probably Braxton Hicks contractions. Then later that morning the high risk doctor came in to do an ultrasound to check that she is still growing correctly and that everything is fine with her. Although, she is in a breeched position (head is still under my ribs), she is developing fine and they are comfortable with her weight (5 pounds 9 ounces) and development. They did notice that my amniotic fluid levels were a little low but nothing serious. The low level could be because it is harder to predict levels with a breached baby or they are actually low which is another symptom of Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. Right now, it is just something to keep monitoring. It was crazy to see an ultrasound of her since the last time I had one was at 16 weeks. It is amazing how much she has grown and how tight it is in there for her. I really could not tell what I was looking at unless she pointed it out. I have some pictures but they are not that great since it is so tight in there. I am really praying that she turns around soon and would appreciate any and all prayers for the same. I spent the rest of the day resting and watching the Olympics with John. Then Saturday morning I finished my 24 hour collection and waited around for the results and doctor's orders while getting very anxious to leave since I had my baby shower at 2:00 that afternoon! The doctor came by and told me that although she didn't have my results from the protein test, she was comfortable with my blood pressure readings but suggested that I go on bed rest! That was the last thing I wanted to do and since I really only had a couple of high readings (one at the office and one at the hospital when I first arrived) I asked if we could start with a modified bed rest (other than work I am to be sitting/resting) and see how that goes. She agreed as long as I committed to taking my blood pressure three times a day and if it gets to a certain level I am to call my doctor and then I will probably have to go on complete bed rest. Hopefully this will work because I would be miserable at home knowing I was using my maternity leave without a baby here to take care of. An hour or so later, the lab work on the protein levels came back really low (they needed to be under 500 and it was 138) so I was finally discharged around 12:30.

I quickly got ready for my shower and then headed over there and I am so happy I was able to be discharged in

time. It was so much fun and beautiful! Everything was so well planned and such a blessing! It was fun to be able to celebrate with friends and be reminded how blessed we are to have such great people in our lives and in Peyton's life. My car was loaded with stuff and we are finally feeling like we are ready for Peyton's arrival which is a great feeling! After getting home, I sat down on the glidder in the nursery and John unloaded everything and brought it into the nursery and I directed him on where it needed to go. It was a good exercise because now John knows where things belong! John did some laundry and helped me hang up her clothes and we quickly realized how much clothes she has. The closet is packed (as you can see in the picture). She has more than enough clothes to last her up to six months. Hopefully she will be able to wear everything!

Today has been a hard day. I love being busy and getting things done and it has been very challenging to sit still and watch John do everything. John has been amazing, I wrote out a list of things to do for the day and he has been amazing in working through it especially since I know how much he hates housework and cleaning. So far today my blood pressure readings have been good which is a praise. But please pray for me and that I learn to let go and let John take care of me and the house and realize that my job is to rest and take care of myself and Peyton. 

• Next Doctor's Appointment: Wednesday, August 27 
• Prayer Requests: That I relax and abide the bed rest rules and that my blood pressure stays low. Also, that Peyton turns around so she is not in a breeched position.

How is the Daddy doing...

I don't think you can say you went to the hospital without having a good story.  The past two times Che was headed to the hospital, she begins the conversation with "so what do you have going on today"; kinda funny, but at least she is considerate of what's going on with me.  The hospital was ok, but it worried me that they could never get her diet together to feed her...very frustrating to see your wife in the hospital and getting hungry. I'm glad Che is having to be on modified bed rest, because she needs to learn to be still.  It just requires me to do a lot more, but it is good practice for when Peyton comes, and plus, Che deserves a break.

Our other child waiting patiently for his little sister to arrive

35 Weeks

What is the baby doing...

The baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she is over 18 inches long and tips the scale at 5 1/4 pounds (similar to a honeydew melon). Because it is so snug in your womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore but the number times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete and she will spend the next few weeks putting on weight.

How is the Mommy doing...

Well, pretty much all this week I have been feeling the baby pushing and trying to stretch out for more room. Things are feeling pretty tight in there (my ribs and hips hurt) and I still have 5 more weeks to go! I am interested to see what the doctor says on how big she is at my next ultrasound because this last trimester I feel like I have been feeling everything about a week earlier. I can't believe that in two weeks she is considered full term and I don't want her to come any earlier than full term but I wouldn't mind her coming anytime after 37 weeks as long as she is healthy.

This week has been slow...work was only really busy on Monday and then nothing which makes for a long week (especially when it isn't my Summer Friday). I also had my doctor's appointment on Monday instead of my normal Friday's which threw me off. I don't mind work not being as crazy as it can be but I need something to do to make it for the remaining 18 days I have left (but who is counting)! It would also help if I wasn't so uncomfortable all day long!

Nothing much happened this week besides becoming consummed with the Olympics. It is crazy...John and I are addicted to the Olympics and found ourselves staying up way too late during the week to watch just a little bit more. It made for some later mornings but it was fun to watch them together and get lost in them...I love the Olympics!

This weekend was pretty calm as well, John's mom came over on Saturday morning for breakfast and then we went around with my mom later that afternoon looking at cars for her. Other than that, it was just resting around the house.

We packed our bags for the hospital this weekend as well so we are all prepared! We are just waiting on our new camera to be delivered and then we are ready! It feels so good to have our bags packed and another thing checked off our list.

Next week will be a little more busier, a bunch of us from work are meeting my old boss for lunch and to catch up on Thursday, I am off on Friday and have my doctor's appointment that day where they will be doing the regular check up as well as some other routine tests and then Saturday my amazing friends in League City/people from my former small group are throwing me a shower! I am so excited to celebrate with all of them and feel so blessed to know that I have a strong support system and great people for our daughter to be around and learn from!

• Next Doctor's Appointment: Friday, August 22 and then Wednesday, August 27 for an ultrasound!

34 Week Doctor Update

Since my doctor's appointment was rescheduled from Friday for today, I wanted to give everyone an update today instead of waiting until I post next week. 

Overall everything looks good (strong heart beat, good blood pressure, growth and weight gain) but I was told that I need to drinking more water as I was a little dehydrated. I am now home with a large glass of water and will be making sure to monitor how much I am drinking since dehydration can cause contractions. Other than that everything else is checking out like it should. My mom was able to come with me for the first time and she was able to hear the heart beat which was great! 

My next appointment is next Friday (August 22) for a regular check up and then I am going Wednesday (August 27) for a check up and our final ultrasound! I can not wait to see our little girl and how much she has grown!

34 Weeks

What is the baby doing...

The baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers-which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born- are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well.

How is the Mommy doing...

I am doing better than last week and am not as uncomfortable. I am still pretty ready to be done with being pregnant but this week was a little more encouraging. It also helped that I only had to work three days this week after having Tuesday off due to the Tropical Storm and then my Summer Friday off.

It was great having Tuesday off due to the Tropical Storm and even better when the storm was not as bad as it was forecasted. John and I spent the day relaxing and then my family came over for dinner and games that night.

I had my office shower on Wednesday which was so much fun. I am so blessed to have amazing coworkers who wanted to celebrate with me. I got some great gifts and I spent Wednesday night putting together the bouncer seat and setting up the monitor. A coworker took pictures so check out our link section to look at them or click here I am now just counting down the days until my last day at work (September 12). I am sure it will come quickly.

This weekend my family headed off to Lubbock for Ashley's graduation from Texas Tech with her master's degree. I am so excited and proud of her and It stinks that I couldn't join in the celebration. Since everyone headed out to Lubbock we looked after my mom's dog Molly which was fun. Titus had a little adjustment period trying to understand the age difference and why Molly didn't want to play with him but they have done great together and figured out each other.

Last night we went out for dinner in Kemah to celebrate five years of being together. On August 9, 2003, John and I went on a date to Kemah and he asked me to be his girlfriend. It is crazy to think of how much has gone on in those five years and we both feel so blessed that our relationship has grown to where it is today. It was a fun night out and we are both looking forward to seeing what the next five years will bring.

I was supposed to have an appointment on Friday but my doctor needed to reschedule due to being in a surgery that morning so I am going tomorrow for my regular appointment. Everything that I am feeling is normal according to all the books I have been reading so I am sure the check up tomorrow will be quick and easy. My next appointment after tomorrow will be August 22 where I should be having my final ultrasound to check the babies position.

Now that we are getting closer and closer, we are working on getting more and more things done in these next couple of weeks. Some things I want to get done by the end of August is packing my bag for the hospital, and installing the car seat.

• Next Doctor's Appointment: Monday, August 11 and then Friday, August 22

How is the Daddy doing...

Since my parents and sister were out of town this weekend, they let us borrow Guitar Hero and John is pretty hooked and thinks he wants one now.

5 Years Ago (8.09.03) in Kemah after John asked me to be his girlfriend

33 Weeks

What is the baby doing...

This week the baby weighs a little over 4 pounds (about the size of a pineapple) and has passed the 17-inch mark. She is rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and her skeleton is hardening. The bones in her skull are not fused together, which allow them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for her to fit through the birth canal.

How is the Mommy doing..

Well, I would do anything right now for this to be the 37 or 38 week update as I am not sure how much longer I can handle this. I have been so uncomfortable all week and it is really draining emotionally and physically. I know this is all part of being pregnant but I was really hoping it wouldn't be this bad so soon, especially since I have 7 more weeks to go. If I could just figure out how to be somewhat comfortable at work then it would work out better but so far this week I have been having extreme back pain and some pain in my side. I told John the other day that I just want to quit but since that is not an option, I am hoping to find some relief. My last day at work is scheduled for September 12 if she doesn't come any earlier so I still have a ways to go :(

Since I have been so drained from work I really haven't done anything this week besides rest as soon as I got home. The diaper bag I ordered arrived this week and I am super excited about it. I spent a long time looking for a good deal and for something that John wouldn't mind carrying (I was pretty sure pretty flowers were out). I finally found a bag that got great reviews and was decently priced and even better was manly enough for John to carry! It is a Skip Hop Dash Deluxe Edition diaper bag and can convert to hang on the stroller as well. So far I am impressed but the real test will come in September! I got a couple other items in pale blue to match the bag (bottle thermos, portable changing pad) so we are set for our adventures outside of the house!

This week is pretty exciting as I am having my first baby shower! My work is throwing me a shower on Wednesday and I can't wait! One thing I love about my job is the people I work with and they truly make the drive into downtown a whole lot more worth it!

An update on the name, we are pretty close to agreeing on a new name but we are not 100% sure so it might be awhile before we announce anything.

Something fun I found was this birth prediction website (a silly game but fun either way) and this is what the prediction said, "They day I deliver, the outside will be overcast and my baby will arrive in the afternoon. After a labor lasting approximately 16 hours, your child, a girl (promising that it got the gender right without prompting) will be born. She will weigh about 7lbs 15 ounces and will be 19 inches long. The baby will have light brown eyes and be completly bald (a strong possibility since I was born with no hair)." So we will see if the prediction site is correct!

• Next Doctor's Appointment: This Friday (8/8) for a regular check up and then 8/22 for our final ultrasound!

How is the Daddy doing...

John has really been making an effort this week to leave the office at 5:00 in preparation for what is to come when the baby arrives especially since he will be responsible for picking her up from daycare. It is an adjustment but he is doing well!