It's A Boy!

Rob and I arrived at the hospital at 9AM on Friday. We checked in, got our room, I got my IV and a TON of fluids, my midwife came and shortly I was being walked down to surgery. It was a fascinating experience though I would have rather just been a fly on the wall. I got my spinal, a process that is greatly effected by gravity interestingly enough, a big drape goes up so I can't see and Rob comes in and before we know it the anesthesiologist announces that 80% of those who voted in my little poll were wrong - it's a boy.

We have a little Elias Robert in our midst at 10lb 7.4oz (Gideon was 10lb 6.8oz) and 21 1/2 inches long. He only cried for a minute. Maybe not even that long. After that he cooed and sighed and made contented little noises. They quickly get him wiped down and wrapped up and then Rob got to bring him to me. We all got to visit while the doctor took care of me.

My sweet boy only minutes old.

Shortly after I'm all stitched up we're all back in the room and I get to hold him. The next few days are a blur of bonding and feeding and visitors. This afternoon we got to come home but not without stopping for a yummy sandwich and a shopping trip at Target. Gabe, Zion and Gideon are staying with Jamie for a few days while we settle in. A few more days' healing for me and some quiet for us and some fun for them.

I have a lot more pictures and will post more soon. Ta ta for now.

Tomorrow Is The Day!

The complications in this pregnancy have not resolved to our satisfaction so yesterday I (somewhat tearfully) scheduled a c-section with Dr. S. Even though I have been fortunate enough to have had three (mostly) wonderful vaginal births I still feel a bit cheated. So, I'm trying not to think too hard on it. Rather than "I'm having a c-section tomorrow" I'm trying to go with "I'm meeting my baby tomorrow!"

For those just tuning in it was discovered when I was 20 weeks along that I had complete placenta previa and velamentous cord insertion (bad, bad!). Then later they said the placenta moved and the cord was "just" marginal. Then later they said "oops" the placenta is actually a marginal previa and it has stubbornly stayed that way. The cord is still considered a marginal insertion which is rather a neutral thing at this point since it is not between baby and cervix. Also, the baby has been breech, no transverse, no breech, no head down, oops, no wait transverse, now breech... and finally head down. Not that it matters now.

Given that the baby's last measurements put him/her at about 11lb and my history for hemorrhaging after labor we all, me, Rob and midwife (with Dr. S's encouragement) decided that, given all of the unknowns a c-section delivery would be safest for the two of us.

So, there we are. Next time I post I'll have actual REAL news about the baby. We'll know, in fact, the gender for instance! :) And we'll likely have a name to go with it and no longer be calling him/her Baby D. And we'll know if this one will have beaten Gideon's birth weight of 10lb 7oz.

Back soon!

Belly Shot

I'm trying to remind myself that one day I will care if I don't get any pictures of me pregnant. So I had Rob take a couple the other day. It's not too bad besides the fact that my face looks like mush. Just look at the belly and ignore the rest, 'K. :)

And even though I said no more pregnancy updates there is more info to be had. *sigh* (This will be over soon. This will be over soon...) OK, so I had the ultrasound that showed baby was head down and the placenta hadn't moved enough. Then my midwife referred me to a doctor for a consultation, at my visit with her baby was back to head down. This is the doc who will do the c-section if it's necessary.

I think that summarizes the last update.

It was a more positive appointment than I expected. He said that if baby is breech for sure I'll need a C. Yeah, I knew that. But he said that if baby is head down he feels OK allowing me to try for a vaginal birth but only by scheduled induction in the hospital where I can be moved to a surgery suite very quickly if need be.

As it stands I have an appointment with my midwife on Monday for a regular ol' check up and a non-stress test for the baby (who has passed two with flying colors so far) and another that day with the chiropractor who does the Webster Maneuver.

Tuesday I see the doc who does the ultrasounds. Pretty much everything is hanging on this ultrasound. If by chance the placenta has moved more AND baby is head down I don't have to be in the hospital AT ALL.

Wednesday I have a follow up with the new doctor to discuss the results of the ultrasound and The Plan. (So, that likely means I'll have at least one more update to do, huh?)

I may have one more chance for an ultrasound the following week if things still haven't changed by Wednesday but my hope and prayer is that the next ultrasound will show baby head down and placenta moved and that I can just let things happen. No induction, no c-section, no hospital at all. Still a little time to hope and pray.

Hopefully The Last Pregnancy Update

I told myself I wasn't going to write another one since things keep changing but one more (I hope the last) to just let people know what is going on.

My midwife got the report from Dr. M (the specialist who does my ultrasounds) and talked with Dr. S (the one who will do the c-section if it's needed) and then she and I met yesterday and we have a "plan". It's not much of a plan as it doesn't actually plan for much but that's what we'll call it. :)

So MW (midwife), Dr. M and Dr. S are all comfortable with watching and waiting at this point. I will see my MW twice weekly for non-stress tests which lets us know that baby is doing well and she will likely peek to see what baby's position is. Yesterday the baby passed the NST with flying colors and, guess what, is head down. No longer breech or transverse. (We all speculate that Gideon stretched me out so much being 10 1/2 pounds that this one has tons of room and just lies however s/he wants to.) I will also see Dr. S once a week. We will monitor placenta, cord and baby closely and wait.

If I go into labor on my own I'll go to MW and she will check everything one last time. If things look favorable I can stay with her at the birth center. If not, I get transferred to Dr. S for a c-section right then.

If I don't go into labor on my own by June 22 (I'll be 39 weeks that day) I go to Dr. S and he checks everything out. If placenta, cord, baby or any combination thereof look unfavorable we do a c-section that day (though that day could change depending on the Dr's schedule, I'll know for sure on Tuesday when I meet him for the first time). If EVERYTHING looks good he'll send me home and I just wait to go into labor on my own and keep seeing MW.

So really, we don't know what is going to happen until it happens. But there is still time to hope and if I do end up with a c-section I'll know for absolutely sure that everything was done that could be done to avoid it and that it really was the best birth for Baby D.

Unless something drastic or new pops up (Good Lord, I hope not) then this will be my last note until I am writing a birth announcement. Really looking forward to that day. :)

Thank you everyone, so much for your prayers and support. This has been a crazy pregnancy and your kind words have meant so much.

Pregnancy Update

I SO expected to be giving a grand report of how my ultrasound went today! Oh my, I was so ready since the placenta had nearly moved far enough out of the way the last time and a few weeks ago the baby had turned head down and things just really seemed to be lining up.

Alas, it is not to be so. :( I'm so bummed. The placenta is clearly too close to the cervix to risk a vaginal birth. The baby has turned breech again and now has the cord wrapped around his/her neck. I'm not overly concerned about that last bit, it happens. The baby is too big for the doctor to see how the cord attachment looks. The big IS really big. Still running about 2 weeks and 3 days ahead which puts him/her at 9lb 11oz. I'm very excited to hear that. At least one thing we were told was a concern (the cord condition causing growth restriction) is not a worry.

It seems that it is pretty much final. No water birth for me. No natural birth. No vaginal birth period. I haven't had a chance to talk to my midwife yet so I don't know all the details yet as far as the plan, likely tomorrow I'll know more.

Keep praying for us. I told God that I would trust He would have this baby born in the way that s/he needs to be for health and safety but it's still very disappointing to me. It's like I've planned for the last nine months to vacation at the Ritz and ended up at a Holiday Inn. Still a vacation, but not near what I'd imagined and hoped.

And not only for my peace and mourning my hopes for this baby's birth but also because c-sections carry such a higher risk. People tend to be rather cool about them these days because they happen so commonly but that doesn't mean they are risk free. I'm not afraid, not assuming something WILL go wrong but I'm not naive to the problems with breathing and breastfeeding not to mention risks for the mom who is being cut open as well as other draw backs.

I will, of course, keep filling you in as I know more. Thanks for your prayers so far. They have meant a lot.

When Clean Underwear Isn't Enough

Mamas often tell their kids to make sure to wear clean undies just in case they get in an accident. What mamas need to be teaching their kids is that, no matter how strongly you believe you can laze around in PJs all day because you don't need to go out of the house and no one will see you, people will come to you - so dress up and look decent already!

I had such a day last Wednesday. Our morning playgroup was canceled. Aside from dropping Gabe at the bus stop after lunch I didn't have to leave the house. I.e. I wasn't going to be seen by anyone.

Right?

Wrong!

I let Gideon and Zion stay in their jammies. I, at least, put on a pair of jeans. Accompanied by my most comfy sweatshirt (read, my favorite 15 year old, ratty, threadbare, holey sweatshirt). I put on no make up and put my hair up in a pony tail. I looked, well, I don't even know if there are adequate words for how dumpy I looked that day. Remember, when you picture this in your mind, that I'm also massively pregnant. he he

That morning a dear friend from my Bible study called and asked if she could come help with a big chore around the house suggesting scrubbing toilets or my stove. Well, as luck would have it, I had already had the wishful thought that someone would come and clean my stove top so I said yes.

So, I get Gabe to the bus and Gideon and Zion down for nap and Friend comes over and goes to work. A little while into it she starts feeling overheated so I open a window and ask her if I can feed her or if she needs to take a break. At first she says no but then after a bit confesses that she doesn't think she is going to be able to finish so I have her sit down and get her some water. By the time I get back with it though she is flat out on my couch and having massive muscle contractions that are contorting her arms and hands and she is in a great deal of pain.

I call 911 and explain that my friend is having an episode of some sort and needs to be seen. I didn't think about what I expected to happen until after my house was full of people but I really thought they'd send an EMT unit with two people. I did not expect the EMT unit with two people and their five friends. I ended up with three emergency vehicles in front of my house and more people in my living room then it's seen in a while. Stove Cleaning Friend, me, my other friend who was visiting, and seven firefighters and EMTs.

Wow.

While they were checking out Friend the kids started to fuss so pregnant ol' me waddles up the stairs and comes down with Gideon on my hip and Zion in tow. It was only then that I realized what I must have looked like. Threadbare Mama looking worse than a celebrity caught with no make-up on for the cover of a tabloid with a three-year old, two-year old and one due practically any day.

I don't feel bad for having kids or having them close together. But I do wish we'd looked perhaps a little more like ourselves that day and a little less like a family out of Grapes of Wrath.

Let that be a lesson to ya! Even if you think you won't be seen, you never know. At least put on a little mascara and shirt without holes for cryin' out loud!
____________________________

And don't worry about my friend. They took her to the hospital and ran a battery of tests and suspect that she had a potassium crash which effected, not only her muscles, but her blood pressure (they EMTs couldn't get a bottom number at all when she was here) but they sent her home later the same day and I've seen her a number of times since then and she feels fine. Next time she comes I told her I'm making her eat a banana!

Kudos to all the folks who showed up to help my friend. They were really awesome, especially the gal who said my house smelled fantastic (I was baking bread at the time) and the guy who I nearly gave a heart attack to because he showed up a little later and when I answered the door I think he thought the call was for me and well, he was expecting a "woman having an episode" not a "lady about to pop". The look of relief on his face when I pointed to the back of the house and said "she's back there" was priceless.
____________________________

On another note, I have an ultrasound tomorrow. I really, really hope this will be my last one. They will once again check the position of the placenta and the cord and check baby's size and position. Baby has been head down the last two visits to my midwife so - woohoo! I'm praying that everything will look perfect and I'll get the green light for the birth center birth I have been hoping for. Feel free to pray with me!

Also, I've had some signs that this baby won't be satisfied coming late like the others. A couple of times I've wondered if I would be calling my midwife by the end of the night. While that sounds well and good it's just too early. If baby wants to come before 37 my midwife will have to transfer my care to an OB for a hospital delivery. So. I also need this baby to wait just a little longer. June 7 or 8th to be 37 weeks. Stick around just a wee bit more Little One. :)

Pregnancy Update! :)

I got good news at my midwife appointment this morning - baby is head down! Yay! I'm so thrilled. I had wondered last night as it felt like baby was in a different position but I couldn't be sure that was head down or head up considering that for days before that the baby was transverse. I felt like I was wearing a "baby belt" with the head under my right elbow and his/her behind just to the left of my belly button.

My midwife says that the baby shouldn't move back but this has been such a strange pregnancy I feel like I should be prepared for anything. I have my next visit with her in two weeks and my next ultrasound the first week of June. That doctor will check the placenta, cord and baby's growth again and we'll be able to see again what position Baby D is in. In the meantime, I will continue to see the chiropractor that has been doing the Webster Maneuver for me once a week.

I have to admit that I'm a bit nervous now when baby moves. Before I would cheer baby on "yeah, yeah, keep moving around, woohoo!" Now when I feel it shift I put my hands on the sides of my belly and utter something more like "Don't you dare!"

Flippin' Baby

This morning I had my third Webster Maneuver to try to get the baby to turn. I am now seeing a chiropractor who specializes in this technique and we are hopeful that we have started when baby is still small enough to turn head down. At the very least the pinched nerve that I've had in my hip for months now, despite my visits to my regular chiropractor, has found relief. Phew!

Baby D does seem more inclined to be active. I have told him/her to feel free to move about the cabin. :)

I'm starting to lean toward declining an external version if Baby D still hasn't turned come June. A version can be forceful and distress the baby and since the umbilical cord isn't the strongest I wonder if it's too much risk. So, I pray. I pray that the baby will turn on its own unless the risk is too great. God knows what is going to be the best birth for my baby. Feel free to pray with me.

And don't forget to vote if you haven't already. :) The poll is located in the right hand column underneath Baby D's photo and blurb.

This Day

This day I woke up at 7AM (despite my alarm not going off) in plenty of time to have a calm morning getting the kids and I off to MOPS. No rush, no stress.

This day we had plenty of time after MOPS to get Gabe to the bus stop on time and it was sunny while we waited.

This day Gideon screamed for more than an hour after putting him down for nap (I checked on him multiple times to calm him but each time he got upset all over again when I left). Still wondering about those teeth.

This day I had a great story time with Gideon and Zion on the couch. It turned into a physical play time with each wanting to be lifted repeatedly above my head.

This day we shared a yummy dinner of Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, corn and bread. Yum.

This day I read something funny that I wanted to share with my mom. Only on this day, one year ago, my mom died.

This day I also turned 32 weeks with this baby. I wish I could share that with her too.

Randomness and Family Fun

I am hanging out in my favorite spot at home. That would be the recliner love seat. My spot is the seat on the left. Just about everything I need is within arms reach here. Remotes - check. Phone - check. Knitting - check. Laptop - double check. Snacks - check. Drinks - check.

I'm munching on guacamole flavored tortilla chips that we got at Costco tonight.

I've got a poor man's heating pad on my back which is killing me. I would like to put my belly down for a while. I love feeling the baby move but I don't love the muscle strain. Ouch.

I should probably not go to Costco again until this baby is out. And likely until this baby is weaned ('cause I'm a starvin' Marvin when I'm a nursing mama).

Lemonade season has officially started in our household. I make my own. Somehow that makes me proud which is silly since it has all of three ingredients and takes about two minutes. But still.

I love lemonade!

Lemonade does not love me. It's the darn pregnancy heart burn. Ugh!

I can't help myself. I drink it anyway.

Zion is hysterical when she talks about shopping. I have to get it on video soon.

Gideon has been running a low grade fever the last few days and his diapers are atrocious. I'm hoping it's teething. Really hoping. Because GI issues with him scare me a titch. I just always wonder if it's another allergy coming up and the great allergy chase is starting again. So let's hope it's teeth.

But that did offer us a chance to stay home on Sunday and have church at home and have a little fun. Gabe dipped into the "fun sticks" and pulled out the one labeled "electric train". The fun sticks are craft sticks (like Popsicle sticks only bigger) with activities written on them (don't tell mama you're bored or you just might have to pick a stick). Interestingly enough he ALWAYS ends up picking the electric train stick. It's my least favorite and I nearly always end up telling him it's not a good time. But yesterday it was a good time. Yay!

Gideon hadn't actually seen the train yet. I guess it has been a while since we had this train out (mind you, we have numerous other train sets that are always out).

Today wasn't so bad either. I'm trying to ease us into the habit of not having the TV on until after Gabe gets home from school. It's my bad habit to click the TV on PBS when we come down stairs in the morning and I start getting breakfast ready. That doesn't mean that it won't ever get turned on in the morning but I'd just like to be more mindful of the decision. Today having the TV off after breakfast prompted a sibling coloring session.

Zion lovers her markers. Washable of course.

Gabe drew a treasure map. After they finished coloring they went on a treasure hunt around the house. I don't know what the treasure was ... or if they even found it, but they had fun. :)

Gideon seems to have found a color he'd never seen before.

Speaking of Gideon. He was a bit grumpy today. To top it all off he woke up from nap before he was ready. Typically when that happens he just needs to cuddle. Sometimes he needs to cuddle and have his milk cup. Today I got up to get his milk cup and he followed me to the kitchen where he saw Zion shut the pantry. He freaked out. I kept asking if he wanted his milk because typically all he needs to know is that his milk is coming and he's fine. Nope. Not this time. Then Zion moved the stool. The little stool on which the kids often stand when they are helping me in the kitchen. He wasn't going to use it or even near it but it upset him even more. He followed Zion around the house screaming in devastation. He could not be distracted. So I brought him back to the pantry where it all started hoping that a snack in addition to his milk would do the trick.

It did. Sort of. All he wanted was Spaghetti Os. *sigh* He cannot be swayed. No other snack offering will do. Luckily I had some Spaghetti Os in the fridge from the other day so it was just a matter of a few seconds in the microwave and he was happy as a clam. As a pregnant woman I know all about weird cravings. I must be rubbing off on him.

Last bit of randomness, I have an appointment on Thursday for something called a Webster Maneuver. This is done by a chiropractor and is intended to help flip this baby head down like it's supposed to be (though it often requires more than one visit). Hoping and praying for a good result!

Pregnancy Update

I had my follow up ultrasound today. The doctor was checking for growth and position. We were hoping to find a nice growing baby - check! and a head down baby - not check. And, sadly, the doctor told me that this ultrasound shows that the placenta hadn't moved as much as they thought and is still too close to the cervix for a vaginal birth. Whoooooooooosh! That's the sound of my car rushing onward on this roller coaster ride of a pregnancy.

The doctor was confident that the placenta would still move enough for a vaginal birth but I am having a hard time feeling that enthusiastic since this feels like a step backward. At least the baby is growing well and is even more ahead on the chart than before measuring 2 weeks 3 days ahead. They guesstimate that s/he is 4lb 4oz already which is in the 8th percentile.

Baby D was also a big squirm bucket and kept moving away from the technicians wand so at one point she switched to a 3D wand in order to get what she needed. I've never seen the appeal to spending extra money on a 3D ultrasound which is usually how mommies get one so I've never seen one of my babies this way. One look at those chubby cheeks though ... aw, I'm so glad to have it.

So I have another ultrasound in 6 weeks to check for growth, placenta and position. Keep praying for us that everything will be perfect and that we'll be back on track - again, for a natural birth. Thanks so much!

Gender Poll

I just added a fun little poll to ask you guys what YOU think our little Baby D will be - a boy or a girl. Just scroll down until right after the ultrasound picture and blurb about Baby D and cast your vote. Then we just have to wait and see.

Baby's In Da House! (Not really.)

OK, baby's been in the "house" for a while. I don't know what inspired that title, sometimes I just go with whatever comes to mind first and sometimes that can be a little odd.

I have been meaning to post a picture or two of the baby up for a while. I finally remembered today to run upstairs and put one on the scanner so I could do that. So, without further ado...

Our new little one's profile picture at 24weeks 6days and measuring two weeks ahead (I am 29 weeks and 3days today)!

I've got a little over a week to go until my next ultrasound and as much as I like seeing my little babe I kind of hope it's my last ultrasound. I have no idea if the specialist will want to continue monitoring his or her growth because of the cord issue or not but if the baby is still ahead in size I wouldn't be disappointed at all if the next time we laid eyes on him or her it was at birth. There is the whole breech issue though. Keep praying with me that the baby will also be head down at the next visit. That would be another huge relief and answer to prayer on the long list of answered prayers this pregnancy.

Yep, Another Pregnancy Update

Just wanted to give the latest. I had an appointment with my midwife yesterday and we talked about the ultrasound results. She had spoken with the doctor about the report that morning and confirmed everything. Not only did the placenta move but the doctor no longer considers the cord a velamentous insertion but a marginal insertion which is less risky. That combined with the placenta moving and taking the cord with it we are a GO for a vaginal delivery! Yay!

I hope that no other problems will pop up and that the baby will turn but for now at least it seems as if the worries regarding placenta and cord are a non-issue.

Pregnancy Update

I had my follow up ultrasound this morning. We were all pleasantly surprised, I think the doctor especially. I kept telling God He could move the placenta out of the way and I wouldn't act surprised if it happened. Alas, I couldn't help myself. I WAS surprised. I think I still may be stuck in a state of disbelief. It was not expected that my placenta previa would change because I had such a severe case. It did. It moved. It is no longer in the way - AT ALL. AND!!! It moved in such a way that the cord, while still an issue in itself, is not in between the baby and my cervix which would have been very bad. There was always the possibility that any movement by the placenta would put the cord at risk either by rupturing the cord or moving it in between the baby and cervix but, again, I'm all clear there.

Now that the placenta previa has been taken out of the picture that only leaves the cord issue. #1 problem is that a VCI is fragile. That concern used to be huge because of where the placenta was now that is a minor concern (though still a concern). #2 problem is that VCI cause growth restriction and asymmetrical growth, so really small babies and babies who might have big heads and tiny bodies. My little one is measuring two weeks ahead. Ha! Take that VCI! I am 24 weeks and 6 days today and the baby is measuring 26 weeks and 6 days and they guess weighs about 2lb 2oz. The doctor just smiled and shook his head in disbelief. And smiled some more and said "I don't think we have to worry about your baby." More smiling. :D

Still, he wants to do another ultrasound at 30 weeks to check for growth. No reason to get too cocky, I still have a long way to go and baby has a lot of growing left. We still don't know the gender. Had to avert my eyes a little to avoid accidentally seeing. I also have to talk with my midwife about the ultrasound report. I have no idea if she is comfortable attempting a natural delivery considering the cord problem or if I'll still have to have a c-section. Oh yeah, and the baby is breech now. Stinker. S/he was extremely active during the ultrasound, the tech had a dickens of a time getting all the pictures we needed. Tee hee.

For now my many restrictions have been lifted as well. Now if only that meant I actually had the energy to do anything. But it sure did feel good to help Gideon up the stairs and lift him in his crib without any guilt!

I think that's it. Thank you all so much for your prayers and for sharing in our own little miracle! We would still love to have your prayers that the baby will still grow well, that the cord will pose no issues and the baby will flip to head down (and not flip back). Thank you, thank you, thank you, and thank God!

Pregnancy Update and A Smile

Just a few thoughts of note. On Monday I had my first appointment with my midwife since the ultrasound. She confirmed that I do have complete placenta previa and said it won't move. Not, it's "unlikely" to move but that it "won't". I kind of feel OK about this because that means the cord won't be compromised by the placenta moving. Of course, I'm also majorly bummed because I have no chance of a natural delivery. I will for sure (barring a miracle which God could supply) be having a c-section. My midwife, Nancy, said that she would set up an appointment for me to meet the doctor who will be doing my c-section when I am about 30 weeks along. If there are no other complications with the pregnancy (like bleeding) the c-section will be when I'm about 38 weeks along.

Let's do a little math here. You know, just for fun (cause everyone who knows me knows that I would do math just for fun - HA!).

The baby is due June 29. 38 weeks is 2 weeks early that = 14 days. June 29 minus 14 days is June 15 (right?). That means that my c-section could be the day before my 8th wedding anniversary. Not how I would ever plan on celebrating. I only mention this because I just realized it today.

Apparently Zion only just realized my belly is getting bigger. Odd since it practically smacks her in the face anytime I turn around. But yesterday she put her hands on either side and said "Wow." I said, "Yeah, it gets bigger as the baby grows." I expected some comment that could be construed as an insult to an adult but would be an innocent observation to a child. No. Instead I got "That. Is SO. Cool." Yeah. Yeah, it is cool.

Pregnancy Update

Today I am exactly 19 weeks along. Nearly to the halfway point. Yesterday I got to go to that half-way ultrasound where they check the measurements and organs, chambers of the heart, peek at the brain and all that. The kids got to see their new baby sister/brother. They were more interested in the variety of equipment in the room than the blob on the screen though. That's OK, I didn't expect them to be as fascinated as Rob and I were.

The baby looks great. S/he is right up in the 95% for this age. Rob and I both turned out heads when the u/s (ultrasound) tech checked out his/her nether regions. We still want to be surprised.

We did come away with some news that has us lifting up some extra prayers. The doctor who evaluated the u/s has named two conditions that he discovered.

1) placenta previa - this is where the placenta is so low in the uterus that it covers the cervix. As I said during the visit "the Fire Department would not approve, the exit's blocked". Yeah. Hard to deliver a baby when there's no way out.

2) velamentous cord - Someone should just disable Google for pregnant women. Follow my advice, don't research this. There is nothing comforting to be discovered online. I believe reality is less scary. I also believe that God is still in control and knows all about this and how it's going to pan out. So basically, what this means is that the cord, instead of being attached in the center of the placenta (which is kind of shaped like a pizza) it's attached precariously at one edge.

Typically this means that the baby only gets to take advantage of 1/2 to 2/3 of the placenta which results in low birth weights and premature delivery. Well, as I mentioned above my babe is in the 95%. Go baby! The baby is so big that the doctor suggested bumping my due date up by a week. I mentioned that an u/s done at about 8-9 weeks had the baby spot on for size at that date so he left my due date alone.

In regards to problem #1, this is something that often rights itself by delivery. When the uterus grows and stretches the placenta gets shunted to one side and the exit has been cleared. One possible problem with the placenta moving is that this could cause the cord to be compromised. As much as I'd love to have a natural delivery at my local birth center I'd prefer to give birth to a live baby in a non-emergency situation. So BIG prayer there. If that placenta decides to move, it REALLY needs to take that cord with it.

For the time being, the next 6 weeks to be precise, I'm on "pelvic rest" (nookie is a no-no) and forbidden to lift. Anything. Yeah. I laughed too. I am eliminating what lifting I can but it would be impossible, without having a personal lifting assistant with me all day, to eliminate it entirely. Shhh, don't tell my doctor. I really am being careful and also reminding myself that God can guard my little one as He has so far.

If nothing changes than most likely I will be delivering by c-section, possibly as early as 35 weeks to prevent spontaneous labor which could be extremely detrimental to me and my baby. In 6 weeks we'll have another u/s, that's lots of time to pray. :)

It's My Due Date!

Unfortunately, that doesn't mean much to babies, does it? Our little guy or girl is taking after Gabe and Zion and seems to be content to be fashionably late. I had a visit with my OB today and things aren't much different than they were last week. My blood pressure is good and there are no other signs of me or baby being in distress (although I would argue about my personal comfort). I have another appointment next Monday for a check up, non-stress test on the baby and an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid level. If those things are all good then they will likely induce at the end of next week. That actually gives this baby two weeks to move out on its own.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch... Gabe is content to kiss my belly a dozen times a day and Zion happily points to EVERY picture of a baby that she sees and every real baby that we run into while we're out and gleefully shouts "baby!". I think she will be very happy having her "own" baby. Not to say she won't have to adjust like the rest of us but she is a very maternal little girl.

No Baby Yet.

I thought perhaps that last night was going to be it. I had some really good strong contractions that started at 15 minutes apart and went down to 10 minutes. I thought at least they would turn into something by morning since this was similar to how labor started with Zion. So I got up and got the house and me ready for bed thinking that getting up and walking would make them stronger as well and that I should try to sleep if labor is coming anyway. No such luck. Typical for me my body reacted opposite how it was supposed to and by the time I was ready for bed the strength had gone out of the contractions. So no baby. My due date is a week from today. Oh well, looking on the bright side it looks like I will get to go to my MOPS meeting tomorrow. :)

Yesterday was fun too because got to surprise my sister with a birthday party. Her birthday is the 22nd. One of her friends who I've gotten to know through her had the idea that she could throw me a baby shower as a disguise for Jamie's birthday party. We don't very often get to surprise Jamie since it's hard to even find a time to have a party for her at all because she's so darn busy so this was a lot of fun. So Happy Early Birthday Jamie!

Updates

Zion - is doing great. Her fingers are healing beautifully. The big "mitten" bandage has been removed but as needed I put on a new bandage of just gauze and tape. Today is the first day she's actually bothered it at all. When I got her up this morning and from her nap she had removed the bandage but that's fine, it gives me a chance to see how things are doing. Otherwise she has adapted completely to being a left-hander when she has obviously been a complete right-hander up until now. She seems to have learned the word "hot" not so ironically but I'm not sure if she really means hot when she says it, I'll have to keep a closer eye on context to confirm. She has also started saying "blue" (complete with the 'l') and "g'een" and is still begging to go outside multiple times a day. Rob took her and Gabe out to play in the sandbox yesterday and she had a blast! I have a few pics but not the energy to post them right now so I'll get them up soon.

Me - I had my 37 week check today and am still "closed up tight". If you don't know what that means just put it out of your mind. :) I got to meet one of the other doctors at the practice though and he is really cool. He was kind enough to address the nasty cough that I have and write me a prescription for antibiotics that will hopefully get rid of the garbage I've been bringing up (too much information, I know). He also told me to take Clariton-D but now that I've had my first dose I think I'll skip it. I just feel way too loopy. Otherwise, I feel good, tired but good.

Gabe - Gabe is on Spring break this week. I'm not sure how he feels about that. He kept asking if he had school today and when I'd remind him that he didn't he just go back to playing. He had a ton of fun role playing with his trains at length today. I love hearing him come up with story lines and plots and disasters and teamwork while playing with his trains. He can imagine some pretty interesting scenarios, I should write them out as I'm listening some day.

Rob - Has been spending a lot of time being a tremendous help around the house. Not only does he have a tired and pregnant wife but a sick one. I think he's enjoying not having to travel even still. He's great - and he made a cake tonight that I am REALLY looking forward to digging into. I am definitely NOT too loopy for cake. Otherwise, I think he is looking forward to starting a new project at work where he'll be on a team looking into alternative fuels - exciting!