Tuesday, May 29, 2012
36 week MFM Appointment
Today was my final appointment with Dr. Sweeney in Annapolis. All of the ultrasound techs in his office are super nice! It turns out that my placenta has moved up this time! It is now 3.5 cm from the os, so I am cleared to do a traditional delivery. He said I "could" do a c-section if I wanted, because there is a risk of bleeding during delivery, but that would be up to me and my OB. So now I am graduated from this part of my pregnancy... it is weird to think I am so far along!
Friday, May 18, 2012
35 Weeks, praise God!
At 35 weeks pregnant, I am feeling pretty good. Of course, it's relative to me and my own issues. It hurts to stand up and walk initially. After I warm up I feel better, but I like to sit after a bit. My hips still hurt-- sometimes I walk like a pirate with a wooden leg, haha! I get out of breath easily (when Liam is up by my ribs, which he usually is!).
Let's talk about baby and baby's habits. Baby likes to hang out on the right side, with his toosh up towards me and his head down in my pelvis (not engaged yet). I often feel tiny little fingers pushing against my hip if I sit up too much, so I try to recline a lot. He is a very active little boy. I can watch my stomach swirl and sway all to one side based on what he's up to. Sometimes he bunches up so much that my stomach is no longer round, it is lopsided to wherever he is. It's usually on the right side, but a few times he's bunched up on the left. His feet go back and forth, from my right side to my left lower side where his head is (on the last ultrasound he was playing with a foot). I can see and feel his feet scrape along the left side of my belly when he's moving them back or forth. It kind of hurts in a pointy-thing-in-your-stomach way! Liam gets the hiccups about once a day, sometimes more, sometimes less. I may not feel it. At night he moves around a lot, particularly when I am going to sleep and then from 3-5. It doesn't keep me awake though, which is convenient. But I DO love it. I love to feel my little guy scoodging about in there, knowing he's okay and happy.
In the past week, it seems like he's developing reflexes. He will kick back when Matt taps my tummy. Once I was running my fingers down along my tummy, where his back is, and he would kick in response each time. I stopped to see if he was just kicking, but he didn't kick. Then I ran my fingers back down and yup! He kicked.
I sing the South African National Anthem to him every day so that when he's born he will recognize it. And I love him so very much! I tell him every single day, multiple times, how much I love him. I love my baby boy!
I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions since about 30 weeks that I could notice. But lately, just in this week, I am getting them more and more! Two days ago I really thought I was going into labor, I had four contractions in about an hour. But then they stopped. I think I'm not drinking enough fluids...
Let's talk about baby and baby's habits. Baby likes to hang out on the right side, with his toosh up towards me and his head down in my pelvis (not engaged yet). I often feel tiny little fingers pushing against my hip if I sit up too much, so I try to recline a lot. He is a very active little boy. I can watch my stomach swirl and sway all to one side based on what he's up to. Sometimes he bunches up so much that my stomach is no longer round, it is lopsided to wherever he is. It's usually on the right side, but a few times he's bunched up on the left. His feet go back and forth, from my right side to my left lower side where his head is (on the last ultrasound he was playing with a foot). I can see and feel his feet scrape along the left side of my belly when he's moving them back or forth. It kind of hurts in a pointy-thing-in-your-stomach way! Liam gets the hiccups about once a day, sometimes more, sometimes less. I may not feel it. At night he moves around a lot, particularly when I am going to sleep and then from 3-5. It doesn't keep me awake though, which is convenient. But I DO love it. I love to feel my little guy scoodging about in there, knowing he's okay and happy.
In the past week, it seems like he's developing reflexes. He will kick back when Matt taps my tummy. Once I was running my fingers down along my tummy, where his back is, and he would kick in response each time. I stopped to see if he was just kicking, but he didn't kick. Then I ran my fingers back down and yup! He kicked.
I sing the South African National Anthem to him every day so that when he's born he will recognize it. And I love him so very much! I tell him every single day, multiple times, how much I love him. I love my baby boy!
I've been having Braxton Hicks contractions since about 30 weeks that I could notice. But lately, just in this week, I am getting them more and more! Two days ago I really thought I was going into labor, I had four contractions in about an hour. But then they stopped. I think I'm not drinking enough fluids...
Thursday, May 3, 2012
33 weeks and almost done work!
So I had to go in to see my OB on Tuesday. I have been in just so much pain in my hips; walking is difficult! Between being dilated, having pp, the hip pain, and my general anxiety, I am super stressed. My doctor wanted to pull me from work and wants me to get physical therapy. So tomorrow is my last day of work. This has been such a long road to get this far in our pregnancy; I don't want a single thing to jinx it!
Rock that belly! 32 week belly shot
After taking some picture on photobooth, I couldn't help but snap a shot of my belly. As I stood up it filled the whole screen! I am a planet!!! :)
Friday, April 27, 2012
OB Appt 32w1d & Steroid Shots
Yesterday I had my 32 week OB appointment. I am going every 2 weeks now, it's wonderful! Of course, going to the normal appointments offer no real reassurance; I can check his heartbeat on the doppler anytime I want! But it's nice to get through my list of questions-- I am having more and more at every appointment these days :)
My appointment was with Dr. O'Brien, who I really really like at that practice. He answers your questions thoroughly and will give personal anecdotes if appropriate. He obviously listens, which I appreciate. He also brings in his laptop so he can see my charts-- unlike another lazy doctor in that office (all she wants to do is get my appointments over with, because patients are clearly SO time-demanding!).
Anyway, I asked him about the steroid shots and he said if it's something we talk about, we do it. So I asked him if he thought we should do it, and he said, "well, we're talking about it, aren't we?" Very clever response! So he sent me over to L & D to get the first of the shots. I must have been the healthiest most unlabored woman they ever saw because they were curious why I was having the shot, was I in labor? Was I bleeding? Who sent me? Why?
But I don't care. I have a miracle baby in my belly and I will do everything possible to keep him here with me, in and out of my belly. If, god forbid, I go into early labor, I will have no regrets. And if they decide to do an early c-section because of the previa, well then, we are prepared just in case. I love this baby.
So, the steroid shot does kind of hurt. Not nearly as bad as Menopur going in, because it goes in fast. It's a quick jab and a quick pain. It is kind of sore now, but nothing worse than a flu shot. And it's for my baby! I'd lose a limb for this little guy!!!
My appointment was with Dr. O'Brien, who I really really like at that practice. He answers your questions thoroughly and will give personal anecdotes if appropriate. He obviously listens, which I appreciate. He also brings in his laptop so he can see my charts-- unlike another lazy doctor in that office (all she wants to do is get my appointments over with, because patients are clearly SO time-demanding!).
Anyway, I asked him about the steroid shots and he said if it's something we talk about, we do it. So I asked him if he thought we should do it, and he said, "well, we're talking about it, aren't we?" Very clever response! So he sent me over to L & D to get the first of the shots. I must have been the healthiest most unlabored woman they ever saw because they were curious why I was having the shot, was I in labor? Was I bleeding? Who sent me? Why?
But I don't care. I have a miracle baby in my belly and I will do everything possible to keep him here with me, in and out of my belly. If, god forbid, I go into early labor, I will have no regrets. And if they decide to do an early c-section because of the previa, well then, we are prepared just in case. I love this baby.
So, the steroid shot does kind of hurt. Not nearly as bad as Menopur going in, because it goes in fast. It's a quick jab and a quick pain. It is kind of sore now, but nothing worse than a flu shot. And it's for my baby! I'd lose a limb for this little guy!!!
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Growing by the day! 31w3d
Today it's in the 70's, and I had a pair of black shorts that I got a few weeks ago. I brought them up to my Mom's for the weekend (I'm visiting Matt this weekend) and planned to wear them today. Yup, they already don't fit!
Luckily I only paid $6 for them at a consignment shop!!! :)
Liam is being a little spidermonkey in there. I can feel his fingers poking and prodding; are you a directing an orchestra, baby? :) I love you Liam!
Luckily I only paid $6 for them at a consignment shop!!! :)
Liam is being a little spidermonkey in there. I can feel his fingers poking and prodding; are you a directing an orchestra, baby? :) I love you Liam!
Monday, April 16, 2012
30w5d: I get to see his sweet face!
Today I had my MFM appointment in Annapolis. They were busy, so they were about an hour behind but I didn't mind! I got to catch up on magazines and just sit for an hour. It was nice!
However, their ultrasound found that my placenta was covering my cervix, so I have partial placenta previa. Such a difference from what my OB just told me! So glad I went to the MFM!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
OB Appt - 30w1d
Today I had an OB appt afterschool. We had a lot to check on!
-My baby boy: looks good! Getting big. Measures 31w4d gestational age (his head is bigger, ha! one measurement was on target at 31w4d and another was 32w0d). He weighs 3 lbs 12 oz. His growth is good, all within normal limits, he's just big for his age, tee hee! He was hanging out upside down, with his head down near my cervix and his toosh up by my ribs on the right side. His legs were folded in with his knees down towards my belly button and feet back up towards my left rib. This is where I always feel him hang out, so it was nice to see it confirmed on the screen!
-Placenta previa: It was difficult to see behind his head :) We had to do an internal ultrasound, and even then she struggled to figure out what was the edge of the placenta. It definitely wasn't near the cervix though, so it was enough that they upgraded me from marginal placenta previa to "low lying placenta".
-My cyst: I'd previously had two cysts that made my right ovary quite large! They were even talking about the possibility of removing the ovary during delivery if the cysts didn't clear up. Luckily, they started to shrink around 20 weeks. By my last u/s at 24 weeks, I only had 1 cyst at 4 cm. At yesterday's scan I had no cysts and my ovary was normal! :) Yay!
I discussed with my doctor my anxieties about the placenta and vasa previa, given that I have a SG friend who went through it. I asked for a referral to an MFM just to ease my concerns and he easily gave it to me. They called and scheduled it for the next available so I am going on Monday! My questions for the MFM are really anxiety relievers, to check the placenta for any blood vessel issues, double check the cord, and make sure my little beeb looks good as we go into the final weeks. I can't believe it's almost here!
My doctor also gave me a note excusing me from work beyond 36 weeks. I am sad to have to miss the end of the year, but I know this is what's best for my miracle baby. I am going to give it to them on Monday. Fingers crossed it goes okay!
Tonight I am at my mom's house in PA; I have an interview tomorrow afternoon in Westminster. I am kind of stressed about the interview but this baby is just my #1 priority right now. If any prayer is to be answered, I want it to be getting Liam safely and healthily in my arms. I'd rather be a poor Mommy than continue to be a childless teacher... and now I am crying! :)
-My baby boy: looks good! Getting big. Measures 31w4d gestational age (his head is bigger, ha! one measurement was on target at 31w4d and another was 32w0d). He weighs 3 lbs 12 oz. His growth is good, all within normal limits, he's just big for his age, tee hee! He was hanging out upside down, with his head down near my cervix and his toosh up by my ribs on the right side. His legs were folded in with his knees down towards my belly button and feet back up towards my left rib. This is where I always feel him hang out, so it was nice to see it confirmed on the screen!
-Placenta previa: It was difficult to see behind his head :) We had to do an internal ultrasound, and even then she struggled to figure out what was the edge of the placenta. It definitely wasn't near the cervix though, so it was enough that they upgraded me from marginal placenta previa to "low lying placenta".
-My cyst: I'd previously had two cysts that made my right ovary quite large! They were even talking about the possibility of removing the ovary during delivery if the cysts didn't clear up. Luckily, they started to shrink around 20 weeks. By my last u/s at 24 weeks, I only had 1 cyst at 4 cm. At yesterday's scan I had no cysts and my ovary was normal! :) Yay!
I discussed with my doctor my anxieties about the placenta and vasa previa, given that I have a SG friend who went through it. I asked for a referral to an MFM just to ease my concerns and he easily gave it to me. They called and scheduled it for the next available so I am going on Monday! My questions for the MFM are really anxiety relievers, to check the placenta for any blood vessel issues, double check the cord, and make sure my little beeb looks good as we go into the final weeks. I can't believe it's almost here!
My doctor also gave me a note excusing me from work beyond 36 weeks. I am sad to have to miss the end of the year, but I know this is what's best for my miracle baby. I am going to give it to them on Monday. Fingers crossed it goes okay!
Tonight I am at my mom's house in PA; I have an interview tomorrow afternoon in Westminster. I am kind of stressed about the interview but this baby is just my #1 priority right now. If any prayer is to be answered, I want it to be getting Liam safely and healthily in my arms. I'd rather be a poor Mommy than continue to be a childless teacher... and now I am crying! :)
Friday, April 6, 2012
29 weeks 1 day
Today I went to Longwood Gardens with Mom, Emmy and the boys. I am starting to feel huge! My hips hurt and I feel like I need to waddle to keep myself upright! I get tired easily these days; I'm not sure if it's the anemia or just the fact that I have a growing boy inside me! I am trying to not be one of those "overly neurotic" pregnant women, or self-martyring people who go on and on about "Ohhhhhhhhh I'm soooooooooo tireeeed!!!!". But you know what, I actually am kind of tired sometimes. Long drives even wear me out! Just sitting in the car, hahaha.
Longwood Gardens was beautiful and Liam was squirming the whole time; I think he loved all the pretty smells of the flowers. :)
Longwood Gardens was beautiful and Liam was squirming the whole time; I think he loved all the pretty smells of the flowers. :)
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
I'm Anemic! 28 weeks
Yesterday I did my glucose test-- I drank the fruit punch flavor, and it wasn't that bad. I also purposefully didn't drink any water for the 30 minutes or so before the test so I was PARCHED. Any liquid felt good :)
Dr. Judd called today to let me know that I'm anemic. I have to take an iron supplement. Waiting to hear back to get the prescription called in, but oh well. I can handle a minor iron deficiency! Just as long as my tiny baby is growing nicely :)
Dr. Judd called today to let me know that I'm anemic. I have to take an iron supplement. Waiting to hear back to get the prescription called in, but oh well. I can handle a minor iron deficiency! Just as long as my tiny baby is growing nicely :)
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Family Baby Shower I - Dad's side of the family!
Today I went to Donna's house in Annapolis for a wonderful baby shower thrown by Dad's side of the family. Mom and Grandmom were there, as were: Donna, Tony, Brady & his adorable little Lilia, Tre, Angie, Coral & Cayman, Aunt Jeanne & Michele, Uncle Don, Lauree & Mike, and Hilary and Roger. The shower was also for Hilary, who is going to have a little girl in May.
I got some wonderful presents and can't wait to share them with Liam! We are so blessed to have a wonderful family so eager to support and welcome our baby boy!!!
I got some wonderful presents and can't wait to share them with Liam! We are so blessed to have a wonderful family so eager to support and welcome our baby boy!!!
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Hiccuping Baby Boy!
I started feeling Liam's hiccups! It happened yesterday morning at school during 1st period. I just had to text Matt (at lunch, I'm responsible!) to tell him about it... it was so cute.
The thing that bothers me is google. If you google "fetal hiccups" you see a whole bunch of scary stuff about cord compression and hiccups. Dear Lord, I love this little guy so much and I don't want anything to go wrong. The internet is so scary!
I know it's totally normal for the baby to be hiccuping, so I'm going to just hope for the best. Love you, Liam!
The thing that bothers me is google. If you google "fetal hiccups" you see a whole bunch of scary stuff about cord compression and hiccups. Dear Lord, I love this little guy so much and I don't want anything to go wrong. The internet is so scary!
I know it's totally normal for the baby to be hiccuping, so I'm going to just hope for the best. Love you, Liam!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Stroller colors!
We registered over a month ago at Babies R Us. I went in expecting it to be stressful and it really wasn't; it was great! We got a stroller that we were both really happy with, and picked it in a deep purple color that goes with our favorite football team-- the Ravens.
And then I got home. I got to thinking that the purple made no sense. Liam is a boy, sure, but it's not that I care about "genderizing" specific colors. I do however kinda like colors agreeing with each other. I am not a "matchy" person, but while I was at Target I saw a woman with our purple stroller and a little boy. The light baby blue blanket in the purple stroller just looked clash-y. I know! Picky picky. But all of our blankets and outfits will be in blues, greens or browns. There would be very few purples.
So we switched. We went from purple to light green, and I can't wait to see how cute his little dinosaur blankets are in the stroller. Bet yet I can't wait to see how cute my little dinosaur is in his stroller! He is kicking and squirming all the time now. I love him soooo much.
Stay strong little baby and keep growing. I will see you in 10+ weeks! Love, mommy
And then I got home. I got to thinking that the purple made no sense. Liam is a boy, sure, but it's not that I care about "genderizing" specific colors. I do however kinda like colors agreeing with each other. I am not a "matchy" person, but while I was at Target I saw a woman with our purple stroller and a little boy. The light baby blue blanket in the purple stroller just looked clash-y. I know! Picky picky. But all of our blankets and outfits will be in blues, greens or browns. There would be very few purples.
So we switched. We went from purple to light green, and I can't wait to see how cute his little dinosaur blankets are in the stroller. Bet yet I can't wait to see how cute my little dinosaur is in his stroller! He is kicking and squirming all the time now. I love him soooo much.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Scoogie Woo
My little scudger loves to move around in my tummy. I call him my scudger (scooger?) because he scudges across my belly sometimes, bump, bump, bump! I love it. I love my little guy so much! When he starts moving around all I want to do is just watch... I wish I had a window into my belly so I could see him and see what he's doing and see what he looks like. I can not wait to see what he looks like! Will he have a head full of hair? Who knows!!! :)
I just love my little guy so much!
I just love my little guy so much!
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