We had a great appointment today!! For the first time I left feeling great! First we got weighed....not my favorite part!! And we are holding at 20 pounds for this pregnancy...better than 21, lol. Then we had our non-stress test....AND.....we passed!!! Yahoo! Baby looked fabulous....ok, not fabulous, but way better! Enough to pass! I am once again dehydrated, so her "variability" wasn't at its best. I really need to drink more.
Anyways, then we saw Dr. Kassis. I will be 34 weeks on Thursday and I am measuring 36cm...not that that really means much, but I'm not gonna lie, I would be thrilled if baby decided to come at 37 weeks! (3 more weeks!) My 24 protien test came back great (other than the dehydration), and guess what!? NO signs of preeclampsia!! My blood pressure was great and my Dr was happy. She did say we will "evict" baby at 39 weeks, so I will be holding my baby by June 17th!!
Then we had our biophysical profile ultrasound, and my breech baby has officially flipped into her birthing position! And we are praying she decides to stay there=) She looked great on the ultrasound, and everytime I see her little face I see Ellie....but then again, all of our kiddos look alike=) So, that's about it!
Also, we only have to go twice a week now since she is being a good little girl. So I am one happy mama! Now, I just want to meet her!! Just 3-5 more weeks!!!! It is getting so close!
Thanks again, friends, for your prayers!! They are obviously working!
This pregnancy has been an adventure so far, and when I do have this baby, I am going to have nothing left to write about :)
Yesterday morning I went in to my regularly scheduled non-stress test. I made sure to eat and drink right before so that it would come out good. Also, in my favor was the fact that I was officially 32 weeks, which is supposed to mean better results....anyways, I went in and was welcomed by all of the staff that have come to know, and I am sure love, me, lol=)) I was hooked up and in about 15 minutes my Dr came in very concerned and told me to go straight to labor & delivery...I wasn't worried since I had done this a couple of weeks ago, so I called my husband and told him I was going to go over and I would let him know if I needed him, but would probably be home soon.
When I got there they brought me to the triage and hooked me up. I drank some water and turned on the Food network. After about an hour the nurse came in and told me that the hospital's perinatologist was watching my NST and he did not like what he saw. I was sent downstairs for another biophysical profile ultrasound, but this time it took 30 minutes...she measured everything, and told me baby was 4 lbs. and everything looked perfect! That was so reassuring.
After I went back upstairs I was hooked up for another hour of monitoring and nothing really changed, but I wasn't really worried since this is what it has been doing for the last 3 weeks. The nurse came in and told me the perinatologist still wasn't liking the results and the that he ordered a drug test for me, also for me to have oxygen and IV fluids. I hate getting IV's so I wasn't very excited about that. After getting the IV, 3 nurses came in and started acting kind of funny. They were asking a bunch of questions, so I assumed I was being admitted for overnight monitoring. I got a little nervous when they were asking about the last thing I ate, etc, since those are the questions they usually ask when I am about to deliver.
They didn't really tell me anything, but then again I was too scared to ask. They were being extra nice though....anyways, then my Dr walked in and I smiled and she didn't smile back. This is when I got really nervous. She told me that her and the perinatologist had been monitoring me for the last 4 hours and it looked really bad. She said they both agreed that the best option for baby was an immediate C-section. I told her I wanted to get ahold of my husband so that I could have him call my mom to drive down to watch the kids, and she said that was fine and that they would continue to monitor while I did that. She told me to go ahead and make my phone calls and she left.
I called Matt and as soon as he answered, I lost it. I told him that I was pretty sure they were doing a C-section in the next hour or two and he prayed with me, which of course made me cry more. After I hung up with him, my Dr came back to see if I was ok. I had so many questions, especially about the chances of baby Joy being ok at 32 weeks. She said she would have the neonatal ICU nurse come in and talk to me. She left and I was there alone with my thoughts and my big, scary oxygen mask. I was very worried, and for those that know me, I don't get worried easily. I prayed and I sought peace from the Lord. I wanted so badly for it to just be over, but not the way it was about to be. A girl came in and took my blood, and then my nurse came back with all of the paperwork for me to sign my life away. I signed for the C-section, and for the anesthesia, and for all of the other "risk" forms I had to sign. It was awful. After she left, I just waited, it seemed like forever! Then Mat finally came in! He hugged me and didn't say anything, which I needed. He's so great! He even packed me a hospital bag and had some little tiny baby clothes....did I mention that he is so great??
About 10 minutes after he got there my Dr walked in smiling and said the baby all of the sudden looked great! As she put it "the best that she has ever looked!" I was shocked! She said she was no longer planning on doing the C Section, and you have no idea the relief that I felt! It was such a huge, HUGE answered prayer!! I knew I had so many people praying, and that was such a comfort. She said I was once again severely dehydrated and that I needed to be getting more rest at home...
She left to deliver another baby and while she was gone stinker baby Joy decided to act up again! She decided to admit me overnight said I could *possibly* still have the c section in the morning...I moved to a real room and was finally allowed to eat! (they wouldn't feed me earlier because of the c section)
I hung out with Matt for a while and it was such a nice peaceful feeling=) When he left I went to sleep. I had a pretty good night and spent a little while googling 32 week baby survival stories....and just like I had thought, they have a great chance. The Lord filled me with peace and then I knew that if she decided in the morning that a c section was necessary, I was ready.
In the morning the nurses said she did well overnight. They slowed the IV and had me eat breakfast. Then I went down for another BPP U/S which baby passed with flying colors...again!! (my little genius) When I went upstairs L& D was crazy. I guess they had a few scary emergency situations, and my heart went out to those mommies! My Dr came in and said baby looked "ok" but not as good as she looked the night before, BUT good enough that we could go home!! I was SO happy.
My orders were lots of rest and fluids and I go back tomorrow to be monitored again. I am so thankful for all of the prayers that went up for myself and Barbara Joy =) And, I am so thankful that the Lord had her "behaving" on the monitors at just the right time...He is so good to me!
I am just about 32 weeks! Today at 8:45 i went in for my 3rd non-stress test. After about 20 minutes the Dr came in and said it didn't look good...again=( So she had me have another bio-physical profile u/s and that looked great, which was wonderful! Baby got an 8 out of 8, and she said if it was anything less she was going to send me over to Labor and Delivery again for monitoring. So, we talked and she said that I am in fact pre-eclamptic, but it is still mild. (although the number did go up slightly from last time, which isn't too great.
Anyways, what she is hoping is that as the baby gets older the non-stress tests will be more reactive. As of now, baby has a nice steady heartrate, but when she moves (and she moves a lot!!) it does not accelerate like it should, which is why all of these non-stress tests. So for now, I will go in for the non-stress tests 2ce a week, the 24 hour urine test (gross!) once a week (hopefully less), and have the bio-physical profile u/s done 1-2 times a week until either the tests get better or until she decides to take the baby for her health....also, she informed me that she will induce at 39 weeks since I am mildly pre-eclampic (unless, of course, I go into labor earlier than that or the pre-eclampsia gets worse)....anyways, that's the main jist of it all....Thanks for your prayers! Love you all!
**Oh and I want to say also that I am so thankful for my Dr. She is great and very cautious which I love! I'd rather go in every day for a check-up than once every 2 weeks and something be missed=) So, praise the Lord for her!
Well, I haven't updated on "us" in a while, so here we go...
Last you heard I was told I had mild preeclampsia. We have been feeling pretty good. My blood pressure has remained at the mild mark and is not getting worse, so that is great news for me! Yesterday began my weekly non-stress tests (where they put monitors on my big belly to watch for baby's heartrate, movement, and to see if I have any contractions)....
So, I got to the Dr. office. I knew what to expect since I also had to have these tests when I was pregnant with Sam. However, I was pleasantly surprised when they brought me back to a small quiet room with a big comfy recliner and a Tv! The hooked me up and I laid back and enjoyed the quiet! It was the most relaxed I have been in a while. Anyways, the nurse came in to check on my after about 20 minutes and said the doctor would be right in. When she came in she looked at my "strip" (the paper recording all of the accellerations), and said that the baby's heartrate was "flat"...It freaked me out a little because I always associate the word flat with someone flatlining, or dying....I told her I felt the baby moving a lot and she said that was why she was so worried. I guess each time baby moves the heartrate should increase a lot, but it didn't increase at all. So, I asked her what that meant and she said it meant I had to go to labor and delivery to be monitored furthur and have an ultrasound and some blood work. I drove over there a little nervous and checked myself in.
They hooked me up again and took my blood pressure, which was super low, which I thought was funny since it is always so high at the Dr, office!! My first reading was 105/56! I thought it was broken, but I continued to get similar readings...the nurse was impressed;) The nurse acted like it was no big deal and probably that way since I had not eaten or drank yet so she forced (lol) me to order lunch off the yummy menu. So I ordered a grilled chicken sandwhich and chocolate milk. After that nothing changed and I could tell the nurse was getting a little worried. She had me drink a liter of caffiene free pepsi and a liter of water....still no change. I had an ultrasound and blood work, which all had great results, but still no change. So the Dr. decided that I was very dehydrated and I had an IV put in and was given 2 bags of fluid. After all that there still was no change...so they had me drink a liter of Cranberry juice cause I guess my blood sugar was low and they thought that would help....and it did, sort of. Not much, but enough to let me go home. I go back Friday for another non stress test and hopefully baby has "perked" (Doctor's words) up more.
The good news is that I might not have the preeclampsia after all! Apparently when you are dehydrated it can elevate your protien levels and your blood pressure, so maybe that was the problem? I will find out tomorrow after the rest of the tests come back....So until Friday I will be drinking, drinking, and drinking some more. If the heartrate is still "flat" I don't know what they will do. So I am still a tad nervous, but my precious baby is doing her dance, so that is my reassurance that she is still enjoying her time nice and close to mommy....right where she belongs=)) Thank you, friends, for your prayers!
Well, yesterday I had some test results come back that I do infact have mild preeclampsia...Every time I get pregnant my blood pressure goes up, but this time it is higher than normal....yesterday and today I had a steroid shot that will help Barbara Joy's lungs develop in case they have to induce early. Right now it is mild and pretty well under control, but if it gets really really bad they will want to induce around 32 weeks and if it stays pretty mild or gets a little worse they will hold of until 37 weeks. I am 27 weeks now, so please pray that everything will remail under control and that I will be able to carry her to term.
I have never been a big worrier, but I'm not going to lie, this does scare me a bit. I am so thankful that I have A God who knows what he is doing and is in control no matter the outcome.
So, now I have to go to the Dr every week and beginning at 32 weeks I will have weekly non-stress tests. I am so thankful that I have a good doctor who is truly concerned and taking all of the precautions so that baby and I will be fine=) Please pray, friends....thank you.
It is 1:10am and I am sitting up thinking about my little miracle who is currently doing her little bedtime dance in my growing belly. I should be sleeping, but each night, she gives me no choice but to lay awake and dream. I wonder if she waits until everyone goes to bed since she knows I don't get much time to sit and think on her with her brother and sisters occupying my thoughts throughout the day.
I think she purposely waits until the quiet has set in and I am completely relaxed to begin her dance. She knows that with each movement I wonder more and more....Who will she look like? Will she be a girly girl like her sister? Will she finally be the "calm" one I am waiting for? What will she love to do? What will she grow up to be? ....My mind cannot help but wonder about this baby that the Lord has entrusted me with.
I have been here a few times before. Each time I discover that there is a new life forming in me, the dreams begin!
This is my 6th time on the beautiful journey of pregnancy. Sadly, for two of my babies, the dreams were cut too short. Before I knew if they were boys or girls; Before I could enjoy their dance... But God is good. God is always good....And even though many, many times I wonder who it is that is missing and what my other two would have become, I find myself wrapped in the loving arms of my Comforter who always has a reason and a purpose for the trials He brings into our paths.
So here, 25 weeks into my journey, I thank Him and praise Him for this special time I can have with my beautiful baby girl. This time when I can keep her close. This time when she and I are one. Each night I can sit and dream of what she will be. I can pray that she will always folllow the steps of the Savior, I can pray that I will train her in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Soon she will be here in my arms....and someday, before I even realize it happened, she will be grown and gone. So tonight, I don't care how late it is.....tonight I will enjoy the dance...
I am wondering why children are considered a "curse" these days?? I cannot seeem to understand it. I only have 3 children right now (one on the way), and the comments I hear with just 3 amaze me!
"Wow, you have your hands full" "Are these all yours?" "You're done, right!?" "You must not have any time for yourself"! "...and your pregnant! That must have been a mistake!" "Is this an "oops" baby?" "You do know how this happens, right?"....and on and on I could go. Any mother of more that one child has to hear it, I am sure.
And then, the mothers with no children are constantly being bugged about "don't you guys want kids?" or "you better hurry up before you get much older!" And if they only have one..."So, are you having any more?" or "if you wait any longer they will be too far apart in age!" Some of these poor women are trying to get pregnant and have been for years and do not need to hear it from you! Just mind your own business people!!!!!
Why does everyone feel like it is their duty to determine how many children a family should have? That is strictly between a husband, wife, and the Lord. No one else has a say in how little or how many children a family should have....and if you do have an opinion, keep you mouth closed, please, because it really does not concern you.
The Bible, or should I say God, makes it very clear that children are a blessing! An open womb is his reward! Why is it now a bad thing to have more than the average 2 kids? I think it is a shame. Especially from other Christians, particularly women, who try to make mothers feel bad for the blessings the Lord has given them. When did one of God's greatest blessings turn into a curse?
Now, I will say that I myself when feeling overwhelmed, have thought, "no more" for myself, but then I think about how dull and boring my life would be without my 3 crazies bringing all of the laughter and joy into our lives! Yes, I would be able to have fresh highlights, manicures, pedicures, and nice clothes without the "markings of motherhood" all over them. That includes spit-up, poop, pee, food, juice.....well, pretty much, you name it, and it has been on me, haha....BUT, I would miss out on so, so much!!
"Would you do it over if you could?" Absolutely not! I would not have it any other way. I love my children more than anyone can imagne. Yes, I get overwhelmed! Yes, I am almost always tired! Yes, I would like to be able to go to the bathroom alone, just once! Yes, I would prefer not to have 20 loads of laundry a day, but I would not give up being a mommy for a zillion bucks!
~Barbie
