Sick, Again????

Back to daycare...and welcome to a new cold!  It has been almost 2 weeks and the whole family is sick.  Colin has been affectionately nicknamed our "Little Germ Factory."  It seems that all the other kids in his class are sick as well, so it isn't just him.  I'm fine with him getting sick and building up his immunity, but I sure am tired of all of us getting sick.  When he doesn't sleep well at night, no one does.  Matt has avoided getting sick up until this point.  Both of us sound hilarious and are taking medication after medication to get better quick.  So far, no luck.  Colin has been coughing and wheezing enough that we have decided to take him to the doctor today.  It looks like he has some fluid in his ear, so an ear infection is beginning.  We have decided to start him on antibiotics and cut it out before it gets worse.  I'm very happy we decided to take him in.

This paper tastes awesome!

On a happier note, I am working on getting him to sleep better.  I started reading, The Dream Sleeper.  I haven't gotten to the "method" quite yet, but they go through all the prep to start sleep training.  So far we have taken out the nightlight, removed any toys (including the mobile) from his crib, and added more white noise (we were using ocean sounds).  Two nights in a row he has woken and put himself right back to sleep.  The first night he woke around 4 am and I had to bring him to bed with us, but last night he slept from 7:45pm - 5:45am in his own crib!  I know he woke at least twice, but we didn't even need to go in and put in his pacifier.  He went back to sleep all on his own.  It gave Matt and I a good chance to get some much needed rest.  Yay!  Now to keep it up!

Although he wasn't quite himself yesterday, he was still playful and had some fun.  He's still not too happy on his belly, but I think it is mostly because he hasn't figured out how to move himself.  Once he gets crawling I think he will love it.

6 Months!

Colin had to hold off for his 6-month checkup for a week because of his respiratory infection, so we headed in when he was 6 months and 1.5 weeks.  Even with his illness and weight loss (about a 1/2 pound), he still is in the 80th+ percentile for weight and 90+ percentile for height.  He is a big boy!  He was way down on his weight shortly after birth, so I expect he will pick it up quickly again.

He did really well with his shots and only cried with the 2nd and 3rd.  As soon as I picked him up, he was calmed down and stopped crying.  As usual, he went crazy on the paper on the doctor's table.  He had fun tearing it apart and even spitting up on it.

Reason for Visit  Visit Type    6 month well child check  Office Visit

Vitals    Height  2' 4"(0.711 m)    Weight  19 lb 5.4 oz(8.771 kg)    Head Circumference  44cm

Diagnosis    ROUTINE MEDICAL EXAM <18 YRS

Immunization History as of 12/20/2011 Never Reviewed

DTAP/HIB/IPV 10/11/2011, 8/11/2011   Hep B <20 Yrs 8/11/2011, 6/10/2011   PNEUMOCOCCAL PREVNAR13 (PCV13) 10/11/2011, 8/11/2011   Rotavirus 10/11/2011, 8/11/2011

 

Holy Sleep Deprevation, Batman!

This past week has probably been the most trying we have had since the first week Colin came home from the hospital.  Last Tuesday Matt took his temperature and it was 101.5.  We took him to the doctor and Dr. V said he had a little redness in his ear that was possibly an ear infection.  He gave us a prescription for antibiotics, but didn't say it was mandatory, but that he recommended it.  Matt and I both agreed not to give him the antibiotics unless he didn't get better in a couple of days.

We didn't want him far away at night, so Little Man got to sleep in bed with us.  Neither Matt nor I slept great, but we did better than if Little Man were in his crib in the other room.  Little Man really likes cuddles at night, so he sleeps pretty well when snuggled between Mommy & Daddy.


He couldn't go to daycare on Wednesday, so I ended up home with him Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  I was ready to go back to work on Friday.  A sick baby and a tired mommy are not a good mix.  I needed the break of work.  I felt a bit like a bad mommy, but I was in need of a little baby-free time!  I also was in desperate need of a little sleep, but I would take what I could get.

After feeling really down about my mothering skills on Thursday, I decided I wanted a little fun time with Colin.  We both loves baths, so I got the tub ready and relaxed or a few minutes alone.  Then Matt brought baby boy in and we shared some bubbles.  Colin christened the tub before even getting in by peeing right into the tub in front of Mommy.  No matter, we were going to have fun anyway.

Colin got some hair on his head in the form of bubbles and looked adorable!  He has gotten into splashing, so he went crazy banging on the water.  I'm not sure if it is the water splashing or that he can't get to his feet that interests him, but he loves to do it!

It made me feel a lot better and we bonded as Mommy & son.  It is one of my favorite things to do with him because he always has so much fun.

I have the sweetest baby boy that makes me so happy!  By Friday morning I was feeling a lot better about my skills as a mother.

 Friday night Little Man seemed to be doing fine, but then after he had been in bed for a couple of hours he woke up fussing.  I usually let him go until he really starts crying, but I kept worrying.  Matt finally told me just to go check on him instead of worrying so much.  I went in and picked him up and he cried even more.  So, I changed his diaper and decided to check his temperature at the same time.  It kept going up and up until it was over 103.  A high fever.  So, I had Matt get the Tylenol and I got the antibiotics to get him started on them right away.  I am so grateful that I checked on him and we were able to get his fever down fairly quickly.  He got to share the bed with Mommy & Daddy another night and Mommy & Daddy didn't sleep all that well again.

So, it was a tiresome week.  Little Man didn't feel well, which led Mommy & Daddy to feeling pretty darn cranky & tired.  Now that he is on antibiotics, I hope he gets better quickly and the restful nights come again soon for all of us.

4 Month Stats

Little Man is 4 months old! (as I have already said a few times.)  Well, that means it is time for another doctor appointment and shots again.  The 2-month ones went okay and I am hoping for the same again.  He isn't helping me in the sleeping department.  I have heard of the 4-month sleep regression and I think we are there.  This morning he woke at 4:30am and was hungry.  He downed a full 8-oz bottle!  How did that happen?  He usually is fine until 6:30am and has even been known to wake smiling.  Not this time.  I'm missing my happy morning baby. :(

He is still a big boy and in the 90th+ percentiles for height and weight.  The nurse measured his height at 26.25 inches, but measured at the shortest end of the line (she drew a curve) and rounded down when it was actually 26 3/8 inches.  So, I am rounding up and calling him 26.5 inches long.  That is probably a bit more accurate, but with these little babies that don't stretch their legs out, it is hit or miss with accuracy anyway.

Vitals    Height  2' 2.25"(0.667 m)    Weight  17 lb 5.6 oz(7.87 kg)    Head Circumference  42.5cm

Diagnosis    ROUTINE MEDICAL EXAM <18 YRS

Immunization History as of 10/11/2011 Reviewed on 10/11/2011

DTAP/HIB/IPV 10/11/2011, 8/11/2011   Hep B <20 Yrs 8/11/2011, 6/10/2011   PNEUMOCOCCAL PREVNAR13 (PCV13) 10/11/2011, 8/11/2011   Rotavirus 10/11/2011, 8/11/2011

2 month Appointment

Vitals
Height	2' .5"(0.622 m)
Weight	13 lb 7.5 oz(6.109 kg)
Head Circumference	39.8cm

Immunization History as of 8/11/2011

	DTAP/HIB/IPV	8/11/2011
	Hep B	8/11/2011, 6/10/2011
	PNEUMOCOCCAL PREVNAR13 (PCV13)	8/11/2011
	Rotavirus	8/11/2011

Colin has grown so much in the last 6 weeks!  It is amazing to see how much he has grown.  I look at pictures from when he first came home and realize how little a guy he was back then.  He is still a little guy, but growing fast!

While we were gone on our RV trip last week and the week before, he started so many new things.  He now coos a lot and talks to you.  He makes little laughing like noises that are so cute!  Lots of Ooos, Ahs, and Ohs.  He smiles lots more and is awake a lot more in the day.  Matt loves to just sit and make noises with him.  It seems like it just started overnight.

He has now outgrown his 0-3 month sleepers because he is too long for them.  His poor little legs get scrunched up in them.  So, when we arrived home on Tuesday, I had to wash up a bunch of the 3-6 month ones for him to wear to bed.  He has lots more room for his legs to stretch out!

I was nervous about his appointment today because I knew that today was the day for his first vaccinations.  I was not looking forward to him getting his shots.  Matt wasn't sure he would be able to make it, so that would leave it all up to me.  Thank goodness that Matt was able to go with us and he held Colin during the shots while I turned away and cried.  Yes, my eyes teared up.  I cannot stand for my baby to cry out in pain.  I know it is good for him to have the shots, but I wish there were some way to make it painless.  If they all could be oral vaccinations...he ate that one up like it was candy. 

Colin was a trooper and made it through the shots without too much crying.  He calmed down after Matt and I soothed him a little and gave him his pacifier.  The rest of the day he did lots of sleeping, which is unusual for him.  He took about 3 naps longer than an hour each.  I even got a nice long nap during one of them.  I had to wake him to eat in the afternoon because I knew that he would be screaming to eat at some point if I didn't.  He ate almost his full big bottle (full is 6 oz and he got about 5.5 oz), so I knew he was doing fine, just a little sleepy.

So, we both made it through his first set of shots.  Now we get a 2 month break and then we go back to do it all over again.  My sweet little boy...I'm doing this for his own good and wouldn't if I didn't think it was best for him.

Week 38 appointment

My first internal!  Two weeks after the cerclage was removed, I am 4-5 cm dilated and at -2 station, so baby is engaged and about ready to make an appearance.  Dr. Wong says that it could be anytime--as soon as tonight, but no later than next week.

Matt and I both called our parents right away to let them know the baby will be here soon.  His parents decided to pack up and head down tomorrow, but we told them to wait until I was actually in labor and at the hospital. 

So excited and cannot wait to meet this little one!

Exciting week

Week 36 turned out to be a busy week.  I am officially on maternity leave, but I found plenty of things to keep me busy.

Monday I took the pug to the vet for his checkup and vaccinations.  He's all ready for doggie day care this summer when we head to Montana for Weston's wedding.  I spent the day napping and sewing. :)

Tuesday I met Cheryle & baby Christopher for lunch.  Okay, so Christopher slept the whole time, but Cheryle and I had a nice time just chatting and walking around Santana Row.  It turned into more than a couple of hours and then I went home for a quick nap. The day goes by quickly when I am so tired all the time!

Wednesday was marathon shopping with Chiara.  I didn't buy much other than a breast pump, which I was told I should have right away.  I used a coupon and saved myself $50!  Plus, I used a gift card with $40, so overall I saved almost $100 out of my own pocket.  I love saving money. Chiara bought clothes and lots of other great baby stuff for her little one.  I've been buying for months, so I didn't need any more clothes or much stuff and that's why I didn't spend money.
After shopping, I met Matt at Dr. Wong's office for my weekly check-up and to get my cerclage removed!  It was the longest appointment of the pregancy!  We waited and waited to be called back.  Then, we waited and waited and waited for Dr. Wong to come in.  My appointment was at 4:30 and it was almost 5:30 before she arrived.  She had a little trouble getting the cerclage out because she didn't realize that there were two loops she needed to snip.  She was pulling on the stitch while it was still attached!  It was not pleasant.  Once she got the second snip, it was over quick.  I had no discomfort after and very little spotting.  I was just excited to have the darn thing out!
We barely had enough time to make it to our final baby class--infant care.  We had to make a quick pitstop for some food at In-and-Out so Matt wouldn't be too cranky.  Luckily, people seem to arrive a little late for most of these classes.  We were just on time.  The class turned out to be a little disappointing to me.  I'm not sure that I really know how to care for an infant very well.  How often do I need to bath him?  I'm not sure--she just said not every day.  How long is the bath?  Not sure...just not long.  Oh, well...I'll just read about it in a book.  I'm sure I have one.

Thursday I went to work for a program picnic.  I was almost too tired to go, but went because I promised Dolores I would go.  I'm glad that I did.  I got to say hi to a few people and chat a little.  It is nice to talk to people and not just be alone all day.  I did go home and sleep afterwards.  I love being pregnant partly because it allows me to nap without guilt. :)

By Friday I was exhausted.  I had a prenatal massage planned to help me relax and get ready for delivery.  I'm so glad that I did it!  The Mommy Spa (aka Lindsay) was awesome.  She chatted through the whole massage, but she gave lots of good tips on how to relax my muscles and how Matt can help during labor.  She is very pro-natural labor, so it made me feel really good.  If this little one isn't out by 38 weeks, I'm going back for another massage.  I think I will go back after he is born, too...I'll need some pampering then, too.
I also had my final counselor appointment before the baby.  She has watched me grow throughout the pregnancy, so it was nice to see her one last time.  She was actually one of the first people I told.  I even told her that I was pretty sure I was pregnant before I knew.  I plan on going back after the baby is born--then she can meet him, too.

So, Memorial Day weekend is upon us and I'm ready!  Anytime now...come on, baby!

Almost 34 weeks...

Yesterday was my 33.5 week appointment.  Dr. Wong had only given me 1 pound to gain in 2 weeks, but I gained 1.5 and she rounded up to 2.  I wasn't too happy with that, but I can live.  She didn't yell at me or even tell me not to gain any before my next appointment.  She does want me to try and exercise more, which really is just walking as much as I can.  I do, but wow do my feet hurt.  It looks like I have little balloons (toes) connected to one big balloon (foot) that is attached to my gigantic ankle.  Ugh...it is miserable.  This is one part of pregnancy I really don't like.  I actually soak my feet in cold water at night to try and bring down some of the swelling.  It works, but then my feet dry out and hurt more.  I really think I need to go get a pedicure at least once a week.

All in all, everything is going well.  Baby is a mover and makes my belly roll back and forth all the time.  yesterday I was at my desk and Shelley was there.  He tends to stop moving when Shelley is around so I whispered to him that she was gone and not looking.  He almost immediately gave me a good hard kick like he was stretching out his whole leg.  It shocked me a bit.  He did something similar at the doctor's office.  When Dr. Wong was checking his heart rate, he pushed out his leg and then a moment later his butt.  She laughed and said he was showing off where his body parts are.

Today the SBIRS vehicle will be launched into space.  On the rocket giving it a ride is a sticker with Matt's signature and baby's initials.  So it seems we have decided on a name.  We have be batting it around for a while, but Matt's using the initials seems to have cemented it for us.  I'm excited, but not ready to start using his name too much just yet.  I still call him Baby and don't plan on telling anyone the name we have picked until he is born. I will say that his initials are CJB.

We are going ot have a baby!

33w4d

30 week Appt

Technically my 30-week appointment was at 29 1/2 weeks, but I was close enough. :)  I got my registration package for the hospital, so I have a bunch of paperwork to fill out and send in.  Fun!  I almost can't believe that we have made it this far!  I was so worried in the beginning that I would never make it to the point where I received all the "labor" information.  Now I have the after-hours number to call and know when to call, etc.  It is just so amazing to me.  This little boy really is going to be born...he has an over 90% chance of survival and his odds of disabilities is going down with each passing day.

He has been a big mover lately.  In fact, a lot of people at work have either felt or seen him move.  He doesn't kick nearly as much as he shifts, which can be uncomfortable for me.  He really likes to push what I think is his butt up against my belly.  I usually just give him a little rub or a push back and he relaxes a bit.  I love feeling him, but sometimes it would be nice if he didn't push on my bladder or push too hard against my belly. 

Today he has been a lot calmer than the last couple of weeks.  I know he is fine, but I'm such a worry-wort when I don't feel him all the time.  Plus, Matt just headed off to Florida for a few days and I am home alone.  When Matt is gone I tend to be even more of a worrier.  I try not to because if I freak out enough I will call Matt and then he freaks out.  He is already afraid that I am going to do something stupid and end up hurting myself and the baby.  I promise I won't do anything on purpose, but I do sometimes do stupid things.

Squiggle and I are doing fine so far without Matt.  Granted he only left yesterday morning, but we made it through the weekend!  I did a bunch of sewing and am getting ready to close down my little sweatshop.  Matt says it is about time because I am getting too big and need to slow down.  I agree, but I still have a few things to do.  A few more blankets, a couple of blankets, and a couple of clothing items and I am done for now.  This baby is going to be well dressed with adorable diapers and stay very warm after he is born. :)

29w6d

Viability and Nearing the 3rd Trimester

I've not been so good at journaling lately, but I'm blaming it on being pregnant and tired. :)

Viability is 24 weeks, so we are well passed that point.  In another week it will be the 3rd trimester!  I'm so excited!  I know that this little one has a very good chance of making it if he were born today.  Not that I want him out yet, but if something were to happen, he would have a rough road in the beginning, but he would have a 70%+ chance of making it.  I feel so much better with each passing day knowing that he is growing stronger and healthier.  In 3 months or so I will be holding him and looking at him in amazement, I am sure. 

My last doctor's appointment was last Thursday.  It didn't go as well as I would have hoped.  Dr. Wong was disappointed that I am up a total of 15 lbs.  She only wanted me to gain 15 lbs in the whole pregnancy.  She told me to cut back on all the carbs and eat lots of veggies.  Carbs are about the only things that appeal to me right now, so that is going to be difficult.

My blood pressure is also on the rise.  It was 130/80.  That isn't too high on its own, but it has been more like 120/75 and was even lower earlier on in the pregnancy.  I didn't have protein or sugar in my urine, but the blood pressure rise does cause a little concern about pre-eclampsia.  She wants me to monitor my blood pressure at home a couple of times a week.  So, I went to Amazon and bought a blood pressure cuff.  I might be resting more again...

Today is 26 weeks.  I almost can't believe it.  I'm not huge, but I am definitely pregnant.  I'm still not completely accepting of the whole baby thing, but I am getting there.  I giggle all the time when he gives me little nudges, kicks, and punches.  Sometimes I just lie on the couch with my hand on my belly and he thumps my hand.  I smile like a silly schoolgirl.  I can't believe how much I love this little guy and I haven't even met him yet.

I've been doing quite a bit of sewing as of late, too.  I've been making lots of diapers because they are so cute and fun to make.  I also finally finished the crib bumpers.  They aren't perfect, but they are cute!  Matt doesn't really care for them because he thinks the print is too girly, but I think it looks like a baby.  When he is old enough, this little boy can decide what he wants to decorate his room with himself.  I will make him something more boy later if that is what he wants. :)

This week my parents will be here and see me for the 2nd time pregnant.  Okay, so the first time they didn't know I was pregnant and I was just looking a little chubby.  This is the first time this pregnancy they will see my big ole fatty belly.  Matt calls me Fatty, so that is why I use that term.

Matt is leaving for Florida tomorrow to help with preparations for the SBIRS GEO-1 launch.  He'll be gone for 2 weeks.  He told me this morning he is worried about me.  He thinks I am going to do something stupid while he is gone.  Yeah, he isn't worried about something randomly happening...he thinks I am going to move furniture or trip and fall or something like that.  Okay, so normally this would probably be true, but I really am thinking of the baby and not doing stuff like that.  I'm just going to be sewing and cleaning...maybe getting a shamrock shake from MickyD's...nothing strenuous.

26w0d

Last Check

Today was our last scheduled cervical check.  It was measuring nice and long--over 4cm, so the doctor was very pleased and said no more checks were necessary.  I'm back to being under the care of just one doctor.  As much as I like going in for the checks, I am totally happy to not have to keep going in.  I know that this one is doing well and my cervix is holding very well.  I have less than 2 weeks to make it to viability and that will a huge relief to me.
We got one last good look at the little one as well.  He is growing like crazy!  His head was under my belly button and his butt was down low.  I have been pretty sure that I feel him wiggling his feet down low, but I wasn't sure.  Now I am. :)  I am really starting to get excited to meet this little one!  Hopefully less than 4 months left!

21 week OB Appointment

My 5 month appointment fell during week 21.  My first sad thing to report is that I have gained 10 lbs!  Oh my!  I was doing really well, but in one month I went up 6 1/2 pounds!  I am not very happy about that.  Dr. Wong also told me that I need to cut back on the carbs.  I'm really sad about that because I love my carbs and also my milk.  I'm blaming the weight on both of those things along with the fact that I can't do any exercise.  I am going to have a lot of work to do after this baby is born. :(

Everything else is looking really good.  No sugar or protein in my urine and my blood pressure was normal (120/78).  I don't have any tests to complete this month, but will have the dreaded glucose test again next month.  I am so not looking forward to that again...

Heart Healthy

IVF babies have a higher risk for heart issues, so the perinatologist scheduled us for a fetal echo cardiogram.  Basically, that is just a detailed ultrasound of the heart.  

After a LONNNNGGG wait in the lobby (our appointment was at 3:40pm and they called us back at 4:40pm), we finally went back for the heart check.  The sonographer did a few measurements on the baby and then focused in on his heart.  He checked the blood flow and beats going through each chamber of the heart.  It was pretty cool to see the heart beating and watch the blood flowing through it.  He had a little trouble because Baby was comfortable and didn't feel like moving around too much.  He was swinging his arms and legs, but not really moving positions.  The sonographer left and got Dr. Gaffaney who then tried to get all the right angles and finally had me move to my side to get Baby to move a little.  Baby finally cooperated and she got all the right views.  She then gave us the good news that the heart appeared healthy and there were no signs of any defects.  She also said that many defects are not visible until after birth, so we aren't 100% in the clear.  

Dr. Gaffaney also measured my cervix and it looked really good.  It was over 4cm!  That is longer than the last check.  I am so happy to know that all is going well in there. :)  

We also were given a few shots of Baby, but they aren't that great.  We got some face shots and he also likes to show off his goods, so we know he is still a boy!

The BIG ultrasound

Ok, so since we already know the gender, the ultrasound was as exciting, but it is still good to see everything and know all the organs are working as they should.  Plus, we got to verify that he really is a boy. :)

All went well and he is measuring about 3 days ahead and weighs about 8 oz.  He is right on track to be a little over average size if he is born on time. 

My cervix was looking good.  Dr. Gaffaney didn't give a measurement number, but she was very happy with the number.  I asked if they were going to check it again and she said since my cervix failed at 20 weeks before that they would check it again in 2 weeks.  That was a huge relief to me because as we get closer and closer to the timeframe when I lost the twins, I get more and more nervous.  Knowing that I will have another check on the cervix makes me feel better. She also wants to do a fetal echo just to check on his heart to make sure all is well.  That is getting to be normal with IVF, so I'm not really worried.  Okay, so maybe I am just a little.

Another Boring Appointment

Another boring OB appointment today.  I actually forgot about Matt going with me and just went off by myself.  I called him when I arrived and told him I didn't think he really wanted to go to find out if I had gained any weight. 

Turns out I am only up 3 lbs. total for the whole pregnancy!  Woo-hoo! Dr. Wong is very happy with that and so am I.  Now to just keep that number low for a little while longer. 

Baby moved around a bit and it took Dr. Wong a minute to get a lock on his heart beat, but all was well.  Another month until I see her again...

All Stitched Up

Week 14 started with a pre-op appointment for the cerclage.  I was hoping for an ultrasound and a chance to look at Baby again, but no such luck.  It was just a discussion with the nurse about the procedure followed by the doctor looking at the outside of my cervix, which really hurt.  I haven't been that uncomfortable with an examination since I was about 21.  I'm thinking it is because of the increased blood flow in my body. I'm just a little more sensitive right now.
Tuesday brought us surgery day.  We had to be at Good Samaritan Hospital at 11am for the 1pm surgery.  We weren't sure exactly where to go, so we arrived about 15 minutes early.  I got set up in Labor & Delivery with all the fun stuff--the cute gown, the bed, then all the really fun stuff--the IV.  Once again, it really stung going in.  I hate getting IVs, but usually they don't hurt that much.  Before surgery, they take blood to check red and white cell counts and when the lab guy took blood, that hurt, too.  He and Matt both said it was very clean, but it still stung. :(

When 1pm finally rolled around, both Matt and I were ready to get it done.  They didn't move me over to the OR until about 1:10pm and it seems the doctors weren't ready to go yet.  The anesthesiologist was a pro and helped walk me through the spinal.  I think of all the parts of the surgery, the spinal scared me the most.  I hate needles and after the spinal I had for the cerclage with the twins where the doctor missed about 7 times, I'm not too keen on having it done.  Luckily it went easily enough and only took one poke.  My butt went numb almost immediately.

In about 15 minutes they had me all stitched up and ready to go back to recovery.  I couldn't believe how easy and fast it went.  I was so happy it was over, but found out that the worst was yet to come...

Upon arrival back to the L&D room, Matt was smiling and waiting for me.  I had told them that I was feeling a bit nauseated, so they wanted to check my blood pressure right away.  It had dropped down to about 80/40, so it was no wonder I wasn't feeling well.  I had little color in my face and would probably have thrown up if I had anything in my stomach.  They kept a close watch on me for about an hour, but soon enough my blood pressure went back up to 102/65, so I had color back in my face.  At 3pm they let me order lunch (yay for hospital food!).  When it arrived at 4pm, I ate it so fast that I made myself sick to my stomach.  It wasn't the best grilled cheese sandwich (Matt makes those), but it was a welcome relief after not having eaten for almost 24 hours.

I was numb from the waist down and had to wait for the feeling to come back.  They don't let you leave the hospital before you can empty your bladder, so we had a bit of a wait to go.  At 5pm, the nurse tried to help me to the bathroom, but my legs were still like clubs, so it was a no-go (literally).  It was getting a little boring for both Matt and I after so many hours.  We had a TV in the room, but afternoon TV isn't that great.  I wasn't in the mood for reading, so even though I had my Kindle, I didn't use it. 

When 6:30pm rolled around the nurse helped me up again.  This time it worked!  My legs carried me all the way to the bathroom!  I don't think I have ever been so grateful to empty my bladder. Then we got to go home!

My legs were a little unsteady the rest of the night, but by the next morning I felt fine.  I was still a little tired, but no pain and very little spotting.  Just a little pink, but nothing to concern me.  I had far worse with the twins early on.

So, my cervix is all stitched up and Baby can't just open the door to get out.  How sad that I have baby-proofed my uterus!  I'm doing whatever I can to help this little one stay in as long as possible.  Matt is making sure I don't do ANYTHING that might hurt the baby, either.  Matt gets after me for everything--I'm not allowed to pick much of anything up, which should make me happy because I don't have to do laundry, but I still have to do laundry, just without being able to do it all by myself.  Oh, well...in about 6 months I will be so busy that I will be happy to have had a little break.

December Prenatal Appointment

Yesterday was the 2nd prenatal appointment for us.  We were just at the peri last week and now back to the OB this week.  It wasn't much of an appointment, really.  I was weighed--the scale showed a 2.5 lb weight gain, but I promise I haven't gained anything.  The appointment was a 4pm and my first was was at 9am, so I attribute it to daily weight fluctuation. 

Results from yesterday are as follows:

• Urine tested normal - no sugar or protein
• 112/80 blood pressue
• Baby's heartbeat was 150-160
• 2.5 lb weight gain

Dr. Wong brought out the doppler to find the baby.  I was secretly hoping she wouldn't find him so she would have to do an ultrasound, but she found him.  Hiding and running from the doppler and faint, but there nonetheless.  It made me feel better that she had a little trouble since I had trouble quite a bit, too.

My next appointment is set up for January 12th.  I have more doctor's appointments in the next 6 weeks than I care to think about.  I'll either be at the peri or with Dr. Wong just about every week.  At least I know I am being well cared for. This baby is going to have wonderful care in utero.

12 weeks!

This week has been another eventful week.  One Tuesday we finally had the appointment with the perinatologist.  I had already decided in my head that if all went well I didn't care who found out I was pregnant.  So, I was hoping for a good day just to be able to let the news out.

First off was the ultrasound to check on my cervix and the baby.  The ultrasound tech went for the baby first and this time as a trans-abdominal ultrasound.  Baby popped up on the screen right away!  It was so exciting to see Baby waving and kicking and sucking his (or her) thumb.  What a little sweetie!  We got plenty of pictures and Baby cooperated perfectly.

I had gotten so nervous before the appointment because I hadn't seen or heard the baby in over a week and it seems that early on I just get more and more nervous hoping everything is okay, but not knowing for sure.

Seeing Baby was such a relief and I feel like a huge weight lifting off of my shoulders.  I just know that all is going to be well after seeing the little one doing so well and having a nice strong heartbeat.

After the tech finished checking out the baby (and taking measurements for the NT scan that we didn't care to have), she went to find the doctor.  Dr. Gaffaney came in and proceeded to measure my cervix.  She said all looked as it should at 12 weeks, but we still needed to sit down and talk with her to go over my history so we could make a decision moving forward.

We went into her office and went over my entire medical history it seemed.  We talked about my prior pregnancies and my PCOS, etc.  After about 30 minutes we finally started to discuss the loss of the twins.  I explained to her that Dr. Lyell, the perinatologist who treated me in the hospital with the twins, told us that for any subsequent pregnancy I needed to avoid multiples and get a cerclage.  When she heard that, she was convinced that putting in a cerclage was our best option.  Otherwise they would do weekly cervical checks, but with the twins my cervix went from good to bad in less than one week.  Matt and I both agreed that we wanted a cerclage put in place.

So, we scheduled it for the 21st--right before Christmas.  I'll be able to take the whole week and relax, so it was good timing.
After we left the office, I finally felt like things were moving forward and I could relax.
The next day at work I decided to let the news out.  I told Shelley and then the whole group at work (with just added Karen & Bill since both Chris & Dolores already knew), so I figured that I needed to tell all the other people I wanted to tell instead of them finding out through the grapevine.  Everyone has been so happy for us!  It has been wonderful to have such great support from all of our friends.

In addition to telling people, I found that I really am starting to show.  One co-worker, Dennis, hadn't seen me in about a month or so.  He looked at my belly funny and then said I looked like I lost weight.  I laughed and said I looked more like I have gained 15 lbs.  Just as I started to say that I was pregnant, he asked, "Are you pregnant?"  I was surprised, but it also makes me feel good to know that I am not just looking fat anymore.  I really am starting to look like I am carrying a baby.

On top of all that, yesterday I pulled out the doppler again in hopes of being able to find the baby's heartbeat.  And I did find it!  The doppler registered the nice strong 150-160 bpm heart rate.  It jumped around a bit, but it was obvious that I had finally found it!  Then again this morning I decided to try again.  This time I put the wand down in the right area and immediately heart the whomping of the heart.  What a wonderful sound!  Our baby is doing so well and I couldn't be happier.  I am so looking forward to the next 6 months and then finally getting to meet our little one face to face.

Oh, and in just over a month we will get confirmation of gender!  January 18th, 2011 is the day!  I am so excited that I can barely wait.  I'm hoping that we will have at least one more ultrasound at the perinatologist and we might get a glimpse of the gender a little early.  No guarantees just yet, but it would be nice to have a hint. :)

Baby's 2nd Photo!

After a seemingly long two weeks, we finally got to see Baby for the 2nd time.  This time Baby wasn't just a grain of rice, but is now a blob.  You can kind of see the head and body, but it is pretty blurry. Baby's heart was blipping away at 140 bpm.  It was quite reassuring to see the little one there on the screen.  I still haven't been able to register Baby on the home doppler, but I don't expect to be able to for another week or more.

So, our next appointment is the first one with Dr. Wong!  We were officially released to the OB.  No more FPNC.  I'm a little sad about it, but happy, too.  Leticia gave both Matt & I hugs as we left, so that was nice.  She told us she didn't want to see us again without a baby.  I'm looking forward to that.

I'm finally starting to feel like this is real.  I even ordered more maternity clothes at OldNavy.com this morning.  I really need some pants that fit!  I just feel fat right now and can't wait until I feel pregnant and not fat! :)

Update:  Tonight I decided to try and find the baby on the doppler again.  I'm pretty sure I found Baby!  I heard plenty of whooshing noises and the monitor registered a 145-146 with a solid heart for about a second!  I'm so excited!  It was about 3 inches below my bellybutton, so exactly where Baby would be!  Yay!  Now I think I will wait another few days and try again when Baby is even bigger. :)

Exciting things are happening!

Baby's First Picture!

After a grueling two weeks of waiting, we finally got to see our little one!  Dr. Nelson performed the ultrasound and told us the baby is looking perfect.  We even got to see a little flutter of the heart.  It was such a wonderful sight.  Only one baby in there this time.  That was a bit of a relief to me.  Not that twins aren't great, but I am not ready to be that terrified of losing them again.  This is a nice change to just have one baby moving around and putting pressure on my organs and cervix.

Now we get to wait another 2 weeks until we get to see Baby again.