Today was what the OB called my "24 week appt" even though I'm still in the 23rd week. They are really annoying about sticking to the weekly schedule, but back when it was all being set up, I refused to wait basically 5 and half weeks between visits, so I'm just a little behind their schedule. However, this was a different and new doctor (to me) and when she measured me, she said I'm measuring right on target for 24 weeks. That makes me feel really good.
So, today weight was up 4lb from last time. Total weight gain for pregnancy is 3lbs. Doctor asked "why is this so low? I don't see any huge drops in weight." Well, I have no idea. I eat like a pig. The only reason I've managed to get the 4lbs in the past month is due to eating ice cream every night. For a good week, it was take out from a local shop, and giant sized sundaes. That obviously got expensive, and I got bored with my usual, so this week I bought ice cream for here. Either way, it's one of those big time cravings right now and it's all I can do to hold off till evening to enjoy it with my husband. The 2nd fun part of the ice cream, is it creates baby dance party time and lately, he's been able to feel her crazy movements. And to add to the whole gain complaint, I was classified overweight to start with, and while the belly is clearly growing, and the boobs have really jumped in size, I think it's safe to say that the "stored fat" came in handy. HA! All joking aside, she isn't concerned since the uterus growth is right on target for the weekly appt schedule.
Blood pressure was great. Baby's heart rate was 154, and she fought them again to get that steady reading. Several times her movement and kicking made this growling like sound across the doppler and it sounded pretty disturbing. The doctor and I looked at each other and laughed, and she said don't be concerned, that's just the sound of hyper movement. I still find it pretty hilarious the way she squirms and tries to hide from the doppler. Some really intense kicking while she was fighting it. This girl is going to have quite the personality!
Next appt is in 4 weeks, and I was sent home with the yummy orange drink for the glucose testing. Apparently it's done differently than it was basically 9 years ago with Kristopher. This time, I am allowed to eat breakfast, then wait an hour, then drink that drink within 5 mins of starting it. Then show up at the lab and tell them what time I completed the drink, and have the blood drawn. So much easier than trying to chug it in the waiting room, and then waiting an hour for the test. I'm not too concerned with the test and don't feel I have anything to worry about. They will also be checking iron levels, and I forget what else she said will be checked. I'm also way way way overdue for some vaccines, and they want to do something at either the 28 or 30 week appt.
After the 28 week appt in 4 weeks, I'll begin the every 2 week trips. That happened fast!!! They went ahead and scheduled all the 2 weekers and the final 4 weeks are every week. I'm scheduled all the way to the week following the due date, just in case I need it. I'm really hoping she follows Kristopher's pattern, and comes a little before the due date. Obviously I want her to remain safe and healthy, and not come too early. He was born at 37 weeks on the day. She could do the same and I'd be happy. Thanksgiving is the week after the due date, and it would be nice to be a little recovered by then. Whatever happens though, we're fine and will work through it. I'm the one who hosts Thanksgiving, so if she's very new around then, it looks like we may miss out this year.
So overall, it was a great appt, pretty boring and no concerns. The perfect kind of appt!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Ultrasound take...7?
I think today was ultrasound number 7. Almost 22 weeks, and that's a lot of ultrasounds! Either way, today was schedule as a recheck since she was quite uncooperative 2 weeks ago at the big scan, and the spine, kidney's and heart did not get the greatest measurements.
Right off the bat, let me start by saying that I've been having very disturbing dreams of something happening to this baby/pregnancy. It's always cord related issues in the dreams, and due to the way she flips and moves all crazy. I'm terrified that something will go wrong still. A girl I use to be friends with lost a baby at 7 months due to the cord forming a perfect knot a few years back, and that stays in my mind. So, I'm paranoid by the crazy movements, and more so by the lack of movement. Last night was a night that I did not have the usual late night dance party on the bladder upon going to bed, so bad dreams came due to my worrying. There was not much movement again today, just faint flickers that I wasn't 100% convinced on as I rushed around to get everyone where they needed to be before my appt.
So, we go in, and they get me all ready, and as soon as the wand hits, I see the baby not moving at all. And the way she was positioned, there was not heart beat going wild on the screen. I immediately felt sick. Then, all of a sudden movement sprung into play as they pushed along, and she rolled over so I could really see the heart beating fast as usual. Such a relief! I need to figure out a way to stop worrying so much.
So, due to her being sleepy at first, she didn't fight the tech. We were able to get great measurements of the spine, confirmed for my mom that she is in fact really a girl and to prove that there was no penis hiding. Kristopher laughed at her for that because "the last person said it is very clearly a girl, no boy parts are there!" Apparently she doesn't mind showing off her stuff either, because when the tech said we need to wait for her to open her legs better to show, she did. It was like it happened on command. So after all that, the next step was to try to get kidney measurements. That apparently was the final wake up call, and she suddenly went from comfortably positioned head down, and low, to total flip, pushing up high and back to breech. Then, she fought the process. We did get the measurements and when it came time to the heart, she would punch and swing her arms all around. It really looked like she was pushing to make the tech move away. What was told to be a 10 minute scan, was a very entertaining half hour show. This time it did not feel so uncomfortable, and I am not bruised.
Baby Keira is growing amazingly, and in some of the video clips they included this time, I think I can see little hair moving when she moves. It's in every clip. I hope she has some hair! Then I can add hair bows and all that fun stuff to my list too!
We waited for about 10 minutes while the doctor reviewed the scan, and they came back to say that everything looks great, our baby is healthy and I do not need to reschedule. They wished me luck on the rest of the pregnancy, and sent us on our way.
I've decided I'm going to schedule the 4D scan for the fun of it, and probably around 30 weeks. They said the best time is between 28 and 32 weeks, and it would work really well the week that I'll be 30 weeks. I think since this is probably the last time we'll experience it, and such a shock to begin with, we need to do it. I can't wait to see what her features look like. The website is amazing the definition that can be seen. They have a lot of the 4D scan, and then as a newborn, and it's so cool to see how much it shows. I'm really excited for that.
The only thing our disk had this time was pictures of the spine and heart, and a few video clips which I can't upload to here. No other pics to share at this point.
Yay for a healthy baby though! And almost 22 weeks. :)
Also, the exciting part of this week was that my husband finally got to feel her move. Very strong little punches or kicks, and it seemed to be in response to his talking. I'm so excited that he can be apart of this now as well. He was pretty happy that night. The dogs have also felt movement, which is pretty hilarious. Roxie has a habit of laying next to me on the recliner, and will lay her nose near or on my belly. She's been kicked and gives me the saddest look trying to figure out why I'm making her move when she's comfortable. Of course it makes me laugh, so she truly believes it's me doing it to her.
Off to try to sleep. Hopefully without bad dreams tonight.
Right off the bat, let me start by saying that I've been having very disturbing dreams of something happening to this baby/pregnancy. It's always cord related issues in the dreams, and due to the way she flips and moves all crazy. I'm terrified that something will go wrong still. A girl I use to be friends with lost a baby at 7 months due to the cord forming a perfect knot a few years back, and that stays in my mind. So, I'm paranoid by the crazy movements, and more so by the lack of movement. Last night was a night that I did not have the usual late night dance party on the bladder upon going to bed, so bad dreams came due to my worrying. There was not much movement again today, just faint flickers that I wasn't 100% convinced on as I rushed around to get everyone where they needed to be before my appt.
So, we go in, and they get me all ready, and as soon as the wand hits, I see the baby not moving at all. And the way she was positioned, there was not heart beat going wild on the screen. I immediately felt sick. Then, all of a sudden movement sprung into play as they pushed along, and she rolled over so I could really see the heart beating fast as usual. Such a relief! I need to figure out a way to stop worrying so much.
So, due to her being sleepy at first, she didn't fight the tech. We were able to get great measurements of the spine, confirmed for my mom that she is in fact really a girl and to prove that there was no penis hiding. Kristopher laughed at her for that because "the last person said it is very clearly a girl, no boy parts are there!" Apparently she doesn't mind showing off her stuff either, because when the tech said we need to wait for her to open her legs better to show, she did. It was like it happened on command. So after all that, the next step was to try to get kidney measurements. That apparently was the final wake up call, and she suddenly went from comfortably positioned head down, and low, to total flip, pushing up high and back to breech. Then, she fought the process. We did get the measurements and when it came time to the heart, she would punch and swing her arms all around. It really looked like she was pushing to make the tech move away. What was told to be a 10 minute scan, was a very entertaining half hour show. This time it did not feel so uncomfortable, and I am not bruised.
Baby Keira is growing amazingly, and in some of the video clips they included this time, I think I can see little hair moving when she moves. It's in every clip. I hope she has some hair! Then I can add hair bows and all that fun stuff to my list too!
We waited for about 10 minutes while the doctor reviewed the scan, and they came back to say that everything looks great, our baby is healthy and I do not need to reschedule. They wished me luck on the rest of the pregnancy, and sent us on our way.
I've decided I'm going to schedule the 4D scan for the fun of it, and probably around 30 weeks. They said the best time is between 28 and 32 weeks, and it would work really well the week that I'll be 30 weeks. I think since this is probably the last time we'll experience it, and such a shock to begin with, we need to do it. I can't wait to see what her features look like. The website is amazing the definition that can be seen. They have a lot of the 4D scan, and then as a newborn, and it's so cool to see how much it shows. I'm really excited for that.
The only thing our disk had this time was pictures of the spine and heart, and a few video clips which I can't upload to here. No other pics to share at this point.
Yay for a healthy baby though! And almost 22 weeks. :)
Also, the exciting part of this week was that my husband finally got to feel her move. Very strong little punches or kicks, and it seemed to be in response to his talking. I'm so excited that he can be apart of this now as well. He was pretty happy that night. The dogs have also felt movement, which is pretty hilarious. Roxie has a habit of laying next to me on the recliner, and will lay her nose near or on my belly. She's been kicked and gives me the saddest look trying to figure out why I'm making her move when she's comfortable. Of course it makes me laugh, so she truly believes it's me doing it to her.
Off to try to sleep. Hopefully without bad dreams tonight.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Picture timeline
Forgot to post a picture. Here's our ultrasounds so far.
Very 1st, approx 5-6 weeks, just starting to form:
2nd, detecting heartbeat and seeing baby! They estimated 7 and half weeks here:
And now, 19 weeks. It's a girl! And you can see the mid kick action because she hates the ultrasound and dopplers! The part I find funny is the placenta looks like one of those speech bubble things. If I was being creative, I could write something in there, but I'm too lazy. Maybe I'll do that for the baby book....
Very 1st, approx 5-6 weeks, just starting to form:
2nd, detecting heartbeat and seeing baby! They estimated 7 and half weeks here:
And now, 19 weeks. It's a girl! And you can see the mid kick action because she hates the ultrasound and dopplers! The part I find funny is the placenta looks like one of those speech bubble things. If I was being creative, I could write something in there, but I'm too lazy. Maybe I'll do that for the baby book....
Trying to decide....
I came across this 3/4D Ultrasound place locally. For a 35-45 minute deal, it's $155+ tax, and you get 6 printed pictures, cd with 30-50, and DVD of the entire scan. They recommend between 28-32 weeks for the best quality. I'm really tempted to do it. And $155 is way less than what I've been paying for my ultrasounds! Since this was really unexpected, and probably will be the last time I experience it, I'd really love to get a few of those shots. We had one scan the day before Kristopher was born, while I was in L&D for monitoring, but they did not give us a picture. It is truly amazing how much features they show. So, I'm trying to decide if I should take the plunge and do it. What's one more scan after the 7 or so I've already had!
I'm 21 weeks tomorrow. Miss Keira is quite the active little creature most days, but I noticed yesterday afternoon that I wasn't feeling much movement. Bedtime came, and I still did not feel anything, and usually that's the most active time. When we lay down in bed, and we're talking, she starts bouncing off the walls in there. So, I got back up and we had ice cream. Some more talking from her daddy, and I felt 2 different kicks/pokes. Not the usual strong stuff. I started to worry, and did not sleep much. Same thing was going on this morning. I had a dr appt for one of the foster kids, so I figured by the time that was over, if I was still feeling the same way, I'd call and get in for a heart beat check and end my worries. While sitting in M's appt, (over top the a/c vent of all places) the baby woke up and went wild. Movement has been pretty frequent when i sit down today, so I feel much better. I think the problem was that she moved. She seems to be sideways, and pushing up high in the uterus. The bottom of my belly now looks a little wiggly and gross, but the top is really popping out more and feels really firm. Movement is also higher. And, it's kind of harder to breathe as easily in certain positions. I'm hoping position changes again, and we can get out of the breech category! I don't want a c-section....
A highlight of my week has been feeling movement when Kristopher is nearby and talking a lot. She seems to respond to his voice! I can't wait till the movement is strong enough that others can feel. He is going to be so excited to see her responding that way! As I've been buying things here and there, he's been along for most of it. He tells me multiple times a day that he can't wait for his baby sister to be here. I think they are going to have a very special bond!
I last blogged about changes in placement with our foster kids....(I think?!) and our 9 yr old is going to be moved elsewhere. Her needs are way more than we are able to provide, and they want her in a home that she is the youngest, or only child and can get more therapeutic services. She's been really acting out more and more, and shows a lot of hatred and resentment towards anything baby related. She's also becoming aggressive and rude towards the boys, and just seems miserable no matter what we do to help. She isolates with any family activity we try to do. Her brother however, has really made a turn around with bonding, and has said he never wants to move, and "never wants another family." Because of his progress, the caseworkers have decided it was in the best interest of both to split the kids. If things continue to go so well with him, they will talk more in September/October to see how we're feeling on the adoption scale, and it's very possible that he could be adopted by the end of the year, or shortly after the new year! I said in the beginning of the year that there would be huge changes, and I never imagined that we would go from 1 kid to 3, and one of those be a brand new baby of our own!! Aside from the stress and drama that the 9 yr old makes, I feel pretty satisfied with where I am in life now.
And apparently the computer chair is the perfect place to get movement to happen more. Reclined back, and I think she's having a dance party. I love that I get to experience this!!
I'm 21 weeks tomorrow. Miss Keira is quite the active little creature most days, but I noticed yesterday afternoon that I wasn't feeling much movement. Bedtime came, and I still did not feel anything, and usually that's the most active time. When we lay down in bed, and we're talking, she starts bouncing off the walls in there. So, I got back up and we had ice cream. Some more talking from her daddy, and I felt 2 different kicks/pokes. Not the usual strong stuff. I started to worry, and did not sleep much. Same thing was going on this morning. I had a dr appt for one of the foster kids, so I figured by the time that was over, if I was still feeling the same way, I'd call and get in for a heart beat check and end my worries. While sitting in M's appt, (over top the a/c vent of all places) the baby woke up and went wild. Movement has been pretty frequent when i sit down today, so I feel much better. I think the problem was that she moved. She seems to be sideways, and pushing up high in the uterus. The bottom of my belly now looks a little wiggly and gross, but the top is really popping out more and feels really firm. Movement is also higher. And, it's kind of harder to breathe as easily in certain positions. I'm hoping position changes again, and we can get out of the breech category! I don't want a c-section....
A highlight of my week has been feeling movement when Kristopher is nearby and talking a lot. She seems to respond to his voice! I can't wait till the movement is strong enough that others can feel. He is going to be so excited to see her responding that way! As I've been buying things here and there, he's been along for most of it. He tells me multiple times a day that he can't wait for his baby sister to be here. I think they are going to have a very special bond!
I last blogged about changes in placement with our foster kids....(I think?!) and our 9 yr old is going to be moved elsewhere. Her needs are way more than we are able to provide, and they want her in a home that she is the youngest, or only child and can get more therapeutic services. She's been really acting out more and more, and shows a lot of hatred and resentment towards anything baby related. She's also becoming aggressive and rude towards the boys, and just seems miserable no matter what we do to help. She isolates with any family activity we try to do. Her brother however, has really made a turn around with bonding, and has said he never wants to move, and "never wants another family." Because of his progress, the caseworkers have decided it was in the best interest of both to split the kids. If things continue to go so well with him, they will talk more in September/October to see how we're feeling on the adoption scale, and it's very possible that he could be adopted by the end of the year, or shortly after the new year! I said in the beginning of the year that there would be huge changes, and I never imagined that we would go from 1 kid to 3, and one of those be a brand new baby of our own!! Aside from the stress and drama that the 9 yr old makes, I feel pretty satisfied with where I am in life now.
And apparently the computer chair is the perfect place to get movement to happen more. Reclined back, and I think she's having a dance party. I love that I get to experience this!!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
It's a......
We had the ultrasound on Monday! It's a baby....GIRL! She's very stubborn, and did not cooperate very well with the ultrasound. We got most of the measurements, but they were unable to get her to turn and do the spine & kidney stuff. She also did not cooperate to get enough for the heart either, although the doctor came in and said not to worry, what she did see looked great, we just need to get more measurements and details. So, I go back in 2 weeks for another scan. I think that makes ultrasound number 7 or 8 for this pregnancy. I have lost count. I was so sore after between the pushing of the tech, and the pushing back of the baby. I even had some bruising the day after.
Kristopher was beyond thrilled to get to go to this and see his little sister. He is very excited to have the role as a big brother to a baby sister, and says he's going to protect her from all the bad things in the world, and help her learn new things when she's big enough for him to teach her stuff. I think he's secretly excited because he thinks baby girls are easier than boys, given the last 3 he's been around on a regular basis between fostering and babysitting have been colicy boys. The last baby girl he's been around ended up being his little shadow as she got older, and they still have such a special bond. I'm excited to have her here, and see how they bond.
It's amazing how much ultrasounds have changed in the 9 years since we've experienced this. We were able to see so much! And, they do not give print out pictures anymore. We were given a cd with many pictures, plus 4 short video clips. I have one of the kicking, one of the baby swallowing, and then a few of just hanging out and you can see the heart beating. It's so amazing. :)
After the ultrasound, I had my ob appt. Everything was good there, and I gained "almost 2 pounds" so they didn't yell at me this time. BP was good, but after explaining how I've been getting headaches and describing them, I was told to try really hard to lower my stress and relax more. She even recommended checking my bp when I get the headaches that cause the throbbing, but as of the visit things were great so no concerns. The biggest stresser right now is our 9 yr old foster daughter, and due to the amount of issues, she will be moving to a different home before the next school year starts. That was a really hard decision to make, but it's pretty clear to everyone that we are not the appropriate match for her. She needs more of a therapy trained home, or somewhere with a lot less children/older children only/or only child home. Her brother is staying though because he's bonded really well, and starting to become open to the idea of adoption. He definitely wants to stay here, expresses that wish to his therapists and caseworkers, and recent evaluation for him shows that it would be damaging to remove him as well. For her, in almost 6 months they do not show any real bonding or attachment, and she's expressed not wanting to stay. But anyway, there's a partial look into my stress, and I'm trying really hard to give myself time and space when things get hard and not let it get so bad. In the past week, I've been able to control the headache enough that I don't have to take anything, and it goes away once I give myself a break. So that's a good sign.
When I update next, I'll post a picture from the ultrasound, but for now I need to edit a little to block out some personal info since this is public.
Oh, and baby's name is going to be Keira.
Kristopher was beyond thrilled to get to go to this and see his little sister. He is very excited to have the role as a big brother to a baby sister, and says he's going to protect her from all the bad things in the world, and help her learn new things when she's big enough for him to teach her stuff. I think he's secretly excited because he thinks baby girls are easier than boys, given the last 3 he's been around on a regular basis between fostering and babysitting have been colicy boys. The last baby girl he's been around ended up being his little shadow as she got older, and they still have such a special bond. I'm excited to have her here, and see how they bond.
It's amazing how much ultrasounds have changed in the 9 years since we've experienced this. We were able to see so much! And, they do not give print out pictures anymore. We were given a cd with many pictures, plus 4 short video clips. I have one of the kicking, one of the baby swallowing, and then a few of just hanging out and you can see the heart beating. It's so amazing. :)
After the ultrasound, I had my ob appt. Everything was good there, and I gained "almost 2 pounds" so they didn't yell at me this time. BP was good, but after explaining how I've been getting headaches and describing them, I was told to try really hard to lower my stress and relax more. She even recommended checking my bp when I get the headaches that cause the throbbing, but as of the visit things were great so no concerns. The biggest stresser right now is our 9 yr old foster daughter, and due to the amount of issues, she will be moving to a different home before the next school year starts. That was a really hard decision to make, but it's pretty clear to everyone that we are not the appropriate match for her. She needs more of a therapy trained home, or somewhere with a lot less children/older children only/or only child home. Her brother is staying though because he's bonded really well, and starting to become open to the idea of adoption. He definitely wants to stay here, expresses that wish to his therapists and caseworkers, and recent evaluation for him shows that it would be damaging to remove him as well. For her, in almost 6 months they do not show any real bonding or attachment, and she's expressed not wanting to stay. But anyway, there's a partial look into my stress, and I'm trying really hard to give myself time and space when things get hard and not let it get so bad. In the past week, I've been able to control the headache enough that I don't have to take anything, and it goes away once I give myself a break. So that's a good sign.
When I update next, I'll post a picture from the ultrasound, but for now I need to edit a little to block out some personal info since this is public.
Oh, and baby's name is going to be Keira.
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