I have decided to consolidate. The TBNL Baby Blog will be mashing up with my Gribble World blog. Because i'm pretty certain my life now will center around this little nugget.
Bookmark it, tattoo it, write it on a post-it.
http://gribbleworld.blogspot.com/
Monday, December 5, 2011
November 18, 2011
It's strange to think that this day, a day that has gone by so many times in my life, has meaning now. It's still very surreal that we have a baby. I do normal things throughout my day and then look over and there she is! Figuring out schedules is proving to be as difficult as I thought it would be.
Our First Picture Together
The c-section went off relatively well. With nothing to compare it to, i'd say it was a huge success! Christian watched the majority of the surgery. Until our Dr. told her to sit down because it was getting to "the bloody part." Once Parker was finally out, she really didn't want to come out, Christian was taking pictures and kissing on her. My doctor then started to close me up. According to her she sewed each layer that she cut through. And no stitches or staples on the skin! She super glued it together. The scar should be less this way.
I then went to the recovery "room." This is where Pat, one of my 80 year old nurses, proceeded to monitor my vitals and eventually waste a bunch of time because she couldn't get the monitors to record the information. For a bit of this time I was able to hold Parker and feed her before Christian and the nurse whisked her away to the warmer in the nursery and it was also time for a bath. She had lots of gunk in her ears, eyes and every other fold.
I was then transferred to my postpartum room and life with a newborn began.
Christian waiting to be allowed into the operating room. Self portrait.
Parker's Debut
Gettin' Weighed. 5lbs 9oz. 17inches.
The c-section went off relatively well. With nothing to compare it to, i'd say it was a huge success! Christian watched the majority of the surgery. Until our Dr. told her to sit down because it was getting to "the bloody part." Once Parker was finally out, she really didn't want to come out, Christian was taking pictures and kissing on her. My doctor then started to close me up. According to her she sewed each layer that she cut through. And no stitches or staples on the skin! She super glued it together. The scar should be less this way.
I then went to the recovery "room." This is where Pat, one of my 80 year old nurses, proceeded to monitor my vitals and eventually waste a bunch of time because she couldn't get the monitors to record the information. For a bit of this time I was able to hold Parker and feed her before Christian and the nurse whisked her away to the warmer in the nursery and it was also time for a bath. She had lots of gunk in her ears, eyes and every other fold.
I was then transferred to my postpartum room and life with a newborn began.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Take 2
Met with our doctor today. Just a few things stood out. (It ALL stood out).
1) The test we're relying on isn't all that accurate.
2) A 32 as the number result from the test is not comparable to a normal 36 week old.
3) Steroids don't always work
4) I will break a record if I make it to the 18th. Previa patients don't make it that far...ever.
5) We have our doctor's cell number!!!!!!
Scheduled for November 18th, rain or shine (as mom said). 12pm. It is the earliest we are "allowed" to have her according to our perinatologist.
So, a little over a week...
I will be the miracle.
1) The test we're relying on isn't all that accurate.
2) A 32 as the number result from the test is not comparable to a normal 36 week old.
3) Steroids don't always work
4) I will break a record if I make it to the 18th. Previa patients don't make it that far...ever.
5) We have our doctor's cell number!!!!!!
Scheduled for November 18th, rain or shine (as mom said). 12pm. It is the earliest we are "allowed" to have her according to our perinatologist.
So, a little over a week...
I will be the miracle.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Seriously?
I know that I should be grateful that we have made it this far without an "emergency." I should be grateful that our baby is safely tucked away on the inside and not in a NICU incubator like so many other babies are. But today, instead of having our c-section at 3p we are sitting at home, NOT having a c-section.
We had an amnio yesterday and they were looking for a specific number. A number of some chemical that mature lungs make. That number is 55. Our sweet little girl's number is 35. That means, 10 more days. 10 more days of worry, stress, possibly hospital stays and at the worst, an emergency c-section in the middle of the night with a doctor we don't know because i'm bleeding profusely. Now, i'm hoping that isn't the case. I'm hoping this steel wall of a placenta stays as is for the next 10 days. So our little girl will be healthy and be able to come home with us when it's time.
For today, we are shocked and a little upset. We were told week 36. If not week 36, week 37. Now, it's week 38. More nights worrying if i'm feeling her or if she's sleeping heavily. More anxiety. I suppose this is what parenting is all about. The most difficult part is I really can't do much to protect her. It is what it is and there isn't much more to it. It's quite simple in the most stressful kind of ways.
We had an amnio yesterday and they were looking for a specific number. A number of some chemical that mature lungs make. That number is 55. Our sweet little girl's number is 35. That means, 10 more days. 10 more days of worry, stress, possibly hospital stays and at the worst, an emergency c-section in the middle of the night with a doctor we don't know because i'm bleeding profusely. Now, i'm hoping that isn't the case. I'm hoping this steel wall of a placenta stays as is for the next 10 days. So our little girl will be healthy and be able to come home with us when it's time.
For today, we are shocked and a little upset. We were told week 36. If not week 36, week 37. Now, it's week 38. More nights worrying if i'm feeling her or if she's sleeping heavily. More anxiety. I suppose this is what parenting is all about. The most difficult part is I really can't do much to protect her. It is what it is and there isn't much more to it. It's quite simple in the most stressful kind of ways.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Hospital Stay Number Two
Sunday night was like every other night. Well, except Christian was super sick. It was about 9:30p and I got up to use the restroom and lo and behold I was bleeding again. This time I had some cramping to go along with it. We calmly gathered our things and headed to the car.
I was calm until I called mom and dad and when I heard dad's voice I started to cry. Not so sure why, but just saying it out loud got to me. I told them we'd let them know more when we found out. I thought we were going to have a baby. The bleeding was heavier than a few months ago and the cramping was new.
Upon arrival we were admitted, said hello to the nurses we had met the last time we were there and settled into our room (right by the nurses station). I changed into my gown, got into bed and then the nurse began trying to locate a heartbeat. I hate those machines. And, something about this nurse and her inability to find our little girl's heartbeat is getting annoying. She had lots of problems last time too! We both were holding our breath. I was looking to Christian and she was looking at me. "Have you felt her recently?" I thought so. The nurse eventually found her and the air was let back into the room. It felt like it took 30 minutes but the actual time was probably about 2 minutes. By midnight the IV was in, monitors were on and the doctor on call had come by to see us.
Neither one of us liked the on-call dr. He was nice enough, but he wasn't our doctor and he didn't seem too interested in us. Fortunately, the bleeding subsided and things calmed down and we would see our dr in the morning.
Sleeping in a hospital sucks. Christian was on the concrete platform they call a couch and I was in a birthing bed which was equally uncomfortable. I managed to get some sleep and was snoring while Christian tossed and turned. Each stay we get a new idea, so next time we're bringing a sleeping bag for Christian, more padding and warmth.
Our doctor arrived around 9a and told us that we had two options. Stay in the hospital in a more comfortable room or go home on bed rest. I thought about it and I thought about my bed at home and there is not a room in that hospital that is going to compare to my bed. So we decided we would pack it up and come home. However, the doctor told us that the next time I bleed I'm not leaving the hospital without our baby.
The good thing is, today is week 35. Our little girl could come as early as 7 days from today. Which, would be my great-grandmother's birthday. She scared the hell our of Jill and me, but she was mom's grandma and grandma's mom, so there is a great line of wonderful people that came from her. :) It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
I was calm until I called mom and dad and when I heard dad's voice I started to cry. Not so sure why, but just saying it out loud got to me. I told them we'd let them know more when we found out. I thought we were going to have a baby. The bleeding was heavier than a few months ago and the cramping was new.
Upon arrival we were admitted, said hello to the nurses we had met the last time we were there and settled into our room (right by the nurses station). I changed into my gown, got into bed and then the nurse began trying to locate a heartbeat. I hate those machines. And, something about this nurse and her inability to find our little girl's heartbeat is getting annoying. She had lots of problems last time too! We both were holding our breath. I was looking to Christian and she was looking at me. "Have you felt her recently?" I thought so. The nurse eventually found her and the air was let back into the room. It felt like it took 30 minutes but the actual time was probably about 2 minutes. By midnight the IV was in, monitors were on and the doctor on call had come by to see us.
Neither one of us liked the on-call dr. He was nice enough, but he wasn't our doctor and he didn't seem too interested in us. Fortunately, the bleeding subsided and things calmed down and we would see our dr in the morning.
Sleeping in a hospital sucks. Christian was on the concrete platform they call a couch and I was in a birthing bed which was equally uncomfortable. I managed to get some sleep and was snoring while Christian tossed and turned. Each stay we get a new idea, so next time we're bringing a sleeping bag for Christian, more padding and warmth.
Our doctor arrived around 9a and told us that we had two options. Stay in the hospital in a more comfortable room or go home on bed rest. I thought about it and I thought about my bed at home and there is not a room in that hospital that is going to compare to my bed. So we decided we would pack it up and come home. However, the doctor told us that the next time I bleed I'm not leaving the hospital without our baby.
The good thing is, today is week 35. Our little girl could come as early as 7 days from today. Which, would be my great-grandmother's birthday. She scared the hell our of Jill and me, but she was mom's grandma and grandma's mom, so there is a great line of wonderful people that came from her. :) It wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Week 34 Belly Pic
For those of you not on facebook, or that hate facebook, here is week 34's belly picture.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Week 33
Doctor's visit went well on Tuesday. We clarified a few things. Primarily, the question of "do all of your organs get taken out and put on your chest during a c-section?" Christian had heard this from a few people. I had done some "research" involving numerous google searches. Our doctor explained that the only organ to be removed from the abdomen was the placenta and then the uterus. The uterus is removed because it is easier to close it outside of the abdomen. We also learned that some doctor's will just open, get out baby and then close a few layers that they cut through to get to the baby. This does not sound like much fun. Fortunately, for us, our doctor says that she goes through each layer and closes them all. She also doesn't use staples which is a good thing. Staples in my abdomen may make me queasy.
My blood pressure and the baby's heart beat are all on track. And Dr. Siarezi told us that we have gotten further in the pregnancy than 80% of women with the placenta previa. So, that's great!
Now, about this baby. She moves around the most when I am lying down. She also does not like it when I compress myself too much, so if i'm sitting in a chair, she'll kick and flail until I give her a bit more room. She also does not like to perform. I've been able to feel various body parts. I think, primarily, a knee. But when Christian goes to feel it, she is shy and stops moving. She has the hiccups daily and it's going to be weird to not feel these things once she's out.
The other night Christian couldn't sleep and she put her hand on my belly to see if the baby was awake too. She said that she had the hiccups and that I slept right through them. She doesn't understand how it doesn't wake me up. She said that she had the hiccups for about fifteen minutes.
I can't believe that after all of these months there are only a few weeks left.
My blood pressure and the baby's heart beat are all on track. And Dr. Siarezi told us that we have gotten further in the pregnancy than 80% of women with the placenta previa. So, that's great!
Now, about this baby. She moves around the most when I am lying down. She also does not like it when I compress myself too much, so if i'm sitting in a chair, she'll kick and flail until I give her a bit more room. She also does not like to perform. I've been able to feel various body parts. I think, primarily, a knee. But when Christian goes to feel it, she is shy and stops moving. She has the hiccups daily and it's going to be weird to not feel these things once she's out.
The other night Christian couldn't sleep and she put her hand on my belly to see if the baby was awake too. She said that she had the hiccups and that I slept right through them. She doesn't understand how it doesn't wake me up. She said that she had the hiccups for about fifteen minutes.
I can't believe that after all of these months there are only a few weeks left.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Week 32 Sonograms
Here are the pictures we got on Wednesday. My scanner just started working again.
The first two are scary skeleton face pictures. But, you get the idea. She's on her side and her forehead is to the right of the picture. I labeled one so that you can have a BETTER idea.
The first two are scary skeleton face pictures. But, you get the idea. She's on her side and her forehead is to the right of the picture. I labeled one so that you can have a BETTER idea.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Perinatal Appointment
Today we met with Dr. Berry, our Perinatal specialist. He does all of the ultrasounds and he and Dr. Siarezi will coordinate the c-section and decide what is best.
Of course, the placenta hasn't moved in the last four weeks. I love ultrasound days. The pictures don't do the situation justice. Today we saw that she was holding her left foot and her little mouth was moving and she was swallowing the amniotic fluid. Gross to just think about, but super cute to actually see.
They checked her measurements around her head, abdomen, femur and amniotic fluid. They also check the heart and today checked for breathing motions. Of course, she isn't breathing, but her little chest is practicing. I think the diaphragm works or practices or something. She passed all of the tests.
She is 4.3 lbs and although i'm 32 weeks 1 day pregnant she is measuring at 31 weeks 5 days. They says she's great.
If she were to be born tomorrow due to an emergency she would be in the hospital for a month. It's a feed and grow time according to the dr. Which means that for the remainder of the time she'd spend inside of me, she'd be developing her liver a bit better and putting on more weight. This would be helped in the hospital.
The plan is, amnio on November 7th at 9:15a. They said the results take about 24 hours. Then, the c-section could be scheduled for the following day. That is, if her lungs are developed, which I think they will be since we had the steroid shot in September when we were in the hospital. So, from my calendar that would be giving her a November 9th birthday!!!
I can't believe there are only 4 more weeks left. I can't wait to hold her and know that she is safe and healthy.
Of course, the placenta hasn't moved in the last four weeks. I love ultrasound days. The pictures don't do the situation justice. Today we saw that she was holding her left foot and her little mouth was moving and she was swallowing the amniotic fluid. Gross to just think about, but super cute to actually see.
They checked her measurements around her head, abdomen, femur and amniotic fluid. They also check the heart and today checked for breathing motions. Of course, she isn't breathing, but her little chest is practicing. I think the diaphragm works or practices or something. She passed all of the tests.
She is 4.3 lbs and although i'm 32 weeks 1 day pregnant she is measuring at 31 weeks 5 days. They says she's great.
If she were to be born tomorrow due to an emergency she would be in the hospital for a month. It's a feed and grow time according to the dr. Which means that for the remainder of the time she'd spend inside of me, she'd be developing her liver a bit better and putting on more weight. This would be helped in the hospital.
The plan is, amnio on November 7th at 9:15a. They said the results take about 24 hours. Then, the c-section could be scheduled for the following day. That is, if her lungs are developed, which I think they will be since we had the steroid shot in September when we were in the hospital. So, from my calendar that would be giving her a November 9th birthday!!!
I can't believe there are only 4 more weeks left. I can't wait to hold her and know that she is safe and healthy.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Week 32
Today marks our first goal in this previa thing. Our doctor, after our hospital stay, wanted us to make it to week 32. Here we are! Now, she says that she's really happy when she can have the women make it to 34 weeks. So two more weeks of waiting. Doesn't seem like that long, but so much could happen in two weeks!
Today, according to thebump.com our little one is about 3.75 lbs and 16.7 inches long. We should have a more "exact" weight tomorrow after we have our ultrasound. I use quotations because it's +/- 6oz which doesn't seem too exact to me.
Things are trucking along. Pottery Barn Baby called me today and our glider/rocker should be here next Thursday, the 20th, so we will be all set!
She's moving and kicking, although not as much in the last few days. They say that's normal because they start running out of room and can't kick or move. When she does, it seems to jostle my entire body. It's going to be weird to not have a living being inside of me. I've gotten used to it.
More updates tomorrow after our perinatal appointment.
Today, according to thebump.com our little one is about 3.75 lbs and 16.7 inches long. We should have a more "exact" weight tomorrow after we have our ultrasound. I use quotations because it's +/- 6oz which doesn't seem too exact to me.
Things are trucking along. Pottery Barn Baby called me today and our glider/rocker should be here next Thursday, the 20th, so we will be all set!
She's moving and kicking, although not as much in the last few days. They say that's normal because they start running out of room and can't kick or move. When she does, it seems to jostle my entire body. It's going to be weird to not have a living being inside of me. I've gotten used to it.
More updates tomorrow after our perinatal appointment.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Doctor's Visit
This morning, like every Monday morning until this baby comes, we headed to our dr. Not much to report. We show up, wait 15 minutes, I get weighed, blood pressure taken belly is measured, baby's heart beat is noted and then we wait for the dr. to come in.
Today Christian asked the doctor what "the plan" is. 36 weeks. She said that she really likes to get women to 34 weeks. If I get that far, things are really good. So, i'm going to attempt to stop worrying so much. I'm going to stop stressing every time I use the restroom that it could be the moment I have to call Christian and we have to book it to the hospital. The last two weeks have been spot free, so why should I continue to stress out about something that may or may not happen. With my new leaf also is the realization that they don't really think I'm finished with the bleeding.
Crossing my fingers and plowing forward. We packed a preemie go-home outfit and a newborn go-home outfit. Hoping to keep the preemie outfit for baby dolls in a few years!
Today Christian asked the doctor what "the plan" is. 36 weeks. She said that she really likes to get women to 34 weeks. If I get that far, things are really good. So, i'm going to attempt to stop worrying so much. I'm going to stop stressing every time I use the restroom that it could be the moment I have to call Christian and we have to book it to the hospital. The last two weeks have been spot free, so why should I continue to stress out about something that may or may not happen. With my new leaf also is the realization that they don't really think I'm finished with the bleeding.
Crossing my fingers and plowing forward. We packed a preemie go-home outfit and a newborn go-home outfit. Hoping to keep the preemie outfit for baby dolls in a few years!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Just Another Day
Nothing new to report. No scares or hospital visits as of late. We're still trucking along. Each day is one day closer to our next goal.
We're at 30 weeks and 3 days right now. Goal is to make it to week 32. That would make Baby Girl Gribble 34 weeks old with the steroid shots that I got.
I keep holding my breath every time I use the bathroom and it sounds like everyone holds theirs when their phones ring.
We're at 30 weeks and 3 days right now. Goal is to make it to week 32. That would make Baby Girl Gribble 34 weeks old with the steroid shots that I got.
I keep holding my breath every time I use the bathroom and it sounds like everyone holds theirs when their phones ring.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Car Seats
We put the bases into our cars yesterday! We're hoping that we don't have to use them for a few more weeks, but they're in there!
We had a doctor's appointment today. The first of many (hopefully) over the next few weeks. Everything is good. Blood pressure, etc. The bleeding stopped on the 23rd.
The dr. said that if there is spotting, I will be put in the hospital for observation. If there is a larger bleed we will be delivering our little one.
We were driving home and I couldn't figure out which of the above options would be the "better" of the choices. A lighter bleed would mean she would get to cook longer. I would be laid up though, unable to do anything outside of the hospital. If it was a bigger bleed she would be delivered, and although the doc says that girls do the best and that she is in the 54th percentile right now and "bigger," it's still early.
Right now we're going day by day. It seems to be working. We hit week 30 tomorrow.
We had a doctor's appointment today. The first of many (hopefully) over the next few weeks. Everything is good. Blood pressure, etc. The bleeding stopped on the 23rd.
The dr. said that if there is spotting, I will be put in the hospital for observation. If there is a larger bleed we will be delivering our little one.
We were driving home and I couldn't figure out which of the above options would be the "better" of the choices. A lighter bleed would mean she would get to cook longer. I would be laid up though, unable to do anything outside of the hospital. If it was a bigger bleed she would be delivered, and although the doc says that girls do the best and that she is in the 54th percentile right now and "bigger," it's still early.
Right now we're going day by day. It seems to be working. We hit week 30 tomorrow.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Things
It was weird being home from the hospital. I went from hearing our little girl's heartbeat all day and night to not. I was worried. I was worried I wouldn't feel something I needed to feel. That's all waning a bit. She moves ALL the time and I love it. Right now, it's a waiting game. How long will she stay in? How long will my body allow her to? We do not want to spend weeks in the hospital being observed. But, if we have to, we're ready.
So far, things appear to be going well again. The bleeding has subsided to a minimal amount almost not even worthy of talking about. She is moving and kicking and I couldn't ask for more right now.
Things could change tonight, but i'm feeling like we have a few weeks before anything else happens.
So far, things appear to be going well again. The bleeding has subsided to a minimal amount almost not even worthy of talking about. She is moving and kicking and I couldn't ask for more right now.
Things could change tonight, but i'm feeling like we have a few weeks before anything else happens.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Hospital Stay
Saturday was the baby shower. It was so much fun. I was happy some family was here and missing those that weren't. I know they'll all be here soon enough though. The party was a huge success. When I have more time I will upload some pictures of the magnificent table and decorations.
Sunday morning at 2a I woke up to use the restroom. Upon completion I noticed I was bleeding. Problem numero uno. I woke up Christian and she jumped out of bed. We rushed to get dressed, call the dr. and they told us to get to the hospital. We flew to the hospital, safely. Fortunately it was 2am and there weren't that many cars on Mopac.
Upon arrival they took my vitals, checked the amount and color of the bleed and put me in a gown. The doctor would be in at 7a Sunday morning. Christian and I couldn't sleep. The couch was uncomfortable and neither one of us could wrap our heads around what was happening. Baby's monitor looked great. She was kicking and her heart beat looked great. No worries there. We got about an hour of sleep. Both eventually made it onto the hospital bed, her curled up by my feet and me angled.
The next morning the dr. on call came in and told me the drill. Observation and let's go ahead and get that steroid shot. Getting the steroid shot meant a 24 hr stay but also meant our little girl would have her organs mature two weeks in two days. Stronger baby = a little less stress on moms.
Grandmere, Jill, Mom & Aunt Jean came to visit before they had to leave to go home. It was pretty sad that we wouldn't be able to spend the day with them. It wasn't exactly planned this way.
Mom and Jill came back after the airport run and hung out for a while before they headed home. It was so nice to have mom and Jill around. Especially knowing that they were taking care of the house and dogs. They allowed Christian to stay with me and talk to doctors and know that everything was taken care of.
The steroid shots weren't super painful, just really uncomfortable. I got one in each quad, 24 hrs apart. It felt like that expandable foam from the hardware store expanding in my leg. The legs are a bit sore today, as expected from being punctured with a syringe!
We were released Monday morning by our real doctor around 11a. We will be seeing her every week from here on out. She wants to check in and see how things are. Our next goal is week 32. That is 3 weeks from today. Christian, nor myself, think that this is the last of our rushes to the hospital. We're hoping, but not too optimistic.
We arrived home and Christian packed our "to go" back. This way we can grab it and run in the middle of the night and have what we need. This weekend we had to talk mom through our house getting the things we may want/need. And we forgot stuff...go figure. The car seat is next to the bag and mom and I are working to get the nursery stocked and ready for a surprise. We don't want her here any earlier than necessary, but we want to be ready, just in case.
Christian drove me to the hospital thinking we were going to be having our daughter. Fortunately, she's still cooking and moving and seems to be doing just fine. Mom (me) on the other hand is working through the stress and not knowing. Sleep is fleeting and I don't see that getting any better over the next few weeks. Fingers crossed.
Sunday morning at 2a I woke up to use the restroom. Upon completion I noticed I was bleeding. Problem numero uno. I woke up Christian and she jumped out of bed. We rushed to get dressed, call the dr. and they told us to get to the hospital. We flew to the hospital, safely. Fortunately it was 2am and there weren't that many cars on Mopac.
Upon arrival they took my vitals, checked the amount and color of the bleed and put me in a gown. The doctor would be in at 7a Sunday morning. Christian and I couldn't sleep. The couch was uncomfortable and neither one of us could wrap our heads around what was happening. Baby's monitor looked great. She was kicking and her heart beat looked great. No worries there. We got about an hour of sleep. Both eventually made it onto the hospital bed, her curled up by my feet and me angled.
The next morning the dr. on call came in and told me the drill. Observation and let's go ahead and get that steroid shot. Getting the steroid shot meant a 24 hr stay but also meant our little girl would have her organs mature two weeks in two days. Stronger baby = a little less stress on moms.
Grandmere, Jill, Mom & Aunt Jean came to visit before they had to leave to go home. It was pretty sad that we wouldn't be able to spend the day with them. It wasn't exactly planned this way.
Mom and Jill came back after the airport run and hung out for a while before they headed home. It was so nice to have mom and Jill around. Especially knowing that they were taking care of the house and dogs. They allowed Christian to stay with me and talk to doctors and know that everything was taken care of.
The steroid shots weren't super painful, just really uncomfortable. I got one in each quad, 24 hrs apart. It felt like that expandable foam from the hardware store expanding in my leg. The legs are a bit sore today, as expected from being punctured with a syringe!
We were released Monday morning by our real doctor around 11a. We will be seeing her every week from here on out. She wants to check in and see how things are. Our next goal is week 32. That is 3 weeks from today. Christian, nor myself, think that this is the last of our rushes to the hospital. We're hoping, but not too optimistic.
We arrived home and Christian packed our "to go" back. This way we can grab it and run in the middle of the night and have what we need. This weekend we had to talk mom through our house getting the things we may want/need. And we forgot stuff...go figure. The car seat is next to the bag and mom and I are working to get the nursery stocked and ready for a surprise. We don't want her here any earlier than necessary, but we want to be ready, just in case.
Christian drove me to the hospital thinking we were going to be having our daughter. Fortunately, she's still cooking and moving and seems to be doing just fine. Mom (me) on the other hand is working through the stress and not knowing. Sleep is fleeting and I don't see that getting any better over the next few weeks. Fingers crossed.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Week 28 & Doctor's Appointment
Baby G is doing well! Her heartbeat was around 140 this morning and we are now in our third trimester. I am a solid 189.4lbs and holding strong. I have gained 9 pounds in 4 weeks! I'm growing as fast as Maggie is.
Nothing much new today in the way of news from the Dr. We are going to 2 week appointments now instead of four and tomorrow morning we have an appointment with Dr. Barry, our perinatal doctor. He will do an ultrasound on the central previa and see what's going on. Hopefully we'll know more tomorrow.
I did get a flu shot today. I've been anti flu shot for as long as i've been able to make that decision and i'm feeling a bit ill now...I think it may be mental.
Nothing much new today in the way of news from the Dr. We are going to 2 week appointments now instead of four and tomorrow morning we have an appointment with Dr. Barry, our perinatal doctor. He will do an ultrasound on the central previa and see what's going on. Hopefully we'll know more tomorrow.
I did get a flu shot today. I've been anti flu shot for as long as i've been able to make that decision and i'm feeling a bit ill now...I think it may be mental.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Joys of Pregnancy
Throughout the last 28 weeks I have gone through a number of things with this pregnancy. The first trimester was pretty rough. Sick, exhausted, loss of appetite, you name it. If it was in a book as a symptom of pregnancy, I had it. Second trimester was good. I could eat pretty much anything I wanted. I realized early on that I could not scoop the backyard and clean up after the dogs when I puked in the backyard. I only wanted to do that once.
We've realized that I can't deal with gross things. Things I typically would have no issue with. Smells in public restrooms, although nasty and vile, didn't cause violent reactions. Other random things that happened to the dogs, or came out of humans could cause a gag attack. I'd have to calm myself down, try NOT to think about it and move forward. Even thinking too much about something could cause this gag attack.
Tonight, just now, something new happened. I killed a fly. This normally would bring great joy and pride. Those tricky little boogers sneak into the house and the one that kills it gets great accolades. I spotted it, I grabbed a tool, and I smacked it. I got it good. I then realized the gag reflex also works for body innards.
The things I find out on a daily basis are slowly swaying me to just stay home and in bed and not do anything. Slowly the list of things I used to be able to do is disappearing.
My only hope is that by the time this little nugget arrives my gag reflex is back to normal or i'm going to be driving Baby G, 30 minutes round trip, to Christian's store, 4-6 times a day, to change the nastiest of nasty diapers.
We've realized that I can't deal with gross things. Things I typically would have no issue with. Smells in public restrooms, although nasty and vile, didn't cause violent reactions. Other random things that happened to the dogs, or came out of humans could cause a gag attack. I'd have to calm myself down, try NOT to think about it and move forward. Even thinking too much about something could cause this gag attack.
Tonight, just now, something new happened. I killed a fly. This normally would bring great joy and pride. Those tricky little boogers sneak into the house and the one that kills it gets great accolades. I spotted it, I grabbed a tool, and I smacked it. I got it good. I then realized the gag reflex also works for body innards.
The things I find out on a daily basis are slowly swaying me to just stay home and in bed and not do anything. Slowly the list of things I used to be able to do is disappearing.
My only hope is that by the time this little nugget arrives my gag reflex is back to normal or i'm going to be driving Baby G, 30 minutes round trip, to Christian's store, 4-6 times a day, to change the nastiest of nasty diapers.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Grandpa
Grandpa comes to visit tomorrow to get TBNL's room ready. She's very excited to hear his voice and can't wait to sleep in the crib he builds and poop on the changing table. It's the little things really.
The last few days she wasn't as active as she had been. I tried not to freak out and did a pretty good job. The last few days she's back to her old ways. It's comforting to feel a foot or arm in my gut. They're supposedly getting a more routine awake/asleep schedule. This is not so good for me because at 7a when I have to get up to use the restroom she's pounding away in there. Christian pointed out that if she's sleeping until 7 we're pretty lucky. I said yes, but she's also awake at 3a & 5a when I take bathroom breaks.
To quote Christian from a few days ago, "what have we gotten ourselves into." We both LOVE to sleep! I'm soaking it up. Only a few months until it's all gone.
The last few days she wasn't as active as she had been. I tried not to freak out and did a pretty good job. The last few days she's back to her old ways. It's comforting to feel a foot or arm in my gut. They're supposedly getting a more routine awake/asleep schedule. This is not so good for me because at 7a when I have to get up to use the restroom she's pounding away in there. Christian pointed out that if she's sleeping until 7 we're pretty lucky. I said yes, but she's also awake at 3a & 5a when I take bathroom breaks.
To quote Christian from a few days ago, "what have we gotten ourselves into." We both LOVE to sleep! I'm soaking it up. Only a few months until it's all gone.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Going Home Outfit
This is what we have picked for our little's one's trip home. It's comfortable, yet stylish. However, if she decides she needs to come early, we may need to also have a smaller, stylish, outfit for her. She needs options.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Week 25
Things have calmed down a bit since last Tuesday. The reality of there only being 11 weeks until they check our little girl's lungs is settling in.
Today she is about 13.5 inches long from head to heel and weighs about 1.5lbs. These are not doctor measurements, just what my little phone app tells me each week about her. She is starting to understand if she is upright or down and her little wrinkly skin is being filled in with some fat.
This morning Christian and I were talking after she got to work and she asked what her girl was doing. I told her that she was kicking and moving and generally very active. We both agreed that that worries us a tad bit because that would mean that she's been doing that pretty constant for a few hours! Are we ever going to get any sleep??? :)
Last night at softball was the first time someone other than Christian and I felt Baby Girl. Vanessa, Doug and Leigh were the lucky ones. Vanessa has been waiting for weeks! It is definitely a weird sensation to feel her moving around inside of my abdomen.
I've been feeling fine and the same as I did before we knew what was going on. Now we just have plans in place for emergencies. We both are planners.
Yesterday I registered to store her cord blood. We had discussed it and with the scare of Jake's CF this year I think we both were set on spending the extra money to potentially save her life or her little sister or brother's. And who knows what the stem cells could do for her in 50 years. We'd kick ourselves if something happened to her that these cells could've helped. So we're sucking it up and spending the money. The yearly cost isn't so bad. It's the initial cost that gets people. It is just money though and if it can help our kids, it's worth it.
Today she is about 13.5 inches long from head to heel and weighs about 1.5lbs. These are not doctor measurements, just what my little phone app tells me each week about her. She is starting to understand if she is upright or down and her little wrinkly skin is being filled in with some fat.
This morning Christian and I were talking after she got to work and she asked what her girl was doing. I told her that she was kicking and moving and generally very active. We both agreed that that worries us a tad bit because that would mean that she's been doing that pretty constant for a few hours! Are we ever going to get any sleep??? :)
Last night at softball was the first time someone other than Christian and I felt Baby Girl. Vanessa, Doug and Leigh were the lucky ones. Vanessa has been waiting for weeks! It is definitely a weird sensation to feel her moving around inside of my abdomen.
I've been feeling fine and the same as I did before we knew what was going on. Now we just have plans in place for emergencies. We both are planners.
Yesterday I registered to store her cord blood. We had discussed it and with the scare of Jake's CF this year I think we both were set on spending the extra money to potentially save her life or her little sister or brother's. And who knows what the stem cells could do for her in 50 years. We'd kick ourselves if something happened to her that these cells could've helped. So we're sucking it up and spending the money. The yearly cost isn't so bad. It's the initial cost that gets people. It is just money though and if it can help our kids, it's worth it.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Difficult Day & Week 24
We had an ob appointment today. It is week 24 after all. Last week we had been diagnosed with placenta previa. Today we were labeled. I've always hated labels. Today it was "high risk." Awesome. Baby Girl Gribble is doing well, as am I, but looks like she will have a November birthday instead of December 6th as her full term birth date.
I have centralized placenta previa. The placenta is smack, dab, in the middle on top of the cervix. We get it looked at again at week 28, but i'm not too optimistic about things changing enough to make this a "normal" pregnancy.
At week 36 we will have an amniocentesis. If her lungs have developed enough they will perform the c-section that week. That is 12 weeks away! In the meantime, if I begin to bleed any I could be hospitalized or put on steroids and magnesium depending on the severity of the bleed.
It was a rough morning. Mostly because all of our plans for the next few months have to be rescheduled. Of course, the important thing is that we both stay healthy, but baby showers and trips are having to be canceled.
Fortunately, a couple of friends have offered to throw a shower here in Austin so, hopefully, everyone will be able to travel and be here.
We need to have things ready by week 32 according to our OB. That's 8 weeks away. I can't believe it.
I have centralized placenta previa. The placenta is smack, dab, in the middle on top of the cervix. We get it looked at again at week 28, but i'm not too optimistic about things changing enough to make this a "normal" pregnancy.
At week 36 we will have an amniocentesis. If her lungs have developed enough they will perform the c-section that week. That is 12 weeks away! In the meantime, if I begin to bleed any I could be hospitalized or put on steroids and magnesium depending on the severity of the bleed.
It was a rough morning. Mostly because all of our plans for the next few months have to be rescheduled. Of course, the important thing is that we both stay healthy, but baby showers and trips are having to be canceled.
Fortunately, a couple of friends have offered to throw a shower here in Austin so, hopefully, everyone will be able to travel and be here.
We need to have things ready by week 32 according to our OB. That's 8 weeks away. I can't believe it.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Preadmission & Thoughts
I just filled out my preadmission form for the hospital. I can't believe it. The time just keeps passing and my belly keeps getting bigger.
I've been thinking about the possibility of a c-section. It's not the c-section that is worrisome. Actually, at first, I was ok with it all. Then I got on the internet. I'm still ok with it, I just read a bit more about the placenta previa condition and now I understand it better. I definitely think a c-section will be necessary as when I saw on the ultrasound where the placenta was it looked like a wall had been constructed. My thoughts are it isn't moving. The concerns run from more bleeding (which hasn't even happened) to how much longer i'm going to have to "take it easy." In the big picture I am ok with all of it as long as little munchkin is ok and safe. There are just thoughts that stream throughout my mind on a daily basis.
On a brighter note, we are going to register tonight! I can't wait! Of course, I hate buying things without actually looking at every single one of my options. But i'm going to be ok. :)
I've been thinking about the possibility of a c-section. It's not the c-section that is worrisome. Actually, at first, I was ok with it all. Then I got on the internet. I'm still ok with it, I just read a bit more about the placenta previa condition and now I understand it better. I definitely think a c-section will be necessary as when I saw on the ultrasound where the placenta was it looked like a wall had been constructed. My thoughts are it isn't moving. The concerns run from more bleeding (which hasn't even happened) to how much longer i'm going to have to "take it easy." In the big picture I am ok with all of it as long as little munchkin is ok and safe. There are just thoughts that stream throughout my mind on a daily basis.
On a brighter note, we are going to register tonight! I can't wait! Of course, I hate buying things without actually looking at every single one of my options. But i'm going to be ok. :)
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Week 23 Picture
I realize some of you may not be addicted to Facebook as I am, so here is the recent bump picture.
It's Official
This morning was the anatomy scan. I was supposed to have it done between weeks 20 and 22 but because of our little health insurance snafu I scheduled it for week 23. Saving money any way I can! So this morning we traveled the 30 minutes to the perinatal office and had the scan.
They started at the cervix and saw that I have Placenta Previa which essentially means the placenta is blocking the baby exit. SO, in 5 weeks we will go back and see if it's moved with the uterus growing and if it hasn't we will be having a c-section. I'm surprisingly ok with that news. My major concern was baby. I wanted it to be healthy and I can deal with a c-section. As I said earlier to my mom, "I can be a princess even longer." So I will be taking it easy still until we find out more. I haven't had any bleeding since the hemorrhage so maybe it'll just sit there and not cause any other problems.
Then they moved onto baby. Starting at the head they measured the head size and brain. They looked at the face and there is no cleft lip and the nose and mouth looks good. Moving down her heart has four chambers, stomach is good, kidneys have blood flowing to both of them and her bladder is there. The spine looks perfect and we got to see the fingers and toes. Her second toe is longer than her big toe which is a Frazee trait and, coincidentally enough, Christian's toe is like that too. Her hands were open which they said was a good sign and she is super limber because one of her legs was up by her head.
She weighs in around one pound and moves lots and lots.
We are so very excited and can't wait for our LITTLE GIRL to get here. It was verified today. Bring on the pink dresses and bows!
Looking straight onto her face.
Second toe longer than big toe.
Her athletic leg.
Profile
They started at the cervix and saw that I have Placenta Previa which essentially means the placenta is blocking the baby exit. SO, in 5 weeks we will go back and see if it's moved with the uterus growing and if it hasn't we will be having a c-section. I'm surprisingly ok with that news. My major concern was baby. I wanted it to be healthy and I can deal with a c-section. As I said earlier to my mom, "I can be a princess even longer." So I will be taking it easy still until we find out more. I haven't had any bleeding since the hemorrhage so maybe it'll just sit there and not cause any other problems.
Then they moved onto baby. Starting at the head they measured the head size and brain. They looked at the face and there is no cleft lip and the nose and mouth looks good. Moving down her heart has four chambers, stomach is good, kidneys have blood flowing to both of them and her bladder is there. The spine looks perfect and we got to see the fingers and toes. Her second toe is longer than her big toe which is a Frazee trait and, coincidentally enough, Christian's toe is like that too. Her hands were open which they said was a good sign and she is super limber because one of her legs was up by her head.
She weighs in around one pound and moves lots and lots.
We are so very excited and can't wait for our LITTLE GIRL to get here. It was verified today. Bring on the pink dresses and bows!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Jake Does Care!
Today I was getting Jake's hair fixed and he grabbed my stomach and started talking. He said "oh little tbnl, you have a big belly!" it was so cute. Sometimes we wonder if he cares.
Off to the Cruise terminal!!!
Off to the Cruise terminal!!!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Week 21
Week 20 seemed to fly by. As is week 21. I think it's because we leave for vacay in two days!!! This leaves limited time to procrastinate.
Nothing new with Baby Gribble. She (maybe he) has been really active lately. Even as I type this I feel little nudges in my abdomen. The doctor says that it won't be regular until around 28 weeks when I will start doing kick counts and stressing about those. Now it's just fun. I used to only feel her when I was lying down. Now, even sitting I can feel her. Which means that when she's more than a pound i'm going to be kicked to death. YAY!
Baby is supposed to weigh about three-quarters of a pound and is about 10.5 inches long. Which is about the size of a carrot. According to my iphone baby app the eyebrows and eyelids are also present now. Well, one can hope at least that they are there.
In a week we will be having our anatomy scan. I think that I mention this in every post, but i'm super excited and nervous to see how the little nugget is developing and get a for sure on gender.
Christian and I have also decided that our final name will not be disclosed until birth. Which means, much to my mom's dismay, no monogramming. So any little pink jumpers will not be bedazzled with her initials. Thank goodness!!! If you must monogram, "TBNL" will just have to do.
Nothing new with Baby Gribble. She (maybe he) has been really active lately. Even as I type this I feel little nudges in my abdomen. The doctor says that it won't be regular until around 28 weeks when I will start doing kick counts and stressing about those. Now it's just fun. I used to only feel her when I was lying down. Now, even sitting I can feel her. Which means that when she's more than a pound i'm going to be kicked to death. YAY!
Baby is supposed to weigh about three-quarters of a pound and is about 10.5 inches long. Which is about the size of a carrot. According to my iphone baby app the eyebrows and eyelids are also present now. Well, one can hope at least that they are there.
In a week we will be having our anatomy scan. I think that I mention this in every post, but i'm super excited and nervous to see how the little nugget is developing and get a for sure on gender.
Christian and I have also decided that our final name will not be disclosed until birth. Which means, much to my mom's dismay, no monogramming. So any little pink jumpers will not be bedazzled with her initials. Thank goodness!!! If you must monogram, "TBNL" will just have to do.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Week 20
We have hit the half way mark! Only 20 more weeks left until this little munchkin is suppose to join us on the outside.
We had a doctor's appointment this morning. Our neural tube tests came back negative which is a good thing. And they measured my belly which is new. Week 20 brings lots of new things. They say that from my pelvic bone to the top of the uterus, which is right under my belly button now, should be one cm per week. Which is was. So we're looking good. Baby is growing well and it's exciting times.
Also this week we were given lots of paperwork. We have child birth classes to sign up for and infant/child CPR classes to sign up for. The child birth class is about 7 hours long and at the end of it we go for a tour through the labor and delivery ward at the hospital and see all of the recovery rooms and such. It's apparently also time to consult with a lactation specialist. So exciting!
So things are going well. We didn't get to see an ultrasound today which is sad, but we will have one in three weeks for the anatomy scan. CAN NOT WAIT!
We had a doctor's appointment this morning. Our neural tube tests came back negative which is a good thing. And they measured my belly which is new. Week 20 brings lots of new things. They say that from my pelvic bone to the top of the uterus, which is right under my belly button now, should be one cm per week. Which is was. So we're looking good. Baby is growing well and it's exciting times.
Also this week we were given lots of paperwork. We have child birth classes to sign up for and infant/child CPR classes to sign up for. The child birth class is about 7 hours long and at the end of it we go for a tour through the labor and delivery ward at the hospital and see all of the recovery rooms and such. It's apparently also time to consult with a lactation specialist. So exciting!
So things are going well. We didn't get to see an ultrasound today which is sad, but we will have one in three weeks for the anatomy scan. CAN NOT WAIT!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Must Have A Plan
Tonight we were driving home from softball and, of course, talking about our baby and Christian says "you need to let me know what you want to take to the hospital so that we are ready." I thought that it was one of the funniest and cutest things ever. Ms. Always-with-a-Plan needs my suitcase list for December! So, next week I will start my list. I hope nothing super awesome comes out between now and then since I like to have the very best of EVERYTHING!
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Baby Loves to Kick
Tonight while we were watching tv our little munchkin was kicking up a storm!!!
We also walked through babies r us today. We'll be registering in august once we find out for certain we're having a little girl. Can't wait. There's so much fun stuff!
We also walked through babies r us today. We'll be registering in august once we find out for certain we're having a little girl. Can't wait. There's so much fun stuff!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Week 19
I can't believe we're already at week 19!!! Next week will mark the half way mark.
I can feel her moving lots lately. It's not all the time, but I definitely feel more and more often. Christian's patience level isn't large enough to sit there waiting.
We made our plans to go to Georgia for a baby shower. As soon as we find out for sure if we're having a him or a her we will get to register. Both of us are a little gun shy about having to go out in public and carry around a registry gun and pick stuff out, but i'm pretty certain we'll do just fine. At 2:30 on a Thursday.
Not too much to say really. Week 18 came and went. Things seem to be going very smoothly and questioning that seems a bit silly.
Doctor's visit next week for a regular check up. And August 10th we'll have our anatomy scan. Making sure all the organs are doing well.
I can feel her moving lots lately. It's not all the time, but I definitely feel more and more often. Christian's patience level isn't large enough to sit there waiting.
We made our plans to go to Georgia for a baby shower. As soon as we find out for sure if we're having a him or a her we will get to register. Both of us are a little gun shy about having to go out in public and carry around a registry gun and pick stuff out, but i'm pretty certain we'll do just fine. At 2:30 on a Thursday.
Not too much to say really. Week 18 came and went. Things seem to be going very smoothly and questioning that seems a bit silly.
Doctor's visit next week for a regular check up. And August 10th we'll have our anatomy scan. Making sure all the organs are doing well.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Small Movements
Christian felt the baby today. Well, we think she did. It felt like someone poking at her hand from the inside. Or, I have an alien growing inside of me trying to make contact with the outside world. Either way, there's something in there. It's getting bigger.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Essentials
Today I googled "newborn essentials." I have been around many babies in my life. I've gone shopping for baby showers and have known what is necessary, but never seen a list of sorts.
So I started writing it down and realized how much crap we're going to need! That's just the stuff we NEED, not the things I may want after going to register.
I saw the tiniest baby at Kohl's today, it was so tiny and adorable. I can't wait! But I will. No early labor!
So I started writing it down and realized how much crap we're going to need! That's just the stuff we NEED, not the things I may want after going to register.
I saw the tiniest baby at Kohl's today, it was so tiny and adorable. I can't wait! But I will. No early labor!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Bellies
Today at swim lessons I saw a woman in a bikini with a 2 year old in another class. She also had a basketball in her abdomen. I realized there is no skipping that step. It is inevitable and each morning that I feel bigger is one step closer to smuggling said basketball around with me all day. I do suppose a basketball is better than a watermelon.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Week 18
We have a sweet potato!!! Yesterday I woke up and looked at my belly (as I was lying on my back) and it was lopsided! Later on in the day it was lopsided on the other side. Lately i've been feeling what I can only imagine is the baby kicking and moving. This morning I swear I felt it with my hand on my stomach. Christian couldn't though. We'll have to wait a bit longer for that.
I've been feeling great. I am getting a bit of a belly and have upgraded to some maternity shorts since my shorts didn't fit anymore. I'm also realizing my shirts are NOT going to last through December. So i've been trying to find more shirts. We are going to work on a picture to post tonight since we try to take them on our weekly marks.
I ordered our baby book a few weeks ago. We received it last week. Today I opened it and looked through it and can't wait to fill it out! I must find an archive pen though to make sure it lasts. Only the greatest.
Yesterday we moved Jake and his room into our old guest room. It's bigger and has more grown up furniture for him to grow with. His room is a great room for the baby and we will be getting rid of his furniture and making room for a crib and changing table! It was fun getting it all situated. Jake even scored a tv out of it. We didn't want him to do something he didn't want and thought a tv may make it a bit sweeter. We're pushovers and he's spoiled. At least we recognize this. He's the first baby. But he also has manners and knows these things are privileges. I wonder if i'm trying to convince myself.
Back to the dr. in two weeks. We will be halfway through! Only 22 weeks to go. That also means there are only about 24 weeks until Christmas. Get on it!
I've been feeling great. I am getting a bit of a belly and have upgraded to some maternity shorts since my shorts didn't fit anymore. I'm also realizing my shirts are NOT going to last through December. So i've been trying to find more shirts. We are going to work on a picture to post tonight since we try to take them on our weekly marks.
I ordered our baby book a few weeks ago. We received it last week. Today I opened it and looked through it and can't wait to fill it out! I must find an archive pen though to make sure it lasts. Only the greatest.
Yesterday we moved Jake and his room into our old guest room. It's bigger and has more grown up furniture for him to grow with. His room is a great room for the baby and we will be getting rid of his furniture and making room for a crib and changing table! It was fun getting it all situated. Jake even scored a tv out of it. We didn't want him to do something he didn't want and thought a tv may make it a bit sweeter. We're pushovers and he's spoiled. At least we recognize this. He's the first baby. But he also has manners and knows these things are privileges. I wonder if i'm trying to convince myself.
Back to the dr. in two weeks. We will be halfway through! Only 22 weeks to go. That also means there are only about 24 weeks until Christmas. Get on it!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Braves Fan
Really? Did you all think this wouldn't happen???
AND, the best parts. It was on sale. AND, it's sized at 6 months, so perfect time for baseball season!
AND, the best parts. It was on sale. AND, it's sized at 6 months, so perfect time for baseball season!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Imagine...
There is a glass table and TBNL is sitting on top. You are underneath looking up at the cutest little butt ever. The white lines are her thigh bones.
This is the picture that leads us to believe TBNL is a little girl. You can see for yourself now!
This is the picture that leads us to believe TBNL is a little girl. You can see for yourself now!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Week 16 & Doctor's Appointment
This morning we had an OB appointment. The bleeding had stopped about a week and a half ago, but we still wondered if the subchorionic hemorrhage was still there. They took us into a room without an ultrasound machine but the dr went to find a room where we could take a look. She asked us if we were going to find out the sex of our baby and we said yes and she started looking around. She looked from a couple of different angles and, although, she's not 100% sure, she's thinking it's a girl. Totally not what I was thinking, but awesome all the same.
Then she went searching for the hemorrhage. She could find it!!!! So, I still have to take it easy, but we're thinking it's gone! It was such a huge relief to hear that.
Baby's heartbeat was strong at 154 and so far baby is getting big. Week 16 marks the baby being the size of an avocado. It's weird to think it's inside of me, growing. Seems very unnatural.
So, a girl, now my brain won't stop with names. We had three picked and now i'm wondering if there should be more.
Then she went searching for the hemorrhage. She could find it!!!! So, I still have to take it easy, but we're thinking it's gone! It was such a huge relief to hear that.
Baby's heartbeat was strong at 154 and so far baby is getting big. Week 16 marks the baby being the size of an avocado. It's weird to think it's inside of me, growing. Seems very unnatural.
So, a girl, now my brain won't stop with names. We had three picked and now i'm wondering if there should be more.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Father's Day
Today I am thinking a lot about the wonderful man that has allowed us to fulfill our dream of having a baby. Without him, we wouldn't be here. We may not know who he is or where he is today, but I know that we am grateful for him.
I am also grateful for the man that is Jake's dad. Jake may say he doesn't know him and he may never, but Jake is an amazing kid and his dad would be proud.
Happy Father's Day to TBNL's dad, grandpa (Jerry) and great-grandpa (Jim).
I am also grateful for the man that is Jake's dad. Jake may say he doesn't know him and he may never, but Jake is an amazing kid and his dad would be proud.
Happy Father's Day to TBNL's dad, grandpa (Jerry) and great-grandpa (Jim).
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Week 15
Today marks week 15. Little Gribble is the size of a navel orange at 4 inches from crown to rump. I haven't felt it yet but have heard in the next few weeks I should. So sometimes I lie in bed and stay real still and try to focus and see if I can feel anything. It's safe to say, the things i'm feeling turn out to NOT be TBNL.
The spotting has subsided now for about a week, which is great news! At least we think it is. We have a doctor's appointment next week and hopefully she'll have the same outlook. Maybe we'll get another picture too! We've been spoiled with so many. I've heard from other people that you normally only get two sonograms. So far, we've gotten four!
I'm not super huge yet. It's at the in between stage where I just look fat. I've had to use a rubber band on my button on my shorts and have tried to live in mesh shorts. Pictures will be posted as soon as there seems to be a difference in appearance. It's like when you've had short hair and you're growing it out. Or bangs. There's that in between stage where you look either like you don't maintain or care too much about your appearance. Right now i'm just chunky, not pregnant. In time.
With this 102 degree heat i'm not antsy to get very big too soon.
The spotting has subsided now for about a week, which is great news! At least we think it is. We have a doctor's appointment next week and hopefully she'll have the same outlook. Maybe we'll get another picture too! We've been spoiled with so many. I've heard from other people that you normally only get two sonograms. So far, we've gotten four!
I'm not super huge yet. It's at the in between stage where I just look fat. I've had to use a rubber band on my button on my shorts and have tried to live in mesh shorts. Pictures will be posted as soon as there seems to be a difference in appearance. It's like when you've had short hair and you're growing it out. Or bangs. There's that in between stage where you look either like you don't maintain or care too much about your appearance. Right now i'm just chunky, not pregnant. In time.
With this 102 degree heat i'm not antsy to get very big too soon.
Anatomy Scan
Since our insurance saleswoman sucked we didn't have ob coverage. So the scans and appointments have started adding up. So, instead of having our anatomy scan in July, we are moving it. The baby may be too big to see all of the organs, but I think it'll be ok.
Fortunately, our plan renews in August so we will at least be covered for the last half of the pregnancy. Today I scheduled an anatomy scan. This, is when we will find out if Baby Gribble will be our little boy or little girl. So, everyone, mark your calendars for August 10th. Hopefully whatever it is, it isn't modest.
Fortunately, our plan renews in August so we will at least be covered for the last half of the pregnancy. Today I scheduled an anatomy scan. This, is when we will find out if Baby Gribble will be our little boy or little girl. So, everyone, mark your calendars for August 10th. Hopefully whatever it is, it isn't modest.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Old TBNL Blog Posts
5.25.2011
This morning we had another doctor's appointment. This time it was for some testing of our little one. It passed the Nuchal Translucency test which is the test for any kind of chromosomal abnormalities. It was super active and apparently loves to kick and flail arms. Yay. I forget how big it was when they measured it, but we're on track! The bleed was noticed and is "rather large" but as long as i'm feeling ok, things should be good. And, it's not much more than spotting, so we're good for now.
5.24.2011
Today marks week 12! The bleeding has stopped, but we are still being cautious about the clot. At 20 weeks it should be resolved. Great, I thought a 6 week school semester seemed long.
I thought the nausea was going away. Then this morning came and went. Still on the Zofran. Only when I really need it though. Eating LOTS of fruit and as the saying goes, lots of pickles too.
We've received cards in the mail congratulating us and they all bring a smile to our faces. And the soft stuffed animals will become a smothering hazard in the crib. :)
Not showing too much yet. Just feeling generally fat and sometimes feel my belly pushing on my pants in a way that isn't a fat feeling.
Tomorrow we have a nuchal translucency test to test for downs and any congenital heart conditions. Crossing my fingers that it goes as smoothly as most other tests have gone. We'll see.
5.20.2011
We had quite the scare the other night. Tuesday before getting into bed I hit the bathroom one last time. It was only then that I realized I had started to bleed. Needless to say, we both freaked out. Christian immediately called the doctor's office and left a message with their answering service. About 45 seconds later a doctor called us back. She let us know that as long as I wasn't cramping, and I wasn't, that it was a good sign and that we could wait until the morning to call our OB or we could head out to the ER to check on the baby. After pulling myself together I decided i'd feel better if we went to the ER. It felt like hours before we were seen, but it only took about 20 minutes. They took my vitals, asked me a bunch of questions and then put me in a room. I held myself together until then. I couldn't look at Christian. I just stared at the ceiling or the tv. The Dr. came in and explained what they'd be doing. Gowned, in bed, first a blood draw and then an ultrasound. I think I held my breath. I can't really remember. I remember shaking and being glued to the monitor. She found our little one and it was kicking and moving all over the place. Their machine didn't have a heart rate sound which was a little freaky, but with all the movement and being able to see the little heart fluttering, I was put a bit more at ease. She then checked my cervix to make sure it was closed, which it was. All good signs. So, why was I bleeding? The ER didn't have much of an explanation. So Wed. morning we called our OB and made an appointment. More ultrasounds, more movement from our little critter and a great heartbeat.
So what is going on? There is something called a subchorionic hemorrage (or hematoma). Essentially a blood clot. Our OB said that it was normal but that I needed to take it easy. Christian put me on bed rest. I've been lying on the couch, watching tv, letting the dogs in and out and playing video games. It seems like i'd be living it up, but I think the nerves of it all and the fact that I HAVE to do it is wearing on me. I just want everything to be ok. According to some research i've done, as long as the clot doesn't get bigger things will be ok. We are at 11.5 weeks. At 20 weeks these clots normally fix themselves by bleeding out or being absorbed by the body.
Tuesday was one of the scariest days I've had. So, I will be taking it easy and resting and not lifting anything more than a milk jug and taking care of this life that is growing inside of me.
5.12.2011
Yesterday, the 11th, we went and had our first OB appointment with our new doctor. It seems like it's going to be a great choice. She is good friends with our doctor from the Texas Fertility Center and we loved our doctor there. It was sad graduating from TFC, but fun knowing that we're moving forward and are already at 10 weeks! Little TBNL is about the size of a plum and growing rapidly everyday. When we had our ultrasound yesterday we could see his or her feet and arms flailing about. We had seen the heart pumping/fluttering before, but seeing the movement was super cool. I still haven't cried during an ultrasound. I think that has to do with not showing emotion in front of other people. It's amazing.
4.25.2011
Jake, Christian and I were driving home from softball last night and I mentioned that tomorrow (wk 8) the toes and fingers start to form. Jake quickly responded with "I hope nothing goes wrong tomorrow."
This morning we had another doctor's appointment. This time it was for some testing of our little one. It passed the Nuchal Translucency test which is the test for any kind of chromosomal abnormalities. It was super active and apparently loves to kick and flail arms. Yay. I forget how big it was when they measured it, but we're on track! The bleed was noticed and is "rather large" but as long as i'm feeling ok, things should be good. And, it's not much more than spotting, so we're good for now.
5.24.2011
Today marks week 12! The bleeding has stopped, but we are still being cautious about the clot. At 20 weeks it should be resolved. Great, I thought a 6 week school semester seemed long.
I thought the nausea was going away. Then this morning came and went. Still on the Zofran. Only when I really need it though. Eating LOTS of fruit and as the saying goes, lots of pickles too.
We've received cards in the mail congratulating us and they all bring a smile to our faces. And the soft stuffed animals will become a smothering hazard in the crib. :)
Not showing too much yet. Just feeling generally fat and sometimes feel my belly pushing on my pants in a way that isn't a fat feeling.
Tomorrow we have a nuchal translucency test to test for downs and any congenital heart conditions. Crossing my fingers that it goes as smoothly as most other tests have gone. We'll see.
5.20.2011
We had quite the scare the other night. Tuesday before getting into bed I hit the bathroom one last time. It was only then that I realized I had started to bleed. Needless to say, we both freaked out. Christian immediately called the doctor's office and left a message with their answering service. About 45 seconds later a doctor called us back. She let us know that as long as I wasn't cramping, and I wasn't, that it was a good sign and that we could wait until the morning to call our OB or we could head out to the ER to check on the baby. After pulling myself together I decided i'd feel better if we went to the ER. It felt like hours before we were seen, but it only took about 20 minutes. They took my vitals, asked me a bunch of questions and then put me in a room. I held myself together until then. I couldn't look at Christian. I just stared at the ceiling or the tv. The Dr. came in and explained what they'd be doing. Gowned, in bed, first a blood draw and then an ultrasound. I think I held my breath. I can't really remember. I remember shaking and being glued to the monitor. She found our little one and it was kicking and moving all over the place. Their machine didn't have a heart rate sound which was a little freaky, but with all the movement and being able to see the little heart fluttering, I was put a bit more at ease. She then checked my cervix to make sure it was closed, which it was. All good signs. So, why was I bleeding? The ER didn't have much of an explanation. So Wed. morning we called our OB and made an appointment. More ultrasounds, more movement from our little critter and a great heartbeat.
So what is going on? There is something called a subchorionic hemorrage (or hematoma). Essentially a blood clot. Our OB said that it was normal but that I needed to take it easy. Christian put me on bed rest. I've been lying on the couch, watching tv, letting the dogs in and out and playing video games. It seems like i'd be living it up, but I think the nerves of it all and the fact that I HAVE to do it is wearing on me. I just want everything to be ok. According to some research i've done, as long as the clot doesn't get bigger things will be ok. We are at 11.5 weeks. At 20 weeks these clots normally fix themselves by bleeding out or being absorbed by the body.
Tuesday was one of the scariest days I've had. So, I will be taking it easy and resting and not lifting anything more than a milk jug and taking care of this life that is growing inside of me.
5.12.2011
Yesterday, the 11th, we went and had our first OB appointment with our new doctor. It seems like it's going to be a great choice. She is good friends with our doctor from the Texas Fertility Center and we loved our doctor there. It was sad graduating from TFC, but fun knowing that we're moving forward and are already at 10 weeks! Little TBNL is about the size of a plum and growing rapidly everyday. When we had our ultrasound yesterday we could see his or her feet and arms flailing about. We had seen the heart pumping/fluttering before, but seeing the movement was super cool. I still haven't cried during an ultrasound. I think that has to do with not showing emotion in front of other people. It's amazing.
4.25.2011
Jake, Christian and I were driving home from softball last night and I mentioned that tomorrow (wk 8) the toes and fingers start to form. Jake quickly responded with "I hope nothing goes wrong tomorrow."
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)