Another Appointment, Another Update...

Well, after my phone call from my Dr. telling me about the positive test result that came back, both Chad and I had a pretty sleepless night.  Of course, we looked it up online to get some more information.  I was concerned every time I would feel a contraction coming on, and I was beginning to wonder if I was possibly leaking amniotic fluid.  I was near tears while getting ready for work the next morning, worrying about this baby coming far too soon, and my mind raced a million miles an hour on my way to work the next morning. 

I got to work, and was feeling completely unsettled.  I told Chad that I feel like it's way to much pressure put on me when my Dr. says to come in right away if the contractions get worse. 

Get worse according to what standards??  Was this one worse than the last?? Are these too frequent?? 

I had so many questions, and concerns.  My main one being the fear that I was leaking amniotic fluid.  I have another appointment set up for Tuesday, but I knew that was too long to wait if this really is the fluid leaking.  I finally just called.  They responded to me immediately, and asked that I come in to get checked.  I left work, with the support of my awesome co-workers who all stepped up to help with my class.  I didn't even have a chance to sit down in the waiting room- they called me right back.

My Dr. came in, and of course lightened the mood as he always does- We so appreciate his sense of humor!  He sat with me for a long time, listened to my concerns, thanked me for coming in, and eased my mind as much as possible.  He shared with me that at 29 1/2 weeks we have already passed 2 very critical milestones with baby.  He said the chance of survival at this point is excellent.  Baby would need to be put into a NICU unit for a couple of months at this point, but would survive.  He also shared that right now we are really wanting to make it to 34 weeks.  That is our goal at this point.

He pulled me in for another ultra sound.  Right away checking my fluid levels.  They are good.  He said 20 is high, and I am at 16.5.  He was very happy with that.  He checked on baby again.  Baby is great!  My weight has dropped, but baby is gaining!  When we had our ultra-sound on Wednesday afternoon, baby weighed 3 lbs. 2 oz.  Friday morning when I went in, baby weighed 3 lbs. 6 oz!  4 oz in a little over a day!  We were happy with that!  He also checked my cervix to see what was going on.  Baby's head is resting right on it- which is where the pressure is coming from, and why I am having the contractions.  My cervix measured 4 inches, which he was happy with for now.

My Dr. is one of the absolute best in the area- I trust him, and know that he is doing everything he can and knows how at this point.  He did share with me again that it is VERY rare to have the Fetal Fibronectin test come back positive.  He was as shocked as we are.  At this point he wants me off my feet as much as possible, I need to read my body, and contact him with any concerns at any time.   I walked out of this appointment with a smile on my face- I appreciate him, and am thankful that I have a Dr. like him that I can really trust.  On his way out of the room he said to me- "It's always a pleasure to see you.  Come in or call at any time with any concerns.  We will get you and Baby through this, and you will deliver a healthy Baby."

Again- thanks for all of the prayers, comments, support, and concerns from all of you.  It is very much appreciated.  We are taking it day-by-day at this point, and counting down until 34 weeks.

Baby Bump #3- 29 Week Update

So I realized when I went to begin this post that the last Baby Bump update I did I titled 29 weeks.  I changed it- that was 27 weeks.  I am now about 29 weeks. 

Chad and I went in on Wednesday for our ultra-sound as a follow up to our last appointment where the Dr. noticed that I was gaining so little weight. 

Weight gain for me is still low, but the ultra-sound showed that baby isn't lacking!  Average for 29 weeks is about 2 lbs. 4 oz, or so.  Our baby is 3 lbs. 2 oz. at this point.  Our Dr. was happy with that, and said that it will more than likely be just another big, early baby like the other 2 were.  I shared with the Dr. that I was having fairly frequent, fairly strong contractions compared to what I thought I should be having at this point.  They are more than just the Braxton Hicks contractions that I remember, and are almost constant throughout the day.  He ran the Fetal Fibronectin test on me, and said they would call me the next day with the results. 

I waited with my phone near me all day for a call, and finally on my way home from work the Dr. himself called me.  That alone made me nervous- I have never had a call from the Dr. himself, it's always been the nurse.  He shared with me that the results of my test were positive, and this is something he has hardly ever seen.  He explained that had the test come back negative, there would be about a 99% chance that I would not be delivering within the next 2 weeks.  Because my test came back positive, there is a 1 in 5 chance that I could deliver in the next 2 weeks.  He said at this point he is not going to pull me from work, but I need to be aware, and more cautious.  He wants me to take it easy, and make sure I come in if I notice any more frequent, or stronger contractions over the weekend.  He also wants to see me again next week rather than waiting for 2 weeks.

Of course I googled it, and read up.  Even though I probably shouldn't have.  It made me more nervous.  The Mayo website listed about 6 signs of pre-term labor.  I'm having about 5 of the 6.  Baby is too little.  This is too early.

I have to be honest- I'm a little worried.  It's on my mind constantly right now.  I would almost them rather put me on bed rest and monitor me at this point.  Prayers are welcome- I would appreciate it.

Jaime- if you are reading- is this similar to what you went through with your little guy?

Little Crafters.

If you are living it, or have heard about our MN winter/spring this year, it would be no surprise that we have another snow day today.  I think this makes 5, or possibly 6, for the year.  More than I've had in all of my previous years of teaching put together!!  The first one was a nice surprise, the second one was a productive day at home, the third, fourth, fifth, sixth.....they are getting kind of old.  We have to make them all up, so it's really not a treat. 

Oh, well, Mother Nature does her own thing, and there's nothing we can do about it.  So we enjoy it.  We cozy up, snuggle in bed, and find all kinds of fun things to keep us busy until Daddy gets home.  On this snow day I whipped out a little craft project for the kids.  They like to sit down and work with me to create.  We needed something new to hang on our lockers, and this was the perfect practice for their cutting, and following direction skills.

They worked hard to cut out their pieces...

And glued them together....

They put eyes on them....

And were so proud of their finished products!!

And they are looking awfully cute hanging on their lockers in the entry way!

Happy Easter! 2013

We had a busy, but fun Easter weekend!  We spent time with both Chad's family and my family, and were able to squeeze a little movie night in at home after all of the celebrations were done on Sunday.

I know I've shared this already, but just to get you into the Easter spirit, I thought I'd share Peter Cottontail one more time.  Eli's phonetic spelling always puts a little smile on my face:)

Mommy had Good Friday off from work, so as soon as Daddy got home we loaded up the van and headed to the Cities for some extra time with Chad's sister and her family.  The kids were so excited about an over-night with their cousins!

We all went out for dinner as soon as we got there, then headed back to their house to put on jammies and decorate Easter eggs.

Eli, Adi, and their sweet cousins.  They just adore these guys and had so much fun with them!

The next morning we got up, and Ally had an egg hunt all ready for Eli and Adi.  They were excited!

They loved the little treasures they found inside!

The rest of Chad's family came down to join us, and we enjoyed a delicious Easter dinner!  Adi and Ally went to watch a movie, and this is what happened.  Poor little girl was Exhausted!

We made it home in time for bed, and woke the next morning to hunt for baskets. 

Any one else have kids that are as into Tom and Jerry as ours are right now?!

Of course, the Easter Bunny did not leave out Little Baby Tomala!  S/he had a basket hid, also:)

The kids got all cleaned up for Easter mass and were looking pretty cute!  I had a hard time getting a good picture of both of them...This was the best that I could do!

After mass we headed to my Aunt and Uncle's house where we celebrated with all kinds of wonderful family.  Too bad the weather wasn't a little nicer.  He was really wanting to get outside and play with the kitties.

The Grandkids and Great-Grandkids are multiplying like crazy with significant others and babies of their own!  It's always so much fun when we can all get together!

Then we stopped over at my Parent's house for one last basket before heading for home.

 

It was another beautiful holiday celebration with all of those we love.  And we ended the weekend at home with our own little family snuggled in with a movie.  A wonderful ending to a wonderful weekend.

Baby Bump #3- 27 Week Update

I know I've said it before, but I have to say it again.  This pregnancy is FLYING right on by!  I can't believe that I'm only days away from my 3rd trimester, and have already started every 2 week appts with my Dr.!

I've had a fairly un-eventful pregnancy so far.  After the morning sickness subsided, had a bit of spotting around week 12, and have had minor back aches and bouts of exhaustion, but nothing very out of the ordinary.

I went in again yesterday, and had a bit of an interesting appointment.  I'm trying really hard to place all trust and faith in both my Dr. and God.  I'm trying really hard not to worry, and will wait as patiently as I possibly can for some answers in 2 more week.  My weight gain is much below the "average" at this point, so because of this my Dr. is having us do another ultra sound in 2 weeks.  Part of me is so excited- to see my baby again in 3-D at 29+ will be awesome, and then there's the tiny little part of me that has a bit of concern in the back of my mind.  The reason that I'm trying to stay as positive as I can is- This is exactly the same thing that happened with Adi.  I believe I gained a total of 12 pounds the entire pregnancy with her.  We did the extra ultra-sounds to check.  She was born 2 1/2 weeks early and was 6 lbs. 12oz.  She was perfect.  Also- my Dr. has been nothing but wonderful for all of my OBGYN work thus far.  We have absolutely  no reason to doubt him when he says that he is 'not concerned, this is just standard procedure for weight gain being below the norm.'  And- lastly- the fact that I am 27 weeks, and my belly is measuring 31 inches!  Ok- I'm not positive on what this means- Big baby?  Wrong due date?  Early baby?  Not sure.  But, like I said-  we are placing our trust and faith where we must, we are excited about another look at this beautiful little babe, and we are excited to get some answers is just a couple short weeks!

I wanted to throw an updated picture of this {large} bump up here, but realized I didn't have any current ones.  I will, however, have plenty after we celebrate my Brother's wedding this weekend!  I will be the pregnant bridesmaid that will {hopefully} last all night, and not have {too} sore feet!