My protein levels went back down (good thing), my blood pressure remained steady (another good thing), and the baby's activities were once again great - so no inducing at this point! I'm doing a 24- hour test from home, and my next appointment - other than with the lab to drop that off and get blood work done tomorrow - is on Tuesday. Unless something happens naturally between now and then, we're holding steady!
The most uncomfortable thing I did today was get my eyebrows waxed on one of those form-fitting table/beds that curve. They had to get a crane to get me out of there; man, I'm big!
2.28.2008
2.27.2008
More tests!
Well, BabyW decided he/she really liked being monitored, and didn't want to wait until Thursday morning to do more of it, so we went to the hospital tonight to do some testing.
Everything looks great, I had more contractions today than yesterday (although not technically labor contractions - and they don't hurt), and everything else looked good, so they sent us home (with our bags still packed in our trunk), and we'll have some more testing tomorrow.
Looks like BabyW is taking after Mommy, liking all of this attention! Just as Jeff got the camera out to take photos of my giant belly with the sensors attached, they came in to release us. Lucky you, you don't have to see those!
Today was my last day in the office, so I'll be couch-ridden for a few days; who knows how long, depending on what Baby & Doc decide. He's still keeping the induction option at the forefront, although of course he would like me to go into labor on my own. One of my labs from yesterday was a little higher than he would've liked, he said, so that for him was one more reason to keep a close eye on everything.
Stay tuned!
Everything looks great, I had more contractions today than yesterday (although not technically labor contractions - and they don't hurt), and everything else looked good, so they sent us home (with our bags still packed in our trunk), and we'll have some more testing tomorrow.
Looks like BabyW is taking after Mommy, liking all of this attention! Just as Jeff got the camera out to take photos of my giant belly with the sensors attached, they came in to release us. Lucky you, you don't have to see those!
Today was my last day in the office, so I'll be couch-ridden for a few days; who knows how long, depending on what Baby & Doc decide. He's still keeping the induction option at the forefront, although of course he would like me to go into labor on my own. One of my labs from yesterday was a little higher than he would've liked, he said, so that for him was one more reason to keep a close eye on everything.
Stay tuned!
2.26.2008
Last day of work - Scheduled!
Today was my doctor appointment - I measured 80% effaced and "1-2 cm" dilated. The doctor at this point told me to stop doing so much walking. So I'm off the gym now.
Based on increasing protein levels and blood pressure (still normal blood pressure, but "high" for me), the doctor remains concerned about preeclampsia. So he decided to do a non-stress test on the baby - which involved hooking me up to a couple of monitors to check the baby's heart rate and the activity levels. Everything looked A-OK with both of those. As we were wrapping up the 30-minute test, he said "So, you're not still working, are you?" Um, yes. So, tomorrow is my last day in the office! Yikes!! However, my boss has been way cool (he has five kids of his own, plus I'm a superstar), so I'm working from home for a few days until either a) I can't do it anymore, or b) I go into labor. When I asked the doctor what it means to stay home (like what can i do? what can't I do?), he said he doesn't want me up & about, and doesn't want me driving. So, basically, a form of bed rest - if you consider hooking up a laptop as part of bedrest....
Next step? Another non-stress test on Thursday, and if things look the same, we're good - but if anything with my protein or my blood pressure changes, he is talking about inducing on Friday! He mentioned several times that he wants me to go into labor on my own, without induction... but he wants to continue closely monitoring me. He predicts BabyW will make his/her arrival by mid-week next week, one way or another!
Preeclampsia.....
How would preeclampsia affect my health and the health of my baby? The more severe the condition and the earlier it appears, the greater the risks for you and your baby. Most women who get preeclampsia develop a mild version near their due date, and they and their babies do fine with proper care. But when preeclampsia is severe, it can affect many organs and cause serious or even life-threatening problems. That's why you'll need to deliver early if your condition is severe or getting worse. Preeclampsia causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in high blood pressure and a reduced blood flow that can affect organs throughout the body, including the liver, kidneys, and brain.When less blood is being delivered to your uterus, it can mean problems for your baby, such as poor growth, too little amniotic fluid, and placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery).
Based on increasing protein levels and blood pressure (still normal blood pressure, but "high" for me), the doctor remains concerned about preeclampsia. So he decided to do a non-stress test on the baby - which involved hooking me up to a couple of monitors to check the baby's heart rate and the activity levels. Everything looked A-OK with both of those. As we were wrapping up the 30-minute test, he said "So, you're not still working, are you?" Um, yes. So, tomorrow is my last day in the office! Yikes!! However, my boss has been way cool (he has five kids of his own, plus I'm a superstar), so I'm working from home for a few days until either a) I can't do it anymore, or b) I go into labor. When I asked the doctor what it means to stay home (like what can i do? what can't I do?), he said he doesn't want me up & about, and doesn't want me driving. So, basically, a form of bed rest - if you consider hooking up a laptop as part of bedrest....
Next step? Another non-stress test on Thursday, and if things look the same, we're good - but if anything with my protein or my blood pressure changes, he is talking about inducing on Friday! He mentioned several times that he wants me to go into labor on my own, without induction... but he wants to continue closely monitoring me. He predicts BabyW will make his/her arrival by mid-week next week, one way or another!
Preeclampsia.....
How would preeclampsia affect my health and the health of my baby? The more severe the condition and the earlier it appears, the greater the risks for you and your baby. Most women who get preeclampsia develop a mild version near their due date, and they and their babies do fine with proper care. But when preeclampsia is severe, it can affect many organs and cause serious or even life-threatening problems. That's why you'll need to deliver early if your condition is severe or getting worse. Preeclampsia causes the blood vessels to constrict, resulting in high blood pressure and a reduced blood flow that can affect organs throughout the body, including the liver, kidneys, and brain.When less blood is being delivered to your uterus, it can mean problems for your baby, such as poor growth, too little amniotic fluid, and placental abruption (when the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery).
2.25.2008
Countdown has begun
This weekend was pretty lazy, which was fabulous. I did have Jeff rearrange the nursery two times (I think it's good now), we got the car seat installed by our friendly Carmel police department, put together the swing, and that's about it for baby prep for the weekend!
Our poll is up to 11 boy and 16 girl votes; I'm starting to sway a little bit in my guess, but I still don't honestly have a "feeling" as to what we're having. I'm sorry to say that Laura didn't pick the date correctly, as BabyW would've been here on Saturday if so! Next doc appointment is tomorrow, so we will see what the progress is.
We definitely want visitors at the hospital; so if you're reading this and live in the area (and are not some weirdo reading this who I don't know), please come by once you hear BabyW has entered the world! Unless you're sick. Then you can meet him/her later :)
Hopefully I'll have some kind of update for you tomorrow after the doctor appointment. I don't feel much different, the main difference I can feel is when I'm getting up from a lying-down position. That is the toughest maneuver with this big belly. I'm still walking a couple of miles a few times a week, in the hopes the baby will shift down further with every step I take :)
Our poll is up to 11 boy and 16 girl votes; I'm starting to sway a little bit in my guess, but I still don't honestly have a "feeling" as to what we're having. I'm sorry to say that Laura didn't pick the date correctly, as BabyW would've been here on Saturday if so! Next doc appointment is tomorrow, so we will see what the progress is.
We definitely want visitors at the hospital; so if you're reading this and live in the area (and are not some weirdo reading this who I don't know), please come by once you hear BabyW has entered the world! Unless you're sick. Then you can meet him/her later :)
Hopefully I'll have some kind of update for you tomorrow after the doctor appointment. I don't feel much different, the main difference I can feel is when I'm getting up from a lying-down position. That is the toughest maneuver with this big belly. I'm still walking a couple of miles a few times a week, in the hopes the baby will shift down further with every step I take :)
2.19.2008
Doctor update
Still 1cm dilated, 60% effaced. However, the doc does acknowledge that I'm making some progress. When we left, he said "See you next week (at my next appointment) or maybe sooner." Weight gain since last week - 3 pounds!! A total of 40 all together. Fabulous.
We're going out to dinner (spicy Mexican; maybe it will induce labor!!) and then rooting the Boilers on for a big victory tonight against IU and their dirty cheating coach!!
I'm at 38 weeks......
Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
We're going out to dinner (spicy Mexican; maybe it will induce labor!!) and then rooting the Boilers on for a big victory tonight against IU and their dirty cheating coach!!
I'm at 38 weeks......
Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.Wondering what color your baby's eyes will be? You may not be able to tell right away. If she's born with brown eyes, they'll likely stay brown. If she's born with steel gray or dark blue eyes, they may stay gray or blue or turn green, hazel, or brown by the time she's 9 months old. That's because a child's irises (the colored part of the eye) may gain more pigment in the months after she's born, but they usually won't get "lighter" or more blue. (Green, hazel, and brown eyes have more pigment than gray or blue eyes.)
2.18.2008
Jeff's day off
I think my husband is a keeper. You decide....
He had the day off today for President's Day. Is this a new thing? Suddenly, everyone I know had the day off today. I don't remember anyone having this day off up in Chicago.
So, this is how he spent his day....He put together the nightstand for the nursery (which my coworkers generously gave us). He drilled holes in the back of the baby's dresser to attach the changing pad. He cleaned all three restrooms (including the toilets and floors), washed all of the "hardwood" floors, vacuumed the downstairs, and installed our new mailbox. And he went to the gym and got his hair cut (so at least he felt like he did something for himself, too). This is more than I would've gotten done in four days off. Yep, I think I'll keep this guy around for a little while. Isn't he awesome??
We also went to dinner tonight with our friends Kelly & Toby; so he was done with all of these fun activities by around 5pm. It was great to see the Parkers, and to eat yummy pasta at Macaroni Grille!
2.17.2008
Another Baby Weekend
Saturday - took the three-hour class "Newborn Basics" - I went into this thinking, okay, even if I don't learn anything, it was worth it, so that I know that I knew all of this. I did learn a few things, so it was worth it! We also got pictures taken at JC Penney's to memorialize the pregnancy :) Kinda cheesy, I know - but that's okay.
Sunday - after joining our church and going to lunch with my family, we hit Babies R Us and Target pretty hard, and now are fully equipped for BabyW! (well, as fully equipped as we're going to be until we bring BabyW home; then I'm sure we'll think of the other 85 things we need!)
Still no contractions - but we see the doctor on Tuesday, so I'll keep you posted on my progress!!
Sunday - after joining our church and going to lunch with my family, we hit Babies R Us and Target pretty hard, and now are fully equipped for BabyW! (well, as fully equipped as we're going to be until we bring BabyW home; then I'm sure we'll think of the other 85 things we need!)
Still no contractions - but we see the doctor on Tuesday, so I'll keep you posted on my progress!!
2.15.2008
I can see how this starts getting uncomfortable....
I think I might be to the point where I'm ready to get this baby out -er - I mean - welcome this baby into the world. Yesterday and today I have gotten more uncomfortable. Yet, it's been a good couple of days. Yesterday, Jeff's coworkers threw a baby shower for us over lunch (a surprise to him, but I was in on it); today, my coworkers had one for me over lunch (where, of course, Chipotle was served). We are both lucky to work with such a great group of people!
I have talked to the doctor's office three times in the last 24 hours or so. I still don't think I'm getting too close - NO contractions that I'm aware of - but I definitely am starting to feel different. We will definitely keep you posted - but don't hold your breath just yet :)
2.12.2008
Doctor update - no update
Doc didn't check dilation or effacement this time around, I guess because I am not having any contractions. Everything still looked good, though; and he was glad to see my blood pressure was back down after being a little elevated the last two visits. He said I've dropped a little more, and I only gained one pound this week (despite the cake overload on Friday). I tested a little high on protein, but doc wasn't concerned because blood pressure and swelling wasn't an issue; they'll continue monitoring it.
What BabyW is doing at Week 37, according to babycenter.com
Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
What BabyW is doing at Week 37, according to babycenter.com
Congratulations — your baby is full term! This means that if your baby arrives now, his lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away.Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
How awesome are my friends?
I had a mini-meltdown on Sunday night. Mainly about feeding the baby. Between breastfeeding, formula feeding, pumping, doing all at the same time.... I had too many things to think about, decide, and understand. I sent an email on Monday night to several of my girlfriends, and within about an hour, had heard back from many of them! I'm starting to feel a little bit better now, and I know that when I have additional melt-downs, which I'm sure I will, I have a lot of people I can call!! Lucky them!
I'm off to my doctor's appointment, I'll keep you posted on my progress. I'm guessing I'm not any further along than I was last week, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed anyway!!
I'm off to my doctor's appointment, I'll keep you posted on my progress. I'm guessing I'm not any further along than I was last week, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed anyway!!
2.06.2008
60%, 1 cm!
I know this can last for weeks and weeks, but I'm still shocked that I'm measuring anything at this point - the doctor confirmed today that I'm 60% effaced and 1cm dilated! For those of you who don't know what that means (as I recently did not) - I need to get to 100% and 10cm. Wow - this is becoming more and more real!
I only gained two pounds this time - which isn't something to brag about, but considering I gained SIX at the last appointment, I'm feeling okay about it! Now, the appointments are every week - every Tuesday from here on out, to be specific.
Doc still says March 7 as the official due date (I'm not sure I've shared this with everyone - I made up my own due date this whole time. He has said March 7 the whole time). However, he did give me his CELL phone number, and told me to forgo calling the on-call service and just call him directly once I am ready.
I'm still not even packed for the hospital - mostly because it's stressing Jeff out that I'm not. It's a fun little game to play.
Hope you're all staying warm!
I only gained two pounds this time - which isn't something to brag about, but considering I gained SIX at the last appointment, I'm feeling okay about it! Now, the appointments are every week - every Tuesday from here on out, to be specific.
Doc still says March 7 as the official due date (I'm not sure I've shared this with everyone - I made up my own due date this whole time. He has said March 7 the whole time). However, he did give me his CELL phone number, and told me to forgo calling the on-call service and just call him directly once I am ready.
I'm still not even packed for the hospital - mostly because it's stressing Jeff out that I'm not. It's a fun little game to play.
Hope you're all staying warm!
2.04.2008
Big weekend!
When I was little, any time I stayed the night at my Grandma Doan's, she'd tuck me in at night by saying "Big day tomorrow!" This was even if we had no plans at all. Well, it was definitely a "big weekend" this past weekend :)
Friday night, Kate, Nick, Janie, and Elise arrived to town with their 85 pounds of accompanying gear (what happens when you travel with an almost-three-year-old and a six-month-old)! They stayed through Sunday, and we had a great time getting all caught up with the Boscherts. Janie is so proud of her "baby sister," and Elise is just all smiles all the time. 
Friday night, Kate, Nick, Janie, and Elise arrived to town with their 85 pounds of accompanying gear (what happens when you travel with an almost-three-year-old and a six-month-old)! They stayed through Sunday, and we had a great time getting all caught up with the Boscherts. Janie is so proud of her "baby sister," and Elise is just all smiles all the time. Saturday was a baby shower in Frankfort; as I told others, it's so much fun to have so many different parts of my life sitting in one room at the same time! Many stories to tell - luckily some of them got silenced before they were told :) I was very blessed to not only get lots of great baby gear, but also lots of great baby advice from many experienced moms!! The picture above wasn't even posed, these crazy girls were honestly just feeling BabyW move around, when we realized it would make for a good photo.
Saturday night we went to Kokomo to visit Shelly & Rick's new house and watch four little girls aged 3 and under play! Wow, lots of energy! I'm very glad Shelly has moved back to Indiana - she's lived out of state since college, and followed in my footsteps in moving back :)
Sunday, we watched the Super Bowl at Brandon & Ali's, who were nice enough to have a party at my request so we could watch the Giants win on the big screen!
I have now washed all of the baby's laundry, sorted through all the supplies, and feel like if this baby came home tomorrow, we are in pretty good shape! I've definitely gotten into the "nesting" mode, as much time as I've been organizing up there! I'm just ready to get all of the maternity clothes returned and put away, so it will clear up some space in my closets that could be used for diapers! I have been very lucky that I've had so many generous maternity donations - Kate, Carolyn, Michelle, and Jeff's coworker Sarah have kept me well-dressed!!
So, for an eight-month-pregnant woman with not a ton of energy, this was indeed a "big weekend!" It was great to be with so many friends who are anxious to meet BabyW :) Unfortunately, the weather threw a wrench in some of the guests' travel plans, and so there were some people who were missed at the shower. We're just very thankful that everyone is safe and sound and didn't have to brave the elements!
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