Adelle wasn't feeling well on Tuesday when Brian picked her up from daycare. They went to see Nana and Papa but Adelle just wasn't herself. During the night, she was coughing, crying, and generally miserable unless we were holding her. She even spiked a fever of 102! We thought she was just teething because she was gnawing at her thumb and fingers, didn't want to eat anything too hard and producing a TON of saliva!! Well, when she decided not to sleep on Wednesday night, we took her to the doctor. He looked in her ears and said she had an ear infection in one and would probably get one in the other.
My poor baby girl!!
We got her the amoxicillin, bubble gum flavored of course, and she ate it like a champ. Within about 30 minutes she was down for the night. She fussed a few times, but she was actually sleeping! Friday morning, before I went to work, I was giving her the amoxicillin again and when we finished, she made the sign for 'more'! ADORABLE!! I told her that she could have more of it that evening, but not right now. She let her hands fall to her sides, started talking and walked away.
She did so well on Friday with Brian that we decided to keep our plans this weekend. Nana and Papa took her last night and will have her until Sunday. This will give Brian and I a chance to clean the house and get some sleep! I am sure we will be able to fit in a date or movie though ;)
I hope this is the last ear infection Adelle gets. It's really tough to stay sane through it because I couldn't take her pain away and she wasn't able to tell me what was wrong. I know that she will probably get another one, or two, or three, but I hope at those times she will be able to tell me about it!!
Get better soon Sweet Girl!
Showing posts with label Doctor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Doctor. Show all posts
Saturday, March 12
Tuesday, January 18
Worst. Mom. Ever!
I know that I am NOT the worst mom ever, but sometimes I feel that way. Brian gets VERY tired of me saying it, but there are times when I feel like it. When I don't get to see Adelle as often as I want to (because of school commitments), when I try to give her new food and she doesn't take it right away - I have her try it more than once, or when I take care of her all day and she is super fussy so when Brian gets home I sometimes leave the room (so I don't go insane). But today takes the cake.
Today sucked. Completely.
Adelle and I fell down the stairs. She fell out of my arms and ended up rolling, like a log, down a few stairs. She cried right away, doesn't have any bruises, her pupils were fine and she didn't have any trouble breathing. She had her helmet on and was walking around, squatting, standing, and talking like normal the rest of the day. I called the doctor right away, then called Brian. I have been crying since it happened! HOW did she come out of my arms?
Today is a day I feel like the worst mom ever. Ever!
We gave Adelle a bath tonight and looked at her body again, to make sure she didn't have any bruising. She doesn't and nothing seems tender or sore. I mean, I have moved her arms and legs and gently pressed my hand against her belly, abdomen and back.
:(
I understand that this has happened to other people, and that children fall off beds. I also understand that children fall and they are generally fine, you should just keep an eye on them. But nothing stops you from feeling the way you feel when it happens to you and your child.
PLEASE chime in if you've had something like this happen. I truly feel like I am alone in this, and, like the worst mom ever!!
Today sucked. Completely.
Adelle and I fell down the stairs. She fell out of my arms and ended up rolling, like a log, down a few stairs. She cried right away, doesn't have any bruises, her pupils were fine and she didn't have any trouble breathing. She had her helmet on and was walking around, squatting, standing, and talking like normal the rest of the day. I called the doctor right away, then called Brian. I have been crying since it happened! HOW did she come out of my arms?
Today is a day I feel like the worst mom ever. Ever!
We gave Adelle a bath tonight and looked at her body again, to make sure she didn't have any bruising. She doesn't and nothing seems tender or sore. I mean, I have moved her arms and legs and gently pressed my hand against her belly, abdomen and back.
:(
I understand that this has happened to other people, and that children fall off beds. I also understand that children fall and they are generally fine, you should just keep an eye on them. But nothing stops you from feeling the way you feel when it happens to you and your child.
PLEASE chime in if you've had something like this happen. I truly feel like I am alone in this, and, like the worst mom ever!!
Saturday, November 13
Adelle and Her Helmet
Adelle has been in her helmet since September 9th. She hasn't ever been bothered by it and generally wears it without fussing. At times she will play with the Velcro, but I think it's really because she likes hearing the sound it makes as it pulls apart, not because she thinks her head is being squeezed.
One of my students asked why she's wearing the helmet and I told him it was because she laid on one side of her head too much and it didn't grow right. He said, "Do you think that could happen to me and that I would need to wear a helmet? Last night I was so tired I think I didn't move. I even had a big drool spot!" I told him that his head should be just fine and that I did the same thing that night! He looked at me, smiled, and said, "Shoot, I really wanted the helmet but it's funny to know you drool!"
Awesome!
Anyway, we had Adelle's helmet appointment on Wednesday and Adelle has made excellent progress. If you remember this post about Adelle and her helmet, you will remember that she started out needing it because the diagonals of her head (from front to back) had a difference of 8mm. Well, on Wednesday we found out the difference was down to 4mm!!
We are so very happy that it is working and that she is growing! I was thinking that because she has been teething so much her head might not have grown enough to make even a 1mm change, but it did!!
Now she can keep running into things with her head and not hurt her head!!
One of my students asked why she's wearing the helmet and I told him it was because she laid on one side of her head too much and it didn't grow right. He said, "Do you think that could happen to me and that I would need to wear a helmet? Last night I was so tired I think I didn't move. I even had a big drool spot!" I told him that his head should be just fine and that I did the same thing that night! He looked at me, smiled, and said, "Shoot, I really wanted the helmet but it's funny to know you drool!"
Awesome!
Anyway, we had Adelle's helmet appointment on Wednesday and Adelle has made excellent progress. If you remember this post about Adelle and her helmet, you will remember that she started out needing it because the diagonals of her head (from front to back) had a difference of 8mm. Well, on Wednesday we found out the difference was down to 4mm!!
We are so very happy that it is working and that she is growing! I was thinking that because she has been teething so much her head might not have grown enough to make even a 1mm change, but it did!!
Now she can keep running into things with her head and not hurt her head!!
Wednesday, October 20
9 Months Old
Adelle is a growing little girl. She loves to crawl around, stand next to furniture (or our legs) while pointing to things around the room, babble, scream, giggle, and read books. She also likes to listen to songs being sung to her... sometimes she'll join in! Her favorite foods are fruits: prunes, bananas, apples, and the custard blend by Gerber. She likes her veggies too: squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, beans, peas, and any other kind of veggie that is around. She really enjoys eating them. Brian has even given her a little garlic in her food (the veggies, not the fruits) and she devours it! Thus far the meats have been getting the funny faces. She'll eat them all, but they get the faces throughout the meal. It's actually cute!
We took her to the doctor for her 9 month check up last week. She got her first flu shot and didn't really like it, though once we picked her up she was fine. We think she doesn't really mind the shot part, we think it's the holding down part she doesn't like. Anyway, she is 29 1/4" tall - that is 2 and a half feet people! - and weighs 17lbs 9oz.
Today we went to Adelle's helmet doctor, Dr. Mary. She asked how things were going then measured her head. Adelle needed the helmet because the measurements from the diagonals had an 8mm difference. After wearing the helmet for a little over a month, she has a 5mm difference!! We are so happy!! We aren't expecting her to be done with the helmet soon, or even expect a 1mm change at our next appointment. We don't want to get our hopes up or be disappointed, so we're taking it one appointment at a time!!
Oh my goodness - I love our Sweet Girl!!
We took her to the doctor for her 9 month check up last week. She got her first flu shot and didn't really like it, though once we picked her up she was fine. We think she doesn't really mind the shot part, we think it's the holding down part she doesn't like. Anyway, she is 29 1/4" tall - that is 2 and a half feet people! - and weighs 17lbs 9oz.
Today we went to Adelle's helmet doctor, Dr. Mary. She asked how things were going then measured her head. Adelle needed the helmet because the measurements from the diagonals had an 8mm difference. After wearing the helmet for a little over a month, she has a 5mm difference!! We are so happy!! We aren't expecting her to be done with the helmet soon, or even expect a 1mm change at our next appointment. We don't want to get our hopes up or be disappointed, so we're taking it one appointment at a time!!
Oh my goodness - I love our Sweet Girl!!
Friday, October 15
Helmet
So, Adelle has a helmet. She has had to wear it since September 9th and she hasn't minded at all. The only concerning part, other than the simple truth that she needed one in the first place, was that she was inconsolable while they were casting her head. She laid on the table, without a onesie, and the doctors put cold, wet, quick drying plaster strips on her head.
She was bawling!! I was trying to hold it together, Brian was trying to hold it together, but it was so hard!!
After her head was molded, we picked her up and calmed her down. She didn't want to be set down to even put her clothes back on! It was wonderful and awful at the same time.
Now that she has been wearing the helmet for a month, it seems second nature to see her in it. She doesn't mind it at all and actually has never minded it! She doesn't try to take it off, and she hasn't even tried to pick at it!
She is quite adorable!!
Adelle will need to wear the helmet for 5 or 6 months (since September, so we have 4 or 5 to go). They measure the head diameter twice (once from the back left to the front right, and once from the back right to the front left) and whatever the difference (in mm) is, helps the doctors know how long she will need to wear it. Her diameters were 8mms different. In 3 weeks of wearing it Adelle already closed the gap by 1mm!!
Keep your fingers crossed that she will close the gap quickly!
She was bawling!! I was trying to hold it together, Brian was trying to hold it together, but it was so hard!!
After her head was molded, we picked her up and calmed her down. She didn't want to be set down to even put her clothes back on! It was wonderful and awful at the same time.
Now that she has been wearing the helmet for a month, it seems second nature to see her in it. She doesn't mind it at all and actually has never minded it! She doesn't try to take it off, and she hasn't even tried to pick at it!
She is quite adorable!!
Adelle will need to wear the helmet for 5 or 6 months (since September, so we have 4 or 5 to go). They measure the head diameter twice (once from the back left to the front right, and once from the back right to the front left) and whatever the difference (in mm) is, helps the doctors know how long she will need to wear it. Her diameters were 8mms different. In 3 weeks of wearing it Adelle already closed the gap by 1mm!!
Keep your fingers crossed that she will close the gap quickly!
Sunday, July 11
Sitting on her own!!
I can't even believe it!
We take her to the doctor on the 6th and she couldn't sit for more than 5 seconds, now she's a pro!! She literally started sitting when we brought her home from the doctor on the 6th, but we thought it was a fluke. Then she did it on Friday, Saturday and today! My goodness - she's getting so big!!
We take her to the doctor on the 6th and she couldn't sit for more than 5 seconds, now she's a pro!! She literally started sitting when we brought her home from the doctor on the 6th, but we thought it was a fluke. Then she did it on Friday, Saturday and today! My goodness - she's getting so big!!
Wednesday, May 12
4 Months
Our Sweet Girl is now 4 months old! We really can't believe it. It seems like we brought her home yesterday, and at the same time it seems so long ago that we were up at night with her - none of us getting a lot of sleep.
We went to the doctor on May 6th and got some good stats to share with you! She weighs in at 13 pounds 7 ounces and is 25.5 inches tall! She is doing very well and is eating a ton. He said she looked great and when we asked if it was normal for a (just turned) 4 month old to be eating 30+ ounces a day he said yes. He also said we could start her on rice cereal if we wanted, to try to fill her up more.
Oh my goodness she is growing so fast!
She also got her 4 month (duh) shots. This, she didn't like at all! She obviously cried, so did I, but we were able to comfort her before we left the clinic.
Since then, Adelle has been really talkative and has been reaching for, and playing with toys within her reach. We got a cute toy to go on her car seat that she likes to play with. When we drive places she reaches out and hits the toys, then talks to them. It's so adorable! She has also been playing with the toy on her little seat. She will suck on her fingers and then hit the toy, suck on her fingers then hit the toy.
Did I mention she likes to suck on her fingers? She loves to suck on the first two fingers on her right hand. When she is really hungry she will suck on/eat both of her hands and sometimes gag herself on them. Hopefully, she will grow out of this sooner rather than later. We've tried giving her a pacifier and she just spits it out.
Addie has been sleeping really well! We put her down between 7-8pm and she'll sleep through until 6 the next morning!!! Mom and Dad really appreciate that! We're also trying a couple new routines. Dad puts her to bed at night and Mom wakes up with her in the morning. This is working for the most part but I think Addie really misses her Mom at night time. Sometimes she'll cry really hard when Dad puts her down and then Mom will come in and she'll calm right down and fall asleep.
Thursday, February 25
8 Weeks Old
Adelle is Growing!
Well, we went to the doctor on Tuesday for Adelle's 2 month check-up. We found out that our Sweet Girl is 10lbs 5ozs which is up from her 2 week appointment weight of 7lbs 13ozs. She is in the 50th percentile for her weight, which I don't really care about, I just want her to be healthy. She has grown to 23 and 3/4 inches tall - the 75th percentile! We also found out that her crusty eye is normal and she'll probably grow out of that within the year. The spit bubbles she likes to make and spit out of her mouth are normal as is her ability to track objects and people.
Our little girl is doing really well and we couldn't be happier!
The one thing we weren't prepared for was her 2 month vaccinations! It COMPLETELY slipped my mind. The nurse came in and told us that she would be giving Adelle 3 shots in her thighs and one vaccination orally. Adelle loved the oral vaccination, it was sweet and she was a bit hungry so I think that helped. Then the nurse told me and Brian to each take an arm while she held down her legs and swiftly gave her the shots. This wouldn't have been so bad but Adelle was in shock at first, looking at the nurse with her big eyes filling with tears and then her vocal chords caught up with her eyes and she let out a wail. The kind of wail that doesn't have enough sound to carry through the entire thing so for a bit we just saw her mouth open, face deep red, tears streaming, tongue shaking, and not a single sound was coming out. Then she took a breath and did it again. This is where I lost it! I was crying so much - I didn't want her to be in pain but I had to keep thinking, "This is going to keep her healthy."
After Brian and I got her dressed again we took her down to Mankato to have her picture taken. See, I told you the shots completely slipped my mind. I wouldn't have scheduled pictures on shot day! Anyway, we got down there about 1pm and left around 3pm with the photographer, a friend of Brian's named Katie, took almost 400 pictures! She was awesome and I can't wait to see the pictures!!
She is growing so much and I love spending time with her, looking at her, watching her explore this world of ours. It makes me excited to see who she will become! But that is a LONG time in the future and I want to, and plan to, enjoy every minute my baby is just that - a baby!
Well, we went to the doctor on Tuesday for Adelle's 2 month check-up. We found out that our Sweet Girl is 10lbs 5ozs which is up from her 2 week appointment weight of 7lbs 13ozs. She is in the 50th percentile for her weight, which I don't really care about, I just want her to be healthy. She has grown to 23 and 3/4 inches tall - the 75th percentile! We also found out that her crusty eye is normal and she'll probably grow out of that within the year. The spit bubbles she likes to make and spit out of her mouth are normal as is her ability to track objects and people.
Our little girl is doing really well and we couldn't be happier!
The one thing we weren't prepared for was her 2 month vaccinations! It COMPLETELY slipped my mind. The nurse came in and told us that she would be giving Adelle 3 shots in her thighs and one vaccination orally. Adelle loved the oral vaccination, it was sweet and she was a bit hungry so I think that helped. Then the nurse told me and Brian to each take an arm while she held down her legs and swiftly gave her the shots. This wouldn't have been so bad but Adelle was in shock at first, looking at the nurse with her big eyes filling with tears and then her vocal chords caught up with her eyes and she let out a wail. The kind of wail that doesn't have enough sound to carry through the entire thing so for a bit we just saw her mouth open, face deep red, tears streaming, tongue shaking, and not a single sound was coming out. Then she took a breath and did it again. This is where I lost it! I was crying so much - I didn't want her to be in pain but I had to keep thinking, "This is going to keep her healthy."
After Brian and I got her dressed again we took her down to Mankato to have her picture taken. See, I told you the shots completely slipped my mind. I wouldn't have scheduled pictures on shot day! Anyway, we got down there about 1pm and left around 3pm with the photographer, a friend of Brian's named Katie, took almost 400 pictures! She was awesome and I can't wait to see the pictures!!
She is growing so much and I love spending time with her, looking at her, watching her explore this world of ours. It makes me excited to see who she will become! But that is a LONG time in the future and I want to, and plan to, enjoy every minute my baby is just that - a baby!
Saturday, January 16
2 Weeks Old
I can't believe it - my sweet girl is 2 weeks old! Already?! Where oh where has the time gone? Well, the time has gone to late night feedings and small cat naps when we can get them... THAT is where the time has gone! Would I change anything though - NOT A CHANCE!!
We went to see Dr. Y today for her check up and things were great! Addie is perfect! She has grown an inch since birth so she is now 21.5 inches long and she has gained 4 ounces since Monday so she now weighs 7lbs and 13.5ozs. Her head grew too! We asked Dr. Y about her spitting up, the way she gets so fidgety at times, and about her poo.
Yeah, her poo.
I am a new mom, what can I say? I worry about my little girl all the time! Is she sleeping enough? IS she sleeping too long? Is she eating enough? Is she supposed to stay awake? How long? But I was concerned about her poo. When we were in the hospital, when she was born, she didn't poo. At all. She had to be 'stimulated' in order to do that. Twice. Then, when we got home it took a little while and that made me worried. So when she started to do that on a regular basis, I freaked out when it changed. Who knew that I would be so concerned with poo!?
Anyway, we had a barrage of questions for the good doctor and he answered all of them. The spitting up is normal, we should keep her upright for about 15 minutes after she eats. She is fidgety because her nervous system isn't fully developed yet. And yes, her poo is normal.
Dr. Y said that he doesn't have to see her again until her 2 MONTH check up! YAY!! He also said that if we WANTED to come in for a 1 month check up (in two weeks) that we could. He then added with a smile, "I am assuming that I will be seeing you." Ah he knows me (my overly worried type) well.
I'll post more pictures soon - we have a lot!
Sigh, I am so in love!!!
We went to see Dr. Y today for her check up and things were great! Addie is perfect! She has grown an inch since birth so she is now 21.5 inches long and she has gained 4 ounces since Monday so she now weighs 7lbs and 13.5ozs. Her head grew too! We asked Dr. Y about her spitting up, the way she gets so fidgety at times, and about her poo.
Yeah, her poo.
I am a new mom, what can I say? I worry about my little girl all the time! Is she sleeping enough? IS she sleeping too long? Is she eating enough? Is she supposed to stay awake? How long? But I was concerned about her poo. When we were in the hospital, when she was born, she didn't poo. At all. She had to be 'stimulated' in order to do that. Twice. Then, when we got home it took a little while and that made me worried. So when she started to do that on a regular basis, I freaked out when it changed. Who knew that I would be so concerned with poo!?
Anyway, we had a barrage of questions for the good doctor and he answered all of them. The spitting up is normal, we should keep her upright for about 15 minutes after she eats. She is fidgety because her nervous system isn't fully developed yet. And yes, her poo is normal.
Dr. Y said that he doesn't have to see her again until her 2 MONTH check up! YAY!! He also said that if we WANTED to come in for a 1 month check up (in two weeks) that we could. He then added with a smile, "I am assuming that I will be seeing you." Ah he knows me (my overly worried type) well.
I'll post more pictures soon - we have a lot!
Sigh, I am so in love!!!
Sunday, January 10
1 Week Old = Jaundice
While we were in the hospital, they did a jaundice test. Her level was high so they did a blood test. That test came back lower but still in the 'watch it' range. We talked to a pediatrician - who is now our pediatrician - and he wanted to have her checked 2 or 3 days later if the last test they did was about the same - number wise. Not a big deal, I won't worry about it yet.
The test came back with the same numbers putting her in the range of high, but not too high. This is when my crazy protective mommy gene was put into action along with the crazy irrational gene that occurs when there are just WAY too many hormones running through your body! While crying, I asked what we could look for and what we could do to help her. He smiled and told us that once she started pooping the situation would probably get better and to look for her being lethargic, hard to wake up, and having trouble feeding. Feeling better, the crazy mommy got control of herself to thank the doctor and hug my little girl.
We were discharged on the 4th and went to see Dr. Y, Adelle's pediatrician, on the 5th. He tested her again and said he'd call with the results. About an hour later we got a phone call from him. He said her number, 13.something, was still a little high for his liking but that since she still hadn't pooped he would wait to check her again at her 2 week appointment. He assured us/me - again - that HE was not worried or concerned about her and that if he was he would tell us. He also said to keep an eye out for those three things again (being lethargic, hard to wake up, trouble feeding).
Today, the 10th, she has pooped on her own more times than I care to know. She sometimes has trouble feeding but I think that has to do with us learning how she wants to breastfeed and not because she has jaundice. As for her being lethargic? Don't think so! There are times she just blankly stares at things, but I think that is normal because when she is up she will respond to people with furrowed brows or smirks (thank you gas).
Her appointment is Saturday and I can't wait! I know she will be fine!
p.s.
You can really see the jaundice in the first picture from while we were still at the hospital, compared to a picture taken today. Yay for eating and pooping!!
The test came back with the same numbers putting her in the range of high, but not too high. This is when my crazy protective mommy gene was put into action along with the crazy irrational gene that occurs when there are just WAY too many hormones running through your body! While crying, I asked what we could look for and what we could do to help her. He smiled and told us that once she started pooping the situation would probably get better and to look for her being lethargic, hard to wake up, and having trouble feeding. Feeling better, the crazy mommy got control of herself to thank the doctor and hug my little girl.
We were discharged on the 4th and went to see Dr. Y, Adelle's pediatrician, on the 5th. He tested her again and said he'd call with the results. About an hour later we got a phone call from him. He said her number, 13.something, was still a little high for his liking but that since she still hadn't pooped he would wait to check her again at her 2 week appointment. He assured us/me - again - that HE was not worried or concerned about her and that if he was he would tell us. He also said to keep an eye out for those three things again (being lethargic, hard to wake up, trouble feeding).
Today, the 10th, she has pooped on her own more times than I care to know. She sometimes has trouble feeding but I think that has to do with us learning how she wants to breastfeed and not because she has jaundice. As for her being lethargic? Don't think so! There are times she just blankly stares at things, but I think that is normal because when she is up she will respond to people with furrowed brows or smirks (thank you gas).
Her appointment is Saturday and I can't wait! I know she will be fine!
p.s.
You can really see the jaundice in the first picture from while we were still at the hospital, compared to a picture taken today. Yay for eating and pooping!!
Friday, January 8
40 Weeks - Our Birth Story
I have said this a lot on the blog, but, you read that right! Adelle June is here and she arrived right on her due date! Brian kept teasing me that if ANYONE were to have a child on their due date it would be me. I am not sure I agree with that but I am glad he gets a kick out of it! This is also why I have been MIA for a while.
Our Birth Story
On Friday, January 1st, I got up, ate, and checked my email as usual. I was waiting for Brian to get up as I sent out my last email - to my sister-in-law telling her I wasn't feeling anything. As soon as I hit the send button I got a pain in my back. Not a big deal because I'd had those before. I dinked around a little more and decided to brush my teeth. As I was getting to the bathroom my back started hurting again. I went to lay down with Brian instead and told him about it. We talked for a little bit and I got another pain. We both checked the clock and realized the pains were 10 minutes apart and that this is the same spot I get my cramps in during my period. OMG - I am having BACK LABOR?! Yikes!!
So we kept track of them for the next couple of hours and from 9:30a - 10:30a they were consistently 10 minutes apart. From 10:30a - 11:30a they were consistently 6 minutes apart!! I hadn't had contractions like this ever so I was surprised they were that consistent that early. I tried to get ready for the day as much as possible, telling Brian about the contractions the entire time. We called the doctor and he told us to come in and get checked.
After getting ready - and eating a bit - we got to Labor & Delivery around 12:30p (on Friday the 1st). They checked my cervix and I was still only 1.5cm dilated, high, and almost completely effaced! They kept me there to monitor me. They monitored me for a while and my contractions weren't too strong so I walked around with Brian and Maria, my little sister, for an hour or so and they checked me again. 2cm. Really? That's it? So after monitoring me again for a bit they told me to walk again. I did for another hour or so and they checked me again. Still 2cm. They called the doctor and then sent me home! I wasn't making progress. UGH!
As soon as we were going out of the driveway at the hospital I wanted to kick someone in the throat my contraction was so bad! How could they send me home in pain like this?! We got home, I took the sleeping aid my doctor gave me and for the next few hours Brian and I were giants in a Swiss chalet aka our bedroom. The sleeping pill my doc gave me made me hallucinate - great! The contractions remained 6 minutes apart and were considerably worse than before. Apparently, I went from snoring to writhing in pain then back to snoring all while Brian timed everything and stayed alert! Aww!
Around 9 or 9:30p on Friday the 1st we called the doctor again, described what was happening and that I couldn't stand the pain any more - my back felt like it was going to rip in two! He told us to come back in. We got there and they checked me right away - 4cm! They put the monitors back on and asked what I wanted for the pain. A little while later I got my epidural, along with something else, and was out of it for the rest of the time! No joke. I was sleeping through some REALLY bad contractions! I was also shaking pretty violently. I had to really concentrate on NOT shaking and needed the room pretty quiet in order to do so.
Around 12a or 1a on the 2nd they checked me again and I was about 7cm. We - Brian and Maria - called/texted our families. Within an hour everyone was at the hospital! Around 3:30a I was checked again and was 10cm and the nurse said, "Oh my. Your little Adelle is right there and has a beautiful head of hair!" WHAT! Oh my goodness! There was a part of me that was super excited and a part of me that was kind of scared for the next part.
I started to push around 4a. Since I was shaking so much, I was SUPER nauseous. So I had to stop a couple of times because I thought I was going to throw up. Thank goodness that was between contractions! After what felt like an eternity, my doctor came in around 5a. Adelle was having trouble getting past my tail bone so we decided to use a vacuum. They also informed me that while I had been pushing, she had pooped in the amniotic fluid. It wasn't there when my water broke so that was good, but she would still need to be checked out right away. This made me feel awful! I felt like it was my fault she pooped - because I couldn't push her out right away. Thank goodness that feeling went away with the next contraction.
At 5:21a Adelle came into the world!! Though they put her on my chest right away to clamp the cord, she was taken to the other side of the room and checked. Her APGARS were 8 and 9! Her lungs were clear! She weighed 7lbs 6oz. 21.5inches long and her head circumference was 13.5 even with a full head of brown hair! She was PERFECT!!
She was placed on my belly/chest while the doctor was finishing up whatever he needed to do with me - stitches and making sure everything was under control - and it was the most amazing feeling in the world! My little girl was here!
Euphoria!!
Brian was amazing! He was up almost a complete 24 hours making sure I was ok, timing contractions, keeping people informed, he was my everything - I couldn't have done it without him. Maria was great and made sure Brian was ok. Getting things for us/him, keeping him company since I was sleeping. I don't think he could have done it without her.
What a blessed way to start out the new year!!
Our Birth Story
On Friday, January 1st, I got up, ate, and checked my email as usual. I was waiting for Brian to get up as I sent out my last email - to my sister-in-law telling her I wasn't feeling anything. As soon as I hit the send button I got a pain in my back. Not a big deal because I'd had those before. I dinked around a little more and decided to brush my teeth. As I was getting to the bathroom my back started hurting again. I went to lay down with Brian instead and told him about it. We talked for a little bit and I got another pain. We both checked the clock and realized the pains were 10 minutes apart and that this is the same spot I get my cramps in during my period. OMG - I am having BACK LABOR?! Yikes!!
So we kept track of them for the next couple of hours and from 9:30a - 10:30a they were consistently 10 minutes apart. From 10:30a - 11:30a they were consistently 6 minutes apart!! I hadn't had contractions like this ever so I was surprised they were that consistent that early. I tried to get ready for the day as much as possible, telling Brian about the contractions the entire time. We called the doctor and he told us to come in and get checked.
After getting ready - and eating a bit - we got to Labor & Delivery around 12:30p (on Friday the 1st). They checked my cervix and I was still only 1.5cm dilated, high, and almost completely effaced! They kept me there to monitor me. They monitored me for a while and my contractions weren't too strong so I walked around with Brian and Maria, my little sister, for an hour or so and they checked me again. 2cm. Really? That's it? So after monitoring me again for a bit they told me to walk again. I did for another hour or so and they checked me again. Still 2cm. They called the doctor and then sent me home! I wasn't making progress. UGH!
As soon as we were going out of the driveway at the hospital I wanted to kick someone in the throat my contraction was so bad! How could they send me home in pain like this?! We got home, I took the sleeping aid my doctor gave me and for the next few hours Brian and I were giants in a Swiss chalet aka our bedroom. The sleeping pill my doc gave me made me hallucinate - great! The contractions remained 6 minutes apart and were considerably worse than before. Apparently, I went from snoring to writhing in pain then back to snoring all while Brian timed everything and stayed alert! Aww!
Around 9 or 9:30p on Friday the 1st we called the doctor again, described what was happening and that I couldn't stand the pain any more - my back felt like it was going to rip in two! He told us to come back in. We got there and they checked me right away - 4cm! They put the monitors back on and asked what I wanted for the pain. A little while later I got my epidural, along with something else, and was out of it for the rest of the time! No joke. I was sleeping through some REALLY bad contractions! I was also shaking pretty violently. I had to really concentrate on NOT shaking and needed the room pretty quiet in order to do so.
Around 12a or 1a on the 2nd they checked me again and I was about 7cm. We - Brian and Maria - called/texted our families. Within an hour everyone was at the hospital! Around 3:30a I was checked again and was 10cm and the nurse said, "Oh my. Your little Adelle is right there and has a beautiful head of hair!" WHAT! Oh my goodness! There was a part of me that was super excited and a part of me that was kind of scared for the next part.
I started to push around 4a. Since I was shaking so much, I was SUPER nauseous. So I had to stop a couple of times because I thought I was going to throw up. Thank goodness that was between contractions! After what felt like an eternity, my doctor came in around 5a. Adelle was having trouble getting past my tail bone so we decided to use a vacuum. They also informed me that while I had been pushing, she had pooped in the amniotic fluid. It wasn't there when my water broke so that was good, but she would still need to be checked out right away. This made me feel awful! I felt like it was my fault she pooped - because I couldn't push her out right away. Thank goodness that feeling went away with the next contraction.
At 5:21a Adelle came into the world!! Though they put her on my chest right away to clamp the cord, she was taken to the other side of the room and checked. Her APGARS were 8 and 9! Her lungs were clear! She weighed 7lbs 6oz. 21.5inches long and her head circumference was 13.5 even with a full head of brown hair! She was PERFECT!!
She was placed on my belly/chest while the doctor was finishing up whatever he needed to do with me - stitches and making sure everything was under control - and it was the most amazing feeling in the world! My little girl was here!
Euphoria!!
Brian was amazing! He was up almost a complete 24 hours making sure I was ok, timing contractions, keeping people informed, he was my everything - I couldn't have done it without him. Maria was great and made sure Brian was ok. Getting things for us/him, keeping him company since I was sleeping. I don't think he could have done it without her.
What a blessed way to start out the new year!!
Tuesday, December 29
Doctor Appointment
Well, we went to see Dr. H yesterday. Everything was great - my weight, blood pressure, measurements, everything! He guessed that Adelle weighs about 7.5 pounds, which is just fine with me, and that things look good. He did say that, since last Wednesday, I am 90% effaced but still only 1.5cm dilated. Though I am happy that I have made progress with how much I am effaced, I am a little disappointed that I am still 1.5cm dilated. I would have liked to see more progress for the simple truth, I like progress. It doesn't matter to me if she comes this week or next, as long as she's healthy, but I like to make progress. Ya know?
Dr. H then talked with us about inducing labor and when he would do that and what he would do. Everything he said sounded fine with us and put our minds at ease about that. We then asked a few more questions about our birth plan, medicine once I am in labor, as well as the H1N1 shot. He looked at us when we mentioned that and said, "You haven't gotten one yet?!" We said that no one had asked us about it since October, when they didn't have any, and then we kept forgetting to ask him about it! But Brian had a physical yesterday and got one so it was on our minds. I got mine last night and I forgot how my arm feels after a shot. It was heavy all night. Oh well.
So, now I am off to run errands. Maybe the walking will stimulate some progress! Who knows - I just know I need to get this stuff done.
Dr. H then talked with us about inducing labor and when he would do that and what he would do. Everything he said sounded fine with us and put our minds at ease about that. We then asked a few more questions about our birth plan, medicine once I am in labor, as well as the H1N1 shot. He looked at us when we mentioned that and said, "You haven't gotten one yet?!" We said that no one had asked us about it since October, when they didn't have any, and then we kept forgetting to ask him about it! But Brian had a physical yesterday and got one so it was on our minds. I got mine last night and I forgot how my arm feels after a shot. It was heavy all night. Oh well.
So, now I am off to run errands. Maybe the walking will stimulate some progress! Who knows - I just know I need to get this stuff done.
Monday, December 28
Nervous and a trip to L&D
So Saturday was great. I got things done around the house, ran errands, and even started having some contractions. Granted, they weren't regular and most weren't painful so I didn't think I was in labor, but I was having them.
We were running around so much that when we got home I had to lay down. I put my feet up on Brian and even snoozed for a bit. A little while later I realized that I hadn't felt Adelle move for a little bit. I shrugged it off as, I just haven't NOTICED her moving but then started paying attention to any movements. Well, I didn't feel any - not even hiccups. I drank a glass of cold water, some pop, and even ate something and nothing happened. No movement. I was starting to get really freaked out so Brian called the nurse who called the on-call doctor, who happened to be OUR doctor. We talked and he said that he wanted us to go in to Labor and Delivery to get monitored. With this news I started crying, but told him it was ok. He said that it was just a precaution and most times it is to help ease the mothers' nerves/mind.
We got to the hospital around 8:55pm (after a 5-8 minute drive) and I was hooked up to the monitor by 9:03pm. Right away I noticed that Adelle's heartbeat was slower than it has been, then it would jump up, then drop low, and I got nervous again. The awesome nurse, Tracy, told us that is what they look for. That means she is just being active. I told her that I wasn't able to feel anything yet and she said that that was ok too, but she wanted me to tell her when I could. 7 minutes - 7 really LONG minutes later I felt a couple of kicks and at 9:15pm I felt another. Tracy came back in and said that things looked just fine for both of us and that she was going to call Dr. H and see what he wanted to do. I was able to go home a little after 9:30pm and told to follow up with Dr. H on Monday at our appointment.
Even though I wasn't there for very long it was surreal. That was my very first time in an actual hospital bed, aside from when Brian was in the hospital a few years back and I cuddled with him for a few minutes. It was only the second time I had ever been in a hospital gown, and the third time I had been hooked up to machines. What was surreal though, was walking to Labor and Delivery, checking in at the front desk, filling out a few papers (and by filling out I really mean checking to make sure things are correct), and getting my little bracelet. I kept wondering if that is what it would feel like when I HAD to go to the hospital.
One thing I realized was that as I was laying on my side, my hip started hurting. I think I was laying right in one of the creases/cracks of the bed. I'll have to remember to avoid that when I do go back to the hospital.
Another thing I realized - though NOT for the first time - was that Brian and I are so amazing together. I don't think I could do this - or that - without him. He was comforting, strong and level headed the entire time. In fact, he was putting in Transformers 2 to see if Adelle would move to that since she went crazy when we watched it before. How sweet was that?
He is going to make an incredible Daddy!
We were running around so much that when we got home I had to lay down. I put my feet up on Brian and even snoozed for a bit. A little while later I realized that I hadn't felt Adelle move for a little bit. I shrugged it off as, I just haven't NOTICED her moving but then started paying attention to any movements. Well, I didn't feel any - not even hiccups. I drank a glass of cold water, some pop, and even ate something and nothing happened. No movement. I was starting to get really freaked out so Brian called the nurse who called the on-call doctor, who happened to be OUR doctor. We talked and he said that he wanted us to go in to Labor and Delivery to get monitored. With this news I started crying, but told him it was ok. He said that it was just a precaution and most times it is to help ease the mothers' nerves/mind.
We got to the hospital around 8:55pm (after a 5-8 minute drive) and I was hooked up to the monitor by 9:03pm. Right away I noticed that Adelle's heartbeat was slower than it has been, then it would jump up, then drop low, and I got nervous again. The awesome nurse, Tracy, told us that is what they look for. That means she is just being active. I told her that I wasn't able to feel anything yet and she said that that was ok too, but she wanted me to tell her when I could. 7 minutes - 7 really LONG minutes later I felt a couple of kicks and at 9:15pm I felt another. Tracy came back in and said that things looked just fine for both of us and that she was going to call Dr. H and see what he wanted to do. I was able to go home a little after 9:30pm and told to follow up with Dr. H on Monday at our appointment.
Even though I wasn't there for very long it was surreal. That was my very first time in an actual hospital bed, aside from when Brian was in the hospital a few years back and I cuddled with him for a few minutes. It was only the second time I had ever been in a hospital gown, and the third time I had been hooked up to machines. What was surreal though, was walking to Labor and Delivery, checking in at the front desk, filling out a few papers (and by filling out I really mean checking to make sure things are correct), and getting my little bracelet. I kept wondering if that is what it would feel like when I HAD to go to the hospital.
One thing I realized was that as I was laying on my side, my hip started hurting. I think I was laying right in one of the creases/cracks of the bed. I'll have to remember to avoid that when I do go back to the hospital.
Another thing I realized - though NOT for the first time - was that Brian and I are so amazing together. I don't think I could do this - or that - without him. He was comforting, strong and level headed the entire time. In fact, he was putting in Transformers 2 to see if Adelle would move to that since she went crazy when we watched it before. How sweet was that?
He is going to make an incredible Daddy!
Friday, December 25
Doctor's Appointment
Wednesday was a hectic day!
I had to run and pick up the last few presents, go to school to make sure my room was ready for my sub and to make sure my plans were printed and on the desk (I even made a copy and sent one to my email just in case), and then we had a doctor's appointment. Oh, I wanted to get all of this done before "The Snow" came in the evening.
Since "The Snow" was coming in the evening and my re-scheduled 38 week appointment was at 6pm, the office called and asked if I could come in early. When they called I was so afraid they were going to cancel because I had been having a good deal of pressure lately. They didn't though and we got there around 3:30. We walked to the room and my blood pressure was up again - 124/71. I am not used to it being high, even though the nurse didn't say that it was, it's just higher than what is usually is. Dr. H said that it was ok though. Then Dr. H let us listen to Adelle's heartbeat - that glorious sound - and then measured my belly. He said I was measuring at 34cm which is normal given how low she is - whew! Then he checked me and left the room pretty quickly. So quickly that he didn't estimate Adelle's weight like he was going to and I didn't remember to ask about it because it threw me off. Geepers! When he came back in the room the first thing he said was, "Well... I'm working this weekend." WHAT?! I'm not due until... I know that 2 weeks on either side is... WHAT?! Brian and I just looked at each other and then said, "What?" Dr. H said that I had made great progress - go me! - and have gone from 1cm to 1.5cm dilation and I am 80% effaced!! He said that doesn't mean I will go into labor this weekend but if I do he will be delivering the baby! OH MY GOODNESS! Brian and I couldn't stop smiling!
That night I prayed that she waited to come until after this weekend because I didn't want Brian and I to have to drive in "The Snow". We'll see!!
I had to run and pick up the last few presents, go to school to make sure my room was ready for my sub and to make sure my plans were printed and on the desk (I even made a copy and sent one to my email just in case), and then we had a doctor's appointment. Oh, I wanted to get all of this done before "The Snow" came in the evening.
Since "The Snow" was coming in the evening and my re-scheduled 38 week appointment was at 6pm, the office called and asked if I could come in early. When they called I was so afraid they were going to cancel because I had been having a good deal of pressure lately. They didn't though and we got there around 3:30. We walked to the room and my blood pressure was up again - 124/71. I am not used to it being high, even though the nurse didn't say that it was, it's just higher than what is usually is. Dr. H said that it was ok though. Then Dr. H let us listen to Adelle's heartbeat - that glorious sound - and then measured my belly. He said I was measuring at 34cm which is normal given how low she is - whew! Then he checked me and left the room pretty quickly. So quickly that he didn't estimate Adelle's weight like he was going to and I didn't remember to ask about it because it threw me off. Geepers! When he came back in the room the first thing he said was, "Well... I'm working this weekend." WHAT?! I'm not due until... I know that 2 weeks on either side is... WHAT?! Brian and I just looked at each other and then said, "What?" Dr. H said that I had made great progress - go me! - and have gone from 1cm to 1.5cm dilation and I am 80% effaced!! He said that doesn't mean I will go into labor this weekend but if I do he will be delivering the baby! OH MY GOODNESS! Brian and I couldn't stop smiling!
That night I prayed that she waited to come until after this weekend because I didn't want Brian and I to have to drive in "The Snow". We'll see!!
Monday, December 14
A Full Monday
So today Brian and I had a doctor's appointment and another Baby Class. Not to worry though, the Baby Class was on breastfeeding and the instructor was awesome! She was knowledgeable, funny, entertaining, and objective. A completely different experience than the other class. The only thing that was similar was the fact that I had contractions.
Yes you read right, I had contractions. 3 in an hour in fact but I didn't time them because I knew they were from the fact that we had just come from our doctor's appointment. Since I am 37 weeks along, the doctor will be checking me every week to see if I've, "made progress." I knew this was coming because at our 35 week appointment he checked and it happened so I guess I just FIGURED it would happen this time too. BTW - we didn't have an appointment last week because my doctor was sick and I felt great.
Anyway, we went into this appointment armed with a couple of questions: 1) Was the phone number on this little form correct? If I go into labor, we want to make sure we're calling a current number! 2)I am really scared of... well I won't tell you that. It's too much information for even ME to know - ish! and 3)I've been having all sorts of pressure in my belly and in my abdomen. Uncomfortable pressure - what is that? Our doctor was awesome and told us the phone number was correct, not to worry about #2 (that sounds COMPLETELY different than how it should) and the pressure is just the baby getting into position.
ALREADY!? YAY and OH MY GOODNESS all at the same time!
So he checked me out and said that my belly is measuring a cm behind, which is good because that means Adelle has dropped. He also said that I am 40% effaced and 1cm dilated!! I can not WAIT for next week's appointment to see if I've progressed any further! I mean, I still want her to come when she is ready, healthy and around her due date, I just like seeing progress. It makes me feel good.
So keep your fingers crossed that I will have made a LITTLE bit of progress at next weeks appointment!
Yes you read right, I had contractions. 3 in an hour in fact but I didn't time them because I knew they were from the fact that we had just come from our doctor's appointment. Since I am 37 weeks along, the doctor will be checking me every week to see if I've, "made progress." I knew this was coming because at our 35 week appointment he checked and it happened so I guess I just FIGURED it would happen this time too. BTW - we didn't have an appointment last week because my doctor was sick and I felt great.
Anyway, we went into this appointment armed with a couple of questions: 1) Was the phone number on this little form correct? If I go into labor, we want to make sure we're calling a current number! 2)I am really scared of... well I won't tell you that. It's too much information for even ME to know - ish! and 3)I've been having all sorts of pressure in my belly and in my abdomen. Uncomfortable pressure - what is that? Our doctor was awesome and told us the phone number was correct, not to worry about #2 (that sounds COMPLETELY different than how it should) and the pressure is just the baby getting into position.
ALREADY!? YAY and OH MY GOODNESS all at the same time!
So he checked me out and said that my belly is measuring a cm behind, which is good because that means Adelle has dropped. He also said that I am 40% effaced and 1cm dilated!! I can not WAIT for next week's appointment to see if I've progressed any further! I mean, I still want her to come when she is ready, healthy and around her due date, I just like seeing progress. It makes me feel good.
So keep your fingers crossed that I will have made a LITTLE bit of progress at next weeks appointment!
Friday, December 11
37 Weeks = Pain and Pressure
This week has been very busy for me and I have been super sleepy when I get home. It's actually kind of annoying because by 8pm I would like to go to bed and sleep the night away. However, that doesn't always work. Especially when I have an after school program to run, it decides to blizzard, and I have lots of planning to do.
Just think of it, I had two days of training that I had to plan for as well as start planning for when Adelle decides to arrive (which I still hope is during/after break)! I just like things done and want them done as soon as possible it's really hard to do that when you get exhausted so easily.
During one of my training sessions I had this last week I felt a type of pain in my lower abdomen all day! When I walked, when I was sitting, when I was laying... all day! Then I started feeling contractions, Braxton Hicks I am sure because they were neither regular or painful. It was just a pressure that I felt. Both the pain and pressure went away by the time I went to bed (8pm - no joke), but it made me nervous to feel that all day.
Though I want Adelle to come into the world when she is ready and healthy (and during/after break) I am hoping that at our next appointment, on Monday, our doctor will tell us that "I" am making progress. We'll see!
Adelle is growing:
Our baby is full term!! This means that if Adelle arrives now, her lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away (yikes).
She weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard - what is that?!). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz. Just 21 days to go!!!
Just think of it, I had two days of training that I had to plan for as well as start planning for when Adelle decides to arrive (which I still hope is during/after break)! I just like things done and want them done as soon as possible it's really hard to do that when you get exhausted so easily.
During one of my training sessions I had this last week I felt a type of pain in my lower abdomen all day! When I walked, when I was sitting, when I was laying... all day! Then I started feeling contractions, Braxton Hicks I am sure because they were neither regular or painful. It was just a pressure that I felt. Both the pain and pressure went away by the time I went to bed (8pm - no joke), but it made me nervous to feel that all day.
Though I want Adelle to come into the world when she is ready and healthy (and during/after break) I am hoping that at our next appointment, on Monday, our doctor will tell us that "I" am making progress. We'll see!
Adelle is growing:
Our baby is full term!! This means that if Adelle arrives now, her lungs should be fully mature and ready to adjust to life outside the womb, even though your due date is still three weeks away (yikes).
She weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard - what is that?!). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz. Just 21 days to go!!!
Tuesday, December 1
Doctor Appointment and Baby Class #5
Mondays have been quite hectic for us but we have made it thus far! We start out the day with work, then go to a doctor's appointment - which are weekly now - and then to a baby class!
At this weeks' appointment, everything was great. My weight was great (though hard to see - as always) and my blood pressure was up from last time, but I was worried about something so we think it will go back down next week. I should also mention, that even though it was up, it was still fantastic. I had been having blood pressure levels in the 104/60 range and Monday it was 118/70 - yay me! The test for protein was negative and the doctor said my belly was measuring right on track. He checked my progress and told me I hadn't started changing yet, which bummed me out a little bit, but also made me relieved. Her due date isn't for another month and I want her to come when she is ready, but a month early seems too early, ya know? I was also tested for group B strep.
I mentioned above that I was worried about something, and I was, kind of. We've had the fortune of having two rather lengthy ultrasounds and I have loved being able to see our little girl grow, move, yawn and rest. However, I got nervous that she wasn't a she. Only the first ultrasound tech was "able to see" the girl parts while the other "couldn't see for sure". While the first tech was absolutely positive that our little one was a girl, when she asked us what we thought I didn't know - I couldn't be positive and she didn't explain it or show us something different to compare it to. I know that isn't her job, but it really would have been nice. Anyway, so we have gotten all of these girl clothes and pink items and I got scared that we would have a boy, thanks to a dream I had. UGH! So our wonderful doctor brought in the ultrasound machine on Monday and let us look at our baby again. He found the parts and asked us - why do they keep asking us?! - to tell him what we saw. All I could say was, "I don't see what I think I would see if it were a boy." Why I couldn't say the ACTUAL words is beyond me. I clearly reverted to my 3rd grade self when all of that was taboo and funny. Luckily our doctor has a good sense of humor because he smiled and said, "Well, we have to be a little more exact than, 'we don't see boy parts.' Here is the...." and he basically told us we are going to have a girl! I am not going to say EXACTLY what he said, because I just don't want to, but we definitely having a girl. I called my Mom after the appointment and told her "the news" and she just laughed and asked if we had a name picked out. I am so blessed to have people in my life who understand how cooky I can be sometimes.
After that we went to Chipotle for dinner since our class started pretty soon after the appointment, and I got a chicken burrito. Yummy! I generally don't get a burrito there because I can't finish it, but I was FAMISHED and ordered one anyway. Guess what happened?! Yup - I still couldn't finish it. I barely made it half way through it!! What was I thinking?! I felt really bad about wasting that but Brian and I picked at it a little while we were waiting for class to start so it wasn't too bad I guess. :(
Class tonight was all about newborns. We were given a doll and told one of us had to be holding the 'baby' all through class. This wasn't hard, except for the part where Adelle does NOT like pressure put on the belly! The only comfortable position for me to hold the doll in was toward the top of my belly and that wasn't comfortable because I was full and Adelle would start kicking. As soon as I moved the doll, Adelle would stop. And then I experienced my first contractions. WTH!? They weren't bad and I had read I might get them after cervical exams, but I guess I wasn't ready for the 2 hour delay. When I would feel them I would put my hand on my belly, close my eyes, and breathe. I only got a few, but they were close together - about 5 minutes apart. When I expected the next one, it didn't come when the others had and then I forgot about them and went on with class. Strange!
Next week is our last Birth and Parenting class and Brian and I can't wait! I don't even remember what we're going to be talking about, but we're both just happy that it's our last.
At this weeks' appointment, everything was great. My weight was great (though hard to see - as always) and my blood pressure was up from last time, but I was worried about something so we think it will go back down next week. I should also mention, that even though it was up, it was still fantastic. I had been having blood pressure levels in the 104/60 range and Monday it was 118/70 - yay me! The test for protein was negative and the doctor said my belly was measuring right on track. He checked my progress and told me I hadn't started changing yet, which bummed me out a little bit, but also made me relieved. Her due date isn't for another month and I want her to come when she is ready, but a month early seems too early, ya know? I was also tested for group B strep.
I mentioned above that I was worried about something, and I was, kind of. We've had the fortune of having two rather lengthy ultrasounds and I have loved being able to see our little girl grow, move, yawn and rest. However, I got nervous that she wasn't a she. Only the first ultrasound tech was "able to see" the girl parts while the other "couldn't see for sure". While the first tech was absolutely positive that our little one was a girl, when she asked us what we thought I didn't know - I couldn't be positive and she didn't explain it or show us something different to compare it to. I know that isn't her job, but it really would have been nice. Anyway, so we have gotten all of these girl clothes and pink items and I got scared that we would have a boy, thanks to a dream I had. UGH! So our wonderful doctor brought in the ultrasound machine on Monday and let us look at our baby again. He found the parts and asked us - why do they keep asking us?! - to tell him what we saw. All I could say was, "I don't see what I think I would see if it were a boy." Why I couldn't say the ACTUAL words is beyond me. I clearly reverted to my 3rd grade self when all of that was taboo and funny. Luckily our doctor has a good sense of humor because he smiled and said, "Well, we have to be a little more exact than, 'we don't see boy parts.' Here is the...." and he basically told us we are going to have a girl! I am not going to say EXACTLY what he said, because I just don't want to, but we definitely having a girl. I called my Mom after the appointment and told her "the news" and she just laughed and asked if we had a name picked out. I am so blessed to have people in my life who understand how cooky I can be sometimes.
After that we went to Chipotle for dinner since our class started pretty soon after the appointment, and I got a chicken burrito. Yummy! I generally don't get a burrito there because I can't finish it, but I was FAMISHED and ordered one anyway. Guess what happened?! Yup - I still couldn't finish it. I barely made it half way through it!! What was I thinking?! I felt really bad about wasting that but Brian and I picked at it a little while we were waiting for class to start so it wasn't too bad I guess. :(
Class tonight was all about newborns. We were given a doll and told one of us had to be holding the 'baby' all through class. This wasn't hard, except for the part where Adelle does NOT like pressure put on the belly! The only comfortable position for me to hold the doll in was toward the top of my belly and that wasn't comfortable because I was full and Adelle would start kicking. As soon as I moved the doll, Adelle would stop. And then I experienced my first contractions. WTH!? They weren't bad and I had read I might get them after cervical exams, but I guess I wasn't ready for the 2 hour delay. When I would feel them I would put my hand on my belly, close my eyes, and breathe. I only got a few, but they were close together - about 5 minutes apart. When I expected the next one, it didn't come when the others had and then I forgot about them and went on with class. Strange!
Next week is our last Birth and Parenting class and Brian and I can't wait! I don't even remember what we're going to be talking about, but we're both just happy that it's our last.
Tuesday, November 17
Classes - Number 3
I was COMPLETELY tired and didn't really want to go to this weeks' class. I was worried that I would fall asleep during class and didn't want to snore or drool in front of people I don't really know. You read right - drool. Now that I am pregnant, it seems that I sleep really hard and drool. Every night, all night - it's annoying.
Anyway, we talked about 10 things that could challenge the hospital workers and worry us - the ladies who are pregnant. One of them was, "You are due in 2 1/2 weeks. Your partner is in Canada on a fishing trip and you feel a gush of water down your legs. What do you do?" To this question and some of the others I wanted to say, "Call the doctor - what else would you do?!" There was one that intrigued me though, "You are 2 1/2 weeks PAST your due date. You go to your doctor to discuss a plan. What would that plan be?"
Now, I don't care when she comes as long as she's healthy. I know that is cliche and that women have told me that I will hate being pregnant AFTER my due date, but I have to be honest. I don't care when she comes as long as she's healthy. Sure I might be uncomfortable, sure I might want to hold her a lot and generally want her here, but I have been waiting a long time to become a Mom and now that I am I just want her to be safe. So you can tell me all you want that I will hate being pregnant that long, but I will argue that point as YOU hated being pregnant that long.
I digress.
I was wondering what the doctor would do if I came in 2 weeks past my due date. I know that it would all depend on how our little girl is doing, but it was interesting, and comforting, to hear what they would do.
We also talked about c-sections and watched a video of one. The little baby being born looked like she was being thrown around but the nurse informed us that it's normal for babies to look/move like that while being pulled out. Yikes!
All in all it was a pretty good class because I got to hear about c-sections without getting a picture in my head, which is what happens when I read about them. We also got a virtual tour of the facilities as tours have been stopped due to H1N1. This wasn't great but I am glad she told us where to go.
I am really looking forward to our next class because a pediatrician will be there along with another doctor to answer any questions we have and to talk about their rolls after the baby is born. This, I think, will be quite informative!
Anyway, we talked about 10 things that could challenge the hospital workers and worry us - the ladies who are pregnant. One of them was, "You are due in 2 1/2 weeks. Your partner is in Canada on a fishing trip and you feel a gush of water down your legs. What do you do?" To this question and some of the others I wanted to say, "Call the doctor - what else would you do?!" There was one that intrigued me though, "You are 2 1/2 weeks PAST your due date. You go to your doctor to discuss a plan. What would that plan be?"
Now, I don't care when she comes as long as she's healthy. I know that is cliche and that women have told me that I will hate being pregnant AFTER my due date, but I have to be honest. I don't care when she comes as long as she's healthy. Sure I might be uncomfortable, sure I might want to hold her a lot and generally want her here, but I have been waiting a long time to become a Mom and now that I am I just want her to be safe. So you can tell me all you want that I will hate being pregnant that long, but I will argue that point as YOU hated being pregnant that long.
I digress.
I was wondering what the doctor would do if I came in 2 weeks past my due date. I know that it would all depend on how our little girl is doing, but it was interesting, and comforting, to hear what they would do.
We also talked about c-sections and watched a video of one. The little baby being born looked like she was being thrown around but the nurse informed us that it's normal for babies to look/move like that while being pulled out. Yikes!
All in all it was a pretty good class because I got to hear about c-sections without getting a picture in my head, which is what happens when I read about them. We also got a virtual tour of the facilities as tours have been stopped due to H1N1. This wasn't great but I am glad she told us where to go.
I am really looking forward to our next class because a pediatrician will be there along with another doctor to answer any questions we have and to talk about their rolls after the baby is born. This, I think, will be quite informative!
Thursday, October 1
26 Weeks = Glucose Test
Since I am pregnant I got to a glucose test which tests for Gestational Diabetes. While my doctor didn't think I had anything to worry about, it is a standard test. My blood pressure has been perfect, my weight gain has been great, my urine tests have all been negative (for sugar) but some women have no symptoms.
Brian and I went in on Monday for the hour long test. I had to drink a small glass of what tasted like a super syrupy 7*UP without the carbonation. I took the first sip and it wasn't too bad, but by the third I was making faces and Brian was laughing. I finished the cup at 4:48pm and had to wait until about 5:30ish before getting my blood tested.
During that time we were able to see Dr. Hartsough. He said that everything looks great and that my belly is measuring 28cm. He said that was great but doesn't that mean I am measuring a little bit big? I don't know... He said that things look good so instead of seeing me in 2 weeks that he would be fine seeing me in 4! He just assured me that throughout the pregnancy all of my numbers have been right on and that we should be happy/proud of that.
I am happy about that because I want to make sure that I am doing everything I can for Adelle! I want to make sure that she is growing and is healthy! She depends on me to be there for her and I want to make sure I am! It is an awesome feeling.
Before I went to bed on Monday night I checked my email and saw I had one from Dr. Hartsough (on MyChart). I logged in and saw that my glucose number was 118 and the normal range is between 60 and 130! Yay me as I assume that is good!!
Now I get to look forward to our next appointment at the end of October (30th week), painting her room, and experiencing the last trimester!
Adelle is growing:
The network of nerves in her ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both my voice and Brian's as we chat. (We think she's been able to hear for a little while because when Brian reads to her she kicks a lot.) She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber - how is that different from a 'regular' cucumber?) from head to heel. Just 93 days to go!!
Brian and I went in on Monday for the hour long test. I had to drink a small glass of what tasted like a super syrupy 7*UP without the carbonation. I took the first sip and it wasn't too bad, but by the third I was making faces and Brian was laughing. I finished the cup at 4:48pm and had to wait until about 5:30ish before getting my blood tested.
During that time we were able to see Dr. Hartsough. He said that everything looks great and that my belly is measuring 28cm. He said that was great but doesn't that mean I am measuring a little bit big? I don't know... He said that things look good so instead of seeing me in 2 weeks that he would be fine seeing me in 4! He just assured me that throughout the pregnancy all of my numbers have been right on and that we should be happy/proud of that.
I am happy about that because I want to make sure that I am doing everything I can for Adelle! I want to make sure that she is growing and is healthy! She depends on me to be there for her and I want to make sure I am! It is an awesome feeling.
Before I went to bed on Monday night I checked my email and saw I had one from Dr. Hartsough (on MyChart). I logged in and saw that my glucose number was 118 and the normal range is between 60 and 130! Yay me as I assume that is good!!
Now I get to look forward to our next appointment at the end of October (30th week), painting her room, and experiencing the last trimester!
Adelle is growing:
The network of nerves in her ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. She may now be able to hear both my voice and Brian's as we chat. (We think she's been able to hear for a little while because when Brian reads to her she kicks a lot.) She's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of her lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when she's born and takes that first gulp of air. And she's continuing to put on baby fat. She now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber - how is that different from a 'regular' cucumber?) from head to heel. Just 93 days to go!!
Wednesday, September 16
24 Weeks = Doctor's Appointment
I don't think I have said it before, but I really like my doctor! He is SUPER soft spoken which is just like me ;) but he is wonderful. Every time we are there he lets us listen to her heart beat and I love it. PLUS he is really incredible at finding her heartbeat on the first try - he doesn't even have to move around. As soon as he puts the thing on my belly, there it is! woosh-woosh, woosh-woosh
He said that everything is looking great and that we are right on track. It was really nice for me to hear because I want to make sure that I am doing everything I can to help her grow and develop.
We have to go back in two weeks because he wants me to take the glucose test when I am 26 weeks. It takes an hour but can rule out gestational diabetes. I think after that we start going in every two to three weeks. That is a little exciting for me because that means she is coming soon!! YAY!!
Adelle is growing:
She is growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon. Just 108 days to go!
He said that everything is looking great and that we are right on track. It was really nice for me to hear because I want to make sure that I am doing everything I can to help her grow and develop.
We have to go back in two weeks because he wants me to take the glucose test when I am 26 weeks. It takes an hour but can rule out gestational diabetes. I think after that we start going in every two to three weeks. That is a little exciting for me because that means she is coming soon!! YAY!!
Adelle is growing:
She is growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts her at just over a pound. Since she's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), she cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but her body is filling out proportionally and she'll soon start to plump up. Her brain is also growing quickly now, and her taste buds are continuing to develop. Her lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help her air sacs inflate once she hits the outside world. Her skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon. Just 108 days to go!
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