AH! Our little girl is so beautiful and we are absolutely smitten over her!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
Lhana's Birth Story
I go to my 40 week appointment on Feb. 21st still feeling the same as I had been feeling the past couple of weeks. I was having pressure down there, but that was nothing new. Dr. Huff checked me and I was still just 3 cm dilated and 70%. I go home and notice nothing. Evening rolls around and while doing laundry I notice that I am a little crampy. It was hardly noticable. I had to stop and pay close attention to where my cramps were coming from. They were from my lower back but were not painful, just a little uncomfortable.
Don and I stayed up late and fell asleep sometime after midnight. At 1am I get a strong contraction that wakes me up. I look at the clock and try to fall back asleep. 10 minutes later another really strong contraction. It was a tad more painful and one that made me clinch my teeth until it was over. So I watched the clock and sure enough another one came in a tad stronger 10 minutes later. This 3rd contraction squeezed so tight that I suddenly felt the urge to go to the bathroom. I make it 10 feet to the bathroom door but as soon as I stepped foot on the bathroom floor a gush of fluid rushed out. I thought I may have peed on myself. I take a few more steps and sit to use the bathroom. As I am sitting I peep around the corner to check out the fluid on the floor. The fluid is not pee. It was clear with a few ruptured membranes noticeable. My water broke!!! I thought that only happened in movies!
And then the contractions hit and they hit hard!!!!
The next contraction came immediately after my water broke. I broke out in a cold sweat and got light headed as if I were going to pass out. I then hollered Don's name and told him that my water had broke. His response, "aw..man!" ha! We were both so exhausted because we had just fallin asleep, so his response was perfectly acceptable. I told him that my last contraction was at 1:36am and to tell me the time when my next contraction came. It came 6 minutes later and it wasnt playing around! I thought the first three were uncomfortable and a tad painful but this contraction was like a 7 on a scale of 1-10. The others were about a 2 in comparison. The contraction hit so hard that I suddenly felt nauseous and got lightheaded and sweaty. I told Don to call his parents to come get Rory and load our stuff. They live a few blocks away and were at our house within 5 minutes. I called my mother and told her we were headed to the hospital. My contractions continued to increase in frequency and intensity. We get to the hospital and my contractions are already about 2-3 minutes apart! The nurse checks me and I'm 5 cm dilated. Note: I was 5 cm dilated when I arrived at the hospital with Rory, but this pain was so much worse. The intensity of contractions once your water breaks is so much more unbearable. At 2:36am Don sent a text to my mother with the room number we were in. Mom and Meg took their time getting to the hospital. They lingered around the house and made coffee. My labor with Rory lasted so long, they thought for sure that they had plenty of time.
The nurse called Dr. Helton to let him know that I had been admitted, I was 5 cm dilated, but that he didnt need to come yet. My contractions started coming every minute or so rather quickly and I started feeling a tremendous, unexplainable amount of pressure. I got nauseous and vomitted a few times the pain was so intense. They started an IV, gave me Zofran, and planned to infuse my antibiotics (for Group B Strep), but there was not time for the antibiotics. Moments later I called the nurse and told her that I felt the urge to push. Nurse checked me again and I was at 8cm. She called Dr. Helton back and told him how quickly I was progressing and that he needed to come on in. He was there within minutes. He immediately checked me and I was already 10cm dilated. WOW! Thats 5-10 cm in just 30 minutes! It was time!!! This baby was ready to come out! I continued holding on to the bedrails for dear life as each contraction hit trying my best not to push. It was tough and I whined to the nurse that I couldn't do it. All I wanted to do was push and I knew it would make me feel better. The nurse was very encouraging and told me to focus all of my energy on my breathing and calming myself down. She told me to ignore what was going on below and to take deep breaths and focus on looking at her and relaxing. Surprisingly I didn't punch her in the face and her advice worked. Don continued to rub my back as a shouted a few profanities. Dr. Helton suited up as the nurses got everything together. I heard my mother and sister in the waiting room while I was getting ready to push. My mom said that she thought they had the wrong room when they got there. The door was locked and the woman on the other side was already having a baby. She thought for sure I couldn't be having the baby less than an hour after I called her.
Our unborn child was waiting on no one. The moment they told me I could push, it was the greatest relief in the entire world. Two contractions and 2 pushes later Don and I welcomed our precious, surprise baby girl, Lhana June into the world at 3:16am. Ah! All natural, no epidural, no pain medication!!! I did it!! We were at the hospital only about 50 minutes unil she was born. Amazing! I was so afraid of the pushing part, but compared to the contractions...it was nothing. It was so extremely painful, but the moment I saw her, the pain went away! She was just beautiful! I looked at Don and he was bright red and grinning ear to ear. I wish I had a photo to capture his face at that moment. It was priceless!
Note to Self: Rorys birth took 23 hours, Lhana's took less than 2, so maybe I should consider checking into the hospital a day or two before baby #3 is expected to arrive, unless I want to have #3 at home. Hmm...
The next contraction came immediately after my water broke. I broke out in a cold sweat and got light headed as if I were going to pass out. I then hollered Don's name and told him that my water had broke. His response, "aw..man!" ha! We were both so exhausted because we had just fallin asleep, so his response was perfectly acceptable. I told him that my last contraction was at 1:36am and to tell me the time when my next contraction came. It came 6 minutes later and it wasnt playing around! I thought the first three were uncomfortable and a tad painful but this contraction was like a 7 on a scale of 1-10. The others were about a 2 in comparison. The contraction hit so hard that I suddenly felt nauseous and got lightheaded and sweaty. I told Don to call his parents to come get Rory and load our stuff. They live a few blocks away and were at our house within 5 minutes. I called my mother and told her we were headed to the hospital. My contractions continued to increase in frequency and intensity. We get to the hospital and my contractions are already about 2-3 minutes apart! The nurse checks me and I'm 5 cm dilated. Note: I was 5 cm dilated when I arrived at the hospital with Rory, but this pain was so much worse. The intensity of contractions once your water breaks is so much more unbearable. At 2:36am Don sent a text to my mother with the room number we were in. Mom and Meg took their time getting to the hospital. They lingered around the house and made coffee. My labor with Rory lasted so long, they thought for sure that they had plenty of time.
The nurse called Dr. Helton to let him know that I had been admitted, I was 5 cm dilated, but that he didnt need to come yet. My contractions started coming every minute or so rather quickly and I started feeling a tremendous, unexplainable amount of pressure. I got nauseous and vomitted a few times the pain was so intense. They started an IV, gave me Zofran, and planned to infuse my antibiotics (for Group B Strep), but there was not time for the antibiotics. Moments later I called the nurse and told her that I felt the urge to push. Nurse checked me again and I was at 8cm. She called Dr. Helton back and told him how quickly I was progressing and that he needed to come on in. He was there within minutes. He immediately checked me and I was already 10cm dilated. WOW! Thats 5-10 cm in just 30 minutes! It was time!!! This baby was ready to come out! I continued holding on to the bedrails for dear life as each contraction hit trying my best not to push. It was tough and I whined to the nurse that I couldn't do it. All I wanted to do was push and I knew it would make me feel better. The nurse was very encouraging and told me to focus all of my energy on my breathing and calming myself down. She told me to ignore what was going on below and to take deep breaths and focus on looking at her and relaxing. Surprisingly I didn't punch her in the face and her advice worked. Don continued to rub my back as a shouted a few profanities. Dr. Helton suited up as the nurses got everything together. I heard my mother and sister in the waiting room while I was getting ready to push. My mom said that she thought they had the wrong room when they got there. The door was locked and the woman on the other side was already having a baby. She thought for sure I couldn't be having the baby less than an hour after I called her.
Our unborn child was waiting on no one. The moment they told me I could push, it was the greatest relief in the entire world. Two contractions and 2 pushes later Don and I welcomed our precious, surprise baby girl, Lhana June into the world at 3:16am. Ah! All natural, no epidural, no pain medication!!! I did it!! We were at the hospital only about 50 minutes unil she was born. Amazing! I was so afraid of the pushing part, but compared to the contractions...it was nothing. It was so extremely painful, but the moment I saw her, the pain went away! She was just beautiful! I looked at Don and he was bright red and grinning ear to ear. I wish I had a photo to capture his face at that moment. It was priceless!
Note to Self: Rorys birth took 23 hours, Lhana's took less than 2, so maybe I should consider checking into the hospital a day or two before baby #3 is expected to arrive, unless I want to have #3 at home. Hmm...
Hello, chubby cheeks!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Our Baby Is Here!!
Surprise, Surprise, Surpise...
IT'S A GIRL!!!!
Lhana June Riggins
6lbs. 15oz
Lhana June Riggins
6lbs. 15oz
We are in total shock and awe of our new baby girl! It was the most wonderful, indescribable feeling in the world to find out that our "it" baby was in fact a girl! I could not stop smiling and Don could hardly catch his breath! Ha! It was an AMAZING moment for both of us! I will never forget the look on Don's face and the warmth that I felt the moment we saw her! She is absolutely perfect! She came on February 22, two days before her due date. She is much smaller than I was expecting, but perfect none the less! I though for sure I was carrying a 10-pounder! I'll be back to post how our delivery went as well as some more pictures of our precious little one!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Nothing is Working!
I've eaten hot sauce, had sex, done squats, jumped up and down a few times and still nothing. Now that I have finished up with clinical and I can safely have this baby anytime now. I've been having painless contractions, possibly braxton hicks, every 20 minutes all yesterday and today. I am hoping they pick up and become more frequent and intense.
I went to the gym this morning. I walked on the treadmill and got on the eliptical. I had lots and lots of pressure and lots of false contractions, but now... nothing. I don't remember feeling this way with Rory. I was very calm and patient while awaiting for his arrival. But with this little do-dat, I can't stand it anymore! I have got to know what the sex of this baby is and I have got to have it by this weekend so that it doesn't conflict with my pre-planned schedule.
Okay... well, not really. I'm being a bit irrational. But Lord, B2 can come anytime now is all I'm trying to say. All 3 of our bags are packed. Nursery is as ready as its going to be for now. Car seat is loaded, house is clean, clothes are washed, legs are shaved. God? Can you see this?
I went to the gym this morning. I walked on the treadmill and got on the eliptical. I had lots and lots of pressure and lots of false contractions, but now... nothing. I don't remember feeling this way with Rory. I was very calm and patient while awaiting for his arrival. But with this little do-dat, I can't stand it anymore! I have got to know what the sex of this baby is and I have got to have it by this weekend so that it doesn't conflict with my pre-planned schedule.
Okay... well, not really. I'm being a bit irrational. But Lord, B2 can come anytime now is all I'm trying to say. All 3 of our bags are packed. Nursery is as ready as its going to be for now. Car seat is loaded, house is clean, clothes are washed, legs are shaved. God? Can you see this?
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Contractions?? Where Are You?
So I lost the majority of my mucous plug on Friday and had some bloody show as well. I've had little bits trickling out since and a few contractions here and there but nothing worth keeping up with. I am so anxious!! When is this baby coming?!?
Friday, February 17, 2012
39 Weeks... The end/beginning is near!
How Far Along: 39 Weeks
Size of Baby: a mini watermelon. 7+ lbs, 20 inches
Total Weight Gained/Lost: +27lbs
Maternity Clothes: What still fits
Movement: Still constant. Baby is more active now than ever!
Sleep: Terrible. I'm up every hour or two to use the bathroom or roll over. Also, Rory is in the process of sleeping in his underwear. So, some nights he calls in the middle of the night to either go to the bathroom or for me to change his soaking sheets! Its been rough!
What I miss: Sleeping throughout the night without any interuption.
Cravings: Chocolate again! Ugh!
Symptoms: Lots of strong braxton hicks. Some stinging down there with pressure.
Highlights from this week: Today has been a great week, so I have two big highlights.
Total Weight Gained/Lost: +27lbs
Maternity Clothes: What still fits
Movement: Still constant. Baby is more active now than ever!
Sleep: Terrible. I'm up every hour or two to use the bathroom or roll over. Also, Rory is in the process of sleeping in his underwear. So, some nights he calls in the middle of the night to either go to the bathroom or for me to change his soaking sheets! Its been rough!
What I miss: Sleeping throughout the night without any interuption.
Cravings: Chocolate again! Ugh!
Symptoms: Lots of strong braxton hicks. Some stinging down there with pressure.
Highlights from this week: Today has been a great week, so I have two big highlights.
1. I lost my mucous plug! It started last night and has been coming out steadily today @ 39 weeks. It has been blood tinged, thick, and slimey. TMI, huh? Hopefully this means labor is soon to arrive!
2. I have finished up with clincal until March 22 or so. Yippee!! I have doubled up clinical time the past couple of weeks and it has been so hard to study, spend time with family, and find time to rest. But its here! I did it. I will have 4-5 weeks to spend with just the baby (and to study of course). No 12 hr. shifts for a whole month!What a relief!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Dr.'s Appt. 38w5d
I saw Dr. Dodson today and everything looked great. Baby is still head down, heartbeat in the upper 120's. I was 3cm dilated and only 50% effaced according to her. She stated that she didn't think I would make it until my next appointment so we shall see.
I asked her to stir things up while she checked my cervix. She offered to strip my membranes, but I declined. B2 will make an appearance when he/she is fully ripened!! But...I sure hope its soon. REALLY SOON!
I asked her to stir things up while she checked my cervix. She offered to strip my membranes, but I declined. B2 will make an appearance when he/she is fully ripened!! But...I sure hope its soon. REALLY SOON!
**Next Appointment...Feb. 21st!
Friday, February 10, 2012
38 Weeks...Only 2 Weeks Left!!
How Far Along: 38 Weeks
Symptoms: I am beginning to get exhausted now. Maybe tired is a better word. I just want to sit around, yawn, and watch movies all day. I still feel great, otherwise! No heartburn, no constipation, no swelling (except after a 12hr shift). I can't eat as big of a meal as I want to, there just isn't enough room. I am not making as many trips to bathroom as I feel I should be considering I have been forcing myself to drink 90oz.+ of water daily. Fluid Overload! I get sharp pains down there when I move too quickly or stretch too hard. I also have been getting some ligament pains in my lower abdomen during the night. But overall, nothing to complain about. Bring on the baby!
Size of Baby: A leek! 6.8lbs, 19.5 inches
Total Weight Gained/Lost: +25lbs
Maternity Clothes: Yes, and anything else that I can stretch over this watermelon. A moo moo would be nice
Total Weight Gained/Lost: +25lbs
Maternity Clothes: Yes, and anything else that I can stretch over this watermelon. A moo moo would be nice
Movement: Yes! It feels and looks like this kid is diong barrell rolls in my stomach.
Sleep: Getting better. I have had a stuffy nose for a week or so that is finally clearing up. Lord, give me rest before this baby comes. I wake up 2-3 times to go pee.
What I miss: The gym
Cravings: Grapes and blueberries
Belly Button: out
Symptoms: I am beginning to get exhausted now. Maybe tired is a better word. I just want to sit around, yawn, and watch movies all day. I still feel great, otherwise! No heartburn, no constipation, no swelling (except after a 12hr shift). I can't eat as big of a meal as I want to, there just isn't enough room. I am not making as many trips to bathroom as I feel I should be considering I have been forcing myself to drink 90oz.+ of water daily. Fluid Overload! I get sharp pains down there when I move too quickly or stretch too hard. I also have been getting some ligament pains in my lower abdomen during the night. But overall, nothing to complain about. Bring on the baby!Highlights from this week: Hearing baby's heartbeat and learning that he/she is still headdown. My biggest fear is having a breech baby!!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Dr.'s Appointment! 37w4d
I saw Dr. Helton today. Nothing new. He does not "check" for any progress or dilation until 38 weeks because he doesn't like to stir things up too early. Baby's is settled down low and headfirst which explains all the pressure. Heart rate was 128-129bpm. Still doing healthy!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Dr.'s Appointment!
I just got back from my Dr.'s appointment and guess what? I'm 2cm dilated and 70% effaced!!!!!! I was 1cm dilated the week before Rory came so who knows when this one will arrive!! This is good news and not so good news. Good news because I am ready for baby to be here and its fantastic that my body is going to begin the labor process by itself (so it seems). I do not want to be induced and of course I do not want to have a c-section and while I'm being really picky, I do not want my labor augmented either. Hopefully Oxytocin/pitocin can be avoided. I don't want any help getting this baby out. Well...maybe a back rub or two :)
This news is not so good because I need to make it until February 17th to have all of my clinical time complete in order to take 4 weeks off that I have planned (which has now turned into 5 due to our schedule change, yes!!!). Either way, things will work out but oh the stress of thinking about it!!
I have been having lots of pressure down there on and off throughout the past few days as well as some braxton hicks. I noticed at the gym this morning that I kept having some contractions and mild pain down under so I had an idea that something had changed. The gym is such an outlet for me and I'm not quite ready to give it up yet but I think its time. :( This makes me incredibly sad.
Onto the GREAT news. I saw Dr. Huff this morning and if she is the one to deliver my baby (which I hope she is not aside from the two reasons I'm about to explain) I will not have to be hooked up to a pump. Meaning no continuous fluids, no machine to lug back and forth to the bathroom, and no annoying cords to get tangled up in. Since I am planning a natural, medication free birth, they are willing to give me as much freedom to move around as possible. Each Dr. is different, so I will have to check with the other 2 in the weeks to come. Also, she does not make continuous baby monitoring mandatory for all natural deliveries. Meaning that I wont have to have the transducers around my stomach 24-7 to monitor the baby. Those things are restrictive as well. She said we could just do intermittent monitoring ever half hour or so! So, these are two things that I can cross of my list to worry about. I want to be as free and mobile as possible for this delivery. I do not want to lay in the bed or drag around some machine as my insides are literally being ripped out.
As stressful as the next couple of months are going to be, I am so excited to meet this baby and to feel the love of having a newborn again! It is such a wonderful feeling to stare at such an amazing little creature that you created and that was growing inside of you. I cannot wait to see what this baby looks like and if its a boy or girl!!!
This news is not so good because I need to make it until February 17th to have all of my clinical time complete in order to take 4 weeks off that I have planned (which has now turned into 5 due to our schedule change, yes!!!). Either way, things will work out but oh the stress of thinking about it!!
I have been having lots of pressure down there on and off throughout the past few days as well as some braxton hicks. I noticed at the gym this morning that I kept having some contractions and mild pain down under so I had an idea that something had changed. The gym is such an outlet for me and I'm not quite ready to give it up yet but I think its time. :( This makes me incredibly sad.
Onto the GREAT news. I saw Dr. Huff this morning and if she is the one to deliver my baby (which I hope she is not aside from the two reasons I'm about to explain) I will not have to be hooked up to a pump. Meaning no continuous fluids, no machine to lug back and forth to the bathroom, and no annoying cords to get tangled up in. Since I am planning a natural, medication free birth, they are willing to give me as much freedom to move around as possible. Each Dr. is different, so I will have to check with the other 2 in the weeks to come. Also, she does not make continuous baby monitoring mandatory for all natural deliveries. Meaning that I wont have to have the transducers around my stomach 24-7 to monitor the baby. Those things are restrictive as well. She said we could just do intermittent monitoring ever half hour or so! So, these are two things that I can cross of my list to worry about. I want to be as free and mobile as possible for this delivery. I do not want to lay in the bed or drag around some machine as my insides are literally being ripped out.
As stressful as the next couple of months are going to be, I am so excited to meet this baby and to feel the love of having a newborn again! It is such a wonderful feeling to stare at such an amazing little creature that you created and that was growing inside of you. I cannot wait to see what this baby looks like and if its a boy or girl!!!
Friday, January 27, 2012
36 Weeks...One Month or Less!!!!!!!!!
Okay, I say 1 month or less only because there is no way I can get much bigger and this baby must come on time!! Or a day or two early would be nice :) but not sooner than that.
I've noticed this week that the baby has dropped. I don't get out of breath putting my pajamas on or going up stairs. My heartburn is occasional vs. constant and I am peeing all the time. Baby is low low low.
Luckily, I have been overwhelmingly busy so time is still flying by!! Yay!
I've noticed this week that the baby has dropped. I don't get out of breath putting my pajamas on or going up stairs. My heartburn is occasional vs. constant and I am peeing all the time. Baby is low low low.
Luckily, I have been overwhelmingly busy so time is still flying by!! Yay!
How Far Along: 36 Weeks
Size of Baby: a crenshaw melon, almost 6 lbs, 18.5 inches
Total Weight Gained/Lost: +25-26lbs
Maternity Clothes: Oh yes. Nicki gave me another bundle of clothes, so I am set until B2 gets here.
Movement: All the time
Sleep: So-so. I get up ever hour or two to pee, but heartburn seems better this week.
What I miss: Nothing. I've been feeling great this week and enjoying being pregnant. Ask again next week.
Cravings: I'm craving sweets again, but I've been very diligent in controlling my cravings
Symptoms: Exhausted. After 11am, the yawning starts and lasts the rest of the day. Occasionally I make it until lunch before this happens. A little constipated. GAS!! Woo...poor Don. I have been blowing the house up. I always fuss at him when he does it, but I've had to keep my mouth shut lately. Its disgustingly funny. My ankles swell after my 12 hr. clinical days and my knees and feet ache. No headaches.
Highlights from this week: Making it through a 40hr. week of school and surviving. It was rough, but for the next three weeks I will only be doing 28-30hrs, so time will fly by and baby will be here soon!
Size of Baby: a crenshaw melon, almost 6 lbs, 18.5 inches
Maternity Clothes: Oh yes. Nicki gave me another bundle of clothes, so I am set until B2 gets here.
Movement: All the time
Sleep: So-so. I get up ever hour or two to pee, but heartburn seems better this week.
What I miss: Nothing. I've been feeling great this week and enjoying being pregnant. Ask again next week.
Cravings: I'm craving sweets again, but I've been very diligent in controlling my cravings
Symptoms: Exhausted. After 11am, the yawning starts and lasts the rest of the day. Occasionally I make it until lunch before this happens. A little constipated. GAS!! Woo...poor Don. I have been blowing the house up. I always fuss at him when he does it, but I've had to keep my mouth shut lately. Its disgustingly funny. My ankles swell after my 12 hr. clinical days and my knees and feet ache. No headaches.
Highlights from this week: Making it through a 40hr. week of school and surviving. It was rough, but for the next three weeks I will only be doing 28-30hrs, so time will fly by and baby will be here soon!
Friday, January 20, 2012
35 Down, 5 To Go!
How Far Along: 35 Weeks
Total Weight Gained/Lost: +24lbs
Maternity Clothes: yes. I've got like 3 outfits that I wear all the time
Movement: all the time. I feel like baby is awake more often now and is moving more than ever. My stomach is always lopsided or doing a wavelike motion
Sleep: okay
What I miss: my old jeans
Cravings: coffee, Honey Nut Chex Miz, grapes
Symptoms: occasional headaches, frequent bathroom stops, constant movement, less room for food. I get really hungry but can't eat quite as much. No swelling, no contractions, no constipation. Still feeling good!
Highlights from this week: ?
Look how huge!! My belly button is almost completely out and my line is noticeable but not as dark as I remember. It looks like I have stretch marks, but thats from me scratching my skin off!
Size of Baby: honeydew melon, 5.25lbs, 18+inchesTotal Weight Gained/Lost: +24lbs
Maternity Clothes: yes. I've got like 3 outfits that I wear all the time
Movement: all the time. I feel like baby is awake more often now and is moving more than ever. My stomach is always lopsided or doing a wavelike motion
Sleep: okay
What I miss: my old jeans
Cravings: coffee, Honey Nut Chex Miz, grapes
Symptoms: occasional headaches, frequent bathroom stops, constant movement, less room for food. I get really hungry but can't eat quite as much. No swelling, no contractions, no constipation. Still feeling good!
Highlights from this week: ?
Friday, January 13, 2012
34 Weeks...Only 6 Weeks/42 days to go!
Today was my 34 weeks Dr. appointment and it went smooth. I met the new D.O., Dr. Hudson. She seems awesome! Very nice and bubbly. She believe in a more holistic approach to than what I've seen from the other Dr.'s, which I love.
Baby was rolling around like crazy. Heartrate was in the 130's. My uterus measured 33.5inches, just a tad small, but nothing to worry about. I go back in 2 weeks for my Group B Strep testing and then I will begin going every week. Ah! Time is running out and our baby will be here soon!! I am so excited.
Its now starting to drive me crazy trying to figure out if this little one is a boy or girl!! I am so excited and anxious to find out! Its going to be the best day ever!
How Far Along: 34 Weeks
Size of Baby: a cantaloupe! 4.75lbs, almost 18 inches
Total Weight Gained/Lost: At the Dr. today they told me +20.5lbs. I have lost 2lbs since last visit which I knew, but I'm pretty sure that puts me at +23lbs. Thats what we are gonna go with since it is worst case scenario... +23lbs
Maternity Clothes: Yes. They are getting rather snug and some of my shirts are becoming too short.Movement: Yes, all the time. Baby is constantly rolling. I can even distinguish legs from elbows and such sometimes, its really cool.
Belly Button: amazingly it is still in, but barely. I'm not sure if its going to pop out or not since it didn't with Rory
Sleep: Good. I get up a lot to go pee and some tossing and turning trying to get comfortable
What I miss: ?
Cravings: Banana sandwiches, blueberry bagels, chex mix
Symptoms: Heartburn, occasional headaches, frequent urination, constant thirst even though I drink possibly too much water, no swelling this week, no constipation which I thought I would get by now, some pressure down there occasionally, less braxton hicks contractions than last week and they are not longer painful.
Highlights from this week: Starting my last semester of Nursing school!! The next 8 weeks are going to be the most stressful weeks of my life with a new baby and completing the toughest semester of my schooling career, but I'm ready!! I'm ready for baby and I'm ready to be done with school (for a while)!
**Next Appointment on January 26rd! Our last biweekly appointment, then we go every week for our last month!
**Next Appointment on January 26rd! Our last biweekly appointment, then we go every week for our last month!
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Get This...
Get this...
The nurse from Dr. HUff's office calls me today to let me know that I have a bladder infection (she is referring to the results from my urine culture that was taken at my visit almost two weeks ago...the one I went to right before I went to the hospital). She goes on to tell me that I need to be put on an oral antibiotic 3 times a day for 10 days. AAHHH!!!! Umm...Thank you Dr. Huff, but that situation was taken care of two weeks ago when I went to the EMERGENCY ROOM with signs and symptoms of exactly that...a bladder infection. Not the Flu!! Remember, you told me it wasn't an infection but more likely the flu or a virus. Remember?!? Guess not...
Thank goodness I didn't take that dang Tamiflu or wait for the "virus" to leave my system. I would seriously have kidney failure by now and quite possibly be on my death bed had I just went home from that appointment and taken her advice.
The nurse from Dr. HUff's office calls me today to let me know that I have a bladder infection (she is referring to the results from my urine culture that was taken at my visit almost two weeks ago...the one I went to right before I went to the hospital). She goes on to tell me that I need to be put on an oral antibiotic 3 times a day for 10 days. AAHHH!!!! Umm...Thank you Dr. Huff, but that situation was taken care of two weeks ago when I went to the EMERGENCY ROOM with signs and symptoms of exactly that...a bladder infection. Not the Flu!! Remember, you told me it wasn't an infection but more likely the flu or a virus. Remember?!? Guess not...
Thank goodness I didn't take that dang Tamiflu or wait for the "virus" to leave my system. I would seriously have kidney failure by now and quite possibly be on my death bed had I just went home from that appointment and taken her advice.
Friday, January 6, 2012
33 Weeks and Feeling Much Better!
I feel so much better this week. Im still having lots of pressure and some painful braxton hicks contractions, but each since our hospital visit has gotten better. Thank goodness!
FYI: Last week my waist measured 38 inches and this week...drumroll please....
its a whopping 41 inches. So, as I've said before, I am growing rather quickly! Between now and Birth Day, this baby will almost double its weight! Ah!
FYI: Last week my waist measured 38 inches and this week...drumroll please....
its a whopping 41 inches. So, as I've said before, I am growing rather quickly! Between now and Birth Day, this baby will almost double its weight! Ah!
How Far Along: 33 Weeks
Size of Baby: 4.5lbs, 17.5 inches
Total Weight Gained/Lost: +25lbs
Maternity Clothes: Yup or large t-shirts of Don's
Belly Button: Still in, but barely
Maternity Clothes: Yup or large t-shirts of Don's
Belly Button: Still in, but barely
Movement: Its getting tight in there. Mainly just feel some rolls or elbows here in there
Sleep: I wake up every few hours to pee or roll over, not too bad
What I miss: My aerobics class :( I haven't been in 3 weeks and I miss it. I'm going to try going one more time before my school schedule no longer allows. However, I will have to make some adjustments. I've noticed that I'm not quite as limber or as steady and quick on my feet as I was a few weeks ago. Fatty...
Cravings: Cold Milk. Anything ice cold really
Symptoms: Frequent urination, heartburn, headaches. I have actually woken up a few days this week swollen. Its hideous!! My face and hands have been swollen.
Highlights from this week: Feeling better than last week. My braxton hicks contractions have died down and only come maybe twice an hour or so and they are not near as painful. I feel like the baby is now head down, but I am not sure. We will see nect week at my appointment. I also get to see a new Dr. next visit, Dr. Dodson.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
32 Weeks and Sick as a Dog!
I'm a day late posting, but with very good reason. Sleep has been horrible lately and it was even worse Thursday night/Friday morning. I constantly roll over from side to side every.single.night. and its terrible because I'm huge. So Thursday night I thought I rolled over a little too quickly and pulled or strained a muscle in my back. I got up to stretch it out and it was also in my lower right abdomen. Sharp sharp jabs. While I was up stretching I got light headed and nauseous. I laid back down and could not fall back asleep due to the pain and chills. This was at 5am.
I got up with Don and showered and could hardly walk due to the pain. I had a scheduled Dr.'s appointment at 9:20 that I cancelled because I could not get out of bed without pain, dizziness, and nausea. Don was working so Rory laid with me and was oh so sweet! He is so loveable and comforting. He rubbed my face and said "Momma, you're hot right there". Such a smart boy he is. I checked my temp and it was 100.3. I checked it again 30 minutes later and it was 100.9. I called to see if the Dr.'s office could still see me. I got there and my temp was 101.3. Dr. Huff (who I care nothing for) came in a said well, if you just having back pain and you're not having contractions, I think its just viral and you will have to wait it out. You have to let viral infections run their course.
"So a UTI or kidney infection is out of the question"...hence the back pain and temperature.
"Your urine specimen came back negative with just a small trace of some bacteria"
I don't get the flu shot, Rory doesn't get the flu shot, Don doesn't get the flu shot. We don't want the flu shot! Keep this in mind.
I tell Dr. Huff I didn't take the shot (because she asks of course) and she immediately directs her diagnosis toward the flu. What symptoms do you see that makes you think I may have the flu (I really can't stand her)? I have no cough, not sore throat, no watery eyes, no weakness or generalized pain. She prescribes me Tamiflu, which treats flu symptoms, Phinergan, and Zofran. Whatever. I get them all fulfilled but take none of them. If I tell you that I am totally against the flu shot, then why on earth would I take Tamiflu to treat the flu symptoms that I don't have without even knowing if I have the flu. Ugh.
So the day progresses and I take Tylenol, which I was very reluctant to do as well but couldn't take the pain anymore. I felt a few contractions but couldn't tell if they were true or false because of the persistent back pain. And finally at 5:15pm I couldn't take it anymore. My pain was worse and my fever had risen to 102.3. So we went to the ER. They sent us to L&D and just my luck... Dr. Huff was making rounds and stopped by. She reprimanded me for not taking the Tamiflu and said that I should have taken it immediately, yada yada. So I very nicely asked..."Why would I take Tamiflu if I don't even know if I have the flu". She ordered a flu test, some fluids, bloods tests, and another urine culture. I told her that I had been having contractions and of course her response was well, I'm not seeing any contractions on the baby monitor and mentioned again that it was probably the flu or a viral infection that needed to run its course. Against her will she decided to check my cervix. I was one fingertip dilated. So she then says oh, well maybe you had a few contractions earlier. Oh my Jesus! I could kill her at this point!! She told the nurses to monitor me for a couple more hours because being dilated at 32 weeks raised some concerns.
Also...during this stay, the baby's heartrate would elevate to the 180's and 190's for 10 minutes or so at a time. They did a bolus of fluids and after a couple minutes the heartrate would come down. Then it would go back up again... This didn't seem to be a concern for them. Apparently when my heartrate goes up related to the fever, the baby's heartrate also increases. I was still freaking out!!! 190 beats per minute??? WOW!
Finally at 10:15pm my labs and flu test come back. Flu test was NEGATIVE! Take that Tamiflu and shove it Dr. Huff. My white blood count was elevated as well as a small trace of bacteria found in my urine (<---same bacteria from my my moring appointment maybe?!?). They prescribe me an antibiotic and send me on my way and treat it as an infection. We got home at 1:00am and my fever broke at 3:35 and my back pain immediately ceased. Craziest thing. Could I have had a UTI or kidney infection??? Why yes, I think so.
I slept later than I have slept in 6 months and woke up this morning at 10:15am and felt like a new person. Still no fever or back pain. My lower abdomen is now sore after walking around and the pressure of the baby, but I attribute that to the clinching and minor contractions I had yesterday. Other than that...I'm cured for now. Thank goodness I see a different Dr. at my next visit.
Wow...I gave a little too much detail and made that the longest story ever. On to the weekly update...
I got up with Don and showered and could hardly walk due to the pain. I had a scheduled Dr.'s appointment at 9:20 that I cancelled because I could not get out of bed without pain, dizziness, and nausea. Don was working so Rory laid with me and was oh so sweet! He is so loveable and comforting. He rubbed my face and said "Momma, you're hot right there". Such a smart boy he is. I checked my temp and it was 100.3. I checked it again 30 minutes later and it was 100.9. I called to see if the Dr.'s office could still see me. I got there and my temp was 101.3. Dr. Huff (who I care nothing for) came in a said well, if you just having back pain and you're not having contractions, I think its just viral and you will have to wait it out. You have to let viral infections run their course.
"So a UTI or kidney infection is out of the question"...hence the back pain and temperature.
"Your urine specimen came back negative with just a small trace of some bacteria"
I don't get the flu shot, Rory doesn't get the flu shot, Don doesn't get the flu shot. We don't want the flu shot! Keep this in mind.
I tell Dr. Huff I didn't take the shot (because she asks of course) and she immediately directs her diagnosis toward the flu. What symptoms do you see that makes you think I may have the flu (I really can't stand her)? I have no cough, not sore throat, no watery eyes, no weakness or generalized pain. She prescribes me Tamiflu, which treats flu symptoms, Phinergan, and Zofran. Whatever. I get them all fulfilled but take none of them. If I tell you that I am totally against the flu shot, then why on earth would I take Tamiflu to treat the flu symptoms that I don't have without even knowing if I have the flu. Ugh.
So the day progresses and I take Tylenol, which I was very reluctant to do as well but couldn't take the pain anymore. I felt a few contractions but couldn't tell if they were true or false because of the persistent back pain. And finally at 5:15pm I couldn't take it anymore. My pain was worse and my fever had risen to 102.3. So we went to the ER. They sent us to L&D and just my luck... Dr. Huff was making rounds and stopped by. She reprimanded me for not taking the Tamiflu and said that I should have taken it immediately, yada yada. So I very nicely asked..."Why would I take Tamiflu if I don't even know if I have the flu". She ordered a flu test, some fluids, bloods tests, and another urine culture. I told her that I had been having contractions and of course her response was well, I'm not seeing any contractions on the baby monitor and mentioned again that it was probably the flu or a viral infection that needed to run its course. Against her will she decided to check my cervix. I was one fingertip dilated. So she then says oh, well maybe you had a few contractions earlier. Oh my Jesus! I could kill her at this point!! She told the nurses to monitor me for a couple more hours because being dilated at 32 weeks raised some concerns.
Also...during this stay, the baby's heartrate would elevate to the 180's and 190's for 10 minutes or so at a time. They did a bolus of fluids and after a couple minutes the heartrate would come down. Then it would go back up again... This didn't seem to be a concern for them. Apparently when my heartrate goes up related to the fever, the baby's heartrate also increases. I was still freaking out!!! 190 beats per minute??? WOW!
Finally at 10:15pm my labs and flu test come back. Flu test was NEGATIVE! Take that Tamiflu and shove it Dr. Huff. My white blood count was elevated as well as a small trace of bacteria found in my urine (<---same bacteria from my my moring appointment maybe?!?). They prescribe me an antibiotic and send me on my way and treat it as an infection. We got home at 1:00am and my fever broke at 3:35 and my back pain immediately ceased. Craziest thing. Could I have had a UTI or kidney infection??? Why yes, I think so.
I slept later than I have slept in 6 months and woke up this morning at 10:15am and felt like a new person. Still no fever or back pain. My lower abdomen is now sore after walking around and the pressure of the baby, but I attribute that to the clinching and minor contractions I had yesterday. Other than that...I'm cured for now. Thank goodness I see a different Dr. at my next visit.
Wow...I gave a little too much detail and made that the longest story ever. On to the weekly update...
How Far Along: 32 Weeks
Size of Baby: 3.75lbs, 16.7 inches
Total Weight Gained/Lost: +23lbs
Maternity Clothes: Yes, but I am almost too big for them too, ha!
Movement: Yes. Baby has been in the same position and it's kicks are very predictable now.
Sleep: I wake up all night long, but don't seem to be tired in the mornings so I suppose I'm getting more than I realize
What I miss: Everything I could do non-pregnant. I'm feeling huge now and want to be normal again
Cravings: Nothing
Aversions: Regular Coffee. I used to drink it, but after making the switch to Decaf, I cannpt handlt Don's coffee anymore. Sick! There is not enough creamer in this world to get me through a full cup of that dark nastiness
Symptoms: braxton hicks, heartburn, lustrious hair. I don't think I have shed more than 10 hairs this month. I love the fullness of my hair right now but I know it is only short lived. Soon my it will be falling out in clumps :( Frequent stops to the bathroom, no constipation.
Highlights from this week: Celebrating Christmas with the Family!! Each year is better than the last!
**Next Appointment is Jan. 13
Size of Baby: 3.75lbs, 16.7 inches
Total Weight Gained/Lost: +23lbs
Maternity Clothes: Yes, but I am almost too big for them too, ha!
Movement: Yes. Baby has been in the same position and it's kicks are very predictable now.
Sleep: I wake up all night long, but don't seem to be tired in the mornings so I suppose I'm getting more than I realize
What I miss: Everything I could do non-pregnant. I'm feeling huge now and want to be normal again
Cravings: Nothing
Aversions: Regular Coffee. I used to drink it, but after making the switch to Decaf, I cannpt handlt Don's coffee anymore. Sick! There is not enough creamer in this world to get me through a full cup of that dark nastiness
Symptoms: braxton hicks, heartburn, lustrious hair. I don't think I have shed more than 10 hairs this month. I love the fullness of my hair right now but I know it is only short lived. Soon my it will be falling out in clumps :( Frequent stops to the bathroom, no constipation.
Highlights from this week: Celebrating Christmas with the Family!! Each year is better than the last!
**Next Appointment is Jan. 13
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