I am NOT trying to rush Rylee's birth. I realize that reading my last post it kind of sounded that way, so I wanted to have a clarification post.
If you recall (or didn't know) before I was 31 weeks, I was having preterm contractions, went to labor & delivery at 31 weeks, Dr. Tran put me on restrictive bed rest and prescribed me Procardia. I was told to not do anything I didn't have to do, so for the next 5 weeks, I went to work and came home and rested.
At 35 weeks, I started my weekly appointments and cervical checks, I was 1cm dilated. No big deal since you can sit at that for awhile, and I still had 5 weeks to go. Dr. Tran conditionally lifted my bed rest restrictions, but told me not to go crazy until I was full term at 37 weeks (yesterday).
At 36 weeks, Dr. Tran checked me and realized I was 2cm already and "ripe and ready to go" she seemed shocked that I had progressed in the week since my last appointment. I went to labor & delivery again a few days later and found out I was 100% effaced and the nurse told me there was a good chance I would be back before my due date with a cervix like mine. Dr. Tran saw me again the next day, since she is out of town all this week, and she wanted to check me again before she left for vacation. When she checked me last Friday, I was a "stretchy 2cm" and she told me she would classify me at 3cm due to this.
At this point, I asked if there was so far in dilation she would let me get to without being in active labor (consistent, intensifying contractions/water breaking) and she told me with as fast as I'm moving (especially as a first time mom), she would put me in the hospital at 4cm. At this point, my water would be broken and if labor didn't start from there, pitocin would be used.
Dr. Tran knows how much I don't want to have that happen, I would prefer labor to progress naturally on its own, but she also knows that she has to do what's best for me and Rylee. She told me to walk as much as possible, have sex, and stimulate my nipples (sorry if TMI) whenever I can, to see if I can get things started on my own. Everything I'm doing to "get Rylee to come" is per my doctor's orders, in order to prevent unwanted medical intervention.
So, don't think I'm trying to rush the end of this pregnancy, but know that if I don't try and I still get to 4cm, the doctors are going to rush it for me. If I do all of this and sit at 3cm for the next 3 weeks, that's perfectly fine, and I'm perfectly happy with that. I just can't allow induction without trying to get it to start naturally.
Hope this clarification helps things make a little more sense.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Officially Full Term
How far along? 37 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +7
Maternity clothes? maternity always
Stretch Marks? yes
Sleep: not so much
Best moment this week: I started maternity leave today.
Movement: She's getting more and more quiet
Food Cravings/Aversions: Gummy worms and Mexican food
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? it's working it's way back in, which I hope means Rylee is lower
What I miss: when I feel the urge that I REALLY NEED TO PEE, that I pee longer than 1.5 seconds
What I am looking forward to: relaxing before Rylee gets here
Weekly Wisdom: Walk, have sex, eat spicy foods, go to the chiropractor, get my hair cut, get a pedicure
Milestones: officially full term
So this past week as been quite eventful. My wonderful friend, Jennifer, had a beautiful, healthy baby girl 5 weeks early on Wednesday! It's quite a miracle in my opinion! She is tiny and beautiful at 4lbs 11oz! I'm looking forward to Paige and Rylee having a lot of play dates.
The next day, I woke up with fluids running down my leg and soaked through a pair of underwear. So mom and I made another trip to L&D. It was another failed trip (obviously), because it wasn't my water. Probably just an increase in watery discharge. I did find out I am 100% effaced by the L&D nurse and she told me she doesn't expect me to be pregnant for another 3 weeks with a cervix like mine.
Friday, I went to my appointment with Dr. Tran since she is off this week. She told me I was a "stretchy 2cm" and that should classify it 3cm since it's so stretchy. I know that's probably too much information, but oh well. So here I sit 100% effaced (thinned out) and 3cm dilated, just waiting. I've been walking around and on the treadmill like crazy, bouncing on the exercise ball, and doing what I can to try to get this little girl to come. I know she might not be ready, but I figured if my cervix is as ready as it is, then maybe she'll want to come a little sooner. It might be selfish of me, but Paul and I are ready to meet our little girl! She'll come when she's ready to no matter what I do, and I know that, but all of these exercises are helping me think that I have a part in that decision!
Total weight gain/loss: +7
Maternity clothes? maternity always
Stretch Marks? yes
Sleep: not so much
Best moment this week: I started maternity leave today.
Movement: She's getting more and more quiet
Food Cravings/Aversions: Gummy worms and Mexican food
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? it's working it's way back in, which I hope means Rylee is lower
What I miss: when I feel the urge that I REALLY NEED TO PEE, that I pee longer than 1.5 seconds
What I am looking forward to: relaxing before Rylee gets here
Weekly Wisdom: Walk, have sex, eat spicy foods, go to the chiropractor, get my hair cut, get a pedicure
Milestones: officially full term
So this past week as been quite eventful. My wonderful friend, Jennifer, had a beautiful, healthy baby girl 5 weeks early on Wednesday! It's quite a miracle in my opinion! She is tiny and beautiful at 4lbs 11oz! I'm looking forward to Paige and Rylee having a lot of play dates.
The next day, I woke up with fluids running down my leg and soaked through a pair of underwear. So mom and I made another trip to L&D. It was another failed trip (obviously), because it wasn't my water. Probably just an increase in watery discharge. I did find out I am 100% effaced by the L&D nurse and she told me she doesn't expect me to be pregnant for another 3 weeks with a cervix like mine.
Friday, I went to my appointment with Dr. Tran since she is off this week. She told me I was a "stretchy 2cm" and that should classify it 3cm since it's so stretchy. I know that's probably too much information, but oh well. So here I sit 100% effaced (thinned out) and 3cm dilated, just waiting. I've been walking around and on the treadmill like crazy, bouncing on the exercise ball, and doing what I can to try to get this little girl to come. I know she might not be ready, but I figured if my cervix is as ready as it is, then maybe she'll want to come a little sooner. It might be selfish of me, but Paul and I are ready to meet our little girl! She'll come when she's ready to no matter what I do, and I know that, but all of these exercises are helping me think that I have a part in that decision!
Monday, December 13, 2010
9 months along
How far along? 36 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +8
Maternity clothes? maternity always
Stretch Marks? yes
Sleep: My mind makes it hard to fall asleep
Best moment this week: It's my last full week of work for the year, and possibly for awhile
Movement: Not so much
Food Cravings/Aversions: French fries
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? it's becoming pretty flat
What I miss: not much
What I am looking forward to: Rylee coming! It could be soon!!!
Weekly Wisdom: HA something Dr. Tran said today, but it's not appropriate
Milestones: 2cm
Dr. Tran was quite surprised that I had already dilated another centimeter! I could tell by the way she said "oh, well, those contractions have been getting things going." Her words were that I am "ripe and ready to go."
If I get to a 4 without having consistent contractions then she will admit me to the hospital. She doesn't want to take the chance of me being at a 4, my water breaking, and then things really speeding up and me not getting to the hospital or something like that. She says that scenario is unlikely but she doesn't want to take a chance. So really I'm halfway there, in regards to going to the hospital to have my little girl.
Now, this could stall and I could be at a 2 for the next few weeks, or I can keep progressing like I have been and be in the hospital by next week. I can't believe it's so soon, but I'm doing what I can to keep the progress rolling. I'm walking and rolling around on an exercise ball and other things that are good to get labor going.
The only thing I'm uncomfortable about is the fact Dr. Tran has all next week off. I really don't want to go in labor and her not be there! We've been through a lot together in the past year, and I would love to end with her delivering Rylee. I guess we'll just have to cross that bridge when we get there...
Total weight gain/loss: +8
Maternity clothes? maternity always
Stretch Marks? yes
Sleep: My mind makes it hard to fall asleep
Best moment this week: It's my last full week of work for the year, and possibly for awhile
Movement: Not so much
Food Cravings/Aversions: French fries
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? it's becoming pretty flat
What I miss: not much
What I am looking forward to: Rylee coming! It could be soon!!!
Weekly Wisdom: HA something Dr. Tran said today, but it's not appropriate
Milestones: 2cm
Dr. Tran was quite surprised that I had already dilated another centimeter! I could tell by the way she said "oh, well, those contractions have been getting things going." Her words were that I am "ripe and ready to go."
If I get to a 4 without having consistent contractions then she will admit me to the hospital. She doesn't want to take the chance of me being at a 4, my water breaking, and then things really speeding up and me not getting to the hospital or something like that. She says that scenario is unlikely but she doesn't want to take a chance. So really I'm halfway there, in regards to going to the hospital to have my little girl.
Now, this could stall and I could be at a 2 for the next few weeks, or I can keep progressing like I have been and be in the hospital by next week. I can't believe it's so soon, but I'm doing what I can to keep the progress rolling. I'm walking and rolling around on an exercise ball and other things that are good to get labor going.
The only thing I'm uncomfortable about is the fact Dr. Tran has all next week off. I really don't want to go in labor and her not be there! We've been through a lot together in the past year, and I would love to end with her delivering Rylee. I guess we'll just have to cross that bridge when we get there...
Monday, December 6, 2010
35/35!!
How far along? 35 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +7
Maternity clothes? maternity pants all of the time! I've been wearing regular shirts lately though
Stretch Marks? yes
Sleep: Yup! I just always wake up still tired
Best moment this week: Paul and I got our Christmas tree up yesterday! See pics below!
Movement: Oh yeah and it's starting to get painful
Food Cravings/Aversions: Anything gummy (especially sour gummy worms)
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? it's becoming pretty flat
What I miss: sleeping on my stomach and actual jeans
What I am looking forward to: my little girl being here (once she's ready of course)
Weekly Wisdom: Don't go crazy just yet. (Dr. Tran referring to me being taken of restrictive bed rest)
Milestones: 35 days left! 1cm dilated!
Today was my first weekly appointment and it went well :) I had my Group B Strep test (not my favorite) and got to see my little girl! She's getting so big!
After the ultrasound and the swab, Dr. Tran checked me. She said I'm at a full 1cm (when I had my contractions a month ago I was only 1cm on the outer part of the cervix not the inner), and that her head is low and down there.
She said that if I go into labor now, she wouldn't stop it! Which means anytime Rylee decides to make an appearance we need to be ready! I don't have to rest as much but she told me not to go crazy yet since I'm not completely full term. She did keep saying "since you're 36 weeks..." which if she's going off my original due date (the 5th) is true but I thought they changed my due date to the 10th which puts me at 35 weeks (I didn't realize it until after my appointment, luckily my mom was paying attention). I'll have to check at my appointment next week to clarify.
Oh well, either way she's almost here and Paul and I are very excited! I personally think she'll be here before Christmas and have said that for awhile now, so I guess we will have to see. I won't force her to come but will be happy if she's a Christmas baby :)
Here are some pics of our tree! I think it turned out amazingly:
Total weight gain/loss: +7
Maternity clothes? maternity pants all of the time! I've been wearing regular shirts lately though
Stretch Marks? yes
Sleep: Yup! I just always wake up still tired
Best moment this week: Paul and I got our Christmas tree up yesterday! See pics below!
Movement: Oh yeah and it's starting to get painful
Food Cravings/Aversions: Anything gummy (especially sour gummy worms)
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? it's becoming pretty flat
What I miss: sleeping on my stomach and actual jeans
What I am looking forward to: my little girl being here (once she's ready of course)
Weekly Wisdom: Don't go crazy just yet. (Dr. Tran referring to me being taken of restrictive bed rest)
Milestones: 35 days left! 1cm dilated!
Today was my first weekly appointment and it went well :) I had my Group B Strep test (not my favorite) and got to see my little girl! She's getting so big!
After the ultrasound and the swab, Dr. Tran checked me. She said I'm at a full 1cm (when I had my contractions a month ago I was only 1cm on the outer part of the cervix not the inner), and that her head is low and down there.
She said that if I go into labor now, she wouldn't stop it! Which means anytime Rylee decides to make an appearance we need to be ready! I don't have to rest as much but she told me not to go crazy yet since I'm not completely full term. She did keep saying "since you're 36 weeks..." which if she's going off my original due date (the 5th) is true but I thought they changed my due date to the 10th which puts me at 35 weeks (I didn't realize it until after my appointment, luckily my mom was paying attention). I'll have to check at my appointment next week to clarify.
Oh well, either way she's almost here and Paul and I are very excited! I personally think she'll be here before Christmas and have said that for awhile now, so I guess we will have to see. I won't force her to come but will be happy if she's a Christmas baby :)
Here are some pics of our tree! I think it turned out amazingly:
Monday, November 29, 2010
6 weeks and counting!
How far along? 34 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +7
Maternity clothes? all the time
Stretch Marks? yes
Sleep: As much as possible! Too bad I wake up at 7:30 on my days off!
Best moment this week: is it bad if I say nothing so far?! It's only Monday though
Movement: Less kicks and more just random moving, and her head is REALLY low or at least it feels that way
Food Cravings/Aversions: Cinnamon sticks
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? the top half is pretty much flat when I stand up, but in for the most part
What I miss:
What I am looking forward to: my appointment next week! and Paul being done with school for the semester
Weekly Wisdom: You should read the box on the Christmas lights and not just trust the picture. Apparently a red light bulb equals multi-colored lights, not just red.
Milestones: Only a month and a half left!
Not much has happened in the past week. I spent A LOT of time resting over the holidays. I had some pretty bad stabbing pains Thursday afternoon and into the night, which I'm writing up to eating too much food and things moving in the downward direction for Rylee's arrival. With the pains, I decided resting all weekend (with a quick trip to lunch and a movie for my dad's birthday on Friday, and the Bedlam game at my parent's house on Saturday) was in mine and Rylee's best interest. So there was a lot of reading, movies, and TV taking place at the Griffiths' household this weekend. Oh, and babysteals stalking! I was proud of myself though, I didn't buy a thing until today! I keep looking at all of this stuff I want to get Rylee but I've been very good... so far.... Paul is quite proud of me (and so is our checking account HA)!
Now, I just need to figure out what I'm getting everyone for Christmas and get it ordered online since I've been banned from shopping by Dr. Tran...Oh 2 weeks from now can't get here fast enough (I'm sure when it's here I will think it came way too fast!)!
Total weight gain/loss: +7
Maternity clothes? all the time
Stretch Marks? yes
Sleep: As much as possible! Too bad I wake up at 7:30 on my days off!
Best moment this week: is it bad if I say nothing so far?! It's only Monday though
Movement: Less kicks and more just random moving, and her head is REALLY low or at least it feels that way
Food Cravings/Aversions: Cinnamon sticks
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? the top half is pretty much flat when I stand up, but in for the most part
What I miss:
What I am looking forward to: my appointment next week! and Paul being done with school for the semester
Weekly Wisdom: You should read the box on the Christmas lights and not just trust the picture. Apparently a red light bulb equals multi-colored lights, not just red.
Milestones: Only a month and a half left!
Not much has happened in the past week. I spent A LOT of time resting over the holidays. I had some pretty bad stabbing pains Thursday afternoon and into the night, which I'm writing up to eating too much food and things moving in the downward direction for Rylee's arrival. With the pains, I decided resting all weekend (with a quick trip to lunch and a movie for my dad's birthday on Friday, and the Bedlam game at my parent's house on Saturday) was in mine and Rylee's best interest. So there was a lot of reading, movies, and TV taking place at the Griffiths' household this weekend. Oh, and babysteals stalking! I was proud of myself though, I didn't buy a thing until today! I keep looking at all of this stuff I want to get Rylee but I've been very good... so far.... Paul is quite proud of me (and so is our checking account HA)!
Now, I just need to figure out what I'm getting everyone for Christmas and get it ordered online since I've been banned from shopping by Dr. Tran...Oh 2 weeks from now can't get here fast enough (I'm sure when it's here I will think it came way too fast!)!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Less than 50 days!
How far along? 33 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +5
Maternity clothes? all the time
Stretch Marks? ugh... yes
Sleep: Whenever I have the chance, but I always wake up just as tired as when I fell asleep
Best moment this week: Seeing my little girl at the doctor appointment today and baby Zoey Grace was brought into this world!
Movement: All the time! And she gets the hiccups A LOT!
Food Cravings/Aversions: Oddly enough, McDonalds
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? In.. but part of it is getting close to being out
What I miss: not having sciatic pain
What I am looking forward to: a 3 day work week (now only 2 days left!)
Weekly Wisdom: Thanksgiving has a lot of salt, so drink a lot of water (I love Dr. Tran)
Milestones: Less than 50 days!
Baby girl is looking great! She looks so much bigger than she did 2 weeks ago! I can't believe how much she's growing. We could see her "breathing" today, which is great news!! I love seeing that she is developing the way she should. Dr. Tran said she just needs to stay put for another month and then she can come whenever she desires. I get to stop "resting" as much at 36 weeks to get things rolling, so that will be nice, but I'm sure difficult after not doing much for 6 weeks and also the fact that I will be 36 weeks pregnant! It's just going so fast! I can't believe after my next appointment at 35 weeks (which will be here before I know it with the holiday!) I'll start going in weekly, and then we will have a baby!!!
In other good news, Paul's best friend had his little girl on Friday! She is so cute and after 24 hours in the NICU got to go home today! We can't wait for them to come into town so we can see little Zoey Grace! Congrats Josh and Staci, we love you guys so much!!
Total weight gain/loss: +5
Maternity clothes? all the time
Stretch Marks? ugh... yes
Sleep: Whenever I have the chance, but I always wake up just as tired as when I fell asleep
Best moment this week: Seeing my little girl at the doctor appointment today and baby Zoey Grace was brought into this world!
Movement: All the time! And she gets the hiccups A LOT!
Food Cravings/Aversions: Oddly enough, McDonalds
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? In.. but part of it is getting close to being out
What I miss: not having sciatic pain
What I am looking forward to: a 3 day work week (now only 2 days left!)
Weekly Wisdom: Thanksgiving has a lot of salt, so drink a lot of water (I love Dr. Tran)
Milestones: Less than 50 days!
Baby girl is looking great! She looks so much bigger than she did 2 weeks ago! I can't believe how much she's growing. We could see her "breathing" today, which is great news!! I love seeing that she is developing the way she should. Dr. Tran said she just needs to stay put for another month and then she can come whenever she desires. I get to stop "resting" as much at 36 weeks to get things rolling, so that will be nice, but I'm sure difficult after not doing much for 6 weeks and also the fact that I will be 36 weeks pregnant! It's just going so fast! I can't believe after my next appointment at 35 weeks (which will be here before I know it with the holiday!) I'll start going in weekly, and then we will have a baby!!!
In other good news, Paul's best friend had his little girl on Friday! She is so cute and after 24 hours in the NICU got to go home today! We can't wait for them to come into town so we can see little Zoey Grace! Congrats Josh and Staci, we love you guys so much!!
Monday, November 15, 2010
8 weeks left!!!
How far along? 32 weks
Total weight gain/loss: +3
Maternity clothes? all the time
Stretch Marks? ugh... yes
Sleep: I've actually been getting a lot of it
Best moment this week: Not sure yet, but I'm in a really good mood this afternoon
Movement: She really is back to just rolling around when she doesn't like the position I'm in
Food Cravings/Aversions: I drank milk this morning for the first time in a LONG time, yes it was chocolate
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Nothing! I love being pregnant right now, little girl needs to stay put!
What I am looking forward to: Harry Potter at midnight on Thursday, don't know if I'm going to be able to make it
Weekly Wisdom: K-dawg does NOT make for a good grandpa name... love you dad :)
Milestones: Chose a pediatrician!
Not much really to report, I haven't even taken a picture, I don't feel like I've gotten any bigger. I've been resting as the doctor told me to. I finally straightened up Rylee's room after all the presents she got from the showers our amazing friends, family, and coworkers threw for us. I think everything finally has its place, and I'm sure that place will change once she's here.
Today, I met with a pediatrician that had been recommended to me by a wonderful friend, and I loved him! Totally my personality and I completely understand where he's coming from on a lot of his ideals. His hours are amazing, and I just really enjoyed the atmosphere that the practice had. I'm glad I can check that off my to-do list! If anyone in the Owasso area needs a pediatrician, I completely recommend Dr. Brian McDowell at Owasso Pediatrics! Let me know if you need or want any information!
Total weight gain/loss: +3
Maternity clothes? all the time
Stretch Marks? ugh... yes
Sleep: I've actually been getting a lot of it
Best moment this week: Not sure yet, but I'm in a really good mood this afternoon
Movement: She really is back to just rolling around when she doesn't like the position I'm in
Food Cravings/Aversions: I drank milk this morning for the first time in a LONG time, yes it was chocolate
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Nothing! I love being pregnant right now, little girl needs to stay put!
What I am looking forward to: Harry Potter at midnight on Thursday, don't know if I'm going to be able to make it
Weekly Wisdom: K-dawg does NOT make for a good grandpa name... love you dad :)
Milestones: Chose a pediatrician!
Not much really to report, I haven't even taken a picture, I don't feel like I've gotten any bigger. I've been resting as the doctor told me to. I finally straightened up Rylee's room after all the presents she got from the showers our amazing friends, family, and coworkers threw for us. I think everything finally has its place, and I'm sure that place will change once she's here.
Today, I met with a pediatrician that had been recommended to me by a wonderful friend, and I loved him! Totally my personality and I completely understand where he's coming from on a lot of his ideals. His hours are amazing, and I just really enjoyed the atmosphere that the practice had. I'm glad I can check that off my to-do list! If anyone in the Owasso area needs a pediatrician, I completely recommend Dr. Brian McDowell at Owasso Pediatrics! Let me know if you need or want any information!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Oh, L&D
How far along? 31 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +3
Maternity clothes? all the time
Stretch Marks? ugh... yes
Sleep: as much as I can
Best moment this week: I had a baby shower with some amazing people on Saturday
Movement: All the time now
Food Cravings/Aversions: not really
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: wearing regular jeans
What I am looking forward to: the end of the week
Weekly Wisdom: Labor & delivery is not the most comfortable place to be, especially at Saint Francis where they're doing construction
Milestones: 1cm dilated
So, yesterday mid-afternoon I started feeling some tightening and pain while being out and about in Tulsa. I sat down, drank some water, and rested. Paul and I, then, went to grab some lunch at Cheddar's (yummy!). When I started feeling better, we headed over to the mall to pick up a few things. While there, the pains returned and Paul and I headed home so I could relax. Well relaxing, the pains started to lessen but I was able to concentrate on them more. I would tighten up right above my belly button and then it would spread down towards my hips ending in a cramping pain. I was comforted when they went from being 4-5 an hour to 1 or 2, then right before bed I didn't have any. I told myself if they returned when I was at work I would call my doctor.
This morning, as I was getting ready for work, I felt fine, so I was thinking no big deal. Around the time I got to work the first one hit, then another and between 8 and 9am I had about 4 pains (later determined to be contractions). I called my doctor and talked to the Triage nurse, who told me to head straight to labor & delivery. Once there, I sat in the waiting room for about 20 or so minutes and had several more pains before they got me back to Exam room B. There, I was hooked up to a fetal heart rate and contraction monitor. As my uterus would tighten, Rylee's heart rate would skyrocket from about 130's to 160-170. However, none of the tightening registered as contractions, just cramps. None of what I felt while in the room compared to what I had been feeling.
They ran an urinalysis to see if I had a UTI, which could cause cramps and contractions, but that came back negative. They also ran a fetal fibronectin test (which is interesting to say the least) which would determine if I could go into labor in the next 2 weeks. This test also came back negative. Both are great, but it doesn't tell me or the doctor/nurses why I was having the contractions I was having. I had an internal exam and I'm already 1cm dilated, which proves to me I was in fact having contractions.
Since they couldn't determine what was causing the contractions, if they return just as or more severe, I'm supposed to go straight to labor & delivery. They don't want everything coming back negative and not really having any contractions while being monitored to hinder me from going, because things could change. So, please, just keep Miss Rylee and myself in your prayers. We need her to stay put for a few more weeks!
Total weight gain/loss: +3
Maternity clothes? all the time
Stretch Marks? ugh... yes
Sleep: as much as I can
Best moment this week: I had a baby shower with some amazing people on Saturday
Movement: All the time now
Food Cravings/Aversions: not really
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: wearing regular jeans
What I am looking forward to: the end of the week
Weekly Wisdom: Labor & delivery is not the most comfortable place to be, especially at Saint Francis where they're doing construction
Milestones: 1cm dilated
So, yesterday mid-afternoon I started feeling some tightening and pain while being out and about in Tulsa. I sat down, drank some water, and rested. Paul and I, then, went to grab some lunch at Cheddar's (yummy!). When I started feeling better, we headed over to the mall to pick up a few things. While there, the pains returned and Paul and I headed home so I could relax. Well relaxing, the pains started to lessen but I was able to concentrate on them more. I would tighten up right above my belly button and then it would spread down towards my hips ending in a cramping pain. I was comforted when they went from being 4-5 an hour to 1 or 2, then right before bed I didn't have any. I told myself if they returned when I was at work I would call my doctor.
This morning, as I was getting ready for work, I felt fine, so I was thinking no big deal. Around the time I got to work the first one hit, then another and between 8 and 9am I had about 4 pains (later determined to be contractions). I called my doctor and talked to the Triage nurse, who told me to head straight to labor & delivery. Once there, I sat in the waiting room for about 20 or so minutes and had several more pains before they got me back to Exam room B. There, I was hooked up to a fetal heart rate and contraction monitor. As my uterus would tighten, Rylee's heart rate would skyrocket from about 130's to 160-170. However, none of the tightening registered as contractions, just cramps. None of what I felt while in the room compared to what I had been feeling.
They ran an urinalysis to see if I had a UTI, which could cause cramps and contractions, but that came back negative. They also ran a fetal fibronectin test (which is interesting to say the least) which would determine if I could go into labor in the next 2 weeks. This test also came back negative. Both are great, but it doesn't tell me or the doctor/nurses why I was having the contractions I was having. I had an internal exam and I'm already 1cm dilated, which proves to me I was in fact having contractions.
Since they couldn't determine what was causing the contractions, if they return just as or more severe, I'm supposed to go straight to labor & delivery. They don't want everything coming back negative and not really having any contractions while being monitored to hinder me from going, because things could change. So, please, just keep Miss Rylee and myself in your prayers. We need her to stay put for a few more weeks!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Her Little Lips
So I've finally gained some weight, a whole 3 pounds! WooHoo! I'm thinking I won't gain more than 20 pounds total, but who knows, guess I should start that walking/exercising thing to make sure.
Dr. Tran surprised me and did an ultrasound today. Got to see all of Miss Rylee, in sections of course. She's grown so much since the last ultrasound 2 months ago! I could barely believe it! We could still see her spine, and even her rib cage (I'd never seen her ribs before) so that was cool. She's head down, with her feet almost in my rib cage. I knew I had some pains there, now I know why :) Dr. Tran concentrated on her face a lot and then she did the cutest thing (so far), she started smacking her lips. I decided that was her telling me she was hungry and stopped at the QT after the appointment for a snack. We watched for awhile to see if she would stick her tongue out but no such luck. She's weighing a little over 3 pounds, maybe almost 3.5. Dr. Tran doesn't like to make guesses so she was really hard-pressed to answer the "how big do you think she'll be" question. She explained there are so much factors to weigh in, the main one being when she's born. She decided to tell us that if she's born around 37 weeks (full term) then she'll probably weigh around 6 pounds, if I go the full 40 weeks then she'll be closer to 8 pounds.
We had a long discussion on inducing, and I was pleased that she's against it just like I am, she just didn't say it in those words. She basically told me it was completely up to me after 37 weeks if we induce or not. The only time she'll step in and say we need to induce is if I go a week past my due date, or if some complication arises (knock on wood). This made me real happy. I've had so many people I know have problems with doctors pressuring them to induce and then problems ensuing from the inducement. I know that Rylee will come when she's ready, and I have no intentions of forcing her, even if means I'm huge and miserable. Her health is all that matters to me.
I decided to go ahead and get the flu shot, and had Paul get one too. I figured that since my immune system is down due to the pregnancy and all of the things that could go wrong if I got the flu outweighed taking the chance and not getting one. Never knew my arm could be so sore so soon after a shot, yuck. But at least, Paul, Rylee and I are now protected.
I can't wait to meet my little girl in less than 10 weeks!!
Dr. Tran surprised me and did an ultrasound today. Got to see all of Miss Rylee, in sections of course. She's grown so much since the last ultrasound 2 months ago! I could barely believe it! We could still see her spine, and even her rib cage (I'd never seen her ribs before) so that was cool. She's head down, with her feet almost in my rib cage. I knew I had some pains there, now I know why :) Dr. Tran concentrated on her face a lot and then she did the cutest thing (so far), she started smacking her lips. I decided that was her telling me she was hungry and stopped at the QT after the appointment for a snack. We watched for awhile to see if she would stick her tongue out but no such luck. She's weighing a little over 3 pounds, maybe almost 3.5. Dr. Tran doesn't like to make guesses so she was really hard-pressed to answer the "how big do you think she'll be" question. She explained there are so much factors to weigh in, the main one being when she's born. She decided to tell us that if she's born around 37 weeks (full term) then she'll probably weigh around 6 pounds, if I go the full 40 weeks then she'll be closer to 8 pounds.
We had a long discussion on inducing, and I was pleased that she's against it just like I am, she just didn't say it in those words. She basically told me it was completely up to me after 37 weeks if we induce or not. The only time she'll step in and say we need to induce is if I go a week past my due date, or if some complication arises (knock on wood). This made me real happy. I've had so many people I know have problems with doctors pressuring them to induce and then problems ensuing from the inducement. I know that Rylee will come when she's ready, and I have no intentions of forcing her, even if means I'm huge and miserable. Her health is all that matters to me.
I decided to go ahead and get the flu shot, and had Paul get one too. I figured that since my immune system is down due to the pregnancy and all of the things that could go wrong if I got the flu outweighed taking the chance and not getting one. Never knew my arm could be so sore so soon after a shot, yuck. But at least, Paul, Rylee and I are now protected.
I can't wait to meet my little girl in less than 10 weeks!!
Monday, November 1, 2010
3/4 of the way there!
How far along? 30 weeks! Can't believe there's only 10 weeks left!
Total weight gain/loss: +2, finally!!
Maternity clothes? all the time
Stretch Marks? ugh... yes
Sleep: insomnia has kicked in! I'm tired!!
Best moment this week: So far, the work shower I had tonight!
Movement: All the time now
Food Cravings/Aversions: Last night, I had to have cinnamon rolls!
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss:
What I am looking forward to: My baby shower on Saturday
Weekly Wisdom: Always heat up baby milk... haha! Joke shared at my shower today
Milestones: 3/4 of the way there!!
The shower thrown by my co-workers today was amazing! Rylee, Paul, and I are very lucky to have so many people that love and care about us. We got the monitor and play gym we registered for, and so many other things! We played some fun games, and I got to enjoy some time with my co-workers that wasn't work related. Here are some pics from the shower:
Total weight gain/loss: +2, finally!!
Maternity clothes? all the time
Stretch Marks? ugh... yes
Sleep: insomnia has kicked in! I'm tired!!
Best moment this week: So far, the work shower I had tonight!
Movement: All the time now
Food Cravings/Aversions: Last night, I had to have cinnamon rolls!
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss:
What I am looking forward to: My baby shower on Saturday
Weekly Wisdom: Always heat up baby milk... haha! Joke shared at my shower today
Milestones: 3/4 of the way there!!
The shower thrown by my co-workers today was amazing! Rylee, Paul, and I are very lucky to have so many people that love and care about us. We got the monitor and play gym we registered for, and so many other things! We played some fun games, and I got to enjoy some time with my co-workers that wasn't work related. Here are some pics from the shower:
Thursday, October 21, 2010
umm... 9 weeks?!
So I was talking to Dr. Tran at my appointment today, and told her I can't believe there's only 12 weeks left. Her response was "Really only 9 weeks left, because that's when you're full term." I just stared at her! What?!?! I know 37 weeks is full term but that's barely over 2 months left! I told her she needed to slow down HA! I can't believe it's so soon! I'm so excited to see my little girl but 9 weeks?! I've gained 2 pounds since my last appointment so NOW I'm finally at my pre-pregnancy weight. I thought I had gained some more than that, but not according to the scale at the doctor's office. So looks like all my weight is going to come in this last trimester.
I'm trying to decide if I'm going to get a flu shot. Dr. Tran wants me to get one but I've never had one and I've never had the flu. I know I'm more susceptible to the flu being pregnant, but I'm not into getting a shot for something that might not work. If you didn't know, the scientists make an assumption (based off previous strains) at the strain of flu that will be active each particular year and that's what they make the vaccine based off of. If the scientists are wrong, then the vaccine is useless for that year. I just don't know, it's a hard decision....
On a more unimportant topic, I'm trying to decide if I'm going to get a 3D/4D ultrasound. There's a doctor in Dr. Tran's practice that does them, but Dr. Tran, herself, doesn't. I would have to go to an outside place to have it done. The money part of it really doesn't bother me (as my insurance doesn't cover ultrasounds anyway), it's more of the surprise factor. Do I want to know what she's going to look like beforehand or do I want to be surprised? I would love to see her little face, but seeing it in person is going to be incredible. I know that will happen no matter what (duh!) but I don't want it to desensitize that moment for me.
Here is a pic from today at 28 weeks 3 days:
I'm trying to decide if I'm going to get a flu shot. Dr. Tran wants me to get one but I've never had one and I've never had the flu. I know I'm more susceptible to the flu being pregnant, but I'm not into getting a shot for something that might not work. If you didn't know, the scientists make an assumption (based off previous strains) at the strain of flu that will be active each particular year and that's what they make the vaccine based off of. If the scientists are wrong, then the vaccine is useless for that year. I just don't know, it's a hard decision....
On a more unimportant topic, I'm trying to decide if I'm going to get a 3D/4D ultrasound. There's a doctor in Dr. Tran's practice that does them, but Dr. Tran, herself, doesn't. I would have to go to an outside place to have it done. The money part of it really doesn't bother me (as my insurance doesn't cover ultrasounds anyway), it's more of the surprise factor. Do I want to know what she's going to look like beforehand or do I want to be surprised? I would love to see her little face, but seeing it in person is going to be incredible. I know that will happen no matter what (duh!) but I don't want it to desensitize that moment for me.
Here is a pic from today at 28 weeks 3 days:
Ha I don't even think I look pregnant in this one. So I changed into a tighter shirt:
I wish my belly would round out, and get rid of that flat area! I think I would look more pregnant (though not 28 weeks) if it would! Little girl is finally starting to move up a little. I've been feeling her higher than in the past so maybe it will soon. She doesn't kick as much anymore. She does a lot of rolls and flips though. She used to only move when I was laying down after a meal, but last night she was moving around while I was in the shower! So very cool!!
Here's the latest addition to her room:
It's the tree decal we bought! I think it's perfect!!! I didn't use a lot of the stickers that came with it, just the colors that would look good. I also left out all the animals but the one pink bird, the other animals were really big and looked creepy. I can't believe how it's all coming together! She just needs to get here so I have a reason to be in the room :) Right now, I just go in there and rock in the glider and relax.
I'm up to every other week appointments, which is going to make this time go by so much faster, especially with the holidays approaching. Pretty soon Miss Rylee will be here!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
28 weeks along..
How far along? 28 weeks 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: +3
Maternity clothes? always
Stretch Marks? ugh... yes
Sleep: more please!
Best moment this week: My mom feeling Rylee move
Movement: Not so much this week, it's bugging me
Food Cravings/Aversions: Still no hamburger meat
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: the Yankees being a decent baseball team
What I am looking forward to: my doctor's appointment on Thursday
Weekly Wisdom: I've got nothing....
Milestones: Every other week appointments!
I'll have pictures and more of an update after my appointment tomorrow!
Total weight gain/loss: +3
Maternity clothes? always
Stretch Marks? ugh... yes
Sleep: more please!
Best moment this week: My mom feeling Rylee move
Movement: Not so much this week, it's bugging me
Food Cravings/Aversions: Still no hamburger meat
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: the Yankees being a decent baseball team
What I am looking forward to: my doctor's appointment on Thursday
Weekly Wisdom: I've got nothing....
Milestones: Every other week appointments!
I'll have pictures and more of an update after my appointment tomorrow!
Monday, October 11, 2010
3rd Trimester???
How far along? 27 weeks-not sure if it's this week or next that marks the 3rd tri, every book says something different!
Total weight gain/loss: 0, I've finally made it back to my pre-pregnancy weight, let the adding begin!
Maternity clothes? unless I'm wearing PJs it's always maternity pants!
Stretch Marks? ugh... yes
Sleep: I think I'm going to have to start scheduling a daily nap
Best moment this week: Monday's over
Movement: Frequently
Food Cravings/Aversions: Still no hamburger meat
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Nothing really, I'm really enjoying feeling Rylee and knowing she'll be here soon
What I am looking forward to: Putting up Halloween decorations this weekend, and the tree wall decal will be delivering this week, so I can get that up in Rylee's room
Weekly Wisdom: Being the sober one in a group of drunkards is not fun.
Milestones: Third trimester!!! I think....
Total weight gain/loss: 0, I've finally made it back to my pre-pregnancy weight, let the adding begin!
Maternity clothes? unless I'm wearing PJs it's always maternity pants!
Stretch Marks? ugh... yes
Sleep: I think I'm going to have to start scheduling a daily nap
Best moment this week: Monday's over
Movement: Frequently
Food Cravings/Aversions: Still no hamburger meat
Gender: Girl
Belly Button in or out? In.
What I miss: Nothing really, I'm really enjoying feeling Rylee and knowing she'll be here soon
What I am looking forward to: Putting up Halloween decorations this weekend, and the tree wall decal will be delivering this week, so I can get that up in Rylee's room
Weekly Wisdom: Being the sober one in a group of drunkards is not fun.
Milestones: Third trimester!!! I think....
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Just Another Saturday...
So it's been awhile since I've updated everyone (I know shame on me). It's a nice Saturday morning, so I thought I would sit down and catch everyone up. I passed my 1-hour glucose test! Wahoo!!! Don't have to do that again! Almost passing out due to a sugar crash was NO fun! My iron levels are good so I don't have to worry about that either! So far, this pregnancy (other than extreme nausea and sickness for the first 15 weeks) seems to be going off without a hitch **knock on wood** Had my monthly doctor's appointment on the 23rd, little girl is sounding great! I'm finally putting on weight, still below my pre-pregnancy weight, but I'm getting close. Looks like all my weight gain will be in the 3rd trimester, which is coming up fast! I'll be 26 weeks on Monday!! Here is a pic from 25 weeks and 2 days:
Trust me, I only look this pregnant in the evenings when I'm wearing something without a waistband! In the mornings or when I have pants on, you can barely tell I'm pregnant! You ask all my Louisiana family that saw me this past weekend! Everyone agreed that I don't look 6 months pregnant.
Rylee's room is just about done. We still need to get knobs for the dresser and decide what kind of wall art we want. I really want a wall decal tree with maybe a monkey or some birds in it to go over her crib, and I need to get the letters painted and decide how I want to hang them. So basically just finishing touches left in the next 3 months :) Here are some pics of her room:
The glider and ottoman have delivered and have been put together, I just don't have a picture with it in the room. But I love that thing! I've spent a little time in her room everyday since I got the glider just rocking and reading or looking around and imaging what life is going to be like in 3 months. I can't believe it's coming up so soon! I know with the upcoming holidays it's going to be here even sooner!
I can't wait to meet my little princess :)
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