Moving the story to thestuders.blogspot,com

Kaylynn's arrival marks the end of this blog for now. Follow the story on our family blog as we embark on this adventure of being a family of four.

My Birth Story

On May 9, 2011 I was scheduled to check in to the family birth center at Southwest Washington Medical Center at 6:30 pm. If my cervix was favorable they would induce and if it wasn’t they would perform a repeat cesarean. It felt so strange walking in not in labor and knowing I would be walking out with my baby.

My OB doctor, Tricia Wright, was working that night and it was comforting to have that familiarity as we made our decision. My cervix was one centimeter, and though I was having contractions, I couldn’t feel them. Dr. Wright was willing to let me try labor, but there was only a slight chance they could get me to progress into labor and according to their calculations if I did go into labor there was a greater than 50% chance it would end in a cesarean anyway. We opted for the repeat cesarean and by 8:00 pm I was getting prepped.

Everything was calm and I was at peace with our decision as the surgery began. It was such a different experience than the rush and fear I felt about Desmond’s cesarean. I was still really nervous about being cut open, and getting a spinal instead of being on the epidural was sure different. That thing works fast! I felt better once Davin was allowed into the operating room.

At 8:41 pm Kaylynn Hope Eliana Studer entered the world and we heard her first gurgling cry. They lifted her over the screen so I could see her and I could tell right away that she was smaller than Desmond was. She checked in at 8 lbs 4.5 oz and was 20.5 inches long. I loved the fact that she never left the operating room until I did. Last time Davin left with Desmond shortly after birth to get him cleaned and checked out in another room. I had to stay and get sewed up which felt like it took forever! This time she got checked out right there and then Davin held her next to me while the doctors finished putting me back together.

My parents were there to congratulate us once we were settled in our room. Can you tell Mom is excited? They also got to witness her first bath in our room sink. Kaylynn loved it and didn’t cry at all until they took her out of the water to dry her off.

Kaylynn reminds me so much of Desmond! She has the same cute “Davin” mouth and chin. She might have my eyes and she definitely has my ears which I noticed right away because Desmond has Davin’s ears so hers looked really different to me. She has dark brown hair and it’s a bit longer than Desmond’s was at birth. I have a feeling she’ll turn blond later especially because she has lighter eyebrows and eyelashes. One fun feature is her long feet and toes! She has long fingers too.

I felt so different after Kaylynn’s birth than I did after Desmond’s. I was refreshed and ready to go rather than absolutely wiped out. In our first family picture with Desmond I look as bad as I felt, in my opinion. This time I was determined to look good with my hair straightened and some make up on. It’s vain, I know, but I enjoy showing off this picture a little more.

Acupuncture and a Hospital Bracelet

I had my first ever acupuncture experience today to try to induce labor. It was kind of weird. I don't like needles, but who does? I had to sit up since I can't lay down on my tummy so it was harder to relax. I was surprised at how thin and flexible the needles were, but some of them still hurt going in. The ones that bugged me the most were the ones in my hands and tops of my feet. Those ones ached. The ones in my lower back were fine once they were in, but when she was stimulating them I nearly passed out once even though it wasn't causing any pain. The low back ones also created a noticeable warming sensation so it was doing something. I also had some in my right ear.

The acupuncturist said normally they poke the needles in and leave you for half an hour to relax. For me she did a "more intense" session to try and get things moving. She kept going around to all the needles wiggling them in turn which didn't always feel good depending on which needle it was.

I was glad when it was over and the needles were out. It wasn't too bad, but I wouldn't call it a pleasant experience. The baby was somewhat quiet this morning, but she's been moving around quite a bit more during and since the acupuncture. I hope contractions start! Nothing yet.

This morning I did my pre-op check in at the hospital, filled out paperwork, met with the anesthetist, got a rundown of what would happen, blood work done, and my hospital bracelet put on. I'm officially pre-admitted for Monday evening. My bracelet is just big enough I could squeeze out of it so I don't have to sport it for Mother's Day looking like an escaped patient and can put it back on when we're heading to the hospital.

I wish my cesarean was scheduled in the morning rather than the evening. I can't eat or drink for half of the day and if I am favorable for induction that means starting hungry and laboring through the night. Oh well. She will be born soon and that's all that matters!

Big Enough

Here I am in all my lovely full term pregnancy-ness.  My belly is constantly hanging out of the bottom of even my longest maternity shirts.  Very annoying.  But there are only a matter of days left until she’s out!!! 

Today I am 40 weeks, 4 days.  I thought for sure she’d come this week.  I was right on with when I thought Desmond would be born, but I was wrong with this one.  She’s late!

I’m feeling anxious about my scheduled cesarean on Monday evening.  Would I go into labor on my own if we waited two more days?  Of course, there’s no way to answer that question.  Every passing day means she’s growing bigger, and from a medical perspective my chances of a successful vaginal birth are shrinking.  I think I’ll feel like I failed if I don’t go into labor on my own and just get wheeled into an operating room.  That also means committing to all future deliveries via cesarean so it impacts more than just this birth. 

I’ve heard acupuncture can be effective in starting labor.  Last time after coming close to being two weeks overdue with Desmond I had a session scheduled, but I ended up cancelling it because I went into labor the day before.  I just scheduled an acupuncture session for tomorrow afternoon to see if we can get things started.  I don’t like needles, but if it works that would be great!  I want to give myself the best chance of at least trying a vaginal birth.

It's My Due Date, I Can Cry if I Want To

Here it is. The long awaited day of May 2, and nothing is happening. The doctor checked my cervix today and said I was maybe 1 cm. Yeah, yeah. I don't have early babies. I think 5 of a recent 6 deliveries I've heard about have been early so I guess I get to be the late one.

I did lab work again today and if my liver is still improving they'll let me go until next Monday. At that point if my cervix is favorable they'll induce, and if it's not favorable they'll do a cesarean. If the labs show that my liver is noticeably worse, I'll be going in this Wednesday to deliver. I could trump all that by going into labor on my own which I hope is the case. I think I'll have Davin give me a foot massage tonight and try to find the supposed labor inducing pressure points.

I feel really uncomfortable. Nothing in my maternity wardrobe seems to fit anymore, and the few things that do make me look like a blimp. I can barely hold Desmond on my lap. I've given up carrying him all together plus the Ergo can no longer buckle around my growing midsection. I can't seem to sleep through the night anymore and get to enjoy baby aerobics around 3 am every morning. I've managed to stay fairly active going on walks and stuff, but now there are moments I just don't want to haul this baby anywhere but to the couch.

Okay, enough lamenting the passing of my due date. I get to enjoy my little family of three for one more day. We're making mini pizzas for dinner.

It's May!

I'm so glad the calendar says "May" today! I was thinking our daughter could come in April, but alas, she is not an early bird. I like the sound of a May birthday, though. Sounds a little more sunny than rainy April. Davin's hoping for the fourth so he can say, "May the fourth be with you." (Go figure!) It's also his mom's birthday.

I've been trying to keep busy and active. Last week included a three hour walk around the zoo and an hour and a half swim with Desmond. Friday I got the car all cleaned out and the car seat in. Now we can't fit anything else in the back seat of our small Honda.

Yesterday I went to the huge kids consignment sale at the Expo Center which meant a lot of walking especially since I don't want to pay the $8 for parking so I take the MAX from the next closest park and ride and walk over. I didn't go crazy at the sale which is hard to do, but got a sling, some swaddlers, a nursing stool, summer hats, swim diapers, and some toys for Desmond since he came with me. Then we went to Davin's Hwa Rang Do tournament for the rest of the day.

I have another check up tomorrow so we'll see if anything is happening yet with my cervix. I'm really hoping she comes this week. My main concern right now is that I don't want her to get TOO big. Here's hoping for some big news to share in a couple days!

Rambling Thoughts

I'm hoping that today's non-stress test was my final one. Perhaps by next Wednesday I'll have the baby! She passed with flying colors again although she was sleeping at first. They have to have elevated heart rates brought about by movement so they use a vibrator. It scared her good and woke her up fast. She's still a good mover which I enjoy.

One of my labs from this morning came back already and it's normal. The other one is the notoriously high one so here's hoping it's normal too. If so, they'll let me go a little longer past my due date.

I think she has dropped in the last day. All of a sudden I really can't bend over hardly at all and even sitting requires that my legs are far to the sides to accommodate the bulging belly. Desmond and I went to the zoo today so I'm hoping three hours of walking will also help get things going. As of yesterday I was 0/0 on the cervix. Surprisingly I felt just fine after all that walking.

I can't wait to see what she looks like! The last week is the hardest on my patience. I'm definitely in the "Maybe it will be today!" mode. If she's anything like Desmond, though, I'll have a good two days from the time contractions start until she is born. I'm ready, little one. I even have my birth plan done and we finalized her name last night. I have a feeling it will be next week sometime though I wish it was this week.

Hospital Tour

Yesterday we toured Southwest Washington Medical Center to see what the Family Birthing Center was like. It seems more real seeing where she'll be born. I kept thinking, "I'll be back here next week to actually give birth!" I got my admission paperwork all filled out so we're ready to go.

The main difference from Kaiser Sunnyside is that at Southwest you stay in the same room the whole time. The facility is smaller overall, though I think the individual rooms are bigger, and the waiting areas are off the same hallways as the rooms. At Sunnyside the waiting area, delivery rooms, and recovery rooms are all separate. I like that all the rooms at Southwest overlook a garden or green area, too. It feels a little more homey.

I need to write up a birth plan and Davin and I need to officially finalize her name, but other than that everything is ready. I even finished up some more dinners for the freezer today. I'm hoping she'll come in the next six days so I don't have to deal with more cesarean conversations. We'll see!

Some Improvement

Wednesday I had another non-stress test and lab work done. For the first time in a month one of my liver function results came back in the normal range and the other was still high but lower than before. Yeay! Also I don't think I've had a headache the last two days. Okay I did notice a very slight one last night while I was grocery shopping but in comparison it's like not having one at all.

I stopped taking my asprin on Monday because the doctor has told me this is the worst of my medications for breastfeeding and it takes about two weeks to get out of my system completely. I've been on it to reduce my stroke risk which was really low when I was in a-fib and my heart has been beating normally so I don't think the tiny (if any) benefit is worth breastfeeding it to my baby. I can't help but wonder if going off of that has helped my overworked liver.

It's so strange to think that in a matter of days we'll have a daughter! I still can't wrap my mind around it. I feel like I'll just go on being pregnant, and it's strange answering inquisitive strangers that I'm due in a week. I've been having a few intense dreams this week about my water breaking, contractions and heading to the hospital. Then I wake up disappointed that labor hasn't started yet. I remember having these kinds of dreams earlier with Desmond.

Monday we have a hospital tour at Southwest Washington Medical Center. We'll get my admission paperwork done and see how things run here. I wonder what labor and delivery will be like? I'm not set on any particular series of events and feel much more ready to go with the flow. I'm not the one in control anyway!

38 Weeks and Waiting

Today Dr. Wright and I discussed where I'm at and the plan for the next few weeks. My second urine collection turned out okay, and last week's blood work showed my liver function high, but holding steady. My daily headaches have been a bit better the last few days. I've stopped taking Tylenol and the headaches follow the same pattern so might as well cut out what medication I can. With everything kind of holding steady we're just going to wait it out. The doctor did say if my weekly labs show an upward trend in high liver functions or I have any other worsening symptoms they'd get me in for a cesarean.

So far my cervix is not favorable for an induction. Nothing is happening yet - understandably so. It's only the beginning of week 38. (It's strange to me that the doctor could reach in there and just barely feel the baby's head - the first one to touch the baby - sort of.) They don't want me to go past week 40, and there will be a lower threshold for fast forwarding me to a cesarean even if I do go into labor on my own. I'm starting to feel that's the way it's going to end up. I imagine next week we'll schedule something for the 40th week just in case I don't go into labor by then.

Tomorrow is the final ultrasound. I'm curious how big they estimate the baby is. That's another factor in leaning toward a cesarean or not. I'm guessing I'm just one that "cooks 'em big and cooks 'em long" as Davin said. The next 14 days will tell.

Two weeks will go by fast, I'm sure... I hope! I'm feeling impatient. I want to keep the house in order, and I need to stock up on some food for both us and the family guests that will be coming in. After the baby is here everyone's going to be on their own for awhile. I'm a Martha so I'm trying to remind myself of that. Family is coming to help, not be looked after.

Side note: We went on a one mile family walk yesterday evening and I'm sore today! Wow, I have a lot of work to do this summer. Then again, I am carrying around a full term baby.

Full Term!

This is my 37th week and I'm now considered "full term." Hurray! I feel ready for this baby to come. I'm tired of being pregnant though really it's not all bad. I know from experience the new challenges that come with a newborn. Still I'm feeling impatient, and I hope to be off my heart medication with delivery. Also I'm hoping my daily recurring headaches go away. Yesterday's five hour headache wore me out and made me really cranky, but thankfully I was able to nap through most of today's.

I had another non-stress test today and baby passed with flying colors. My blood pressure was still really good and my pulse was a low 64 which is unusual for pregnancy, but thanks to my medication it keeps things low. A perinatologist was reviewing my chart during my test so I was able to hear his input. Basically they think the high liver function could be due to my medication, but they want to test my blood weekly now and may look at different medications for me. I don't really want to switch to something new with just over two weeks to go. The perinatologist also doesn't want me going over 40 weeks so they'll be on my case if this baby is looking late.

I'm going to do my second 24-hr urine collection this week. Fun, fun! They're looking for protein which could point to preeclampsia, and I guess last week's collection scored a 279 (300 is too high) so they want to check it again. Just know that orange jug in the fridge isn't juice!

Today's Check Up

I had my 36 week check up today. Baby still looks great. Dr. Wright talked to me about my chances for a successful VBAC and according to the calculator they use, I have about a 48% chance of a successful VBAC. Hmm. She said that's right on the edge of whether or not they suggest trying for one, but at this point it's still a go for a vaginal birth. Generous estimates put the baby at about 9 lbs 3 oz at birth. Another big baby! She said if I don't follow the normal "labor curve" though, they'd suggest a cesarean earlier on in labor. We'll just have to wait and see. At least I feel emotionally and mentally prepared for another cesarean if it turns out that way.

We talked again about my headaches and liver tests. Dr. Wright doesn't think I have preeclampsia because I only have elevated liver function, but my blood pressure and platelet counts are normal and if I had preeclampsia they wouldn't be. Still they took more blood today to run the tests again. Also she said the headaches associated with preeclampsia are not helped by Tylenol and mine ease up with it so that's a good thing.

36 Weeks Then and Now

It’s fun to compare my belly now with how it was with Desmond.  It almost looks like my belly was bigger then, but maybe it’s how I’m standing.  That reminds me – the other day at my 34 week check up I lost 2 pounds from the previous check up.  I know I have to keep growing, but it made me feel good to weigh less.  It’s hard to get out of the mindset of losing weight = good.  I’m curious to see how much I weigh at tomorrow’s check up.

Today I’m 36 weeks exactly.  I have another headache for the 12th day in a row.  Yes, it’s getting old!  It comes on fast like clockwork around 10am and it takes the Tylenol about an hour to ease the pain.  I’m really curious to find out what the doctor says tomorrow.  I’m feeling a little paranoid about everything being okay.  I keep checking for her movement and when I don’t feel anything for awhile I try to wake her up.  Every time I do kick counts, though, I always make it to 10 well before an hour is up so everything must be fine.

We have a busy week this week: tomorrow is my 36 week check up, Wednesday I have another non-stress test, Thursday is MOMS Group, and Friday all of Davin’s parents are arriving to attend his black belt ceremony on Saturday.  Everyone will be staying at our house through Sunday which will be fun, but that means I have a lot of cleaning to do this week.  I’m looking forward to Desmond getting some grandparent time and having some fresh energy to play with.  Hopefully the grandparents are ready for that!

Preeclampsia?

I’ve had a bad headache for the last ten days.  I thought it was just due to being sick, but I’m finally getting better now and the headache is still persisting.  I tend to write this kind of stuff off, but I’m starting to wonder if something could be wrong.  I’ve never had a headache like this before.  Usually I feel okay first thing in the morning (as long as I slept well) but then a few hours later I feel it starting and within about half an hour I’m dying.  All I can think about is my head and I have to take three Tylenol (two doesn’t really do anything) and lay down until it kicks in.  It doesn’t always get rid of the headache completely, but it makes it manageable.

I also got back my liver test results in the mail.  My OB doctor told me some of the results were elevated, but it really hit me to see the high numbers on paper.  Some of them were about twice as high as the upper limit should have been.  They tested me on the 23rd and again on the 25th.  Dr. Wright said Wednesday at my non-stress test that the second round was still elevated but not as much so she thinks things are headed down back to normal.  Still they’ll probably test me again this week to see what’s happening now.

Liver problems along with a persistent headache can be signs of preeclampsia.  There’s usually high blood pressure too but my heart medication is keeping my blood pressure down.  Preeclampsia can be dangerous for the mother (affecting major organs) and baby (affecting the placenta) and the only way to “cure” preeclampsia is to deliver the baby. 

There’s no point in worrying about all the what-ifs because we’ll just have to wait and see.  Part of me would like to have her here early, but I know it’s better for her to grow inside for another four weeks.  All the non-stress tests show that she is still doing great so far.  If she does need to come early at least we’re at 36 weeks in a couple days.

My next check up is on Tuesday so we’ll see what the doctor is saying then. 

Lilac Nursery

 

My parents came up last weekend and helped me paint the nursery.  It only took us about three hours.  Amazing what extra hands can do!  The name of the paint is “Sassy Lilac” and it turned out really pretty.  I also sewed the curtains yesterday.  They’re purple with butterflies on them. 

It’s been fun pulling out all the baby stuff.  The dresser is stocked with diapers, burp clothes, crib sheets, and tiny pink clothes.  I like opening the drawers and just looking at them.  Desmond has enjoyed helping me unpack and set up the baby stuff.  It brings back so many memories of bringing him home.  The other day we put together the swing, and Desmond loves all the different music settings.  I wonder how much of this he really understands. Life is about to change!  It feels much more real having a girly nursery all ready and waiting.

More Tests

About a week ago I got very itchy all of a sudden. The worst of it lasted about two days and kept me awake at night, but it's basically gone now. Still my doctor decided to test my liver to make sure it was functioning properly since itching can be a symptom of liver problems. One of the results came back normal and I guess the other was a bit elevated. Today I got a call to come in for more blood work to rule out preeclampsia. I don't think I have that, but I do have a killer headache that Tylenol won't touch which can be a symptom. I just chalk up this headache to sinus pressure and lack of sleep last night because Desmond wasn't adjusting to his new room very well. Anyway, I'm going to stop by the lab on the way back from picking up Davin from work so they can take more blood. Maybe I'll get used to needles soon. And I sure hope I don't have preeclampsia!

39 Days

This week I have had my 34 week prenatal check up, an ultrasound, and a non-stress test.  Everything is checking out fine, but if she so much as hiccups funny, we’ll know!  She’s still growing well and is in the 70th percentile at 4lbs 14oz. 

My main struggle right now is being sick!  I got sick the day before my birthday with congestion and a 3-day fever.  We have yet to reschedule my birthday dinner out.  I’m still coughing a lot and have a sinus headache.  The cough is hard enough that I can’t have much in my bladder or it’s a problem.  I’m finally sleeping a bit better so I’m on the upswing.  I have projects I want to get done before the baby comes, but this has kind of wiped me out for the last two weeks.  I hope next week is better. 

Thirty-some days doesn’t sound very long!  Wow.  She’s going to be here before you know it!

49 Days

I have approximately 49 days to go! That doesn't sound like too many. Sometimes I feel like she's trying to kick her way out of my tummy. There are moments where I have to apply counter pressure to her pushing because it hurts! Davin jokes that I'm just helping to make her stronger by providing resistance. It's not just a quick kick but she stretches out her leg and holds it there. Desmond moved and kicked but it never hurt me so this is something new.

I'm sick today. Just general congestion, achiness, headache, and cough. I also had a hard time sleeping last night so I'm pretty tired. A few days last week I had lots of energy so hopefully I'll get more of those days to finish up baby and house projects. In the mean time today is for resting.

Baby Shower

It's not common to have a baby shower with the second baby, but my friends from Baby Boot Camp days decided to have one for me anyway. (This was February 24 but I forgot to blog about it.) We went to Olive Garden and unfortunately I forgot to bring my camera but my friends Jamie, Kim, Tonya, Kara, and Lisa were there and we had a good time laughing and talking. It was strange to realize that out of all of us we had 12 births but only one was a vaginal birth. That's a lot of cesareans! I really enjoyed opening up my little girl gifts - so many cute outfits and I loved the diaper cake! The next day we also had a play date/baby shower for Kerry who has since had her second baby. I feel very blessed by these women, and it's fun to get excited about my girl with other moms. I appreciate the effort they make to stay connected even though I live in Vancouver now, and we no longer have our Baby Boot Camp exercise.

I also like to glean advice from moms with multiple kids. One mom said to stay in the hospital an extra day if I can because although I'll want to get back to Desmond as soon as possible, it's really hard going home. Best to use the help from the hospital staff while you can. Plus my labor and delivery will be free since I met my out-of-pocket maximum, so might as well. The other thing I've heard a lot is that the physical side of having a second child is one thing, but the hardest part is the emotional side. You can no longer focus all your attention and affection on one child. Learning to balance that will be hard. Desmond's my little guy and we are both used to spending all day, every day together. Maybe I should plan a few more special things to do with him in the next seven weeks.

First Non-Stress Test

Here come the doctor's visits! I have 13 appointments scheduled for the next seven weeks: a non-stress test every week, a check up every two weeks, and an ultrasound every four weeks. This baby will be well checked. I don't like having the non-stress tests so much because any little thing might cause them to send me to the hospital or want to do an induction or whatever. So I'm praying that she'll check out perfectly every time. Also I have to find someone to watch Desmond for these 45 minute tests because I have to lay still the whole time.

Monday was my first non-stress test (NST). The fluid measured just right but it looked like she was sleeping at first which isn't ideal. Toward the end we got in the heart rate variation and extended acceleration they require for a "pass." The quick ultrasound also showed that she is head down. I thought she had flipped because my pelvis has really been hurting - as in it hurts to walk most of the time - so I figured her head was resting down there. Also my bladder has been spared and all the kicking has been on the top lately.

I also had my 32 week check up right after the NST. Dr. Wright talked to me about labor stuff. They want me to check in to the hospital early once labor starts rather than laboring for awhile at home, and they also want me on the epidural early rather than waiting until closer to transition. All this is to monitor me closely due to the VBAC situation and to keep the stress low on my body due to the heart stuff. This basically goes against what I had planned to do. I felt I was at the hospital too early last time, and I want to do more early labor at home. I also want to wait as long as possible to get the epidural so we don't start intervening too early and possibly slow down the natural process. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how I'm feeling when the ball starts to roll.

Dr. Wright also told me she won't let me go too much past my due date since they don't want the baby to get too big and they can't use all the intervention they might otherwise use to induce since this is a VBAC and they have to be more gentle with my uterus. I hope our dating is correct and she shows up on time! Everything just needs to go perfectly to make this a VBAC. They'll assess me at 38 weeks with another ultrasound to see how big baby is, positioning, and all that to come up with a probability for a successful VBAC. A certain number of risk factors will cause them to suggest a repeat cesarean. I'd really rather not have another cesarean, but I feel much more prepared for it if that's what happens. It won't take away the joy of having our daughter! And how nice it would be to walk into the hospital and a few hours later be holding our baby!

I'm getting the nesting urge this week. I cleaned a lot yesterday and I feel like continuing today. I just have to get it done quickly before my back is screaming at me. Maybe today I'll finally start her curtains.

Ultrasounds

I had another ultrasound today at exactly 30 weeks to check baby’s growth. I was supposed to have one in January but cancelled it due to finances. These things cost almost $400! Since I was in the hospital recently I’ve nearly met my out of pocket maximum and at the most I’ll only have to pay 20% now. The cardiologist really wants me to continue checking up on her via ultrasounds and I am glad to see her again anyway.

Everything checked out fine. She’s growing well and is in the 83rd percentile which is excellent. She weighs about 3.5 pounds now and we could see her practicing her breathing. The above pictures show her face straight on and from the side (the top of her head is on the left). It looks like she has chubby little cheeks. The technician could also see hair on her head.

The new thing I learned is that she’s currently in the breech position. It’s still okay since she has time to turn, but I’d feel better if she were already head down. As she gets bigger it will be harder to turn, and I don’t know that I want to attempt a breech VBAC. She was head down for my December ultrasound sitting so low they had a hard time seeing her face. She tends to move a lot so maybe she’s been flipping back and forth. Currently her back is on my left side and I feel all the action from those arms and legs on the right.

Here are her earlier ultrasounds:

Sept. 17, 2010 – 8 weeks Oct. 21, 2010 – 12 weeks

Dec. 3, 2010 – 19 weeks

Tiny Baby Clothes and Shrinking Maternity Clothes

I made quite a haul at the consignment clearance sale last Saturday. I got there about twenty minutes early and waited in line with about thirty other people to get in when they opened. I've already gone through Desmond's old clothes so I knew what sizes I still needed. I grabbed anything cute I saw and ended up with one bag full of 56 items all for only $15. I saved $147 off of the original consignment prices. By the time I left the clearance racks were just about empty so I'm glad I got there when I did. I feel good about what I got and it's nice to know she'll have some pink girly things to wear, too. I probably won't do any more clothes shopping for her unless I find I need something else after she's born.

In other news I'm just feeling huge these days! I updated my picture on the right sidebar today. I don't just get the little belly like some of the other pregnant gals I see at church who are due before me and are about half my size. Nope. Everything gets huge on me and I'm now solidly in the 200s. I know it's bad when Desmond starts lifting my shirt in the back and poking my back fat and laughing. Yeah. I chose to laugh with him, but I feel like I could cry. Some of my maternity clothes are starting to not fit, and I'm wearing a fake ring now since my fingers even get fat. Blah. And I have three more months to expand! I'm going to be right back where I started when this is done with about two years of weight loss in front of me. Maybe I can speed it up and do it in one year but that's probably not entirely realistic.

Normal Discomforts

I’m definitely feeling pregnant. I’ve entered the uncomfortable stage though it’s still mild at this point. Sleep has still been fine so that’s nice.

Normal discomforts at this stage:

• Pelvic pain – feels like my pelvis is bruised
• Back pain – should wear my brace more but that brings it’s own discomfort
• Constipation
• Getting my bladder kicked – talk about sudden urge to pee!
• Gotta do a plié squat to bend over
• The kitchen counter hits my belly – I can still manage to lift my tummy to rest it on top, but not for much longer
• Feeling the effects of being almost 40 pounds heavier – I feel out of shape because I am

I still love the fact that I feel her move so much. Yesterday the doctor said she’s measuring big from what she can feel so that’s good. I still have over three months to carry her so the discomforts will intensify, but it’s all worth it. I can’t wait to hold her!

I also just got back my glucose screening results and I do not have gestational diabetes. Hurray for one less thing to worry about!

Cheap Clothes!

I always have my eye out for good prices on kid’s clothes because every time I turn around Desmond needs a new wardrobe.  By “good” I mean $2 or so.  Yes, I am cheap.  Every now and then I go into my favorite consignment shop Once Upon a Child and now is the time for their winter clearance.  They have a huge bag sale twice a year where you can get all the clearance clothes you can stuff in a bag for $15, but it’s a crazy busy event and you have to go in with lots of patience to wrestle the crowd, plus last time I didn’t find any worthwhile 3T stuff.  This sale is better for infant clothes where you can make quite a haul.

Before this huge sale they mark down all their clearance to $1 so that’s when I like to shop.  I went the other day to look for shirts for Desmond.  Almost all his 3T stuff is getting too short in the torso and arms.  I found a few things for him, but there’s just not much clearance in his size.  Then I moved on to peruse the baby girl clothes and they have tons of it!  I was especially excited about a cute embroidered jacket and a red velvet dress I got for only a dollar each!  I had to limit myself to only the really cute things because I can always go back and get lots of girl stuff at the bag sale on February 5th.  I ended up leaving with a bag full of clothes for both Desmond and baby and I saved $50 off the regular consignment prices which are considerably lower than retail to begin with.  Hurray for good deals!

New Medications and Complications

Last week I was hospitalized from Tuesday afternoon through Friday morning.  My heart went back into atrial fibrillation.  You can read the full story on our family blog.  I was worried about it because no matter what I did I felt like it was going to negatively impact my baby.  Even if I did nothing I was putting her at risk because I could have a stroke and she might not be getting the blood flow she needed.  At least she’s a mover and I could feel her kicking and squirming around which comforted me. 

Finally after 54 hours my heart returned to a normal rhythm on its own.  I think the new medication helped and now it’s a daily regimen at least until the baby is delivered.  I just hope she grows big enough and doesn’t have any heart defects because of my medication.  At least her heart is already formed and has been pumping for awhile.

I guess I’m a high risk pregnancy now.  I’ll have to ask my OB.  I was borderline before but now that I’ve demonstrated that I can go back into a-fib and I’m on blood thinners and other meds, they’re going to watch me even more closely.  I also wonder if they’ll just want to do a cesarean to prevent any labor complications and stress on my heart. 

My pregnancy with Desmond was easy, but the delivery was complicated and not what I expected.  This time the pregnancy has been complicated so I’m hoping the delivery will be easy.  It’s only fair, right?

Tuesday I get to see my OB doctor Tricia Wright again.  I really like her and she even stopped in to see me at the hospital which was a big relief to me.  I cried when I was talking with her.  I also get to do my glucose test for gestational diabetes at this appointment so I’m hoping I’ll pass that with flying colors so I don’t have to worry about anything new.

I had a growth check ultrasound scheduled for this coming Friday, but I cancelled it because it was going to cost $400.  I figured she’s probably fine and even if she was a bit small, what could we do about it?  Anyway, we have to pay for everything again until we meet the deductible and then we have to pay 20% until we meet the out-of-pocket maximum.  With this hospitalization we may have met both.  We were hoping to wait until delivery to shell out lots of cash on my medical stuff since we’re still trying to recover from the new roof, but we’ll be getting a huge bill soon. I might reschedule the ultrasound since I know we’ve at least met the deductible.  It takes awhile to get in though.  Hopefully labor and delivery will be free now.

I’m not too happy about all my weight gain.  The beds in the hospital can weigh you (weird, huh) and according to that I’ve just entered the 200s.  That’s about right considering my last prenatal appointment weight.  I indulged a bit too much during the holidays and I still haven’t picked up a work out routine.  Now I kind of use my heart issues as an excuse not to push myself.  I can’t have chocolate any more because of the caffeine and we’re still sticking to no ice cream or frozen treats since that’s usually what I’ve been eating when the a-fib started in the past so maybe those restrictions will help a bit.