Monday, November 29, 2010

38 weeks

I am still here.....and pregnant!  I cannot believe it! 

How far along: 38 Weeks


Size of baby: Your baby has really plumped up. She weighs about 6.8 pounds (at my doctor appt this past Friday he estimated her around 7.5 lbs...wow!!) and she's over 19 1/2 inches long (like a leek). She has a firm grasp, which you'll soon be able to test when you hold her hand for the first time! Her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb.


Weight gain: 36 lbs

Maternity clothes: mostly all maternity clothes besides some shirts/dresses

Gender: Girl!

Movement: Yes, she has slowed a little bit - but with the doc guessing she is around 7.5 lbs - there cant be much room to move!

Sleep: Not sleeping that great..but its manageable!

Symptoms: Back pain, braxton hicks/regular contractions, swollen feet, hands and face...



Cravings: Cold water. I have always usually preferred room temperature water but lately I prefer super cold water, and as always - Sweets!!



Best Moment this week:  I was able to do some black Friday shopping and get some great deals - LOVE that!  Plus, all of our Christmas gifts are wrapped and under my trees - such a fun and exciting time!!  I had an appt this past Friday (after shopping of course :) and my dr said that she has made her way through my pelvis and my chances of a csection are low - wonderful news!  I still do have potential issues with my cerclage issues, but I am just praying that all is okay and I have a smooth, quick delivery! 



What I am looking forward to: Having this little girl!  I am very thankful to have gone past full term with this pregnancy.  I am just dying to hold our daughter though - hopefully SOON!! 

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!!  Today I am thankful for SO many things in my life.  Most importantly I am thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am so grateful for where Josh and I are today and especially for our 2 girls, one who is enjoying a Thanksgiving feast in heaven and the other in my belly who should be making her arrival soon!!  We are also so thankful for family and friends and we are looking forward to spending this holiday with them. 



We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with those you love!! 

Psalm 107:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever

Sunday, November 21, 2010

not your run of the mill...

Thank you for your sweet comments and emails of thoughts and prayers!  I am so sorry about the update - or lack there of I should say.

No baby yet...here is my disclaimer again if you dont want to hear the "follow up update on my cervix/cerclage"

I went in on Wednesday at 7:30 am with hopes of leaving by noon at the latest.  I changed into a fashionable gown, monitor was put on to check on the little one and I got my iv of fluids started and all of the other good things they have to prep you before "surgery".  The perinatologist was in at 9 along with the anesthesiologist and it was decided I would do the conscious sedation rather than a spinal.  Estimated time that was given to us was 45 minutes for the entire thing, baby and I would be monitored for a little bit after to see if I would go into "rip roaring" labor as they put it or if not, then I would be sent home.  Noon discharge was sounding good! 

However, I did not turn out to be another normal case, run of the mill procedure.  Turns out my body was reacting to pain when they were removing a stitch so they made a decision to put me completely under to go for the last stitch.  It is very "high" and in my tissue, so all they were able to do was cut the last stitch so my body can go into labor and I would be able to deliver naturally (with the stitch still intact I would not be able to dilate properly).  I dont have any recollection of being in pain/anything that went on in the operating room, thank goodness!  The procedure obviously went longer than expected.  I woke up in my room (at 11:45, so much for the noon discharge) and was told that I was dilated to a 4 and that the last stitch was cut but would have to be removed after I delivered.  I wasnt having any contractions so most likely I would be sent home.  I stayed the same for the remaining time we were there and then we finally were able to leave around 4.  Can you believe it?!  At least we know that the stitches worked in keeping my cervix closed and getting this far, but boy, what an ordeal.  The only thing that has really bothered me pain wise has been my throat when they had to intubate me in putting me under.  Ive had this very raspy cough like voice and so glad that is getting better now. 

I had my 37 week check & a follow up on Friday and no major progress.  Still dilated to a 4 and my doctor "estimated" that the little miss would come in around a week, but they are just as curious as me to see when she will make her debut.  So we will see what happens! 

I know that she is COMPLETELY worth it and I could not be more grateful and appreciative to all of our doctors and nurses.  Now we are just waiting waiting waiting! 

Saturday, November 20, 2010

37 weeks

How far along: 37 Weeks

Size of baby: Your baby is now considered "full term," even though your due date is three weeks away. If you go into labor now, her lungs will likely be mature enough to fully adjust to life outside the womb.  Your baby weighs 6 1/3 pounds and measures a bit over 19 inches, head to heel (like a stalk of Swiss chard). Many babies have a full head of hair at birth, with locks from 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inches long. But don't be surprised if your baby's hair isn't the same color as yours. Dark-haired couples are sometimes thrown for a loop when their children come out as blonds or redheads, and fair-haired couples have been surprised by Elvis look-alikes. And then, of course, some babies sport only peach fuzz.
Weight gain: 33 lbs

Maternity clothes: mostly all maternity clothes besides some shirts/dresses

Gender: Girl!

Movement: Yes, love feeling her move - and quite funny watching my stomach move like crazy!

Sleep: Not sleeping that great..but its manageable!

Symptoms: Back pain, swollen feet, hands and face...

Cravings: Cold water. I have always usually preferred room temperature water but lately I prefer super cold water, and as always - Sweets!!

Best Moment this week: Full term & FINALLY getting my stitches "out". 

What I am looking forward to: meeting our little girly!!!!!  I know I should treasure these last few days/weeks but I am so anxious and just want her here!! 

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Half removal?

Disclaimer - if you do not want to read about my cervix, cerclage removal or any other part of me...come back later for a picture post that will be much lighter :)

I have MANY pictures to update with - but will first share about the lovely cerclage removal...well half removal I should say.  At almost EVERY doctor appointment that was dedicated to looking at my cervix/cerclage, I was told how well the stitches were put in and that they werent going anywhere - what a blessing!  This was going to be the way I was able to get through the pregnancy, with wonderful knots holding my cervix closed...

And it was!  It worked, I am 36 weeks + and our baby girl is healthy & active.  I must admit that I was pretty nervous to get the stitches out, as if you remember this post about my recovery when I got them put in, it was not a cake walk.  And for the removal you are not put out or given any drugs, more or so just like an annual exam with a few extra tools.  To get the stitches out, I would have some pressure, pulling, and cramping but thats it.  Rarely issues arise where it is painful and if that was the case they would stop.  It would take about 5 minutes, then they would have me walk around for a little bit and check me to see if anything progressed into signs of labor and if not - i'd be sent home!  Sounds quick and pretty painless right? 

The first stitch was removed, yes it was uncomfortable but I was managing.  Once the first one was out and was going for the next one - he kept saying "wow that one is really up there, its really high", etc, but I was trying to tune him out and not think of what was going on.  It was getting more painful but I just kept reminding myself that it would be over soon and could go home.  Then he just stopped and asked if I ate breakfast.  "Ummm no, just had some orange juice" (I was too nervous to eat!)  Turns out I am one of those "rare lucky ones" (in my dr's sarcastic words) whose stitch was really high and tissue started to grow over it.  The reason he asked me if I ate breakfast is because they wanted to take me to L & D, put me under conscious sedation and get the second one out.  It would be extremely painful to get the other one out without any sedation.  But, apparently the anesthesiologists dont want you to have ANYTHING (I cannot believe I drank that orange juice.  I was a little frustrated as I did it on a whim right before going out the door!) to eat or drink 8 hours prior, so I am going back tomorrow morning to get the second stitch out.  So if you would be so inclined, I would appreciate the prayers that all goes smoothly tomorrow!  Thanks! 

Have a great evening, I dont know if ill update tomorrow, but will do my best especially for Thursday - 37 weeks! 

Sunday, November 14, 2010

36 weeks

How far along: 36 Weeks


Size of baby: Your baby is still packing on the pounds — at the rate of about an ounce a day. She now weighs almost 6 pounds (like a crenshaw melon) and is more than 18 1/2 inches long. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. Your baby swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, will form the contents of her first bowel movement.



Weight gain: 31 lbs
Maternity clothes: mostly all maternity clothes besides some shirts/dresses


Gender: Girl!
Movement: Yes, love feeling her move - and quite funny watching my stomach move like crazy!
Sleep: Not sleeping that great..but its manageable!

Symptoms: Back pain, swollen feet, hands and face...
Cravings: Cold water. I have always usually preferred room temperature water but lately I prefer super cold water, and as always - Sweets!!


Best Moment this week: celebrating my niece's 2nd birthday!  She is just a hoot! 

What I am looking forward to: I am getting my stitches out on Tuesday the 16th - Cant believe we are to this point!! 

Friday, November 12, 2010

Happy 2nd Birthday Hope!

I just wanted to wish my my sweet and adorable niece Hopers a Happy 2nd Birthday!!!


We love you Hopers and cant wait to celebrate with you tomorrow!!!

Love, Aunt Gigi & Uncle Josh

Monday, November 8, 2010

35 weeks

How far along: 35 Weeks

Size of baby:  Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that she's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, she isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times she kicks should remain about the same. Her kidneys are fully developed now, and her liver can process some waste products. Most of her basic physical development is now complete — she'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
Weight gain:  29 lbs

Maternity clothes: mostly all maternity clothes besides some shirts/dresses

Gender: Girl!

Movement: Yes, love feeling her move - and quite funny watching my stomach move like crazy!

Sleep: Not sleeping that great..but manageable! 
     
Symptoms: Back pain, swollen all over!!

Cravings: Cold water. I have always usually preferred room temperature water but lately I prefer super cold water, and as always - Sweets!!   

Best Moment this week: Getting things done around the house and all ready for baby Nixon! 

What I am looking forward to: Enjoying the time with my hubby and just trying to get some rest before the baby comes! 

34 weeks

I know I am a little behind on my pregnancy posts, but just want to make sure they are on here as this is basically my pregnancy journal! 

How far along: 34 Weeks

Size of baby:  Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.
Weight gain:  28 lbs

Maternity clothes: mostly all maternity clothes besides some shirts/dresses

Gender: Girl!

Movement: Yes, love feeling her move - and quite funny watching my stomach move like crazy!

Sleep: Not sleeping that great..but manageable! 
     
Symptoms: Back pain, Swollen feet - I dont think my belly button will pop out, I guess I just assumed it happened to everyone until I noticed that mine is still way in! 

Cravings: Cold water. I have always usually preferred room temperature water but lately I prefer super cold water, and as always - Sweets!!   

Best Moment this week: Going through all of the lovely baby gifts that we received this past weekend and washing her tiny clothes :)


What I am looking forward to:  Enjoying the time with my husband before our little girl makes her big arrival! 

Sunday, November 7, 2010

2 years

I cannot believe that it has been 2 years since our sweet Emma was born.  So much has happened in the past 2 years, from learning our "new normal" after Emma was born, getting pregnant & miscarrying & now pregnant once again due in a few short weeks, to name the "big events".  There have been many, many difficult days throughout these past 2 years and yet gracefully we have also had many great days as well.  I only know that God's sufficient love & grace has gotten both Joshua & I to this point and I could not be more grateful.  He is an all loving God and although I have definitely had my moments of questions I know I wouldn't be where I am today without Him.  November 6 will forever be etched in our minds and hearts.  I will always get a cake from Wuollet's for $30 (pictures to come) and it will always be worth it to me :)  I think of our daughter daily but I know we will always do something special to celebrate Emma on her birthday.  Oh how we miss her so incredibly much, I just dont even have the words right now. 

To my sweet Emma,

I dont know where this past 2 years has gone.  Sometimes I feel like it has been so long and then there are days where I feel like you were born just yesterday.  We miss you so much and not a day goes by that we dont wish you were here.  I know you are perfect in heaven and cannot wait for the day to see you again.  We love you so much!  You are going to be a big sister soon and we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of your little sister.  I know you will be there with us, although it isnt as any of us would have hoped/imagined.  As we get closer to meeting your sister, I often wonder if she will look like you.  I know you will be so proud and we will be sure to tell her all about her proud big sissy. 

I miss and love you dearly Emma.  Happy 2nd birthday, what a joy it is to celebrate with Jesus! 

Love, Mommy & Daddy


I couldnt resist my favorite picture! 
    
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will wake and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

*This was supposed to post yesterday on Emma's birthday, November 6, but I think I scheduled it wrong and it didnt work, hence me posting now :)  We had a "good" day yesterday, Joshua & I went out for a nice dinner and just enjoyed being with each other.  I plan to have my regular scheduled posts up soon along with a couple others!!  Have a great week!