In non-pregnancy news: On Tuesday, November 11, my brother-in-law gave the most selfless gift - he donated a kidney to his father. As of today, my brother-in-law is supposed to come home. He is still in some pain, but doing well. His father is thriving. He was walking yesterday and the kidney is producing urine.
Lots of prayers for the "P" family that the kidney continues to thrive.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
I'm a bad blogger
There has been much going on, and I haven't been updating.
I celebrated my 38th birthday on November 9. It's funny, but this felt so insignificant compared to the huge change that is going to happen in my life.
Peanut is doing well. As of today I am 33 weeks, 3 days. I have had 2 biophysical ultrasound and Peanut scored an 8 out of an 8 both times. Last week there was also a growth ultrasound and he measured at 4 lbs, 10 oz., which is perfect (according to the doctors). My amniotic fluid dropped a little bit, but they aren't overly concerned about it, but will keep an eye on it.
The nursery is coming together. The walls are painted, the shades are hung (so is the valance). The crib is put together, we have the bassinet, which we need to set up, and tons of baby stuff. All that is missing is the changing table and the glider. Once we get the changing table, and I go through everything and set up the nursery.
Due to the GD, I am going to have the baby at 39 weeks (unless he decides to make an earlier entrance). At the last 2 ultrasounds, Peanut was breech, which means, no early entrance. I know there is time for him to flip, but if he doesn't, then I'm OK with a c-section.
Frank and I have completed all of our classes: Lamaze/childbirth, baby care, breastfeeding and the maternity tour. We are now basically good to go.
As of now, I am planning on my last day of work to be December 5, which is 3 weeks from tomorrow. That is so weird. It is still so hard to believe that the time is almost here.
Someone posted on a message board that I frequest that as someone who went through infertility, we went through so much to get pregnant. Well, we accomplished that goal. For the next 9 months our identity changed into a pregnany lady and that's how I've lived my life. Now, in a couple of weeks, my identity will change again forever. In a couple of weeks, I will be known as Mommy. After everything I have been through, I am looking forward to becoming this new person, even though it is still hard to believe.
I celebrated my 38th birthday on November 9. It's funny, but this felt so insignificant compared to the huge change that is going to happen in my life.
Peanut is doing well. As of today I am 33 weeks, 3 days. I have had 2 biophysical ultrasound and Peanut scored an 8 out of an 8 both times. Last week there was also a growth ultrasound and he measured at 4 lbs, 10 oz., which is perfect (according to the doctors). My amniotic fluid dropped a little bit, but they aren't overly concerned about it, but will keep an eye on it.
The nursery is coming together. The walls are painted, the shades are hung (so is the valance). The crib is put together, we have the bassinet, which we need to set up, and tons of baby stuff. All that is missing is the changing table and the glider. Once we get the changing table, and I go through everything and set up the nursery.
Due to the GD, I am going to have the baby at 39 weeks (unless he decides to make an earlier entrance). At the last 2 ultrasounds, Peanut was breech, which means, no early entrance. I know there is time for him to flip, but if he doesn't, then I'm OK with a c-section.
Frank and I have completed all of our classes: Lamaze/childbirth, baby care, breastfeeding and the maternity tour. We are now basically good to go.
As of now, I am planning on my last day of work to be December 5, which is 3 weeks from tomorrow. That is so weird. It is still so hard to believe that the time is almost here.
Someone posted on a message board that I frequest that as someone who went through infertility, we went through so much to get pregnant. Well, we accomplished that goal. For the next 9 months our identity changed into a pregnany lady and that's how I've lived my life. Now, in a couple of weeks, my identity will change again forever. In a couple of weeks, I will be known as Mommy. After everything I have been through, I am looking forward to becoming this new person, even though it is still hard to believe.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Moving Right Along. . .
Wow, so much has been happening.
On Sunday, October 26, was my shower. I knew the date, but didn't know where or anything else. It was as wonderful and beautiful as I thought it would be. My sister and mom did a FANTASTIC job. I had a great time and Peanut got a lot of great presents. And, of course, I cried numerous times throughout the day. My dad's Donor Family came, which was a nice surprise, and also very touching. I will never forget that day, even though it did go by in a blur.
I thought my sugar levels evened out, but they are now all over the place. I bottomed out last weekend (both Saturday night and Sunday night, or should I say in the middle of the night). The first time I was so scared. Thankfully Frank was there with a steady hand (being an EMT helps) and helped me out. The second night I didn't wake him and I was able to bring my levels up alone. But since the, they've been all over the place.
I have had 2 non-stress tests so far Peanut is all over the place. He is definitely a mover and shaker. Next week I start my twice-a-week appointments - a non-stress test one day and a growth/biophysical ultrsound on another day. I'm excited for the u/s b/c I get to see Peanut again, and hopefully we will get an update as to when we can expect his arrival. I was already told that I would be having Peanut before his due date. We just don't know how early.
Other than sciatic pain, pressure, braxton hicks, and being tired all the time, I feel great! LOL
Pregnancy is nothing like I thought it would be, but I would not trade this experience for ANYTHING. I feel very blessed that I get to experience this miracle.
On Sunday, October 26, was my shower. I knew the date, but didn't know where or anything else. It was as wonderful and beautiful as I thought it would be. My sister and mom did a FANTASTIC job. I had a great time and Peanut got a lot of great presents. And, of course, I cried numerous times throughout the day. My dad's Donor Family came, which was a nice surprise, and also very touching. I will never forget that day, even though it did go by in a blur.
I thought my sugar levels evened out, but they are now all over the place. I bottomed out last weekend (both Saturday night and Sunday night, or should I say in the middle of the night). The first time I was so scared. Thankfully Frank was there with a steady hand (being an EMT helps) and helped me out. The second night I didn't wake him and I was able to bring my levels up alone. But since the, they've been all over the place.
I have had 2 non-stress tests so far Peanut is all over the place. He is definitely a mover and shaker. Next week I start my twice-a-week appointments - a non-stress test one day and a growth/biophysical ultrsound on another day. I'm excited for the u/s b/c I get to see Peanut again, and hopefully we will get an update as to when we can expect his arrival. I was already told that I would be having Peanut before his due date. We just don't know how early.
Other than sciatic pain, pressure, braxton hicks, and being tired all the time, I feel great! LOL
Pregnancy is nothing like I thought it would be, but I would not trade this experience for ANYTHING. I feel very blessed that I get to experience this miracle.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day
At seven pm local time, across every time zone, all are invited to join in lighting a candle in remembrance and honour of little ones loved and missed.
This blog entry today is dedicated to my lost babies (and embryos). Your daddy and I will never forget you and we will never forget the pain of losing you.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
I have Gestational Diabetes
So, I never even made it to my 3 hour test. I took the 1 hour glucose test on Friday morning. I expected to fail (most women I know failed their 1 hour). but, I wasn't expecting to be told that i was being admitted to the hospital. I got a call at about 8:50 Monday morning telling me that I not only failed the 1 hour, but I was being admitted. The doctors' office cut off for passing is 135. My blood sugar came in at 343. No, that is not a typo. I have full blown GD.
I went to the hospital as a direct admit. Once I got settled in my room, they took my blood, I had an u/s, was put on fetal heartrate monitor and was finally given something to eat. I was told that my blood sugar was now going to be tested 2 hours after every main meal (b-fast, lunch and dinner) and first thing in the a.m. (before eating). I was also told that I was going to learn how to do this myself.
The good news is that the baby looked great and had a nice strong heartbeat. Also, all of my blood levels/electrolytes came back great. their only concern was my blood sugar. The doctors think that I could have had diabetes before I got pregnant and the pregnancy just made it all worse. We won't know for sure until about 6-8 weeks after the baby is born and we will test me again.
I was released from the hospital last night (after a 2 day, 1 night stay). Just before i was discharged, i was told that I was being put directly on insulin (apparently my sugar was so high that even pills and diet won't work). so, I give myself injections every morning, before dinner and before bed. At least I have experience in preparing the needles and giving myself injections! Oh joy! i am also on a 2200 calorie diabetic diet which is A LOT of food. In fact, by the end of the day, I am so full it is hard to get all the food down.
I am in shock b/c I was feeling great. The only "sign" that i was aware of that something might be wrong is that for the past couple of weeks I have been REALLY thirsty. Like I can't drink enough. My main concern now is doing what I have to do for Peanut. I know that the baby is only as good as I am since I am his main provider, but I will worry about me after the baby is born. My main concern right now is keeping Peanut safe. Starting at 32 weeks i will be seeing my doctor 2 times per week for close monitoring. 1 day will be on a monitor to check his heart rate and to check that I'm not having contractions. the other day is for an u/s to make sure he isn't too big (which is a complication of GD).
I am going to be strong to do this. I did have a minor meltdown in the hospital b/c a part of me thinks it's my fault. I was overweight to begin with and a part of me feels that I put my baby in danger. What the doctor tried to tell me was that even the thinnest of women can end up with GD. It is just a "side-effect" of pregnancy in some women. she told me not to be hard on myself and to know that I'm now doing everything i can for my baby.
I will get used to the shots and testing my blood. but, the thing that scares me the most is the diet. I'm still allowed carbs, but now I have to watch for and account for EVERYTHING that goes into my mouth. I didn't become overweight by doing this. It is going to be an effort for me to eat right. i know what I have to do, but I am scared to do it.
On a positive note: yesterday morning my fasting (first test in the a.m.) blood sugar came in at 190. this morning, after 2 doses of insulin, it was 157. I pray that things continue to get better.
I went to the hospital as a direct admit. Once I got settled in my room, they took my blood, I had an u/s, was put on fetal heartrate monitor and was finally given something to eat. I was told that my blood sugar was now going to be tested 2 hours after every main meal (b-fast, lunch and dinner) and first thing in the a.m. (before eating). I was also told that I was going to learn how to do this myself.
The good news is that the baby looked great and had a nice strong heartbeat. Also, all of my blood levels/electrolytes came back great. their only concern was my blood sugar. The doctors think that I could have had diabetes before I got pregnant and the pregnancy just made it all worse. We won't know for sure until about 6-8 weeks after the baby is born and we will test me again.
I was released from the hospital last night (after a 2 day, 1 night stay). Just before i was discharged, i was told that I was being put directly on insulin (apparently my sugar was so high that even pills and diet won't work). so, I give myself injections every morning, before dinner and before bed. At least I have experience in preparing the needles and giving myself injections! Oh joy! i am also on a 2200 calorie diabetic diet which is A LOT of food. In fact, by the end of the day, I am so full it is hard to get all the food down.
I am in shock b/c I was feeling great. The only "sign" that i was aware of that something might be wrong is that for the past couple of weeks I have been REALLY thirsty. Like I can't drink enough. My main concern now is doing what I have to do for Peanut. I know that the baby is only as good as I am since I am his main provider, but I will worry about me after the baby is born. My main concern right now is keeping Peanut safe. Starting at 32 weeks i will be seeing my doctor 2 times per week for close monitoring. 1 day will be on a monitor to check his heart rate and to check that I'm not having contractions. the other day is for an u/s to make sure he isn't too big (which is a complication of GD).
I am going to be strong to do this. I did have a minor meltdown in the hospital b/c a part of me thinks it's my fault. I was overweight to begin with and a part of me feels that I put my baby in danger. What the doctor tried to tell me was that even the thinnest of women can end up with GD. It is just a "side-effect" of pregnancy in some women. she told me not to be hard on myself and to know that I'm now doing everything i can for my baby.
I will get used to the shots and testing my blood. but, the thing that scares me the most is the diet. I'm still allowed carbs, but now I have to watch for and account for EVERYTHING that goes into my mouth. I didn't become overweight by doing this. It is going to be an effort for me to eat right. i know what I have to do, but I am scared to do it.
On a positive note: yesterday morning my fasting (first test in the a.m.) blood sugar came in at 190. this morning, after 2 doses of insulin, it was 157. I pray that things continue to get better.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Moving Along
Things are moving along in Preggy-ville. I'm getting bigger and bigger (didn't think it was possible). I now can't see my feet if I stand up straight and if I look straight down all I see is a big 'ole beach ball.
But, Peanut is moving and kicking all the time and I still giggle about it. Frank can now feel most of the kicks, which I'm happy about and so is he.
We have chosen a name, but we aren't sharing it just yet. We couldn't decide between 2 names for a first name and knew what initial we wanted for a 2nd time. Well, I had been saying both names when talking about the baby to see what it was like to call him by his name. Frank and I were out to dinner last weekend and he said one of the names. I said, I guess that Peanut's name and he said I think so. The next morning we decided on his middle name. I will reveal Peanut's name in due time.
This past weekend we picked up the paint for the nursery. My mom will paint the nursery and my sister will paint the border. I can't wait! It is going to look so pretty. We also bought our digital camcorder this weekend. We went with a Sony Handycam. I am very happy with our decision. I can't wait to start practicing using it!
Other than that, I had to go to the doctor last Friday b/c I had some cramping. I was monitored and checked out and everything looks great. The doctor is pleased with how everything looked. When on the monitor, either Peanut was playing with me or he was not happy about having his space invaded (I had to press down on the heart monitor) b/c he kicked the ENTIRE time I was hooked up. It was everything I could do not to bust out laughing. I also gained 6 pounds, which upset me, but the doctor didn't seem concerned. This Friday I go for my 1 hour glucose test.
I can't believe that I am 26 weeks 1 day pregnant. I am almost in my 3rd trimester! And, my shower is in 1 month. Woo Hoo!!
But, Peanut is moving and kicking all the time and I still giggle about it. Frank can now feel most of the kicks, which I'm happy about and so is he.
We have chosen a name, but we aren't sharing it just yet. We couldn't decide between 2 names for a first name and knew what initial we wanted for a 2nd time. Well, I had been saying both names when talking about the baby to see what it was like to call him by his name. Frank and I were out to dinner last weekend and he said one of the names. I said, I guess that Peanut's name and he said I think so. The next morning we decided on his middle name. I will reveal Peanut's name in due time.
This past weekend we picked up the paint for the nursery. My mom will paint the nursery and my sister will paint the border. I can't wait! It is going to look so pretty. We also bought our digital camcorder this weekend. We went with a Sony Handycam. I am very happy with our decision. I can't wait to start practicing using it!
Other than that, I had to go to the doctor last Friday b/c I had some cramping. I was monitored and checked out and everything looks great. The doctor is pleased with how everything looked. When on the monitor, either Peanut was playing with me or he was not happy about having his space invaded (I had to press down on the heart monitor) b/c he kicked the ENTIRE time I was hooked up. It was everything I could do not to bust out laughing. I also gained 6 pounds, which upset me, but the doctor didn't seem concerned. This Friday I go for my 1 hour glucose test.
I can't believe that I am 26 weeks 1 day pregnant. I am almost in my 3rd trimester! And, my shower is in 1 month. Woo Hoo!!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
24 weeks
I can't believe I am 24 weeks already. It still boggles my mind.
I'm feeling pretty good - or as well as can be expected. I also feel huge and can't imagine getting any bigger.
I had a great dr. appointment 2 weeks ago. I lost a pound, the baby looks greats and my cervix is still growing nicely. I still have the previa, but the doctors don't seem concerned about that. My mom went to the dr. with me since she was away for the Level II, so she got to see Peanut on the ultrasound. She was so excited and I was so happy to have her there.
We are starting to get the nursery ready. My sister picked out colors (she is SO much better at that than I am, and it was nice to involve her). So, once we pick up the paint, my mom will paint the room and my sister will paint the border. Frank and I just have to finish clearing stuff out of the closet.
In other exciting news - Frank felt the baby move for the 1st time last night. Peanut was having a party and I was able to feel him on the outside, and my stomach even moved, so I knew Frank would be able to feel it. At first Frank thought it was gas (thanks Dear!), but then he felt a kick. He said it wasn't what he was expecting and it felt weird. I told him he should imagine it from my end!
Other than that, just waiting for my next appointment where I get to do the glucose test (fun!).
I'm feeling pretty good - or as well as can be expected. I also feel huge and can't imagine getting any bigger.
I had a great dr. appointment 2 weeks ago. I lost a pound, the baby looks greats and my cervix is still growing nicely. I still have the previa, but the doctors don't seem concerned about that. My mom went to the dr. with me since she was away for the Level II, so she got to see Peanut on the ultrasound. She was so excited and I was so happy to have her there.
We are starting to get the nursery ready. My sister picked out colors (she is SO much better at that than I am, and it was nice to involve her). So, once we pick up the paint, my mom will paint the room and my sister will paint the border. Frank and I just have to finish clearing stuff out of the closet.
In other exciting news - Frank felt the baby move for the 1st time last night. Peanut was having a party and I was able to feel him on the outside, and my stomach even moved, so I knew Frank would be able to feel it. At first Frank thought it was gas (thanks Dear!), but then he felt a kick. He said it wasn't what he was expecting and it felt weird. I told him he should imagine it from my end!
Other than that, just waiting for my next appointment where I get to do the glucose test (fun!).
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