Busy, Busy Day...

Well....this is gonna be a long post. I had a very long day yesterday. I had my 36 week appointment, and since the doctors office is about 40 minutes away from the house I had started swelling really bad on the way there. Then I sat in the reception area for about 15 minutes or so, then they called me back. The nurse took my weight, and I had gained 16 pounds!!!!! (no joke) in two weeks. I was just looking at that scale in disbelief. When we got to the exam room the nurse said "let me look at your feet" and then exclaimed in her own state of disbelief that she couldn't believe how swollen I was. I told her the weight gain had to be water weight, cause I've actually been eating better since I've tried to stay away from sodium. (I've been eating alot of fruit and good stuff, not prepared foods) The nurse said even if I ate everything in sight I wouldn't be able to gain 16 pounds in 2 weeks. Then she took my blood pressure... it was 156/92 way too high. She asked if I've been having headaches, and I said slight ones. My vision has also started to get a little shaky, which can be caused by the high pressure. She told me to wait a few minutes and the doc will be in. Thankfully Jeremy was with me in all this... We sat there for about 15 minutes and another nurse came in. She said the doc had to run across the street and deliver a baby, she should only be about 20 minutes, do we want to wait or come back on Monday? I told her that with my pressure so high, and my weight gain I really felt like I needed to see the doctor. So we wasted about 20 minutes and then came back to the docs office. The minute the doctor walked in she said "Shauna, what's been going on?" I just burst out crying... I've felt awful for a week or two now, but seeing the weight gain and the blood pressure really scared me. The doctor said I have the signs of pre-eclampsia (i think that's how you spell it?) and that I really need to go to Labor and delivery and be monitored, get my liver and kidneys checked, and monitor the baby. So we got the orders from the doc, she was on her way to deliver another baby right then, so she'd check on me in a little while. We thankfully pre-registered two weeks ago, but it still took 20 minutes to "check in" with the Emergency room. (that was a little aggrivating) Then they took me up to L&D but to an outpatient room. The nurse was very sweet and very comforting, by this time I was o.k. though, not a big blubbering mess. They took me BP and it was 123/83, so I assume laying down for a few minutes before they took it made it drop. (i was not nervous at the docs until I saw my BP) The baby's heartrate was great, he moved like crazy with that monitor on my stomach. My liver function at this time is good, as well as my kidneys (thank-you Lord!) I did find out I was deficient in iron, so I got some iron pills. I have to do a 24 hour urine collection (so glad to know that huh?) starting Sunday morning, and turn it in to the hospital on Monday morning. I have another doctors appointment on Monday morning, and they'll do an ultrasound to see how big Jakob is. I really wanted to go into labor on my own, but if I'm gonna have to be laid up on my back for 4 weeks I'd rather them make sure he's o.k. and go ahead and induce me. I am on bedrest, she let me go to my baby shower last night, and I was huge by the end of it. She said I can go to church, just when I get home put my feet up. My baby shower last night was great. When I got there I was a little sad, it'd been a long day, and I really just didn't imagine my shower panning out on a day like that. Seeing all my friends really cheered me up though, and in the end I had a really good time. We got soooo much stuff I don't even know where we'll put it all. So anyways, I would appreciate your prayers, that God would give me patience, and help me to make wise decisions, not decisions based solely on what I want. Pray that God will keep me safe, from what I hear of pre-eclampsia it's not the baby that's in danger, it's me, and if something happens to me then the baby will be hurt. Pray that God will give the doctor wisdom, and if it's time that we can get this little man out!!! Love you all. -Me

Saying goodbye...

Well, I am now officially a stay at home wife... I hadn't been counting down these days until about a week ago when my swelling started getting really bad. The doctors advice...sit down and put your feet up. Yeah, at a daycare with a bunch of little guys running around there's always time to relax and put your feet up. I had actually gotten so uncomfortable that I knew I couldn't work any longer. Last night Kara brought me a card from the "school agers" (kids from kindergarten to 5th grade) that they had all signed. It really brought tears to my eyes. In some jobs you feel like you try so hard to make a difference, and you just don't see many results. In daycare I think alot of times the parents think it's us against them, or they nit pick and complain about little stupid things so much that we lose focus of the impact that we have on the kids. This card just kinda reminded me of all the sweet little souls that I've had the privilege to be a part of their lives. I started working with these children because I had a void in my own life (our infertility) and these kids really helped me survive and keep going even though my heart was hurting. I am glad...(I don't even think glad can describe) and feel so blessed to be able to stay home and raise Jakob, to spend time with this child that I prayed so long and hard for. I will miss -most- :) of the kids from N/A daycare and I am glad that I got to be a part of their lives for a little while.

35 weeks...only five days...

Here is a 35 week belly pic. I am getting so puffy, and it's getting to the place where I don't want to take pictures anymore. I don't feel so pretty these past couple of weeks, I just feel huge. The other picture I put up is Jakob's first picture. He was exactly five days old, and they took this picture right before they put these embryo's in. Isn't it amazing that my son started out as that teeny tiny little ball of cells? Everyone started out this way, but we don't usually take the time to really stop and think about it. What a miracle conception is, what a miracle birth is. As you can see we transferred two embryo's, so I don't know which one is my son, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God meant for me to have Jakob. I am still so grateful to God for this gift he has given me and Jeremy. The tendency these days is to complain. Joints hurt (I guess from all the extra weight), sleepless nights, huge swollen feet, but in all this I am constantly reminded that God answered my prayers! The uncomfortableness (is that a word?) will go away. My getting bigger and bigger means that my son is healthy and soon to be here...34 days or so. (!!!) I just want to stop and give God the glory for what he's done in my life. I know many other deserving people who are struggling with infertility, and I don't know why God was so good to give me this child. I am thankful for all of you who have travelled this road with me. You all have been such an encouragement to me when things have been very rough. What a difference a year can make. Last year I didn't know if I'd ever be in this place...

A night at the theatre...

Last night we went to the college and saw their summer production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Jillian works for the college so she got us a bunch of free tickets. (thanks again Jill!) We were on the third row center, so we were right in front of the orchestra pit, and it was soooo good. Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite Disney movie, and the college put on a very good show. The music was awesome, the singing and acting was good, it was definitely fun. I didn't know if I'd be able to go, I've been swelling really bad during the day (at work) but I got off early yesterday and went home to rest for a few hours. By the end of the night I was swollen (which you can tell by the pics) but I still had a good time. Abigail and Carissa had fun dressing up and getting their hair done, there were also alot of little princesses (Belle, Cinderella) running around. The funniest part of the night was probablly when the beast threw Gaston off the roof of the castle, and there was mostly silence, except for one little voice that busted out laughing (some little girl had NO sympathy for Gaston). That got the whole crowd laughing. It was a fun night all around.

34 weeks...

First of all I have my hubby back!!! He got back yesterday afternoon. I am soooo happy. I did send him away with a little gift though. He has my cold now, it started developing on Tuesday with him. I had my 34 week check up today. I have gained a total of 31 lbs. I was hoping to gain no more than 35, but with these being the weeks when Jakob will gain the most I may surpass the 35 lb. mark. Besides my very large stomach nothing on me looks like I've gained a ton, so I'm not too worried about it. I am noticing that my hips are getting wider, as some clothes are alot tighter than they were a couple of months ago. My blood pressure is good, which I was a little curious about, as I have been (so) stressed at work lately. I talked to the doctor about my cold and she said that I am o.k. to keep taking Sudafed until I feel like this stuff is gone. My cough is almost gone, now I just need the overwhelming amount of drainage to go away, and I'll be good. She said that when you're pregnant your immune system is low already, so a little cold is magnified. That's exactly how it's been. It was just a sore throat, and cough, but I have literally coughed so much that my muscles are still sore. Jakob is measuring 34 weeks, and his heartrate was perfect. We went to the hospital and pre-registered, and I found out that all the rooms after birth are private, which I am very happy about. I really was hoping to get a private room (if possible) so it would be comfortable for Jeremy to stay with me at night. I also think with just learning to breastfeed, and bonding as a new little family it's alot nicer to be in a room by myself. -Not to mention all the friends and family that will be coming by, I won't have to worry about a roommate getting irritated or anything.- After registering we went to the anesthesiologists office and had to watch this little video about epidurals, and pain management in labor and really, I don't see the point. It didn't tell me anything at all, I learned more about the epidural from my birthing class than from this video. I know that more than likely I'm gonna be wanting the epidural, but i guess this doctor wants you to watch the video and be "prepared" before you go into labor. The more I think about it, it seems like just another thing they can bill your insurance for. Even though I didn't see the doc he'll probablly bill me for a consultation or something. So everything is ready for Mr. Jakob. Whenever he decides to make his appearance we will have everything all set up for him. It makes everything feel so real. Over the next few weeks I need to get a bag ready to go for myself. People keep telling me things to bring from home so I won't have to pay out the nose for them from the hospital. (breast pads, tylenol, menstrual pads) Wow. Do you ever really feel prepared for something like this? I am glad that I have my mom and mother-in-law close, so if I do forget something I know they'd be there as soon as possible to bring it to me. We've only got 6 weeks left!!! Come on baby Jakob!

Belly shot week 33...

Here's belly shot week 33. I am sick, so all my smiles looked really cheesy and I decided not to look at the camera. My belly is getting pretty big isn't it? It looks fake. It's honestly hard to remember when I didn't have a big belly getting in the way of things. Only 40 something days till my Jakob will be here!

So, Doc said to take Sudafed and Robitussin if I can't stop coughing. I really think if I can dry this stuff up the cough will go away. I'm off to the store.

Sick...

No work for me today. I wish that I could just relax and enjoy the day off, but I'm not at work because I am sick(!!!) Yesterday I woke up with a very sore throat, and that drainage stuff running down my throat (I know you totally wanted to know that little tidbit). I am taking zyrtec already, because I had a little problem with alergies at the beginning of the summer, and it seemed to be helping. I think this stuff is just from my body being run down from not enough rest. Anyways, on top of the whole sore throat thing my nose is clogged up, so I have to use saline in my nose or I cannot blow this nasty stuff out, or breathe very well. Once the doctors office opens I am gonna call and ask what I should take. Hopefully they won't tell me that it has to run it's course, because I might just break down and cry like a baby. Jeremy left this morning on a TDY for work. They (Jeremy and his boss) are going to Fort Benning, Ga today, and then tomorrow they will go up to Fort Bragg, NC. He will be back on Thursday. It figures that I would get sick right before he left.We were sitting at the table yesterday, and I told him, you may come home and have a baby boy waiting for you...he said that'd be great. I told him he wasn't getting out of this that easy. (he was just kidding by the way) Please pray that they will have a safe trip. I am a worrier, and I hate him being gone so much because not only do I miss him like crazy, but I worry about him constantly. I know God's in control, I am trusting him with the most important person in my life. Ahhhh, pregnancy hormones, sickness, and my hubby being gone all at the same time...

4th of July and 32 week pic...

Here's a 32 week belly shot with dad in it! Our fourth of July was good. We had a cook out at my moms house, and then went to see the fireworks in Defuniak. I missed Jillian though, because she appreciates the fireworks as much as I do, and it's fun to have her around. (next year Jill!!!) I kept thinking that next year I'll be sitting in the same spot, but I'll have my little Jakob there with me... I can't wait to experience things with my child. It's always more exciting to view the world through a childs eyes. I am starting to slow down alot. Over this weekend my feet have been swollen almost constantly, and I'm not sleeping well, so I am just plain tired. I'm thankful that there's less than 2 months till my due date... I'm openly hoping that baby boy will come a little early so his mama can breathe again. I'm not complaining, and I know I worked hard and cried and prayed alot to get this little guy here, but I think I've just hit that point where I'm ready for the pregnancy to be over. I will miss having Jakob so close, but I'll be glad to be able to breathe, and sleep (yeah right, I know) but 2 or 3 hours at a time will be more than I'm getting here lately. Hope you all had a great 4th with family and friends. Have a great week! Love, -me (oh yeah, don't you love our twin bellies shot???)

32 weeks and a doctors appointment...

My doctors appointment today went well. I've gained another 8 pounds in the last 3 weeks (!!!) The nurse once again said my numbers for the glucose tolerance test were great. I am measuring 32 weeks exactly. I know I look huge, a girl at church told me I look like I'm 9 months along, she said, "not just your stomach, but everything" pointing from my face to my feet...whatever that means. I kinda take it like I look gigantic, if I didn't agree I might be offended :) By night time I am starting to swell a little, mostly only during the week, cause I'm on my feet for 8 hours a day. Jakob's heartrate was 140. Overall everything looks good. There are no plans to bring the baby early even if he is a big boy. The doctor said that it's just not a good idea, the baby's body will not be ready, and then you risk all kinds of problems. I'm o.k. with that. I really want to go into labor on my own. (no pitocin!) I do not want to kill myself pushing out a huge baby though. If I need a c-section I'm up for it. The way Dr. Hennessey said it I will have to try to push the baby out before he'd consider a c-section. I guess delivery day will be a big surprise...we'll just have to wait and see what happens. So now I'm gonna ask you all a question (those that have kids) and I want to hear your experience...you can save all the gorey details, but I'm totally pondering this and asking as many people as I can. Did you have an episiotomy with your deliveries??? I know, kinda weird question, but I want to know if you had one, and did it work out well for you, or did you not need one, or what? Everything I read now says it's better to let your body tear if it has to than to get an episiotomy, and I find that very painful sounding... maybe not so much in the tearing, cause you'll be all medicated, but in the healing process. (mom, you don't need to respond, because we've already had this discussion) The doctor basically told me yes, it's better to let it tear and heal... I told him I don't want to be hurting for 6 months after the baby is born because I tore and it's more painful in healing. He said if it's needed he would give an episiotomy. Once again, I guess I'm at the mercy of the doctor, he is good, and alot of people I know have had babies with him and gone back for their next child, so i just have to trust his judgment. I am a person who wants all the answers, and usually I don't ask the doctor stuff, I just read alot, but with this situation everyone has such differing opinions. I'm finding more and more in life that we cannot control just about everything. I need to trust and pray that God will give wisdom where it's needed. I have to make an appointment with the anesthesiologist to learn about the epidural. I know I want one, no way I want to try things the natural way... :) but I guess I have to go to the appointment to make everyone happy. All my friends with kids have said that once you get to the point of epidural you don't care what they're sticking in your back as long as it helps the pain. Well, I turned a very simple short doctors appointment into one loooong post. Hope you all have a great weekend, and a great 4th of July. Thank God that we were blessed to be born in America. It's not perfect, never has been, but there's no greater place to live. I'll try to post some pictures from our bbq tomorrow. Love, -me p.s. remember to answer my question!