Lillian's Birth Story {Part 2}

We arrived at the Labor & Delivery unit where I had Jon park in the parking lot instead of dropping me off at the door.  We walked up to the door and rang the bell (it's a locked unit from the inside and out).  A nurse came to the door a few minutes later and asked if we were there for a tour.  I thought to myself "who would want to tour a labor unit at 10:30 on a Saturday morning?"  Instead of saying what I was thinking, I politely declined and told her that I thought I was in labor.  She let us in and proceeded to walk away.  Jon and I looked at each other and he spoke up and asked her if we were supposed to be following her or waiting, she replied by telling us to follow her.  We walked into room 140 in which all the lights were off and the nurse began messing with a machine.  Jon and I were beginning to become frustrated at this point because we felt as though we needed some explanation or even an introduction.  I am not sure what came over me but suddenly I spoke up and asked the nurse her name and introduced Jon and myself and then told her that this was our first child, our first experience with all of this, and that she was going to need to be more informative.  At that point I am pretty sure I caught the nurse off guard, but she did do a 180 and was very nice and explained everything that she was doing from that point on.  I undressed and put the hospital gown on and for some reason that made things seem more real to me.   The nurse put the two monitors on my belly (one to monitor the contractions and the other to monitor the baby's heart rate).  Hearing Lillian's heart beat was such a calming and surreal sound.  It brought me a feeling of peace knowing she was doing good inside my belly.  The nurse also checked to see how far dilated I was and she said I was still at 2 cm.  This news was pretty disappointing.
Since my doctor gave me her cell number a few days before I decided to call her as we were headed to the hospital to let her know we were on our way.  I left a voice message.  Once we got to the hospital Jon also called and left her a voice message.  The nurse told us that she called the doctor on call and he would be in shortly to check things out.  I was not too thrilled because the doctor on call was my original OB/GYN doctor the first time I ever went and I did not like his bedside manner.  (Needless to say I switched doctors after my first visit with him)  About an hour after we settled in, the on call doctor came in and took a look at the strip recording my contractions, which were still about 5 minutes apart.  He also checked to see if I was dilated anymore and at this point he said I was 3 cm.  He felt as though I was progressing well on my own and that I would most likely have a baby that night.  This was wonderful news!  By this time the contractions, which were all in my back, were becoming more uncomfortable so the doctor ordered for me to get vistaril to help me relax a little. (On a side note, I have to admit that the doctor was very nice and this experience with him was much better than the first encounter we had.)  I waited about an hour and there was no relief.  I ended up asking the nurse if I could walk the halls because laying in the bed seemed to be making it more uncomfortable.  Walking did help!
My doctor called the unit to check on me and ended up coming in about 2:30 that afternoon.  She checked and at this point I was 4 cm dilated and 100% effaced.  She liked the progress I was making.  She decided to order lab and get the ball rolling for me to get the epidural and she also decided to break my water.  In order to get the epidural all the lab has to be drawn and you have to get 1 liter of IV fluids.  The reason for the fluids is because the epidural can cause your blood pressure to drop.  The nurse came in and started my IV (and it looked like a massacre happened in the room, the nurse had blood everywhere!) and got enough blood for my lab work.  They started the fluids at 125ml/hr. (1 liter of fluids at 125ml/hr meant it would finish in 8 hours!)  I looked at Jon and told him that at that rate I would never be able to get my epidural before the baby came!  My doctor came back in and broke my water.  It was not comfortable sitting in warm fluid.  They had to change out the pads under me often! Not very long after my water was broken the contractions became unbearable!  I was doing my best to breathe through them.  Jon was right there with me coaching me through it all.  I must have called out to the nurses station a handful of times to tell them that I needed something for pain.  They had already called the anesthesiologist and he was to be there any minute.  Well any minute seemed like days to me at this point.  I have never felt pain to intense in my life.  I was coming out of the bed.  There was one time I looked at Jon through my tears and told him that I couldn't do it anymore.  I was doing my best not to scream out in pain (after all, I didn't want to be heard throughout the unit).  The only things getting me through each contraction was knowing that the pain wouldn't last forever and that with each contraction I was hopefully making more progress making it even closer to time to meet our baby girl.  Finally the anesthesiologist got there and set up and had my epidural going.  He was my savior!  I was able to feel my legs and move them but I was not in any pain at all.  I could feel my stomach tighten with each contraction but I did not feel any pain.  I was a new woman!
Around 5:00 PM they decided to start pitocin to help keep the labor progress going.  The nurse checked me again around 6:00 PM and I was 8-9 cm dilated! What great news!  Lillian's head was still not all the way engaged so they had me sit up in bed with my legs crossed and "labor down."  I was becoming more excited and more anxious now.   It was really happening, I was really going to meet this baby I had been carrying for 10 months!
The next shift came on and the nurse came in and introduced herself and let me know the plan.  They wanted me to "labor down" for a little while longer, allowing Lillian to move further down and also allowing my cervix to completely dilate.  She informed me that I could start pushing but that it may mean I would have to push longer and she didn't want me to have to do that.  I was okay with waiting because I was not in any pain and I wanted what was best for the baby.  The tech came in the room and got everything all set up for the doctor and for delivery.  It really got real then!
Around 8:30 PM the nurse came back in and checked me and said she wanted me to do some "practice pushing."  My massive legs (I say massive because they were blown up from all the fluids) went into the stirrups and the nurse told me to bear down as though I was having a bowel movement.  (Which might I add is hard to do when you don't really want to have a bowel movement!)  I pushed like this for about 30 minutes and then I began to feel really dizzy and light headed.  I wasn't sure if it was my blood sugar because I had not eaten since I pigged out at Tacomania the night before or if I was not breathing adequately as I was pushing.  Either way, we took a break and the nurse went to call the doctor to let her know we were about ready to have this baby.  My doctor got there about 9:15 PM and I started pushing again.  It was really hard work and exhausting, but Jon was really helping me out, keeping me calm and coaching me through it.  I started to feel as though I wasn't getting anywhere with all the pushing I was doing until everyone in the room got excited and made me push one more time.  That was it!  At 9:52 PM our baby girl arrived into this world.  She was laid on my chest and immediately I began to cry!  It was all worth it!  All 10 months, all the pain, all the swelling, all for a healthy 8 lb 4 oz girl.  My heart was immediately so happy!

Lillian's Birth Story {Part 1}

On February 21st I went to my scheduled doctor's appointment, the first I might add, that Jon was not able to make it to.  We had seen the doctor 3 days before, so we knew what to expect at this appointment.  She was going to check to see if I was dilated any more and we would set a date for induction.  Jon and I had already discussed what we wanted, so I knew going to the appointment just where he and I stood.  At the appointment I found out that I was only 2 cm dilated and maybe 50% effaced.  We set an induction date.  I was to check in to the hospital on Sunday at midnight and get the process started.  We planned for Lillian to be born on her due date, February 25th.  My doctor was not on call that weekend but gave me her cell number just in case something happened.  I went by the hospital after my appointment and registered.  I then went on to work.  That afternoon at work I had a few contractions but nothing serious and I just went about my business.  That evening Jon and I went to the park and walked.  I tried to talk myself out of walking because I didn't feel it was getting anything accomplished, but Jon wouldn't let me.
Friday I woke up and went to work.  It was just another day for me.  I went about the day doing all the normal things.  Towards the end of the work day my back was hurting, but I didn't think much of it.  That night Jon and I went to dinner with his parents. I pigged out on mexican food at Tacomania! My back continued to hurt throughout dinner so I ended up taking some Tylenol.  It was a constant ache so I still didn't think much of it.  Once we got home I decided to take a warm bath to see if that would relieve my back pain.  It seemed to help a little, at least it helped me relax enough to go to sleep.
Around 4:30 AM Saturday morning I woke up because my back was bothering me again.  I laid in bed and the pain seemed to go away and I was able to fall back asleep.  Not too much longer I woke up again with back pain.  I thought maybe I was laying the wrong way.  Sleeping had not been comfortable for quite a few weeks at this point anyway so I still didn't think much of it.  It wasn't until about 6:30 in the morning that I realized this back pain was coming and going.  I then got on my phone and googled "back labor."  I really didn't think I was in labor, but I wanted to see what I could find and how others may have described their contractions.  I also sent out a text to two of my closest friends to ask if they thought it was contractions and if I was in labor.  I also searched the app store and found an app that timed my contractions.  At this point the pain (or contractions) were 8-10 minutes apart.  They were becoming more uncomfortable so I climbed out of bed and leaned against the side of the bed and rocked my hips back and forth.  It really helped!  I heard back from the friends I had text and both said that they only had contractions in their back and they both felt I was in labor.   I waited until about 7:45 and decided to finally wake Jon.  I didn't want him to wake in a panic, so I calmly told him that he might want to go ahead and wake up and get some things together for his hospital bag and that I was getting in the shower. (I was not going to the hospital with greasy hair!)  I don't think it really registered with him that I thought I was in labor because I was so calm and told him I was going to take a shower.  While I was in the shower he came in the bathroom and asked how long I had been having contractions and how far apart they were.   I informed him that it started around 4:30 that morning and that they were currently 6-7 minutes apart.  He remained calm, just like I was, and proceeded to pack his bag.  He also decided to unload and load the dishwasher.  I finished getting ready, including straightening my hair.  I helped him finish cleaning up the kitchen and then I decided to clean the guest bathroom because I knew we would be having guests visit once we got home and I needed to make sure the bathroom was clean!  Jon took a shower and got all ready.  We went over my lists of things to pack for me, him, and Lillian and double checked that we had everything ready to go.  At this point my contractions were about 5 minutes apart.  They were growing in intensity and I was having to stop and lean over when they came on.  We debated on whether we should go ahead and go to the hospital or wait.  The doctor told us that if my water broke, I was bleeding bright red blood, or had contractions that were 3-5 minutes apart we needed to go in to Labor and Delivery.  So around 10:30 we decided to load up the car and head to the hospital to see if I was truly in labor.  We got in the car, stopped and realized what was potentially about to happen, and we took a minute to say a prayer and give thanks, then off to the hospital we went.

I can see it...

the light at the end of the tunnel that is! I went back to the doctor today. I'm at 2cm now, which is not much, but it is progress from Monday. We decided that if Lillian has not made her appearance by Sunday we will be heading to the hospital to be induced. I went to the hospital after my appointment and registered. Everything is good to go now. We will be making our way to Highland hospital on Sunday around midnight and get induction going. Maybe Lillian will decide to make her debut before Sunday. Maybe she is waiting it out and wanting a little help. No matter what, we will get to meet our sweet baby girl by Monday. I'm anxious, excited, nervous, and ready! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers for a safe delivery and a healthy baby!

39 weeks

We had our weekly appointment today. It was a few days earlier in the week than normal but that was the doctor's request. Things went well at the appointment, but were disappointing to me. I'm still 1cm dilated and 20% effaced. I have really tried this past week to get things going, but was obviously not successful. My blood pressure is still good, and I actually lost 2 pounds (guess its all the walking I have been doing). The doctor wants to see us back this Thursday and at that time we will set a date next week for induction. She doesn't want Lillian to get too big.  I know that I need to do what's best for her, but I'm definitely becoming impatient.
I am so uncomfortable these days. This swelling has really got the best of me. My right hand is constantly numb. I feel like a big butter ball. Not being able to tie my shoes is annoying.  Sleepless nights are no fun.  (I know it's just the beginning of those, but sleepless nights with a precious baby to love on will be way better than sleepless nights having to pee every hour or change position because my back is hurting)
To say I was disappointed when we left the doctor's office is an understatement.  I wanted to cry (which is not too surprising these days because I seem to cry at the drop of a hat...dang hormones).  I came home and snuggled with my sweet pups and took a nap.  It was apparently just what I needed because once I woke up I had a different outlook.  Although I am very ready, Lillian is obviously not.  I am keeping my eye on the goal, which is a healthy happy baby.  It's all in God's hands and on His timing.
On a side note, her nursery is 95% complete!   We got her bedding on Valentine's Day and immediately put it on her bed.  I love it!  It turned out perfect.  I am so thankful for Mrs. Tingle and her sewing talent!   She made our baby girl some precious bedding and saved us a ton of money!!  We put together a storage cabinet cubical thing (not sure how else to describe it), and filled it with baskets that are holding things like diapers, booty cream, wipes, blankets...you know, all the essentials.  There is a built in ledge in her room that Jon put the birdcages we had on.  We still need a few more birdcages to fill up the whole ledge.  I also need to get some white shelves for one of the walls, and two mirrors, but those are just minor things.  I'm really happy with the way her nursery has turned out.
For the next few days I will do my best to be patient.  I will keep walking.  I will keep my mind on the goal.  I will continue to pray for a healthy baby and know that He will get us there.

[tada]

[the bedding up close]

38 weeks

We had our weekly appointment today and it went well.  My blood pressure is still great despite my never ending swelling!  I have gained 6 lbs in the last week and I can say it has to be at least 95% fluid!  I feel so puffy.   I am a "good 1cm" dilated and there is some effacement, she just didn't give it a percentage.  Lillian is engaged because the doc said she could feel her head.  I was very happy with all of this news!  We are scheduled to go back next Monday and if I have more progression we could talk options of induction at that time.  Our doctor is not saying she is wanting to induce, she just said that at that time we could talk more seriously about it if it was something we would be interested in.  I have mixed feelings about being induced.  This week Jon and I will for sure have many discussions on what we feel we should do and we will also be praying for God to help us with this decision.  Hopefully God and Lillian have it worked out so that Jon and I don't have to make the decision and she will just make her debut all on her own.
I have not been sleeping well, which makes for a grumpy me, especially in the mornings.  The puffiness is affecting not only my hands causing the carpal tunnel, but now I am having trouble with the alignment of my teeth when I close my mouth.  My face/jaw is swollen and causing it to hurt when I close my mouth all the way.  Oh the joys of pregnancy!  Lillian is still a wiggle worm.  I hear lots of moms say that the one thing they miss about being pregnant is feeling the baby move in their tummy.  I can see why.  I still think it is such a cool feeling.  It can be uncomfortable at times, but it is still amazing to me. I have been walking as often as I can, which ended up being 3 times this past week.  As I was finishing up with my walk on Sunday I started having contractions.  Just as I thought I should start timing them they pretty much stopped.  I guess it did something though since I am dilated more this week than I was last week.
Lillian's room is pretty much finished.  We have the decal complete and it is staying on the wall, so far. We hung her bow holder and put bows on it.  I finished another DIY project and hung it above her changing table/dresser.  We still need to get some white shelves and hang them, and I want to get two mirrors to hang on either side of the latest DIY project.  Her bedding is not yet complete, but I anticipate it won't be too much longer.  We are not really pressed for time with her bedding anyway because she will be sleeping in our room in a bassinet for at least a few weeks.
This weekend I am going to try to put together some meals that can be frozen.  I have pinned quite a few options, so we will see what I can come up with.  In those first few weeks that Lillian is here I think it will definitely help to have dinner already made, be able to pull it out of the freezer and heat it up!  Oh yea, don't forget about the Meal Train!  We would be so grateful for any food people want to bring us, and we would love to see you and for you to meet our sweet Lillian!
Jon and I are really getting anxious and excited about meeting our baby girl!  We are trying to be as patient as possible!

{THE decal}

{DIY project hanging above her changing table}

{38 weeks}

Full Term

We've made it to full term status. Our doctor's appointment went well today. I lost 2 pounds- woohoo! My blood pressure is still great! She said I may be about about a fingertip dilated. I didn't figure we would have much progress. I haven't had many contractions. In fact, I think I had my first real contraction yesterday when I was out walking. It definitely stopped me in my tracks and took my breath away for a second. Speaking of walking, I've been trying to go as much as possible. I think I made it 3 different times in the last week. The doctor told me to keep walking and that may help get things going. I guess if nothing else it will help keep my weight down. I have been feeling pretty good for the most part. Still having issues with carpal tunnel. I have been sleeping in the splints my sister sent to me. They definitely help, but by the end of the day my thumb, pointer finger, and middle finger on my right hand are numb. Having numb fingers definitely makes starting an IV at work difficult! I am still sleeping in 2 hour increments, and on occasion I will sleep for longer periods of time. I feel lots of pressure on my pelvic bone, which causes me to really waddle these days! Lillian is still an active thing. I really don't know how she still has room to wiggle around, but she does! I keep telling her that if she would just come out, she would have even more room to wiggle around, but apparently she's comfy in there.
We started working on putting the tree decal up on her wall. It has become a chore! We have heavy texture on our walls so the decal is not wanting to stick quite right. We should get it finished within the next few days. We washed and sanitized all her bottles and pacifiers. We packed her bag. I have all the stuff together for our bags but haven't yet actually put it all in the bag.
My sweet co-workers had a surprise "baby shower" at work the other day.  They are very good secret keepers!  I am very blessed to have the job that I do and work with the people I work with.  They have been so kind and understanding throughout this whole pregnancy.  I am so thankful for the car seat base (we really needed a 2nd one!), the cute outfits, and the Target gift card they gave me!  I can not begin to thank them enough.
This weekend I plan on finishing up her room, which should not consist of much. The decal should be up by the weekend. I will get Jon to hang things on the walls, like the shelves, her bow holder, and the next DIY project I plan on getting done soon. I will have Jon put the bird cages up on the built in ledge. The bedding is in the works of being made, and I am so excited! It's going to be so cute!!
On a side note...our sweet friends, Kelli and Nathan (Ethan's parents), welcomed their new baby boy, Evan into the world yesterday. We had the opportunity to meet him last night and he's so perfect. I am so excited for them and look forward to Evan and Lillian being best buds!
Well for now I guess we will just finish up the last minute details, walk, walk, walk, and try to wait patiently for our baby girl's arrival.

36 weeks

We are in our 36th week of pregnancy.  Yes, that's 9 months of being pregnant.  I'm not sure who started lying to us girls when we were younger but people always say humans carry a baby for 9 months when in actuality it's 10 months.  We had our now weekly appointment today and baby girl is still just hanging out in there.  No dilation.  She's not even engaged in my pelvis.  I was surprised by this because it sure does feel like she is!  My swelling is still there, along with the carpal tunnel.  My blood pressure is still wonderful, thankfully!  The iron I have been taking has apparently done its job because my hemoglobin is right where it should be.
I have been feeling pretty good for the most part.  I'm still uncomfortable at night trying to sleep.  I'm annoyed when I wake up in the morning and my fingers are numb, and I can hardly fix my hair or put on makeup.  My reflux has not been so bad lately and for that I am very thankful!  Lillian is still an active little girl, well maybe not so little these days.
Her nursery is coming right along.  The walls are painted. The dresser is complete and full of clothes.  All her clothes are clean and either folded and put away or hanging in the closet.  The fabric for her bedding is ordered and should be in this week.  We have all her goodies (pack n play, swing, stroller, etc.) put together and in their places.  I finished another DIY for her room that I am very happy with the outcome.  I am planning on working on another this weekend.  We still need to hang the shelves in her room.  I ordered a tree decal for her wall behind her crib, and we plan on hanging it this weekend.  I am excited that her room is finally all coming together.
I made lists of everything we need to pack in our bags, so hopefully this weekend I will get those all done.  Jon has the carseat base in his car, it's just not actually strapped in yet, but I'm sure that will be done soon too.  I am also planning within the next 2 weeks sometime to put together a few meals that can be frozen so that we will have them for those first days after we get home.  My sweet friend and co-worker, Amber, also created a meal train for us.  In case you haven't heard of a meal train...it is a website that organizes meal giving.  Someone sets it up for the couple or person and people can go on to the website and sign up for a day to bring a meal.  It's an awesome idea and will be really helpful in those first few busy, stressful days when we get home from the hospital.  To check out our meal train just click this link...Danielle & Jon's Meal Train

{DIY decor for the nursery}

{36 weeks}

Showered with Love

On January 12th a group of sweet friends and co-workers hosted a baby shower for me and Lillian. My sister was also one of the hostess and was able to come in town, along with my sweet friend, Adrianne, from Fort Worth. It was so wonderful and filled my heart with so much joy. I was overwhelmed with the love for me and Lillian expressed by everyone that was there! We received so many awesome gifts that I am so grateful for! Here are a few pictures from the shower...

[the beautiful-and delicious-cake my sweet friend, and now mommy, Kay had made]

[Lillian's going home outfit from my MIL]

[Kelli filled one of Ethan's baskets with goodies for Lillian-what a sentimental gift!]

[with Lillian's grandmothers]

[with the sweet hostesses-minus Kay who was headed home from the hospital with her 2 day old]

[the travel system we registered for-the gift from the wonderful hostesses]

On January 27th my sisters in law, along with my MIL and mother, hosted a beautiful baby shower for us.  It was a great time with family and friends.  I am still so thankful for all the gifts and love that everyone has shown for Lillian.  She is one blessed little girl already!!

[super cute bow holder- thankfully she is going to have a lot of hair and will need lots of bows]

[the sweet hostesses bought Lillian a swing! we will be using that often]

[with the hostesses]

[cute decor]

[more cute decor]

[the yummy cake my MIL had made]

Today at work a patient's wife gave me a blanket that she made for Lillian.  It is so beautiful and really meant a lot knowing she thought about me and our sweet baby girl.  I feel so blessed and truly loved by everyone!  I think we are officially ready for Lillian Grace!

The truth about pregnancy...

...or my pregnancy at least.

For as long as I can remember I always thought pregnant women were so cute!  I love pregnant bellies and pretty much every pregnant person I see is so precious.  Then you see maternity pics like this...

*never in a million years could I personally take a pic like this*

and it leads to believe that pregnancy is not only cute but can be sexy too.  Well this pregnant girl definitely does not feel sexy (that was never really a pre-pregnant feeling anyway) and it's hard to even feel cute most days!

In the first trimester you just feel tired and crummy majority of the time.  If you are like me, your skin becomes incredibly oily and you look as though you've just hit puberty with unbelievable acne.  As your body is getting used to (or not accepting) all the new hormones raging in your body you get to experience things like constipation and frequent urination. 

*just a glimpse at what my acne looked like in the beginning...GROSS*

When you get to the second trimester you finally have a little bump and it's pretty exciting.  People can usually start to tell that you are carrying a baby in your belly and not one too many six packs.  You actually start to get your energy back and begin to think that pregnancy is not so bad after all.  You do start to gain more weight, so most likely your wardrobe does not fit anymore, therefore maternity clothes become your best friend.  (I'm thinking of wearing panel pants forever!)  At this point you may also start swelling.  Putting your feet up whenever possible is the best thing at this time.  You also may need to wear compression socks.  And don't be surprised if you are really limited as to what shoes you can wear.

*just putting my feet up while I had a chance at work*

*compression socks are a lifesaver*

Then you get to the third trimester.  You can start to see the light at the end of the tunnel, yet it still seems so far away.  By this point your belly is so large that everyone and their mother feel the need to tell you that you are about to pop.  You no longer walk anymore, but instead waddle.  The swelling that started in the 2nd trimester is only worse and even starts to cause carpal tunnel.  The carpal tunnel is so bad in the morning that you can barely put on makeup and straightening your hair is totally out of the question.  You sleep in 2-3 hour intervals, waking to attempt to get comfortable or get up to pee.  Speaking of peeing, if you don't go to the bathroom often, it's likely that you may wet your pants if you sneeze, cough, laugh, or heck, maybe even take a deep breath.  Maternity clothes don't seem to fit or feel cute anymore, instead you want to wear sweat pants and your husband's oversized shirts. 

Your body goes through some crazy changes during pregnancy.  Some days you don't feel human and you wonder if your body will ever be what it was 9 months ago. 

Please don't take all this the wrong way...I am very grateful for the opportunity to be pregnant.  I am so thankful for an uncomplicated pregnancy and so far a healthy baby.  I am so anxious and excited about meeting our sweet baby girl.  I know that all this craziness called pregnancy will be totally worth it once I get to see Lillian and kiss her sweet face.  Until she arrives I will do my best to make the most of this pregnancy and take care of her and protect her while I can.

35 weeks

proud painter

Quite a few things have happened since the last pregnancy update post.  First and foremost baby girl's room is painted!  My husband and my father-in-law spent all last weekend painting her room, and they did a wonderful job!  It looks so good!  I am now working on getting everything in its place and stuff on the walls.  I have washed all of her clothes.  I hung up some and put the others in her dresser.  Speaking of her dresser/changing table...it is finally finished!  It did not turn out anything like I had envisioned, but I have accepted the way it looks.  It deserves a post all of it's own, so I will get working on that soon.

lots of clothes already!!

We had a doctor's appointment today and it went really well.  We finally got to see our precious girl via ultrasound today.  At first she did not want to show us her face but just as we were going to give up on her, she decided to look at us and bat her little eyes and suck on her tongue.  Seeing her sweet face made me even more excited about the day we will finally meet her!  The doctor said everything is looking good with her.  She is measuring about 6 pounds and 6 ounces.  She has chubby cheeks, big lips (not sure where those came from), and a TON of hair!  Her hair was "flowing in the fluid," to quote the ultrasound tech.  Maybe it's true what they say about having indigestion and reflux due to your baby having lots of hair.  We were happy to see that she is head down!   I'm almost ashamed to admit that I have gained 7 pounds since our last appointment (2 weeks ago).  OMG!  I have been telling Jon that I feel like the Michelin man looks...

 (just in case you didn't know who I was talking about)

It's not so much my feet and ankles like it has been, it's my entire body.  The swelling has even caused carpal tunnel in my wrists, mainly my right one though.  It's worse in the mornings and seems to get a little better as the day goes on.  The doc said the only thing to really help it right now is to wear a wrist brace, but I don't feel I am quite to that point yet.  My blood pressure is still wonderful and I am not spilling protein in my urine or anything of that nature, so she is not concerned that I am preeclamptic.   We will be going to the doctor on a weekly basis now, which is exciting and scary all at the same time. That means we are getting so close to her being here! 

I have been feeling pretty good for the most part.  I am uncomfortable a lot, but who wouldn't be carrying all this extra weight?!  I sleep in 2-4 hour intervals at night, waking to either go to the bathroom or get in a more comfortable position. I can definitely tell that Lillian has moved down because there is a lot more pressure "down there."  I am definitely waddling all the time now!

I have to give a shout out to my husband... Jon has been so wonderful, catering to my every need!  I can't imagine going through all of this without him.  He has taken on all my crazy projects with a smile on his face and determination to get it done and to my satisfaction.  He waits on me constantly and is always willing to fulfill my late night cravings, mainly for ice cream!  I know that he is going to be a wonderful daddy, and I am getting so excited to see him with Lillian!  The thought alone brings tears to my eyes and so much joy to my heart!

sweet hubby went on a late night ice cream run

35 weeks

33 weeks

We are one week further along! I swear some days it feels like the pregnancy has flown by and others I think I've been pregnant for years! We had a check up with the doctor yesterday and everything went really well. I only gained 1 pound again these last 2 weeks! This time I was really shocked because I have felt super puffy and swollen, but the scale said different. My blood pressure is still really good! She did say this time that I'm measuring (my fundal height) a little big so sweet Lillian may in fact be a chunk. We will know for sure next appointment when we have an ultrasound and get her measurements. We go back to the doctor in 2 weeks and that will be an important appointment because we will have an ultrasound, a CBC check (to see if this iron is doing the job), and I will be "checked" to see if anything is happening. After that we will start going every week to the doctor. It's really coming down to the wire now!
I have been feeling pretty good I must say! My feet do hurt a lot in the evenings but I try to put them up as much as possible once I'm home. Reflux is getting worse despite the Protonix and Tums, but I guess there is no way to prevent that when I'm running out of room in my abdomen. Jon did find me some Tums breath mints- double score!
The room has not been painted, but that's partially my fault because I have yet to clean out the last few things of ours in the room. I am now contemplating just painting one wall in the room, having a pink accent wall, but I don't think Jon is real fond of the idea. The dresser has turned into a disaster and headache! It looks terrible and we are trying to figure out how to fix it! Poor Lillian may not have her room all ready until she goes to kindergarten!
This weekend my sweet friends and Schumpert co-workers are throwing me a baby shower! I am so excited! I know these ladies are going to do a great job and everything will be so wonderful! I will be sure to take lots of pictures to post!
I want to give a shout out to one of my great friends, Kay, and her hubby, Matthew (from The Sweet and Sours) they will be welcoming their sweet baby boy, Luke, into this world today! I can't wait to meet him and I hope mommy has a great delivery!

32 weeks on NYE

On the last day of 2012 we are 32 weeks pregnant!
We saw the doctor last week and had a great check up.  I only gained 1lb since seeing her last (2 weeks).  I was so excited!  She said everything is going well.  Lillian's heart rate was a strong 150, which is about what it is every time.  I am measuring right on target.  We go back next week and I was hoping for an ultrasound at that time, but it will be the appointment after that.  I talked to her about the chances of being put on bed rest and she doesn't see that in the future at this point.  My feet/ankles do swell at times, but they also go down once I put my feet up.  My blood pressure has been great.  It was very comforting to hear her say that she didn't believe bedrest was something we were headed towards.
I have felt pretty good lately.  I am more tired these days, but that's to be expected I assume.  Sleeping is not very comfortable these days.  I wake up with leg cramps and awful reflux at least once a night.  I think I had my first Braxton-Hicks contraction the other night, but I don't really know.  I just know my belly was really uncomfortable, almost hurting, and it was really tight, but it didn't last very long.  Lillian continues to be active, mainly in the mornings and evenings.  I am anxious to have an ultrasound done because I want to know about how big she is.  When she is moving around I really feel like she is a chunk!
So of course I have mentioned and shown pictures of my feet and how they tend to swell at times.  Well it's worse when I wear shoes that don't quite fit so I decided it was time to find some shoes that fit me better because I am down to my tennis shoes and a pair of black flats.  Jon and I went to a couple of stores this past weekend and I had no luck.  I normally wear a 7 1/2 or sometimes an 8...well I was having to try on size 9, and it wasn't because my foot was swollen, it was the length! OMG! Has my foot really grown that much?  They still didn't fit right either.  I know that some of it is swelling, but on this particular day my feet were looking pretty good.  I was so discouraged and disappointed that I refused to go anywhere else to look and I told Jon I would just wear flip flops.  I doubt I will be wearing flip flops and for now I will just wear my tennis shoes or black flats until I can find some other pair that fits.
We (more Jon than me) have been working on redoing the dresser/changing table for Lillian's room.  As soon as it is finished I will post some pictures.  I still need to clean out some things from her room so that Jon can get started painting.  It's coming down to crunch time so I really need to get a move on and get some things done!
While my sister was in town for Christmas she took some maternity pictures for me.   I haven't seen all the pictures yet, but I am happy with the ones I did see.  She is very talented so I am anxious to see all of them.  Of course I will post some once I have them!

32 weeks

Merry Christmas!

Christmas snuck up on me once again this year. It really does not feel like it should be Christmas already!  We just got our Christmas tree 2 days ago (yes, that's right, 4 days before Christmas day).  I have had my house decorated for weeks with all my holiday decor, but we never made a trip to get a tree.  Jon said he didn't think it felt like Christmas without a tree so he went Friday night and picked one out for us.  I told him that we will have to be more on the ball next year since we will be introducing a new life to the traditions of Christmas.  I will say that I do love the Christmas season.  Some of my favorite things to do during this time of year are...
-driving around to look at Christmas lights.  I love to get a mug of hot chocolate and jump in the car and check out all the houses lit up.  I will admit that some of the houses are quite amusing with the blow up decorations and the Clark Griswald wanna-be's.   We have been around a few neighborhoods a couple times this year.  I am looking forward to next year when we can dress Lillian in her Christmas PJs and drive around to show her all the lights.
-enjoy the music.  There is just something about Christmas music that makes you happy and want to smile.  Now there are some songs that become annoying after you hear them 25,000 times in a day on the radio, but for the most part all Christmas music is enjoyable.  For the past 2 years we have driven to Dallas to go to a Christmas music concert of sorts at Jon's uncle's church, Prestonwood.  It is a megachurch to say the least with an enormous choir.  They put on a wonderful Christmas program.  It always brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart!
-going to parties.  Whether it's a tacky Christmas sweater party, a night with the girls, or an office party, it's always nice to get together with friends during this time of the year.  My work had our Christmas party this year at Zocolo.  It was a lot of fun and made me even more thankful for my job.  I really feel appreciated where I work and I am so thankful for that!
-baking goodies.  I like to bake anyway, but during this time of year it really is fun.  I made some treats and bagged them up for the people I work with.  This evening I plan on making even more yummies, like fudge, cookies, and a pie!  I hope everyone is ready for some sweets.
-spending time with family.  My sister made it in town yesterday and will be here for a few days.  It's always nice having her in town.  We are heading out to my parents on Christmas eve night to eat and spend time with my parents and grandparents.  On Christmas day we are having lunch/dinner at our house and Jon's parents and uncles will be here.  Then Friday we are getting together with Jon's sisters and their families.  To me the holidays are all about family and spending time with one another, enjoying each others company, laughing and just having a good time.  I know this will be even more important to me in the coming years, since Jon and I will have a family of our own.    Jon and I have been talking a lot about traditions that we want to start with Lillian, and just the thought of having her around this time next year brings so much joy to my heart!  It's crazy to think that we will finally meet her in 2 shorts months!  I've been saying all along that once Christmas gets here it will be just about time for her to arrive.  Well Christmas is here, now it's time to get myself in gear and get ready for this sweet baby girl.
I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and that we remember what the season is really about.  Take the time to hug your friends, tell your family you love them, and thank God for the many blessings he has bestowed upon us!

Hello 3rd Trimester

It doesn't seem like I am truly in the third trimester, the last leg of this pregnancy.  We went back to the doctor last week because I had to do the three hour glucose tolerance test to see if I in fact had gestational diabetes or not.  Before the appointment I had already convinced myself that I did and was ready to embrace the diet change and frequent finger pricks for glucose checks.  As soon as I arrived for my appointment they checked my fasting glucose which was 85 (it needed to be below 90).  I felt as though I got passed that part by the skin on my teeth.  I then drank the even sugaryer (haha, I definitely made that word up) drink than before and almost couldn't keep it down.  I asked what would happen if I vomited and she told me I would just have to drink more, so I forced myself to keep that mess down.  One hour later they checked my sugar and it was 124 (needed to be less than 180).  I almost cried because I was so excited.  One hour later (two hours after chugging the drink) they checked my sugar again and it was 129.  I just knew that meant I failed because my sugar had gone up, but she said I passed because it just needed to be below 150.  I really almost cried at this point!  I stood up and looked at Jon with the biggest smile on my face!  I was so thrilled and thankful not to have gestational diabetes!  We then saw the doctor and everything is going good.  Lillian's heart rate sounds wonderful (still music to my ears) and is a steady 150s.  We will start seeing the doctor every 2 weeks, so that puts us going back right after Christmas.
I am trying to continue to walk, but these days it's tough walking for an extended period of time without feeling like I might pee my pants!  My poor bladder is just super squished these days I suppose.  I told Jon that I may have to wear a diaper for my walks (of course I was kidding...maybe).  The temperature has also dropped significantly so walking outside is not so enjoyable anymore.  I may have to start walking the mall.  I guess I would fit in walking the mall with my diaper on....aren't most mall walkers at the age of needing Depends?!
We finished up with "baby classes" with a 2 session class on breast feeding.  It was taught by Brenda Dalton, who I hear could probably make a man lactate.  She was a great teacher and apparently is so helpful once the baby arrives.  I enjoyed the classes and feel I learned a lot, but I am still creeped out at the thought of breast feeding.  I don't know why?!  I know it's the most "natural" thing, but in my eyes, it still is somewhat weird for me.  I am going to do everything I can to make breast feeding work for me and Lillian, but I will not be completely heartbroken if it's not our thing.
I have been feeling pretty good lately, definitely more tired, but still feel good for the most part.  My ribs hurt a lot these days, but I think it's just because I am running out of room.  This past weekend my feet were ridiculously swollen, but after one evening of rest and elevation they were back to normal.  I know a lot of people are betting on me going on bedrest soon, but I am determined not to let that happen!  Lillian continues to be an active little girl, especially in the morning when I first wake up, and in the evening after I am off work.  I'm really looking forward to our next ultrasound (which will be in about 3 weeks), because I want to know what position she is in and about how big she is.  I'm betting we will have a chunky girl on our hands, which is fine with me! It is more to cuddle with!
This coming week my mom and I will be redoing Lillian's dresser/changing table so be expecting a post about that!

30 weeks

28 week whammy

We are now 28 weeks along, which means 12 weeks until our due date. That is 3 measly months my friends! This week we had a doctor's appointment and actually saw the Nurse Practitioner for the first time because my doctor was out of town. I really liked her, although she seemed to be the bearer of bad news. I did not pass the glucose tolerance test. My blood sugar needed to be less than 134 one hour after finishing the drink and mine was 146. They scheduled me to do the three hour glucose tolerance test next Tuesday. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I pass it! I was told that I am anemic and needing more iron. The NP prescribed iron pills for me to take and instructed me to eat more red meat. I had some not so pleasant side effects from iron at the beginning of the pregnancy so I'm hoping I tolerate it better this time. The NP also told us that I am measuring at 30 weeks. We will have an ultrasound in two weeks and at that time we will be able to see for sure how big Lillian is and exactly how "old" she is measuring. Our appointment this week did not bring the best news, but it definitely could have been worse. I'm just thankful for a healthy growing baby! I will do whatever I need to to insure she arrives to this world!

the not so lovely "glucosoda"

I personally have been feeling pretty good.  My feet hurt more than they used to, but it's nothing unbearable.  Nights are becoming more sleepless.  I have numerous pillows I use to help get in to a comfortable position, but nothing really works.  Lillian loves to move around and I still think it's the coolest feeling.  We take time out together in the mornings to do kick counts.  It's a nice way to ease myself into waking up and get ready for the day.  It is also a very active time for her!

We went to another baby class. This one was an orientation to child delivery and also about anesthesia options. It was not exactly helpful. I don't know what my expectations were but it definitely didn't meet them. They showed two videos that were totally 80s. I think they need to review the material they teach and bring it more up to date. There are a lot of women these days that labor longer at home and do not jump into modern medicine practices. Also, a lot of women these days have birth plans and that should be something they discuss in the class as well. I think if I were not a nurse the class would have been more informative. I'm glad we went though, because if I hadn't I may be curious as to what I missed or could have learned.

This past Sunday Jon and I made a trip to Longview to get Lillian's crib! A few days before, my friend Meagan sent me a link to a Craigslist listing for a white wrought iron bed. I immediately responded to the listing and made a deal with the seller. I was so excited when we got there on Sunday and the bed was everything I wanted! When we first started looking at beds for Lillian I wanted a wrought iron bed but quickly changed my mind because it was not quite in our budget. I had given up on the idea, so when Meagan sent me the listing I was beyond excited! It is so beautiful and looks good in her room already!! Of course we still need a mattress and to have the bedding made, but just having a bed for her is a big relief! We have also picked out the color we want to paint her room. Hopefully Jon will be able to start painting within the next couple weeks.

This week I was again reminded that God answers prayers! We must be patient but He will come through on His own time!

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

less than 100 days...

until my due date.  Is it too early to start a count down?
We are 26 weeks this week, which means 14 weeks to go, which is 98 (actually a few less) days.  It's crazy to think of it like that!
We saw the doctor this week and she was very pleased with my blood pressure and the lack of edema.  I do have to give credit to my co-worker, Amber, who was so kind to let me borrow some compression socks.  I have been sporting those bad boys every day, and they work!  I still have some days where my ankles are a little puffy, but no pitting edema! I was instructed to continue to limit my salt intake, including my Thanksgiving meal.  That is going to be tough! We start going to the doctor every 2 weeks now, and at our next appointment I will do the glucose test to check for gestational diabetes.  Most people say the drink is really terrible, and one person has said it was not that bad.  I have my sugary drink already, and I will drink it the morning of the appointment.  Fingers crossed for a blood sugar less than 134 one hour after I finish the drink!
Lillian is still on the move most of the time.  I did experience her having hiccups the other night and that was really weird.  I thought at first she was seizing or something?!  You can really see her move around and see my belly change shape when she does.  I think it's super creepy and way cool all at the same time.
Jon and I went to our second baby class this week.  This one was called "The Happiest Baby on the Block."  It is based on using the 5 S's (swaddle, side or stomach position, swing, shush, and suck) to trigger a baby's calming reflex.  It was interesting for sure, even though the doc who came up with the theory seems a little bit weirdo.  I'm sure Jon and I will definitely put what we learned to practice when Lillian is crying, and hope that it works!
Not much else is new this week, besides the fact that I have been battling a horrible cold.  There is not much a pregnant girl can take, so I have been doing my best to be patient and let my body fight it off.  I am actually starting to feel better, which is so good, because who wants to be sick on Thanksgiving?!
Oh and the latest thing I was told...
A male patient asked me how much weight I have gained, and as I sat and thought about the exact number, he interrupts my thought process with "too much huh?"  so I smiled and replied "yea, probably" in which he responds by laughing hysterically and saying "yea, I thought so"  What a butthead!  People really should think before they speak (or maybe I should not think before I speak and come back with something just as ugly to say)!

25 weeks

Some days I feel like this pregnancy is flying by and others I feel like I have been pregnant forever! This week I am feeling like I have been pregnant for years. I don't feel bad at all, just pregnant. The cankles are back! We went to Baton Rouge this past weekend and after sitting around tailgating the edema reared it's ugly head. I had to call the doctor to let her know and of course I have to go in so she can see me and check things out. This girl can not, and I repeat, CAN NOT go on bed rest! I vow to walk more and be very strict on my salt intake! We have to get a handle on this now!
On another note, Lillian remains an active girl! She moves and kicks and punches all throughout the day now! It really is a cool feeling! Each day I am more anxious about meeting her and seeing what she looks like, but of course I can, and will, definitely wait 15 more weeks.
Tonight Jon and I are attending our first class to help us prepare for our sweet baby girl. We are excited to go to these classes and hear and learn everything they have to teach us! People always say you are never truly prepared for a baby, but we are surely trying!

24 weeks = 6 months

We have made it to 24 weeks! Its crazy to think I have been pregnant for 6 months! Before I was pregnant I never understood keeping up with your pregnancy in weeks, but now I see why. Each new week brings on a whole new chapter for baby! They say 24 weeks is when the fetus is viable. That's a big accomplishment!
Lillian is still an active girl, and now Jon is able to feel her kick and move. It's so sweet to see his face light up every time he feels her move! We started putting earphones to my belly and playing music for her. I think we may have a dancer on our hands because she moves more when the music is playing. It is so cool!
My cankles are pretty much all gone. I still have days here and there when my ankles swell a tiny bit, but nothing like before! I am so very thankful! My reflux has been more annoying lately despite continuing to take Protonix every day. Not sure what that's all about. At least I have Tums to turn to!  My belly is sure growing, and my belly button is starting to look like it is squinting!
We registered for goodies for Lillian at Ladies in Waiting and Target. It was a lot of fun! The salesperson at LIW was very helpful and had us laughing a lot! Jon enjoyed registering at Target because he was able to use the scanner gun. Registering and looking in to all the things available for babies these days was interesting. They make all sorts of things that seem really helpful and then there are things that seem really pointless. One thing I do know is baby stuff can be really expensive!
The outfit I ordered for Lillian finally came in and it is super cute!

I'm not usually an animal print or pink kind of girl,
but Lillian is changing me!

Jon and I are trying to start preparing more for her arrival. In the coming weeks we will be going to all sorts of classes to help us learn about her and what to do when she arrives. I am anxious to start on her nursery, but we will be waiting until Jon is fully recovered before we start all that. My parents bought Lillian an antique dresser that I am going to refinish and use for her changing table. I'm really excited about that project! It will definitely be a post of its own.

Cankles

22 weeks of pregnancy brings cankles.  That's right my friends, cankles!  You know when there is no separation or difference in the calf and the ankle, when it is all the same size.  To help these cankles our nights consist of Jon and I sitting together with our legs propped up.  The doctor is somewhat concerned about my swelling feet and calves, so she has instructed me to really put a limit to my salt intake. I have to go back to see her if they do not improve or get worse within a week.  So it looks like our going out to eat days are going to be few and far between because trying to cut back on salt when you go to a restaurant is really hard! I also have to start walking.  The amount of weight I gained in the last 4 weeks was more than the amount I gained in the whole first trimester!  So I suppose Jon and I will be loading up the wheelchair and heading to the park to go on walks in the evenings.  This girl is determined to do everything in my power to stay off of bed rest, and I'm afraid that if I don't get these things better managed now, it could easily spiral out of control.  Keep in mind I am only 22 weeks pregnant, which means I am barely over half way to the end.

[the right cankle]

One thing that has been bothering me for over a week now is my right ear.  At first I was convinced that a bug had crawled in my ear while I was sleeping and it was trying to make its way back out.  The PA at work looked in my ear and said it was all clear.  It really feels like something is crawling in my ear or tickling my ear.  I thought maybe it was some hair, but when my hair is completely pulled back away from my ear I still feel the tickling.  It's driving me bonkers!  I know this most likely has nothing to do with being pregnant, it just so happens to be going on while I am pregnant.

I'm continuing to take Protonix on a daily basis to help with reflux and thankfully it is still helping.  I still have a decent amount of energy these days, which is very helpful with Jon being on the injured list.

Lillian is an active little thing in the mornings and the evenings.  She may be active all day, but I am usually active during the day too, so I may not be paying attention as much.  Jon was able to feel her move the other day.  He was pretty excited and wanted her to move more, and she did, but she is not strong enough or big enough or whatever to be felt by him all the time.  I feel like that day is not far away.  Her heart rate was a strong 145 at the doctor's office.  It is still so awesome to hear that sound!

I did buy the first thing for her the other day, a super cute zebra print pants and shirt outfit.  I ordered it online and can't wait for it to come in.   I think I have decided on her bedding and will hopefully be ordering it within the next few weeks.

[my 22 week belly]