Then and Now

A look at me pregnant with Daniel...and then Gideon. I think I'm around 36 or 37 weeks in the first picture. I'm 36 weeks in the 2nd. Fun to look back....

36 weeks

Three weeks left!!! I am so ready to not be pregnant! And very excited to see this new baby boy! My doctor checked me last week and I have not dilated or effaced so that's a good thing. I guess any contractions I've been having aren't progressing me towards an early delivery. Everything's been looking good! I have been coping with a cold for about 8 days now. It's been pretty miserable, but I'm hoping it's almost over. Things are slowly getting organized in my house (very slowly). I had a nice baby shower last weekend and will include some pictures. Insulin injections are not fun but going pretty well, all things considering. That's all for now!

32 weeks

Today, I had a doctor's appointment that thoroughly wore me out! It was supposed to be just a normal appt...see the doctor, have a non-stress test on the baby, talk about my blood sugar levels, go home. They did the NST first. Overall the baby's heart rate looked good, but my doctor said that every once in a while the test showed a slight drop in the baby's heart rate (they call it variable decels or decelerations). So, she scheduled me for an impromptu ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid levels (if they are low they can cause the heart rate to drop). Also, she looked at my blood sugar levels and decided to have me start insulin injections (I was prepared for this so that wasn't much of a shock). Anyway, I went over to another part of the hospital to have my ultrasound. That whole part of it, including waiting, took about an hour. Then I went back over to the women's clinic to talk to my doctor about the ultrasound and the insulin injections. I had to wait about 30 minutes before I got to see my doctor again since she was on lunch (which I had yet to eat and was very hungry!). We talked about the ultrasound which showed my fluid levels at 8.9, whatever that means. I asked her what she would like them to be and she said above 10 at least. So, the fluid levels were a bit lower than she would have liked. Basically, she said we would just have to continue to monitor the fluids each week and if they continue to be too low, then I may have to have the baby even earlier than planned (right now, I'm already scheduled to have a c-section a week before my due date - Nov. 6th). I asked her what I could do to help my fluid levels, and she said not much. Basically, just drink lots of water and try to keep from getting too hot or dehydrated. As far as the insulin injections, I have an appointment tomorrow morning with the diabetes educator to learn how to give them to myself. Fun, fun.

After my 3-hour doctor's visit, I went to my mom's to pick up Daniel. First I did a little research online to see what else I could find out about low fluid levels in pregnancy. In short, what I found out was that having lower fluid levels in the 3rd trimester is not as serious as having it in the 1st or 2nd trimesters where it could cause birth defects. If the levels fall under 5 cm (mine was 8.9) then it's also more serious and I would definitely have to have an early c-section. Possible causes: rupture or tear in the membrame; pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, preeclampsia or diabetes (that's me, although my doctor said she usually sees diabetes pregnancies with fluid levels that are too high rather than too low, so I'm not sure why the inconsistancy in what she said and what the online research said); possible kidney problems with the baby (he can't create the fluids properly which is mostly fetal urine). I'm hoping it somehow has to do with my diabetes. The other reasons sound much more serious. Anyway, I'm thankful my doctor will be on top of this with the weekly NSTs and another ultrasound scheduled for next Monday. I'm trying not to worry about this too much, although I am concerned for my baby's safety and health. I feel him moving all the time so I think, surely he's fine. But it's hard not to worry...need lots of prayer concerning this matter. If I do have to have him even earlier, I'm concerned about his lungs being fully developed, among other things.

Tomorrow morning I learn how to give myself insulin injections. That will be a bit of an adjustment mentally, but I know I can do it. I picked everything up at the pharmacy on my way home this afternoon, and it cost $90, something I was not prepared for! I'm glad I will only have to do these injections for 7 weeks (maybe even less), but I am concerned with the possibility of getting type 2 diabetes after my pregnancy. I really am going to have to completely change my diet: less carbs, more protein. I hate protein and love carbs so that is going to be a huge deal for me! It's been hard enough dealing with this during my pregnancy. I just can't imagine dealing with this disease for the rest of my life. God give me grace and peace!!

Went to the pre-sale of Rhea Lana's consignment sale tonight with the goal of getting two of the big items I need for the new baby - a swing (not just any swing - I'm looking for a particular type) and a co-sleeper (mini-crib that attaches to my bed). Note: this is not the sale that just everyone can come to. You have to have a special reason for getting in on the pre-sale. With that in mind, by the time I got there tonight, all the nice swings (there were at least 20) were sold!! And they didn't have the type of co-sleeper I wanted. So, no luck on the big items. But, I did get quite a few clothes for Daniel for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. And got him some books, a cool alphabet train floor puzzle, a bowling ball/pin set, and a big lego set that you can build bridges for cars with. My mom went with me, thank goodness!!! I couldn't have done it by myself, that's for sure. There were tons of moms (and a few brave husbands) there. I saw 15 people I knew....We stood in line to check out for about 45 minutes.

Just a little disappointed I couldn't get anything for baby Gideon.

29 weeks

I am now going to the doctor weekly. Normally, this wouldn't happen until I was 35 weeks along, but my doctor wants to do weekly NSTs (non-stress tests) on the baby. I had a 2nd ultrasound at my last appointment to check the size of the baby, and he is measuring 2 weeks early! I guess that is ok though, since my doctor said I would be delivering a week early anyway. So, I'll probably have little Gideon either November 6th or 7th...Oh, and I haven't had to start insulin injections yet...

10 weeks to go!

28 weeks

I am so ready for the fall weather to be here!! Sick of being hot all the time! I had my doctor's appointment the other day. Got my Rogham shot since my blood type is Rh negative. Also, got my blood drawn to check for anemia and some other things. Found out that my c-section will be scheduled for a week before my due date, so that I won't go into labor. That puts me delivering on November 6th or 7th. I'm so glad it will be early! I'm ready to not be pregnant anymore!!! Also, I have one more week or so to get my blood sugars under control. I need to exercise 2x's a day (hah) and watch what I eat. I am already taking glyberide a couple times a day to help keep my sugars down, but as my pregnancy progresses, my diabetes is getting worse. So insulin injections might be in my very near future...I'm really quite sick of the whole situation. Need to change my attitude. :)

I've been experiencing RLS (restless leg syndrome) which, I didn't realize until today, is related to my pregnancy. It's not really bad, but still pretty annoying! Also, I'm continuing to have those "bladder spasms" every once in a while. I thought they were bladder infections, but supposedly they are not. Not sure what's happening, but it's VERY annoying!

Daniel is not sure what it means that he's going to have a baby brother. We try to explain it to him, but he still doesn't quite get it. :) He knows that there's a baby somewhere under my shirt... :) Eleven more weeks to go before he "gets" it. I'm starting to feel like it's time to get the house ready for a new baby. I need to re-organize rooms and try to figure out how to fit everything in them! Also, need to get a few big items: dresser, twin-size bed for Daniel, bassinet, double stroller, etc. The garage also really needs to be cleaned out and organized, but that's really beside the point.

Finally, I think we've decided on a name for the baby: Gideon Richard Bruce. We chose Gideon because we both like it (a miracle in and of itself) plus we like the meaning of the name and the story of Gideon in the Bible. Gideon means "mighty warrior" and in the Bible he was called by God as a "mighty man of valor." This is meaningful to me because I pray that this son of ours will be a courageous man for God, especially in this day and age. Of course, Richard is my dad's name and Bruce is Phillip's dad's name. So, this baby will get to be named after both grandpas!! I think that will be special for him. I can't wait to meet this special little boy!

News!

Had my ultrasound today....found out that we're having another BOY! I'm kinda still in shock - I thought for sure I'd have a girl this time. But I'm excited to see my new baby boy and I love him already!! Of course, Phillip is very excited too. And I won't have to change the nursery, so getting prepared will actually be a lot easier which is nice. And Daniel will have a playmate. I am a little nervous about having TWO rambunctious boys, but God knows best! He'll have to give me the energy to deal with them, that's for sure! :)

19 weeks

Tomorrow I'll be 19 weeks - almost 1/2 way through! Tuesday I have an ultrasound, and Phillip and I are going to find out if we're having a girl or a boy. For some reason, I have a feeling it's a girl, but maybe that's just because I want to have a girl. :)

This last month has been pretty rough. I've been nauseated still and feeling down a lot. Then last week Daniel got the stomach virus that's been going around and was very sick for about 5 days. That was HARD. By God's grace we got through it. Then I caught the virus and was sick for the next 4 days!! I've also had problems with a urinary tract infection - I've gotten the infection 2 different times now. Needless to say, I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever feel good again!

Today, I feel good. I had a doctor's appointment today, and everything looked good, even my blood sugar levels. The baby is moving a lot more these days which is comforting to me. I'm really hoping that I'll start feeling better now and that I'll have more "good" days than "bad." I haven't really been able to enjoy this pregnancy at all and that makes me sad, but I'm determined to try to enjoy the 2nd half!

Update

It's been several weeks since I posted to my blog. I just haven't been feeling like doing much of anything! By tomorrow, I'll be 16 weeks along, so I'm hoping that I'll start having more energy soon. Now that FCS is out, I won't have to go teach which will give me a much needed break. It was all I could do to just teach twice a week and take care of Daniel (plus go to all my doctor's appts)! Thankfully, Phillip has been doing pretty much all the cooking and cleaning that gets done (which because he works full-time, hasn't been a lot). Yesterday, I finally HAD to do a lot of cleaning because we had a house showing (yes, we're still trying to sell our house). I was so exhausted doing all that cleaning!!! I'm going to try to keep it clean now. My mom has been such a blessing this week. She came out almost every day and helped me with my mounds of laundry!

I would say the biggest challenges on this pregnancy so far are lack of energy/motivation, feeling depressed a lot, and the gestational diabetes (which is just going to get worse). I'm trying to resign myself to the fact that I'll eventually have to do insulin shots.

On the bright side, I've just started feeling the baby move the last couple of nights. I have an ultrasound scheduled next month for the 23rd and then I'll get to find out if I'm having a girl or boy!

15 Weeks

How your baby's growing:

Your growing baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces (about the size of an apple). She's busy moving amniotic fluid through her nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in her lungs begin to develop. Her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and she can move all of her joints and limbs. Although her eyelids are still fused shut, she can sense light. If you shine a flashlight at your tummy, for instance, she's likely to move away from the beam. There's not much for your baby to taste at this point, but she is forming taste buds. Finally, if you have an ultrasound this week, you may be able to find out whether your baby's a boy or a girl!

Feeling down today...

A bit of bad news...

Well, I found out last week that I already have gestational diabetes. My numbers were pretty high over what they should have been. I was also tested to see how long my blood sugar levels had been high (glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c). The amount of A1C in your blood reflects blood sugar control for the past 120 days, or the lifespan of a red blood cell. In my case, my test results were at 5.8%. Normal levels are between 4-6%, so I guess I'm borderline - getting a little too close to abnormal. Anyway, the next step is to get an appointment with the diabetes educator (I had to do this with my last pregnancy too) and start checking my blood sugar levels daily. Fun, fun. I think this is partly why I've been feeling so badly lately - so tired and absolutely no energy (more than just what happens during normal pregnancy). I'm hoping I can control the sugar levels with diet and exercise, but if not, then my doctor will put me on some pills to help control it (at least I won't have to give myself shots!).

8 weeks

How your baby's growing:

New this week: Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from your baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. You may be daydreaming about your baby as one sex or the other, but the external genitals still haven't developed enough to reveal whether you're having a boy or a girl. Either way, your baby — about the size of a kidney bean — is constantly moving and shifting, though you still can't feel it.

7 weeks

How your baby's growing:

The big news this week: Hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs — although they look more like paddles at this point than the tiny, pudgy extremities you're daydreaming about holding and tickling. Technically, your baby is still considered an embryo and has something of a small tail, which is an extension of her tailbone. The tail will disappear within a few weeks, but that's the only thing getting smaller. Your baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry.If you could see inside your womb, you'd spot eyelid folds partially covering her peepers, which already have some color, as well as the tip of her nose and tiny veins beneath parchment-thin skin. Both hemispheres of your baby's brain are growing, and her liver is churning out red blood cells until her bone marrow forms and takes over this role. She also has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. A loop in your baby's growing intestines is bulging into her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from her tiny body.

1st Appointment

I had my 1st prenatal visit last Wednesday. It was scheduled for 8 am, and thankfully, my sister Katie and niece Catalina spent the night with us (Phillip was out of town) so that I wouldn't have to get Daniel up early and try to get us both ready and to the clinic on time. I didn't get to eat breakfast that morning because they were giving me the glucose test, so I was very hungry as I was driving there! But it actually wasn't as bad as it could have been. I didn't get nauseated or faint or anything like that! My visit consisted of drinking the sugary drink for the glucose test and then waiting an hour before getting my blood drawn. While I was waiting, an RN did some paperwork with me and answered my questions. I found out that I definitely have to have another c-section, which I was prepared for. In my case, they say I had Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD) with my last pregnancy, which is the most common reason for doing a cesarean section. This is a condition in which the baby's head is too large or the mother's birth canal is too small to allow normal labor or birth. Again, in my case, I pushed for 2 hours with absolutely nothing happening. Daniel never dropped down and so that's why I ended up having a c-section. Now, with my 2nd pregnancy, I am not even a candidate for a VBAC (vaginal birth after c-sec) because of the problems last time. These are some of the things the RN talked with me about. We also talked about gestational diabetes. I also had this in the last trimester of my last pregnancy, which is why they are testing me early. I am hoping that I don't have it yet. I won't know for another few days or so. Basically, if I don't get a phone call from the clinic saying I have it, then I don't have it! I'd prefer they call me either way, but I guess I'll know for sure when I meet with my doctor Candy Birch at my next appointment 3 weeks from now...

Snoogle Total Body Pillow

So, I'm thinking I will splurge and get this body pillow for this pregnancy. I got pretty uncomfortable towards the end of my last pregnancy and I think this pillow would have helped me sleep better. Who know though! :) It costs around $50 so it better help!!

Pregnancy Reflections - 2nd Month

The hardest thing for me to give up is: caffeine!! I'm a caffeine addict!

This month I told: my family, Phillip's family, and some girl friends.

They reacted by: giving me congratulations, hugs, smiles and warm wishes! Thanks, everyone!

This month at my prenatal visit I learned that: Haven't gone to my first one yet. This Wednesday is my first.

New pregnancy symptoms I had this month: Extremely exhausted all the time! Ravenous hunger that pops up out of nowhere. No nausea yet...

My hopes: No nausea!!!! No early gestational diabetes.

My fears: That the above will happen!

Six Weeks...

Your pregnancy: 6 weeks

How your baby's growing: This week's major developments: The nose, mouth, and ears that you'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If you could see into your uterus, you'd find an oversize head and dark spots where your baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. His emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and his arms and legs by protruding buds. His heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as yours — and blood is beginning to course through his body. His intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to his lungs has appeared. His pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of his brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, your baby is a quarter of an inch long, about the size of a lentil bean.

I'm pregnant!!

Well, I found out on March 11th that I am pregnant!! Phillip and I both are very excited and ready to welcome our 2nd baby! It's going to be a HUGE challenge, especially since we already have a rambunctious 2-year old! :)
My first doctor's appointment is next Wednesday, the 25th. I have to go ahead and have the 1-hour glucola test to make sure I don't already have gestational diabetes. I had it with my last pregnancy and it's very likely I'll have it again. I just don't want to have it so soon (well, I don't want to have it at all)!! I would appreciate your prayers in this area. I am prepared to deal with it but I would love to not have to deal with it until later in my pregnancy.
It's still a bit of a shock for me to think of being pregnant again, but I'm very thankful for this new blessing/challenge in my life. And so starts the journey...