I am 3 Weeks Old!!

Well, last night wasn't as good for us as the night before. The baby has been spitting up a bit lately..not so fussy anymore...awake quite a bit! His face is filling out (heehee) and he now has a double chin! Luckily he and I have not caught the "sickness" in our house, which now includes "poo issues".



Kaleb Scissorhands

Sleeping infront of the computer

Sleep Came Last Night

I was so happy when I woke up to feed Kaleb a little after 5 am and realized he slept for 4 hours!! Not only was that good, but when I woke up after 9 am...he did it again! This would be a really good pattern; Jakob always stayed up late and was up with the chickens.

Kaleb's First Christmas

Santa was very good to Kaleb!

(He did almost make it to a 4 hour straight stretch last night, but continued his some what "fussy and wanting to nurse very often" pattern today).

Oh STOP...you did not see Santa!

Mmmm Mommy...chocolate cream pie was good!


Oh Nana!



And Grammy....


Grampy even!!

Changes

These past 2 days have been a little crazy as far as Kaleb's schedule goes. I was starting to see a pattern of when he eats and how long he was sleeping. Because we were out and about Friday night and Saturday afternoon, his schedule is a little messed up and hasn't done as well as he had been (Jakob was the same way...). He was up both nights every 2 hours to nurse and approx every 1-1.5 hours during the day. Little fussy here and there too (probably mostly due to my chocolate intake). We'll see if things settle down tonight...maybe the bath will help?

Christmas Eve

Pictures of the boys in their matching jammies are on the family page.

Christmas Pictures

I have posted our Christmas photo(s) on the family page. Enjoy!

I am 2 weeks old!!

I had to take a picture of his wrinkled leg (that you can't really see because he kept moving!) and his argyle socks...kind of looks like an old man!

We are so blessed to have such a good baby, I can't say much else! Jakob still adores him. He calls him the "Little Munchkin Pumpkin". He has cut back to about 1,000 Kaleb kisses per day...heehee.

We are still trying to get the sleeping thing down at night, but I understand that he is ONLY 2 weeks old.

He has been focusing on voices and lights this week! He has also been making more baby noises, it is cute!

His eyes are still "baby blue/gray", but you can actually see where they are starting to turn....blue more than likely (or green as we have a few family members on both sides with green eyes). His jaundice has pretty much disappeared, and his tone is a bit darker than Jakob's was...maybe it is the Native American in his blood (my Father's Grandmother was full blooded)? His hair is light brown on top and black in the back- his eye brows and lashes are really light...maybe he will be a "dirty blondie"?

The many faces of Kaleb:

Sleeping with Big Brudder (not really..I put him there seeing as they were both sleeping; ignore Jake's drool stain on the pillow!):

Little Munchkin

For a few days, Kaleb was the only one in the house that was being "good"..heehee. He still continues to be a really good, content baby.

He still does well at bath time, actually seems to love it until I wash his hair (Jake hates it too!).

(His "bili cord" as Jake calls it fell of this weekend!).

I have started to wake him up during the day to nurse because he will sleep 3-4 hours at a time and only nurse on one side...PROBLEM...because he was waking up every 2 hours to nurse at night. With changing this and us moving to Jakob's room (I took him out of the co-sleeper that goes in the bed) he slept close to 5 hours last night, nursed, then slept for another 3 hours!

He is a lot like his Daddy...boy can he toot!! Kaleb's facial features resemble the three of us. He has the same bump on his ear that Daddy and Jakob have; he has my finger nails and toes; and he yawns like Todd and Jakob. His hair is just the way Jakob's was when he was born- short on top, waivey on the sides and longer, darker hair in the back.

I love to hear him when he makes his little grunting and baby noises...makes me melt- I will miss this part of having a baby (but maybe not enough to want another in lets say 4 years haha!).

He is really trying to pick his head up when he is upright on your shoulder.

*Look for the Christmas Photos I will be posting later this week!

**BTW- the cookies from work were OUT OF THIS WORLD!

http://www.gourmet-cookie-bouquets.com/

I am 1 Week!

Kaleb is still such a good baby! Here are a few pics taken today. (He slept 4 hours last night!).

Special Gifts from Work

The fruit basket was yummy:

I cannot wait to eat these really cool cookies:

Kaleb wearing his special outfit {6 days old}:

First Check Up

Kaleb had his first check up today with Dr. C. He is 5 days old today! He weighed in at 7 lb. 7 oz. and looks great aside from a little jaundice, which is normal. His circumcision is healing nicely. Next appt. is 1/5/07.

He is nursing regularly every 2-3 hours (he can seem to go closer to the 3 hr mark during the day...but likes to nurse every 2 hrs. at night). He does sleep a good portion of the time and loves his bassinet we have in the living room- he also seems to like the Eddie Bauer bouncer too. When he is awake he is very alert and does stay awake longer than I remember Jakob. He is a very "relaxed" baby, only fussing when I take his diaper off to be changed and then he quiets down; and of course when he is hungry. We couldn't have asked for a better natured baby.

(BTW- Most of his clothes are still big as he has 0-3 months and he should actually be in "Newborn" being under 8 lbs.).

Jakob is adjusting to the new addition. He recognizes our routine (diaper change, feeding) and lets me know that I "need to go get him" when he starts to cry and that he needs a poopy diaper change and then he has to be "fed with breast milk from your booby". He enjoys discarding the soiled diapers and also trying to burp him- he is also quick to point out that I need to nurse him on the other side too! When he does fuss while getting his diaper changed, Jake will sing a song for him called "Good night Kaleb". he also loves to give him kisses!

First Bath

Kaleb did really well for his first bath. He cried when initially put into the water, but soon quieted down. Jakob enjoyed "helping".

We are home!!

I will post all of the details at a later date, here is a quick update and a few pictures.

"After almost a full week in the hospital (57 hrs of it in labor), Kaleb is FINALLY here! Labor was rough, delivery was quick, and I feel 150% better than I did after I had Jakob. We came home today and we are both doing well (no trace of diabetes in either one of us!!). Jakob is so excited- he has already told me to bring him back to the hospital because he cried while getting his diaper changed and it hurt his ears...then it was "feed him breast milk so he will stop crying!". I am finding it hard that I can't "get the house cleaned the way I want", but hopefully in a few days."

Kaleb Lincoln Davis
Born 12.6.06

4:49 p.m.
Weight 7 lbs. 15 oz.
Height 21.5 in

Just born

With Daddy

With Daddy and Big Brother

Jakob and Daddy holding Kaleb

With Daddy

And Mommy

And the "Star"

Getting ready for home

All set..let's roll

Ahhh...home!

Duck Booties

I saw these online a few weeks ago at Gap.com and had to order them....they are so cute.

Can Monday Come Faster?!

Have had small contractions on and off all weekend and have slept on the couch for the past 2 nights. Pretty much taking it easy, but am finding myself doing little things here and there (dishes, etc.).

Looks like we are still on schedule for tomorrow morning! Jakob is so excited- he woke up this morning thinking it was the day we were going to the hospital.

NST #12

After our appt. this afternoon, Todd and I headed over to my LAST NST. Kaleb was very cooperative today- we were in and out in less than 45 minutes, not bad considering I hadn't had lunch yet. Todd was able to see and hear the baby's heart beat be monitored. When we weren't watching the monitor, he read the paper and I filled out paper work for Monday. The nurse did see that I was having contractions 5-10 minutes apart, but again they weren't strong enough for me or the nurse to be alarmed.

Feel ok today considering the amount of sleep last night. Not very hungry yesterday or today. Still some crampy aches.

Todd and I were able to head for lunch after- he was "feeling" Some Place Special, so why not- I wanted their steak, cheese, onion, and mushroom sub (but wasn't so into it when it arrived). Splurged for my late afternoon snack and stopped for a pumpkin spice muffin/coffee- at least I was able to enjoy like 5 sips of the coffee before I dumped it all over the living room!!

Baby Update {December}

Well, just in case..the car was packed today in the event I would be kept at the hospital (now all we really have to worry about is getting there Monday).

Dropped Jake off at Nana's and Todd and I headed over for my appt. (he was able to get done with his Boston run early). I lost 1.5 lbs. of the 3 lbs. I gained last week/this week just by keeping off of my feet. My blood pressure was a little higher than the doctor wanted to see, so he checked the other arm. He didn't like that it is higher when I am up right, so I am on "bed rest" until Monday. So that brings us to.....I am only 1 CM still and although Kaleb is "down", his head is not quite down to where it needs to be. We all know that can change over night. Baby's heart beat sounded good.

Apparently there were a bunch of inductions/c-sections scheduled for this week and the book had pretty much cleared up and the nurses were like "hmmm, what will we do?!"...so some of the ones scheduled for within the next few days were called to see if they wanted to come early- Dr. Cooper heard that and he said "I bet Jenn would love to come!!". But no such luck.

We are still on schedule for Monday morning- I need to call ahead to make sure they will have a space for me as anything can happen like 4 labor patients at once. It could be a lengthy process, but because of the GD/blood pressure they will not make me labor too long (which could lead to a c-section, which I am ok with). Jake will probably go with us and Todd will drop him off at Nana's after things get rolling or my Mom or Missy will wait with him if he wants to stay. I want him to be there if he wants to be and as long as he is being behaved- I do not want him to feel left out at all during the birth of his baby brother and I want him to be close by after I deliver because I will want to see "my Bug" and his baby bro has a few gifts for him =).

Tired

Still nothing...just some cramps here and there and I feel really sick. Didn't sleep too much last night, so I am sure I will be napping a bit today while Jakob is in school.

Todd ran local yesterday (like today) and was done with work early. He picked Jake up from school and they headed to TJ Maxx and Stop and Shop for some groceries.

NST # 11

Nurse Monique checked my blood pressure when I arrived due to Dr. 's request and it was fine. Was on the monitor for over an hour- I know there was a shift changes, but I think they forgot about me. Read a bit and relaxed. Baby checked out ok and my blood pressure was ok the second time around. Had a few small contractions.

Now, time to worry about this "Preeclampsia" thing and bed rest.

Have rested a few hours tonight. Still spotting due to the "Stripping of the membranes". Feel kind of ok for now.

Makes me feel good that Todd is running local tomorrow.

Baby Update # 3 {November}

Went into the appt. hoping I was around 3 CM, but was still 1 CM dilated. Dr. C "stripped my membranes" today...painful, but not too bad.

"Stripping the membranes is where a health care provider will separate your bag of water from the cervix, it is not intended to break your water, however, it may. It may also cause infection, and may be painful for some.

The reason that we tell people that we are stripping their membranes is to "get things going" in regards to labor. This little technique is usually done during a vaginal exam at the end of pregnancy, with or without the knowledge or consent of the woman.

Stripping the membranes, we are told, is supposed to stimulate production of prostiglandins in the cervix and bring on contractions. I have heard doctors tell my clients after stripping their membranes they will have the baby in two days. While this may appear to work for some, at term it's all a guessing game. There is no scientific work to date that can back up the routine procedure of stripping membranes. "
~www.childbirth.org

My blood pressure was on the high side, to the point where the Dr. was alarmed and asked that I be monitored closely at my NST that followed my appt. with him. And, my 3 lb. weight gain also threw up some red flags. He checked my legs and they were swollen..so I am retaining fluid. Combined I am being monitored for "Preeclampsia" and today was actually my last day of work as I am ordered on bed rest (or couch...laying on my left side) and have to also watch my salt in take. (My urine checked out ok, with no protein).

I am to go back into the office on Friday before my NST. Depending on how things go, I may be induced on Friday.

What Is Preeclampsia?
Also referred to as toxemia, preeclampsia is a condition that pregnant women can get. It is marked by high blood pressure accompanied with a high level of protein in the urine. Women with preeclampsia will often also have swelling in the feet, legs and hands.
Preeclampsia, when present, usually appears during the second half of pregnancy, generally in the latter part of the second or in the third trimesters, although it can occur earlier.

What Is Eclampsia?
Eclampsia is the final and most severe phase of preeclampsia and occurs when preeclampsia is left untreated. In addition to the previously mentioned symptoms, women with eclampsia often have seizures. Eclampsia can cause coma and even death of the mother and baby and can occur before, during or after childbirth.

What Causes Preeclampsia and Eclampsia?
The exact causes of preeclampsia and eclampsia are not known, although some researchers suspect poor nutrition, high body fat or insufficient blood flow to the uterus as possible causes.

Who Is at Risk for Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is most often seen in first-time pregnancies and in pregnant teens and women over 40. Other risk factors include:
A history of high blood pressure prior to pregnancy.
Previous history of preeclampsia.
A history of preeclampsia in mother or sisters.
Obesity prior to pregnancy.
Carrying more than one baby.
History of diabetes, kidney disease, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

How Can I Tell if I Have Preeclampsia?
In addition to swelling, protein in the urine, and high blood pressure, symptoms of preeclampsia can include:
Rapid weight gain caused by a significant increase in bodily fluid 3 lbs in one week
Abdominal pain yes
Severe headaches
A change in reflexes
Reduced output of urine or no urine some what
Dizziness
Excessive vomiting and nausea nausea

Does Swelling During Pregnancy Mean I Have Preeclampsia?
Some swelling is normal during pregnancy. However, if the swelling doesn't go away with rest and is accompanied by some of the above symptoms, be sure to see your doctor right away.

How Can Preeclampsia Affect My Baby?
Preeclampsia can prevent the placenta from receiving enough blood, which can cause your baby to be born very small. It is also one of the leading causes of premature births and the difficulties that can accompany them, including learning disabilities, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and hearing and vision problems.

How Is Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Treated?
The only real cure for preeclampsia and eclampsia is the birth of the baby.
Mild preeclampsia (blood pressure greater than 140/90 that occurs after 20 weeks of gestation in a woman who did not have hypertension before; and/or having a small amount of protein in the urine can be managed with careful hospital or in-home observation along with activity restriction.
If the baby is pre-term, the condition can be managed until your baby can be safely delivered. Your health care provider may prescribe bed rest, hospitalization or medication to prolong the pregnancy and increase your unborn baby's chances of survival. If your baby is close to term, labor may be induced.
The treatment for more severe preeclampsia (having vision problems, lung problems, abdominal pain, fetal distress, or other signs and symptoms) may require more emergent treatment - delivery of the baby - irrespective of the baby's age.

Other treatments:
Magnesium can be injected into the veins to prevent eclampsia-related seizures.
Hydralazine or another antihypertensive drug to manage severe elevations of blood pressure.
Monitoring fluid intake.

NST # 10

Knew what time I had to leave the house to make it to DKH on time Saturday and totally messed it up in my head, so needless to say I was 15 minutes early- good thing..little belly ache requiring pit stop (actually have had them all weekend!). Nurse Linda (never had this one) had my belts out and a cup of ice cold water waiting for me! Kaleb's heart beat was a little fast, so they decided to keep me on the monitor a little longer, which was fine- I got to relax and read a magazine. Linda # 2 popped in and asked my how my holiday was (they are really a great group of nurses; she actually took care of Jakob right after he was born). Scheduled my next/last 2 appt.s for Tuesday (following Dr. appt.) and Friday.

This weekend was spent with a mix of relaxing (Friday, most of Saturday) and constant moving (Thursday/Sunday). I was able to sneak in one nap the 4 days I had off from work. Sunday was spent going through Jakob's room and doing some more organizing as well as unpacking/going through 6 totes of clothes (and also getting clothes ready to give away to the needy) to find the 0-3 months to be washed and to "know" where the 3-6 months were. Jake popped his head in a few times to check on me and told me to "call him when I have a plan together and he will come up!" (what a hoot!). Also put away approx 6 loads of wash and have my maternity clothes set aside that I am not wearing to get ready to pack (yes pack...JUST in case, but don't expect anything in the next 4-5 years!). So...I didn't stop for a rest until like 5 pm (included dishes, fetching coffee and paper too!); buy the time I did my back was killing me.
Now, there is one spot in the upstairs hallway, one spot in the kitchen, and the need to find a "home" for the boys books. Mom is taking care of cleaning the bassinet, so that will need to find its way here. Phew. You would have thought I slept pretty good last night, huh? Eh, no! Got like 3 hours of sleep- mostly in the morning close to when I had to wake up. I was actually pretty "comfortable" on one side or the other, just "uncomfortable when I had to "rotate" and I also just kept waking up.

Felt nauseas some of the weekend and today; issues with "belly aches" if you know what I mean (we will just say that my body seems to want to "flush" itself out. Have had little cramps here and there, mostly uncomfortable and feel like my water can break. Also feels like Kaleb is going to "claw" his way out...that is why I would prefer to lay down- don't feel it as much.

Tomorrow afternoon is my appt. with the doctor- maybe he will say "YOU ARE 6 CM...go to the birthing center!". We will see!

NST # 9

Woke up EARLY this morning with really bad heart burn and feeling sick to my stomach (that feeling lasted most of the day and still feel that way now). Poked along at work today...feel pretty good sitting and then like poo when I get up.

NST was ok today. Drank my juice and chomped on ice chips...Kaleb was moving, but he wasn't quite meeting the criteria we need to be "in and out". Nurse was watching me from the station (she had 2 labor patients) and decided to bring me another apple juice to get him going. Had a contraction that I could feel, but nothing major. Was very relaxed and could have easily fallen asleep (was hooked up for 90 minutes).

Next NST scheduled for Saturday.

Baby Update #2 {November}

Appt. went very well today. Mt BP was good; even lost 5 lbs.- how I have no idea! Followed up with Dr. on Kaleb's kidneys and they are clear (phew!). Blood test results came back on my second A1C and Dr. said that my average for the last month was better than most normal people who do not have a sugar problem (he basically came out and said that yes, we know that you really don't have a problem and commended me for sticking with the diet...something about I should be a poster child for people with gestational diabetes that sticks with the diet). Dr. checked heart beat, which was good; baby's head is way down.

And yes....WE ARE DILATED!!! About 1 CM, 50% effaced, -3 gestation. Before he checked me, he said that if I wasn't showing any signs of dilation/uterus thinning out, he would probably not induce me and have the chance of being in labor for a day or 2 or 3 and then wind up with a C-section. If I haven't had regular contractions by the time I am induced, he feels that once the regular contraction pattern begins, it won't be long before we have a baby. Can't wait!

Next appt. is Tuesday afternoon.

Feeling eh as far as things feeling like they are going to come out of places I don't want them to until I am in the hospital. Had a few contraction like pains after grocery shopping tonight.

4 More working days after tomorrow!

NST # 8

Feeling more tired these past few days, but still keeping active by cleaning/shopping rather than sitting/sleeping. Developed *cough* a Hem...can't even write about it...just out of no where- never had them before...don't want again! Very uncomfortable.

Went to test today and was able to pass within the hour. My BP/temp was good. Kaleb's heart beat was averaging different through the test (up around 140/150's closer to the beginning and then 120/130's closer to the end). Not only could you hear the heart beat, but he also had the hiccups too! Had a few little contractions that I could not feel, and two bigger ones that showed up as waves on the monitor- I felt the second one, but was nothing like the Braxton Hicks I had a few weeks ago.

Next appt. Wednesday....

Looking Down

And here's Kaleb.....

Special Day

Today my co-workers and some of my good friends helped celebrate the upcoming arrival of Kaleb by treating me to a chinese buffet for lunch. The hour away from work was relaxing, the food was good, and so was the company (Jaime, Michele, Brian, Jennifer F., Jennifer W., John S., Lisa, and Sue). A lot of people from work went in and got a gift card and an outfit for the baby.

This weekend we went out to get the car seat that I had to have and a lounge seat:

NST # 7

Well, baby was a little quiet for this test today...drank apple juice, water, and chomped on ice chips to get him going. He would move, but his heart rate didn't "jump" the way it needs to on the monitor (actually saw it dip down twice under 100- his heart rate seems to be 125- 140). Rubbed my belly some and FINALLY...I was able to leave after 1 hr. 45 min. I like going right after lunch, because I am usually out of their within the hour. Had a young Chinese couple in there..she had the mini TV so loud...just wanted silence! Deb was my nurse tonight- haven't seen her since she helped deliver Jake. Good thing we went over my appt.s for next week- I only had Tuesday down, when I am actually scheduled to go Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

Feeling eh. Slept through the night thelast 2 nights though. Have been training this week at work which has thrown my eating and testing off balance a bit. Kind of get tired and irritable around 7ish. Just want QUIET..but not really getting it. Have an "itchy" patch of skin on the inside of each thigh- HATE IT!

8 DAYS OF WORK LEFT

NST #6

Passed my test within the first half hour. Linda, my nurse looked a little familiar- I checked Jakob's baby book and she was actually the nurse that cared for him right after he was born.
There was another couple in there while I was and all they did was yip-yap...I really enjoy when I get to relax in peace and quiet. Had the nurse check the book and I am scheduled for the induction on 12/4 at 7:30 a.m.!!!!

NST #5

Passed within the first 20 minutes- it goes so much better when I have the test right after lunch or I request apple juice (especially if I have a later appt.). By the time I was finished, it was about an hour after I got there, which is fine- got a chance to wind down from work and to read a bit. Scheduled my appt.s out through 11/25. The head nurse had come in to look at the scheduling book- good thing I mentioned the date I am supposed to be induced (it wasn't in the book!)- she was going to call my doc about another patient and mention it to him...

Will be back on Monday...

Baby Update {November}

Could not wait for my appt. today. As you can tell from the baby ticker, I am approx 35 weeks and 5 days. Dr. decided to keep the 12/15 due date (the tech had 3 different assumptions on how far along I was from the US last week..so he sent it back to the dept. head and told him to get with the tech and figure out which one it was). So, still looks like we are being induced on 12/4 unless Kaleb wants to come sooner. As of last week, he weighs approx. 6.2 lbs. I gained 1.5 lbs. in the last 2 weeks (I have had Chinese 2 x's in the last 2 weeks within moderation and my sugar level was ok); did splurge a few times on some goodies (no further comment...but small amounts of course) . I did explain the crampy feeling and he decided to check me...not dilated (was bummed)- all of the soreness, cramps is from the baby moving further down into position. So, overall, it was a good appt., just not what I thought I was going to hear. Head back 11/21 for my next appt. Oh, 15 MORE DAYS OF WORK.

That horrible pain in my left upper leg is back...I feel like a cripple when I walk. Atleast I enjoyed 2 full nights of sleep- back to approx 4 hours Sunday night- we will see what tonight brings. Have also woken up sick to my stomach since last week...I am oh so motivated to get ready for work when I feel like this.

I estimate the baby will weigh approx 8.7 lbs.

Weekend & NST #4

Most of our weekend was spent cleaning out Jake's room to make space for Kaleb's dresser and crib. Todd was a good sport about getting up early Saturday morning and cleaning out most of the room (I did help before I had to take off to get my hair cut!). After attending Shawn's birthday party, Mom watched Jake and we went to Target (bought new bedding...below) and looked at car seats- we will get each child a new seat; then to Babies R Us to get the crib/dresser and all of the little things we needed (of course Todd found a new stroller/infant seat-below). Sunday was spent getting the furniture together and the room pretty much the way it needs to be (would still like a smaller book case). All of the bedding and baby clothes have been washed and put away- need to pull out the totes for the 0-3 month clothes (of course, it is buried at the bottom of Jake's closet that is only used for storage). Kaleb's bag is packed and mine is 75% done. I AM READY!

Had crampy/contractions on and off Saturday and Sunday, but not as bad as Friday. Actually slept through the night Friday and Saturday, not waking once to go to the bathroom or just wake up.

NST was rescheduled from Wednesday to Monday as I learned that I cannot go more than 3 days without having a test. Headed over there after work. Passed within the half hour (I am requesting apple juice right off the bat for the later tests so I am not there too long). Shared triage with a "girl" scheduled for a c-section soon after I got there; wasn't pleased with the nurse that checked me in today. Had to wait around until approx 5:30- Dr. Cooper was assisting in the c-section and Nurse Dawn wanted to give him the report. He came in to see me and asked how I was feeling- told him about the cramps (I see him tomorrow). Next appt. scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

NST #3

Went in for my third test of the week. I really like the nurses I have seen so far. Got a chance to see the twins born on Wednesday- they were so cute, sharing the same bassinet; a baby girl had just been born 5 minutes before I got there, so I got to hear her crying for the first time...got me all teary eyed!!

Test went well...had just eaten a good lunch, so Kaleb was moving all around. Passed within 15 minutes, but have to stay "attached" to the monitor for a min of 30 minutes. After the nurse spoke with my doc, she told me that per his instructions I am to go twice a week until I deliver.
Made my appt. for Wed/Fri (reg doc appt. on Tues).

Started having cramping/braxton hick-like contractions tonight before we headed to Aileen's party. VERY uncomfortable! Had one every 2-3 minutes for about 15 minutes and they went away for the most part...had a couple at the party. Just didn't feel "wonderful" tonight.

NST #2 & Ultrasound

Was a little apprehensive about todays appt. at first. This time was just under an hour and I barely passed. Nurse Gina was really nice. I opted for the APPLE JUICE to "kick start" things today. She poke with my dr and let him know how the reading was (the nurses call the doctor to advise if the patient passes or fails- if they fail, the doctor can order and immediate ultrasound to make sure the baby is ok)...because I barely passed, he wants me to go back Friday. Scheduled next appt. for late afternoon.

Walked down to my ultrasound appt. The tech was the one I first had in July (much better bedside manner this time around- apparently a few doctors commented to the dept. head on how "not so friendly" the staff was). She measured Kalebs head first and was a little baffled...she wanted to know how far along I was....and then needed to go review my records because something wasn't adding up (hmmm....). After going over the history of the pregnancy, she confirmed that I am farther along than I am (yeah, um..I know when I got pregnant!) and that she feels we should be going by my original due date of 11/15 rather than the second one (she gave!) of 12/15...HELLO!!!! That would explain A LOT (why I am big, the way I feel, etc.). So, that kind of throws out the date I am supposed to be induced (12/4..which is 38 wks.)- because, if we go with the 11/15 date, I am 38 weeks today. Yeah, getting a little panicky here- nothing is ready (we atleast bought the crib/dresser on Sunday, which we need to pick up this weekend)- furniture, room, nothing! We did buy diapers, some new clothes, and of course a new diaper bag. **BIG SIGH** I didn't get a picture of him this time around, but I was able to watch him practice his breathing- it was neat.

Ended up rescheduling Fridays NST to the early afternoon to get it over witha s we have plans at night. The nurse asked how I made out and did comment on how much bigger I looked for 34 weeks and that it looked like I was carrying kind of low.

I did call my nurse tonight just to give her a heads up- she had already gotten the US results and handed them of to my doc; he is supposed to call me tonight (I want to know what the plan is...don't want to wait until my appt. Tuesday and then have him say "We need to induce you tomorrow").

NST #1

Went to the birthing center for my first non-stress test:

What is a nonstress test?This simple, painless procedure is done during pregnancy to evaluate your baby's condition. During the test, your healthcare practitioner or a technician monitors your baby's heartbeat, first while the baby is resting and then while he's moving. Just as your heart beats faster when you're active, your baby's heart rate should go up while he's moving or kicking.The test is typically done if you've gone past your due date, or in the month leading up to your due date if you're having a high-risk pregnancy. Here are some reasons you might have a nonstress test:
• You have diabetes that's treated with insulin, high blood pressure, or some other medical condition that could affect your pregnancy.
• You have gestational hypertension.
• Your baby appears to be small or not growing properly.
• Your baby is less active than normal.
• You have too much or too little amniotic fluid.
• You've had a procedure such as an external cephalic version (to turn a breech baby) or third trimester amniocentesis (to determine whether your baby's lungs are mature enough for birth or to rule out a uterine infection). Afterward, your practitioner will order a nonstress test to make sure that your baby's doing well.
• You're past your due date and your practitioner wants to see how your baby is holding up during his extended stay in the womb.
• You've previously lost a baby in the second half of pregnancy, for an unknown reason or because of a problem that might happen again in this pregnancy. In this case, nonstress testing may start as early as 28 weeks.
document.write(ad2);
What's the procedure like?You may be advised to eat a meal just before the test in the hope that eating will stimulate your baby to move around more. Although there's no hard evidence that this works, it can't hurt. It's also a good idea to use the bathroom before the test, because you'll be lying strapped to a monitor for up to an hour.During the procedure, you lie on your left side, possibly with a wedge under your back that allows you to lean back. A technician straps two devices to your belly: One monitors your baby's heartbeat and movement; the other records contractions in your uterus. The technician listens to and watches your baby's heartbeat on an electronic screen while your contractions are recorded on paper.If your baby's not moving, he could be asleep. You might be asked to drink some water, juice, or soda to get him going, or the technician may nudge him gently through your abdomen or try to wake him with a buzzer. In some cases, you'll be asked to press a button when you feel the baby move. The test usually takes 20 to 60 minutes. What do the results mean?If your baby's heart beats faster (at least 15 beats per minute over his resting rate) while he's moving for at least 15 seconds on two separate occasions during a 20-minute span, the result is normal, or "reactive." A normal result means that your baby is probably doing fine for now. Your practitioner may want to repeat the test every week (or more often) until your baby's born.If your baby's heart doesn't beat faster while he's moving or your baby doesn't move after about 90 minutes, the result is "nonreactive." A nonreactive result doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong. It just means that the test didn't provide enough information and you may need to take it again in an hour or take other tests such as a biophysical profile or contraction stress test.However, a nonreactive result could indicate that your baby isn't getting enough oxygen or that there are problems with the placenta. If your practitioner thinks that your baby's no longer doing well in the womb, she'll probably decide to induce labor.

Appt. was at 4 pm and needless to say, I did not leave until 6:15 pm. The baby was active, his heart beat good, but things were just not coming together for me to pass the test. I ended up having to drink 4 8 oz. glasses of ice cold water and eating 1 glass of ice. Nurse Dawn even sat with me for the last half hour trying to get the baby to move. She called my doc (routine) to tell him I failed and he wants me to go back Wednesday (day of ultrasound).

Update #2 {October}

Pretty interesting appt. today...belly measured 36 wks. and I am 32 1/2. Little panicky for a second. I gained 1/2 lb. in 3 weeks (had my shoes on this time too). Baby's heart beat and my blood pressure were good. Got my flu shot too. First non-stress test scheduled for 10/30 and ultra sound scheduled for 11/1.

Hiccups

Kaleb had hiccups for the first time tonight.

Update {October}

I have seen the dietitian (nurse was unavailable) on my progress...numbers are low and I have lost 7 lbs. so far. For the most part, have felt so good that I have cooked and cleaned the house just about everyday. She decided that because my numbers are "high" (low 90's!) that she would take away 15 of the45 carbs I am allowed for breakfast and give me another snack in the morning (usually am close to 80 and not feeling too hot between breakfast and lunch). She's a whack and I will not comment any further "geno" (her way of saying do you know?...annoying).

Results from my A1C (blood sugar level for the last 3 months) test was: 5.6

Had my appt. today with Dr. Cooper. He was really pleased with what I have accomplished as far as the weight loss and actually sticking to the diet plan (some people can't/don't). Kind of got a little upset when we were talking about the dietitian and the diet plan...but that is part of how I need to manage the diabetes so Kaleb is born healthy. (If the option was there to stop the diet/monitoring, there is a risk that something could happen and the baby could be still born). My blood pressure and baby's heart beat were good. Belly measured 31 (was going into week 30 a few days later)- I had been measuring right on for every appt. except this one. Next appt. they will schedule an ultrasound to look at Kaleb's kidneys and they will also measure the size of the baby (part of having the diabetes). Next appt. will be in 3 weeks, then 2 weeks, then 2 after that and then we are possibly looking at delivering the following week (week 38)- I hope the baby decides to keep that schedule and not come early!!

Coming in the next couple of weeks, we need to purchase a crib and dresser...can't wait to get his half of the room ready.