The countdown is officially on! Only SIX weeks to go until we meet our little Miss Ellie! Part of me is still completely overwhelmed by the idea of being responsible for TWO kids (seriously, somedays I feel accomplished by the fact that I have managed to take care of the one I have!) and all that entails. The other part of me is SO over this pregnant thing. I hate to say that, especially because this is probably the last baby in the Maxwell house, but it is what it is. I have reached levels of uncomfortable that I never knew with Ty. He was a busy little man in the womb, but busy does not even come close to describing this one. Morning, night, all afternoon...she is on the move! Unfortunately, she has chosen to stay transverse across the bottom of my uterus, so all of this sweet endearing movements have actually become painful at times as she uses my hips as a kick board and punching bag. Love taps, I know. I'm just ready to see those arms and legs flailing about on the outside now! I'm still carrying her all out front, even more so than Ty I think. Since she is still sideways and probably over 4lbs now, I'm feeling a lot of round ligament pain and stretching in my sides. Saturday was probably the worse pain I'd felt yet. It actually made me a little nervous that she was thinking of making an early debut based on a few happenings that morning. The pain in my back was most intense, but it lasted all day, not off and on like contractions. Her movements were so uncomfortable about 5am that I ended up in the recliner trying to sleep. She was extremely active that morning and when she settled down for her morning sleep (that's when she sleeps the best/longest), her positioning felt weird. Between the back pain and pressure down low, I started telling Cooter that I thought she was going to fall out. She was pressing so hard on my incision area that it physically hurt to stand or walk. I was rocking the waddle though! I went to bed that night and gave in to taking some Tylenol to help me sleep since I hadn't hardly slept the night before. By the time I got up for my first bathroom break of the night, I already felt better. By morning I was back to normal. My best guess was that she was possibly pressing on my kidneys and that was causing the back pain. Once I laid down for the night, she went off on her late night exercise routine and moved herself into a better spot...thank goodness!
My last appointment was a little over a week ago. Quick visit, and everything looked good. I gained 3 more pounds, which puts me up to a 19lb weight gain now. My blood pressure was a little high for me 138/84, and I did have a bit of swelling the weekend before my appointment, but the doctor didn't seem worried since I hadn't created a pattern yet. I swelled up a little bit this past weekend too, but in 90 degree humidity, who wouldn't?!? I'm still wearing my rings, although about midway through the day, I can't take them off. My belly measured back on target this last week too. Baby girls heart rate was in the 140's, which is where is seems to have settled this last trimester.
Funny story from my appointment... It was just Ty and I last week. He sits in his stroller while I'm on the table. The nurse brought the doppler over to listen to Ellie's heartbeat and as soon as she found it swishing away Ty smiled and started giggling. Then I started giggling, which makes my belly move like Santa Claus. From the embarrassment I started laughing more, and the poor nurse had to keep repositioning the doppler to get a recount. She was laughing with us so at least I didn't make anyone mad. I ended up having to stare at the ceiling until she got a good count. Well the next morning Ty brings me one of his toys with a microphone on it. He lifted up his shirt and started rubbing the microphone on his belly. I asked him if he was listening for his baby (since he tells everyone that Ellie is in HIS belly) and he told me yes. Made my heart melt. He's been listening to his sister's heartbeat for months now, plus we go every 2 weeks, so he's been paying very close attention!
Ty is doing very well these days. He is getting to be so big. He talks like crazy now and is just a little boy through and through. Today while I was working on some Pampered Chef orders he brought over his broom, moved the rug from in front of the door and swept the entry way for me. Little things like that just crack me up. He now goes down for naps in his bed and stays in his bed until he wakes up. I had to prepare both of us for the fact that I can't carry him for a good month or so after I have my c-section. Makes me sad to see him adapting so well and acting like a big boy. We started reading big brother stories and I ask him questions about his sister. Even though he can tell me all about her, down to the fact that she will drink milk, I still don't think he fully grasps what's about to go down in his little world! More details on Ty when I do his 2 year update. I promise pictures from his party and stats from his 2 year check-up.
Next doctor's appointment for me is Tuesday. Only one more 2 week visit and then we're on to weekly appointments until she gets here. That's only 4-5 more doctor visits...unreal.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
I passed, new ultrasound pics, and more!
Once again I started blogging here and there in my free time and evidently never finished my post because here we are at 30 weeks and I already have new updates. Hence the post title. So, he's the last 4 weeks of my pregnancy in a nutshell...
I went in for my 28 week check-up as well as my glucose test and subsequent blood work. I asked Cooter to stay home with Ty since I knew I'd be sitting the waiting room for at least an hour while my glucola did its thing. I have to admit...it was actually quite peaceful going to the appointment by myself. I very much enjoyed my quiet time and even got to read a little while I waited for my blood to be drawn. Not that I don't enjoy Cooter and Ty's company with me when we get to hear little girl's heartbeat, but sometimes its just nice to be alone. =)
All was still well with little miss two weeks ago. Her heartbeat was ticking along in the 140's. She was moving, but not like the spaz she usually is since I fasted before my appointment. I guess I made her mad not feeding her. My blood pressure was great at 114/78, no swelling, still measuring right on target. By this time with Ty, I was measuring weeks ahead and they were concerned that his size meant I might have gestational diabetes. Not an issue though, I just grew a big baby! Most surprising of all at this appointment was my weight. I am always paranoid about my weight gain since I seemed to receive a talking to at lots of appointments with Ty (even though I ended up only gaining 27lbs and lost it all in 5 weeks, thank you very much). I lost weight in the beginning of this pregnancy from being sick and when I started to gain in the second trimester, I was gaining about 5lbs a month, which is a tiny bit over the 1lb/week average they like to see. No one has said a word though. Well this appointment I expected a 2-3lb weight gain since it had been 2wks since I was there last. To my astonishment, not only had I not gained anything, but I lost a pound. Don't worry...I'm not trying to lose weight, and at this point I could really care less if I get in trouble for gaining weight. I 6-7lbs a month till the end and still be within a healthy weight gain range. That was one reason for this week's ultrasound. I'm wasn't worried though...I checked the scale a couple days ago and I had a couple pounds back on. I think most of it had to do with fasting before my appointment. Trust me, this little girl is growing.
Got my blood results back and I do not have gestational diabetes, nor am I anemic! I do have an rh incompatibility because I have negative blood type (which we found out way back when we had our first miscarriage 4 years ago). Its a formality that they make me do a blood test before administering my rhogam shot. I was supposed to come in last week for my shot, but I honestly forgot until Thursday at which point I decided I'd just remind them about it at this appointment.
I am officially uncomfortable. I remember occasionally being uncomfortable when I was pregnant with Ty, but it was usually after a busy day or a large meal. I am uncomfortable pretty much 24/7 with this little girl. She is still laying transverse across the bottom of my uterus. Although she did flip the other day, it did nothing for the pressure I'm feeling. The only difference I've noticed is her hiccups are now on my left side and her kicks on my right side. I'm really hoping she will turn either head down or breech soon. Since I'm having a schedule c-section, it doesn't matter how she lays, I just want some relief. With Ty I had horrible pain in my right hip because his butt sat there for the majority of my pregnancy. Its really hard for me to even sit up straight because it puts so much pressure on my lower abdomen. Forget leaning forward for something...holy geez, I can't even breathe!
I've also developed a hideous case of varicose/spider veins. They look more like spider veins, but the pain and symptoms associated with them are that of varicose veins. Either way, they are not pretty at all. I noticed a large patch of them on the back of my left thigh a couple months ago and actually thought it was a bruise until I realized it didn't hurt. The longer they were there, the more they hurt. After spending a long day on my feet doing a Pampered Chef show at Cooter's sisters, their crawfish boil, and holding my clingy, tired child all day (oh my gosh I was SO sore the next day), another patch of veins popped out on the back of my right thigh. My legs feel sore all the time. I now have another patch on the top of my right thigh, one of the side of my left leg and another one coming on top of my left thigh. From what I've read, they may fade, but typically don't fully disappear after birth. No offense to 80 year old women out there, but I feel like that's what my legs look like. I work really hard to be able to wear cute shorts and dresses and my legs are so ugly now. From a distance it looks like I'm covered in bruises. I'm trying my best not to sit too long, stand too long, and exercise when I can. Between my achey legs and her low position between my hips, I can't walk very long distances without needing to sit down and take a break. Even standing to cook dinner makes my legs achey. Pitiful. Why is this happening? Its just one of those lovely pregnancy symptoms that many women get. Little girl is positioned on a nerve in such a way that its causing strain on my blood vessels. Thanks to pregnancy, my blood vessels are already less firm from a hormone called relaxin, which allows the extra blood flow to makes it way through my body. But it obviously has its negative effects too. Just like stretch marks, I'll wear them with pride...they are my war wounds for the work I did to get this baby girl in our arms.
Seriously though...I think I'm done having babies after this!
We went back to the doctor today for a check-up and ultrasound. I think the ultrasound was because I've been measuring a little small and lost weight at last check, but they didn't say that. We'll take the chance to see Ellie again...its been almost 10wks since we last saw her. Right away the tech measured her heartbeat around 140. She measured my fluid which looked to be just fine. We also had her confirm that she is definitely still a girl! I was unreasonably nervous that they told us wrong at 21wks, especially after I've bought clothes and bows and set her room up! Baby girl was curled up in a little ball, but moving and active. I was right a couple of days ago when I thought she had flipped. But just since last night, she folded herself into a ball. Her feet are definitely on my right side, and I get kicks in the side and into my hip. Her head is around my belly button and sometimes she curls up tighter and her head goes just under my ribs and I feel her hands up high. I'm hoping all this movement means she is working her way into more of an up and down position for my sake. She kept a little hand up by her face the entire ultrasound (Ty used to always look like that too!). Every now and then we'd catch a glimpse of the other hand by her head, fingers and all. At one point a foot was by her head and then she'd move them both down together. We got a good shot of her little piggies. She weighs about 3lbs 2oz right now. She measures a little on the small side, as do I, but my doctor specifically told me she's not worried right now. She said she's small, but not to a point that anything is wrong. Just a petite little girl like her momma! As far as my stats this check-up...all was well. I gained a couple pounds back (I think I'm up 16lbs total) and my blood pressure was good. Quick visit and back in two weeks.
We scheduled Ellie's birthday today! My c-section is scheduled for July 12 at 10:30am. So its official...she will be here on or before that day! 9 weeks from this Friday!
I went in for my 28 week check-up as well as my glucose test and subsequent blood work. I asked Cooter to stay home with Ty since I knew I'd be sitting the waiting room for at least an hour while my glucola did its thing. I have to admit...it was actually quite peaceful going to the appointment by myself. I very much enjoyed my quiet time and even got to read a little while I waited for my blood to be drawn. Not that I don't enjoy Cooter and Ty's company with me when we get to hear little girl's heartbeat, but sometimes its just nice to be alone. =)
All was still well with little miss two weeks ago. Her heartbeat was ticking along in the 140's. She was moving, but not like the spaz she usually is since I fasted before my appointment. I guess I made her mad not feeding her. My blood pressure was great at 114/78, no swelling, still measuring right on target. By this time with Ty, I was measuring weeks ahead and they were concerned that his size meant I might have gestational diabetes. Not an issue though, I just grew a big baby! Most surprising of all at this appointment was my weight. I am always paranoid about my weight gain since I seemed to receive a talking to at lots of appointments with Ty (even though I ended up only gaining 27lbs and lost it all in 5 weeks, thank you very much). I lost weight in the beginning of this pregnancy from being sick and when I started to gain in the second trimester, I was gaining about 5lbs a month, which is a tiny bit over the 1lb/week average they like to see. No one has said a word though. Well this appointment I expected a 2-3lb weight gain since it had been 2wks since I was there last. To my astonishment, not only had I not gained anything, but I lost a pound. Don't worry...I'm not trying to lose weight, and at this point I could really care less if I get in trouble for gaining weight. I 6-7lbs a month till the end and still be within a healthy weight gain range. That was one reason for this week's ultrasound. I'm wasn't worried though...I checked the scale a couple days ago and I had a couple pounds back on. I think most of it had to do with fasting before my appointment. Trust me, this little girl is growing.
Got my blood results back and I do not have gestational diabetes, nor am I anemic! I do have an rh incompatibility because I have negative blood type (which we found out way back when we had our first miscarriage 4 years ago). Its a formality that they make me do a blood test before administering my rhogam shot. I was supposed to come in last week for my shot, but I honestly forgot until Thursday at which point I decided I'd just remind them about it at this appointment.
I am officially uncomfortable. I remember occasionally being uncomfortable when I was pregnant with Ty, but it was usually after a busy day or a large meal. I am uncomfortable pretty much 24/7 with this little girl. She is still laying transverse across the bottom of my uterus. Although she did flip the other day, it did nothing for the pressure I'm feeling. The only difference I've noticed is her hiccups are now on my left side and her kicks on my right side. I'm really hoping she will turn either head down or breech soon. Since I'm having a schedule c-section, it doesn't matter how she lays, I just want some relief. With Ty I had horrible pain in my right hip because his butt sat there for the majority of my pregnancy. Its really hard for me to even sit up straight because it puts so much pressure on my lower abdomen. Forget leaning forward for something...holy geez, I can't even breathe!
I've also developed a hideous case of varicose/spider veins. They look more like spider veins, but the pain and symptoms associated with them are that of varicose veins. Either way, they are not pretty at all. I noticed a large patch of them on the back of my left thigh a couple months ago and actually thought it was a bruise until I realized it didn't hurt. The longer they were there, the more they hurt. After spending a long day on my feet doing a Pampered Chef show at Cooter's sisters, their crawfish boil, and holding my clingy, tired child all day (oh my gosh I was SO sore the next day), another patch of veins popped out on the back of my right thigh. My legs feel sore all the time. I now have another patch on the top of my right thigh, one of the side of my left leg and another one coming on top of my left thigh. From what I've read, they may fade, but typically don't fully disappear after birth. No offense to 80 year old women out there, but I feel like that's what my legs look like. I work really hard to be able to wear cute shorts and dresses and my legs are so ugly now. From a distance it looks like I'm covered in bruises. I'm trying my best not to sit too long, stand too long, and exercise when I can. Between my achey legs and her low position between my hips, I can't walk very long distances without needing to sit down and take a break. Even standing to cook dinner makes my legs achey. Pitiful. Why is this happening? Its just one of those lovely pregnancy symptoms that many women get. Little girl is positioned on a nerve in such a way that its causing strain on my blood vessels. Thanks to pregnancy, my blood vessels are already less firm from a hormone called relaxin, which allows the extra blood flow to makes it way through my body. But it obviously has its negative effects too. Just like stretch marks, I'll wear them with pride...they are my war wounds for the work I did to get this baby girl in our arms.
Seriously though...I think I'm done having babies after this!
We went back to the doctor today for a check-up and ultrasound. I think the ultrasound was because I've been measuring a little small and lost weight at last check, but they didn't say that. We'll take the chance to see Ellie again...its been almost 10wks since we last saw her. Right away the tech measured her heartbeat around 140. She measured my fluid which looked to be just fine. We also had her confirm that she is definitely still a girl! I was unreasonably nervous that they told us wrong at 21wks, especially after I've bought clothes and bows and set her room up! Baby girl was curled up in a little ball, but moving and active. I was right a couple of days ago when I thought she had flipped. But just since last night, she folded herself into a ball. Her feet are definitely on my right side, and I get kicks in the side and into my hip. Her head is around my belly button and sometimes she curls up tighter and her head goes just under my ribs and I feel her hands up high. I'm hoping all this movement means she is working her way into more of an up and down position for my sake. She kept a little hand up by her face the entire ultrasound (Ty used to always look like that too!). Every now and then we'd catch a glimpse of the other hand by her head, fingers and all. At one point a foot was by her head and then she'd move them both down together. We got a good shot of her little piggies. She weighs about 3lbs 2oz right now. She measures a little on the small side, as do I, but my doctor specifically told me she's not worried right now. She said she's small, but not to a point that anything is wrong. Just a petite little girl like her momma! As far as my stats this check-up...all was well. I gained a couple pounds back (I think I'm up 16lbs total) and my blood pressure was good. Quick visit and back in two weeks.
Ellie's profile shot...there's that little hand up by her face like I said. That profile looks SO much like Ty's ultrasounds at the same gestational age!
Ellie's face...look at those fat cheeks! She's waving hi!
Little piggies
We scheduled Ellie's birthday today! My c-section is scheduled for July 12 at 10:30am. So its official...she will be here on or before that day! 9 weeks from this Friday!
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