I am 34 weeks and 2 days pregnant today. And I'm actually feeling great! Well, compared to Tanner's pregnancy, of course. I do have bad hip pain and some nausea every morning, still. But I really can't complain! God really blessed me this time around. There is no way I could handle Tanner's pregnancy while taking care of a 2 year old!
I have had some pretty bad cramping in my upper abdomen for the past week. It comes and goes, and feels like I just did 1000 crunches. And at some points it actually makes me drop to my hands and knees to try to relieve it. I brought it up with my doctor on Tuesday. I explained it to m=him and told him I didn't have any tightening during the cramps, so I didn't think it was contractions. He said he believes it's a form of heartburn! Wesley is running out of room and when he stretches out he kicks my stomach and causes the pain. So I'm going to try some of my pepcid when I feel it again and see how it does. Dr told me to try Zantac, though.
I've tons of braxton hicks contractions, too. For a while it's been hard for me to figure out if it's braxton hicks, or just baby movement. But more recently now I have been able to tell better. I have AT LEAST 10-15 a day. Non painful, though.
My blood pressure was 109/68. Still as normal as it usually is. (Which makes me believe even more and more that I had pre-e with Tanner). Baby's heart rate was 144. My doctor had a medical student with him so he actually told me what the heart rate was, first time in 3 visits.
I've also haven't gained anything in a week. I've only gained 15lbs total. Hopefully that doesn't change too drastically with the Holidays. My phone app said Wesley is probably around 5 pounds now!
I had my GBS swab done at the appointment also. I was thinking it was a little early, but it's probably a good thing it was done. I'm supposed to go back in two weeks for my next appointment but with the Holiday it got pushed back to 3 weeks. I will be 37 weeks! That just seems so crazy to me.
I am very thankful I'm feeling good. I'm not taking it for granted!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Tanner is TWO!
My sweet little baby is no longer a baby. He is TWO! I want to cry!
But he is an amazing little kid. He's so kind, and loving. And pretty chill. He's learning so much so fast and talking a lot. I am so thankful for him. And I literally have a "he's AMAZING" moment every single day.
At his doctor's appointment on Monday he was 29.5 lbs (68%), 34.25 inches (46%), and his head was 50.5 cm (90%). He's absolutely perfect in communication and all of his skills.
We flew home from NC the day before his birthday, so we decided to have a little family get together for Tanner's party while we were home. I'm very glad we did that. It was great to have family there, since last year it was just friends. (And I've just remembered that I never posted pictures from Tanner's first birthday! Huge fail!)
Thank you so much, mom, for helping with his party! It turned out amazing!
I'm looking forward to this next year. Watching him grow and learn more. And watching him become a big brother. I am so incredibly blessed! I love you, Tanner Lee!
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| First day home, 1st Birthday, 2nd Birthday |
But he is an amazing little kid. He's so kind, and loving. And pretty chill. He's learning so much so fast and talking a lot. I am so thankful for him. And I literally have a "he's AMAZING" moment every single day.
At his doctor's appointment on Monday he was 29.5 lbs (68%), 34.25 inches (46%), and his head was 50.5 cm (90%). He's absolutely perfect in communication and all of his skills.
We flew home from NC the day before his birthday, so we decided to have a little family get together for Tanner's party while we were home. I'm very glad we did that. It was great to have family there, since last year it was just friends. (And I've just remembered that I never posted pictures from Tanner's first birthday! Huge fail!)
Thank you so much, mom, for helping with his party! It turned out amazing!
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| He loved the hallway full of balloons! |
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| That's a little Tanner finger print |
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| I was holding the cupcake, and Nick was videotaping. I was worried we had forgotten to get a picture of this moment. I'm so glad my sister took this picture! |
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| Yeah, that would be bread and butter dipped in ketchup and Chick-fil-a BBQ. |
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| He got this gift on his birthday. He loves it. |
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| Our neighbor (who shares the same birthday) made him some cookies! |
Monday, December 9, 2013
Back from Vacation!
We made it back from vacation safely. Minus a couple of incredibly annoying days it went very smoothly! I will post about it separately, with pictures. I just wanted to post real quick, since I last posted when we were on the airplane to NC. Also, Tanner turned TWO yesterday! It makes me want to boohoo. But I'm so excited to see how much he's grown and changed. I'll get some pictures together to compare.
Oh, and it's snowing! Brrrrr!
Oh, and it's snowing! Brrrrr!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Boy Mom
I just need to get this off my chest. (This vent is not geared towards any of my close friends, or my parents/mother-in-law).
Yes, we are having baby boy. Yes, we already have a boy. And NO I am not upset/sad/disappointed, ect, that it's not a girl. I'm actually more than excited!
Why is that the first thing out some people's mouths? Why can't people just be happy that we are having a baby and he is healthy? A baby, whether he is a boy or a girl, is a joyous thing, and should be celebrated! God knew what I wanted deep down, he knew a boy would fit in our family perfectly. Wesley will complete it! I am so blessed, and so happy. I am celebrating my boy. I just wish others would too, instead of sighing or thinking bad about him.
I love being a boy mom, and everything that comes along with that!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
30 week appointment & some answers to my VBAC questions
I apologize in advance, this will be long!
I wasn't too sure I wanted to write this post tonight. Nick and I decided to buy an iMac for our Christmas gift to each other. It was delivered today. I can't get use to the keyboard. I keep pushing the wrong buttons and when I try to push the delete/back button, I can't ever find it! Hopefully I will get use to it soon.
I'll talk about the regular appointment stuff first, and then go into the questions I had that I wanted to discuss with my doctor.
I had butterflies about this appointment. I was planning on discussing a couple questions with my doctor that I was worried about. And now, I should have known it would all be okay. I mean, the first words out of his mouth at my first appointment this pregnancy was, "So, are you going to have this baby the right way this time?".
My worries were coming from the research I've been doing. I've been reading and following a VBAC Fact page on Facebook. It's a bit scary to see the huge differences between many hospitals and doctors around the country, and worldwide. And it's even scarier when the majority of the doctors are not following evidence based research, and instead are spreading unnecessary fears. Here is a recent post I wrote with some VBAC facts. It's actually safer for the majority of women to have a VBAC vs a RCS (repeat c-section). The statistic for a uterine rupture is less than 1%! It's about the same chance of a cord prolapse. So many doctors completely refuse to allow them. And if they say they are VBAC "friendly", they put so many restrictions on the patient that a RCS usually ends up happening.
I had all these horror stories in my mind when I went to my appointment. After getting all the regular appointment things done he asked me if I had any questions. Thankfully he wasn't in any kind of rush and really talked to me about things. My first question was about the hospital and if there were any policies on continual monitoring on laboring VBAC mothers. Many hospitals countrywide require continuous monitoring. Which means the mother has to be fairly still as to not make the monitors move and stop reading the heart rate. This also means no laboring in the tub. The thought on continuous monitoring is that a change in baby's heart rate can be an indicator that a uterine rupture is about to happen. But it's not reliable in the least. When I brought this up to my doctor I had my mind convinced that he would say my hospital would be one of those that require it. Boy was I wrong. He said they have absolutely no policies like that. This brought up my second question. It wasn't one I was planning on asking but I was curious about it so I'm glad it came up.
I told him I don't have a very high pain tolerance, but I am wanting to wait a little longer to get the epidural than I did with Tanner's pregnancy. That's why I wanted to know if I would have to be continuously monitored. I want the option to get up and walk, sway, and get on all fours to cope during contractions. This is when he mentioned that he would prefer that I get an epidural because if I were to rupture, I would already have the pain relief and we could go immediately into surgery. If I did not have it and I ruptured, I would be put to sleep. Which would put Wesley to sleep. And lots of other problems. It's not really a big deal to me, as I mentioned, I was planning on getting an epidural at some point. (Even though I secretly would love to go med free! But I'd rather have an epidural and a VBAC than a c-section) So my tentative plan is to labor at home as long as possible, and then go to the hospital and reevaluate how I feel about the epidural.
My last question was one I thought I was going to have to fight him on. He told me at my first appointment that they usually schedule RCS at 39 weeks but since I wanted to attempt a VBAC he would let me go to my due date. I am almost 100% sure my due date is off by 5-10 days (later). That's a huge difference when it comes down to major surgery. I began the question stating how I know the ACOG (American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology) states a normal, healthy VBAC patient can wait until 42 weeks before induction is discussed. But I personally do not feel comfortable with that. And how I also don't feel comfortable only going to 40 weeks, either. He said they don't like to have patients go past 41 weeks because the chance the baby passes meconium from 41-42 weeks goes up a substantial amount. He said the chance baby aspirates meconium is slim, but if it happens it can be a very bad situation. So the risks to mom aren't what they worry about as much (a slight increase in the chance for rupture from 41-42 weeks), but the risk to baby is. This made me feel great. The biggest reason I wanted to wait until 41 weeks and not 42 was for this reason. I don't want to have to be separated from my baby like I was with Tanner. 6+ hours is ridiculous. I want my baby immediately after he is born.
He did mention a few months ago that we could try an induction, using a very low dose of Pitocin to get things moving. But there is also a small increase in the chance of a rupture. And I just don't personally feel comfortable with that. (Not to mention Pitocin is the devil drug!) So we have a RCS scheduled for early February, at 41 weeks. I'm okay with this. Surprisingly. I'm still hoping and praying with all my might that I go into labor on my own, though.
Once I get closer and closer to February, I'm going to start discussing the possibility of keeping Nick and Wesley with me in recovery. Nationally accredited hospitals in breastfeeding have "Family Centered C-Sections", which is just that. The baby is with the mother at all times, immediate skin to skin and breastfeeding. This would be my dream! (Second to a VBAC, of course)
So I feel at peace with my decision. And I'm very thankful for that!
I wasn't too sure I wanted to write this post tonight. Nick and I decided to buy an iMac for our Christmas gift to each other. It was delivered today. I can't get use to the keyboard. I keep pushing the wrong buttons and when I try to push the delete/back button, I can't ever find it! Hopefully I will get use to it soon.
I'll talk about the regular appointment stuff first, and then go into the questions I had that I wanted to discuss with my doctor.
- Blood pressure was great-119/65
- My heart rate was high at 96 (I've been getting palpitations often) And I've had many dizzy spells and almost passed out 4 or 5 times. This is all relating to the fact that I'm just really dehydrated. I'm always really bad at staying hydrated. (I stopped by sonic on my way home and got a bag of their ice. That helps keep me drinking water throughout the day and munching on ice)
- I've only gained 11 lbs.
- Wesley's heart rate was in the 160s
- He is head down!
- And I finally brought up the awful pain I have in my
butthip. My sacroiliac joint is so loose. Which means the bones in my pelvis rub against each other and cause a lot of pain. The relaxin that is produced in pregnancy is to blame. I have trouble getting off the floor after playing with Tanner, or stretching my back. My hip locks and I literally get stuck. It hurts so bad. My doctor gave me two names of chiropractors that he personally uses and trusts. Tricare does not cover a chiropractor but they usually have cash plans and work with military families. I'm just not sure if this is an expense I'd like to have right now. (Chiropractors can help patients have successful VBACs, too!)
I had butterflies about this appointment. I was planning on discussing a couple questions with my doctor that I was worried about. And now, I should have known it would all be okay. I mean, the first words out of his mouth at my first appointment this pregnancy was, "So, are you going to have this baby the right way this time?".
My worries were coming from the research I've been doing. I've been reading and following a VBAC Fact page on Facebook. It's a bit scary to see the huge differences between many hospitals and doctors around the country, and worldwide. And it's even scarier when the majority of the doctors are not following evidence based research, and instead are spreading unnecessary fears. Here is a recent post I wrote with some VBAC facts. It's actually safer for the majority of women to have a VBAC vs a RCS (repeat c-section). The statistic for a uterine rupture is less than 1%! It's about the same chance of a cord prolapse. So many doctors completely refuse to allow them. And if they say they are VBAC "friendly", they put so many restrictions on the patient that a RCS usually ends up happening.
I had all these horror stories in my mind when I went to my appointment. After getting all the regular appointment things done he asked me if I had any questions. Thankfully he wasn't in any kind of rush and really talked to me about things. My first question was about the hospital and if there were any policies on continual monitoring on laboring VBAC mothers. Many hospitals countrywide require continuous monitoring. Which means the mother has to be fairly still as to not make the monitors move and stop reading the heart rate. This also means no laboring in the tub. The thought on continuous monitoring is that a change in baby's heart rate can be an indicator that a uterine rupture is about to happen. But it's not reliable in the least. When I brought this up to my doctor I had my mind convinced that he would say my hospital would be one of those that require it. Boy was I wrong. He said they have absolutely no policies like that. This brought up my second question. It wasn't one I was planning on asking but I was curious about it so I'm glad it came up.
I told him I don't have a very high pain tolerance, but I am wanting to wait a little longer to get the epidural than I did with Tanner's pregnancy. That's why I wanted to know if I would have to be continuously monitored. I want the option to get up and walk, sway, and get on all fours to cope during contractions. This is when he mentioned that he would prefer that I get an epidural because if I were to rupture, I would already have the pain relief and we could go immediately into surgery. If I did not have it and I ruptured, I would be put to sleep. Which would put Wesley to sleep. And lots of other problems. It's not really a big deal to me, as I mentioned, I was planning on getting an epidural at some point. (Even though I secretly would love to go med free! But I'd rather have an epidural and a VBAC than a c-section) So my tentative plan is to labor at home as long as possible, and then go to the hospital and reevaluate how I feel about the epidural.
My last question was one I thought I was going to have to fight him on. He told me at my first appointment that they usually schedule RCS at 39 weeks but since I wanted to attempt a VBAC he would let me go to my due date. I am almost 100% sure my due date is off by 5-10 days (later). That's a huge difference when it comes down to major surgery. I began the question stating how I know the ACOG (American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology) states a normal, healthy VBAC patient can wait until 42 weeks before induction is discussed. But I personally do not feel comfortable with that. And how I also don't feel comfortable only going to 40 weeks, either. He said they don't like to have patients go past 41 weeks because the chance the baby passes meconium from 41-42 weeks goes up a substantial amount. He said the chance baby aspirates meconium is slim, but if it happens it can be a very bad situation. So the risks to mom aren't what they worry about as much (a slight increase in the chance for rupture from 41-42 weeks), but the risk to baby is. This made me feel great. The biggest reason I wanted to wait until 41 weeks and not 42 was for this reason. I don't want to have to be separated from my baby like I was with Tanner. 6+ hours is ridiculous. I want my baby immediately after he is born.
He did mention a few months ago that we could try an induction, using a very low dose of Pitocin to get things moving. But there is also a small increase in the chance of a rupture. And I just don't personally feel comfortable with that. (Not to mention Pitocin is the devil drug!) So we have a RCS scheduled for early February, at 41 weeks. I'm okay with this. Surprisingly. I'm still hoping and praying with all my might that I go into labor on my own, though.
Once I get closer and closer to February, I'm going to start discussing the possibility of keeping Nick and Wesley with me in recovery. Nationally accredited hospitals in breastfeeding have "Family Centered C-Sections", which is just that. The baby is with the mother at all times, immediate skin to skin and breastfeeding. This would be my dream! (Second to a VBAC, of course)
So I feel at peace with my decision. And I'm very thankful for that!
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
30 Weeks Ramble and Tot School
I am 30 weeks pregnant today! I have such mixed emotions! I'm happy to still be pregnant, it's been such a better pregnancy than Tanner's. I want to truly enjoy these last 11 (max) weeks because this is the last time I will be pregnant. I'm anxious/nervous about giving birth. If you've read any of my last posts, you'll understand that. I want a VBAC so badly, but if I hit 41 weeks, I feel okay doing the repeat C-Section. It sucks, but I have my reasons. I'm also excited to have a baby in my arms again, but I'm not looking forward to the unexpectedness of having a newborn. I love our days now, we have a routine, and Tanner thrives off of it. I'm hoping Wesley is a chill baby and will fit right into our day. And also, just having two little ones to take care of and love. It's going to be so completely different. The unknown is what really scares me.
Anyway, 30 weeks pregnant today! I'm feeling great! It's been over a week without having to take zofran. I was completely miserable when I was 30 weeks pregnant with Tanner. Here is my 30 week post with Tanner. It was so much fun re-reading that! It's when Nick surprised me by taking me to get a 3D/4D ultrasound.
I'm only up 11 pounds. I'm sure I was close to or at 25+ with Tanner at this point. I'm swelling now. But only at the end of the day. With Tanner, I woke up swollen. I CAN STILL WEAR MY RINGS! This really says something! Ha! Apparently I am carrying Wesley a lot different, too. I can still wear all of my pre-pregnancy jeans, but almost all of my maternity shirts show my belly at the bottom.
No real cravings, still. I'll want something, like ice cream, or hash browns, but it's not the "I have to have it NOW" type thing.
Sleep has been kind of weird. I will have nights where I am awake for an hour in the middle of the night, and then nights where I sleep all night. It's not too bad.
I have an appointment on Thursday. I'm hoping I can talk to my doctor a little but about my hopes for my VBAC and hospital policies. I'm going to bring up my wish for a family centered c-section, if it comes to that. I'm hoping he actually lets me ask questions this time and I'm hoping I don't leave discouraged. We'll see.
We started decorating for Christmas this weekend. I'm usually the type who will do no Christmas stuff until Thanksgiving is over. But since we are going home to NC for Thanksgiving, I want to come home to Christmas. It's going to be nice not having to do anything. And secretly, I've really enjoyed decorating early. Christmas is such a magical time and now we've stretched it out for longer than a month!
Since we've been decorating, I was in and out of the office. This morning I was tidying it up a little and Tanner and I had a quick tot-school moment. I've been slacking in that department for a while, and I can tell he misses it. We started by just coloring but he changed it all up.
My pictures are not with my good camera, obviously, since it was a spur of the moment thing.
I was wanting to do shapes next, since he knows most of them. So this is working out perfectly! Time to get on Pinterest for some fun ideas for this week!
Anyway, 30 weeks pregnant today! I'm feeling great! It's been over a week without having to take zofran. I was completely miserable when I was 30 weeks pregnant with Tanner. Here is my 30 week post with Tanner. It was so much fun re-reading that! It's when Nick surprised me by taking me to get a 3D/4D ultrasound.
I'm only up 11 pounds. I'm sure I was close to or at 25+ with Tanner at this point. I'm swelling now. But only at the end of the day. With Tanner, I woke up swollen. I CAN STILL WEAR MY RINGS! This really says something! Ha! Apparently I am carrying Wesley a lot different, too. I can still wear all of my pre-pregnancy jeans, but almost all of my maternity shirts show my belly at the bottom.
No real cravings, still. I'll want something, like ice cream, or hash browns, but it's not the "I have to have it NOW" type thing.
Sleep has been kind of weird. I will have nights where I am awake for an hour in the middle of the night, and then nights where I sleep all night. It's not too bad.
I have an appointment on Thursday. I'm hoping I can talk to my doctor a little but about my hopes for my VBAC and hospital policies. I'm going to bring up my wish for a family centered c-section, if it comes to that. I'm hoping he actually lets me ask questions this time and I'm hoping I don't leave discouraged. We'll see.
We started decorating for Christmas this weekend. I'm usually the type who will do no Christmas stuff until Thanksgiving is over. But since we are going home to NC for Thanksgiving, I want to come home to Christmas. It's going to be nice not having to do anything. And secretly, I've really enjoyed decorating early. Christmas is such a magical time and now we've stretched it out for longer than a month!
Since we've been decorating, I was in and out of the office. This morning I was tidying it up a little and Tanner and I had a quick tot-school moment. I've been slacking in that department for a while, and I can tell he misses it. We started by just coloring but he changed it all up.
My pictures are not with my good camera, obviously, since it was a spur of the moment thing.
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| Coloring the "done" (Sun) |
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| He had enough of the coloring and pulled his felt shapes off of the wall. |
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| And made a new game! |
I was wanting to do shapes next, since he knows most of them. So this is working out perfectly! Time to get on Pinterest for some fun ideas for this week!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
27 Weeks and 26 Years Old
Welcome to the third trimester! HOW IN THE WORLD DID I GET HERE SO FAST?!?!
I can't believe I only have 3 months left, the 3 busiest months of the year, too! I'm feeling pretty great, though. Today is day 5 of no zofran! I'm not entirely sure I wont take it today, because I've had 2 or 3 times where I felt like I needed to. But I made some scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese to get some protein in. Hopefully that will help.
I had my appointment last week. I had a bunch of questions I wanted to ask but my doctor was too into talking about the awesome deal he had getting tickets to the NASCAR race this coming weekend. And all the stuff he has planned with his family. I'm bringing a piece of paper with my questions on it next time so he can see I have something to talk to him about.
It took 20 minutes to check into my appointment because the office switched computer systems. But I'm really thankful for it! I can now check my medical records online, along with lab results, and wellness info. The first thing I did when I had it all set up was look into Tanner's labor and delivery. I've always wondered what their reasoning was for my inability to give birth vaginally. And I found my answer! They had written down, "Pyrexia" and "DTA & POP". I know what pyrexia means. I spiked a bad fever and probably had some sort of infection starting. I had to do a little more research on the "DTA & POP". It means Deep Transverse Arrest and Posterior Occipitoposterior Position". Basically Tanner's head was not engaged correctly. It was completely sideways. There was a chance I could have a a special forceps used to deliver him but the likely hood of it working was very slim. I would have ended up with a c-section anyway, even if I didn't spike a fever.
I needed to do more research on my his head was that way. Was it because my pelvis was too small? THANKFULLY, no! It was because my doctor insisted on breaking my water at a fingertip dilated. Way too early. So Tanner wasn't in a good position when my water broke, and his head engaged poorly. I'm so happy I have this information. If I am lucky enough to go into labor before my 41 week deadline there will be a lot of things done differently. I'm planning on writing a birth plan so if I'm not mentally able to express my wishes during labor, Nick will be able to let them know.
Anyway, back to my doctor's appointment. Everything is doing great. My doctor didn't tell me what the heartrate was, too busy talking. ( I even asked the lady at the desk to look at my paperwork when I was leaving so she could tell me, and he didn't write it down!)
My blood pressure is great, as well! Still much better than this pregnant with Tanner. It was 122/43. I've only gained 5 pounds as well. I'm pretty certain I was already up 25+ pounds. I was also swelling a LOT more then, too. I have a little pitting edema on my ankles by the end of the day but it's just nothing compared to what I dealt with last time. And I'm so thankful!
Tomorrow I turn 26. I may or may not have had to calculate it in my head to be sure. It really freaks me out thinking I only have 4 years left in my twenties. I don't even want to think about it anymore. Yikes!
Okay, time to play with the toddler! :)
I can't believe I only have 3 months left, the 3 busiest months of the year, too! I'm feeling pretty great, though. Today is day 5 of no zofran! I'm not entirely sure I wont take it today, because I've had 2 or 3 times where I felt like I needed to. But I made some scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese to get some protein in. Hopefully that will help.
I had my appointment last week. I had a bunch of questions I wanted to ask but my doctor was too into talking about the awesome deal he had getting tickets to the NASCAR race this coming weekend. And all the stuff he has planned with his family. I'm bringing a piece of paper with my questions on it next time so he can see I have something to talk to him about.
It took 20 minutes to check into my appointment because the office switched computer systems. But I'm really thankful for it! I can now check my medical records online, along with lab results, and wellness info. The first thing I did when I had it all set up was look into Tanner's labor and delivery. I've always wondered what their reasoning was for my inability to give birth vaginally. And I found my answer! They had written down, "Pyrexia" and "DTA & POP". I know what pyrexia means. I spiked a bad fever and probably had some sort of infection starting. I had to do a little more research on the "DTA & POP". It means Deep Transverse Arrest and Posterior Occipitoposterior Position". Basically Tanner's head was not engaged correctly. It was completely sideways. There was a chance I could have a a special forceps used to deliver him but the likely hood of it working was very slim. I would have ended up with a c-section anyway, even if I didn't spike a fever.
I needed to do more research on my his head was that way. Was it because my pelvis was too small? THANKFULLY, no! It was because my doctor insisted on breaking my water at a fingertip dilated. Way too early. So Tanner wasn't in a good position when my water broke, and his head engaged poorly. I'm so happy I have this information. If I am lucky enough to go into labor before my 41 week deadline there will be a lot of things done differently. I'm planning on writing a birth plan so if I'm not mentally able to express my wishes during labor, Nick will be able to let them know.
Anyway, back to my doctor's appointment. Everything is doing great. My doctor didn't tell me what the heartrate was, too busy talking. ( I even asked the lady at the desk to look at my paperwork when I was leaving so she could tell me, and he didn't write it down!)
My blood pressure is great, as well! Still much better than this pregnant with Tanner. It was 122/43. I've only gained 5 pounds as well. I'm pretty certain I was already up 25+ pounds. I was also swelling a LOT more then, too. I have a little pitting edema on my ankles by the end of the day but it's just nothing compared to what I dealt with last time. And I'm so thankful!
Tomorrow I turn 26. I may or may not have had to calculate it in my head to be sure. It really freaks me out thinking I only have 4 years left in my twenties. I don't even want to think about it anymore. Yikes!
Okay, time to play with the toddler! :)
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Newborns, sleep, VBAC...
This is probably going to be a long, jumbled, rambling post. As I was laying in bed last night unable to sleep for 2 hours (thanks pregnancy insomnia) I kept having ideas run through my head about things I wanted to write about. Things I'm worried about, things I'm looking forward to.
It started with me freaking out a little that it's almost the end of October. As much as I am excited to have another baby, I don't want it to happen so soon! Time is flying by and I'm just not ready. I really love this age and time with Tanner. He's learning so much, talking more and more everyday, and he's simply a great little kid. He's more than I could have ever asked for and I know I am truly blessed in so many ways. I'm worried about splitting my time with him and the baby. Although, in reality, it will probably be just fine. He's a great independent player, and prefers it often. And I know he won't remember this time. He will only remember having a brother, and hopefully a fun playmate.
I'm also having trouble wrapping my head around having a newborn again. I'm hoping this time Wesley sleeps better than Tanner did. If you read my blog back when Tanner was a baby you'll remember he didn't sleep through the night until he was almost 11 months old. An average night he would wake up 4-5 times, often 6. But on the other hand, I know now that it will get better. I barely remember those days. And what I do remember is actually cherishing the time I had with him in the middle of the night. Rocking him, nursing him, and singing sweet songs to him. I'm thankful for that time we had. I'm going to be even more thankful for it with Wesley, as he will be our last baby.
I think one of my biggest worries is going into labor before my mom gets here. Tanner does not go to daycare, and the only person who has babysat him other than my mom just had a baby herself almost 3 weeks ago. She will have a 2 year old and a 4 month old by the time Wesley is ready to come. I just don't want to ask her to watch Tanner when that's a lot to take on. And besides, whoever watches him would have to be able to stay here so he could sleep in his own bed. And Tanner doesn't let just anyone put him to bed. What will I do? Hopefully I won't even have to worry about that and my mom will be here in plenty of time. It will be such a huge relief.
One other thing. I've talked about it before, and I get the side-eye form a lot of people who are just not informed. I am going to attempt a VBAC (a vaginal birth after cesarean). After Tanner's birth I really had a lot of problems coping with how everything happened. To this day, I am still very bitter. Also, the simple fact that I won't be able to pick Tanner up (which would mean in and out of the bath tub, changing his diaper/clothes on his table, in and out of bed, and simply holding and snuggling). With my c-section my incision opened up and took 3 months to heal. That is RIDICULOUS. I just can't do that again. Most of the people who think I'm crazy for even thinking about attempting a VBAC don't realize how safe it actually is. It's even safer than a repeat c-section (as long as the patient doesn't have a crazy medical history or any medical problems during pregnancy).
The biggest "fear" with a VBAC is uterine rupture. There is a 0.7-0.9% chance. With a repeat c-section, the risk for uterine rupture is 0.4-0.5%. There's not much difference! My doctor informed me the last uterine rupture he had and the last one his colleague had were both on patients who never even had a c-section before. Also, the risk of blood transfusions, hysterectomy, and death are all higher with a repeat c-section. And given the fact that this pregnancy is already SO much different than Tanner's, there's hope that maybe this next labor will be different, too. To me, it's worth it to try.
As much as I would love to have a VBAC, I don't think I will be incredibly disappointed if it doesn't happen. If I hit 41 weeks (Feb. 4) I will be having a c-section. And that's okay. Also, if I do go into labor on my own, I will refuse all pitocin, as that can lead to more complications. If my labor stalls, or if Wesley is sunny side up like Tanner was (the reason I never dilated), than I will be perfectly fine going into the c-section. I will be attempting to learn some techniques from spinningbabies.com to help Wesley move into a position that is favorable for labor. Especially if he ends up being breech. My main reasoning as to why I will not let labor go too long, or stall for too long, if because of the risk for "infection". I had one with Tanner and that's the reason he was not able to be in my room with me. And the reason why I had to wait 6 hours to hold him and nurse him. That is my driving factor to going the route I am. It's a shame when I get jealous of seeing women nurse their brand new babies in their hospital bed, when all my memories are of me going tot he nursery and trying to learn how to nurse in a hard rocking chair with tons of people watching me.
I'd like to say I have a lot of time to really process these things and work towards my goal but really, time is flying by. It's almost November. We are flying home in November. Then it's Tanner's birthday, Christmas, Nick's birthday, and then Wesley's birthday. So here's to taking it one day at a time...
It started with me freaking out a little that it's almost the end of October. As much as I am excited to have another baby, I don't want it to happen so soon! Time is flying by and I'm just not ready. I really love this age and time with Tanner. He's learning so much, talking more and more everyday, and he's simply a great little kid. He's more than I could have ever asked for and I know I am truly blessed in so many ways. I'm worried about splitting my time with him and the baby. Although, in reality, it will probably be just fine. He's a great independent player, and prefers it often. And I know he won't remember this time. He will only remember having a brother, and hopefully a fun playmate.
I'm also having trouble wrapping my head around having a newborn again. I'm hoping this time Wesley sleeps better than Tanner did. If you read my blog back when Tanner was a baby you'll remember he didn't sleep through the night until he was almost 11 months old. An average night he would wake up 4-5 times, often 6. But on the other hand, I know now that it will get better. I barely remember those days. And what I do remember is actually cherishing the time I had with him in the middle of the night. Rocking him, nursing him, and singing sweet songs to him. I'm thankful for that time we had. I'm going to be even more thankful for it with Wesley, as he will be our last baby.
I think one of my biggest worries is going into labor before my mom gets here. Tanner does not go to daycare, and the only person who has babysat him other than my mom just had a baby herself almost 3 weeks ago. She will have a 2 year old and a 4 month old by the time Wesley is ready to come. I just don't want to ask her to watch Tanner when that's a lot to take on. And besides, whoever watches him would have to be able to stay here so he could sleep in his own bed. And Tanner doesn't let just anyone put him to bed. What will I do? Hopefully I won't even have to worry about that and my mom will be here in plenty of time. It will be such a huge relief.
One other thing. I've talked about it before, and I get the side-eye form a lot of people who are just not informed. I am going to attempt a VBAC (a vaginal birth after cesarean). After Tanner's birth I really had a lot of problems coping with how everything happened. To this day, I am still very bitter. Also, the simple fact that I won't be able to pick Tanner up (which would mean in and out of the bath tub, changing his diaper/clothes on his table, in and out of bed, and simply holding and snuggling). With my c-section my incision opened up and took 3 months to heal. That is RIDICULOUS. I just can't do that again. Most of the people who think I'm crazy for even thinking about attempting a VBAC don't realize how safe it actually is. It's even safer than a repeat c-section (as long as the patient doesn't have a crazy medical history or any medical problems during pregnancy).
The biggest "fear" with a VBAC is uterine rupture. There is a 0.7-0.9% chance. With a repeat c-section, the risk for uterine rupture is 0.4-0.5%. There's not much difference! My doctor informed me the last uterine rupture he had and the last one his colleague had were both on patients who never even had a c-section before. Also, the risk of blood transfusions, hysterectomy, and death are all higher with a repeat c-section. And given the fact that this pregnancy is already SO much different than Tanner's, there's hope that maybe this next labor will be different, too. To me, it's worth it to try.
As much as I would love to have a VBAC, I don't think I will be incredibly disappointed if it doesn't happen. If I hit 41 weeks (Feb. 4) I will be having a c-section. And that's okay. Also, if I do go into labor on my own, I will refuse all pitocin, as that can lead to more complications. If my labor stalls, or if Wesley is sunny side up like Tanner was (the reason I never dilated), than I will be perfectly fine going into the c-section. I will be attempting to learn some techniques from spinningbabies.com to help Wesley move into a position that is favorable for labor. Especially if he ends up being breech. My main reasoning as to why I will not let labor go too long, or stall for too long, if because of the risk for "infection". I had one with Tanner and that's the reason he was not able to be in my room with me. And the reason why I had to wait 6 hours to hold him and nurse him. That is my driving factor to going the route I am. It's a shame when I get jealous of seeing women nurse their brand new babies in their hospital bed, when all my memories are of me going tot he nursery and trying to learn how to nurse in a hard rocking chair with tons of people watching me.
I'd like to say I have a lot of time to really process these things and work towards my goal but really, time is flying by. It's almost November. We are flying home in November. Then it's Tanner's birthday, Christmas, Nick's birthday, and then Wesley's birthday. So here's to taking it one day at a time...
Monday, October 21, 2013
Pinspiration: Stain Remover
This weekend we spent organizing the office a little more and we started on Wesley's room. I got a little bit of a nesting urge on Sunday and I went through all of Tanner's baby clothes and organized them by size and pulled out the ones that had stains. I washed everything and spot treated the stains on most of the clothes and now they're all hanging up in Wesley's closet.
But there were 15 various sized white onesies that I knew I would have to throw out. I tried to clean them before packing them away and nothing store bought worked. So they have been sitting in the attic with super set-in stains for almost 2 years. But a few weeks ago I stumbled on a stain remover pin on Pinterest. I saved it, knowing I had these onesies waiting for me. It's a very simple mixture and I had my doubts. But I figured I would take pictures and post about it one way or the other. Because if it was a failure, it would be nice to let my friends and family know so if they sound this same pin, they wouldn't waste their time. But that won't be necessary, as this mixture was AMAZING!
I followed this link. It seriously worked wonders. The ingredients? Hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and blue Dawn dish soap. That's it!
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| 15 super stained white onesies (Brought back all the memories of ow much Tanner spit up. Poor kid) |
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| This was the most stained onesie. It's a little hard to see in the picture, but it was disgusting. The stain was all down the front and on both sleeves. |
I mixed 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 cup of dawn. Then I mixed in the 1/2 cup of baking soda. You have to mix it up pretty well because it separates rather quickly, but when it's mixed properly, it forms this wet paste.
I spooned the mixture on all of the stains on each onesie. And I used a little scrub toothbrush to really get the mixture into the stain.
I then let them sit for one hour before throwing them into the washer with some detergent. And out they came, perfectly white! Every single one! PINTEREST WIN!
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
24 weeks pregnant with Wesley Ray
Since I haven't done an actual weekly pregnancy update this pregnancy I figured I would go old school and pull up the survey I used with Tanner's pregnancy, just for fun.
Total weight gain/loss: 3 lbs
Gender: Baby BOY! I'm still so excited he's a boy! I'm so thankful, Tanner will have a buddy!
How far along? 24 weeks 1 day
Due Date: 1/28/14
Total weight gain/loss: 3 lbs
Maternity clothes? Yes, but surprisingly I can still wear non maternity pants!
Sleep: Getting better. I have some nights where I will wake up and stay up for 1-2 hours for no reason at all. Pretty annoying.
Best moment this week: Getting some energy back!
Movement: Oh yes! It took a while to feel anything because I have an anterior placenta, but the day I started feeling kicks was the same day Nick could feel them from the outside. He likes to kick my right side by my ribs.
Food cravings: The only thing I have really craved this pregnancy (like typical pregnant woman must-have-it-now craving) has been hot wings. Buffalo Wild Wings, to be exact. I've wanted hash browns a few times, but I wouldn't consider that a pregnancy craving.
Food aversions: Other than the occasional hot wing fix, I can not eat chicken. At all. And most of the time I can't eat pork or ground beef, either. Wesley wants to make me a vegetarian, but I don't really like veggies, either. I just don't have much of an appetite.
Symptoms: I have had to take Zofran almost every single day since 8 weeks pregnant. The few times I thought I would be okay without it, I've thrown up. The majority of times I've thrown up has actually been while we were driving somewhere and I've had to have Nick pull the car over. Embarrassing. (I actually did not have to take it today, yet. And I'm feeling pretty good! I hope I turn a corner soon, I'm tired of relying on a pill to make me feel like a human.
I'm having some swelling, too, at the end of the day, but it's NOTHING like what I had this time with Tanner. Here is my 23 week post with Tanner. There are some pictures I took of my swelling. It's was unreal!
I've finally started getting some energy again. I'm making my to-do lists and actually doing them! And I feel productive! I don't know if it's pregnancy related or if it's because the weather is FINALLY nice out! I seriously love fall time and wish it was longer in Oklahoma. It's 80 degrees right now but it was beautiful this morning!
Gender: Baby BOY! I'm still so excited he's a boy! I'm so thankful, Tanner will have a buddy!
Labor Signs: Nothing real. I've had Braxton Hicks everyday, but that's normal.
Belly Button in or out? Still in, but getting flatter.
What I miss: Making it through the day without taking Zofran!
What I am looking forward to: Nothing, really. I mean, I'm excited to be pregnant and making Wesley's room and everything that comes along with that. But I'm really enjoying each and every day that I'm pregnant. This will be the last baby and I don't want to wish away this time. I will never be pregnant again and I want to remember this. And I'm really enjoying my time with Tanner. He's so much fun right now.
Milestones: Viability
Tanner 22 Months
What's happened in the last month? Well, Tanner has definitely grown. He's getting longer and faster. He's talking more, learning, and following directions (or not!).
I really think he's at a great age for tot school. We haven't had "tot school" for a month because ever since we find out Tanner is going to have a baby brother we've been organizing baby clothes and buying some new things for Wesley. So the office where tot school is set up has been a storage room, packed so full we couldn't walk to the other side of the room. But now that our guest room has been done away with, it is now Wesley's room. And all of the baby clothes/toys/and decorations have been moved to Wesley's room. The office has a floor now, and I just need to organize it a little bit more and tot school will be up and running again. We have done a few tot school type things but nothing with a theme and I haven't taken any pictures. I think I will start out with a rainbow review theme and go on from there. Maybe shapes and letters.
Tanner transferred to his big boy bed last weekend. He's done amazingly well with it, too. The last two days he has gotten out of bed at nap time but i put him back once and he typically stays. Today was a little different, only because he needed to poop. Once he pooped and I changed his diaper, he stayed in bed. He's so cute, too. I will lay him down and then say good night to his monkey and his frog, and kiss them. And then I say the same thing to Tanner and kiss him. Lately he has been making me kiss his sleep sheep, too. I guess it's my fault for not thinking about it! It's an animal he sleeps with, too!
Speaking of poop, Tanner isn't anywhere near ready to potty train, but he will tell me when he is pooping, and sometimes he will tell me when he is peeing. And when he is in the bath tub or shower and pees, he says, "pee pee! YAY!!!". I think that's a good start.
Tanner has quite a few words, and is putting two word sentences together. He still has a lot of words he uses for everyday things that only we understand. "Awhy" means "a car", "mo mo" means "balloon"...We are working on repeating the correct words whenever he says them, but I'm not worried. He use to say bubble wrong, but he changed it on his own and says it correct, now.
Some of his favorite things are still pretty much the same as they have been but more intense. He loves little Hotwheels cars. I had a box put away of dozens of them from when nick collected them. Sometime when we were making Tanner's big boy room last weekend he found the box. So he has been playing with those non stop. He still likes balls, but not as much as cars. Oh, and bubbles and balloons! Those are fun.
He is still obsessed with Daddy, though. When he asks about him during the week, I tell him, "Daddy is at work" and Tanner will say, "AT!" (Which is his word for airplane). I use to tell him all the time that Daddy was at work, flying airplanes. And now he remembers.
Here are a few other pictures I've taken this past month.
A couple of my favorite's from our trip to the pumpkin patch last night. He's growing into such a handsome little boy!
I really think he's at a great age for tot school. We haven't had "tot school" for a month because ever since we find out Tanner is going to have a baby brother we've been organizing baby clothes and buying some new things for Wesley. So the office where tot school is set up has been a storage room, packed so full we couldn't walk to the other side of the room. But now that our guest room has been done away with, it is now Wesley's room. And all of the baby clothes/toys/and decorations have been moved to Wesley's room. The office has a floor now, and I just need to organize it a little bit more and tot school will be up and running again. We have done a few tot school type things but nothing with a theme and I haven't taken any pictures. I think I will start out with a rainbow review theme and go on from there. Maybe shapes and letters.
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| He did not put the colors in the right spots, I did that for the picture. He will do it occasionally, though! |
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| First morning waking up in his big boy bed |
Tanner has quite a few words, and is putting two word sentences together. He still has a lot of words he uses for everyday things that only we understand. "Awhy" means "a car", "mo mo" means "balloon"...We are working on repeating the correct words whenever he says them, but I'm not worried. He use to say bubble wrong, but he changed it on his own and says it correct, now.
Some of his favorite things are still pretty much the same as they have been but more intense. He loves little Hotwheels cars. I had a box put away of dozens of them from when nick collected them. Sometime when we were making Tanner's big boy room last weekend he found the box. So he has been playing with those non stop. He still likes balls, but not as much as cars. Oh, and bubbles and balloons! Those are fun.
He is still obsessed with Daddy, though. When he asks about him during the week, I tell him, "Daddy is at work" and Tanner will say, "AT!" (Which is his word for airplane). I use to tell him all the time that Daddy was at work, flying airplanes. And now he remembers.
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| At work with Daddy |
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| In Daddy's Airplane |
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| Trying to do push ups with Daddy. (And yes, they're twins. Nick likes to dress each other the same on the weekends) Last week, he sat next to Nick and stuck his toes under the couch to do sit ups with him, too! |
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| Hanging out with his best friend, Lucas |
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| He looks like such a big boy in his jeans |
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| The boy love bubbles! |
A couple of my favorite's from our trip to the pumpkin patch last night. He's growing into such a handsome little boy!
Disappointed
I've tried to start this post 3 times today but every time I sit down at the computer Tanner climbs into my lap and starts to bang on the keyboard. So now it's nap time and I'm writing.
I'm disappointed in myself. I seem to say this every time I write a new post, but I don't seem to do anything to change it. I'm such a bad blogger. There have been a handful of times where I'm awake in the middle of the night (thanks pregnancy insomnia!) and I think about something I really want to blog about. Most of the time it's something I want to write down to remember about Tanner. And by the time I wake up for the day I either forget or just don't feel up to blogging.
I've gone through several of my old posts that I wrote while pregnant with Tanner to compare that pregnancy and this one. And I am SO happy I did that! But now I'm missing things and forgetting things because I'm not writing them down somewhere where I can read it again years down the road.
I've kind of pinpointed where my lack of blogging really started. Yes, it slowed down when Tanner was born but it really came to a halt once I got regnant again. This pregnancy is so different than my last. I'm just NOW getting some energy back and I'm 24 weeks! Once Tanner was in bed all I wanted to do was relax and not do anything at all. It's hard chasing a toddler around while being pregnant, completely exhausted, and nauseous for months at a time. But that is slowly changing. Finally!
I"m going to write a couple more posts after this one. An update on Tanner and a pregnancy update.
I'm disappointed in myself. I seem to say this every time I write a new post, but I don't seem to do anything to change it. I'm such a bad blogger. There have been a handful of times where I'm awake in the middle of the night (thanks pregnancy insomnia!) and I think about something I really want to blog about. Most of the time it's something I want to write down to remember about Tanner. And by the time I wake up for the day I either forget or just don't feel up to blogging.
I've gone through several of my old posts that I wrote while pregnant with Tanner to compare that pregnancy and this one. And I am SO happy I did that! But now I'm missing things and forgetting things because I'm not writing them down somewhere where I can read it again years down the road.
I've kind of pinpointed where my lack of blogging really started. Yes, it slowed down when Tanner was born but it really came to a halt once I got regnant again. This pregnancy is so different than my last. I'm just NOW getting some energy back and I'm 24 weeks! Once Tanner was in bed all I wanted to do was relax and not do anything at all. It's hard chasing a toddler around while being pregnant, completely exhausted, and nauseous for months at a time. But that is slowly changing. Finally!
I"m going to write a couple more posts after this one. An update on Tanner and a pregnancy update.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Wesley Ray
Wesley Ray. This is a name I have been loving for many, many months. After making Nick go through 1000 names, we agreed this was the name.
I am absolutely thrilled.
I was thinking I was slightly preferring a girl, but I felt guilty even thinking that. I prayed so much for God to give us what we need. And He did! He really knows what He is doing. I didn't realize how much I really wanted a boy until we found out Wesley is boy.
I find little tractors and cars in random drawers. My house is full of balls, airplanes, and hot wheels. I love being a boy mom! It's perfect. Baby boy will be born in January (more on that at another time...) so the seasons match up perfectly for us to reuse all of Tanner's clothes.
This is so exciting to me. I was packing up Tanner's closet this weekend, putting things he outgrew away. And it hit me that I would see ALL of those clothes again!
The best part is hoping Tanner and Wesley will be best friends. I know it may take many, many years, but my heart could burst imagining them as adults, spending time together. And hopefully their own families will be close.
Wesley looked great on the ultrasound. I was still so amazed at how you can see so much, so clearly. I loved being able to see all 4 quadrants of his heart. His little legs, arms, fingers, and face. I wonder if he will look like Tanner.
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| He has his hand in front of his face in this picture |
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