Emma- 1 Month

Dear Emma-

I can hardly believe you are a month old already.  It's especially hard to believe since your actual due date was just a week ago.  You decided that you wanted to meet us three weeks early, and I can't thank you enough for that.  You were really taking a toll on my body and we couldn't wait to meet you. 
I have to admit, we were not really even close to being ready for your arrival.  Your room is not done yet, but we keep telling ourselves that you won't be sleeping in there for a bit anyway.  It makes us feel better about not getting it done yet.  I promise we will get around to it very soon. 
I was scared for many reasons when we found out we were expecting you.  I had a difficult pregnancy with your big sister and was afraid it was too soon and I would have more problems.  I was scared that Macie was only going to be 17 months old when you were born and how could I possibly handle such a task- a newborn and a toddler?  My biggest fear was that I would not have the capacity to love you since I thought I had used it all up on your sister.  Boy was I wrong.  The moment you were born was such an amazing realization that my heart can grow big enough to love you more than I thought possible.  When they handed you to me, I had such a sense of peace and contentment and all my fears subsided.  I was in love at first sight.  We chose your middle name, Diane, to honor your Grandma who was there when you entered the world. 
Your journey into the world was a very fast but difficult one.  For that reason, you had to be watched pretty closely for a few days, but everything turned out great.  You adapted pretty well after a few days. 
I have to admit that this past month has been a challenging one.  I have been pretty emotional and I am trying very hard to adapt to this new life with you and your sister.  Macie doesn't quite understand you, where you came from, and why things have changed.  I get a little nervous when I feel like I am not giving equal time to the two of you.  Maybe that's why you stay up from 2:30 to 6:30 am pretty much everyday- you want Mommy all to yourself.  Well mission accomplished, we have had an awful lot of bonding time this past month.  I think you might have colic.  At least that's what it seems to be, but I am obviously going to let the Dr. figure that out.  I am very sleep deprived and try so hard to soothe you, but nothing seems to work.  You've gotta work with me so we can both get some sleep.  This too shall pass, right???  It's quite flattering that you want me to hold you and cuddle you all the time, but don't you get sick of me?  I know, I need to step back and enjoy this time because I know it flies by and pretty soon I will lose you to Daddy!  Just be careful, Macie is not gonna like it!
You have grown so much this past month.  You are really doing a great job of holding your head up.  You love being talked to and of course held.  We're not quite sure who you look like, but you're still so little.  You have black hair like your Daddy, and I have noticed that you are getting those long, dark eyelashes like your sister.  You have some crazy long fingers and toes, but they are slowly starting to chunk up- so cute.  You have a birthmark on the back of your head, exactly like your sister did.  You also have a "knot" on the outer edge of your left ear, just like Grandma Scimeca.  I could go on and on about all the adorable little details of you, but I will spare you and everyone that reads this. 
I can't wait to watch you grow and what the next couple weeks, months and years have in store for us.  I know you and your big sister will adore eachother. 

All my love,

Mommy

Can I get a little salt

for my words?  I am eating them just like I said in my last blog.  Emma was up ALL NIGHT...at least until about 4am when Phil had to take over. 

Emma is 3 weeks

And today was her due date. 
I'm not gonna lie, it's been a rough 3 weeks, but wouldn't change it for the world!  She went through a little phase where she was not sleeping at all in the middle of the night.  It's tough that I can't sleep when the baby sleeps, and then am up all night.  When Macie was a newborn, I could sleep during the day since that's all she did- it was wonderful.  It gets a little hairy sometimes during the day when both Macie and Emma need something at the same exact time.  Macie is not at the age where you can just leave her in a room for a bit.  She has become a climber suddenly and she's not a very graceful climber yet!  So, I have to be on my toes and be strategic about things, and that's hard when you are living on very little sleep!!! 
Emma has been better the past few nights (I will probably be eating those words now that I typed them out).  Phil and I have an awesome system (it's awsome to me anyway since I get three consecutive hours of sleep), and she slept for 4 hours straight last night.  Yay Emma! 
Macie is starting to warm up to Emma a little bit more everyday.  We have graduated from ignoring her completely to trying to poke her eyes out.  Macie HATES when she cries (and it is by far the loudest cry I have EVER heard- no joke), and she puts her hands on her ears or head!!  Every once in a while Macie will look in her direction and smile, but that's about it.  Macie is a busy girl, she can't be bothered with "that thing". 
My parents, Katie and Ryan stopped in today to see Macie and Emma.  Katie just loves her cousins, she's so cute with both of them.  She held Emma for a long time and then pulled Macie around in her wagon- they had a blast.  Ryan kinda did his own thing....too many girls around for his liking!

Happy 8th Birthday David!

Hope you had a great birthday celebration!

Congratulations to the Espositos!!!

Congratulations to Jen, David, Big Brother Nicholas & Big Sister Francesca!
They welcomed Luca on Wednesday, February 24th!
Can't wait to meet him.

Big Sis

Macie still couldn't really care less that there is a baby in the house.  She hardly ever seems to notice her.  Once in a great while she will look in her direction, but I think it's to scan and make sure that Emma isn't using any of her things. 
I decided that now is a really excellent time to screw up my first born.  While she's adjusting to having a little sister take over her world, I have decided to finally take away her before bedtime bottle.  Then yesterday and pretty much for the past week Macie has only taken a 45 minute nap.  She used to be unbearable around 10:00 and she would sleep from 10-12.  I decided today that I would keep her up until after lunch and hopefully she will nap longer.  She seems to be doing ok so far.  The bottle at bedtime wasn't even an issue (at least not that we can tell yet-it's only been 2 nights).  I am about to give her lunch and she's a bit tired but not having any meltdowns yet!!!  She's a pretty adaptable kid, but I was really being ballsy doing all this in a week that I am here by myself with no back up!!! 
Poor kid is really getting screwed. 
This is the closest she has come to "hanging out" with her kid sister!

Random

My brain is absolute mush these days so I have not been blogging much.  I also don't have the time.  I love little Emma with everything I have, but this day/night confusion thing is really hard when you don't have the option to nap during the day.  She has been up most of the night for the past three nights and as I type this, she is passed out.  We're talking passed out to the point of barely being able to see her breathe.  Little stinker. 
I also wanted to mention that I am still trying to come up with something clever for a title for this blog, but can't manage that right now.  I just changed it to "Macie and Emma" temporarily.

So.....here is Emma durning the day

And here she is at night!

I should get her crying on the video camera.  You wouldn't believe it until you hear it full force.  You know when you step on a cat....the horrible scream they let out???  That's what she sounds like X100!!!  It scares the crap out of me everytime! 

Emma's First Bath

We gave Emma her first bath tonight.  Her umbilical cord "nub" fell off yesterday.  Seems a bit early to me, but it's ok- just a little crusty maybe. 
She hated every minute of the bath.  She HATES being naked.  She loves being swaddled and it has to be a really tight swaddle.  Macie hated being swaddled and would fight with all she had to get an arm loose. 
Here are some pictures of her first tubby.  She's so tiny!!!

Emma's Dr. Appt.

I had to take Emma back to the Dr. today for a weigh in.  She was spitting up quite a bit and with her "birth issues" they just wanted to make sure she is gaining weight.  No issues with gaining weight....she gained A POUND in one week.  Little chunker.  She's so stinkin' cute.

And here is Macie, the goofball.

WHAAAAAAAAAT????

I asked Phil to start my car while he was out getting the mail the other day.  I haven't driven my car in almost two weeks, and it wouldn't start after a week of not driving it when Phil was in Cleveland.  At least it will have low miles when we give it to Macie in 15 years....HA!  Anyway, Phil decided to take Macie out while he was getting the mail since she was having a meltdown about him putting his coat on and leaving.  I was in the kitchen doing something and I kept hearing the horn honking.  Annoying.  I whip open the door and yell "WHAAAAAAAT?" and this is what I see.....

You probably had to be there, but Macie was having the time of her life.  They were rocking out and she thought the horn honking was the funniest thing ever.

One week

Emma has been with us for one week now.  She is just so precious, and a great baby....so far.  She had her first check up at the Dr. on Friday and she's 6lbs 4oz...she's so tiny to me.  Macie looks like such a big girl next to her sister.  She's doing well, they are just going to have me bring her in again this Friday for a weigh in.  She spits up a lot so we want to make sure she is gaining weight.  We had to set an alarm the first few nights to feed her every three hours.  I tried without an alarm last night and she went a 4 hour stretch. 
Macie still does not show much interest in her, but she is showing her jealousy in rather subtle ways.  Breaks my heart when she cries because of something to do with Emma whether it's holding her, feeding her, etc.  I know she'll be fine, but just sad that she doesn't quite understand why she is feeling the way she's feeling.
We have had a lot of visitors over the past week, it's been so great.  I have been awful with the camera this time around so I apologize to those who came to meet Emma and I didn't get the camera out!  My Mom and Dad and Phil's Mom got to meet her right as she was born.  Due to the snow storm we got, we didn't have any visitors other than my brother at the hospital.  Thank you to Phil's mom and Gayle for taking care of Macie while we were in the hospital.  She had such a good time with you guys.  Phil's mom stayed until Thursday to help us out.  My parents came over on Thursday to visit.  Friday we just relaxed and attempted to get a bit more organized.  Saturday Mark, Gayle and Katie came over to meet Emma.  Thanks for all the Valentine's gifts- thanks to Grandma and Papa too for the V-day gifts that you sent with them!  They brought us lunch too....thanks.  Sunday Phil's Mom, Dad, Joe, Sam, Joey, my aunt Lynne, Aunt Deb and cousin Marissa all came over to meet Emma.  Thank you for all the wonderful gifts for Emma and Macie.  Thank you to Phil's family for all the food, it was so good.  Monday my parents came back to get the "baby fix" and they brought enough food to feed a family of 10 for at least a week.  Thank you so much for that.  Everyone has been so wonderful helping us out and with their generous gifts!  After my parents left, Susie, Nelson and Jaden came over to meet Emma.  Macie had a great time playing with Jaden!  Thank you guys for the cute outfit for Emma and thanks for the haircut Susie.  Thanks also to Nelson for making my laptop more safe and user friendly :-)!! 
Emma is so lucky to have such great family and friends!!!

Any suggestions?

I obviously need a new name for the blog.  Any ideas?
Phil asked if I was going to start one for Emma.  Would be a great idea, but unrealistic that I could keep up with two separate ones.  Sorry girls!!!
Just made me realize that I should AT LEAST get a baby book for Emma.  Geez, the second kid really gets the shaft, don't they?

Macie and Emma meeting for the first time.

We got home yesterday and we were really looking forward to introducing Macie to her new little sister.  It was not even close to being eventful at all!!!  Macie really couldn't have cared less that there was a new baby in the house.  The only time she cared was when we brought out the swing (you know....the one that Macie spent the first three months of her life in) and put Emma in it.  That did not fly with Macie.  She kept going over and stealing her blanket and taking off with it.  Guess that's her way of setting the boundaries.  She really doesn't even look in Emma's direction unless Emma is in the swing. 
Our first night home was very nice.  We actually had to set an alarm to get up and feed Emma.  She never cries, just kind of grunts a little when she's hungry.  She would much rather sleep through her feedings, but we obviously can't let her do that.  So, we got up twice in the night to feed her and that was that.  I'm sure things will change, but we sure are enjoying it for now.  We actually have a call in to the Dr. right now since we are a bit worried about jaundice.  She's looking a bit yellow and with all the bruising she had, they told us to keep an eye on that.  I'm trying so hard to get enough breast milk in to her to help and it's just a repeat of my struggles with Macie!!!  Errrrr. 
Anyway, Emma has been wonderful and she's just a little peanut.  She is sooooo tiny, I feel like I am going to break her!
Macie and Emma meet for the first time:

Daddy and his girls

Emma Diane is here

She was born on February 8th, 2010 at 11:15 P.M., 6 pounds 7 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long.  She has a full head of black hair, just like Macie did.  The journey began at my routine appointment that day.  I was four centimeters dilated and having some pretty intense contractions the night before.  I got home from the appointment and was contracting every 4-5 minutes for quite a while.  I called Phil, called the Dr. and we headed over to the hospital.  They put me in triage and "watched" me for about 3 hours.  I was really upset that they might send me packing again.  I was in a pretty significant amount of pain with the contractions and wasn't sure how I would do if they sent me home.  Finally around 6:00 they decided to admit me, I was 5 centimeters and contracting regularly.  I got the epidural pretty soon after they moved me.  I didn't react well to it and my blood pressure went really low.  They gave me some oxygen and some ephedrine to bring it back up and then pumped some liquid evil (pitocin) in me.  That's when the fun started.  I was having some decent contractions, but seemed to be stalling at 6 cm. for a while.  Then I could tell it was almost time, I was in a lot of pain and begging for more drugs.  I was almost completely dilated and having back labor so there wasn't anything they could do for me at that point.  All I can say is....OUCH.  I did not have anything close to the pain with Macie that I had delivering Emma.  I was crying, screaming, begging the Dr. to "get her out".   I actually feel a bit nauseous talking about the pain!!  My Dr. pretty much told me that I experienced "natural" child birth.  The epidural either wore off at the end or it just didn't "take" with me.  Kudos to the women that have their children without an epidural.  My mom never had one and she felt bad for me while pushing Emma out.  It was quick, so I am VERY thankful for that.  I was fully dilated at 11:06 and she was out at 11:15.
She is absolutely precious, and we are more in love than we thought capable!  She had a rough entrance into the world which caused some pretty significant bruising all over her tiny little body.  Her face was probably the worst.  She also is very red.  She looks like she has a sunburn.  This is due to having a high red blood cell count.  They have been doing all kinds of tests on her to make sure the levels are "safe", and they are.  It will just take some time for her to adjust being outside.  She was three weeks early and trying to regulate herself.  We are hoping to take her home today with us, and it's looking pretty promising.  They are checking her billirubin levels which are a concern especially with the bruising she has. 
So....after all that babbling, I present to you Emma Diane Scimeca.

Update

Went for my 37 week visit this morning.  I was up all last night with contractions....came really close to heading to the hospital, but decided to wait it out and go to my appointment today.  While he was measuring my belly he felt me contracting.  I told him that the Maternal Fetal Specialist thought inducing me this week would be best and he said "we'll do it next Wednesday".  I was ok with that....at least I can mentally prepare, right?  He decided to check me to see if I was dilated....OUCH.  I am 4 cm dilated!!!!  Holy crap!!!  He then decided to call and consult with the other Dr.  They decided that this Thursday would be best for induction, but they both thought I would "go" on my own before that.  The Dr. told me if my contractions were 5 min. apart for an hour to head to the hospital.  As I sit here and type, they are about 3-5 min. apart and I am just waiting for Phil to get home and we are heading to the hospital.  I'm nervous, excited, nauseous, anxious....you name it. 
We will soon be a family of four!!!  Can't wait to meet her!
My next update should be the announcement and some pictures.  Wish us luck.
Love to all!!!

Here are some last belly shots!!! 

 

Happy 65th Birthday Papa!!!

Can't wait to celebrate with you tomorrow!!! 
Love you!
Macie

An entry about Macie- Not Mommy....for once!!!

It seems like it's been so long since I have done an entry about Macie.  I looked back and it really has not been that long, but I still feel bad doing so many updates about ME!! 
This is the time I should be updating on Macie since she changes so much everyday.  Phil got home from his trip and noticed a lot of changes in her (size and personality).  He said she looks taller, and she is such a clown now.  She must have an audience at all times, and is not happy until everyone around has stopped what they are doing, looked at her, and laughed.  She makes all kinds of silly noises and faces to get your attention, and then it's a "one toddler show".    She is a dancing fool now.  She has a piano that plays a bunch of tunes, but there is one in particular that she goes nuts.  She starts by doing a little jig, and then she runs across the room and does this fake, exaggerated laugh and runs into the couch (kinda like she's performing the Heimlich on herself).  It's hard to explain, but hilarious. 
She also is quite the Soccer player.  Her and Daddy really enjoy kicking the ball to eachother, and she's quite good.  I really should be getting videos of all this, but it's hard....she moves quick. 
She's not talking a whole lot, but I have a feeling we are going to be in trouble soon.  I think she's just going to wake up one day saying whole sentences and we won't be able to shut her up.  She talks in her own language right now and uses hand gestures all the time.  It's so cute.  She seems to learn a word and sticks with it for a few days and just repeats it all day.  This week is Duck- Duck a Duck a Duck a Duck a Duck.  I haven't heard a "Mama" in a very long time....annoying.  She calls me "Dada" too.  She does say "Daddy" now too- Poor Mommy!!!  I'm sure in time I will want to change my name she will be saying it so much. 
We are working on learning animals, the sounds they make and colors right now.  She's more interested in turning pages of books and eating them than learning much from them.  I have also been working on some sign language with her.  She knows "milk" and "eat" right now.  Takes a lot of patience which I don't seem to have much of these days.  That will hopefully change very soon.
So, that's all for now with Macie.  I'd like to say she's excited to meet her baby sister, but she has no clue what's going to hit her in the next few weeks.  We have been giving her baby dolls to get used to having a baby around, but she just wants to pull out their eyelashes and chew on their fingers.  She does give an occassional kiss and hug, but would rather poke and chew!!! 
Here are some random pics of her:

36 week NST

I had my weekly NST today and ended up spending a little more time there than I have been.  They tried stimulating her with the buzzer thingy and she wasn't responding like she should.  The nurse said she would give it a few more minutes and then she was going to go get the Dr. and they would probably do an ultrasound.  Apparently baby didn't like that idea since she started waking up.  They got a few "good reads" from her and then the Dr. came in anyway to "chat".  I adore this Dr., by the way.  He's the Maternal Fetal Specialist and he's just the nicest, most personable, caring guy.  He talks to you like you are human and he addresses any and all concerns.  He asked me how I was feeling, and I just said "eh, ok".  He wanted me to ellaborate.....BAD IDEA.  I haven't slept in a week due to some pretty strong contractions and having to pee every 5 minutes.  I am just rather run down in general.  I am so much bigger in my belly this time and it really kinda sucks.  Not that being 20lbs heavier and big everywhere with Macie was great, but there are parts of my body I haven't seen in months.  I was able to shave my legs with no problem the day I had her.....not so much with this one.  Can't manuever around the Buddah!  I digress, sorry!!!  Anyway, the Dr. asked me how far along I am and I told him that I will be 37 weeks on Monday.  He then says "so, we probably won't see you next week then."  I said "pardon me?".  He said that I should really talk with my OB about being induced after next week.  You are considered full term at 37 weeks.  He said that with Pre-eclampsia, it's not a real great idea to go much further than that.  Now as excited as I wanted to be about that.....my OB is not the "inducing" kinda guy.  I kinda get the feeling if I mention it to him, he won't do it just for that reason.  I am sure that is not the case and he will do everything to ensure that the baby is safe and healthy, but my aching back brings out the pessimist in me!!! 
So......My next appt. is Monday.  Until then......

I have to apologize to Macie.  I have been slacking in the updates for her blog.  I am consumed with Dr. appointments and exhaustion.  I am trying to keep everyone updated via the blog since everyone knows how much I LOVE chatting on the phone- ugh!!! 
I will do an update very soon for the Face....promise. 
XOXO

Still can't find the spell check button.......where oh where are you???? 

Week 36, and the diagnosis is........

Phil and I only produce big headed babies!  Dang!!!  I had my growth ultrasound today, and she looks great.  She's weighing in at approximately 5 lbs. 12 oz.   According to everything I read, 6 lbs. is the "norm".  My blood pressure was great (112/70), and another lb. gained.  As the Dr. is doing the ultrasound he says "she has a big head" and the student in the room says "oh yeah, she's got a big head".  GREAT, thanks for the double verification on birthing another baby with a large head!!!  Why wouldn't they just not say anything?  I didn't know Macie had a huge head before I had her and I liked it that way.  Can't say it was so pleasant getting her out!  Of course this is the only thing I think about now. 
Anyway....I got off track there.  I had the ultrasound to make sure that she was growing appropriately since I am having "issues".  Seems my "issues" have subsided for a bit.  I was seen in Labor and Delivery on Saturday for high blood pressure and I was not feeling "right".  I called the Dr., told him what my BP was and he told me to go to the hospital.  I was there for about an hour and 1/2 and they sent me home.  HATE THAT!!!  I told Phil I will not be going back unless I know for SURE that she is on her way out!  While I was there I was contracting every 4-6 minutes but could barely feel any of them.  We got home and around midnight the fun started.  I was having really strong contractions that almost had me in tears and they ended up being 5 minutes apart for about 2 hours.  I got in a warm bath and they subsided, but the minute I got out they started back up again.  I got so tired finally and fell asleep for a bit and when I woke up again, they were gone.  No clue what that was, but I sure as heck wasn't about to go back to the hospital! 
So, seems she's going to stay in there a bit longer than we all thought.  That's a good thing, but I sure hope she decides to come before her head gets any larger!  Macie was born at 37 weeks 2 days and was 7 lbs. 1 oz. and the Dr. told me that this baby was going to be bigger than her. 
Sorry I did a lot of babbling on this post.  I'm getting anxious and want to meet her.  So, will she come on her own, or will my body become uncooperative again and they'll have to get her outta there with the evil drugs??? 
We shall see....stay tuned.

Update

Had my weekly NST today.  She was a bit sleepy today and needed some stimulation from this weid buzzer thingy to get going.  My blood pressure was a bit elevated, and there was a bit more protein in my urine than last time.  So, with all those factors not in my favor I do get to get a glimpse at her on Monday.  They are going to do a "growth ultrasound" to make sure she is at the appropriate size for the # of weeks I am (36 weeks Monday).  I am told by the Maternal Fetal Specialist that he wants this done in case they have to deliver me early.  He just wants to make sure she is big enough.  I delivered Macie at 37 weeks and she was 7 lbs. so I am hoping that we are in the same ballpark there!  I get a little excited at the prospect of delivering early, but of course I want her to be healthy and cook as long as needed.  I am very uncomfortable- having frequent contractions cramping, back hurts, no sleep, etc., but I know that the end result is what's important and wonderful and that's what matters.  "Short term pain for long term gain", right???  I have to keep repeating that right now. 
Guess more waiting.....ugh.  I will know more on Monday, and maybe have an idea when we get to meet the little one. 

Onto other things:  Phil is coming home tomorrow night and Macie and I could not be more excited.  He's been gone almost a week and we miss him terribly.  Macie and I have been pampered and spoiled at my parents house for the past week.  We have had awesome home cooked meals every night, a nice cozy bed, relaxation and some very nice family time.  We want to thank Grandma and Papa for pretty much giving up their home and their daily routine for us for the past week.  I know it wasn't easy having a crabby pregnant lady waddling around complaining.  Macie has had such a good time.  She has been going to bed earlier every night since all she does is run around all day long!!!!  Thanks Mom and Dad. 

35 Week Appointment

Had my 35 week appointment yesterday. Nothing new to report. I gained a pound so my total is 21 lbs. so far. I am starting to swell so am sure the pounds will really start coming on now!!! Still protein in my urine, but my blood pressure has actually been fairly low. I will still have my weekly NST's on Thursdays at 11:00 until I have her.

Phil left for Cleveland on Saturday and Macie misses her daddy so much. She is enjoying hanging out with Grandma and Papa, but still looks around for Daddy and is constantly saying "Dada". Poor thing, has to be very confusing for her. Phil REALLY hates being away from her. This is the longest he and I have been away from eachother and it has to be extra hard now that he's away from his baby girl!!! I send him a picture of her everyday so I think that helps a bit. I tried to get her to talk to him on the phone, but the minute she heard his voice, she had a major meltdown!!! No more of that.

Blogger is not cooperating with me AGAIN.  I can't find spellcheck so my apologies for any misspellings!

16 Months

I am still only doing letters every 3 months now, but wanted to post some cute pictures.
You are walking/running now, and it's so cute, and soooo much easier on Mommy!!! You insist on carrying something at all times when you are walking, must help with your balance (or at least you think it helps).

15/16 Month Check up

Macie had her 15 month check up today (really ended up being at 16 months due to us just having her there not too long ago for illness).

Her stats:

Weight: 26 pounds (90th percentile)
Height: 31 inches (95th percentile)
Head: 19 1/2 inches (95th percentile)

Diagnosis: Healthy, tall, and super smart!!! At least that's Mommy's diagnosis.

Seems our "healthy, tall, and super smart" kid has some stinky pits. We've tried different things to help with it, but nothing is working. The Dr. is going to call an Endocrinologist tomorrow to see what/if he recommends anything. Probably do some blood work to rule out diabetes, thyroid issues, and metabolic problems. We'll know more soon. Yes, we have a stinky kid.....poor thing.

Today was the day of Dr.'s appointments. I had my first NST today. Seems everything went good since the baby was reacting appropriately to stimuli, and just normal movement. I also had an appt. with my OB- blood pressure was good, baby's heartrate was 130 and I am measuring 34 weeks. Not much to report....a good thing!

34 Weeks

Had my first of two 34 week appointments today. My blood pressure was nice and low this time. I am still spilling protein in my urine unfortunately. I will now go in for a weekly Non Stress Test until I deliver. I am waiting for a call back from the Maternal Fetal Specialist to see what day this week they can do my first one.
How is one supposed to rest with the following orders:
1- Drink tons of water. I spend most of my time trying to get my tank ass off the couch to go pee 500x a day.
2- You will have two appointments every week with the OB office, and now 1 appointment weekly with the Maternal Fetal Specialist. That requires me to get ready and get out of the house 3 days a week. Granted, it's not strenuous, but it's not RESTING!

That's all for now, sorry about the bitching. I just want to be "normal" again....whatever that is.

Update

I went over to the hospital yesterday to turn in my "jug o' pee" and to have some blood work done. Today was my follow up appointment for blood pressure and the test results.
My blood pressure was still elevated, no shock there. I also am spilling a fairly large amount of protein in my urine. This is an indicator of the beginning stages of preeclampsia. Here is some info. I found. Much better than me trying to explain it.
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.
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.

What Is the Treatment for Preeclampsia and Eclampsia?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.

So, what does this mean for me and the baby? I have been instructed to "not do much of anything". I am to lay on my left side most of the time, drink lots of water, and relax. Oh yeah....and not lift Macie. I did explain to the Dr. that that was nearly impossible. I understand why they don't want me to do it, and I understand the instructions but they also understand that I am going to have to lift her from time to time. Phil has been awesome in helping me with a lot. He brings her up for her naps, brings her down, puts her in the highchair, gives her baths,etc. Unfortunately, he can not be here all the time...one of us has to work!!! My parents have been a huge help too and have been taking her for a few hours and/or days if I need to go to the Dr., or just need to "rest". I can't express enough how grateful I am to all of them for their help. I also am very grateful that Macie is walking now. That makes things a bit better in the lifting department.
I got a little off track there. I go back to to the Dr. on Monday and I will be scheduled for a Non Stress Test. They hook me up to the monitors for about an hour and record the baby's heart rate and my contractions. They want to make sure that the baby's heart rate is reacting properly to stimuli and movement. It helps them determine if the baby is getting enough oxygen, or if the baby is under any stress.
So...more waiting, and worrying, and wondering. I'm not good at any of those, and can't imagine it's good in this situation. Obviously the main goal is to keep all this under control so that she can bake a little bit longer.
I am so bummed, frustrated, nervous, etc. This pregnancy was going along very well, and so much different than with Macie and then all this came about! I don't have the swelling and rapid weight gain that I had with her, but I am told to keep an eye out for it so it must be in my future.
That's all for now...I am off to go lay on my left side. I have so much to do with the nursery, etc. Guess it can wait!

33 Week- Headless belly shot

I haven't done a belly shot in a while. I am HUGE!!! It's a 20lb baby in there you know.....

Now that I am off work.....

I should probably be doing all that laundry I have been putting off for so long.





Say CHEESE!!!!

Follow up appointment- 33 weeks

Where to start? How about the good news? Only gained 1 pound.....that's all I got for good news.
When I got home from work on Friday my back was killing me, but I didn't think much of it since my back hurts even when I am not working. I decided to come home and take it easy for a little bit. While I was laying down I decided to check my blood pressure and it was 150/100- yikes! Shortly after that I started cramping and the back pain was awful, and I was noticing somewhat of a pattern. I was having contractions about 6 minutes apart...oh crap. I finally broke down and called the Dr. He told me to take two Tylenol, drink a bunch of water and lay down for 2 hours. The contractions went to 12, 15, 20 min. etc., and then went away.....phew!!!
I went in today for a follow up on my elevated BP last Tuesday. It was elevated again today, but I got the added bonus of having protein in my urine. This didn't happen when I was pregnant with Macie until the day I was induced with her. Needless to say, I was a little surprised since this pregnancy has been so different. I have minimal swelling, minimal headaches. There really hasn't been much going on to concern me. After the physician's assistant did all her "stuff" she said "I am going to go talk to the Dr.". That can't be good....I don't see him very often right now. He came in and proceeds to tell me that he's concerned about the protein and I am to stop working ASAP. Say what??? I tried to bargain with him for a bit, but he wasn't going to change his mind. I only work two days a week for crying out loud! I am supposed to "rest"....HA....he doesn't know me.
Anyway, now I have to pee in a jug for 24 hours and go to the hospital Thursday for some tests. And I also get to go to the Dr. two times a week now. So, guess it's the waiting game now to see what the results tell us.
BUMMER....big, big bummer. We need this baby to bake longer!

I think we can finally say.....

Macie is a walker. I've been trying for a week to get her on video and this is the best one I have.

32 Week appointment and a HUGE thanks.

Had my 32 week appointment today. This is the part where I say "all is well". Yeah, not this time. Nothing horrible, just not as "well" as the other appointments have gone to this point. My blood pressure was high- 140/90. We are hoping it has something to do with the HORRIBLE cold I have right now that was passed on to me from my little sweetie. I haven't felt this crappy in a very long time, and not being able to medicate myself is making it very difficult to cope with. Poor me.....So, now I go back in a week instead of two to check the BP again.
Baby's heart rate was 135, I gained one pound in two weeks....REALLY? With everything I ate over the holidays???? I LOVE the scale at the Dr.'s office.
I want to send out a HUGE thank you to my parents and my brother. My Dad and brother came this morning and picked Macie up and watched her all day so that I could rest. It took some persistence on my moms part to convince me it was a good idea, and I am so glad she did. I got a nap in and some serious couch time. Thanks Mom, Dad and Mark for helping out the crabby, sick, pregnant chick.

Happy New Year!!

We went out for a very nice dinner with Susie, Nelson and Jaden this year for New Years Eve and to celebrate Phil's birthday. Thanks for celebrating with us!!! I didn't get any pictures since it didn't really seem appropriate at the restaurant. We were home pretty early since Macie has been fighting a cold for a few days, and we sadly didn't even make it until midnight....god we are old!!!

Macie is now ringing in the new year with a nasty cold. I did manage to get a picture of her looking rather pathetic, it's so sad. My poor baby!