I had my weekly check up yesterday and my cervix was measuring around 2.4 again. I had a rough day on Wednesday with a lot of cramps and back pain and I think that may have made a big difference. It is still measuring well enough that Dr. S isn't too concerned. He did ask if I didn't want to come in every week and I told him I trusted his judgement and whatever he thought we should do, I would go along with. With that, he said we'd continue the weekly visits but only do ultrasounds if I have been having a lot of cramping. So I'll still be checked every week but may not get a measurement every week. He'll just check for softening and dilation. I can't believe we are almost to the third trimester!! I am starting to have more hope that Sawyer will go full term and will get to come home with us right away!
I feel bad that I have neglected to mention Skeet lately on my blog. I can't tell you how amazing my husband has been. He is so supportive and caring. I know he is very worried about Sawyer and I and every time I grunt or sigh he asks if I am ok (He hasn't been around a lot of pregnant women so he doesn't know that we just make noises a lot). He has been so great about doing housework, cooking, and making sure I don't have to be up and around a lot. I have gotten many meals in bed and can count on getting anything I ask for. He has also been so very ambitious about getting our house in order and getting Sawyer's room ready. I honestly don't know what I would do without him. I am such a lucky lady to have tricked an amazing guy like Skeet into marrying me. Words cannot describe what an awesome husband he is. I don't think he reads this but if by chance he is.. I love you babe! You're the best!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Big Belly!
26 Weeks
How far along: 26 Weeks.
Size of baby: The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.
Weight gain: 16 pounds.
Maternity clothes: Pants yes, sweats no, and I still think most maternity shirts make me look like I am wearing a tent but I have some really cute ones that don't so I mix those in with my regular shirts that still fit!
Gender: BOY!! Sawyer!
Movement: All the time! He is getting really strong.
Sleep: The aches and pains of pregnancy are starting to kick in. I toss and turn most nights and don't feel rested in the morning but if I could I would sleep all day! I know it's only going to get worse but I am okay with that... as long as this little boy is growing and is healthy!
Symptoms: Back pain, feet and hands swelling, heartburn, headaches, braxton hicks, and now an irritable uterus, but despite it all, I am happy and have no reason to complain!
Cravings: Still trying to eat healthy but most of the time I will eat anything you put in front of me! This week it's been chocolate chip cookies and BBQ Wavy Lays! Maybe not so healthy!
Best moment this week:We finished painting Sawyer's room and Skeet put together the changing table. Once we get the carpets cleaned Skeet will start on the crib. (If anything, to get the big box out of my laundry room!) Also, we made it to 26 weeks! Babies born at 26 weeks have an 80% chance of survival! Stay put baby boy... just a little bit longer! (like maybe 10 weeks?)
What I am looking forward to: Seeing how my cervix looks on Thursday. Also, I get to attend the baby shower of a friend this weekend. It's the first I have been to since being pregnant and I think I will be able to make it through this one without making an excuse to leave early because I need to go bawl my eyes out! I may still cry but they will be tears of joy for my friend and for myself!
Size of baby: The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. He may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. He's inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of his lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when he's born and takes that first gulp of air. And he's continuing to put on baby fat. He now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel. If you're having a boy, his testicles are beginning to descend into his scrotum — a trip that will take about two to three days.
Weight gain: 16 pounds.
Maternity clothes: Pants yes, sweats no, and I still think most maternity shirts make me look like I am wearing a tent but I have some really cute ones that don't so I mix those in with my regular shirts that still fit!
Gender: BOY!! Sawyer!
Movement: All the time! He is getting really strong.
Sleep: The aches and pains of pregnancy are starting to kick in. I toss and turn most nights and don't feel rested in the morning but if I could I would sleep all day! I know it's only going to get worse but I am okay with that... as long as this little boy is growing and is healthy!
Symptoms: Back pain, feet and hands swelling, heartburn, headaches, braxton hicks, and now an irritable uterus, but despite it all, I am happy and have no reason to complain!
Cravings: Still trying to eat healthy but most of the time I will eat anything you put in front of me! This week it's been chocolate chip cookies and BBQ Wavy Lays! Maybe not so healthy!
Best moment this week:We finished painting Sawyer's room and Skeet put together the changing table. Once we get the carpets cleaned Skeet will start on the crib. (If anything, to get the big box out of my laundry room!) Also, we made it to 26 weeks! Babies born at 26 weeks have an 80% chance of survival! Stay put baby boy... just a little bit longer! (like maybe 10 weeks?)
What I am looking forward to: Seeing how my cervix looks on Thursday. Also, I get to attend the baby shower of a friend this weekend. It's the first I have been to since being pregnant and I think I will be able to make it through this one without making an excuse to leave early because I need to go bawl my eyes out! I may still cry but they will be tears of joy for my friend and for myself!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Good measurements
Today my cervix measured over 3 cm!!! Yay for me! Dr. S is confident that if things continue to go this way, we will be able to deliver in Cedar. Which means he thinks we'll make it to (or past) 34 weeks! That's only 9 weeks away! There was still funneling though and we will continue to keep an eye on it. I am still supposed to be taking it easy and watching out for contractions (which it feels like I have been having ever since my appointment this morning) but I can continue to work which is a really good thing!! Sawyer is getting stronger by the day... I can feel it cause his kicks and punches are starting to get painful... and he is growing like crazy. I know that because so am I!! By the end of the day I feel like my skin is just going to rip around my belly cause it is stretched so tight! I am loving every second of it!!
Skeet started painting Sawyers room and I love to go in there and picture everything in it's place... especially our little boy! I need to start taking before and after pics of the room but I forgot to take one before we moved the bed out and changed out the pulls on the dresser (they were a little to girly and we couldn't have that!). The walls will be almost the same color as they were before.. just a shade lighter but they will match the bedding perfectly! Our spare rooms are tiny but I think when it is all done it will be perfect for our little guy. This is all so exciting!
Skeet started painting Sawyers room and I love to go in there and picture everything in it's place... especially our little boy! I need to start taking before and after pics of the room but I forgot to take one before we moved the bed out and changed out the pulls on the dresser (they were a little to girly and we couldn't have that!). The walls will be almost the same color as they were before.. just a shade lighter but they will match the bedding perfectly! Our spare rooms are tiny but I think when it is all done it will be perfect for our little guy. This is all so exciting!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
25 weeks
How far along: 25 Weeks.
Size of baby: Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches (which is .5 inches longer than Avery measured at birth!). His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture. (I am guessing red, like his daddy!)
Weight gain: 15 pounds.
Maternity clothes: Mostly. I still have some shirts that are not maternity that I prefer to wear!
Gender: BOY!! Sawyer!
Movement: All the time! He is getting really strong.
Sleep: Sleep has been getting better. I am adjusting to sleeping on my side and although I toss and turn a lot, I still get pretty decent sleep. I still feel like I could sleep all day most days though. Guess that's only going to get worse.
Symptoms: Back pain, feet and hands swelling, heartburn, headaches, braxton hicks, and now an irritable uterus, but despite it all, I am happy and have no reason to complain!
Cravings: I still crave and eat everything but am making a conscious effort, now that the holidays are over, to eat healthier. However, I still love frozen burritos!! I doubt they are very healthy!
Best moment this week: It's been a rough week. I am just happy we made it past 24 weeks and I am enjoying every movement I feel. We did go get all of my nephews old baby clothes out of storage and it was so fun to go through all of it and try to imagine our little guy wearing everything. I think we are set on clothes for a while!!!
What I am looking forward to: Seeing how my cervix looks on Thursday. I am really anxious to see if all the pain I have had lately, and my irritable uterus, have made a difference at all. I would love for Sawyer to stay put until at least April!
Size of baby: Head to heels, your baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches (which is .5 inches longer than Avery measured at birth!). His weight — a pound and a half — isn't much more than an average rutabaga, but he's beginning to exchange his long, lean look for some baby fat. As he does, his wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and he'll start to look more and more like a newborn. He's also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture. (I am guessing red, like his daddy!)
Weight gain: 15 pounds.
Maternity clothes: Mostly. I still have some shirts that are not maternity that I prefer to wear!
Gender: BOY!! Sawyer!
Movement: All the time! He is getting really strong.
Sleep: Sleep has been getting better. I am adjusting to sleeping on my side and although I toss and turn a lot, I still get pretty decent sleep. I still feel like I could sleep all day most days though. Guess that's only going to get worse.
Symptoms: Back pain, feet and hands swelling, heartburn, headaches, braxton hicks, and now an irritable uterus, but despite it all, I am happy and have no reason to complain!
Cravings: I still crave and eat everything but am making a conscious effort, now that the holidays are over, to eat healthier. However, I still love frozen burritos!! I doubt they are very healthy!
Best moment this week: It's been a rough week. I am just happy we made it past 24 weeks and I am enjoying every movement I feel. We did go get all of my nephews old baby clothes out of storage and it was so fun to go through all of it and try to imagine our little guy wearing everything. I think we are set on clothes for a while!!!
What I am looking forward to: Seeing how my cervix looks on Thursday. I am really anxious to see if all the pain I have had lately, and my irritable uterus, have made a difference at all. I would love for Sawyer to stay put until at least April!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Irritability
Last night was quite interesting. After a full day of back pain that just wouldn't go away, no matter what I tried, Dr. S told me to go into Labor and Delivery to be monitored again. Last time I went in my uterus was too small for the monitors to pick anything up so I was worried that it would be the same thing this time around. Luckily after some adjusting, they were able to pick up some activity. First of all, Sawyer is doing great. Incredibly active and has a very strong heartbeat. My uterus however, has been diagnosed as irritable. They noticed activity on the monitor but they weren't contractions. The line on the monitor was supposed to be straight but it was very spiky. So they gave me three very unpleasant shots, 20 minutes apart, that were supposed to quiet things down. The shots also made my head throb, my heart race and my whole body shake uncontrollably. But eventually, the shots did their job.
They also repeated the FFN (fetal fibronectin) test and this time it was positive ( it came back negative last time). Of course I panicked!! Especially because the nurse began talking about me going to St. George and also getting steroid injections to prepare the baby for early arrival. When I told Skeet I was already a mess because of the shaking and headache and then I added the stress from what I had just been told, so of course he freaked out too. The nurse came back in a while later and told me that Dr. S was not worried about the positive test and that they would be sending me home. That made me panic even more. My history with the FFN is that I got a positive when pregnant with Avery and 3 days later she was born. Also, I figured that a positive was a reason to worry. I was very confused as to why it was no big deal to Dr. S. Luckily he came by a short while later and tried to explain it to me (although I still don't entirely understand). He said that the tests are often false positives and they use it mostly for the negative tests. He even said that most of the time when they get a positive they just throw it away and that it was just a coincidence that Avery was born 3 days after the positive test. He said that the test is only right about 30% of the time unless it's negative, which I guess is more reliable. I know he was trying to make me feel better but I still don't understand why they make you do the test at all. Or why they wouldn't take precautions just in case. I do trust him though and I know he is keeping a close eye on me but still... why the test at all? I just don't get it!
I had to ask about the back pain too. We know that I have been having contractions because of the funneling in my cervix so now that we have the irritable uterus too, how am I supposed to know the difference when it pretty much feels the same? He said that there is really no way to tell and that we should just treat every backache like it could be contractions. I will continue to take the nifedipine (to stop contractions) and if they continue I am supposed to go to Labor and Delivery. Even if it means going in 8 or 10 more times. I don't really like that idea but I also don't want to take any chances when it comes to this little boy. I asked him if the irritability could turn into contractions if I just ignore it and he said that it's not worth the chance. So now I guess I'll be more paranoid than ever. The irritability doesn't cause funneling but the contractions do so I guess we just can't mess with it. I am supposed to stay down for the most part the rest of the weekend and just use my best judgement. I can return to work on Tuesday but have to be aware of my body and make sure to call them if the pain comes back and doesn't stop with rest and the nifedipine. I am on a whole bunch of other restrictions as well. My nurse yesterday was amazing. She was so nice and understanding... I wish they were all that way!
This weekend I get to sit around and watch Skeet clean out Sawyer's room all by himself. I really wanted to be able to help but I guess I am helping more by keeping Sawyer where he needs to be for now. I can't wait to see it start coming together!!
They also repeated the FFN (fetal fibronectin) test and this time it was positive ( it came back negative last time). Of course I panicked!! Especially because the nurse began talking about me going to St. George and also getting steroid injections to prepare the baby for early arrival. When I told Skeet I was already a mess because of the shaking and headache and then I added the stress from what I had just been told, so of course he freaked out too. The nurse came back in a while later and told me that Dr. S was not worried about the positive test and that they would be sending me home. That made me panic even more. My history with the FFN is that I got a positive when pregnant with Avery and 3 days later she was born. Also, I figured that a positive was a reason to worry. I was very confused as to why it was no big deal to Dr. S. Luckily he came by a short while later and tried to explain it to me (although I still don't entirely understand). He said that the tests are often false positives and they use it mostly for the negative tests. He even said that most of the time when they get a positive they just throw it away and that it was just a coincidence that Avery was born 3 days after the positive test. He said that the test is only right about 30% of the time unless it's negative, which I guess is more reliable. I know he was trying to make me feel better but I still don't understand why they make you do the test at all. Or why they wouldn't take precautions just in case. I do trust him though and I know he is keeping a close eye on me but still... why the test at all? I just don't get it!
I had to ask about the back pain too. We know that I have been having contractions because of the funneling in my cervix so now that we have the irritable uterus too, how am I supposed to know the difference when it pretty much feels the same? He said that there is really no way to tell and that we should just treat every backache like it could be contractions. I will continue to take the nifedipine (to stop contractions) and if they continue I am supposed to go to Labor and Delivery. Even if it means going in 8 or 10 more times. I don't really like that idea but I also don't want to take any chances when it comes to this little boy. I asked him if the irritability could turn into contractions if I just ignore it and he said that it's not worth the chance. So now I guess I'll be more paranoid than ever. The irritability doesn't cause funneling but the contractions do so I guess we just can't mess with it. I am supposed to stay down for the most part the rest of the weekend and just use my best judgement. I can return to work on Tuesday but have to be aware of my body and make sure to call them if the pain comes back and doesn't stop with rest and the nifedipine. I am on a whole bunch of other restrictions as well. My nurse yesterday was amazing. She was so nice and understanding... I wish they were all that way!
This weekend I get to sit around and watch Skeet clean out Sawyer's room all by himself. I really wanted to be able to help but I guess I am helping more by keeping Sawyer where he needs to be for now. I can't wait to see it start coming together!!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
2.8
Today we saw a slight improvement in the length of my cervix. Last Friday it measured at 2.6 and today it was 2.8. Nothing to celebrate about but an improvement none the less. Dr. S has decided to see me once a week now that I have hit the 24 week mark. So that means I don't go back again until next Thursday! I am going to be a nervous wreck until then I am sure. He also checked to see if the funneling got worse if he put pressure on my cervix. It did not, which is a good sign. It points more towards contractions causing the funneling and not the size/weight of the baby and the pressure he is putting on my cervix. This makes me feel a little bit better, only because Sawyer is quickly approaching Avery's birth weight and height. Can you believe it? Sawyer is almost the same size as Avery was at 32 weeks. Now when I think about how big he is now I can just picture holding her cute little body.
I have been thinking about Avery a lot lately. I am scared that once Sawyer is here, people will expect me to just get over what we have been through. I do have to admit that he has already helped me heal more than I ever thought possible. However, I will never forget Avery and I will forever wonder what our lives would have been like had she been able to stay with us. I still thank my Heavenly Father for her when I pray. I thank Him for letting her be part of our family, for all she taught us, and the blessings she brought into our lives. We are forever changed because of her and I never want to forget that.
I know Sawyer will change us too, in different ways. I also thank Heavenly Father for him. For blessing us with this amazing miracle. I also beg Him to not take this baby away from me, to let me have a chance at raising him, and for him to be healthy and strong. And of course that my body will be strong enough to carry him. I think Heavenly Father may be getting sick of hearing the same thing over and over but I don't really know what else to say (I do say other things too... but this is repeated daily).
I love Sawyer, so much. More than I thought possible at this point. I love Avery too, but I put up my defenses with her. I knew I couldn't keep her and I didn't want to let myself get too attached. She will forever be my daughter and I will love her forever, but this is so different. These emotions are something I am feeling for the very first time. Every movement I feel, and every time I hear his heartbeat, I fall more in love. I have let myself believe that this time we will actually be bringing our baby home, we will get to love on him and watch him grow. It is such an overwhelming but amazing feeling. I can't get enough of it. Of course, I will watch him grow and play and wish that Avery were there to teach him, be his big "little" sister and be his first friend. I will get comfort though, in the fact that I know she will be watching over him. We will talk to him about her and make sure he knows that his big sister is proud of him and with him always.
Sorry for my emotional rant... I am really tired today and because of that, more emotional. I just feel so blessed to be where I am right now and to have made it this far. Every day, every week, past today is one step closer to our little boy having a real shot at a healthy, normal birth and I will be so grateful for every extra day we get. Thank you for your prayers. They are greatly appreciated as are your encouraging words. Love you all!!
I have been thinking about Avery a lot lately. I am scared that once Sawyer is here, people will expect me to just get over what we have been through. I do have to admit that he has already helped me heal more than I ever thought possible. However, I will never forget Avery and I will forever wonder what our lives would have been like had she been able to stay with us. I still thank my Heavenly Father for her when I pray. I thank Him for letting her be part of our family, for all she taught us, and the blessings she brought into our lives. We are forever changed because of her and I never want to forget that.
I know Sawyer will change us too, in different ways. I also thank Heavenly Father for him. For blessing us with this amazing miracle. I also beg Him to not take this baby away from me, to let me have a chance at raising him, and for him to be healthy and strong. And of course that my body will be strong enough to carry him. I think Heavenly Father may be getting sick of hearing the same thing over and over but I don't really know what else to say (I do say other things too... but this is repeated daily).
I love Sawyer, so much. More than I thought possible at this point. I love Avery too, but I put up my defenses with her. I knew I couldn't keep her and I didn't want to let myself get too attached. She will forever be my daughter and I will love her forever, but this is so different. These emotions are something I am feeling for the very first time. Every movement I feel, and every time I hear his heartbeat, I fall more in love. I have let myself believe that this time we will actually be bringing our baby home, we will get to love on him and watch him grow. It is such an overwhelming but amazing feeling. I can't get enough of it. Of course, I will watch him grow and play and wish that Avery were there to teach him, be his big "little" sister and be his first friend. I will get comfort though, in the fact that I know she will be watching over him. We will talk to him about her and make sure he knows that his big sister is proud of him and with him always.
Sorry for my emotional rant... I am really tired today and because of that, more emotional. I just feel so blessed to be where I am right now and to have made it this far. Every day, every week, past today is one step closer to our little boy having a real shot at a healthy, normal birth and I will be so grateful for every extra day we get. Thank you for your prayers. They are greatly appreciated as are your encouraging words. Love you all!!
24 Weeks and Viability!
How far along: 24 Weeks!! Every week from here on out gives our little guy a better chance if he does come early, but he won't ( I keep telling myself that at least).
Size of baby: Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.
Weight gain: 12 pounds.
Maternity clothes: Mostly. I still have some shirts that are not maternity that I prefer to wear!
Gender: BOY!! Sawyer!
Movement: All the time! He is getting really strong yesterday when he was kicking it even hurt a little bit. If it hurts already, I am in trouble!
Sleep: Sleep has been getting better. I am adjusting to sleeping on my side and although I toss and turn a lot, I still get pretty decent sleep. I still feel like I could sleep all day most days though. Guess that's only going to get worse.
Symptoms: Back pain, feet and hands swelling, heartburn, headaches but despite it all, I am happy and have no reason to complain!
Cravings: I still crave and eat everything but am making a conscious effort, now that the holidays are over, to eat healthier.
Best moment this week: Skeet felt Sawyer kick for the first time... because I held his hand to my stomach until he felt it but he still felt it!! He also has begun talking to Sawyer... telling him to stay in there. I love it!
What I am looking forward to: My appointment today. I hope that we don't see a negative change. I would really like this little boy to keep cooking for another 10 weeks at least!
Size of baby: Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.
Weight gain: 12 pounds.
Maternity clothes: Mostly. I still have some shirts that are not maternity that I prefer to wear!
Gender: BOY!! Sawyer!
Movement: All the time! He is getting really strong yesterday when he was kicking it even hurt a little bit. If it hurts already, I am in trouble!
Sleep: Sleep has been getting better. I am adjusting to sleeping on my side and although I toss and turn a lot, I still get pretty decent sleep. I still feel like I could sleep all day most days though. Guess that's only going to get worse.
Symptoms: Back pain, feet and hands swelling, heartburn, headaches but despite it all, I am happy and have no reason to complain!
Cravings: I still crave and eat everything but am making a conscious effort, now that the holidays are over, to eat healthier.
Best moment this week: Skeet felt Sawyer kick for the first time... because I held his hand to my stomach until he felt it but he still felt it!! He also has begun talking to Sawyer... telling him to stay in there. I love it!
What I am looking forward to: My appointment today. I hope that we don't see a negative change. I would really like this little boy to keep cooking for another 10 weeks at least!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Shortening
My appointment today was okay overall. My cervix has shortened a bit. It has gone from around 3.2 cm to 2.6 cm. Not a huge change but enough to make me sweat it a little bit. Dr. S didn't seem too concerned. What really concerned me was his excitement about me making it to 24 weeks. He kept asking me if I was excited and telling me I'm almost there. I hope his excitement is only about the big milestone and not because he is thinking Sawyer will be making an appearance soon. I really don't want Sawyer to come for a long time. I want him to be very healthy and able to come home right away!
I have a little bit of concern about the ultrasounds too. Today, before my appt. I felt great. No contractions, no headaches. Then about 15 minutes after the ultrasound I felt the contractions start. So I am gearing up for another headache today but hopefully the contractions stop.
I will go back next Tuesday for another ultrasound and then again on Friday. After that he may change it so that I only see him once a week. I also did my first progesterone injection last night. It is the same type of thing I had to do when I did IVF so it's nothing new and it's only once a week so I am sure we can handle it. I just hope it helps. There is not any real proof that it does but it's worth a shot!
I have a little bit of concern about the ultrasounds too. Today, before my appt. I felt great. No contractions, no headaches. Then about 15 minutes after the ultrasound I felt the contractions start. So I am gearing up for another headache today but hopefully the contractions stop.
I will go back next Tuesday for another ultrasound and then again on Friday. After that he may change it so that I only see him once a week. I also did my first progesterone injection last night. It is the same type of thing I had to do when I did IVF so it's nothing new and it's only once a week so I am sure we can handle it. I just hope it helps. There is not any real proof that it does but it's worth a shot!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
23 Weeks and some fun pictures!
I think we should start with the pictures. If I must say so myself... I have one handsome little boy!
How far along: 23 Weeks!!
Size of baby: More than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (the size of a large mango). Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing him for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze him when he hears them outside the womb.
Weight gain: 11 pounds! I am doing good so far! I am afraid a lot of it is lost muscle mass though. Not being able to exercise is doing a number on my body!
Maternity clothes: Mostly. I still have some shirts that are not maternity that I prefer to wear!
Gender: BOY!! Sawyer!
Movement: All the time! He is getting really strong!
Sleep: Sleep is getting harder to come by with the body aches and the heartburn. I could probably sleep all day if it weren't for those little issues!
Symptoms: Round ligament pains, heartburn, and constantly hungry!! I am starting to develop some sciatic pain as well... in my butt... not fun! My back aches and I have been having Braxton Hicks contractions too but nothing to worry about.
Cravings: I have been eating everything and loving it!! I started to get really bad heartburn but started taking Protonix and it has helped so much!! Now I eat what I want, when I want and if I do get some mild heartburn, Tums take care of it!! Probably not a good thing though... I should really cut down on my eating!
Best moment this week: Today we got some great pictures of our little Mr. He is so cute!!
What I am looking forward to: Showing off all the pictures and the DVD that we got of our little boy today! I can't wait for my mom to see him!
Update: As of today there hasn't been much change. My cervix is still high and closed, which is good. Dr. S is still keeping a very close eye on me and I will go back to see him again on Friday. This past Saturday, after a day full of back pain and headaches I finally made Skeet take me into Labor and Delivery. I wasn't sure if I should be worried but I wanted to be safe just in case. They hooked me up to the monitors and did all kinds of tests. Sawyer was so active the entire time. He hated the monitors! It was fun to feel him move so much. They didn't see one contraction the entire time... not even the Braxton Hicks that I KNOW I had. Dr. S doesn't think that my uterus is big enough yet for the monitors to pick anything up. We did however, get the Fetal Fibronectin test done and it came back negative. This made Skeet and I both feel a little better. When they did that test with Avery, it came back positive and she was born 3 days later. I know it's not always completely accurate but if it had come back positive I would have really been in a panic! It has definitely been a roller coaster but every day we get through with this little guy where he needs to be is a day closer to him being healthier and stronger. It's closer to him being able to survive without me and each day is a blessing! We are so excited to meet him but not until he is fully cooked!
How far along: 23 Weeks!!
Size of baby: More than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (the size of a large mango). Blood vessels in his lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that your baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing him for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as your dog barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze him when he hears them outside the womb.
Weight gain: 11 pounds! I am doing good so far! I am afraid a lot of it is lost muscle mass though. Not being able to exercise is doing a number on my body!
Maternity clothes: Mostly. I still have some shirts that are not maternity that I prefer to wear!
Gender: BOY!! Sawyer!
Movement: All the time! He is getting really strong!
Sleep: Sleep is getting harder to come by with the body aches and the heartburn. I could probably sleep all day if it weren't for those little issues!
Symptoms: Round ligament pains, heartburn, and constantly hungry!! I am starting to develop some sciatic pain as well... in my butt... not fun! My back aches and I have been having Braxton Hicks contractions too but nothing to worry about.
Cravings: I have been eating everything and loving it!! I started to get really bad heartburn but started taking Protonix and it has helped so much!! Now I eat what I want, when I want and if I do get some mild heartburn, Tums take care of it!! Probably not a good thing though... I should really cut down on my eating!
Best moment this week: Today we got some great pictures of our little Mr. He is so cute!!
What I am looking forward to: Showing off all the pictures and the DVD that we got of our little boy today! I can't wait for my mom to see him!
Update: As of today there hasn't been much change. My cervix is still high and closed, which is good. Dr. S is still keeping a very close eye on me and I will go back to see him again on Friday. This past Saturday, after a day full of back pain and headaches I finally made Skeet take me into Labor and Delivery. I wasn't sure if I should be worried but I wanted to be safe just in case. They hooked me up to the monitors and did all kinds of tests. Sawyer was so active the entire time. He hated the monitors! It was fun to feel him move so much. They didn't see one contraction the entire time... not even the Braxton Hicks that I KNOW I had. Dr. S doesn't think that my uterus is big enough yet for the monitors to pick anything up. We did however, get the Fetal Fibronectin test done and it came back negative. This made Skeet and I both feel a little better. When they did that test with Avery, it came back positive and she was born 3 days later. I know it's not always completely accurate but if it had come back positive I would have really been in a panic! It has definitely been a roller coaster but every day we get through with this little guy where he needs to be is a day closer to him being healthier and stronger. It's closer to him being able to survive without me and each day is a blessing! We are so excited to meet him but not until he is fully cooked!
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