All posts for the month June, 2011

Last Post Before Baby!!!!!!!!

Coming Soon…
Yep, it’s true, this will be my very last post before we welcome our Baby Boy (and the star of my blog) into the world!!  I can’t believe it’s actually happening!  It feels like we’ve been waiting forever, and now that I know it’s actually coming…tomorrow…it feels so surreal!  I’m sure it won’t really hit me until we walk into the hospital, but I am over the moon either way!
Are we ready you ask???  Well…can you ever really be ready for a baby?? I’m not so sure, but what I do know  is that our lives will be forever changed, (for the better of course) and we are super excited to embark on this journey together as a family.  I could not ask for a better husband and partner to share this incredible experience with and I know Dan will be an amazing father.  Anyone who has ever been around our dogs can attest to this : ) 
So again…are we ready??  Who knows, but are we prepared?  Absolutely!  I have been off of work now for several weeks and  I’m pretty sure there isn’t a single thing left on any to do list I haven’t already tackled.  I cleaned out and organized our entire pantry and spice cabinet for goodness sake!!!  Unnecessary, probably, but they both look fantastic if I do say so myself!  And if it helps me to relax and feel more prepared, than no one will argue with that.  Otherwise, our bags are packed, the car seat is in the car, and I’m just finishing up the last few mundane tasks around the house and whatever else I can do to keep myself busy before heading to the hospital tomorrow!
So…how did this whole induction thing come up??  Well my last few Dr.’s appointments I’ve shown a little progress, but nothing substantial and my blood pressure has been slightly elevated for the past few weeks although nothing points to preeclampsia (which is a good thing) so aside from the swelling in my hands and feet which is somewhat expected in the last trimester of a pregnancy, I feel good!  That being said, my Dr. diagnosed me with Gestational Pre-Hypertension, which basically means that I have slightly elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, and the only way to stabilize my blood pressure is to deliver the baby.  My readings right now aren’t so high that they are too harmful for the baby, but they aren’t ideal either, and rather than risking the numbers elevating even more or my situation progressing to preeclampsia the Dr. decided that it would be best to induce my labor so we can bypass the risk of any complications that could happen, should we wait for labor to start naturally.  Also, at my ultrasound last week he was already measuring close to 8lbs, and at 39 weeks, baby’s lungs are fully developed, and he can safely be brought into the world so the benefits of an induction outweigh the risks. 
Was I surprised that the Dr. wants to induce me??  Not really, we had talked about it before, and when my BP read high again yesterday, I figured she would probably want to get me scheduled.  Am I bummed that my labor won’t start naturally?  Yes and no.  I think every new Mother-to-be wants things to progress as naturally as possible, but at this point, all I care about is that I deliver a healthy baby so I am OK with it.  And who knows, Baby Garrett could be more like his Mommy and Daddy than we think and decide to come on his own tonight because he doesn’t want to take any medication that isn’t completely necessary.  We will see : )  Regardless, I know that we will meet our son sometime this week and that is the best thing I could ask for!!
So, what is the process for this scheduled induction??  Well, we will be admitted to the hospital tomorrow evening and the Dr.’s will check me for signs of progression.  If my cervix still has not dilated or thinned out much they will administer a medication called a prostaglandin which is supposed to help “ripen” the cervix and if you’re lucky jump start your labor.  They will monitor me for 12 hours, and then decide whether or not they need to give me a synthetic form of oxytocin (pitocin) which is the hormone your body naturally produces during spontaneous labor and it is supposed to help start or increase your contractions.  If they do end up giving me the pitocin, they will give it to me through my IV on Thursday morning, and with any luck, we will have our baby sometime Thursday afternoon/evening!!! 
There are so many emotions that are going through me right now that I can’t even begin to describe them all, but I will say that excitement definitely tops the list!  As crazy as it sounds I am looking forward to going through the process (labor and all) that will bring our son into this world as I’m sure it will be unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before… 
…and I am so looking forward to becoming what I truly feel I was meant to be in my life…
…this baby’s mother : )

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by Jenny on June 21, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Life, Pregnancy, Uncategorized

Posted by Jenny on June 21, 2011

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2011/06/21/last-post-before-baby/

Follow Up Appointment

                                       38 weeks…Take 2
Since my blood pressure was elevated at my Tuesday appointment the Dr. ordered I do a 24 hour urine specimen test and return today for a follow up appointment to check on my lab results, my BP, and for an ultrasound to check the Baby’s measurements.  Dan and I walked the boys this morning (which believe it or not at least helps with the swelling in my feet, but not my hands) and then left for the Dr.  I can’t tell you how nice it is being only a few miles from our Dr. and the hospital where we will deliver, saves us a lot of time and money on gas : ) not to mention it settles my nerves should I go into labor spontaneously.  It’s comforting knowing that when the time does come we will no doubt make it to the hospital to deliver!  If only they could just tell us when that will be : )  Some things, just aren’t meant to be known I guess, which is super hard considering what a planner I am
 So….when I got to the office, I dropped off my urine specimen with the lab tech and they will send that off to run some tests.  Then they took my blood pressure and it was 128/80 which is better than it was on Tuesday, though the top number is still just a tiny bit elevated.  However, the Dr. didn’t seem to be concerned with it.  Then we went to see the ultrasound tech so she could take Garrett’s measurements and check my fluid levels.  He’s still head down, and his little (or should I say big) face is squished into my placenta : (  Poor guy is running out of room and fast!  She measured the size of his head and when they do the measurements it gives you a measure of the estimated gestational age.  My gestational age is 38 weeks 1 day today but when she measured his head it was measuring in at 39 weeks 5 days.  So it looks like he’s definitely got his Daddy’s head which should make labor interesting.  But his heart beat was 135 which is good, and the rest of his body was measuring right on!  Again, I would post my ultrasound picture but it’s so hard to see because he’s so big and cramped. 
 After she checked my fluid levels (which were normal) and punched in all of his measurements she told us that he is weighing in at 7lbs 9oz right now, which is a little on the bigger side, but still “normal”  Plus, we got to see our little guy again : ) and that makes it all good!!

After our ultrasound the Dr. came in and went over the results and again informed us that everything looks great!  She checked me for swelling, which is pretty much the same as it’s been, and answered some questions.  When we talked about his weight she told us that even though they went on his measurements they can still be off give or take a lb.  So….he weighed 7lb 9 oz on the ultrasound which could mean that he really is anywhere between 6lb 9oz and 8lb 9oz!  Definitely hoping he doesn’t get much bigger than what he already is before we have him!!! 

So, I am to return on Monday for another appointment where they will do the routine weight, blood pressure, and check me for signs of progression.  If I am any more dilated, I will probably ask if they can do a membrane sweep to help naturally induce my labor.  Until then, I’m going to continue bouncing on my exercise ball, walking the dogs and the stairs, eating spicy foods, and doing anything else that may help to bring on my labor.  I am so ready to meet this little guy!

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by Jenny on June 16, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Pregnancy, Uncategorized

Posted by Jenny on June 16, 2011

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2011/06/16/follow-up-appointment/

38 Week Check-Up

2 More Weeks…

Ok…so they’re not that bad, but they are pretty ridiculous looking, and I’m getting so tired of it!  Also, my hands have started swelling so that’s pretty sweet too!  I know the weather doesn’t help much, but it actually hasn’t been as hot as it was last week, which is nice, but still…the swelling continues.  The only thing that will make it better is to have the baby.  I’m not sure if I can hold out for 2 more weeks or longer, but Baby Garrett seems to be perfectly content where he is right now.

I had my 38 week check-up this afternoon and it was ok, but not fantastic.  My blood pressure read 150/102 the first time the nurse tested it, and I told her we had to use a larger cuff last week so she got a larger one as well and tested again.  The second time it was 130/90 which is better but still elevated, however, there still is no protein in my urine and I don’t have blurred vision, headaches, pain under my upper right side etc,  Just swelling of my feet and hands.  So the nurse talked to the Dr. and I was given 2 options:

#1:  I could go to the hospital immediately and they would run some tests and monitor me and the baby, and my blood pressure and urine for a few hours  then send me home to finish the urine test (not my ideal situation)

Or

#2:  I could let the lab tech at my Dr.’s office take some blood and send it off to be tested, and begin a 24 hour urine test from my house tomorrow morning….only to return to the Dr. on Thursday morning and give them the urine test with a follow up O/B visit for blood pressure and an ultrasound to check on the baby’s growth (still not ideal, but probably much cheaper and more comfortable for me) 

Since my Dr. left it completely up to me, and I feel fine other than the swelling, I opted for the second choice.  I gave my blood, got a bright orange container with a basket like looking thing that I have to set on the toilet every time I use the bathroom tomorrow, and store the urine in a cooler with ice, and will return to the Dr. on Thursday to get some hopefully good news.  Pretty annoying I know, but it could be worse.

At least I’m still feeling Garrett move around quite a bit, and I have no other symptoms of preeclampsia….so whatever I have to do to make sure we’re healthy…I’ll do.  If when I return on Thursday my blood pressure is still elevated, I have protein in my urine, or any other symptoms then we will most likely discuss an induction.  If everything checks out alright, then I guess we just continue to monitor and wait. 

My weight is still on track, Garrett’s heart beat was 136 : ) and my belly is measuring 37 cm, which is all good.  Also, when the Dr. checked me she told me that he is still head down, (good news) and at a -2 position (which is ok too…you start at -3, then go to -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3) By the time you get to a 2 or 3 position you will be in labor and pushing) So I’m progessing slightly but still have a ways to go.  Also, I am no more dialated than I was last week, so Garrett just isn’t finished baking yet. 

Other than that, things are good.  I’m still walking every day and swimming when I go to the pool, and I have a nice tan working.  I’m just getting more tired, achy and uncomfortable, and the swelling in my hands and feet seems like it is a constant.  I’m hoping for good news on Thursday, and just trying to be as patient as I can until our Little Man decides to join us.

I’ll update again on Thursday after my appointment! 

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by Jenny on June 14, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by Jenny on June 14, 2011

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2011/06/14/38-week-check-up/

3 More Weeks Until Due Date!

37 Week Check-Up

Yep….That’s my Buddah Belly with the sweet little dock shoes that I can’t wait to put Garrett’s feet into!  Only 3 more weeks until my due date, but at my check-up today my Dr. said that I am already dilated a little, so that may mean nothing, but it is a good sign for being 37 weeks pregnant and may mean that we’ll get to meet him sooner!  I am now considered full term so if in fact he does decide to grace us with his presence early, he will be just fine!

Everything else went relatively well at my appointment.  When the nurse first took my blood pressure it was 144/90 which is super high, and I’ve never even been close to that high so she decided to use a bigger cuff and take it again, which I was happy to hear.  Just as we figured the second time it was 122/78 which is obviously much better.  Apparently, if the cuff is too small you can get an inaccurate reading.  Awesome….my arms are growing too, it’s fine….just another body part to add to my already ridiculous list of growing parts : (  Is it obvious that I’m ready to meet this little guy??

Oh well, as ready as I am, I will say that I do hope he holds out until at least after the weekend as Dan will be around then, my parents will be finished with their travels, and I am hosting a baby shower with 2 other girls for my friend Allison at my house on Saturday too.  I have a feeling he’ll have no problem holding out at least until then : )

So…what have I been doing to keep myself busy while I wait??  Well, I’m still walking my dogs every morning, though I’ve lowered my mileage to 2 miles (or about 40-45 mintues) rather than 3 because of the heat and my uncomfortableness.

I make a list of things I need to get done throughout the week every Sunday and I’m diligently crossing off a few every day. 

I squeeze in a nap with my buddies or at least some rest time with my feet up when I can (which is just about every day : )

I’ve been over to see Susan and Caden a few times, had lunch with a girlfriend, and went to dinner and a movie with my brother last night.  So, I’m keeping myself busy, for the most part, but the week still feels like it’s dragging on.  Soon enough though I’m sure I’ll be looking back on these days longing for a bout of rest or boredom to settle in.  Until then, I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing and waiting for our little man to arrive!

Since I haven’t posted one in a litlte while…..here is my weekly update with a slightly different style!
How far along?
37 weeks
Total Weight Gain
About 35 lbs…about 7 of which is baby alone!
Bellybutton?
I’m going to go ahead and call it a slight outie
Symptoms?
Tired, swollen, lower pelvic pressure, increasing braxton hicks contractions, a heavy belly, and just general uncomfortableness
Cravings?
Nothing really out of the ordinary
Progress?
About 1 cm dilated, baby’s head is down and low in pelvis
Looking forward to?
Dan being home for the rest of the pregnancy, and of course holding Baby Garrett : )
Milestones?
Full Term…Woohoo!!!!
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by Jenny on June 8, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Pregnancy, Uncategorized

Posted by Jenny on June 8, 2011

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2011/06/08/3-more-weeks-until-due-date/

36 Week Check-Up

     28 More Days!!

This is it!! We’re in the home stretch!  The last month of my pregnancy is officially underway and especially with Susan going into labor today, I am SO EXCITED!!  Only 4 more weeks until my due date, but secretly hoping that he decides to come a little bit sooner than that.  Again, I’ll gladly hold out as long as he needs me to, but a girl can dream right : ) It’s been so hot here, that it’s hard to stay comfortable and it’s making me have to stay inside more than I would like to.  I wasn’t even able to walk today because of the heat, and it’s only June 1st!  I’m really glad that my pregnancy will be over with before the really hot hot days settle in, but even this is ridiculous!

So yes, my good friend Susan, http://www.reallifetravels.com/, whom I’ve talked so much about throughout this whole blogging thing went into labor this morning, and it looks like she and her husband Nate will be welcoming their son Caden sometime this afternoon/evening.  It’s been nice having been able to talk to her a few times today, and I’ve already asked for a play by play after she’s rested and ready to discuss : )  I’m a planner and even though I know every labor is different, I like to hear what can be expected.  So, I’ve been texting Nate and stalking facebook all day long waiting for any news that is to come!  I’m so happy for them, and I can’t wait to meet their little one.  Garrett and Caden are sure to be best buds : )

I had a check-up this morning, which was just a routine one so they could check my blood pressure again (since it was high last week) and everything went pretty well.  My blood pressure was 120/80 which is the highest it can be and still be considered “normal”.  I checked it periodically last week just to keep an eye on it, and it fluctuated between 126/83 and 103/69, so again, it hasn’t been consistently too high, but still higher than the doctors would like it to be.  Other than that, there was no protein in my urine, which like I said last week is a sign of preeclampsia; so for now, I’m in the clear.  Dr. Miles just wants me to take it easy, stay hydrated, and call at the onset of any blurred vision, exaggerated swelling, headaches, or upper abdominal pain.  He said my belly is measuring perfectly, and although he was pretty sure that when he felt my belly he could feel Garrett’s head down, he wanted to be sure so he ordered a quick ultrasound which I obviously didn’t argue with.  Anything to get another glimpse of our little guy!  I would post the 2 pictures I got, but because he is so big now, they are very hard to decipher.  I saw his feet moving, and his hand up by his mouth, and he had the hiccups the entire ultrasound!  It looks like he’s got his Daddy’s nose, which I’m happy with : ), and he is in fact head down so now we just wait until he’s ready to join the world!  I go back next week for an appointment where they will check to see how far he has descended into my pelvis and to see if I’m dilated at all.

I know I’ve been posting pictures of my belly progress throughout my pregnancy but I’ve been waiting to do some chronological shots to actually see the difference, from back when I was barely showing, to now that I’m so obviously showing.  And since I’m just about considered full term, and he can make his arrival at any time, I figured I’d do it today.  Check out the belly progress!

First Belly Pic was at 11 weeks!
Growth spurt at 21 weeks!
Color is a bit off on this 31 week front shot!
Bronzed Belly, Linea Nigra and a slightly popped belly button at 36 Weeks!

36 weeks in the same shirt I wore for my 11 week picture.  It’s much shorter now, my how I’ve grown!
So…there you have it.  My belly’s progress over the weeks.  I have to admit, it’s been really hard watching the scale creep up at every appointment I’ve had, and looking back on my earlier pictures, I can’t believe how much smaller I was!  I know it’s all because I’m growing a healthy baby boy but I cannot wait to get back to my flat belly and pre-pregnancy size!   
Dan is in Vegas all next week for business, but it will be his last trip before Baby comes.  I’ve told him that the car seat needs to be installed and thatI’ve already looked into early return flights, and I’m sure I’ll be fine, but it still makes me a little uneasy.  Luckily I’ve got my brother Jeff and lots of friends around to jump in if anything happens, until Dan can get home.  I’ll post an update after my appointment next week or if anything exciting happens but until then…stand by : )
2 Comments
by Jenny on June 1, 2011  •  Permalink
Posted in Pregnancy, Uncategorized

Posted by Jenny on June 1, 2011

https://sweetbakesandbabycakes.com/2011/06/01/36-week-check-up/