Yesterday was the day of tests. I dropped off my 24-hour urine collection at the lab and got another stick for my trouble. Then Scott and I made the trek to the BFH for fetal monitoring. The wonderful Susan did a amniotic fluid index (AFI) and found basically what my doc found last week -- fluid is at about 6.8. She said normal is 8-18 so we are definitely low. She also did a doppler of his umbilical cord. It was frightening to listen to -- it had a lot of breaks and flat lines that freaked me out. But once she got into the right spot it sounded fine according to her.
I was slated to come back in three weeks but she decided she wanted to advise my doc to have me come in once a week. She also wanted to do a NST on him since I hadn't felt him move much that morning. We waited while she called the doc and then called us back in to do the NST. Ah, what a sweet sound that is. I could listen to his little heart beating all day long! And as soon as the monitors are strapped on he goes wild, kicking and nudging as best he can. It never ceases to amaze me. I love his so much already. I laid there for almost 30 minutes listen to him and feeling him move and holding Scott's hand while tears ran down my face.
Today I have an appointment with my OB. We were scheduled for another NST and AFI but I think it may get skipped since we just did them yesterday. But I have questions. Loads of questions. Like, what can we expect from here on out? Can we expect a full term (even 37 weeks) vaginal delivery? Or should I be preparing for something earlier? And does his low fluid mean we need to do a c-section? Mom's coming with me so this should be interesting.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Done
Done with work that is. Ahhh. I finally finished the last three lingering work things. I’ve been out of work for almost a week and those three things were driving.me.crazy. But now they are done. Pfew.
Things on the pregnant front appear mostly okay. Last Thursday evening I had a bit of spotting and we made our inaugural trip to labor and delivery at the urging of my OB. I had a cervical check (still hard, closed, tight) and the lion cub did okay on the monitors. As soon as they were strapped on, he put on quite a show – moving all over the place.
Since then, things have been blessedly quiet. My bp has been fine, I’m exhausted and sleeping a lot, but otherwise okay. Our first check of the lion cub at the big fancy hospital is this afternoon. I’m nervous and scared so DH is going to come with me. We should get another peak at him while they measure his amniotic fluid and then they’ll check the status of his umbilical cord. I desperately hope all is well.
Coming up tomorrow is a non-stress test (NST) and results of my 24 hour urine test. Oh what fun!
Things on the pregnant front appear mostly okay. Last Thursday evening I had a bit of spotting and we made our inaugural trip to labor and delivery at the urging of my OB. I had a cervical check (still hard, closed, tight) and the lion cub did okay on the monitors. As soon as they were strapped on, he put on quite a show – moving all over the place.
Since then, things have been blessedly quiet. My bp has been fine, I’m exhausted and sleeping a lot, but otherwise okay. Our first check of the lion cub at the big fancy hospital is this afternoon. I’m nervous and scared so DH is going to come with me. We should get another peak at him while they measure his amniotic fluid and then they’ll check the status of his umbilical cord. I desperately hope all is well.
Coming up tomorrow is a non-stress test (NST) and results of my 24 hour urine test. Oh what fun!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Maternity leave begins now
So, I’m on maternity leave. My doc’s partner decided today that I am done with work. My bp has been rising since my 29 week appointment last week and today it hit their limit.
I guess I should back up. My bp hit their limit at home this morning and I called to find out what to do next. I was only able to get in to see them at the end of the day. Before I could get there I had some spotting and freaked out and demanded to get in right away. DH met me there and we waited for over an hour. I would have lost my mind if the lion cub hadn’t been putting on a show the whole time. I could feel that he was fine.
Anyway, there is no protein in my urine and I have no other signs of pre-e (no swelling, headache, etc). Ob decided that the rise in bp means that I need more rest than I am able to get while working so working is out. As of now. She checked my cervix and it is closed and hard and measuring fine (I forgot to ask what it was). She couldn’t find a source for the spotting. The baby is now head down and still active. My placenta is anterior lateral on my right side. She checked his fluid and it was hard to find. Uh oh. The total was 6.7 and she was looking for 10. She said it was borderline and that we could keep an eye on it weekly from here on out. If it drops to 5, that changes things. I was too preoccupied to ask how.
She has ordered a Doppler of his umbilical cord every 3 weeks to make sure it is functioning properly. I have weekly appointments for non-stress tests and fluid checks. She added a blood pressure drug to my current low dose of nefedipine after consultation with my regular OB. Normally you wouldn’t take them together but one is a very low dose so they decided it would be okay. I am to take it easy (preferably lying on my side), drink lots of water, and rest up. She said that I can attend my shower on the 18th but I am to act queen like and let people wait on me.
So, no more work. I filled out my disability paperwork and sent my last emails. My bosses are great and more worried about me and baby than any work I didn’t finish.
It isn’t what I expected today to be like but I will do whatever I need to do to take care of my boy.
I guess I should back up. My bp hit their limit at home this morning and I called to find out what to do next. I was only able to get in to see them at the end of the day. Before I could get there I had some spotting and freaked out and demanded to get in right away. DH met me there and we waited for over an hour. I would have lost my mind if the lion cub hadn’t been putting on a show the whole time. I could feel that he was fine.
Anyway, there is no protein in my urine and I have no other signs of pre-e (no swelling, headache, etc). Ob decided that the rise in bp means that I need more rest than I am able to get while working so working is out. As of now. She checked my cervix and it is closed and hard and measuring fine (I forgot to ask what it was). She couldn’t find a source for the spotting. The baby is now head down and still active. My placenta is anterior lateral on my right side. She checked his fluid and it was hard to find. Uh oh. The total was 6.7 and she was looking for 10. She said it was borderline and that we could keep an eye on it weekly from here on out. If it drops to 5, that changes things. I was too preoccupied to ask how.
She has ordered a Doppler of his umbilical cord every 3 weeks to make sure it is functioning properly. I have weekly appointments for non-stress tests and fluid checks. She added a blood pressure drug to my current low dose of nefedipine after consultation with my regular OB. Normally you wouldn’t take them together but one is a very low dose so they decided it would be okay. I am to take it easy (preferably lying on my side), drink lots of water, and rest up. She said that I can attend my shower on the 18th but I am to act queen like and let people wait on me.
So, no more work. I filled out my disability paperwork and sent my last emails. My bosses are great and more worried about me and baby than any work I didn’t finish.
It isn’t what I expected today to be like but I will do whatever I need to do to take care of my boy.
Monday, May 5, 2008
sewing for me and the baby
On a lighter topic, you may have noticed that this blog is called Sarah Sews. Even though I haven't written about sewing in a long time, I really do sew. Lately it's been all about maternity clothes -- making cute tops that actually fit and don't cost a fortune and hemming too long pants.
The blue top was my first foray into altering a pattern to fit my pregnant belly. I made a top from that pattern before and decided to make it again but to add length and width to the front. Unfortunately, the day of the photo (which sucks) was about the only time it fit properly.
The striped T was my next effort and much easier I think. I used a pattern that was already suitable to an expanding belly and sewed it up in a very stretchy knit just in case. When I made it in February, it was a bit too big for even a pg belly. But almost three months later it works like a charm.
The floral top was also altered -- again I added length and width to the front piece to accommodate the belly. I also made a self tie belt to keep from looking like I was wearing a tent.
The last photo is the first of many sewing projects for the nursery. The crib skirt has been on my list since we bought the crib in January. I am storing a few boxes of extra linens under there and I just got tired of looking at them. The pattern called for a pleat that I skipped and I added 5.5" to the length so that it would reach to the floor and really hide the mysteries that lurk beneath. When it is time to lower the mattress, I'll hem it to fit. I was lucky enough to have both of the materials I used for it in my stash and I got the pattern at a Hancock's $1 pattern sale months ago.
The nursery is coming along. Luckily, we painted the room over a year ago and had most of the furniture already. On the top portion of the chair rail We used Behr's Bird of Paradise (a bright sunset orange) and on the bottom is Behr's Toasted Almond. All we really needed was a crib, a glider and accessories. The crib is Bratt Decor's Dick crib in white. The crib sheet is from Baby Gap's new line of organic mix and match bedding. I was thrilled when I saw the brown safari prints -- perfect for our khaki and orange safari nursery. I also got the sheet in brown dots. I love the way both look with the crib skirt like a spendy custom set only cheap cheap cheap for this frugal mama-to-be.
The crib is currently filled with piles of tiny little clothes, all sorted out by size waiting for the baskets that will go in the credenza/changing table.
Next up, putting something on the walls, and making a new roman shade to go with the fun brown accessories.
There are more photos on my flickr page.
The blue top was my first foray into altering a pattern to fit my pregnant belly. I made a top from that pattern before and decided to make it again but to add length and width to the front. Unfortunately, the day of the photo (which sucks) was about the only time it fit properly.
The striped T was my next effort and much easier I think. I used a pattern that was already suitable to an expanding belly and sewed it up in a very stretchy knit just in case. When I made it in February, it was a bit too big for even a pg belly. But almost three months later it works like a charm.
The floral top was also altered -- again I added length and width to the front piece to accommodate the belly. I also made a self tie belt to keep from looking like I was wearing a tent.
The last photo is the first of many sewing projects for the nursery. The crib skirt has been on my list since we bought the crib in January. I am storing a few boxes of extra linens under there and I just got tired of looking at them. The pattern called for a pleat that I skipped and I added 5.5" to the length so that it would reach to the floor and really hide the mysteries that lurk beneath. When it is time to lower the mattress, I'll hem it to fit. I was lucky enough to have both of the materials I used for it in my stash and I got the pattern at a Hancock's $1 pattern sale months ago.
The nursery is coming along. Luckily, we painted the room over a year ago and had most of the furniture already. On the top portion of the chair rail We used Behr's Bird of Paradise (a bright sunset orange) and on the bottom is Behr's Toasted Almond. All we really needed was a crib, a glider and accessories. The crib is Bratt Decor's Dick crib in white. The crib sheet is from Baby Gap's new line of organic mix and match bedding. I was thrilled when I saw the brown safari prints -- perfect for our khaki and orange safari nursery. I also got the sheet in brown dots. I love the way both look with the crib skirt like a spendy custom set only cheap cheap cheap for this frugal mama-to-be.
The crib is currently filled with piles of tiny little clothes, all sorted out by size waiting for the baskets that will go in the credenza/changing table.
Next up, putting something on the walls, and making a new roman shade to go with the fun brown accessories.
There are more photos on my flickr page.
Mama-to-be blues
The closer I get to meeting the lion cub, the more anxious I get.
This dream is too good to be true. And I am not lucky enough to live it. Luck this good* comes to other people.
Every hour of every day I wait for the other shoe to drop. I wonder how it will happen. How will the dream get snatched away from me? When will it happen?
I wait and wait and wait.
While I’m waiting, I wash and fold his tiny tiny clothes. And I wonder if he’ll ever really wear them. Hubby and I practice our labor coping skills, and I wonder if I’ll ever get a chance to use them.
This dream is too good to be true.
* Conceiving your dream baby, after 3 long years of fruitless TTC, on the eve of your anniversary while on your dream vacation? That is some seriously good fortune.
This dream is too good to be true. And I am not lucky enough to live it. Luck this good* comes to other people.
Every hour of every day I wait for the other shoe to drop. I wonder how it will happen. How will the dream get snatched away from me? When will it happen?
I wait and wait and wait.
While I’m waiting, I wash and fold his tiny tiny clothes. And I wonder if he’ll ever really wear them. Hubby and I practice our labor coping skills, and I wonder if I’ll ever get a chance to use them.
This dream is too good to be true.
* Conceiving your dream baby, after 3 long years of fruitless TTC, on the eve of your anniversary while on your dream vacation? That is some seriously good fortune.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Tiny babies
We were celebrating my mom's bday this weekend with my brothers, their wives and their kids (4 between them). The oldest nephew wanted to play jumpy on the couch with me. I told him I couldn't and when asked why, his mom asked him what was in the tummies of Aunt Sarah and Aunt Katie. He said, "Babies." When asked what kind, he said, "Tiny babies." It was so true and so sweet and I keep playing it over and over again in my head.
I'm now 28w4d and feeling the lion cub kicking up a storm most days. Last Wednesday, I had a sinus infection and was feeling terrible when he had a really big episode of furious jabs and DH finally got to feel him move again after weeks of waiting. The jabs were so big it freaked DH out! and he asked if the baby was okay. Yup, the giant jabs are proof of that. LOL.
Tonight while watching our beloved Sharks win game 7 in the first round, the little one was active all evening, giving big kicks after each goal and lots of rolling movement. It is such a joy I almost can't imagine giving it up to meet him.
But meet him we will, in 80 days or so. My list of things to do before the baby comes is long and daunting but I have to keep my head up and hope that it will all just get done. Maybe a load of baby onsies will make me feel more prepared. :)
I'm now 28w4d and feeling the lion cub kicking up a storm most days. Last Wednesday, I had a sinus infection and was feeling terrible when he had a really big episode of furious jabs and DH finally got to feel him move again after weeks of waiting. The jabs were so big it freaked DH out! and he asked if the baby was okay. Yup, the giant jabs are proof of that. LOL.
Tonight while watching our beloved Sharks win game 7 in the first round, the little one was active all evening, giving big kicks after each goal and lots of rolling movement. It is such a joy I almost can't imagine giving it up to meet him.
But meet him we will, in 80 days or so. My list of things to do before the baby comes is long and daunting but I have to keep my head up and hope that it will all just get done. Maybe a load of baby onsies will make me feel more prepared. :)
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Happy Happy Happy
**cliff notes version: all is well at 26w4d, baby meets his movement quota easily so far and I feel great.
I’m sitting outside in the sun, eating my yummy BLT on toasted wheat, playing with my brand spanking new macbook laptop. I’m loving life and loving living in CA. It’s a gorgeous sunny day without a cloud in the bright blue sky.
The lion cub is doing well. Dr. Wonderful suggested I start doing daily kick counts, a few weeks earlier than the norm but he felt like it would give me some peace of mind and he wanted to know if his movement decreased at all. I’ve been doing them for about a week and so far he meets his daily quota easily. Yay!
My monthly appointment last week was uneventful. The doc said my weight gain was good (about 15 lbs so far), my bp was good (122/70), my urine was good, and my fundal height was right on track (I have no idea what the actual measurement was). He said I’m healthy and doing well and I loved every minute of it. He rocks.
I finished up our registries last week and it felt so good to pick out the last few things for our sweet little boy. I can’t believe I get to do it. Being pregnant thrills me everyday and makes me a little giddy.
My mom is ready to send out the baby shower invites any day and we learned last week that my husband’s two sisters, including the SIL who is due 3 days before me, will be making the trip up from southern CA to celebrate with us. I am so touched that they are both making time to celebrate with us. The shower itself will be crazy – including me there will be four very pg women there – three due within a week of each other. I can’t wait to get pictures of us together.
On the home front, things are progressing nicely. We picked out all the stuff we need for the bathroom redo and got a schedule for our contractor/father of my SIL. End of May it is. I can hardly contain my excitement.
Dh and I spent last Saturday in the backyard rototilling it into some semblance of a level yard of dirt rather than a few mounds of rock hard clay. This weekend we have big plans to mark off beds and install the rock borders. If I am lucky I might get a few tomatoes in the ground. Woohoo! It’s our last free weekend until the baby arrives and I am hoping to wring every last bit of productivity from it as I can.
Next weekend we start birthing classes. Holy crap, that means birth is soon, doesn’t it??? Can’t I just stay pregnant for a lot longer? I’m loving it and as much as I want to meet our little guy, I could totally stay in this lovely place for six more months. LOL. As if. And I’m sure come June I’ll be begging for relief. But for now I’m milking it for all it’s worth.
Oh and the boy started getting hiccups last weekend! At least that is what I think they are – he just starts vibrating for a while, 20 minutes or so and then goes back to his peaceful little self. A few times a day now I notice it and it cracks me up. I can just picture his little body bouncing all over.
I’m sitting outside in the sun, eating my yummy BLT on toasted wheat, playing with my brand spanking new macbook laptop. I’m loving life and loving living in CA. It’s a gorgeous sunny day without a cloud in the bright blue sky.
The lion cub is doing well. Dr. Wonderful suggested I start doing daily kick counts, a few weeks earlier than the norm but he felt like it would give me some peace of mind and he wanted to know if his movement decreased at all. I’ve been doing them for about a week and so far he meets his daily quota easily. Yay!
My monthly appointment last week was uneventful. The doc said my weight gain was good (about 15 lbs so far), my bp was good (122/70), my urine was good, and my fundal height was right on track (I have no idea what the actual measurement was). He said I’m healthy and doing well and I loved every minute of it. He rocks.
I finished up our registries last week and it felt so good to pick out the last few things for our sweet little boy. I can’t believe I get to do it. Being pregnant thrills me everyday and makes me a little giddy.
My mom is ready to send out the baby shower invites any day and we learned last week that my husband’s two sisters, including the SIL who is due 3 days before me, will be making the trip up from southern CA to celebrate with us. I am so touched that they are both making time to celebrate with us. The shower itself will be crazy – including me there will be four very pg women there – three due within a week of each other. I can’t wait to get pictures of us together.
On the home front, things are progressing nicely. We picked out all the stuff we need for the bathroom redo and got a schedule for our contractor/father of my SIL. End of May it is. I can hardly contain my excitement.
Dh and I spent last Saturday in the backyard rototilling it into some semblance of a level yard of dirt rather than a few mounds of rock hard clay. This weekend we have big plans to mark off beds and install the rock borders. If I am lucky I might get a few tomatoes in the ground. Woohoo! It’s our last free weekend until the baby arrives and I am hoping to wring every last bit of productivity from it as I can.
Next weekend we start birthing classes. Holy crap, that means birth is soon, doesn’t it??? Can’t I just stay pregnant for a lot longer? I’m loving it and as much as I want to meet our little guy, I could totally stay in this lovely place for six more months. LOL. As if. And I’m sure come June I’ll be begging for relief. But for now I’m milking it for all it’s worth.
Oh and the boy started getting hiccups last weekend! At least that is what I think they are – he just starts vibrating for a while, 20 minutes or so and then goes back to his peaceful little self. A few times a day now I notice it and it cracks me up. I can just picture his little body bouncing all over.
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