One week old!/Birth story

It's only been a week and I feel like Emma has been here forever. It's been a very long week though, so that's probably partly to blame.

Wednesday morning (the 22nd) I woke up right at 5:00 with some pretty strong contractions. I started timing them and they were between 6-8 minutes apart-so I just tried to rest a bit and kept timing. Patrick got up for work at 5:30 and I let him know what was going on and to not be surprised if he got a call in a while.

He left, they continued. I couldn't fall back asleep so I just decided to get up then for my shower just in case it was labor-then I would be all ready. They crept closer together and by the time I got out some of them were only 2 1/2 minutes apart and some were more like 5-6 minutes-so it was time to call Patrick. Since my water broke the past two times this was so so confusing to me-I was pretty sure it was real but was nervous that I would get the kids around and to our friend's house and it would be nothing.

We ended up leaving the house a little after 8 and got to the hospital after dropping the kids off a little after 9. Even driving there I wasn't convinced (and then I'd have a serious contraction and retract that thought!). We went in, got checked, and sure enough-6cm dilated and 85-90% effaced with a bulging bag of waters. It was officially baby day!

It was a slow slow afternoon. I guess I only labor quickly when my water breaks! Since I tested positive for GBS it was a good thing, as it was ideal to get 2 rounds of antibiotics in my system. When I was about to get the second round (somewhere around 2:00) they hooked up a pitocin bag at the same time. Not a fan-I let the nurse know that I only wanted it if it was absolutely necessary and even then only on the absolute lowest setting. We kept on waiting, and contractions started getting more and more intense-I could tell it was getting a lot closer. By 4 I was a 9 but the doctor still had to get there and break my water and I knew that there was no way I would make it through without a little relief. Contractions were so strong that I was lightheaded breathing through them and the end of them left me almost in tears (and I can tolerate pain-I delivered Maya with an epidural that didn't work, and then delivered Patrick breech just fine) so I asked for an epidural. I was so thankful that they were quick with it-looking back at it I'm still glad I got it, and almost wish I had before then. Once I asked for it I made a comment to the nurse that it was a good thing she didn't turn the pitocin on because it would have made things so much more intense-and she said that oh, she had turned it on-so I asked her to turn it off and she did, but it was going to take a little while to get out of my system. Apparently I'm hypersensitive to just 2mL/hr-well no kidding, my body didn't need it.

Not long after getting the epidural the doctor arrived and checked me. I was almost almost there-she tried to stretch that last little ridge out and that hurt like the dickens so she broke my water instead. I want to say that was at like 4:55, and a few minutes later I was ready to go.

I had to wait and breathe deep through the last contractions as they were prepping everything. I knew I was ready, so when the doc told me to go ahead and push I told her not till she was standing right there-so she grabbed her paper thing, walked over, nurses grabbed my legs and I pushed and she was out!

The next part was the wonderful part and even though I was annoyed at the pitocin and wussed out on an epidural, it didn't matter. With the other three I didn't get to hold them right after delivery and that always bothered me. You know, the push baby out, baby goes right to mama moment-got it. And it was amazing. She was bloody and waxy and just plain wonderful. I held her for quite a bit while I delivered the placenta, and when I was ready to be stitched up (2nd degree tear since she barreled through so fast) she was weighed. She was officially 7lbs 11oz and 20in long, born at 5:21pm. Right away I could tell she looked just like baby Maya and we could see her shoulder dimples immediately too! She nursed great right away too-yay!

Maya came up pretty soon after. She was completely in love as soon as she saw Emma (surprise) and held her for a really long time. I was moved to our room and Maya and Patrick left and then there were two days of boredom, soreness, too many people coming in and out, and not sleeping-at all, but lots and lots of snuggles.

The days after that were more of a challenge than any other delivery-physically, at least. I couldn't sit without being in incredible pain and Emma apparently had a bad latch but I didn't realize it until it was much too late. There ended up being blood and gore and pain and horrible. I've been pumping around the clock and we are feeding poor Emma with a syringe-but, however, once we were able to see what she was getting she actually started sleeping (which before the weekend she was only doing in 10-20 minute bursts).

She's wonderful though. Maya's a little mama to her and Ava and Patrick think she's pretty ok too. They like to do simple things to help-like bring her pacifier or blanket. I can't get enough baby snuggles either. I don't want time to ever pass from right now!

Now, almost a week after writing that, I'm finally getting to the whole uploading pictures part so I can publish this thing. Photos were taken by the fantastic Kristi at Kristi James Photography-visit her site here! Please do NOT copy, share, or save these photos-I am giving zero people permission to do so-thanks. For family, if there are some that you'd like, please ask me for them!

39w5d

Bloody mucous all day today (hey, this is a pregnancy blog, you shouldn't be reading it if you don't want the gory details!) and I've had sporadic super hard contractions all day. Tonight we went on a walk and then I drank my tea when we got home-those put contractions at around 8 1/2 minutes apart, consistently, for a little over an hour and they've already let up again. A miracle would be that it dilated me enough for my water to break in the middle of the night! It would be nice, considering it has Patrick in such a rotten, foul mood today. (And yes, I too am rolling my eyes)

39w4d

Well, this morning I went in for a re-check... Still no progress at all. I'm kind of not surprised though. The doc said that baby's head isn't even engaged in my pelvis yet... Which has NOT been the case the past two times, it was always super far down and pushing. So, I'm no expert or anything, but I'm guessing that is what the delay is all about.

I did have my membranes stripped though. Definitely hope it works and that I don't have to have it redone on Friday at my next appointment (that I hope I don't even make it to!) Pretty much right away I was having intense contractions, not close together in the least bit (the biggies have been about an hour apart all day) but they are intense, much like the ones I had when I was in very active labor with A&P. I'm hoping that will keep up through the night and we will be in good shape tomorrow for some possible baby action.

I'm hoping to get some good rest tonight just in case. Last night it was so hot in here that I slept horribly. I have a VERY full belly right now so hopefully I can ignore my self perpetuated bellyache (I just had Thai, a half of a pineapple, and some REALLY tasty pineapple/strawberry/orange juice that we made).

Dear baby: please come soon! You are probably getting to be a chunker, we are ready, and I'd like to sit on the couch again.

39w2d

Ok! Now I can go into labor. Today we had Maya's last T-Ball game, her recital, and my feet are swollen from the heat, today's errands, and lack of AC. Time to come out before mama has to get really uncomfortable, baby!

39w1d

Had an appointment today-one I never thought I would make it to in the first place.

Weight gain is still at a whopping 13lbs, BP is good, not sure what my belly was measuring at but baby's heartbeat was between 130-140. Sadly being checked was a huge "womp womp"-zero progress from last week.

I was given the option to have my membranes stripped but I had huge anxiety about it as Maya's dance recital is tomorrow night. It would break my heart to miss it knowing I'm missing it because of a choice I made (spontaneously going into labor I can't help of course). The doctor offered to have me come in on Monday morning for a re-check and to have them stripped then-so I'm going to work over the weekend to get the baby in a good position (which could be the problem?) and hopefully we will rock and roll on Monday and stay far far away from the dreaded "i" word. I'm still feeling pretty good other than the usual woes so it'll be nice to get in Maya's last game and her recital and get our last minute mowing and cleaning done.

Big complaint of the day is our AC. I came home from an exhausting evening only to walk into a hot, stuffy house-which Patrick didn't notice since he thought it felt good in here. I'm pretty sure it's broken as it refuses to kick on and the temp is climbing (79 degrees at midnight-it's going to be a long night, as I have awful hot flashes even while running the AC). I hope it's just a matter of flipping a switch on the breaker box but sadly it's in A&P's room so it'll have to wait till tomorrow.

Here's my 39w picture... Baby definitely looks higher to me this week than last! Stinker.

38w6d

Stubborn stubborn stubborn. Baby, you better be so chill in the outside world!

I can't believe I've made it this far. In 33 minutes I'll be 39w. So unless my water breaks in that time and a baby slides out with it, we will have a 39 weeker. I feel great (other than what I'm assuming is a pulled ligament on the top of my belly that feels like I'm being stabbed) and I so wish that I could enjoy this time.

I think people think I'm just impatient to have the baby. I'm really ok-it's not that aspect of it that's stressing me out, it's the stress of not knowing, past tomorrow, what we are going to do with the kids when I go into labor. Yes everything will work out in the end but still right now the logistics are one huge beast and sadly have me down. I remember what a mess Maya was after I came home from the hospital before and I don't want all three like that this time-or A&P at least. And getting the kids somewhere-even if we are as prepared as possible-will still take some time to get them from here to there and in the meantime I'm driving myself to the hospital and hoping Patrick makes it in time since I labored so fast last time. Hopefully this will be slower since the baby is probably almost 2lbs bigger but you just never know.

I think, after days of feeling not much, I'm finally starting the good stages of labor. Or at least hoping. My back has been sore all day and I've had other symptoms I won't share with the world... I'm feeling some pressure so I'm hoping baby has dropped a bit more. I didn't feel like walking tonight even so Patrick and I just had a date-dinner and then frozen yogurt while we sat on my favorite wooden swings down by the water. Which would have been perfect timing for water to break but I'm not surprised that it didn't!

38w2d

I'm going to be so annoyed with myself when I go back to find certain posts and can't find them because I forgot to blog until the next day! Whoops. I'm sure I'll remember my spaciness and general lack of energy and time so hopefully that will help :)

Yesterday I had probably the quickest appointment ever-it was MAYBE 5 minutes (which was fine with me considering the insanely busy day it was going to be). I've lost a couple of pounds, which surprised me because I've been able to eat more lately than in the entire rest of my pregnancy, and my BP was great. I measured at 38.5 weeks so I'm growing steadily. Heartbeat was 150's and baby is in a great position to go into labor.

I'm 2cm, 75% effaced, and -2 station this week. Patrick and I walked around the store yesterday in the AC while it was still
hot and then after dinner and A&P went to bed we walked three laps around downtown Beaufort (after I chugged a strong cup of tea). I didn't notice anything but being awful sore afterwards, but I'm sure it did something (or at least that's what I'm telling myself!) We did another three laps tonight and Patrick wore his running watch for it-we clocked in 1.15 miles so I'm very happy with that!

38w

As I type this I'm having contractions around 7 minutes apart. I'm not going in quite yet-I'm curious as to if these will continue or if they'll just make some nice progress for my appointment tomorrow.

I've been in a vicious mood all day-which is very typical for me the day before labor!

Only time will tell now. Baby, if you're ready, we are!

37w6d

Still hanging in there, still pregnant! I've had folks concerned with lack of communication but its only because of how the past week has been-between packing in last minute tasks and taking naps every day (and turning on that sweet do not disturb mode during) we are just watching and waiting. Patrick and I are both on edge because of how last the went-we were woke up in the middle of the night and just a couple hours later were the parents of three.

Last night I had a lot of baby movement. That hasn't been the case lately-baby has been quiet, adding to my feeling of impending labor-but I just tried to soak it all in quietly as who knows if this will be the last I'll get to enjoy baby kicks and wiggles. I know I'll miss this so much.

Tonight after a meeting Patrick and I got to go downtown and walk and ate frozen yogurt-it was nice to walk around and sit along the water just the two of us, we never ever ever get to do that!

I'll be 38 weeks in about 15 minutes... Honestly I didn't think I'd go this far but so glad baby is growing big, healthy, and strong in there :)

37w3d

I keep forgetting to post about 37w and my appointment! I've been so completely exhausted... Even now I just want to fall asleep.

Friday (37w1d) was my appointment. 1cm dilated, 50% effaced, -3 station (not happy about that one!) ...came back positive for GBS too so I have to start antibiotics right away when I go into labor (HA!) measuring right on at 37w, weight gain is at 13lbs, heartbeat was good though I don't remember getting a number. Red Raspberry Leaf tea begins! I lost two massive globs of plug too-both marble sized-one before my appointment, one long after.

Today was the second to the last GS meeting of the year-and my sweet Daisies threw me a surprise shower! It was honestly one of the sweetest things ever and the looks on their faces was priceless.

Here's my 37w picture... Shirts obviously don't fit anymore!

36w5d

Tonight is the very last night I have to panic-reinforcement arrives tomorrow evening! I can't wait-I've been so stressed this week that my body just wouldn't hold out. Tomorrow's it though, and then I've made it to full term... so I'll absolutely be able to relax a bit. The only thing I'll have to worry about is getting ahold of Patrick (nearly impossible sometimes) if he's at work when the time comes or if my water breaks and the contractions come on as strong-or stronger-than they did last time.

We've been trying SO hard to get everything in order, and my hospital bag is now mostly packed and *GASP* we have a name we like. As of last night. Nothing like last minute timing. Still, it's a "we'll see" thing depending on how we feel when baby is actually born!

36w1d

First doctor appointment in I think 5 weeks today! (Finally!)

Had the lovely GBS test, hopefully this time I'll actually get the confirmation that its negative before I go into labor and we have to do antibiotics anyway.

Weight gain is still at a measly 12lbs. They are happy with it and baby is thriving (measuring between 36-37w, so right on) so I guess it's ok. Heartbeat was in the 150's.

We talked about some of my concerns, such as my fear of laboring too fast... sadly I can't sign any of my consent paperwork beforehand, but I now have l&d's number in my phone in case we are rushing and it looks like its getting close. I declined a check this week so that I will hopefully not stir things up... Lets hope my body takes the hint!

I now have my hair cut and nails done... So even though the house isn't totally ready yet and we don't have a name I can feel human during and after. Priorities :)

35w5d

OH MY GOODNESS. This baby is causing so much pain tonight... To the point where I was grabbing onto Patrick's knee making noises that I'm pretty sure I haven't made since the doctor was fishing little P's breech self out. Ow, ow, ow.

35w4d

Today I'm a week away from when I had Ava & Patrick and three weeks away from when I had Maya. Coincidentally, nesting went into full effect today too! Our kitchen and living room are the cleanest they've been in a very long time... and I'm hoping it stays that way for awhile.

Yesterday we made some big progress as well. We got out the swing and bath seat and washed and assembled those and the bouncer-Maya was completely thrilled when she woke up this morning and saw them because we are finally preparing for baby's arrival. She helped me clean quite a bit too so I think she's nesting right along with me!

35w

Wow, 35w! Still enjoying my super active baby and getting a little sad that this really could be our last one. We always said four for sure but after that we'd kind of just see, and that's exactly where we still are. I learned not to take advantage of this though so even though I'm tired and my belly is heavy (not as heavy as last time thankfully, but this time my ligaments are failing me) I'm soaking up every second because soon it'll be done-before I know it, I'm sure! At this point with Maya I thought it would never end, at this point with Ava & Patrick I was thankful for one more day pregnant, and at this point this time I just want time to slow down a little bit.

34w5d

This baby is going to make sure the end doesn't come easy!

This morning I woke up feeling horrible. What's worse is that when I got up to blow my nose, I couldn't because of the incredible pain on the left side of my face (which ended up spreading to my whole face throughout the day) ...I've never had a sinus infection before but I'm pretty sure this is it. It's hard to function like this-feeling miserable, chasing around three young ones, and being this pregnant-but I had to take it easy today because I knew if I didn't there would be just plain no getting better. Patrick scored me a neti pot for $3.50 (which I couldn't figure out how to use-though the saline in there a bit had to help some as now the clogged nostril is open and the other is closed. Whatever-as long as I have one good one) I'm going to have to look up a video tomorrow because apparently I just can't read or something.

Also today, with jeans on and in public, I stepped in a horrifically busy fire ant hill. Of course I didn't realize it until I could feel them biting me-after doing a ridiculous dance panicking trying to figure out what to do I hopped in the van and took my pants off so Patrick could attempt to get all of the ants off that had climbed UP my pantleg (it took a bit but thankfully he got them all) and then we still got more out of my shoes. My ankle is swollen and hurts. Oh southern insects!

34w3d

I'm either nesting or in panic mode or a little bit of both. Thankfully we got a LOT done today-beginning with selling a few big furniture items (including our old table!) and a trip to the dump. Now I feel we can chip at it here and there this week with a lot less stress-which is good since everything on our to-do list has to be finished by the end of next weekend. Patrick has duties and late late late work nights when I'm 36w (wooooo.... hooooooo....) so this is it. Freaks me out. I'm enjoying this baby being in my belly! I've made my list and started packing my bag though so at least I'm not in denial anymore.

This weekend was great between productivity and sweet family visiting-but I definitely think I'll be paying for it for a couple of days between all the walking around and moving around and my allergies going nuts!

Kind of got a picture yesterday too-it's not a great belly shot but more of a "belly in action" (and with the rest of the family) shot.

33w5d

Things have been getting a little more challenging as of late. Contractions the past few days were so crazy that I found a contraction app for my phone-I'm still in disbelief to be at this point.

This past weekend was a huge disappointment in productivity. Patrick ended up having to work most of Sunday, including during my sweet baby shower at church-it was a mess and so was I between Maya's attitude and how I felt. I spent a lot of that night exhausted and in pain, and yesterday followed suit-though I drank a few big gatorades and then took Tylenol before bed and slept with a Therma Care patch on-so I woke up feeling tons better and have only had a few contractions today, sooo much more manageable. I detest feeling like I'm getting nothing done, but I know that at this point it's what my body needs. I'll gladly oblige if it means delivering a healthy term baby!

As far as progress with stuff goes: I got the A&A blankets washed and ready! I accidentally ordered the bamboo ones but they are heaven. So that's I think four things down on the pre-baby checklist? Woohoo!

This baby is active. So so active. More so (by far) than any of the other kids. I'm loving it, even when the kicks and punches hurt!

33w

Well, I think I've finally hit my wall over the past week! I was doing really well with being productive, but now the fatigue and constant discomfort in my belly (dear nice strong ligaments, I miss you) has sort of taken over. I've had to snooze the past few afternoons, especially today after I was woke up at 5:45 (ahem, Patrick) ad could barely make it through the morning.

I can't wait to get the couple last minute organizing things absolutely finished so that I can just keep up with normal daily stuff-mostly just mentally, as all of this is pretty much going to fall on Patrick at this point (I warned him about procrastinating and here we are!) ...at this point in time with contractions and feeling like the baby's head is very much down and ready I have no choice but to sit back and relax and accept that I can't put in the work like I've been doing for the past 8 months. I did well-but now it's time to rest.

Baby still has no name, but I think we are getting closer to at least having options. Poor kiddo!

31w6d

Today was the first really truly painful day. I've had my moments here and there of course, especially after a long day, but this was since the morning-I swear the baby is trying to crawl out and has changed position. This is my first pregnancy where my sciatic pain hasn't been awful-this time it's more my hip joints, and that's after wearing one of the babies-but it's here! I'm glad I won't have to deal with it that long though, and it'll just force me to start taking it easy. I'm really looking forward to this weekend to get big things checked off the to do list so it's pretty easy sailing till baby comes!

It was an incredibly productive day though-and of course I had to open my big mouth and talk about it on the way home from the commissary tonight. What happened shortly after we got home? Plumbing issues! Of course. We are praying its easily fixed ourselves and we won't have to have our line snaked-bit it's going to be a long night of hoping the bathtubs don't overflow every time I flush the toilet!

8 months tomorrow! Woohoo!

30w4d

Doc appointment this morning went well! I've gained 11lbs so far (at this point with Maya it was 25, with Ava & Patrick it was 32). I'm measuring at 31w and baby's heartbeat was strong in the 150's. Baby is mostly head down (woohoo! Stay there!)

There are a few issues with my platelet count-they started out in the 180's but are now at 147. I have to go back in a couple of weeks for a re-check. Since I don't plan on getting an epidural it shouldn't be an issue, they will just watch to make sure complications don't develop.

Took a 30w belly picture the other day... Not much of a difference although it sure feels as if there is!

28w6d

What. An. Exhausting. Day.

It started after a little over 4 hours of sleep. Then I checked the temp and it was a frigid 40 degrees (hey don't judge I've been in the southern heat for 6 years now) ...those two things right there would have normally just sent me back to bed.

Got up with Patrick to help him put his crock pot meal together (today was duty day for him) then got myself and the kids ready to leave for my 3hr glucose test. Kiddos hung out with the lovely KP and her sweeties while I spent 4 hours bored out of my mind (why I didn't bring something to catch up on is beyond me-I guess because I never get just 4 hours to do nothing?!)

Got the kids, stopped home to make kiddo lunches, ate lunch with Patrick on duty, went grocery shopping for a couple of things. Got home, tossed together a meal for us and for a MALS spouse, packed the kids back up, and took the meal to her-across town. Ate our dinner with a friend since her house was right near where we were, took Patrick his pillow and blanket, got home, gave the babies milk-pajamas-bed and then Maya and I picked up from the tornado that happened in the short bursts we were home. By the end Maya was begging to go to bed and as soon as humanly possible we came in here-she gets to sleep in with me on duty nights-but of course even after I popped in her movie I had to sort laundry. Exhausted reading all that? Yup, that was my day. Completely nonstop. I'm too pregnant for this! It's only Wednesday though and we have something to leave the house and do the next two days still but all I can think of at this moment is that sleep comes before that errand. My poor kids didn't eat a single meal at home today I realized-that's so odd to me.

I passed the glucose test. Woohoo!

27w5d

Interesting tidbit: this day last pregnancy I had a scan. A&P were measuring around 2 1/2lbs each... Crazy to think that's what this little one is at, if not a teeny bit bigger!

Got the call today that I failed my 1hr glucose test. I'm a little worried about it, since I have sugar issues in the first place, and I've never failed it before-not even with A&P where I was more likely to have GD with a multiples pregnancy. I go for my 3 hour on the 6th so here's hoping it'll go well!

27w1d

Doc appointment today went well! My weight gain on their scale is 9lbs, not 6-still insanely low but the doc wasn't concerned-actually happy. Heartbeat was at 146, and I'm pretty sure baby has flipped back head down again because of where I feel hiccups. (Woohoo! Just stay there babylove.) I'm measuring 28w but between the fact that my uterus housed twins last time and I started off with extra weight anyways it doesn't surprise me.

Placenta is officially far enough away to be cleared of any issues-so I'm happy. I had my glucose test this morning before my appointment so I'll find out the results of that soon, but I'm guessing it'll be ok as pregnancy usually just evens it out for me. I go back in 4 weeks-crazy that we are getting to the "closer together" appointments!

27w

So I woke up this morning in the third trimester. Whaaaa?! How this happened I have no clue... But we are here.

Very fortunately the only woes of pregnancy that I am experiencing is sciatic nerve pain, which has been horribly bad the last two times too, and my strange lack of appetite. It's such work to eat. I've finally started gaining-6 pounds now I think-whereas at this point with Maya I had gained 19 and with Ava & Patrick I had gained 28. Whoops! Pretty sure baby is growing just fine so that's what matters.

Baby has been head down lately-I can tell because of where I feel hiccups. Much to my dismay today I could feel them over my left hip... Nooo! Now I can clearly feel the transverse position because of where kicks are. Baby better enjoy flipping around now because its going to be time to get serious soon!

25w

First of all-how in the world is it 15w until my due date?! This is going to fly by!

It's 2am. There's a major party going on in my belly. This child will be remembered as the wiggly one for sure-I love it, but holy cow! A lot of it has to do with the placenta placement, so I can feel pretty much everything. Seriously, it's constant!

Maya can feel baby kicking quite a bit too which is neat for her (and for me-I love that she's so excited and so involved).

24w

It's viability day! Happy happy.

Went in for my follow-up ultrasound today. There are definitely four chambers in the heart-yay! The placenta has moved up a tad but still not enough to know if the doctor will pass it or not. I should hear in the next couple of days if I have to repeat the ultrasound again.

Baby was very active-opening his or her mouth, wiggling all around-I could see flips as they happened which is always fun. Baby is breech as of right now and heartbeat was at 156. Gender was definitely confirmed and it was overall a fun appointment since baby was being cooperative for some really good pictures and Maya got to join us today (since we had a dentist appointment nearby right before).

Also, I took a belly picture last Friday and never put it up! Whoops. (23w1d)

21w3d

Still horribly sick. I can't wait to breathe again! Just hoping I get more sleep than last night-Patrick has duty tomorrow.

In good news though, Maya felt the baby kick today! There had been a lot of movement so I put her hand there, then there was nothing, so I stopped pressing her hand in... She kept it there and there was a huge "whop!" and she looked at me with eyes wide open, just as surprised as I was! Patrick felt kicks yesterday (or the day before?) too so we're getting into the real deal now :)

21w2d

The past few days have been miserable. I've tried to just take it one half day at a time-taking advantage of the babies napping and me resting during that time (Maya's usually great if I toss on a movie, that's usually her only TV time of the day) but the problem is the babies' sleep schedule lately. It started a couple of months ago when they tore down their blinds, so it's never dim in there if the sun is up, including naptime. They are so curious and busy together that they just tend to get out of bed and destroy their room (and do things like climb under their crib and then get mad about it so I have to go rescue them). It all seems to have gotten worse in the past week too-they've reached an entirely new level in getting into stuff-so a nap the past couple of days just hasn't happened.

I had a doctor's appointment yesterday though-regular OB visit, but turned more into a sick visit. I didn't leave there too happy-more unnerved about it than anything-but remembering that the only thing I can try to do to kick this thing is to (attempt to) rest, stay hydrated, and watch my temp. Baby's heart rate was a little elevated from what it usually is (150-160) but mine is too from being sick so she wasn't worried.

Lets just hope I can kick this thing quick-Patrick has duty on Monday so it's going to be a really fun 24 hours alone with the kids!

20w6d

Posting three days in a row?! World record.

Babies gave me whatever sickness they have. I'm pretty miserable today. Thank goodness I go to the doctor on Friday anyway!

20w5d

Got a phone call today from one of the OB's. Two issues were apparently found from my ultrasound (which I thought was fine...) so I have to have a follow-up scan at the end of the month. First of all, I have a low-lying placenta. That doesn't worry me as of right now, but will need to be watched later. Second, they need a re-scan of baby's heart. It's likely just because of bad positioning and lack of cooperation from baby but they want to check for something just in case. Be praying all is fine! I'm trying to not think too much about it yet because its probably ok, I just of course prefer to get an all-clear first time around. I will know a little more after Friday's appointment and after the other scan at the end of the month.

20w4d

Yowza-I definitely feel pregnant today.

I had to take the babies to their 18mo well visit and thankfully I brought the stroller, the Ergo, cereal, and milk-and still I left completely exhausted. Today was the last time I use the Ergo unless completely necessary, sadly-my back is revolting and I can't move very easily. I guess wearing 28lbs on your back and then carrying an extra 30+ on your front (or at times trying to restrain him to give him a breathing treatment) isn't a good idea at 20w... Here's hoping I sleep better tonight than I did last night!

19w6d

Ultrasound day was today! To our amusement (definitely not anyone else's) only Patrick and I know if we're packing pink or blue in our hospital bags. It would have been fun to not know at all, but the reality is that we have a teeny house and while the baby will be in our room for the first while, we need to start thinking about sleeping arrangements after infancy. And since life is in hyperdrive since having kids, I know we will blink and be putting a crib away!

The scan went really well-so much quicker than our level 2 scans with Ava and Patrick. Baby was transverse and pretty wiggly-NOT ideal for getting a gender shot in the least bit. The tech poked around and did other measurements in the meantime (good fluid, HB of 146BPM, all body parts measuring exactly at 19w6d) and thankfully after turning on my side the little stinker gave us a few very clear views. Baby was being super active the entire time-like usual, there is almost always a lot of movement going on, especially after I eat!

I can't believe that tomorrow this is half over. Maya is so excited for baby to be here and keeps asking when (she knows it'll likely be May, but that's a little hard to grasp the concept of that amount of time at 4). We may do a countdown to May or something. She's so excited to be a big sister again-she was a good help with a lot of basic things before, but I think this time she will be fantastic. She loves the ultrasound pictures that we got today though so I think that very soon they will be added to her photo album :)

Sleep has been awful lately. I'm not getting enough and I'm always tired, and the past three days my napping attempts have been a huge fail. I am guessing growth spurt... But goodness! I wasn't missing the first trimester for a reason!