In North Carolina yesterday was the "calm before the storm." There was a high of 65 degrees and it could not have been more beautiful outside which was lovely considering that it is below freezing today and we are looking forward to another week or so of very cold temperatures.
Morgan had a full day and then got us outside. We drove to Chapel Hill to check out a new disc golf course right on campus. This particular course used to be a golf course and it is long and beautiful. We jumped in on the back 9 and Morgan started chatting it up with a very nice guy on the course, and the next thing I new Cooper and I were trailing behind playing in the woods while the boys were going after the course. I personally don't like to throw with other folks because I am so terrible and I needed to entertain Cooper as he is a total freak on the course.
It was a nice walk, lots of hills, etc. I knew that I was only good for 9 holes based on the length of the course and the fact that we had dinner plans at Morgan's cousin Erin's house. However, we did not realize that when we came to the end of the course we would be so far away from where we were parked. Our nice new friend gave us directions and Morgan, Cooper and I trotted away to find our way back to the car and to Erin's house.
The ground along our walk was literally a swamp - muddy as it could be. My shoes were covered in mud, my dog was covered in mud and my jeans were covered in about 3 inches of mud at the bottom. Needless to say our leisurely walk had turned into a complete mess - and in my mind here we are about to go to a dinner party! I was not pleased, but Morgan was keeping me smiling and laughing at our "bog" just the same. I thought I saw a dryer way to walk in the woods, and in my attempt to cut across along the edge of the fairway my shoe got stuck in the mud and came off and now I also had wet, muddy socks. Lovely.
We saw a bridge and dry path and thought we should get on it - although we realized that it would turn us around and take us off the course. We thought we had no choice. We slowly started back up the hill on the dry path and images of what would happen if my water broke and we were lost in the woods at sundown with no jackets and really no idea where we even were started to enter our heads. At this point we look through the woods and see our new friend, who was playing the rest of the course, looking curiously at us and I am sure wondering where in the hell we are going.
On our walk bak down to meet him and get better directions Morgan gets me laughing so hard that my stomach starts to cramp and I start throwing up, which makes me laugh even more because I become convinced that I might actually go into a very muddy labor! Morgan keeps it going, suggesting that he could have delivered Thriller into his fleece vest and then he would have made millions writing a book about the experience.
We meet our new friend in the bog and realize that we were only about 100 yards from the parking lot that whole time. More laughter. More puking. More cramping.
We had to cancel dinner with Erin as by this point I was really a total mess and feeling pretty bad from all the puking and cramping. I did let myself get excited, however, thinking that this could be it! Our car ride home was very uncomfortable and I was getting very hopeful! But alas, we came home and the cramping and puking subsided and there is no baby Thriller.
We go and see the doctor later this morning and I'll find out if that cramping meant anything as far as dilation goes!
Showing posts with label Progress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Progress. Show all posts
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Thriller Watch Update
Yesterday we went into the DR for a stress test, fluid measuring and exam ... and more importantly to figure out what the next steps are IF I do not go into labor. Initially Triangle told us they would let us go approx 10 days after the due date - but it was clear that there could be a few days here or there based on the situation and considering that we know my ovulation date is off as I quite my birth control in the middle of a cycle/package and was pregnant 10 days later. I have felt confident that if we got to this point we would be able to do what is best and not be pushed around.
That all being said, I was extremely anxious going into the doctor yesterday. I had a terrible dream, was up at 6 am in tears, and generally just really worried. We got to the office and we went into the stress test - basically I laid back in a giant recliner and had probes belted onto me. I could see the monitor and print out from where I was sitting and could hear the baby's heart beat in the room. The heart beat was the best part! However, the print out was depressing. The top line represented contractions, and it was flat as flat could be, but at least it was accompanied by the baby's heartbeat on the second line, which was strong and healthy.
Morgan was there with me and decided it would be a good time to try some relaxation exercises from our Bradley class as the whole thing was making me so on edge. He was right, and just as we were about to turn to violet in our meditation sequence Dr. V walked in to check on us and move us to another room, suggesting calmly as we moved over that it was probably time to bite the bullet and talk about induction.
I completely froze. I had so much to say - so many questions - ideas - etc but I lost them all. Dr. V is super mellow, easy to talk to, listens, not judgmental - pretty much I just really trust and like him. And I lost my nerve to start using all of the skills we have learned in Bradley and all of the knowledge we have gathered to be able to talk about what we want. Luckily my dear husband did not.
Dr. V checked the fluid levels and placenta via ultrasound and then did my exam - no progress from the past 2 to 3 weeks - still effaced, still ripe, still a fingertip dilated. Then he left for me to get dressed again and came back in to chat with us about our plan. Morgan asked all the questions and talked to him about our hopes and got us a full 2 weeks past the due date so we are scheduled to go in next week. I was a deer caught in headlights. Good doctor, tell me what to do. Jesus, you would NOT think I had not spent the past nine months preparing for this!
After Morgan and Dr. V worked out the details and the appointment was made with the hospital Dr. V looked directly at me and softly asked "I know you have questions" and then I was slowly able to start talking again.
So the plan is as follows:
(Hopefully go into labor on my own)
IF NOT then,
7:30 PM on Wed Feb 3 check into WakeMed Cary
Have Foley Bulb Inset - basically a bulb is put into my cervix and air is blown in to try and open it up some more
Spend the night at the hospital, maybe go into labor :)
6:00 AM on Thurs Feb 4 - Foley Bulb removed (unless it has fallen out), water broken, pitocin started
Hopefully have the baby before approx 10 pm, after 10 pm start thinking about c-section
Okay. Not what we want to happen, but all things being equal, pretty much the best back up plan we could possibly ask for. I feel totally confident in the support of my Dr, which is key, and trust him completely. I feel totally confident in my coach - Morgan really came through yesterday as such a knowledgeable and great communicator! Feeling his support and the fact that he is so in tune with me to know when to step in and take over (note that I generally have a hard time letting go control) makes me know that once we get into labor, whenever or however that happens, all I have to do is focus on me and Thriller and Morgan will be able to take care of everything else.
I feel relaxed and supported and loved. All and all not a bad place to be. Maybe this state of mind will kick in my labor!
That all being said, I was extremely anxious going into the doctor yesterday. I had a terrible dream, was up at 6 am in tears, and generally just really worried. We got to the office and we went into the stress test - basically I laid back in a giant recliner and had probes belted onto me. I could see the monitor and print out from where I was sitting and could hear the baby's heart beat in the room. The heart beat was the best part! However, the print out was depressing. The top line represented contractions, and it was flat as flat could be, but at least it was accompanied by the baby's heartbeat on the second line, which was strong and healthy.
Morgan was there with me and decided it would be a good time to try some relaxation exercises from our Bradley class as the whole thing was making me so on edge. He was right, and just as we were about to turn to violet in our meditation sequence Dr. V walked in to check on us and move us to another room, suggesting calmly as we moved over that it was probably time to bite the bullet and talk about induction.
I completely froze. I had so much to say - so many questions - ideas - etc but I lost them all. Dr. V is super mellow, easy to talk to, listens, not judgmental - pretty much I just really trust and like him. And I lost my nerve to start using all of the skills we have learned in Bradley and all of the knowledge we have gathered to be able to talk about what we want. Luckily my dear husband did not.
Dr. V checked the fluid levels and placenta via ultrasound and then did my exam - no progress from the past 2 to 3 weeks - still effaced, still ripe, still a fingertip dilated. Then he left for me to get dressed again and came back in to chat with us about our plan. Morgan asked all the questions and talked to him about our hopes and got us a full 2 weeks past the due date so we are scheduled to go in next week. I was a deer caught in headlights. Good doctor, tell me what to do. Jesus, you would NOT think I had not spent the past nine months preparing for this!
After Morgan and Dr. V worked out the details and the appointment was made with the hospital Dr. V looked directly at me and softly asked "I know you have questions" and then I was slowly able to start talking again.
So the plan is as follows:
(Hopefully go into labor on my own)
IF NOT then,
7:30 PM on Wed Feb 3 check into WakeMed Cary
Have Foley Bulb Inset - basically a bulb is put into my cervix and air is blown in to try and open it up some more
Spend the night at the hospital, maybe go into labor :)
6:00 AM on Thurs Feb 4 - Foley Bulb removed (unless it has fallen out), water broken, pitocin started
Hopefully have the baby before approx 10 pm, after 10 pm start thinking about c-section
Okay. Not what we want to happen, but all things being equal, pretty much the best back up plan we could possibly ask for. I feel totally confident in the support of my Dr, which is key, and trust him completely. I feel totally confident in my coach - Morgan really came through yesterday as such a knowledgeable and great communicator! Feeling his support and the fact that he is so in tune with me to know when to step in and take over (note that I generally have a hard time letting go control) makes me know that once we get into labor, whenever or however that happens, all I have to do is focus on me and Thriller and Morgan will be able to take care of everything else.
I feel relaxed and supported and loved. All and all not a bad place to be. Maybe this state of mind will kick in my labor!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Today was not the day ...
Well, I was hopeful. Last night Cooper and Ophelia totally bugged out and would not leave me alone. Ophelia started running into the nursery and meowing frantically all night. They both came into the bathroom and stared at me at the same time while I was taking a bath - Ophelia even jumped up on the edge of the tub. And of course I think started over analyzing everything that was going on inside my body and realized that I was having some mild cramping. We fell asleep to Thriller moving around at a rapid pace and as he/she was hitting me all over I had the slightest glimmer of hope in the back of my mind that maybe it wasn't the baby moving around but rather my uterus moving around.
No such luck.
And then today was my first due date.
And it is Poppy's birthday.
We wanted it to be today.
Maybe tomorrow. Morgan thinks late next week. We'll see ...
I told Thriller not to rush this morning, he/she will be rushed through everything in life, if they need more time - take it! Just don't make me have a c-section or induction, please!
No such luck.
And then today was my first due date.
And it is Poppy's birthday.
We wanted it to be today.
Maybe tomorrow. Morgan thinks late next week. We'll see ...
I told Thriller not to rush this morning, he/she will be rushed through everything in life, if they need more time - take it! Just don't make me have a c-section or induction, please!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Countdown 00:00:00, Still No Thriller
If you are an avid reader of the Thriller News Filler, you might have noticed that we have had a countdown clock at the bottom of the blog. Every day I have faithfully scrolled down to see how many days, hours and minutes it is until the due date with anticipation that today would somehow mean something. On Tuesday when I went to the doctor it was apparent that I would likely not deliver today - but I have still been holding out some hope - especially as I know our favorite midwife is on call today. As the day goes on, however, reality has set in. I am probably not going to meet Thriller today - or even tomorrow - and life must go on.
In my next doctor's appointment on Tuesday I have to do a stress test to make sure that Thriller is still okay. As long as the baby does not show signs of stress we carry on - and can go until 1/31 without facing pitocin. Initially, a pitocin induced labor was one of the things I wanted to avoid the most - as it often leads to so many other interventions and can put the baby under stress. However, in the past weeks we have had 3 birth stories from other Bradley couples - all of which had to induce, all of which were able to still have pain medication free births, all of which were at the same hospital where we will be and so forth. The reality of this being a possibility is slowly setting in and I think we will be okay if that is what we are faced with. I would be most disappointed, however, if I have to have a c-section. The reality there is that doctors, midwives, birth centers, etc don't want to do VBACs and I would never have the opportunity to experience a truly natural birth if we get to that point. So fingers crossed we can avoid a c-section, even if pitocin becomes a reality we have to deal with.
There are many other avenues for drug free induction that we will pursue prior to getting to that point, but I want to wait until next week after the stress test and our next doctors appointment to begin the aggressive options.
Right now Morgan is betting on January 23, his Poppy's birthday. I like it! The 23rd was also my initial due date according to the midwives in California - so ... maybe, just maybe, that is when little Thriller will come out into the open!
In my next doctor's appointment on Tuesday I have to do a stress test to make sure that Thriller is still okay. As long as the baby does not show signs of stress we carry on - and can go until 1/31 without facing pitocin. Initially, a pitocin induced labor was one of the things I wanted to avoid the most - as it often leads to so many other interventions and can put the baby under stress. However, in the past weeks we have had 3 birth stories from other Bradley couples - all of which had to induce, all of which were able to still have pain medication free births, all of which were at the same hospital where we will be and so forth. The reality of this being a possibility is slowly setting in and I think we will be okay if that is what we are faced with. I would be most disappointed, however, if I have to have a c-section. The reality there is that doctors, midwives, birth centers, etc don't want to do VBACs and I would never have the opportunity to experience a truly natural birth if we get to that point. So fingers crossed we can avoid a c-section, even if pitocin becomes a reality we have to deal with.
There are many other avenues for drug free induction that we will pursue prior to getting to that point, but I want to wait until next week after the stress test and our next doctors appointment to begin the aggressive options.
Right now Morgan is betting on January 23, his Poppy's birthday. I like it! The 23rd was also my initial due date according to the midwives in California - so ... maybe, just maybe, that is when little Thriller will come out into the open!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Still Waiting ...
At long last I think I might have let go of the obsessive urgency to go into labor.
I have a bad cold and don't feel well ~ although for this weekend my complaints are not pregnancy related but good old fashioned cold related. Being pregnant doesn't seem to be that bad in comparison to my new symptoms AND more importantly I really want to get well before I go into labor. If I go into labor before I get well there is not much I can do about it and I just have to trust that we will make it through. However, got willing a couple more days will do the trick.
Morgan has been amazing, and while I feel terribly guilty about being a bit needy and under the weather he has taken care of my every need - including talking to the doctor today about what over the counter meds I can use for relief, running to the drug store, making a steady supply of hot tea and any other thing I could possibly want.
My mind is also totally GONE. I could not even remember who won a football game I watched yesterday this morning.
I have a bad cold and don't feel well ~ although for this weekend my complaints are not pregnancy related but good old fashioned cold related. Being pregnant doesn't seem to be that bad in comparison to my new symptoms AND more importantly I really want to get well before I go into labor. If I go into labor before I get well there is not much I can do about it and I just have to trust that we will make it through. However, got willing a couple more days will do the trick.
Morgan has been amazing, and while I feel terribly guilty about being a bit needy and under the weather he has taken care of my every need - including talking to the doctor today about what over the counter meds I can use for relief, running to the drug store, making a steady supply of hot tea and any other thing I could possibly want.
My mind is also totally GONE. I could not even remember who won a football game I watched yesterday this morning.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
The final countdown! It's driving me INSANE.
Okay, really, 7 more days? I don't know if I can stand it. I keep reminding myself it is good for the baby to stay in until term - - - best for the baby, best for the baby, best for the baby. We just want to meet the baby!
We have packed, repacked, added items, and packed again.
Every time I sigh, grown or make another noise when standing or moving around Morgan jumps into position, stopwatch in hand, in case labor has started. (There are a lot of noises along these lines once you hit 37 plus weeks - everything just hurts, I think) It is pretty much the cutest thing in the WORLD that he is so ready and attentive, but there seems to be a series of letdown expressions when I have to confess that I am not in labor, just struggling to move that is breaking my heart!
That being said I have had a couple of intense Braxton-Hicks contractions ... but, according to the exam yesterday, I continue to be effaced and soft, but not dilated. Following my appointment I went to get a massage and had all of my labor points worked like crazy with the hope that something would happen - but nothing yet. She did work a crazy point on my chin which is apparently aligned directly with my cervix which seemed very powerful.
I waddle, hurt and need food and sleep all the time. The cold air/central heat combo has created and intense sinus pressure that is causing a weird ear/nose/throat grossness that I hate. I've gained a whopping 17 pounds in pregnancy, all in the last 6 weeks, and I really feel it. And I have pretty much regressed into complaining a lot (as I am sure you can all tell). And I feel guilty about that.
Mainly I want to meet Thriller. What will he/she look like? Will he/she have the Vickery webbed toe? Will he/she sleep well? I want to know! I don't have the need to know the sex or even have a name - just to hold the baby and look into its eyes. It is all I want in the world at the moment.
We have packed, repacked, added items, and packed again.
Every time I sigh, grown or make another noise when standing or moving around Morgan jumps into position, stopwatch in hand, in case labor has started. (There are a lot of noises along these lines once you hit 37 plus weeks - everything just hurts, I think) It is pretty much the cutest thing in the WORLD that he is so ready and attentive, but there seems to be a series of letdown expressions when I have to confess that I am not in labor, just struggling to move that is breaking my heart!
That being said I have had a couple of intense Braxton-Hicks contractions ... but, according to the exam yesterday, I continue to be effaced and soft, but not dilated. Following my appointment I went to get a massage and had all of my labor points worked like crazy with the hope that something would happen - but nothing yet. She did work a crazy point on my chin which is apparently aligned directly with my cervix which seemed very powerful.
I waddle, hurt and need food and sleep all the time. The cold air/central heat combo has created and intense sinus pressure that is causing a weird ear/nose/throat grossness that I hate. I've gained a whopping 17 pounds in pregnancy, all in the last 6 weeks, and I really feel it. And I have pretty much regressed into complaining a lot (as I am sure you can all tell). And I feel guilty about that.
Mainly I want to meet Thriller. What will he/she look like? Will he/she have the Vickery webbed toe? Will he/she sleep well? I want to know! I don't have the need to know the sex or even have a name - just to hold the baby and look into its eyes. It is all I want in the world at the moment.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Doctor Doctor!
Yesterday morning I woke up with a cramping sensation at the top of my ribcage and got a little excited and confused, as I expected such a sensation to happen much lower in my abdomen. When Morgan came home from a morning appointment we had to remind ourselves that if I was, in fact, showing signs of pre-labor that it could go on for weeks before anything major happened. Luckily we had an appointment with Triangle OBGYN at 1:50 so we knew we could get a clear answer.
The philosophy at Triangle is not to start checking you via vaginal exams until 39 weeks (unlike some doctors who start checking you weekly at 36 weeks). I agree wholeheartedly with this standard of care and having as few vaginal exams as possible for many reasons. However, yesterday due to my cramping the Dr. Grana did check me and I have to admit that I liked the feedback of knowing where I am in the process. She was very gentle and I did not feel like I was at any risk of ruptured membranes, etc which helped too. (I was actually expecting the exam to be much more uncomfortable than it was - but I think that it was a woman, Morgan was there and more importantly that we have been doing the perineal massage helped!)
Anyway, drum roll please, I am not dilated at all but my cervix is thinning and the baby is starting move move down in station. These are the perfect signs for 38 weeks! On one hand I have been anxiously expecting to have the baby a little early as so many of my first time mom friends have had that experience in the past year or so - but on the other hand I know that it is best for Thriller to stay inside me until he/she reaches term.
This is all well and good as my mother is snowed in and there is no way she could be here for the next week - which would be very sad! Maybe in addition to being warm inside Thriller knows he/she needs to wait for the artic storm to pass throguh the south so he/she can meet Grandmama.
Next week I'll be getting a massage that hits on some inducement points and I have started taking Evening Primrose on the advice of one of our midwifes to help make sure I don't go over term. Triangle will let me go 10 days (maybe a couple more) over 40 weeks - but I really hope we don't have to get to that point. (a) Thriller will be massive as he/she keeps gaining about a pound a week and (b) induction/intervention is definitely not in line with natural birthing.
In other Thriller news - there has been a lot of movement! The baby was all on my left side, head down, rear up (just the way they need to be!) but on Monday night he/she flipped over - so now they are still head down, rear up, but cradled on my right side. Thriller is so big that I could see this drastic movement (not to mention FEEL) through several layers of clothes and Morgan's XXL Carhartt hoodie (which is my current clothing option of preference). Crazy. Yesterday we went for a walk around Lake Johnson after the doctor's appt and I experienced 2 Braxton-Hicks contractions from the walk - they were about 14 minutes apart - so my body is getting ready! Hooray!
The philosophy at Triangle is not to start checking you via vaginal exams until 39 weeks (unlike some doctors who start checking you weekly at 36 weeks). I agree wholeheartedly with this standard of care and having as few vaginal exams as possible for many reasons. However, yesterday due to my cramping the Dr. Grana did check me and I have to admit that I liked the feedback of knowing where I am in the process. She was very gentle and I did not feel like I was at any risk of ruptured membranes, etc which helped too. (I was actually expecting the exam to be much more uncomfortable than it was - but I think that it was a woman, Morgan was there and more importantly that we have been doing the perineal massage helped!)
Anyway, drum roll please, I am not dilated at all but my cervix is thinning and the baby is starting move move down in station. These are the perfect signs for 38 weeks! On one hand I have been anxiously expecting to have the baby a little early as so many of my first time mom friends have had that experience in the past year or so - but on the other hand I know that it is best for Thriller to stay inside me until he/she reaches term.
This is all well and good as my mother is snowed in and there is no way she could be here for the next week - which would be very sad! Maybe in addition to being warm inside Thriller knows he/she needs to wait for the artic storm to pass throguh the south so he/she can meet Grandmama.
Next week I'll be getting a massage that hits on some inducement points and I have started taking Evening Primrose on the advice of one of our midwifes to help make sure I don't go over term. Triangle will let me go 10 days (maybe a couple more) over 40 weeks - but I really hope we don't have to get to that point. (a) Thriller will be massive as he/she keeps gaining about a pound a week and (b) induction/intervention is definitely not in line with natural birthing.
In other Thriller news - there has been a lot of movement! The baby was all on my left side, head down, rear up (just the way they need to be!) but on Monday night he/she flipped over - so now they are still head down, rear up, but cradled on my right side. Thriller is so big that I could see this drastic movement (not to mention FEEL) through several layers of clothes and Morgan's XXL Carhartt hoodie (which is my current clothing option of preference). Crazy. Yesterday we went for a walk around Lake Johnson after the doctor's appt and I experienced 2 Braxton-Hicks contractions from the walk - they were about 14 minutes apart - so my body is getting ready! Hooray!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
My Big Baby
As I started off pregnancy on the heavy side, then lost 13-18 pounds in the first trimester due to extreme morning sickness coupled with migraines. I have slowly floated along my pregnancy boasting gleefully that my hips are slimmer. Well, the good news is that my hips are still slimmer.
In my last doctor's appointment I finally gained my first pound, and was honestly a bit relieved to know that the baby was getting bigger. At that appointment Dr. V suggested that I was measuring a little big, but did not seem terribly concerned.
However, in the past two weeks I have put on an additional 4 pounds and am measuring 37 cn - which is where I should be measuring at 37 weeks - meaning that our little Thriller isn't so little! I would like to think that he/she has just had a growth spurt and will balance back out to be within the average size range. Morgan, on the other hand, believes I should not put so much faith into what is considered "average." He is probably right as neither of us is anything like average!
I am also sure that in the past two weeks I have gone through major physical changes. It is much harder for me to get up, I am extremely uncomfortable when sitting down, I can't sleep for longer than 3 hours at a time, bending over is no longer really an option and I have an insatiable thirst for water. What is going to happen as I get bigger? Geez!
Due to the increased size, I am going to have ANOTHER ultrasound on 12/22. This will be my 4th one and I am honestly not very excited about having it due to the concerns about over exposure to the process. At UCSF they clearly told us they were researching and publishing why it is important to have as few ultrasounds as possible and suggested you should have 2 at most unless you are considered high risk. I don't think the fact that Morgan and I made a big baby should come as any surprise to anyone, and I don't think that it makes me high risk - especially considering that everything has been totally normal thus far. But alas we are slaves to the medical profession - we should have the ultrasound in case there is XXX which could mean complications YYY. I like Triangle OBGYN and trust them - I don't think they are just trying to make a buck off of me at Thriller's potential expense - so fingers crossed we don't have any Xs or Ys in a couple of weeks.
At least Morgan will get to come to this one so he'll get another visual. There is the silver lining.
In my last doctor's appointment I finally gained my first pound, and was honestly a bit relieved to know that the baby was getting bigger. At that appointment Dr. V suggested that I was measuring a little big, but did not seem terribly concerned.
However, in the past two weeks I have put on an additional 4 pounds and am measuring 37 cn - which is where I should be measuring at 37 weeks - meaning that our little Thriller isn't so little! I would like to think that he/she has just had a growth spurt and will balance back out to be within the average size range. Morgan, on the other hand, believes I should not put so much faith into what is considered "average." He is probably right as neither of us is anything like average!
I am also sure that in the past two weeks I have gone through major physical changes. It is much harder for me to get up, I am extremely uncomfortable when sitting down, I can't sleep for longer than 3 hours at a time, bending over is no longer really an option and I have an insatiable thirst for water. What is going to happen as I get bigger? Geez!
Due to the increased size, I am going to have ANOTHER ultrasound on 12/22. This will be my 4th one and I am honestly not very excited about having it due to the concerns about over exposure to the process. At UCSF they clearly told us they were researching and publishing why it is important to have as few ultrasounds as possible and suggested you should have 2 at most unless you are considered high risk. I don't think the fact that Morgan and I made a big baby should come as any surprise to anyone, and I don't think that it makes me high risk - especially considering that everything has been totally normal thus far. But alas we are slaves to the medical profession - we should have the ultrasound in case there is XXX which could mean complications YYY. I like Triangle OBGYN and trust them - I don't think they are just trying to make a buck off of me at Thriller's potential expense - so fingers crossed we don't have any Xs or Ys in a couple of weeks.
At least Morgan will get to come to this one so he'll get another visual. There is the silver lining.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Cooper:The Ultimate Protector
I've mentioned throughout the blog that Cooper has been very attentive throughout my pregnancy - I still think he was the first to know that I was expecting. He is especially protective when strangers approach me. Since we have been in Raleigh there has been a lot of rain - causing southern storms unlike those we experienced in California. Today has been one of those stormy, windy rainy days.
Cooper has not only refused to leave my side throughout the storms, but today he has taken it to another level. This morning I woke up to find his paws tucked under my ever increasing belly. As the winds have gotten stronger so has his devotion. Not only does he feel the need to be right next to me but whenever possible he puts himself right next to my belly. He seems totally drawn to touch it and I know that Thriller has been kicking (or punching or elbowing) in areas where Cooper has been resting his head and he has to be able to feel it.
I can't wait to see Cooper greet Thriller! I might have to buy a video camera to document the occasion.
Cooper has not only refused to leave my side throughout the storms, but today he has taken it to another level. This morning I woke up to find his paws tucked under my ever increasing belly. As the winds have gotten stronger so has his devotion. Not only does he feel the need to be right next to me but whenever possible he puts himself right next to my belly. He seems totally drawn to touch it and I know that Thriller has been kicking (or punching or elbowing) in areas where Cooper has been resting his head and he has to be able to feel it.
I can't wait to see Cooper greet Thriller! I might have to buy a video camera to document the occasion.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Dance Party with Thriller
I have been able to feel Thriller move around for a few months now. First there were flutters, then sharper movements, then clearing some pounding or kicking from the inside. As previously mentioned, the baby obviously responds to music (specifically the bass) and I have recently noticed that Thriller also responds and starts moving a lot whenever we are in a setting where lots of people are talking.
But last night, we had a new series of rapid movements while I was being totally boring - watching movies and making giant floor pillows for the nursery (yes, that is right, I went to the fabric store and am hand sewing something). Thriller just started going NUTS at about 1 am. Moving around like crazy - this kid has some rhythm.
My only explanation for the stimulus for this movement is that somehow maybe Thriller knew his daddy was dancing away across the country at a Widespread Panic concert at the Fox Theater in Oakland. I know, its a long shot, but the baby hasn't moved this much since we went to go see Panic in Raleigh ... so I wonder if somehow the inspiration was a connection to Morgan. Is that possible? Probably not, but with as much as Morgan has been traveling these past few weeks, I'd sort of like to think so.
But last night, we had a new series of rapid movements while I was being totally boring - watching movies and making giant floor pillows for the nursery (yes, that is right, I went to the fabric store and am hand sewing something). Thriller just started going NUTS at about 1 am. Moving around like crazy - this kid has some rhythm.
My only explanation for the stimulus for this movement is that somehow maybe Thriller knew his daddy was dancing away across the country at a Widespread Panic concert at the Fox Theater in Oakland. I know, its a long shot, but the baby hasn't moved this much since we went to go see Panic in Raleigh ... so I wonder if somehow the inspiration was a connection to Morgan. Is that possible? Probably not, but with as much as Morgan has been traveling these past few weeks, I'd sort of like to think so.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Thriller's 29 1/2 Week Ultrasound
Today I went to Duke's specialty OB/GYN consultant office to have a "Level Two" ultrasound. Okay, doesn't that just sound scary?
After 20 weeks you generally do not have another ultrasound. However, Triangle OB/GYN (new doctors and midwives) wanted to follow up on a calcium deposit noted on the baby's heart at 20 weeks. Our doctor in Virginia assured us it would not be an issue and did not see the need for the "Level Two" but my new doctor just wanted to be sure.
I was very nervous going in and was alone. There might be something wrong. Probably not, but there might be ... this mantra was going through my head for the past week.
Luckily the baby looks totally normal. YAY!
The calcium deposit in the heart has dissipated (just like Dr. George said it would).
Thriller is a whopping 2 pounds and 14 oz. Man do we have a way to go! In the next 73 days Thriller will more than double in size (which I think means I will too).
Currently the baby is still turned in the right direction ... fingers crossed that he/she will stay that way.
And, the specialist doctor who came in to meet with me after the ultrasound not only has wonderful things to say about the doctors at Triangle OB/GYN, but the midwives (who he knew by name) too. It made me feel so good to know that they ALL have such positive reputations in the community.
After 20 weeks you generally do not have another ultrasound. However, Triangle OB/GYN (new doctors and midwives) wanted to follow up on a calcium deposit noted on the baby's heart at 20 weeks. Our doctor in Virginia assured us it would not be an issue and did not see the need for the "Level Two" but my new doctor just wanted to be sure.
I was very nervous going in and was alone. There might be something wrong. Probably not, but there might be ... this mantra was going through my head for the past week.
Luckily the baby looks totally normal. YAY!
The calcium deposit in the heart has dissipated (just like Dr. George said it would).
Thriller is a whopping 2 pounds and 14 oz. Man do we have a way to go! In the next 73 days Thriller will more than double in size (which I think means I will too).
Currently the baby is still turned in the right direction ... fingers crossed that he/she will stay that way.
And, the specialist doctor who came in to meet with me after the ultrasound not only has wonderful things to say about the doctors at Triangle OB/GYN, but the midwives (who he knew by name) too. It made me feel so good to know that they ALL have such positive reputations in the community.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tappan - 26 Weeks
October 19, 2006Morgan took this picture this afternoon while we enjoyed the sunset on the bay side of the Eastern Shore from the country club.
I look pretty damn pregnant.
Thriller enjoyed his/her first golfing adventure and the crisp fall air.
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