I never thought breastfeeding wouldn't work perfectly for me. While I can say that I was less educated on breastfeeding than I meant to be (Jackson did come early, see) and I had a setback or two early on (my milk came in late b/c I was induced, and Jackson is what they call a "lazy nurser"), I thought that if we just pushed through, I could make it work.
After two weeks of nursing though, I was about ready to give up because my baby wasn't gaining weight like he needed to be, and I couldn't get him to actually consume enough milk, therefore decreasing my supply. So, I started pumping after he nursed and fed him that in a bottle to make sure he was getting "enough", and I met with a lactation consultant who helped me force him to be more aggressive - which means both of us are more uncomfortable every time I nurse. Both of us became exhausted and frustrated...especially at 3am. In fact, Jackson got to where he would scream while nursing - that's a miserable feeling.
When we went to the doctor this morning, Jackson weighed well over his birth weight...finally! This was great news for us, and it reinforced my desire to continue breastfeeding in some capacity.
So, I'm making my first compromise as a parent...I'm playing the hand I've been dealt (as my dad would say). It's not what I had envisioned and planned for - especially this early, but it works for us. I pump, and Jackson gets 100% breastmilk in a bottle. It saves us time, allows us both to get more sleep, makes us more efficient, and helps both of us retain sanity. And most importantly, Jackson still gets the benefits of breastmilk that my body creates for him.
At first, I believed that anything less than the perfect vision meant I had somehow failed as a mom. I've had to pray against envying friends and family who have such an easy time with it - and I feared their judgement. My resolve is the same as theirs, but I met challenges I didn't forsee and struggled to overcome without putting my little man in a position to go hungry. I'm learning not to see it that way anymore...I'm just playing the hand I've been dealt. I'm making the best of an imperfect situation.
There's a part of me that will miss "real" nursing, sure...but my job as a parent is to make sure that my son gets what he needs. In that sense, it's selfish of me to continue nursing just for a feeling I get or for an appearance I give. I can bond with Jackson and feed him and love him just the same.
I hear that all babies are slightly different and circumstances vary greatly with each new child, so maybe I'll have that "perfection" one day. For now, this is good enough. :)
Jackson gets breastfed exclusively; Mom gets the satisfaction of that without the struggle and time and frustration. We all win in that sense, so I'm happy with it. That took a lot of prayer and a lot support from my family.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
my sweet Jackson
Between the move and having a newborn, I know I've been behind on Jackson updates and pictures. Hopefully, this will make up for it. :)
Jackson is a sweet baby. I call him my rolly polly b/c he refuses to sleep on his back. He likes to sleep on his side or belly, preferably snuggled up close to you. He doesn't like to be put down, which makes making food, etc. sometimes difficult. He has a swing and a bouncy seat, which he likes okay right now. I know he'll like both more once he gets a bit older.
His favorite thing to do is eat, which is why I also call him Hungry Jack. And you will be surprised to hear that he's not gaining weight that fast. We've been to the doctor for weight checks frequently, and I'm having to offer him some breast milk in a bottle (though he doesn't really like that idea). Both Andrew and I were slow to gain weight as babies, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. We're thinking heavy thoughts for tomorrow's weight check...
His least favorite thing is to have his diaper changed. He pretty much cries every time. Often, that's how I have to wake him up just to eat...the boy can go 4 hour stretches without eating, which is totally unacceptable.
He has had some gas issues...he'll go long stretches content as can be, and then have a few hours (sometimes longer) where you can tell that he can't get comfortable. It's sad! Mylicon helps some, but definitely not every time.
Jackson's cord came off a few days ago, so he had his first bath Saturday. He didn't like it at all! :)
Andrew's back at work, so I'm trying to start establishing a routine/schedule (as much as I can). Motherhood is fantastic. It's exhausting, overwhelming, and wonderful! :)
Here are some pictures to tide you over:
The boy likes to sleep with his hands up by his face...so sweet.
With big sister, Payton.
Sweet sleeper!
Jackson is a sweet baby. I call him my rolly polly b/c he refuses to sleep on his back. He likes to sleep on his side or belly, preferably snuggled up close to you. He doesn't like to be put down, which makes making food, etc. sometimes difficult. He has a swing and a bouncy seat, which he likes okay right now. I know he'll like both more once he gets a bit older.
His favorite thing to do is eat, which is why I also call him Hungry Jack. And you will be surprised to hear that he's not gaining weight that fast. We've been to the doctor for weight checks frequently, and I'm having to offer him some breast milk in a bottle (though he doesn't really like that idea). Both Andrew and I were slow to gain weight as babies, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. We're thinking heavy thoughts for tomorrow's weight check...
His least favorite thing is to have his diaper changed. He pretty much cries every time. Often, that's how I have to wake him up just to eat...the boy can go 4 hour stretches without eating, which is totally unacceptable.
He has had some gas issues...he'll go long stretches content as can be, and then have a few hours (sometimes longer) where you can tell that he can't get comfortable. It's sad! Mylicon helps some, but definitely not every time.
Jackson's cord came off a few days ago, so he had his first bath Saturday. He didn't like it at all! :)
Andrew's back at work, so I'm trying to start establishing a routine/schedule (as much as I can). Motherhood is fantastic. It's exhausting, overwhelming, and wonderful! :)
Here are some pictures to tide you over:
The boy likes to sleep with his hands up by his face...so sweet.
With big sister, Payton.
Sweet sleeper!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Jackson is born!
Since the beginning of my pregnancy, I have been mapping out the "birthing plan." It just goes to show you that you shouldn't plan things. :) Very little of it went the way I had imagined, but it was perfect.
Last Thursday, I went in for my regular 38 week appointment. My platelets were still low (at 51), so I knew we'd be discussing that. What I didn't know was that in addition to my swelling, my blood pressure was way up. My midwife, Vivien, whom I adore, was very concerned. She said that if I had only one of those issues, they'd put me on bed rest and send me home until I went into labor...having all of those issues together "complicated things." My midwife called the perinatologist, and they decided that I should go into the hospital to get more tests run. They wanted to watch my blood pressure, potential protein in my urine, and platelet count. The bottom line was that if I "passed" those tests, I could go home to bed rest...If I "failed" them, they would induce labor.
I made it to the car and called Andrew before I freaked out...I was terrified to say the least, and I'm not sure how I drove all the way home. Andrew had everything ready to go before I even got home, and we left right away. Dad was working on a flight home, Mom was already on her way to the hospital, and Rachel was on her way home. We got to Eastside at about 5:15pm and they started making me pee in cups, getting blood tested, etc. My blood pressure was awful (I can't imagine why). It came down quite a bit within a couple of hours though b/c they made me lie in bed still.
The midwife on call at the hospital came in to talk with us. Basically, my platelets were stabilized, my blood pressure back under control, and Jackson's vitals were awesome. She was afraid that if we waited, those conditions would not reappear all together. That being the case, we all decided that inducing labor would be the safest scenario for both Jackson and me.
I had always wanted to avoid an induced labor. I'd read a lot about how painful it was and how it could lead to greater needs for epidurals, episiotomy, etc. So, here I was opting for an induced labor when I had so fervently been against them. Go figure. Thursday night was a long night for me. Despite having regular contractions, lots of back rubs, a visit and gifts from my good friend Jennifer, and no food, by 10am Friday, I had only dilated to 2cm. It was one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. Rachel, Mom, and Andrew took short naps between getting me through the night... Poor Rachel had to roll my iv fluids and cords to the bathroom with me every 10 minutes.
My midwife Vivien was very sympathetic. She said we'd stop the pitocin for an hour so I could eat breakfast and rest for bit. We started it back up again at 11am, however. While it worked a little bit better (the contractions were stronger and I dilated a few centimeters), I still hadn't made enough progress.
I was hungry and tired....and ready to be in active labor so Jackson would come. Every time I was checked, I was told to keep at it despite the lack of progress. I did have a great nurse who helped me get out of the bed and labor in a rocking chair, which I found much better. Not being able to get up and move around (with the exception of having to pee every 10 minutes) was very hard for me. The rocking chair was a fantastic compromise. :)
Vivien said she was going to let me labor until 4:00 and then break my water if the pitocin didn't get things going enough. That was at least something I could wrap my mind around...At 4pm, I went to the bathroom and got back in bed. At 4:03pm, my water broke spontaneously. What an answer to prayer! At 4:05pm, Vivien came in and was equally excited.
Active labor kicked in from there...contractions made pitocin seem just uncomfortable. I had great breathing coaches though between Andrew and Rachel. A couple of hours into the contractions, I did break down and ask for pain medication. Had I not gone so long before the active labor without food and good sleep, I might have been able to make it all the way through, but... The pain medication took the edge off and gave me a little rest. About an hour later though, it wore off. I had to be given blood pressure medication b/c the stress on my body was intense.
At 8cm, I had a really hard time NOT pushing. I think I was mostly feeling Jackson's descent into the birth canal, but my body really wanted to push him out. I needed to wait though so as not to hurt my cervix. Vivien had to help me out a little and get me ready to push...Everyone got into position. Rachel held a leg and counted pushes; Andrew coached me in my ear, got me ice chips, took them away, wiped off my sweat, and caught me at each collapse; Mom stood watching, encouraging me all the way; Dad stayed back, but offered moral support and helped encourage Andrew to keep on; Josh took position behind the curtain...he wanted to be there, but couldn't be so up close and personal.
An hour later - at 9:16pm on April 16th, 2010, (and after using a mirror I never though I wanted to use), I saw my sweet Jackson make his way into the world.
Weighing in at 6lbs, 15oz and 20 and 1/2 inches long, Jackson is absolutely perfect. I cannot describe the way it feels to be a part of bringing a life into the world. It's painful, but incredible. I know people say this a lot, but I didn't know I could love something so much...
I feel so blessed that things turned out the way they did. It wasn't according to my plan, but God took care of me and Jackson. Given all the potential problems that could have resulted from my blood pressure and low platelets, I am so grateful that I had my favorite midwife and that things turned out the way they did. I thanked her profusely and appreciated the team effort. I couldn't have asked for anything more!
I'll post pictures later since my card reader is misbehaving...
Last Thursday, I went in for my regular 38 week appointment. My platelets were still low (at 51), so I knew we'd be discussing that. What I didn't know was that in addition to my swelling, my blood pressure was way up. My midwife, Vivien, whom I adore, was very concerned. She said that if I had only one of those issues, they'd put me on bed rest and send me home until I went into labor...having all of those issues together "complicated things." My midwife called the perinatologist, and they decided that I should go into the hospital to get more tests run. They wanted to watch my blood pressure, potential protein in my urine, and platelet count. The bottom line was that if I "passed" those tests, I could go home to bed rest...If I "failed" them, they would induce labor.
I made it to the car and called Andrew before I freaked out...I was terrified to say the least, and I'm not sure how I drove all the way home. Andrew had everything ready to go before I even got home, and we left right away. Dad was working on a flight home, Mom was already on her way to the hospital, and Rachel was on her way home. We got to Eastside at about 5:15pm and they started making me pee in cups, getting blood tested, etc. My blood pressure was awful (I can't imagine why). It came down quite a bit within a couple of hours though b/c they made me lie in bed still.
The midwife on call at the hospital came in to talk with us. Basically, my platelets were stabilized, my blood pressure back under control, and Jackson's vitals were awesome. She was afraid that if we waited, those conditions would not reappear all together. That being the case, we all decided that inducing labor would be the safest scenario for both Jackson and me.
I had always wanted to avoid an induced labor. I'd read a lot about how painful it was and how it could lead to greater needs for epidurals, episiotomy, etc. So, here I was opting for an induced labor when I had so fervently been against them. Go figure. Thursday night was a long night for me. Despite having regular contractions, lots of back rubs, a visit and gifts from my good friend Jennifer, and no food, by 10am Friday, I had only dilated to 2cm. It was one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. Rachel, Mom, and Andrew took short naps between getting me through the night... Poor Rachel had to roll my iv fluids and cords to the bathroom with me every 10 minutes.
My midwife Vivien was very sympathetic. She said we'd stop the pitocin for an hour so I could eat breakfast and rest for bit. We started it back up again at 11am, however. While it worked a little bit better (the contractions were stronger and I dilated a few centimeters), I still hadn't made enough progress.
I was hungry and tired....and ready to be in active labor so Jackson would come. Every time I was checked, I was told to keep at it despite the lack of progress. I did have a great nurse who helped me get out of the bed and labor in a rocking chair, which I found much better. Not being able to get up and move around (with the exception of having to pee every 10 minutes) was very hard for me. The rocking chair was a fantastic compromise. :)
Vivien said she was going to let me labor until 4:00 and then break my water if the pitocin didn't get things going enough. That was at least something I could wrap my mind around...At 4pm, I went to the bathroom and got back in bed. At 4:03pm, my water broke spontaneously. What an answer to prayer! At 4:05pm, Vivien came in and was equally excited.
Active labor kicked in from there...contractions made pitocin seem just uncomfortable. I had great breathing coaches though between Andrew and Rachel. A couple of hours into the contractions, I did break down and ask for pain medication. Had I not gone so long before the active labor without food and good sleep, I might have been able to make it all the way through, but... The pain medication took the edge off and gave me a little rest. About an hour later though, it wore off. I had to be given blood pressure medication b/c the stress on my body was intense.
At 8cm, I had a really hard time NOT pushing. I think I was mostly feeling Jackson's descent into the birth canal, but my body really wanted to push him out. I needed to wait though so as not to hurt my cervix. Vivien had to help me out a little and get me ready to push...Everyone got into position. Rachel held a leg and counted pushes; Andrew coached me in my ear, got me ice chips, took them away, wiped off my sweat, and caught me at each collapse; Mom stood watching, encouraging me all the way; Dad stayed back, but offered moral support and helped encourage Andrew to keep on; Josh took position behind the curtain...he wanted to be there, but couldn't be so up close and personal.
An hour later - at 9:16pm on April 16th, 2010, (and after using a mirror I never though I wanted to use), I saw my sweet Jackson make his way into the world.
Weighing in at 6lbs, 15oz and 20 and 1/2 inches long, Jackson is absolutely perfect. I cannot describe the way it feels to be a part of bringing a life into the world. It's painful, but incredible. I know people say this a lot, but I didn't know I could love something so much...
I feel so blessed that things turned out the way they did. It wasn't according to my plan, but God took care of me and Jackson. Given all the potential problems that could have resulted from my blood pressure and low platelets, I am so grateful that I had my favorite midwife and that things turned out the way they did. I thanked her profusely and appreciated the team effort. I couldn't have asked for anything more!
I'll post pictures later since my card reader is misbehaving...
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Dr. Appt.
I went to the perinatologist today. Because of my low platelet count, I am now considered a "high risk pregnancy." Don't worry...it sounds scarier than it is.
We had to drive all the way downtown to see the doctor, but it was an overall positive experience. We did get another ultrasound done, which I wasn't expecting. They are guessing that Jackson weighs 6lb, 8oz right now (we all know those are complete guesses, although the tech said she was pretty sure on this one b/c Jackson "behaved"). The best news is that he looks perfect and is exactly where he needs to be developmentally, etc.
The platelets issue is just a concern for me...I've known since my first bloodwork drawn that I have low platelets. Platelets clot your blood, so not having enough is obviously a problem. My aunt (Dad's sister) had this problem, my grandmother and my great aunt also have low platelets, so it's completely possible that I came by it honest. Their concern is threefold: 1) I can't have an epidural below 100 (I've also known this since the beginning and am not scared of that); 2) I'm at risk for severe bleeding anytime, obviously specifically during a vaginal delivery or c-section (more so with a c-section) and might need an emergency blood or platelet transfusion if that happens; and 3) Becuase the platelets are SO low (below 50), I'm also at risk for spontaneous internal bleeding. Through blood tests, they have ruled out auto-immune disorders (lupus, stuff like that) and because all of my other bloodwork/organ function is normal, I just have what's called Thrombocytopenia (low platelets for an unknown reason). There are two possibilities. One is that it's b/c I'm pregnant, although they say women with gestational thrombocytopenia typically bottom out at 70 or so. The other possibility is that I have it all the time, and pregnancy (or something else) is making it worse.
The treatment is a low dose of steroids, which if it will work will work immediately. The doctor has seen GREAT results with this in a lot of patients. Even if it doesn't raise it high enough for a epidural, it would be nice to avoid spontaneous bleeding. I was very concerned with how the steroids would affect baby, but the doctor assured me that this steroid and dosage would not cross into the placenta at all. While this issue doesn't affect him directly, me needing a blood transfusion or spontaneously bleeding obviously could impact him negatively. I will have more bloodwork done Monday and the doctor will call me to talk about how the steroids are working and where we go from there. If it's working, I can take a lower dose steroid for the next few weeks until delivery.
I will still see the midwives for the rest of my checkups, delivery, and post-partem visits. This is great news for me b/c I've come to love the midwives I've seen! However, the doctor has already referred me to a hematologist this summer so that we can figure out if the low platelets are gestational or not...deciding from there what the problem is and how to treat it.
I'm not thrilled to be taking steroids in all honesty, but feel like it's something I need to try in order to protect myself and sweet Jackson. I know God is watching over us, so he'll protect us and get us through the next few weeks.
Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers! :)
We had to drive all the way downtown to see the doctor, but it was an overall positive experience. We did get another ultrasound done, which I wasn't expecting. They are guessing that Jackson weighs 6lb, 8oz right now (we all know those are complete guesses, although the tech said she was pretty sure on this one b/c Jackson "behaved"). The best news is that he looks perfect and is exactly where he needs to be developmentally, etc.
The platelets issue is just a concern for me...I've known since my first bloodwork drawn that I have low platelets. Platelets clot your blood, so not having enough is obviously a problem. My aunt (Dad's sister) had this problem, my grandmother and my great aunt also have low platelets, so it's completely possible that I came by it honest. Their concern is threefold: 1) I can't have an epidural below 100 (I've also known this since the beginning and am not scared of that); 2) I'm at risk for severe bleeding anytime, obviously specifically during a vaginal delivery or c-section (more so with a c-section) and might need an emergency blood or platelet transfusion if that happens; and 3) Becuase the platelets are SO low (below 50), I'm also at risk for spontaneous internal bleeding. Through blood tests, they have ruled out auto-immune disorders (lupus, stuff like that) and because all of my other bloodwork/organ function is normal, I just have what's called Thrombocytopenia (low platelets for an unknown reason). There are two possibilities. One is that it's b/c I'm pregnant, although they say women with gestational thrombocytopenia typically bottom out at 70 or so. The other possibility is that I have it all the time, and pregnancy (or something else) is making it worse.
The treatment is a low dose of steroids, which if it will work will work immediately. The doctor has seen GREAT results with this in a lot of patients. Even if it doesn't raise it high enough for a epidural, it would be nice to avoid spontaneous bleeding. I was very concerned with how the steroids would affect baby, but the doctor assured me that this steroid and dosage would not cross into the placenta at all. While this issue doesn't affect him directly, me needing a blood transfusion or spontaneously bleeding obviously could impact him negatively. I will have more bloodwork done Monday and the doctor will call me to talk about how the steroids are working and where we go from there. If it's working, I can take a lower dose steroid for the next few weeks until delivery.
I will still see the midwives for the rest of my checkups, delivery, and post-partem visits. This is great news for me b/c I've come to love the midwives I've seen! However, the doctor has already referred me to a hematologist this summer so that we can figure out if the low platelets are gestational or not...deciding from there what the problem is and how to treat it.
I'm not thrilled to be taking steroids in all honesty, but feel like it's something I need to try in order to protect myself and sweet Jackson. I know God is watching over us, so he'll protect us and get us through the next few weeks.
Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers! :)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
When it rains, it pours...and you should make lemonade...or something like that!
What a crazy weekend for us! It was so nice for me to have Friday off work. I was able to get some much needed rest and take my time at my doctor's appointment and run errands with Payton. We kept Sydney overnight so my cousin and her hubby could go to a concert. They've kept Payton for us overnight before...like last year so we could celebrate our anniversary. It was sort of payback. The girls were great though and had a good time planting flowers with me and doing yardwork with Andrew. Andrew cooked steak for dinner...expensive, but wonderful.
Saturday was crazier though. At almost 37 weeks pregnant, Andrew decides to seriously hurt his right ankle. :) Playing basketball, he came down funny on his ankle. Because of his initial pain and swelling, we were afraid he'd broken it, but the xray in the ER didn't show anything. They wrapped him in a splint and advised us to rest it and follow up with an orthopaedist.
Side note: ERs HATE pregnant women - you can imagine the fear in their eyes when I walk in hugely pregnant asking for a wheel chair...and the relief in their eyes when I said it wasn't for me... ha!
We had a great Easter Sunday...It was a lot of work to get myself, a gimp, and a 4 year old out the door in time for church and then to Mom's and Dad's for lunch, but I managed. All I could tell Rachel that night when she helped me get everything home was that I was grateful to NOT have an infant at this moment too (Jackson's a lot easier to take care of in utero)... Stephanie and Rick brought Andrew a boot for his ankle and a super sweet iceing system that has helped us greatly. (In fact, better stuff than the orthopaedist would have given us.)
It took me an hour and a hundred transfers to get the right referral stuff from Kaiser for us to get an appointment with the orthopaedist Monday morning. We had to drive all the way down to Alpharetta, but loved the doctor. He's told Andrew it's likely he won't be "back to normal" for 6 weeks or so. He's a bit worried about a bone on the xray...something about the spacing of it - indicative of a ligament tear. He ordered an MRI, which we'll do on Thursday, and we'll know more when we follow up with him on Monday. Until then, Andrew has to stay home from work and keep all weight off of it, keep it iced and elevated. He's not a good patient - way too stubborn to be bed-ridden and taken care of.
My last bloodwork on Friday showed a platelet level down to 48, so Kaiser is referring me to the perinatologist who I see tomorrow - south of Piedmont Hospital (FAR away for those of you not in the area). I'm not really sure what they're going to do - more tests? What I really hope DOESN'T happen is that they change all my delivery stuff. I understand that a high-risk pregnancy requires a specialist (especially for delivery), but if platelets only mean I can't have an epidural and need to avoid a c-section like the plague, then I'd rather contine with the midwives. I've known that for months and have been educating myself on what to expect, options I have, etc.
Anyway, between the two of us, we have like 5 doctor appointments in the next 5 days, so we'll (I'll) be driving all over the place and getting all kinds of tests, info, etc. Be thinking of us...I can't imagine that'll be good for my fat, swollen feet. :)
Thank God for spring break!! I'm not sure what I'd do without it...
We're trying to make the best of it though. It's not what either of us would have said we wanted, but self-pity isn't really our thing. We didn't get to go to the Braves' opening day festivities, but we did get to spend the day together - fitting for our anniversary. Being wisked away for a surprise vacation sounds lovely, but wedding vows remind us that sickness is as likley as health, bad times as likley as good. And if these are our "problems," we'll take them...
I may just be calling one of you to drive me to the hospital though if I go into labor before Andrew is cleared to drive. :) LOL...
Oh, and if you haven't seen these, check out my maternity pictures:
www.urbangracephotography.blogspot.com
Saturday was crazier though. At almost 37 weeks pregnant, Andrew decides to seriously hurt his right ankle. :) Playing basketball, he came down funny on his ankle. Because of his initial pain and swelling, we were afraid he'd broken it, but the xray in the ER didn't show anything. They wrapped him in a splint and advised us to rest it and follow up with an orthopaedist.
Side note: ERs HATE pregnant women - you can imagine the fear in their eyes when I walk in hugely pregnant asking for a wheel chair...and the relief in their eyes when I said it wasn't for me... ha!
We had a great Easter Sunday...It was a lot of work to get myself, a gimp, and a 4 year old out the door in time for church and then to Mom's and Dad's for lunch, but I managed. All I could tell Rachel that night when she helped me get everything home was that I was grateful to NOT have an infant at this moment too (Jackson's a lot easier to take care of in utero)... Stephanie and Rick brought Andrew a boot for his ankle and a super sweet iceing system that has helped us greatly. (In fact, better stuff than the orthopaedist would have given us.)
It took me an hour and a hundred transfers to get the right referral stuff from Kaiser for us to get an appointment with the orthopaedist Monday morning. We had to drive all the way down to Alpharetta, but loved the doctor. He's told Andrew it's likely he won't be "back to normal" for 6 weeks or so. He's a bit worried about a bone on the xray...something about the spacing of it - indicative of a ligament tear. He ordered an MRI, which we'll do on Thursday, and we'll know more when we follow up with him on Monday. Until then, Andrew has to stay home from work and keep all weight off of it, keep it iced and elevated. He's not a good patient - way too stubborn to be bed-ridden and taken care of.
My last bloodwork on Friday showed a platelet level down to 48, so Kaiser is referring me to the perinatologist who I see tomorrow - south of Piedmont Hospital (FAR away for those of you not in the area). I'm not really sure what they're going to do - more tests? What I really hope DOESN'T happen is that they change all my delivery stuff. I understand that a high-risk pregnancy requires a specialist (especially for delivery), but if platelets only mean I can't have an epidural and need to avoid a c-section like the plague, then I'd rather contine with the midwives. I've known that for months and have been educating myself on what to expect, options I have, etc.
Anyway, between the two of us, we have like 5 doctor appointments in the next 5 days, so we'll (I'll) be driving all over the place and getting all kinds of tests, info, etc. Be thinking of us...I can't imagine that'll be good for my fat, swollen feet. :)
Thank God for spring break!! I'm not sure what I'd do without it...
We're trying to make the best of it though. It's not what either of us would have said we wanted, but self-pity isn't really our thing. We didn't get to go to the Braves' opening day festivities, but we did get to spend the day together - fitting for our anniversary. Being wisked away for a surprise vacation sounds lovely, but wedding vows remind us that sickness is as likley as health, bad times as likley as good. And if these are our "problems," we'll take them...
I may just be calling one of you to drive me to the hospital though if I go into labor before Andrew is cleared to drive. :) LOL...
Oh, and if you haven't seen these, check out my maternity pictures:
www.urbangracephotography.blogspot.com
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Big Belly!!
I don't have much time to write, but I did want to post a picture. This belly is getting huge. My feet are starting to swell, especially my right foot. Andrew loves rubbing them for me. :) I still feel okay, although teaching my class at the gym (parts of it) are becoming more and more difficult. I go back to the doctor next week and start my weekly exams. Guess that means we're close, right? :) I'm taking maternity pictures this weekend with a friend of a friend who lives here in Dacula. I'm excited about those and hope they turn out well. Do not expect to see any feet or ankles in these. :) I'm definitely looking forward to Spring Break, as it will hopefully allow me some time to get things more "ready." 5 school days...........
Sunday, March 14, 2010
the yearbook is done!!! (and other news)...
On Friday, Diedre and I had a teacher workday. We both got there around 7:30ish. After some productivity on grades, etc. and a potluck b'fast (where I had the most amazing cheese grits ever, by the way), we began the final push for the yearbook. We weren't done until after 5... BUT, we are done!!! I've already sent an email to our principal stating that I could not do it next year. I feel 10 lbs. lighter. :) Now, I can shift my focus to my gifted endorsement class and creating longterm sub plans.
We've also made a lot of progress around the house. I got a new hutch from my Aunt who is taking my grandmother's (she died two years ago, but they are just now cleaning out her house to sell it). It looks awesome in my kitchen and helps out a little with storage space. Andrew's brother Justin visited us this week...it wasn't a normal visit for him b/c I was so busy at work, and we put him to work here, but good nonetheless! They set the new guest room up and put Jackson's crib together...said it was a bear of a project (which I feared it might be). It looks awesome though! They also stained my old dresser, so I'll soon be able to start putting that room together, which will make me feel much more prepared and ready for his arrival in like 45ish days. Today, I re-sorted Payton's room (we moved the extra bed out of there so I would have more space to put her toys and stuff) - it was fabulous to do it while she's not here, so I can get rid of toys she never plays with but will undoubtedly say she loves if she sees them again. We also decided to have a mini-garage sale to get rid of some junk we don't want/need anymore. Basically if people pay us to take our junk, we feel like we've come out on top! :)
I'm 33 and 1/2 weeks pregnant if you can believe it. I can definitely say that I'm feeling it now, too. My feet hurt when I stand (or walk around Walmart for an hour); pants are very uncomfortable after I've worn them for a few hours (if Spring would come, I could wear skirts I have that would make me much happier); and my Centergy class is becoming increasingly difficult...my body just doesn't contort like it used to! I'm still okay to teach (and feel better after I do), but definitely having to "slow down" a bit. I've had this ridiculous craving for cherry icees lately. Weird, I know. I definitely have to eat smaller meals too. As you can see, I'm running out of room. Even though I'm hungry, my stomach is who knows where, and large meals do not make it happy. My students probably think I'm a glutton b/c I literally eat all day. :)
As far as my platelet count is concerned, Kaiser is planning to leave it alone for now. They've tested me for all the bad things it could be an indication of, and with the exception of being slightly anemic (what pregnant woman isn't?), I'm fine. At this point, they are planning to test my count again at the beginning of April. If I have dropped below a certain count, they will likely have me take steroids for a couple of weeks. While that makes me a little nervous, they assure me that it won't hurt Jackson, and it could raise my platelet count. It may not raise it enough for me to have an epidural, but may make my delivery (and post delivery) safer. We're not stressed about it, for now.
I go back to the doctor on Thursday...at 34 weeks! Mom told me yesterday that she's ready for him to be here. I'm NOT! :) I will be soon enough though. :)
We've also made a lot of progress around the house. I got a new hutch from my Aunt who is taking my grandmother's (she died two years ago, but they are just now cleaning out her house to sell it). It looks awesome in my kitchen and helps out a little with storage space. Andrew's brother Justin visited us this week...it wasn't a normal visit for him b/c I was so busy at work, and we put him to work here, but good nonetheless! They set the new guest room up and put Jackson's crib together...said it was a bear of a project (which I feared it might be). It looks awesome though! They also stained my old dresser, so I'll soon be able to start putting that room together, which will make me feel much more prepared and ready for his arrival in like 45ish days. Today, I re-sorted Payton's room (we moved the extra bed out of there so I would have more space to put her toys and stuff) - it was fabulous to do it while she's not here, so I can get rid of toys she never plays with but will undoubtedly say she loves if she sees them again. We also decided to have a mini-garage sale to get rid of some junk we don't want/need anymore. Basically if people pay us to take our junk, we feel like we've come out on top! :)
I'm 33 and 1/2 weeks pregnant if you can believe it. I can definitely say that I'm feeling it now, too. My feet hurt when I stand (or walk around Walmart for an hour); pants are very uncomfortable after I've worn them for a few hours (if Spring would come, I could wear skirts I have that would make me much happier); and my Centergy class is becoming increasingly difficult...my body just doesn't contort like it used to! I'm still okay to teach (and feel better after I do), but definitely having to "slow down" a bit. I've had this ridiculous craving for cherry icees lately. Weird, I know. I definitely have to eat smaller meals too. As you can see, I'm running out of room. Even though I'm hungry, my stomach is who knows where, and large meals do not make it happy. My students probably think I'm a glutton b/c I literally eat all day. :)
As far as my platelet count is concerned, Kaiser is planning to leave it alone for now. They've tested me for all the bad things it could be an indication of, and with the exception of being slightly anemic (what pregnant woman isn't?), I'm fine. At this point, they are planning to test my count again at the beginning of April. If I have dropped below a certain count, they will likely have me take steroids for a couple of weeks. While that makes me a little nervous, they assure me that it won't hurt Jackson, and it could raise my platelet count. It may not raise it enough for me to have an epidural, but may make my delivery (and post delivery) safer. We're not stressed about it, for now.
I go back to the doctor on Thursday...at 34 weeks! Mom told me yesterday that she's ready for him to be here. I'm NOT! :) I will be soon enough though. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)