Happy Christmas

The Christmas season. I adore it. The joy, the love in people's hearts, spending time with family. I have so much to be thankful for and to cherish this holiday season. I have two beautiful, healthy children and a wonderful husband.

This has been a fun season so far with a new baby and with Ariana understanding more and more about the holidays. At preschool they have discussed how different countries around the world celebrate the holidays, and she's enjoyed finding baby Jesus when we drive around viewing Christmas decorations. Phoenix is something to behold himself, this Christmas. He is almost ready to crawl! He is exploring his world and is soaking in knowledge. He learned to do "raspberries" this week and likes to make screeching noises. The kids will scream at each other and laugh. It's quite a sight to see. Those two kiddos are a blessed light in my life.

Happy Christmas to all! I hope you've all been good and Santa will be bringing you something other than coal.

Some holiday fun that helps out

http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/
For every snowflake made a donation will be made to the salvation army.

http://www.letssaythanks.com/Home1024.html
Say thank you to our troops! You can send a free postcard to a soldier stationed overseas.

Sleep

At times I think my children are clueless when it comes to sleep. Naptimes have become a battleground with Ana. The little guy barely takes longer than a 15-20 m nap at a time. When I can get them both down for the count together, it's a great day. Or on some days, like today, I'm frustrated and pissed off because neither one is sleeping and therefore is crabby. ;-) I love my kids, I do. But sleep is not on their radar during the day. And some nights. Bless their hearts, both kids have slept through the night the last few nights.

It's amazing how much we treasure sleep now. Also, how we can function as human beings when sleep is in short supply. What I wouldn't give for a non-interrupted night of sleep and a nap of my own during the day.

Tis the Season...

....for donations to organization close to our hearts.

If you are trying to finish up those donations for the year, please think about donating to the Preeclampsia Foundation or the HELLP Syndrome Society in our names. Both websites are listed on my "places I visit" to the right.

An easy way to donate is to use www.goodsearch.com. Enter in the charity of your choice (both the PF & the HSS are listed) and use the site as your search engine. Your charity earns a penny for each search.

Thank you!

Disney

We've finally agreed on our next Disney trip! It's a ways off (fall 2008), but I'm excited there is a trip to the mouse on the horizon.

Not so nice guy

I attended a sentencing this morning from a case that I worked with at my previous job. It was one that I worked with from the start and the client was quite memorable. The guy is a bad, bad man and will be in prison for many years to come, thankfully. His statement to the courts was a complete joke. I am so proud of * for sharing her statement. She has shown courage and strength and I am proud of her. She's had a difficult road with many bumps, but hopefully is off to a new life now.

Jason

I have the best husband. While he's not perfect (who is?), he's perfect for me.

I am amazed daily at how great he is with children. It's one of the things that I love about him and noticed when we met. When I see him interacting with our kids I love him even more. He helps out around the house. Of course, not as much as I'd like, but I guess I can't complain too much when I hear what other men do, or don't do. He helps with laundry, dishes, picking up, etc. He offers opportunities for me to get out of the house to do things so I stay sane. ;-) I appreciate that so much. He has always supported me with my decisions.

He's so passionate. At times it can drive me crazy, and I wish he could choose a different target, but nonetheless he's passionate about things. Packer football, a-hole drivers, the environment. He's caring, tender, hardworking, loving, sexy, geez I could go on and on.

I love him. I love him dearly, and do not know what I would do without him. He is my best friend and a person who I know I can count on for anything. He is my rock.

Touching Moment

I was reminded the other day of something remarkable that happened about a month ago. Ariana received a coin from her grandpa and I was lifting down her piggy bank for her when she asked for Phoenix's. She wanted to put her coin into Phoenix's bank since he didn't have much money. I told her that was very kind and generous, and that I was very proud of her for thinking of someone else. It warmed my heart to see her valuing someone else's feelings.

Thankful....

I am thankful for my family. I am so lucky to have a terrific husband and two awesome kiddos. I am thankful for such wonderful family members who are always willing to lend a hand and are great people to hang out with. I am thankful for some fantastic friends who are there to laugh with, cry with, vent with, shop with, and so much more. I am thankful for good neighbors. I am thankful for my health and to have a roof over my head. I am thankful so many things, the list goes on and on. At a time when many have little or nothing, I remind myself of what I am thankful for.

Six Months

My younger baby is now 6 months old. Where does the time go? Phoenix is growing so fast, and with the second child, I feel you learn to appreciate all the changes so much more. You are not hurrying the new and exciting things like with a first baby. Even with the appreciation for him in the moment, the moments fly by much too quickly. He is skootching himself around the floor and has gotten into crawl position a few times. Daddy thinks Phoenix may crawl by Christmas. I think he may be right. Looks like we'll have another early walker most likely.

Prematurity Awareness Month

November is Prematuriy Awareness Month. Every day 1 in 8 babies born in the U.S. arrives too soon. Premature birth can happen to any pregnant woman, and no one knows why. It is a serious, common and costly problem. The March of Dimes is leading the campaign to reduce premature birth by supporting research and by educating the public and health care providers. On a side note, the leading cause of known premature births is from preeclampsia.

As a parent of a preemie, I appreciate all the work that the March of Dime's does. You can see Ariana's MOD Band here:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/howtohelp/b.asp?band_id=7479

Running for a Cure to Preeclampsia

There is a woman who I find courageous and inspiring. Her name is Jill and she is running in the New York City Marathon in a few days on Nov 5. She developed HELLP Syndrome during her pregnancy and went through a nightmare. You can read her story here: http://www.bigapplemiraclemarathon.com/index.htm

Jill is doing an amazing thing, both personally and for the Preeclampsia Foundation. I am so proud of what she has accomplished!

Those ADS!!!!

Jeez, I can't wait until the Nov. elections are over! I'm so sick and tired of all the tv commercials. He did this, he did that, she did this, she didn't do that. Come on!! I don't want to hear anyone attacking another candidate! Can you just tell me who you are and what you can do for our state? I'm so tired of the attacks. Of course, with the prez election shaping up for '08 I think it will be one loooonnnggg year.
That said, please get out and VOTE!! And please be an educated voter, do the research to see what candidate best fits your views.

Been Awhile

Well, can't tell I haven't been here in a while can you? Things are rolling along here.
Phoenix is now 5 months old and is growing so much each day. He loves to eat cereal and just tried carrots (which he LOVED) and peas (didn't like at all) this week. He's rolling onto his tummy all day long and cries when he gets stuck. He hasn't quite figured out the whole rolling from tummy to back thing yet.

Ariana started preschool this month and is lovin' it. She has so much fun and is learning new things which is always cool. She's excited for Halloween and can't wait until we have snow that stays on the ground so she can make snow angels. She, too, is growing up fast. She recovered quickly from her surgery and is breathing so much better now. For some kids solid foods don't start until a couple days post-op, but not our kid. She wanted pancakes within hours.

Jason is a walking fiend lately. They started a walking challenge at work and he's been walking up to 5 miles a day! Way to go, hon!

I'm enjoying my current job of parenting. ;-) Two kids is so much more difficult than one, but it's worth it. I'm taking two classes that just started. One is a digitial photography course for 3 weeks. Very interesting and I learned quite a bit from the first class. I'm also taking a belly dancing class. Great fun and exercise!

Well, that's all for now. The phone is ringing and I've got a crappy diaper to change.

Hello

Well, it's Monday. I have 3 more days left of work and then I'm officially a stay at home mom. I'm sad, yet happy to leave work. I'll miss my co-workers tremendously. However, I'm excited to spend time with the kids and be there for them.

Ariana has her surgery Wed. She's having her tonsils and adenoids out. I'm sure it will go well, but I still worry.

Our newest family member

Phoenix Alexander was born Monday, May 22, 2006 at 1:12pm. He weighed 5 pounds 6 ounces and is 18.5 inches long.

37 weeks!

BABY DAY!!!

36 weeks, 3 days

I saw the OB this morning for a check. I'm dilated to 2 cm!! So, with the way my blood pressure has been and the dilation....we are GO FOR LAUNCH!! Baby Phoenix will be arriving sometime on Monday, May 22!! I've reached the point with my gestational hypertension that it's not coming down well with rest and that is not good. At this point, things would probably get worse rather than better. So the line has been reached and I'll be induced early Monday morning. If something happens over the weekend, we will roll with it and deliver.

So keep us in your thoughts for a smooth, easy, fast, and as painless as possible labor and delivery! We'll get the word out as soon as we can once he's here!

36 week update

My bp is up yet, and I had a big spike so I am waiting to hear from the doctor about what he wants me to do. Even resting, my bp is running 150s/high90-100s.

Update: We ran up to the birthing center as my bp was up yet in the evening. Had an NST where baby did great. He had the hiccups while on the monitor and that was pretty cool to listen to. My bp did come down a bit while there, and I got sent home with instructions to relax. Quite honestly, this visit to the birthing center was awful. I'm so scared and the nurse was just horrendous. Not supportive at all. I left in tears. I just want my baby out and for both of us to be safe.

36 week BPP

I had my BPP today and we checked out great. 8/8 again. We did a weight check on Phoenix and with his measurements, they approximate him to be 5lbs 10oz. These can be off by 1/2 pound or so, so we could be having a 5-6.5 pound guppy! I've got another face shot.

My blood pressure has been up with a couple spikes here and there. Keeping an eye on that.

36 weeks!

We made it to 36 weeks!!! WOOHOO! That was the ultimate goal! My bp is continuing to hang out around 140/90. The nurse that took it initially got a low reading of 122/73, but I know that was not right. The OB retook it himself after looking at what she had down. He got 138/88. We are still rocking along. Baby's heartbeat was good on doppler. The OB felt around and Phoenix is still head down. He thinks baby will be a smaller baby. Since Jason and I don't really have any giant genetic material, I'm not surprised. ;-) We may be plump, but we're not super tall people.

The plan is to continue on and see how things go. I have a BPP Tuesday, and return for an OB check, labs & NST on Thursday.

35 weeks, 3 days

I am still pregnant! We saw the OB today and things are still looking okay. My blood work came back alright, and the NST this morning went well. My bp has been running great yesterday and today, which is nice. While I'm ecstatic that things are going well currently, I'm still a bundle of nerves just waiting for something to happen. I feel like I'm a ticking time bomb waiting to get sick. Each day helps Phoenix, but each day seems to make me a bit more neurotic. (no jokes please ;-) )

We continue to take things day by day. I see the doctor on Monday and have a BPP on Tuesday. Apparently, I was contracting on the monitor this week and he suggested that maybe the stomach pains were caused by the contractions. He sympathized with the anxiety that I am feeling. The normal aches & pains of pregnancy have extra meanings for us as they can be signs of preeclampsia. He's worried that if I could face a failed induction resulting in a c-section if my body just isn't ready to have this baby. With a complication like preeclampsia, the body knows the baby needs to come out and thus starts to prepare itself for delivery. At this point, because I don't have a serious enough complication my body isn't making itself overly ready like it did with Ariana. So, we are still rolling along and hoping for the best.

35 weeks, 1 day

I woke up today not feeling well and having epigastric pain. I called into work and said I felt cruddy so I'd be staying home today. The pain came and went all day. I laid in bed all day and my bp was running just over 140/90 all day. I called the nurse and she said to try laying down to see if the pain went away. If not, I could come into labor & delivery to get checked over.

Jason did talk me into going up to L&D. I was not impressed with the nurse I had. She hooked me up to the monitors and we got to listen to Phoenix for a while. That was very reassuring. My bp was okay there, and of course the pain went away while I was laying there. So, back home we went. I was instructed to call the office Wed if the pain continued.

35 weeks

I had a BPP this afternoon. Phoenix was being a stinker when the tech was looking for his practice breathing. She ended up waiting to see continuous breathing for 35minutes before he woke up enough to do it. She caught the first movements just as he went into a sleep cycle she guesses. Those first movements weren't continuous so she wanted to be sure she kept an eye on it for the 30 seconds they need to monitor. She got some great shots of his "gender" and some profile shots. We also have a photo of his face smooshed up against the uterus. It's the "alien-baby" money shot that most mom's have. The cord blood flow was good today. In the end, Phoenix and I scored an 8/8 for the BPP. If she wouldn't have caught the practice breathing, we most likely would have been having a baby in the next day or so. There were a few tension filled looks passed between Jason and myself.

I turned in another 24 hour urine collection, which came back good. Not enough protein showing for a preeclampsia diagnosis. When I got to the OB office, my bp was 164/92 so onto my left side I went. After 15 minutes and talking with the doctor my bp came down to 122/83. So while the bp is high, it is coming down with rest. At home it hovers around 140/90 most of the time. With the good BPP and protein levels, the OB wants to keep me pregnant yet. I go back on Thursday for a NST and see the OB. We are just taking it day by day at this point.

34 weeks, 5 days

I am now more pregnant than I was with Ariana. This was the gestation that I gave birth to our spirited child, and I am now passed that with Phoenix. If he comes in the next few days, my hope and wish is that he does as well (or better) than she did after she was born. We'll keep you posted!

34 weeks, 3 days

I may possibly be having this baby early next week depending on how things go. I went in for my NST yesterday and baby was not cooperating so I got sent to L&D for them to do one. My bp was up (152/94), and I have the official PIH diagnosis now. I'm showing trace - +1 on urine dips, so I get to complete another 24hr urine. I've been hovering around the 140/90's and it does come down with rest thankfully. My OB came in to see me at the office yet and discussed Thursday's BPP with us. The placenta is starting to show signs of deteriorating. Cord blood flow is starting to be affected, but of course not enough to deliver with just the doppler. I still scored an 8/8 on the BPP even with the cord concerns.

The nurse walked me over to L&D (the clinic is attached to the hospital and L&D is right next door) and they got me hooked up on monitors. My bp was still up, so on the left side I went. Baby had a few decel's with his first couple movements which concerned the nurse. Phoenix then decided to take a nap. He did wake up again and everything was great. He moved well and his heart rate went up with movements like it should.

The OB came in to see me and looked over the tape. He wants to do the 24hr urine, have a BPP on Monday, see him, labs too. And if we get something coming back funky, he's thinking delivery on Tuesday. My labs from today came back all normal, so that is reassuring. I just hate sitting here waiting to get sick. He called me his "preeclampsia queen" to the nurse, which made me laugh. Told me to keep an eye on the headaches and if anything concerns me to come in to be checked out.

So, we are here just waiting. I'm feeling awfully guilty right now about being pregnant again. I just feel like I'm letting myself and my baby down because my body is faulty.

34 weeks

Well, the bp has been running 130-40's/80-90's all weekend, with an occasional 120/80something reading. This morning, straight waking bp was 156/96, and after 5 minutes was 146/92. I had a headache over the weekend, but it wasn't the migraine-like headache. I'm a bit swollen today, and in general feel crappy.

My blood pressure was high at my appt this morning (152/92), but did lower after lying down (118/76). I'm showing protein in my urine (+1). I'm showing protein in my urine, but nothing significant at this point to warrant induction. As my OB puts it, things are brewing. They're just not enough to deliver at this point. With preeclampsia, things could "brew" like this for two more weeks, or could turn on a dime and get worse quickly. So, he is stepping up the monitoring to watch for any further changes. I am a fingertip dilated and my cervix is soft.

I have BPP's done once a week now. I also start NST's this week. I have lab work done about every three days, so we are covering all bases. And I see my OB once a week at least. With the NST's I see the nurse for a bp and urine check.

It's great we can monitor things like this, but it does add up in the schedule. I'll be at the clinic or the hospital at least 3 times a week until baby comes. While we are hoping for at least another week, it stinks to keep waiting for things to happen. I'm still optimistic (somewhat) that I can hold out for another 2-3 weeks, but we truly are just waiting for me to get sick. With talking with other preeclampsia survivors who are pregnant again, we have a different way of going through another pregnancy. We all hope for the best, but need to be prepared for the worst. Our reality is different. As Jason said it this morning to the OB, "ignorance is bliss." With Ariana, we had no idea what was happening. With Phoenix, we do and we just have to wait. Wait to maintain things, wait to get sick, etc.

I think some of my difficulty with this is that Ariana's birthday is Wednesday. Three years ago today I didn't know what HELLP was, didn't know that I'd be having a baby in 72 hours, etc. I cherish the memories, but hate them as well.

Baby Shower

My family threw me a baby shower for Phoenix today! We had a ton of great food and fun! It was great to see the people who could make it. We played a hilarious "powder" guessing game, and everyone hand painted a onesie for Phoenix. The shower was a luau theme as I didn't really care for the typical "blue" theme.

Not So Good

I ran into the office for a quick check with the nurse as I wasn’t feeling so well and my blood pressure has been up at home. The nurse gave me quite the look after she got done, my bp was 170/90. She had me lay on my left side for 15 minutes to see if it would come down. My OB was not in the office today, she had him come in to look at me as he passed through the office. After resting, another nurse took my bp and it was great at 124/74. The OB ordered lab work to see if things are starting to change. The nurse called in the afternoon with the results and things looked normal yet. I’m supposed to head into L&D if I get a headache or feel worse.

33 week BPP

I had my BPP ultrasound today and things look good. Baby & placenta scored great. They did some checking, as it appeared the cord was around baby's neck, but after looking it seems it is draped against it. The not so good news is this morning I think I lost a piece of my plug. I also was slightly crampy and achy, but it only lasted about an hour or two. So, we are keeping an eye on that. If contractions start up, I'm to head into L&D for a cervical check.

33 weeks

I made it another week, yay! I saw the OB on Monday and things are looking okay. My BP is hanging around 130's/80's this week, but I'm still showing anywhere from neg to +1 protein on any given day. My OB went over my labs with me and he was quite surprised that things were as normal as they were. The 24hr urine came back 118, so that was awesome. My blood work is all still within normal levels.

Phoenix has dropped into my pelvis and I'm feeling a lot of pressure. The Braxton Hicks contractions have kicked up quite a bit as well. The OB said that my body may be getting ready for early delivery, and that he wouldn't be surprised if I went preterm labor before any preeclampsia diagnosis possibly. His goal was 34 weeks, so he's happy to have made it this far. Depending on how things look next week, we may be looking at another 1-3 weeks yet.

Lab update

My 24hr urine came back and I guess things are okay. I spoke with the nurse yesterday and she said called the OB in surgery to go over my results and when she first looked at them she was concerned. I get the feeling he doesn't want to worry me as the nurse told me, "He says to let you know you are not preeclamptic." There was creatine showing when I asked if there was protein, and basically avoided my question. She asked how far along I was (32 weeks) and when I said I’m still optimistic that I can make it another 4-6 weeks, her reply was "I'm not so sure about that 6 weeks." My bp has been okay at home, and I'm showing trace on the morning dips. I am still having minor hand and facial swelling, but nothing huge at this point.

32 weeks

Things may be starting to go downhill. I had some worries last weekend with my bp labile and swelling of the hands & face. Never more than a trace on the dip. I ran in for a quick check with the nurse last week and of course the bp was good.

I turned 32 weeks today and had an OB appt. He walked and instantly commented on how I look. He said I'm looking "markedly" different with the swelling in my face and hands. I don't consider what I have to be moderate swelling yet, but maybe that's because I look at myself everyday. My bp was 134/78 and I'm showing protein again. I also gained 5 pounds in April, which is incredibly high for me this pg. He doesn't want to worry me, but he says we may be looking at the start of things to come. I was looking at Ariana's scrapbook over the weekend and saw my photos from my shower for her (3 yrs ago last week) and the swelling of my face shocked me. I really was starting to swell. 33/34 weeks started to be my sick time with her, so we are anticipating some possible action over the next two weeks.

I had blood work done today, and everything is still within normal levels thankfully. I start a 24hr urine tomorrow and will have the results Wed afternoon. He wants to administer steroids if things aren't looking so good. I see him weekly, and if need be twice a week. He also said that if we need to run labs every 2-3 days, we will. If the bp continues to creep up, he wants bedrest with a home nurse coming in to check my bp & urine. Will do in hospital bedrest if need be. He said that he's hoping I can hold out until 34 weeks.

I knew that I'd be having this baby in about 4 weeks, but today was a huge wake-up call. Two weeks just about did me in anxiety-wise. I know things could still go well and I could deliver in 6 weeks, but at this point I'm ready for anything. We started packing a bag for Ariana to stay with a grandparent in case something happens and I have to deliver. I've had my bag packed for weeks. So, any good thoughts you have, I'd greatly appreciate. I was hoping to make it to May 15 (36 weeks), but now am looking to get past Ariana's birthday on May 3. I'm trying to remain optimistic, but that is getting more difficult.

30 weeks

I can’t believe I’m 30 weeks already! Where has the time gone? My bp was super today-118/72. My OB was able to find Phoenix’s heartbeat immediately today. Fundal height has me measuring 32 weeks, so it looks like this baby is growing great. His head is down and the OB had Jason feel for the head. Doctor said that if I am still moving along well at 36 weeks and baby is looking good, he wouldn’t be against inducing me at that time. He’d rather have me deliver while healthy than to deliver because I’m sick. So, we could have a baby anytime in the next 6-8 weeks! I also had my BPP ultrasound today. There was confirmation that this baby is a BOY, parts were clearly seen again. Baby and my placenta scored a perfect score – 8 out of 8.

30 week baby factoids: Your baby now weighs around 3 pounds and is about 17 inches from head to toe. An ultrasound image may show your baby yawning or even sucking its thumb, he's also filling out a bit as he continues to gain weight, and these layers of fat help him to appear less wrinkled.
As practice for breathing after birth, your baby is mimicking breathing movements by repeatedly moving his diaphragm in a rhythmic way. This can trigger hiccups if he inadvertently inhales amniotic fluid. A pint and a half of amniotic fluid now surrounds your baby, but that volume decreases as he gets bigger and has less room in your uterus. Here's what else is happening this week:
• Baby's head continues to grow, and brain growth speeds up even more.
• Baby's hearing is improving; nearly all babies can react (by movement) to sound by this week

28 weeks, 2 days

My bp today was 122/72, awesome! I was showing trace protein, as I have for two weeks at home too. My labs were back from the glucose last week. Glucose was great and he ordered some other blood work as well. Everything is good, and my platelets are holding awesome at 281,000. Baby’s heart rate was good at 142bpm. It took my OB a bit to find the heartbeat again. This kid sure is a stinker! I have my next appointment in 2 weeks, and then I should be going weekly. I also have a biophysicial profile (BPP) scheduled for that day.

26 weeks, 3 days

My 26 week check up brought some anxiety. My blood pressure was up slightly and I am showing +1 protein. After 10 minutes, my bp was back to normal, so we are hoping this is a fluke and not a sign of things to come. Baby looks good, heart rate was 144bpm. I am measuring 1cm ahead on the fundal height. I have to take the glucose lab this upcoming week and come back to the OB in two weeks for my next appointment.

March 6th: 26 weeks Baby Fact -- There's an important development in baby's lungs this week: They begin to secrete surfactant, a fatty substance that covers the inner lining of the air sacs and allows the lungs to expand normally so breathing can occur. Although it will be approximately 10 more weeks before the lungs are fully operational, the production of surfactant is an essential step in making the fetus viable outside the womb. Baby weighs almost 2 pounds; measures around 9.2 inches from crown to rump; and hears noises, responds to light, and is generally more aware of its surroundings.

24 weeks

I came in to see the OB for a quick visit. Things are looking great! I am coming up on the glucose testing--apparently they have fruit punch flavor now and they say it's quite good. My next appt is beginning of March, I'll be 26 weeks that week. Can't believe how fast time is flying!!

22 weeks

Had an OB check today and my bp was great. Phoenix is being a little stinker already as he likes to hide when the OB tries to listen for the heartbeat. It took just a bit today, and there it was beating strong at 153 bpm. I asked what he thinks my chances of going term will be, realistically. He said he'll be happy for me to reach 34 weeks, but hopefully can go to 36 weeks. He said he won't let me get a day past 38 weeks. So we will be having another May baby for sure. ;-) My next appt is in 3 weeks. After that it looks like I'll have an appt every two weeks, and then at 32ish weeks I'll be seen weekly. He wants to keep an eye on how I'm doing and be on top of any issues that may develop. We're hoping for the best, so please keep us in your thoughts.

Baby's Development at 22 weeks..... Baby’s sense of touch is developing. He is beginning to reach out to stroke his body, and is stretching and pushing against your uterus in newfound freedom. Baby weighs almost a pound. This week nerve endings become functional enough so that Baby can feel! He may experiment with this new sense of touch by stroking his face or feeling other body parts to see how they move. You may feel Baby stretching his muscles by pushing against the muscular wall of your uterus with his feet or head. Although he's filling out, his body still appears wrinkled because he lacks a significant layer of fat beneath his skin. If Baby is a boy, testes, which have been tucked up inside the pelvis, will begin to descend into the scrotum this week and immature sperm will form in the seminal vesicles; Baby's eyes will complete formation, although the iris (the colored part of the eye) will still lack pigment; The pancreas, essential to hormone production, will continue to develop steadily.

19 weeks

I saw the doctor today for an OB check. I am looking good, so he says. He looked at the measurements from the U/S last week and he says baby looks great; no growth restriction. Baby was laying transverse so he had a fun time trying to pick up the heartbeat on the doppler. Baby’s heart rate was 148, I believe. We talked about my visit with the peri. We also discussed my weight loss and how much he wants me to gain with this pregnancy. He chatted with us about having a boy and what his life is like with 1 boy and 3 girls. He was sharing fun stories about his son. I return for my next appointment in 3 weeks.

I suppose I could share baby's name with you all. ;-) I forgot to in the last update. This babe will be named......Phoenix Alexander.

18 weeks, 4 days

I had an appointment with the peri today. My blood pressure was awesome, 100/65. The peri did a 2D/4D ultrasound. Baby looks great. He couldn't see anything wrong with the spine. Most of the U/S was in 2D and he would focus in a body part and switch it to 4D, it was pretty neat. We discovered what sex "Spud" is......we're having a boy! You could have knocked me over with a feather, I was in shock. I thought for sure this babe was a girl. We were both in shock and just kept repeating all day, "We're having a boy." I did purchase some blue onesies, I just couldn't resist. We started spreading the news right away that the fourth person to join our family will be a male. Jason is happy as now the numbers will be even again.

The peri spoke with us about the risk of developing HELLP Syndrome with this baby. He's optimistic that I can get to 36 weeks before I start to have problems. He gave the same care plan as my OB for frequent monitoring as I enter the third trimester. The visit went well and I see the OB for a check on Monday.

17 weeks, 1 day

The OB called today to let me know that our results from the AFP4 are back. They are showing an abnormal result for the spina bifada screening. The risk of having a baby with this is 1 in 290. I am no worried in the least at the moment. I have my ultrasound next week and we will get to have a peek at "Spud." He's going to have the peri take a close look at the spine for us. Ultimately, I was expecting an abnormal result and know that this is a screening, not a definitive test.

In the last week or so, I think I've felt baby move a couple times. There is a slight fluttering once in a while. I also think I've been having braxton hicks as my uterus has been tightening up off and on as well. I am starting to show just a bit, not a whole lot yet. I need to move to maternity pants soon, but the tops still seem too big to wear yet. My morning sickness is all but gone. The only thing that remains is this awful gag reflex in the morning. So far, I've been craving Sweet Tarts. Chips & dip were a another frequent eat during the first trimester. Spagetti is not my friend, just like with Ariana. My one staple of each day is my morning Mt Dew.

I really think Spud is a girl. Most everyone thinks it's a girl, but a few are saying boy (like my mom). If it's a boy, I think I'll fall over (good thing I'll be laying on a table when we find out, huh). The Chinese lunar calendar says girl too with my age at baby's birth and month of conception. We'll see....