So - first up - the Baby Shower!
My friend Meghan hosted a beautiful shower for Andy and I. Actually - her awesomely designed invitations actually inspired Andy and I to theme the nursery with a nautical theme. She even painted some really cool signs that we have already hung up in the nursery (pictures of the almost completed nursery to be up soon. Andy and I want to thank all of our friends and family that were with us physically and in spirit - supporting us as we begin this new adventure (formal thank yous are still currently being written :)). It was a fun-filled crazy weekend. We were lucky enough to have some family come down for the shower/weekend - my Aunt Mary, Aunt Theresa, Grandma Dottie, mom, Aunt Janet (Andy's side), and cousin Jonna. We are so blessed to have such awesome friends and family!
Next...Andy's first overnight stay at the hospital (excluding his own birth, of course).
So, the first Wednesday in May, I woke up in the middle of the night with some extreme cramping. I thought it was mostly due to being extremely exhausted from a busy weekend, but had trouble getting back to sleep and didn't feel better in the morning. I decided not to go to work to "sleep it off", but ended up calling the doctor when the office opened up at 9. After some questions from the nurse, she suggested just heading up to the hospital to have everything checked out. I got to the hospital a little before 10:30 and was hooked up to a monitor to watch the baby's heart beat and track contractions. Apparently, I was having contractions (had no idea). Initially, they thought it was because I was dehydrated, but after a few hours and some liters of fluids with no change in the contractions, they decided the contractions were being caused by something else (my blood test did indicate a high white blood cell count). Around 2:30ish, the nurse came in to administer some medication (I do not recall what it was or what the purpose was anymore - I only recall it made my heart race and I got nauseous afterwards). Around 3:30 - 4:00 - the doctor came in and essentially determined that because the contractions were stopping in frequency or strength they would administer some medicine to stop it and give me a steroid to help develop the baby's lungs in case he came early) and they would keep me overnight to monitor me and the baby. Surprisingly enough, I was calm / not worried the entire day - God was somehow letting me know it was all going to be o.k. so there was nothing to stress out about. Thankfully, our friends, Kevin and Erin were willing and able to watch Ollie for us. Andy came by after work and settled in for a night at the hospital. He had it pretty easy - the bed was essentially the couch pulled out to the equivalent of a twin-sized bed. He slept pretty well from what I can tell. As the nurses kept coming in to check the monitor and he barely stirred, and around 5:30, a gentleman had come in to the room to take some more blood for testing, and Andy, sound asleep, gave a little snore (the man chuckled a little bit).
The next morning, the doctor came in to let me know that I was still contracting - but by the morning - they had subsided enough for her not to be worried (as they didn't seem to be getting me closer to labor). So - they released me (yay!), and the only thing I had to do was to return the next evening to get dose 2 of the steroids for baby K.
Thankfully - I haven't had any other issues since that night!
Sorry this is such a long post! I guess I could have split it up - but it is easier to just keep typing :)
Mother's Day -
There wasn't too much that happened on this day - just some reflection on what it really means to be a mom. There are some sacrifices I have had to make just being pregnant - but that is such a small comparison to what mom's do every day for their children. I have such great and amazing examples of true motherhood in my life: My mom, Andy's mom, and all our family & friends who have ventured into the adventure motherhood before me. All examples of strong, nurturing, faith-filled women that I have the blessing of being witness to!
Finally, ... I am at 37 weeks! That gives me approximately 3 weeks (give or take a week or two either direction). According to my resources online - the baby is the size of a winter melon (which, do not let the name fool you - I am in no way, shape, form or fashion cold!). Today - the doctor was able to tell me the baby's head was down (well, to her best estimate). So - however long it takes after that! Also, I have had to say farewell to my ankles for awhile - they took a trip and I am not sure when they will be back. I miss them.
We just asked for continued prayers as we prepare for the labor / delivery / life as parents!
:)
Pretty mommy as usual :-)
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, you ankles will be back! I know it!!! Haha
Sending good thoughts your way on these last feel weeks!