2 Weeks Old

Allyson is 2 weeks old now. She is doing great. We've had a busy/scary week. Saturday night I was taken to the hospital (they should know me by name & have a room reserved for me by now). I had to have an emergency D&C (dilation and curettage). It was not fun. While the doctor was trying to avoid having to do the D&C, I was in so much pain they gave me four doses of morphine and it didn't help at all. After seeing that there were just too many clots they decided to send me to the OR for the procedure. My blood was too thin so I couldn't have an epidural so they had to put me under with general anesthesia. The procedure only took about 30 minutes but I was out of it until Monday morning. My eyes were a little swollen and I felt like I had not slept for days. I am fine now and am hoping that was the last of the hospital I will see. Danny has been a life-saver. He has taken care of the kids while I was in the hospital (and while I am at home too & he's taking care of me too).

Allyson's next pediatric appointment is Monday. Part of her umbilical cord came off today (or in the middle of the night, I didn't discover it until this morning). She eats like crazy so I am curious to see how much weight, if any, she has gained. She only woke up once last night, it was wonderful sleeping for more than a couple of hours at a time.

Allyson visiting me in the hospital Sunday afternoon.

1 Week Old

Baby Allyson is here! She was born November 30, at 7:46 PM. She weighed 7 lbs 15.2 oz and was 19 3/4" long. She's beautiful and healthy!

We were supposed to be admitted to the hospital that Friday morning at 8 AM but sat in the waiting room until about 10:30 and then were admitted. I was given pitocin to induce labor around 1 or 1:30, my water broke around 5, and then I was given the epidural around 5:30. Once I was ready, it only took 2 or 3 contractions & then Allyson was born. There were no complications during delivery; I couldn't have asked for a smoother labor (I had some pain of course, but no probs). Allyson has no health problems. Mommy is fine too. I am back on coumadin (no more injections!) :)

We've been spending this first week together at home. It has been wonderful. Allyson hasn't had any problems feeding or sleeping. She really is a good baby. God has blessed us! We are looking forward to what God has planned for our family and this beautiful baby girl.

37 Weeks

Yesterday was 37 weeks (we're full term now). Last Friday (9th) I was admitted to the hospital to begin the process of switching from Lovenox to Heparin. I was there until Tuesday night (longest 5 days of my life)! No problems! Baby Allyson was monitored the entire time and she is doing great. A couple of weeks ago, my fluid measured a little on the high side so they've been measuring it each week to make sure everything's fine. Every time since then, each ultrasound has shown normal fluid. Thursday, we saw the doctor for our regular appt and my blood work came back showing my PTT (from blood thinner) was 31 (it should be between 70-125). They upped my dose of Heparin a little (from .85 ml to 1) and will check my blood again Monday to make sure amounts are therapeutic (where they should be). My 30th birthday was Thursday too. What an exciting week it has been. I've had several Braxton Hick's contractions and the pressure on my hips and lower stomach is so much that it hurts for me to lift my legs (walking, getting in and out of the car are so fun now). I do waddle now :) Thankfully, the kids are out of school all next week for Thanksgiving so my walking around and driving should be minimal, giving me plenty of time to rest. It hasn't been scheduled, but the nurse said I should be induced around November 30th (right at 39 weeks). It's almost time!

36 Weeks

We had our 36 week check up today. My blood sugar levels were good so no changes there. Allyson has a good strong heart beat. The doctor said last week's ultrasound showed above-normal fluid levels so I have to have an ultrasound each week to keep an eye on it. Today's ultrasound was supposed to show at least 3 movements and Allyson "practice breathing" for at least 15 seconds. She moved plenty but did not breath so I had to have a non-stress test for 20 minutes to make sure she is ok. After 4 or 5 contractions that were 6 minutes apart, the doctor said Allyson passed the test. She had no problems during the contractions and her heart rate elevated as it should during them. We set up our appt for next week (my 30th burfday). Tomorrow I am supposed to be admitted to the hospital to switch over to Heparin but the nurse said that they are unusually full and may not have a room for me. I have to call before we leave in the morning to make sure they will admit me. The suspense!

35 Week Appt

We had our 35 week appt today. Allyson is healthy and weighs about 6.2 lbs. Doesn't she look just like Gage and Cady? My sugar levels have been low, doctor says that's great. Our next appt is Nov. 8th, we'll be going every week from now on. I have to be admitted to UAB the following Friday so they can switch me from Lovenox to Heparin. I will be put on a drip. It will take at least 24 hours to figure out the correct amount of Heparin that I need to take and then another 24 hours on that amount to make sure it's correct. The doctor said to expect 48-72 hours in the hospital, best case scenario, but it can take up to a week to get it right! That was supposed to be my weekend to finish getting everything ready for Ally. I guess I'll do as much as I can before next Friday. I thank God for 2 awesome grandmothers that are close and willing to help Danny with the kiddos. Hopefully I will have good news after my little stay in the hospital and will be able to have that lovely epidural :)

34 Weeks

I'm 34 weeks now. Our most recent appointment was October 17th. Since I failed my glucose screening, I met with the nutritionist & I have to test my glucose levels 4 times a day now (no fun). I have been managing my glucose with my diet (have had a couple of times where glucose was a little high, but not too high). I haven't gained any weight in the last few weeks so this diet is helping with that (I have gained 35 pounds throughout this pregnancy though). We also met with the anesthesiologist. He said that as long as I am taking two doses of Heparin (instead of 3), I should be allowed to have an epidural when I go into labor. If the amount I have to take is more, no epidural (please pray for an epidural). I am at a high risk of having a hematoma if I get an epidural while being heavily anti-coagulated. I'm already nervous about labor (even though I've been through it before), so not being able to manage the pain would probably make me a nervous wreck. We should find out this week or next how much Heparin I will be taking (supposed to start it at 36 weeks). I have started to have Braxton Hicks contractions last Saturday night. I don't remember having them with my first two pregnancies so they caught me off guard. It's only happened a few times since. My next doctor's appointment is this Thursday (Nov 1).

My mom and sisters are throwing a baby shower for me this Sunday. I'm used to planning baby showers and birthday parties for others, it's wonderful not having to stress about it or get my house super-clean for everyone (I don't think my swollen ankles would allow much cleaning). I'm looking forward to it! I've heard rumors of pumpkin pie.

29 Weeks & Counting

This Saturday will make 29 weeks. Where has the time gone? I can't believe baby girl will be here in 10 weeks! Speaking of "baby girl", her name is Allyson Raelee. We just like the name Allyson and Rae is my mom's middle name, Lee is Danny's. Our last appointment was September 17th and I failed the 3 hour glucose screening. I go back October 4th to meet with the nutritionist at the hospital and get a handy dandy glucose meter so that I can check my sugar levels every morning. So, to date, I have to inject Lovenox twice daily, take calcium/vitamin D twice daily, take iron twice daily, and take prenatal vitamins. I'm amazed I remember all of those each day. Now I get to add a new activity to my routine...

Gage's birthday is tomorrow :) The boy will be 11! He has been such a good sport throughout this pregnancy. He was kicked out of his room and it was given to Cady. Cady's room was turned into the nursery. Hopefully, Gage's room will be complete in the next couple of weeks so he can have his own space again. I have started a few of Ally's nursery items:

Bumper Pads & Bed Skirt

I didn't make any of this, it's just cute :)

Paci Clip

Valance

Matching Glider and Chair Cushions

Diaper Bag, Changing Pad. & Diaper Holder

I still have to make her quilt and art work for her walls (I will post a pic of Shanny's artwork once I hang them on the wall). Then, maybe I will have a day or two to rest and wait for baby girl to make her grand appearance.

6 Months

Well, I am now 6 months along and things are great. Baby girl is moving around (very active) and is measuring properly. I have, unfortunately, gained 28 pounds. With 15 more weeks to go, I don't think I am going to stay under the suggested 25-30 pounds gained. My belly button is non-existent & yes, someone asked me if I am having twins (no I am not).  The morning sickness has subsided somewhat. I went from being sick all day to just being sick most nights. Being able to work from home now has been such a blessing, I don't know how women can work everyday (away from home) while pregnant. We went to the beach last week and I had my first episode of major feet/leg swelling (too much walking). Other than that little hiccup, it was a fun trip.

Gage & Cady started school this week so it has been quiet around the house. I have all of the material needed to make almost everything for the baby's nursery, but no nursery yet-so that will have to wait. Until then, I am entertaining myself with other crafts (bags, quilts, etc). 

Our next doctor's appointment is Sept 4th and I will have the glucose screening. Funny/odd thing: my blood has only been tested once since I started the Lovenox. I guess they just take my word that I am taking the appropriate dosage? I am looking forward to the day when I don't have to inject that medicine anymore. I thought taking the pill form daily was annoying...

It's a Girl!

Baby Girl!

Danny & I found out we are having another girl! I am now 18 weeks and showing, showing, showing. I have been obsessing about the nursery and have to decided to make a majority of the decor. I have until December, so I have plenty of time to make some cute things. Here are some of my fabric ideas:

I'll post pics once I begin. I have a couple of quilts to make before I begin...

14 Weeks

Today, I am 14 weeks and 3 days along. I had my 3rd doctor's appointment this afternoon and everything seems fine. I've gained about 7 pounds and am not too happy about that but as long as we're healthy, that's what's important. When the doctor was trying to listen to the baby's heart beat, he/she wouldn't sit still so we had another ultrasound which was great because the kids were with us this time and they were able to see the baby on the big screen and hear the heart beat. Baby Parker wouldn't turn the right way so we weren't able to tell the sex just yet...maybe next time. Danny & I declined the 1st trimester screening that they offer to tell you if your child has something abnormal going on with their chromosomes. We didn't have it done with the first two kiddos, and if we had and something showed up, it wouldn't have changed a thing, so why add the unnecessary risk? My next appointment is July 3rd, I will be 17 weeks so we will probably be able to see more on the ultrasound.

1st Doctor's Visit

We had our first appt with the "at risk" obgyn at UAB today. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. The ultrasound confirmed that I am 8 weeks 3 days. The baby's (singular, not plural) heart rate is a strong 168. My due date is 12/07; however I will be induced at 39 weeks so he/she should be here a little before then. One of my fears was that I would have to have a c-section so that the bleeding would be more controlled. The doctor told me just the opposite; they do not want me to have a c-section... yay! I will switch from Lovenox to Heparin at 36 weeks so that when/if I go into labor on my own, I can still get an epidural (the lovenox takes about 3 times longer to get out of my system, so I would be at risk of not being able to get the epidural in time. Heparin takes about 8 hours to get out of my system). Another big concern of ours was that the baby would be harmed because of my taking Coumadin before realizing I was pregnant. The doctor said that there is a really good chance the baby is perfectly healthy because I stopped taking the Coumadin as soon as I found out I was expecting (at about 4 weeks-the earlier the better). We'll know for sure in about 10 weeks when I have a more detailed ultrasound if there are any abnormalities (not that anything like that would change anything, this baby is a precious life whether or not any health issues arise).

God is sovereign in the good and the bad. We will praise Him no matter what the outcome of this pregnancy is. For now, it appears the baby is healthy and we thank Him for that :)

Blogging About Something Else? Really?

This blog will be my way of keeping up with everything that is going on and will also allow others to read about the happenings of having a baby while on blood thinner (I know Danny & I have wondered about it & didn't really know where to go for questions)...

I have been taking Warfarin (generic Coumadin) which is a blood-thinner since April of 2006. 2 months after having my CadyBug, I had a stroke because of an unknown s-deficiency which was found after many, many blood tests. This not too common deficiency basically causes my blood to clot when it isn't supposed to. So, since then, I have been taking blood-thinner to manage the clotting. So far, I've had no problems. One thing that my doctor told me, a few times, is that you absolutely should not get pregnant while taking a blood-thinner (can be very harmful to the baby). Danny & I were not planning on getting pregnant again (thus the adoption) but we must not have been as careful as we hoped and now we're expecting Parker Baby #3. So, of course my first reaction was fear and worry. After Danny calmed me down and reminded me that worrying does not help anything, I slept for what felt like 2 minutes and then the following morning started calling my doctors. My regular doctor (the one who monitors my blood and such) told me to come in as soon as possible and to switch the medicine I was taking from pill form to injection (yikes!).

If you know me, you know that I am a bit timid and do not like pain (but who does, right). I had to see the nurse and learn how to inject my meds into MYSELF (what kind of crazed lunatic came up with this torture?). After what felt like hours, but was probably just a couple of minutes, I gathered enough strength to push the needle into my stomach and push the meds through. As soon as I was through.... I almost fainted :) My face was so pale and I heard ringing in my ears. I started sweating and had to lay down. I don't know what Danny was thinking (other than, man I married a wuss), but I was a little embarrassed. Fortunately the nurse has known me since I started coming to the hospital back in 06, so she was very sweet and took good care of me. After the torture session was over, we came back home and the nausea started and hasn't stopped. "Morning Sickness", try "I'm Awake Sickness". I have figured out a few tricks to help with the sickness though, I just have to constantly eat, which is great because I love food, but it's bad because I'll gain 200 pounds before I have the baby :) Gestational diabetes anyone?

My next appt is with a high-risk obgyn; she is at UAB and has been referred by a couple of medical buds of mine. The appointment is for May 1st and that's when I'll have more info. I'm guessing I am about 5-6 weeks along but will probably know more after then. Please pray for us as we go through this scary but very exciting time. I'm nervous & a little anxious but I know that this is God's will and I will trust in Him.