She is her Father's Child

Last night, Katie woke up after her bath and we discovered that she has poofy hair like her daddy. Poor baby....

Happy One Month Birthday!

Dearest Kaitlyn,

Today you are one month old. Your daddy and I cannot believe how quickly this day has come and at the same time it seems as though you have always been here with us.

Your entrance into our family has forever changed our lives. We are so blessed and happy to have you as our daughter. Everything about you intrigues us, from your beautiful eyes to your head full of hair, to your long feet and hands and your expanding belly. You are perfect!

It has certainly been an adjustment having you here at home with us. When we first brought you home, the only one getting any sleep was you! :o) Mommy and Daddy would stay awake or in a very light sleep waiting for you to cry out that you needed us. We were so nervous to take care of you and worried that we wouldn't know what to do. After a few weeks though, we are becoming ole' pros, although still sleep deprived. We have been very blessed to have a lot of help, as well. Your daddy was able to take two weeks off to spend with you and me. Being back at work has been hard for him, but I send him pictures everyday so that he can see how cute you are! And he calls every couples of hours to see what you are up to and ask how we are doing. Your grandma took a week off after Daddy went back to work to help me and spend time with you. And for the last two weeks, your great grandma has been staying with us and has been spoiling you as much as she can. Your grandpa calls from Afghanistan every single day to check on you and see how you are doing. He can't wait to come home and spoil you rotten! You have had so many visitors come to see you and love on you. You are such a good baby, too. You love to snuggle and don't wake or fuss when we pass you from our loving arms to the next.

You are finally settling into somewhat of a routine. You like to eat every two to three hours during the day and are eating about 20 ounces a day, usually in eight or nine meals. You have been sleeping a little bit longer during the night and wake up around 2am and 6am to eat. By 8 or 9am, you are ready to get up and face the day. You are a good sleeper, and you are not bothered by noises or lights. The only thing that bothers you are the pesky blankets that we try to keep you covered with. You grunt and squirm until your hands are free and your legs are uncovered. You HAVE to have your hands near your face and have managed to only scratch yourself once or twice.

Sleeping in your bassinet.

Napping on the couch with Daddy.

You like bath time for the most part and will lay quietly in the tub while we wash you down. You love to kick your legs to splash the water and flail your arms around. We definitely think that you are going to be a water baby (much like I was when I was little).

As time has passed, we have become better at and more brave to take you out for road trips. At first you didn't like getting in your car seat and would cry until the car had been moving for awhile. Now you only protest when we are first buckling you in. You have been many places already. We have taken you to the doctor for lab draws, to Tamara and Carmen's baby shower, restaurants, Grandma's house, and shopping. You seem to like being on the go and only get fussy when it is time to eat. You only cry when you are hungry or bored, and now occasionally when you need changed. Or when you realize no one is holding you anymore. :)

Getting ready to go to the Pediatrician's for a check-up!

In your party dress to go to Tamara's shower.

You are also becoming more alert and active during the day. You love to swing in your swing and play on the play mat for short periods of time. You are so strong too!! We are continuously amazed by all the things that you can do. You can:

-Focus on faces. You especially love to look at your Grandma's face. :o)

-Respond to a noise in some way, such as starting, crying or quieting. You become very quiet when you hear your daddy's face and you turn your head to find him. Usually noises startle you and not scare you to where you cry.

-Lift your head 45 degrees when you are on your stomach. Mainly you do this when you are laying on someone rather than on the play mat. Your neck muscles are so strong and you can even hold your head upright on your own for short periods of time.

-Bring both hands together. You like to put them next to your face, of course.

-Smile in response to a smile. Your great grandma gets lots of these in the mornings. You also smile spontaneously, but we are not too sure that you know why you are smiling. It's probably still from gas. :o)

-Vocalize in ways other than crying. You like to talk to your self already.

We are so proud of all that you have accomplished this month and we can't wait to see what all you conquer in the days ahead. We know that you are going to continue to grow bigger, stronger and smarter. You are such a blessing to our family and we thank God that he gave you to us to raise. You are the light of our life, Kaitlyn, and we love you so much!

Love,

Mommy

Countdown to Katie

FIRST TRIMESTER
Week 1-4: 0 lbs
Week 5-8: -1 lb
Week 9-13: -4 lbs

SECOND TRIMESTER
Week 14-17: -3 lbs
Week 18-21: -1 lb
Week 22-26: +6 lbs

THIRD TRIMESTER
Week 27-30: +12 lbs
Week 31-35: +14.5 lbs
Week 36-37: +16.6 lbs

Two Weeks Postpartum: -0.6 lbs!!!

Nine Months Postpartum: +11 lbs!!!

Twelve Months Postpartum: +/- 0 lbs!!!

Kaitlyn's First Hospitalization (January 2-4, 2010)

...and hopefully our last.

While we were in the hospital for delivery, they checked Kaitlyn's bilirubin levels. They told us Thursday, December 31st, that her levels the previous evening were a little high, around 7 at 24 hours of life. Her level should have been around 4, and she was in a high risk category at the time. The pediatrician wanted to recheck her levels before we were discharged home, and if it had come down some, she would discharge us with a follow up with her on Monday.

They drew her labs around 11am, and it had gone down some, but was still elevated at 10.8 at 42 hours of life. Dr. H said that we could go home, but to bring Katie in for a re-check of her bili level on Saturday.

Paul and I got up first thing Saturday morning (January 2nd) and loaded the baby into the car. Unfortunately, the hospital staff was not very coordinated at all, and we ended up waiting in the ER waiting room from 11am to 12:30pm. By that time, it was time for Katie to eat, and Paul had complained enough that they put us in a triage room to wait.

They drew her lab at 2pm and sent us home. By the time we got home, though, Dr. H had already gotten the lab results and called to let us know. Her voicemail said to call her back "as soon as possible" and that it was "pretty urgent." I had a feeling we weren't in for good news.

Dr. H said her bili level had almost doubled and was 25.5. She needed to have photo light therapy for hyperbilirubinemia as soon as possible, and she had already called some of the local hospitals to schedule Kaitlyn's admission. She was waiting on confirmation from the Downtown Children's Hospital, and Paul and I packed up everything we could think of to take while we awaited her call. Around 4:30pm, Dr. H called and instructed us to head to the NICU downtown.

Walking into the NICU with my daughter was one of the scariest things that I have had to do. It is frightening to see all the machines, wires, tubes and tiny isolettes with premature and sick children in them. Kaitlyn had her own private room for isolation, Room 14, as she was newborn and had not been screened for the flu and RSV. They started her on IV fluids and Sarah, her nurse, fed her the 1 oz of breast milk that I was able to pump before arriving at the hospital. Her bili level at 19:47 was 19.5. She was placed on triple light therapy, with two overhead lights and a bili blanket underneath her. She looked so tiny in her bed, and was only 5 lbs and 5 oz upon admission.


Paul and I stayed with my mom until 10pm, when Grandparent visitation was over. We headed to the house, and I woke up every 3 hours to pump for Katie. Mom went to the hospital at 8am on Sunday to sit with Katie until we were able to arrive. Sabrina, the nurse overnight, said that Katie did well and kept trying to remove her sunglasses. Her bili level at midnight was 16.1 and 14.4 at 08:05am. Her nurse, Cat, removed one of the bili lights at 09:40, and they placed her in between two bili blankets around 11:00am so that we could hold her and I could try to nurse.


They re-checked her bili level at 2pm, and it was 12.9mg/dl. This meant that she only had to wear one bili blanket, and we were able to graduate from the NICU to the Step Down Nursery! :o) Around 5pm, we transported to the Special Nursery and met our nurse, Jennifer. Paul and I were not very impressed with the Special nursery to say the least. They were not very welcoming and friendly like the NICU nurses were, and they were definitely not supportive of breastfeeding. Neither of our nurses knew how to use the breast pump in the lactation room and the room was unkempt with trash overflowing from the trash can. Paul and mom were able to get the Lactation Consultants to come and visit with me a few times, however, and we made a little bit of progress with Katie.

On Monday afternoon, the Nurse Practitioner came by to see us and said that we could go home. Her bili level was 12.5mg/dl overnight and her color was already looking better. We were discharged home around 3pm that afternoon.

Since we have been home, Kaitlyn has continued to thrive. She is eating well and making dirty diapers for us to change. :o) Her skin color is almost back to normal with her face a tad bit darker than her body. She isn't nearly as sleepy, a result of high bili levels, and she is eating easier than she was. She is not interested in learning how to breastfeed, at all, which has been very hard for me. I was soooo determined to breastfeed my little girl for as long as I could, but true to character, Katie likes to set her own rules. At this time we are giving her expressed breast milk as often as we can.

During our follow-up with our pediatrician Tuesday (Jan 5th), her bili level was 13.9. The doctor said not worry, however, and to make sure that she continues to eat/pee/poop. Our next appointment will be January 13th for her two week check-up.

We appreciate all the love and support from our friends and family. Without this, I don't know how we would have made it through.

Kaitlyn's Birth Story

Warning: This is probably pretty long for most people. I wanted to record all the details. :o) Enjoy!


The induction was scheduled for 06:00 on December 29, 2009. I couldn't sleep at all before-hand. I tossed and turned, played solitaire, lied quietly in the darkness..I was wide awake until about 03:15. And the alarm went of at 04;30. Goodness, that is early.

Mom went with Paul and I to the hospital where we checked into Labor and Delivery. They were in the middle of shift change, and the shift before was really busy with 4 boys being born. I was weighed, +16.6 lbs, and taken back to my room, Labor Room 4, at 07:10. Kelly was my nurse for the induction, and she was also my nurse when I was sent home after my 24 hour observation. It was really nice to see a friendly face.

She brought mom and Paul back and started an IV for me. I was GBS positive so she needed to give me some antibiotics before Katie arrived. When she placed me on the monitor, my contractions were already 6 minutes apart and lasting about a minute and a half. I had no idea that I was even having contractions! I thought it was just Katie stretching out! WooHoo!

Dr. A was in the hospital delivering the 5th boy of the day, and she came in at 09:23 to break my bag of waters. They put a fetal scalp monitor on at that point to monitor Kaitlyn's heartbeat, and I was not able to get out of bed. That part was not so fun.... I was a "stretchy" 3cm, 50% effaced and station -3. Pretty much where I was at during my appointment the day before.

Denisse and Nomi showed up shortly there-after. Denisse picked up tacos and magazines for Paul along the way, and Noemi said it was sleeting/hailing when she arrived. Back in Oklahoma, they were experiencing a snow storm, much like the day when I was born.

Kelly started the Pitocin at 10:16 at 2ml/hr. I had already received a 2g and 1g bag of Ampicillin at that point and would get the last bag of 1g Ampicillin at 12:30pm. They increased the Pit to 4ml/hr at 10:57, 6ml/hr at 11:45 and to 8ml/hr at 12:11. I was able to breath through the contractions pretty well when the Pitocin was going at 6ml/hr and thought I could hold off on pain medication for awhile.

Tara arrived from Sinton, and Tamara and Elizabeth had made their way to L&D, as well. They were doing a good job keeping me preoccupied and distracting me from the pain. Mom would brush my hair, which I love, and Paul rubbed my back and gave me lots of encouragement and reassurance.

I remember being pretty nervous when they increased the Pitocin to 8ml/hr. I was worried that the contractions would become too painful, and I was trying to wait to get the epidural until I was closer to 6 or 7cm dilated. Papa called to check on us frequently via Skype, and I remember he told me I should just get the epidural because I was starting to tear up with all the pain.

After the fourth contraction on 8ml (12:27), I told mom "THEY REALLY HURT NOW," and asked my nurse how long I had to wait to get the epidural once I requested it. She said I was the only one laboring and anesthesia would be there right away. I decided to go ahead and have them come to place one. Dr. B did such a great job with my epidural and had it infusing by 12:45. She only had to attempt once, and the worst part was the sharp "bee sting" sensation when they injected the lidocaine. Paul stood in front of me and supported my shoulders while the epidural was being placed. The contractions were so painful and were getting closer together, around every three minutes.

With the epidural, my right leg went numb first, but I could still move my toes and bend my knee. My left leg pretty much went completely numb, and I had to have help to bend my leg or move it across the bed. But the pain was gone. I only knew I was having contractions because I would get a very mild tightening sensation in my stomach. Unfortunately, I was only at 4 1/2 - 5cm after the epidural was placed, but I was 80% effaced and -2 station. At this point, I was much more calm and Paul went to the cafeteria to get lunch with Tara and Denisse. Mom and Noemi stayed in the room with me, and Elizabeth and Tamara had gone home to rest.

They increased the Pitocin to 10ml/hr at 13:00 and my contractions were about 2-3 minutes apart. The fetal monitor wasn't picking all the contractions up, though, so mom wrote them down when I would tell her I felt the tightening or she saw them on the monitor screen. The nurses continued to increase the pit frequently; to 12ml/hr at 1:30, 14ml/hr at 1:56 and 16ml/hr at 2:36. They re-checked me at 1:56 and I was 5cm dilated, and 80% effaced.

At 3pm, Kelly went home and Jennifer took over my labor care. Apparently, Jennifer assisted with the delivery of the baby earlier that day, so we told her she was going to be our "good luck charm." She increased the pitocin to 18ml/hr at 3:10 and I remember thinking, "How high are they going to increase this drip?!" I was so glad that I couldn't feel anything. By this time, we were making more progress.

Jennifer checked me at 3:58, and I was 7cm, 90% effaced and the baby was at -2 station. I asked her what I could do to bring the baby down and she recommended changing positions (I was on my back) to my side. We started out on the right side first and Paul and Mom helped me turn to my left and back to my right every so often.

Eventually, I started having some pain in my right lower back that gradually got worse. Paul massaged my back, which worked initially. Eventually, the pain spread to my right pelvis and was more internal. Leslie and Noemi took turns with Paul rubbing my back as it hurt so bad. I finally asked my nurse about whether or not I should get a bolus for my epidural. I was hesitant because I didn't want to be so numb that I couldn't feel to push, but the pain got too intense to manage and they called Dr. B back. Jennifer decreased my pitocin to 14ml/hr, as well, and I received the bolus at4:41. This time my right and left sides were completely numb!

The next time Jennifer came in to check me, Dr. A came in, as well. They were planning to place an internal monitor to measure the contractions because the monitor was having a hard time keeping track of them. I was feeling the tightness and pain but the monitor wouldn't show a change in my TOCA score. At 5:35, Dr. A told me that I was "done and complete!" It took me a minute to process what she was saying. "You're done! We are gonna push!" She exclaimed. The baby was still a little high according to my nurse, so I asked if I could labor down more if the pushing wasn't working.

People moved very quickly at this point, bringing over supplies, turning on the warmer, disassembling the bed, etc. They told me that I needed to have those not staying to leave the room, and I asked if "five people was too many." :o) My nurse didn't answer me, but Noemi went to the waiting room since usually only 2 or 3 people can stay. Mom stood on my right side and Paul held my left leg. Tara took some pictures for us and Denisse cheered me on.

I started to push at 5;40. I was determined to make some good progress because I didn't want to be one of the mom's that pushed for 4 hours. My doctor kept telling me what a great job I was doing pushing and exclaimed that she could see Katie's hair after only one or two contractions. She even had Paul come and look and his face lit up with excitement when he saw her hair too.

I couldn't feel anything at all, and I didn't understand how she was already so far down the birth canal where they could see her hair. It didn't feel like what I thought it would when she was that low, but their faces of excitement and encouragement motivated me to keep on pushing hard. Dr. A had been trying to stretch me so that I wouldn't tear during the contractions, and she told me right before I delivered that she "was gonna cut just a little bit because you are gonna tear!" I remember feeling a light "pop" when Katie's head emerged and another "pop" when her legs and feet delivered. I opened my eyes to see her and thought "She looks just like Paul!" She was/is so beautiful and perfect!

Kaitlyn was born on December 29, 2009 at 6:04:26pm and weighed 6 lbs and 5 oz. She was 20.5 inches long with the most beautiful skin and round shaped head. She has such long arms and legs with long fingers and big feet. One of the girls told me "She definitely doesn't have your feet mom!" as my feet are small for being 5'6". We are so in love with our little angel and so thankful that she made it here safe and sound.

WE'RE HOME!!!

I just wanted to let everyone know that we are home, alive and breathing. :o) I will post pictures and the birth story soon. Paul and I look a little better than death warmed over today since mom stayed over last night to help with Katie.

She is sooo precious!!

Induction Scheduled!

Kaitlyn's scheduled induction is for December 29, 2009 @ 6am. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers that everything will go well, and Kaitlyn will make it here safely. I can't believe we have one week left!

36 week (and last) Appointment

Weight: +14.8 lbs pre-pregnancy
B/P: 110/80
FHR: 140's
Position: Head DOWN! :o)

My 36 week appointment was this afternoon at the specialist's. Things went really well. My weight is right on track, my blood pressure was okay, and most importantly Kaitlyn is lookin' good! I still don't agree with the B/P that they recorded, but there is no protein in my urine and my labs have been fine so far, so I am happy.

They did a non-stress test, and Katie had the hiccups for a good ten minutes. Then she took a nice nap. Lol! The nurse practitioner came in to speak with me and said the baby was doing well, and we were just waiting for another room. I wasn't quite sure what room I was waiting for, so when she told me to go to the ultrasound room for a biophysical profile, I was pleasantly surprised. I had a different technician today and she even showed me pictures of Katie in 3D (and printed them out for me)! :o) She looks so beautiful and snug in there. She has big cheeks and looks just like her daddy. I can't wait for her to be here.

No other complications here at home. I had some really tight pains in my abdomen yesterday night. My whole stomach was hard and firm like my forehead. It was constant pain and did not come and go at all. Contractions? Who knows...

Last stop is December 24, 2009 for a blood pressure check and NST at Labor and Delivery....almost there!

35 week Appointment

B/P: 110/70 (I don't buy that...)
Weight: +14.4 lbs pre-pregnancy
FHR: 138

Today, Jonathan and I went to see the specialist for a growth ultrasound (number 7). My blood pressure was really good this morning, but I am not too sure that the medical assistance got an accurate reading. I am more inclined to think it was in the 120/80's, but either way, it is better than it had been at work. My weight gain is appropriate and the baby is looking good.

The amniotic fluid levels were fine, which indicates that her kidneys are functioning and producing urine as they should be. She decided to take a nap while they scanned, and they were able to measure her head (a couple days behind) and abdominal circumference (a little ahead), see her kidneys and heart chambers and take a look at her spine. She didn't want to look at the ultrasound wand, so the only picture we got as her "girly bits." She is still a girl. :)

Today marks the start of the 5th week of bedrest for me. As nervous as I am about Katie coming out, I am ready for her to be an outside baby. We have an appointment with my OB on Thursday, so hopefully we can talk more about the induction and when she would like to schedule it. In the meantime, make your guesses on her birth weight/height! :)

**Edited on the 17th:

B/P: 132/88
Fundal Height: 35 cm
FHR: 130's

Pretty standard appointment in the beginning. Got my vitals, did a non-stress test (which went great) and went to see the doc. She swabbed me for GBS (group B strep) and talked about how I was feeling. I mentioned to her that last night I had A LOT of cervical pressure, and she told me to keep a closer eye on those as they sound kind of like contractions. Then she decided to check me anyway since I was already undressed. She said my cervix is anterior and 1cm dilated. No protein in my urine at this spot check. My labs came back from last week and my 24-hr urine had protein levels of 243. (It has been 163 and 170. Pre-eclampsia is 300...) So....

Here is the game plan:
Monday, 12/21: Go see specialist and have NST
Thursday, 12/24: Go to L&D for NST and urine check

Monday, 12/28.....

GO TO L&D FOR INDUCTION.......

(Trying to change that to Tuesday, 12/29....but it's here, none-the-less).

34 week Appointment

B/P: 136/90
Weight: +14 lbs pre-pregnancy
Fetal Heart Tones: 140-150's
Fundal Height: 34 weeks

I started getting sick with a cold/sinus congestion on Friday. I spent much of the weekend curled up on the couch trying to breath. :o) With my lungs squished and congested, it has been rather interesting. I am hoping this clears up quickly.

Today's appointment was relatively the same as the last. I was on the NST for about 40 minutes. Kaitlyn thought she would just nap rather than move around. When she does that her heart rate stays about the same (from 130-134ish) and they like to see more fluctuation (120-150 with some rises to 170's). I drank some Gatorade and she perked up a bit.

As you can see, my blood pressure is rising back to where it was when I was working. I am not sure if that is baby-induced, congestion/sick-induced or what, but I have to go back on Friday for another NST and Blood Pressure check. The plan is to continue on towards 37 wks. Today, she looked a little unsure as to whether or not she thought I would make it that long. As I have said, I just PLAN to get there. :o) So we will have to wait and see. No protein in my urine thus far. I started having a lot of back pain Saturday and Sunday night, and boy, that is NOT fun....

33 week Update

B/P: 130/82
Weight: +15 lbs pre-pregnancy (I wore my tennis shoes...whoops)

Fetal Heart Tones: 120-170's
Fundal Height: 33 weeks
Baby's Position: Head Down, Facing my back (Good for Delivery!)

Just a quick update that all is going well, and the same. I saw my doctor on Monday, the 30th. It was the longest I have ever been there. I was on the NST for about 45 minutes, and Katie did well. They were looking for movement, variation in her heart rate and accelerations in her heart rate. I finally saw Dr. A after waiting about 45 more minutes. (I usually don't have to wait for her, so this was rare but frustrating.) No new things at this appointment except she explained to me the "period-like" cramps that I started having yesterday are Braxton Hicks.

"Indefinate" Bedrest

According to my OB, this is my current status. I saw her on the 23rd and the 25th for follow-ups. My blood pressure was okay, 128/86 (on the 23rd) and 130/80 (on the 25th). No protein in the urine, which I am constantly grateful for. Katie did great on the NST. I measured in right at 32 weeks, (I was 31wks, 6days at the appointment) and everything is looking good, relatively speaking.

I was really hoping to be able to make it back to work, at least for a short while, but Dr. A wasn't having it. She said that going back to work would only increase my blood pressure more. :o( So here I am, sitting tight for a few more weeks. Dr. A said that her goal is to make it to 37 weeks. As long as there are not any further complications, we will plan on an induction at the hospital nearest my house. I really like it there, but it is a small (albeit brand new) unit without a NICU. My doctor feels that inducing there will be safe for myself and the baby if I am at 37 weeks, and there is an excellent transport team for the downtown hospital if need be. Of course, if my status changes, and/or I have to be induced prior to 37 weeks, I will deliver downtown...I am really hoping that doesn't happen.

Having a common goal and knowing that Katie is doing well despite my blood pressure "issues" provides me with some reassurance, but I am super nervous about the induction. I have become fairly well educated on PIH, and while I feel confident in our plan, it's the complete opposite of what I had initially envisioned. I guess things just don't always go according to plan. I pray that Katie continues to do well and is in excellent health before, during and after delivery. I have faith that my doctor will take care of me and see me though my pre-natal care, delivery and post-partum recovery. And I hope, hope, hope that our induction is successful and without the need for a c-section.

Couldn't resist

As it becomes more evident that an early induction is in my future, I thought this quote I found on Maybe if You Just Relax was an appropriate comical representation of some of my emotions:

"I always thought I would be one of those people who went two weeks past her due date. I obviously thought very highly of my uterus, and assumed that I was running a Ritz-Carlton type of operation down there. Nobody would think of removing my baybee from my four star uterus! It's like a world class vacation resort in there!

As it turns out, I was running more of a Motel 6 operation. And the general idea was to get her out in one piece without giving her a wicked case of bed bugs or Hep C. "

3D/4D Ultrasound

Yesterday, Paul and I went to get a 3D ultrasound at BabyVision Ultrasound. My mom had been looking at these with me for a long time and afforded us the opportunity to catch a sneak peak at Katie. We had such a great experience; the staff was so friendly and the technician was patient with us while Katie tried to hide her face. Imagine that!! :o)

She is so stubborn. She kept putting her arms and hands in front of her face and the umbilical cord into her mouth. We finally got some head shots of her, and she looks JUST LIKE her daddy. The technician said the placenta is anterior, and she is very crowded. I can't imagine how much bigger my tummy is going to get in the next few weeks, but she definitely needs more growing room. Her head is down in my lower left quadrant, her belly is right around my umbilicus and her legs are up near my sternum and diaphragm. This would help explain why I get so short of breath. :o)

Katie yawning

She looks so peaceful!

Kaitlyn Marie

31 week Appointment

B/P: 128/86
HR: 100's
Fundal Height: Did not measure
Fetal Heart Tones: 120-160's
Weight: +11 lbs pre-pregnancy

Paul and I went in for a short appointment today for an ultrasound (number 4). We had a biophysical profile performed where they "grade" the baby on her movements, amount of amniotic fluid and whether or not she is "practicing" breathing on her own. Our stubborn girl was not really in the mood to move and was in a food coma after a yummy breakfast of bean and cheese tacos. :o) Whoops, that might be mommy and daddy's fault, Kaitlyn.

After much shaking of my tummy, she finally decided to move her legs and arms a few times and flip over. And she did take a couple of "practice breaths," so all looks good at this point. Before we left, Dr. A had the nurses place me on the NST (number 6 in as many days). It was about this time Katie decided she was awake and moving all about. :o) She has a mind of her own, already...

Kaitlyn's Heartbeat while in the Hospital

1st Hospital Stay

If I was caught off guard at Friday's appointment, I was definitely thrown for a loop at Monday's follow-up! My doctor told me she wanted to see me twice this week. Once for a normal appointment and once for an ultrasound. My blood pressure was 140/90, no protein in the urine. Rose, my doctor's assistant, placed me on the NST before I saw the doctor, and Katie proceeded to kick and flip and move about. She must like to hear her own heartbeat because she always gets active when we do this test.

I had been in the room for about 20 minutes when my doctor appeared and informed me that she wanted to keep me overnight at the hospital to run some tests on my kidneys, liver, and blood and to have me do a 24 hour urine test. I was disconnected from the monitor and sent on my way. Mom was able to leave work and met me at the hospital with an overnight bag and pink roses for Kaitlyn and me. I finally got a hold of Paul (he wasn't able to get my text messages) and let him know that we were both okay.

A very nice nurse, Catherine, took me to my room, Labor and Delivery Room 5, and got me admitted. She placed me on the NST, again, and rechecked my blood pressure. Surprisingly, it was coming down and stayed between 130/80's and 120/70's. We only got two readings over 130/80 the entire time I was there.

I didn't have to wear a fashionable hospital gown nor get an IV, so it was a relatively pleasant stay. The hospital is brand new and had all kinds of fancy amenities such as room service and free WiFi. I had a lot of visitors the first day (so the nurses kept telling my visitors, lol!) and the time passed really quickly. Leslie, Tara, Irma, and Jonathan came to see me that afternoon. Tamara, Paul and Mom were able to come that evening once they got off of work. I didn't get much sleep after everyone left because the hospital bed was not so comfortable. My legs and bottom kept falling asleep where the bed comes apart for delivery. I am sure the post-partum beds are a lot more comfortable than the delivery beds. Regina was my nurse overnight.

First thing Tuesday morning, Dr. A stopped in to let me know my "blood pressures in jail look really nice" and that my labs all came back normal. They were just waiting on my 24-hr urine test to finish and if my protein counts were low, I would be able to go home. My nurse, Kelly, placed me back on the NST to check on our little girl, who was doing great! It is such a blessing that during these last seven months our little angel is doing so well.

My urine test came back around lunch time at 170mg/24hr, and I was released home with my mom. It appears that this test was a little high, normal is 30-150mg/24hr, but Dr. A said she would release me to home bedrest if it was under 300. I had this same test August 5th and it was 163.8mg/24hr, so it hasn't increased too much.

I am praying this is the last time I have to be admitted before December 29th so that Katie can get bigger and her lungs can mature as much as possible.

Kaitlyn's Baby Shower

Noemi and Denisse, two of my very best friends, hosted a shower for Kaitlyn and I on November 14, 2009. We had such a great time! So many friends and family were able to attend, including my Grandma and (great) Aunt Rikki from Oklahoma. I was so touched by the outpouring of love from everyone who came or sent well wishes. It is a beautiful thing to see how many people care about us and are just as excited as we are to meet Baby Katie! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful group of ladies in my life.

I took about 90 pictures from the shower, so I am not able to host them all on this website. But I will be placing the pictures on my webshots account and will provide a link to them here. I have included a few that I just had to share.

My mom-in-law, Me, Mom and Grandma

Noemi, Me and Denisse

Gift and Cake Table

I measured in at 12 pieces of toliet paper.

Tamara in the lower right had half a roll for me!

We received so many precious and SOFT things.

Kaitlyn's very own Strawberry Dress, made by my Grandma.

My mom was so excited to see all the gifts for Katie, too!

I can't thank everyone enough for all they have done for Kaitlyn, Paul, and myself. And to Denisse and Noemi for the hard work they put into hosting this wonderful event. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

30 week Appointment

My first Non-Stress Test

B/P: 138/90

HR: 80's
Fundal Height: 30cm, which is right on track
Fetal Heart Tones: 150's
Weight: +12 lbs pre-pregnancy

I don't think I could have prepared enough for our appointment today. I was expecting it to be very uneventful and be on my merry way with a note for return to work on light duty. Instead, we had a long appointment and an order for "BEDREST" from my doctor. :o(

As you can see, my blood pressure is still high, although it has been higher than that at work. I still do not have protein in my urine (thank the Lord), and we are hoping to prolong delivery as long as possible, provided that my blood pressure doesn't get crazy high (160/100's), my kidneys, liver, and other organs are functioning well, and Katie doesn't show signs of distress.

Mom and Denisse went with me to the appointment, and we all got to listen to Katie's heartbeat on the monitor to see how active and healthy she was doing. This test is called a "non-stress test." They put monitors on my stomach to measure her heart-rate and if I have contractions, measure how frequently those are coming and evaluate how Katie responds to each contraction. Fortunately, there were no contractions and she had a nice heartbeat ranging from 120-160.

Despite everything going on with me, she seems to be staying active and thriving. :o)

28 week appointment

Me at 27 weeks, 5 days

B/P: 138/90

HR: 100's

Fundal Height: 28cm, which is right on track

Fetal Heart Tones: 130

Weight: +3.5 lbs since last visit, +7.5 lbs pre-pregnancy.

Well, this morning's appointment could have gone better. This was the first time that I went by myself, although I don't know if having anyone there would have helped because I would have stressed regardless.

My blood pressure is still elevated, but more than last time. I have been getting migraines about once a week since the last appointment, but I can't get a B/P reading to correlate with the headaches as I forget to take it when I am in that much pain. I don't have anymore swelling that normal: I can still wear my rings and take them off with the same ease, my legs still have swelling but not more than usual, and I can't really tell that my face is swollen. I am not showing any protein in my urine, which would indicate preeclampsia. At this point, my blood pressure is classified as "Gestational Hypertension." My doc talked about putting me on blood pressure medications, but does not feel it would be as beneficial to me at this point because my hypertension is not chronic in nature, rather, it is directly related to the pregnancy. With delivery, my blood pressure should return to normal.

She did tell me to talk to my boss about working reduced hours and/or what the policy is for bedrest, which I know a little about the latter. I would really like to work on cutting my hours a bit rather than all together for FMLA and maternity leave sake, but I will talk to my manager about that tomorrow or Monday. I have to check my B/P at work and call in some readings to the clinic tomorrow. Hopefully it won't be any higher than now or she will be more willing to put me on bedrest, I'm sure. I have a repeat blood pressure check on Tuesday so that she can check my urine for proteins again. Then God-willing, we will be going to Virginia to see Jonboy swear in as JKR, Esquire. :)

We are going to take it day by day at this point and see how my blood pressure is, how my urine looks (gross, huh?), and how Katie is growing. I have an ultrasound on November 13th to make sure that she is growing appropriately. I will be 30 weeks and 3 days by then. If my blood pressure keeps trending upwards and/or I start to have protein in my urine, I will be diagnosed with "preeclampsia" and will most likely have to take steroids to help Kaitlyn's lungs mature more quickly for an early induction and delivery. That is the scary part for me. Ultimately, I want Katie to be as healthy as possible and for her to come out in her own time, but I understand there are significant risks if I become preeclamptic or severely preeclamptic. It looks like if an induction is planned, I will be delivering downtown as opposed to near the house, and they have an exceptional NICU.

The best news is that Katie seems to be growing well and doing just fine at the moment! Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We are so excited to meet our baby girl, but we are hoping she can stay in her cocoon baking as long as possible. :) I am trying to think about lots of blood pressure lowering thoughts and take it as easy as possible.

Nursery

So I think that we have everything done for Katie's room with the exception of hanging some things on the wall. It looks so cute and peaceful! I love just sitting in the rocking chair looking around. Here are some pictures from around her room.

Looking into the nursery from the doorway.

Rocking Chair and Bookcase

Crib and Changing Table

Dresser/Changing Table and Doorway

Kaitlyn's Crib

Random Update

Well, I am growing and getting bigger, as is Lil' Miss Katie. I really need to take a picture to update our progress, hopefully tomorrow or Saturday. We get to dress up on Saturday and go to a fancy dinner with Paul's company to celebrate the store selling $500,000 in one month - a feat that Paul has accomplished 3-4 times before, but it was a first in this particular stores 20+ year history. He brought in more than 20% of their sales that month!!! We are soo proud of Paul. He is such a good husband, father, and provider.

The nursery furniture started coming in on Tuesday. Paul supervised the delivery and assembly of the crib and dresser. My mom and dad gave Katie the most beautiful crib! I will post some pictures when I get home. Paul put some of the bedding in the crib and sent me updates at work so I wouldn't miss out on the fun. :) The room is coming together, but definitely looks smaller with the furniture in place. The only thing left is adding the bookcase (Paul is picking it up tonight) and a little decor! I am super duper excited. I love just going in her room and sitting in the glider.

I have been feeling so/so. During weeks 25 and 26 I got a migraine so bad that I threw up. That was definitely not pleasant, and I hope we can keep those at bay. I believe my allergies are acting up this week, too, as I have been sneezing, coughing and achy, but no fever (thankfully). I got my flu vaccine awhile ago and the H1N1 vaccine at work on Tuesday. Paul went in for a few fillings on Tuesday, also, and he ended up with an unexpected wisdom tooth removal. So it has been an eventful week at our house. We are both trying to stay healthy and strong.

Two of my best friends are hosting a shower for me on the 14th of November and I am so excited!!! I can't believe that we are inching closer and closer to January. Next Tuesday is "officially" the beginning of the third trimester!!

99 Days

Until I am due!!! I can't belive how fast days 200-100 went by. The second trimester has been SO MUCH better than the first, even if I was throwing up and sick during a lot of it.

Kaitlyn got to celebrate today by talking with her Grandpa overseas. He even got to see how big she was getting in my tummy because I got a new web-cam!!

January is going to be here before we know it...

Kaitlyn's Room, a work in progress

So yesterday, Paul woke up and declared he had energy. Surprisingly enough, I had some, too!! So I set off to Home Depot to purchase the paint we picked out the week before, and Jon and Paul disassembled the desk and took it to mom's house. We moved the bookcase out the week before and decided to move the extra chair to our bedroom. Her room is FINALLY empty.

I am definitely not in shape as this morning I woke up so sore!!! It took longer to set up, tape, and clean up than it did to actually paint, but we got it accomplished. I can't wait to see all the furniture and decorations come together. It won't be long!

The color is "Barely Pink" by Behr.

Swine Flu....

I found out today, after I had been there for 6 hours, that one of my patients was positive for Swine Flu. Good times. I'm sure it will be fine. I am very careful about washing my hands ALL THE TIME, but still....

23 week Check-Up

23 weeks, 2 days
This shirt looks much different than 8 wks ago...

B/P: 130/90, repeat of 128/86
HR: 80
Fundal Height: I don't know, she didn't say
Fetal Heart Tones: 150
Weight: +7.8 lbs since last visit, +3.8 lbs pre-pregnancy.

This appointment was pretty much routine. My blood pressure is up...but that isn't really new. I am looking at my B/P at week 7 and it was 128/76, so it has kinda been on the border the whole time. She was concerned about it and had the girls re-check it. Not much improvement in my book, but she proclaimed "that is much better!" at the reception desk. I have to go October 5th to have them re-check my blood pressure, and my next appointment is actually in 5 weeks on October 29th.

I weighed myself before I went in at home and my scale said I was 214.6 lbs, however their scale said 217.8 and she rounded to 218. My doctor didn't seem concerned, but I think 8 lbs is a lot in 4 weeks! Although my scale said 4 lbs in 4 wks. That's much better. I will just continue to keep an eye on it. I am not supposed to go over 230 lbs for my overall gain, so I am trying to keep a slow and steady pace.

Kaitlyn kept kicking the Doppler when they were checking her heart rate. It was actually pretty cute. You could hear the "whoosh, whoosh, whoosh" of her heart and then "bllleepp" where she would kick. She is moving around more this morning than usual. She is typically awake in the evenings.

The last four weeks have been nice. I didn't get sick during week 20. I threw up during 21/22 weeks but only once, and I felt better that day. So far week 23 has been uneventful. I had a migraine Monday (week 22) but that was the only thing dramatic for the past four weeks. It has been nice to have somewhat of a reprieve. I don't feel 100%, but I have felt the best I have in a long, long time.

We finally decided...

upon a name!!!! Paul and I had brainstormed some names while Meghan was here over the 4th of July. We had narrowed our list down to two after we learned we were having a girl, and I told Paul to make the final decision from there. After a long, and careful weighing of "the pros and cons of each name," our daughter will be known as....





Marie is after my materal Grandma (my mom's mom).

19 week and 2 day checkup

I am kinda late in posting about our last appointment. I have been soooo busy with work. Today I am off for one day and back for two. Then one off and back for two again. I just haven't gotten a lot of sleep. :( Anywho, the appointment went really well.

**STATS**
Weight: -4 lbs pre-pregnancy
BP: 122/70
Fetal Heart Tones: 152
Fundal Height: umbilicus

Paul had to work, so this was the first appointment he missed. Denisse went with me and said that she was really excited to hear the baby's heartbeat on the monitor. My headaches were really bad the Tuesday and Wednesday before my appointment; I threw up at work Tues and stayed home sick on Wed. She told me to make sure I take the Imetrex as prescribed to try to keep them manageable. She also told me if I needed a note to work all days for 8 hour shifts, she would write one for me. I really, really like my 12 hour shifts, even if they are long, because I have more days off to rest, get the nursery ready and make my appointments. 8 hour days just go by too quickly and I am still exhausted when I get home.

Speaking of the nursery, I have not done one darn thing. LOL! I did put the bedding that I like on our Pottery Barn Kids registry, however, because there is a Labor Day sale. I really want to rush out and buy it, but I have been restraining myself. Mom bought the baby a whole bunch of cute clothes and the most adorable pink flip flops the other day. And last weekend, Paul took me to Eden's Baby to purchase some cloth diapers. They didn't have a whole lot in the store since they had a big sale for tax free weekend, but we found some we liked and registered with them for more. I know I have plenty of time left, but I feel like I should get busy putting everything together.

Dear Baby Girl,

You should know that you are one loved little girl. I can't think of any two men that love you more than your Daddy and my Papa.

Every morning when your Daddy gets up, he kisses you good morning and tells you how much he loves you. And every day before I leave to go to work, he kisses you again and tells you to be a good girl for mommy. He loves to rub on my belly and talk to you about the dreams he has for you and the fun we are all going to have. He even talks to you about the guns and ammo he has in mind to purchase to keep the boys away! I think he is a little ahead of himself.

And you should see your Grandpa. He tells everyone he meets about you. He calls to check on me during the day and tells me "to tell Baby Marie that he loves her and to be a good girl!" Before he had to out process for Afghanistan, he had your picture from your seven week ultrasound on his desk, and he would show all of his patients his "grand baby." He is the proudest Grandpa I have ever seen.

You are so loved already, and we can't wait to meet you when you are all done bakin' in my tummy. But stay in there longer cause you're not quite halfway through yet! :o) We love you!!

Love,
Mommy

It's a....

GIRL!!

The technician was super slick when she told us, we didn't even see the picture. She was looking around at the spine and said, "It looks like... you're having... a... lil'...girl." and off went the wand in a different direction. Then she says "Yep, it's a girl." So at the very end, we asked her, "Are you sure it's a girl?" Haha. She went back to the bottom and took this imagine. She pointed everything out to us (yeah, I can't read these things) and sure enough...IT'S A GIRL! Mom, Papa, Paul and I were all smiles!!!

We are still debating on the names. I think we have it narrowed down to two. (Gabriella and Kaitlyn). I told Paulie that he should decide. The middle name will be Marie, however, after my maternal grandma. It has been such a wonderful day. What a blessing the Lord has given us.

Perinatologist Appointment and Level II Ultrasound

17 weeks, 6 days

Weight: -3 lbs
BP: 120/60
Fetal Heart Rate: 148

We had our appointment with the Perinatologist this morning. We were scheduled at 10am, so we got there a few minutes early to fill out the paperwork. They had a sign by the window that said to pay $5 if you wanted your ultrasound on a disc, so of course we had to do that. What a pleasant surprise!

I did the standard: pee in a cup, weight and blood pressure before being seen. My blood pressure was actually good this time - YAY! The technician that did the U/S was very nice. She took lots of measurements of the baby, starting with the head. She got the spine, abdomen, kidneys and legs. The femur and the head are measuring 18weeks and 2 days. All the other measurements were right on track or a day within the due date. She was having a difficult time getting a few shots of the heart, the tailbone and the lips. The baby was being stubborn....wonder where that comes from? lol.

When the doctor came in, she was able to collect the other measurements, and we got a good profile picture. She said the baby looked great, she was happy with my blood pressure and she said that she didn't see any markers for chromosomal defects or abnormalities. We haven't gotten the results from the triple screen back, but based on what she said/saw, I am assuming that it will be just fine. Also, the doctor said that pending no further complications, she won't have to see me again unless my OB wants more ultrasounds.

We did find out the sex, but Paulie is waiting to tell his momma in person tonight, so I will post a separate post with the sex after 5 pm. We are both over the moon excited!!! Here is a profile shot of the baby for now.

Some Q&A, so that I remember...

*How are you feeling?
Of course, this one changes daily. LOL! I almost hate to answer that I feel fine or even good because I did that on the 28th of July and ended up going to the ER.

I was good and can recall "not even feeling pregnant" up until about 5 weeks and 5 days.

Then the spotting started that night when I got off work at midnight.

I woke up with HORRIBLE nausea at 6 weeks, and the 24/7 nausea didn't disappear until about the 11th week.

At week 11, the nausea came and went throughout the day, and I only got sick once a week or so until week 19. No throwing up during week 16.

Started getting daily headaches at week 11 and my blood pressure started to elevate.

Had a migraine during week 13 and week 15. Finally had a Head CT at week 15 and everything is fine. I have Imetrex now for emergencies. ETA: At 19wks, the Imetrex isn't helping because I don't take it in time. I had migraines during weeks 17 and 19.

*What do you want to eat?
Really, I am okay with anything. I will pick around till I get full. I can't eat nearly as much as I used to, and I can tell my stomach is ALREADY compressed by my bowels.

*Any cravings?
Nope, just aversions. Out of nowhere during the 1st trimester, I couldn't eat chicken, but that seems to have resolved.

I eat a LOT of tacos. Small bean and cheese tacos to be exact. With hot sauce. I have a hard time eating hot sauce (and even really lame, tame sauce) for some reason, but in a bean and cheese taco, I can hang. I seem to feel better when I eat these.

And the baby likes Ice Cream, but I haven't eaten a whole ton of it. I am not the pregnant lady on the couch gobbling up her second 1/2 gallon a night. lol. Just a few scoops here and there. It's been a million degrees out there. I need a break.

Okay, maybe I do have cravings. :o)

I can't drink my bottled water anymore. It has to be ICE cold. With ice in the glass. Very odd. But I am drinking a lot of it.

*How is Paul doing?
Well, I don't get this one a lot, but I want to throw it in there. HE IS SO WONDERFUL!!! I could not imagine having anyone else beside me. He is the most amazing, patient, loving, thoughtful, compassionate man. I am truly lucky and blessed to have such a wonderful husband. I could gush all day at how good he is to me, how much he spoils me and how much I love him. Seeing the joy and excitement he has for this baby and our family makes me melt. He is going to be the most amazing father, and I am so glad that he was made for me. :o)

Movement?

When we were at the OB Friday, I was waiting out front with Paul when I had a sharp "poking" sensation in my right lower pelvic region. It was a bit different from the sharp "stabbing" sensations that I feel when I stand up quickly or whatnot. I didn't really know what it was, and before I could think about it too long, the tech came to get us and take us back to the room.

She tried on the Left to find the baby, the middle...no luck. I just knew that she would find the heartbeat on the right, and sure enough! She found it right where I felt that poking sensation!! I told Paul as soon as she left that I thought maybe I felt the baby.

Today at work, I felt something odd again. I was sitting still in the medication room. This time it was more in the middle, but still low pelvic area. It felt like "pop, pop" and then "pop" a few seconds later.

I have no idea what I will "feel" when I feel the baby move. Does this even sound like I am feeling the baby or is it something totally off base??? Who knows. I am excited to finally feel something cool!