Yesterday, I went in for my 37 week appointment. I saw a new doctor and he said my belly is measuring small -- about 2.5-3 weeks behind. He said it could be due to a variety of factors -- she's just smaller, it's hard to get an accurate read because she's so far down, or I'm just a smaller person. Worst case is that she's stopped growing, or there is some abnormality.
He ordered a "fancy" ultrasound for today.
Please, if you think of it, lift up a prayer for little Sienna?
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." (Ephesians 3:20).
Thank you and I'll update later.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
And just like that... she made everyone cry
My baby shower yesterday was spectacular. (Pictures to come later).
But probably the highlight came right at the beginning when my sister-in-law read the following, and brought the whole room to tears (thanks, Kell).
"A Lesson in Waiting"
In 2001, a baby was conceived in Ohio in a petri dish, along with 8 of her genetic siblings. Then she was frozen.
In 2003, Tygh and Britney met. Sienna was waiting.
In 2005, Tygh and Britney married. Sienna was waiting.
In 2008, Brae was born. Sienna was waiting.
In 2009, God told Britney she would get pregnant. Sienna was waiting.
In 2010, Sienna and all of her genetic siblings traveled, frozen, to Tennessee. Sienna was waiting.
That same year, six of Sienna's genetic siblings were adopted by another family, and thawed. None survived. Sienna was waiting.
In April 2010, God told Britney they would have a daughter one day, and were to name her Sienna. Sienna means "Promise of God." Sienna was waiting.
In July 2010, Tygh and Britney were chosen to be the parents of 3 frozen embryos. Sienna was waiting.
In September 2010, Tygh and Britney traveled to Tennessee to get their babies. Two of them are in heaven. As the only one left of her 8 other genetic siblings, Sienna was waiting.
In December 2010, Tygh and Britney had an ultrasound. The doctor said that their baby was in a "very strange" position. The doctor said, "It looks like your baby is praying." Sienna was waiting.
In January 2011, Tygh and Britney found out, as God had promised, that they were having a little girl. Sienna was waiting.
And now, Sienna will wait just three more weeks for something she has waited 10 years for -- to meet her Mommy and Daddy, and big brother.
Sienna is waiting.
But probably the highlight came right at the beginning when my sister-in-law read the following, and brought the whole room to tears (thanks, Kell).
"A Lesson in Waiting"
In 2001, a baby was conceived in Ohio in a petri dish, along with 8 of her genetic siblings. Then she was frozen.
In 2003, Tygh and Britney met. Sienna was waiting.
In 2005, Tygh and Britney married. Sienna was waiting.
In 2008, Brae was born. Sienna was waiting.
In 2009, God told Britney she would get pregnant. Sienna was waiting.
In 2010, Sienna and all of her genetic siblings traveled, frozen, to Tennessee. Sienna was waiting.
That same year, six of Sienna's genetic siblings were adopted by another family, and thawed. None survived. Sienna was waiting.
In April 2010, God told Britney they would have a daughter one day, and were to name her Sienna. Sienna means "Promise of God." Sienna was waiting.
In July 2010, Tygh and Britney were chosen to be the parents of 3 frozen embryos. Sienna was waiting.
In September 2010, Tygh and Britney traveled to Tennessee to get their babies. Two of them are in heaven. As the only one left of her 8 other genetic siblings, Sienna was waiting.
In December 2010, Tygh and Britney had an ultrasound. The doctor said that their baby was in a "very strange" position. The doctor said, "It looks like your baby is praying." Sienna was waiting.
In January 2011, Tygh and Britney found out, as God had promised, that they were having a little girl. Sienna was waiting.
And now, Sienna will wait just three more weeks for something she has waited 10 years for -- to meet her Mommy and Daddy, and big brother.
Sienna is waiting.
Monday, May 9, 2011
36 week appointment: What the heck?
A couple "what the hecks?":
-- I have lost two pounds since Thursday, making total weight gain now at 22 lbs. What the heck? Bring back the Dairy Queen, stat!
-- I had a dream last night that Sienna was born weighing in at 13.5 lbs, and was 15.5 inches long (both very, very strange measurments for a newborn). Even more strange, she came out with long jet-black hair, and was speaking Spanish. She looked at me, wide-eyed and said, "Yo quiero ir home" (I want to go home). What the heck?
Other items of note:
-- Her head is still at station -1.
-- I am 80% effaced, not dialated, but according to the doctor "wanting to dialate".
-- On the dinosaur ultrasound machine, she still had her legs closed (modest soul), but we pray believing she is STILL a girl. She also had a full bladder. Why do us girls always insist on holding it?
-- We could see she has HAIR! Yay!
Over the last couple of days, I have fallen more and more in love with this little creature. I cannot wait to meet her, to hug her, to hold her, and to smother her with kisses.
And this Saturday is my baby shower!!!!!!!
-- I have lost two pounds since Thursday, making total weight gain now at 22 lbs. What the heck? Bring back the Dairy Queen, stat!
-- I had a dream last night that Sienna was born weighing in at 13.5 lbs, and was 15.5 inches long (both very, very strange measurments for a newborn). Even more strange, she came out with long jet-black hair, and was speaking Spanish. She looked at me, wide-eyed and said, "Yo quiero ir home" (I want to go home). What the heck?
Other items of note:
-- Her head is still at station -1.
-- I am 80% effaced, not dialated, but according to the doctor "wanting to dialate".
-- On the dinosaur ultrasound machine, she still had her legs closed (modest soul), but we pray believing she is STILL a girl. She also had a full bladder. Why do us girls always insist on holding it?
-- We could see she has HAIR! Yay!
Over the last couple of days, I have fallen more and more in love with this little creature. I cannot wait to meet her, to hug her, to hold her, and to smother her with kisses.
And this Saturday is my baby shower!!!!!!!
Friday, May 6, 2011
35 Weeks: Bring back the Dairy Queen!
35 week update:
-- At my last appointment, I was gaining 2 lbs/week. I promptly informed my husband that we were no longer taking nightly trips to Dairy Queen for my Oreo blizzard. I also started walking more. Well, yesterday, despite those efforts, I'm still gaining 2 lbs/week. So, bring back the Dairy Queen!
-- Sienna has officially dropped. All the way. In our birthing class, we learned about 'stations'. For example, a "floating" baby who has not started to descend is at "Station -5". A baby completely out of you and born has just passed "Station +5". Station zero means baby is fully engaged and won't get any further without pushing. Sienna is at "Station -1." According to my doctor, who emphasized he does not give that position lightly, Sienna will not get any further down until I start pushing. I think she's been down for a while, because I've noticed it is much more difficult to walk, and man, I pee a LOT!
-- Dr. commented that Sienna is still very active and "excited."
-- He opined she'd weigh about 7 lbs "if" I got to my due date. (Apparently, a baby typically doesn't drop as much as she has until about 2-4 weeks before delivery. I'm just outside of 4 weeks away).
-- Tygh and I came up with our birth plan. We understand we need to write it down and the hospital will place our birth plan on every clipboard of every nurse, doctor, etc. who comes into my room. So we knew we had to have a good birth plan. I told our doctor our birth plan. It is this: "Get. baby. out. safe." Seriously. That's our birth plan.
-- A cute Brae story. Brae generally is aware that there is someone -- or thing -- that people call 'Sienna'. He knows there is pink stuff around the house and people refer to that stuff as belonging to 'Sienna'. He knows that when people ask him where Sienna is, they want to see him point to my belly or kiss it. But then, well, at other times, he's clueless. For example, the other day, he and I were playing basketball. He threw up his basketball and then he couldn't find it (it was behind him). He was looking all around for it (except behind him). He'd say, "Mommy! Where's my basketball?", with a confused look on his face. I'd say, "I don't know. You have to keep looking." Then, slowly, he'd get a little angry. His face started to scowl. His eyebrows started to furrow. Then, he looked accusingly at me, and pointed to my belly. "Mommy....." he said, clearly implying I had hidden the basketball under my shirt.
-- At my last appointment, I was gaining 2 lbs/week. I promptly informed my husband that we were no longer taking nightly trips to Dairy Queen for my Oreo blizzard. I also started walking more. Well, yesterday, despite those efforts, I'm still gaining 2 lbs/week. So, bring back the Dairy Queen!
-- Sienna has officially dropped. All the way. In our birthing class, we learned about 'stations'. For example, a "floating" baby who has not started to descend is at "Station -5". A baby completely out of you and born has just passed "Station +5". Station zero means baby is fully engaged and won't get any further without pushing. Sienna is at "Station -1." According to my doctor, who emphasized he does not give that position lightly, Sienna will not get any further down until I start pushing. I think she's been down for a while, because I've noticed it is much more difficult to walk, and man, I pee a LOT!
-- Dr. commented that Sienna is still very active and "excited."
-- He opined she'd weigh about 7 lbs "if" I got to my due date. (Apparently, a baby typically doesn't drop as much as she has until about 2-4 weeks before delivery. I'm just outside of 4 weeks away).
-- Tygh and I came up with our birth plan. We understand we need to write it down and the hospital will place our birth plan on every clipboard of every nurse, doctor, etc. who comes into my room. So we knew we had to have a good birth plan. I told our doctor our birth plan. It is this: "Get. baby. out. safe." Seriously. That's our birth plan.
-- A cute Brae story. Brae generally is aware that there is someone -- or thing -- that people call 'Sienna'. He knows there is pink stuff around the house and people refer to that stuff as belonging to 'Sienna'. He knows that when people ask him where Sienna is, they want to see him point to my belly or kiss it. But then, well, at other times, he's clueless. For example, the other day, he and I were playing basketball. He threw up his basketball and then he couldn't find it (it was behind him). He was looking all around for it (except behind him). He'd say, "Mommy! Where's my basketball?", with a confused look on his face. I'd say, "I don't know. You have to keep looking." Then, slowly, he'd get a little angry. His face started to scowl. His eyebrows started to furrow. Then, he looked accusingly at me, and pointed to my belly. "Mommy....." he said, clearly implying I had hidden the basketball under my shirt.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
34 week appointment. NO MORE DAIRY QUEEN!
I had my 34 week appointment yesterday. It was all of about 5 minutes.
-- Mild scare that maybe I had preeclampsyia (sp?) based on urine sample, but blood pressure was low, so nurse didn't seem concerned and dr. didn't even bring it up.
-- Sienna measuring on track. Heart rate 130. Head still down.
-- Belly button has popped. Not attractive beneath shirts.
-- Swelling of feet has emerged at night. My toes look like little smokies.
-- Sleep is becoming more and more difficult. I get up to pee about 5-10/night, and am constantly trying to find a comfortable position. And, according to my husband, I've taken on a new trait of snoring.
-- Although I don't "love" being pregnant, I remain completely grateful for this miracle, for this opportunity, for this chance to experience pregnancy. I know more than anyone how much I wanted this, dreamed of this, cried myself to sleep longing for this experience. I am thankful.
-- Despite the bullet above, I do not like being a planet. I've gained 4 lbs in the last 2 weeks. Buh-bye nightly DQ Oreo blizzards. I'll miss you. (And I am no longer posting my weight!)
-- Mild scare that maybe I had preeclampsyia (sp?) based on urine sample, but blood pressure was low, so nurse didn't seem concerned and dr. didn't even bring it up.
-- Sienna measuring on track. Heart rate 130. Head still down.
-- Belly button has popped. Not attractive beneath shirts.
-- Swelling of feet has emerged at night. My toes look like little smokies.
-- Sleep is becoming more and more difficult. I get up to pee about 5-10/night, and am constantly trying to find a comfortable position. And, according to my husband, I've taken on a new trait of snoring.
-- Although I don't "love" being pregnant, I remain completely grateful for this miracle, for this opportunity, for this chance to experience pregnancy. I know more than anyone how much I wanted this, dreamed of this, cried myself to sleep longing for this experience. I am thankful.
-- Despite the bullet above, I do not like being a planet. I've gained 4 lbs in the last 2 weeks. Buh-bye nightly DQ Oreo blizzards. I'll miss you. (And I am no longer posting my weight!)
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Third Birthing Class: A bullet list
-- We saw the video last night. You know which one I'm referring to. Yup, that one. I've witnessed the birth of my son. But this was different. This was on a big screen. In high-def.
-- My husband was starving. We had gone through a drive-thru and gotten him a hamburger to eat in the class. The hamburger stayed in the bag the whole class. He had lost his appetite.
-- He told me on the way home that as soon as my legs go vertical, he's leaving the room.
-- Suffice it to say there will be no mirrors of any kind allowed in my delivery room. And all non-essential personnel must stay where I can see them. Nobody's getting a free peek in my room.
-- If you recall from my last post about the first class, the first stage of labor is about 8 hours and not much happens. My husband joked quietly to me that he could get in a round of golf. I raised my hand and asked if it was okay to keep working during that stage of labor. My husband was moritifed. And, by the look on the instructor's face, she was too.
-- Apparently, some women ask to keep their placentas. Some put them in the freezer. Some plant them because they contain a lot of nutrients that help trees and other plants grow. My husband and I decided there is a business opportunity there. We'd pay to purchase all the unwanted placentas from hospitals and start a landscaping business. We'd call it Plantscentas.
-- A cute side story: the other night, Brae and I went for a walk. We came upon an old man standing in his driveway. He was wearing an undershirt and boxers and was barefoot. He was smoking a cigarete. He had long, wild white hair sticking straight in the air. He had a long, straggly white beard. As we passed him, Brae waved and said, "Hi Santa!"
-- My husband was starving. We had gone through a drive-thru and gotten him a hamburger to eat in the class. The hamburger stayed in the bag the whole class. He had lost his appetite.
-- He told me on the way home that as soon as my legs go vertical, he's leaving the room.
-- Suffice it to say there will be no mirrors of any kind allowed in my delivery room. And all non-essential personnel must stay where I can see them. Nobody's getting a free peek in my room.
-- If you recall from my last post about the first class, the first stage of labor is about 8 hours and not much happens. My husband joked quietly to me that he could get in a round of golf. I raised my hand and asked if it was okay to keep working during that stage of labor. My husband was moritifed. And, by the look on the instructor's face, she was too.
-- Apparently, some women ask to keep their placentas. Some put them in the freezer. Some plant them because they contain a lot of nutrients that help trees and other plants grow. My husband and I decided there is a business opportunity there. We'd pay to purchase all the unwanted placentas from hospitals and start a landscaping business. We'd call it Plantscentas.
-- A cute side story: the other night, Brae and I went for a walk. We came upon an old man standing in his driveway. He was wearing an undershirt and boxers and was barefoot. He was smoking a cigarete. He had long, wild white hair sticking straight in the air. He had a long, straggly white beard. As we passed him, Brae waved and said, "Hi Santa!"
Monday, April 18, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
32 Week Appointment
Blessedly uneventful.
Heart rate was 130.
Doctor could feel a contraction. I couldn't. Good thing?
Not leaking any amniotic fluid. All looks in tact.
Have gained a total of 18 lbs. So, about a pound a week. Looks like I will get to that "magic" 25 lb mark after all! (Thank you, Dairy Queen).
My husband referred to this baby, for the first time, as "my daughter." I didn't want to show him how much that meant to me, but I was squealing inside.
Heart rate was 130.
Doctor could feel a contraction. I couldn't. Good thing?
Not leaking any amniotic fluid. All looks in tact.
Have gained a total of 18 lbs. So, about a pound a week. Looks like I will get to that "magic" 25 lb mark after all! (Thank you, Dairy Queen).
My husband referred to this baby, for the first time, as "my daughter." I didn't want to show him how much that meant to me, but I was squealing inside.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
If you've ever miscarried...
And wondered what happened to your baby... this tells you. We have 3 up there. http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2011/February/Child-Offers-Parents-a-Window-to-Heaven/
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
First Birthing Class: A bullet list
-- There were approximately 10 couples there. We were the only ones that already have a child.
-- All of us are due within weeks of each other. And are all delivering at the same hospital.
-- We watched a video and saw lots of graphics of the female anatomy, pregnant
-- I was the only one who got up to use the bathroom, repeatedly
-- There is a "contraction counter" app available on an iphone. We have a "baby app" on my husband's iphone. It was free. The "contraction counter" is an "advanced" app that costs $3. We don't want to pay $3 for it. We'll use a stopwatch. That's free.
-- The first phase of labor lasts about 8 hours, and not much happens. My husband thinks he can get in a round of golf.
-- The instructor had a life-sized cloth infant that she held up to her belly to simulate a birth.
-- My husband was uncomfortable the entire time.
-- At the end of the night, my husband and I had the following dialogue:
ME: So what did you learn tonight, honey?
HUSBAND: (After a long pause) .... I learned you have a mucus plug in your cervix. ME: You didn't know that?
HUSBAND: I never wanted to know that.
On a related note, you know how every marriage goes through seasons? Right now, my husband and I are in a very sweet, intimate season. No longer nauseated, I feel more like myself. There is a sense of teamwork as we prepare for Sienna's arrival. There is a sense of gratitude for the son we already have, and the precious little time we have left with just him alone. There is a sense of peace that soon, our little family will be complete.
-- All of us are due within weeks of each other. And are all delivering at the same hospital.
-- We watched a video and saw lots of graphics of the female anatomy, pregnant
-- I was the only one who got up to use the bathroom, repeatedly
-- There is a "contraction counter" app available on an iphone. We have a "baby app" on my husband's iphone. It was free. The "contraction counter" is an "advanced" app that costs $3. We don't want to pay $3 for it. We'll use a stopwatch. That's free.
-- The first phase of labor lasts about 8 hours, and not much happens. My husband thinks he can get in a round of golf.
-- The instructor had a life-sized cloth infant that she held up to her belly to simulate a birth.
-- My husband was uncomfortable the entire time.
-- At the end of the night, my husband and I had the following dialogue:
ME: So what did you learn tonight, honey?
HUSBAND: (After a long pause) .... I learned you have a mucus plug in your cervix. ME: You didn't know that?
HUSBAND: I never wanted to know that.
On a related note, you know how every marriage goes through seasons? Right now, my husband and I are in a very sweet, intimate season. No longer nauseated, I feel more like myself. There is a sense of teamwork as we prepare for Sienna's arrival. There is a sense of gratitude for the son we already have, and the precious little time we have left with just him alone. There is a sense of peace that soon, our little family will be complete.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
A very special email
A couple days ago, we received a very special email. It was from the aunt of our son's birthfather. She made this incredible video/music montage for our son. It made us cry. I hope it brings beautiful tears to you, and reveals some of the tenderness we have in our hearts about adoption.
Adoption can be, and is, a very beautiful thing.
(PS-- the last series of photos with Brae at the zoo were taken by Brae's birthfather's side of the family. It was our first visit with him since the day Brae was born. One of my favorite pictures is of Brae on his birthfather's shoulders, with his Daddy (my husband) walking right beside him).
If that is not the ultimate picture of redemption, I don't know what is.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Porky.
Today was my 30 week appointment.
The ultrasound machine was old, but we could tell that Sienna is head down, looking at my pelvis, sunny side up. We still think she is a girl, although she had her legs closed. Modest soul. We got to see her heart beat, and her little lungs move up and down and she breathed. A miracle.
I've gained a total of 16 lbs -- 3 in the last 2 weeks, so I think I'm finally catching up. (My husband's "baby app" on his iphone says the average is 25-35lbs at this point!) Although I'm not there yet, you can call me Porky.
I don't have gestational diabetes. I have the opposite problem. I'm hypoglycemic. My blood sugar levels were below normal. I was not totally surprised by this, as my mom is the same way. I've probably always been this way, but just never been tested for it. Dr. said to just watch out for dizziness.
Dr. also said that I'm at high risk for post-partum depression. He said looking at my history (teenage anxiety), my recent history (I def got the baby blues after Brae was born), and my current situation -- first pregnancy and taking care of a toddler, makes me a prime candidate to watch. He wants me to start seeing someone now to talk about preventative measures. I definitely think I could, and probably will, get the baby blues after Sienna is here. I'm not at all scared or nervous about the labor and delivery. It's actually the time I've been looking forward to since the beginning. But I am very scared about bringing her home.
I have a good support system, but my husband can only take so much time off work. There will be lots of sleepless nights, zombie-like days, and I'm supposed to take care of a 2.5 year old. Under normal circumstances, my coping mechanism is running. I love running. I love the endorphins, the adrenaline, the solitude, everything about it. I have not run for nearly 9 months. And it is still at least another good 3 before I'll be able to again. Having Sienna in the summertime will help, I'm sure, but I'm not naive or proud enough to say that I won't fall into some kind of depression. I don't think it will be full-on PPD where I feel hopeless and am completely paralyzed. But I do think that I will fall into a funk.
But it won't be because I'll miss being pregnant (I'm so grateful for the experience, but have not loved being pregnant). It will be because I'll be completely sleep deprived and have no semblance of a schedule. That is just complete chaos for my makeup and constitution. Having this be my first pregnancy but my second child, I have no idea how my body will react or recover physically from this pregnancy. But I don't have the luxury of just holding a newborn as I figure it out. I have to also run after a little boy.
As a dear friend who has a newborn and a toddler put it recently, with her eyes wide open, "It's so hard."
It will be so hard. I just have to remember it's short lived, and ultimately, so worth it.
(P.S.-- I have my baby belly pictures this weekend, so I'll make sure to post once I get them!)
The ultrasound machine was old, but we could tell that Sienna is head down, looking at my pelvis, sunny side up. We still think she is a girl, although she had her legs closed. Modest soul. We got to see her heart beat, and her little lungs move up and down and she breathed. A miracle.
I've gained a total of 16 lbs -- 3 in the last 2 weeks, so I think I'm finally catching up. (My husband's "baby app" on his iphone says the average is 25-35lbs at this point!) Although I'm not there yet, you can call me Porky.
I don't have gestational diabetes. I have the opposite problem. I'm hypoglycemic. My blood sugar levels were below normal. I was not totally surprised by this, as my mom is the same way. I've probably always been this way, but just never been tested for it. Dr. said to just watch out for dizziness.
Dr. also said that I'm at high risk for post-partum depression. He said looking at my history (teenage anxiety), my recent history (I def got the baby blues after Brae was born), and my current situation -- first pregnancy and taking care of a toddler, makes me a prime candidate to watch. He wants me to start seeing someone now to talk about preventative measures. I definitely think I could, and probably will, get the baby blues after Sienna is here. I'm not at all scared or nervous about the labor and delivery. It's actually the time I've been looking forward to since the beginning. But I am very scared about bringing her home.
I have a good support system, but my husband can only take so much time off work. There will be lots of sleepless nights, zombie-like days, and I'm supposed to take care of a 2.5 year old. Under normal circumstances, my coping mechanism is running. I love running. I love the endorphins, the adrenaline, the solitude, everything about it. I have not run for nearly 9 months. And it is still at least another good 3 before I'll be able to again. Having Sienna in the summertime will help, I'm sure, but I'm not naive or proud enough to say that I won't fall into some kind of depression. I don't think it will be full-on PPD where I feel hopeless and am completely paralyzed. But I do think that I will fall into a funk.
But it won't be because I'll miss being pregnant (I'm so grateful for the experience, but have not loved being pregnant). It will be because I'll be completely sleep deprived and have no semblance of a schedule. That is just complete chaos for my makeup and constitution. Having this be my first pregnancy but my second child, I have no idea how my body will react or recover physically from this pregnancy. But I don't have the luxury of just holding a newborn as I figure it out. I have to also run after a little boy.
As a dear friend who has a newborn and a toddler put it recently, with her eyes wide open, "It's so hard."
It will be so hard. I just have to remember it's short lived, and ultimately, so worth it.
(P.S.-- I have my baby belly pictures this weekend, so I'll make sure to post once I get them!)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Money, money, money
A few weeks ago, it dawned on me that we have a daughter coming (in 10 weeks) and she's going to be expensive.... and not just because she's a girl! So, I decided to put together our budget. I gathered a list of our income, and an average of our committed expenses (bills). There was a very healthy cushion left over. That was the good news. The bad news is that is not reality. We do NOT have a healthy cushion left over each month. So, this evening, Tygh and I put together a very serious budget. The kind with all the spreadsheets and everything. We tracked our discretionary expenses, made sure the tithing amount was 10%, and added in Sienna's daycare costs. Ummmm. Yeahhhhhhh. Ouch. Suffice it to say that when she arrives and goes to daycare/school in September, the Colton household budget is extremely tight. That's when reality set in and we decided to make some lifestyle changes. Less going out to eat (which is rare anyway), less "grooming (aka manis/pedis), just overall less in general. Bottom line, until we make more, we need to spend less. I know this isn't rocket science, but it's still really hard to put into practice. Especially for me. We've already made some initial changes -- generic groceries vs. brand name, more walking the dogs ourselves and less doggie day care. Let's face it -- kids are expensive. That said, we believe God will provide, as He always has. We believe it is important to tithe, so we are committed to that. We also believe in being good stewards of our money, so if that means that my roots have to show a little longer than I like, so be it. (Just please don't make any comments about it!) ; )
Monday, March 14, 2011
28 Weeks!
Hello 28 weeks, and helllooooo 3rd (and final!) trimester! It's so nice to meet your acquaintance. I trust you'll be kinder to me than your two younger sisters.
Today was my glucose screening test. It was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. For weeks, I've heard horror stories about how awful the sweet drink would be. First, I selected the orange kind. Second, they had it cold for me. Third, I drank it with a straw. I was surprised at how NOT bad it tasted. (Course, I'm a sugar girl, and had been abstaining all day). The only bad part is that at 2 minutes left (they give you 10), I still had a ways to go. That's when I just had to start suckling down the stuff. That's when I could see why other women have thought it so bad. There's this bitter after taste when you suck it down that fast. And you immediately want some water, and yet, can't have any.
Right after I drank, I had my dr appt. It was not with my regular ob/gyn, so it was a little less comfortable. I've gained a total of 13 lbs. Heart rate was 145. He said my uterus doesn't have much more room to grow upward, so I'm going to start protruding horizontally.
Sienna has been moving a lot more lately, and for the first time, others are able to feel it. That's pretty cool. Even though I'm not a huge fan of the baby movements, I am starting to get more used to them, and of course, greatly appreciate and am thankful for them.
Hearturn is still pretty bad. Still adverse to meat. But no vomiting, and only mild nausea in mornings/evenings. Sleep isn't so bad, except for the frequent trips to the bathroom. My hair is growing rapidly, as I'm noticing the roots start to show (I wasn't born blond; but I was born to BE a blond!)
And... sorry if TMI ... but I've started leaking the colostrum.
Yummy.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
20 week genetic test results
We finally got the genetic test results back for Sienna from her 20 week appointment.
They did the tests back at 12 weeks, and everything looked good.
They told us they get a more accurate reading at 20 weeks, so they would do another battery then.
We just got the results (6 weeks later), and the nurse said, I quote, "It doesn't get any better than this. It's practically perfect."
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For example, risk of Downs Syndrome is 1 in 10,000.
PRAISE GOD FOR SIENNA!!!!!!
They did the tests back at 12 weeks, and everything looked good.
They told us they get a more accurate reading at 20 weeks, so they would do another battery then.
We just got the results (6 weeks later), and the nurse said, I quote, "It doesn't get any better than this. It's practically perfect."
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For example, risk of Downs Syndrome is 1 in 10,000.
PRAISE GOD FOR SIENNA!!!!!!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
So that's what it was.....
I finally have a name for this strange pain I've experienced in my abdomen just a few times in the last couple of weeks... Braxton-Hicks contractions!
I first had one maybe a couple weeks ago, but thought it was just some really strong indigestion or acid build up in my stomach. It was sharp pain that radiated all over my abdomen. Sometimes I'd have to stop whatever I was doing just to brace myself until it went away. It only lasted several seconds, and if I changed positions, it would tend to dissipate.
Well, tonight, it was particularly strong, and lasted longer. It was the first time I put two and two together and ran to my pregnancy book to read more. That's when I discovered I've likely been experiencing BH contractions. Again, they are infrequent, there is no telling when they'll come, and I've only had maybe 3 in the last 3 weeks.
I wasn't aware BH contractions could happen this early, but, according to the book, it can happen as early as 20 weeks. I think my first was probably around 23 weeks. (I'm 26 on Monday).
I don't know why I think this is so cool, but this is one of the coolest parts of the pregnancy (for me), so far! I think it's because when I've always dreamed of being pregnant, I've never romanticized or really thought about the 9 months preceding the labor. (Except for getting a positive pregnancy test -- I've always wanted that). But when I've always thought about pregnancy, my mind has always jumped right to the labor and delivery. THAT, to me, is the most exciting part. It's the culmination of everything. It's getting to see what has been inside you for so long. To me, labor and delivery is the crescendo of the miracle.
SO, the fact that my body is "practicing" for the finale is just beyond cool to me!
Thank you, Jesus, for this gift.
I first had one maybe a couple weeks ago, but thought it was just some really strong indigestion or acid build up in my stomach. It was sharp pain that radiated all over my abdomen. Sometimes I'd have to stop whatever I was doing just to brace myself until it went away. It only lasted several seconds, and if I changed positions, it would tend to dissipate.
Well, tonight, it was particularly strong, and lasted longer. It was the first time I put two and two together and ran to my pregnancy book to read more. That's when I discovered I've likely been experiencing BH contractions. Again, they are infrequent, there is no telling when they'll come, and I've only had maybe 3 in the last 3 weeks.
I wasn't aware BH contractions could happen this early, but, according to the book, it can happen as early as 20 weeks. I think my first was probably around 23 weeks. (I'm 26 on Monday).
I don't know why I think this is so cool, but this is one of the coolest parts of the pregnancy (for me), so far! I think it's because when I've always dreamed of being pregnant, I've never romanticized or really thought about the 9 months preceding the labor. (Except for getting a positive pregnancy test -- I've always wanted that). But when I've always thought about pregnancy, my mind has always jumped right to the labor and delivery. THAT, to me, is the most exciting part. It's the culmination of everything. It's getting to see what has been inside you for so long. To me, labor and delivery is the crescendo of the miracle.
SO, the fact that my body is "practicing" for the finale is just beyond cool to me!
Thank you, Jesus, for this gift.
Monday, February 21, 2011
20 Minutes Ago
20 minutes ago, this was going to be a very different post.
20 minutes ago, I was going to write what it is like to be pregnant for the first time (minus our early term miscarriage), with a second child. How, when you already have a child and are experiencing pregnancy for the first time, you are "robbed" of some of the pleasures of pregnancy.
You see, with a 2-year-old boy, I don't have time to sit on my couch, rub my belly, and dream what life will be like for our daughter. I don't have the luxury of coming home from work, and because I'm so fatigued, just going to bed. I don't have the pleasure of NOT getting up at 6:30 am on a Saturday because I'm so nauseated. It's no longer just me and my husband. We have a toddler to take care of -- together. (insert right here, mega gratitude for our son).
But, that was 20 minutes ago. Now, I feel silly (and selfish) for even thinking this way. 20 minutes ago, I learned a precious girl whose infertility journey I have followed since before we even got pregnant, lost her twins at 8 weeks. Yesterday, I learned another dear friend lost her child at 8 weeks.
God has catapulted me off my duff and right smack into: thankfulness. And I am. I know at any time up until now, and any time from here on out, He could allow Sienna to be taken from us. He could allow Brae to be taken from us. My husband, my mom, my sister, my everything. In a moment, I could be Job(ette).
And yet, God would still be the same. He'd still be loving, faithful, kind, good, amazing. And I would still be His cherished daughter whom He loves so much; for whom He sacrified His own son. (I can't say that I love anyone enough to sacrifice my son for death).
He would still be FOR ME. He would still know what is best. He would still cradle my life in the palm of His hands.
Yes, infertility has robbed me of a lot. But, in spite of it, God has given me so much more. He's given me a persepctive that, above all else, He is all I need.
He alone sustains me.
20 minutes ago, I was going to write what it is like to be pregnant for the first time (minus our early term miscarriage), with a second child. How, when you already have a child and are experiencing pregnancy for the first time, you are "robbed" of some of the pleasures of pregnancy.
You see, with a 2-year-old boy, I don't have time to sit on my couch, rub my belly, and dream what life will be like for our daughter. I don't have the luxury of coming home from work, and because I'm so fatigued, just going to bed. I don't have the pleasure of NOT getting up at 6:30 am on a Saturday because I'm so nauseated. It's no longer just me and my husband. We have a toddler to take care of -- together. (insert right here, mega gratitude for our son).
But, that was 20 minutes ago. Now, I feel silly (and selfish) for even thinking this way. 20 minutes ago, I learned a precious girl whose infertility journey I have followed since before we even got pregnant, lost her twins at 8 weeks. Yesterday, I learned another dear friend lost her child at 8 weeks.
God has catapulted me off my duff and right smack into: thankfulness. And I am. I know at any time up until now, and any time from here on out, He could allow Sienna to be taken from us. He could allow Brae to be taken from us. My husband, my mom, my sister, my everything. In a moment, I could be Job(ette).
And yet, God would still be the same. He'd still be loving, faithful, kind, good, amazing. And I would still be His cherished daughter whom He loves so much; for whom He sacrified His own son. (I can't say that I love anyone enough to sacrifice my son for death).
He would still be FOR ME. He would still know what is best. He would still cradle my life in the palm of His hands.
Yes, infertility has robbed me of a lot. But, in spite of it, God has given me so much more. He's given me a persepctive that, above all else, He is all I need.
He alone sustains me.
Monday, February 14, 2011
24 weeks.
We had our 24 week appointment today. I've gained a total of 8 lbs. A little on the low side, but the dr. didn't seem too concerned. However, even if I gain a pound a week from here on out, I still won't reach that "magic" 25 lb mark.
I just don't have a big appetite. And my stomach is still pretty uneasy, especially in the morning and at night. This morning, I even threw up for the first time since 19 weeks (minus the stomach flu episode). It caught me off guard. I thought I'd gotten past that.
I'm measuring right around 23-24 weeks. My uterus is now well above my belly button mark.
Sienna was kicking away, and beating around 150 bpm.
I have a new symptom: heartburn. I've never had heartburn before. I didn't even recognize it at first. I thought I'd swallowed something that was stuck in my throat. After a few days (yes, it took me that long), I thought, hmm, maybe this is what heartburn feels like? The burning in the chest, throat, etc. Yup, I think so.
I made my appointments for the rest of the term -- about 12 of them! We also start "birthing" class in April.
Tygh and I went out for Valentine's dinner last night and had a blessedly honest conversation. He said he just cannot be in the room with me when I start delivery. He'll be there up until I start pushing, and then he'll excuse himself until Sienna comes out and is "cleaned up." My husband has a very queasy stomach when it comes to this kind of stuff. When Brae was born, he was hovering in the corner most of the time, in a chair, head down. I was the one who cut the cord.
Sure, it's not how I pictured delivery -- I wanted my husband there, cheering me on, cutting the cord, etc. But, that is just not going to happen. And it's okay. Really. I'm honoring his wishes. So, instead, my mom and my sister will be there, each holding a hand, and urging Sienna into this world.
I praise and thank God for this amazing gift of pregnancy and getting a chance to just experience it. I finally feel at a place of peace and rest and settlement. I feel content. I'm looking forward to her being here, and enjoying something new -- a lack of wanting. A lack of wanting to be pregnant. A lack of yearning to move beyond infertility. I haven't experienced that since January 2007. I want that "me" back. I will take with me the post-January 2007 me, especially the closeness and intimacy I have with Christ that I didn't have before. I will take with me new gifts of empathy. A testimony. A surrender. But, I want (and my husband wants) to return to a more carefree lifestyle. One where growing our family does not consume our lives. I'm excited to move to the next season of life.
Brae update: Our son is a phenom. I kid you not. That boy has some SKILLS when it comes to basketball. We had a friend over the other night and he was in shock at how a 2-year-old can jump and shoot a basket (a high one) with one hand. He said we need to get a video and put it on youtube.
Potty training is another story. The boy is just.not.interested. He doesn't care if he craps his pants or has a wet diaper. I know boys take longer, so I'm not stressing. Maybe when he sees his "baby Sienna" (as he calls her) get her diaper changed, he'll realize diapers are for babies.
His Spanish is really picking up. The "experts" say that if a child learns 2 languages before age 2.5, their primary language lags behind a little bit at first, and then they catch up. Then, if you try to introduce a second language after the child starts reading, all hope is lost that they will ever truly be bilingual as second nature.
It's hard to say whether Brae's English is lagging behind. I know most boys are slower to speak and form sentences than girls. But, according to where the books say Brae is supposed to be at right now, he's surpassing it. He can recognize just about every letter in the alphabet by name(in English). He speaks (short) sentences. And he understands if you give him direction in English or Spanish.
I love that boy.
I just don't have a big appetite. And my stomach is still pretty uneasy, especially in the morning and at night. This morning, I even threw up for the first time since 19 weeks (minus the stomach flu episode). It caught me off guard. I thought I'd gotten past that.
I'm measuring right around 23-24 weeks. My uterus is now well above my belly button mark.
Sienna was kicking away, and beating around 150 bpm.
I have a new symptom: heartburn. I've never had heartburn before. I didn't even recognize it at first. I thought I'd swallowed something that was stuck in my throat. After a few days (yes, it took me that long), I thought, hmm, maybe this is what heartburn feels like? The burning in the chest, throat, etc. Yup, I think so.
I made my appointments for the rest of the term -- about 12 of them! We also start "birthing" class in April.
Tygh and I went out for Valentine's dinner last night and had a blessedly honest conversation. He said he just cannot be in the room with me when I start delivery. He'll be there up until I start pushing, and then he'll excuse himself until Sienna comes out and is "cleaned up." My husband has a very queasy stomach when it comes to this kind of stuff. When Brae was born, he was hovering in the corner most of the time, in a chair, head down. I was the one who cut the cord.
Sure, it's not how I pictured delivery -- I wanted my husband there, cheering me on, cutting the cord, etc. But, that is just not going to happen. And it's okay. Really. I'm honoring his wishes. So, instead, my mom and my sister will be there, each holding a hand, and urging Sienna into this world.
I praise and thank God for this amazing gift of pregnancy and getting a chance to just experience it. I finally feel at a place of peace and rest and settlement. I feel content. I'm looking forward to her being here, and enjoying something new -- a lack of wanting. A lack of wanting to be pregnant. A lack of yearning to move beyond infertility. I haven't experienced that since January 2007. I want that "me" back. I will take with me the post-January 2007 me, especially the closeness and intimacy I have with Christ that I didn't have before. I will take with me new gifts of empathy. A testimony. A surrender. But, I want (and my husband wants) to return to a more carefree lifestyle. One where growing our family does not consume our lives. I'm excited to move to the next season of life.
Brae update: Our son is a phenom. I kid you not. That boy has some SKILLS when it comes to basketball. We had a friend over the other night and he was in shock at how a 2-year-old can jump and shoot a basket (a high one) with one hand. He said we need to get a video and put it on youtube.
Potty training is another story. The boy is just.not.interested. He doesn't care if he craps his pants or has a wet diaper. I know boys take longer, so I'm not stressing. Maybe when he sees his "baby Sienna" (as he calls her) get her diaper changed, he'll realize diapers are for babies.
His Spanish is really picking up. The "experts" say that if a child learns 2 languages before age 2.5, their primary language lags behind a little bit at first, and then they catch up. Then, if you try to introduce a second language after the child starts reading, all hope is lost that they will ever truly be bilingual as second nature.
It's hard to say whether Brae's English is lagging behind. I know most boys are slower to speak and form sentences than girls. But, according to where the books say Brae is supposed to be at right now, he's surpassing it. He can recognize just about every letter in the alphabet by name(in English). He speaks (short) sentences. And he understands if you give him direction in English or Spanish.
I love that boy.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Hospitalized.
On Thursday evening, about 10 p.m., an upset stomach awoke me. I puked. I thought, maybe I shouldn't have eaten that bowl of ice cream. A half an hour later, I didn't feel better. I felt worse. I puked again. I thought, hmm, maybe this is pregnancy related? A half an hour later, I puked again, and out of, umm, other orifices, if you get my drift. At the same time. I thought, okay, I'm really sick.
Rinse and repeat for the next 7 hours. I couldn't even keep water down. I felt at death's doorstep. Sienna, for herself, was kicking up a storm.
Finally, at 5 am (my stubbornness held out for 7 hours), I called the on-call doctor. She said if I couldn't keep Sprite down, to go into the hospital for some IV fluid replacement.
I couldn't keep Sprite down.
My husband woke at 6:30 and I filled him in. He'd been clued in that something was wrong by all of the toilet flushings. I told him I felt I should go to the hospital, but that I wanted to get Brae up and off to school first.
Finally, at 8 am, we got to the hospital. I could barely walk, I was so weak. I was concerned about Sienna, and praying. They admitted me in the maternity ward (apparently, when you're sick and pregnant, you go to the maternity ward). I was hooked up to IV fluids, anti-nausea, and had blood work. My potassium levels were low, so then they started potassium supplements.
The doctor opined I had the 24-hour stomach bug (which I knew had been going around at Brae's school, and yet Brae wasn't sick (yet)). She said when you are pregnant, you are just even more vulnerable. And, with how sensitive my stomach has been during this pregnancy and hormones, I probably was an especially susceptible victim.
They hooked up the fetal heart monitor, and I got to hear Sienna beating away --at about 150 bpm. A blessed sound. Thank you, Lord.
The doctor said as long as I remained hydrated, Sienna should be fine. At this gestational age (22 weeks), they are very resiliant.
I stayed in the hospital for 8 hours, on bedrest, hooked up to fluids and anti-nausea. I only threw up once during that time -- after trying to eat some peaches. They asked if I wanted to stay the night. I said no. I wanted to go home.
A half an hour after I left the hospital, I puked again, after trying to eat some jell-o and toast. Clearly, the anti-nausea medicine, the same one I'd been on earlier in my pregnancy and had successfully kept me from throwing up, was not working. I was THAT sick.
I remained on death's doorstep until, truly, about 10 p.m. last night -- a full 24 hours after it started. And it left me almost as quickly as it had come.
Today, I'm still recovering. Can't eat a whole lot and very tired. But so thankful that the worse has passed.
And, I'm a little grateful. I feel like Sienna and I went to war together. And I feel more bonded to her.
Rinse and repeat for the next 7 hours. I couldn't even keep water down. I felt at death's doorstep. Sienna, for herself, was kicking up a storm.
Finally, at 5 am (my stubbornness held out for 7 hours), I called the on-call doctor. She said if I couldn't keep Sprite down, to go into the hospital for some IV fluid replacement.
I couldn't keep Sprite down.
My husband woke at 6:30 and I filled him in. He'd been clued in that something was wrong by all of the toilet flushings. I told him I felt I should go to the hospital, but that I wanted to get Brae up and off to school first.
Finally, at 8 am, we got to the hospital. I could barely walk, I was so weak. I was concerned about Sienna, and praying. They admitted me in the maternity ward (apparently, when you're sick and pregnant, you go to the maternity ward). I was hooked up to IV fluids, anti-nausea, and had blood work. My potassium levels were low, so then they started potassium supplements.
The doctor opined I had the 24-hour stomach bug (which I knew had been going around at Brae's school, and yet Brae wasn't sick (yet)). She said when you are pregnant, you are just even more vulnerable. And, with how sensitive my stomach has been during this pregnancy and hormones, I probably was an especially susceptible victim.
They hooked up the fetal heart monitor, and I got to hear Sienna beating away --at about 150 bpm. A blessed sound. Thank you, Lord.
The doctor said as long as I remained hydrated, Sienna should be fine. At this gestational age (22 weeks), they are very resiliant.
I stayed in the hospital for 8 hours, on bedrest, hooked up to fluids and anti-nausea. I only threw up once during that time -- after trying to eat some peaches. They asked if I wanted to stay the night. I said no. I wanted to go home.
A half an hour after I left the hospital, I puked again, after trying to eat some jell-o and toast. Clearly, the anti-nausea medicine, the same one I'd been on earlier in my pregnancy and had successfully kept me from throwing up, was not working. I was THAT sick.
I remained on death's doorstep until, truly, about 10 p.m. last night -- a full 24 hours after it started. And it left me almost as quickly as it had come.
Today, I'm still recovering. Can't eat a whole lot and very tired. But so thankful that the worse has passed.
And, I'm a little grateful. I feel like Sienna and I went to war together. And I feel more bonded to her.
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