Week 35 and Maternity Pictures

Week 35

Saturday, I was not feeling well and was having lower back pain and stomach cramping. I decided to take a trip to the hospital just to make sure everything was okay. I had an exam and was hooked up to the monitors. I was not dilated, but was having a few irregular contractions. They sent me home with instructions to come back if the contractions get worse or closer together. 

Sunday was Mother's Day. Darrell's mom and dad stopped by for a nice visit in the morning. During this time, I  had some discharge and I think I may have lost my mucus plug, but I am not certain. I contemplated going back to the hospital but decided to wait it out. My stomach cramps got worse throughout the day but not enough to send me on a 40 minute drive to Melbourne... I spent the rest of the day with my step mom and dad at my aunt's house for a lovely Mother's Day BBQ. It was relaxing and the food was great! 

Monday morning I couldn't get myself out of bed. My stomach and my back were bothering me and I decided to just take it easy for the day. When Darrell got home from work, we called my doctor and they made an appointment for us to come in that afternoon. At my doctors visit, they checked me again and I was 1/2 cm dilated. He said Chloe's head was very low and resting completely against my cervix. He sent us to the hospital to get a few tests done, including a Fetal Firbonectin Test. I had never heard of this test until now. Fetal Fibronectin is a protein that acts as a "glue" that literally holds the baby in place. After 35 weeks, it naturally breaks down until the baby is ready to come out. This test is done before 34 weeks if the doctor suspects preterm labor. It indicates whether or not the patient will likely go into labor within 7-10 days. My test results came back negative, meaning I am not likely to go into labor in the next two weeks (unless my water were to break). I was monitored for the hour or two we were at the hospital, and I had small (but uncomfortable) contractions every 4 minutes that lasted between 30 and 80 seconds. They said that if I was 28 weeks pregnant, these contractions would concern them, but since I am 34-35 weeks, it is okay. I was sent home with instructions to rest and monitor the contractions. 

The test reassured us that we have at least two more weeks to prepare for baby Chloe's arrival. Unfortunately, I just have to be in pain until then. And I am not very good at sitting still and relaxing...especially because I am nesting right now! :)  

Today, we went to the high risk doctor for our monthly ultrasound. Chloe has grown! She now weighs 4lbs 9oz. She is still very small for her gestational age, but she is safe to come out of the oven now! I won't know exactly what her weight percentile or stomach circumference is until my OB appointment on Monday. The ultrasound technician said that she has never seen a baby with so much personality on the 2D/3D ultrasound. Chloe is always moving, sucking her thumb, sticking her tongue out, and opening and closing her eyes! Sounds to me like she has my attention span already!


My mom and Sian (my brother's girlfriend) took maternity pictures of Darrell and me on the beach today. 
Here is a sneak peak: 

You can see the entire album at: 
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10101938532127923.3335951.5233165&type=1&l=25196b64a8


This weeks plans:
1. Finish sewing nursery curtains and valance
2. Pick up airbrushed surfboard!
3. Touch up nursery armoire
4. Get a pediatrician
5. Try not to go into labor!

Week 34

Week 34

 I had my OB visit, where I was informed that my nutritional status is, and I quote, "that of a person living in a third world country"! I am not really sure how that is possible, considering I get a healthy delicious meal made for me for dinner every single night, and I have gained 31 lbs since getting pregnant. But the numbers don't lie...

My Iron is very low and I am B12 deficient. I was instructed to take two Iron pills every day and I have to get a B12 shot once a week. Luckily, my mom is a nurse and can administer the shots so I don't have to go to the doctors every week. If my Iron stays low, I would have to get a blood transfusion at the birth. Good news is, I should be getting my energy back soon! 

I am very excited for my next ultrasound to find out if Chloe is growing! I am convinced she has grown a lot because her kicks and movements are becoming extremely intensified! I don't think a 2lb baby would be causing the movements that are going on in my stomach! 

I don't remember if I wrote about having a hernia in my previous posts. But not to my surprise, I have got a very painful hernia in my pelvis. The doctor says that it could have been caused from physical strain or stress. The pain started the day after we moved into our new house so I am assuming that the move caused it. They can't do anything about it until my pregnancy is over, because the only cure is surgery. Oy Vay.... It never ends! 

But it will all be worth it in a few weeks when I get to look into the eyes of our beautiful baby girl <3

Pregnancy Symptoms: Cramps, and lower back pain. Contractions and exhaustion!

POTS symptoms: Small dizzy spells, that worsen in the heat, but nothing too extreme.

Mood: Excited that time is going by a little faster now, but anxious to get everything finished in the nursery!

Best moment this week: Visit from Darrell's mom on Saturday, and a late night swim in our pool on Sunday:)

Next doctor appointments: High risk Ultrasound Thursday, May 17th, OB appointment Monday, May 21st.

Week 32

Week 32

Baby Chloe is supposed to be the size of a squash! (But she's not quite there yet!)

This past week was pretty exciting. I had my OB visit, my high risk ultrasound, a 3D/4D ultrasound and an Ear appointment...

First was my OB visit with Dr. Hayes on Monday. Good news is I passed my glucose test, even after inhaling box(es) of pink lemonade cupcakes! :-)

Bad news is, cupcakes don't contain enough Iron and my blood worked showed Anemia. 

Dr. Hayes talked to us about the possibility of delivering Chloe at 37 weeks,  instead of 40, which is still considered full term! I sure hope we get to deliver her then! I can't wait to meet our little angel. I have been experiencing a lot of contractions, but nothing to rush us to the hospital. 

Tuesday, I had my high risk ultrasound with Dr. Morales. Chloe is still healthy and very active! However, she is tiny! She is in the 36% in her weight, where she should be over 50%. She weighs 2lbs, 14oz. Her surrounding fluid is measuring fine, so she is simply a small baby. This was supposed to be our last high risk appointment, but because of her size, we will be going back two more times. At the next appointment, they will determine if she is still growing or if her growing has stalled. If she drops below the 36%, they will be discussing the possibility of taking her out earlier. I however, have gained almost 30 lbs... and Chloe is more than welcome to take some of that weight from me!

Saturday, my mom scheduled us a 3D/4D ultrasound. Darrell's mother was able to drive down and join us. It was amazing. The best part of the ultrasound was for me to be able to feel her move AND see what she was doing when she moved. It was an awesome experience. Chloe kept her hands in front of her face most of the time, and didn't want us to get a sneak peak, but we managed to get a few pictures and some video

 of her moving. 

Sleeping on her hands, like a little angel. 

Sad face

Sucking her thumb! My favorite picture!

Monday, I had my very dreaded ear appointment. I got tubes put in both ears and it did not feel good. it's been about 5 days and I haven't decided if they are helping or are hurting... They are temporary tubes that should last between 2 and 4 months. If they work, I will be getting more permanent tubes put in. Bye bye scuba diving.... hello ear plugs for surfing!

My friend Carol gave Darrell and I an old surf board for Chloe's nursery. I can't wait to get it airbrushed and  hang it up over the dresser! My mom and I decided to sew the curtains, valance, crib skirt, and crib sheet since I couldn't find anything in the colors I was looking for.  We got half of the fabric so far and will post pictures as soon as everything is finished. We always have our work cut out for us.... :) 

One more exciting note for today....

I am starting a business from home. I have sold my handcrafted soaps in stores in the past and am ready to do it again, but bigger and better this time! My aunt has decided to generously invest in the beginnings of my business. I now legally own Sienna Soap, natural and handcrafted soaps. I will be taking the next two months to build my inventory and get a website up and running. When Chloe arrives, I should be ready for sales and craft shows! Here is a sample of the types of products to expect:

Chocolate Peppermint

Oatmeal Cinnamon Spice

And as delicious as they look, they are not edible! :)

Week 31 and Nursery Pictures

Week 31 

Chloe is about the length of a cucumber (15.2-16.7 inches) and the weight of a head of cabbage (2.5-3.8 lbs)

This weekend was all about getting the nursery together, and boy am I in pain now! My mom came over Friday and stayed here for the weekend, and all we did was sand, paint, take things apart, put things together, and paint some more! But the outcome is amazing and well worth the work. 

Nursery Checklist:

Paint walls

Paint Mural

Refinish and paint armoire 

Crib

Dresser

Paint gliding rocking chair

Spray paint baskets

new cushions for gliding rocking chair

Curtains (blue)

Curtain Rod

Rugs (x2)

Artwork

Airbrushed Surfboard with hooks (for above dresser)

Book Shelves

Changing Pad 

Crib bedding

Closet organizer and shelves

New lamp shade 

But for now...here is a SNEAK PEAK of the nursery as it slowly comes together....

This baby better love the water!

Surfs up Chloe!

 Love her new Crib and refinished armoire!

This side of the room will catch up to the other side soon with curtains and the surfboard rack

Chloe's new wheels! (there is slot in the back for gas money if anyone wants to donate ;) )

This bank was sitting on top of Chloe's dresser at the store when we went to pick the dresser up...it was meant to be!!

No more green wall to take my belly pictures... but I think this wall is a little more fun!

 

 Week 31, and my belly button wont stay in

Pregnancy Symptoms: new symptom this week is awful leg cramps! I wake up in the morning to stretch my legs and I get an instant charlie horse. Ouchy.... 

Mood: Extremely relieved that the painting and hard physical labor is finished!!

Best moment this week: Picking up the nursery furniture, and seeing everything come together

Next doctor appointments: Monday: OBGYN (will get my Glucose test results back), Tuesday: High Risk OB/Ultrasound, Saturday: 3D Ultrasound

Week 30

Wow 5 weeks flew by! This is the final stretch! 

Darrell and I moved into our new house on March 25th, and we couldn't be any happier! My dad and step mom have given us a fantastic deal and have worked extremely hard to get us moved in and settled. Callie and Sebastian don't know what to do with all of the extra space. We wake up in the morning to the two of them running laps around the inside of the house. We feel so lucky to get to raise our daughter in a beautiful house instead of a small apartment. Now, if only we had enough furniture to fill this place up! :-)


View from the front door into the kitchen

View from the dining room into the family room

My favorite view: The pool and pond 

Callie and Sebastian Sun bathing on the patio

Sunday, April 1st was our BBQ baby shower. First of all, a special thank you to my mom for hosting the shower and decorating it so perfectly! We can't thank everyone enough for coming to the shower, and for all of the gifts for Chloe! She is going to be the best dressed baby that we've ever seen! We had such a good time at the shower. It was so great to have every side of both families get together! If anyone has pictures from the shower, I'd love to get copies of them! You can e-mail them to me at agraham722@yahoo.com. 

BaByQ Invitation

The most amazing cake I've ever seen!! 

Top of the cake

 

 Baby Bottle Beer Chugging Competition! 

   

   

 And the winner was Ryan

 Delicious Desserts made by Lisa, Jenni, and Sian

Amazing food made by Darrell, Mama Carol,  Aunt Eve, and Aunt Nanci

  A peak at the decorations 

I think this pile only got bigger!

Chloe's after shower shoe count: 31 pairs!!

On April 5th, I had to get my left ear drummed popped at the ENT office. I have had ear issues since before my pregnancy, and it has only gotten worse. Doctor Ho sliced my ear drum in order to relieve pressure temporarily, and to see if I need to get tubes in my ears. The good news is, that it did relieve the pressure from the left ear... the bad news is, that tubes and surfing don't really get along...I go back in two weeks to discuss my options. 

Week: 30

Total weight gain: 24 lbs

POTS symptoms: I have been feeling pretty great for the past few weeks. My POTS symptoms have calmed down and become manageable again! I have only had a few black out spells, and they usually come when i am outside or getting out of the car into the heat. I can finally move around the inside of my house and get things done without passing out! Hallelujah! My cardiologist says that I am probably feeling better due to the increase of blood volume that Chloe is giving me. I just have to be extra careful when I am outside in the heat, or in the car with no A/C because my blood pressure drops very quickly from the increase in temperature. 

Pregnancy Symptoms: Well other than Chloe laying on top of my bladder and having to pee every 5 minutes, the only other annoying symptom has been pelvic swelling from the pressure of carrying so low. It becomes pretty painful throughout the day, and my doctor has me wearing a pregnancy support belt. It helps the pressure on my back, but doesn't seem to be helping to much with the pelvic swelling. Unfortunately, that is probably only going to get worse. 

Mood: Very excited! There is so much going on in our house right now, between all the new baby items floating around, the nursery decorating, and getting the house together... It has been pretty fun! 

Best moment this week: Getting the mural drawn on the nursery wall!! Pictures to come when the painting is completed next weekend!

Week 25

 Baby Baker is the size of an eggplant!

I missed a week or two... 

But not much has changed....

I am now off my steroid medication, as it was only making me feel like crap and wasn't making my syncope episodes any less frequent. My cardiologist will put me on a beta blocker and a BP medication once the baby has arrived. My next OB appointment is the end of March and my next ultrasound will be in April. 

Moving day is coming up! We are expecting to be out of our apartment before the baby shower and I cannot wait!!

Week: 25

Total weight gain: 22 lbs! (weighing in at 130 now! AH!)

Pregnancy symptoms this week: Stretching pains! The skin on my belly feels like it's going to pop! But my pimples are almost gone!! :)

POT symptoms this week: I feel like my dizzy spells are getting a little better and less frequent and I have a little more energy these days. (lets hope this lasts!!)

Best moment this week: Jess came to visit and Darrell got a new job in the meat department at Publix!

Mood: getting anxious to move out and excited that the shower is getting closer, which means nursery decorating is getting closer!!

Sleep: what sleep?

Week 23

Last week was a great week! On top of getting engaged, I had a doctor appointment and I got to hear our daughters heartbeat once again, and it was around 140bpm. We also started a program on Thursday, called Pride Foster Training. I have wanted to become a certified medical foster parent for years but the timing was never right and neither were my living conditions. My mom was signing up for the program and in order for me to babysit for her, I needed to be certified as well. I thought this was perfect timing. 


I talked to Darrell and he was 100% on board and wanted to go through the training with me. The foster program is every Thursday night from now until the middle of April. After the classes, we have a home inspection and then hopefully we get certified. But I want to take it one step further and become a medical foster parent, so there will be additional training following the traditional foster training program. The good thing about the foster program is that once you are certified, you stay certified for up to 5 years. This means that if we do not feel ready as soon as we get certified, we don't have to take any children in yet. We can wait as long as we want before actually fostering a child, if we decide to. With a baby of our own on the way, we probably wont be taking that plunge for a little while, as we will have our hands full! Since I will be staying at home with our baby for a while, I will babysit for my mom if she has any foster children, since she works full time and this could be a small source of income for the time being. 


Darrell and I are moving in March! My dad has offered to rent us a beautiful house that he and my step mom renovated. It is a 4 bedroom, 2 bath house with a pool! I am VERY excited to get out of the apartment and into a house. We are so happy to have the opportunity to raise our daughter in a house instead of an apartment.   This will also give us plenty of room if and when we decide to help other children that need a temporary home. 


So, everything seems to be coming together. Slowly but surely. Darrell is on the search for a new job near our new house and hopefully he will find something he loves! 


Here are some new belly pictures from 2-21-12. When I am feeling well enough, my favorite thing to do is go watch Darrell surf! I can't wait until I can join him out there again!