Cole is coming....Wednesday!

...if not sooner, but I highly doubt it. It looks as though he is going to have to be taken from his home hahahaha I still have not done anything, as far as dilation or effacement. Nothing! Zero! Are you kidding me?
 Dr. Macey really believes that it will be a c-section. He says that he has had a few women in the same situation as me and they all turn into c-sections. After talking to a lot of people, I have probably had a dozen or more tell me that they were not doing anything and after being induced they ended up having to do a c-section. Apparently you can only have pitocin for so long and if your body is not moving in that direction already it is just really hard to get your body where it needs to be. So in the end you are completely exhausted and you have gone through a long labor only to have to do a c-section. I have just prayed that whatever happens is what is meant to be and I am good with that. At first I was a little bummed that I would not get to experience a vaginal birth, but then I just thought about it and realized that I did not know if I would ever experience this at all. I am just grateful and blessed to have this little guy and be here in this moment right now, no mater how he comes into it. We are just ready to meet him and have him apart of our lives, healthy and happy.
So at the appointment Dr. Macey checked me and nothing, then he went to listen to his heart and Cole went crazy! :) My whole belly was shaking and you could just see movements everywhere. Dr. Macey's eyes got big and he laughed a little. Then he put the  monitor on and it started beeping. I said what is what? he said " Oh, that is just him screaming get me out of here!" He said I think he wants out, but he doesn't know what to do to get out. His heart rate was the highest it has been, 175. I think he was mad and had gotten all worked up :)
Dr. Macey looked at my chart, told me to get dressed and he would be right back.When he came back he asked if believed in superstition? I said no, why? he said the stars must be aligning correctly because my flight has been put back, so lets have this baby Wednesday. I said seriously? he said yeah, why not? Be here at 5am and we will do this. I said what does superstition have to do with this? he said Wednesday is the 13th; I said my dad was born on the 13th so we are good. I still was not sure if he was kidding or not, but apparently not. He came in with the paper work and said it was a done deal, so do not be late.
So that is what we know. We know that we are to be at Baptist hospital on Wednesday morning at 5am and I guess we will see from there. It is all so crazy to think about, but very exciting. We will post as soon as we can to let you know when he is here and how everything went. Please pray that everything goes smooth and that this little boy arrives healthy. It has been a long time coming-waiting on this little man and now the time is here. It is really just hard to believe. We are SO excited!!!

Swollen and not moving

Oh goodness am I swollen. I cannot imagine women who go through July and August in Tennessee. How in the world do you do it? I do not even recognize my feet.

Are you kidding me? Total cankles (is that how you spell it? is it actually a word?) Anyways, I think you see what I mean. I had a few people who see me regularly tell me that I looked like I had dropped and I had a lot of pressure the past few days so I thought for sure he had done something, but no! Dr. Macey does not think this guy is coming on his own. He actually went ahead and scheduled a c-section for Monday, April 18th if something does not happen before then. He has scheduled the c-section because he is so big and I am not progressing at all, which with that combination does not make for a good induction and 9  out of 10 times when they do induce someone like me, it turns into a c-section he says. I guess we will see? I am trying to coax him out. I think Casey actually likes the idea of the scheduled c-section. A guy he works with, his wife had two scheduled c-sections and he has convinced Casey that is the way to go. Plus Casey likes the idea of not having to wonder if this is it, the drama and the waiting that comes along with a vaginal unscheduled birth. I am not sure how I feel? except I just want him to be healthy, which Casey wants too, don't get me wrong, but the scheduled c-section sounds like a better option he thinks. So I am just trusting that whatever happens is what is meant to be. I go back next Tuesday, April 5 for the 3rd of my weekly visits. Guess we will see what is going on with him then. It really is hard to believe that no matter what happens, in 17 days (at the latest) our little guy will be here! How exciting!!

Ultra Sound at 34 weeks

So today was my ultra sound since I was measuring big last time, which it seems like I say that every time I go to the doctor. Anyways, it is always fun to see him. You could tell that he was a little chubby thing :) His little profile was so cute and she didn't even take a picture of it for us :(  she thought she did and then after she was done, she felt bad that she had not. He was measuring on the ultra sound around 36 and 36 1/2 weeks, which was 6 1/2 pounds. At 34 weeks he should be almost 5 pounds. The ultra sound technician was laughing and saying things like "Look at that belly, look at those cheeks! oh it looks like he has a lot of hair. She said he was already storing up his baby fat in the belly and she said his cheeks looked like a squirrel saving up for winter with nuts in his cheeks". It was fun to watch him. After she saw how big he was-she said "you are all belly girl". That was nice to hear since everyone tells me how huge I am all the time. Now I can say I have a reason, I have a big boy in me!
It gets a little more real every time we see him. The doctor said I look great and so does Cole. He was head down with a heart beat of 144. The technician said he would most likely stay in that position since he is so big. He is running out of room to move around. We are on his time, but I am really hoping he decides to come on his own around 37 or 38 weeks. I really want to try and have him naturally and if he goes full term and continues to grow the way he is that is not looking possible. Dr. Macey has already mentioned C-section could be a possibility, which I guess it always is, but he said as long as he is ok and I am ok, he will not induce just because the ultra sound is saying he is big. I guess we will just have to wait and see. I go back in two weeks, March 21st. Then I will go every week after that appointment. Whoo Hoo!!! I can't believe how close it all is; it is a little overwhelming. Something you have wanted and prayed so long for to be happening is just an amazing feeling. We truly have been blessed.
Look at this cute little outfit we got for him...

February 21st appointment

So I have been going ever two weeks since about 26 weeks because Cole has been measuring so big. So I was not surprised when Dr. Macey measured me and then walked over to my chart and said "have we already done a weight measurement ultra sound of you?" I said yes, I had one at 28 weeks. He said, oh yeah, I see...and he was measuring big then too, I think we need to schedule another ultra sound. I laughed and asked what did I measured? he said "I don't want to tell you" and I said come on, I am sure it will not surprise me since he has been big the whole time; then he said almost 36 weeks. Now for some that may be shocking, but my big guy has been measuring big since they started measuring me at 23 weeks.
Everything was good with me (weight, sugar level, blood presure, etc...). Cole's heart rate was 135, which is the lowest it has ever been. Dr. Macey said it was good. I said why is it so low? he said it is not low, but it is lower than it has been because this is the biggest he has ever been. The heart rate goes down the bigger the baby gets. So I go back in two weeks, March 8th, for my next appointment and an ultra sound to see about how big he is now.
He is kicking like crazy as I type, he must know I am talking/typing about him! :)
I am getting brave...here is a picture of the bare belly!!!!

The front view...

...and from the side

9 weeks and 3 days....left!!!

Can you believe it? That sounds so crazy. Well, that is until his due date, I guess he could come sooner! I am now going to the doctor every two weeks. I had an appointment this afternoon. Basically you come in for them to check your weight, blood pressure, urine (sugar level), listen to baby's heart rate, measure you, check for swelling and ask how you are feeling. We checked out good :) Cole's heart rate was 152, I measured 33 weeks and everything else was in the normal/good range. The only issue I have been having is heart burn, which I have had everyday for the last two weeks. Ugh! I have had heart burn and acid reflux a few times during my pregnancy, actually heart burn was one of my first symptoms, but didn't realize what it was until Casey told me. This is very common and typical for third trimester women. There does not seem to be an end in sight until delivery. On what to expect it says "the muscle at the top of the stomach that usually prevents digestive acids from splashing up into the esophagus relaxes, allowing digestive juices to back up.That's the burning sensation you feel when heart burn strikes." So apparently that is what is happening to me. It doesn't seem to matter what I eat, which I am not a spicy food person anyways. Oh well, I will just continue with the Tums and Maalox.
So if you did the math, I am still measuring big, but only about 2 weeks now. I asked Dr. Macey about that today. I asked him when 38 weeks came did he see them inducing me? He paused and said there is a lot that goes into deciding what to do. Things like is my cervix thinning already, have I dilated any? how much effaced is he? Basically we just have to wait and see, but for right now he is not planning on doing anything to me as long as everything is going well. It is very exciting being in the home stretch. I cannot wait to see him. He is a busy little man these days. He moves all the time. It is a very strange and amazing thing to experience. It blows Casey's mind every time he feels him. We are excited and praying for everything to go smooth for whenever this little guy does decide to come. I will keep you updated as my visits are more frequent :) Here is a picture of me being silly showing you how big my belly is getting.

Ultra Sound at 28 weeks

Today was the ultra sound that Dr. Macey had originally scheduled when I was measuring 7 weeks early, then at the last visit I was only measuring 4 1/2 weeks early, but he still wanted me to have the ultra sound so he could get a better accurate measurement on him. No, it is not two and he is not an enormous baby. They are saying his due date is about 7-11 days earlier, they were saying between April 10th-14th. That is what they estimated back at the ultra sound at 18 weeks and 20 weeks. He does have a big head though! When they measure all the parts, it gives you a different estimated date. His head estimated that I was due March 30th! Well, Casey has a big head and so does my mom. It was in his genes to possibly have a big head :)
Dr. Macey said I looked great! I asked him about measuring early and he said everyone is shaped different and sometimes that just happens. He said I am taller and long waisted so that could be it, but really they do not know (since I hear different reasons every time I go :) and they said that the measurement is just an estimated guess, that is why he wanted to do the ultra sound, for accurate measurements.
I am still feeling good and all is well. Just really hard to believe how fast it is coming now. In some ways I feel like I have been pregnant for over a year and then sometimes I cannot believe how fast it is coming! It is exciting talking and getting ready for baby showers. When I look at the calendar and count the weeks through baby showers and things going on it really seems fast.
We are excited and very anxious for the arrival of Cole.
Here are two pictures from today. It was so different than the one at 20 weeks. It was harder to get pictures and tell what it was because the space is getting smaller and smaller. The picture at 20 weeks had him from head to toe and now all that would fit was his head! The other picture is of him trying to flip around! which he is good at and does ALL the time. The ultra sound lasted about 15-20 mins,  and in that time he went from breech, to head down, to transverse (side ways). He is a little monkey for sure! I am down to visits every two weeks now. My next appointment is February 7th.
A picture of Casey and I with Cole's future girlsfriends, Jessi and Julia. They turned 1 this past weekend.

Cole's big head that was measuring 3 weeks early!! I think he is going to be really smart! hehehe

Casey and I with Jessi and Julia at their first birthday this past weekend,January 22nd.

Balancing out...a little.

Not a whole lot to say, but I did have a regular check up on Tuesday. If you remember from my last post I was measuring really big (7 weeks ahead). As of Tuesday I am only 4 1/2 weeks ahead of schedule, so that was good. Maybe I will balance out a little more :) I am still scheduled to have an ultrasound on January 24th though just to get more actually size ( they said that ultra sounds in the thirst trimester can still be off a pound and half to two!) and measurement for Cole as well as see how much fluid I have and fun stuff like that :) This is week 26, which sounds kind of crazy when the doctor is thinking I may go around 38 weeks, only 12 weeks away and Cole could be here but even if he doesn't come a little early that is only 14 weeks!! Casey says it seems sooner when you count in weeks.
Casey has been asking me for a couple weeks now, when would he be able to feel Cole kick? I was not really sure the answer to that. I know he has to get some more weight on him (according to what to expect he is around 16 inches and 2.5 lbs) and since my placenta is in the front? I was not sure, but last night we were watching TV and he was going crazy. Then I felt a few big kicks so I put my hand on my belly and thought I could feel him, but he is in me so it is hard to tell if I am actually feeling him on the outside too. I told Casey and grabbed his hand and Cole performed, well just for two kicks, but Casey's eyes lit up and he thought it was great. Then he started shaking my belly asking him to kick more, but he wouldn't, but Casey was excited that he got to feel him twice. I am sure there will be many more kicks ahead!
It was a fun moment. :)

Glucose Update and cramps

Well I finally got the call back from my glucose test results...I am good! :) Blood levels look good, no gestational diabetes. The day that they called me I had been cramping. They seemed to be getting stronger as the day went along. So I go to my "what to expect book" and I notice that it does say that cramps are typical this month, but then it said if they become worse, intense or severe you should call your doctor. So since they called me I mentioned it to them. The nurse said I was probably fine but if I wanted to come in the next day (Wednesday) I could come in at 2:30 just to check me out and reassure me. So of course I went! I was really not that worried, but I figured I was off work, why not just go in and get some reassurance. Well, my doctor was not working so I had to see the doctor on call, Dr. Thornberg. She was fine and nice. She just checked my cervix again, listened to heart beat, checked blood pressure and asked questions. I looked great she said. She did mention drinking fluids. I seemed to be a little dehydrated, which was probably the cause of the sharper pains. She said I need 12 cups of fluid a day. I know I have not been getting that. Drinking is not something I am good at-drinking anything. I am fine with water, which I know some people have a hard time drinking it. I actually got an app on my phone that I use to count my water intake. It has helped, but I still do not reach my water goal for the day. I must do better. I will seriously be living in the bathroom now, as if I wasn't already :) As she left she said enjoy plenty of those water cocktails! Oh let me back up a few minutes...I asked her if she would measure me before she left? She said I do not measure until 28 weeks, have you already been measured? I said yes, last week and I measured big so I was just wanting to see what you measured me at. She said what did you measure? I said 30 weeks. She said no way! "Ok, well I have to measure you now. We will not put it in your chart or tell Dr. Macey and I will just see what I get". So I laid back and she measured me. Then she says, well yeah you are measuring right at 31. Which still has me measuring 7 weeks ahead! Remember in last post Dr. Macey said he is not that big, but definitely ahead of schedule. I am having another ultrasound January 24th to get a more accurate measurement of Cole. I will let you know what this big boy is measuring then. I am so thankful about my blood results and that everything is checking out great! Thank you Lord!

Brad, Craig and I at grandmothers for Christmas. Just wanted to show you the big ole belly he measured.

23 weeks and Glucose test

Well today was the glucose test and it was nothing. I am not sure what some of my friends were talking about, saying it was horrible. I drank the orange liquid, sat in the waiting room for an hour, had blood drawn and it was over. Oh well! So after my blood work I went upstairs to see Dr. Macey. Just a regular check. So he comes in and asked the usually questions, how do you feel, no cramping, spotting, etc... I am feeling good. So he says well we will check the heart rate (148) and measure you (my uterus). So I lay back and he says let's measure this little guy. I said " I do not think he is that little if it is anything like last time". So he has this ruler things and he starts somewhere around my belly button and measures down to somewhere around my pubic bone, I guess. He measured it and then he looked to make sure he was measuring from the right spot (or that is what it seemed like). He did that three times. Then he looked at my chart. He said I need to look at your cervix so undress from the waist down and I will be back in a minute. So he came back, checked me out and said all looked good. He wanted to make sure my cervix was not thinning yet. He said he wanted to see me back at 28 weeks for an ultra sound. I said ultra sound? he said yes and then  he said he did not want me to worry, but I was measuring 30 weeks!!! he said Cole was not that big, but I was carrying high, which sometimes made you measure earlier, so he just wants to double check and get a more accurate reading on how big he is. So I said 5 weeks, and he said no, I want you to come back in 3 weeks, but schedule an ultrasound for 5 weeks!
I knew my belly was really sticking out there, but 30 weeks!?! Holy Moly.
I am not worried. I know everything is good. Dr. Macey was not concerned, but he did say he just want to keep a closer check on him and how he is growing!! So I will let you know how my big boy is doing. Here is a picture to check him out! We truly hope you all have a wonderful Christmas. I know we will. We have truly been blessed.

21 weeks

I meant to post last week at our 20 week appointment, but the time just passed and I totally forgot. Last week was our 20 week ultra sound where they do all of the measuring and they look at everything. Since Casey went to my last ultra sound he decided not to take off, especially after he knew they were going to give us a DVD of the ultra sound any ways (trying to save up some days! for when Cole does arrive). So I asked my mom if she wanted to go with me and she said yes! she was so excited. She asked a ton of questions and was so excited about the experience. She kept saying this is all new to me-they did not have all of this 30+ years ago. She was cute to watch. 

This ultra sound was a little different this time than the last one. I guess since the one two weeks ago was a reassuring one it was more laid back and we really just got to watch him. This one was more precise and medical. They would zoom in on everything and measure it ( feet, lips, eyes, head, stomach, leg) but everything was more than just one measurement. They measured and analyzed his heart, lungs, spine, etc...She would put in the measurements and every time she did it would change the due date, then it gave you an average estimate date. 

So to say all of that-Cole measured out great! Actually bigger than he should be at this point. He was measuring between 7-10 days bigger. The doctor said maybe we have your conception date wrong, then he looked up and said "oh no, we can't have your date wrong", well if he keeps this up we will have to watch you closely around 37-38 weeks to make sure he does not get too big. I know he is easier on the inside than out, but I have the days and wouldn't mind him being a little bigger and having a week or two longer with him at home before going back to work in August as long as he is healthy and big enough to come then :)

He probably will not come until April 25th (4 days late). Trying not to think about it. He will come when he is ready.

He was moving all over the place like last time! He is such an active little boy. It really is neat to see him on the screen. I am starting to feel him more and more. It is really funny. Especially after I eat, I guess he is excited, because he is moving like crazy then. We are so excited and cannot wait to meet our little guy (or maybe not so little :) It is crazy to think that we are a little over half way through it all.
So this past week I have had about three people ask me "so is pregnancy everything you thought it would be?." I am not really sure if I ever really thought what it would be like, but it is interesting. It is so crazy how one day you just look down and you have this round belly, then you start to feel these weird movements inside of you, then you get this kink in your hip, and you are gassier than you ever imagined! I love the way What to expect put it..."Are you making noises and sounds that you have only heard or smelled from your dad or brothers?" Don't worry guys if you are around me I am usually good during the day. It just seems to hit me at night. :) 
I can say this about pregnancy though...it has definitely been a journey and expereince. One that I am excited to be apart of, but also a journey of things I had no idea about (the anxiety and stress of the unknown-that has been the worst). I go back to the doctor on December 21st for my glucose test. That should be interesting. I have all of these directions and rules I must follow before being tested.  I have not heard good stories from my friends about this test, but I am sure I will be fine. I will let you all know how that goes-in two weeks!
Here is an updated picture of me with my baby bump :)

A few pics of Cole...

Then me with Cole at 18 weeks...I just look pretty thick with a big butt. This picture doesn't show it, but I actually thought my butt had gotten smaller by the way my pants were fitting, guess not. I am SO critical :) I truly am so lucky to be carrying Cole and having this blessing given to me/us. I really am grateful for this experience.  Maybe I can get some better pictures though soon :)

It's a BOY!!!

...and boy were we surprised!!! Let me back up. Yes, we did find out a week early. If you read my last post "what is my deal?" you know that I have been anxious and feeling a little stressed about everything. I had been disappointed a few times thinking that I was going to have an ultra sound and then I did not have one. It was all just getting to me. It was almost like the angel and devil on my shoulder and they were in an argument. I kept trying to tell myself everything was fine and I had a count down going and telling myself "only 10 more days and you will see him, only 9 more...everything is fine". Well Sunday night I just could not handle it. I am pretty sure I was having an anxiety attach. I had tried to keep it in for so long and tell myself everything was ok, but my head was just not listening. My heart was racing, I could not catch my breath, and I was just crying. Poor Casey did not know what to do? He asked what was wrong, did something happen to make you think something is wrong, etc...I had nothing! no symptoms, no anything telling me something was wrong, but my head and the way I was feeling. Casey felt that I really needed to call the doctor. I was not sure because I had not had any luck with him thus far, but Monday when I woke up and started crying again I figured I should.
So I called the doctor's office and talked with the nurse. Yes, I began crying again on the phone with her. I was out of control. After going back and forth with conversations she said that I needed to come in. I did not need to be stressed out like I was. I asked her about an ultra sound and she connected me with the insurance lady up front, who was so sweet. She got my information and asked if she could call me back. She called back within 30 mins and said "well I just got verification that your insurance will cover the ultra sound, can you come in tomorrow afternoon?" I said YES! and already felt a little better knowing that I was going in for the appointment the next day, plus Casey was off and I knew he could come with me.
When we got there we went straight in for the ultra sound. The technician was very sweet and let us know that this one would be a quick one. It was just to reassure me that everything was ok, but at my 20 week it would take about an hour or hour and half because they were going to look at everything in more detail. Right when she put it on my belly you could see his little face :) I felt as though 50lbs had been lifted, then she recorded the heart beat and we heard it (another 50lbs lifted). Then she stretched out and you could see his whole body. He was stretched out with his legs crossed and his hands up behind his head. We just laughed. She said you baby looks pretty comfortable. She said the baby is breech right now, but don't let that bother you it has plenty of time to turn. She pointed to his feet and said he is basically standing on your bladder, well as soon as she said that, the  baby started moving as if he was running in place on my bladder! she said I bet you are going to the bathroom all the time! and yes I am! He began moving ALL over the place. He was EVERYWHERE. Remember though we still did not know it was a boy at this time. I know I keep typing "he" but it was not until the end that we found out. I almost thought we were not going to find out. He would not turn right, so I thought girl, she is being modest. :) Casey and I had both pretty much convinced ourselves that it was a girl for so many different reasons. The technician asked us what we thought and Casey told her girl and a few reasons why. Then she asked us if we had names picked out. We told her yes and told her the names. She said "Well, I think I have seen it, but I really want to see if I can get a better picture before saying anything. Just about then she got it. She froze the frame and said I am glad you have a boy name because it is a boy!!! Our eyes were huge and said boy? are you sure? She said 100% sure! Then she drew an arrow and said, as she circled it, "here is his scrotum and then here is his little weenie" and yes it was! We could not believe it. Casey's eyes were huge and the smile on his face was even bigger! I was still in shock I think. It was a great moment.
I know I have told some of you before, but I have always seen myself as more of a boy mom (growing up a tom boy with two brothers and so involved in sports), but everyone said I was having a girl and I had convinced myself that God had a sense of humor and was probably going to give me a prissy little, pink loving girl that I would have no idea what to do with, but I guess that was not his plan!
We are SO excited and I feel a million times better. I am not use to being a drama queen, but I am glad I got to go to the doctor and find out that I am having a sweet and healthy little boy! very active too! Now we are just excited about the arrival of Cole Bradford Coggin in April!!!!! :)

A lady that works with Casey, Mary Ann, had to get Cole an Arkansas outfit as soon as she found out he was a boy. How funny! Cole will be ready for football season now.

What is my deal? :)

I had an appointment almost two weeks ago now. It was a very weird appointment. I left a little frustrated. I  do not know what it is, well not really. I can imagine, but the last few times I have gone to the doctor I have been an emotional mess. You remember the doctor asking me if I was sure there was one? Well that has been on my mind, especially with SO many people telling me how big I am and if I am sure it is just one! (People can say the dumbest things sometimes). Well, I do not think I posted this, but around 14 wks I had some bleeding, nothing big! I actually was not worried at first, but then Casey started questioning me and really got me to thinking, so then I began to worry. So I called the doctor on call (not mine) and to say the least he did not have the best bed side manners. He really upset me, but told me I was fine. He actually acted like he was annoyed that I called him over something so minimal. That was on a Saturday. I did nothing the rest of the weekend and called my doctor on Monday. He said he thought it was nothing, but come in and I will check you out and ease your mind. So I did that following Monday afternoon. He said everything was fine and the heart beat was great, but still did not do an ultra sound. He told me not to worry, but if I felt anxious or worried to come in again next week or so and I will check you out again and I do an ultra sound if that will make you feel better. My appointment was in about 10 days so I was on edge but figured I could wait until then. My attitude was..."I am not leaving this office without an ultra sound!" So I get there and it is not my regular nurse, which was fine. She was so sweet and she could tell I was a little emotional. She said "the ultra sound technician was not here today, but Dr. Macey can do it. I will just go ahead and pull the machine and put it in your room." So I was feeling better when I went into the room seeing the machine a hands length distance away. Dr. Macey comes in and says "What's the problem? you still spotting?" I said no, but I just think I would feel better if I could have the ultra sound, remember you mentioned last time you would give me one if I still was not feeling 100% about everything. So he said let's check you out. He said I look great, measuring right and heart beat was good. He saw no reason to do a ultra sound. UGH!!!!! I could feel my voice cracking. Like I said I am emotional wreck when I go in there. I think it is overwhelming with the reality that I AM PREGNANT after so long and going through so much to get here, plus I am hypersensitive to EVERYTHING. I told him I wish I was high risk (not really, but I want the treatment). I am sure all first time moms are a little hypersensitive and without a pity party I really think I should have constant assurance that everything is ok. I know I sound a little needy, which drives me crazy, because I am not that kind of person, but in this situation, I am!
I told Casey last night that I am ready for this pregnancy to be over! I have been lucky and not had any sickness or problems, but I want my baby here and in my arms, which I know will come with a whole new set of worries, but I am just ready to see him or her. Not much longer as far as knowing the sex. Two weeks from yesterday. We are so excited and chomping at the bit! I will keep you posted! Love you all!

2nd trimester is here!

I know I have not posted in a while, but not much has changed. So I am not sure what to say? When the whole process started there was always something to update. I was thinking about a picture, but my iphoto is messed up. Plus I am not sure if I am ready for that or not? Hehehehe :) This is week 14. That is hard to believe sometimes. I want to enjoy every moment, but it is very nerve wracking to me as well. I am trying to relax and enjoy it, but I am VERY aware of everything going on in my body. I wonder what everything is. Is that a cramp? just gas, maybe bloated, am I getting big too fast? Whew! My mind is exhausting. A big concern the last few days has been how I sleep. Is it OK to sleep on your back? Do you need to alternate sides? etc... I have heard until 16 weeks your back is fine, but reading the Internet can just make you go crazier! I go to the doctor next week so that will be on my list of questions.
I am sure this is somewhat normal for all first time moms, but after everything we have been through it is still hard for me to believe at times that we are pregnant. I have been lucky and blessed to not have been sick or nauseated. So when you do not feel pregnant or look pregnant you just hope that everything is doing what it is suppose to and that the baby is growing healthy and strong. I really wish I could go to the doctor every week!! I mean that is what I am use to at the fertility doctor. I was there all the time and getting updated on every little thing. Now I go every 4 weeks! that seems like forever!
We are so excited to be in our second trimester and look forward to the weeks to come. Especially next month when we find out the sex!! We cannot wait to see what this little person is going to be! I will keep you posted and maybe a picture too!!

Bye Bye Progesterone and 1st Trimester...

Yes, you read that correctly...no more shots!!!! I took my last one this week. That is something that I will not miss. I was glad to see them go! and Bye to my first trimester too! That will happen in just a few short days. I had my first appointment with Dr. Macey yesterday. All went well. I did not have an ultra sound though. I was a little disappointed about that-I was hoping to see the little booger again and how much had changed. He said that he already had all he information sent over from NFC so he didn't need to do one. He basically just checked me out and got me set up with things (payment for appointments and delivery). It seemed crazy to be discussing delivery already, but I do realize it will be here fast. He did listen to the heart beat and when he was listening to it, he kept moving the Doppler around on my stomach. Then he looked up at me and he said "are you sure there is only one in there?" I just laughed and said "what, yes...well, that is what they tell me". He didn't really say much more, but I thought that was funny. The heart beat was 165. Still a high number. He is also said I was 11 weeks and 3 days yesterday and that everything looked well. I do not go back until October 28th, then again on November 23rd. Our November visit will be when we find out the sex!! How exciting!!! Yes we are finding out the sex and Yes we will let you all know!! I am so glad my first trimester is coming to an end, but in some ways it is hard to believe. It has not been bad but I think my nerves will feel better knowing that we have made it this far. It is still like a dream to me at times that this is truly happening to us. :)  Oh yes, I have a bump! It has popped out this last week. That is kind of funny too! I think I might, might post a belly shot at 12 weeks, if I am not to self conscious hehehehe....

10 weeks 3 days

Well, all is well. I am officially done with the fertility doctors (I hope) and now I will begin seeing my OBGYN, Dr. John Macey. I have my first appointment with him this Thursday, September 30th. I am not exactly sure what will happen at this appointment, but I think maybe another ultra sound since this is my first visit with him. I had my last appointment with my fertility doctors on September 15th. That was pretty neat. The first time we went for the ultra sound it was a pulsating dot and we did hear the ultra sound and this date was only two weeks later, wow do things change in two weeks! The ultra sound tech was smiling and she said oh look your baby is moving...she turned the screen and you could tell it was a baby, head, arm and leg sprouts, etc..I just giggled. I was not expecting that! The baby was moving/wiggling. It was kind of funny. The heart rate this time was 170. from my heart rates and baby bump (high) I am thinking girl, which is so funny to me. I have always seen myself as more of a boy mom, but I think it will be wonderful whatever the sex is! We are just so excited. It gets a little more real to me everyday. Last night Casey and I were laying down and he said "has it really hit you yet that "we" are having a baby? say it out loud we are having a baby". He was so funny. He is SO excited. Today after church he suggested that we go look at baby stuff. So we went to Babies R Us and Target. It is a little overwhelming looking at everything, but fun too! So many decision to be made.
I am finally sleeping a little better, but that does not say very much. This sleep routine has really thrown me for a loop. I think it is God's way of giving me a little practice for my days ahead of me! :)

Progesterone, Peeing and Sleep! :)

Ha! Yes, this are the big things in my life right now :) We are on the last leg of progesterone and now I know what it is for, it is to thicken my uterus. I guess it is important to have a thick uterus while pregnant. Peeing is something I do all the time too! I was not exactly sure why? I mean it's not as if the baby is pressing on my bladder already, this week it is going from the size of a blueberry to a raspberry. It amazes me every time I read about how it is growing and developing every week.  I found out why I am peeing so much already! Apparently HcG causes an increase of blood flow to the pelvic region, causing you to have that gotta go feeling and pee all the time. The other thing is during pregnancy your kidneys efficiency improves. It is trying to help your body rid itself of waste more quickly. So there you go! learn something new everyday! :)
Sleep, that is another story. It has been interrupted for about two months now. It has changed over the weeks. I use to wake up at 3 am and not go back to sleep. Now my routine is sleep about two hours and then pee. I am usually able to go back to sleep, but I am only able to sleep for about two hours at a time. I am thinking this is God's way of preparing me for motherhood. Some nights you will have  4 or 5 hours of sleep, but then there will be some nights where you get two hours here and then two hours there.
I am still feeling well. I go back for a second ultra sound on September 15th at the fertility office. If all checks out well I will then be released to my OBGYN, Dr. Macey. That appointment is on September 30th and I will be 11 weeks. That is when the progesterone will be over!!! I swear my butt will never be the same after all these shots, but apparently I will say that about my entire body after being pregnant! Hehehehe

Ultra Sound

Oops! I forgot to update yesterday. I guess with all the excitement it slipped my mind. Well, we have one little bun in the oven. It was SO amazing to hear the heart beat. Casey had sent me a text earlier in the day and said his mind had been wondering all day. Our appointment wasn't until 2:15. I made it as late as possible so Casey could go, but it sure made for a long day. When we got in the room the ultra sound technician said, "I am going to check everything out so do not get worried when I do not say anything at first, then I will tell you as much as I can". Then after about 40-60 seconds she said "there we go, one good heart beat". I think I just felt relieve and Casey just smiled; it was relieve for us both. She pointed out the flicker. Then she pushed a few more buttons and we heard the heart beat. She said and "there is your babies heart beat, 144 that is a good strong heart rate." We looked at each other and just smiled. We then talked about how amazing it was that even though it was only 7 weeks old that you could hear a strong heart beat like that! I am so glad that technology has come so far that we can hear the amazing miracle that God has blessed us with-what a moment!
So it was not two, which everyone thought. Actually we got some people trying to say it was going to be three or four! God's plan for us was to have one healthy baby. As much as I think it would have been amazing to have twins, apparently that was not his plan. I am just thrilled that his plan was for us to become parents. I am feeling pretty good. I have been pretty tired and I had heart burn Sunday and Monday, but besides that I am doing well. We have shared the news with everyone! Well, Casey has! he put something on facebook so you know it is out now. Sometimes it is still hard for me to believe. I know that I am pregnant, but it is really a weird feeling when something you have wanted and tried for; for SO long, had surgery's and procedures, been on steroids, fertility, etc....for so long and then all of a sudden after 5 years someone looks at you and says "your pregnant" it just doesn't seem to sink in. I have to keep reminding myself that it is true! this is happening!! I will be a mom! Yippee!!!!

April 21, 2011

We are pregnant!! Yes, it feels a little more real now. We found out Friday by a voice message. The message said "that my HCG pregnancy levels are 138, which is wonderful! So stay on your progesterone. We like to do three HCG levels. So you will come back in on Monday and then again on Wednesday. So congratulations it looks great, your definitely positive. It is a really strong level at 138".
We found out as soon as we were driving into Alabama (we went there this weekend for a wedding). Casey just smiled from ear to ear and I began to cry, then Casey noticed some friends of ours coming to the car. He said "dry it up" we can't look suspicious. We did not even have time to process it. It was straight to rehearsal dinner, the wedding the next day, plus I still was not sure what 138 means? So I wanted to wait until our last blood test on Wednesday (today). Apparently, there is not a certain number for your HCG, it can range greatly. The big thing you need is for your levels to double every two days. It will continue to do that (hopefully) for the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy. So my levels were... Friday=138, Monday=557, and Wednesday=1417 so my levels went above what they should have both times! Yippee!! Your HCG levels increasing are good indicators that you will not miscarry, have a biochemical pregnancy or an ectopic pregnancy.
I still have not processed it. It is just amazing and hard to believe. When you have wanted and prayed for something so long and it happens, you just thank God over and over, and continue to pray, just a different prayer now. Thank you Lord for this baby, please  keep me healthy and help my baby to grow strong. I hope you all will continue to pray for me/us and our baby.
P.S. If you read this, great! I really wish I could have told you all in person but I could not make you wait any longer. Please do not share this news with others though. I really debated posting this early, but I know you guys who read this are itching at the bit to know. So I could not keep it from you any longer. I have an ultra sound in two weeks (September 1st). We are hoping to keep it in until then. I am just 5 weeks tomorrow. Thanks again for your love. I will update again September 1st!