Surprise Shower!

37 Weeks

Last Sunday [Aug 24th] we were going over to a friend’s new house to catch up and see their new gutted remodel in Blue Ash. 

As we pulled up we noticed some other friends hanging out on the front porch and thought, “We didn’t realize it was a party - ?”

Turns out our close circle of friends sneakily gathered up to wish us well with Hannah’s upcoming arrival. I was shocked and humbled - they all came together and gave us a generous Kroger card that could be used also for gas with all the back and forth to Children’s. 

I cried at least 3 times that day for the thoughtfulness and love our dear friends showed us. Simply having them all in one place to show their support for us meant the world. It was a comforting feeling knowing they are all there to help in whatever we need. 

We love you all! 

Nora’s 1st Boatride

2 Years, 8 Months

Back on August 10th, our good friends invited us down to their lake house on Williamstown Lake, KY. Nora has been down before, but this was her first time riding on a boat! She loved it and even wanted to sit up front. That’s our fearless girl! 

We were there about 4 hours - which was enough for all of us - thankfully Tim doesn’t doze off in cars so he could drive home! 

Update is...

36 Weeks

...NOTHING! Wah-waahhhhh. Sorry to disappoint. 

I had another Nonstress test and Hannah did great. My OB checked me “downstairs” and said everything is in shape and ready. I asked him about the possible induction... he said let’s go another week and see how things are going. Which is great - the longer I have to go into labor on my own is good to me. 

I think the nervousness of induction has to do with not having control of my body. I’ll always prefer my own body to make that call if it can. 

So - sorry, everyone - no news, but that’s a good thing : ) 

Reality Is Setting In...

36 Weeks

Reality is starting to set in... like, “Oh snap - Hannah could be here next week.” Tim said he was looking forward to a 3-day weekend and I keep forgetting it’s a holiday weekend. In my head it’s the last weekend to get stuff done before Hannah arrives! [This isn’t necessarily true - we do not know when she’ll come.]

Let’s clean/vacuum my car. Let’s trim the long grass at the end of the driveway. Let’s wash the dog. Last trip to the Farmers’ Market for a while. Do we need anything from the children’s resale shop? I need some canisters at the Container Store...

I’m nervous about everything. I’m nervous about the possibility of induction. I’m nervous about how to split our time between the girls on weekend while Hannah is in the NICU. I’m already nervous about how to keep Nora occupied while I feed Hannah. [It’s not as easy as telling her, “Oh just go look at some books.”] In my head I’m an anxious person... I’m pretty sure I don’t come across that way - ? 

We want to squeeze in the last weekend of “just-Nora-time.” Then it’s a switch to Time-Between-Two-Children - a new art form to learn! Of course, I’m being a little dramatic. Two children is nothing to some families we know : ) 

Just anxious realizing next weekend has the possibility of being a family of 4 - !?

Today’s Nonstress Test / Biophysical Profile:

36 Weeks

Today’s tests went very well - Hannah performed well for the perinatal center at Bethesda. She did fall asleep, however, and had to have the noise wand buzzed at her head which startled her and in turn, startled me that she jerked! The technician said “We know she hears well!” Geez! 

Hannah is up to 5 lbs - woo hoo! Which makes Tim and I wonder - if she’s gaining weight, why do we need to get her out? My OB knows best though... we’ll see what this week’s appointment brings. 

In crazy nesting news, I decided while pregnant to get a mole checked out that was not on my chest 4 years ago. Good timing, right? This would be the 3rd time in my life I’ve been to a dermatologist - ! Just from plain magnified sight, he was 99% sure it was Seborrheic Keratosis - not even technically a mole - and more common on older people. Hm! 

So I had my first “mole” shaved off which freaked me out a bit, but thankfully didn’t feel a thing and has put my mind at ease about one thing in my life : ) 

My “Other Sister’s” Wedding

36 Weeks

Saturday was Stephanie’s BFF from 2nd grade, Rose’s wedding. I’ve known Rose since... 1989?? I consider her the 4th Batty sister since we all grew up together, not to mention she resembles Stephanie & Katherine. 

Though she and her husband, Derek, reside in Atlanta now, they were married in Tipp City at the Willow Tree Inn. I actually considered the venue for our wedding, but since we were going to be the first week of October, we decided not to roll the dice with the weather - which was a good choice because our wedding day was only around 55˚! 

Of course after such a cool summer, it heats up on the weekend we have an outdoor wedding and I’m 36 weeks pregnant. Yowsers. The ceremony was probably the hottest part, yet short and sweet. When Rose & Derek kissed, everyone shook maracas! It was awesome. 

The reception was in the homestead barn and adjacent tent which had industrial fans which helped a lot. There were Mexican beers and margaritas... I enjoyed sweet tea and lemonade. The food was Chipotle catering! Who doesn’t love that? The whole event was easy and laid back and great. Nora danced her tail off. 

We left by 7pm for the tired drive home. Nora of course did NOT fall asleep and had a hard time going to bed - over tired. 

The new husband & wifey!

Update: Getting Evicted

35 Weeks

I had a Nonstress Test [NST] at my OB this morning at 9am... it went okay, but Hannah was not active enough for their liking. I ate 3 Twizzlers and not enough - ! So then I was told to stick around for a Biophysical Profile [BPP] - basically just another Ultrasound. 

It was shorter than usual, maybe 10-15 minutes. 

Dr. Bowen and the other practitioner came into my room to talk about any findings - which weren’t any, really. Hannah’s heartbeat and movements are all good and well. She’s still very small - about the tenth percentile. She’s about 4 lbs 7 oz, where typical babies would be around 5 lbs 4 oz. 

Dr. Bowen doesn’t want to risk any more complications or [God forbid] stillbirth, so he offered me an induction once we hit 37 weeks [Labor Day weekend]. Tim and I obliged - it’s not what I envisioned [hell, what has been this pregnancy??], but of course we’re doing what’s best for her. 

I’m still going for another NST and BPP at Bethesda Prenatal Center on Monday, then my 36 week appointment is next Thursday - Bowen will check me “below” and make a recommendation on how to induce. I’m thankful for my OB - he’s very supportive of natural methods and I’m confident he won’t jump straight to Pitocin. I know some women are successful being induced with Pitocin and not getting an epidural, but it’s few and far between. It’s a very hard drug to labor with. 

I’m hoping for other methods such as stripping/breaking membranes, a Foley bulb or a Cervadil net. A lot of women I talk to didn’t even realize there were other options! 

So I’m guessing we’re looking at the first week of September... which falls into my vision of Sept 4th - ! 

Stay tuned... 

Mommy the Snuffleupagus

35 Weeks

This is slightly embarrassing, but it’s too funny - I pretend to be Snuffleupagus with a chenille throw over me while Nora rides Snuffy. Halfway through my third trimester. 

It looks like she hunted and caught me. Creepy. 

Work Baby Shower!

34 Weeks

My coworkers were extremely sweet and threw me a baby shower last night. I tend to follow the etiquette that a 2nd baby shower isn’t necessary, especially for a 2nd of the same sex. We really do have everything we need [for the most part!]. They managed to find out some of the items we do need and I am so grateful! 

We had dinner downtown at Sotto - it was my 2nd time there pregnant and it’s delicious. Now I need to get Tim there and enjoy a glass of wine! 

I’m thankful I found this new job with very supportive women - they’ve been here to listen to me through this journey and seen me cry and laugh. 

Thanks again to them all! 

Sock-tapus!

Cute bib I don’t want to get dirty!

Nora Photo Dump!

2 Years, 8 Months

With cousin Izzie’s shin guards - who knows? We’ll let her choose!

Glam!

Post nap, still waking up.

Lumenocity 2014

I can’t believe I forgot to record an actual date night here!

Back on Friday, Aug 1st - Tim and I had a date night at my office for Lumenocity 2014.

This is the 2nd annual event - a conglomeration of the Cincinnati Symphony set with projected motion graphics on the facade of Cincinnati’s Music Hall. Last year was the inaugural year when I worked at Landor and two of our Creative Directors there lead the helm of the ship. Those two gentlemen have since left to form their own creative firm, Brave Berlin, and owned the production again this year [don’t ask me how that was allowed legally].

This year, I’m at goDutch and our new studio is on Race Street, facing and overlooking Washington Park and Music Hall. We brought in a huge catered meal, lots of drinks and invited our friends/family to view from our 3rd floor windows.

It was really great! A little hot, and thankfully the production was done by 10:30 because that’s when my coach turned into a pumpkin!

Thanks again to Nana for watching Nora! xx

The view from our window!

Our conference room viewing

Tribute to Charley Harper - my favorite part!

34 Week Appointment: Slightly New Status

34 Weeks

Well it turns out that while Hannah is growing, she’s not growing at a typical pace; I don’t think this is uncommon for babies with Ds. We know one little boy who was born at 34 weeks but measuring the size of a 28-week old. 

Hannah is still growing, but I think if she stalls out, they may need to assess whether she’s better outside Mommy vs. inside. At the end of July she was measuring about 3 lbs, 11oz. So I’d presume she’s past 4 lbs by now. I’m really hoping we can make it to 37 weeks; full term. 

I’m scheduled for a Non-Stress Test at my OB next week, then the week of the 25th we have another Level 2 Ultrasound [our last?] as well as another Non-Stress Test and Biophysical Profile: a simple, painless test that’s performed during pregnancy to assess the baby’s well-being – specifically, whether she’s getting enough oxygen in the womb.

The test starts with an ultrasound to observe the baby’s body movements, muscle tone (flexing the arms and legs), and breathing movements (the baby’s ability to move her chest muscles and diaphragm), and the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding her.

So I think that test may determine whether she’ll be taken out or not - ! 

Hannah still has Vertriclomegaly; enlarged brain ventricles due to fluid... no one has talked a lot to us about this which makes me think - if they’re not making a big deal out of it, I guess it’s not as big a deal as her stomach and heart - ? 

From the other mothers I’ve corresponded with, almost no one has needed shunting, even in more severe cases, and the children develop quite fine with no additional delays or cognitive setbacks. Again, these Babycenter message boards have been a great support for me!

So after my appointment last night, I had a release of emotions alone in my car... some of the tears were for “Why us?” but most of the tears were for Hannah’s health - I still know she’s under the best care, but it doesn’t make it any easier. It’s so much for a baby to go through.

Had a good night’s sleep and today is a new day!

34 Weeks

Language to Use with Down syndrome:

34 Weeks

Thought this would also be helpful and educational to anyone not familiar - it was all new information to me as well!

The National Down Syndrome Society and the National Down Syndrome Congress encourages the language below:  

- Down vs. Down’s. NDSS and NDSC use the preferred spelling, Down syndrome, rather than Down’s syndrome. While Down syndrome is listed in many dictionaries with both popular spellings (with or without an apostrophe s), the preferred usage in the United States is Down syndrome. This is because an “apostrophe s” connotes ownership or possession. Down syndrome is named for the English physician John Langdon Down, who characterized the condition, but did not have it.

- People with Down syndrome should always be referred to as people first. Instead of “a Down syndrome child,” it should be “a child with Down syndrome.” Also avoid “Down’s child” or “Down’s Baby” and describing the condition as “Down’s,” as in, “He has Down’s.” This seems like a minor distinction, but to me it is like the difference between someone telling you “you look pretty in that dress” vs. “that dress looks pretty on you.” One compliments the dress, the other is a compliment to you. We wouldn't say “ADHD Child” or “Autism Child.”

- Down syndrome is a condition or a syndrome, not a disease. People with Down syndrome can be perfectly healthy.

- People “have” Down syndrome, they do not “suffer from” it and are not “afflicted by” it.

- It is clinically acceptable to say “mental retardation,” but you may want to use the more socially acceptable “cognitive disability,” “cognitive impairment,” "intellectual disability", "developmental delay" or intellectual impairment." 

- When referring to “normal” children, use the term “typical” - people with Down syndrome are normal like you and I, they just happen to have Down syndrome. (Anyway, is anyone really “normal?” : ) )

Twins, right?

34 Weeks

I’m writing this to simply record for myself. 

I believe I was on my way to my 32 week appointment and stopped at Office Depot to fax something. The woman working hit me with the trifecta: 

“You’re due soon!”
“Not really.”
“Having a boy?”
“Nope, girl.”
“Twins?”
“NO.”

WOW. That’s twice I’ve been asked twins - are you for real?! 

I also got another “You having a boy?” on the street this week. 

Hey everyone, carrying low/high has to do with my body, not the sex of the baby!

Follow-Up Echo & NICU Tour

33 Weeks

Yesterday was an 8-week follow up from the original echocardiogram for Hannah. It was at 1pm, right after lunch, in a dark room. I may be the first person to nearly fall asleep with a wand being jabbed in my belly. 

There was one minor finding this time - one of her valves has a tiny leak, but neither technician nor cardiologist were worried about it - another “thing” to be monitored. I guess if they’re not worried, we’ll try not to be!

After the Echo, we went to the NICU for a tour - I had no idea what to expect, was trying to remember not to picture myself/Hannah there yet so I wouldn’t get emotional. Really, it was less of a production that I was expecting! 

We all washed our hands before entering and the director showed us the larger shared pods of babies - about 6 or 8 - as well as small, private rooms. The private rooms are for extended stays, so while they look very nice and personal, ideally we don’t want too long of a stay! 

Tim and I have 24 hr access. There are lactation rooms and consultants which will be helpful. Since Hannah won’t be able to nurse right away, I’ll be pumping from the get-go. I’m pretty nervous about this - lots of feeding hurdles right away. I’ve read a lot of mothers who have been through this do have success nursing, but it definitely takes time and effort. 

In the group rooms, it looks like Moms just sit in a comfy chair next to their baby for however long they are there that day. I wonder if I’ll get bored? If I’ll be able to hold Hannah most of my days there? How long before I can try to nurse her? All nebulous for a Mama who likes to plan! 

Lastly, after asking multiple professionals on our “team,” the conclusion seems to be that I’m just fine to labor at home - for a while I thought maybe I’d have to go in at the first signs in case there was any concern Hannah might go into distress during labor. Her conditions should’t cause any distress. If you think about it, any baby can go into distress during labor! 

So my doula, Anna, came over last night to finalize any questions and know where we now live, etc. Anna was excited to meet Nora - Anna was there when Nora was born, remember? 

Best case scenario, I have a “good” labor & delivery with no interventions, I get some skin-to-skin time with Hannah before any medical needs and transportation. Even if it’s just 15 minutes! 

I have a few OB appointments left and probably just one more Level 2 ultrasound... we’ll probably get our bags packed in a week or so... Like Tim has said, “Let’s just get this show on the road!” 

Nora’s Big Day Out

We’ve been cramming in a lot of last minute friend visits and events before we’re dumped into oblivion for an undetermined amount of time when Hannah arrives. 

Last Saturday, the 26th, we decided to go to the zoo so Nora had a special morning. There was a threat of thunderstorms and it wasn’t terribly hot, so it actually worked out well with a thin crowd. We crammed a lot in 2.5 hours and Nora loved every minute of it! 

Baby Giraffe!

Poor pacing Tiger

Family soft serve - yum!

Yelling at the goats will not bring them closer, Nora.

Nap time unfortunately was under 30 minutes in the car, and our next event was a food truck rally in Milford where we met up with friends. The food was fantastic and great beer vendors [whine!]. It was incredibly hot and we had squeezed in a LOT into the day already, so we only lasted an hour and a half. 

The biggest surprise of all was a set of Disney Princesses [gag] who sang songs for a good half hour. Nora is incredibly familiar with Frozen because our sitter lets the kids watch it. Tim and I have never seen this movie nor had we heard this “hit song” called Let It Go that Nora sings frequently. 

She was mesmerized… maybe more so than most kids there - called out by the fact she was front and center. [Tim verified the speakers up front were NOT in use]

Let It Go, guys. 

Not much longer, my sweet.

Maren & Adrian

Those theater kids loved Nora.

33 Weeks

33 Weeks

I’ve been getting monthly Level 2 ultrasounds to keep track of Hannah in the womb. Thursday’s went well - the doctor said she’s growing well and on track, about 3lbs 11oz right now. My amniotic fluid is also at normal levels which was great to hear - that means Hannah is swallowing it [some of it is getting past her duodenal atresia]. More amniotic fluid means delivering early, so glad the levels are back down. 

No one has said anything about the fluid in her brain which I guess is a good thing - it seems to be on the back burner, hoping again that those levels stay in check to avoid shunts to drain it. 

I’m pretty reedy to not be pregnant anymore, but the longer Hannah stays in, the bigger and stronger she’ll be which will be a great thing when she comes out! 

Happy Weekend!