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!
Showing posts with label 2nd Pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2nd Pregnancy. Show all posts
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
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 : )
...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 : )
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
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 - !?
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 - !?
Monday, August 25, 2014
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 : )
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 : )
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
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...
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...
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
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!
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!
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| Sock-tapus! |
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| Cute bib I don’t want to get dirty! |
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
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!
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!
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| 34 Weeks |
Saturday, August 9, 2014
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
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!”
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!”
Saturday, August 2, 2014
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!
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!
Monday, July 21, 2014
One Baby, Not Two
31 Weeks
For the second week in a row, a Kroger employee has balked at my belly.
Last week, the cashier next to us asked Tim with wide eyes, “When is she due?” September 20th. “Do you think she’ll make it? That baby looks low.”
This week I went by myself and my sweet older bagger told me I looked like I had a lot going on and when I was due [with leery eyes]. I told him and he asked me if it was a single birth. Oh My God. I assured him one baby was in there, though it was my second child.
I mean, I feel big, but I know I got bigger at the end and I know I have more growing to do. I’m also aware I could be carrying more amniotic fluid since Hannah can’t swallow much due to her Duodenal Atresia. Though I don’t know this for sure b.c no one has told me how much extra I’m carrying since week 24.
I went back and looked at my 31 week with Nora - same dress. I think I look about the same. Mom, you think I’m further out, too, but I’m not so sure. Either way, was fun to do a side-by-side.
*Edit 7/22: Tim said the bump is bigger on the right, too - I get it, I concede : )
For the second week in a row, a Kroger employee has balked at my belly.
Last week, the cashier next to us asked Tim with wide eyes, “When is she due?” September 20th. “Do you think she’ll make it? That baby looks low.”
This week I went by myself and my sweet older bagger told me I looked like I had a lot going on and when I was due [with leery eyes]. I told him and he asked me if it was a single birth. Oh My God. I assured him one baby was in there, though it was my second child.
I mean, I feel big, but I know I got bigger at the end and I know I have more growing to do. I’m also aware I could be carrying more amniotic fluid since Hannah can’t swallow much due to her Duodenal Atresia. Though I don’t know this for sure b.c no one has told me how much extra I’m carrying since week 24.
I went back and looked at my 31 week with Nora - same dress. I think I look about the same. Mom, you think I’m further out, too, but I’m not so sure. Either way, was fun to do a side-by-side.
*Edit 7/22: Tim said the bump is bigger on the right, too - I get it, I concede : )
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Good Sam Tour: Blergh.
30 Weeks
I believe I’ve mentioned I’m delivering at Good Samaritan because of their Level 3 NICU vs. Bethesda North which only has a Level 1. Though Hannah will be transferred to Children’s immediately, I guess we still need to be somewhere with the best care for any immediate needs.
We took a tour of Good Sam today, mainly to know what door to enter and what floor to go to. Other than that, Tim won’t be spending any more time there once Hannah is transferred and hopefully I won’t be there much longer. Knowing those facts made this tour unexpectedly emotional for me and a real drag.
I know Good Sam is extremely wonderful at what they do with amazing care… though I wasn’t ready for how old the hospital looks. I know they’ve been around a while, but was a little shocked at how drab it felt inside. Or maybe that was my mood being projected on my surroundings.
I looked around at all the first-time parents and sad feeling rose inside me; knowing we wouldn’t be staying in this hospital, that my husband and baby will have to leave me alone there… Then they walked us to the nursery and I could barely look inside without tears starting to fall out of my eyes. My baby won’t be in that cozy nursery. I stayed back from the window.
I left the tour in a foul mood and once we drove away, I lost it for a few minutes. A brief moment of me needing to let it out, sad we won’t have a “normal” experience.
Once I shook it off, Tim reminded me that Children’s is where we’ll be spending our time and that place rocks and has such a positive, pulsing vibe in it - this truth made me come back around to my good place. Being around other families in the Children’s NICU will feel more supportive.
So while I know there are good intentions with comments like “Oh, you’re so strong/I couldn’t do what you’re doing,”… well, I’m no stronger than anyone else and yes, you could do this; any parent would tighten his/her bootstraps, find determination and move forward.
Today took me off-guard. Though the emotional stumble surprised me, I’m glad I had it; remind myself it’s okay to stumble as we take this new path.
I believe I’ve mentioned I’m delivering at Good Samaritan because of their Level 3 NICU vs. Bethesda North which only has a Level 1. Though Hannah will be transferred to Children’s immediately, I guess we still need to be somewhere with the best care for any immediate needs.
We took a tour of Good Sam today, mainly to know what door to enter and what floor to go to. Other than that, Tim won’t be spending any more time there once Hannah is transferred and hopefully I won’t be there much longer. Knowing those facts made this tour unexpectedly emotional for me and a real drag.
I know Good Sam is extremely wonderful at what they do with amazing care… though I wasn’t ready for how old the hospital looks. I know they’ve been around a while, but was a little shocked at how drab it felt inside. Or maybe that was my mood being projected on my surroundings.
I looked around at all the first-time parents and sad feeling rose inside me; knowing we wouldn’t be staying in this hospital, that my husband and baby will have to leave me alone there… Then they walked us to the nursery and I could barely look inside without tears starting to fall out of my eyes. My baby won’t be in that cozy nursery. I stayed back from the window.
I left the tour in a foul mood and once we drove away, I lost it for a few minutes. A brief moment of me needing to let it out, sad we won’t have a “normal” experience.
Once I shook it off, Tim reminded me that Children’s is where we’ll be spending our time and that place rocks and has such a positive, pulsing vibe in it - this truth made me come back around to my good place. Being around other families in the Children’s NICU will feel more supportive.
So while I know there are good intentions with comments like “Oh, you’re so strong/I couldn’t do what you’re doing,”… well, I’m no stronger than anyone else and yes, you could do this; any parent would tighten his/her bootstraps, find determination and move forward.
Today took me off-guard. Though the emotional stumble surprised me, I’m glad I had it; remind myself it’s okay to stumble as we take this new path.
Friday, July 11, 2014
If You'd Like to Learn More:
I found this resource for anyone who would like a fairly short guide of information/education on Down syndrome [Compared to what Tim and I are delving into]. I didn’t know squat until our path was re-directed.
Some things I’ve learned:
• Did you know it’s called Down syndrome because Dr. Langdon Down was the man who first named the genetic condition in 1866?
• Individuals with Ds are more similar than you than dissimilar.
• In 1983, individuals with Ds were expected to live to 25. Today’s life expectancy is 60.
• Children with Ds are in the same classroom as typical children.
Here is the link to “Your Loved One is Having A Baby With Down syndrome:”
http://downsyndromepregnancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Loved-Ones-Booklet-DSP.pdf
Happy Friday everyone and hope you learn one new thing about Ds!
Some things I’ve learned:
• Did you know it’s called Down syndrome because Dr. Langdon Down was the man who first named the genetic condition in 1866?
• Individuals with Ds are more similar than you than dissimilar.
• In 1983, individuals with Ds were expected to live to 25. Today’s life expectancy is 60.
• Children with Ds are in the same classroom as typical children.
Here is the link to “Your Loved One is Having A Baby With Down syndrome:”
http://downsyndromepregnancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Loved-Ones-Booklet-DSP.pdf
Happy Friday everyone and hope you learn one new thing about Ds!
Monday, July 7, 2014
4th of July Weekend: Thursday
2 Years, 7 Months
After some scheduling snafus last week, Nora ended up getting to spend the day with her BFF, Ava! She literally shook with joy when Tim dropped her off Thursday AM. They are two peas in a pod - or should I say, a bike pod! Anne took them on an 8-mile bike ride pulling 70lbs of toddler behind her! Impressive, eh?
Anne reported that the two girls just laughed and gabbed the entire day. “Naptime” was simply them reading books on Anne’s bed. I was wondering how nap time would go, if at all. Oh well!
I came to get Nora around 5:30pm - they were playing in princess dresses and Nora cried in the car because she didn’t want to leave - wow! With such an exciting day, Nora didn’t make it long - conked out by the time we reached Terrace Park. Waking her up in the garage was a nightmare - epic meltdown. She wanted to keep sleeping in the car!
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| Really, Mom? |
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| Zonk. |
Bedtime came fast Thursday night : )
Note 1: I had my monthly Level 2 ultrasound that morning - pretty uneventful, which is good. No doctor came to speak to me and the technician was super sweet and gave me another 3D image:
Note 2: Tim went to report for Grand Jury duty. He is an alternate for the alternates which essentially means they shouldn’t need him. Thank you Sweet Baby Jesus!
4th Batty Sister
Two weekends ago Stephanie and my Mom hosted a bridal shower for Stephanie’s best friend since 2nd grade, Rose. I was looking forward to it partially because I never doing anything alone anymore : ) Rose is kind of like the 4th Batty Sister since she’s been a friend of Stephanie [and the family] for so many years. Not to mention, she kind of resembles us a bit.
It was a nice day with great food!
Tim took Nora to see Nana & Papa. They “swam” in her backyard and Tim took this photo... so big!!
It was a nice day with great food!
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Knowledge is Power
28 Weeks
Every day I visit some sites about Down Syndrome; message boards, parents’ blogs and pages on Facebook that I’ve “liked.” These are the resources that I find most helpful - seeing other families who are living a very normal life.
One of my favorites is a father to a son named Noah. Theirs was a birth diagnosis [not prenatal like ours]. He has an old post titled “12 Things I Wish I Knew When I Found Our Our Son Had Ds” which I really liked:
Every day I visit some sites about Down Syndrome; message boards, parents’ blogs and pages on Facebook that I’ve “liked.” These are the resources that I find most helpful - seeing other families who are living a very normal life.
One of my favorites is a father to a son named Noah. Theirs was a birth diagnosis [not prenatal like ours]. He has an old post titled “12 Things I Wish I Knew When I Found Our Our Son Had Ds” which I really liked:
1. Noah being born with Down syndrome doesn’t mean he’s sick or unhealthy.
2. Noah’s not going to be a vegetable. In fact, far from it.
3. Noah’s going to laugh and play just like every other kid.
4. Noah shares more things in common with a child without Down syndrome than differences.
5. In a few weeks your son having Down syndrome won’t be a big deal.
6. You’re going to have the ability to make a huge impact in the world.
7. Your going to have so much fun with your son. In fact, you’re going to have even more fun than you ever imagined!
8. You aren’t alone.
9. Your didn’t just exchange a happy story for a sad one.
10. Other people’s stories aren’t your stories.
11. Stay off internet.
12. You and your family are going to be just fine.
Throughout this process I’ve realized how little I knew [if anything] about Ds. I think and hope our family and friends will learn through our experience, maybe even educate themselves a little here and there, and we can all take this journey together into unknown territory!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Cramps & Turkeys
28 Weeks
2 Years
I’ve slowly been washing Nora’s old items and getting baby items in order - I washed all the newborn items and could barely remember those days of Nora being so small! Nora loved seeing all her old clothes, “Ooohh they’re so cuuuute!”
Passed my glucose test this week and received my Rhogam injection to protect my O- blood from possible attacking Hannah in the womb.
Kicked off the Third Trimester today! And not in a great way… after waking up, around 8:30 I had some mild cramps. They weren’t timed out, it was a constant uncomfortable cramp. Hurt more when I was sitting. Hannah was still moving around, too. I drank a ton of water and ate some food and they went away by lunchtime. My abdomen was also tightening up in intervals so I’m pretty sure I was having some bad Braxton-Hicks.
I gal I know delivered her baby early at 28 weeks - ! I can’t imagine… feeling those cramps today made me think… I am not ready! My labor with Nora was all back labor - I did not have the menstrual cramp feelings that typically occur. It wasn’t pleasant and I hope this time around isn’t as long as the first!
We also hit the Farmers’ Market this morning. I walked around holding Nora’s hand and after passing a gentleman, I heard him say “That turkey’s done!” Um, wow. No sir, my turkey is NOT done - I have three more months hopefully! Good day to YOU!
2 Years
I’ve slowly been washing Nora’s old items and getting baby items in order - I washed all the newborn items and could barely remember those days of Nora being so small! Nora loved seeing all her old clothes, “Ooohh they’re so cuuuute!”
Passed my glucose test this week and received my Rhogam injection to protect my O- blood from possible attacking Hannah in the womb.
Kicked off the Third Trimester today! And not in a great way… after waking up, around 8:30 I had some mild cramps. They weren’t timed out, it was a constant uncomfortable cramp. Hurt more when I was sitting. Hannah was still moving around, too. I drank a ton of water and ate some food and they went away by lunchtime. My abdomen was also tightening up in intervals so I’m pretty sure I was having some bad Braxton-Hicks.
I gal I know delivered her baby early at 28 weeks - ! I can’t imagine… feeling those cramps today made me think… I am not ready! My labor with Nora was all back labor - I did not have the menstrual cramp feelings that typically occur. It wasn’t pleasant and I hope this time around isn’t as long as the first!
We also hit the Farmers’ Market this morning. I walked around holding Nora’s hand and after passing a gentleman, I heard him say “That turkey’s done!” Um, wow. No sir, my turkey is NOT done - I have three more months hopefully! Good day to YOU!
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
We Made It
It’s been our busiest weekend this summer - with no A/C - and we made it.
After over 24 hours, 333-HELP [formerly Thompson Heating & Cooling] never called me back after I asked twice if someone was going to help me. Very disappointed - they lost a customer for good. Waiting until Tuesday’s install seemed like a lifetime away.
Friday Tim had some business to take care of so I took Nora to the Children’s Museum at Union Terminal. It was our first time! Hey, two working parents, it’s hard to get to these things. It’s a really great place for families and it was nice to just let Nora GO. I didn’t feel like I had to hover over her, she just ran from exhibit to exhibit. We only stayed for a little over an hour and she probably could have kept going, but I kept lunch + nap time in mind.
Tim met us and we ended up having lunch at Mellow Mushroom in Wilder, KY. Nom!
My Mom came at 3pm to watch Nora for the night while Tim and I went with some friends to see Chris Robinson Band in Louisville. I put my Mom in our room since it had a ceiling fan… bless her heart for rocking with no A/C.
It was strange leaving Nora that afternoon - I felt like I kept forgetting something; I think it was the little person who is always with us!
It was nice to kind of unplug and leave responsibility for less than a day. We stayed at the Seelbach Hilton which I highly recommend. Part of me missed being able to have a drink - a bunch of parents out on the town? I was craving a beer! We ate at BBC which was fun and super hippie. Enjoyed catching up with close friends.
The show was really good - a new venue that’s super small. The music was great, very hippie vibe, a handful of older Grateful Dead fans there, lots of noodle dancing : ) Being super sober is always interesting… I had one drunk girl touch my belly. Geezum. And at least 3 others almost touch and say “Awww!” One older lady stopped in front of me and say “I’ve never seen someone so skinny with their belly so far out!” Um… thanks?
Even though I feel pretty “able” when I’m pregnant, standing on my feet that long was rough. Not to mention Nora had been up since 5:50 that morning… Gah! At set break, we were able to sit on some couches upstairs which helped… I made it to 11:45pm. I couldn’t take much more on my feet. I was back in the hotel bed at 12am - crazy late for me!
We got back at almost noon and cleaned up because we had a family wedding that night - ! We have so many weddings on my Mom’s side in recent years, so we try to get to at least one a year. It’s hard with schedules and living 2+ hrs from these weddings.
We drove about 2 hours to my cousin’s wedding. It was nice to see family, especially my 88-year old Grandmother. Visit with some family and Nora of course started falling apart toward the end. She’d already been to the library and Nature Center that AM!
We left at 7:45pm, got home around 9:45pm and CRASHED.
---------
It is Tuesday now at 5pm and I worked from home all day because the A/C tech came at 7:15am. He was wrapped up and left at 3:15pm [he’d also installed a new all-house humidifier]. I could cry I’m so thankful the house is back to cool.
The poor tech guy from Recker & Boerger was in a polo shirt and khakis - I got him 3 big glasses of ice water throughout the day. I’m going to be sure to give good customer feedback!
7 Days without A/C during the hottest week of the year thus far. I did my best not to complain because there are far worse situations to deal with.
Onward!
After over 24 hours, 333-HELP [formerly Thompson Heating & Cooling] never called me back after I asked twice if someone was going to help me. Very disappointed - they lost a customer for good. Waiting until Tuesday’s install seemed like a lifetime away.
Friday Tim had some business to take care of so I took Nora to the Children’s Museum at Union Terminal. It was our first time! Hey, two working parents, it’s hard to get to these things. It’s a really great place for families and it was nice to just let Nora GO. I didn’t feel like I had to hover over her, she just ran from exhibit to exhibit. We only stayed for a little over an hour and she probably could have kept going, but I kept lunch + nap time in mind.
 |
| Ja' Mon! |
 |
| Getting the doggies water at the “vet.” |
Tim met us and we ended up having lunch at Mellow Mushroom in Wilder, KY. Nom!
My Mom came at 3pm to watch Nora for the night while Tim and I went with some friends to see Chris Robinson Band in Louisville. I put my Mom in our room since it had a ceiling fan… bless her heart for rocking with no A/C.
It was strange leaving Nora that afternoon - I felt like I kept forgetting something; I think it was the little person who is always with us!
It was nice to kind of unplug and leave responsibility for less than a day. We stayed at the Seelbach Hilton which I highly recommend. Part of me missed being able to have a drink - a bunch of parents out on the town? I was craving a beer! We ate at BBC which was fun and super hippie. Enjoyed catching up with close friends.
The show was really good - a new venue that’s super small. The music was great, very hippie vibe, a handful of older Grateful Dead fans there, lots of noodle dancing : ) Being super sober is always interesting… I had one drunk girl touch my belly. Geezum. And at least 3 others almost touch and say “Awww!” One older lady stopped in front of me and say “I’ve never seen someone so skinny with their belly so far out!” Um… thanks?
 |
| That knockoff American flag? It’s a Freak Flag. Love it. |
Even though I feel pretty “able” when I’m pregnant, standing on my feet that long was rough. Not to mention Nora had been up since 5:50 that morning… Gah! At set break, we were able to sit on some couches upstairs which helped… I made it to 11:45pm. I couldn’t take much more on my feet. I was back in the hotel bed at 12am - crazy late for me!
We got back at almost noon and cleaned up because we had a family wedding that night - ! We have so many weddings on my Mom’s side in recent years, so we try to get to at least one a year. It’s hard with schedules and living 2+ hrs from these weddings.
We drove about 2 hours to my cousin’s wedding. It was nice to see family, especially my 88-year old Grandmother. Visit with some family and Nora of course started falling apart toward the end. She’d already been to the library and Nature Center that AM!
 |
| Welcoming the bridal party on Grandpa’s lap. |
We left at 7:45pm, got home around 9:45pm and CRASHED.
---------
It is Tuesday now at 5pm and I worked from home all day because the A/C tech came at 7:15am. He was wrapped up and left at 3:15pm [he’d also installed a new all-house humidifier]. I could cry I’m so thankful the house is back to cool.
The poor tech guy from Recker & Boerger was in a polo shirt and khakis - I got him 3 big glasses of ice water throughout the day. I’m going to be sure to give good customer feedback!
7 Days without A/C during the hottest week of the year thus far. I did my best not to complain because there are far worse situations to deal with.
 |
| No complaining about heat from the little one! |
Onward!
Thursday, June 19, 2014
It's Pouring
26 Weeks
“When it rains, it pours.” Truth.
1. Tim was summoned for jury duty for the months of July - August... It’s a high possibility I could deliver early; i.e. end of August. Tim submitted a letter of dismissal about our unborn daughter’s complications and that I could deliver early. Denied. Two big middle fingers to Clermont Co. Court system.
2. I came home Tuesday evening and looked at the thermostat. It read 77˚ when I’d set it at 72˚ that AM. Went downstairs and the one pipe [?] was frozen. Awesome. We knew the AC was 15-20 years old. Last summer we simply had a handyman recharge the freon. We felt it was silly to recharge again for another $400 this year and simply replace the system since it needs to be anyway.
I had called a local place at 8:30am on Wed and again halfway through the day only to be told twice, “Someone will call you.” It’s currently 11:20am on Thursday and they never got back to me. I since have called Recker & Boerger who helped me immediately and within one hour I have an appointment for Tuesday [unfortunately the soonest available] for a new installation.
3. Someone who knows me made an unintentionally insensitive comment via social media about feeling wonderful after receiving a “normal” genetic test result for their unborn baby. I’ve grown to dislike the word “normal.” I was already grumpy about the AC and seeing this statement really got me. I couldn’t help my anger and resentment bubble up. I realize a lot of people probably don’t know or realize things they say can be insensitive. I’m trying to get a thicker skin, but it’s going to take a while.
It also made me hope I’ve never said insensitive things along the way of babies/fertility... not until knowing friends who struggled with fertility or miscarriages do we take for granted a “normal” pregnancy. I think that’s why with my second pregnancy, from the get-go I wanted to keep it off social media. I’m just more in tune with oversharing “perfect” pregnancies. Especially for women who struggle[d] or are having complications.
So for my dear acquaintances who have been through the trenches - I hope my first time around, I wasn’t that annoying pregger. Now I’m on the other side and it’s hard. Seeing all these adorable babies on the computer is fun, but hard because my sweetie will have tubes galore... but that’s okay because she’s still our awesome daughter.
In summary - all of theses things bundled up made for a really rotten day Wednesday. I cried when I got in my car. Then I got home to an 80+ degree home and I cried more. Tim sweetly rubbed my feet before bed and we slept decent and today is a new day!
“When it rains, it pours.” Truth.
1. Tim was summoned for jury duty for the months of July - August... It’s a high possibility I could deliver early; i.e. end of August. Tim submitted a letter of dismissal about our unborn daughter’s complications and that I could deliver early. Denied. Two big middle fingers to Clermont Co. Court system.
2. I came home Tuesday evening and looked at the thermostat. It read 77˚ when I’d set it at 72˚ that AM. Went downstairs and the one pipe [?] was frozen. Awesome. We knew the AC was 15-20 years old. Last summer we simply had a handyman recharge the freon. We felt it was silly to recharge again for another $400 this year and simply replace the system since it needs to be anyway.
I had called a local place at 8:30am on Wed and again halfway through the day only to be told twice, “Someone will call you.” It’s currently 11:20am on Thursday and they never got back to me. I since have called Recker & Boerger who helped me immediately and within one hour I have an appointment for Tuesday [unfortunately the soonest available] for a new installation.
3. Someone who knows me made an unintentionally insensitive comment via social media about feeling wonderful after receiving a “normal” genetic test result for their unborn baby. I’ve grown to dislike the word “normal.” I was already grumpy about the AC and seeing this statement really got me. I couldn’t help my anger and resentment bubble up. I realize a lot of people probably don’t know or realize things they say can be insensitive. I’m trying to get a thicker skin, but it’s going to take a while.
It also made me hope I’ve never said insensitive things along the way of babies/fertility... not until knowing friends who struggled with fertility or miscarriages do we take for granted a “normal” pregnancy. I think that’s why with my second pregnancy, from the get-go I wanted to keep it off social media. I’m just more in tune with oversharing “perfect” pregnancies. Especially for women who struggle[d] or are having complications.
So for my dear acquaintances who have been through the trenches - I hope my first time around, I wasn’t that annoying pregger. Now I’m on the other side and it’s hard. Seeing all these adorable babies on the computer is fun, but hard because my sweetie will have tubes galore... but that’s okay because she’s still our awesome daughter.
In summary - all of theses things bundled up made for a really rotten day Wednesday. I cried when I got in my car. Then I got home to an 80+ degree home and I cried more. Tim sweetly rubbed my feet before bed and we slept decent and today is a new day!
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