Because I like to try on as many pregnancy complications as possible, I am now diabetic. It seems this developed sometime after my gallbladder surgery and it should go away once I deliver our little Sprout.
With Lucy, my pregnancy was considered high risk because she had a 2 vessel cord or SUA. That gave us the opportunity to see her almost weekly during the last 19 weeks of pregnancy. Sprout, not wanting to be undone by big sis, will also be photographed (ultrasound) almost weekly from here on out. Baby's growth will be carefully watched and hopefully baby won't grow too big for me to deliver at a healthy time and safe manner.
A lot of this falls in my lap. I have to be mindful of every bite of food that enters my mouth. It is essential that I know what I'm eating and monitor how it impacts my body. I monitor my blood sugar 4 times a day and take an insulin stimulant twice a day. To be thorough, I'm also regularly checking my blood pressure, drinking more water and adding more exercise to my routine.
All that said, I'm scared. Scared in a way I never remember during my pregnancy with Lucy. I worried and feared the worse every moment of that pregnancy. In fact, I didn't believe I was going to bring home a child until I finally held her, saw her and listened to her cry. But that was a different circumstance. I didn't have any control over that. This time, it all feels like my fault, my choices and therefore my burden. I'm scared that I'm not strong enough to get through this. I'm nervous that if I take one extra bite, that will be the bite that ends my baby's life. I'm terrified that this will get out of control, and take me and my baby with it. I feel toxic. I'm the problem this time. My body is unable to function properly and it's going to have an effect on my child.
The extra monitoring will help and hopefully provide peace of mind for me. Baby will be measured every four weeks. We are scheduled for a fetal echocradiogram on dec 30. (At least I know what all this stuff means this go round.) Starting in the third trimester, I'll have 2 NSTs a week and an AFi. Those measure baby's activity and fluid. I'll know this child well whenever we finally get to snuggle. Just as a hint: It seems I really know this child well;). We'll see who's paying attention.
I'm confident in my doctors and more confident in my God. This is yet another opportunity for our family to walk with God through tough, challenging and gloriously perfect times.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
22 weeks
Sprout (who has a real, though "secret" name at long last) is growing and just kicking up quite a little belly storm!
Just before thanksgiving, we were blessed to see our sweet baby via ultrasound. Jason's parents, Nana an PaDon, accompanied us as we made sure our sweet Sprout was growing appropriately. I was particularly anxious as just the day before I had learned that I have gestational diabetes.
As the ultrasound began, we were still unsure who would learn baby's sex and how we would announce it. I wanted to be surprised at birth but Jason refused to wait. We went into the ultrasound with no real plan for keeping the secret and still have no idea what we're doing. I know baby's sex won't be announced on here or on Facebook until his/ her arrival. But if you hear through the grapevine (or my excited momma mouth, it's not the end of the world).
Anyway, here's the good stuff:
Baby is healthy and measured perfect for gestational age. I thought it was so amazing to watch this new little person move around inside my belly. Sprout, like big sister Lucy, interacted with the ultrasound wand. It was also very cool to see Sprout do something Lucy and I both do. When we're tired, we raked our fingers across any surface we can find by opening and closing our hands. Lucy had done this since birth and I do all the time. It's like a self-soothing kinda quirk. And don't you know, little Sprout found the side of my uterus and did the same thing for all to see. It was a moment of amazing connection that I never want to forget:)
Here are a couple of our ultrasound pictures. Our little Sprout has a profile that's nearly identical to Lucy. I'm looking forward to having these perfect babies so close to each other! What a blessing they are:)
I guess these photos are going to be sideways until I find time to fix their direction at the computer. Anyhow, enjoy little Sprout feet and beautiful profile!
Just before thanksgiving, we were blessed to see our sweet baby via ultrasound. Jason's parents, Nana an PaDon, accompanied us as we made sure our sweet Sprout was growing appropriately. I was particularly anxious as just the day before I had learned that I have gestational diabetes.
As the ultrasound began, we were still unsure who would learn baby's sex and how we would announce it. I wanted to be surprised at birth but Jason refused to wait. We went into the ultrasound with no real plan for keeping the secret and still have no idea what we're doing. I know baby's sex won't be announced on here or on Facebook until his/ her arrival. But if you hear through the grapevine (or my excited momma mouth, it's not the end of the world).
Anyway, here's the good stuff:
Baby is healthy and measured perfect for gestational age. I thought it was so amazing to watch this new little person move around inside my belly. Sprout, like big sister Lucy, interacted with the ultrasound wand. It was also very cool to see Sprout do something Lucy and I both do. When we're tired, we raked our fingers across any surface we can find by opening and closing our hands. Lucy had done this since birth and I do all the time. It's like a self-soothing kinda quirk. And don't you know, little Sprout found the side of my uterus and did the same thing for all to see. It was a moment of amazing connection that I never want to forget:)
Here are a couple of our ultrasound pictures. Our little Sprout has a profile that's nearly identical to Lucy. I'm looking forward to having these perfect babies so close to each other! What a blessing they are:)
I guess these photos are going to be sideways until I find time to fix their direction at the computer. Anyhow, enjoy little Sprout feet and beautiful profile!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Old wives tales
Copied from Lucy's blog, but with updates for Spout;)
I thought it would be fun to mention some Old Wives Tales and what they mean for our baby's sex.
Heart rate: Over 140= female, Under 140= male. These have varied a lot and I was in the post-op surgery room during some (so I don't quite remember them). However, the first HR was 128. I'll go with male this time.
Belly shape: Carrying high with a "watermelon"= female, Low with a "basketball"= male. I don't really know how to judge this one, but I feel like a watermelon with a basketball inside it this time. So, male again?
Acne: A girl steals her mother's good looks. A boy is more thoughtful, I suppose. No real acne issues this go round. Boy again.
Veins under your eyeball?! Who comes up with this stuff? Ok, if you pull down the skin under your left eye and see a vein in the shape of a "V" or "branches", it's a girl. Tiffany, my sister, says I sorta have something there. Girl.
Bread heels: If you enjoy the heels, its a boy. If not, girl. I'm not really a fan of any bread crust at any time, so girl again.
Dreams: If you dream of a boy, it'll be a girl and vice versa. I only dream of a boy. Girly!
Clumsiness: Clumsy during pregnancy= boy. Even carrying a wiggling Lucy, my balance is surprisingly good. I'm having a girl.
Cold feet: If you're feet are colder during pregnancy, it's a boy. If not, girl. I wore socks in the house yesterday. Typically, I wear flip flops until it snows. I'm having a boy according to this one.
I have felt very strongly that this baby is a boy. But I think I'm feeling that way because a girl would be soooooo convenient. We have a name chosen for a girl, but no idea for a boy's first name. We have 7 boxes of clothes for a little girl to wear in her first 6 months. I guess there's a couple things for a boy in there. Lucy and a baby girl could share a room. I think a girl is too convenient. From my experience, things don't often go that smoothly for me. We'll see tomorrow, though!
I thought it would be fun to mention some Old Wives Tales and what they mean for our baby's sex.
Heart rate: Over 140= female, Under 140= male. These have varied a lot and I was in the post-op surgery room during some (so I don't quite remember them). However, the first HR was 128. I'll go with male this time.
Belly shape: Carrying high with a "watermelon"= female, Low with a "basketball"= male. I don't really know how to judge this one, but I feel like a watermelon with a basketball inside it this time. So, male again?
Acne: A girl steals her mother's good looks. A boy is more thoughtful, I suppose. No real acne issues this go round. Boy again.
Veins under your eyeball?! Who comes up with this stuff? Ok, if you pull down the skin under your left eye and see a vein in the shape of a "V" or "branches", it's a girl. Tiffany, my sister, says I sorta have something there. Girl.
Bread heels: If you enjoy the heels, its a boy. If not, girl. I'm not really a fan of any bread crust at any time, so girl again.
Dreams: If you dream of a boy, it'll be a girl and vice versa. I only dream of a boy. Girly!
Clumsiness: Clumsy during pregnancy= boy. Even carrying a wiggling Lucy, my balance is surprisingly good. I'm having a girl.
Cold feet: If you're feet are colder during pregnancy, it's a boy. If not, girl. I wore socks in the house yesterday. Typically, I wear flip flops until it snows. I'm having a boy according to this one.
I have felt very strongly that this baby is a boy. But I think I'm feeling that way because a girl would be soooooo convenient. We have a name chosen for a girl, but no idea for a boy's first name. We have 7 boxes of clothes for a little girl to wear in her first 6 months. I guess there's a couple things for a boy in there. Lucy and a baby girl could share a room. I think a girl is too convenient. From my experience, things don't often go that smoothly for me. We'll see tomorrow, though!
Second only in birth order
I'm realizing that I'm just like every other mother of multiple children that I spent time talking to. It is HARD to balance having a child and preparing for another. I'm going to add: especially difficult when the first is only 9 months old. I'm humble enough to acknowledge that I thought I could avoid the pitfalls of having two babies. And I'm wise enough to admit most of those pitfalls are unavoidable. Let me elaborate...
During my pregnancy with Lucy, I blogged EVERY week after we announced the pregnancy. I either wrote something for her online blog, crafted a letter to her, or recorded details in her pregnancy journal. I have blogged a few times since announcing I'm pregnant with Sprout. I haven't written a single letter to him/ her. And I don't yet own a pregnancy journal.
But I'm completely, head over heels, beyond my wildest dreams in love with this baby growing in my belly. He/ she wiggles to remind me of his/ her presence and I instantly smile. Sprout does most of his wiggling when Lucy is sitting on my belly. It seems like his way of saying that he has plans for his big sister. (Please note: I'm still using him/ her interchangeably. We find out baby's sex tomorrow morning.)
I have wanted to do things differently this time around in order to make special memories for this time. When I had my gallbladder removed, I told myself that nothing else can go wrong. That was enough. There's no way I can possibly be challenged by anything else. Wrong again.
At my 16 week appointment, my midwife shared with me that I'm at in increased risk for pre-eclampsia since my blood pressure went crazy for no reason during the end of my pregnancy with Lucy. I have monitored my BP religiously in order to be sure I don't overdo it. About a week ago, the office called to say that it is now standard practice for all mothers who have such increased risk to partake in a 2 hour glucose screening. I went Friday morning. They called this morning. I failed. No one has officially said the words, but I don't think it could be more official. I have gestational diabetes. Apparently it's related.
I spoke with someone at the diabetes center this morning. I'll be attending a class to learn how to control my blood sugar with my diet next week. And she let me know that I've already been referred for additional monitoring. I think that upsets me most. The idea of an ultrasound every week for 10 weeks is great. The idea of non-stress tests twice a week for 10 weeks might sound fun. But I can tell you from experience, it's more of a hassle. I'm being honest. It's not that it's inconvenient to hear or see a baby. It's just that hard to waddle to the fetal- maternal center two to three times a week to hear that everything looks good. During my pregnancy with Lucy, it also made me extremely hyper-vigilant. It was like I had to know and be an expert at every single thing. Seriously, I think I could write a book on high risk pregnancy at this point in my life.
Jason has been at work all day, but knows what's going on. We haven't talked about it yet, but I think this information will change our plans for revealing the sex of baby #2. With Lucy, everything had such high potential to go wrong, I needed everything on the outside to be perfect for her. I didn't think I'd have that concern this go round. Now I do. I've lost a baby before, and I'm not prepared or willing to have that happen again. So, I suppose some of our family and friends might get their wish. Depending on Jason's thoughts, we might be revealing the sex early in order to best prepare a place and space for our Sprout. Your prayers go a long way. We'd appreciate them all.
During my pregnancy with Lucy, I blogged EVERY week after we announced the pregnancy. I either wrote something for her online blog, crafted a letter to her, or recorded details in her pregnancy journal. I have blogged a few times since announcing I'm pregnant with Sprout. I haven't written a single letter to him/ her. And I don't yet own a pregnancy journal.
But I'm completely, head over heels, beyond my wildest dreams in love with this baby growing in my belly. He/ she wiggles to remind me of his/ her presence and I instantly smile. Sprout does most of his wiggling when Lucy is sitting on my belly. It seems like his way of saying that he has plans for his big sister. (Please note: I'm still using him/ her interchangeably. We find out baby's sex tomorrow morning.)
I have wanted to do things differently this time around in order to make special memories for this time. When I had my gallbladder removed, I told myself that nothing else can go wrong. That was enough. There's no way I can possibly be challenged by anything else. Wrong again.
At my 16 week appointment, my midwife shared with me that I'm at in increased risk for pre-eclampsia since my blood pressure went crazy for no reason during the end of my pregnancy with Lucy. I have monitored my BP religiously in order to be sure I don't overdo it. About a week ago, the office called to say that it is now standard practice for all mothers who have such increased risk to partake in a 2 hour glucose screening. I went Friday morning. They called this morning. I failed. No one has officially said the words, but I don't think it could be more official. I have gestational diabetes. Apparently it's related.
I spoke with someone at the diabetes center this morning. I'll be attending a class to learn how to control my blood sugar with my diet next week. And she let me know that I've already been referred for additional monitoring. I think that upsets me most. The idea of an ultrasound every week for 10 weeks is great. The idea of non-stress tests twice a week for 10 weeks might sound fun. But I can tell you from experience, it's more of a hassle. I'm being honest. It's not that it's inconvenient to hear or see a baby. It's just that hard to waddle to the fetal- maternal center two to three times a week to hear that everything looks good. During my pregnancy with Lucy, it also made me extremely hyper-vigilant. It was like I had to know and be an expert at every single thing. Seriously, I think I could write a book on high risk pregnancy at this point in my life.
Jason has been at work all day, but knows what's going on. We haven't talked about it yet, but I think this information will change our plans for revealing the sex of baby #2. With Lucy, everything had such high potential to go wrong, I needed everything on the outside to be perfect for her. I didn't think I'd have that concern this go round. Now I do. I've lost a baby before, and I'm not prepared or willing to have that happen again. So, I suppose some of our family and friends might get their wish. Depending on Jason's thoughts, we might be revealing the sex early in order to best prepare a place and space for our Sprout. Your prayers go a long way. We'd appreciate them all.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Whirlwind Pregnancy!
How is it possible that little Sprout Colliver is already 15 weeks old?! I remember feeling pregnant with Lucy FOREVER. This time, I blink and we're weeks along. The past 5 weeks have been very good to our family.
Perhaps you'll remember a slight complication caused by a certain pesky gallbladder... Well, that was definitely one of the scariest moments in my momma life. As my mother and I arrived at the hospital on Sept 22 at 10am, I felt confident that God had a firm hand on my baby and me. (For the record, I sent Jason to Musikgarten with Lucy in order to keep her routine as intact as possible.) During the 4 hour wait, I slowly but surely begin to lose my nerve. The sweetest anesthesiologist came to speak to me moments before wheeling me back to surgery. Typically, patients are sedated before entering the operating room-- probably for the comfort level of all involved. As I am with child, that sedation was not an option for me and I was fully aware of my impending gallbladder eviction as we strolled down various hallways and into "the room". Another perk of being pregnant during surgery: I had to have a clamp placed on my throat in order to keep everything inside my stomach during the procedure. I was awake for the placement of the clamp. Awesome. Luckily, I was only awake for another 60ish seconds (otherwise, I may have entered meltdown mode, as I HATE having my neck touched by anyone or thing).
When I woke up from surgery, I immediately asked if my baby was ok. I was assured that everything had gone well and it seemed the baby should have no idea that someone was poking around in there. Within the next hour, my midwife came to visit me in order to listen for Sprout's heartbeat post-op. With Lucy and Sprout, I have been told multiple times that it might not be possible to get a fetal heart tone prior to 12- 16 weeks. We have been told that so many times- and we have heard both babies every time someone has tried. Until the hour after my surgery. The midwife tried for quite a while before admitting that she was not going be able to hear the heartbeat of my baby. She patted my arm and said "baby is probably asleep behind your pelvic bone. Don't worry. We'll get him." I was slightly reassured and so happy to have pain killers/ sedative for the remainder of the day. Around 10pm that night (7 hours later), the doctor came in to "give it a shot". Don't you know, little Sprout's heart was beating loud and strong within moments of the doctor listening. Clearlyi, the midwife was right. Once Sprout woke up, it was evident that he was on the move. The doctor asked if I was nervous that it took some time to find the baby. Uh, yeah- you could say that! I was again assured that baby probably had no idea anything happened, but appreciated the long nap.
Since that time, we have visited the midwife for our 12 week check up. It was a very empowering experience. When she asked what questions I had, I thought and then shook my head. "I think I know what I'm doing." The operative phrase being "I think". :)
Now, we're approaching our 16 week visit. We are all excited to hear our little Sprout's heart beating again. Also, we get to schedule our anatomy ultrasound at that visit. We are all excited to find out if we have a Sprouter or a Sprout-ette!
Perhaps you'll remember a slight complication caused by a certain pesky gallbladder... Well, that was definitely one of the scariest moments in my momma life. As my mother and I arrived at the hospital on Sept 22 at 10am, I felt confident that God had a firm hand on my baby and me. (For the record, I sent Jason to Musikgarten with Lucy in order to keep her routine as intact as possible.) During the 4 hour wait, I slowly but surely begin to lose my nerve. The sweetest anesthesiologist came to speak to me moments before wheeling me back to surgery. Typically, patients are sedated before entering the operating room-- probably for the comfort level of all involved. As I am with child, that sedation was not an option for me and I was fully aware of my impending gallbladder eviction as we strolled down various hallways and into "the room". Another perk of being pregnant during surgery: I had to have a clamp placed on my throat in order to keep everything inside my stomach during the procedure. I was awake for the placement of the clamp. Awesome. Luckily, I was only awake for another 60ish seconds (otherwise, I may have entered meltdown mode, as I HATE having my neck touched by anyone or thing).
When I woke up from surgery, I immediately asked if my baby was ok. I was assured that everything had gone well and it seemed the baby should have no idea that someone was poking around in there. Within the next hour, my midwife came to visit me in order to listen for Sprout's heartbeat post-op. With Lucy and Sprout, I have been told multiple times that it might not be possible to get a fetal heart tone prior to 12- 16 weeks. We have been told that so many times- and we have heard both babies every time someone has tried. Until the hour after my surgery. The midwife tried for quite a while before admitting that she was not going be able to hear the heartbeat of my baby. She patted my arm and said "baby is probably asleep behind your pelvic bone. Don't worry. We'll get him." I was slightly reassured and so happy to have pain killers/ sedative for the remainder of the day. Around 10pm that night (7 hours later), the doctor came in to "give it a shot". Don't you know, little Sprout's heart was beating loud and strong within moments of the doctor listening. Clearlyi, the midwife was right. Once Sprout woke up, it was evident that he was on the move. The doctor asked if I was nervous that it took some time to find the baby. Uh, yeah- you could say that! I was again assured that baby probably had no idea anything happened, but appreciated the long nap.
Since that time, we have visited the midwife for our 12 week check up. It was a very empowering experience. When she asked what questions I had, I thought and then shook my head. "I think I know what I'm doing." The operative phrase being "I think". :)
Now, we're approaching our 16 week visit. We are all excited to hear our little Sprout's heart beating again. Also, we get to schedule our anatomy ultrasound at that visit. We are all excited to find out if we have a Sprouter or a Sprout-ette!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Prayer Request
I am about 11 weeks pregnant with our little Sprout. Last Friday night (the 9th), I experienced the worst pain that I've ever had. I've been successfully living with hormonally- induced gallstones for a while now-- probably longer than I know. However, this past week was much different. The pain was so unbearable and overwhelming that I ended up in the ER Saturday morning. The attack lasted 5 full days and scared me beyond belief.
In the past week, I've had an ultrasound showing some very large stones which indicated that my gallbladder must be removed immediately. I'm 11 weeks pregnant. In case you forgot. Apparently, this is the ONLY safe time to have this surgery during pregnancy. However, that only offers me mild consolation. On Thursday Sept 22, I'll have the surgery performed at 10am. In the meantime, I'm on a slight bedrest in hopes of preventing any stone passage. I'm confident in my doctors and very confident in my God. I know this will be over soon and make this pregnancy easier for me, Jason, and Lucy. I'm just asking for prayers while our family recovers. This is why we chose to share our news earlier than planned. We need your prayers and thoughts this week and next, more than ever. Thanks for remembering us!
In the past week, I've had an ultrasound showing some very large stones which indicated that my gallbladder must be removed immediately. I'm 11 weeks pregnant. In case you forgot. Apparently, this is the ONLY safe time to have this surgery during pregnancy. However, that only offers me mild consolation. On Thursday Sept 22, I'll have the surgery performed at 10am. In the meantime, I'm on a slight bedrest in hopes of preventing any stone passage. I'm confident in my doctors and very confident in my God. I know this will be over soon and make this pregnancy easier for me, Jason, and Lucy. I'm just asking for prayers while our family recovers. This is why we chose to share our news earlier than planned. We need your prayers and thoughts this week and next, more than ever. Thanks for remembering us!
Welcome, Sprout!
Once upon a time, I thought I'd never have the privilege and joy of
being a mommy. If you had told me that my fairy tale was coming, I
would have thought you were crazy. But, I would have been wrong. Not
only am I the blessed mommy of a beautiful angel baby (our Poppy) and
our perfect sweetheart (Lucy), I get to be a mommy again! We are
thrilled to announce that little Sprout Colliver will be joining our
family sometime this Spring (late March/ early April). We could not
have planned our life any better than our Faithful God did- I'm forever
grateful for the blessing of my sweet family. 
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)