Weekly Appointments Begin - 37 weeks

Since having my cerclage removed I was hoping I'd go into labor pretty quickly but that doesn't seem to be happening. Today's appointment didn't show any signs of labor. The doctor checked my vitals and measured my belly like normal. Everything checked out perfect. On my next visit I'll be given an ultrasound to check the size of the baby and I'll be checked to see if any progress of labor has been made.

The Day I got my Cerclage Removed

Today I was admitted into the triage department of the hospital to have my cerclage (stitches) removed. We were scheduled to be there for 9:00am. My doctor was removing the stitches which was reassuring for me. We were nervous but I knew there was no turning back. I wasn't having any contractions as they were monitoring me and Lily. Lily's heartbeat was exactly where it should be. She's such a great baby already.

This time my husband got to be with me. I was happy about that. When I had to cerclage put in I had to be given a spinal and admitted to an operating room where he wasn't allowed to be with me. For the removal they did it in a private triage room. The procedure took about 10 minutes and it wasn't painful. The most uncomfortable part was the placement and use of the speculum. (Sorry if that caused some of you women a visual) I don't think its ever comfortable but when you're 9 months pregnant there seems to be more pressure down there.... Anyways, all went well.

My doctor even showed me "my miracle stitch", I know it sounds gross but I wanted to see it. I was just curious to see what helped hold my baby inside me. It looked like a really strong piece of string.

After the procedure they told me I would need to be only monitored for 20 minutes. Which was different then I had been told weeks earlier. I was planning on being there about four hours. They only wanted to monitor us for 20 minutes because my cervix was completely closed after the procedure and they just wanted to see if I was going to have any contractions. I didn't have any contractions I was just having some mild cramping and spotting. My doctor said that might last for the day but to just monitor it. If anything got worse I was to come back to the hospital.

All day I had cramps but nothing more. My husband took the day off from work to be with me which was reassuring. I was nervous that I might go into labor but by the next day all my cramping went away. Now we just play the waiting game.

My doctor did tell me that I'm officially off bed rest but I should still take it easy for a least another week. She would like to see me get to 37 weeks, which is considered full term. She did tell me that she would like me to try to move around a little more to get my strength and stamina back, which would help with the delivery process for when that happens. Just not to over do it just yet. So now we just wait and see what happens. So exciting that we made it this far together.

36 week (9 months) Doctor's Appointment

Today we had our final check up with the doctor to determine if everything is in order for the removal of my cerclage (stitches) tomorrow morning. The visit went well. My weight and blood pressure are normal so tomorrow's removal is a go. No eating after midnight in case I go into labor.

We did have an ultrasound done but only a view of her for a few seconds to determine if she's still head down. She is head down but still sunny side up. I was a little bummed to hear the news but its okay she still has time to flip.

We're very happy to make it this far with Lily and we're excited to have my cerclage removed tomorrow.

My Baby Shower Video

This is a video from my baby shower on June 5th. Tissues are optional.

Thank you Tom for putting these memories to video for me.
www.tomcarverphotography.com

Baby Shower from Tom Carver on Vimeo.

Family Photo Shoot

Since my belly photos were taken during the day my husband wasn't able to be there so we had another photo shoot at our house to get some with him in them. I was super excited about getting these done!! I just can't get enough photos. Here is just a sample of a few that we took. More to come later. Enjoy!

Belly Photo Shoot

Today was another exciting day for me. This is something I've wanted to do ever since I found out I was pregnant. I wasn't sure if I would be able to because of the bed rest but because things are going so good for me, it happened!! My mom was here for a few days so I made sure to schedule the photo shoot when she would be around. I would need help, changing clothes and positioning myself for pictures. I have no energy these days so getting up and down is sometimes difficult. We were troopers and it was hot outside but we made it happen.

A family friend took my photos. He does amazing work. If interested I will send you his contact info, just email me. He was also the same person who photographed my baby shower. (Previous post)

He had the idea of taking us to a 4 mile horseback riding trail out by my house. All I wanted was to have something done in nature, very earthy and hippy like. I just love being outside and I wanted it to represent me giving back to the earth by having this adorable little girl. Also you will see I had some daisies with me. They are my favorite flower so I wanted to incorporate them into the photos. I don't have many photos to share but here are a few. More to come later. I hope you like them.

34 week (8 1/2 month) Doctor's Appointment

Today was a busy day. My doctor's appointment was later in the afternoon and my mom was staying with us for a few days to help me get organized for Lily's arrival, so we were running errands all morning. My husband met us at my appointment, as he had to work.

This appointment was going to be one of the big ones because we were going to find out when they might remove my stitches. Since the last appointment my husband and I decided it would be best to ask to have the stitches removed on June 24th versus July 1st. We don't want Lily to come earlier then needed but we wanted to make sure the added pressure of her weight does not tear my stitches and cause me more harm then good at this point. That's the funny thing with a cerclage. They are good to use to make sure Lily stays safe and sound, but towards the end of the pregnancy, they can cause harm to the mother if things progress sooner then hoped. Or force me to have a C-section if not removed in time.

The doctor agreed that we would schedule the removal of my cerclage to take place early morning, Thursday June 24th. On my next appointment which will be June 23rd, the day before, they are going to check my cervix and stitches, measure to see how long Lily is, find out her weight, and also see her position. Since she's been sunny side up, but head down, for the last few months, I'm hoping she flips before the next appointment. If all is well then the following day we will proceed with my cerclage removal. I'm excited and a bit nervous.

There is no telling if I will go into labor that day the stitch is removed it just depends on how my cervix reacts. I'm heard stories that some women can go into labor right away and others it takes a few more weeks. Its almost as the cervix has been tied up for too long that it doesn't know it can expand like it should. The doctor is going to keep me in the hospital for a few hours after the removal of the stitches to make sure I'm not dilating. It should make for an exciting and interesting day.

My Baby Shower - Tea Parlor

Every expectant mom looks forward to their baby shower and for me it was just the same, I was excited!! Alot of planning had gone into putting this baby shower together and in the end it was exactly how I had envisioned it to be. I was nervous that at one point in this pregnancy I wouldn't get a chance to have a baby shower before Lily arrived but with my doctor's permission, it happened. I had 35 wonderful friends and family members in attendance.

My baby shower was beau-tea-ful!!

Jen and Stephanie were the hosts for the event. They did an amazing job.

My husband was there for a little while to visit with everyone.

Family members traveled far and long to join me for the shower. I was so happy to have everyone with me.



My shower was exactly what I had hoped it would be. I am truly thankful to have such wonderful and supportive friends and family members. Lily and I couldn't have gotten here without you. I hope you all enjoyed the day as much as I did.

Busy Memorial Weekend

We had a busy Memorial weekend. On Saturday we went to IKEA to get a few things for Lily's room. Of course with me being on bed rest, an outing was exactly what I wanted. To go, I had to agree to ride in a wheelchair, but since I can't walk or stand up for very long, I didn't fight it.I was just happy to be out of the house. Below is a picture of how we got around while in IKEA. Don't worry we weren't there for very long, we only got what we needed. Its not pretty, but it worked. :-)



On Sunday my husband finished building a swing for Lily and I. Last year we built an arbor in our backyard and this year we decided to add a swing to it. Just in time for Lily and I to enjoy it! I can't wait. I am very proud of my husband. I'm so happy he likes building things. I've always wanted my own swing.



Then lastly, on Monday we decided to build out Lily's closet to make room for all her clothes. She doesn't have the biggest closet but we tried to make the most of it by building it with shelves and drawers. I think it turned out perfect!



It was a productive weekend that's for sure. But I'm not sure how many more weekends like this my husband can take. He's been a good sport about doing all these things because he knows Lily will be here soon, but I still feel bad that I can't help him more. Maybe this weekend he'll get to relax for a change. After all it is his birthday. :-)