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. :-)

My work friends threw me a baby shower

Today I got to go to a shower my work put together for me. I was really looking forward to seeing everyone. It was a bit overwhelming but I enjoyed it so much. Its so nice to see how loved I am by the people I've worked with for over 7 1/2 years. I felt beautiful at the shower.



A speical thank you to Michele, Carmen and Maria for putting the shower together for me. We had an amazing time. Thank you everyone who came out to see me!!!

Our car was packed to the top as you can see below. I think Lily has more clothes then I do at this point. Is it bad that I'm jealous? :-)

8 months Pregnant Today!!!

A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, the bankroll smaller, a home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.

Congratulations Baby Lily, we did it!
We're on the home stretch little one.
I love you.

32 weeks Doctor Visit - I graduated!

Today I had two doctor's appointments like normal. I met first with my high risk doctor. I was excited to be going to see him. We haven't seen baby Lily in an ultrasound in a month and during these visits we get to see her and also check on the status of my cervix.

Everything went normal and my cervix was magically measuring 2.8 cm again. Remember anything over 2.5 is considered safe and normal for me. Since we had a scare in the hospital a few weeks back I made sure I was strict on bed rest to make sure this visit went well. With that said, after all the images were captured of my cervix and baby Lily, I was told I had graduated!!! I was so happy. This means that I won't be going back to the high risk doctor because in a few short weeks (maybe 3 to 4) my stitches will be removed and baby Lily will hopefully be born soon after. Its an amazing accomplishment for us all, I'm so glad we made it this far.

It was cool to see bits and pieces of Lily in the ultrasound pictures, we couldn't see her all at once because she is getting to big to fit into one shot. She weighs a little under 4 pounds and is in the 50th percentile, exactly where you want her to be. We are really pleased.

My parents came up to be with us for these appointments. It was very nice to share this time with them. My husband is so proud of me. I am so proud of him. I couldn't of done it without his help. He is such a great support for me.

After all the good news, we went to our next appointment with my OB. She was pleased to hear I had graduated and told me I was looking really good. The baby's heartbeat is healthy and my blood pressure is still nice and low. All is going so good. I'm so pleased. Bed rest has really made all the difference for baby Lily. We spoke with my OB on taking out my stitches. She is going to be the one to remove them and I couldn't be happier. I really hope she will be able to deliver me. At 36 or 37 weeks she is going to remove the stitches in the hospital and watch me for a few hours to see if I start labor or not. If not they will send me home to let nature take its course naturally.

Its amazing to think that in a few short weeks I could be delivering my beautiful bundle of joy!!

The Ups and Downs of Bed Rest

Well today I'm not having a good day. I'm not sure what it is exactly. It could have something to do with the fact that as of today I've been on bed rest for 69 days, or it could simply be I'm pregnant and my emotions are all over the place. Whatever it is, its not fun, not today at least.

The pain I was having last Friday has gone away, it only lasted a few days and if I stayed on my side I wouldn't feel it at all. The doctor thinks it could be because Lily is sunny side up. I hope that changes before delivery time. I'm sure it will, we still have some time to go.

But back to today, it started out like a normal day. I got up early, its been a trend lately, kissed my husband good bye and off to watching "Good Morning America" I went. But I noticed by around 11:00 am, I wasn't myself. I felt unproductive and a bit overwhelmed. I feel like I've been home in bed for so long that I need to get up and get organized. That's what I do best, and being on bed rest doesn't allow me to do that. I want to clean, I want to go shopping, I just want to do anything but be in bed another day.

I know it sounds selfish but some days are like this, most are not. Most of the time I'm content and happy with being at home in my bedroom, safe and sound. But today wasn't that day. I did my best to make the most of it. I tried to take a nap, that didn't work. I watched some TV, that kinda got old and I cried after watching every baby story there was, not normal... Eventually I gave in and called my husband at work. He let me vent it out and he cheered me up. Maybe all I needed was someone to talk to. After I got off the phone I decided I was done pouting and I got involved in scrap booking all of Lily's ultrasound pictures. By the time my husband came home from work, I seemed a lot better.

I know the end is near and I don't ever want to look back at this pregnancy as if it was a burden. I wanted to be pregnant and I want to have a healthy baby so I know I just have to roll with the punches. I'm 31 weeks now, so I have maybe nine weeks left. My stitches will be taken out in five weeks and who knows how soon after will Lily be born. I can do this, I know I can. I just have to realize I am doing all I can right now, I am doing my job.

I am growing a Lily.

Reality Check - its still a high risk pregnancy

I woke up this morning feeling like I had a tummy ache. That's the only way I could explain it. It was a feeling I hadn't felt before. My lower abdomen ached from left to right. If I laid on my back the ache would increase and be somewhat painful. I wasn't having any stomach problems. I was just having some unexplained pain in my lower abdomen.

My husband had called around lunch time to see if I wanted him to come home to make me lunch. I didn't want him to come home because I felt bad for him to leave work, but after we talked about what I was feeling we thought it would be best if he came home. He came home and we ate lunch together. The pain was still around but it kinda came and went. I rested after lunch for a bit to see if it would pass. It didn't.

We decided it would be a good idea if I called the doctor. I called and they thought it would be wise for me to go to the hospital. There was a chance I was having contractions and there might be something wrong with my cerclage. We didn't think twice, we were off. We called our parents to let them know what was going on.

When we got to the hospital they took my vitals and then hooked me up to the baby monitor machine, to watch the baby's heart beat and to see if I was having any contractions. I was nervous about my cerclage. They monitored me for about an hour, minor contractions and the baby's heart beat was just fine. They had a doctor from my OB practice on call at the hospital, she was aware of my situation should something happen. They decided to have a high risk doctor come and check my cerclage. That wasn't fun but you have to do what you have to do. The cerclage looked fine, the stitch was still holding perfectly. They did an internal ultrasound and told me my cervix was measuring 2.18cm, which is shorter. That was upsetting to hear. The high risk doctor wasn't concerned, he said everything looked fine. They gave me an IV with fluids and also gave me some drugs to relax my uterus. They discharged me about an hour later. They told me to relax and take it easy for the next few days. If the pain comes back, that I should call my doctor or come back to the hospital. I think we were there about five hours total.

When we left, I got upset. I was upset to hear my cervix had shortened but very much relieve that my cerclage and the baby were doing fine. This pregnancy has been so unpredictable. The little bit of freedom I had, I decided wasn't worth it. No one is telling me to go back on strict bed rest, but I am putting myself back on strict bed rest. I want Lily to have the best fighting chance she can have at life. I know in the end its worth it.

When we got home, I passed out. The drugs they gave me to relax my uterus, relaxed me... And that's putting it mildly. We got home around 6:30-7:00pm and I was knocked out until the next morning. Those were some good drugs...

30 weeks (7.5 months) Doctor's Visit

Today I have my follow up doctor's visit to get all of my blood work and gestational diabetes test results. I am visiting my OB today so I won't be having an ultrasound done. She will just measure my belly size, take all my vitals and ask me if I'm having any contractions or issues.

My results from the diabetes tests came back and I don't have gestational diabetes which is nice to know. I didn't think I would because I try to live a very healthy lifestyle but I know sometimes it just happens to pregnant women no matter how healthy you live. My blood work was fine except I am showing a little low on my iron levels, meaning I might be slightly anemic. She told me I should take an iron supplement for the remainder of the pregnancy. She gave me some samples and a prescription for more if needed.

I haven't had any contractions or any other issues. She said I looked great and my weight gain was right on track. It was a good visit. I will see her again in two weeks along with seeing my high risk doctor on the same day.

Celebrating "Mommy To Be" Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day and for me, even though I am over 7 months pregnant I don't feel like I can "officially" celebrate mothers day. I know I became a mother the moment I got pregnant but I don't think I'll actually feel like a mother until I get to see and hold Lily.

My husband surprised me this morning with a Calla Lily plant for my bedroom and made me breakfast in bed. He also gave me two cute pregnancy shirts. One that says "Love my Buddha Belly" and the other one says "Geek Incubator". I think they are both adorable and I can't wait to wear them.

Unfortunately my husband had to go into work today so I'm home alone. I can't be mad at him because I know how bad he feels about having to go into work and honestly, because I don't feel like a mother yet, I'm not really bummed about it. I know next year Lily will be with me and I'll be able to do something wonderful. I can't wait!!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers.

Our 5 year wedding anniversary - Lily's first beach trip

Today is our 5 year wedding anniversary and I'm super excited!!! We decided that since I'm on bed rest with a little freedom, that we would take a little trip to the place we got engaged, Cocoa Beach.

We woke up super early to go watch the sunrise. It was a nice ride over in the car, hardly any traffic and the fresh air smelled wonderful. We set up a blanket to lay on but I was so excited to be at the beach that I couldn't lay down. It dawned on me while there that Lily had never been to the beach so I had to show her a few things. I walked around pointing things out to her it was very cute. We brought our camera and took some amazing pictures. We went to breakfast afterwards at the same place we went to breakfast five years earlier after our engagement. It was a wonderful Anniversary celebration.

7 months and diabetes testing, oh my!

I'm officially 7 months pregnant!! I'm so happy to be able to write that. I feel strong and I am staying positive that I'll be able to bring Lily to full term. So proud of myself! :)

At my 28 week check up my doctor told me I'd be having some blood work done. Its almost the same types of tests they screen you for in the beginning of your pregnancy, including a glucose test to screen for gestational diabetes. Every pregnant women has to get screened for this. I've heard of some horror stories, mostly about women getting sick from drinking so much sugar all at once. I wasn't looking forward to the testing at all. I'm not a big fan of very sweet things.

When we got to my appointment, they gave me this orange bottle and told me I had to drink the whole thing in five minutes, the nurse had to watch me drink it down. It really wasn't that bad, if you have a choice pick the orange bottle. It tasted like the Hi-C orange drink you get from McDonald's, but just a little sweeter. I really didn't have a hard time drinking it and it was a little smaller then a normal size water bottle. After I drank it, the nurses moved me to an empty room. I had to wait an hour, and since I've been on bed rest they had me lay down for my hour. Other people can go run an errand and come back. But for me I needed to lay down and stay put.

After the hour wait, they took my blood. I wasn't feeling sick at all from the drink and I was much relieved. I did bring a water bottle with me, but was told I couldn't eat or drink anything during that hour wait. After my blood work the doctor came by and checked me out. She measured my baby bump and made sure all my vitals were doing good. She told me it would be about a week before I would get the results. She told me that baby Lily was doing wonderful and that she was so relieved to see me happy and healthy at 28 weeks.

Since we were staying at the hotel for the weekend, we picked up some lunch and headed back to the hotel. I felt good about the doctors visit and had positive thoughts that my glucose results would be just fine. Only time will tell...

A weekend retreat for me!!!!

Every two years my husbands' "whole" company gathers somewhere to spend four days in training. For this year the company decided to pick Orlando to have this gathering. Lucky for me, we didn't have to go very far and I was able to join my husband at the resort. Since I had just been released to be upright for two hours a day I was excited about going.

The first night, the company had an "icebreaker" for everyone including family members to meet and mingle. I decided I would attempt to go. I was really nervous. I only lasted about twenty minutes. It was sad. When I got to the banquet room, they had no chairs anywhere, it was buffets and high top tables. I got some food and walked around mingling but was too nervous someone was going to knock into me or that I wouldn't be able to walk back to the hotel room. So I decided I needed to go back to the room sooner then I had hoped. A lot of my husbands' coworkers were really surprised to see me, everyone was asking me questions. It was nice, but I got overwhelmed very quickly. Once I was back in the hotel room I was so much more secure. It was at that point, that I realized being on bed rest for two months had really taken a toll on my strength an endurance.

The next day, Friday, I had a doctors appointment. My husband went to his meetings in the morning and I relaxed in the hotel room. At lunch time we left for my appointment. More about my appointment in my next blog entry. Once my appointment was over we went back to the hotel. My husband had afternoon classes he had to attend. I rested in the hotel room, I was perfectly happy there. It was a nice change of scenery.

On Saturday, I remained in the hotel room relaxing. I had some visitors, a few other women at my husbands company are pregnant as well, so they came by on Saturday to see me. It was nice to compare notes and talk. Saturday night was the formal awards banquet. I was saving all my energy to be able to go to this. We got dressed up, I figured I would stay for dinner and then head back to the room. I wasn't going to be able to stay for the whole thing, but it was nice to sit with others at a table and mingle. I was so nervous about being outside and around others that I almost cried twice during dinner. It was just so overwhelming for me. I was so scared I was going to get run into or that I would trip and fall. Its very strange to feel this way because I am a very confident person, but because of everything I've gone through with this pregnancy, I wasn't about to let someone else take it away from me. I'm very protective on Lily.



Sunday, we checked out and went home. The four day retreat was wonderful for me. I didn't mind staying in the hotel room at all. I enjoyed being able to go to a few functions and was surprised that I couldn't last that long standing, but I know in time I will get my strength back.

A little freedom

Today I had another visit with my high risk doctor. I go every two weeks. I was very nervous about the appointment, I actually cried once we got there. I think I just get nervous that I might hear bad news, and its upsetting to think maybe I didn't do enough every week for Lily. Must be the hormones and the fact that this wasn't the way I had hoped my pregnancy would go. Nonetheless, the appointment went very well.

My cervix was measuring 2.9 cm, and with fundal pressure it was still measuring 2.9 cm. Being that the cervix did not funnel or shorten with the fundal pressure means that I'm in the best possible situation. I was very much relieved. The doctor told me at this point that since my cervix was doing so well that I could be upright for at least two hours a day. He told me that this would help with all the pinched nerves and headaches I'd been having from laying down so much.

With that said, I must tell everyone it was nice to hear the news, but its been two months of laying down. I'm not about to jump up and throw all of this time and effort out the door. I decided that "if" there was something that I "had" to do I would use that towards my two hours, but I wouldn't take advantage of the new freedom. It will be nice to maybe go for an hour a night and finish my baby registry in person versus doing everything online, but that's if I can even stand for an hour. I doubt I'm going to be able to last that long at first. I will probably have to build up to it. Its crazy how laying down for two months can really make you so very weak.

I'm also very nervous about being in the public. I know it might sound strange but when I do get to ride in a car, I feel like the world is going by so fast around me. I can't imagine what its going to be like to stand up and walk around a store with people possibly coming at me from all angles. I'm so protective of Lily and this has been such an overwhelming situation that I won't take this for granted, its not worth me losing my child.

To end this on a high note. I am happy to be attending a company function with my husband this upcoming weekend. This will allow me to stay at a resort (from one bed to another) and enjoy the possibility of room service and free movies! Now that's a freedom I can handle, and I'm looking forward to it. :-)