Monster Jack - 3D Ultrasound Day

Tonight after work we had a scheduled ultrasound at another ultrasound school and for $20 they would provide us with photos of baby Jack in 3D.

I rushed home, prepared dinner really quick, and packed our taco dinner up for a picnic in the car. I then picked up Master Sean from and we headed down to the school. Traffic was nice to us and since it was on the later side (6pm) we missed the brunt of the traffic and made it with plenty of time.

Upon our arrival we checked in and paid our $20 and were handed a blank CD and were instructed to head down the hall to the lab. When arriving to the lab, we found the lights dim, some white boards, and 6 ulltrasound machines with student on the table and students at the machine. They were learning using each other as test dumbies.

After a few short minutes of waiting we were asked to come back and get prepared. I got up onto the table (not so easy anymore btw....so painful b/c of my pain condition in my thighs/crotch) but I made it and got ready for them.

There were about 4 students watching and learning and they started to complete the measurements.

1st on the menu:
Head size

Then we moved onto the following:
abdomen
spine
femur
brain
genitals (Funny story here...the teacher helping out said "big balls" in her Romanian accent...they were quite prominent on the screen. Big Circles...) Sorry Jack...yes we're talking about you. Don't kill us.)

And then the fun stuff....trying to locate the face, hands and toes. After they found the face the students and teacher couldn't stop saying "he looks so upset, he looks so upset." When we finally were able to see a good photo of his face...yup they were correct. He has his daddies scrunched face... basically a pissed off face. Jacks hands were blocking most of his face so we were not able to get a perfect shot but we got some pretty good ones. (photos to go up later when I get to the scanner).

The advanced students spent a lot of time with us 35-40 minutes searching for things and working with our very large Jack who was very low already.

After the ultrasound we were handed a stack of photos, probably about 20 and a CD with the ultrasound that they just completed. I'll have to see if I can upload to youtube.com or to this site the video.

I then asked before we left how big he was measuring b/c I kept hearing the numbers 37 weeks being thrown around. They said that the computer based upon the measurements was saying Jack was at 37 week measurements and 7lbs. I know that these are not at all accurate but if they were, I'm in some serious trouble (I'm 34 weeks tomorrow) and that would explain all the contractions and pain I'm having. :) The little man ain't so little anymore...maybe :)

8 1/2 Month Check Up

This weekend was quite eventful. Two showers and then putting all of the items away. I think little Jack was telling me to slow down b/c my body would not stop with the braxton hicks from about 5pm on Saturday.

I started getting a little worried when I was at work today and they were consistant at about 4-5 minutes lasting 1-2 minutes. No pain, no bleeding, no cramping, but me never having had a child before I wasn't 100% positive that this was for sure contractions.

Today ironically I had a 8 1/2 month check up with my OB so I got concerned and called the doctors office explained my situation (I was really only concerned b/c I was 33 weeks and I didn't want it to turn into full blown labor) and they said to come on in early and they will see what they can do.

I headed out of work an hour early b/c I was majorly caught up, and got to the office only to discover that the ENTIRE waiting room was FILLED! Every seat, AC not working very hard, kids running around, and the front desk overflowing with people. I started to wonder what the heck they brought me in early for.

Come to find out the ultrasound tech was in today so 1/2 the people were for ultrasounds but I waited for 1.75 hours and then I was finally seen by Dr. Linsey.

Thank goodness I wasn't testy or I would have lost it a few times. I just sat in my chair and closed my eyes and caught some Z's.

4:45pm rolled around (45 minutes after my regularly scheduled appt time) I was called back and finally seen. PS - I think they were just bombed b/c today was a holiday, but not for this lady.

So here are the stats:
BP = 120/68 (a little higher on the first one than normal, and lower and on the second one)
Measurement = 33.5 (remember plus or minus the amount of weeks you are by 2 is normal) So we're right on target once again.
Jack Heartbeat = 145
***Urine = positive

The reason why I starred urine is b/c this will come into play when I talk about the discussion I had with Dr Linsey about the contractions.

I explained that I had been having them very consistently and no letting up, no pain, but I was curious if A) they were braxton hicks and B) if there was any harm is having so many.

Doc stated that yes they were braxton as he was feeling them as I was having them in the office, and he re-assured me that no, there is no downside for having so many.

He did advise that I was dehydrated and to go home and drink up and rest and that should help. I quickly questioned what having to hydrate would do with contractions. He stated that your uterus is a muscle and when it doesn't get enough water it will cramp up which is exactly what it's doing. I explained to him that I felt that I was drinking water by the gallons and peeing it just as fast. He then said, well your urine test says otherwise and came back positive for proteins.

So with that said, everything else was fine, I have another appt in 2 weeks and a culture set for next visit for "beta strep" and then at that point we're at weekly appointments. Eek....it's creeping up so fast!

Work and Family Shower

Friday 2/19/2010 my work held me a shower in which we played a few games (guess the baby food, and unscramble the baby babble words). I was then presented with cake and gifts. It was a very nice touch from my co-workers that I've been with for some time now.

Saturday 02/20/2010 rolled around and my mother in law Gail and Grandma in law Arlene Steichen (aka Grandma to me) have been working day and night on planning the perfect family shower. And might I say they did a FANTASTIC job. We used all family crystal and silverware (from the Steichen, Streit, Nunn and Plunkett families), and rented out the clubhouse that belongs to us with our HOA. The food was brought in by "Stefanos" (croissant turkey, ham, and beef sandwiches, orzo salad, broccoli salad, fruit, punch, water, coffee, and for dessert we had finger brownies, lemon bars, sugar cookies chocolate dipped strawberries, and favors were made my myself that were rice crispy treats on a stick). Lets just say I had a double helping of everything and some was a three. It was all sooooooooo good! I was stuffed afterward but that didn't stop me from bringing some of it home for dinner. :)

After we all ate we settled into gift time. Grandma brought her white rocker with blue chair pads which fit in PERFECT! I nestled into the seat which was very comfortable for the very full prego and found that I have some amazing family who prepared us VERY well with Jack items. We are not lacking in any department now for when Jack arrives. He is one very lucky boy.

After gifts it was social time before some people had to leave and it was nice to catch up with everyone. I already miss them all and wish we had more time together. It just reminds me that I've gotta make the rounds to keep up with everyone more so we can all stay connected.

Just so I don't forget for later here is a list of the people who were in attendance:

Alexis Plunkett
Gail Plunkett
Arlene Steichen
Susan Sutherlin
Emily Watkins
Geri Watkins
Heather Robinson
Cristi Steichen
Marlene Smock
Janet Barrera
Rachel Weidemann
Adrienne Weidemann
Diane Brown
Carol Willoughby (sp?)
Kathy Redd
Debbie Barrett
Jean Toole
Donna Benson
Liana Gabler

Once the shower was over we helped clean up and I was sent home to unload and unpack. Mom helped me move the items from the car to the house since Sean was on a Motorgen.com cruise (which was his best one yet - 60 cars and no issues) and we started putting stuff away. Then our little puppy Abby had a doctors appointment at the vet for a leg issue and during this time, mom and I were discovering that I was having a lot of braxton hicks contractions. I think I might have over done it, or Jack is just telling me he's getting ready for his arrival soon. :P So the rest of the night I tried to relax and take it easy. But overall it was a fantastic day/weekend and we can't wait to meet our son Jack.

Here are a few photos from Saturday: Whoops, ok they uploaded at the top. So see the top.

Just Some More Photos

I finally got some shelves hung in Jacks room. They are not finished being decorated but this is just a start.












Jacks wall hanging that I've finished. It turned out so stink'n cute. It was really easy and I'd do it again in a heart beat for a gift or order.

***Don't mind the wall patch I'm working on to the right (something we had to do while putting a new electrical line in for the ceiling fan) as well as the printer in the crib. We're still in transition from and "office" to the babies room.





I got the cross stitch hung so Sean's Gram will be watching over little Jack when he's sleeping.














My newest creation that I'm just in love with! These are booties that my mom actually found the pattern to at a quilt show we attended just a few weeks ago. I haven't been able to stop making them. Jack will have quite the selection but I'm up and open for making them for people for orders and gifts. I've gotta work on a few girly ones but so far I have gender neutral and boy.




Yesterday we test ran the motorgen.com cruise route for next week which was "Glendora Mountain Road." It happened to have some snow still on the his road so we stopped for a photo op.

I have perfected the timed shutter on our Yellowstone trip so I thought I would give it another try yesterday.

I set up the camera on the car with a blanket and set the timer. Lol, it gave me 10 seconds to get from point A to point B. I had quite the laugh once I got to point B b/c I was like a rolling snowball that you couldn't stop. With all that extra momentum and weight I couldn't put on my brakes fast enough. Sean saw the look on my face and put out his arms and caught me. That is why I look so funny, but hey the picture turned out semi decent for me just pressing a button :)

This is the only picture I have actually sat back and said "this one will go in the baby book". All my other pregnancy pictures I haven't brought myself to like. So I made sure to get all "pretty" (meaning hair and makeup) and put on something flattering. When we got to a pretty lookout, I made Sean take a photo to see how it would turn out.

I do have to say he did a very nice job. I am quite pleased with this photo and this one is a keeper. :)

***PS - I'm 8 months prego here *** Only 7 more weeks to go.

8 Months and Plug'n Along

Friday 02/12 officially marks the 8 month mark but today we had our 8 month check up. I told Sean he better come with me as I have a million questions and I'm bound to forget something in translation. He took the day off, chilled with the dog, and then I picked him up for our afternoon at the doctors office.

4:30pm rolled around and we made it right on time. They greeted us and swiftly took us straight on back.

Vitals
BP - 110/70 - same exact thing as it has been for months now - I guess I'm a regular :)
Weight - we won't mention what that was but we're doing fine

Next stop, exam room #1.
After the nurse made sure to check my urine for proteins (which came out fine by the way) Dr. Linsey quickly made his entrance without any delay.

With my list of questions in hand he quickly questioned how things were going and if anything was a concern or a problem since our last visit. I told him everything seemed fine but then the brain started thinking...oh yeah I have some issues I wanted to talk to him about.

1st issue - Pain in the pubic bone area making it sometimes very difficult to walk. He then questioned if I did a lot of standing on my feet. I told him nope, I sit at my desk all day. Basically it came down to suck it up and lay down when needed and limit your walking. Just as I thought. Bummer :( Only a few more months I have to keep telling myself and I'll start on my road to recovery.

2nd issue - Diabetes. As some of you might know I've been monitored since about 12 weeks for gestational diabetes because I refused to take another test when the 2nd test/drink would not go down. I have been perfectly fine score wise up until about week 30. Around week 30 my scores were creeping up, and fast. My fasting scores were now above normal as well as my after meal scores. I knew something was up when my very strict diet wasn't doing the trick. With a phone call to my diabetic counselor and discussing my options, it was finally decided between my OB, Dr. Linsey and my counselor to try some medication to see if that would help since it was clearly going up, and I was stressing out.

With one more attempt to give the diet one more try I gave it a whirl but it was not doing the trick. My scores were still very high for me. So I caved and picked up my RX at the pharmacy and started meds the next day.

The counselor advised that it could potentially be hard on a tummy causing pain and digestion issues and would take about 2-3 days to get the full effect of the medication.

In just a few days I was starting to notice a difference and was VERY pleased with the outcome. My fasting scores were back to normal, and my after meal scores were normal as long as I didn't go hog wild with the carbs and sugars.

***Note: What basically happens as I've been told, is that during pregnancy the placenta makes hormones. At some point my placentas hormones started getting too high and started to attack my insulin which helps to rid the body of it's sugar and excess sugars go to the baby and can cause excessive weight to the baby, and other complications. With a natural delivery being what I'm shooting for, this was a cause for concern.

So going back to my conversation with Dr. Linsey, Sean asked the Dr. that once Jack is here what are the chances that this would not go away or medication and monitoring would be necessary. Dr Linsey stated that once the placenta was removed the likelyhood of having an issue was little to none. However they would continue to monitor the fasting and after meal scores a few times a week for 2 weeks to make sure, and then call it a day.

He also advised that after a few months he would send me in for a mini glucose test to make sure I back on track (yup that means a small sugar drink) and then about once a year they would send me in for a fasting blood score to make sure I am not truly a "diabetic." Dr. Linsey stated that about 50% of gestational diabetics go on to become normal diabetics to that is why they go on to monitor so closely.

3rd Issue: Circumcision for Mr. Jack. Yup we had a few questions about that. We wanted to confirm that it would be either Dr. Linsey or Dr. Zepata doing the procedure and he confirmed that yes he would 24 hours after birth. I also had a quick question about care of the wound and bath time. He assured me that I would be sent home with paperwork to remind me of all that information but basically says that sponge baths are what we're going to be doing until the wound heals and the cord falls off.

4th Issue: Anxiety - As most of you know I have suffered for years with Anxiety and with the stress of having a child, delivery, and time at home with Jack I wanted to be prepared that should something medication wise be needed in order to help out, we would be ok to take that while nursing. Doc gave me the A-ok and said to give him a call should things need to be prescribed.

We also touched on post partum depression and Sean inquired about some of the warning signs to look out for should I not be able to detect them or become overwhelmed as it seems likely that with a history of anxiety it would be more likely that it would creep up on me more than someone who doesn't have a history. I felt more comfortable getting that out in the open with Dr. Linsey after we discussed it. He was very comforting and said it's very normal. Thank goodness for a doctor who has been around for so long and has seen everything.

5th Issue - Disability paperwork - I've been working on this all week with my work trying to get things squared away before I go out in 3 week (eek 3 weeks). There is so much to know, and do, and time lines to have this set of paperwork in and this other set of paperwork over there. It's VERY hard to keep things straight when you have a prego brain so I'm trying my best to keep things in order. Fingers crossed nothing gets forgotten or delayed. But I had to ask a few questions about when things needed to be turned in and obtain the state disability forms so I can turn those in when my next appt.

6th Issue - Fluid level - with the concern brought up on our last appt, I wanted to make sure that the concern was addressed. Dr. Linsey started feeling around and says that I'm just fine and Jacks levels feel great b/c he can feel all the parts of his body.

He also confirmed that he is still head down, body is on the left side of my body and his feet and such are on my right side (just where I feel them ALL THE TIME).

I almost forgot about the fun stuff :)

During this time the doc checked my size and Jacks heartbeat.

Size = 32 (remember normal is plus or minus 2 either way of the weeks that you are - I'm exactly 32 on friday so he's measuring just on target)
Heartbeat = 155 bpm - nice and healthy

I think that is it for this visit. Sorry for all the info but this is for my knowledge as well as anyone else who wants to read about it. :) Until next time...