Hi! Well, today I am 38 weeks pregnant. I have a couple updates for you regarding two different doctors appointments we had. But first, I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year since today is New Year's Eve. I pray that 2014 will be a blessed year for you and your best year yet!
Our pastor challenged us to look back on 2013 and forget what lies behind (or forget the things that strip us from our joy because we keep thinking about it over and over in our head...) and look toward what is ahead (looking forward to the blessings God will give us this new year). So I want to challenge you to do that as well.
Philippians 3:13-14: Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of
it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward
what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Mommy Update:
The last couple of days I have been pretty sore in my hips and pelvic region. I know this is because she is low and it's putting pressure on my joints and this is all part of the last weeks of pregnancy so I try not to complain....but it is pretty uncomfortable! But so worth it! I am so ready to meet Eliana and see what she looks like. I can't wait to see her chubby cheeks and her little toes and just gaze upon the miracle that God has blessed us with.
We had an ultrasound last week on Dec 26th. They estimated that she is about 7 1/2lbs and if I go the full 40 weeks that she will be a little over 9lbs. So, because of that, the specialist is recommending that they induce labor between week 39 and 40. This is not something I want since I prefer that she comes naturally. So we are praying about this and seeking direction from God as to what we should do. Also, we are praying that she just comes naturally before week 39 so we don't have to even worry about making the decision. I started doing some natural things that can get labor going (walking, sitting on an exercise ball and bouncing, etc.) so I am hoping that will help as well.
Then, on Dec 28th we had our weekly checkup with our doctor. He checked me and said that I am still 1cm dilated. But, I am also 25% effaced now as well. So things are progressing! Hopefully the walking (and gravity) will help progress it even more.
I am having more braxton hicks contractions as well so I know that things are going as they should. I just need to be patient and trust the God has everything under control. :-)
Baby Update:
As I mentioned before, she is about 7 1/2lbs right now. So she is growing and is healthy. Also, the long bones in her arms and legs have hardened and her organs have matured and are ready for life outside the womb. Her grasp reflex is very strong now and she is often grasping the umbilical cord or curling her hands into little balls.
She's been moving/adjusting alot everyday. Sometimes she stretches her leg out and my stomach bulges out in one spot...it is so funny to watch! I know I will miss these movements I feel from her after she is born since it's something special we share right now. But, having her with us will be even better!
Well, that is all for this week! Hopefully next week I will be able to announce her birth! ha ha! We shall see...
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
37 Weeks -- I am officially considered 'early term'!!
Wow, 37 weeks today! This is such a relief knowing that if she is born now, that there is minimal chance of any health issues due to being born early. I can't believe we are here...that any day she can arrive! She is such a blessing and a gift from God and everyday this is becoming more real to me.
Mommy Update:
I am feeling so good for being 37 weeks pregnant. I know many women complain that they are ready for the baby to come by now because they are so uncomfortable, but I really don't feel uncomfortable. I mean, sure, I can't tie my shoes that well...or put on socks that easily...and I am up 3-4 times a night to use the restroom...but all-in-all, I feel really good. I am still in awe of how it feels when she moves around and adjusts herself. I have noticed that she is the most active now first thing in the morning and late in the evening. I am really interested to see if that will be her awake schedule in the first few days/weeks of life.
My last weekly checkup was on last Friday. My doctor did an internal exam to check for dilation and said that I was 1cm dilated, but hadn't started any effacement yet. He said I most likely will not make it to my due date (1/14/14) and the question is whether she will be a tax write off or not! I am not having any signs of labor yet, but I just have a feeling she will be coming either on Dec 30/31st or the first few days in January. Obviously, I could be completely wrong! Only God knows when she will be entering the world. I know I can't wait to see her beautiful face and touch her little hands and toes. It's going to be so hard to share her with others...but I will do my best!
So, I am going to let you in on the name we chose for her since my husband posted it on Facebook and he's the one who wanted to wait it out. :-) I wanted a name that meant something, particularly one that meant what a blessing from God she is and to describe the fact that we have waited and prayed for her for 10 years. To make a long story short, I found a Hebrew name that means "God answered my prayer". I saw the meaning and I was instantly floored! I was amazed that God led me to this name...and it's beautiful, just like she is. So...her name is...
Baby Update:
There isn't much more to update on Eliana since now her main goal is to put on more fat and gain weight. She is fully developed now and if she were born today she would be fine. She is most likely about 6 1/2 pounds and around 19 inches long. The lanugo hair that has covered her body until now is being shed and replaced by short, fine hairs called "vellus hairs" (more commonly known as "peach fuzz"). Her ears are fully developed. Since noises easily penetrate the womb at this stage in pregnancy, we may notice that loud noises startle your her.
We have an ultrasound on Thursday. I am excited for that. I know she is in the head down position, but I am anxious to know if her head is engaged and if she is occiput posterior or anterior. Also, I can't wait to see what their educated guess is for her weight. :-)
Well, tomorrow is Christmas! I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and is able to enjoy quality time with their family. Have a wonderful week! I will update again next week...unless she comes before then! :-)
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Mommy Update:
I am feeling so good for being 37 weeks pregnant. I know many women complain that they are ready for the baby to come by now because they are so uncomfortable, but I really don't feel uncomfortable. I mean, sure, I can't tie my shoes that well...or put on socks that easily...and I am up 3-4 times a night to use the restroom...but all-in-all, I feel really good. I am still in awe of how it feels when she moves around and adjusts herself. I have noticed that she is the most active now first thing in the morning and late in the evening. I am really interested to see if that will be her awake schedule in the first few days/weeks of life.
My last weekly checkup was on last Friday. My doctor did an internal exam to check for dilation and said that I was 1cm dilated, but hadn't started any effacement yet. He said I most likely will not make it to my due date (1/14/14) and the question is whether she will be a tax write off or not! I am not having any signs of labor yet, but I just have a feeling she will be coming either on Dec 30/31st or the first few days in January. Obviously, I could be completely wrong! Only God knows when she will be entering the world. I know I can't wait to see her beautiful face and touch her little hands and toes. It's going to be so hard to share her with others...but I will do my best!
So, I am going to let you in on the name we chose for her since my husband posted it on Facebook and he's the one who wanted to wait it out. :-) I wanted a name that meant something, particularly one that meant what a blessing from God she is and to describe the fact that we have waited and prayed for her for 10 years. To make a long story short, I found a Hebrew name that means "God answered my prayer". I saw the meaning and I was instantly floored! I was amazed that God led me to this name...and it's beautiful, just like she is. So...her name is...
It is pronounced "el-ee-AH-nah". I can't wait to meet our little Eliana and welcome her into our family.
Baby Update:
There isn't much more to update on Eliana since now her main goal is to put on more fat and gain weight. She is fully developed now and if she were born today she would be fine. She is most likely about 6 1/2 pounds and around 19 inches long. The lanugo hair that has covered her body until now is being shed and replaced by short, fine hairs called "vellus hairs" (more commonly known as "peach fuzz"). Her ears are fully developed. Since noises easily penetrate the womb at this stage in pregnancy, we may notice that loud noises startle your her.
We have an ultrasound on Thursday. I am excited for that. I know she is in the head down position, but I am anxious to know if her head is engaged and if she is occiput posterior or anterior. Also, I can't wait to see what their educated guess is for her weight. :-)
Well, tomorrow is Christmas! I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and is able to enjoy quality time with their family. Have a wonderful week! I will update again next week...unless she comes before then! :-)
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Tuesday, December 17, 2013
36 Weeks / 9 Months!! Only 4 more weeks to go!
Wow! We are at week 36 now, which means I am 9 months pregnant! We are on the final stretch now...only 4 more weeks if she holds out until then! I have a feeling she may come a little earlier, but that could just be me wanting to see her so badly! Ha! This last weekend I did get my hospital bag packed and I packed her diaper bag as well. So I think we are as ready as we can be for her arrival.
Mommy Update:
This week my boss let me start working from home until she is born. I am so thankful for this since it allows me to rest a little more since I don't have to commute an hour to and from work now. So I have some extra time to sleep in the morning and I don't have to worry about walking to work with the weather. It's really a blessing and it was just in time because walking for me right now has become a little difficult! My pelvic area and hips are hurting because they are stretching out, preparing for birth. It takes a little while to get moving after I stand up and I am moving pretty slow! But, other than that, I am feeling great!
We had our normal doctors appointment on Saturday. She is in the head down position now and very low according to the doctor. So that explains why it is harder for me to walk (and bend over to tie my shoes for that matter)! The doctor was very impressed with how well the exam went (meaning how low she is and how I am progressing) and said it at least three times. He just couldn't believe how well everything was when it is my first pregnancy. So that is good news! I think that is why I have a feeling she may come earlier than expected.
When he took my blood pressure, my diastolic (lower) number was high. It was 95 when it should be below 90. So he sent me over to the Labor & Delivery section of the hospital to be monitored just to make sure that it would decrease over the hour, which it did. So they released me and all is good.
Baby Update:
As I stated before, she is head down now...which makes me very happy! She is moving around still, but instead of kicks, it's more of a rolling motion that I feel.
I am guessing she is a little over 6lbs now since she was pushing 6lbs a couple weeks ago. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. She swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, that will form the contents of her first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, she will be considered "early term." (Full-term is 39 to 40 weeks. Babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term, 41 weeks is late term, and those born after 42 are post-term.)
Last week a family friend took some pictures of us. So here's a sneak peak. We still want to do some edits on them, but I wanted to at least share a few :-) Have a blessed week!
Mommy Update:
This week my boss let me start working from home until she is born. I am so thankful for this since it allows me to rest a little more since I don't have to commute an hour to and from work now. So I have some extra time to sleep in the morning and I don't have to worry about walking to work with the weather. It's really a blessing and it was just in time because walking for me right now has become a little difficult! My pelvic area and hips are hurting because they are stretching out, preparing for birth. It takes a little while to get moving after I stand up and I am moving pretty slow! But, other than that, I am feeling great!
We had our normal doctors appointment on Saturday. She is in the head down position now and very low according to the doctor. So that explains why it is harder for me to walk (and bend over to tie my shoes for that matter)! The doctor was very impressed with how well the exam went (meaning how low she is and how I am progressing) and said it at least three times. He just couldn't believe how well everything was when it is my first pregnancy. So that is good news! I think that is why I have a feeling she may come earlier than expected.
When he took my blood pressure, my diastolic (lower) number was high. It was 95 when it should be below 90. So he sent me over to the Labor & Delivery section of the hospital to be monitored just to make sure that it would decrease over the hour, which it did. So they released me and all is good.
Baby Update:
As I stated before, she is head down now...which makes me very happy! She is moving around still, but instead of kicks, it's more of a rolling motion that I feel.
I am guessing she is a little over 6lbs now since she was pushing 6lbs a couple weeks ago. She's shedding most of the downy covering of hair that covered her body as well as the vernix caseosa, the waxy substance that covered and protected her skin during her nine-month amniotic bath. She swallows both of these substances, along with other secretions, resulting in a blackish mixture, called meconium, that will form the contents of her first bowel movement.
At the end of this week, she will be considered "early term." (Full-term is 39 to 40 weeks. Babies born before 37 weeks are pre-term, 41 weeks is late term, and those born after 42 are post-term.)
Last week a family friend took some pictures of us. So here's a sneak peak. We still want to do some edits on them, but I wanted to at least share a few :-) Have a blessed week!
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
35 Weeks -- Only 35 more days left until she is due!
We had an ultrasound on Wednesday, Dec. 4th. I was excited to see our daughter again and to see how much she has developed. She has chubby cheeks and legs. We got a really good face picture of her and you can see her chubby cheek! So adorable!
We were able to see her chest rise up and down as she practiced her breathing. Her heart beat was still strong and beating at about 140 beats per minute. I think she has my feet! Her big toe looks to be shorter than the toe beside it so that would be my foot, not her daddy's :-) The doctor said that she was about 5lbs 14oz (nearly 6lbs already!). Her head and stomach growth ratio was 1 to 1 which is what they look for and she was in the 61 percentile for size. They said they start to worry if babies are over 90% because that means they are growing too big due to gestational diabetes. So she is perfect! He said that by all the stats they took he wouldn't even guess that I have gestational diabetes. So that was good to hear.She is laying sideways and hasn't moved to the head down position yet. I have to admit that her position worried me a little bit because if she stays that way then I would most definitely have to get a c-section. But, after talking to the doctor, he showed me that she had plenty of room to move into position and nothing was blocking her. She's just cozy right now. He also showed me the method he'd use to manually move her if she doesn't move within the next 3 weeks. He told me not to worry...we have time for her to move. So, after talking with him I felt much better. We have another ultrasound scheduled for December 26th...by then I will be considered full term at 37 weeks!
Also, last night we attended a breast feeding class. I'm so glad I signed up for it. I actually learned a lot and feel more confident now that I know what to do and signs to look for. Plus, they have lactation nurses on staff from 7am - 3am every day so I can always call for help, which is nice.
Mommy Update:
This last week I have felt joy. I have been in the Word and praying daily so my spirit is full. The anxiety I was feeling the weeks before have subsided because of this. So, spiritually, I feel so much better. Physically, however, I am kind of sore. My right hip is bothering me every now and then and I know it is just because my ligaments are loosening and preparing for child birth. So, I just need to continue to take it easy and move slowly. Also, I have experienced more braxton hicks contractions. They are more frequent now, but they do not hurt.
This is my last week of commuting into work. It is a surreal feeling since I have been commuting for 8 years! My boss is allowing me to work from home starting next week until our baby is born. This is a huge blessing to me. Because now I don't have to battle the Chicago winter weather and other commuters (who are sometimes pushy). Instead, I can stay home, rest, and do my work comfortably from home. Another benefit is that I won't be exposed to co-workers and/or commuters that are sick so hopefully I will stay healthy during the last few weeks of pregnancy.
So, overall, I am feeling good and eagerly waiting for our daughters arrival!
Baby Update:
She has been moving like crazy this past week. I don't know if she's changed positions yet, but she is definitely moving and making herself comfortable. I love it though!
At 35 weeks, she is mostly developed and most of her effort is geared towards rapid weight gain and putting on that body fat. Her lungs are maturing and some research suggests that a baby girl's lungs mature more quickly than a boy's lungs. So if she were born this week, she would most likely have less trouble with breathing than a boy would. Also, her kidneys are fully developed and her liver can process some waste products.
Well, that is all for this week. I hope everyone has a blessed week and that you aren't getting too stressed about Christmas coming up. Remember, it's not about all the spending of money and buying gifts...it's about Jesus and celebrating His birth. Have a great week!
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
34 Weeks -- Only 6 more weeks to go!
Today I am 34 weeks pregnant! If I go full term, then we only have 6 weeks left! However, I know that technically she could decide to come at any time now. It seems there are several mommy's around me that have had their babies early and it has me wondering what is going on. Ha!
Mommy Update:
I feel good this week. It was so nice being able to spend time with my family in Indiana during Thanksgiving weekend. It was surreal knowing that that was the last visit home before our daughter is born. Next time I go home we will be hauling a lot of baby things and our baby! It's pretty crazy to think about. My dad, step-mom, and niece were all able to feel her move for the first time while I was home. So that was very special. She finally cooperated!
While I was home my mom and I went shopping for items that I needed for my hospital bag. I found pretty much everything that I needed, but have a few more items left. So I need to get that packed up and ready. My goal is to have that finished by this weekend.
Tomorrow we have an ultrasound to see how she is doing. I am excited to see what her measurements are...how long she is and an approximate weight. Plus, I am just excited to "see" her again. Now that I have been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, I'm not sure if there will be any differences in the ultrasound or if they will be checking different things than they normally did. My guess is that they are more concerned about her weight and size and if she is larger than average. I am also excited to find out what position she is in. I hope she is head down and occiput anterior since that is the ideal position for natural childbirth. So, we will find that all out tomorrow!
Baby Update:
This past week she has been active some days and not so active on the others. The non-active days sometimes get me worried, but I just have to hand that worry over to God. Those days I normally take the time to count her kicks after dinner and make sure I get 10 kicks within a 2 hour time frame. The longest it took her to give me 10 kicks has been 16 minutes. So she is just fine. When she does move, it feel so different. Now, I feel more of a rolling sensation since her leg, foot, knee, hand or elbow is rubbing against the side of my uterus! When she stops, I am able to feel the hardness of her body through my stomach and I'll put slight pressure there and then she'll move again. Ha! I know, I shouldn't bother her...but it's hard not too.
According to the websites I look at, she should weigh 4 1/2 to 5 lbs and may be as long as 18 inches (about the size of a cantaloupe)! Her fat layers (which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born) are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. Her digestive system is mature now. If she were born this week, she would be able to digest food. The digestive enzymes in her gut are now functional. By now, she most likely has settled into her birth position.
Well, that is all for this week. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Until next week...be blessed!
Mommy Update:
I feel good this week. It was so nice being able to spend time with my family in Indiana during Thanksgiving weekend. It was surreal knowing that that was the last visit home before our daughter is born. Next time I go home we will be hauling a lot of baby things and our baby! It's pretty crazy to think about. My dad, step-mom, and niece were all able to feel her move for the first time while I was home. So that was very special. She finally cooperated!
While I was home my mom and I went shopping for items that I needed for my hospital bag. I found pretty much everything that I needed, but have a few more items left. So I need to get that packed up and ready. My goal is to have that finished by this weekend.
Tomorrow we have an ultrasound to see how she is doing. I am excited to see what her measurements are...how long she is and an approximate weight. Plus, I am just excited to "see" her again. Now that I have been diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, I'm not sure if there will be any differences in the ultrasound or if they will be checking different things than they normally did. My guess is that they are more concerned about her weight and size and if she is larger than average. I am also excited to find out what position she is in. I hope she is head down and occiput anterior since that is the ideal position for natural childbirth. So, we will find that all out tomorrow!
Baby Update:
This past week she has been active some days and not so active on the others. The non-active days sometimes get me worried, but I just have to hand that worry over to God. Those days I normally take the time to count her kicks after dinner and make sure I get 10 kicks within a 2 hour time frame. The longest it took her to give me 10 kicks has been 16 minutes. So she is just fine. When she does move, it feel so different. Now, I feel more of a rolling sensation since her leg, foot, knee, hand or elbow is rubbing against the side of my uterus! When she stops, I am able to feel the hardness of her body through my stomach and I'll put slight pressure there and then she'll move again. Ha! I know, I shouldn't bother her...but it's hard not too.
According to the websites I look at, she should weigh 4 1/2 to 5 lbs and may be as long as 18 inches (about the size of a cantaloupe)! Her fat layers (which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born) are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. Her digestive system is mature now. If she were born this week, she would be able to digest food. The digestive enzymes in her gut are now functional. By now, she most likely has settled into her birth position.
Well, that is all for this week. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Until next week...be blessed!
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