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Happy and Content

I want to write a post and share some thoughts today.......

For most of my pregnancy I had thought I would be in having baby with an induction on
Thursday June 7. With a history of 3 babies over 10#'s I was just planning on having baby 1 weeks early.
Plus my oldest son was to graduate high school on June 13......but he has to take a summer class so he will not walk in the ceremony. I was disappointed but its not the end of the world. It has taken the pressure off being on a time schedule, to give birth, heal and make it to the ceremony....with lots of walking.

Pregnancy at 38 weeks

I'm am now very happy and content to have baby tucked safely inside for the next week.
Wednesday June 13 at the least unless baby comes early on his/her own.
Baby passed the stress test last week and is not overly big. Baby is moving around great.
With a whooping cough epidemic here in our area and state, I don't want to take my new baby out and about more than I have to.  So having baby safely inside makes me happy. I'm just really savoring my last week being the family that we are RIGHT now!

Whooping cough (pertussis) facts slide show.

My schedule for the next week is very busy.

I have 2 more baseball games to go to. (the weather has been cold, overcast and rainy)

2 end of season trophy parties.
End of home school co-op and party.
A flute concert to attend.
Noah turns 10 on June 11!

June 15 we have end of year Catholic Little Flowers/Blue Knights during the morning and family awards dinner that night.

My kiddos have school until Monday June 18th.

My older 2 boys have finals and such and can't miss any school.

My husbands parents arrive June 7th and my folks will get here June 9th. Neither are staying at our house.

But I only have 2 more days to get the house ready. My nesting thing had flown away for this pregnancy.lol I keep praying to GOD to give me the motivation and energy to get the house picked up and clean. My microwave is really bad!

My mom will most likely stay at our house a few days before and after baby arrives to help get the kiddos off to school and cook meals. So we have to get the moterhome aka spare room cleaned up and aired out as well.

Baby at 20week ultrasound.

I can tell this baby is a real cutie!

(the black lines on the screen are contractions being picked up)

Does baby look like a boy or a girl to you?

Our family has put together a pool to guess!

I will post about it soon!

In the mean time, do you have a guess?

Peace+

Georgiann

Transverse and Whooping Cough Epidemic

Pregnancy update: 36 weeks:

 I had my weekly OB appointment yesterday.
My weight has stayed the same a 20# gain for the whole pregnancy thus far.
My blood pressure was 115/56.
My diabetes is under control with the help of diet and the glyburide pill in the morning.
I will be on 400mg of progesterone until the end of this week (I will be 37wks)
Baby's heart rate was great. ( Dr. E never tells me what it is)

I also saw my Hemo Dr. last week and we made a game plan for the bloodthinners I take.
Stop taking them (1 injection a day of Lovenox) 24-48hrs before labor and then resume the day after delivery.....taking then 2 injections daily for 6-8weeks. No coumidian this time. I hated going in the the clinic every 2 or 3 days to get my PTIR checked! Such a hassle!

I thought my OB was going to give me an ultrasound yesterday to gauge this baby's weight.....for what its worth. I know they can be way off with their estimate in either direction. Dr E said, next week I would get the ultrasound.

I told him I thought this baby was transverse so he felt around on my belly and sure enough his/her head is on MY left side and feet and butt on the right side! Dr. E said he might have to do an aversion, manually turning the baby. eeeekkkkk!

He never mentioned the C word (c-section). I think Dr. E thinks baby will turn. I do pray, that will be the case. I don't fancy being cut open or needles in my back, so please pray my baby gets into the proper position soon!

I will be trying some exercises at home to help promote baby to get in the birthing position.

Also......

Yesterday, I asked my OB about the whooping cough vaccine.
Here in Washington State there is an epidemic.
Dr. E said, it would be best to get the vaccine right away so I can build amuntites before baby gets here.
So yesterday I received the T-DaP booster. Hubby will get his next week.
All grandparents, friends and relatives will need to get their T-Dap booster at least a week before seeing/holding our baby.

You can go here to see and listen to a 7wk old baby struggle to breath with whooping cough.

Here is a short clip on what you need to know about whooping cough aka pertussis





Symptoms of pertussis vary depending on age.

Infants:

Infants with pertussis may have trouble feeding and breathing and may turn bluish. Many infants are unable to even cough. The disease is most serious in infants, especially those not fully protected or too young to get the vaccine.

Babies and young kids:

Babies older than six months and kids with pertussis can have severe coughing spells that make it hard to eat, drink, breathe, or sleep. At this age, the cough is often followed by a "whooping" sound, which is how the disease got its common name. Kids may also vomit after a long coughing spell. Whooping cough can cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death.

Babies with whooping cough are often hospitalized.


Older kids and adults:
With older kids and adults, the disease can be quite mild or can cause several weeks of exhausting coughing. Babies usually get whooping cough from caregivers or family members who don't realize they have the disease, like older brothers and sisters, parents, and grandparents. Research shows that it's most common for moms to pass on the disease to babies.


How to protect infants and young kids:

Anyone with a persistent cough, especially if it includes fits of coughing or causes vomiting, should seek medical care. There is a vaccine to prevent pertussis in older kids and adults called Tdap. All pre-teens, teens, and adults should get the vaccine, especially those in contact with babies. The vaccine can help stop the spread of the disease to babies.

Anyone with a cough should avoid being around infants. Not all coughs are whooping cough, but without testing, it's better to avoid the possible spread. If it's not possible to avoid being around infants, cough into a tissue, then wash your hands thoroughly, or wear a surgical mask to prevent the spread of bacteria.


Peace+
Georgiann

They said I did not have it!

But I do!

I have had to take the 3hr gestational diabetes test for my last 4 pregnancies (that includes this one)

I was told that I did not have gestational diabetes each time. But it seems that I grow very large babies.

My last little one (Olivia) was induced 4 days early and was 10#11oz!

So this go round my OB wanted me to "talk" to the dietitian. But when I got to my appointment last Thursday, the gal was picking out my blood sugar test meter! So much for talk! I have to check my blood sugar 4x a day and pee on the keto stick in the morning! My ketone have been above normal.

Which means I need to eat more food....ie a snack in the middle of the night!

Even though my OB said, I do not have GD my blood sugar has been a tad high now that I check it 4x a day even though I have been on the strict diet! If I were still eating like I normally would be eating my blood sugar would be through the roof!

Our hope is to grow a smaller baby thus not needing to be induced early!

I have lost 2# since my last appointment but other than that all is well with myself and baby!
I go to see my OB every 2 weeks now and I go see the dietitian again this week.

This diet is worse than weight watchers! But I know it is short term and will be best for myself and baby!
I was told NO sugar!!!!!! NONE NADA ZILCH!

I am a girl that loves her sweets! And the day after getting my new diet and meter my daughter Jackie won 12 gourmet cupcakes.........each a different flavor from Jubilee Cupcakes! I have to admit I have cheated but only have 1/4 of a cupcake in the evening.

Oh on another note:

I met with my doula and she told me about a drug used to induce labor called Cytotec it allows you to use the tub,walk and use the birthing ball during labor.
Unlike Pitocin that you have to be stuck in the bed! I like the idea of the Cytotec and being able to move around......but not sure how safe that drug is?

Does anyone have an opinion about the labor inducing drug Cydotec?
My OB told me it is harder to back Cytotec off if need be because its a pill not a drip but said he would use it on me if I want it! (If I need to be induced because of babys size that is....my hope is this diabetic diet will grow a smaller baby so that he/she can pick their own birthday!

Only time will tell how this will play out!

Did I tell you that my due date is the same day my oldest son graduates from high school?
This should be very interesting to say the least!


Peace+
Georgiann

Lovin' Every Minute Of It!

I love love being pregnant!

Here I am at 30wks.

It has been a true joy having my girls feel our baby kick and wiggle within me!

We felt a foot....the heel and toes! sigh***

The girls were so amazed!

Its such a special gift for them to feel the life within me!

My boys are interest somewhat, but not as much as my 2 youngest girls!

I love that we are making such great memories together with our new baby and he/she is not even out yet!

**************************

Pregnancy Update!

This week I will be meeting with my Doula (same gal I used with my last birth).

We will talk about my birth plan for this birth.

I took the 3 hr diabetic screen a few weeks ago and it came back as a NO I do not have diabetes!

But I did have an elevated blood sugar level at the 2hr mark.

You must have 2 elevated numbers to have a formal diagnosis for gestational diabetis.

Though I formally do not have GD my OB wants me to talk with a dietitian

(if my insurance covers it) to see if we can grow a smaller baby!?

My last 3 babies were all over 10#.  

Olivia (my last baby) was delivered 4 days early with an induction and was 10# 11oz

I have also started taking 2 of my calcium magnesium zinc pills instead of 1 and have been drinking about 4 cups of Red Raspberry leaf tea a day!

I now buy it in the bulk section of Fred Myers.

I have not had anymore leg cramps!!! Yeah!

My blood pressure is great,

and I have only gained 22# so far!

My progesterone levels are fine now that I take 400mg a day in pill form.

I was taking 200mg and my levels dipped down for a week.

Things are good now!

I also take a low dose blood thinner injection each night and I'm supposed to be wearing my compression stockings during the day. (I do some of the time) ssshhh don't tell my doctor!

I go every 2 weeks now to see my OB!

(so I go next week)

I can't believe this pregnancy has gone by so fast!

The girls and I spent this weekend cleaning and taking all of my clothes out of the baby crib and washing all the linins and sheep skin!

(the crib was my clean clothes bin) lol sigh****

Peace and Love,

Georgiann

Pregnancy update {17wk 5d}

Well this post is a bit past due......my last OB visit was Dec.22 2011, just before Christmas.

I took some what of a blogin' break over the holiday.

The picture is a current one.....but at my apt. I was 15 weeks.

Things are progressing well, I have only gained 8# since the beginning!

Hubby and my 14yr old son Jacob went with me to my last appointment.

Heartbeat was great and I measured fine. All is well.

I also went to my hemo doc and am now on blood thinners. An injection once a day :)

hubby gives them to me. Its a preventative measure as I am prone to blood clots during pregnancy!

 I also take 200mg of progesterone once a day at bedtime to prevent miscarriage and get my levels checked every 2 weeks via a blood test. My levels are in normal range but would not be if I did not keep take my progesterone per my NaPro Docters orders! I will continue on it until 36wks.

My OB said, I could stop taking the progesterone after 12 weeks because my placenta would make it!

But my NaPro doc and I knows other wise!

I go for my next OB appointment on Jan.19 and again on Jan.26 (hubbys b-day) for my 20wk ultrasound!

I have started to feel the little flutterings of my little one! So reassuring and so exciting!

We will not be finding out the gender of our precious baby! We love a good surprise at the time of delivery!

Peace+

Georgiann

Pregnancy update {11w 5d}

I was so nervous about my OB visit today.......

I had a few teary moments over the last weekend.......my mind filled with what ifs?

I was and am really missing Christian lately.....he was lost to miscarriage due to low hormones back in January of this year. :(   I was due August 28 2011 and found out I was pregnant with him Dec.25 at 12:30am Christmas morning!

So full of emotions lately my mind was not to kind.......

 What if my baby does not have a heartbeat? What if I loose this baby.....my baby!
I was beginning to think I did not FEEL pregnant anymore. I was once feeling huge and sick most of the time but seem to be feeling a bit better lately and not so bloated.

Baby #8 nicknamed My Little Apple!

My OB visit went wonderful........

Dr. E was very kind during this visit........but here is a quick back story......

I was very upset at the treatment I had received from Dr. E and especially his nurse L. after my miscarriage back in January of this year.

I did not ever want to go back there again.

I scouted out a few new Dr's just in case we were to get pregnant again.

The OB's I did a meet and greet with did not feel right. We did not hit it off.

I also needed to shop around for a new regular Dr. within the office I was going as my old one moved away. I found a great Gal Dr. she and I hit it off and she is much like a midwife in her style. She also delivers babies so I was really going to use her for this pregnancy.

There was a few things that made think other wise though....

I have a clotting disorder while pregnant that needs managed by a hematologist and the other thing is that   she is only at the office by my house on Monday and Tuesdays.

What if I need to see her during the time she is at her other office?

So after praying and praying about what to do......I even asked God to give me a sign.

When I was first pregnant and getting my progesterone prescription filled there was a stack of business cards on the counter......they were Dr. E's.

Believe me I grumbled and told myself I was NOT going to go to Dr. E again!

But a few days later after praying again and listening to what God had to say, it was decided.

I would go to Dr.E because God told me that is were I needed to be.

Dr. E knows me and my history.

And God knows whats around the corner.......I do not.

Today was my 2nd visit with Dr. E since my miscarriage.....my hubby went with me Nov.1  I was 7weeks and Dr.E gave me my first ultrasound!

Today......

When Dr. E came in the room he smiled and said, well lets get a look at this baby!

Hop on the table and let see if baby is big enough to see with a regular ultrasound otherwise we will do a vaginal.

I was so excited!

I was told by the front staff that at this visit I would not be given a ultrasound because I already had one last time and we knew my due date.

So the hear Dr.E say ultrasound, I was beaming from ear to ear......I was going to see my baby again!

Dr. E started up the machine and my baby popped up on the screen......it was not moving!

Dr. E did some measuring and said, WOW baby looks big for the dates! I think you are farther along than we thought! And it looks like your baby is sleeping.

He showed NO alarm!

He tryed to wake him/her up with a few pokes, well presses of the scanner thing.....but there was no movement.

I did not "see" a heartbeat just what seemed like a lifeless baby.

I sat there petrified! I was holding back the tears!

Dr.E showed no look of bad news?

Next thing I knew my untrasound was over and Dr. E said, with a smile,

every thing looks great and your new due date id June 14 as he handed me a few pictures of my baby!

I quickly said, what about the heartbeat I did not hear one. He said, you did not see the flutter on the screen? I said NO! as I tryed not to cry.

He said, well lets see if we can hear baby with the dopler.

Releif.........thump thump thump! I started to cry!

I heard a heartbeat......sweet joy to my momma ears!

I was given another ultrasound and a new due date!

I went from a due date of  June 18th to June 14th. yippee!

When Dr.E asked if I wanted a amnio or any of the other blood work screens

to check for birth defects...I

said NO!

I told him that I did not need added worry and I was in LOVE with this baby.

If my baby had a defect I would love him or her regardless and would like to find out at birth when I could look in his or her beautiful eyes and just be in LOVE!

Dr. E then gave me the best compliment.....

He said, that as a routine he has to offer such test but is happy to report that he LOVES his patients because almost all of them say NO! He had a sparkle in his eye.

He said, he was honored to serve his patients and be a part of God miracles!

I thanked him for the ultrasound....I was told that he would most likely not be giving me another until 20 weeks.

So things are back to awesome with my Dr. and it feels great!

I'm glad I listened to the Lord and TRUSTED Him!

My progesterone levels as of Nov.21 are 22.5 (zone 2)

I went over and scheduled my Hematologist appointment with Dr.M today for Dec.20!

My next OB appointment is Dec. 22.

I went to my Dr.s lab today for the pregnancy blood draws! (4 or 5 viles) I could not watch!

Well I'm off to go change the due date on my blog tickers! :)

Peace+

Georgiann

Pregnancy update {9 weeks}

Doc says there is only one in there!

For 9 weeks I know I look huge but after 7 other pregnancies my body  just relaxes and goes to work!

My last 3 babies were all over 10# so my belly is a bit stretched.

I had my first ultrasound at 7 weeks all looked great!

I have been taking 200mg of progesterone once a day @ bedtime.

I get my progesterone levels checked every 2 weeks.

The first check I was at zone 3 (3 or 4 is best)

For the second check a few weeks later they had me NOT take my progesterone the night before the test.

I dropped to a zone 2 after missing just one dose!

I go in Monday for another blood test. My veins are sore after all the pokes over the past few months!

For my last blood test the gal took the blood from upper arm in stead of in my bend.

It did not even hurt. I hate when the hit my scar tissue! OUCH!

Other vitamins I take.........

Pre-natals

Folic Acid

DHA

Vitamin C,D,B6,B12

Calcium,Zinc,Magnesium

And as of late.......

I have been taking Cranberry pills

and Acidophilus pills

I got a bladder infection last week and I'm in my final days of antibiotics!

I have only gained 4# so far.

My next pre-natal visit is Nov. 29th.

My nausea has been really bad this pregnancy, it last most of the day, but I'm not complaining!

Sometimes I feel hungry and full at the same time?!

I will crave a food, but only once.....I feel nauseous after eating it and never want that food again!

At Costco last week I tryed a sample if herb stuffing and had to spit it out....and I almost barfed!

Some of my favorite snacks have been:

Hot canned green beans with a bit is butter

Pumpkin bagels with cream cheese

oh and 1/2 of the pregnancy sandwich (I gave it that name) it's made with:

Dave's Good Seed bread

cheddar cheese

ham and roast beef

Dijon mustard and mayo

And a generous pile of mixed greens!

On another note:

Tonight is our churches annual Turkey Bingo so I will taking the boys.

We have been going to this event for over 10yrs!

Tomorrow Jackie's school is having a BIG Thanksgiving feast for the first graders.

I have volunteered to help set up then eat with Jackie!

Are any of you going something fun for Thanksgiving?

Have a fun tradition you want to share?

I'd love to hear from you.

Peace and Love,

Georgiann

{my little apple}

Well on Tuesday I went in for my first ultrasound to get my first peak at my Little Apple!With each pregnancy I give my baby a nickname....I think its fun!

Do any of you do the same????? What nicknames have you giving your little baby being knit???

Many of you have emailed me privately wanting to know how my OB visit went. I emailed a few of you back but here is the post I promised, sorry to keep you all waiting!

Hubby met me at the OB for the appointment Tuesday in the late afternoon.
We got to see the heartbeat (flutter with no sound) It was wonderful! Such a relief!
Baby was measuring a June 18 due date, not June 17. So I was one day off. I guess the swimmers took a day to get their target. (I think it will be a girl :)????) At 7 weeks its to early to tell the gender and we love surprises! There will be no peaking here! I get though drug free labor not knowing the gender the gift! I love finding out in the delivery room!

My OB and I discussed being induced.....I know its a bit early..... OK way early for that, but I told
Dr. E I did not want to deliver a BIG baby. The last 3 were all almost 11#. My Dr. E said, he will only induce no more than one week before my due date. He said, June 11 would be the earliest. That's Noah's b-day, my fourth born and he always get the short end of the stick. I don't want him to have to share a birthday. My oldest son graduates high school June 14 and my other kids have their last day of school. So if I do go in June 11 that only leaves 3 days to be ready to go to a graduation. My last baby, Olivia was induced 4 days early and was 10# 11oz.  I'm sure God know the plan, so for now I won't worry about it! I can't wait to see how it all works out!

Well I feel a nap coming on so I'm off for now!
Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers, it means a lot to me!

Peace and Love,
Georgiann

Getting Ready {before and afters}

So far my pregnancy is going well......and tomorrow at 7w 2d I will get a sneak peak of my tiny baby growing within. I am quite nervous....my mind says "what if my baby is not growing, what if there is no heart beat?" I told myself I was not going to do the whay if thing, but find myself  doing it!!!!!!  I hope that hubby can slip away from work to come to my first ultrasound! (Hubby works 2 blocks away)

Yesterday.........

I spend the day cleaning my room and moving the crib/toddler bed from the girls room into my room, as well as a dresser that will be for baby.  I have misplaced the side rail for the crib (I do have 7 months to find it). lol  For now Jackie will sleep in it as a toddler bed in our room and Olivia will sleep with us in our bed. (they were both with us for the past 4yrs) The California king is a bit crowded and with my belly growing.....we all needed another arrangement! The girls will be getting bunk beds for their room over Christmas.

Here are a few before and afters of the space in my room set up for baby. (I know its early to be setting stuff up for baby, but I have a busy schedule over the next few months and needed to clear out the girls room making room for bunk beds!)


                                                                       Before

This is the mess in my room on my side of the bed!

I have a clothes/book case!

Afters

Little Miss Jackie asleep in the toddler bed/crib!

I still need to vacuum and tidy a few more things...

I am trying to hang my clothes in my closet so the black bookcase can be for baby things!

The box next to the crib is trash. (like I said I still have some tidying to do)

In that spot I will get some plastic drawers to keep my cloth diapers.

(just ordered some in a small size...I can't wait till they get here)

Oh and I want to get a new throw rug for next to my bed!

Above the black book case will be a wooden shelf with hooks.

(I still need to paint it....not sure what color I will use)

The shelf will be for toys and the hooks for hanging baby's clothes!

Keep me in your prayer as I am a bit nervous about my ultrasound appointment tomorrow!

Peace and Love.

Georgiann

Big News {wink wink***} and Funny Story~

This is the family picture from Olivia's birthday on Oct.4th

The baby is now 4yrs old!

We hope and pray to add a new baby to our family in Mid-June.

I had gone to MOPS the morning of Olivia's birthday and was feeling queasy and so I decided to take a pregnancy test upon arriving home......even though I used afternoon pee the test came back + positive!!!!! :)

I took about 6 other tests using 3 different brands over the next week....Why do us girls do that????

I have since had my pregnancy confirmed with 2 blood tests....

My hCG levels were 245 and then 48hours later 394.

So its on the low end of normal and I am pregnant.

DR.O ordered me to take 200mg of progesterone once a day at bedtime starting on day 14.

I have another blood test on Oct 24.

I called DR.O on Oct.5 and he sent my blood order and prescription for my compounded meds.

The mail (my paperwork) arrived at the wrong address and it was hand delivered by the people (1/2 mile up the road) 3 days after it came to their house! I was over due for my blood work!!!! I had called my DR's office (4 hours away) because I did not have my papers and my DR was out of town for 2 weeks on a family emergency!! I was beginning to really stress when the doorbell rang and this guy was holding my mail! He said my dad told my to bring this down.....he thought it looked important!

 Praise God he brought it! My baby's life is at stake!

It all worked out!

On Oct.5th I told Olivia the good news.....my sweet daughter had been wishing on dandelions seeds all summer long for a new baby.....she lights candles at church and prays.....she even used her birthday wish on wanting a new brother or sister....OK

the wish was really for 2 sisters and a brother.....hee hee!

I told Olivia to keep the news a secret.

My daughter.......was so excited but she told NO ONE!

But called me on it when I shared the news with a church friend at daily Mass!

Now here is the funny story I promised....

On Friday Oct.7 I called the whole family together and had Olivia give Hubby the red box with the pregnancy test that said PREGNANT!!!!

There was also a wash cloth in the box to serve as tissue paper.

Hubby takes the lid off, holds the test stick up and says

"What is this?"

Jackie yells, "Its a wash cloth, its a wash cloth!!!"

as she's standing in a chair trying to get a look inside the box!

Hubby takes the pregnancy stick and walks into the kitchen for more light then said, I need my glasses as he squints to read the word PREGNANCY!!!!

The kids were in the living room yelling and all excited. Hubby was in shock.

Not sure why, but that is how he always acts in the first few moments!

I have told a several people the good news and a few have said,

shouldn't you wait to tell people until you are at least 3 months along???

My answer to them is

"This is the day the Lord has made rejoice and be glad in it !!"

This baby is precious from the moment of conception whether I get to hold this baby in 9mo or in heaven like Christian. This baby needs prayers and love!

I know there are no guarantees....not even after the 3mo mark!

Life is precious!

Peace and Love,

Georgiann

{notes and pics from the farm week 3and 4}

Olivia was yelling for me to hurry uuuuupppp!

It was HOT and I was taking to many pictures! LOL

Week #3 at the farm

.75# greenbeans

2 onions

2 squash

1 cucumber

1# baby red potatoes

1 pint cherry tomatos

2 vine tomatoes

1 head of lettuce

1 bundle of greens

1 cabbage

1 pint of blueberries

u pick herbs

We also buy the flowers and bag salad mix.

WEEK #4 at the farm

1# Purple string beans

2# vine tomatoes
1 cucumber

2 squash

1 onion

1 head of lettuce

1 bundle of greens

2 pints of blueberries

u pick herbs

We also buy the flowers and bag salad mix.

 
Our Friday trips to the CSA farm have been nutriously rewarding! I pray to have time soon to post some of the yummy recipes I have been making with our garden harvest.
I have taken a ton of pictures of all my original recipes I have come up with.
 I just need some time to get the posts written up.
 
Have a great weekend!
 
Peace,
Georgiann