Dear Abigail

Well, I kinda abandoned this blog towards the end of pregnancy as I was totally overwhelmed with stuff to do before Abigail came home. Then I was so busy with a newborn status post a c-section and didn't add to the blog. So, on March 9, 2011, my baby girl turned 2 months old and I realized that the first 2 months of her life were a blur, and I started a new blog entitled "Dear Abigail: A daily journal to my beautiful baby girl". It's been challenging some days, but so far I've posted an entry with photos/videos everyday. I hope to continue this at least until her first birthday. If you'd like to read it, follow it at http://dearabigailg.blogspot.com/ 

Meet Abigail born on Sunday, January 9, 2011 at 6:39 pm

She weighed 8 lbs, 12.9 oz and was 20.5" long

1.10.11 - less than 24 hours old

1.14.11 - 5 days old

1.22.11 - 2 weeks old

Weeks 31 & 32

I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since my last blog post!

Weeks 31 & 32 have flown by! Between another baby shower, a painful bottom that sent me to the GI doctor, Thanksgiving and working on Abigail's room, it's been crazy! Not to mention the first Braxton Hicks contractions!

Abigail has been very active too. The Dr and I both think she's still breech. So that means her head is enjoying getting stuck up under my ribs and allowing less room for my stomach (hello acid reflux!) and her butt and feet take turns pressing on my bladder. I'll be completely comfortable in a position and as soon as I change positions, I feel her move into a position that is anything but! I've been feeling jabs of not-so-soft elbows and knees too. Those can actually make me cringe. But if I try to push them out of the hole they're stuck in, she doesn't seem to appreciate it --- I then get kicked or hit elsewhere. She's a stubborn girl --- just like me :) We've started feeling full body rolls -- yep, her Daddy felt them too! So surreal!

The baby shower we had the weekend before Thanksgiving was so great! My sister, cousin, stepmama, and Aunt were great planners and hostesses! And we got to see many family members and friends we've been missing lately. All topped off with great food, fun games, and LOTS of stuff for Abigail. And, I have to say, my husband is so awesome. He has joined me at both of our showers so far. I've already told him he's off the hook for the next one though as long as he makes an appearance.

Cousin Amber

Baby Cousin "Baby Girl Bradford"

Mommy & Daddy

31w6d

Great Grandmama & Great Granddaddy Murphrey

The Grandpas (Papa Pittman, Granddaddy Murphrey, & Papa Gardner)

The Grandmamas (Nana Gardner, Mammy Pittman, & Reesie Murphrey)

We're FINALLY working on Abigail's room. The double bed in there has been broken down and removed. Bedding, diaper stacker, valances, paint (and painting necessities) purchased and in the house. And just tonight, I started on her wall art canvases. The hubby plans to start painting tomorrow after work. I pray that my mental image looks great in reality. Once I put away the rest of the shower gifts (currently in bags/boxes in the middle of the floor) and make room for the crib, we can get that set up, bedding washed, and it'll look like a nursery :)  And I'll be able to breathe SO much better with that weight lifted!

2 of the Wall Art Canvases made by ME

Also, I have felt my first contractions. The very first one was on day 32w6d at 11:05 a.m. No matter how many people you ask to describe them, you still don't really know what to expect. I was at work having a crazy busy morning. I sat down to take a breather, and my uterus just started feeling really tight. From my pelvic bone up to my ribs. My abdomen felt rock hard. Not painful, just pressure. It was tight for several seconds, then started relaxing. Abigail then did all kinds of moving about. She was probably caught off guard as much as I was. This repeated every 45-55 mins x4. Finally, after having one at 4 and again at 4:25, I paged the on call OB. She confirmed what I suspected was just normal BHC, told me when I got off after 7 to drink a lot of water, take some Tylenol, and lay down with my feet up. As life would have it, I didn't have any more contractions that day after I spoke with her, but I did do as she said when I got home around 8. The following day, I drank more fluids, had a calmer day at work, but still had a couple contractions after lunch (and a cup of coffee). The contractions are making this so much more real. It's just crazy thinking that in roughly 4-7 weeks we'll have the baby girl we've been dreaming of and praying for.

Week 33 is here, and will be consisting of working on the nursery, thank you cards, an ultrasound (YAY!) to check Abigail's size and position, and our last baby shower before Abigail arrives. Busy busy! But, FUN FUN!

Week 30

Last week brought on several exciting events. New symptoms, new expanding belly, new cravings, and our first shower for Abigail.

Symptoms- Abigail seems to adore lying on my right side, almost in a sitting position with her head under my ribs and her butt/feet on my bladder. So, when I sit I can barely breathe and when I stand I feel like running to the bathroom. The discomfort of pregnancy has begun. She's stubborn too (guess she got that honest). I've been told by several that if I nudge her, she'll move and I'll get some relief. Ha ha. Not the case. Anyway, the shortness of breath has been the most difficult change, and I can only imagine it'll get worse. Having to take a break from getting clothes out of the dryer to catch my breath, or having to stop at work for the same reason ... I didn't even have to do that when I was a smoker. It also appears that my nasal stuffiness has returned. At least I got a short vacation from it. Back pain has become more frequent. Bending over to tie my shoes or pick something up that I dropped has become a challenge. On a plus side, Abigail seems to have more predictable sleep/wake cycles. She's very active during the day, mostly in spurts, and pretty still at night. Maybe this is something she'll stick to when outside of the womb. She almost always wakes up at meal time. If I am eating, she's usually moving.

Belly- This past week, there was a very obvious change in my belly from the week before. Even a coworker noticed it. It's like, week 29 was a cute belly just hanging out there. Week 30 brought on the "wow! she must be due in the next couple weeks" look. And my belly button has, well, pretty much disappeared at this point. The scar from gallbladder surgery (that was hidden inside my belly button) is oh so obvious now. Still only 1 tiny stretch mark though on the right underside of my belly. It looks kinda like a small, faint scratch. I'm thankful for this. The bruises from the daily Lovenox shots seem to be getting worse though. Both of my "love handles" are lumpy, sore and purple. Only 6 more weeks of these until after Abigail arrives though. Also, I've noticed that my belly is starting to itch. Mostly around my belly button area. This area has also started going numb. Too bad I can't get the Lovenox shots there!

Belly button at 30 weeks

New Cravings - Dairy products: Yogurt, cold cereal with milk, chocolate milk, ice cream. I eat 2-3 containers of yogurt a day. Chocolate milk and cereal usually at least once a day, and ice cream whenever I remember it's in the freezer -- usually once a day. Then I read in a "what to expect" email that baby is requiring at least 200mg of calcium a day at this point to build strong bones. Hmmm. Maybe there is some truth to craving what your body and baby need. Although, I'm pretty sure she's not requiring those new Reese's Peanut Butter Trees :)

Our First Shower - Last, but certainly not least, we were showered with love and gifts for Baby Abigail this past week. My hubby's "home church" family hosted a shower for us. We had a great turn out and got lots of cute things for Abigail. It was so great seeing all the familiar faces and meeting a few new ones. All Abigail's grandmamas were able to make it also. It's amazing how much love people have for someone they've never met. Abigail sure is one blessed little girl.

Abigail's Nana, Mammy, Mama, & Reesie

30w4d

Life is Good Today

First of all, we FINALLY got my 3-hr GTT results -- I do NOT have gestational diabetes! YAY! Actually, my glucose level was low at the 3 hour mark. That explains the lightheadedness/dizziness/weakness I was feeling at that point.

Today, I'm 29w4d. My fundal height was 32 weeks. Abigail measured 31w4d via ultrasound. We got to see her up close and personal via 4-D u/s. It was so real. Her chubby cheeks. A (reflex) smile. A yawn (the absolute cutest yawn I've ever seen). A case of the hiccups. Some practice breaths. A glimpse of hair (yay! she's not bald!). She weighed in at 4 lbs, 1 oz. This calls for a follow-up ultrasound to check her growth in a month. We may be looking at a 10-pounder here (yikes)! She appears to be healthy though. Overall in the 76th percentile. I forgot to ask, but I think my weight gain is now a little less than 10 lbs. Makes me feel good knowing that's probably all baby/placenta/amniotic fluid/breast tissue. But the new Reese Peanut Butter Cups craving might have something to do with it too. Next u/s will be 12/1 (33w3d) to check her size again.

Video of Abigail Yawning

29w4d U/S

Abigail

Smile!

Look at those cheeks!

Yawn!

Profile & Arm

Look at those piggies!

Us with our ultrasound ladies

They love Abigail too :)

We enjoyed a nice surprise of free lunch while shoe shopping. Seems I've outgrown my tennis shoes -- something I may have realized sooner if it weren't for the unseasonable-flipflop-weather. The ones I wear to work still fit because they are SO worn out, but they have no support left and have increased my back/leg pain. So, new shoes it is. They were on sale - kinda - and I had gift cards to cover the entire purchase.

I had a long, busy day of errands, but with my hubby beside me and my baby girl kicking inside me. Life is good.

28 weeks: The 3rd Trimester & Glucose Testing

Yep, I've finally entered the 3rd trimester. Like clockwork, symptoms appeared --- or reappeared. I've noticed round ligament pain again whenever I turn over in bed, move suddenly, etc. Also, I'm having major urges to urinated anytime I change positions. Doesn't matter if I'm rolling over in bed, changing from sitting to standing, or standing to sitting, or repositioning while sitting. I immediately feel the urge to pee. I feel kicks, rolls, punches, etc right on top of my bladder several times a day. That doesn't help either. Then there's also the new inner thigh/hip pain I feel several times a day. The shortness of breath that comes a few times a week --- sometimes when I'm not even doing anything. The heart palpitations, though rare, are still coming, but they don't last very long and still aren't accompanied by other symptoms. The palpitations and shortness of breath have never occurred at the same time. Good thing since I canceled my appointment with the cardiologist. The left knee tendonitis has continued, but the little brace thingy a PT coworker suggested has really helped. Migraines seem to be diminishing (YAY!).

No matter what symptoms may come, I still LOVE LOVE LOVE being pregnant and wouldn't change it for anything in the world. Every time I feel our little girl kick, punch, roll, or wiggle, I still smile. I'm gonna miss carrying her inside me once she's born.

Panic is starting to set in. We're running out of time to get ready for Abigail's arrival. We still need to set up the nursery and have LOTS of stuff to get. We still have a lot of money to save up to allow me to stay home with Abigail for 8 weeks after she's born. Yeah, panic is a new symptom.

So, last Tuesday, I had my 1 hour Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) to check for gestational diabetes. My sugar level was a little bit high --- not high enough to get a gestational diabetes diagnosis, but high enough to warrant an additional, longer GTT. Yippee.

I went to an office 40 mins away that was suggested by my primary OB's office yesterday to have this test done. My really awesome husband went with me on his day off. This test should take 3-3.5 hours. You can't eat or drink anything but water for 8-12 hours prior to the testing. When you arrive, you have fasting blood work done. Once the results come in, you drink the Glucola. 1 hour after you finish the Glucola, they draw your blood again. Then again 30 mins later, then 30 mins after that, then 1 hour after that for a total of 5 blood draws. Well, 2 hours after my FASTING blood work was drawn, I still hadn't been given clearance to drink the Glucola to begin the 3 hour process. Seriously??? I was starving and bored out of my mind. How does a multi-million dollar facility NOT have a TV or wifi in their waiting room or lobby? And you can't leave the facility during the almost 4 hours you're gonna be there. Umm, yeah. I rescheduled for today. And at a different location -- the hospital I work at that is 2 miles, 5 minutes from home. MUCH better day. I could leave between blood draws. I was able to get all my blood drawn on time and still have a productive day. I filled up my car with gas, made a quick grocery store run, washed and folded 2 loads of laundry, and started fixing a pot of soup. Yesterday was a total waste of a day off. Next pregnancy, I know where I'll be going to have the testing done (if necessary). I should get the results on Monday.

And that's pretty much it for this week. Next week: an ultrasound to see how BIG little Abigail is. YAY!

A Photo Post

Here's just a few photos that weren't included in another blog.

Registering for Abigail on 10/7/10 at 25w4d

10.9.10

10.9.10

10.9.10 at 25w6d

10.9.10 at 25w6d

Last Week of the 2nd Trimester

Week 27. I can't believe it. Where has the time gone?

Since the last blog, I've outgrown my engagement and wedding rings. After 4 days of a naked ring finger, I headed to Wal-mart for an inexpensive temporary replacement. It just felt too weird to have a naked left ring finger for the first time in almost 11 years. Then the new ring took some getting used to also.

There's been many, many times I never thought I'd make it here. Now that I have, I can't believe how quickly this pregnancy is going. I still smile with every wiggle, punch and kick I feel. Although, now that baby Abigail has started finding little corners to get stuck in, I find myself asking her to move, and lightly pushing her or repositioning hoping it'll force her to move somewhere else. She seems to like my bladder. I think she dances on it. I swear, I spend more time in the bathroom trying to go when I really don't have to, all because of little Abigail.

We had an OB appt today -- 27 weeks and 2 days. My uterus measured in at 29 weeks, so she's still consistently measuring at least a week ahead. Her heart rate was in the 140's via doppler -- the nurse had to chase her around my uterus a bit to get a good reading though thanks to the sugar high from the Glucola I drank this morning. My urine was normal. My BP is still good. My total weight gain over my pre-pregnancy weight is 6.2 lbs (I'm oh so proud of this accomplishment since I'm already overweight). My hematocrit was normal at 38%, so I still don't need an iron supplement (YAY!). All in all, a good appt.

I had my glucose tolerance test (GTT) this morning to check for gestational diabetes. They look for your sugar to be less than 130 an hour after you finish drinking the Sunkist-flavored orange syrup. Mine was a little high at 147. *sigh* Great. So, that won me another test that will require me to have a fasting sugar level checked, followed by drinking the Glucola again. I'll then have my sugar checked 1 hour after completion, then again 2 hours after completion, and once again 3 hours after completion. In other words, I'm gonna be STARVING and irritated and poked at for an entire morning.

I don't mind blood draws. I HATE getting my finger pricked. Besides the increased risks to me and Abigail if I'm diagnosed with gestational diabetes, I really don't want more needles. I've learned to tolerate the nightly Lovenox shots and the weekly Progesterone shots, but I don't care to add multiple fingersticks to my daily schedule with the possibility of insulin injections to top it all off. I'll do it if I have to, because I'd do anything for this baby girl, but I really don't want to.

After our appt, but before my GTT results came in, we headed for a lunch date at Olive Garden. The Chicken Alfredo with Broccoli is my weakness. Add in the salad and breadsticks and my hubby, and it's a taste of Heaven.

27w2d outside of Olive Garden

Today's Appt

Today's appointment was a great one. We got to see some of our favorite people, and our ultrasound ladies even had a bag of "goodnight goodies" for Baby Abigail. We got an adorable sign for her nursery, a book of Disney stories, and her first baby doll. Pictures to come later.

Abigail's heartbeat was in the 150's by doppler. My uterus measures 27 weeks (I'm 25w3d). I've only gained 6 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight. My BP was a little high at first (I was more concerned than the Dr), but I did get a little stressed this morning before the appt. I had it rechecked before leaving, and it was back down to normal. We did discuss childbirth classes and breastfeeding classes as planned. She suggested we wait until around week 34 to start childbirth classes. That seems a little late to me. Is it?

Going to register for baby gifts tomorrow evening after my hubby gets off work. This both excites me and stresses me out. At least it's one more thing we can check off the to-do list :)

25w3d

25 Weeks!

Wow. I can't believe we're 25 weeks along. Only 12 weeks until I'm full term. We could potentially have baby Abigail in our house in just 3 months! Oh. My. Gosh!!! Where has the time gone? There is SOOOO much to get done. We drug our feet quite a bit up until now thanks to our history, and afraid to make it so official in case something went wrong. But, now, Abigail is viable. If I went into labor, they would try everything to stop the labor, and if unsuccessful, they'd try everything to save her. Sounds like a "DUH!" situation, but just 3 short weeks ago, that wouldn't have been the case. She would NOT have been considered viable outside of the womb. So, each and every week I have a mini celebration in my heart and mind because I know she's that much more likely to live IF she were to come that week versus the previous one. I don't know if the average Mommy-to-be thinks like this, or if I am part of a small group that does due to being jaded in the past.

24 weeks, 4 days

We have another OB appointment tomorrow. Questions for this appt include: "what childbirth classes are recommended and offered in this area? when do we sign up and begin classes" "are there any breastfeeding classes offered for pregnant women? or just post-partum ones?" "are there any parenting classes in the area that are recommended? how about books?"

Questions for you readers that are Mommies, "what pregnancy / breastfeeding / infant care books do you recommend?" "what items are a MUST for baby shower registries?" "what is something in the nursery you can't live without (other than the baby)?" Any other advice or recommendations?

This is becoming SO real! I mean, we've wanted, prayed for, tried for and mourned over having a baby of our own for so long. Each loss made it seem more impossible. So, several times a week, I have to remind myself that I'm not JUST pregnant this time -- we are ACTUALLY going to have a baby! It's time to get in gear!

Baby shower planning and baby registries already?!?!?! We don't even have a nursery yet! The guest room (aka storage room) will be the nursery, but you can't look at it and tell that right now. That is one of the biggest projects on the books for October. Also, registering for stuff for Abigail is on the agenda. Cramming as much money as possible into savings to help with bills while on leave is a big one over the next 3 months. PLUS finishing up Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving since the month of December will be dedicated to getting ahead on bills and final touches of getting the house ready for Abigail.

Did I just fast-forward through Christmas?!?! Time needs to slow down so we can catch up!

Meanwhile, I'm enjoying every moment of being pregnant. This is truly the most amazing gift. I've never felt more blessed and wish every woman who has the desire, will feel the same when they're expecting.

23 Week Appt

Today, I'm 23 weeks and 1 day pregnant and we had a routine office visit. I had some heart palpitations last week following a migraine treated with Fioricet that was pretty scary. It lasted for several hours, persistently, and then made a comeback sporadically on Thursday. The on-call MD on Wed said he thought they were caffeine-induced, thanks to the Fioricet. No problems Friday, but they made another appearance on Saturday and Sunday. This got me a referral to a cardiologist. Great. Another specialist. But, when you're dealing with your heart, you just can't take chances. Especially when you and a baby are depending on it. They also drew some blood to check for anemia and thyroid problems since these can cause palpitations as well. AND, we've made a (possibly temporary) change in migraine medication, so we'll see how that goes. Since the 2nd trimester began, migraines have become a weekly event.

Also, I've had an aggravating, dry, hacking cough since I got a severe sinus infection over a month ago. Since my last appt, 2 weeks ago, I've noticed that when I cough, it feels like part of my innards are trying to escape near my belly button. I started thinking it was a hernia. I got the Dr to check it out today. Yep. It appears to be a hernia. Yay. No treatment; they're pretty common in pregnancy thanks to stretching and hormones. They usually correct themselves after pregnancy, unless they become severe during pregnancy. I'm betting that having my gallbladder removed just before becoming pregnant didn't help matters since that required having my abdominal muscles sliced open.

Next in line -- I've noticed over the last year that my left knee becomes very stiff and painful after a lot of walking, or after my long days at work. It's gotten worse since becoming pregnant. I mentioned this today as well. I can only imagine that this will become much worse the further along we get in pregnancy. I received a probable diagnosis of Patellar Tendonitis. Great! What's the treatment? During pregnancy, ice. Just ice. Well, and rest and maybe some Icy-Hot (which I've tried). Usually, they treat with NSAIDs, which are, of course, a no-no during pregnancy. She said Orthopedics are very uneasy about treating pregnant women, but if it becomes too severe, there may be another referral coming, OR may have to reduce my 12-hr shifts to 8-hr shifts. My goal is to work until delivery. We need the money. Plus, I don't have much vacation time or any ST disability.

Some good news (finally). I've only gained 4.4 pounds over my pre-pregnancy weight. I lost weight in the beginning, and have gained all of that back plus the 4.4 lbs. Since I'm already overweight, I'm really watching my weight with this pregnancy. I'm not dieting, but eating sensibly since the extra poundage means increased risks to both me and Abigail. Also, we realized just how much of my abdomen is consumed by my uterus. It seems unlikely for there to be another 17 weeks worth of room in there. I guess that's why women who've reached term talk about the baby's feet being stuck in their ribs. There's no where else for those cute piggies to go! Abigail's heart rate on the doppler was in the 140's. Thommy got a few more tips from the nurse about best ways to locate Abigail during our nightly doppler ritual.

All in all, a good appt. As long as Abigail is well, all is well. Next appt is in 2 weeks.