Our Newest Addition.... Part 2 of the story : )

So.... after the shock subsided just a tiny bit, I proceeded to call my ARNP here at home and she set up blood work for early the next morning.  I had the blood work done and hours later (after some confusion in the lab), it was confirmed that I was indeed pregnant with a HCG level of 2,164.  Now... being the worrywart that I am, I began to worry that maybe it wasn't a pregnancy but instead ovarian cancer.  Let me explain... my aunt had fought ovarian cancer the year before and a big sign of hers was that she registered as being 3 months pregnant when she knew she couldn't be.  My great grandmother had also had ovarian cancer and after all the hormones I had been on for the past year (+) I was nervous that maybe that was it.  But... God is good.  He wasn't giving me cancer to battle... He was giving me the desires of my heart.... another child WITHOUT any medical intervention this time! 

My levels continued to grow.  On August 2, I had more blood work which showed that my levels were 5,000+, but yet again with this pregnancy my progesterone was low registering at 9.5.  The good news was that this time the progesterone suppositories 2 times a day worked and I didn't have to do the twice a day shots.  I was really nervous because the pills hadn't worked when I was trying to get pregnant with Zoey but my ARNP at my OB office assured me that she felt they would work this time since this was a natural pregnancy.  On August 9, my levels came back at 28,000 and my progesterone was up to 16.  I was so thankful that everything was going well.

On August 16, I went to the OB for the first time and we saw our baby and heard his heartbeat for the first time.  It was 152 bpm.  This reassured me that there was a baby in there and not cancer! Such a blessing this was!

Since then....

Month 1-6:  I was EXHAUSTED to say the least!  It could be that I have a 1 year old little girl to chase around and that I work full time and try to keep our home together as well.

Month 1: tired
Month 2:  tired
Month 3: tired, some heartburn
Month 4: tired, heartburn, sinus issues begin
Month 5:  oh the sinuses, some sleep issues, some contractions
Month 6:  EXHAUSTION (diagnosed with anemia and borderline Gestational Diabetes which I am having to monitor 4 times daily and control), sinus issues, some heartburn, having to pee ALL THE TIME, contractions have began along with some pressure down low at times (doctor has said to take it easy and not over do it .. hopefully our lil man will bake longer than his sis did), some sleeping issues but it seems easier this time because I have Zoey to hug up to!  haha

I have been blessed with a healthy pregnancy this time so far aside from my previous issues,the anemia, and the gestational diabetes.  I'm not gonna lie, the contractions and pressure scare me and therefore we have not traveled and will not be traveling (Lord willing) out of town away until our baby is here.  The doctor felt like this was a good idea as well because I really don't want to deliver at a random hospital.  It is normal to have Braxton-Hicks contractions but my fear is that these are more than that.  My ARNP said that if I have 4-6 in even a day to let them know because it could mean premature labor.  My first two fetal fibronectin tests have come back negative meaning that I won't go into labor within the next 2 weeks, however, it did with Zoey as well and I went into labor before the 2 weeks were up.  I'm just a little cautious which I guess is a good thing in this situation. 

On October 18, we found out that Zoey would be joined by a baby brother.  I was shocked.  My hubby, mom and I thought the baby was another girl.  We felt blessed either way but how neat it will be to have a little boy so that we can enjoy the best of both worlds!  It was an interesting day to say the least as I had gotten my first speeding ticket in Anderson Co. and I wasn't even rushing!  I was going downhill and not paying attention!  (Grrr...but after DVD traffic school that is all taken care of!)  Needless to say, my blood pressure was up at the doctor's office and they were worried about it so I had to have a MIST test completed to make sure everything was ok.  It came back well and I told them I knew it was from the ticket.  I later got my flu shot that evening.

More to come...

Zoey Arrives .... Part 2

 Me... hours before my water broke!

So.... finally I am finishing this..

I came to my bedroom and laid down in the bed.  I dozed off as I knew I would.  I had had barely any sleep in days and had been up since 5am that day.  At 11:01pm I felt a gush.  I jumped out of bed and felt it gush again.  I yelled for Michael and ran to the bathroom.  Michael came in and asked if maybe I had peed on myself... lol  I replied that if I did it was still coming.  I knew that wasn't it.  I had called my mom from the bathroom and she was freaking out and rushing around to get to my house before we left.  I managed to call my doctor and he told me that it was ok and that I would have time to make it there. He also said that they would give me some meds to try to stop my labor for a bit and administer steroid shots for Zoey's lungs.  I started grabbing a few more things (I had already packed a few things along with Zoey's in her diaper bag) and I threw on my clothes.  I don't have a clue why I didn't throw on a pad ( I didn't when I had the massive bleed either).  I guess it's because I was rushing.  Instead of taking my car, my husband wanted to take his...(we actually just sold this car, too... anyway...) because it is faster.

Of course my car had gas and his didn't.  We ran to the gas station to get gas...we actually had to get it at "The Chicken" because Shell was already closed ... and there were a billion people there.  I was on my Blackberry (beloved phone RIP) the whole time with my friend Kim and my friend Deanna.  After getting gas, we ran back by my house and my momma was parked and waiting.  She grabbed Zoey's bag and car seat base from my car along with the car seat from her car and got in.  Off we went.... flying (literally) down the road.  For those of you who don't know my husband, let me tell ya, he is Mr. Fast.  He use to race his sports cars when he was young... this was his chance to do it again lol.  He flew to Knoxville.  Every time I would groan... he'd gun the car.  I was having contractions the whole way.  They were just funny feeling at first.. a little uncomfortable then they started to hurt a bit.  It was crazy and my poor momma was just Praying that we'd get there safely haha. 

We did get there safely.  I went to the ER and it was all too familiar.  I remember walking in the same ER with wet, bloody shorts back in July, now here I was walking in with wet maternity jeans and being wheeled up to have my lil girl!  What a blessing!   After arriving a L&D triage, I was welcomed by some of the residents that had seen me about 3 weeks prior for the BV infection.  They evaluated me and then put me in a triage room.  Another doctor, who was also pregnant, came in the check me.  The fluid didn't register as amniotic fluid on any of the 3 tests that they did.  She checked the fluid around Zoey via ultrasound and it was still pretty good... crazy!  I told her that I knew it was my water that had broken.. I knew I wasn't crazy.  She then checked me.  I was 4.5cm dilated.  They then knew that I was right... I knew I was in labor.  I had been feeling it all day and just didn't know that's what it was!  I always wondered if I would know a contraction... well I didn't.  It's true.  Folks tell you that you will just know that it's a contraction... well sometimes you just don't.  I didn't.  At least not until my water broke and they got harder.  I then realized that I had been feeling those all day and wasn't even realizing it. 

The pregnant doctor told me that I may go ahead and have Zoey.  I explained to her what Dr. Howard had said.  I also told her that if I had to have Zoey that night, I was requesting a C-section.  Now this has been a debate for awhile now between folks and I.  Mainly because everyone has a different view.  My view was only to keep my lil girl as safe as possible.  I have so many different issues (those of you who have followed our story know this) some of which could cause some issues with natural delivery.  I was in no way ready to take that chance... especially with a doctor that I didn't know.  I got a little heated with her and told her that I wasn't doing anything until I spoke with my doctors.  We ended on a good note..I wasn't trying to be rude but I did want her to know that I was serious about doing whatever my doctor felt would be ok for my daughter.

I was moved to a permanent room.  My doctor was called and they told me that they were starting me on some different drugs to try to stop my labor.  By then I was really feeling uncomfortable.  I probably would have moved really fast had I not taken these drugs but we were trying to get more time for Zoey so it was worth it.  I was also given a steroid shot around 1 am or so I think.  They told me that regardless of what happened with my labor, I would have this little girl by Sunday (November 29).  My water had broken and you are at risk for infection after that (and something did show up in my pathology report from the placenta). 

The whole night I was in and out of sleep.  Obviously, labor doesn't feel good... and the meds they gave me for pain just weren't cutting it.  I froze Michael and momma too death.  I was sooo miserably hot the entire time I was pregnant.  They slept on a fold out couch in my room under covers and coats.  You could almost see your breath.  I was laying there with my socks off, roasting.  

I took brethine and a few others.  I didn't have to do the magnesium, though they actually started to try that.  I was so glad I didn't have to.  The side effects from that, I have heard, are horrible. None of the meds worked to stop my labor.  They slowed down my progress somewhat but did not fully stop it.  The next morning, doctor Howard came in and talked with me.  He told me that they were going to stop trying to stop my labor.  After that I continued to have contractions.  They hurt but I have a pretty high pain tolerance so I just pushed through it.  At about 3 or 4pm, I was about 6.5cm dilated.  I signed off on the paperwork for my epidural and they came to administer it.

Now let me tell you... this was a mind game.  I knew that it would be best to do and I wasn't scared of the pain.  I was scared that I was going to move and paralyze myself.  The pain wasn't even that big of a deal because I was in a lot of pain from the labor.  It wasn't pleasant but definitely bearable.  They told my husband and mom that they had to leave the room and that was enough to freak me out.   I was already nervous and here my loved ones were leaving!  The nurse, who was pregnant herself, told me that she would hold my hand and she did until she had to move to do something.  I had to sit on the edge of the bed and lean forward.  It was so nerve wracking because I was afraid I would jerk during a contraction.  I kept saying, "Wait... let this one pass."  Obviously they had to do it during contractions because they were so close together.  The nurse had moved her hands and I told her that I desperately needed them back.  HAHA

After the epidural was in, they gave me a pain button.  Anytime I felt something, I could hit the button for more meds but it wouldn't give me more unless enough time had passed since the last dose.  My family cracked up at me because I loved that button and I would hit it and just be out cold for a few.  They laughed at me the whole time.

My dad and brother arrived shortly after.  They came in and sat with us.  I enjoyed having them there.  Next, my aunt and uncle showed up.  They had came all the way from Lexington!  We didn't even know they were coming.  It was so sweet of them and it just thrilled my aunt to get to be a part of the whole thing.  My mother-in-law and sister-in-law showed up next and were waiting in the waiting area because there could only be so many folks in my room at one time. 

 

  

 

I kept wondering how I would know when it was time to have this lil girl because I couldn't feel anything.  My mom kept saying that I needed to tell them to come check me and I kept saying that they would soon enough.  My mom, dad, bro, aunt, and uncle decided to go out for a few and let my inlaws come in.  They hadn't been there 2 minutes when I finally felt some odd pressure and called for the nurse.  They checked me (which I had dreaded because that part didn't feel so great especially while in labor) and said that I was 10cm + 1.  Ready to go! 

The nurses asked if my husband would be going with me.  He looked squeemish and said no.  We had already talked about it.  He didn't really want to watch and they said if he passed out that there wouldn't be time to get someone else.  I knew he didn't want to go and it didn't bother me.  It was one of those moments that I really wanted to share with my mom because I knew how long she had waited for this grandbaby.  I knew it would work out better for my husband and my mom this way.  I needed the support and didn't want to have to try to support him lol  So I called my mom's cell and told her to hurry.  She came in with everyone else and got dressed in the lovely surgical clothing : )  She still laughs that she wore her jacket in under those scrubs.  She was rushing too much and too cold from me freezing her, to stop to take it off!

They came and took me and my family all wished me well.  We got to the delivery room and they began to get things ready.  The nurses worked with me to get me to push.  It was so strange.  I always wondered what it would be like.  To be honest, it was like pushing out a major bowel movement.  LOL  I'm so not joking!  I went pretty fast.  The nurses were so nice. 

Within 30 minutes, Zoey arrived.  It was so odd to feel her slip right out.  So amazing!  My mom got to cut the cord and we were both crying!  My doctor didn't get there in time but the other doctors did just great.  She was born at 7:27pm on November 28 weighing in at 5lbs and 8oz and measuring 17.75 inches long!

 

  

  

  

 

 

 

My mom took pictures and was so excited.  She then went over to Zoey to take a few pictures until she  overhead them talking about my placenta abrupting.  Apparently it had but later when I asked my OBGYN ARNP, she said that the pathology report on the placenta hadn't made a big deal of it.  She said it was probably not a serious abruption if it had been.  Still that word just scared us because my mom had lost my sister due to an abruption and that's why I was so scared to have Zoey naturally.  They did send off the placenta.  They were all so amazed because it had grown really weird in my uterus and looked like two placentas joined together.  The pathology report (mentioned earlier) showed signs of possible meconium (baby's first poop) and signs of an infection that I had had.  Not sure if it could have been the BV infection from a few weeks before or an infection I had developed since my water had broken or an infection from day one.  Zoey didn't have issues with the meconium leakage in the womb so we weren't sure why that showed up.  Interesting to say the least!

I will never forget what it felt like to see my lil girl for the first time.  I was just amazed.  She looked so much like my baby pictures and for me to say that is something else.  I never am able to tell who a baby looks like that much.  I will never forget holding her for the first time and thinking, "Wow.  She's here and she's really my baby!"

 

  

  

 

I didn't get to hold her very long before they took her out the NICU.  She seemed very healthy but they had to take her to NICU because she was still a preemie.  A lot of people thought that just because she was a good sized baby for that gestational age that she wouldn't really be considered a preemie but a preemie just means that the baby is premature in development no matter their size.

I was taken back to my room with the nurse from the delivery room and she began to push on my belly to help my uterus push out everything.  Man... she pushed hard and it hurt.  I was bruised afterward.  Good thing my pain tolerance is high haha  She then ripped off the tape to my epidural and then took the epidural out.  The tape felt pretty bad, too.  Didn't realize how long that piece of tape was.  After doing a few other things, I was finally wheeled back with my aunt (who wasn't suppose to be there) to see my girl.

I got to see her and talk to the best neonatologist in the world... Dr. Wright.  I just loved him.  He actually had come to see me before I had Zoey and he was just so informative and nice.  He explained everything to me and I signed paperwork for her to be in the NICU then my aunt held her finger while they drew blood from her the first time... the first of many, many times.

Next, I got to feed her.  She had a bottle of formula... looooong story in the next post about this connection.  It was so amazing to hold this little girl and think that she was all mine and that I was feeding her.  At the same time, it was a little overwhelming as well.  But so wonderful!  My husband and I were just so happy with her!

 

  

  

 

I'll continue on in the next post with our NICU story which was long and very scary but rewarding in the end!

Much love!

30.5 week appointment ... (Currently 32 weeks/8 months)

I'm so behind. I haven't even scanned the last 3 ultrasound pics and actually 2 of them I have put somewhere for safe keeping and can't figure out where I put them! OOOH WELLLL.... I'll get it all figured out!

I did go to the doctor for my 30.5 week appointment. Everything looked great! Zoey weighed 3lbs and 8 ozs. She's growing like a weed! My fFN test came back negative again which was great! 2 more weeks of no labor. Enjoyed talking with my ARNP there about all the soon to come stuff.

A few days after my appointment (Saturday to be exact) I started spotting just a small amount. Zoey was kicking so I knew she was ok but I still felt like I should call. The spotting was NOTHING major at all... just 2 little dots but still... better safe than sorry. So I called my doctor while I was right outside to the doors to relax and watch The Christmas Carol. He felt like I should come on in to be sure my cervix wasn't opening. And so we took off to Knoxville and I missed the movie : ( haha

We got there around 3:30pm and went straight to labor and delivery triage. I was hooked up to monitors and checked. Zoey was doing great and it was so great to hear her heart beating so loudly on the high tech doppler. After being checked, the resident said that I had a BV infection and possibly trying to get a kidney stone. I had quite a bit of blood cells in my urine that led them to think that... I think that's how she explained it. I was put on Flagyl and sent home.

The infection really clicked when I realized I had it because I had really felt bad at work the two days before. It honestly hurt to walk and there was extra pressure. I almost wondered if I was trying to go into labor despite what the test said. Apparently the BV infection was causing my extra pressure and pain.

I stayed home from church the next day and felt really rough. That evening I went to get into the shower and passed a glob of mucus. Sorry I know that's TMI but if you are reading you are probably TTC or a mom already and understand. I freaked out and called my friend Deanna. I thought it was my mucus plug (it very well could have been). Deanna said that it sounded like her story with hers. I tried to page my doctor but he couldn't be reached (I can always reach one of them usually) so they gave me to a resident. She told me to just monitor for contractions or water leakage. I still was worried so after I showered (and had Mike shave my legs because I couldn't reach them lol), I packed a couple of things for me and packed stuff for Zoey... just in case.

I called my doctor's office and left a message for my trusted ARNP that works with me and my 2 doctors. Before she could call back, I had passed another good sized glob. She told me to continue to monitor and that if I felt anything to head that way and they would hook me up to the monitors. Thankfully... I have been ok since then. Praise the Lord!

Zoey is moving still and I can feel her little butt up near my ribs at times. Sunday, I would rub on her and she'd respond by kicking back. We did this for like 10 minutes. So sweet! She also decides she wants in on the action when my family and I are talking... she starts moving around. I can't wait to meet her.

I am technically 8 months pregnant now! WOW! Hard to believe we are almost there! I am in love with this precious little one and growing more in love with her daily!

As far as feeling ok... I feel ok. lol I have a lot of lower pressure and it hurts to walk by the end of a work day. I have once again gotten another cold... so I am back on antibiotics (this time amoxicillin instead of Zpak) and Mucinex. I am still exhausted but doing a bit better with that. I had to work late 2 times last week... one of which was working 2 ball games after work. That took it's toll and left me with swollen feet and exhausted the next day. I'm still running to the bathroom all night (I never, ever did this before pregnancy) and if I am too sleepy to get up.. I am in pain by the time I actually do! But all in all, I'm doing great and I Praise God that He has blessed us to make it this far!

Tomorrow I head back to the doctor for my 32.5 week appointment. I'll keep you posted as to what we find out! Continue to Pray for us as we Pray for you!

Much love in Jesus!

28.5 Week Update

Just a quick update. Everything was well at our 28.5 week apt. My doctor listened to my lungs (I had a bad cold) and said they sounded clear. He told me to continue taking the Zpack and my Mucinex. I did and I am much better this week. I will be 30 weeks this Sunday and it feels so strange to be this far along. I finally have the "line" down my belly. It isn't very dark but I was so impressed to look down Sunday morning, while getting ready for Church, and see it. Crazy how we infertiles enjoy the little things that we spent all that time reading about. I am getting bigger by the moment it feels like. I really need to add some pictures on here. I will try to do that soon. Things have been off kilter with this move and all. I haven't had the chance to scan the last two ultrasounds (which were hard to make out) since we moved. Hopefully, I will get it all pulled together.

At 7.5 months, Zoey is making big movements. I think she's getting a little crowded because the movements are becoming different than they were in the last month or so. She moves sometimes so hard that I can see my belly actually move. It is the neatest thing. I always wondered what that would feel like and it truly is the best feeling. I Praise God for this opportunity and I continue to Pray that it will come to each of you my dear friends or that the "right" road for a child will come to you. After watching Elaine go through her adoption of Little Bug, I know that there are many routes to happiness as a parent. None are better than others, just dependant on God's will.

I also feel like Zoey has developed a sleep pattern. I read that they can do that. She wakes up at 8am every morning. Now will I be that blessed when she gets here? I dunno but it's fun right now to expect to feel her waking up at that time and to actually feel it. She's already stubborn and continues to dislike the doppler. She loves for my mom to talk to her and always starts kicking. Mom is the only person she will kick for besides me. She will be a spoiled child when it comes to clothes because she already has more than me (ok ... not exactly but she has a lot) and she's not even here. She just keeps getting more outfits from sweet friends.

Her daddy is getting ready to put flooring down in her room. No more carpet... but some hardwood and an area rug. I think it will look really good and I'm excited to get this ball rolling. It's making me nervous to think that her room isn't finished yet. But we are going as fast as we can go with all this house stuff and still aren't finished.

On another note... please Pray for my friend Stephanie. She went through infertility for years, too. Her daddy went home to be with Jesus last night after a very short battle with bone cancer and the family is so hurt. I can't even imagine. She is glad that he isn't suffering, but like any of us... they miss him and are devastated. Please Pray for them anytime you think of it... especially tomorrow evening during the visitation and the funeral.

Also, please Pray for one of my students who was diagnosed with leukemia today. Pray for the Lord to be with her and to take care of her and her family.

Last but not least, please Pray for my Pastor's son. He is 22, a senior in college majoring in theology, married a little over a year and has a baby due about 4 days before our Zoey is due. He was diagnosed with a rare children's cancer that comes from the embryonic fluid that is left over from infancy. It is called Ewings Sarcoma Pnet. It has been a real shock to our church and he and his family have been battling so much. Please Pray that the Lord will guide the course of action for the doctors to take to help him rid his body of this cancer. Pray that Jesus would just touch him and heal him. He has been called to preach and even feels led to take over our church when his dad is not able anymore. I really feel that God has a plan for this young man's life and I feel like He is molding him into the man he needs to be to take on such a big role.

Please join me in Prayer about these situations as well as continuing to remember my family and this pregnancy. I love you guys and I am still burdened daily for you. I remember you in Prayer every time I Pray. God bless!

Baby Shower and Update 26.5 weeks

So... I know most of my blogger friends live states and states away.... but I still wanted to extend an invite to my Baby Shower this coming Monday at 3:30pm at my school. If any of you are in the neighborhood and want to stop by just let me know and I can give you more details! I am excited and nervous. I know it's crazy but I hate having all the attention focused on me.... can you believe that? haha But I am excited to get all kinds of baby stuff and to get to start working on Zoey's nursery again the coming weeks.

In other news... WE HAVE MOVED! WOW! Let me just say that I am completely exhausted and I had forgotten just how much work it is to move. I have to collect a few more cleaning supplies from my apartment ( we overhauled it on Tuesday evening so that it would be nice when we moved out) and then I will turn in our keys tomorrow or Saturday morning. It is bittersweet to me. I loved my apartment. It was very nice and very big (like 1,400 square feet). We have had a lot of good memories there including coming home from work as a newly pregnant woman who was completely in shock. haha : ) But, we have outgrown our apartment and we definitely are loving our new home and all the extra square footage plus the garage and the huge yard we have. I will be loving the pool this summer as well : ) God has truly blessed us!

I haven't posted in almost a month! I usually try to update at least every 2 weeks so you can tell I've been busy. My doctor's appointment at 24.5 weeks consisted of a cervical length check (3.5cm) and a Fetal fibronectin test. This test detects fetal fibronectin, which is a glue like substance that begins to be discharged when you are within weeks of going into labor. If you get a positive reading, this means you could go into labor in the next 2 weeks. If you get a negative reading, there is a 99% chance that you will not go into labor in the next 2 weeks. The negative test is much more reliable than the positive. My test that week came back negative. That was great news because I wanted baby Zoey to keep growing and I wanted to continue to stay off bed rest so that I could enjoy my baby shower in the coming weeks. I didn't get to see Zoey at that appointment and I was disappointed but I was told I'd see her every time after that. I did have my second glucose screening and it actually came back better than the first. My level was 115 which was well within normal range. I was so glad! My thyroid came back fine as well.

Yesterday was my 26.5 week appointment. I again had the fetal fibronectin test and it came back negative again. Thank the Lord! My cervix measured 3.34 which is a bit shorter than before but I did have a different ultrasound tech (my favorite one is moving back to her hometown :( ) and they weren't concerned as long as it stays about 3 we are in good shape. I did get to see Zoey and I have 2 pictures of her (her spine mainly because she wouldn't roll over for good pictures. She now weighs 2lbs and was sleeping on her belly with one foot all the way up to her butt. So cute! Her heartbeat was 138 yesterday and I think 142 last time.

At 26.5 weeks she is moving around a lot. She as been for about 5 weeks or so now. I love feeling her. I also love just listening to her heartbeat. I even went out to the car during my planning period the other day to listen to her because I hadn't heard her heart in a few days due to all the moving and unpacking. She apparently still doesn't like the doppler and loves to kick it when I start trying to listen. It's quite funny. You can hear the thud on the machine and see my belly move. She's been doing that since the first time I listened to her with it. I thank God for these little moments that she and I share! I also thank God that my mom was able to feel her move today and to actually see my belly move. It just tickled her too death. She is so in love with this little girl already as are we all. Thank You Heavenly Father for this tiny, 2lb blessing growing inside me as we speak!

I have purchased her stroller, car seat, and high chair. I got all 3 at Kmart at a really great price. They are brown and green because I want to be able to reuse them if I am blessed with another child down the road. I didn't really want to put a possible, future baby boy in a pink stroller haha The print is called African Safari and I really like the brown and green together. Her room is BRIGHT PINK. My dear friend Tina is suppose to come paint a Care Bear mural on the wall if we can ever get my hubby's stuff out of there and we still have to hang the Care Bear border as well as get the furniture from my SIL. Still a lot to do.

I feel ok. I am staying really, really sore down low like where my torso meets my legs...I guess the groin area. I am also feeling more pressure down low. My feet and legs are swelling some at the end of the day but nothing that is too major. I am still grouchy a lot haha I also have hormonal episodes and speak my mind a lot more than I use to (sorta like I did when I was young). But I'm not too awful haha. The heartburn is getting worse... that's the one symptom that's followed me pretty much through the whole thing.

I guess I will head out. It's after midnight and I'm still going. I actually had a nap today. I never take naps anymore.... just never have time. All I do is work, unpack, sleep and repeat haha. God bless each of you and know that I am still Praying for you! Remember if you are near here Monday let me know!

Ps. I will add the new ultrasound pictures as soon as we hook our printer/scanner up...it may be a few weeks!

22 weeks 3 days Appointment update ... A New Pic and a Surprise Video

So the appointment went well this week. Zoey was doing well. They finally got her final heart view captured. They said that everything looked great. Thank You Heavenly Father! Her heart rate was 142 (or 144 can't remember which) bpm. She weighs exactly one pound now. How precious! And I feel every ounce of that pound on my bladder daily haha. No complaints!

I truly do feel so blessed to be able to be pregnant and get to experience this life growing inside me. It is all that I thought it would be and more. I love feeling my baby girl kick and dance around inside my womb. I am not taking one second of it for granted because I know how big of a deal that it is. This has been my life long dream and God has blessed me to get to see it through... and I truly believe He will see it through until she's healthy and here in our arms. God is just too good to me.... and I am so unworthy of His grace and His mercies!

I do have a new ultrasound picture to share and another surprise to share. I received my fetal doppler from "Tiny Heartbeats" yesterday and I have enjoyed using it all day today. I wanted to figure out how to record the heartbeat so I set up my camera and recorded it that way. So... here's my lil Zoey Danielle's heartbeat. Enjoy!

P.s. I am still Praying for each of you.... Continue to keep us in your Prayers as well. One more thing... I am planning a baby shower... details to follow soon. Any advice from anyone is welcome!

20 weeks 3 day Apt. Update + Back 2 Work & New House

<sup>1 Peter 5: 6-8

6</sup>Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

⁷Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

⁸Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

What awesome verses in the midst of our infertility and pregnancy woes! So true that God has His perfect time and He waits for that perfect time because He cares for us! So true also that satan is always waiting in the wings to rip us apart. We need to make sure we keep our eyes on our Savior for our strength and our help against this foe.

So on Wednesday I went back to my OB for my 20.5 week apt. Things were looking a lot better for Baby Zoey. The membrane sac was apparently attached because the ultrasound tech couldn't see any place in the ultrasound that showed that it was unattached. There was still a small amount of blood but not enough to bother anything. The ARNP said that it may just be reabsorbing into my body. My cervix was about 3.4 cm. That was good. Shorter than last time but I read that it can go back and forth a bit and that anything above 3 is good. I was taken off modified bed rest and given the OK to head back to work. Here are the pictures that the tech printed after I reminded her. The first shows that Zoey is a girl (though it isn't as clear as the other views of this we have seen in previous weeks) and the second shows Zoey laying on her side.


My mom and I also spoke with the doctors about the Swine flu pandemic. They were concerned as well. They explained the precautions to take because I work in a school and that makes it easier for me to be exposed. My ARNP is actually putting off getting pregnant now until the first of the year so that she can take the H1N1 vaccine without having to be in her first trimester. I think this is all a bigger deal than most folks think. I keep hearing that it is all hype but I'm pretty sure that it's bigger than what most people think.

They also discussed me being exposed to Fifth's disease. I had heard of this before because my niece had it last year. Kindergartners pass it left and right (also other small kids at daycare, etc.). They ran a test on me to see if I had had it as a child. If so, I would be ok but if not I have to be aware of that also because it can cause problems for the baby. I asked if I would have known and she told me that probably not because a lot of times it goes unnoticed because sometimes there aren't any symptoms.

So, we had a good visit. I am shaken up with the Swine flu and Fifth's disease discussions but I am just Praying that God will keep me and my baby safe. Please join me in Prayer for the same thing.

I did go back to work on Thursday and I am adjusting ok. My feet and legs are swelling some from being up all day and I have to get use to doing that again. But all in all things are going good. I am teaching 4th, 5th, and Kindergarten music, a 3rd grade reading, and various grade levels for a tutoring class (it changes daily).

In other news... I have waited to share this until it's closer but WE ARE BUYING OUR FIRST HOUSE! We have gotten to the point before where we agreed on an offer so this time when we did I was afraid to mention it because it seems like something always falls through. Well this time, we have had an accepted offer on the same house that we were buying a couple of months ago but with a better price this time and with better loan options. It was a blessing that it didn't work out the first time. We have had the home inspection, the survey on the land (1.4 acre lot) and now we are awaiting the FHA appraisal. I have been packing (don't worry ... just sitting and sorting with my momma's help, while my brother and hubby lift boxes and things). We have a whole lot finished. We worked the Friday that we found out and the following Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. We took a break on my birthday (Aug. 21) and started again this past Monday and Tuesday. A lot was accomplished in 6 days.... but it was in Creation time with God, too wasn't it? haha

Just continue to bathe us in your Prayers as we do the same for you! Much love to each of you!

18.5 Week Update & It's A .....

Hello all:

I have the hardest time making myself sit down to write about my appointments anymore. I always try to be so detailed for you guys (and mainly for me so that I'll remember all this in the future). I get to where I really have to push myself to type all this out. I am certainly glad I do though because I have so many local friends who are also going through infertility that ask me questions and I have to get on here and look up to see the information that I remembered at some point and what happened with it. It is a very handy tool for me as well as the most awesome way to keep up with my blog friends (all of you guys)!

So... I went to the doctor on Wednesday. I, for once, was nervous but not overly nervous like I usually am. I didn't have to wait long and I got the ultrasound tech that I just love. She is so sweet and so informative. She explains everything to me. She is also the tech who predicted that the baby was a girl right after all of that bleeding. Well, she told me again on Wednesday that she definitely is indeed a little girl. I am having a Zoey Danielle!

Zoey is a name that my momma and I heard at my brother's football game the night before my IF surgery. Of course I had heard it before but we just fell in love with it. It was brought up again a couple of months ago and it has stuck. This baby is a Zoey! The name means "LIFE" and that's just what she is to me, my life already : ) The middle name is Danielle which is in remembrance of my beloved, best friend Danielle Bowman. I have said from the start that when I got pregnant, I would use her name if I had a little girl. I Prayed at the beginning for God to let her be a part of this pregnancy and baby in some way and He has!

Would I have been disappointed with a little boy? NO, NO, NO! I would love either and would hope to one day have both. I have just yearned for a baby, no matter what it's gender was. But it is nice to be able to name the baby after Danielle. The name Danielle means "God is my judge" and that fits perfectly, too, because it is God who has judged this situation and decided to provide life to this little child and to this expectant momma. Praise the name of Jesus for this wonderful blessing! May this situation, this child, and this family bring honor to the name of God!

I did find out more than just the gender. The baby is growing well and measured up well. The genetic counselor came in during my ultrasound to aid in looking for markers for Downs Syndrome since my test came back at an increased risk. Some of the things they looked for were the kidney shape, the "sixth digit" which was making sure there were 3 bones in the pinkie finger, other organs and their shapes, and cysts on the brain. They thought that they possibly saw a cyst on the baby's brain but they were really unsure. I felt at peace the whole time because I truly feel that she is OK. The doctor came in and did a third ultrasound and confirmed that there was no cyst there and that it was normal! Praise God! The only thing they couldn't really see was the heart and they will scan it next time. So, be Praying that the heart is functioning well please : )

The genetic counselor realized in the middle of the scan that I had bled in the weeks prior to, and during the week of my Quad Screen. She said that the bleeding could have thrown the blood work off, too. The doctor confirmed that as well. He said it was the HCG levels that were off a bit and those were what would be affected by the bleeding. I had read this online when researching so I was familiar with what they were talking about. I hadn't been overly stressed either because God had given me a peace about the situation just hours after the phone call with the test results.

The blood clot was mostly gone. There was some blood left in the uterus and was just laying there. The doctor said that I could pass it or it could reabsorb. The membrane (water sac) had began to attach to the uterine wall but was still unattached just a bit. For this reason, I was kept on modified bed rest for another 2 weeks. Also, the placenta had moved out of the way! Praise God!

I do have a couple of pictures for you. These show the baby looking at us. None of my pictures have been as good as those from 14.5 weeks but we'll take them! No big deal to me. I just love seeing her. There was even one point where she covered her face with her hands as if she were saying, "Not more pictures!" Too funny because I am the picture queen! The tech tried to get a picture of the baby so that I would have proof she was a girl but she closed her legs right as she tried to capture the image and she wouldn't open them again. Oh well, at least she is modest. That means we are off to a good start : ) HAHA

Thanks be to God for giving me such great news at this appointment! I am so blessed to have gotten good news and I just praise my Heavenly Father's name for that! Thank You Father for this little girl who has already touched my life and the lives of so many. Continue to bless her in my womb and throughout her whole life. Use her life to glorify You! Strengthen me so that I am able to teach her all about You and Your perfect ways. I love you Jesus.

Here are the pictures of Zoey Danielle. Enjoy and remember that I am still Praying for each of you guys. I feel like God is moving in a lot of your situations even though I'm not sure how. He is good and I know that you guys know that because after what we've all been through, I can't imagine heading into such a dark tunnel of infertility without the light of Jesus guiding us through. I love you guys!

Quad Screen Results

I should have posted this last week but I am just now getting around to it. The results of my quad screen were OK. The Spina Bifida came back OK but the Downs Syndrome was slightly increased risk. My risk was 1/240 compared to 1/866 for women my age. She said it in no way meant that my baby had Downs Syndrome, just that it was a slight increase in the risk factors according to my blood work. I was really upset at first because I Pray that this baby is healthy but I felt better when I crunched the numbers and realized that it's a 0.4% chance. Don't get me wrong... I will love this baby no matter what, I just hate to see it have to go through even more especially since it will probably be a preemie.

My placenta was working at a 2.2 and they said they didn't flag it as a problem unless it was 2.5 or higher. That was still pretty close to me, so I'm curious as to what they'll say about it. This was the main thing I wanted from the test since I've had placenta problems already.

I go Wednesday at 10am for my 18.5 week ultrasound. This one will be the anatomy (as long as the baby is big enough and it should be) and they will also look for markers for Downs Syndrome to hopefully lower my risk. I also will hopefully see that the membrane sac is attached and that the blood clot is gone. I will be talking with the genetic counselor as well and hopefully they'll confirm the baby's sex.

A lot of stuff will be going on at this appointment. Please keep us in your Prayers, as I know you do, and Pray for lots of healthy, good baby news. God is good as He has been throughout this entire pregnancy and pre-pregnancy phase. I truly feel that His hand is upon this precious, little soul!

Love to each of you from the bottom of my heart!

Ps. I think I've felt the baby move but I'm not sure. I can't distinguish if it's really the baby or just stomach issues.

16 week 3 day Dr. Apt

I went back to the doctor yesterday to be reevaluated with the placenta previa. The good news is that the baby was ok. They still think it's a girl and told me that we would confirm it at 20 weeks for sure. The placenta had moved, how much I am not sure, but they said that the ultrasound report called it low lying now so that's a good thing I think. Of course I'll be researching that in the next few days ... those of you who know me know that I research quite a bit.

They were a bit concerned about the membrane sack not attaching to the uterine wall. The doctor said that when I pass the blood clot it should attach back. So I really need to pass this clot... and I have been passing small pieces for 2 weeks. Since Tuesday, I have been passing larger pieces and actually this morning I passed the biggest piece so far. I've never passed large clots before and it is such a strange feeling. I also had passed the biggest piece that I had passed up until that appointment yesterday at 5:30am before I got ready to go. So I am Praying that whatever is left just keeps passing and that the membranes will reattatch. I also had the Quad Screening that they do automatically on all patients to check for placenta functioning, Downs Syndrome, and Spina Bifida. Also, my TSH (Thyroid) was checked again and as of this morning it came back well.

They did decide to keep me on modified bed rest for another 2 weeks so I will not be returning to work this week for the first day of school. That's really weird to me because I've never been in that situation. But I think my boss and I have it covered. She's been so good to me throughout the infertility and pregnancy and I praise God for her. I am not overly worried about work because I feel like it will all be ok and that it will be taken care of. Of course I worry some but this baby is my number one priority and I am just concerned about making sure that it gets here safe and healthy and hopefully later rather than sooner.

By the way... here are the latest ultrasound pictures. They are harder for me to figure out than those last two but the first shows the baby laying face up... it's profile and the second shows it laying on it's belly face down with its butt in the air. Precious!






So.. let me beg once again for my precious Prayer warrior friends to Pray for these things. Pray that the clot is passed, the membranes fuse back, and that the Quad screening comes back well. Pray that the baby will be safe and snug in my womb and will stay in there for as long as is possible so that it will be healthy. Just Pray, Pray, Pray for God's will.

By the way, I have had a lot of you guys on my mind. I am still Praying for each of my friends who are still awaiting a child. I haven't forgotten you nor will I forget you. And just as I told my best friend from college yesterday, I truly do feel that God will make a way. I haven't a clue how or when or what it will take but He will make a way for each of you. I love you and am Praying daily for you. Please know that if you don't hear from me, I am still thinking and Praying for your situation!

Much Love,

Baby Pictures @ 14 Weeks & 3 days Taken July 15, 2009

Here are the baby pictures I promised almost 2 weeks ago. They've been hanging on my momma's fridge. I borrowed them today to scan them and put them on here for you guys! I'm sending them back her way next time I see her...haha Continue to Pray that the baby is doing well this Wed. at my appointment. I always get a bit nervous before I go... just keep us in your Prayers. A few of you have asked how I am doing and the answer is just fine. I am still on bed rest and I'll find out more at that appointment. I'll do whatever it takes though to keep my lil one safe... even if it means bed rest for awhile : )


This chapter of Psalms came to mind when I was getting ready to post these pictures... please read and enjoy!

PSALM 139

1 O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.

19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.

21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:

24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

PRAISE GOD, GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!

Urgent Prayers Needed For My Baby ... Placenta Previa and a Bleed

I have been having a reoccurring nightmare off and on for several days. I kept dreaming I was waking up to blood. I figured it was from all that runs around in the back of my mind daily, but last night I saw blood.

I was sitting Indian style on the couch with my husband eating dinner and talking. I hadn't been off the phone even an hour with my friend Tina who I was just discussing the dream with. I felt something gush and I immediately knew something wasn't right. I jumped up and ran to the bathroom with my husband behind me. I immediately saw lots of bright, red blood coming out of me and I started shaking all over.

I yanked my clothes from the waist down off and changed into a new pair of underwear and shorts. I was not thinking clearly or I would have put a pad on as well. I grabbed my wallet from my purse and my cell and keys and was in the car in seconds. My husband came running out behind me carrying a towel and asking me to let him drive. I was already ready to back out and we were only a few minutes from the local hospital so I told him I could and though he didn't agree, he didn't waste time arguing.

I pulled in and went straight inside. There was another man back in the admissions section being admitted so I stood there. I had a look of distress on my face and one of the other ladies came to the window and asked what was going on. I explained to her and she led me back through the doors.

I explained what had happened and she told me that they didn't have an OB unit anymore. I asked if I would be able to have an ultrasound anyway and she said yes because the tech only lived a few minutes away. The doctor came in next and told me he would be doing an exam and blood work on me. He looked at me like it was no big deal and said, "You might be having a miscarriage." I just looked at him with a dumbfounded look. Like I didn't already think that. He said it so easily yet it had taken me so long to get to this point. I asked about the ultrasound and he said no he wouldn't be able to let me do an ultrasound. My mom rushed minutes later and I told her what he said. She told me she'd rather him not go poking around if he didn't know what he was doing and that it was pointless if they couldn't check the baby via ultrasound. So I signed out and we left.

I was still bleeding heavily so we decided to try one of the supposed best hospitals for maternity care in our area. For you faithful readers, this is the same place that I had the drama a year ago about the follicle scan for infertility. We signed in and I asked about an ultrasound. The lady told me that yes they could do one there. I had already called my doctor in Knoxville (1.5 hours away) and was waiting for them to page him. We waited with my parents and brother for about 15 minutes and then they finally called me back. The nurse was asking questions and then told me that I was not far enough along to go to OB and that the ER couldn't do an ultrasound on me. I was shocked. She said you had to be 20 weeks to go to OB. So apparently my baby didn't count because it was 5 and a half weeks to young. I stood up, asked if I had been admitted and she said no. I then preceded to tell her that it was a shame that the nurse up front had told me that I could have an ultrasound and she said that the nurse didn't know. I replied that she should have known and I walked out.

There was no choices left to make... we were heading to the University of Tn's ER. I told my dad and brother to go on home and to rest (dad had been at work all day and had to work early the next day and I wanted my brother to be with him) and to Pray. They didn't really want to but I knew that I wouldn't be able to take them all back with me and that they'd be worn out waiting in a waiting room not knowing anything all night.

So we hit the interstate and took off. I decided to call again to have my doctor paged so the ER could be ready for me. I called the after hours number again and spoke with a woman this time (women always seem to be more compassionate in these situations). She asked if the doctor had called me and I told her no. She acted frustrated and told me to not hang up and that she would take care of this. Seconds later she came back on the line with my doctor.

I explained to him what had happened and he told me that he wished that I had came straight on over instead of stopping at the other two. Of the "best maternity care hospital" he stated that he wouldn't take his dog to that ER. I told him that I was sorry but that I was alarmed and wasn't sure of what to do. He told me that it was OK and that he wasn't upset at me and that he just worried. He then told me that if it was something bad that there would be nothing they could do to stop it but that there are other reasons you could bleed. He went into it a bit and then asked how far away I was. I replied 50 minutes and he told me that he'd call ahead to let them know I was coming. He also told me to tell them that I was his patient when I got there and to take me back.

I laid in the front seat with my legs propped up on 2 small boxes I had left in my car from the work that was done on my wheel bearings earlier in the day. I laid back and just Prayed and tried to stay calm. My mom sat in the backseat and kept holding my hand and rubbing my head. She told me that it would be fine. Then I watched her Pray and cry in the dark. My husband, who had just driven over an hour home from work, was now racing another hour or so to get us there. I was upset but I had peace that could only come from God. I could feel the Prayers that my dear friends were bathing me in.

We arrived at around 11pm and I signed in. The man told me to have a seat and I just looked at him. Here I was standing with blood dripping off my shorts and he wanted me to sit in a seat. I explained that I was still bleeding and he told me to just stand by the door and they'd be calling me back in just a few minutes. I waited 15 minutes and then went back to him. By this time my eyes were tearing up again and he told me that it would be any second. About 2 minutes later the door opened and I went in to be admitted.

After being admitted, I was taken to a bed in the hallway. People were still coming out of my room and it then had to be cleaned. Finally they took me into my room and my nurse's aide (who I thought was my nurse) came to talk to me. I told her what was going on and she told me that a doctor would be in shortly and if I needed anything to just page her. She also told me to hang in there because she had been through the same thing after infertility and been on bed rest for 6 months. She told me that her daughter was working that very night in the ER with her. How encouraging!

Next, I had blood work drawn and was finished being admitted while I laid on a bedpan. Quite strange answering questions about your address and phone number while you are waiting for someone to take the bedpan away. : ) Another nurse came in with a Doppler to see if she could get the baby's heartbeat but said that she had never tried to find it on a UU. She did find a heartbeat but wasn't sure if it was mine or the baby's. Next, the doctor came in. She was young and very knowledgeable. She told me that they were going to put me in a room where I could be examined and have an ultrasound. Finally! An ultrasound! She also said she'd get my blood work back and let me know about it.

I waited for quite some time and they finally wheeled me to the other room. I laid on the exam table for 2 hours and no one came. My mom went to the desk and they told her they were trying to see if they could grab a doctor from OB and that it had been really busy. My back was killing me on the exam table. My nurse's aide came to check on me and when she found out I hadn't been seen yet she told me that she would see what she could do. She went and talked to the head nurse and they had forgotten to call back to OB again.

A few minutes later, the doctor walked in. She had another young, female doctor with her. They told me that my blood work was good and my levels were good. Then they checked me. The good news was that the bleeding had slowed down. She said they had had an issue with their ultrasound machine and it was broken and that non of the ultrasound techs were available to use theirs. She said she was going to try to borrow the trauma center's machine and that possibly a tech could come in. Worst case scenario was that she would use an old, ancient machine that they had.

Nothing panned out so, you guessed it, she used the old machine. It was the first hand held ultrasound machine I had ever seen. She told me not to freak out if they couldn't see anything because it didn't mean that something was wrong just that the machine was old and wasn't picking up. But she did see the baby and it was moving all over the place and the heart was beating normally. My mom and husband got to see it and then I did (though it had stopped moving around when I saw it).

They told me that they were going to release me and that I needed to be on bed rest until my appointment on Thursday with my doctor. I explained that I thought I would just spend the night in town and try to get an appointment that day since I was there. They then told me they would try to find me something to wear out.

The nurse came in and I was discharged but I still had no clothes. The nurse's aide came to check on me and said that she'd find me something and she did. I left in mesh underwear, a thick pad, and papery scrub pants. She wheeled me to the car and I told her I appreciated her so much. She was so, so nice. Turns out that she is from my area and drives there to work daily. I will have to look her up and send her a card.

We left and began to try to find a Wal-Mart. We were not near the west side of town so I wasn't too familiar with where Wal-Mart would be. After awhile we gave up and stopped at a ATM to get cash. Then we went through a McDonalds and checked into a hotel. We didn't check in until almost 5 am. After we ate, we fell asleep.

I was up at 7 with everything running through my head. I kept going to the bathroom and I was bleeding again. I waited until 8am and called the doctor. They told me I could come in at 11 or anytime before. I took a shower and did the best I could with my shirt and scrub pants. We got to the office at 10:30 and waited longer than I've ever waited. There were a lot of ultrasounds that day. Finally, I was called back.

The ultrasound tech was the nicest that I've ever had. She showed up everything and spent about 40 minutes going over it all. She explained that I had placenta previa that was partially covering my cervix. She told me that this early in pregnancy could mean that it will probably move away from the cervix as my uterus expands. She said the bleeding was from where it was trying to attach and there was nothing there to attach to at that opening. I also had another spot that she thought could be a fibroid but ended up being a blood clot from the bleeding. It wasn't the kind that would go through the cord to the baby though.



I asked if I would be able to find out what the baby is at 18 weeks. She said really you could at 16 weeks and that she'd see if she could see what it was for me. She determined that she thinks it is a girl. She told me she wasn't positive but that she believed it was because of the 3 lines that made up the baby's sex organ. So I guess we'll see in a few weeks for sure. We also got to see the arms and shoulders, elbows, butt cheeks, legs and face. I have two really cute pictures to post but they are with my mom right now. They show the baby laying on it's side with it's arm over it's head. Sorta like how I lay at times. It also kept moving it's mouth the entire time. My husband said that it was like me always talking. : )

The doctor came in next and I had never met him. He is the partner to the doctor I always see. He was really nice and explained the same things. He told me that their was still a chance of miscarriage but that he felt really optimistic about the whole thing. He stated that I could bleed for weeks and that I may even pass the blood clot. He said that if the bleeding became bright red, heavy, and was accompanied by cramps to come straight back. He put me on modified bed rest for 2 weeks until I go back. He said then we'd see if I needed to stay on bed rest from there. I asked a few questions about bathroom issues, sleeping positions, and my meds and then he left.

We stopped at my favorite Japanese buffet and ate. I love their mushroom soup so I had a bunch of it. Then we headed home. I slept for 4 hours and went back to sleep at 2am. I have laid around all day today. The bleeding has slowed down today but is still there. I talked to the ARNP this morning and she told me it was OK. I just worry and of course I want to check.

Sooo... I went through this whole story for 3 reasons.

1. To be able to refer folks to it so that I don't have to keep retelling the whole thing
2. To be able to document the whole thing for myself later on and
3. To ask my beloved Blog friends for your Prayers for my baby, family and I!

Please, Pray for everything to be OK with my lil baby. Pray for God to guide the doctors and to guide me with decisions. Pray for things to heal and get better on their own. Pray for me to not go stir crazy in the bed. Pray for God's will!

God has been so good to me in these last few days, just as He always is. I could never thank Him enough or be worthy enough to accept His goodness. I am so glad He sees me through His Son's blood instead of seeing me as my own dirty self. Thank You Father for your love, mercy, and your guidance. Thank You for Your hand that I truly believe is holding my womb and sheltering the baby inside. I once again declare that this is God's child and I am just a vessel that He has chosen to share such a miracle with. I am His child and my child is His child. I Pray for early salvation for this child and for he/she to be used to lead others to You Father. I Pray for a healthy baby and for a safe pregnancy. I Pray that You will also be with my family as they work so hard to help me through all this. Shower them with Your love and blessings!

Also, if any of you have a story about placenta previa or pregnancy bleeding to share, leave me a comment. I'd love to know more.



Much love to each of you!

11 weeks and 5 day checkup: Thursday June 25 ... URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS FOR YOU

I went to the doctor for my 3rd checkup. I was so very nervous (again) because the 2 days prior to the appointment, I had seen pink when I went to pee. I was so scared that it was baby related but it was coming from my urine. I called the doctor's office and they told me that we would check to see if I had another UTI at the appointment. So I waited... and worried... I know I shouldn't and I really try not to but at times I admit that I did.

By the morning of my appointment, I was no longer seeing any pink in my urine and when it was checked there was nothing there. My ARNP at the OB said that sometimes when the uterus lays on the bladder it can irritate it. Hmm... good to know : )

I had to then decide whether or not I wanted the first trimester screening. At the last appointment, I assumed everyone did it. So I assumed I'd do it, too. But after really thinking about it, I decided that I didn't want to do it. This screening can show up factors pointing to possible Down Syndrome in the baby. I knew that if it came out positive (and there are false positives), I would worry myself sick. My friends Deanna, Kim and my mom thought the same thing. When I told them I didn't want to do it they were fine with it.

Then a few minutes later my ARNP came and talked with me about it. I explained my concerns and she said that I could still have the fancier ultrasound to see how the baby was doing and to measure its nuchal translucency. I decided to go ahead and do the ultrasound... mainly because I wanted to get to see my baby longer and to see the measurements and all. And it was a longer ultrasound. I was nervous but the nuchal translucency measured to be normal.

It was very cool to see Baby BG though... he/she was asleep and laying on it's side (as I do). It was curled up in a ball and the ultrasound tech had to jiggle my belly to wake it up. It sprang to life, kicking and throwing it's little arms. Precious. Then it calmed down and she measured it. It measured perfect for that day... exactly what I was 11 weeks and 5 days. Before she finished it threw its arm up again as though it were waving at us. Mom kept saying "Wave at mamaw honey!" and it started waving again. So cute! I got a lot of neat pictures (they are more enlarged so it's hard to make out what you are seeing) and I am posting them at the bottom of this post.

I also had to do a bunch of blood work including a blood clotting test, glucola test, TSH test, urine culture, and cystic fibrosis screening as well as a pap smear and a breast exam. I think that was all of them. The glucose test started when I was being checked in. I had to drink a cup of orange liquid that was really, really sweet. Then they had to measure my blood sugar 1 hour later. The results came back well. My thyroid (TSH) test came back still a bit high so I am now up to 100 mcg of Synthroid. The urine culture, pap smear and breast exam, again, was fine. The cystic fibrosis screening hasn't came back yet and that only leaves one.... the blood clotting test.

I received a call on Wednesday of this week that my blooding clotting tests all came back good except for one. I was diagnosed with MTHFR on July 2nd. This disorder is a clotting factor issue that makes my body not absorb folic acid, B6 and B12 as it should. Imagine that... all the years taking folic acid and most of it probably wasn't reaching my system. Though I am still glad I did take it just in case it has helped in some way. It can cause neural tubal defects, Down Syndrome, and blood clots that can clot off in the placenta and block the flow of nutrients to the baby. The ARNP that I am gaining trust in was out of town this week so I talked with a nurse in the office who consulted with one of the high risk doctors and I was put on Metanx and a baby aspirin daily.

Now, as you guys know.. I research and it is a blessing and a curse to be like that because now I'm wondering if I need to be on shots. The high risk doctor didn't think so but I want to run it by my ARNP just to see what she thinks. Do I want to take more shots? No. I just finished my progesterone (2 shots every day alternating hips since February). But I want to do what's best for my little peach (that's how big it is this week so that's why I called it a peach). I just want to do the best thing. God has given me peace about the situation and I feel like it is going to be just fine but I just want to know that I have explored every avenue.

So, as always, PLEASE keep my baby in your Prayers. I just want it to be healthy and to be able to carry he/she as long as possible. God has been so good to me throughout my whole life and I praise Him each day for this blessed miracle that He has performed in my womb. I truly believe this baby is my miracle and I feel so blessed to be able to have the opportunity to be a mother. I can't wait to hold my precious child and just sit in awe of all that God has created out of nothing. So amazing! Thank you Heavenly Father!

I also want to thank God for my loving family who are so wonderful and always there for me. My precious momma and daddy always have my best interest at heart and are always so selfless with me and my brother. I thank Him for my sweet little (not so little) brother who is growing up to be a fine young man. I also thank Him for my precious husband who truly loves me more than I could ever know. Thanks to God for my beloved grandmother, aunts and uncles, cousins, and in-laws. I just feel so truly blessed!

Ps. Pray for my husband's papaw... he's not doing too well and we are not sure if he's been Saved. We have talked to him about it but nothing has been confirmed and his sister has Prayed with him but we aren't sure. Also, Pray for my good friend Deanna's twins who were born on July 1st at 32 weeks and 5 days (I think). Abagail Grace 3lbs and 14.5 oz and Emma Alene 3lbs and 9 oz. They are doing good but still need our Prayers!

Without Further Ado..... Here's Baby Brittain-Goodlett AKA Baby BG (that's why I call him/her)

Baby BG on it's side, sleeping, curled into a ball and measuring smaller because of it!

Hard to make out but the head is on the right in all of these!

Baby BG's nasal cavity... cute little nose!