Dr. Appointment August 30, 2011

Hello everyone! So, I went to the doctor today. Not much really went on. I guess that's good! My weight has maintained (thank God!), my blood pressure is good, Frankie's heart sounds great, my belly measures perfectly, and he's still moving a ton! Overall, things are great! They didn't check to see if I was dilated or not (I thought this was weird since they did last week and they are supposed to start checking at 36 weeks, which I am currently). They also didn't check effacement either. So, hopefully that will come next week. I can't imagine them not checking just because I'm getting a c section! I will not be getting anymore ultrasounds before he is here! Crazy to think that since I have had so, so many throughout all of this! What's even more crazy?! I only have TWO! Yes, TWO doctor's appointments left before he is here! How crazy is that business?! Unless he tries to come early that is... which hopefully he cooks in there as long as possible! I will be 37 weeks on Saturday which is considered full term, so really if he tries to come from then on, we welcome him with open arms (but would prefer for him to arrive on the 19th!). I believe that is all that I have for now. Thanks again for all your love, support and prayers! We are thankful for each and every one of you!!!
Next appointment is Thursday, September 8th at 4:55pm.

Braxton Hicks, dehydration, contractions? Oh my!

Hello all! So, I woke up this morning not feeling the greatest. As the work day went on, things weren't getting any better. I had pains and such in my abdomen and finally decided to call the doctor and she told me to come on in. Well, on Saturday I had some lovely food posioning that took literally everything out of me. Doctor said my cervix is getting soft but not enough for the baby to come yet, it hasn't dropped yet and I'm not even considered 1 centimeter dilated. Needless to say, he won't be here today! Thankfully! Why am I having contractions and stuff? Could be a few things:
1. Braxton Hicks contractions
2. Dehydration from food poisoning that will lead to early labor. MUST DRINK TONS OF FLUIDS!
3. Contractions because my body is getting ready for the big day!

Whatever it is, he is doing okay. He's moving around a lot and his heart sounds good. Doctor does think that he will be here within a couple weeks, as do I. No sooner than 37 though. They will try and stop labor before then. I will truly be surprised if I actually make it to the scheduled section date. If I do, that's fantastic! But, I'm preparing myself not to. Just in case! I am working part time now so it should help keep him in there as long as possible! I won't be going to my appointment on Thursday since I went today unless necessary,  but it shouldn't be. That's all I've got for now! Love to you all! Time for more rest!

C Section Scheduled!

Hello everyone! I went to the doctor again today and things are still looking good. The c section is officially scheduled for Sept. 19th at 9:30am! :) Joe and I have to be there at 7:30am, but the little guy will be arriving probably around 10 or so! Crazy to think about! Mixed emotions right here!

I officially feel like a whale. Retaining water that makes my hands and ankles a tad swollen. Let me tell you, that's a blast! The pregnancy has officially caught up with me and I am exhausted! Had a talk with the doctor today and it seems best that I don't work more than 24 hours a week these last few weeks. That's going to help me out A TON! I work with the most amazing teachers in the world! I don't want this little fella (or not so little....) trying to make an appearance too soon!

As for being not so little... he's measuring a little big. As in, my belly should measure 34 weeks right now and it measures bigger. Doctor isn't concerned or anything but she said it seems like it's a good thing that I'm having a c section! I'm beginning to think I'm thankful for it, too!

My next appointment is Thursday next week at 5:00 pm. I'll update again then unless necessary to do so before. Thanks for all the continuous support and prayers! Love to you ALL!

Dr. Appointment August 10, 2011

Frankie is getting so big! He is so adorable! He now weighs in at 5 pounds 9 ounces! If he gains weight accordingly, he will be an 8.5 pounder! His O is still stable and he is not under any stress and his heart and everything looks super good! I talked with the doctor about scheduling my c-section and they are supposed to be working on it ASAP. It's really in the hospitals hands and they're SLOW! There still shouldn't be any reason that it's not Sept. 19th at 9 am. Over all, he is doing really well as am I. I now start going back every week to check up on him. My next appointment is on Thursday, August 18th at 12:55. I'm not sure if they will be doing another ultrasound before he is here or not, but my guess is that they will be. I can see them doing another right before he is born so that they can look at it one last time before he is here. That is something I am going to discuss with my doctor on Thursday next week (I saw the NP today). His O is larger than I expected it to look/be, but the doctor's and the ultrasound tech say everything looks good and the size has stayed relative to his abdomen. Still scares me but I know that he will be okay with all the great doctors that we have here in St. Louis. Love to you all! Time for some pictures!

 Look at the cute foot! 3 in long! That's what has been kicking my ribs for the past months! Love it!

Cute chubby face!

Doctor's Visit July 27th, 2011

Hello! I went in for a regular OB visit today and things still seem to be looking good! My belly measures a little under where it should but it's not a concern because they allow you to measure 3-4cm under or over where your target is. So, that's good! She did have me freaked out for a second that he wasn't growing, but he has! His heart sounded amazing, too! Nice and healthy. I asked her about my numb shoulder business I have been having and she said it is just a nerve being irritated or pinched because of the way he hangs out in there. He is still head down and has been for awhile. He must like it that way! I go back in two weeks for an ultrasound to check on his growth and the O again. I can't wait to see him! After that appointment, I actually start going weekly! We are getting so close that it's scary! He will be here before we know it! In the beginning of August I will have the exact time for the c section. It will most likely still be at 9:00 am on September 19th. As soon as I know, I will let everyone know because I know people are trying to take off work and such. THANK YOU to everyone for your continuous prayers and support! We need it and are so thankful for it! Love to you all!!

Next appt: August 10th at 2:15. I will update again after that! :)

Pediatrician Visit on July 20th, 2011

Hello all! I just wanted to send a quick update. Joe and I met with Dr. Terrill who will be Frankie's pediatrician. She is wonderful! Very bubbly, nice and knowledgeable! She said once he is here she can check him out the day after he's born and keep up with him and do things as necessary. The doctor's at Children's Hospital will be the ones who are really working with him until he is out of the hospital and even once he's out, but we need a pediatrician also. We are happy to have met her and look forward to her helping us with our little man! My next doctor's appointment is on July 27th. I will update again then! Love to you all!

Doctor's Visit July 13th, 2011

Things went well again today! Frankie is growing very well and the O still looks stable. There is no stress around the O, thank God! He currently weighs roughly 3lbs 2 oz! During the ultrasound today I even got to see that he now has hair on his head and watched him open and close his eyes! Adorable! My belly measures correctly at 29 weeks and my weight has maintained! I go back to the doctor in two weeks for a regular OB visit. My OB leaves for Africa tomorrow night for 2 weeks, so Frankie needs to make sure he doesn't pull any funny business while she is gone! My c-section is supposed to be on Sept. 19th at 9:00 am, but that isn't a definite time yet. My doctor tried to schedule it with Barnes and apparently 2 months ahead is too soon. Craziness, we both thought but oh well. In August, we'll know for sure! Things are going very well, all things considered! Keep up those prayers! We appreciate them so much! Love you to all!

Cute face and little hands up by his face!