This was a tough week for all of us a year ago. I was pregnant with our son and noticed spotting one night before bed. I was admitted to the hospital the following day with the news of preterm labor. Over the next two weeks we fought for that baby's life but the labor was too strong. I think about him everyday and wish the outcome was different. But, as the saying goes, "It is what it is". I know it's just a "date" on the calendar but I can't help reflect how much life can change in a year, let alone an instant.
As I write this, I am reminded of my little girl who kicks to the taste of morning breakfast! I already know she has a strong spirit. Next week marks a huge milestone for this pregnancy: 34 weeks. So, as I remember a time of loss and sorrow, I shift my thinking toward renewed hope a year later.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
33 weeks...and the knitting frenzy continues
This is Alexa updating my sister's blog. I picked Elizabeth up this morning for her doctor's appointment at Kaiser. She turns 33 weeks tomorrow and the appointment went well. At last week's appt, the doctor thought that her cervix had changed position and today she felt like it had reversed itself, back to where we want it to be. So that is great. Elizabeth has been monitoring her glucose levels and her diet changes are working, except she is having a hard time gaining weight (without any desserts). My mom made us a yummy lunch today--egg salad sandwiches.
The knitting madness continues...Elizabeth made the cutest hat this week (see the photos below). My mom and her are knitting as we speak. Elizabeth was hoping to get released from bedrest, but the bedrest is going to continue for now. It feels like it has been a long time for all of us...sitting here and watching movies and the cooking shows and knitting. I think we are going on 14 weeks of sitting here.
Eleanor's crib arrived today from FedEx and Michael is excited to assemble it. That was the highlight of the day for the cats--Ron is afraid of trucks and spent the next hour hiding in their closet.
Please keep sending Elizabeth your positive thoughts :) She really enjoys reading your emails and comments.
The knitting madness continues...Elizabeth made the cutest hat this week (see the photos below). My mom and her are knitting as we speak. Elizabeth was hoping to get released from bedrest, but the bedrest is going to continue for now. It feels like it has been a long time for all of us...sitting here and watching movies and the cooking shows and knitting. I think we are going on 14 weeks of sitting here.
Eleanor's crib arrived today from FedEx and Michael is excited to assemble it. That was the highlight of the day for the cats--Ron is afraid of trucks and spent the next hour hiding in their closet.
Please keep sending Elizabeth your positive thoughts :) She really enjoys reading your emails and comments.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Sunday "Funday"
There used to be a time when Sundays were filled with friends, family, beer & food. Boy, how times have changed! I now look forward to Sundays for a different reason...I get to take my weekly shower! It truly is an amazing thing to take a shower after going a whole week without one. I dare you to try it! Just another small sacrifice for the lady of my dreams :)
Michael was busy today cleaning, doing laundry & cooking meals...he also shaved my legs with his electric razor! Desperate times, call for desperate measures. He is one amazing husband who loves me so much and I am so thankful to have him in my life!
Diet Report: I have been managing my Gestational Diabetes fairly well over the past week and it seems to be under control. Two words: peanut butter. Peanut butter on toast, peanut butter on apples, peanut butter on everything! Because protein offsets carbs, PB is a great addition to the diet. Along with diet change, the number of contractions I've been having has changed as well. This past week they have lessened which makes me very happy. Not sure if it's related to diet and blood sugar levels, but we'll take it!
Michael was busy today cleaning, doing laundry & cooking meals...he also shaved my legs with his electric razor! Desperate times, call for desperate measures. He is one amazing husband who loves me so much and I am so thankful to have him in my life!
Diet Report: I have been managing my Gestational Diabetes fairly well over the past week and it seems to be under control. Two words: peanut butter. Peanut butter on toast, peanut butter on apples, peanut butter on everything! Because protein offsets carbs, PB is a great addition to the diet. Along with diet change, the number of contractions I've been having has changed as well. This past week they have lessened which makes me very happy. Not sure if it's related to diet and blood sugar levels, but we'll take it!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
32 Weeks!
Another week, hooray! Today I had my weekly doctor appointment and my Mom and I were there for about 2 hours, which resulted in an afternoon filled with contractions. Lots to report on...
First, the doc examined my cervix and a slight change has taken place. In her words, "It is beginning to tilt". Nothing to be overly concerned about, but not the same as last week. As a precautionary measure, I received another round of steroid injections to assist any last minute lung development "just in case". I will go back tomorrow morning for the second dose. The doc also looked at the little lady on the ultrasound machine and she weighed in at 3lbs. 13 oz. She is right on track for her gestational age, and mighty cute, I might add!
We also had a crash course in diet management for gestational diabetes and learned how to use the blood sugar monitoring kit. I am suppose to check blood sugar levels four times a day to make sure I am on track. Lesson of the day: one must always have a protein with a carb to balance proper blood sugar. Hmmm...Interesting. Because I am a vegetarian this may be a challenge. The balancing act begins.
The rest of the day was filled with a delicious lunch made by Mom, TV, & knitting. Same story, different day! Ha! Our spirits are up and we are all getting very excited to welcome this special little girl into our lives.
First, the doc examined my cervix and a slight change has taken place. In her words, "It is beginning to tilt". Nothing to be overly concerned about, but not the same as last week. As a precautionary measure, I received another round of steroid injections to assist any last minute lung development "just in case". I will go back tomorrow morning for the second dose. The doc also looked at the little lady on the ultrasound machine and she weighed in at 3lbs. 13 oz. She is right on track for her gestational age, and mighty cute, I might add!
We also had a crash course in diet management for gestational diabetes and learned how to use the blood sugar monitoring kit. I am suppose to check blood sugar levels four times a day to make sure I am on track. Lesson of the day: one must always have a protein with a carb to balance proper blood sugar. Hmmm...Interesting. Because I am a vegetarian this may be a challenge. The balancing act begins.
The rest of the day was filled with a delicious lunch made by Mom, TV, & knitting. Same story, different day! Ha! Our spirits are up and we are all getting very excited to welcome this special little girl into our lives.
Friday, June 18, 2010
The results are in...
No Blizzards for this momma! Two weeks ago I was tested for gestational diabetes and the results came back a little elevated. Yesterday I did a 3 hour follow-up testing and the results indicate that I do, in fact, have gestational diabetes. Bummer. I was so hoping to get a Blizzard from Dairy Queen and my dream has been shattered! Basically I just need to follow the proper dietary guidelines and eliminate all concentrated sugar from my diet. No candy, no ice cream, no cookies, and definitely no Blizzards...sounds like no fun to me!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Pics from the past 3 months
Watching TV with Ron and eating jello
A new hat for Eleanor that t I knit
Eleanor's new blanket (with my mom) that I knit
Ron wearing Eleanor's new sweater
31 weeks...My ribs hurt!
One of the possible side effects of pregnancy are achy ribs and mine are sore due to the expanded uterus...but I'm not complaining, I still love every minute of it!
The reason I am on bedrest is because I have been having contractions since the middle of March. My doctor decided it would best to stop working and rest as much as possible. The first few weeks went pretty smooth, but at 22 weeks my cervix shortened and things became more serious. At that point my doc game me steroid injections to help the baby's lungs mature in case of delivery. As the weeks began to pass, so did 2 major "safe zones". Baby viability is considered at 24 weeks & survival rates increase to 96 % at 28 weeks. Heading toward 32weeks feels great with almost no risk of cerebral palsy for the baby. Next milestone, 34 weeks! A possible release date from bedrest. I still have contractions daily, so I take medicine every few hours that relaxes the uterus and prevents labor. I have also tried to eliminate any sources of stress and anxiety from my life.
I pass my time by knitting, watching movies, watching my TV shows (cooking shows, 90210, Sex & the City, the Bachelorette, Tori & Dean), checking email, and snuggling with my kitties. Yes, there is not a lot to do while on bedrest. I get to take a shower once a week and I only get up to go to the restroom and refill my water bottle. Ha! I spend all morning in bed and move to the sofa for lunch in the afternoon.
Alexa is the best helper ever! She made me grilled cheese today...and yes, this is written by Alexa!
The reason I am on bedrest is because I have been having contractions since the middle of March. My doctor decided it would best to stop working and rest as much as possible. The first few weeks went pretty smooth, but at 22 weeks my cervix shortened and things became more serious. At that point my doc game me steroid injections to help the baby's lungs mature in case of delivery. As the weeks began to pass, so did 2 major "safe zones". Baby viability is considered at 24 weeks & survival rates increase to 96 % at 28 weeks. Heading toward 32weeks feels great with almost no risk of cerebral palsy for the baby. Next milestone, 34 weeks! A possible release date from bedrest. I still have contractions daily, so I take medicine every few hours that relaxes the uterus and prevents labor. I have also tried to eliminate any sources of stress and anxiety from my life.
I pass my time by knitting, watching movies, watching my TV shows (cooking shows, 90210, Sex & the City, the Bachelorette, Tori & Dean), checking email, and snuggling with my kitties. Yes, there is not a lot to do while on bedrest. I get to take a shower once a week and I only get up to go to the restroom and refill my water bottle. Ha! I spend all morning in bed and move to the sofa for lunch in the afternoon.
Alexa is the best helper ever! She made me grilled cheese today...and yes, this is written by Alexa!
My new blog
I have decided to create this blog to update my friends and family who are following my pregnancy journey. I am currently 31 weeks pregnant and have been on bedrest for the past 12 weeks. I titled my blog, "The Light of our Lives" because we are welcoming baby girl, Eleanor Rand, which means light. The past year and half has presented emotions of joy, loss, sorrow and renewed excitement. As the weeks continue to pass, we are happy to be heading toward the "light" at the end of the tunnel.
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