tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2166872118849539892024-03-13T23:18:57.445-04:00Beth and Harrison SlateryOur lives together...Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.comBlogger69125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-38528940613811023562015-04-21T16:40:00.002-04:002015-04-21T16:40:54.536-04:00Carter: 5 and 6 month update! Wow! Time really does fly. I can't believe our little girl has been with us for 6 whole months! I'm happy to report that the past 2 months have been much better for our sweet girl. She is growing well and gaining weight. She is also developing and progressing by leaps and bounds! She has tried her first solid foods, is rolling from her tummy to her back, and is sitting up pretty well! (with the occasional toppling over...see below!)<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4P3iMOHr-LU60DjsdMkQVNiWFM2VjTTO82alZdYzcO_QFTXOfZRz_vf1UXXh0j-4NZD3BFzXwNbnlDzZebeQUZk0p3m8txHqLLJ6WiDnVLggNd9kdY-z3nIJb1eGsLJmWgkid7mHsVI/s1600/IMG_6064-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4P3iMOHr-LU60DjsdMkQVNiWFM2VjTTO82alZdYzcO_QFTXOfZRz_vf1UXXh0j-4NZD3BFzXwNbnlDzZebeQUZk0p3m8txHqLLJ6WiDnVLggNd9kdY-z3nIJb1eGsLJmWgkid7mHsVI/s1600/IMG_6064-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Valentine's Day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_rvzDzWHM8Kaan14AZd0uHt4F6ojMWQLDIduMGxxEeyUZxzQ6YgdgfefNBNGAF_1Bo9vBixR_YuVIYL7pwawdyhVETYlmOZM0YR54UnsyLO6H-TSpXhnGk7ep03sgzH4ISmyzm0pqDc/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_rvzDzWHM8Kaan14AZd0uHt4F6ojMWQLDIduMGxxEeyUZxzQ6YgdgfefNBNGAF_1Bo9vBixR_YuVIYL7pwawdyhVETYlmOZM0YR54UnsyLO6H-TSpXhnGk7ep03sgzH4ISmyzm0pqDc/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First snow! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Gah50VvMhyphenhyphen10MwdirbBfjw70dhrkE66ELXIhdCuADDXKxKJNTNmLrQFxWteZqsaVgRHs_8quCW4EyvgeOS-ZbHnR5R-xI7ATr72ML7SIm_snYvO_sBf0Pd-V2PUeZhC99W3UgLrQBL4/s1600/IMG_6157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Gah50VvMhyphenhyphen10MwdirbBfjw70dhrkE66ELXIhdCuADDXKxKJNTNmLrQFxWteZqsaVgRHs_8quCW4EyvgeOS-ZbHnR5R-xI7ATr72ML7SIm_snYvO_sBf0Pd-V2PUeZhC99W3UgLrQBL4/s1600/IMG_6157.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsd76s-7BnlfEQXSffZaYIceq1XQTG-vC22pJmQ0C_uJp1VWmT_Qb9Sx1evZ1-qqdPmN38Kfqr1H0WWDE2GfCSVJcSZluPZ3PXiTcO3Ypp6jqemmAthlkgJBWKN87e-lM0GfnqxHMbKg/s1600/IMG_6206-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVsd76s-7BnlfEQXSffZaYIceq1XQTG-vC22pJmQ0C_uJp1VWmT_Qb9Sx1evZ1-qqdPmN38Kfqr1H0WWDE2GfCSVJcSZluPZ3PXiTcO3Ypp6jqemmAthlkgJBWKN87e-lM0GfnqxHMbKg/s1600/IMG_6206-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWHhmHGyBjihTikqO0U8-47eD_c0CY0QQJUhV3zCN-_Xy82f1j_nLsF5ets6nbF0oR35OAPCaxw54uBESRei57GEJ8frHZbPvUGb0SG-fRPitED29eAD6yMuKGd-YjxqWW8gQ0_2OaVE/s1600/IMG_6270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUWHhmHGyBjihTikqO0U8-47eD_c0CY0QQJUhV3zCN-_Xy82f1j_nLsF5ets6nbF0oR35OAPCaxw54uBESRei57GEJ8frHZbPvUGb0SG-fRPitED29eAD6yMuKGd-YjxqWW8gQ0_2OaVE/s1600/IMG_6270.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super serious during our photo shoot! <br />
WOULD NOT give me a smile this week not matter how hard I tried!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFodBidf58AL6EA6ydtSPgPKn1CVnuDWpCqczzqINhPvCMBn31VjFsOJYTB5FjebvZcKb3iXXj_aggIM-LsIKRjr-1HiuNBgAgp_pXJWTCshQ1hOblAd_6CA4Fddi3ZsGxyw92J-qZL4/s1600/IMG_6277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFodBidf58AL6EA6ydtSPgPKn1CVnuDWpCqczzqINhPvCMBn31VjFsOJYTB5FjebvZcKb3iXXj_aggIM-LsIKRjr-1HiuNBgAgp_pXJWTCshQ1hOblAd_6CA4Fddi3ZsGxyw92J-qZL4/s1600/IMG_6277.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to sit up on her own....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJM5R5St8iRfDdevcLRT3hJeYOq2QLv_u_HydVZGdBE2MDu8C8xyZxYNE4Ufw9O2wC8WA6BT8LkpP-FznyVBahD3ysQJrQXfdoWMj1BCp_vgmAVG7PDBj0HQ5frbkiqvXpKlWSnqgF274/s1600/IMG_6290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJM5R5St8iRfDdevcLRT3hJeYOq2QLv_u_HydVZGdBE2MDu8C8xyZxYNE4Ufw9O2wC8WA6BT8LkpP-FznyVBahD3ysQJrQXfdoWMj1BCp_vgmAVG7PDBj0HQ5frbkiqvXpKlWSnqgF274/s1600/IMG_6290.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Help!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bEHviSzl_HRyFUqT_swno3RdBHasjSToomG4hmbe-pcHcG7Lv-yoQsRvfa4yrKkLhOYSASDzvmGvjnlQ4uUKo6Gp39wmUnTRZJu3HuqKxCbcQ4ohvOoi3YT_k9ny_O1u3t7i7OBGrd4/s1600/IMG_6305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8bEHviSzl_HRyFUqT_swno3RdBHasjSToomG4hmbe-pcHcG7Lv-yoQsRvfa4yrKkLhOYSASDzvmGvjnlQ4uUKo6Gp39wmUnTRZJu3HuqKxCbcQ4ohvOoi3YT_k9ny_O1u3t7i7OBGrd4/s1600/IMG_6305.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOhl3VCJhv60ablek_qnIoeO9jeqmDqUqIgN3O9LiRmg0Lec7_H5TyecssH3nXQRhhpGzWKpwszqAfeEZCTcA6BsOE0l0VthFXOKpObnAU323cO9KGmJCRGcA1-PBjOjvycMTLzYqBes/s1600/IMG_6366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbOhl3VCJhv60ablek_qnIoeO9jeqmDqUqIgN3O9LiRmg0Lec7_H5TyecssH3nXQRhhpGzWKpwszqAfeEZCTcA6BsOE0l0VthFXOKpObnAU323cO9KGmJCRGcA1-PBjOjvycMTLzYqBes/s1600/IMG_6366.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmLzhexpnfreSdJ-ZGefpEUnJ0Z-d3mvAxXPSqWsYzMJVMIPziTqwjFCQ-1d0JLAvBPMzyJufZ5ONDjdO4zs97a_nEvFYG5XoqJfaU3e06bnuDpVN3zBciF23JqCCIhU2tvw1Kt6E-s4/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmLzhexpnfreSdJ-ZGefpEUnJ0Z-d3mvAxXPSqWsYzMJVMIPziTqwjFCQ-1d0JLAvBPMzyJufZ5ONDjdO4zs97a_nEvFYG5XoqJfaU3e06bnuDpVN3zBciF23JqCCIhU2tvw1Kt6E-s4/s1600/IMG_0725.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd say her first time in her outdoor swing was a success!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGNjoqXS6ThN6qJb8T947nfPzE4UqknStGSND3iWRiCBjT58Tb4f_AuoWjGk_dW4AJJQr-SxqcNG3kV-mZJh5jLOdXawdLS0NxwXXc3iXlSK57FQL2Q9tSqXF4meAZgo7t6pUqgbSgOI/s1600/IMG_6375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGNjoqXS6ThN6qJb8T947nfPzE4UqknStGSND3iWRiCBjT58Tb4f_AuoWjGk_dW4AJJQr-SxqcNG3kV-mZJh5jLOdXawdLS0NxwXXc3iXlSK57FQL2Q9tSqXF4meAZgo7t6pUqgbSgOI/s1600/IMG_6375.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E4EXrSxuA0dSIY1xB-O8MQeqFhIyj_HMtgB9UUqGpKl_5QRw-sCSJVwqN1u2QNCUptVMV73nSZ9LF-z5T3O17aR9qo0zJq6Ccm1eFCUtEGHbr1KI06YcBegvljkf0wFnGL6Sb4DSv7Q/s1600/IMG_0758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4E4EXrSxuA0dSIY1xB-O8MQeqFhIyj_HMtgB9UUqGpKl_5QRw-sCSJVwqN1u2QNCUptVMV73nSZ9LF-z5T3O17aR9qo0zJq6Ccm1eFCUtEGHbr1KI06YcBegvljkf0wFnGL6Sb4DSv7Q/s1600/IMG_0758.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carrots! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSnBEU4Atcjb8MWe3aL0R4iUSrcJZJomnkM5-CRcbZO21c_j91h6izm-JgPf23YA4O50ktTxEIQcjOMtmcV7mJJr7iB3GsaXKKA_2xhPxYZoAZm8gfR1a764-pDM9pL5H7epB2NwFZ7A/s1600/IMG_6439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSnBEU4Atcjb8MWe3aL0R4iUSrcJZJomnkM5-CRcbZO21c_j91h6izm-JgPf23YA4O50ktTxEIQcjOMtmcV7mJJr7iB3GsaXKKA_2xhPxYZoAZm8gfR1a764-pDM9pL5H7epB2NwFZ7A/s1600/IMG_6439.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you follow me on Facebook, then you know that poor Carter got the flu from her daddy so we spent Easter Sunday in the Children's Hospital ER for a flu test. Twenty four hours later we were sadly back in the ER because her temperature had gotten too low. They ran some tests and fortunately she warmed up quickly so we did not have to be admitted. She was pretty pitiful for 3 or 4 days (including her 6 month birthday) fluctuating between a high fever and a low fever and has a terrible cough that she is still getting over. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgOIX0H1Si3Cy5ofUM__sDwm9PPFJ1auCqdlmwm8cqf6xhlSkJHSTs4FZegsAlp0nj-NVMU2o2yBYofNYdfN-S6XeBU_T9z_a5ggoK5MMMdEZTB5E-uTV414PZ6fXbGq00lr5VlTb9yo/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgOIX0H1Si3Cy5ofUM__sDwm9PPFJ1auCqdlmwm8cqf6xhlSkJHSTs4FZegsAlp0nj-NVMU2o2yBYofNYdfN-S6XeBU_T9z_a5ggoK5MMMdEZTB5E-uTV414PZ6fXbGq00lr5VlTb9yo/s1600/IMG_0780.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ER visit #1 for flu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvm-a1YRAUukLj_xPphC78i0bP1KXRDAxnzmSj5pBbaNTvyGp2UhL7w7fv-G90Vggy_HaOofgqL-fv9c1y1CnKTbWl19Xotj0vbydN_qJZ-fdXc2N7PC9uz28N39ADHUd5CRN6qexKI0/s1600/IMG_0784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvm-a1YRAUukLj_xPphC78i0bP1KXRDAxnzmSj5pBbaNTvyGp2UhL7w7fv-G90Vggy_HaOofgqL-fv9c1y1CnKTbWl19Xotj0vbydN_qJZ-fdXc2N7PC9uz28N39ADHUd5CRN6qexKI0/s1600/IMG_0784.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ER visit #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-yU1Is-hsy-icpdTn7thA_XVczVjdGEkUfivl95LOKKirMPRrVXTObDqyIsKDoSFpcwKnl524ghmv6qrWSGqzEfPFmwyX9B7xo6JrxOFZyiTj1ocdz7gjCiIVZAgAMGv3ejmtz2TID8/s1600/IMG_6465-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0-yU1Is-hsy-icpdTn7thA_XVczVjdGEkUfivl95LOKKirMPRrVXTObDqyIsKDoSFpcwKnl524ghmv6qrWSGqzEfPFmwyX9B7xo6JrxOFZyiTj1ocdz7gjCiIVZAgAMGv3ejmtz2TID8/s1600/IMG_6465-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Stats:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Weight: 13 lbs 6.5 oz (5th percentile)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Height: 25.5 inches (25th percentile)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Head Circumference: 42.5 cm (50th percentile) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Clothes- 6-9 months (Just for length. Skinny girl could still fit in 3 month for her weight!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Diapers- Size 2 </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Eating: </b> Still nursing every 2-3 hours. Most nights she wakes up once to eat, but goes right back to sleep. She has just in the last week or so started really loving solids! We started with rice cereal which wasn't a huge hit, but when we started doing other solids, after a few days, she really got into it. So far she has tried carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, and bananas. I am introducing foods really slowly because of her previous feeding issues. Speaking of which, things have gotten so much better with her eating. She nurses so well and very quickly now. Bottle feeding is still not easy but with some coaxing, she'll take one if she has to as long as its not formula....that she won't even consider! We did take her to an allergist hoping to get skin tested to find out if we are dealing with a true allergy but he thought with her history, skin testing wouldn't be effective or tell us anything because she has what is called Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis. Basically, she isn't having an immune reaction to milk or soy like people with a peanut allergy, but her reaction is just in her little tummy and intestines. Good news is that she will outgrow this probably by a year. Bad news is that I still can't eat dairy or soy. I am positive that she has an issue with milk but I've always questioned if she has any issues with soy but I gave them both up at the same time so we may challenge her in the doctors office and give her soy and see what happens. When we went to her GI doctor last week, she was very pleased and thought maybe we could slowly start challenging her with milk around 9 months by doing foods with a little bit of dairy in them, like mashed potatoes with butter, or a little bit of cheese or yogurt. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Sleeping:</b> Carter slept in her Rock n Play sleeper till about 5 months. I was terrified to transition to the crib because of her reflux and because she did so well in it at night. But to my surprise, she transitioned to her crib fairly well. We only had 1 or 2 nights where she woke up more frequently. Now that she is rolling, she is a side sleeper. She is definitely like my husband and is all over the place when she sleeps. I put her in her crib one way and by the time she wakes up she is at the other end of the crib facing a different direction. Thank goodness we have a video monitor that I move the camera around to find her! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Naps are all over the place. Usually she does 2 longer naps and one cat nap a day. We did some sleep training and had about 2 weeks of really good naps that were 1.5-2 hrs and I thought we had finally gotten rid of the short nap problem but the past week or so they have reared their ugly head again and we are back to more like three or four 45 min naps. Bedtime has gone from 7 or 7:30 to 6:30 or so because she is just so tired from not napping well. She usually wakes up anywhere from 6-7 AM depending on if and when she has eaten during the night. I would love for her to go back to sleeping through the night, but with her weight, I just hate not feeding her if she is acting hungry. I'm hoping maybe the napping issue could be teeth, growing, or just a phase, and hopefully she will start napping better soon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Playing:</b> She is rolling from belly to back constantly. So much so that I can't keep her on her stomach hardly at all these days! She is sitting up pretty well but not to the point where I could walk away cause she will eventually topple over. She loves playing outside, reading books, her Leap Frog puppy Violet that sings songs to her and knows her name, her cousins Ingrid and Silvia, her dog Reese, and she always lights up when her daddy gets home from work each day! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Life with Carter is so much fun. Don't get me wrong, there are hard moments and tough days when I am tired and would love to just be able to take a long nap, read a book, or just do nothing, but I realize every single day how blessed I am to have my sweet, precious daughter in my life. She is my little best friend. She is definitely a Mommy's girl and I wouldn't have it any other way! I love watching her change and discover new things every day and am so fortunate to be able to stay home with her and witness these moments! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-30219936485017331822015-02-16T10:11:00.000-05:002015-02-16T11:55:51.842-05:00Three and Four Month Updates! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The month of December was really tough. This past month has been a bit easier and we are seeing some improvements with Carter but it has taken a lot of work. We have been to more than a dozen doctor appointments and had 3 outpatient procedures (most recently an Upper GI and a Swallow Study) done at Children's Hospital since mid- December. Its been pretty overwhelming and exhausting for all of us. While Carter isn't completely back to her old self, we have made progress. For those that follow me on Facebook, you have probably seen a couple of posts of desperation asking for prayers. Over the 2 weeks of Christmas and New Years, Carter only gained 2 ounces. Typically, babies gain around 1/2 an ounce to 1 ounce per day so 2 ounces in 2 weeks was not good. The GI specialist wasn't too terribly concerned and just thought that she had a bad milk allergy that had done some damage to her intestines (which was confirmed by a stool sample) and she just needed a little more time. A week later she gained 2 ounces in one week. While I thought this was an improvement, the Physicians Assistant we see was starting to get concerned and gave us 3 options:</div>
<br />
1. Admit her to the hospital and do some more extensive testing like and Upper and Lower GI scope where they would sedate her and look via a camera at her digestive system to look for things like inflammation, and do a pH probe study to monitor the severity of her reflux,<br />
2. Switch her to a completely hypoallergenic formula and add that to my breast milk to make it higher calories (we had already been doing this with another formula that is for milk intolerance but she really struggles with bottles so on top of nursing we were only supplementing 5-8 oz a day) and give her another few days or,<br />
3. Put in an NJ tube (feeding tube that goes into her nose, past her stomach, right into her intestines) and feed her that way which meant we wouldn't have been able to nurse or even do bottles when she had this in.<br />
<br />
I panicked. I was at the appointment alone thinking that this would just be a weight check and follow up. I broke down and called Harrison and my mom to discuss our options while the PA went to talk to the nutritionist about Carter. Fortunately, the nutritionist didn't think our situation was as dire as the PA did and made the point that she was still gaining, albeit slowly, she was staying well hydrated, she is still on the growth chart, and not considered failure to thrive. She suggested option 2 before we do the more drastic things. So we left the doctor's office knowing we had 72 hours to make a pretty dramatic difference or else we would have to make some difficult decisions.<br />
<br />
We tried the new formula and were basically force feeding her bottles. After talking to several friends and a lactation consultant, I borrowed a scale from a friend and we started weighing her before and after nursing to see how much she was getting. We found out that while in the morning she was getting 4-5 ounces when nursing, in the late afternoon and evenings, she was<br />
only getting 2-2.5 ounces which is pretty common for you milk supply to drop in the evenings but I didn't know it was dropping that much so I decided to start nursing much more frequently (every 2 or 2 1/2 hours vs very 3-4). The second day was exhausting. We were trying a bottle for about 20-30 minutes before nursing. She fights and cries with the bottles and takes in a lot of air because she cries so much. Then she would nurse for 30-45 minutes. Then we only had about a half hour or so before starting the process over again. After she projectile vomited up a bottle Tuesday night because she had so much air in her, I decided bottles just weren't worth it. So on the third day, I nursed her pretty much every 2 hours like clockwork all day and didn't do any bottles. She was a completely different baby. She was smiling and laughing, cooing and making sweet noises and was just so much happier not being forced to take the bottles which filled her with air. I had no idea how much progress we made in those 72 hours so I was a nervous wreck going to the appointment Thursday morning but I had decided that even if she didn't have a great weight gain, that I wanted to give her a few more days of nursing more frequently in the evenings before doing anything drastic. Well, she gained 6 ounces<br />
in 3 days! I was ecstatic! I cried when I saw the number on the scale. The GI specialist agreed that as long as she continued to gain, we could hold off on the invasive testing. Again, she still isn't nursing perfectly and fusses and unlatches during some feedings but its so much better than it was and she isn't refusing to eat so while it can still be frustrating for me, its manageable. I also started a medication and supplements to help increase my milk supply a little which should also help her get more per feeding and I've been really making sure I am eating and drinking enough which I admit, because of stress, I probably wasn't getting enough calories or drinking enough water. <br />
<br />
A week later, we had another follow up and she had lost 2 ounces but they weren't concerned because we figured that the 6 ounce gain wasn't all true gain. Because she is happy, growing in length, and meeting developmental milestones (minus tummy time which she HATES with a fiery passion), they are comfortable with being more patient with her and not forcing some of the invasion procedures and alternatives on us. I am weighing her a few times a week at home and according to our scale, she is gaining about a half an ounce a day.<br />
<br />
Here are some pictures from the last couple months!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTWGg8SZpzAGA4_qjSwO8wG99By0ybYQD_3iRmX9QvMGnIhef4M8FQJuVvSkafOlUDwmhIKJtrhrGgiWEGL0CiAh4cF7E4oXUtQ4ajl9e8IwIrlozOMyXv7g9a0Qdd3pvqEGS3scwEME/s1600/IMG_5685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirTWGg8SZpzAGA4_qjSwO8wG99By0ybYQD_3iRmX9QvMGnIhef4M8FQJuVvSkafOlUDwmhIKJtrhrGgiWEGL0CiAh4cF7E4oXUtQ4ajl9e8IwIrlozOMyXv7g9a0Qdd3pvqEGS3scwEME/s1600/IMG_5685.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom, when will you stop taking pictures and put me down for a nap? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFW3fAooC2EZF74gPJhEcXNbmnombh_H8BWHpu7eJ7s-bcNfgm8hB11dNNGANpChK_ciyWuvtl-HcCSpgyOmwrMYKRbzHwNg4CQJL0wiJfhDdFw4tVFEUmM8B9lGCScPC_Hj6MTpoi7U/s1600/IMG_5723-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFW3fAooC2EZF74gPJhEcXNbmnombh_H8BWHpu7eJ7s-bcNfgm8hB11dNNGANpChK_ciyWuvtl-HcCSpgyOmwrMYKRbzHwNg4CQJL0wiJfhDdFw4tVFEUmM8B9lGCScPC_Hj6MTpoi7U/s1600/IMG_5723-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbj-SX4Yk5Qmc0lIYgSu_E-JmpEog0FQgjDsXfQ8ixns63t8raHhSoUyyxbGKgexzu1fCmAFdLoHvocsUtgfvwmTInMI31ElW7nM_iuO8V2GQ3uwxVkjT3f7-V82x3igY6SYVvgXIwXs/s1600/10881633_10100425352941509_2174877009647568075_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbj-SX4Yk5Qmc0lIYgSu_E-JmpEog0FQgjDsXfQ8ixns63t8raHhSoUyyxbGKgexzu1fCmAFdLoHvocsUtgfvwmTInMI31ElW7nM_iuO8V2GQ3uwxVkjT3f7-V82x3igY6SYVvgXIwXs/s1600/10881633_10100425352941509_2174877009647568075_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty impressive pout face! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6a5QXtTNoEZTQ82VY91esEU7fRYypEL2r3RjdMRb9nj_IqveeJWQeT2iqT7PKCoD5lMjs9wS7z6Lida1veZa52B3YevI_YaETZwvs9_wT2Xgh5wDZ2UhzkTkw1xgekPdbf3Zp_y4KvE/s1600/IMG_5745-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6a5QXtTNoEZTQ82VY91esEU7fRYypEL2r3RjdMRb9nj_IqveeJWQeT2iqT7PKCoD5lMjs9wS7z6Lida1veZa52B3YevI_YaETZwvs9_wT2Xgh5wDZ2UhzkTkw1xgekPdbf3Zp_y4KvE/s1600/IMG_5745-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've discovered my hands! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWffq39mv0rtxT0UqcIBmIaiXeH1wsEnCz8uj3YLvsgjph33rKJbi23uPNH4Xua07eP1XDrT0Dj6B-RkXV7hFJsAWO1xgPZroMvbIKVWWaCiz1Ck_11X9BW9om6JYrScXW8Ynd-5KDpw/s1600/IMG_5790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKWffq39mv0rtxT0UqcIBmIaiXeH1wsEnCz8uj3YLvsgjph33rKJbi23uPNH4Xua07eP1XDrT0Dj6B-RkXV7hFJsAWO1xgPZroMvbIKVWWaCiz1Ck_11X9BW9om6JYrScXW8Ynd-5KDpw/s1600/IMG_5790.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu0AE2rhV6y0RCDzQ0j96D8GQlF3NcYqMOoIs93ifwceEsw9MXGAMy6cs5B9IOFFVWkdVnD9ynJlh8-DZpW2-sVwcIj86WnyhXdijT2ZbBytcPnfHAzEJPscFE_DpdUCm1rQbQeScPN8/s1600/IMG_5783-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZu0AE2rhV6y0RCDzQ0j96D8GQlF3NcYqMOoIs93ifwceEsw9MXGAMy6cs5B9IOFFVWkdVnD9ynJlh8-DZpW2-sVwcIj86WnyhXdijT2ZbBytcPnfHAzEJPscFE_DpdUCm1rQbQeScPN8/s1600/IMG_5783-1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously mom, have you seen these things? They are so fun! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34uvOsCuUB18TA4znQoDjpzhF6YbASCQr7QzPAPkhxwOY6FDCu2tQM6k7h-z_4skpmL1XetZb_ZLTIxpAkNiU9kTWYHMnVE-sdTcqqx0Y48SBNllOj2f9bDHCAW7ZrO0Jdutg7xgeFiI/s1600/IMG_5815-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi34uvOsCuUB18TA4znQoDjpzhF6YbASCQr7QzPAPkhxwOY6FDCu2tQM6k7h-z_4skpmL1XetZb_ZLTIxpAkNiU9kTWYHMnVE-sdTcqqx0Y48SBNllOj2f9bDHCAW7ZrO0Jdutg7xgeFiI/s1600/IMG_5815-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnktoLdFlQuc7hHFTk8DmpzMgicqHd2dr4dtPoAi4KrHTMOfRmbG6x3Bwj5PymgyOKyQOJXCjXTbgwzoaQtF2qfb-5JvWK4w9iWxjhyG-zONphF3dzI1lOqrNjEc4Woxw3BvBgBJZphU/s1600/IMG_5825-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHnktoLdFlQuc7hHFTk8DmpzMgicqHd2dr4dtPoAi4KrHTMOfRmbG6x3Bwj5PymgyOKyQOJXCjXTbgwzoaQtF2qfb-5JvWK4w9iWxjhyG-zONphF3dzI1lOqrNjEc4Woxw3BvBgBJZphU/s1600/IMG_5825-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9zDW5dDuMSP7uspjPEC6Fyhd33MbYwmH6OK8K9qQK8iXNiUevtzwmNTjKmhqgTwzDnDENGCQMcVTd7LZnbD-933ASjae2QdORsp-wbodIjWKIZzu_zM8UDX_Lu4d8nIcTCiPTeFb03g/s1600/IMG_5885-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9zDW5dDuMSP7uspjPEC6Fyhd33MbYwmH6OK8K9qQK8iXNiUevtzwmNTjKmhqgTwzDnDENGCQMcVTd7LZnbD-933ASjae2QdORsp-wbodIjWKIZzu_zM8UDX_Lu4d8nIcTCiPTeFb03g/s1600/IMG_5885-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rockin' my animal print!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmKnt7yuLfmwJBJ9DKWJWSaWEFBk4MAwB5sGf8bEumB8jF8KIsN3J8g_ugZbSAynttIX-tZKhLA48A7swHg6kjt1BiFrP2tIzjthtrDDshogrbvpxUnyWzJnYGie5LUudNC0U9GLY6No/s1600/IMG_5888-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmKnt7yuLfmwJBJ9DKWJWSaWEFBk4MAwB5sGf8bEumB8jF8KIsN3J8g_ugZbSAynttIX-tZKhLA48A7swHg6kjt1BiFrP2tIzjthtrDDshogrbvpxUnyWzJnYGie5LUudNC0U9GLY6No/s1600/IMG_5888-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love that sweet face!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaM48U99hJ_YVPiFGXYcFyJpbGohndYWnQa4GvDpWCO8t-HSvi5B2svUsNa16zGjw7FFoBNZba1BOBK9QPIwM-p_W8frVcpCRau2rzVi74bZfeM2GEOlkQS9kb8pNmECe3c0b1y7RlHU/s1600/IMG_5907-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTaM48U99hJ_YVPiFGXYcFyJpbGohndYWnQa4GvDpWCO8t-HSvi5B2svUsNa16zGjw7FFoBNZba1BOBK9QPIwM-p_W8frVcpCRau2rzVi74bZfeM2GEOlkQS9kb8pNmECe3c0b1y7RlHU/s1600/IMG_5907-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I mean come on! How cute is she?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK5qkfaijum-Lfxm28bGmqmPBbq65bzipXn_6Nb5FZq6LJoMI6Ty-VSlycFrsTR3sFZOjd02P-M82WbgqFtcVlLyOzn5g5R1OGB93WqqyqbhyEhR4tuTx7CHCuzgVYYXFodoLvF3r2H8/s1600/IMG_5980-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghK5qkfaijum-Lfxm28bGmqmPBbq65bzipXn_6Nb5FZq6LJoMI6Ty-VSlycFrsTR3sFZOjd02P-M82WbgqFtcVlLyOzn5g5R1OGB93WqqyqbhyEhR4tuTx7CHCuzgVYYXFodoLvF3r2H8/s1600/IMG_5980-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You say I'm how old?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT1-IXmjuJMoPlX8i_MAo6g-m0Xq88Jy3WcgqYkIrQl47XGg5WshxP2RfmweSpPYRZl_w95xvr2cU21xG4I4b21bRDRWffgSE2JtdPxN6cF7SQBGv7DijSobGtJ30n_plXZAZbNcKDLU/s1600/IMG_5990-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT1-IXmjuJMoPlX8i_MAo6g-m0Xq88Jy3WcgqYkIrQl47XGg5WshxP2RfmweSpPYRZl_w95xvr2cU21xG4I4b21bRDRWffgSE2JtdPxN6cF7SQBGv7DijSobGtJ30n_plXZAZbNcKDLU/s1600/IMG_5990-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We won't tell Daddy that Mommy put a big pink bow on my head, but don't I look beautiful?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishfA_ociOS0Xr5THTWq_yYUfDacMivBC_qp9GEtm6L_M_wRIoD4MiOjPbh3fjo_0a72bdC3zXQW9TjIYdQIEwoerNZ979hMEciA5KGGN33XZ5zDss9UoBvtcd3xpd1zAXvLDfzWcZVkk/s1600/IMG_6014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishfA_ociOS0Xr5THTWq_yYUfDacMivBC_qp9GEtm6L_M_wRIoD4MiOjPbh3fjo_0a72bdC3zXQW9TjIYdQIEwoerNZ979hMEciA5KGGN33XZ5zDss9UoBvtcd3xpd1zAXvLDfzWcZVkk/s1600/IMG_6014.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm9WZF06vWlRD4-WoKC7IY6-cbynivSR7qxHrZyj_PaSgGeY2MnH6rXEmpsb_evmgHwQYaaktMZ7tsVCmhjCr43p5HXnGvzC7XiKpjzxDGAVocuYvq3ghCQAZHcPLDQOvCg8M5GlS9Ho/s1600/IMG_6108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm9WZF06vWlRD4-WoKC7IY6-cbynivSR7qxHrZyj_PaSgGeY2MnH6rXEmpsb_evmgHwQYaaktMZ7tsVCmhjCr43p5HXnGvzC7XiKpjzxDGAVocuYvq3ghCQAZHcPLDQOvCg8M5GlS9Ho/s1600/IMG_6108.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Stats</b>: 3 months- 10 lbs 1 oz<br />
4 months- 11 lbs 3 oz (5th percentile) Length- 24 inches (40th percentile)<br />
Head circumference- 41 cm (50th percentile). <br />
<br />
<b>Likes:</b> Still loves motion and all types of white noise! I have an app on my phone that has a ton of different sounds. Its very handy when we are out to just turn it on and put it in her car seat. Its amazing how she responds to it. Her favorite sounds seem to be "extreme rain," "running shower," "beach waves crashing," and "flowing stream." Can you tell my child likes water? She also like hairdryer, vacuum cleaner, and clothes dryer. <br />
<br />
She loves playing on her play mat and batting at her toys. She also loves looking at herself in the mirror on her play mat or in the car. She loves rattles and loves a specific rattle that has a little face on it that lights up. We affectionately call him Pedro, a name that was given to him when he belonged to my niece. <br />
<br />
She is a huge fan of bath time and cries when I get her out. I feel ya girl. Mama loves a nice, long bath too! <br />
<br />
<b>Dislikes:</b> She thinks tummy time is some rare, horrible form of torture. I think part of the reason she doesn't like it is because it pushes on her tummy which makes her reflux worse but I also think she hates it because for those 3 or 4 weeks when things were really, really bad, I wasn't good or consistent about doing it every day so she's just not use to it anymore. We are back to doing it a few times a day, even if for only a minute or so. She seems to be doing a little better. We still struggle with bottles. I haven't been trying them really the last few weeks because I have been focused on nursing her frequently to help her gain weight, but now that I know she is, we need to step up our game. It would be nice for mama to be able to leave the house for more than an hour or two! <br />
<br />
We still are struggling with really short naps which makes for long days. Sometimes I can get her back to sleep and sometimes I can't but she definitely is still tired when she wakes up after 30 or 45 minutes because if she doesn't go back to sleep, she gets fussy within about 30 minutes after waking and the next feeding is usually pretty difficult. We are lucky that she is doing so well at night. The past several nights she's been going to bed around 8:30 and waking at 6 AM which is a little earlier than I'd like but its nice that she makes it through the whole night. <br />
<br />
I am trying to do a couple naps a day in her crib so she gets used to it and she is doing okay but I'm scared to try at night since she does so well in the Rock and Play. I know we have to do it sometime though and I am just hoping that she sleeps as well at night in the crib as she does the Rock and Play. I wish they made a toddler version so I could keep her in it forever and not make the transition! I elevated the head of her crib to help with her reflux but the RNP still seems so much cozier and snugglier (not sure if thats a word). I figure we will try it on a weekend here in the next couple weeks when Harrison can help get her back to sleep if she does wake a lot.<br />
<br />
At her follow up for the GI clinic, she had gained 11 ounces in 2 weeks which they were very happy with. They are letting us continue with what we are doing and we don't have to go back for 2 months! At her 4 month check up, they were also pleased with her gaining. Even though she is still low on the growth chart, she is maintaining her statistics and no longer falling on the growth chart like she had been doing for the last couple months. While they aren't overly concerned, they do think her tone muscle strength is a little less than what it should be because of everything that she went through. For basically the month of December and even the first or second week of January, it was just survival mode. We were basically just trying to get her to eat enough to stay hydrated. Playing, tummy time, and working on developmental milestones was very hard because she was in so much pain, miserable, fussy, and had very little energy because of her struggle to eat. So it isn't a surprise to any of us that she is a tad behind. The pediatrician said she wouldn't even consider it a "delay." We are working really hard on tummy time and developmental stuff at home but she thought it would be good just to be proactive and go ahead and make a referral for a few sessions of Physical Therapy. I am glad we are going to be proactive and go ahead and get her evaluated so that we can learn more exercises to work on with her at home. Even just in the last few weeks working with her at home with the skills and exercises I know from being a nurse, I have noticed an improvement so I think she will be able to catch up. <br />
<br />
I am so glad that the worst of her issues seem to be behind us and she is starting to thrive! Hoping we keep seeing more and more improvement and weight gain!<br />
<br />Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-68706137873272055402014-12-21T15:20:00.000-05:002014-12-21T15:20:00.598-05:00Two Months and a Bump in the RoadCarter is now 10 weeks old. The past several weeks have been pretty rough and difficult for both of us. When she was about 7 weeks, right around Thanksgiving, she started getting fussy when she would nurse. She would cry, arch, and pull away. I thought it was her reflux getting worse. The behavior gradually got worse. After about a week of this, we had our scheduled 2 month check up so we of course talked to our Nurse Practitioner (who happens to be a friend of ours) about it and she too thought it sounded like reflux behavior and suggested that we add another reflux medication, Prevacid. She also suggested I give up dairy for 2 weeks to see if that helped her symptoms, thinking it could be a milk allergy or intolerance. Well that night, and for about the next 48 hours, things were awful. She was refusing to nurse all together and would scream when I even attempted to feed her. I was just as distraught as she was. The only way I could get her to eat was putting the bottle in her mouth when she was asleep or trying to nurse when she was asleep. By the second day, I frantically called our pediatrician and demanded an appointment. It had only been 48 hours since her 2 month check up but she was a totally different baby. She was extremely lethargic and I could tell was starting to get dehydrated. When they weighed her, she had lost 2 ounces since our appointment. When I saw that on the scale, I lost it. I tearfully explained everything that had transpired since 2 days earlier. At that point, the nurse practitioner really thought that it was severe reflux and that her throat and esophagus were raw and inflammed. She added another medicine to help soothe and coat her throat and made a referral to the pediatric GI specialist. She also wanted to get an ultrasound to rule out something called Pyloric Stenosis, which would require surgery. We had the ultrasound that afternoon and it was negative fortunately. This past Monday we saw the GI doctor. She had not gained any weight since the appointment on Wednesday the previous week which was concerning. Their thinking also was reflux and possibly a milk allergy. They recommended doing 2 days of hypoallergenic formula to see how she did and give my milk time to clear the milk proteins. Apparently even though I thought I had been "dairy free" for a week, I had been consuming a couple things with dairy in them unknowingly....like my "non dairy" coffee creamer which still contained a milk protein called Casein in it. Who knew? They also recommended I give up soy as well since a lot of babies with milk allergies or intolerances also have a problem with soy. So as of Monday, I am off all dairy and soy. I am reading all labels and double checking everything I put in my mouth. We went back for a follow up on Wednesday and she had gained 3 ounces! Thank the Lord. I was thrilled. As of Wednesday afternoon, we are nursing again but also supplementing with some formula. Nursing is getting better ever so slowly. She doesn't seem to be fighting it as much and doesn't seem as miserable after she eats. I am hoping and praying that we are over the hump and that things will continue to get better. <br />
<br />
I realized the past few weeks how easy of a baby Carter was the first 7 weeks. She ate great, slept great and was generally very happy and content unless she was hungry or tired. I hope that with these changes of medications and my dietary changes that my sweet girl will feel more like herself again. This parenting stuff is hard, y'all. When she would not eat and was so pitiful and lethargic, I have never felt more helpless in my life and it was an absolutely horrible feeling. I must have cried just as much as she did and I would have given anything to take away her pain and discomfort. I am so blessed to have so much support from Harrison and my family. I don't know how people do this alone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YMVW53UcnvD91YABroRktFfBG0Df9Tou2_r9-5cS87V2PxEzN_yZAgXrzHlSJJvLy1m1lmncEQOBI7Jy_jnj8C4Z5mooJzWNH2wIqF3jZ_cTeWN2eIt_nBz0NwGvqmLBtK0D6BujMQA/s1600/IMG_5442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9YMVW53UcnvD91YABroRktFfBG0Df9Tou2_r9-5cS87V2PxEzN_yZAgXrzHlSJJvLy1m1lmncEQOBI7Jy_jnj8C4Z5mooJzWNH2wIqF3jZ_cTeWN2eIt_nBz0NwGvqmLBtK0D6BujMQA/s1600/IMG_5442.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZd-ksB0tJm-au0w-GIru6mnVjSaq1qIh6eTbgnddHtSGFrhxdSLhDneof7rfZx0P3-xLiEigPD1u6Ho8DfeZUFnMQY2NNc1SZnfEOXaTADOYRytxuiHVJ6Fo_xpPMTDC4hpHBrd84qI/s1600/IMG_5499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZd-ksB0tJm-au0w-GIru6mnVjSaq1qIh6eTbgnddHtSGFrhxdSLhDneof7rfZx0P3-xLiEigPD1u6Ho8DfeZUFnMQY2NNc1SZnfEOXaTADOYRytxuiHVJ6Fo_xpPMTDC4hpHBrd84qI/s1600/IMG_5499.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to give tiny, purposeful smiles! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRQA2FpTNnJr-gcRL9jj2HoW5ltuEqVgqdDWc6I9AzlIAke_Sw7IGDapTcZMcd9AttQ431BUPhkG6_iB5HuZuhdLHQyVEXr_N6fVqZIdkKHcIlYEL_haSLVcdt2216xsyS0B2ddz4DOQ/s1600/IMG_5485-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipRQA2FpTNnJr-gcRL9jj2HoW5ltuEqVgqdDWc6I9AzlIAke_Sw7IGDapTcZMcd9AttQ431BUPhkG6_iB5HuZuhdLHQyVEXr_N6fVqZIdkKHcIlYEL_haSLVcdt2216xsyS0B2ddz4DOQ/s1600/IMG_5485-1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before her "Sip and See," wearing a smocked dress her grandmother made her and her first time wearing shoes! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRmwRwATrXjW5SuZ018bT-L5WD_C9AsUj_8Ocl3gOF-QU5arGCKzdQPSMxgA3XV1iVfu73SZSKLPR2Nx7ZgUGQoUl5YjsGk_wEnlhsf9mYXFYggtoBbJWrZjv2CPxCKCqNSbIxh0pyZI/s1600/IMG_5573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTRmwRwATrXjW5SuZ018bT-L5WD_C9AsUj_8Ocl3gOF-QU5arGCKzdQPSMxgA3XV1iVfu73SZSKLPR2Nx7ZgUGQoUl5YjsGk_wEnlhsf9mYXFYggtoBbJWrZjv2CPxCKCqNSbIxh0pyZI/s1600/IMG_5573.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGAQeVyyYySMtrsQ8xiaQw76Sn00c_9BhzNwirWNF0b9Sbs0f454FIif0A_QFzzUhkUy3N8SM4aKCISjfdQOgBbKohzs7aAhbKp85CceTR4cK03428CngrfXt6iBxNqV3TBR7aIHfauQ/s1600/IMG_5532-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGAQeVyyYySMtrsQ8xiaQw76Sn00c_9BhzNwirWNF0b9Sbs0f454FIif0A_QFzzUhkUy3N8SM4aKCISjfdQOgBbKohzs7aAhbKp85CceTR4cK03428CngrfXt6iBxNqV3TBR7aIHfauQ/s1600/IMG_5532-1.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carter's first Thanksgiving!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZ4_EDtH0P_mF6CHIXLp2PzI-4bJMZiskRStM464bnZ4-ZEHm6MY4AMnFLMzazRcWNClqg1RGghml_QbXhLcmenTUdaLf1LejUHc7LKMFZaig__alOPPTY72Zyy1OnzABUpW_vLT6KDI/s1600/IMG_5601-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZ4_EDtH0P_mF6CHIXLp2PzI-4bJMZiskRStM464bnZ4-ZEHm6MY4AMnFLMzazRcWNClqg1RGghml_QbXhLcmenTUdaLf1LejUHc7LKMFZaig__alOPPTY72Zyy1OnzABUpW_vLT6KDI/s1600/IMG_5601-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgo9TzCqhr8cyezxZpO_JUK4fHODp_vFvQz_LCEWku7tiC-ttHCNA2W3aeKz4hNnmYX2UOWiOmA4mC91z_mxj6zNMcZ7UvER8KLtWFHTE8KDXj_Cj48XvvNCcG7jHdH8UPjokChZqszpA/s1600/IMG_5627-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgo9TzCqhr8cyezxZpO_JUK4fHODp_vFvQz_LCEWku7tiC-ttHCNA2W3aeKz4hNnmYX2UOWiOmA4mC91z_mxj6zNMcZ7UvER8KLtWFHTE8KDXj_Cj48XvvNCcG7jHdH8UPjokChZqszpA/s1600/IMG_5627-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Another thing we are struggling with are naps. We are very fortunate that she does great at night and has started sleeping through the night some or just waking up once around 3-4 AM to eat. I feed her around 7 or so and she goes to bed right after and then I wake her up (or sometimes she wakes on her own) around 9:30 or 10 to eat and then goes right back down. Naps on the other hand are a different story. We have not sleep trained her yet. I tried around 6 weeks and I just don't think she was ready (or maybe I wasn't). Then about a week later, all the reflux stuff started so there has just been too much going on. We are still swaddling, rocking, and patting (girl likes a firm butt pat!) to go to sleep. Once asleep, we put her in the rock and play and she sleeps 20-30 minutes but then wakes up. She doesn't wake up crying or anything. I've heard of the "45 minute intruder" where in a baby's sleep cycle, they arouse after about 45 minutes. I let her lay in her rock and play without going in, but she never falls back asleep. After about 20 minutes, she will start to fuss. By this time, its usually pretty close to time for her to eat again. We try to stick to the Baby Wise routine of eat, play, sleep but its hard when after she's eaten, she's usually been awake for close to 2 hours and falls asleep eating. I'm just not sure what to do. I don't know if she's just needing to be sleep trained so that she will learn to soothe herself back to sleep once she wakes up in the middle of a nap or what. Any advice from moms out there? When did you sleep train and how did you do it? Did you let them cry it out? <br />
<br />
<b>Stats</b>: Weight- 9 lbs 8 oz on 12/8 (20th percentile), then lost 2 oz on 12/10. Was 9lb 9oz on 12/17. <br />
Height- 22.1 inches (50th percentile)<br />
Head Circumference- 39 cm (60th percentile)<br />
<br />
<b>Likes:</b> Still likes all types of motion. We discovered in doing bottles that she likes white noise, mostly the sound of running water when she eats. And yes, we have tried all kinds of apps. We even recorded the sound of the facet on my phone but girl knows the difference and prefers the real thing!<br />
<br />
<b>Dislikes:</b> Sadly our biggest dislike right now is eating, nursing or bottle. I wish at least one way was easy. If she would take a bottle easily without a fight I would probably just go that route and give up breastfeeding. Right now, both forms are a pretty frustrating, stressful and hard 30-45 minutes. What's harder is that I'm the only one that can do it. She hasn't taken a bottle from Harrison or my mom...just me. Its exhausting. Its heartbreaking knowing that her most basic and essential need right now is causing her pain, discomfort, and making life pretty hard. I can only hope and pray that this is just a phase and that it will get easier with some time. <br />
<br />
Friends, please be praying for us that things start to get better and that we can get all this stuff with eating figured out. Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-39775412222930656832014-11-13T16:20:00.001-05:002014-11-14T18:20:52.756-05:00One Month Old! * I wrote this post last week but but hadn't proof read it yet when Carter wanted to eat and I just realized I never posted it. I'll blame it on new mommy brain!<br />
<br />
Pardon my blogging absence the last month....I've been a little busy! I can not believe she is a month old already. The last month I really have tried to savor every moment with my daughter. It is still very surreal to look at her and know she is here and she is ours. I still have moments every few days where I just stare at her and my love for her completely overwhelms me and I start crying. She is such a blessing and life has never been sweeter.<br />
<br />
The past month has been so wonderful and full of love. Don't get me wrong, there have been hard moments when my patience has worn thin or being overly tired has gotten the best of me, but overall, it truly has been amazing. Carter is really a great baby.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first couple weeks were mostly dedicated to my recovery and getting to know our sweet girl. She got down to 6 lbs 10 oz when we were discharged from the hospital which was an 11% loss from her birth weight so we had weight checks a couple times a week to make sure she was gaining weight adequately. I nursed every 2-3 hours the first few weeks and once we both got the hang of nursing, she started putting on weight like a champ and has been consistently gaining an ounce a day every since. Her most recent weight as of Monday the 3rd was 8 lbs 4 oz. We are now nursing every 2-3 hours during the day but letting her sleep and feed on demand at night. I usually feed her around 10 or 10:30 and she'll sleep usually about 5 hours so I am getting some good stretches of sleep myself which has been great. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Carter has been refluxing so we went to the doctor and are now on a low dose reflux medication. It will take about 2 weeks to see if it works or if we need to go up on the dose. Now for what you really want to see...pictures! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_l6Hg4BPb_8QBZD_bhdqcKYayjK96m4CVjhJn_Bci9S7HBAds0fK1rYTkj3EhsITsid5VCzRwqQ0Byxdje8ccoyk5a5b__RDzxLRiJ9vqp8TkYGTMpwk5dNBKuyjhuTQnYSVXH4NbvXI/s1600/IMG_5320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_l6Hg4BPb_8QBZD_bhdqcKYayjK96m4CVjhJn_Bci9S7HBAds0fK1rYTkj3EhsITsid5VCzRwqQ0Byxdje8ccoyk5a5b__RDzxLRiJ9vqp8TkYGTMpwk5dNBKuyjhuTQnYSVXH4NbvXI/s1600/IMG_5320.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being this cute is exhausting!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ9R4zvP_UNPj7dkjrQZ8GQkerOsoTesSo_VMJloEYUND0aW_QbBf5hNjqtxidbzQa3c7w0YvpcDN8gRomElwqg3RupU1NVuaPnc0vWl_iEWBkinO7hcjWDTeKmvT0qjtKLgZ6TUnvlg/s1600/IMG_5333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ9R4zvP_UNPj7dkjrQZ8GQkerOsoTesSo_VMJloEYUND0aW_QbBf5hNjqtxidbzQa3c7w0YvpcDN8gRomElwqg3RupU1NVuaPnc0vWl_iEWBkinO7hcjWDTeKmvT0qjtKLgZ6TUnvlg/s1600/IMG_5333.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelTLCIXhaWlRvLbqQDXP5in-8nklTUMrLew_9BE83lb-I8FOT7c17iZoQcQTbVKILRBcaf6JTYEULGB8FchQZvEWNaqchDZlEg3w7Md6mfiRb0g9y75BmA12lYjmkkovyX1TyZxhBc8c/s1600/IMG_5335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgelTLCIXhaWlRvLbqQDXP5in-8nklTUMrLew_9BE83lb-I8FOT7c17iZoQcQTbVKILRBcaf6JTYEULGB8FchQZvEWNaqchDZlEg3w7Md6mfiRb0g9y75BmA12lYjmkkovyX1TyZxhBc8c/s1600/IMG_5335.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOu7lK5O6NoarA0XlvdA5ccOt1nJ2i4LnmO6p5TYyHzb-nyCu3-sVcqlvcqkRsknFeG9bX97UIGrOfkSfrIj-9LNfNtVBiSYbsm8_c3CQ3SuwbWISOKWIQOETk7efybPsRBAbccZoUDs/s1600/IMG_5363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOu7lK5O6NoarA0XlvdA5ccOt1nJ2i4LnmO6p5TYyHzb-nyCu3-sVcqlvcqkRsknFeG9bX97UIGrOfkSfrIj-9LNfNtVBiSYbsm8_c3CQ3SuwbWISOKWIQOETk7efybPsRBAbccZoUDs/s1600/IMG_5363.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenDkuwXzsuCN7QUfCU-CpD5LRC4R8KTLKDb35oWVlbPhlqZXmUaoH3U8Z4EM1IDh2QlD9GPdurGHPcjnSYgv8dkktXbNHmxNZJyZNSvtMGaVtciJFb-h0cyjiGcZ3tB78RKzCb92pwyU/s1600/IMG_5387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenDkuwXzsuCN7QUfCU-CpD5LRC4R8KTLKDb35oWVlbPhlqZXmUaoH3U8Z4EM1IDh2QlD9GPdurGHPcjnSYgv8dkktXbNHmxNZJyZNSvtMGaVtciJFb-h0cyjiGcZ3tB78RKzCb92pwyU/s1600/IMG_5387.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sjXkB4Xl4MEEsStk5FqhSOyzFhzZ_8rlWShExdGLLtFXEGWYVCYZwnPRwzdskIWp6Nkn5LeDmeQbq9CedAr5JdL2oW5-kej4X8fmQsnebLkn7V0tTaZuSmQ0y4Sz7jbVEVRB419sWJ0/s1600/IMG_5388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sjXkB4Xl4MEEsStk5FqhSOyzFhzZ_8rlWShExdGLLtFXEGWYVCYZwnPRwzdskIWp6Nkn5LeDmeQbq9CedAr5JdL2oW5-kej4X8fmQsnebLkn7V0tTaZuSmQ0y4Sz7jbVEVRB419sWJ0/s1600/IMG_5388.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHhdoOZgV2RcZndxLdNc_PA_O1OIZSesRnMcSA_gF4H5s7EUCWWVopnbjiaTEExg5U7_Zo3BjuTAJIEXLH7ruYk-w99nZkGQ7GpIzm7tT62IrkRMndZeedlwM3lH9Ju9fxGrYPuwlj_I/s1600/10714205_10100402229755559_8822613730417732931_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHhdoOZgV2RcZndxLdNc_PA_O1OIZSesRnMcSA_gF4H5s7EUCWWVopnbjiaTEExg5U7_Zo3BjuTAJIEXLH7ruYk-w99nZkGQ7GpIzm7tT62IrkRMndZeedlwM3lH9Ju9fxGrYPuwlj_I/s320/10714205_10100402229755559_8822613730417732931_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Stats:</span></b> Weight 8 lbs 4 oz (25 %) Height 21.4 inches (75%) Head Circumference 36.5 cm (50%)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Likes:</b></span> Motion! Good grief this girl loves to move. Anything with movement she is a big fan of...swing, Mamaroo, car, Harrison or I walking around with her, etc. If it moves, she loves it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Paci: She didn't start really loving the paci till about a week ago. Its not a must for her to fall asleep or for her to be content, but when she's fussy either from reflux or being tired, she really likes it. We are using the Soothie brand, wubbanub, or we just discovered she likes the same brand my niece uses which are Born Free. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Eating: Obviously by her ounce a day weight gain. Like I said, after the first week or so, we both got the hang of it and now its going great. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Being Swaddled- calms her down and definitely keeps her asleep for long stretches at night! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cuddles and snuggles- Loves to be held! I may or may not be completely spoiling her but I'm sorry, there is nothing better than cuddling with her and having her nuzzle her head into my neck and fall asleep on my chest. I have waited 3 years to hold her and love on her and I am savoring every moment. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Music/white noise- she likes being sung to or being shhh'd to when she is fussy or falling asleep. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Dislikes: </span></b> Reflux- poor girl. You can tell it hurts her. She is fussy after eating and is spitting up some after she eats. She will be completely calm, then get really upset and you can hear and see her refluxing. I really hope the medication will help soon! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Reflux Medication- Its a catch 22. Seriously, does it have to taste like that? Even with some "flavoring" which I requested they add, its still pretty gross. I don't know why they can't make all liquid medication taste like the pink bubblegum Amoxicillin. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When the movement stops- Example: Why must I stop the motion of the car at red lights? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Life is pretty great y'all. My only issue I've been having has been with my neck. Nursing is really tough on my neck. Constantly looking down is painful. My range of motion from my 2 cervical fusions and all the hardware has always been limited and has always been more limited looking down. I am getting by with ibuprofen a couple times a day so far but it hurts, I'm not gonna lie. This is another area where I have tried not to put expectations on myself. I want to nurse for as long as possible for her benefit of course, but realistically, I don't know physically how long I will be able to. I know as she gets bigger and weighs more, I will have more pain as I care for her. If/when I start having to take pain medicine again regularly, I will have to wean her to formula. I'm just trying to take it a day at a time. I am going to call Vanderbilt Pain Clinic and hopefully be able to have a radio-frequency ablation on my right side (the worst side) sometime soon. Hopefully that will help extend the amount of time I can nurse and decrease the amount of pain I am having. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Other than that, everything is going really well. We are so blessed. It may sound cliche, but motherhood is truly better than I ever expected. Its amazing to me to look at her ultrasound pictures that still hang on the fridge or her little embryo picture and then look at her beautiful face as she is cradled in my arms and know where she came from and how hard we worked to have her here. My heart is so full and I'm so incredibly happy. We certainly have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Till next time...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-63106810537646551402014-10-16T10:30:00.002-04:002014-10-16T10:30:45.437-04:00Carter Elizabeth Harrison and I are thrilled to announce the birth of our beautiful daughter Carter Elizabeth! She was born Tuesday, October 7 at 2:25 pm and weighed 7 lbs 7.2 oz (EXACTLY what her growth ultrasound predicted on Monday!) and was 20 inches long. She is perfect.<br />
<br />
About 12 hours after I posted on the blog last Monday, I went into labor on my own. After my appointment on Monday, I was having some contractions that were a little stronger than what was typical for me and my low back was hurting. One of very best friends (whom I shared a due date with!) had her baby girl the previous Thursday so we went over to their house to meet her and have dinner with them Monday night. We got home Monday night and went to bed. I woke up around 4 AM to go to the bathroom and couldn't fall back asleep, so I turned on the TV. Around 5:30 I was getting pretty drowsy so I rolled over in bed and felt a pop...my water breaking! It was definitely a strange sensation but not a big gush of water like you see in movies. I went to the bathroom and verified that it was indeed my water breaking. I woke up Harrison and called the on call doctor. She said to head on in to the hospital but that it didn't sound like we needed to be in a huge rush as my contractions were about 10 minutes apart. I took a quick shower, we finished packing up, said goodbye to the dog and life as just the two of us and headed to the hospital. By the time we arrived to the hospital about an hour after my water had broken, my contractions were about 4 minutes apart, and man, did they hurt. Since we got to the hospital right around 6:30, there were 2 other pregnant women checking in for scheduled deliveries. They were nice enough to let me check in first since it was clear that I was in active labor! <br />
<br />
I was triaged and checked and was 4.5 cm dilated. They got me in a room and I immediately asked for my epidural which I got around 8 AM. (P.S. Epidurals are completely amazing and I am convinced are a gift from God! Any woman that can do labor naturally is my hero!) After my epidural, they checked me and I was 8cm! By 10 AM I was completely dilated. It was a crazy day on the Labor and Delivery floor. There were 2 c-sections my doctor needed to do and 2 other women in labor and delivering when I was! Because of the craziness and since they knew I wanted to limit the amount of pushing, they let me "labor down" for a few hours. Basically it was letting my body and contractions to push her lower. I had my epidural so I was completely comfortable. Till about 1pm, they let me labor down and we hung out in the room with my family.<br />
<br />
Around 1pm, the doctor was finally available, so they got everything all set up and ready for her big arrival. (Crazy side note: My in laws were on their way from Nashville so my mom was texting with my mother in law and giving her updates. My mom mentioned the doctor's name, who was another doctor in the practice on the non high risk side, but not my usual doctor. It turns out, the doctor that was about to deliver my daughter was the same doctor that delivered my husband 30 years ago!!) I officially started pushing at 1:50pm and at 2:25pm, our sweet daughter was born! I can't even explain the flood of emotions I had when I saw her come out and heard her cry. Harrison and I both immediately broke down in sobs. I felt incredible joy, love, and thankfulness but also relief and the overwhelming sense of "finally!" It was the culmination of emotions of 3 years of infertility and failures and finally overcoming all the hurdles. We waited so long and worked so hard for that moment. It was a moment that is impossible to adequately put into words.<br />
<br />
When my water broke, their was a slight hint of meconium (aka baby's poop) so they immediately took her to the warmer to suction her really well and assess her. She was crying and doing well but because of the possibility of meconium aspiration, Harrison was only able to hold her for a minute. I was able to give her a few kisses, but then they took her to the nursery to be hooked up to an oxygen monitor for a little while to make sure her breathing and oxygen status were ok. <br />
<br />
A couple hours later, we were reunited with our <span style="text-align: center;">daughter. Introducing Carter Elizabeth...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP6v5EzXQ7-j4b7CBRMsNPZyXBSDFE182hNwZebK5cxhXQ1pO118-HhXR_7TyZDeDHCa7WqNKkjDCFfxwbOhuZQo50unH1mQQvGMtPBhEvtwdBytcpdiMdslCQDsxhaQ22Goin-GkWrQ/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimP6v5EzXQ7-j4b7CBRMsNPZyXBSDFE182hNwZebK5cxhXQ1pO118-HhXR_7TyZDeDHCa7WqNKkjDCFfxwbOhuZQo50unH1mQQvGMtPBhEvtwdBytcpdiMdslCQDsxhaQ22Goin-GkWrQ/s1600/IMG_0300.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRVtQYHaEr6WkunEuDzZdlBD4Oqoq95LvbaZyLV60QkA_LgReYJPf8lmRYaG6s9DuSFL_4DHg_5qVY-Z5drZCGKgBjNekN8SkFNHs2HljW3lzezR1W2hlbbG9_LcmqFFMmDXCnlxgPYQ/s1600/IMG_5171-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRVtQYHaEr6WkunEuDzZdlBD4Oqoq95LvbaZyLV60QkA_LgReYJPf8lmRYaG6s9DuSFL_4DHg_5qVY-Z5drZCGKgBjNekN8SkFNHs2HljW3lzezR1W2hlbbG9_LcmqFFMmDXCnlxgPYQ/s1600/IMG_5171-1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Meeting her Great Grandmother and Namesake, Harrison's grandmother Carter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
We were discharged Friday afternoon and began our life as a family of 3! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5d-isxMO28uoQp05kMv6gM8k21pz4GC2-uPlBzUVIZAfUDc0_CVDzRjccX_n2evbfvC2alfQANl1xH6yQJjQPj-me9cvyPfMDfA7Cyqew5UokUHSZn36G99L4sCMpP4_Unj2qdI2-lc/s1600/IMG_0310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5d-isxMO28uoQp05kMv6gM8k21pz4GC2-uPlBzUVIZAfUDc0_CVDzRjccX_n2evbfvC2alfQANl1xH6yQJjQPj-me9cvyPfMDfA7Cyqew5UokUHSZn36G99L4sCMpP4_Unj2qdI2-lc/s1600/IMG_0310.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4VtN7zAPakyJFtCXdr3is34fuEnvOuoRCxxTzYXe-3xTLSyAeixdURY9GDXXKQCxwVH27z7zAKkATyH0hH4mA4O-pPKGo-g93WCggF-Cx9dGvc-UhySJnYKIf9XoDAteMQcS5vvN060/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4VtN7zAPakyJFtCXdr3is34fuEnvOuoRCxxTzYXe-3xTLSyAeixdURY9GDXXKQCxwVH27z7zAKkATyH0hH4mA4O-pPKGo-g93WCggF-Cx9dGvc-UhySJnYKIf9XoDAteMQcS5vvN060/s1600/IMG_0311.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Going home with our girl! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The past week has been wonderful. We are soaking up every moment with our sweet girl. Harrison was able to take a full week off work so he went back yesterday for his first full day. I've had some help during the day from my mom and mother-in-law which we are so thankful and grateful for. We are tired but are getting some sleep between feedings. Carter so far is a great baby and I am loving motherhood. It still feels very surreal that she is here and in my arms, but I am so happy I sometimes just look at her and start crying.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTof93NXw3w7dbx1y6rZgEVqQ_qMqKaaiR4KKvyEdXEODkEUJMiQW0zaD8lXpaUzmwwWxI0a6iha6X4pdzav3wdTQ34xrTgoPr6An0tuLtU03WFUtOU1RlkTzwgtPaT3UaaDOLnsrXTM/s1600/10626872_777829548930678_5452689289785666824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHTof93NXw3w7dbx1y6rZgEVqQ_qMqKaaiR4KKvyEdXEODkEUJMiQW0zaD8lXpaUzmwwWxI0a6iha6X4pdzav3wdTQ34xrTgoPr6An0tuLtU03WFUtOU1RlkTzwgtPaT3UaaDOLnsrXTM/s1600/10626872_777829548930678_5452689289785666824_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Her newborn photo shoot. 4 days old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sQ7_2540bMmKCXhlrY4PFvYQ_qPTCjvyIuKo54t8ALH1hvgOdkr04M5qsrOUK3m6FSw_iejZAZ9mKbU2USVRP-jQxfP3atY6uleVYh_OVqKOdo8TR8228HZiRE_h6eoO2OzcVgzVMMk/s1600/IMG_5222-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6sQ7_2540bMmKCXhlrY4PFvYQ_qPTCjvyIuKo54t8ALH1hvgOdkr04M5qsrOUK3m6FSw_iejZAZ9mKbU2USVRP-jQxfP3atY6uleVYh_OVqKOdo8TR8228HZiRE_h6eoO2OzcVgzVMMk/s1600/IMG_5222-1.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBfA2WLhlDeqOMZpPplZ60FKE6Tip5nfFgUMgSvA6u_cfTGZjCsyySj2-ql1UMglAWXGZTTt1BDvYlPgPJnrUrTP-q4GzUWXoJQXdNSJDysNDGISC1VFnhLJrOGH0x_9N-PUmUPdleS0/s1600/IMG_5219-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQBfA2WLhlDeqOMZpPplZ60FKE6Tip5nfFgUMgSvA6u_cfTGZjCsyySj2-ql1UMglAWXGZTTt1BDvYlPgPJnrUrTP-q4GzUWXoJQXdNSJDysNDGISC1VFnhLJrOGH0x_9N-PUmUPdleS0/s1600/IMG_5219-1.jpg" height="320" width="299" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9tphmOs1Mbl1owcWucfepbcrAukr4eIONgc0l0-EEbJhJufJCpwJZeT5sJrDzgAQOAOgVrMMuk5I4U6epyGLJBcveFM-4wzgg_oCuFeWloTqm3p-nZN8Ko7lFRekuBmju8SiSPRUn4Y/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9tphmOs1Mbl1owcWucfepbcrAukr4eIONgc0l0-EEbJhJufJCpwJZeT5sJrDzgAQOAOgVrMMuk5I4U6epyGLJBcveFM-4wzgg_oCuFeWloTqm3p-nZN8Ko7lFRekuBmju8SiSPRUn4Y/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">8 days old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I know I say this at the end of pretty much every post but I can't thank each of you enough for all the love, support and prayers over the past 9 months of pregnancy, 3 years of infertility, or 5 years of my health issues. We wouldn't be where we are without you. Your prayers were heard and answered in the most amazing, incredible ways. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-91193711262054283632014-10-06T15:08:00.003-04:002014-10-06T15:08:52.702-04:00Bump Update: 38 and 39 Weeks and the Final Countdown!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, I made it! It's October ya'll! It's baby month! And it looks like I am going to be having this baby sometime this week! I feel like it was just yesterday I was anxiously waiting for the phone to ring to hear the results of our beta test. When we were told it was positive and I talked to the Nurse Practitioner from our IVF clinic, I remember her specifically saying that our due date was October 9. It seemed so far away. Now, 9 months later, its finally October and I am less than a week away from my due date. It's all completely surreal. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3aQ8BF9_T2W50mF3AMYBkXuOEnI6QlPxfheTu4pIqGZrDPS0qIs4CUM1tJNoo56UZG9H-ti9GbXwalsjv3jRBVOva7TRIUp5_pW8gFeDURFsZGMMBFMGJV3k_gezc8uqwMDKPNjVS8E/s1600/IMG_4826-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3aQ8BF9_T2W50mF3AMYBkXuOEnI6QlPxfheTu4pIqGZrDPS0qIs4CUM1tJNoo56UZG9H-ti9GbXwalsjv3jRBVOva7TRIUp5_pW8gFeDURFsZGMMBFMGJV3k_gezc8uqwMDKPNjVS8E/s1600/IMG_4826-1.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQr-qC-iy2wU4qPI_MAO86s0KhoA1tAHTnpMiFRx-ey7nbw_BbURS-EKdv3LEmf36vgsI0Of_0phHzEWzy-WjiJajveQ5w2KXXNvo2LdkW-4l5DCED4fpFSCCybqHtfHy_cn1LkzpAMc/s1600/IMG_4832-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQr-qC-iy2wU4qPI_MAO86s0KhoA1tAHTnpMiFRx-ey7nbw_BbURS-EKdv3LEmf36vgsI0Of_0phHzEWzy-WjiJajveQ5w2KXXNvo2LdkW-4l5DCED4fpFSCCybqHtfHy_cn1LkzpAMc/s1600/IMG_4832-1.jpg" height="400" width="310" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>How far along:</b> I am just a few days away from my due date...39 weeks, 4 days<br />
<br />
<b>Trimester:</b> Third<br />
<br />
<b>Gender:</b> Can't wait to hold my little girl!<br />
<br />
<b>Size of baby</b>: In fruit and vegetable terms, she is the size of a mini-watermelon. In actual size, she is probably around 7- 7.5 pounds if her growth has continued on the same growth curve she has been on. Went for my growth ultrasound this morning and she measured 7 lbs 7 oz (40th percentile) so she is a really good size...not too big but not too little!<br />
<br />
<b>Sleep:</b> Still not great and there is at least one point during the night that I can't fall back asleep for hours after getting up to go to the bathroom. I start thinking about what it will be like when/if I go into labor on my own and day dreaming about seeing her face for the first time. <br />
<br />
<b>Best Moments: </b>My mom's friends threw me a baby shower this past Sunday which was so special. We are so blessed to have so many people in our life that love us, support us, and love our baby girl already!<br />
<br />
<b>Worst Moment:</b> I don't usually do a worst moment but this week I ended up getting pretty sick with a sinus infection and upper respiratory infection. I started sneezing a lot at my baby shower on Sunday and thought it was just allergies. By Monday I was really congested. I woke up Tuesday morning at 3 AM and felt absolutely awful. I was coughing a lot and had a low grade fever. When I would lay down, my chest was tight and painful and it was hard to breathe. When I called my OB to ask what medications I could take, they really wanted me to be seen by my primary care doctor. So I went and got checked out and was put on an antibiotic and inhaler. I feel better but am still coughing and have some congestion. I am hoping that over the next few days it will start to clear up and I will be completely well by the time I have this baby! It is definitely no fun being sick and super pregnant at the same time!<br />
<br />
<b>Miss Anything:</b> Decent sleep, not having to pee every 30 minutes, and in general just being comfortable. <br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms:</b> Contracting a lot each day. At my check last week I was 1 cm dilated and 80% effaced so my body is doing something. After A LOT of thoughtful prayer and consideration, I have decided to try a vaginal delivery. My doctor and Nurse Practitioner said that doing an induction with me starting out having already made some progress on my own typically makes for a better, smoother induction process. <br />
As of this morning I am now 3 cm and 90% effaced. Personally I'm not really wanting to go too far past my due date. We had talked about maybe inducing on Friday if she hadn't made her appearance by then but after my appointment this morning, we've decided to wait it out a little longer. One of my doctors (the one I saw this morning) had rotator cuff surgery a couple weeks ago so he is still in a big sling contraption and not doing deliveries. My other doctor will be out of town on Friday so even though I'd have to wait a few more days, I'd rather have one of my doctors there for delivery so I have another appointment next Monday. If she hasn't come by then, we will induce on Tuesday when I am 40 weeks, 5 days. My doctor doesn't want me to go past Tuesday or Wednesday since I have gestational diabetes. He really thinks though with my current status and the progress I am making that I will probably go into labor on my own sometime this week. <br />
<br />
My doctor and nurse practitioners have been really great and understanding. They have promised me that if at any point during labor or delivery, my neck and back are causing me too much pain for me to continue, that they will completely respect my decision and wouldn't deny me the option of a c-section. Knowing that I'm not locked in and knowing that they understand my fears and concerns made it easier for me to decide to try a vaginal delivery. I am going in with very little expectations for myself or my body. I would love it if I can delivery vaginally, but I know that I will be putting my neck and back through a lot of stress and strain that it isn't used to so I really have no idea how much it will be able to tolerate. With all the damage, hardware, nerve issues, spinal stenosis, bone spurs, muscles spasms, etc., I know that my neck is fragile. I am just hoping that maybe it can hold up long enough for a successful, and relatively pain free (neck wise) delivery. <br />
<br />
<b>Looking forward to:</b> Meeting my daughter, seeing her face, and holding her for the first time!<br />
<br />
Please be praying for us in these final days and that whenever and however she decides to make her debut, it will be a safe a relatively smooth process! Thanks for your support! <br />
<br />Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-16059683347291268072014-09-25T09:36:00.000-04:002014-09-25T09:36:06.493-04:00Bump update: 35-37 Weeks and Delivery optionsSo I sat down to write the bump update for this week thinking I had already done posts for the last 2 weeks but apparently I never did! Things have been pretty busy these last few weeks with final preparations to get ready for our girl. <br />
<br />
You know those women who say how much they love being pregnant and could be pregnant forever because they feel so great...yeah, I'm not one of them. Physically, I've hit a wall. The last month of pregnancy is hard y'all. I'm tired, having a lot of back pain, and overall, just really uncomfortable. But I've also never been so happy and felt so blessed, so as much as I want to moan and groan, I can't complain because I know all my aches, pains, and exhaustion are so worth it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7NYAegDaBRrvcV2Z_ct6zoWNVzs_NtGKuy7OmvFsCXSv_85DzeBe0K93H5LQC8PrfdsxofJILNKawK8KVgLxyZCac1aPqwNagzOWetsLxl-jrTtbu5AyD4zuaLasS2geWa9X54486-U/s1600/IMG_4665-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7NYAegDaBRrvcV2Z_ct6zoWNVzs_NtGKuy7OmvFsCXSv_85DzeBe0K93H5LQC8PrfdsxofJILNKawK8KVgLxyZCac1aPqwNagzOWetsLxl-jrTtbu5AyD4zuaLasS2geWa9X54486-U/s1600/IMG_4665-1.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxm3lgt2cpnPOC12oYkEhdINpEZQauMDoJlG4NOYzqMjdYqXxPqDGQdJIV6cAbn3ViFPdZ7wTXs7fSexLaI6sseGDfqgP7jnwSPJjqmF6WcozTViUdWqx1-0t5OKiqesW1Devuq7tbySs/s1600/IMG_4751-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxm3lgt2cpnPOC12oYkEhdINpEZQauMDoJlG4NOYzqMjdYqXxPqDGQdJIV6cAbn3ViFPdZ7wTXs7fSexLaI6sseGDfqgP7jnwSPJjqmF6WcozTViUdWqx1-0t5OKiqesW1Devuq7tbySs/s1600/IMG_4751-1.jpg" height="320" width="230" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuWjm64lDduyjgjoS38cJwZfA7n-BI0w3L-RMm6rSOtYCEvKESXe4eDk1-Vpk9y6v3npBo-YOIPj_F9b2BYIthE5MbFLFe1q7ZrLNrWmFKKhwQGydpxRngQs48R7PspGjB-0N9tBq-i8/s1600/IMG_4754-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuWjm64lDduyjgjoS38cJwZfA7n-BI0w3L-RMm6rSOtYCEvKESXe4eDk1-Vpk9y6v3npBo-YOIPj_F9b2BYIthE5MbFLFe1q7ZrLNrWmFKKhwQGydpxRngQs48R7PspGjB-0N9tBq-i8/s1600/IMG_4754-1.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>How far along</b>: Today starts week 38.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Trimester:</b> Third...I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Gender: </b> Can't wait to meet our little GIRL! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Size of baby:</b> At our 36 week growth ultrasound, she measured exactly 6 pounds which is perfectly average (45th percentile). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Sleep:</b> While I don't want to complain, this is one area I am struggling. I am exhausted. Sleep is pretty lousy. It takes me a couple hours to get comfortable enough to fall asleep, then when I do fall asleep, it doesn't last long because I wake up to go to the bathroom and then the process starts all over. The hours between 3 AM- 6 AM are usually especially difficult. Its frustrating being exhausted but not being able to sleep. I guess I'm just getting prepared to have a newborn! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Best Moments:</b> Finishing the nursery! My mom painted the custom closet shelving that my awesome husband built in the double closets and I bought some storage baskets so I was finally able to get things organized like I wanted to. Little things like having diapers on the changing table and a sheet on the crib make it feel very real. We do still have to hang a couple pictures but everything else is finally done! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Miss Anything:</b> Being comfortable and being able to move about and do things without feeling like I'm in an olympic event! Funny story about my week 36 picture...Its hard to tell but I am wearing boots. We were about to go out to eat with some friends and I was ready to break out the fall boots for the first time. Well being pregnant in the warm, summer months, I've just slipped my feet into flip flops and sandals all summer. I went to put on socks and realized after performing some contortionist moves and quickly getting out of breath that this was not an easy task or a possibility. I had to get Harrison to put my socks on my feet. He thought it was hilarious. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Symptoms:</b> I had an appointment on Monday for my scheduled Non Stress Test. I wasn't scheduled to see the doctor or anything because I had another appointment for and office visit, NST, and fluid check that was supposed to be today. During the non stress test, I am hooked up to a monitor to track her heart rate and a contraction monitor. They like to see her heart rate be "reactive"...meaning it will be variable and increase with her movements. About 15 minutes in, her heart rate was just staying put around 130 and she wasn't moving much so they tried to use a little buzzer to wake up her up. Well apparently she's like her mama and doesn't like to be woken up so she wouldn't cooperate. Because of the non-reactive result, they wanted to take a peak at her on ultrasound. I also was having contractions through the non stress test so that bought me a doctor's visit to be checked for my progress. Long story short, she looked great and active on ultrasound. They even saw hair! When the doctor checked me, I am thin and dilated to 1 cm. So my body is trying to do something apparently! </div>
<br />
<b>Looking forward to: </b> My second baby shower thrown by my mother's friends is on Sunday and of course, the day when our girl decides to make her debut!<br />
<br />
Speaking of her debut, I am really conflicted about how she will make her debut. While there is no obstetrical reason for me to have a schedule c-section, it has been something I've been thinking and praying about for months because of my neck and back. I, as well as Harrison, my family, and my pain doctor, are all pretty concerned about the delivery and the possibility of pushing for a long time. Because of my surgeries and hardware, I physically would probably not be able to push for much more than an hour. If I had to push for 2 or 3 hours, I would be in agony and could even cause more damage to my neck. I am planning on getting an epidural for sure, but pain wise for my neck and upper back, we've talked to an anesthesiologist and unfortunately there isn't anything they could give me during labor and delivery for my neck pain. He actually suggested a c-section and my pain doctor thinks that would probably be better as well. My OB understands my concerns and has agreed to do a scheduled c-section if thats what we want to do. There really is no way to know how long my labor and delivery would be obviously, but from most people I've talked to, it seems that induction deliveries are harder on your body and you tend to push longer. So as of right now, I think the plan is to set a c-section date for maybe Monday, October 6 ( I would be 39 weeks 4 days). If I go into labor on my own before then, I will probably try a vaginal birth and just pray that it is quick and that I can physically handle pushing. This is a really hard decision and predicament to be in. I want to do whats best for her obviously, but I am also terrified of doing damage to my neck that would cause me more pain short and long term. I have worked so, so hard to make the progress I have with my pain and to get to the quality of life I have now. Thinking of starting off my role as a mom being in extreme pain, back on a lot of medication, etc., is a heartbreaking thought. Please, please be praying for us (myself, Harrison, our daughter, and my family) as we make the final decision and for the delivery, no matter what method it ends up being.<br />
<br />
As always, thank you for your support! Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-45317134158389106012014-09-16T12:43:00.000-04:002014-09-16T12:43:40.750-04:00What a Difference a Year Makes...One year. 365 days. It some aspects it seems like a long time, but it many other aspects, it feels like it was just yesterday. This time of year, and this week in particular brings up a lot of emotions for me. For those that know me, you know that on September 13 of last year, my sister had her first child, a little girl, Ingrid. This was such an exciting, special day for our family. I have a beautiful step-niece whom I love and adore who is almost 8 and has been in our lives since she was 2, but Ingrid was our family's first baby. I must have taken over 400 pictures that day at the hospital. I was enamored by her beauty and I immediately fell in love with her. But as happy as I was, my heart was also breaking. <br />
<br />
In August, after the failure of our 9th fertility assisted cycle and our 6th IUI, we decided that before moving onto IVF we wanted to do another laproscopic surgery and hysteroscopy to check to see if there was any obvious reason that things weren't working. It had been 3 years since my last laproscopy, which found a significant amount of scar tissue, adhesions, and cervical stenosis. We were hoping to find something that would possibly explain our infertility and that could have been an easy fix, but we were told by my doctor that unless he saw something that really blew him away, his recommendation would be to pursue IVF in Nashville.<br />
<br />
The morning of September 16, 2013, I was being prepped for surgery on the first floor of the hospital while 2 floors above me, my sister was being discharged and taking her newborn baby girl home. It was a crazy day for my family as my mom and dad were literally riding the elevators between the floors switching off roles and trying to be there for both of us. I awoke in recovery and looked at Harrison and I knew the results. My doctor came to talk to us and said while he did find some endometriosis and scar tissue, overall he was not "impressed" and did not think it was enough to warrant trying anything else. <br />
<br />
The next few days were some of the lowest I had during our whole journey. I was devastated. During all the other treatments, I did not allow myself to grieve each negative result. I just kept going and kept cycling. I finally did grieve some after our December cycle when I had my gallbladder fiasco and we took a 6 month break, but I still don't think that I fully let myself feel everything I needed to feel because I would always just focus on our next attempt and counting the days on the calendar. I just never thought we would need IVF. The thought of IVF was terrifying to me at this point. It seemed so huge, daunting, and the end all be all. I guess knowing it was the final option was what made it so terrifying for me. Physically, emotionally, and financially it just seemed so extreme. When we were first on clomid, I knew there was always the option of IUI. When we started IUIs, there was always the option of injectables. On injectables and IUI, there was always the thought that "well, if this doesn't work, we always have IVF." Now, here I was, staring down our final option.<br />
<br />
The day after my surgery was my mom's birthday. She was staying with my sister since she had had a c-section, so we all went over there for dinner. I watched my sister and brother in law with their newborn daughter as well as my parents and I saw their joy and love for this new, tiny little person, and I was completely broken. I remember sitting around the dinner table that night trying so hard to hold it all together telling everyone I was "fine." Of course, no one bought it and after a lot of encouragement to talk about what I was feeling, I broke down. I remember specifically saying that maybe I just needed to come to terms with the fact that children may not be our future and that I may never get to experience what my sister currently was. My mind was automatically taking me to the darkest of places. I started to tell myself that IVF wasn't going to be an option because I thought the doctors would look at my medical history and pain issues and tell us they wouldn't do it. I argued that we couldn't adopt for the same reason. In those days and weeks before our IVF consultation, I honestly was preparing myself to come to terms with idea of a life without children. I cried and grieved more during these weeks that I had in the previous 2 1/2 years. <br />
<br />
One year later...I am just a few short weeks away from meeting our daughter, our miracle. I still can't believe it. Nine months later and I am still completely blown away by the success of our first IVF cycle: 11 embryos, 1 transferred, 10 frozen. Our beautiful transferred embryo implanted and has grown the last 37 weeks into the currently six pound baby girl that is kicking me in the ribs, pressing on my bladder, keeping me awake at night, and generally just making me quite uncomfortable...but I wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
<br />
To those who are still struggling with the heartbreak of infertility, I write all this to give you hope, to encourage you not to give up on your dream, even if you are feeling that you are at your lowest point and are questioning how much more you can take. Your miracle could be only a few weeks or months away and it is truly amazing the difference only one year, 365 days, can make.<br />
<br />Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-46577120238411667072014-09-03T21:35:00.003-04:002014-09-03T21:38:34.456-04:00Bump Update: Weeks 31-34I seriously can't believe we are only about a month away from meeting our baby girl. I don't know whether it's because of the summer or what but the weeks are flying by. I will be 35 weeks tomorrow. Here are the bump pictures from the last few weeks...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bW9q8XFhnfUsC-OYjonnqa-4YsNZmgoF6GoWqishN0YmJXZedfeQOVCpdmqqljrfOn-sJ4_lp1bs-Qb0YHhreHKepJjlPZw0NtI8DqQZlD4_2EBkw35BVP3gayPIvNwr13Quwo3iM2Y/s1600/IMG_4641-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3bW9q8XFhnfUsC-OYjonnqa-4YsNZmgoF6GoWqishN0YmJXZedfeQOVCpdmqqljrfOn-sJ4_lp1bs-Qb0YHhreHKepJjlPZw0NtI8DqQZlD4_2EBkw35BVP3gayPIvNwr13Quwo3iM2Y/s1600/IMG_4641-1.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYhF2VozBvUBzQJ105VYrnYhtcxmW89tso8iJM1YU2ADnr3ulmS3s6Q_7VB_ObOyOgiScXvxqyQFBRiC5qdIBIXcEu87cCRRSkT5DMiS8aRIazFdsELp43Ij1NyhH7ZGb44Cx2kFbNkU/s1600/IMG_4646-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYhF2VozBvUBzQJ105VYrnYhtcxmW89tso8iJM1YU2ADnr3ulmS3s6Q_7VB_ObOyOgiScXvxqyQFBRiC5qdIBIXcEu87cCRRSkT5DMiS8aRIazFdsELp43Ij1NyhH7ZGb44Cx2kFbNkU/s1600/IMG_4646-1.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX9HrdSFNxB8ZXZ3b6bHfKFKmRXPuhIjSClz67lu49Abd-zVlfXRJzaU5XUgw2sfT4OF3sl-d17vCXG7F0mtuJDLf4LGD8DA8Wp0VDj8e8Jyxzf7eona8tbpm1-VOzMv7XAoRRM7oSwE/s1600/IMG_4653-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigX9HrdSFNxB8ZXZ3b6bHfKFKmRXPuhIjSClz67lu49Abd-zVlfXRJzaU5XUgw2sfT4OF3sl-d17vCXG7F0mtuJDLf4LGD8DA8Wp0VDj8e8Jyxzf7eona8tbpm1-VOzMv7XAoRRM7oSwE/s1600/IMG_4653-1.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwUHxy4QovV2nhNx4GN8uXXUx_MWfiHehbrOOAySrhau6uMnnnEeE4fECOUqVkV1TThpk3xKJcvAul4cgbYLN_eePQ-ugFLHe2oG7lRf3AIBUa6HTxLLbTW8NH1cNrSLhu_09Sx2LMlo/s1600/IMG_4661-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjwUHxy4QovV2nhNx4GN8uXXUx_MWfiHehbrOOAySrhau6uMnnnEeE4fECOUqVkV1TThpk3xKJcvAul4cgbYLN_eePQ-ugFLHe2oG7lRf3AIBUa6HTxLLbTW8NH1cNrSLhu_09Sx2LMlo/s1600/IMG_4661-1.jpg" height="320" width="254" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>How far Along: </b>Going into my 35th week</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Trimester: </b>Third</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Gender: </b> Sweet baby girl</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Size of the baby:</b> As of week 34, the websites say she is the size of a cantaloupe and about 4 3/4 pounds. We will find out her exact weight at our growth ultrasound next week. </div>
<br />
<b>Maternity clothes:</b> Absolutely!<br />
<br />
<b>Stretch marks: </b>A few small ones have come up on my hips. Applying Bio Oil and Palmers cream a couple times a day! Who knows if it does any good. <br />
<br />
<b>Sleep:</b> I don't know if my body is just preparing me for having a newborn but several nights a week, I wake up at around 3:30 to go to the bathroom and can't fall back asleep till 5:30 or 6. It is so frustrating to toss and turn and then I start thinking about what I have left to do and making lists in my head. Again, maybe my body is preparing itself for being up for 3 AM feedings!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Best Moments: </b> I had my first baby shower on August 10 and it was wonderful. It was so surreal and I actually cried during it because I never thought I would get to have one. I felt so blessed. I will try to do a blog post soon with some pictures! <br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Miss Anything:</b> Being able to see my feet when I look down and being able to bend over and move easily! I feel huge and the belly definitely gets in the way! <br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms:</b> A LOT of contractions. I went in for a standard non stress test at 32 weeks and was contracting the whole time which caused some concern. Baby girl was active and kept her heart rate up throughout all the contractions which was great to know. I was checked to see if I was dilated and luckily I wasn't but my cervix was thin. They ran a Fetal Fibronectin test which if positive tells you that you are at high likelihood to deliver in the next 2 weeks. Again, fortunately I was negative so they did not put me on bed rest but did tell me I needed to start taking it easy and really monitoring how many contractions I was having. Because of their concern, I am going twice a week now for non stress tests to monitor her and make sure she continues to handle the contractions well and I get my amniotic fluid level checked once a week so I get to see her quickly on ultrasound each week.<br />
<br />
<b>Cravings:</b> Still on my ice kick. After a few weeks of trial and error, I have pretty much learned how my body responds to certain foods and have been able to manage the Gestational Diabetes pretty well. I have learned that I can eat small portions of bread and pasta. Having GD has actually made me much more self aware of everything I am eating and how much. Because I have to write down everything I eat for the nutritionist, I am much more aware of making sure I am getting enough calories and protein, eating snacks, not missing meals, and eating enough fruits and vegetables. I feel like I am eating a much more balanced, healthy diet so in the long run, it hasn't been as bad as I thought.<br />
<br />
<b>Looking forward to:</b> Seeing her on ultrasound this week for my fluid check and finding out how big she is at our growth ultrasound next week!<br />
<br />
As far as preparation goes, I feel like we are getting close to being ready. The nursery is painted and all set up. Harrison is adding some new shelving in the closets so I haven't been able to organize her clothes or closet but once he gets that finished up in the next week, I will be able to hang up all her cute little outfits. I did my first load of her laundry over the weekend and it was heavenly. I actually started to tear up folding her tiny things and smelling the sweet smell of baby detergent. Its just so surreal and I still can't believe it is happening to me!!<br />
<br />
As far as my pain goes, carrying the extra weight is definitely affecting my neck and spine but I am doing everything I can to manage it without medication and am only taking medication on rare occasions. I am uncomfortable and in pain most all the time, but it's not unbearable for the most part. I see my chiropractor and massage therapist once a week and will probably start going twice a week in these final weeks. I sleep with a heating pad, take tylenol, and rest a lot. My doctors are very, very pleased and impressed and are hopeful that our sweet girl will be born perfectly healthy. Please pray for me these final 5 weeks that I can continue to manage my pain without medication without being miserable. I knew going into the pregnancy that the last 4-6 weeks would be the hardest and most challenging pain wise so I've been preparing mentally but it is still very difficult emotionally and physically on the bad days when I feel bad, so please pray that these days are few and far between. <br />
<br />
Thank you for your continued support and prayers. <br />
<br />Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-49495591218070507802014-08-09T10:58:00.000-04:002014-08-09T10:58:25.099-04:00Bump update: Weeks 26-30The summer and the weeks of this pregnancy are really flying by. We have had a pretty good summer, although the past 3 weeks or so of the pregnancy have been eventful. Our little girl is keeping things interesting and keeping us on our toes!! We went to Hilton Head the end of July and did have to make a trip to the hospital to be monitored in the middle of the night one night after I had contractions for about 2 hours that I couldn't get to subside on my own. They monitored us for about 2 hours and I got fluids till the contractions subsided. Fortunately, baby girl looked strong and active throughout and I was not dilated at all. They thought I had just gotten really dehydrated and it took my body a while to catch up. <br />
<br />
Last week I went for my Glucose tolerance test and much to my surprise, I failed, meaning I have gestational diabetes. For some reason, this was something that never really occurred to me that I could suffer from. So I started tracking my blood sugar 4 times a day, monitoring ketones, and writing down everything I eat. On Wednesday we had our scheduled 30 week growth ultrasound and a meeting with the diabetes educator. During the meeting with the educator, I started to get light-headed. I looked at Harrison and the educator and said "I feel light headed all of a sudden..." and that's the last thing I remember. I completely passed out. Luckily Harrison was sitting right beside me and was able to catch be before I slid out of my chair and hit the floor. I woke up to a room full of nurses and my doctor. My blood sugar was fine but my blood pressure was a little elevated. They put me in an ultrasound room to lie down and go ahead and perform the ultrasound to check on the baby. She looked great and active as usual. They did some blood work and made me stay lying down for awhile. My doctor thinks it was just a fluke and that the baby was just in a weird position and either lying or could have kicked a major blood vessel, causing my blood pressure to drop quickly and causing me to pass out. He thought my blood pressure was elevated after the episode as my body was compensating for the drop in pressure. I've felt ok for the most part since it happened and have not passed out again, although my blood sugars have been really erratic since Wednesday. I see my doctor and the diabetes educator again on Wednesday this week. I'm glad that if this was going to happen, it happened at my doctor's office, but it was scary. I am hoping and praying it was just a fluke, one time occurrence. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-x9sieUG2tbQuGfaMbG1IsGVPO7d8ymaY2FCfGNa4Oydnei14vMkaCTAgZjgpSOTxdRGVe9EpOiuDh69VS8XP63_-5lEpWV0eLdttGoddZ11RJwBdreMS9oWvCWKKbm06aa_uErClhA/s1600/IMG_4456-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-x9sieUG2tbQuGfaMbG1IsGVPO7d8ymaY2FCfGNa4Oydnei14vMkaCTAgZjgpSOTxdRGVe9EpOiuDh69VS8XP63_-5lEpWV0eLdttGoddZ11RJwBdreMS9oWvCWKKbm06aa_uErClhA/s1600/IMG_4456-1.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBDR9ojnLnvXS1EMhUtapQpCHfKRPozLTDRgiwuMzYOku-texG3srOapPuSsAW8IDhS5ik9A2I4XsYZfljv0uG7Cz-tU5x3GmZZ0Xf6_R4Kf77vd2lmvSjzg3ayydvc-UIDcZ3_Knjck/s1600/IMG_4462-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieBDR9ojnLnvXS1EMhUtapQpCHfKRPozLTDRgiwuMzYOku-texG3srOapPuSsAW8IDhS5ik9A2I4XsYZfljv0uG7Cz-tU5x3GmZZ0Xf6_R4Kf77vd2lmvSjzg3ayydvc-UIDcZ3_Knjck/s1600/IMG_4462-1.jpg" height="320" width="250" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5I_p6ZSfumB60em-yE_egAq9bz5rTssBhc0dGG7MgrRWy5RbJ_0KNqK_CrL14v4osPlhQ4Wk4ORHHLN3qHZJkZGp45_K9Gy6EsFeRhrXGAQ-tdQ0NHFJdGNi1Dnpjd_uTDtdTcNaaIS4/s1600/IMG_4482-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5I_p6ZSfumB60em-yE_egAq9bz5rTssBhc0dGG7MgrRWy5RbJ_0KNqK_CrL14v4osPlhQ4Wk4ORHHLN3qHZJkZGp45_K9Gy6EsFeRhrXGAQ-tdQ0NHFJdGNi1Dnpjd_uTDtdTcNaaIS4/s1600/IMG_4482-1.jpg" height="320" width="190" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlULzrp6RjKGhzUrIWbr0uTJ1bMS5NU-w_gjoDs8o-bIMGbS5AHCtBmL5DVQIZ9g3kvv0j5RoutV7u9KCWrTcqTmNtWZIAFPYnp4LM8A0aI9pzx3Zud82WtRDmj8gPp-Kmswb1P03Fu4/s1600/IMG_4485-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlULzrp6RjKGhzUrIWbr0uTJ1bMS5NU-w_gjoDs8o-bIMGbS5AHCtBmL5DVQIZ9g3kvv0j5RoutV7u9KCWrTcqTmNtWZIAFPYnp4LM8A0aI9pzx3Zud82WtRDmj8gPp-Kmswb1P03Fu4/s1600/IMG_4485-1.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFVopOsgVpn04WsbYb7BGLQ8NvHQt01Mbpoc__6MWDjTBWOffY5l0AVLh27Uu-fj9XOVRpfKerFdrTJ84rY2ETa24nPZbomTF48pFBILpTSi70ZBZZxmLKqZ5JCB_yCOppizmu4jheZM/s1600/IMG_4489-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsFVopOsgVpn04WsbYb7BGLQ8NvHQt01Mbpoc__6MWDjTBWOffY5l0AVLh27Uu-fj9XOVRpfKerFdrTJ84rY2ETa24nPZbomTF48pFBILpTSi70ZBZZxmLKqZ5JCB_yCOppizmu4jheZM/s1600/IMG_4489-1.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>How far along: </b>I am now in my 31st week. My due date is only a mere 2 months from today! Crazy!<br />
<br />
<b>Trimester:</b> Third<br />
<br />
<b>Gender:</b> Girl<br />
<br />
<b>Size of baby:</b> Our sweet baby girl is measured 3 lbs 11 oz this week at our growth ultrasound. She is in the 45 percentile. She is gaining steadily and it seems like my placental issue isn't affecting her growth at all! <br />
<br />
<b>Maternity clothes:</b> Absolutely. Regular t-shirts are too snug and I am wearing Harrison's shirts to sleep in now!<br />
<br />
<b>Stretch marks:</b> Noticed a few teeny, tiny marks near my hips but can't tell if they are stretch marks or just veins. Needless to say I'm upping up my game on using bio-oil and other creams!<br />
<br />
<b>Sleep:</b> Mostly good. Waking up a few times at night to go to the bathroom but usually able to fall back to sleep ok. <br />
<br />
<b>Best Moments: </b> I love feeling her move and now I can see her move! It's all still very surreal. Each ultrasound is wonderful as well. I love hearing her sweet heartbeat and seeing her wiggle around!<br />
<br />
<b>Miss anything:</b> I finally found something I miss other than sushi and alcohol....carbs! Now that I have Gestational diabetes and have been monitoring my blood sugars, it seems my body does not tolerate carbs like bread, pasta, and rice very well at all so I have been really limiting my intake which is hard, because those that know me, know I LOVE pasta. So now I'm craving, missing, and dreaming of a big ole bowl of pasta with butter and parmesean cheese! <br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms:</b> Having a few Braxton hicks contractions daily now. Luckily they aren't painful but they still keep me on edge after our couple scares. I am really careful about keeping count of them. <br />
<br />
<b>Cravings:</b> Still on a major ice binge. Buying bags from Sonic and eating it by the spoonful!<br />
<br />
<b>Looking forward to:</b> My first baby shower hosted by my best friends TOMORROW!! Post coming soon! <br />
<br />
Please be praying that things calm down as we go through these last several weeks of pregnancy! Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-54182862348657148062014-07-08T13:02:00.001-04:002014-07-08T13:02:24.093-04:00Bumpdate: Weeks 20-25Hey there. Horribly bad blogger here. I have been doing weekly bump pictures but have been awful about uploading them and writing each week. Several people have asked for an updated bump shot so here you go!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj66osOuRnH_AtKlwVt3BsknjfXm3Br1ISmX6MwNotSN4HTTUkl0Wy7F_0UDcc505r8c5nOJdni6XIL_0JxaIyEN6b0N2CXDb47ROZM3Sg4Jto4OQc8eIJyhcpaDe7nR5hH7uhNlAqvE/s1600/IMG_4409-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHj66osOuRnH_AtKlwVt3BsknjfXm3Br1ISmX6MwNotSN4HTTUkl0Wy7F_0UDcc505r8c5nOJdni6XIL_0JxaIyEN6b0N2CXDb47ROZM3Sg4Jto4OQc8eIJyhcpaDe7nR5hH7uhNlAqvE/s1600/IMG_4409-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcI4s-od84XVJo8EkMs0kNN2uNKQtlgydOCsTS19UfwltVwVKGtQOFBVPLP4LJ5fwmIM2z7jIKUR5OsiA52I6O1eMmEWf5CKqVaatguuLh6Z0zTHLL7EhAXYRHx854S-XtPuBZ9gG9mY/s1600/IMG_4412-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHcI4s-od84XVJo8EkMs0kNN2uNKQtlgydOCsTS19UfwltVwVKGtQOFBVPLP4LJ5fwmIM2z7jIKUR5OsiA52I6O1eMmEWf5CKqVaatguuLh6Z0zTHLL7EhAXYRHx854S-XtPuBZ9gG9mY/s1600/IMG_4412-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANWo12LpOe5Xb2qCy6FqVZ6H7nj5D-lfWnIO0La49s5MFKl3BtzgAQKOQ3OHg6c-t62sUrd1iTSzjAvHrn2GoiRMwKVuMrkoSHsN-YWMVaPBbyTXIjTe_Dj8Lp70W1NN6IwA7N6Gfy-Q/s1600/IMG_4414-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANWo12LpOe5Xb2qCy6FqVZ6H7nj5D-lfWnIO0La49s5MFKl3BtzgAQKOQ3OHg6c-t62sUrd1iTSzjAvHrn2GoiRMwKVuMrkoSHsN-YWMVaPBbyTXIjTe_Dj8Lp70W1NN6IwA7N6Gfy-Q/s1600/IMG_4414-1.jpg" height="320" width="271" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6sORk4NGp9iUHi6MuEPqLzJp1MXHOzU0KaLURYoFM0wJmqA7nqoESUVWphnByk2YLBTzfedYCFHA4V76zABjJkXbTSp_YGuOixfmFjsyWa-jvoklVjF3ctDzUAvLXdXJjV82KMyJj84/s1600/IMG_4417-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX6sORk4NGp9iUHi6MuEPqLzJp1MXHOzU0KaLURYoFM0wJmqA7nqoESUVWphnByk2YLBTzfedYCFHA4V76zABjJkXbTSp_YGuOixfmFjsyWa-jvoklVjF3ctDzUAvLXdXJjV82KMyJj84/s1600/IMG_4417-1.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyICrbMU0Z9Zu7J28uu4J6KA7422yKzzdfiF2K_Zq3-B6kntzmzUROqa4eY4OWzokAIYVh5kBihEpAhPn8WM8GRQU1bBGG1dDk-stRivF-zpkNh6maqncf9aF9jqrrKoW14RoptOVv5BE/s1600/IMG_4419-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyICrbMU0Z9Zu7J28uu4J6KA7422yKzzdfiF2K_Zq3-B6kntzmzUROqa4eY4OWzokAIYVh5kBihEpAhPn8WM8GRQU1bBGG1dDk-stRivF-zpkNh6maqncf9aF9jqrrKoW14RoptOVv5BE/s1600/IMG_4419-1.jpg" height="320" width="235" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbEzLZpZMMYCH0p4q27wngPNriF6eu1zfuhG1MMRltL0XMCMaBB-Taug6i0ewZz6zzAdI19VlxV3TSjaveAfLFao9dMHxDeRNi4EA8ve-rajpYLvBkrWIuJgKoibAKmjQTiGz2Aqt9ms/s1600/IMG_4453-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbEzLZpZMMYCH0p4q27wngPNriF6eu1zfuhG1MMRltL0XMCMaBB-Taug6i0ewZz6zzAdI19VlxV3TSjaveAfLFao9dMHxDeRNi4EA8ve-rajpYLvBkrWIuJgKoibAKmjQTiGz2Aqt9ms/s1600/IMG_4453-1.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>How far along: </b> We are now in our 26th week. Third trimester is right around the corner!<br />
<br />
<b>Trimester:</b> Second<br />
<br />
<b>Gender</b>: Sweet baby GIRL!<br />
<br />
<b>Size of baby:</b> Will find out specifics at our growth ultrasound this week!<br />
<br />
<b>Maternity clothes:</b> Yep! Regular t-shirts are pretty snug on the belly now and in need of some maternity bathing suits for our upcoming beach trip in 2 weeks! <br />
<br />
<b>Stretch marks</b>: None yet! Still using Bio-oil several times a week. Belly button is getting pretty shallow though!<br />
<br />
<b>Sleep:</b> Pretty good most nights. Had a few nights that have not been so good but that is mostly from pain, not necessarily being pregnant.<br />
<br />
<b>Best Moment:</b> The best moments these past few weeks have definitely been feeling her strong movements and kicks. It is so surreal and I smile every time I feel her. <br />
<br />
<b>Miss anything:</b> Maybe one day I'll think of something I miss other than alcoholic beverages and sushi! <br />
<br />
<b>Movement: </b> Lots of movement all the time! She's a busy little thing in there! <br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms:</b> Tiring pretty easily so going to ask about checking for anemia at my appointment this week. <br />
<br />
<b>Cravings:</b> ICE!! I am eating crushed ice by the spoonful and recently learned you can buy sonic ice by the bag! Bought my first bag the other day and it is already almost gone! I know it can be a sign of anemia so I am going to ask at my doctor's appointment this week to check my blood work and make sure that it is just a pregnancy craving and not a sign of anemia.<br />
<br />
<b>Looking forward to: </b>Our growth check ultrasound this week. I have an issue with my placenta that could affect her growth so we are getting growth checks every 4 weeks right now. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Nursery:</span></b><br />
We are slowly making progress on the nursery by clearing out the room. I ordered a crib and it got delivered last week but unfortunately it was damaged in shipping and I had to send it back and order another one which should be coming in the next few days. It's a crib my mom found and it's called a Wonder Crib. The mattress is actually electronic and the height can be controlled up or down by two buttons on the side. This will be really helpful for me once the baby is older and the crib is in the lowest position because it is really hard and painful for me to reach in and bend down to get the baby. This way I can bring the mattress up higher so it doesn't put near as much strain on my neck and back. <br />
<br />
My mom and I spent Saturday going to furniture stores to look at and test out glider/rockers. This is a really important purchase, not only because of how much time will be spent in it but because of my back and neck problems, I need something really comfortable with good support. I think I have decided on a glider/recliner that we will probably be ordering soon. <br />
<br />
As far as a color scheme or theme, I haven't really found any bedding that I have fallen in love with but I have found a few fabrics I like and we are looking into getting bedding and window treatments made. I am leaning towards aqua/teal right now and maybe throw in a few more pops of color with pillows and art work. <br />
<br />
I have registered at 2 places, Target and Buy Buy baby, and have one shower date set in August. It is all so surreal. I went to a baby shower for a friend a few weeks ago and that was the first time I've ever been to a baby shower and not dreaded going or skipping it all together because it was just too hard. In the past several years I was always the one trying to get pregnant but never could and baby showers were a horrible reminder of the pain of infertility. It was the first time I haven't left the shower and cried on the way home. After our final failed IUI attempt at the end of last summer, I really doubted that I would ever be able to register and be the one honored at a shower. I think that's one reason I've struggled with blogging. We worked so hard and so long to get to this point but I'm still scared something could wrong. It's also hard because I know so many other bloggers that are still in the trenches of infertility and I feel guilty writing about my baby bump while they are still struggling. We know how fortunate and blessed we are that IVF worked for us, especially our very first round and I definitely don't take that for granted. <br />
<br />
<br />
I have had good days and bad as far as my pain goes, but just trying to take it a day at a time. I am on a very low dose of medicine and weaning a little each month. I have had a few stretches of days where I haven't had to take anything and for that I am so thankful. The plan is to be completely off by September so I am trying to mentally and physically prepare myself for more pain in the final 4-6 weeks of the pregnancy. Please keep praying diligently for my pain and that I can continue to find relief in other ways as I get bigger and carry more weight. <br />
<br />
Thank you for all the love, support and prayers. Keep praying for our sweet girl to keep growing. Our due date is three months from tomorrow!<br />
<br />
Till next time...Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-82247119399916624492014-05-26T15:55:00.001-04:002014-05-26T15:55:54.551-04:00Bumpdate: 19 weeks and Gender Reveal!!I realize I am a bit behind on blogging and for that, I apologize. Honestly, I have not been feeling very well the last couple of weeks. I am having a lot of pain for a couple different reasons, one of which being I am definitely showing now and carrying the extra weight, putting a lot of extra strain on my joints, neck and back especially. I am trying all kinds of alternative therapies to try to help since I am trying to wean on the pain medication but it has been uncomfortable to say the least. I am seeing a chiropractor and a massage therapist almost every week now to try and keep loose and in alignment but these therapies only help temporarily. I have also looked into and sampled some essential oils, but there are a lot of mixed reviews on which ones you can and can not use in pregnancy, so its all very confusing. I'm just trying to take it a day at a time, rest as much as possible, and manage the pain as best I can. <br />
<br />
<b><u>Bumpdate</u></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsevDdui-D777w624V7IfOvk7zukN6XqAACJWbx009Gw2P2cjxpQjV_MEhLixMMgVy1zEjMOkDK-etChL_OD8U9Fb48xnfNM-6brtoborPHCuBJ1bOM39VwGF7fKRp8m7oq85xuneye0/s1600/photo-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsevDdui-D777w624V7IfOvk7zukN6XqAACJWbx009Gw2P2cjxpQjV_MEhLixMMgVy1zEjMOkDK-etChL_OD8U9Fb48xnfNM-6brtoborPHCuBJ1bOM39VwGF7fKRp8m7oq85xuneye0/s1600/photo-5.JPG" height="320" width="186" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>How Far Along: </b>19 Weeks<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Trimester: </b>Second<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Size of the baby: </b>6 inches and 9 ounces on ultrasound. About the size of an heirloom tomato. <br />
<br />
<b>Gender: Keep reading to find out...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Maternity clothes: </b>Starting to wear some maternity pieces such as the maxi dress from Old Navy in the picture above. T-shirts and things starting to get snug but still wearable and I have 2 pairs of non maternity stretchy jeans that still fit, although getting uncomfortable. Any recommendations for the best maternity jeans are welcome!<br />
<br />
<b>Stretch Marks: </b>Nope. Trying to use Bio-Oil everyday to prevent them!<br />
<br />
<b>Sleep: </b>Varies greatly depending on the night and on my pain. Some nights I sleep fine and others I spend tossing and turning and end up on the couch reading or watching TV in the wee hours of the morning. <br />
<br />
<b>Best Moment this week: </b>This is a tie between our ultrasound and seeing baby on screen and our gender reveal party with so many wonderful friends and family!<br />
<br />
<b>Miss Anything: </b>Having a lot of sushi cravings lately!<br />
<br />
<b>Movement: </b>Baby is definitely a mover as seen on ultrasound. If I lay in bed and put my hands on my belly, I can definitely feel some light movement. <br />
<br />
<b>Symptoms:</b> Still no morning sickness in about 2 weeks now but some moments of nausea if I that pass fairly quickly, hip and back pain, round ligament pain when I sneeze. <br />
<br />
<b>Cravings:</b> Still a lot of salty stuff and carbs<br />
<br />
<b>Looking forward to:</b> Feeling some stronger kicks! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Ultrasound- 19 weeks</u></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0siDIEthckIQYe8kbledy2oReV7uxO7KSL_ppEzQ35GfdB7HJs5ti0zDG0k9hugNN9CVpBizzNMLPIA19ddwWe3miztZ_McOs4vMYZJI3zmEx1yCX2P3HXsiNDVFJmV7gX1mXpp85M6Y/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0siDIEthckIQYe8kbledy2oReV7uxO7KSL_ppEzQ35GfdB7HJs5ti0zDG0k9hugNN9CVpBizzNMLPIA19ddwWe3miztZ_McOs4vMYZJI3zmEx1yCX2P3HXsiNDVFJmV7gX1mXpp85M6Y/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Baby looked really good on ultrasound. We saw a beautiful healthy brain, heart, bones, kidneys, bladder, stomach, and 10 sweet fingers and toes. Because of position they could not get all the measurements on the heart such a valves that they wanted to but said that is pretty typical and we will get another ultrasound at week 24. They did see one issue with the connection of the cord at the placenta that could affect growth that they want to monitor us a little more closely and do growth check ultrasounds every 4 weeks to track progress. Harrison and I found out the gender together at the appointment and kept it a secret for 48 hours from EVERYONE until we had a party with our family and friends. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOFpuIx3o6K3OiLwcLmHy0CQrTY0nNRu2pI0mSwaInkVKKpWSmGY-13kWUnBOiR2CgPFAqU2pXNwZKIJf6D5ELyuItkrTNvG8yK25HP2ZND7IT7Dsr4-zRUTLfIg0guDpjME9PxYFk00/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIOFpuIx3o6K3OiLwcLmHy0CQrTY0nNRu2pI0mSwaInkVKKpWSmGY-13kWUnBOiR2CgPFAqU2pXNwZKIJf6D5ELyuItkrTNvG8yK25HP2ZND7IT7Dsr4-zRUTLfIg0guDpjME9PxYFk00/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVQTvUNa_dhh_RoLXIROdMCAmDdHCyMyXaL_DE1TW3mFp6MAAXCzoL-Yr-EmMVnkV-5wHTJxXe01rnhF5ub2qg4x7PhFADJ9z_Y91vpIDGmyYLSVLzwPA498NNbBFOm7yLnrkZLl_iVc/s1600/10308111_892281787455354_2001094190355489933_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsVQTvUNa_dhh_RoLXIROdMCAmDdHCyMyXaL_DE1TW3mFp6MAAXCzoL-Yr-EmMVnkV-5wHTJxXe01rnhF5ub2qg4x7PhFADJ9z_Y91vpIDGmyYLSVLzwPA498NNbBFOm7yLnrkZLl_iVc/s1600/10308111_892281787455354_2001094190355489933_n.jpg" height="263" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Check out my mom's expression as she saw the color of the balloons!! Priceless!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGroVg-v8gh9AqPPOdKiNNNP5C1-qZ5B8vk-axrgX9MHTiVT4oR35K1FuLkJGlU8bT3-wLjCSOj9Ja9gQ04q-3EO0wVY2OJgh5Eheb6UTeY7nQD7zVJxbew1o38hb2Ogq1LVxZ0Uh0j-4/s1600/10177315_892281790788687_3722479148056720028_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGroVg-v8gh9AqPPOdKiNNNP5C1-qZ5B8vk-axrgX9MHTiVT4oR35K1FuLkJGlU8bT3-wLjCSOj9Ja9gQ04q-3EO0wVY2OJgh5Eheb6UTeY7nQD7zVJxbew1o38hb2Ogq1LVxZ0Uh0j-4/s1600/10177315_892281790788687_3722479148056720028_n.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
IT'S A GIRL!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We were pretty shocked, as were a lot of our family and friends that it is a girl. Almost everyone thought it was a boy and Harrison's family has a lot of boys. Needless to say, we are thrilled, ecstatic, and can't wait to welcome our precious daughter. Thanks so much to a dear, talented friend Tara with Silver Reflections Photography for our wonderful photos and to all our family and friends who made the party and the reveal so special! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Till next time... </div>
Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-9642487961697015882014-05-10T12:18:00.001-04:002014-05-10T12:32:58.107-04:00Bumpdate: 18 weeks! <span style="font-family: inherit;">The past couple weeks have been busy and uneventful for the most part. We had an appointment at 16 weeks that went well for the most part. We did not get an ultrasound that day but did hear the heartbeat. It was going strong in the 150s. We have our anatomy ultrasound and gender scan on Wednesday this week which I am really excited about. I am excited to stop calling it "the baby" or "it" and begin shopping and designing the nursery. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Now that the bump has officially made its appearance, I thought it'd be fun to start doing weekly bump updates to show my progress.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrogSLXWLKXXsnhRIpVNoXXlFGXiFxf8nhvukWiqZnTz0plTlsky8gvG_fmfaZkT9Idyf71PB31etBqEOOCLWNvYWUyK_KZbXdrgwU4KFUgWXp30h_0598wiU7twbuK5lmxorO7sq2NGg/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrogSLXWLKXXsnhRIpVNoXXlFGXiFxf8nhvukWiqZnTz0plTlsky8gvG_fmfaZkT9Idyf71PB31etBqEOOCLWNvYWUyK_KZbXdrgwU4KFUgWXp30h_0598wiU7twbuK5lmxorO7sq2NGg/s1600/photo-3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How far along:</b> 18 weeks</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b>
<b>Trimester:</b> Second</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b>
<b>Size of the baby:</b> 5 1/2 inches and about 7 ounces. About the size of a bell pepper. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b>
<b>Gender: </b>Finding out this week! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<b>Maternity clothes: </b>Most of my normal clothes still fit although some things are getting snug. I got some maternity stuff from my sister and finally bought a few basic pieces at Old Navy to start wearing. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b>
<b>Stretch marks:</b> Not yet! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sleep:</b> Varies night to night but for the most part it's pretty good. Waking up at least once to go to the bathroom but usually able to fall back asleep fine. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<b>Best moment this week: </b>This past week was a bit rough as I hurt my back and spent the week in bed. Visited the chiropractor a couple times and he thinks carrying the weight in front is starting to affect me some but hopefully with regular visits we can keep in under control! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<b>Miss anything: </b>With the warmer weather and the beautiful days, I miss being able to indulge in ice cold beer or glass of wine but I know its totally worth it and the non alcoholic stuff isn't too bad!! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<b>Movement: </b>Nothing for sure yet. I have had a couple moments when I thought maybe I felt something but it could have been my stomach! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<b>Symptoms: </b>Haven't gotten sick in a little over a week! Yay! Minor cramping at times and round ligament pain when I sneeze or move quickly. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<b>Cravings:</b> Lots of salty foods and carbs like baked potatoes and pasta. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="background-color: white;">Looking fo</span><span style="background-color: white;">rward to: </span></b><span style="background-color: white;">Finding out the gender this week and our gender reveal party on Friday! </span></span>Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-59955620365197585472014-04-25T16:31:00.000-04:002014-04-25T16:31:02.676-04:00National Infertility Awareness Week April 20-26 is National Infertility Awareness Week. The movement began in 1989 with the goal to raise awareness about infertility and encourage the public to better understand reproductive health. The theme this year is "Resolve to know more." Infertility is a medical condition that affects 7.3 million women and their partners in the United States- that's 12% of reproductive age population. 1 in 8 couples faces infertility. That's right, 1 in 8. Infertility in 35% of couples is a female problem and 35% a male problem. In 20% of cases its a combined problem, while in 10% it is unexplained.<br />
<br />
I have been pondering over this post for a few days, unsure of what I wanted to say. I always had a gut feeling (call in women's intuition) that getting pregnant probably wouldn't be a walk in the park for us because of the extreme amount of stress my body has gone through physically in only a matter of a few years. The extreme stress my body was under from being in a constant state of pain (often severe, especially those first few years), I knew would take a toll on me. I never would have guessed how deep and just how hard infertility would be on us. <br />
<br />
Reproducing is a basic human function. It is also one of the most complicated and complex processes. Countless factors have to be just right for you to conceive. If just one of these factors is off but even a minuscule amount, it can make it impossible to conceive. Reproduction is also a very taboo subject that no one really wants to talk about publicly. At very young school age, you giggle and squirm in your chair when you learn about sexual reproduction in health or science class. It is a very personal process, but when you are dealt the hand of infertility, all privacy, intimacy, and modesty go out the window. You are asked by your doctors very personal questions about your sex life and your reproductive organs. You start using a language full of medical jargon and abbreviations. You are told down to minutes and hours when to "get busy" with your partner. It can be extremely shameful, isolating, and make you feel like less of a woman, or man.<br />
<br />
Like being diagnosed with any medical condition or ailment, being diagnosed with infertility requires you to become an advocate for your health. You need to know when to seek professional help from a specialist and be informed about all your options. It is vitally important to know about the medications, procedures, finances, etc. If you are the loved one, friend, or family of someone who is struggling with infertility, it is so important to educate yourself on how to best support this person. There are definitely things that are helpful and beneficial, and things you can do or say that could very well end up hurting the person on the receiving end very much. For example, DO NOT say, "Just stop trying, and it will happen!" or "Why don't you just adopt?" or tell someone to "take a vacation and it will happen." Also do not explain how your co-worker's best friend's cousin twice removed tried for X amount of years, and then she started drinking apple juice while laying upside down once a day, and then magically she got pregnant. Comments like these are hurtful and frustrating, not helpful. Again, infertility is a medical condition that needs to be addressed by a medical doctor with medical interventions.<br />
<br />
Do ask your loved one or friend, "How are you doing?" or offer a listening ear. There were so many times I hoped and prayed that certain friends would just ask me heartfelt how we were doing or how were were feeling. But again, people don't want to talk about infertility. Do also try to educate yourself a little so you can ask informed questions. For example, showing that you took the time and effort to learn a little about what all is involved in an IUI and why it is done would show your loved you care about what they are going through. <br />
<br />
One of my main reasons I decided to document out infertility journey publicially was to try to bring awareness to the diagnosis and bring it out of the shadows and I certainly hope that those that have followed our journey have been able too see how much infertility affects a person's life. We are extremely blessed to be on the other side now and be a success story, but infertility will always be a part of our story. <br />
<br />
I'll update with a baby bump post in a couple days so stay tuned!<br />
<br />
Till next time...<br />
<br />Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-45578472972856199432014-04-12T13:57:00.001-04:002014-04-12T14:16:16.260-04:00Weeks 12 -14: Baby gifts, bump shots, and ultrasound pics! Ok, ok. I am officially a bad blogger. I think about posting often but realize I either a) don't have all that much to say, or b) would rather take a nap. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Before I get to baby updates, I first want to give a quick shout out. When we started getting closer to the likelihood that we would be doing IVF, I of course being a medical professional, wanted all the information I could get so I threw myself into researching all the options, protocols, costs, success rates, etc. But I also wanted to know about the emotional, psychological, and physical side of the process. Through a friend and blogger Joy (<a href="http://innerjoyknox.blogspot.com/">Inner Joy Knox</a>) who dealt with some infertility, I found several blogs of other infertiles and started reading and following their stories. There are many downfalls of infertility, but the support in the blogging community is definitely not one of them. There are SO many amazing women out there who are open and honest about their journeys and write about them so beautifully. I count myself blessed to know these women. I found the blog of one girl in particular who I felt compelled to contact personally. Elena (<a href="http://babyridleybump.blogspot.com/">Baby Ridley Bump</a>) and I have since become good friends and email several times a week. When you with find out someone in your life becomes pregnant, it can be hard, emotional and bittersweet. I completely and totally understand this feeling and have had to fake a congratulatory smile and happiness, while inside, I was heartbroken. Elena has been so unbelievably sweet, supportive, and interested in my pregnancy so far and I know she is truly happy for me. I think you feel differently when a fellow infertile announces a pregnancy because it gives you hope that these crazy hormones and procedures can work. It gives you motivation to keep poking and prodding yourself, keep dealing with the nasty side effects of all the hormones, and keep walking the tough road because you can get to the other side. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After we got pregnant and knew everything was developing normally, I had tons of extra bottles of all the supplements Harrison and I were taking that were recommended by the IVF clinic. I emailed Elena and offered to mail her my immense supply. She was so appreciative and I was glad I could pass these on. I had been given some medication and supplements as well from a girl I knew who was about to have a baby via her second IVF. I knew how much this small gesture meant to me and I was happy I could pay it forward. Well, late last week, I got a package in the mail from Elena. It was the sweetest customized thank you note and these completely adorable Aden & Anais bibs. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7Q25bTlLEzWvY1O0PnjRMe7Hwa84Z7XD06LGJuUB7uZPtYKWz6M8R74xR8WlhnOBoYkky36y2ce7tcVt4Keu_IjyjkUDxFFwTHoC6lQX5cXoXu8RpE4-cmV1NaYZ2pINKSM43tH3WBk/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7Q25bTlLEzWvY1O0PnjRMe7Hwa84Z7XD06LGJuUB7uZPtYKWz6M8R74xR8WlhnOBoYkky36y2ce7tcVt4Keu_IjyjkUDxFFwTHoC6lQX5cXoXu8RpE4-cmV1NaYZ2pINKSM43tH3WBk/s1600/photo-3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks Elena! I LOVE them! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<div>
I have also received a few other small gifts for the baby in the last couple weeks. One of my oldest and dearest friends gave us this Tennessee Vol inspired spit up cloth..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTrddIvaGKYOUVBFzteJ89Qi8eIZiwIOxGfCuXNEKnAFW3H93By7r2Vs1hyq4XKgOz_1sMgC340KdO1xWqQxecl37kIb6daBc0oYaodwsKisqIKvymn2OZ8ERI5IBcXCa6n2Vrleg-y4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTrddIvaGKYOUVBFzteJ89Qi8eIZiwIOxGfCuXNEKnAFW3H93By7r2Vs1hyq4XKgOz_1sMgC340KdO1xWqQxecl37kIb6daBc0oYaodwsKisqIKvymn2OZ8ERI5IBcXCa6n2Vrleg-y4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
Needless to say, Harrison loved it. And a friend of my parents gave us our first book for the baby...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdvlIm3x-li1VRX9vrx3hxgW3Jlg8v88Xni_J5kfLkzWUu-8E33bDCcBOu_edKrsJbArz-qsa06tXOvA7dE7M5vN1PrQDJGJCxPSwYpCsSMC45WSBe1XczGj2urZqcvaZOYCsRMH3K0w/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTdvlIm3x-li1VRX9vrx3hxgW3Jlg8v88Xni_J5kfLkzWUu-8E33bDCcBOu_edKrsJbArz-qsa06tXOvA7dE7M5vN1PrQDJGJCxPSwYpCsSMC45WSBe1XczGj2urZqcvaZOYCsRMH3K0w/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now onto little baby Slatery. I have been feeling ok the past couple weeks, although I did have a week or so where I was having a lot of sickness. I was waking up around midnight and getting sick. After 3 or 4 nights of this and not sleeping well at all because of the severe nausea, I threw in the towel and called the doctor for some phenergan. Not only has that helped with the sickness but it also helps me sleep. I'm not taking it every night, but I am still getting some nausea late at night a few times a week. It usually starts around 8-9 pm. Here are some bump shots of last week at 13 weeks and this week at 14 weeks. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4S3LCMENnDwNBeYzFqxPwdauY7hUE0y9LSDtEUQc3MKjvrxLDhxz2NfIaWumR7XB5AgTu2RCBFfUQ4nDb2sP7FLaW3zAYSkovKRygNfS1rJjiNwK-ez97TMVkPvywHFfGFrOHdiqeQs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4S3LCMENnDwNBeYzFqxPwdauY7hUE0y9LSDtEUQc3MKjvrxLDhxz2NfIaWumR7XB5AgTu2RCBFfUQ4nDb2sP7FLaW3zAYSkovKRygNfS1rJjiNwK-ez97TMVkPvywHFfGFrOHdiqeQs/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVZl4OATTFHhrDshKDtGdNYNLrr5VwLG2i3kMi4xVZ3OiGw8Ga4z2E5ITCFQzD4R-F9YNNErH8gS1F_FP7exi7QE6Q8iEiBg9ra4AFl9S0hktFE57Ury3Dab0ohjXyHnSmAGat7B90IY/s1600/photo-3+copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVZl4OATTFHhrDshKDtGdNYNLrr5VwLG2i3kMi4xVZ3OiGw8Ga4z2E5ITCFQzD4R-F9YNNErH8gS1F_FP7exi7QE6Q8iEiBg9ra4AFl9S0hktFE57Ury3Dab0ohjXyHnSmAGat7B90IY/s1600/photo-3+copy.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">14 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had our first appointment with the High risk OB a couple weeks ago and everything went well. Baby looked really good on ultrasound and the nasal bone scan and Nuchal Translucency scan were normal. These are things that look for signs of down syndrome. Baby's heart rate was 158. We actually got to hear the heartbeat for the first time, since our infertility doctor did not have his speakers to his ultrasound machine hooked up. It was a beautiful sound and brought tears to my eyes. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4fAM3Oxb9O7dukuW3-pLq-Da86_ZmYckfaFHe3fN7zqTjug-2cRH282wJgtzMW7NCdCDU2tbnujU-4JkXHwSwJULfi-wCaRZ16bTYd1nRO1Gt3n5ajHwMQyLbOuFT1p41Wbbgl8Rxl4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4fAM3Oxb9O7dukuW3-pLq-Da86_ZmYckfaFHe3fN7zqTjug-2cRH282wJgtzMW7NCdCDU2tbnujU-4JkXHwSwJULfi-wCaRZ16bTYd1nRO1Gt3n5ajHwMQyLbOuFT1p41Wbbgl8Rxl4/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WvMZ3OiykXAlWPOJPC_y8Ef6EMRwtvNcEyoCFSIQBltx9X6pFrVPO4aE9birt-92b-daP2MJDdpPZaWhE6DD8Qmc1f9zFB79_JEwjqXGXKm6lH8MpUROoi_H0umyyCf_aLEzx6yKnSM/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0WvMZ3OiykXAlWPOJPC_y8Ef6EMRwtvNcEyoCFSIQBltx9X6pFrVPO4aE9birt-92b-daP2MJDdpPZaWhE6DD8Qmc1f9zFB79_JEwjqXGXKm6lH8MpUROoi_H0umyyCf_aLEzx6yKnSM/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Baby is about the size of a lemon now...about 3 1/2 inches. It can now grimace, squint, frown, and suck its thumb! Kidneys are now functioning and by the end of the week, so will the liver and spleen. Baby is very active and flexible as we saw during the ultrasound, but I haven't started feeling any movements yet. We aren't scheduled to find out the gender until May 14 at our 19 week anatomy scan but we have an appointment this week and Harrison is hoping they can take a peak. We aren't scheduled for an ultrasound at the appointment, just doppler to hear the heartbeat. The office is very big and very busy so I doubt they have the ability like a small, more personal office would to just take a look if no one is using the ultrasound room. So I really doubt we will find out this week. <br />
<br />
Till next time...</div>
</div>
Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-58444803931810704732014-03-24T11:08:00.002-04:002014-03-24T13:29:31.320-04:00Weeks 10 & 11Please excuse the lack of updates the last couple weeks. Honestly, I have not been feeling very good for a couple of reasons, which I'll get to in a minute, and blogging has not been high on my list of priorities. Baby S is still growing and developing and things continue to look good. We had our final appointment with our infertility specialist on Wednesday this past week and had an ultrasound. Baby has grown so much and actually looks like a little human at this point instead of just a blob. It was very active during the ultrasound, moving and squirming all around. It is fully developed with arms, legs, fingers, and toes. It was truly an amazing and beautiful site to see.<br />
<br />
So as I mentioned, the last couple weeks have been kinda tough. Growing a human is no joke I tell ya. It definitely takes a major toll on your body. The first 6 weeks or so after I found out I was in fact pregnant, I did not really have much morning sickness. There were definitely certain foods and smells that made me think "yuck, I do not want that..." But I really only had some minor nausea a couple times and didn't ever actually get sick. I thought I was going to be one of the fortunate women who wasn't going to suffer from morning sickness. Well, in week nine I started getting more nauseated more often and then in week 10, I started throwing up. People keep telling me that is gonna get better soon since I am almost to my second trimester but I'm not completely convinced. I think there's a little more going on than just hormones causing me to be sick. A few days after I had my gallbladder removed in December of 2012, I had to be readmitted to the hospital because my digestive system had stopped moving and digesting food properly. After several days in the hospital and a lot of testing, and a specialized test in January, I was diagnosed with something called gastroparesis as well as reflux. Gastroparesis is a condition where your stomach is basically really slow in digesting food and moving it on to your intestines. This causes nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness almost all the time. My gastroparesis was luckily not severe and while I did take<br />
some medication for a few months, I was able to come off the medication and manage mine fairly well with diet changes. Your body changes so much in pregnancy, even in early pregnancy. Hormones slow digestion and the growing of the uterus and the baby pushes up on the stomach.<br />
I think this explains why the past couple weeks my morning sickness has gotten worse. I have my first appointment on Wednesday with the high-risk OB so I plan on talking to him about it and seeing if I should go back to my gastroenterologist or back on medication. Fortunately, the medication for gastroparesis is safe for me to take in pregnancy. <br />
<br />
The other issue I've been dealing with the last few weeks is pain. I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I was going to switch my pain medication from a category C to a category B. I saw my pain doctor and she was okay with the idea of switching. I thought I could start the new medication on the equivalent dose of what I was previously on, but the clinic doesn't often prescribe the medication and when they do, they have a limit on the amounts and dosage they will give. So while the dose that I was given was the most she could prescribe for this medication, it is about 1/3 the dosage of what I am used to on my other medication. When I have done weans before, we usually only cut my dose by about 25% each time so this was definitely the biggest wean I have ever attempted. Well, unfortunately my body has not been responding very well and I have been having a lot of pain and I have had to take my other medication many times because the new one just didn't touch my pain. This has been really discouraging mentally and physically. Plus, being in a lot of pain only makes my nausea worse and getting sick makes my neck pain worse so it's kinda been a viscous cycle. I am hoping and praying that over time my body can adjust to the new medication but I also have to be good to myself and my body and maintain my quality of life. The good news is that really with the doses of either medication and the amount I take on average, my pain doctor feels really good about the baby having a positive outcome and the possibility that the baby could come out healthy and not need to spend much, if any, time in the NICU.<br />
<br />
One more bit of good news...no more progesterone shots! I am so, so, SO glad to be done with these. Of course, I would go through it all over again for our little peanut but man, was my butt sore! I got to wean off slowly last week and had my level checked when we went in on Wednesday and my level was still nice and high so that's great news. It means that the placenta has take over and is producing enough hormones to keep this pregnancy going for another 6-7 months! Again, we have our first OB appointment on Wednesday this week so we will get another beautiful picture of baby Slatery and probably do a lot of blood work and other tests so please be praying that everything goes well. I'll try to get back in the habit of posting at least once a week. Thanks for reading! Hope everyone has a great week!<br />
<br />
Till next time..<br />
<br />Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-14659585052757753362014-03-15T13:29:00.001-04:002014-03-15T13:29:14.985-04:009 weeks and My 30th Birthday(So I have no idea what happened to my original 9 week post. I wrote a really long post but apparently when it published, it reverted back to my draft which only had one paragraph! I will try and summarize what I had written originally.)<br />
<br />
We are now 9 weeks along. The weeks seem to be going by very quickly so far. This week was fairly uneventful. I did have a couple bouts of pretty severe nausea where I thought I was going to get sick but was able to ward it off with ginger ale and crackers. I feel like the fatigue has lessened slightly, except for yesterday. This week has been really busy for me and by yesterday afternoon, I was so exhausted I literally didn't know if I could stay awake to drive home. I got home around 5, ate dinner, took a shower, and was in bed by 8 and asleep by 8:30. That is very rare for me. Usually, and especially since being pregnant, it has been taking a couple hours for me to fall asleep, no matter how tired I am. I get in bed and my mind just keeps reeling thinking about all the things I need to do to get ready for a baby....crazy right? I still have 7 more months! But in my head, I am already making to do lists It's not getting the nursery ready that I am stressing about....it is all the stuff leading up to that...clean out the garage to make more storage room, clean out the closets, organize everything, donate to Goodwill, paint both bedrooms, etc, etc, etc. I try to tell myself it is nuts to already be stressing about this kind of stuff. I know its going to get done and it is just going to take time. I wish I could snap my fingers and these things would be done. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wednesday was kinda a big day...my 30th birthday! I am married to an amazing, sweet man who put a lot of thought into my day and planned a few surprises for me. I woke up to a note and some beautiful flowers telling me that I needed to be ready to be picked up for lunch at noon. He said he had a few special things planned for the afternoon and then we had dinner plans as well. I was picked up at noon by one of my dearest, best, and oldest friends Kim who had taken the day off work to spend with me. Kim and her husband Mike are some of our closest friends who we see often, but its been ages since Kim and I have gotten to spend time just the two of us so this was really special to me. We went to lunch at Cheesecake Factory where I probably gained 5 lbs and took home a piece of Godiva Chocolate cheesecake that took me 4 days to eat. Then, we went to a local spa where Harrison had made appointments for both of us for a massage. I happened to mention that I was pregnant when we got there and were signing in and apparently, this was a problem. Spas can not legally do a massage in the first trimester, which I had no idea. They offered to let us reschedule for when I was in my second trimester (beginning of April) and gave us complimentary mini facials for the inconvenience which was nice of them. Since we ended up having some free time that afternoon, Kim and I got to do some shopping instead and talked a lot about baby products. Kim is already a mommy to a 2 year old, who is very special to me, so she gave me a lot of tips about baby gear and what I need (or don't need). <br />
<br />
For dinner we went to a really nice Italian restaurant called Naples and when we walked in, I saw about 10 of our closest friends waiting for me. It meant so much to me that all of these people took time out of their week to come celebrate with me. I am so very blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends. My 30th really was one of the best birthdays I've ever had. I am so excited about what God has in store for us this year. I know my 30s are going to be a wonderful new chapter in my life!<br />
<br />
This week in development of little baby Slatery, baby is about an inch long, about the size of a grape. Baby is looking more and more like a human every day. Essential body parts are accounted for, and the "tail" is gone. The heart is dividing into four chambers and valves are starting to form. Eyes are fully formed, it has tiny earlobes, and mouth and nose are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now that it is starting to take over the job of producing hormones...great news for me because this means I can start weaning on the Progesterone shots! I definitely will not be sad to see these go! <br />
<br />
Till next week...</div>
Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-83866718468646652532014-03-02T12:20:00.000-05:002014-03-02T12:20:38.861-05:008 weeksThursday we entered into our 8th week of pregnancy. I continue to feel mostly alright, except for exhaustion. I have had a few more bouts of random nausea, but haven't actually gotten sick yet. Not sure if that counts as morning sickness, although my sister says it does! I have been craving a lot of carbs, like pasta, which isn't typical for me. I'm guessing my body is just using a lot of energy for our growing little peanut so my body is craving something it can easily convert to energy. And even though I'm always really tired, I have been having a really hard time falling asleep the past week or so. I get in bed around 9 because I am just so tired but then I don't fall asleep till midnight. Its rather frustrating. My sister gave me her big pregnancy body pillow so I'm hoping that will help me be more comfortable and get some more decent rest.<br />
<br />
I am still getting blood work done twice a week to check my progesterone levels. I am so ready to be done with the progesterone injections. My backside is so sore and bruised. I mean SO SORE. It is hard to sit because the back of chairs hit the areas where I have to do the shots. I am having to get creative in where I am doing the shots because the areas on both sides where they are supposed to be given are black and blue and I have knots in my muscles from the injections. So while one area heals and recovers, I have to use another area for a few nights in a row. The first couple weeks the shots didn't hurt or bother me but now they are hurting more and more and I dread the injection every night. I am sleeping on a heating pad under my butt most nights because even laying down flat hurts. Luckily I only have 2 or 3 more weeks of these but right now that seems like such a long time. <br />
<br />
I was having pretty regular cramping there for awhile but for a week or 2, I was hardly having any. Then on Thursday night, I had pretty intense cramping for about 30 minutes. I got up a few times to make sure I didn't have any spotting, which I didn't but it still worried me of course. I had my scheduled blood work on Friday morning and when I told the nurse, she said it would probably be a good idea to do a quick ultrasound just to check on things. I was hoping that would be the case when I told them, so I was relieved to get one done. Everything checked out fine, and the baby looked good. The heart beat was strong and measured 150 beats per minute, perfectly average.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjNyUfL15f2lDjB6ZLnmuz0HysYVD89pjR0TC4UTefXjz9WNqXPJOvlUz-yUa3c14IGYkQSm83u063rpZzr_VK1TBX-4qhpku8m7WihilEyDjDcxpWuCOkOo2Bd4t2kWYpm9ibKxIkZ0/s1600/photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzjNyUfL15f2lDjB6ZLnmuz0HysYVD89pjR0TC4UTefXjz9WNqXPJOvlUz-yUa3c14IGYkQSm83u063rpZzr_VK1TBX-4qhpku8m7WihilEyDjDcxpWuCOkOo2Bd4t2kWYpm9ibKxIkZ0/s1600/photo-3.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This week in development the baby is about the size of a kidney bean. Little webbed fingers and toes extend from hands and feet, eyelids are practically covering its eyes, breathing tubes extend from the throat to the branches of the developing lungs, and its tail is just about gone. It's simply amazing to think of all this going on inside me. Truly miraculous. <br />
<br />
I will have a final ultrasound in my 11th week with my current doctor and I have my first appointment with the high risk OB scheduled for March 26. Once we are at 12 weeks (March 27), we will be in the so called "safe zone" and will move into our second trimester once we hit 13 weeks. This is typically when people announce a pregnancy, but obviously ours is already public knowledge. However it will be nice to be out of the early phases where the risk of miscarriage is higher. Plus, my birthday is this Wednesday so March is a big month for us! Its hard to believe I will be turning the big 3-0. While this is a big milestone, I am obviously thrilled about how our lives will change this year and excited for what my 30s will hold.<br />
<br />
One thing I have yet to talk about and many of you may be curious about is my pain issues. The past couple weeks I have not been feeling all that well. I know my body is going through a lot of changes and I have high levels of hormones surging through my body (hormones can have a significant effect on pain and inflammation...sometimes good, sometimes bad). I have also had a lot of bad muscle spasms in my back. Again, I know my body is going through a lot right now so I'm hoping that some of this will diminish in the coming weeks. Whenever I have pain, I try to take tylenol first to see if that will help enough to prevent me from having to take my stronger medication. If it doesn't help or if my pain is already to a level where I know that other things like heat, ice, my TENS unit, etc., won't work, then I do take my stronger medication. The medication I am on now and have been on for a long time is a pregnancy category C. I have done a lot of research and have found another medication that is a category B. Most of the prescription pain medications for moderate to severe pain are actually fairly safe in pregnancy and have not shown an increase in causing major or minor birth defects. The risk of course is late in pregnancy leading up to delivery. I have mentioned before that while I try to take the bare minimum in order for me to be able to function on a daily basis, it will be most important in my third trimester to wean down to as low of a dose or take as little as possible in order to minimize the risk to the baby. This is something I am working very closely with my pain doctor on and will be monitored closely by the high risk OB. I'm sure many people have opinions and beliefs about the fact that I am on medication but I do not take the issue lightly and I use many other alternative therapies to help with my pain to try minimize the amount of medication I have to take. I will do whatever I can and whatever my doctors recommend to minimize the risks to our child while trying to take care of myself and manage my pain. Please be praying for this issue specifically during the next few weeks and months. Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-72734818269709674622014-02-21T18:14:00.000-05:002014-02-21T18:14:02.868-05:00Our First UltrasoundFirst of all, I want to say thank you. After the announcement last week, we were OVERWHELMED with all of your comments, messages, emails, texts, phone calls, etc. From the bottoms for our hearts, thank you. Thank you for your excitement for us. Thank you for your support and encouragement. And most importantly, thank you for your prayers. We are so grateful and are blessed to call family and friends. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yesterday we entered our 7th week. It's hard to believe that today it has been 3 weeks since we found out. The past few weeks have been a whirlwind. The past few weeks I have been counting down the days until our first ultrasound. While of course I was overjoyed to finally be pregnant after a two and a half year struggle, the initial shock of finding out quickly turned into worry and anxiety. While I knew I was pregnant, I didn't really feel any different besides being tired. I'm still on hormones, progesterone injections and an estrogen patch. After a few of our IUI attempts I was on progesterone pills during the two week waiting period and learned that fatigue is definitely a side effect for me from the progesterone. So while I could attribute the fatigue to the pregnancy, I could also blame it on the progesterone. So I knew for me it was really going to take seeing the image of the ultrasound for all of this to become real for me. Once I knew were pregnant and knew my hormones were rising appropriately, the questions in my mind turned to what will we see on ultrasound? Will things look normal? And most importantly, will there be a heartbeat? I have been very anxious the past few as I marked of the days on the calendar. Finally on Tuesday afternoon, we had our first ultrasound. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Again, our prayers were heard and answered when we saw the gestational sac and in the corner was our little peanut. Our baby. Little baby Slatery. And within that little peanut, the flicker of a beautiful heartbeat. The tears immediately started to fall...tears of joy and tears of relief. There it was. Proof that I have life growing inside me. I was overwhelmed with emotion and still am.<br />
<img src="webkit-fake-url://25C0FE76-1DDE-484A-8F46-CC9B5067786D/image.tiff" /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmjr3XCCm73JMGdV70-jmMobD45GH6coTLuf9g0qP2TkXqMNCimKZKWUIpKdwuU2dBs7cv-abkiLCwK9-KcKzi2A30-933TbebGZiOWZKzaVUOIhVHKzTIfQpvaThyd636dwuoDw_V_A/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmjr3XCCm73JMGdV70-jmMobD45GH6coTLuf9g0qP2TkXqMNCimKZKWUIpKdwuU2dBs7cv-abkiLCwK9-KcKzi2A30-933TbebGZiOWZKzaVUOIhVHKzTIfQpvaThyd636dwuoDw_V_A/s1600/photo.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to see but the black kidney bean shaped area is the gestational sac and the baby is the tiny dot on the right side. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
My doctor did see some cysts on my ovaries, not surprising after IVF. It also explains some pain I've been having. Nothing to be concerned about really. The other finding on ultrasound that is of some concern was a small pocket of bleeding next to the gestational sac (a chorionic hematoma for all you medial professionals out there). My doctor said it's something he commonly sees. I have not have any spotting or bleeding yet which is good. It is just something he wants to monitor the next few weeks. If I do start bleeding though, he said he would put me on bed rest. He will have perform another ultrasound our tenth week but said that I can come in and have a nurse do a "reassurance" ultrasound anytime. After our ten week ultrasound, he will transfer my care to an obstetrician. While I had a feeling I would be referred to a high risk OB, he confirmed that I will be high risk. This is not because of infertility or IVF but because of my chronic pain issues and one of my medications. My doctor is referring me to a wonderful doctor and is in the process of scheduling my first appointment, which will probably be sometime around my 11th week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the meantime these next couple weeks I will continue my hormones and we will continue praying for healthy, normal development of our little peanut. Currently, baby Slatery is measuring 3/4 a centimeter so about the size of a pea. In development this week, hands and feet are starting to emerge from developing arms and legs. Again, besides being tired, I am feeling ok. No bad nausea or sickness yet, thank goodness. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As always thanks for your support and for following our journey! Till next time! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-6644969976457043122014-02-11T09:32:00.001-05:002014-02-11T09:32:38.189-05:00Are We or Aren't we? Without further adieu... I know I've kept you all waiting long enough, so it is with excitement, overwhelming joy, and incredible thanksgiving that I can officially announce that I am pregnant!<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.expressinvinyl.com/assets/images/forthischildihaveprayed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.expressinvinyl.com/assets/images/forthischildihaveprayed.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
On Friday, January 31, I went in for my blood test (Beta #1). I went in to the clinic right before their hour and a half lunch break from 12- 1:30 (poor planning on my part), so I knew it would be around 2 pm before I would get the call. I had decided earlier that I did not want to be alone when I got the call in the case of it being negative. Harrison had a very busy day at work that Friday because after months of hard work, his company was handing over the keys to the owners of house they have been working on. He had said he would try to be home around 2 so that we could hopefully get the call together, but of course could not make any guarantees. I was actually in the car with my mom (she was driving in case I got the call) on my way home when I looked down and had missed a call from my doctors office!! My phone was sitting in my lap and hadn't even rung. I quickly called back but it was busy. Then Harrison called. I quickly told him I had missed a call from the doctor and would call him right back. I almost hung up on him before he interrupted me and told me he was at home and the nurse had called our house phone. He put the phone on speaker and put his cell phone up to the phone so I could hear.<br />
<br />
"Well, congratulations! You're pregnant!"<br />
<br />
I couldn't believe it. I verified that the nurse had indeed said we were pregnant...at that point my mom started screaming and broke down sobbing! (Turns out maybe I should have been driving!! She quickly pulled into a Wendy's parking lot). I couldn't hear what the nurse was saying anymore and actually had to ask my mom to be quiet! I asked multiple times if they were really sure. She said my level was 158 and that we were definitely pregnant! <br />
<br />
My mom and I quickly but safely headed to my house so I could see Harrison. We hugged, we cried, we thanked God and both said that we were pretty much in shock. We called his parents and told them the news. We had both tried to prepare ourselves for the possibility of a negative. We knew that while our chances with IVF were very good, there was a strong possibility of us not getting pregnant on our first attempt. But I tried to remain positive, hopeful and optimistic, knowing that we had so many beautiful embryos frozen and that we could do a frozen embryo transfer (or several) if it didn't work this time. <br />
<br />
The first couple days were very surreal and we were still very much in shock and still nervous knowing that things can change very quickly when it's this early. To add to my anxiety, Harrison left Monday to go to Las Vegas for work for the week so I was by myself for the week. I had to go back to the doctor on Monday for Beta #2 and Wednesday for Beta #3. Hcg levels are supposed to double every 48-72 hours at this early stage of pregnancy so I knew that I wanted to see what these numbers were before I really let it sink in and let myself get excited. Monday my level was 730 and Wednesday it was 2068. Both my doctor here and Nashville Fertility Center were very happy with these numbers and said things were looking very good so far. <br />
<br />
So here we are now at almost 6 weeks. I will be getting my blood drawn twice a week for the next 4-5 weeks to monitor my hormone levels. I am on progesterone injections and an estrogen patch to support my hormone levels and make sure they stay high enough to maintain the pregnancy. My infertility specialist here in Knoxville will monitor me till I am 10 weeks, and then I will transfer to an OB. We will get our first ultrasound next Tuesday and hopefully hear that beautiful heart beat. Of course it is still very early. Is there a risk of telling people and making it public knowledge this early? Absolutely. Do we still need your support and prayers? Without a doubt! <br />
<br />
We have had SO much love, support, and prayers through this whole process that we wanted to share our joyful news and we want all those that have been walking through this journey with us to thank God for this amazing blessing and rejoice with us! Going through infertility, especially IVF, and choosing to be open, honest, and vulnerable throughout the process definitely has its ups and downs, but one of the major ups is that we have had people around the country and around the world (that still amazes me) following our story and praying for us, so we feel like sharing this news with everyone is the very least we can do to thank you for all of the support and prayers! I can not thank you enough for reading my blog, following our journey, supporting us, loving us, and especially praying for us. I have felt a calm and a peace in my heart throughout this process and I know it is because we have been covered in prayers.<br />
<br />
Please continue to pray for us in the coming weeks. Please pray for the health and development of our beautiful embryo and for my health as my body adjusts to being pregnant.<br />
<br />Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-39630964974086456772014-01-29T12:33:00.001-05:002014-01-29T12:33:21.782-05:00Blessings, Worries, and FearWell, we are almost there. We are about 48 hours from finding out whether or not we are pregnant or not. The first week of waiting was actually pretty good. I stayed busy enough that time seemed to go by much faster than I feel like it did in our other 10 fertility attempts where we had a 2 week wait. I felt very confident, calm, and at peace with everything. When we got the news the day after our transfer that they were able to freeze 4 more eggs on day 6, bringing us to a total of 10, I was overwhelmed with thankfulness and gratitude to God. During that first week I found myself moved to tears several times thinking and reflecting on how blessed we truly are. I never would have thought I would feel blessed after dealing with infertility for over 2 years, but I do. <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>First, we are blessed that we live in a time where medical science has advanced so much and the technology of infertility treatments have become so specialized and advanced. </li>
<li>Second, we are UNBELIEVABLY fortunate that with our insurance we do have some good infertility coverage. We were absolutely blown away in October when we learned that our insurance was going to cover a significant amount of the cost of IVF. This is almost unheard of but because I worked at Vanderbilt and have had such great insurance, Vanderbilt had recently decided to offer some IVF coverage. </li>
<li>Third, we have so much amazing support from our family and friends during this process. There are truly too many people to name that have loved us and prayed over us during this process but especially our families have been incredible. </li>
<li> Fourth, we are so blessed that I responded as well as I did to the stimulation medication and that they were able to retrieve so many eggs. </li>
<li>Fifth, we are blessed that so many fertilized and developed normally and that we have so many beautiful healthy embryos frozen in the case that this round didn't work. Over the course of that first week, I found several blogs written by girls who struggle with infertility. While I've followed a few girls the past several months, I started reading 2 or 3 blogs of girls that I had never seen or read before. Reading these blogs really hit home with me how blessed ( I refuse to say that we are "lucky"...I don't believe luck has anything to do with it) we are that we were so unbelievably successful during the stimulation, retrieval, and the development of our embryos. These girls are having to make decisions about using surrogates, donor eggs, or giving up on their dream of a biological child all together. While I wouldn't wish infertility on anyone and especially IVF, I am so grateful for so many things that we have experienced because of our infertility.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
These last few days have been more difficult. Time seems to be going by at a snails pace. Minutes pass by like hours. At first I felt that while of course we would be disappointed if we do get a negative this round, that we are so blessed with so many frozen embryos that we have so many chances for success and that it will happen at the perfect time and with the perfect embryo and I took so much comfort in the fact that this is all in God's hands. I still feel confident that this is all in God's hands, but I am more worried about how I am going to handle it emotionally if we do get a negative. These last couple days, the sense of peace and calm has been replace with a lot of worry and anxiety. I've laid awake at night thinking about hearing the words, "I'm sorry, but you're prefect embryo and transfer didn't work and you are not pregnant." I hadn't thought a whole lot about where I wanted to be or anything when I get that phone call, but the other day my mom told me that she didn't want me to be alone on Friday afternoon. At first I thought that she was worrying too much and being overprotective, but the more I thought about it and the more that the worry and fear have been building up, I realized she's right. For me, it probably is best that I'm not alone in the event that it is a negative. Some of you might be thinking, ''what about Harrison?'' Well, he is days away from finishing and finalizing all the minute details of the home build he has been managing since August. They are handing over the keys to the owners on Friday afternoon, so he has to be there. While there are many negatives and downfalls of infertility, one of the ones that bothers me the most is that you wait on pins and needles for a phone call to find out if its a positive or negative. Because your spouse, family, and those closest to you know what you are going through, there really is no way to surprise people or to have that moment when you tell someone in a fun or playful way and completely shock them. We won't get to have one of those fun YouTube videos of the reactions of our families. Of course it will still be so exciting, but our families and close friends are just anxious as we are to find out the results and will be waiting for a phone call from us just as we wait for a phone call from the doctor. <br />
<br />
With all the worry and fear that I have felt the past few days, I am trying to prepare myself and my heart for either result. While our IVF cycle really couldn't have gone any better, even in the most perfect of circumstances and with the most perfect embryo, sometime it just doesn't work and I know that. Its hard to prepare yourself for such a huge event, not knowing whether it will be one of the happiest and best days of our lives, or the alternative....that it could be one of the hardest, most difficult, and disappointing days of our lives. After our final attempt using injectable medications and IUI failed in July and my surgery revealed very little in September, we knew that we would be facing IVF if we wanted to have a child. I took it incredibly hard. I was angry, at myself and at God, frustrated, sad, devastated, depressed, guilt ridden, and just felt lost in the darkness. I fear feeling this way all over again. I worry about my heart becoming hardened to those who want to help me and love me, but my coping mechanism is to shut down and shut everyone else out. I can only hope and pray that if we do receive negative results, that my heart will remain open to those around me and that I won't push people away. I hope I can find comfort knowing that God is bigger than all of this and that he already knows the outcome. He already knows which embryo(s) will become our child(children). He already knows when they will be born. He already knows their name and the number of hairs on their head. <br />
<br />
Like I said in my last post, either way it will take some time for me to announce the results on the blog. I can't thank you all enough for reading and following our journey and for all the prayers, love, and support. All of your encouragement, comments, Facebook messages, emails, and text messages mean so so much to me. Thank you for walking with us on this difficult journey. Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-90091885941111050472014-01-23T18:17:00.001-05:002014-01-23T18:17:59.180-05:00Embryo Transfer and Playing the Waiting Game After our egg retrieval and learning that my estradiol level was over 10,000, I had pretty much convinced myself that they weren't going to allow us to proceed with an embryo transfer. I braced myself for the worst. I was weighing myself 2 or 3 times a day, drinking TONS of gatorade to stay hydrated and replace electrolytes, and just waiting for hyperstimulation to set in. Well Monday came around and while I did have some weight gain, some mild nausea, and a general feeling of just not feeling great, I wasn't showing signs of severe hyperstimlation so they wanted us to come to Nashville with the intent of doing the transfer, but said that if they examined me or if I started feeling worse then they wouldn't proceed. Monday night I was pretty emotional and to say I was anxious and nervous is an total understatement. Mentally, I had prepared myself for a freeze all and not being able to transfer. I think I was trying to guard and protect myself from the heartbreak and disappointment I knew I would feel if our transfer was cancelled. So finding out all of a sudden that we were going to be able to transfer, I just wasn't prepared and all the anxiety that would have been building up over the course of a few days hit me all at once and I was very overwhelmed. Was I ready for this? I hadn't received an embryo update since the vague one on Saturday. How were our embryos developing? Is this going to work? How am I going to get through the waiting period? If it doesn't work, will we have embryos to freeze? Will I have to go through ALL of this again? My mind was reeling. The night before the retrieval I was so worried and anxious that I only slept about 2 hours, so to avoid that happening again I decided to take some Tylenol PM in hopes that I could get some decent rest and not be up all night driving myself crazy with questions and what ifs. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We left Knoxville at around 8 AM and got to the clinic in Nashville by 9:45. They examined me and felt comfortable going ahead with the transfer. After getting prepped, signing some forms, and Harrison changing into scrubs, I took a Valium and we were off to the procedure room. I'm so glad that Harrison got to be in the room with me and hold my hand. I was awake, although loopy, during<br />
the procedure and it was over very quickly. I was able to watch on the ultrasound machine as they delicately placed our precious embryo right in the middle of my uterine lining. I was wheeled back to my room, snoozed a little bit, and had to lay flat with my feet elevated for about an hour before we were discharged to go home. We were given a beautiful picture of our little embryo, which was graded an A..the best there is.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQy4HF5iUFjEB2BuLLawHNO9YsiSWJnKoMlGl_qnfI5M8-HpxTrglVVeH4jSZVi-J-s71mTfhT-aYOi_5FpV-a1ElyzzXDvCghIakZP14rBwlgWoUsswdXeOWHSpKDpMKMmdb3HLANY4/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHQy4HF5iUFjEB2BuLLawHNO9YsiSWJnKoMlGl_qnfI5M8-HpxTrglVVeH4jSZVi-J-s71mTfhT-aYOi_5FpV-a1ElyzzXDvCghIakZP14rBwlgWoUsswdXeOWHSpKDpMKMmdb3HLANY4/s1600/photo.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our beautiful, healthy embryo (Day 5)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
They were able to freeze 6 embryos on day 5 (Tuesday) and an additional 4 on day 6 (Wednesday) for a total of 10. The 10 frozen embryos are either grade A or grade B embryos. That means we had 8 embryos that either did not develop, stopping developing at some point, or developed abnormally and therefore are considered not viable. We are extremely blessed that we had such great success with this part of the process. Because of the high number of good embryos we had to freeze and our age (still fairly young fertility wise), and a few other factors, we only transferred one embryo. Now some of you are probably thinking, "why not 2 or 3 to increase the chance of success?" Well, the more that is studied and learned about infertility, IVF, success rates, etc., there is a lot of research to suggest that transferring more than one doesn't increase your chance of success that much....it just increases the chance of multiples. Again, you might be thinking "2 for the price of 1!" Well again, all the possible complications of multiple births such as prematurity, lung disease, extended NICU hospital stays, long term health problems, etc., it doesn't necessarily pay off. And of course being a NICU nurse and knowing all the problems that can come from prematurity, I would never want to put my babies or myself at risk. Because we are young and have several embryos frozen means that if the outcome of this cycle isn't what we hope for, we will have several chances of doing a frozen embryo transfer and achieving success. Nashville Fertility Center bases their success rates on a "take home baby," not just a pregnancy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Physically, I'm feeling just ok. Still retaining some fluid and feeling bloated so elastic, stretchy pants are still the most comfortable. I have noticed some food aversions...well a lot actually. Not much sounds good to me right now and the things that do are really random (Hamburger Helper, orange juice, coconut greek yogurt!?!) The human body is a mysterious thing. I can't help but wonder what's going on in there. In case you're wondering here is what is going on over the next few days: </div>
<div>
<h4 style="background-color: white; color: #632373; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; line-height: 1.125em; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">
5-Day Transfer</h4>
<table border="2" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" class="tab_le" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; border: 2px solid rgb(210, 208, 206); color: #333333; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><tbody>
<tr><td bgcolor="#d2d0ce" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;"><strong>Days Past<br />Transfer (DPT)</strong></td><td bgcolor="#d2d0ce" style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;"><strong>Embryo Development</strong></td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">One</td><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">The blastocyst begins to hatch out of its shell</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Two</td><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">The blastocyst continues to hatch out of its shell and begins to attach itself to the uterus</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Three</td><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">The blastocyst attaches deeper into the uterine lining, beginning implantation</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Four</td><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Implantation continues</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Five</td><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Implantation is complete, cells that will eventually become the placenta and fetus have begun to develop</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Six</td><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) starts to enter the blood stream</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Seven</td><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Eight</td><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted</td></tr>
<tr><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Nine</td><td style="font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 2px;">Levels of hCG are now high enough to detect a pregnancy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
http://www.nyufertilitycenter.org/ivf/embryo_transfer</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Today is day 2 post transfer so hopefully our little embryo is starting to make itself nice and cozy. I started progesterone injections on the day of the retrieval and will continue these until we get a negative test or if positive, till I am 10 weeks pregnant. I had forgotten how much I HATE these shots. I got very used to the little tiny needles and the injections in my stomach but these shots are brutal. A thick 2 inch needle that has to go in the upper quadrant of my behind. And to make it even more fun, the progesterone is mixed in oil so it is THICK. Its like trying to give yourself a shot of cooking oil or maple syrup. Its only been a week and my behind is already bruised and sore on both sides, even though I alternate each day. With all the joys of IVF, I don't understand why fertile people don't choose to conceive this way....(sense the sarcasm). It's loads of fun. But I know one day I'll look back and every bit of it will be completely worth it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So now the hard part...the wait. With all that medicine and science has to offer, we still have to wait a week and a half to find out if we are pregnant or not. And even if the first test is a positive, I have to go back 2 more times for blood work to monitor the level and make sure it is increasing appropriately. Either way, positive or negative, I'm just going to go ahead and tell you that I won't be announcing anything right away. If its positive, it's still scary and a very fragile time. Things could still go wrong in the early phases, just as with any pregnancy. If its negative, of course I am going to be devastated and dealing with all the emotions that come with getting yet another negative result...guilt, anger, depression, sadness, frustration, etc. While I love sharing our journey with you and hope that my openness and vulnerability can help someone else, please respect our privacy during this time. I promise that at some point, I will update you with all the details....it just may take a few weeks. I can't thank you enough for all the support and prayers I have received because of this blog. We have felt surrounded by love and have definitely felt God's hand guiding and comforting us each step of the way. </div>
Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-2508764084903797692014-01-18T15:07:00.000-05:002014-01-18T15:07:19.406-05:00Eggs, Embryos, and the Possibility of TransferThe egg retrieval procedure went very well on Thursday. We left Knoxville bright and early and made it to Nashville with enough time to drive around a bit and take our time. They prepped me for the procedure and the last thing I remember was the burning feeling of the anesthesia going into my IV. I woke up in recovery and felt pretty good, all things considered. I had some cramping but nothing too intense to keep us from driving back home. They retrieved a total of 34 eggs! I was a little shocked by this number. As of Tuesday, my doctor had counted 26 but I knew there was the possibility of a couple being hidden since there were so many, especially on my right ovary. We are very blessed that my body responded SO well to the stimulation phase. <br />
<br />
We received our first update on the eggs yesterday morning. Of the 34 retrieved, 22 were mature enough to be ICSI'd...this is the process where they take a single sperm and inject it straight into the egg. We needed to use this procedure (versus just putting some sperm in a dish next to the egg and letting nature take its course) because of a result of a very specialized test that we had done in October that showed that Harrison's little swimmers had some difficulty penetrating the shell of the eggs. So of the 22 ICSI'd, 19 fertilized! Again, we are thrilled and very blessed with such a high number. Now, not all of these will continue to develop for the 5 days in the lab, but we have a very, very good chance of having a good number of embryos to freeze. Our second update came this morning, and while vague, the lab technician did say that "several" of our embryos are "developing well." <br />
<br />
As of right now, our transfer is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday morning. On Thursday, I was told that my estradiol level is extremely high....so high in fact that they don't know exactly what it is because the lab only calculates to 10,000. So we know that it is above 10,000. So hyperstimulation is still very, very possible. I am weighing myself twice a day to check for fluid gain, trying to stay well hydrated, and just pay overall close attention to what my body is telling me. The doctor said that if I am going to get sick, it would probably start Sunday or Monday, so the decision about a transfer won't be determined till Monday. Now, even if i don't start getting sick and we are allowed to do a transfer, the possibility of me getting sick will still be there for a few weeks as my hormone level slowly comes back down. The possibility will increase if I do get pregnant because of the additional hormones, but I won't know for 10-12 days after transfer whether or not I'm in fact pregnant. So, all that said, there are still many unknowns and a lot still up in the air. We are just praying diligently and trusting in God's plan and His timing. Please join us in prayer these next few days as our little embryos continue to grow and develop. Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-30680889856136006082014-01-15T13:48:00.000-05:002014-01-15T13:48:19.666-05:00Egg RetrievalWell friends, I made it. Our egg retrieval procedure is scheduled in Nashville tomorrow morning at 11 AM. We have to be there at 10 so i can be prepped and everything for the procedure. My estradiol level continues to climb so the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation is still very real. I don't know if the doctor will decide tomorrow depending on my level from today about the transfer or wait and see how I do over the weekend before making the decision. If we do have a transfer, it would be on Tuesday. <br />
<br />
Physically, I'm feeling just ok. I do feel like I am about to explode and that I am carrying around grapefruits on my ovaries, which i practically am. Elastic waistband pants have been my best friend the past few days as anything tight without stretch is just too uncomfortable at this point. I guess I am getting a little preview of what it will feel like to be pregnant. <br />
<br />
Emotionally, this week has been easier than last and even though I am disappointed about the thought of not being able to do a live transfer, I am trying to remain open minded and remember that medical technology can only go so far and its all in Gods hands and will happen in his time. In the grand scheme of things, we have worked so hard and waited almost 3 years to get to this point so if we have to wait a couple more weeks or months before a transfer, I can deal with that. I just want to do what is best for my body and whats best for our little embryos. I have tremendous faith in the doctors and staff at Nashville Fertility Center as they make these decisions for us. <br />
<br />
Please be praying for both of us tomorrow...for safe travels, no complications during the procedure, for the skilled, steady hands of the doctors, nurses, embryologists, and lab technicians as they handle our fragile little eggs, and for no hyperstimulation sickness to occur in the days following the procedure. We will get an update about the number of mature eggs, fertilization success, and the growth and development of the eggs within the day or 2 after the retrieval. Please be praying for lots of healthy embryos to grow big and strong!! Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-216687211884953989.post-27209038401854069072014-01-14T12:50:00.000-05:002014-01-14T15:22:33.039-05:00IVF update: stimulation Well I had a post all written out yesterday to share but some things changed last night. Let me recap. We started stimulation shots last Saturday night and I went in to my doctor Tuesday for my first check. Unfortunately, I hadn't responded to the dosage of medication as well as they thought I would so they had to increased my dose fairly significantly. Last week was rough, I'm not going to lie. The hormones really threw me for a loop. I was irritable, sad, depressed, and very worried that this cycle wasn't going to workout well for us with the way it started. After 3 days of a fairly high dose, I went back to the doctor on Friday to get rechecked, and luckily I had made good progress and responded well to the high dose. They lowered my dose just a little over the weekend. Over the weekend, I really started to feel full and some discomfort in my pelvis just from having so many little eggs growing on my ovaries. On Sunday, I ended up vomiting twice with very little warning or explanation...no fever, no symptoms of illness. I figured it was just another glorious side effect of the hormones. Turns out it could be an early warning sign.<br />
<br />
I went back to the doctor yesterday to get checked again. My follicles all looked good but not quite big enough for the egg retrieval procedure, but my hormone level (estradiol) came back pretty high. This is good and bad. It's good that I am responding so well but it's bad because it increases the likelihood of me getting sick with something called ovarian hyperstimulation, the biggest risk in the IVF process. What happens when you hyperstimulate is that after the egg retrieval procedure when they go in and puncture each little sac and pull out the fluid and the egg, all the sacs and your abdomen can refill with fluid, making it hard to breathe, making you dehydrated, and just plain sick. It could cause me to be hospitalized. So good news is that we are still on track for the egg retrieval procedure, most likely Thursday. The bad news is that we may not be able to do an embryo transfer this cycle be cause if I hyperstimulate, do a transfer, then get pregnant on top of that, I would be very very sick. Nothing is definite right now but this is the possibility. I went back in to the doctor again this morning for another estradiol level and ultrasound. I currently have 26 egg follicles. Now before you all start thinking I'm the next octomom, not all these will produce a mature egg. If we can't do a transfer this cycle, we would do what's called a freeze all. They would take all the little eggs and fertilize them with Harrison's sperm and then grow them for 5 days. All the little embryos that grow an develop for 5 days would be frozen for a frozen embryo transfer at a later date. The success rates of a frozen transfer are a little less than a live transfer but are still good and Nashville has good success rates. <br />
<br />
A lot is still up in the air right now and we will know more tonight after receiving my levels from today. By tomorrow we will know when our retrieval will be. Most likely the decision about a transfer won't be made until after the retrieval when they see how I do and if I get sick. Please be praying for us the next couple days. Pray for my health ( and Harrison's sanity), for all our little eggs which have to potential to become little embryos, and for the doctors and nurses as they make these important decisions for us. I'll update tomorrow when I know more. Thanks for the support. Beth and Harrisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01422343713129306268noreply@blogger.com0