I know, it's been quite awhile since I have posted a new blog. At this very moment, I have my six week old baby boy resting on my chest. It makes typing a bit more difficult, but he's demanding like that!
The past six weeks have flown by, and my response for that is, "Whoa!!!" Of course, there are a few things I don't mind saying goodbye to like the sleepless nights where Bryson was waking up every hour and a half to eat, the emotional rollercoaster of post partum hormones, and breastfeeding.
Let's take this week by week.
Week 1: While thrilled to finally have my baby boy home, I felt like a new mom, again. Being that Bryson was born on a Wednesday, Gene was already back to work that Friday, leaving me with both kids for the first time. Kaylee was unhappy that Bryson was taking so much time away from her, and she didn't understand why he cried so much. Let me tell you, we did our best to prepare her, but I'm afraid it was a waste of time. On a positive note, I was down 20 pounds by the end of that first week! I tried to remain positive that the next week would be easier.
Week 2: It was during week two that I felt the post-partum depression rear it's ugly head. It seemed that nothing I did pleased either child of mine. One day, Gene came home to find me breastfeeding and bawling my head off. I was just so tired, Kaylee was at the top of her ornery stage, and Bryson was colicky. The stress was getting to me, and I started gaining weight back very quickly. Bryson had his two week checkup this week, and he was down a pound from his birth weight. I hadn't been able to make enough milk to please him, so we had to begin supplementing with formula. It just seemed that nothing was going as planned. To friends and family, I did my best to put on my "everything is wonderful" face, but inside, the sadness was eating away at me.
Week 3: After two weeks without sleeping more than a two hour stretch of time, I was beginning to lose it. Since we were supplementing, now, this meant Gene could take care of Bryson for a night to help me out. I thought, "Just a night or two of sleep will make it all better." Unfortunately, Gene was was so cranky after one night with him, that I had to take him back the second night. I told him it was much easier to deal with my own grouchy attitude than to deal with his. The last thing our family needed was four cranky people! This week, Bryson had a weight check at the doctor's office, and we got some good news that he was finally thriving with the addition of formula! Finally, some good news!
Week 4: At this point, things were finally starting to mesh at home. Kaylee had finally realized that sharing us wouldn't be the end of the world. It probably didn't hurt that most of our weekends were centered around her dance competitions the past four weeks. I was able to do more for her now that I wasn't breastfeeding as much, too. Bryson had his four week checkup, and he was finally the size of an average newborn. His only issue was that he wasn't pooping without stimulation. We decided to change formula to see if it helped with that problem.
Week 5: That weekend, we took Bryson to meet one of his great-grandmothers, went out to eat in San Antonio, and took Kaylee to get her t-ball equipment. That Sunday, Omie and Opie came to the house for a visit, and Bryson let loose on Opie some awful diarrhea! We didn't think much of it, since he had started going on his own since we changed the formula. I figured he may have been reacting to that or something that he got through my breastmilk. That Monday, I had to get some recalls repaired on my car, so we went to Boerne and took care of that. We swung by the Rim to pick up a couple items we needed, and then we went to eat at Olive Garden. Bryson's diarrhea had continued throughout that day, so I called the doctor's office to see what she thought. She suggested switching him to soy formula. I was already at home for the day, so I planned on picking some up the following day. That night, when Bryson awoke that early morning for feeding, he was very warm. I took his temperature, and he was running a fever of just over 101. I gave him Tylenol, fed and changed him, and put him back to bed. When he awoke that morning, his fever was up to 102.6. He wasn't acting like his normal self, either, so I called the doctor. They suggested we come in to see her at 1:45 that afternoon. I gave him more Tylenol, in the meantime. His fever would go down, but never below 101. At the doctor, he was even more listless than he'd been that morning. He was burning up, grunting, and his skin was mottled. Something was not right, but it's difficult to tell in an infant without a more thorough examination. We could see concern on Dr. Howard's face as she examined him. She sat down and begin to explain the situation to us. She said that, in the past, when an infant under six weeks old came to the office with a fever of over 101, they would automatically admit them to the hospital for testing, fluids and IV antibiotics. She said that, presently, if the baby doesn't seem like they are in immediate danger, they will give an antibiotic shot at the office and send them home. At that point, I was expecting that to be the course of action. That's when she told us that Bryson was a sick baby, and she would not feel comfortable sending him home at that point in time. She has recently given up her pediatric privileges at Hill Country Memorial Hospital because the staff isn't trained well enough to care for little ones like Bryson. (My mother, an ICU nurse, agrees 100% with this assertion.) She told us she would like to send him to a children's hospital to get the best possible care. She gave us a run-through of what kind of tests they would do and what they would be looking for. We agreed to take him, so she began calling to try to get us a direct admit into the hospital. None of the hospitals wanted to take a direct admit, so we would have to go through their ER. All I wanted to do was break down and cry, but my five year old was already upset at the news. I couldn't show fear at this point. We assured her that the doctors would make Bryson all better, and that he would be back home soon. Kaylee stayed with Opie, and Omie came with us to Children's Methodist Hospital in San Antonio. The staff there was excellent, and they took him right through the sliding glass window to begin his workup. He had a fever of over 102 when we got to the ER. They took him to a room and a doctor came in to explain everything to us about the seriousness of the situation. She explained that it could be something as simple as a virus, but it could be much worse. Time was of the essence, as infants can go from good to bad in a matter of minutes. They began the workup taking blood, urine, and stool. They performed a spinal tap and did chest x-rays. He was started on IV antibiotics and a saline solution to rehydrate him. In an hour, the main tests all came back clear. He had low blood sugar, but that was rectified with a feeding. The cultures they took would take hours to come back, at that point, he was admitted, and we just had to wait for a room to become available. At 11 that night, we were still waiting, so I went ahead and sent Gene and mom home. Bryson and I settled in for a wait. Little did I know, it would be a long one!
Week 5: Wednesday morning, Bryson turned five weeks old, and we were still sitting in the ER waiting for a room. I was worried, exhausted and hungry. The morning wasn't all bad, though. Bryson was already looking better from the fluids he'd been given - a good sign. Another doctor stopped by that morning with more good news. The cultures that had been growing for the past twelve hours had shown no signs of a bacterial infection. They did find a virus in his spinal fluid, though, and it was looking like that was the culprit. I called Gene to let him know. He had plans to run jobs that morning, and then he'd come to the hospital. In all my exhaustion, I broke down on the phone with him, telling him how awful of a night it had been with no sleep. I told him how they had informed me earlier that morning that they had ordered me a breakfast tray, but I might not get it, being that the ER was at the bottom of the totem pole when it came to the kitchen delivering food. I had eaten a peanut butter sandwich for lunch the day before, and it was long gone. We hadn't eaten that evening through the hustle and bustle of things. I told him how they told me that we may not get a room, and there was a possibility we'd be stuck down in the ER the entire time. Don't get me wrong, they were very nice, but ER doesn't stand for patient care! They are used to diagnosing and admitting you and then sending you on your way upstairs. I even had to remind them to come give Bryson more Tylenol every single time. They would take his temperature, and then they'd forget to come back to give the meds. Gene was frustrated at the situation, so he changed his plans and came straight to the hospital instead. We spent the majority of the day in the ER, until we FINALLY got a room around mid-afternoon. The nurses got us settled in upstairs and told me to get some rest. I took a shower and climbed into bed. It was a relief! They continued the IV antibiotics even though the cultures still showed no bacteria. We were told that they would continue them either way because of the risk of him picking up some other bacteria while in the hospital. Sad...right?!! You don't think of the possibility of getting other illnesses in a place meant to heal. We had some family stop by to visit shortly after we got settled in the room. It was nice to see some familiar faces! Gene got us dinner, we ate, and then it was time for him to head home. He had to pick up Kaylee from Omie and Opie's and get her ready to go to work with him the next day. My best friend, Amy, came to keep me company after he left until visiting hours were over that night. It was wonderful to have someone to visit with! The next morning, the doctor stopped by to let me know that the cultures still showed no bacteria, and he would do his best to get us released by the afternoon. He stuck by his word, too, and we received our discharge papers shortly before noon. I called Gene, and he came to pick us up! Bryson ran fever for another three days at home, but other than that, he has shown no lasting affects from the virus. His final diagnosis was viral meningitis. Such a fancy name for something that just has to run it's course!
Week 6: My baby turned six weeks old on Wednesday, and he is doing wonderful. Other than still having diarrhea, he is perfectly healthy. He weighed in at over 10 pounds at his one week followup! He is turning out to be quite the chunky monkey, now that he's caught up! Mommy is quite the chunky monkey herself... I ended up gaining back 10 pounds of that 20 that I had initially lost. I am having a hard time with getting back in the swing of things, not getting enough exercise and snacking too much. My doctor put me back on metformin to help me regulate my hormone imbalance and boost my weightloss. The last thing I want to do is let my PCOS take over again before I get the chance to have another baby. I had always wanted to be done having my kids before 30, and here I sit at 31. I guess some plans get changed!
I am looking forward to, not necessarily having things get easier, but getting better at dealing with things. I realize, now that six weeks have flown by, that I am not getting them back. I can't slow time down, but I can slow down and enjoy my time with these sweet loves of my life! I am in no means in the driver's seat of my life at this point, but I'll gladly hang out on the passenger side for the ride! The house may not be clean, the yard may look unkempt and things may be in disarray, but I have my babies in my arms only for a short while! I will continue to tell myself this and hope for the best! When things start getting too busy, and I begin to get ahead of myself, I just have to tell myself, "Whoa!!!" Then, I can take a step back, and get back in the swing of things! Wish me luck!!!
Love and blessings,
Jessie
Friday, May 11, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Bryson's Birth Day! (Warning...graphic!)
Seeing that he's almost a week old, already, I thought it a fine time to share his birth story with everyone! If you've been to visit, you've already heard this one, but for those of you who haven't, you're in for a good story!
On Wednesday, March 28th, we arrived at Hill Country Memorial at five in the morning for my induction. We got settled in LDR 2, which is the same room we delivered Kaylee in! (I get to request it for our next child, too!) By six o'clock, my nurse, Lorie, had my IV in and my pitocin drip started at a three. I was already dilated to a 4 and over 75% effaced, so this wouldn't take long. Gene and Kaylee were there with me, and my sister arrived shortly afterwards. My mom showed up not long after that with my niece, Madison. My mom called my dad to tell him to come to the hospital, instead of going to work, since I was already so far along. He's our waiting room babysitting service! He arrived, and we were all sitting and visiting when I heard a pop on the monitor and, simultaneously, felt my water break. That was around 6:50 a.m., and I was shocked! Dr. Cornett was on her way, but wasn't planning on being there to break my water until eight. My day shift nurse, Maci, checked my cervix, and I had progressed to a 7 with his head right there. She immediately called Dr. Cornett and told her to step on it! She told me that Dr. Stafford was on-call, so if Dr. Cornett couldn't get there in time, Stafford could deliver me. We went ahead and started on my epidural because I was starting to feel some pretty major contractions. The anesthesiologist said that only one person could stay with me, so my Mom and sister went out to the hallway. My dad had the kids down at the cafeteria eating breakfast. I was numbed for the epidural, and he stuck me once, twice, three times...unsuccessfully. He was calling for a spinal needle when I began to "growl." It's my thing...I growl...loudly! My sister heard this, also, and was crying, thinking the anesthesiologist was hurting me. She and my mom ran in. Maci told him to stop and asked me if I felt like I needed to push. I replied, "His head is coming out!" They couldn't turn me around fast enough. There was no table set up, no doctor, no gloves, no oil... Dr. Ramsay was down the hall discharging a patient and heard the commotion. Another nurse ran to him and told him that the head was out. He came in rolling up his sleeves, and no faster than they could put some pads under me did Bryson fly into his hands! I didn't even push! At 7:23 a.m., my baby boy entered the world in a hurry! There was no cutting the cord for Gene or my sister - the doctor did it. They hurried to set up the warmer and get him cleaned up. Meanwhile, I still hadn't delivered my placenta, and I was bleeding heavily all over the floor. I could've cared less about me. I had only heard a couple little squeals out of Bryson, and all I wanted was to know that he was alright. Dr. Ramsay told me I needed to push the placenta out. I tried, but it wasn't coming. He ended up having to, manually, reach in and help it along. After that, he and the nurse slowed my bleeding and repaired a small tear. At the speed my children enter the world, I will always tear. When it was all said and done, Dr. Ramsay patted me on the knee and said, "Good job! That's how it's done!" I thanked him, and he left. Dr. Cornett walked in as they were in the process of all of this, and told me, "What did you do? This wasn't the plan!" She proceeded to fill out the birth report. She asked the nurses, "How long did she push?" to which they replied, "She didn't." She put down 30 seconds just for the record. They finally let me hold my sweet boy! He was quiet and tiny and perfect! I was in shock...everyone was in shock! It all went so quickly - literally! It happened so fast that I was afraid I wouldn't remember it. It was no ordinary birth, to say the least. Dr. Cornett said that she plans on checking into the hospital with me next time around! She barely made it for Kaylee, even though they called her over when I was at an 8 with her. She missed Bryson all together! She wants to be prepared next time around, and she's convinced that after two natural births, I need to give up on the epidural idea! I guess it's good that I have a high pain tolerance!
So, that's the story! Bryson Laroy Leonard was born on March 28th, 2012 at 7:23 a.m. measuring 19 inches in length and weighing in at 7 lbs. 2 oz.! He is perfect, and we love him sooooo much already! He fits right into our family - perfectly!
Note: I have a lot of pictures, thanks to my fabulous sister, and I will post them soon - I promise!
Love and blessings,
Jessie
On Wednesday, March 28th, we arrived at Hill Country Memorial at five in the morning for my induction. We got settled in LDR 2, which is the same room we delivered Kaylee in! (I get to request it for our next child, too!) By six o'clock, my nurse, Lorie, had my IV in and my pitocin drip started at a three. I was already dilated to a 4 and over 75% effaced, so this wouldn't take long. Gene and Kaylee were there with me, and my sister arrived shortly afterwards. My mom showed up not long after that with my niece, Madison. My mom called my dad to tell him to come to the hospital, instead of going to work, since I was already so far along. He's our waiting room babysitting service! He arrived, and we were all sitting and visiting when I heard a pop on the monitor and, simultaneously, felt my water break. That was around 6:50 a.m., and I was shocked! Dr. Cornett was on her way, but wasn't planning on being there to break my water until eight. My day shift nurse, Maci, checked my cervix, and I had progressed to a 7 with his head right there. She immediately called Dr. Cornett and told her to step on it! She told me that Dr. Stafford was on-call, so if Dr. Cornett couldn't get there in time, Stafford could deliver me. We went ahead and started on my epidural because I was starting to feel some pretty major contractions. The anesthesiologist said that only one person could stay with me, so my Mom and sister went out to the hallway. My dad had the kids down at the cafeteria eating breakfast. I was numbed for the epidural, and he stuck me once, twice, three times...unsuccessfully. He was calling for a spinal needle when I began to "growl." It's my thing...I growl...loudly! My sister heard this, also, and was crying, thinking the anesthesiologist was hurting me. She and my mom ran in. Maci told him to stop and asked me if I felt like I needed to push. I replied, "His head is coming out!" They couldn't turn me around fast enough. There was no table set up, no doctor, no gloves, no oil... Dr. Ramsay was down the hall discharging a patient and heard the commotion. Another nurse ran to him and told him that the head was out. He came in rolling up his sleeves, and no faster than they could put some pads under me did Bryson fly into his hands! I didn't even push! At 7:23 a.m., my baby boy entered the world in a hurry! There was no cutting the cord for Gene or my sister - the doctor did it. They hurried to set up the warmer and get him cleaned up. Meanwhile, I still hadn't delivered my placenta, and I was bleeding heavily all over the floor. I could've cared less about me. I had only heard a couple little squeals out of Bryson, and all I wanted was to know that he was alright. Dr. Ramsay told me I needed to push the placenta out. I tried, but it wasn't coming. He ended up having to, manually, reach in and help it along. After that, he and the nurse slowed my bleeding and repaired a small tear. At the speed my children enter the world, I will always tear. When it was all said and done, Dr. Ramsay patted me on the knee and said, "Good job! That's how it's done!" I thanked him, and he left. Dr. Cornett walked in as they were in the process of all of this, and told me, "What did you do? This wasn't the plan!" She proceeded to fill out the birth report. She asked the nurses, "How long did she push?" to which they replied, "She didn't." She put down 30 seconds just for the record. They finally let me hold my sweet boy! He was quiet and tiny and perfect! I was in shock...everyone was in shock! It all went so quickly - literally! It happened so fast that I was afraid I wouldn't remember it. It was no ordinary birth, to say the least. Dr. Cornett said that she plans on checking into the hospital with me next time around! She barely made it for Kaylee, even though they called her over when I was at an 8 with her. She missed Bryson all together! She wants to be prepared next time around, and she's convinced that after two natural births, I need to give up on the epidural idea! I guess it's good that I have a high pain tolerance!
So, that's the story! Bryson Laroy Leonard was born on March 28th, 2012 at 7:23 a.m. measuring 19 inches in length and weighing in at 7 lbs. 2 oz.! He is perfect, and we love him sooooo much already! He fits right into our family - perfectly!
Note: I have a lot of pictures, thanks to my fabulous sister, and I will post them soon - I promise!
Love and blessings,
Jessie
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Get Outta My Belly!!!!
Okay, Bryson Laroy Leonard, the fun is over! YOU need to get your little tail movin' in a southward direction ASAP! I've done everything to keep you cooking for the necessary allotment of time, and now, it is time to come out and join your family!
I have been doing everything in my power, that I know of, to go into labor. I figure that if I am already 2 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced, it shouldn't take that much more to get it moving along, right?!! I've tried walking, standing on my feet all day long, eating spicy food, mowing, doing yardwork, washing vehicles, and more! Sure, I've gotten some good regular contractions over significant periods of time, but my water isn't breaking. Someone recommended primrose oil to try, but I've read that it just causes the cervix to soften, which has already happened for me. "Soft and low" is where I sit! I'm tempted to ask Dr. Cornett to strip my membranes at my Tuesday appointment. I've heard it is painful, and it doesn't always work. At this point, I am willing to try it, though. I have quite the pain tolerance, so a bit of pain doesn't scare me. These constant contractions are painful and annoying, so what's a little more pain?
Anyone that knows me knows that I prefer to be in control of everything, no matter the situation. I feel so out of control of our baby's arrival - that's not working for me! As I have stated before, I haven't had the pleasure of going into labor on my own. I have this feeling that it's not going to happen for me this time either. I'm not worried about Bryson being too big, at this point. This Tuesday will be our final ultrasound, so we will see what he is averaging, size-wise, then. I just know that I don't want to be in the hospital during Kaylee's competition, and I'd rather not be in during Easter either. I love the ladies that work at our hospital, and I know most of them. I'm sure none of them prefer to be working on Easter, and I want my nurses to be in a good mood during my stay! Plus, it might be difficult to arrange an Easter egg hunt at Hill Country Memorial!
I really hope Bryson decides to come out and meet us before I have to have my appointment on Tuesday, but if that doesn't happen, I hope that she has some better "news" on my status as a very pregnant lady! Until then, wish us luck! Here's hoping this boy will GET OUTTA MY BELLY very soon!
Love and blessings,
Jessie
I have been doing everything in my power, that I know of, to go into labor. I figure that if I am already 2 centimeters dilated and 50% effaced, it shouldn't take that much more to get it moving along, right?!! I've tried walking, standing on my feet all day long, eating spicy food, mowing, doing yardwork, washing vehicles, and more! Sure, I've gotten some good regular contractions over significant periods of time, but my water isn't breaking. Someone recommended primrose oil to try, but I've read that it just causes the cervix to soften, which has already happened for me. "Soft and low" is where I sit! I'm tempted to ask Dr. Cornett to strip my membranes at my Tuesday appointment. I've heard it is painful, and it doesn't always work. At this point, I am willing to try it, though. I have quite the pain tolerance, so a bit of pain doesn't scare me. These constant contractions are painful and annoying, so what's a little more pain?
Anyone that knows me knows that I prefer to be in control of everything, no matter the situation. I feel so out of control of our baby's arrival - that's not working for me! As I have stated before, I haven't had the pleasure of going into labor on my own. I have this feeling that it's not going to happen for me this time either. I'm not worried about Bryson being too big, at this point. This Tuesday will be our final ultrasound, so we will see what he is averaging, size-wise, then. I just know that I don't want to be in the hospital during Kaylee's competition, and I'd rather not be in during Easter either. I love the ladies that work at our hospital, and I know most of them. I'm sure none of them prefer to be working on Easter, and I want my nurses to be in a good mood during my stay! Plus, it might be difficult to arrange an Easter egg hunt at Hill Country Memorial!
I really hope Bryson decides to come out and meet us before I have to have my appointment on Tuesday, but if that doesn't happen, I hope that she has some better "news" on my status as a very pregnant lady! Until then, wish us luck! Here's hoping this boy will GET OUTTA MY BELLY very soon!
Love and blessings,
Jessie
Friday, March 23, 2012
38 Weeks!!!
My, oh my, where has the time gone?!! Today, I am 38 weeks along in this pregnancy. There were days when I thought I'd never get here, and there are times when I wish the weeks hadn't gone by so quickly, as well.
At 38 weeks along with Kaylee, I was headed to the hospital to be induced. For awhile, Dr. Cornett thought this would be the route we'd be taking again, but it looks like my blood pressure has fallen back into a normal pattern. I've shown no more protein in my urine (major sign of preeclampsia), in the past three weeks, and I've had no other problems with swelling or headaches. The most irritating thing going on, I'd say, is the on and off contractions that I seem to be having. Since last Sunday, when I was awakened at 2 a.m. with painful contractions, I have been having similar contractions on and off. At times, they are even timeable! Then....they quit....for no apparent reason. Don't get me wrong, they are causing progression, and as of Tuesday, I was 2 cm dilated, 50% effaced, low and soft. I've had a couple other signs that labor is getting close, but here I sit, 38 weeks along and no baby! In fact, my contractions have decreased in the past two days. I am still holding onto the hope that my body will go into labor, naturally, as it should. I can't help but be a bit discouraged at the slow down, though. I, in no way, WANT to be induced, again, but Dr. Cornett says that this stage of labor can go on for the next couple weeks, and she could still have to induce me. I know that some women go past 40 weeks and still manage to have perfectly healthy babies, but I don't know if I have it in me. I am getting so anxious, waiting for something, anything, to happen! Patience is not my strong point!
I guess what is bothering me most at this time is that Kaylee has her first competition March 31st, and I do not want to miss it...nor do I want her to miss it. I have said to myself over the last few weeks that I am going, irregardless of stage of pregnancy or doctor's orders, but it scares me to be two hours away from the hospital. The last thing I want to do is jeopardise the health and safety of Bryson, but Kaylee deserves to have her mommy there, cheering her on! And, I, as a mommy, have the right to see my baby girl perform at her ONLY first dance competition! I keep praying for the strength to get through this, and I know that God has his plan, but it doesn't seem to make things any easier.
With any hope, I will go into labor in the next few days, and Bryson will be able to see his big sister perform! I keep holding onto that hope, since it is all I have at this point. Dr. Cornett won't be available today to deliver because her daughter has a swim meet out of town, but after that, I am ready to roll! I will be walking, mowing my yard, doing jumping jacks....whatever it takes to kickstart this plan into action! And, no worries, you will ALL be informed if and when this plan takes affect!!!
Until then, wish me luck, and please pray for the safe arrival of our baby Bryson very soon!!!
Love and blessings,
Jessie
At 38 weeks along with Kaylee, I was headed to the hospital to be induced. For awhile, Dr. Cornett thought this would be the route we'd be taking again, but it looks like my blood pressure has fallen back into a normal pattern. I've shown no more protein in my urine (major sign of preeclampsia), in the past three weeks, and I've had no other problems with swelling or headaches. The most irritating thing going on, I'd say, is the on and off contractions that I seem to be having. Since last Sunday, when I was awakened at 2 a.m. with painful contractions, I have been having similar contractions on and off. At times, they are even timeable! Then....they quit....for no apparent reason. Don't get me wrong, they are causing progression, and as of Tuesday, I was 2 cm dilated, 50% effaced, low and soft. I've had a couple other signs that labor is getting close, but here I sit, 38 weeks along and no baby! In fact, my contractions have decreased in the past two days. I am still holding onto the hope that my body will go into labor, naturally, as it should. I can't help but be a bit discouraged at the slow down, though. I, in no way, WANT to be induced, again, but Dr. Cornett says that this stage of labor can go on for the next couple weeks, and she could still have to induce me. I know that some women go past 40 weeks and still manage to have perfectly healthy babies, but I don't know if I have it in me. I am getting so anxious, waiting for something, anything, to happen! Patience is not my strong point!
I guess what is bothering me most at this time is that Kaylee has her first competition March 31st, and I do not want to miss it...nor do I want her to miss it. I have said to myself over the last few weeks that I am going, irregardless of stage of pregnancy or doctor's orders, but it scares me to be two hours away from the hospital. The last thing I want to do is jeopardise the health and safety of Bryson, but Kaylee deserves to have her mommy there, cheering her on! And, I, as a mommy, have the right to see my baby girl perform at her ONLY first dance competition! I keep praying for the strength to get through this, and I know that God has his plan, but it doesn't seem to make things any easier.
With any hope, I will go into labor in the next few days, and Bryson will be able to see his big sister perform! I keep holding onto that hope, since it is all I have at this point. Dr. Cornett won't be available today to deliver because her daughter has a swim meet out of town, but after that, I am ready to roll! I will be walking, mowing my yard, doing jumping jacks....whatever it takes to kickstart this plan into action! And, no worries, you will ALL be informed if and when this plan takes affect!!!
Until then, wish me luck, and please pray for the safe arrival of our baby Bryson very soon!!!
Love and blessings,
Jessie
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
37th Week!!!
Well, we are trucking through the 37th week of this pregnancy! It's definitely a bumpier part of the road than the previous weeks have been. After spending the last week on modified bed-rest, I did manage to get some good results at the doctor's office, though!
I spent Monday morning registering at the hospital to have an ultrasound in the Radiology Department. Dr. Cornett wants to continue keeping an eye on my amniotic fluid level since my blood pressure has become unstable. The good news was that everything looked great! My fluid level was perfect, and Bryson managed around a pound of growth in just one week! I know, these measurements are not accurate, but it assured me that he is, obviously growing, and is not being affected too much by my hypertension! I measured 6 lbs. 6 oz. and right on target. His head is about a week ahead, still, and his legs look like they will be long, too, measuring about a week ahead, as well!
I still wish my blood pressure had chosen to remain stable, as it has throughout the pregnancy, but I must admit, I do enjoy the weekly ultrasounds leading up to our son's arrival! Perhaps the good Lord knows that I need the reasurance that my boy is healthy and safe, and this is his way of helping me out!
I saw another doctor affiliated with my OB's practice, since my doctor is on vacation this week. She was very nice, bless her heart, but I was never more happy to get out of that office! There are just some doctor's that you connect with, and others....well...I'll leave it at that! The good news was that my week of resting seemed to pay off. I ended up with no protein in my urine for the first time in the last few weeks, although I did get a lecture about needing to drink more water. My blood pressure was okay, and somehow, my weight was down. I am convinced the nurse didn't calibrate the scale correctly because I know that I haven't lost any weight! The doctor had trouble getting my fundal height measurement, but I am thinking it's because Bryson has dropped even lower into the birth canal this week. She kept telling me, "I'm only getting 32!" I told her that Dr. Cornett never told me what my measurement was...just that he was measuring just right. I highly doubt that Bryson measured 35 1/2 weeks last week and only 32 this week. It's like she wanted some kind of explanation from me that I didn't have the answer to. Oh, well! I reminded her that I was supposed to be getting a repeat NST this week, so she went to find the machine and left it at that. Of course, Bryson fell asleep right as I was hooked up to the monitor! I finally managed to wake him up "manually" and told him that if he ever wanted to get out of that office, he needed to show some spunk! Shockingly, he listened! I was never more happy to get out of that office, but I didn't manage to get away without some handouts that the doctor insisted I read up on dealing with Preeclampsia, Toxemia and Going into Labor. Did I forget to mention, I had to keep telling her that this was my second full-term pregnancy? Literally, it took nearly a half-dozen reminders that I had another child at home that I, also, had hypertension with. She kept telling me, "Well, since this is your first..." and "Since you're a first time mom..." Oh my goodness, I wanted to SCREAM!!! I was sweet and nice, instead, and kept on reminding her.
So, now, I have to keep up with Dr. Cornett's orders to try to keep Bryson comfortable in there. My blood pressure checks at home have been all over the place. This morning, I had my highest reading, yet, at 133/95, so I am doing my best to remain calm and relaxed today. I really miss my 105/65 readings that I was getting very used to! I continue to have some minor contractions, but it's nothing that slow and steady breathing doesn't get me through. I guess we will find out more at my ultrasound and appointment with Dr. Cornett on Tuesday! Until then, I will keep doing my part for this boy of mine!
Love and blessings,
Jessie
Past due....Baby Shower Blog!
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I know a couple weeks have passed by, but I couldn't go without posting about my adorable shower that my sister and mother gave me! Being that this is our second child to be born, I didn't expect a shower, but, being the wonderful people they are, our family and friends "sprinkled" us with all kinds of wonderful goodies for Bryson!
My mom hosted the shower at her house, and she was so nervous that there wouldn't be enough room for everyone. We had hoped the weather would cooperate to have everything outside, but, as usual, it was devastatingly cold out. That didn't stop us from enjoying ourselves, though! Here are a few photos showing how very nice everything turned out!
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| Mmmmm...my yummy cake! (Thank you, Mama!) |
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| ...and my delicious cupcakes made by my wonderful sister! |
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| My aunt, uncle and cousins brought Bryson this adorable diaper cake! |
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| My sister made us a very cute diaper cake as well as all of the cute decorations! |
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| Of course, you have to have yummy snacks... |
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| ...and we were blessed with some fabulous gifts for Bryson! It is obvious that he is a very loved little boy, already!!! |
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| Omie made sure that he had an Aggie bib and tons of other goodies. My parents have been so helpful in preparing for their second grandson's arrival, and he is so lucky to have them! |
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| I had some great helpers when it came to opening up all of those presents! |
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| ...and the proud Big Sis, Kaylee even got a few goodies of her own! |
After the shower, we had a small barbecue down at the house for family that had come into town. I called it "Gene's Beer, Barbecue and Boy Baby Shower!" (unofficially, of course!) It gave the guys something to do while all of us ladies enjoyed ourselves at the shower! Karen happened to snap a few photos of my belly as I prepared to serve the food, as well as one of us "Proud Parents to-be-Again!"
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| You woudn't think he's due in the next month, huh? |
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| ...the never-changing profile! I'm just fine with that, and he's growing just fine! |
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| Proud Parents! We can't wait to meet our little man! |
I am so blessed with wonderful friends and family that have always shown us such love and continue to do so every single day! Bryson couldn't ask for a better welcome into this world, and I cannot wait to introduce him to each and everyone of you! We love you all!
Love and blessings,
Jessie
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Bryson Update!
Yesterday, we had another ultrasound and checkup at 35 weeks and 3 days exactly! Bryson is doing great, and is measuring a healthy 5 lbs. 5 oz. at the moment. Aside from being face up, he seems ready to make his entrance into our lives. He spent the entire ultrasound sucking, first his fingers and then just sucking.
He is, certainly filling up the space he has in there. I still do not seem to be growing in my outward appearance, though! People look at me strangely when I tell them that I will be delivering soon.
Towards the end of our ultrasound, the tech got a second photo of Bryson looking straight at us. You can see the outline of his little round face, and it reminds me of Kaylee's when she was born! I can't wait to see if he is going to look like her!
My appointment that followed my ultrasound wasn't until later in the afternoon, so Kaylee and I went to Walmart to kill some time and get a few Easter items. Little did I know, my afternoon appointment wasn't going to go as smoothly as I thought!
I went into my appointment knowing that she would be checking my cervix, doing a strep swab and performing a non-stress test. As usual, the nurse starts out by weighing me and taking my blood pressure. My weight was fine (something I'm always stressing over), but my blood pressure was the highest it has been so far. I told Dr. Cornett that I'd been having some contractions over the weekend, as well, which became evident when she checked me for dilation. I am, now, between a 1 and 2. She told me that it's normal to progress further with your second without any complications just because the body has done it before, and that she wasn't overly concerned. She was concerned, however, about my blood pressure because of my history. I think the part that worries her the most is that she is going to be out of town next week for Spring Break, and she doesn't want me to have to have Bryson prematurely and without her there. I don't blame her...I want her to be there, too! She said that, at this point, they do not adjust meds to bring down the blood pressure. Instead, they start with bedrest, and if that is not successful, then the only other option is to be induced. As she's telling me this, I'm flashing back to my pregnancy with Kaylee, and I know what she is about to tell me. We start with a "modified bedrest" where I am no longer allowed to do those things that I am known to do on a regular basis like clean house and yardwork. There's no more all-day shopping trips where I am on my feet for more than a few hours at a time. In Dr. Cornett's words, "Chill out, relax and put your feet up!" If there still wasn't so much to do, I would be more than inclined to do this. Fortunately, I am a stay-at-home-mom, which does make it easier this time around! The difference is that I have a five-year-old, a bigger house and yard, and a more dependent husband than I did five years ago. I find it difficult to sit around and watch the dust settle! I know, from previous experience, though, that the doctor knows what she is talking about. I wasn't the best listener with Kaylee, and I ended up on full bedrest within a week and a half of those original orders. I'll be at 36 weeks on Friday, and 37 weeks is considered full-term in the sense that the lungs should be developed enough to survive outside the womb without assistance. Dr. Cornett would like to get me to 38 weeks to be on the safe side. That is what we did with Kaylee, and she was perfectly healthy. So, right now, that is our goal. I need to make it 2 1/2 more weeks. I still hope to go into labor without having to be induced, though. That is one thing I don't wish to relive! There will be no other choice if my blood pressure doesn't maintain or go down, though.
So, that is where we sit! I have to have an ultrasound each week, now, to have my Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) done. Hypertension affects the amount of amniotic fluid, and if the level gets too low, there will be no other choice than to induce, then and there. They will also repeat the non-stress test again next week to make sure Bryson is handling everything without distress. Yesterday, he did just fine, aside from falling asleep! They, literally, made me eat a piece of cake to wake him up. I can honestly say, I never thought I'd be eating cake in the doctor's office! Dr. Cornett told me to bring along a coke next time to make sure he is wide awake for the test. Perhaps, he will be his father's son and able to sleep through anything!
I am hoping and praying that this is a temporary setback, and with rest, the remainder of this pregnancy will go as smoothly as the last nine months have. Bryson and I had a heart to heart discussion last night, and I promised him that I would do everything in my power to help him stay in there to finish growing if he'd have the patience to wait a couple more weeks for his arrival! He gave me a few kicks to let me know that he was right there with me! I see Dr. Rickerhauser next Monday and will have my ultrasound at the hospital on Monday or Tuesday (due to Spring Break complications), and am looking forward to a clean bill of health to get us through the next week ahead! Until then, I will let you all know if anything new arises! Here's hoping that I don't have any new announcements before then!!!
Love and blessings,
Jessie
He is, certainly filling up the space he has in there. I still do not seem to be growing in my outward appearance, though! People look at me strangely when I tell them that I will be delivering soon.
Towards the end of our ultrasound, the tech got a second photo of Bryson looking straight at us. You can see the outline of his little round face, and it reminds me of Kaylee's when she was born! I can't wait to see if he is going to look like her!
Our boy's head is finally catching up to his body, too! This is the kind of thing a Mommy likes to hear. It's a little less than a week ahead at the moment!My appointment that followed my ultrasound wasn't until later in the afternoon, so Kaylee and I went to Walmart to kill some time and get a few Easter items. Little did I know, my afternoon appointment wasn't going to go as smoothly as I thought!
I went into my appointment knowing that she would be checking my cervix, doing a strep swab and performing a non-stress test. As usual, the nurse starts out by weighing me and taking my blood pressure. My weight was fine (something I'm always stressing over), but my blood pressure was the highest it has been so far. I told Dr. Cornett that I'd been having some contractions over the weekend, as well, which became evident when she checked me for dilation. I am, now, between a 1 and 2. She told me that it's normal to progress further with your second without any complications just because the body has done it before, and that she wasn't overly concerned. She was concerned, however, about my blood pressure because of my history. I think the part that worries her the most is that she is going to be out of town next week for Spring Break, and she doesn't want me to have to have Bryson prematurely and without her there. I don't blame her...I want her to be there, too! She said that, at this point, they do not adjust meds to bring down the blood pressure. Instead, they start with bedrest, and if that is not successful, then the only other option is to be induced. As she's telling me this, I'm flashing back to my pregnancy with Kaylee, and I know what she is about to tell me. We start with a "modified bedrest" where I am no longer allowed to do those things that I am known to do on a regular basis like clean house and yardwork. There's no more all-day shopping trips where I am on my feet for more than a few hours at a time. In Dr. Cornett's words, "Chill out, relax and put your feet up!" If there still wasn't so much to do, I would be more than inclined to do this. Fortunately, I am a stay-at-home-mom, which does make it easier this time around! The difference is that I have a five-year-old, a bigger house and yard, and a more dependent husband than I did five years ago. I find it difficult to sit around and watch the dust settle! I know, from previous experience, though, that the doctor knows what she is talking about. I wasn't the best listener with Kaylee, and I ended up on full bedrest within a week and a half of those original orders. I'll be at 36 weeks on Friday, and 37 weeks is considered full-term in the sense that the lungs should be developed enough to survive outside the womb without assistance. Dr. Cornett would like to get me to 38 weeks to be on the safe side. That is what we did with Kaylee, and she was perfectly healthy. So, right now, that is our goal. I need to make it 2 1/2 more weeks. I still hope to go into labor without having to be induced, though. That is one thing I don't wish to relive! There will be no other choice if my blood pressure doesn't maintain or go down, though.
So, that is where we sit! I have to have an ultrasound each week, now, to have my Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI) done. Hypertension affects the amount of amniotic fluid, and if the level gets too low, there will be no other choice than to induce, then and there. They will also repeat the non-stress test again next week to make sure Bryson is handling everything without distress. Yesterday, he did just fine, aside from falling asleep! They, literally, made me eat a piece of cake to wake him up. I can honestly say, I never thought I'd be eating cake in the doctor's office! Dr. Cornett told me to bring along a coke next time to make sure he is wide awake for the test. Perhaps, he will be his father's son and able to sleep through anything!
I am hoping and praying that this is a temporary setback, and with rest, the remainder of this pregnancy will go as smoothly as the last nine months have. Bryson and I had a heart to heart discussion last night, and I promised him that I would do everything in my power to help him stay in there to finish growing if he'd have the patience to wait a couple more weeks for his arrival! He gave me a few kicks to let me know that he was right there with me! I see Dr. Rickerhauser next Monday and will have my ultrasound at the hospital on Monday or Tuesday (due to Spring Break complications), and am looking forward to a clean bill of health to get us through the next week ahead! Until then, I will let you all know if anything new arises! Here's hoping that I don't have any new announcements before then!!!
Love and blessings,
Jessie
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