August 31, 2012

Update Hormone Bloodwork

August 1st I went in and had my hormone levels and thyroid rechecked. My Testosterone level was 100, Estridol was 60 and my Thyroid levels were in the normal range (don't remember at the moment). So I asked the nurse if these were levels that we could start another round of IVF or if we would need to wait longer. She spoke with the RE and he said the next month we would be able to start!! Jump forward to now..... We are on day 4 of our 4th IVF cycle. We are doing an Antagon stimming cycle so I am taking Repronex 3 vials each day for about 10 days. On Monday the 3rd I will go in and do my second blood draw to check hormone levels and an ultrasound to see how the eggs are growing. If things are going good we will wait and be seen a few days later to determine when I will need to take the Lupron shot (trigger shot) so we can do the retrieval. I think, if all goes on schedule, we will be doing the retrieval on Monday, September 10th. I am feeling great and am still doing weekly acupuncture appointments, taking the following herbs: Menotrol(in place of Metformin) and Blossoms 1 - 4(depending upon which week of my cycle I am on on). I feel at peace with this last round of IVF because I feel like we have tried everything that is out there and I know that we have given it our best shot and getting pregnant.

August 29, 2012

Ahhh Heaven...

Let me first say how this has definitely been a summer for boys!  Shout out to Bossy - congrats Doll!!  :)

Now to update you all with...my birth story!!!

As I believe I had mentioned before, if Parker didn't come by his due date I was scheduled to be induced on the 21st of this month.  And as I'm sure you've guessed, he did not arrive on his own so his little butt got evicted!

Mr. CB and I checked in at  the Maternity Admissions Unit at 7:15am that morning.  I think they had an admission because I wasn't "checked in" and taken back to Labor and Delivery until 8.  No biggie...I knew my LO was going to be here sometime that day.  Once I got in the room, I had to strip down and put a hospital gown on and then I got my IV for the pitocin and hooked up to the monitor to watch my contractions and monitor Parker's heart rate.

The pitocin was started at a rate of 6mL per hour, but I wasn't feeling anything so the rate kept being increased.  At around 10:30am, my OB came by and broke my bag of waters.  That crap kinda hurt and the leaking was NOT cool!  LOL  I felt like I was constantly peeing on myself.  At around 3-4cm, the pain was starting to get uncomfortable so I had my name put on the list for an epidural (I'm a kind of "go with the flow" kind of girl, so my birth plan included an epidural if I felt I needed one...especially with the pitocin which can make labor pains more acute).  Luckily I was only second on the list so I didn't have to wait long.

The anesthesiologist was fantastic - I wasn't scared at all and barely felt a thing.  It was so funny because before I knew it, the nurse asked "Did you feel that one?"  I was like "Huh?"  And she told me that I was at the height of a contraction.  I wasn't feeling a thing and suddenly everything was fabulous!  Anyway, things progressed somewhat steadily for the rest of the afternoon (times are blurry that day).  I chilled in the bed, sipping Sprite and cranberry juice and talking to my family while updating ALL the girls at work via text messaging.

Later that afternoon/early evening , Parker was still "sunny-side up" so my OB had me lay far on my side with my knee up to open my pelvis and hopefully coax Parker to turn.  At around 8:30pm she came back in, checked me and had me do a couple of "practice pushes" to see what would happen.  After the second push, she said "Okay, let's start pushing!"  Oh man I was so excited...and my parents had gone to get something to eat!!  I had my BF call them on her cell phone but my mom didn't answer! (Her cell has a Minnesota number because that's where she's from)  So I had Mr. CB call them on my cell for her and within a minute my mom was busting in the door.  Luckily, my OB and the nurse were getting everything ready so she didn't miss anything.

It was hard to know if I was pushing correctly since I couldn't feel anything from the waist down.  But I had an awesome team.  My husband was at my head telling me how great I was doing, my mom and BF each had a leg, and of course my doc and nurse.  After about 45 minutes of pushing, Parker was finally here!!!

My sweet boy was born on Tuesday August 21, 2012 at 9:17pm.  He weighed 10 pounds 5 ounces and was 22.5 inches long!!!  When the nurse announced that, I couldn't believe my ears.  There was no way the big fella lived in my belly...I never would have guessed he weighed that much.  But he is mine and the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

This past week has been tiring but I have never been happier being at home with Parker and my husband.  We are one happy family.  I am so thankful for this blog > offering a way for us to support each other through such difficult and happy times and seeing that wishes can and do some true.

I wish all my fellow buds this much happiness and I will definitely keep reading posts!

Curly Bud...signing off.

10 weeks.



40 weeks (the BF painted this...the brown at the bottom is supposed to be sand!)
Luckily, he's a much happier baby than he was the night he born...

This  was taken the morning we went home from the hospital.

August 23, 2012

Sprout is......

A BOY!!!

Sorry it's taken so long.  I've been CRAZY busy with returning to work, and we celebrated my 30th birthday just yesterday.

I've been super exhausted lately, but I know that's because I'm not used to working with 17 3rd graders all day.  Just need to get back into the swing of things.

I'll update more when I have more time!!  Until then, here's a picture of our sweet baby boy, Liam.  I apologize.... some of the pictures are sideways.  I just don't have the energy to fix them!











 Bossy Bud



Sneaking up on 31 weeks...

How far along: 30 weeks 5 days! :)

Total weight change: At my last OB appointment I was up a total of 22lbs... We shall see what the damage is at our next appointment which will take place on September 4th. 


Maternity clothes: I bought a few shirts for our Maternity Photo Shoot, and LOVE them. I got them from Target, and LOVE them. My only issue, now that I'm back to work, is pants. I have some leggings and some fold over black "yoga" pants (that don't really look like exercise pants at all which I wear to work... but I don't want to look too casual, so we'll see how I navigate the next weeks. I'll definitely be around until about mid-October, at least, so I need to figure out some work-friendly outfits, without spending too much. 


Stretch Marks: No new ones... and the ones I have look a little less red/purple. So, hopefully there won't be anymore... 


Movement: He is moving a lot lately! Rolling and kicking... so cute :) I love to feel him move, and I love to see Mr. DBud's face when he sees my belly rolling :)


Sleep: Back to work, so not sleeping as much as I would like, but still sleeping well. I pretty much knock out, and only wake up about once a night to go to the restroom. I also wake up once or twice to turn over from one side to the other. Still loving my Boppy :) 


Best Moment This Past Week: My In-Laws ordered his furniture :) I need to find out when it will be arriving... hopefully it's in stock, and will arrive soon :) Can't wait to start putting it together! We also took our Maternity pictures today with a good friend of mine that has started up her photography business again. She is a teacher, but she is a very artistic and talented photographer. I'll try to share some pictures in the near future ;)  

Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: Going back to work, and having to re-adjust to the "new" schedule. Summer was such a great time for me... being able to rest and do everything at my leisure. Now, I feel like I don't have time for anything. The next time I am home for a long period of time, I'll be dedicating all my time to my son :) 

Belly Button In or Out: Still in, but definitely not as deep as before. It's getting more shallow each day... lol

Cravings/Aversions: ICE! It has been soooooo hot here in South Florida... I have been extremely thirsty. I drink water, but the ice is what really cools me off. I was a bit concerned, because I heard that craving ice during pregnancy could be a sign of anemia, so I am going to bring it up to my Dr. at my next appointment and see what he says. For now, I'll enjoy my refreshing ice :)


Symptoms: The Heartburn has been coming and going, and hasn't been TOO bad... but the nausea is coming and going as well, which is definitely not fun. Hopefully it will stay away more often than not :-/


Until next time :) 


August 15, 2012

40 weeks

How far along: Well well.  Here I am at my expected due date!  YAY!  And guess what else?  No Parker.  Hehe.  Little stinker has decided to be stubborn.  But I'm okay with it...I like being pregnant.  :)

Stretch marks: Okay, I have a new one...

Movement: He's still shifting a lot.  But the movements do hurt more often.

Sleep:  Definitely tired more often than I was even a couple of weeks ago.  I'm talking sleeping 9-10 hours a night with a couple of naps during the day.  Of course this doesn't work during the week, but I rock it out on the weekends!  :)

Best moment this past week: Had my weekly OB visit this past Thursday.  I was at a "tight" 2 (yeah, loved that!) and no change in the effacing.  I still didn't / don't want to be induced, so we scheduled an induction date of the 21st.  I have an appointment on Friday and she's going to do a non-stress monitor to make sure everything is okay.  I'm ready to hold my sweet boy so it is getting a little hard waiting.

Belly button in or out: It's transformed into more of a "flatty" now that the belly is so big.

Cravings / Aversions: Been craving salad a lot here lately...kinda cooky but MAN those things are good!  And of course I still love my sweets!  ;)

Symptoms: Fatigue...cramping...SWELLING...mood swings (yep, been riding the emotional roller coaster)...and my nose is freaking huge!

Alright, that's it for now.  I'll be sure to update you all after my appointment on Friday...and of course if anything happens!  ;)

August 10, 2012

Mini-Update :)

As I grace the 29-week point in my pregnancy, I wanted to take a moment to update you on my most recent Doctor's appointment this past week.

On Tuesday, I visited with my OB for my 28 week check up. It was the usual visit, starting out with a little pee in a cup, checking blood pressure, getting weighed, and then going in to wait on the Doctor. Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my OB??? He is amazing :) This all took 30 minutes, including my time with him :)

Anyway, I found out that I passed my Glucose Tolerance test with a score of 124 (and thank GOD I did, because I thought I was going to pass out when I did the normal 1-hour test). The nurse says there was a little sugar in my urine, but nothing to be alarmed about at this point... I had breakfast kind of late that morning, and it probably translated into the pee. I am up a total of 22lbs (2 since my Glucose test), so that is going well also. Blood pressure was also good and steady, as it has been :)

When the Doctor came in, he did his usual rounds... he asked me how I felt, to which I replied, "good!" since I actually am feeling pretty good, for the most part. He then proceeded to measure my fundal height, which must've been fine, because he didn't say anything (he rarely does about this). Then, he pulled out the doppler and we heard the little guy's heart beat. That's my favorite part ;) He told me everything is going fine, and to keep it up! He also told me that if anything happens, or whatever, to call him first, NOT to just go to the Hospital. I have been feeling fine, so I don't feel like I've needed to (Thank GOD).

Well, that's about it, for now... My next appointment will be in 4 weeks, on September 4th (just after the Baby Shower). By then we should be able to iron out a Birth Plan, and do my Hospital pre-registration, etc.

I am getting more and more excited every day!!!! :) :) :)

Until next time ;)


August 6, 2012

Holy cow!!!

Only NINE days left!  I'm in the single digits now...and I only just realized it this morning.  What a staggering realization.

I'm excited...nervous...anxious...bewildered...awed.  I can't wait to meet my baby boy.  Talk to you all later!

Well, Hello 3rd Trimester :)

Moving right along, beginning the 3rd and Final "phase" of my Pregnancy... Here's the low-down on what I'm currently experiencing ;) 

How far along: 28 weeks 2 days! :)

Total weight change: Will see where we are currently at after tomorrow's OB appointment... Hopefully we're still on target :) As of last time, it was +18 

Maternity clothes: As I said last time, I don't own too much maternity clothes, but hardly any of my "regular" clothes fit anymore, so you can pretty much say I'm in "maternity" clothes. Dresses, leggings, stretch pants, etc... Comfy :) I have one pair of pre-pregnancy jeans that fit (they were HUGE on me, so they still work) and some tops that were loose which still fit and will help me get through the first weeks of the school year until the Baby is here :)

Stretch Marks: I'm turning into a Zebra "/ I don't mind completely, but I have to admit... at times, I feel unattractive. Have to start thinking about what I can do to take care of them... if anything at all. 

Movement: He is moving a lot lately! Sometimes I feel like I have a future World Cup player in there ;) It's a pretty awesome feeling. 

Sleep: Thankfully, I'm still on Summer break, so I am getting sleep... I hope to be able to stay rested when I go back to work next week... we'll see how that goes. It's going to be rough in this South Florida heat... "/

Best Moment This Past Week: A few good things have happened lately... (1) the Baby Shower invitations were put in the mail and went out today (2) our Stroller and Infant Carrier arrived (we got this AWESOME deal on the Britax B-Ready and Chaperone where the Infant Car Seat was FREE with the Purchase of the stroller, AND I got $100 off the stroller... so we saved a total of $329 on the travel system. This was a gift from my two sets of Grandparents. 

Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: The return of some not-so-fun symptoms. For the last week, I've been getting sick again and running to the bathroom to toss my cookies. It hasn't been fun "/ Also, realizing that Summer Vacation is almost over isn't cool... but I guess it had to end sometime. 

Belly Button In or Out: Still in, but definitely not as deep as before. It's getting more shallow each day... lol

Cravings/Aversions: McDonald's cheeseburgers... Yup. It's like a pregnancy obsession. I RARELY ever ate them before. So weird... 


Symptoms: The Heartburn has been coming and going, and hasn't been TOO bad... but the nausea is back, and not fun at all. I am trying to get ahold of it before going back to work... so we'll see how it goes. 


My Baby Shower is scheduled for September 1st, at 32 weeks. I am SUPER excited! We are having it at a very nice restaurant here in Miami, and are having a "Cirque du Bebe" Theme. It's going to be AMAZING and I am so excited. Now that the invitations have gone out... it's registry stalking time ;) something even Mr. DBud enjoys! I have already seen a few items be "fulfilled" off our list, so that's always fun to see :)

Anyway, will have an update after tomorrow's appointment... hopefully we'll start ironing out our Birth Plan and such :) Can you tell I'm excited? 

Until next time :)



August 4, 2012

Where did my summer go?

Aaah!  I only have one more week until I must return to work.  I plan to work in my classroom on Monday since we're allowed to pick up our key a week early.  We always have meetings & trainings the first week back, so I'll be able to get a head start.  Plus-  my girlfriend has agreed to help me take all of my boxes down from the top of my cabinets.  I would normally do this, but I'm just not comfortable with it given my current situation. :)

Sprout is doing great.  I had another appointment this past Tuesday.  They weighed me (only gained 1 pound!), measured my stomach (18 cm), and we listened for the heart beat (140 bpm).  Everything looked great.  I was sent down to the lab for some bloodwork.  We're doing the testing for downs, spina bifida, etc.  My OB told me that it usually takes 3 days for them to receive the results, and she won't call me if everything looks good.  Mr. Bossy has been holding his breath, and I get a little nervous each time I come home to find a message on the answering machine. 

Only one more week and we'll know which color to paint the nursery!  I've been, step-by-step, cleaning out our spare bedroom this summer to help up prepare for the decorating that will soon begin. :)

Next time you hear from me, I'll be revealing our sweet baby's gender and name!!!!

XOXO




Bossy Bud

August 3, 2012

Our Story Continues...

Maya is turning 2 months old! My how the time flies. If you want to see what we have been up to the past couple months, you can go to our family blog here.

August 1, 2012

38 weeks...

Sorry everyone for not posting lately...super busy last couple of weeks.  We had our baby showers, been working on the nursery (not as close to being done as we should be given I'm due in 2 weeks) and washing baby clothes.  *sigh* And still SO much to do!!


How far along: 38 weeks today.  =o)  It's so hard to believe that it's already almost time!  Like Diva mentioned, after waiting so long it's hard to believe that this is really happening...and I mean really happening!

Total weight change: I hate this part...I think I'm gonna skip this part.  After all, I know how much dag-gone weight I've gained!

Maternity clothes: Same as last time, though even my maternity t-shirts are too snug.  But I'm told that nothing is really comfortable this late in pregnancy.  I bought some cotton shorts from Target in a few sizes too big so that I'd have something more comfy to lounge in...maternity clothes are SO expensive!

Stretch Marks: Still no new new ones.

Movement: His movements have slowed down a little to where they're not the actual kicks that I'm used to but more shifting and rolling.

Sleep: Definitely feel like I need more here lately, but the last couple of weekends have been busy so I haven't been able to get caught up like I'd like.  But hopefully the next couple of weekends will be better.  Sleeping pretty well during the night but I'm getting up more often in the night to use the bathroom since he's started dropping.

Best Moment This Past Week: Several since it's been so long since I've written: the work baby shower was on 7.19.12.  The girls definitely took care of me!!  We got so much stuff it was ridiculous!  And then the following Sunday Mr. CB's mom and grandma threw us one at their church.  Needless to say we got plenty of diapers, wipes, bath products, clothes, blankets, toys, gift cards, etc.  The women that work with Mr. CB chipped in and bought us our travel system.  The only things that we still need are an exer-saucer, highchair and travel car seat.  And we've only used a portion of the gift cards.  I still have some small things to get like something to put dirty diapers in, organizer baskets, some changing pad sheets, etc.  Had my weekly appointment this week: dilated to 1.5cm, about 60% effaced and she said that Parker's head is a lot more down.  I would have liked to have had a little more change, and she must have sensed that because she assured me that my uterus has changed a lot since the last check.  She asked if I want to be induced at 40 weeks, which I do not, so she said we will schedule an induction date for about 1 week my due date but only as a "plan B."

Most Difficult Moment This Past Week: I swear I am so tired of hearing people tell me how big I am.  And it really all depends on how they say it, you know?  Like I had a patient yesterday (I swear I love this little old man) whom I always enjoy picking on and vice versa.  Well he wanted to see me before he left so he could see how big the belly has gotten.  Of course he gave me a hard time about it, but he's such a genuinely sweet man that it didn't come off as rude and we laughed about it for about 10 minutes comparing guts, etc.  But then you have some people (and trust me, I've been dealing with these types of people my whole life) who just have a way about them where comments like that come out so freaking rude.  A patient's daughter told me earlier this week that my nose is getting really big.  Thanks lady...I had no idea.


Belly Button In or Out: Yeah, it's an outty.


Cravings/Aversions: I realized last night that I've really been craving salads the last couple of weeks.  Could be worse...could be better without my ranch!  =o)

Symptoms: Still having the heartburn and reflux, the swelling in my feet and ankles is getting pretty bad - I have to keep my feet up all evening when I get home or they won't even go down over night, but luckily my blood pressures have still been running good.  More cramping underneath my belly and deep in my pelvis.  Nothing horrible, just uncomfortable.  The fatigue that I mentioned earlier...but I know that won't get any better in the next 5 years or so!  =o)  Bring it on!
 

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