Well, our little Owen has set a new record for our family! With Isaac born at 29 weeks, and Abigail and Elijah both coming at 36 weeks and a few days, Owen has now become my longest pregnancy, since I'll be 37 weeks tomorrow. My check-up today went fine, with no further changes. Dr. R commented on my swelling being severe, but was also relieved that my blood pressure was still fine. I did mention the irregular heartbeat I've had off and on for a while. These last few episodes have been shorter, but are still really uncomfortable. He said that really, they are not totally unusual though I've never had it happen before and unless other symptoms occur with them, I don't need to be concerned. I assumed so, but James was relieved to hear that.
I won't go back until next Friday, so it'll be another week and a half till I see Dr. C. It looks like our little buddy may hang out for a while still, and since that is best for him, I sure can't complain. We have now almost made it through another of James' work weeks, so that's great too. Thursday night we have circus tickets that I won on the radio last month, and I'd thought I probably wouldn't get to go with the family, but now we're planning on my joining everyone, so I'm very excited about that. There is still plenty to look forward to, and do, with our family of 5 until Owen arrives, so we are going to enjoy these final days and weeks before things change. We're trusting in God's timing, and are content He knows what is best.
In church Sunday, as we are studying through the Ten Commandments and focused on the third one, it was so neat to hear our Pastor Ken talk about the significance of names, and explaining more about what it means to take the name of the Lord in vain. There was a lot to the sermon, but a part that was extra meaningful to me was how important the meaning of names are. For example, God's using the name "I Am" was one thing covered, and how that shows his eternality and constant state of existence. Anyway, James and I have always put a lot of thought into our children's names, and there was even more discussion and prayer about Owen's name because of several factors. When we mutually decided that his middle name should be Thomas, we knew that was right, but it was a long road getting there. There are several men named Thomas in our families, and while James' dad, and my Mom's stepfather/my Grandpa, are two good examples of the name, all do not necessarily have positive connotations. We struggled over whether we were putting too much weight into the meaning, or if it was really just not that big of a deal. Finally, James wisely said he felt that perhaps we should focus on the men with that name in our lives, who were good examples of fatherhood, integrity, and faithfulness, and pray that Owen Thomas would follow in their footsteps. It just made sense then, and we peacefully decided that was right.
So, Pop and Granny's 56th anniversary was Sunday, and we invited Granny and James' brother to join us for church and spend some time with us, knowing it was going to be a sad day for Granny, missing Pop this year. It was really meaningful for many reasons, and pondering how God has given us a legacy to carry on in our son, through his late grandfather's (and my grandfather's) name was really special. I'm just so grateful for how He works in the details and encourages us. I know no detail is beyond Him or His plan, but just love it when "little" things like this affirm and remind us of that fact!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
36 weeks
So, we've reached the magic number! :-) Abigail and Elijah were born at 36 weeks, and since that is where the doctor is measuring my pregnancy, we wonder if Owen will hold to this pattern and come within a week. Based on my appointment today though, there is no sign he's in a hurry. There was no more progression, which doesn't necessarily mean I won't have him tomorrow, but it seems right now like God is giving him some extra time to grow, which really is best for him. We are somewhat impatient, because I am ready to see his sweet face and have more and more discomfort from carpal tunnel and horrible swelling, but have to remember how temporary all this is. Our goal is to have a healthy baby boy as much as we can contribute to that, so I'm praying for patience and strength to get through these last days or weeks. The average 36 week baby is around 6 pounds, and since Abigail was 6#, 13 oz., and Elijah was 8#, 11 oz., I feel sure Owen would be a decent size at least if he came soon, and that is encouraging.
We are back into the school routine and keeping busy is helping the time go by, as long as I try to give my sore feet a rest every now and then. The nice weather this week has certainly helped too, and we are so grateful for it after temperatures in the teens and 20s for so long this month. James has been off this past week and has been a great help around our home, and we've gotten some projects done outdoors and my Mom came to stay for a day and a half last week, which was also great to help with kids and some cleaning stuff too. The kids' bags are packed, and my clothes are too. I got my iTunes organized into playlists for labor this week, also, so am as ready as I can be. We are just in waiting mode now, and with great anticipation!
Edit: This afternoon James went under our crawlspace to work on wiring for an exterior antenna, and found a water leak. We are glad he can hopefully fix it, and are praying it's not too difficult or time-consuming. We are also glad we're home, not in the hospital, so this didn't go unnoticed for days and days, which would have been costly and much more trouble later on. Another reason perhaps, that this baby hasn't come yet!!
We are back into the school routine and keeping busy is helping the time go by, as long as I try to give my sore feet a rest every now and then. The nice weather this week has certainly helped too, and we are so grateful for it after temperatures in the teens and 20s for so long this month. James has been off this past week and has been a great help around our home, and we've gotten some projects done outdoors and my Mom came to stay for a day and a half last week, which was also great to help with kids and some cleaning stuff too. The kids' bags are packed, and my clothes are too. I got my iTunes organized into playlists for labor this week, also, so am as ready as I can be. We are just in waiting mode now, and with great anticipation!
Edit: This afternoon James went under our crawlspace to work on wiring for an exterior antenna, and found a water leak. We are glad he can hopefully fix it, and are praying it's not too difficult or time-consuming. We are also glad we're home, not in the hospital, so this didn't go unnoticed for days and days, which would have been costly and much more trouble later on. Another reason perhaps, that this baby hasn't come yet!!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
35 weeks
Another simple appointment, with no big changes. I'm now at 70% effaced, still just 1 cm dilated, and O. has dropped a tiny bit, to -3. (Because someone asked - Definition: How far the baby is "down" in the pelvis, measured by the relationship of the fetal head to the ischial spines (sit bones). Measured in negative and positive numbers. -5 is a floating baby, 0 station is said to be engaged in the pelvis, and +5 is crowning).
Dr. McKenzie thinks things are going well, and that we are just waiting. He doesn't expect us to be still waiting in 3 more weeks, which is nice to hear. I feel all right overall, just still struggling with sinus congestion, and sore hands and feet. I can't complain too much about that though! I did ask him about the weird feeling that Owen had dropped the other day, for a couple of hours, then scooted back up into position under my ribcage, on the right side, where he's hung out for a while. He said that is totally possible, and that they can "visit" for a little bit before really dropping for good. I'm glad to hear I wasn't imagining things or crazy. :-)
Dr. McKenzie thinks things are going well, and that we are just waiting. He doesn't expect us to be still waiting in 3 more weeks, which is nice to hear. I feel all right overall, just still struggling with sinus congestion, and sore hands and feet. I can't complain too much about that though! I did ask him about the weird feeling that Owen had dropped the other day, for a couple of hours, then scooted back up into position under my ribcage, on the right side, where he's hung out for a while. He said that is totally possible, and that they can "visit" for a little bit before really dropping for good. I'm glad to hear I wasn't imagining things or crazy. :-)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
34 weeks
My appointment was simple, with no big changes this week. No progression, random Braxton-Hicks, and nothing of concern. My blood pressure is still great, even though I have some considerable swelling in my hands and feet. Dr. Mc felt that all signs are pointing to my body gradually getting ready, which is exactly what he said they'd want with a VBAC candidate. If I was already having to take medication to stop the contractions, or absolutely nothing was happening, he would be less hopeful. But, with my history of going into labor on my own, and with these recent events, he feels like God is working things out well to get us to the point of having Owen naturally and vaginally. We are very encouraged and hopeful that things will keep going this way, and appreciate your prayers too.
His guess is that Owen is going to be an average-sized baby, not as large as Elijah was. He asked my opinion, and I told him I'd said all along he doesn't feel as big as Elijah. We could be surprised, but he is still moving a good bit, and doesn't feel as huge as E did at this point. He is still head-down, so hopefully is in position to stay that way till he comes out. We both feel like I have a bit more time left, since things have settled down so much and he even released me to resume normal activities, unless the ctx kick back in, or I have more pressure that makes me uncomfortable. That was great news with James returning to work tomorrow!
I'm going weekly now for check-ups, so will see him again on Wednesday. I'll update after that!
His guess is that Owen is going to be an average-sized baby, not as large as Elijah was. He asked my opinion, and I told him I'd said all along he doesn't feel as big as Elijah. We could be surprised, but he is still moving a good bit, and doesn't feel as huge as E did at this point. He is still head-down, so hopefully is in position to stay that way till he comes out. We both feel like I have a bit more time left, since things have settled down so much and he even released me to resume normal activities, unless the ctx kick back in, or I have more pressure that makes me uncomfortable. That was great news with James returning to work tomorrow!
I'm going weekly now for check-ups, so will see him again on Wednesday. I'll update after that!
Monday, December 28, 2009
32 weeks
We had a wonderful, happy Christmas week. I hope you did too! It was full of visits with our family, and not stressful, but still pretty busy. Perhaps as a result of being fatigued, Friday night was a miserable evening with Owen kicking, flipping, and flopping for hours without stopping. I slept very little and was exhausted Saturday. Then, starting Saturday afternoon, I had Braxton-Hicks contractions and some lower back pain begin. That lasted well over 16 hours without letting up. I tried drinking even more water than normal (gallons, it seemed like), walked, rested, changed positions, and tried everything I knew to make them stop, finally just getting still on the recliner for 12 or more hours.
Eventually, with Owen strongly reacting before each contraction started, the contractions going from 8-9 minutes apart to 4 -5 consistently, and having had no sleep at all that night, James and I decided to call the doctor. Dr. C. was on call, and encouraged us to come in and be seen in Labor and Delivery to rule out preterm labor. James got back from a flight he was on with work, had his relief come in early, and we had our sweet friend Ronda to help with our children. We went in right at 7:00 Sunday morning where I was monitored for four hours, and checked twice, and then released. The contractions, of course, eventually slowed down, and the back pain got better too. There was some cervical thinning, but no dilation, so I was encouraged to follow up with the doctor today.
I saw Dr. C. this afternoon and had a quick, easy appointment. James met her for the first time, and we are really thankful for a nice female dr., who also seems knowledgeable and reasonable, which I've never had in the past. ;-) We went over the experience yesterday in Labor and Delivery and she was kind and encouraged me to not feel like I over reacted, and told me that they would all prefer I come in whenever concerned, and not wait things out at home. The back pain and over 16 hours of contractions were enough to warrant being checked out, and so she was glad we had come in. She said if that happened again, she would want me to do the same thing. She said we would want them to stop, until I reach 34 weeks. If I came in again, they would send me home with something to head them off in the even the contractions started back with that frequency. After 34 weeks, they would not be concerned and would let labor progress, if that's what it was.
Then, we had a couple of questions for her. James brought up our question regarding the due date, since from the beginning we have felt that I was two weeks farther along than the doctors have. The original due date was Feb. 3, and because we couldn't see a yolk sac on the first ultrasound, and did on the latter one, they adjusted the due date to Feb. 17th. Because of my cycle and when I finally knew for sure I was pregnant, I have been sure that the first date was more accurate. If we are right, then I would actually be 35 weeks on Wednesday, not 33, which is really even more encouraging that if Owen comes relatively soon, he probably is going to be just fine. Having had 2 healthy babies at 36 weeks, I'm really o.k. with him coming somewhere close to that, knowing we may not make it to 40 if I hold to my pattern thus far.
Our other question, because my biggest concern is not wanting to have to juggle the 3 kids we have with also visiting a baby in the NICU, was how the practice decides if a baby is admitted to that unit. Is it based on the baby's actual health, or just some protocol that says a baby born before 36 weeks is automatically admitted, etc? She assured us that they individually evaluated the infants, it wasn't based on just due date alone, and that if he was healthy, holding his temperature, etc. even if he was still small, then he would not need to be admitted. That made me feel much better, since I felt like the due date might be given more weight than it should. Being married to a former NICU nurse, I'm certainly not against those folks or the unit. I just wanted to be encouraged that Owen would go there only if he really needed to.
As far as progress goes, today I was still 50% effaced, and am now 1 cm dilated. She was not concerned, but says it just shows things are beginning to happen, which she would expect for a third pregnancy. However, she said that she felt it would be wise to put me on modified bed rest, to give us a little more time at least, and give Owen as long as possible to grow. There is no reason to want him to rush and be born, so I know that is good advice, though I don't exactly know what the term means. James says it means if I don't have to, don't do it. He gets off Thursday morning for a week, so we should be able to get things done at that point to make final preparation for our littlest boy's arrival. Then, no matter if he comes soon or not, we should be ready. I think yesterday was a good trial run and it helped me mentally focus on some things I want to be sure and remember for when I go to labor and delivery for real!
Please keep praying for us to get ready in every way, and to prepare our children for the new addition to come. I especially would love it if I don't go into labor while James is on a several hours' long flight with work, as he is a lot of the time, so if you think to pray for that, I would appreciate it! We are really hopeful and more at ease now, and know that yesterday our prayers were answered for him to be allowed to stay put a little bit longer. We also ask that God continues to give us peace that He will allow Owen to be born in His perfect timing. We are confident in that and excited he will be here before too long!
Eventually, with Owen strongly reacting before each contraction started, the contractions going from 8-9 minutes apart to 4 -5 consistently, and having had no sleep at all that night, James and I decided to call the doctor. Dr. C. was on call, and encouraged us to come in and be seen in Labor and Delivery to rule out preterm labor. James got back from a flight he was on with work, had his relief come in early, and we had our sweet friend Ronda to help with our children. We went in right at 7:00 Sunday morning where I was monitored for four hours, and checked twice, and then released. The contractions, of course, eventually slowed down, and the back pain got better too. There was some cervical thinning, but no dilation, so I was encouraged to follow up with the doctor today.
I saw Dr. C. this afternoon and had a quick, easy appointment. James met her for the first time, and we are really thankful for a nice female dr., who also seems knowledgeable and reasonable, which I've never had in the past. ;-) We went over the experience yesterday in Labor and Delivery and she was kind and encouraged me to not feel like I over reacted, and told me that they would all prefer I come in whenever concerned, and not wait things out at home. The back pain and over 16 hours of contractions were enough to warrant being checked out, and so she was glad we had come in. She said if that happened again, she would want me to do the same thing. She said we would want them to stop, until I reach 34 weeks. If I came in again, they would send me home with something to head them off in the even the contractions started back with that frequency. After 34 weeks, they would not be concerned and would let labor progress, if that's what it was.
Then, we had a couple of questions for her. James brought up our question regarding the due date, since from the beginning we have felt that I was two weeks farther along than the doctors have. The original due date was Feb. 3, and because we couldn't see a yolk sac on the first ultrasound, and did on the latter one, they adjusted the due date to Feb. 17th. Because of my cycle and when I finally knew for sure I was pregnant, I have been sure that the first date was more accurate. If we are right, then I would actually be 35 weeks on Wednesday, not 33, which is really even more encouraging that if Owen comes relatively soon, he probably is going to be just fine. Having had 2 healthy babies at 36 weeks, I'm really o.k. with him coming somewhere close to that, knowing we may not make it to 40 if I hold to my pattern thus far.
Our other question, because my biggest concern is not wanting to have to juggle the 3 kids we have with also visiting a baby in the NICU, was how the practice decides if a baby is admitted to that unit. Is it based on the baby's actual health, or just some protocol that says a baby born before 36 weeks is automatically admitted, etc? She assured us that they individually evaluated the infants, it wasn't based on just due date alone, and that if he was healthy, holding his temperature, etc. even if he was still small, then he would not need to be admitted. That made me feel much better, since I felt like the due date might be given more weight than it should. Being married to a former NICU nurse, I'm certainly not against those folks or the unit. I just wanted to be encouraged that Owen would go there only if he really needed to.
As far as progress goes, today I was still 50% effaced, and am now 1 cm dilated. She was not concerned, but says it just shows things are beginning to happen, which she would expect for a third pregnancy. However, she said that she felt it would be wise to put me on modified bed rest, to give us a little more time at least, and give Owen as long as possible to grow. There is no reason to want him to rush and be born, so I know that is good advice, though I don't exactly know what the term means. James says it means if I don't have to, don't do it. He gets off Thursday morning for a week, so we should be able to get things done at that point to make final preparation for our littlest boy's arrival. Then, no matter if he comes soon or not, we should be ready. I think yesterday was a good trial run and it helped me mentally focus on some things I want to be sure and remember for when I go to labor and delivery for real!
Please keep praying for us to get ready in every way, and to prepare our children for the new addition to come. I especially would love it if I don't go into labor while James is on a several hours' long flight with work, as he is a lot of the time, so if you think to pray for that, I would appreciate it! We are really hopeful and more at ease now, and know that yesterday our prayers were answered for him to be allowed to stay put a little bit longer. We also ask that God continues to give us peace that He will allow Owen to be born in His perfect timing. We are confident in that and excited he will be here before too long!
Friday, December 18, 2009
31 weeks
I had an encouraging appointment today. After feeling some pressure off and on lately, I have been a little concerned that Owen was getting ready to come too soon. Dr. C. confirmed that he is currently in position with his head down, but then checked and said nothing else is going on. I'm so relieved, and can enjoy Christmas without thinking that I may go into labor at any time. We are looking forward to celebrating with family, and I sure wasn't wanting to be on bedrest, so am very thankful. He is a wiggly boy, and I'm still having a good many Braxton-Hicks contractions too, but feel good most of the time. I am having a little swelling and pain in my feet, but compared to the months I suffered with that during Elijah's pregnancy, I am really not doing bad at all. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas season, and enjoy time with your family as well!
Monday, November 30, 2009
28 weeks
I am so amazed at all that's happened in the weeks since my last post. Sweet Owen is still growing and doing well, and life is moving quickly by. We have been through a hard month, as James' sweet dad, Pop, died on November 3rd, very suddenly. It's been an encouraging blessing to be able to focus on new life to come, while mourning a loss. We miss Pop every day, and one of the saddest things about his death is knowing how much he loved his family and wanted to see this newest grandson. We feel it's only proper and honorable to give our little boy his Pop's name, so he is officially going to be Owen Thomas Vines.
My last appointments with the doctors in my practice have gone well. Today was the glucose tolerance test, which I passed with a 123. My feet have started swelling more, just this past week, and feel achey, but my blood pressure was 106/62, so there is no problem there. Each doctor in the practice has quickly agreed to support me in a VBAC, and the last two have also encouraged me to not be surprised if Owen comes early, since Abigail and Elijah came about a month sooner than we expected. We are planning to be ready in case he follows their examples, and don't want to be surprised again! He may hang around till his due date in February, but we know after Christmas, that will still be here very soon! It makes these last weeks go by even quicker, with all the festivities and Elijah's birthday on December 15th as well. I can hardly believe we are in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Owen is probably around 2.5 pounds now, and he is very active. He flops and kicks a ton, and sometimes prefers my right side like his big brother did. Recently he's started curving around on that side and my belly looks deformed and funny when he does! He sure noticed when I took the glucose this morning, and was kicking and wiggling up a storm. Isaac and Abigail hug my belly and talk to him multiple times a day, and are still so excited to have another baby on the way. Elijah seems happy about it too, kissing my belly often, even pulling my shirt up enough so that he can lay with his face right on my belly button when he loves on "baby O." It is so precious to see how they each connect to this new little brother. I'm so thankful.
We met with our doula last week, and are anticipating her wonderful help and experience to be a great asset as I pursue a natural childbirth with Owen. We desired to have a natural birth with Elijah, but had no control over the placental abruption, and c-section that resulted and was the safest and only option at that time. I was telling a friend that the surprise of this pregnancy in many ways feels so surreal, and also like an opportunity to redeem that hope I felt I had to give up on when Elijah's birth was so uncontrolled and actually scary. I'm really looking forward to being able to experience this baby's entry to the world in a very different way than my two previous deliveries. Rachel has already been a blessing to us, and I think God will really use her at such a special time for our family. We'd appreciate your prayers for things to go smoothly, for the hospital staff to be cooperative and helpful, and for God to be honored in our actions. We treasure each moment of the pregnancy, and want to do the same throughout this little one's life, especially as he journeys to breathe his first moments outside his Mama!
My last appointments with the doctors in my practice have gone well. Today was the glucose tolerance test, which I passed with a 123. My feet have started swelling more, just this past week, and feel achey, but my blood pressure was 106/62, so there is no problem there. Each doctor in the practice has quickly agreed to support me in a VBAC, and the last two have also encouraged me to not be surprised if Owen comes early, since Abigail and Elijah came about a month sooner than we expected. We are planning to be ready in case he follows their examples, and don't want to be surprised again! He may hang around till his due date in February, but we know after Christmas, that will still be here very soon! It makes these last weeks go by even quicker, with all the festivities and Elijah's birthday on December 15th as well. I can hardly believe we are in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Owen is probably around 2.5 pounds now, and he is very active. He flops and kicks a ton, and sometimes prefers my right side like his big brother did. Recently he's started curving around on that side and my belly looks deformed and funny when he does! He sure noticed when I took the glucose this morning, and was kicking and wiggling up a storm. Isaac and Abigail hug my belly and talk to him multiple times a day, and are still so excited to have another baby on the way. Elijah seems happy about it too, kissing my belly often, even pulling my shirt up enough so that he can lay with his face right on my belly button when he loves on "baby O." It is so precious to see how they each connect to this new little brother. I'm so thankful.
We met with our doula last week, and are anticipating her wonderful help and experience to be a great asset as I pursue a natural childbirth with Owen. We desired to have a natural birth with Elijah, but had no control over the placental abruption, and c-section that resulted and was the safest and only option at that time. I was telling a friend that the surprise of this pregnancy in many ways feels so surreal, and also like an opportunity to redeem that hope I felt I had to give up on when Elijah's birth was so uncontrolled and actually scary. I'm really looking forward to being able to experience this baby's entry to the world in a very different way than my two previous deliveries. Rachel has already been a blessing to us, and I think God will really use her at such a special time for our family. We'd appreciate your prayers for things to go smoothly, for the hospital staff to be cooperative and helpful, and for God to be honored in our actions. We treasure each moment of the pregnancy, and want to do the same throughout this little one's life, especially as he journeys to breathe his first moments outside his Mama!
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