1/27/2009 OB appiontment

I was having contractions last night, but they eased up this morning. I had none while I was at the doctors office. They waited till after I left!

The doctor said she thinks I will make it about another week. There is no change in my cervix or in station. I am still completely effaced and 1 maybe 1.5 cm. I have been that way for like 3 weeks now..well the effacement has changed over time, but that is it.

We did schedule the c-section though. If she does not come early (which the doc thinks she will) then I am scheduled for 7 am on Feb 13th..yes Friday the 13th. She would have scheduled the c-section earlier, but the hospital would not let her. The hospital is on a no scheduled c-sections before 39 weeks kick. I will be 39 weeks on the 12th, but there are no available spaces that day.

Oh well, if she comes early I will just hurry on in!

Today we went to build a bear

We went to build a bear today so Savannah and Ian could make an animal for Caroline. They chose a lop ear bunny. Here are some pictures of our "adventure". Savannah named the bunny BunnyBunny Pictures of the bunny will come when Caroline comes!


They are not the best pictures because there was a party going on and the kids were very interested in it.

Here are some of them picking out the hearts and stuffing the bunny. The last pictures are of Savannah giving the bunny a "bath". For those who have never been to build a bear they have a bath station that shoots air out and lets the kids "wash" the bear.

Frustrations with Ian's Big Boy Bed..

Well I have the adorable bedding I want to do his room in. I plan on painting his letters to put his name on his wall soon (in dalmatian colors to match the fire truck theme. Sounds great right...

Well it would be, that is IF we had a bed. The bed, mattress and box springs were ordered and paid for in full on Black Friday during a sale they had at the Turkey Creek Ashley Furniture location. (You can see pictures of the bed in a previous blog) We were told that the bed would be here in 3-6 weeks. After the 6 weeks I started calling and was told that "they were running behind". A few days later the store was closed for inventory. Everyone keeps getting the run around. Every time you call you are given a new date as to when they will know. The latest I heard today was that the store would reopen on Monday morning at 10 am and that they would know more then. This is so unacceptable. They SAY Ashley Furniture corporate offices have taken over and are fixing it. I certainly hope so..but my faith that we will ever see the bed or the money that was paid for it is wearing thin after all this time. It is a really big story right now in Knoxville as it affects many people. I am including some links so you can see what is going on..well as much as anyone can tell what is going on..

http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=9659340

http://www.wate.com/global/story.asp?s=9566419

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/jan/22/ashley-furniture-needs-new-owner/

http://blogs.knoxnews.com/knx/harrington/2009/01/ashley_furniture_closed_indefi.html

http://www.farragutpress.com/articles/2009/01/9861.html

Appointment 1/23/09

Today at my appointment I was dehydrated and had ketones in my urine, but after they made me drink 3 glasses of water they went away. I am supposed to keep forcing fluids.


I had one HUGE contraction on the monitor (yes it hurt) and a bunch of little ones. They said my uterus is definitely irritable. However, they said complete bed rest now isn't necessary anymore because my more recent tests and babies size and all indicate I am 37 weeks possibly instead of 36. (36 is if you go by my first ultrasound..but then I had a SCH and other problems as well. They also said it probably would not do any good anyway, I am going to have this baby anytime now. They do want me to stay off work for that reason and because of strain..it is a 3rd c-section so there is always the chance of my old scars rupturing (one of my biggest worries).

No change in my cervix even though off the monitor I have had several of those BIG contractions..but even with DD (whom I labored with but still had a c-sec I did not really dilate till after my water broke, then I dilated quickly)

Baby seems to have moved up some instead of down..again she is just like her sister..Boy are we in for it!

John is flying back in today so that will take some worries off me. The big one being going into labor without him and having to do it by myself. I really need him here. I'll leave in an hour or so to go get him. he should actually be in the air right now..or actually he may be trying to make his connection in Atlanta.

Anyways, please pray for his flight to be safe and baby Caroline to hold out till he gets here!

Doctors Appointment 1/20/2009

Well..I am still 1 cm dilated. I am 75% effaced. The baby has dropped a little further..kind of in between +1 and +2 station. (Here is a link to anyone who is interested in what that means http://catalog.nucleusinc.com/generateexhibit.php?ID=8391 )

They still have not let me schedule the c-section date for 1 reasons..I will not be 36 weeks officially until Thursday and the doctor is out of town. However, best bets are that if she does not have plans on her own before then it will be Feb 12th. However, that is not an official date. The NP I saw today doubts I will make it that far..she is even a little doubtful I will make it another week. We'll have to see. I am more progressed with this one than I was with either of my other two..including Savannah when my water broke. It just goes to show you never know..babies have their own agenda!

My little photographer

When I was uploading the picnic pictures onto the computer, I found these as well. Apparently at some point Savannah has gotten a hold of my camera and took some pictures. I think I may have an abstract photographer on my hands! :)

Just had to share these pictures

After the kids ate their real supper tonight, Savannah decided it would be fun to have a "picnic". She got out the bin of plastic foods and her and Ian went to work. They made this lovely picnic for themselves. The "table cloth" is actually a blanket :)

It is just great to see them playing together so well. They were being so good and so kind to each other. I just had to share how precious they are being right now!

I tried to get a solo picture of Savannah smiling at the camera..but I just got blurry pictures of her squinting her eyes and kind of "jumping" in the seat..maybe later!

























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Update

I had another appointment on Friday. There was no change. I am still contracting, but not as much. My heart rate is still high, but given I am stressed I suppose that is somewhat expected. However, I do need to relax because it is still not the best thing.

I can feel that since I am taking it easier there are less contractions - but they are still there. I have a few that wake me up at night. However, they are by no means regular yet. I usually have about 6-8 during waking hours (mostly when I am having to do something physical). I usually have 3-4 at night that wake me up. However, they have no pattern to them whatsoever. They can last anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of minutes. I have the painless tightening (Braxton Hicks) thrown in some places as well.

There is a lot of pressure from the baby, which still makes it hard to walk at times. She is very active though, so I am glad for that. She seems very healthy. She is quite the rolly-polly. Watching my belly is funny. It looks like she is dancing in there! She just needs to hang in a little longer. I know she is running out of space, but I still have about a week and a half till she is considered "term". I would also like for John to be able to be home. I will pick him up at the airport Friday. It feels good to be able to say "Friday" and not "next Friday" or "the 23rd". I will be so glad to have him home!

Yesterday my friend, Racheal, came over and helped me with the house and kids. It was really appreciated. She did not think it was much - but it was to me. Just like the ladies from church bringing food. I know when you make food and take it to someone, to you it seems like just a little thing to do - but to the person who is sick or otherwise not in a position to easily do it themselves it means SO MUCH.

Savannah is very excited about Caroline's arrival. She'll tell anyone who will listen about it. She walks up to people in stores, she'll tell the mailman if they have to come to the door, she''' even tell the pizza man. She never calls her Caroline though..she only calls her "Baby Caroline". If anyone refers to the baby as Caroline, she corrects them and makes them say "Baby Caroline". She is regressing a little though - but I think that has more to do with John being gone for a couple of weeks. She loves attention and so when there is just me to give the attention, she tends to do baby-like things to ensure she gets more of it. She does it every time he has to leave. Of course, she does not reliably sleep through the night, but she never has. It is kind of strange I suppose, people think Ian would be the one to cause me to lose sleep..but he takes naps and sleeps 12 hour nights..Savannah is my non-sleeper. I think she is scared to death she will miss something.

Ian is still pretty clueless about what is happening, I believe. I think he senses something is going on. (He is VERY protective of me. He does not want to let me out of his sight.) Up until a few days ago we could not get him to look at a baby. The other day though, one at daycare caught his attention and he stared at her a bit. It is a start anyway. He is also beginning to love on one of Savannah's dolls. I think that is also a good thing. I am not sure how he will deal with not being the baby anymore. He likes being the baby, but don't they all. I guess we'll just have to see. We are not going to start potty training till the summer though. I do not see that it would do much good to start now, and I do not think he is ready anyway. Savannah was almost 3 before she got the hang of it, and he just turned 2 a couple of weeks ago.

Well, that is all the news for now. My next appointment is on Tuesday and I SHOULD be able to schedule the c-section then. I think she may come before they will schedule it..but still it is nice to have a no-later-than eviction date!

Doctors Appointment Today

Well, they had SAID last week they could schedule me this week. However, the hospital won't do it till next week. The doc has tried. So soon I will know...but not yet. (If I even make it to 39 weeks which I do not see happening at this point)

It was an eventful appointment though. I have been uncomfortable (even more than usual) for about a week. In some ways I felt like I did right before my water broke with Savannah. (I denied being in labor until it broke with her). They checked me and sure enough I am 1 cm dilated and effaced. That is further along than I was with Savannah at my appointment 2 days before my water broke. Also during the exam she could feel Caroline's head! That explains the pressure that is making it increasingly difficult to walk. They hooked me up to the baby monitor. I am contracting, but they are still irregular at this point, so I do not have to be in the hospital yet. My heart rate is really high - even higher than Caroline's..so that is also a concern. (I attribute that to the amount of stress I am under though) They made another appointment for Friday at 0915. They also said no more working..I am done and I am on bed rest. (Well as much bed rest as I can be on considering I have 2 kids). My friend Rachel is coming over Sat to help though and I can take the kiddos to daycare during the week. John will be back a week from Friday (the 23rd). I am really hoping she can hold off until then! I am a little scared though. I don't think anyone wants to go through it without their husband and I know he does not want to miss it either.

Just everyone please keep us in your prayers that she hangs in there a little longer. I don't mean just so John can be here..that is important to us. However, I am only 35 weeks, so at this point she is still too early. The survival rate is about 100% at this point, but the baby can end up in the NICU because of immature lung development. Full term is considered anytime between 37-42 weeks. I would at least like to make it to 37 weeks!

Nesting Instinct...

There is nothing like the nesting instinct. I am so tired, especially since Savannah refuses to sleep. However, I have this "insane" need to scrub everything. I also keep doing laundry, including washing all the sheets and comforters. I guess our bedroom is getting neglected..but the rest of the house is getting super cleaned. I also have packed the bag for the baby (to take to the hospital - I am one of those moms that insists on dressing up the baby at the hospital). I am working on my bag. I even got some new pajamas for the occasion.

I will just be glad when Ian's new bed finally gets here so I can finish the nursery!

However, regardless to my "insane" need to get everything done..I really hope Caroline can hold off till John gets home!!!!

A Newborn's Conversation With God

This one has been a favorite of mine since I was pregnant with Savannah. I can't believe it has been a little over 5 years since I was pregnant with my first child, and now I am awaiting what is supposed to be our last child. (By supposed to be, I mean we have made the decision for me to get my tubes tied to prevent future pregnancies. However, I am aware that even that is not 100% foolproof, but it is about as close as you can get.) I think the poem could also be changed to say "dad" in place of, or in addition to mom since dad do (or are supposed to do) all the same things. I know John does and that he is a good daddy!


NEWBORNS CONVERSATION WITH GOD

A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are
sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to
live there being so small and helpless?' God said,
'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take
care of you.'

The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in
heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and
smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing
for you and will also smile for you . And you will
feel your angel's love and be very happy.'

Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be
able to understand when people talk to me if I don't
know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell
you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and
with much patience and care, your angel will teach
you how to speak.'

'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to
you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands
together and will teach you how to pray.'

'Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will
defend you even if it means risking its life.'

'But I will always be sad because I will not see
you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always
talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to
come back to Me, even though I will always be next
to you.'

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but
voices from Earth could be heard and the child
hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please
tell me my angel's name.'

God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom

baby Eviction notice..

I have seen this several different places on the web, including a bulletin board I post on from time to time. I guess she has about 32 days instead of 30..but still it is cute!



I am issuing 30 day notice for EVICTION. Tenant will have 30 days in which she can either gather her belongings and promptly vacate the premises, or wait until the final day. After which, she will be physically removed from the property.

She's being evicted due to breech of contract and destruction of property. Expansions only to the FRONT of the house, within reasonable limits, were discussed. Not only have these limits been exceeded, but additions to the back of the house were also made!

Remodeling and gutting of the home was never approved, nor was changing the initial layout and base structure. And due to property damage, there are now leaks in both the upper AND lower levels of the home. On top of which, the landlord has received numerous complaints about nightly disturbances.

After 30 days from this day that she doesn’t comply with the notice will result in immediate and forceful removal at my discretion.

Today's ramblings..

John is in Omaha until the 23rd. He is there for some of his military training. We are missing him here. Especially me..2 kids, working and 35 weeks pregnant is not the best combination to be tackling by yourself! However, the people from church have been great. They are bringing us food every few days. As any mom knows..that helps SOOOO much! Especially when I am working all day and then going to get the kiddos..to not have to cook the second I get home is great!

Now, if we could just get Savannah to sleep! She still thinks 2-4 hours of sleep total in a day and night is more than enough. Well, maybe it is for her..but not so much for me. No, she will not play quietly by herself or even watch TV by herself. She still feels the need to make sure I am awake too.

She is so excited about Caroline coming. I am just wondering if she will still be as excited after Caroline gets home. I am still not sure she fully realizes that Caroline is going to take some attention off of her.

I am going to add a couple more posts. I am keeping them separate to keep one post from being super long...but they are just some cute things people have either sent me in an email, or I saw somewhere online about pregnancy since that is obviously very much on my mind at this time!

Today's Doctor Appointment and more Savannahisms

I will start with today's appointment. Today was the 35 week appointment. It went well. I am still measuring right on target. I have my next appointment a week from today. It will be when they schedule my c-section. This time next week I will know when Caroline is being born!!! (That is unless she decides to make an early appearance) Next week is when I will be closing the baby pool. If you have not voted yet I am including a link to it. It is for the baby book!!! You do not have to put in your email address to make the guess..you can just type your info in.




I also thought I would include some of the things Savannah has said lately. She is something else.

We have been trying to teach her to say "In Jesus Name, Amen". For a long time she just said "Amen". We have tried to explain to her that Jesus is our mediator to God because He is God's son and He came to Earth. Well, the other day she said "In God's name, Amen". We told her that was closer, but she really should say Jesus since He helps us talk to God. She said "Oh, no MommyDaddy (she runs the names together to form one word that seems to work for her to mean parental unit) I can talk to God all by myself. he listens to me directly." Aside from being amazed yet again at my 4 year olds vocabulary...We still got a laugh from this.


I also think I am going to have to work on her respect for my privacy. We have been reading books to her about what happens when a baby comes home to try and prepare her. She was only 2 when Ian was born and does not remember a lot about it. We juat wanted to make sure she realizes that Caroline is not an instant playmate that can run around with her, but that she would need to grow into that. She also had made comments about Caroline being born around Valentine's Day and how she would share her candy with the baby. We then explained more about how new babies eat. Well, she did understand..maybe a little too well. Now she will randomly tell people, whether we know them or not, "There is a baby in my mommy's tummy. Her come out soon..then her eat milk from Mommy's BooBoobbies. I a big girl. I eats real food." Yeah, I turn red as do some of the people she says this too..oh well, at least she gets it!

Ian is still oblivious to babies. I can not get him to be the least bit interested in them..so we shall see.

Still working on the nursery. I hope to post pictures soon!