34 Week Check-Up

I had my routine baby appointment today and thankfully everything continues to go well. My blood pressure was perfect, as usual. My belly was measuring fine. And the best part is they haven't once mentioned my weight gain! (With Tennyson I got a mini-lecture at what seemed like every appt). I do love sporting a pregnant belly, except for the times it gets (ahem) in the way. Haha!

At my last appointment I sat down and talked to Dr. Aamodt in-depth about doing a VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean). All along that has been my plan and I knew either way there is an increased risk (however slight) with a vaginal birth or another c-section. They gave me a consent/waiver form about doing a VBAC some months ago, so we went over that point by point, which was very helpful. Some of it was encourgaging (like 70%+ of women go on to have successful vaginal births post c-section) and some of it was not so encouraging (like RMH does not have an anaesthesiologist there 24/7 should something go wrong and therefore does not condone VBACs).

Today I left feeling a little more discouraged because I really wanted as little medical intervention as possible with this baby, but since I have had a c-section I HAVE to have an IV and I HAVE to have a monitor. The good news I can still walk around, theoretically. I realize all this is subjective and since I was 8cm by the time I got to RMH last time this little guy will mostly likely come pretty fast.

So basically my plan is to just pray about this whole baby-birthing experience. I realize no matter how it goes the MOST important thing is not HOW he's born but that he (and I) are healthy and safe when it's all over. I wanted to share the main prayer points I have on my heart should you feel so inclined to pray them for me and Baby Boy as well:

1) Pray that the baby will go head down. He's obviously not in position as of yet because he's still rocking rolling in there......alot!
2) Pray that he doesn't weigh too much. Since Tennyson was 8 lbs. 2 oz. at less than 36 weeks Dr. A wants to do another u/s at 36 weeks to check on his weight. If he does weigh a lot (9-10 lbs.) this may prompt the need for another c-section due to the risk of rupture.
3) Pray that I go in to labor on a day Tom is home from Harper's Ferry, or at least that it happens early/late enough in the day that it's not an issue.
4) Pray that my sister can get here quickly to take care of Tennyson.
5) Pray that the baby doesn't come too quickly and specifically that my water will break after I get to the hospital.
6) Pray that I am able to successfully do a VBAC.
7) But most of all, pray that Baby Boy is healthy!

There are many more specifics I am praying will fall into place, like which doctor is on-call, the nursing staff, that my doula gets there in plenty of time, and that breastfeeding will go better than it did with Tennyson.

Lord, just give me peace as I await the birth. Give Tom and I the wisdom to make the best decisions possible regarding our baby's birth. And we are believing that you will answer all our prayer requests AND MORE!

What a Goofy Boy!

Tennyson now says a few new funny things that I don't want to forget. If only I could remember to grab the video camera .....I really need to get better about that!

~Anytime Tennyson hears anything electrical (the air conditioner, the ice maker, the washing machine, etc.) his eyes get huge and he makes this surpristed "O" with his mouth and whispers "It's on" or "It's off" accordingly.

~If you ask Tennyson if he did something, like "did you build a tower" or "did you eat your yogurt", he'll say, "Yeah, I did!" But it sounds like one word - "YeahIdit!" Haha!

~Also if he hears something and he's not exactly sure what it is he'll ask, "What's 'at?" Of course, it also sounds like one word, which makes it even funnier, and he completes it with the surprised expression. Classic!

~This past Saturday his cup tumbled off the couch and Tennyson gives this fake laugh (another cute thing he does) and says, "Fuuunnny." Tom said Tennyson did it again yesterday about something. It's great that he's starting to find the sense of humor in the little things!

Those are all the funny new things our little guy says. I am trying to stay caught up, but it's hard at this age. It's such a blessing to see what makes him laugh and that he enjoys making Mommy and Daddy laugh, too!

Tasty Tuesday ~ Ham-Swiss Ring Around

HAM-SWISS RING AROUND

This is a recipe that my mother makes, but I have no idea where it came from originally. It looks at lot more complicated than it is. So don't be afraid to try it! It's definitely a family favorite!

Ingredients:
1 cup broccoli florets
1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
2 Tbsp onion, finely chopped
2 tsp mustard
1 Tbsp butter, softened
1 tsp lemon juice
3/4 cup (3 oz.) swiss cheese, grated
1 can Hormel chunk ham, drained
1 8 oz. can crescent rolls
Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup)

How to Make It:

1) Cook and drain broccoli. Mix parsley, onion, mustard, butter, and lemon juice.
2) Add cheese, broccoli, and ham. Mix lightly. Set aside.
3) Separate rolls on well-greased cookie sheet. Arrange triangles with the points outside, overlapping the base a little bit.

4) Spoon filling evenly around the base.


5) Fold points over top and tuck under bases. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6) Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.