It's hard to believe I am 32 weeks along today and that I am at the point where I'll be going to the doctor every 2 weeks! I don't know where the time has gone, although I think it has a lot to do with me chasing around a very active little boy this time around. I was telling Tom it's interesting how different my pregnancies have been. Thankfully, with this baby I haven't had as much heartburn, and I am carrying so differently. With Tennyson I gained a lot more weight and it was all over, but with baby #2 I just have a "ball" out in front. And my cravings are totally different than what I had with Tennyson. It's mostly been fruits and veggies with this baby. I guess it proves you can't assume you are carrying a certain gender when you can have 2 of the same and your pregnancies be completely different. (Besides I've heard that from just about every mom I know.)
Mentally I am preparing myself for this little guy's arrival in 4 weeks since Tennyson came at 35 weeks and 5 days. (Which means, of course, that'll I'll go to 39 weeks. Haha!) But it would be so great if he were born early, so long as he's healthy, because I am due the very first day of school, August 24th. Can you believe it?! What timing! It was great having Tom home for 3 weeks after Tennyson was born, so we're hoping for the same with this baby.
In other developments I have been having a horrible time getting to sleep and staying asleep the past few weeks. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to correlate with whether I take a nap or not, but a lot of time I have trouble falling back asleep (after one of my many trips to the bathroom) because Baby Boy is doing sumersaults and kung-fu in my belly ! I tell you what, if he's this active outside the womb we're going to have one crazy, fun household! The past few days he's been turning over and rolling from side-to-side in there, and I have to say, it gets a little uncomfortable. But I am thankful I have plenty of room in there and don't have the shortness of breath or feet in the ribs that most other pregnant women have. There's something good about being 6 feet tall, huh?
So that's the update on Baby Boy Bates for now. I go to the doctor tomorrow for my 32 week check-up. Should be pretty routine: weight, blood pressure, belly measurement, heartbeat check, and Q&As. Of course the best part is hearing his heart beating. *sigh* Such a sweet sound.
Showing posts with label Baby Bates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Baby Bates. Show all posts
Monday, June 29, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
A Trip to UVA (And Finally the Ultrasound Photos!)
As mentioned in the "Big Announcement" post the ultrasound tech had detected a white spot on our little guy's heart during the 20-week ultrasound, so the doctor gave us the option to go to UVA to get a specialist to examine it. Mostly they were concerned about the risk of Down's and, there was no way we were going wait til the birth to make sure he was okay. Unfortunately, the soonest they would do it was at 22-weeks, and I assure you that is an eternity when you're worried about your child.
I know all of you reading this were faithful in praying for us during those incredibly long two weeks, and for that we can't thank you enough. Even though we were scared and worried we still felt the love and prayers! I can't imagine how rough it would have been on us without all your prayers and words of encouragement!
So yes, God answered our prayers, ALL our prayers! To know that we were having a healthy baby was an indescribable relief and we were renewed with joy and excitement over welcoming Baby Boy Bates into our home in just a few short months! (During those two weeks we kind of felt like we were just going through our day and couldn't think of anything but the potential problem.)
Finally here are photos from the 20-week ultrasound. Unfortunately, we didn't come home with any great photos from UVA. (In fact, my doctor's office had a much better machine than than they did.)
Just look at how cute he is!
Thank you, Lord, for this precious, healthy baby boy! We can't wait to meet him!
I know all of you reading this were faithful in praying for us during those incredibly long two weeks, and for that we can't thank you enough. Even though we were scared and worried we still felt the love and prayers! I can't imagine how rough it would have been on us without all your prayers and words of encouragement!
It's hard to believe it's only been a little over a week since we went to UVA to get another ultrasound for Baby Bates. Here's the (somewhat brief) story of how things went. I put Tennyson down for a nap and once my sister came over and Tom got home, we regrouped and Tom and I headed over to Charlottesville. Originally I was dreading the long ride there, thinking I would surely have an emotional break down on the way, but we both felt at peace. Arriving at UVA without incident (and with time to spare) we parked, registered at the OB ultrasound desk on the 8th floor, and waited and waited and waited for them to call my name. Okay, so I was definitely getting nervous then. Knowing all that NOT knowing was coming to an end.
The ultrasonographer finally came and got us. (I think we only sat in the waiting room for 25 minutes but again it seemed like forever!) She was nice, though lacking an interesting personality. She proceeded to measure and get photos of everything on the baby. She looked at his brain, kidneys, stomach, face, and spent lots of time trying to get photos of his heart, including the arteries. She measured his fingers, skull, arm bones, leg bones, etc. Tom and I were very quiet during these 30 minutes or so. Though she explained what she was doing we weren't sure why or if what she was seeing was good or bad. But we soon realized she was strictly there to get the proper photos and measurements and the doctor would explain everything to us.
When the doctor came in we felt much more at ease. I am just trying to set the picture (and document for memory's sake), but she was a big, black woman with some sort of Carribean accent and was as nice as she could possibly be. (Thank you Lord for giving us someone who was compassionate and sincere!) She also brought an intern with her for observation, but it was fine. She proceeded to tell me about the risk of having a Down's baby with that "marker" in the baby's heart and for someone my age (30) was about 1/658. (The risk of Down's goes up with the mother's age and has nothing to do with the father's.) If she didn't see that spot she could reduce the odds by 80%. The only way to know for sure if he had a problem was to do an amniocentisis, something I knew I was not willing to do even before we went to UVA. And once she said the risk of miscarriage with an amnio was 1/270 we all agreed it wasn't an option.
When the doctor came in we felt much more at ease. I am just trying to set the picture (and document for memory's sake), but she was a big, black woman with some sort of Carribean accent and was as nice as she could possibly be. (Thank you Lord for giving us someone who was compassionate and sincere!) She also brought an intern with her for observation, but it was fine. She proceeded to tell me about the risk of having a Down's baby with that "marker" in the baby's heart and for someone my age (30) was about 1/658. (The risk of Down's goes up with the mother's age and has nothing to do with the father's.) If she didn't see that spot she could reduce the odds by 80%. The only way to know for sure if he had a problem was to do an amniocentisis, something I knew I was not willing to do even before we went to UVA. And once she said the risk of miscarriage with an amnio was 1/270 we all agreed it wasn't an option.
Tom later said while she was telling us all this he was thinking, "Bottom line it for me." And I was kinda thinking the same thing. I just wanted her to lay it all out and tell us what she saw. She explained the different markers for Down's: short legs/limbs growing slower than the rest of the baby, crooked pinkie finger, no/under development nasal bone, abnormal sized kidneys, club feet, a gap between the first and second toe, tongue hanging out, and issues with the pulmonary arteries in the heart. As she went over each one she then said our baby had NO issues with ANY of them, just that "spot" on his heart, which is essentially a calcium deposit. She said about 8% of people have it and it's no big deal. What an amazing feeling to have such a heavy burden suddenly lifted off us!!!
So yes, God answered our prayers, ALL our prayers! To know that we were having a healthy baby was an indescribable relief and we were renewed with joy and excitement over welcoming Baby Boy Bates into our home in just a few short months! (During those two weeks we kind of felt like we were just going through our day and couldn't think of anything but the potential problem.)
Finally here are photos from the 20-week ultrasound. Unfortunately, we didn't come home with any great photos from UVA. (In fact, my doctor's office had a much better machine than than they did.)
His sweet profile
It's definitely a boy! He was proud to show it off!
(That made his Daddy proud too! Hee hee)
(That made his Daddy proud too! Hee hee)
Just look at how cute he is!
This is how he stayed for a lot of the ulrasound - with feet and arms up over his head!
Thank you, Lord, for this precious, healthy baby boy! We can't wait to meet him!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The BIG Announcement and an Urgent Request for Prayer
Last Thursday was the day, the big day, when we went for that 20-week ultrasound (and my 4th for this pregnancy)! We put Tennyson down for a nap, left him with my sister-in-law, Hannah, and headed out to the doctor's office. It was especially exciting because we had invited my parents to come along. Since my youngest sibling is 20 years old, I figured my parents would love to see how much ultrasound technology has changed and what a fun way to tell them what their next grandchild would be.
The ultrasound went well, and since I drank a soda on the way there the baby was very active! The ultrasonographer asked if we were finding out what we were having and we confirmed that we were. Well, she had literally just put the probe on my belly and said..........
IT'S A BOY!!!!!
Apparently he was more than happy to show it off! Hahaha!!! Of course, Tom and I could not have been more excited! It's SO great that Tennyson and his little brother will be almost exactly 2 years apart and they will share that special bond as they go through life together. Aside from it simplifying things (clothes, long-term living arrangement, etc.) it will be so nice to say "the boys" instead of "the kids." We would have been fine either way, but we are beyond thrilled that Tennyson will have a little brother!!!
The little guy has his arms AND his feet over his head most of the time, so that made it difficult for her to get some great shots of his face. The most adorable part was when he yawned and we could see his little tongue moving! AMAZING! He also tried his best to suck his toes!!! What a personality already! We saw his little heart beating away, his fingers, his 1o little toes, and his sweet little face. I laid there crying, thinking about what an amazing gift we'd been given in this baby boy.
Once the ultrasound was over and my parents went on their way we went for the routine doctor's visit. Of course, since we waited a few minutes we made a few hurried phone calls to share the big news! The doctor came in and said that everything looked fine, but..... (Now at this one little word my heart jumped into my throat.) "there was one little problem." A little problem!!!! Are you kidding me?! When it comes to my unborn baby no problem could possibly be "little." I looked at Tom sitting across the room and looked back at her, waiting, waiting for what she would say next. She proceeded to tell us that there was a white spot on his heart. That it could mean nothing or it could mean a chromosomal problem, such as Down's. She assured us that everything else looked fine, and that it was just that one issue, but still my heart was breaking. I don't know HOW I kept it together. She didn't make it sound urgent, by any means, but offered us the chance to go to UVA and get a more in-depth ultrasound, which I immediately responded that I wanted to do that.
While we waited for the girl who coordinates all the UVA appointments I broke down in the hallway and then again after we left the office. (Later that day they did call to confirm the appointment. We have to wait TWO weeks because they don't do the type of ultrasound we need until 22 weeks.) I spent most of Thursday crying and Friday in shock. Today was the first day I started to feel somewhat hopeful that everything was going to be okay. I know we serve a big God, an Almighty God, a God who can do ALL things, but I am still human. I am worried sick about my precious baby boy. I am trying to trust, but still find myself saying, "But what if he's not alright?"
So I am asking for anyone reading this to please pray. Please pray first and foremost for our little one. That he is okay and that the spot is GONE when we go to UVA. And pray for peace for Tom and I. Tom is "handling" it better than me. The blessings of a calmer, and perhaps more trusting in our God, husband. We will keep you all posted, but won't know anything until April 23rd. Thank you in advance for your prayers!
As I sit here typing I feel his strong kicks within me, and I like to think he's telling me, "It's okay, Mommy, I'm fine."
Psalm 139
13 For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
AMEN.
PS- For all you on Facebook, please do not comment on our baby's gender, as Tom wants to tell his fellow teachers when school is back on Tuesday. Thank you!
The ultrasound went well, and since I drank a soda on the way there the baby was very active! The ultrasonographer asked if we were finding out what we were having and we confirmed that we were. Well, she had literally just put the probe on my belly and said..........
IT'S A BOY!!!!!
The little guy has his arms AND his feet over his head most of the time, so that made it difficult for her to get some great shots of his face. The most adorable part was when he yawned and we could see his little tongue moving! AMAZING! He also tried his best to suck his toes!!! What a personality already! We saw his little heart beating away, his fingers, his 1o little toes, and his sweet little face. I laid there crying, thinking about what an amazing gift we'd been given in this baby boy.
Once the ultrasound was over and my parents went on their way we went for the routine doctor's visit. Of course, since we waited a few minutes we made a few hurried phone calls to share the big news! The doctor came in and said that everything looked fine, but..... (Now at this one little word my heart jumped into my throat.) "there was one little problem." A little problem!!!! Are you kidding me?! When it comes to my unborn baby no problem could possibly be "little." I looked at Tom sitting across the room and looked back at her, waiting, waiting for what she would say next. She proceeded to tell us that there was a white spot on his heart. That it could mean nothing or it could mean a chromosomal problem, such as Down's. She assured us that everything else looked fine, and that it was just that one issue, but still my heart was breaking. I don't know HOW I kept it together. She didn't make it sound urgent, by any means, but offered us the chance to go to UVA and get a more in-depth ultrasound, which I immediately responded that I wanted to do that.
While we waited for the girl who coordinates all the UVA appointments I broke down in the hallway and then again after we left the office. (Later that day they did call to confirm the appointment. We have to wait TWO weeks because they don't do the type of ultrasound we need until 22 weeks.) I spent most of Thursday crying and Friday in shock. Today was the first day I started to feel somewhat hopeful that everything was going to be okay. I know we serve a big God, an Almighty God, a God who can do ALL things, but I am still human. I am worried sick about my precious baby boy. I am trying to trust, but still find myself saying, "But what if he's not alright?"
So I am asking for anyone reading this to please pray. Please pray first and foremost for our little one. That he is okay and that the spot is GONE when we go to UVA. And pray for peace for Tom and I. Tom is "handling" it better than me. The blessings of a calmer, and perhaps more trusting in our God, husband. We will keep you all posted, but won't know anything until April 23rd. Thank you in advance for your prayers!
As I sit here typing I feel his strong kicks within me, and I like to think he's telling me, "It's okay, Mommy, I'm fine."
Psalm 139
13 For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
AMEN.
PS- For all you on Facebook, please do not comment on our baby's gender, as Tom wants to tell his fellow teachers when school is back on Tuesday. Thank you!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Boy vs. Girl
Obviously our baby's gender has been on my mind lately. Okay truthfully, I can't stop thinking about it. Before I elaborate I should make it clear that 1) if I HAD to pick what I wanted I probably could (but I don't get to choose), and 2) there are good things about having a boy or having a girl. So all that to say, Tom and I both are totally fine either way and have no really strong feelings about boy vs. girl. We are just praying for a healthy baby and a safe delivery.
With Tennyson I knew in my soul he was a boy. Never a doubt in my mind for a day. But I was still impressed that my organized, planning self didn't give in and find out for confirmation. Not so for Baby Bates #2. I am beside myself and wonder how I am possibly going to make it 3 more weeks before finding out if we will be bringing home a girl or a boy.
And maybe out of boredom (or the urge to create another list) I started a Baby Tally. I know 10 people right now that are pregnant. 10! And these aren't just people I met once, these are friends, relatives, or people I see on a regular basis. It's crazy! As of today the tally is: 2 girls, 2 boys, 3 aren't finding out, and 3 are TBD. And I just realized that everyone I know that has given birth in the past 3 months have ALL had boys! Maybe it's because I am a "numbers" person, but I just find it interesting.
So here I sit typing, feeling Baby Bates bumping a little because I just ate lunch, and wondering. Wondering and waiting. Come on April 9th!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
It's Official
I am definitely feeling the little one moving around in there!!! What a glorious, wonderful reminder that we are really having another baby! And it's such a nice reassurance to feel him or her kicking around in there. Thank you Lord for a strong, healthy baby!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
First Baby Bates Update
Well, I think this will mark my first post about Baby Bates (other than the ultrasound picture). After several appointments and 3 ultrasounds I thought I should update those of you who aren't Facebookers. Hee hee. I had an ultrasound at 6 weeks and another at 8 weeks because of some spotting. I spotted with Tennyson through the whole first trimester, but this baby has been more "trouble." In fact, I went to the doctor again today for unexplained bleeding. I was 16 weeks yesterday so I was definitely taken aback to have some bleeding again.
During the first and second ultrasounds both ultrasonographers remarked that the sac was dating a week or so behind the baby. So when I had my first doctor's appointment on February 20th I was still concerned about it, despite them telling me not to worry. I mentioned it to the doctor and she did another u/s and determined the baby was fine, the sac was fine, and there was plenty of fluid around the baby. She also noticed that the baby was on his/her head and moving alot. Hahaha!!! Today when the doctor checked for the cause of the bleeding (and found none - Praise God!) she also used the fetal heart monitor to check on the baby. She said, "Now sometimes it takes a minute to find it so don't panic." Well, she placed it on my belly and instantly found that sweetest of all sounds - my baby's heartbeat. She could also hear the baby's constant movement and said what an active baby we have. Believe me I never pray so hard in my life than when I am pregnant!!! It's so hard not to worry and release all my fears and the unknown to God, but it's so necessary......or I'll go crazy with worry.
And I am almost positive I have felt a little moment the past few days! I know the second time around you usually feel the baby move sooner and sure enough it's true. With Tennyson I felt those first wonderful flutters around 18 weeks and more defined, constant movement around 21 weeks or so. Feeling that new life inside is truly the MOST amazing part of being pregnant. I just can't get enough of it! Thank you Lord for your protection and blessing us again with new life.
During the first and second ultrasounds both ultrasonographers remarked that the sac was dating a week or so behind the baby. So when I had my first doctor's appointment on February 20th I was still concerned about it, despite them telling me not to worry. I mentioned it to the doctor and she did another u/s and determined the baby was fine, the sac was fine, and there was plenty of fluid around the baby. She also noticed that the baby was on his/her head and moving alot. Hahaha!!! Today when the doctor checked for the cause of the bleeding (and found none - Praise God!) she also used the fetal heart monitor to check on the baby. She said, "Now sometimes it takes a minute to find it so don't panic." Well, she placed it on my belly and instantly found that sweetest of all sounds - my baby's heartbeat. She could also hear the baby's constant movement and said what an active baby we have. Believe me I never pray so hard in my life than when I am pregnant!!! It's so hard not to worry and release all my fears and the unknown to God, but it's so necessary......or I'll go crazy with worry.
And I am almost positive I have felt a little moment the past few days! I know the second time around you usually feel the baby move sooner and sure enough it's true. With Tennyson I felt those first wonderful flutters around 18 weeks and more defined, constant movement around 21 weeks or so. Feeling that new life inside is truly the MOST amazing part of being pregnant. I just can't get enough of it! Thank you Lord for your protection and blessing us again with new life.
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