Mixed Feelings

I got into the doctor yesterday and my blood pressure was still elevated. It's not in the dangerous range but not in the healthy range either. It's pretty much the same as it was in the hospital so that is good because it hasn't gotten any worse. Laying low has helped my BP and also my swelling which has significantly decreased. He also said he doesn't feel I have preeclampsia either. And he said it wouldn't be in the best interest of the baby or me to return to work after the holiday break. He felt continued limited activity would be most beneficial. They also did a non-stress test on the baby yesterday and she looks great! From now on, I'll visit the doctor twice a week for a NST and blood pressure readings. So, I have mixed feelings because I'm so thankful they don't have to take the baby early and she is showing no signs of distress. But, I'm bummed that I have to be off work and use my days when she's not here. Of course I am willing to do what is best for the both of us so this is well worth it. However, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. I was planning on returning for a few weeks to get my classroom and students ready for my long-term sub. Fortunately, she has already shadowed me and subbed for me a few times so the kids are aware of who she is and she's had a chance to briefly get to know them. This is God's way of telling me I need to be flexible and I can't always control the situation. Welcome to parenthood! I continue to pray that baby can grow to be healthy and strong enough for birth.

Unexpected Christmas in Kansas City

In my previous post I had mentioned my blood pressure was a little high. Well, I went to my appointment Wednesday morning and my blood pressure was still high and the doctor figured out I am dilated to 2cm and 50% effaced. Since my blood pressure was high, she said it was protocol to admit me so they could monitor my BP for a while and do some blood work. Initially, it seemed that I would only have to stay for a few hours. My blood work was fairly good except for my liver enzyme levels. Those were somewhat elevated and my blood pressure hadn't changed. Because of the liver levels, the blood pressure, and the swelling, the doctor on call came in and told me I had a mild case of preeclampsia and that no matter what, they would have to induce me, it was just a matter of when. She guessed it would probably be a few days and then baby would be here. I held it together pretty well and then just before she left my room, I broke down. I was in complete shock and totally unprepared to have a baby this soon. She would be 5 weeks early! I asked the doctor if there was anything I could have done to prevent this and she said no. They're not sure why some women develop this disease. On top of all this, Steve was at home with the stomach flu and we have no family in town. I'm so grateful my friend Natalie was in the room when the doctor shared this news. The doctor made it seem like there was no question and this was a definite thing. The only way to cure preeclampsia is to deliver the baby. After a few hours, I became more comfortable with the idea of officially becoming a parent at any moment. They decided to keep me overnight so they could continue to monitor my Bp and do more blood work in the morning. They also wanted to do a 24 hr urine collection to see if I released any protein. I had several visitors that evening which was so thoughtful since Steve couldn't be with me. That helped to pass the time. Thanks Nat, Liz, April, Kate, and Brenda! After an "okay" night's sleep, they did lab work again. My levels were better than the day before. A different doctor was on call and he said he doesn't think I have preeclampsia because there was no protein in my urine from my initial doctor's visit. He also said I have labile BP because it fluctuates between normal and high. He said the 24 hr urine results would give us more information but at that point, he thought there wasn't anything major to worry about and he saw no reason to take the baby. I was relieved to hear that baby wouldn't need to come early but very confused about the different opinions from the doctors. Soon after that, Steve was able to come up to the hospital. My mom came shortly after him (she took an early flight out from Minnesota b/c we were all under the impression that baby would be here soon). We had to stay a few more hours so they could test my urine and take blood one last time. Again, my lab results were better and there was no sign of protein in my urine. I guess that's a huge factor in diagnosing someone with preeclampsia. There was a third doctor on-call yesterday afternoon and she said I could go home on limited activity. It's not bed rest but I can't do housework or strenuous activities. Basically, I have to lay-low at home. Before we left, the nurse said they'll monitor me more closely from now on. My next appointment is on the 30th so we'll see how my BP is then. One of the doctors made it seem like there is a chance I could return to work after the holiday break. That's something to be discussed on Wed. Right now, I still feel like I don't know what to think, and I wish there were more answers. I trust in God that he'll do whatever is best for baby. I pray that he gives her a few more weeks to grow so she's developed enough to be healthy at birth. Steve and I had to cancel our plans to travel to Iowa and Minnesota to spend Christmas with family. Thankfully, my mom is here to spend it with us. Steve and she have been so amazing. Steve has been cooking the meals, he did the laundry, and my mom cleaned most of the house (with a little help from Steve). It's difficult to sit back and watch them take over things I normally do (minus the cooking). But I am so blessed to be surrounded by such remarkable people! Love you! For now, baby and I are doing well and I pray we continue that way. Hope you all have a merry Christmas and Happy New year! :)

35 Weeks

Here are some bare belly shots at 35 weeks. This afternoon, our school nurse took my blood pressure because I wasn't feeling quite right and the numbers were a little high. My feet and hands were pretty swollen and constantly sweaty. I go to the doctor tomorrow morning so we'll see what they say. Hopefully the 13 day holiday break will give little girl and I some much needed rest. Maybe, just maybe my puffiness will decrease. I've never been through this before so I have no idea what to expect. I pray that nothing happens that will cause her to come early.

'Tis the Season for Swelling

Right around Thanksgiving, I began to notice that my feet were slowly expanding like a cookie in the oven. They have continued this way ever since. Only two pairs of fake Uggs are wide enough to hold these babies. I attempted to squeeze them into a pair of tennis shoes this morning and was unsuccessful. Guiltily, I sit as much as possible at work but I'm still unable to elevate my feet. I've mentioned the swelling at two different doctor's appointments and they aren't concerned. My blood pressure is good (for now) and there hasn't been any protein in the samples I've left. I'm hoping the swelling won't lead to anything serious. My pregnancy has been amazing otherwise and I'm so thankful for that. I'm just not sure how much more fluids my poor calves, ankles, and feet can take.

Couples Baby Shower

Our dear friends, Natalie, Scott, Jenny, Gerald, Katie, and Andrew threw us a couples baby shower yesterday. It was nothing less than amazing! We were showered with delicious food, hilarious games, and gifts. We appreciate all the time and effort they put in to it. Steve and I feel very spoiled and so grateful for wonderful friends. Our experiences and memories in Kansas City wouldn't be possible without them. Also, a big thanks to everyone who came!

The cake says, "Lil Bean." Too cute!

Who has the better looking belly?

Pregnancy and Nursery Update

I went to the doctor last Tuesday and everything is going really well. The doctor wasn't worried about my swollen ankles and feet because my blood pressure was good and so were my protein and sugar levels. I guess I'm just one of the lucky ones who's prone to swollen hands and feet. Baby's heart rate was 146 and her measurements on are track. I'm becoming very anxious to meet her although I want her to keep growing until she's ready. I can't believe Steve and I will officially be parents in 7 weeks!

Steve and I spent a good chunk of yesterday working on the nursery. I began by cleaning out the top rack of her closet to allow more room for her things that won't be used for a while. I also unpacked, cut tags off, and washed all the recent baby clothes we've received. Then, Steve was determined to unload and move the second dresser into the room all by himself. I was praying that he didn't hurt himself as I'm not much help with lifting. He got it into the room safely and without injury. Thank goodness! Then was the task of arranging the furniture. After rearranging three times, it's complete! We think it looks pretty good and now all the room needs is some wall decor. We're going to stay away from painted designs so we don't have to repaint the room in a few years. Now we have to decide what we'll hang on the walls to add to the room. If you have any ideas, please share! Here are some photos of what it looks like thus far. Enjoy!

And another one!

It's safe to say we've been spoiled with four baby showers thus far and another one was added to our count this past Wednesday! Steve's coworkers organized and hosted an amazing shower...I was completely blown away. Luckily, I was able to leave work early to be part of this special event. The shower consisted of:

1. An adorable diaper cake. 2. A delicious cake and punch.

3. A hilarious game. Steve was blind folded and had to taste eight jars of baby food and guess what they were. The entire game he thought I was blind folded as well and was tasting the food but little did he know, he was going it alone! There were several moments of gagging...it was pretty funny and he was a good sport about it.

4. Gifts. I couldn't believe how generous everyone was. One of the best gifts was our travel system! It feels comforting to know we have a car seat and stroller if anything were to happen early.

Thanks again to all Plaza staff members! Steve and I are so grateful for the time and effort you put into this. We appreciate you!

Minnesota Baby Shower

My mom hosted a baby shower the day after Thanksgiving. Even though it's not customary for the grandmother-to-be to organize and host the baby shower, she wanted to show off her beautiful new home she and my step-dad moved into at the beginning of November. It was wonderful seeing my dear family members and a few friends. Bean and I felt very special. Mom~we appreciate the time and effort you put into this special day. LOVE YOU!

Grandma is excited to meet Bean!

A Crib Made with Love

Soon after we found out we were expecting, Steve's dad offered to make the crib for the nursery. We gladly accepted his offer and after several months of hard work, the project was complete! We saw the finished product over Thanksgiving and were at a loss for words. Keith did an amazing job and this is a gift that will be cherished forever. Thank you so much!!! One day, we hope our grandchildren will sleep in it. Check out the detailed craftsmanship. He is one talented man!