It's a boy!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Two month well visit -11/06/09
Today we had Will's two month check up @ 10:30am.
He is a growing little boy! His check up was great --all is well and developing normally.
The shots were another story. The poor little guy made me cry!! He did not like the pain from two shots at all. Today he was given: DTP, Hep B, PneumoConjugat, Polio and Rotavirus. He screamed from the moment the shot went into his leg until we got to the car. Then he was asleep within 1 mile. He is still sleeping now 2:21pm. I went and bought some infant tylenol (doc recommended it) for when he wakes up. He might get feverish and fussy later.
Next appointment is Tuesday, January 5th @ 2:30pm. It's his four month check up.
- 12 lbs 3 1/2 ounces -60th percentile
- 42 cm head -70th percentile (he's got the Johnson noggin)
- 23 inches -50th percentile
He is a growing little boy! His check up was great --all is well and developing normally.
The shots were another story. The poor little guy made me cry!! He did not like the pain from two shots at all. Today he was given: DTP, Hep B, PneumoConjugat, Polio and Rotavirus. He screamed from the moment the shot went into his leg until we got to the car. Then he was asleep within 1 mile. He is still sleeping now 2:21pm. I went and bought some infant tylenol (doc recommended it) for when he wakes up. He might get feverish and fussy later.
Next appointment is Tuesday, January 5th @ 2:30pm. It's his four month check up.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Halloween 2009
Rick was Roger Federer from the Wimbledon 2009.
Jody was the referee from Roger's game.
Will was a Michigan Football player.
And Grandma Connie was here for the fesitivies and to babysit for my first night out! :-)
Jody was the referee from Roger's game.
Will was a Michigan Football player.
And Grandma Connie was here for the fesitivies and to babysit for my first night out! :-)
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
More Will pix!
Little man is growing up!!! Where has six weeks gone? Wow --time goes fast.
Here is video.... I was trying to make him smile which I've gotten about six now so far. When you want him to smile on demand, it doesn't work! ha. What a cutie pie.
Oh yah--I had my six week follow up doc visit today ---all cleared with no restrictions! Yay. Back to getting this ole bod in shape. I need to lose this extra 10 pounds!!!! How come it is not coming off fast like the first 15?? Ugggh.
Here is video.... I was trying to make him smile which I've gotten about six now so far. When you want him to smile on demand, it doesn't work! ha. What a cutie pie.
Oh yah--I had my six week follow up doc visit today ---all cleared with no restrictions! Yay. Back to getting this ole bod in shape. I need to lose this extra 10 pounds!!!! How come it is not coming off fast like the first 15?? Ugggh.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Having fun with GRAMMY DEBBIE & AUNTIE JENNA!
Grammy Debbie:
Auntie Jenna
Will in his new outfit from Auntie Christine in Norway.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Will's ONE MONTH well visit
Little man had his one month check up today. He's doing GREAT!
- 9 lbs 10 1/2 oz (50th percentile)
- 38 head (50th percentile)
- 22 inches in length (70th percentile)
He also got his HEP B shot. I didn't know what to expect since this was my first shot with him. He cried really hard from the moment the needle went into his leg and then when the needle came out, he stopped. It was like, "Okay, I'm fine now." So that was good!
Our next appointment is TWO MONTHS on November 6th @ 10:30am.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
WILL.I.AM AWESOME!!
Having fun with Grandma & Grandpa Turek
Will in his Baby Bjorn (1st time)
Thank Camilla & Trevor!!!! :-)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Will and his friends --September 30th 2009
Will is the youngest shown here --born Sept 4th, 2009
Ethan is the oldest and Will's newest friend --born July 10th, 2009
Micayla is Will's neighbor and new girlfriend -born August 21st, 2009
Johnny Kruz is Will's BFF --born August 9th, 2009
John Alexander is Will's wakeboarding buddy --born August 2nd, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday, September 23rd
Will had his 2nd doctor appointment today with Dr. Mange. It was a weight check. Will gained almost one pound in 13 days! He's now weighing 8 lbs 5 oz. (he weighed 7 lbs 6 oz on Sept 9th) Dr. Mange said, "Well I guess I don't have to talk to you about feeding," with a smile. :-) He was happy about his weight. Will is now drinking 4 ounces every feeding (about every three to four hours).
Then I had him look at Will's umbilical cord which kind of fell off on day 17 (it was a biggie!! He got all the good nutrients from Mommy while roasting in utero). When the cord fell off, it looked weird to me like it wasn't totally off and looked pussy. He said it was all normal and they had to cauterize it. Now it will fall off all the way in 3-4 days. So no regular baths yet for Mr. Will!
Will had his first 5 1/2 hour sleep night last night at 18 days old. Yay for me! That was a nice treat.
Next doctor appointment is October 6th --one month well visit.
Then I had him look at Will's umbilical cord which kind of fell off on day 17 (it was a biggie!! He got all the good nutrients from Mommy while roasting in utero). When the cord fell off, it looked weird to me like it wasn't totally off and looked pussy. He said it was all normal and they had to cauterize it. Now it will fall off all the way in 3-4 days. So no regular baths yet for Mr. Will!
Will had his first 5 1/2 hour sleep night last night at 18 days old. Yay for me! That was a nice treat.
Next doctor appointment is October 6th --one month well visit.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Time with Grandma Connie, Grandpa Dan & Auntie Julie
Mommy and Will:
Auntie Julie and Will:
Grandma Connie and Will:
Grandpa Dan and Will:
Auntie Julie and Will:
Grandma Connie and Will:
Grandpa Dan and Will:
Will had a BLAST meeting his family from Minnesota:
Monday, September 21st
Will just hangin out:
Rick had Will on the bed like this:
Aww so cute --lil foot:
"Made in Charlotte" @ REACH:
Rick had Will on the bed like this:
Aww so cute --lil foot:
"Made in Charlotte" @ REACH:
Will LOVES to stare at the animals:
Wednesday, September 9th
Will's first doctor appointment was Sept 9th. His jaundice is almost gone --the doctor didn't even draw blood to check. He was happy with his appearance.
Will did extremely well at his first appointment. He didn't even cry when he was stripped naked for a weight check. He just hung out --lil trooper!
Everything checked out today as well as it could. Dr. Mange (Davidson Clinic --thanks for the referral Cheryl!) was very pleased.
Will's weight today was 7 lbs 6 oz. Now we just get him back to birth weight of 7 lbs 14 oz and we are cruisin!
Next doctor appt is Wednesday, Sept. 23rd. That day is also the day Will will meet GRAMMY JOHNSON (Debbie). He's very excited!
Will did extremely well at his first appointment. He didn't even cry when he was stripped naked for a weight check. He just hung out --lil trooper!
Everything checked out today as well as it could. Dr. Mange (Davidson Clinic --thanks for the referral Cheryl!) was very pleased.
Will's weight today was 7 lbs 6 oz. Now we just get him back to birth weight of 7 lbs 14 oz and we are cruisin!
Next doctor appt is Wednesday, Sept. 23rd. That day is also the day Will will meet GRAMMY JOHNSON (Debbie). He's very excited!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Friday, September 11th
Will in car going home. How cute is he??
Will ready to go home!
Rick's first diaper change (EVER in his life)
This one CRACKS me up. This is RICKY T in the morning at the hospital. He looks like he's going to the morgue. I got up and instantly started laughing out loud.
Will ready to go home!
Rick's first diaper change (EVER in his life)
This one CRACKS me up. This is RICKY T in the morning at the hospital. He looks like he's going to the morgue. I got up and instantly started laughing out loud.
It's Will's ONE WEEK birthday. Wow!? Are you serious? Is it going to be this fast???
I am feeling really good now --I think I turned the corner starting yesterday. Healing from a c-section takes time and lots of pain meds! It was the burning/stinging sensation on the sides of the incision that were the hardest part. The nurse told me that it was from the nerves being cut.
We are excited for Auntie Julie and Grandpa Dan from Minnesota to arrive tomorrow for a visit. They are here until Wednesday and then Grandma Connie, Julie and Dan all fly back to MN together. Rick is back to work on Monday. Both Monday and Wednesday next week are going to be hard for me. I can feel a great big CRY coming on.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Check out Will's hospital photos!
We choose picture #5 as our package because we like his eyes wide open and him gripping his Wee Wubby blankie. He's so precious!
http://www.our365.com/NewbornPortraits/BabyDetail.aspx?birthid=cef769b3-83e1-4d8a-9f41-297f7baa780e
http://www.our365.com/NewbornPortraits/BabyDetail.aspx?birthid=cef769b3-83e1-4d8a-9f41-297f7baa780e
Monday, September 7th
Lil' guy Will has jaundice which is going to prevent us from going home today. I am super sad and have been crying all morning. However, we are very lucky that this was caught here while we are in the hospital. I would rather have this happen here than go home and it happen there where we end up in the ER. His bilirubin level was 15.1 and they need it below 12. After a few hours of phototherapy from 3am until this morning, his level only went down a little bit to 14.6 so we are staying another night. He will need light therapy (think tanning bed) throughout today.
What is jaundice?
Jaundice is an illness that can happen in the first few days of a baby's life. It turns your baby's skin, eyes and/or mouth a yellow color. The yellow color is caused by bilirubin (billy-reuben).
Bilirubin is made when the body breaks down old red blood cells. This is a normal process that happens all throughout life. Bilirubin goes to the liver, where it is changed again. Then it goes to the intestines, kidneys and out of the body. If too much bilirubin builds up in the body, it makes a yellowish color called jaundice (john-diss).
Jaundice is common in babies and is usually not serious. Fifty percent of babies develop jaundice.
Phototherapy usually lasts 1-2 days. Since our insurance pays for a 4th night, we are staying here at CMC wiith Will. CMC is a wonderful place to be and they are taking good care of him. We are able to feed Will every three hours between his light therapy.
Pray for us. Thanks everybody!
What is jaundice?
Jaundice is an illness that can happen in the first few days of a baby's life. It turns your baby's skin, eyes and/or mouth a yellow color. The yellow color is caused by bilirubin (billy-reuben).
Bilirubin is made when the body breaks down old red blood cells. This is a normal process that happens all throughout life. Bilirubin goes to the liver, where it is changed again. Then it goes to the intestines, kidneys and out of the body. If too much bilirubin builds up in the body, it makes a yellowish color called jaundice (john-diss).
Jaundice is common in babies and is usually not serious. Fifty percent of babies develop jaundice.
Phototherapy usually lasts 1-2 days. Since our insurance pays for a 4th night, we are staying here at CMC wiith Will. CMC is a wonderful place to be and they are taking good care of him. We are able to feed Will every three hours between his light therapy.
Pray for us. Thanks everybody!
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
It's a boy!
It's a Boy!!
Name: William "Will" Frederick Turek
Weight: 7lbs 14oz
Length: 19 & 3/4 inches
Date: September 4th, 2009
Time:7:48am
Carolinas Medical Center Main
We will be in the hospital until Monday, "Labor Day". ha!
Name: William "Will" Frederick Turek
Weight: 7lbs 14oz
Length: 19 & 3/4 inches
Date: September 4th, 2009
Time:7:48am
Carolinas Medical Center Main
We will be in the hospital until Monday, "Labor Day". ha!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Wednesday, September 2nd
Baby Turek is arriving on Friday, September 4th @ 7:30am!!
We will post specs on Facebook and this BLOG on Friday before Noon.
Check back for info and pix. (Rick in charge.) :-)
I'm so excited, nervous and anxious.
We will post specs on Facebook and this BLOG on Friday before Noon.
Check back for info and pix. (Rick in charge.) :-)
I'm so excited, nervous and anxious.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Wednesday, August 26th
Can you believe it?? This was my last doctor appointment before the c-section. I made it!! Thanks the Lord. :-)
BP was normal. Weight gain = 2 lbs!! That's the most in one week. Cervix is thin but not open. My fluid measured good again --in the "12's". Dr. Gourley believes that I will make it to the date. Yay!
Oh yah--he took me off bedrest......... he said you are full term so it doesn't matter what happens at this point. Now that's what I'm talkin about. HOWEVER, I am still going to take it easy by taking naps every single day and sleeping 10 hours a night. :-) I'm suckin it all in while I can!
BUT the coolest thing about today's appointment was.... Dr. Gourley asked me if he could pray with me. I said "Absolutely." So I folded my hands together and he put one of his hands on top of my hand. He prayed and thanked God for getting me this far and he also prayed for our surgery next week. And he prayed for the little baby to come out healthy. Wasn't that the nicest thing you've ever heard? How often does a doctor ask you if he can pray with you. I had tears in my eyes.
So the next post will be me giving you the details of the birth. We will post info on Facebook as soon as we are back in our room after the c-section (Rick will do this). I have an email chain for those not on Facebook. I will also get Rick to update this blog with the details as well.
Last but not least................ WE STILL NEED A BOY NAME!!!!!!!!!!!
BP was normal. Weight gain = 2 lbs!! That's the most in one week. Cervix is thin but not open. My fluid measured good again --in the "12's". Dr. Gourley believes that I will make it to the date. Yay!
Oh yah--he took me off bedrest......... he said you are full term so it doesn't matter what happens at this point. Now that's what I'm talkin about. HOWEVER, I am still going to take it easy by taking naps every single day and sleeping 10 hours a night. :-) I'm suckin it all in while I can!
BUT the coolest thing about today's appointment was.... Dr. Gourley asked me if he could pray with me. I said "Absolutely." So I folded my hands together and he put one of his hands on top of my hand. He prayed and thanked God for getting me this far and he also prayed for our surgery next week. And he prayed for the little baby to come out healthy. Wasn't that the nicest thing you've ever heard? How often does a doctor ask you if he can pray with you. I had tears in my eyes.
So the next post will be me giving you the details of the birth. We will post info on Facebook as soon as we are back in our room after the c-section (Rick will do this). I have an email chain for those not on Facebook. I will also get Rick to update this blog with the details as well.
Last but not least................ WE STILL NEED A BOY NAME!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Thursday, August 20th
Appointment today was with Dr. Wicker. Gained 1 lb!!! Whooooo Hoooooo. BP= 106/70 (excellent). Urine good. Bet you always wanted to know about my urine huh? :-)
That's it for today --nothing new to report. My next appointment is on Wednesday, August 26th @ 9:30am with Dr. Gourley. I will be having an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid one more time.
Two weeks from tomorrow is the BIG DAY. Wow --it snuck up on us didn't it?
I will post info (specs etc) after baby is born on FACEBOOK. We are very excited to meet the new addition to the Turek family. Yay.
That's it for today --nothing new to report. My next appointment is on Wednesday, August 26th @ 9:30am with Dr. Gourley. I will be having an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid one more time.
Two weeks from tomorrow is the BIG DAY. Wow --it snuck up on us didn't it?
I will post info (specs etc) after baby is born on FACEBOOK. We are very excited to meet the new addition to the Turek family. Yay.
Body Cast -August 11th @ Cheryl's house
It's BODY CAST day at my friend & neighbor's house, Cheryl Roof. We had fun!! Here are some photos from the event. (Thanks Cheryl) :-)
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thursday, August 13th
I saw Dr. Gourley today. All is well! No weight gain, BP = 106/68, baby heart beat =154, cervix still closed. I was a little worried about my cervix since I have not been resting very well due to shower and then trying to get organized for baby......
It was super great to have Mom here for 8 days helping me organize. (Thanks Mom!!) We cleared out all the kitchen cupboards to make room for bottles, formula and kitchen baby stuff (microwave sterilizer, bottle warmer, dishwasher baskets etc). We also organized shower gifts and started to put those in the place where they will live. Is this what is considered "nesting"?
After next week's appointment (Thurs. Aug 20th @ 11:30am), I am cleared to "do what I want" and no more modififed BED REST!!! Is that the best news you've ever heard? That's because I will be 37 weeks and considered full term so they don't care what happens after that. My main goal is to make it to September 4th c-section date though.
Strep B test was normal ~ that's also great news.
The baby is now gaining 1/2 ounce per day. My whole entire stomach is now moving like a wave! The baby hiccups at least twice per day which is so crazy. :-) Love it.
It was super great to have Mom here for 8 days helping me organize. (Thanks Mom!!) We cleared out all the kitchen cupboards to make room for bottles, formula and kitchen baby stuff (microwave sterilizer, bottle warmer, dishwasher baskets etc). We also organized shower gifts and started to put those in the place where they will live. Is this what is considered "nesting"?
After next week's appointment (Thurs. Aug 20th @ 11:30am), I am cleared to "do what I want" and no more modififed BED REST!!! Is that the best news you've ever heard? That's because I will be 37 weeks and considered full term so they don't care what happens after that. My main goal is to make it to September 4th c-section date though.
Strep B test was normal ~ that's also great news.
The baby is now gaining 1/2 ounce per day. My whole entire stomach is now moving like a wave! The baby hiccups at least twice per day which is so crazy. :-) Love it.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Tuesday, August 11th
Doctor's office called this morning to give me C-section time. It's Friday, September 4th @ 7:30am. I have to be at hospital 2 hours before and no eating or drinking after midnight.
So, do you think I'll sleep a wink that night??? I think not!
So, do you think I'll sleep a wink that night??? I think not!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Saturday, August 8th @ 10:30am
It's Baby Shower day!! I am having a joint shower with my friend & neighbor, Lori Phillips who is due September 3rd with a baby girl, "Micayla Rose". We are only 1 day apart --my c-section is the 4th.
My neighbor Rebecca offered to have the shower at her house. My good friends also contributed time, money & food. Thank you to everybody but a BIG THANK YOU is needed for Rebecca. She went crazy on this shower --it seriously was like a mini wedding. It was beautiful. I was so happy and floating around like it was a dream.
The shower was a garden party outside with white linens and brunch at 10:30am. The dress attire was sundresses & hats. The only unfortunate thing was it is the hottest weekend of the summer (and super humid)!! But we had some cloud cover this morning so that helped alot. The sun didn't break until Noon and by that time, the shower was only an hour from being over.
The decor of the shower was amazing and beautiful. I can't tell you how much time and thought went into planning this. I am so lucky to have friends like I do. :-) I love them all so much.
After a few games (Tammy Webb won the nursery rhyme game --got all 23 right! She's a kindergarten teacher, Marie Schmader won the rocking horse guessing game, Maura Lachowski won the baby pin guessing game and Rebecca's team won the toilet paper diaper design game) and brunch, the shower was over around 12:30pm.
Can we do it again????
The guys had man day on the lake. It was kind of a bachelor baby party... they had fun at the sandbar. The girls met up with them after the party for relaxation & cooling off in the lake.
What a great day.
Friday, August 7th
Today, Mom & I get home from dropping my vehicle off at the dealership for a service recall & shopping. Rick text me and says he is on his way home early today because his surgery got canceled (which was a fib btw). Right now its about 2:30pm.
Mom & I sit down to have some lunch. We just finish up and Rick pulls into the driveway. Rick comes into the house and we are talking about our day and I was showing him a baby present that we got in the mail today. Rick says to me, "There's a big assed package on the front porch." Mom & I are like what? We JUST got a package off the front porch about 1/2 hour ago.... Well because I am like a kid on Christmas, I can't wait to see what is the package all about. I run to the front door. There on the side of my porch, I can see a person trying to hide in a corner. I scream. Then because I scream, Mom comes running and she starts screaming. We are both screaming and looking at JULIE through the door window on my porch!!! Finally I open the door after the initial shock and we group hug, laugh and cry. It was a special moment. :-) Wow --how did Rick and Julie pull this one off without me figuring it out??? I figure out everything!! haha. This was the second time in my life that I was really surprised like this. Julie surprised me one other time and it was my bachelorette party in Fort Wayne, IN. My friends & bridesmaids flew Julie in from MN for surprise. This time was exactly like that.
Julie is here for my baby shower which is tomorrow.
I loved it. Thanks Rick. You da bomb. Luv ya baby.
Mom & I sit down to have some lunch. We just finish up and Rick pulls into the driveway. Rick comes into the house and we are talking about our day and I was showing him a baby present that we got in the mail today. Rick says to me, "There's a big assed package on the front porch." Mom & I are like what? We JUST got a package off the front porch about 1/2 hour ago.... Well because I am like a kid on Christmas, I can't wait to see what is the package all about. I run to the front door. There on the side of my porch, I can see a person trying to hide in a corner. I scream. Then because I scream, Mom comes running and she starts screaming. We are both screaming and looking at JULIE through the door window on my porch!!! Finally I open the door after the initial shock and we group hug, laugh and cry. It was a special moment. :-) Wow --how did Rick and Julie pull this one off without me figuring it out??? I figure out everything!! haha. This was the second time in my life that I was really surprised like this. Julie surprised me one other time and it was my bachelorette party in Fort Wayne, IN. My friends & bridesmaids flew Julie in from MN for surprise. This time was exactly like that.
Julie is here for my baby shower which is tomorrow.
I loved it. Thanks Rick. You da bomb. Luv ya baby.
Thursday, August 6th
Today I had my routine doctor appointment with Charlotte OB/GYN. Can you believe that I have been seeing the doctor every single week since the middle of May? Normally, patients don't have weekly prego appts until the last month but since I had my cervix issue, they see me weekly from week 22 through now.
Mom was with me for the appointment and it was very exciting for her. First the normal weekly stuff --pee in a cup (they are checking to make sure you don't have any protein or sugar), weight & blood pressure. No protein or sugar, no weight gain (so far 19 lb total), and blood pressure was super fab at 108/70.
Then we see Dr. Gourley who Mom of course hit it off with. He was crackin jokes left and right. ("We definitely know its a boy he says..................................................or a girl)!
I had the Strep B test today. They have to make sure I am not a carrier of Strep B or it could be dangerous to the baby during delivery. If I am a carrier and they figure that out in advance, then I will be given antibiotics before my c-section surgery.
Then, Dr. Gourley tells Mom he would like her help. He lubes up the sonogram controller and hands it to her. He presses on my tummy until he finds the right spot and tells Mom to put the controller on my belly right there and press down. This is where we hear the heartbeat of the baby. Mom thinks she's pretty "cool" doing this and has a BIG smile on her face. That baby's heartbeat is same as usual...............154. Good.
My cervix still hangin tough. Yay! Dr. Gourley said my next goal to make it to is 10 more days and then he said we are golden. Basically the baby now is just packing on fat weight.
Due to my low amniotic fluid, he asks for another ultrasound. So off we go to the ultrasound room. The ultrasound today was a surprise (not planned) so now this is wonderful because Mom can see the baby on the TV screen. We see the baby hanging out, moving all around. We got to see the face smashed up against the placenta wall (have a pic but its not that great so I'm not posting) and saw a foot. We measured the fluid level and it turns out that I increased the fluid again this week!! This is from just drinking MORE WATER --lots and lots of water. My level went from 10.8 to 12.2. I asked about what do those numbers mean.... they said they don't want the fluid to get below 9. So I'm good there. The baby is measuring approximately 5 lbs 13 oz today.
Off to Dr. Gourley's room again where he reviews my chart and is very pleased with my increased fluid number. "This is GREAT!"
My next appt is Thursday, August 13th @ 10:50am.
Mom was with me for the appointment and it was very exciting for her. First the normal weekly stuff --pee in a cup (they are checking to make sure you don't have any protein or sugar), weight & blood pressure. No protein or sugar, no weight gain (so far 19 lb total), and blood pressure was super fab at 108/70.
Then we see Dr. Gourley who Mom of course hit it off with. He was crackin jokes left and right. ("We definitely know its a boy he says.............................
I had the Strep B test today. They have to make sure I am not a carrier of Strep B or it could be dangerous to the baby during delivery. If I am a carrier and they figure that out in advance, then I will be given antibiotics before my c-section surgery.
Then, Dr. Gourley tells Mom he would like her help. He lubes up the sonogram controller and hands it to her. He presses on my tummy until he finds the right spot and tells Mom to put the controller on my belly right there and press down. This is where we hear the heartbeat of the baby. Mom thinks she's pretty "cool" doing this and has a BIG smile on her face. That baby's heartbeat is same as usual...............154. Good.
My cervix still hangin tough. Yay! Dr. Gourley said my next goal to make it to is 10 more days and then he said we are golden. Basically the baby now is just packing on fat weight.
Due to my low amniotic fluid, he asks for another ultrasound. So off we go to the ultrasound room. The ultrasound today was a surprise (not planned) so now this is wonderful because Mom can see the baby on the TV screen. We see the baby hanging out, moving all around. We got to see the face smashed up against the placenta wall (have a pic but its not that great so I'm not posting) and saw a foot. We measured the fluid level and it turns out that I increased the fluid again this week!! This is from just drinking MORE WATER --lots and lots of water. My level went from 10.8 to 12.2. I asked about what do those numbers mean.... they said they don't want the fluid to get below 9. So I'm good there. The baby is measuring approximately 5 lbs 13 oz today.
Off to Dr. Gourley's room again where he reviews my chart and is very pleased with my increased fluid number. "This is GREAT!"
My next appt is Thursday, August 13th @ 10:50am.
Tuesday, August 4th
Con Bon (Connie, my Mommy) arrived from Minnesota today until August 12th. This week is a big focus on "getting organized" for Baby Turek's arrival. I had to make a spreadsheet (don't laugh Branden!!!) for our weekly agenda because there are so MANY things to do that I won't remember unless its written down. We are doing things like cleaning out kitchen cupboards to make room for bottles & formula, wash baby clothes in Dreft, shop at Babies R Us, etc. It's going to be a fun week. Work is not missed at this point --I am too busy. Whew!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Friday, July 31st
Today is my last day at UBS Financial Services (PaineWebber) where I have worked for 13 years. It's a bittersweet thing for me. I'm not sure how I feel right now. I am going to miss the people and relationships. But at the same time, I am super happy to start my new venture into Mommy-land. :-)
I will continue to work for Ricky T at his office in Charlotte on Tues/Thurs as I have been doing for the last three years --all the way up until the baby arrives. Then, I will work from home until January when we put the baby in Primrose School (teaching day care) or in-home Nanny part-time. I am researching both options now. We want to start our processes early so its an easy transition.
That's all for now.
I will continue to work for Ricky T at his office in Charlotte on Tues/Thurs as I have been doing for the last three years --all the way up until the baby arrives. Then, I will work from home until January when we put the baby in Primrose School (teaching day care) or in-home Nanny part-time. I am researching both options now. We want to start our processes early so its an easy transition.
That's all for now.
Thursday, July 30th
I had an appointment today with Dr. Hansen-Linder. She was super nice! We checked the usual--weight, blood pressure, cervix --all checked out just fine.
Now we are focusing on another issue --low amniotic fluid. I am on the low side of average (but still average) so this is something they will be checking every week now. If the fluid decreases to a certain level, then they will be taking the baby out via c-section a little bit earlier than planned. When this issue came up last week, they told me to drink more water and rest. Rick thought that was really funny since I drink so much water already. He says I drink more water than anybody he knows!
So I drank more water over the last week and my result was that the fluid increased .8 --from 10.0 to 10.8. That's good! So we'll shoot to keep that number rising.
Tomorrow I start week 34.... five weeks to go until c-section on Sept 4th. The baby is coming out in week 39.
Next appointment is Thursday, August 6th @ 10:40am. My Mom from MN will come to the appt with me. :-)
Now we are focusing on another issue --low amniotic fluid. I am on the low side of average (but still average) so this is something they will be checking every week now. If the fluid decreases to a certain level, then they will be taking the baby out via c-section a little bit earlier than planned. When this issue came up last week, they told me to drink more water and rest. Rick thought that was really funny since I drink so much water already. He says I drink more water than anybody he knows!
So I drank more water over the last week and my result was that the fluid increased .8 --from 10.0 to 10.8. That's good! So we'll shoot to keep that number rising.
Tomorrow I start week 34.... five weeks to go until c-section on Sept 4th. The baby is coming out in week 39.
Next appointment is Thursday, August 6th @ 10:40am. My Mom from MN will come to the appt with me. :-)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thursday, July 23rd
It was another exciting day at the doctor's office! :-) The first thing we did today was an ultrasound where we were able to see the baby in 3D (picture attached). The baby LOVES to have the hands and arms up by the face. The ultrasound tech was really pushing on my belly with the wand to get the baby to move the arms but to no avail. So you get to see a portion of the face along with a nice big arm! ha. I have several pictures like this so I am only posting one. Everything is looking great. The heart is good, the baby is breathing (abdomen is moving up and down --that's a good sign she said), the measurements are great. Everything is GREAT! The baby is measuring a little bit above average for this time and they guesstimate it to be around 5lbs, 2oz right now. Wow! I wouldn't have thought that at all. I have 6 weeks left to grow.
The only thing they are going to keep an eye on is my fluid level in the sac. It's on the low side of normal. They suggest to drink MORE water ---(I drink tons already!!) and rest. So, THAT I will do.
My cervix is rockin & rollin --still feels thick and unchanged from last week. We did perform the fetal fibronectin test again and I'll have the results of that tomorrow. Hope for NO protein!
I gained a pound finally--probably because I am getting my colitis in check now. Yay. Blood pressure is normal at 108/70.
Does the baby in the ultrasound look like a boy or a girl??? I think boy and Rick thinks girl! :-)
We need to get that BOY name worked on. The ball is in Rick's court since I've given him 20 different choices that he doesn't like! :-)
The girl name is set and has been set for months. BUT we are not sharing........... it's another surprise. I love surprises, don't you? hehe
Next appointment is Thursday, July 30th @ 2:50pm.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday, July 15th
Appointment today went great. :-) The cervix is hangin TOUGH. No change again from last week. Dr. Gourley said all these precautions that we have taken probably will be irrelevant but better safe than sorry! He feels pretty good about me making it to the c-section date now.
C-section is scheduled!! It's going to be Friday, September 4th (the Friday before Labor Day) at either 7:30am or 9:30am. Dr. Gourley is submitting the paperwork today. I'll find out the time later.
My iron was checked again today and it went up one point. My reading three weeks ago was 29. I went on SLOW FE iron tablets the very next day. They want the iron level to be above 31. At least I am moving in the right direction. Need to uptick a little bit more though. EAT LIVER --yuck. Who eats liver anyway?? Did you know raisins are high in iron? Also eggs. Interesting.
No weight gain again. I lost 1 lb five weeks ago. Since then, I have gained nothing. I was inquiring about that today since its concerning me. The doctor says its due to my colitis flare. I started steroids 7 days ago and am feeling 50% better (thank you God!). So hopefully when I get the colitis in check, I'll start seeing my weight increase a little bit. The good news is that the baby is growing and is taking all the nutrients it needs from me even though I am not gaining any weight. That's what Dr. Gourley told me today. My belly tape measurement is right on track.
Next appointment is THURSDAY, JULY 23rd @ 11am. We will be doing an ultrasound this day so I'll get some new pictures!
C-section is scheduled!! It's going to be Friday, September 4th (the Friday before Labor Day) at either 7:30am or 9:30am. Dr. Gourley is submitting the paperwork today. I'll find out the time later.
My iron was checked again today and it went up one point. My reading three weeks ago was 29. I went on SLOW FE iron tablets the very next day. They want the iron level to be above 31. At least I am moving in the right direction. Need to uptick a little bit more though. EAT LIVER --yuck. Who eats liver anyway?? Did you know raisins are high in iron? Also eggs. Interesting.
No weight gain again. I lost 1 lb five weeks ago. Since then, I have gained nothing. I was inquiring about that today since its concerning me. The doctor says its due to my colitis flare. I started steroids 7 days ago and am feeling 50% better (thank you God!). So hopefully when I get the colitis in check, I'll start seeing my weight increase a little bit. The good news is that the baby is growing and is taking all the nutrients it needs from me even though I am not gaining any weight. That's what Dr. Gourley told me today. My belly tape measurement is right on track.
Next appointment is THURSDAY, JULY 23rd @ 11am. We will be doing an ultrasound this day so I'll get some new pictures!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8th
My weekly doctor appt went GREAT. Dr. Gourley was so happy with my cervix measurement today. He kept saying, "This is great." So that makes me happy. I am unchanged from two weeks ago. All your prayers are working!! (Thank you)
We are going to discuss my c-section date at my next appointment. Tentatively, it's scheduled for Friday, Sept 4th but the doctor doesn't think I'm going to make it that long. But maybe my cervix will stand TOUGH! :-0
On a side note, I am starting prednisone today (40mg for a week; then taper by 5mg each week; 8 weeks total) for my ulcerative colitis that has been flaring since mid-May. I have NOT wanted to take steriods and have been putting it off for the last two months but I cannot continue to live like this. Dr. Gourley said that the prednisone does not cross over into the placenta but it still makes me nervous. So put my on the prayer list for that now. God won't give me anything I cannot handle.
My next appointment is Wednesday, July 15th @10am.
We are going to discuss my c-section date at my next appointment. Tentatively, it's scheduled for Friday, Sept 4th but the doctor doesn't think I'm going to make it that long. But maybe my cervix will stand TOUGH! :-0
On a side note, I am starting prednisone today (40mg for a week; then taper by 5mg each week; 8 weeks total) for my ulcerative colitis that has been flaring since mid-May. I have NOT wanted to take steriods and have been putting it off for the last two months but I cannot continue to live like this. Dr. Gourley said that the prednisone does not cross over into the placenta but it still makes me nervous. So put my on the prayer list for that now. God won't give me anything I cannot handle.
My next appointment is Wednesday, July 15th @10am.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Monday, July 6th
I woke up in the middle of the night with the worst left calf muscle cramp of my life. This is the 2nd time it has happened to me. Its not like a normal charlie horse either. Rick was freaking out because he didn't know what was happening --not to mention it was 3 in the morning! When we woke up this morning, he told me to call the neighbors to tell them I was okay because it sounded like I was being murdered. I'm laughing out loud right now.....
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thursday, July 2nd
We had our C-Section class tonight from 7:00pm-8:30pm at Morehead Medical Plaza. The class was taught by Melissa Troutman who was EXCELLENT. I learned so much! She taught this class exactly like I would with full details from beginning to end. We found out what to expect from major abdominal surgery from the minute we get to the hospital to the day we leave. From the time they make the first cut to the time the baby is delivered is less than 10 minutes. The suturing is the part that takes the longest and that is 45 minutes. I will be in the hospital 72 hours (3 days). Our tentative c-section date is Friday, Sept 4th which is the Friday before Labor Day. Wow --two months away eh.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Wednesday, July 1st
Wow! It's getting closer... it's now July. I start 30 weeks tomorrow already. :-)
I had my weekly doctor appointment today and it went VERY WELL. I am unchanged again from last week which is good news. The doctor said he feels confident that I will make it to term just based on the last few weeks of "unchanged" cervix. He said that some women have a shortening issue like me early in pregnancy (mine discovered at week 22). And then it stays the same all the way to the end. I am hoping I am one of those women. But of course, we will be checking this on a weekly basis just to make sure.
Thank you for all the prayers. They are working --the results are showing!! God is good.
I had my weekly doctor appointment today and it went VERY WELL. I am unchanged again from last week which is good news. The doctor said he feels confident that I will make it to term just based on the last few weeks of "unchanged" cervix. He said that some women have a shortening issue like me early in pregnancy (mine discovered at week 22). And then it stays the same all the way to the end. I am hoping I am one of those women. But of course, we will be checking this on a weekly basis just to make sure.
Thank you for all the prayers. They are working --the results are showing!! God is good.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday, June 25th
The fetal fibronectin test was NEGATIVE!!! Whoo Hooo. It buys me two more weeks until we test again. Yay. :-)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday, June 24th
Whew! It was TEST galore day today. First I had to fast two hours before my gestational diabetes test which was at 9am. So I set my alarm for 6am just to get up and make eggs with cheese!! I don't think I could have lasted without eating at all. I could only drink water. I was happy to have a fat tummy and I'm sure the baby was too. :-)
So when I arrived to my appointment this morning, I drank a 5 oz sugary solution which was in choice of orange or lemon-lime. I choose orange because I have been told that its the best. I don't think it tasted much different than orange pop. I slammed it like a shot at the bar. haha. Now I wait one hour.
I lost a pound --probably due to my colitis flaring and my blood pressure was 102/70. All is fair there.
It's off to see Dr. Gourley. This is where he re-checks my cervix and it's the same report from two weeks ago! It's thick and closed and it measures 2.83 to 2.5. This is great news. He also does the fetal fibronectin test again (to check for that protein). I won't have the results from that test until tomorrow. We hope for negative. This test will be preformed every 2 weeks from here on out.
Now my finger is pricked and I have the diabetes test. I pass!!! My number was 115 and they like it below 134. However, at the same time I am checked for iron deficiency. This test I do NOT pass; I am anemic. So they give me a list of foods (low/medium/high) of iron enriched things to eat. I am also ordered to buy Soft Fe ---over the counter iron medicine to take once per day. I am not supposed to take it with my prenatal because the calcium counter acts it. I will take it at lunch preferably with vitamin c so I will drink with orange juice.
So I asked the doctor what my goal is... my short term goal is to get to 34 weeks which puts me at the end of July. This is the marker when the baby's lungs start to take off. Then the goal after that is 36 weeks (my Charlotte shower date) and then he said I'm golden.
So when I arrived to my appointment this morning, I drank a 5 oz sugary solution which was in choice of orange or lemon-lime. I choose orange because I have been told that its the best. I don't think it tasted much different than orange pop. I slammed it like a shot at the bar. haha. Now I wait one hour.
I lost a pound --probably due to my colitis flaring and my blood pressure was 102/70. All is fair there.
It's off to see Dr. Gourley. This is where he re-checks my cervix and it's the same report from two weeks ago! It's thick and closed and it measures 2.83 to 2.5. This is great news. He also does the fetal fibronectin test again (to check for that protein). I won't have the results from that test until tomorrow. We hope for negative. This test will be preformed every 2 weeks from here on out.
Now my finger is pricked and I have the diabetes test. I pass!!! My number was 115 and they like it below 134. However, at the same time I am checked for iron deficiency. This test I do NOT pass; I am anemic. So they give me a list of foods (low/medium/high) of iron enriched things to eat. I am also ordered to buy Soft Fe ---over the counter iron medicine to take once per day. I am not supposed to take it with my prenatal because the calcium counter acts it. I will take it at lunch preferably with vitamin c so I will drink with orange juice.
So I asked the doctor what my goal is... my short term goal is to get to 34 weeks which puts me at the end of July. This is the marker when the baby's lungs start to take off. Then the goal after that is 36 weeks (my Charlotte shower date) and then he said I'm golden.
- The worst case scenario is that I deliver this baby premature and I would have to get steroid shots before hand to develop the baby's lungs.
- The 2nd worst scenario is I have to be on hospitalized bed rest.
- The 3rd worst is home bed rest and
- The best case scenario is what I am doing right now. I could keep doing what I'm doing now as long as my cervix cooperates. I could go all the way to term this way.
AND THAT IS THE POSITIVE THINKING WE ARE GOING TO KEEP!! CONTINUE PRAYING FOR US. LOVE U. ~Jody
My next appt is next week - July 1st.Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday, June 21st
Happy Father's Day!! We went to two classes this morning @ Carolinas Medical Center. The first was Infant CPR and the second was Taking Care of Baby. Both classes were beneficial and I highly recommend. I hope I never have to use the CPR but its great to know the rules and how to do it. It's slightly different from doing CPR on an adult.
In Taking Care of Baby, we learned swaddling, diaper changing techniques and tips, bottle/breast feeding schedules & tips, how to sooth a crying baby or colicky baby, how to bathe and when to bathe, infant crib death, pacifiers, what you need for your changing table, rectal thermometer etc. It was all really great stuff!
Did you know that they are NOT recommending swaddling with arms in for sleeping anymore? It's okay to swaddle with the arms out. This is all new in the last couple of months and it's not recognized by American Pediatrics (yet) because its in initial phases. The reason is because the swaddling with arms in is leading to more infant crib deaths! Crazy.
New pictures are on left side. FINALLY! It's only 6 weeks later. Alot of belly changes because it's finally POPPED out. :-)
In Taking Care of Baby, we learned swaddling, diaper changing techniques and tips, bottle/breast feeding schedules & tips, how to sooth a crying baby or colicky baby, how to bathe and when to bathe, infant crib death, pacifiers, what you need for your changing table, rectal thermometer etc. It was all really great stuff!
Did you know that they are NOT recommending swaddling with arms in for sleeping anymore? It's okay to swaddle with the arms out. This is all new in the last couple of months and it's not recognized by American Pediatrics (yet) because its in initial phases. The reason is because the swaddling with arms in is leading to more infant crib deaths! Crazy.
New pictures are on left side. FINALLY! It's only 6 weeks later. Alot of belly changes because it's finally POPPED out. :-)
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wednesday, June 17th
Just got back from Dr. Gourley's office. It went well ~ I have bought myself another week!! :-) That makes me happy.
He checked my cervix and it is still closed--GOOD. He could tell by the test that it is not any shorter than last week. YAY!
My big tests are coming next Wed. This is where I complete the gestational diabetes test (drink a sugary liquid) and then they test my blood after one hour. I will also do the FFN (fetal fibronectin) test again to see if I have that protein in my cervix. Dr. Gourley said we will be doing this test every two weeks. If it is ever positive, it is an early indicator of premature labor. And the last test will be an ultrasound to check the length of my cervix. If the length measures shorter, that's when I will be on a heavier dose of bedrest.
More bed rest (level two, three or four) could be in my near future or I could continue this pregnancy with my level one bed rest, just as I have been doing. I hope for the latter. :-)
Next appt is Wednesday, June 24th @ 9am.
Keep praying for us. I need to crock pot -slow cook this baby for 87 more days!!!
He checked my cervix and it is still closed--GOOD. He could tell by the test that it is not any shorter than last week. YAY!
My big tests are coming next Wed. This is where I complete the gestational diabetes test (drink a sugary liquid) and then they test my blood after one hour. I will also do the FFN (fetal fibronectin) test again to see if I have that protein in my cervix. Dr. Gourley said we will be doing this test every two weeks. If it is ever positive, it is an early indicator of premature labor. And the last test will be an ultrasound to check the length of my cervix. If the length measures shorter, that's when I will be on a heavier dose of bedrest.
More bed rest (level two, three or four) could be in my near future or I could continue this pregnancy with my level one bed rest, just as I have been doing. I hope for the latter. :-)
Next appt is Wednesday, June 24th @ 9am.
Keep praying for us. I need to crock pot -slow cook this baby for 87 more days!!!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday, June 15th
The guys had a great time at Daddy Boot Camp together (Rick, Keith, Johnny & Brad). Basically what they said it was a group break out session where they talked about a range of topics. For example, what are the signs your wife has post pardom depression! Yes, there were live babies there but when the babies got to their group, they didn't have to be changed at that time so the guys didn't get to practice diaper changing! :-) Now, when our babies are born, our guys will go back to teach this class in Dec or Jan with our little ones.
Rick & I have our next class on Sunday, June 21st. It's called, "Taking Care of Baby & Infant CPR".
Rick & I have our next class on Sunday, June 21st. It's called, "Taking Care of Baby & Infant CPR".
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Saturday, June 13th
Ricky T is off to "Daddy Boot Camp" today with three of our other good friends, Johnny, Keith & Brad who are all first time Dads as well. The class is from 10am-1pm and is taught by other Dad's who USED to be like them. The class is full & capped at 20 new Dads.
I haven't told Rick this but there will be live babies there. He will have to test his diaper learning skills on! BTW, Rick has never changed a diaper in his life.
I SO wish I could be a mouse in a little corner in that class! :-) LOL.
I will post again once I hear how it all goes.
All the guys are going out on the lake after the class to have "man day." I will be doing what I do.... and lay on the couch to cook this baby. :-)
I haven't told Rick this but there will be live babies there. He will have to test his diaper learning skills on! BTW, Rick has never changed a diaper in his life.
I SO wish I could be a mouse in a little corner in that class! :-) LOL.
I will post again once I hear how it all goes.
All the guys are going out on the lake after the class to have "man day." I will be doing what I do.... and lay on the couch to cook this baby. :-)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Wednesday, June 10th
The test results came back NEGATIVE!!! Praise God. This buys me more time and it makes me so happy. The nurse said to keep doing what I'm doing with the modified bed rest until my next appointment where I will be evaluated again.
My next appt is Wednesday, June 17th @ 10:40am.
The nurse told me today that I am on Level I bedrest, which is light activity; no exercise; rest in the morning and again in the evening. I'm sure all of that will change in the future!
Keep the prayers coming. Love to you all.
My next appt is Wednesday, June 17th @ 10:40am.
The nurse told me today that I am on Level I bedrest, which is light activity; no exercise; rest in the morning and again in the evening. I'm sure all of that will change in the future!
Keep the prayers coming. Love to you all.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Tuesday, June 9th
It wasn't great news today. My cervix shortened a bit more since five days ago. It measured from 2.9 to 2.3 at different readings during the exam. The cervix is still shut and that's good. Dr. Gourley also preformed a "fetal febronectin" (protein produced by the fetal membranes) test to determine if I am a candidate for preterm delivery; a delivery before 37 weeks gestation. This protein serves as the "glue" that attaches the fetal sac to the uterine lining. If this happens, my risk of having premature labor or giving birth early increases significantly.
The doctor did say that if the result comes back as positive, "I can expect half of my waking hours to be lying down in a bed."
So sad! So now we wait for the test results tomorrow. Pray for a negative result!!
The doctor did say that if the result comes back as positive, "I can expect half of my waking hours to be lying down in a bed."
So sad! So now we wait for the test results tomorrow. Pray for a negative result!!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Thursday, June 4th @ 3:06pm
Dr. Gourley just called. He and Dr. Wicker both agree that we need to wait until next Tuesday to determine how my funnelling is progressing. He said to prepare the Michigan folks that if it is the same result next week as it is today, we are playing it safe and advising no traveling.
I am so sad. But as I told him, we will do anything to keep this baby safe. And if it means that I am canceling my showers, then that is what I have to do.
The Minnesota shower is for sure OUT in July.
I am so sad. But as I told him, we will do anything to keep this baby safe. And if it means that I am canceling my showers, then that is what I have to do.
The Minnesota shower is for sure OUT in July.
Thursday, June 4th
Well.............. I am not sure how to explain my appointment.
I saw a new doctor today, Dr. Gourley. He was super nice and great; I really like him. The first thing we checked was the feel of my cervix. He was super positive and said it feels great, it's thick and closed. Then came the ultrasound. Before he releases me for my trip, he wanted to see if my cervix has any "funnelling". (Thinning of the cervix from the uterine side).
The ultrasound machine came in and we discovered that I do in fact have a little bit of funnelling. It's not significant yet but its something we need to keep an eye on. My cervix also measured 3.4cm which is GREAT. That was good news.
Based on seeing the funnelling, the doctor was in heavy debate as to whether I should travel on airplane. He asked alot of detailed questions like: How far is it? How long are you sitting? What city? Do they have a good NICU hospital? etc. He was hemming and hawing and then proposed the question, "Would I want you to travel if you were my wife?" A LONG pause.......... "Probably no, but thats because I know too much." BUT let me talk to your doctor (Dr. Wicker) and discuss your pictures and I will call you back this afternoon. He also said I would most likely be OKAY to travel on this trip with no issues. BUT, if there was an issue and we lost a very premature baby, would I regret going on the trip for the rest of my life? Good point.
I would rather play it safe than sorry but I'm going to see what the doctor says when he calls me this afternoon.
I am cleared to continue my working and modified bed rest. He wants me to keep what I'm doing. My next appt is Tuesday, June 9th @ 3pm. This is where we check it all over again.
I will post again after my phone call today.
I saw a new doctor today, Dr. Gourley. He was super nice and great; I really like him. The first thing we checked was the feel of my cervix. He was super positive and said it feels great, it's thick and closed. Then came the ultrasound. Before he releases me for my trip, he wanted to see if my cervix has any "funnelling". (Thinning of the cervix from the uterine side).
The ultrasound machine came in and we discovered that I do in fact have a little bit of funnelling. It's not significant yet but its something we need to keep an eye on. My cervix also measured 3.4cm which is GREAT. That was good news.
Based on seeing the funnelling, the doctor was in heavy debate as to whether I should travel on airplane. He asked alot of detailed questions like: How far is it? How long are you sitting? What city? Do they have a good NICU hospital? etc. He was hemming and hawing and then proposed the question, "Would I want you to travel if you were my wife?" A LONG pause.......... "Probably no, but thats because I know too much." BUT let me talk to your doctor (Dr. Wicker) and discuss your pictures and I will call you back this afternoon. He also said I would most likely be OKAY to travel on this trip with no issues. BUT, if there was an issue and we lost a very premature baby, would I regret going on the trip for the rest of my life? Good point.
I would rather play it safe than sorry but I'm going to see what the doctor says when he calls me this afternoon.
I am cleared to continue my working and modified bed rest. He wants me to keep what I'm doing. My next appt is Tuesday, June 9th @ 3pm. This is where we check it all over again.
I will post again after my phone call today.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Friday, May 29th
Today, the office threw me a surprise shower luncheon. We had sandwiches, fruit, pistachio salad, deviled eggs, taco seven layer dip, sweet & unsweet tea and homemade layer cake. It was SO nice! People are so thoughtful---THANK YOU, THANK YOU. I do appreciate all the nice things everybody has done for me. :-) Okay, I'm going to cry! It's a bitter sweet ending for me for my 13 tenure at UBS (PaineWebber), as I am officially retiring from the business when the little one arrives. I received a SUPER NICE gift card from all the wonderful folks at UBS. I am going to use it to buy items off my Babies R Us registry. Yay! So happy.
By the way, my next doctor appointment is Thursday, June 4th @ 11am when we recheck my cervix to determine my fate. Pray for me! I am hoping they okay me to fly for my Michigan shower slated for June 14th.
Moderate bed rest is for the birds! It's very hard for me. BUT it's only temporary so I will do it. Only 15 more weeks....................
By the way, my next doctor appointment is Thursday, June 4th @ 11am when we recheck my cervix to determine my fate. Pray for me! I am hoping they okay me to fly for my Michigan shower slated for June 14th.
Moderate bed rest is for the birds! It's very hard for me. BUT it's only temporary so I will do it. Only 15 more weeks....................
Monday, May 25, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thursday, May 21st
I had my one week follow up today from my cervix issue last week. The result is the best we could hope for! My cervix measured a little bit longer at 3.1cm and then a short time later, he got a reading of 3.4 (longer is better --the doctor likes it to be above 3.5, however he will accept all the way down to 2.5), We start running into issues when the cervix number is at 2.0 or below.
Plus, I am not "funneling" like I was last week. YAY!! Good news. Funneling is the thinning of the cervix from the uterine side which could throw you into pre-term labor.
He is continuing me on the "modified" bedrest which means I can work but when I'm not working, I should be laying down or sitting. Laying is better than sitting. The order from best to worse is: laying, sitting, standing, walking. He said, "Your exercise days are over." Boooo. I will have to suck it up later to get back in shape!
I do not need a cerclage (pronounced, sir-clauge). That is also GREAT news. A cerclage is a stitch they put up inside your cervix to keep it shut.
I have a follow up to review my cervix again in 2 weeks on June 4th. At this time, he will determine if I can travel to MI for my first shower in Kalamazoo on June 14th. I might be taking one of those carts from gate to gate! And I will be very happy to do it. :-)
Plus, I am not "funneling" like I was last week. YAY!! Good news. Funneling is the thinning of the cervix from the uterine side which could throw you into pre-term labor.
He is continuing me on the "modified" bedrest which means I can work but when I'm not working, I should be laying down or sitting. Laying is better than sitting. The order from best to worse is: laying, sitting, standing, walking. He said, "Your exercise days are over." Boooo. I will have to suck it up later to get back in shape!
I do not need a cerclage (pronounced, sir-clauge). That is also GREAT news. A cerclage is a stitch they put up inside your cervix to keep it shut.
I have a follow up to review my cervix again in 2 weeks on June 4th. At this time, he will determine if I can travel to MI for my first shower in Kalamazoo on June 14th. I might be taking one of those carts from gate to gate! And I will be very happy to do it. :-)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Monday, May 18th
I woke up for the first time in the middle of night because the baby was moving. How crazy! I'm sure there are plenty more nights to come. :-0
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wednesday, May 13th
I had my monthly appt today. Well, everything checked out like my weight gain (3 lbs since last month), my blood pressure 102/75, the ultrasound of baby (got new pix!). The baby is very active. The feet are down by my cervix and the head is up. "It's" standing. I am measuring again, "right on track" of where I'm supposed to be. The baby is estimated at 1lb, 3oz.
However, we have one small issue. My cervix is shrinking (2.9 cm and they want it 3.5 or higher) and now I have to go back in one week for another visit. They put me on moderate bed rest, which means I can still work but when not working, I am supposed to be laying down to take the pressure off my cervix. I have a sinking feeling that when I have my appt next week, I will be put on full blown bed rest. This is going to be so hard!! I was doing some research online just now about this issue and now I am totally freaked out. We need to cook for at least a couple more weeks for everything to be okay.
Rick made a good point to me on the phone just now by saying, it can't be that bad or you would be on full bed rest right now.
Please pray for us.
However, we have one small issue. My cervix is shrinking (2.9 cm and they want it 3.5 or higher) and now I have to go back in one week for another visit. They put me on moderate bed rest, which means I can still work but when not working, I am supposed to be laying down to take the pressure off my cervix. I have a sinking feeling that when I have my appt next week, I will be put on full blown bed rest. This is going to be so hard!! I was doing some research online just now about this issue and now I am totally freaked out. We need to cook for at least a couple more weeks for everything to be okay.
Rick made a good point to me on the phone just now by saying, it can't be that bad or you would be on full bed rest right now.
Please pray for us.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Tuesday, May 12th
It's starting to really come out now! Check out the new picture (22 1/2 weeks) that I just posted which Rick took of me tonight. At least I have extra skin on my belly to grow into. :-) Maybe that will help me avoid stretch marks?? Mom (Con Bon) got some slight stretch marks with Julie and me and they say its hereditary. Let's hope that I don't get those genes!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday, May 4th
Well, I did it............ I broke down and bought maternity clothes over the weekend.....
I had a blast shopping with my good friend, Tricia and her work friend, Heidi. We are all due within a month of each other. I went to Destination Maternity for the first time which is located across from South Park Mall. It's a "must-do" for every pregnant girl. I dropped $250 and then more at Kohl's in their maternity section.
I was so miserable at work with my pants so now I'm all set in the work clothes and play clothes area. Whooo -Hooooo! Today, I have on my new black work pants and boy, do they feel great! :-)
New picture coming soon!! The belly is starting to come out good now.
I had a blast shopping with my good friend, Tricia and her work friend, Heidi. We are all due within a month of each other. I went to Destination Maternity for the first time which is located across from South Park Mall. It's a "must-do" for every pregnant girl. I dropped $250 and then more at Kohl's in their maternity section.
I was so miserable at work with my pants so now I'm all set in the work clothes and play clothes area. Whooo -Hooooo! Today, I have on my new black work pants and boy, do they feel great! :-)
New picture coming soon!! The belly is starting to come out good now.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Thursday, April 23rd
We had our monthly doctor's visit today. On each monthly visit, you do this:
- Pee in a cup
- Weight -- up 14 pounds!!
- Blood pressure --excellent: 106/60
- Sonic doppler to listen to heart beat --sounds wonderful and strong!
All four things were great. Today, for the first time, they used a tape measure on my belly. Per Dr. Wicker, my measurement is exactly where I need to be. I showed him my rubber band trick and he laughed at me. He said we'll see where you are with that rubber band in four weeks when I see you again!!
My next monthly appt is Wednesday, May 13th where he will do an ultrasound. He might slate our c-section date which should be around September 4th. :-)
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Friday, April 17th
The baby moved for the first time! And now I feel it all the time. It's just like they say --flutters. Kind of like you went really fast over a bump in the road and you get that feeling in your stomach?
I first described it to Rick that it felt like his hand was inside my stomach and he lightly tickled the top of it with the tips of his fingers. It's so CRAZY that there is something living in there. Wow!
Amazing.
I first described it to Rick that it felt like his hand was inside my stomach and he lightly tickled the top of it with the tips of his fingers. It's so CRAZY that there is something living in there. Wow!
Amazing.
Friday, April 17, 2009
April 16th -Level II Ultrasound at the Women's Institute
We had our Level II Ultrasound today. It went well! I have to keep reminding the doctors that we don't want to know the sex so they don't screw up and tell us by accident. We saw the baby laying on its side on his/her arm. We saw the heart (all four chambers), the stomach, kidneys, blood flow, each foot and toes, each hand/arm, the brain (its already so smart!!), spine and face. At most points, the baby still looks a little alien like (must take after Ricky T --haha).
The heart rate was 157 bpm again --exactly where we were last time. The weight was 11.10 ounces which cracks me up! The baby is not even a pound yet.
I have a couple more pictures that I will be posting once I am at Rick's office again (scanner is located there).
We are very happy and excited!! I am in the middle of my 19th week now. I feel great and have a little pooch starting to form. I am still wearing my clothes but most things I cannot button or hook anymore. I bought a couple maternity tops yesterday at the GAP. (Thanks Branden & Rachel!). Check back next week for new pix.
We are now off to Austin, TX for a wedding. :-)
The heart rate was 157 bpm again --exactly where we were last time. The weight was 11.10 ounces which cracks me up! The baby is not even a pound yet.
I have a couple more pictures that I will be posting once I am at Rick's office again (scanner is located there).
We are very happy and excited!! I am in the middle of my 19th week now. I feel great and have a little pooch starting to form. I am still wearing my clothes but most things I cannot button or hook anymore. I bought a couple maternity tops yesterday at the GAP. (Thanks Branden & Rachel!). Check back next week for new pix.
We are now off to Austin, TX for a wedding. :-)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thursday, March 26th
I had my scheduled monthly doctor appt today @ Charlotte OB/GYN with Dr. Jervis. It went "GREAT", as she kept saying in the appointment. Everything is on schedule and the heartbeat sounds strong and well. The heartbeat was ranging between 150's & 160's today. Hmmmm --what does that mean? ha.
We talked about exercise and constipation. Oh yah --the fun part of pregnancy --constipation. Holy crap. (minus the crap!) :-)
I also had the AFP blood test to check for neural tube defects. That result comes back in 7-10 days. If you were on folic acid (prenatal vitamin) before you conceived, your chances of having a neural tube defect is greatly reduced. I feel confident that the test will be negative.
Today was a good day. Yay.
We talked about exercise and constipation. Oh yah --the fun part of pregnancy --constipation. Holy crap. (minus the crap!) :-)
I also had the AFP blood test to check for neural tube defects. That result comes back in 7-10 days. If you were on folic acid (prenatal vitamin) before you conceived, your chances of having a neural tube defect is greatly reduced. I feel confident that the test will be negative.
Today was a good day. Yay.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Saturday, March 21st
We are getting super excited for the family (Dad/Deb/Julie/Branden/Rachel/Annika/Jenna/Christine) to come visit April 4-12th for Easter week!! We welcome our exchange student from Norway, Christine Bierling. Yay!!
And we can't wait to meet our new niece, Annika Kristine Johnson. Drive safe Branden & Rach!
Love to you all.
xoxo
And we can't wait to meet our new niece, Annika Kristine Johnson. Drive safe Branden & Rach!
Love to you all.
xoxo
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday, March 18th
Happy Hump Day! I am at the tail end of my 14th week with 15 weeks starting on Friday. There is nothing new and exciting to report other than my pants are starting to get tight! I did buy a couple of those BellaBands for the future when I need to keep my pants unbuttoned. The BellaBands just let you wear your normal clothes for a bit longer. The BellaBand holds your pants up, disguising bulky unfastened closures or excessive fabric creating a smooth belly surface. Now, no one has to know your pants are undone or loose. Wear the BellaBand concealed, or let it peek out from under your top for that hip, layered look. If your top rises, it looks like a t-shirt or camisole -- not a funky mechanism to expand your waistband or hold up your pants.
Right now, I feel like I drank too much beer over the winter and need to start workin out! I do miss my running days..... I wonder how long it will be before I wear my BellaBand?
Right now, I feel like I drank too much beer over the winter and need to start workin out! I do miss my running days..... I wonder how long it will be before I wear my BellaBand?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Thursday, February 26th
Today is the day I will receive the preliminary results from the CVS. I already tell myself that I won't answer the phone, just let the voicemail get it and then listen to the message to see if I can distinguish a certain voice happiness or sadness.
The phone rings at 12:00 Noon. I see that it is CMC calling..... I pick up the phone and seriously contemplate my decision of answering or not. I don't listen to what I told myself earlier and answer the phone.
"Hi Jody. It's Beth from the Women's Institute. I am calling with good news!" And that was all I needed to hear.
We are SO HAPPY. Thank you God for everything.
The phone rings at 12:00 Noon. I see that it is CMC calling..... I pick up the phone and seriously contemplate my decision of answering or not. I don't listen to what I told myself earlier and answer the phone.
"Hi Jody. It's Beth from the Women's Institute. I am calling with good news!" And that was all I needed to hear.
We are SO HAPPY. Thank you God for everything.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 24th
Today is the day we have the CVS (chorionic villus sampling) test at the Women's Institute. Due to my age and being high risk for pregnancy is the reason we elect to have the early testing. CVS, is a diagnostic test for identifying chromosome abnormalities and other inherited disorders. Chorionic villus sampling also provides access to DNA for paternity testing prior to delivery --It was because of this test, we knew the baby was Rick's. (JUST KIDDING!! haha) It is recommended to complete this test between 10-13 weeks pregnant. At this point, I am 11 1/2 weeks.
I had the transcervical test: An ultrasound guides a thin catheter through the cervix to your placenta. The chorionic villi cells are gently suctioned into the catheter. This is the most common method. It will take 3 days to get the preliminary results back --chromosome's 13, 18, 21, x and y.
Although CVS is considered to be a safe procedure, it is recognized as an invasive diagnostic test that does pose potential risks. Miscarriage is the primary risk related to CVS occurring 1 out of every 100 procedures. But this is the risk we must take.
The test itself is not that bad. The prep work is the longest factor. There is a big flat screen TV right in front of us so we can see exactly what is going on. There was moderate cramping during the actual cell sampling. Nothing that a tight hand grip can't fight!
The only funny story to comment on is that after the test, they have to use the ultrasound to make sure the baby is doing okay. When we see the baby on the screen, it literally crouches down and jumps straight up really high before hitting the upper wall. It was crazy!! We all started laughing. The doctor said, "Whoa -there's a little jump for ya!" Maybe we'll have a future basketball star?
So before you know it, the test is over and I'm well on my way. No lifting over 20 pounds for 3 full days and then it's back to normal routine stuff.
Now we wait. This is the toughest part.
I had the transcervical test: An ultrasound guides a thin catheter through the cervix to your placenta. The chorionic villi cells are gently suctioned into the catheter. This is the most common method. It will take 3 days to get the preliminary results back --chromosome's 13, 18, 21, x and y.
Although CVS is considered to be a safe procedure, it is recognized as an invasive diagnostic test that does pose potential risks. Miscarriage is the primary risk related to CVS occurring 1 out of every 100 procedures. But this is the risk we must take.
The test itself is not that bad. The prep work is the longest factor. There is a big flat screen TV right in front of us so we can see exactly what is going on. There was moderate cramping during the actual cell sampling. Nothing that a tight hand grip can't fight!
The only funny story to comment on is that after the test, they have to use the ultrasound to make sure the baby is doing okay. When we see the baby on the screen, it literally crouches down and jumps straight up really high before hitting the upper wall. It was crazy!! We all started laughing. The doctor said, "Whoa -there's a little jump for ya!" Maybe we'll have a future basketball star?
So before you know it, the test is over and I'm well on my way. No lifting over 20 pounds for 3 full days and then it's back to normal routine stuff.
Now we wait. This is the toughest part.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tuesday, February 17th
We are at REACH one more time before Dr. Whitesides releases us to our regular OB/GYN.
The heartrate is great. The measurements are great. All looks good! Dr. Whitesides takes a really good picture that you can see the whole skeleton of the face. Wow --it's so weird that there is something alive inside there and you can't feel it (yet). :-) FUN.
Oh a side note, I traveled three times before this date (all non-drinking). In January, we were in Aspen. We ended up telling our friends that we went on the trip with the "deal" so I didn't have to fake drink. I was careful on the mountains.
Then, I went to MI for Rachel's baby shower (my niece, Annika Kristine Johnson was born Feb 28th). The whole non-drinking thing is an issue because everybody starts to quiz you and analyze everything you are doing. My Auntie Bev flat out asked me at one point, "Are you pregnant?" Sorry for non divulging all the pertinent info Auntie Bev!! But we needed to wait for the test results to come back okay...
The last trip was to MN for Winterfest. This is where I tell Mom, Dan & Julie the exciting news!! My Mom started balling immediately. I have the whole thing on video (for Rick because he couldn't be there) so check out the very bottom of this blog for my most recent YouTube videos. Telling Mom is the first one. If you prefer, you can click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/user/johnsonturek
We are still hiding from alot of other family and friends until we can get the test results back.
The heartrate is great. The measurements are great. All looks good! Dr. Whitesides takes a really good picture that you can see the whole skeleton of the face. Wow --it's so weird that there is something alive inside there and you can't feel it (yet). :-) FUN.
Oh a side note, I traveled three times before this date (all non-drinking). In January, we were in Aspen. We ended up telling our friends that we went on the trip with the "deal" so I didn't have to fake drink. I was careful on the mountains.
Then, I went to MI for Rachel's baby shower (my niece, Annika Kristine Johnson was born Feb 28th). The whole non-drinking thing is an issue because everybody starts to quiz you and analyze everything you are doing. My Auntie Bev flat out asked me at one point, "Are you pregnant?" Sorry for non divulging all the pertinent info Auntie Bev!! But we needed to wait for the test results to come back okay...
The last trip was to MN for Winterfest. This is where I tell Mom, Dan & Julie the exciting news!! My Mom started balling immediately. I have the whole thing on video (for Rick because he couldn't be there) so check out the very bottom of this blog for my most recent YouTube videos. Telling Mom is the first one. If you prefer, you can click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/user/johnsonturek
We are still hiding from alot of other family and friends until we can get the test results back.
Tuesday, January 27th
Today is the day that we find out "how many" are actually in there.... whoa, nervous!!
This process has been a rough road for Rick and me. After two surgeries (Nov 2005 & Oct 2008) and multiple fertility treatments, we know that we had two eggs in December 08. We could have one or two in there.....
The first ultrasounds shows one!! Whew. I don't know what I'd do if there were mulitples. I guess deal huh? The baby looks like some blobs and circles and we can hear the heartbeat already on the high tech equipment at the fertility specialist (REACH).
Wow. This is really happening!
Now, how to keep this quiet from family & friends.............. that's a big trick.
This process has been a rough road for Rick and me. After two surgeries (Nov 2005 & Oct 2008) and multiple fertility treatments, we know that we had two eggs in December 08. We could have one or two in there.....
The first ultrasounds shows one!! Whew. I don't know what I'd do if there were mulitples. I guess deal huh? The baby looks like some blobs and circles and we can hear the heartbeat already on the high tech equipment at the fertility specialist (REACH).
Wow. This is really happening!
Now, how to keep this quiet from family & friends.............. that's a big trick.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Saturday, January 3rd
The doctor's note says I should not test until Monday. I'm too hyper to listen! So I test anyway. The test is as clear as day----POSITIVE! And no faint "not sure" line there today.
Rick and I are so happy and excited but very nervous too.
Rick and I are so happy and excited but very nervous too.
Wednesday, December 31st
Well, it's NYE and we are invited to a party at Branden & Rebecca's house. I shouldn't take the test for a few more days but I'm going to try to test tonight anyway. I need to know if I can drink that champagne! :-)
Waiting, waiting, waiting. I look at the stick and it appears negative but there is this FAINT little line to make the plus sign a "plus sign". It could be a line or I could be imagining things. I bring the stick to Rick. "What does this look like to you?" I say. He thought the same thing as me-- it could be a line or it couldn't. INCONCLUSIVE. Great. The directions say if you see a faint line, then take it as a positive BUT retest in a few days.
So we go to the party and I fake drink. Had fun!
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