Yesterday morning I had my usual ultrasound on Mr. Derrick. However, the tech decided to do a quick check on Derrick's growth and see where he was at weight wise. Please refer back to this post (click here!) to see what all the measurements mean and to compare to his measurements three weeks ago. When the ultrasound was done I was 34 weeks, 4 days along.
BPD (Biparietal diameter) : 8.65 cm which is the size of an average 34 week, 6 day fetus
HC (Head Circumference): 31.60 cm which is the size of an average 35 week, 3 day fetus.
AC (Abdominal Circumference): 29.58 cm which is the size of an average 33 week, 4 day fetus
FL (Femur Length): 6.89 cm which is the size of an average 35 week, 3 day fetus.
This puts Derrick at 5 pounds, 5 ounces! He is in the 40th percentile (42% to be exact) for his overall development.
This means that if you were to take 100 fetuses that were at 34 weeks, 4 days along and line them all up according to size Derrick would be number 42. So it's not necessarily a bad thing or means that he is behind. It just gives an idea of where he is compared to others.
Taking his weight from 3 weeks ago (3 lbs, 15 oz) and comparing it to now shows that he is right on track. Babies at this point are supposed to gain about a 1/2 a pound a week. So as long as he continues along this trend he will be between 6.5 and 7 pounds when he is born.
What is your guess on his weight and length at birth?
My official guess is 6 pounds, 9 ounces and 20.5 inches long!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Maternity photo previews
Head on over to Carrie Fay Photography's blog to see my maternity photo previews:
Click here!
We took these last Saturday morning, and had a great time! I am sooo pleased with the photos, and they mean more to me that I can express. The fact that I am still growing Derrick inside me is wonderful, and the photos will be cherished forever.
I recommend that any pregnant woman take the time to make sure to take maternity photos. Whether it be with your own camera or having a professional photographer take them, it is a time in your life that you will want to remember and you will never be able to get that time back once the baby is born. Every pregnancy is different and beautiful in it's own way.
With Riley's pregnancy I had a much further out belly, and I had a distinct line running down the front of my belly:
With Bree's pregnancy we all know I didn't get very far, so I never had the chance to have Carrie Fay take maternity pictures. This is the last picture we have of her pregnancy...it was taken on September 1st, and she was born 9 days later.
I feel so blessed to have made it this far into Derrick's pregnancy. I have appreciated (and still are!) every ache, pain, throw up, and feeling this time around. Pregnancy may not be the most comfortable thing in the world, but nothing compares to holding your child in your arms and knowing that you created them.
I got a little off track with this post...but back to the meaning of it. Carrie Fay is an amazing photographer, and I highly recommend her to anyone needing photos taken of any kind. Whether it be family shoots, maternity, or just for fun shots...she will take the time to make your photo shoot unique and about you.
Click here!
We took these last Saturday morning, and had a great time! I am sooo pleased with the photos, and they mean more to me that I can express. The fact that I am still growing Derrick inside me is wonderful, and the photos will be cherished forever.
I recommend that any pregnant woman take the time to make sure to take maternity photos. Whether it be with your own camera or having a professional photographer take them, it is a time in your life that you will want to remember and you will never be able to get that time back once the baby is born. Every pregnancy is different and beautiful in it's own way.
With Riley's pregnancy I had a much further out belly, and I had a distinct line running down the front of my belly:
With Bree's pregnancy we all know I didn't get very far, so I never had the chance to have Carrie Fay take maternity pictures. This is the last picture we have of her pregnancy...it was taken on September 1st, and she was born 9 days later.
I feel so blessed to have made it this far into Derrick's pregnancy. I have appreciated (and still are!) every ache, pain, throw up, and feeling this time around. Pregnancy may not be the most comfortable thing in the world, but nothing compares to holding your child in your arms and knowing that you created them.
I got a little off track with this post...but back to the meaning of it. Carrie Fay is an amazing photographer, and I highly recommend her to anyone needing photos taken of any kind. Whether it be family shoots, maternity, or just for fun shots...she will take the time to make your photo shoot unique and about you.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
February 15
21 days.
504 hours.
30,240 minutes.
1,814,400 seconds.
That's how long we have until our little man enters the world. My c section is set for February 15th at 9:30 in the morning. We will need to be there 2 hours early so we will be checking in at 7:30 am. That gives us enough time to drop the girls at daycare, and make it in time to check in and get ready to have a baby!
Adam's parents will be coming into town on the 14th, so they will get to be with us during the big event.
I can't believe how close it is. I am very excited to hold our little boy in my arms, to kiss his little head, and to show him off to the world.
504 hours.
30,240 minutes.
1,814,400 seconds.
That's how long we have until our little man enters the world. My c section is set for February 15th at 9:30 in the morning. We will need to be there 2 hours early so we will be checking in at 7:30 am. That gives us enough time to drop the girls at daycare, and make it in time to check in and get ready to have a baby!
Adam's parents will be coming into town on the 14th, so they will get to be with us during the big event.
I can't believe how close it is. I am very excited to hold our little boy in my arms, to kiss his little head, and to show him off to the world.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Proud
I am so proud of our Bree. I am sitting here a blubbering, crying mess of pride. Just thinking about how far we have come with her is such an amazing thing. I can't even put it into words or make my brain think how to put it together to convey all of my feelings. I don't think that I can.
She started out as this tiny tiny baby in a box that couldn't breathe on her own, couldn't eat on her own, and couldn't be moved or touched or stimulated too much or she would stop breathing and drop her heart rate. She received EXCELLENT care from all the nurses and doctors at Phoenix Children's Hospital (and still does!) and was able to join our family at home in time for Christmas.
Fast forward two and a half years and you have this:
That's right. Bree is a model for Phoenix Children's Hospital! I can't believe it. We had a photo shoot during one of her doctor appointments a few months ago and I signed waivers and all that, but they weren't able to say if they were going to use her or not. Our friend Anneke took her kiddo to their GI appt today and she said that Bree's picture is up everywhere!
I am sure I will be able to write a much more put together and thought out post one of these days about this...but I wanted to share it with you all. Thank you for all your prayers, well wishes, positive thoughts and support you have sent our way during this journey with Bree. We have only just begun to see how amazing of a person she is going to be. :)
She started out as this tiny tiny baby in a box that couldn't breathe on her own, couldn't eat on her own, and couldn't be moved or touched or stimulated too much or she would stop breathing and drop her heart rate. She received EXCELLENT care from all the nurses and doctors at Phoenix Children's Hospital (and still does!) and was able to join our family at home in time for Christmas.
Fast forward two and a half years and you have this:
That's right. Bree is a model for Phoenix Children's Hospital! I can't believe it. We had a photo shoot during one of her doctor appointments a few months ago and I signed waivers and all that, but they weren't able to say if they were going to use her or not. Our friend Anneke took her kiddo to their GI appt today and she said that Bree's picture is up everywhere!
I am sure I will be able to write a much more put together and thought out post one of these days about this...but I wanted to share it with you all. Thank you for all your prayers, well wishes, positive thoughts and support you have sent our way during this journey with Bree. We have only just begun to see how amazing of a person she is going to be. :)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Gonce Family: 2010
A big thank you to Carrie Fay Photography for taking fabulous photos of our family! We had a fun time, felt relaxed...and the pictures show how our family truly is. Hope you enjoy!
Pregnancy update
So I had my usual ultrasound and doctor visit today.
During the ultrasound, they noticed that Derrick's fluid is lower than it usually is. When they measure it is usually at 12 or 13 and today it was at 9. It looked low to me. She did measure it 3 times to be sure. I asked the tech at what "level" do they start to worry and she said when it gets to 5.
When it came time for the doctor visit, I already have a bacterial sinus infection that I am on antibiotics for (went into urgent care for that on tuesday) and I had to let them know about it. Well turns out that it is good I am on antibiotics because I have a UTI. (you have to leave a urine sample when you show up for them to test). Holy cow! I feel fine and haven't had any pain at all. I asked Dr. Folkestad about the low fluid level and he said that if this was a normal pregnancy, the low fluid levels would be cause for concern and they would start doing ultrasounds twice a week to monitor it. Since I am already high risk because of the T-scar incision and Bree's premature birth it doesn't change anything for me. However, it is something they are concerned about and will watch. He also mentioned that the low fluid levels may be because my body is trying to battle two different infections right now and it is hard work to fight off infections and grow a baby. He told me I need to be making sure that I am getting my fluids in, and that I am eating well. Which is two things that I do pretty good at. He did check me and he said nothing is dilated, changed, and it is exactly how they want all that.
Next visit (on thursday) is when we will be scheduling the c section date. Since nothing is dilating or effacing, he would like to deliver me in my 37th week and I can choose any date from that Monday to Thursday (as long as the hospital has availability). So it would be February 15 to the 18th (**correction** 14th to the 17th...I apparently don't know how to read a calendar)....so we shall see! Adam and I will sit down and talk about it tonight. It is getting close...only 4.5 more weeks....
During the ultrasound, they noticed that Derrick's fluid is lower than it usually is. When they measure it is usually at 12 or 13 and today it was at 9. It looked low to me. She did measure it 3 times to be sure. I asked the tech at what "level" do they start to worry and she said when it gets to 5.
When it came time for the doctor visit, I already have a bacterial sinus infection that I am on antibiotics for (went into urgent care for that on tuesday) and I had to let them know about it. Well turns out that it is good I am on antibiotics because I have a UTI. (you have to leave a urine sample when you show up for them to test). Holy cow! I feel fine and haven't had any pain at all. I asked Dr. Folkestad about the low fluid level and he said that if this was a normal pregnancy, the low fluid levels would be cause for concern and they would start doing ultrasounds twice a week to monitor it. Since I am already high risk because of the T-scar incision and Bree's premature birth it doesn't change anything for me. However, it is something they are concerned about and will watch. He also mentioned that the low fluid levels may be because my body is trying to battle two different infections right now and it is hard work to fight off infections and grow a baby. He told me I need to be making sure that I am getting my fluids in, and that I am eating well. Which is two things that I do pretty good at. He did check me and he said nothing is dilated, changed, and it is exactly how they want all that.
Next visit (on thursday) is when we will be scheduling the c section date. Since nothing is dilating or effacing, he would like to deliver me in my 37th week and I can choose any date from that Monday to Thursday (as long as the hospital has availability). So it would be February 15 to the 18th (**correction** 14th to the 17th...I apparently don't know how to read a calendar)....so we shall see! Adam and I will sit down and talk about it tonight. It is getting close...only 4.5 more weeks....
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Mindless Babble
Just a random assortment of things I feel like sharing.
We still have our Christmas decorations up. Our Christmas tree was taken down a few days after Christmas to be able to put our recliner back in the living room so that we had extra room to sit. I have just been sick for the last week and not had the energy to take down the decorations. And yet here I sit typing a blog instead of taking down the stockings hanging up on the wall. :)
Even while we have our Christmas decorations still up, I had Riley making valentines this morning. She has reached the age where she really enjoys it. I give her markers, some sequins, jewels, pom poms, glue and some hearts cut out and she will sit there and decorate until her little heart is content. I would say we could a good hour of quiet from that this morning. It was heaven. So Nana, Papa, Grandma and Papa, Grandma Sott and Grandpa Sott, and Yaya will be getting valentines in the mail in a week or two.
On Thursday and Friday this week I went and got steroid shots to help mature Derrick's lungs. They actually weren't that bad. I do not have any bruises from them...and it is for a good cause.
Tomorrow I will be 32 weeks pregnant with Derrick. That is huge. At 32 weeks gestation, the risk of ROP and brain bleeds go waaaaayyyyy down. Which were our two biggest problems (and still are) with Bree. Woo hoo! We are in the home stretch.
Well I guess those Christmas decorations aren't going to take down themselves. I better get to it.
We still have our Christmas decorations up. Our Christmas tree was taken down a few days after Christmas to be able to put our recliner back in the living room so that we had extra room to sit. I have just been sick for the last week and not had the energy to take down the decorations. And yet here I sit typing a blog instead of taking down the stockings hanging up on the wall. :)
Even while we have our Christmas decorations still up, I had Riley making valentines this morning. She has reached the age where she really enjoys it. I give her markers, some sequins, jewels, pom poms, glue and some hearts cut out and she will sit there and decorate until her little heart is content. I would say we could a good hour of quiet from that this morning. It was heaven. So Nana, Papa, Grandma and Papa, Grandma Sott and Grandpa Sott, and Yaya will be getting valentines in the mail in a week or two.
On Thursday and Friday this week I went and got steroid shots to help mature Derrick's lungs. They actually weren't that bad. I do not have any bruises from them...and it is for a good cause.
Tomorrow I will be 32 weeks pregnant with Derrick. That is huge. At 32 weeks gestation, the risk of ROP and brain bleeds go waaaaayyyyy down. Which were our two biggest problems (and still are) with Bree. Woo hoo! We are in the home stretch.
Well I guess those Christmas decorations aren't going to take down themselves. I better get to it.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Measurements and weight estimation
We officially have an on-time, 3 lb 15 ounce (estimated weight) little man stretching and jumping around in my belly.
His measurements were great at todays ultrasound. I am 31 weeks, 1 day along. For those of you who are geeks like me here are the official measurements:
BPD: Biparietal diameter (BPD): The transverse width of the head at it's widest.
8.09 cm which is the average size of a 32 week, 3 day fetus.
HC: Head circumference
27.52 cm which is the average size of a 30 week, 1 day fetus
AC: Abdominal circumference
27.42 cm which is the average size of a 31 week, 3 day fetus
FL: Femur Length
6.18 cm which is the average size of a 32 week, 0 day fetus
The weight estimation came out to be 3 lbs, 15 ounces which is 1798 grams. Wow!
To put that into comparison, Bree was estimated at 500 grams at birth and about 1 pound. After being given fluids and meds she was finally stable enough to be officially weighed in at 1 lb, 5 ounces. So Derrick is almost 4 times the size that Bree was.
Derrick should gain about a half a pound a week until he is born. So if I am 31 weeks right now we'll just say he's four pounds. That leaves us week 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 to gain weight. (We're hoping to do c section at the end of week 36). That will estimate his birth weight at around 6.5 pounds! How awesome will that be???!!
I am so proud that he is doing so well and is growing right on schedule. I am so blessed.
His measurements were great at todays ultrasound. I am 31 weeks, 1 day along. For those of you who are geeks like me here are the official measurements:
BPD: Biparietal diameter (BPD): The transverse width of the head at it's widest.
8.09 cm which is the average size of a 32 week, 3 day fetus.
HC: Head circumference
27.52 cm which is the average size of a 30 week, 1 day fetus
AC: Abdominal circumference
27.42 cm which is the average size of a 31 week, 3 day fetus
FL: Femur Length
6.18 cm which is the average size of a 32 week, 0 day fetus
The weight estimation came out to be 3 lbs, 15 ounces which is 1798 grams. Wow!
To put that into comparison, Bree was estimated at 500 grams at birth and about 1 pound. After being given fluids and meds she was finally stable enough to be officially weighed in at 1 lb, 5 ounces. So Derrick is almost 4 times the size that Bree was.
Derrick should gain about a half a pound a week until he is born. So if I am 31 weeks right now we'll just say he's four pounds. That leaves us week 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 to gain weight. (We're hoping to do c section at the end of week 36). That will estimate his birth weight at around 6.5 pounds! How awesome will that be???!!
I am so proud that he is doing so well and is growing right on schedule. I am so blessed.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2011...here we are!
Whew! 2010 was sure full of exciting times, and much growth for our family. I am not as organized or super cool as many of my blogger friends to be able to do a month by month run down of the past year for us. However, I do remember (and will always remember) 2010 as these exciting things:
- Last year at this time Bree wasn't crawling or walking. She had mastered sitting up on her own, but that was it. 2010 has brought us not only a crawling master, but now a walking and running toddler.
- Riley started preschool, and she LOVES it! She is definitely a child who craves attention, and constant structure so she has blossomed. I am very thankful to the help we get from Adam's parents to be able to give our children the opportunity to go to preschool. We would not be able to give them this ourselves.
- We had a wonderful opportunity to have Adam's parents and the three "big" nieces and nephew visit us for 6 weeks this summer. I will remember it forever.
- Many plans changed in our family this year. At the beginning of July I got an unexpected positive pregnancy test...and life hasn't been the same since!
- We thought Adam was going to Korea for a year with him leaving in September, but with the high risk pregnancy we were able to file a humanitarian package and have him stay here with us. I honestly think I would not have made it this far without his help, love and support. He is an amazing husband.
- My student teaching was supposed to start in August, but with our surprise pregnancy we decided the stress, time and exertion of student teaching would not be beneficial and so we are holding off until August 2011.
- My grandparents had a trip planned to come and help during my student teaching, but with it canceled I got to spend that extra time with them. :) It was made extra special by my grandma being able to be present for our "big" ultrasound when we found out we would be having a little boy!
I am sure that there are different things that stand out in Adam's mind when he thinks about 2010, but these are the things that I remember.
2011 will bring us many more new things that the girls will do, it will bring us a beautiful...ahem...handsome baby boy, and a stronger marriage and relationship between Adam and I. Life is good.
- Last year at this time Bree wasn't crawling or walking. She had mastered sitting up on her own, but that was it. 2010 has brought us not only a crawling master, but now a walking and running toddler.
- Riley started preschool, and she LOVES it! She is definitely a child who craves attention, and constant structure so she has blossomed. I am very thankful to the help we get from Adam's parents to be able to give our children the opportunity to go to preschool. We would not be able to give them this ourselves.
- We had a wonderful opportunity to have Adam's parents and the three "big" nieces and nephew visit us for 6 weeks this summer. I will remember it forever.
- Many plans changed in our family this year. At the beginning of July I got an unexpected positive pregnancy test...and life hasn't been the same since!
- We thought Adam was going to Korea for a year with him leaving in September, but with the high risk pregnancy we were able to file a humanitarian package and have him stay here with us. I honestly think I would not have made it this far without his help, love and support. He is an amazing husband.
- My student teaching was supposed to start in August, but with our surprise pregnancy we decided the stress, time and exertion of student teaching would not be beneficial and so we are holding off until August 2011.
- My grandparents had a trip planned to come and help during my student teaching, but with it canceled I got to spend that extra time with them. :) It was made extra special by my grandma being able to be present for our "big" ultrasound when we found out we would be having a little boy!
I am sure that there are different things that stand out in Adam's mind when he thinks about 2010, but these are the things that I remember.
2011 will bring us many more new things that the girls will do, it will bring us a beautiful...ahem...handsome baby boy, and a stronger marriage and relationship between Adam and I. Life is good.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Bi weekly dr appts
Normally these check ups are the routine mundane (we like routine and mundane though!) "How ya doing? Yup, measuring great. Blood pressure is good...we'll see you in a few days" type of deal. However, today was a little different.
I was informed that my labs came back from when they tested me for gestational diabetes. I am good to go and do NOT have gestational diabetes. However, my iron is apparently on the extremely low side to which the doctor said "I am doing to write you a prescription ANNNDD give you some samples so that you can get started on those right away". I didn't even think to ask how low it was, but it's not like I won't see them in a week.
Lots of things set up for next week. They are doing an in depth ultrasound on Monday at 3 to measure Derrick (weight, etc) and to check my anterior placenta to see how it has affected the c section scars so we know what to expect at the c section. Luckily, I have an amazing friend (Anneke!) who is watching the girls so that Adam can go with me to that appointment. I think for Adam and I, it is even that more special to get to share in our excitement of seeing how big he is (anything that is bigger than Bree was is SUPER exciting to us!). I will get a steroid shot on Thursday, and then another one 24 hours later on Friday. The steroid shots will help to develop Derrick's lungs so that when he is born at 36 to 37 weeks we should be able to bring him home when I come home.
I can't believe that we only have 6 weeks left!
I was informed that my labs came back from when they tested me for gestational diabetes. I am good to go and do NOT have gestational diabetes. However, my iron is apparently on the extremely low side to which the doctor said "I am doing to write you a prescription ANNNDD give you some samples so that you can get started on those right away". I didn't even think to ask how low it was, but it's not like I won't see them in a week.
Lots of things set up for next week. They are doing an in depth ultrasound on Monday at 3 to measure Derrick (weight, etc) and to check my anterior placenta to see how it has affected the c section scars so we know what to expect at the c section. Luckily, I have an amazing friend (Anneke!) who is watching the girls so that Adam can go with me to that appointment. I think for Adam and I, it is even that more special to get to share in our excitement of seeing how big he is (anything that is bigger than Bree was is SUPER exciting to us!). I will get a steroid shot on Thursday, and then another one 24 hours later on Friday. The steroid shots will help to develop Derrick's lungs so that when he is born at 36 to 37 weeks we should be able to bring him home when I come home.
I can't believe that we only have 6 weeks left!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Speaking
Little Miss Bree has been making some amazing strides with her speech lately. Just this morning, for the first time, I heard her playing in her bed (over the monitor) and heard her call out for "Mama! Dada!". She has never done this before. I was so proud!
She has been identifying things lately. She'll see shoes on the ground and inform you if they are "Dada" or "Mama" shoes. Or she'll go get some shoes and carry them around yelling "Shoe! shoe!" and showing it to you. She'll tell you "phone" if she sees you with your phone, and she tries to take it from you to play games on it. She is progressing so well...
Just to satisfy my curiosity, I made a list of how many words she can speak and then a list of how many signs she does:
Speaking:
1. Baby
2. Shoe
3. Yay
4. Whoa
5. Night night (Nigh-nigh)
6. Mama
7. Dada
8. Grandma (Ma-maw)
9. Off
10. On
11. Help (Elf)
12. Please (Peas)
13. Bye bye
14. Read
15. Yeah (Yes)
16. No
17. Ball
18. Tape ("Ttttt" with sign)
19. This
20. Mine
21. Wow
22. Blanket (Ki-ki)
23. Phone (Bone)
24. Diaper (By-buh)
25. Spongebob (Buh-Bob)
26. Riley (Yai-ye)
Signed
1. Help
2. All Done
3. Please
4. Thank you
5. Hat
6. Play
7. More
8. Milk
9. Eat
10. Nods yes
11. Shakes no
12. Bye Bye
13. Tape
14. Wipe
That's 40 things!!
You rock Bree...keep it up! Bree would not be doing as well as she is if she didn't have the help of her amazing speech therapist Brian. He works so well with her, and is constantly challenging her to do better and work harder. It was one of our best decisions we've made to switch our speech therapist. I am proud to be an advocate for Bree. Heck, at the rate she's going she'll be able to tell us what she wants herself here soon!
She has been identifying things lately. She'll see shoes on the ground and inform you if they are "Dada" or "Mama" shoes. Or she'll go get some shoes and carry them around yelling "Shoe! shoe!" and showing it to you. She'll tell you "phone" if she sees you with your phone, and she tries to take it from you to play games on it. She is progressing so well...
Just to satisfy my curiosity, I made a list of how many words she can speak and then a list of how many signs she does:
Speaking:
1. Baby
2. Shoe
3. Yay
4. Whoa
5. Night night (Nigh-nigh)
6. Mama
7. Dada
8. Grandma (Ma-maw)
9. Off
10. On
11. Help (Elf)
12. Please (Peas)
13. Bye bye
14. Read
15. Yeah (Yes)
16. No
17. Ball
18. Tape ("Ttttt" with sign)
19. This
20. Mine
21. Wow
22. Blanket (Ki-ki)
23. Phone (Bone)
24. Diaper (By-buh)
25. Spongebob (Buh-Bob)
26. Riley (Yai-ye)
Signed
1. Help
2. All Done
3. Please
4. Thank you
5. Hat
6. Play
7. More
8. Milk
9. Eat
10. Nods yes
11. Shakes no
12. Bye Bye
13. Tape
14. Wipe
That's 40 things!!
You rock Bree...keep it up! Bree would not be doing as well as she is if she didn't have the help of her amazing speech therapist Brian. He works so well with her, and is constantly challenging her to do better and work harder. It was one of our best decisions we've made to switch our speech therapist. I am proud to be an advocate for Bree. Heck, at the rate she's going she'll be able to tell us what she wants herself here soon!
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Weekend in review
Whew! We've had a crazy last few days. Christmas was great, and we really enjoyed many special moments with the girls. I need to download the videos I took onto youtube for all the grandparents/nana's/papa's/yaya's to enjoy. :) We spent the morning at home, had an early nap and then spent the afternoon at Anneke and Felix's house. Their kids got an amazing water table for Christmas (that I am looking into for our kids) and the kids had such a great time with it. Only in Arizona can you play with a water table in December. I was actually too warm sitting outside in the sun watching them. Dinner was spectacular, (isn't it always when you don't have to cook it?) and Felix's homemade cheesecake for dessert certainly made this pregnant lady very happy.
Riley had had a cough on Saturday, but only once every two hours and was a little tired, but we had figured maybe allergies? She consistently got worse on Sunday and started to spike a fever. Both Sunday and Monday were rough with her. Tired, cranky, not wanting to be snuggled, but looking miserable. The highest her fever has gotten has been 102.5. Last night before bed I gave her a breathing treatment, and we ran the warm mist humidifier all night in her room. So far this morning she seems to be doing much better. No coughing, no fever and it sounds like her nose is draining instead of sounding majorly congested. She still looks sick with her little bags under her eyes, but I hope this is the beginning of the end.
Miss Bree was completely good and great until right before nap time yesterday. I was changing her diaper before nap and noticed her lips looked oddly dry and peeling. So I tried to wipe it off, but with every swipe there seemed to be more and more. So I just gave up and figured I'd check it later. I had an ultrasound to go to that afternoon so I didn't see her too much after nap but when I got home Adam had dinner ready and everyone was at the table. I noticed Bree's cheeks looked flushed and I was worried she had caught Riley's fever bug. However, no fever was found. Upon closer looking though, her flushed look was really a rash all over her cheeks, chin and upper lip. Her peeling lips were still there and yucky looking. We decided to look in her mouth with a flashlight and found the same peeling skin all inside her mouth and back of her throat! I freaked out (which is not common for me) and had Adam rush her to urgent care. All sorts of horrible ailments ran through my mind. The rapid strep test came back negative, and the doctor said it is probably a yeast infection of the mouth. She was sent home with liquid nystatin we are supposed to put on and in her mouth 4 times a day, and an antibiotic she is supposed to take by mouth. This is going to be fun...the non eating child taking nasty tasting medicine by mouth. Good thing I am not against restraining my kiddo. This morning her lips looks worse, her tonsils look more swollen and she has a red patch on her left tonsil. I am going to give it a good 24 hours of the new medicine before we rush off to the doctor again.
So today is hang at home and watch movies day. Hey, at least the kids have all sorts of new toys to play with (and I get to wear pajamas most of the day!)! Gotta look on the bright side. :)
Riley had had a cough on Saturday, but only once every two hours and was a little tired, but we had figured maybe allergies? She consistently got worse on Sunday and started to spike a fever. Both Sunday and Monday were rough with her. Tired, cranky, not wanting to be snuggled, but looking miserable. The highest her fever has gotten has been 102.5. Last night before bed I gave her a breathing treatment, and we ran the warm mist humidifier all night in her room. So far this morning she seems to be doing much better. No coughing, no fever and it sounds like her nose is draining instead of sounding majorly congested. She still looks sick with her little bags under her eyes, but I hope this is the beginning of the end.
Miss Bree was completely good and great until right before nap time yesterday. I was changing her diaper before nap and noticed her lips looked oddly dry and peeling. So I tried to wipe it off, but with every swipe there seemed to be more and more. So I just gave up and figured I'd check it later. I had an ultrasound to go to that afternoon so I didn't see her too much after nap but when I got home Adam had dinner ready and everyone was at the table. I noticed Bree's cheeks looked flushed and I was worried she had caught Riley's fever bug. However, no fever was found. Upon closer looking though, her flushed look was really a rash all over her cheeks, chin and upper lip. Her peeling lips were still there and yucky looking. We decided to look in her mouth with a flashlight and found the same peeling skin all inside her mouth and back of her throat! I freaked out (which is not common for me) and had Adam rush her to urgent care. All sorts of horrible ailments ran through my mind. The rapid strep test came back negative, and the doctor said it is probably a yeast infection of the mouth. She was sent home with liquid nystatin we are supposed to put on and in her mouth 4 times a day, and an antibiotic she is supposed to take by mouth. This is going to be fun...the non eating child taking nasty tasting medicine by mouth. Good thing I am not against restraining my kiddo. This morning her lips looks worse, her tonsils look more swollen and she has a red patch on her left tonsil. I am going to give it a good 24 hours of the new medicine before we rush off to the doctor again.
So today is hang at home and watch movies day. Hey, at least the kids have all sorts of new toys to play with (and I get to wear pajamas most of the day!)! Gotta look on the bright side. :)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Update
So the ultrasound went great today! Mr. Derrick has unwound the cord from his arm and let go of it. It is still all bunched up by his arm and the tech showed me, but at least it is not wrapped around it. I got a new 3D picture of him:
My doctor said that I will be having these ultrasounds on Mondays and Thursdays and see him every thursday to be checked until delivery. We are also going to do the steroid shots in two weeks to help mature his lungs since we have to deliver around 36-37 weeks.
My doctor said that I will be having these ultrasounds on Mondays and Thursdays and see him every thursday to be checked until delivery. We are also going to do the steroid shots in two weeks to help mature his lungs since we have to deliver around 36-37 weeks.
Update on Mr. Derrick
So for the past few weeks I have been having pressure "downstairs" and increased Braxton Hicks at the end of the day. I figured it was nothing to worry about since I had been up all day, and my BH were only at like 3 an hour. Once I would go lay down in bed for a while, the pressure would decrease a bit and the BH would ease up. Every morning when I would wake up I would feel fine with no pressure and all would be well until about 6 at night.
Well yesterday when I woke up the pressure was still there pretty bad. (I know many of you other preggo ladies have the same problems) It just feels like he is going to fall out constantly. So I called my doctor to see if he could fit me in, and I was told to go to the hospital immediately. Kinda freaked me out with how the lady's voice changed as soon as I told her what was going on.
I got there and they got me changed and on the monitors. When they did the exam and checked, they saw watery discharge and were worried that maybe my water was leaking. The amniotic fluid test came back negative (thank goodness!) and she said that I am only a fingertip dilated, but she can feel that Derrick is very very low. However, she did say that she can push on his head and he will move up, which means he's not engaged yet.
She monitored me for another hour and he was very active and his heart rate was going from 160 to 120 pretty quickly, but she said that could be normal for him since he was being so active. He then dropped his heart rate from 160 to 80. So they ordered an ultrasound to check fluid levels. During the ultrasound, they couldn't see my cervix length because Derrick's head is too low and blocking it. She said Derrick looks great except that he had the umbilical cord wrapped once around his arm, and the cord in his hand. He was squeezing the cord until his heart rate drops, and then he loosens his grip. Which then allows his heart rate to jump back up...and then he squeezes it again. We saw him do it on the ultrasound a few times.
There is nothing they could have done about it, and the nurse said it will not cause Derrick any harm since he's basically (for lack of better explanation) causing himself to pass out which then relaxes his grip and resume the blood flow.
So I have another ultrasound today at 1230 to see if he has let go of his cord. And then I start going twice a week for ultrasounds until delivery.
Well yesterday when I woke up the pressure was still there pretty bad. (I know many of you other preggo ladies have the same problems) It just feels like he is going to fall out constantly. So I called my doctor to see if he could fit me in, and I was told to go to the hospital immediately. Kinda freaked me out with how the lady's voice changed as soon as I told her what was going on.
I got there and they got me changed and on the monitors. When they did the exam and checked, they saw watery discharge and were worried that maybe my water was leaking. The amniotic fluid test came back negative (thank goodness!) and she said that I am only a fingertip dilated, but she can feel that Derrick is very very low. However, she did say that she can push on his head and he will move up, which means he's not engaged yet.
She monitored me for another hour and he was very active and his heart rate was going from 160 to 120 pretty quickly, but she said that could be normal for him since he was being so active. He then dropped his heart rate from 160 to 80. So they ordered an ultrasound to check fluid levels. During the ultrasound, they couldn't see my cervix length because Derrick's head is too low and blocking it. She said Derrick looks great except that he had the umbilical cord wrapped once around his arm, and the cord in his hand. He was squeezing the cord until his heart rate drops, and then he loosens his grip. Which then allows his heart rate to jump back up...and then he squeezes it again. We saw him do it on the ultrasound a few times.
There is nothing they could have done about it, and the nurse said it will not cause Derrick any harm since he's basically (for lack of better explanation) causing himself to pass out which then relaxes his grip and resume the blood flow.
So I have another ultrasound today at 1230 to see if he has let go of his cord. And then I start going twice a week for ultrasounds until delivery.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Derrick update
I went to have my gestational diabetes testing done today and a quick check up/chat with the doctor. When I was in there talking with the doctor I had my list of questions on my phone to ask. When I got to asking him about the pain/pressure I have been feeling he immediately said that he was going to squeeze me in for an ultrasound and "if I wanted we could do the 3D ultrasound too, just for fun". Psh..I wasn't gonna say no!
The ultrasound tech said that Derrick is really low, and head down with his face against my back. She said "Oh wow, he's low". Well now it makes sense that I am feeling the way I am. She wasn't sure if she'd be able to even get pictures of his face because of his position so she had me lay on my side, and she jiggled him with the ultrasound thing. Derrick did not enjoy it, and we got to see his angry face:
He was making that face and waving his arms all around and I could feel him stretching himself out. It was too funny. He did then settle down and we got a few good pictures of one side of his face.
Adam and I think that he looks very much like Riley did in her 3D pictures. The ultrasound tech also commented that it looks as though Derrick is completely bald. He does have a good bit of "cooking" left ot do so he has the opportunity to grow some hair, but we might end up with a bald little boy.
We also got a little bit more information about his delivery date. Dr. Folkestad wants to deliver around 36 to 37 weeks and does not want to let me go too far past 37 weeks due to the risk of uterine rupture. So, to put that into persepctive I would turn 36 weeks on February 6th, and on February 13th I would be 37 weeks. I think we are going to shoot for February 11th (the joy of having planned c sections...you can choose the date!). That would make his birthday on 2-11-11.
I feel so in love with my son, and I haven't even met him yet. It makes my heart melt to see what his little face looks like. I am such a blessed Mama.
The ultrasound tech said that Derrick is really low, and head down with his face against my back. She said "Oh wow, he's low". Well now it makes sense that I am feeling the way I am. She wasn't sure if she'd be able to even get pictures of his face because of his position so she had me lay on my side, and she jiggled him with the ultrasound thing. Derrick did not enjoy it, and we got to see his angry face:
He was making that face and waving his arms all around and I could feel him stretching himself out. It was too funny. He did then settle down and we got a few good pictures of one side of his face.
Adam and I think that he looks very much like Riley did in her 3D pictures. The ultrasound tech also commented that it looks as though Derrick is completely bald. He does have a good bit of "cooking" left ot do so he has the opportunity to grow some hair, but we might end up with a bald little boy.
We also got a little bit more information about his delivery date. Dr. Folkestad wants to deliver around 36 to 37 weeks and does not want to let me go too far past 37 weeks due to the risk of uterine rupture. So, to put that into persepctive I would turn 36 weeks on February 6th, and on February 13th I would be 37 weeks. I think we are going to shoot for February 11th (the joy of having planned c sections...you can choose the date!). That would make his birthday on 2-11-11.
I feel so in love with my son, and I haven't even met him yet. It makes my heart melt to see what his little face looks like. I am such a blessed Mama.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
No excuses
There are no excuses that will suffice to explain away my lack of blogging. Except for the fact of being pregnant, having two kids already and a busy schedule. Buuuuttttt...there are many other moms I know who are way busier than I who still find time to blog quite often and keep everyone caught up with thier family.
So without further delay here's a run down of us all...
Youngest goes first!
As of today I am 26 weeks and 2 days pregnant with Derrick. Woo hoo! Officially farther than I made it with Bree (she was born at 25 weeks 5 days). I am much bigger this time than I was with Bree (I am probably the same as I was with Riley), and I am so grateful that I am feeling huge and uncomfortable. Yes, my back/skin/body does hurt all the time, but it means that I have a healthy little (big) baby inside me that is causing it. It could not make me any happier. When I hit the 30 week mark I will start going into the doctor twice a week for stress tests and ultrasounds to chart his weight, growth and happiness. :)
Bree is doing great! I feel like I am always saying that, and then she seems to regress a bit but it's life. Her eating is it's usual non exsistent state. We have some meals where we get very excited to see her eating well, and then she'll refuse any food for the next 3-4 meals. It's like a roller coaster with sharp peaks and low, long valleys. Her physical "stuff" is good, and her therapist is very pleased with her progress. She's doing everything they expect a two year old to do, she just does it slower because of her low muscle tone. She is still very uncoordinated for her age, but she makes it all work. Her speech has made the most progress lately. She's more willing to repeat what you say, or at least say the beginning of a word in order to get it from you. She now says mama, dada, ball, tape, and bath spontaneously and uses them appropriately. She can say a lot of words, but does not use them regularly or appropriately enough for me to list them as "words". She babbles to herself when she wakes up in the morning, which is something new in the last two weeks. She's never made noise before when she wakes up. Speech and making noise isn't something that comes naturally to her (who the heck is this kids mom??! Ha ha.)
Riley is growing up so fast it is crazy. She acts like she is 15 with an attitude. We have been having many discipline issues with her as of lately but I have heard that it is normal for 3 year olds. Many many people have told me that 3 year olds are worse than 2 year olds. We are remaining true to what we tell her will happen, and making sure we are telling her she is making the choice. With that being said, we are also trying to make an effort to praise as much as we can. Riley is an attention kid. She loooves the attention, and I have found that praising her for sharing with Bree is just as (if not more) effective than scolding her for not.
That's us in a nutshell for now. Hopefully it won't take me another month to get updates in here. :)
So without further delay here's a run down of us all...
Youngest goes first!
As of today I am 26 weeks and 2 days pregnant with Derrick. Woo hoo! Officially farther than I made it with Bree (she was born at 25 weeks 5 days). I am much bigger this time than I was with Bree (I am probably the same as I was with Riley), and I am so grateful that I am feeling huge and uncomfortable. Yes, my back/skin/body does hurt all the time, but it means that I have a healthy little (big) baby inside me that is causing it. It could not make me any happier. When I hit the 30 week mark I will start going into the doctor twice a week for stress tests and ultrasounds to chart his weight, growth and happiness. :)
Bree is doing great! I feel like I am always saying that, and then she seems to regress a bit but it's life. Her eating is it's usual non exsistent state. We have some meals where we get very excited to see her eating well, and then she'll refuse any food for the next 3-4 meals. It's like a roller coaster with sharp peaks and low, long valleys. Her physical "stuff" is good, and her therapist is very pleased with her progress. She's doing everything they expect a two year old to do, she just does it slower because of her low muscle tone. She is still very uncoordinated for her age, but she makes it all work. Her speech has made the most progress lately. She's more willing to repeat what you say, or at least say the beginning of a word in order to get it from you. She now says mama, dada, ball, tape, and bath spontaneously and uses them appropriately. She can say a lot of words, but does not use them regularly or appropriately enough for me to list them as "words". She babbles to herself when she wakes up in the morning, which is something new in the last two weeks. She's never made noise before when she wakes up. Speech and making noise isn't something that comes naturally to her (who the heck is this kids mom??! Ha ha.)
Riley is growing up so fast it is crazy. She acts like she is 15 with an attitude. We have been having many discipline issues with her as of lately but I have heard that it is normal for 3 year olds. Many many people have told me that 3 year olds are worse than 2 year olds. We are remaining true to what we tell her will happen, and making sure we are telling her she is making the choice. With that being said, we are also trying to make an effort to praise as much as we can. Riley is an attention kid. She loooves the attention, and I have found that praising her for sharing with Bree is just as (if not more) effective than scolding her for not.
That's us in a nutshell for now. Hopefully it won't take me another month to get updates in here. :)
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Roller skating queens
This morning we went (we meaning Riley, Bree and myself) to our friend's house. Heidi is a saint and lets everyone come over to her house on Wednesday mornings to play. It is so great seeing 8 kids running around a house together screeching with joy and happiness. Did I mention that I am JEALOUS of her driveway? It is long, and the perfect playing area. Park a car at the end of the driveway, and the kids run wild! Everyone brings some of their outside play toys, and we all share. Riley had found Zoie's (Heidi's daughter) roller skates and wanted to try them out. I was expecting her to get on her feet and immediately freak out. She didn't. She rocked thos roller skates! I had to hold her hand, but she loved it. She went down the driveway, then back up and wanted to be done. As I took them off of Riley, Bree wanted to wear them.
I was expecting the same thing out of Bree (freaking out), especially since they didn't fit her well at all. She LOVED them. While I was holding both of her hands, she skated down the driveway and back as well. It is quite a workout, and I didn't want her to get too tired and risk a massive meltdown so I decided that was enough. She melted down when I took them off.
I think that Santa may just have a pair of roller skates in his bag for our family this year.
I was expecting the same thing out of Bree (freaking out), especially since they didn't fit her well at all. She LOVED them. While I was holding both of her hands, she skated down the driveway and back as well. It is quite a workout, and I didn't want her to get too tired and risk a massive meltdown so I decided that was enough. She melted down when I took them off.
I think that Santa may just have a pair of roller skates in his bag for our family this year.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Letters from Santa
Wanted to share this with you. A NICU parent support group is helping Santa with his mail this year! They do ask for a donation per letter, but it is going to a good cause to help support critically ill infants, preemies, and their families. Here's the link to the Santa page: http://www.nicupsdonations.org/2010.asp
This is not from the NICU that Bree came from, but from one that her 'preemie friend' Robbie came from. I read the blog his mom writes (http://fertilehope.blogspot.com/), and I email with her occasionally to talk about their eating, PT, etc etc because they struggle with the same stuff.
Please share this with whoever you think may be able to use it, or want to use it. Thanks!
This is not from the NICU that Bree came from, but from one that her 'preemie friend' Robbie came from. I read the blog his mom writes (http://fertilehope.blogspot.com/), and I email with her occasionally to talk about their eating, PT, etc etc because they struggle with the same stuff.
Please share this with whoever you think may be able to use it, or want to use it. Thanks!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Christmas
A few of the grandparents and family members have asked what the girls want for Christmas. I put together a small list to give everyone ideas...Hope this helps!
Either girl:
Yookidoo Flow and Fill Spout (bath toy)
Lace and Trace Pets
Tinkertoys
Lincoln Logs
Princess Fairy Jumbo Coloring Pad
Bree:
Baby Alive Sips and Cuddles
Mrs. Potato Head Silly Suitcase (great for speech and OT)
Deluxe Latches Boards (Great for OT)
Riley:
Magnetic dress up dolls
Hi Ho Cherry-O
Little Mommy Scrub a Dub Dub Doll
Chutes and Ladders
Either girl:
Yookidoo Flow and Fill Spout (bath toy)
Lace and Trace Pets
Tinkertoys
Lincoln Logs
Princess Fairy Jumbo Coloring Pad
Bree:
Baby Alive Sips and Cuddles
Mrs. Potato Head Silly Suitcase (great for speech and OT)
Deluxe Latches Boards (Great for OT)
Riley:
Magnetic dress up dolls
Hi Ho Cherry-O
Little Mommy Scrub a Dub Dub Doll
Chutes and Ladders
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