30 week appointment, 3D ultrasound, and Izzy

A few pictures of Isabella before I start in on the baby. I feel like I have neglected adding pictures of her! I have taken lots of them but just have not uploaded them to the computer.

For Christmas she got a bunch of art supplies from Santa Claus, and here she is using her watercolors for the first time! I think we have a little artist on our hands!! This kept her occupied for about 20 minutes, which believe me is a long time for her!
She had also received a watch that had lip gloss in it, and here she is with lip gloss all over her face - her daddy found her like that! A big chunk ended up on her nose! She also had received these adorable Dora PJs from her Aunt Sara for Christmas.

When the weather was actually above freezing, I allowed Isabella to venture out in the snow - she loved every minute of it. This girl is such an outdoorsy girl that I feel bad she has had to be cooped up so much. She was helping me roll snow, loved walking around in it and playing on her Kangaroo Climber.

Went in to my OB appointment today. She checked my cervix, which she said before had been a fingertip and now was dilated to about 1 (so not much change). My fetal fibronectin test came back negative again which is good. Still having contractions (Tuesday night I had 4-6 contractions an hour for 4 hours) but nothing too extreme and nothing regular. Everything else checked out. I am still in limbo about going to work - trying to get everything figured out!

We had our 3D ultrasound done this weekend - it was really nice to see the baby (which still needs a name). She is going to resemble her sister but I think she is definitely going to have her own appearance! Her cheeks are a little fuller, she has a different nose. I think they will have the same lips though! She was not very active...would move her hands (she loved sucking on her hands and holding them up to her face), and whenever I would sit up she would bring her legs up to her head. Izzy kept pointing to the screen and saying "sister sister". We had a lot of family there with us (both sets of grandparents, Sara and Mason, and my sister Kristen and her boyfriend Alex came late). Here are just a few pictures.

In this last one, she had her hand close to her mouth sucking on it, and her right eye is open. It was crazy to see her eyes opening and closing. She also would yawn, frown, and stick her tongue out!

29 week OB appointment

This week I went in for my 29 week appointment with my OB. I have been having more contractions over the weekend (on average about 1 an hour, some hours having up to 6) which I told her about. I also spoke with her about returning to work, which there is no way I would be able to return to work as a floor nurse,but if I could be on light duty she might consider allowing me to go back to work. First we had to do a few things. First off, she checked my cervix, which she said was soft and dilated to about a 1, however it was high and posterior so she was encouraged by that. She also did a fetal fibronectin test to see if there was a possibility of me going into labor in the next week. I won't get the result of that test until this evening. If that test comes back negative, than she said she would be okay with me going back on LIGHT duty (which I dont' even know if it is possible at my job). If it comes back positive, however, there is no way she would release me to go back to work. And if I go back to work, I will be making weekly visits to the doctors instead of every other week (which I have to go to the office any way for my shot!) So now it is just a wait and see game until that test comes back - I am anxiously awaiting that phone call!! Either way I don't know if I am ready for the news - I love being at home with Izzy but know if I can I should be going back to work, but if it is positive than I am going to be freaked out about going into labor!

Everything checks out on baby though, heartbeat was 140's, my weight has been holding steady, and my blood pressure looked good. I completely forgot to ask about the fundal height since I was so concerned about my cervix (she had not checked it at this point). That is my pregnancy update!

Isabella update: She has been sleeping ALL NIGHT in her bed without me having to go in at all during the night (watch I say this and she ends up waking up 20 times tonight). She is starting to really repeat things we say (uhoh - mommy needs to really watch what I say). And her 2 word sentences are really starting to pick up! It is so exciting to watch her grow up and do things she couldn't do a few days back!! I love motherhood!

Perinatal Appointment Week 28

Today I went in for my perinatal appointment. All they did was measure the baby this time, they did not even look at my cervix (don't ask me why...I guess my length is no longer important...). Well, low and behold this baby is going to be HUGE!! She is measuring 3 weeks ahead at 3.5 pounds. A normal baby at this point would be measuring 2.22 pounds. YIKES!! Now mommy is REALLY hoping not to go to term... I would be super happy with 37-38 weeks! If I do this might just be a nine pound baby! Still on the same restrictions. I go back in to their office in 4 weeks to remeasure.

Next weekend we are going in for our 3D ultrasound (on the 16th) so stay tuned for pictures - I am sure I will be posting some! I am super excited for Isabella to see her sister! That's it for now. Nothing too exciting right now (thank goodness).

Busy Month of December!

The second half of the month of December has been a busy one! On December 23rd, I had called my doctor's office to check on some increased pressure on my lower abdomen and some stronger Braxton Hicks contractions, so my doctor had me go in for an ultrasound. They checked my cervix again and this time it was measuring 2.2 cm, which was shorter than last time. They told me nothing new will change, however, and my plan of care at this point.

Of course the next day was Christmas Eve Day. We gave Izzy her first presents which was a new dresser and a new big girl bed, which she loved!

That night she posed in front of our Christmas tree before heading out to my side of the family for celebration!

She had a great time with my family, especially her Cousin Devon and Cousin Jacob! She adores those boys!

Here is a family portrait minus my dad....

And a family portrait with my dad and minus my mom...

Jacob had received some magic stuff from my mom, and here Izzy is wearing the hat.

In our household, the Christmas tradition is for my dad to read the Night Before Christmas to the family. This year Jacob helped Papa read they story.

Izzy had received a new baby doll from my parents, and here Sam is practicing on feeding a newborn baby again...that will come in handy in the next few months :).

Christmas morning, Izzy survived all night in her own bed (with only a few times me having to go in to calm her down). Here she is just SOO excited that Santa came to visit!


She was pretty tired that morning, so it took a while for her to get used to opening up the presents, but once she got the hang of it she was a HUGE fan!

The next few days were spent at Sam's parent's house spending time with Sara, Dustin, and Mason since they were in town. We used our new camera that Sam and I had given to each other this year to take some amazing pictures of the family! Here I am holding Mason and my baby girl Izzy.

Izzy ADORES her cousin Mason. Every time she sees him she always says "Hi Mas" and gets close to him and waves. I can't wait until next year when they can run around together.

Both are so curious about each other, it is so much fun to watch.

Izzy went out for her first sled ride that weekend and had a great time! We had to bundle her all up because it was cold. It was one of the few white Christmas' we have had here so I was glad Izzy got to enjoy it!


Portrait of Dustin, Sara, Mason, Izzy, Me and Sam with our new camera.

Izzy can't believe how great that little boy Mason is haha.

Izzy opening up presents at Nana and Papa P's house. She loved being spoiled, and did she ever get spoiled by everyone on both sides of our family...including us!!

Today I went in for my 27 week OB appointment. Everything looked about the same. My uterus is measured 29 cm which is 2 cm ahead of schedule. Next week I go in for my perinatologist appointment in which they will measure the baby again, and based on that I am not sure if they will bump my dates up 2 weeks if the baby is still measuring large. My blood pressure was 110/70, baby's heartbeat is 150's. My weight gain is a little higher than I want it to be but still in target range which is good. My OB just stated we will do all we can in order to not have me in the hospital on Mag Sulfate. So pretty much the only thing for me to watch out for is contractions. She said not to worry about any of the increased pressure or back pressure I have been having since it is only a few times a day! So now I am just anxious for next week's appointment. I will be starting going every 2 weeks to my regular OB now - this pregnancy really has been flying by!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday and have a great New Year!

Perinatal Appointment

Went to the specialist today for my 24 week appointment. They measured little peanut which was nice. She is measuring 1 pound 13 ounces, which is 2 weeks ahead (she is measuring 26 weeks). I think I am okay with her measuring a little ahead in case I do deliver her a little early - gives her more mass to her body and hopefully helps her along!

They looked at my cervix again, and it still has the funneling going on. He measured my cervix and this time it was 2.7 cm. Last week it was 3 cm. The doctor said he is not concerned unless it is less than 2cm at this point. I asked if it was concerning that it is slowly getting shorter and he said that most women's cervix shortens a little in preparation for labor, but I just have to be extra cautious about going into preterm labor. That being said, since I am at higher risk, he said he did not want me returning to work until 32 to 34 weeks, because than if I went into labor than things most likely would be okay. So does anybody know of any way I could make money while sitting on my butt at home?? Hahaha.

The good news is that he does not think I have an incompetent cervix, which is nice to know for the next pregnancy. If I had an incompetent cervix than I would have to have a cerclage placed for the next one and I would not want that (that is if we have another baby). I will go back to see the perinatologist again in 1 month to recheck the growth of the baby. So I am finally get a break from doctors for a little while (besides getting my shot every week). Let's just hope I don't start having issues with contractions! Thanks to all who have expressed their thoughts and concerns towards us in this situation! We are blessed for every week we have that this baby can stay and grow!! And I am super blessed to be spending time at home with my beautiful daughter!

23 week appointment

Went in to see my regular OB today. I am gaining weight JUST fine....maybe a little bit too much weight hahaha. Baby's heartrate was 140-150s so that was excellent. My blood pressure was 118/60 (which a little high for me but normal for most people). My OB did not seem too concerned about my cervix issue at this point because it had all remained the same. The only concerns I have is that my uterus measured 4 centimeters over what it should (measuring 27cm instead of 23), which means I am about a month ahead on growth, but the doctor said this is normal in this stage...we will see next week at my specialist appointment what the baby actually measures!! Hopefully I am not going to be having a big baby!! I am also spilling sugar into my urine, but I have been doing that the whole pregnancy so she did not seem too concerned about that either. Next time I will be scheduling my glucose tolerance test, and hopefully that comes back normal - I don't want to have gestational diabetes on top of everything else going on! Plus I love my sweets - this baby is definitely making me crave chocolate A LOT! Isabella loves listening to her baby sister's heart beat. Now we just have to come up with a name so that Isabella can start calling the baby that instead of "baby" or "sister".

Pictures throughout November

It has been a while since I have posted pictures of Isabella! I don't know if it is being at home with her more often, her growing up, or a mixture of both, but I am noticing a LOT more personality coming from her lately! It is such a wonderful thing to watch her grow! I just wish it was not going so fast!

If you notice in the background, she has ransacked our living room and thrown all her toys on the ground...it is her favorite game of all time. This is her new "look" she gives us - it looks like she is ticked off, but she will smile a big smile every time she gives you this look.

Nana has been a BIG help during this time of being on light activity and has helped me out with Isabella when I need someone to help! Both sets of grandparents have taken her out for me, watched her and allowed me to rest! I love them all!

She is posing in her boots...she LOVES these boots!

One morning we were hanging out at home...I asked her to go sit by the cat so I could get a picture...nope she decided to sit ON the cat!

She is "showing me her teeth" after breakfast...it is one of the only ways we can get her to smile for the camera haha.

Sam was vacuuming the house (thank you babe!) since I can't do it and Isabella wanted to be like her daddy and vacuum as well...of course she had to do it almost naked - this girl LOVES to be naked!

For the first time in about a year I was able to go take Isabella to Gymboree with help from my mom and dad. It was so crazy to watch her play on things she had trouble with last time I went! She has gotten so big! She knows the routine and most of the songs.

Her favorite was the rocking horse they have. I felt bad for the kids riding behind her because Isabella would rock super hard when she was on it!

She was climbing to the top of the "mountain" and being the queen of the mountain! Her agility and balance is getting so much better! Except for when she trips over her own feet, which sorry Isabella but you get that from mom and you might have the curse the rest of your life!

This is a picture from before the class started. She was watching for the choo choo train to come by the window, but it did not.

One day my dad and mom took Isabella to the playground at their church. My dad used to take her every Monday when I worked while my mom was at Bible study, so he wanted me to see how much she enjoyed going! She is in LOVE with papa! She can't get to the playground fast enough.

She is such a good climber- she is able to climb on everything from the big kid playground!

She loves to swing, especially when other people are sitting next to her on the swing. I think Nana and Papa love watching her swing as much as she loves swinging.

Look mom - this is SO MUCH fun!

This last weekend we were able to go get our Christmas tree...I decided this would be the best weekend because who knows what is going to happen with the pregnancy. We went to Reindeer Lane and picked out our tree. Isabella loved looking at all the trees and being with her Nana and Papa M., Aunt Kristen, Uncle Alex, and mommy and daddy. She even got to try a candy cane - which of course she LOVED!

Her favorite part of the whole day was being pulled in the sled...she kind of likes to be spoiled, and my family kind of likes to spoil her.

She even got to see Santa and his Reindeer! She was not too fond of Santa again this year, but she LOVED the reindeer!

I can't wait to see how she is going to react on Christmas day! After a long thirty minute trip to the tree farm, she was SO tired! I loved getting pictures of her sleeping!

I am just so grateful for my family because they allow me to be able to see Isabella do things, and I can just sit back and relax while they do all the heavy work. So I still get to take it easy, but still get to watch her interact and grow in her environment! Thank you family I love you!!