Ultrasound Results

We got my ultrasound results this morning when the doctors made their rounds.  Great news!  Camryn weighs 1 lb. 9 oz. which is just 1 oz. less than what Connor weighed at the same gestation, and my cervix measured 4.8cm!  Praise God!  I was so nervous about what the contractions had done to my cervix, but isn't our God a great and awesome God?  I spent at least an hour Monday morning in prayer over the ultrasound pleading to God for good results.  What a relief to know that things are looking good.

I'm trying to stay positive and hopeful and not let fear and anxiety take hold of me, but it's hard...it's really hard.  I'm fine when things are going well but the minute something questionable comes up I immediately think the worst is going to happen.  I know God is right here with me through all of this and anything that happens is no surprise to Him.  I have a long road ahead of me and I know it's very possible that we will have bumps along the way.  Please pray that if and when we meet these bumps that my initial reaction is to trust in Him and not be so fearful.  He promises to never leave me or forsake me.  I want to rest in His promise.

In the Hospital

Corey and I had a very scary Saturday evening.  Around 5pm, my lower back started hurting and I just felt funny.  At first, I thought maybe I was psyching myself out since I’m getting close to when I went into labor with Connor.  I laid down and drank some water, but the back pain didn’t let up.  Something didn’t feel right.  After speaking with my doctor, Corey and I were on our way to hospital to be monitored for contractions.  The 60-mile drive to the hospital was definitely something I hope and pray we never have to experience again.  So very scary not knowing what was going on.  Based on what happened with Connor I was just convinced that this was it…here we go again…the same thing was happening with Camryn.  Once we got to the hospital, I was monitored for a while.  I was contracting a little but my cervix and the cerclage were still holding up.  Camryn was also monitored.  Her heartbeat and movements were great.  Sigh of relief!  

My doctor decided to err on the side of caution so here I am, in the hospital, on fluids, antibiotics, and medicine to calm my uterus.  I had a steroid shot to help develop Camryn’s lungs in the case I do go into labor and deliver.  We are, of course, praying that doesn’t happen for a very long time.  I'm going to have the fetal growth & cervix ultrasound in the morning rather than Thursday.  As of now, I will be in the hospital for a week through next Monday.  So that's where we stand.  I'm not contracting anymore and thus feeling much better and hopeful. 

We ask y’all to please continue to join us in prayer for our baby girl and this pregnancy.  We're praying that the medicine continues to keep my uterus from contracting and that I have an uneventful rest of the pregnancy until Camryn is born as close to full-term as possible.  My doctor is shooting for 32 weeks.  Of course, we want longer but really just want her healthy and at a point where she has the best chance of survival and a healthy life.

I can’t promise that I’ll post daily updates but will try my best to keep y’all in the loop.

Baby Update - 23 Weeks

How many weeks?  23 weeks!

How am I feeling?  I’ve been trying to take it easy lately, staying in bed as much as possible.  It seems to be working because I haven’t had any contractions (at least I haven’t felt any).  Camryn has been kicking up a storm during the day.  Before, she was more active later in the evening but now she’s moving around at all hours of the day!

Doctor’s appointment?  We had another good appointment yesterday.  The doctor said to keep doing what we’re doing.  Our focus is to fatten Camryn up and keep her cooking as long as possible. 

Weight gain?  22 lbs – 2 lbs/week seems to be the trend:)

Baby preparation?  We’re still looking for Camryn’s furniture.  We’ve narrowed it down to what pieces we want to buy.  Now, we just have to find something affordable that we like. 

Specific prayer requests?  Please continue to pray for the following requests:
          (1) the progesterone works properly and keeps my uterus happy;
          (2) the cerclage stays in place and keeps my cervix closed;
          (3) any contractions I have will not change my cervix;
          (4) God’s peace surrounds us this week and next; and
          (5) I reach the current short-term goal of 26 weeks.

Hope things are going great with everyone.  Thanks for keeping up with the updates and for keeping us in your prayers!

Baby Update - 22 Weeks

How many weeks?  22 weeks – 4 more weeks until I reach our short-term goal!

How am I feeling?  I’ve been doing pretty well.  I had a couple of contractions last weekend which freaked me out a bit.  I’ve noticed that the closer I get to the 23-24 week mark, the more nervous I am when I feel something strange or different.  I try to tell myself it’s probably a normal pregnancy feeling and just pray, pray, pray…

What’s new this week?  Corey and I finally decided on a middle name for our little girl…Camryn Grace!

Doctor’s appointment?  My doctor is very pleased with how well my pregnancy is going.  My cervix and the cerclage are still holding up.  In 2 weeks, I’ll have my ultrasound with the high-risk doctor.  He will look at fetal growth and measure the length of my cervix.  While my OB has been manually checking my cervix every week, he’s never measured it with an ultrasound so I’m curious what the length is going to be.

Weight gain?  20 lbs!

Baby preparation?  Camryn received her first cuter-than-ever dress and matching bib from my step-mom.  It’s pink and green with a little lady bug on the front…so cute!  Corey and I have started looking at nursery furniture online.  So many options…oh the decisions!

Specific prayer requests?  Please continue to pray for the following requests:
          (1) the progesterone works properly and keeps my uterus happy;
          (2) the cerclage stays in place and keeps my cervix closed;
          (3) any contractions I have will not change my cervix;
          (4) God’s peace surrounds me as I approach 23-24 weeks; and
          (5) I reach the current short-term goal of 26 weeks.

As always, we really appreciate your prayers and support!

Baby Update - 21 Weeks

How many weeks?  21 weeks!

How am I feeling?  The burst of energy I had a few weeks ago has definitely subsided which is a good thing.  Now I don’t feel so bad just chilling on the couch most of the day.  I just finished making some diaper wreaths for my sister-in-law and cousin who are expecting baby boys in April and June.  Now I need to decide on my next project.

What’s new this week?  Corey gave me my progesterone injection this week.  He did a great job for it being his first time.  The last two weeks I’ve been getting some irritation near the injection site so we’ll see if his technique makes a difference.

Doctor’s appointment?  Getting to the doctor this week was absolutely crazy.  With it being Spring Break and the fact that a zoo is across the street from my doctor’s office, traffic was absolutely horrible.  I was 30 minutes late to my appointment but they were able to fit me in in no time.  Everything is looking good.  I will continue to go to my OB every week.  I’ll also be going to the high-risk doctor once a month for an ultrasound.

Weight gain?  18 lbs so far!

Baby preparation?  Corey has been off this week so we (and by “we” I mean Corey) rearranged our living room furniture.  We have decided to put our recliner in Camryn’s nursery.  Our living room has plenty of seating area with the 2 couches so we’re going to save some money and “re-use” the chair in her room.  Corey also cleaned out the closet in the spare bedroom that will be Camryn’s nursery.  All the cleaning made us start thinking about how we’re going to set up her nursery…exciting!  Something else that was exciting this week…Camryn’s bedding was delivered.  I love it!  My favorite thing besides the colors is the quilted comforter.  My mom bought the softest pink blanket with a green elephant on the corner.  The colors match her bedding so well.  Camryn's first assessories were given to me today from my sister.  She bought Camryn 3 adorable bows while she was in New York this week.  Little girl stuff is so very cute! 

Specific prayer requests?  Please continue to pray for the requests I posted last week:
          (1) the progesterone works properly and keep my uterus happy;
          (2) the cerclage stays in place and keeps my cervix closed
          (3) any contractions I have will not change my cervix; and
          (4) I reach the current short-term goal of 26 weeks.

Thank y’all so much!

Baby Update - 20 Weeks

How many weeks?  20 weeks…made it to the half way mark!

How am I feeling?  I’ve experienced a couple of contractions recently but my doctor said that will happen as my uterus continues to change and grow.  As long as the contractions aren’t causing my cervix to change, then everything is fine.

What’s new this week?  Tonight after dinner I was sitting on the couch typing this post and watching TV.  Camryn start kicking up a storm.  Just for kicks (no pun intended:)), I told Corey to put his hand on my belly to see if he could feel her kicking...and he did!  She gave three good, strong kicks to the right side of my belly just for her daddy!

Doctor’s appointment?  We had the anatomy scan on Monday with the high-risk doctor.  All of Camryn’s organs are developing normally and everything is looking great!  My regular doctor's appointment was also great.  First of all, we heard Camryn’s heartbeat.  I forgot to ask the nurse how fast it was though.  Her heartbeat was 155 bpm at the anatomy scan.  My cervix is still holding up, long and unchanged.  Also, the injection went a lot better this week.  The nurse used a smaller needle and administered the medicine slower so it wasn’t painful at all.  I am a little sore today but that seems to be the normal weekly occurrence.  What was so amazing about this appointment was that we were in and out in about 40 minutes…quickest appointment ever! 

Weight gain?  17 lbs – 2 lbs from last week!  I did ask the doctor about my continuous weight gain.  His exact words were, “I’m not worried about your weight gain. I just want you to fatten that baby up!”  So if he’s not concerned, I’m not going to be either.  I have been eating more sweets lately so I do plan to change that up a bit and try to eat more fruits and veggies:)

Baby preparation?  I ordered Camryn’s bedding.  It should be here by next Tuesday.  I’m really excited about it.  I love all the colors.  You can see for yourself in the picture below.  The next thing to pick out is her nursery furniture, but I’m pretty sure we won’t buy anything until I’m at least 24 to 26 weeks.

Specific prayer requests?  You don’t know how incredibly blessed I feel to be 20 weeks and for everything to be going so well.  I talked to my doctor this week about short-term and long-term goals for this pregnancy.  Right now his goal is to make it to 26 weeks.  Technically, 24 weeks is the point of viability but still extremely early in the pregnancy so we’re shooting for 26 weeks.  Long-term my doctor is hoping we make it to 36 weeks.  While it would be great to make it the full-term 40 weeks, he is trying to be realistic at the same time.  Also, weeks 23 and 24 are going to be hard for us because that’s when I went into labor with Connor.  I will try my best to take those weeks one day at a time and hopefully not stress and drive myself crazy, but I know only God is going to get me through those weeks and the rest of the pregnancy.  So I’m asking y’all to please pray specifically for the following:
          (1) the progesterone works properly and keeps my uterus happy;
          (2) the cerclage stays in place and keeps my cervix closed;
          (3) any contractions I have will not change my cervix; and
          (4) I reach the current short-term goal of 26 weeks.

Thanks so much for your love, support, and prayers!

Baby Update - 19 Weeks

How many weeks?  19 weeks…almost half way there!

How am I feeling?  I’m feeling fine.  My belly’s been a little tight lately but I think it’s because our little Camryn is growing:)  My books and weekly email say she’s about 8 oz. now.

What’s new this week?  I learned how to hem jeans!  Several weeks ago I ordered some maternity pants in long because that was the only inseam available in the size I needed.  Well, thanks to You Tube, my jeans no longer drag the ground.  Now that my sewing machine is threaded, I will probably be working on a few more projects.

Doctor’s appointment?  OK, so I’m thinking it might be better to not know when the shot is coming.  The nurse counted this time, and it hurt pretty badly.  So next week I’m going to try not counting.  Other than that, Camryn and I are doing great.  My 20-week ultrasound is next Monday.  We can’t wait to see our little girl and hopefully get some good pictures.

Weight gain?  15 lbs – 4 lbs from last week!  I guess I was making up for not gaining any weight last week:)

Baby preparation?  I did some more online shopping…for me that is.  Well, really for my ever expanding belly:)  The only place I really go these days is to the doctor.  I was sure I could find a few regular shirts to still fit over my belly but I’m quickly running out of options.  Hopefully, my order will be delivered in the next couple of days.  As for Camryn, once we confirm she’s a she on Monday I might buy the bedding I picked out several weeks ago, though I’m still a little hesitant about buying anything at this point.  We shall see… 

Baby Update - 18 Weeks

How many weeks?  18 weeks

How am I feeling?  Still feeling great!  My body seems to be taking the progesterone injections quite well.  I haven’t really had any of the horrible side effects I read about.  My face is starting to break out like it did during my first trimester, and I’m sore for a couple of days at the injection site.  Other than that, everything’s been great.

What’s new this week?  With each passing week, I feel Camryn move around and kick more and more…such a cool feeling!

Doctor’s appointment?  I had my weekly appointment yesterday.  I got my third progesterone injection.  I’m starting to get used to them.  Corey and I have laughed the last 2 weeks because before I get the injection, I ask the nurse to please count “1,2,3” before giving me the shot.  Both times the nurse said “Sure, I can do that” but on both occasions failed to count!  I’m lying on the table waiting to hear “1,2,3” then the next I know there’s the little poke that makes me jump every time.  Maybe it’s better that they don’t count…who knows:).

Weight gain?  11 lbs – no change from last week.

Baby preparation?  I keep looking at the pictures of the bedding I picked out, and much to my surprise, I still like it.  I may have changed my mind on the furniture though.  I know we still have plenty of time so I’m not that worried about it.

I just want to thank all of you for your prayers over this pregnancy.  I am so excited that everything has been progressing so smoothly.  I have been enjoying this pregnancy, and it’s all thanks to your many, many prayers.  Camryn, Corey, and I are so very blessed to have such wonderful, caring, and thoughtful friends and family!

Baby Update - 17 Weeks

How many weeks?  17 weeks

How am I feeling?  I’ve actually had a little boost of energy this week.  Too bad I really can’t do anything with itJ  That’s perfectly ok because being a couch potato is what is best for the baby right now.  I’m willing to do whatever it takes to keep her cooking as long as possible. 

What’s new this week?  There really isn’t anything new this week so I thought I’d announce the baby’s name…well, her first name anyways.  We decided to name this little miracle Camryn!  We’re still debating on a middle name so if y’all have any suggestions, please feel free to share.

Doctor’s appointment?  I had my weekly appointment yesterday.  I got my second progesterone injection, my cervix measured long, and the stitch is still in place.  Yay!!!

Weight gain?  11 lbs – That’s right 2 lbs. in 1 week.  I asked my doctor about it and there’s no concern at this time so I will gladly keep on snacking!

Baby preparation?  Even though I planned on waiting a while to pick out things for Camryn’s nursery, I found myself doing a lot of online “looking” this week.  I found some really cute bedding and furniture, but I’m not making any purchases just yet.  I want to make sure I still like what I picked out in a few weeks.  These days my mind changes oftenJ

Baby Update

How many weeks?  16 weeks

How am I feeling?  I’ve been feeling pretty good lately.  Doing a lot better with thinking crazy things and imagining the worst possible thing’s going to happen.  I’m much more relaxed and really starting to enjoy this pregnancy.  I know everyone’s prayers are helpingJ 

What’s new this week?  I started my progesterone injections on Wednesday.   It really wasn’t that bad.  The only side effects I’ve noticed so far is my hip is a little sore at the injection site, I have minor headaches when I wake up, and this morning I was a little nauseous but it went away after eating.  Also, I think I’m starting to feel the baby move!  I wasn’t sure at first since it’s still a little early but my doctor said it’s very possible to notice movement earlier with a subsequent pregnancy.

Doctor’s appointment?  My appointment Thursday went very well.  He checked my cervix which seems to be doing great.  I will be going back to the doctor every week for cervix checks.  He wants to keep a close eye on it since it was already dilating before I had the cerclage.  And the best news of all…we’re having a little girl!!!  This will be confirmed at my 20-week anatomy ultrasound but my doctor’s pretty sure it’s a girl.

Weight gain?  9 lbs - Corey and I compared my belly pictures from this pregnancy so far with my pictures from when I was pregnant with Connor.  I knew I started showing much earlier with this one but I was really surprised to learn that my belly now is about the size of what it was when I was 21-23 weeks pregnant with Connor!

Baby preparation?  Not much baby prep yet.  We know which room is going to be the nursery, and I started looking at furniture and bedding online.  We have plenty of time to get all that stuff sorted out. So for now, I’m going to enjoy the pregnancy and worry about those decisions later.