I went to the doctor today for my 37 week checkup. It was a good appointment, except that I'm still gaining weight and have now reached 25 pounds total gained. It's not a disappointment to my doctor - just to me. My belly measurement is on-track, the baby's heart rate is good, and my blood pressure was still good. I have not dilated any yet and the baby is still in the head-down position. All in all, it was a good appointment. I go back next week!
The shower at Kris' work Monday was fun. We received lots of gifts and well-wishes. I hope to get my pictures uploaded soon.
It's hard to believe that our baby will be here soon. I've got to get cracking on setting up at home. I feel like I have so much to do - and so little time. :)
Friday, May 04, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
4 Weeks and Counting
I'm really sorry to any faithful blog-watchers for taking so long to post again. I don't know what has happened. My 34-week appointment got pushed back because my doctor had a surgery that morning, so I got bumped to a 35-week appointment. Then, we've been rolling.
BUT - more important things first. My dad is doing extremely well since his bypass surgery. He returned to work (a few hours a day) April 16th. He started cardiac rehab on the 18th I believe and showed off. He could already do more than they expected. I know it is the anointing of the Lord strengthening him. We are thankful that he is doing so well and improving so greatly.
Now, let's see about my appointments. I was supposed to go on the 17th (which is technically around 34 1/2 weeks), but like I said, that got bumped. So, I went on the 20th. My belly measured 35 cm which was right for 35 weeks. My blood pressure was still good (128/76), as was the baby's heart rate (144 bpm). My weight was up more than I'd like (had gained 5 pounds since the last visit), but I contribute a good bit of it to the water retention that started after my 32-week appointment. The swelling is not an issue as long as my blood pressure is good. Then I was told that I would start coming every week.
So, last Friday (4/27), I had my 36-week checkup. Everything still looks great. My weight was up again - now I've gained a total of 22 pounds. My blood pressure was great (120/70), and my belly measured 36 cm. I don't have the heart rate, but it was strong and steady. I had the Group B Strep test done - will have the results at my next appointment. I've not dilated any yet, which is fine since I have a few weeks to go. The best news is that the doctor says the baby is in the head-down position. My next appointment is May 4th.
I've posted a couple of belly pictures. Kris took one last night for 36 weeks. You may notice that my hair looks different. I'd had enough long hair to last me for a while, so I went back to a shorter "do". It's much easier, and I do NOT regret cutting it at all!
I've had several people ask if I'm still working. I have felt so great (and still do) that I do not mind working. Not to mention, it helps me keep my mind off the things that could make any pregnant woman anxious. Work is helping me pass the time and keep myself busy. I have realized though that time is getting short, so I'm about to get cracking on making final preparations!
Since my last post, I had a shower at our church down in Ellisville. This shower was unique and so meaningful because it was more than just gifts. Several people there blessed Samuel with scripture and prayers. I'd much rather have those words than the gifts any day! The best thing revealed to me was how much we are loved by those people there. It is like a family - that is so important.
Kris' co-workers are giving us a shower this afternoon. They have been forced to call it a 'get-together' though, because Kris said he would not attend a shower. :) I'm looking forward to the afternoon with his friends and co-workers.
BUT - more important things first. My dad is doing extremely well since his bypass surgery. He returned to work (a few hours a day) April 16th. He started cardiac rehab on the 18th I believe and showed off. He could already do more than they expected. I know it is the anointing of the Lord strengthening him. We are thankful that he is doing so well and improving so greatly.
Now, let's see about my appointments. I was supposed to go on the 17th (which is technically around 34 1/2 weeks), but like I said, that got bumped. So, I went on the 20th. My belly measured 35 cm which was right for 35 weeks. My blood pressure was still good (128/76), as was the baby's heart rate (144 bpm). My weight was up more than I'd like (had gained 5 pounds since the last visit), but I contribute a good bit of it to the water retention that started after my 32-week appointment. The swelling is not an issue as long as my blood pressure is good. Then I was told that I would start coming every week.
So, last Friday (4/27), I had my 36-week checkup. Everything still looks great. My weight was up again - now I've gained a total of 22 pounds. My blood pressure was great (120/70), and my belly measured 36 cm. I don't have the heart rate, but it was strong and steady. I had the Group B Strep test done - will have the results at my next appointment. I've not dilated any yet, which is fine since I have a few weeks to go. The best news is that the doctor says the baby is in the head-down position. My next appointment is May 4th.
I've posted a couple of belly pictures. Kris took one last night for 36 weeks. You may notice that my hair looks different. I'd had enough long hair to last me for a while, so I went back to a shorter "do". It's much easier, and I do NOT regret cutting it at all!
I've had several people ask if I'm still working. I have felt so great (and still do) that I do not mind working. Not to mention, it helps me keep my mind off the things that could make any pregnant woman anxious. Work is helping me pass the time and keep myself busy. I have realized though that time is getting short, so I'm about to get cracking on making final preparations!
Since my last post, I had a shower at our church down in Ellisville. This shower was unique and so meaningful because it was more than just gifts. Several people there blessed Samuel with scripture and prayers. I'd much rather have those words than the gifts any day! The best thing revealed to me was how much we are loved by those people there. It is like a family - that is so important.
Kris' co-workers are giving us a shower this afternoon. They have been forced to call it a 'get-together' though, because Kris said he would not attend a shower. :) I'm looking forward to the afternoon with his friends and co-workers.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
32-Week Checkup
Yesterday morning I had my 32-week checkup. All looks good. I've still only gained 15 pounds. I am glad that I've not put on more weight than that. With 8 weeks to go, I know I will gain more, but it's still less I have to lose after the baby is born. My doctor documented in my chart that I am not opposed to having an epidural and also that I plan on breastfeeding. I guess it's good that it's in my chart in case there's a question while I'm in the hospital. I'm on the 2-week checkup routine for the next two visits and then I'll be down to every week. It's hard to believe that my due date is so close. I knew the time would go by quickly, but I didn't realize it would be this fast!
We wrapped up our childbirth and breastfeeding classes last week. I am kind of glad because the schedule was getting hectic; but, I am also a little overwhelmed by all the information. Thankfully, we got lots of handouts and materials to go back and read over which will help us I'm sure. Of course, I haven't gotten into any of it yet! But, that is going to be part of my evening routine for the remainder of my pregnancy.
My dad continues to improve. He is getting stronger each day - we are just trying to be sure he doesn't do too much. He came and spent some time at our house last night while my mom did some work for their church. He walked on our treadmill for a few minutes and then we watched part of the Dancing With the Stars results show. I missed the last section or two, but discovered this morning that, of course, Shandi was booted off. I think it's sad since she could actually dance.
We wrapped up our childbirth and breastfeeding classes last week. I am kind of glad because the schedule was getting hectic; but, I am also a little overwhelmed by all the information. Thankfully, we got lots of handouts and materials to go back and read over which will help us I'm sure. Of course, I haven't gotten into any of it yet! But, that is going to be part of my evening routine for the remainder of my pregnancy.
My dad continues to improve. He is getting stronger each day - we are just trying to be sure he doesn't do too much. He came and spent some time at our house last night while my mom did some work for their church. He walked on our treadmill for a few minutes and then we watched part of the Dancing With the Stars results show. I missed the last section or two, but discovered this morning that, of course, Shandi was booted off. I think it's sad since she could actually dance.