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.

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.

My AWESOME Daddy

Last Wednesday (March 21), my Dad went into bypass surgery (began at 8:30). Less than 3.5 hours and 5 bypasses later, the surgery was complete and he was being moved to the Critical Care Unit. Around 1:30, we were able to see him and he was already rousing from the anesthesia. Our visit was very short as he was attempting to let us know he could hear us. About an hour later, we were allowed back in. He was still very groggy, but able to open his eyes a little more and let us know that he was aware of our presence. By this time, the breathing machine had been turned back from 10 to 8.

We saw him again around 6:00. The breathing tube had been removed and he was able to talk a little. He reminded us of what he said when he left the pre-op room - "I'm just going to take a nap." He also said he figured he'd lost his tan, but we assured him that his color looked great. I can only say that it was an awesome thing to see my Dad that alert after such a major event. He would not let me leave that visit without reaching over the bed to kiss his forehead. You can imagine that was difficult for me with my belly, so he even extended his head toward me so that I could reach him. He said he loved me and Samuel - talk about doing a heart good! There was another visit that night at 9:00, but Samuel and I had to go back home for some rest.

The next morning (3/22), I was there bright and early (well, it wasn't really bright at 5:30) so I could see him at 6:00. He was awake and waiting on us. He relayed the events of the night... the nurses came and sat him up on the side of the bed and touched his feet to the floor. He also stood 'by himself' for about 10 seconds. We had a nice visit and then left for breakfast and showers.

When we returned at 10:00, we were informed that he had been moved to a room. We found him all settled in his bed and ready for a nap. He was able to sit up in a chair for all his meals. Sometime that afternoon, he walked the full length of his hall (we later found out it was around 1000 feet) with the assistance of a nurse. All this with IVs sticking out of his neck and chest tubes hanging from his body.

Friday morning (3/23), the doctors removed the chest tubes and he was able to walk more freely up and down the hall. This would be his last trip with a nurse or rehab rep... they released him to walk with somebody in the family. Around lunch time, they came and removed the IVs from his neck making his load even lighter. He continued his regimen of eating, sleeping, walking, sleeping, sucking on a machine to expand his chest, sleeping...

Saturday (3/24), they removed all his bandages to let his incisions "get some air". We also received the first sign of 'hope' that he could go home the next day. He continued his regimen of eating, sleeping, walking, sleeping, sucking on a machine to expand his chest, sleeping...

Sunday (3/25), around 10:00, the doctors came in and released him to go home. They wrapped up the paperwork and and let him out around 11:00. A brief time later, he walked through the front door of his home. We all had big smiles of joy!

Since then, he's continued his regimen of eating, sleeping, walking, sleeping, sucking on a machine to expand his chest, sleeping... We are all very proud of him. He has worked hard to get this far, and I know he will only get better as time goes on.

My brother created a web site just for my Dad.. there's some funny stuff there if you're interested: http://web.mac.com/cswhite.