Week in Review ~ 3/3

It's been kind of a crazy week.  We anticipate them to only get crazier for awhile longer though.

Avery and Ned went to church Sunday morning.  Avery's runny nose just seemed to be getting worse and there seemed to be an awful lot of tears.  I figured it would be a good idea to see the doctor early in the week and hoped that any medicine would cure the crying and not-great behavior as well.

It was off to the pediatrician Monday afternoon, which Avery loved.  We drive by her house on the way to the sitter's and she wants to stop each time.  Dr. Applewhite discovered fluid/infection on both ears and prescribed an antibiotic and nasal spray in addition to the Claritin we were already doing.  We are already having moderate levels of tree pollen here with trees blooming.  That's just crazy.

The highlights of Tuesday and Wednesday were detailed here.

Avery's nose and mood were much better as the week progressed.  She also pooped on the potty 3 times.  By Thursday, we thought we'd be having a baby that weekend, so I "encouraged" Ned to stay home from drill to make sure we were ready.  He ended up going to a wreck after Avery went to bed and being gone just as long.

We had more baby events and news Friday.  After my appointment, Ned and I went to Pizza Hut for lunch.  Mom brought Avery home since it was a busy time for Ned at work.  She stayed until Ned got home, and he brought subs and a piece of pizza for Avery for dinner.  Ned went to Walmart for the few things we needed after Avery went to bed so he wouldn't have to deal with the first of the month crowd on Saturday.  My big nesting thing before Avery was making sure we had a ton of food.  I'm kind of sad I haven't been able to stock the freezer this time, but it also just doesn't seem as pressing.  We have some essentials and some diapers and if we run out of food we'll just go get some.

We stayed home Saturday morning.  Avery coughed a ton again during the night.  Ned fixed pancakes and eggs for breakfast and we had a great meal with just the three of us.  Ned went to a wreck and was gone quite awhile.  Avery and I did fine, but I did make sure Ned would be home for lunch.  Avery went down for her nap and coughed and coughed.  Then the talking started.  Ned discovered she had pooped and changed her but the talking continued.  She coughed for her whole nap so I'm sure no sleeping took place.  I hate a cough and there is very little we can do for it.  When she got up we went to see all that had happened at the house.  Then we headed to Lolli and Poppa's for dinner.  I've had permission to go there and get on the couch, but I hadn't done it much.  We had a good dinner, but by then Avery's lack of nap was showing.  She was ready to go home and was asleep quickly in the car, which is rare for her these days.  She continued to sleep when she sat with me at the house and waited for Ned to get her medicine.  She went right to sleep but coughed and coughed.  This time the coughing included fussing for me.  Ned got her up twice to have water and be upright for awhile.  The Vicks plugs and humidifier just aren't cutting it like they did before Christmas.  It took her until almost 10 to get quiet.  I'm thinking of trying the Little Remedies Honey Elixir because we need some relief and rest.

Stay tuned this week!  Thanks so much for the prayers and encouragement.

Prescription

Edit: Yes the induction should definitely be 3/6/12 instead of 2/6/12!  I'm sure it will still be honored :)  Why in the world did I not notice that??

It's getting funny, y'all.  After my post about plans changing yesterday, they changed about 6 more times.  Just before 5 p.m., my doctor called and said she still had not been able to get in touch with my specialist as he was out of town and the person covering for him would not call her back.  Her NEW plan was for me to come in today for a NST {instead of waiting until Tuesday}.  She said maybe by then she would have heard from the doctor, who may say for me to come to Norfolk, or she may just put me in the hospital herself.  That sounded like baby time to me, so we got some things done last night, completely took over my parents' weekend again with Avery, and this morning we packed the car again.

Luckily for me, I have learned to be a bit flexible through all of this, because on the ride this morning I knew my possibilities were going to Norfolk, staying in Franklin, or going home, and I was handling that ok.  I was more anxious to just know which one it would be.  Everything was great with my appointment.  She still had not gotten in touch with anyone in Norfolk, and she wasn't going to keep me, but I did leave with this:

In case you can't read it, it says:  TO WOMEN'S SUITE 0800 3/6/12 INDUCTION.  Holy moly...finally a "prescription" for an induction!

Now of course, it's above this whole situation for anything to be set in stone.  She's still trying to get in touch with the doctor in Norfolk to make sure that they would be comfortable with me delivering locally.  I think she's ready for me to deliver but wants some guidance on the baby, which I do appreciate.  But, if I just went into labor now, they wouldn't automatically send me to Norfolk.  I'll be 38 weeks Tuesday and I feel great about that.  If she does talk to the other doctors, hopefully we'll still get the go-ahead to deliver here.

It feels so great to have a plan now.  We've regained our weekend again and will be ready to go Tuesday {hopefully}.  Like a true pregnant woman, when I thought I might be delivering this weekend, I was pretty sad about the ice cream I wanted Ned to get at the store today and the potatoes that my mom was fixing this weekend {much like the Crack Potatoes on Pinterest}.  I am aware that I can eat those things post-baby.

So, we're shooting for Tuesday.  We won't be telling a ton of people yet as plans do change.  I also don't really care for the whole world to know I'm in labor.  But, I wanted to share here, because I know all the friends who read will immediately begin to lift us up for Tuesday.  I probably should say continue to lift us up, because you ladies who I have met or gotten to know better through blogging have been an incredible source of support anytime, but especially at this crazy time.  I'll keep you in the loop, especially since I'm fully expecting my water to break after I hit publish, because that's just the way the universe seems to be working.

Wardrobes and Waiting

It's no secret that some women have issues with clothing choices.  I certainly have lamented over what to wear, pouted when nothing looked right, and in each pregnancy refused to go to church after being completely dressed because of the clothing I had to wear.  But did you know these passionate, panicky feelings begin at two years old?

Ned is getting Avery dressed every morning.  My input is only needed on the weekend, because during the week, the choices are our basic, sturdy, Jen-Jen clothes.  Usually our biggest clothing issue comes on the weekend when Avery wants to wear jeans.  Jeans have POCKETS, and pockets have changed our world.  Jeans don't get worn to Jennifer's, so she doesn't even ask.  As you can imagine, the few pairs of "Jen-Jen" pants that do have pockets are favorites.  Yesterday, Ned learned that even at 2, women expect you to read their mind, especially when pockets are involved.

I heard the tears start before Ned even made it to the dresser.  The tears only escalated when Ned pulled out the first outfit.  It was clearly unacceptable, and Daddy was supposed to know that without Avery using any real words.  I'm trying to do lots of choices, so I yelled for Ned to show her another outfit so that she could choose.  Oh heavens...the noise that followed.  Ned came in the room with a "She's stomping and she's naked" and I just had to laugh.  Had I been the one struggling to get her out of the house, it wouldn't have been funny.  Avery usually arrives in my bed for a morning visit completely clothed, but yesterday she showed up in just her underwear, still crying.  I quickly got out of her that her little heart needed pockets, but to not undermine Daddy, we decided to save the pocket pants for today when it wasn't raining.  Crisis averted, and she was ready to tell Sam good morning and listen for the birds singing.  And what a happy girl this morning when she pranced in sporting her pockets.

Avery wasn't the only one in crisis yesterday as I eagerly awaited the call from my doctor telling me it was baby time this weekend.  When I went for my appointment Tuesday, everything still looked good, but she seemed to be ready to deliver since I had hit 37 weeks.  No need to push our luck, and I agreed.  She did recommend delivering in Norfolk in case he needed extra assistance, and said she would call my doctor there and call me back Wednesday.  I was not excited about the whole Norfolk part, because that makes it harder on everyone, especially my parents who would have much more to do with Avery.  But, I know I'm having a "lazy little white boy" whose lungs may not be mature, and if he was born here, he could have to be transferred before I was released.  The doctor called right at 10 a.m. with the good news that my blood work was fine.  However, she seemed to forget it was time to have the baby.  So I reminded her nicely, and without screaming "The plan, the plan!  We're supposed to make a plan!"

Plans change, and by yesterday she was under the impression that I would be fine to wait until my appointment next Tuesday.  She would call my other doctor but doubted they would want me to come in.  I should have been thankful, because really I did want to wait until 38 weeks.  I should have been thankful that another week could allow me to deliver here.  I was thankful for that and so much more.  But, I still cried.  As much as I am thankful, I am so ready to have this weight of worry off my shoulders.  I am tired of monitoring and waiting and seeing {fully admitting I bring a ton of this on myself}.  I even think that if she would have set a firm date for next week I would have been fine.  With a child at home, a lot more planning has to go in this, and I need to plan.  I got myself together, then Rachael Ray gave a couple a Sandals wedding and honeymoon, and the tears started again.  I wasn't a bit happy for the couple, I just immediately mourned our honeymoon.  Not even going to try to explain that one.

Today is a new day, Avery is wearing pockets, and I'm feeling fine.  As long as we have no surprises, we've picked up an extra weekend to get ready, an extra weekend with just Avery, time for Sam to grow, and time for me to see what happened at the house this week.  We're all feeling better, but the lesson from yesterday was certainly don't change the plans a woman has in her mind.

Construction ~ Week 36

The action continues week by week in the new house.  The first few pictures were taken week before last.

The tile was laid in the utility room, back hall, and bath.

It was also laid on the kitchen floor.

I snuck upstairs to check out Sam and Avery's closets.

This weekend more progress was visible.  All the tile is completed and grouted with the exception of the kitchen backsplash.

The tile in the high-traffic areas has been covered, but here is a peek where the fridge will go.

Our railings were finished this week as well.

-The gas company really held us up these past two weeks as we needed them to run gas lines so that the heat/air could run.  The hardwood floors had to be at a controlled temperature for a few days before they could be put down.  They buried the gas tank week before last and finally made their way back last week to run the various gas lines.

-Heating and air was there quickly to get the heat on in the house, so we now have a working gas pack.

-The painters began caulking so hopefully we'll see some color soon.

-The concrete pad out of the garage was poured.

Lots and lots of decisions and phone calls were completed as well.  We're no longer trying to beat Sam, but since we've locked in on a rate, we're in a new race against the clock.

Week in Review ~ 2/25

We had another good, busy week, but because I haven't been taking notes, this will be short.

Ned and Avery went to Sunday School Sunday morning.  After that we spent the day at home.

I had an appointment on Monday and was able to see my regular nurse practitioner.  Ned ran errands while I did that and had blood work done.  We had lunch before coming home.  At least we're getting in a few dates before the baby, even if they are taking place at Dairy Queen.

No big news on Tuesday or Wednesday.  Lent did begin, and I'm sad I'm not able to be up and doing my 40 Bags in 40 Days again.  I'm not sure if I would have gotten out 40 bags now as we're being pretty good about keeping the junk out.  I do think of all the things we have in storage and how we haven't needed them since May.  I wasn't sure what I wanted to do for Lent.  Giving up Pepsi is not an option and I would just go back to drinking it.  I started reading No Regrets Parenting: Turning Long Days and Short Years into Cherished Moments with Your Kids by Harley Rotbart, and it will be one I keep on my Kindle for awhile to refresh and also to read parts that don't apply now.  I'll be the first to admit that sometimes my time with Avery is not all it could be, and I want to do better.  So, for Lent, there will be no iPhone when Avery is in the room unless I'm answering a quick text.  It's too easy to pick it up and read a blog or check Pinterest or Facebook, but I don't notice it because I'm not sitting down at the computer.  I have made the same decision for Ned, but I think I may have to take his phone to make it happen completely.  I think this may be something that I move into our time together as well, but I'll ease him into this first.  It's not easy, but I was able to turn down his offer of an iPad this weekend, so I must be making some progress.
We dropped Avery off at the sitter's Thursday morning before heading to my appointment in Norfolk.  It was a relief to get another good report and to find that Sam was growing.  We celebrated Ned's birthday at California Pizza Kitchen, then Ned went to Dillards while I snuck in the Children's Place to get Avery some new jeans and another pair of pants with pockets.  I had a message from my local doctor about my platelets when I got home, so I called her back.  Hearing that my platelets were low immediately stressed me out, but I still tried to put on a happy face while my in-laws came to bring Ned's cake and present.  This sounds horrible, but my parents are the only ones I feel comfortable with (other than Ned and Avery) when I'm laying around on the couch. 

Friday's events were recorded here.

Ned went and got Avery early Saturday morning.  Avery's nose and cough seemed worse, and she fell asleep sitting with me before her nap.  Ned went to the store while she napped, and once she got up, we went to see what had been done at the house during the week.  I didn't feel like walking or standing for long, so I hung out in the car while Mimi came to check out the house.  Ned wanted chicken for dinner, so he and Avery went out to get that.

Avery needed to rest with Giraffi, Lovey, and her blankie all underneath her.

Not sure why Bitty must be completely covered to sleep.

Treasures

Avery in her boat with a Bed, Bath, and Beyond card.

I have my normal two appointments this week and will probably be begging to set a date to have this baby.  I can definitely feel my anxiety increasing as I even think about checking my blood pressure or wonder what's going on between appointments.  I'm pretty much over the stress and ready to have him while everyone is healthy.  Avery will also be going to the doctor to see about her runny nose and cough.  I have a feeling it's ears, but whatever it is, we need her well before Sam comes.  Ned may be going in too since he's having some sinus issues.  I don't want to be the only one healthy enough to meet Sam.

100% Lankford

It's been a bit of an eventful day with quite an eventful evening.  Yesterday when I got home from Norfolk I had a message from my local doctor.  She had just gotten my blood work back from Monday, and my platelets were low.  She spoke with the doctor in Norfolk, and they were not at a level that concerned him.  They did want my labs repeated today.  I felt like my good day kind of went down hill, and I was worried.  Low platelets are a part of pre-eclampsia but usually not the first symptom.  Platelets too low also result in no epidural.  I spent last night thinking of the things that still weren't ready and stressing just a tad.

I went to have my blood taken at the hospital here before lunch.  Waiting was torture this afternoon and was not good for my blood pressure.  After 3 p.m. the doctor called and said they were lower.  She wanted them counted manually because sometimes the blood will clump and the machine doesn't get an accurate reading.  I needed to come to Franklin and have it done.  If they were good I could come home, but if not it was a good chance I would deliver, possibly back in Norfolk.

So the scramble began.  My mom was already picking Avery up but was supposed to be bringing her home to me.  We quickly decided she would just go there for the night and we would meet her with Avery's bag.  I threw a few things together for her and also packed what I use daily in my bag.  I made Ned pack a bag too because I was just sure we were staying.  The doctor seemed optimistic that my count would be better, but I knew my blood pressure would be so high that they would keep me anyway.  The preacher followed Ned in from work and was trying to have a visit, all while we were getting ourselves and animals ready for a night away.

We finally got on the road and then had to stop for gas.  Mom and Avery met us along the way, and of course Avery wanted to get out of her seat and come with me.  I was just sure I was seeing her for the last time as my only baby, and I didn't want it to be so hectic.  We beat approaching storms to Franklin, and I was admitted, again, to labor and delivery.  I did know that I would stay while they ran my labs so that they could get Sam on the monitor.  I wouldn't even ask what my BP was after the first reading, but I was encouraged that the nurse didn't keep taking it.  People from the lab came in to draw blood, and I was so excited to see that a man from the community college would be "learning" on my arm.  By then Ned had told my that my BP was pretty good, and then the doctor came in encouraged that she thought my platelets would be better.  She explained that the hospital did not keep platelets and that would be the reason for going to Norfolk if they remained low.

Luckily, she was back pretty quickly with excellent news.  While the machine had counted my platelets at 111,000 (concern starts when they are under 100,000) a manual count had shown them completely normal at 400,000.  What a relief.  I went in ready to beg to deliver, because I feel like I just can't keep worrying about what's going on.  But, I do want him to stay in a bit longer, and I certainly don't want a transfusion in Norfolk in order to deliver. 

I was ready to be discharged around 7 p.m., which is of course shift change, so it took a little while.  Ned and I were both starving but in much better spirits then when we went in.  I'm still hoping that we'll go ahead and set a date when I have my appointment Tuesday.  If anything, tonight did show me that I can go in the hospital a nervous wreck and still have my blood pressure looking ok.  The doctor was apologetic that she made us come out in the bad weather, but we're thankful for her being so conscientious.  I joked with Ned that this baby must have a very high percentage of Lankford in him, but I do know none of this is his fault.  I usually feel like babies are much easier in than out, but I'm kind of ready to be able to worry about Sam on his own and not how my health is affecting him.  Avery will be home in the morning, Ned and I got dinner while we were out, and now we're resting up.  You never know when the next big adventure will occur around here.

36, 6, and Soon

Tuesday I hit the 36 week mark for this pregnancy.  It feels great to have made it this far, and I'm so thankful.  For weeks I've been Googling "babies born at 30 weeks, 31"...etc so this is a great place to be.  I'm not going to go through all the typical pregnancy post, but I did want to remember a few things.  I've gained about 21-22 pounds and measured 35 weeks this week.  I'm thinking that missing week is due to the baby being very LOW.

As far as symptoms, I've been experiencing some pelvic pain off and on for awhile.  I noticed it before bed rest when I would lay on my side on the couch.  Now that I basically am like that all the time, it's gotten pretty bad.  It hurts to roll over in bed, and it really hurts to lift my legs one at a time, like to put on pants.  Getting up and walking starts off painful and then gets more tolerable.  These days I'm feeling some pressure too so that's added to it.  I'm also having Braxton Hicks off and on.  Most are not uncomfortable, but they all make me feel like there is an elephant on my chest.  I have not been checked for progress though.

Tuesday also marked my 6th week of bed rest.  I've been pleasantly surprised at how well overall I've done and we've done as a family.  Sure, I'd rather not be on it, but I have honestly been telling the truth when I say I'm not miserable.  That's not to say it's been easy.  Everyone jokes that if your marriage can survive building a house, it can survive anything.  Well we've thrown in new baby and bed rest in addition to the rest of our life.  Of course there is stress, worry, and frustration.  I've cried, been mad, and been impatient.  I want to nest, but I can't due to bed rest and moving on top of that.  But, we're hanging in there moment by moment and doing the best we can.  This is obviously not what we planned, but that's life.  Things are going to be crazy, but how can you not be thankful for a new baby and a new house.  I've done a lot of thinking and learning during this time.  I was a little embarrassed at first to be on bed rest.  I feel like pregnancy is something a woman is supposed to be able to do, and it's hard to admit that your body isn't doing it quite right.  What I realized is that I was just worried about what some would think...those who seem to delight when others, even their friends, take a stumble.  Whether or not people mean to make me feel that way, they aren't the ones I need to work so hard to keep in my life.  We'll come out of this stronger and wiser, and we'll at least get all of our craziness over at the same time.

When will Sam be here?  Soon!  I had my appointment with the specialist today, and he still recommends delivering by 39 weeks, as did the ultrasound doctor.  Sam looked great.  His weight was about 6 lbs 4 oz and his stomach size had increased in percentage.  He's head down and low, so I'm hoping he stays that way.  My blood pressure was of course terrible, but it's been fine at home.  I'm hoping that my doctor here will go ahead and nail down a time to deliver at my appointment Tuesday.  At any time though, if my blood pressure goes up or pre-eclampsia signs begin, I'll deliver.  I do have to have some blood work repeated tomorrow, so you just never know.  I don't feel completely prepared, but it's much better than the preparing I was doing mentally for a preemie or an extended time in the hospital.  I had a huge, huge fear of needing to be in the hospital for weeks to be monitored.  Sam doesn't have a room at this house, and at this point doesn't have a crib since Avery is in his and hers isn't together.  The house should be ready in 2.5 weeks or so weeks, which is the latest I'll deliver.  We're planning for Sam to come home to this house now and we'll just be cozy for awhile.

I'm so thankful to all the friends (blog and real-life) who have been so encouraging and thoughtful.  Some days, a little extra support or happy thought is needed, and I can always count on our friends to remind us we aren't alone.