Sooo...Reagan and I had our second glucose tolerance test on Monday!
For those of you who have never had to endure the lovely three-hour test, let me tell ya...that thing is no joke! The drink contains double the amount of sugar (100 grams as opposed to 50), and you have to wait in the office for three hours after you drink it. Luckily, I was able to wait in the non-stress test ultrasound room, so I had a nice, comfy recliner to sit in and a TV to watch (although I chose to read my Kindle instead). About halfway through my wait, another mommy came in with her six-week old baby boy, Sam, so they kept me company for the remainder of my wait (because those who know me know that I've never met a stranger...I'll talk to just about anyone!). So the long wait wasn't that bad!
I was feeling pretty good after drinking the sugar-laiden beverage (not jittery like I did last time), and even during all four of my blood draws. It wasn't until I got into the car (in hopes of going to grab lunch and run a few errands) that it hit me...extreme fatigue, "wooziness", shaking hands. I decided to cancel my plans for the day and just head home to eat something and rest. I made it home safe and sound (praise the Lord!), and scarfed down some leftover Chinese food as soon as I walked in the door (after all, it'd been about fourteen hours since I'd eaten or drank anything other than the Glucola!). After a few hours, I started to feel a little better, but it wasn't until yesterday that I felt fully recovered. Whew. What a day!
The lab tech told me they'd call me with the results sometime Tuesday (yesterday), so of course, Reagan and I were on pins and needles yesterday waiting for that phone call. After what seemed like an eternity, the nurse called to let me know that.....
...we passed!!!!! No gestational diabetes here!!!!
(BIG SIGH)
What a relief! What a blessing! I stopped to thank God for getting us over yet another (small) bump in the road (as He always does!), and then I texted my hubby to let him know the good news. His reply: "Yay! Chocolate cake for you!" LOL He knows me soooo well! ;)
So, now that that ordeal is all over with, the Nutter-Butter and I are planning on enjoying the rest of this pregnancy---sweet tea included! :) We have the first of our showers this weekend, and I'm soooo thankful that I don't have to monitor my sugar while I'm there and I can enjoy all of the yummy goodness my family will have prepared! Woohoo!
We plan on heading down there on Friday, so once again, I'm going to miss posting our update on Saturday (sorry guys!). But I'll be sure to fill you all in on how Reagan's doing and how our shower went on Monday! Until then, I hope you all have a FAB week and weekend!
One more thing before I go...I want to thank y'all for all the loving prayers, comments, and texts I received before, during, and after the test Monday! I knew that God would take care of us, no matter what the results were, but it's always nice to know that people are praying for peace and comfort during these little hurdles (which I definitely felt)! Now, let's give the Lord the praise He is due with this Verse of the Day! "I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, that I know full well!" (Psalm 139:14) :)
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Twenty-Nine Weeks
Well, today's update will consist of some good news and some not-so-good news...just another (potential) bump in the road, but nothing we can't handle!
The good news is that we've made it to another week! Yippy! Peanut is still doing great and seems to be very content in her nice, cozy, little womb. I'm hoping she doesn't get too cozy in there, because she's going to be evicted in eleven more weeks! lol
The not-so-good news is that I didn't pass my glucose test I did on Tuesday...waaaaah! The cutoff was 139, and my result was 147. I didn't "fail" by much, but being even one point too high means I have to endure the three-hour test. Blah. It's scheduled for next Monday at 8am. I'll have to be fasting (which I was for the last one, too), then drink the yummy orange soda within five to ten minutes when I get to Dr S's office. I'll have my blood drawn while I'm fasting, one hour after I've finished the drink, and then after two and three hours after. It's going to be a long appointment, since I have to sit there and twiddle my thumbs for three to four hours, but it'll be worth it if I pass!
Now, what if I don't pass this time around?? If this happens, then I'll be diagnosed with "gestational diabetes", which basically means my body isn't producing enough insulin to cover both Reagan and my own sugar (glucose) levels. I will have to watch my sugar/carbohydrate intake, check my blood sugar level roughly four times a day, and possibly have to give myself insulin shots (this usually only happens when a woman's sugar is VERY high and not controlled by diet/exercise). I can handle all this, but man, I hate to have my finger pricked! I'd rather have blood drawn with a big ole' needle than prick my finger! I know, I'm a wimp. But I get "big girl" points for admitting it, right?? ;)
The silver lining in all this? If I do have gestational diabetes, then there's a risk of Reagan getting either too much sugar or too little, which could make her too little or too big. (I know this doesn't sound like a "silver lining"...I'm getting there. lol) This requires more monitoring, which means...ultrasounds!! Usually, the doctor wants to keep an eye on baby's growth to ensure there's not a growth issue, so more u/s's might be necessary. I'd definitely be okay with seeing this little girl a few more times before she's born! Just being honest! :)
When I first got the phone call that my results were abnormal, I have to admit, I was upset. There may have been some tears shed. Mainly, I was upset because I feel like I've been doing my best to ensure there wouldn't be a problem; I exercise, watch what I eat, haven't gained any excess weight. So when I got the news, I felt like I had done something wrong. It took a few moments and a good talk with God for me to realize that this, just like infertility, doesn't mean I've done anything bad. It just means my body isn't doing what it needs to be doing. It's just another bump in this road to Mommyhood, and the Father will see us through it just like He has this entire time! So, now I'm ready! Bring on that ole', nasty test! Me and my God have got this!!
Alrighty, now that I've shared that, let's see what else Miss Priss has been doing since our last update!
Symptoms:
-headaches (on and off...but nothing too terrible)
-fatigue (this is getting worse every week...I am in awe of women who work and/or have other children to take care of while being pregnant! God bless you ladies!! You're my heroes! lol)
-restlessness
-backache/achy hips
-leg cramps
-stuffy nose
-bigger tah-tah's (yes...I think they've actually grown some more. Geesh!)
-nice, bright blue veins...everywhere! (On my belly, legs, tah-tah's, arms...I'm a walking road map!)
-moodiness (I've been a little weepy...sorry, honey! Luckily, I get over it quickly!)
Size of Baby:
Butternut Squash (about 15.25-15.5 inches and 2.5 pounds)
Milestones/Happenings:
Baby Reagan's lungs are now developed enough to breathe in air---yay! They won't, of course, until she's born and takes that first breath, which will break the "seal" around her lungs and allow her to start breathing oxygen. For now, she's still practicing inhaling amniotic fluid. She's also practicing tinkling; she's urinating as much as half a liter of amniotic fluid a day! Looks like Mommy and Daddy had better get REALLY good at changing diapers! lol
I've read that fetuses typically find a "spot"and position in the uterus that they're most comfortable in. For the longest time, I thought this was curled up on top of my bladder. But now, little Peanut has found her sweet spot...in my right rib cage! From what I'm feeling, it seems she's still head down, with her tushie up against my rib cage, and her feet out towards my left side (try to imagine her laying in an upside down "L" shape in there). Occasionally, she ventures back down to the bladder area, but for the most part, she likes my ribs! Oh well, as long as she's comfy, right??
Belly Pic(s):
I FEEL a lot bigger this week, but I'm not necessarily seeing it in my pictures! Maybe it's because I see my belly every single day, so I can't notice the subtle little changes? Either way, I'm sure she's growing in there!
I also attended a good friend's baby shower today, so I took a picture of Reagan and I dressed up and ready to go "meet" her bestie, Skyler! :)
Now time for a little relaxation! This Mommy is tuckered out--it's been a busy day! I hope y'all have a wonderful rest of the weekend, and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all you Mommies (and "almost-Mommies") out there! I feel so honored that I can semi-participate in this special day to honor the amazing gift of motherhood! And what better way to celebrate it than by feeling my little girl wiggle and squirm in this belly of mine! :)
For those of you who are still praying to receive your blessings from above, remember that God DOES hear our prayers and IS faithful to answer those prayers based on His plans for us! So stay faithful, stay optimistic, trust that His plan is perfect, and (here comes the Verse of the Day) "Pray without ceasing"! (1 Thessalonians 5:17) I can't wait to hear how He blesses you in the very near future!
The good news is that we've made it to another week! Yippy! Peanut is still doing great and seems to be very content in her nice, cozy, little womb. I'm hoping she doesn't get too cozy in there, because she's going to be evicted in eleven more weeks! lol
The not-so-good news is that I didn't pass my glucose test I did on Tuesday...waaaaah! The cutoff was 139, and my result was 147. I didn't "fail" by much, but being even one point too high means I have to endure the three-hour test. Blah. It's scheduled for next Monday at 8am. I'll have to be fasting (which I was for the last one, too), then drink the yummy orange soda within five to ten minutes when I get to Dr S's office. I'll have my blood drawn while I'm fasting, one hour after I've finished the drink, and then after two and three hours after. It's going to be a long appointment, since I have to sit there and twiddle my thumbs for three to four hours, but it'll be worth it if I pass!
Now, what if I don't pass this time around?? If this happens, then I'll be diagnosed with "gestational diabetes", which basically means my body isn't producing enough insulin to cover both Reagan and my own sugar (glucose) levels. I will have to watch my sugar/carbohydrate intake, check my blood sugar level roughly four times a day, and possibly have to give myself insulin shots (this usually only happens when a woman's sugar is VERY high and not controlled by diet/exercise). I can handle all this, but man, I hate to have my finger pricked! I'd rather have blood drawn with a big ole' needle than prick my finger! I know, I'm a wimp. But I get "big girl" points for admitting it, right?? ;)
The silver lining in all this? If I do have gestational diabetes, then there's a risk of Reagan getting either too much sugar or too little, which could make her too little or too big. (I know this doesn't sound like a "silver lining"...I'm getting there. lol) This requires more monitoring, which means...ultrasounds!! Usually, the doctor wants to keep an eye on baby's growth to ensure there's not a growth issue, so more u/s's might be necessary. I'd definitely be okay with seeing this little girl a few more times before she's born! Just being honest! :)
When I first got the phone call that my results were abnormal, I have to admit, I was upset. There may have been some tears shed. Mainly, I was upset because I feel like I've been doing my best to ensure there wouldn't be a problem; I exercise, watch what I eat, haven't gained any excess weight. So when I got the news, I felt like I had done something wrong. It took a few moments and a good talk with God for me to realize that this, just like infertility, doesn't mean I've done anything bad. It just means my body isn't doing what it needs to be doing. It's just another bump in this road to Mommyhood, and the Father will see us through it just like He has this entire time! So, now I'm ready! Bring on that ole', nasty test! Me and my God have got this!!
Alrighty, now that I've shared that, let's see what else Miss Priss has been doing since our last update!
Symptoms:
-headaches (on and off...but nothing too terrible)
-fatigue (this is getting worse every week...I am in awe of women who work and/or have other children to take care of while being pregnant! God bless you ladies!! You're my heroes! lol)
-restlessness
-backache/achy hips
-leg cramps
-stuffy nose
-bigger tah-tah's (yes...I think they've actually grown some more. Geesh!)
-nice, bright blue veins...everywhere! (On my belly, legs, tah-tah's, arms...I'm a walking road map!)
-moodiness (I've been a little weepy...sorry, honey! Luckily, I get over it quickly!)
Size of Baby:
Butternut Squash (about 15.25-15.5 inches and 2.5 pounds)
Milestones/Happenings:
Baby Reagan's lungs are now developed enough to breathe in air---yay! They won't, of course, until she's born and takes that first breath, which will break the "seal" around her lungs and allow her to start breathing oxygen. For now, she's still practicing inhaling amniotic fluid. She's also practicing tinkling; she's urinating as much as half a liter of amniotic fluid a day! Looks like Mommy and Daddy had better get REALLY good at changing diapers! lol
I've read that fetuses typically find a "spot"and position in the uterus that they're most comfortable in. For the longest time, I thought this was curled up on top of my bladder. But now, little Peanut has found her sweet spot...in my right rib cage! From what I'm feeling, it seems she's still head down, with her tushie up against my rib cage, and her feet out towards my left side (try to imagine her laying in an upside down "L" shape in there). Occasionally, she ventures back down to the bladder area, but for the most part, she likes my ribs! Oh well, as long as she's comfy, right??
Belly Pic(s):
I FEEL a lot bigger this week, but I'm not necessarily seeing it in my pictures! Maybe it's because I see my belly every single day, so I can't notice the subtle little changes? Either way, I'm sure she's growing in there!
I also attended a good friend's baby shower today, so I took a picture of Reagan and I dressed up and ready to go "meet" her bestie, Skyler! :)
Now time for a little relaxation! This Mommy is tuckered out--it's been a busy day! I hope y'all have a wonderful rest of the weekend, and HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all you Mommies (and "almost-Mommies") out there! I feel so honored that I can semi-participate in this special day to honor the amazing gift of motherhood! And what better way to celebrate it than by feeling my little girl wiggle and squirm in this belly of mine! :)
For those of you who are still praying to receive your blessings from above, remember that God DOES hear our prayers and IS faithful to answer those prayers based on His plans for us! So stay faithful, stay optimistic, trust that His plan is perfect, and (here comes the Verse of the Day) "Pray without ceasing"! (1 Thessalonians 5:17) I can't wait to hear how He blesses you in the very near future!
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Twenty-Eight Week Update and Appointment
Well, guys...we've officially made it to the third trimester! EEEEK!!!! God is sooooo good, and I praise Him for getting us this far and keeping Reagan and I both healthy!
Speaking of healthy, Little Bit and I had our twenty-eight week appointment with Dr S this morning, and it went very well! It was time for me to do the dreaded one-hour glucose tolerance test (for gestational diabetes), which means I got to enjoy that super yummy Glucola beverage this morning (which actually does taste like stale Sunkist...not TOO bad, but not too good either! lol). I should receive the results in the next day or two. I sure do pray I pass so I don't have to endure the three-hour test!
As for the other details of the appointment, everything checked out great! My blood pressure was perfect at 102/65, and my weight is still on track (I've gained 15.5 pounds so far). I received my tDap vaccination (I haven't had a booster in a while, and they recommend it with every pregnancy anyway), and I gave the nurse an "A+" in shot-giving (I think this made her day, lol). My uterus is measuring 27cm, which is just fine for this stage in the game (remember that how many weeks along a woman is +/- 4cm is considered "normal"). Dr S is pleased with how things are going, and said there's no reason to come back in two weeks (unless something happens in the meantime), so my last monthly appointment is set for June 4th at 9am. After that, it'll be once every two weeks for two visits, and then weekly till Baby Reagan arrives! I have a feeling between the baby showers, 4D u/s, and more frequent appointments, the next three months are going to fly by! :)
Now, time for Peanut's weekly update (which we missed doing on Saturday since we were out of town)!
Symptoms:
-heartburn/indigestion (taking the Zantac twice a day really does seem to be helping with this though---thank God!)
-fatigue (it's getting worse...sometimes I feel like I can't keep my eyes open!)
-restlessness
-backache/achy hips (I'm noticing this more often now, especially when I'm on my feet for a while)
-leg cramps (I've heard this might happen, but didn't know they'd be THAT bad! I woke up the other night and couldn't move my right leg because it was cramped up so badly! Yikes!)
Size of Baby:
Head of Lettuce (about 15 inches long and 2.25-2.5 pounds)
Milestones/Happenings:
Reagan is about 2-3% body fat right now, but this will be increasing every week as she plumps up in order to get ready for her debut!
Her brain is also growing at an astonishing rate---it can increase in weight as much as 500% from now to delivery day! Wowzers!
She has developed more of a sleep/wake cycle that alternates about every twenty-thirty minutes...although it seems like this little girl is always on the go! I have been feeling more rolling/stretching and less sharp kicks/jabs, but she does like to tuck up under my rib cage when I'm sitting upright for long periods of time (like during our five-hour car rides last weekend). At this point, I should be doing "kick counts" twice a day (tracking how long it takes to feel her move ten times---it should take less than two hours), but this little Peanut squirms around so often I'm not finding a need to yet! As distracting/slightly painful as her wiggling can be at times, I count it as definite blessing to have an active, healthy bambino in there!
Belly Pic(s):
I was sure that with all of the hustle and bustle of the weekend's events, I'd forget to take my Saturday morning pic, but I actually remembered! Yaaaaay! Go me! lol I don't see a huge change from last week---what do you think?
I also got a side shot of The Bump in my wedding attire (thanks, Nicole, for letting me borrow this super cute/comfy dress!). Baby Girl was on full display (and looking a little larger than usual) at this shindig!
Alrighty folks, now we're all caught up! We'll see you back here Saturday for another update! But before I go, I wanted to thank you all again for the continued prayers---not only for myself and Reagan, but also for the others I asked you guys to lift up to the Lord. God is definitely still moving, and it's so exciting to see how He's blessing those around us! The Verse of the Day (Psalm 55:17) says, "Evening, morning, and noon will I pray; I will cry out aloud and He will hear my voice." This is oh-so true, so please keep those awesome prayers coming, y'all! :)
Speaking of healthy, Little Bit and I had our twenty-eight week appointment with Dr S this morning, and it went very well! It was time for me to do the dreaded one-hour glucose tolerance test (for gestational diabetes), which means I got to enjoy that super yummy Glucola beverage this morning (which actually does taste like stale Sunkist...not TOO bad, but not too good either! lol). I should receive the results in the next day or two. I sure do pray I pass so I don't have to endure the three-hour test!
As for the other details of the appointment, everything checked out great! My blood pressure was perfect at 102/65, and my weight is still on track (I've gained 15.5 pounds so far). I received my tDap vaccination (I haven't had a booster in a while, and they recommend it with every pregnancy anyway), and I gave the nurse an "A+" in shot-giving (I think this made her day, lol). My uterus is measuring 27cm, which is just fine for this stage in the game (remember that how many weeks along a woman is +/- 4cm is considered "normal"). Dr S is pleased with how things are going, and said there's no reason to come back in two weeks (unless something happens in the meantime), so my last monthly appointment is set for June 4th at 9am. After that, it'll be once every two weeks for two visits, and then weekly till Baby Reagan arrives! I have a feeling between the baby showers, 4D u/s, and more frequent appointments, the next three months are going to fly by! :)
Now, time for Peanut's weekly update (which we missed doing on Saturday since we were out of town)!
Symptoms:
-heartburn/indigestion (taking the Zantac twice a day really does seem to be helping with this though---thank God!)
-fatigue (it's getting worse...sometimes I feel like I can't keep my eyes open!)
-restlessness
-backache/achy hips (I'm noticing this more often now, especially when I'm on my feet for a while)
-leg cramps (I've heard this might happen, but didn't know they'd be THAT bad! I woke up the other night and couldn't move my right leg because it was cramped up so badly! Yikes!)
Size of Baby:
Head of Lettuce (about 15 inches long and 2.25-2.5 pounds)
Milestones/Happenings:
Reagan is about 2-3% body fat right now, but this will be increasing every week as she plumps up in order to get ready for her debut!
Her brain is also growing at an astonishing rate---it can increase in weight as much as 500% from now to delivery day! Wowzers!
She has developed more of a sleep/wake cycle that alternates about every twenty-thirty minutes...although it seems like this little girl is always on the go! I have been feeling more rolling/stretching and less sharp kicks/jabs, but she does like to tuck up under my rib cage when I'm sitting upright for long periods of time (like during our five-hour car rides last weekend). At this point, I should be doing "kick counts" twice a day (tracking how long it takes to feel her move ten times---it should take less than two hours), but this little Peanut squirms around so often I'm not finding a need to yet! As distracting/slightly painful as her wiggling can be at times, I count it as definite blessing to have an active, healthy bambino in there!
Belly Pic(s):
I was sure that with all of the hustle and bustle of the weekend's events, I'd forget to take my Saturday morning pic, but I actually remembered! Yaaaaay! Go me! lol I don't see a huge change from last week---what do you think?
I also got a side shot of The Bump in my wedding attire (thanks, Nicole, for letting me borrow this super cute/comfy dress!). Baby Girl was on full display (and looking a little larger than usual) at this shindig!
Alrighty folks, now we're all caught up! We'll see you back here Saturday for another update! But before I go, I wanted to thank you all again for the continued prayers---not only for myself and Reagan, but also for the others I asked you guys to lift up to the Lord. God is definitely still moving, and it's so exciting to see how He's blessing those around us! The Verse of the Day (Psalm 55:17) says, "Evening, morning, and noon will I pray; I will cry out aloud and He will hear my voice." This is oh-so true, so please keep those awesome prayers coming, y'all! :)
Monday, May 6, 2013
I Promise A Better Post Tomorrow!
Hey again! Did you guys miss us?? We sure missed y'all! :)
We're back from our trip (the wedding was AMAZING, even though it rained all weekend!), and I've been busy working on my usual chores (laundry, groceries, etc), so I haven't had time to sit down and do my catch-up Pregnancy Progress Update yet. I'm sorry! But I figured since we have our twenty-eight week appointment in the morning, I could just post all the details of that and the update at the same time...how does that sound??
My appointment is at 9:45am and then I have a whole bunch of errands to run after, but I promise I WILL blog sometime tomorrow! In the meantime, pleeeeeease be praying for me as I take my glucose tolerance test (gag me) and that everything checks out a-okay with our little one! I know that with God in control of my life and the life of Miss Reagan, that everything will be juuuust fine (but a little extra prayer is never a bad thing ;) )! After all, my Verse of the Day says, "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you; to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) (I know I've used that verse before, but it is one of my faves, and is true every single day!)
Now go and have a blessed day, folks, and I'll see you back here tomorrow!
We're back from our trip (the wedding was AMAZING, even though it rained all weekend!), and I've been busy working on my usual chores (laundry, groceries, etc), so I haven't had time to sit down and do my catch-up Pregnancy Progress Update yet. I'm sorry! But I figured since we have our twenty-eight week appointment in the morning, I could just post all the details of that and the update at the same time...how does that sound??
My appointment is at 9:45am and then I have a whole bunch of errands to run after, but I promise I WILL blog sometime tomorrow! In the meantime, pleeeeeease be praying for me as I take my glucose tolerance test (gag me) and that everything checks out a-okay with our little one! I know that with God in control of my life and the life of Miss Reagan, that everything will be juuuust fine (but a little extra prayer is never a bad thing ;) )! After all, my Verse of the Day says, "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you; to give you a hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11) (I know I've used that verse before, but it is one of my faves, and is true every single day!)
Now go and have a blessed day, folks, and I'll see you back here tomorrow!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
We're Almost There...
We're almost to the weekend, guys! You know what that means?? Well, it means a few things...
That's the day Reagan and I start our third trimester (can I get a little happy dance??), AND that's the day my little brother will marry the girl of his dreams! Not to mention, I get to see all of my wonderful family again! It's going to be an awesome weekend all around!
We're heading down there tomorrow to help ensure all of the festivities are in order, and we'll be back sometime late on Sunday. So I'll catch back up with you guys on Monday and maybe post a few extra belly shots of Reagan at her Uncle Nicky and Aunt Coco's wedding (clothed belly shots, of course...what kind of wedding did you think this was?? ;) ).
Until then, have a fantastic rest of the work week and a blessed weekend! And, in case you need a little reminder of God's love and peace, recite this Verse of the Day to yourself: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)
Later, y'all! (Reagan gave a little kick and a roll, so she says "bye", too! lol)
That's the day Reagan and I start our third trimester (can I get a little happy dance??), AND that's the day my little brother will marry the girl of his dreams! Not to mention, I get to see all of my wonderful family again! It's going to be an awesome weekend all around!
We're heading down there tomorrow to help ensure all of the festivities are in order, and we'll be back sometime late on Sunday. So I'll catch back up with you guys on Monday and maybe post a few extra belly shots of Reagan at her Uncle Nicky and Aunt Coco's wedding (clothed belly shots, of course...what kind of wedding did you think this was?? ;) ).
Until then, have a fantastic rest of the work week and a blessed weekend! And, in case you need a little reminder of God's love and peace, recite this Verse of the Day to yourself: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)
Later, y'all! (Reagan gave a little kick and a roll, so she says "bye", too! lol)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)