32W4D ULTRASOUND AND OB VISIT

The 2D growth ultrasound and OB visit went well!!!!  The first words from the ultrasound tech was, "Wow! She has a lot of hair!"  Courtney said.....she better considering the amount of heartburn she has had throughout this pregnancy!!!! Nevaeh is consistently measuring one week ahead at 33w3d, but no change in due date. Heartbeat is 149 and she weighs a whopping 4lbs. 13oz already.....the ultrasound tech called her a little fatty......this is a far cry from the 20 week 3D skeletal baby that we saw way back when!  It is exciting to see that she is thriving and growing on a daily basis!  Here's a  2D picture of her:

Courtney's belly continues to expand (with many new friends called stretch marks on the lower belly and hip area)- and the baby continues to put on weight, but Courtney didn't gain anything this week.....holding steady at 24lbs total weight gain so far! Blood pressure is 102/60 and belly measuring on target with Nevaeh's size, which is a good sign that the amniotic fluid is at normal levels, also.....ultrasound tech didn't comment on the fluid levels....so all must be well in that department.  The cervix is 3.91 (similar to last measurement)- WOOT!

As for the exact induction date, all he will tell Courtney is that it is definitely sometime the week of St. Patrick's Day and he normally has rounds on Wednesday, which is St. Patrick's Day (3/17/10).....Hospital on-call schedules are still not out yet, but I have a feeling that since this seems to be his normal schedule in the hospital, chances are higher than the original 60% chance that he gave Courtney earlier (last November) that Courtney will be induced on 3/17/10 and then it is up to Nevaeh to make her arrival in this world.....WILL SHE BE A ST. PATTY'S BABY????

The kids are coming home this weekend since it is President's Day Weekend (YEA!)....Let's pray that the weather holds out over the weekend!  I am EXTREMELY nervous about them driving 7 hours if the weather is bad, plus the fact that Courtney will be 33 weeks pregnant! (YIKES).  She told the OB about her traveling plans and bless his heart, had her records copied and his on-call number in Courtney's and Mike's  hands before they left the office.  He is such a wonderful doctor!!!!

Here's a laugh for you....This is the second snow storm in a week.  The first one hit over the weekend with approximately 10 inches of snow and this one hit on Tuesday (another possible 8 inches of snow) closing schools......You would think I'd use this time wisely by catching up on my doctoral work, cleaning the house or even doing laundry......but NO, I am sitting here typing this, while watching TLCs baby stories and crying my eyes out when the babies are born!  What will I be like when baby Vaeh is born!  Geeeez!

32 WEEKS BARE BELLY PICTURES

                           
Courtney swears she feels the belly growing by the minute!

 

The belly button has disappeared!

Don't forget to look at the belly video at the top of this blog!

32 WEEKS- VALENTINES DAY GIFT

Courtney just called and shared her valentines day gift with all of us.....They will be home visiting over the President's Day weekend and......They've scheduled a 3D/4D ultrasound at Ultrasona in Powell for all of us to see baby Nevaeh on February 14th at 7pm!!!! (WOOT!) We hope to get a close up of her face and then a newborn face picture to put side by side on the wall in her nursery. I am curious to see just how much her newborn picture resembles the 3D ultrasound. She will be 33 weeks pregnant and Nevaeh will most likely be measuring around 34 weeks!

32 WEEKS PREGNANT!!!!

Dear Nevaeh,
I can not believe you will be here in 6 short weeks! Next Tuesday, Mommy will have another 2D growth ultrasound! Since you are measuring a week ahead, I am guessing you weigh a little over 4 pounds and have passed the 17-inch mark!!! You are rapidly losing that wrinkled, alien look and your skeleton is hardening. The bones in your skull aren't fused together, which allows them to move and slightly overlap, thus making it easier for you to fit through the birth canal. Mommy is hoping to have a vaginal birth, unlike me....I had your Mommy via C-section because your Mommy just didn't want to be born....I guess she was really content all balled up in my belly.

Speaking of belly, I finally got to see you move your leg/foot across Mommy's belly via a video that she sent to from her phone. I love technology!!! I wonder what technology will look like when you are grown and having children of your own. When your Mommy was born, it was cool to have cordless phones and microwaves....computers were fairly new and very few people had them....They were also VERY expensive! I wish I would have documented stuff like this when she was little, but I guess I was toooo busy just trying to be a wife and new mommy! One thing that I did do very well, was hand write notes about your Mommy's growth and development on a monthly basis for the first several years of her life! I plan on keeping up this blog for you and document your growth and development in the same way. I may even compare it to your Mommy's stuff when she was a baby! When you are born, I plan on making this blog into a book. Then each year, I will print a new blog book for you to keep my memories of you. I hope you enjoy reading it and looking at the pictures one day! I know I will enjoy looking back and also love dreaming about the future of my first grandchild!


By the way, today is your G.G. Richards 65th birthday. We called and sang happy birthday to him this morning and of course the birthday song included the words Great Grandpa! He laughed and reminded me that I am going to be a Grandma! Oh how I am soooooo looking forward to this!

Courtney will be sending me the 32 week bare belly pictures tomorrow! I can't wait to see the belly and update the belly album!

Love,
Grandma Dason

31w5d- VIDEO OF BELLY AND BABY MOVING!

You need to watch closely....after Courtney presses on her belly the second time, you will see a foot move from the top of her belly to the bottom. If you don't see it the first time....watch again....it is amazing!

31w5d- NO CONTRACTIONS TODAY!

Courtney sent me a text saying she was contraction free! (Fingers crossed, here)....And Nevaeh was moving ALOT this morning.....In fact, so much that she tried to kick a glass of cold chocolate milk off of the belly  (Courtney uses her belly as a table, now! LOL!).  Last night, when Mike went to bed, he put his arms around Courtney and could feel the baby moving around then, also!.......So she just must have been in a comfortable position the other day when Courtney got nervous and pulled out the doppler to hear the heartbeat!

31w4d- OB VISIT

With the problems Courtney has had lately with the burnt arm, kidney infection and contractions, the OB appointment went surprisingly well!!!  She has to take her antibiotic for the kidney infection twice a day vs. once as a preventive med (She has been on one pill a day since the 1st trimester). Courtney gained one more pound this week....totaling 24 lbs.  Blood pressure was 100/60, so the blood pressure meds are still working!  The baby's heartbeat is good and strong and the best news is that the cervix is long and closed (Woot!).  In fact his words were, "She isn't coming anytime soon"......What a relief!!! 

Nevaeh was quiet yesterday.....so much that Courtney got out the heartbeat doppler to make sure she was OK.   With an anterior placenta, Courtney doesn't always feel the little movements and it worried her! She was going to tell her doctor about this, but just before the appointment, Nevaeh "woke up" and decided to make her presence known.  This brought a smile to our faces!

The OB schedule at the hospital is not out yet, so an exact induction date of 3/17/10 is still only a 60% chance, but he did tell Courtney to plan sometime around St. Patty's Day.  My guess is it will be scheduled sometime that week.

The 2D- growth scan ultrasound has been scheduled for next week on 2/9/10 at 2:30 with a weekly OB appointment at 3:00.  I can't wait to see how much she has grown!

31w2d- BABY HAS DROPPED???

Courtney is still having a severe backache.....so much that she had to use a grocery scooter to do shopping with.  :-(  She even thinks the baby has dropped since last week.  Here's a picture of last week vs. this week.  The belly definitely looks different and Courtney can actually breathe a little easier now.

 

 30 Weeks....Sticking out!

 

31w2d....The belly looks likes the baby is in a different, lower position!

31w1d- EMERGENCY ROOM VISIT!

Courtney called me in the middle of the night from the emergency room.  During the day, she had a lower backache and then later in the day, the ache went across her back under the shoulder blades.....but still she thought she was just not sleeping well and her muscles hurt.  Her friend (who is pregnant as well) was experiencing sharp pains, so they took the friend to the hospital....All the way there, Courtney still hadn't convinced herself that she should see the doctor as well.  With some nudging from everyone, Courtney finally told the doctors that she wasn't feeling well either.  It is a good thing that she told them because she ended up quite the sick little girl with contractions to boot!  Turns out that both them had a kidney infection.  Courtney must have a high pain tolerance because she ended up with a 4+ culture.  Poor thing had to get a shot in the behind and cried!  I cried for her when I heard! She was also having contractions but the OB on call felt the underlying problem was the infection because her blood pressure was OK, cervix is closed, no swelling, no fever and the baby was fine.  Speaking of Nevaeh, they had a monitor on Courtney's belly and the baby wanted nothing to do with it!  She kept kicking at it the whole time!....I could even hear the kicks over the phone.....Too cute!

 

 Courtney is not a happy camper here!

  

Not sure how to read this, but here's the recorded contractions. The contractions are hitting the 40 mark which means onset of early stages of labor, however, the nurse did not say how far apart the contractions were, and Courtney didn't think to ask.

Hopefully the shot and oral meds do the trick.  So far, she has had a constant backache today, and since she didn't know she was having contractions last night, its hard to tell if she is today.....because they are in her back, not in her belly (or should I say worse in her back than in her belly).....I bet she has back labor when she does finally have this baby!  She sees the doctor again on Tuesday!

31 WEEKS BARE BELLY PICTURES!

The bruise is from the Lovenox Shot.

 

Looks like more stretch marks.....Darn!  Hopefully they go away after the birth.

31 WEEKS PREGNANT- OMG!

Dear Nevaeh,

Your Mommy is now 31 weeks pregnant and you are measuring consistently one week ahead at 32 weeks!  According to babycenter.com, by now, you weigh around 3.75 pounds and are about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your Mommy's belly! From this point on, you should gain about 6-8 oz. each week! WOW! In fact, you'll gain a third to half of your birth weight during the next 7 weeks as you fatten up for survival outside Mommy's tummy. I can't wait to see what you weigh during the 34 week ultrasound.  Mommy should start gaining about a pound a week now, which will put her total weight gain at around 30 lbs. by the time you are born!    By now you have toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz).....but the ultrasound tech thinks she saw hair at your last 3D ultrasound! Your skin is becoming soft and smooth as you plump up in preparation for birth.  I AM GETTING SOOOO VERY EXCITED TO SEE YOUR BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FACE!

Mommy will send me a 31 week bare belly picture to post tomorrow!

Love you much!
Grandma Dason

30w5d- OB APPOINTMENT!

Courtney's OB appointment went well!  The 2nd degree burn on her arm is healing and not infected!  THANK YOU GOD! He reiterated that the cream is only topical and will not harm the baby so she is to keep the cream on during the healing process.  Courtney's blood pressure is under control at 98/60.(Yea!) Nevaeh's heartbeat is good and strong, and the belly is measuring 32 weeks!  I knew it looked bigger in the last picture.  The good news is that Courtney only gained one pound, so now she's up a total of 23 lbs.   He asked if Courtney has any concerns and she said she couldn't sleep because the baby moves alot, can not get comfortable due to the huge belly, has reflux, and can't breathe because the baby is squishing her lungs and the doc said GOOD that means the baby is growing as it should.......so I guess she needs to find comfort in those words during the uncomfortable 3rd trimester stage of pregnancy!

He wants to start seeing her every week from this point on (WOOT!) Still wants to do another 2D growth scan ultrasound at 34 weeks! The nurse mentioned that during the next visit  Courtney would be tested for Group B streptococcus (GBS) which is a type of bacterial infection that can be found in a pregnant woman’s vagina or rectum. This bacteria is normally found in the vagina and/or lower intestine of 15% to 40% of all healthy, adult women. Those women who test positive for GBS are said to be colonized. A mother can pass GBS to her baby during delivery. GBS is responsible for affecting about 1 in every 2,000 babies in the United States. Not every baby who is born to a mother who tests positive for GBS will become ill. Although GBS is rare in pregnant women, the outcome can be severe, and therefore physicians include testing as a routine part of prenatal care. 

He still can't give Courtney a 100% on the proposed induction date of 3/17/10 because the hospital schedule for rounds is not out yet and he wants to be the one to deliver her!  So far 3/17/10 is a 60% guess at this point.  24 hours before induction, Courtney will need to take her LAST Lovenox shot and when the blood test confirms she is ready, he will let her have an epidural for the pain.

In a personal conversation with the doctor, he said he mentioned Courtney to his mother. Her maiden name is the same as Courtney's married name and he wants to know if they are related.  He wants Courtney to check it out with Mike and even said where his mother lives......so he was serious.....not just making small talk! He has developed a personal bond with Courtney which makes me smile and now he wants to see if they are related!  NOT MANY DOCTORS TAKE THIS KIND OF TIME WITH THEIR PATIENTS.....WE LOVE THIS OB!

On a funny note.....Here's how our conversation ended today over the phone:

Courtney: I am getting stressed and soon may be freaking out!
Me:  "I know, I am freaking out already!"
Courtney: "Wait a minute, Mom!  You can't freak out, I need you!  You need to keep me sane!"

I reassured her that I was only freaking out thinking of what little time I have to organize my work, finish essay requirements for this class I am taking, and planning a wedding for Caitlin before the baby comes.....we are running out of days!  I promised to not freak out and support her during the delivery!  WHAT A MIRACLE IT WILL BE TO SEE MY BABY DELIVER HER BABY!  (In all honesty, I may freak out just a little on the inside....but promise to not show it on the outside!)

30w4d- NO ROOM TO BREATHE!

Courtney is really uncomfortable since Nevaeh is squishing her lungs!  She can't sleep, can't sit for long periods of time, has acid reflux, morning sickness (AGAIN) and on top of that nursing a burnt arm......But in the end, it will all be worth it!

Nevaeh doesn't like anything on Courtney's stomach (baby, dog, books, purse, arms, even a little cell phone....) Nevaeh will kick at them until they move!  Yesterday, Courtney had her arms resting on the belly as she typed on her laptop and Nevaeh wanted nothing to do with it!  She kicked and kicked at Courtney's arms.....When Courtney didn't respond, Nevaeh kicked REALLY hard at Courtney's hip bone as if to say "Take That!  I'll Show You Whose Boss!"

Here's a picture of a quilt square that Grandma Barnett is making.  The baby in the picture is Courtney.  Other quilt squares will have pictures of other family members......IT WILL BE A BEAUTIFUL KEEPSAKE!

30 WEEKS BARE BELLY PICTURES!

The belly has definitely grown since last week.  Courtney is finding stretch marks and she has about 7.5 more weeks to go!  Hopefully they do not turn into the deep red marks that stick after birth.  Time will tell!  Nevaeh had the hiccups for the first time last night!

29 weeks

30 weeks....Can you see the difference in just one week?

If you look close enough, you can see the belly button is flush with the tummy!  The belly button piercings are now slits rather than holes.....wonder if they will go back to normal "roundness" or stay stretched out after the belly goes down? (Those of you who have experienced this already are probably laughing at this grandma question! LOL)

30 WEEKS PREGNANT! OMG!!!

Dear Nevaeh,

I have been waiting so long to be able to write that your Mommy has made the 30 week mark in this pregnancy. It makes me smile to see the pregnancy ticker covering the 30 week mark on the time line! According to the last ultrasound, you are still measuring one week ahead! Each day that goes by helps you to grow bigger and stronger for a successful birth....This week you should be measuring over 16 inches long and weigh about 3.3 pounds! According to babycenter.com you should be heading into a growth spurt. Your  arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath your skin. You are also moving a lot, too! Now that you are bigger than the anterior placenta, which has cushioned many of your movements, Mommy can see and feel you move more often than ever before.  Last night you kicked her soooo hard that you woke her up!  She said it was the strongest kick she felt so far!  This makes me smile because I know all these movements are signs that you are active and healthy!

Due to an induction you will be here in less than 8 weeks!  I am counting down the days.....55 more days to go!

The 30 week bare belly picture will be posted tomorrow!

Love,
Grandma Dason

29w5d- OB APPOINTMENT!

Today's OB appointment went great! (29w5d).  Blood pressure is a under control at 100/60!  Courtney gained 1 lb. in the last two weeks...total weight gain is 22 lbs!!!  Not bad for being close to 30 weeks pregnant! The belly must be measuring within normal ranges because he didn't seem concerned and just kept talking! He also looked at last week's ultrasound and stated that everything looked GREAT!....and...He wants to do another 2D growth scan at 34 weeks (Woot!)

Courtney asked about pediatricians, but this OB wants Nevaeh to be seen by the hospital's Neonatologist who is a subspecialty of pediatrics that consists of the medical care of high risk newborn infants.  He/she has a hospital-based specialty, and practices in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).  Once the baby gets the green light, recommendations for pediatricians will be made at that time based on the level of care needed.....if any... above the normal infant check ups!  He doesn't foresee any problems, but he does like to be extra cautious since Courtney has been on blood thinners throughout this pregnancy!

While we were visiting over the weekend, Courtney burnt her arm pretty bad when she took the lid off of a pot on the stove!  OUCH!  The on-call doctor recommended Benadryl Cream.  Her OB today seemed very concerned because it is a 2nd degree burn!  He is worried about possible infection which could harm the baby.  He prescribed a different cream called Silvadene but then a nurse who has a background in burn units looked at Courntey's arm and recommended a different cream  (Biafine Emulsion cream isn't absorbed into the blood stream, therefore the risk of it interacting with another medicines or the baby is low!).....They did reassure Courtney that the cream benefits would outweigh any risks in this situation.  If her burn gets infected with red edges or she gets a fever, then she is to call in immediately and possibly will have to go to the hospital for antibiotics for an infection.....We pray all heals well!  The OB wants to see Courtney next Wednesday to take another look at the burn!  He is such a wonderful doctor!

29w4d-NEVAEH'S FIRST HOME

Dear Nevaeh,
Here are pictures of your first home that Mommy and Daddy rented just before your birth.  Daddy is in his 2nd enlistment in the Army right now and both Mommy and Daddy are going to school.  Mommy is getting an Occupational Therapy Assist Degree and Daddy is getting a degree in Criminal Justice.  They are trying very hard to provide a good life for you.  I am very proud of them!

 You can see the pack-n-play in the corner....all set up and ready for you!

 

 This glider rocker was the Christmas gift from us.  It was suppose to go in your nursery, but Mommy loved it soooooo much she insisted it go in the living room for all to use!

 

 The kitchen and eating area are small, but Mommy doesn't like to cook anyway!  She takes after me! In the back left corner, your highchair is folded and waiting for you when you get bigger!

 

 GG Martin was a BIG help in setting up your nursery!

 

 We thought about putting the pack-n-play where the ottoman is, but Mommy and Daddy wanted to be able to seat more guests, if need be.....Especially when the house is full of people gazing at you!

 

 "4 Generation" picture! (Mommy is 29w4d pregnant!) I absolutely loved feeling an elbow or a foot of yours rolling across Mommy's belly!

Love Grandma Dason

29w3d- NURSERY PICTURES

Dear Nevaeh,
Grandma Dason and GG Martin helped Mommy and Daddy set up your nursery this weekend!  We took pictures for you to remember your very first bedroom!

 

 

 

 

 

29 WEEKS BARE BELLY PICTURES!

Here's the 29 weeks bare belly pictures as promised.  I am visiting the kids this weekend working on the nursery, so I was able to take these pictures in person....feel the baby move, roll and kick....what a wonderful feeling!  (Don't forget to look at the belly growth video at the top of this blog!)......Nursery pictures will be posted later this week when I have time!