Induction is set...

My labs came back "not that bad, but not really good."

Induction is set for 7:30 pm tonight.

If we are lucky baby K will be here sometime tomorrow.

Ready or not, here he comes.

Just a friendly reminder:

We are not wanting any visitors while in the hopsital. Current discharge times are less than 24 hours after birth, so we should be home shortly thereafter.

Mark will be taking the first week off, and at that time we would like to have day visitors only, and only for short periods of time. It will be a time of acclimation for all of us, especially Isa, who thrives on her schedule, which will do our best to maintain.

I anticipate some clingness and behaviors with the big sister, so the less spectators the better :)

I bet Isa will be THRILLED when there finally a baby in that car seat next to hers. "Where baby?" will finally be a question of the past!

Non Stress Test #3

Today's tests revealed that baby is doing just fine. Heart rate is just fine, activity is just fine, but that is about all the info I got on him.
My blood pressure has skyrocketed since Friday. My norm (even as of Friday) is about 115/65 and today we ran tests every ten minutes and fluctuated between 138/87- 132/91. They even ran high enough to set off the alarm...
Heart rate is too high as well. Normal for me is 60-65, and today we are running at 110. At one point they were concerned because they thought baby's heart rate was too low (the 110) but it turned out they were picking up my heart rate instead, which is just too high.
They sent me down for some blood work, should have the results this afternoon. They are looking for pre eclampsia or (lack of) organ function. Both can easily be remedied by delivery.
But, baby is looking fine, and that was my main concern.

Hung and Looking Good

Last week we received the final piece for Kaiden's room in the mail: his curtains! Grandma Joe got the fabric while she was up here a few weeks ago and then quickly made them and sent them off so they would be ready for when Kai comes home.

Anytime now, little man, anytime.

Still Pregnant...

That is really about all the info I gained from my appointment today. And really, it didn't take me by surprise- I kinda already knew that!
There are four factors that affect labor/delivery, here are my stats:
1- Dilation- 1 cm (been there for four weeks...)
2- Cervix- still has not moved to the front
3- Effacement- 80-90%
4- Engagement- at zero station

The lack of 1 and 2 isn't a big deal, as they typically don't start moving until labor has started, at least with a first pregnancy.
The effacement and engagement are at a good stage, but that doesn't mean labor is going to happen anytime soon.
The doctor had to run out while I was there for a patient who progressed from 3 to 8 cm in a matter of minutes (lucky duck) so I didn't get to see him. I saw the nurse. I asked about how long he would let me go and she said that at my appointment next Friday we will schedule an induction date for the first week of June.
The nurse says there isn't really anything I can do to help this along. Apparently there are things I can do to stimulate contractions, but they probably won't be effective contractions and will taper off. For those who are telling me to walk, walk, walk, she says there is no point, as baby is already completely engaged (head down) so there would be little to no benefit at this point, as that is typically why they tell people to walk.
So, my original guess of due date (way back when) of May 16 won't happen, and I have amended it to June 16, that way I won't be diappointed, right?
I kinda compare this to waiting for Pink with Isa- I knew it was coming, but man, the days sure drug on and I felt like it would never come, then wham! the call came and we were out the door...
Here's to hoping we are out the door sooner than later...

Baby Update

I went in this morning for my second non stress test. This time I was sure to eat only a little and no juice! But this kinda backfired on me and baby wasn't moving much... But it was a much easier cure than last time, I just drank some juice and voila! Dancing baby!

I was in and out in thirty minutes, and my doctor scheduled me for another one next Monday... I was hoping to not have to do another one, but if I am lucky, I'll be in labor or done and won't have to...

But, I don't think that will happen. I think my May baby is about to turn into a June baby.

Wild Thing #2's Test Results

The test that should have taken 20-30 minutes ended up taking over two hours...
Why? Because he wouldn't calm down! He was overly active. They wanted a baseline of his quiet time before we quit the test, but mama was growing very tired of staying in one position, and he just wouldn't calm down, so they finally let me leave just before 10. Way past mama's bed time, way past.
In order to pass as a rest period, baby can only move two times in a ten minute period. Baby was at over 50 per ten minute block for over an hour and a half... No wonder I have to pee so much! I also found out I am having fairly consistant contractions about 12 minutes apart- obviously not active labor, but hopefully gearing up for it.
The doctor on staff was concerned about why he was so active: thyroid (no), dehydration (no), well there had to be some reason. So I am booked for another test on Wednesday at 6, and this time I won't have any juice or Coke at all that day. Just water. Then maybe all will be fine.

Baby Update

I had my 38 week visit today. All looked well. Well, I guess it depends who you talk to, as I haven't progressed anymore, still 80% effaced and less than 2 cm, which I don't think is all that great, but oh well.
The doctor ordered a non stress test for tonight to make sure the baby is doing fine. I will go into the hospital at 7:30 tonight for about an hour and get hooked up to two machines, one that measures baby's heartrate and the other that measures baby's activity. This is somewhat routine, though mainly after due date. The reality is they don't know the true date (somewhere between May 11-24) so we are doing the test as a precaution. We will repeat it every 5 days until baby is born, just to be sure he is getting enough oxygen and movement in cramped quarters.
The doctor says he isn't concerned at this point and expects the test to turn out fine (but what would he benefit from telling me otherwise?!). If it doesn't turn out well, which I think it will, they just move on the next phase of test.
Worst case scenario is they induce labor, so as the doctor says, it is a 'win win' situation, as you either find out the baby is fine, or are induced and see that he is fine (as they typically are).

Ta Da!

We finally have finished up Kaiden's room! Hooray! I think it looks pretty good. The only thing still in the works are the curtains, which Joe is making.

It is a tough room to get a good picture of, so here are several to attempt to show the entire room.

I love this carpet we picked out. We went back and forth on what to do with the floors (Mark scratched them big time when he moved the safe out) but I am happy with the choice. Isa really likes it too, and she is pretty good at hopping from square to square!The nautical bedding set is too cute. Joe is making Kaiden a quilt, just as she did for Isa, so we turned the bedding quilt into a wall hanging. Babies shouldn't have blankets in the crib for awhile anyway, so it works out well.
The changing table station. I wish we had set one up for Isa- for the past year and a half I have been changing her on the bathroom floor.
This afternoon I made the sailboat collage and framed it. All in all I think the room turned out just right for our baby boy.

So now, we just wait...

Where baby???

This is probably one of Isa's favorite questions at the moment.

Reality is she knows exactly where baby is.

She is quick to pull up my shirt and point it out to anyone who will listen.

I think her real question is "when do I get to see my baby???!" So in the meantime, she is busy filling baby's room with her many babies.

Anytime now, baby, anytime...

I had my 36 week check up today. Thirty six weeks is the magical number at which the lungs are deemed done and baby can typically be born without any concerns. So, come on baby boy, anytime now.

I am 80% thinned out (effaced) and 1 cm dilated. The dilatation means pretty much nothing at only 1, but the effacement isn't bad. Last week I was just barely effaced with no dilation. Baby's head is VERY low, which is pushing on my hips and popping them out of joint from the inside. Very painful, and at times I literally cannot walk. I also now have pregnancy induced carpal tunnel, so much of the time I cannot feel from my wrist down.

Well, it is hard to type with numb fingers and this is all I have to report. Let's hope that baby boy comes sooner than later... please...

Kai Update

Yesterday morning I had another OB checkup. Everything is looking fine, baby's heartbeat is strong and he is still head down. Measuring about a week ahead, but doctor is saying that first babies (read pregancies- he is not my first baby...) tend to come late (this I know) so probably 4-6 weeks until his arrival. Maybe 7.

I asked the doctor about his leaving on my due date and his replacement. Turns out his replacement is also on vacation... But he does have two other back ups that I will meet in mid May if it doesn't appear I will have him before he leaves. I keep telling myself that the reality is that it doesn't matter who hands me the baby, as long as he makes it out!

I have another appointment in two weeks and then weekly thereafter. On May 1st I have another ultrasound to determine size, and depending on what that ultrasound reveals the doctor thinks we may want to talk about induction... He isn't big on induction as it raises the C section rate, but he says the same thing is true, even a little higher, for someone my size attempting to deliver a 12 pound baby.

All in due time, I guess.

Kai's Shower

Heather and my cousin Kym threw a shower for Kai yesterday, and, despite the weather we had a great turnout! Lots of family and friends, food, and gifts for the baby!
I forgot my camera so I had to borrow some pictures.
Here we are playing the 'guess the size of the belly game.' Most guesses were WAY to big!

Isa and Peyton came along and got LOTS of attention- maybe even too much based on Little Miss' behavior this morning.
Little Miss opening some of her presents and showing them off.

Opening gifts while Mandi (friend) carefully folds some paper to line Kaiden's drawers with.A picture with the cake before Isa swiped her hand through it... It says "And Baby Makes Four."

And now onto the much requested 'loot' pictures:

Lots of cute clothes- the boy will be well dressed. He even got a little sweater vest outfit from my mom, complete with a little Mickey Mouse tie!Some more cute clothes, including some turtle outfits, complete with matching shoes, a pooh sleeper and sweatshirts.Onesies with cute phrases: If you can read this you are close enough to change my diaper, Face it, it's time to call grandma, Automatic Sprinkler, Caution- I leak, The Milk Man, Stud Muffin, and I Love Mommy (and mommy loves me - on the butt!).More cute clothes. I had to call grandpa and tell him what he got me, as he is in the hospital so didn't make it. The yellow striped one piece fish outfit is from him (along with a gift card). The theme for clothes seemed to be woof woofs, fishing/nautical, and Disney.A couple pair of cute pants and a robe for mama.Kaiden's official clam digging outfit, complete with hickory shirt, suspenders, carhartt pants, and romeos (hint, hint?!).

Things to take care of baby: infant bath tub, soaps, diapers, wipes, medicine droppers, booties, comb and brush, toys, crib mattress pad and waterproof mat, changing pad cover, and lap pads.Other goodies: A western growth chart (something Grandpa Jimmy himself would have picked out), a boppy and two covers, a boppy head pillow, pooh blankie, pacifiers, nails clippers, and monitor.Some homemade goodies- sleeper, bibs, burp clothes, and blankets.

And a hooter hider, made by Heather.

Decorations for the room: lamp, baskets, and a sailboat wallhanging, made by Joe.

Some of Mark's things from when he was a baby being passed down, including some blankets made by his grandma Neva.

Most of Isa's loot, although some has been disbursed throughout the house. I have no idea who gave her what, as I was opening gifts while the tornado struck her pile, so I will give a general thank you here. She really enjoyed having her own pile. She got all sorts of neat stuff- Disney magazine, junior mints (these were big hit!) dresses, shoes (pink and purple clogs), underwear, socks, gardening tools and bucket, , to name a few...

And her very own sling...

...to carry baby 'Peyton' (yes, she renamed her baby) around in. Grandma Joe said she would work on some boy clothes for 'Peyton,' but reality is, Isa has no reservations about putting him in a dress! Sorry, Pey Pey, at least you know she loves you!

We also got many gift cards, which will be used to get Kai's crib (we've decided to keep Peanut in hers) and all the trimmings to finish off his room. Probably even enough for a car seat or the double stroller!

Thanks to all who came and for all the great gifts. We are ready for Baby Kai anytime now, although he probably should marinate for at least another 4 weeks...Only time will tell.

Kai Update

We had our 32 week ultrasound today to get an estimate of Kai's weight and possibly a change of due date. Dr. Cook has decided to keep the due date as is, but, based on measurements today it projected a new due date of May 11. So, the doctor's perspective is that the due date shall remain the same and that more than likely Kai is a big BOY (and yes, we saw even more boy parts today, so we are pretty sure the first ultrasound was correct). He currently weighs in at 4lbs 14 ounces, which puts him in the 78% percentile. So, as doctor Cook put it, if he comes two weeks early, he'll probably be at the average 7 lbs. 6 ounces, but if he waits till full term he will likely be pushing 9 pounds (yeah, doesn't seem big for some of you, but, it does to me!) and if he decides to go late, well, we may be in trouble...

And, I found out today, that doctor Cook leaves for vacation on our due date!!!

I am hoping for early, my guess (and hope!) is May 16- what's yours???

10 weeks +/-

Kai and I had our checkup today. Heartrate is good, glucose and other bloodwork came back good, and doctor says it is time to start preparing! He initially measured my uterus, which put me at 33.5 weeks... I think the look on my face said it all, so he remeasured and I still sat at about 30 weeks, which is at least a week ahead (which is what every other test has shown thus far). He says either the due date is a bit off or we have a BIG baby, so we have an ultrasound scheduled for March 28. He also claims that babies aren't built to not come out, so regardless of size, he will make his way out one way or another...

Doctor ran a quick ultrasound to get a position on Kai today. I got to see his head, butt, and legs (but wasn't able to verify the gender! Doctor wasn't really looking at that and I didn't ask). Doctor is happy with the position of the baby and says he probably will just stay in his head down position. If he maintains it through my next ultlrasound then he thinks all will be well. At my previous ultrasound he was breech, but it was still quite early for baby to be getting ready. Doctor says I am just going to get bigger and bigger as the baby gains about half a pound a week from here until near the very end, which he claims helps most women want to go into labor, as the more uncomfortable we get, the more we want it to be done with... We'll see about that...

Kai's Room

We've finally decided on a theme for Kai's room:

We had a tough time find a nautical theme we liked. But this works! We are hoping to do wainscotting on the botom half of his bedroom with a thick wood border. There would be two different shades of blue on the wall, one on the wainscotting and one above. But, the way things are going, we may not even get close to that...

Sibling Rivalry

I think the rivalry may have already begun. For one, I don't think Isa believes there is a baby anymore, so she doesn't understand why all these things keep coming for the baby. So, she likes to take the baby's things. When we get something for the baby, such as a bag of clothes from Heather, Isa proclaims that she is the baby, and steals at least one thing from the baby's stash. The last thing she stole was a hat (and my daughter doesn't wear hats, so I found this one overly amusing).

But, the rivalry stepped up a notch this last week. Miss Isa was laying on the couch and kicked me directly in the stomach. Although not intentional, she managed to kick precisely where Kai was laying. And guess what he did? He kicked her back! I think the rivalry has begun, and he isn't even born yet. Mama has her work cut out for her...

Pure Exhaustion

Between work, home, wild thing #1 and wild thing #2 (who may still be in utero but sure packs a punch these days) mama seems to be exhausted morning, noon, and night.

Not to mention the return of the sickness if I don't eat at precisely the time baby thinks I should and the fact that I can't sleep for more than two hours at a time.

So, why am I telling you all this? Because you can probably expect a decrease in blog posts, as they will become fewer and farther between. Everyday posts are almost impossible, my goal at this point is 2-3 times a week, and you'll be lucky if you get that!

Here is where most of my energy goes when home: wild thing #1 (who's dubbed a new name of Turbo this week)- aka miss attitude- aka miss hands on the hips I don't want to aka- I want my mama, now!

Getting Bigger? The Countdown is On!

Everyone says I am getting bigger. Baby Kai seems to grow a little each day, so I barely notice the poundage I am gaining (until I step on the scale at the doctor's office- yikes! That number is truly a shocker everytime). The closer we get, the more weight he is packing on, and now that we are in double digits (98 days and counting), I am told the belly will begin to bulge even more...

December

February
I will say that once I see the pictures I can see the difference in the belly. I guess that is how it is supposed to work. A couple more weeks and we are into the final trimester!

Update on Baby Kai

For those who didn't see it on the ticker, we posted the name, Baby Kai (Kaiden Kevin) with the 'ai' pronounced as a long I. Or as Isa says, 'Baby IIIIIIIIIII.' Doctor's appointment today went well. I am measuring about a week ahead. Baby's hearbeat is at 158 (where it has been all along) and things in general look on track. I go back in a month for another check up.

Isa has let us know that she is ready for Baby Kai to make his appearance. Auntie told her that when mama is ready to have the baby she will come and stay with Auntie for couple nights, and that baby will come during that time. So Isa looked at mama, looked at mama's belly, then lifted her arms up and said "Auntie, bye!" She and Auntie were to take off that afternoon, so mama could have the baby. If only it were that easy...

Mama's Baby

Well, in all actuality, it is Auntie's baby, but in the world of Isa, possession IS the law, which makes Peyt (as she now calls him) Mama's baby. She doesn't quite understand why mama can't just make up her mind about which baby she wants and call it good :)

Heather and the boys came over on Saturday and all Isa wanted to do was hold Peyt. And Peyt was quite content with the decision as well. She sat with him for over 15 minutes. He pulled her hair and poked her eyes, and she just smiled at him. I have a feeling we are going to have a great big sister on our hands.

When Heather and Peyt went to the outlets with us, I pulled out our infant seat for Peyt. I keep meaning to pull it out (it is still in the car...) as every morning Isa exclaims "Uh oh! Where mama baby? Where go? Baaaaaaaaaaaaby? Baaaaaaaaaaby?!"

Where Baby?

Yesterday Isa and I sorted through all the clothes Heather had given us for Baby K as well as the few new ones that we have. Isa was quite helpful in the beginning, handing me clothes one at a time, and then telling me they were for baby. After a while though, she got a little confused. Where baby? she asked over and over. She looked in the box, she looked under her blankie, but she couldn't find him anywhere. So, she decided to plant herself directly in front of mama for for the remainder of the event.

And she stole one outfit and ALL the binkies. She wanted to make her presence known.