Tuesday, June 12, 2018

One Appointment to Rule Them All

Today was a full and long appointment. At least it felt that way, since my last appointments have been just quick checks, in and out. It just seemed like there were A LOT of things to cram into one visit!

Glucose Test
Up first: my 1 hour glucose test. This time I got the fruit punch flavor, and it wasn't too bad at all :)  I didn't have as bad an aftertaste as last time, so that was nice. I should have my results in the next week or so, so hopefully I passed and don't have to worry about the 3 hour test or gestational diabetes. I have eaten WAY less sugar this pregnancy than I did the last, mostly because I just haven't craved it like I did before. I still have had my fair share of sweet tea, but my sweet tooth seems to be a little calmer this time around. I hope that bodes well for my results. 


Ultrasound
I also had an ultrasound today to check on those placental lakes. Because my fundal height was measuring a week behind at my last appointment, my doctor wanted to check on Aiden, to make sure those placental lakes were not affecting his growth. And thankfully we have absolutely nothing to worry about! Baby boy is growing just fine, clocking in at a whopping 3 pounds, 11 ounces...well into the 97th percentile :)

I got to see his sweet profile, and he was being super sweet and waving at the ultrasound wand. And of course, the technician commented on how active he is. Yep. He's pretty much moving ALL the time now! The really good news is that she was able to confirm that he is now head down!! Now we just hope and pray that he stays there :)


- Heart Rate is 141 bpm
- Weighs 3 lbs, 11 oz.


Check Up and Shots
I didn't get to meet with my doctor today because she is out of town, but I did meet with one of the Certified Nurse Midwives. I got my Tdap vaccine today, as well as another Rhogam shot {because I am RH Negative}. They also measured my fundal height, which is measuring at 30 weeks {which makes sense, with my gigantic baby haha}. I asked about my risk of preterm labor, since I went into preterm labor with the twins at 31 weeks. Thankfully, it was as I expected...twins are just their own category of pregnancy, so as long as my cervix stays long and closed {which it currently is}, I shouldn't have any problems. Thankfully I do not have any other risk factors for preterm labor, so there's a chance this little one will go all the way to his due date. Though, his size may play a factor into some decisions toward the end...


Friday, June 8, 2018

Baby Firsts :: Eli's First Haircut

Today Eli had his first haircut! 

{Cue all the mama tears...}

Our little guy doesn't really have that much hair...at least not compared to his sister. It's actually pretty thin, and he has some random bald spots haha. But it has started curling in the back because it's getting long, and his little glasses strap just makes it look worse. He basically had the equivalent of a baby mullet. So it was definitely time to shape up that mane and give him a little toddler 'do!



I knew for sure I would mess it up if I tried to do it myself, so we found a kid-friendly salon in McKinney to take him {you're welcome, buddy}. It was such a cute little place, and the stylist did such a great job with him. He sat in the chair all by himself!

Liking the cape :)

He wasn't wary of the spray bottle...I think he genuinely was trying to figure it out haha


He did SO well! He wasn't scared or fussy at all. But he was Mr. Super Serious the whole time haha. Seriously, he didn't smile AT ALL during the haircut, but instead kept a straight face and sat very, very still. The stylist was worried he was mad at her, but we just had to explain that this was just his serious and focused face :)






Occasionally he would glance at the screen to watch the cartoon, but he probably didn't even really need the distraction. He was there to get a haircut, and that was that.



Maddie stood quietly on a stool and watched her brother get a haircut. She was super interested in what that stylist lady was doing to her brother :)



All done! Now the smiles could come out haha :)  Looking super sharp and too much like a big boy...where did my baby go???




We had a great first haircut experience, and we're glad that his hair is a little more tame now :)


Thursday, June 7, 2018

28 Weeks



How far along?
 28 weeks
Days since transfer: 177 days
Total weight gain: +19.0
Maternity clothes? Yep. Though I am realizing that I don't have any maternity shorts, so I may have to go in search of some before too long...
Sleep: Sleep was a little more elusive this week. I finally stopped taking Robitussin at night for my cough, and thankfully my cough didn't keep my up...pregnancy insomnia took care of that. Hopefully my body is just adjusting back to sleeping on its own and the insomnia subsides a little.
Best moment of the week: I have started holding music down low on my belly to try and coax baby boy to flip {since he is currently breech}. I know he has plenty of time to flip on his own, but why not let him enjoy some music? When Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing came on, he REALLY started moving! It was so fun to feel him react and seemingly enjoy the music :)  Also, getting a few more things unpacked and organized for Aiden's nursery. I have a long way to go, but it's a start!
Cravings: More cravings for food I can't have...this week I dreamed about a Chris Madrid's burger and Macho Nachos haha. Chris Madrid's is a San Antonio landmark, and probably my most favorite hamburger in the whole world. Guess it will just have to remain in my dreams... Sigh. 
Symptoms: Is HOT a symptom?? As in, melting, sweating, feels like I am constantly in a sauna hot?? It's going to be a LONG summer haha. I actually felt good for most of the week, but the last couple of days I have felt pretty uncomfortable. Baby boy has been in some awkward positions that just made it hard to sit/stand/lay in any sort of comfortable way {and also makes my belly lopsided}. Mike even said, "it looks like Aiden is sticking out more torpedo-ee" haha. Yep. I'm hoping it's because he is moving head down, like he's supposed to! My hips have been a little more achy this week, but nothing too bad yet. I am still amazed at how good I actually feel at this stage :)
Looking forward to: Eli's first haircut, more time at the pool, and another fun family weekend! :) I go for my glucose test next week, so I look forward to passing that, while also checking on our little man. I will also have another ultrasound to check on those placental lakes, so I'll be happy to actually see our sweet boy again!

-------

Size of baby? About the size of a Nintendo, a 1 pound basket of wings, or a baseball cap
Development: His newly opened eyes are sensitive to light; sunlight on my belly can penetrate into my uterus and he may see a faint glow {crazy!} About this time, he should be settling head down {come on, baby boy!} He is practicing his blinking skills, coughing, more intense sucking, hiccuping, and better breathing. He may also be dreaming!
Heartbeat: Looking forward to hearing and seeing it again at our ultrasound next week!
Movement: Oh man, this little dude is a mover! I told Mike that there have been several days in a row when I wasn't quite sure when he actually slept because he seemed to move all day AND all night. And the kicking...he kicks me NON-STOP. And just when I think he's calming down and my belly is still for a bit, I'll see my belly jolt in one direction from a kick. I guess when you have more room, you can get more momentum behind your kick??
Gender Predictions? It's a BOY! :)



Saturday, June 2, 2018

National Donut Day

Since the babies were tiny, Mike has talked about taking them for donuts on Saturday mornings. The desire is to make it a fun Daddy outing, so I thought National Donut Day would be the perfect way to start the tradition!

National Donut Day was actually yesterday, but we didn't "celebrate" until today, since Mike had to work yesterday. Eli and Maddie of course didn't know the difference :)


Mike will eventually take them out for donuts, but today he just ran and picked some up. Plus, the little donut shop in Melissa is a drive-thru only, so it was just easier to enjoy donuts from home today.



Eli was all business about the donuts and gobbled them up, reaching for more. He couldn't get enough! Maddie was super excited about the sprinkles, but she doesn't seem to have much of a sweet tooth. Either way, they both enjoyed the fun new treat, and I know they are going to love this special time with Daddy.



We still try to limit Eli and Maddie's sugar intake, so this tradition will be a special treat every now and then for now. But this was a fun "first" for them, and we got to cross another fun thing off our summer bucket list!


Friday, June 1, 2018

High Five for Friday!

{one} Hello summer! Except we still have 21 days until the actual first day of summer, and we are already hitting record-high temps. I normally love the summer heat, but I have to admit that I might struggle this summer. You know, having an extra heater living inside my belly and all. I am super thankful we have access to a pool...if you need me, I'll be the floating whale hanging out at the neighborhood pool haha :)

{two} I am excited to walk through this topical study this summer! I have heard good things about Melissa Kruger's books, and I am looking forward to gleaning some wisdom on motherhood. I am hoping to dive back into a more formal Bible study in the fall, so I think this will be a good intro back into a study routine. 

Amazon

{three}
I have officially been sick for a month. A whole month. And I am exhausted. Thankfully, it's just a cough/cold that just won't clear up. But I am more than ready to move past this. I have been blessed with remission in my Crohn's and relative good health. But when I get a simple illness like this, I am reminded of my broken immune system. It takes me longer to recover from a basic cold because I take an immunosuppressant. And since I am pregnant, my immune system is even further suppressed. I don't mean this to sound like a complaint...though my tired little body just wants to be well again haha. But it is a good reminder to me of the health I do experience and how the Lord has been gracious to me despite my broken body. It definitely reminds me not to take my good days for granted.

{four} I have a long list of things to accomplish over the summer before Aiden arrives! I need to finish unpacking and getting us settled from our move. Thankfully I am nearing the end, so I hope to have everything done soon. I feel so behind in preparing for Aiden {at least compared to the twins}; we have most of what we need, but nothing is actually ready for him. It's all still in boxes and needs to be organized. So my major project over the summer is to get his room ready. I also want to get Eli and Maddie using utensils to eat. We are WAY far behind on this, as it's often just easier {and cleaner in some ways} to let them just go for it. But my goal this summer is to have them using forks and spoons like the big kids they are already! Wish us luck :)

{five} We are looking forward to another fun weekend! We are planning some more time at the pool/spray fountain, a visit to see Granny {who recently had knee surgery}, another GREAT time at Sunday school {fingers crossed}, and some fun time with Uncle Michael!