I had my final ultrasound today to get an estimate of the baby's weight and how much amniotic fluid he's floating in. Oh, and to check his position. Last time, at 29 weeks he was transverse. I knew he wasn't like that anymore because of the shape and feel of my belly. And, lo and behold, he did just what he was supposed to do...flipped to the head down, or vertex, position. Yea! This was good news because if he was breech we'd be scheduling a c-section. So, now we just have to pray that I go into labor on my own to make things easier, since I'm going to VBAC. I've been having contractions fairly frequently, more than I remember noticing with my last pregnancy, so I'm hoping they're actually doing a little something to get my body ready for labor.
Anyways, back to the ultrasound. The estimate of his weight was 5 pounds 13 ounces (+/- a pound) and he was measuring exactly 35 weeks. That boy has been spot-on with his gestational age every time! From here on he'll gain about half a pound a week, so I'm guessing he'll be between 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 pounds when he's born. Sounds perfect to me : )
My fluid level was 18cm, which is in the normal range, high normal, but still normal. Way less than when I had Grace. With her it was 31cm. And I'm sure that was accurate because, oh boy, when Dr. Bishop broke my water it was a FLOOD! Even as a nurse, I don't think I've seen a patient with so much fluid. So, as long as I keep my blood sugar within normal range we should be ok.
We tried to get some good face or profile pics of him, but the little stinker was covering his face with his hands and at least one foot! Amazing how flexible babies are.
It's hard to believe he'll be here so soon. I can't wait for his Mommy and Daddy to meet him!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Can't sleep, so I guess I'll blog...
Have I ever said just how much I love my husband? I'm sure I have (and if not, shame on me!), but I'd like to reiterate some of the reasons why.
First of all, for always encouraging me to follow my dreams. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know that sounds REALLY cheesy, but it's so true. If I didn't have his support in my surrogacy journey, who knows if I'd have ever really done anything about it. He's the one that kept asking me if I had filled out my application for the agency way back almost a year and half ago.
Secondly, for putting up with me. For putting up with me being pregnant. For putting up with me being pregnant and irritable and tired and tearful and whiny and grumpy and just plain mean sometimes. Before we started this whole journey, I reminded him how sucky (for lack of a better word!) the first trimester is. And this time around did not disappoint. Looking back, I think I spent most of February, March, and April laying on the couch sleeping as much as I could! I was so exhausted. I'm sure I drove him crazy. But we got through it. Now we're in the third trimester, and Oh, Boy! The mood swings come out of nowhere. Just tonight before bed I got very irritated and he picked up on it. Fortunately, we communicate very well and he gently asked me what my attitude was about. I knew it was about something stupid and didn't want to seem like I was picking on the little things, but he pulled it out of me anyways. I ended up crying, then laughing about it and apologizing for being silly. ( In case you're wondering, it was over pieces of cucumber that he dropped on the floor when he was feeding our iguana. Dumb, I know.)
And lastly, for being who he is. ( I mean, I love him for a lot more than 3 reasons, but I don't want to bore you. And maybe I already am. You may have stopped reading 2 paragraphs ago.) We've never just had the traditional roles in our marriage. As many of you know, Joe is an amazing cook. He would cook dinner every night if he had the time. He never ceases to amaze me with what he comes up with. Me, on the other hand, well...I'm getting better. I'm just not very creative when it comes to cooking. I'm always impressed with how he knows just the right way to cook things. Where does he get this knowledge from?
As many of you also know, he not only works, but also goes to school full time. I tease him that he's the never-ending student, but seriously, I admire him for what he's doing. He could have just settled for a mediocre job that he really didn't like, but made decent money at and would have never really been satisfied. Instead he's pursuing what he really wants. And yes, it's taken awhile, but he's much closer to the end now than he was a few years ago. All this, while working and raising a family.
And that is what is most important to him. Our family. He makes sure that the kids and I are taken care of no matter what. And by that, I don't just mean a roof over our heads and food on the table. He's a true man of God. He's making sure, along with me, that our children are raised in a strong Christian home. That, to me, is what is most important. I could go on and on and on about that subject.
So, there ya go. I think I got a pretty good catch when I married Joe Shinaver. There isn't anyone out there that's quite like him.
I love you, Honey : )
First of all, for always encouraging me to follow my dreams. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know that sounds REALLY cheesy, but it's so true. If I didn't have his support in my surrogacy journey, who knows if I'd have ever really done anything about it. He's the one that kept asking me if I had filled out my application for the agency way back almost a year and half ago.
Secondly, for putting up with me. For putting up with me being pregnant. For putting up with me being pregnant and irritable and tired and tearful and whiny and grumpy and just plain mean sometimes. Before we started this whole journey, I reminded him how sucky (for lack of a better word!) the first trimester is. And this time around did not disappoint. Looking back, I think I spent most of February, March, and April laying on the couch sleeping as much as I could! I was so exhausted. I'm sure I drove him crazy. But we got through it. Now we're in the third trimester, and Oh, Boy! The mood swings come out of nowhere. Just tonight before bed I got very irritated and he picked up on it. Fortunately, we communicate very well and he gently asked me what my attitude was about. I knew it was about something stupid and didn't want to seem like I was picking on the little things, but he pulled it out of me anyways. I ended up crying, then laughing about it and apologizing for being silly. ( In case you're wondering, it was over pieces of cucumber that he dropped on the floor when he was feeding our iguana. Dumb, I know.)
And lastly, for being who he is. ( I mean, I love him for a lot more than 3 reasons, but I don't want to bore you. And maybe I already am. You may have stopped reading 2 paragraphs ago.) We've never just had the traditional roles in our marriage. As many of you know, Joe is an amazing cook. He would cook dinner every night if he had the time. He never ceases to amaze me with what he comes up with. Me, on the other hand, well...I'm getting better. I'm just not very creative when it comes to cooking. I'm always impressed with how he knows just the right way to cook things. Where does he get this knowledge from?
As many of you also know, he not only works, but also goes to school full time. I tease him that he's the never-ending student, but seriously, I admire him for what he's doing. He could have just settled for a mediocre job that he really didn't like, but made decent money at and would have never really been satisfied. Instead he's pursuing what he really wants. And yes, it's taken awhile, but he's much closer to the end now than he was a few years ago. All this, while working and raising a family.
And that is what is most important to him. Our family. He makes sure that the kids and I are taken care of no matter what. And by that, I don't just mean a roof over our heads and food on the table. He's a true man of God. He's making sure, along with me, that our children are raised in a strong Christian home. That, to me, is what is most important. I could go on and on and on about that subject.
So, there ya go. I think I got a pretty good catch when I married Joe Shinaver. There isn't anyone out there that's quite like him.
I love you, Honey : )
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
34 week thoughts
Being 34 weeks pregnant now, I get asked frequently how I am feeling. I'm still feeling great, just tiring out a little more quickly at times. However, even more frequently I think I've been asked how I feel about getting closer to my delivery date and all the emotions that will come with that. Though I still don't deny that I may have some sadness about delivering a baby and not going home with one in my arms, I think what will make me the most sad is that the whole journey will be over. Right now I'm very much needed and counted on to keep this baby boy growing and as healthy as possible. Once he's on the outside, though, my part will be over. But, all I have to do is remind myself why I am doing this in the first place. To give someone the chance to have their own child when they otherwise would not have been able to. And to hear my husband tell me how beautiful I am when I am pregnant... ; ) Kidding.
No, really, I can't say it enough. I feel so blessed to be a part of this journey with Sarah and Brian. Not only am I helping them fulfill their dream of having a child of their own, but they have helped me fulfill my own dream of being a surrogate. This whole entire experience has been absolutely wonderful. I wouldn't change a single thing.
I feel so grateful that they chose me to be their carrier. And I would do it again in a heartbeat!
No, really, I can't say it enough. I feel so blessed to be a part of this journey with Sarah and Brian. Not only am I helping them fulfill their dream of having a child of their own, but they have helped me fulfill my own dream of being a surrogate. This whole entire experience has been absolutely wonderful. I wouldn't change a single thing.
I feel so grateful that they chose me to be their carrier. And I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Fingersticks, Carb Counting, and More!
Last Friday I had my appointment with the diabetic educator and dietitian at the Maternal Fetal Medicine office. As an OB nurse, none of the info was really new to me, plus I had done the same spiel when I had Alex, even though I wasn't technically gestational diabetic that time around...long story. So, I basically knew what to expect. They gave me ideas for meals and snacks and told me when to check my blood sugar. The main idea is limiting carbohydrate intake, but still making sure I get enough to have a balanced diet. The main meal that I'm having trouble adjusting to is breakfast! I'm a cereal girl all the way, and that just isn't gone happen much anymore. I mean, I can have it, but I just have to limit the portion. Which is a good idea anyways, but you know...
So, when I wake up in the morning I check my fasting blood sugar. Then I check it again 1 hour after each meal. Yep, that's 4 times a day! Fortunately the glucometers they make now require very little blood, so I barely feel the fingerstick. So far my sugars have been very good and I've been able to follow the diet fairly easily. It's really not bad at all, I just can't have whatever I want, whenever I want. Ah, well.
We're quickly approaching the 32 week mark and I can't believe it. I have to keep reminding myself that sooner than I realize D-Day is gonna be here (Delivery day, ha ha.) I do love the anticipation of it, though. Would you believe that I'm toughing it out and going camping twice in the month of August? lol We don't have a bathroom in our camper, so this requires me to walk outside to the bathroom in the middle of the night...at least twice...yeah. How much does my husband owe me for this? ; )
So, when I wake up in the morning I check my fasting blood sugar. Then I check it again 1 hour after each meal. Yep, that's 4 times a day! Fortunately the glucometers they make now require very little blood, so I barely feel the fingerstick. So far my sugars have been very good and I've been able to follow the diet fairly easily. It's really not bad at all, I just can't have whatever I want, whenever I want. Ah, well.
We're quickly approaching the 32 week mark and I can't believe it. I have to keep reminding myself that sooner than I realize D-Day is gonna be here (Delivery day, ha ha.) I do love the anticipation of it, though. Would you believe that I'm toughing it out and going camping twice in the month of August? lol We don't have a bathroom in our camper, so this requires me to walk outside to the bathroom in the middle of the night...at least twice...yeah. How much does my husband owe me for this? ; )
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