4 Months Old

Stats:

Weight: 14 pounds, 8 ounces

Height: 26 cm





My precious Maya,

I can't believe how big you are growing! Time is going by way too quickly! It still seems like yesterday that we brought you home from the hospital...so tiny, so fragile. Now you are mama's big girl! So active! So talkative(though I still don't understand anything you are squealing about)! I am looking forward to the months ahead. Watching you grow up right before my eyes. You are oh so close to rolling over on your own from back to front. You hate tummy time just as much as you did 2 months ago. You are a babbling ball of drool, but I love you so much baby girl! You are my world! I can't wait to see what the months ahead have in store.

Love,

Mama

3 months

Maya turned 3 months on Saturday the 27th. Her checkup was today. Her stats are as follows:

Weight: 13 pounds

Height: 24.5 inches

Head Circumference: 41 cm

She is in the 75th percentile. Doc said she is ahead of schedule developmentally. She is doing things 4 month old babies should be doing. I'm so proud of my baby girl!

2 Month Checkup

Stats:

Height: 24 inches

Weight: 11 pounds, 12 ounces

Head: 32(?) cm

She is in the 50-75 percentile for her age.


It was not a good visit. She had to get three shots, plus a liquid med. It started out okay. The student doctor examined her. She was talking and flirting with him. Made momma proud! Then came Dr. E. She said/did something that startled Maya, and she cried the rest of the examination. All this BEFORE the shots even started!!

She was in a worse mood after the shots. There was no consoling her. Luckily she slept in the car ride home, but once we got home the screaming started again. I had to run out to get Tylenol to ease her pain. She finally went down for the night around 7:30 and slept until 12:30am. Took a bottle and went back to sleep until 5:30am. So glad that day is behind us. All this has to be repeated again at the 4 month checkup...fun.

Happy Halloween!!

2 months

Wow, where has the time gone! I can't believe you are two months old. Your love gets sweeter everyday. I look forward to our morning chatter and that cute toothless grin when you first wake up. You are growing so quickly. You still hate baths and getting dressed, but you love having your little tushy washed! I am so grateful that you are a part of my life. I love you my little angel!!

One Month

My precious Maya,

I cannot believe that you are one month old already. Time has gone by so quickly, and you are growing so fast. I still look at you and can't believe that you are mine. Seeing you in the hospital you were so tiny and fragile. Now you are 10 pounds of cuteness...cooing and smiling, and having an opinion on what formula you prefer! You have brought so much joy to my life. I love you so much my little sweetpea.

Love,

Momma

Had My Baby Girl

Maya Harper G was born at 12:51am on August 27, 2010 after an emergency c-section. I went into the hospital on my birthday, August 25th, with severe hip pain. I was in so much pain that I could not even walk. They checked me in to Labor and Delivery, and wanted to keep me for a week until the pain subsided. (A side note, I went to L & D for the same pain a week prior. I was told that my sickle cell flared up due to the stress of pregnancy, and if the pain returned they would medicate me for the pain and hydrate my body.)

The monitor was showing I was having contractions, but I didn't feel them. They were right on top of each other. I also noticed that my blood pressure was rising, but everyone thought it was due to the extreme amount of pain I was in. Around 11:30pm on the 26th of August my water broke. At first I thought I might have peed myself. B was only concerned about his pillow that was between my legs during that time. There was meconium in my water, so the nurse had my doctor paged.

Doctor S came in with a plan of action. After talking to my hematologist, they agreed the best plan was for me to have an emergency c-section with blood transfusion. To put me through the least amount of stress possible, I would be put to sleep for the procedure. They explained that the blood transfusion will help with the joint pain brought on by my sickle cell. It will help my blood cells return to their normal state. Being put under for the c-section would put less stress on my body than it was already under. So a catheter was inserted, I went to sleep, and soon after my baby girl was born.

No real exciting labor and delivery story, but it is my story nonetheless. Recovery has been challenging. For a person who is so used to doing and being independent. It was hard for me to give in to bed rest and relying on others to help me walk and move.

Here are more pics of the love of my life.

38 Weeks,

and spent it in the hospital. I was having severe joint pains that would come and go to different parts of my body. So I called the doc and they had me go to Labor and Delivery to get checked out. Baby girl was fine the entire time. Strong heartbeat and lots of movement. They ran tons of tests (when the could find my veins), and came to the conclusion that it was my sickle cell flaring up. I had not had any issues with sickle cell since I was 7 years old. Of course they kept me overnight for observation, but with collapsed veins, they couldn't run any IVs, and it was difficult to draw blood. So of course I have many bruises from all the needle pokes from their efforts in drawing blood. Fun Times. Well, I am back home now on strict orders to hydrate and rest. So of course, I have no pic of me for this week.

37 Weeks (Full Term)!!!

Wow, I have finally made it. I am full term. Throughout this entire pregnancy I had it stuck in my head that I would go early and have a preemie. Guess that means I am definately going past my due date now. Well, baby girl can come anytime she wants to now. I will be drawing up the eviction notices soon.

36 Weeks

Wow, what a milestone...4 more weeks to go until my due date. Time is winding down. I have washed all the clothes I wanted to wash, The nursery just needs to be straightened up. We still need to install the car seat, but things are almost complete. I am hoping to be able to rest and enjoy my last few weeks of pregnancy. Sorry, but I forgot to take a pic for this week.

Baby Shower

Had my baby shower today. It turned out to be really nice! Great turnout...about 20or so people. Great food, lots of laughs, so much fun. Here are a few pics to mark the occasion.

35/35!!

35 Weeks pregnant with 35 days to go! I never thought I would ever see this milestone. PRAISE GOD!! I can't believe I am nearing the end. I still feel like I have so much to get done before her arrival. I actually had a dream last night that she was a he. Freaked me out just a little bit.

Birthing Classes

Had my birthing classes this past weekend. Despite having to be up so early for all day classes, they were quite informative and interesting. I learned a lot about the female body during labor, so much so that I want to try a med-free birth. We'll see how far I can make it. The classes also made me a little nervous because now I realize how soon I will be delivering my baby girl. I have about 5 weeks to go(or less). That is really scary!! Am I ready? Can I do this? What type of mom will I be? I am starting to freak out just thinking about it. I mean I know she had to come out sooner or later, but the thought of it kind of scares me. Well, women with all pain thresholds having been doing this for millions of years. I guess I can do it too.

34 Weeks

Total weight gain: Since my last appointment a week ago I am up a total of 20lbs.

Maternity clothes: Yes, everyday now.

Sleep: Propped up by six pillows.

Best Moment this week: Every time I feel my little girl is a great moment to me.

Movement: All the time. I love watching my belly jump all over the place.

Gender: It's a girl!!

Labor signs: Just Braxton Hicks

Belly button: It is flat.

Cravings: Not many.

What I miss: Sleeping through the night without having to pee all the time.

Stretch Marks: Sigh...unfortunately, yes.

What I am looking forward to this week: Just having my baby girl continue to grow strong and stay healthy.

33 Weeks

32 Weeks

Not much is new. I have now gained a total of 20 pounds. I was doing so well in the beginning. I thought my weight gain would continue to be more gradual, not 5 pounds in two weeks!! I guess the holiday weekend didn't help too much with that.

Weeks 30 and 31

I am such a slacker! It is so hard to motivate yourself when you are exhausted ALL. THE. TIME. Well here are the pictures.


Week 31


Week 30

Week 29

Not much to say. Getting bigger! Love feeling her squirm around...except at 4AM,but I'll take it as long as I know she is okay. Counting down the weeks...11 to go. Started the nursery. Will post pics once it is completed. Have a date for my baby shower (7/31)...as long as my SILs don't change the date again. Things are all coming together.

Good bye Dear Cleo

Last Thursday B had to put his beloved Cleo to sleep. Ever since we got Apollo last year, her health had been declining. Over the last 6 months, she had been suffering from an ulcer in her mouth. She wouldn't eat because of it, and she started to lose a lot of weight. With the lack of eating, her GI tract started to become clogged. We tried every remedy the vet would give us, but nothing seemed to make her feel better. It was a hard decision, but one that had to be made.

Cleo, I hope your transition to Kitty Heaven was a peaceful one. The house will never be the same. Apollo will miss you dearly.

Week 28 (5 days late)

Total weight gain: Since my last appointment a week and a half ago I am up a total of 11lbs.

Maternity clothes: Yes, everyday now.

Sleep: Propped up by six pillows.

Best Moment this week: Every time I feel my little girl is a great moment to me.

Movement: All the time. I love watching my belly jump all over the place.

Gender: It's a girl!!

Labor signs: Just Braxton Hicks

Belly button: It has a pointy tip. I will definitely end up with an outy.

Cravings: Food. All. The. Time.

What I miss: Sleeping through the night without having to pee all the time.

Stretch Marks: I'm not sure, but I think I see the beginnings of some around my belly button.

What I am looking forward to this week: Just having my baby girl continue to grow strong and stay healthy.

Third Trimester Baby!! (Week 27)

Wordless Wednesday...a day early

Well, it's not really wordless. I have been slacking with my belly pics. I have just been feeling so lazy lately. I can't believe I am 2 days away from the third trimester. Though it seems like time is passing slowly, as I look back it really has gone by quickly!! We will be starting on the nursery this weekend. So excited!! Can't wait to see how it turns out. Already ordered the bedding, just need to order the furniture (which I plan on doing tomorrow). Ok, ok, on to my photos!




WEEK 25










WEEK 26

Glucose Test

I passed!! I needed to have a level under 140, and my levels were at 114. WOOT WOOT!! On the other hand, I am very anemic, and now take Slo FE (an iron supplement) twice a day along with my prenatal vitamin. Now I really need to up my fiber intake!

24 Weeks-Viability Baby!!

Maternity clothes: Yes, everyday now.

Sleep: I alternate from on my left side to being propped up with six pillows.

Best Moment this week: Feeling her movements getting stronger.

Movement: When she feels like it. Mainly in the mornings and right before bed time.

Gender: It's a girl!!

Labor signs: None

Belly button: It has a pointy tip. I will definitely end up with an outy.

Cravings: Not many cravings this week.

What I miss: My waistline.

Stretch Marks: No new ones.

What I am looking forward to this week: Just having my baby girl continue to grow strong and stay healthy.

23 Weeks!

I can't believe how close I am to Viability Week! This pregnancy is starting to feel more real with each passing week. I have my 24 week appointment this coming Monday. A couple weeks after that, I have my Glucose Test. Even though it doesn't seem like it, but time is passing by really quickly. I can't believe in four more weeks I'll be in the third trimester!!

Not much has changed in the past few weeks. I can feel baby girl from the outside at times. B also felt her for the first time on the outside. Well, at least he thought he felt something. She is getting so big. I feel more pressure in my lower uterus at times, plus her kicks are getting stronger. I can't wait to meet her.

22 Weeks

Not much has changed since 20 weeks. I do feel a lot more movement now, but it is still very sporadic. My secret is a secret no more. Everyone in my family knows about the pregnancy...I just still have to tell my job. I can't believe they don't know. I sometimes wonder if they do know, but don't want to ask because it is impolite. Well, I'm sure it will come out today since the big boss is in town, and she is a woman.

21 Weeks

Since not much has changed since last week, I will not follow my normal protocol. I will add a picture of my 21 week belly once my new computer comes!

Half Baked! (20 weeks)

Total weight gain: Since my last appointment 4 weeks ago I am up an additional 2lbs.

Maternity clothes: Yes, everyday now.

Sleep: Some days are good, some not so good.

Best Moment this week: The anatomy scan I had on Monday. It was so awesome to see my little one moving around, and to find out the all the measurements were normal!

Movement: Some. Especially when I eat. Mostly low in my uterus.

Gender: It's a girl!!

Labor signs: None

Belly button: It has a pointy tip. I will definitely end up with an outy.

Cravings: Pita Inn...again.

What I miss: My wonderful metabolism, mt coordination, thinking clearly. I swear, I have been so forgetful lately.

Stretch Marks: No new ones.

What I am looking forward to this week: Just having my baby girl continue to grow strong and stay healthy.

It's a....

GIRL!! She is measuring about 10 inches long, and weighs approximately 13 ounces. She is healthy and everything looks normal!! I am soo blessed!!

19 Weeks

Total weight gain: I don't know. I'm sure I'll find out at my appointment on Monday.

Maternity clothes: Yes, everyday now.

Sleep: Not the best. I toss and turn due to hip pain, and my few trips to the bathroom during the night.

Best Moment this week: This week and every week is listening to my baby's heartbeat with my Doppler! Such a wonderful sound!

Movement: Some. Sporadically. Mostly low in my uterus, or on my left side. I think my anterior placenta is on the right side since I haven't felt anything over there yet.

Gender: I find out Monday, but I still have a feeling it is a boy.
Labor signs: None

Belly button: It is being stretched so it is in between.

Cravings: This week, nothing in particular. Sometimes I'm hungry all the time, sometimes I'm not very hungry at all.

What I miss: My wonderful metabolism. I hate being gassy all the time. I also miss being able to sleep comfortably. It's only going to get worse.

Stretch Marks: No new ones.

What I am looking forward to this week: Finding out my baby's gender, and making sure all is well and s/he is healthy!

18 Weeks

Total weight gain: I don't know. My next appointment is not until April 12th.


Maternity clothes: On occasion, but I think that will be changing very soon! I tried to fit into a pair of my pre-pregnancy pants for work the other day, but I found myself very uncomfortable a few hours later. Also, the weather is starting to warm some and I can't hide behind fleeces and sweaters anymore.

Sleep: Not the best. I toss and turn due to sciatica, and my few trips to the bathroom during the night.

Best Moment this week: This week and every week is listening to my baby's heartbeat with my Doppler! Such a wonderful sound!

Movement: At times I am convinced I feel something, and at times I believe it is gas. With an anterior placenta, it is hard to tell.

Gender: I find out April 12th, but I still have a feeling it is a boy. My mom is hoping for a girl.

Labor signs: None

Belly button: It is being stretched so it is in between.

Cravings: This week, nothing in particular. I just want food ALL THE TIME!

What I miss: My wonderful metabolism. I hate being gassy all the time. I also miss being able to sleep comfortably. It's only going to get worse.

Stretch Marks: No new ones.

What I am looking forward to this week: Hopefully to feel the baby, and know for sure. Other than that, I have nothing. Looking forward to the 12th.

17 Weeks

How Far along: 17 weeks


Total weight gain: I don't know, but I am guessing around 3 pounds. My next appointment is not until April 12th.


Maternity clothes: On occasion. I can still fit a couple pairs of my pre-pregnancy pants, but that won't last too much longer. Plus, I can still wear my big sweaters since it hasn't warmed up too much yet.

Sleep: Not the best. I toss and turn due to sciatica, and my few trips to the bathroom during the night.

Best Moment this week: This week and every week is listening to my baby's heartbeat with my Doppler! Such a wonderful sound!

Movement: Not that I can tell. I thought on a few occasions that I might have felt something, but it could have been gas or spasms in my tummy.

Gender: I find out April 12th, but I have a feeling it is a boy.

Labor signs: None

Belly button: It is being stretched so it is in between.

Cravings: Popeye's Chicken Spicy! I can eat that everyday if given the chance!


What I miss: My wonderful metabolism. I hate being gassy all the time.

Stretch Marks: No new ones.

What I am looking forward to this week: Hopefully to feel the baby, and know for sure. Other than that, I have nothing. Looking forward to the 12th.


ETA: Sorry for no pic. Our computer is dead. I hope to add one soon.

It's been a long time coming

Yes, I know. It has been a long time since I have updated. I am a very bad blogger. There is so much news to report, but I think I will give the short version. As you know from past blogs, B and I lost our third pregnancy back in April '09. We took a short break from trying and decided to give it a go again back in August.

We got a positive test a week before Christmas. Dr. S put me on Prometrium 200mg 2x/day as well as baby aspirin. Had my first appointment on January 11th. Everything looked great! Measured 6 weeks, 4 days. Dr. S saw me every week until I reached 10 weeks, and baby was growing perfectly.



Of course it wouldn't be me if I didn't have a bleeding/spotting scare. I started spotting around 8.5 weeks, and it lasted to about 10.5 weeks. I would only spot or bleed at night, and it would last for no more than an hour. Dr. S thought it was the Progesterone, and the nurse thought it was from the developing placenta. Either way, the spotting/bleeding stopped after two weeks.

As of today I am 14 weeks, 5 days. The furthest I have been with any of my previous pregnancies! Dr. S is comfortable with seeing me at the regular intervals now. I listen to my little one's heartbeat every night(I rented a Doppler from www.babybeat.com)! My next appointment is on Monday. I am still walking on eggshells after three losses, but I am starting to relax just a tad. I even bought a few pairs of maternity pants!

Now that I have gotten all the secrets off my chest, I hope to keep this blog updated with all the new and exciting adventures of pregnancy. Keep praying that all goes well.