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| Can you believe it was only a penny to ride this horse in KY? |
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| Mason and Jenna |
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
1st Appointment After Cerclage
It has been 5 days since being in the hospital and almost losing our baby. We are so thankful to still have this little guy with us! I am now 1 day shy of 22 weeks. We went to see Dr. Alquara to make sure everything looked ok. We received good news! My cerclage was holding up and I still had 25mm of cervix. They told me I had to start giving myself Heparin shots 2x a day to help prevent blood clots. Luckily, I had gotten over my fear of needles when I had Mason.
22 weeks
Saturday, July 20, 2013
WE HAVE HOPE!
It was Saturday morning, the day after the worst day ever. I woke up still thinking I'd be in the Trendelenburg position until my body decided to deliver, which could have been any day, or hour for that matter.
The doctor came in to see if we wanted to attempt the cerclage again. We were still unsure, because there was such a great chance of bursting the membranes and/or infection. It was possible I'd have it put in, then go into labor right after. We were out of options. We decided to check it out down there and see how things looked today. A crew of doctors came in to check my cervix. There really should have been popcorn provided for the show, since I was absolutely starving and they wouldn't let me eat (in case I was back in surgery). Anyways, things didn't look too much better. My membranes were still bulging and now I was 3cm dilated. It became very apparent that we had one choice, and one choice only... to attempt the cerclage, no matter the risks. Because I was 3cm, the doctor had to do an amniocentesis to make sure there was no infection present. For this procedure, they wheel an ultrasound machine into the room so they can see where the baby is positioned, as they put a needle into your stomach. They took out several vials of amniotic fluid to test for infection. If there was infection present, no cerclage. Tom said the baby reached up and was touching the needle (I guess that happens sometimes). Again, lots of people in the room for this procedure. These doctors were not wasting any time!
After about 30 minutes, my results came back with no infection. Before I knew it, the anesthesiologist was in to go over my spinal information. I was wheeled into surgery again, this time with my doctor, and the high risk doctor. Deja vu anyone? We had to sit and wait in the OR for about 15 minutes because there was an emergency c-section in the room next to me (they needed the anesthesiologist). I was feeling pretty good and was joking with the doctors about bringing me a sandwich. At that point I was beyond starving!
In no time, we were ready to go. I was surprisingly very calm. I even told them give me the least amount of spinal medicine possible and not to give me anything to relax me. I felt very confident and relaxed, although Tom said he was a nervous wreck back in my regular room. I was hoping I had enough medicine, because I told them I could still feel my legs and wiggle my toes. But I was numb where it really mattered. They had me strapped down on the table, which was tilted really far back. I thought I was going to slide off! They were using gravity to help CAREFULLY push my bag of water back where it was supposed to be. Having the amniocentesis also helped because they took water out, in hopes to have room to push it back in. After about 8 minutes, they said, "We're almost done," but they wouldn't tell me how it was going.
After 10 minutes total, the doctors announced they were all done. They seemed to be very happy with the outcome. They were able to push the water back in without breaking it and were able to sew up more than the 4mm of cervix I had remaining. They were actually able to stitch up 25mm of cervix. I was elated! Now, anything could still happen. I could have went into labor at anytime still. But, I was so enthusiastic the very risky procedure was a success! I thanked the doctors a million times. You could tell they were equally as excited about the outcome. I couldn't wait for Tom to hear the news! He said he heard the doctors coming down the hall laughing and in good moods. Our regular doctor shot him the two thumbs up!
They got me into recovery and I could not take my eyes off the door. I couldn't wait to celebrate the good news with Tom. When he came in, we were both so emotional. I was crying because I was so happy. He was saying how proud he was of me. I was so thankful for the amazing doctors. We beat the odds! I immediately called my mom and Danielle to share the news.
I was recovered from the spinal in no time, because I didn't have much medicine. The bad news was they would not let me leave recovery for at least an hour. Did I mention how hungry this pregnant person was? Multiply that by 100! It was about 3pm and I had not eaten my delicious hospital food since the night before.
We got back to our room and our families were there to visit. I was so excited to see everyone, especially Mason. We shared the news that we were going home in the morning, already! I was going home on lots of pills and on bed rest. That's ok, because I was going home with the baby still cooking!
The doctor came in to see if we wanted to attempt the cerclage again. We were still unsure, because there was such a great chance of bursting the membranes and/or infection. It was possible I'd have it put in, then go into labor right after. We were out of options. We decided to check it out down there and see how things looked today. A crew of doctors came in to check my cervix. There really should have been popcorn provided for the show, since I was absolutely starving and they wouldn't let me eat (in case I was back in surgery). Anyways, things didn't look too much better. My membranes were still bulging and now I was 3cm dilated. It became very apparent that we had one choice, and one choice only... to attempt the cerclage, no matter the risks. Because I was 3cm, the doctor had to do an amniocentesis to make sure there was no infection present. For this procedure, they wheel an ultrasound machine into the room so they can see where the baby is positioned, as they put a needle into your stomach. They took out several vials of amniotic fluid to test for infection. If there was infection present, no cerclage. Tom said the baby reached up and was touching the needle (I guess that happens sometimes). Again, lots of people in the room for this procedure. These doctors were not wasting any time!
After about 30 minutes, my results came back with no infection. Before I knew it, the anesthesiologist was in to go over my spinal information. I was wheeled into surgery again, this time with my doctor, and the high risk doctor. Deja vu anyone? We had to sit and wait in the OR for about 15 minutes because there was an emergency c-section in the room next to me (they needed the anesthesiologist). I was feeling pretty good and was joking with the doctors about bringing me a sandwich. At that point I was beyond starving!
In no time, we were ready to go. I was surprisingly very calm. I even told them give me the least amount of spinal medicine possible and not to give me anything to relax me. I felt very confident and relaxed, although Tom said he was a nervous wreck back in my regular room. I was hoping I had enough medicine, because I told them I could still feel my legs and wiggle my toes. But I was numb where it really mattered. They had me strapped down on the table, which was tilted really far back. I thought I was going to slide off! They were using gravity to help CAREFULLY push my bag of water back where it was supposed to be. Having the amniocentesis also helped because they took water out, in hopes to have room to push it back in. After about 8 minutes, they said, "We're almost done," but they wouldn't tell me how it was going.
After 10 minutes total, the doctors announced they were all done. They seemed to be very happy with the outcome. They were able to push the water back in without breaking it and were able to sew up more than the 4mm of cervix I had remaining. They were actually able to stitch up 25mm of cervix. I was elated! Now, anything could still happen. I could have went into labor at anytime still. But, I was so enthusiastic the very risky procedure was a success! I thanked the doctors a million times. You could tell they were equally as excited about the outcome. I couldn't wait for Tom to hear the news! He said he heard the doctors coming down the hall laughing and in good moods. Our regular doctor shot him the two thumbs up!
They got me into recovery and I could not take my eyes off the door. I couldn't wait to celebrate the good news with Tom. When he came in, we were both so emotional. I was crying because I was so happy. He was saying how proud he was of me. I was so thankful for the amazing doctors. We beat the odds! I immediately called my mom and Danielle to share the news.
I was recovered from the spinal in no time, because I didn't have much medicine. The bad news was they would not let me leave recovery for at least an hour. Did I mention how hungry this pregnant person was? Multiply that by 100! It was about 3pm and I had not eaten my delicious hospital food since the night before.
We got back to our room and our families were there to visit. I was so excited to see everyone, especially Mason. We shared the news that we were going home in the morning, already! I was going home on lots of pills and on bed rest. That's ok, because I was going home with the baby still cooking!
Friday, July 19, 2013
Worst Day Ever!
Today we went to Aultman for the cerclage. They did blood work, got my IV going and had me into the OR earlier than expected! I got my spinal, they prepped me for the surgery, and were ready to begin. I was feeling really good about our decision to get the cerclage. As soon as the doctor got a look at my cervix, he looked over the curtain, apologized, and said, "I'm sorry, but if I continue, I will break your water." He said I had dilated a little more, my membranes were bulging out (that means the water that breaks when you give birth was coming through my cervix), and worst of all, I only had 4mm of cervix left. Think of the width of your wedding band, if that! Less than a day ago I had 24mm of cervix. This was NOT GOOD NEWS AT ALL. If he proceeded and my water did break, it would pretty much end the pregnancy that took 2 years to achieve.
I was taken to recovery and the nurse brought Tom in to sit with me. We were devastated to say the least. Tears were flowing and I was apologizing to Tom for my stupid body's inability to hold this baby in. I called my mom and gave her the bad news. If I recall, I couldn't even talk because I was so upset.
By about 1pm, they wheeled me back into my room and put me in the Trendelenburg position for the rest of the day and night. This means I was flat on my back with my head slightly lower than my pelvis. I was not even allowed up to use the restroom. They were hoping gravity would help take the pressure off my cervix so they could attempt the cerclage again in the morning. Many women are like this for months, and I was convinced I'd be in that position forever. Oh, and I forgot to mention I started contracting every 1-2 minutes after I got out of recovery. I was put on medicine which thankfully helped. Meanwhile, my doctor went and found the best Maternal-Fetal Medicine doctor at Autlman, Dr. McDaniels, to get his opinion. He was a spunky doctor with somewhat of an ego, which we liked. He was very confident with what he could do. They said miracles do happen, but were preparing us for the worst. It wasn't likely we'd make it out of the hospital with a baby at only 21 weeks. They said I had to make it to AT LEAST 24 weeks, or viability. This means the baby has a fighting chance at survival, but that chance is only 40%. So, we would re-evaluate my situation in the morning.
We felt so hopeless at that point. So many things were running through my mind. Why? Why is this happening after all we had been through to get pregnant in the first place? I thought of all the people who don't even want to be pregnant, but go on to have healthy pregnancies. We wanted this so bad! I was doing everything right. Mason? What am I going to do with Mason for the next several months if I do stay pregnant and have to stay in the hospital in the Tredelenburg position? I was already crying because I missed him and wasn't there for him. He was in great hands with my parents, but he should be with his parents. Worst of all, all I could think about was, "I'm going to deliver this active, healthy little baby boy, and hold him in my arms until the unthinkable happens." I was completely devastated, as was Tom. We kept trying to think positive thoughts, but it was really hard. We cried until about 2am, then were finally able to fall asleep.
I was taken to recovery and the nurse brought Tom in to sit with me. We were devastated to say the least. Tears were flowing and I was apologizing to Tom for my stupid body's inability to hold this baby in. I called my mom and gave her the bad news. If I recall, I couldn't even talk because I was so upset.
By about 1pm, they wheeled me back into my room and put me in the Trendelenburg position for the rest of the day and night. This means I was flat on my back with my head slightly lower than my pelvis. I was not even allowed up to use the restroom. They were hoping gravity would help take the pressure off my cervix so they could attempt the cerclage again in the morning. Many women are like this for months, and I was convinced I'd be in that position forever. Oh, and I forgot to mention I started contracting every 1-2 minutes after I got out of recovery. I was put on medicine which thankfully helped. Meanwhile, my doctor went and found the best Maternal-Fetal Medicine doctor at Autlman, Dr. McDaniels, to get his opinion. He was a spunky doctor with somewhat of an ego, which we liked. He was very confident with what he could do. They said miracles do happen, but were preparing us for the worst. It wasn't likely we'd make it out of the hospital with a baby at only 21 weeks. They said I had to make it to AT LEAST 24 weeks, or viability. This means the baby has a fighting chance at survival, but that chance is only 40%. So, we would re-evaluate my situation in the morning.
We felt so hopeless at that point. So many things were running through my mind. Why? Why is this happening after all we had been through to get pregnant in the first place? I thought of all the people who don't even want to be pregnant, but go on to have healthy pregnancies. We wanted this so bad! I was doing everything right. Mason? What am I going to do with Mason for the next several months if I do stay pregnant and have to stay in the hospital in the Tredelenburg position? I was already crying because I missed him and wasn't there for him. He was in great hands with my parents, but he should be with his parents. Worst of all, all I could think about was, "I'm going to deliver this active, healthy little baby boy, and hold him in my arms until the unthinkable happens." I was completely devastated, as was Tom. We kept trying to think positive thoughts, but it was really hard. We cried until about 2am, then were finally able to fall asleep.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Anatomy Scan Scare @ 21 weeks
We left his office with a decision to make. Should we get the cerclage or not? It required getting a spinal and being in the OR. It really wasn't a hard decision because we were willing to do ANYTHING to keep this baby in. We scheduled it for 9am the following morning.
21 weeks
Sucking his thumb :)
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Finally! Pregnant again!!
Well, it's been a long road to get pregnant with baby #2. It took 2 years, which included lots of fertility doctor appointments, tests, procedures, and multiple cysts. Before starting Clomid, we decided to try the natural route and went to the chiropractor along with a naturopathic doctor. I was on lots of natural supplements and seemed to live at Powell Chiropractic. After 4 months, we decided to go back to the fertility doctor. After another cyst (and a month of birth control), we were finally given the go ahead to use Clomid. The first month was a success! I produced 3 eggs and one of them resulted in an embryo! I found out I was pregnant on March 23, 2013!
I was on "pelvic rest" my entire first trimester. No exercising, lifting anything over 15 pounds, etc. As soon as my restrictions were lifted, I broke a bone in my foot and was put in a boot. I was back to taking it easy. Just when I thought I couldn't be slowed down anymore, the unthinkable happens........
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Baseball
Mason really likes playing baseball. He even played in the Big Bat league at Silver Park in June.
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| Mason and Drew at Big Bat |
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Random Videos
Thank you for the world so sweet.
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing.
Thank you God for everything! AMEN!
No, no, no Mason, not at Lowe's!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
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