Owen and I checked out of Hotel de St. Vincent's this morning. It was such a relief to be coming home, but definitely bitter sweet. It was sad to drive away and leave our little girl there. But we know she is in the best hands, and receiving wonderful care where she is.

On my first outing, we went to grab lunch (to go) at Newk's. It was so good to just be outside, even though it was raining. I haven't been outside in 2 weeks.

Before we left, we went to visit our baby girl, and check on how her night went. Her Bilirubin levels went up a bit, so they increased the photo therapy (basically just added a second tanning bed looking light), and opened up her diaper so more of her skin can be exposed to the light. They weren't too concerned, but please pray that those Bilirubin levels even out and get to where they need to be.

Her breathing is still doing well. She's still on the CPAP, and her O2 levels are still at 21%. That means that she is breathing 21% oxygen, which is what "room air" levels are - the same that you and I breathe. This is a very good thing. 21% is where we want her. When they first put her on the CPAP, they had to adjust the O2 levels to 65-70%, so she is improving in this area. Praise God for this!!

They were able to get the PICC line in her foot last night, but just barely. It didn't go up as high as they wanted it to, but it's in just enough to be usable, so it's a step in the right direction. The PICC line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) is basically an IV line that can be used for long periods of time. They can use it to draw blood for testing, and give her various IV meds as needed. She still has 2 other IV lines in her arms, but this one will act as the main line. They may try a little later to get it to go all the way in the way they need it to, but we haven't heard yet. Please pray that this line stays in and she doesn't kick it out. She's quite feisty and doesn't like all the IV's and being messed with, so she frequently pulls out her IV's! The little rascal!

Other than that, she had a really good night, and was resting comfortably when we saw her. We'll go back this evening to visit again, after we get things settled at home.

Now we're going to pick up the Monkey (our dog). We've missed him so much, and cannot wait another day to see him.

I'll post pictures later tonight. They are kind of hard to see, because her bed is wrapped in Saran Wrap, so there's a glare. And with the photo therapy lights on, she looks like she's lying in a tanning bed. But I've got a few good ones I can share.

0 comments  

Sayla Grace is continuing to defy all odds through the power of prayer. Last night they took her off of the ventilator and put her on a baby CPAP machine. This machine works just like an adult CPAP that lots of people wear for sleep apnea. It basically breathes for her when she forgets. Sometimes babies end up going back on the vent after this change, but so far so good. She's tolerated it well and it's a step in the right direction.

Her weight is down to 1lb 8ozs, but they say that's normal, and she could lose even more. She does have a touch of Jaundice, which they will treat with photo-therapy. Not a huge deal either, we just pray that the photo-therapy works and no other measures to treat that are needed.

The biggest milestone of the day is that she peed AND pooped today!!! Last night she was just dribbling on the cotton ball - yes...she is so tiny that they have a cotton ball between her legs to catch the tee-tee. Well during my visit last night I talked to her and told her we needed her to pee. She had 24 hours to pee a good bit before they would start intervening with medicine. After my little pep talk, she peed, and the nurse measured it. They measure it by weighing the diaper and cotton ball, and then weighing a clean diaper and cotton ball. That round was only 4cc's. Not enough to ward of the intervention. So before I left for the night, I gave her another pep talk and asked her to please pee and poop for us. When I went back this morning, she had peed 10cc's and pooped!! So they've moved the cotton ball and now she has on the tiniest diapers you've ever seen. So tiny you can't even buy them in stores!! And it doesn't even fit her. It's about big enough to fit 1.5 Barbie dolls. Maybe 2.

We received a call from the neonatologist this afternoon after she made her rounds. Phone calls from them are always scary, because you don't know if it's going to be good news or bad news. Owen answered, and partway through the conversation his voice started to crack, so I got very nervous!! But Dr. Beird just wanted to tell us that everything was going great, and she was very pleased with her progress! We immediately dropped to our knees in Thanksgiving to God. Because we know that it is by His Grace that she is doing so well.

Many people have asked if the doctors have figured out why I went into preterm labor. These doctors don't know...there is no medical reason that they can find. But we know why...The Great Physician has a story to tell. And He knew we would tell it. Sayla Grace is going to be His miracle baby, and He has chosen us to tell her story, so that others may see the good works He can do. Through the power of prayer (from great Prayer Warriors like you!), our little girl will work through all of this, coming out stronger on the other side.

"Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 4:7



**I will post pictures when we get home. I have my camera, but no cord to upload the pics.**

0 comments  

At 1:36a this morning, we welcomed our precious baby girl, Sayla Grace, into the world. She weighs 1 pound, 11 oz, and is doing as well as a 27 week old baby can do. I am feeling fine, just letting the effects of the epidural and other meds wear off, and trying to catch up on sleep. Owen is doing well too, just nervous and anxious for our little girl.

My water broke around 11p on Monday night. I had random contractions, but nothing major. I then started having pretty regular contractions yesterday afternoon, and they were able to calm them down with some different meds. The meds made me feel like I was drunk as a skunk and I really didn't like them at all. At one point I told them I'd rather suffer through the contractions than have those meds again. But as we got into the evening, my body started taking over. It started telling us all that something was not right with my body, and the baby would be better off outside the womb. At that point it was too late for any meds to stop them.

The contractions were excruciatingly painful. And as the night went on, they got worse and worse. Around 1am I was around 4.5-5cm dilated and 100% effaced. The nurse called the doctor, who started heading to the hospital. It's a good thing she lives 13 miles away and was able to get here so quickly.

They called in the anesthesiologist, and he came and set up his work station. In between my contractions, the nurse was able to sit me up (much to my chagrin), and the anesthesiologist worked very quickly. I had 2 contractions while I was sitting up, and right after he got the epidural in (and pumped some pretty strong meds through), I said to the nurse "This baby is coming"

She replied, "I know sweetie, I know." And I told her (or rather screamed at her) "No you don't! I mean it! She is coming...NOW!!! I have to lay down!!"

I think she got the point, and she let me lie down. One very small push later and there she was! Pink as could be, and she let out the sweetest, most tiny cry you've ever heard. It sounded like a little cat.

We didn't get to hold her (and still haven't yet), because they started working on her right away, helping her breathe and getting her cleaned up a bit.

We got to visit her around 630a this morning. She is so tiny, but so beautiful. She's still very pink in color, and has a head full of dark hair. She's hooked up to all sorts of contraptions, including a tiny ventilator and lots of IV's and meds. It's hard to see her, because her little bed is wrapped in saran wrap (literally!). I've taken some pictures, but you really can't see her in them because the saran wrap gets in the way. As soon as I can get some good pictures, I'll post them for sure.

She scored a 6 and then a 7 on her APGAR test, which was very encouraging. Some full term babies don't score that high. They typically do one more APGAR test on preemies, but we haven't gotten that number yet.

Her breathing was improving already. When they first hooked her up to the vent, it was breathing for her 40 times a minute. By the time we got there at 6:30, it was only breathing for her 17 times a minute!!

We only got to stay for a few minutes, as it was about to be shift change. Owen and I can visit almost any time, but everyone else has limited hours. Even though all you can do is sit and stare at her, we'd like to keep her visits to a minimum during these first critical days. She needs her rest, and she can hear and sense your presence, and she starts getting fidgety.

The first 72 hours are the most critical for her, as her organs learn to function outside of my womb. Her head has some extra blood vessels in it, as her brain is still developing. There is a very high risk that she will have swelling in her brain, which is what causes birth defects like Cerebral Palsy. They say if that is going to happen, it most likely will happen within 72 hours. So we ask that you pray specifically for no swelling and stabilization over the next 72 hours.

Then we will take it day by day, as we have been for the last 12 days. Our little angel was born on the 13th day here...our lucky number 13. Up until that point, she defied all odds, and surprised everyone. She will have to be here until my due date - October 25th - unless by about the 34th, 35th week she is doing extremely well, then she might be able to come home then.

She is tiny, but she is beautiful. The Lord created her to accomplish great things in her tiny little life, and we are excited and anxious to see how He uses her for His Kingdom.

0 comments  

Today we reached another milestone! I'm officially 27 weeks along today. It's the beginning of 27 weeks, but it's 27 weeks nonetheless!!

Here's what is going on with baby this week:

This week, baby weighs almost 2 pounds (like the head of a cauliflower) and is about 14 1/2 inches long with her legs extended. She's sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing her eyes, and perhaps even sucking her fingers. With more brain tissue developing, her brain is very active now. While her lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if she were to be born now.

So that's good news. If she's keeping up with the normal stats, of course. She has been surpassing them since we've been here, so hopefully she'll be at least 2 pounds by week's end.

Today was another good day. This morning our Sunday School class came up here after the regular church service to have Sunday School in our hospital room. They brought yummy Taziki's for lunch and we had a nice discussion about The Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Spirit). Here's a question to ponder..."If you had to describe The Holy Trinity to someone who knew nothing about it, what would you say?" It's tough! I suggested they read the book "The Shack" - a very good book (murder mystery) about The Trinity.

Other than that we had a good visit from all of our parents, and Sayla Grace learned a new trick to scare her mommy...

They monitor her heartbeat once a shift for about an hour at a time. We can hear it and see it on the monitor. I like to listen to it, because it makes me feel connected to her. Well, yesterday when the doc was in here, her heart rate slowly dropped to next to nothing! The doctor took her hand and shook my belly, to which SGP responded by speeding her heart rate back to normal. The doctor and nurses assured us it is not a big deal, but it still scared me.

They say that babies will play with their umbilical cord - squeeze it, tug it, lay on it - and that's what makes it slow down. As long as the heartbeat is normal before and after the drop (which hers is) it's no big deal.

So SGP has decided that her cord is a new plaything. Last night she messed with it quite a bit and had me very scared. Then she did it again this morning. We talked with the doc about it again today, and she told me not to worry one bit. So I've tried not to worry, but whenever it happens, I give my belly a good shake!!

I had some pretty regular contractions late this evening - 4 in about an hour. I'm allowed 6 an hour before they put me back on IV meds. *They already have the IV supplies in the room just in case!!* I got a shot of the oral meds to calm those contractions, and with that and 64 ozs of water later I'm doing much better. Minus the never ending bathroom breaks!!!


*Yesterday they took me completely off of the IV. We had asked the doc how long I had to be on the saline drip after they took me off the penicillin, and she ordered me off of it yesterday. They originally left the line in, and "heparin locked" it so that they would still have an open line. When the nurse flushed it out a few hours later, it hurt BAD (it's not supposed to hurt) and I couldn't move my arm. We determined that the vein blew, so they removed it altogether. Although it hurt, I was kind of glad because it meant one less contraption to be hooked up to!

This little rascal is bound and determined to make me "work" in the business of motherhood!!! She's not going to make this easy on me, that's for sure!!

Our new goal is next Sunday when we'll be 28 weeks. We've been defying all odds up until this point - no doubt in our minds a direct result of prayer. God Himself is keeping this little girl inside, and one day we are going to have a little miracle on our hands. He's got great things in store for her....just you wait!!!

0 comments  

Today has been a pretty good day so far. Mom came this morning with a new comforter. It's pink and green, and when Owen first saw it he thought mom had brought SGP's bedding up here! It's much more cozy than the hospital blanket, and makes me feel right at home.

The doctor let me come off of the penicillin drip and has put me on oral antibiotics. I have to stay on them just to ward of any potential infection for the baby's sake, but I don't mind. Though I still have the saline drip in, so I've still got the IV...they make anyone on bed rest have that so they can be sure my fluids are regulated. I don't mind the saline so much because it doesn't hurt. The penicillin burned every time they changed the bag, so I'm happy to be rid of that.

I'm getting used to the no sugar diet, though it's no fun when they bring me a big biscuit for breakfast and I can't eat it. Owen quickly gobbles it up for me though!

Today at 11:30ish we will have officially made it one week. It really hasn't been that bad, considering. Sunday is our week mark for the pregnancy. We'll be 27 weeks and that's a huge mark!

So we're just hanging in there until Sunday and we'll have a big day then. Our Sunday School class is going to come up here and have class in our room. We're very excited about that, because we're already really missing going to church on Sunday's. So that will be a nice addition to our week.

I've received lots of emails and posts on facebook from everyone, and I'm sorry I haven't responded to you. I assure you that we read them daily and enjoy getting them. It's just hard for me to find a way to prop up the computer and type back to you. So please know that we really feel your thoughts and prayers and appreciate it more than you know!! We have such wonderful friends and family and your support is really helping us!

0 comments  

So we had our check Wednesday morning. There was good news and bad news. I'll give you the good news first...

The good news is that my membranes are no longer hour glassing. A feat that our doctor didn't think we would accomplish. This means that the amniotic sack has receded and is back where it belongs. So YAY us!!! We were very excited about that, as was the doctor.

So now that you've let that sink in...

The bad news is that I'm not just 1.5cm dilated...I'm 3cm dilated. At least as of yesterday. BUT...the doctor said that I could've been 3cm all along, but the hour glassing membranes were getting in the way of being sure.

Regardless, our chance of going home to lie in bed went out the window. We are now here until the big day. Which we pray will happen later than sooner.

But more good news is that since we were planning on staying until 28 or 29 weeks anyway, we didn't get too upset about having to stay. The dilation part was scary to hear, but I think we're past it. Thanks to your prayers.

Oh...and I borderline failed the 2nd round of the gestational diabetes test. So now I can no longer have sweets, or anything white (like pasta, bread, potatoes, etc.). Good thing I'm enjoying the hospital food!

On the bright side, here are a few simple things that make my days better:

Every morning I mark a day off our calendar. We're only 3 days from 27 weeks! A party will be had by all on Sunday!

I got to bathe today, and wash my hair in the sink. They wheeled my bed over to the sink, raised it up a bit and I scooted off the edge of the bed and the nurses washed my hair in the sink. It was fabulous! Then I got to change shirts!! I'm no longer in the horrible hospital gown. They let me wear whatever I want...with the understanding that if I have to have an emergency C-section they will cut it off. But that's highly unlikely.

After that I put my face on, and do my physical therapy in the bed. Just lifting some 2 pound weights and flexing my leg muscles. Doesn't sound like much, but it wears me out!

We open the window and get to smell Jim N Nicks from down the street, and listen to the traffic go by.

Oh...and I broke my phone. It fell off the bed 1 too many times and the trackball fell out and won't go back in. Not sure what I'm gonna do about it, but it means I can't answer emails/texts as often until we get it fixed. I have another BB that I think I can just swap out the trackball, but that'll have to wait until mom goes back to our house to pick it up.

I might get to lift the head of my bed for about 10 minutes at a time today...I'm kind of scared to do it, and haven't tried it yet. But the doc said I should be ok to do so. So that will probably be the highlight of my day.

So all in all, things are as good as they can be. My husband is absolutely amazing, and I am so thankful that God chose him for me. I could not have gotten through any of this without him.

0 comments  

Today was much better than yesterday, which was much better than the day before. I'm getting used to lying here, and neither Owen nor I have reached the state of sheer boredom or stir craziness. We have been very fortunate with some great friends bringing us PLENTY to do! So we are wanting for nothing right now.

Many have asked what they can do for us, and right now, the answer is PRAY! There will come a time when we need things like meals - when I get tired of hospital food - and just visitors, but right now, we are doing great. Considering our circumstances. And we thank you for your care for us.

We are welcoming visitors, we just ask that you call or email before coming so that we can be sure the time is ok. I do have some moments when I don't enjoy visitors, so a heads up is all we ask. We're in Room 305 at St. Vincents. My email is jessicawprescott@gmail.com, and I check it all the time, so feel free to email anytime.

My doctor has been in to see us a few times - once in the morning, and once in the afternoon - since Monday. She is VERY pleased with my progress...or lack thereof I guess.

On Monday morning they switched me off of the Magnesium Sulfate drip and onto a pill form of some meds to stop contractions. Apparently when they make that switch, they expect more contractions, and most have to go back on the "mag."

But thanks to your prayers, the pills have worked, and I've only had one contraction all day (this morning). The doctor told us she had actually been betting against us, and thought we'd be in worse shape, but that she was pleasantly surprised that things are going in a positive direction.

No doubt a result of your prayers. Which we appreciate more than words could express. The Good Lord is on our side, and we can feel His presence.

In the morning I'll have another exam, to see if my membranes are still hour glassing. If they are, there will be no change in my prognosis, and I will remain here on my back until the next exam - which would be in a few weeks.

If my membranes are not still hour glassing, and PRAYERFULLY have receded, we will be given the option to go home and do this bed rest at home. But regardless, we have already decided that no matter the outcome of tomorrow, we will stay here until I reach 28 weeks.

The statistics for premature babies at 26 and 28 weeks goes from 70% survival to 90% survival, and the same with complications such as deformities, etc. That's 20% that I will suffer through on my back for as long as I have to. Because every day after 28 weeks will be a blessing that we will never be able to repay.

So regardless of tomorrow, we're going to be here for 2 weeks (or 1.5 if you're really counting!) and then we'll play it by ear. We may just get so comfy that we decide to stay until she decides she's going to join us. We ask that you continue to pray for our decision making process (should we be given the option) and that we make the right decision for our baby.

Our strong Sayla Grace will be ok. We'll make it through this tough time. Thanks to the help of your prayers.

0 comments  

*This post is a little scatter brained. I'm tired and my brain is not functioning at the moment!!!

At the moment, all is well. The on call doctor came to visit this morning, and simply checked my stats from the night. Last night we both slept better than the first night. It's hard to believe we've been here two nights already. Seems like groundhog day at times.

My stats from last night were better. Still having contractions, but they are very spaced out and mild. We won't know about the dilation until tomorrow morning when we have the ultra sound.

So today I've just been ordered to lie flat and keep still. Which is what I've done all day. I'm extremely bored and sore. My face is swollen, my hair is greasy and my back hurts. But I'm not complaining.

At least I'm trying not to complain. Everytime I think about complaining I think about our little girl, and how she needs me to lie flat, so that she can stay in my tummy for even a day longer.

We met with the neonatologist this afternoon. Very nice man, but very to the point. We got all the stats about survival and complications. It was highly depressing, but I somehow have an amazing peace about the whole thing.

I have a peace that even though she will be born early, she will be fine. Call it maternal instinct, but our little girl is a fighter. She's strong and she can handle anything that's thrown at her. She's going to come through this with flying colors, and wonder what in the world we were all so worried about.

My peace comes from our Awesome God, who reminds me that "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1) I don't have to see the ultrasound tomorrow to know she's going to be alright. Faith is all I need.

0 comments  

**First off, let me give you a warning. These next few posts are probably going to be more graphic and personal in nature than you're used to. But I have to assume that if you're reading this, you want more than just a simple, "Things are fine...I'm just lying here bored." You're here because you want to know what in the world is going on, and simple statements are not going to satify your curiosity and concern. You will learn more about my uterus and cervix than you ever wanted to know. But all my modesty went out the window when I checked in, so please forgive me. Also, typing while lying flat on my back is difficult, so I apologize for formatting and spelling errors.**

To catch you up, I'm 26 weeks pregnant with our first child, Sayla Grace. Due October 25th. I've had a textbook perfect pregnancy so far, only failing my gestational diabetes test. But on Friday, July 17th, everything about my pregnancy suddenly took a 180.

I felt fine Friday when I woke up. Before going to lunch Friday, I went to the bathroom as usual. Only it ended up unusual. I was bleeding. I immediately called the doctor, who instructed me to come to Labor and Delivery. Scared, but trusting, I drove myself to the hospital. Praying the entire way. I called Owen, and he met me here.

After getting in a room, putting on this awful gown, and lying in bed, the nurse came. She didn't seem concerned, as the bleeding had stopped, and I wasn't contracting. But she said they'd check things out just in case. She checked my cervix, and her whole tune changed. I was dialated. 1.5cm. Not good.

I was officially admitted, immediately started on a saline drip, and an ultrasound was ordered. In the meantime, the doctor came to see for himself. Sure enough...1.5cm. No effacement though, so that was good. And my water had not broken.

Then came the ultrasound. Our little booger was happy as a clam, but had assumed the position. She was ready to make her grand entrance. In addition, my "membranes were hourglassing" - basically my amniotic sak was trying to push through my cervix. Think about when you squeeze a water balloon, and one end poofs out of your hand like an hourglass. My admission for overnight observation turned into 6 to 8 days MINIMUM!

Monitors were hooked up, and the contractions started. A magnesium drip was started too, to stop the contractions. The first 30 minutes made me feel like I was on fire with the flu. After 30 minutes it got bettter, and now I'm used to it. Then came the catheter. And the pennicillin drip to fight any infection.

And the order to lie flat on my back, only turning on my sides when necessary. And now here we are. Officially a high risk pregnancy in pre-term labor.

Waiting. And trusting.

Sayla Grace and I are doing fine. We both feel fine and have good vitals. The contractions are lessening, but are still there. They don't hurt. I'm just sore all over from the uncomfortable bed and wires all over me. But I'm keeping my faith.

It's the only thing that has gotten me this far. Well, that and my awesome husband, whom I will be celebrating our 1st anniversay with tomorrow in this room. Not how we planned, but that's what our "Words to Live By" up top are all about.

This is all part of God's plan. He knew when He made her, that premature girls thrive better than premature boys. He knew when He named her that her name, meaning "to pause and reflect on God's gift" would be what gets us through the tough times. He knew that our little girl, in her smallest of states, would have the ability to change lives of those around her. It's all part of his plan.

And we are trusting Him to save our sweet Sayla Grace.

0 comments  

I got the call this afternoon that I didn't want to hear. My sweet tooth has finally caught up with me.

On Tuesday we went for our monthly check-up, which included the ever so fun gestational diabetes screening. I had heard horror stories about the test...how nasty the drink is, how miserable it is to wait for an hour so they can then stick you with another needle...

But it turns out the test wasn't that bad. The drink tasted like Hawaiian Punch with some sugar added. And given the fact that I was starving, it was actually quite welcomed by my little nugget. The needle prick was bad, but not any worse than any other needle prick. And while we waited the hour for that needle prick, we got to hear the sweet SG's heartbeat - still 153 beats per minute! It has been at 153 every time I think!

We also got to put mommy on the scale and learn that I somehow managed to gain 17 pounds in one month. I'll wait while you pick your chin up off the floor.

Yes...you read that right...17 smackaroos in one short month. I didn't know that was humanly possible! But apparently I managed to pull it off. So I've gained 27 pounds total, and I still have 3 months to go. According to the doc, I've officially maxed out my weight gain allowance for the entire pregnancy. Woohoo!! Way to go me! I should get a prize or something.

But that's not how I felt when I left that appointment. I felt totally defeated. A horrible mother already. My seemingly harmless sweet tooth and lack of self control is putting my baby at risk. All these awful thoughts went running through my mind all afternoon.

After having a good cry, and a wonderful husband and mother to talk me down out of my pouting tree, I resolved to make some changes. I woke up early the next morning and went for a stroll on the treadmill. I ate Grape Nuts and fruit for breakfast, sushi (the cooked kind) for lunch, and a plate full of veggies (no butter or salt) for dinner. And today I have done the same (except a salad in place of the sushi). The treadmill stroll will come tonight, as I've determined that waking early is not good for my sanity.

So I'm feeling better about the whole thing, and today my phone rings:

"Jessica, this is Jennifer from Dr. Benton's office"

She needed say nothing more. I simply asked her what my score was, and when I could come back for my 3 hour appointment. Their threshold is 130, and I scored a whopping 148.

So I go back in on Monday for the 3 hour test...which consists of more Hawaiian Punch like juice, and 4 blood drawings. All after fasting. Needless to say I will be completely drained (literally) afterwards. And then I'll have to wait for the results. Which will be even more draining.

On the bright side, I seem to have a new body guard. More on him later....

0 comments  

So I'm loving this whole pregnancy thing. Even the tough times are great. There are not many tough times, but when they show up they can be a doozie. By tough times I mean the sore EVERYTHING...my teeth even hurt. I have muscles that are sore that I didn't even know I had!

I am also getting up 4 to 5 times a night for bathroom breaks. And just getting out of bed (or up off the couch) is difficult. I have to have something to hold on to just to turn over. It's amazing the things you can't do without ab muscles. Mine seem to have gone into hiding. I do hope they return from their hiatus soon!

There's also the times when I eat something that SGP does not like. Taziki's Spicy Pimento Cheese sandwich for one. She does not like those. I thought it was quite yummy, and would definitely recommend it. My little nugget, however, did not! Those times are not fun.

But other than those few moments of being uncomfortable, I'm having what I consider to be quite a fabulous pregnancy. Definitely makes me want to do it again.

Except the whole "Large Marge" thing. I'm not enjoying that. I'm quite huge. For having 15 more weeks left, I'm rather looking like I'm about to pop. And people aren't afraid to tell me so. For example...at the Baron's game Friday night, the lady taking the tickets said "You're not going to have a baby here tonight, are you?" You think it's funny...but she was serious. She wanted to know if she needed the medics on standby. And then one of the policemen came up and asked me when I was due...and was quite shocked when I said October...the end of October at that!

I really don't mind it...until I'm told that I'm going to have a "linebacker"...because I think being pregnant is quite a glorious thing. So I'm truly enjoying every minute of it. But it just makes me more aware of what I might say to a pregnant woman that I meet!

Wish me luck on my Glucose Screening test (for gestational diabetes) tomorrow morning. Prayerfully I'll pass and not have to come back for the 3 hour test! I'll keep you posted!

0 comments  

I have a new friend. Her name is Alice. Everyone needs an Alice. My Alice is wonderful. She's there for me when I need her, and stays quiet when I don't need her. And for those times when I don't realize I need her, she gives me a gentle nudge to remind me that she's here for me. She's such a great friend, that I'll even share her with you.

Everyone, this is Alice...

Alice...this is everyone.

Let me tell you more about Alice. Of course you could click on her picture and introduce yourself, but I'll tell you a little about her...

Alice is a one stop shop for all things non-perishable. Well, almost one stop. You'll still have to go to the grocery for perishable food items, but Alice will make that trip so much more enjoyable. With Alice, you sign up - quick and easy - and stock your pantry. You can stock your pantry with all sorts of things. From toilet paper to granola bars...and everything in between. She has a ton of different brands, so you're sure to find the ones you use. Your pantry always stays stocked. So when you need something, you don't have to go looking for it. It's right there for you. And here's the kicker...

Her prices are lower...well, lower than where I currently shop for those types of items. You see, I don't like to travel from store to store searching out the lowest prices. That's not only inconvenient, but a waste of gas money. So I typically buy everything in the same store that I shop for grocery's in. And I haven't been in Wal-Mart in over 3 years. I loathe that place.

So not only has Alice made my grocery trips quicker, but cheaper too. I've built my pantry on her website, and I just click and drag what I need to my shopping cart. I check out, and 3 days later...toilet paper shows up on my doorstep...and the shipping was free of course!

And I can set reminders...like I run out of shampoo about every 4 weeks...so in 3 weeks, I'll get a gentle reminder from Alice (aka...an email) telling me that I'm about to run out of shampoo. A quick click and drag to my shopping cart, and boom...shampoo on my doorstep just in time for me to run out.

But the beauty is that when I don't need Alice, she stays quiet. I don't get a bunch of spam email because of her, and she just lays low until I'm about to run out of something.

Everyone needs a little more convenience in their lives. And everyone needs an Alice.

0 comments  

Please keep sweet baby Isabelle (Belli) Smith in your prayers today and going forward. She is the 2nd cousin of a dear friend of mine from high school.

Belli will be 2 on August 1st. She was born with "Larsen's Syndrome which is a connective tissue disorder mainly causing loose joints and joint dislocations. More specifically for Isabelle this caused her to be born with dislocated knees, hips, feet malformations, and an abnormal curve in her cervical spine."

Today she had surgery to attach a halo and will have another surgery on July 15th - both in hopes to help straighten her spine.

I've never met Belli, and probably never will, but reading about her story on the blog her mom is keeping, I felt compelled to share with you, so that you too can pray for this precious little girl. She seems so full of life, and reminds me to live each day to the fullest.

Please remember her and her family in your prayers!

0 comments  

Only 16 more weeks to go!! We have officially entered the final stretch as far as I'm concerned. I realize 16 weeks will be the longest of my life, but it's all down hill from here. Until she arrives of course. Then we start the uphill battle of this game called life. But it's sure to be a fun journey!

Owen and I have started our registry at Babies R Us. The first trip to registry-ville was not very successful. It took us an hour to register for 8 items. 4 of which were diapers and wipes!! That hour seemed like an eternity for both of us, so we decided to call it a day. Owen helped me pick out some of the major items - the travel system (aka stroller and car seat), high chair and diaper pail. Basically the 3 biggest things we would both use all the time.

We then decided that some "mom knowledge" would be best for the rest of the things we need - like bottles, toys and bathing stuff. So yesterday after work, Mimi (my mom) and I met up at the store to go for another round.

We had tons of fun! Trying to decide what was practical and what was just plain fun and cute was difficult to say the least. But we were able to get a lot accomplished! We only have a few more big items to add, and then we can head off to the opposite side of the store for the layette items. (sleepers, onesies and stuff like that).

Then last night when I got home, I decided to start a Target registry. Mainly because all of my pregnant friends have both Target and Babies R Us. But after perusing their website for an hour, I decided that I already have most of the stuff we need at Babies R Us. So you may see an empty Target registry out there. I may add a few things to it, but we'll see.

So that's been our excitement lately. Here's what's going on in my baby bump lately...

We better watch what we say -- baby is now able to hear outside noise from down in the womb. Studies show that baby finds gentle music and mommy's voice most soothing. Baby's nipples are starting to sprout, and that little face is fully formed. And, she's starting to settle into sleep cycles, snoozing about 12 to 14 hours a day. It's not difficult to figure out when. She wakes me in the morning, and in the middle of the night a few times. And after any sweet meal.

I can tell she's getting bigger. Where she used to just be in the lower region of my pelvis, I can now see her moving up past my belly button. I can tell where her little feet are, and this morning she was doing a headstand right down the middle of my belly! Her little feet were just a kickin' right above my belly button. You could watch my tummy and see it move! It was so cute!

She's still very responsive to my voice. I talk to her every morning and on every car ride (that I'm alone of course). I crank up the music in my car and sing to her, and periodically she'll dance around. She's definitely got her favorite tunes and developing her own personality. I just hope she has her daddy's dance moves, because mine are non-existent!

0 comments