It wouldn't be so long if I wrote more often!

Status: 25 weeks, 3 days

Of course, I have been REALLY bad about keeping my blog updated. But seeing as how I am actually still blogging at all, everyone should be proud. I am not at all known for being good at long-term journaling. However, I am super proud that I am still keeping up with it, even if it is not as often as I would like.


So, here are the pics you've been missing.....

23 Weeks

24 Weeks

25 Weeks

Ok. Now that we've taken care of business, on to our update....

I'm sure most of your read my last post, which was really just a vent from what a bad day I had last week. It got a little better the next day when I went for my 24 week OB appointment. I actually got to see my regular doctor, which was awesome because a familiar face is always calming. Tobe had a beautiful strong heart rate of 142 bpm, and he was behaving and taking a nap during the doppler so we could actually find him this time!

Dr. Henke said that because of the way the practice works, I could still deliver with a midwife if I want (which I DO want - it lowers the rate of c-sections and interventions, plus they stay with you more than the docs)! I was so relieved to hear that. She also said that because they know there is a potential problem, that the OB on call will also be there, and they will have meds on standby.

On a side note...I know that 99% of you that I have talked to feel like I am being a hypochondriac. I would like to reiterate that I did not ASK for all of this. It all stemmed from the elevated MSAFP, and from my grandma not knowing what type of Von Willebrand's she has. I personally feel that I would rather be safe, than sorry. If they want to draw my blood all the time, fine. I have insurance, it's paid for. So would everyone please get off my back about me making this more than it is, because I am not! Obviously, this will not be a concern with future pregnancies, so please let me (and my husband and doctors) deal with this (and all the other things we have to do) and try not to impose your feelings on us. When I went into the hematologist, I fully expected him to say I had nothing to worry about, but he didn't. So I am doing what is recommended to keep myself and my baby safe. That's the best any parent can do.

Anyway..back to my visit. This was the joyous week of the 1-hour glucose tolerance test. I also had my liver enzymes re-tested because they were very slightly elevated last time they were checked. I called today to find out the results of my tests, and there was mixed reviews. The good news is that my AST came down to 33 from 36. Below 30 is considered normal, so they are happy with that. The bad news is that I failed my glucose tolerance test my 2 points! I got 132, the cut-off is 130. It seems that I have a trend of just barely being outside of the normal range for almost every test that I've had. The next step is to do a 3-hour test. I have to go by the office and pick up directions for how to eat for the 3 days prior to the test, then I have to be NPO (nothing to eat or drink, even water) after midnight the night before I go in to do the test. They will do a fasting blood sugar, have me drink the solution, and then test me again every hour. If I fail this one, then I will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. If I pass...well, then I will just be a happy camper!

Another thing that resulted from this visit was a change in my work schedule. I was talking with the doctor about the cramping and Braxton Hicks contractions that have become more frequent at work, and she decided that it was probably due to me running around so much and not resting. She then put me on restricted hours. I am no longer allowed to work more than 8 hour shifts, but she did not limit my hours per week (yay!). So I am still full time, I just have to work 4 or 5 days a week instead of 3. The bonus is that I am now on the same shift (7-3) as Joel, so we see each other A LOT more. It has been really nice to have shorter days, too. I haven't had as many contractions - yesterday I only had 3!